bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab combined with two cycles of chemotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a subanalysis of Asian patients in CheckMate 9LA
Authors: John Thomas , Sakai Hiroshi , Ikeda Satoshi , Cheng Ying , Kasahara Kazuo , Sato Yuki , Nakahara Yoshiro , Takeda Masayuki , Kaneda Hiroyasu , Zhang Helong , Maemondo Makoto , Minato Koichi , Hisada Takeshi , Misumi Yuki , Satouchi Miyako , Hotta Katsuyuki , Li Ang , Oukessou Abderrahim , Lu Shun 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
CheckMate 9LA, a phase 3, randomized, open-label study in first-line advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), showed significantly improved overall survival (OS) with nivolumab plus ipilimumab combined with 2 cycles of chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone (4 cycles). We present results for the Asian subpopulation enrolled in Japan and China.

Methods
Patients aged ≥ 18 years with treatment-naive, histologically confirmed stage IV or recurrent NSCLC, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0–1 and no sensitizing EGFR/ALK mutations were randomized 1:1 to nivolumab [360 mg every 3 weeks (Q3W)] plus ipilimumab (1 mg/kg Q6W) combined with chemotherapy (Q3W for 2 cycles), or chemotherapy alone (Q3W for 4 cycles). Primary endpoint was OS; secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR).

Results
Twenty-eight patients received nivolumab plus ipilimumab combined with chemotherapy and 30 received chemotherapy. At a minimum follow-up of 12.7 months, median OS was not reached with nivolumab plus ipilimumab combined with chemotherapy versus 13.3 months with chemotherapy [hazard ratio (HR) 0.33; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14–0.80]. Median PFS was 8.4 versus 5.4 months (HR 0.47; 95% CI 0.24–0.92) and ORR was 57% versus 23%, respectively. Grade 3–4 treatment-related adverse events were observed in 57% versus 60% of patients, respectively.

Conclusion
Consistent with results in the all randomized population, nivolumab plus ipilimumab combined with chemotherapy improved efficacy in the Asian subpopulation versus chemotherapy alone and had a manageable safety profile, supporting its use as first-line treatment for advanced NSCLC in Asian patients.
Effectiveness of neutralizing antibody cocktail in hemodialysis patients: a case series of 20 patients treated with or without REGN-COV2
Authors: Arikawa Shigehisa , Fukuoka Kazuhito , Nakamoto Keitaro , Kunitomo Rie , Matsuno Yuki , Shimazaki Teppei , Saraya Takeshi , Kawakami Takahisa , Kishimoto Mitsumasa , Komagata Yoshinori , Kurai Daisuke , Ishi Haruyuki , Kaname Shinya 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe number of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection continues to increase, and it has become a global pandemic. Although there is an urgent need to establish an effective treatment, the medication available for dialysis patients has been limited. An antibody cocktail containing two SARS-CoV-2-neutrarizing antibodies, REGN-COV2 has been granted special approval for COVID-19 in Japan, since July 2021, and this intravenous preparation can be used for dialysis patients. At our hospital, we had 22 hemodialysis patients with COVID-19, and five of them were treated with REGN-COV2. On admission, four of the five patients had moderate disease (pneumonia but O2 inhalation) and one patient had mild disease (not having pneumonia). The mean duration of hospitalization treated with REGN-COV2 was 10.2 ± 2.86 days (mean ± SD), which was less than half, compared to patients untreated of similar severity on admission (22.12 ± 15.5). The time to fever resolution was average 7 days, and no cases progressed to severe illness or death. Among these patients, no obvious adverse reactions were shown. Although more studies with a larger number of patients could be needed for a rigorous evaluation of the effect, our result suggests that REGN-COV2 may be safe and having the possibilities in preventing severe disease in hemodialysis patients. Given the difficulty in securing inpatient beds tend to be in short supply, the strategy combined with neutralizing antibody could be beneficial for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients with hemodialysis who are at high risk of severe disease.
Aus Hartz IV wird Bürgergeld — nur alter Wein in neuen Schläuchen?
Authors: Blömer Maximilian , Fuest Clemens , Peichl Andreas 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn this article, we discuss reform elements of “Hartz IV”. This includes, on the one hand, merging unemployment benefits with housing benefits and the additional child benefits (Kinderzuschlag) and, on the other hand, reducing disincentives which prevent the recipients from earning higher incomes. Employment incentives can be improved if the effective marginal transfer withdrawal rate is reduced and, at the same time, the preferential treatment of “mini jobs” is reduced. In addition, the eligibility criteria should be simplified. This could reduce the rate of non-takeup and thus hidden poverty. One criticism of such a reform of Hartz IV is that it would increase the number of transfer recipients. However, this is not an economically sensible outcome in a reform effort. What is important is the disposable income of transfer recipients affected and that the design of the transfer withdrawal does not create lock-in effects.
Perspektiven zum Bürgergeld
Authors: Merkl Christian 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe Hartz IV labour market reform in 2005 triggered a substantial reduction in unemployment in Germany. At the same time, it reduced social welfare for the long-term unemployed and increased uncertainty for the employed. The proposed reform by the new government (“Bürgergeld”) will adjust the German welfare system moderately towards more social insurance. This article argues that the associated negative employment effects can be minimised by requiring appropriate participation from unemployed and by preventing new paths to early retirement. In addition, the article further discusses potential reforms to better reconcile employment incentives and social insurance.
Beim Übergang zum Bürgergeld mutig große Veränderungen wagen
Authors: Herzog-Stein Alexander 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe new German federal government wants to replace the unemployment benefit II (Arbeitslosengeld II) with a so-called citizen’s income (“Bürgergeld”). In doing so, it needs to make major changes. Measures outlined in the coalition agreement indicate that the existing imbalance in the so called support and claim-approach (“Fördern und Fordern”) for the long-term unemployed will be finally readjusted towards supportive policy measures such as training. The reform of the in-work benefit element should aim at supporting sustainable employment subject to social security contributions. However, to live up to its name, the citizen’s income must ensure genuine social participation for those receiving the citizen’s income.
Krisengeprüftes Europa — auf dem Weg zu einer Patchwork-Union?
Authors: Handler Heinz 
Published: February 2022

ZusammenfassungAuf der Grundlage einer unzureichend gefestigten „europäischen Identität“ sah sich die Europäische Union in den vergangenen Jahren etlichen Herausforderungen gegenüber: der Globalisierung, der Finanzkrise, der Migration und dem populistischen Nationalismus, dem Brexit sowie der Coronapandemie. Die negativen Folgen konnten bis zu einem gewissen Grad aufgefangen werden. Die Auswirkungen des Klimawandels werden dies aber wahrscheinlich in den Schatten stellen. Die vorliegende Analyse unterstreicht den Mehrwert der europäischen Integration, dämpft aber auch die Illusionen über die Zukunft der EU. Obwohl die Krisen die Solidarität im Kern der EU gestärkt zu haben scheinen, sind auch die Unterschiede zwischen den Mitgliedstaaten deutlicher geworden. Das Ziel einer vollwertigen politischen Union ist in weite Ferne gerückt, und es lohnt sich daher, nach zweitbesten Lösungen zu suchen, wie etwa einer Form der differenzierten weiteren Integration.
Evidenzbasierte Verbandsarbeit: der erweiterte Ethikkodex des Vereins für Socialpolitik
Authors: Kriwoluzky Alexander , Osikominu Aderonke , Weichselbaumer Doris , Weizsäcker Georg 
Published: February 2022

ZusammenfassungDer neue Ethikkodex des Vereins für Socialpolitik nimmt Stellung gegen die Diskriminierung von Frauen und Minderheiten, sexuelle und anderweitige Belästigung im Arbeitsumfeld sowie das Schaffen eines feindseligen Umfelds. Neuere Untersuchungen zeigen, dass eine Gleichberechtigung von Frauen und Minderheiten in der Volkswirtschaftslehre noch nicht vorliegt. Der erweiterte Ethikkodex ist ein Schritt auf dem Weg zu mehr Chancengleichheit.
Strukturelle Finanzierungssalden auf verlässliche Füße stellen
Authors: Göttert Marcell , Wollmershäuser Timo 
Published: February 2022

ZusammenfassungDerzeit wird in der EU und Deutschland diskutiert, wie die Fiskalregeln zukünftig ausgestaltet sein sollen. Ein Punkt ist dabei die Berechnung des strukturellen Finanzierungssaldos. Fünf Kriterien sind wichtig, die strukturelle Salden erfüllen sollten. Die Revisionen, die sich aus dem bestehenden Produktionsfunktionsansatz ex post ergeben, zeigen die Revisionsproblematik auf. Ein umfragegestützter Ansatz kann diese Problematik deutlich entschärfen.
Biontechs Steuerbooster und seine Nebenwirkungen auf das Finanzgefüge
Authors: Weiß Reinhold , Kanzler Kristof , Fiesel Robert 
Published: February 2022

ZusammenfassungDer Mainzer Impfstoffhersteller Biontech hatte 2021 eine glänzende Geschäftsentwicklung, die zu einem sprunghaften Anstieg der rheinland-pfälzischen Steuereinnahmen geführt hat. Damit gehört das seit jeher finanzschwache Land Rheinland-Pfalz plötzlich zu den finanzstärksten Bundesländern und zählt damit zu den Geberländern im Finanzausgleichssystem. Ein so starker Anstieg der Finanzkraft führt jedoch zu erheblichen fiskalischen Spillover-Effekten, die letztlich zu problematischen Verteilungsergebnissen führen können. Die fiskalischen Folgen der durch Biontech induzierten Steuererhöhung führen speziell für den rheinland-pfälzischen Landeshaushalt zu überraschenden Ergebnissen.
Italiens Bankensystem und die Coronakrise
Authors: Matthes Jürgen 
Published: February 2022

ZusammenfassungDas italienische Bankensystem ist bislang recht gut durch die Coronakrise gekommen. Dazu haben umfangreiche staatliche Hilfsmaßnahmen ebenso beigetragen wie Vorkrisenreformen mit Blick auf Altlasten aus der Euro-Schuldenkrise. Dazu zählen der Abbau notleidender Kredite und der Aufbau von Kapitalpuffern. Doch 2022 könnten Firmeninsolvenzen zur erneuten Belastungsprobe werden, wenn staatliche Kreditgarantien und -moratorien allmählich auslaufen. Risiken liegen für das italienische Bankensystem mittelfristig vor allem in der engen Verflechtung zwischen Staat und Banken. Eine Staatsschuldenkrise droht damit rasch zu einer umfassenden Wirtschaftskrise zu werden.
Demografische Alterung führt zu einem stark sinkenden Erwerbspersonenpotenzial
Authors: Fuchs Johann , Söhnlein Doris , Weber Birgit 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe demographic development in Germany will lead to a declining number of people of working age and thus potentially in the labour force. The age structure is shifting towards older cohorts. The labour force will decline by 16 million workers between 2020 and 2060. However, an increase in the labour force participation of women and elderly people combined with immigration will mitigate the demographic effect. An average net migration of 100,000 persons per year would result in a projected decline in the labour force of 9 million by 2060. An extremely high migration of at least 400,000 persons would allow the potential labour force to remain roughly constant. A sensitivity analysis also looks at the effects that may arise if the participation rates increased even further.
AI-Driven Model for Automatic Emphysema Detection in Low-Dose Computed Tomography Using Disease-Specific Augmentation
Authors: Nagaraj Yeshaswini , Wisselink Hendrik Joost , Rook Mieneke , Cai Jiali , Nagaraj Sunil Belur , Sidorenkov Grigory , Veldhuis Raymond , Oudkerk Matthijs , Vliegenthart Rozemarijn , van Ooijen Peter 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of a disease-specific deep learning (DL) model based on minimum intensity projection (minIP) for automated emphysema detection in low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans. LDCT scans of 240 individuals from a population-based cohort in the Netherlands (ImaLife study, mean age ± SD = 57 ± 6 years) were retrospectively chosen for training and internal validation of the DL model. For independent testing, LDCT scans of 125 individuals from a lung cancer screening cohort in the USA (NLST study, mean age ± SD = 64 ± 5 years) were used. Dichotomous emphysema diagnosis based on radiologists’ annotation was used to develop the model. The automated model included minIP processing (slab thickness range: 1 mm to 11 mm), classification, and detection maps generation. The data-split for the pipeline evaluation involved class-balanced and imbalanced settings. The proposed DL pipeline showed the highest performance (area under receiver operating characteristics curve) for 11 mm slab thickness in both the balanced (ImaLife = 0.90 ± 0.05) and the imbalanced dataset (NLST = 0.77 ± 0.06). For ImaLife subcohort, the variation in minIP slab thickness from 1 to 11 mm increased the DL model’s sensitivity from 75 to 88% and decreased the number of false-negative predictions from 10 to 5. The minIP-based DL model can automatically detect emphysema in LDCTs. The performance of thicker minIP slabs was better than that of thinner slabs. LDCT can be leveraged for emphysema detection by applying disease specific augmentation.
Evaluation of earth rotation parameters from modernized GNSS navigation messages
Authors: Steigenberger Peter , Montenbruck Oliver , Bradke Markus , Ramatschi Markus , Hessels Uwe 
Published: February 2022

AbstractModernized navigation messages of global navigation satellite systems like GPS CNAV include earth rotation parameters (ERPs), namely the pole coordinates and UT1-UTC (∆UT1) as well as their rates. Broadcast ERPs are primarily needed for space-borne GNSS applications that require transformations between earth-fixed and inertial reference frames like navigation in earth orbit as well as to the moon. Based on a global tracking network of 23 stations, broadcast ERP values are obtained for the global systems GPS and BeiDou as well as the regional QZSS and IRNSS. Subsequent data sets at daily intervals show polar motion discontinuities of 0.4 to 0.7 mas for GPS, QZSS, and IRNSS, whereas BDS is worse by a factor of about two. Discontinuities in ∆UT1 range from 0.17 to 0.45 ms. External comparison with the C04 series of the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service results in polar motion RMS differences of 0.3 to 1.0 mas and ∆UT1 differences of about 0.13 ms for GPS, QZSS, and IRNSS. Due to less frequent update intervals, BDS performs worse by a factor of 2 – 4. In view of the current GNSS-based positioning errors at geostationary or even lunar distances, the accuracy of GPS, QZSS, and IRNSS broadcast ERPs is sufficient to support autonomous spacecraft navigation without the need for external data.
Solar photo-oxidation of recalcitrant industrial wastewater: a review
Authors: Tawfik Ahmed , Alalm Mohamed Gar , Awad Hanem M. , Islam Muhammad , Qyyum Muhammad Abdul , Al-Muhtaseb Ala’a H. , Osman Ahmed I. , Lee Moonyong 
Published: February 2022

AbstractConventional methods to clean wastewater actually lead to incomplete treatments, calling for advanced technologies to degrade recalcitrant pollutants. Herein we review solar photo-oxidation to degrade the recalcitrant contaminants in industrial wastewater, with focus on photocatalysts, reactor design and the photo-Fenton process. We discuss limitations due to low visible-light absorption, catalyst collection and reusability, and production of toxic by-products. Photodegradation of refractory organics by solar light is controlled by pH, photocatalyst composition and bandgap, pollutant properties and concentration, irradiation type and intensity, catalyst loading, and the water matrix.
Cohort-specific disability trajectories among older women and men in Europe 2004–2017
Authors: Fors Stefan , Illinca Stefania , Jull Janet , Kadi Selma , P Phillips Susan , Rodrigues Ricardo , Vafaei Afshin , Zolyomi Eszter , Rehnberg Johan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAs the population of Europe grows older, one crucial issue is how the incidence and prevalence of disabilities are developing over time in the older population. In this study, we compare cohort-specific disability trajectories in old age across subsequent birth cohorts in Europe, during the period 2004–2017.We used data from seven waves of data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Mixed effects logistic regression models were used to model trajectories of accumulation of ADL limitations for subsequent birth cohorts of older women and men in different European regions. The results showed that there were sex differences in ADL and IADL limitations in all regions for most cohorts. Women reported more limitations than men, particularly in Eastern and Southern rather than Northern and Western Europe. Among men in Eastern, Northern and Western Europe, later born cohorts reported more disabilities than did earlier born birth cohorts at the same ages. Similar patterns were observed for women in Northern and Western Europe. In contrast, the risk of disabilities was lower in later born cohorts than in earlier born birth cohorts among women in Eastern Europe. Overall, results from this study suggest that disability trajectories in different cohorts of men and women were by and large similar across Europe. The trajectories varied more depending on sex, age and region than depending on cohort.
Perceptions and Practicalities Influencing Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Adherence Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in England
Authors: Arnold-Forster Dora , Horne Robert , Nutland Will , Wayal Sonali , Rayment Michael , Rae Caroline , Desai Monica , Clarke Amanda , Sullivan Ann , McCormack Sheena , Gafos Mitzy 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPrEP is highly effective for HIV prevention but requires adequate adherence. In this paper we use the perceptions and practicalities approach (PAPA) to identify factors that influenced PrEP adherence using qualitative data from the PROUD study. From February 2014 to January 2016, we interviewed 41 gay, bisexual and other men-who-have-sex-with-men and one trans woman who were enrolled in the study. We purposively recruited participants for interview based on trial arm allocation, adherence and sexual risk behaviours. The interviews were conducted in English, audio-recorded, transcribed, coded and analysed using framework analysis. Participants in general were highly motivated to use and adhere to PrEP, and this was linked to strong perceptions of personal necessity for PrEP as they felt at risk of HIV and viewed PrEP as highly effective. On the other hand, concerns about side effects and HIV resistance did inhibit PrEP initiation and adherence although this was uncommon. Practical factors such as daily routine, existing habitual pill-taking and pill storage impacted adherence. Drug and alcohol use rarely caused participants to miss doses. These findings indicate that using the principals of PAPA to unpick influencers of PrEP use, could help tailor adherence support in PrEP programmes.
A methodological framework to relate the earthquake-induced frequency reduction to structural damage in masonry buildings
Authors: Sivori Daniele , Cattari Serena , Lepidi Marco 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe diffusion of seismic structural health monitoring systems, evaluating the dynamic response of engineering structures to earthquakes, is growing significantly among strategic buildings. The increasing availability of valuable vibration data is being backed by continuously evolving techniques for analysing and assessing structural health and damage. Within this framework, the paper proposes a novel model-driven vibration-based methodology to support the assessment of the damage level in masonry buildings hit by earthquakes. The leading idea is to exploit, in the pre-event phase, synthetic equivalent-frame modelling and nonlinear dynamic analyses to systematically relate the gradual reduction of natural frequencies to increasing levels of structural damage. The resulting behavioural chart (seismic chart) of the building, constructed by employing computational tools and robustly defined on a statistical base, may provide the theoretical expectation to ascertain a certain level of seismic damage, based on the decrease in vibration frequency experimentally identified in the post-event phase. The methodology is firstly formalized, integrating common identification techniques with a novel damage grade estimation procedure, and finally exemplified for a monitored strategic masonry building damaged by the 2016–2017 Central Italy earthquake sequence. The outcomes of this application confirm the operational validity of the methodology, which can be intended as effective support for the decision-making process regarding structural usability and safety in the post-earthquake scenario.
Environmental stress determines the colonization and impact of an endophytic fungus on invasive knotweed
Authors: Garnica Sigisfredo , Liao Zhiyong , Hamard Samuel , Waller Frank , Parepa Madalin , Bossdorf Oliver 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThere is increasing evidence that microbes play a key role in some plant invasions. A diverse and widespread but little understood group of plant-associated microbes are the fungal root endophytes of the order Sebacinales. They are associated with exotic populations of invasive knotweed (Reynoutriassp.) in Europe, but their effects on the invaders are unknown. We used the recently isolated Sebacinales root endophyte Serendipita herbamansto experimentally inoculate invasive knotweed and study root colonisation and effects on knotweed growth under different environmental conditions. We verified the inoculation success and fungal colonisation through immunofluorescence microscopy and qPCR. We found thatS. herbamansstrongly colonized invasive knotweed in low-nutrient and shade environments, but much less under drought or benign conditions. At low nutrients, the endophyte had a positive effect on plant growth, whereas the opposite was true under shaded conditions. Our study demonstrates that the root endophyteS. herbamanshas the potential to colonize invasive knotweed fine roots and impact its growth, and it could thus also play a role in natural populations. Our results also show that effects of fungal endophytes on plants can be strongly environment-dependent, and may only be visible under stressful environmental conditions.