Crystal structure of Sar1-GDP at 1.7 Å resolution and the role of the NH2 terminus in ER export

The Sar1 GTPase is an essential component of COPII vesicle coats involved in export of cargo from the ER. We report the 1.7-Å structure of Sar1 and find that consistent with the sequence divergence of Sar1 from Arf family GTPases, Sar1 is structurally distinct. In particular, we show that the Sar1 NH2 terminus contains two regions: an NH2-terminal extension containing an evolutionary conserved hydrophobic motif that facilitates membrane recruitment and activation by the mammalian Sec12 guanine nucleotide exchange factor, and an α1' amphipathic helix that contributes to interaction with the Sec23/24 complex that is responsible for cargo selection during ER export. We propose that the hydrophobic Sar1 NH2-terminal activation/recruitment motif, in conjunction with the α1' helix, mediates the initial steps in COPII coat assembly for export from the ER

A new isomer in 125^{125}La

Levels in $^{125}$La have been studied via $\beta ^+$/EC decay of on-line mass-separated $^{125}$Ce using the HIGISOL technique. A new (390 $\pm$ 40) ms isomer is definitely attributed to $^{125}$La by conversion electron measurements of the 107 keV E3 isomeric transition

Restauration morpho-dynamique et redynamisation de la section court-circuitée du Rhin en aval du barrage de Kembs (projet INTERREG / EDF)

National audienceThe Upper Rhine River has been heavily impacted by channelization for flood protection and navigation, and then by damming for hydropower generation. In normal non flooding conditions, most of the flows are diverted in a canalized section whereas the regulated “old Rhine” bypassed reach runs a minimum flow. Between Huningue and Neuf-Brisach, engineering works induced simplification and stabilization of the channel pattern from a formerly braiding sector to a single incised channel, hydrological modifications, bottom armouring due to bedload decrease, and thus ecological alterations. Two complementary and interdisciplinary projects have been initiated to restore alluvial morphodynamics: i) the international “INTERREG IV - Redynamisation of the old Rhine” project (2009-2012) coordinated by the Alsace region, France; ii) the left bank “controlled erosion” project launched by Electricité de France (EDF) within Kembs hydroelectric station relicensing process since 2003-2004. The purpose of these projects is to evaluate the feasibility of an important hydro-morphological and ecological restoration plan on a 45 km long reach, through both field testing of bank erosion techniques at favourable locations, and artificial sediments input from right bank excavations. This will help define possible long term prospective scenarios, in order to restore sustainable sediment transport, morphodynamics variability and associated ecological functions. The study will involve historical analysis, hydro-morphological / hydraulic physical and numerical modelling, physical and ecological monitoring, and sociological aspectsLe Rhin alsacien-allemand a enregistré de profondes modifications morphologiques et hydrologiques à la suite de sa correction et de sa régularisation pour la protection contre les crues et la navigation, puis après la construction de barrages hydro-électriques. Les aménagements réalisés entre Huningue et Neuf-Brisach ont engendré une simplification et une stabilisation du style fluvial. Un fleuve en tresses a cédé la place à un chenal unique incisé. Le fond de chenal est devenu pavé à cause d’une diminution des apports de charge de fond et des altérations écologiques ont été observées (simplification des habitats aquatiques et riverains). Deux projets complémentaires et interdisciplinaires ont été engagés afin de restaurer une dynamique des formes alluviales : i) le projet international INTERREG IV – Redynamisation du Vieux Rhin (2009-2012) sous l’impulsion de la région Alsace ; ii) le projet d’érosion maitrisée des berges de la rive gauche conduit par Electricité de France (EDF) dans le cadre du renouvellement de la concession de l’aménagement de Kembs. L’objectif des deux projets est de définir un plan de restauration hydro-morphologique et écologique conduisant à la redynamisation d’un tronçon de 45 km. L’étude repose sur une analyse historique, l’exploitation de modèles à la fois physiques et numériques, et les suivis morphologiques in situ d’une recharge artificielle en sédiments et d’érosions de berge contrôlées. Ces études de faisabilité sont complétées par des analyses écologique et sociologique pour apprécier l’impact socio-environnemental de ces projets

Recurrent Scedosporium apiospermum mycetoma successfully treated by surgical excision and terbinafine treatment: a case report and review of the literature

Background: Scedosporium apiospermum is an emerging opportunistic filamentous fungus, which is notorious for its high levels of antifungal ‑resistance. It is able to cause localized cutaneous or subcutaneous infections in both immu‑ nocompromised and immunocompetent persons, pulmonary infections in patients with predisposing pulmonary diseases and invasive mycoses in immunocompromised patients. Subcutaneous infections caused by this fungus frequently show chronic mycetomatous manifestation. Case report: We report the case of a 70 ‑year ‑old immunocompromised man, who developed a fungal mycetoma‑ tous infection on his right leg. There was no history of trauma; the aetiological agent was identified by microscopic examination and ITS sequencing. This is the second reported case of S. apiospermum subcutaneous infections in Hungary, which was successfully treated by surgical excision and terbinafine treatment. After 7 months, the patient remained asymptomatic. Considering the antifungal susceptibility and increasing incidence of the fungus, Sce - dosporium related subcutaneous infections reported in the past quarter of century in European countries were also reviewed. Conclusions: Corticosteroid treatment represents a serious risk factor of S. apiospermum infections, especially if the patient get in touch with manure ‑enriched or polluted soil or water. Such infections have emerged several times in European countries in the past decades. The presented data suggest that besides the commonly applied voricona‑ zole, terbinafine may be an alternative for the therapy of mycetomatous Scedosporium infections

Spadin, a Sortilin-Derived Peptide, Targeting Rodent TREK-1 Channels: A New Concept in the Antidepressant Drug Design

We found that spadin, a natural peptide derived from sortilin, blocks the mouse TREK-1 channel and might be an efficient and fast-acting antidepressant

Rapport III.6 Rôle et place de la cartographie des sols dans la recherche de l'assainissement adapté aux sites

For urbanized areas, the research of the sanitation suitable to the site is characterized by the requirement of a succession of analysis phases. Having established the soil is one parameter amongst some others, we consider the principle "preliminary study = soil aptitude mapping". A methodology of studies is offered in which one are at the same level the analysis of the different site components : settlement, existing equipments and soil.Dans le cas de l'habitat existant, la recherche de l'assainissement adapté au site est caractérisée par la nécessité d'une succession de phases d'analyse. Constatant que le sol n'est qu'un paramètre parmi d'autres, on s'interroge sur le principe "étude préliminaire = cartographie d'aptitude des sols". Une méthodologie des études est proposée qui permet, dans chaque phase, l'analyse à parité des composantes du site : l'habitat, les équipements existants et le sol.Landon E., Bize Jean, Béraud J. F., Guérin B. Rapport III.6 Rôle et place de la cartographie des sols dans la recherche de l'assainissement adapté aux sites. In: L'assainissement de demain. L'hydraulique des eaux pluviales et usées. Compte-rendu des XVIIes journées de l'hydraulique. Nantes,14-16 septembre 1982. Tome 2, 1982

Unaltered glucose-induced thermogenesis in Graves' disease.

The thermogenic response to a 100-g oral glucose challenge was studied in 12 patients with Graves' disease using continuous indirect calorimetry. Seven hyperthyroid patients were reinvestigated under the same experimental conditions after medical therapy. The mean net increase in energy expenditure (delta EE) following the glucose challenge was the same in hyperthyroid patients as compared to a control group (delta EE = +0.15 +/- 0.02 and 0.15 +/- 0.01 kcal/min, respectively) and the treated patients (delta EE = +0.11 +/- 0.03 kcal/min ns). When expressed as a percentage of the energy content of the glucose challenge, the mean glucose induced thermogenesis was similar in all three groups: 7.0 +/- 1.0%, 7.4 +/- 0.5%, and 5.5 +/- 1.3% in hyperthyroid, control subjects, and treated patients, respectively. It is concluded that the high energy requirement of hyperthyroid patients is due primarily to an elevated resting energy expenditure. The postprandial thermogenesis in itself does not contribute to the elevated fuel utilization in Graves' disease