bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interleukin-6 Depletion Selectively Improves Hepatic Insulin Action in Obesity
Authors: Klover Peter J. , Clementi Alicia H. , Mooney Robert A. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractObesity and insulin resistance are considered chronic inflammatory states, in part because circulating IL-6 is elevated. Exogenous IL-6 can induce hepatic insulin resistance in vitro and in vivo. The importance of endogenous IL-6, however, to insulin resistance of obesity is unresolved. To test the hypothesis that IL-6 contributes to the inflammation and insulin resistance of obesity, IL-6 was depleted in Lepob mice by injection of IL-6-neutralizing antibody. In untreated Lepob mice, signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) activation was increased compared with that in lean controls, consistent with an inflammatory state. With IL-6 depletion, activation of STAT3 in liver and adipose tissue and expression of haptoglobin were reduced. Expression of the IL-6-dependent, hepatic acute phase protein fibrinogen was also decreased. Using the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp technique, insulin-dependent suppression of endogenous glucose production was 89% in IL-6-depleted Lepob mice, in contrast to only 32% in Lepob controls, indicating a marked increase in hepatic insulin sensitivity. A significant change in glucose uptake in skeletal muscle after IL-6 neutralization was not observed. In a direct comparison of hepatic insulin signaling in Lepob mice treated with anti-IL-6 vs. IgG-treated controls, insulin-dependent insulin receptor autophosphorylation and activation of Akt (pSer473) were increased by nearly 50% with IL-6 depletion. In adipose tissue, insulin receptor signaling showed no significant change despite major reductions in STAT3 phosphorylation and haptoglobin expression. In diet-induced obese mice, depletion of IL-6 improved insulin responsiveness in 2-h insulin tolerance tests. In conclusion, these results indicate that IL-6 plays an important and selective role in hepatic insulin resistance of obesity.
Central Relaxin-3 Administration Causes Hyperphagia in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: McGowan B. M. C. , Stanley S. A. , Smith K. L. , White N. E. , Connolly M. M. , Thompson E. L. , Gardiner J. V. , Murphy K. G. , Ghatei M. A. , Bloom S. R. 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Relaxin-3 (INSL-7) is a recently discovered member of the insulin superfamily. Relaxin-3 mRNA is expressed in the nucleus incertus of the brainstem, which has projections to the hypothalamus. Relaxin-3 binds with high affinity to the LGR7 receptor and to the previously orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPCR135. GPCR135 mRNA is expressed predominantly in the central nervous system, particularly in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). The presence of relaxin-3 and these receptors in the PVN led us to investigate the effect of central administration of relaxin-3 on food intake in male Wistar rats. The receptor involved in mediating these effects was also investigated. Intracerebroventricular injections of human relaxin-3 (H3) to satiated rats significantly increased food intake 1 h post administration in the early light phase [0.96 ± 0.16 g (vehicle) vs. 1.81 ± 0.21 g (180 pmol H3), P &lt; 0.05] and the early dark phase [2.95 ± 0.45 g (vehicle) vs. 4.39 ± 0.39 g (180 pmol H3), P &lt; 0.05]. Intra-PVN H3 administration significantly increased 1-h food intake in satiated rats in the early light phase [0.34 ± 0.16 g (vehicle) vs. 1.23 ± 0.30 g (18 pmol H3), P &lt; 0.05] and the early dark phase [4.43 ± 0.32 g (vehicle) vs. 6.57 ± 0.42 g (18 pmol H3), P &lt; 0.05]. Feeding behavior increased after intra-PVN H3. Equimolar doses of human relaxin-2, which binds the LGR7 receptor but not GPCR135, did not increase feeding. Hypothalamic neuropeptide Y, proopiomelanocortin, or agouti-related peptide mRNA expression did not change after acute intracerebroventricular H3. These results suggest a novel role for relaxin-3 in appetite regulation.
Solvothermal Preparation of Single-crystalline Gold Nanorods in Novel Nonaqueous Microemulsions
Authors: Cao Jieming , Ma Xianjia , Zheng Mingbo , Liu Jinsong , Ji Hongmei 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Single-crystalline gold nanorods have been prepared by one-step, seedless solvothermal reduction of HAuCl4·4H2O in cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)/octane + butanol/formamide microemulsions. Formamide provides not only reduction but also sites occupied by Au3+ ion through replacing “water pools” in the traditional microemulsions.
A Convenient Method for Preparations of 1-Acylimidazoles and Carboxamides by Using Novel Imidazolylsilane Derivatives
Authors: Tozawa Takashi , Yamane Yoshinobu , Mukaiyama Teruaki 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Various imidazolylsilane derivatives were synthesized by a trans-silylation procedure between 1-(trimethylsilyl)imidazoles and chlorosilanes. Among them, tris- and tetrakis(imidazol-1-yl)silane compounds reacted smoothly with free carboxylic acids to form the corresponding 1-acylimidazoles, which subsequently underwent condensation with amines to afford carboxamides in good to high yields. These results indicate that novel reagents containing silicon–imidazole linkage are effectively utilized as dehydrating reagents to form carboxylic acid derivatives from free carboxylic acids and nucleophiles under mild conditions.
Effect of Acetylacetone on Morphology and Crystalline Structure of Nanostructured TiO2 in Titanium Alkoxide Aqueous Solution System
Authors: Nakagawa Keizo , Wang Fumin , Murata Yusuke , Adachi Motonari 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Network structure of single-crystal-like TiO2 nanowires with anatase phase was synthesized at low temperature by the “oriented attachment” mechanism. The most important factor for synthesis of network structure of the TiO2 nanowires was elucidated as the effect of acetylacetone (ACA) on the formation of nanowires. Morphology and crystalline structure of TiO2 were varied by changing the mole ratio of ACA to Ti.
Complete Artificial Dentition Supported by Endosseous Implants: A Case Report of Total In-office Treatment
Authors: Flanagan Dennis 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
This case report demonstrates the construction of a complete restoration of the dentition by the surgical placement of endosseous titanium implants that support a fixed prosthesis in each jaw. The positioning of the implants and teeth in the prostheses are important factors for a successful long-term result. Distribution of the occlusal biting forces over as many implants as possible is important. Off-axial occlusal biting forces should be diverted to the anterior prostheses, where the forces are not as great and the posterior teeth are designed with flat occlusal surfaces that separate during excursionary chewing movements. Medial mandibular flexure caused by the contraction of the medial pterygoid muscle can be addressed by constructing the prosthesis in segments. This is so as not to have a rigid entity encased in flexing bone that may induce stress to the bone, leading to loss of implant integration and failure. Segmenting also insures an appropriate fit of the prosthesis with respect to casting and porcelain firing distortion. Lip support by means of a flange in the prosthesis may be necessary when there has been a large amount of bone loss from edentulous resorption. Cleaning and maintenance of the prostheses every 3 to 6 months is essential.
Dimensional Stability of the Alveolar Ridge After Implantation of a Bioabsorbable Bone Graft Substitute: A Radiographic and Histomorphometric Study in Rats
Authors: Hile David D. , Sonis Stephen T. , Doherty Stephen A. , Tian Xiao Yan , Zhang Qing , Jee Webster S. S. , Trantolo Debra J. 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
This study evaluated reconstruction of the alveolar ridge after molar extraction in rats with bioabsorbable bone repair scaffolds. The material was prepared from the unsaturated polyester poly(propylene glycol-co-fumaric acid) (PPF), which may be cured in situ to form a porous scaffold. The intention is to use this material either as a stand-alone bone graft substitute or as an extender to autograft harvested from mandibular reconstruction sites. The bioactivity of the graft substitute was investigated in a rat residual ridge resorption model. PPF bone repair material was injected into the defect site, where it cross-linked in situ in the presence of a hydroxyapatite (HA) filler and effervescent agents. The PPF-based material develops porosity during an in situ cure by generating carbon dioxide during the effervescent reaction of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate. The incorporation of HA promotes osteoconduction within the bone repair scaffold. In this study, bioactivity of the porous scaffold was evaluated as a function of HA particle size (micrometer-sized vs nanometer-sized particles). The maxillary or mandibular molars on the right side were extracted from 96 adult Sprague-Dawley rats. A 2-mm round bur was used to create a uniform trench defect measuring 2 mm in diameter, 2 mm in depth, and 4 mm in length at each extraction site. The defect site was (1) treated with PPF bone repair material containing nanometer-sized HA, (2) treated with PPF material containing micrometer-sized HA, (3) treated with demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft , or (4) left untreated. Rats were sacrificed at 2, 4, 7, and 12 weeks postoperative. Resorption of the residual alveolar ridge was assessed by radiographic outcomes. Bone ingrowth through the defect site was measured by histomorphometric outcomes. Mandibular and maxillary ridge heights increased for all treatments used in this study. There were no clinical indications that addition of either of the PPF bone repair materials retarded hard- or soft-tissue healing of the extraction sites. Although not statistically significant, the mandibular defects treated with PPF containing nanometer-sized HA healed at a faster rate as determined by ridge height and new bone formation measurements when compared with the other treatments. These findings suggest the feasibility of using PPF bone graft substitutes for oral-maxillofacial applications.
Assays for Cyclic Nucleotide‐Specific Phosphodiesterases (Families 1 to 5)
Authors: Deng Chengjun , Halkowycz Petro , Vivo Michael De 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe discovery of 3′, 5′‐cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity 40 years ago was crucial in establishing the role of cyclic nucleotides in signal transduction. At present, 11 PDE gene families have been identified, differing in substrate specificity, mechanism of regulation, tissue distribution, cellular compartmentalization, and targeting to specific signal transduction pathways. PDE enzymes are attractive drug targets for a variety of human diseases. Efficient high‐throughput PDE enzyme assays are essential for drug development, as well as for understanding the role of these enzymes in signal transduction pathways. In this unit, two types of PDE enzyme assays are described in detail. The first method is relatively inexpensive and is based on separating radiolabeled cyclic nucleotide monophosphates (cNMPs) from degradation products on alumina columns, whereas the second method is a fluorescence‐based procedure that is better suited for high‐throughput screening.
Measurement and Characterization of Energy Expenditure as a Tool in the Development of Drugs for Metabolic Diseases, such as Obesity and Diabetes
Authors: Alberts Pēteris , Johansson Bo G. , McArthur Robert A. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe need for treatment of obesity and obesity‐related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, has been intensified by the epidemic rise of obesity. Recent advances make possible continuous monitoring of metabolically relevant functions in animals to identify novel thermogenic and anorectic compounds. This unit describes non‐invasive in vivo calorimetric assessment of energy expenditure using measurements of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production, complemented by telemetric monitoring of body core temperature and locomotor activity in mice and rats. Reference compounds are used to illustrate the determination of substance‐specific parameters, such as the dose that produces the half‐maximal effect (ED50), the maximal effect, as well as the time of onset and duration of compound action. Indirect calorimetry performed at different temperatures provides information on several other well‐defined parameters, including resting metabolic rate, basal metabolic rate, lower critical temperature, temperature sensitivity, defended body temperature, and respiratory quotient.
Measurement and Characterization of Energy Intake in the Mouse
Authors: Svartengren Jan , Modiri Ali‐Reza , McArthur Robert A. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractBecause of the dramatic increase in obesity and related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, efforts have intensified to develop medications to assist in losing weight or in minimizing weight gain. To this end, methods that allow for the continuous monitoring of metabolically relevant functions in laboratory animals have been developed to help identify novel anorectic and thermogenic agents. Described in this unit is an in vivo procedure for simultaneous recording of feeding, drinking, and motor activity in mice. Data obtained using reference compounds are presented to illustrate how results are calculated, including the minimum effective dose and the dose producing a half‐maximal effect (ED50), as well as the time of onset and duration of action. Information derived from this procedure reveals the specificity of an anorectic effect, which, when combined with parameters of meal patterns, allows for inferences to be made about the effects of test compounds on satiety and hunger.
Isolation of Clathrin‐Coated Vesicles by Differential and Density Gradient Centrifugation
Authors: Girard Martine , Allaire Patrick D. , Blondeau Francois , McPherson Peter S. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractClathrin‐coated vesicles (CCVs) are an important class of transport organelles that mediate the endocytosis of proteins and lipids at the plasma membrane and the transport of proteins from the trans‐Golgi network to the endosomal/lysosomal system. The authors describe a protocol for isolating CCVs from adult rat brain using differential centrifugation, Ficoll and D2O‐sucrose density gradient centrifugation, and velocity sedimentation in linear sucrose gradients. The application of this basic method to the isolation of CCVs from developing rat brains and to the generation of relatively crude CCVs from cultured cells is also described. Furthermore, we describe a protocol in which differential centrifugation and a series of discontinuous sucrose gradients are used to isolate CCVs from rat liver. An approach to analyzing CCV purity by electron microscopy is also described.
Functional Characterization of Proteins Regulating Actin Assembly
Authors: Hertzog Maud , Carlier Marie‐France 
Published: April 2005

AbstractA very large, ever‐increasing repertoire of actin‐binding proteins regulates the assembly dynamics and the spatial organization of actin filaments, thus orchestrating the motile behavior of the cell. The authors describe a series of biochemical functional assays that allow one to characterize the function of a putative actin‐binding protein in actin filament dynamics. These tests allow the characterization of three types of actin‐binding proteins: G‐actin‐sequestering proteins, profilin‐like proteins, and barbed‐end capping proteins. Biochemical tests include the use of sedimentation of actin filaments, polymerization assays at the barbed or pointed end of actin filaments derived from fluorescently labeled actin, thermodynamic measurements of actin assembly at steady state and during turnover of actin filaments, measurements of nucleotide exchange on G‐actin, and the use of the intrinsic or extrinsic fluorescence of actin to measure direct binding of different protein ligands to G‐actin.
Assembly and Micromanipulation of Xenopus In Vitro–Assembled Mitotic Chromosomes
Authors: Almagro Sébastien , Dimitrov Stefan 
Published: April 2005

AbstractMitotic chromosomes have fascinated scientists for several decades. Despite the numerous microscopy studies, chromosome structure is, however, still poorly understood. This is due to both the high complexity of the mitotic chromosomes and the lack of other appropriate techniques suitable for studying their organization. This unit describes a novel physical approach based on measurements of mitotic chromosome elasticity. The elasticity properties are determined by the underlying structure, and knowledge of them has allowed a description of the organization of the mitotic chromosomes and critical analysis of the available models. In this unit, a detailed protocol for the measurements of the elastic response of in vitro assembled mitotic chromosomes in Xenopus egg extract is presented.
Preparation and properties of biodegradable poly(butylene succinate)/starch blends
Authors: Lai S.‐M. , Huang C.‐K. , Shen H.‐F. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe vital differences between the use of untreated starch and gelatinized starch in blends with poly(butylene succinate) (Bionolle) were thoroughly examined in this study. The melting temperature decreased slightly with increasing dosages of untreated and gelatinized starch. The added starch perhaps tended to disrupt the intermolecular hydrogen bonding within the Bionolle matrix. On the other hand, a large increase in the crystallinity was seen with the addition of starch. Starch appeared to play a nucleating role in the blends. The trend of the glass‐transition temperature decreasing with the starch level was similar to the trend of the melting temperature. For the same starch content, the glass‐transition temperature showed some variations. For blends containing a certain amount of gelatinized starch, the thermal stability remained to a certain degree but continued to decrease. This was ascribed to the relatively low heat stability of starch. As for the mechanical properties, a significant increase in the tensile strength (up to 2 times) was observed when untreated starch was replaced with gelatinized starch in the blends. Similarly, the tear strength increased up to 1.5 times if gelatinized starch was employed. Apparently, the gelatinization of starch was efficiently achieved for promoting its compatibility with Bionolle. In all cases, the mechanical properties of Bionolle blended with gelatinized starch were better than those of Bionolle blended with untreated starch. A morphological investigation provided evidence in support of these findings. This relatively low‐cost gelatinization approach provides an alternative to a high‐cost compatibilizer approach for improving the performance of biodegradable blends. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 257–264, 2005
Experimental approach to mechanical property variability through a high‐density polyethylene gas pipe wall
Authors: Kiass N. , Khelif R. , Boulanouar L. , Chaoui K. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractAn experimental investigation was designed to establish the distribution of mechanical properties throughout a high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) gas pipe wall. The proposed approach used a continuous and uniform filament that was automatically machined from the pipe on a precision lathe at a very low cutting speed and an optimal depth of cut to minimize heating and structural disturbances. Typical engineering stress–strain curves, in every layer, were obtained on a testing machine especially designed for polymers, and they were statistically analyzed. The stress–strain behavior of HDPE pipe material could basically be divided into three distinctive zones, the second of which remained important. The average stress level illustrating cold drawing for a given layer was almost constant throughout the pipe wall. The measured stresses and moduli correlated very well with the pipe thickness, and they increased from the outer layers toward the inner layers. This was explained by the crystallinity evolution because the pipe production process was based on a convective water‐cooling system with a temperature gradient, which generated residual stresses. Computed statistical stress–strain correlations at yielding, the onset of cold drawing, and fracture points revealed acceptable linear relations for an error level of p ≤ 0.05. On the other hand, an increasing linear correlation characterized the relationship of the yield stress and elastic modulus. This result was confirmed by literature for standard specimens, prepared by compression molding, that did not represent an actual pipe structure with respect to an extrusion thermomechanical history. Such an approach to mechanical property variability within an HDPE pipe wall highlighted the complexity of the hierarchical structure behavior in terms of stress–strain and long‐term brittle failure. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 272–281, 2005
Effect of ground rubber powder and devulcanizates on the properties of natural rubber compounds
Authors: Li Shuyan , Lamminmäki Johanna , Hanhi Kalle 
Published: April 2005

AbstractGround rubber powder (GRP) and devulcanized rubber (Dev.R) waste through a continuous shear‐flow reaction were used as fillers for virgin natural rubber. A Horikx plot and the gel fraction proved that both main‐chain scission and crosslink scission occurred during the devulcanization. The cure characteristics, swelling behavior, crosslink density, and mechanical properties were studied. GRP and Dev.R, generated from passenger car and light truck tires, showed applicable mechanical properties in the new rubber compounds, and the compounds containing Dev.R demonstrated better properties than those containing GRP. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 208–217, 2005
Preparation, structural characterization, and properties of poly(methyl methacrylate)/montmorillonite nanocomposites by bulk polymerization
Authors: Qu Xiongwei , Guan Tonghua , Liu Guodong , She Qingyan , Zhang Liucheng 
Published: April 2005

AbstractPoly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites were synthesized by a simple technique of a monomer casting method, bulk polymerization. The products were purified by hot acetone extraction and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), examination of their mechanical properties, and light transmittance testing. Although XRD data did not show any apparent order of the MMT layers in the nanocomposites, TEM revealed parallel MMT layers with interlamellar spacings of an average of 9.8 nm and the presence of remnant multiplets of nonexfoliated layers. Therefore, PMMA chains were intercalated in the galleries of MMT. DSC and TGA traces also corroborated the confinement of the polymer in the inorganic layer by exhibiting the increase of glass‐transition temperatures and mass loss temperatures in the thermogram. Both the thermal stability and the mechanical properties of the products appeared to be substantially enhanced, although the light transmittances were not lost. Also, the materials had excellent mechanical properties. Measurement of the tensile properties of the PMMA/MMT nanocomposites indicated that the tensile modulus increased up to 1013 MPa with the addition of 0.6 wt % MMT, which was about 39% higher than that of the corresponding PMMA; the tensile strength and Charpy notched impact strength increased to 88 MPa and 12.9 kJ/m2, respectively. As shown by the aforementioned results, PMMA/MMT nanocomposites may offer new technology and business opportunities. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 348–357, 2005