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The following paper is a qualitative study of the way Kanak cultural activists in New Caledonia perceive the impact of globalisation on their linguistic communities. The data has been gathered from sixteen questionnaires and analysed thematically. The participants all connected globalisation to colonisation, and perceived both as processes disturbing the balance of their communities. This ultimately seems to result in a process of language shift that replaces traditional Melanesian 'reciprocal' multilingualism (Jourdan, 2007) with French monolingualism, through a brief bilingual phase. • Language shift is perceived as being the result of social disturbances. • Traditional Melanesian multilingualism is being replaced by bilingualism with one native language and French. • Bilingualism appears as a first step towards monolingualism in the hegemonic language. • Decolonisation processes do not seem to address issues of cultural hegemony at a daily level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Phytophagous insects have evolved traits that help them avoid predation risks, traits that may be affected by characteristics of the host plant. Since most phytophagous insects have narrow host ranges, we expect differences in risk avoidance between plant-specialized populations of several closely related insect lineages. To test this hypothesis, we used the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum), which forms a complex of about 15 biotypes, each adapted to one or a few species of legume plants (Fabaceae). We examined the differences in defensive behaviors of 38 clones from 13 distinct plant-specialized biotypes of pea aphids. We exposed mature aphids to simulated breath of a mammalian herbivore, a cue that causes part of the aphids in a colony to immediately drop off the plant to avoid incidental ingestion during mammal feeding. Dropping tendency varied substantially between biotypes (15–93% average rates). Dropping rates of a certain biotype of aphid reflected their host's palatability to mammalian herbivores, with ∼80–90% rates in fodder and pasture plants and ∼15–40% dropping in inedible plants. The dropping tendency showed no correlation with walking ability (tarsal & body length), nor with the tendency to escape in response to the alarm pheromone released by conspecifics in response to arthropod enemies. The specialization on a specific host plant brings with it particular selective pressures, and it seems that the palatability of the plants to mammals promotes behavioral divergence between biotypes, reinforcing diversification through ecological divergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gao et al. report that the observed reduction in adipose lipolysis with age in women could be explained by an upregulation of the catecholamine-degradation pathway in subcutaneous adipocytes. However, in contrast to findings in mice, these pathways are enriched in adipocytes and not in immune cells, suggesting species-specific differences in aging mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the tools and processes that are used to inform decisions makers on the long-term challenges raised by energy transition, numerical models are at the forefront. Whether led at the global, continental, country or local level, they help projecting the future operational conditions of our energy systems. However the possibility of addressing the sustainability challenge by changes in our lifestyles rather than technical solutions often remains outside the scope of such models whereas lifestyles contain a set of key determinants of mobility, housing, spatial planning or the organization terms of the productive sectors (industry, agriculture, services). Energy is not consumed for itself and understanding how the future demand of energy services could be framed is an important issue. This paper makes proposals to improve the consideration of lifestyles in the quantitative foresight exercises. Our methodology includes the development of a statistical model of the dynamic of changes in lifestyle patterns to derive energy service demands. The use of this model provides a more coherent framework for the formulation of lifestyle change scenarios. A set of three lifestyles anticipated for France are then designed and discussed up to 2072. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural defects within Ta 2 O 5 monoclinic structures were obtained by crystallisation at 850 °C in atmosphere O 2 –H 2 O of amorphous thin films deposited by injection metal-organic chemical vapour deposition (i-MOCVD) on Si substrates. These defects, observed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), contain alignments of Ta 5+ vacancies along a crystallographic direction [001]. H 2 O gas of different partial pressures was obtained by bubbling O 2 gas through deionised water or Na 2 CO 3 –K 2 CO 3 aqueous solution maintained at different temperatures in a range of 25–45 °C. The amount of structural defects increases dramatically with H 2 O partial pressure and annealing time from HRTEM observations and X-ray diffraction results. Such defects are thermally stable, at least up to 850 °C. Using Na 2 CO 3 –K 2 CO 3 aqueous solution, similar structural defects including mainly K + species were formed. Na + species contributes mostly to the formation of another phase of composition close to (Na 0.8 K 0.2 ) 2 Ta 4 O 11 of natrotantite type structure. Assuming that Ta 5+ vacancies are occupied by H + in a form of bridging hydroxyl groups Ta–OH–Ta in order to satisfy electrical neutrality, the presence of significant levels of hydrogen atoms within Ta 2 O 5 concordant with H enrichment at defects was identified by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whatever the exposure route, chemical, physical and biological pollutants modify the whole organism response, leading to nerve, cardiac, respiratory, reproductive, and skin system pathologies. Skin acts as a barrier for preventing pollutant modifications. This review aims to present the available scientific models, which help investigate the impact of pollution on the skin. The research question was "Which experimental models illustrate the impact of pollution on the skin in humans?" The review covered a period of 10 years following a PECO statement on in vitro , ex vivo , in vivo and in silico models. Of 582 retrieved articles, 118 articles were eligible. In oral and inhalation routes, dermal exposure had an important impact at both local and systemic levels. Healthy skin models included primary cells, cell lines, co-cultures, reconstructed human epidermis, and skin explants. In silico models estimated skin exposure and permeability. All pollutants affected the skin by altering elasticity, thickness, the structure of epidermal barrier strength, and dermal extracellular integrity. Some specific models concerned wound healing or the skin aging process. Underlying mechanisms were an exacerbated inflammatory skin reaction with the modulation of several cytokines and oxidative stress responses, ending with apoptosis. Pathological skin models revealed the consequences of environmental pollutants on psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and tumour development. Finally, scientific models were used for evaluating the safety and efficacy of potential skin formulations in preventing the skin aging process or skin irritation after repeated contact. The review gives an overview of scientific skin models used to assess the effects of pollutants. Chemical and physical pollutants were mainly represented while biological contaminants were little studied. In future developments, cell hypoxia and microbiota models may be considered as more representative of clinical situations. Models considering humidity and temperature variations may reflect the impact of these changes. [Display omitted] • Environmental pollutants induced skin damage. • Skin models assessing the effects of pollutants. • Skin, an imperfect protective physiological barrier against environmental stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Interaction between structural change and climate change mitigation with Multi-Sectoral IAMs. • Model inter-comparison on structural effects in baseline and 2 °C scenario. • Drivers of contrasted structural change futures. • Mitigation policy induces 'second-order' macro-structural impacts. • More radical changes for individual industries notably in the energy sector. This paper analyses structural change in the economy as a key but largely unexplored aspect of global socio-economic and climate change mitigation scenarios. Structural change can actually drive energy and land use as much as economic growth and influence mitigation opportunities and barriers. Conversely, stringent climate policy is bound to induce specific structural and socio-economic transformations that are still insufficiently understood. We introduce Multi-Sectoral macroeconomic Integrated Assessment Models as tools to capture the key drivers of structural change and we conduct a multi-model study to assess main structural effects – changes of the sectoral composition and intensity of trade of global and regional economies – in a baseline and 2°C policy scenario by 2050. First, the range of baseline projections across models, for which we identify the main drivers, illustrates the uncertainty on future economic pathways – in emerging economies especially – and inform on plausible alternative futures with implications for energy use and emissions. Second, in all models, climate policy in the 2°C scenario imposes only a second-order impact on the economic structure at the macro-sectoral level – agriculture, manufacturing and services - compared to changes modelled in the baseline. However, this hides more radical changes for individual industries – within the energy sector especially. The study, which adopts a top-down framing of global structural change, represents a starting point to kick-start a conversation and propose a new research agenda seeking to improve understanding of the structural change effects in socio-economic and mitigation scenarios, and better inform policy assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aging process, especially of the skin, is governed by changes in the epidermal, dermo-epidermal, and dermal compartments. Type I collagen, which is the major component of dermis extracellular matrix (ECM), constitutes a prime target for intrinsic and extrinsic aging-related alterations. In addition, under the aging process, pro-inflammatory signals are involved and collagens are fragmented owing to enhanced matrix metalloproteinase activities, and fibroblasts are no longer able to properly synthesize collagen fibrils. Here, we demonstrated that low levels of type I collagen detected in aged skin fibroblasts are attributable to an inhibition of COL1A1 transcription. Indeed, on one hand, we observed decreased binding activities of specific proteins 1 and 3, CCAAT-binding factor, and human collagen-Krüppel box, which are well-known COL1A1 transactivators acting through the −112/−61-bp promoter sequence. On the other hand, the aging process was accompanied by elevated amounts and binding activities of NF-κB (p65 and p50 subunits), together with an increased number of senescent cells. The forced expression of NF-κB performed in young fibroblasts was able to establish an old-like phenotype by repressing COL1A1 expression through the short −112/−61-bp COL1A1 promoter and by elevating the senescent cell distribution. The concomitant decrease of transactivator functions and increase of transinhibitor activity is responsible for ECM dysfunction, leading to aging/senescence in dermal fibroblasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcriptional mechanisms regulating type I collagen genes expression in physiopathological situations are not completely known. In this study, we have investigated the role of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcription factor on type I collagen expression in adult normal human (ANF) and scleroderma (SF) fibroblasts. We demonstrated that NF-κB, a master transcription factor playing a major role in immune response/apoptosis, down-regulates COL1A1 expression by a transcriptional control involving the -112/-61 bp sequence. This 51-bp region mediates the action of two zinc fingers, Sp1 (specific protein-1) and Sp3, acting as trans-activators of type I collagen expression in ANF and SF. Knockdown of each one of these trans factors by siRNA confirmed the trans-activating effect of Sp1/Sp3 and the p65 subunit of NF-κB trans-inhibiting effect on COL1A1 expression. Despite no existing κB consensus sequence in the COL1A1 promoter, we found that Sp1/Sp3/c-Krox and NF-κB bind and/or are recruited on the proximal promoter in chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. Attempts to elucidate whether interactions between Sp1/Sp3/c-Krox and p65 are necessary to mediate the NF-κB inhibitory effect on COL1A1 in ANF and SF were carried out; in this regard, immunoprecipitation assays revealed that they interact, and this was validated by re-ChIP. Finally, the knockdown of Sp1/Sp3/c-Krox prevents the p65 inhibitory effect on COL1A1 transcription in ANF, whereas only the siRNAs targeting Sp3 and c-Krox provoked the same effect in SF, suggesting that particular interactions are characteristic of the scleroderma phenotype. In conclusion, our findings highlight a new mechanism for COL1A1 transcriptional regulation by NF-κB, and these data could allow the development of new antifibrotic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: As a result of the stagnation of commercial fishery landings, aquaculture activities are expected to increase over the next decades to match the growing demand for marine protein. Overall, it is expected that the aquaculture sector could reduce some of the fishing pressure applied to wild stocks. However, this development is likely to be limited by the availability of key aquaculture inputs, specifically fishmeal and fish oil products (FMFOP). Aquaculture provided 60 % (fish meal) and 80 % (fish oil) of the world total consumption of these products in 2007. FMFOP are generally derived from small pelagic fish species, but can also be derived from other sources. Identifying the origin of FMFOP is crucial to understanding the effects of this new pressure on marine social-ecological systems. Two factors are of particular importance in the reduction sector transforming wild fish into fishmeal or fish oil: the two “conversion ratios” (i.e. the ratio between the quantity of wild fish harvested and the resulting quantity of FMFOP, and the ratio between the quantity of FMFOP and aquaculture production), and the type of raw material used by the reduction sector. Based on trade and production databases from FAO and the International Fishmeal and Fish oil Organisation (IFFO), this paper proposes an approach to identify the origin of FMFOP. It shows that whereas different countries use different pelagic resources to produce FMFOP, other countries use non-pelagic sources, and some countries use pelagic resources for human consumption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Background & aims: Assessment of dietary intake using a 3-day dietary record may delay the management of undernutrition. Methods allowing a quick estimation of dietary intake are needed. We aimed to determine the feasibility of assessing dietary intake using two 10-point verbal (AVeS) and visual (AViS) analogue scales, to assess the correlations of both scales with energy intake, and to determine the accuracy of AVeS for assessing undernutrition. Methods: We prospectively recruited 114 patients undernourished or nutritionally at-risk in two French University Hospitals. Undernutrition was defined as a Nutritional Risk Index <97.5. AVeS and AViS were performed by one interviewer and mean daily energy intake was calculated from 3-day dietary records by one dietician. Results: The feasibility of AVeS and AViS was 98% and 96%, respectively. Both verbal and visual scales were statistically correlated with calculated energy intake (ρ =0.66 and ρ =0.74, P <0.0001), especially in undernourished patients (ρ =0.82, P <0.0001, for AVeS). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of an AVeS score less than 7 for assessing undernutrition were 57%, 81%, 86% and 46%, respectively. Conclusion: AVeS and AViS could be used for a quick assessment of dietary intake in clinical practice, particularly in undernourished in-patients. Thus, both verbal and visual analogue scales could be particularly useful for the management of hospital undernutrition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Despite several investigations, the transcriptional mechanisms that regulate the expression of both type I collagen genes (COL1A1 and COL1A2) in either physiological or pathological situations, such as scleroderma, are not completely known. We have investigated the role of hc-Krox transcription factor on type I collagen expression by human dermal fibroblasts. hc-Krox exerted a stimulating effect on type I collagen protein synthesis and enhanced the corresponding mRNA steady-state levels of COL1A1 and COL1A2 in foreskin fibroblasts (FF), adult normal fibroblasts (ANF), and scleroderma fibroblasts (SF). Forced hc-Krox expression was found to up-regulate COL1A1 transcription through a –112/–61-bp sequence in FF, ANF, and SF. Knockdown of hc-Krox by short interfering RNA and decoy strategies confirmed the transactivating effect of hc-Krox and decreased substantially COL1A1 transcription levels in all fibroblast types. The –112/–61-bp sequence bound specifically hc-Krox but also Sp1 and CBF. Attempts to elucidate the potential interactions between hc-Krox, Sp1, and Sp3 revealed that all of them co-immunoprecipitate from FF cellular extracts when a c-Krox antibody was used and bind to the COL1A1 promoter in chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Moreover, hc-Krox DNA binding activity to its COL1A1-responsive element is increased in SF, cells producing higher amounts of type I collagen compared with ANF and FF. These data suggest that the regulation of COL1A1 gene transcription in human dermal fibroblasts involves a complex machinery that implicates at least three transcription proteins, hc-Krox, Sp1, and Sp3, which could act in concert to up-regulate COL1A1 transcriptional activity and provide evidence for a pro-fibrotic role of hc-Krox. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities has recently become a high priority in the international fisheries management agenda. While a number of academic contributions have sought to improve the understanding of the problem, most remain limited in scope. To help policy makers obtain a more comprehensive picture of the situation, the OECD Committee for Fisheries recently completed a study addressing the full economic dimensions of IUU fishing in an integrated manner. This paper presents the analytical framework developed by the OECD as well as some of the key results of the study regarding the causes of and the potential solutions to this widespread problem. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The main objectives of fisheries management are generally similar throughout the world. These are often stated in policy documents such as the Common Fisheries Policy and the Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. However, at the local level often the key objectives of management are more detailed, characterised by both the overriding management structure and the status and type of fishery concerned. In this paper, we consider case study fisheries from the UK, France, Spain and Denmark to compare some of the various types of fisheries and fisheries management systems that exist in the European Union. From this, we define the key objectives for each management system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

When developing new cosmetics, it is extremely important to consider the safety of consumers. Absence of potential irritancy is generally assessed using an OECD TG439 compliant Reconstructed Human Epidermis (RHE) systems and MTT assays, resulting in an irritant/not irritant classification. To gain insight into the irritancy of molecules/finished cosmetic products and to predict the outcome of irritation tests performed on subjects whatever their nature, we developed a test that uses skin explants and histological analysis. Results showed that this irritation test is sensitive enough to accurately and repeatably detect known irritants. If the diverse origin of the skin explants used led to variability in the histological alterations scored, the overall grading of irritancy is highly reproducible. Finally, when testing 120 non-alcoholic cosmetics of various galenic forms, comparison of data between the ex vivo irritation tests and of a 24-/48-h human patch test revealed a single false negative, very close to the limit, and a 10% false positive rate. It was not possible to calculate the sensitivity of the ex vivo irritation test; however, its specificity was 89.9% and its accuracy was 89.1%. Similar results, with a slightly higher false positive rate, were found when testing 49 alcoholic cosmetics. These values exceed the minimum requirements of OECD TG439. • We developed an irritation test using skin explants and histological analysis. • The test is sensitive enough to accurately and repeatably detect known irritants. • Despite diverse origin of explants, grading of irritancy is highly reproducible. • Comparison to human patch test, shows high specificity and accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction et but de l’étude: Chez des patients hospitalisés à risque nutritionnel, une échelle verbale de quantification des ingestas est fortement corrélés aux apports énergétiques totaux (AET) (ESPEN 2006). Cependant ni l’échelle verbale ni une échelle visuelle n’ont été évaluées chez des patients dénutris. Les objectifs étaient, chez des patients dénutris, 1) d’évaluer si les échelles analogiques verbale (EVA) et visuelle (EVI) de quantification des ingesta étaient réalisables, corrélés entre elles, et avec les apports énergétiques totaux (AET), et 2) de déterminer si l’échelle verbale était un outil sensible pour dépister la dénutrition. Matériel et méthodes: 115 patients (70 H, âge 55±13 ans, IMC 21,9±4,5) ont été inclus dans les CHU de Nantes et de Nice ; 62 % (n=71) étaient hospitalisés et 61 % avaient une pathologie digestive. L’EVI et l’EVA (de 0 à 10) étaient réalisées chez, respectivement, 112/115 (97 %) et 47/115 (41 %) patients par deux interviewers et les AET quantifiés sur 3 jours par trois diététiciennes. L’index de Buzby (NRI) a été calculé chez 101/115 (88 %) : 69/101 (68 %) patients étaient dénutris. Les corrélations statistiques (tableau) ont été déterminées par le coefficient r de Spearman. Résultats: EVI et EVA étaient fortement corrélées (r=0,90, P<0,0001). L’EVI était significativement inférieure chez les patients dénutris (6,8±2,6 vs 7,9±2,0, P=0,006). La sensibilité, la spécificité, la valeur prédictive positive et la valeur prédictive négative d’une EVI <7 pour le diagnostic de la dénutrition étaient respectivement : 57 %, 81 %, 86 % et 47 %. Conclusions: Cette étude démontre qu’une échelle visuelle de quantification des ingesta est facile d’utilisation, et bien corrélée à l’échelle verbale et aux AET chez les sujets dénutris. Du fait d’une spécificité et d’une valeur prédictive positive supérieurs à 80 %, l’EVI apparaît comme un outil complémentaire pour le dépistage de la dénutrition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract Radiation-induced mucositis is a common toxicity, especially in patients with head and neck cancers. Despite recent technological advances in radiation therapy, such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy, radiation-induced mucositis is still causing treatment disruptions, negatively affecting patients’ long and short term quality of life, and impacting medical resources use with economic consequences. The objective of this article was to review the latest updates in the management of radiation-induced mucositis, with a focus on pharmaceutical strategies for the prevention or treatment of mucositis. Although numerous studies analysing the prevention and management of oral radiation-induced mucositis have been conducted, there are still few reliable data to guide daily clinical practice. Furthermore, most of the tested drugs have shown no (anti-inflammatory cytokine, growth factors) or limited (palifermin) effect. Therapies for acute oral mucositis are predominantly focused on improving oral hygiene and providing symptoms control. Although low-level laser therapy proved efficient in preventing radiation-induced oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer, this intervention requires equipment and trained medical staff, and is therefore insufficiently developed in clinical routine. New effective pharmacological agents able to prevent or reverse radio-induced mucositis are required. Résumé La radiomucite est une toxicité fréquemment rencontrée chez les patients pris en charge par radiothérapie pour un cancer de la tête et du cou. Malgré l’avènement de la radiothérapie avec modulation d’intensité (RCMI), la radiomucite reste un effet secondaire fréquent, qui altère la qualité de vie des patients à court et long termes, et nécessite parfois des interruptions de traitement. L’objectif de ce travail était d’effectuer une synthèse de la littérature portant sur la prévention non dosimétrique et la RCMI. Même si nombreuses études ont étudié la prise en charge de la radiomucite orale, peu de données sont transférables aux patients. Par ailleurs, la plupart des molécules testées ont montré soit une efficacité limitée (palifermine), soit une absence d’efficacité (cytokines anti-inflammatoires, facteurs de croissance). Finalement, le traitement de la radiomucite orale repose principalement sur l’amélioration de l’hygiène buccodentaire et sur la prise en charge symptomatique. Le laser de basse énergie a démontré une efficacité dans des stratégies préventives, mais son coût et l’expertise nécessaire expliquent probablement sa faible disponibilité en routine. Le développement d’agents pharmacologiques pouvant prévenir ou traiter la radiomucite demeure une priorité. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IL-20 is involved in the development of skin psoriasis. The molecular mechanisms underlying IL-20 overexpression in psoriatic epidermis remain to be elucidated. We showed that IL-20 was primarily upregulated in psoriatic skin at the post-transcriptional level. The RNA-binding protein HuR relocalized to the cytoplasm of keratinocytes (KCs) of psoriatic patients, suggesting that it stabilizes numerous transcripts, as observed in the human KC cell lines used to assess IL-20 mRNA. We characterized epidermal HuR RNA targets in psoriatic skin using ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation analyzed via high-throughput sequencing. Numerous transcripts that are upregulated in psoriasis were targeted by HuR, supporting the participation of HuR in pathogenic processes such as morphological changes, innate and adaptive immune responses, and metabolic inflammatory responses. Finally, we identified the metabolic sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) as being responsible for HuR cytoplasmic relocalization because its activity was severely impaired in human psoriatic epidermis, and in vivo drug-mediated AMPK inhibition in mouse epidermis promoted HuR cytoplasmic localization, IL-20 overproduction, acanthosis, and hyperkeratosis. These results provide insights into the molecular links between metabolism and post-transcriptional networks during chronic inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This work is part of a project for evaluating catastrophic tank failures caused by impacts with a high-speed solid body. Previous studies on shock overpressure and drag events have provided analytical predictions, but they are not sufficient to explain ejection of liquid from the tank. This study focuses on the hydrodynamic behavior of the liquid after collision to explain subsequent ejection of liquid. The study is characterized by use of high-velocity projectiles and analysis of projectile dynamics in terms of energy loss to tank contents. New tests were performed at two projectile velocities (963 and 1255ms−1) and over a range of viscosities (from 1 to 23.66mPas) of the target liquid. Based on data obtained from a high-speed video recorder, a phenomenological description is proposed for the evolution of intense pressure waves and cavitation in the target liquids. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Type II collagen is composed of α1(II) chains encoded by the COL2A1 gene. Alteration of this cartilage marker is a common feature of osteoarthritis. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that needs a soluble form of receptor called sIL-6R to exert its effects in some cellular models. In that case, sIL-6R exerts agonistic action. This mechanism can make up for the partial or total absence of membrane-anchored IL-6 receptors in some cell types, such as chondrocytes. Our study shows that IL-6, sIL-6R, or both inhibit type II collagen production by rabbit articular chondrocytes through a transcriptional control. The cytokine and/or sIL-6R repress COL2A1 transcription by a -63/-35 sequence that binds Sp1·Sp3. Indeed, IL-6 and/or sIL-6R inhibit Spi and Sp3 expression and their binding activity to the 63-bp promoter. In chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments, IL-6·sIL-6R induced an increase in Sp3 recruitment to the detriment of Spi. Knockdown of Sp1·Sp3 by small interference RNA and decoy strategies were found to prevent the IL-6- and/or sIL-6R-induced inhibition of COL2A1 transcription, indicating that each of these Sp proteins is required for down-regulation of the target gene and that a heterotypic Sp1·Sp3 complex is involved. Additionally, Spi was shown to interact with Sp3 and HDAC1. Indeed, overexpression of a full- length Sp3 cDNA blocked the Spi up-regulation of the 63-bp COL2A1 promoter activity, and by itself, inhibits COL2A1 transcription. We can conclude that IL-6, sIL-6R, or both in combination decrease both the Sp1·Sp3 ratio and DNA-binding activities, thus inhibiting COL2A1 transcription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ERF transcriptional repressor is a downstream effector of the RAS/ERK pathway that interacts with and is directly phosphorylated by ERKs in vivo and in vitro. This phosphorylation results in its cytoplasmic export and inactivation, although lack of ERK activity allows its immediate nuclear accumulation and repressor function. Nuclear ERFs arrest cell cycle progression in G1 and can suppress ras-dependent tumorigenicity. Here we provide evidence that ERF function is mediated by its ability to repress transcription of c-Myc. Promoter reporter assays indicate a DNA binding-dependent and repressor domain-dependent Myc transcriptional repression. Chromatin immunoprecipitations in primary cells suggest that ERF specifically binds on the c-Myc promoter in an E2F4/5-dependent manner and only under conditions that the physiological c-Myc transcription is stopped. Cellular systems overexpressing nuclear ERF exhibit reduced c-Myc mRNA and tumorigenic potential. Elimination of Erf in animal models results in increased c-Myc expression, whereas Erf-/- primary fibroblasts fail to down-regulate Myc in response to growth factor withdrawal. Finally, elimination of c-Myc in primary mouse embryo fibroblasts negates the ability of nuclear ERF to suppress proliferation. Thus Erf provides a direct link between the RAS/ERK signaling and the transcriptional regulation of c-Myc and suggests that RAS/ERK attenuation actively regulates cell fate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this work is to improve the knowledge of the shock-to-detonation transition of nitromethane. The study is based on a spectral analysis in the range 0.3–0.85 μm, with a 28-nm resolution, during experiments of plane shock impacts on explosive targets at 8.6 GPa. The time-resolved radiant spectra show that the detonation front, the reaction products produced during the superdetonation, and the detonation products are semitransparent. The temperature and absorption coefficient profiles are determined from the measured spectra by a mathematical inversion method based on the equation of radiative transfer with Rayleigh scattering regime. Shocked nitromethane reaches at least 2500 K, showing the existence of local chemical reactions after shock entrance. Levels of temperature of superdetonation and steady-state detonation are also determined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]