Tratamiento de la información arqueológica: El ejemplo de la base de datos del Proyecto Arqueológico Laguna Blanca (INIP-UNCA)

The Laguna Blanca Archaeological Project team has been working since 1992 in a region covering 9732 km², and created a large volume of information that has made computer databases (DB) an indispensable tool. Our DB, created in 2015 in Filemaker 12 and currently in Filemaker Pro Advanced 17, is the result of a long process of homogenizing records. This paper proposes efficient tools for systematizing diverse and heterogeneous data produced by archaeological research. The tools make it possible to process and exchange archaeological information and optimize work times and tools. We present the steps in this process, which allows us to manage the current registry of 1227 archaeological sites and 1151 community sites throughout the region, linked to their finds, samples, and graphical and architectural records. We can also generate Unique Records of Archaeological Goods (INAPL) and detailed records of sites and burial contexts. Currently, the interoperability of the DB with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is under development. The solution we have developed thus covers data management, documentation and cartographic management, and quantitative and interpretative processing.El equipo del Proyecto Arqueológico Laguna Blanca trabaja desde 1992 sobre un área de 9732 km² y genera un importante volumen de información, por lo que la solución informática que ofrecen las bases de datos (BDD) se ha convertido en una herramienta imprescindible. Creada en 2015 en FileMaker 12, nuestra BDD está actualmente desarrollada en FileMaker Pro Advanced 17, y es el resultado de un largo proceso de homogenización de los registros. En este trabajo proponemos herramientas eficientes para sistematizar la diversidad y heterogeneidad de los datos producidos por las investigaciones arqueológicas, que permitan el tratamiento e intercambio de la información arqueológica y la optimización de los tiempos y medios de trabajo. Presentamos asimismo las etapas de este proceso, que nos permite hoy manejar el registro de 1227 sitios arqueológicos y 1151 de uso comunitario en toda la región con sus respectivos hallazgos, muestras, documentación gráfica y registros arquitectónicos, así como la generación de las distintas Fichas Únicas de Registro de Bienes Arqueológicos (INAPL) y el registro específico de sitios y contextos funerarios. Actualmente, está en desarrollo también la interoperabilidad de la BDD con Sistemas de Información Geográfica (SIG). La solución que desarrollamos abarca así funciones de gestión de los datos, de la documentación y gestión cartográfica y tratamiento cuantitativo e interpretativo

Nucleoside analogue activators of cyclic AMP-independent protein kinase A of Trypanosoma

Protein kinase A (PKA), the main effector of cAMP in eukaryotes, is a paradigm for the mechanisms of ligand-dependent and allosteric regulation in signalling. Here we report the orthologous but cAMP-independent PKA of the protozoan Trypanosoma and identify 7-deazanucleosides as potent activators (EC50 >= 6.5 nM) and high affinity ligands (K-D >= 8 nM). A co-crystal structure of trypanosome PKA with 7-cyano-7-deazainosine and molecular docking show how substitution of key amino acids in both CNB domains of the regulatory subunit and its unique C-terminal alpha D helix account for this ligand swap between trypanosome PKA and canonical cAMP-dependent PKAs. We propose nucleoside-related endogenous activators of Trypanosoma brucei PKA (TbPKA). The existence of eukaryotic CNB domains not associated with binding of cyclic nucleotides suggests that orphan CNB domains in other eukaryotes may bind undiscovered signalling molecules. Phosphoproteome analysis validates 7-cyano-7-deazainosine as powerful cell-permeable inducer to explore cAMP-independent PKA signalling in medically important neglected pathogens

Metabolic selection of a homologous recombination-mediated gene loss protects Trypanosoma brucei from ROS production by glycosomal fumarate reductase

The genome of trypanosomatids rearranges by using repeated sequences as platforms for amplification or deletion of genomic segments. These stochastic recombination events have a direct impact on gene dosage and foster the selection of adaptive traits in response to environmental pressure. We provide here such an example by showing that the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) gene knockout (Δpepck) leads to the selection of a deletion event between two tandemly arranged fumarate reductase (FRDg and FRDm2) genes to produce a chimeric FRDg-m2 gene in the Δpepck∗ cell line. FRDg is expressed in peroxisome-related organelles, named glycosomes, expression of FRDm2 has not been detected to date, and FRDg-m2 is nonfunctional and cytosolic. Re-expression of FRDg significantly impaired growth of the Δpepck∗ cells, but FRD enzyme activity was not required for this negative effect. Instead, glycosomal localization as well as the covalent flavinylation motif of FRD is required to confer growth retardation and intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The data suggest that FRDg, similar to Escherichia coli FRD, can generate ROS in a flavin-dependent process by transfer of electrons from NADH to molecular oxygen instead of fumarate when the latter is unavailable, as in the Δpepck background. Hence, growth retardation is interpreted as a consequence of increased production of ROS, and rearrangement of the FRD locus liberates Δpepck∗ cells from this obstacle. Interestingly, intracellular production of ROS has been shown to be required to complete the parasitic cycle in the insect vector, suggesting that FRDg may play a role in this proces

Effects of sodium nitrite reduction, removal or replacement on cured and cooked meat for microbiological growth, food safety, colon ecosystem, and colorectal carcinogenesis in Fischer 344 rats

Epidemiological and experimental evidence indicated that processed meat consumption is associated with colorectal cancer risks. Several studies suggest the involvement of nitrite or nitrate additives via N-nitroso-compound formation (NOCs). Compared to the reference level (120 mg/kg of ham), sodium nitrite removal and reduction (90 mg/kg) similarly decreased preneoplastic lesions in F344 rats, but only reduction had an inhibitory effect on Listeria monocytogenes growth comparable to that obtained using the reference nitrite level and an effective lipid peroxidation control. Among the three nitrite salt alternatives tested, none of them led to a significant gain when compared to the reference level: vegetable stock, due to nitrate presence, was very similar to this reference nitrite level, yeast extract induced a strong luminal peroxidation and no decrease in preneoplastic lesions in rats despite the absence of NOCs, and polyphenol rich extract induced the clearest downward trend on preneoplastic lesions in rats but the concomitant presence of nitrosyl iron in feces. Except the vegetable stock, other alternatives were less efficient than sodium nitrite in reducing L. monocytogenes growth

Validation of HNO3, ClONO2, and N2O5 from the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE-FTS)

The Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment (ACE) satellite was launched on 12 August 2003. Its two instruments measure vertical profiles of over 30 atmospheric trace gases by analyzing solar occultation spectra in the ultraviolet/visible and infrared wavelength regions. The reservoir gases HNO3, ClONO2, and N2O5 are three of the key species provided by the primary instrument, the ACE Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE-FTS). This paper describes the ACE-FTS version 2.2 data products, including the N2O5 update, for the three species and presents validation comparisons with available observations. We have compared volume mixing ratio (VMR) profiles of HNO3, ClONO2, and N2O5 with measurements by other satellite instruments (SMR, MLS, MIPAS), aircraft measurements (ASUR), and single balloon-flights (SPIRALE, FIRS-2). Partial columns of HNO3 and ClONO2 were also compared with measurements by ground-based Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers. Overall the quality of the ACE-FTS v2.2 HNO3 VMR profiles is good from 18 to 35 km. For the statistical satellite comparisons, the mean absolute differences are generally within ±1 ppbv ±20%) from 18 to 35 km. For MIPAS and MLS comparisons only, mean relative differences lie within±10% between 10 and 36 km. ACE-FTS HNO3 partial columns (~15–30 km) show a slight negative bias of −1.3% relative to the ground-based FTIRs at latitudes ranging from 77.8° S–76.5° N. Good agreement between ACE-FTS ClONO2 and MIPAS, using the Institut für Meteorologie und Klimaforschung and Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IMK-IAA) data processor is seen. Mean absolute differences are typically within ±0.01 ppbv between 16 and 27 km and less than +0.09 ppbv between 27 and 34 km. The ClONO2 partial column comparisons show varying degrees of agreement, depending on the location and the quality of the FTIR measurements. Good agreement was found for the comparisons with the midlatitude Jungfraujoch partial columns for which the mean relative difference is 4.7%. ACE-FTS N2O5 has a low bias relative to MIPAS IMK-IAA, reaching −0.25 ppbv at the altitude of the N2O5 maximum (around 30 km). Mean absolute differences at lower altitudes (16–27 km) are typically −0.05 ppbv for MIPAS nighttime and ±0.02 ppbv for MIPAS daytime measurements

Reappraisal of Vipera aspis Venom Neurotoxicity

BACKGROUND: The variation of venom composition with geography is an important aspect of intraspecific variability in the Vipera genus, although causes of this variability remain unclear. The diversity of snake venom is important both for our understanding of venomous snake evolution and for the preparation of relevant antivenoms to treat envenomations. A geographic intraspecific variation in snake venom composition was recently reported for Vipera aspis aspis venom in France. Since 1992, cases of human envenomation after Vipera aspis aspis bites in south-east France involving unexpected neurological signs were regularly reported. The presence of genes encoding PLA(2) neurotoxins in the Vaa snake genome led us to investigate any neurological symptom associated with snake bites in other regions of France and in neighboring countries. In parallel, we used several approaches to characterize the venom PLA(2) composition of the snakes captured in the same areas. [br/] METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We conducted an epidemiological survey of snake bites in various regions of France. In parallel, we carried out the analysis of the genes and the transcripts encoding venom PLA(2)s. We used SELDI technology to study the diversity of PLA(2) in various venom samples. Neurological signs (mainly cranial nerve disturbances) were reported after snake bites in three regions of France: Languedoc-Roussillon, Midi-Pyrénées and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Genomes of Vipera aspis snakes from south-east France were shown to contain ammodytoxin isoforms never described in the genome of Vipera aspis from other French regions. Surprisingly, transcripts encoding venom neurotoxic PLA(2)s were found in snakes of Massif Central region. Accordingly, SELDI analysis of PLA(2) venom composition confirmed the existence of population of neurotoxic Vipera aspis snakes in the west part of the Massif Central mountains. [br/] CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The association of epidemiological studies to genetic, biochemical and immunochemical analyses of snake venoms allowed a good evaluation of the potential neurotoxicity of snake bites. A correlation was found between the expression of neurological symptoms in humans and the intensity of the cross-reaction of venoms with anti-ammodytoxin antibodies, which is correlated with the level of neurotoxin (vaspin and/or ammodytoxin) expression in the venom. The origin of the two recently identified neurotoxic snake populations is discussed according to venom PLA(2) genome and transcriptome data

Du parrainage d'un enfant du peuple aux conciliabules de Charenton : itinéraire d'une amitié chez Robespierre

Cette recherche va permettre d'extraire du creuset de l'anonymat quelques obscurs personnages, rattachés de près ou de loin à l'incorruptible et de cerner l'un de ces réseaux qui interviennent dans l'exercice du pouvoir révolutionnaire. En consultant la “liste des patriotes aiant des talens plus ou moins" établie par Robespierre, on s'étonne de voir figurer, aux côtés d'un Lebas ou d'un Fouché, quelques personnages - bouchers, limonadiers ou menuisiers - sans grande envergure intellectuelle e..

Le village ambigu: Des voisins dans la ville

National audienceThe city-dweler's representation of the village as an ideal territory provides the politician with a geographic and patrimonial metaphor that illustrates his thinking on the need for proximity. Going by what the inhabitants say, this village concentrates in miniature form the amenities and diversity of big city. It is a city in the village which emerges as an ambivalent mirror of contradictory, frustrated desires of the various middle-income groups.La représentation citadine du village comme territoire idéal offre au politique la métaphore géographique et patrimoniale qui illustre son discours sur la nécessaire proximité. A écouter les habitants, il s'agit d'un village qui concentre en miniature les aménités et la diversité de la grande ville. Cette ville dans le village sembe être le miroir ambivalent des désirs contradictoires et contrariés des diverses couches moyennes

Local à en perdre la tête

International audienceOu quand le local, pays de la banalité par excellence, est paré de toutes les vertus démocratiques au nom de la proximité et de la décentralisation... On le somme de faire valoir sa différence et son exotisme pour valider la voie de son autonomie, mais le stratagème peut se retourner contre lui, au gré d'arbitrages politico-administratifs qui le renvoient à sa banalité : celle des rapports de force et des enjeux qui le déterminent en dernière instance.Ou comment les élus d'un ancien village industriel tentent de faire avec un fort taux de précarité, cadeau empoisonné du passé mais également fleuron de son exotisme, malheureusement enkysté dans quelques immeubles H.L.M. qu'ils rêvent de démolir, pour mieux trouver un salut dans la périurbanisation.Cet exemple invite à questionner l'injonction paradoxale faite au « local » de disposer tout à la fois de lui-même, sans renier cette part qu'il a été encouragé à mettre en avant pour émarger à ce label ; label qui justifie l'avènement d'une démocratie de proximité, au nom de laquelle l'Etat entreprend de se désengager

Le village ambigu. Des voisins de la ville

The ambiguous village The city-dweller's representation of the village as an ideal territory provides the politician with a geographic and patrimonial metaphor that illustrates his thinking on the need for proximity. Going by what the inhabitants say, this village concentrates in miniature form the amenities and diversity of a big city. It is a city in a village which emerges as an ambivalent mirror of contradictory, frustrated desires of the various middle-income groups.La représentation citadine du village comme territoire idéal offre au politique la métaphore géographique et patrimoniale qui illustre son discours sur la nécessaire proximité. A écouter les habitants, il s'agit d'un village qui concentre en miniature les aménités et la diversité de la grande ville. Cette ville dans le village semble être le miroir ambivalent des désirs contradictoires et contrariés des diverses couches moyennes.Baudin Gérard, Dupuy Sabine. Le village ambigu. Des voisins de la ville. In: Les Annales de la recherche urbaine, N°90, 2001. Les seuils du proche. pp. 77-84