DISCOURSE AND DISCOURSE ANALYSIS IN THE CONCEPT OF SOCIOHUMANITARIAN KNOWLEDGE

Purpose of the study: The aim of the scientific work is to develop a new theory of interdisciplinary discourse based on social and humanitarian knowledge. Today, there are many interpretations of the concept of discourse. This causes certain difficulties in its interpretation. Presentation of the discourse within the multidimensional socio-humanitarian category will allow us to generalize and systematize various approaches to its study, to reveal the sociolinguistic features of the mental-linguistic product in the future integration of social and humanitarian disciplines. Methodology: The integrative socio-humanitarian theory of discourse analysis highlights the subjective-objective nature of discourse and actualizes the structuralist, poststructuralist, cognitive approaches and its study. The sociolinguistic concept of discourse analysis focuses on the method of synchronous diachronic study of discourse, a descriptive method of discourse analysis, and a comparative historical discourse analysis method. Main findings: The study found that the theory of discourse, based on a number of humanitarian disciplines (philosophy, sociolinguistics, linguistics), indicates a transformation of the concept of discourse, as well as methods of discourse analysis. A multi-faceted humanitarian concept of discourse analysis is positioned in the post-structuralist, logical-philosophical, sociolinguistic vein. Applications of this study: The presented integrative interdisciplinary theory of discourse will serve as an impetus for scientific research carried out in the framework of sociolinguistic knowledge. The ontological methodology of discourse analysis, combining the features of structuralism, post-structuralism, cognitivism, is of great practical importance in philosophy, linguistics of the text, communication theory, sociolinguistics, cognitive linguistics. Novelty/Originality of this study: In the social sciences, there is no single understanding of the concept of discourse. Due to the variability of this concept, various theories of discourse analysis are put forward. For the first time in scientific work, the theory of discourse analysis summarizes the socio-humanitarian theories of discourse (structuralism, poststructuralism, cognitivism). It is demonstrated as a comprehensive research method that allows you to explicate a single utterance, text, as well as cognitive-communicative (speech-cognitive) activity

Personalizing the Way of Teaching LSP

Introduction. The problem of effective teaching language for special purposes (LSP) to the students of non-linguistic professions has been discussed for a long time and in full details by academicians both in Russia and foreign countries. As the result of multiple and thorough surveys general problems of the given situation have been revealed, the way out being defined as special training/retraining of LSP teachers. But in language education publications it is hardly possible to find the description of the program aiming at the training of the above mentioned teachers. The aim of the article is to present effective approaches to teaching LSP and offer the developed master program “Methods of teaching LSP” as a means to solve the problems mentioned above. Materials and Methods. The research methods used are a combination of analytical review of studies by Russian and foreign researchers and interpretation of the results obtained by interviewing university teachers specializing in teaching foreign languages to students completing Bachelorʼs or Masterʼs degree programs. The survey was conducted to assess the level of readiness of professional educators to design the structure and content of programs for teaching LSP, and actually conduct classes within the specified language-teaching area, 81 teachers being responders. Results. As a result of the undertaken review of theoretical works and analysis of the conducted survey a master program “Methods of teaching LSP” was designed for training graduates who will then teach English or Russian as a foreign language at industry-specific higher schools. The developed program focuses on instructing future LSP educators to work out a personalized educational route adjusted to the level of foreign language skills of a student and their prospective professional activities. Discussion and Conclusion. The master program developed by the authors as well as the content of the subjects suggested as its integral part are expected to become a productive way of training LSP educators who are supposed to acquire a number of special skills and competences described in the article. Distant learning and e-learning technologies are also engaged in the program to facilitate learners’ more efficient independent activities. The master program is seen as one of the means of modernizing LSP teachers’ professional training which meets the long-term needs of the Russian education system

Immunosuppressive Treatment for Lupus Nephritis: Long-Term Results in 178 Patients

Lupus nephritis is one of the most severe Systemic Lupus Erythematosus features, defining treatment modality and prognosis. Our retrospective study, including 178 patients treated for lupus nephritis during 23 years with mostly cyclophosphamide-based initial regimens followed by azathioprine or mycophenolic acid, demonstrates 84.8% of renal response with 19.2% of flares, 15-year patient survival 78.7% and kidney survival 76.3%, and low damage accrual. Both patient and kidney survival significantly differ for subgroups that achieved complete or partial renal response and nonresponders: patient 15-year survival 95% versus 65% versus 35%; kidney 15-year survival 100% versus 58% versus 0%, respectively. 51% (24 out of 47) of patients evaluated at the end of the study period sustained complete renal response; however, only 9 of them had 0 disease activity according to SELENA SLEDAI scale, while 13 patients had scores 2-4 due to the serological abnormalities only. We conclude that (1) initial treatment with cyclophosphamide followed by azathioprine is effective and can be used in agreement with International Guidelines until the evidence for biological treatments benefits becomes available; (2) complete and even partial renal response have positive prognostic value, and failure to achieve renal response negatively influences kidney and patient survival; (3) the validity of complete renal response in SLE is questioned by the absence of conventional definition of SLE remission

Evolutionary subdivision of domestic chickens: implications for local breeds as assessed by phenotype and genotype in comparison to commercial and fancy breeds

To adjust breeding programs for local, commercial, and fancy breeds, and to implement molecular (marker-assisted) breeding, a proper comprehension of phenotypic and genotypic variation is a sine qua non for breeding progress in animal production. Here, we investigated an evolutionary subdivision of domestic chickens based on their phenotypic and genotypic variability using a wide sample of 49 different breeds/populations. These represent a significant proportion of the global chicken gene pool and all major purposes of breed use (according to their traditional classification model), with many of them being characterized by a synthetic genetic structure and notable admixture. We assessed their phenotypic variability in terms of body weight, body measurements, and egg production. From this, we proposed a phenotypic clustering model (PCM) including six evolutionary lineages of breed formation: egg-type, meat-type, dual purpose (egg-meat and meat-egg), game, fancy, and Bantam. Estimation of genotypic variability was carried out using the analysis of five SNPs, i.e., at the level of genomic variation at the NCAPG-LCORL locus. Based on these data, two generally similar genotypic clustering models (GCM1 and GCM2) were inferred that also had several overlaps with PCM. Further research for SNPs associated with economically important traits can be instrumental in marker-assisted breeding programs

Disentangling clustering configuration intricacies for divergently selected chicken breeds

Divergently selected chicken breeds are of great interest not only from an economic point of view, but also in terms of sustaining diversity of the global poultry gene pool. In this regard, it is essential to evaluate the classification (clustering) of varied chicken breeds using methods and models based on phenotypic and genotypic breed differences. It is also important to implement new mathematical indicators and approaches. Accordingly, we set the objectives to test and improve clustering algorithms and models to discriminate between various chicken breeds. A representative portion of the global chicken gene pool including 39 different breeds was examined in terms of an integral performance index, i.e., specific egg mass yield relative to body weight of females. The generated dataset was evaluated within the traditional, phenotypic and genotypic classification/clustering models using the k-means method, inflection points clustering, and admixture analysis. The latter embraced SNP genotype datasets including a specific one focused on the performance-associated NCAPG-LCORL locus. The k-means and inflection points analyses showed certain discrepancies between the tested models/submodels and flaws in the produced cluster configurations. On the other hand, 11 core breeds were identified that were shared between the examined models and demonstrated more adequate clustering and admixture patterns. These findings will lay the foundation for future research to improve methods for clustering as well as genome- and phenomewide association/mediation analyses

Selection-driven chicken phenome and phenomenon of pectoral angle variation across different chicken phenotypes

An appreciation of the synergy between genome and phenome of poultry breed is essential for a complete understanding of their biology. Phenotypic traits are shaped under the influence of artificial, production-oriented, selection that often acts contrary to that which would occur during natural selection. In this comparative study, we analysed the phenotypic diversity of 39 chicken breeds and populations that make up a significant part of the world gene pool. Grouping patterns of breeds found within the traditional, phenotypic models of their classification/clustering required in-depth analysis using sophisticated mathematical approaches. As a result of studying performance and conformation phenotypes, a phenomenon of previously underestimated variability in pectoral angle (PA) was revealed. Moreover, patterns of PA relationship with productive traits were analysed. We propose using PA measurement as a promising new auxiliary index for selecting hens and roosters of breeding flocks in egg production improvement programs

Acute viral hepatitis morbidity and mortality associated with hepatitis E virus infection: Uzbekistan surveillance data

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In Uzbekistan, routine serologic testing has not been available to differentiate etiologies of acute viral hepatitis (AVH). To determine the age groups most affected by hepatitis E virus (HEV) during documented AVH epidemics, trends in AVH-associated mortality rate (MR) per 100,000 over a 15-year period and reported incidence of AVH over a 35-year period were examined.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Reported AVH incidence data from 1971 to 2005 and AVH-associated mortality data from 1981 to 1995 were examined. Serologic markers for infection with hepatitis viruses A, B, D, and E were determined from a sample of hospitalized patients with AVH from an epidemic period (1987) and from a sample of pregnant women with AVH from a non-epidemic period (1992).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Two multi-year AVH outbreaks were identified: one during 1975–1976, and one during 1985–1987. During 1985–1987, AVH-associated MRs were 12.3–17.8 per 100,000 for the general population. Highest AVH-associated MRs occurred among children in the first 3 years of life (40–190 per 100,000) and among women aged 20–29 (15–21 per 100,000). During 1988–1995 when reported AVH morbidity was much lower in the general population, AVH-associated MRs were markedly lower among these same age groups. In 1988, AVH-associated MRs were higher in rural (21 per 100,000) than in urban (8 per 100,000) populations (RR 2.6; 95% CI 1.16–5.93; p < 0.05). Serologic evidence of acute HEV infection was found in 280 of 396 (71%) patients with AVH in 1987 and 12 of 99 (12%) pregnant patients with AVH in 1992.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In the absence of the availability of confirmatory testing, inferences regarding probable hepatitis epidemic etiologies can sometimes be made using surveillance data, comparing AVH incidence with AVH-associated mortality with an eye to population-based viral hepatitis control measures. Data presented here implicate HEV as the probable etiology of high mortality observed in pregnant women and in children less than 3 years of age in Uzbekistan during 1985–1987. High mortality among pregnant women but not among children less than 3 years has been observed in previous descriptions of epidemic hepatitis E. The high mortality among younger children observed in an AVH outbreak associated with hepatitis E merits corroboration in future outbreaks.</p

Proteomic Characterization of Cellular and Molecular Processes that Enable the Nanoarchaeum equitans-Ignicoccus hospitalis Relationship

Nanoarchaeum equitans, the only cultured representative of the Nanoarchaeota, is dependent on direct physical contact with its host, the hyperthermophile Ignicoccus hospitalis. The molecular mechanisms that enable this relationship are unknown. Using whole-cell proteomics, differences in the relative abundance of >75% of predicted protein-coding genes from both Archaea were measured to identify the specific response of I. hospitalis to the presence of N. equitans on its surface. A purified N. equitans sample was also analyzed for evidence of interspecies protein transfer. The depth of cellular proteome coverage achieved here is amongst the highest reported for any organism. Based on changes in the proteome under the specific conditions of this study, I. hospitalis reacts to N. equitans by curtailing genetic information processing (replication, transcription) in lieu of intensifying its energetic, protein processing and cellular membrane functions. We found no evidence of significant Ignicoccus biosynthetic enzymes being transported to N. equitans. These results suggest that, under laboratory conditions, N. equitans diverts some of its host's metabolism and cell cycle control to compensate for its own metabolic shortcomings, thus appearing to be entirely dependent on small, transferable metabolites and energetic precursors from I. hospitalis

[Genetic variation of the NCAPG-LCORL locus in chickens of local breeds based on SNP genotyping data] Генетическая изменчивость локуса NCAPG-LCORL у кур локальных пород на основе данных SNP-генотипирования

Using SNP analysis, genomic variation of the NCAPG-LCORL locus in chickens of 49 gene pool breeds and crossbreds from the Genetic Collection of Rare and Endangered Chicken Breeds was analyzed. Genotyping was performed using an Illumina Chicken 60K SNP iSelect BeadChip. As a result of SNP scanning, five significant SNPs were identified in the NCAPG-LCORL region in all breeds and crossbreds of the analyzed groups of chickens for GGA4. Cluster analysis of admixture models revealed a subdivision of individuals according to their origin at K = 5. Chickens of the egg and meat types formed two separate clusters, which is consistent with the results of genotype frequencies. When analyzing genetic differentiation between groups of chickens with different utility types on the basis of pairwise FST values, significant differences (p < 0.05) were found for the group of egg-type chickens in comparison with meat-type (0.330), dual purpose (meat-egg, 0.178), game (0.225 ) and dual purpose (egg-meat, 0.237) chickens, as well as for meat-type relative to fancy chickens (0.153). The results showed that the compared groups differ genetically from each other, which is confirmed by the data on genotype frequencies. The population specificity of the linkage disequilibrium structure at the NCAPG-LCORL locus was revealed for 11 chicken breeds. В ходе исследования с помощью анализа однонуклеотидного полиморфизма (SNP) была проанализирована геномная изменчивость локуса NCAPG-LCORL у кур 49 генофондных пород и гибридных форм из «Генетической коллекции редких и исчезающих пород кур». Генотипирование проводили с помощью чипа Illumina Chicken 60K SNP iSelect BeadChip. В результате SNP-сканирования у всех пород и гибридов анализируемых групп кур на GGA4 в регионе, включающем NCAPG-LCORL, и в области рядом с этим регионом определено пять значимых SNPs, которые могут быть кандидатами для селекции с помощью маркеров (MAS). Кластерный анализ адмикс-моделей обнаружил разделение особей соответственно их происхождению при К=5. Куры яичного и мясного направления продуктивности сформировали два обособленных кластера, что согласуется с результатами частот генотипов. При анализе генетической дифференциации между группами кур различного направления продуктивности на основе попарных FST-значений отмечены достоверные различия (p < 0,05) для группы кур яичного направления продуктивности в сравнении с мясными (0,330), мясо-яичными (0,178), бойцовыми (0,225) и яично-мясными (0,237), а также для кур мясного направления продуктивности относительно декоративных (0,153). Результаты показали, что сравниваемые группы отличаются генетически друг от друга, что подтверждается данными о частотах генотипов. Выявлена популяционная специфичность структуры неравновесия по сцеплению (LD) по локусу NCAPG-LCORL для 11 пород кур

Conserved synteny at the protein family level reveals genes underlying Shewanella species’ cold tolerance and predicts their novel phenotypes

© The Authors 2009. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License. The definitive version was published in Functional & Integrative Genomics 10 (2010): 97-110, doi:10.1007/s10142-009-0142-y.Bacteria of the genus Shewanella can thrive in different environments and demonstrate significant variability in their metabolic and ecophysiological capabilities including cold and salt tolerance. Genomic characteristics underlying this variability across species are largely unknown. In this study, we address the problem by a comparison of the physiological, metabolic, and genomic characteristics of 19 sequenced Shewanella species. We have employed two novel approaches based on association of a phenotypic trait with the number of the trait-specific protein families (Pfam domains) and on the conservation of synteny (order in the genome) of the trait-related genes. Our first approach is top-down and involves experimental evaluation and quantification of the species’ cold tolerance followed by identification of the correlated Pfam domains and genes with a conserved synteny. The second, a bottom-up approach, predicts novel phenotypes of the species by calculating profiles of each Pfam domain among their genomes and following pair-wise correlation of the profiles and their network clustering. Using the first approach, we find a link between cold and salt tolerance of the species and the presence in the genome of a Na+/H+ antiporter gene cluster. Other cold-tolerance-related genes include peptidases, chemotaxis sensory transducer proteins, a cysteine exporter, and helicases. Using the bottom-up approach, we found several novel phenotypes in the newly sequenced Shewanella species, including degradation of aromatic compounds by an aerobic hybrid pathway in Shewanella woodyi, degradation of ethanolamine by Shewanella benthica, and propanediol degradation by Shewanella putrefaciens CN32 and Shewanella sp. W3-18-1.This research was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Biological and Environmental Research under the Genomics: GTL Program via the Shewanella Federation consortium