Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Apoptosis in Proliferating, Senescent, and Immortalized Keratinocytes*

Skin provides an attractive organ system for exploring coordinated regulation of keratinocyte (KC) proliferation, differentiation, senescence, and apoptosis. Our main objective was to determine whether various types of cell cycle arrest confer resistance to apoptosis. We postulated that KC cell cycle and cell death programs are tightly regulated to ensure epidermal homeostasis. In this report, simultaneous expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (p15, p16, p21, and p27), a marker of early differentiation (keratin 1), mediators of apoptosis (caspases 3 and 8), and NF-κB were analyzed in three types of KCs. By comparing the response of proliferating, senescent, and immortalized KCs (HaCaT cells) to antiproliferative agents followed by UV exposure, we observed: 1) Normal KCs follow different pathways to abrupt cell cycle arrest; 2) KCs undergoing spontaneous replicative senescence or confluency predominantly express p16; 3) Abruptly induced growth arrest, confluency, and senescence pathways are associated with resistance to apoptosis; 4) The death-defying phenotype of KCs does not require early differentiation; 5) NF-κB is one regulator of resistance to apoptosis; and 6) HaCaT cells have undetectable p16 protein (hypermethylation of the promoter), dysfunctional NF-κB, and diminished capacity to respond to antiproliferative treatments, and they remain highly sensitive to apoptosis with cleavage of caspases 3 and 8. These data indicate that KCs (but not HaCaT cells) undergoing abruptly induced cell cycle arrest or senescence become resistant to apoptosis requiring properly regulated activation of NF-κB but not early differentiation.
Injuries of Veteran Football (Soccer) Players in Germany

There is a lack of injury data for the population of veteran football players. Therefore, a prospective study was conducted to investigate injury incidences and characteristics. Over one season, injuries and exposure of 18 teams (n = 265 players, age: 44.2±7.3 years, BMI: 26.6±3.2 kg/m2) were documented. Sixty-three players sustained a total of 88 injuries during the season. The incidence of training injuries (4.5 per 1000 hours) was significantly lower than of match injuries (24.7 per 1000 hours). The majority of injuries (n = 73; 83%) were located at the lower extremities, 52 (47%) were muscle injuries. The injury incidence of veteran football players is similar to other male football players of different skill levels and age groups, indicating a need for the implementation of preventive measures. Prevention programmes should consider the specific injury characteristics, with more muscle injuries in this population compared with younger football players.
Reduced Viability, Fertility and Fecundity in Mice Lacking the Cajal Body Marker Protein, Coilin

Background Coilin is the signature protein of the Cajal body, a conserved nuclear organelle involved in multiple aspects of small ribonucleoprotein (RNP) biogenesis. Coilin is required for Cajal body homeostasis in both plants and animals. Mice lacking coilin are viable when the mutation is crossed to an outbred strain but only partially viable when crossed to inbred lines. Methodology/Principal Findings In order to clarify this issue, we backcrossed the coilin deletion onto the C57BL6/J background for ten generations and then investigated the consequences of coilin removal on overall viability and reproductive success. We conclude that semi-lethal phenotype observed in mixed-background crosses is due to loss of the Coilin gene (or a very tightly-linked locus). Interestingly, coilin knockout embryos die relatively late in gestation, between E13.5 and birth. We show that the maternal contribution of coilin is not important for organismal viability. Importantly, coilin knockout mice display significant fertility and fecundity defects. Mutant males that escape the embryonic lethality display reduced testis size, however, both males and females contribute to the observed reduction in reproductive fitness. Conclusions/Significance The evolutionary conservation of coilin from plants to animals suggests that the protein plays an important role, perhaps coordinating the activities of various RNA-processing machineries. Our observations are consistent with the idea that coilin functions to ensure robust organismal development, especially during periods of rapid growth.
A Generalized Factor Model with Local Factors

I extend the theory on factor models by incorporating âlocalâ factors into the model. Local factors affect a decreasing fraction of the observed variables. This implies a continuum of eigenvalues of the covariance matrix, as is commonly observed in applications. I derive conditions under which local factors will be estimated consistently using the common Principal Component Estimator. I further propose a novel class of estimators for the number of factors. Unlike estimators that have been proposed in the past, my estimators use information in the eigenvectors as well as in the eigenvalues. Monte Carlo evidence suggests significant finite sample gains over existing estimators. Empirically I find evidence of local factors in a large panel of US macroeconomic indicators.
Upper-limb motion and drop jump: effect of expertise.

AIM In this study, the role of arm motion in a drop jump was investigated in skilled and unskilled subjects. METHODS Nine skilled volleyball players and 8 novice individuals performed a series of jumps from two different heights: 30 cm and 60 cm. Free and restricted arm motion were used to determine the effect of arm motion on the vertical jump. Participants were instructed to land on a force plate and jump as high as possible. The ground reaction force was measured with an AMTI force plate (500 Hz). The kinematics of the jumps was recorded with two digital cameras (50 Hz). RESULTS The motion of the arms during the jumps was found to increase the jump height by 15% for the volleyball players and 12% for unskilled jumpers. Volleyball players performed better in the 60 cm than in 30 cm drop height (+8.5%). In the volleyball players, the peak vertical ground reaction force during take-off increased by 7%, the peak power increased by 10.6% while the peak impact force decreased by 6.3%. CONCLUSIONS Skilled jumpers were found to have a better use of arm motion than novices in (i) increasing the vertical jump performance, (ii) controlling the balance of the body at take-off (iii) leaving the ground with an optimal body orientation.
Novel functions of the phosphatidylinositol metabolic pathway discovered by a chemical genomics screen with wortmannin

We report a novel connection between the phosphatidylinositol (PI) metabolic pathway and the DNA replication and damage checkpoint pathway discovered from an unbiased chemical genomics screen. Substrates and products of PI kinases are important signaling molecules that affect a wide range of biological processes. The full collection of yeast deletion strains was screened to identify genes that confer altered sensitivity to the natural product wortmannin, a PI kinase inhibitor. These experiments have allowed us to explore metabolomic and proteomic implications of PI synthesis and turnover. This study also uncovers other biological processes affected by wortmannin treatment, including proteasome-mediated degradation and chromatin remodeling. Bioinformatic analyses were used to reveal the relative distances among cellular processes affected by wortmannin and protein–protein interactions in the wortmannin-sensitive proteomic subnetwork. These results illustrate the great utility of using a whole-genome approach in annotating the biological effects of small molecules and have clear implications for pharmacogenomics. Furthermore, our discovery points to a route to overcoming genome instability, a result of defective DNA damage signaling/repair and a hallmark of cancer.
Basophil Recruitment to Skin Lesions of Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Mediated by CCR1 and CCR2

Background/Aims: Basophils have been reported to infiltrate skin lesions in various skin diseases, but not in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study investigated basophil infiltration in SLE and its mechanism. Methods: Twenty newly diagnosed SLE patients and twenty healthy controls were enrolled. Nine SLE patients underwent skin biopsies. Flow cytometric analysis the phenotype of peripheral basophils and their migration rate toward RANTES and MCP-1 were analyzed with the transwell culture system, also the expression of these two chemokines in skin tissue were analyzed with immunohistochemistry. Results: Increased activation and decreased numbers of peripheral basophils were observed in SLE patients compared with controls. Basophil migration into skin lesions of SLE patients were observed, but not in normal skin tissue. This migration was related to the upregulation of chemokine receptors CCR1 and CCR2 on basophils. In vitro studies showed that migration rate toward RANTES and MCP-1 increased significantly in basophils from SLE patients compared with those from controls. Consistently, high levels of RANTES and MCP-1 expression were observed in skin lesions from SLE patients but not in normal skin tissue. Conclusion: Basophil recruitment to skin lesions of SLE patients mediated by CCR1 and CCR2, which may contribute to tissue damage in SLE.
Trends and seasonality of extreme precipitation characteristics related to mid-latitude cyclones in Europe

Abstract. An attempt is made to study the extreme precipitation characteristics, which are related to the mid-latitude cyclonic systems. Daily pluviometric data, from several stations across the continental Europe and the British Islands, are used. The covered time-period is from 1958 to 2000. Only extreme precipitation events related to mid-latitude cyclonic systems are studied, since thermal thunderstorm episodes are being excluded. To accomplish that, summer months are excluded and a strict criterion for identifying the exact episodes is set, which also defines the episode itself and the extremity of it. A decreasing trend in the cases of extreme precipitation of the European continent was found. It starts in the mid 60's and continues until the mid 70's. After that and until the end of the examined period, no significant trend was found. Seasonality of extreme precipitation cases and episodes is also studied. October and November are the two months that present the higher frequencies of such cases and episodes. In general, autumn months indicate the higher percentages of extreme precipitation, with winter and spring months to follow.
The History of Dissociation and Trauma in the UK and Its Impact on Treatment

Abstract The road to recovery from trauma cannot be seen in isolation. Isolation from self (self identity as well as self in the body) and from the world outside (family and society) is the tragedy of a survival system that kept hope and potential alive but extracts a heavy toll on living. In much the same way we, as facilitators on this journey of recovery, can no longer isolate ourselves as therapists from a world outside the consulting room. We have to take account of the real world outside, its particular culture as well as the reality of multi-professional involvement. Our clients/patients need encouragement to engage in the world of work, responsibilities and relationships alongside the therapeutic process. This piece examines the evolution of psychoanalysis and psychotherapy in the UK and the historic tensions between the National Health Service (NHS) and the private sector. It outlines a practice protocol that requires a diplomatic sensitivity to cultural differences within these two sectors. The approach mirrors the early dynamics between therapist and client/patient: developing a working alliance, recognising the power hierarchy, mapping the system. Thus, an audit (survey) of the acute wards in the locality was undertaken as a means of identifying levels of dissociative symptoms and potential for saving on unnecessary admissions. Finally the piece suggests that the Pottergate Model, as a practice protocol, aims to bridge the gap between these two vital sectors of the mental health system and at the same time keep the focus on the client/patient's need for both appropriate dependency and self responsibility throughout.
Effect of Pulsed Electric Fields on the Flavour Profile of Red-Fleshed Sweet Cherries (Prunus avium var. Stella)

The aim of this research was to study the effect of pulsed electric fields (PEF) on the flavour profile of red-fleshed sweet cherries (Prunus avium variety Stella). The cherry samples were treated at a constant pulse frequency of 100 Hz, a constant pulse width of 20 μs, different electric field strengths between 0.3 and 2.5 kV/cm and specific energy ranging from 31 to 55 kJ/kg. Volatile compounds of samples were analysed using an automated headspace solid phase microextraction (HS–SPME) method coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). A total of 33 volatile compounds were identified with benzaldehyde, hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal, (Z)-2-hexen-1-ol, and benzyl alcohol being the predominant volatiles in different PEF-treated samples. Aldehydes namely butanal, octanal, 2-octenal, and nonanal, and (Z)-2-hexen-1-ol increased significantly 24 h after PEF treatment at electric field strengths of more than 1.0 kV/cm. Samples incubated for 24 h after PEF treatment (S3) generated higher concentrations of volatiles than samples immediately after PEF treatments (S2). Quantitative results revealed that more flavour volatiles were released and associated with S3 samples after 24 h storage and S2 samples immediately after PEF both with the highest electric field intensities. Interestingly, this study found that the PEF treatments at the applied electric field strength and energy did not result in releasing/producing undesirable flavour compounds.
“We Were All in the Same Boat”: An Exploratory Study of Communal Coping in Disaster Recovery

ABSTRACT Disaster recovery is a stressful, uncertain, and traumatic experience for communities. In order to alleviate links between disaster recovery and negative outcomes, collectives may engage in communal coping, an understudied process. We interviewed 37 citizens of a town devastated by Hurricane Ike. Results revealed three communal coping activities: mutuality, a reciprocal pattern of emoting and shared problem recognition; co-construction of a community narrative, or participants relaying the story of the town’s unity and bootstrap mentality; and problem-centered communal coping, which centered on material assistance and information sharing. We propose connections between communal coping, identification, and (community) identity in drawing distinctions between communal coping and social support. The study concludes with practical implications for communities engaged in disaster recovery.
Tula virus: a newly detected hantavirus carried by European common voles

A novel hantavirus has been discovered in European common voles, Microtus arvalis and Microtus rossiaemeridionalis. According to sequencing data for the genomic RNA S segment and nucleocapsid protein and data obtained by immunoblotting with a panel of monoclonal antibodies, the virus, designated Tula virus, is a distinct novel member of the genus Hantavirus. Phylogenetic analyses of Tula virus indicate that it is most closely related to Prospect Hill, Puumala, and Muerto Canyon viruses. The results support the view that the evolution of hantaviruses follows that of their primary carriers. Comparison of strains circulating within a local rodent population revealed a genetic drift via accumulation of base substitutions and deletions or insertions. The Tula virus population from individual animals is represented by quasispecies, indicating the potential for rapid evolution of the agent.
Human serum paraoxonase (PON1) isozymes Q and R hydrolyze lactones and cyclic carbonate esters.

It is well established that human serum paraoxonase (PON1) catalyzes the hydrolysis of organophosphate insecticides and nerve agents, as well as that of a number of aromatic carboxylic acid esters. Our laboratory has recently found a new class of PON1 substrates that includes at least 30 lactones and cyclic carbonate esters. The lactone substrates vary in their ring size from 4 to 7 atoms. Substituents on the ring carbons may enhance or reduce the rate of lactone hydrolysis. An appreciable degree of stereospecificity exists with some activities differing up to 9-fold between enantiomers (i.e., S-alpha-hydroxy-gamma-butyrolactone is hydrolyzed 5 to 9 times faster than the R form). Thiolactones are hydrolyzed less efficiently, and some lactams are potent inhibitors. Four lactone-containing drugs-spironolactone, mevastatin, simvastatin, and lovastatin-have been identified as substrates for PON1. All lactone substrates are hydrolyzed by both the Q and R isozymes of human serum PON1. However, some lactone substrates are hydrolyzed faster by the Q than R isozyme, whereas others show a reverse preference. Moreover, these new substrates include homogentisic acid lactone, mevalonic acid lactone, homocysteine thiolactone, and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid lactone-all lactone forms of endogenous compounds. It is reasonable to expect that further investigations may uncover PON1 lactone substrates that are, themselves, endogenous compounds. In this article we characterize the basic enzymatic properties of PON1's newly identified hydrolytic activities with lactone and cyclic carbonate ester substrates and compare these properties with those of representative arylesters and organophosphates.
Multiway histogram intersection for multi-target tracking

In recent studies of multi-target tracking, high-order association and its corresponding high-order affinity (or similarity) is often preferred over pairwise comparisons to capture high-order discriminative information. A naturally raised challenge is to calculate affinity (or similarity) among more than two target candidates. When target appearance is represented by histograms, such as the popular SIFT and HOG descriptors, pairwise matching measurements, such as Histogram Intersection (HI) etc. are often combined to fit the high-order request in an ad hoc way. However, such combinations may be ineffective and inefficient. In this paper, we address the pairwise matching issue by proposing a novel multi-histogram similarity named Multiway Histogram Intersection (MHI). MHI naturally extends HI by summing over the “min” value of all histograms in each bin. MHI applies to any number of histograms, fits the request of multitarget tracking better and requires less time than previously used affinities. To demonstrate its superiority, we integrate MHI into a recently proposed rank-1-tensor-approximation multi-tracking framework and apply it to vehicle tracking in wide aerial video surveillance. The advantage of using MHI is clearly supported by the experimental results against six common approaches on two public benchmark datasets.
High Expression of HuR in Cytoplasm, but Not Nuclei, Is Associated with Malignant Aggressiveness and Prognosis in Bladder Cancer

Introduction Human antigen R (HuR) regulates the stability of mRNA and is associated with cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis. However, the clinical significance and pathological role of HuR in bladder cancer remains unclear. The main objective of this investigation was to clarify the relationships between HuR expression and clinical significance and cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and expressions of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, -C, and -D. Methods All expressions were examined by immunohistochemical techniques in 122 formalin-fixed specimens of bladder cancer patients. HuR expression was evaluated separately with cytoplasmic and nuclear staining. Cell proliferation, angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis were measured as the percentage of Ki-67-positive cell (proliferation index, PI), CD34-stained vessels (microvessel density, MVD), and D2-40-stained vessels (lymph vessel density, LVD). Relationships between each HuR expression and clinicopathological features, prognosis, and expressions of COX-2 and VEGFs were analyzed by multi-variate analyses. HuR expression was also investigated in 10 mice of N-Butyl-N-[4-hydroxybutil] nitrosamine (BBN) induced bladder cancer model. Results In human tissues, high cytoplasmic expression was seen in 5% and 25.4% of normal and cancer cells, respectively. Nuclear HuR expression bore no significant relationship to any pathological features. However, cytoplasmic HuR expression appeared positively associated with pT stage and grade (P<0.001). In mouse tissues, similar trends were confirmed. Cytoplasmic expression correlated with PI, MVD, and LVD, as well as expression of VEGF-A and -C, but not VEGF-D. High cytoplasmic expression of HuR was a significant predictor of metastasis and cause-specific survival, and was identified as a prognostic correlative factor for metastasis (hazard ratio, 4.75; P = 0.028) in a multivariate analysis model that included pathological features. Conclusions Cytoplasmic HuR appears to play important roles in cell proliferation, progression, and survival of bladder cancer patients. Its expression was associated with angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and expressions of VEGF-A and –C.
The Indirect Effect of Alcohol Use on GPA in First-Semester College Students

This study focused on first-semester college students, investigating (a) indirect effects of aggregate alcohol use on grade point average (GPA) through academic effort (skipping class and time on schoolwork) and (b) daily effects of alcohol use on reduced effort. Eighty students reported daily alcohol use and academic effort (skipping class and hours spent on schoolwork) during five selected weeks of their first semester; the university provided GPAs. We found strong evidence of an indirect effect of aggregate alcohol use on GPA through skipping class; there was weaker evidence for time on schoolwork as a mediator. Daily analyses showed increased skipping and reduced schoolwork on days during which students used alcohol. Intervention to increase persistence may focus on reducing alcohol use and on dealing with low effort (e.g., skipping class).
Does elite success trigger mass participation in table tennis? An analysis of trickle-down effects in Germany, France and Austria

ABSTRACT There is a widespread belief that success at the elite level leads to increasing mass participation in sports. However, this assumption is merely supported by empirical evidence and is analyzed here for the case of table tennis. Therefore long-term data (1964–2014) on participation in Germany, France and Austria is statistically tested for effects of success by the countries’ athletes at international competitions. Results indicate that no general trickle-down effect can be confirmed for table tennis in the countries observed. Rather, findings are ambivalent, as a strong positive effect was found for the Austrian case, but a paradox relation for the German case, where elite success has been accompanied by decreasing participation in the last decades. Accordingly, as an “automatic” trickle-down effect is unlikely, more specific analyses and strategies seem necessary to use elite success as a lever for the promotion of the sport.