bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Function of the Nonconserved N-Terminal Domain of Pseudorabies Virus pUL31 in Nuclear Egress
Authors: Klupp Barbara G. , Hellberg Teresa , Rönfeldt Sebastian , Franzke Kati , Fuchs Walter , Mettenleiter Thomas C. 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT
Nuclear egress of herpesvirus capsids is mediated by the conserved nuclear egress complex (NEC), composed of the membrane-anchored pUL34 and its nucleoplasmic interaction partner, pUL31. The recently solved crystal structures of the NECs from different herpesviruses show a high structural similarity, with the pUL34 homologs building a platform recruiting pUL31 to the inner nuclear membrane. Both proteins possess a central globular fold, while the conserved N-terminal portion of pUL31 forms an extension reaching around the core of pUL34. However, the extreme N terminus of the pUL31 homologs, which is highly variable in length and amino acid composition, had to be removed for crystallization. Several pUL31 homologs contain a classical nuclear localization signal (NLS) within this part mediating efficient nuclear import. In addition, membrane-binding activity, blocking premature interaction with pUL34, nucleocapsid trafficking, and regulation of NEC assembly and disassembly via phosphorylation were assigned to the extreme pUL31 N terminus. To test the functional importance in the alphaherpesvirus pseudorabies virus (PrV) pUL31, N-terminal truncations and site-specific mutations were generated, and the resulting proteins were tested for intracellular localization, interaction with pUL34, and functional complementation of PrV-ΔUL31. Our data show that neither the bipartite NLS nor the predicted phosphorylation sites are essential for pUL31 function during nuclear egress. Moreover, nearly the complete variable N-terminal part was dispensable for function as long as a stretch of basic amino acids was retained. Phosphorylation of this domain controls efficient nucleocapsid release from the perinuclear space.

IMPORTANCE
Nuclear egress of herpesvirus capsids is a unique vesicle-mediated nucleocytoplasmic transport. Crystal structures of the heterodimeric NECs from different herpesviruses provided important details of this viral nuclear membrane deformation and scission machinery but excluded the highly variable N terminus of the pUL31 component. We present here a detailed mutagenesis study of this important portion of pUL31 and show that basic amino acid residues within this domain play an essential role for proper targeting, complex formation, and function during nuclear egress, while phosphorylation modulates efficient release from the perinuclear space. Thus, our data complement previous structure-function assignments of the nucleocapsid-interacting component of the NEC.
Genes Activated by
Vibrio cholerae
upon Exposure to
Caenorhabditis elegans
Reveal the Mannose-Sensitive Hemagglutinin To Be Essential for Colonization
Authors: List Cornelia , Grutsch Andreas , Radler Claudia , Cakar Fatih , Zingl Franz G. , Schild-Prüfert Kristina , Schild Stefan 
Published: May 2018

The waterborne diarrheal disease cholera is caused by the bacterium
Vibrio cholerae
. The facultative human pathogen persists as a natural inhabitant in the aquatic ecosystem between outbreaks. In contrast to the human host,
V. cholerae
requires a different set of genes to survive in this hostile environment. For example, predatory micrograzers are commonly found in the aquatic environment and use bacteria as a nutrient source, but knowledge of the interaction between bacterivorous grazers and
V. cholerae
is limited. In this study, we successfully adapted a genetic reporter technology and identified more than 100 genes activated by
V. cholerae
upon exposure to the bacterium-grazing nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans
. This screen provides a first glimpse into responses and adaptational strategies of the bacterial pathogen against such natural predators. Subsequent phenotypic characterization revealed the mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin to be crucial for colonization of the worm, which causes developmental delay and growth retardation.
Development and validation of two clinical prediction models to inform clinical decision-making for lumbar spinal fusion surgery for degenerative disorders and rehabilitation following surgery: protocol for a prospective observational study
Authors: Rushton Alison B , Verra Martin L , Emms Andrew , Heneghan Nicola R , Falla Deborah , Reddington Michael , Cole Ashley A , Willems Paul , Benneker Lorin , Selvey David , Hutton Michael , Heymans Martijn W , Staal J Bart 
Published: May 2018

IntroductionPotential predictors of poor outcome will be measured at baseline: (1) preoperatively to develop a clinical prediction model to predict which patients are likely to have favourable outcome following lumbar spinal fusion surgery (LSFS) and (2) postoperatively to predict which patients are likely to have favourable long-term outcomes (to inform rehabilitation).Methods and analysisProspective observational study with a defined episode inception of the point of surgery. Electronic data will be collected through the British Spine Registry and will include patient-reported outcome measures (eg, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire) and data items (eg, smoking status). Consecutive patients (≥18 years) undergoing LSFS for back and/or leg pain of degenerative cause will be recruited. Exclusion criteria: LSFS for spinal fracture, inflammatory disease, malignancy, infection, deformity and revision surgery. 1000 participants will be recruited (n=600 prediction model development, n=400 internal validation derived model; planning 10 events per candidate prognostic factor). The outcome being predicted is an individual’s absolute risk of poor outcome (disability and pain) at 6 weeks (objective 1) and 12 months postsurgery (objective 2). Disability and pain will be measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and severity of pain in the previous week with a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS 0–10), respectively. Good outcome is defined as a change of 1.7 on the NRS for pain, and a change of 14.3 on the ODI. Both linear and logistic (to dichotomise outcome into low and high risk) multivariable regression models will be fitted and mean differences or ORs for each candidate predictive factor reported. Internal validation of the derived model will use a further set of British Spine Registry data. External validation will be geographical using two spinal registries in The Netherlands and Switzerland.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval (University of Birmingham ERN_17-0446A). Dissemination through peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
Ranking hospitals: do we gain reliability by using composite rather than individual indicators?
Authors: Hofstede Stefanie N , Ceyisakar Iris E , Lingsma Hester F , Kringos Dionne S , Marang-van de Mheen Perla J 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundDespite widespread use of quality indicators, it remains unclear to what extent they can reliably distinguish hospitals on true differences in performance. Rankability measures what part of variation in performance reflects ‘true’ hospital differences in outcomes versus random noise.ObjectiveThis study sought to assess whether combining data into composites or including data from multiple years improves the reliability of ranking quality indicators for hospital care.MethodsUsing the Dutch National Medical Registration (2007–2012) for stroke, colorectal carcinoma, heart failure, acute myocardial infarction and total hiparthroplasty (THA)/ total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in osteoarthritis (OA), we calculated the rankability for in-hospital mortality, 30-day acute readmission and prolonged length of stay (LOS) for single years and 3-year periods and for a dichotomous and ordinal composite measure in which mortality, readmission and prolonged LOS were combined. Rankability, defined as (between-hospital variation/between-hospital+within hospital variation)×100% is classified as low (<50%), moderate (50%–75%) and high (>75%).ResultsAdmissions from 555 053 patients treated in 95 hospitals were included. The rankability for mortality was generally low or moderate, varying from less than 1% for patients with OA undergoing THA/TKA in 2011 to 71% for stroke in 2010. Rankability for acute readmission was low, except for acute myocardial infarction in 2009 (51%) and 2012 (62%). Rankability for prolonged LOS was at least moderate. Combining multiple years improved rankability but still remained low in eight cases for both mortality and acute readmission. Combining the individual indicators into the dichotomous composite, all diagnoses had at least moderate rankability (range: 51%–96%). For the ordinal composite, only heart failure had low rankability (46% in 2008) (range: 46%–95%).ConclusionCombining multiple years or into multiple indicators results in more reliable ranking of hospitals, particularly compared with mortality and acute readmission in single years, thereby improving the ability to detect true hospital differences. The composite measures provide more information and more reliable rankings than combining multiple years of individual indicators.
Fabrication and characteristics of the high-sensitivity humidity sensor of anodic aluminum oxide based on silicon substrates
Authors: Lan Degao , Zhao Xiaofeng , Wang Fei , Ai Chunpeng , Wen Dianzhong , Zhang Hongquan 
Published: May 2018

The humidity sensor based on silicon substrate is presented in this paper, which consists of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) film and interdigitated electrodes. By using electro-chemical oxidizing technique, AAO film with high porosity is fabricated on the silicon substrate. Under optimal oxidization condition, pore diameter of 37–79 nm and depth about [Formula: see text]m is achieved. Interdigitated electrodes are fabricated on the top of AAO film by vacuum evaporation deposition method. The results show that the sensor has different nonlinear response in whole range of relative humidity (RH). Moreover, it has almost linear relationship between the capacitance and RH at high RH from 75% to 95%. The highest sensitivity is obtained 613 pF/%RH at 1 kHz, which is much higher than other frequencies.
Rational Poncelet
Authors: Los Johan , Mepschen Tiemar , Top Jaap 
Published: May 2018

We construct rational Poncelet configurations, which means finite sets of pairwise distinct [Formula: see text]-rational points [Formula: see text] in the plane such that all [Formula: see text] are on a fixed conic section defined over [Formula: see text], and moreover the lines [Formula: see text] are all tangent to some other fixed conic section defined over [Formula: see text]. This is done for [Formula: see text] in which case only [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are possible, and for certain real quadratic number fields [Formula: see text]; here moreover [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] occur, but no further new values of [Formula: see text]. In fact, for every pair [Formula: see text] presented here, we show that infinitely many such tuples [Formula: see text] exist. The construction uses elliptic curves [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text] such that the group [Formula: see text] is infinite and moreover contains a point of exact order [Formula: see text]. As an aside, a formulation of Mazur’s theorem/Ogg’s conjecture in terms of arbitrary genus one curves over the rational numbers (so not necessarily containing any rational point) is presented, since this occurs naturally in the context of Poncelet configurations.
Mapping the HLA Ligandome of Colorectal Cancer Reveals an Imprint of Malignant Cell Transformation
Authors: Löffler Markus W. , Kowalewski Daniel J. , Backert Linus , Bernhardt Jörg , Adam Patrick , Schuster Heiko , Dengler Florian , Backes Daniel , Kopp Hans-Georg , Beckert Stefan , Wagner Silvia , Königsrainer Ingmar , Kohlbacher Oliver , Kanz Lothar , Königsrainer Alfred , Rammensee Hans-Georg , Stevanović Stefan , Haen Sebastian P. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Immune cell infiltrates have proven highly relevant for colorectal carcinoma prognosis, making colorectal cancer a promising candidate for immunotherapy. Because tumors interact with the immune system via HLA-presented peptide ligands, exact knowledge of the peptidome constitution is fundamental for understanding this relationship. Here, we comprehensively describe the naturally presented HLA ligandome of colorectal carcinoma and corresponding nonmalignant colon (NMC) tissue. Mass spectrometry identified 35,367 and 28,132 HLA class I ligands on colorectal carcinoma and NMC, attributable to 7,684 and 6,312 distinct source proteins, respectively. Cancer-exclusive peptides were assessed on source protein level using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and protein analysis through evolutionary relationships (PANTHER), revealing pathognomonic colorectal carcinoma–associated pathways, including Wnt, TGFβ, PI3K, p53, and RTK-RAS. Relative quantitation of peptide presentation on paired colorectal carcinoma and NMC tissue further identified source proteins from cancer- and infection-associated pathways to be overrepresented merely within the colorectal carcinoma ligandome. From the pool of tumor-exclusive peptides, a selected HLA-ligand subset was assessed for immunogenicity, with the majority exhibiting an existing T-cell repertoire. Overall, these data show that the HLA ligandome reflects cancer-associated pathways implicated in colorectal carcinoma oncogenesis, suggesting that alterations in tumor cell metabolism could result in cancer-specific, albeit not mutation-derived, tumor antigens. Hence, a defined pool of unique tumor peptides, attributable to complex cellular alterations that are exclusive to malignant cells, might comprise promising candidates for immunotherapeutic applications.
Significance: Cancer-associated pathways are reflected in the antigenic landscape of colorectal cancer, suggesting that tumor-specific antigens do not necessarily have to be mutation-derived but may also originate from other alterations in cancer cells. Cancer Res; 78(16); 4627–41. ©2018 AACR.
The Classification of Rewritten Scripture: A Plea for Retaining the Emic Perspective
Authors: Tiňo Jozef 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe most recent discussions concerned with Rewritten Scripture compositions have been dominated by different views on whether or not it is plausible to subsume such texts within a single genre. While some scholars are convinced that we can only talk of a literary strategy, others hold that genre classification is applicable. Anders Klostergaard Petersen recently introduced the distinction between emic and etic perspectives into the debate, while denying plausibility of the former when Rewritten Scripture compositions are considered in terms of genre. The present article attempts to argue that the emic perspective can plausibly be applied in the case of Rewritten Scripture studies, representing a useful heuristic device.
Diagnostic accuracy of the Coopscore© to predict liver fibrosis in human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis B virus co-infection
Authors: Taibi Ludmia , Boyd Anders , Bosselut Nelly , Bottero Julie , Guéchot Jérôme , Lacombe Karine , Lasnier Elisabeth , Baudin Bruno , Vaubourdolle Michel 
Published: May 2018

Background Non-invasive methods for assessing liver fibrosis are increasingly used as an alternative to liver biopsy. Recently, a score-based biochemical blood test (Coopscore©) was developed in a cohort of patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus, showing higher diagnostic performances than Fibrometer®, Fibrotest®, Hepascore® and Fibroscan™. Here, we assess its performance in patients co-infected with the human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus. Methods Ninety-seven human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis B virus co-infected patients with liver biopsies were included from a previously described cohort. Histological fibrosis staging using METAVIR criteria was used as the reference. Coopscore©, Fibrotest®, Fibrometer®, Hepascore® and Zeng score were computed and compared with the Coopscore© using the Obuchowski index and area under the receiving operator characteristic curves. Results The distribution of liver fibrosis levels was as follows: F0–F1 ( n = 42), F2 ( n = 25), F3 ( n = 15) and F4 ( n = 15). The Obuchowski index was higher for Coopscore© (0.774) than Fibrometer® (0.668), Hepascore® (0.690) and Zeng scores (0.704) ( P < 0.05), reflecting a better ability to discriminate between fibrosis stages. Similarly, when predicting significant fibrosis (≥F2), the AUROC was significantly greater for the Coopscore© (0.836) than the Hepascore® (0.727) and Zeng scores (0.746), but not for the Fibrotest® (0.778, P = 0.14) or Fibrometer® (0.790, P = 0.19). The Coopscore© did not show a higher capacity than other scores to predict advanced fibrosis (≥F3) or cirrhosis (F4). Conclusions This study supports the diagnostic value of the Coospcore© in fibrosis staging among human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis B virus co-infected patients, especially to predict significant fibrosis.
Association of subcutaneous and visceral fat with circulating microRNAs in a middle-aged Japanese population
Authors: Munetsuna Eiji , Yamada Hiroya , Ando Yoshitaka , Yamazaki Mirai , Tsuboi Yoshiki , Kondo Mari , Mizuno Genki , Ishikawa Hiroaki , Sugimoto Keiko , Osakabe Keisuke , Ichino Naohiro , Ohashi Koji , Hamajima Nobuyuki , Suzuki Koji 
Published: May 2018

Purpose It has been demonstrated that circulating microRNA profiles are affected by physiological conditions. Several studies have demonstrated that microRNAs play important roles in the regulation of adiposity. However, few have investigated the relationship between circulating microRNAs and obesity, which has become a major public health problem worldwide. This study investigated the association between circulating microRNAs and obesity in a Japanese population. Methods Obesity parameters, such as subcutaneous and visceral fat adipose tissue, body fat percentage, and body mass index were assessed in a cross-sectional sample of 526 participants who attended health examinations in Yakumo, Japan. In addition, five circulating microRNAs (miR-20a, -21, -27a, -103a, and -320), which are involved in adipocyte proliferation and differentiation, were quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction amplification. Results We compared the circulating microRNA concentrations in a percentile greater than 75th (high) with below the value (low) of subcutaneous adipose tissue, visceral fat adipose tissue, body mass index, and per cent body fat. For visceral fat adipose tissue, significant decrease in miR-320 expression was observed in high group. Also, for body mass index, significant change of miR-20a, -27a, 103a, and 320 expression level was observed in high group. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that circulating levels of some microRNA such as miR-27a were significantly associated with subcutaneous adipose tissue, visceral fat adipose tissue, and body mass index. Conclusions Our findings support the need for further studies to determine whether such changes are consistent across different populations and whether the identified microRNAs may represent novel biomarkers to predict the susceptibility and progression of obesity-related disorders.
Need for information in a representative sample of outpatients with schizophrenia disorders
Authors: Andrade Mário César Rezende , Slade Mike , Bandeira Marina , Evans-Lacko Sara , Martin Denise , Andreoli Sérgio Baxter 
Published: May 2018

Background: Providing adequate information and involving patients in treatment have become an essential component of mental health care. Despite this, research regarding the extent to which this need has been met in clinical services is still scarce. Aims: To investigate the need for information about psychiatric condition and treatment among outpatients with schizophrenia disorders and how this need is associated with service use, adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Methods: Need for information about condition and treatment, using the corresponding domain in the Camberwell Assessment of Need (CAN), in a representative sample of 401 schizophrenia outpatients in Santos, Brazil was assessed. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to investigate the association of information as a reported need and as an unmet need with service use variables, adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Results: Need for information was reported by 214 (53.4%) patients, being met in 101 (25.2%) and unmet in 113 (28.2%). Hierarchical regression indicated a significant association of a reported need with higher age of onset, family monitoring medication use last year and lower education level, which was only associated with an unmet need. Conclusion: Information was a commonly reported need and which was often unmet, showing no significant association with service use. Greater attention should be given by mental health services to information provision.
Public officials’ liability: a case study on Poland
Authors: Chaba Dawid 
Published: May 2018

Performing the role of a public official entails the necessity of accepting a certain responsibility. This results from the fact that officials handle various tasks of great significance to both the state and its citizens. The duties should be carried out in a professional, upright and lawful manner. Otherwise, it is essential to hold public officials responsible and bring them to justice. This article will focus on the basic issues concerning one particular type of responsibility, which is a financial liability for a serious breach of the law. A particular emphasis will be put on the specification of the subjective and objective scope of the said responsibility. Points for practitioners The research provides public administration practitioners with a comprehensive understanding of issues related to the liability of administration employees for serious breaches of the law. Officials should be aware that the tasks they perform should be carried out thoroughly and in accordance with the law due to their significance to the state and citizens. Otherwise, it is necessary to hold officials accountable and liable. The article demonstrates how the regulations are practically implemented in the Polish legal system, whether officials are held liable and various relevant issues.
Adolescent fertility rates in a rural community in north-western Zambia: a retrospective study
Authors: Jere Mwansa 
Published: May 2018

Adolescent fertility rate is defined as the number of births per 1000 in women aged 15–19 years. These rates are highest in sub-Saharan Africa. National data from Zambia suggest the rate has declined from 179.6 in 1960 to 87.9 in 2015. A retrospective study was performed at Chitokoloki Mission Hospital using the hospital delivery registers during January 2008 to December 2015. In this period, 945 (20.81%) births were to adolescent mothers. As morbidity is significant in this vulnerable group, strategies to reduce pregnancy rates among these young girls is much-needed.