bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Renin–angiotensin–system inhibitors and the risk of exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a nationwide registry study
Authors: Vilstrup Frida , Heerfordt Christian Kjer , Kamstrup Peter , Hedsund Caroline , Biering-Sørensen Tor , Sørensen Rikke , Kolekar Shailesh , Hilberg Ole , Pedersen Lars , Lund Thomas Kromann , Klausen Tobias Wirenfeldt , Skaarup Kristoffer Grundtvig , Eklöf Josefin , Sivapalan Pradeesh , Jensen Jens-Ulrik Stæhr 
Published: March 2023

ObjectiveThe renin–angiotensin system (RAS) has been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) because of the inflammatory properties of the system. Many patients with COPD use RAS-inhibiting (RASi) treatment. The aim was to determine the association between treatment with RASi and the risk of acute exacerbations and mortality in patients with severe COPD.MethodsActive comparator analysis by propensity-score matching. Data were collected in Danish national registries, containing complete information on health data, prescriptions, hospital admissions and outpatient clinic visits. Patients with COPD (n=38 862) were matched by propensity score on known predictors of the outcome. One group was exposed to RASi treatment (cases) and the other was exposed to bendroflumethiazide as an active comparator in the primary analysis.ResultsThe use of RASi was associated with a reduced risk of exacerbations or death in the active comparator analysis at 12 months follow-up (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.95). Similar results were evident in a sensitivity analysis of the propensity-score-matched population (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.94) and in an adjusted Cox proportional hazards model (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89 to 0.98).ConclusionIn the current study, we found that the use of RASi treatment was associated with a consistently lower risk of acute exacerbations and death in patients with COPD. Explanations to these findings include real effect, uncontrolled biases, and—less likely—chance findings.
Analysis of PRAME immunocytochemistry in 109 acral malignant melanoma in situ
Authors: Miao Qiu-ju , Zang Jie , Shao Xue-Bao , Sun Jian-fang , Chen Yan-Ping , Chen Hao 
Published: March 2023

AimsPreferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) recently is a reliable immunohistochemistry (IHC) marker for distinguishing melanoma from other lesions. However, there are few articles focused on PRAME use in acral malignant melanoma, the most common type in Asians. This study investigated PRAME IHC expression in a large series of acral malignant melanoma in situ to add to the body of clinical knowledge.MethodsPRAME IHC was performed in unequivocal cases of primary acral lentiginous melanoma in situ (ALMIS), subungual melanoma in situ (SMIS) and acral recurrent nevi as the control. PRAME tumour cell percentage positivity and intensity were expressed as categorised in a cumulative score by adding the quartile of positive tumour cells to intensity labelling. The final IHC expression was interpreted as negative (0–1), weak (2–3), moderate (4–5) or strong (6–7).ResultsIn 91 ALMIS patients, 32 cases (35.16%) were strong, 37 (40.66%) were moderate and 22 (24.18%) were weak. In 18 SMIS patients, strong positivity of PRAME was observed in 4 (22.22%) cases, moderate in 10 (55.56%) and weak in the remaining 4 (22.22%). No melanoma sample was negative for PRAME. By comparison, only 2 of the 40 acral recurrent nevi cases were positive.ConclusionsOur study supports the ancillary value of PRAME for diagnosing ALMIS and SMIS with high sensitivity and specificity.
Association between social activity frequency and overall survival in older people: results from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS)
Authors: Wang Ziqiong , Zheng Yi , Ruan Haiyan , Li Liying , Duan Linjia , He Sen 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundThis study aimed to explore the impact of social activity frequency on mid- and long-term overall survival in older Chinese people.MethodsThe association between social activity frequency and overall survival was analysed in 28 563 subjects from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) cohorts.ResultsA total of 21 161 (74.1%) subjects died during the follow-up of 132 558.6 person-years. Overall, more frequent social activity was associated with longer overall survival. From baseline to 5 years of follow-up, adjusted time ratios (TRs) for overall survival were 1.42 (95% CI 1.21 to 1.66, p<0.001) in the not monthly but sometimes group, 1.48 (95% CI 1.18 to 1.84, p=0.001) in the not weekly but at least once/month group, 2.10 (95% CI 1.63 to 2.69, p<0.001) in the not daily but at least once/week group, and 1.87 (95% CI 1.44 to 2.42, p<0.001) in the almost everyday group versus never group. From 5 years to the end of follow-up, adjusted TRs for overall survival were 1.05 (95% CI 0.74 to 1.50, p=0.766) in the not monthly but sometimes group, 1.64 (95% CI 1.01 to 2.65, p=0.046) in the not weekly but at least once/month group, 1.23 (95% CI 0.73 to 2.07, p=0.434) in the not daily but at least once/week group, and 3.04 (95% CI 1.69 to 5.47, p<0.001) in the almost everyday group versus the never group. Stratified and sensitivity analysis revealed similar results.ConclusionFrequent participation in social activity was significantly associated with prolonged overall survival in older people. However, only participating in social activity almost every day could significantly prolong long-term survival.
Multiple sclerosis mortality in New Zealand: a nationwide prospective study
Authors: Leadbetter Ruth , MacAskill Michael , Myall Daniell J , Taylor Bruce V , Joshi Purwa ,   NZMSPS group, Mason Deborah F 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundMortality data from Europe and North America show a shorter life expectancy for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). It is not known if a similar mortality risk exists in the southern hemisphere. We analysed the mortality outcomes of a comprehensive New Zealand (NZ) MS cohort, 15 years postrecruitment.MethodsAll participants of the nationwide 2006 NZ MS prevalence study were included and mortality outcomes were compared with life table data from the NZ population using classic survival analyses, standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) and excess death rates (EDRs).ResultsOf 2909 MS participants, 844 (29%) were deceased at the end of the 15-year study period. Median survival age for the MS cohort was 79.4 years (78.5, 80.3), compared with 86.6 years (85.5, 87.7) for the age-matched and sex-matched NZ population. The overall SMR was 1.9 (1.8, 2.1)). Symptom onset between 21 and 30 years corresponded to an SMR of 2.8 and a median survival age 9.8 years lower than the NZ population. Progressive-onset disease was associated with a survival gap of 9 years compared with 5.7 years for relapsing onset. The EDR for those diagnosed in 1997–2006 was 3.2 (2.6, 3.9) compared with 7.8 (5.8, 10.3) for those diagnosed between 1967 and 1976.ConclusionsNew Zealanders with MS have a median survival age 7.2 years lower than the general population and twice the mortality risk. The survival gap was greater for progressive-onset disease and for those with an early age of onset.
Regulating flavours and flavour delivery technologies: an analysis of menthol cigarettes and RYO tobacco in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Gendall Philip , Hoek Janet 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionMenthol facilitates smoking initiation among young people, enhances nicotine’s addictiveness and fosters the false belief that menthol products are safer. As a result, several countries have banned use of menthol as a characterising flavour. Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) could disallow menthol-flavoured cigarettes as part of its endgame legislation; however, little is known about the NZ menthol market.MethodsTo examine the NZ menthol market, we analysed tobacco company returns to the Ministry of Health from 2010 to 2021. We calculated the market share of menthol cigarettes as a percentage of total cigarettes released for sale, estimated capsule cigarettes’ market share as a percentage of total cigarette released for sale and menthol released for sale, and calculated menthol roll-your-own (RYO) tobacco released for sale as a percentage of total RYO released.ResultsMenthol brands accounted for a relatively small but nonetheless sizeable proportion of NZ’s tobacco market and in 2021 constituted 13% of NZ’s factory made cigarette market and 7% of the RYO market, representing 161 million cigarettes and 25 tonnes of RYO. The introduction of capsule technologies using menthol flavours corresponded with a rise in menthol sales among factory made cigarettes.ConclusionsCapsule technologies using menthol flavours work synergistically to enhance the appeal of smoking and appear likely to encourage experimentation among non-smoking young people. Comprehensive policy that regulates menthol flavours and innovations used to deliver flavour sensations will support tobacco endgame goals in NZ and could inform policy in other countries.
Effect of thermal radiation on nonDarcy hydromagnetic convective heat and mass transfer flow of a water–SWCNT’s and MWCNT’s nanofluids in a cylindrical annulus with thermo-diffusion and chemical reaction
Authors: Kiran Kumar T. , Srinivasa Rao P. , Shamshuddin MD. 
Published: March 2023

The examined through analysis of the movement of water-based single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) and multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanofluids in a coordinate annulated zone under influence of non-uniform heat source/sink. By imposing the appropriate nondimensional variables, the governing partial differential equations are converted into a system of coupled nondimensional partial differential equations. By means of the usage of quadratic polynomials and the Galerkin finite element detail approach, the nonlinear equations have been executed. The expressions representing fluid velocity, temperature and concentration are discussed graphically. While skin friction, heat transfer and mass transfer are revealed in tabular structure. The proposed scheme is shown to have faster convergence than the existing scheme with excellent accuracy. Various parametric values have been analyzed and observed that higher temperatures and concentrations are produced with lower velocities with and bigger velocities with higher radiative heat flux or nanoparticle volume fraction.
Robust Influence Maximization Under Both Aleatory and Epistemic Uncertainty
Authors: Biswas Tarun Kumer , Abbasi Alireza , Chakrabortty Ripon Kumar 
Published: March 2023

Uncertainty is ubiquitous in almost every real-life optimization problem, which must be effectively managed to get a robust outcome. This is also true for the Influence Maximization (IM) problem, which entails locating a set of influential users within a social network. However, most of the existing IM approaches have overlooked the uncertain factors in finding the optimal solution, which often leads to subpar performance in reality. A few recent studies have considered only the epistemic uncertainty (i.e., arises from the imprecise data), while ignoring completely the aleatory uncertainty (i.e., arises from natural or physical variability). In this article, we propose a formulation and a novel algorithm for the Robust Influence Maximization (RIM) problem under both types of uncertainties. First, we develop a robust influence spread function under aleatory uncertainty that, in contrast to the existing IM theory, is no longer monotone and submodular. Thereafter, we expand our RIM formulation to incorporate epistemic uncertainty aiming to maximize the robust ratio between the selected worst-case solution and the best-case optimal solution, adopting a conservative approach. Furthermore, using a chance-constraint-based method, we investigated feasibility robustness by accounting for the uncertainties related to constraint functions. Finally, an Evolutionary Algorithm (named EA-RIM) is designed to solve the proposed formulation of the RIM problem. Experimental evaluation results on four empirical datasets show that our proposed formulation and algorithm are more effective in dealing with uncertainties and finding an optimal solution for the RIM problem.
The State of the Art of Natural Language Processing—A Systematic Automated Review of NLP Literature Using NLP Techniques
Authors: Sawicki Jan , Ganzha Maria , Paprzycki Marcin 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACT
Nowadays, natural language processing (NLP) is one of the most popular areas of, broadly understood, artificial intelligence. Therefore, every day, new research contributions are posted, for instance, to the arXiv repository. Hence, it is rather difficult to capture the current “state of the field” and thus, to enter it. This brought the id-art NLP techniques to analyse the NLP-focused literature. As a result, (1) meta-level knowledge, concerning the current state of NLP has been captured, and (2) a guide to use of basic NLP tools is provided. It should be noted that all the tools and the dataset described in this contribution are publicly available. Furthermore, the originality of this review lies in its full automation. This allows easy reproducibility and continuation and updating of this research in the future as new researches emerge in the field of NLP.
Metacognition and Causal Inference in Audiovisual Speech
Authors: Kimmet Faith , Pedersen Samantha , Cardenas Victoria , Rubiera Camila , Johnson Grey , Sans Addison , Baldwin Matthew , Odegaard Brian 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
In multisensory environments, our brains perform causal inference to estimate which sources produce specific sensory signals. Decades of research have revealed the dynamics which underlie this process of causal inference for multisensory (audiovisual) signals, including how temporal, spatial, and semantic relationships between stimuli influence the brain’s decision about whether to integrate or segregate. However, presently, very little is known about the relationship between metacognition and multisensory integration, and the characteristics of perceptual confidence for audiovisual signals. In this investigation, we ask two questions about the relationship between metacognition and multisensory causal inference: are observers’ confidence ratings for judgments about Congruent, McGurk, and Rarely Integrated speech similar, or different? And do confidence judgments distinguish between these three scenarios when the perceived syllable is identical? To answer these questions, 92 online participants completed experiments where on each trial, participants reported which syllable they perceived, and rated confidence in their judgment. Results from Experiment 1 showed that confidence ratings were quite similar across Congruent speech, McGurk speech, and Rarely Integrated speech. In Experiment 2, when the perceived syllable for congruent and McGurk videos was matched, confidence scores were higher for congruent stimuli compared to McGurk stimuli. In Experiment 3, when the perceived syllable was matched between McGurk and Rarely Integrated stimuli, confidence judgments were similar between the two conditions. Together, these results provide evidence of the capacities and limitations of metacognition’s ability to distinguish between different sources of multisensory information.
Hyperoxia is associated with a greater risk for mortality in critically ill traumatic brain injury patients than in critically ill trauma patients without brain injury
Authors: Douin David J , Dylla Layne , Anderson Erin L , Rice John D , Jackson Conner L , Bebarta Vikhyat S , Neumann Robert T , Schauer Steven G , Ginde Adit A 
Published: March 2023

Objective: The role of hyperoxia in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains controversial. The objective of this study was to determine the association between hyperoxia and mortality in critically ill TBI patients compared to critically ill trauma patients without TBI. Design: Secondary analysis of a multicenter retrospective cohort study. Setting: Three regional trauma centers in Colorado, USA, between October 1, 2015, and June 30, 2018. Patients: We included 3464 critically injured adults who were admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) within 24 h of arrival and qualified for inclusion into the state trauma registry. We analyzed all available SpO2 values during the first seven ICU days. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of time spent in hyperoxia (defined as SpO2 > 96%) and ventilator-free days. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: In-hospital mortality occurred in 163 patients (10.7%) in the TBI group and 101 patients (5.2%) in the non-TBI group. After adjusting for ICU length of stay, TBI patients spent a significantly greater amount of time in hyperoxia versus non-TBI patients ( p = 0.024). TBI status significantly modified the effect of hyperoxia on mortality. At each specific SpO2 level, the risk of mortality increases with increasing FiO2 for both patients with and without TBI. This trend was more pronounced at lower FiO2 and higher SpO2 values, where a greater number of patient observations were obtained. Among patients who required invasive mechanical ventilation, TBI patients required significantly more days of ventilation to day 28 than non-TBI patients. Conclusions: Critically ill trauma patients with a TBI spend a greater proportion of time in hyperoxia compared to those without a TBI. TBI status significantly modified the effect of hyperoxia on mortality. Prospective clinical trials are needed to better assess a possible causal relationship.
MassMIND: Massachusetts Maritime INfrared Dataset
Authors: Nirgudkar Shailesh , DeFilippo Michael , Sacarny Michael , Benjamin Michael , Robinette Paul 
Published: March 2023

Recent advances in deep learning technology have triggered radical progress in the autonomy of ground vehicles. Marine coastal Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs) that are regularly used for surveillance, monitoring, and other routine tasks can benefit from this autonomy. Long haul deep sea transportation activities are additional opportunities. These two use cases present very different terrains—the first being coastal waters—with many obstacles, structures, and human presence while the latter is mostly devoid of such obstacles. Variations in environmental conditions are common to both terrains. Robust labeled datasets mapping such terrains are crucial in improving the situational awareness that can drive autonomy. However, there are only limited such maritime datasets available and these primarily consist of optical images. Although, long wave infrared (LWIR) is a strong complement to the optical spectrum that helps in extreme light conditions, a labeled public dataset with LWIR images does not currently exist. In this paper, we fill this gap by presenting a labeled dataset of over 2900 LWIR segmented images captured in coastal maritime environment over a period of 2 years. The images are labeled using instance segmentation and classified into seven categories—sky, water, obstacle, living obstacle, bridge, self, and background. We also evaluate this dataset across three deep learning architectures (UNet, PSPNet, DeepLabv3) and provide detailed analysis of its efficacy. While the dataset focuses on the coastal terrain, it can equally help deep sea use cases. Such terrain would have less traffic, and the classifier trained on cluttered environment would be able to handle sparse scenes effectively. We share this dataset with the research community with the hope that it spurs new scene understanding capabilities in the maritime environment.
A Randomized Controlled Trial using Brief Educational Messages Directed to Adults with Intellectual Disability and Hypertension or their Helpers Reduces Hospital Stays
Authors: Zhang Wanfang , McDermott Suzanne , Salzberg Deborah C. , Hollis NaTasha D. , Hardin James 
Published: March 2023

Purpose We assessed an educational intervention to reduce the number of emergency department (ED) and inpatient stays for cardiovascular diagnoses, among South Carolina adult Medicaid Members with intellectual and developmental disability and hypertension (Members). Design This Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) included Members or the person who helped them with their medications (Helpers). Participants, who included Members and/or their Helpers, were randomly assigned to an Intervention or Control group. Setting South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, which administers Medicaid, identified eligible Members. Sample 412 Medicaid Members - 214 Intervention (54 Members participating directly; 160 Helpers participating in lieu of Members) who received the messages about hypertension and surveys about knowledge and behavior and 198 Controls (62 Members; 136 Helpers) who only received surveys of knowledge and behavior. Intervention Educational intervention about hypertension included a flyer and monthly text or phone messages for one year. Measures Input measures - characteristics of the Members; Outcome measures - hospital emergency department (ED) and inpatient visits for cardiovascular conditions. Analysis Quantile regression tested the association of Intervention/Control group status with ED and inpatient visits. We also estimated models using Zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) models for sensitivity analysis. Results Participants in the Intervention group with highest baseline hospital use (top 20% ED; top 15% Inpatient) had significant reductions in Year 1 (.57 fewer ED and 2 fewer inpatient days) compared to the Control group. For ED visits, improvement continued in year two. Conclusion The intervention reduced the frequency of cardiovascular disease-related ED visits and Inpatient days for participants in the Intervention group in the highest quantiles of hospital use, and the improvement was better for those who had a Helper.
Carboxyl-functionalized nanocellulose/sulfonated poly(aryl ether ether ketone ketone) composites for proton exchange membrane by electrospinning
Authors: Guo Xiaohui , Yang Xue , Liu Wanli , Zheng Shuai , Wang Yuanrui , Hu Wei , Liu Baijun 
Published: March 2023

A novel nanocomposite proton-exchange membrane (PEM) was obtained by combined electrospinning and solution casting of a composite solution of sulfophenylated poly(ether ether ketone ketone) (SP-PEEKK) and maleic anhydride modified nanocellulose (MN). SP-PEEKK was prepared by polymerization between phenyl hydroquinone and 1,4-bis(4-fluorobenzoyl)benzene followed by post-sulfonation. Nanocellulose (NCC) was prepared by the acid treatment of MCC with sulfuric acid, and MN with carboxyl group was obtained by modifying NCC with maleic anhydride. PEMs with 2% MN (MN2) showed a water uptake of 28% at 100°C, which was higher than that of MN0 (with 0% MN content). MN2 possessed a high tensile strength of 48.7 MPa, Young’s modulus of 1.3 GPa, and elongation at break of 34%, which was 54%, 21%, and 16% higher than those of MN0, respectively. Thus, the ordered distributed of MN was illustrated to be the effective reinforcing material for SP-PEEKK membranes because of the strong interface between the hydroxyl group of rigid MN and the sulfonic acid group of SP-PEEKK. MN2 also had a substantially higher proton conductivity of 0.09 S cm−1 at 90°C than MN0 (0.037 S cm−1). Therefore, combined electrospinning and solution casting was found to be a promising choice to improve the proton conductivity of nanocomposite PEMs, as promoted by the three-dimensional hydrogen bond-proton-transport network formed by the well-oriented MN in SPEEKK produced by the electrospinning.