bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathogen Dispersal and Glomerella Leaf Spot Progress Within Apple Canopy in Brazil
Authors: Hamada Natasha Akemi , Moreira Rafaele Regina , Nesi Cristiano Nunes , May De Mio Louise Larissa
Published: May 2019

Glomerella leaf spot (GLS) of apple is caused by three different Colletotrichum species complexes. This study evaluated the dispersal of Colletotrichum spores related to GLS temporal progress and defoliation. Spores were monitored by air and water runoff in different plant heights, and the temporal progress of GLS and defoliation were assessed. Spores of the pathogen were first cached in the lower part of the tree closer to the ground, confirming the importance of dead leaves on the ground as main source of primary inoculum. In plots with high primary inoculum, the disease increases exponentially during favorable weather conditions. The highest initial inoculum was found in the lower part of the tree, but the highest rate of the disease progress in the upper.
Assessment of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis Bacterial Load in Infected Walnut Fruits by Quantitative PCR
Authors: Martins Leonor , Fernandes Camila , Albuquerque Pedro , Tavares Fernando
Published: May 2019

Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis is the etiologic agent of important walnut (Juglans regia L.) diseases, causing severe fruit drop and high economic losses in walnut production regions. Rapid diagnostics and knowledge of bacterial virulence fitness are key to hinder disease progression and apply timely phytosanitary measures. This work describes an X. arboricola pv. juglandis-specific real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) using X. arboricola pv. juglandis-specific DNA markers to quantify the bacterial load in infected walnut plant tissues. Method validation was achieved using calibration curves obtained with serial dilutions of X. arboricola pv. juglandis chromosomal DNA and standard curves obtained from walnut samples spiked with X. arboricola pv. juglandis cells. High correlations (R2 > 0.990 and > 0.995) and low limits of detection (35 chromosomes/qPCR reaction and 2.7 CFU/qPCR reaction) were obtained for both markers considering the calibration and standard curves, respectively. Assessment of qPCR repeatability, reproducibility, and specificity allowed us to demonstrate the reliability and consistency of the method. Furthermore, in planta quantification of X. arboricola pv. juglandis bacterial load using infected walnut fruit samples showed a higher detection resolution compared with standard PCR detection. By allowing quantification of virulence fitness of distinct X. arboricola pv. juglandis strains in planta, the proposed qPCR method may contribute to assertive risk assessment of walnut diseases caused by X. arboricola pv. juglandis and ultimately help to improve phytosanitary practices.
An indolent case of isolated cerebral mucormycosis: an uncommon presentation
Authors: Montgomery David J. , Goldstein Randi S. , Douse Dontre' M. , Tuitt Jerome , Sinnott Michael
Published: May 2019

Introduction. This case is a presentation of isolated central nervous system (CNS) Mucormycosis in an immunocompetent patient. This case is unique in its demonstration of isolated CNS involvement while lacking clear evidence elucidating an entry point.

Case presentation. The patient is a 36-year-old man without a pertinent past medical history, who initially presented with altered mental status and a 5-day history of progressively slurred speech. His social history is significant for intravenous drug use and outdoor pest control work. The patient’s head computed tomography (CT) scan without contrast demonstrated the presence of possible bilateral infarcts or masses involving the basal ganglia and periventricular white matter. The patient then progressed to facial diplegia with new onset hemiplegia. High-dose steroids were initiated due to concern for neurosarcoidosis. A lumbar puncture was ordered due to minimal improvement and suggested an inflammatory process. A stereotactic brain biopsy was then performed, demonstrating non-caseating granulomatous inflammation with giant cells. Liposomal amphotericin B was added to cover possible fungal etiology. The pathology report was consistent with an isolated cerebral mucormycosis infection. The etiology remained elusive with clear paranasal sinuses and no cutaneous manifestations. Due to extensive gray matter involvement, the patient was not a candidate for surgery.

Conclusion. This is a report of mucormycosis in a seemingly immunocompetent patient with either isolated CNS involvement or disseminated mucormycosis without an identifiable source. Although this patient did have two risk factors including intravenous drug use and outdoor working history, his lack of peripheral involvement demonstrates an uncommon presentation.
Preparation of Artesunate mPEG-PLGA Nanoparticles and Its Application to K562 Apoptosis of cells
Authors: Reddy Sushil , Gupta David
Published: May 2019

The preparation process of artesunate-loaded polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether-polylactic acid-glycolic acid affinity block copolymer (mPEG-PLGA) nanoparticles and its growth inhibition on human leukemia K562 cells were investigated. METHODS: Artesunate mPEG-PLGA nanoparticles (Art-Nps) were prepared by modified self-emulsification method. The morphology of nanoparticles was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The particle size distribution and zeta potential were measured by laser scattering particle size analyzer. The drug loading, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release of Art-Nps were determined by chromatography. The proliferation and apoptosis of human leukemia K562 cells were observed by MTT assay and Hoechst staining. RESULTS: Art-Nps is a spherical solid particle with smooth surface, average particle size (156.70+/-1.01) nm, zeta potential of -(26.23+/-1.86) mV, average drug loading (14.51+/-0.20)%, average package. The sealing rate was (86.51+/-0.50)%, and the in vitro release law accorded with the Higuchi equation: Q=4.11t 1/2+27.05, R2=0.98. MTT assay showed that Art-Nps inhibited the proliferation of K562 cells in a time-dose-dependent manner, and the inhibition rate exceeded the artesunate-treated group after 72h, and sustained release. The number of cells was observed after cultured with different concentrations of Art-Nps for 48h. Significantly reduced, cell size is different, irregular shape, high magnification can be seen in the nucleus pyknosis, agglutination, and apoptotic bodies, and increased apoptotic bodies with increasing concentration.
Behavioral and neuronal underpinnings of safety in numbers in fruit flies
Authors: Ferreira Clara H , Moita Marta A
Published: May 2019

Living in a group allows individuals to decrease their defenses enabling other beneficial behaviors such as foraging. The detection of a threat through social cues is widely reported, however the safety cues that guide animals to break away from a defensive behavior and resume alternate activities remain elusive. Here we show that fruit flies displayed a graded decrease in freezing behavior, triggered by an inescapable threat, with increasing group sizes. Furthermore, flies used the cessation of movement of other flies as a cue of threat and its resumption as a cue of safety. Finally, we found that lobula columnar neurons, LC11, mediate the propensity for freezing flies to resume moving in response to the movement of others. By identifying visual motion cues, and the neurons involved in their processing, as the basis of a social safety cue this study brings new insights into the neuronal basis of safety in numbers.
Inhibition of GMP synthesis extends yeast replicative lifespan
Authors: Sarnoski E. A. , Liu P. , Urbonaite G. , Olmez T. T. , Young T. Z. , Song R. , Acar M.
Published: May 2019

Aging, the time-dependent accumulation of molecular damage, is the primary limiting factor of human lifespan. Slowing down damage accumulation or its prevention therefore represents a promising therapeutic paradigm to combat aging-related disease and death. While several chemical compounds extend lifespan in model organisms, their mechanism of action is often unknown, reducing their therapeutic potential. Using a systematic approach, here we show that inhibition of GMP synthesis is a novel lifespan extension mechanism in yeast. We further discover that proteasome activation extends lifespan in part through GMP insufficiency. GMP synthesis inhibition exerts its lifespan extension effect independently of the canonical nutrient-sensing and sirtuin pathways regulating lifespan. Exposing longitudinally aging yeast cells to GMP synthesis inhibition in an age-dependent manner, we demonstrate that the lifespan extension by GMP insufficiency is facilitated by slowing, rather than reversing, the aging process in cells. While GMP and its downstream metabolites are involved in many cellular processes in cells, our results rule out the combined effect of global transcription and translation on cellular lifespan. These findings elucidate the involvement of nucleotide metabolism in the aging process. The existence of clinically-approved GMP synthesis inhibitors elicits the potential of a new class of therapeutics for aging-related disorders.
Comparison of long-term outcomes between enteral nutrition via gastrostomy and total parenteral nutrition in the elderly with dysphagia: A propensity-matched cohort study
Authors: Masaki Shigenori , Kawamoto Takashi
Published: May 2019

Background

The long-term outcomes of artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) in the elderly with dysphagia remain uncertain. Enteral nutrition via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) are major methods of ANH. Although both can be a life-prolonging treatments, Japan has recently come to view PEG as representative of unnecessary life-prolonging treatment. Consequently, TPN is often chosen for ANH instead. This study aimed to compare the long-term outcomes between PEG and TPN in the elderly.

Methods

This single-center retrospective cohort study identified 253 elderly patients with dysphagia who received enteral nutrition via PEG (n=180) or TPN (n=73) between January 2014 and January 2017. The primary outcome was survival time. Secondary outcomes were oral intake recovery, discharge to home, and the incidence of severe pneumonia and sepsis. We performed one-to-one propensity score matching using a 0.05 caliper. The Kaplan–Meier method, log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazards model were used to analyze the survival time between groups.

Results

Older patients with lower nutritional states, and severe dementia were more likely to receive TPN. Propensity score matching created 55 pairs. Survival time was significantly longer in the PEG group (median, 317 vs 195 days; P=0.017). The hazard ratio for PEG relative to TPN was 0.60 (95% confidence interval: 0.39–0.92; P=0.019). There were no significant differences between the groups in oral intake recovery and discharge to home. The incidence of severe pneumonia was significantly higher in the PEG group (50.9% vs 25.5%, P=0.010), whereas sepsis was significantly higher in the TPN group (10.9% vs 30.9%, P=0.018).

Conclusions

PEG was associated with a significantly longer survival time, a higher incidence of severe pneumonia, and a lower incidence of sepsis compared with TPN. These results can be used in the decision-making process before initiating ANH.
Preventing overeducation and graduate surplus
Authors: Habibi Nader
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Most Middle Eastern countries suffer from high rates of unemployment and underemployment among university graduates. This condition is known as overeducation and it is observed in many countries around the world. Two countries, Singapore and Hong Kong, have been able to prevent overeducation. The purpose of this paper is to identify political and institutional factors that have allowed these two countries to succeed.

Design/methodology/approach

The author has relied on published government documents, online short articles and academic publications to collect evidence on higher education policies in Hong Kong and Singapore. The author has also received some valuable insight by e-mail communication with scholars and some government institutions in these countries. In addition, the author has generated tables and charts based on official government statistics from both countries to show the trends in higher education and the labor market outcomes for university graduates.

Findings

First, in Singapore and Hong Kong, the labor ministry and the private sector industries are able to influence the higher education enrollment policy based on economic demand for skilled labor. Second, in both countries, the political leadership is committed to preventing graduate surplus and has enough political strength to resist populist pressures for increasing the enrollment into higher education. Third, both countries have been able to direct a large number of high school graduates to vocational and two-year associate degrees.

Originality/value

Overeducation is a very costly and undesirable outcome that leads to a large amount of wasted investment in human capital. It is very valuable for developing countries to learn about policies that have been successfully used by Singapore and Hong Kong to prevent overeducation because the same policies can be used in the affected countries.
Attachment disorder in autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability
Authors: Kildahl Arvid Nikolai , Engebretsen Maria Hagen , Helverschou Sissel Berge
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an exclusion criterion for one of the two attachment disorders in the DSM 5. However, previous findings indicate that ASD and attachment disorder are unrelated conditions and may co-occur. The purpose of this paper is to explore the diagnostic assessment of an adolescent male with ASD, intellectual disability (ID), severe challenging behaviour and a suspected attachment disorder.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study methodology was chosen because of its suitability in the exploration of complex clinical phenomena where prior knowledge is sparse.

Findings

It was possible to identify symptoms of attachment disorder in a case involving ASD, ID, anxiety and severe challenging behaviour. The Disturbances of Attachment Interview was particularly useful in this assessment, as was assessment of ASD symptoms and developmental history. Differentiating the two attachment disorders proved challenging.

Research limitations/implications

There is a need for further research in ASD and attachment disorders not limited by current diagnostic categories.

Practical implications

Co-occurring symptoms of attachment disorder may be identified in individuals with ASD and ID, and exploration of these symptoms in assessments of children and adolescents with ASD/ID and challenging behaviour may be beneficial.

Originality/value

The study adds to previous findings on attachment disorder in ASD, demonstrating that identification of attachment disorder is possible even in the presence of a highly complex clinical picture involving severe challenging behaviour. It may also assist other clinicians in identifying and making more accurate assessment of attachment disorder in ASD and ID.
Co-creating value with suppliers: a conceptual framework
Authors: Altman Ferreira Paulo Sergio
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This study aims to put forward a conceptual framework to promote strategies for exploring and exploiting value co-creation with suppliers through dynamic capabilities development.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual framework was developed by applying deductive logic to blend the theoretical perspectives of value co-creation and dynamic capabilities concerning interaction and innovation.

Findings

The suggested framework emphasized that to co-create value with suppliers, health-care organizations need to integrate innovation abilities with interactional abilities for assimilating mutual processes and resources. The study also points out the crucial role of middle managers to articulate the diverse value perspectives and act as change catalysts.

Practical implications

This paper provides a roadmap for health-care managers to develop internal bundles of resources and integrate inter-organizational processes in the direction of co-creating value. The approach suggests the use of project pipelines and performance measures as managerial tools for aligning value co-creating initiatives with suppliers.

Originality/value

The study is a pioneering attempt to develop a conceptual framework for co-creating value with suppliers and, consequently, to provide innovative services to patients. The study aligns with previous value co-creation and dynamic capabilities works in terms of interaction and innovation development. However, based on the interrelation of these two dimensions, the study puts forth four interrelated processes (experimenting new possibilities of value creation; articulating value alignment initiatives; implementing mutual benefits; and executing and managing performance improvement) attached by mutual change mechanisms.
The effect of enabling factors on social innovation in Russian non-profit organisations
Authors: Krasnopolskaya Irina , Meijs Lucas
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper explores the factors that are associated with a capacity of non-profits to develop social innovations (SIs). The purpose of this paper is to examine factors in the Russian national context with weak non-profit sector with an ambiguous governmental policy toward the sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on survey data (n=850 NPOs, 2015, Russia). The paper analyses the likelihood of a non-profit to introduce SIs due to external framework and organizational factors. Regression analysis was applied in the study. The study is based on a new sampling approach and examines non-profits as producers of SIs, but not cases of SIsper se.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the capacity of an NPO to develop SIs is explained by the following enabling factors: cross-boundary collaborative relations, volunteer involvement and diversity of the revenue structure. Composition of innovative sub-sector, opportunities and chances of getting into this group are explicitly determined and regulated by the current governmental policy toward the sector. That is that large and established non-profits are more likely to be innovative in Russia, unlike expected grass-roots.

Originality/value

The paper applies a theoretical framework to analyze the SI concept in a non-western context with weak civil society and an influential government. From this perspective, the results present empirical quantitative verification of the determinants of SI capacity of NPOs. The paper is among the first to apply a reverse sampling principle and examine SIs via NPOs as producers. The paper produced, for the first time, an empirical description of the nature of innovative activity by NPOs and an estimation of the extent of this activity in Russia.
Radiogenesis of Low Maturity Natural Gas in the Turpan‐Hami Basin, NW China
Authors: WANG Wenqing , LIU Chiyang , ZHANG Dongdong , LIANG Hao
Published: May 2019

The origin of the Jurassic low maturity natural gas in the Turpan‐Hami Basin has attracted scientists’ attention for some time, and it is known that radiogenesis may have played a role. However, little has been done on the uranium‐rich background of the whole basin. Based on plentiful logging and geological data for the Jurassic strata in the Turpan‐Hami Basin, this research examined the features and factors controlling the distribution of rocks with high gamma reading. The results show that 70%‐100% of the rocks with high gamma readings correspond to mudstones in the prodelta subfacies rather than those in semideep‐deep lacustrine subfacies rich in mudstones. Therefore, we propose that the distribution of rocks with high gamma readings is mainly controlled by sedimentary facies rather than by lithology. Further analysis of the gamma spectrometry logging data shows that high gamma values are more strongly correlated with U content than with Th or K content. By comparing the U and Th contents of felsic rocks in peripheral provenances, we find that the Jueluotage Mountain and Harlik Mountain were the dominant uranium sources for the Jurassic Turpan‐Hami Basin. Radiolysis due to high‐level uranium in the prodelta subfacies can make the low maturity source rocks generate H2and CH4, thus contributing to the production of low maturity natural gas in the Turpan‐Hami Basin.
Geological Factors Controlling the Accumulation and High Yield of Marine‐Facies Shale Gas: Case Study of the Wufeng‐Longmaxi Formation in the Dingshan Area of Southeast Sichuan, China
Authors: FAN Cunhui , ZHONG Cheng , ZHANG Yu , QIN Qirong , HE Shun
Published: May 2019

The main geological factors controlling the accumulation and yield of marine‐facies shale gas reservoirs are the focus of the current shale gas exploration and development research. In this study, the Wufeng‐Longmaxi Formation in the Dingshan area of southeast Sichuan was investigated. Shale cores underwent laboratory testing, which included the evaluation of total organic carbon (TOC), vitrinite reflectance (Ro), whole‐rock X‐ray diffraction (XRD), pore permeability, and imaging through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM). Based on the results of natural gamma ray spectrum logging, conventional logging, imaging logging, and seismic coherence properties, the exploration and development potential of shale gas in the Dingshan area have been discussed comprehensively. The results showed that (1) layer No. 4 (WF2‐LM4) of the Wufeng‐Longmaxi Formation has a Th/U ratio <2 and a Th/K ratio of 3.5‐12. Graptolites and pyrite are relatively abundant in the shale core, indicating sub‐high‐energy and low‐energy marine‐facies anoxic reducing environments. (2) The organic matter is mainly I‐type kerogen with a small amount of II1‐type kerogen. There is a good correlation among TOC, Ro, gas content, and brittle minerals; the fracturing property (brittleness) is 57.3%. Organic and inorganic pores are moderately developed. A higher pressure coefficient is correlated with the increase in porosity and the decrease in permeability. (3) The DY1 well of the shale gas reservoir was affected by natural defects and important late‐stage double destructive effects, and it is poorly preserved. The DY2 well is located far from the Qiyueshan Fault. Large faults are absent, and upward fractures in the Longmaxi Formation are poorly developed. The well is affected by low tectonic deformation intensity, and it is well preserved. (4) The Dingshan area is located at the junction of the two sedimentary centers of Jiaoshiba and Changning. The thickness of the high‐quality shale interval (WF2‐LM4) is relatively small, which may be an important reason for the unstable production of shale gas thus far. Based on the systematic analysis of the geological factors controlling high‐yield shale gas enrichment in the Dingshan area, and the comparative analysis with the surrounding typical exploration areas, the geological understanding of marine shale gas enrichment in southern China has been improved. Therefore, this study can provide a useful reference for shale gas exploration and further development.
Graptolite‐Derived Organic Matter and Pore Characteristics in the Wufeng‐Longmaxi Black Shale of the Sichuan Basin and its Periphery
Authors: WU Jin , ZHOU Wen , SUN Shasha , ZHOU Shangwen , SHI Zhensheng
Published: May 2019

A key target of shale gas exploration and production in China is the organic‐rich black shale of the Wufeng Formation‐Longmaxi Formation in the Sichuan Basin and its periphery. The set of black shale contains abundant graptolites, which are mainly preserved as flattened rhabdosomes with carbonized periderms, is an important organic component of the shale. However, few previous studies had focused on the organic matter (OM) which is derived from graptolite and its pore structure. In particular, the contributions of graptolites to gas generation, storage, and flow have not yet been examined. In this study, focused ion beam‐scanning electron microscope (FIB‐SEM) was used to investigate the characteristics of the graptolite‐derived OM and the micro‐nanopores of graptolite periderms. The results suggested that the proportion of OM in the graptolite was between 19.7% and 30.2%, and between 8.9% and 14.4% in the surrounding rock. The total organic carbon (TOC) content of the graptolite was found to be higher than that of the surrounding rock, which indicated that the graptolite played a significant role in the dispersed organic matter. Four types of pores were developed in the graptolite periderm, including organic gas pores, pyrite moulage pores, authigenic quartz moldic pores, and microfractures. These well‐developed micro‐nano pores and fractures had formed an interconnected system within the graptolites which provided storage spaces for shale gas. The stacked layers and large accumulation of graptolites resulted in lamellation fractures openning easily, and provided effective pathways for the gas flow. A few nanoscale gas pores were observed in the graptolite‐derived OM, with surface porosity lie in 1.5%–2.4%, and pore diameters of 5–20 nm. The sapropel detritus was determined to be rich in nanometer‐sized pores with surface porosity of 3.1%–6.2%, and pore diameters of 20–80 nm. Due to the small amount of hydrocarbon generation of the graptolite, supporting the overlying pressure was difficult, which caused the pores to become compacted or collapsed.
Pore‐Throat Combination Types and Gas‐Water Relative Permeability Responses of Tight Gas Sandstone Reservoirs in the Zizhou Area of East Ordos Basin, China
Authors: LI Mi , GUO Yinghai , LI Zhuangfu , WANG Huaichang , ZHANG Jingxia
Published: May 2019

With the aim of better understanding the tight gas reservoirs in the Zizhou area of east Ordos Basin, a total of 222 samples were collected from 50 wells for a series of experiments. In this study, three pore‐throat combination types in sandstones were revealed and confirmed to play a controlling role in the distribution of throat size and the characteristics of gas‐water relative permeability. The type‐I sandstones are dominated by intercrystalline micropores connected by cluster throats, of which the distribution curves of throat size are narrow and have a strong single peak (peak ratio >30%). The pores in the type‐II sandstones dominantly consist of secondary dissolution pores and intercrystalline micropores, and throats mainly occur as slice‐shaped throats along cleavages between rigid grain margins and cluster throats in clay cement. The distribution curves of throat size for the type‐II sandstones show a bimodal distribution with a substantial low‐value region between the peaks (peak ratio <15%). Primary intergranular pores and secondary intergranular pores are mainly found in type‐III samples, which are connected by various throats. The throat size distribution curves of type‐III sandstones show a nearly normal distribution with low kurtosis (peak ratio <10%), and the micro‐scale throat radii (>0.5 (μm) constitute a large proportion. From type‐I to type‐III sandstones, the irreducible water saturation (Swo) decreased; furthermore, the slope of the curves of Krw/Krg in two‐phase saturation zone decreased and the two‐phase saturation zone increased, indicating that the gas relative flow ability increased. Variations of the permeability exist in sandstones with different pore‐throat combination types, which indicate the type‐III sandstones are better reservoirs, followed by type‐II sandstones and type‐I sandstones. As an important factor affecting the reservoir quality, the pore‐throat combination type in sandstones is the cumulative expression of lithology and diagenetic modifications with strong heterogeneity.
Differential Characteristics of the Upper Ordovician‐Lower Silurian Wufeng‐Longmaxi Shale Reservoir and its Implications for Exploration and Development of Shale Gas in/around the Sichuan Basin
Authors: WANG Ruyue , HU Zongquan , LONG Shengxiang , LIU Guangxiang , ZHAO Jianhua , DONG Li , DU Wei , WANG Pengwei , YIN Shuai
Published: May 2019

The Upper Ordovician Wufeng‐Lower Silurian Longmaxi shale is widely distributed in the Sichuan Basin and its periphery, which is the key stratum for marine shale gas exploration and development (E&D) in China. Based on sedimentary environment, material basis, storage space, fracability and reservoir evolution data, the reservoir characteristics of the Wufeng‐Longmaxi shale and their significance for shale gas EE&D are systematically compared and analyzed in this paper. The results show that (1) the depocenter of the Wufeng (WF)‐Longmaxi (LM) shale gradually migrates from east to west. The high‐quality shale reservoirs in the eastern Sichuan Basin are mainly siliceous shales, which are primarily distributed in the graptolite shale interval of WF2‐LM5. The high‐quality reservoirs in the southern Sichuan Basin are mainly calcareous‐siliceous and organic‐rich argillaceous shales, which are distributed in the graptolite shale interval of WF2‐LM7. (2) Deep shale gas (the burial depth >3500 m) in the Sichuan Basin has high‐ultrahigh pressure and superior physical properties. The organic‐rich siliceous, calcareous‐siliceous and organic‐rich argillaceous shales have suitable reservoir properties. The marginal area of the Sichuan Basin has a higher degree of pressure relief, which leads to the argillaceous and silty shales evolving into direct cap rocks with poor reservoir/good sealing capacity. (3) Combining shale gas exploration practices and impacts of lithofacies, depth, pressure coefficient and brittle‐ductile transition on the reservoir properties, it is concluded that the favorable depth interval of the Wufeng‐Longmaxi shale gas is 2200∼4000 m under current technical conditions. (4) Aiming at the differential reservoir properties of the Wufeng‐Longmaxi shale in the Sichuan Basin and its periphery, several suggestions for future research directions and EE&D of shale gas are formulated.
Idiosyncratic Information, Moral Hazard, and the Cost of Capital
Authors: Gao Pingyang
Published: May 2019

This paper examines the effects of idiosyncratic accounting information on a firm's cost of capital. By embedding a moral hazard problem into a multifirm asset‐pricing model, I show that moral hazard distorts the sharing of idiosyncratic risk but does not affect the sharing of systematic risk in the economy. A firm‐level improvement in idiosyncratic information reduces the firm's cost of capital even though it does not affect the implied cost of capital inferred from publicly traded shares. Moreover, an economy‐level improvement in idiosyncratic information reduces the risk premium for idiosyncratic risk but increases the risk premium for systematic risk, resulting in an ambiguous net effect on the firm's cost of capital. These results provide alternative explanations for the mixed empirical evidence on the relation between information quality and the cost of capital.
A checklist to improve the quality of central venous catheter tip positioning
Authors: Hade A. D. , Beckmann L. A. , Basappa B. K.
Published: May 2019

Central venous catheter insertion is a routine procedure performed by anaesthetists in the peri‐operative setting. Upper body central venous catheters are usually placed such that their tip lies within the superior vena cava or at the cavo‐atrial junction. Positioning the tip ‘too low’ in the right atrium has long been argued against on the basis that it increases the risk of perforation, leading to cardiac tamponade. Positioning the tip ‘too high’ in the brachiocephalic vein or above can also be problematic in that proximal migration can result in extravascular placement of the proximal lumen. Such an incident occurred at our hospital in 2016, resulting in extravasation of a vesicant medication causing tissue necrosis. We undertook a quality improvement project involving a standardised bundle of care and a peri‐operative central venous catheter insertion checklist with the aim of reducing the risk of such an incident re‐occurring. We conducted a three‐month pre‐intervention audit (n = 84) in 2016 and a post‐intervention audit (n = 84) in 2017. Compared with the pre‐intervention audit, the post‐intervention audit coincided with a lower rate of central venous catheter tip malpositioning (5.6% vs. 9.2%); and a higher rate of ‘optimal’ central venous catheter tip position in the distal superior vena cava or cavo‐atrial junction (45.1% vs. 29.2%). The central venous catheter insertion checklist also substantially improved documentation of sterility measures, insertion depth and post‐insertional documentation of tip position on chest radiograph.
THE RESPONSE OF STATE‐OWNED ENTERPRISES TO IMPORT COMPETITION: EVIDENCE FROM CHINESE MANUFACTURING FIRMS
Authors: DUANMU Jing‐Lin , PITTMAN Russell
Published: May 2019

We examine the wage and employment impact on Chinese firms of an increase in import competition associated with China's WTO accession in December 2001, with an emphasis on state‐owned enterprises (SOEs). We find that both wage and employment are negatively impacted by an increase in import competition, but firms with high state ownership cut employment less and reduce wages more than their private counterparts, suggesting that they prioritize the protection of employment over that of wages. This finding supports the notion that SOEs may have ‘multitask’ responsibilities in terms of protecting employment as well as achieving efficiency. We also find that firms with higher capital intensity reduce their wages less but cut employment more in response to intensified import competition. This provides empirical support for the efficiency wage theory.
UNDERSTANDING MEMBER CHARACTERISTICS AND COOPERATIVE PRICE EFFECTS: THE CASE OF THE ARGENTINEAN DAIRY SECTOR
Authors: MALVIDO PEREZ CARLETTI Agustina , HANISCH Markus , PUECHAGUT Maria Soledad , GASTALDI Laura Beatriz
Published: May 2019

Since the 1990s, Argentinean dairy‐processing cooperatives have lost considerable amounts of members and market share. We analyse their current role by investigating the characteristics of farmers who continue delivering to them and price differentials between cooperatives and investor‐oriented firms (IOFs). A probit regression model applied to 917 farmers suggests that cooperative farmers are more disadvantaged than farmers delivering to IOFs in terms of education, farm size and productive technology. Moreover, t‐tests applied to data representing 70 per cent of national volume indicate that farmers delivering to cooperatives are between 11 per cent and 29 per cent smaller than those delivering to IOFs, depending on province. A hierarchical multilevel regression model applied to 9,720 transactions among farmers and processors shows that, after controlling for quantity and quality, cooperatives pay lower (3.5%) but more stable prices than IOFs. In a context of rapid structural change, we observe a market in which larger farmers deliver to IOFs and smaller farmers deliver to cooperatives and conclude that, at the expense of paying lower prices, cooperatives may act as buyers of last resort for otherwise disadvantaged farmers.
Molecular dynamics simulations of dihydro‐β‐erythroidine bound to the human α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
Authors: Yu Rilei , Tae Han‐Shen , Xu Qingliang , Craik David J. , Adams David J. , Jiang Tao , Kaas Quentin
Published: May 2019

Background and Purpose

The heteromeric α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is abundant in the human brain and is associated with a range of CNS disorders. This nAChR subtype has been recently crystallised in a conformation that was proposed to represent a desensitised state. Here, we investigated the conformational transition mechanism of this nAChR from a desensitised to a closed/resting state.

Experimental Approach

The competitive antagonist dihydro‐β‐erythroidine (DHβE) was modelled by replacement of the agonist nicotine in the α4β2 nAChR experimental structure. DHβE is used both in vitro and in vivo for its ability to block α4β2 nAChRs. This system was studied by three molecular dynamics simulations with a combined simulation time of 2.6 μs. Electrophysiological studies of mutated receptors were performed to validate the simulation results.

Key Results

The relative positions of the extracellular and transmembrane domains in the models are distinct from those of the desensitised state structure and are compatible with experimental structures of Cys‐loop receptors captured in a closed/resting state.

Conclusions and Implications

Our model suggests that the side chains of α4 L257 (9′) and α4 L264 (16′) are the main constrictions in the transmembrane pore. The involvement of position 9′ in channel gating is well established, but position 16′ was only previously identified as a gate for the bacterial channels, ELIC and GLIC. L257 but not L264 was found to influence the slow component of desensitisation. The structure of the antagonist‐bound state proposed here should be valuable for the development of therapeutic or insecticide compounds.
Citrate‐assisted efficient local delivery of naked oligonucleotide into live mouse brain cells
Authors: Zhou Haibin , Zhang Shouhua , Lv Fei , Sun Wenzhi , Wang Lihua , Fan Chunhai , Li Jiang , Hu Ji
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Synthetic oligonucleotides have shown promise in brain imaging. However, delivery of oligonucleotides into live brain cells remains challenging. In this study, we aim to develop a facile yet efficient strategy for local delivery of oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) to neural cells in live adult mouse brain.

Materials and methods

A fluorescence‐labelled ODN was diluted with sodium citrate buffer (100 mmol/L, pH = 3). One microlitre of the mixture was injected into a live adult mouse brain. Six hours later, we sacrificed the mouse and prepared brain slices for microscopic imaging.

Results

We find that the use of sodium citrate buffer in the one‐shot local delivery can improve the diffusion and cell entry efficiency of the unmodified ODN for dozens of times. Only 1 pmol ODN leads to hundreds of positively transferred brain cells. We reason that this promotion is due to the local acidic condition created by the citrate buffer, which leads to the protonation of the ODN and some membrane proteins, thus reduces the Coulomb repulsion between the ODN and the cell membrane. Based on this strategy, we demonstrate fluorescent microscopic imaging of brain cells in different brain regions including striatum, cortex, hippocampus and midbrain.

Conclusions

The citrate buffer can be used as an adjuvant for facile and effective local injection delivery of ODNs, which may provide a new tool for brain imaging.
Anti‐inflammatory and antiresorptive functions of melatonin on experimentally induced periapical lesions
Authors: Sarıtekin E. , Üreyen Kaya B. , Aşcı H. , Özmen Ö.
Published: May 2019

Aim

To investigate the effects of systemically administered melatonin on inflammation and alveolar bone resorption in rats with experimentally induced periapical lesions.

Methodology

Thirty adult Sprague Dawley rats were divided equally into negative, positive control and melatonin groups. The pulp chambers of their mandibular first molars were exposed to the oral environment to induce experimental periapical lesions in the positive control and melatonin groups. The melatonin group received daily intraperitoneal injections of melatonin at a dose of 10 mg kg−1. After 21 days, the animals were euthanized; the hemi‐mandible parts were prepared for radiological, histopathological, immunohistochemical (IL‐1β, RANK, RANKL, OPG and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and Brown–Brenn (bacteria) evaluations. Data were analysed by Kruskal–Wallis (for non‐parametric data) and one‐way anova tests (for parametric data) (P < 0.05).

Results

The area of radiographic periapical bone loss was significantly smaller in rats that were given daily intraperitoneal injections of melatonin (P < 0.01). The histopathological scores of the melatonin group were significantly lower than those of positive control group (P < 0.01). Histomorphometrically, the area of periapical bone loss in the melatonin group was significantly smaller than the positive control group (P < 0.01). The expression of IL1‐β, RANK and RANKL was significantly higher in the positive control group, whereas OPG was significantly higher in the melatonin group (P < 0.01). The number of osteoclasts was significantly greater in the positive control group by TRAP staining analyses (P < 0.01). The scores for bacteria localization using Brown–Brenn staining in the melatonin group was significantly lower than that of the positive control group (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Melatonin demonstrated antiresorptive effects on bone associated with experimentally induced periapical lesions in rats via its anti‐inflammatory activity. Further studies are necessary to evaluate its possible effects on the healing of periapical lesions.
Anthropomorphisms in multimedia learning: Attract attention but do not enhance learning?
Authors: Stárková Tereza , Lukavský Jiří , Javora Ondřej , Brom Cyril
Published: May 2019

Anthropomorphizing graphical elements in multimedia learning materials improves learning outcomes. The reasons for enhanced learning are unclear. We extended a seminal anthropomorphism study in order to examine whether the effect of anthropomorphisms on learning outcomes, both immediate and delayed, is caused by the anthropomorphized elements' effects on attention distribution or by elevated positive affective–motivational states. The study had a partial 3 × 2 design (the materials' graphics: schematic vs. black‐and‐white anthropomorphisms vs. colourful anthropomorphisms × eye tracker: present vs. absent). The participants were university students (N = 181). Unexpectedly, we found no significant effect of anthropomorphisms on learning outcomes. Anthropomorphisms significantly affected attention distribution during initial fixations but not overall. Modest effect on enjoyment was found, but no such effect was detected as concerns flow and generalized positive affect. We also found that the eye tracker's mere presence had slight adverse effects on learners, but these effects did not compromise learning.
Knowledge gap regarding osteoporosis among medical professionals in Southern India
Authors: Thakur Preyander , Kuriakose Cijoy , Cherian Kripa Elizabeth , Asha Hesarghatta S. , Kapoor Nitin , Paul Thomas V.
Published: May 2019

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Osteoporosis is a common health problem in India, which leads to significant morbidity and mortality in elderly individuals. Lack of knowledge and awareness among medical professionals is one of the important barriers in management of these patients. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess knowledge pertaining to diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis among a group of Indian medical practitioners.

Methods

The study participants included 222 allopathic medical professionals, either graduate or postgraduate working in primary or secondary health care levels. They were assessed using a previously validated Fogelman's multiple choice questionnaire. Out of a total of 18 questions, four questions pertained to knowledge of diagnosis, three questions to treatment decisions, one question to assess knowledge regarding recommended dosage of vitamin D and calcium supplementation, five questions concerned medication use, and the rest to assess attitude and practices. The correct answers were converted into scores and expressed as percentages with a maximum of 100.

Results

The mean total score among them was 22.5%, which was quite low. Almost all of them had a score of less than 50%. Medical practitioners performed better in diagnosis‐related questions, (19.4% answered all options correctly) than in medication knowledge (no correct response regarding side effects and 2% regarding contraindications). In treatment‐related decisions, 37.4% answered correctly for duration of treatment, and 59% answered correctly for treatment goal. Only 1.4% of them were able to answer correctly regarding recommended calcium and vitamin D intake. Professional literature, conferences, and Continuing Medical Education (CME's) were regarded as the main sources of information on the subject by 40% of practitioners.

Conclusion

This study showed suboptimal knowledge among a group of medical professionals regarding various aspects of diagnosis and management of osteoporosis, and it stipulates the need for escalating the efforts to improve their knowledge regarding various aspects of osteoporosis.
Impact of farnesoid X receptor single nucleotide polymorphisms on hepatic decompensation and mortality in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension
Authors: Semmler Georg , Simbrunner Benedikt , Scheiner Bernhard , Schwabl Philipp , Paternostro Rafael , Bucsics Theresa , Stättermayer Albert Friedrich , Bauer David , Pinter Matthias , Ferenci Peter , Trauner Michael , Mandorfer Mattias , Reiberger Thomas
Published: May 2019

Background and Aim

The nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR) regulates critical pathways of hepatic metabolism, inflammation, and gut mucosal barrier. Thus, we investigated the association of FXR‐single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) with hepatic decompensation and liver‐related mortality in patients with advanced chronic liver disease.

Methods

Two FXR‐SNPs (rs56163822 G > T and rs35724 G > C) were genotyped in a cohort of 402 prospectively characterized patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) ≥ 6 mmHg.

Results

Only 19 patients (4.7%) harbored a rs56163822 T‐allele and had less pronounced liver disease as indicated by lower Child–Pugh score (CPS, 6 ± 1 vs 7 ± 2 points, P = 0.034) and higher albumin levels (38.9 ± 4.9 vs 35.9 ± 5.9 g/L, P = 0.026). In contrast, n = 267 (66.4%) patients harbored minor rs35724 allele (G/C or C/C) and had more advanced liver disease, as indicated by a higher model of end‐stage liver disease (11 ± 4 vs 10 ± 3, P = 0.016), while other baseline characteristics were similar across FXR‐SNP genotypes. In compensated CPS‐A patients, the rs35724 minor allele was independently protective for the development of ascites (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.411, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.191–0.885; P = 0.023) and tended to reduce the risk of hepatic decompensation (aHR = 0.625, 95% CI: 0.374–1.044, P = 0.072) in multivariate analyses. Of note, transplant‐free survival was longer in patients with rs35724 minor allele and HVPG ≥ 10 mmHg (at 5 years: 68.2% vs 55.8%, P = 0.047) and those with HVPG ≥ 16 mmHg (63.3% vs 44.0%, P = 0.021). After adjusting for established risk factors, the rs35724 minor allele was independently associated with reduced liver‐related mortality in the overall cohort (aHR = 0.658, 95% CI: 0.434–0.998, P = 0.049), in compensated CPS‐A patients (aHR = 0.488, 95% CI: 0.252–0.946, P = 0.034), in patients with HVPG ≥ 10 mmHg (aHR = 0.547, 95% CI: 0.346–0.864, P = 0.010), and in patients with HVPG ≥ 16 mmHg (aHR = 0.519, 95% CI: 0.307–0.878, P = 0.014).

Conclusion

The FXR‐SNP rs35724 was associated with a reduced risk for development of ascites and liver‐related mortality in patients with advanced chronic liver disease.