University of Nice Sophia Antipolis

About: University of Nice Sophia Antipolis is a education organization based out in Nice, France. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Stars. The organization has 10291 authors who have published 19964 publications receiving 680762 citations. The organization is also known as: UNS & University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis.

The fragile X mental retardation protein is a molecular adaptor between the neurospecific KIF3C kinesin and dendritic RNA granules

Abstract: Fragile X mental retardation 1 protein (FMRP) is an RNA-binding protein whose absence results in the fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited form of mental retardation. FMRP contains multiple domains with apparently differential affinity to mRNA and interacts also with protein partners present in ribonucleoprotein complexes called RNA granules. In neurons, these particles travel along dendrites and axons to translocate mRNAs to specific destinations in spines and growth cones, where local synthesis of neuro-specific proteins is taking place. However, the molecular mechanisms of how RNA granules are translocated to dendrites remained unknown. We report here the identification and characterization of the motor protein KIF3C as a novel FMRP-interacting protein. In addition, using time-lapse videomicroscopy, we studied the dynamics and kinetics of FMRP-containing RNA granules in dendrites and show that a KIF3C dominant-negative impedes their distal transport. We therefore propose that, in addition to modulate the translation of its mRNA targets, FMRP acts also as a molecular adaptor between RNA granules and the neurospecific kinesin KIF3C that powers their transport along neuronal microtubules.

Gravity-capillary solitary waves in water of infinite depth and related free-surface flows

Abstract: Two-dimensional free-surface flows due to a pressure distribution moving at a constant velocity U at the surface of a fluid of infinite depth are considered. Both gravity g and surface tension T are included in the dynamic boundary condition. The velocity U is assumed to be smaller than (4gT/ρ)¼, so that there are no waves in the far field. Here ρ is the density of the fluid. The problem is solved numerically by a boundary integral equation technique. It is shown that for some values of U, four different flows are possible. Three of these flows are interpreted as perturbations of solitary waves in water of infinite depth. It is found that both elevation and depression solitary waves are possible in water of infinite depth. The numerical results for depression waves confirm and extend the solutions previously computed by Longuet-Higgins (1989).

Atomic and Molecular Data for Optical Stellar Spectroscopy

Abstract: High-precision spectroscopy of large stellar samples plays a crucial role for several topical issues in astrophysics. Examples include studying the chemical structure and evolution of the Milky Way Galaxy, tracing the origin of chemical elements, and characterizing planetary host stars. Data are accumulating from instruments that obtain high-quality spectra of stars in the ultraviolet, optical and infrared wavelength regions on a routine basis. These instruments are located at ground-based 2-10 m class telescopes around the world, in addition to the spectrographs with unique capabilities available at the Hubble Space Telescope. The interpretation of these spectra requires high-quality transition data for numerous species, in particular neutral and singly ionized atoms, and di-or triatomic molecules. We rely heavily on the continuous efforts of laboratory astrophysics groups that produce and improve the relevant experimental and theoretical atomic and molecular data. The compilation of the best available data is facilitated by databases and electronic infrastructures such as the NIST Atomic Spectra Database, the VALD database, or the Virtual Atomic and Molecular Data Centre. We illustrate the current status of atomic data for optical stellar spectra with the example of the Gaia-ESO Public Spectroscopic Survey. Data sources for 35 chemical elements were reviewed in an effort to construct a line list for a homogeneous abundance analysis of up to 10(5) stars.

Brain perfusion correlates of the apathy inventory dimensions of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Background Apathy is defined as a lack of motivation in behavior, cognition and affect. This syndrome is frequent in various neuropsychiatric diseases but little is known about its pathophysiology. Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the metabolic correlates of the behavioral, cognitive and emotional, aspects of apathy in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Method< Thirty AD patients were included. Lack of initiative, lack of interest and of emotional blunting were assessed with the Apathy Inventory (IA), a tool designed to provide a separate assessment of the behavioral, cognitive and emotional, aspects of apathy. Brain perfusion was measured by 99mTc-labeled bicisate (ECD) single photon emission tomography. Results The Statistical Parametric Mapping software provides negative correlation between IA total score and brain perfusion in left and right superior orbito-frontal gyrus, and to a lesser extent in left middle frontal gyrus (BA10). Lack of initiative score was negatively correlated with perfusion in right anterior cingulate cortex. Lack of interest score was negatively correlated with perfusion in right middle orbitofrontal gyrus). Emotional blunting score correlated negatively with in left superior dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activity. Conclusion These results underline that the cognitive, behavioral and affective components of motivation are mediated by different fronto-sub-cortical circuits and are differently lateralized. In particular, left prefrontal hypoperfusion is involved in emotional blunting, as it was often demonstrated in depressive disorders. These distinct components of apathy may be targeted by different therapeutic means, in which dopaminergic enhancement might play a major role. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.