bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hyperthermophilic methanogenic archaea act as high-pressure CH4 cell factories
Authors: Mauerhofer Lisa-Maria , Zwirtmayr Sara , Pappenreiter Patricia , Bernacchi Sébastien , Seifert Arne H. , Reischl Barbara , Schmider Tilman , Taubner Ruth-Sophie , Paulik Christian , Rittmann Simon K.-M. R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBioprocesses converting carbon dioxide with molecular hydrogen to methane (CH4) are currently being developed to enable a transition to a renewable energy production system. In this study, we present a comprehensive physiological and biotechnological examination of 80 methanogenic archaea (methanogens) quantifying growth and CH4 production kinetics at hyperbaric pressures up to 50 bar with regard to media, macro-, and micro-nutrient supply, specific genomic features, and cell envelope architecture. Our analysis aimed to systematically prioritize high-pressure and high-performance methanogens. We found that the hyperthermophilic methanococci Methanotorris igneus and Methanocaldococcoccus jannaschii are high-pressure CH4 cell factories. Furthermore, our analysis revealed that high-performance methanogens are covered with an S-layer, and that they harbour the amino acid motif Tyrα444 Glyα445 Tyrα446 in the alpha subunit of the methyl-coenzyme M reductase. Thus, high-pressure biological CH4 production in pure culture could provide a purposeful route for the transition to a carbon-neutral bioenergy sector.
Diselenide crosslinks for enhanced and simplified oxidative protein folding
Authors: Mousa Reem , Hidmi Taghreed , Pomyalov Sergei , Lansky Shifra , Khouri Lareen , Shalev Deborah E. , Shoham Gil , Metanis Norman 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe in vitro oxidative folding of proteins has been studied for over sixty years, providing critical insight into protein folding mechanisms. Hirudin, the most potent natural inhibitor of thrombin, is a 65-residue protein with three disulfide bonds, and is viewed as a folding model for a wide range of disulfide-rich proteins. Hirudin’s folding pathway is notorious for its highly heterogeneous intermediates and scrambled isomers, limiting its folding rate and yield in vitro. Aiming to overcome these limitations, we undertake systematic investigation of diselenide bridges at native and non-native positions and investigate their effect on hirudin’s folding, structure and activity. Our studies demonstrate that, regardless of the specific positions of these substitutions, the diselenide crosslinks enhanced the folding rate and yield of the corresponding hirudin analogues, while reducing the complexity and heterogeneity of the process. Moreover, crystal structure analysis confirms that the diselenide substitutions maintained the overall three-dimensional structure of the protein and left its function virtually unchanged. The choice of hirudin as a study model has implications beyond its specific folding mechanism, demonstrating the high potential of diselenide substitutions in the design, preparation and characterization of disulfide-rich proteins.
Dynamic chiral self-recognition in aromatic dimers of styrene oxide revealed by rotational spectroscopy
Authors: Domingos Sérgio R. , Pérez Cristóbal , Kreienborg Nora M. , Merten Christian , Schnell Melanie 
Published: March 2021

AbstractChiral molecular recognition is a pivotal phenomenon in biomolecular science, governed by subtle balances of intermolecular forces that are difficult to quantify. Non-covalent interactions involving aromatic moieties are particularly important in this realm, as recurring motifs in biomolecular aggregation. In this work, we use high-resolution broadband rotational spectroscopy to probe the dynamic conformational landscape enclosing the self-pairing topologies of styrene oxide, a chiral aromatic system. We reach a definite assignment of four homochiral and two heterochiral dimers using auxiliary quantum chemistry calculations as well as structure-solving methods based on experimental isotopic information. A complete picture of the dimer conformational space is obtained, and plausible routes for conformational relaxation are derived. Molecular structures are discussed in terms of conformational flexibility, the concerted effort of weak intermolecular interactions, and their role in the expression of the molecular fit.
Spin-states in MoS2 thin-film transistors distinguished by operando electron spin resonance
Authors: Tsunetomo Naho , Iguchi Shohei , Wierzbowska Małgorzata , Ueda Akiko , Won Yousang , Heo Sinae , Jeong Yesul , Wakayama Yutaka , Marumoto Kazuhiro 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTransition metal dichalcogenide MoS2 is a two-dimensional material, attracting much attention for next-generation applications thanks to rich functionalities stemming from its crystal structure. Many experimental and theoretical works have focused on the spin-orbit interaction which couples the valley and spin degrees of freedom so that the spin-states can be electrically controllable. However, the spin-states of charge carriers and atomic vacancies in devices have not been yet elucidated directly from a microscopic viewpoint. Here, we report the spin-states in thin-film transistors using operando electron spin resonance spectroscopy. We have observed clearly different electron spin resonance signals of the conduction electrons and atomic vacancies, and distinguished the corresponding spin-states from the signals and theoretical calculations, evaluating the gate-voltage dependence and the spin-susceptibility and g-factor temperature dependence. This analysis gives deep insight into the MoS2 magnetism and clearly indicates different spin-scattering mechanisms compared to graphene, which will be useful for improvements of the device characteristics and new applications.
Now what?
Authors: Corpas Pastor Gloria , Sánchez Rodas Fernando 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This chapter provides a brief outline of language technologies applied to translation and interpreting with a view to identifying challenges and research opportunities. Section 1 covers new trends within the automation of processes, the integration of language technologies in translators and interpreters’ workflows and industry demands. Section 2 moves on to other relevant technology-based resources for oral and written mediation, including new types of corpora for interpreting, computer-assisted interpreting tools (CAI) or cloud interpreting, among others. Section 3 delves into the concept of ‘tech-savviness’ and adoption of technology among language service providers (LSPs). Final thoughts are presented as a conclusion in Section 4.
ZHEN
Authors: Gu Yi , Frankenberg-Garcia Ana 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Most Chinese-English parallel corpora consist of English source texts translated into Chinese. This chapter discusses the need for corpora representative of the under-resourced Chinese into English translation direction. After a brief overview of the current Chinese-English translation scenario and an analysis of existing parallel corpora for this language pair, we discuss problems in mining contemporary Chinese to English translations and issues in Chinese to English parallel text alignment. We then introduce ZHEN, a corpus of circa one-million characters of contemporary simplified Chinese source texts from a range of text types aligned with authentic translations into English. Its aim is to contribute to our understanding of Chinese to English translation norms and of features of English translated from Chinese.
Temporary Employment and Family Formation: An Income or Insecurity Effect?
Authors: van Wijk Daniël C , de Valk Helga A G , Liefbroer Aart C 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Recent studies show that temporary workers postpone family formation transitions, but it remains unclear whether this effect is due to the lower income or the stronger perceptions of job insecurity that go with a temporary contract. To address this question, we link data from a large-scale survey among Dutch employees to longitudinal population register data on marriage and first births. Logistic regression models estimate the effects of temporary employment on marriage and first birth, and mediation analyses assess to what extent these effects are explained by income and perceptions of job insecurity. Results show that temporarily employed women delay first birth. There is also some evidence that temporarily employed men postpone marriage and first birth. These effects are partly explained by income, which increases marriage and first birth rates among men and women alike. Perceptions of job insecurity generally had little effect on family formation, although higher marriage rates were found among women who experienced affective job insecurity. Overall, this shows that it is their low income rather than their feelings of insecurity about future employment that explains why temporary employees postpone family formation.
Exploratory comparison of Healthcare costs and benefits of the UK’s Covid-19 response with four European countries
Authors: Thom Howard , Walker Josephine , Vickerman Peter , Hollingworth Will 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
In responding to Covid-19, governments have tried to balance protecting health while minimizing gross domestic product (GDP) losses. We compare health-related net benefit (HRNB) and GDP losses associated with government responses of the UK, Ireland, Germany, Spain and Sweden from UK healthcare payer perspective.

Methods
We compared observed cases, hospitalizations and deaths under ‘mitigation’ to modelled events under ‘no mitigation’ to 20 July 2020. We thus calculated healthcare costs, quality adjusted life years (QALYs), and HRNB at £20,000/QALY saved by each country. On per population (i.e. per capita) basis, we compared HRNB with forecast reductions in 2020 GDP growth (overall or compared with Sweden as minimal mitigation country) and qualitatively and quantitatively described government responses.

Results
The UK saved 3.17 (0.32–3.65) million QALYs, £33 (8–38) billion healthcare costs and £1416 (220–1637) HRNB per capita at £20,000/QALY. Per capita, this is comparable to £1455 GDP loss using Sweden as comparator and offsets 46.1 (7.1–53.2)% of total £3075 GDP loss. Germany, Spain, and Sweden had greater HRNB per capita. These also offset a greater percentage of total GDP losses per capita. Ireland fared worst on both measures. Countries with more mask wearing, testing, and population susceptibility had better outcomes. Highest stringency responses did not appear to have best outcomes.

Conclusions
Our exploratory analysis indicates the benefit of government Covid-19 responses may outweigh their economic costs. The extent that HRNB offset economic losses appears to relate to population characteristics, testing levels, and mask wearing, rather than response stringency.
Large Genetic Diversity and Strong Positive Selection in F-Box and GPCR Genes among the Wild Isolates of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Ma Fuqiang , Lau Chun Yin , Zheng Chaogu 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The F-box and chemosensory GPCR (csGPCR) gene families are greatly expanded in nematodes, including the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, compared with insects and vertebrates. However, the intraspecific evolution of these two gene families in nematodes remain unexamined. In this study, we analyzed the genomic sequences of 330 recently sequenced wild isolates of C. elegans using a range of population genetics approaches. We found that F-box and csGPCR genes, especially the Srw family csGPCRs, showed much more diversity than other gene families. Population structure analysis and phylogenetic analysis divided the wild strains into eight non-Hawaiian and three Hawaiian subpopulations. Some Hawaiian strains appeared to be more ancestral than all other strains. F-box and csGPCR genes maintained a great amount of the ancestral variants in the Hawaiian subpopulation and their divergence among the non-Hawaiian subpopulations contributed significantly to population structure. F-box genes are mostly located at the chromosomal arms and high recombination rate correlates with their large polymorphism. Moreover, using both neutrality tests and extended haplotype homozygosity analysis, we identified signatures of strong positive selection in the F-box and csGPCR genes among the wild isolates, especially in the non-Hawaiian population. Accumulation of high-frequency-derived alleles in these genes was found in non-Hawaiian population, leading to divergence from the ancestral genotype. In summary, we found that F-box and csGPCR genes harbor a large pool of natural variants, which may be subjected to positive selection. These variants are mostly mapped to the substrate-recognition domains of F-box proteins and the extracellular and intracellular regions of csGPCRs, possibly resulting in advantages during adaptation by affecting protein degradation and the sensing of environmental cues, respectively.
Fifteen years later: moving forward Heller’s heritage on fiscal space for health
Authors: Barroy Hélène , Gupta Sanjeev 
Published: March 2021

AbstractEconomist Peter Heller, writing a seminal paper published in Health, Policy and Planning in 2006, identified five opportunities for expanding fiscal space for health: raising revenue, reprioritizing expenditure, borrowing, using seigniorage and mobilizing external grants. The development of the initial framework marked a significant conceptual advancement in health financing, by situating health reforms within a broader macro-fiscal context. Fifteen years later, fiscal space for health is not viewed simply as a question of finding additional revenues but also as a matter of improving public financial management (PFM) in the health sector, specifically for publicly funded health systems. This paper advances the concept of budgetary space for health, which explores available resources generated through greater overall public expenditure, prioritized budget allocations, and improved PFM. The paper adds a critical component, unpacking the ways through which PFM improvements can maximize budgetary space for health. The approach fits the realities of public finances in the era of the Sustainable Development Goals. The key implication is that PFM aspects should be systematically included in assessments of budgetary space to inform more effective country dialogues between the finance and health sectors.
Humanization of a tandem repeat in IG-DMR causes stochastic restoration of paternal imprinting at mouseDlk1-Dio3domain
Authors: Hara Satoshi , Terao Miho , Tsuji-Hosokawa Atsumi , Ogawa Yuya , Takada Shuji 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe Dlk1-Dio3 imprinted domain, regulated by an intergenic differentially methylated region (IG-DMR), is important for mammalian embryonic development. Although previous studies have reported that DNA methylation of a tandem repeated array sequence in paternal IG-DMR (IG-DMR-Rep) plays an essential role in the maintenance of DNA methylation in mice, the function of a tandem repeated array sequence in human IG-DMR (hRep) is unknown. Here, we generated mice with a human tandem repeated sequence, which replaced the mouse IG-DMR-Rep. Mice that transmitted the humanized allele paternally exhibited variable methylation status at the IG-DMR and were stochastically rescued from the lethality of IG-DMR-Rep deficiency, suggesting that hRep plays a role in human IG-DMR for the regulation of imprinted expression. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that TRIM28 was enriched in hypermethylated paternal hRep without ZFP57. Our results suggest that hRep contributes to the maintenance of human IG-DMR methylation imprints via the recruitment of TRIM28.
Assessment of a Polygenic Risk Score for Colorectal Cancer to Predict Risk of Lynch Syndrome Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Jenkins Mark A , Buchanan Daniel D , Lai John , Makalic Enes , Dite Gillian S , Win Aung K , Clendenning Mark , Winship Ingrid M , Hayes Richard B , Huyghe Jeroen R , Peters Ulrike , Gallinger Steven , Marchand Loïc Le , Figueiredo Jane C , Pai Rish K , Newcomb Polly A , Church James M , Casey Graham , Hopper John L 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
It was not known whether the polygenic risk scores (PRSs) that predict colorectal cancer could predict colorectal cancer for people with inherited pathogenic variants in DNA mismatch repair genes—people with Lynch syndrome. We tested a PRS comprising 107 established single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with colorectal cancer in European populations for 826 European-descent carriers of pathogenic variants in DNA mismatch repair genes (293 MLH1, 314 MSH2, 126 MSH6, 71 PMS2, and 22 EPCAM) from the Colon Cancer Family Registry, of whom 504 had colorectal cancer. There was no evidence of an association between the PRS and colorectal cancer risk, irrespective of which DNA mismatch repair gene was mutated, or sex (all 2-sided P &gt; .05). The hazard ratio per standard deviation of the PRS for colorectal cancer was 0.97 (95% confidence interval = 0.88 to 1.06; 2-sided P = .51). Whereas PRSs are predictive of colorectal cancer in the general population, they do not predict Lynch syndrome colorectal cancer.
Asthma and Physical Activity in Urban Children
Authors: Koinis-Mitchell Daphne , Kopel Sheryl J , Dunsiger Shira , McQuaid Elizabeth L , Miranda Luis Gonzalez , Mitchell Patricia , Vehse Nico , Jelalian Elissa 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Asthma and obesity disproportionately affect urban minority children. Avoidance of physical activity contributes to obesity, and urban children with asthma are at risk for lower levels of physical activity. We examined associations between lung function and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and moderators of this association in a diverse sample of children with asthma.

Methods
Urban children (N = 142) ages 7–9 with persistent asthma and their caregivers completed a study of asthma and physical activity. Longitudinal mixed effects models examining daily-level asthma and physical activity evaluated the association between asthma and MVPA, and the moderating effect of weight, and cultural/contextual factors on this association.

Results
Average daily MVPA was below recommended guidelines. Differences in MVPA were found by racial/ethnic group (p = .04) and weight (p = .001). Poorer asthma status was associated with lower MVPA in Latino and Black participants (p’s &lt; .05), and in normal weight youth (p = .01). Body mass index (BMI) moderated the association between asthma and MVPA. Those with lower BMI had more optimal asthma status and higher MVPA levels, whereas associations attenuated for participants with higher BMI (p = .04). Caregivers’ perceptions of neighborhood safety and fear of asthma were marginally associated with children’s symptoms and MVPA: as perceptions of safety decreased and fear increased, associations between asthma and MVPA weakened (p’s = .09 and .07, respectively).

Conclusions
Suboptimal asthma status is associated with less MVPA in urban children. Weight status and cultural/contextual factors play a role in the association and are worthy targets for future research and intervention.
Drug resistance via radixin-mediated increase of P-glycoprotein membrane expression during SNAI1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in HepG2 cells
Authors: Kamioka Hiroki , Edaki Kazue , Kasahara Haruka , Tomono Takumi , Yano Kentaro , Ogihara Takuo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a role in cancer metastasis as well as in drug resistance through various mechanisms, including increased drug efflux mediated by P-glycoprotein (P-gp). In this study, we investigated the activation mechanism of P-gp, including its regulatory factors, during EMT in hepatoblastoma-derived HepG2 cells.

Methods
HepG2 cells were transfected with SNAI1 using human adenovirus serotype 5 vector. We quantified mRNA and protein expression levels using qRT-PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. P-gp activity was evaluated by uptake assay, and cell viability was assessed by an MTT assay.

Key findings
P-gp protein expression on plasma membrane was higher in SNAI1-transfected cells than in Mock cells, although there was no difference in P-gp protein level in whole cells. Among the scaffold proteins such as ezrin, radixin and moesin (ERM), only radixin was increased in SNAI1-transfected cells. Uptake of both Rho123 and paclitaxel was decreased in SNAI1-transfected cells, and this decrease was blocked by verapamil, a P-gp inhibitor. The reduced susceptibility of SNAI1-transfected cells to paclitaxel was reversed by elacridar, another P-gp inhibitor.

Conclusions
Increased expression of radixin during SNAI1-induced EMT leads to increased P-gp membrane expression in HepG2 cells, enhancing P-gp function and thereby increasing drug resistance.
State Aid Review in a Multi-level System
Authors: Kreuschitz Viktor , Nehl Hanns Peter 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This introductory chapter discusses factors that motivate why aid is given by states in the first place. Highlighting the interplay between both the political and economic motivations that guide states and their sub-structures, it is possible to identify several related motivations for giving aid: the first consists of attaining political preferences of governments; a second, and often related reason is that political leaders may be guided by pure electoral pragmatism aimed to increase future votes; and third, State aid remains one of the few economic tools that Member States have at their disposal given increasing Europeanization. The necessity for control and review of State aid and subsidies could be linked to potential risks and disadvantages of aid. A key notion of analysing these risks of aid is the concept of inter-jurisdictional externalities: supporting economic development and activities in one jurisdiction may cause intended or unintended negative impacts on activities within other jurisdictions.
Criterion of State Origin
Authors: Kreuschitz Viktor , Nehl Hanns Peter 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This chapter identifies the criterion for assessing State origin. Determining whether a measure originates from State sources is a decisive criterion to assess whether the measure is a State aid within the meaning of Article 107 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). This criterion involves two separate and cumulative sub-criteria: the direct or indirect granting of State resources and the imputability of the measure to the State. Accordingly, advantages granted directly or indirectly through State resources constitute State aids within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU. Meanwhile, the State ‘imputability’ criterion is easily fulfilled when the aid is granted by a public authority or by a public or private body which is designated to administer the measure.
Aid Subject to a Discretionary Assessment under Article 107(3) TFEU
Authors: Kreuschitz Viktor , Nehl Hanns Peter 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This chapter identifies aid subject to a discretionary assessment under Article 107(3) TFEU. In the evaluation of State aid under Article 107(3) TFEU the Commission must rely on ‘complex economic, social, regional and structural assessments’ and therefore, its decisions are covered by the notion of a broad discretion. Specifically, Article 107(3) TFEU addresses aids which may be compatible with the internal market, depending on the interpretation made by the Commission. Different categories are addressed, including aid promoting the economic development of areas where the standard of living is abnormally low or where there is serious underemployment; aid promoting the execution of an important project of common European interest or to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State; aid facilitating the development of certain economic activities or of certain economic areas; and aid promoting culture and heritage conservation or any other categories specified by decision of the Council.