bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlling Factors of Organic Nanopore Development: A Case Study on Marine Shale in the Middle and Upper Yangtze Region, South China
Authors: LIANG Feng , ZHANG Qin , CUI Huiying , MENG Qingqiang , MA Chao , LIANG Pingping , GUO Wei
Published: March 2019

The Upper Ordovician Wufeng‐Lower Silurian Longmaxi and the Lower Cambrian Qiongzhusi shales are the major targets for shale gas exploration and development in China. Although the two organic‐rich shales share similar distribution ranges and thicknesses, they exhibit substantially different exploration and development results. This work analyzed the nanopore structures of the shale reservoirs in this region. Pore development of 51 shale samples collected from various formations and locations was compared using the petromineralogical, geochemical, structural geological and reservoir geological methods. The results indicate that the reservoir space in these shales is dominated by organic pores and the total pore volume of micropores, mesopores, macropores in different tectonic areas and formations show different trends with the increase of TOC. It is suggested that organic pores of shale can be well preserved in areas with simple structure and suitable preservation conditions, and the shale with smaller maximum ancient burial depth and later hydrocarbon‐generation‐end‐time is also more conducive to pore preservation. Organic pore evolution models are established, and they are as follows: ① Organic matter pore development stage, ② Early stage of organic matter pore destruction, and ➂ late stage of organic matter pore destruction. The areas conducive to pore development are favorable for shale gas development. Research results can effectively guide the optimization and evaluation of favorable areas of shale gas.
Thermal History since the Paleozoic in the Eastern Qaidam Basin, Northwest China
Authors: WANG Li , LI Zongxing , LIU Chenglin , PENG Bo , FANG Xinxin , YUAN Guide
Published: March 2019

The Qaidam Basin is the one of the three major petroliferous basins in northeastern Tibetan Plateau, which has experienced multiphase superimposition and transformation. The study of thermal history not only plays an important role on revealing the tectonic origin of the Qaidam Basin and the forming mechanism and uplift history of the Tibetan Plateau, but also can provide scientific evidence for the assessment of oil and gas resources. This work used balanced cross‐section technique and apatite fission track ages with modeling of fission track length distribution to infer that the eastern Qaidam Basin has experienced significant tectonic movement in the Early Jurassic movement (∼200 Ma), which caused the carboniferous uplift and denudation, the geological movement in the Late Cretaceous, characterized by early stretching and late northeast‐southwest extrusion; the Himalayan movement in multi‐stage development in eastern Qaidam Basin, which can be divided into the early Himalayan movement (41.1–33.6 Ma) and the late Himalayan movement (9.6–7.1 Ma, 2.9–1.8 Ma), and large‐scale orogeny caused pre‐existing faults reactivated in late Himalayan movement. On the basis of burial history reconstruction, the thermal history of eastern Qaidam Basin was restored. The result shows that the thermal history in eastern Qaidam Basin shows slow cooling characteristics; the paleo‐geothermal gradient of eastern Qaidam Basin was 38–41.5°C/km, with an average value of 39.0°C/km in the Late Paleozoic, 29–35.2°C/km, with an average value of 33.0°C/km in the Early Paleogene; the geothermal gradient of the Qaidam Basin increased in the Late Paleogene, which was similar to the present geothermal gradient in the Late Neogene. The characteristics of the tectono‐thermal evolution since Paleozoic in the eastern Qaidam Basin are mainly controlled by magmatic thermal events in the study area.
Early Carboniferous High Ba‐Sr Granitoid in Southern Langshan of Northeastern Alxa: Implications for Accretionary Tectonics along the Southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt
Authors: ZHENG Rongguo , LI Jinyi , ZHANG Jin , XIAO Wenjiao , LI Yi
Published: March 2019

Voluminous granitoids are widely distributed in the Langshan region, northeast of the Alxa block, and record the evolutionary processes of the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The Dabashan pluton was emplaced into the Paleoproterozoic Diebusige complex. Early Carboniferous zircon LA‐ICP MS U‐Pb ages were from 327 Ma to 346 Ma. The Dabashan pluton can be classified as monzogranite and syenogranite, and exhibits high K2O contents and K2O/Na2O ratios, which reveal a high‐K calc‐alkaline nature. The samples display strongly fractionated REE patterns, and are enriched in large ion lithophile elements (LILE) relative to high field strength elements (HFSE). The Dabashan plutons display unusually high Ba (823–2817 ppm) and Sr (166–520 ppm) contents and K/Rb ratios (315–627), but low Rb/Ba ratios (0.02–0.14), and exhibit fertile zircon Hf isotopic compositions [εHf(t)=–14 to –20], which are comparable to those of typical high Ba–Sr granitoids. Based on the geochemical compositions of the samples, we suggest that subducted sediments and ancient crustal materials both played important roles in their generation. Basaltic melts were derived from partial melting of subcontinental lithophile mantle metasomatized by subducted sediment‐related melts with residual garnet in the source, which caused partial melting of ancient lower crust. Magmas derived from underplating ascended and emplaced in the middle–upper crust at different depths. The resultant magmas experienced some degree of fractional crystallization during their ascent. Given these geochemical characteristics, together with regional tectonic, magmatic, and structure analysis data, an active continental margin environment is proposed for the generation of these rocks.
Magma Replenishment as Revealed by Textural and Geochemical Features of Plagioclase Phenocrysts in Subduction‐Related Lavas
Authors: LIU Xiujin , LIU Wei , XIAO Wenjiao , WAN Bo
Published: March 2019

Various petrographic features and geochemical characteristics indicative of disequilibrium are preserved in plagioclase phenocrysts from basaltic to andesitic lavas in East Junggar, northwest China. These characteristics indicate that they crystallized in a magma chamber, which was replenished by less differentiated and high‐temperature magmas. The petrographic and geochemical features of the plagioclase phenocrysts are interpreted to record responses to changes in temperature, composition and mechanical effect during magma replenishment. Distinct rare earth element (REE) patterns between cores and rims of the same plagioclase crystal suggest derivation from two end‐member magmas. From core to rim, plagioclase phenocrysts commonly display sharp fluctuations of anorthite (An) content up to 20, which either correspond to reverse zoning associated with ovoidal cores and resorption surface (P1), or normal zoning with euhedral form and no resorption surface (P2). Plagioclase crystals with diverse textures and remarkably different An content coexist on the scale of a thin‐section. Cores of these plagioclases in each sample display a bimodal distribution of An content. From core to rim in P1, concentrations of FeOTand Sr increase remarkably as An content increases. During magma replenishment, pre‐existing plagioclase phenocrysts in the andesitic magma, which were immersed into hotter and less differentiated magmas, were heated and resorbed to form ovoidal cores, and then were overgrown by a thin rim with much higher contents of An, FeOTand Sr. However, pre‐existing plagioclase phenocrysts in the basaltic magma were injected into cooler and more evolved magmas, and were remained as euhedral cores, which were later enclosed by oscillatory zoned rims with much lower contents of An, Sr and Ba.
Timing of Anatexis within the Berere HTHP Complex Belt of Maevatanana Area, North‐Central Madgascar, and its Geological Significance
Authors: LI Peng , LIU Shanbao , LI Jiankang , SHI Guanghai , LIU Xiang
Published: March 2019

The Berere HTHP Complex belt in Maevatanana area of north–central Madagascar formed in the ∼ 2.5 Ga orogeny and underwent high temperature (up to 1050°C) and high pressure (up to 11.5 kbar) granulite facies metamorphism. Then a widespread anatexis took place and numerous widely distributed felsic leucosomes formed. The majority of these leucosomes are parallel to the schistosity of the complex or are present as stockworks, as thin layers, or as lenses at different scales in the host rocks. Here, we report new petrographic data, zircon LA‐ICP‐MS U‐Pb ages, and Lu–Hf isotopic data for felsic leucosomes within this complex. Anatexis, as identified by the petrological study of felsic leucosomes in the field and in thin sections, involved initial ternary feldspar exsolving to produce antiperthite and a quartz + plagioclase ± K‐feldspar + sericite mineral assemblage around feldspar grain boundaries. Dissolution is apparent along muscovite grain boundaries, and residual sericite is present around the margins of feldspar and quartz, all suggesting that anatexis was driven by reactions involving muscovite. Zircon U–Pb dating indicates that the felsic leucosomes within the complex formed at 2467–2369 Ma. The majority of samples have positive ∊Hf(t) values, although a few have negative values, suggesting their formation from magmas predominantly sourced from the depleted mantle, possibly with the involvement of minor amounts of crustal materials. Two‐stage Hf model ages and ∊Hf(t) values for these samples are consistent with those for gneisses of the basement, indicating that the felsic leucosomes were formed by the anatexis of gneisses and both of their protolith formed during the formation of continental crust in Meso‐Neoarchean (ca. 3.1–2.7 Ga). As such, the crystallization age of the felsic leucosome (∼2.4 Ga) represents the timing of regional anatexis and a change to post‐orogenic tectonism. And this anatexis is also corresponds to the thermal event in Dharwar craton in India which has a pronounced similar Precambrian geology with Madagascar, providing an important constraints on the correlation of the two continental fragments.
Origin of Tafoni in the Late Cretaceous Aeolian Sandstones, Danxiashan UNESCO Global Geopark, South China
Authors: CHEN Liuqin , GUO Fusheng , LIU Fujun , XU Huan , DING Ting , LIU Xin
Published: March 2019

Tafoni occur generally in granular rocks around the world, but their origin remains controversial. In this study, the roles of lithology, micro–climate, and organism in tafoni development are investigated in the Danxiashan UNESCO Global Geopark of South China. The Jinshiyan Temple and Luyitang sites along the Jinjiang River are chosen to conduct tafoni morphometry, bedrock petrography, and micro–climate analyses. The research methods used in this study include field observations and measurements, Voronoi diagrams, polarizing microscopic and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) image analysis, and meteorological detection. The tafoni are mostly 2–10 cm in length and elliptical in shape. The Late Cretaceous Jinshiyan sandstones are characterized by a grain–to–grain contact fabric and moderate sorting with a high proportion of soluble grains and cements. The Voronoi diagrams developed through the ArcGIS software are largely consistent with the tafoni openings. Moreover, owing to exposure to solar insolation, the external temperature values are higher than the internal ones, while the external relative humidity values are lower than the internal ones. Therefore, the permeable Jinshiyan sandstones are fundamental for tafoni development, while the abundant moisture from the Jinjiang River and frequent rains is favorable for salt weathering in tandem with biological activities. At last, a five–stage development model is proposed for the tafoni progression in the study area.
The Late Carboniferous–Early Permian Ocean‐Continent Transition in the West Junggar, Central Asian Orogenic Belt: Constraints from Columnar Jointed Rhyolite
Authors: XU Shenglin , CHEN Xuanhua , LI Tingdong , SHI Jianjie , DING Weicui , LI Bing , HUANG Penghui , ZHANG Yiping , ZHANG Yaoyao , MA Feizhou
Published: March 2019

The West Junggar of the western Central Asian Orogenic Belt is one of the typical regions in the term of ocean subduction, contraction and continental growth in the Late Paleozoic. However, it is still controversial on the exact time of ocean‐continent transition so far. This study investigates rhyolites with columnar joint in the West Junggar for the first time. Based on zircon U‐Pb dating, we determined that the ages of the newly‐discovered rhyolites are between 303.6 and 294.5 Ma, belonging to Late Carboniferous–Early Permian, which is the oldest rhyolite with columnar joint preserved in the world at present. Geochemical results show that the characteristics of the major element compositions include a high content of SiO2 (75.78–79.20 wt%) and a moderate content of Al2O3 (12.21–13.19 wt%). The total alkali content (K2O + Na2O) is 6.14–8.05 wt%, among which K2O is 2.09–4.72 wt% and the rate of K2O/Na2O is 0.38–3.05. Over‐based minerals such as Ne, Lc, and Ac do not appear. The contents of TiO2 (0.09–0.24 wt%), CaO (0.15–0.99 wt%) and MgO (0.06–0.18 wt%) are low. A/CNK=0.91–1.68, A/NK=1.06–1.76, and as such, these are associated with the quasi‐aluminum‐weak peraluminous high potassium calc‐alkaline and some calc‐alkaline magma series. These rhyolites show a significant negative Eu anomaly with relative enrichment of LREE and LILE (Rb, Ba, Th, U, K) and depletion of Sr, HREE and HFSE (Nb, Ta, Ti, P). These rhyolites also have the characteristics of an A2‐type granite, similar to the Miaoergou batholith, which indicates they both were affected by post‐orogenic extension. Combining petrological, zircon U‐Pb dating and geochemical characteristics of the rhyolites, we conclude that the specific time of ocean‐continent transition of the West Junggar is the Late Carboniferous–Early Permian.
Quantitative Prediction of Fracture Distribution of the Longmaxi Formation in the Dingshan Area, China using FEM Numerical Simulation
Authors: XIE Jiatong , QIN Qirong , FAN Cunhui
Published: March 2019

Fracture prediction is a technical issue in the field of petroleum exploration and production worldwide. Although there are many approaches to predict the distribution of cracks underground, these approaches have some limitations. To resolve these issues, we ascertained the relation between numerical simulations of tectonic stress and the predicted distribution of fractures from the perspective of geologic genesis, based on the characteristics of the shale reservoir in the Longmaxi Formation in Dingshan; the features of fracture development in this reservoir were considered. 3D finite element method (FEM) was applied in combination with rock mechanical parameters derived from the acoustic emissions. The paleotectonic stress field of the crack formation period was simulated for the Longmaxi Formation in the Dingshan area. The splitting factor in the study area was calculated based on the rock breaking criterion. The coefficient of fracture development was selected as the quantitative prediction classification criteria for the cracks. The results show that a higher coefficient of fracture development indicates a greater degree of fracture development. On the basis of the fracture development coefficient classification, a favorable area was identified for the development of fracture prediction in the study area. The prediction results indicate that the south of the Dingshan area and the DY3 well of the central region are favorable zones for fracture development.
Oxygen Fugacity and Water Activity during Thermal Peak and Retrogression of Granulites around the Sarvapuram Area, Karimnagar Granulite Terrane, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: SINGH P. Chandra , PRAKASH D.
Published: March 2019

The investigated area around Sarvapuram represents a part of the Karimnagar granulite terrane of the Eastern Dharwar Craton, India. Garnet–bearing gneiss is hosted as enclaves, pods within granite gneiss and charnockite. It is largely made up of garnet, orthopyroxene, cordierite, biotite, plagioclase, K–feldspar, sillimanite and quartz. The peak metamorphic stage is represented by the equilibrium mineral assemblage i.e. garnet, orthopyroxene, cordierite, biotite, plagioclase, sillimanite and quartz. Breakdown of the garnet as well as preservation of the orthopyroxene–cordierite symplectite, formation of cordierite with the consumption of the garnet + sillimanite + quartz represents the decompressional event. The thermobarometric calculations suggest a retrograde P–T path with a substantial decompression of c. 3.0 kbar. The water activity (XH2O) conditions obtained with the winTWQ program for core and symplectite compositions from garnet–bearing gneiss are 0.07–0.14 and 0.11–0.16 respectively. The quantitative estimation of oxygen fugacity in garnet–bearing gneiss reveal log fO2 values ranging from −11.38 to −14.05. This high oxidation state could be one of the reasons that account for the absence of graphite in these rocks.
The REE Characteristics of Oil Shales in the Lower Eocene Celtek Formation (Yozgat, Turkey) and their Relation to Tectonic Provenance
Authors: YAVUZ PEHLIVANLI Berna
Published: March 2019

The Lower Eocene Celtek Formation is located in the Sorgun district of thecity of Yozgat in Turkey. In the study area, Paleozoic, Campanian‐Maastrichtian, Eocene, Miocene and Quaternary units are exposed. The Celtek Formation is noteworthy with its coal and oil shale deposits. Samples were collected from one exposure (YC ÖSK) and two boreholes (SJ and Ç boreholes) at the facility operated by the Yeni Celtek Coal Management. Concentrations of REE in oil shales from these localities were determined using the ICP‐MS technique. REE and total organic carbon (TOC) values of a total of 32 samples were compared with normalized REE contents of various environments. TOC contents of the samples ranged from 1.37wt% to 11.8wt% (mean 4.96wt%). The averages of all samples for the all normalized values show similar patterns. Normalized REE patterns are represented by the enrichment in the order of LREE>MREE>HREE and display negative Ce and positive Eu anomalies. ΣREE vs. TOC were compared. ΣREE vs. TOC showed a weak positive correlation, whereas ΣLREE vs. (M+HREE) and ΣLREE vs. ΣREE were positively correlated. Regarding tectonic provenance characteristics, the Celtek Formation oil shales were formed in microenvironments with physicochemical conditions changing in character from oxic to euxinic, representing a transitional terrestrial–marine environment.
Hydrocarbon Vertical Continuity Evaluation in the Cretaceous Reservoirs of Azadegan Oilfield, Southwest of Iran: Implications for Reservoir Geochemistry
Authors: ALIZADEH Bahram , RASHIDI Mehrab , ZARASVANDI Alireza , SEYEDALI Seyed Rasoul , ALIEE Mohammad Hasan
Published: March 2019

A collection of data obtained from analytical methods in geochemistry along with the reservoir engineering and geologic data were used to investigate the reservoir continuity in the Cretaceous Fahliyan, Gadavan, Kazhdumi and Sarvak reservoirs of the super‐giant Azadegan oilfield, SW Iran. The geochemical data indicate that the oil samples, with medium to high level of thermal maturity, have been generated from the anoxic marine marl/carbonate source rock(s). The Sargelu (Jurassic) and Garau (Cretaceous) formations are introduced as the main source rocks for the studied oils. The dendrogram obtained from the cluster analysis of high‐resolution gas chromatography data introduces two main oil groups including Fahliyan reservoir, and Kazhdumi along with Sarvak/Gadvan reservoirs. This is confirmed by C7 Halpern star diagram, indicating that, the light oil fraction from Fahliyan reservoir is distinct from the others. Also, different pressure gradient of the Fahliyan Formation (over‐pressured) relative to other reservoirs (normally‐pressured) show the presence of compartments. The relation between toluene/n‐heptane and n‐heptane/methylcyclohexane represents the compartmentalization due to maturation/evaporative fractionation for Fahliyan and water washing for other studied reservoirs. Also, the impermeable upper part of the Fahliyan Formation and thin interbedded shaly layers in the Kazhdumi, Sarvak and Gadvan formations have controlled reservoir compartmentalization.
Estimation of Fracture Geometry Parameters and Characterization of Rock Mass Structure for the Beishan Area, China
Authors: WEI Xiang , GUO Ying , CHENG Hanlie , WEI Jianfei , ZHANG Linlin , HUO Liang , HOU Zhenkun
Published: March 2019

The accurate estimation of fracture geometry parameters and the characterization of rock mass structure are two important topics in the geological disposal system of high‐level radioactive waste (HLW). The Beishan area, as the current preselected area for China's HLW disposal, has three subareas considered to be the key survey area at the stage of site selection. In this paper, a comprehensive survey method conducted on the outcrop is developed to estimate fracture geometry parameters. Results show that fracture occurrence obeys a Fisher distribution, fracture trace length obeys a normal distribution, and the distribution of spacing obeys a negative exponential distribution. An evaluation index, Rock Mass Structure Rating (RMSR), is proposed to characterize rock mass structure for the three subareas. The results show that the Xinchang area is more suitable to act as China's HLW disposal repository site. At the same time, the index can also be applied to characterize surface rock mass structure and rock mass integrity at the site selection phase of HLW disposal.
Apparent diffusion coefficient characteristics of parenchymal neuro‐Behçet’s disease
Authors: Alis Deniz , Alis Ceren , Tutuncu Melih , Kocer Naci , Islak Civan , Kizilkilic Osman
Published: March 2019

Aim

To evaluate apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) characteristic of parenchymal neuro‐Behçet's disease (NBD).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations of NBD patients with acute or chronic parenchymal lesions. ADC measurements of the lesions and contralateral normal brain parenchyma were performed by a consensus of two radiologists. To compare the ADC value of the chronic and acute lesions, relative ADC values (rADC) were calculated. The ratio of the lesions’ ADC to contralateral normal brain parenchyma ADC yielded a rADC value of the lesions. Contrast enhancement patterns and the locations of the lesions were also noted.

Results

A total of 24 NBD patients with 45 parenchymal lesions, 25 acute, and 20 chronic, were enrolled in the study. A significant difference was observed between the mean ADC value of the acute lesions (1074.48 ± 138.31 m/s) and the mean ADC value of the contralateral normal brain parenchyma (841.20 ± 142.96 m/s; P < 0.0001). A significant difference was observed between the mean ADC value of the chronic lesions (1069.95 ± 143.95 m/s) and the mean ADC value of the contralateral normal brain parenchyma (793.90 ± 96.71 m/s; P < 0.0001). No significant difference was observed between the mean rADC (1.35 ± 0.20) and the mean rADC value of the chronic lesions (1.29 ± 0.15; P = 0.22).

Conclusions

ADC measurements might provide substantial information about the histopathological aspect of parenchymal NBD lesions.
From Engagement to Competition? The Logic of the US China Policy Debate
Authors: Chang‐Liao Nien‐chung
Published: March 2019

This article explores the logic of the ongoing debate in the United States over its China policy. Scholarly assessments of China's power and intentions are more diverse than ever before, so it is no wonder that the United States is faced with an array of policy options, including continuing engagement, accommodation, competition and containment. This makes it more difficult for US policy makers to forge a consensus regarding the course of engagement with China. This paper provides an analytic framework for explaining the logic of US policy choices within the debate and examines the implications for the Trump administration. It is hoped that it can help US policy makers interpret China's rise, and act as a baseline from which they can formulate an optimal approach towards dealing with thePRC.
Dramatic response to nivolumab after local radiotherapy in pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma with rapid progressive post‐surgical recurrence
Authors: Yaguchi Daizo , Ichikawa Motoshi , Ito Masao , Okamoto Sawako , Kimura Hayata , Watanabe Kazuko
Published: March 2019

Pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma (PPC) is resistant to anticancer drug treatment, outcomes are poor, and no standard therapy has been established. High PD‐L1 expression has been found in PPCs, suggesting the possible efficacy of an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) in cancer immunotherapy; however, this approach requires further investigation through case accumulation. Herein, we report a case of rapid recurrence and progression of PPC early after surgery in a 70‐year‐old male ex‐smoker. Surgery was performed for lung cancer of the right lower lobe, and a pathological examination indicated primary PPC with high PD‐L1 expression (tumor proportion score: 90%). Because systemic metastasis recurred only six weeks after surgery, nivolumab was administered as second‐line treatment. Marked tumor regression was observed on imaging after three cycles, revealing a near complete response. Palliative radiotherapy was applied to the bone metastasis region for pain relief before nivolumab was administered. This case suggests that an ICI can have an effect on PPC and that the efficacy of ICIs may be enhanced by radiotherapy‐induced abscopal effects.
Neuropsychological and Neuroimaging Examinations of Self‐Reported Sleep Quality in Alcohol Use Disorder With and Without Korsakoff's Syndrome
Authors: Laniepce Alice , Segobin Shailendra , Lannuzel Coralie , Boudehent Céline , Ritz Ludivine , Urso Laurent , Vabret François , Eustache Francis , Beaunieux Hélène , Rauchs Géraldine , Pitel Anne‐Lise
Published: March 2019

Background

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients without Korsakoff's syndrome (KS) report a variable self‐rated sleep quality. Their ability to accurately judge their sleep quality may be related to their alcohol‐related cognitive deficits and brain damage. KS patients, who present severe brain dysfunction, may be cognitively unable to judge their sleep quality. The aim of the present study is to examine, in AUD and KS patients, whether the absence of sleep complaint is associated with altered brain structure and impaired cognitive abilities within specific cerebral networks.

Methods

An assessment of subjective sleep quality was conducted in 20 healthy controls, 37 AUD patients, and 17 KS patients. Patients were first pooled together and then classified into 2 groups (no‐complaintAUD + KS and complaintAUD + KS) according to the total Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index score. Cognitive scores, gray matter (GM) volume, and white matter (WM) integrity were compared between these 2 groups, and then in AUD and KS patients separately.

Results

Poor sleep quality was reported by 70% of AUD and 18% of KS patients. Compared to controls, both no‐complaintAUD + KS and complaintAUD + KS presented cortical and subcortical alterations as well as episodic memory deficits, which were more severe in patients without sleep complaint. Only no‐complaintAUD + KS presented executive deficits. Then, considering the clinical diagnosis, GM volume in frontotemporal regions, WM integrity, and executive functions were affected to the same extent in AUD and KS patients without sleep complaint.

Conclusions

Our results confirm the high prevalence of sleep complaint in AUD patients and the rare complaint in KS patients. In AUD and KS patients, the absence of sleep complaint may not indicate good sleep quality but rather reflect executive deficits and frontothalamic damage. Alcohol‐related cognitive deficits may indeed alter the ability to self‐evaluate sleep quality, suggesting that the use of sleep questionnaire should be considered with caution in patients with executive deficits.
GABAA Receptor Subtypes and the Abuse‐Related Effects of Ethanol in Rhesus Monkeys: Experiments with Selective Positive Allosteric Modulators
Authors: Berro Lais F. , Rüedi‐Bettschen Daniela , Cook Jemma E. , Golani Lalit K. , Li Guanguan , Jahan Rajwana , Rashid Farjana , Cook James M. , Rowlett James K. , Platt Donna M.
Published: March 2019

Background

Previous studies have investigated α1GABAA and α5GABAA receptor mechanisms in the behavioral effects of ethanol (EtOH) in monkeys. However, genetic studies in humans and preclinical studies with mutant mice suggest a role for α2GABAA and/or α3GABAA receptors in the effects of EtOH. The development of novel positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) with functional selectivity (i.e., selective efficacy) at α2GABAA and α3GABAA receptors allows for probing of these subtypes in preclinical models of the discriminative stimulus and reinforcing effects of EtOH in rhesus macaques.

Methods

In discrimination studies, subjects were trained to discriminate EtOH (2 g/kg, intragastrically) from water under a fixed‐ratio (FR) schedule of food delivery. In oral self‐administration studies, subjects were trained to self‐administer EtOH (2% w/v) or sucrose (0.3 to 1% w/v) under an FR schedule of solution availability.

Results

In discrimination studies, functionally selective PAMs at α2GABAA and α3GABAA (HZ‐166) or α3GABAA (YT‐III‐31) receptors substituted fully (maximum percentage of EtOH‐lever responding ≥80%) for the discriminative stimulus effects of EtOH without altering response rates. Full substitution for EtOH also was engendered by a nonselective PAM (triazolam), an α5GABAA‐preferring PAM (QH‐ii‐066) and a PAM at α2GABAA, α3GABAA, and α5GABAA receptors (L‐838417). A partial (MRK‐696) or an α1GABAA‐preferring (zolpidem) PAM only engendered partial substitution (i.e., ~50 to 60% EtOH‐lever responding). In self‐administration studies, pretreatments with the functionally selective PAMs at α2GABAA and α3GABAA (XHe‐II‐053 and HZ‐166) or α3GABAA (YT‐III‐31 and YT‐III‐271) receptors increased EtOH, but not sucrose, drinking at doses that had few, or no, observable sedative‐motor effects.

Conclusions

Our results confirm prior findings regarding the respective roles of α1GABAA and α5GABAA receptors in the discriminative stimulus effects of EtOH and, further, suggest a key facilitatory role for α3GABAA and potentially α2GABAA receptors in several abuse‐related effects of EtOH in monkeys. Moreover, they reveal a potential role for these latter subtypes in EtOH's sedative effects.
Utilization of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy in oligometastatic & oligoprogressive skeletal metastases: Results and pattern of failure
Authors: Kam Tsz Yeung , Chan Oscar Siu Hong , Hung Albert Wai Man , Yeung Rebecca Mei Wan
Published: March 2019

Aim

To evaluate the outcome and toxicities of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) for skeletal metastasis in a tertiary cancer center.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of 22 patients treated with SABR for skeletal metastases for oligometastases (OM) or oligoprogression (OP) since October 2012. There are a total of 27 treatments with 20 spinal and seven non‐spinal metastases. Treatment outcome including local control (LC), progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), pain control, treatment‐related toxicity and failure pattern are described. Patients are assessed by interval computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography‐CT, magnetic resonance imaging or bone scintigraphy by physicians’ discretion. Toxicities are graded by common toxicities criteria version 4.03.

Result

The median age of the patients is 64 years. Primary sites include lung (50%), breast (32%), nasopharynx (9%), prostate (4.5%) and colon (4.5%). Twelve patients with OM and 10 with OP are included. Dose to most spinal and non‐spinal metastases is 35 and 50 Gy, respectively, in five fractions. With a median follow up of 15.6 months, there are three local failures (1‐year LC 91.2%). The median PFS and OS are 10.1 and 37.3 months, while PFS of OP and OM group is 6.6 and 10.6 months, respectively. Two‐third of symptomatic patients have at least 1‐year complete pain control. There are two vertebral fractures and one grade 3 esophagitis.

Conclusion

Our series shows excellent LC of SABR to skeletal metastases with limited toxicities in OM and OP diseases. However, its benefit of survival warrants further studies.
Direct Democracy and Women's Political Engagement
Authors: Kim Jeong Hyun
Published: March 2019

What are the conditions that promote gender equality in political participation? In this article, I propose that the presence of direct democracy expands gender equality in political participation by signaling the system's openness to women's voice, confirming their political competency, and highlighting their stake in political decisions. To test this argument, I leverage a quasi‐experiment in Sweden in the aftermath of the introduction of universal suffrage, where the type of municipal political institutions was determined by a population threshold. My findings lend strong support to the effect of direct democracy on the political inclusion of women. I find that the gender gap in electoral participation was smaller in municipalities using direct democracy than in similarly sized municipalities that only had representative institutions.
Impact of levator muscle avulsions on Manchester procedure outcomes in pelvic organ prolapse surgery
Authors: Oversand Sissel H. , Staff Anne C. , Volløyhaug Ingrid , Svenningsen Rune
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Levator ani muscle avulsions potentially increase recurrence after anterior colporrhaphies. We aimed at evaluating the impact of avulsions on anatomical and patient‐reported outcomes 1 year after the Manchester procedure for primary anterior compartment pelvic organ prolapse.

Material and methods

Prospective cohort study of 189 women undergoing the Manchester procedure between October 2014 and January 2017. Avulsions were diagnosed by transperineal ultrasound. Women with and without avulsions were compared for 1‐year postoperative outcomes; Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification measurements, subjective satisfaction (1—worse to 4—cured), failure (new prolapse treatment), response to validated questionnaires on pelvic floor distress and sexual function, and a composite outcome (subjectively cured and optimal anterior compartment outcome (stage 0‐I)). Optimal mid‐compartment outcome was defined as cervix ≥5 cm above the hymen. Factors potentially associated with poor anatomical outcomes (anterior compartment stage ≥II) or pelvic floor distress were analyzed using regression analyses.

Results

Fewer women with avulsions (present in 50.8%) obtained optimal mid‐compartment outcomes (88.2% vs 77.1%; P = 0.05). The groups were otherwise similar in terms of mid‐compartment reduction, anterior compartment results, failure rate, subjective satisfaction, pelvic floor/sexual symptoms, and combined optimal subjective and anatomical outcome. Only preoperative anterior compartment stage ≥III was associated with poor anatomical outcome (P < 0.01). A high preoperative symptom score was associated with a high postoperative symptom score (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Although fewer women with avulsions obtained optimal mid‐compartment results, avulsions had no impact on other anatomical or symptomatic outcomes 1 year after the Manchester procedure for primary anterior compartment prolapse.
Approved claims for compensation from gynecological patients in Norway—What characterizes the cases? A 14‐year nationwide study
Authors: Ravlo Merethe , Lieng Marit , Khan Bukholm Ida R. , Haase Moen Mette , Vanky Eszter
Published: March 2019

Introduction

The Norwegian System of Patient Injury Compensation (NPE) evaluates all patient‐reported claims in Norway. Our aim was to study the cases from gynecological patients approved by NPE in order to identify the main reasons for the injuries, the consequences of the treatment failure for the women, and the time course when the treatment failure occurred.

Material and methods

A retrospective, descriptive study of approved gynecological compensation claims during a 14‐year period, based on patient files from NPE.

Results

In all, 1454 women claimed compensation for injury related to gynecological treatment in Norway from 2000 to 2013. Compensation was approved for 438 (30.1%) women. Eleven women declined participation in the study and 16 cases were excluded, leaving 411 cases for further analyses. Consent to participate was given by 211 (51.3%) women, who gave full access to all their NPE files. Anonymized resumes and expert statements were used for the 138 (33.6%) women who did not respond and the 62 (15.1%) women who were deceased. Guidelines or good clinical practice were not followed in 40.5% of the cases. The most common reasons for injury were surgical complications (67.6%), delayed (22.4%) and incorrect (17.0%) diagnoses, and failure of communication (11.7%). The main consequences of injuries were need for extensive treatment (64.2%), permanent injury (55.2%) and impaired physical ability (41.9%). Worsening of cancer prognosis occurred in 58 women (14.1%) and death due to treatment failure in 29 (7.1%) women. Most failures occurred during the treatment period (75.2%).

Conclusions

We found that the main reason for injuries in gynecological patients was non‐adherence to guidelines or good clinical practice. Surgery‐related injuries were most common. Increased focus on adherence to guidelines and surgical skills might improve patient safety for gynecological patients in Norway.
Children with congenital and childhood cataract require frequent follow‐up visits and examinations in general anaesthesia: considerations for the strain on families
Authors: Al‐Bakri Moug , Sander Birgit , Bach‐Holm Daniella , Larsen Dorte Ancher , Jensen Hanne , Kessel Line
Published: March 2019

Background

Children with cataract require frequent monitoring to detect complications, adjust refractive correction and treat amblyopia. This is time consuming for the families. The aim of the study was to evaluate how often children with cataract are seen as outpatients or under general anaesthesia during the first 7 years of life.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of all children with congenital and childhood cataract born between 2000 primo and 2017 seen at our institution. The cumulated number of outpatient visits and examinations and/or surgeries in general anaesthesia was extracted for age 1, 3, 5 and 7 years.

Results

Children who had cataract surgery were seen significantly more often than children without surgery. During the first year of life, children with bilateral surgery had a median of nine outpatient visits, children with unilateral cataract had 11 and children without surgery had five outpatient visits. At 7 years of age, half of the children operated bilaterally before 1 year of age had undergone at least five procedures/examinations in general anaesthesia versus 1/4 of those with unilateral surgery and none of those without surgery. Children were seen less frequently with advancing age.

Conclusion

The management, treatment and follow‐up of children with cataract are demanding, requiring frequent hospital visits and repeated examinations and/or surgical procedures in general anaesthesia over many years, but mainly during the first year of life. Surgical patients are more complex and require closer follow‐up. This message is important to convey to the parents at the onset of the disease.
Effect of Resveratrol on biofilm formation and virulence factor gene expression of Porphyromonas gingivalis in periodontal disease
Authors: Kugaji Manohar S. , Kumbar Vijay M. , Peram Malleswara Rao , Patil Sanjivini , Bhat Kishore G. , Diwan Prakash V.
Published: March 2019

Periodontal disease is an oral inflammatory disease that destroys the tooth supporting periodontal tissues resulting in tooth loss. Porphyromonas gingivalis is a keystone pathogen that plays a significant role in periodontitis. In previous studies, resveratrol has shown significant results by targeting inflammatory and adhesive markers. Virulence factors of P. gingivalis play an important role in the bacterial adhesion and colonization. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the anti‐biofilm and anti‐bacterial activity of resveratrol and also study the effect of resveratrol on the expression of virulence factor genes of P. gingivalis using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The anti‐microbial and anti‐biofilm activity of resveratrol on P. gingivalis was carried out by broth microdilution assay and biofilm adhesion reduction–crystal violet assay, respectively. We carried out the gene expression analysis by RT‐PCR with the P. gingivalis treated compound to analyze the change in the expression of virulence factors: fimbriae and gingipain. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of resveratrol against P. gingivalis and other clinical strains are in the range of 78.12–156.25 μg/mL. Resveratrol dose‐dependently prevented the biofilm formation and also attenuated the virulence of P. gingivalis by reducing the expression of virulence factor genes such as fimbriae (type II and IV) and proteinases (kgp and rgpA). Resveratrol demonstrated superior anti‐bacterial and anti‐biofilm activity against P. gingivalis. There was significant reduction in the expression of fimbriae and gingipain with the resveratrol‐treated compound. The results suggest that resveratrol, due to its multiple actions, may become a simple and inexpensive therapeutic strategy for treating periodontal disease.
Forced evictions, spatial (un)certainties and the making of exemplary centres in Indonesia
Authors: Padawangi Rita
Published: March 2019

This article considers the relationship between forced evictions and the ‘exemplary centre’ through an examination of three urban waterfront sites in Indonesia in comparative perspective. How is the notion of the ‘exemplary centre’ related to forced evictions and the aspirations of marginalised populations in contemporary cities of Indonesia? What are the chances of asserting alternative ideologies when a capital‐centric and modernist vision of the city as ‘exemplary centre’ dominates official planning paradigms? Competing visions of the ‘exemplary centre’ arise from distinct centres of power, from the state level to the grassroots community level; however, the dominant state vision of urban space is often internalised by those most at risk of displacement by modernist projects. Strategies to thwart forced evictions in riverbank settlements in Jakarta, Solo, and Surabaya offer alternative imaginings of the ‘exemplary centre’ – imaginings that enable the urban poor to visualise their hopes and to overcome the spatial uncertainties that characterise their everyday lives. While these efforts indicate resistance to marginalisation, they also provide a distinct kind of ‘exemplary’ vision based on residents’ own understanding of ideal city living. Concurrently, some alignment to existing ‘exemplary centre’ narratives is traceable in the effort to assert these alternatives.
Sickle cell trait and renal disease among African American U.S. Army soldiers
Authors: Hu Jiaqi , Nelson D. Alan , Deuster Patricia A. , Marks Eric S. , O'Connor Francis G. , Kurina Lianne M.
Published: March 2019

Sickle cell trait and certain renal disorders are disproportionately prevalent among African American individuals, so a clear understanding of their association is important. We conducted a longitudinal study using the Stanford Military Data Repository to examine sickle cell trait in relation to the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our study population consisted of African American U.S. Army soldiers on active duty between January 2011 and December 2014. The cumulative incidence was 0·51% for AKI (236 cases out of 45 901 soldiers) and 0·56% for CKD (255 cases out of 45 882 soldiers). Discrete time logistic regression models adjusting for demographic‐, military‐ and healthcare‐related covariates showed that sickle cell trait was associated with significantly higher adjusted odds of both AKI [odds ratio (OR): 1·74; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1·17–2·59] and CKD (OR: 2·00; 95% CI: 1·39–2·88). Elevated odds of AKI and CKD were also observed in association with prior CKD and AKI, respectively, and with obesity and prior hypertension. Individuals with sickle cell trait and their providers should be aware of the possibility of increased risk of AKI and CKD to allow for timely intervention and possible prevention.
Whole‐exome sequencing revealed mutational profiles of giant cell glioblastomas
Authors: Shi Zhi‐feng , Li Kay Ka‐Wai , Kwan Johnny Sheung Him , Yang Rui Ryan , Aibaidula Abudumijiti , Tang Qisheng , Bao Yifeng , Mao Ying , Chen Hong , Ng Ho‐Keung
Published: March 2019

Giant cell glioblastoma (gcGBM) is a rare histological variant of GBM, accounting for about 1% of all GBM. The prognosis is poor generally though gcGBM does slightly better than the other IDH‐wild‐type GBM. Because of the rarity of the cases, there has been no comprehensive molecular analysis of gcGBM. Previously, single‐gene study identified genetic changes in TP53, PTEN and TERT promoter mutation in gcGBM. In this report, we performed whole‐exome sequencing (WES) to identify somatically acquired mutations and copy number variations (CNVs) in 10 gcGBM genomes. We also examined TERT promoter mutation and MGMT methylation in our cohort. On top of the reported mutations, WES revealed ATRX, PIK3R1, RB1 and SETD2 as the recurrent mutations in gcGBM. Notably, one tumor harbored a mutation in MutS homolog 6 (MSH6) that is a key mismatch repair (MMR) gene. This tumor demonstrated hypermutation phenotype and showed an increased number of somatic mutations. TERT promoter mutation and MGMT methylation were observed in 20% and 40% of our samples, respectively. In conclusion, we described relevant mutation profiling for developing future targeted therapies in gcGBM.
Age at introduction to complementary solid food and food allergy and sensitization: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Burgess John A. , Dharmage Shyamali C. , Allen Katrina , Koplin Jennifer , Garcia‐Larsen Vanessa , Boyle Robert , Waidyatillake Nilakshi , Lodge Caroline J.
Published: March 2019

Background and Objective

An infant's age at introduction of complementary solids may contribute to food allergy. We aimed to synthesize the literature on the association between age at introduction of complementary solids, excluding milk products, and food allergy and sensitization.

Design

We searched the electronic databases PubMed and EMBASE (January 1946‐February 2017) using solid food, allergy and sensitization terms.

Methods

Two authors selected papers according to inclusion criteria, identifying 16 cohort studies, 1 case‐control study and 8 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Pooled effects across studies were estimated using random‐effects meta‐analysis.

Results

Cohort studies—Introducing complementary solids at age ≥ 4 months vs <4 months was not associated with food allergy (OR 1.22; 95% CI, 0.76‐1.96) but was associated with food sensitization (OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.57‐2.38). First exposure from age 4 to 6 months vs <4 months was not associated with food allergy (OR 1.01; 95% CI, 0.64‐1.60) but was associated with food sensitization (OR 2.46; 95% CI 1.55‐3.86).

Randomized controlled trials—Egg exposure from age 4 months was associated with reduced egg allergy (OR 0.63, 95% CI, 0.44‐0.90) and sensitization (OR 0.76, 95% CI, 0.51‐0.95). Peanut exposure from age 4 months compared to delayed exposure was associated with reduced peanut allergy (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.14‐0.57).

Conclusions

We found no evidence from observational studies that introducing solids before 4 months protected against food allergy, but there was evidence for protection against food sensitization. From RCTs, introducing egg from 4 to 6 months and peanut from 4 to 11 months reduced the risk of egg allergy, peanut allergy and egg sensitization.

PROSPERO systematic review registry (CRD42016033473).