bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fungi Use Efficient Algorithms for the Exploration of Microfluidic Networks
Authors: Hanson Kristi L. , Nicolau Dan V. , Filipponi Luisa , Wang Lisen , Lee Abraham P. , Nicolau Dan V. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractFungi, in particular, basidiomycetous fungi, are very successful in colonizing microconfined mazelike networks (for example, soil, wood, leaf litter, plant and animal tissues), a fact suggesting that they may be efficient solving agents of geometrical problems. We therefore evaluated the growth behavior and optimality of fungal space‐searching algorithms in microfluidic mazes and networks. First, we found that fungal growth behavior was indeed strongly modulated by the geometry of microconfinement. Second, the fungus used a complex growth and space‐searching strategy comprising two algorithmic subsets: 1) long‐range directional memory of individual hyphae and 2) inducement of branching by physical obstruction. Third, stochastic simulations using experimentally measured parameters showed that this strategy maximizes both survival and biomass homogeneity in microconfined networks and produces optimal results only when both algorithms are synergistically used. This study suggests that even simple microorganisms have developed adequate strategies to solve nontrivial geometrical problems.
Attachment of Streptavidin to β‐Cyclodextrin Molecular Printboards via Orthogonal Host–Guest and Protein–Ligand Interactions
Authors: Ludden Manon J. W. , Péter Mária , Reinhoudt David N. , Huskens Jurriaan 
Published: August 2006

AbstractStreptavidin (SAv) is attached to β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) via orthogonal host–guest and SAv–biotin interactions. The orthogonal linkers consist of a biotin functionality for binding to SAv and adamantyl functionalities for host–guest interactions at β‐CD SAMs. SAv complexed to excess monovalent linker in solution and then attached to a β‐CD SAM could be removed by rinsing with a 10 mM β‐CD solution. When SAv was attached to the β‐CD SAM via the divalent linker, it was impossible to remove SAv from the surface by the same rinsing procedure. This is interpreted by assuming that two SAv binding pockets are oriented towards the β‐CD SAM resulting in (labile) divalent and (stable) tetravalent β‐CD‐adamantyl interactions for the mono‐ and divalent linkers, respectively. This was confirmed by experiments at varying β‐CD concentrations. When the [linker]/[SAv] ratio is reduced, a clear trend in the divalent‐linker case is seen: the less linker the more protein could be removed from the surface. It is proven that the orthogonality of the binding motifs and the stability of the divalent linker at the β‐CD SAM allows the stepwise assembly of the complex at the β‐CD SAM by first adsorbing the linker, followed by SAv. This stepwise assembly allows the controlled heterofunctionalization of surface‐immobilized SAv.
Does activity level in online support groups for distressed adolescents determine emotional relief
Authors: Barak Azy , Dolev-Cohen Michal 
Published: August 2006

AbstractOnline support groups are widely used for numerous types of distress areas, but relatively little has been empirically examined to date in regard to their effectiveness in providing emotional relief to participants as claimed. The current study aimed at testing a possible moderator affecting participants' emotional relief when using an online support group: the degree of active involvement. This subject was explored by investigating the number of main and response messages that 20 randomly selected participants posted, as well as the number of replies they received, over the course of three months of participation in an open, online support group intended for suicidal and severely distressed adolescents. Level of distress was measured by a thematic analysis of main messages posted by the participants that was conducted by three pre‐trained, expert judges. Results revealed that although the level of participants’ distress did not change over time, on the average, it was significantly correlated with activity level: the higher the number of posts and replies, the lower the level of distress in following months. Implications of these findings for the application and facilitation of online support groups are discussed.
Technically incompetent or generally misguided: Learning from a failed counselling research project
Authors: West William , Hanley Terry 
Published: August 2006

AbstractIn a world that is becoming consistently more dependent upon technology, this paper intends to urge researchers to be appropriately cautious when designing projects that utilise new media. It does this by frankly discussing a research project that turned out to be a resounding failure due to a lack of forward thinking. The study intended to recreate face‐to‐face interviews with UK‐based Quaker counsellors using email to contact counterparts in the US. A discussion regarding this failure is entered into and suggestions for avoiding similar mishaps in the future are made. Finally the culture of researchers only reporting success stories is challenged.
Developing youth‐friendly online counselling services in the United Kingdom: A small scale investigation into the views of practitioners
Authors: Hanley Terry 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThis study focused upon the development of online counselling services for young people in the UK. It used online forums to host an asynchronous focus group with the intention of bringing together the views of a small sample of counsellors and counsellors in training regarding the subject matter. The focus group lasted a one‐month period and initiated 10 threads of discussion and received 41 message postings. These dialogues were analysed using a Grounded Theory approach. Findings suggested that although there is a great potential for offering therapy in this medium, services need to be appropriately regulated and good practice promoted. Issues around where the parameters of regulation should lie are discussed and recommendations for the minimum requirements of training or experience that counsellors working in this field should possess are made.
Using technology to serve patients and practitioners: A comprehensive tobacco‐cessation program for cancer patients
Authors: Mallen Michael J. , Blalock Janice A. , Cinciripini Paul M. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe infusion of technology into clinical practice has increased in recent years. Tobacco use has been reported to be the most preventable cause of illness and death in our society. The following article details the use of technology in the development of a comprehensive, institution‐wide, tobacco‐cessation program at a large cancer centre. Technologies, including Internet‐based data collection, electronic database systems, asynchronous‐email communication, and telephone counselling, were utilized to support the program's infrastructure, to coordinate the patient's care within the institution, and to deliver therapeutic services. Preliminary data from the clinical program are presented. A discussion about incorporating technology into clinical practice is presented, including suggestions for practitioners who may be interested in expanding or extending their services with new technologies.
Virtue out of necessity? Reflections on a telephone supervision relationship
Authors: Robson Maggie , Whelan Linda 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThis paper reflects upon the usefulness of supervision conducted over the telephone based on the experience of a supervisor and one of her supervisees. The development of the supervision relationship is charted with reference to the Hawkins and Shohet () Developmental Model of Supervision and both authors give their account of the developing relationship. The role of the supervisor is discussed in relation to the literature. The challenges and benefits to the supervisory relationship are considered when a previously face‐to‐face relationship had to change to one conducted over the phone. The paper concludes that the quality of the relationship was maintained but wonders if this was only possible because of the strength of the relationship that had been established face‐to‐face.
Feasibility of telemedicine intervention for childhood depression
Authors: Nelson Eve-Lynn , Barnard Martha , Cain Sharon 
Published: August 2006

AbstractContext: Childhood depression is associated with high short‐term and long‐term morbidity. Cognitive‐behavioural therapy (CBT) for depression has been supported as an effective treatment in the traditional clinic setting. But many families face barriers to depression treatment, including distance to providers, provider shortages, stigma, and other challenges. Telemedicine or interactive televideo offers an innovative way to provide therapy at a distance. The family and therapist see and hear each other in real‐time using videoconference.Objective: This pilot project evaluated the same cognitive‐behavioural therapy treatment for childhood depression in two different settings — face‐to‐face (F2F) or over interactive televideo (ITV).Participants: Twenty‐eight children with depression and their caregivers completed an eight‐session, empirically supported CBT course for parent and child.Results: All parent and child CBT skills were implemented successfully over telemedicine. An 82% remission from depression was observed immediately post‐treatment and this rate did not significantly differ across groups (χ2(n=28) = 2.19, NS).Conclusion: In this feasibility study, all therapy elements were successfully implemented in the telemedicine context. Compared with the same protocol implemented face‐to‐face, cognitive behavioural therapy delivered over interactive televideo led to a similar rate of remission from depression. This supports continued research on telemedicine to help bridge the gap between high need in mental health care and low access, particularly for disorders such as childhood depression.
A convenient cell fusion assay for the study of SARS‐CoV entry and inhibition
Authors: Sha YongGang , Wu YingLiang , Cao ZhiJian , Xu XiuLing , Wu WenLan , Jiang DaHe , Mao Xin , Liu Hui , Zhu Ying , Gong Rui , Li WenXin 
Published: August 2006

AbstractSARS‐CoV spike (S) protein‐mediated cell fusion is important for the viral entry mechanism and identification of SARS‐CoV entry inhibitors. In order to avoid the high risks involved in handling SARS‐CoV and to facilitate the study of viral fusion mechanism, we established the cell lines: SR‐COS7 cells that stably express both SARS‐CoV S protein and red fluorescence protein, R‐COS7 cells that stably express red fluorescence protein, and AG‐COS7 cells that stably express both ACE2 and green fluorescence protein, respectively. When SR‐COS7 cells or R‐COS7 cells were cocultured with AG‐COS7 cells, syncytia with yellow fluorescence were conveniently observed after 12 h in SR‐COS7 cells plus AG‐COS7 cells, but not in R‐COS7 cells plus AG‐COS7 cells. The cell‐to‐cell fusion efficiency was simply determined for quantitative analysis based on the number of syncytium detected by flow cytometry. Such new cell‐to‐cell fusion model was further assessed by the potent HR2 peptide inhibitor, which led to the obvious decrease of the cell‐to‐cell fusion efficiency. The successful fusion and inhibition of cell‐based binding assay shows that it can be well used for the study of SARS‐CoV entry and inhibition.
iubmb Life, 58: 480 ‐ 486, 2006
The β12‐β13 loop of protein phosphatase‐1 is involved in activity regulation
Authors: Xie Xiujie , Xue Chengzhe , Huang Wei , Wei Qun 
Published: August 2006

AbstractProtein phosphatase‐1 (PP1) is a member of the eukaryotic serine/threonine phosphatase gene family. The β12‐β13 loop is a prominent non‐conserved region among the family, and extends from the surface and overhangs the active site. To investigate the function of the β12‐β13 loop of PP1, we systematically examined all residues by site‐directed deletion mutation. Deleting residues Y272, E275 or F276, caused enzyme activity to increase, while deleting residue C273, caused enzyme activity to decrease, when G274 was deleted no remarkable activity increase was observed, and almost all activity was lost when D277, N278 or A279 were deleted. These observations implied that each amino acid has a different effect on the activity of phosphatase, which may result from their different side chains and locations. The activity change of these PP1 mutants, from Y272 to A279, was comparable to that of calcineurin mutants, from Y311 to K318. By comparison, except for D277 (N316) and A279 (K318) of PP1 (calcineurin), each pair of equivalent mutants in the β12‐β13 loop of PP1 and calcineurin have coincident activity change although they are non‐conserved, which suggests that the β12‐β13 loop of PP1 is not only involved in activity regulation but also involved in regulation similar to that of calcineurin.
iubmb Life, 58: 487 ‐ 492, 2006
Sphingosine and ceramide signalling in apoptosis
Authors: Woodcock Joanna 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe sphingomyelin pathway is activated in response to many apoptotic stimuli leading to the accumulation of breakdown products ceramide and sphingosine. Ceramide has received much attention as an apoptotic second messenger whereas sphingosine has largely been overlooked as a mediator of apoptosis. Recent studies however provide strong clues to a second messenger role for sphingosine and identification of effectors reveal a possible mechanism involved in sphingosine‐mediated cell death. This mini‐review overviews the current knowledge of the role of ceramide and sphingosine in apoptosis and discusses their biological effects. The review attempts to reconcile the apoptotic effects of these lipids with the downstream effectors that have been identified.
iubmb Life, 58: 462 ‐ 466, 2006
Phospholipid signalling through phospholipase D and phosphatidic acid
Authors: Cazzolli Rosanna , Shemon Anne N. , Fang Michelle Q. , Hughes William E. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractPhospholipase D (PLD) hydrolyzes the phosphodiester bond of the predominant membrane phospholipid, phosphatidylcholine producing phosphatidic acid and free choline. This activity can participate in signal transduction pathways and impact on vesicle trafficking for secretion and endocytosis, as well as receptor signalling. Phospholipids can regulate PLD activity directly, through specific intermolecular interactions, or indirectly, through their effect on the localization or activity of PLD's protein effectors. This short review highlights these various phospholipid inputs into the regulation of PLD activity and also reviews potential roles for PLD‐generated phosphatidic acid, particularly a mechanism by which the phospholipid may participate in the process of vesicular trafficking.
iubmb Life, 58: 457 ‐ 461, 2006
Regulation of phosphoinositide signaling by the inositol polyphosphate 5‐phosphatases
Authors: Astle Megan V. , Seaton Gillian , Davies Elizabeth M. , Fedele Clare G. , Rahman Parvin , Arsala Laima , Mitchell Christina A. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractPhosphoinositide signaling molecules control cellular growth, proliferation and differentiation, intracellular vesicle trafficking, and cytoskeletal rearrangement. The inositol polyphosphate 5‐phosphatase family remove the D‐5 position phosphate from PtdIns(3,4,5)P3, PtdIns(4,5)P2 and PtdIns(3,5)P2 forming PtdIns(3,4)P2, PtdIns(4)P and PtdIns(3)P respectively. This enzyme family, comprising ten mammalian members, exhibit seemingly non‐redundant functions including the regulation of synaptic vesicle recycling, hematopoietic cell function and insulin signaling. Here we highlight recently established insights into the functions of two well characterized 5‐phosphatases OCRL and SHIP2, which have been the subject of extensive functional studies, and the characterization of recently identified members, SKIP and PIPP, in order to highlight the diverse and complex functions of this enzyme family.
iubmb Life, 58: 451 ‐ 456, 2006
Physical activity and colorectal cancer: The Fukuoka Colorectal Cancer Study
Authors: Isomura Kayoko , Kono Suminori , Moore Malcolm A. , Toyomura Kengo , Nagano June , Mizoue Tetsuya , Mibu Ryuichi , Tanaka Masao , Kakeji Yoshihiro , Maehara Yoshihiko , Okamura Takeshi , Ikejiri Koji , Futami Kitaroh , Yasunami Yohichi , Maekawa Takafumi , Takenaka Kenji , Ichimiya Hitoshi , Imaizumi Nobutoshi 
Published: August 2006

The number of cases of colorectal cancer in Japan has increased over the past few decades, and incidence rates are now among the highest in the world. The present investigation within the Fukuoka Colorectal Cancer Study, including 778 cases and 767 controls aged 20–74 years, examined the association between physical activity and colorectal cancer risk by subsite. Employment‐associated and leisure time physical activity was assessed by a questionnaire and interview. Division of sites into the proximal and distal colon, as well as the rectum, revealed clear site‐dependent protective effects, with adjustment for smoking, alcohol consumption, BMI and age. In males, greater job‐related physical activity was associated with significant reduction of risk in the distal colon and rectum (P = 0.047 and 0.02, respectively), whereas total and moderate or hard non‐job physical activity exerted effects limited to the rectum (P = 0.01 and 0.004, respectively). In females, job‐related physical activity and moderate or hard non‐job physical activity was also protective, but only in the distal colon. Separate assessment of the influence of BMI 10 years previous to the study showed increase in risk with obesity in males but not in females, limited to distal colon and rectum. The results of the present study indicate that physical activity associated with work and leisure‐time exerts beneficial effects in Japanese, but not on the proximal colon. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 1099–1104)
A long‐term record of carbon exchange in a boreal black spruce forest: means, responses to interannual variability, and decadal trends
Authors: DUNN ALLISON L. , BARFORD CAROL C. , WOFSY STEVEN C. , GOULDEN MICHAEL L. , DAUBE BRUCE C. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractWe present a decadal (1994–2004) record of carbon dioxide flux in a 160‐year‐old black spruce forest/veneer bog complex in central Manitoba, Canada. The ecosystem shifted from a source (+41 g C m−2, 1995) to a sink (−21 g C m−2, 2004) of CO2 over the decade, with an average net carbon balance near zero. Annual mean temperatures increased 1–2° during the period, consistent with the decadal trend across the North American boreal biome. We found that ecosystem carbon exchange responded strongly to air temperature, moisture status, potential evapotranspiration, and summertime solar radiation. The seasonal cycle of ecosystem respiration significantly lagged that of photosynthesis, limited by the rate of soil thaw and the slow drainage of the soil column. Factors acting over long time scales, especially water table depth, strongly influenced the carbon budget on annual time scales. Net uptake was enhanced and respiration inhibited by multiple years of rainfall in excess of evaporative demand. Contrary to expectations, we observed no correlation between longer growing seasons and net uptake, possibly because of offsetting increases in ecosystem respiration. The results indicate that the interactions between soil thaw and water table depth provide critical controls on carbon exchange in boreal forests underlain by peat, on seasonal to decadal time scales, and these factors must be simulated in terrestrial biosphere models to predict response of these regions to future climate.
Characterization of the expanded T‐cell populations in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis
Authors: GISCOMBE R. , WANG X. B. , KAKOULIDOU M. , LEFVERT A. K. 
Published: August 2006

Abstract.Objectives.  Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by granulomatosis inflammation, systemic vasculitis and glomerulonephritis. In patients, the peripheral T cells are characterized by mono/oligoclonal CD4+/CD8+ T‐cell AV/BV receptor expansions, with aberrant expression of activation markers. This study was designed to characterize the phenotypic differences between the expanded and nonexpanded T‐cell populations. Expression of markers for activation, costimulation and adhesion molecules was examined. As earlier studies have shown aberrant expression of CD28/CD152, we also analysed the expression of another costimulatory system, the tumour necrotic factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily proteins.Design.  Fluorocrome‐conjugated monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry was used to analyse the expression of the different markers on the surface of the expanded and nonexpanded subsets of T cells.Setting.  The Karolinska Hospital and Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden.Subjects.  Nine patients with WG (six men and three women) had 16 TCRAV/BV CD4+/CD8+ expanded populations that were characterized.Results.  The expanded TCRA/BV CD4+ and CD8+ cells had lower percentages of cells expressing CD28 and higher of those expressing CD152 (CTLA‐4). The expanded CD4+ population had more cells expressing HLA‐DR, CD57 and CCR5 (CD195), whilst the expression of CD25 was present on fewer of the expanded cells. The expanded CD8+ population contained more cells expressing CD137 (4‐1BB), CD137 (4‐1BBL), CD30 (Ki‐1), CD40 and CD134 (OX40),Conclusions.  There were marked differences in the phenotypes of expanded and nonexpanded T‐cell populations.
Vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic plasticity and the regulation of vascular calcification
Authors: IYEMERE V. P. , PROUDFOOT D. , WEISSBERG P. L. , SHANAHAN C. M. 
Published: August 2006

Abstract.Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) exhibit an extraordinary capacity to undergo phenotypic change during development, in vitro and in association with disease. Unlike other muscle cells they do not terminally differentiate. Development and maintenance of the mature contractile phenotype is regulated by a number of interacting transcription factors. In response to injury contractile VSMCs can be induced to change phenotype, proliferate and migrate to effect repair. On completion of the repair process VSMCs return to a nonproliferating contractile phenotype. In this way, in the context of atherosclerosis, a protective fibrous cap is formed and maintained at sites of injury. However in disease, when modulatory signals are perturbed, this phenotypic transition is dysregulated and VSMCs are induced to undergo inappropriate differentiation into cells with features of other mesenchymal lineages such as osteoblasts, chondrocytes and adipocytes. Moreover, evidence is accumulating that these aberrant phenotypic transitions contribute to the pathogenesis of vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and Monckeberg's Sclerosis. Indeed, the osteo/chondrocytic conversion of VSMCs and the association of this phenotype with vascular calcification is a paradigm for how inappropriate differentiation can influence disease processes. Understanding of the mechanisms and signalling pathways involved in this particular phenotype change is well advanced offering the possibility for the design of successful therapeutic interventions in the future.