bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of quality corporate governance in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Waweru Nelson
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to examine the factors influencing the quality of corporate governance in South Africa (SA) and Kenya. Firm-level variables including performance, firm size, leverage, investment opportunities and audit quality were identified from the corporate governance literature.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study used panel data of 247-firm years obtained from the annual reports of the 50 largest companies listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE) of SA and 234-firm years obtained from the 49 companies listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE). The author then used content analysis to extract the study variables from the annual reports and multiple regression analysis to determine their relationship.

Findings

– The study found audit quality and firm performance as the main factors influencing the quality of corporate governance in Kenya and SA. There are also differences in the quality of corporate governance between the two countries.

Research limitations/implications

– First the study sample consists of the 50 largest firms listed in the JSE of SA and another 49 companies listed in the NSE of Kenya. Since these are large companies, the results may not be generalized to other smaller firms operating in both SA and Kenya. Second, this study is constrained to SA and Kenya. Firms in other developing countries may differ from their SA and Kenyan counterparts.

Originality/value

– The results of this study are important to the King Committee and other corporate governance regulators in Sub-Saharan Africa, in their effort to improve corporate governance practices, minimize corporate failure and protect the well-being of the minority shareholders. Furthermore, the study contributes to the understanding of the variables affecting the quality of corporate governance in developing economies of Africa.
The regulation of statutory auditing: an institutional theory approach
Authors: Baker C. Richard , Bédard Jean , Prat dit Hauret Christian
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the recent evolution of the regulation of statutory auditing since the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 in the USA by comparing the regulatory structures for auditing in the USA, France and Canada.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using publicly available documents, the paper seeks to understand how the regulatory structures for statutory auditing have changed in the period since the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The USA, France and Canada were chosen for analysis because prior to Sarbanes-Oxley the regulatory structures of these three countries were relatively distinct, whereas subsequent to the Act they appear to be becoming similar.

Findings

– The authors interpret the increasing apparent similarity in the regulatory structures for statutory auditing in these three countries to be the result of external pressures from global capital markets for standardized regulatory practices. However, this apparent similarity may also be a form of “decoupling”, whereby actors in the institutional field of professional regulation, under pressures from powerful external forces, seek to enhance their legitimacy while maintaining internal flexibility and a certain capacity for resistance against external pressures in the institutional field.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper relies on a qualitative analysis of regulatory structures based on a review and analysis of publicly available documents and legislation. As such, it has limitations similar to other qualitative studies.

Practical implications

– The regulation of statutory auditing is important to society both to assure the proper functioning of capital markets and to provide reliable information to the general public. Gaining a better understanding of the regulatory structures for statutory auditing advances the public interest.

Originality/value

– There have been few prior research efforts that have examined the regulation of statutory auditing through the lens of new institutional theory.
Auditors General ' s impact on administrations: a pan-Canadian study (2001-2011)
Authors: Morin Danielle
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The influence that Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) exert on management of administrations through performance audits has been examined very little and questioned even less. This study of the impact of Auditors General (AG) on management of six Canadian administrations for the 2001-2011 period aims to highlight the auditors ' successes and the limits imposed on them in their role of agents of change for administrations.

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey was sent out to a total of 125 respondents identified by the authorities of the targeted organizations. Eighty-seven usable questionnaires were completed (70% response rate).

Findings

– AG appear to influence the organizational life of Canadian entities to a moderate extent. The figures suggest that auditors do exert an influence on the organizations audited, but their influence attempts fail fairly often. Indirect powers to reward and punish conferred on AG by their institutional status are conditioned not only by the will of the central and political authorities of the entities audited but also by the will and capacity of parliamentarians to assume real control over the executive branch. One explanation for this mitigated influence is that the “obligatory reverence” that SAIs inspire in administrations masks the real value that auditees perceive in auditors ' work.

Research limitations/implications

– Given the ten-year period that the study covered, it had to deal with the mortality of respondents and the loss of organizational memory.

Practical implications

– The study gives insights about the auditees ' recognition regarding the auditors ' added value to administrations through their performance audits.

Originality/value

– This paper fulfils an identified need for further empirical research on AG ' s impact on administrations through their performance audits.
Long‐term changes to the frequency of occurrence of British moths are consistent with opposing and synergistic effects of climate and land‐use changes
Authors: Fox Richard , Oliver Tom H. , Harrower Colin , Parsons Mark S. , Thomas Chris D. , Roy David B.
Published: April 2014

Species’ distributions are likely to be affected by a combination of environmental drivers. We used a data set of 11 million species occurrence records over the period 1970–2010 to assess changes in the frequency of occurrence of 673 macro‐moth species in Great Britain. Groups of species with different predicted sensitivities showed divergent trends, which we interpret in the context of land‐use and climatic changes.

A diversity of responses was revealed: 260 moth species declined significantly, whereas 160 increased significantly. Overall, frequencies of occurrence declined, mirroring trends in less species‐rich, yet more intensively studied taxa.

Geographically widespread species, which were predicted to be more sensitive to land use than to climate change, declined significantly in southern Britain, where the cover of urban and arable land has increased.

Moths associated with low nitrogen and open environments (based on their larval host plant characteristics) declined most strongly, which is also consistent with a land‐use change explanation.

Some moths that reach their northern (leading edge) range limit in southern Britain increased, whereas species restricted to northern Britain (trailing edge) declined significantly, consistent with a climate change explanation.

Not all species of a given type behaved similarly, suggesting that complex interactions between species’ attributes and different combinations of environmental drivers determine frequency of occurrence changes.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings are consistent with large‐scale responses to climatic and land‐use changes, with some species increasing and others decreasing. We suggest that land‐use change (e.g. habitat loss, nitrogen deposition) and climate change are both major drivers of moth biodiversity change, acting independently and in combination. Importantly, the diverse responses revealed in this species‐rich taxon show that multifaceted conservation strategies are needed to minimize negative biodiversity impacts of multiple environmental changes. We suggest that habitat protection, management and ecological restoration can mitigate combined impacts of land‐use change and climate change by providing environments that are suitable for existing populations and also enable species to shift their ranges.
Desert shrub responses to experimental modification of precipitation seasonality and soil depth: relationship to the two‐layer hypothesis and ecohydrological niche
Authors: Germino Matthew J. , Reinhardt Keith
Published: April 2014

Ecohydrological niches are important for understanding plant community responses to climate shifts, particularly in dry lands. According to the two‐layer hypothesis, selective use of deep‐soil water increases growth or persistence of woody species during warm and dry summer periods and thereby contributes to their coexistence with shallow‐rooted herbs in dry ecosystems. The resource‐pool hypothesis further suggests that shallow‐soil water benefits growth of all plants while deep‐soil water primarily enhances physiological maintenance and survival of woody species. Few studies have directly tested these by manipulating deep‐soil water availability and observing the long‐term outcomes.

We predicted that factors promoting infiltration and storage of water in deep soils, specifically greater winter precipitation and soil depth, would enhance Artemisia tridentata (big sagebrush) in cold, winter‐wet/summer‐dry desert. Sagebrush responses to 20 years of winter irrigation were compared to summer‐ or no irrigation, on plots having relatively deep or shallow soils (2 m vs. 1 m depths).

Winter irrigation increased sagebrush cover, and crown and canopy volumes, but not density (individuals/plot) compared to summer or no irrigation, on deep‐soil plots. On shallow‐soil plots, winter irrigation surprisingly decreased shrub cover and size, and summer irrigation had no effect. Furthermore, multiple regression suggested that the variations in growth were related (i) firstly to water in shallow soils (0–0.2 m) and secondly to deeper soils (> 1 m deep) and (ii) more by springtime than by midsummer soil water. Water‐use efficiency increased considerably on shallow soils without irrigation and was lowest with winter irrigation.

Synthesis. Sagebrush was more responsive to the seasonal timing of precipitation than to total annual precipitation. Factors that enhanced deep‐water storage (deeper soils plus more winter precipitation) led to increases in Artemisia tridentata that were consistent with the two‐layer hypothesis, and the contribution of shallow water to growth on these plots was consistent with the resource‐pool hypothesis. However, shallow‐soil water also had negative effects on sagebrush, suggesting an ecohydrological trade‐off not considered in these or related theories. The interaction between precipitation timing and soil depth indicates that increased winter precipitation could lead to a mosaic of increases and decreases in A. tridentata across landscapes having variable soil depth.
Sentinel lymph node mapping for defining site and extent of elective radiotherapy management of regional nodes in Merkel cell carcinoma: A pilot case series
Authors: Naehrig Diana , Uren Roger F , Emmett Louise , Ioannou Kim , Hong Angela , Wratten Chris , Thompson John F , Hruby George
Published: April 2014

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive skin malignancy. We discuss sentinel lymph node mapping which is a valuable decision aid for radiotherapy management and planning of treatment volumes as illustrated by four cases.
Radiographer commenting of trauma radiographs: A survey of the benefits, barriers and enablers to participation in an Australian healthcare setting
Authors: Neep Michael J , Steffens Tom , Owen Rebecca , McPhail Steven M
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Radiographer abnormality detection systems that highlight abnormalities on trauma radiographs (‘red dot’ system) have been operating for more than 30 years. Recently, a number of pitfalls have been identified. These limitations initiated the evolution of a radiographer commenting system, whereby a radiographer provides a brief description of abnormalities identified in emergency healthcare settings. This study investigated radiographers' participation in abnormality detection systems, their perceptions of benefits, barriers and enablers to radiographer commenting, and perceptions of potential radiographer image interpretation services for emergency settings.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was implemented. Participants included radiographers from four metropolitan hospitals in Queensland, Australia. Conventional descriptive statistics, histograms and thematic analysis were undertaken.

Results

Seventy‐three surveys were completed and included in the analysis (68% response rate); 30 (41%) of respondents reported participating in abnormality detection in 20% or less of examinations, and 26(36%) reported participating in 80% or more of examinations. Five overarching perceived benefits of radiographer commenting were identified: assisting multidisciplinary teams, patient care, radiographer ability, professional benefits and quality of imaging. Frequently reported perceived barriers included ‘difficulty accessing image interpretation education’, ‘lack of time’ and ‘low confidence in interpreting radiographs’. Perceived enablers included ‘access to image interpretation education’ and ‘support from radiologist colleagues’.

Conclusions

A range of factors are likely to contribute to the successful implementation of radiographer commenting in addition to abnormality detection in emergency settings. Effective image interpretation education amenable to completion by radiographers would likely prove valuable in preparing radiographers for participation in abnormality detection and commenting systems in emergency settings.
Protocols for metagenomic DNA extraction and Illumina amplicon library preparation for faecal and swab samples
Authors: Vo A.‐T. E. , Jedlicka J. A.
Published: April 2014

Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technology has extraordinarily enhanced the scope of research in the life sciences. To broaden the application of NGS to systems that were previously difficult to study, we present protocols for processing faecal and swab samples into amplicon libraries amenable to Illumina sequencing. We developed and tested a novel metagenomic DNA extraction approach using solid phase reversible immobilization (SPRI) beads on Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana) samples stored in RNAlater. Compared with the MO BIO PowerSoil Kit, the current standard for the Human and Earth Microbiome Projects, the SPRI‐based method produced comparable 16S rRNA gene PCR amplification from faecal extractions but significantly greater DNA quality, quantity and PCR success for both cloacal and oral swab samples. We furthermore modified published protocols for preparing highly multiplexed Illumina libraries with minimal sample loss and without post‐adapter ligation amplification. Our library preparation protocol was successfully validated on three sets of heterogeneous amplicons (16S rRNA gene amplicons from SPRI and PowerSoil extractions as well as control arthropod COI gene amplicons) that were sequenced across three independent, 250‐bp, paired‐end runs on Illumina's MiSeq platform. Sequence analyses revealed largely equivalent results from the SPRI and PowerSoil extractions. Our comprehensive strategies focus on maximizing efficiency and minimizing costs. In addition to increasing the feasibility of using minimally invasive sampling and NGS capabilities in avian research, our methods are notably not avian‐specific and thus applicable to many research programmes that involve DNA extraction and amplicon sequencing.
Tectonics and Topography of the Tibetan Plateau in Early Miocene
Authors: WU Zhenhan , YANG Yan , BAROSH Patrick J. , WU Zhonghai , ZHANG Yaoling
Published: April 2014

Early Miocene stratigraphy, major structural systems, magmatic emplacement, volcanic eruption, vegetation change and paleo‐elevation were analyzed for the Tibetan Plateau after regional geological mapping at a scale of 1:250,000 and related researches, revealing much more information for tectonic evolution and topographic change of the high plateau caused by Indian‐Asian continental collision. Lacustrine deposits of dolostone, dolomite limestone, limestone, marl, sandstone and conglomerate of weak deformation formed extensively in the central Tibetan Plateau, indicating that vast lake complexes as large as 100,000–120,000 km2 existed in the central plateau during Early Miocene. Sporopollen assemblages contained in the lacustrine strata indicate the disappearance of most tropical‐subtropical broad‐leaved trees since Early Miocene and the flourishing of dark needle‐leaved trees during Early Miocene. Such vegetation changes adjusted for latitude and global climate variations demonstrate that the central Tibetan Plateau rose to ca. 4,000–4,500 m and the northeastern plateau uplifted to ca. 3,500–4,000 m before the Early Miocene. Intensive thrust and crustal thickening occurred in the areas surrounding central Tibetan Plateau in Early Miocene, formed Gangdise Thrust System (GTS) in the southern Lhasa block, Zedong‐Renbu Thrust (ZRT) in the northern Himalaya block, Main Central Thrust (MCT) and Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) in the southern Himalaya block, and regional thrust systems in the Qaidam, Qilian, West Kunlun and Songpan‐Ganzi blocks. Foreland basins formed in Early Miocene along major thrust systems, e.g. the Siwalik basin along MCT, Yalung‐Zangbu Basin along GTS and ZRT, southwestern Tarim depression along West Kunlun Thrust, and large foreland basins along major thrust systems in the northeastern margin of the plateau. Intensive volcanic eruptions formed in the Qiangtang, Hoh‐Xil and Kunlun blocks, porphyry granites and volcanic eruptions formed in the Nainqentanglha and Gangdise Mts., and leucogranites and granites formed in the Himalaya and Longmenshan Mts. in Early Miocene. The K2O weight percentages of Early Miocene magmatic rocks in the Gangdise and Himlayan Mts. are found to increase with distance from the MBT, indicating the genetic relationship between regional magmatism and subduction of Indian continental plate in Early Miocene.
Pressure‐temperature Evolution of the Metapelites in the Motuo Area, the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis
Authors: DONG Hanwen , XU Zhiqin , LI Yuan , LIU Zhao
Published: April 2014

The Motuo area is located in the east of the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis. There outcrops a sequence of high‐grade metamorphic rocks, such as metapelites. Petrology and mineralogy data suggest that these rocks have experienced three stages of metamorphism. The prograde metamorphic mineral assemblages (M1) are mineral inclusions (biotite + plagioclase + quartz ± sillimanite ± Fe‐Ti oxides) preserved in garnet porphyroblasts, and the peak metamorphic assemblages (M2) are represented by garnet with the lowest XSps values and the lowest XFe# ratios and the matrix minerals (plagioclase + quartz ± K‐feldspar + biotite + muscovite + kyanite ± sillimanite), whereas the retrograde assemblages (M3) are composed of biotite + plagioclase + quartz symplectites rimming the garnet porphyroblasts. Thermobarometric computation shows that the metamorphic conditions are 562–714°C at 7.3–7.4 kbar for the M1 stage, 661–800°C at 9.4–11.6 kbar for the M2 stage, and 579–713°C at 5.5–6.6 kbar for the M3 stage. These rocks are deciphered to have undergone metamorphism characterized by clockwise P‐T paths involving nearly isothermal decompression (ITD) segments, which is inferred to be related to the collision of the India and Eurasia plates.
Fluid Inclusions and Metallization of the Kendekeke Polymetallic Deposit in Qinghai Province, China
Authors: HUANG Min , LAI Jianqing , MO Qingyun
Published: April 2014

The Kendekeke polymetallic deposit, located in the middle part of the magmatic arc belt of Qimantag on the southwestern margin of the Qaidam Basin, is a polygenetic compound deposit in the Qimantag metallogenic belt of Qinghai Province. Multi‐periodic ore‐forming processes occurred in this deposit, including early‐stage iron mineralization and lead‐zinc‐gold‐polymetallic mineralization which was controlled by later hydrothermal process. The characteristics of the ore‐forming fluids and mineralization were discussed by using the fluid inclusion petrography, Laser Raman Spectrum and micro‐thermometry methods. Three stages, namely, S1‐stage (copper‐iron‐sulfide stage), S2‐stage (lead‐zinc‐sulfide stage) and C‐stage (carbonate stage) were included in the hydrothermal process as indicated by the results of this study. The fluid inclusions are in three types: aqueous inclusion (type I), CO2‐aqueous inclusion (type II) and pure CO2 inclusion (type III). Type I inclusions were observed in the Si‐stage, having homogenization temperature at 240–320°C, and salinities ranging from 19.8% to 25.0% (wt% NaCl equiv.). All three types of inclusions, existing as immiscible inclusion assemblages, were presented in the S2‐stage, with the lowest homogenization temperature ranging from 175 °C to 295°C, which represents the metallogenic temperature of the S2‐stage. The salinities of these inclusions are in the range of 1.5% to 16%. The fluid inclusions in the C‐stage belong to types I, II and III, having homogenization temperatures at 120–210°C, and salinities ranging from 0.9% to 14.5%. These observations indicate that the ore‐forming fluids evolved from high‐temperature to low‐temperature, from high‐salinity to low‐salinity, from homogenization to immiscible separation. Results of Laser Raman Spectroscopy show that high density of CO2 and CH4 were found as gas compositions in the inclusions. CO2, worked as the pH buffer of ore‐forming fluids, together with reduction of organic gases (i.e. CH4, etc), affected the transport and sediment of the minerals. The fluid system alternated between open and close systems, namely, between lithostatic pressure and hydrostatic pressure systems. The calculated metallogenic pressures are in the range of 30 to 87 Mpa corresponding to 3 km mineralization depth. Under the influence of tectonic movements, immiscible separation occurred in the original ore‐forming fluids, which were derived from the previous high‐salinity, high‐temperature magmatic fluids. The separation of CO2 changed the physicochemical properties and composition of the original fluids, and then diluted by mixing with extraneous fluids such as meteoric water and groundwater, and metallogenic materials in the fluids such as lead, zinc and gold were precipitated.
Geochronology, Geochemistry and Tectonic Setting of the Bairiqiete Granodiorite Intrusion (Rock Mass) from the Buqingshan Tectonic Mélange Belt in the Southern Margin of East Kunlun
Authors: LI Zuochen , PEI Xianzhi , LI Ruibao , PEI Lei , LIU Chengjun , CHEN Youxin , LIU Zhanqing , CHEN Guochao , XU Tong , YANG Jie , WEI Bo
Published: April 2014

This study focuses on the zircon U–Pb geochronology and geochemistry of the Bairiqiete granodiorite intrusion (rock mass) from the Buqingshan tectonic mélange belt in the southern margin of East Kunlun. The results show that the zircons are characterized by internal oscillatory zoning and high Th/U (0.14–0.80), indicative of an igneous origin. LA–ICP–MS U–Pb dating of zircons from the Bairiqiete granodiorite yielded an age of 439.0 ± 1.9 Ma (MSWD = 0.34), implying that the Bairiqiete granodiorite formed in the early Silurian. Geochemical analyses show that the rocks are medium‐K calc‐alkaline, relatively high in Al2O3 (14.57–18.34 wt%) and metaluminous to weakly peraluminous. Rare‐earth elements have low concentrations (45.49–168.31 ppm) and incline rightward with weak negative to weak positive Eu anomalies (δ5Eu = 0.64–1.34). Trace‐element geochemistry is characterized by negative anomalies of Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf and Ti and positive anomalies of Rb, Th and Ba. Moreover, the rocks have similar geochemical features with adakites. The Bairiqiete granodiorite appears to have a continental crust source and formed in a subduction‐related island‐arc setting. The Bairiqiete granodiorite was formed due to partial melting of the lower crust and suggests subduction in the Buqingshan area of the Proto‐Tethys Ocean.
Geological Conditions and Prospect Forecast of Shale Gas Formation in Qiangtang Basin, Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: YU Yuanjiang , ZOU Caineng , DONG Dazhong , WANG Shejiao , LI Jianzhong , YANG Hua , LI Denghua , LI Xinjing , WANG Yuman , HUANG Jinliang
Published: April 2014

The presence of shale gas has been confirmed in almost every marine shale distribution area in North America. Formation conditions of shale gas in China are the most favorable for marine, organic‐rich shale as well. But there has been little research focusing on shale gas in Qiangtang Basin, Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, where a lot of Mesozoic marine shale formations developed. Based on the survey results of petroleum geology and comprehensive test analysis data for Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, for the first time, this paper discusses characteristics of sedimentary development, thickness distribution, geochemistry, reservoir and burial depth of organic‐rich shale, and geological conditions for shale gas formation in Qiangtang Basin. There are four sets of marine shale strata in Qiangtang Basin including Upper Triassic Xiaochaka Formation (T3x), Middle Jurassic Buqu Formation (J2b), Xiali Formation (J2x) and Upper Jurassic Suowa Formation (J3s), the sedimentary types of which are mainly bathyal‐basin facies, open platform‐platform margin slope facies, lagoon and tidal‐flat facies, as well as delta facies. By comparing it with the indicators of gas shale in the main U.S. basins, it was found that the four marine shale formations in Qiangtang Basin constitute a multi‐layer distribution of organic‐rich shale, featuring a high degree of thickness and low abundance of organic matter, high thermal evolution maturity, many kinds of brittle minerals, an equivalent content of quartz and clay minerals, a high content of feldspar and low porosity, which provide basic conditions for an accumulation of shale gas resources. Xiaochaka Formation shale is widely distributed, with big thickness and the best gas generating indicators. It is the main gas source layer. Xiali Formation shale is of intermediate thickness and coverage area, with relatively good gas generating indicators and moderate gas formation potential. Buqu Formation shale and Suowa Formation shale are of relatively large thickness, and covering a small area, with poor gas generating indicators, and limited gas formation potential. The shale gas geological resources and technically recoverable resources were estimated by using geologic analogy method, and the prospective areas and potentially favorable areas for Mesozoic marine shale gas in Qiangtang Basin are forecast and analyzed. It is relatively favorable in a tectonic setting and indication of oil and gas, shale maturity, sedimentary thickness and gypsum‐salt beds, and in terms of mineral association for shale gas accumulation. But the challenge lies in overcoming the harsh natural conditions which contributes to great difficulties in ground engineering and exploration, and high exploration costs.
Prospects of Carboniferous Shale Gas Exploitation in the Eastern Qaidam Basin
Authors: LI Yingjie , SUN Yanling , ZHAO Yan , CHANG Chun , YU Qingchun , MA Yinsheng
Published: April 2014

Shale gas is a resource of emerging importance in the energy field. Many countries in the world have been making big financial investments in this area. Carboniferous shale in the eastern Qaidam Basin shows good exploration prospects, but limited research and exploration work for shale oil and gas resources has been undertaken. Geochemical analyses were performed on shale derived from the Upper Carboniferous Hurleg Formation in the eastern Qaidam Basin, Qinghai Province, and secondary electron imaging capability of a Field Emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM) was used to characterize the microstructure of the shale. The reservoir and exploitation potential of the studied shale was assessed by comparison with research results obtained from the Barnett Formation shale in Fort Worth Basin, North America and the Basin shale of Sichuan province. The results indicate that the eastern Qaidam Basin Carboniferous shale is high‐quality source rock. There are four major microstructural types in the study area: matrix intergranular pores, dissolution pores, intergranular pores, and micro‐fractures. The size of the micropores varies from 6–633 nm, the majority of which is between 39–200 nm, with a relatively small number of micro‐scale pores ranging from 0.13–1 μm. The pore characteristics of the studied shales are similar to the North American and Sichuanese shales, indicating that they have good reservoir potential. No micropores are present in the organic matter, which is induced by its composition; instead we found an important lamellar structure in the organic matter. These micropores and microfractures are abundant, and are connected to natural visible cracks that form the network pore system, which controls the storage and migration of shale gas. This connectivity is favorable for shale gas exploitation, providing great scientific potential and practical value.
Paleoclimate and Paleoenvironment of Gonghe Basin, Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, During the Lastdeglacial: Weathering, Erosion and Vegetation Cover Affect Clay Mineral Formation
Authors: SUN Qingfeng , COLIN Christophe
Published: April 2014

With the analysis of the sources and formation mechanism of the clay minerals in the sediment core from the Dalianhai lake in the Gonghe Basin, northeastern Tibet‐Qinghai Plateau, clay mineral composition proxies, grain‐size and carbonate contents have been employed for high‐resolution study in order to reconstruct East Asian Summer Monsoon (EASM) over the northeastern Tibet‐Qinghai Plateau during the lastdeglacial. The study also extended to establish a relationship between vegetation cover changes and erosion during the last 14.5 ka with pollen record and clay mineral proxies. Smectite/kaolinite and smectite/(illite+chlorite) ratios allow us to assess hydrolysis conditions in lowlands and/or physical erosion process in highlands of the Gonghe Basin. Before 12.9 Cal ka BP, both mineralogical ratios show low values indicative of strong physical erosion in the basin with a dominant cold and dry phase. After 12.9 Cal ka BP, an increase in both mineralogical ratios indicates enhanced chemical weathering in the basin associated with a warm and humid climate. The beginning of Holocene is characterized by high smectite/(illite+chlorite) and smectite/kaolinite ratios that is synchronous as with deposition of many peat laminae, implying the best warm and humid conditions specifically between 8.0 to 5.5 Cal ka BP. The time interval after 5.0 Cal ka BP is characterized by a return to high physical erosion and low chemical weathering with dry climate conditions in the basin. Comparing variations of clay mineral assemblages with previous pollen results, we observe a rapid response in terms of chemical weathering and physical erosion intensity to a modification of the vegetation cover in the basin.
Origin of the Zedang and Luobusa Ophiolites, Tibet
Authors: BAO Peisheng , SU Li , WANG Jun , ZHAI Qingguo
Published: April 2014

The Zedang and Luobusa ophiolites are located in the eastern section of the Yalung Zangbo ophiolite belt, and they share similar geological tectonic setting and age. Thus, an understanding of their origins is very important for discussion of the evolution of the Eastern Tethys Ocean. There is no complete ophiolite assemblage in the Zedang ophiolite. The Zedang ophiolite is mainly composed of mantle peridotite and a suite of volcanic rocks as well as siliceous rocks, with some blocks of olivine‐pyroxenite. The mantle peridotite mainly consists of Cpx‐harzburgite, harzburgite, some lherzolite, and some dunite. A suite of volcanic rocks is mainly composed of calc‐alkaline pyroclastic rocks and secondly of tholeiitic pillow lavas, basaltic andesites, and some boninitic rocks with a lower TiO2 content (TiO2 < 0.6%). The pyroclastic rocks have a LREE‐enriched REE pattern and a LILE‐enriched (compared to HFSE) spider diagram, demonstrating an island‐arc origin. The tholeiitic volcanic rock has a LREE‐depleted REE pattern and a LILE‐depleted (compared to HFSE) spider diagram, indicative of an origin from MORB. The boninitic rock was generated from fore‐arc extension. The Luobusa ophiolite consists of mantle peridotite and mafic‐ultramafic cumulate units, without dike swarms and volcanic rocks. The mantle peridotite mainly consists of dunite, harzburgite with low‐Opx (Opx < 25%), and harzburgite (Opx > 25%), which can be divided into two facies belts. The upper is a dunite‐harzburgite (Opx < 25%) belt, containing many dunite lenses and a large‐scale chromite deposit with high Cr2O3; the lower is a harzburgite (Opx >25%) belt with small amounts of dunite and lherzolite. The Luobusa mantle peridotite exhibits a distinctive vertical zonation of partial melting with high melting in the upper unit and low melting in the lower. Many mantle peridotites are highly depleted, with a characteristic U‐shaped REE pattern peculiar to fore‐arc peridotite. The Luobusa cumulates are composed of wehrlite and olivine‐pyroxenite, of the P‐P‐G ophiolite series. This study indicates that the Luobusa ophiolite was formed in a fore‐arc basin environment on the basis of the occurrence of highly depleted mantle peridotite, a high‐Cr2O3 chromite deposit, and cumulates of the P‐P‐G ophiolite series. We conclude that the evolution of the Eastern Tethys Ocean involved three stages: the initial ocean stage (formation of MORB volcanic rock and dikes), the fore‐arc extension stage (formation of high‐Cr2O3 chromite deposits and P‐P‐G cumulates), and the island‐arc stage (formation of calc‐alkaline pyroclastic rocks).
Fatal injury caused by low‐energy trauma – a 10‐year rural cohort
Authors: BAKKE H. K. , DEHLI T. , WISBORG T.
Published: April 2014

Background

Death after injury with low energy has gained increasing focus lately, and seems to constitute a significant amount of trauma‐related death. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of deaths from low‐energy trauma in a rural Norwegian cohort.

Methods

All deaths from external causes in Finnmark County, Norway, from 1995 to 2004 were identified retrospectively through the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry. Deaths caused by hanging, drowning, suffocation, poisoning, and electrocution were excluded. Trauma was categorised as high energy or low energy based on mechanism of injury. All low‐energy trauma deaths were then reviewed.

Results

There were 262 cases of trauma death during the period. Low‐energy trauma counted for 43% of the trauma deaths, with an annual crude death rate of 13 per 100,000 inhabitants. Low falls accounted for 99% of the injuries. Fractures were sustained in 89% of cases and head injuries in 11%. Ninety per cent of patients had pre‐existing medical conditions, and the median age was 82 years. Death was caused by a medical condition in 85% of cases. Fifty‐two per cent of the patients died after discharge from the hospital.

Conclusion

In this cohort, low‐energy trauma was a significant contributor to trauma related death, especially among elderly and patients with pre‐existing medical conditions.
Estimating spatial, temporal and individual variability in dolphin cumulative exposure to boat traffic using spatially explicit capture–recapture methods
Authors: Pirotta E. , Thompson P. M. , Cheney B. , Donovan C. R. , Lusseau D.
Published: April 2014

Appropriate management of the effects of human activities on animal populations requires quantification of the rate at which animals encounter stressors. Such activities are heterogeneously distributed in space, as are the individual animals in a population. This will result in a heterogeneous exposure rate, which is also likely to vary over time. A spatially explicit analysis of individual exposure is therefore required. We applied Bayesian spatially explicit capture–recapture models to photo‐identification data to estimate the home range of well‐marked individuals in a protected coastal population of bottlenose dolphins. Model results were combined with the estimated distribution of boat traffic to quantify how exposure to this disturbance varied in time and space. Variability in exposure between individuals was also investigated using a mixed‐effects model. The cumulative individual exposure to boat traffic varied between summers, depending both on the overall area usage and the degree of individual movement around the activity centres. Despite this variability, regions of higher risk could be identified. There were marked inter‐individual differences in the predicted amount of time dolphins spent in the presence of boats, and individuals tended to be consistently over‐ or underexposed across summers. Our study offers a framework to describe the temporal, spatial and individual variation in exposure to anthropogenic stressors when individuals can be repeatedly identified over time. It provides opportunities to map exposure risk and understand how this evolves in time at both individual and population levels. The outcome of such modelling can be used as a robust evidence base to support management decisions.
Conjugated Linoleic Acids Attenuate LPS‐Induced Pro‐Inflammatory Gene Expression by Inhibiting the NF‐κB Translocation Through PPARγ in Buffalo Granulosa Cells
Authors: Yenuganti Vengala Rao , Ravinder Ravinder , Singh Dheer
Published: May 2014

Problem

In granulosa cells, TLR4‐mediated LPS‐induced immune response interferes with ovarian granulosa cell function.

Method of study

LPS‐induced pro‐inflammatory gene expression was monitored by real‐time PCR and NF‐κB was determined by the immuno‐blotting and immuno‐staining in granulosa cells in vitro.

Results

The LPS (1 μg/mL) increased pro‐inflammatory gene expression which was reverted back by treatment with TLR4 signaling inhibitor. Cotreatment of CLA (10 μm) with LPS did not show any effect on LPS‐induced pro‐inflammatory gene expression but granulosa cells pre‐treated with CLA for 24 hr, attenuated LPS‐induced pro‐inflammatory gene expression and nuclear NF‐κB. GW9662, a PPARγ‐inhibitor, further increased the expression of pro‐inflammatory genes.

Conclusion

The present findings reiterated that pre‐treatment with CLA can prevent LPS‐induced granulosa cells dysfunction.
Refractory asthma: mechanisms, targets, and therapy
Authors: Trevor J. L. , Deshane J. S.
Published: April 2014

Asthma is a common medical condition affecting 300 million people worldwide. Airway inflammation, smooth muscle bronchoconstriction leading to airflow obstruction, and mucous hypersecretion are clinical hallmarks of asthma. The NHLBI Expert Panel Report 3 recommends inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) for patients with moderate to severe persistent asthma. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) target gene transcription through their interactions with the glucocorticoid (GC) receptor (GR) at the glucocorticoid response element (GRE). The GC/GR complex enhances anti‐inflammatory but inhibits pro‐inflammatory mediator production. Classically, asthma has been described as a Th2‐associated eosinophil‐predominant disease, but recently alternative models have been described including a Th17‐mediated neutrophil‐predominant phenotype resulting in patients with more severe disease who may be less responsive to steroids. Additional mechanisms of steroid resistance include increased activity of GR phosphorylating kinases which modify the interactions of GR with transcription factors to inhibit the ability of GR to bind with GRE, leading to an increase in pro‐inflammatory gene transcription. Oxidative stress also affects the balance between pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory gene transcription through the modification of transcription factors and cofactors (such as PI3K) leading to the inhibition of histone deacetylase 2. Continued investigations into the mechanisms behind glucocorticoid resistance will lead to novel treatments that improve control of severe refractory asthma.
Neutrophils from allergic asthmatic patients produce and release metalloproteinase‐9 upon direct exposure to allergens
Authors: Ventura I. , Vega A. , Chacón P. , Chamorro C. , Aroca R. , Gómez E. , Bellido V. , Puente Y. , Blanca M. , Monteseirín J.
Published: April 2014

Background

Asthma is characterized by airway inflammation and remodelling in which matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role. MMP‐9 is the major MMP found in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids and bronchial biopsies from patients with allergic asthma after allergen challenge, where it correlates with the count of neutrophils and macrophages. However, the cellular sources of MMP‐9 in this inflammatory condition have not yet been clearly identified. This work was undertaken to analyse whether neutrophils may be a source of MMP‐9 in the allergic asthma condition upon allergen challenge.

Methods

Neutrophils from allergic asthmatic patients were in vitro stimulated, and the levels of MMP‐9 release were measured in the cell culture supernatants using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and zymography.

Results

We show that MMP‐9 is released by neutrophils, but not by eosinophils from allergic asthmatic patients in response to allergens to which the patients were sensitized. Neutrophils also released MMP‐9 in response to anti‐IgE Abs, and agonist Abs against FcεRI, FcεRII/CD23 and galectin‐3. Inhibitors of transcription and translation, actinomycin D and cycloheximide, partially cancelled this process, suggesting that MMP‐9 is also de novo synthesized in response to stimuli. We also show evidence that the MAPKs, p38 and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, as well as the transcription factor NF‐κB, are involved, as specific chemical inhibitors of these cell‐signalling pathways abolished the anti‐IgE/allergen‐dependent MMP‐9 release.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that the exposure of neutrophils to allergens leads to generation of MMP‐9, which may then lead to remodelling in asthma.
Reconstruction of the maxilla by submental flap
Authors: Rahpeyma Amin , Khajehahmadi Saeedeh
Published: April 2014

Background

Palate separates the oral and nasal cavities, hence its reconstruction after pathologic resections or trauma avulsions is important for speech, degulation, mastication and aesthetic facial results.

Methods

In a retrospective study, the cases that were treated by submental flap for palatomaxillary reconstruction during 2007–2012 were selected from the archive files. Size of the skin paddle, type of the flap and the pathology responsible for resection were recorded.

Results

In the search of the files, there were 10 patients in which submental flap were used for palatomaxillary reconstruction. The most common complication was fistula at the junction of the palate (20%). All flaps survived and donor site healed without any complication. Treatment for dental rehabilitation was performed in 80% of the patients (60% with conventional removable prostheses, 20% with implant‐supported dentures).

Conclusion

Submental flap in pedicled form (orthograde or retrograde) can be used for reconstruction of the maxilla in Brown class 2a maxillectomy.
Learning curve for fetoscopic laser surgery using cumulative sum analysis
Authors: Peeters Suzanne H.P. , Van Zwet Erik W. , Oepkes Dick , Lopriore Enrico , Klumper Frans J. , Middeldorp Johanna M.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To identify a learning curve and monitor operator performance for fetoscopic laser surgery for twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome using cumulative sum analysis.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

National tertiary referral center for invasive fetal therapy.

Population

A total of 340 consecutive monochorionic pregnancies with twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome treated with fetoscopic laser coagulation between August 2000 and December 2010.

Methods

A learning curve was generated using learning curve cumulative sum analysis and cumulative sum methodology to assess changes in double survival across the case sequence. Laser surgery was initially performed by two operators, joined by a third and fourth operator after 1 and 2 years, respectively.

Main outcome measures

Individual operator performance, double perinatal survival at 4 weeks.

Results

Overall survival of both twins occurred in 59% (201/340), median gestational age at birth was 32.0 weeks. Cumulative sum graphs showed that level of competence for double survival for the operators was reached after 26, 25, 26, and 35 procedures, respectively. Two operators kept their competence level and continued to improve after completing the initial learning process; two others went out of control at one point in time, according to the cumulative sum boundaries. A difference in learning effect was associated with number of procedures performed annually and previous experience with other ultrasound‐guided invasive procedures.

Conclusions

This study shows that all operators reached a level of competence after at least 25 fetoscopic laser procedures and confirms the value of using the cumulative sum method both for learning curve assessment and for ongoing quality control.
1 Introduction: Inalienability, Value, and the Construction of Social Difference
Authors: Kovacevich Brigitte , Callaghan Michael G.
Published: April 2014

Annette Weiner's concept of “inalienable wealth” is a powerful theoretical construct that can help archaeologists understand how artifacts gained value, were used to foster group identity, and created social difference. In this chapter we first review the concept of inalienable wealth as conceptualized by Weiner for use in understanding cultural practices of contemporary societies in Melanesia. We then discuss why inalienable wealth holds potential for archaeological datasets, how archaeologists have used it in the recent past, and how contributors to this volume employ the concept.
5 Cultivated Landscapes as Inalienable Wealth in Southeastern Mesoamerica
Authors: Wells E. Christian
Published: April 2014

Annette Weiner's theory of inalienable possessions, while bridging important gaps between meaning and materiality in archaeological studies of labor, gives short shrift to the potential role of landed property in constituting regimes of value. This chapter responds by exploring how archaeologists can study the social, political, and economic consequences of the inheritance of cultivated landscapes from estate ancestors. Drawing on Weiner's framework for “keeping‐while‐giving” and Parker Shipton's notion of “ideologies of attachment,” the chapter examines the ways and extent to which Maya families deployed agrarian rituals to embed identity in wealth and secure its intergenerational transmission. An archaeological case from pre‐Hispanic Honduras is used to evaluate these ideas with data on settlement, land use, and ritual economy.