Time-domain study of the Drude-Born-Fedorov model for a class of heterogeneous chiral materials

We deal with the well-posedness of the transient Maxwell equations in a particular class of heterogeneous chiral material modeled by the Drude-Born-Fedorov constitutive relations. A new formulation of the underlying evolution problem allows us to correct a previous result establishing the existence and uniqueness of the electromagnetic fields in a homogeneous medium

NPHS2 mutation analysis shows genetic heterogeneityof steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome and lowpost-transplant recurrence

NPHS2 mutation analysis shows genetic heterogeneity of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome and low post-transplant recurrence.BackgroundMutations of NPHS2 are causative in familial autosomal-recessive (AR) and sporadic steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). This study aimed to determine the spectrum of NPHS2 mutations and to establish genotype-phenotype correlations.MethodsNPHS2 mutation analysis was performed in 338 patients from 272 families with SRNS: 81 families with AR SRNS, 172 patients with sporadic SRNS, and 19 patients with diffuse mesangial sclerosis (DMS).ResultsTwenty-six different pathogenic NPHS2 mutations were detected, including 13 novel mutations. The mutation detection rate was 43% for familial AR and 10.5% for sporadic SRNS, confirming genetic heterogeneity. No pathogenic NPHS2 mutations were found in DMS patients. Age at onset in patients with two pathogenic mutations was earlier, especially in cases with frameshift, truncating, and the R138Q missense mutations. Patients with only one NPHS2 mutation or variant had late-onset NS. Triallelic inheritance was observed in one patient with a homozygous R138Q mutation and a de novo NPHS1 mutation. Among 32 patients with two NPHS2 mutations who underwent kidney transplantation, only one developed late recurrence of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Among 25 patients with sporadic SRNS and post-transplantation recurrence, we detected a heterozygous NPHS2 mutation in one case, and heterozygous variants/polymorphisms in 3 cases.ConclusionPatients with two pathogenic NPHS2 mutations present with early-onset SRNS and very low incidence of post-transplantation recurrence. Heterozygous NPHS2 variants may play a role in atypical cases with mild, late-onset course, and recurrence after transplantation

Connecdenn, a novel DENN domain-containing protein of neuronal clathrin-coated vesicles functioning in synaptic vesicle endocytosis

Clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs) are responsible for the endocytosis of multiple cargo, including synaptic vesicle membranes. We now describe a new CCV protein, termed connecdenn, that contains an N-terminal DENN (differentially expressed in neoplastic versus normal cells) domain, a poorly characterized protein module found in multiple proteins of unrelated function and a C-terminal peptide motif domain harboring three distinct motifs for binding the α-ear of the clathrin adaptor protein 2 (AP-2). Connecdenn coimmunoprecipitates and partially colocalizes with AP-2, and nuclear magnetic resonance and peptide competition studies reveal that all three α-ear-binding motifs contribute to AP-2 interactions. In addition, connecdenn contains multiple Src homology 3 (SH3) domain-binding motifs and coimmunoprecipitates with the synaptic SH3 domain proteins intersectin and endophilin A1. Interestingly, connecdenn is enriched on neuronal CCVs and is present in the presynaptic compartment of neurons. Moreover, connecdenn has a uniquely stable association with CCV membranes because it resists extraction with Tris and high-salt buffers, unlike most other CCV proteins, but it is not detected on purified synaptic vesicles. Together, these observations suggest that connecdenn functions on the endocytic limb of the synaptic vesicle cycle. Accordingly, disruption of connecdenn interactions with its binding partners through overexpression of the C-terminal peptide motif domain or knock down of connecdenn through lentiviral delivery of small hairpin RNA both lead to defects in synaptic vesicle endocytosis in cultured hippocampal neurons. Thus, we identified connecdenn as a component of the endocytic machinery functioning in synaptic vesicle endocytosis, providing the first evidence of a role for a DENN domain-containing protein in endocytosis

Architecture et bibliothèque : Rénover, réaménager : repenser les espaces pour de nouveaux usages

La bibliothèque municipale de Lyon et l’enssib organisaient le 3 décembre 2013 une journée d’étude sur le thème « Rénover, réaménager : repenser les espaces pour de nouveaux usages ». Cette journée s’inscrivait dans la prolongation des journées « l’Avenir des bibliothèques publiques » de décembre 2012 et « Architecture et bibliothèque » de mai 2013. Suite à la vague de constructions de bibliothèque des années 70 et 80, les chantiers de rénovation vont se multiplier en France dans les années à venir. Pour les bibliothécaires, il s’agit d’une part de rendre en compte les contraintes juridiques et de bâti spécifiques à ce contexte de maîtrise d’ouvrage, et d’autre part d’intégrer les nouveaux usages dans la réorganisation des espaces. La première partie de la journée donnera un éclairage juridique et un regard l’architecte sur la manière d’aborder une rénovation. Une rapide introduction au nouveau rapport de l’IFLA sur les tendances mondiales des bibliothèques permettra de situer les enjeux au niveau international. Les interventions suivantes présenteront des cas concrets de rénovation et de réaménagement de bibliothèques publiques et universitaires en France et à Cologne en Allemagne

Avian Use of Perennial Biomass Feedstocks as Post-Breeding and Migratory Stopover Habitat

Increased production of biomass crops in North America will require new agricultural land, intensify the cultivation of land already under production and introduce new types of biomass crops. Assessing the potential biodiversity impacts of novel agricultural systems is fundamental to the maintenance of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes, yet the consequences of expanded biomass production remain unclear. We evaluate the ability of two candidate second generation biomass feedstocks (switchgrass, Panicum virgatum, and mixed-grass prairie) not currently managed as crops to act as post-breeding and fall migratory stopover habitat for birds. In total, we detected 41 bird species, including grassland specialists and species of state and national conservation concern (e.g. Henslow's Sparrow, Ammodramus henslowii). Avian species richness was generally comparable in switchgrass and prairie and increased with patch size in both patch types. Grassland specialists were less abundant and less likely to occur in patches within highly forested landscapes and were more common and likely to occur in larger patches, indicating that this group is also area-sensitive outside of the breeding season. Variation in the biomass and richness of arthropod food within patches was generally unrelated to richness and abundance metrics. Total bird abundance and that of grassland specialists was higher in patches with greater vegetation structural heterogeneity. Collectively, we find that perennial biomass feedstocks have potential to provide post-breeding and migratory stopover habitat for birds, but that the placement and management of crops will be critical factors in determining their suitability for species of conservation concern. Industrialization of cellulosic bioenergy production that results in reduced crop structural heterogeneity is likely to dramatically reduce the suitability of perennial biomass crops for birds

Integrative care for the management of low back pain: use of a clinical care pathway

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>For the treatment of chronic back pain, it has been theorized that integrative care plans can lead to better outcomes than those achieved by monodisciplinary care alone, especially when using a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and non-hierarchical team approach. This paper describes the use of a care pathway designed to guide treatment by an integrative group of providers within a randomized controlled trial.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A clinical care pathway was used by a multidisciplinary group of providers, which included acupuncturists, chiropractors, cognitive behavioral therapists, exercise therapists, massage therapists and primary care physicians. Treatment recommendations were based on an evidence-informed practice model, and reached by group consensus. Research study participants were empowered to select one of the treatment recommendations proposed by the integrative group. Common principles and benchmarks were established to guide treatment management throughout the study.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Thirteen providers representing 5 healthcare professions collaborated to provide integrative care to study participants. On average, 3 to 4 treatment plans, each consisting of 2 to 3 modalities, were recommended to study participants. Exercise, massage, and acupuncture were both most commonly recommended by the team and selected by study participants. Changes to care commonly incorporated cognitive behavioral therapy into treatment plans.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This clinical care pathway was a useful tool for the consistent application of evidence-based care for low back pain in the context of an integrative setting.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00567333</p

Genetic Diversity of the Cestode Echinococcus multilocularis in Red Foxes at a Continental Scale in Europe

Echinococcus multilocularis is a tapeworm of the red fox, which represents a considerable health threat to respectively infected humans. Main endemic areas are located in China, Siberia, and central Europe. Alarmed by an emerging or reemerging situation in Europe, the question of how the parasite gets spatially and temporally spread and transmitted becomes essential to prepare appropriate control programs. The question was tackled by using genetic data on a large sample size of E. multilocularis adult stage tapeworms, combined with geographical site location data input. The historically documented endemic area, represented by the northern Alpine arch, was shown to harbour the highest genetic richness and diversity, as compared to surrounding areas in northern and eastern Europe. The spatial and temporal spread of different E. multilocularis genotypes in Europe seems to be ruled by a founder event, linked to exportation of parasites from the central core to newly identified (western and eastern) areas or subregions, where these parasites could subsequently disseminate under geographical separation from the original foci

A statistical toolbox for metagenomics: assessing functional diversity in microbial communities

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The 99% of bacteria in the environment that are recalcitrant to culturing have spurred the development of metagenomics, a culture-independent approach to sample and characterize microbial genomes. Massive datasets of metagenomic sequences have been accumulated, but analysis of these sequences has focused primarily on the descriptive comparison of the relative abundance of proteins that belong to specific functional categories. More robust statistical methods are needed to make inferences from metagenomic data. In this study, we developed and applied a suite of tools to describe and compare the richness, membership, and structure of microbial communities using peptide fragment sequences extracted from metagenomic sequence data.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Application of these tools to acid mine drainage, soil, and whale fall metagenomic sequence collections revealed groups of peptide fragments with a relatively high abundance and no known function. When combined with analysis of 16S rRNA gene fragments from the same communities these tools enabled us to demonstrate that although there was no overlap in the types of 16S rRNA gene sequence observed, there was a core collection of operational protein families that was shared among the three environments.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The results of comparisons between the three habitats were surprising considering the relatively low overlap of membership and the distinctively different characteristics of the three habitats. These tools will facilitate the use of metagenomics to pursue statistically sound genome-based ecological analyses.</p