bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of inflammation-based prognostic models in patients with hepatitis B-associated hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Pang Qing , Zhou Lei , Qu Kai , Cui Rui-Xia , Jin Hao , Liu Hui-Chun
Published: November 2017

Background and objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of several inflammation-based models in hepatitis B-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Patients and methods

We retrospectively reviewed 470 cases of hepatitis B-associated HCC. Preoperative data were collected to calculate the inflammation-based markers, including systemic immune-inflammation index (neutrophil×platelets/lymphocyte), platelets-to-lymphocyte ratio, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Overall survival and recurrence-free survival were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox analysis.

Results

During a median follow-up time of 29 months, 34.0% (160/470) of patients died and 36.0% (169/470) experienced recurrence. Compared with patients with lower scores of inflammation models, patients in the higher group had larger tumor diameter and higher risk of vascular invasion (bothP<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that age, tumor size, platelets-to-lymphocyte ratio, NLR, and systemic immune-inflammation index were the independent predictors for both overall survival and recurrence-free survival. Furthermore, the combination of tumor size and NLR showed a significantly better discrimination ability for survival (C-index=0.716, 95% confidence interval: 0.664–0.768) than both Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer and Cancer of Liver Italian Program.

Conclusion

The inflammation-based markers, in particular the combination of NLR with tumor size, are effective tools for assessing prognosis in hepatitis B-associated HCC.
Acute pancreatitis in the elderly: a cause for increased concern?
Authors: Carvalho Joana R. , Fernandes Samuel R. , Santos Patrícia , Moura Carlos M. , Antunes Teresa , Velosa José
Published: November 2017

Background

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an aggressive and potentially fatal clinical condition. Although all age groups are at risk, the elderly may be a group of special concern. We aimed at evaluating clinical outcomes of patients with elderly-onset AP.

Materials and methods

Using a single-center retrospective database, treatment and follow-up records of 550 patients admitted with AP were reviewed. Outcomes included mortality, admission to the ICU, need for interventional procedures, nutritional support, and length of hospital and ICU stay. Elderly-onset AP was defined as an episode of AP occurring in patients older than 65 years.

Results

A total of 263 patients were classified as having elderly-onset AP. There was an association between older age and higher Ranson and the bedside index of severity in AP scores, translating into longer lengths of hospital stay, higher requirements for ICU admission, interventional procedures, organ failure, persistent organ failure, and overall mortality. In multivariate analysis, age was an independent predictor of mortality in AP.

Conclusions

Age was strongly associated with a more severe course of AP. Early recognition and prompt action are essential to improve outcomes in this population.
Blood biomarkers for early diagnosis of oesophageal cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Kunzmann Andrew T. , McMenamin Úna C. , Spence Andrew D. , Gray Ronan T. , Murray Liam J. , Turkington Richard C. , Coleman Helen G.
Published: November 2017

Background

Oesophageal cancer prognosis remains poor owing to the inability to detect the disease at an early stage. Nontissue (serum, urinary or salivary) biomarkers potentially offer less invasive methods to aid early detection of oesophageal cancer. We aimed to systematically review studies assessing the relationship between nontissue biomarkers and subsequent development of oesophageal cancer.

Methods

Using terms for biomarkers and oesophageal cancer, Medline, EMBASE and Web of Science were systematically searched for longitudinal studies, published until April 2016, which assessed the association between nontissue biomarkers and subsequent oesophageal cancer risk. Random effects meta-analyses were used to calculate pooled relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), where possible.

Results

A total of 39 studies were included. Lower serum pepsinogen I concentrations were associated with an increased risk of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (n=3 studies, pooled RR=2.20, 95% CI: 1.31–3.70). However, the association for the pepsinogen I : II ratio was not statistically significant (n=3 studies, pooled RR=2.22, 95% CI: 0.77–6.40), with a large degree of heterogeneity observed (I
2=68.0%). Higher serum glucose concentrations were associated with a modestly increased risk of total oesophageal cancer (n=3 studies, pooled RR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.02–1.57). No association was observed for total cholesterol and total oesophageal cancer risk (n=3 studies, pooled RR=0.95, 95% CI: 0.58–1.54). Very few studies have assessed other biomarkers for meta-analyses.

Conclusion

Serum pepsinogen I concentrations could aid early detection of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. More prospective studies are needed to determine the use of other nontissue biomarkers in the early detection of oesophageal cancer.
Are on-scene blood transfusions by a helicopter emergency medical service useful and safe? A multicentre case–control study
Authors: Peters Joost H. , Smulders Pascal S.H. , Moors Xavier R.J. , Bouman Stef J.M. , Meijs Claartje M.E.M. , Hoogerwerf Nico , Edwards Michael J.R.
Published: November 2017

Introduction

In the prehospital setting, crystalloid fluids are frequently used, but only erythrocytes are capable of transporting oxygen to tissues. The aim of this study was to establish the efficacy and safety of the prehospital use of uncross matched type O rhesus-negative packed red blood cells (URBC) by the Dutch physician-staffed helicopter emergency medical service. We hypothesized that prehospital URBC transfusions are safe and more effective with respect to survival than resuscitations with crystalloids.

Methods

The effects of prehospital URBC transfusions were studied by comparing a cohort of patients (>18 years) who were treated with a combination of URBC and crystalloid fluids with a matched control group of patients who received crystalloid fluids alone.

Results

Among 73 adults who received prehospital URBC transfusions, 50 (68%) patients were included. No transfusion reactions were observed. No effect of prehospital transfusion on 24-h or 30-day survival was found. Haemoglobin levels at presentation to the emergency department were higher in the URBC cohort. The two groups had similar cumulative erythrocyte requirements within the first 24 h.

Conclusion

Neither survival benefits nor a decreased incidence of shock on admission were observed after prehospital helicopter emergency medical service URBC transfusions. There were no prehospital transfusion reactions in this study; therefore, URBC transfusions were deemed to be safe. A prospective randomized study is warranted to evaluate the effect of early URBC transfusions and transfusions with preheated URBC on the survival of patients with severe prehospital haemorrhagic shock.
Somatic PTPN11 Mutation in a Child With Neuroblastoma and Protein Losing Enteropathy
Authors: Obasaju Patience , Brondon Jennifer , Mir Sabina , Fordham Lynn A. , Lee Sang , Blatt Julie
Published: November 2017

Neuroblastoma and protein losing enteropathy (PLE) are diagnoses commonly seen by oncologists and gastroenterologists, respectively. The concurrence of these 2 entities is rare, and not well explained. We describe the sixth case of PLE in a child with neuroblastoma, and the first for which genetic information is available. Tumor DNA had a mutation in the PTPN11 gene, which has been described in neuroblastoma, and in Noonan syndrome—a diagnosis in which neuroblastoma and PLE independently have been reported. Constitutional DNA was normal. Genetic studies in future patients will be needed to support the link between neuroblastoma and PLE.
Oral Health and the Oral Microbiome in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Bracci Paige M.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The aim was to provide a cohesive overview of epidemiological studies of periodontal disease, oral microbiome profiles, and pancreatic cancer risk.

Design

A PubMed search of articles published in English through July 2017 with additional review of bibliographies of identified articles.

Results

Risk estimates for periodontal disease associated with pancreatic cancer consistently ranged from 1.5 to 2, aligning with a meta-analysis summary relative risk of 1.74. Analyses of antibodies to pathogenic and/or commensal oral bacteria in prediagnostic blood provided evidence that some oral bacteria and oral microbial diversity may be related to pancreatic cancer.

Conclusions

Overall, the data present a plausible but complex relationship among pancreatic cancer, the oral microbiome, periodontal disease, and other risk factors that might be explained by systemic effects on immune and inflammatory processes. Larger comprehensive studies that examine serially collected epidemiological/clinical data and blood, tissue, and various microbial samples are needed to definitively determine how and whether oral health–related factors contribute to pancreatic cancer risk.
Brief Report: Adherence Biomarker Measurements in Older and Younger HIV-Infected Adults Receiving Tenofovir-Based Therapy
Authors: Seifert Sharon M. , Castillo-Mancilla Jose R. , Erlandson Kristine , Morrow Mary , Gandhi Monica , Kuncze Karen , Horng Howard , Zheng Jia-Hua , Bushman Lane R. , Kiser Jennifer J. , MaWhinney Samantha , Anderson Peter L.
Published: November 2017

Background:

Concentrations of tenofovir (TFV) in hair and tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) in dried blood spots (DBSs) as measures of cumulative exposure have been primarily studied in younger, HIV-uninfected individuals taking preexposure HIV prophylaxis. Data on these measures among older HIV-infected individuals are limited.

Methods:

We evaluated longitudinal TFV and TFV-DP concentrations in hair and DBS, respectively, from HIV-infected adults. Multivariable model variables included age group (18–35 and 60 years and older), creatinine clearance (CrCl), hematocrit (TFV-DP), and gray hair color (TFV).

Results:

Baseline hair TFV and DBS TFV-DP were moderately correlated [r = 0.5 (0.2 to 0.7);P= 0.001] across both age groups [younger (N = 23) and older (N = 22)]. In adjusted models, CrCl was associated with increases of 15.9% (7.4% to 25.0%);P= 0.0006, and 5.7% (−0.2% to 11.9%);P= 0.057 for TFV in hair and TFV-DP in DBS, respectively, for every 20-mL/min CrCl decrease. Although older age (versus younger age) was univariately associated with increased TFV hair levels, older age was not significantly associated with higher concentrations in hair [−1.4% (−26.7% to 32.7%);P= 0.93] or DBS [4.0% (−14.1% to 25.9%);P= 0.68] after adjustment. Similarly, gray color was not significantly associated with higher TFV levels in hair [27.6% (−11.1% to 83.0%;P= 0.18)] in adjusted models. In both adjusted and unadjusted models of TFV-DP levels in DBS, a 1% hematocrit increase was associated with a 3.3% (0.2% to 6.5%) TFV-DP increase (P= 0.04).

Conclusions:

Cumulative drug exposure measures (hair and DBS) were comparable in younger and older HIV-infected individuals on TFV-based therapy after adjustment for renal function.
Assessment of Myometrial Invasion in Premenopausal Grade 1 Endometrial Carcinoma: Is Magnetic Resonance Imaging a Reliable Tool in Selecting Patients for Fertility-Preserving Therapy?
Authors: Sakane Makoto , Hori Masatoshi , Onishi Hiromitsu , Tsuboyama Takahiro , Ota Takashi , Tatsumi Mitsuaki , Ueda Yutaka , Kimura Toshihiro , Kimura Tadashi , Tomiyama Noriyuki
Published: November 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in premenopausal women with G1 endometrial carcinoma.

Methods

Twenty-six patients underwent T2W, diffusion weighted, and dynamic contrast-enhanced 3-T MRI. The degree of myometrial invasion was pathologically classified into no invasion, shallow (3 mm or less), and more. Two radiologists assessed myometrial invasion on MRI. Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, AUC, and interobserver agreement were analyzed.

Results

For assessing myometrial invasion, mean accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, negative predictive values, and AUC, respectively, were as follows: 63%, 42%, 85%, 79%, 47%, and 0.75. Mean interobserver agreement was fair (k = 0.36). Shallow invasions were underestimated as no invasion on MRI in all 6 cases.

Conclusions

Magnetic resonance imaging produced false-negative result on half of patients. The misjudgments tended to happen in patients with shallow invasion.
Ectopic Adrenocorticotropic Hormone–Secreting Pituitary Adenoma Localized by 18F-Choline PET/CT
Authors: Sindoni Alessandro , Bodanza Valentina , Tatta Rosa , Baresic Tanja , Borsatti Eugenio
Published: November 2017

The criterion standard of treatment of an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)–secreting pituitary adenoma is complete surgical excision. However, ectopic location of these adenomas is an extremely rare condition, which may affect the diagnosis and treatment success. We report a case of a 49-year-old man who was referred to our institution with persistent hypercortisolemia after an unsuccessful attempt of surgical resection. 18F-choline PET/CT revealed increased radiopharmaceutical uptake in a nodule localized in the left maxillary sinus, which was proved at histology to be an ectopic ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma staining positive for ACTH. Imaging with 18F-FDG PET/CT and 68Ga-DOTA-NOC PET/CT was not diagnostic.
H Syndrome
Authors: Turpin Sophie , Patey Natalie , Beaudin Marianne , Mitchell Grant , Lambert Raymond
Published: November 2017

H syndrome (OMIM 612391) is an extremely rare autosomal recessive genodermatosis, characterized by extensive skin infiltration. We report a case imaged with 18F-FDG PET/CT.
Clinical Significance of a Solitary Cold Thyroid Nodule in the Setting of Graves Disease
Authors: Achong Dwight M.
Published: November 2017

123I-NaI thyroid uptake and scan in a 46-year-old woman with symptomatic hyperthyroidism demonstrated marked, diffusely increased uptake consistent with Graves disease, as well as a solitary hypofunctioning (“cold”) nodule. Pathologic evaluation following total thyroidectomy and selective neck dissection revealed invasive multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma in a background of Graves disease and 5 of 36 lymph nodes positive for metastatic disease. This case serves as a reminder that when present a cold nodule in the setting of Graves disease warrants further evaluation for underlying malignancy.
Simultaneous Brain and Lung Histiocytic Sarcoma Revealed on 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Pan Yu , Zhang Yifan
Published: November 2017

A 52-year-old man with intermittent head motor tics, aphasia and right upper extremity weakness had an 18F-FDG avid left front lobe brain lesion, and a left upper lobe lung lesion on PET/CT. The brain lesion was surgically resected, and was diagnosed pathologically as a histiocytic sarcoma (HS). The lung lesion was also a HS via bronchial biopsy. HS is rare and generally involves nodes as shown on PET/CT in a few case reports. The current case with simultaneous brain and lung HS lesions adds new imaging pattern information of the disease to the literature.
Portal Inflow Modulation by Somatostatin After Major Liver Resection
Authors: Rhaiem Rami , Piardi Tullio , Chetboun Mikael , Pessaux Patrick , Lestra Thibaut , Memeo Riccardo , Kianmanesh Reza , Sommacale Daniele
Published: November 2017

Major hepatectomy (MH) can lead to an increasing portal vein pressure (PVP) and to lesions of the hepatic parenchyma. Several reports have assessed the deleterious effect of a high posthepatectomy PVP on the postoperative course of MH. Thus, several surgical modalities of portal inflow modulation (PIM) have been described. As for pharmacological modalities, experimental studies showed a potential efficiency of Somatostatin to reduce PVP and flow. To our knowledge, no previous clinical reports of PIM using somatostatin are available. Herein, we report the results of PIM using somatostatin in 10 patients who underwent MH with post-hepatectomy PVP > 20 mmHg. Our results suggest Somatostatin could be considered as an efficient reversible PIM when PVP decrease is above 2.5 mmHg.
An unprecedented dioxygen species revealed by serial femtosecond rotation crystallography in copper nitrite reductase
Authors: Halsted Thomas P. , Yamashita Keitaro , Hirata Kunio , Ago Hideo , Ueno Go , Tosha Takehiko , Eady Robert R. , Antonyuk Svetlana V. , Yamamoto Masaki , Hasnain S. Samar
Published: November 2017

Synchrotron-based X-ray structural studies of ligand-bound enzymes are powerful tools to further our understanding of reaction mechanisms. For redox enzymes, it is necessary to study both the oxidized and reduced active sites to fully elucidate the reaction, an objective that is complicated by potential X-ray photoreduction. In the presence of the substrate, this can be exploited to construct a structural movie of the events associated with catalysis. Using the newly developed approach of serial femtosecond rotation crystallography (SF-ROX), an X-ray damage-free structure of the as-isolated copper nitrite reductase (CuNiR) was visualized. The sub-10 fs X-ray pulse length from the SACLA X-ray free-electron laser allowed diffraction data to be collected to 1.6 Å resolution in a `time-frozen' state. The extremely short duration of the X-ray pulses ensures the capture of data prior to the onset of radiation-induced changes, including radiolysis. Unexpectedly, an O2 ligand was identified bound to the T2Cu in a brand-new binding mode for a diatomic ligand in CuNiRs. The observation of O2 in a time-frozen structure of the as-isolated oxidized enzyme provides long-awaited clear-cut evidence for the mode of O2 binding in CuNiRs. This provides an insight into how CuNiR from Alcaligenes xylosoxidans can function as an oxidase, reducing O2 to H2O2, or as a superoxide dismutase (SOD) since it was shown to have ∼56% of the dismutase activity of the bovine SOD enzyme some two decades ago.
Crystal structure of (1S,4S)-2,5-diazoniabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane dibromide
Authors: Britvin Sergey N. , Rumyantsev Andrey M.
Published: November 2017

The cage of 2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane is frequently employed in synthetic chemistry as a rigid bicyclic counterpart of the piperazine ring. The 2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane scaffold is incorporated into a variety of compounds having pharmacological and catalytic applications. The unsubstituted parent ring of the system, 2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane itself, has not been structurally characterized. We herein report on the molecular structure of the parent ring in (1S,4S)-2,5-diazoniabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane dibromide, C5H12N22+·2Br−. The asymmetric unit contains two crystallographically independent cages of 2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane. Each cage is protonated at the two nitrogen sites. The overall charge balance is maintained by four crystallographically independent bromide ions. In the crystal, the components of the structure are linkedviaa complex three-dimensional network of N—H...Br hydrogen bonds.
A new monoclinic polymorph ofN-(3-methylphenyl)ethoxycarbothioamide: crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis
Authors: Jotani Mukesh M. , Yeo Chien Ing , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: November 2017

The title compound, C10H13NOS, is a second monoclinic polymorph (space groupP21/c,Z′ = 2) of the previously reportedC2/c(Z= 1) polymorph [Tadbuppa & Tiekink (2005).Z. Kristallogr. New Cryst. Struct.220, 395–396]. Two independent molecules comprise the asymmetric unit of the new polymorph and each of these exists as a thioamide–thione tautomer. In each molecule, the central CNOS chromophore is strictly planar [r.m.s. deviations = 0.0003 and 0.0015 Å] and forms dihedral angles of 6.17 (5) and 20.78 (5)° with the N-bound 3-tolyl rings, thereby representing the major difference between the molecules. The thione-S and thioamide-N—H atoms aresynin each molecule and this facilitates the formation of an eight-membered thioamide {...SCNH}2synthon between them; the dimeric aggregates are consolidated by pairwise 3-tolyl-C—H...S interactions. In the extended structure, supramolecular layers parallel to (102) are formedviaa combination of 3-tolyl-C—H...π(3-tolyl) and weak π–π interactions [inter-centroid distance between 3-tolyl rings = 3.8535 (12) Å]. An analysis of the Hirshfeld surfaces calculated for both polymorphs reveals the near equivalence of one of the independent molecules of theP21/cform to that in theC2/cform.
2-Amino-1-methyl-4-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-3-ium 3-carboxy-4-hydroxybenzenesulfonate monohydrate
Authors: Malarkodi A. , Kalaiyarasi S. , Wilson K. S. Joseph , Kumar R. Mohan , Chakkaravarthi G.
Published: November 2017

The asymmetric unit of the title molecular salt, C4H7N3O+·C7H5O6S−·H2O, contains a 5-sulfosalicylate anion, a creatininium cation and a water molecule of crystallization. The cation is protonated at the imidazole N atom and the anion is deprotonated at the sulfonic acid group. The creatininium is disordered over two sets of sites with refined site occupancies of 0.771 (3) and 0.229 (3). The benzene ring is approximately orthogonal to the disordered five-membered rings [dihedral angles of 89.7 (2) and 88.3 (8)° for the major and minor occupancy components, respectively]. In the crystal, the ions are connected through pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds, generating anR22(8) ring-motif. An intraionic O—H...O hydrogen bond generates anS(6) graph-set motif. Weak C—H...O contacts link the ions and water molecule into a two-dimensional network parallel to (001). The structure was refined as a two-component twin.
1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-3-[2-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)quinolin-3-yl]prop-2-en-1-one
Authors: Sharma D. K. , Desai N. R. , Sreenivasa S. , Anthal Sumati , Kant Rajni
Published: November 2017

In the title molecule, C24H25N3O2, the piperazine ring adopts a chair conformation. The methoxyphenyl-substituted ring makes a dihedral angle of 6.79 (5)° with the quinoline ring system. In the crystal, molecules are consolidated in the crystal packing by a combination of weak C—H...N and C—H...O interactions. π–π stacking interactions also occur.
2,6-Dibromo-4-nitrobenzonitrile
Authors: Noland Wayland E. , Tritch Kenneth J.
Published: November 2017

Molecules of the title compound, C7H2Br2N2O2, haveC2vsymmetry and each lie on a twofold axis that bisects the benzene ring and its nitro and cyano substituents. The cyano N atom is bisected by two CN...Br contacts, and the nitro O atoms participate in weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds. These interactions form a planar sheet structure that stacks about a glide plane. This stacking mode has not been previously reported with cyano-halo-derived sheets of this type.
2,6-[Bis(dimethylamino)methyl]phenylselenenyl chloride/bromide monohydrate
Authors: Gupta Anand , Singh Harkesh B. , Butcher Ray J.
Published: November 2017

In the title hydrated salt, C12H19N2Se+·Cl0.44/Br0.56−·H2O, the halide ions (both with site symmetry 2) have different Cl−/Br−occupancies of 0.399 (2)/0.601 (2) and 0.491 (2)/0.509 (2). In the crystal, the cation and anion are linked by an Se...X(X= Cl/Br) interaction of length 3.5593 (8) Å. The water molecule and anions are linked by O—H...Xhydrogen bonds into a staggered chain propagating in theb-axis direction and the packing is consolidated by weak C—H...Xinteractions.
Rwandan environmental impact assessment: practices and constraints
Authors: Sharma Ravi , Hategekimana Jean Damascene
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the Rwandan Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) practice and identify the possible constraints faced by EIA practitioners in Rwanda. The results presented here will help to highlight strengths and weakness of the Rwandan EIA practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The EIA practice was evaluated by a self-administered questionnaire survey for respondents including approved EIA experts in Rwanda, government agencies involved in EIA process and corporate which have received environmental clearance. The aspects of practices and challenges were evaluated and include the suitability of institutional arrangements, the scientific methodological bases of EIA, the conduct of EIA, the effectiveness of EIA with respect to influence decision making, overall results and EIA as a learning process. These aspects were rated on different scales by the respondents to identify where the Rwandan EIA practice stands now in terms of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and constraints.

Findings

The institutional arrangements of EIA were judged to be good overall by the respondents with main strengths being seen in the policy and legal base, and the scope of application. Only the marginal weaknesses are seen in the monitoring. The scientific and empirical basis for assessment was judged to stand moderately strengthened during the last five years. The performance of key activities is more than satisfactory. A majority of Rwandan EIA stages are good and excellent to some extent.

Originality/value

This paper identifies some of the constraints and challenges faced by the Rwandan EIA practitioners. It will contribute to an understanding of EIA practice and robust practices across the globe.
Water demand elasticities under risk conditions
Authors: Shamieh Jamal Mousa , Sawalha Ihab Hanna , Salman Amer Z. , Al-Karablieh Emad K. , Tabieh Mohammad A. , Al-Qudah Hussain F. , Jaara Osama O.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to estimate the water demand elasticities using a parametric linear programming (LP) model to provide an insight into the accurate and flexible pricing policy of irrigation water in the Jordan Valley; and second, to highlight key risk aspects, related to water demand, which are likely to impact the community.

Design/methodology/approach

A parametric LP model was used in this research. Primary and secondary data were collected.

Findings

Results revealed that the demand elasticity is high in Spring and Summer than in Fall and Winter, meaning that during Spring and Summer farmers are willing to forgo larger amounts of water than in other months. This is because of areas planted during Spring seasons are much less than those of Autumn and Winter.

Practical implications

The Jordan Valley suffers from water scarcity risk, and consequently the area to be planted is not fully utilized, leading to lower cropping intensities. Responsible authorities in Jordan need to address these issues and propose proper solutions in order to reduce further escalation of this risk and subsequent impact on local communities. Insight into the value of water demand elasticities is essential to support and mitigate policy decision making under risk conditions, concerning investments in water supply systems; investments in the water distribution and irrigation systems; efficient allocation of water with competing sectors; setting water pricing and tariffs; setting cost recovery mechanisms, and the risks encountered under lack of mitigated policy decision making.

Originality/value

This is one of few studies that addresses in detail using a parametric LP model the issue of water scarcity, related risks and subsequent impact on society in Jordan. It is expected to help policy and decision makers better formulate future estimates and demand which subsequently reduce related risks.
Ecological footprints and development trends in Hefei, China
Authors: Guo Ying , Xia Dongpo , Sun Binghua , Wang Xi , Zhang Dao , Li Jinhua
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Because natural resource utilization is a predictor of sustainable development, an evaluation of the efficiency of resource utilization is critical for assessing developmental potentiality. The purpose of this paper is to apply three-dimensional (3D) ecological footprint theory to assess the effects of production and consumption on ecological systems in Hefei, China.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data for Hefei for the period 2005-2014, an ecological footprint model (EFM) was developed to calculate the area’s ecological footprint (EF), ecological carrying (EC) capacity and obtain two indices, namely, footprint depth and size. The relationship between economic development and natural resource utilization was subsequently evaluated based on the calculated ecological deficit and the EF demand per Renminbi 10,000 of gross domestic product (GDP).

Findings

Over the last decade, Hefei’s EF per capita evidenced a 9.87 percent growth rate, increasing from 1.16 hm2/person in 2005 to 2.70 hm2/person in 2014. EC capacity per capita increased from 0.21 hm2/person in 2005 to 0.36 hm2/person in 2014, evidencing a gradually increasing trend at an average annual growth rate of 6.24 percent. Thus, between 2005 and 2014, the ecological deficit increased annually by three times. The amplification of footprint depth significantly exceeded that of footprint size. Between 2005 and 2014, Hefei’s EF per capita Renminbi 10,000 of GDP decreased annually by 4.68 percent. Thus, energy consumption in Hefei exceeded the natural regeneration capacity of energy resources, with excessive development and resource utilization impacting on the regional ecological system.

Practical implications

The application of a 3D EFM sheds light on natural resource utilization within regional development. Moreover, footprint depth and size are significant predictors of the impacts of natural resource utilization. These findings will also benefit other countries or cities.

Originality/value

This is one of the first empirical studies to apply a 3D EFM to evaluate the relationship between natural resource utilization and economic development. Adopting a sustainable development framework, it provides insights into the effects of natural resource utilization in relation to the balance between the natural ecological system and economic development. This has far-reaching implications beyond Hefei and China.
The influence of errors in the source wavelet on inversion‐based surface‐related multiple attenuation
Authors: Yuan Sanyi , Wang Shangxu , Yuan Fengfan , Liu Yong
Published: November 2017

We investigate the influence of source wavelet errors on inversion‐based, surface‐related multiple attenuation, in order to address how the inverted primary impulse response, estimated primaries, and predicted multiples are affected by the estimated wavelet. In theory, errors in estimated wavelet can lead to errors in the upgoing waves. Because of smoothness and the band‐limitedness characteristics of the estimated wavelet, errors in the upgoing waves are usually not white and random. Theoretical analysis and two synthetic examples demonstrate that (i) when the overall amplitude scalar of the estimated wavelet is underestimated, the inversion of the primary impulse response suffers from instability, which will distort the estimation of primaries, and (ii) when the wavelet is overestimated, the estimated primaries will simply mimic the recorded upgoing waves. Nevertheless, the quality of the estimated primaries in the region above the first‐order, water‐bottom multiples is independent of the estimated wavelet. Synthetic results illustrate that inversion‐based, surface‐related multiple attenuation with a known wavelet is stable, since slight inaccuracy in amplitude spectrum and/or phase spectrum of the given wavelet or the corresponding upgoing waves will not lead to considerable deviation in the waveforms of the inverted results from those of the references. Furthermore, shot‐to‐shot wavelet variations, with maximum amplitude difference of 5% and maximum phase difference of 10°, create just slight artefacts in both the inverted primary impulse response and the estimated primaries. Moreover, the sensitivity test of estimation of primaries by sparse inversion method involving wavelet estimation shows that this method can stably and alternately update the wavelet and the primary impulse response; however, different choices of the initial wavelet can lead to different final inverted results.
Compressive sensing approach for two‐dimensional magnetotelluric inversion using wavelet dictionaries
Authors: Nittinger C.G. , Becken M.
Published: November 2017

We present a 2D inversion scheme for magnetotelluric data, where the conductivity structure is parameterised with different wavelet functions that are collected in a wavelet‐based dictionary. The inversion model estimate is regularised in terms of wavelet coefficient sparsity following the compressive sensing approach. However, when the model is expressed on the basis of a single wavelet family only, the geometrical appearance of model features reflects the shape of the wavelet functions. Combining two or more wavelet families in a dictionary provides greater flexibility to represent the model structure, permitting, for example, the simultaneous occurrence of smooth and sharp anomalies within the same model. We show that the application of the sparsity regularisation scheme with wavelet dictionaries provides the user with a number of different model classes that may explain the data to the same extent. For a real data example from the Dead Sea Transform, we show that the use of such a scheme can be beneficial to evaluate the geometries of conductivity anomalies and to understand the effect of regularisation on the model estimate.
Demand for ground transportation fuels in 10 Asian countries: An application of the autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing approach
Authors: Liu Wen‐Hsien , Lin Kai‐Jen
Published: November 2017

This study applies the recently developed autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing approach to investigate demands for gasoline and diesel in the ground transportation sectors of 10 Asian countries from 1983 to 2013. Results reveal an inelastic fuel demand with respect to price, except in Hong Kong. This relation implies that the government is unable to limit fuel consumption by controlling price. Moreover, fuel demand with respect to income is generally greater than price elasticity. In other words, if the growth of the national income is faster than that of fuel price, fuel consumption will continually increase. Long‐term income elasticity is greater than unity in half of the examined countries. The demand for transportation fuel in these countries is expected to grow at a rate faster than the growth of GDP over a wide range of economies in Asia, with the implication that the concern regarding the scarcity of fossil fuel is not misplaced.
A Validation Study of the Langley et al. (2017) Decision Tree Model for Sex Estimation
Authors: Garvin Heather M. , Klales Alexandra R.
Published: November 2017

Langley et al. (2017) developed a sex estimation decision tree utilizing two traditional cranial traits (glabella and mastoid) and a new trait: zygomatic extension. This study aimed to test the reliability of their zygomatic extension scoring method and validate their sex estimation method. Ordinal score data were collected from 281 male and female U.S. White and Black individuals. The five traditional cranial traits were collected from physical specimens, while zygomatic extension was scored from 3D cranial models. Intra‐ and interobserver analyses carried out on a subsample of 30 individuals indicate good agreement between zygomatic scores. The decision tree correctly sexed 71.5% of the sample, but a strong sex bias (94.2% correct for females, 49.3% correct for males) severely limits the utility of this method. The Walker (2008) and Stevenson et al. (2009) methods produced higher accuracy rates (80.8% and 82.6%, respectively), although these methods also produced sex and ancestry biases.
The Pharmacokinetics of Morphine and Codeine in Human Plasma and Urine after Oral Administration of Qiangli Pipa Syrup
Authors: Guo Bin‐bin , Zhang Yu‐qiao , Wang Sheng‐feng , Ding Jin‐song , Zhou Wen‐hu
Published: November 2017

Papaveris pericarpium, a natural source of morphine and codeine, is the principal active component in many antitussive traditional Chinese medicines. We herein report the first PK study of papaveris pericarpium in human plasma and urine following oral administration of single (15, 30, 60 mL) and multiple dose (15 mL) of Qiangli Pipa Syrup (MOR 0.1 mg/mL, COD 0.028 mg/mL) by monitoring morphine and codeine using a HPLC‐MS/MS method. Their Tmax and t1/2 values are independent of dosages, while the AUC0−t linearly increased with higher dosages, indicating linear PK characteristics. AUC0−t increased obviously after multiple doses, indicating possible risk of accumulative toxicity. Urine studies suggested risks of positive opiate drug tests with a cutoff of 300 ng/mL, which lasted 6–14 h at different doses. These results provide important information for clinical safety, efficacy and rational drug use of Qiangli Pipa Syrup and also guide the related judicial expertise of its administration.
Review article: Critical Care Airway Management eLearning modules
Authors: Doshi Deepak , McCarthy Sally , Mowatt Elizabeth , Cahill Angela , Peirce Bronwyn , Hawking Geoff , Osborne Ruth , Hibble Belinda , Ebbs Katharine
Published: November 2017

The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) has recently launched the Critical Care Airway Management eLearning modules to support emergency medicine trainees in developing their airway management skills in the ED. A team of emergency physicians and trainees worked collaboratively to develop the eLearning resources ensuring extensive stakeholder consultation. A comprehensive resource manual was written to provide learners with knowledge that underpins the modules. ACEM provided project coordination as well as administrative and technical team support to the production. Although specifically developed with early ACEM trainees in mind, it is envisaged the resources will be useful for all emergency clinicians. The project was funded by the Australian Commonwealth Department of Health.
The Interrelationship of Micro‐Meso and Macroscopic Structures on the Western Limb of the Hazara Kashmir Syntaxis, Pakistan
Authors: AHMAD Sohaib , ALI Asghar , REHMAN Khaista
Published: November 2017

Detailed micro–meso to macroscopic structural analyses reveal two deformation phases in the western limb of the Hazara‐Kashmir Syntaxis (HKS). Bulk top to NW shearing transformed initially symmetrical NNE–SSW trending meso to macroscopic folds from asymmetric to overturned ones without changing their trend. Sigmoidal en‐echelon tension gashes developed during this deformation, that were oblique to bedding parallel worm burrows and bedding planes themselves. Strain analyses of deformed elliptical ooids using the Rf/ϕ method constrain the internal strain patterns of the NNE–SSW structures. The principal stretching axis (S3) defined by deformed elliptical ooids is oriented N27°E at right angles to WNW–ESE shortening. The deformed elliptical ooids in sub‐vertical bedding vertical planes contain ooids that plunge ∼70° SE due to NW‐directed tectonic transport. Finite strain ratios are 1.45 (Rxy) parallel to bedding plane and 1.46 (Ryz) for the vertical plane. From these 2D strain values, we derive an oblate strain ellipsoidal in 3D using the Flinn and Hsu/Nadai techniques. Strains calculated from deformed elliptical ooids average −18.10% parallel to bedding and −18.47% in the vertical plane. However, a balanced cross‐section through the study area indicates a minimum of ∼ −28% shortening. Consequently, regional shortening was only partially accommodated by internal deformation.
Magma Mixing as a Trigger for Sulphide Saturation in the UG2 Chromitite (Bushveld): Evidence from the Silicate and Sulphide Melt Inclusions in Chromite
Authors: YAO Meijuan , CAO Ye , LIU Jiajun , REN Zongbao
Published: November 2017

It is of great importance to understand the origin of UG2 chromitite reefs and reasons why some chromitite reefs contain relatively high contents of platinum group elements (PGEs: Os, Ir, Ru, Rh, Pt, Pd) or highly siderophile elements (HSEs: Au, Re, PGE). This paper documents sulphide‐silicate assemblages enclosed in chromite grains from the UG2 chromitite. These are formed as a result of crystallisation of sulphide and silicate melts that are trapped during chromite crystallisation. The inclusions display negative crystal shapes ranging from several micrometres to 100 μm in size. Interstitial sulphide assemblages lack pyrrhotite and consist of chalcopyrite, pentlandite and some pyrite. The electron microprobe data of these sulphides show that the pentlandite grains present in some of the sulphide inclusions have a significantly higher iron (Fe) and lower nickel (Ni) content than the pentlandite in the rock matrix. Pyrite and chalcopyrite show no difference. The contrast in composition between inter‐cumulus plagioclase (An68) and plagioclase enclosed in chromite (An13), as well as the presence of quartz, is consistent with the existence of a felsic melt at the time of chromite saturation. Detailed studies of HSE distribution in the sulphides and chromite were conducted by LA‐ICP‐MS (laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry), which showed the following. (I) Chromite contained no detectable HSE in solid solution. (II) HSE distribution in sulphide assemblages interstitial to chromite was variable. In general, Pd, Rh, Ru and Ir occurred dominantly in pentlandite, whereas Os, Pt and Au were detected only in matrix sulphide grains and were clearly associated with Bi and Te. (III) In the sulphide inclusions, (a) pyrrhotite did not contain any significant amount of HSE, (b) chalcopyrite contained only some Rh compared to the other sulphides, (c) pentlandite was the main host for Pd, (d) pyrite contained most of the Ru, Os, Ir and Re, (e) Pt and Rh were closely associated with Bi forming a continuous rim between pyrite and pentlandite and (f) no Au was detected. These results show that the use of ArF excimer laser to produce high‐resolution trace element maps provides information that cannot be obtained by conventional (spot) LA‐ICP‐MS analysis or trace element maps that use relatively large beam diameters.
Rare Earth Elements Composition and Constraint on the Genesis of the Polymetallic Crusts and Nodules in the South China Sea
Authors: GUAN Yao , SUN Xiaoming , SHI Guiyong , JIANG Xiaodong , LU Hongfeng
Published: November 2017

The rare earth elements (REE) composition of the polymetallic crusts and nodules obtained from the South China Sea (SCS) were analyzed through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results revealed great differences in the REE abundances (ΣREE) of the SCS polymetallic crusts and nodules; the crusts show the highest ΣREE, whereas the nodules exhibit the lowest ΣREE. The similarity in their NASC–normalized patterns, the enriched light REE (LREE), the markedly positive Ce anomaly (δCe), and the non– or weakly positive Eu anomaly (δEu), suggest that the polymetallic crusts and nodules are of hydrogenetic origin. Moreover, the REE contents and their relevant parameters are quite different among the various layers of the crusts and nodules, which probably results from the different marginal sea environments and mineral assemblages of the samples. The growth profiles of the SCS polymetallic crusts and nodules reveal the tendency ΣREE and δCe to slightly increase from the outer to the inner layers, suggesting that the growth environments of these samples changed smoothly from an oxidizing to a relatively reducing environment; in addition, the crust ST1 may have experienced a regressive event (sea–level change) during its growth, although the REE composition of the seawater remained relatively stable. On the basis of the regional ΣREE distribution in the SCS crusts and nodules, the samples collected near the northern margin were influenced by terrigenous material more strongly compared with the other samples, and the REE contents are relatively low. Therefore, the special geotectonic environment is a significant factor influencing the abundance of elements, including REE and other trace elements. Compared with the oceanic seamount crusts and deep–sea nodules from other oceans, the SCS polymetallic crusts and nodules exhibit special REE compositions and shale–normalized patterns, implying that the samples are of marginal sea–type Fe–Mn sedimentary deposits, which are strongly affected by the epicontinental environment, and that they grew in a more oxidative seawater environment. This analysis indicates that the oxidized seawater environment and the special nano property of their Fe–Mn minerals enrich the REE adsorption.
Microfacies and Depositional Environments of Miocene Isolated Carbonate Platforms from Central Luconia, Offshore Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: JANJUHAH Hammad Tariq , GÁMEZ VINTANED José Antonio , SALIM Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed , FAYE Ibrahima , SHAH Mumtaz Muhammad , GHOSH Deva Prasad
Published: November 2017

The Luconia Province – offshore Sarawak – is a key geological unit for understanding the distribution of hydrocarbon resources in Malaysia. Nevertheless, little effort has been made to address the palaeoenvironmental characteristics of the Tertiary carbonates in the key sector of Central Luconia. We study the sedimentology and petrography of core samples from a well in Central Luconia, for which thirteen microfacies have been identified reflecting different depositional settings. This is the first microfacies scheme elaborated for Luconian carbonates. Lithofacies and microfacies distribution are compatible with deposition in a reef complex, originating around a framework reef, within the euphotic zone. Sediments were deposited in environments of backreef, reef crest, and forereef. The fair weather wave base is marked by the presence of coralline red algae, foraminifera, decreasing degree of bioclast fragmentation and other microfacies features. As a result, a depositional‐environmental model is constructed, depicting a reef complex built around a framework reef developed on the margin of an isolated platform. In addition, an innovative, preliminary time series analysis of facies, microfacies and depositional environment data reveal the existence of seasonal cycles in the stacking patterns of facies and microfacies.