bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lithuanian pharmacists in Russia at the beginning of the 20th century: Their practice and national patriotic activity
Authors: Gudienė Vilma , Bagdonavičius Almontas , Šimaitienė Zenona , Davalgienė Julija
Published: July 2018

An important role in the formation of modern Lithuanian society was played by pharmacists who at the beginning of the 20th century were one of the most numerous parts of Lithuanian intelligentsia. They chose a job in a pharmacy not as a mission of life but due to political, social, and economic reasons. The majority of pharmacists were children of peasants who had refused to obey their parents and study in the seminary of priests. Those people who had been ousted from gymnasiums because of an anticzarist activity or those who had not finished school due to the lack of money also became pharmacists. Young men who had chosen a way of self-support left to the biggest cities of Russia and started the practice of an apprentice in a pharmacy. Later, they took examinations to become an assistant of a pharmacist, and after two years of studies at university, they took examinations of a pharmacist at last. Having got a diploma, they usually did not return to their motherland because there was a large network of pharmacies; thus, business conditions were harder, of course. They established pharmacies in various provinces of Russia most often, and it is supposed that only 10% of Lithuanian pharmacists worked in their native country. Living and working in a Russian environment, however, they enshrined national patriotic ideas, were active participants in social activities, published a Lithuanian professional newspaper “Farmaceutų reikalai” (translation, “Matters of pharmacists“), and attempted to unite all Lithuanians living in czarist Russia to struggle against denationalization, to encourage people to return to their motherland, and to work for its good. This article deals with the path for a career of Lithuanian pharmacists in czarist Russia and their national patriotic activity.
Improving Hydrophilicity and Inducing Bone-Like Apatite Formation on PPBES by Polydopamine Coating for Biomedical Application
Authors: Liu Chengde , Li Yizheng , Wang Jinyan , Liu Cheng , Liu Wentao , Jian Xigao
Published: July 2018

Copoly(phthalazinone biphenyl ether sulfone) (PPBES) as a commercially available polyarylether is a promising orthopaedic implant material because its mechanical properties are similar to bone. However, the bioinert surface of polyarylether causes some clinical problems after implantation, which limits its application as an implant material. In this study, the surface of PPBES was modified by a biomineralization method of polydopamine-assisted hydroxyapatite formation (pHAF) to enhance its cytocompatibility. Polydopamine (PDA) coating, inspired by the adhesion mechanism of mussels, can readily endow PPBES with high hydrophilicity and the ability to integrate via the bone-like apatite coating. PPBES and PDA-coated PPBES were evaluated by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and contact angle measurement. The water contact angles were reduced significantly after coating with PDA. PDA was successfully synthesized on PPBES and more PDA was obtained by increasing the temperature. Bone-like apatite on PPBES (apatite-coated PPBES) was confirmed by SEM and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The cytotoxicity of pristine PPBES and apatite-coated PPBES were characterized by culturing of NIH-3T3 cells. Bone-like apatite synthesized by pHAF could further enhance cytocompatibility in vitro. This study provides a promising alternative for biofunctionalized PPBES with improved cytocompatibility for bone implant application.
In Overweight or Obese Pregnant Women, Maternal Dietary Factors are not Associated with Fetal Growth and Adiposity
Authors: O’Brien Cecelia M. , Louise Jennie , Deussen Andrea , Dodd Jodie M.
Published: July 2018

The aim of our study was to evaluate associations between maternal dietary factors and fetal growth and adiposity in overweight and obese women. Women randomised to the ‘Standard Care’ group of the LIMIT trial were included. Maternal dietary factors including Healthy Eating Index, total energy, fat, carbohydrates, protein, glycaemic load and index were measured using the Harvard semi-quantitative Food Frequency questionnaire at time of study entry, 28 and 36 weeks’ gestation. Fetal ultrasound measurements of biometry and adiposity were obtained at 28 and 36 weeks’ gestation. Linear regression models were used to associate between dietary factors and fetal growth and adiposity measurements. There were 721 women included in this exploratory analysis. A 10 unit increase in the log total energy was associated with a reduction in mid-thigh lean mass by 4.94 mm at 28 weeks (95% CI −9.57 mm, −0.32 mm; p = 0.036) and 7.02 mm at 36 weeks (95% CI −13.69 mm, −0.35 mm; p = 0.039). A 10 unit increase in Healthy Eating Index score was associated with a reduced mean subscapular skin fold measure at 28 weeks by 0.17 mm (95% CI −0.32 mm, −0.03 mm; p = 0.021). We did not identify consistent associations between maternal diet and measures of fetal growth and adiposity in overweight and obese women.
One-Pot Synthesis of P(O)-N Containing Compounds Using N-Chlorosuccinimide and Their Influence in Thermal Decomposition of PU Foams
Authors: Salmeia Khalifah A. , Flaig Florence , Rentsch Daniel , Gaan Sabyasachi
Published: July 2018

Synthesis of intermediate containing P(O)-Cl bonds is the key to converting P(O)-H bonds to P(O)-N. In this work we have performed chlorination reactions of different H-phosphinates and H-phosphonates using N-chlorosuccinimide as an environmentally-benign chlorinating agent. The chlorination reaction showed high yield and high selectivity for transformation of P(O)-H bonds into P(O)-Cl analogues, resulting in an easily separable succinimide as the by-product. Using a one-pot synthesis methodology, we have synthesized a series of P(O)-N containing derivatives whose synthesis was found to be dependent on the reaction solvents and the starting materials. The synthesized P(O)-N compounds were incorporated in flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF) and screened for their influence in thermal decomposition of FPUFs using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and a microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC). All solid P(O)-N compounds influenced the first-stage decomposition of FPUFs, which resulted in an accelerated decomposition or temporary stabilization of this stage. However, the liquid P(O)-N derivatives volatilize at an earlier stage and could be active in the gas phase. In addition, they also work in condensed phase via acid catalyzed decomposition for FPUFs.
Impact of Mechanical Degradation on Polymer Injectivity in Porous Media
Authors: Al-Shakry Badar , Skauge Tormod , Shaker Shiran Behruz , Skauge Arne
Published: July 2018

Polymer flooding is an established enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method; still, many aspects of polymer flooding are not well understood. This study investigates the influence of mechanical degradation on flow properties of polymers in porous media. Mechanical degradation due to high shear forces may occur in the injection well and at the entrance to the porous media. The polymers that give high viscosity yields at a sustainable economic cost are typically large, MW > 10 MDa, and have wide molecular weight distributions. Both MW and the distributions are altered by mechanical degradation, leading to changes in the flow rheology of the polymer. The polymer solutions were subjected to different degrees of pre-shearing and pre-filtering before injected into Bentheimer outcrop sandstone cores. Rheology studies of injected and produced polymer solutions were performed and interpreted together with in situ rheology data. The core floods showed a predominant shear thickening behavior at high flow velocities, which is due to successive contraction/expansion flow in pores. When pre-sheared, shear thickening was reduced but with no significant reduction in in situ viscosity at lower flow rates. This may be explained by reduction in the extensional viscosity. Furthermore, the results show that successive degradation occurred which suggests that the assumption of the highest point of shear that determines mechanical degradation in a porous media does not hold for all field relevant conditions.
Nitrogen-Containing Fabric Adsorbents Prepared by Radiation Grafting for Removal of Chromium from Wastewater
Authors: Hayashi Natsuki , Chen Jinhua , Seko Noriaki
Published: July 2018

To remove chromium from wastewater effectively, two types of nitrogen-containing fabric adsorbents, having amidoxime ligand groups and quaternary ammonium anion exchange groups, respectively, were prepared by radiation grafting. In brief, the amidoxime adsorbent is obtained by grafting of acrylonitrile (AN)/methacrylic acid (MAA) onto a nonwoven fabric and subsequent amidoximation with hydroxylamine, while the ammonium adsorbent is obtained by grafting of chloromethylstyrene (CMS) followed by quaternization with trimethylamine. The AN/MAA-grafting reaches a high degree of grafting more than 100%, and the resulting amidoxime adsorbent reaches a high amidoxime density of 4.53 mmol/g. On the other hand, the CMS-grafting reaches a much higher degree of grafting above 200%, and the resulting ammonium adsorbent reaches a high ammonium density of 3.51 mmol/g. FTIR/ATR and TGA/DTA are used for the characterization of the grafted fabrics as well as the relevant fabric adsorbents. Furthermore, the chromium removal of the prepared fabric adsorbent is tested in both batch and column modes. It has been confirmed that the chromium removal was largely dependent on the pH of the solution. At pH 5.0, the amidoxime adsorbent shows a high Cr(III) adsorption capacity of 31.68 mg/g, while the ammonium adsorbent shows a much higher Cr(VI) adsorption capacity of 130.65 mg/g.
An Improved Seeded Region Growing-Based Seamline Network Generation Method
Authors: Pan Jun , Fang Zhonghao , Chen Shengtong , Ge Huan , Hu Fen , Wang Mi
Published: July 2018

To generate an orthoimage product, mosaicking is a necessary process, and seam-based mosaicking of orthoimages is popular. However, many of these methods only focus on the generation of seamlines between two adjacent orthoimages, so the final generated mosaicking image depends on the order of compositing. To address this shortcoming, this paper presents an initial seamline network generation method based on improved seeded region growing. The basis of this method is the use of raster data rather than vector calculation, which is used with the area Voronoi diagrams with overlap (AVDO)-based method. First, the effective area of each image and overlap regions between adjacent images are determined. Then, the improved seeded region growing algorithm obtains the seamlines of each overlap region. The main improvement is that the boundary lines of overlap regions, rather than individual points, are chosen as seeds of the seeded region growing algorithm. These seeds grow simultaneously until growing regions overlap. The generated separatrix of growing regions is regarded as the seamline in the overlap region. At the same time, the cut result of the image’s effective area is obtained. After that, these generated cut images are intersected to generate the effective mosaic polygon (EMP) of the image. Finally, all generated EMPs are vectorized to form the initial seamline network. In this way, the proposed method can process any kind of overlap region, and the final generated seamline network has no relation to the order of the image compositing. The experimental results demonstrate that the presented method is feasible and can achieve higher accuracy than the previous AVDO-based method.
Topological Properties of Crystallographic Structure of Molecules
Authors: Liu Jia-Bao , Siddiqui Muhammad Kamran , Zahid Manzoor Ahmad , Naeem Muhammad , Baig Abdul Qudair
Published: July 2018

Chemical graph theory plays an important role in modeling and designing any chemical structure. The molecular topological descriptors are the numerical invariants of a molecular graph and are very useful for predicting their bioactivity. In this paper, we study the chemical graph of the crystal structure of titanium difluoride TiF2 and the crystallographic structure of cuprite Cu2O. Furthermore, we compute degree-based topological indices, mainly ABC, GA, ABC4, GA5 and general Randić indices. Furthermore, we also give exact results of these indices for the crystal structure of titanium difluoride TiF2 and the crystallographic structure of cuprite Cu2O.
Indoxyl Sulfate, a Uremic Toxin, Stimulates Reactive Oxygen Species Production and Erythrocyte Cell Death Supposedly by an Organic Anion Transporter 2 (OAT2) and NADPH Oxidase Activity-Dependent Pathways
Authors: Dias Gabriela Ferreira , Bonan Natalia Borges , Steiner Thiago Maass , Tozoni Sara Soares , Rodrigues Silvia , Nakao Lia Sumie , Kuntsevich Viktoriya , Pecoits Filho Roberto , Kotanko Peter , Moreno-Amaral Andréa N.
Published: July 2018

It is hypothesized that the uremic toxin indoxyl sulfate (IS) plays a role in the pathogenesis of renal anemia. To further explore that hypothesis, we examined the effects of IS on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), and erythrocyte death (eryptosis) in red blood cells (RBC) from healthy controls (CON-RBC) and hemodialyzed patients (HD-RBC), respectively. RBC were incubated either in either TRIS-Glc-BSA buffer or IS at concentrations of 0.01, 0.09, and 0.17 mM, respectively. We measured ROS generation (expressed as % of DCFH-DA positive RBC), eryptosis (expressed as % of annexin-V positive RBC), and GSH levels after 6, 12, and 24 h. When incubated in buffer, ROS production was approximately seven-fold higher at all time points HD-RBC when compared to CON-RBC. Incubation with IS increased ROS production in CON-RBS dose-dependently up to 10-fold. Eryptosis in buffer-incubated HD-RBC was up to seven-fold higher as compared to COB-RBC. Incubation of CON-RBC with IS increased the eryptosis rate dose-dependently up to 6-fold. Pretreatment of CON-RBC with the organic anion transporter 2 (OAT2) specific inhibitor ketoprofen or with NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium-Cl blunted the IS effect on both ROS production and eryptosis induction. While GSH levels in HD-RBC were reduced when compared to CON-RBC, they were not affected by IS incubation. In summary, IS increases ROS generation and eryptosis in CON-RBC by an activity dependent of the IS influx through OAT2, and NADPH oxidase activity-dependent, and a GSH-independent mechanism. These findings lend support to a putative role of IS in the pathogenesis of renal anemia.
Le patrimoine culturel immatériel à Tonga et ses médiations touristiques
Authors: Condevaux Aurélie
Published: July 2018

It has been proposed that the notion of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) may contribute to the emergence of a new "heritage regime”. Using the example of the Tongan lakalaka, which has been inscribed on the representative list of ICH by Unesco, this paper aims to understand whether the convention for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage (2003) brings a real renewal of the founding values of heritage − such as “authenticity” and the idea that cultural practices should be transmitted in a fixed form − and to address the role of tourism in heritage policies.
Représentations et médiation du patrimoine mondial : Le site d’Arequipa
Authors: Dormaels Mathieu
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we examine the influence of tourism in heritage building and mediation processes, related to the touristification process in the historic center of Arequipa (Peru), inscribed on the World Heritage List. This study highlights the relationship between the evolution of representations, site transformations and the mediation of heritage. These influences mainly come from the statement of outstanding universal values, which justifies the World Heritage inscription, but also from a mise en abyme of representations by anticipating the expectations of tourists. This produces representations that turn the historic center itself into the main tool of mediation.
Réinvestir le passé du cinéma par le numérique : La photographie de ciné-concert
Authors: Gimello-Mesplomb Frédéric , Amalou Quentin
Published: July 2018

Este artículo se aferra a describir el sentido que contiene la toma de fotografías por medio de smartphones durante los cine-conciertos, proyecciones de películas mudas acompañadas de música interpretada en directo. A su vez, evalúa la contribución de esta práctica en el proceso de exhumación de las obras del repertorio fílmico mudo. El trabajo toma la posición de considerar a los espectadores “ordinarios” de los cine-conciertos como una categoría de actores legítimos en el proceso de patrimonialización de las películas desde que éstos contribuyen activamente, al momento de la (re) salida de las cintas del repertorio, a una reevaluación del valor de esos objetos. Este fenómeno se mide, fundamentalmente, por las fotografías tomadas durante estos acontecimientos y en el uso de esos clichés fotográficos en las redes sociales. Uno de los principales aprendizajes de esta investigación se refiere a los regímenes de compromiso de esos expertos profanos y, principalmente, sobre el grado de inversión en el proceso social de patrimonialización de las películas del repertorio mudo, pero también sobre la función memorial que juega la fotografía de concierto sobre el espectador. La toma de fotografías en un cine-concierto, más que una ventana hacia el pasado del cine, puede ser vista como una nueva forma de ver el pasado del cine y de reinvestirlo en la actualidad.
Marche forcée vers la transparence pour le nucléaire. A propos de l’arrêt de la Cour de Cassation du 26 novembre 2013, Société Auxiliaire du Tricastin
Authors: Steichen Pascale
Published: July 2018

A need for transparency in the nuclear activities. In a judgment of 26 November 2013, the Criminal Chamber of the Court of Cassation has confirmed the condemnation of the Auxiliary Society Tricastin (SOCATRI) for the offense of water pollution under Article L. 216-6 of the Environmental Code, after the Court of Appeal of Nîmes has reclassified the facts. The company is also condemned for lack of incident reporting to public authorities.
La gestion du patrimoine naturel et le droit de la concurrence. Réflexions autour de l’arrêt du 12 septembre 2013 rendu par le Tribunal de la Cour de Justice de l’Union européenne dans l’affaire T-347/09, Allemagne c. Commission
Authors: Morin Michel
Published: July 2018

The Management of the natural heritage and competition law. EU law on State aid fully applies to environmental organizations in charge of managing natural areas when, in fulfilling their mission, they carry out an economic activity, even a secondary one ; these entities must then be qualified as undertakings. This being said, this management activity concerning natural heritage can be qualified as a service of general economic interest. The relevant organization may then benefit from aid in the form of public service compensation ; if so, this aid is not State aid in the sense of the TFEU. However, if one of the criteria on compensation (as set out by case-law) is not met, there is a case of State aid. This strict application of the concept of State aid shows that competition law remains a paramount domain in EU law.
War and peace in an age of ecological conflicts
Authors: Latour Bruno
Published: July 2018

Guerre et paix dans une ère de conflits écologiques. Tandis que la politique a toujours un lien avec la géographie, la Terre elle-même a surtout été considérée comme une toile de fond, une simple vitrine pour le projet et l’intérêt humains. Avec l’avènement de la période dite «anthropocène » , le Terre n’est plus seulement en arrière plan mais bien davantage en première ligne, en rivalité constante avec le projet humain. Pendant ce temps, l’action humaine a pris une dimension qui égale celle de la nature, d’où la transformation du géopolitique. Les appels à la nature ne semblent donc plus avoir l’effet apaisant et unificateur qu’ils avaient dans les anciens mouvements écologiques. En s’appuyant sur des études anthropologiques et philosophiques, cette étude discutera ce nouveau cadre géopolitique et montrera comment l’expansion du politique dans la nature doit modifier pour l’avenir notre vision de la guerre et de la paix.
Le droit de l’Union européenne au défi de la sécurisation des activités pétrolières et gazières en mer
Authors: Schneider Frédéric
Published: July 2018

The European Union law facing the challenge of the safety of offshore oil and gas activities. Confronted with the risks of offshore oil and gas activities in extreme environments -in terms of weather, pressure, depth or temperature -and facing the failure of the international law, as well as the various national laws, the European law faced the challenge to secure offshore operations within the Member States’ maritime areas and beyond.
Droit des biotechnologies (janvier-décembre 2013)
Authors: Brosset Estelle
Published: July 2018

L’année 2013 a été en grande partie rythmée par des décisions judiciaires, surtout, mais pas exclusivement, du côté de la Cour de Justice de l’Union européenne. Celles-ci ont été focalisées quasiment entièrement sur le processus d’autorisation de mise sur le marché à des fins ou non de mises en culture, mais aussi, de manière imbriquée sur les conditions d’utilisation des clauses de sauvegarde aux fins de suspendre l’application de l’autorisation précédemment délivrée. Elles laissent entrevoir une rigueur à l’endroit des États dans l’utilisation des mesures de sauvegarde, mais également, ce qui est plus nouveau, à l’endroit de la Commission européenne dans la procédure de délivrance de l’autorisation de mise sur le marché. Elles font également surgir à nouveau la question de l’office du juge dans les contextes de précaution et d’évaluations scientifiques divergentes.
L’écologisation du système interamericain de protection des droits de l’homme (SIDH) : commentaire de la jurisprudence récente (2010-2013)
Authors: de Salles Cavedon-Capdeville Fernanda
Published: July 2018

L’article analyse le processus d’écologisation du Système Interaméricain des Droits de l’Homme (SIDH) à partir de la jurisprudence récente (2010-2013), et vérifie si le SIDH peut se présenter comme un espace d’accès à la justice en matière d’environnement à partir de certains aspects procéduraux, tels que le droit de pétition individuelle, la notion de victime et la portée des décisions. Le processus d’écologisation du SIDH est déjà en cours et des perspectives de consolidation se présentent. Le Système présente des points positifs pour construire la dimension environnementale des droits de l’homme et pour consolider le droit de l’homme à l’environnement. La première étape de ce processus d’écologisation a été marquée par les affaires concernant le droit des peuples indigènes. La deuxième étape d’écologisation est en cours, avec des affaires non liées à la question indigène mais portant sur des conflits environnementaux typiques, ce qui va certainement apporter un renouveau à la jurisprudence du SIDH et renforcer sa vocation environnementale.
Le parc amazonien de Guyane et l’exploitation des ressources naturelles. Réflexions à la lumière de la première charte du parc
Authors: Bondil Frédéric
Published: July 2018

L’adoption récente de la charte du Parc amazonien de Guyane fournit un nouvel éclairage sur les modalités d’exploitation des ressources naturelles au sein de ce parc national. Les pratiques ancestrales conservent une place remarquable. Elles ont vocation, cependant, à se concilier avec les impératifs de la protection de la biodiversité, dans une co-construction associant les communautés traditionnelles au processus normatif. Les formes modernes d’exploitation des ressources naturelles font l’objet d’une sélection qualitative par référence aux critères du développement durable. Les activités économiques en marge de ces exigences ne doivent attendre aucun soutien de la part du Parc amazonien. La charte confère, en revanche, au Parc un rôle majeur, et original, dans la promotion d’une exploitation durable des ressources naturelles.
Droit pénal de l’environnement
Authors: Laronde-Clérac Céline
Published: July 2018

La période mai 2013-août 2014 est marquée par plusieurs éléments en droit pénal de l’environnement : la parution d’une circulaire qui précise les conditions d’application de l’ordonnance du 11 janvier 2012, du décret relatif à la transaction pénale de l’article L. 173-12 du Code de l’environnement, ainsi que des décisions en droit pénal de l’urbanisme et en matière de pollution.
Heat Stress and Thermal Ablation Induce Local Expression of Nerve Growth Factor Inducible (VGF) in Hepatocytes and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Preclinical and Clinical Studies
Authors: Thompson Scott M. , Jondal Danielle E. , Butters Kim A. , Knudsen Bruce E. , Anderson Jill L. , Roberts Lewis R. , Callstrom Matthew R. , Woodrum David A.
Published: July 2018

The purposes of this study were to test the hypothesis that heat stress and hepatic thermal ablation induce nerve growth factor inducible (VGF) and to determine intrahepatic versus systemic VGF expression induced by thermal ablation in vivo and in patients. Hepatocytes and HCC cells were subjected to moderate (45°C) or physiologic (37°C) heat stress for 10 min and assessed for VGF expression at 0‐72 h post-heat stress (n ≥ 3 experiments). Orthotopic N1S1 HCC-bearing rats were randomized to sham or laser thermal ablation (3 W × 90 s), and liver/serum was harvested at 0‐7 days postablation for analysis of VGF expression (n ≥ 6 per group). Serum was collected from patients undergoing thermal ablation for HCC (n = 16) at baseline, 3‐6, and 18‐24 h postablation and analyzed for VGF expression. Data were analyzed using ordinary or repeated-measures one-way analysis of variance and post hoc pairwise comparison with Dunnett’s test. Moderate heat stress induced time-dependent VGF mRNA (3- to 15-fold;p < 0.04) and protein expression and secretion (3.1- to 3.3-fold;p < 0.05). Thermal ablation induced VGF expression at the hepatic ablation margin at 1 and 3 days postablation but not remote from the ablation zone or distant intrahepatic lobe. There was no detectable serum VGF following hepatic thermal ablation in rats and no increase in serum VGF following HCC thermal ablation in patients at 3‐6 and 18‐24 h postablation compared to baseline (0.71- and 0.63-fold;p = 0.27 andp = 0.16, respectively). Moderate heat stress induces expression and secretion of VGF in HCC cells and hepatocytes in vitro, and thermal ablation induces local intrahepatic but not distant intrahepatic or systemic VGF expression in vivo.
Deep Hubble Space Telescope Imaging of Globular Clusters toward the Galactic Bulge: Observations, Data Reduction, and Color–magnitude Diagrams*
Authors: Cohen Roger E. , Mauro Francesco , Alonso-García Javier , Hempel Maren , Sarajedini Ata , Ordoñez Antonio J. , Geisler Douglas , Kalirai Jason S.
Published: July 2018

The Galactic globular clusters (GGCs) located toward the Galactic bulge have generally been excluded from large-scale photometric GGC surveys due to severe total and differential extinction. Here we present an overview of a Hubble Space Telescope (HST) program designed to obtain deep, high spatial resolution multiband imaging of 16 poorly studied GGCs located toward the inner Galactic bulge and disk. In this first paper of a series resulting from these observations, we give an overview of target cluster selection, observations, and data reduction procedures for optimizing the resulting photometric catalogs. Artificial star tests are used to compare the respective advantages of different data reduction strategies in terms of photometric and astrometric precision and photometric incompleteness. We present the resulting color–magnitude diagrams (CMDs) of all target clusters in several color–magnitude planes, along with CMDs of comparison fields from parallel observations. For each target cluster, we summarize existing studies and discuss their CMDs qualitatively in the context of these results.
Comparative evaluation of susceptibility testing methods for colistin and polymyxin B among clinical isolates of carbapenem- resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Bakthavatchalam Yamuna Devi , Shankar Abirami , Thukaram Bhuvaneswari , Krishnan Dhanabhagyam Naveena , Veeraraghavan Balaji
Published: July 2018

Susceptibility testing (ST) of colistin and polymyxin B is challenging. Disc diffusion testing is not reliable for polymyxin ST, because of poor diffusion. Currently, for polymyxin ST, the EUCAST-CLSI joint commission recommending broth microdilution (BMD) as the reference method.  In this study, reliability of E-test and Vitek 2 was compared with BMD, using the susceptible breakpoint of ≤ 2μg/ml for both colistin and polymyxin B.  Overall, essential agreement (EA) for colistin between E-test, Vitek2 and BMD were 37% and 74% respectively. EA for polymyxin B between E-test and BMD were 65%. Very major error (VME) for colistin and polymyxin B with E-test were 42% and 55% respectively. An unacceptable VME of 11% was seen for colistin with Vitek2. Major errors (MEs) were rather limited with both E-test and Vitek2. E-test and Vitek2 may lead to inappropriate decision-making for colistin/polymyxin B therapy. Thus, clinical laboratories should consider BMD for polymyxin ST.
Bacterial profile and antibiogram of blood stream infections in febrile neutropenic patients with haematological malignancies
Authors: Kokkayil Prathyusha , Agarwal Reshu , Mohapatra Sarita , Bakshi Sameer , Das Bimal , Sood Seema , Dhawan Benu , Kapil Arti
Published: July 2018

Introduction: Studies have shown a shift in the prevalence from Gram-positive to Gram-negative bacteraemia in patients with haematological malignancies who develop febrile neutropenia. There are also reports on the spread of drug resistant bacteria among these patients. Information about locally prevalent bacteria and their resistance is important to guide empirical therapy. The aim of this study was to characterise the bacterial spectrum and antibiotic resistance pattern of bacteraemia in neutropenic patients with haematological malignancies

Methodology: In this retrospective study, patients admitted to Haematology and Oncology units over a period of 6 months with laboratory-confirmed positive blood cultures were enrolled. Information regarding demographic profile, clinical features, and microbiological profile were recorded. Standard procedures were applied to identify the isolates and their resistance patterns. The data collected was analysed statistically.

Results:56 isolates from 53 patients were isolated of which majority were gram negative bacilli (GNB; n = 52 or 93%). Klebsiella pneumoniae (43%, n = 24) was the most frequently isolated bacteria followed by Enterobacter sp (20%, n = 11) and Escherichia coli (12%, n = 7). All isolates were susceptible to colistin. Susceptibility to cefaperazone-sulbactam, piperacillin-tazobactam and carbapenems were 32%, 28.6% and 26.8% respectively. The outcome was fatal for 25 patients.

Conclusions: The study documented an alarming rise in the prevalence of GNB and their resistance. Though the results of the study may represent only the tip of the iceberg, the results demonstrate the need for treatment options for drug resistant isolates and for surveillance cultures.
High resistance to tetracycline and ciprofloxacin in bacteria isolated from poultry farms in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Ayandiran Tunmise O. , Falgenhauer Linda , Schmiedel Judith , Chakraborty Trinad , Ayeni Funmilola Abidemi
Published: July 2018

Introduction: Resistance to ciprofloxacin and tetracycline is increasing in the food chain especially in E. coli strains and more worrisome will be occurrence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers among ciprofloxacin- and tetracycline-resistant isolates. This study was undertaken to investigate the occurrence and mechanism of ciprofloxacin-, tetracycline- and ESBL-resistant bacteria in poultry in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Methodology: Bacteria were isolated from poultry feces in two farms in Ibadan and identified by MALDI-TOF. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the isolates were determined by disc diffusion and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) using Vitek-2 apparatus. Four tetracycline genes and six plasmids mediated quinolone resistance genes (PMQR) were investigated by PCR. Whole genome sequencing was done for strains that were ESBL producers.

Results: Bacterial strains (≥ 105 cfu/mL) were counted on ciprofloxacin and tetracycline supplemented plates. 106 bacteria from 14 different species were identified with high resistance to quinolones, tetracycline and trimethoprim. 49% of the strains were E. coli with 90% resistance for nalidixic acid, moxifloxacin (94%), ciprofloxacin (88%) levofloxacin (78%) and tetracycline (77%). The genes tetA, tetB, qnrB, qnrS and qepA were detected with 37%, 4%, 35%, 4% and 2% prevalence in E. coli respectively. Three ESBL-producing E. coli of the sequence type ST-6359 were found and harboured blaCTX-M-15 located in the chromosome, at the same insertion site. All the ESBL producers harboured mutations in gyrA (S83L/D87N/D678E) and parC (S80I).

Conclusion: The observed high quinolones and tetracycline resistance with ESBL producers in this study calls for caution in the use of these antibiotics in poultry feeds.
Parasites are Particularly Problematic
Authors: Perkins Susan
Published: July 2018

Although they are hyperdiverse and intensively studied, parasites present major challenges when it comes to phylogenetics, taxonomy, and biodiversity informatics. The collection of any parasitic organism entails the linking of at least two specimens - the parasite and the host. If the parasite has a complex life cycle, then this becomes further complicated by requiring the linking of three or more hosts, such as the parasite, its intermediate host (vector) and its definitive host(s). Parasites are sometimes collected as byproduct of another collection event and are not studied immediately - which has the potential to disconnect them further in terms of information content and continuity- and the converse if also common - parasites can be collected by parasitologists, who do not necessarily take host vouchers or incorporate host taxonomy, let alone other metadata for these events. Using the specific example of the malaria parasites (Order Haemosporida) I will present examples of the specific challenges that have accompanied the study of these parasites including issues of delimiting species, phylogenetic study, including genetic oddities that are unique to these organisms, and taxonomic quandries that we now find ourselves in, along with other problems with maintaining continuity of information in a group that is both diverse biologically and important medically.
Hurricane Maria and its Impact on the Zoological and Botanical Collections of the University of Puerto Rico
Authors: Schizas Nikolaos
Published: July 2018

With a total of more than 150,000 specimens, the 85-year old collections of insects and terrestrial, freshwater, and marine invertebrates of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM), western Puerto Rico, are among the most significant repositories for these groups in the Caribbean region. Located in Mayagüez and on Magueyes Island, these collections were created by outstanding insect and invertebrate specialists working in Puerto Rico and surrounding islands. Holdings are particularly strong in the Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Collembola, Crustacea, Mollusca, Echinodermata, and Cnidaria. Collecting and curatorial activities, initiated in the 1920s, were maintained throughout the 1980s, resulting in many taxonomically and historically valuable records for the region. From 1990 to 2005, the invertebrate collections were increasingly neglected, with certain parts scattered throughout multiple buildings and rooms, inaccessible, or inadequately stored and at risk of becoming damaged or lost. The support for these collections was not sustained at high levels due to a variety of factors, including changes in the research profile of new academic appointments and the shortsightedness of administrators to fully understand the cultural, educational and scientific value of the museum holdings. With the exception of a federal grant through NSF - DBI (National Science Foundation - Biological Research Collections - PI Frantz - 2007-2010), which initiated a flurry of Museum related activities to improve the deteriorating museum facilities throughout the UPRM campus, the Museum collections are now facing even more challenges, some anthropogenic and very recently, some natural.

Major Hurricane Maria (Category 4), delivered a devastating blow to the island of Puerto Rico on 20 September 2017. Both terrestrial and marine ecosystems were heavily impacted. Extensive structural damage to roads, telecommunications, water systems, the energy grid and approximately 60,000 houses/buildings made Hurricane Maria the most damaging Hurricane (estimated cost ~ 90 billion dollars) in the USA after Katrina and Harvey. Flooding caused by the direct impact of Hurricane Maria (5 to 40 inches of rain fell during the first 48 hours in Puerto Rico) and subsequent extensive loss of electricity caused unfavorable conditions for the collections. The University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez closed for approximately 45 days and limited electricity, if any, was available through diesel generators. High levels of humidity and heat can cause further structural damage as well as favor the growth of fungus in enclosed areas of UPRM, including the Museums. Efforts to safeguard the collections will be outlined here to ensure the collections remain a valuable natural asset of the people of Puerto Rico as part of their natural patrimony and as an irreplaceable education tool.
Mu-DNA: a modular universal DNA extraction method adaptable for a wide range of sample types
Authors: Sellers Graham S. , Di Muri Cristina , Gómez Africa , Hänfling Bernd
Published: July 2018

Efficient DNA extraction is fundamental to molecular studies. However, commercial kits are expensive when a large number of samples need to be processed. Here we present a simple, modular and adaptable DNA extraction ‘toolkit’ for the isolation of high purity DNA from multiple sample types (modular universal DNA extraction method or Mu-DNA). We compare the performance of our method to that of widely used commercial kits across a range of soil, stool, tissue and water samples. Mu-DNA produced DNA extractions of similar or higher yield and purity to that of the commercial kits. As a proof of principle, we carried out replicate fish metabarcoding of aquatic eDNA extractions, which confirmed that the species detection efficiency of our method is similar to that of the most frequently used commercial kit. Our results demonstrate the reliability of Mu-DNA along with its modular adaptability to challenging sample types and sample collection methods. Mu-DNA can substantially reduce the costs and increase the scope of experiments in molecular studies.
What is biological cultural heritage and why should we care about it? An example from Swedish rural landscapes and forests
Authors: Eriksson Ove
Published: July 2018

There is currently a growing concern that biocultural heritage is threatened in many landscapes. This paper focuses on biological cultural heritage, broadly meaning biological cultural traces that are considered as heritage, but leaving out other aspects of the biocultural heritage concept. An operational definition of biological cultural heritage (BCH) is suggested, based on niche construction theory: “biological manifestations of culture, reflecting indirect or intentional effects, or domesticated landscapes, resulting from historical human niche construction”. Some factors that influence recognition of BCH are discussed, using a comparison between Swedish open to semi-open vs. forested landscapes. While the former landscapes are generally associated with biological cultural values, BCH is generally over-looked in forests. Two main reasons for this are suggested: loss of cultural memory and a perception of forests as wilderness. A conclusion is that recognition of BCH is essential for guiding development of biological conservation programmes in forests, irrespective of whether the conservation goal is to focus on culturally impacted forests or to conserve what is considered as close to pristine forests. Furthermore, recognising BCH in forests will promote interest and learning of the history of forests and their values and will be informative for developing conservation programmes for all biota in forests, not only those that historically were favoured by culture. Hence, there is no inherent conflict between preserving relatively untouched forests and those with remaining traces of pre-industrial forest management. The recognition of BCH in forests will inspire and promote further integration of cultural and natural heritage research.
The Dromiusina Bonelli, 1810 of southwestern Saudi Arabia with description of a new species (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Lebiini)
Authors: Rasool Iftekhar , Abdel-Dayem Mahmoud S. , Felix Ron F.F.L. , Aldhafer Hathal M.
Published: July 2018

In this paper, species of the subtribe Dromiusina Bonelli, 1810 from southwestern Saudi Arabia are revised. Eleven species in six genera (Calodromius, Dromius, Mesolestes, Metadromius, Microlestes, and Zolotarevskyella) are recognized. Dromiussaudiarabicus Rasool, Abdel-Dayem and Felix, sp. n. is newly described species from Rayda Nature Reserve Asir province. The presence of Metadromiusephippiatus in Saudi Arabia is doubtful. A key is also provided to genera and species level for Dromiusina of Saudi Arabia.
Les frontières visibles et invisibles des migrations internationales
Authors: Mouhoub El Mouhoud
Published: July 2018

Depuis l’arrêt des migrations de travail en 1974, les coûts d’émigration sont supportés par les migrants eux-mêmes. Ces coûts exorbitants et les politiques restrictives et sélectives des pays de destination expliquent pourquoi désormais les personnes qui parviennent à émigrer viennent peu des pays pauvres et sont beaucoup plus qualifiées. Pourtant, paradoxalement, les migrations favorisent les échanges commerciaux et le développement des pays d’origine.
Les murs de séparation, une somme de contradictions
Authors: Novosseloff Alexandra
Published: July 2018

La multiplication des murs de séparation depuis la fin de la guerre froide symbolise les fractures et les résistances à la mondialisation. Actes unilatéraux par essence, à l’opposé du concept de frontière reconnue des deux côtés, les murs sont non seulement des signes d’impuissance mais aussi des facteurs de déstabilisation supplémentaires. Ils ne peuvent donc représenter une véritable réponse aux crises et menaces d’aujourd’hui.
Perspectives of Frailty Among African American Men and Women
Authors: Lekan Deborah A. , Hoover Evelyn , Abrams Sarah
Published: July 2018

Frailty is a syndrome of impaired homeostasis and poor response to stressors leading to adverse health outcomes. The aim of the current study was to explore lay perspectives about frailty among African American adults. Thirteen men and women participated in two focus groups. Content analysis yielded six themes: (a)
Physical Impairment With Loss of Independence
; (b)
Can Happen to Anyone, At Any Age, At Any Time
; (c)
Mind–Body Connection
; (d)
Affects All Aspects of Life
; (e)
Positive Attitude and Prayer Guard Against Frailty
; and (f)
Be In Tune and Stay Connected
. Findings suggest psychological and social factors, including a positive attitude and spirituality, are linked to physical function and well-being in aging and are influential in frailty. Culturally tailored interventions that focus not only on promoting physical function but also address psychological, social, and spiritual domains may foster the resilience needed to prevent or alleviate frailty in African American individuals. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 56
(7), 20–29.]
Genre strikes back: conspiracy theory, post-truth politics, and the Turkish crime drama Valley of the Wolves
Authors: Carney Josh
Published: July 2018

Shortly after the July 2016 coup attempt in Turkey, two talk show hosts suggested that the producers of the popular and long-lived Valley of the Wolves media franchise may have been involved with the coup. While these accusations received only minor traction in Turkish media, they are interesting both because they likely played a role in the franchise being investigated, and because they relied on a set of genre norms for conspiracy theory that had been popularized and codified in Turkey’s public sphere by the Valley franchise itself. This paper investigates the relationship between conspiracy theory, Valley, and the show’s public in a three-part argument. It begins by exploring the genre norms of conspiracy theory as they relate to Valley. Next, it turns to the performative function of conspiracy theory, suggesting that the Foucauldian approach to enunciation may explain an under examined role of such theorizing. Finally, it remarks on the ties between conspiracy theory, enunciation, and politics in the rise of what is often called the post-truth era.
PREPARATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND DRUG DELIVERY BEHAVIOR OF DEXAMETHASONE-LOADED OLIBANUM MICROSPHERE
Authors: Namdarian Parastoo , Zamanian Ali , Asefnejad Azadeh , Saeidifar Maryam
Published: July 2018

In recent years, the strategy of using microspheres as drug carrier system has been very much considered. Also the use of natural polymers for pharmaceutical applications is very attractive. Given that various polymer materials are available for making microspheres, there is an active research to develop new, safe and effective release for microspheres. Olibanum is used as a drug carrier in this study. Also dexamethasone (DEX) is one of the commonly bioactive molecules used in bone tissue engineering. In this research, the purification and characterization of olibanum were first studied by FTIR, XRD, pH determination and MTT test. Due to its non-toxicity, biocompatibility, availability and biodegradability, this material can be a good choice as a natural polymer. Then the microspheres were synthesized with single emulsion method and studied by SEM and FTIR. The morphology and structure of the microspheres revealed that they are spherical and separate, which have rough and porous surface. Also the release mechanism of drug from olibanum microspheres was determined in accordance with the different kinetic drug release models. Investigating the drugs release behavior and degradation rate of microspheres revealed that they were suitable for dexamethasone-controlled release and can be used well in tissue engineering scaffolds.