bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal lensing: outside of the lasing medium
Authors: Dobek Krzysztof 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe thermal lens formed in a thermo-optical material as a result of its inhomogeneous heating, is a well-known phenomenon that has found widespread interest in the last decades, especially in the field of laser engineering and photo-thermal spectroscopy. In recent years, growing interest in the application of thermal lensing in different fields of optics and material studies has been observed. This review summarizes the latest efforts made by the scientific community to develop ways of using the phenomenon of thermal lensing. Its applications in spectroscopy, in laser beam formation and in imaging are described. The advantages and disadvantages of the thermal lensing in regard to these areas along with the potential future applications of the phenomenon are discussed.
Implicit implementation of the nonlocal operator method: an open source code
Authors: Zhang Yongzheng , Ren Huilong 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn this paper, we present an open-source code for the first-order and higher-order nonlocal operator method (NOM) including a detailed description of the implementation. The NOM is based on so-called support, dual-support, nonlocal operators, and an operate energy functional ensuring stability. The nonlocal operator is a generalization of the conventional differential operators. Combined with the method of weighed residuals and variational principles, NOM establishes the residual and tangent stiffness matrix of operate energy functional through some simple matrix without the need of shape functions as in other classical computational methods such as FEM. NOM only requires the definition of the energy drastically simplifying its implementation. The implementation in this paper is focused on linear elastic solids for sake of conciseness through the NOM can handle more complex nonlinear problems. The NOM can be very flexible and efficient to solve partial differential equations (PDEs), it’s also quite easy for readers to use the NOM and extend it to solve other complicated physical phenomena described by one or a set of PDEs. Finally, we present some classical benchmark problems including the classical cantilever beam and plate-with-a-hole problem, and we also make an extension of this method to solve complicated problems including phase-field fracture modeling and gradient elasticity material.
The Predictability of Ocean Environments that Contributed to the 2020/21 Extreme Cold Events in China: 2020/21 La Niña and 2020 Arctic Sea Ice Loss
Authors: Zheng Fei , Liu Ji-Ping , Fang Xiang-Hui , Song Mi-Rong , Yang Chao-Yuan , Yuan Yuan , Li Ke-Xin , Wang Ji , Zhu Jiang 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSeveral consecutive extreme cold events impacted China during the first half of winter 2020/21, breaking the low-temperature records in many cities. How to make accurate climate predictions of extreme cold events is still an urgent issue. The synergistic effect of the warm Arctic and cold tropical Pacific has been demonstrated to intensify the intrusions of cold air from polar regions into middle-high latitudes, further influencing the cold conditions in China. However, climate models failed to predict these two ocean environments at expected lead times. Most seasonal climate forecasts only predicted the 2020/21 La Niña after the signal had already become apparent and significantly underestimated the observed Arctic sea ice loss in autumn 2020 with a 1–2 month advancement. In this work, the corresponding physical factors that may help improve the accuracy of seasonal climate predictions are further explored. For the 2020/21 La Niña prediction, through sensitivity experiments involving different atmospheric–oceanic initial conditions, the predominant southeasterly wind anomalies over the equatorial Pacific in spring of 2020 are diagnosed to play an irreplaceable role in triggering this cold event. A reasonable inclusion of atmospheric surface winds into the initialization will help the model predict La Niña development from the early spring of 2020. For predicting the Arctic sea ice loss in autumn 2020, an anomalously cyclonic circulation from the central Arctic Ocean predicted by the model, which swept abnormally hot air over Siberia into the Arctic Ocean, is recognized as an important contributor to successfully predicting the minimum Arctic sea ice extent.
The Variability of Air-sea O2 Flux in CMIP6: Implications for Estimating Terrestrial and Oceanic Carbon Sinks
Authors: Li Changyu , Huang Jianping , Ding Lei , Ren Yu , An Linli , Liu Xiaoyue , Huang Jiping 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe measurement of atmospheric O2 concentrations and related oxygen budget have been used to estimate terrestrial and oceanic carbon uptake. However, a discrepancy remains in assessments of O2 exchange between ocean and atmosphere (i.e. air-sea O2 flux), which is one of the major contributors to uncertainties in the O2-based estimations of the carbon uptake. Here, we explore the variability of air-sea O2 flux with the use of outputs from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6). The simulated air-sea O2 flux exhibits an obvious warming-induced upward trend (∼1.49 Tmol yr−2) since the mid-1980s, accompanied by a strong decadal variability dominated by oceanic climate modes. We subsequently revise the O2-based carbon uptakes in response to this changing air-sea O2 flux. Our results show that, for the 1990–2000 period, the averaged net ocean and land sinks are 2.10±0.43 and 1.14±0.52 GtC yr−1 respectively, overall consistent with estimates derived by the Global Carbon Project (GCP). An enhanced carbon uptake is found in both land and ocean after year 2000, reflecting the modification of carbon cycle under human activities. Results derived from CMIP5 simulations also investigated in the study allow for comparisons from which we can see the vital importance of oxygen dataset on carbon uptake estimations.
Do non-pathogenic variants of DNA mismatch repair genes modify neurofibroma load in neurofibromatosis type 1?
Authors: Harder Anja 
Published: January 2022

AbstractNon-pathogenic mismatch repair (MMR) gene variants can be associated with decreased MMR capacity in several settings. Due to an increased mutation rate, reduced MMR capacity leads to accumulation of somatic sequence changes in tumour suppressor genes such as in the neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) gene. Patients with autosomal dominant NF1 typically develop neurofibromas ranging from single to thousands. Concerning the number of neurofibromas NF1 patients face a situation that is still not predictable. A few studies suggested that germline non-pathogenic MMR gene variants modify the number of neurofibromas in NF1 and by this mechanism may promote the extent of neurofibroma manifestation. This review represents first evidence that specific non-pathogenic single nucleotide variants of MMR genes act as a modifier of neurofibroma manifestation in NF1, highlighting MSH2 re4987188 as the best analysed non-pathogenic variant so far. In summary, besides MSH2 promotor methylation, specific non-pathogenic germline MSH2 variants are associated with the extent of neurofibroma manifestation. Those variants can serve as a biomarker to facilitate better mentoring of NF1 patients at risk.
Pyrroloquinoline quinone ameliorates diabetic cardiomyopathy by inhibiting the pyroptosis signaling pathway in C57BL/6 mice and AC16 cells
Authors: Qu Xue-feng , Zhai Bing-zhong , Hu Wen-li , Lou Min-han , Chen Yi-hao , Liu Yi-feng , Chen Jian-guo , Mei Song , You Zhen-qiang , Liu Zhen , Zhang Li-jing , Zhang Yong-hui , Wang Yin 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), a common complication of diabetes mellitus and is characterized by myocardial hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), a natural nutrient, exerts strong protection against various myocardial diseases. Pyroptosis, a type of inflammation-related programmed cell death, is vital to the development of DCM. However, the protective effects of PQQ against DCM and the associated mechanisms are not clear. This study aimed to investigate whether PQQ protected against DCM and to determine the underlying molecular mechanism.

Methods
Diabetes was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin, after which the mice were administered PQQ orally (10, 20, or 40 mg/kg body weight/day) for 12 weeks. AC16 human myocardial cells were divided into the following groups and treated accordingly: control (5.5 mmol/L glucose), high glucose (35 mmol/L glucose), and HG + PQQ groups (1 and 10 nmol/L PQQ). Cells were treated for 24 h.

Results
PQQ reduced myocardial hypertrophy and the area of myocardial fibrosis, which was accompanied by an increase in antioxidant function and a decrease in inflammatory cytokine levels. Moreover, myocardial hypertrophy—(ANP and BNP), myocardial fibrosis—(collagen I and TGF-β1), and pyroptosis-related protein levels decreased in the PQQ treatment groups. Furthermore, PQQ abolished mitochondrial dysfunction and the activation of NF-κB/IκB, and decreased NLRP3 inflammation-mediated pyroptosis in AC16 cells under high-glucose conditions.

Conclusion
PQQ improved DCM in diabetic mice by inhibiting NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated cell pyroptosis. Long-term dietary supplementation with PQQ may be greatly beneficial for the treatment of DCM.

Graphical abstract
Diagram of the underlying mechanism of the effects of PQQ on DCM. PQQ inhibits ROS generation and NF-κB activation, which stimulates activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and regulates the expression of caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18. The up-regulated inflammatory cytokines trigger myocardial hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis and promote the pathological process of DCM.
Signature laminar distributions of pathology in frontotemporal lobar degeneration
Authors: Ohm Daniel T. , Cousins Katheryn A. Q. , Xie Sharon X. , Peterson Claire , McMillan Corey T. , Massimo Lauren , Raskovsky Katya , Wolk David A. , Van Deerlin Vivianna M. , Elman Lauren , Spindler Meredith , Deik Andres , Trojanowski John Q. , Lee Edward B. , Grossman Murray , Irwin David J. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractFrontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) with either tau (FTLD-tau) or TDP-43 (FTLD-TDP) inclusions are distinct proteinopathies that frequently cause similar frontotemporal dementia (FTD) clinical syndromes. FTD syndromes often display macroscopic signatures of neurodegeneration at the level of regions and networks, but it is unclear if subregional laminar pathology display patterns unique to proteinopathy or clinical syndrome. We hypothesized that FTLD-tau and FTLD-TDP accumulate pathology in relatively distinct cortical layers independent of clinical syndrome, with greater involvement of lower layers in FTLD-tau. The current study examined 170 patients with either FTLD-tau (n = 73) or FTLD-TDP (n = 97) spanning dementia and motor phenotypes in the FTD spectrum. We digitally measured the percent area occupied by tau and TDP-43 pathology in upper layers (I–III), lower layers (IV–VI), and juxtacortical white matter (WM) from isocortical regions in both hemispheres where available. Linear mixed-effects models compared ratios of upper to lower layer pathology between FTLD groups and investigated relationships with regions, WM pathology, and global cognitive impairment while adjusting for demographics. We found lower ratios of layer pathology in FTLD-tau and higher ratios of layer pathology in FTLD-TDP, reflecting lower layer-predominant tau pathology and upper layer-predominant TDP-43 pathology, respectively (p < 0.001). FTLD-tau displayed lower ratios of layer pathology related to greater WM tau pathology (p = 0.002) and to earlier involved/severe pathology regions (p = 0.007). In contrast, FTLD-TDP displayed higher ratios of layer pathology not related to either WM pathology or regional severity. Greater cognitive impairment was associated with higher ratios of layer pathology in FTLD-tau (p = 0.018), but was not related to ratios of layer pathology in FTLD-TDP. Lower layer-predominant tau pathology and upper layer-predominant TDP-43 pathology are proteinopathy-specific, regardless of clinical syndromes or regional networks that define these syndromes. Thus, patterns of laminar change may provide a useful anatomical framework for investigating how degeneration of select cells and corresponding laminar circuits influence large-scale networks and clinical symptomology in FTLD.
Cancer incidence in a cohort of Swedish merchant seafarers between 1985 and 2011
Authors: Forsell Karl , Björ Ove , Eriksson Helena , Järvholm Bengt , Nilsson Ralph , Andersson Eva 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Lung cancer, mesothelioma and several lifestyle-associated cancer forms have been reported more common in merchant seafarers. However, few studies reflect recent occupational settings and women seafarers are usually too scarce for meaningful analyses. We conducted a study on cancer incidence between 1985 and 2011 in a Swedish cohort consisting of male and female seafarers.

Methods
All seafarers in the Swedish Seafarers’ Register with at least one sea service between 1985 and 2011 and a cumulated sea service time of ≥ 30 days (N = 75,745; 64% men, 36% women; 1,245,691 person-years) were linked to the Swedish Cancer Register and followed-up until 31 December 2011. Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were calculated with the general population as reference.

Results
There were 4159 cancer cases in total, with 3221 among men and 938 among women. Male seafarers had an increased risk of total cancer (SIR 1.05; 95% CI 1.01–1.09), lung cancer (SIR 1.51; 95% CI 1.35–1.67) and urinary bladder cancer (SIR 1.17; 95% CI 1.02–1.33). Several lifestyle-associated cancer forms were more common in men. Previous work on tankers was associated with leukaemia (SIR 1.41; 95% CI 1.00–1.86). The risk of cancer decreased with a start as a male seafarer after 1985, with a significant trend for total cancer (P < 0.001), lung cancer (P = 0.001) and, for tanker seafarers, leukaemia (P = 0.045). Women seafarers had an increased risk of lung cancer (SIR 1.54; 95% CI 1.23–1.87) but the risk of total cancer was not increased (SIR 0.83; 95% CI 0.78–0.89).

Conclusions
In this cohort of merchant Swedish seafarers 1985–2011, the risk of total cancer was increased in men but not in women compared to the general population. Lung cancer was increased in both genders. The risk of cancer seems to decrease over the last decades, but better exposure assessments to occupational carcinogens and longer observation times are needed.
Factors affecting the health-promoting behavior of thyroid cancer survivors: comparison by stage of cancer survivorship
Authors: Park Kyung Ah , Kim Sanghee , Oh Eui Geum , Kim Heejung , Chang Hang-Seok , Kim Soo Hyun 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to identify differences in factors affecting health-promoting behaviors according to the survival stage of thyroid cancer survivors.

Methods
This descriptive cross-sectional study analyzed data from 354 thyroid cancer survivors after diagnosis. The survivors were divided into three stages: (1) the acute stage (< 2 years after diagnosis), (2) extended stage (2–5 years after diagnosis), and (3) permanent stage (≥ 5 years after diagnosis). To measure health-promoting behavior, the revised Korean version of the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile questionnaires was used. The factors affecting the health-promoting behavior included social support, self-efficacy, fear of recurrence, and symptoms. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze factors affecting the health-promoting behavior according to survival stage.

Result
The factors affecting the health-promoting behavior of thyroid cancer survivors differed by survival stage. In the acute stage, the factors of health-promoting behavior were self-efficacy (t = 4.76, p < .001) and social support (t = 3.54, p < .001). In the extended stage, symptoms (t =  − 3.65, p < .001), social support (t = 2.61, p = .011), fear of recurrence (t = 2.18, p = .032), and receipt of radioiodine treatment (t =  − 2.18, p = .032) were found to be significant variables that affected health-promoting behaviors. In the permanent stage, social support (t = 2.79, p = .007), receipt of radioiodine treatment (t =  − 3.21, p = .002), and age (t =  − 2.77, p = .007) were significant variables that affected health-promoting behaviors.

Conclusion
The experience of thyroid cancer survivors varies as they progress through the survival stages; thus, health-promotion interventions should be tailored to each survival stage.
Stir bar sorptive-dispersive microextraction by a poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate)-based magnetic sorbent for the determination of tricyclic antidepressants and their main active metabolites in human urine
Authors: Vállez-Gomis Víctor , Exojo-Trujillo Sara , Benedé Juan L. , Chisvert Alberto , Salvador Amparo 
Published: January 2022

Abstract A poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate)-based magnetic sorbent was used for the rapid and sensitive determination of tricyclic antidepressants and their main active metabolites in human urine. This material was characterized by magnetism measurements, zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms, and thermogravimetric analysis. The proposed analytical method is based on stir bar sorptive-dispersive microextraction (SBSDME) followed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The main parameters involved in the extraction step were optimized by using the response surface methodology as a multivariate optimization method, whereas a univariate approach was employed to study the desorption parameters. Under the optimized conditions, the proposed method was properly validated showing good linearity (at least up to 50 ng mL−1) and enrichment factors (13–22), limits of detection and quantification in the low ng L−1 range (1.4–7.0 ng L−1), and good intra- and inter-day repeatability (relative standard deviations below 15%). Matrix effects were observed for the direct analysis of urine samples, but they were negligible when a 1:1 v/v dilution with deionized water was performed. Finally, the method was successfully applied to human urine samples from three volunteers, one of them consuming a prescribed drug for depression that tested positive for clomipramine and its main active metabolite. Quantitative relative recoveries (80–113%) were obtained by external calibration. The present work expands the applicability of the SBSDME to new analytes and new types of magnetic sorbents.
Graphical abstract
Immediately provisionalized tapered conical connection implants for single-tooth restorations in the maxillary esthetic zone: a 5-year prospective single-cohort multicenter analysis
Authors: Baer Russell A. , Nölken Robert , Colic Snjezana , Heydecke Guido , Mirzakhanian Christine , Behneke Alexandra , Behneke Nikolaus , Gottesman Edward , Ottria Liliana , Pozzi Alessandro , Fügl Alexander , Zechner Werner 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Objectives
This open, single-cohort, multicenter, prospective study investigated the efficacy of immediately provisionalized tapered conical connection implant for single-tooth restorations in the anterior and premolar regions of the maxilla after 5 years of function.

Materials and methods
All implants were placed in healed sites and immediately provisionalized. MBLs, soft-tissue parameters, and oral-health impact profile (OHIP) were evaluated at implant insertion, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 60 months. Paired Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used for statistical and implant survival/success analyses, respectively.

Results
Seventy-seven patients (81 implants) completed the 5-year follow-up. The 5-year cumulative survival and success rates were 97.8%, and the mean MBL change from implant insertion to 5 years was − 0.80 ± 1.13 mm. Optimal papilla index scores were observed at 90.1% of sites at 5 years compared with 32.8% of sites at insertion. Pink esthetic score, modified bleeding and plaque indices, and OHIP showed statistically significant improvement at the 5-year follow-up.

Conclusions
Immediately provisionalized tapered conical connection implants promote marginal bone stability and excellent esthetic outcomes after 5 years of function.

Clinical relevance
This treatment is a viable option for patients requiring immediately provisionalized single-tooth restorations in the esthetic zone and shows favorable long-term clinical outcomes, including marginal bone stability and excellent esthetics.
Computing top-k temporal closeness in temporal networks
Authors: Oettershagen Lutz , Mutzel Petra 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe closeness centrality of a vertex in a classical static graph is the reciprocal of the sum of the distances to all other vertices. However, networks are often dynamic and change over time. Temporal distances take these dynamics into account. In this work, we consider the harmonic temporal closeness with respect to the shortest duration distance. We introduce an efficient algorithm for computing the exact top-ktemporal closeness values and the corresponding vertices. The algorithm can be generalized to the task of computing all closeness values. Furthermore, we derive heuristic modifications that perform well on real-world data sets and drastically reduce the running times. For the case that edge traversal takes an equal amount of time for all edges, we lift two approximation algorithms to the temporal domain. The algorithms approximate the transitive closure of a temporal graph (which is an essential ingredient for the top-kalgorithm) and the temporal closeness for all vertices, respectively, with high probability. We experimentally evaluate all our new approaches on real-world data sets and show that they lead to drastically reduced running times while keeping high quality in many cases. Moreover, we demonstrate that the top-ktemporal and static closeness vertex sets differ quite largely in the considered temporal networks.
Can competition improve hospital quality of care? A difference-in-differences approach to evaluate the effect of increasing quality transparency on hospital quality
Authors: Strumann Christoph , Geissler Alexander , Busse Reinhard , Pross Christoph 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPublic reporting on the quality of care is intended to guide patients to the provider with the highest quality and to stimulate a fair competition on quality. We apply a difference-in-differences design to test whether hospital quality has improved more in markets that are more competitive after the first public release of performance data in Germany in 2008. Panel data from 947 hospitals from 2006 to 2010 are used. Due to the high complexity of the treatment of stroke patients, we approximate general hospital quality by the 30-day risk-adjusted mortality rate for stroke treatment. Market structure is measured (comparatively) by the Herfindahl–Hirschman index (HHI) and by the number of hospitals in the relevant market. Predicted market shares based on exogenous variables only are used to compute the HHI to allow a causal interpretation of the reform effect. A homogenous positive effect of competition on quality of care is found. This effect is mainly driven by the response of non-profit hospitals that have a narrow range of services and private for-profit hospitals with a medium range of services. The results highlight the relevance of outcome transparency to enhance hospital quality competition.