bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preferential Packing of Acidic Glycosidases and Proteases into
Bacteroides
Outer Membrane Vesicles
Authors: Elhenawy Wael , Debelyy Mykhaylo O. , Feldman Mario F. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Outer membrane vesicles (OMV) are spherical membranous structures released from the outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria. OMV have been proposed to play several different roles during both pathogenesis and symbiosis. Despite the fact that OMV were described several decades ago, their biogenesis is a poorly characterized process. Whether OMV are produced by an active mechanism or by passive disintegration of the OM is a still matter of controversy.
Bacteroides fragilis
and
Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron
are important members of the human microbiota. In this work, we determined and compared the protein compositions of OM and OMV from
B. fragilis
and
B. thetaiotaomicron
. SDS-PAGE analysis of both fractions revealed dramatically different protein profiles. Proteomic analysis of OM and OMV in
B. fragilis
identified more than 40 proteins found exclusively in OMV and more than 30 proteins detectable only in the OM. The OMV-specific proteome showed a high prevalence of glycosidases and proteases, some of which were shown to be active
in vitro
. Similar results were obtained for
B. thetaiotaomicron
. Most of the OMV-exclusive proteins were acidic. Based on these results, we propose that these species possess machinery devoted to selectively pack acidic proteins into the OMV. These OMV equipped with hydrolytic enzymes could help in securing nutrients for the benefit of the whole bacterial community present in the microbiota, uncovering a novel function for bacterial OMV.

IMPORTANCE
The members of genus
Bacteroides
are key players in the symbiosis between the human host and the gut microbiota. It is known for its ability to degrade a wide variety of glycans that are not substrates for human glycosidases. The cleaved glycans can be utilized by
Bacteroides
and other microbiota members, resulting in the production of short-chain fatty acids that are beneficial for the host. Although members of the genus
Bacteroides
are known to secrete different hydrolases, their secretion pathways remain uncharacterized. In this article, we show that
B. fragilis
and
B. thetaiotaomicron
preferentially pack a large number of hydrolases in outer membrane vesicles (OMV). Most of these hydrolases are acidic and were detected exclusively in OMV. This suggests the presence of a molecular mechanism in
Bacteroides
responsible for the selection of OMV proteins based on their charge. We propose that OMV contribute to the establishment and balance of the gut microbiota.
Public hospital quality report awareness: evidence from National and Californian Internet searches and social media mentions, 2012
Authors: Huesch Marco D , Currid-Halkett Elizabeth , Doctor Jason N 
Published: March 2014

ObjectivesPublicly available hospital quality reports seek to inform consumers of important healthcare quality and affordability attributes, and may inform consumer decision-making. To understand how much consumers search for such information online on one Internet search engine, whether they mention such information in social media and how positively they view this information.Setting and designA leading Internet search engine (Google) was the main focus of the study. Google Trends and Google Adwords keyword analyses were performed for national and Californian searches between 1 August 2012 and 31 July 2013 for keywords related to ‘top hospital’, best hospital’, and ‘hospital quality’, as well as for six specific hospital quality reports. Separately, a proprietary social media monitoring tool was used to investigate blog, forum, social media and traditional media mentions of, and sentiment towards, major public reports of hospital quality in California in 2012.Primary outcome measures(1) Counts of searches for keywords performed on Google; (2) counts of and (3) sentiment of mentions of public reports on social media.ResultsNational Google search volume for 75 hospital quality-related terms averaged 610 700 searches per month with strong variation by keyword and by state. A commercial report (Healthgrades) was more commonly searched for nationally on Google than the federal government's Hospital Compare, which otherwise dominated quality-related search terms. Social media references in California to quality reports were generally few, and commercially produced hospital quality reports were more widely mentioned than state (Office of Statewide Healthcare Planning and Development (OSHPD)), or non-profit (CalHospitalCompare) reports.ConclusionsConsumers are somewhat aware of hospital quality based on Internet search activity and social media disclosures. Public stakeholders may be able to broaden their quality dissemination initiatives by advertising on Google or Twitter and using social media interactively with consumers looking for relevant information.
Randomised Evaluation of modified Valsalva Effectiveness in Re-entrant Tachycardias (REVERT) study
Authors: Appelboam Andrew , Reuben Adam , Mann Clifford , Lobban Trudie , Ewings Paul , Benger Jonathan , Vickery Jane , Barton Andrew , Gagg James 
Published: March 2014

IntroductionThe Valsalva manoeuvre (VM) is a recommended first-line physical treatment for patients with re-entrant supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), but is often ineffective in standard practice. A failed VM is typically followed by treatment with intravenous adenosine, which patients often find unpleasant. VM effectiveness might be improved by a modification to posture which exaggerates the manoeuvre's vagal response and reduces the need for further emergency treatment.Methods and analysisThis is a multicentre randomised controlled clinical trial in 10 UK emergency departments (EDs). It compares a standard VM with a modified VM incorporating leg elevation and a supine posture after a standardised strain in stable adult patients presenting to the ED with SVT. The primary outcome measure is return to sinus rhythm on a 12-lead ECG. Secondary outcome measures include the need for treatment with adenosine or other antiarrhythmic treatments and the time patients spend in the ED. We plan to recruit approximately 372 patients, with 80% power to demonstrate an absolute improvement in cardioversion rate of 12%. An improvement of this magnitude through the use of a modified VM would be of significant benefit to patients and healthcare providers, and justify a change to standard practice.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by the South West—Exeter Research Ethics Committee (REC reference 12/SW/0281). The trial will be published in an international peer reviewed journal. Study findings will be sent to the European and International resuscitation councils to inform future revisions of arrhythmia management guidelines.ResultsThe trial will also be disseminated at international conferences and to patients through the Arrhythmia Alliance, a patient support charity.RegistrationThe study is registered with Current Controlled Trials (ISRCTN67937027) and has been adopted by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network.
External quality assessment: best practice
Authors: James David , Ames Darren , Lopez Berenice , Still Rachel , Simpson Wiliam , Twomey Patrick 
Published: March 2014

There is a requirement for accredited laboratories to participate in external quality assessment (EQA) schemes, but there is wide variation in understanding as to what is required by the laboratories and scheme providers in fulfilling this. This is not helped by a diversity of language used in connection with EQA; Proficiency testing (PT), EQA schemes, and EQA programmes, each of which have different meanings and offerings in the context of improving laboratory quality.We examine these differences, and identify what factors are important in supporting quality within a clinical laboratory and what should influence the choice of EQA programme. Equally as important is how EQA samples are handled within the laboratory, and how the information provided by the EQA programme is used.EQA programmes are a key element of a laboratory's quality assurance framework, but laboratories should have an understanding of what their EQA programmes are capable of demonstrating, how they should be used within the laboratory, and how they support quality. EQA providers should be clear as to what type of programme they provide – PT, EQA Scheme or EQA Programme.
The strike-fed sandy coast of Southern Brazil
Authors: Dillenburg Sergio R. , Barboza Eduardo G. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The Holocene barrier along the southern Brazilian coast is most likely the most continuous barrier structure in the world. This coast is characterized by a Holocene barrier extending for 760 km, interrupted by only six discontinuities, which are associated with narrow lagoonal inlets and river mouths. This coast is marked by a huge availability of sand, a gently sloping continental shelf, and incident waves of moderate to high energy. Together, these factors constitute ideal conditions for the formation of coastal barriers. During periods of low sea-levels, the continental shelf in front of the La Plata estuary was fed by immature fluvial sands delivered by the Paraná River, which were transported to the southern Brazilian coast by a predominantly northward littoral drift. Based on forecasts of sea-level rise, it will take decades or centuries for change to occur in the progradation of the regressive barriers along the coastal embayments. During the last centuries and millennia (Middle to Late Holocene), the evolution of this coast has been controlled by the variations in wave energy along the coast.
Plagiogranites from the mantle section of the Oman Ophiolite: models for early crustal evolution
Authors: Rollinson Hugh 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Plagiogranites intrusive into the harzburgites of the mantle section of the Oman Ophiolite are compositionally distinct from plagiogranites in the crustal section of the ophiolite and are relatively enriched in MgO, Cr and Ni and in the incompatible trace elements K, Th, U, Ta, La and Ce. These geochemical features are used to explain the origin of the plagiogranites and it is suggested that they are the product of three-component mixing between melts from mafic, crustal and mantle sources. There is geochemical evidence to show that the plagiogranites interacted with their mantle host, although the geochemical signature of this interaction appears to be different from that produced during two-component mixing between a slab melt and the mantle wedge. This mantle interaction makes the Oman mantle plagiogranites a helpful analogue for understanding the extent to which Archaean tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTGs) interacted with the mantle during their genesis. However, it is shown that the high Mg# in Archaean TTGs may be masked by later hornblende fractionation, obscuring the originally high Mg# of parental TTG magmas and reopening the possibility that Archaean TTGs might be slab melts.
Late Cretaceous Conglomerates of the Qahlah Formation, north Oman
Authors: Abbasi Iftikhar A. , Salad Hersi O. , Al-Harthy A. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Conglomerate sequences over 700 m thick were deposited subsequent to ophiolite emplacement during Late Cretaceous time in north Oman. The conglomerates were deposited by streams draining the allochthonous ophiolite and Hawasina complex after their obduction onto autochthonous Mesozoic and older Oman shelf sequences and subsequent uplift. The conglomerates belong to the Qahlah Formation of Late Cretaceous age, which is sandwiched between the Semail Ophiolite/Hawasina complex and Maastrichtian–Palaeogene carbonate rocks. The siliciclastics of the Qahlah Formation are the first sediments deposited over the obducted oceanic crust sequence of ophiolite and Hawasina lithologies. In five locations studied in north Oman, the thickness of the formation varies from 140 m to over 700 m and comprises interbedded conglomerate, sandstone and siltstone. The sediments were deposited in isolated segmented depressions each characterized by its source terrain depending on lithologies exposed in the source area. Lithofacies associations, clast sorting and grain roundness suggest deposition in stream-dominated alluvial fans. Clasts in the conglomerates range from subangular to subrounded pebbles to boulders with both grain and matrix (sandstone) support. Cross-bedded fining-upwards sequences in channelized conglomerate and sandstone suggest deposition by high-energy flows in the proximal to distal reaches of alluvial fans. High proportions of chert and ophiolite fragments in the conglomerates suggest rapid erosion of obducted oceanic crust. The presence of
Loftusia
-bearing carbonate beds and bivalve-bearing conglomerate beds in different sections indicates occasional interruption of alluvial deposition by marine transgressions.
Petroleum systems in the Middle East
Authors: Alsharhan A. S. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Since the start of the twentieth century more than 550 commercially significant oil and gas fields have been discovered in the Middle East. Most of the fields have more than one pay zone and produce from shallow-water carbonates and clastics that range in age from Infracambrian to Oligo-Miocene. A providential juxtaposition of source-reservoir-seal, migration history and trapping mechanism has lead to the entrapment of hydrocarbons throughout the Phanerozoic strata of the Middle East. Each occurrence shares some characteristics but each also has unique features. The geographic occurrence of hydrocarbons in the region reflects the original facies variations across the depositional shelf and basin and the tectonic history of basement faults and halokinetic activity. The evaluation and integration of these critical variables, together with an appreciation of the maturation, migration history and trapping mechanisms, drives the search for new fields. The continued discovery of new fields proves that the region has not yielded all its treasure and stimulates future exploration. Although evidence for orogenic deformation is lacking in the Middle East, epeirogenic warping is common. The latter is attributed to the reactivation of basement faults, and evaporite structures and flow at depth. A prominent sedimentary and erosional break, locally marked by eroded Hercynian unconformities, followed an important Late Palaeozoic epeirogenic uplift. Similarly, Mesozoic sedimentary fill is broken by a major change in tectonic and depositional regimes, and numerous unconformities thought to be primarily controlled by high-frequency fluctuations in eustatic sea level and a low uniform rate of tectonic movement. Late Cretaceous and Tertiary events followed the collision and partial subduction of the east and southeastern margin of the Arabian Plate and involved vertical epeirogenic uplift of the resulting folded and thrusted gravity features. Vast areas of the Middle East Basin have yet to be extensively drilled. Although the long-lived stability of the shelf has influenced the development of the giant oil pools, and to some extent reduced the potential for stratigraphic traps, it has not eliminated the potential for smaller structures and the exploration for new oil and gas reserves. Future exploration is expected to focus on the discovery of smaller structures and subtle traps revealed by analysis of existing geological data and special seismic processing. Exploration will involve extensive regional and local geological–sedimentological studies, 3D or 4D seismic surveys and drilling progrmmes, and proposed better petroleum system model(s) for each basin (or sub-basin).
North Oman fault geometries in outcrops, analogues and subsurface
Authors: Richard Pascal , Bazalgette Loic , Al-Kindi Mohammed 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
North Oman offers a rare opportunity for making outcrop observations of faults developed in carbonate formations that are also producing reservoirs in the subsurface. It is possible to look in great detail at fault geometries and associated fault damage zones, both in map view and cross-sections. These observations allow the establishment of geometrical concepts and rules to be established that allow the interpretation of seismic faults and the building of coherent static models. This paper highlights how the combination of the input from outcrops, a database of sandbox analogue models and high quality seismic data enables the development of conceptual geometrical models of faults. These conceptual geometrical models support interpretation and modelling strategies and workflows for the construction of geo-cellular models. In the first part of this paper, the challenge faced by the geo-modeller is described. A description of the vertical segmentation of faults in cross-section is provided. A summary of these observations is sketched as a series of 3D block diagrams. Finally, the mechanisms of fault initiation and growth through time reviewed to highlight the particular 3D segmented nature of faults in carbonate.
Pn
-velocity structure beneath Arabia–Eurasia Zagros collision and Makran subduction zones
Authors: Al-Lazki Ali I. , Al-Damegh Khaled S. , El-Hadidy Salah Y. , Ghods Abdolreza , Tatar Mohammad 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

We use
Pn
-tomography to map lithospheric mantle velocity and anisotropy at the Arabia–Eurasia plate boundary, namely Makran and Zagros. We use catalogue events recorded by Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Iran networks, the International Seismological Centre and the National Earthquake Information Center. Events of 1.8–16 degree distances were used for this
Pn
-tomography. In this study we show that the northeastern Arabia plate is characterized by cold and stable lithospheric mantle. Contrastingly, Eurasia is underlain by hot unstable lithospheric mantle. The Arabia–Eurasia lithospheric suture follows the Zagros collision surface suture within
c.
70 km lateral proximity. At the southernmost Zagros collision, the Arabia lithosphere is inferred to extend further NE beneath Lut Block. This may be indicative of extended subduction of Arabia beneath Eurasia in southernmost Zagros. We find that eastern Makran shows typical subduction characteristics, with inferred oceanic lithosphere underlying the eastern Oman Sea and hot unstable lithospheric mantle below overriding Helmand Block. Contrastingly, the western Makran subduction zone including Arabia and Eurasia continental sides is underlain by a low-
Pn
-velocity anomaly, indicative of hot unstable lithospheric mantle. Surface evidence show that western, southern and eastern boundaries of western Makran low-
Pn
-velocity anomaly may represent a Late Neogene reactivated Precambrian terrane boundary in north Oman.
Structure of the northern Oman Mountains from the Semail Ophiolite to the Foreland Basin
Authors: Cooper D. J. W. , Ali M. Y. , Searle M. P. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The northern Oman Mountains record the Late Cretaceous emplacement of the Semail Ophiolite and associated subduction trench and deeper-water sediments into a foredeep on the downwarped Arabian continental margin. In-sequence piggy-back thrusting was modified by later thrust sheets of Permian–Mesozoic continental slope sediments that breached the overlying allochthonous stack. Sections through these culminations show asymmetries linked to deep-seated faults perpendicular to the margin edge which created offsets (promontories) that influenced detachment. Seismic profiles across the foredeep indicate an unconformity at the top of the Mesozoic carbonate platform, the product of early flexural uplift, onlapped by sediments. A second onlap phase is linked with rapid subsidence during final emplacement of the allochthon. Passive margin conditions resumed during Maastrichtian time, conformable along the axis of the foredeep. A Paleocene–Eocene (Pabdeh) foredeep was initiated in the northern mountains, recorded on seismic profiles with another onlapping sequence. Subsidence and infill persisted into the Oligocene when compression, linked with the Zagros collision, resulted in uplift and en echelon folding, probably due to the reactivation of deep-seated faults. Post-Miocene erosion of one culmination exposed the cap of a gypsum/anhydrite intrusion. The origin remains uncertain, but derivation from the Neoproterozoic to Cambrian Ara Group salt is preferred.
Mode of Delivery and Risk of Childhood Leukemia
Authors: Francis Stephen Starko , Selvin Steve , Metayer Catherine , Wallace Amelia D. , Crouse Vonda , Moore Theodore B. , Wiemels Joseph L. , Buffler Patricia A. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Background: Childhood infection and immune response have long been suspected in the etiology of childhood leukemia, specifically acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Normal primary inoculation of the core human microbiome is circumvented by cesarean section (CS) delivery, which is a proposed modulator of both immune response and early-life infection.
Methods: In this study, we examined CS delivery and the risk of childhood leukemia using data from the California Childhood Leukemia Study (CCLS) case–control study and additive logistic regression models.
Results: We observed no association between CS and acute myelogenous leukemia [OR, 0.96; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.52–1.55]. We observed a suggestive association for ALL and CS (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.97–1.54). When examining common ALL (cALL), defined as ALL with expression of CD10 and CD19 surface antigens and diagnosis occurring between 2 and 5.9 years of age, we found a significant association with CS (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.0–2.06). ALL subjects that are not cALL showed a similar risk as ALL overall (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.91–1.44). Because of previous findings suggesting effect modification, we stratified cALL subjects by Hispanic status. Although we observed no relationship for CS in non-Hispanics (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.72–1.79), we did observe a strong association between cALL and CS in Hispanics (OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.23–4.46).
Conclusion: Within the CCLS, CS delivery seems to be associated with cALL and Hispanic subjects may be driving the association.
Impact: Further research combined with investigations into response to early infection and the microbiome is warranted. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(5); 876–81. ©2014 AACR.
ERβ Regulates NSCLC Phenotypes by Controlling Oncogenic RAS Signaling
Authors: Nikolos Fotis , Thomas Christoforos , Rajapaksa Gayani , Bado Igor , Gustafsson Jan-Åke 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In addition to the aberrant growth factor signaling, dysregulation of other pathways, such as those mediated by estrogens and their receptors, has been linked to NSCLC initiation and progression. Although the expression of wild-type estrogen receptor β (ERβ1) has been associated with prolonged disease-free survival in patients with NSCLC, the molecular mechanism that accounts for this correlation is unknown. Here, upregulation of ERβ1 reduced proliferation and enhanced apoptosis in the context of mutant RAS. ERβ1 was found to induce apoptosis by stimulating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway that involves BIM, a Bcl-2 proapoptotic family member that is regulated by the extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK). Downregulation of EGFR and inactivation of RAS and the downstream components ERK1/2 were found to be involved in the ERβ1-induced apoptosis. Manipulation of EGFR and RAS expression and activity in ERβ1-expressing cells revealed the central role of oncogenic RAS inhibition in the ERβ1-mediated proapoptotic phenotype and EGFR regulation. These results demonstrate that ERβ1 decreases the survival of NSCLC cells by regulating oncogenic RAS signaling.
Implications: The ability of ERβ1 to regulate the oncogenic functions of RAS suggests its importance in the biology of NSCLC and its clinical management. Mol Cancer Res; 12(6); 843–54. ©2014 AACR.