bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Note on Kalhori Kinship Terms
Authors: Gheitury Amer , Yasami Hasan , Kazzazi Kristin
Published: August 2010

Despite the great number of studies conducted by Western scholars exploring kinship terminologies in different languages, there seems to have been little attempt at dealing with kin words in Iranian languages like Kurdish. More specifically, Kalhori, as a southern dialect of Kurdish, has rarely been subject to studies of this nature. Underlining the significance of such studies in the wider linguistic and anthropological contexts, this study attempts to explore kin words Kalhori speakers use to refer to or address their relatives. We also make an attempt to investigate the possibility of presenting a formal explanation of the terms by placing them in a componential analysis framework.
Italy seen through British eyes: a European middle power?
Authors: Chelotti Nicola
Published: August 2010

This article analyses the British perceptions of contemporary Italy and Italian politics. Through the use of a number of sources (parliamentary debates, governmental documents, newspaper articles and interviews) it argues that Italy is not perceived, within Great Britain, as a great power within the European system nor it is viewed as a peripheral actor. Rather, it suggests that Italy seems to have finally found in the post-Cold War scenario its proper role–a European middle power, with important responsibilities within a regional sub-system. A frequent request–and expectation–coming from British politics and society is that Italy should take on more international responsibilities, even in the sphere of defence–as the different readings of Italy's role and leadership in Afghanistan and Lebanon reveal. However, Italy's ability to play this role is believed to be hampered by several factors: its uncertain political situation, its unwillingness to engage in military operations, its reluctance to respect international commitments and its structural economic problems. As a result, further possibilities of cooperation with other international partners as well as its potential for autonomous action on the international stage are, in several cases, precluded. Moreover, if the relations between Italy and the UK are usually seen in a positive way, and Italy is viewed as a reliable partner, the nature of the cooperation between the two countries is often considered to be fragile and based on short-term common interests and strategies.
Italy seen from France or the complexity of family relations
Authors: Graziano Manlio
Published: August 2010

This article examines French–Italian relations focusing in particular on economic exchanges and French perceptions of Italy as revealed in parliamentary debates and in the French press. The analysis suggests that in the eyes of the French, Italy is a two-faced Janus, rich in both defects and positive qualities. Except perhaps for the shrewdest observers, it is difficult for the French to come to terms with all the subtleties and complexities of the real Italy.
TENTATIVE DETECTION OF QUASAR FEEDBACK FROM WMAP AND SDSS CROSS-CORRELATION
Authors: Chatterjee Suchetana , Ho Shirley , Newman Jeffrey A. , Kosowsky Arthur
Published: August 2010

We perform a cross-correlation analysis of microwave data from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe and photometric quasars from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, testing for the Sunyaev–Zeldovich (SZ) effect from quasars. A statistically significant (2.5σ) temperature decrement exists in the 41 GHz microwave band. A two-component fit to the cross-correlation spectrum incorporating both dust emission and SZ yields a best-fit y parameter of (7.0 ± 3.4) × 10−7. A similar cross-correlation analysis with the luminous red galaxy sample from Sloan gives a best-fit y parameter of (5.3 ±  2.5) × 10−7. We discuss the possible physical origin of these signals, which is likely a combination of SZ effects from quasars and galaxy clusters. Both the Planck Surveyor satellite and the current ground-based arcminute-resolution microwave experiments will detect this signal with a higher statistical significance.
Impact of the current profile evolution on tearing stability of ITER demonstration discharges in DIII-D
Authors: Turco F. , Luce T.C.
Published: August 2010

A set of >100 DIII-D ITER demonstration discharges was analysed with the goal of characterizing the tearing stability of ITER baseline scenario plasmas on the energy and resistive evolution time scales. In DIII-D these discharges are limited by the appearance of an n = 1 tearing instability, after the discharge has run at constant pressure for several confinement times (τ
E
≲ 200 ms). Since the resistive time is ≳1 s, the current profile is still evolving when the modes appear. Across the ranges of pressure explored around the ITER design value, the probability of a discharge remaining stable equals that of encountering a mode; therefore, it seems that the tearing stability boundary cannot be characterized as a pressure limit. The internal inductance, a measure of the current distribution, does not contain enough detail to describe the tearing stability limits precisely, despite clear evidence that the evolution of the current profile is the cause of the instability and not the reaching of a β limit. The onset of the instability does not seem to be correlated with the plasma rotation or the presence of ELMs.
Modelling of anomalous particle transport for dynamic transport simulations
Authors: Honda M. , Fukuyama A. , Takizuka T. , Shimizu K.
Published: August 2010

A force model leading to the usual quasilinear particle flux is developed for the equations of motion used in the transport equations of the multi-fluid transport code TASK/TX. The model precisely corresponds to a quasilinear flux consisting of diagonal, thermodiffusive and pure convective contributions, where the turbulent coefficients of the force model are externally provided by a model of the turbulent process. Our approach is consistent in that particle transport can be described through a change in radial particle flux by solving the continuity equation and the equations of motion self-consistently. Time-dependent simulations that vary the ratio of particle diffusivity to thermal diffusivity show that thermal neutrals as a particle source in the core region affect the formation of density profile in the limit of the smallness of the ratio, while an increase in the ratio rapidly decreases the effectiveness of the source effect.
The Rapamycin-sensitive Phosphoproteome Reveals That TOR Controls Protein Kinase A Toward Some But Not All Substrates
Authors: Soulard Alexandre , Cremonesi Alessio , Moes Suzette , Schütz Frédéric , Jenö Paul , Hall Michael N.
Published: August 2010

Regulation of cell growth requires extensive coordination of several processes including transcription, ribosome biogenesis, translation, nutrient metabolism, and autophagy. In yeast, the protein kinases Target of Rapamycin (TOR) and protein kinase A (PKA) regulate these processes and are thereby the main activators of cell growth in response to nutrients. How TOR, PKA, and their corresponding signaling pathways are coordinated to control the same cellular processes is not understood. Quantitative analysis of the rapamycin-sensitive phosphoproteome combined with targeted analysis of PKA substrates suggests that TOR complex 1 (TORC1) activates PKA but only toward a subset of substrates. Furthermore, we show that TORC1 signaling impinges on BCY1, the negative regulatory subunit of PKA. Inhibition of TORC1 with rapamycin leads to BCY1 phosphorylation on several sites including T129. Phosphorylation of BCY1 T129 results in BCY1 activation and inhibition of PKA. TORC1 inhibits BCY1 T129 phosphorylation by phosphorylating and activating the S6K homolog SCH9 that in turn inhibits the MAP kinase MPK1. MPK1 phosphorylates BCY1 T129 directly. Thus, TORC1 activates PKA toward some substrates by preventing MPK1-mediated activation of BCY1.
Automated analysis of time-lapse fluorescence microscopy images: from live cell images to intracellular foci
Authors: Dzyubachyk Oleh , Essers Jeroen , Cappellen Wiggert A. van , Baldeyron Céline , Inagaki Akiko , Niessen Wiro J. , Meijering Erik
Published: August 2010

Motivation: Complete, accurate and reproducible analysis of intracellular foci from fluorescence microscopy image sequences of live cells requires full automation of all processing steps involved: cell segmentation and tracking followed by foci segmentation and pattern analysis. Integrated systems for this purpose are lacking.

Results: Extending our previous work in cell segmentation and tracking, we developed a new system for performing fully automated analysis of fluorescent foci in single cells. The system was validated by applying it to two common tasks: intracellular foci counting (in DNA damage repair experiments) and cell-phase identification based on foci pattern analysis (in DNA replication experiments). Experimental results show that the system performs comparably to expert human observers. Thus, it may replace tedious manual analyses for the considered tasks, and enables high-content screening.

Availability and implementation: The described system was implemented in MATLAB (The MathWorks, Inc., USA) and compiled to run within the MATLAB environment. The routines together with four sample datasets are available at http://celmia.bigr.nl/. The software is planned for public release, free of charge for non-commercial use, after publication of this article.

Contact:  meijering@imagescience.org
Genevar: a database and Java application for the analysis and visualization of SNP-gene associations in eQTL studies
Authors: Yang Tsun-Po , Beazley Claude , Montgomery Stephen B. , Dimas Antigone S. , Gutierrez-Arcelus Maria , Stranger Barbara E. , Deloukas Panos , Dermitzakis Emmanouil T.
Published: August 2010

Summary: Genevar (GENe Expression VARiation) is a database and Java tool designed to integrate multiple datasets, and provides analysis and visualization of associations between sequence variation and gene expression. Genevar allows researchers to investigate expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) associations within a gene locus of interest in real time. The database and application can be installed on a standard computer in database mode and, in addition, on a server to share discoveries among affiliations or the broader community over the Internet via web services protocols.

Availability:  http://www.sanger.ac.uk/resources/software/genevar

Contact:  emmanouil.dermitzakis@unige.ch
A Bayesian method for 3D macromolecular structure inference using class average images from single particle electron microscopy
Authors: Jaitly Navdeep , Brubaker Marcus A. , Rubinstein John L. , Lilien Ryan H.
Published: August 2010

Motivation: Electron cryo-microscopy can be used to infer 3D structures of large macromolecules with high resolution, but the large amounts of data captured necessitate the development of appropriate statistical models to describe the data generation process, and to perform structure inference. We present a new method for performing ab initio inference of the 3D structures of macromolecules from single particle electron cryo-microscopy experiments using class average images.

Results: We demonstrate this algorithm on one phantom, one synthetic dataset and three real (experimental) datasets (ATP synthase, V-type ATPase and GroEL). Structures consistent with the known structures were inferred for all datasets.

Availability: The software and source code for this method is available for download from our website: http://compbio.cs.toronto.edu/cryoem/

Contact:  ndjaitly@cs.toronto.edu; lilien@cs.toronto.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Reduction of Interstitial Cells of Cajal in Esophageal Atresia
Authors: Midrio Paola , Alaggio Rita , Strojna Aleksandra , Gamba Piergiorgio , Giacomelli Luciano , Pizzi Sara , Faussone‐Pellegrini Maria Simonetta
Published: August 2010

Objectives:

Postrepair esophageal dysmotility and gastroesophageal reflux are well‐known consequences in patients with congenital esophageal atresia (EA) with or without distal tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). The interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), considered the intestinal pacemaker, are altered in congenital diseases with abnormal peristalsis, but no data are available for EA. Therefore, presence and maturation of ICC was verified in EA‐TEF newborns.

Patients and Methods:

Fifteen full‐term neonates underwent repair of EA‐TEF. Control specimens were from 10 newborns who died of nonesophageal diseases. Specimens from upper pouch, fistula, proximal, and distal esophagus were processed for hematoxylin and eosin, c‐kit immunohistochemistry for ICC identification, and transmission electron microscopy. Frequency of c‐kit–positive cells was evaluated in 20 fields per slide using a visual score (absent, very low, low, medium, high, very high). Morphocytometry and statistical analysis were also performed.

Results:

In the proximal normal esophagus, ICC frequency was very high (3 cases), high (5), and medium (2); distally, it was high (4) and medium (6). In EA‐TEF upper pouch, it was high (2) and medium (13); in the fistula, it was medium (5), low (6), very low (3), and absent (1). Morphocytometry confirmed these results. Comparison between pouch and fistula versus proximal and lower esophagus, respectively, showed statistically significant differences. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated ICC immaturity in EA‐TEF.

Conclusions:

The significant lower ICC density in EA‐TEF is in favor for the pathogenesis of esophageal dysmotility frequently observed in such patients.
Healing of Erosive Esophagitis and Improvement of Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease After Esomeprazole Treatment in Children 12 to 36 Months Old
Authors: Tolia Vasundhara , Gilger Mark A , Barker Peter N , Illueca Marta
Published: August 2010

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to evaluate erosive esophagitis healing and symptom improvement with once‐daily esomeprazole in children ages 12 to 36 months with endoscopically or histologically proven gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Patients and Methods:

Data from children ages 12 to 36 months were included in a post‐hoc analysis of an 8‐week, multicenter, randomized, and double‐blind by dose strata study of patients ages 1 to 11 years with endoscopically or histologically confirmed GERD. Children were randomized to receive esomeprazole 5 or 10 mg once daily. Patients underwent endoscopy and, if required, mucosal biopsy at baseline. Patients who had erosive esophagitis (graded using the Los Angeles classification system) at baseline underwent a follow‐up endoscopy at final study visit to assess healing of erosive esophagitis. Investigators scored severity of GERD symptoms at baseline and every 2 weeks using the Physician Global Assessment.

Results:

Thirty‐one of 109 primary study patients ages 12 to 36 months were included in the post hoc analysis. At baseline, 15 patients (48.4%) had erosive esophagitis, underwent follow‐up endoscopy, and were healed after 8 weeks of esomeprazole treatment. Of the 19 patients with moderate‐to‐severe baseline Physician Global Assessment symptom scores, 84.2% had lower scores by the final visit. Following esomeprazole treatment, GERD symptoms were significantly improved from baseline to final visit (P ≤ 0.0018).

Conclusions:

Esomeprazole 5 or 10 mg may be used to successfully treat erosive esophagitis and symptoms of GERD in children as young as 1 year. Moreover, although not yet validated in pediatric patients, the Los Angeles classification system was useful in grading erosive esophagitis in children ages 12 to 36 months.
A Million‐dollar Work‐up for Abdominal Pain: Is It Worth It?
Authors: Dhroove Gati , Chogle Ashish , Saps Miguel
Published: August 2010

Background and Aim:

Pain‐predominant‐functional gastrointestinal disorders (PP‐FGIDs) are common. The diagnosis is clinical and there are no biological markers to characterize these conditions. Despite limited evidence, investigations are commonly performed. The aim of the study was to investigate diagnostic practices, yield, and costs in children with PP‐FGIDs.

Patients and Methods:

Charts of all of the children older than 4 years diagnosed as having abdominal pain were reviewed. Results and costs of diagnostic investigations were analyzed.

Results:

Of 243 children with abdominal pain, 122 (50.2%) had PP‐FGIDs (79 girls, mean age 12.7 years). All of the children underwent diagnostic work‐up. Complete blood cell count was done in 91.8% of patients. None had elevated white blood cells, platelets, and low albumin. Six had either elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate or C‐reactive protein, but none had elevation of both; 4 of these 6 cases underwent endoscopies with normal results in 3 cases; Helicobacter pylori was found in 1 case. One child had elevated tissue transglutaminase 1 only antibodies with normal endoscopy. Amylase, lipase, direct bilirubin, stool cultures, and ova or parasites were always normal. One child had intermittent elevation of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase. There were no significant abnormalities in urinalysis or electrolytes. Abdominal x‐rays were done in 38.5%, showing only retained stools in 13% of these patients. Abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography scan were done in 23.7% and 9% of cases, respectively, but were of no clinical value; 33.6% patients had esophagogastroduodenoscopy (9.7% abnormal: Helicobacter pylori, chemical gastritis, esophagitis) and 17.2% had colonoscopy (9.5% abnormal: rare fork crypts, lymphoid hyperplasia). Total costs: $744,726. Average cost per patient: $6104.30.

Conclusions:

In children with PP‐FGIDs, investigations are common, costs are substantial, and yield is minimal.
Temperature effects on parasite prevalence in a natural hybrid complex
Authors: Schoebel Corine N. , Tellenbach Christoph , Spaak Piet , Wolinska Justyna
Published: August 2010

Both host susceptibility and parasite infectivity commonly have a genetic basis, and can therefore be shaped by coevolution. However, these traits are often sensitive to environmental variation, resulting in genotype-by-environment interactions. We tested the influence of temperature on host–parasite genetic specificity in the
Daphnia longispina
hybrid complex, exposed to the protozoan parasite
Caullerya mesnili
. Infection rates were higher at low temperature. Furthermore, significant differences between host clones, but not between host taxa, and a host genotype-by-temperature interaction were observed.
Evidence for heterozygote instability in microsatellite loci in house wrens
Authors: Masters Brian S. , Johnson L. Scott , Johnson Bonnie G. P. , Brubaker Jessica L. , Sakaluk Scott K. , Thompson Charles F.
Published: August 2010

Microsatellite loci have high mutation rates and high levels of allelic variation, but the factors influencing their mutation rate are not well understood. The proposal that heterozygosity may increase mutation rates has profound implications for understanding the evolution of microsatellite loci, but currently has limited empirical support. We examined 20 microsatellite mutations identified in an analysis of 12 260 meiotic events across three loci in two populations of a songbird, the house wren (
Troglodytes aedon
). We found that for an allele of a given length, mutation was significantly more likely when there was a relatively large difference in size between the allele and its homologue (i.e. a large ‘allele span’). Our results support the proposal of heterozygote instability at microsatellite loci.
Lipopolymer gradient diffusion in supported bilayer membranes
Authors: Zhang Huai-Ying , Hill Reghan J.
Published: August 2010

We measure the gradient diffusion coefficient of a model lipopolymer in supported lipid bilayer membranes from Fourier-transform post-electrophoresis relaxation. The experiments and accompanying quantitative interpretation furnish the concentration dependence of the gradient diffusion coefficient. In striking contrast to the recent measurements of the self-diffusion coefficient from fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, the lipopolymer gradient diffusion coefficient increases with concentration. We interpret the enhancement at small but finite concentrations using the Scalettar–Abney–Owicki (SAO) statistical mechanical theory (1988) and the Bussell–Koch–Hammer (BKH) hydrodynamic theory (1995), which are customarily adopted to model membrane protein dynamics. The SAO theory furnishes an effective disc radius and soft repulsive interaction radius that are comparable to the Flory radius of the unperturbed polyethylene glycol chains. On the other hand, the BKH theory predicts a gradient diffusion coefficient that decreases with disc/membrane protein concentration. Thus, in contrast to membrane proteins, we conclude that lipopolymer hydrodynamic interactions are weak because the principal disturbances are in the low-viscosity aqueous phase. Accordingly, lipopolymer interactions are dominated by thermodynamic interactions among polymer chains. Interestingly, our experiments suggest that increasing (decreasing) the polymer molecular weight should increase (decrease) the relaxation rate of lipopolymer concentration fluctuations.
Rayleigh surface waves and their canonically associated quasi-particles
Authors: Rousseau Martine , Maugin Gérard A.
Published: August 2010

Inspired by soliton theory and exploiting the conservation law of wave momentum, it is shown that one can associate with the surface Rayleigh wave of macroscopic elasticity a quasi-particle, a ‘surface phonon’, which is in inertial motion for the standard boundary conditions. The ‘mass’ of this ‘particle’ is determined in terms of the wave properties. Different types of alteration in the boundary conditions are shown to result in perturbations of this inertial motion in various ways. The essential tool in the presented derivation is the exploitation of the canonical equations of conservation, which are consequences of the celebrated Noether theorem of field theory. The results obtained may be useful in the mechanics of surface waves at the nanoscale, in particular in treating perturbations of various kinds.
On the ‘high spots’ of fundamental sloshing modes in a trough
Authors: Kulczycki T. , Kuznetsov N.
Published: August 2010

We study an eigenvalue problem with a spectral parameter in a boundary condition. The problem describes sloshing of a heavy liquid in a container, which means that the unknowns are the frequencies and modes of the liquid’s free oscillations. The question of ‘high spots’ (the points on the mean free surface, where its elevation attains the maximum and minimum values) is considered for fundamental sloshing modes in troughs of uniform cross section. For troughs, whose cross sections are such that the horizontal, top interval is the one-to-one orthogonal projection of the bottom, the following result is obtained: any fundamental eigenfunction attains its maximum and minimum values only on the boundary of the rectangular free surface of the trough.
Skimming impacts and rebounds on shallow liquid layers
Authors: Hicks Peter D. , Smith Frank T.
Published: August 2010

The evolution of the combined solid–fluid motion when a solid body undergoes a skimming impact with (and rebounds from) a shallow liquid layer is investigated. A model is derived coupling the motion of the body to the fluid dynamics of the liquid layer. This predicts that the lift on the body induced by the pressure in the liquid layer is sufficient to entirely retard its incident downward motion before causing the body to rise out of the liquid. Water exit is predicted at a finite scaled time. Analysis for the small-time behaviour immediately after touchdown, and also as water exit is approached, shows close agreement with numerical prediction.
Conditions for mutation-order speciation
Authors: Nosil Patrik , Flaxman Samuel M.
Published: August 2010

Two models for speciation via selection have been proposed. In the well-known model of ‘ecological speciation’, divergent natural selection between environments drives the evolution of reproductive isolation. In a second ‘mutation-order’ model, different, incompatible mutations (alleles) fix in different populations adapting to the same selective pressure. How to demonstrate mutation-order speciation has been unclear, although it has been argued that it can be ruled out when gene flow occurs because the same, most advantageous allele will fix in all populations. However, quantitative examination of the interaction of factors influencing the likelihood of mutation-order speciation is lacking. We used simulation models to study how gene flow, hybrid incompatibility, selective advantage, timing of origination of new mutations and an initial period of allopatric differentiation affect population divergence via the mutation-order process. We find that at least some population divergence can occur under a reasonably wide range of conditions, even with moderate gene flow. However, strong divergence (e.g. fixation of different alleles in different populations) requires very low gene flow, and is promoted when (i) incompatible mutations have similar fitness advantages, (ii) less fit mutations arise slightly earlier in evolutionary time than more fit alternatives, and (iii) allopatric divergence occurs prior to secondary contact.
The Seed Composition of Arabidopsis Mutants for the Group 3 Sulfate Transporters Indicates a Role in Sulfate Translocation within Developing Seeds
Authors: Zuber Hélène , Davidian Jean-Claude , Aubert Grégoire , Aimé Delphine , Belghazi Maya , Lugan Raphaël , Heintz Dimitri , Wirtz Markus , Hell Rüdiger , Thompson Richard , Gallardo Karine
Published: August 2010

Sulfate is required for the synthesis of sulfur-containing amino acids and numerous other compounds essential for the plant life cycle. The delivery of sulfate to seeds and its translocation between seed tissues is likely to require specific transporters. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), the group 3 plasmalemma-predicted sulfate transporters (SULTR3) comprise five genes, all expressed in developing seeds, especially in the tissues surrounding the embryo. Here, we show that sulfur supply to seeds is unaffected by T-DNA insertions in the SULTR3 genes. However, remarkably, an increased accumulation of sulfate was found in mature seeds of four mutants out of five. In these mutant seeds, the ratio of sulfur in sulfate form versus total sulfur was significantly increased, accompanied by a reduction in free cysteine content, which varied depending on the gene inactivated. These results demonstrate a reduced capacity of the mutant seeds to metabolize sulfate and suggest that these transporters may be involved in sulfate translocation between seed compartments. This was further supported by sulfate measurements of the envelopes separated from the embryo of the sultr3;2 mutant seeds, which showed differences in sulfate partitioning compared with the wild type. A dissection of the seed proteome of the sultr3 mutants revealed protein changes characteristic of a sulfur-stress response, supporting a role for these transporters in providing sulfate to the embryo. The mutants were affected in 12S globulin accumulation, demonstrating the importance of intraseed sulfate transport for the synthesis and maturation of embryo proteins. Metabolic adjustments were also revealed, some of which could release sulfur from glucosinolates.
High-speed crystal detection and characterization using a fast-readout detector
Authors: Aishima Jun , Owen Robin L. , Axford Danny , Shepherd Emma , Winter Graeme , Levik Karl , Gibbons Paul , Ashton Alun , Evans Gwyndaf
Published: August 2010

A novel raster-scanning method combining continuous sample translation with the fast readout of a Pilatus P6M detector has been developed on microfocus beamline I24 at Diamond Light Source. This fast grid-scan tool allows the rapid evaluation of large sample volumes without the need to increase the beam size at the sample through changes in beamline hardware. A slow version is available for slow-readout detectors. Examples of grid-scan use in centring optically invisible samples and in detecting and characterizing numerous microcrystals on a mesh-like holder illustrate the most common applications of the grid scan now in routine use on I24.
Molecular recognition betweenEscherichia colienolase and ribonuclease E
Authors: Nurmohamed Salima , McKay Adam R. , Robinson Carol V. , Luisi Ben F.
Published: August 2010

InEscherichia coliand many other bacterial species, the glycolytic enzyme enolase is a component of the multi-enzyme RNA degradosome, an assembly that is involved in RNA processing and degradation. Enolase is recruited into the degradosome through interactions with a small recognition motif located within the degradosome-scaffolding domain of RNase E. Here, the crystal structure of enolase bound to its cognate site from RNase E (residues 823–850) at 1.9 Å resolution is presented. The structure suggests that enolase may help to organize an adjacent conserved RNA-binding motif in RNase E.
A smooth and differentiable bulk-solvent model for macromolecular diffraction
Authors: Fenn T. D. , Schnieders M. J. , Brunger A. T.
Published: August 2010

Inclusion of low-resolution data in macromolecular crystallography requires a model for the bulk solvent. Previous methods have used a binary mask to accomplish this, which has proven to be very effective, but the mask is discontinuous at the solute–solvent boundary (i.e. the mask value jumps from zero to one) and is not differentiable with respect to atomic parameters. Here, two algorithms are introduced for computing bulk-solvent models using either a polynomial switch or a smoothly thresholded product of Gaussians, and both models are shown to be efficient and differentiable with respect to atomic coordinates. These alternative bulk-solvent models offer algorithmic improvements, while showing similar agreement of the model with the observed amplitudes relative to the binary model as monitored using R, R
free and differences between experimental and model phases. As with the standard solvent models, the alternative models improve the agreement primarily with lower resolution (>6 Å) data versus no bulk solvent. The models are easily implemented into crystallographic software packages and can be used as a general method for bulk-solvent correction in macromolecular crystallography.
Looking North
Authors: Gardels Nathan
Published: August 2010

The poor of Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean have long looked North for a better chance in life, braving the Florida Straits, wading across the Rio Grande or stealing through the rose gardens of suburban San Diego as prophets of a postmodern age when borders no longer hold. Now, in an historic shift from the days of anti‐Yanquism, their governments and intellectual elites are looking North as well.
Political Islamists Have Hijacked Arab World
Authors: Al‐Sabbah Sheikh Saud Nasser
Published: August 2010

These comments are adapted from an interview conducted by Ammar‐al Jundi for Asharq Al Awsat/Global Viewpoint in London.
FS14.1 Safety of various fragrances: allergy and phototoxicity, joint study in Korea
Authors: Eun Hee‐Chul , An S , Lee H , Lee A , Lee CH , Kim D‐W , Moon K‐C , Won Y‐H , Ro Y‐S , Hahm J‐H , Kim K‐J
Published: August 2010

The purpose of this study is to know the prevalence of allergic patch test responses in patients with suspected fragrance allergy in Korea and to know the photoxic potentials of limited fragrance substances. Nine dermatology departments of university hospitals and one research institute of cosmetic company were participated in this study for the past 1 year. To inquire the specific fragrance allergens in Korea, eighteen fragrance ingredients were added to Korean standard series and fragrance series (Chemotechnique Diagnosis, Sweden). Among 422 patients, 83% were women and the most common topographic site was face. Except the fragrance mix and Balsam of Peru, Cinnamic alcohol and Sandalwood oil showed high frequency of positive responses. Among the added specific fragrance ingredients, 3‐methyl‐5‐(2,2,3‐trimethyl‐3‐cyclopenen‐1‐yl) pent‐4‐en‐2‐ol, alpha‐isomethyl‐ionone(methyl ionone gamma), Lyral showed high positive responses. With eighteen added specific fragrance substances, we have also performed two in vitro phototoxicity tests, 3T3 NRU phototoxicity test and photohemolysis test. 3T3 NRU phototoxicity test is a screening method for DNA or cellular damage and Photohemolysis test is a useful screening method for phototoxic chemicals that cause oxygen‐dependent membrane damage. Only Lyral showed phototoxicity in photohemolysis test and no other fragrance ubstances showed phototoxicity in 3T3 NRU phtototoxicity test. We think our data are useful to know the current status of the frequent fragrance allergens in our society and the possible phototoxic potency of limited fragrance substances.
FS14.2 Photoallergic contact dermatitis from ketoprofen in Southern Sweden
Authors: Hindsén Monica , Zimerson E , Bruze M
Published: August 2010

Objective:  In Sweden ketoprofen has been available for topical applications since 1995. Photoallergic contact dermatitis from ketoprofen has been reported since almost 20 years. Photoallergic contact dermatitis from ketoprofen‐containing topical treatment usually includes severe eczematous reactions. Ketoprofen is an NSAID derived from propionic acid. Ketoprofen, fenofibrate and benzophenones are structurally similar.

Methods:  Photopatch testing and patch testing with 2 standard series, the ketoprofen‐containing gels and their ingredients, fenofibrate and benzophenones.

Results:  During the last year 35 patients have been photopatch tested with ketoprofen with very strong photopatch test reactions. 26 patients also had positive reactions to fentichlor.

27 of the ketoprofen – photoallergic patients had also been photopatch tested with fenofibrate, 17 had positive reactions. 21 had positive reactions to balsam of Peru and 13 to fragrance mix.

Conclusion:  Ketoprofen is a strong photosensitizer.
FS14.3 Interleukins in patch‐test blisters for the detection of contact allergy
Authors: Sigurdardottir Margret S , Sigmundsdottir H , Valdimarsson H , Bjarnason B
Published: August 2010

Objective:  To investigate whether interleukins in blisters formed at patch‐test sites can be used as markers of the grade of contact allergy.

Methods:  Recently patch‐tested volunteers with and without allergy to nickel sulfate were retested with 5 nickel sulfate patch tests and 5 control tests. 48 hours later, the test were removed and the perfusion of the test sites was assessed with a laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI) technique. Then, suction blisters were made at the test sites. Blister fluids were collected separately from the allergen test sites and the control‐test sites.

Results:  The patch‐test results prior to the study and in current study, and the results with the LDPI helped to distinguish between subjects with and without allergy to nickel sulfate. The concentration of one of the interleukins was high in the blister fluid from the nickel‐test sites in all of the allergic subjects while the concentration was not detectable or low in fluid from the control sites and in fluid both from the nickel and the control sites in subjects without nickel allergy.

Conclusion:  Immunological factors in fluid from blisters at patch‐test sites may be important for the detection of contact allergy.

Acknowledgement:  Icelandic Research Council.
FS14.4 Gold trichloride as a marker of contact allergy to gold.
Authors: Möller Halvor , Ahnlide I , Gruvberger B , Bruze M
Published: August 2010

Objective:  To study the usefulness of a trivalent gold salt, gold trichloride (GTC), as a marker for contact allergy to gold. Method: Patients patch test positive or negative to gold sodium thiosulfate (GSTS), 13 subjects of each, were patch‐tested with dilution series of GTC and equimolar concentrations of GSTS; each series started at 0.03 mM and contained 5 steps. In order to avoid false positive and false negative test reactions the salts were dissolved in an alkaline buffer and placed on van der Bend® polypropene chambers. The tests were applied for 48 h; reading was blinded and performed on D3 and D7.

Results:  Allergic reactions were observed in 9/13 gold‐allergic patients with GSTS and in 2/13 with GTC. The sum of positive reactions was 18 with GSTS and 5 with GTC. Primary toxic reactions: 0 with GSTS and 2 with GTC among the gold‐allergic patients; and 2 with GSTS and 1 with GTC among the controls.

Conclusion:  GTC can elicit positive patch test reactions in patients with gold allergy but to a lesser degree than GSTS. GTC cannot be recommended for patch testing.
Fragrance allergy: a chemical perspective for dermatologists
Authors: Lepoittevin Jean‐Pierre
Published: August 2010

Sensitivity to fragrance ingredients is acknowledged as a common and clinically important problem in Europe.

Aims of the project: The “fragrance chemical allergy” project (QLK4‐CT‐1999‐01558) funded by the European Commission under the Quality of Life programme was to increase the safety standard of fragrance compounds and provide more transparency in the data available, and to develop prevention of fragrance chemical allergy in non sensitised (primary prevention) and in already sensitised (secondary prevention) individuals.

Primary prevention: A strategy for the rapid identification of sensitizers in complex mixture has been developed and 2 major sensitizers of oak moss, namely atranol and chloroatranol have been identified. Oxidation products, formed during storage and handling of common terpenes, have been shown to be involved in the sensitizing potential of fragrances. Quantitative Structure‐Activity Relationships have been developed for 2 classes of aldehydes often present as perfume ingredients. Major fragrance allergens relevant to hand eczema have been identified.

Secondary prevention: A new fragrance mix “FMII” has been developed as a diagnostic tool for patients allergic to fragrances. An elicitation thresholds methodology has been established and validated with some important new sensitizers. The substitution strategy of sensitizing fragrance chemicals by analogues has been studied in the case of isoeugenol and demonstrated to be non relevant to consumer safety.

Expected applications of results: Data generated by this project will be used as basis for decisions to improve consumer safety such as product labelling of the most frequent sensitizing materials, making guidelines for the evaluation of safe concentration limits, making rules of handling and best‐before‐date and banning of the most sensitizing compounds in consumer products.

Participants: University Strasbourg (F), NIWL Stockholm (S), Unilever SEAC (UK), University Copenhagen (DK), University Witten/Herdecke (D), King’s College London (UK), NERI Roskilde (DK), University Odense (DK), University Malmö(S), University Leuven (B).
P01 Contact dermatitis from textile colours in three Spanish towns
Authors: Garcia‐Bravo Begoña , Fernandez‐Redondo V , Sanchez‐Pedreño P
Published: August 2010

Objective:  Prevalence of textile dye contact dermatitis (TD‐CD) are lacking in many countries. Our aim is to know the frequency of TD‐CD in three different areas of Spain.

Methods:  100 patients were tested with Spanish standard series and the five most frequent TD in each city. D. Orange 1, D. Orange 3, D. Blue 35, D. Blue 106, D. Blue 124 were included in Murcia and Seville, and the three last and D. Red 1, D. Red 17 in Santiago.

Results:  23/300 (15 women and 8 men) were positives to one or more TD. D. Blue 124 was the most frequent allergen (18/300), followed by D. Blue 106 (17/300). D. Red 1, D. Red 17 and D. Orange 1 were positives in 2/200. D. Orange 3 and D. Blue 35 were positives in 1/200. Eczema was located on hands in 13 cases. Clinical picture was variable. Origin of sensitization was clothing and occupational. Relevance was obtained in 20/23 cases.

Conclusions:  The study confirm an high frequency of disperse dye allergy in Spain with a very different prevalence in the three areas: Seville 14%, Murcia 5% and Santiago 4%, that are probably due to social and cultural factors. We recommend the inclusion of D. Blue 106, D. Blue 124, D. Blue 35, D. Red 1, D. Red 17, D. Orange 1 and D. Orange 3 in standard series in order to detect sensitivity to textile colours that is most frequent than previously suspected.
P02 Analysis of coupled patch test reactions to nickel, cobalt and chromate
Authors: Hegewald Janice , Uter W , Schnuch A , Pfahlberg A
Published: August 2010

Concomitant sensitizations to Nickel, Cobalt and Chromate are often observed among patch test patients. However, the reasons for being sensitized to two or more of these substances are not completely understood. Examination of IVDK (http://www.ivdk.org) patch test results with multivariate procedures has been conducted to further elucidate the mechanisms involved with these sensitizations and potential exposure factors that may have led to the concomitant sensitizations. Gender, age, occupational dermatitis, and construction work were considered and examined with multivariate logistic regression models with the dependent response variable being concurrent reactions to a metal pair versus no reactions. In addition to the aforementioned anamnestic data, examination of a poly‐sensitizations variable (reactions to 1, 2, or 3 standard series allergens other than Nickel, Cobalt or Chromate) provided information regarding general susceptibility to positive patch test reactions. Combined reactions to Cobalt and Chromate were strongly linked to construction work (OR = 11.23 (7.46, 16.90)) and occupational dermatitis. Female patch test patients had a higher odds of a positive patch test reaction to both Nickel and Cobalt (OR = 4.73 (3.81, 5.87)). Sensitization to other, unrelated standard series substances was associated with concurrent reactions to all of the metal pairs. The association between construction work and Cobalt‐Chromate reactions corresponds with the hypothesis that cement exposures lead to cobalt‐chromate sensitizations. Individual susceptibility to delayed‐type sensitizations, as represented by the poly‐sensitization variable, also appears to be associated with coupled sensitizations to metals and warrants further examination.
P03 Type‐I and ‐IV hypersensitivity to platinum salts
Authors: Kamphof Willeke , Rustemeyer T , Bruynzeel D
Published: August 2010

A 28‐year‐old female analytical chemist visited our patch test clinic with initially complaints of severe hand dermatitis. Later on she developed rhinitis, bronchial asthma and tightness of the chest. The complaints seemed work related: her condition improved during holidays and on sick leaves. She worked in a laboratory with several platinum salts and used different kinds of gloves (latex, nitril, etc.).

Methods:  Patch tests were performed with the European Standard series and prick tests with common inhalant allergens. Patch‐, prick‐ and open patch tests were carried out with various aqueous dilutions of platinum chloride (PtCl2).

Results:  Patch tests with 0.01–2% PtCl2 were positive on day 2, 3 and 6, and at 0.001% a follicular reaction was found. The prick‐test was already positive at the lowest concentration tested (0.001%). The open patch test, carried out retro‐auricular, showed a positive reaction at 1 and 2% PtCl2 after 20 min. Controls in healthy volunteers (n = 5) were all negative.

Discussion:  It is well known that platinum salts can cause type‐I hypersensitivity reactions like allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, bronchial asthma and urticaria, also referred to as platinosis. Contact dermatitis to platinum salts, however, is very rare. In our patch test clinic, 78 patients were tested between 1987 and 2001 with PtCl2 2%. Only 2 women showed a positive patch test for PtCl2. The patient presented here, stopped working with platinum salts and recovered from all complaints. We interpret our case as occupational type‐I and type‐IV hypersensitivity to platinum salts with mucosal and dermal manifestations.
P10 Comparison between mild irritant response in hairless guinea pigs and human volunteers
Authors: Andersen Flemming , Hedegaard K , Fullerton A
Published: August 2010

Small rodent laboratory animals lack the complex cutaneous structure and function of human skin resulting in “all or none”‐responses to mild irritants so that the animals may show a less discriminative reaction pattern compared to human volunteers when studying the tolerability of topical drug formulations. This study compared the tolerance pattern of a 6 composite formulations (SCF A‐F) in human volunteers and in hairless guinea pigs (HLGP). The formulations were 2 basic creams (A and B) and 4 composite creams containing either isopropyl palmitate (C), glycerin (D), canola oil (E) or (‐)‐alfa‐bisabolol (F). The tolerability of 6 selected skin care formulations (SCF A‐F), known to cause a differentiated irritative response in HLGP, was studied in 15 male SGP and 20 human volunteers. The HLGP were treated twice a day on a 5 × 5 cm area on each flank with a SCF for 4 consecutive days. The irritant effects of the SCF were quantified by clinical assessment, measurement of trans epidermal waterloss (TEWL) and colorimetry (a*‐parameter). In humans the tolerability was evaluated clinically using the chamber scarification test. In HLGP SCF A and C were strong irritants followed closely by E, the remaining formulations were indistinguishable. In human volunteers all formulations were tolerated equally and well with the clinical score rising slightly on the first day and remaining stable thereafter. In conclusion, the HLGP appeared to be too sensitive, as formulations showing irritation in HLGP were well tolerated in a human.
P12 Measurement of skin edema by a dielectric technique (MoistureMeter‐D)
Authors: Miettinen Merja , Lahtinen M‐R , Nuutinen J , Lahtinen T , Niinimäki M
Published: August 2010

Easily applicable, cheap, noninvasive and quantitative techniques to measure edema in skin and subcutaneous tissues have not been available. Recently, a new device MoistureMeter‐D based on the local measurement of the dielectric properties of the biological tissues was validated in the quantitation of systemic edema in humans. In the present study the MoistureMeter‐D was applied to quantitate local skin edema related to skin irritation. The irritation was induced in the volar forearms of 12 healthy volunteers with the topical application of 1% sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) for 6 hours. After induction the volunteers were divided into two groups: the irritation site of group I (six volunteers) had no treatment for the irritation site while for group II (six volunteers) the corticosteroid cream was topically administered on the irritation site. A good correlation was measured between the temporal changes of edema during the three days’ follow‐up by the ultrasound‐measured skin thickness and the edema‐specific MoistureMeter‐D in group I (p < 0.001). The reduction of edema in group II by the corticosteroid treatment was consistently measured by both instruments. The coefficient of variation for a single measurement varied between 2 and 3%. The results demonstrate that the MoistuMeter‐D is an accurate instrument for the quick quantitative evaluation of local oedema and fluid retention in irritated skin.