bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contrasting contributions of surface hydrological pathways in convection permitting and parameterised climate simulations over Africa and their feedbacks on the atmosphere
Authors: Folwell Sonja S. , Taylor Christopher M. , Stratton Rachel A. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe partitioning of rainfall at the land surface into interception, infiltration and surface runoff plays an important role in the water cycle as it controls the time scale at which water returns to the atmosphere. Rainfall intensity is of crucial importance to this partition. High resolution convection permitting models significantly improve simulated sub-daily rainfall intensity distributions, in particular those associated with convective rainfall in the tropics. Here we compare the land surface hydrological response in a pair of 10-year simulations over an African domain performed using the Met Office Unified Model: a typical configuration using parameterised convection operating at 25 km and the second a high resolution convection permitting simulation at 4.5 km with the parametrized convection switched off. Overall pan-African interception in the convection permitting scheme is 70% lower, whilst surface runoff is 43% higher than the parameterized convection model. These changes are driven by less frequent, but more intense rainfall with a 25% increase in rainfall above 20 mm h−1in the 4.5 km model. The parameterised scheme has a ~ 50% canopy water contribution to evaporative fraction which is negligible in the convection permitting scheme. Conversely, the convection permitting scheme has higher throughfall and infiltration leading to higher soil moisture in the weeks following rain resulting in a 30–50% decrease in the daytime sensible heat flux. We examine how important the sub-grid rainfall parameterisation in the model is for the differences between the two configurations. We show how, switching a convective parameterisation off can substantially impact land surface behaviour.
Semi-analytic semi-numerical analysis of dynamic characteristics of a two-stage coupled series PGT based on IHB and MsP methods
Authors: Wang Xigui , Tang Jie , Wang Yongmei , Ruan Jiafu , An Siyuan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis paper conducts an analytical investigation of the dynamic response characteristics of a two-stage coupled series system (TsCSS) with a planetary gear transmission (PGT), consisting of dual-power branches. An improved incremental harmonic balance (IHB) method, based on the arc length extension technique, is proposed. The results are compared with those of the numerical integration method, in order to verify the feasibility and efficiency of the improved method. Afterwards, the multi-scale perturbation (MsP) method is applied to the proposed TsCSS. The frequency response equations of the primary resonance, subharmonic resonance and superharmonic resonance, are solved in order to generate the frequency response characteristic curves of the planetary transmission system. A comparison between the results obtained by the MsP method and the numerical integration method demonstrates that the former is ideal and credible in most of the regions. Considering the parameters of TsCSS excitation frequency and damping, the nonlinear response characteristics of steady-state motion are mutually converted. The impact of the time-varying parameters and nonlinear deenthing caused by the gear teeth clearance on the amplitude–frequency characteristics of the TsCSS components, is finally studied.
The last year of life for patients dying from cancer vs. non-cancer causes: a retrospective cross-sectional survey of bereaved relatives
Authors: Kasdorf Alina , Dust Gloria , Hamacher Stefanie , Schippel Nicolas , Rietz Christian , Voltz Raymond , Strupp Julia ,   on behalf of CoRe-Net, Pfaff Holger , Albus Christian , Ansmann Lena , Jessen Frank , Karbach Ute , Kuntz Ludwig , Schubert Ingrid , Schulz- Nieswandt Frank , Stock Stephanie 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To compare
health care experiences of patients with cancer or non-cancer diseases in their last year of life.

Methods
A cross-sectional post-bereavement survey was conducted using an adapted German version of the VOICES questionnaire (VOICES-LYOL-Cologne). Differences in the reported experiences were assessed using a two-sided Pearson’s chi-square test and Mann–Whitney U test.

Results
We collected data from 351 bereaved relatives. More than half of non-cancer patients were not informed that their disease could lead to death (p < 0.001). When this was communicated, in 46.7% of non-cancer and 64.5% of cancer patients, it was reported by the hospital doctor (p = 0.050). In all, 66.9% of non-cancer and 41.6% of cancer patients were not informed about death being imminent (p < 0.001). On average, non-cancer patients had significantly fewer transitions and hospital stays in their last year of life (p = 0.014; p = 0.008, respectively). Non-cancer patients were treated more often by general practitioners, and cancer patients were treated more often by specialists (p = 0.002; p = 0.002, respectively). A substantially lower proportion of non-cancer patients were treated by at least one member of or in the setting of general or specialized palliative care (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Non-cancer patients experience disadvantages in communication regarding their care and in access to specialized palliative care in their last year of life compared to cancer patients. Regarding the assessment of palliative care needs and the lack of communication of an incurable disease, non-cancer patients are underserved. An early identification of patients requiring palliative care is a major public health concern and should be addressed irrespective of diagnosis.

Trial registration
Prospectively registered by the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00011925, data of registration: 13.06.2017).
The classification of scoliosis braces developed by SOSORT with SRS, ISPO, and POSNA and approved by ESPRM
Authors: Negrini Stefano , Aulisa Angelo Gabriele , Cerny Pavel , de Mauroy Jean Claude , McAviney Jeb , Mills Andrew , Donzelli Sabrina , Grivas Theodoros B. , Hresko M. Timothy , Kotwicki Tomasz , Labelle Hubert , Marcotte Louise , Matthews Martin , O’Brien Joe , Parent Eric C. , Price Nigel , Manuel Rigo , Stikeleather Luke , Vitale Michael G. , Wong Man Sang , Wood Grant , Wynne James , Zaina Fabio , Bruno Marco Brayda , Würsching Suncica Bulat , Yilgor Caglar , Cahill Patrick , Dema Eugenio , Knott Patrick , Lebel Andrea , Lein Grigorii , Newton Peter O. , Smith Brian G. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Studies have shown that bracing is an effective treatment for patients with idiopathic scoliosis. According to the current classification, almost all braces fall in the thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO) category. Consequently, the generalization of scientific results is either impossible or misleading. This study aims to produce a classification of the brace types.

Methods
Four scientific societies (SOSORT, SRS, ISPO, and POSNA) invited all their members to be part of the study. Six level 1 experts developed the initial classifications. At a consensus meeting with 26 other experts and societies’ officials, thematic analysis and general discussion allowed to define the classification (minimum 80% agreement). The classification was applied to the braces published in the literature and officially approved by the 4 scientific societies and by ESPRM.

Results
The classification is based on the following classificatory items: anatomy (CTLSO, TLSO, LSO), rigidity (very rigid, rigid, elastic), primary corrective plane (frontal, sagittal, transverse, frontal & sagittal, frontal & transverse, sagittal & transverse, three-dimensional), construction—valves (monocot, bivalve, multisegmented), construction—closure (dorsal, lateral, ventral), and primary action (bending, detorsion, elongation, movement, push-up, three points). The experts developed a definition for each item and were able to classify the 15 published braces into nine groups.

Conclusion
The classification is based on the best current expertise (the lowest level of evidence). Experts recognize that this is the first edition and will change with future understanding and research. The broad application of this classification could have value for brace research, education, clinical practice, and growth in this field.
FUSE-ML: development and external validation of a clinical prediction model for mid-term outcomes after lumbar spinal fusion for degenerative disease
Authors: Staartjes Victor E. , Stumpo Vittorio , Ricciardi Luca , Maldaner Nicolai , Eversdijk Hubert A. J. , Vieli Moira , Ciobanu-Caraus Olga , Raco Antonino , Miscusi Massimo , Perna Andrea , Proietti Luca , Lofrese Giorgio , Dughiero Michele , Cultrera Francesco , Nicassio Nicola , An Seong Bae , Ha Yoon , Amelot Aymeric , Alcobendas Irene , Viñuela-Prieto Jose M. , Gandía-González Maria L. , Girod Pierre-Pascal , Lener Sara , Kögl Nikolaus , Abramovic Anto , Safa Nico Akhavan , Laux Christoph J. , Farshad Mazda , O’Riordan Dave , Loibl Markus , Mannion Anne F. , Scerrati Alba , Molliqaj Granit , Tessitore Enrico , Schröder Marc L. , Vandertop W. Peter , Stienen Martin N. , Regli Luca , Serra Carlo 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Indications and outcomes in lumbar spinal fusion for degenerative disease are notoriously heterogenous. Selected subsets of patients show remarkable benefit. However, their objective identification is often difficult. Decision-making may be improved with reliable prediction of long-term outcomes for each individual patient, improving patient selection and avoiding ineffective procedures.

Methods
Clinical prediction models for long-term functional impairment [Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) or Core Outcome Measures Index (COMI)], back pain, and leg pain after lumbar fusion for degenerative disease were developed. Achievement of the minimum clinically important difference at 12 months postoperatively was defined as a reduction from baseline of at least 15 points for ODI, 2.2 points for COMI, or 2 points for pain severity.

Results
Models were developed and integrated into a web-app (https://neurosurgery.shinyapps.io/fuseml/) based on a multinational cohort [N = 817; 42.7% male; mean (SD) age: 61.19 (12.36) years]. At external validation [N = 298; 35.6% male; mean (SD) age: 59.73 (12.64) years], areas under the curves for functional impairment [0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.59–0.74], back pain (0.72, 95%CI: 0.64–0.79), and leg pain (0.64, 95%CI: 0.54–0.73) demonstrated moderate ability to identify patients who are likely to benefit from surgery. Models demonstrated fair calibration of the predicted probabilities.

Conclusions
Outcomes after lumbar spinal fusion for degenerative disease remain difficult to predict. Although assistive clinical prediction models can help in quantifying potential benefits of surgery and the externally validated FUSE-ML tool may aid in individualized risk–benefit estimation, truly impacting clinical practice in the era of “personalized medicine” necessitates more robust tools in this patient population.
Analysis of electromechanical systems based on the absolute nodal coordinate formulation
Authors: Nemov Alexander S. , Matikainen Marko K. , Wang Tengfei , Mikkola Aki 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) approach has been successfully used to analyze bodies undergoing large deformations in multibody dynamics applications. In this study, the ANCF is extended to the analysis of coupled electromechanical systems. To this end, the electrostatic equations are solved by means of conventional plane finite elements, and the ANCF is used to describe the geometrically nonlinear elastic deformation of a thin beam. Bidirectional coupling between electrostatic and elastic domains was introduced using an iterative staggering algorithm. The results illustrate that the ANCF approach can be applied to electromechanical problems when objects are discretized using beam and plate elements. Two numerical examples of microbeams subject to an electrostatic field are used to validate the proposed solution strategy and to reveal characteristic features of fully coupled electromechanical solutions accounting for finite strain theory.
Continual long-term monitoring of methane in wells above the Utica Shale using total dissolved gas pressure probes
Authors: Roy James W. , Bordeleau Geneviève , Rivard Christine , Ryan M. Cathryn , Malet Xavier , Brown Susan J. , Tremblay Vincent 
Published: February 2022

AbstractMonitoring of dissolved methane concentrations in groundwater is required to identify impacts from oil and gas development and to understand temporal variability under background conditions. Currently, long-term (i.e., multiyear) monitoring is performed via periodic groundwater sampling; hence, the data are temporally limited and can suffer from degassing losses in-well and at surface for groundwater with high dissolved gas concentrations. The application of total dissolved gas pressure (PTDG) probes for long-term monitoring of methane-rich groundwater was investigated for >2 years in three monitoring wells in a low-permeability bedrock aquifer above the Utica Shale, Canada. The advantage of these probes is that they allow for continual in situ monitoring. A hydraulic packer was installed in each well, below which PTDG and water pressure were measured every 15 or 30 min. The major dissolved gas species composition, required to calculate methane concentrations from PTDG, was determined from groundwater samples collected approximately bimonthly. Methane was the dominant gas in each well (~80–97%), with relatively consistent composition over time, indicating PTDG provided a reasonable proxy for methane concentrations. All three wells had high PTDG (reaching 53.0 m H2O), with PTDG-derived methane concentrations (34–156 mg/L) much higher (3–12 times) and relatively more stable than determined by conventional groundwater analysis. PTDG monitoring also revealed substantial short-term changes during pumping and between sampling events (up to 4 m H2O), possibly associated with background variability. Limitations and technical remedies are discussed. This study demonstrates that PTDG probes can be a valuable tool for monitoring methane-rich groundwater.
Using two case studies to explore the applicability of VIATRA for the model-driven engineering of mechatronic production systems
Authors: Koltun Gennadiy , Pundel Mathis 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe engineering of mechatronic production systems is complex and requires various disciplines (e.g., systems, mechanical, electrical and software engineers). Model-driven engineering (MDE) supports systems development and the exchange of information based on models and transformations. However, the integration and adoption of different modeling approaches are becoming challenges when it comes to cross-disciplinary work. VIATRA is a long-living enduring and mature modeling framework that offers rich model transformation features to develop MDE applications. This study investigates the extent to which VIATRA can be applied in the engineering of mechatronic production systems. For this purpose, two model transformation case studies are presented: “SysML – AutomationML” and “SysML4Mechatronics – AutomationML.” Both case studies are representative of structural modeling and interdisciplinary data exchange during the development of mechatronic production systems. These case studies are derived from other researchers in the community. A VIATRA software prototype implements these case studies as a batch-oriented transformation and serves as one basis for evaluating VIATRA. To report on our observations and findings, we built on an evaluation framework from the MDE community. This framework considers 14 different characteristics (e.g., maturity, size, execution time, modularity, learnability), according to the Goal-Question-Metric paradigm. To be able to evaluate our findings, we compared VIATRA to ATL. We applied all cases to a lab-size mechatronic production system. We found that, with VIATRA, the same functions for model transformation applications can be achieved as with ATL, which is popular for model transformations in both the MDE and the mechatronic production systems community. VIATRA combines the relational, imperative, and graph-based paradigms and enables the development and execution of model-to-model (M2M) and model-to-text (M2T) transformations. Furthermore, the VIATRA internal DSL is based on Xtend and Java, making VIATRA attractive and intuitive for users with less experience in modeling than in object-oriented programming. Thus, VIATRA leads to an interesting alternative for the model-driven engineering of mechatronic production systems. It has the potential to reduce the complexity during the development of model transformations. To conclude, this paper evaluates the applicability of VIATRA, its strengths and limitations. It provides lessons learned and insights that can stimulate further research in the MDE for mechatronic production systems.
Managers’ expectations, business cycles and cartels’ life cycle
Authors: García Carmen , Borrell Joan Ramon , Ordóñez-de-Haro José Manuel , Jiménez Juan Luis 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe literature presents mixed findings regarding the economic conditions under which cartels form and collapse, and regarding how stable they are across firm-specific and industry-wide business cycles. The relationship between cartel life cycles and business cycles has been insufficiently analyzed to date. In this paper, we study in depth whether collusion is pro-cyclical or counter-cyclical. We analyze the relationship between cartel start-ups/break ups and economic cycles using a dataset of sanctioned cartels by the European Commission (EC) that were active between 1997 and 2018, after the leniency program had already been introduced. We also double check whether this relationship has changed with respect to the pre-leniency period from 1991 to 1996. Our results show that cartels are more likely to be formed when the business has evolved positively in the previous months, and cartels are less likely to collapse when the business has evolved positively, and managers expect prices to decline. The EC’s sanctioning activity has been an effective deterrent and has had a destabilizing effect on cartels. However we found no evidence that managers’ expectations on prices affect cartel formation. All these results are an important issue for anti-cartel policy enforcement since knowing when cartels are more prone or less likely to occur would help authorities prevent their formation or their early detection.
A Variational Framework for the Thermomechanics of Gradient-Extended Dissipative Solids – with Applications to Diffusion, Damage and Plasticity
Authors: Teichtmeister S. , Keip M.-A. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe paper presents a versatile framework for solids which undergo nonisothermal processes with irreversibly changing microstructure at large strains. It outlines rate-type and incremental variational principles for the full thermomechanical coupling in gradient-extended dissipative materials. It is shown that these principles yield as Euler equations essentially the macro- and micro-balances as well as the energy equation. Starting point is the incorporation of the entropy and entropy rate as canonical arguments into constitutive energy and dissipation functions, which additionally depend on the gradient-extended mechanical state and its rate, respectively. By means of (generalized) Legendre transformations, extended variational principles with thermal as well as mechanical driving forces can be constructed. On the thermal side, a rigorous distinction between the quantity conjugate to the entropy and the quantity conjugate to the entropy rate is essential here. Formulations with mechanical driving forces are especially suitable when considering possibly temperature-dependent threshold mechanisms. With regard to variationally consistent incrementations, we suggest an update scheme which renders the exact form of the intrinsic dissipation and is highly suitable when considering adiabatic processes. It is shown that this proposed numerical algorithm has the structure of an operator split. To underline the broad applicability of the proposed framework, we set up three model problems as applications: Cahn-Hilliard diffusion coupled with temperature evolution, where we propose a new variational principle in terms of the species flux vector, as well as thermomechanics of gradient damage and gradient plasticity. In a numerical example we study the formation of a cross shear band.
Dose-dependent effect of cyclophosphamide treatment on actin
Authors: Lőrinczy Dénes , Szatmári Dávid 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe actin is the essential unit protein of cytoskeleton and muscle sarcomeres. The continuous management of filaments is the key machinery of eukaryotic cytoskeletal plasticity which based on the different complexes with divalent cations (Ca2+ or Mg2+) and nucleotides (ATP, ADP). Any structural modification of nucleotide-binding sites in G actin can bind ATP or ADP under different cation conditions and can initialize the remodelling of the cleft and change the stiffness of two main domains. The evolutionary important nucleotide-binding cleft as a bridge between the two domains needs more investigation to can express its importance in the development of actin functions. The cyclophosphamide (CP) is a cytostatic drug applied in chemotherapy it can alkylate the long residues in the ATP binding sites thus change the structure of the binding cleft. Our previous study explained that the actin filaments show less sensitivity to the CP treatment than monomers. Here we investigate the CP dose-response effect on the thermodynamic stability of actin monomers and polymers in the presence of Ca2+ or Mg2+ to know the minimum effective concentration for the interpretation of any relevant dosage at level of tissues. The previously expressed “titled state” EM model of filamentous actin based on the same structural change of monomers as we found here where the domains react to any modification with taking apart sd4 from sd2 results in a more exposed nucleotide-binding cleft.