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After a brief presentation of the various materials used in these pavements and the description of their decorative repertoires, we discuss the question of vocabulary. Indeed, for several years, many problems of terminology divide the scientific community. The study of ancient texts and the different interpretations of the De Architectura of Vitruvius, rather than clarifying the study of this type of pavement lead to make it more confusing. A detailed commentary of the new terminology defined by Italian researchers, shows that it is not easy to standardize the descriptions. Further difficulties arise when it comes to translate a word in another language, as interpretation often generates new ambiguities. I consider mortar pavements as the most suitable general term for this pavement type, because mortar is the basic component and at the same time the most neutral term. Finally, it seems appropriate to revisit the term of terrazzo-signinum used widely, (perhaps wrongly) in the French archaeological literature.

The study of viruses causing acute respiratory distress syndromes (ARDS) is more essential than ever at a time when a virus can create a global pandemic in a matter of weeks. Among human adenoviruses, adenovirus of serotype 7 (HAdV7) is one of the most virulent serotypes. This virus regularly re-emerges in Asia and has just been the cause of several deaths in the United States. A critical step of the virus life cycle is the attachment of the knob domain of the fiber (HAd7K) to the cellular receptor desmoglein-2 (DSG2). Complexes between the fiber knob and two extracellular domains of DSG2 have been produced. Their characterization by biochemical and biophysical methods show that these two domains are sufficient for the interaction and that the trimeric HAd7K could accommodate up to three DSG2 receptor molecules. The cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of these complexes at 3.1 Å resolution confirmed the biochemical data, and allowed the identification of the critical amino acid residues for this interaction, which shows similarities with other DSG2 interacting adenoviruses, despite a low homology in the primary sequences.

Influenza viruses are negative single-stranded RNA viruses with nuclear transcription and replication. They enter the nucleus by using the cellular importin-α/-β nuclear import machinery. Influenza nucleoproteins from influenza A, B, C and D viruses possess a nuclear localization signal (NLS) localized on an intrinsically disordered extremity (NPTAIL). In this paper, using size exclusion chromatography (SEC), SEC-multi-angle laser light scattering (SEC-MALLS) analysis, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and fluorescence anisotropy, we provide the first comparative study designed to dissect the interaction between the four NPTAILs and four importins-α identified as partners. All interactions between NPTAILs and importins-α have high association and dissociation rates and present a distinct and specific behaviour. D/NPTAIL interacts strongly with all importins-α while B/NPTAIL shows weak affinity for importins-α. A/NPTAIL and C/NPTAIL present preferential importin-α partners. Mutations in B/NPTAIL and D/NPTAIL show a loss of importin-α binding, confirming key NLS residues. Taken together, our results provide essential highlights of this complex translocation mechanism.

Many geometric forms are found in nature, some of them adhering to mathematical laws or amazing aesthetic rules. One of the best-known examples in microbiology is the icosahedral shape of certain viruses with 20 triangular facets and 12 edges. What is less known, however, is that a complementary object displaying 12 faces and 20 edges called a ‘dodecahedron’ can be produced in huge amounts during certain adenovirus replication cycles. The decahedron was first described more than 50 years ago in the human adenovirus (HAdV3) viral cycle. Later on, the expression of this recombinant scaffold, combined with improvements in cryo-electron microscopy, made it possible to decipher the structural determinants underlying their architecture. Recently, this particle, which mimics viral entry, was used to fish the long elusive adenovirus receptor, desmoglein-2, which serves as a cellular docking for some adenovirus serotypes. This breakthrough enabled the understanding of the physiological role played by the dodecahedral particles, showing that icosahedral and dodecahedral particles live more than a simple platonic story. All these points are developed in this review, and the potential use of the dodecahedron in therapeutic development is discussed.

In this work, a new approach for the generation of a generalized state-space aeroservoelastic model based on tangential interpolation is presented. The resulting system of differential algebraic equations (DAE) is reduced to a set of ordinary differential equations (ODE) by residualization of the non-proper part of the transfer function matrix. The generalized state-space is of minimal order and allows for the application of the force summation method (FSM) for the aircraft loads recovery. Compared to the classical rational function approximation (RFA) approach, the presented method provides a minimal order realization with exact interpolation of the unsteady aerodynamic forces in tangential directions, avoiding any selection of poles (lag states). The new approach is applied first for the generation of an aerodynamic model for the bidimensional unsteady incompressible flow in the time domain. Next, an application on the generation of an aeroservoelastic model for loads evaluation of the flutter reduced order assessment (FERMAT) model under atmospheric disturbances is done, showing an excellent agreement with the reference model in the frequency domain. The proposed aeroservoelastic model of minimal order is suited for loads analysis and multivariable control design, and an application to a gust loads alleviation (GLA) strategy is shown.

Despite a better understanding of brain language organization into large-scale cortical networks, the underlying white matter (WM) connectivity is still not mastered. Here we combined diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) fiber tracking (FT) and language functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in twenty healthy subjects to gain new insights into the macroscopic structural connectivity of language. Eight putative WM fascicles for language were probed using a deterministic DTI-FT technique: the arcuate fascicle (AF), superior longitudinal fascicle (SLF), uncinate fascicle (UF), temporo-occipital fascicle, inferior fronto-occipital fascicle (IFOF), middle longitudinal fascicle (MdLF), frontal aslant fascicle and operculopremotor fascicle. Specific measurements (i.e. volume, length, fractional anisotropy) and precise cortical terminations were derived for each WM fascicle within both hemispheres. Connections between these WM fascicles and fMRI activations were studied to determine which WM fascicles are related to language. WM fascicle volumes showed asymmetries: leftward for the AF, temporoparietal segment of SLF and UF, and rightward for the frontoparietal segment of the SLF. The lateralization of the AF, IFOF and MdLF extended to differences in patterns of anatomical connections, which may relate to specific hemispheric abilities. The leftward asymmetry of the AF was correlated to the leftward asymmetry of fMRI activations, suggesting that the lateralization of the AF is a structural substrate of hemispheric language dominance. We found consistent connections between fMRI activations and terminations of the eight WM fascicles, providing a detailed description of the language connectome. WM fascicle terminations were also observed beyond fMRI-confirmed language areas and reached numerous cortical areas involved in different functional brain networks. These findings suggest that the reported WM fascicles are not exclusively involved in language and might be related to other cognitive functions such as visual recognition, spatial attention, executive functions, memory, and processing of emotional and behavioral aspects.

We conducted a comparative population genetic analysis of levels of genetic variation and its geographical structuring in three closely related species of grasshopper that co-occur in the Mediterranean Basin: Calliptamus italicus, C. barbarus and C. wattenwylianus. In the western part of their distributions 5 populations of C. italicus, 13 of C. barbarus and 10 of C. wattenwylianus were sampled. Bootstrap re-sampling of populations and microsatellite loci within each species indicated a lower level of genetic diversity and higher level of genetic differentiation in C. barbarus, which is less of an outbreak pest species than either of the other Calliptamus species studied. This may be due to lower effective sizes of non-outbreak populations and/or lower gene flow among them.

The females of the moths Hylesia metabus have their abdomens covered by urticating hairs looking like micro-arrows and causing a puriginous dermatitis to humans known as “papillonite” in French Guiana and also called yellowtail moth dermatitis or Caripito itch. The densities of the moths show great seasonal and annual variations depending on mechanisms mostly unknown. When H. metabus infestations occur, numerous cases of dermatologic manifestations are reported from people living near the mangrove swamps where the moths are developing. One hundred years after the first “papillonite” epidemic reported from French Guiana in 1912, the data presented herein summarize the actual state of knowledge on H. metabus biology and ecology and on the lepidopterism. Some recommendations are proposed for the surveillance and warning systems of H. metabus infestations and to avoid contact with the moths. Research priorities are suggested to improve the control against this problem emerging between nuisance and public health.

The multikinase inhibitor regorafenib (BAY 73-4506) exerts both anti-angiogenic and anti-tumorigenic activity in adult solid malignancies mainly advanced colorectal cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. We intended to explore preclinically the potential of regorafenib against solid pediatric malignancies alone and in combination with anticancer agents to guide the pediatric development plan. In vitro effects on cell proliferation were screened against 33 solid tumor cell lines of the Innovative Therapies for Children with Cancer (ITCC) panel covering five pediatric solid malignancies. Regorafenib inhibited cell proliferation with a mean half maximal growth inhibition of 12.5 μmol/L (range 0.7 μmol/L to 28 μmol/L). In vivo, regorafenib was evaluated alone at 10 or 30 mg/kg/d or in combination with radiation, irinotecan or the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor refametinib against various tumor types, including patient-derived brain tumor models with an amplified platelet-derived growth factor receptor A (PDGFRA) gene. Regorafenib alone significantly inhibited tumor growth in all xenografts derived from nervous system and connective tissue tumors. Enhanced effects were observed when regorafenib was combined with irradiation and irinotecan against PDGFRA amplified IGRG93 glioma and IGRM57 medulloblastoma respectively, resulting in 100% tumor regressions. Antitumor activity was associated with decreased tumor vascularization, inhibition of PDGFR signaling, and induction of apoptotic cell death. Our work demonstrates that regorafenib exhibits significant antitumor activity in a wide spectrum of preclinical pediatric models through inhibition of angiogenesis and induction of apoptosis. Furthermore, radio- and chemosensitizing effects were observed with DNA damaging agents in PDGFR amplified tumors.

Background and Aims Despite recent approvals for new drugs to treat adults with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, there are only two approved advanced treatment options [infliximab and adalimumab] for children with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. There are many potential new therapies being developed for adult and paediatric IBD. Moreover, regulatory agencies in both the European Union and USA have processes in place to support the early planning and initiation of paediatric studies. Nevertheless, unacceptable delays in approvals for use of drugs in children persist, with an average 7-year gap, or longer, between authorization of new IBD drugs for adults and children. Methods A 2-day virtual meeting was held during April 14–15, 2021 for multi-stakeholders [clinical academics, patient community, pharmaceutical companies and regulators] to discuss their perspectives on paediatric drug development for IBD. Results The multi-stakeholder group presented, discussed and proposed actions to achieve expediting the approval of new drugs in development for paediatric IBD. Conclusions Collaborative action points for all stakeholders are required to make progress and facilitate new drug development for children with IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flow control aims at modifying a natural flow state to reach an other flow state considered as advantageous. In this paper, active feedback flow separation control is investigated with two different closed-loop control strategies, involving a reference signal tracking architecture. Firstly, a data-driven control law, leading to a linear (integral) controller is employed. Secondly, a phenomenological/model-driven approach, leading to a non-linear positive (integral) control strategy is investigated. While the former benefits of a tuning simplicity, the latter prevents undesirable effects and formally guarantees closed-loop stability. Both control approaches were validated through wind tunnel experiments of flow separation control over a movable NACA 4412 plain flap. These control laws were designed with respect to hot-film measurements, performed over the flap for different deflection angles. Both control approaches proved efficient in avoiding flow separation. The main contribution of this work stands in providing practitioners, simple but yet efficient control design methods for the flow separation phenomena. Equivalently important, a complete validation campaign data-set is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the framework of the French participation in the International Equatorial Electrojet Year (IEEY), ten magnetotelluric stations were installed between November 1992 and November 1994 along a 1200-km-long meridian profile, between Lamto (latitude 6.2°N, Côte d'Ivoire) to the south and Tombouctou (latitude 16.7°N, Mali) to the north. These stations measured digitally the three components of the magnetic field and the two components of the telluric electric field, and operated over a period of 20 months. The magnetic data is used to study the features of the equatorial electrojet (EEJ) in West African longitude. The measurement of the telluric electric field variations will be presented elsewhere. Hourly mean values are used to study the morphological structure of the regular diurnal variation SR of the three components (H, D, and Z) of the earth magnetic field and to characterize the EEJ during magnetically quiet days. The occurrences of the counter-electrojet (CEJ) are set forth, emphasizing its seasonal variability. Assumed to be a current ribbon, the EEJ main parameters (the position of its center, its width, and the amplitude of its current density at the center) are determined. A preliminary analysis of the time variations of these parameters is presented over period of 20 months (from January 1993 to August 1994). Results are compared with those obtained during previous experiments of the same kind.

Geomagnetic storm-time variations often occur coherently at high latitude and the day-side dip equator where they affect the normal eastward Sq field. This paper presents an analysis of ground magnetic field and ionospheric electrodynamic data related to the geomagnetic storm which occured on 27 May 1993 during the International Equatorial Electrojet Year (IEEY) experiment. This storm-signature analysis on the auroral, mid-latitude and equatorial ground field and ionospheric electrodynamic data leads to the identification of a sensitive response of the equatorial electrojet (EEJ) to large-scale auroral return current: this response consists in a change of the eastward electric field during the pre-sunrise hours (0400-0600 UT) coherently to the high-, mid-, and equatorial-latitude H decrease and the disappearance of the EEJ irregularities between the time-interval 0800-0950 UT. Subsequent to the change in h'F during pre-sunrise hours, the observed foF2 increase revealed an enhancement of the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) caused by the high-latitude penetrating electric field. The strengthening of these irregularities attested by the Doppler frequency increase tracks the H component at the equator which undergoes a rapid increase around 0800 UT. The ∆H variations observed at the equator are the sum of the following components: SR, DP, DR, DCF and DT.Keywords. Equatorial electrojet · Magnetosphere-ionosphere interactions · Electric fields and currents · Auroral ionosphere · Ionospheric disturbances