bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structures of mammalian GLD-2 proteins reveal molecular basis of their functional diversity in mRNA and microRNA processing
Authors: Ma Xiao-Yan , Zhang Hong , Feng Jian-Xiong , Hu Jia-Li , Yu Bing , Luo Li , Cao Yu-Lu , Liao Shuang , Wang Jichang , Gao Song 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The stability and processing of cellular RNA transcripts are efficiently controlled via non-templated addition of single or multiple nucleotides, which is catalyzed by various nucleotidyltransferases including poly(A) polymerases (PAPs). Germline development defective 2 (GLD-2) is among the first reported cytoplasmic non-canonical PAPs that promotes the translation of germline-specific mRNAs by extending their short poly(A) tails in metazoan, such as Caenorhabditis elegans and Xenopus. On the other hand, the function of mammalian GLD-2 seems more diverse, which includes monoadenylation of certain microRNAs. To understand the structural basis that underlies the difference between mammalian and non-mammalian GLD-2 proteins, we determine crystal structures of two rodent GLD-2s. Different from C. elegans GLD-2, mammalian GLD-2 is an intrinsically robust PAP with an extensively positively charged surface. Rodent and C. elegans GLD-2s have a topological difference in the β-sheet region of the central domain. Whereas C. elegans GLD-2 prefers adenosine-rich RNA substrates, mammalian GLD-2 can work on RNA oligos with various sequences. Coincident with its activity on microRNAs, mammalian GLD-2 structurally resembles the mRNA and miRNA processor terminal uridylyltransferase 7 (TUT7). Our study reveals how GLD-2 structurally evolves to a more versatile nucleotidyltransferase, and provides important clues in understanding its biological function in mammals.
Dnmt1 binds and represses genomic retroelements via DNA methylation in mouse early embryos
Authors: Min Byungkuk , Park Jung Sun , Jeong Young Sun , Jeon Kyuheum , Kang Yong-Kook 
Published: July 2020

AbstractGenome-wide passive DNA demethylation in cleavage-stage mouse embryos is related to the cytoplasmic localization of the maintenance methyltransferase DNMT1. However, recent studies provided evidences of the nuclear localization of DNMT1 and its contribution to the maintenance of methylation levels of imprinted regions and other genomic loci in early embryos. Using the DNA adenine methylase identification method, we identified Dnmt1-binding regions in four- and eight-cell embryos. The unbiased distribution of Dnmt1 peaks in the genic regions (promoters and CpG islands) as well as the absence of a correlation between the Dnmt1 peaks and the expression levels of the peak-associated genes refutes the active participation of Dnmt1 in the transcriptional regulation of genes in the early developmental period. Instead, Dnmt1 was found to associate with genomic retroelements in a greatly biased fashion, particularly with the LINE1 (long interspersed nuclear elements) and ERVK (endogenous retrovirus type K) sequences. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the transcripts of the Dnmt1-enriched retroelements were overrepresented in Dnmt1 knockdown embryos. Finally, methyl-CpG-binding domain sequencing proved that the Dnmt1-enriched retroelements, which were densely methylated in wild-type embryos, became demethylated in the Dnmt1-depleted embryos. Our results indicate that Dnmt1 is involved in the repression of retroelements through DNA methylation in early mouse development.
Probing of coupling effect induced plasmonic charge accumulation for water oxidation
Authors: Gao Yuying , Cheng Feng , Fang Weina , Liu Xiaoguo , Wang Shengyang , Nie Wei , Chen Ruotian , Ye Sheng , Zhu Jian , An Hongyu , Fan Chunhai , Fan Fengtao , Li Can 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
A key issue for redox reactions in plasmon-induced photocatalysis, particularly for water oxidation, is the concentration of surface-accumulating charges (electrons or holes) at a reaction site for artificial photosynthesis. However, where plasmonic charge accumulated at a catalyst's surface, and how to improve local charge density at active sites, remains unknown because it is difficult to identify the exact spatial location and local density of the plasmon-induced charge, particularly with regard to holes. Herein, we show that at the single particle level, plasmon-coupling-induced holes can be greatly accumulated at the plasmonic Au nanoparticle dimer/TiO2 interface in the nanogap region, as directly evidenced by the locally enhanced surface photovoltage. Such an accumulation of plasmonic holes can significantly accelerate the water oxidation reaction (multi-holes involved) at the interfacial reaction site, with nearly one order of magnitude enhancement in photocatalytic activities compared to those of highly dispersed Au nanoparticles on TiO2. Combining Kelvin probe force microscopy and theoretical simulation, we further clarified that the local accumulated hole density is proportional to the square of the local near-field enhancement. Our findings advance the understanding of how charges spatially distribute in plasmonic systems and the specific role that local charge density at reaction sites plays in plasmonic photocatalysis.
Risk sharing, regional stabilization, and redistribution: the role of fiscal mechanisms in Switzerland
Authors: Feld Lars P , Schaltegger Christoph A , Studerus Janine 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
This paper analyses the importance of fiscal mechanisms for regional stabilization and redistribution in Switzerland. Switzerland is particularly interesting in this context because it features both a high level of fiscal autonomy for Swiss cantons, and explicit fiscal transfers between the federal government and the cantons. Based on a panel data analysis, we study the redistributive and stabilizing properties of fiscal equalization transfers, federal government transfers in general, direct federal taxation, the unemployment insurance scheme, and the first pillar pension scheme. We find a combined redistributive effect of these mechanisms of about 20%. This means that long-run income differentials of 1 Swiss franc between cantons translate into differences of long-run disposable income after taxes and transfers of about 80 cents. The combined contemporary stabilization effect with respect to short-term income fluctuations amounts, at best, to 10%, which is a small effect compared to previous findings for other countries.
Feverish Stock Price Reactions to COVID-19*
Authors: Ramelli Stefano , Wagner Alexander F 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Market reactions to the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) provide new insights into how real shocks and financial policies drive firm value. Initially, internationally oriented firms, especially those more exposed to trade with China, underperformed. As the virus spread to Europe and the United States, corporate debt and cash holdings emerged as important value drivers, relevant even after the Fed intervened in the bond market. The content and tone of conference calls mirror this development over time. Overall, the results illustrate how anticipated real effects from the health crisis, a rare disaster, were amplified through financial channels. (JEL G01, G12, G14, G32, F14)
Received: May 27, 2020; editorial decision June 16, 2020 by Editor Andrew Ellul. Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
Identification and characterization of two consistent osteoarthritis subtypes by transcriptome and clinical data integration
Authors: Coutinho de Almeida Rodrigo , Mahfouz Ahmed , Mei Hailiang , Houtman Evelyn , den Hollander Wouter , Soul Jamie , Suchiman Eka , Lakenberg Nico , Meessen Jennifer , Huetink Kasper , Nelissen Rob G H H , Ramos Yolande F M , Reinders Marcel , Meulenbelt Ingrid 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Objective
To identify OA subtypes based on cartilage transcriptomic data in cartilage tissue and characterize their underlying pathophysiological processes and/or clinically relevant characteristics.

Methods
This study includes n = 66 primary OA patients (41 knees and 25 hips), who underwent a joint replacement surgery, from which macroscopically unaffected (preserved, n = 56) and lesioned (n = 45) OA articular cartilage were collected [Research Arthritis and Articular Cartilage (RAAK) study]. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis on preserved cartilage transcriptome followed by clinical data integration was performed. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) followed by pathway enrichment analysis were done for genes significant differentially expressed between subgroups with interactions in the PPI network.

Results
Analysis of preserved samples (n = 56) resulted in two OA subtypes with n = 41 (cluster A) and n = 15 (cluster B) patients. The transcriptomic profile of cluster B cartilage, relative to cluster A (DE-AB genes) showed among others a pronounced upregulation of multiple genes involved in chemokine pathways. Nevertheless, upon investigating the OA pathophysiology in cluster B patients as reflected by differentially expressed genes between preserved and lesioned OA cartilage (DE-OA-B genes), the chemokine genes were significantly downregulated with OA pathophysiology. Upon integrating radiographic OA data, we showed that the OA phenotype among cluster B patients, relative to cluster A, may be characterized by higher joint space narrowing (JSN) scores and low osteophyte (OP) scores.

Conclusion
Based on whole-transcriptome profiling, we identified two robust OA subtypes characterized by unique OA, pathophysiological processes in cartilage as well as a clinical phenotype. We advocate that further characterization, confirmation and clinical data integration is a prerequisite to allow for development of treatments towards personalized care with concurrently more effective treatment response.
Impaired Sensorimotor Gating Using the Acoustic Prepulse Inhibition Paradigm in Individuals at a Clinical High Risk for Psychosis
Authors: Bo Qijing , Mao Zhen , Tian Qing , Yang Ningbo , Li Xianbin , Dong Fang , Zhou Fuchun , Li Liang , Wang Chuanyue 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMany robust studies have investigated prepulse inhibition (PPI) in patients with schizophrenia. Recent evidence indicates that PPI may help identify individuals who are at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR). Selective attention to prepulse stimulus can specifically enhance PPI in healthy subjects; however, this enhancement effect is not observed in patients with schizophrenia. Modified PPI measurement with selective attentional modulation using perceived spatial separation (PSS) condition may be a more robust and sensitive index of PPI impairment in CHR individuals. The current study investigated an improved PSSPPI condition in CHR individuals compared with patients with first-episode schizophrenia (FES) and healthy controls (HC) and evaluated the accuracy of PPI in predicting CHR from HC. We included 53 FESs, 55 CHR individuals, and 53 HCs. CHRs were rated on the Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndromes. The measures of perceived spatial co-location PPI (PSCPPI) and PSSPPI conditions were applied using 60- and 120-ms lead intervals. Compared with HC, the CHR group had lower PSSPPI level (Inter-stimulus interval [ISI] = 60 ms, P &lt; .001; ISI = 120 ms, P &lt; .001). PSSPPI showed an effect size (ES) between CHR and HC (ISI = 60 ms, Cohen’s d = 0.91; ISI = 120 ms, Cohen’s d = 0.98); on PSSPPI using 60-ms lead interval, ES grade increased from CHR to FES. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for PSSPPI was greater than that for PSCPPI. CHR individuals showed a PSSPPI deficit similar to FES, with greater ES and sensitivity. PSSPPI appears a promising objective approach for preliminary identification of CHR individuals.
Too much mortgage debt? The effect of housing financialization on housing supply and residential capital formation
Authors: Kohl Sebastian 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis article argues that the explosion of mortgage finance has not led to a proportional expansion of housing supply across 17 countries in a historical perspective (1913–2016). Based on a collection of housing construction data, it shows that the co-cyclical behavior of construction, prices and mortgage credit has been followed by a decoupling of house-price mortgage spirals from the underlying stagnating or declining construction activity since the 1980s. Mortgage debt is nonlinearly associated with new construction: positive up to a threshold, negative thereafter. The article argues that the increasing use of housing as an asset, or housing financialization, can explain why mortgages grow without construction, i.e. through privatization of state housing and supply restrictions as a result of rentier strategies of housing-market insiders and private developers. Private mortgage markets have thus been a less reliable policy alternative to traditional state-led housing construction policies. The article confirms for housing what has previously been found for growth or capital formation: beyond a certain threshold, there is a curse of too much finance.
The Inter- and Intra-Party Politics of Moral Policy: Free Voting and Abortion Reform in Uruguay
Authors: Reuterswärd Camilla 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Moral policies such as abortion are often up to the conscience of individual legislators who can vote against the party line without sanctions. While free votes might jeopardize reform, party leaders can enforce discipline to achieve policy objectives. This article develops a framework to explain legislative behavior on abortion. It highlights how individual-level religiosity and party characteristics—voter linkage mechanisms and elite-base ties—shape votes on proposed bills. Analyzing three attempts to decriminalize abortion in left-governed Uruguay, this article highlights party variables beyond ideology and sheds more light on the puzzle of Latin America’s slow progress on reproductive rights.
Tax consequences of setting aside a voidable transaction on the ground of mistake
Authors: Smith Rodney Stewart 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
This article considers whether there is, as has been widely assumed until now, a general principle that, if a voidable transaction is avoided by an order of the court (for example, on grounds of mistake or under the Hastings-Bass rule), the order operates retrospectively for all purposes, including fiscal purposes. It discusses whether the Court of Appeal decision in Clark v HMRC [2020] EWCA Civ 204 throws doubt on the existence and ambit of such a principle. It also explores how the principle operates where the court imposes terms on the rescission of a transaction, such as a requirement that one or more of the parties enters into a fresh transaction, or where there have been intervening transactions between the voidable transaction and the order rescinding it.
Heart failure and renal outcomes according to baseline and achieved blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes: results from EMPA-REG OUTCOME
Authors: Böhm Michael , Fitchett David , Ofstad Anne Pernille , Brueckmann Martina , Kaspers Stefan , George Jyothis T. , Zwiener Isabella , Zinman Bernard , Wanner Christoph , Marx Nikolaus , Mancia Giuseppe , Anker Stefan D. , Mahfoud Felix 
Published: July 2020

Background:
The sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor empagliflozin reduced cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalizations in type 2 diabetes (T2D) in addition to a reduction of SBP. As heart failure patients often present with low SBP, which can challenge treatment initiation, we explored if empagliflozin's effect on SBP was independent of baseline SBP and heart failure status, and if the effect on cardiovascular and heart failure outcomes was influenced by updated mean SBP or by an early change in SBP after drug initiation.

Methods and results:
A total of 7020 patients were treated with empagliflozin 10 mg, 25 mg or placebo and followed for a median of 3.1 years. All of them had BP measurement at baseline. We evaluated changes in SBP in the context of heart failure status at baseline and according to baseline SBP categories (<120, 120--<130, 130--<140, 140--<160, ≥160 mmHg). The updated mean SBP during the trial was calculated as a time-dependent variable. We then assessed the association of baseline and updated mean SBP with three-point major adverse cardiovascular events (3P-MACE), hospitalization for heart failure, cardiovascular death, hospitalization for heart failure or cardiovascular death, all-cause death, and incident/worsening nephropathy, and whether treatment effect of empagliflozin vs. placebo on these outcomes differed if adjusted for updated mean SBP. Finally, we evaluated the impact of early decline in SBP (≥5 mmHg at week 4) on the treatment effect of empagliflozin vs. placebo on these outcomes. Analyses were performed via Cox regression adjusting for baseline risk factors including a term for treatment subgroup interaction, and by landmark analyses starting at week 4. The difference in SBP reduction at week 12 between empagliflozin and placebo was 3--5 mmHg and similar regardless of baseline SBP category or HF status at baseline. Baseline SBP and updated mean SBP categories showed no association with cardiovascular outcomes, but was associated with new/worsening nephropathy. The treatment effects of empagliflozin on all explored outcomes were independent of updated mean SBP as well of the early drop in SBP on treatment.

Conclusion:
In addition to decreasing SBP, empagliflozin reduced cardiovascular, heart failure and renal outcomes independently of updated mean SBP during the trial, and of the early SBP drop. These results suggest a BP-independent effect of empagliflozin on cardiovascular and heart failure outcomes.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:
NCT01131676.
24-h ambulatory blood pressure versus clinic blood pressure as predictors of cardiovascular risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Fan Hong , Onakpoya Igho J. , Heneghan Carl J. 
Published: July 2020

Background:
There is uncertainty about the usefulness of ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) in predicting cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Our objective was to compare the prognostic value of ABP versus clinic blood pressure (BP) in CVD.

Methods:
We conducted electronic searches on Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane library up to July 2018. We included prospective longitudinal studies that compared 24-h ABP with clinic BP measurement in adults. Our main outcomes were all-cause mortality, CVD mortality, and/or CVD events. We assessed study quality based on four domains and pooled data using a random effects model of STATA for meta-analyses.

Results:
We included 13 studies comprising 81 736 participants. The overall quality of the studies was moderate. Both systolic and diastolic 24-h ABP as well as systolic clinic BP significantly predicted all-cause mortality, CVD mortality, and CVD events. Systolic 24-h ABP was significantly better than systolic clinic BP at predicting future risk of CVD events: combined hazard ratio for 24-h ABP = 1.27 (95% confidence interval 1.21–1.34) per 10 mmHg increase in SBP compared with 1.13 (1.06–1.21) for clinic BP (interaction test P = 0.02). After adjusting for clinic BP, both systolic and diastolic 24-h ABP measurements were significantly better than their corresponding clinic measurements at predicting all-cause mortality, CVD mortality, and CVD events (P = 0.001 and P = 0.000, respectively).

Conclusion:
Systolic 24-h ABP is a better predictor of future CVD events than systolic clinic BP. Future studies should incorporate the use of individual patient data to assess the prognostic value of 24-h ABP.
Administration of recombinant human placental growth factor decreases blood pressure in obese hypertensive pregnant rats
Authors: Palei Ana C. , Tan Adelene Y. , Joo Woo S. , Kussie Paul , Anderson Christopher D. , Wilson Barbara A. , Spradley Frank T. 
Published: July 2020

Objectives:
Although epidemiological studies have shown that obesity is associated with increased incidence of hypertension during pregnancy, the mechanisms linking these two comorbidities are not as well studied. Previous investigations detected lower levels of the anti-hypertensive and pregnancy-related factor, placental growth factor (PlGF), in obese hypertensive pregnancies. Therefore, we examined whether obese hypertensive pregnant rats have reduced PlGF and whether increasing its levels by administering recombinant human (rh)PlGF reduces their blood pressure.

Methods:
We utilized a genetic model of obesity characterized to be heavier, hypertensive and fertile, namely rats having heterozygous deficiency of the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R-def).

Results:
MC4R-def obese rats had lower circulating levels of PlGF than wild-type lean controls at gestational day 19. Also, assessment of the PlGF receptor, Flt-1, in the vasculature showed that its levels were reduced in aorta and kidney glomeruli but increased in small mesenteric arteries. Chronic intraperitoneal administration of rhPlGF from gestational day 13–19 significantly increased circulating PlGF levels in both obese and lean rats, but reduced blood pressure only in the obese pregnant group. The rhPlGF treatment did not alter maternal body and fat masses or circulating levels of the adipokines, leptin and adiponectin. In addition, this treatment did not impact average foetal weights but increased placental weights regardless of obese or lean pregnancy.

Conclusion:
PlGF is reduced in MC4R-def obese hypertensive pregnant rats, which is similar to findings in obese hypertensive pregnant women, while increasing its levels with exogenous rhPlGF reduces their blood pressure.
Low relative skeletal muscle mass predicts incident hypertension in Korean men: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Han Ji Min , Lee Mi-Yeon , Lee Kyu-Beck , Kim Hyang , Hyun Young Youl 
Published: July 2020

Objective:
Previous cross-sectional studies suggest an association between low muscle mass and hypertension. However, whether low muscle mass predicts the development of hypertension is unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between relative muscle mass and incident hypertension in a large prospective cohort of Korean adults.

Methods:
In this prospective cohort study, we analyzed 132 324 participants without hypertension at baseline who underwent two health check-ups in 2012 and 2016 or in 2013 and 2017 with a 4-year interval. The participants were divided according to skeletal muscle mass index quartiles (Q1--Q4) according to their baseline skeletal muscle mass index [skeletal muscle mass index (%) = total skeletal muscle mass (kg)/body weight (kg) × 100). Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for the development of hypertension after 4 years.

Results:
After 4 years, 7180 (5.43%) participants developed hypertension. The incidence rates of hypertension were 12.11, 8.58, 6.93, and 4.37% in men and 4.02, 2.29, 1.73, and 1.18% in women in Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively. The multivariate adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for incident hypertension in Q1, Q2, and Q3, in comparison with Q4, were 1.46 (1.3–1.63), 1.31 (1.19–1.46), and 1.26 (1.14–1.40) in men and 0.97 (0.76–1.23), 1.12 (0.90–1.38), and 1.14 (0.92–1.42) in women, respectively.

Conclusion:
Low relative skeletal muscle mass was independently and significantly associated with the incidence of hypertension only in Korean men. Further research is required to understand the underlying mechanisms of this relationship.