Analyzing formulaic patterns in historical corpora

This paper aims to point out a linguistic phenomenon that due to the current stage of research can be analysed only insufficiently with the help of an electronic text corpus. In this way, the paper adds a new aspect to the discussion about historical corpora by tackling the question of how they should be designed in order to be useful for linguistic research on so-called formulaic patterns. The novelty of the question becomes apparent considering the fact that at present such historical corpora do not exist. In section 1, we define the term formulaic pattern because a clear understanding of this phenomenon is a prerequisite condition for collaborative research of it by historians of language and corpus and computer linguists. Section 2 gives a brief outline of the state of the art in the field of modern formulaic language within the framework of corpus and computer linguistics. Section 3 shows that some well known problems in this area are exacerbated when applied to historical texts. Section 4 presents a possible solution that has been implemented by the HiFoS Research Group at the University of Trier (Germany). Joint research efforts planned with UKP Lab at the TU Darmstadt (section 5) demonstrate that the restrictions posed by historical formulaic patterns are challenges to be overcome, rather than insurmountable obstacles

Characterization of the plant molecular mechanisms governing the Nod-independent symbiosis between Aeschynomene and photosynthetic Bradyrhizobium

The most studied plant / bacteria symbiosis is the legume-rhizobia interaction which results in the formation of nodules, a specialized organ in which bacteria fix nitrogen for the plant benefit. The establishment of this symbiosis involves a complex molecular dialogue between the 2 partners for their mutual recognition. Nod factors (derived from lipochitooligosaccharide) synthesized by rhizobia and encoded by nod genes, are recognized by specific plant kinases. This first step of recognition triggers a succession of events leading to the formation of nodule. This molecular recognition process has been described in all rhizobia / legume couples characterized so far, but the universality of this paradigm has been recently overturned by our study of the Bradyrhizobium photosynthetic-Aeschynomene symbiosis. Indeed, an analysis of the genomic sequences of two photosynthetic Bradyrhizobium strains failed to detect the presence of canonical nod genes from these bacteria; this demonstrates that Nod factors are not required to induce nodular organogenesis in Aeschynomene (Giraud et al. Science, 2007). This result raises the question of the degree of conservation of the symbiotic signalling pathway in this original Nod-independent interaction. Our purpose is thus to study the plant molecular mechanisms governing this new interaction and in particular to determine whether the signalling pathway triggering nodulation in Aeschynomene is common to the one described in the model legumes Medicago truncatula and Lotus japonicus. We are currently developing molecular tools in Aeschynomene with the aim of study the function of candidate plant genes implied in the early phases of the interaction with photosynthetic Bradyrhizobia. First results and considered approaches will be presented. (Texte intégral

Evaluation of carotid artery and aortic intima-media thickness measurements for exclusion of significant coronary atherosclerosis in patients scheduled for heart valve surgery

AbstractObjectivesWe assessed the value of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and thoracic aorta intima-media thickness (AoIMT) in ruling out significant coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients scheduled for heart valve surgery.BackgroundEvaluation of CAD is needed in most patients undergoing heart valve surgery because of the high surgical morbidity in patients with significant CAD, raising the need for sensitive tests to exclude CAD. Coronary angiography is the reference standard, but this invasive procedure is not cost-effective, because more than two-thirds of these patients do not have significant CAD.MethodsIn a pilot study, CIMT and AoIMT cutoff values separating low- from high-risk groups were determined in 96 patients by using receiver-operating characteristic curves. Then, a prospective study was conducted in 152 patients to determine the statistical power of these cutoff values used alone or in combination. In both studies, carotid artery ultrasonography and transesophageal echocardiography were performed before coronary angiography and valve surgery.ResultsIn the pilot study, CIMT <0.55 mm and AoIMT <3 mm were excellent predictors of the absence of CAD. In the prospective study, CIMT and AoIMT criteria were independent predictors of significant CAD in these patients, as assessed by logistic regression analysis. Carotid IMT criterion had 100% sensitivity and 100% negative predictive value. For the AoIMT criterion, sensitivity was 98%, and negative predictive value 99%. Combining the two criteria did not change sensitivity and negative predictive value but increased specificity to 78%.ConclusionsMeasurements of CIMT and AoIMT may be useful in selecting patients who do not require coronary angiography before heart valve surgery

Wahrheit – Geschwindigkeit – Pluralität

Neue Techniken zur Informationsübermittlung befördern den Informationsaustausch. Das ist eine für das 20. und 21. Jahrhundert ganz selbstverständliche Feststellung. Genauso selbstverständlich gilt sie aber auch für das 16. Jahrhundert und die Frühe Neuzeit insgesamt. Ein allseits bekanntes Beispiel dafür ist die Verbesserung der Techniken des Buchdrucks durch die Verwendung beweglicher Lettern. Dies führte dazu, dass neue Medien entstanden und sich dauerhaft etablierten, wie z.B. die Flugschrift und die „Neue Zeitung“. Andere bereits bekannte Genera wie Lieder und Predigten erhielten durch die veränderte Kommunikationssituation eine neue Bedeutung in den Auseinandersetzungen der Zeit. Daraus ergaben sich vielfältige Chancen und Heraus­forderungen, denn die Nutzung dieser neuen Medien wie die Transformation bestehender Medienformate und deren flächendeckende Verwendung setzte politische, soziale, juristische und religiöse Veränderungsprozesse in Gang bzw. beförderte sie.Die Beiträge des Sammelbandes möchten diese neuen Kommunikationsformen und -methoden ebenso wie die Veränderungsprozesse für das 16. Jahrhundert ausleuchten. Dies geschieht, indem Wandlungs- und Transformationsprozesse durch die Nutzung bekannter sowie die Schaffung neuer Medienformate, der Umgang mit Meinungsvielfalt und der damit einhergehenden Pluralität an Deutungen des Zeitgeschehens sowie die Entstehung einer neuen Streitkultur und neue Ordnungsversuche analysiert werden

Experimental Evolution of a Plant Pathogen into a Legume Symbiont

Following acquisition of a rhizobial symbiotic plasmid, adaptive mutations in the virulence pathway allowed pathogenic Ralstonia solanacearum to evolve into a legume symbiont under plant selection

The dialect dictionary

In this chapter, the making of dialect dictionaries is discussed. We dwell on the user-oriented metalexicographical considerations, and on the ensuing macrostructural and microstructural options. Special attention is devoted to fieldwork procedures for unwritten language varieties. We try and answer the basic questions of field work: What?, Where?, Who?, How? And How much

From a letter to an oppressive symbol - notes on >Z<

--- Claudine Moulin This is the English translation and revised text of an essay published in German in the Journal Aptum. Zeitschrift für Sprachkritik (H2/3 2023, Themenheft: Krieg in der Ukraine. Essayistische Notizen zum Diskurs, 201-209 [printed 1/2024]; DOI: 10.46771/9783967693843_12). The English version was written and discussed with colleagues during my stay at the Max Weber Kolleg in Erfurt – which I would like to thank here, especially Anders Klostergaard Petersen, Klara-Maeve O’..

Zu Johann Girberts Teutscher Orthographi auß der H. Bibel, (Mühlhausen 1650)

Vorbemerkung von Rolf Bergman