bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short-term air pollution exposure and exacerbation events in mild to moderate COPD: a case-crossover study within the CanCOLD cohort
Authors: Ross Bryan A , Doiron Dany , Benedetti Andrea , Aaron Shawn D , Chapman Kenneth , Hernandez Paul , Maltais François , Marciniuk Darcy , O'Donnell Denis E , Sin Don D , Walker Brandie L , Tan Wan , Bourbeau Jean 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundInfections are considered as leading causes of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Non-infectious risk factors such as short-term air pollution exposure may play a clinically important role. We sought to estimate the relationship between short-term air pollutant exposure and exacerbations in Canadian adults living with mild to moderate COPD.MethodsIn this case-crossover study, exacerbations (‘symptom based’: ≥48 hours of dyspnoea/sputum volume/purulence; ‘event based’: ‘symptom based’ plus requiring antibiotics/corticosteroids or healthcare use) were collected prospectively from 449 participants with spirometry-confirmed COPD within the Canadian Cohort Obstructive Lung Disease. Daily nitrogen dioxide (NO2), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ground-level ozone (O3), composite of NO2and O3(Ox), mean temperature and relative humidity estimates were obtained from national databases. Time-stratified sampling of hazard and control periods on day ‘0’ (day-of-event) and Lags (‘−1’ to ‘−6’) were compared by fitting generalised estimating equation models. All data were dichotomised into ‘warm’ (May–October) and ‘cool’ (November–April) seasons. ORs and 95% CIs were estimated per IQR increase in pollutant concentrations.ResultsIncreased warm season ambient concentration of NO2was associated with symptom-based exacerbations on Lag−3 (1.14 (1.01 to 1.29), per IQR), and increased cool season ambient PM2.5was associated with symptom-based exacerbations on Lag−1 (1.11 (1.03 to 1.20), per IQR). There was a negative association between warm season ambient O3and symptom-based events on Lag−3 (0.73 (0.52 to 1.00), per IQR).ConclusionsShort-term ambient NO2and PM2.5exposure were associated with increased odds of exacerbations in Canadians with mild to moderate COPD, further heightening the awareness of non-infectious triggers of COPD exacerbations.
Conserved quantities in STEGR and applications
Authors: Emtsova E. D. , Petrov A. N. , Toporensky A. V. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractWe derive conservation laws in Symmetric Teleparallel Equivalent of General Relativity (STEGR) with direct application of Noether’s theorem. This approach allows us to construct covariant conserved currents, corresponding superpotentials and invariant charges. A necessary component of our constructions is the concept of “turning off” gravity, introduced in the framework of STEGR to define the flat and torsionless connection. By calculating currents, one can obtain local characteristics of gravitational field like energy density. Surface integration of superpotentials gives charges which correspond to global quantities of the system like mass, momentum, etc. To test our results for the obtained currents and superpotentials, we calculate the energy density measured by freely falling observer in the simple solutions (Friedman universe, Schwartzchild black hole) and total mass of the Schwartzchild black hole. We find ambiguities in obtaining the connection, which explicitly affect the values of conserved quantities, and discuss possible solutions to this problem.
Inflation driven by non-linear electrodynamics
Authors: Benaoum H. B. , Leon Genly , Övgün A. , Quevedo H. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractWe investigate the inflation driven by a nonlinear electromagnetic field based on an NLED lagrangian density $${\mathscr {L}}_{\text {nled}} = - {F} f \left( {F} \right) $$

L
nled

=
-
F
f

F

, where $$f \left( {F}\right) $$

f

F

is a general function depending on F. We first formulate an f-NLED cosmological model with a more general function $$f \left( {F}\right) $$

f

F

and show that all NLED models can be expressed in this framework; then, we investigate in detail two interesting examples of the function $$f \left( {F}\right) $$

f

F

. We present our phenomenological model based on a new Lagrangian for NLED. Solutions to the field equations with the physical properties of the cosmological parameters are obtained. We show that the early Universe had no Big-Bang singularity, which accelerated in the past. We also investigate the qualitative implications of NLED by studying the inflationary parameters, like the slow-roll parameters, spectral index $$n_s$$

n
s

, and tensor-to-scalar ratio r, and compare our results with observational data. Detailed phase-space analysis of our NLED cosmological model is performed with and without matter source. As a first approach, we consider the motion of a particle of unit mass in an effective potential. Our systems correspond to fast-slow systems for physical values of the electromagnetic field and the energy densities at the end of inflation. We analyze a complementary system using Hubble-normalized variables to investigate the cosmological evolution before the matter-dominated Universe.
Classifying topology of consistent thermodynamics of the four-dimensional neutral Lorentzian NUT-charged spacetimes
Authors: Wu Di 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn this paper, via employing the uniformly modified form of the generalized off-shell Helmholtz free energy, we investigate the topological numbers for the four-dimensional neutral Lorentzian Taub–NUT, Taub–NUT–AdS and Kerr–NUT spacetimes, and find that these solutions can also be classified into one of three types of those well-known black hole solutions, which implies that these spacetimes should be viewed as generic black holes from the viewpoint of the thermodynamic topological approach.
Segmentation of tumor region in respiratory disease by extended algorithm
Authors: Khorshidi Abdollah 
Published: May 2023

Introduction: The expansion of pulmonary tumors and their alterations take place in a dynamic manner, so that vigorous segmentation of the obtained images is accurately required. Methods: In this research, an extended algorithm in region growing was executed on CT lung tumors to investigate precise tumor region and edges. First, a new threshold via definition of greater target region around the initial tumor was implemented in MATLAB software. Second, nearby points were settled in an array and then these points were updated established upon the tumor growth to delineate the fresh tumor edges. Here, farthest distance from the center of color intensity point of the initial tumor was selected to grow the region in the algorithm. Third, fresh tumor boundary was determined via an interpolation between these fresh points by sketching lines from the tumor midpoint. Then, the edge correction was implemented and the fresh region was attached to the principal region to attain a segmented tumor exterior. Results: The proposed technique enhanced the tumor recognition by 96% and 91% maximum and minimum accuracy, respectively, in comparison with basilar method. In inclusive algorithm, the percentage of conformity had a positive effect on realization of the threshold value and renewal of the relative amount by 13% enhancement over accuracy assessment. Also when compared to basilar algorithm, it was found that at least 12% of the percentage differences in conformity segment the tumor area in lung CT images. The proposed algorithm with sufficient accuracy accelerates the segmentation process to delineate and improve the tumor edges by growing multiple selected regions. The algorithm also guarantees the independence of the results from the starting point. Conclusion: According to the definition of the center of mass of the tumor color intensity, the proposed extended algorithm may be generalized to the 3D images regardless of the matrix size and the image thickness. The combination of techniques such as machine learning is expected to improve segmentation accuracy for different types of nodule and tumor CT images. Implications for practice: Proposed extended algorithm with sufficient accuracy accelerates the segmentation process to delineate and improve the tumor edges by growing multiple selected regions.
Pluralistic Unity
Authors: Wei Xiaoshi 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
This essay examines the term duoyuan yiti, ‘pluralistic unity’, in cultural and artistic contexts in China and its use in everyday speech in the form of cultural metaphors. It briefly introduces the history of this term and provides examples of its use in political speech, academic writing and grassroots communication. The article also analyses discourses, phrases and ideas that have been constructed around duoyuan yiti, noting their profound impact on social life in China, particularly in its ‘minority’ regions. The article seeks to fill in the gap between, on the one hand, research into the term in Chinese in line with China’s official views and, on the other hand, policy-focused critical approaches in English-language academic writing. Through examining a cluster of derivative terms and slogans, I illustrate how, in public discourse, ‘diversity’ is performed and articulated as subsidiary to ‘unity’ in contemporary China.
Ping’an jiating in Rural Southern Xinjiang
Authors: Seher Tenha 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
In official discourse in China, keywords highlight the main ideas in a text, point to specific regulations or policies then being implemented in a region, and often serve as mobilising slogans. They also carry implicit meanings and functions, and these affect people’s daily lives in different ways. This paper explores the meanings and impacts of the keyword ping’an jiating (平安家庭) – peaceful, safe household – when written on a plaque or label affixed to village homes in rural southern Xinjiang. It discusses ways in which those meanings differ for the residents of those homes and for the grassroots officials who assign the labels. It discusses how the ping’an jiating concept is related to stability maintenance, and how the award of a ping’an jiating label to a household can function as a form of political currency for that household, signalling that an awardee is trusted by local officials or, if political conditions change, the opposite.
Evidence for the Influence of the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation on the Semiannual Oscillation in the Tropical Middle Atmosphere
Authors: Smith Anne K. , Gray Lesley J. , Garcia Rolando R. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The semiannual oscillation (SAO) in zonally averaged zonal winds develops just above the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) and dominates the seasonal variability in the tropical upper stratosphere and lower mesosphere. The magnitude, seasonality, and latitudinal structure of the SAO vary with the phase of the QBO. There is also an annual oscillation (AO) whose magnitude at the equator is smaller than those of the SAO and QBO but not negligible. This work presents the relation between the SAO, QBO, AO, and time-mean wind in the tropical upper stratosphere and lower mesosphere using winds derived from satellite geopotential height observations. The winds are generally more westerly during the easterly phase of the QBO. The SAO extends to lower altitudes during periods where the QBO is characterized by deep easterly winds. The differences in the SAO associated with the QBO are roughly confined to the latitudes where the QBO has appreciable amplitude, suggesting that the mechanism is controlled by vertical coupling. The westerly phases of the SAO and AO show downward propagation with time. This analysis suggests that forcing by dissipation of waves with westerly momentum is responsible for the westerly acceleration of both the SAO and AO. The timing and structure of the easterly phases of the SAO and AO near the stratopause are consistent with the response to meridional advection of momentum across the equator during solstices; it is not apparent that local wave processes play important roles in the easterly phases in the region of the stratopause.
Boundary Layer Energetics of Rapid Wind and Wave Forced Mixing Events
Authors: Skyllingstad Eric D. , Samelson Roger M. , Simmons Harper , Laurent Lou S. , Merrifield Sophia , Klenz Thilo , Centurioni Luca 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The observed development of deep mixed layers and the dependence of intense, deep-mixing events on wind and wave conditions are studied using an ocean LES model with and without an imposed Stokes-drift wave forcing. Model results are compared to glider measurements of the ocean vertical temperature, salinity, and turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) dissipation rate structure collected in the Icelandic Basin. Observed wind stress reached 0.8 N m−2 with significant wave height of 4–6 m, while boundary layer depths reached 180 m. We find that wave forcing, via the commonly used Stokes drift vortex force parameterization, is crucial for accurate prediction of boundary layer depth as characterized by measured and predicted TKE dissipation rate profiles. Analysis of the boundary layer kinetic energy (KE) budget using a modified total Lagrangian-mean energy equation, derived for the wave-averaged Boussinesq equations by requiring that the rotational inertial terms vanish identically as in the standard energy budget without Stokes forcing, suggests that wind work should be calculated using both the surface current and surface Stokes drift. A large percentage of total wind energy is transferred to model TKE via regular and Stokes drift shear production and dissipated. However, resonance by clockwise rotation of the winds can greatly enhance the generation of inertial current mean KE (MKE). Without resonance, TKE production is about 5 times greater than MKE generation, whereas with resonance this ratio decreases to roughly 2. The results have implications for the problem of estimating the global kinetic energy budget of the ocean.
Observing Tropical Cyclone Morphology Using RADARSAT-2 and Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar Images
Authors: Moore Torres Jessie C. , Jackson Christopher R. , Ruff Tyler W. , Helfrich Sean R. , Romeiser Roland 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Since the 1960s, meteorological satellites have been able to monitor tropical cyclones and typhoons. Their images have been acquired by passive remote sensing instruments that operate in the visible and infrared bands, where they only display the cloud-top structure of tropical cyclones and make it a challenge to study the air–sea interaction near the sea surface. On the other hand, active remote sensors, such as spaceborne microwave scatterometers and synthetic aperture radars (SARs), can “see” through clouds and facilitate observations of the air–sea interaction processes. However, SAR acquires images and provides the wind field at a much higher resolution, where the eye of a tropical cyclone at surface level can be identified. The backscattered signals received by the SAR can be processed into a high-resolution image and calibrated to represent the normalized radar cross section (NRCS) of the sea surface. In this study, 33 RADARSAT-2 and 102 Sentinel-1 SAR images of Atlantic and Indian Ocean tropical cyclones and Pacific typhoons from 2016 to 2021, which display eye structure, have been statistically analyzed with ancillary tropical cyclone intensity information. To measure the size of the eye, a 34-kt (∼17 m s−1) contour is defined around it and the amount and size of pixels within the eye is utilized to provide its area in square kilometers. Additionally, an azimuthal wavenumber for each shape of the eye was assigned. Results showed that eye areas increase with decreasing wind speed and increasing wavenumber and demonstrate that SAR-derived data are useful for studying tropical cyclones at the air–sea interface and provide results of these behaviors closely to data derived from best track archives.
Understanding the Geographic Distribution of Diverticulitis Hospitalizations in Washington State
Authors: Stovall Stephanie L. , Johnson Meredith P. , Evans Ethan T. , Kaplan Jennifer A. , Law Joanna K. , Moonka Ravi , Bahnson Henry T. , Simianu Vlad V. 
Published: May 2023

Background The incidence of diverticulitis in the United States is increasing, and hospitalization remains a surrogate for disease severity. State-level characterization of diverticulitis hospitalization is necessary to better understand the distribution of disease burden and target interventions. Methods A retrospective cohort of diverticulitis hospitalizations from 2008 through 2019 was created using Washington State’s Comprehensive Hospital Abstract Reporting System. Hospitalizations were stratified by acuity, presence of complicated diverticulitis, and surgical intervention using ICD diagnosis and procedure codes. Patterns of regionalization were characterized by hospital case burden and distance travelled by patients. Results During the study period, 56,508 diverticulitis hospitalizations occurred across 100 hospitals. Most hospitalizations were emergent (77.2%). Of these, 17.5% were for complicated diverticulitis, and 6.6% required surgery. No single hospital received more than 5% (n = 235) of average annual hospitalizations. Surgeons operated in 26.5% of total hospitalizations (13.9% of emergent hospitalizations, and 69.2% of elective hospitalizations). Operations for complicated disease made up 40% of emergent surgery and 28.7% of elective surgery. Most patients traveled fewer than 20 miles for hospitalization, regardless of acuity (84% for emergent hospitalization and 77.5% for elective hospitalization). Discussion Hospitalizations for diverticulitis are primarily emergent, nonoperative, and broadly distributed across Washington State. Hospitalization and surgery occur close to patients’ homes, regardless of acuity. This decentralization needs to be considered if improvement initiatives and research in diverticulitis are to have meaningful, population-level impact .
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Trauma Population in a Level 1 Trauma Center
Authors: Michael Javier A. , Roberts Morgan E. , Haiflich Andrew N. , Boyer Edwin , Capasso Thomas J. , Butts Charles C. , Bright Andrew C. , Kinnard Christopher M. , Simmons Jon D. , Williams Ashley Y. , Lee Yannlei L. , Polite Nathan M. , Mbaka Maryann I. 
Published: May 2023

In this study, we evaluated the effects of the pandemic on our trauma population. We performed a retrospective review of the trauma registry in the 2 years prior, and then 2 years during the pandemic. We evaluated age, race, gender, injury severity score (ISS), mechanism of trauma, rate of self-inflicted injury, rate of gunshot wounds (GSW), presence of EtOH, drug screen results, mortality, rate of burn traumas, and zip code of residence. Our query captured 5 054 patients before, and 5 731 during the pandemic. We found no statistical difference in age, gender, mechanism of trauma, rate of self-inflicted injuries, and mortality during the pandemic when compared to before. There were statistically significant differences in race, ISS, rate of GSWs, EtOH use, drug screen results, and burn traumas. Geospatial mapping found a rise in GSWs for zip code 36606. Gun violence and substance use rose in our trauma population during COVID-19.
An Unusual Variant of Anomalous Pancreaticobiliary Junction
Authors: Worth Samantha , Millard Jessica , Jacobs David , Jones Wesley 
Published: May 2023

A 27-year-old previously healthy African American female presented to the Emergency Department with an acute onset of epigastric abdominal pain and nausea. Laboratory studies proved unremarkable. CT scan demonstrated intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary ductal dilation with possible stones within the common bile duct. The patient was discharged with a surgery follow-up appointment. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiography was performed 3 weeks later due to concern for choledocholithiasis. The intraoperative cholangiogram showed multiple abnormalities, concerning for an infectious or inflammatory process. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) demonstrated a suspected anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction and cystic lesion near the pancreatic head. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for cholangioscopy showed normal-appearing pancreaticobiliary mucosa with 3 tributaries directly from the pancreas entering the bile duct and an ansa orientation to the pancreatic duct. Biopsies of the mucosa were benign. Annual MRCP and MRI to assess for findings concerning for neoplasm given the anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction were recommended.
Understanding of nutrition information on food labels among higher income adults in India
Authors: Mediratta Srishti , Mathur Pulkit 
Published: May 2023

Objectives: This study assessed food label reading habits and understanding of nutrition information on food labels by higher income adults in India. Design: It involved a cross-sectional study using non-probability purposive sampling. Setting: Data were collected by mixed methods approach between March 2019 and February 2020. Adults were selected from housing colonies in four geographical zones of Delhi, India. Method: A total of 589 adults (20–40 years) belonging to upper middle-income and high-income groups were selected. Associations between gender, family income, age, marital status, and label reading habits were assessed using Chi-square tests. Demographic predictors of food label reading habits were identified using binary logistic regression with a level of significance set at p < .05. Results: Participants read the food labels (79%) and noticed the nutrient claims (76%) on food labels. Female participants were more likely to understand nutrition information as compared with male participants (odds ratio [OR] = 1.52, p = .04). Female participants were also more likely to notice the nutrient claims on the packet of food products (OR = 1.99, p < .01) as compared with male participants. The majority of participants found the ‘traffic light scheme’ format easy to understand. Conclusion: Consumers look for nutrition information on food labels. They value healthier food alternatives but most are unable to decipher the nutrition labels. Food labels should communicate the healthfulness of products in a straightforward manner to enable better food choices.
Hospital Nurses’ Experiences of Providing Care for Muslim Patients in the United States
Authors: Alfar Zainab A. 
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Understanding a patient’s culture is imperative to providing holistic patient care. The purpose of the study is to describe and explore the lived experiences of non-Muslim hospital-employed registered nurses providing care for Muslim patients in the United States. Method: This study used a qualitative exploratory research design based on semi-structured interviews utilizing Husserlian phenomenology. A snowball technique was used to recruit the participants. Results: Ten nurses who cared for hospitalized Muslim patients were interviewed and three major themes emerged from the participants’ narratives: Nurse–Patient Relationship, Nurses’ Knowledge and Western Health Care Systems, and Family Influence. Discussion: Muslim patients have cultural expectations and differences that may not be anticipated by nurses, which affects nurses’ experiences when providing care. As the Muslim population continues to grow in the United States, there is a need for increased education on culturally congruent care to assure the highest quality of nursing care.