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El corpus, siendo una herramienta eficaz, se está empleando en múltiples ámbitos, entre los que se encuentran los estudios de traducción. Sin embargo, dicho recurso no se utiliza con mucha frecuencia en las investigaciones traductológicas cuando una de las lenguas en cuestión es chino clásico (la lengua escrita empleada antiguamente en China), y autores que sí hacen estas investigaciones suelen no mencionar los pasos a seguir cuando se trata un corpus paralelo ad hoc. El objetivo del presente artículo es presentar cómo se elabora un corpus paralelo chino clásico-español tomando como ejemplo la novela histórica Romance de los Tres Reinos y sus traducciones al español. Para ello, hemos descrito la problemática de creación y explotación de este tipo de corpus, siguiendo el orden de las fases del proceso. Resulta que algunas fases del proceso son universales, mientras que otras son propias de lenguas clásicas y de la combinación lingüística chino-otra lengua, en cuyo caso sí faltan aplicaciones eficaces. Con el trabajo, esperamos deparar información a los estudiosos que quieran realizar y profundizar las investigaciones basadas en corpus paralelo y en las obras clásicas de China.

Introduction. In modern conditions, characterized by further reorientation of foreign trade relations in the direction of integration of the national economy into the European environment, the issue of assessing the effectiveness of logistics management at the enterprise level and at the level of Ukraine as a whole is becoming increasingly important. The integration of the world economy, the development of transport networks and the world market of logistics services, the deepening of the international division of labor – all this indicates the need to study the state of development of the logistics system. In the current conditions of the Covid-19 pandemic, in the field of trade, only those who have been able to adapt to the remote form of work, in which the logistics system is decisive, have a chance to survive. Purpose. The aim of the article is to study the state of logistics in Ukraine as a system and determine its properties for management both at the macro level – the company and at the macro level – in Ukraine as a whole, as well as analysis of the dynamics of the logistics system of Ukraine according to LPI. Method (methodology). Both theoretical and practical research methods were used to analyze this topic. In particular, at the first stage the analysis and synthesis of views of scientists on the logistics system and its properties were used. At the second stage – statistical methods of analysis and forecasting, extrapolation, which makes it possible to determine the prospects for the development of Ukraine's logistics system in the future. Next – is the formation of personal conclusions and recommendations based on the analysis. Results. The key results of the study are to determine the main characteristics of the management of the properties of the logistics system. The state of logistics system management in Ukraine has been studied, there is a tendency to decrease the share of railway transport, increase the share of road transport. The LPI Logistics Efficiency Index, used by World Bank specialists, is analyzed and its significance for future periods is predicted. Prospects for the development of the logistics system in Ukraine have been identified.

In the present study, we show that the inhibitor of the apoptosis-stimulating protein of p53 (iASPP) physically interacts with the hyaluronan receptor CD44 in normal and transformed cells. We noticed that the CD44 standard isoform (CD44s), but not the variant isoform (CD44v), bound to iASPP via the ankyrin-binding domain in CD44s. The formation of iASPP-CD44s complexes was promoted by hyaluronan stimulation in fibroblasts but not in epithelial cells. The cellular level of p53 affected the amount of the iASPP-CD44 complex. iASPP was required for hyaluronan-induced CD44-dependent migration and adhesion of fibroblasts. Of note, CD44 altered the sub-cellular localization of the iASPP-p53 complex; thus, ablation of CD44 promoted translocation of iASPP from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, resulting in increased formation of a cytoplasmic iASPP-p53 complex in fibroblasts. Overexpression of iASPP decreased, but CD44 increased the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Knock-down of CD44s, in the presence of p53, led to increased cell growth and cell density of fibroblasts by suppression of p27 and p53. Our observations suggest that the balance of iASPP-CD44 and iASPP-p53 complexes affect the survival and migration of fibroblasts. De två första författarna delar förstaförfattarskapet.

Las palabras funcionales no aportan significados léxicos, pero tienen una importancia incuestionable en todas las lenguas y el chino clásico no es una excepción (Chen, 2006), porque son articuladores entre las palabras con significados llenos. La vaciedad en significado léxico de este tipo de vocablos obstaculiza la traducción, puesto que es difícil encontrar su equivalente en la lengua meta. El objetivo del presente trabajo es indagar cómo se traducen las palabras funcionales más frecuentes en Romance de los Tres Reinos. Con apoyo de un corpus paralelo ad hoy de conocimientos de estadística, hemos seleccionado ejemplos representativos que contienen los vocablos en cuestión. A continuación, los hemos analizado partiendo de las teorías sobre palabras funcionales y de las bases conceptuales de Newmark (2001a, 2001b): la traducción semántica y la traducción comunicativa. Como resultado, hemos elaborado un glosario que permite visualizar las palabras funcionales estudiadas y sus posibles traducciones, el cual podría ser interesante para estudiosos que quieran traducir al español obras clásicas de China. Function words convey few concrete lexical meanings. However, they are of unquestionable importance in expression in almost all verbal languages (Chen, 2006), as they serve as a grammatical connective between words with full meanings. In Classical Chinese language, they are no exception. The vacuum in lexical meaning, in addition to the obscurity in diverse functions, makes it difficult to translate a language unit in Classical Chinese with words of this kind. This article, with specialized corpus and statistical analysis, explores the possibility and, if so, ways to translate the function words most frequently used in Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Segments or sentences with such function words that are difficult to translate are selected as typical examples. Relevant analysis is conducted based on Peter Newmark’s theory of semantic translation and communicative translation. As a result, a Chinese-Spanish version of the function words studied is presented, a glossary that is convinced to be interesting for scholars in the field of the bilingual translation.

In language learning, e-learning is often contrasted to on-campus face-to-face (F2F) in what is known as media studies. This approach ignores the fact that most university courses are already blended, with synchronous element accounting for approximately 1/3 of the student’s workload, with the other 2/3 being asynchronous and delivered mostly online. Focusing on the synchronous part only allows us to compare the two distinct modes of its delivery: on campus and by videoconferencing, with its corresponding effects on the rest of the course. This single-case study is conducted with a group of first-year university studying a foreign language for translators and interpreters via videoconferencing in the first semester and on campus in the second semester. The research design is cross-sectional with data proceeding from course statistics and a final questionnaire. The conceptual framework is based on Transactional Distance Theory by Moore and Zone of Proximal Development Theory by Vygotsky. Our students regarded class dialogue in online F2F as being maintained though affected by technology issues additional to those present in on-campus F2F communication. Moreover, students valued positively the fact of having more time available for study, they improved their autonomy and reported feeling more comfortable when had classes online. The traditional universities after the pandemic face a new technological panorama, with students happy to socialize on campus but already conscious of existing alternatives to on-campus teaching. Deeper research into class dialogue, on-campus, online and mixed, is urgently needed for the universities to decide whether they should adopt these alternatives.

Introduction. The basis of economic development in any country is the investment activity of economic entities. To increase investment activity in the country, it is necessary to involve households in investment activities, which can significantly increase the level of investment at all levels through active investment behavior. The purpose of the research is to analyze the impact of factors on the households’ investment behavior in conditions of uncertainty, which is realized by analysis of the main sources of households’ investment activity at the macro, meso and micro levels; study of the composition of investment expenditures in the households; correlation analysis of the impact of the identified factors on the households’ investment behavior. Results. Investment behavior of households is the action to convert investment sources into certain types of income depending on the areas of investment activity. The main sources for investment in households are cash resources in the form of wages, income from entrepreneurial activities; financial assistance from various sources. The structure and level of the households’ income depend on the households’ location, their age structure, educational and cultural level of household members. Investment expenditures of households are the basis of their investment behavior. The most popular among Ukrainian households are the following investment expenditures: purchase of property to generate income; deposits in banks; spending on educational services, child development and health support of household members. The expenditures structure also depends on the characteristics of the household. Correlation analysis was used to determine the impact of factors, including the uncertainty factor, on household investment expenditures. The uncertainty factor is based on the index of consumer confidence of households. Conclusions. The households’ investment behavior is influenced by many factors, but the most significant factors are the level of household savings, the level of household income, the index of consumer confidence of households as a factor in assessing the level of uncertainty. Keywords: household’s investment behavior, household income, investment expenditure of households, uncertainty factor.

The speed and efficiency of student adaptation largely determines the success of the educational process. This is especially true for university freshmen, as the older adolescent organism, with its specific neurophysiological characteristics, is very sensitive to changes in the environment. The situation with SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) pandemic has added to the problem of adaptation. The present study aims to examine the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the first-year students’ adaptation to university studies in Russia. The study involves 692 freshmen with an average age of 18.7, majority of women (80.6%), from three Russian universities: Kazan National Research Technological University, Kazan Federal University and Kazan Aviation University. The results show that during the COVID-19 period statistically significant changes occurred in almost all the adaptation components: physiological adaptation (p < .0001), socio-psychological adaptation (p < .05), academic adaptation (p < .05). There was a decrease in the level of physiological adaptation, while socio-psychological adaptation and academic adaptation increased. Comparison by gender during the COVID-19 period shows differences between adaptation processes of men and women. Comparison of foreign students with Russian citizens during the COVID-19 period demonstrates that foreign students stand out in socio-cultural adaptation (4.94 - foreigners, 4.64 - citizens of Russia, p < .05), physiological adaptation (5.36 - foreigners, 4.36 - citizens of Russia, p < .00001) and academic adaptation (5.28 - foreigners, 4.99 - citizens of Russia, p < .05). Las peculiaridades de la adaptación de los estudiantes de primer año a la universidad durante la pandemia COVID-19 en Rusia. La velocidad y eficiencia de la adaptación de los estudiantes determina en gran medida el éxito del proceso educativo. Esto es especialmente cierto para los estudiantes de primer año de universidad, ya que el organismo de los adolescentes mayores, con sus características neurofisiológicas específicas, es muy sensible a los cambios en el entorno. A las habituales dificultades de adaptación se ha sumado la problemática generada por la pandemia del virus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). El presente estudio tiene como objetivo examinar la influencia de la pandemia COVID-19 en la adaptación de los estudiantes de primer año a los estudios universitarios en Rusia. El estudio involucra a 692 estudiantes de primer año con una edad promedio de 18,7 años, la mayoría mujeres (80,6%), de tres universidades rusas: Universidad Tecnológica de Investigación Nacional de Kazán, Universidad Federal de Kazán y Universidad de Aviación de Kazán. Los resultados demuestran que durante el período COVID-19 ocurrieron cambios estadísticamente significativos en casi todos los componentes de la adaptación: adaptación fisiológica (p

This article reports on the use of dictionaries for L2 text production purposes by first-year ESP students. Research into dictionary use and cognitive studies of L2 writing are combined in this paper to outline the cognitive dimension of a dictionary consultation. Our objective is to focus on the situation in which an information need occurs, with a freshman ESP student as a specific user in mind. In an attempt to guarantee the relevance of consulting a dictionary, for the purposes of our study we separated the draft stage of a composition from that of its revision. In the latter stage, external resources like dictionaries were made available. Our data suggest that our students were able to detect problems in their writing and reported having improved their compositions after having had the chance to consult dictionaries. The corrections were nonetheless implemented only in one-third of all the problems detected. It was also found that the tentative solution in L2 allowed for monolingual dictionary consultation but students often opted for generating another access key in their native language.

Autors llistats per ordre alfabètic. Investigadora principal: A. Hurtado Albir The PACTE group uses empirical-experimental research methods to investigate translation competence and how it is acquired. This article presents the design of our Translation Competence research project and the first results of a pilot test carried out to evaluate our research design and the instruments that will be used in the experiment. The first results of the pilot test are related to decision-taking in the translation process and the interrelation between the use of internal and external support. The results point to differences in the processes followed by professional translators and other language professionals. Furthermore, the pilot test has proved the reliability of our instruments Le groupe PACTE conduit une recherche empirique-expérimentale sur la compétence de traduction et son processus d'acquisition en traduction écrite. Cet article explique comment est conçue la recherche sur la compétence de traduction et rend compte des résultats d'une épreuve pilote dont l'objectif était d'évaluer les modalités de la recherche et l'efficacité des instruments qui seraient utilisés pour l'expérimentation définitive. Ces premiers résultats concernant le mode de fonctionnement de la prise de décisions au cours du processus de traduction ainsi que l'interrelation entre l'utilisation de l'aide interne et de l'aide externe montrent, d'une part, que ce fonctionnement est différent entre traducteurs professionnels et autres professionnels enseignant des langues, et, d'autre part, que les instruments à disposition sont efficaces

The paper is devoted to the urgent problem of studying the prospects of the oil and gas potential of Riphean-Vendian sediments of poorly studied areas such as northeastern regions of the Volga-Ural oil and gas province. The paper presents the characteristic of the lithological and stratigraphic features of the structure of Riphean and Vendian deposits in the northeastern part of the Volga-Ural oil and gas province. Particular attention is paid to the basin modeling of well sections that did not fully passed through the Riphean-Vendian complex of rocks.That allows to predict oil and gas generation processes. During the research sections of three wells were modelled. Wells Keltmenskaya-1, Krasnovisherskaya-18, Borovitskaya-624 revealed Upper Proterozoic rocks in the north-east of the Perm region and the Komi Republic. Procedure features of the used software systems, phasing of the research, including gathering and input of initial data, processing of parameters, calculation and calibration of models are given. Certain challenges associated with modeling the conditions of oil and gas formation and oil and gas accumulation of Riphean and Vendian sediments of this territory are associated with insufficient information on the structure and composition of sediments, incomplete drilling of ancient sediments in wells and inconsistent geophysical data. In addition, the complexity of the reconstruction lies in the lack of information about geothermal conditions of sections, numerous interruptions in sedimentation and erosion of sediments. According to simulation results, most of the Riphean-Vendian sedimentary section is located in the main zone of oil generation. The research conducted allowed the authors to conclude that there are increased prospects to discover oil hydrocarbons in a wide range of depths in the areas where the Krasnovisherskaya-18 and Borovitskaya-624 wells are drilled. There is a little likelihood that gaseous hydrocarbons can be found in the section. Conducted research and obtained results pose a problem for the development of geological exploration in the poorly studied areas of the northeast of the Volga-Ural oil and gas province. First of all, that corresponds to reference-parametric drilling together with the zonal-regional geophysical studies.

This paper reports on the experience of developing a double-degree master’s program in social work between a Russian and a Spanish university. It focuses on the complementarity of the existing training programs in social work and on the handling of cultural and institutional particularities. Developing international master’s degrees programs is a challenge in terms of both adjustments to the curricula and economic viability. A genuine interest in learning from the other country is a sine qua non condition difficult to meet because the traditions of social work and welfare in each county are deeply rooted in that country’s culture and history. The authors explain how they worked to establish a common ground and describe the results they were able to achieve.

Highlights • First-lactation heifers have higher milk antibody levels than older animals. • The optimum test is produced when 10 first-lactation heifer samples are pooled. • The pooled test is superior to the bulk tank in diagnosing lungworm in a herd., Current diagnostic methods for detecting the presence or absence of Dictyocaulus viviparus in dairy herds, are insensitive when based on detection of antibody levels in bulk tank milk (BTM). Here we present a novel technique to confirm the presence of the parasite based on a pooled-milk sample from 10 randomly selected first – lactation heifers (FLH). This study was run in two parts. First, a longitudinal study was performed to look at infection dynamics in milk samples across the grazing season using a prototype ELISA developed by Svanova (Boehringer-Ingelheim, Uppsala). We identified that mean ODR values in milk samples from FLH was significantly higher than that for older cows (0.13 versus 0.07 respectively, p

The ionic composition of the airway surface liquid (ASL) in healthy individuals and in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) has been debated. Ion transport properties of the upper airway epithelium are similar to those of the lower airways and it is easier to collect nasal ASL from the nose. ASL was collected with ion exchange beads, and the elemental composition of nasal fluid was determined by X-ray microanalysis in healthy subjects, CF patients, CF heterozygotes, patients with rhinitis, and with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). In healthy subjects, the ionic concentrations were approximately isotonic. In CF patients, CF heterozygotes, rhinitis, and PCD patients, [Na] and [Cl] were significantly higher compared when compared with those in controls. [K] was significantly higher in CF and PCD patients compared with that in controls. Severely affected CF patients had higher ionic concentrations in their nasal ASL than in patients with mild or moderate symptoms. Female CF patients had higher levels of Na, Cl, and K than male patients. As higher salt concentrations in the ASL are also found in other patients with airway diseases involving chronic inflammation, it appears likely that inflammation-induced epithelial damage is important in determining the ionic composition of the ASL.

The ionic composition of the fluid lining the airways (airway surface liquid, ASL) in healthy subjects and patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) has been a matter of controversy. It has been attempted to resolve conflicting theories by using cell cultures, but published results show a wide variety of values for the ionic concentrations in the apical fluid in these cultures. To investigate CFTR-mediated HCO(3)(-) conductance and the role of HCO(3)(-) in regulating ASL pH we determined the pH of the fluid covering the apical surface of airway epithelial cells. A normal (16HBE14o (-)) and a CF (CFBE41o (-)) bronchial epithelial cell line were grown on membrane inserts in both a liquid-liquid interface culture system for 7 days, and in an air-liquid interface culture system for one month. The elemental composition of the fluid covering the apical surface was determined by X-ray microanalysis of frozen-hydrated specimens, or by X-ray microanalysis of Sephadex beads that had been equilibrated with the apical fluid. Analysis showed that the apical fluid had a Na(+) and Cl(-) concentration of about 80-100 mM and thus was slightly hypotonic. The ionic concentrations were somewhat higher in air-liquid interface than in liquid-liquid interface cultures. The apical fluid in CF cells had significantly higher concentrations of Na and Cl than that in control cultures. In control cultures, the concentrations of Na and Cl in the apical fluid increased if glibenclamide, an inhibitor of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) was added to the apical medium. Exposing the cells to the metabolic inhibitor NaCN also resulted in a significant increase of the Na and Cl concentrations in the apical fluid. The results agree with the notion that these cell cultures are mainly absorptive cells, and that ion absorption by the CF cells is reduced compared to that in normal cells. The pH measurements of the fluid covering the apical part of cell cultures support the notion that bicarbonate ions may be transported by CFTR, and that this can be inhibited by specific CFTR inhibitors.

The composition of the airway surface liquid, a thin layer of fluid covering the airway wall, has been debated. Two new techniques to determine the ionic composition of the airway surface liquid are presented. In the first technique, pieces of the airway were shock-frozen and analyzed by X-ray microanalysis in the frozen state in the scanning electron microscope. In the second technique, the airway surface liquid was collected with the help of dextran beads that were allowed to absorb the fluid. The beads were collected in silicon oil, cleaned, dried, and analyzed. Airway surface liquid from pig airways was isotonic to lightly hypertonic, whereas airway surface liquid from mouse and rat airways was hypotonic. The ionic composition of airway surface liquid from rodent airways could be changed by pharmacological stimulation of fluid transport. Transgenic mice with cystic fibrosis (CF) had significantly higher Na and C1 concentrations in the airway surface liquid than normal mice. Nasal fluid was also collected from humans. In CF patients, CF heterozygotes, and rhinitis patients, the levels of Na and C1 in the nasal fluid were significantly higher than in healthy controls. In CF patients K levels were also significantly higher than in healthy controls. The ionic concentrations in fluid collected from patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) were not different from normal. Females with CF had significantly higher concentrations of Na, Cl and K in their nasal fluid compared to male patients. The dextran bead technique was also used to determine the ionic composition of the apical fluid in cultures of respiratory epithelial cells from healthy controls and CF patients. In the healthy controls, the fluid was hypotonic. In the CF cell cultures, the apical fluid had a higher Na and Cl concentration than in the controls.

The PACTE group uses empirical-experimental research methods to investigate translation competence and how it is acquired. This article presents the design of our Translation Competence research project and the first results of a pilot test carried out to evaluate our research design and the instruments that will be used in the experiment. The first results of the pilot test are related to decision-taking in the translation process and the interrelation between the use of internal and external support. The results point to differences in the processes followed by professional translators and other language professionals. Furthermore, the pilot test has proved the reliability of our instruments., Le groupe PACTE conduit une recherche empirique-expérimentale sur la compétence de traduction et son processus d’acquisition en traduction écrite. Cet article explique comment est conçue la recherche sur la compétence de traduction et rend compte des résultats d’une épreuve pilote dont l’objectif était d’évaluer les modalités de la recherche et l’efficacité des instruments qui seraient utilisés pour l’expérimentation définitive. Ces premiers résultats concernant le mode de fonctionnement de la prise de décisions au cours du processus de traduction ainsi que l’interrelation entre l’utilisation de l’aide interne et de l’aide externe montrent, d’une part, que ce fonctionnement est différent entre traducteurs professionnels et autres professionnels enseignant des langues, et, d’autre part, que les instruments à disposition sont efficaces.

The ionic composition of airway surface liquid (ASL) has been debated, and, in particular for the mouse, a wide range of values has been published. Two techniques were developed to measure the elemental composition of the ASL. X-ray microanalysis of ASL was carried out at low temperature on trachea removed from isoflurane-anesthetized animals and shock-frozen. In the second technique, dextran beads were placed on top of the epithelium of the trachea removed from pentobarbital-anesthetized animals, left to equilibrate with the ASL, dried, and subjected to X-ray microanalysis. Both techniques showed that mouse tracheal ASL has significantly lower concentrations of Na and Cl (∼60–80 mM) than serum. Differences between the two techniques were due to different sampling of mucus. CFTR(−/−) mice had significantly higher concentrations of Na and Cl in their ASL than age-matched controls. Pilocarpine or isoproterenol stimulation significantly reduced the ion concentrations in tracheal ASL. ASL was also collected with the dextran bead method from the nasal cavity in situ in pentobarbital-anesthetized animals. In control animals, the elemental composition of nasal fluid was similar to that of tracheal ASL. Pilocarpine stimulation caused a significant increase in Na, Cl, and K; stimulation with isoproterenol or phenylephrine caused a significant increase only in K. It is concluded that mouse ASL under unstimulated conditions is hypotonic, which may be related to the relative paucity of submucosal glands in the mouse trachea.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease with symptoms mainly in the respiratory tract. The airway epithelium is covered with a thin layer of fluid, the airway surface liquid (ASL). The volume and composition of ASL are important in the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis. The composition of ASL was determined. Firstly, pig airways were analyzed by X-ray microanalysis in the frozen-hydrated state. Secondly, small Sephadex beads were left to absorb the ASL in situ and were analyzed by X-ray microanalysis. The Na and Cl concentrations in the ASL of the pig were close to those of these ions in serum. Rat tracheal ASL was hypotonic. However, rat nasal fluid was hypertonic with an extremely high concentration of K. The composition of the ASL could be influenced by pharmacological stimulation. The development of transgenic mouse models for CF may help to develop therapies for the disease. The composition of mouse ASL was investigated using different collection techniques. (1) beads mounted on filter paper, (2) beads randomly spread over the airway epithelium, and (3) beads spread over the epithelium with a syringe. No significant difference could be detected between these techniques, and mouse ASL was hypotonic. Calibration curves had to be made for each element of interest. Nasal fluid from healthy human volunteers was collected with: (1) a pipette, (2) filter paper, (3) cotton wool, or (4) Sephadex beads. Collection on filter paper and equilibration with Sephadex beads gave reliable results. The Na and Cl concentrations in nasal fluid of control subjects were about the same as in serum, but the K concentration was higher. Rhinitis or primary ciliary dyskinesia patients and CF heterozygotes had abnormally high concentrations of Na and Cl in their nasal fluid (probably due to inflammation of the nasal epithelium), and CF homozygotes had even higher concentrations of Na and Cl.

The ionic composition of the airway surface liquid (ASL) is of importance in cystic fibrosis and exercise-induced asthma. However, literature data on the composition of the ASL vary markedly. The aim of the study was to determine the composition of the ASL, using two different methods involving minimal manipulation. In one method, the composition of the ASL was measured by X-ray microanalysis of frozen-hydrated samples. In the second method, small dextran beads were equilibrated with the ASL in a moisture chamber, isolated, dried, and analyzed. Plasma or serum from the same pigs was also analyzed. Both methods showed that the Na and Cl concentrations in the ASL are close to the concentrations of these ions in plasma. X-ray microanalysis of frozen-hydrated ASL showed significantly higher K, P, and S because here the upper layer (containing cell debris and secreted mucus) is sampled, whereas the bead method samples the watery component of the ASL. Ultrastructural analysis of the epithelium at various osmotic values showed evident damage at concentrations of 50 mM or less. These data support the notion that the physiologically important watery component of the pig ASL has an ionic composition close to that of plasma.

The airway surface liquid (ASL) is a thin layer of liquid covering the airway epithelium. The ionic composition of the ASL is assumed to be important for airway function and may be altered in diseases such as cystic fibrosis and exercise-induced asthma. A method for collection of ASL is presented in which the fluid is collected using small dextran ion-exchange beads. The beads are equilibrated with the ASL in a humidity chamber, collected under silicon oil, dried and analyzed by X-ray microanalysis. Analysis of standard beads prepared by exposure to different salt solutions shows that linear calibration lines can be obtained, but that beads absorb different elements to a different extent. The results show that the ASL in mice is hypotonic, and that the mucus component of the ASL has an elemental composition that is different from that of the periciliary fluid.

The respiratory tract is lined by a thin layer of fluid, the airway surface liquid (ASL), which plays a critical role in lung defense. The paper describes methods to determine the height of the ASL and corresponding mucus transport rates using fluorescent probes, and methods to determine the ionic composition of the ASL by X-ray microanalysis.

Clinical transplantation requires cold storage of tissue for several hours. We have examined the elemental content in exocrine and endocrine cells in mouse pancreas after cold storage by X-ray microanalysis, and in parallel carried out morphological studies. Tissue was stored at 4 degrees C for 4-12 h in Normal Krebs-Ringer's (high Na+/K+ ratio), Modified Krebs-Ringer's (low Na+/K+ ratio), Euro-Collins, University of Wisconsin (UW) solution, and seven modified version of UW solution. Incubation in Normal Krebs-Ringer's solution caused significantly increased Na and decreased K concentrations in contrast to incubation in other solutions. The cellular concentration of Na and Cl followed the concentration in the storage solution. Changes in the endocrine cells were similar to, but less pronounced than those in exocrine cells. Calcium was retained best in UW and some variants of UW, and least in Euro-Collins. This may indicate differences in preservation of secretory granules. Also, morphological studies showed that endocrine cells were less affected than exocrine cells. In conclusion, the only factor determining the intracellular concentration of diffusible ions after cold tissue storage is the ionic composition of the extracellular medium. X-ray microanalysis provides an objective method to assess whether the intracellular ionic composition of tissue is maintained during storage.

Changes in intracellular sodium, potassium, and calcium concentrations intransplanted mouse pancreatic islets.

Metastatic spread of breast cancer cells, facilitated by the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, is responsible for the majority of breast cancer mortality. Increased levels of hyaluronan due to deregulation of hyaluronan-synthesizing enzymes, like HAS2, and expression of CD44, the key receptor for hyaluronan, are correlated to poor outcome of patients with basal-like breast cancer. TGFβ induces HAS2 and CD44, both of which are required in the course of efficient TGFβ-induced EMT processes by mammary epithelial cells. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor-stroma interactions in breast cancer including the regulation of HAS2 and CD44 expression may contribute to the development of better strategies to treat breast cancer patients.

Metastatic spread of breast cancer cells, facilitated by the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, is responsible for the majority of breast cancer mortality. Increased levels of hyaluronan due to deregulation of hyaluronan-synthesizing enzymes, like HAS2, and expression of CD44, the key receptor for hyaluronan, are correlated to poor outcome of patients with basal-like breast cancer. TGFβ induces HAS2 and CD44, both of which are required in the course of efficient TGFβ-induced EMT processes by mammary epithelial cells. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor-stroma interactions in breast cancer including the regulation of HAS2 and CD44 expression may contribute to the development of better strategies to treat breast cancer patients.

Clinical and experimental data indicate that hyaluronan accumulates in breast cancer compared with normal breast epithelium, which correlates to poor prognosis. In this review, we discuss the expression of genes encoding enzymes that synthesize or degrade hyaluronan, i.e. hyaluronan synthases and hyaluronidases or bind hyaluronan, i.e. CD44 and receptor for hyaluronan-mediated motility (RHAMM, also designated as HMMR or CD168), in relation to breast cancer progression. Hyaluronan and hyaluronan receptors have multi-faceted roles in signalling events in breast cancer. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying these signalling pathways is highly warranted and may lead to improvement of cancer treatment.

The present paper reports on the experience of developing a Double Degree Master's program between Russian and Spanish universities (UAB and KNTRU). The inclusion of both Russia and Spain into the Bologna process with the creation of common European Higher Education Area (EHEA) has provided new opportunities for students' mobility. However, the differences in degrees duration, in the number of credits per module and the language barrier were just some of the difficulties we faced while comparing the existing Master's programs. It should be mentioned that social work is a highly flexible discipline and while Russian university training is traditionally based on theoretical disciplines, Spanish Masters are practice-oriented towards current social problems. It was a great challenge trying to establish a common ground and propose courses for the new program that would fit the needs of social workers at an industrial enterprise, complement each other and be mutually beneficial.

The use of online language resources for L2 text production purposes is a recent phenomenon and has not yet been studied in depth. Increasing availability of new online resources seems to be changing the very nature of L2 text production. The traditional dictionary, hitherto a default resource to help with language doubts, is being left behind while online resources are taking the lead. What are these resources? Do students need any specific training on how to use them? At what moment of L2 text production do students wish to resort to resources? Rather than analysing the usefulness of a specific kind of resource, this paper focuses on the students' perceived needs. In particular, we would like to see to what extent our students are open to using language resources, if they are willing to master their use and, finally, if they use resources properly, which is with cognitive implication behind.

IQGAP1, an essential scaffolding protein, forms a complex with the hyaluronan receptor CD44. In this study, we have examined the importance of IQGAP1 for hyaluronan-mediated fibroblast migration and proliferation. Hyaluronan induced formation of F-actin fibers and focal adhesions, which was dependent on IQGAP1. IQGAP1 was required for hyaluronan- but not for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced cell migration, and was required for both hyaluronan- and PDGF-BB-mediated fibroblast proliferation, but not for proliferation induced by 10% fetal bovine serum. Depletion of IQGAP1 suppressed hyaluronan-induced activation of Rac1 and enhanced the activation of RhoA. Taken together, these findings indicate important roles for IQGAP1 in hyaluronan-stimulated migration and proliferation of fibroblasts.

CD44 is a cell surface receptor for hyaluronan which affects cell adhesion and migration, and has been implicated in chronic inflammation and in tumorigenesis. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying its multiple functions, we used a peptide-based pull-down assay to identify proteins that interact with CD44. Nonphosphorylated or phosphorylated peptides from the intracellular CD44 C-terminus, were immobilized and used as baits. Interacting proteins were subjected to SDS-gel electrophoresis and were identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Several interaction partners were identified, including proteins involved in cytoskeletal reorganization, transcription, endocytosis, and intracellular transport. An endogenous complex between CD44 and one of the interacting proteins, the actin binding protein IQGAP1, was demonstrated in several normal and transformed cell types.

In the present article we use a chat conversations’ corpus to study the process of resolving language problems. Our corpus includes chat conversations which took place between LSP students engaged in correcting errors in their peers’ summaries. The participants worked in groups and used the Windows Messenger program for communication within the group. Their task also included making use of electronic dictionaries and other reference materials. The conversations’ corpus obtained as a result of this exercise was analyzed holistically for possible indicators of each particular stage of the problem solving process. Later these indicators were validated throughout the entire corpus. Each problem solving process was thus represented as a chain of indicators and acceptability was determined for each error correction. The resulting problem solving chains were used to prove our hypotheses concerning internal and external support in text reproduction.

The increasing use of organs for transplantation necessitates the development of optimal preservation techniques. The goal of this study was to investigate changes in elemental content in mouse liver cells during cold storage by x-ray microanalysis in parallel with morphologic studies. Tissue was stored at 4 degrees C for 4 to 12 hours in normal Krebs-Ringer solution (high sodium/potassium ratio), modified Krebs-Ringer solution (low Na(+)/K(+) ratio), Euro-Collins solution, University of Wisconsin (UW) solution, or seven modified versions of the UW solution. Incubation of liver in normal Krebs-Ringer solution caused a significant increase in sodium and decrease in potassium concentrations in contrast to incubation in other solutions. The concentration of sodium, potassium, and chlorine in the cells closely followed the concentration in the storage solution, indicating that the intracellular concentration of these ions during storage is entirely dependent on diffusion processes. The calcium concentration was independent of the storage solution used. Studies by light and transmission electron microscopy showed good preservation of hepatocytes after storage for 8 and 12 hours in UW solution and its variants, modified Krebs-Ringer solution and Euro-Collins solution, but showed moderate damage to mitochondria and swelling of the endoplasmic reticulum in normal Krebs-Ringer solution. In addition, damage to the sinusoidal endothelial cells was observed after 4 hours in normal Krebs-Ringer solution and after 8 to 12 hours in the other solutions. In conclusion, the only factor determining the intracellular concentration of diffusible ions after cold tissue storage is the ionic composition of the extracellular medium. X-ray microanalysis provides an objective method for assessing whether the intracellular ionic composition of tissue is maintained during storage.

Our previous studies have suggested a chronically low oxygen tension in transplanted pancreatic islets. The present study tested the hypothesis that this may be coupled to changes in intracellular concentrations of crucial ions within the transplanted islet cells and, thus, their function.X-ray microanalysis was used for studies of native islet cells and islet grafts residing for 1 day or 1 month in nondiabetic or diabetic recipients.Markedly increased sodium concentrations and decreased potassium concentrations were recorded in all transplanted islet cells, irrespective of whether the grafts had been implanted into nondiabetic or diabetic recipients or whether they were investigated 1 day or 1 month after transplantation. The calcium concentration in 1-day-old islet grafts was similar to that in native islet cells, but it decreased markedly between 1 day and 1 month after transplantation. Again this was seen in both nondiabetic and diabetic recipients.Most probably, the disturbances in graft sodium and potassium concentrations reflect ATP depletion and inhibition of the Na/K-ATPase in the plasma membrane as a result of impeded oxygen supply. The decreased calcium concentrations developing over time in the transplanted islet cells might be potentially detrimental, because calcium plays a fundamental role in the control of a variety of cellular functions, including insulin secretion, in beta cells.