bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Effects of Source Credibility and Others’ Comments on Online News Evaluation
Authors: Kim Youngju
Published: July 2015

The present study examined the roles of source credibility and others’ comments in audiences’ evaluations of online news by experimentally manipulating the source of online news stories and others’ comments on them. The results show that source credibility did not produce significant effects on participants’ online news evaluations directly. However, the slant of comments significantly affected participants’ perception of news acceptance among public audiences, and such perceived public audiences’ news acceptance in turn had significant effects on participants’ own news evaluations, indicating that others’ comments had an indirect effect on audiences’ evaluations of online news through perception of public audiences’ news acceptance. These results suggest that people tend to use others’ comments on online news messages as a representative cue for their estimation of the general public’s news acceptance, which affects their own evaluations of the messages.
News on the Move
Authors: Wei Ran , Lo Ven-hwei
Published: July 2015

This study examines smartphones as a platform for mobile news consumption by identifying key antecedents and consequential behavioral patterns. A causal model was proposed for empirically testing the interrelationships. A sample of 719 randomly selected young adults in China, which boasts the world’s largest mobile phone population, was used in the testing the model. Findings suggest that respondents who owned a smartphone with a higher level of surveillance gratification were more likely to read mobile news and further be engaged in mobile news. That is, reading mobile news was positively related to involvement in mobile news by following a variety of digital news sources such as tweets, blogs, and bloggers. The study concludes that mobile news consumption is an engaging and participative behavior. The theoretical and social implications of the results are discussed in relation to China’s current predicament of being media-rich but information-poor.
Who Needs Individual Responsibility? Audience Race and Message Content Influence Third-Party Evaluations of Political Messages
Authors: Salter Phia S. , Hirsch Kelly A. , Schlegel Rebecca J. , Thai Luyen T.
Published: July 2015

The present research examined the idea that people believe Black Americans think society is less fair than members of other racial groups (Study 1a), that these beliefs are out of touch with reality (Study 1b), and that Black audiences need to hear individual blame messages to bring these discrepant views more in line with reality (Study 2). We then examined a downstream consequence of these beliefs: differing third-party evaluations of speeches based on the race of the audience (Black vs. White) and the content of the message (individual vs. system blame). We found that individual blame messages were evaluated more positively when they were directed at Black audiences relative to White audiences. By comparison, evaluations did not differ for system blame messages (Studies 3a and 3b). Implications for system justification and policy endorsement are discussed.
Explaining Away Differences in Moral Judgment
Authors: Graham Jesse
Published: July 2015

Moral judgments about harm versus impurity differ in a number of nonsuperficial ways, as shown by dozens of studies, conducted by dozens of separate research labs, using a wide variety of methods and stimuli. Gray and Keeney attempt to explain away these differences by arguing that the “confounds” of severity and typicality may account for them all. This comment examines the evidence for this claim. Severity and typicality are undoubtedly important factors for moral judgment, but Gray and Keeney fail to demonstrate that they account for any (much less all) of the harm/impurity differences in the literature. Correlated ratings of “harm” and “impurity” are redundant with severity (.93 ≤ rs ≤ .97), merely tracking overall wrongness. The conclusion that harm and impurity judgments don’t meaningfully differ at all, that all the functional and cognitive differences in the literature are “illusions” resulting from confounds and “sampling bias,” is entirely unwarranted by the present studies.
Exercise augments the nocturnal prolactin rise in exercise-trained men
Authors: Hackney Anthony C. , Davis Hope C. , Lane Amy R.
Published: July 2015

Objective:

The objective of this study was to profile over a 24 h period the prolactin responses of exercise-trained men on a day involving rest with no exercise in comparison to a day involving exercise training sessions.

Methods:

This is a quasi-experimental design study using repeated measures determination of 24 h prolactin responses in exercise-trained men ( n = 16; age = 27.3± 3.3 years (mean ± standard deviation)). Blood samples were taken hourly over a 24 h period on a day involving two intensive exercise training sessions (ED), and on a separate control day (CD) with no exercise activity. The order of the ED and CD was randomized. Physical activity and diet were controlled and replicated for the ED and CD. Blood specimens were handled, prepared and analyzed utilizing appropriate standard clinical practices. The data were analyzed with the Friedman analysis of variance and Nemenyi post hoc statistical procedure for repeated measures.

Results:

On the CD, prolactin displayed a typical circadian rhythm with daytime values of the hormone being less than the nocturnal rise once sleep had begun ( p < 0.05; 16:00–20:00 h > all other times). On the ED, prolactin responses were noticeably different from those of the CD. The morning and afternoon exercise sessions included significant increases in prolactin immediately at the end of the exercise sessions, being greater than corresponding CD time points ( p < 0.01; 01:00 h and 10:00 h); also for the second hour (2 h) following the morning exercise session. On the ED there was a displayed circadian nocturnal response in the hormone with 16:00–24:00 h being elevated above the all nonexercise effected values for that specific day ( p < 0.01). Finally, the ED nocturnal elevation for prolactin for 16:00–24:00 h was significantly greater than the same respective hours on the CD ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Findings clearly demonstrated that nocturnal prolactin responses are augmented in exercise-trained men on days when they perform exercise. The mechanisms inducing this adaptive response are unclear but warrant further investigation.
Implications of miscoding urological procedures in an era of financial austerity – ‘Every Penny Counts’
Authors: Cheema Zubair A , Khwaja Sikandar A
Published: July 2015

Objectives

The study aimed to find out any inaccuracy in coding of elective urology procedures and associated financial implications.

Design

Retrospective audit and re-audit.

Settings

Introduction of payment by results was introduced in the NHS in England in 2002. This meant that hospitals are paid on individual patient basis according to their human resource group (HRG) rather than a block contract. Current coding system uses office of population census and surveys classification. These along with other variables determine the final human resource group code defining final payment.

Participants

None.

Main outcome measure

Retrospective analysis of coding for all inpatient urological procedures was performed over a period of two months. All documented Office of Population Census and Surveys codes were recorded and reviewed by urology trainee along with the head of professional coders. As a result of first analysis the deficiencies were identified and revised Office of Population Census and Surveys codes were used to generate the final human resource group codes. After six months a re-audit was done.

Results

In the initial study, 121 cases were reviewed. Twenty per cent of these cases were miscoded. The revised Office of Population Census and Surveys codes led to change of final human resource group code and hence recovery of a payment of £10,716. Analysis after six months showed a considerable improvement with incorrect coding reduced to 11%.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight potential discrepancies in coding which can lead to significant financial loss. It is important that surgeons involve and train the coding department so that coding errors can be avoided. This will put us in better position to deal with Nicolson Challenge.
A case of HIV ulcer
Authors: Weledji Elroy Patrick
Published: July 2015

HIV-associated ulcers must be distinguished from idiopathic anal fissures in HIV-positive patients and from other sexually transmitted diseases that cause anogenital ulcers as the treatments differ.
Orf – an orphan disease?
Authors: Meier Rahel , Sommacal Andreas , Stahel Anina , Grünert Jörg , Hoffmann Matthias
Published: July 2015

Human orf should be considered based on a typical presentation with erythematous papule/nodule to avoid unnecessary over-treatment.
Incidence of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in the Jiangsu province of China, 2008–2011
Authors: Chen Yong , Ma Fubao , Xu Yuanling , Chu Xuhua , Zhang Jinlin
Published: July 2015

Background

It is important to have an estimate of the incidence of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) because the incidence of ADEM is unknown and the outcomes undefined in China.

Objectives

This study attempts to describe ADEM incidence in large Chinese populations located in four geographically different and moderately distant areas of the same province.

Methods

A retrospective investigation was conducted with ADEM patients in Nanjing, Nantong, Yancheng and Xuzhou. The survey was carried out in regions that might have received patients meeting the case definition of ADEM provided by the International Pediatric MS Study Group from 2008 to 2011. A total of 125 hospitals were included and 412 patients were identified through the hospital information systems (HIS).

Results

The incidence of ADEM was 0.32/100,000/year. There are two peaks on the age-specific ADEM rates curve. One is 0.77/100,000/year among 0- to 9-year-olds, the other is 0.45/100,000/year in those aged 50–59 years. The incidence rate found for ADEM in males was 0.34/100,000/year, and in females was 0.29/100,000/year. The highest incidence rate was in Nanjing (0.40/100,000/year).

Conclusions

The average annual incidence of ADEM was 0.32/100,000/year. The peak age of onset was 50–59 years old and 0–9 years old. The incidence among males was insignificantly higher than that among females. There was no significant difference in incidence by seasonal variation.
Loss to Follow-Up Among HIV-Exposed Children in an HIV Clinic in Beira, Mozambique
Authors: Blanco Ana Judith , Micek Mark A. , Frenkel Lisa M. , Montoya Pablo , Karagianis Marina , Matunha Laurinda , Johnson Wendy , Gloyd Stephen , Pfeiffer James
Published: July 2015

Loss to follow-up contributes to the low coverage of HIV care interventions among HIV-exposed infants in Beira, Mozambique. This qualitative study explores the perceptions of HIV-infected women and their health care providers regarding the main obstacles preventing women from attending follow-up visits for HIV care, and factors influencing women’s decisions about newborn care. Fifty-two in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions were conducted; transcripts were coded and analyzed using ATLAS.ti. Interviewees perceived three major barriers to follow-up: food insecurity, difficulties navigating the health system, and women’s familial roles and responsibilities. Our findings unveil the complex context in which HIV-infected women and their children live, and suggest that the structure and function of the HIV care system should be reviewed. Economic empowerment of women is crucial to achieving better compliance with medical care. Integration of mother and child services and more efficient and culturally sensitive medical services may improve follow-up.
Implementing a Simulation Study Using Multiple Software Packages for Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Lee Sunbok
Published: July 2015

A Monte Carlo simulation study is an essential tool for evaluating the behavior of various quantitative methods including structural equation modeling (SEM) under various conditions. Typically, a large number of replications are recommended for a Monte Carlo simulation study, and therefore automating a Monte Carlo simulation study is important to get the desired number of replications for a simulation study. This article is intended to provide concrete examples for automating a Monte Carlo simulation study using some standard software packages for SEM: Mplus, LISREL, SAS PROC CALIS, and R package lavaan. Also, the equivalence between the multilevel SEM and hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) is discussed, and relevant examples are provided. It is hoped that the codes in this article can provide some building blocks for researchers to write their own code to automate simulation procedures.
The Effects of Caffeine Use on Driving Safety Among Truck Drivers Who Are Habitual Caffeine Users
Authors: Heaton Karen , Griffin Russell
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this study was to describe caffeine use among a group of habitual caffeine users, truck drivers, and to explore the associations between caffeine use and critical safety events by age in the naturalistic work setting. A secondary analysis of existing data from the Naturalistic Truck Driving Study was conducted. Analyses focused on the association between sleep and caffeine consumption by duty status, comparisons of sleep and caffeine use by age, and the associations between caffeine use and safety-critical events (SCEs). Findings indicated differences in caffeine use by duty status. However, no difference in sleep time by duty status, or between sleep time and caffeine use was found regardless of when the caffeine was consumed during the 5 hours prior to sleep. Sleep time did not vary significantly by age, although increasing age was associated with decreased caffeine use. Overall, a 6% reduction in the rate of SCEs per eight ounces of caffeinated beverage consumed was found. This study makes a unique scientific contribution because it uses real-time observations of truckers in the naturalistic work setting. It also does not involve caffeine withdrawal but rather an investigation of the effects of the naturalistic consumption of caffeine on sleep and driving performance. Findings suggest that caffeine use among habitual users offers a protective effect for safety-critical driving events. Occupational health nurses may use this information to counsel workers in the use of caffeine to enhance driving safety.
Cardiovascular Update
Authors: Pearson Tamera
Published: July 2015

This article provides an update of the current status of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the United States, including a brief review of the underlying pathophysiology and epidemiology. This article presents a discussion of the latest American Heart Association guidelines that introduce the concept of promoting ideal cardiovascular health, defined by seven identified metrics. Specific CVD risk factors and utilization of the 10-year CVD event prediction calculator are discussed. In addition, current management recommendations of health-related conditions that increase risk for CVD, such as hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, are provided. Finally, a discussion of detailed evidence-based lifestyle recommendations to promote cardiovascular health and reduce CVD risks concludes the update.
Leveraging Time-Varying Covariates to Test Within- and Between-Person Effects and Interactions in the Multilevel Linear Model
Authors: Howard Andrea L.
Published: July 2015

Multilevel linear modeling (MLM) is a powerful and well-defined tool often used to evaluate time-varying associations between two or more variables measured in longitudinal studies. Such variables carry information about stable, between-person differences as well as information about within-person variability. For emerging adults, this variability figures prominently across a variety of developmental domains. A single variable measured on repeated occasions can be easily summarized into two new variables that represent the unique within- and between-person sources of information contained in the original variable. Well-known procedures for statistically disaggregating time-varying predictors in an MLM are straightforward but often not accessible to a nontechnical readership. Using SAS syntax, this tutorial provides step-by-step instructions to recode a single repeated-measures variable into separate between- and within-person predictor variables. Strategies are suggested for testing and interpreting main effects and interactions in the MLM, drawing on a daily diary example of first-year, first-time college-attending emerging adults.
Assessing Approaches to Learning in School Readiness
Authors: Barbu Otilia C. , Yaden David B. , Levine-Donnerstein Deborah , Marx Ronald W.
Published: July 2015

This study examines the psychometric properties of two assessments of children’s approaches to learning: the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) and a 13-item approaches to learning rating scale (AtL) derived from the Arizona Early Learning Standards (AELS). First, we administered questionnaires to 1,145 randomly selected parents/guardians of first-time kindergarteners. Second, we employed confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with parceling for DECA to reduce errors due to item specificity and prevent convergence difficulties when simultaneously estimating DECA and AtL models. Results indicated an overlap of 55% to 72% variance between the domains of the two instruments and suggested that the new AtL instrument is an easily administered alternative to the DECA for measuring children’s approaches to learning. This is one of the first studies that investigated DECA’s approaches to learning dimension and explored the measurement properties of an instrument purposely derived from a state’s early learning guidelines.
Evaluation of Speech Perception via the Use of Hearing Loops and Telecoils
Authors: Alfakir Razan , Holmes Alice E. , Kricos Patricia B. , Gaeta Laura , Martin Sheridan
Published: July 2015

A cross-sectional, experimental, and randomized repeated-measures design study was used to examine the objective and subjective value of telecoil and hearing loop systems. Word recognition and speech perception were tested in 12 older adult hearing aid users using the telecoil and microphone inputs in quiet and noise conditions. Participants were asked to subjectively rate cognitive listening effort and self-confidence for each condition. Significant improvement in speech perception with the telecoil over microphone input in both quiet and noise was found along with significantly less reported cognitive listening effort and high self-confidence. The use of telecoils with hearing aids should be recommended for older adults with hearing loss.
Impact of ATG-containing reduced-intensity conditioning after single- or double-unit allogeneic cord blood transplantation
Authors: Pascal Laurent , Tucunduva Luciana , Ruggeri Annalisa , Blaise Didier , Ceballos Patrice , Chevallier Patrice , Cornelissen Jan , Maillard Natacha , Tabrizi Reza , Petersen Eefke , Linkesch Werner , Sengeloev Henrik , Kenzey Chantal , Pagliuca Antonio , Holler Ernst , Einsele Hermann , Gluckman Eliane , Rocha Vanderson , Yakoub-Agha Ibrahim
Published: July 2015

Key Points

When possible, ATG should be avoided in adults undergoing UCBT following Cy/Flu/TBI200 regimen.
Black-white racial disparities in sepsis: a prospective analysis of the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort
Authors: Moore Justin Xavier , Donnelly John P. , Griffin Russell , Safford Monika M. , Howard George , Baddley John , Wang Henry E.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Sepsis is a major public health problem. Prior studies using hospital-based data describe higher rates of sepsis among black than whites participants. We sought to characterize racial differences in incident sepsis in a large cohort of adult community-dwelling adults.

Methods

We analyzed data on 29,690 participants from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort. We determined the associations between race and first-infection and first-sepsis events, adjusted for participant sociodemographics, health behaviors, chronic medical conditions and biomarkers. We also determined the association between race and first-sepsis events limited to first-infection events. We contrasted participant characteristics and hospital course between black and white sepsis hospitalizations.

Results

Among eligible REGARDS participants there were 12,216 (41.1 %) black and 17,474 (58.9 %) white participants. There were 2,600 first-infection events; the incidence of first-infection events was lower for black participants than for white participants (12.10 vs. 15.76 per 1,000 person-years; adjusted HR 0.65; 95 % CI, 0.59-0.71). There were 1,526 first-sepsis events; the incidence of first-sepsis events was lower for black participants than for white participants (6.93 vs. 9.10 per 1,000 person-years, adjusted HR 0.64; 95 % CI, 0.57-0.72). When limited to first-infection events, the odds of sepsis were similar between black and white participants (adjusted OR 1.01; 95 % CI, 0.84-1.21). Among first-sepsis events, black participants were more likely to be diagnosed with severe sepsis (76.9 % vs. 71.5 %).

Conclusion

In the REGARDS cohort, black participants were less likely than white participants to experience infection and sepsis events. Further efforts should focus on elucidating the underlying reasons for these observations, which are in contrast to existing literature.
The Stockholm experience: interhospital transports on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Broman L. Mikael , Holzgraefe Bernhard , Palmér Kenneth , Frenckner Björn
Published: July 2015

Introduction

In severe respiratory and/or circulatory failure, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may be a lifesaving procedure. Specialized departments provide ECMO, and these patients often have to be transferred for treatment. Conventional transportation is hazardous, and deaths have been described. Only a few centers have performed more than 100 ECMO transports. To date, our mobile ECMO teams have performed more than 700 transports with patients on ECMO since 1996. We describe 4 consecutive years (2010–2013) of 322 national and international ECMO transports and report adverse events.

Methods

Data were retrieved from our local databases. Neonatal, pediatric and adult patients were transported, predominantly with refractory severe respiratory failure.

Results

The patients were cannulated in 282 of the transports, and ECMO was started in these patients at the referring hospital and then they were transported to our ECMO intensive care unit. In 40 cases, the patient was already on ECMO. Of the transports, 60 % were by aircraft, and the distances varied from 6.9 to 13,447 km. In about 27.3 % of the transports, adverse events occurred. Of these, the most common were either patient-related (22 %) or equipment-related (5.3 %). No deaths occurred during transport, and transferred patients exhibited the same mortality rate as in-hospital patients.

Conclusions

Long- and short-distance interhospital transports on ECMO can be safely performed. A myriad of complications can occur, but the mortality risk is very low. The staff involved should be highly competent in intensive care, ECMO physiology and physics, cannulation, intensive care transport and air transport medicine. They should also be skilled in recognition of risk factors involved in these patients.
Unraveling the potential co-contributions of cerebral small vessel vasculopathy to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s dementia
Authors: Edwards Jodi D. , Ramirez Joel , Black Sandra E.
Published: July 2015

Emerging evidence for the potential co-contributions of small vessel vasculopathy to dementia has resulted in a more nuanced view of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis. Although cerebral small vessel disease, visualized on magnetic resonance imaging as hyperintense signal abnormalities, independently predicts the incidence and clinical progression of dementia, the relationships between AD pathology, white matter hyperintensity volume, genotype, and cognitive decline in AD remain unclear. The study by Morgen and colleagues, recently published in Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, presents important new findings on the associations between apolipoprotien E ε4 genotype, white matter hyperintensities, and cognition, independent of vascular risk, in a cohort of AD patients.
Immunomodulation in host-protective immune response against murine tuberculosis through regulation of the T regulatory cell function
Authors: Das Shibali , Halder Kuntal , Goswami Avranil , Chowdhury Bidisha Paul , Pal Nishith K , Majumdar Subrata
Published: July 2015

Tuberculosis, caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is characterized by an infection in lung and spleen. In the present study, we have elucidated the mechanism by which Mycobacterium indicus pranii renders protection in in vivo Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. We observed that Mycobacterium indicus pranii treated infected C57BL/6 mice showed a strong host-protective Th1 immune response along with a marked decrease in immunosuppressive cytokines, TGF-β, and IL-10-secreting CD4+ T cells. This Mycobacterium indicus pranii mediated decrease in immunosuppressive cytokines was correlated with the reduction in the elevated frequency of CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells, along with the reduced TGF-β production from these T regulatory cells in tuberculosis-infected mice. This reduction in the T regulatory cell population was a result of effective modulation of STAT4–STAT5 transcription factor counter-regulation by Mycobacterium indicus pranii, which in turn, reduced the immunosuppressive activity of T regulatory cells. Thus, these findings put forward a detailed mechanistic insight into Mycobacterium indicus pranii mediated regulation of the T regulatory cell functioning during experimental murine tuberculosis, which might be helpful in combating Mycobacterium-induced pathogenesis.
Tuberculous pleurisy drives marked effector responses of γδ, CD4+, and CD8+ T cell subpopulations in humans
Authors: Zeng Jincheng , Song Zeqing , Cai Xiaozhen , Huang Su , Wang Wandang , Zhu Yanfen , Huang Yinan , Kong Bin , Xiang Wenyu , Lin Dongzi , Liu Ganbin , Zhang Junai , Chen Crystal Y , Shen Hongbo , Huang Dan , Shen Ling , Yi Lailong , Xu Junfa , Chen Zheng W
Published: July 2015

Although tuberculous pleurisy (TP) presumably involves a hypersensitivity reaction, there is limited evidence indicating overreactive effector responses of γδ T cells and αβ T cells and their interrelation with Foxp3+ Tregs in pleural and other compartments. We found that TP induced reciprocal representations of Foxp3+ Tregs and Mtb phosphoantigen-specific Vγ2Vδ2 T cells in different anatomic compartments. Patients with TP exhibited appreciable numbers of “proliferating” Ki-67+ Vγ2Vδ2 T cells in the airway where Foxp3+ Tregs were not dominant, whereas striking increases in Foxp3+ Tregs in the blood and pleural compartments coincided with low frequencies of Vγ2Vδ2 T cells. Interestingly, anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy control of Mtb infection in patients with TP reversed reciprocal representations of Foxp3+ Tregs and proliferating Vγ2Vδ2 T cells. Surprisingly, despite high-level Foxp3+ Tregs, TP appeared to drive overreactive responses of IFN-γ-producing Vγ2Vδ2, CD4+CD25+, and CD8+CD25+ T effector subpopulations, whereas IL-22-producing Vγ2Vδ2 T cells increased subtly. Th1 effector responses were sustained despite remarkable declines in Foxp3+ Tregs at 1 mo after the treatment. Overreactive T effector responses of Mtb-reactive γδ T cells, αβ CD25+CD4+, and CD25+CD8+ T cell subpopulations appear to be immune features for TP. Increased Foxp3+ Tregs might be responsive to overreactive TP but unable to influence T effector responses despite having an inverse relation with proliferating Vγ2Vδ2 T cells.
Suicide by people in a community justice pathway: Population-based nested case–control study
Authors: King Carlene , Senior Jane , Webb Roger T. , Millar Tim , Piper Mary , Pearsall Alison , Humber Naomi , Appleby Louis , Shaw Jenny
Published: July 2015

The elevated risk of suicide in prison and after release is a well-recognised and serious problem. Despite this, evidence concerning community-based offenders' suicide risk is sparse. We conducted a population-based nested case–control study of all people in a community justice pathway in England and Wales. Our data show 13% of general population suicides were in community justice pathways before death. Suicide risks were highest among individuals receiving police cautions, and those having recent, or impending prosecution for sexual offences. Findings have implications for the training and practice of clinicians identifying and assessing suicidality, and offering support to those at elevated risk.
The Drosophila Pericentrin-like-protein (PLP) cooperates with Cnn to maintain the integrity of the outer PCM
Authors: Richens Jennifer H. , Barros Teresa P. , Lucas Eliana P. , Peel Nina , Pinto David Miguel Susano , Wainman Alan , Raff Jordan W.
Published: July 2015

Centrosomes comprise a pair of centrioles surrounded by a matrix of pericentriolar material (PCM). In vertebrate cells, Pericentrin plays an important part in mitotic PCM assembly, but the Drosophila Pericentrin-like protein (PLP) appears to have a more minor role in mitotic fly cells. Here we investigate the function of PLP during the rapid mitotic cycles of the early Drosophila embryo. Unexpectedly, we find that PLP is specifically enriched in the outer-most regions of the PCM, where it largely co-localizes with the PCM scaffold protein Cnn. In the absence of PLP the outer PCM appears to be structurally weakened, and it rapidly disperses along the centrosomal microtubules (MTs). As a result, centrosomal MTs are subtly disorganized in embryos lacking PLP, although mitosis is largely unperturbed and these embryos develop and hatch at near-normal rates. Y2H analysis reveals that PLP can potentially form multiple interactions with itself and with the PCM recruiting proteins Asl, Spd-2 and Cnn. A deletion analysis suggests that PLP participates in a complex network of interactions that ultimately help to strengthen the PCM.
Enrichment of Shale Gas in Different Strata in Sichuan Basin and its Periphery—The Examples of the Cambrian Qiongzhusi Formation and the Silurian Longmaxi Formation
Authors: Zeng Ping , Guo Tonglou
Published: July 2015

This paper discusses the main factors affecting generation and accumulation of shale gas in the Qiongzhusi and Longmaxi formations in and around the Sichuan Basin, China, based on case studies and comparative analysis of sedimentary environments, lithological associations, basic parameters of shale gas, roof and floor conditions and carrier systems. Both the Qiongzhusi and Longmaxi Formations contain good-quality thick shale strata with high TOC, brittle minerals contents, and gas contents. The accumulation of shale gas is affected by the transport systems and the preservation conditions, especially the roof and floor lithology. The overlying strata of the Longmaxi Formation is tight and thick mudstone and muddy siltstone. The underlying strata of the Longmaxi Formation is tight and thick limestone. Both overlying and underlying strata all have low porosity and low permeability, which acts as a good roof and floor for shale gas preservation and subsequent mass fracturing reformation. Overlying strata of Qiongzhusi formation and Longmaxi is similar and served as a good roof. But the underlying stratum of the Qiongzhusi Formation is a regional reservoir that usually contains aquifers; theredore, it isn't a good floor for shale gas preservation. As a result of these conditions, the Longmaxi Formation has better shale gas accumulation conditions than that of the Qiongzhusi Formation.
A Study on Geological Characteristics of Marine Shale Gas Reservoir in Southern China
Authors: Liu Honglin , Guo Wei , Fang Chaohe , Wang Hongyan
Published: July 2015

Marine shale of the Paleozoic Erathem Longmaxi Formation and Qiongzhusi Formation in Southern China is deeply buried. Having been through a complex history of tectonic transformation, the shale is highly mature and it has a significant impact on the capacity of shale reservoir as well as the gas saturation. To ascertain the characteristics and enrichment rules of marine shale gas reservoir in southern China, we analyzed the evolution of the reservoir formation and studied the fluid inclusion. In this paper we found that the Himalayan tectonic movement in southern China has a critical impact on the evolution of shale gas reservoirs, which is reflected in an abnormal formation pressure coefficient. This causes the phenomenon of ultra-low water saturation and the formation of an overpressure core area. In this paper, the distribution range of the southern marine shale can be divided into the basin-interior stable region, basin-edge transition region and the basin-exterior active region. We experimented to analyze the water saturation, relative permeability and fluid inclusion using samples at the southern marine Longmaxi formation. The final phase of the intense Himalayan tectonic uplift has a significant impact on the shale gas reservoir, and it thereby affects the enrichment of shale gas. A part of the shale suffers from an ultra-high water saturation, which would cause damage to the shale gas. This paper believes that the formation pressure coefficient and dip angle are two important metrics in characterizing the condition of shale preservation. The overpressure geological condition and dip angle are proposed as the major measurements in selecting the overpressure core. Tectonic uplift and ultra-low water saturation are considered to be the reason why overpressure shale gas enrichment zone develops in tectonically stable areas in southern China. The overpressure shale gas reservoirs are widespread in overpressure cores, which is the major target for exploration.
Genesis Types and Sources of Mesozoic Lacustrine Shale Gas in the Southern Ordos Basin, NW China
Authors: Wang Xiangzeng , Lei Yuhong , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: July 2015

The continental lacustrine-fluvial facies are the main sedimentary environment of the late Triassic Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin of China. The 7th Member and 9th Member of the Yanchang Formation (Chang 7 and Chang 9 for short) are shale members that contain an abundance of rich organic matter, in which, natural gas has been found. Ascertaining the genetic types and sources of the shale gas is of considerable significance to the evaluation of the exploratory potential and to reduce the exploratory risk in the Yangchang Formation. The analysis of the geochemistry characteristics of the shale gas, shale desorbed gas and dissolved gas of crude oil in the Yanchang Formation, of the study area, has have been performed. The result shows that the three types of gases are dominated by methane and that the dryness is less than 0.92 and ranges from 0.64 to 0.8. The three types of gases in the Triassic Yanchang Formation have similar gas components but are completely different from the gas components in Palaeozoic coal-derived type gas. The δ13C1 values of the shale gas, shale desorbed gas and crude oil dissolved gas vary between −41.6‰ and −51.6‰, and the average value is −47.8‰. The δ13C2 varies between −40.1‰ and −33.6‰, and the δ13C3 is between −38.6‰ and −30.8‰. The shale gas, shale desorbed gas and crude oil dissolved gas are all oil-type pyrolysis gases, which originate from the shale of Chang 7 and Chang 9. The results indicate that all of the gases have components of lighter methane carbon isotopes, which is obviously inconsistent with the low thermal maturity (0.7%≤Ro≤1.3%) of the shale in the study area. The experiments demonstrate that the isotope fractionation during the process of gas adsorption and desorption is the primary cause of the inconsistence.
Full-Azimuth, High-Density, 3D Single-Point Seismic Survey for Shale Gas Exploration in a Loess Plateau Area, Southeast of Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Wang Xiangzeng
Published: July 2015

Southern Ordos Basin contains plentiful oil and gas shale resources in the Mesozoic and Upper Paleozoic. It is known that the surface in this region is covered by thick loess layers with severe variations in tomography, thickness and velocity. The adverse surface conditions result in complex statics problems and heavy scattering noise and also cause serious absorption of high-frequency energy. Conventional seismic surveys obtain poor quality seismic data, which could hardly be used to obtain information about gas shale reservoirs. In order to study strong heterogeneous gas shale reservoirs and improve the success rate of horizontal wells, a new 3D seismic survey was acquired in the typical loess plateau area by using the WesternGeco UniQ integrated point-receiver land seismic system. The new survey is designed as full-azimuth, high-density, point-source/point-receiver in order to fully sample the seismic wavefield and avoid the irreversible signal damage caused by conventional field array techniques. By taking advantage of the benefits of UniQ seismic data, targeted data processing sequence is given to resolve the specific complicated statics and noise attenuation problems. Compared with the previously acquired 2D crooked line high-resolution seismic data in the gullies, the result of UniQ seismic data exhibits significant improvement both in the single-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the image quality of target layers. This indicates that the UniQ seismic data will be more feasible to facilitate gas shale characterization.
Geochemical and Reservoir Characteristics of the Upper Triassic Continental Shale in the Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Huang Jinliang , Zou Caineng , Dong Dazhong , Li Jianzhong , Wang Yuman , Wang Shejiao , Li Denghua
Published: July 2015

The drilling data and test results of a large number of shale samples collected from Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation, in the Sichuan Basin were used to find out the distribution characteristics, geochemical characteristics, reservoir characteristics and gas-bearing property of the continental shale in Xujiahe Formation, to figure out its resource prospects. The shale reservoir of the Xujiahe Formation was high in organic matter content (with a TOC content of 0.06% to 14.8%, 2.36% on average), with an organic matter of type III kerogen, Ro% of 0.8% to 3.0% (1.62% on average). In the high maturity stage of large quantity gas generation, it is rich in brittle mineral (>40%), and high in clay mineral content (average of 49.5%) which is mainly composed of mixed illite/smectite layer and illite. The shale is 1%–3% in porosity (2.73% on average). The pores are mainly nanoscale matrix ones (2 to 50 nm in size), and organic pores in local areas. The gas content of Xujiahe shale was measured at 3.01 m3/t, on average. This study suggests that Xujiahe shale has some gas resource potential; but, there are still a number of challenges and difficulties which need to be resolved in its exploration and development in the future.
Geophysical Evaluation Technology for Shale Gas Reservoir: A Case Study in Silurian of Changning Area in Sichuan Basin
Authors: Huang Tianjun , Xie Bing , Ran Qi , Zou Dingyong , Zhong Guanghai
Published: July 2015

Shale gas belongs to unconventional natural gas; it has many reservoir evaluation parameters hard to evaluate. Accurate calculation of parameters and comprehensive evaluation of favorable blocks are critical for geological evaluation, well deployment and reservoir reconstruction of shale gas. After research of Silurian Longmaxi Formation in Changning area in Sichuan Basin a petro physics model for shale gas reservoir is established through a large number of core data analysis and a calculation method for reservoir critical parameters is established through logging data. Based on logging results, the sensitivity analysis indicates that Vp/Vs is the most optimally sensitive parameter for shale gas reservoir identification and evaluation. The thickness, the total organic carbon content, the total gas content and the brittleness index of shale gas reservoir are realized by pre-stack simultaneous inversion technology. The reservoir classification standard is established, then the comprehensive evaluation for shale gas is achieved. There is a high consistency between evaluation results and actual drilling results, so the geophysical evaluation technology for shale gas reservoir can effectively guide well deployment and horizontal well drilling design and can provide technical support for efficient development of shale gas.
Organic Carbon and Stable C-O Isotopic Study of the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation Black Shales in Sichuan Basin, SW China: Paleoenvironmental and Shale Gas Implications
Authors: Wang Shufang , Zhao Wenzhi , Zou Caineng , Dong Dazhong , Wang Yuman , Li Xinjing , Guan Quanzhong
Published: July 2015

In order to better decipher the paleoenvironment of the Early Silurian black shale in the southern Sichuan Basin and constrain their shale gas potential, organic carbon and stable C-O isotopic studies have been performed on the Longmaxi Formation from Well N203. The organic carbon isotopic studies show a relative low δ13Corg value at the lower part of the Longmaxi Formation, corresponding to the negative stable carbon isotope (δ13C) excursion and positive oxygen isotope (δ18O) excursion. These isotopic features indicate an anoxic environment at the lower part of the Longmaxi Formation, which might be related to the high atmosphere temperature and sea-level rise. The anoxic environment is also proved by framboidal pyrites studies, which present diameter of most framboids in the range of 3–5 μm. The anoxic environment promoted the deposition of organic carbon, leading to the high TOC content at the lower part. This anoxic environment only lasted for a short period, with a gradually evolution to oxic environment at the middle and upper part of the Longmaxi Formation, evidenced by very low TOC content, increasing δ13Corg values, positive δ13C values and negative δ18O values. Our studies have further constrained the best source of rocks for shale gas at the lower part of the Longmaxi Formation.
Rice Husk Ash for Fast Removal of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Deokar Sunil K. , Mandavgane Sachin A.
Published: July 2015

Rice husk ash (RHA) is a rich source of micronutrients and improves yield, and is spread on agriculture lands as a farming practice. For the first time, RHA has been evaluated as an adsorbent for pesticide removal from aqueous solutions. RHA was characterized extensively by X-ray fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, BET surface area, CO2, H2O, N2 and SO2 (CHNS) analysis. 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), a commonly used pesticide, was chosen as a representative adsorbate for studying the effects of various parameters in batch adsorption. Compared with granulated activated carbon, RHA gave 10,000 times higher rate constant. Thus, RHA adsorbs 2,4-D instantly and stops its further transport through soil. On the basis of adsorption capacity, RHA dosage per hectare of land is recommended for different crops and fruits. Thus, RHA serves dual purposes: (a) as a source of micronutrients and (b) as an effective adsorbent for fast removal of pesticide, in addition to inhibiting groundwater leaching.
Synthesis of a Denitrification Adsorbent with Large Surface Area and Specific Pore Structure for the Removal of Indole from Fuel Oil
Authors: Yang Wenming , Cao Yang , Ni Xiaoni , Hunag Weihong , Xu Wanzhen
Published: July 2015

We herein report the successful synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) by surface imprinting methods. The synthesized MIPs were subsequently used to selectively adsorb indole from fuel oil. A new polymerization method (SR&NI ATRP), which combines the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and reverse atom transfer radical polymerization methods, is applied for the preparation of indole–MIPs. The indole–MIPs prepared have large specific surface area and porosity, as revealed by a series of morphology characterization studies. Static adsorption data indicate that the adsorption capacity of indole–MIPs was 55.8 mg g−1, and the adsorption equilibrium is achieved in 120 minutes. According to the results of thermodynamic analysis, the adsorption process is spontaneous. In addition, results of kinetics analysis indicated that the adsorption performances of indole–MIPs obey pseudo-second-order model. The Sips and Langmuir equations better fitted with the experimental isothermal data than the Freundlich equation. The selectivity of indole–MIPs was significant and the adsorbent could be reused even after five regeneration cycles.
Removal of Pesticides from Aqueous Solutions by Adsorption on Zeolites as Solid Adsorbents
Authors: De Smedt C. , Ferrer F. , Leus K. , Spanoghe P.
Published: July 2015

To prevent the contamination of groundwater and surface water by pesticides, appropriate measures should be taken to treat the contaminated water before discharge. Zeolites seem to be a promising material to adsorb pesticides. This paper deals with the removal of mobile pesticides from water on different types of zeolites. Experiments were performed to understand the adsorption mechanisms of bentazon, clopyralid, imidacloprid, isoproturon and metalaxyl-m on zeolites and to determine the most efficient adsorbent for the purification of water contaminated by these pesticides. More immobile pesticides (imidacloprid, isoproturon and metalaxyl-m) tended to associate with the zeolites, whereas more mobile pesticides (bentazon and clopyralid) partitioned in water. According to the adsorption percentage, zeolite of the types BEA and FAU showed the best results for adsorbing the pesticides. Two different kinetic models, namely, pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models, were used to fit the kinetics data. The experimental data were best described by the pseudo-second-order model. The rate of adsorption was also in line with the mobility of the pesticides. The adsorption isotherms were determined and modelled based on the observed types according to International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. The type III isotherm was most frequently observed in this case. The Freundlich model, which describes this type of isotherm, gave a good fit for the adsorption of the pesticides. Different assumptions, that could describe the meaning of these type III isotherms, are discussed in this paper. These assumptions are based on the particle size of the adsorbates, the water adsorption on the zeolites and the modifications of the crystal structures.
Application of Bayesian Regularization Criterion in near Field Acoustic Holography Based on Equivalent Source Method
Authors: Chu Zhigang , Ping Guoli , Cai Pengfei , Yang Yang , Chen Caihui
Published: July 2015

In order to choose an optimal regularization parameter for near field acoustic holography (NAH) based on equivalent source method (ESM), Bayesian regularization criterion method was introduced to solve the inverse problem. Comparison simulations were conducted with generalized cross validation method (GCV), L-curve method and Hald regularization formula method at various sound source frequencies, hologram distances, and Signal-to-Noise Ratios (SNR). The results show that GCV, L-curve, and Hald regularization formula method cannot achieve the optimal regularization parameter at large hologram distances, high noise levels, high frequencies and input SNR errors. However, Bayesian regularization criterion method is not affected by these restrictions and has excellent reconstruction performance in wide frequency band. Further experiment validates the correctness and effectiveness of the application of Bayesian regularization criterion method in ESM-based NAH, thus providing a new guidance for the solving of inverse problem in ESM-based NAH.