Evolution and RNA relics. a systems biology view.

The genetic code has evolved from its initial non-degenerate wobble version until reaching its present state of degeneracy. By using the stereochemical hypothesis, we revisit the problem of codon assignations to the synonymy classes of amino-acids. We obtain these classes with a simple classifier based on physico-chemical properties of nucleic bases, like hydrophobicity and molecular weight.

An open issue: the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) as a free boundary problem.

The inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) is structured in cristae, which contributes to the best functioning of ions and adenylates exchange between the matrix and the intermembrane space. The central hypothesis of this paper is that the cristae structure favours a minimal mean free path of adenylates between translocation sites (translocase/ANT sites) and metabolic sites (ATPase sites). We propose a mathematical model and then give simulations.

Remodelling of the SUR-Kir6.2 interface of the KATP channel upon ATP binding revealed by the conformational blocker rhodamine 123.

ATP-sensitive K+ channels (K(ATP) channels) are metabolic sensors formed by association of a K+ channel, Kir6, and an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) protein, SUR, which allosterically regulates channel gating in response to nucleotides and pharmaceutical openers and blockers. How nucleotide binding to SUR translates into modulation of Kir6 gating remains largely unknown. To address this issue, we have used a novel conformational KATP channel inhibitor, rhodamine 123 (Rho123) which targets the Kir6 subunit in a SUR-dependent manner.

Orbital and maxillofacial computer aided surgery: patient-specific finite element models to predict surgical outcomes.

This paper addresses an important issue raised for the clinical relevance of Computer-Assisted Surgical applications, namely the methodology used to automatically build patient-specific finite element (FE) models of anatomical structures. From this perspective, a method is proposed, based on a technique called the mesh-matching method, followed by a process that corrects mesh irregularities. The mesh-matching algorithm generates patient-specific volume meshes from an existing generic model.

Atmospheric emission inventory of the Maurienne valley for an atmospheric numerical model.

Within the framework of an air quality study of the French alpine valleys (POVA program), an atmospheric emission inventory concerning major pollutants: CO, NOx, SO(2), CH(4), particles (PT) and non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC) was carried out. This inventory has a spatial resolution of 1 km(2) and was established for the reference year 2003. The coexistence of economic activities and the Vanoise national park makes the Maurienne valley a sensitive site, particularly representative of the problems of sustainable development in alpine areas, where air pollution is one of the most important aspects.

Architecture and transcriptional activity of the initiator element of the TATA-less RPL21 gene.

The nuclear RPL21 gene coding for the plastid ribosomal protein L21 is a TATA-less gene that is overexpressed in a leaf-dependent manner by the specific usage of a strong initiator called P1. We have previously shown that the RPL21 core promoter spanning from -23 to +104 relative to P1 start site activates transcription in the same manner as does the full promoter. Here, we present results of experiments aimed at deciphering the RPL21 core promoter architecture.

No antioxidant effect of combined HRT on LDL oxidizability and oxidative stress biomarkers in treated post-menopausal women.

Objective: To compare oxidative stress and LDL oxidizability in postmenopausal women with and without HRT.

Methods: In a cross sectional study, two groups of women, with or without combined per os HRT (1.5-2 mg estrogen associated with 10 mg dydrogesteron), were age and duration of menopause matched.

"Dynamical confinement" in neural networks and cell cycle.

In this paper randomization of well-known former mathematical models is proposed (i.e., the Hopfield model for neural networks and the Hahn model for the cell cycle) in order to facilitate the study of their asymptotic behavior: in fact, we replace the determination of the stability basins for attractors and boundaries by the study of a unique (or a small number of) invariant measure(s), whose distribution function maxima (or, respectively, percentile contour lines) correspond to the location of the attractors (or, respectively, boundaries of their stability basins).

Digitized nailfold capillaroscopy.

An image processing system was developed to quantify the morphometry of nailfold capillaroscopy. Image acquisition was performed with a macrophotographic technique, and images are digitized using a video camera and an image processing system. After an image segmentation, the microcomputer determines in an interactively defined window, the following parameters: capillary loop width and length, capillary surface area, distance from the tip of the capillary loop to the dermal edge, distance between two adjacent capillaries.