Madame de Miramion and the Friends of Vincent de Paul

The relationship between Madame de Miramion and the wealthy Lamoignon family is used to illustrate how “intertwined networks of personal relationships were key to Vincent [de Paul]’s success.” Three of the Lamoignons were Ladies of Charity, and the rest of the family was also devoted to persons who were poor. Their collaboration with Vincent is described. Madame de Miramion knew Vincent and the Congregation through the Lamoignons and “was involved in every major charitable enterprise in Paris from 1649 until her death in 1696.” Among other things, she was also a Lady of Charity and was active in one of Vincent’s confraternities. Later, she created a small community of women to serve poor persons and he approved its rules. Her community merged with the filles de Sainte-Genvieve. They taught poor girls and operated a pharmacy and a dispensary for the sick poor. The Congregation’s third superior general was the community’s canonical superior, and Madame de Miramion worked closely with him

Experimental investigation of the radial structure of energetic particle driven modes

Alfv\'en eigenmodes (AEs) and energetic particle modes (EPMs) are often excited by energetic particles (EPs) in tokamak plasmas. One of the main open questions concerning EP driven instabilities is the non-linear evolution of the mode structure. The aim of the present paper is to investigate the properties of beta-induced AEs (BAEs) and EP driven geodesic acoustic modes (EGAMs) observed in the ramp-up phase of off-axis NBI heated ASDEX Upgrade (AUG) discharges. This paper focuses on the changes in the mode structure of BAEs/EGAMs during the non-linear chirping phase. Our investigation has shown that in case of the observed down-chirping BAEs the changes in the radial structure are smaller than the uncertainty of our measurement. This behaviour is most probably the consequence of that BAEs are normal modes, thus their radial structure strongly depends on the background plasma parameters rather than on the EP distribution. In the case of rapidly upward chirping EGAMs the analysis consistently shows shrinkage of the mode structure. The proposed explanation is that the resonance in the velocity space moves towards more passing particles which have narrower orbit widths.Comment: submitted to Nuclear Fusio

Mogelijke oorzaken van zwarte spruiten in lelie: praktijkproef bij VWS, in samenwerking met PPO

In de broeierij van lelie, en met name bij de Oriëntals, is het ontstaan van zwarte spruiten een groot probleem dat jaarlijks vele tonnen schade oplevert. Zwarte spruiten is het verschijnsel waarbij leliespruiten tijdens de bewaring in ijs geheel of gedeeltelijk zwart worden, afsterven en volledig verloren gaan voor de bloemproductie. Bij VWS is een uitgebreide praktijkproef uitgevoerd waarin bij 3 partijen van de cultivar Conca d’Or, afkomstig van verschillende telers, de rol van de volgende factoren in het ontstaan van zwarte spruiten is onderzocht: de temperatuur tussen rooien en invriezen, het moment van invriezen en de invriestemperatuur, de ademhaling van de bollen tijdens de bewaring, het zuurstofgehalte in de kisten, het vochtgehalte van het vulmiddel en het suiker- en zetmeelgehalte van de bollen tijdens de bewaring

The impact of draping effects on the stiffness and failure behavior of unidirectional non-crimp fabric fiber reinforced composites

Unidirectional non-crimp fabrics (UD-NCF) are often used to exploit the lightweight potential of continuous fiber reinforced plastics (CoFRP). During the draping process, the UD-NCF fabric can undergo large deformations that alter the local fiber orientation, the local fiber volume content (FVC) and create local fiber waviness. Especially the FVC is affected and has a large impact on the mechanical properties. This impact, resulting from different deformation modes during draping, is in general not considered in composite design processes. To analyze the impact of different draping effects on the mechanical properties and the failure behavior of UD-NCF composites, experimental results of reference laminates are compared to the results of laminates with specifically induced draping effects, such as non-constant FVC and fiber waviness. Furthermore, an analytical model to predict the failure strengths of UD laminates with in-plane waviness is introduced. The resulting stiffness and strength values for different FVC or amplitude to wavelength configurations are presented and discussed. In addition, failure envelopes based on the PUCK failure criterion for each draping effect are derived, which show a clear specific impact on the mechanical properties. The findings suggest that each draping effect leads to a “new fabric” type. Additionally, analytical models are introduced and the experimental results are compared to the predictions. Results indicate that the models provide reliable predictions for each draping effect. Recommendations regarding necessary tests to consider each draping effect are presented. As a further prospect the resulting stiffness and strength values for each draping effect can be used for a more accurate prediction of the structural performance of CoFRP parts

Analisis Peranan Perempuan Pada Rantai Nilai Pemasaran Tuna Cakalang Di Tempat Pelelangan Ikan (Tpi) Aertembaga Kota Bitung

Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di Tempat Pendaratan Ikan (TPI) Aertembaga Kota Bitung Provinsi Sulawesi Utara dengan tujuan (1) Untuk menganalisis peran, akses dan kotrol atas asset dan sumberdaya dan kekuatan pengambilan kepeutusan perempuan pedagang ikan (2) Untuk menganalisis peranan perempuan pedagang ikan pada rantai nilai pemasaran tuna-cakalang. Manfaat yang diharapkan dari penelitian ini yaitu: (1) Menerapkan ilmu pengetahuan yang telah diperoleh selama kuliah melalui penelitian yang dilakukan di lapangan. (2) Menambah pengetahuan sebagai bekal dalam mengaplikasikan pengetahuan teoritik terhadap masalah praktis. (3) Memberikan sumbangan yang berarti bagi pemerintah dan berbagai pihak juga sebagai bahan tambahan informasi pada yang membutuhkan.Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa peranan perempuan pada rantai nilai pemasaran tuna cakalang sangat besar yaitu mulai dari membeli hingga memasarkan. Laki-laki berperan hanya pada kegiatan mengangkut ikan, baik dari atas kapal maupun ke pasar. Hasil analisis juga menunjukkan perempuan pedagang ikan memiliki peran yang lebih dalam kegiatan domestik, publik dan sosial kemasyarakatan. Perempuan pedagang ikan juga memiliki peran terhadap akses dan kontrol atas aset dan sumber daya perikanan, sedangkan untuk pengambilan keputusan mengenai USAha memasarkan ikan, hal ini sebagian besar dilakukan oleh perempuan. Laki-laki hanya berperan dalam pengambilan keputusan mengenai penetapan dan peminjaman modal

Antimicrobial resistance, virulence factorsand genetic lineages of hospital-onsetmethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates detected in a hospital in Zaragoza

Introduction MRSA population dynamics is undergoing significant changes, and for this reason it is important to know which clones are circulating in our nosocomial environment. Materials and methods A total of 118 MRSA isolates were collected from clinical samples from patients with previous hospital or healthcare contact (named as hospital-onset MRSA (HO-MRSA)) during a one year period. Susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion and microdilution. The presence of resistance genes and virulence factors were tested by PCR. All isolates were typed by SCCmec, spa and agr typing. PFGE and MLST were applied to a selection of them. Results Eighty-three HO-MRSA isolates (70.3%) were resistant to any antibiotic included in the macrolide–lincosamide–streptogramin B group. Among these isolates, the M phenotype was the most frequent (73.5%). One hundred and seven of HO-MRSA isolates (90.7%) showed aminoglycoside resistance. The combination aac(6')-Ie-aph(2")-Ia + ant(4')-Ia genes was the most frequent (22.4%). Tetracycline resistance rates in HO-MRSA isolates were low (3.4%), although a high level of mupirocin resistance was observed (25.4%). Most of the HO-MRSA isolates (approximately 90%) showed SCCmec type IVc and agr type II. Fifteen unrelated pulsotypes were identified. CC5 was the most prevalent (88.1%), followed by CC8 (5.9%), CC22 (2.5%), CC398 (2.5%) and CC1 (0.8%). Conclusion CC5/ST125/t067 lineage was the most frequent. This lineage was related to aminoglycoside resistance, and to a lesser extent, with macrolide resistance. The presence of international clones as EMRSA-15 (CC22/ST22), European clones as CC5/ST228, community clones related to CC1 or CC8 and livestock associated clones, as CC398, were observed in a low percentage

Study of the anticancer properties of optically active titanocene oximato compounds

New water soluble and optically active cyclopentadienyl titanium derivatives [(¿5-C5H5)2Ti{(1R, 4S)-¿ON, (R)NH}Cl] (R = Bn (Benzyl) 1a’, 2-pic (2-picolylamine) 1b’) have been synthesized. The novel compounds along with those previously described [(¿5-C5H5)2Ti{(1S, 4R)-¿ON, (R)NH}Cl] (R = Bn 1a, 2-pic 1b) were evaluated by polarimetry, ultra-violet and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The structure of 1b was determined by single crystal X-ray crystallography and showed a unique terminal monohapto Ti–O disposition of the oximato ligand. All enantiomers have been tested against several cancer cell lines in vitro: prostate PC-3 and DU-145, lung A-549, pancreas MiaPaca-2, colorectal HCT-116, leukemia Jurkat and cervical HeLa. In addition, 1a, 1b and 1b’ were tested against non-tumorigenic prostate RWPE-1 cell line. After 24 h of incubation, 1b and 1b’ were moderately active against Jurkat and A-549 cells. The anti-proliferative effect of titanium compounds on prostate PC-3, DU-145 and RWPE-1 cell lines was also assessed after 72 h of drug exposure. The cytotoxic profile of the enantiomers was similar, exception made for the PC-3 cells, with S, R-isomers exhibiting cytotoxicities 2 to 3 times higher than R, S-compounds. Under these conditions, derivative 1b showed calculated IC50 values better than those of Tacke''s Titanocene-Y (bis-[(p-methoxybenzyl)cyclopentadienyl]titanium(IV) dichloride) on both the prostate PC-3 and DU-145 cells. 1a and 1b cytotoxic behaviour shows certain selectiveness, with activities 2–4 times lower on normal prostate RWPE-1 than on cancer PC-3 cells. Furthermore, 1b produces higher cytotoxicity on prostate PC-3, DU-145 and RWPE-1 cells than the additive dose of titanocene dichloride and pro-ligand b·HCl. Additionally, compound-DNA interactions have been investigated by equilibrium dialysis, Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) melting assays and viscometric titrations, which suggest that these metal complexes and/or their hydrolysis products bind DNA either in the minor groove or externally

A Specialized Polythioamide‐Binding Protein Confers Antibiotic Self‐Resistance in Anaerobic Bacteria

Understanding antibiotic resistance mechanisms is central to the development of anti‐infective therapies and genomics‐based drug discovery. Yet, many knowledge gaps remain regarding the resistance strategies employed against novel types of antibiotics from less‐explored producers such as anaerobic bacteria, among them the Clostridia. Through the use of genome editing and functional assays, we found that CtaZ confers self‐resistance against the copper chelator and gyrase inhibitor closthioamide (CTA) in Ruminiclostridium cellulolyticum . Bioinformatics, biochemical analyses, and X‐ray crystallography revealed CtaZ as a founding member of a new group of GyrI‐like proteins. CtaZ is unique in binding a polythioamide scaffold in a ligand‐optimized hydrophobic pocket, thereby confining CTA. By genome mining using CtaZ as a handle, we discovered previously overlooked homologs encoded by diverse members of the phylum Firmicutes, including many pathogens. In addition to characterizing both a new role for a GyrI‐like domain in self‐resistance and unprecedented thioamide binding, this work aids in uncovering related drug‐resistance mechanisms

Biological evaluation of water soluble arene Ru(II) enantiomers with amino-oxime ligands

New water soluble, enantiopure arene ruthenium compound SRuSN-(1R, 4S)-[(¿6-p-cymene)Ru{¿NH(Bn), ¿NOH}Cl]Cl (Bn = benzyl, 1a') has been synthesized. The novel compound along with that previously described RRuRN-(1S, 4R)-[(¿6-p-cymene)Ru{¿NH(Bn), ¿NOH}Cl]Cl (1a) was evaluated by polarimetry, ultra-violet and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The structure of novel ruthenium derivative 1a' was determined by single crystal X-ray crystallography. Both enantiomers have been tested against several cancer cell lines in vitro: prostate PC-3, lung A-549, pancreas MIA PaCa-2, colorectal HCT-116, leukemia Jurkat and cervical HeLa. Both enantiomers are active and versatile cytotoxic agents, showing IC50 values from 2 to 12 times lower than those found for cisplatin in the different cell lines evaluated. The mechanism of cell death induced by the metal compounds was analyzed in A-549 and Jurkat cell lines. Derivatives 1a and 1a' induced apoptotic cell death of A-549 cells while dose-dependent cell death mechanisms have been found in the Jurkat cell line. Compound-DNA interactions have been investigated by equilibrium dialysis, Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) melting assays and viscometric titrations, revealing moderate binding affinity of 1a and 1a' towards duplex DNA. Finally, the efficacy of 1a in a preliminary in vivo assay of PC-3 xenografts in nude mice has been evaluated, resulting in a promising inhibition of tumor growth by 45%. Analysis of tumor tissue also showed a significant decrease of levels of crucial molecules in the invasive phenotype of PC-3 cells

Direct identification of clinical pathogens from liquid culture media by MALDI-TOF MS analysis

Objectives: We propose using MALDI-TOF MS as a tool for identifying microorganisms directly from liquid cultures after enrichment of the clinical sample in the media, to obtain a rapid microbiological diagnosis and an adequate administration of the antibiotic therapy in a clinical setting. Methods: To evaluate this approach, a series of quality control isolates were grown in thioglycollate (TG) broth and brain heart infusion (BHI) broth and extracted under four different protocols before finally being identified by MALDI-TOF MS. After establishing the best extraction protocol, we validated the method in a total of 300 liquid cultures (150 in TG broth and 150 in BHI broth) of different types of clinical samples obtained from two tertiary Spanish hospitals. Results: The initial evaluation showed that the extraction protocol including a 5 minute sonication step yielded 100% valid identifications, with an average score value of 2.305. In the clinical validation of the procedure, 98% of the microorganisms identified from the TG broth were correctly identified relative to 97% of those identified from the BHI broth. In 24% of the samples analysed, growth by direct sowing was only successful in the liquid medium, and no growth was observed in the direct solid agar cultures. Conclusions: Use of MALDI-TOF MS plus the sonication-based extraction method enabled direct and accurate identification of microorganisms in liquid culture media in 15 minutes, in contrast to the 24 hours of subculture required for conventional identification, allowing the administration of a targeted antimicrobial therapy