bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Randomized open-label study of M7824 versus pembrolizumab as first-line (1L) treatment in patients with PD-L1 expressing advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Authors: Ahn Myung-Ju , Barlesi Fabrice , Felip Enriqueta , Garon Edward B. , Martin Claudio Marcelo , Mok Tony S. K. , Vokes Everett E. , Ojalvo Laureen S. , Koenig Andre , Dussault Isabelle , Paz-Ares Luis G. 
Published: July 2019

TPS127 Background: Transforming growth factor β (TGF- β) promotes tumor progression via immune- and non–immune-related processes. M7824 is an innovative first-in-class bifunctional fusion protein composed of 2 extracellular domains of TGF-βRII (a TGF-β “trap”) fused to a human IgG1 monoclonal antibody against PD-L1. Targeting these independent and complementary pathways may restore and enhance antitumor responses. An expansion cohort of the study of patients with advanced NSCLC (n=80) treated with M7824 in the second-line setting presented at ESMO 2018 showed an objective response rate of 86% in the subgroup with high PD-L1 tumor expression at the recommended phase 2 dose (1200 mg intravenously [IV] every 2 weeks [Q2W]). Observed data support the hypothesis that M7824 may be superior to other PD-(L)1 inhibitors, including pembrolizumab, for the treatment of NSCLC. Based on the promising antitumor activity and manageable safety profile, this study will evaluate M7824 treatment in patients with advanced NSCLC in the 1L setting. Methods: Here we present a global, randomized trial comparing M7824 vs pembrolizumab in the 1L treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC with high PD-L1 expression levels. Patients in this study must have a histologically confirmed diagnosis of advanced NSCLC with high PD-L1 expression on tumor cells (defined as either ≥80% by the Dako 73-10 pharmDx kit or ≥50% by the Dako 22C3 pharmDx kit since both assays are expected to select a similar patient population at their respective cut-offs). ECOG performance status must be 0 or 1. Patients must not have received prior systemic treatment for advanced NSCLC. Patients with tumors with actionable mutations (for which targeted therapy is locally approved) are not eligible. Patients will receive 1200 mg Q2W or pembrolizumab 200 mg Q3W as an IV infusion until confirmed disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or trial withdrawal. Dual primary endpoints are progression-free survival and best overall response; key secondary endpoints include overall survival, duration of response, and safety. Estimated enrollment is 300 patients. Clinical trial information: NCT02517398, NCT03631706 .
Love, Lebanese Style
Authors: Allouche Sabiha 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis article draws on a year of fieldwork conducted in Lebanon to highlight the paradoxical entanglement of power with romantic love in Lebanon, evident in the intricate gendered, aged, classed, and sect-related negotiations that accompany courtship periods. In addition, the article highlights the inclusive and relational qualities that external kin relations conduce. Kin approval ought not be seen as either/or divisive/conditional. For many of the couples interviewed, kin relations constitute an arena in which they can disseminate their affective bond. Such analysis is threefold. In addition to embracing the multiple subjectivity of the interlocutors, it moves beyond the standard political-economic approach that generally informs marriage studies in the Middle East and dismantles monolithic perceptions of Middle Eastern kin networks.
Risk Estimates for Diabetes and Hypertension with Different Physical Activity Methods
Authors: STERNFELD BARBARA , GABRIEL KELLEY PETTEE , JIANG SHENG-FANG , WHITAKER KARA M. , JACOBS DAVID R. , QUESENBERRY CHARLES P. , CARNETHON MERCEDES , SIDNEY STEPHEN 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACT

Purpose
To estimate risks of incident type 2 diabetes (T2D) and stage 2 and greater hypertension associated with self-reported and accelerometer-determined moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) separately and adjusted for each other.

Methods
The sample included 2291 black and white men and women, ages 38–50 yr, in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) fitness study, conducted during the year 20 core CARDIA examination. Accelerometer-determined (Actigraph, LLC. model 7164) MVPA (MVPA-Acc), assessed at year 20, was defined as minutes per day of counts ≥2020 min−1. Self-reported MVPA (MVPA-SR) was assessed at year 20 using the CARDIA Physical Activity History. Incident T2D was ascertained at years 25 and 30 from fasting glucose, 2 h glucose tolerance test, HbA1c, or diabetes medication; incident hypertension was ascertained at those same times from measured blood pressure or use of antihypertensive medications. Modified Poisson regression models estimated relative risk (RR) of incident (years 25 and 30) T2D or hypertension, associated with middle and high tertiles of year 20 MVPA-Acc alone, year 20 MVPA-SR alone, and both, adjusted for each other, relative to bottom tertile.

Results
In men, MVPA-Acc, but not MVPA-SR, was associated with a 37% to 67% decreased risk of incident T2D in a dose–response relation that persisted with adjustment for BMI, Similar associations were observed in women, although the risk reduction was similar in the second and third tertiles, relative to the bottom tertile. In both men and women, MVPA-Acc was marginally associated with reduced risk of incident stage 2 and greater hypertension, but only after adjustment for BMI, whereas MVPA-SR was not associated in either sex.

Conclusions
Accelerometer-determined MVPA may provide more consistent risk estimates for incident diabetes than self-reported MVPA.
Load Carriage and Physical Exertion Influence Cognitive Control in Military Scenarios
Authors: GILES GRACE E. , HASSELQUIST LEIF , CARUSO CHRISTINA M. , EDDY MARIANNA D. 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Physical exertion has both beneficial and detrimental effects on cognitive performance, particularly cognitive control. Research into physical exertion under conditions of load carriage is particularly important given that military personnel and first responders must perform optimally under such combinatorial physical stressors. The present work sought to characterize cognitive control as a function of physical exertion and load carriage in a military operational scenario.

Methods
Thirty-one active-duty soldiers underwent a 4-h operationally relevant and fatiguing scenario that included two 1-h foot marches under load carriage conditions of 8.8, 47.2, 50.7 kg on each of three separate days. During each foot march, they completed five 5-min blocks of an auditory go/no-go task of response inhibition.

Results
Results showed that response inhibition declined with increasing load carriage and physical exertion, as evidenced by lower proportion of correct responses, higher proportion of false alarms, and lower response sensitivity between all three load conditions, particularly upon successive foot marches and time blocks within each foot march.

Conclusions
The results support previous laboratory-based work on load carriage and physical exertion and suggest that deteriorations in cognitive control witnessed in laboratory settings are more pronounced within realistic operational scenarios akin to those encountered by military personnel and first responders.
The World Bank & financing tuberculosis control, 1986-2017
Authors: Rahi Manveer , Fernandes Genevie , Winters Janelle , Sridhar Devi 
Published: July 2019

Background: Tuberculosis is among the leading contributors to global mortality and morbidity from infectious diseases and has had a major socioeconomic cost in recent history. The World Bank is a leading institution for global health governance and financing, but little research has concentrated on the role of the World Bank in global tuberculosis control. Methods: We tracked the development of the World Bank’s policies and associated financial flows for tuberculosis control. First, we performed a scoping review of both published and grey literature. Second, we used the World Bank’s Projects & Operations database to construct a dataset of all World Bank projects with funding allocated to the “Tuberculosis” theme from 1986 to 2017. Finally, we analysed the World Bank’s funding patterns alongside wider funding for tuberculosis using the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation’s Development Assistance for Health database. Results: We identified four periods in the World Bank’s involvement in global tuberculosis control, from the recognition of tuberculosis as a global health issue to the creation of a global coalition against tuberculosis. Between 1986 and 2017 the World Bank undertook 79 projects with financing from its core lending divisions with a tuberculosis control theme or focus. Within the 79 projects, the World Bank committed 19.6% of funding, or $0.9bn, towards tuberculosis control. The World Bank has invested significantly into Direct Observation of Treatment, Short-course chemotherapy (DOTS). After the formation of private-public partnerships against tuberculosis in 2002 such as the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria, the World Bank’s core financing decreased and private-public partnerships provided increasing levels of substitutive financing for tuberculosis control. Conclusions: The World Bank has been pivotal in leading global financing, garnering advocacy and creating widespread coalition in the battle against tuberculosis control in recent decades.
Treating skin graft donor sites: a comparative study between remnant skin use and polyurethane foam
Authors: Ki Sae Hwi , Ma Sung Hwan , Choi Jong Hwan , Sim Seung Hyun , Kim Hyung Muk 
Published: July 2019

Objective: Excess remnant skin is retained for use in additional grafting in case of split-thickness skin graft (STSG) failure. We hypothesise that regrafting with remnant skin offers greater efficacy and advantages in wound healing and donor site appearance. Methods: Skin graft donor sites were assessed by comparing those regrafted with remnant skin with those treated with polyurethane foam dressing. Healing time, pain, patient satisfaction, itching sensation, skin stiffness and irregularity between regrafting and foam dressing were compared. The aesthetic satisfaction of donor site was evaluated by four board-certified plastic surgeons. The differences were tested statistically. Results: A total of 39 patients received a STSG due to skin or soft tissue wounds caused by burn, trauma and cancer reconstruction. The donor site healing time was shorter with remnant skin regrafting compared with foam dressing. There was no difference with respect to donor site pain between the two treatment groups. At two weeks after skin graft, patient satisfaction was higher in those treated with remnant skin than in those treated with foam dressing. Aesthetic assessment was improved after 12 weeks. Conclusion: Donor site dressing using remnant skin appears to improve wound healing and enhance the aesthetic outcome of donor sites.
Correlation of Breath and Blood Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Concentrations and Release Kinetics Following Controlled Administration of Smoked Cannabis
Authors: Lynch Kara L , Luo Y Ruben , Hooshfar Shirin , Yun Cassandra 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Cannabis use results in impaired driving and an increased risk of motor vehicle crashes. Cannabinoid concentrations in blood and other matrices can remain high long after use, prohibiting the differentiation between acute and chronic exposure. Exhaled breath has been proposed as an alternative matrix in which concentrations may more closely correspond to the window of impairment; however, efficient capture and analytically sensitive detection methods are required for measurement.

METHODS
Timed blood and breath samples were collected from 20 volunteers before and after controlled administration of smoked cannabis. Cannabinoid concentrations were measured using LC-MS/MS to determine release kinetics and correlation between the 2 matrices.

RESULTS
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was detected in exhaled breath for all individuals at baseline through 3 h after cannabis use. THC concentrations in breath were highest at the 15-min timepoint (median = 17.8 pg/L) and declined to &lt;5% of this concentration in all participants 3 h after smoking. The decay curve kinetics observed for blood and breath were highly correlated within individuals and across the population.

CONCLUSIONS
THC can be reliably detected throughout the presumed 3-h impairment window following controlled administration of smoked cannabis. The findings support breath THC concentrations as representing a physiological process and are correlated to blood concentrations, albeit with a shorter window of detection.
Immunologic Features of Patients With Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Before and During Sorafenib or Anti-programmed Death-1/Programmed Death-L1 Treatment
Authors: Macek Jilkova Zuzana , Aspord Caroline , Kurma Keerthi , Granon Anouck , Sengel Christian , Sturm Nathalie , Marche Patrice N. , Decaens Thomas 
Published: July 2019

INTRODUCTION:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Today, a promising treatment strategy is focused on the enhancement of antitumor immune responses by immune checkpoint modification. However, as only 20% of patients with HCC are responders, identification of predictive factors is urgently required. Therefore, for the first time, the features of the intrahepatic and circulating immune system in patients with advanced-stage HCC, before and during the treatment, were analyzed.

METHODS:
We collected fresh HCC biopsies, along with adjacent tumor-free liver tissues and peripheral blood samples, from 21 patients with advanced HCC. Furthermore, we performed an extensive immunomonitoring of patients with HCC treated with sorafenib or programmed death (PD)-1/PD-L1 pathway blockade using multiparametric flow cytometry.

RESULTS:
We observed that regardless of the treatment, low baseline intratumoral CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratio was associated with better overall survival (P = 0.0002). The baseline frequency of intratumoral PD-1high CD8+ T cells was significantly lower in patients responding to sorafenib treatment than in the nonresponders (P = 0.0117), and the frequency of circulating PD-1high T cells increased with tumor progression (P = 0.0329). By contrast, responders to PD-1/PD-L1 pathway blockade showed a trend of high baseline frequency of intratumoral PD-1high CD8+ T cells. Moreover, we observed a trend of LAG3 and TIM3 upregulation on circulating T cells in nonresponding patients to PD-1/PD-L1 pathway blockade.

DISCUSSION:
Immunosuppressive state, characterized by an enhanced intratumoral CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratio, was associated with poor prognosis. Additionally, our results suggest that the frequency of intratumoral PD-1high CD8+ T cells may serve as a biomarker to identify which individuals will benefit from which treatment and support the use of combination strategies.
Perform or perish: laboratory optimization to avoid false negative blood cultures in pneumococcal bacteremia
Authors: Eshwara Vandana Kalwaje , Shaw Tushar , Mukim Yasha , Kumar Gauri , Kamath Asha , Mukhopadhyay Chiranjay 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
We present the laboratory operations influencing the culture yield of pneumococci and suggest an alternate solution to the problem. Blood cultures of 136 adults and 19 pediatric patients were analyzed in two phases. In phase I, the laboratory operated only during weekdays but in phase II the laboratory provided 24-h services on all days. In phase I, successful bacterial isolation leading to testing of antimicrobial susceptibility was possible only in 51% of cases, while a significant 49% had failed to grow in subcultures due to autolysis resulting from delayed processing time. These false negative blood cultures were further confirmed as Streptococcus pneumoniae by commercial antigen tests. In phase II, we did not observe any false-negative results due to prompt subculturing protocols (p < 0.001). We also found that taking blood cultures on two occasions increases the yield by 46% among adults.
Rayleigh-Ritz Majorization Error Bounds for the Linear Response Eigenvalue Problem
Authors: Teng Zhongming , Zhong Hong-Xiu 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
In the linear response eigenvalue problem arising from computational quantum chemistry and physics, one needs to compute a few of smallest positive eigenvalues together with the corresponding eigenvectors. For such a task, most of efficient algorithms are based on an important notion that is the so-called pair of deflating subspaces. If a pair of deflating subspaces is at hand, the computed approximated eigenvalues are partial eigenvalues of the linear response eigenvalue problem. In the case the pair of deflating subspaces is not available, only approximate one, in a recent paper [SIAM J. Matrix Anal. Appl., 35(2), pp.765-782, 2014], Zhang, Xue and Li obtained the relationships between the accuracy in eigenvalue approximations and the distances from the exact deflating subspaces to their approximate ones. In this paper, we establish majorization type results for these relationships. From our majorization results, various bounds are readily available to estimate how accurate the approximate eigenvalues based on information on the approximate accuracy of a pair of approximate deflating subspaces. These results will provide theoretical foundations for assessing the relative performance of certain iterative methods in the linear response eigenvalue problem.
Light-emitting metasurfaces
Authors: Vaskin Aleksandr , Kolkowski Radoslaw , Koenderink A. Femius , Staude Isabelle 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Photonic metasurfaces, that is, two-dimensional arrangements of designed plasmonic or dielectric resonant scatterers, have been established as a successful concept for controlling light fields at the nanoscale. While the majority of research so far has concentrated on passive metasurfaces, the direct integration of nanoscale emitters into the metasurface architecture offers unique opportunities ranging from fundamental investigations of complex light-matter interactions to the creation of flat sources of tailored light fields. While the integration of emitters in metasurfaces as well as many fundamental effects occurring in such structures were initially studied in the realm of nanoplasmonics, the field has recently gained significant momentum following the development of Mie-resonant dielectric metasurfaces. Because of their low absorption losses, additional possibilities for emitter integration, and compatibility with semiconductor-based light-emitting devices, all-dielectric systems are promising for highly efficient metasurface light sources. Furthermore, a flurry of new emission phenomena are expected based on their multipolar resonant response. This review reports on the state of the art of light-emitting metasurfaces, covering both plasmonic and all-dielectric systems.
New insights into nonclassical light emission from defects in multi-layer hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Bommer Alexander , Becher Christoph 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
In recent years, mono-layers and multi-layers of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) have been demonstrated as host materials for localized atomic defects that can be used as emitters for ultra-bright, non-classical light. The origin of the emission, however, is still subject to debate. Based on measurements of photon statistics, lifetime and polarization on selected emitters, we find that these atomic defects do not act as pure single photon emitters. Our results strongly and consistently indicate that each zero phonon line of individual emitters comprises two independent electronic transitions. These results give new insights into the nature of the observed emission and hint at a double defect nature of emitters in multi-layer hBN.
Mechanical and wear properties of polyetheretherketone composites filled with basalt fibres
Authors: Zhang Tao , Liu Hongtao , Zhang Dekun , Chen Kai 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Polymers are widely used as replacements for machined metal components in engineering applications. To withstand extreme contact conditions, reinforcing materials are often introduced into polymers to improve their mechanical and wear properties. This paper investigates the applicability of basalt fibres as reinforcing materials to enhance the mechanical and wear properties of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The weight percentage of short basalt fibres in PEEK composites was 0-10% based on the injection moulding method. The mechanical properties and tribological behaviours of the resulting composites were investigated. The results showed that the composites filled with basalt fibres exhibit significant improvements in strength, anti-indentation creep and hardness. Meanwhile, the friction coefficient and wear rate of the composites decreased obviously due to basalt fibres on the top of the worn surface bearing the dynamic load under sliding. The morphology of the worn surface indicates that fibre pull-out and fibre breakage both contribute to energy dissipation. However, the mechanical properties of the composites did not increase linearly with increasing fibre content because of the decreasing bonding force between the fibres and the matrix. These results are significant for the application of PEEK in engineering.
Crystal structure of a new silver(I) coordination polymer assembled from imidazolidine-2-thione (Imt), {[Ag2(Imt)3](NO3)2}
n
Authors: Ahmad Saeed , Seerat-ur-Rehman  , Arshad Muhammad Nadeem , Asiri Abdullah M. , Rüffer Tobias , Choudhary Muhammad Aziz , Isab Anvarhusein A. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
A new polymeric silver(I) complex of imidazolidine-2-thione (Imt), {[Ag2(Imt)3](NO3)2}
n
(1) was prepared and its structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The silver atoms form infinite chains with two Ag − S(Imt) − Ag strands linked to each other by sulfur atoms of μ
4-Imt ligands. Each silver(I) ion is bound to four sulfur atoms of bridging Imt ligands in a distorted tetrahedral environment. The crystal structure is stabilized by hydrogen bonding and weak argentophilic interactions. The hydrogen bonded nitrate ions connect the 1D chains to generate a 2D layer structure.
The Effect of Nano-SiO2, Nano-Al2O3, and Nano-Fe2O3 on the Compressive Strength and Workability of Magnesium Phosphate Cement-Based Mortar
Authors: Feng Hu , Wang Zhenyu , Sheikh M. Neaz , Zhao Xiaocong , Gao Danying , Hadi Muhammad N. S. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) possesses many excellent engineering properties. The applications of MPC as a repair and quick-construction material have received significant research attention in recent years. The effects of nano-silicon dioxide, nano-aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and nano-iron oxide (Fe2O3) on the compressive strength and the fluidity of the MPC-based mortar are experimentally investigated in this study. The micromorphology and composition of the MPC-based mortar with nanoparticles were captured using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. It was found that the addition of the nanoparticles significantly shortened the setting time of MPC and decreased the fluidity of the MPC-based mortar. The addition of the appropriate amount of nano-Fe2O3 and nano-Al2O3 improved the compressive strength of the MPC-based mortar. The optimal replacement ratios of the nano-Fe2O3 and nano-Al2O3 were 2 % and 4 %, respectively. The reaction product of aluminum phosphate x-hydrate (AlPO4 xH2O) was found in the MPC matrix with the addition of nano-Al2O3, which improved the compressive strength of the MPC-based mortar.