bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structure of human cytomegalovirus UL144, an HVEM orthologue, bound to the B and T cell Lymphocyte Attenuator
Authors: Bitra Aruna , Nemčovičová Ivana , Picarda Gaelle , Doukov Tzanko , Wang Jing , Benedict Chris A. , Zajonc Dirk M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractHuman cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a β-herpesvirus that has co-evolved with the host immune system to establish lifelong persistence. HCMV encodes many immune-modulatory molecules, including the glycoprotein UL144. UL144 is a structural mimic of the TNFRSF member HVEM, which binds to various ligands LIGHT, LTα, BTLA, CD160 and gD. However, in contrast to HVEM, UL144 selectively binds to only BTLA, inhibiting T cell activation. Here, we report the crystal structure of the UL144/BTLA complex, providing key insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying this virus-host protein interaction. Our structure reveals that UL144 utilizes residues from its N-terminal CRD1 to interact with BTLA in an orientation similar, but not exactly, to that of HVEM. The structural modifications at the CRD1 region of UL144 compared to HVEM have a significant impact on the fine-tuning of BTLA-binding. In addition, the N-terminal CRD2 loop of UL144 is shorter compared to the corresponding region of HVEM, altering the relative orientation of CRD2 with respect to CRD1. Employing structure-guided mutagenesis we have identified a mutant of BTLA (L123A) that interferes with binding to HVEM while preserving interaction towards UL144. Furthermore, our results illuminate structural differences between UL144 and HVEM that explain the inability of UL144 to bind to either LIGHT or CD160. In summary, the specific molecular differences that UL144 has evolved to exclusively target BTLA highlight it as a suitable scaffold for designing superior BTLA agonists that have high potential for potently inhibiting immune responses.ImportanceThe co-evolution of HCMV with its host over millions of years has allowed the virus to develop an efficient and specific immune modulatory protein, UL144, that binds exclusively to an immune inhibitory receptor BTLA. The crystal structure of the UL144/BTLA complex presented in this manuscript provides key insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the virus-host protein interaction. The structure guided mutagenesis revealed select structural hot spots of the UL144/BTLA interaction. The structural details of this viral protein that has evolved to target only BTLA helps in successful design of BTLA agonists to target various T and B cell mediated autoimmune diseases.
How often do Protein Genes Navigate Valleys of Low Fitness?
Authors: Nelson Erik D. , Grishin Nick V. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn order escape from local fitness peaks, a population must navigate across valleys of low fitness. How these transitions occur, and what role they play in adaptation, have been subjects of active interest in evolutionary genetics for almost a century. However, to our knowledge, this problem has never been addressed directly, by considering the evolution of a gene, or group of genes, as a whole, including the complex effects of fitness interactions among multiple loci. Here, we use a precise model of protein fitness to compute the probabilityP(s, Δt) that an allele, randomly sampled from a population at timet, has crossed a fitness valley of depthsduring an interval [t− Δt, t] in the immediate past. We study populations of model genes evolving under equilibrium conditions consistent with those in mammalian mitochondria. From this data, we estimate that genes encoding small protein motifs navigate fitness valleys of depth 2Ns≳ 30 with probabilityP≳ 0.1 on a time scale of human evolution, whereNis the (mitochondrial) effective population size. The results are consistent with recent findings for Watson–Crick switching in mammalian mitochondrial tRNA molecules.
EPS8 facilitates uncoating of influenza A virus
Authors: Larson Gloria P. , Tran Vy , Yú Shuǐqìng , Caì Yíngyún , Higgins Christina A. , Smith Danielle M. , Baker Steven F. , Radoshitzky Sheli R. , Kuhn Jens H. , Mehle Andrew 
Published: March 2019

SUMMARYAll viruses balance interactions between cellular machinery co-opted to support replication and host factors deployed to halt the infection. We used gene correlation analysis to perform an unbiased screen for host factors involved in influenza A virus (FLUAV) infection. Our screen identified the cellular factor epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate 8 (EPS8) as the highest confidence pro-viral candidate. Knockout and overexpression of EPS8 confirmed its importance in enhancing FLUAV infection and titers. Loss of EPS8 did not affect virion attachment, uptake, or fusion. Rather, our data show that EPS8 specifically functions during virion uncoating. EPS8 physically associated with incoming virion components, and subsequent nuclear import of released ribonucleoprotein complexes was significantly delayed in the absence of EPS8. Our study identified EPS8 as a host factor important for uncoating, a crucial step of FLUAV infection during which the interface between the virus and host is still being discovered.
Proteomic characterization of theMycobacterium marinum-containing vacuole inDictyostelium discoideum
Authors: Guého Aurélie , Bosmani Cristina , Nitschke Jahn , Soldati Thierry 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTMycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, is able to manipulate the phagosome compartment in which it resides in order to establish a permissive replicative compartment called theMycobacterium-containing vacuole (MCV).Mycobacterium marinum, a fish pathogen and a close relative of the tuberculosis group, is able to infect the free-living amoeba and professional phagocyteDictyostelium discoideumand to manipulate its phagosome maturation. By using this host-pathogen model system, we have established an innovative process to isolate MCVs. This procedure allowed us to isolate theM. marinum-MCV at 1, 3 and 6 hours post infection to study the earlyM. marinum-MCV proteome. By using isobaric labelling and mass spectrometry, we quantitatively compared the proteomic composition of those MCVs isolated at different stages of the early infection phase to understand howM. marinumimpacts on this compartment to divert it from the normal phagosomal pathway. Furthermore, we also compared the manipulated compartmentM. marinum-MCV to non- or less manipulated compartments containing different mycobacteria strains: the non-pathogenicM. smegmatis, the avirulentM. marinum-L1D or the attenuatedM. marinum-RD1.
Regulation of cAMP accumulation and activity by distinct phosphodiesterase subtypes in INS-1 cells and human pancreatic β-cells
Authors: Pratt Evan P.S. , Harvey Kyle E. , Salyer Amy E. , Tang Shiqi , Hockerman Gregory H. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPancreatic β-cells express multiple phosphodiesterase (PDE) subtypes, but the specific roles for each in β-cell function, particularly in humans, is not clear. We evaluated the cellular role of PDE1, PDE3, and PDE4 activity in the rat insulinoma cell line INS-1 and in primary human β-cells using subtype-selective PDE inhibitors. Using a genetically encoded, FRET-based cAMP sensor, we found that the PDE1 inhibitor 8MM-IBMX and the PDE4 inhibitor rolipram elevated cAMP levels above baseline in the absence and presence of 18 mM glucose in INS-1 cells. Inhibition of PDE1 or PDE4 potentiated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in INS-1 cells. In contrast, the inhibition of PDE3 with cilostamide had little effect on cAMP levels or glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. PDE1 inhibition, but not PDE3 of PDE4 inhibition, reduced palmitate-induced caspase-3/7 activation, and enhanced CREB phosphorylation in INS-1 cells. In human β-cells, only PDE3 or PDE4 inhibition increased cAMP levels in 1.7 mM glucose, but PDE1, PDE3, or PDE4 inhibition potentiated cAMP levels in 16.7 mM glucose. Inhibition of PDE1 or PDE4 increased cAMP levels to a greater extent in 16.7 mM glucose than in 1.7 mM glucose in human β-cells. In contrast, elevation of cAMP levels by PDE3 inhibition was not different at these glucose concentrations. PDE1 inhibition also potentiated insulin secretion from human islets, suggesting that the role of PDE1 may be conserved between INS-1 cells and human pancreatic β-cells. Our results suggest that inhibition of PDE1 may be a useful strategy to potentiate glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, and to protect β-cells from the toxic effects of excess fatty acids.
An analysis of academic librarians competencies and skills for implementation of Big Data analytics in libraries
Authors: Ahmad Khurshid , JianMing Zheng , Rafi Muhammad 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the views and capabilities of librarians for the implementation of Big Data analytics in academic libraries of Pakistan. The study also sets out to check the relationship between the required skills of librarians and the application of Big Data analytics.

Design/methodology/approach
A survey was conducted to gather the required data from the targeted audience. The targeted population of the study was Head/In charge library managers of Pakistani university libraries, which were 173 in total. All the respondents (academic librarians) were invited through an e-mail to respond to the survey voluntarily. Out of 173 respondents from higher education commission of Pakistan chartered university libraries, 118 librarians (68.2 percent) completed the survey that was finally considered, and after checking data, recommendation for analysis was made. To analyze the collected data, statistical technique Pearson correlation was applied using statistical package for social science version 25 to know the strength of the mutual correlation of variables.

Findings
The findings of the study show a strong correlation between the required competencies and skills of librarians for the implementation of Big Data analytics in academic libraries. In all variables of the study, the correlation was highly significant, except two of the variables, including “concept of Big Data” and “different forms of data.” The study also reveals that most of the respondents were well aware of the concept of Big Data analytics. Moreover, they were using a large amount of data to carry out various library operations, including the acquisition, preservation, curation and analysis of data.

Originality/value
This study is significant in the sense that it fills a substantial gap in the literature regarding the perspective of librarians on Big Data analytics.
Vulnerability analysis of building structures to floods
Authors: Kikwasi Geraldine , Mbuya Elinorata 
Published: March 2019

PurposeThere is evidence of increasing urban floods being aftermath of climate change. The purpose of this paper is to present findings-related analysis of vulnerability of building structures in informal settlements to floods and associated coping strategies.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a case study strategy, supported by field surveys and laboratory experiments. The informal settlement taken as case study is Sunna sub-ward. Field surveys involved interviews, questionnaires and observations and tests were conducted to determine the strength of walls, blocks and mortar.FindingsThe findings reveal that vulnerability of building structures to floods are due to poor quality of materials used in construction of houses which are influenced by income levels, location (lower areas of Sunna sub-ward) and inadequate storm water drainage system. Moreover, socio-economic vulnerabilities do exist in the settlements and are related to lack of peace of mind, outbreak of disease and expenses related to repairing of flood affected houses. Coping strategies used in the sub-ward for built structures are building barrier walls at the front door of the house and use multiple strategies which are supported by reactive and recovery strategies.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study were mostly affected by limited knowledge of respondents on construction materials and processes.Practical implicationsFindings of the paper provide an insight on the effects of climate change on building structures in informal settlements and coping strategies in place to protect buildings. The outputs can be used for any other informal settlement in Dar es Salaam the only limitation is the terrain.Originality/valueThe paper recommends use of quality building materials and technicians/artisans, improvement of surface water drainage and training of residents on the effects of climate change and variability. In addition, promising coping strategies should be adopted while those under-performing should be discouraged as they increase the cost burden among the urban poor.
Infrastructure and economic development in developing economies
Authors: Luu Hiep Ngoc , Nguyen Ngoc Minh , Ho Hai Hong , Tien Dao Ngoc 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the impact of infrastructure on economic development in developing economies.

Design/methodology/approach
A panel data analysis approach is utilised to evaluate the influence of various types of infrastructure on economic development in Vietnam over the period 2003–2013. Specifically, this study uses spatial night-light data taken from NASA’s satellite as an alternative proxy for economic development.

Findings
The analyses indicate that infrastructure enhancement consistently exerts a positive effect on the economy. Upon further investigations of the channels through which infrastructure could affect economic development, the empirical results reveal, in addition, that the developmental impact of infrastructure tends to be stronger if more rigorous government supervision and oversight of the construction and delivery of infrastructure projects are in place to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the private sector’s investment in infrastructure facilities. Finally, the interaction of infrastructure with human capital appears to exert an especially important influence upon economic development.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the debate over whether infrastructure has a real developmental effect in developing countries. Some important policy implications are then drawn from the empirical analysis. As a result, this paper will be of value to other researchers, economists, business leaders and policy-makers attempting to understand the economic benefit of infrastructure development.
Experimental investigation of tribological effect on vegetable oil with CuO nanoparticles and ZDDP additives
Authors: Kumar Gitesh , Garg Hem Chander , Gijawara Ajay 
Published: March 2019

PurposeThis paper aims to report the friction and wear characteristics of refined soybean oil (RSBO) blended with copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles and zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) as additives.Design/methodology/approachFour different concentrations 0.04, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 Wt.% of CuO nanoparticles were added with ZDDP in RSBO. The friction and wear characteristics of lubricants have been investigated on a pin-on-disc tribotester under loads of 120 and 180 N, with rotating speeds of 1,200 and 1,500 rpm in half hour of operating time. The dispersion stability of CuO nanoparticles has been analyzed using ultraviolet visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. The wearout surface of pins has been examined by using a scanning electron microscope.FindingsThe results revealed that there is a reduction in the friction and wear by the addition of CuO nanoparticles and ZDDP in RSBO. Coefficient of friction increases at a high sliding speed for RSBO with ZDDP. From UV-Vis spectroscopy, it is observed that 100 ml of oleic acid surfactant per gram of CuO nanoparticles has stable dispersion in RSBO.Originality/valueThe addition of ZDDP and CuO nanoparticles in RSBO is more efficient to reduce the friction and wear in comparison to base oil. The optimum concentration of CuO nanoparticles in RSBO is 0.05 Wt.%.
Biodegradation behavior and tribological properties of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene stabilized with α-tocopherol
Authors: Kang Xueqin , Yao Chi , Ge Shirong 
Published: March 2019

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the effect of simulated body fluid (SBF) on biodegradation and tribological properties of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and UHMWPE stabilized with α-tocopherol.Design/methodology/approachThe samples of UHMWPE and UHMWPE stabilized with α-tocopherol were prepared by a hot-pressing method, and then immersed in SBF for one year. Tribological test was performed on a UMT-2 tribometer.FindingsThe crystallinity and tribological properties increased slightly after UHMWPE stabilized with α-tocopherol, whereas the O/C ration decreased slightly. The crystallinity and O/C ratio increased after all samples immersed in SBF for one year. This resulted in the deterioration of tribological properties and the wear mechanism change. The tribological properties change was smaller in UHMWPE stabilized with α-tocopherol than that in UHMWPE, because the oxidation resistance of UHMWPE was increased by α-tocopherol.Originality/valueThe results of the experimental studies demonstrated and compared the biodegradation behavior and tribological properties of UHMWPE, UHMWPE stabilized with α-tocopherol, and after they immersed in SBF for one year.
The transactional asset pricing approach
Authors: Michaletz Vladimir , Artemenkov Andrey I. 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology based on the transactional asset pricing approach (TAPA) and to illustrate the application of TAPA within the context of professional property valuation.

Design/methodology/approach
The TAPA is a novel analytical valuation methodology recasting the traditional derivations of the income approach techniques, including DCF, from a transactional perspective based on the principle of inter-temporal transactional equity, instead of the conventional investor-specific view originating from I. Fisher (1907, 1930).

Findings
The authors present DCF analysis as a specific case of a more general TAPA approach to valuation under the income method. This also leads to novel analytical derivations of the Direct income capitalization, Gordon, Inwood, Hoskold and Ring models. Based on the TAPA framework, the authors also research the value-enhancing effects of benchmark market volatility on the subject property value and conclude that such effects can be statistically significant depending on the DCF analysis period.

Research limitations/implications
The research has a direct bearing on time-variable discount rate forecasting capabilities, as it uses a time-variant structure for the discount rates.

Practical implications
Using the US Case-Shiller and BLS rental indices as a valuation benchmark, the paper contains an example of applying the general TAPA framework to value a notional property under a TAPA’s DCF version. Such property valuations can be easily replicated in practice – especially in the context of equitable/fair value determination under the International Valuation Standards Council valuation standards.

Social implications
TAPA is a deductive principles-based theory of asset valuation especially fit for the transactional and illiquid asset valuation contexts – thus enabling a more efficient pricing for such assets in a sense of reflecting the transactional interests of the parties more closely than achievable under the conventional valuation methods.

Originality/value
TAPA is an original filiation of research with roots going as far back as Aristotelian Catallactics. It contains analytical formalizations of certain transactional equity principles.
Nostalgic advertising: managing ambivalence to make it work
Authors: Srivastava Ekta , Maheswarappa Satish S. , Sivakumaran Bharadhwaj 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the affective outcome of ambivalent nostalgia through use of executional variables, develop a framework linking nostalgia (through affect) and consumers’ cognitive processing, and explain the relationship of nostalgia with self-brand connection (SBC) and willingness to pay a premium (WTPP) through a mediator, cognitive processing.

Design/methodology/approach
This research is based on two experiments. In study 1, students were shown a nostalgic ad paired with a vignette to manipulate “past–present contrast.” In study 2, positive and negative moods were induced and an informative nostalgic ad was shown to measure processing styles and SBC and WTPP; this was followed by mediation analysis.

Findings
The findings are as follows: first, “Past–present contrast” can reduce the negative affect in nostalgia, making it less ambivalent; second, positive (negative) affect leads to top-down (bottom-up) processing; third, SBC and WTPP are higher when top-down processing is used; and, fourth, processing style is a mediator between affect and SBC/WTPP.

Practical implications
Managers may use the “good past, good present” scenario to mitigate negative affect in nostalgia. Nostalgic ads may be used by brands that want consumers to pay a price premium, have a strong SBC and when they want consumers to use top-down processing.

Originality/value
This paper demonstrates how to reduce ambivalence and associate brands with positive affect in nostalgia, and gain SBC and WTPP; the mediating role of cognitive processing in the relationship of nostalgia with SBC and WTPP is delineated.
Racial hair: the persistence and resistance of a category
Authors: Tarlo Emma 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis article analyses how hair and race are entangled both within anthropology and in the commercial world of the billion‐dollar global market for human hair. Focusing in particular on detached hair, it explores the recurring dynamic through which hair is racialized, on the one hand, and resists racialization, on the other. This process is traced in three interrelated contexts, the roots of which are embedded in historical conditions of domination and oppression. The first is that of nineteenth‐ and early twentieth‐century physical anthropology, when hair was thought to provide a key to racial distinctions. The second refers to contemporary black hair cultures in which hair is racialized both in the marketplace, where it is advertised through ethnic signifiers, and in the natural hair movement, which relies on ideas of authenticity based on biological differences. The third context is that of factories in China, where items such as ‘Brazilian’ hair extensions and ‘Afro’ wigs are physically manufactured through combinations of hair and labour that confound ethnic, racial, and national boundaries. By shifting attention to the materiality of hair, the article highlights the enduring materiality of race, exposing its shape‐shifting qualities and persistent ideologies and providing a unique angle onto the dynamics of nature‐culture articulations.