bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity in Israeli thyroid cancer survivors
Authors: Izkhakov Elena , Meyerovitch Joseph , Barchana Micha , Shacham Yacov , Stern Naftali , Keinan-Boker Lital 
Published: March 2019

Objective
Thyroid cancer (TC) survivors may be at risk of subsequent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular (CaV&CeV) morbidity. The 2009 American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines recommended less aggressive treatment for low-risk TC patients. The aim of this study was to assess the atherosclerotic CaV&CeV outcome of Israeli TC survivors compared to individuals with no thyroid disease, and the atherosclerotic CaV&CeV outcome before (2000–2008) and after (2009–2011) implementation of the 2009 ATA guidelines.

Methods
All members of the largest Israeli healthcare organization who were diagnosed with TC from 1/2000 to 12/2014 (study group) and age- and sex-matched members with no thyroid disease (controls) were included. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results
The mean follow-up was 7.6 ± 4.2 and 7.8 ± 4.1 years for the study (n = 5,677, 79% women) and control (n = 23,962) groups, respectively. The former had an increased risk of new atherosclerotic CaV&CeV events (adjusted HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.15–1.39). The 5-year incidence of CaV&CeV was lower (adjusted HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.38–0.62) from 2009 to 2011 compared to 2000 to 2008, but remained higher in the study group than in the control group (adjusted HR 1.5, 95% CI 1.14–1.69).

Conclusions
This large Israeli population-based cohort study showed greater atherosclerotic CaV&CeV morbidity in TC survivors compared to individuals with no thyroid diseases. There was a trend toward a decreased 5-year incidence of atherosclerotic CaV&CeV events among TC survivors following the implementation of the 2009 ATA guidelines, but it remained higher compared to the general population.
Variation in Filamentous Growth and Response to Quorum-Sensing Compounds in Environmental Isolates ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Lenhart B Adam , Meeks Brianna , Murphy Helen A 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn fungi, filamentous growth is a major developmental transition that occurs in response to environmental cues. In diploid Saccharomyces cerevisiae, it is known as pseudohyphal growth and presumed to be a foraging mechanism. Rather than unicellular growth, multicellular filaments composed of elongated, attached cells spread over and into surfaces. This morphogenetic switch can be induced through quorum sensing with the aromatic alcohols phenylethanol and tryptophol. Most research investigating pseudohyphal growth has been conducted in a single lab background, Σ1278b. To investigate the natural variation in this phenotype and its induction, we assayed the diverse 100-genomes collection of environmental isolates. Using computational image analysis, we quantified the production of pseudohyphae and observed a large amount of variation. Population origin was significantly associated with pseudohyphal growth, with the West African population having the most. Surprisingly, most strains showed little or no response to exogenous phenylethanol or tryptophol. We also investigated the amount of natural genetic variation in pseudohyphal growth using a mapping population derived from a highly-heterozygous clinical isolate that contained as much phenotypic variation as the environmental panel. A bulk-segregant analysis uncovered five major peaks with candidate loci that have been implicated in the Σ1278b background. Our results indicate that the filamentous growth response is a generalized, highly variable phenotype in natural populations, while response to quorum sensing molecules is surprisingly rare. These findings highlight the importance of coupling studies in tractable lab strains with natural isolates in order to understand the relevance and distribution of well-studied traits.
Lepton Flavor Violation in Economical 3-3-1 Model with Neutrino Singlets
Authors: Hue Le Tho , Khoi Dinh Phan , Phuong Hoang Hanh , Hung Ha Thanh 
Published: March 2019

Lepton flavor violating (LFV) decays of charged leptons \(\mu\rightarrow e\gamma\) and SM-like Higgs boson \(h\rightarrow \mu\tau\) are discussed in the framework of the economical 3-3-1 model adding three additional singlets neutrinos (E331\(X_R\)). We will show that the appearance of new neutrinos and charged Higgs bosons in this model can result in interesting regions of the parameter space, which satisfy the recent experimental bound of \(Br(\mu\rightarrow e\gamma)\) as well as give large \(Br(h\rightarrow \mu\tau)\geq \mathcal{O}(10^{-7})\) . In these regions, the charged Higgs boson mass lies within the range of \(2-3\) TeV. Our results show that the LFV decays are important channels to distinguish the E331\(X_R\) and the original economical (E331) models, which predicts suppressed LFV decay rates.
Prospective Observational Study of Pazopanib in Patients with Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma (PRINCIPAL Study)
Authors: Schmidinger Manuela , Bamias Aristotelis , Procopio Giuseppe , Hawkins Robert , Sanchez Angel Rodriguez , Vázquez Sergio , Srihari Narayanan , Kalofonos Haralabos , Bono Petri , Pisal Chaitali Babanrao , Hirschberg Yulia , Dezzani Luca , Ahmad Qasim , Jonasch Eric ,   on behalf of the PRINCIPAL Study Group
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Background
Real-world data are essential to accurately assessing efficacy and toxicity of approved agents in everyday practice. PRINCIPAL, a prospective, observational study, was designed to confirm the real-world safety and efficacy of pazopanib in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Subjects, Materials, and Methods
Patients with clear cell advanced/metastatic RCC and a clinical decision to initiate pazopanib treatment within 30 days of enrollment were eligible. Primary objectives included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), relative dose intensity (RDI) and its effect on treatment outcomes, change in health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and safety. We also compared characteristics and outcomes of clinical-trial-eligible (CTE) patients, defined using COMPARZ trial eligibility criteria, with those of non-clinical-trial-eligible (NCTE) patients. Secondary study objectives were to evaluate clinical efficacy, safety, and RDI in patient subgroups.

Results
Six hundred fifty-seven patients were enrolled and received ≥1 dose of pazopanib. Median PFS and OS were 10.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.2–12.0) and 29.9 months (95% CI, 24.7 to not reached), respectively, and the ORR was 30.3%. HRQoL showed no or little deterioration over time. Treatment-related serious adverse events (AEs) and AEs of special interest occurred in 64 (9.7%), and 399 (60.7%) patients, respectively. More patients were classified NCTE than CTE (85.2% vs. 14.8%). Efficacy of pazopanib was similar between the two groups.

Conclusion
PRINCIPAL confirms the efficacy and safety of pazopanib in patients with advanced/metastatic RCC in a real-world clinical setting.

Implications for Practice
PRINCIPAL is the largest (n = 657) prospective, observational study of pazopanib in patients with advanced/metastatic renal cell carcinoma, to the authors’ knowledge. Consistent with clinical trial results that often contain specific patient types, the PRINCIPAL study demonstrated that the effectiveness and safety of pazopanib is similarly safe and effective in patients with advanced kidney cancer in a real-world clinical setting. The PRINCIPAL study showed that patients with advanced kidney cancer who are treated with first-line pazopanib generally do not show disease progression for approximately 10 months and generally survive for nearly 30 months.
Vegetation heterogeneity of black alder forests in and around El-Kala Biosphere Reserve, northeastern Algeria
Authors: Necer Abdeldjabar , Tadjine Aicha , Belouahem-Abed Djamila , Saoudi Messaoud 
Published: March 2019

Background: Despite its ecological importance, the study of Algerian alder forests has been largely neglected, even though they represent the largest ones of their kind in North Africa. Moreover, few measures have been taken towards the protection of these ecosystems.Questions: How many species are present in the Algerian alder forests? What is the effect of soil properties on species richness and diversity of inventoried plants? Is its spatial patterns a result of soil variables variation?Studied species: Polypodiopsida, Gymnospermae, and Angiospermae.Study site and dates: El-Kala Biosphere Reserve (KBR), El-Tarf province, northeastern Algeria, from January 2016 to February 2017.Methods: Twenty-eight localities were sampled using the relevé method. Soil samples were taken from three points at each site. The relationship between species richness and soil factors was statistically evaluated using multiple linear regression and multivariate statistical analysis.Results: The inventory showed a total of 352 species that belong to 236 genera and 89 families. According to NMDS results, black alder forests were classified into two groups (marshy and the hilly, and the fluvial forests), in relation to plant species richness. No linear relationships between species richness and soil parameters were observed, except for OM ( P = 0.013).Conclusion: The present study allowed us to perform an inventory of plant species present in alder forests and to understand its distribution among different habitat types, as well as those factors that affect its zonation. For this ecosystem, our study revealed that vegetation diversity is related to the variation of soil variables.
Choques transitorios y de largo plazo en el producto interno bruto y precios en el departamento del Meta
Authors: León Camargo Astrid 
Published: March 2019

Este artículo presenta el impacto de corto y largo plazo en el PIB y los precios en el departamento del Meta entre 1990 y 2015. Se utiliza la metodología de los vectores autorregresivos estructurales (VARS), con datos del DANE. Los resultados muestran que los choques de oferta tienen un impacto positivo de largo plazo sobre el PIB del departamento del Meta e influyen de forma negativa sobre los precios, mientras los choques de demanda solo tienen efecto sobre los precios, y no influyen sobre el PIB. La única crisis con impacto significativo, es la crisis financiera sobre los precios.
Gout Presenting as Acute Hip Pain in a Young Woman
Authors: Xu Shin , Emanuelli Elisa , Tarakemeh Armin , Vopat Bryan G. , Schroeppel John Paul , Mullen Scott 
Published: March 2019

Case:
A 28-year-old previously healthy woman developed worsening right hip pain without any preceding trauma or injury. Because of concern for septic arthritis, she underwent arthroscopic irrigation and debridement. The culture specimens were negative; crystal analysis showed monosodium urate crystals, which are consistent with an acute gout flare. The patient was started on naproxen and prednisone therapy and had substantial improvement in hip pain.

Conclusion:
Gout is a common cause of joint pain in older individuals. While rare in younger patients, our case report shows that gout should be included in the differential diagnosis when a patient presents with acute monoarthritis, regardless of age.
The Diamond of Efficiency: An Innovative Analytical Model to Unlock Opportunities for Operational Improvement
Authors: Cedeño Ramiro , Al-Bahrani Aqeel , Haldar Surajit 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
This paper presents the Diamond of Efficiency (DoE), an innovative analytical model developed to identify opportunities to improve efficiency in any type of operation. The model can be applied for identification of recommendations to enhance established procedures for executing operations in a more efficient way within different types of organizations. The DoE considers four dimensions to underpin the key aspects for operational improvement; these dimensions are Value Added, Expertise, Alignment to Roles & Responsibilities and Time Consumption. The first three are the root dimensions and are subject to qualitative evaluation of their implementation in the operation being analyzed. The fourth dimension is quantitatively calculated. Results from the four dimensions are presented graphically in a radar chart, providing an easy visualization of the aspects that must be tackled to improve efficiency.
To maximize efficiency while executing routine operations is a key target for a highly competitive organization. Due to multiple tasks executed simultaneously, sometimes it is difficult to see clearly how efficient certain operations are being conducted.
Results from the four dimensions considered by the DoE are compared against its ideal shape, which is built under the assumption that an efficient operation maximizes value for the three root dimensions; therefore, their ranked value is the maximum. Regarding Time Consumption, the model considers a time framework that should be appropriate to the specific operation under analysis, which implies a middle ranking in the measured scale. The combination of results from the four dimensions considered by the DoE allows the researcher to undertake a critical evaluation and recommend opportunities for improvement to bring any operation to the ideal shape defined by DoE.
The DoE model has been developed to attend the necessity of having an easy-to-apply analytical tool to clearly identify opportunities for improvement in operations conducted by multitasked professionals in large organizations. The possibility to underpin such opportunities in a timely manner represents a tremendous potential for savings. This results from better utilization of the available human resources, the clear determination of the value added to the process, the degree of needed technical knowledge involved in the operation, and its alignment to the particular roles and responsibilities of the function defined for executing the operation under evaluation.
Asphaltene Stability Analysis for Crude Oils and Their Relationship With Asphaltene Precipitation Models for a Gas Condensate Field
Authors: Siddiqui Muhammad Arsalan , Tariq Syed Mohammad , Haneef Javed , Ali Syed Imran , Manzoor Abdul Ahad 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACT
Asphaltene deposition can cause production reduction in oil fields and can create problems in surface/subsurface equipment. The three main factors which affect asphaltene stability in a crude oil are the changes in pressure, temperature and composition. Composition changes occur as the pressure depletes with time and fluid becomes heavier or with gas or chemical injection in reservoir. Any of these changes can destabilizes the asphaltene in crude oil and can cause different operational difficulties, loss in production and increases safety concerns. The objective of this study is to develop a workflow for modeling asphaltene precipitation during pressure depletion and its application to develop mitigation strategy via asphaltene stability maps for a gas condensate field in South Potwar basin, Pakistan
Key Technologies for Fire Flooding in Thin Interbeded Heavy Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Feng Tian , Wu Yi , Song Yang 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
In this work, we show a case study of using fire flooding process in thin interbeded heavy oil reservoirs to tackle the problems of low oil production rate, low gas oil ratio, and low oil recovery factor in later stage of cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) operations. The fire flooding process was adopted for the Block D reservoir in Liaohe Oilfield, China.
The depth of Block D heavy oil reservoir is 800-1200m. The reservoir includes 30-40 thin layers in vertical direction, with average thickness of 2.2m per layer. Through laboratory experiments, numerical simulation, and analysis of surveillance data from the initial small scale field pilot, we improve the understanding of fire flooding recovery mechanisms in thin interbeded reservoirs. Then, technical limits such as reservoir thickness, number of layers and permeability contrast are established for successfully conducting fire flooding with high temperature oxidation. Reaction types identification methods based on corresponding field surveillance data are also proposed. Using such guideline, we have deployed fire flooding expansions in Block D reservoir with more well patterns.
It has been proven that fire flooding process with the designed well patterns can improve recovery and sweep, and make the wells more productive with enhanced inflow from multiple directions. The process technical limits successfully guides us in properly expanding the project. Reaction type identification method further helps to perform continuous dynamic surveillance of the high/low temperature oxidation burning state of the combustion front in the field. The initial pilot test includes 7 well patterns, which have been operational since 2005. Up to now, we have deployed a total of 105 fire flooding well patterns in Block D reservoir. Within the fire flooding area, the single-well oil production rate has doubled on average, with the reservoir pressure also doubled. For the multi-layered block D reservoir, the ultimate oil recovery factor for fire flooding can reach up to 55%, an increase of 28% from the expected recovery of CSS.
In conclusion, we have shown in this work that fire flooding process can be applied to deep thin to medium thickness interbeded heavy oil reservoirs. As a follow-up process in later stage of cyclic steam stimulation, it can significantly increase oil recovery and process performance.
Application of Acid Activated Bentonite for Efficient Removal of Organic Pollutants from Industrial Phosphoric Acid: Kinetic and Thermodynamic Study
Authors: Ali M. M. , Attia Azza A. , Taha M. H. , El-Maadawy M. M. , Abo-Raia A. M. , Abouria Amr 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Environmental and health issues are critical challenges for sustainable development in the 21st century; therefore, this paper investigates a simple and cost-effective process for recovery of organic matter (OM) from phosphoric acid to provide environmentally acceptable P-fertilizer. This study analyzed the structural transformations and adsorption properties of Na-bentonite clay before and after chemical activation by sulfuric and hydrochloric acids. The untreated and treated clay samples have been used for adsorption of organic matter from high strength phosphoric acid. The experimental data exhibited that the clay treated with sulfuric acid caused highest organic matter adsorption capacity. The kinetic models of adsorption were analyzed by the pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Elovich kinetic and Morris-Weber models. The results indicated that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model is more appropriate than the others for natural bentonite; but, for chemical activated clays, pseudo-first order is fitting. Obtained adsorption thermodynamic parameters (ΔH°, ΔS°, and ΔG°) expose that the organic matter adsorption is an endothermic, physical, and spontaneous process.
Environmental Friendly Water-Based Pre-Flush Formulation for Oil & Injector Wells' Acid Stimulation
Authors: Al Jaberi Jaber , Sultan Abdullah , Shamsan Abdulmalek , Hassan Islam , Marine Hope , Akram Asad , Saleh Raed M 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Aromatic based chemistries have been used extensively as additives in the pre-flush systems of acid stimulation programs. The need for these solvents stems from the requirement to displace oil or break asphaltic or waxy materials ahead of the main stimulation treatment. These chemicals while effective, are highly flammable, difficult to handle and have negative impact on the enviroment. Aromatic additives are always mixed with diesel-based pre-flush systems in acid stimulation jobs. If water is added to this system, the resultant emulsion damages the productivity of the formation. Water wetting surfactants typically of aqueous nature pose the same problems when mixed with diesel systems. The main challenge, however, is to mix these hydrocarbon-based fluids with water and surfactant to clean the wellbore and water-wet the formation face in preparation for the acid stimulation treatment.
The objective of this work was to evaluate new environment-friendly water-based pre-flush formulations for oil and injector wells. The new aqueous Pre-flush formulations was developed to avoid the aformentioned problems with using diesel. The new Pre-flush formulations include between 10-15% blend of specialty surfactants and solvents, successfully homogenized with low-cost field water. These formulations are able to alter the wettability of the formation face by breaking the oily phase and separating it from the surface of the formation. The new formulations have high flash points and are biodegradable which results in easier handling and an environment-friendly alternative to existing diesel pre-flush systems. Wettability, stability and interfacial tension tests at reservoir conditions helped optimized the new formulation.
The results showed excellent dissolving power for oily sludges and surfaces in addition to excellent stability and wettability. The new pre-flush formulations can enhance the reactivity of the acid with the formation and improve treatment results. It will enhance the flowback and post-treatment cleaning of the well.
Applications of Applying High Rate Coiled Tubing with Fiber Optic System to Meet the Growing Challenges of Coiled Tubing Interventions in Sour Gas Producer Wells
Authors: Al-Zaid Mustafa R. , Bulekbay Aslan , Al-Harbi Abdulaziz , Al-Driweesh Saad 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Dealing with tight high pressure/high temperature (HPHT) sour gas reservoirs encounters many challenges. One challenge associated with these reservoirs is the development of hard and heavy scale mixture in the production tubing, causing flow and accessibility restrictions. To restore full accessibility, a mechanical de-scaling operations using special milling and cleanout assemblies is the best current solution to this problem, due to the fact that chemical dissolving methods do not deliver the desired results. Another challenge is conventional perforation in some tight wells gives limited penetration, which does not establish the required wellbore reservoir communication. In this case, utilizing the abrasive jetting tool will offer the best solution to overcome the casing string, cement, formation damage achieve optimum penetration which will optimize the stimulation design and enhance the well productivity.
In recent years, using coiled tubing (CT) equipped with fiber optics with aforementioned coil tubing intervention operations, have become a common practice in gas wells. Using this system provides the ability to acquire on-job real time data such as pressure, temperature and gamma ray depth correlation. Furthermore, the incorporation of a new rugged fiber optics system into the intervention strategy has enabled increasing operational success rate and results in robust control on the operation parameters, minimizing the risk of gas influx, reducing coil tubing runs and improving decision making process during the operations.
This paper describes the challenges in mechanical de-scaling and slot cuttings operations, overview of different applications using CT with fiber optics system, provides a comparison between the rugged and standard fiber optics systems and lessons learned of recent implementation of the rugged CT fiber optic system.