Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Contrast agent enhanced pQCT of articular cartilage

The delayed gadolinium enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC) technique is the only non-invasive means to estimate proteoglycan (PG) content in articular cartilage. In dGEMRIC, the anionic paramagnetic contrast agent gadopentetate distributes in inverse relation to negatively charged PGs, leading to a linear relation between T1,Gd and spatial PG content in tissue. In the present study, for the first time, contrast agent enhanced peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) was applied, analogously to dGEMRIC, for the quantitative detection of spatial PG content in cartilage. The suitability of two anionic radiographic contrast agents, gadopentetate and ioxaglate, to detect enzymatically induced PG depletion in articular cartilage was investigated. First, the interrelationships of x-ray absorption, as measured with pQCT, and the contrast agent solution concentration were investigated. Optimal contrast agent concentrations for the following experiments were selected. Second, diffusion rates for both contrast agents were investigated in intact (n = 3) and trypsin-degraded (n = 3) bovine patellar cartilage. The contrast agent concentration of the cartilaginous layer was measured prior to and 2–27 h after immersion. Optimal immersion time for the further experiments was selected. Third, the suitability of gadopentetate and ioxaglate enhanced pQCT to detect the enzymatically induced specific PG depletion was investigated by determining the contrast agent concentrations and uronic acid and water contents in digested and intact osteochondral samples (n = 16). After trypsin-induced PG loss (−70%, p < 0.05) the penetration of gadopentetate and ioxaglate increased (p < 0.05) by 34% and 48%, respectively. Gadopentetate and ioxaglate concentrations both showed strong correlation (r = −0.95, r = −0.94, p < 0.01, respectively) with the uronic acid content. To conclude, contrast agent enhanced pQCT provides a technique to quantify PG content in normal and experimentally degraded articular cartilage in vitro. As high resolution imaging of e.g. the knee joint is possible with pQCT, the present technique may be further developed for in vivo quantification of PG depletion in osteoarthritic cartilage. However, careful in vitro and in vivo characterization of diffusion mechanics and optimal contrast agent concentrations are needed before diagnostic applications are feasible.
Hydrolysis of indole-3-acetic Acid esters exposed to mild alkaline conditions.

Ester conjugates of indole-3-acetic acid are hydrolyzed easily in basic solutions; however, quantitative data have not been available on the relationship between pH and rate of hydrolysis of the known ester conjugates. The use of basic conditions during extraction or purification of IAA by several laboratories suggested that a more systematic analysis of this process was needed. In this report we present data indicating: (a) that measurable hydrolysis of IAA-glucose (from standard solutions) and IAA-esters (from maize kernel extracts) occurs with only a few hours of treatment at pH 9 or above; (b) that the lability of some ester conjugates is even greater than that of IAA-glucose; and (c) that ester hydrolysis of standard compounds, IAA-glucose and IAA-p-nitrophenol, occurs in the ;three phase extraction system' proposed by Liu and Tillberg ([1983] Physiol Plant 57: 441-447). These data indicate that the potential for problems with inadvertent hydrolysis of ester conjugates of IAA exists even at moderate pH values and in the multiphase system where exposure to basic conditions was thought to be limited.
Multi-omics integration - a comparison of unsupervised clustering methodologies

With the recent developments in the field of multi-omics integration, the interest in factors such as data preprocessing, choice of the integration method and the number of different omics considered had increased. In this work, the impact of these factors is explored when solving the problem of sample classification, by comparing the performances of five unsupervised algorithms: Multiple Canonical Correlation Analysis, Multiple Co-Inertia Analysis, Multiple Factor Analysis, Joint and Individual Variation Explained and Similarity Network Fusion. These methods were applied to three real data sets taken from literature and several ad hoc simulated scenarios to discuss classification performance in different conditions of noise and signal strength across the data types. The impact of experimental design, feature selection and parameter training has been also evaluated to unravel important conditions that can affect the accuracy of the result.
Design of mutually transparent antenna arrays

This paper discusses the use of mutually EM transparent arrays mounted on EM transparent positioner arms. Three such arrays are mounted in a single radome and configured to independently track three separate signals. The three antennas are supported by pivots (azimuth) and dielectric yokes (elevation) so that all-sky coverage is possible without collisions. Frequency selective surface concepts are used in the design of the ground plane surface and the transmission lines to mitigate blockage effects.
Mapping land surface fluxes using microwave and optical remote sensing data under high vegetation cover conditions during SMEX02/SMACEX

A two-source (soil + vegetation) energy balance model using microwave-derived near-surface soil moisture has been successfully applied in areas of relatively low vegetation cover. The utility of this approach in areas with high vegetation cover is explored and compared with a two-source scheme using thermal infrared data. The investigation used data collected over areas of high corn and soybean cover in central Iowa during the Soil Moisture Experiment in 2002 (SMEX02) and the Soil Moisture Atmosphere Coupling Experiment (SMACEX). Maps of near-surface soil moisture data were obtained from the Polarimetric Scanning Radiometer (PSR) observations, which provided 800 m resolution for the regional area. Fractional vegetation cover and leaf area index were estimated from the Landsat data, which also provided surface temperature. These data, along with local meteorological data, provided inputs for a two-source model. The model output using microwave data were compared with tower-based flux measurements in the watershed area. The model computed reliable estimates of net radiation and soil heat flux, yielding a root-mean-square-difference (RMSD) of around 20 Wm-2. However, the model generally underestimated latent heat flux, LE, and overestimated sensible heat flux, H resulting in RMSD values of ~70 Wm-2 for LE and 45 Wm-2 for H respectively. The larger discrepancies in heat fluxes are due in part to the mismatch in model output resolution (800 m) versus source area contributing to the tower fluxes (~100m). The comparison between the model output of surface temperature and Landsat indicates that the temperature estimation is reasonable agreement with a RMSD 1.4degC. A comparison of fluxes mapped over the regional area using the microwave-based and thermal-infrared based model is made and factors contributing to the differences between model outputs are discussed
Pharmacokinetic Basis for the Safety of Glimepiride in Risk Groups of NIDDM Patients

The pharmacokinetics of the sulfonylurea, glimepiride, in risk groups of NIDDM patients are reviewed with regard to pharmacokinetic-effect relationships. A variety of factors, such as regulatory processes, glucose absorption, insulin sensitivity, might prevent the definition of a clear concentration-effect relationship for sulfonylureas. However, when these processes are minimized, as with the glucose clamp technique, such relationships can be defined. This is true for glibenclamide or glimepiride, for which saturation of effect is apparent in the upper therapeutic dose range in healthy subjects. However, pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationships are less readily defined during long-term treatment of NIDDM patients. In kidney or liver disease, the hypoglycemic effect of sulfonylureas can be increased and prolonged, mainly due to a decrease in insulin metabolism or of hepatic glucose output; the risk of hypoglycemia is increased. The pharmacokinetics of most sulfonylureas have not been well characterised in patients with kidney or liver disease. Generally, sulfonylureas are eliminated by renal excretion of metabolites, some of which have similar pharmacological activity to the parent drug e.g. glibenclamide, chlorpropamide, tolbutamide. In renal disease, elimination of these metabolites can be impaired. In 31 NIDDM patients with kidney disease, elimination of unchanged glimepiride was greater in patients with more severe renal disease, probably due to a decrease in the plasma protein-bound fraction. Elimination of the renally excreted metabolites was also impaired in the same group of patients. 12 of 16 NIDDM patients with kidney disease who continued glimepiride treatment for three months maintained fasting blood glucose levels of less than 9.99 mmol/l at a daily dose of 1-6 mg, the typical dose range for patients with normal renal function. Pharmacokinetic data on sulfonylureas are generally inconsistent in cirrhotic patients. In 11 patients with liver disease, the pharmacokinetics of glimepiride were similar to those of healthy volunteers. In conclusion, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and their relationships can be defined for glimepiride under controlled conditions. Such information is lacking for many commonly used sulfonylureas in risk group NIDDM patients. Studies described here show that the pharmacokinetics of glimepiride are altered in renal disease but may not be seriously affected in patients with liver disease.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and soluble VEGF receptor FLT-1 in diabetic nephropathy.

BACKGROUND Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. The objective of this study was to determine whether alterations of the plasma and urinary VEGF and sFLT-1 levels were related to the stages and risk factors of diabetic nephropathy. In addition, we also examined the regulation of the VEGF/sFLT-1 expression by various stimuli in cultured human proximal tubule cells (HPTC). METHODS A total of 107 type 2 diabetic patients and 47 healthy control subjects were studied. The expression and protein levels of VEGF and sFLT-1 were measured by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS The urinary VEGF and sFLT-1 excretions were significantly increased in the microalbuminuric and proteinuric diabetic patients. The urinary VEGF levels were positively correlated with the urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR), urinary sFLT-1 levels, and negatively correlated with creatinine clearance. The urinary sFLT-1 levels also showed a positive relationship with the urinary ACR. In cultured HPTC, high glucose stimuli rapidly up-regulated VEGF synthesis without having any effect on sFLT-1 synthesis. Interestingly, angiotensin II (Ang II) induced a dose-dependent increase in the synthesis of both VEGF and sFLT-1, which was significantly blocked by losartan. CONCLUSION The urinary excretion of VEGF and sFLT-1 increased at a relatively early stage in diabetic nephropathy associated with urinary albumin excretion. A marked increase in both VEGF/sFLT-1 synthesis in response to Ang II was observed in HPTC, which was different from the response to glucose stimuli. These findings may imply that VEGF and sFLT-1 can actively take part in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.
Fgf signaling components are associated with muscles and tendons during limb development

Muscle‐tendon interactions are important for the establishment of a functional musculoskeletal system. Fgf4 and Fgf8 are expressed in muscle and tendon boundary regions during limb development, suggesting a potential role for Fgf signaling pathway in muscle and tendon interactions. We have examined the expression of Fgf syn‐expression group components during muscle and tendon formation of vertebrate limb development. We observed that the transcriptional effector of Fgf signaling, Pea3, and the modulators of Fgf signal, Sprouty1 and 2, were expressed in muscles and tendons and that their expression was enhanced at the myotendinous junctions in chick and mouse limbs. Analysis of Pea3 and Sprouty gene expression in muscleless limbs of Pax3 mutant mice indicated a major expression in muscles but also revealed that the Pea3 and Sprouty expression in tendons depended on muscles. Finally, our data showed that Fgf4 positively regulated Pea3, Sprouty1, and 2 expression in chick limb mesenchyme. Developmental Dynamics 238:1195–1206, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Temperature-dependence of Compressive Properties of Human Dentin

The effect of temperature on compressive stress/strain behavior of human dentin obtained from recently extracted permanent lower molar teeth has been determined over the range 0-80°C. Dentin specimens were loaded uni-axially in a direction perpendicular to the tubule orientation. A statistically significant, linear regression relationship was found between modulus (E) and temperature (T): The observed temperature coefficient of the modulus is in close agreement with that observed for cortical bone. Proportional limit, compressive strength, and resilience were also found to undergo a linear decrease with increasing temperature. Mechanical failure of specimens generally occurred along lines determined by maximum shear stresses, approximately 45° to the axial load direction.
Overexpression of extracellular superoxide dismutase has a protective role against hyperoxia‐induced brain injury in neonatal mice

There is increasing evidence that hyperoxia, particularly at the time of birth, may result in neurological injury, in particular to the susceptible vasculature of these tissues. This study was aimed at determining whether overexpression of extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC‐SOD) is protective against brain injury induced by hyperoxia. Transgenic (TG) mice (with an extra copy of the human extracellular superoxide dismutase gene) and wild‐type (WT) neonate mice were exposed to hyperoxia (95% of Fio2) for 7 days after birth versus the control group in room air. Brain positron emission tomography (PET) scanning with fludeoxyglucose (FDG) isotope uptake was performed after exposure. To assess apoptosis induced by hyperoxia exposure, caspase 3 ELISA and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining were performed. Quantitative western blot for the following inflammatory markers was performed: glial fibrillary acidic protein, ionized calcium‐binding adaptor molecule 1, macrophage‐inhibiting factor, and phospho‐AMP‐activated protein kinase. PET scanning with FDG isotope uptake showed significantly higher uptake in the WT hyperoxia neonate brain group (0.14 ± 0.03) than in both the TG group (0.09 ± 0.01) and the control group (0.08 ± 0.02) (P < 0.05). Histopathological investigation showed more apoptosis and dead neurons in hippocampus and cerebellum brain sections of WT neonate mice after exposure to hyperoxia than in TG mice; this finding was also confirmed by TUNEL staining. The caspase 3 assay confirmed the finding of more apoptosis in WT hyperoxia neonates (0.814 ± 0.112) than in the TG hyperoxic group (0.579 ± 0.144) (P < 0.05); this finding was also confirmed by TUNEL staining. Quantitative western blotting for the inflammatory and metabolic markers showed significantly higher expression in the WT group than in the TG and control groups. Thus, overexpression of EC‐SOD in the neonate brain offers significant protection against hyperoxia‐induced brain damage.
Transient Surface CCR5 Expression by Naive CD8+ T Cells within Inflamed Lymph Nodes Is Dependent on High Endothelial Venule Interaction and Augments Th Cell–Dependent Memory Response

In inflamed lymph nodes, Ag-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells encounter Ag-bearing dendritic cells and, together, this complex enhances the release of CCL3 and CCL4, which facilitate additional interaction with naive CD8+ T cells. Although blocking CCL3 and CCL4 has no effect on primary CD8+ T cell responses, it dramatically impairs the development of memory CD8+ T cells upon Ag rechallenge. Despite the absence of detectable surface CCR5 expression on circulating native CD8+ T cells, these data imply that naive CD8+ T cells are capable of expressing surface CCR5 prior to cognate Ag-induced TCR signaling in inflamed lymph nodes; however, the molecular mechanisms have not been characterized to date. In this study, we show that CCR5, the receptor for CCL3 and CCL4, can be transiently upregulated on a subset of naive CD8+ T cells and that this upregulation is dependent on direct contact with the high endothelial venule in inflamed lymph node. Binding of CD62L and CD11a on T cells to their ligands CD34 and CD54 on the high endothelial venule can be enhanced during inflammation. This enhanced binding and subsequent signaling promote the translocation of CCR5 molecules from intracellular vesicles to the surface of the CD8+ T cell. The upregulation of CCR5 on the surface of the CD8+ T cells increases the number of contacts with Ag-bearing dendritic cells, which ultimately results in increased CD8+ T cell response to Ag rechallenge.
Intra‐axonal protein aggregation in the peripheral nervous system

Intracellular protein aggregates are common pathological hallmarks of many neurodegenerative disorders, and a defect in axonal transport is also incriminated. Here, we studied intra‐axonal abnormal protein aggregation and axonopathy by using immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy on peripheral nerve biopsies from 12 patients with chronic axonal peripheral neuropathy (PN) of unknown etiology. Among these patients, three had idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). Intra‐axonal ubiquitin aggregates were more numerous in the patients with PD. Intra‐axonal aggregates of tau AT8 were found in five patients without PD. Phosphorylated α‐synuclein aggregation was absent in all cases, while intra‐axonal colocalization of 14‐3‐3 β and ubiquitin was observed in two PD cases. Electron microscopy revealed enlarged axons crowded with organelles in six cases, including the three patients with PD, thus attesting a slowing of the axoplasmic flux. The number of ubiquitin aggregates was correlated with features of reduced axonal flux, while no such correlation was found for tau and 14‐3‐3 β. Age did not correlate with the number of tau, ubiquitin, and 14‐3‐3 aggregates. Thus, both ubiquitin and/or abnormal tau intra‐axonal aggregates may be found in chronic axonal PN. Ubiquitin aggregates might reduce the axonal flux or result from a disease producing slowing of axonal transport.
Characterization of 18F-FPyKYNE-Losartan for Imaging AT1 Receptors

Most physiologic effects of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) are mediated via the angiotensin (Ang) type 1 receptor (AT1R). The 18F-FPyKYNE derivative of the clinically used AT1R blocker losartan exhibits high binding selectivity for kidney AT1R and rapid metabolism in rats. The aim of this study was to further assess the binding profile of this novel PET agent for imaging AT1R in rats and pigs. Methods: In vitro binding assays were performed with 18F-FPyKYNE-losartan in rat kidneys. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were used to assess dosimetry, antagonistic efficacy via blood pressure measurements, and presence of labeled metabolites in kidneys. Test–retest PET imaging, blocking with AT1R antagonist candesartan (10 mg/kg), and plasma metabolism analysis were performed in female Yorkshire pigs. Results: 18F-FPyKYNE-losartan bound with high affinity (dissociation constant of 49.4 ± 18.0 nM and maximal binding of 348 ± 112 fmol/mm2) to rat kidney AT1R. It bound strongly to plasma proteins in rats (97%), and its labeled metabolites displayed minimal interference on renal AT1R binding. FPyKYNE-losartan fully antagonized the Ang II pressor effect, albeit with 4-fold potency reduction (the effective dose inhibiting 50% of the Ang II–induced maximal pressor response of 25.5 mg/kg) relative to losartan. PET imaging exhibited high kidney-to-blood contrast and slow renal clearance, with an SUV of 14.1 ± 6.2. Excellent reproducibility was observed in the calculated test–retest variability (7.2% ± 0.75%). Only hydrophilic-labeled metabolites were present in plasma samples, and renal retention was reduced (−60%) at 10–15 min after blockade with candesartan. Conclusion: 18F-FPyKYNE-losartan has a favorable binding profile and displays high potential for translational work in humans as an AT1R PET imaging agent.
Evaluation of mixed cell types and 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine treatment upon plaque assay titers of human enteric viruses

Four continuous cell lines, BGM, L-132, HEL-299, and RD, were compared both when cultured separately and as mixtures for use in plaque assay titrations of human adenovirus 1 and six human enterovirus serotypes. The effect of incubating these cell cultures in media containing 5-iodo-2'deoxyuridine (IDU) prior to inoculation with virus was also studied. The use of mixed-cell cultures revealed cell line-dependent synergistic effects as well as inhibitory effects. These effects were strongly virus dependent. In particular, enterovirus 69 did not form plaques on any of the four cell lines when cultured independently. However, it did form plaques on nearly all of the cell lines when cultured as mixtures. Contrary to this effect, when BGM cells were used in combination with the other cell lines, plaque counts for adenovirus 1 were greatly reduced. The effect of IDU pretreatment was also virus and cell line specific and enabled some viruses to form plaques on cell lines when they otherwise would not. Overall, IDU pretreatment resulted in an approximate twofold increase in plaque titers over those obtained without treatment.
Wealth, Welfare and Sustainable Growth and Development: Challenges of Economic- and Fiscal Policies in Resource-Producing Countries

This Policy Note discuses, based on modern development theory and wealth accounting, challenges for economicand fiscal policies in resource-producing countries defined as countries both developed and developing low income countries which rely heavily on non-renewable or exhaustible natural wealth Language of report: English Rapporten kan bestilles fra: CICERO Senter for klimaforskning P.B. 1129 Blindern 0318 Oslo Eller lastes ned fra: http://www.cicero. uio.no The report may be ordered from: CICERO (Center for International Climate and vironmental Research – Oslo) PO Box 1129 Blindern 0318 Oslo, NORWAY Or be downloaded from: http://www.cicero. uio.no