scholarly journals In memoriam: Professor Gérard Seguin

OENO One ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cornelis Van Leeuwen
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Wine Quality ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Neutron Moisture ◽  
In Memoriam ◽  
Good Research ◽  
Cool Conditions

On April 13, 2019, Professor Gérard Seguin passed away at the age of 82. Professor Seguin was a creative and enlightened researcher and a much respected professor in soil and terroir sciences at Bordeaux University. Encouraged by his mentor, the late Emile Peynaud, he developed a whole new field of research on the influence of soil and climate on vine development, grape composition and wine quality, referred to as “terroir”. As early as 1969 he published a paper in which restricted but regular water supply to the vines was shown to be a key factor in wine quality, a result which has been confirmed by many researchers ever since (Seguin, 1969). In this study, the water uptake of the vines was quantified with a neutron moisture probe, a highly innovative technique for that time. Unfortunately, this ground-breaking paper came out in a period when most European researchers published in their own language. Only in 1986 Seguin published a review paper about the effect of terroir in viticulture in English (Seguin, 1986). Seguin was also convinced that high terroir expression is only possible when grapes ripen at the end of the growing season, in relatively cool conditions (van Leeuwen and Seguin, 2006). This concept is gaining importance as the climate warms up. Seguin was one of the first researchers to study terroir on a scientific basis and certainly the very first to understand that its effect can only be understood by a multi-disciplinary approach, considering interactions between the climate and the vine and the soil and the vine. After his retirement in 1998, he was happy to see that terroir is gaining international recognition as an important aspect in winegrowing, as shown by terroir conferences organized all around the world, in Davis California in 2006, in Oregon in 2016 and one scheduled in Adelaide in 2020.Gérard Seguin was also a highly respected professor, unanimously appreciated by his students. He took his teaching mission very seriously, spending hours on fine tuning his lectures. He was able to explain complex issues in soil science in a perfectly clear way. He was close to his students and always ready to take their defense. In the management of his lab, he left as much freedom as necessary to his staff and doctoral students to develop innovative research, but he imposed everyone to be present at the coffee break of 9 am. This was not only a moment to discuss private matters and share impressions about last night’s good bottles, but also a place where many good research ideas emerged. This is certainly a point to consider in our ever busier schedules, where time for social interactions is more and more limited. We are sad to say farewell to Professor Seguin but we are grateful for his tremendous legacy.

scholarly journals Teaching reproducible research for medical students and postgraduate pharmaceutical scientists

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas D. Meid
Keyword(s):  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Scientific Community ◽  
Natural Sciences ◽  
Interdisciplinary Teams ◽  
Reproducible Research ◽  
Pharmaceutical Sciences ◽  
The Public ◽  
Academic Settings ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Good Research

AbstractIn medicine and other academic settings, (doctoral) students often work in interdisciplinary teams together with researchers of pharmaceutical sciences, natural sciences in general, or biostatistics. They should be fundamentally taught good research practices, especially in terms of statistical analysis. This includes reproducibility as a central aspect. Acknowledging that even experienced researchers and supervisors might be unfamiliar with necessary aspects of a perfectly reproducible workflow, a lecture series on reproducible research (RR) was developed for young scientists in clinical pharmacology. The pilot series highlighted definitions of RR, reasons for RR, potential merits of RR, and ways to work accordingly. In trying to actually reproduce a published analysis, several practical obstacles arose. In this article, reproduction of a working example is commented to emphasize the manifold facets of RR, to provide possible explanations for difficulties and solutions, and to argue that harmonized curricula for (quantitative) clinical researchers should include RR principles. These experiences should raise awareness among educators and students, supervisors and young scientists. RR working habits are not only beneficial for ourselves or our students, but also for other researchers within an institution, for scientific partners, for the scientific community, and eventually for the public profiting from research findings.

scholarly journals Synergy between supported ionic liquid-like phases and immobilized palladium N-heterocyclic carbene–phosphine complexes for the Negishi reaction under flow conditions

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 1924-1935
Author(s):  
Edgar Peris ◽  
Raúl Porcar ◽  
María Macia ◽  
Jesús Alcázar ◽  
Eduardo García-Verdugo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Catalytic Performance ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Flow Conditions ◽  
Supported Ionic Liquid ◽  
Phosphine Complexes ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Catalytic Cycles ◽  
Supported Ionic Liquids ◽  
Catch Mechanism

The combination of supported ionic liquids and immobilized NHC–Pd–RuPhos led to active and more stable systems for the Negishi reaction under continuous flow conditions than those solely based on NHC–Pd–RuPhos. The fine tuning of the NHC–Pd catalyst and the SILLPs is a key factor for the optimization of the release and catch mechanism leading to a catalytic system easily recoverable and reusable for a large number of catalytic cycles enhancing the long-term catalytic performance.

scholarly journals Designing compelling accommodationscapes: Testing a framework in a rural context

2020 ◽  
pp. 146735842097275
Author(s):  
Dora Agapito ◽  
Patrícia Pinto ◽  
Mário Passos Ascenção ◽  
Pasi Tuominen
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Experiential Marketing ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Physical Stimuli ◽  
Rural Context ◽  
External Stimuli ◽  
Practical Implications

Well-designed experiencescapes are deemed a key factor in the marketing of tourist experiences aiming at positive tourists’ responses. However, this aspect has been underrepresented in empirical research focused on accommodation businesses. This study proposes the construct compelling accommodationscape and empirically tests a theoretical framework in a rural context through the lens of experiential marketing. The proposed construct is presented as the external stimuli that underlie an engaging context of the guest experience in lodging units, based on the idea that a holistic approach to stimuli can evoke interest and attention; and, subsequently, act as a driver to positive action. Apart from physical stimuli and staff performance, which have been the factors more commonly examined in services marketing, the construct compelling accommodationscape extends the servicescape approach by also addressing product-related factors, the existence of a theme and social interactions. Structural equation modelling applied to data from a survey administered in rural lodgings in Southwest Portugal supports that the five external factors underlie the proposed construct. In turn, compelling accommodationscape is positively related to tourists’ satisfaction and positive behavioural intentions. Theoretical and practical implications are provided for scholars and rural accommodation managers.

A Flexible Component-Based ePortfolio

2011 ◽  
pp. 292-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. J. Cotterill ◽  
J. F. Aiton ◽  
P. M. Bradley ◽  
G. R. Hammond ◽  
A. M. McDonald ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Action Research Approach ◽  
Evaluation Phase ◽  
Technical Features ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Flexible Component

This chapter provides case studies of embedding the ePortfolio in the curricula of two medical schools in the UK, one of which is outcomes based, while the other uses a series of patient scenarios to inform the teaching of clinical skills within a curriculum that emphasises the scientific basis of medicine. These case studies describe the implementation, evaluation, and process of embedding the portfolio within the respective curricula. They also illustrate the flexibility of a component-based ePortfolio to serve different pedagogic requirements. Research and evaluation issues are discussed, including an action-research approach with “fine-tuning” of technical features and pedagogy during the evaluation phase.

scholarly journals Transcriptomic microRNA Profiling of Dendritic Cells in Response to Gut Microbiota-Secreted Vesicles

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1534
Author(s):  
Natalia Díaz-Garrido ◽  
Sarah Bonnin ◽  
Marta Riera ◽  
Rosa Gíménez ◽  
Josefa Badia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dendritic Cells ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Membrane Vesicles ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Transcriptional Regulatory ◽  
Differentially Expressed Mirnas ◽  
Key Factor

The interconnection between nutrients, metabolites and microbes is a key factor governing the healthy/pathological status of an individual. Thus, microbiota-based research is essential in order to better understand human health and nutrition. Gut bacteria release membrane vesicles (MVs) as an intercellular communication mechanism that allows the direct delivery of factors that prime the host’s innate immune system. We have previously shown that MVs from intestinal E. coli activate dendritic cells (DCs) in a strain-specific manner. To gain insights into the regulatory mechanisms involved, here, we have used an RNA deep sequencing approach to identify differentially expressed miRNAs (microRNAs) in DCs which are challenged by the MVs of the probiotic Nissle 1917 (EcN) or the commensal ECOR12. MicroRNAs are post-transcriptional regulatory mediators that permit the fine tuning of signaling pathways. This approach allowed the identification of a common set of miRNAs which are modulated by MVs from both strains and miRNAs which are differentially expressed in response to EcN or ECOR12 MVs. Based on the differential expression of the target genes and subsequent validation experiments, we correlated some of the selected miRNAs with the reported cytokine profile and specific T cell responses. As far as we know, this is the first study to analyze the regulation of miRNAs in DCs by MVs released by gut microbiota.

Good Research Ideas for Clinicians

2006 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 253-265
Author(s):  
Marianne Chulay
Keyword(s):  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Nursing Practice ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Successful Completion ◽  
Service Setting ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Clinical Questions ◽  
Lack Of Commitment ◽  
Good Research

While the conduct of nursing research is an important professional value, it is an activity rarely performed by nurses employed in the service setting. Whether the reason is a lack of commitment to a scientific basis for nursing practice or an inability to operationalize the research process in the clinical setting, the outcome is a dearth of clinically relevant studies to guide patient care. Clinicians must be involved in asking and answering clinically relevant questions to maximize patient outcomes. This article provides suggestions to assist clinicians to identify the types of clinical questions that are most likely to result in successful completion of research projects by busy, service-setting clinicians. Strategies are described that will assist clinicians to identify research questions of relevance to their practice areas.

scholarly journals Upregulation of lncRNA147410.3 in the Brain of Mice With Chronic Toxoplasma Infection Promoted Microglia Apoptosis by Regulating Hoxb3

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongliang Wang ◽  
Ruxia Han ◽  
Zhejun Xu ◽  
Xiahui Sun ◽  
Chunxue Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Target Gene ◽  
Neuronal Cell ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Cns Development ◽  
Toxoplasma Infection ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
The Brain

Toxoplasma gondii is neurotropic and affects the function of nerve cells, while the mechanism is unclear. LncRNAs are abundantly enriched in the brain and participated in the delicate regulation of the central nervous system (CNS) development. However, whether these lncRNAs are involved in the regulation of microglia activation during the process of T. gondii infection is largely unknown. In this study, the upregulation of a novel lncRNA147410.3 (ENSMUST00000147410.3) was identified as a key factor to influence this process. The target gene of lncRNA147410.3 was predicted and identified as Hoxb3. The localization of lncRNA147410.3 in the brain and cells was proved in the nucleus of neuroglia through FISH assay. Furthermore, the function of lncRNA147410.3 on neuronal cell was confirmed that lncRNA147410.3 could affect proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of mouse microglia by positively regulating Hoxb3. Thus, our study explored the modulatory action of lncRNA147410.3 in T. gondii infected mouse brain, providing a scientific basis for using lncRNA147410.3 as a therapeutic target to treat neurological disorder induced by T. gondii.

scholarly journals Advanced Photocatalysts Based on Reduced Nanographene Oxide–TiO2 Photonic Crystal Films

Materials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (16) ◽  
pp. 2518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diamantopoulou ◽  
Sakellis ◽  
Gardelis ◽  
Tsoutsou ◽  
Glenis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Photocatalytic Activity ◽  
Charge Separation ◽  
Photonic Band Gap ◽  
Thermal Reduction ◽  
Surface Reactivity ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Comparative Performance ◽  
Inverse Opals ◽  
Crystal Films ◽  
Key Factor

Surface functionalization of TiO2 inverse opals by graphene oxide nanocolloids (nanoGO) presents a promising modification for the development of advanced photocatalysts that combine slow photon-assisted light harvesting, surface area, and mass transport of macroporous photonic structures with the enhanced adsorption capability, surface reactivity, and charge separation of GO nanosheets. In this work, post-thermal reduction of nanoGO–TiO2 inverse opals was investigated in order to explore the role of interfacial electron transfer vs. pollutant adsorption and improve their photocatalytic activity. Photonic band gap-engineered TiO2 inverse opals were fabricated by the coassembly technique and were functionalized by GO nanosheets and reduced under He at 200 and 500 °C. Comparative performance evaluation of the nanoGO–TiO2 films on methylene blue photodegradation under UV-VIS and visible light showed that thermal reduction at 200 °C, in synergy with slow photon effects, improved the photocatalytic reaction rate despite the loss of nanoGO and oxygen functional groups, pointing to enhanced charge separation. This was further supported by photoluminescence spectroscopy and salicylic acid UV-VIS photodegradation, where, in the absence of photonic effects, the photocatalytic activity increased, confirming that fine-tuning of interfacial coupling between TiO2 and reduced nanoGO is a key factor for the development of highly efficient photocatalytic films.

scholarly journals PKM2 promotes Th17 cell differentiation and autoimmune inflammation by fine-tuning STAT3 activation

2020 ◽  
Vol 217 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Eduardo Alves Damasceno ◽  
Douglas Silva Prado ◽  
Flavio Protasio Veras ◽  
Miriam M. Fonseca ◽  
Juliana E. Toller-Kawahisa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Differentiation ◽  
Th17 Cell ◽  
Th17 Cells ◽  
Glycolytic Enzyme ◽  
Metabolic Reprogramming ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Autoimmune Inflammation ◽  
Th17 Cell Differentiation ◽  
Key Factor

Th17 cell differentiation and pathogenicity depend on metabolic reprogramming inducing shifts toward glycolysis. Here, we show that the pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), a glycolytic enzyme required for cancer cell proliferation and tumor progression, is a key factor mediating Th17 cell differentiation and autoimmune inflammation. We found that PKM2 is highly expressed throughout the differentiation of Th17 cells in vitro and during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) development. Strikingly, PKM2 is not required for the metabolic reprogramming and proliferative capacity of Th17 cells. However, T cell–specific PKM2 deletion impairs Th17 cell differentiation and ameliorates symptoms of EAE by decreasing Th17 cell–mediated inflammation and demyelination. Mechanistically, PKM2 translocates into the nucleus and interacts with STAT3, enhancing its activation and thereby increasing Th17 cell differentiation. Thus, PKM2 acts as a critical nonmetabolic regulator that fine-tunes Th17 cell differentiation and function in autoimmune-mediated inflammation.

scholarly journals Recent advancements in understanding the terroir effect on aromas in grapes and wines

OENO One ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cornelis Van Leeuwen ◽  
Jean-Christophe Barbe ◽  
Philippe Darriet ◽  
Olivier Geffroy ◽  
Eric Gomès ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Nitrogen Supply ◽  
Wine Aroma ◽  
Comprehensive Understanding ◽  
Wine Quality ◽  
Organoleptic Characteristics ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Climate Influences ◽  
Temperature Radiation ◽  
Measurable Factors

Terroir is about the link between wine and its origin. It has long been understood by sensory evaluation that the taste of wine from a given variety can be related to its origins. Specific organoleptic characteristics of wine are influenced by environmental factors such as soil and climate. By deconstructing the effect of measurable soil and climate parameters on grape and wine aroma compounds, the terroir effect on wine typicity can be better understood. Climate influences on vine development and grape ripening are mainly associated with temperature, radiation and rainfall, while soil influences are primarily associated with water availability and nitrogen supply. Significant advances have been made over recent years in understanding wine aromas and their molecular basis and influences of climate and soil on a wide range of molecules responsible for wine aroma expression. This article aims to review these recent research advances to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of how terroir influences wine typicity. The effect of terroir on wine quality and typicity is sometimes considered intangible and difficult to explain on a scientific basis. By combining agronomic, analytical and sensory approaches, however, this review shows that the terroir effect is mediated by measurable factors that can easily be monitored in the vineyard. Assessment of the results compiled by this review allows the suggestion that terroir expression at specific sites might be maximized by choosing appropriate plant material in relation to soil and climate, by acting on manageable parameters like vine water and nitrogen status, or by implementing canopy management to modify microclimate in the bunch zone.

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