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Art can be applied as an educational tool for facilitating geoscience communication among young children and students. Consequently, tourism activities which include geotourism, can use art and artists to facilitate the communication of geoscience concepts and processes from the professional level to tourists, including children. This research aims to achieve three main Objectives (i) to study how geotourism activities can be applied for communicating geoscience and geoeducation purposes; (ii) to promote geotourism through the use of art, in particular handicrafts, as a communication tool; and (iii) to highlight geoproducts inspired by the ceramics industry and the existence of fossils in the province of Safi, Morocco. According to the results obtained from this study, the lack of significant work on the designing of geoproducts in Morocco represents both a challenge and an opportunity. The integration of geological elements and traditional art, as proposed in this study, could serve as an innovative strategy not only for improving the local economy but also for geoeducation and the popularization of geosciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet the objectives of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda and the African Union’s 2063 Agenda for inclusive and sustainable development, it is necessary to pay greater attention to development strategies that focus on geoheritage, particularly in the context of global climate change. Furthermore, the surge in scientific research within this domain attests to a growing interest in the preservation and valorization of geoheritage. The current study seeks to contribute to this dynamic by conducting an evaluation and valorization of the Jbel Irhoud geosite, the cradle of humanity that hosts the oldest remains of homosapiens globally. This site is included in the geoheritage inventory project of Youssoufia province within the administrative region of Marrakech-Safi. This research aims to develop indices for assessing tourism and educational values on scales from 1 to 10, using criteria covering the scientific, ecological, cultural, aesthetic, economic, and potential use aspects of a geosite. Given its geographical position and geological diversity, the study describes the high geoeducational and geotouristic potential of the Ighoud geosite that can be exploited to improve the living conditions of its population and accelerate sustainable local socio-economic development by creating new income-generating activities. This initiative is important in a region with high natural potential but facing a high rate of unemployment and difficult natural conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, the prevention or reduction of scale formed in the water desalination plant, using non-toxic inhibitors, is an important challenge. In this respect, the present research work aims at contributing to the promotion of Ocimum basilicum L. (basil) plant as a source of green, low-cost, and efficient scale inhibitors. Before evaluating the anti-scaling performance of the O. basilicum leaves aqueous extract (OBLAE), a toxicity study was performed by subacute oral administration in rats, and the phytochemical composition was determined using phytochemical screening, quantitative tests, and high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) analysis. A chemical approach is used to investigate the inhibition performance of basil extract against CaCO3 scale through conductivity and LCGE technique at 25 °C. Then, the scale inhibition mechanism is studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). To support the experimental results, Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations and the Monte Carlo (MC) simulation are performed. The subacute oral toxicity test of OBLAE in rats revealed no toxic effects at the doses investigated. A phytochemical study showed the presence of phenolics acids (p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, caffeic, and rosmarinic acids) and flavonoids (naringenin, rutin, quercetin, and kaempferol) in OBLAE. The LCGE findings proved that OBLAE shows a better anti-scaling activity, with an effective concentration of 48 mg L−1. This strong inhibition performance is mostly due to the chelation properties of the identified polyphenols in the extract. SEM micrographs and XRD diffractograms showed that the addition of a scale inhibitor results in an apparent change in the form and phases of scale. Furthermore, the adopted computational approach supports well the experimental outcomes. Hence, OBLAE could be valorized as a valuable source of green scale inhibitors at a low cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The first molecular evidence of a monogenic predisposition to mycobacteria came from the study of Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease (MSMD). We aimed to study this Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial diseases in Moroccan kindreds through clinical, immunological, and genetic analysis. Methods: Patients presented with clinical features of MSMD were recruited into this study. We used whole blood samples from patients and age-matched healthy controls. To measure IL-12 and IFN-γ production, samples were activated by BCG plus recombinant human IFN-γ or recombinant human IL-12. Immunological assessments and genetic analysis were also done for patients and their relatives. Results: Our study involved 22 cases from 15 unrelated Moroccan kindreds. The average age at diagnosis is 4 years. Fourteen patients (64%) were born to consanguineous parents. All patients were vaccinated with the BCG vaccine, and twelve of them (55%) developed locoregional or disseminated BCG infections. The other symptomatic patients had severe tuberculosis and/or recurrent salmonellosis. Genetic mutations were identified on the following genes: IL12RB1 in 8 patients, STAT1 in 7 patients; SPPL2A, IFNGR1, and TYK2 in two patients each; and TBX21 in one patient, with different modes of inheritance. All identified mutations/variants altered production or response to IFN-γ or both. Conclusion: Severe forms of tuberculosis and complications of BCG vaccination may imply a genetic predisposition present in the Moroccan population. In the presence of these infections, systematic genetic studies became necessary. BCG vaccination is contraindicated in MSMD patients and should be delayed in newborn siblings until the exclusion of a genetic predisposition to mycobacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel structure which aims to significantly reduce the mutual coupling between two planar patch antennas, radiating in the same frequency band of 7.5 GHz with the help of a novel absorber. The design is printed on a lossy FR-4 dielectric substrate (εr = 4.4, tanδ = 0.02) with an overall size of 60 × 40 × 1.5 mm3. The new absorbing unit cell consists of two complementary rectangular spiral resonators (CRSR) having three turns in each and coupled by a rectangular slot. This absorbing unit cell is etched on the backed plane of the ground of both patch antennas. Mutual coupling among both electromagnetic radiators has been reduced by 40 dB in the case of simulations, and 35 dB in the case of measurements at the resonant frequency of 7.5 GHz. Optimum measured directivity is more than 6 dBi after including the proposed slot coupled CRSR, whereas it is about 3.4 dBi before integrating the absorbing structure. So, there is 56.6% increase in the gain using the CRSR technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is part of a reflection process that aims to define and evaluate the most suitable places for the establishment of geotourism stations in M’Goun UNESCO Geopark. It uses a combined approach of multi-criteria decision-making systems, notably, the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method and the geographic information systems (GIS). This approach has been proven to be reliable in the evaluation of a large number of decision parameters and measures the influence of each one during decision-making. For this purpose, three evaluation parameters were used: natural parameters (slope, land use, aspect, and density of drainage), landscape parameters (geodiversity, visibility of geosites, accessibility, and proximity of geosites), and safety parameters (fire hazards and proximity to a locality). The main cartographic output of this study is a general synthesis map, generated following a decision-making process that includes the calculation of the criteria weight according to the AHP method and the integration of their weights into a GIS for aggregation. This synthesis map is a very valuable source for local authorities and services in charge of planning and management of the territory and for the development of geotourism activity in the M’Goun UNESCO Geopark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of the exhalation rate allows a classification of materials according to their potential risk of exposure to radon. The present study investigates the granulation effect on the radon exhalation rates from a phosphate sample. The phosphate sample was sieved into different grain size dimensions ranging from < 0.063 to > 2 mm. The exhalation rate of each fraction was measured using the accumulation method. The radon exhalation rate was found to decrease with an increase in grain size above 0.125 mm. The influence of grain size on uranium content was also studied using the autoradiography method. The uranium concentration increased for the smallest grains (< 0.25 mm), reached a maximum for the grains (0.25–0.5 mm), and decreased for the larger grains (> 0.5 mm). The measured values of radon exhalation rates are under the limits reported worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geodiversity is an essential parameter in the creation and development of a region's geotourism activities. In order to quantify abiotic elements, it is necessary to establish geodiversity assessment tools. This may provide effective means of land management and protection of natural geoheritage, as well as setting geoconservation priorities. Our work aims to quantitatively assess geodiversity in the M'Goun UNESCO Geopark by applying two methods. The first is based on the quantification and sum of four geodiversity components: geological diversity (rocks, minerals, and fossils), geomorphodiversity (topography and landforms), pedodiversity (soils), and hydrodiversity (surface water and groundwater) through a grid superimposed on the various thematic maps of the M'Goun Geopark. The second method consists of a multi-criteria hierarchical analysis technique to identify the weights of each sub-element (rocks, minerals, fossils, topography, landforms, surface water, groundwater, and soils) in the calculation of the geodiversity index. Both methods used in this study have shown the richness and distribution of geodiversity elements throughout the M'Goun Geopark territory and also provide valuable information on areas with a high geodiversity index, which can help geopark managers to establish geoconservation strategies for the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Targeting membrane proteins could improve the efficacy of T cell–based immunotherapies. To facilitate the identification of T cell targets, we developed a hybrid genetic screening system where the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon and single guide RNA cassette are nested in an adeno-associated virus (AAV). SB-mediated genomic integration of the single guide RNA cassette enables efficient gene editing in primary murine T cells as well as a screen readout. We performed in vivo AAV–SB-CRISPR screens for membrane protein targets in CD8+ T cells in mouse models of glioblastoma (GBM). We validated screen hits by demonstrating that adoptive transfer of CD8+ T cells with Pdia3, Mgat5, Emp1 or Lag3 gene editing enhances the survival of GBM-bearing mice in both syngeneic and T-cell receptor transgenic models. Transcriptome profiling, single cell sequencing, cytokine assays and T cell signaling analysis showed that Pdia3 editing in T cells enhances effector functions. Engineered PDIA3 mutant EGFRvIII chimeric antigen T cells are more potent in antigen-specific killing of human GBM cells. A hybrid AAV–transposon CRISPR approach enables large-scale in vivo screens in T cells and identifies potential targets for immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel mathematical models of three different repressilator topologies are introduced. As designable transcription factors have been shown to bind to DNA non-cooperatively, we have chosen models containing non-cooperative elements. The extended topologies involve three additional transcription regulatory elements—which can be easily implemented by synthetic biology—forming positive feedback loops. This increases the number of variables to six, and extends the complexity of the equations in the model. To perform our analysis we had to use combinations of modern symbolic algorithms of computer algebra systems Mathematica and Singular. The study shows that all the three models have simple dynamics that can also be called regular behaviour: they have a single asymptotically stable steady state with small amplitude damping oscillations in the 3D case and no oscillation in one of the 6D cases and damping oscillation in the second 6D case. Using the program QeHopf we were able to exclude the presence of Hopf bifurcation in the 3D system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Origins of all hearing impairment forms may be divided into genetic mutations and acquired influence. Both carry damage to the inner ear structure resulting in a mild to profound dysfunction of the auditory system. The purpose of this study was to assess the different etiologies of deafness in two reference centers for hearing-impaired children in Nouakchott/Mauritania. Data on gender, age, consanguinity, etiology and family history of deafness were gathered by interviewing the custodians of 139 children with hearing loss. DNA of pupils with hereditary non-syndromic deafness was then screened for GJB2 mutations by sequencing methods. Postnatal hearing loss was found in 36 (25.8 %) out of the 139 children surveyed. The main etiologies of this group were infections caused by meningitis (12.9 %) and measles (2.8 %). Unknown and ototoxic origins accounted for, respectively, 5.7 and 3.5 %. In 103 (74.1 %) children, deafness was identified near after the time of birth and, therefore, presumed as congenital. 56.8 % of deaf children had consanguineous parents. Two GJB2 mutations, c.del35G with an allele frequency of 4.7 % and R32C (3.7 %) were detected. Infections such as meningitis and measles were the most prevalent causes of postnatal deafness. In cases of congenital hearing impairment, two GJB2 allele variants, i.e., del35G and R32C (3.7 %) were detected. Extended genetic testing is recommended for a more comprehensive determination of congenital causes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients off erlotinib therapy, positron emission tomography (PET) using [C]erlotinib distinguished epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations from wild-type EGFR. However, tumor uptake of [C]erlotinib during erlotinib therapy is unknown. Therefore, the aims of this study were to evaluate tumor [C]erlotinib uptake in NSCLC patients both on and off erlotinib therapy, to evaluate the effect of erlotinib therapy on tumor perfusion and its correlation to tumor [C]erlotinib uptake, and also, to investigate simplified uptake parameters using arterial and venous blood samples. Methods: Ten patients were to be scanned twice with a 1-2-week interval, i.e., on (E+) and off (E−) erlotinib therapy. Each procedure consisted of a low-dose CT scan, a 10-min dynamic [O]HO PET scan, and a 60-min dynamic [C]erlotinib PET scan with arterial and venous sampling at six time points. In patients(E+), the optimal compartment model was analyzed using Akaike information criterion. In patients(E−), the uptake parameter was the volume of distribution ( V), estimated by using metabolite-corrected plasma input curves based on image-derived input functions and discrete arterial and venous blood samples. Tumor blood flow (TBF) was determined by rate constant of influx (K1) of [O]HO using the 1T2k model and correlated with V and K1 values of [C]erlotinib. The investigated simplified parameters were standardized uptake value (SUV) and tumor-to-blood ratio (TBR) at 40-60 min pi interval. Results: Of the 13 patients included, ten were scanned twice. In patients(E+), [C]erlotinib best fitted the 2T4k model with V. In all patients, tumor V(E+) was lower than V(E−) (median V(E−) = 1.61, range 0.77-3.01; median V(E+) = 1.17, range 0.53-1.74; P = 0.004). Using [O]HO, five patients were scanned twice. TBF did not change with erlotinib therapy, TBF showed a positive trend towards correlation with [C]erlotinib K1, but not with V. TBR and TBR, using both arterial and venous sampling, correlated with V(E−) (all r >0.9, P < 0.001), while SUV did not. In patients off and on therapy, venous TBR underestimated arterial TBR by 26 ± 12 and 9 ± 9 %, respectively. Conclusions: In patients on erlotinib in therapeutic dose, tumor V decreases with high variability, independent of tumor perfusion. For simplification of [C]erlotinib PET scanning protocols, both arterial and venous TBR 40-60 min post injection can be used; however, arterial and venous TBR values should not be interchanged as venous values underestimate arterial values. Trial registration: Registered at the Netherlands Trial Registry: . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pan-African NE-SW elongated Bandja granitic pluton, located at the western part of the Pan-African belt in Cameroon, is a K-feldspar megacryst granite. It is emplaced in banded gneiss and its NW border underwent mylonitization. The magmatic foliation shows NE-SW and NNE-SSW strike directions with moderate to strong dip respectively in its northern and central parts. This mostly, ferromagnetic granite displays magnetic fabrics carried by magnetite and characterized by (i) magnetic foliation with best poles at 295/34, 283/33 and 35/59 respectively in its northern, central and southern parts and (ii) a subhorizontal magnetic lineation with best line at 37/8, 191/9 and 267/22 respectively in the northern, central and southern parts. Magnetic lineation shows an 'S' shape trend that allows to (1) consider the complete emplacement and deformation of the pluton during the Pan-African D and D events which occurred in the Pan-African belt in Cameroon and (2) reorganize Pan-African ages from Nguiessi Tchakam et al. () compared with those of the other granitic plutons in the belt as: 686 ±17 Ma (Rb/Sr) for D age of metamorphism recorded in gneiss; and the period between 604-557 Ma for D -D emplacement and deformation age of the granitic pluton in a dextral ENE-WSW shear movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Electrochemical oxidation considered to be among the best methods in waste water desalination and removing toxic metals and organic pesticides from wastewater like Methidathion.The objective of this work is to study the electrochemical oxidation of aqueous wastes containing Methidathion using boron doped diamond thin-film electrodes and SnO2, and to determine the calculated partial charge and frontier electron density parameters. Results: Electrolysis parameters such as current density, temperature, supporting electrolyte (NaCI) have been optimized. The influences of the electrode materials on methidathion degradation show that BDD is the best electrode material to oxidize this pesticide organophosphorous. Energetic cost has been determinate for all experiments. The results provide that 2% of NaCI, 60 mA cm-2and 25 °C like the optimized values to carry out the treatment. For BDD the achieved Chemical Oxidation Demand reduction was about 85 %, while for SnO2 it was about 73 %.The BDD anode appears to be the more promising one for the effective electrochemical treatment of methidathion. Finally the theoretical calculation was done by using the calculation program Gaussian 03W, they are a permit to identify the phenomena engaged near the electrode and to completely determine the structures of the products of electrochemical oxidation formed during the degradation and which they are not quantifiable in experiments because of their high reactivity. Conclusions: The comparison of the results relating to the two electrodes indicates that these materials have a power to reduce the quantity of the organic matter in the electrolyzed solution. But the speed of oxidation of these compounds is different according to the materials of the electrodes used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corrosion inhibition properties of horehound ( Marrubium vulgare L.) extract (HE) in 1 M hydrochloric acid medium was carried out using electrochemical methods (polarization curve and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy). Experiments were performed by concentration of the inhibitor and temperature effect. The results showed variation in inhibition performance of this plant extract. The Langmuir model was tested to describe the adsorption behavior of the inhibitor on the C38 steel surface. Some thermodynamic functions of dissolution processes were also determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inhibitive action of verbena essential oil (VEO) on the corrosion of mild Steel in 1 M HCl solutions in the temperature range 298 to 328 K was measured by use of the weight-loss method, potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Results showed that VEO inhibited corrosion of C38 steel in 1 M HCl solution and that inhibition efficiency increased with increasing concentration of inhibitor but decreased proportionally with temperature. Potentiodynamic polarization studies suggested VEO is a mixed-type inhibitor, with the anodic type predominating. Nyquist plots were depressed semicircles with their centre below the real axis. Adsorption of VEO by the C38 steel surface followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Kinetic data for dissolution were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buprofezin (2-tert-butylimino-3-isopropyl-5-phenyl-1,3,5-thiadiazinan-4-one) is identified as a commonly used chemical with satisfactory biological activities against sucking insect pests, but its disposal causes serious environmental problems. This pesticide was treated by an electrolysis system using a boron-doped diamond (BDD) as anode and platinum as cathode. A number of experiments were run on a laboratory scale and the results are presented. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) measurement during the processing permitted the evaluation of the kinetic of organic matter decay and the instantaneous current efficiency. Different operating conditions and factors affecting the treatment process including current density, conductive electrolyte, pH, concentration of buprofezin, and time of electrolysis were studied and optimized. The best obtained conditions for COD removal on the BDD anode to degrade buprofezin solutions (COD = 1,200 mg L) include operating at 60 mA cm and 25 ± 3 °C. The high efficiency of this technology can be explained in terms of the direct electrooxidation at the BDD surface and the oxidation carried out by hydroxyl radicals (OH) and other electro-generated oxidants (Cl, ClO). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lynch syndrome is an autosomal dominant cancer predisposition syndrome caused by germline mutations in one of the mismatch repair (MMR) genes: MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2. Clinically, Lynch syndrome is characterized by early onset (45 years) of colorectal cancer (CRC), as well as extra-colonic cancer. Male and female carriers of Lynch syndrome-associated mutations have different lifetime risks for CRC and in women endometrial cancer (EC) may be the most common tumor. Whenever Amsterdam criteria are not fulfilled, the currently recommended laboratory screening strategies involve microsatellite instability testing and immunohistochemistry staining of the tumor for the major MMR proteins. The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of MMR deficiencies in women diagnosed with EC who are at-risk for Lynch syndrome. Thirty women diagnosed with EC under the age of 50 years and/or women with EC and a first degree relative diagnosed with a Lynch syndrome-associated tumor were included. To assess MMR deficiencies four methods were used: multiplex PCR, Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism, Immunohistochemistry and Methylation Specific–Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification. Twelve (40%) patients with EC fulfilling one of the inclusion criteria had results indicative of MMR deficiency. The identification of 5 women with clear evidence of MMR deficiency and absence of either Amsterdam or Bethesda criteria among 10 diagnosed with EC under the age of 50 years reinforces previous suggestions by some authors that these women should be considered at risk and always screened for Lynch syndrome after informed consent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to link DNA methylation events occurring in cervical carcinomas to distinct stages of HPV-induced transformation. Methylation specific-multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA) analysis of cervical carcinomas revealed promoter methylation of 12 out of 29 tumour suppressor genes analysed, with MGMT being most frequently methylated (92%). Subsequently, consecutive stages of HPV16/18-transfected keratinocytes (n=11), ranging from pre-immortal to anchorage-independent phenotypes, were analysed by MS-MLPA. Whereas no methylation was evident in pre-immortal cells, progression to anchorage independence was associated with an accumulation of frequent methylation events involving five genes, all of which were also methylated in cervical carcinomas. TP73 and ESR1 methylation became manifest in early immortal cells followed by RARbeta and DAPK1 methylation in late immortal passages. Complementary methylation of MGMT was related to anchorage independence. Analysis of nine cervical cancer cell lines, representing the tumorigenic phenotype, revealed in addition to these five genes frequent methylation of CADM1, CDH13 and CHFR. In conclusion, eight recurrent methylation events in cervical carcinomas could be assigned to different stages of HPV-induced transformation. Hence, our in vitro model system provides a valuable tool to further functionally address the epigenetic alterations that are common in cervical carcinomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report model calculations on DNA single strands which describe the equilibrium dynamics and kinetics of hairpin formation and melting. Modeling is at the level of single bases. Strand rigidity is described in terms of simple polymer models; alternative calculations performed using the freely rotating chain and the discrete Kratky-Porod models are reported. Stem formation is modeled according to the Peyrard-Bishop-Dauxois Hamiltonian. The kinetics of opening and closing is described in terms of a diffusion-controlled motion in an effective free-energy landscape. Melting profiles, dependence of melting temperature on loop length, and kinetic time scales are in semiquantitative agreement with experimental data obtained from fluorescent DNA beacons forming poly(T) loops. Variation in strand rigidity is not sufficient to account for the large activation enthalpy of closing and the strong loop length dependence observed in hairpins forming poly(A) loops. Implications for modeling single strands of DNA or RNA are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given a multi-leveled image of size n × n, stored in a reconfigurable mesh computer of the same size one point per processing element (PE). In this paper, we propose a parallel algorithm for structural characterization of all the components of the image. The algorithm is based on the representation of component contour by straight line segments to reduce the volume of data processing. The resulted contours are simultaneously processed using the contour running approach. The pertinent data obtained after the component characterization are used in the filtering application and to develop an algorithm for the convex hull search for all the image components. Our algorithm is assigned to be implemented on a reconfigurable mesh computer and is of θ(1) time complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the neurological complications in hepatic encephalopathy is the impairment of motor coordination and function. Clinical signs of basal ganglia, cortico-spinal and cerebellar dysfunction have been commonly detected in these patients. We are studying the molecular bases of the alterations in motor coordination and function in hepatic encephalopathy. Hyperammonemia is considered the main factor responsible for the neurological alterations in patients with hepatic encephalopathy. Activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) induces locomotion in rats. Asa first step in our studies on the alterations in motor coordinationand function in hyperammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy we studiedwhether the control of motor function by mGluRs in the NAcc is altered in hyperammonemic rats. The locomotor activity induced by injection into the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) of DHPG, an agonist of group I mGluRs was significantly increased in hyperammonemic rats. Injectionof DHPG increased extracellular dopamine but not glutamate in the NAcc of control rats. In hyperammonemic rats DHPG-induced increase in dopamine was significantly reduced, and extracellular glutamate increased 6-fold. The content of mGluR 1 but not mGluR 5, is increased in the NAcc of hyperammonemic rats. Blockade of mGluR 1 completely prevented motor and neurochemical effects induced by DHPG. These results show that modulation of both motor function and extracellular concentration of neurotransmitters by mGluRs in the NAcc is altered in hyperammonemia. This may contribute to the alterations in motor function in hepatic encephalopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modelling DNA is useful for understanding its properties better but it is also challenging because many of these properties involve hundreds of base pairs or more, or time scales which are much longer than the time scales accessible to molecular dynamics. It is therefore necessary to develop models at a mesoscale, which include enough details to describe the properties of interest, for instance the biological sequence, while staying sufficiently simple and realistic. We discuss here two examples: a dynamical model to study the mechanical denaturation of DNA, which probes the sequence on various scales, and a model for the self assembly of DNA which describes the formation of hairpins and allows us to study its kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A xylose-fermenting bacterium of the family Enterobacteriaceae was isolated from olive mill wastewater. It converted xylose to ethanol with a yield of 0.19 g ethanol g-1 xylose. Although phenolic compounds normally inhibit pentose-utilizing microorganisms, this isolate was tolerant to phenol. Both the yield and the productivity of xylose fermentation decreased by 30% when phenol was added at a final concentration of 0.8 g phenol l-1. Xylose (23 g l-1) was totally fermented to ethanol (4.3 g l-1) within 48 h in the absence of phenol; however, in the presence of 0.8 g phenol l-1, only 3.3 g ethanol l-1 was obtained from the same starting concentration of xylose after 70 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Develops a framework of stochastic calculus with respect to a c à dl à g finite quadratic variation process. It ô 's formula under weak regularity conditions; Examples of validity; Föllmer-Bertoin's formulation of pathwise stochastic integrals and calculus.

Various subtypes of voltage-sensitive calcium channels (VSCCs) support the release of dopamine (DA) in the central nervous system. Using in vivo microdialysis, we investigate the influence of these subtypes of calcium channels on dopaminergic terminals in the rat striatum. L-type (nifedipine-sensitive), N-type (ω-conotoxin GVIA-sensitive), or N- and P/Q-type (ω-conotoxin MVIIC-sensitive) Ca2+ channels were blocked using selective antagonists injected locally, and K+-evoked DA release was measured in freely moving animals. K+(100 mM) induced a massive increase of basal DA extracellular levels (930%) and was without significant effect on extracellular levels of DA metabolites DOPAC and HVA, and on the serotonin metabolite 5HIAA. ω-Conotoxin GVIA (1 μM) and ω-conotoxin MVIIC (1 μM) significantly reduced the K+-evoked DA release by 55 and 62%, respectively. The simultaneous application of the two conotoxins at the same concentration reduced K+-evoked DA release by 66%. Nifedipine (10 μM) had no significant effect on K+-evoked DA release, while neomycin, a nonspecific VSCC blocker, produced a highly significant decrease when applied at 250 and 500 μM (56 and 75%, respectively). The compounds, however, had no effect on basal DA release and on the levels of extracellular DOPAC, HVA, and 5HIAA. These results suggest that under high and persistent conditions of membrane depolarization (15 min, 100 mM K+), striatal DA release is mainly mediated by N-type VSCCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kinetic parameters ofH-choline,H-GABA andH-dopamine (DA) uptakes in striatal homogenates containing nerve endings were determined 2 to 3 weeks after kainic acid injection into the ipsilateral 'centre médian'-parafascicular complex area of the thalamus in the rat. Results showed a marked decrease inH-choline uptake concomitant with a selective decrease in Vmax. Data also showed a large decrease inH-GABA uptake resulting from a decreased affinity of uptake sites for their substrate. These data were asociated with the previously described decrease in choline acetyltransferase and increase in glutamic acid decarboxylase apparent activity, respectively. An apparent marked increase inH-DA uptake was likewise measured, mainly related to an increase in Vmax. Determination of serotonin (5HT) and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5HIAA) endogenous contents showed in the deafferented striatum a decrease in 5HT concentrations associated with an increase in 5HIAA levels. Taken together, all these changes in neurotransmitter markers suggest that, directly through the thalamostriatal pathway or indirectly, the thalamus can exert a complex influence on striatal cholinergic and GABAergic neuronal functions as well as on the activity of dopaminergic and serotoninergic striatal afferent fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article expresses the author's view on the outcome of the study which revealed that scientists are publishing more duplicate papers. The author stated that although publication rates are high, there are also high-profile cases of scientific misconduct that were happening. He stresses the three main sins of modern publishing including duplication, co-submission and plagiarism. He calls the attention of the gatekeepers of scientific information not to reject the duplication issue.

The Fanconi anemia and BRCA networks are considered interconnected, as BRCA2 gene defects have been discovered in individuals with Fanconi anemia subtype D1. Here we show that a defect in the BRCA2-interacting protein PALB2 is associated with Fanconi anemia in an individual with a new subtype. PALB2-deficient cells showed hypersensitivity to cross-linking agents and lacked chromatin-bound BRCA2; these defects were corrected upon ectopic expression of PALB2 or by spontaneous reversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]