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Organic materials used in organic light emitting diodes (OLED) and organic solar cells are easily degraded under atmospheric conditions. Indeed, these devices require encapsulation with a barrier material which exhibits extremely low permeation rates for water vapour and oxygen. In order to determine these low permeation rates, the degradation of a metallic calcium layer encapsulated with the barrier material is usually monitored. However, the individual contributions of oxygen and water vapour to this degradation cannot be clearly distinguished. In this study, the corrosion of metallic calcium was investigated using isotopic markers in connection with ion beam analysis. We have shown that calcium reacts only with water at room temperature.

Exposure to high temperatures (heat stress) causes reduced yield in tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum), mainly by affecting male gametophyte development. Two experiments were conducted where several tomato cultivars were grown under heat stress, in growth chambers (day/night temperatures of 31/25 °C) or in greenhouses (day/night temperatures of 32/26 °C), or under control (day/night temperatures of 28/22 °C) conditions. In heat-sensitive cultivars, heat stress caused a reduction in the number of pollen grains, impaired their viability and germinability, caused reduced fruit set and markedly reduced the numbers of seeds per fruit. In the heat-tolerant cultivars, however, the number and quality of pollen grains, the number of fruits and the number of seeds per fruit were less affected by high temperatures. In all the heat-sensitive cultivars, the heat-stress conditions caused a marked reduction in starch concentration in the developing pollen grains at 3 days before anthesis, and a parallel decrease in the total soluble sugar concentration in the mature pollen, whereas in the four heat-tolerant cultivars tested, starch accumulation at 3 days before anthesis and soluble sugar concentration at anthesis were not affected by heat stress. These results indicate that the carbohydrate content of developing and mature tomato pollen grains may be an important factor in determining pollen quality, and suggest that heat-tolerant cultivars have a mechanism for maintaining the appropriate carbohydrate content under heat stress.

We describe in this article the quick optimization of bulk heterojunction organic solar cells based on poly-3-hexylthiophene and [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methylester blend. Best cells are found to be based on 1:1 in weight ratio and yield 3.6% power conversion efficiency under air-mass 1.5, 100 mW/cm2 illumination. On the optimized cells, ageing measurements have been realized to collect the absolute values of photovoltaic parameters along the time. On this study, accelerated lifetime has been calculated using the Arrhenius model for a first-order kinetic of degradation. According to the model, we can predict a long lifetime keeping more than 80% of the initial short-circuit current density after 1000 h of working.

SummaryExposure to high temperatures causes reduced yields in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), mainly by affecting male gametophyte development. The effect of heat stress on pollen characteristics...

The fungal cell wall field, traditionally focused on polysaccharide composition and synthesis, retains a certain static architectural imagery of structural rigidity and integrity, with the wall offering protection from a harsh environment. This picture of the wall is increasingly changing to that of a bustling construction site, as research uncovers the organizational complexity of its assembly. With recent molecular and genomic studies on Saccharomyces cerevisiae, cell wall synthesis and biology appear increasingly to be dynamic and adaptable processes that are fully integrated with the underlying cytoskeletal and polarity machinery that drive cell cycle progression.

The opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus is the most frequent cause of deadly airborne fungal infections in developed countries. In order to identify novel antifungal-drug targets, we investigated the genome of A. fumigatus for genes that are necessary for efficient fungal growth. An artificial A. fumigatus diploid strain with one copy of an engineered impala160 transposon from Fusarium oxysporum integrated into its genome was used to generate a library of diploid strains by random in vivo transposon mutagenesis. Among 2,386 heterozygous diploid strains screened by parasexual genetics, 1.2% had a copy of the transposable element integrated into a locus essential for A. fumigatus growth. Comparison of genomic sequences flanking impala160 in these mutants with that of the genome of A. fumigatus allowed the characterization of 20 previously uncharacterized A. fumigatus genes. Among these, homologues of genes essential for Saccharomyces cerevisiae growth have been identified, as well as genes that do not have homologues in other fungal species. These results confirm that heterologous transposition using the transposable element impala is a powerful tool for functional genomics in ascomycota, and they pave the way for defining the complete set of essential genes in A. fumigatus , the first step toward target-based development of new antifungal drugs.

We have evaluated the usefulness of parasexual genetics in the identification of genes essential for the growth of the human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. First, essentiality of the A. fumigatus AfFKS1 gene, encoding the catalytic subunit of the β-(1,3)-glucan synthase complex, was assessed by inactivating one allele of AfFKS1 in a diploid strain of A. fumigatus obtained using adequate selectable markers in spore color and nitrate utilization pathways and by performing haploidization under conditions that select for the occurrence of the disrupted allele. Haploid progeny could not be obtained, demonstrating that AfFKS1 and, hence, β-(1,3)-glucan synthesis are essential in A. fumigatus. Second, random heterozygous insertional mutants were generated by electroporation of diploid conidia with a heterologous plasmid. A total of 4.5% of the transformants failed to produce haploid progeny on selective medium. Genomic analysis of these heterozygous diploids led in particular to the identification of an essential A. fumigatus gene encoding an SMC-like protein resembling one in Schizosacccharomyces pombe involved in chromosome condensation and cohesion. However, significant plasmid and genomic DNA rearrangements were observed at many of the identified genomic loci where plasmid integration had occurred, thus suggesting that the use of electroporation to build libraries of A. fumigatus insertional mutants has relatively limited value and cannot be used in an exhaustive search of essential genes.

Biofilm formation is an important virulence trait of the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans. We have combined gene overexpression, strain barcoding and microarray profiling to screen a library of 531 C. albicans conditional overexpression strains (∼10% of the genome) for genes affecting biofilm development in mixed-population experiments. The overexpression of 16 genes increased strain occupancy within a multi-strain biofilm, whereas overexpression of 4 genes decreased it. The set of 16 genes was significantly enriched for those encoding predicted glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-modified proteins, namely Ihd1/Pga36, Phr2, Pga15, Pga19, Pga22, Pga32, Pga37, Pga42 and Pga59; eight of which have been classified as pathogen-specific. Validation experiments using either individually- or competitively-grown overexpression strains revealed that the contribution of these genes to biofilm formation was variable and stage-specific. Deeper functional analysis of PGA59 and PGA22 at a single-cell resolution using atomic force microscopy showed that overexpression of either gene increased C. albicans ability to adhere to an abiotic substrate. However, unlike PGA59, PGA22 overexpression led to cell cluster formation that resulted in increased sensitivity to shear forces and decreased ability to form a single-strain biofilm. Within the multi-strain environment provided by the PGA22-non overexpressing cells, PGA22-overexpressing cells were protected from shear forces and fitter for biofilm development. Ultrastructural analysis, genome-wide transcript profiling and phenotypic analyses in a heterologous context suggested that PGA22 affects cell adherence through alteration of cell wall structure and/or function. Taken together, our findings reveal that several novel predicted GPI-modified proteins contribute to the cooperative behaviour between biofilm cells and are important participants during C. albicans biofilm formation. Moreover, they illustrate the power of using signature tagging in conjunction with gene overexpression for the identification of novel genes involved in processes pertaining to C. albicans virulence., Author Summary Candida albicans is the most prevalent human fungal pathogen. Its ability to cause disease relies, in part, on the formation of biofilms, a protective structure of highly adherent cells tolerant to antifungal agents and the host immune response. The biofilm is considered as a persistent root of infection, disseminating infectious cells to other locations. In this study, we performed large-scale phenotypic analyses aimed at identifying genes whose overexpression affects biofilm development in C. albicans. Our screen relied on a collection of 531 C. albicans strains, each conditionally overexpressing one given gene and carrying one specific molecular tag allowing the quantification of strain abundance in mixed-population experiments. Our results strikingly revealed the enrichment of strains overproducing poorly-characterized surface proteins called Pgas (Putative GPI-Anchored proteins), within a 531-strain-containing biofilm model. We show that these PGA genes differentially contribute to single-strain and multi-strain biofilm formation and are involved in specific stages of the biofilm developmental process. Taken together, our results reveal the importance of C. albicans cell surface proteins during biofilm formation and reflect the powerful use of strain barcoding in combination with gene overexpression to identify genes and/or pathways involved in processes pertaining to virulence of pathogenic microbes.

International audience; The inflammatory cytokine IL-1β is critical for host responses against many human pathogens. Here, we define Group B Streptococcus (GBS)-mediated activation of the Nod-like receptor-P3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in macrophages. NLRP3 activation requires GBS expression of the cytolytic toxin, β-hemolysin, lysosomal acidification, and leakage. These processes allow the interaction of GBS RNA with cytosolic NLRP3. The present study supports a model in which GBS RNA, along with lysosomal components including cathepsins, leaks out of lysosomes and interacts with NLRP3 to induce IL-1β production.

International audience; Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus) is a commensal of the human intestine and vagina of adult women but is the leading cause of invasive infection in neonates. This Gram-positive bacterium displays a set of virulence-associated surface proteins involved in the interaction with the host, such as adhesion to host cells, invasion of tissues, or subversion of the immune system. In this study, we characterized a cell wall-localized protein as an ecto-5'-nucleoside diphosphate phosphohydrolase (NudP) involved in the degradation of extracellular nucleotides which are central mediators of the immune response. Biochemical characterization of recombinant NudP revealed a Mn(2+)-dependent ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity on ribo- and deoxyribonucleoside 5'-mono- and 5'-diphosphates with a substrate specificity different from that of known orthologous enzymes. Deletion of the gene coding the housekeeping enzyme sortase A led to the release of NudP into the culture supernatant, confirming that this enzyme is anchored to the cell wall by its non-canonical LPXTN motif. The NudP ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity is reminiscent of the reactions performed by the mammalian ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73 involved in regulating the extracellular level of ATP and adenosine. We further demonstrated that the absence of NudP activity decreases bacterial survival in mouse blood, a process dependent on extracellular adenosine. In vivo assays in animal models of infection showed that NudP activity is critical for virulence. These results demonstrate that Group B Streptococcus expresses a specific ecto-5'-nucleotidase necessary for its pathogenicity and highlight the diversity of reactions performed by this enzyme family. These results suggest that bacterial pathogens have developed specialized strategies to subvert the mammalian immune response controlled by the extracellular nucleotide signaling pathways.

International audience; Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus or GBS) is a common cause of invasive infections in newborn infants and adults. The ability of GBS to bind human fibrinogen is of crucial importance in promoting colonization and invasion of host barriers. We characterized here a novel fibrinogen-binding protein of GBS, designated FbsC (Gbs0791), which is encoded by the prototype GBS strain NEM316. FbsC, which bears two bacterial immunoglobulin-like tandem repeat domains and a C-terminal cell wall-anchoring motif (LPXTG), was found to be covalently linked to the cell wall by the housekeeping sortase A. Studies using recombinant FbsC indicated that it binds fibrinogen in a dose-dependent and saturable manner, and with moderate affinity. Expression of FbsC was detected in all clinical GBS isolates, except those belonging to the hypervirulent lineage ST17. Deletion of fbsC decreases NEM316 abilities to adhere to and invade human epithelial and endothelial cells, and to form biofilm in vitro. Notably, bacterial adhesion to fibrinogen and fibrinogen binding to bacterial cells were abolished following fbsC deletion in NEM316. Moreover, the virulence of the fbsC deletion mutant and its ability to colonize the brain were impaired in murine models of infection. Finally, immunization with recombinant FbsC significantly protected mice from lethal GBS challenge. In conclusion, FbsC is a novel fibrinogen-binding protein expressed by most GBS isolates that functions as a virulence factor by promoting invasion of epithelial and endothelial barriers. In addition, the protein has significant immunoprotective activity and may be a useful component of an anti-GBS vaccine.

The opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida glabrata is a frequent cause of candidiasis, causing infections ranging from superficial to life-threatening disseminated disease. The inherent tolerance of C. glabrata to azole drugs makes this pathogen a serious clinical threat. To identify novel genes implicated in antifungal drug tolerance, we have constructed a large-scale C. glabrata deletion library consisting of 619 unique, individually bar-coded mutant strains, each lacking one specific gene, all together representing almost 12% of the genome. Functional analysis of this library in a series of phenotypic and fitness assays identified numerous genes required for growth of C. glabrata under normal or specific stress conditions, as well as a number of novel genes involved in tolerance to clinically important antifungal drugs such as azoles and echinocandins. We identified 38 deletion strains displaying strongly increased susceptibility to caspofungin, 28 of which encoding proteins that have not previously been linked to echinocandin tolerance. Our results demonstrate the potential of the C. glabrata mutant collection as a valuable resource in functional genomics studies of this important fungal pathogen of humans, and to facilitate the identification of putative novel antifungal drug target and virulence genes., Author Summary Clinical infections by the yeast-like pathogen Candida glabrata have been ever-increasing over the past years. Importantly, C. glabrata is one of the most prevalent causes of drug-refractory fungal infections in humans. We have generated a novel large-scale collection encompassing 619 bar-coded C. glabrata mutants, each lacking a single gene. Extensive profiling of phenotypes reveals a number of novel genes implicated in tolerance to antifungal drugs that interfere with proper cell wall function, as well as genes affecting fitness of C. glabrata both during normal growth and under environmental stress. This fungal deletion collection will be a valuable resource for the community to study mechanisms of virulence and antifungal drug tolerance in C. glabrata, which is particularly relevant in view of the increasing prevalence of infections caused by this important human fungal pathogen.

Background Calcium phosphate-adsorbed allergen extracts are used for subcutaneous immunotherapy to avoid the use of aluminium adjuvants. Objectives A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed in order to confirm the safety and assess the efficacy of a standardized five-grass-pollen extract adsorbed onto calcium phosphate for specific immunotherapy (IT). Methods Twenty-nine patients with seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis were randomized to receive either the active preparation (16 patients) or placebo (13 patients), in a 1-year study. During the increasing dose phase, an extract ranging from 0.1 IR per ml to 50 IR per ml was administered at a rate of one subcutaneous injection per week until a maintenance dose was reached. The patients were assessed by symptom diary and rescue medications during seasonal exposure and specific nasal and skin reactivity before and after IT. Immunological parameters (specific IgE and IgG 4 antibodies) were assessed before, during and after IT. Results The overall symptoms score (mean AUC) was not significantly different between the IT group and the placebo group during grass-pollen exposure (49.6 vs. 56, respectively). The total medication score (mean AUC) was significantly lower in the IT group than in the placebo group (11 vs. 41, P < 0.01, Mann-Whitney U-test). The cumulative symptom/medication score was significantly lower in the IT group than in the placebo group (64.5 VS. 102.3, P < 0.05, U-test). A significant increase in nasal reactivity threshold was observed after IT in the IT group (21. 4 IR/mL before IT vs. 63.4 IR/mL after IT, P < 0.01, Wilcoxon), whereas no significant changes were observed in the placebo group (31.0 IR/mL before IT vs. 37.7 IR/mL after IT). IT induced a significant reduction in grass pollen cutaneous reactivity in the actively treated group (P < 0.001). A significant increase in serum-specific IgG 4 antibody response was observed in the IT group (3.1% before IT VS. 10.1% after IT, P < 0.001). Nine patients in the IT group developed moderate immediate systemic reactions vs. two patients in the placebo group. Conclusion Specific immunotherapy with calcium phosphate-adsorbed standardized grass pollen extract was safe and effective for the treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.

The cytoplasmic male-sterile (CMS) line CMS-pennellii (BC10P2 L. peruvianum×L. pennellii) and its complex hybrids with L. esculentum were studied. The established sterility was classified as the sporogenous type. As a result of the interaction of the genome of L. pennellii and the cytoplasm of L. peruvianum clear changes were established in the profiles of malic enzyme and esterase. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was detected between the mitochondrial (mt) genomes of CMS-pennellii and the cytoplasm donor, L. peruvianum, for two mtDNA probes: atpA and nad3. The established differences in the isozyme pattern and mt genomes are considered as useful markers to distinguish fertile and sterile plants. A breakthrough in the unilateral incompatibility of CMS-pennellii and the incorporation of the genome of L. esculentum on a CMS background is reported. The analysis of the complex hybrids assumes the interaction of two dominant genes – a maintainer gene from L. pennellii and a restorer gene from cultivated tomato. The hybrids produced with L. esculentum provide the basis for the development of a CMS system in cultivated tomato.

International audience; BACKGROUND:SUN proteins are involved in yeast morphogenesis, but their function is unknown.RESULTS:SUN protein plays a role in the Aspergillus fumigatus morphogenesis. Biochemical properties of recombinant SUN proteins were elucidated.CONCLUSION:Both Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus sun proteins show a β-(1,3)-glucanase activity.SIGNIFICANCE:The mode of action of SUN proteins on β-(1,3)-glucan is unique, new, and original. In yeasts, the family of SUN proteins has been involved in cell wall biogenesis. Here, we report the characterization of SUN proteins in a filamentous fungus, Aspergillus fumigatus. The function of the two A. fumigatus SUN genes was investigated by combining reverse genetics and biochemistry. During conidial swelling and mycelial growth, the expression of AfSUN1 was strongly induced, whereas the expression of AfSUN2 was not detectable. Deletion of AfSUN1 negatively affected hyphal growth and conidiation. A closer examination of the morphological defects revealed swollen hyphae, leaky tips, intrahyphal growth, and double cell wall, suggesting that, like in yeast, AfSun1p is associated with cell wall biogenesis. In contrast to AfSUN1, deletion of AfSUN2 either in the parental strain or in the AfSUN1 single mutant strain did not affect colony and hyphal morphology. Biochemical characterization of the recombinant AfSun1p and Candida albicans Sun41p showed that both proteins had a unique hydrolysis pattern: acting on β-(1,3)-oligomers from dimer up to insoluble β-(1,3)-glucan. Referring to the CAZy database, it is clear that fungal SUN proteins represent a new family of glucan hydrolases (GH132) and play an important morphogenetic role in fungal cell wall biogenesis and septation.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a common commensal of the female genital tract, is the leading cause of invasive infections in neonates. Expression of major GBS virulence factors, such as the hemolysin operon cyl, is regulated directly at the transcriptional level by the CovSR two-component system. Using a random genetic approach, we identified a multi-spanning transmembrane protein, Abx1, essential for the production of the GBS hemolysin. Despite its similarity to eukaryotic CaaX proteases, the Abx1 function is not involved in a post-translational modification of the GBS hemolysin. Instead, we demonstrate that Abx1 regulates transcription of several virulence genes, including those comprising the hemolysin operon, by a CovSR-dependent mechanism. By combining genetic analyses, transcriptome profiling, and site-directed mutagenesis, we showed that Abx1 is a regulator of the histidine kinase CovS. Overexpression of Abx1 is sufficient to activate virulence gene expression through CovS, overcoming the need for an additional signal. Conversely, the absence of Abx1 has the opposite effect on virulence gene expression consistent with CovS locked in a kinase-competent state. Using a bacterial two-hybrid system, direct interaction between Abx1 and CovS was mapped specifically to CovS domains involved in signal processing. We demonstrate that the CovSR two-component system is the core of a signaling pathway integrating the regulation of CovS by Abx1 in addition to the regulation of CovR by the serine/threonine kinase Stk1. In conclusion, our study reports a regulatory function for Abx1, a member of a large protein family with a characteristic Abi-domain, which forms a signaling complex with the histidine kinase CovS in GBS., Author Summary The gram-positive Streptococcus genus includes three major human pathogens that are members of the normal microflora: Streptococcus pneumoniae (also known as the pneumococcus), Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus), and Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus). Their carriage in the population is highly dynamic and mostly asymptomatic. However, each of these species can cause a wide spectrum of diseases, from local infections to systemic and fatal infections including septicemia and meningitis. Expression of streptococcal virulence-associated genes is tightly regulated at the transcriptional level. However, the signal(s) and the precise molecular events controlling the switch from commensalism to virulence are not yet understood. In this study, we identified and characterized a bacterial protein essential for virulence gene expression in Group B Streptococcus, the main pathogen of neonates. We show that this transmembrane protein, named Abx1, interacts with the histidine kinase CovS to modulate the activity of the major regulator of virulence CovR. We define how a core set of four proteins, Abx1, CovS, CovR, and the serine/threonine kinase Stk1, interact to control the expression of virulence genes in S. agalactiae. We propose that Abx1-like proteins, that are widespread in bacteria, might be part of a conserved mechanism of two-component system regulation.

Silicon oxynitride thin films deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition on various substrates have been characterized by infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy. Shifts of the LO Si–O vibrational band to lower wave numbers have been observed with increasing N content and also with the thickness of the films. We observe that the ratio of LO Si–O vibrational mode wave number to film thickness (υ/t) varies linearly with the ratio of refractive index to thickness (n/t). This linear relationship does not depend on the nature of substrates on which films are deposited (Al/Si, Si, Si/Al). Our results show that the composition of silicon oxynitride films could be determined directly by measuring the LO Si–O mode position.

In petunia, a mitochondrial (mt) locus, S-Pcf, has been found to be strongly associated with cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS). The S-Pcf locus consists of three open reading frames (ORF) that are co-transcribed. The first ORF, Pcf, contains parts of the atp9 and coxII genes and an unidentified reading frame, urf-s. The second and third ORFs contain NADH dehydrogenase subunit 3 (nad3) and ribosomal protein S12 (rps12) sequences, respectively. The nad3 and rps12 sequences included in the S-Pcf locus are identical to the corresponding sequences on the mt genome of fertile petunia. In both CMS and fertile petunia, only a single copy of nad3 and rps12 had been detected on the physical map of the main mt genome. The origin of the urf-s sequence and the molecular events leading to the formation of the chimeric S-Pcf locus are not known. This paper presents evidence indicating that two different mt sequences, related to urf-s and found in fertile petunia lines (orf-h and Rf-1), might have been involved in the molecular evolution of the S-Pcf locus. Southern analysis of mtDNA derived from both fertile and sterile petunia plants suggests that one of these urf-s related sequences (showing 100% homology to urf-s and termed orf-h) is located on a sublimon. An additional, low-homology urf-s related sequence (Rf-1) is shown to be located on the main mt genome 5' to the nad3 gene. It is, thus, suggested that the sequence of events leading to the generation of the S-Pcf locus might have involved introduction of the orf-h sequence, via homologous recombination, into the main mt genome 5' to nad3 at the region where the Rf-1 sequence is located.

Seventy-four unrelated clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae harboring the tet (M) gene were studied. Seven strains with low tetracycline (Tc) MICs (0.25 to 0.5 μg/ml) were found to harbor truncated tet (M) alleles that were inactivated by different frameshift mutations. In contrast, five strains bore deletions in the tet (M) promoter region, among which four displayed increased Tc MICs (16 to 64 μg/ml). The same promoter mutations were detected in Tc-resistant mutants selected in vitro from various susceptible strains. Sequence analysis revealed that these deletions might impede the formation of the transcriptional attenuator located immediately upstream of tet (M). Expression in Enterococcus faecalis of a tet (M) reporter gene transcribed from these promoter mutants conferred a level of Tc resistance similar to that observed in the parental S. pneumoniae strains. These results show that different levels of Tc susceptibility found in clinical isolates of S. pneumoniae can be explained by frameshift mutations within tet (M) and by alterations of the upstream transcriptional attenuator.

Cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) serve as the first line of defense of the innate immune system against invading microbial pathogens. Gram-positive bacteria can resist CAMPs by modifying their anionic teichoic acids (TAs) with D-alanine, but the exact mechanism of resistance is not fully understood. Here, we utilized various functional and biophysical approaches to investigate the interactions of the human pathogen Group B Streptococcus (GBS) with a series of CAMPs having different properties. The data reveal that: (i) D-alanylation of lipoteichoic acids (LTAs) enhance GBS resistance only to a subset of CAMPs and there is a direct correlation between resistance and CAMPs length and charge density; (ii) resistance due to reduced anionic charge of LTAs is not attributed to decreased amounts of bound peptides to the bacteria; and (iii) D-alanylation most probably alters the conformation of LTAs which results in increasing the cell wall density, as seen by Transmission Electron Microscopy, and reduces the penetration of CAMPs through the cell wall. Furthermore, Atomic Force Microscopy reveals increased surface rigidity of the cell wall of the wild-type GBS strain to more than 20-fold that of the dltA mutant. We propose that D-alanylation of LTAs confers protection against linear CAMPs mainly by decreasing the flexibility and permeability of the cell wall, rather than by reducing the electrostatic interactions of the peptide with the cell surface. Overall, our findings uncover an important protective role of the cell wall against CAMPs and extend our understanding of mechanisms of bacterial resistance., Author Summary Cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) represent important evolutionarily conserved elements of innate immunity and their killing mechanism involves bacterial cell wall permeation. As a result, gram-positive bacteria can resist CAMPs by modifying their anionic teichoic acids (TAs) following incorporation of D-alanyl residues to neutralize their surface charge, a reaction catalyzed by the dlt operon gene product. Here, we demonstrate that this electrochemical modification changes the barrier properties of Group B Streptococcus cell wall and inactivation of the dlt operon activity results in CAMP sensitivity. However, despite the major increase in the surface charge of the mutant, no increased electrostatic binding of CAMPs is observed. Rather, D-alanine incorporation protects the bacterial membrane by reducing the penetration of CAMPs through the cell wall. Accordingly, a dlt mutant was more susceptible to perforation by CAMPs and its cell wall nanostructure was significantly altered. Overall, we demonstrate a novel protective role of the cell wall against CAMPs which should enable bacterial invaders to survive upon host's colonization.

The paper supports the view that ethylene plays a significant role in maintaining tomato pollen thermotolerance. Interfering with the ethylene signalling pathway or reducing ethylene levels and increased tomato pollen sensitivity to heat stress. On the other hand, increasing ethylene levels before heat-stress improved pollen quality., Background and aims Exposure to higher-than-optimal temperatures reduces crop yield and quality, mainly due to sensitivity of developing pollen grains. The mechanisms maintaining high pollen quality under heat-stress conditions are poorly understood. Our recently published data indicate high heat-stress-induced expression of ethylene-responsive genes in tomato pollen, indicating ethylene involvement in the pollen heat-stress response. Here we elucidated ethylene's involvement in pollen heat-stress response and thermotolerance by assessing the effects of interfering with the ethylene signalling pathway and altering ethylene levels on tomato pollen functioning under heat stress. Methodology Plants of the ethylene-insensitive mutant Never ripe (Nr)—defective in an ethylene response sensor (ERS)-like ethylene receptor—and the corresponding wild type were exposed to control or heat-stress growing conditions, and pollen quality was determined. Starch and carbohydrates were measured in isolated pollen grains from these plants. The effect of pretreating cv. Micro-Tom tomato plants, prior to heat-stress exposure, with an ethylene releaser or inhibitor of ethylene biosynthesis on pollen quality was assessed. Principal results Never ripe pollen grains exhibited higher heat-stress sensitivity, manifested by a significant reduction in the total number of pollen grains, reduction in the number of viable pollen and elevation of the number of non-viable pollen, compared with wild-type plants. Mature Nr pollen grains accumulated only 40 % of the sucrose level accumulated by the wild type. Pretreatment of tomato plants with an ethylene releaser increased pollen quality under heat stress, with an over 5-fold increase in the number of germinating pollen grains per flower. Pretreatment with an ethylene biosynthesis inhibitor reduced the number of germinating pollen grains following heat-stress exposure over 5-fold compared with non-treated controls. Conclusions Ethylene plays a significant role in tomato pollen thermotolerance. Interfering with the ethylene signalling pathway or reducing ethylene levels increased tomato pollen sensitivity to heat stress, whereas increasing ethylene levels prior to heat-stress exposure increased pollen quality.

Over-expression is a valid functional genomics approach to characterise genes of unknown function on a genome-wide scale. Strains are engineered to over-express a specific gene and the resulting gain-of-function phenotype assessed. Here, we describe the strategy we are adopting to synthesise a Candida albicans ORFeome collection and the options available to create over-expressing strains from this collection.

The male gametophyte developmental programme can be divided into five phases which differ in relation to the environment and pollen hydration state: (1) pollen develops inside the anther immersed in locular fluid, which conveys substances from the mother plant--the microsporogenesis phase; (2) locular fluid disappears by reabsorption and/or evaporation before the anther opens and the maturing pollen grains undergo dehydration--the dehydration phase; (3) the anther opens and pollen may be dispersed immediately, or be held by, for example, pollenkitt (as occurs in almost all entomophilous species) for later dispersion--the presentation phase; (4) pollen is dispersed by different agents, remaining exposed to the environment for different periods--the dispersal phase; and (5) pollen lands on a stigma and, in the case of a compatible stigma and suitable conditions, undergoes rehydration and starts germination--the pollen-stigma interaction phase.This review highlights the issue of pollen water status and indicates the various mechanisms used by pollen grains during their five developmental phases to adjust to changes in water content and maintain internal stability.Pollen water status is co-ordinated through structural, physiological and molecular mechanisms. The structural components participating in regulation of the pollen water level, during both dehydration and rehydration, include the exine (the outer wall of the pollen grain) and the vacuole. Recent data suggest the involvement of water channels in pollen water transport and the existence of several molecular mechanisms for pollen osmoregulation and to protect cellular components (proteins and membranes) under water stress. It is suggested that pollen grains will use these mechanisms, which have a developmental role, to cope with environmental stress conditions.

Over-expression is a valid functional genomics approach to characterise genes of unknown function on a genome-wide scale. Strains are engineered to over-express a specific gene and the resulting gain-of-function phenotype assessed. Here, we describe the strategy we are adopting to synthesise a Candida albicans ORFeome collection and the options available to create over-expressing strains from this collection.

Accurate and rapid cultivar identification is important for breeders'-rights protection, especially for vegetatively propagated plants. The objective of this study was to test the feasibility of developing cultivar-specific RAPD markers in commercial strawberries (Fragaria ananassa Dutch). Efforts were focused on distinguishing between two newly developed Volcani cultivars, ‘Ofra’ and ‘Dorit’, and six other cultivars, ‘Douglas’, ‘Chandler’, ‘Oso Grande’, ‘Dover’, ‘Nurit’ and ‘Parker’. Reproducible RAPD fingerprints were generated, each containing at least one polymorphic DNA product. A combination of 10 polymorphic DNA products exhibited cultivar-specific patterns enabling the distinction between closely related varieties, such as ‘Ofra’ (which is the progeny of ‘Dorit’ and ‘Parker’) and ‘Dorit’ (which is the progeny of ‘Nurit’ and ‘Dover’). This study shows that RAPD markers can help in the protection of breeders’ rights to strawberry cultivars.

Comparative histological and ultrastructural studies were made on the gametogenesis and microsporogenesis in isonuclear fertile and cytoplasmic male sterile petunia lines. Using electron microscopy, changes in the mitochondrial double membrane were observed in the tapetal and sporogenic cells of cytoplasmic male sterile anthers as the first cytological sign of breakdown of the process of microsporogenesis at early prophase I. These changes were manifested by a larger space between the outer and the inner membrane and fewer sites of close proximity (“contact sites”) in the sterile mitochondria, as compared to fertile mitochondria. The mitochondrial membrane of the parietal tissue in the cytoplasmic male sterile anthers was not affected in the same way. Even when total breakdown was already obvious in the tapetal and sporogenic cells, the mitochondria of the parietal layer remained intact.

Original objectives: Anatomical study of storage root initiation and formation. Induction of storage root formation. Isolation and characterization of genes involved in storage root formation. During the normal course of storage root development. Following stress-induced storage root formation. Background:Sweetpotato is a high value vegetable crop in Israel and the U.S. and acreage is expanding in both countries and the research herein represents an important backstop to improving quality, consistency, and yield. This research has two broad objectives, both relating to sweetpotato storage root formation. The first objective is to understand storage root inductive conditions and describe the anatomical and physiological stages of storage root development. Sweetpotato is propagated through vine cuttings. These vine cuttings form adventitious roots, from pre-formed primordiae, at each node underground and it is these small adventitious roots which serve as initials for storage and fibrous (non-storage) “feeder” roots. What perplexes producers is the tremendous variability in storage roots produced from plant to plant. The marketable root number may vary from none to five per plant. What has intrigued us is the dearth of research on sweetpotato during the early growth period which we hypothesize has a tremendous impact on ultimate consistency and yield. The second objective is to identify genes that change the root physiology towards either a fleshy storage root or a fibrous “feeder” root. Understanding which genes affect the ultimate outcome is central to our research. Major conclusions: For objective one, we have determined that the majority of adventitious roots that are initiated within 5-7 days after transplanting possess the anatomical features associated with storage root initiation and account for 86 % of storage root count at 65 days after transplanting. These data underscore the importance of optimizing the growing environment during the critical storage root initiation period. Water deprivation during this phenological stage led to substantial reduction in storage root number and yield as determined through growth chamber, greenhouse, and field experiments. Morphological characterization of adventitious roots showed adjustments in root system architecture, expressed as lateral root count and density, in response to water deprivation. For objective two, we generated a transcriptome of storage and lignified (non-storage) adventitious roots. This transcriptome database consists of 55,296 contigs and contains data as regards to differential expression between initiating and lignified adventitious roots. The molecular data provide evidence that a key regulatory mechanism in storage root initiation involves the switch between lignin biosynthesis and cell division and starch accumulation. We extended this research to identify genes upregulated in adventitious roots under drought stress. A subset of these genes was expressed in salt stressed plants.

This paper reports a study of the photo- and thermo-degradation of poly(p-phenylene-vinylene)-type (PPVs) materials, including a five-ring n-octyloxy substituted phenylene-vinylene oligomer (Ooct-OPV5) and poly(p-phenylene-vinylene) (PPV). The modifications in the chemical structure of the thin films submitted to UV–visible light irradiation and thermal oxidation were analysed with infrared spectroscopy, and the oxidation products were identified by derivatisation reactions. Results showed that the photochemical and thermal behaviour of the Ooct-OPV5 oligomer was similar to that of MDMO-PPV (poly[2-methoxy-5-(3′,7′-dimethyloctyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene), which is a polymer used in organic solar cells. Additionally, the identification of the products resulting from the oxidation of the vinylene bonds was simpler in Ooct-OPV5 and PPV compared to MDMO-PPV In contrast, the oxidation mechanisms of PPV, which has no ether substituent, and MDMO-PPV are not identical; the disappearance of the double bonds in PPV does not involve the formation of aromatic ketones. It was also shown that the absence of ether substituents does not decrease the rate of photo-oxidation of PPV compared to MDMO-PPV. Finally, as the same mechanisms proposed for Ooct-OPV5 and PPV occur under both photo- and thermo-oxidative conditions of ageing, this confirms that singlet oxygen does not play a decisive role in the photo-oxidation of PPVs.

Background: Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus) is a leading cause of sepsis and meningitis in newborns. Most bacterial pathogens, including gram-positive bacteria, have long filamentous structures known as pili extending from their surface. Although pili are described as adhesive organelles, they have been also implicated in many other functions including thwarting the host immune responses. We previously characterized the pilus-encoding operon PI-2a (gbs14791474) in strain NEM316. This pilus is composed of three structural subunit proteins: PilA (Gbs1478), PilB (Gbs1477), and PilC (Gbs1474), and its assembly involves two class C sortases (SrtC3 and SrtC4). PilB, the bona fide pilin, is the major component whereas PilA, the pilus associated adhesin, and PilC the pilus anchor are both accessory proteins incorporated into the pilus backbone. [br/] Methodology/Principal Findings: In this study, the role of the major pilin subunit PilB was tested in systemic virulence using 6-weeks old and newborn mice. Notably, the non-piliated Delta pilB mutant was less virulent than its wild-type counterpart in the newborn mice model. Next, we investigated the possible role(s) of PilB in resistance to innate immune host defenses, i.e. resistance to macrophage killing and to antimicrobial peptides. Phagocytosis and survival of wild-type NEM316 and its isogenic Delta pilB mutant in immortalized RAW 264.7 murine macrophages were not significantly different whereas the isogenic Delta sodA mutant was more susceptible to killing. These results were confirmed using primary peritoneal macrophages. We also tested the activities of five cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMP-1D, LL-37, colistin, polymyxin B, and mCRAMP) and found no significant difference between WT and Delta pilB strains whereas the isogenic dltA mutant showed increased sensitivity. [br/] Conclusions/Significance: These results question the previously described role of PilB pilus in resistance to the host immune defenses. Interestingly, PilB was found to be important for virulence in the neonatal context.

International audience; Because oxygen cannot be fully eliminated from organic solar cells, the occurrence of oxidative photo-degradation of the device in operating conditions has to be considered. Polyphenylene-vinylene-based photovoltaic devices have a short lifetime that currently limits their applications. In this article, we focus on various transient species that are potentially involved in the initiation step of the photo-oxidation of poly[2-methoxy-5-(30,70- dimethyloctyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MDMO-PPV). The role of the transient species was investigated by a combination of quenching and sensitization experiments. Complementary information was obtained by transient absorption spectroscopy. Results evidenced the fact that 1O2 was not the principal reactive intermediate involved in the photo-oxidation of MDMO-PPV. This result was in contradiction with previous reports. It was shown that the MDMO-PPV=p radical cation was generated after excitation. The presence of oxygen and the photo-aging favored the formation of the radical cation, suggesting that oxygen and photoproducts act as electron acceptors. The charged radicals formed are likely to evolve and give radicals that initiate the oxidation of the polymer by abstraction of the labile hydrogen in a position of the ether function and by addition on the double bonds.

Since 2006, French research on spent fuel has focused on the main issues related to transport and extended in-pool storage of spent fuel assembly. Studies on creep behaviour of irradiated cladding have resulted in a new creep model which is valid over a wide domain of temperature, internal pressure and time. Under nominal conditions, no evolution of the spent fuel rod is expected during in-pool storage. In case of defective fuel rods in the storage pool, the consequences of fuel alteration on the initial defect of the cladding depend on the matrix alteration rate and nature of the secondary phases formed. Considering the optional scenario of direct disposal, the long-term behaviour of the spent fuel is investigated focusing on helium consequences before water contact on the one hand and on the influence of repository conditions on matrix alteration on the other hand. The aim of the on-going studies is to improve the safety margins initially introduced in the radionuclide source term models.

International audience; This article describes a new approach to improve the analysis of the chemical modifications that result from the degradation of polymers under UV-visible light exposure in the presence of oxygen. The tool which is used consists of an irradiation chamber whose atmosphere is composed of 18O2. The 18O2 pressure inside the chamber and the hygrometry can be adjusted. In this study, particular attention was paid to the photo-oxidation of poly[2-methoxy-5-(3′,7′-dimethyloctyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinyl ene] (MDMO-PPV). Using infrared spectroscopy, irradiation under the oxygen 18 atmosphere allowed discrimination between compounds formed via fixation of oxygen from the atmosphere and those formed by reorganisation of the matrix. In addition, irradiation of MDMO-PPV in an 18O2 wet atmosphere allowed for detection of the presence of phenyl formate and aromatic ketone functions. This permitted validating the mechanism of photo-oxidation previously proposed. Additionally, with regard to blends made with MDMO-PPV and methano-fullerene[6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester ([60] PCBM), it was demonstrated that this technique facilitates the identification of the photo-oxidation products formed.

International audience; Exposure of MDMO-PPV and MDMO-PPV:PCBM to UV-visible light in deoxygenised atmosphere results in a slow evolution of the chemical structure of both components. A photodegradation mechanism of MDMO-PPV is proposed. Concerning MDMO-PPV:PCBM blends, the results indicated that the photodegradation of MDMO-PPV was significantly slowed down in the blend. Extrapolation of data obtained in the condition of artificially accelerated ageing suggests that, if well protected of oxygen (encapsulation), this active layer is photochemically stable for several years in real conditions of ageing. Moreover, the efficiently quenched fluorescence evidenced is promising concerning the charge separation all along the lifetime of the system.

Organic photovoltaic represents an emerging technology thanks to its ability to give flexible, light weight and large-area devices, with low production cost by simple solution process or printing technologies. But these devices are known to exhibit low resistance to the combined action of sunlight, oxygen and water. This paper is focused on the behaviour of the active layer of the devices under illumination in the presence and absence of oxygen. The monitoring of the evolution of the chemical structure of MDMO-PPV submitted to accelerated artificial ageing permitted the elucidation of the mechanisms by which the polymer degrades. Extrapolation of the data to natural ageing suggested that, if well protected from oxygen (encapsulation), MDMO-PPV:PCBM based active layer is photochemically stable for several years in use conditions. In addition the charge transfer between the two materials was observed to remain efficient under exposure. The study of P3HT:PCBM blends allowed to point out the Achilles heel of P3HT towards the impact of light. In addition, P3HT:PCBM blends were shown to be much more stable under illumination than MDMO:PCBM blends. Preliminary results devoted to the AFM monitoring of the morphological modifications of P3HT:PCBM blends under the impact of light are also reported.

Seven members of an Ashkenazi Jewish family with Gaucher disease in 3 successive generations were tested for the presence of the 2 common mutations known to occur in the glucocerebrosidase gene. Genomic DNA from blood or skin fibroblasts of relatives was amplified by using the PCR technique and individual mutations identified by oligonucleotides specific to the mutated sequences. Four individuals were homozygous for a mutation at amino acid 370 (370 mutation) known to occur only in type 1 disease. The other 3 affected relatives were compound heterozygotes for this mutation and for a mutation at amino acid 444 (NciI mutation) which, in the homozygous state, is associated with neurological disease. Clinical severity was more marked in the compound heterozygotes than in the homozygotes. Since the mutation is present in Ashkenazim, molecular diagnosis in families which carry the NciI mutation should prove useful in assessing their risk of the neurologic forms of Gaucher disease.

Exposure to higher than optimal temperatures - heat-stress (HS) - is becoming increasingly common to all crop plants worldwide. Heat stress coinciding with microgametogenesis, especially during the post-meiotic phase that is marked by starch biosynthesis, is often associated with starch-deficient pollen and male sterility and ultimately, greatly reduced crop yields. The molecular basis for the high sensitivity of developing pollen grains, on one hand, and factors involved in pollen heat-tolerance, on the other, is poorly understood. The long-term goal of this project is to provide a better understanding of the genes that control pollen quality under heat-stress conditions. The specific objectives of this project were: (1) Determination of the threshold heat stress temperature(s) that affects tomato and sorghum pollen quality whether: a) Chronic mild heat stress conditions (CMHS), or b) Acute heat stress (AHS). (2) Isolation of heat-responsive, microgametogenesis-specific sequences. During our one-year feasibility project, we have accomplished the proposed objectives as follows: Objectrive 1: We have determined the threshold HS conditions in tomato and sorghum. This was essential for achieving the 2nd objective, since our accumulated experience (both Israeli and US labs) indicate that when temperature is raised too high above "threshold HS levels" it may cause massive death of the developing pollen grains. Above-threshold conditions have additional major disadvantages including the "noise" caused by induced expression of genes involved in cell death and masking of the differences between heatsensitive and heat-tolerant pollen grains. Two different types of HS conditions were determined: a) Season-long CMHS conditions: 32/26°C day/night temperatures confirmed in tomato and 36/26°C day maximum/night minimum temperatures in sorghum. b) Short-term AHS: In tomato, 2 hour exposure to 42-45°C (at 7 to 3 days before anthesis) followed by transfer to 28/22±2oC day/night temperatures until flower opening and pollen maturation, caused 50% reduced germinating pollen in the heat-sensitive 3017 cv.. In sorghum, 36/26°C day/night temperatures 10 to 5 days prior to panicle emergence, occurring at 35 days after sowing (DAS) in cv. DeKalb28E, produced starch-deficient and sterile pollen. Objective 2: We have established protocols for the high throughput transcriptomic approach, cDNA-AFLP, for identifying and isolating genes exhibiting differential expression in developing microspores exposed to either ambient or HS conditions and created a databank of HS-responsivemicrogametogenesis-expressed genes. A subset of differentially displayed Transcript-Derived Fragments (TDFs) that were cloned and sequenced (35 & 23 TDFs in tomato and sorghum, respectively) show close sequence similarities with metabolic genes, genes involved in regulation of carbohydrate metabolism, genes implicated in thermotolerance (heat shock proteins), genes involved in long chain fatty acids elongation, genes involved in proteolysis, in oxidation-reduction, vesicle-mediated transport, cell division and transcription factors. T-DNA-tagged Arabidopsis mutants for part of these genes were obtained to be used for their functional analysis. These studies are planned for a continuation project. Following functional analyses of these genes under HS – a valuable resource of genes, engaged in the HS-response of developing pollen grains, that could be modulated for the improvement of pollen quality under HS in both dicots and monocots and/or used to look for natural variability of such genes for selecting heat-tolerant germplasm - is expected.

International audience; This article is devoted to the study of the photoaging and thermal aging of poly[2-methoxy-5-(3′,7′-dimethyloctyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MDMO-PPV; also called OC1C10-PPV) used in organic solar cells. Thin MDMO-PPV films (thickness < 1 μm) were exposed to ultraviolet-light irradiation (λ > 300 nm) in the presence of air or thermooxidized at 60°C. The modifications of the chemical structure of the matrix were analyzed with ultraviolet-visible and infrared spectroscopy. The oxidation products that formed were identified by postirradiation treatments, including chemical derivatization reactions. On the basis of the identification of the various products formed, a two-step radical mechanism is proposed to account for the modification of the chemical structure of the polymeric matrix. It involves first the oxidation of the ether substituent followed by the oxidation of the double bonds. These reactions are responsible for a loss of conjugation of MDMO-PPV, chain scissions, and a decrease in the visible absorbance, which are anticipated to drastically impair the photovoltaic properties of the material.

International audience; Hybrid concepts based on a nanoscale combination of organic and inorganic semiconductors are a promising way to enhance the cost efficiency of solar cells through a better use of the solar spectrum, a higher aspect ratio of the interface, and the good processability of polymers. A new type of solar cells has been investigated. It is based on a heterojunction between regio-regular poly(3-hexylthiophene) as an organic electron donor and silicon as an inorganic electron acceptor. In a first step towards nanostructured devices, cells made of flat thin films of these materials have been studied as a model case of the heterojunction. The materials were characterized through ellipsometry and absorption spectroscopy. The devices were studied by means of their spectral response and their I-V characteristics. By combining these results, the contribution of each layer and the mechanisms of photocurrent generation are explained. The best cells to-date show a power conversion efficiency of 1.6% under AM 1.5 illumination, with a Voc of 0.704 V and a Jsc of 4.22 mA/cm2.