bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of mix ratio of potato peel and pig manure on reaction kinetics and methane recovery from anaerobic co-digestion
Authors: Adeleye Tolulope , Yeo Hyeongu , Seth Rajesh , Hafez Hisham , Biswas Nihar 
Published: August 2021

The potential improvement in methane recovery and reaction kinetics from different mixes of potato peel (PP) and pig manure (PM) in a single stage anaerobic co-digestion/mono-digestion process was investigated in a laboratory study. The highest methane yield of 231 mL/g TCODadded was observed in the 50:50 mix of potato peel and pig manure. Compared to the mono-digested substrates, co-digestion of PP and PM at 75:25, 50:50, and 25:75 synergistically improved methane yield by 17%, 25%, and 11%, respectively. The co-digested mixes also produced methane at a faster rate, with the fastest methane production rate occurring at the 50:50 mix. Thus, co-digestion of potato peel and pig manure enhanced the methane yield and reaction kinetics. Hence, co-digestion rather than mono-digestion should be actively considered when a carbon rich waste (such as potato peel) and nutrient rich waste (such as pig manure) are available within reasonable proximity.
The cosmology of quadratic torsionful gravity
Authors: Iosifidis Damianos , Ravera Lucrezia 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWe study the cosmology of a quadratic metric-compatible torsionful gravity theory in the presence of a perfect hyperfluid. The gravitational action is an extension of the Einstein–Cartan theory given by the usual Einstein–Hilbert contribution plus all the admitted quadratic parity even torsion scalars and the matter action also exhibits a dependence on the connection. The equations of motion are obtained by regarding the metric and the metric-compatible torsionful connection as independent variables. We then consider a Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker background, analyze the conservation laws, and derive the torsion modified Friedmann equations for our theory. Remarkably, we are able to provide exact analytic solutions for the torsionful cosmology.
A Randomized Phase II Study of Nivolumab Monotherapy or Nivolumab Combined with Ipilimumab in Patients with Advanced Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Singh Arun S. , Hecht J. Randolph , Rosen Lee , Wainberg Zev A. , Wang Xiaoyan , Douek Michael , Hagopian Anahis , Andes Rachel , Sauer Lauren , Brackert Sandra R. , Chow Warren , DeMatteo Ronald , Eilber Fritz Christian , Glaspy John A. , Chmielowski Bartosz 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Purpose:
Most gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are driven by KIT/PDGFRa mutations. Tyrosine kinase inhibitor benefit is progressively less after imatinib failure. This phase II trial analyzed the efficacy of nivolumab (N) or nivolumab + ipilimumab (N + I) in patients with refractory GIST.

Patients and Methods:
Patients with advanced/metastatic GIST refractory to at least imatinib were randomized 1:1 in a noncomparative, parallel group, unblinded phase II trial of N (240 mg every 2 weeks) or N + I (240 mg every 2 weeks + 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks). The primary endpoint was the objective response rate of N alone or N+I by RECIST 1.1 in the intent-to-treat population.

Results:
A total of 36 patients with a median of 3 (1–6) prior lines of therapies were enrolled. Ten of 19 (52.6%) patients had stable disease (SD) for a clinical benefit rate (CBR) of 52.6% in the N arm and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 11.7 weeks [95% confidence interval (CI), 7.0–17.4]. In the N+I arm, 1 of 16 (6.7%) patients had a complete response (CR) and 4/16 (25.0%) had SD for a CBR of 31.3% and a median PFS of 8.3 weeks (95% CI, 5.6–22.2). The 4- and 6-month PFS were 42.1% and 26.3%, respectively for N, and 31.3% and 18.8%, respectively for N+I. The most common adverse events (AE) attributed to N and N+I were fatigue: 13.9% and 22.2%, respectively. There were nine total attributable grade 3–4 AEs.

Conclusions:
The primary endpoint of response rate &gt; 15% was not observed for N or N + I. In a heavily pretreated GIST population, responses and long-term disease control with both N and N+I were observed. No new safety signals have been observed.
Association of AXL and PD-L1 Expression with Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated with PD-1 Blockade
Authors: Terry Stéphane , Dalban Cécile , Rioux-Leclercq Nathalie , Adam Julien , Meylan Maxime , Buart Stéphanie , Bougoüin Antoine , Lespagnol Alexandra , Dugay Frédéric , Moreno Irelka Colina , Lacroix Guillaume , Lorens James B. , Gausdal Gro , Fridman Wolf H. , Mami-Chouaib Fathia , Chaput Nathalie , Beuselinck Benoit , Chabaud Sylvie , Barros-Monteiro Janice , Vano Yann , Escudier Bernard , Sautès-Fridman Catherine , Albiges Laurence , Chouaib Salem 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Purpose:
A minority of patients currently respond to single-agent immune-checkpoint blockade (ICB), and strategies to increase response rates are urgently needed. AXL is a receptor tyrosine kinase commonly associated with drug resistance and poor prognosis in many cancer types, including in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Recent experimental cues in breast, pancreatic, and lung cancer models have linked AXL with immune suppression and resistance to antitumor immunity. However, its role in intrinsic and acquired resistance to ICB remains largely unexplored.

Experimental Design:
In this study, tumoral expression of AXL was examined in ccRCC specimens from 316 patients who were metastatic receiving the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab in the GETUG AFU 26 NIVOREN trial after failure of antiangiogenic therapy. We assessed associations between AXL and patient outcomes following PD-1 blockade, as well as the relationship with various markers, including PD-L1; VEGFA; the immune markers CD3, CD8, CD163, and CD20; and the mutational status of the tumor-suppressor gene von Hippel-Lindau (VHL).

Results:
Our results show that high AXL-expression level in tumor cells is associated with lower response rates and a trend to shorter progression-free survival following anti–PD-1 treatment. AXL expression was strongly associated with tumor–PD-L1 expression, especially in tumors with VHL inactivation. Moreover, patients with tumors displaying concomitant PD-L1 expression and high AXL expression had the worst overall survival.

Conclusions:
Our findings propose AXL as candidate factor of resistance to PD-1 blockade, and provide compelling support for screening both AXL and PD-L1 expression in the management of advanced ccRCC.
See related commentary by Hahn et al., p. 6619
Automated Perfusion-Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Childhood Arterial Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Visser Melissa J. , Yang Joseph Yuan-Mou , Calamante Fernando , Kean Michael , Adamson Christopher L. , Sharma Gagan , Anderson Vicki , Campbell Bruce C.V. , Mackay Mark T. 
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose:
Recent studies using automated perfusion imaging software have identified adults most likely to benefit from reperfusion therapies in extended time windows. The time course of penumbral tissue is poorly characterized in childhood arterial ischemic stroke (AIS). We explore the feasibility of using automated perfusion-diffusion imaging software to characterize penumbra in childhood AIS.

Methods:

An observational cohort study of children with acute unilateral AIS presenting to our institution. Diffusion-weighted imaging and dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion magnetic resonance imaging performed within 72 hours of symptom onset were necessary for inclusion. Perfusion-diffusion mismatch was estimated using RAPID software. Ischemic core was defined as apparent diffusion coefficient <620×10
−6
mm
2
/s and hypoperfusion as Tmax >6 seconds. Favorable mismatch profile was defined as core volume <70 mL, mismatch volume ≥15 mL, and a mismatch ratio ≥1.8.

Results:
Twenty-nine children (median 8 years old, interquartile range, 4.4–14.6) were included (26 unilateral middle cerebral artery and 3 unilateral cerebellar infarcts). Median Pediatric National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was 4 (interquartile range, 3–11). Most cases had cryptogenic (n=11) or focal cerebral arteriopathy (n=9) causes. Median time-to-imaging =13.7 hours (interquartile range, 7.5–25.3). RAPID detected an ischemic core in 19 (66%) patients. In the remaining cases, the mean apparent diffusion coefficient values were mostly higher than the threshold as the majority of these presentations were delayed (median >21 hours) and infarct volumes were small (<3.5 mL). Overall, 3 children, imaged at 3.75, 11, and 23.5 hours had favorable mismatch profiles.

Conclusions:
This study demonstrates it is feasible to rapidly assess perfusion-diffusion mismatch in childhood AIS using automated software. Favorable mismatch profiles, using adult-based parameters, persisted beyond the standard 4.5 hours window for thrombolysis, suggesting potential therapeutic benefit of RAPID use. Further work is required to determine the utility of perfusion-based imaging to guide clinical decision making, whether adult thresholds require modification in childhood AIS, and to investigate the effect of time-delay and cause on mismatch characteristics.
Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Using Cilostazol With Aspirin or Clopidogrel: Subanalysis of the CSPS.com Trial
Authors: Hoshino Haruhiko , Toyoda Kazunori , Omae Katsuhiro , Ishida Noriyuki , Uchiyama Shinichiro , Kimura Kazumi , Sakai Nobuyuki , Okada Yasushi , Tanaka Kortaro , Origasa Hideki , Naritomi Hiroaki , Houkin Kiyohiro , Yamaguchi Keiji , Isobe Masanori , Minematsu Kazuo , Matsumoto Masayasu , Tominaga Teiji , Tomimoto Hidekazu , Terayama Yasuo , Yasuda Satoshi , Yamaguchi Takenori ,   on behalf of the CSPS.com Trial Investigators
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose:

Although dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and clopidogrel reduces the recurrence of ischemic stroke while significantly increasing the bleeding events compared with monotherapy, the
CSPS.com
trial (Cilostazol Stroke Prevention Study combination) showed that DAPT using cilostazol was more effective without the bleeding risk. In the
CSPS.com
trial, aspirin or clopidogrel was used as the underlying antiplatelet drug. The effectiveness and safety of each combination were examined and clarified.

Methods:

In the
CSPS.com
trial, a multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled study, patients with high-risk, noncardioembolic ischemic stroke 8 to 180 days after onset treated with aspirin or clopidogrel alone at the discretion of the physician in charge were recruited. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either monotherapy or DAPT using cilostazol and followed for 0.5 to 3.5 years. The primary efficacy outcome was first recurrence of ischemic stroke. The safety outcome was severe or life-threatening bleeding. The analysis was based on the underlying antiplatelet agents.

Results:
A total of 763 patients taking aspirin and 1116 taking clopidogrel were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. Although the clopidogrel group had more risk factors than the aspirin group, the primary efficacy outcome and safety outcome did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. In the aspirin group, the primary efficacy outcome and safety outcome did not differ significantly between the DAPT group and the aspirin-monotherapy group. In the clopidogrel group, the primary end point occurred at a rate of 2.31 per 100 patient-years in the DAPT group and 5.19 per 100 patient-years in the clopidogrel-monotherapy group (hazard ratio, 0.447 [95% CI, 0.258–0.774]). Safety outcome did not differ significantly between groups (0.51 per 100 patient-years versus 0.71 per 100 patient-years, respectively; hazard ratio, 0.730 [95% CI, 0.206–2.588]).

Conclusions:
The combination of cilostazol and clopidogrel significantly reduced the recurrence of ischemic stroke without increasing the bleeding risk in noncardioembolic, high-risk patients.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01995370. URL:
https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/
; Unique identifier: UMIN000012180.
Graspability Modulates the Stronger Neural Signature of Motor Preparation for Real Objects vs. Pictures
Authors: Fairchild Grant T. , Marini Francesco , Snow Jacqueline C. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The cognitive and neural bases of visual perception are typically studied using pictures rather than real-world stimuli. Unlike pictures, real objects are actionable solids that can be manipulated with the hands. Recent evidence from human brain imaging suggests that neural responses to real objects differ from responses to pictures; however, little is known about the neural mechanisms that drive these differences. Here, we tested whether brain responses to real objects versus pictures are differentially modulated by the “in-the-moment” graspability of the stimulus. In human dorsal cortex, electroencephalographic responses show a “real object advantage” in the strength and duration of mu (μ) and low beta (β) rhythm desynchronization—well-known neural signatures of visuomotor action planning. We compared desynchronization for real tools versus closely matched pictures of the same objects, when the stimuli were positioned unoccluded versus behind a large transparent barrier that prevented immediate access to the stimuli. We found that, without the barrier in place, real objects elicited stronger μ and β desynchronization compared to pictures, both during stimulus presentation and after stimulus offset, replicating previous findings. Critically, however, with the barrier in place, this real object advantage was attenuated during the period of stimulus presentation, whereas the amplification in later periods remained. These results suggest that the “real object advantage” is driven initially by immediate actionability, whereas later differences perhaps reflect other, more inherent properties of real objects. The findings showcase how the use of richer multidimensional stimuli can provide a more complete and ecologically valid understanding of object vision.
Metacognitive Awareness of Difficulty in Action Selection: The Role of the Cingulo-opercular Network
Authors: Desender Kobe , Teuchies Martyn , Gonzalez-Garcia Carlos , De Baene Wouter , Demanet Jelle , Brass Marcel 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The question whether and how we are able to monitor our own cognitive states (metacognition) has been a matter of debate for decades. Do we have direct access to our cognitive processes, or can we only infer them indirectly based on their consequences? In the current study, we wanted to investigate the brain circuits that underlie the metacognitive experience of fluency in action selection. To manipulate action-selection fluency, we used a subliminal response priming paradigm. On each trial, both male and female human participants additionally engaged in the metacognitive process of rating how hard they felt it was to respond to the target stimulus. Despite having no conscious awareness of the prime, results showed that participants rated incompatible trials (during which subliminal primes interfered with the required response) to be more difficult than compatible trials (where primes facilitated the required response), reflecting metacognitive awareness of difficulty. This increased sense of subjective difficulty was mirrored by increased activity in the rostral cingulate zone and the anterior insula, two regions that are functionally closely connected. Importantly, this reflected activations that were unique to subjective difficulty ratings and were not explained by RTs or prime–response compatibility. We interpret these findings in light of a possible grounding of the metacognitive judgment of fluency in action selection in interoceptive signals resulting from increased effort.
Post-Discharge Outcomes After Pancreatic Necrosectomy: A Single Institution Experience Following Endoscopic vs Open Debridement
Authors: Martinez Manuel , Medeiros Steven , Dove James , Shabahang Mohsen 
Published: August 2021

Background Pancreatic necrosectomy outcomes have been studied extensively; however, long-term results of these procedures have not been well characterized. Our study aimed to assess the outcomes at and after discharge for patients following necrosectomy. Methods Data from patients undergoing pancreatic necrosectomy at a single tertiary referral hospital from January 1, 2007, to June 1, 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were stratified into an open pancreatic necrosectomy (OPN) and an endoscopic pancreatic necrosectomy (EPN) group. Results Cohorts were composed of an OPN (n = 30) and EPN (n = 31) groups with a mean follow-up of 22 and 13.5 months, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the demographics or etiology of disease; however, the presence of severe sepsis and elevated BISAP scores was significantly higher in the OPN group (40% vs 13% p = .016, 37% vs 10% p = .012, respectively). There was no significant difference in discharge parameters or disposition other than a higher need for wound care in the OPN group (14% vs 0% p =< .0001). No significant difference in the number of patients who returned to baseline, 12-month ED visits, 12-month readmissions, medical comorbidities, or long-term survival was noted. Conclusions Previous studies have demonstrated that OPN patients have a higher severity of disease and higher inpatient mortality; however, this does not hold true once the acute phase of the illness has passed. Long-term medical comorbidities and survival of patients with necrotizing pancreatitis who endure the primary insult do not differ in long term, regardless of the debridement modality performed for source control.
Rates of homicide and homicide associated with severe mental illness in NSW between 1993 and 2016
Authors: Nielssen Olav , Lyons Georgia , Oldfield Katya , Johnson Anina , Dean Kimberlie , Large Matthew 
Published: August 2021

Objective: To describe the characteristics of offenders found not guilty on the grounds of mental illness (NGMI) in New South Wales and rates of NGMI and other homicide verdicts. Method: Demographic, legal and clinical data after referral to the NSW Mental Health Review Tribunal following an NGMI verdict for homicide matched with results from the National Homicide Monitoring Program. Results: Between 1993 and 2016, a total of 2159 homicide offenders were dealt with by the NSW courts, including 169 (7.8%) who were found NGMI. Over this period, the rate of non-NGMI homicide convictions fell from 1.83 per 100,000 per annum to 0.65 per 100,000 per annum (Kendall’s tau = −0.79, p ⩽ 0.001) while the rate of NGMI homicide fluctuated, with an average annual rate of about 0.1 per 100,000 per annum (Kendall’s tau = 0.17, p = 0.23). There was no association between the annual rates of NGMI and non-NGMI homicides (Pearson r = −0.3, p = 0.16) but falling rate of non-NGMI homicide meant that the proportion of NGMI offences doubled from 5.5% in the first 12 years to 11% in the second 12 years. Nearly all (88.7%) of those found NGMI had a schizophrenia-related psychosis. However, there were high rates of psychiatric comorbidity including substance use disorder (60.7%) and a history of a prior head injury (41.1%). Most (83.4%) of the NGMI offenders had previous contact with mental health services, but only half of these had received treatment with antipsychotic medication. Conclusion: The fall in conviction for homicide offences in the last 24 years has not been matched by a reduction in NGMI homicide verdicts. More assertive treatment of emerging psychosis and comorbid substance use disorders, and improved continuity of care of chronic psychosis might prevent some homicides.
Evaluating the Effect of Digital Transformation on Improvement of Service Trade in West Africa
Authors: Azu Nnanna P. , Nwauko Philip A. 
Published: August 2021

Digital revolution is instrumental to the wave of globalisation and transformation of the global economy. But the pace of digital transformation and service trade is low in the West African region. This article investigates the effect of digital transformation on the development of service trade in the region. This research captured digitisation in two standpoints: internet penetration rate and mobile subscription rate. The Im-Pesaran-Shin unit-root test affirms that the model is appropriate for panel autoregressive distributed lag estimation method. Adopting pool mean group estimator, the results attest for the existence of cointegrations in the model. The estimations reveal that the effect of digitisation on service trade is a long-run phenomenon. While the result is robust with export, it is not consistent with import. The long-run positive impact of digitisation on service export ranges from 0.087% to 0.159%, depending on the proxy for digitisation. The overall short-run effect is not statistically significant in export and not robust in import. It is reportedly consistent in some countries but not robust with some others. The region needs to rally in adopting and adapting to the new face of technology to improve service trade. JEL Codes: C23, F14, O33
Computer Prompt Software to Reduce Sedentary Behavior and Promote Physical Activity Among Desk-Based Workers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Taylor Wendell C. , Williams Jordan R. , Harris Lauren E. , Shegog Ross 
Published: August 2021

Objective Do computer prompt software programs at the workplace reduce sitting time and/or increase physical activity at work? Background Many products are promoted and being used in the workplace; however, their effectiveness and use are unknown or the evidence base that they work to change behavior is lacking. Method We searched for relevant papers published between 2005 and 2020. The inclusion criteria were computer prompt software programs installed as behavioral change interventions; interventions implemented during work hours and delivered through a work personal computer or laptop; and measures of sedentary behavior and/or physical activity. To minimize risk of bias, three recommended best-evidence synthesis criteria were used: random assignment, sample size, and external validity. Based on these criteria, articles were selected and evaluated. Results Six publications met the quality threshold for review. Seven articles did not meet the quality threshold. Four of the six included publications found that computer prompt software programs decreased sedentary behavior and/or increased physical activity. Two publications reported inconsistent results. Conclusions The promising results from this systematic review indicate that there is potential for computer prompt software programs to improve the health of desk-based workers. For conclusive findings, more high-quality, scientific studies are needed. Application The best-evidence publications in this review can serve as a guide in selecting and implementing computer prompt software programs at the workplace to decrease sedentary behavior and increase physical activity.