bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ghrelin Stimulates Gastric Emptying and Hunger in Normal-Weight Humans
Authors: Levin F. , Edholm T. , Schmidt P. T. , Grybäck P. , Jacobsson H. , Degerblad M. , Höybye C. , Holst J. J. , Rehfeld J. F. , Hellström P. M. , Näslund E. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Context: Ghrelin is produced primarily by enteroendocrine cells in the gastric mucosa and increases gastric emptying in patients with gastroparesis.
Main Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of ghrelin on gastric emptying, appetite, and postprandial hormone secretion in normal volunteers.
Design: This was a randomized, double-blind, crossover study.
Subjects: Subjects included normal human volunteers and patients with GH deficiency.
Intervention: Intervention included saline or ghrelin (10 pmol/kg·min) infusion for 180 min after intake of a radioactively labeled omelette (310 kcal) or GH substitution in GH-deficient patients.
Main Outcome Measures: Measures consisted of gastric empty-ing parameters and postprandial plasma levels of ghrelin, cholecystokinin, glucagon-like peptide-1, peptide YY, and motilin.
Results: The emptying rate was significantly faster for ghrelin (1.26 ± 0.1% per minute), compared with saline (0.83% per minute) (P &lt; 0.001). The lag phase (16.2 ± 2.2 and 26.5 ± 3.8 min) and half-emptying time (49.4 ± 3.9 and 75.6 ± 4.9 min) of solid gastric emptying were shorter during ghrelin infusion, compared with infusion of saline (P &lt; 0.001). The postprandial peak in plasma concentration for cholecystokinin and glucagon-like peptide-1 occurred earlier and was higher during ghrelin infusion. There was no significant effect of ghrelin on plasma motilin or peptide YY. There was no difference in gastric emptying before and after GH substitution.
Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that ghrelin increases the gastric emptying rate in normal humans. The effect does not seem to be mediated via GH or motilin but may be mediated by the vagal nerve or directly on ghrelin receptors in the stomach. Ghrelin receptor agonists may have a role as prokinetic agents.
Influence of the BRAF V600E Mutation on Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Jo Young Suk , Li Shengjin , Song Jung Hun , Kwon Ki Hyun , Lee Jun Chul , Rha So Young , Lee Hyo Jin , Sul Ji Young , Kweon Gi Ryang , Ro Heung-kyu , Kim Jin-Man , Shong Minho 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Context: The BRAF mutation may influence the expression patterns of molecular markers that are related to the development and progression of thyroid cancer.
Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of the BRAF V600E mutation on expression of galectin-3, cyclooxygenase-2, cyclin D1, p53, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).
Design, Setting, and Subjects: One hundred sixty-three PTC and 28 nodular hyperplasia patients were selected retrospectively. The presence of the BRAF V600E mutation and the level of expression of the molecular markers were determined.
Results: Of 161 PTC patients, 102 patients (63.4%) were BRAF V600E(+), and these cases had significantly larger tumor sizes (P = 0.01), compared with V600E(−) cases (n = 59, 36.6%). Although PTC tissues had higher expression levels of the selected molecular markers than nodular hyperplasia tissues, expression levels of several molecular markers in BRAF V600E(+) PTC were not significantly different from those of BRAF V600E(−) PTC. But VEGF was significantly up-regulated in BRAF V600E(+) PTC, compared with BRAF V600E(−) PTC. VEGF expression levels were strongly positively correlated to tumor size (P &lt; 0.001), extrathyroidal invasion (P = 0.02), and tumor stage (P = 0.04). Multivariate analysis clearly showed that VEGF expression was up-regulated in BRAF V600E(+) PTC (odds ratio 2.5, confidence interval 1.1–5.6; P = 0.03).
Conclusions: BRAF V600E(+) PTC tended to have larger tumor volumes and higher expression of VEGF. The level of VEGF expression was closely correlated with tumor size, extrathyroidal invasion, and stage. The relatively high levels of VEGF expression may be related to poorer clinical outcomes and recurrences in BRAF V600E(+) PTC.
Whole Genome Expression Profiling of Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Peptide (GIP)- and Adrenocorticotropin-Dependent Adrenal Hyperplasias Reveals Novel Targets for the Study of GIP-Dependent Cushing’s Syndrome
Authors: Lampron Antoine , Bourdeau Isabelle , Hamet Pavel , Tremblay Johanne , Lacroix André 
Published: June 2006

AbstractContext: The mechanisms responsible for the ectopic adrenal expression of glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) receptor (GIPR) in GIP-dependent Cushing’s syndrome (CS) are unknown. Chronic adrenal stimulation by ACTH in Cushing’s disease or GIP in GIP-dependent ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia both lead to the induction of genes implicated in adrenal proliferation and steroidogenesis.Objective: The objective of the study was to identify genes differentially expressed specifically in GIP-dependent CS that could be implicated in the ectopic expression of GIPR.Methods: We used the Affymetrix U133 plus 2.0 microarray oligochips to compare the whole genome expression profile of adrenal tissues from five cases of GIP-dependent bilateral ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia with CS, one case of GIP-dependent unilateral adenoma with CS, five cases of ACTH-dependent hyperplasias, and a pool of adrenals from 62 normal individuals.Results: After data normalization and statistical filtering, 723 genes with differential expression were identified, including 461 genes or sequences with a known functional implication, classified in eight dominant functional classes. Specific findings include repression of perilipin, the overexpression of 13 G protein-coupled receptors, and the potential involvement of Rho-GTPases. We also isolated 94 probe sets potentially linked to the formation of GIP-dependent nodules adjacent to the diffuse hyperplasia. These included probe sets related to the linker histone H1 and repression of RXRa and CCND2. The expression profiles for eight genes were confirmed by real-time RT-PCR.Conclusion: This study identified an extensive series of potentially novel target candidate genes that could be implicated in the molecular mechanisms of ectopic expression of the GIPR as well as in the multistep progression of GIP-dependent CS.
Exercise Restores Skeletal Muscle Glucose Delivery But Not Insulin-Mediated Glucose Transport and Phosphorylation in Obese Subjects
Authors: Slimani L. , Oikonen V. , Hällsten K. , Savisto N. , Knuuti J. , Nuutila P. , Iozzo P. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Context/Objective: Insulin resistance in obese subjects results in the impaired disposal of glucose by skeletal muscle. The current study examined the effects of insulin and/or exercise on glucose transport and phosphorylation in skeletal muscle and the influence of obesity on these processes.
Subjects/Methods: Seven obese and 12 lean men underwent positron emission tomography with 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose in resting and isometrically exercising skeletal muscle during normoglycemic hyperinsulinemia. Data were analyzed by two-tissue compartmental modeling. Perfusion and oxidative capacity were measured during insulin stimulation by [15O]H2O and [15O]O2.
Results: Exercise increased glucose fractional uptake (K), inward transport rate (K1), and the k3 parameter, combining transport and intracellular phosphorylation, in lean and obese subjects. In each group, there was no statistically significant difference between plasma flow and K1. At rest, a significant defect in K1 (P = 0.0016), k3 (P = 0.016), and K (P = 0.022) was found in obese subjects. Exercise restored K1, improved but did not normalize K (P = 0.03 vs. lean), and did not ameliorate the more than 60% relative impairment in k3 in obese individuals (P = 0.002 vs. lean). The glucose oxidative potential tended to be reduced by obesity.
Conclusions/Interpretation: The study indicates that exercise restores the impairment in insulin-mediated skeletal muscle perfusion and glucose delivery associated with obesity but does not normalize the defect involving the proximal steps regulating glucose disposal in obese individuals. Our data support the use of 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose-positron emission tomography in the dissection between substrate supply and intrinsic tissue metabolism.
Activin Modulates the Transcriptional Response of LβT2 Cells to Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone and Alters Cellular Proliferation
Authors: Zhang Hao , Bailey Janice S. , Coss Djurdjica , Lin Bo , Tsutsumi Rie , Lawson Mark A. , Mellon Pamela L. , Webster Nicholas J. G. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBoth GnRH and activin are crucial for the correct function of pituitary gonadotrope cells. GnRH regulates LH and FSH synthesis and secretion and gonadotrope proliferation, whereas activin is essential for expression of FSH. Little is known, however, about the interplay of signaling downstream of these two hormones. In this study, we undertook expression profiling to determine how activin pretreatment alters the transcriptional response of LβT2 gonadotrope cells to GnRH stimulation. Activin treatment alone altered the transcriptional profile of 303 genes including inducing that of the 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase B1 gene that converts estrone to 17β-estradiol, altering the sensitivity of the cells to estrone. Furthermore, activin had a dramatic effect on the response of LβT2 cells to GnRH. Hierarchical clustering of 2453 GnRH-responsive genes identified groups of genes the response of which to GnRH was either enhanced or blunted after activin treatment. Mapping of these genes to gene ontology classifications or signaling pathways highlighted significant differences in the classes of altered genes. In the presence of activin, GnRH regulates genes in pathways controlling cell energetics, cytoskeletal rearrangements, organelle organization, and mitosis in the absence of activin, but genes controlling protein processing, cell differentiation, and secretion. Therefore, we demonstrated that activin enhanced GnRH induction of p38MAPK activity, caused GnRH-dependent phosphorylation of p53, and reduced the ability of GnRH to cause G1 arrest. Thus, although activin alone changes a modest number of transcripts, activin pretreatment dramatically alters the response to GnRH from an antiproliferative response to a more differentiated, synthetic response appropriate for a secretory cell.
Usefulness of whole blood aggregometry and its comparison with thromboxane generation assay in monitoring acetylsalicylic acid effectiveness – a multiparametric study in rats
Authors: Nocun Marek , Golanski Jacek , Lapshina Elena , Zavodnik Leu , Dobaczewski Marcin , Kazmierczak Piotr , Markuszewski Leszek , Zavodnik Ilya , Watala Cezary 
Published: June 2006

AbstractClin Chem Lab Med 2006;44:853–62.
Psychological Profile of Chinese with Cleft Lip and Palate Deformities
Authors: Cheung Lim K. , Loh John Ser Pheng , Ho Samuel M. Y. 
Published: June 2006

Objective: To assess the psychological well-being of patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP). Patients/setting: Ninety-four Chinese CLP subjects between 10 and 40 years of age were recruited from the Discipline of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, between June and December 2003. They were divided into two groups for comparison: adolescents (10–16 years old) and adults (17– 40 years old). A control group of 116 healthy non-CLP patients was also recruited during the same period. Interventions: All CLP and non-CLP patients were asked to complete a set of four questionnaires to assess their psychological status. The questionnaires included the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Culture-Free Self-Esteem Inventory, and the Chinese Miller Behavioral Style Scale. Results: Chinese CLP patients exhibited levels of subjective well-being and social anxiety that were similar to the published levels of a group of British CLP patients. They also had significantly lower general and social self-esteem but higher parental self-esteem than the non-CLP control group. Conclusion: CLP patients were generally satisfied with life and did not exhibit more social anxiety than the non-CLP control group. They also had a good relationship with their parents. Gender and educational level had no influence on their psychological profile. However, these CLP patients had lower self-esteem than non-CLP patients.
Symbolic Mathematics Programs: A Tool for the Applied Economist
Authors: Gloy Brent A. , Preckel Paul V. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe power of the symbolic mathematics program Maple is demonstrated for teaching topics from microeconomics (the benefits of portfolio diversification) and econometrics (a geometric perspective of multicollinearity). In particular, it appears that the use of symbolic mathematics programs has excellent potential to strengthen the development and integration of graphical and algebraic intuition for a wide variety of economic problems.
Academic Opportunities Outside the Land Grant System: Exploring a Niche Market for Agricultural Economics Ph.D. Students
Authors: Hyde Jeffrey , Lovejoy Stephen B. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractPh.D. students in agricultural economics, like any other discipline, face great uncertainty when pursuing academic employment. This is particularly true for those who want to pursue a position that is predominantly teaching. In this article, we explore the possibility of obtaining such a position within an economics department at a non‐land grant academic institution. A survey was distributed to nearly 300 economics department chairs or heads at smaller colleges and universities. The results show that although gaining classroom experience of any sort is essential, it is most beneficial for the graduate student to have an independent teaching experience. We recommend that agricultural economics departments implement a mentoring program to guide students in developing their teaching skills.
Getting from Economic Analysis to Policy Advice
Authors: Bonnen James T. , Schweikhardt David B. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractEconomists play several distinct but necessary roles in the process of translating economic knowledge from the discipline to use in policy decisions. Economists engaged in disciplinary research might legitimately deal with more simplified abstractions of economic problems in conducting their research, whereas those engaged in providing policy analysis and advice to policy makers might face different constraints on the types of analysis that can be used by policy makers. In the role of policy analyst or adviser, economists face a number of challenges and risks. Those preparing to engage in such roles should understand (a) the constraints that will be faced in using and communicating economic analysis to policy makers, (b) the limitations of economic theory in addressing policy issues faced by decision makers, and (c) the risks inherent in participating in the policy‐making process. The economist entering the policy process must be prepared to present economic advice in a manner that is easily understood and communicated and be prepared to address dimensions of policy problems that might not comply with the standard assumptions of neoclassical theory. The policy adviser must also be prepared to deal with databases that are often inadequate for decision‐making purposes, time constraints that preclude the completion of a thorough analysis, value dimensions of policy issues that might overrule the results of economic analysis, and the fundamentally different roles of the policy maker and the economic adviser in the decision‐making process.
Tread Depth Effects on Tire Rolling Resistance
Authors: Luchini J. R. , Motil M. M. , Mars W. V. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
This paper discusses the measurement and modeling of tire rolling resistance for a group of radial medium truck tires. The tires were subjected to tread depth modifications by “buffing” the tread surface. The experimental work used the equilibrium test method of SAE J-1269. The finite element analysis (FEA) tire model for tire rolling resistance has been previously presented. The results of the testing showed changes in rolling resistance as a function of tread depth that were inconsistent between tires. Several observations were also inconsistent with published information and common knowledge. Several mechanisms were proposed to explain the results. Additional experiments and models were used to evaluate the mechanisms. Mechanisms that were examined included tire age, surface texture, and tire shape. An explanation based on buffed tread radius, and the resulting changes in footprint stresses, is proposed that explains the observed experimental changes in rolling resistance with tread depth.
Inverse Design Methodology of a Tire
Authors: Koishi M. , Govindjee S. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Most rubber components usually suffer large deformation, thus one should consider finite deformation theories when designing rubber products such as tires. Although finite element analysis (FEA) is useful for computing nonlinear structural response in standard problems, it is more difficult to predict the undeformed original to-be-manufactured shape of a part corresponding to a design constraint involving a prescribed deformed shape under a given load. For example, one can use an optimization technique to predict the original shape in the sense of an inverse problem via successive iteration. As another procedure to solve such inverse problems, Govindjee and Mihalic [4,5] have proposed a new computational procedure to predict undeformed (to-be-manufactured) shapes for prescribed exterior deformed configurations, Cauchy tractions and displacement boundary conditions. In this paper, we demonstrate applications of the inverse shape determination problem for a tire design. The proposed methodology enables us to predict an undeformed (to-be-manufactured) tire shape corresponding to the design constraint of a prescribed exterior deformed configuration. After reviewing the formulation of the inverse shape determination, some numerical examples illustrating the methodology in a tire design are presented.
Multiaxial Fatigue Crack Initiation in Rubber
Authors: Mars W. V. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
This paper describes a new model for predicting multiaxial fatigue crack initiation in rubber. The work is motivated by a need to predict crack initiation life in tires, based on strain histories obtained via finite element analysis. The new model avoids the need to explicitly include cracks in the finite element model, and applies when the cracks are small compared to the strain gradient. The model links the far-field strain state to the energy release rate of an assumed intrinsic flaw. This is accomplished through a new parameter, the cracking energy density. The cracking energy density is the portion of the total elastic strain energy density that is available to be released on a given material plane. The model includes an algorithm to select the material plane which minimizes the life prediction for a given strain history. The consequences of the theory for simple strain histories are presented, as well as predictions for more complicated histories. The theory is compared with published data, and with new results from recent combined axial/torsion fatigue experiments.
Prediction of Tire Shape Change During Post Cure Inflation
Authors: Kennedy R. H. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
One step in the tire manufacturing process may be post cure inflation. In this step, the tire is cooled from cure temperature to below the glass transition temperature of the fabric cords while being held at a constant inflation pressure. Due to the thermal effects and creep of the component materials, the shape of the tire will be different after the post cure inflation than before. This change in tire shape from that in the mold drawings should be accounted for in performing finite element analyses to predict tire performance characteristics. This paper describes a modeling methodology that predicts the tire's shape change through the post cure inflation process using the finite element method. This is a complex process to represent analytically, with many different mechanisms contributing to the deformations of the tire. These include thermal expansion/shrinkage of the rubber and cords as they cool, creep of both the rubber and fabric cords, and change in material moduli. Since these mechanical effects are temperature dependent, the model uses results from the thermal history prediction model presented previously. The quality of the modeling process was assessed by comparing predicted to measured dimensions for several tire constructions and sizes. Selected results are presented to show the accuracy of the modeling procedure.
Dynamic Damping and Stiffness Characteristics of the Rolling Tire
Authors: Jianmin G. , Gall R. , Zuomin W. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
A variable parameter model to study dynamic tire responses is presented. A modified device to measure terrain roughness is used to measure dynamic damping and stiffness characteristics of rolling tires. The device was used to examine the dynamic behavior of a tire in the speed range from 0 to 10 km/h. The inflation pressure during the tests was adjusted to 160, 240, and 320 kPa. The vertical load was 5.2 kN. The results indicate that the damping and stiffness decrease with velocity. Regression formulas for the non-linear experimental damping and stiffness are obtained. These results can be used as input parameters for vehicle simulation to evaluate the vehicle's driving and comfort performance in the medium-low frequency range (0–100 Hz). This way it can be important for tire design and the forecasting of the dynamic behavior of tires.