Search

The article reviews the book "Gathering the Tide: An Anthology of Contemporary Arabian Gulf Poetry," edited by Patty Paine, Jeff Lodge and Samia Touati.

ABSTRACT This study describes a simple, inexpensive, and effective method for the synthesis of new 5‐imino‐7‐aryle‐5H‐thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidine‐3‐carbonitrile derivatives 4a‐e using a green procedure that does not require the use of heat or a base, creating a strategy that meets both economic and environmental demands. Various synthesized products were characterized via diverse techniques such as 1H‐NMR, infrared (FT‐IR), Mass spectroscopy (MS), and single crystal X‐ray diffraction. Using a fluorescence spectrometer, the 5‐imino‐7‐phenyle‐5H‐thiazolo[3.2‐a]pyrimidine‐3‐carbonitrile 4a has been tested as a potent fluorescent agent in mixture of DMSO/Water at 10−4 M in one hand, and on the other hand the results of our fluorescence evaluation studies with metal ions (Pb(II), Ba(II), Cd(II), Ni(II), Mn(II), Hg(II), Zn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Cu(II), La(II), Cr(III), and Fe(III)) have shown that this compound exhibits a turn‐on and turn‐off of the fluorescence to 4a compound with these metals, what forms poor to good interaction by these ions. This result represents the emergence of a new potential ligand for the two heavy cations Cd(II) and Pb(II), which are toxic and polluting, and whose detection is currently of high interest. As well, In the molecular docking evaluation study, it was determined that the 4e molecule has an exceptional ability to inhibit the binding energy of the tubulin protein by −9.13 kcal/mmol, compared to other compounds. The results demonstrate the possibilities for a novel oral medication application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Cloud computing has attracted great interest in various scientific and technical fields recently as one of the widely adopted networking technologies. Despite their many benefits and applications, it still faces many security and trust challenges, including managing and controlling services, privacy, data integrity in distributed databases, data backup, and synchronization. Moreover, due to its centralized architecture, and lack of transparency and traceability, the results of the trust assessment cannot be fully recognized by all users. However, creating a trust‐based transaction environment has become its key factor. Blockchain, with its nature of decentralization and security, can be leveraged to address these challenges and build a distributed and decentralized trust architecture, due to the underlying characteristics such as transparency, traceability, decentralization, security, immutability, and automation. This article makes a comprehensive study of how blockchain is applied to deliver security services in the cloud computing model, focusing on up‐to‐date approaches, opportunities, and future directions. This survey also discusses the benefits of the technical fusion of blockchain and cloud. It provides a classification of proposed systems based on privacy, data sharing, authentication, and access control, as well as auditing and data integrity. Finally, the main conclusions of this study will be the challenges and future directions to stimulate further research in this promising field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exit from mitosis is brought about by dramatic changes in the phosphoproteome landscape. A drop in Cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) activity, the master regulatory kinase, and activation of counteracting phosphatases such as Cdc14 in budding yeast, results in ordered substrate dephosphorylation, allowing entry into a new cell cycle and replication licensing. In meiosis however, two cell divisions have to be executed without intermediate DNA replication, implying that global phosphorylation and dephosphorylation have to be adapted to the challenges of meiosis. Using a global time-resolved phosphoproteomics approach in budding yeast, we compared the phosphoproteome landscape between mitotic exit and the transition from meiosis I to meiosis II. We found that unlike exit from mitosis, Cdk phosphomotifs remain mostly stably phosphorylated at the end of meiosis I, whereas a majority of Cdk-unrelated motifs are reset by dephosphorylation. However, inducing an artificial drop of Cdk at metaphase of meiosis I leads to ordered substrate dephosphorylation, comparable to mitosis, indicating that phosphoregulation of substrates at the end of meiosis I is thus mainly qualitatively rather than quantitatively ordered. Synopsis: The two consecutive meiotic nuclear divisions without intervening replication necessitate adaptations to the phosphoproteome regulation occurring at mitotic exit. Here, time-resolved mass spectrometry analyses of the meiosis I-to-meiosis II transition in budding yeast reveal how variations in CDK activity define the meiotic phosphoproteome landscape. Global phosphoproteome analysis describes the meiosis I-to-meiosis II transition in high temporal resolution. Dephosphorylation resets CDK-dependent phosphorylation events at mitotic exit, but not after meiosis I. A mitotic-like dephosphorylation pattern can be implemented in meiosis by inhibiting Cdk activity. Phosphoregulation of substrates at the end of meiosis I is ordered qualitatively, rather than quantitatively. Time-resolved mass spectrometry analyses show how variations in CDK activity define the phosphoproteome at the exit from meiosis I as compared to exit from mitosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is pertinent to realize that scientific research indicates that the most promising method for producing H2 is photo electrochemical water splitting through a photo anode. Cobalt‐doped SrTiO3 (Co‐SrTiO3) composite nanostructures were created in this study via hydrothermal synthesis. The impact of cobalt concentration change on Co‐SrTiO3 has been identified using morphological, structural, and photo electrochemical research. Surface morphology of pure SrTiO3 nanoparticles using SEM and TEM reveals that the particles are intermittently agglomerated. The inclusion of Cobalt lowered the particle size of the nanostructures to 23 nm than pure SrTiO3 (41 nm). In addition, the peak profile has been influenced by cubic phase also identified from the x‐ray diffraction analysis. The purity and composition of the materials were revealed by XPS analysis. The Co‐SrTiO3 composite's produced the best charge transfer and recombination capabilities at 3% Co doping, according to electrochemical chemical impedance (EIS) spectroscopy. At 0.2 V applied potential, the obtained 3% Co‐doped SrTiO3 photoanode system displays a photocurrent density of around 3.45 mA/cm2. The outcomes show that a promising application for the Co‐doped SrTiO3 photoanode in photoelectrochemical water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The World Health Organization has identified Helicobacter pylori, a Gram‐negative bacterium responsible for several gastric disorders, as one of the pathogenic bacteria that requires newer non‐antibiotic approaches for its management. We previously demonstrated that nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) loaded with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA‐NLC) have excellent in vitro performance against H. pylori. Materials and Methods: NLC were tested against different H. pylori strains and bacteria representative from human gut microbiota. For H. pylori, resistance development and membrane permeability assays were also performed. In vivo efficacy studies were done using an H. pylori‐infected mouse model. Microbiome analysis (16S rRNA sequencing analysis) was performed on mice feces before and after DHA‐NLC treatment. Results: NLC specifically killed different H. pylori strains by membrane disruption without inducing bacterial resistance. In vivo studies demonstrated that DHA‐NLC (2 mg/mL containing 50 μM of DHA) reduced 90%–95% of the H. pylori burden and eradicated infection in 50% of the animals when treatment was administrated ad libitum for 14 days. No significant differences were found between the administration procedure (ad libitum vs oral gavage). Also, increasing the DHA‐NLC concentration to 4 and 8 mg/mL did not translate into an improvement in antibacterial performance. Notably, gut microbiome analysis showed no alterations, highlighting the safety to the gut microbiota. Finally, no histopathological changes were reported (stomach/liver sections). Conclusions: Overall, our results emphasize DHA‐NLC as a promising approach for H. pylori infection management, since they can effectively reduce the H. pylori burden without affecting gut microbiota and, in opposition to antibiotics, without anticipating the development of resistance to this treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Fluorosis is an endemic disease due to an excess of fluoride intake via drinking water. In some regions of the world, removing fluoride from drinking water is a severe problem that is still to be solved. The present study focuses on the use of a natural clay to reduce fluoride concentration in Tunisian contaminated drinking water under relevant working conditions. RESULTS: Adsorption experiments were performed in batches using a fluoride aqueous solution. The Box–Behnken model design was used to define the working conditions in which three factors were controlled: clay dosage, contact time and agitation speed. The fixed parameters were the initial fluoride concentration and water pH as observed in Metlaoui, Tunisia in 2021, and experiments were performed at room temperature. Results show that 4 g(50 mL)−1 of clay dosage, 10 min of contact time and 280 rpm of agitation speed could provide 51% fluoride removal using an untreated natural clay. Then, various adsorbents based on this clay were synthesized (chitosan–clay, C6H17NO3Si–clay and thermally treated clays purified using different methods) and tested using the same approach. Among the adsorbents tested, the thermally treated purified clays were the most effective in removing fluoride under ambient conditions with a fluoride removal of 97.5%. Tests performed on drinking water showed that the safety fluoride concentration could be achieved without modifications of the water pH. CONCLUSIONS: The thermally treated clays investigated in this study were effective for fluoride removal under relevant conditions, which can pave the way for future field applications. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase deficiency (AADCD) is a rare, early‐onset, dyskinetic encephalopathy mostly reflecting a defective synthesis of brain dopamine and serotonin. Intracerebral gene delivery (GD) provided a significant improvement among AADCD patients (mean age, ≤6 years). Objective: We describe the clinical, biological, and imaging evolution of two AADCD patients ages >10 years after GD. Methods: Eladocagene exuparvovec, a recombinant adeno‐associated virus containing the human complimentary DNA encoding the AADC enzyme, was administered into bilateral putamen by stereotactic surgery. Results: Eighteen months after GD, patients showed improvement in motor, cognitive and behavioral function, and in quality of life. Cerebral l‐6‐[18F] fluoro‐3, 4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine uptake was increased at 1 month, persisting at 1 year compared to baseline. Conclusion: Two patients with a severe form of AADCD had an objective motor and non‐motor benefit from eladocagene exuparvovec injection even when treated after the age of 10 years, as in the seminal study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Vehicular network communications (VANET) face multiple challenges due to their intermittent connections and the rapid changes in their topologies. In recent years, several research efforts have explored the use of content‐centric approaches to alleviate some of these challenges. One of these promising network designs is Named Data Networking (NDN), which has become a valid solution to support VANET applications. However, in the NDN architecture, the main forwarding mechanism for the interest packets is flooding. This forwarding mechanism will result in excessive collisions, which will lead to the broadcast storm problem. In this paper, we propose VC‐NDN: a hybrid and hierarchical Named Data Networking architecture for VANETs. VC‐NDN improves content retrieval efficiency through an adapted NDN‐based communication model. VC‐NDN includes a new interest forwarding scheme to reduce packet collision in the network and an efficient mechanism to support push‐based traffic. Furthermore, to reduce communication costs, VC‐NDN uses two communication technologies in parallel, namely, IEEE 802.11p and cellular communications, while keeping the usage of the cellular network at a minimum level. Finally, to reduce the impact on vehicle mobility, VC‐NDN follows a hierarchical clustering architecture. Specifically, a density‐based clustering algorithm is designed to create and maintain stable clusters with multihop communication capability. Our performance study shows that VC‐NDN outperforms the basic VNDN solutions in terms of data retrieval delay and packet delivery ratio while minimizing the usage of the cellular network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: HIBCH and ECHS1 genes encode two enzymes implicated in the critical steps of valine catabolism, 3‐hydroxyisobutyryl‐coenzyme A (CoA) hydrolase (HIBCH) and short‐chainenoyl‐CoA hydratase (ECHS1), respectively. HIBCH deficiency (HIBCHD) and ECHS1 deficiency (ECHS1D) generate rare metabolic dysfunctions, often revealed by neurological symptoms. The aim of this study was to describe movement disorders spectrum in patients with pathogenic variants in ECHS1 and HIBC. Methods: We reviewed a series of 18 patients (HIBCHD: 5; ECHS1D: 13) as well as 105 patients from the literature. We analysed the detailed phenotype of HIBCHD (38 patients) and ECHS1D (85 patients), focusing on MDs. Results: The two diseases have a very similar neurological phenotype, with an early onset before 10 years of age for three clinical presentations: neonatal onset, Leigh‐like syndrome (progressive onset or acute neurological decompensation), and isolated paroxysmal dyskinesia. Permanent or paroxysmal MDs were recorded in 61% of HIBCHD patients and 72% of ECHS1D patients. Patients had a variable combination of either isolated or combined MD, and dystonia was the main MD. These continuous MDs included dystonia, chorea, parkinsonism, athetosis, myoclonus, tremors, and abnormal eye movements. Patients with paroxysmal dyskinesia (HIBCHD: 4; ECHS1D: 9) usually had pure paroxysmal dystonia with normal clinical examination and no major impairment in psychomotor development. No correlation could be identified between clinical pattern (especially MD) and genetic pathogenic variants. Conclusions: Movement disorders, including abnormal ocular movements, are a hallmark of HIBCHD and ECHS1D. MDs are not uniform; dystonia is the most frequent, and various types of MD are combined in single patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers mass media news briefs on topics including arrest of Algerian blogger Touati Merzoug over interview with Israeli official Hassan Kaabia, announcement of Charles Ndongo of Cameroon Radio and Television (CRTV) about its launch of TV channels, the rise of Radio Al-Saa radio station.

How environmental changes are affecting bird population dynamics is one of the most challenging conservation issues. Dietary studies of top avian predators could offer scope to monitor anthropogenic drivers of ecosystem changes. We investigated the diet of breeding Eleonora's falcon in an area of Northeastern Algeria in the years 2010–2012. Feathers and insect remains originating from prey plucking behavior were analyzed, providing insights into the seasonally changing diet of this raptor, as well as the trans‐Mediterranean avian migration. A total of 77 species of birds (16 Sylviidae, 11 Turdidae, and 4 Emberizidae), 3 species of insects, and 1 lizard were identified among prey remains, reflecting a diverse diet. Diet composition and prey abundance varied seasonally, faithfully correlating with the passage of migrant birds as recorded from bird ring recoveries. Our findings suggest that dietary studies of predators might be deployed to investigate changes in bird migration. We discuss our results in the context of trans‐Mediterranean migration, with early‐season prey mainly comprising trans‐Saharan migrants (Apus apus and Merops apiaster) and late‐season prey being dominated by Mediterranean winter migrants (Erithacus rubecula, Turdus philomelos, Sylvia atricapilla, and Sturnus vulgaris). Notably, we observed a significant reduction in species richness of passerine remains in 2012, potentially highlighting a decline in the diversity of avian migrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MTHFR deficiency is a severe inborn error of metabolism leading to impairment of the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine. Neonatal and early‐onset patients mostly exhibit a life‐threatening acute neurologic deterioration. Furthermore, data on early‐onset patients' long‐term outcomes are scarce. The aims of this study were (1) to study and describe the clinical and laboratory parameters of early‐onset MTHFR‐deficient patients (i.e., ≤3 months of age) and (2) to identify predictive factors for severe neurodevelopmental outcomes in a cohort with early and late onset MTHFR‐deficient patients. To this end, we conducted a retrospective, multicentric, international cohort study on 72 patients with MTHFR deficiency from 32 international metabolic centres. Characteristics of the 32 patients with early‐onset MTHFR deficiency were described at time of diagnosis and at the last follow‐up visit. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictive factors of severe neurodevelopmental outcome in a broader set of patients with early and non‐early‐onset MTHFR deficiency. The majority of early‐onset MTHFR‐deficient patients (n = 32) exhibited neurologic symptoms (76%) and feeding difficulties (70%) at time of diagnosis. At the last follow‐up visit (median follow‐up time of 8.1 years), 76% of treated early‐onset patients (n = 29) exhibited a severe neurodevelopmental outcome. Among the whole study population of 64 patients, pre‐symptomatic diagnosis was independently associated with a significantly better neurodevelopmental outcome (adjusted OR 0.004, [0.002–0.232]; p = 0.003). This study provides evidence for benefits of pre‐symptomatic diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic management, highlighting the need for systematic newborn screening for MTHFR deficiency and pre‐symptomatic treatment that may improve outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, we are assessing the geographical origin and cultivar‐related changes on olive oil quality and composition in East Algeria. Fruits from the main local olive varieties (Sigoise and Chemlal) were harvested in autumn 2019 growing season from three different geographic areas: semiarid (Setif), arid (Batna), and Saharan (Eloued). Obtained results showed that Chemlal and Sigoise olive oils from Eloued area were the most enriched in tocopherols and phenolic contents, respectively. Sigoise olive oil from Batna area showed the highest values of pigments (carotenoids, chlorophylls). Identified fatty acids using gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) indicated that Chemlal cultivar olive oil from Batna was the most enriched in saturated fatty acid. However, higher levels of monounsaturated fatty acid were recorded for olive from Eloued and Setif areas. Sigoise cultivar oil displayed higher contents of unsaturated fatty acid in Batna, but higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acid from Eloued location. These outcomes highlighted an actual impact of geographical location on each cultivar olive oil chemical proprieties. According to these data and relative to the International Olive Council (IOC) standards, all the analyzed olive oils could be categorized as extra virgin olive oils. Overall, statistical analysis showed that physicochemical parameters were influenced by the cultivar, the region of collection, as well as the interactions between them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver disease, occurring during pediatric or adult age, is often of undetermined cause. Some cases are probably related to undiagnosed inherited metabolic disorders. Hepatic disorders associated with fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase deficiency, a gluconeogenesis defect, are not reported in the literature. These symptoms are mainly described during acute crises, and many reports do not mention them because hypoglycemia and hyperlactatemia are more frequently in the forefront. Herein, the liver manifestations of 18 patients affected with fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase deficiency are described and the corresponding literature is reviewed. Interestingly, all 18 patients had liver abnormalities either during follow‐up (hepatomegaly [n = 8/18], elevation of transaminases [n = 6/15], bright liver [n = 7/11]) or during acute crises (hepatomegaly [n = 10/17], elevation of transaminases [n = 13/16], acute liver failure [n = 6/14], bright liver [n = 4/14]). Initial reports described cases of liver steatosis, when liver biopsy was necessary to confirm the diagnosis by an enzymatic study. There is no clear pathophysiological basis for this fatty liver disease but we postulate that endoplasmic reticulum stress and de novo lipogenesis activation could be key factors, as observed in FBP1 knockout mice. Liver steatosis may expose patients to severe long‐term liver complications. As hypoglycemia becomes less frequent with age, most adult patients are no longer monitored by hepatologist. Signs of fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase deficiency may be subtle and can be missed in childhood. We suggest that fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase deficiency should be considered as an etiology of hepatic steatosis, and a liver monitoring protocol should be set up for these patients, during lifelong follow‐up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Named data networking (NDN) has emerged as a promising communication paradigm, proposed to deal with the shortcomings of the traditional IP‐based model. NDN introduces new name‐based routing, receiver‐based service, caching, and self‐certifying contents features that obviously improve data delivery efficiency and reliability. Moreover, NDN offers lightweight forwarding rules that suits constrained devices. These features makes NDN as highly promising communication model for the Internet of Things (IoT). On the other hand, one of the widely adopted networking specification for IoT is the IEEE 802.15.4 standard. This latter proposes interesting energy saving functionalities. To take full advantages of the two technologies, we propose an NDN over IEEE 802.15.4 communication solution that meets the requirements of low‐data rate and low‐power‐consumption monitor and control IoT applications. The proposed solution includes two modules: a reliable energy‐aware forwarding strategy that selects the next hop forwarder based on its residual energy level and a sleep mode scheduling algorithm that schedules the sleep/wake‐up mode according to the role of the node in the forwarding and the path repair processes. Extensive simulations and analyses have been conducted to confirm the viability and effectiveness of our proposal in terms of energy consumption, network lifetime, delivery ratio, retrieval delay, and scalability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This scoping review aimed to present an overview of the literature on communication tools in esthetic dentistry. A variety of communication tools have been proposed to include patients in the shared decision‐making (SDM) workflow. Only little is known about implementing communication tools in dentistry and their impact on patient communication and patient satisfaction. A systematic literature search was performed in Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and World of Science to identify if communication tools have an impact on patient satisfaction. Material and Methods: The search included studies from January 1, 2000 to March 3, 2020 published in English, focusing on patient communication tools and patient satisfaction in esthetic dentistry. Results: Out of 6678 records, 53 full‐texts were examined. Ten studies were included. Data of the included studies were extracted systematically and subsequently analyzed. All studies found that patient communication utilizing specific communication tools positively impacted either patient satisfaction, patient‐dentist relationship, information retention, treatment acceptance, quality of care or treatment outcome. Conclusions: Additional communication tools besides conventional verbal communication are able to enhance patient satisfaction, improve quality of care and establish a better patient‐dentist relationship. It seems essential to further develop standardized communication tools for SDM in dental medicine, which will allow the comparison of research on this topic. Clinical significance: This scoping review shows the importance of patient involvement in the decision‐making process for improved patient satisfaction with esthetic dental treatments. With an increased implementation of communication tools, patient satisfaction and SDM may further improve in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proper development and function of skin and hair are dependent on proteolytic activities. Specifically, the matriptase-prostasin cascade is a series of proteolytic reactions in the epidermis integral to normal regulation of desquamation. An increasing amount of research describing this pathway has recently become available, and the importance of this pathway is exhibited by the association of genetic defects in this pathway with human diseases of the skin and hair. Given the relevance of this pathway to dermatology, we provide a review of the current understanding of its relevance to distinct clinical entities, including ichthyosis-hypotrichosis and Netherton syndromes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The duration of daytime light phase (photoperiod) controls reproduction in seasonal mammals. Syrian hamsters are sexually active when exposed to long photoperiod, while gonadal atrophy is observed after exposure to short photoperiod. The photorefractory period, or photorefractoriness, is a particular state of spontaneous recrudescence of sexual activity that occurs after a long‐term exposure to short photoperiod. Expression of core clock genes in the master circadian clock contained in the suprachiasmatic nuclei depends on photoperiodic conditions. Interestingly, the expression of the Clock gene is also modified in photorefractory Syrian hamsters. Since melatonin and testosterone levels in seasonal species are dependent on photoperiod, photoperiodic variations of Clock mRNA levels in the suprachiasmatic clock could be a consequence of these hormonal changes. To test this hypothesis, we analysed the effects of pinealectomy on Clock mRNA changes due to long to short photoperiod transition and of gonadectomy on Clock mRNA levels in photorefractory period. Our data show that the suprachiasmatic integration of the short photoperiod (assessed by a rhythmic expression profile of Clock) is independent of the presence of melatonin. Furthermore, constitutively low expression of Clock observed during the photorefractory period does not require the presence of either melatonin or testosterone. However, we show that both hormones provide positive feedback on average levels of Clock expression. Thus, our data support the hypothesis that daily variations of Clock levels in the suprachiasmatic nuclei are influenced by photoperiodic changes and the time spent in short photoperiod, independently of seasonal modifications of melatonin or testosterone levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partitioning of the genome in meiosis occurs through two highly specialized cell divisions, named meiosis I and meiosis II. Step‐wise cohesin removal is required for chromosome segregation in meiosis I, and sister chromatid segregation in meiosis II. In meiosis I, mono‐oriented sister kinetochores appear as fused together when examined by high‐resolution confocal microscopy, whereas they are clearly separated in meiosis II, when attachments are bipolar. It has been proposed that bipolar tension applied by the spindle is responsible for the physical separation of sister kinetochores, removal of cohesin protection, and chromatid separation in meiosis II. We show here that this is not the case, and initial separation of sister kinetochores occurs already in anaphase I independently of bipolar spindle forces applied on sister kinetochores, in mouse oocytes. This kinetochore individualization depends on separase cleavage activity. Crucially, without kinetochore individualization in meiosis I, bivalents when present in meiosis II oocytes separate into chromosomes and not sister chromatids. This shows that whether centromeric cohesin is removed or not is determined by the kinetochore structure prior to meiosis II. SYNOPSIS: In mouse oocytes, sister kinetochores individualize in meiosis I due to separase protease activity. Remarkably, sister chromatid separation in meiosis II depends not on bipolar tension across kinetochores, but on their prior individualization in meiosis I. Bipolar tension is not required for centromeric cohesin removal in oocyte meiosis II.Kinetochore individualization in anaphase I is a prerequisite for deprotection of centromeric cohesion.Separase activity in meiosis I brings about kinetochore individualization.Oocytes without kinetochore individualization by separase segregate chromosomes instead of sister chromatids in meiosis II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the effect of γ‐irradiation on the mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP)/Cloisite 15A (5 wt %) nanocomposites is investigated by nanoindentation technique up to 100 kGy. The film samples, with an average thickness of 150 μm, are prepared by melt compounding with and without PP‐grafted‐maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MA) used as the compatibilizer at 20 wt %. Nanoindentation results show an increase in both modulus and hardness with the irradiation dose for the PP nanocomposites, being however much higher for the compatibilized sample compared to both uncompatibilized one and neat PP. FTIR spectra show a strong absorption band at 1715 cm−1 in the irradiated samples assigned to ketonic groups whose intensity increased with the dose. Further, the oxidation rate of PP nanocomposites is faster than that of neat PP. Overall, the nanoindentation results are in a good agreement with those obtained by FTIR spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After a biological terrorist attack, understanding the migration of agents such as Bacillus anthracis is critical due to their deadly nature. This is important in urban settings with higher likelihood of human exposure and a large fraction of impervious materials contributing to pollutant washoff. The study goals were to understand the removal of spores from urban surfaces under different rainfall conditions, to compare washoff of two B. anthracis surrogate spores, and to compare two empirical fits for the first flush of spores from small areas. Concrete and asphalt were inoculated with either Bacillus atrophaeus or Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki spores and exposed to simulated rainfall. The study assessed goodness‐of‐fit for the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM)'s exponential washoff function compared to an alternative two‐stage exponential function. The highest average washoff of spores was 15% for an hour‐long experiment. Spore washoff was not significantly different for the two spore types, but there were significant differences in washoff from asphalt versus concrete with more occurring from asphalt. Average kinetic energy of the storm event impacted washoff from asphalt, but not concrete. The two‐stage function had a better goodness‐of‐fit than the SWMM exponential function. As such, emergency responders should be aware that the spread of contamination is impacted by the droplet characteristics of the storm event and the surface material type in the contaminated area; modelers should be aware that different data‐fitting approaches may be more appropriate for first‐flush calculations of small washoff areas than those used for continuous long‐term simulation of large subcatchments. Key Points: Washoff of Bacillus atrophaeus and Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki spores was not significantly differentGreater spore washoff occurred from asphalt than concrete couponsWashoff results were fit to EPA's SWMM exponential washoff function and compared to an alternative two‐stage exponential removal function [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ArcA and Fnr regulators of Escherichia coli, both of which are activated in anaerobic conditions, negatively regulate the sodA gene (coding for manganese superoxide dismutase), but Fnr has no effect on anaerobic sodA expression in a ΔarcAΔAfnr back-ground (Compan and Touati, 1993). We show here that the sdh gene (coding for succinate dehydrogenase) is also negatively regulated by Fnr, but again Fnr exerts no control in a ΔarcA background. One interpretation of these results is that Fnr activates arcA transcription. Using arcA-lac transcriptional and translational fusions, we show that arcA expression increases (about fourfold) in anaerobiosis and that both Fnr and ArcA are required for full expression, in a Δfnr background, there is no auto-activation, suggesting that ArcA enhances activation by Fnr. Transcript and sequence analyses reveal that the arcA upstream regulatory region lies within a 530 bp non-coding DNA fragment, which contains five putative promoter sequences and a putative Fnr-binding site, identification of the transcription start sites indicates that transcription occurs in aerobiosis from three constitutive upstream promoters (Pe, Pd, Pc). In anaerobiosis an additional completely Fnr-dependent transcript starting at Pa, is present; expression from Pa is reduced in the absence of ArcA, and Fnr activation at Pa blocks the weak anaerobic-dependent expression from Pb- Fnr activation of arcA transcription may play an important role in the coordination of expression of genes associated with aerobic and anaerobic metabolism during environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the physico‐chemical characterization of an alginate extracted from seaweed (Padina pavonica) collected on the Tunisian coast. Since alginates display a broad variety of applications, especially in the food and pharmaceutical fields, their quality requires a high certain standard of purity and an accurate knowledge of their composition and structure. With this aim, once extracted the Na‐alginate was purified and then characterized for comparison with a commercially available alginate. Thermal analyses (TGA and DSC) were performed to evaluate the water content, i.e. the moisture loss and the thermal stability of this polysaccharide. Spectroscopic investigations demonstrated similarities but also significant differences between the two samples. NMR spectroscopy enabled determination of the mannuronic/guluronic (M/G) ratio, which happened to be lower for the alginate extracted from P. pavonica algae. SEC, performed in water as eluent, was implemented for determination of the average molecular weight of these water‐soluble polymers and revealed 6‐fold higher molecular weights (Mn and Mw) than the commercial reference. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The original strategies developed by Helicobacter pylori to persistently colonise its host and to deregulate its cellular functions make this bacterium an outstanding model to study host‐pathogen interaction and the mechanisms responsible for bacterial‐induced carcinogenesis. During the last year, significant results were obtained on the role of bacterial factors essential for gastric colonisation such as spiral shape maintenance, orientation through chemotaxis and the formation of bacteria clonal population islands inside the gastric glands. Particularities of the H pylori cell surface, a structure important for immune escape, were demonstrated. New insights in the bacterial stress response revealed the importance of DNA methylation‐mediated regulation. Further findings were reported on H pylori components that mediate natural transformation and mechanisms of bacterial DNA horizontal transfer which maintain a high level of H pylori genetic variability. Within‐host evolution was found to be niche‐specific and probably associated with physiological differences between the antral and oxyntic gastric mucosa. In addition, with the progress of CryoEM, high‐resolution structures of the major virulence factors, VacA and CagT4SS, were obtained. The use of gastric organoid models fostered research revealing, preferential accumulation of bacteria at the site of injury during infection. Several studies further characterised the role of CagA in the oncogenic properties of H pylori, identifying the activation of novel CagA‐dependent pathways, leading to the promotion of genetic instabilities, epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and finally carcinogenesis. Recent studies also highlight that microRNA‐mediated regulation and epigenetic modifications, through DNA methylation, are key events in the H pylori‐induced tumorigenesis process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The optimal treatment for advanced leiomyosarcoma is still debated. Given histotype-specific prospective controlled data lacking, this study retrospectively evaluated doxorubicin plus dacarbazine, doxorubicin plus ifosfamide, and doxorubicin alone as first-line treatments for advanced/metastatic leiomyosarcoma treated at European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcoma Group (EORTC-STBSG) sites.Methods: The inclusion criteria were a confirmed histological diagnosis, treatment between January 2010 and December 2015, measurable disease (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1), an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤2, and an age ≥ 18 years. The endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and overall response rate (ORR). PFS was analyzed with methods for interval-censored data. Patients were matched according to their propensity scores, which were estimated with a logistic regression model accounting for histology, grade, age, sex, performance status, tumor site, and tumor extent.Results: Three hundred three patients from 18 EORTC-STBSG sites were identified. One hundred seventeen (39%) received doxorubicin plus dacarbazine, 71 (23%) received doxorubicin plus ifosfamide, and 115 (38%) received doxorubicin. In the 2:1:2 propensity score-matched population (205 patients), the estimated median PFS was 9.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.2-9.7 months), 8.2 months (95% CI, 5.2-10.1 months), and 4.8 months (95% CI, 2.3-6.0 months) with ORRs of 30.9%, 19.5%, and 25.6% for doxorubicin plus dacarbazine, doxorubicin plus ifosfamide, and doxorubicin alone, respectively. PFS was significantly longer with doxorubicin plus dacarbazine versus doxorubicin (hazard ratio [HR], 0.72; 95% CI, 0.52-0.99). Doxorubicin plus dacarbazine was associated with longer OS (median, 36.8 months; 95% CI, 27.9-47.2 months) in comparison with both doxorubicin plus ifosfamide (median, 21.9 months; 95% CI, 16.7-33.4 months; HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.40-1.06) and doxorubicin (median, 30.3 months; 95% CI, 21.0-36.3 months; HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.43-0.99). Adjusted analyses retained an effect for PFS but not for OS. None of the factors selected for multivariate analysis had a significant interaction with the received treatment for both PFS and OS.Conclusions: This is the largest retrospective study of first-line treatment for advanced leiomyosarcoma. In the propensity score-matched population, doxorubicin and dacarbazine showed favorable activity in terms of both ORR and PFS and warrants further evaluation in prospective trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organ transplantation is discussed in methylmalonic aciduria (MMA) for renal failure, and poor quality of life and neurological outcome. We retrospectively evaluated 23 French MMA patients after kidney (KT), liver‐kidney (LKT), and liver transplantation (LT). Two patients died, one after LKT, one of hepatoblastoma after KT. One graft was lost early after KT. Of 18 evaluable patients, 12 previously on dialysis, 8 underwent KT (mean 12.5 years), 8 LKT (mean 7 years), and 2 LT (7 and 2.5 years). At a median follow‐up of 7.3 (KT), 2.3 (LKT), and 1.0 years (LT), no metabolic decompensation occurred except in 1 KT. Plasma and urine MMA levels dramatically decreased, more after LKT. Protein intake was increased more significantly after LKT than KT. Enteral nutrition was stopped in 7/8 LKT, 1/8 KT. Early complications were frequent after LKT. Neurological disorders occurred in four LKT, reversible in one. Five years after KT, four patients had renal failure. The metabolic outcomes were much better after LKT than KT. LKT in MMA is difficult but improves the quality of life. KT will be rarely indicated. We need more long‐term data to indicate early LT, in the hope to delay renal failure and prevent neurodevelopmental complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remediation and recovery efforts after a release of Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) spores may be difficult and costly. In addition, response and recovery technologies may be focused on critical resources, leaving the small business or homeowner without remediation options. This study evaluates the efficacy of relatively low levels of hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV) delivered from off‐the‐shelf equipment for the inactivation of Bacillus spores within an indoor environment. Decontamination evaluations were conducted in a house using both Bacillus atrophaeus var. globigii (Bg; as surrogates for B. anthracis) inoculated on the carpet and galvanized metal as coupons and Geobacillus stearothermophilus (Gs) as biological indicators on steel. The total decontamination time ranged from 4 to 7 days. Using the longer exposure times, low concentrations of HPV (average levels below 20 parts per million) effectively inactivated Bg and Gs spores on the materials tested. The HPV was generated with commercial humidifiers and household‐strength hydrogen peroxide solutions. The presence of home furnishings did not have a significant impact on HPV efficacy. This simple, inexpensive, and effective decontamination method could have significant utility for remediation following a B. anthracis spore release, such as following a terrorist attack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cell division cycle culminates in mitosis when two daughter cells are born. As cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) activity reaches its peak, the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) is activated to trigger sister chromatid separation and mitotic spindle elongation, followed by spindle disassembly and cytokinesis. Degradation of mitotic cyclins and activation of Cdk-counteracting phosphatases are thought to cause protein dephosphorylation to control these sequential events. Here, we use budding yeast to analyze phosphorylation dynamics of 3,456 phosphosites on 1,101 proteins with high temporal resolution as cells progress synchronously through mitosis. This reveals that successive inactivation of S and M phase Cdks and of the mitotic kinase Polo contributes to order these dephosphorylation events. Unexpectedly, we detect as many new phosphorylation events as there are dephosphorylation events. These correlate with late mitotic kinase activation and identify numerous candidate targets of these kinases. These findings revise our view of mitotic exit and portray it as a dynamic process in which a range of mitotic kinases contribute to order both protein dephosphorylation and phosphorylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article announces dismissal of defence adviser Mohamed Touati and appointment of Bachir Tartag in his position and other officials at the military districts like Djamel Sellami and AbdessamadSalem in Algeria.

Summary: Congenital sideroblastic anaemia (CSA) is a rare disease caused by germline mutations of genes involved in haem and iron‐sulphur cluster formation, and mitochondrial protein biosynthesis. We performed a retrospective multicentre European study of a cohort of childhood‐onset CSA patients to explore genotype/phenotype correlations. We studied 23 females and 20 males with symptoms of CSA. Among the patients, the most frequently mutated genes were ALAS2 (n = 10; 23·3%) and SLC25A38 (n = 8; 18·6%), causing isolated forms of microcytic anaemia of varying severity. Five patients with SLC19A2 mutations suffered from thiamine‐responsive megaloblastic anaemia and three exhibited the 'anaemia, deafness and diabetes' triad. Three patients with TRNT1 mutations exhibited severe early onset microcytic anaemia associated with thrombocytosis, and two exhibited B‐cell immunodeficiency, inflammatory syndrome and psychomotor delay. The prognoses of patients with TRNT1 and SLC2A38 mutations were generally dismal because of comorbidities or severe iron overload. No molecular diagnosis could be established in 14/43 cases. This study emphasizes the frequency of ALAS2 and SLC25A38 mutations and provides the largest comprehensive analysis to date of genotype/phenotype correlations in CSA. Further studies of CSA patients with data recorded in an international registry would be helpful to improve patient management and establish standardized guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is generally believed that CO2 electroreduction to multi‐carbon products such as ethanol or ethylene may be catalyzed with significant yield only on metallic copper surfaces, implying large ensembles of copper atoms. Here, we report on an inexpensive Cu‐N‐C material prepared via a simple pyrolytic route that exclusively feature single copper atoms with a CuN4 coordination environment, atomically dispersed in a nitrogen‐doped conductive carbon matrix. This material achieves aqueous CO2 electroreduction to ethanol at a Faradaic yield of 55 % under optimized conditions (electrolyte: 0.1 m CsHCO3, potential: −1.2 V vs. RHE and gas‐phase recycling set up), as well as CO electroreduction to C2‐products (ethanol and ethylene) with a Faradaic yield of 80 %. During electrolysis the isolated sites transiently convert into metallic copper nanoparticles, as shown by operando XAS analysis, which are likely to be the catalytically active species. Remarkably, this process is reversible and the initial material is recovered intact after electrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autozygosity mapping (AM) is a technique utilised for mapping homozygous autosomal recessive (AR) traits and facilitation of genetic diagnosis. We investigated the utility of AM for the molecular diagnosis of heterogeneous AR disorders, using epidermolysis bullosa (EB) as a paradigm. We applied this technique to a cohort of 46 distinct EB families using both short tandem repeat (STR) and genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array‐based AM to guide targeted Sanger sequencing of EB candidate genes. Initially, 39 of the 46 cases were diagnosed with homozygous mutations using this method. Independently, 26 cases, including the seven initially unresolved cases, were analysed with an EB‐targeted next‐generation sequencing (NGS) panel. NGS identified mutations in five additional cases, initially undiagnosed due to the presence of compound heterozygosity, deep intronic mutations or runs of homozygosity below the set threshold of 2 Mb, for a total yield of 44 of 46 cases (95.7%) diagnosed genetically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc‐dependent endopeptidases at the intersection of health and disease due to their involvement in processes such as tissue repair and immunity as well as cancer and inflammation. Because of the high structural conservation in the catalytic domains and shallow substrate binding sites, selective, small‐molecule inhibitors of MMPs have remained elusive. In a tour‐de‐force peptide engineering approach combining phage‐display selections, rational design of enhanced zinc chelation, and d‐amino acid screening, we succeeded in developing a first synthetic MMP‐2 inhibitor that combines high potency (Ki=1.9±0.5 nm), high target selectivity, and proteolytic stability, and thus fulfills all the required qualities for in cell culture and in vivo application. Our work suggests that selective MMP inhibition is achievable with peptide macrocycles and paves the way for developing specific inhibitors for application as chemical probes and potentially therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intron retention (IR) by alternative splicing is a conserved regulatory mechanism that can affect gene expression and protein function during adult development and age‐onset diseases. However, it remains unclear whether IR undergoes spatial or temporal changes during different stages of aging or neurodegeneration like Alzheimer's disease (AD). By profiling the transcriptome of Drosophila head cells at different ages, we observed a significant increase in IR events for many genes during aging. Differential IR affects distinct biological functions at different ages and occurs at several AD‐associated genes in older adults. The increased nucleosome occupancy at the differentially retained introns in young animals suggests that it may regulate the level of IR during aging. Notably, an increase in the number of IR events was also observed in healthy older mouse and human brain tissues, as well as in the cerebellum and frontal cortex from independent AD cohorts. Genes with differential IR shared many common features, including shorter intron length, no perturbation in their mRNA level, and enrichment for biological functions that are associated with mRNA processing and proteostasis. The differentially retained introns identified in AD frontal cortex have higher GC content, with many of their mRNA transcripts showing an altered level of protein expression compared to control samples. Taken together, our results suggest that an increased IR is an conserved signature that is associated with aging. By affecting pathways involved in mRNA and protein homeostasis, changes of IR pattern during aging may regulate the transition from healthy to pathological state in late‐onset sporadic AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an adaptive speed observer for general port‐Hamiltonian mechanical systems with non‐holonomic constraints in the presence of unknown friction forces and constant disturbances. Unlike the observers recently reported in the literature, which have been designed either under the assumptions of no friction and the absence of disturbances or for a specific class of mechanical systems with the requirement of an explicit solution of certain Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) that cannot be derived a priori, this observer proposes a design that obviates the solution of PDEs and ensures global convergence for general mechanical systems with k‐non‐holonomic constraints. The observer is totally constructive and given by explicit expressions. The simulation results testify to the effectiveness and the robust features of the developed observer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inborn error of amino acid metabolism caused by mutations in the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene, characterized by intellectual deficit and neuropsychiatric complications in untreated patients with estimated frequency of about one in 10,000 to 15,000 live births. PAH deficiency can be detected by neonatal screening in nearly all cases with hyperphenylalaninemia on a heel prick blood spot. Molecular testing of the PAH gene can then be performed in affected family members. Herein, we report molecular study of 635 patients genetically diagnosed with PKU from all ethnicities in Iran. The disease‐causing mutations were found in 611 (96.22%) of cases. To the best of our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive molecular genetics study of PKU in Iran, identifying 100 distinct mutations in the PAH gene, including 15 previously unreported mutations. Interestingly, we found unique cases of PKU with uniparental disomy, germline mosaicism, and coinheritance with another Mendelian single‐gene disorder that provides new insights for improving the genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis (PND), and/or pre‐implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for the inborn error of metabolism group of disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a posteriori error estimates for the generalized Schwarz method with mixed boundary condition on the interfaces for advection‐diffusion equation with second‐order boundary value problems are proved using theta time scheme combined with Galerkin spatial method. Furthermore, a asymptotic behavior in Sobolev norm is deduced using Benssoussan‐Lions' algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel plasma/liquid microreactor has been developed to generate and inject radical species with the aim to perform chemical synthesis reactions in liquid phase. Plasma has always been considered as a source of reactive species, such as radicals, atoms, electrons, etc., with applications mostly dedicated to surface modifications of materials. By injecting reactive species created by the plasma to the liquid phase, it is possible to initiate liquid phase synthesis reactions. In addition, gas/liquid interactions can be enhanced with a high surface‐area‐to‐volume ratio by confining the plasma and the liquid in diphasic micro‐structured systems. Herein is reported a novel plasma/liquid microreactor for liquid phase radical reactions. Radicals are generated in the gas phase in a steady flow microreactor and then transported to the liquid phase. The spin trapping reaction and the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy have been used to identify and quantify the radical species generated in the microreactor. Hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen atoms have been detected and measured in the liquid phase, indicating the huge potential of the microreactor as a handful tool for chemical synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a new effective approach for detection and classification of stator winding faults in induction motors is presented. The approach is based on current analysis. It uses multiple features extraction techniques, where Park transform, zero crossing time signal, and the envelope are extracted from the three‐phase stator currents. Then, statistical features are calculated from time and frequency domains of each extracted signal. The Features selection techniques (ReliefF, minimum redundancy and max relevancy, and support vector machine approach based on recursive feature elimination) are used to select from the extracted features the most relevant ones. As a classifier, the self‐organising map neural network is used. The proposed procedure is experimentally studied using stator current signals obtained from various faulty cases and a healthy induction motor at different load variations. The experimental results verify that the proposed strategy is able to distinguish the faulty cases from the healthy ones. Also, it effectively identifies the faulty phase in addition to the extent of the fault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrocarbons degrading bacteria were isolated from sediments of the Soummam watershed of Bejaia (Algeria). Eleven bacteria strains were isolated using an enrichment technique, method in mineral salt medium, with various hydrocarbons as the sole carbon source. The biodegradation confirmation of various hydrocarbons by these isolates was tested by hole‐plate diffusion technique. Out of eleven cultures, nine had shown the growth around the holes. The isolates were screened for biosurfactant producing using oil spreading test and emulsification activity. The value of emulsification activity varied from 55.7 ± 1.1 to 78.5 ± 0.5%. The diameter of clear zone obtained varied between 20.7 ± 1.2 mm and 33.7 ± 1.2 mm, it was hence important compared to the negative control. Five bacterial strains were identified as Alcaligenes faecalis, Ochrobactrum, Cellulosimicrobium, Pseudomonas stutzeri, and Rhodococcus ruber by using physiochemical characterization and MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry tools. The best production of crude biosurfactant by the identified bacterial strains was found in R. ruber which produced 6.7 ± 0.1 g/L of the crude biosurfactant after 168 h incubation in mineral salt medium (MSM) supplemented with 2% of glucose and 0.1 g/L of yeast extract. The biosurfactant produced by all bacterial strains showed a high emulsification index (E24), where P. stutzeri revealed the highest one (92.2 ± 1.1%). © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 189–195, 2018 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly transparent glass ceramics, synthesized from a glass precursor with a nominal composition of SiO2/ZnO/Ga2O3/Na2O/Cr2O3 (65:17:23:5:0.125), were prepared by glass crystallization. This method enables the synthesis of up to 50 wt.-% of size-controllable Cr3+-doped ZnGa2O4 nanocrystals embedded in an SiO2-rich glass matrix after crystallization at 900-1000 °C for 10 min. Rietveld refinements and transmission electron microscopy imaging showed that the nanoparticle sizes are ca. 16 and 33 nm for the glass ceramics annealed at 900 and 1000 °C, respectively. Photoluminescence measurements of these glass ceramics revealed intense deep red ( λ = 695 nm) persistent emission that is detectable for up to 10 h, similar to that previously observed for ZnGa2O4 powder. As the glass ceramics exhibit good transparency, the persistent glow arises from the entire sample volume, which is of interest for outdoor applications and for more detailed studies of the mechanism for the persistent luminescence. Thermoluminescence measurements showed a wide distribution of trap depths centered at ca. 325 K. The traps can be charged not only under UV light but also under visible-light excitation from λ = 365 to 625 nm. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy measurements of the Cr3+ ions showed clearly that the ZnGa2O4 nanocrystals in the glass ceramics exhibit the same types of defects and disorder as those in microcrystalline ZnGa2O4 powder, and this suggests that antisite defects are the dominant traps responsible for the persistent luminescence. It is proposed that the ability to charge ZnGa2O4 particles with visible light can be attributed to the combination of a two-photon absorption and a local electric field owing to antisite defects in the vicinities of some of the Cr3+ ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese superoxide dismutase (the sodA gene product) in Escherichia coli, is negatively regulated by two global regulators, ArcA (aerobic respiration control) and Fur (ferric uptake regulation), coupling its expression to aerobic metabolism and the intracellular iron pool. Footprinting analyses were carried out on the sodA promoter region with purified Fur protein and with ArcA protein overproduced in crude extracts. ArcA is able to bind in vitro in the absence of the in vivo triggering signal. The binding occurs in one step and study of contacts within the operator sequence reveals binding on one side of the double helix. The DNA protection extends to a much larger region (about 65 bp) than would be expected for a 27 kDa protein, suggesting polymerization. Both Fur and ArcA footprints encompass the -35 and -10 promoter region and there is considerable overlap of their binding sequences, in agreement with in vivo results suggesting that either regulator alone can block sodA transcription. Furthermore, competition experiments show that Fur and ArcA binding to the sodA promoter are mutually exclusive and that ArcA can easily displace Fur, but not vice versa. The biological significance of this in vitro behaviour is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sm-like protein Hfq is involved in post-transcriptional regulation by small, noncoding RNAs in Escherichia coli that act by base pairing. Hfq stabilises the small RNAs and mediates their interaction with the target mRNA by an as yet unknown mechanism. We show here a novel chaperoning use of Hfq in the regulation by small RNAs. We analysed in vitro and in vivo the role of Hfq in the interaction between the small RNA RyhB and its sodB (iron superoxide dismutase) mRNA target. Hfq bound strongly to sodB mRNA and altered the structure of the mRNA, partially opening a loop. This gives access to a sequence complementary to RyhB and encompassing the translation initiation codon. RyhB binding blocked the translation initiation codon of sodB and triggered the degradation of both RyhB and sodB mRNA. Thus, Hfq is a critical chaperone in vivo and in vitro, changing the folding of the target mRNA to make it subject to the small RNA regulator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay is concerned with the planning and densification of suburbs, which present a huge challenge insofar as they form a large area of urbanized land that remains underexploited due to low residential density. Drawing on current research in the Paris city-region, the essay focuses specifically on the difficulty in implementing densification policies in low-rise suburban areas. It examines the varying degrees of densification fostered by these policies, and builds upon recent urban studies literature on suburban change to trace how suburban areas are being transformed through regulations, instruments and market dynamics associated with densification processes. What kinds of densification policy are being implemented and what are the socio-economic, political and cultural determinants of each type of regulatory approach? This essay will attempt to answer this question via an analysis of the densification policies being put in place in the municipalities of the Paris city-region. It will offer in turn a typology of these different policies. It shows that densification is an instrument that can be used to address local political concerns which vary greatly depending on the economic, social and geographical position of municipalities within larger urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter pylori is responsible for the most commonly found infection in the world's population. It is the major risk factor for gastric cancer development. Numerous studies published over the last year provide new insights into the strategies employed by H. pylori to adapt to the extreme acidic conditions of the gastric environment, to establish persistent infection and to deregulate host functions, leading to gastric pathogenesis and cancer. In this review, we report recent data on the mechanisms involved in chemotaxis, on the essential role of nickel in acid resistance and gastric colonization, on the importance of adhesins and Hop proteins and on the role of Cag PAI-components and CagA. Among the host functions, a special focus has been made on the escape from immune response, the ability of bacteria to induce genetic instability and modulate telomeres, the mechanism of autophagy and the deregulation of micro RNAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A general and powerful catalytic protocol for the direct amidoalkylation of simple enolizable ketones is described, with use of the Lewis superacid Sn(NTf2)4 as a catalyst under thermal conditions. A complete and rational study directed towards the development of efficient conditions for the coupling of a wide range of reaction partner combinations, including the most recalcitrant ones, is presented. The synthetic potential of the reaction is demonstrated through the use of a large set of both carbonyl and N,O-acetalic substrates, providing the corresponding amidoalkylated ketones in 49-99 % yield, by using very low catalyst loadings (≤ 1 mol-%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]