bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Extent of Surgery on Long‐Term Prognosis of Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma Without Extrathyroidal Extension and Distant Metastasis
Authors: Wang Xiaofei , Zheng Xun , Zhu Jingqiang , Li Zhihui , Wei Tao 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimTo analyze the effect of total thyroidectomy (TT) and thyroid lobectomy (LT) on the long‐term prognosis of follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) without extrathyroidal extension and distant metastasis and to clarify whether the tumor size (≤ 40 mm vs. > 40 mm) has an important impact on the extent of surgery.MethodsData on FTC patients without extrathyroidal extension and distant metastasis treated with either TT or LT between 1998 and 2016 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database. Propensity score matching was performed to minimize impact of selection bias and potential confounding. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression analysis were conducted to assess the impact of the extent of surgery on disease‐specific survival (DSS).ResultsA total of 8435 patients were identified. The DSS after LT were 100%, 98.3%, and 97.6% at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively, compared with those seen after TT of 99.3%, 97.9%, and 96.6%. The difference between the two groups is not statistically significant (p = 0.083). Similar results were observed in cohorts after adjusting for baseline covariates. There was also similar prognosis between LT and TT in patients with tumors size ≤ 40 mm or > 40 mm.ConclusionsFor patients with FTC of any size without extrathyroidal extension and distant metastases at diagnosis, TT and LT confer equivalent DSS. Completion thyroidectomy after LT may be not necessary unless patients relapse; however, recurrence rates and development of metastases are not evaluated in this study.
Empirical determination of sustainable withdrawal rates considering historical yields and inflation rates in Germany
Authors: Dziwisch Alexander , Krahnhof Philippe , Zureck Alexander 
Published: October 2021

AbstractOn account of the current low interest rate phase, which is most likely to continue in the coming years, the average yields to be achieved in the bond, time deposit and savings product sectors are declining, so that risk-averse investors in particular have few opportunities to generate return-oriented retirement provisions.This scientific article analyzes the level of a possible safe withdrawal rate for diversified pension portfolios, considering historical returns and inflation rates. Consequently, this article provides immediate practical added value for a possible retirement provision.The evaluation is based on the consideration of historical returns of the stock and bond market in Germany. To determine a safe withdrawal rate, the development of portfolios with different compositions and inflation-adjusted withdrawal rates are simulated over periods of 15 to 35 years. In this simulation, the risky part of the portfolio is represented by German equities, the low risk part by German government bonds.To sum up, the empirical results show a maximum safe withdrawal rate of 4%. The underlying portfolio is composed of 50% equities and 50% government bonds. Particularly due to the outlined demographic change in Germany as well as the ongoing low-interest phase, the empirical study can provide significant theoretical and practical insights.
The optimization of a potential geothermal reservoir using abandoned wells: a case study for the forest reserve field in Trinidad
Authors: Patihk Johanna , Warner-Lall Dharon , Alexander David , Maharaj Rean , Boodlal Donnie 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe worldwide dependence on non-renewable energy sources continues as existing energy systems have been built on these supplies. There is an established link between these conventional energy resources, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change and its associated negative effects. As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Trinidad and Tobago (TT) has been exploring strategies to reduce GHG emissions and the use of geothermal energy is one potential option. Through enhanced geothermal systems, TT, even without extensive volcanic heat reservoirs, can still develop this renewable source by utilizing oil reservoirs. This study evaluates the possibility of designing and evaluating geothermal systems using wells from the Forest Reserve fields in South-western Trinidad as a case study. The Forest Reserve fields have a high number of abandoned oil and gas wells which can be re-used for tapping the required heat and reducing the requirement for drilling of new injection and production geothermal wells. Key information and data from these wells and reservoirs were used as input for CMG software to model, design and evaluate the feasibility of the geothermal reservoir and wells as being possible and viable for geothermal production. A base model was constructed in the CMG software which was subjected to three essential manual sensitivity analyses (well distance, stream temperature, and injection pressure) to obtain an optimized model which was then subjected to hydraulic fracturing. The optimal model of the retrofitted geothermal systems demonstrated to be the best case scenario due to the shallow nature of the reservoir in the area of interest. Six retrofitted geothermal systems (3 injector wells and 3 producer wells) showed that capable capacity of 3.3721 MWe for a 25-year period with an Internal Rate of Return of 190% and an Net Present Value of US$1,431,263,840.00 utilizing a Minimum Acceptable Rate of Return of 10%, Capital Expenditure of US$12MM, Operating Expenditure of US$2MM and a cost of geothermal electricity at US$0.05 per kWh. These results were then used in Crystal Ball to apply Monte Carlo simulations where it confirmed that the project is 100% economically feasible. The cumulative carbon dioxide reduction after the 25-year period was 50,062,500 tons of CO2.
Cold-Start Modeling and On-Line Optimal Control of the Three-Way Catalyst
Authors: Lock Jonathan , Clasén Kristoffer , Sjöblom Jonas , McKelvey Tomas 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe present a three-way catalyst (TWC) cold-start model, calibrate the model based on experimental data from multiple operating points, and use the model to generate a Pareto-optimalcold-start controller suitable for implementation in standard engine control unit hardware. The TWC model is an extension of a previously presented physics-based model that predicts carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, and nitrogen oxides tailpipe emissions. The model axially and radially resolves the temperatures in the monolith using very few state variables, thus allowing for use with control-policy based optimal control methods. In this paper, we extend the model to allow for variable axial discretization lengths, include the heat of reaction from hydrogen gas generated from the combustion engine, and reformulate the model parameters to be expressed in conventional units. We experimentally measured the temperature and emission evolution for cold-starts with ten different engine load points, which was subsequently used to tune the model parameters (e.g. chemical reaction rates, specific heats, and thermal resistances). The simulated cumulative tailpipe emission modeling error was found to be typically − 20% to + 80% of the measured emissions. We have constructed and simulated the performance of a Pareto-optimal controller using this model that balances fuel efficiency and the cumulative emissions of each individual species. A benchmark of the optimal controller with a conventional cold-start strategy shows the potential for reducing the cold-start emissions.
Ultrafine Ductile and Austempered Ductile Irons by Solidification in Ultrasonic Field
Authors: Ahmed M. , Riedel E. , Kovalko M. , Volochko A. , Bähr R. , Nofal A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn this research, ultrasonic melt treatment (UST) was used to produce a new ultrafine grade of spheroidal graphite cast iron (SG iron) and austempered ductile iron (ADI) alloys. Ultrasonic treatment was numerically simulated and evaluated based on acoustic wave streaming. The simulation results revealed that the streaming of the acoustic waves propagated as a stream jet in the molten SG iron along the centerline of the ultrasonic source (sonotrode) with a maximum speed of 0.7 m/s and gradually decreased to zero at the bottom of the mold. The metallographic analysis of the newly developed SG iron alloy showed an extremely ultrafine graphite structure. The graphite nodules’ diameter ranging between 6 and 9 µm with total nodule count ranging between 900 to more than 2000 nodules per mm2, this nodule count has never been mentioned in the literature for castings of the same diameter, i.e., 40 mm. In addition, fully ferritic matrix was observed in all UST SG irons. Further austempering heat treatments were performed to produce different austempered ductile iron (ADI) grades with different ausferrite morphologies. The dilatometry studies for the developed ADI alloys showed that the time required for the completion of the ausferrite formation in UST alloys was four times shorter than that required for statically solidified SG irons. SEM micrographs for the ADI alloys showed an extremely fine and short ausferrite structure together with small austenite blocks in the matrix. A dual-phase intercritically austempered ductile iron (IADI) alloy was also produced by applying partial austenitization heat treatment in the intercritical temperature range, where austenite + ferrite + graphite phases coexist. In dual-phase IADI alloy, it was established that introducing free ferrite in the matrix would provide additional refinement for the ausferrite.
Temporal Relationships Between Pain During Intercourse (PDI), Loneliness, and Depressive Symptoms Among Women
Authors: Stout Madison E. , Hawkins Misty A.W. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundPainful sex can lead to increased psychological distress, including major depressive disorder, and the experience of loneliness may explain this association.AimsWe aimed to investigate loneliness as a mediator between painful sex and depressive symptoms and hypothesized that women who experienced greater pain during intercourse (ie, more severe and more frequent pain) would endorse higher rates of loneliness and, in turn, higher rates of depressive symptoms at a 6-month follow-up.MethodsParticipants were 148 adults who were assigned female at birth (78.4% white, 77% partnered, 31.14 ± 10.9 years old) and completed an online, anonymous survey including the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), UCLA Loneliness Scale-3 (ULS), and demographic information.Main Outcome MeasureDepressive symptoms, measured via the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ8) at baseline (T1) and 6-month follow-up (T2) were used as the outcomes of the present study.ResultsPainful sex and ULS at T1 were significantly correlated with each other and with PHQ8 at T1 (r = 0.590). However, change in PHQ8 from T1 to T2 was not significantly correlated with ULS (r = 0.024) or any other key study variables, indicating that that ULS was not a significant mediator of the relationship between painful sex at T1 and change in PHQ8 (standardized indirect effect = 0.011; 99% CI = −0.114 to 0.188).ConclusionThese findings are consistent with previous studies highlighting that painful sex is related to depressive symptoms through loneliness cross-sectionally, suggesting that future treatments for depressive symptoms among women who experience painful sex might target loneliness.
Risk of Fecal Incontinence Following Receptive Anal Intercourse: Survey of 21,762 Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors: Garros Aurélien , Bourrely Michel , Sagaon-Teyssier Luis , Sow Abdourahmane , Lydie Nathalie , Duchesne Lucie , Higuero Thierry , Damon Henri , Velter Annie , Abramowitz Laurent 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe prevalence of receptive anal intercourse (RAI) is increasing. A few studies, with heterogeneous designs, have investigated the associated risk of fecal incontinence (FI).AimThe primary objective of this study was to determine FI prevalence in a population of men who have sex with men (MSM) engaging in RAI. The secondary objective was to identify risk factors for severe FI.Methods OutcomesAn online survey of 24,308 MSM was performed in 2019. Demographic and socioeconomic data were collected, together with information about RAI sexual practices, and FI defined by: “During the last month, have you experienced any involuntary leakage of stools?”Results Clinical ImplicationsIn total, 1,734 (8%) of the 21,762 participants reported FI. Mean age was 35.3 years. The prevalence of FI was correlated with RAI frequency: 12.7% (if RAI ≥ 1 /wk) versus 5.7% (if no RAI). In multivariate analysis, the factors associated with FI were age (OR: 1.01), low socioeconomic status (OR 1.32 to 1.40), HIV-seropositivity (OR: 1.78), high RAI frequency (OR: 1.64), chemsex (OR: 1.67) and fist-fucking (OR: 1.61).Strengths and LimitationsMain strengths of our study are population size and assessment of detailed modalities of sexual practices. Main limitations are the use of a convenience non-random sample and the assessment of FI only during the past month.CONCLUSIONThis study of a large MSM population, highlights risk factors for FI among RAI practices: RAI ≥ 1 /wk, chemsex, fist-fucking, low socioeconomic status.
Simulation of the orbital decay of a spacecraft in low Earth orbit due to aerodynamic drag
Authors: Kumar R. , Singh R. , Chinnappan A.K. , Appar A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractOrbiting objects in space are exposed to the risk of collision with space debris over their lifetime. Space debris orbiting in space experiences orbital decay due to various orbital perturbations. This work considers only orbital perturbations due to aerodynamic forces, which spacecraft experience due to the presence of a rarefied atmosphere, causing tumbling motion and orbital decay. Analysis of the orbital decay of a spacecraft is carried out by considering the variation of the drag coefficient as a function of its shape, motion and angle-of-attack. An in-house Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) solver is modified for aerodynamic analysis of a spacecraft orbiting in the free molecular regime in low Earth orbit. In addition, an orbital dynamics model is developed to simulate the tumbling motion of a spacecraft and its orbital decay. The orbital decay trajectory is predicted for two sample spacecrafts using the aerodynamic coefficients obtained from the in-house DSMC solver as inputs to the orbital decay model. This study analyses and explores in detail the effects of the aerodynamic coefficients and shape of a spacecraft on its orbital decay.
Role of Clients, Lawyers, Judges, and Institutions in Hiking Litigation Costs in Bangladesh: An Empirical Study
Authors: Tahura Ummey 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis paper investigates how individuals such as judges, lawyers, clients, and court staffers as well as institutions are elevating litigation costs in Bangladesh in multiple ways. It explores how the existing law and procedures as well as key institutions further promote case delay. It also examines the ways in which police departments and the prosecution contribute to elongate criminal trials and invite additional litigation costs. Empirical data collected through in-depth interviews are analyzed, drawing propositions to individuals’ contributions to delay in case-processing time and hike up litigation costs. Data analysis also assesses common people’s perceptions and expectations from the justice sector. Contemporary legal research has been critically analyzed, where needed.
The ASKAP Variables and Slow Transients (VAST) Pilot Survey
Authors: Murphy Tara , Kaplan David L. , Stewart Adam J. , O’Brien Andrew , Lenc Emil , Pintaldi Sergio , Pritchard Joshua , Dobie Dougal , Fox Archibald , Leung James K. , An Tao , Bell Martin E. , Broderick Jess W. , Chatterjee Shami , Dai Shi , d’Antonio Daniele , Doyle Gerry , Gaensler B. M. , Heald George , Horesh Assaf , Jones Megan L. , McConnell David , Moss Vanessa A. , Raja Wasim , Ramsay Gavin , Ryder Stuart , Sadler Elaine M. , Sivakoff Gregory R. , Wang Yuanming , Wang Ziteng , Wheatland Michael S. , Whiting Matthew , Allison James R. , Anderson C. S. , Ball Lewis , Bannister K. , Bock D. C.-J. , Bolton R. , Bunton J. D. , Chekkala R. , Chippendale A. P , Cooray F. R. , Gupta N. , Hayman D. B. , Jeganathan K. , Koribalski B. , Lee-Waddell K. , Mahony Elizabeth K. , Marvil J. , McClure-Griffiths N. M. , Mirtschin P. , Ng A. , Pearce S. , Phillips C. , Voronkov M. A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe Variables and Slow Transients Survey (VAST) on the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) is designed to detect highly variable and transient radio sources on timescales from 5 s to$\sim\!5$yr. In this paper, we present the survey description, observation strategy and initial results from the VAST Phase I Pilot Survey. This pilot survey consists of$\sim\!162$h of observations conducted at a central frequency of 888 MHz between 2019 August and 2020 August, with a typical rms sensitivity of$0.24\ \mathrm{mJy\ beam}^{-1}$and angular resolution of$12-20$arcseconds. There are 113 fields, each of which was observed for 12 min integration time, with between 5 and 13 repeats, with cadences between 1 day and 8 months. The total area of the pilot survey footprint is 5 131 square degrees, covering six distinct regions of the sky. An initial search of two of these regions, totalling 1 646 square degrees, revealed 28 highly variable and/or transient sources. Seven of these are known pulsars, including the millisecond pulsar J2039–5617. Another seven are stars, four of which have no previously reported radio detection (SCR J0533–4257, LEHPM 2-783, UCAC3 89–412162 and 2MASS J22414436–6119311). Of the remaining 14 sources, two are active galactic nuclei, six are associated with galaxies and the other six have no multi-wavelength counterparts and are yet to be identified.
Low-frequency integrated radio spectra of diffuse, steep-spectrum sources in galaxy clusters: palaeontology with the MWA and ASKAP
Authors: Duchesne S. W. , Johnston-Hollitt M. , Bartalucci I. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractGalaxy clusters have been found to host a range of diffuse, non-thermal emission components, generally with steep, power law spectra. In this work we report on the detection and follow-up of radio halos, relics, remnant radio galaxies, and other fossil radio plasmas in Southern Sky galaxy clusters using the Murchison Widefield Array and the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder. We make use of the frequency coverage between the two radio interferometers—from 88 to$\sim\!900$MHz—to characterise the integrated spectra of these sources within this frequency range. Highlights from the sample include the detection of a double relic system in Abell 3186, a mini-halo in RXC J0137.2–0912, a candidate halo and relic in Abell 3399, and a complex multi-episodic head-tail radio galaxy in Abell 3164. We compare this selection of sources and candidates to the literature sample, finding sources consistent with established radio power–cluster mass scaling relations. Finally, we use the low-frequency integrated spectral index,$\alpha$($S_v \propto v^\alpha$), of the detected sample of cluster remnants and fossil sources to compare with samples of known halos, relics, remnants and fossils to investigate a possible link between their electron populations. We find the distributions of$\alpha$to be consistent with relic and halo emission generated by seed electrons that originated in fossil or remnant sources. However, the present sample sizes are insufficient to rule out other scenarios.
Older age as a time to contribute: a scoping review of generativity in later life
Authors: Villar Feliciano , Serrat Rodrigo , Pratt Michael W. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractResearch on later-life generativity has promoted a new view of older persons that, far from the traditional images of disability, dependence and frailty, recognises their capacities, and potential to continue growing, while underlining their participation and contributions to families, communities and society. The goal of this study was to carry out a scoping review on later-life generativity, the first one conducted on this topic as far as we know, to show how studies in this area have evolved, which aspects of generativity in later life have been studied, and the methodological and epistemological approaches that are dominant in this area of inquiry. Our scoping review shows that research into generativity in later life has grown steadily over the past 30 years, and particularly during the last decade. However, our results also show how such growing interest has focused on certain methodological approaches, epistemological frameworks and cultural contexts. We identify four critical gaps and leading-edge research questions that should be at the forefront of future research into generativity in later life, gaps that reflect biases in the existing literature identified in the study. These are classified as methodological, developmental, contextual and ‘dark-side’ gaps.
Global Responses of Gravity Waves and Zonal Mean Winds to the Madden‐Julian Oscillation and the Latitudinal Dependence of Their Relations Using MERRA‐2
Authors: Li Jintai , Lu Xian 
Published: October 2021

AbstractUsing 17 years of Modern‐Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA‐2) data, significant responses of gravity wave (GW) variances, zonal winds and parameterized GW drag to the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) are identified globally during boreal winter, and their relations are examined. The relative anomalies of GW variances range from −4% (phase 7) to 8% (phase 4) in tropics, and −20% (phase 1) to 20% (phase 5) in the northern polar region (NPR). The anomalies of zonal winds are from −3–3 m/s and −4–8 m/s in tropics and NPR, respectively. The vertical and latitudinal structures of MJO signals in GW, wind and GW drag show coherent patterns. Further analysis implies that in the NPR, the eastward wind leads to westward momentum flux carried by the GWs. This flux leads to westward drag, which drives that of zonal winds and imprint the MJO signal in GWs to the wind.
Inactivation of the CIC-DUX4 oncogene through P300/CBP inhibition, a therapeutic approach for CIC-DUX4 sarcoma
Authors: Bosnakovski Darko , Ener Elizabeth T. , Cooper Mark S. , Gearhart Micah D. , Knights Kevin A. , Xu Natalie C. , Palumbo Christian A. , Toso Erik A. , Marsh Graham P. , Maple Hannah J. , Kyba Michael 
Published: October 2021

AbstractCIC-DUX4 sarcoma (CDS) is a highly aggressive and metastatic small round type of predominantly pediatric sarcoma driven by a fusion oncoprotein comprising the transcriptional repressor Capicua (CIC) fused to the C-terminal transcriptional activation domain of DUX4. CDS rapidly develops resistance to chemotherapy, thus novel specific therapies are greatly needed. We demonstrate that CIC-DUX4 requires P300/CBP to induce histone H3 acetylation, activate its targets, and drive oncogenesis. We describe the synthetic route to a selective and highly potent P300/CBP inhibitor named iP300w and related stereoisomers, and find that iP300w efficiently suppresses CIC-DUX4 transcriptional activity and reverses CIC-DUX4 induced acetylation. iP300w is active at 100-fold lower concentrations than related stereoisomers or A-485. At low doses, iP300w shows specificity to CDS cancer cell lines, rapidly inducing cell cycle arrest and preventing growth of established CDS xenograft tumors when delivered in vivo. The effectiveness of iP300w to inactivate CIC-DUX4 highlights a promising therapeutic opportunity for CDS.