bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Status of the Research on Coal Geology in China
Authors: Tong WANG , Qingwei WANG , Longyi SHAO , Yucheng XIA , Xuehai FU , Shuzheng NING , Zhiqing XIE , Tao JIANG
Published: August 2016

Coal is the main energy in China, which has already played and will continue to play an important role in the national economy. Coal geology, as a practical science, has an access to gradual development with the growth and prosperity of China. From the meaning of the coalfield geology, this paper introduces the research progress and status of coalfield geology, including the research on coal basin, stratigraphy of coal‐bearing stratigraphie sequences, coal‐forming process, structural geology of coalfields, and exploration and development status of coal resources. The paper specially focuses on coal‐forming process, including coal formation in terrestrial facies and transgressive / regression events, and introduces new technology which has been applied to research progress in structural geology of coalfield. This paper puts forward a new comprehensive exploration system for coal exploration and reviews regional coal geological exploration results in recent years, such as coal‐poor regions of seven provinces in southern China and the coal resources area in northwest China, which will be an important coal‐producing area in the future.
Current Gold Prospecting in China
Authors: Shibin LEI , Min QING , Cuiyi NIU , Liang WANG
Published: August 2016

In China, there are 12 types of gold deposits in 57 class‐III metallogenic zones, formed in 7 main metallogenic periods. Most gold deposits are small or occur as ore spots; very large deposits are rare with relatively poor quality, mainly medium to low grade. Only 35% of the total gold reserves is identified, while a large amount of reserves is yet to be identified. In recent years, China Geological Survey has organized or conducted mineral resources survey and evaluation project, replacement resources prospecting for deposits in crisis, old mines prospecting and commercial prospecting funded or encouraged by the Central Government. These efforts have been fruitful. According to the temporal and spatial allocation of gold resources, and experiences from recent prospecting efforts, western China and the deep layers and peripheries of the‐sits in eastern China have relatively high prospecting potential. The government should give even more support to the gold industry and strengthen technological innovation to help address difficulties in gold exploitation and processing. The government should also formulate consistent plans, consolidate mining rights, and promote integrated exploration, so as to achieve new major breakthroughs in gold prospecting.

Gold is both a form of material wealth and a way of storing wealth. It is a rare resource with dual functions of commodity and currency. As an important global strategic asset and a cornerstone of financial reserves, gold plays an irreplaceable role in securing national economic development, maintaining financial security, strengthening national comprehensive power and promoting RMB internationalization. Based on latest research and prospecting results, the thesis proposes preliminary conclusions on types, temporal and spatial allocation, and exploration and development of gold deposits in China; predicts China's gold resource potential; reviews recent gold prospecting and exploration efforts; and, in the hope of offering some reference for the new round of gold prospecting, exploration and planning, offers some suggestions.
Characteristics of Ore‐forming Fluid of the Gaoshan Gold‐Silver Deposit in the Longquan Area, Zhejiang Province and its Implications for the Ore Genesis
Authors: Biao JIANG , Chenghui WANG , Yuchuan CHEN , Baogui WU , Peng LIAO , Zhengle CHEN , Fengbin HAN
Published: August 2016

The Gaoshan gold‐silver deposit, located between the Yuyao‐Lishui Fault and Jiangshan‐Shaoxing fault in Longquan Area, occurs in the Suichang‐Longquan gold‐silver polymetallic metallogenic belt. This study conducted an investigation for ore‐forming fluids using microthermometry, D‐O isotope and trace element. The results show that two types of fluid inclusions involved into the formation of the deposit are pure liquid phase and gas‐liquid phase aqueous inclusions. The homogenization temperature and salinity of major mineralization phase ranges from 156°C to 236°C (average 200°C) and 0.35% to 8.68% (NaCleqv) (average 3.68%), respectively, indicating that the ore‐forming fluid is characteristic of low temperature and low salinity. The ore‐forming pressure ranges between in 118.02 to 232.13′105 pa, and it is estabmiated that the ore‐forming depth ranges from 0.39 to 0.77 km, indicating it is a hypabyssal deposit in genesis. The low rare earth elements content in pyrites, widely developed fluorite in late ore‐forming stage and lack of chlorargyrite (AgCl), indicates that the ore‐forming fluid is rich in F rather than CI. The ratios of Y/Ho, Zr/Hf and Nb/Ta of between different samples have little difference, indicating that the later hydrothermal activities had no effects on the former hydrothermal fluid. The chondrite‐normalized REE patterns of pyrites from country rocks and ore veins are basically identical, with the characteristics of light REE enrichment and negative Eu anomalies, implying that the ore‐forming fluid was oxidative and derived partly from the country rocks. The δD and δ18O of fluid inclusions in quartz formed during the main metallogenic stage range from —105‰ to –69 ‰ and –6.01‰ to –3.81‰, respectively. The D‐O isotopie diagram shows that the metallogenic fluid is characterized by the mixing of formation water and meteoric water, without involvement of magmatic water. The geological and geochemical characteristics of the Gaoshan gold‐silver deposit are similar to those of continental volcanic hydrothermal deposit, and could be assigned to the continental volcanic hydrothermal gold‐silver deposit type.
A Research Review of Iron Oxide Copper‐Gold Deposits
Authors: Shaofeng LIU , Shuixing FU
Published: August 2016

Iron oxide copper‐gold (IOCG) deposits are a research focus of the current ore deposit geology, and have attracted much attention among the worldwide geologists and exploration experts due to their shallow depth, a wide variety of mineral species and large scale. This paper presents a review of the present IOCG deposits research, which includes the definition of IOCG deposits, temporal and spatial distribution, ore‐forming environments, ore‐forming magmatic rocks, their geological features, ore‐controlling structures and ore‐bearing rocks, mineralized alteration zoning, and their genesis and ore‐forming process. This work also proposed the ore prospecting direction of IOCG deposits from a trinity model of metallogenic geological bodies, metallogenic structure surface and metallogenic information signs, and discussed the existing problems of the IOCG deposits research.
A Review of Research Progress in the Genesis of Colloform Pyrite and Its Environmental Indications
Authors: Shang GAO , Fei HUANG , Yinghui WANG , Wenyuan GAO
Published: August 2016

Colloform pyrite is a special form of nano‐micro polycrystalline aggregation growth, for which a suitable term is “aggregates of nano‐micro crystals”. This kind of colloform texture is observed in various geological bodies, such as ancient sedimentary rocks, modern marine and lake sediments, various types of ore deposits, and modern seafloor hydrothermal vents. This paper summarizes the latest developments and research into the definition, formation mechanisms, and environmental indications of colloform pyrite. There appears to be three main formation mechanisms of colloform pyrite: pseudomorphic replacement; biogenic precipitation; and inorganic precipitation. The morphology, particle size, trace element content and preferential growth orientations of colloform pyrite microcrystals can be important indicators for sedimentary environments, hydrothermal activity, and ore‐forming processes. We suggest that the microscopic features of nano‐micro crystals in colloform pyrite and their aggregation growth patterns need further investigation. The relationships between formation mechanisms of colloform pyrite, organic activity and depositional environments require further exploration. To reveal the nature of nano‐micro grain aggregation growth in colloform pyrite and analyse its growth environment and evolutionary history, it is supposed to apply nanoscientific and nanotechnological methods, further integrate consideration of macroscopic geological backgrounds and microscopic mineral growth phenomena, combine high–resolution imaging systems and in situ quantitative microanalysis methods and constitute a mergence of earth science, thermodynamics and kinetics, life science, material science, and chemistry in the study.
Marine Geohazards: Review and Future Perspective
Authors: Yonggang JIA , Chaoqi ZHU , Liping LIU , Dong WANG
Published: August 2016

With offshore resource exploration moving to the deep water, marine geohazards have been attracting attention from the academic and industry. Research achievements of marine geohazards were reviewed in this paper. We analyzed and discussed typical issues among marine geohazards, including coastal erosion, submarine slope failure, turbidity current and special hazards induced by gas hydrate dissociation, in terms of their definition, distribution, characteristics and case studies. Major international projects on marine geohazards headed by the United States, Europe, Japan and other international organizations are introduced as well. Three marine geohazard survey methods, including geophysical survey, geotechnical exploration and in‐situ observation, were summarized with a brief description of each approach, respectively. Especially, the history of marine geohazard researches in China is briefly reviewed, showing the disparity between China and developed countries in the study of marine geohazards narrows gradually. The potential research tendency in future was suggested.
The Present Research and Prospect of Chinese Geosciences History
Authors: Baoguo CHEN , Jiuchen ZHANG , Mengmeng YANG
Published: August 2016

It has been over a hundred years since the birth of research on Chinese geosciences history, which was accompanied by the continuous progress of Chinese geosciences. For hundreds of years, it has grown out of nothing to brilliant performance by several generations of Chinese geologists committing their hearts and minds with the spirit of exert and strive without stop to promote the process of China's industrialization and to produce the significant impact on serving the society. The study of Chinese geosciences history reflects objectively and historically the history of geosciences in China, which has recorded, analyzed and evaluated the dynamic process sitting in the background and clue of the history of Chinese geosciences development. The study of the history of geological science has roughly experienced two stages in China. The first stage is the study of individual researchers. It spanned approximately 70 years from the early 20th century to the end of the 1970s. The research contents were mainly based on the evolution of geological organizations, the development and utilization of individual mineral species, the history of deposit discovery and the research of geological characters. The main representatives are Zhang Hongzhao, Ding Wenjiang, Weng Wenhao and Li Siguang, Ye Liangfu, Huang Jiqing, Yang Zhongjian, Xie Jiarong, Gao Zhenxi, Wang Bingzhang and etc. The most prominent feature of this period is the accumulation of a very valuable document for the study of the history of China's geological history and lays a foundation for the exchange of geological science between China and foreign countries. The second stage is organized group study. It took around 60 years from the 1920s to 1980s. It includes the history of Chinese geology, the history of geological organizations, the history of geological disciplines, the history of geological education, the history of geological philosophy, the history of Chinese and foreign geological science communication, the history of geologists and etc. The most chief feature of this stage is the birth of academic research institute—the establishment of the Commission on the History of Geology of the Geological Society of China.
Sensitivity of fine‐scale species distribution models to locational uncertainty in occurrence data across multiple sample sizes
Authors: Mitchell Peter J. , Monk Jacquomo , Laurenson Laurie
Published: August 2016

To generate realistic predictions, species distribution models require the accurate coregistration of occurrence data with environmental variables. There is a common assumption that species occurrence data are accurately georeferenced; however, this is often not the case. This study investigates whether locational uncertainty and sample size affect the performance and interpretation of fine‐scale species distribution models.

This study evaluated the effects of locational uncertainty across multiple sample sizes by subsampling and spatially degrading occurrence data. Distribution models were constructed for kelp (Ecklonia radiata), across a large study site (680 km2) off the coast of southeastern Australia. Generalized additive models were used to predict distributions based on fine‐resolution (2·5 m cell size) seafloor variables, generated from multibeam echosounder data sets, and occurrence data from underwater towed video. The effects of different levels of locational uncertainty in combination with sample size were evaluated by comparing model performance and predicted distributions.

While locational uncertainty was observed to influence some measures of model performance, in general this was small and varied based on the accuracy metric used. However, simulated locational uncertainty caused changes in variable importance and predicted distributions at fine scales, potentially influencing model interpretation. This was most evident with small sample sizes.

Results suggested that seemingly high‐performing, fine‐scale models can be generated from data containing locational uncertainty, although interpreting their predictions can be misleading if the predictions are interpreted at scales similar to the spatial errors. This study demonstrated the need to consider predictions across geographic space rather than performance alone. The findings are important for conservation managers as they highlight the inherent variation in predictions between equally performing distribution models, and the subsequent restrictions on ecological interpretations.
Minimally invasive collection of adipose tissue facilitates the study of eco‐physiology in small‐bodied mammals
Authors: Clerc Jeff , Weller Theodore J. , Schineller Jeffrey B. , Szewczak Joseph M.
Published: August 2016

Adipose tissue is the primary fuel storage for vertebrates and is an important component of energy budgets during periods of peak energetic demands. Investigating the composition of adipose tissue can provide information about energetics, migration, reproduction and other life‐history traits. Until now, most field methods for sampling adipose tissue of small‐bodied vertebrates have been destructive. Therefore, investigations of adipose tissue in small‐bodied vertebrates have been limited in their broadscale application.

We developed a field‐ready micro‐adipose biopsy method for sampling adipose tissue of small‐bodied vertebrates, by adopting fine‐needle adipose aspiration. We applied the method to silver‐haired bats (Lasionycteris noctivagans) and then quantified the resulting fatty acid signatures of a summer group and an autumn group to demonstrate one possible application of the method.

We successfully obtained interpretable fatty acid signatures from 74·5% of micro‐adipose biopsy attempts, with success positively correlated with body mass index. Summer and autumn groups of bats had different fatty acid signatures likely representing varied available dietary compositions at resident sites (the habitat where adipose deposits are accumulated prior to migration). The fatty acid profile of autumn silver‐haired bats was largely characterized by 16:0, 18:1 and 14:0, and the summer group was characterized by 16:0, 16:1 and 18:0. Our results suggest that fatty acid signatures have the potential to characterize the origins of migrating individuals, or the number of unique subpopulations being supported by a migration route.

This field‐ready fine‐needle adipose aspiration method can be used on small‐bodied mammals and modified for application to other small‐bodied vertebrates. This non‐destructive approach to sampling adipose tissue has great value because it allows for robust sample sizes, longitudinal studies of the same individuals across space and time, and sampling of rare, threatened and endangered species.
A graphical framework for model selection criteria and significance tests: refutation, confirmation and ecology
Authors: Aho Ken , Derryberry Dewayne , Peterson Teri
Published: August 2016

In this study, we use a novel graphical heuristic to compare the way four methods: significance testing, two popular information‐theoretic approaches (AICandBIC) and Good's Bayes/non‐Bayes compromise (an underutilized hypothesis testing approach whose demarcation criterion adjusts forn), evaluate the merit of competing hypotheses, for example H0andHA.

A primary goal of our work is to clarify the concept of strong consistency in model selection. Explicit considerations of this principle (including the strong consistency ofBIC) are currently limited to technical derivations, inaccessible to most ecologists. We use our graphical framework to demonstrate, in simple terms, the strong consistency of bothBICand Good's compromise.

Our framework also locates the evaluated metrics (andICs in general) along a conceptual continuum of hypothesis refutation/confirmation that considersn, parameter number and effect size. Along this continuum, significance testing and particularlyAICare refutative for H0, whereas Good's compromise and particularlyBICare confirmatory for the true hypothesis.

Our work graphically demonstrates the well‐known asymptotic bias of significance tests forHA, and the incorrectness of using statistically non‐consistent methods for point hypothesis testing. To address these issues, we recommend: (i) dedicated confirmatory methods with strong consistency likeBICfor use in point hypothesis testing and confirmatory model selection; (ii) significance tests for use in exploratory/refutative hypothesis testing, particularly when conjoined with rational approaches (e.g. Good's compromise, power analyses) to account for the effect ofnonP‐values; and (iii) asymptotically efficient methods likeAICfor exploratory model selection.
Heightened Impulsivity: Associated with Family History of Alcohol Misuse, and a Consequence of Alcohol Intake
Authors: Sanchez‐Roige Sandra , Stephens David N. , Duka Theodora
Published: August 2016

Background

Youths with family history (FH) of alcoholism are at greater risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD); heightened impulsive behavior may underlie such increased vulnerability. Here, we studied waiting impulsivity (previously suggested to predispose to alcohol drinking) in young moderate‐to‐heavy social drinkers (18 to 33 years old) characterized as family history positive (FHP) and negative (FHN) following an alcoholic or nonalcoholic (placebo) drink.

Methods

Two groups of young male and female social drinkers (n = 64) were administered an acute dose of alcohol (0.8 g/kg) or placebo. One group (FHP; n = 24) had first‐degree relatives with problems of alcohol misuse; the other group (FHN) did not. Participants completed 4 variants of the Sx‐5CSRTT, a task measuring waiting impulsivity. In addition, other types of impulsive behavior were tested (by means of the stop‐signal task [SST]; information sampling task [IST]; Delay Discounting Questionnaire; 2‐choice impulsivity paradigm; and time estimation task).

Results

Young FHP adults showed more premature responding than FHN when evaluated under increased attentional load (high waiting impulsivity), while, in contrast, they presented a more conservative strategy on the IST (less impulsive behavior), compared to FHN. Acute alcohol impaired inhibitory control on the SST in all participants, and induced a marginal increase of premature responses, but did not affect other measures of impulsivity.

Conclusions

Assessing for exaggerated waiting impulsivity may provide a potential endophenotype associated with risk for the development of alcohol addiction (i.e., offspring of alcoholics).
MicroRNA expression profiles in testicular biopsies of patients with impaired spermatogenesis
Authors: Noveski P. , Popovska‐Jankovic K. , Kubelka‐Sabit K. , Filipovski V. , Lazarevski S. , Plaseski T. , Plaseska‐Karanfilska D.
Published: August 2016

Spermatogenesis is a complex process that involves thousands of genes whose expression during different stages is strictly regulated. Small non‐coding microRNAs play an important role in the posttranscriptional regulation of mRNA processing during spermatogenesis. Using Agilent SurePrint v16 microRNA 8 × 60 K microarray kit, we investigated the microRNA expression profiles of 24 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded testicular biopsies from patients with hypospermatogenesis (n = 10), hypospermatogenesis and azoospermia factor c region on the Y chromosome (AZFc) deletion (n = 3), Sertoli cell‐only syndrome (n = 3) and maturation arrest (n = 2), in comparison with subjects with normal spermatogenesis (n = 6). After adjusting for multiple testing, six deregulated miRNAs were detected in the patients with AZFc deletion, 30 in maturation arrest group, 52 in Sertoli cell‐only syndrome group of patients, and none in the group of patients with hypospermatogenesis. Some of the deregulated microRNAs were shared between groups, resulting in 58 unique differentially expressed microRNAs. The expression of five microRNAs (hsa‐miR‐34b, hsa‐miR‐449b, hsa‐miR‐517c, hsa‐miR‐181c, and hsa‐miR‐605) was validated by qRT‐PCR in a total of 74 samples. Using mRNA expression profiles of subjects with matching histopathological patterns of impaired spermatogenesis from publically available Gene Expression Omnibus data sets, we have performed integrated mRNA–microRNA regulatory network analysis. Pathway analysis revealed significantly enriched set of genes for tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand signaling pathway, previously shown to be involved in regulation of apoptosis in normal functioning testis. Our results should be considered as preliminary as we have analyzed only a small number of patients in each studied group. Further studies with larger number of patients with impaired spermatogenesis as well as more targeted approaches with parallel microRNA and mRNA expression profiling in isolated subpopulations of somatic or germ cells from different stages of spermatogenesis are needed to clarify the role of the microRNAs in the process of spermatogenesis.
Subjective and objective outcome measures after total knee replacement: is there a correlation?
Authors: Graff Christy , Hohmann Erik , Bryant Adam L. , Tetsworth Kevin
Published: August 2016

Background

Although various methods for quantifying outcomes following total knee replacement (TKR) are used, there are few studies of the relationships between patient reported scores and functional tests. This paper aims to assess the relationships between commonly used outcome scores after TKR through a prospective cohort study.

Methods

Twenty‐four patients who had undergone unilateral TKR were assessed using four patient‐reported outcome scores as well as objective measurements of knee laxity, quadriceps muscle strength and the Timed Up and Go Test. All scores and measures were correlated using the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient using the lower one‐sided 95% confidence interval. A level of significance of P < 0.05 was selected.

Results

The Timed Up and Go Test was the only objective measure to demonstrate a statistically significant correlation (r = −0.557 to −0.770, P = 0.0001–0.005) with patient‐reported scores.

Conclusion

A comprehensive assessment of outcomes after TKR requires both subjective and objective assessments. Walking ability and speed are important to the TKR patient and are representative of their pain and function.
Small bowel obstruction in the virgin abdomen: time to challenge surgical dogma with evidence
Authors: Ng Yvonne Ying‐Ru , Ngu James Chi‐Yong , Wong Andrew Siang‐Yih
Published: August 2016

Background

Although adhesions account for more than 70% of small bowel obstruction (SBO), they are thought to be less likely aetiologies in patients without previous abdominal surgery. Expedient surgery has historically been advocated as prudent management in these patients. Emerging evidence appears to challenge such a dogmatic approach.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed in all SBO patients with a virgin abdomen admitted between January 2012 and August 2014. Patients with obstruction secondary to abdominal wall hernias were excluded. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, management strategy and pathology involved were reviewed.

Results

A total of 72 patients were included in the study. The majority of patients were males (66.7%), with a median age of 58 years (range: 23–101). Abdominal pain (97%) and vomiting (86%) were the most common presentations while abdominal distention (60%) and constipation (25%) were reported less frequently. Adhesions accounted for the underlying cause in 44 (62%) patients. Other aetiologies included gallstone ileus (n = 5), phytobezoar (n = 5), intussusception (n = 4), internal herniation (n = 4), newly diagnosed small bowel tumour (n = 3), mesenteric volvulus (n = 3), stricture (n = 3) and Meckel's diverticulum (n = 1). Twenty‐nine (40%) patients were successfully managed conservatively while the remaining 43 (60%) underwent surgery. The intraoperative findings were in concordance with the preoperative computed tomography scan in 76% of cases.

Conclusion

Adhesions remain prevalent despite the absence of previous abdominal surgery. Non‐operative management is feasible for SBO in a virgin abdomen. Computed tomography scan can be a useful adjunct in discerning patients who may be treated non‐operatively by elucidating the underlying cause of obstruction.
Randomised control trial showed that delayed cord clamping and milking resulted in no significant differences in iron stores and physical growth parameters at one year of age
Authors: Agarwal Shivam , Jaiswal Vijay , Singh Dharamveer , Jaiswal Prateek , Garg Amit , Upadhyay Amit
Published: August 2016

Aim

Placental redistribution has been shown to improve haematological outcomes in the immediate neonatal period and early infancy. This study compared the effects of delayed cord clamping (DCC) and umbilical cord milking (UCM) on haematological and growth parameters at 12 months of age.

Methods

This was a follow‐up study of a randomised control trial, conducted in a tertiary care paediatric centre from August 2013 to August 2014. We studied 200 apparently healthy Indian infants randomised at birth to receive DCC for 60–90 seconds or UCM. The outcome measures were iron status and physical growth parameters at 12 months.

Results

Of the 200 babies, 161 completed the follow‐up and baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups. The mean haemoglobin in the DCC group (102.2 (17.2) g/L and serum ferritin 16.44 (2.77) μg/L) showed no significant differences to the UCM group (98.6 (17.1) g/L and 18.2 (2.8) μg/L) at one year. In addition, there were no significant differences in weight, height and mid‐upper arm circumference in the two groups.

Conclusion

Term‐born Indian infants who had DCC at 60–90 seconds or UCM showed no significant differences in ferritin and haemoglobin levels and growth parameters at 12 months of age.
Body ownership and a new proprioceptive role for muscle spindles
Authors: Butler A. A. , Héroux M. E. , Gandevia S. C.
Published: August 2016

Knowledge of which body parts belong to us is referred to as the sense of body ownership. There is increasing evidence that this important aspect of human proprioception is highly malleable. Research into ownership of individual body parts was stimulated by Botvinick and Cohen's rubber‐hand illusion (Nature 391,1998, 756), which demonstrated that an artificial body part can be incorporated in one's body representation and can cause real body parts to be sensed erroneously. Here, we review key studies that have advanced our understanding of the sense of body ownership, including the important role played by multisensory integration and spatiotemporal congruence of sensory signals. We also discuss our recent discovery that body ownership can be induced in response to movement stimuli by signals from a single class of sensory receptor, namely muscle spindles.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: prevalent vs. incident oesophageal adenocarcinoma and high‐grade dysplasia in Barrett's oesophagus
Authors: Visrodia K. , Singh S. , Krishnamoorthi R. , Ahlquist D. A. , Wang K. K. , Iyer P. G. , Katzka D. A.
Published: August 2016

Background

The proportion of oesophageal adenocarcinoma that is detected concurrently with initial Barrett's oesophagus diagnosis is not well studied.

Aim

To compare the proportion of prevalent adenocarcinoma vs. incident adenocarcinoma found during surveillance of Barrett's.

Methods

We performed a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science (from their inception to 31 May 2015) for cohort studies in adults with Barrett's (nondysplastic Barrett's ± Barrett's with low‐grade dysplasia) with minimum average follow‐up of 3 years, and providing numbers of prevalent adenocarcinoma detected (concurrently with Barrett's diagnosis and up to 1 year afterwards) vs. incident adenocarcinoma detected (greater than 1 year after Barrett's diagnosis). Pooled weighted proportions of prevalent and incident adenocarcinoma were calculated, using a random effects model.

Results

On meta‐analysis of 13 studies reporting on 603 adenocarcinomas in 9657 Barrett's patients, 85.1% of adenocarcinomas were classified as prevalent [95% confidence interval (CI), 78.1–90.2%) and 14.9% as incident (95% CI, 9.8–21.9%), with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 66%). Among nine studies reporting on 787 high‐grade dysplasia and oesophageal adenocarcinomas in 8098 Barrett's patients, the proportion of prevalent high‐grade dysplasia‐oesophageal adenocarcinoma was similar at 80.5% (95% CI, 68.1–88.8%, I2 = 87%). These results remained stable across multiple subgroup analyses including study quality, setting, duration of follow‐up and presence of baseline dysplasia.

Conclusions

In our meta‐analysis, four of five patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma or high‐grade dysplasia at index endoscopy or within 1 year of Barrett's follow‐up were considered to be prevalent cases. Continued efforts are needed to identify patients with Barrett's before the development of adenocarcinoma.
The prevalence and burden of bipolar disorder: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013
Authors: Ferrari Alize J , Stockings Emily , Khoo Jon‐Paul , Erskine Holly E , Degenhardt Louisa , Vos Theo , Whiteford Harvey A
Published: August 2016

Objectives

We present the global burden of bipolar disorder based on findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013 (GBD 2013).

Methods

Data on the epidemiology of bipolar disorder were obtained from a systematic literature review and assembled using Bayesian meta‐regression modelling to produce prevalence by country, age, sex and year. Years lived with disability (YLDs) were estimated by multiplying prevalence by disability weights quantifying the severity of the health loss associated with bipolar disorder. As there were no years of life lost (YLLs) attributed to bipolar disorder, YLDs equated to disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) as a measure of total burden.

Results

There were 32.7 million cases of bipolar disorder globally in 1990 and 48.8 million in 2013; equivalent to a 49.1% increase in prevalent cases, all accounted for by population increase and ageing. Bipolar disorder accounted for 9.9 million DALYs in 2013, explaining 0.4% of total DALYs and 1.3% of total YLDs. There were 5.5 million DALYs recorded for female individuals and 4.4 million for male individuals. DALYs were evident from age 10 years, peaked in the 20s, and decreased thereafter. DALYs were relatively constant geographically.

Conclusions

Despite being relatively rare, bipolar disorder is a disabling illness due to its early onset, severity and chronicity. Population growth and aging are leading to an increase in the burden of bipolar disorder over time. It is important that resources be directed towards improving the coverage of evidence‐based intervention strategies for bipolar disorder and establishing strategies to prevent new cases of the disorder.
Pharmacologic study (JP28927) of alectinib in Japanese patients with ALK+ non‐small‐cell lung cancer with or without prior crizotinib therapy
Authors: Hida Toyoaki , Nakagawa Kazuhiko , Seto Takashi , Satouchi Miyako , Nishio Makoto , Hotta Katsuyuki , Takahashi Toshiaki , Ohe Yuichiro , Takeda Koji , Tatsuno Masahiro , Asakawa Takashi , Shimada Tadashi , Tanaka Tomohiro , Tamura Tomohide
Published: August 2016

We report pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety data for a new 150‐mg alectinib capsule in ALK+ non‐small‐cell lung cancer in a multicenter, open‐label pharmacologic study (JP28927). Eligible patients (≥20 years, locally advanced/metastatic ALK+ disease, ALK inhibitor‐naïve and ‐pretreated [including crizotinib refractory]) were randomized 1:1 to receive one of two sequences of alectinib 300 mg twice daily (comprising different schedules of 20/40‐mg and 150‐mg capsules) until investigator‐determined lack of clinical benefit. Co‐primary endpoints were: bioequivalence of alectinib 20/40 mg vs 150 mg; food effect with 150 mg; and safety. Thirty‐five patients were enrolled; median treatment duration was 13.1 months (range 1.1−15.0). Under fasting conditions, exposure of the two formulations was similar; mean AUClast ± standard deviation 3230 ± 914 h·ng/mL vs 3710 ± 1040 h·ng/mL, respectively, for 150‐mg vs 20/40‐mg capsules. Food effect with 150 mg alectinib was negligible. Treatment‐related adverse events in >20% of patients were constipation (31.4%), dysgeusia (25.7%), and decreased white blood cell and neutrophil count (22.9% each). No treatment‐related grade 4/5 events occurred. Median time to response was 1.2 months (95% CI 1.1−2.1). For the full analysis set (n = 35) and crizotinib‐failure subpopulations (n = 23), the overall response rate was 70.0% (95% CI 50.6−85.3) and 65.0% (95% CI 40.8−84.6), and median progression‐free survival was 13.9 months (95% CI 11.1−not reached) and 12.9 months (95% CI 3.9−not reached), respectively. The 150‐mg capsule had a similar exposure profile to 20/40‐mg capsules. Alectinib demonstrated promising efficacy and was well tolerated.
Synthesis and comparative in vivo evaluation of 99mTc(CO)3‐labeled PEGylated and non‐PEGylated cRGDfK peptide monomers
Authors: Vats Kusum , Satpati Drishty , Sharma Rohit , Sarma Haladhar D. , Banerjee Sharmila
Published: August 2016

This work aimed at studying the effect of insertion of medium PEG (PEG7) on the pharmacokinetic behavior of cRGDfK peptide in comparison with the non‐PEGylated analogue. The cRGDfK peptide has thus been derivatized at ε‐amino group of lysine by conjugation with N3–PEG7–COOH/N3–CH2–COOH to prepare a PEGylated and a non‐PEGylated analogue of cRGDfK. A tridentate chelator was then incorporated by click chemistry conjugation of the two peptide azides for radiolabeling with [99mTc(CO)3(H2O)3]+ precursor. Comparative in vivo evaluation of the two 99mTc(CO)3‐labeled radiotracers, 99mTc(CO)3–Pra–Tz–CH2–cRGDfK 5 and 99mTc(CO)3–Pra–Tz–PEG7–cRGDfK 6, was carried out in C57BL/6 mice bearing αvβ3‐positive melanoma tumors to determine their potential toward targeting integrin αvβ3 receptors. The radiotracers exhibited excellent stability in saline as well as in serum. Maximum tumor uptake for the two radiotracers was observed at 30 min p.i. (5: 3.0 ± 0.7% ID/g; 6: 4.1 ± 0.5% ID/g). The two neutral 99mTc(CO)3 radiotracers prepared exhibited receptor‐mediated uptake in melanoma tumor. The increase in the tumor uptake on introduction of PEG7 unit was accompanied by slower clearance from other organs which resulted in decreased target‐to‐background ratios. The in vivo kinetics of 99mTc(CO)3‐labeled radiotracer, 99mTc(CO)3–Pra–Tz–CH2–cRGDfK 5 with only methylene unit as the spacer, was found to be more favorable due to higher tumor/blood, tumor/liver, tumor/kidney, and tumor/lung ratios.
Gemcitabine‐(5′‐phosphoramidate)‐[anti‐IGF‐1R]: molecular design, synthetic organic chemistry reactions, and antineoplastic cytotoxic potency in populations of pulmonary adenocarcinoma (A549)
Authors: Coyne Cody P. , Narayanan Lakshmi
Published: August 2016

One molecular‐based approach that increases potency and reduces dose‐limited sequela is the implementation of selective ‘targeted’ delivery strategies for conventional small molecular weight chemotherapeutic agents. Descriptions of the molecular design and organic chemistry reactions that are applicable for synthesis of covalent gemcitabine‐monophosphate immunochemotherapeutics have to date not been reported. The covalent immunopharmaceutical, gemcitabine‐(5′‐phosphoramidate)‐[anti‐IGF‐1R] was synthesized by reacting gemcitabine with a carbodiimide reagent to form a gemcitabine carbodiimide phosphate ester intermediate which was subsequently reacted with imidazole to create amine‐reactive gemcitabine‐(5′‐phosphorylimidazolide) intermediate. Monoclonal anti‐IGF‐1R immunoglobulin was combined with gemcitabine‐(5′‐phosphorylimidazolide) resulting in the synthetic formation of gemcitabine‐(5′‐phosphoramidate)‐[anti‐IGF‐1R]. The gemcitabine molar incorporation index for gemcitabine‐(5′‐phosphoramidate)‐[anti‐IGF‐R1] was 2.67:1. Cytotoxicity Analysis – dramatic increases in antineoplastic cytotoxicity were observed at and between the gemcitabine‐equivalent concentrations of 10−9 M and 10−7 M where lethal cancer cell death increased from 0.0% to a 93.1% maximum (100.% to 6.93% residual survival), respectively. Advantages of the organic chemistry reactions in the multistage synthesis scheme for gemcitabine‐(5′‐phosphoramidate)‐[anti‐IGF‐1R] include their capacity to achieve high chemotherapeutic molar incorporation ratios; option of producing an amine‐reactive chemotherapeutic intermediate that can be preserved for future synthesis applications; and non‐dedicated organic chemistry reaction scheme that allows substitutions of either or both therapeutic moieties, and molecular delivery platforms.
In allergic rhinitis, work, classroom and activity impairments are weakly related to other outcome measures
Authors: Devillier P. , Bousquet J. , Salvator H. , Naline E. , Grassin‐Delyle S. , de Beaumont O.
Published: August 2016

Background

The impact of grass pollen‐induced allergic rhinitis (AR) on classroom/work productivity and activities can be assessed with a specific instrument: the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire plus Classroom Impairment Questions: Allergy Specific (WPAI‐AS). This study evaluated the relationships between the WPAI‐AS and other outcome measures in AR.

Methods

Adolescents (aged 12–17) and adults (aged 18–65) consulting specialists for AR were enrolled in a four‐week, multicentre, observational study. The management of AR was left to the physicians’ discretion. Participants regularly rated the WPAI‐AS, their symptoms (using the Rhinoconjunctivitis Total Symptom Score (RTSS) and a 0‐ to 100‐mm visual analogue scale (VAS)) and quality of life (according to the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ)).

Results

A total of 247 adolescents and 292 adults showed similar baseline impairments in classroom/work productivity and activities other than work. In both age groups, the WPAI‐AS scores were moderately correlated with the RQLQ score and, to a lesser extent, with the VAS score and the RTSS. A multiple regression analysis indicated that the RQLQ score was a weak but statistically significant predictor of both impaired work/classroom productivity and daily activities. A 50‐mm VAS cut‐off categorized patients in whom AR had the greatest impact on productivity.

Conclusions

Grass pollen‐induced AR impairs work/classroom and daily activity to a similar extent in adults and adolescents. The weak‐to‐moderate correlations with AR symptom scores and quality‐of‐life scores suggest that a specific tool (such as the WPAI‐AS) should be used to assess AR's impact on word/classroom productivity and daily activities.
Antithyroid drugs during breastfeeding
Authors: Hudzik Bartosz , Zubelewicz‐Szkodzinska Barbara
Published: August 2016

Antithyroid drugs (ATDs) are widely used for the treatment of Graves’ disease (GD) in the general population. Over the past decade, there has been an increasing awareness that several disturbances of thyroid function may occur in mothers after delivery which may be more prevalent than previously appreciated. Exacerbation of immune reactions occurs 3–12 month following delivery. Management of hyperthyroidism during lactation requires special considerations and should be implemented to prevent any adverse outcomes in mother and neonate. Continuation of breastfeeding is safe and should be encouraged in hyperthyroid mothers taking ATDs, whether these are ATDs being continued after gestation or indeed ATD treatment initiated in the postpartum period. Given PTU hepatotoxicity concerns, experts currently recommend using low‐to‐moderate MMI doses as a first‐line therapy in lactating mothers. PTU should be reserved only as a second‐line agent for cases of severe hyperthyroidism (thyroid storm) and allergic reactions to previous MMI treatment. ATD should be administered in divided doses immediately following each feeding. Evaluation of thyroid function tests is advisable at least 3–4 weeks after the initiation of breastfeeding.
Rising trends of endogenous Klebsiella pneumoniae endophthalmitis in Australia
Authors: Odouard Capucine , Ong Daini , Shah Parth R , Gin Thomas , Allen Penelope J , Downie John , Lim Lyndell L , McCluskey Peter
Published: August 2016

Background

Endogenous Klebsiella pneumoniae endophthalmitis (EKPE) is a well‐known entity in South‐East Asia. We demonstrate a range of differing clinical features and outcomes of EKPE, and highlight the increasing incidence of EKPE in major centres in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia.

Design

Retrospective observational case study and case series in the hospital setting.

Participants

Four cases of EKPE.

Methods

EKPE cases from 2005 to 2015 were identified through established endophthalmitis databases as well as hospital‐based microbiological searches.

Main Outcome Measures

EKPE cases were confirmed with positive K. pneumoniae intraocular samples.

Results

Rising trends of EKPE were noted in major centres in Australia. Six eyes of four patients with EKPE from January 2011 to December 2015 are reported. The mean age was 49 years (range 43–58 years). Two patients had bilateral involvement. There were systemic symptoms up to 10 days prior to ocular symptoms. The source of sepsis in all cases was a hepatic abscess. Two patients had diabetes mellitus. Five eyes had hypopyon panuveitis on presentation. All eyes underwent vitrectomy. The patient with the most delayed presentation underwent enucleation following globe perforation. Final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in one patient with bilateral EKPE was light perception (LP) only. The other three eyes had BCVA in at least one eye of 6/24 or better.

Conclusions

EKPE is an emerging condition in Australia. Although rare, EKPE is a sight‐threatening and potentially life‐threatening emergency that can initially present to ophthalmologists. One should suspect EKPE in septic patients with a B‐scan showing a vitreous or retinal abscess.
Feasibility of using high‐resolution satellite imagery to assess vertebrate wildlife populations
Authors: LaRue Michelle A. , Stapleton Seth , Anderson Morgan
Published: August 2016

Although remote sensing has been used for >40 years to learn about Earth, use of very high‐resolution satellite imagery (VHR) (<1‐m resolution) has become more widespread over the past decade for studying wildlife. As image resolution increases, there is a need to understand the capabilities and limitations of this exciting new path in wildlife research. We reviewed studies that used VHR to examine remote populations of wildlife. We then determined characteristics of the landscape and the life history of species that made the studies amenable to use of satellite imagery and developed a list of criteria necessary for appropriate use of VHR in wildlife research. From 14 representative articles, we determined 3 primary criteria that must be met for a system and species to be appropriately studied with VHR: open landscape, target organism's color contrasts with the landscape, and target organism is of detectable size. Habitat association, temporal exclusivity, coloniality, landscape differentiation, and ground truthing increase the utility of VHR for wildlife research. There is an immediate need for VHR imagery in conservation research, particularly in remote areas of developing countries, where research can be difficult. For wildlife researchers interested in but unfamiliar with remote sensing resources and tools, understanding capabilities and current limitations of VHR imagery is critical to its use as a conservation and wildlife research tool.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ECONOMIC FREEDOM AND ECONOMIC DYNAMISM
Authors: Barnatchez Keith , Lester Robert
Published: August 2016

We analyze the consequences of economic freedom on economic dynamism across U.S. states and over time. Using data from the Economic Freedom of North America index, we show that states with greater economic freedom have higher rates of gross and net job creation and establishment entry. The results are robust to the inclusion of many different control variables and alternative specifications, suggesting a connection between freedom and dynamism. This evidence supports theories in which government policies may impede business dynamism. (JEL 043, P16, R5)
Motor Imagery Shapes Abstract Concepts
Authors: de la Fuente Juanma , Casasanto Daniel , Martínez‐Cascales Jose Isidro , Santiago Julio
Published: August 2016

The concepts of “good” and “bad” are associated with right and left space. Individuals tend to associate good things with the side of their dominant hand, where they experience greater motor fluency, and bad things with their nondominant side. This mapping has been shown to be flexible: Changing the relative fluency of the hands, or even observing a change in someone else's motor fluency, results in a reversal of the conceptual mapping, such that good things become associated with the side of the nondominant hand. Yet, based on prior studies, it is unclear whether space–valence associations were determined by the experience of fluent versus disfluent actions, or by the mere expectation of fluency. Here, we tested the role of expected fluency by removing motor execution and perceptual feedback altogether. Participants were asked to imagine themselves performing a psychomotor task with one of their hands impaired, after which their implicit space–valence mapping was measured. After imagining that their right hand was impaired, right‐handed participants showed the “good is left” association typical of left‐handers. Motor imagery can change people's implicit associations between space and emotional valence. Although asymmetric motor experience may be necessary to establish body‐specific associations between space and valence initially, neither motoric nor perceptual experience is needed to change these associations subsequently. The mere expectation of fluent versus disfluenct actions can drive fluency‐based effects on people's implicit spatialization of “good” and “bad.” These results suggest a reconsideration of the mechanisms and boundary conditions of fluency effects.