Circadian oscillator proteins across the kingdoms of life : Structural aspects 06 Biological Sciences 0601 Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Circadian oscillators are networks of biochemical feedback loops that generate 24-hour rhythms and control numerous biological processes in a range of organisms. These periodic rhythms are the result of a complex interplay of interactions among clock components. These components are specific to the organism but share molecular mechanisms that are similar across kingdoms. The elucidation of clock mechanisms in different kingdoms has recently started to attain the level of structural interpretation. A full understanding of these molecular processes requires detailed knowledge, not only of the biochemical and biophysical properties of clock proteins and their interactions, but also the three-dimensional structure of clockwork components. Posttranslational modifications (such as phosphorylation) and protein-protein interactions, have become a central focus of recent research, in particular the complex interactions mediated by the phosphorylation of clock proteins and the formation of multimeric protein complexes that regulate clock genes at transcriptional and translational levels. The three-dimensional structures for the cyanobacterial clock components are well understood, and progress is underway to comprehend the mechanistic details. However, structural recognition of the eukaryotic clock has just begun. This review serves as a primer as the clock communities move towards the exciting realm of structural biology

Analysis of sexual networks

Dit rapport is een verslag van een samenwerkingsproject van RIVM en NISSO. Gebaseerd op surveys over seksueel gedrag in Nederland is een wiskundig model uitgewerkt om de mogelijke verspreiding van AIDS en andere seksueel overdraagbare aandoeningen (SOAs) en de preventie te onderzoeken. De resultaten van deze onderzoeken zijn reeds verschenen in een reeks publikaties. Deze publikaties zijn in dit rapport bijeengebracht.This document reports on a joint project of RIVM and NISSO. Based on surveys of sexual behaviour in the Netherlands a mathematical model was developed to investigate the possible spread of AIDS and other STDs and prevention strategies.RGO/PCCAOVW

EU Concerted Action. Multinational Scenario Analysis Concerning Epidemiological Social and Economic Impacts of HIV/AIDS on Society. Towards a Reference Scenario for Europe. Report on Yearly Plenary Meeting 5-7 July 1995, Bilthoven, the Netherlands

Beschrijving van de werkwijze die bij de constructie van een 'reference scenario' voor de epidemiologische, economische en sociale impact van de HIV/AIDS epidemie in Europa zal worden gevolgd.The epidemiological reference scenario plays a central role in the present scenario analysis. The construction of economic and social scenarios will be accomplished using epidemiological outcomes. Modellers and epidemiologists defined and specified the contours of the reference scenario. Backcalculation has been chosen as the methodology to underpin the reference scenario. Assessments of the natural history (incubation time distribution) and pre-AIDS treatment were made. Country-specific surveillance data were gathered using a questionnaire that was sent to the national representatives of the European countries involved. These data on natural history, pre-AIDS treatment and country-specific surveillance parameters can now be incorporated in backcalculation. From discussions in the plenary meetings some basic themes for alternative scenarios became apparent. These themes refer to the effects of: pre-AIDS treatment ; the duration of incubation time; survival time after AIDS diagnosis ; prevention (expressed in number of HIV infections) and AIDS manifestation (related to neurological/psychiatirc morbidity). These themes need to cover the whole working area of the EU Concerted Action.VWS/AIV E

EU Concerted Action Multinational Scenario Analysis Conderning Epidemiological Social and Economic Impacts of HIV/AIDS on Society. Report on Planning Meeting 25th-26th August 1994 Bilthoven, the Netherlands

Beschrijving van de aanpak die bij de constructie van een 'reference scenario' voor de epidemiologische, economische en sociale impact van de HIV/AIDS epidemie in Europa zal worden gevolgd.The objectives of this 'Planning Meeting' were to discuss the work programme of the project and to identify the relevant issues to be addressed and activities to be carried out during the first year of the research project. The main targets of the Working Groups to be reached during the first year of the project were formulated. 1). The epidemiologists will focus their attention on HIV data, subclassified for relevant subepidemics, to establish an epidemiological analysis of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Europe. 2). The economists will update the scenarios on health care for HIV infected persons and will integrate this study with results from the project on Managing the Costs of HIV Infection. In addition a comparative study will be made by analyzing available databases on care for HIV infected patients. Starting from these activities a framework for a 'baseline analytical' approach will be formulated. 3). The social scientists will concentrate on two themes, dealing with *care and support and *prevention and intervention. 4). The modellers proposed to review the available techniques for future studies on the spread of HIV and to consider possibilities to work within the EU Concerted Action with one general modelling approach.VWS/AI