A comparison of the DNA binding and bending capacities and the oligomeric states of the immunity repressors of heteroimmune coliphages P2 and WPhi

Bacteriophages P2 and WΦ are heteroimmune members of the P2-like family of temperate Escherichia coli phages. Temperate phages can grow lytically or form lysogeny after infection. A transcriptional switch that contains two con-vergent promoters, Pe and Pc, and two repressors regulate what life mode to enter. The immunity repressor C is the first gene of the lysogenic operon, and it blocks the early Pe promoter. In this work, some characteristics of the C proteins of P2 and WΦ are compared. An in vivo genetic analysis shows that WΦ C, like P2 C, has a strong dimerization activity in the absence of its DNA target. Both C proteins recognize two directly repeated sequences, termed half-sites and a strong bending is induced in the respective DNA target upon binding. P2 C is unable to bind to one half-site as opposed to WΦ, but both half-sites are required for repression of WΦ Pe. A reduction from three to two helical turns between the centers of the half-sites in WΦ has no significant effect on the capacity to repress Pe. However, the protein–DNA complexes formed differ, as determined by electrophoretic mobility shift experiments. A difference in spontaneous phage production is observed in isogenic lysogens

Restoration Techniques for a Vandalized Aluminum Artwork: A Case Study of Lucio Fontana’s Teatrino from Les Quattro Oggetti e Due Poesie collection

Degree project for Bachelor in Science in Conservation 2024, 180 HEC First cycle 2024:15This thesis investigates and evaluates various shaping methods for restoring a vandalized aluminum artwork. The methods examined include mechanical cold-working, hot-working – a soft annealing technique, and a combination of both. This study is motivated by the need to restore Teatrino (30/50) by Lucio Fontana, part of the Les Quattro Oggetti collection, which suffered deformation due to vandalism. When the artwork was on loan from the Gothenburg Museum of Art to The City of Gothenburg, it was carved with an inscription near the artist's signature. Given the softness of aluminum, which makes it prone to scratching and deformation, removing the carving poses a risk of further damage and potential loss of the artist's signature. The selected treatment methods are grounded in traditional metal restoration practices used by conservators and artisans. The techniques are carried out on mock-ups replicating the vandalized area to develop a practical restoration approach specifically for the vandal carving on the artwork. The results provide valuable information regarding the outcome of mechanical cold working and soft annealing performed on thin aluminum sheets. The evaluation of the results establish that soft annealing is the least invasive and provides the best results with its ability to visibly reduce the carving and not cause deformation to the surrounding areas. This nudges the action plan for the artwork by Lucio Fontana closer to a possible treatment method

Moving from information and collaboration to action: report from the 3rd International Dog Health Workshop, Paris in April 2017

Abstract Background Breed-related health problems in dogs have received increased focus over the last decade. Responsibility for causing and/or solving these problems has been variously directed towards dog breeders and kennel clubs, the veterinary profession, welfare scientists, owners, regulators, insurance companies and the media. In reality, all these stakeholders are likely to share some responsibility and optimal progress on resolving these challenges requires all key stakeholders to work together. The International Partnership for Dogs (IPFD), together with an alternating host organization, holds biennial meetings called the International Dog Health Workshops (IDHW). The Société Centrale Canine (French Kennel Club) hosted the 3rd IDHW, in Paris, in April, 2017. These meetings bring together a wide range of stakeholders in dog health, science and welfare to improve international sharing of information and resources, to provide a forum for ongoing collaboration, and to identify specific needs and actions to improve health, well-being and welfare in dogs. Results The workshop included 140 participants from 23 countries and was structured around six important issues facing those who work to improve dog health. These included individualized breed-specific strategies for health and breeding, extreme conformations, education and communication in relation to antimicrobial resistance, behavior and welfare, genetic testing and population-based evidence. A number of exciting actions were agreed during the meeting. These included setting up working groups to create tools to help breed clubs accelerate the implementation of breed-health strategies, review aspects of extreme conformation and share useful information on behavior. The meeting also heralded the development of an online resource of relevant information describing quality measures for DNA testing. A demand for more and better data and evidence was a recurring message stressed across all themes. Conclusions The meeting confirmed the benefits from inclusion of a diverse range of stakeholders who all play relevant and collaborative parts to improve future canine health. Firm actions were set for progress towards improving breed-related welfare. The next international workshop will be in the UK in 2019 and will be organized by the UK Kennel Club