bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enriching the GIScience research agenda: Fusing augmented reality and location‐based social networks
Authors: Liu Chengbi , Fuhrmann Sven
Published: June 2018

Augmented reality (AR) overlays real‐world views or scenes with virtual, computer‐generated objects that appear to visually coexist in the same space. Location‐based social networks (LBSNs) are platforms for individuals to be connected through the interdependency derived from their physical locations and their location‐tagged social media content. Current research and development in both areas focuses on integrating mobile‐based AR and LBSNs. Several applications (e.g., Sekai Camera and Wallame) have been developed and commercialized successfully. However, little research has been done on the potential impacts and successful evaluation methods of AR‐integrated LBSNs in the GIScience field. To close this gap, the article outlines the impacts and benefits of AR‐integrated LBSNs and highlights the importance of LBSNs in GIScience research. Based on the status quo of AR‐integrated LBSNs, this article discusses—from theoretical and application‐oriented perspectives—how AR‐integrated LBSNs could enrich the GIScience research agenda in three aspects: data conflation, platial GIS, and multimedia storytelling. The article concludes with guidelines on visualization, functionality, and ethics that aim to help users develop and evaluate AR‐integrated LBSNs.
The global financial crisis and the mutual fund flow–performance relationship
Authors: Wang Yuchen , Watson John , Wickramanayake Jayasinghe
Published: June 2018

Existing research shows mutual fund flow is highly correlated with past performance in an asymmetric way, namely flow–performance convexity. Fund managers pursue incentives to manipulate fund characteristics to invoke future fund inflows. Given this body of evidence, how has the global financial crisis impacted on fund volatility and fee structures with respect to the flow–performance relationship? Using data for the period 1999 to 2011 (disaggregated into three sample periods) for US mutual equity funds, empirical analysis in this study shows mutual funds adopt a low‐risk strategy resulting in the greatest flow–performance sensitivity. An incremental dampening effect is observed on flow–performance convexity due to increasing riskiness of portfolios, more significant in the GFC period. In addition, the results indicate that pure operating expense weakens the flow–performance sensitivity, especially in the post‐GFC period. Advertising effects trigger greater investor response to past performance, particularly throughout the GFC. It is also documented that front‐end load is not a statistically significant in determining the flow–performance relationship; nevertheless, back‐end load on average dampens investor response to past performance, and this dampening impact is more evident in the post‐GFC period.
Analysis of Restricted-Speed Accidents Using Fault Tree Analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhipeng , Liu Xiang , Bian Zheyong
Published: June 2018

Restricted speed is the speed that permits stopping within one-half the range of vision, normally not exceeding 20 miles per hour. The occurrences of some severe accidents at restricted speeds have highlighted the importance of safety improvements in restricted-speed operations. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has identified restricted-speed violations as a common rule compliance problem. Nevertheless, little prior research has been conducted on the analysis of train operations and safety risk under restricted speeds. This paper used Fault Tree Analysis to explore scenarios for restricted-speed operations to identify failure paths that lead to train accidents. Understanding restricted-speed train accident causal chains and corresponding structural representations of relevant contributory precursors can contribute to more accurate estimation of restricted-speed risk. Four recent restricted-speed accidents were studied based on the information from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FRA. This study may serve as a reference leading to the further development of quantitative risk assessment and the evaluation of risk mitigation strategies for restricted-speed operations.
Analysis of Service Condition and Influence of Metro Brake System Based on Stream Data Processing Method
Authors: Zuo Jianyong , Zhao Tiefeng , Wang Bingzheng , Ding Jingxian , Zuo Lei
Published: June 2018

To illustrate the metro braking performance more appropriately and comprehensively, and to explore the dynamic braking process more accurately, the consistency analysis was used in this paper, which is used for the first time in the metro brake field. Based on the stream data, several characteristic values (braking pressure setting time, maximum braking pressure and stability value of braking pressure, i.e.) were extracted to represent the dynamic process. Under similar braking conditions, such as the similar applied pressure, speed and brake level, etc., the performance of brake system is similar and stable in certain extent. The dynamic data model has been developed in this paper. Large data mining based statistics was used to analyze braking performance and the dynamic prediction during a braking cycle was provided. Investigation presented in this paper contributes to the efforts in the direction of metro braking systems performance and evaluation of service condition. The dynamic evaluation based on the stream data has been proved to provide a new way to explore the influence of metro braking system so that it is reasonable to analyze the service condition of metro brake system. Based on the LabVIEW platform, the system for analyzing stream data was built. Based on stream data, using the characteristic and statistics method, this paper provides a way to describe the service condition. The result enriches the evaluation criteria of metro service condition.
Manage Successful Brownfield Applications
Authors: Sun Jian , Blostic Kevin
Published: June 2018

This paper provides a unique perspective on successful brownfield railroad applications. It presents realistic challenges and solutions when applying a turnkey solution with a replacement or an overlay system. Brownfield commissioning takes place when an existing infrastructure is to upgrade to a new system with a different technology than the incumbent one. As signaling systems are getting more and more complex, it is extremely important to maintain robustness in the system design as well as project execution, such as logistics, documentation, and issue reporting. Many transportation authorities are moving from their current train control signaling system to a new system to combat obsolescence issues, to gain better system capacity, and to lower operation and maintenance costs. This paper discusses brownfield commissioning in general, and also presents specific cases in migration from a track circuit interlocking system to a Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) system. These two systems have distinct characteristics that provide opportunities of coexistence, but also introduce difficulties in mixed-mode operations.
A Detour-Based Pricing Mechanism for First-Mile Ridesharing in Connection With Rail Public Transit
Authors: Bian Zheyong , Liu Xiang
Published: June 2018

Rail public transit provides passengers with low cost, widely covered, environment-friendly travel service. However, many travelers do not choose the rail public transit because they are hindered by the first mile bottleneck — how to get to the train station. Ridesharing emerges as a viable transportation mode in connection with rail public transit. This paper designs a detour-based discounting mechanism for the first-mile ridesharing service to encourage more passengers to use the rail public transit. Specifically, passengers are incentivized by the mechanism to participate in the first-mile ridesharing service in connection with train stations. The mechanism accounts for passengers’ personalized requirement on the detour in determining the optimal vehicle-passenger matching, vehicle routing plan, and the pricing scheme. The New Brunswick train station (a New Jersey Transit station) is selected as the testbed to implement the proposed first-mile ridesharing mechanism. The results verify the application viability of the mechanism and demonstrate that the mechanism is effective to incentivize passengers to use the rail public transit.
Reliable Detection of Security Camera Misalignment in Urban Rail Environments
Authors: Hoentsch Johannes , Scholz Sven
Published: June 2018

Cameras are substantial elements to provide security to passengers in public spaces, e.g. in urban subway environments. Automated image processing algorithms are used more and more often to analyze the cameras’ video streams. However, misaligned cameras may produce serious problems by either generating false alarms or even being blind due to a shifted field of view. This paper presents two simple, real-time, and straight-forward software methods to detect camera movement and also allow for an adjustable tolerance, i.e. small changes are acceptable. The first approach shifts a reference edge (from a master image) along a convenient path; the second method uses distance measuring to detect a critical camera movement. Both methods are tested on real-world video from a subway environment. Since the algorithms are proposed for application in a railway environment with typically high requirements on operational robustness and reliability, special emphasis is put on constraints and limitations of the presented algorithms.
On the Effects of the USP on the Lateral Resistance of Ballasted Railway Tracks
Authors: Pucillo Giovanni Pio , De Iorio Antonio , Rossi Stefano , Testa Mario
Published: June 2018

From the advent of high-speed (HS) railways and with increasing traffic-induced loads transmitted to the superstructure, maintenance costs due to track geometry degradation have become a crucial problem for researchers and railway administrations. Moreover, the operations of ballast renewal, track tamping, and track re-alignment, that are indispensable to guarantee a good track geometry, have dramatic effects on the tie-ballast lateral resistance, which in turn reduce the track flexural strength in the lateral plane and increase the proneness of railway tracks made of continuous welded rails (CWR) to experience either progressive lateral shift of the track panel or thermal track buckling phenomena. To restore proper values of the tie-ballast lateral resistance, railway technicians either impose a speed reduction or compact the ballast bed mechanically by mean of the dynamic track stabilizing machines.

Recently, elastic elements in railway tracks are receiving more and more attention due to their ability to reduce track geometry degradation and to attenuate noise and vibrations. Under Tie Pads, or Under Sleeper Pads (USP), guarantee better homogenization of the track vertical stiffness and have received more attention due to their ability to reduce maintenance costs. Most published studies focused their attention to USPs’ attitude to improve track performances in terms of dynamic impact force mitigation and track quality improvement; however, with few exceptions, no available literature exists on lateral resistance of ballasted track with USP, and some question still remains whether or not the lateral resistance is improved by USP.

In this study, the experimental results of about 40 lateral resistance tests carried out in situ are reported and discussed. The tests were performed with the Discrete Cut Panel Pull Test (DCPPT) technique on three type of concrete ties, with and without USP; each type of tie and the related track conditions (ballast thickness, subgrade thickness and composition, shoulder width, ballast wall, etc.) were representative of specific track conditions, namely traditional tracks, high-speed lines and gallery. The tests were carried out in loaded and unloaded track conditions, in compacted and just-laid track conditions.

In compacted ballast conditions the peak lateral resistance due to USPs can increase up to 20% — depending on the material used — and this variation is almost constant in the bedding modulus range considered in this study, which was quite well representative of typical static bedding modulus values of actual USPs. Even higher advantages seem to be achievable with softer USPs in weak or just-tamped ballast conditions.
Impact of Hysteresis Heating of Railroad Bearing Thermoplastic Elastomer Suspension Pad on Railroad Bearing Thermal Management
Authors: Rodriguez Oscar O. , Fuentes Arturo A. , Tarawneh Constantine
Published: June 2018

It is a known fact that polymers and all other materials develop hysteresis heating due to the viscoelastic response or internal friction. The hysteresis or phase lag occurs when cyclic loading is applied leading to the dissipation of mechanical energy. The hysteresis heating is induced by the internal heat generation of the material, which occurs at the molecular level as it is being disturbed cyclically. Understanding the hysteresis heating of the railroad bearing elastomer suspension element during operation is essential to predict its dynamic response and structural integrity, as well as to predict the thermal behavior of the railroad bearing assembly. The main purpose of this ongoing study is to investigate the effect of the internal heat generation in the thermoplastic elastomer suspension element on the thermal behavior of the railroad bearing assembly. This paper presents an experimentally validated finite element thermal model that can be used to obtain temperature distribution maps of complete bearing assemblies in service conditions. The commercial software package ALGOR 20.3™ is used to conduct the thermal finite element analysis. Different internal heating scenarios are simulated with the purpose of determining the bearing suspension element and bearing assembly temperature distributions during normal and abnormal operation conditions. Preliminary results show that a combination of the ambient temperature, bearing temperature, and frequency of loading can produce elastomer pad temperature increases above ambient of up to 125°C when no thermal runway is present. The higher temperature increase occurs at higher loading frequencies such as 50 Hz, thus, allowing the internal heat generation to significantly impact the temperature distribution of the suspension pad. This paper provides several thermal maps depicting normal and abnormal operation conditions and discusses the overall thermal management of the railroad bearing assembly.
Evaluation of Standard and Real Fire Exposures to Predict the Temperature Response of a Railcar Floor Assembly
Authors: Kapahi Anil , McKinnon Mark , Rippe Christian , Lattimer Brian
Published: June 2018

Current standards such as NFPA 130 [1] require railcar floor assemblies to achieve a fire resistance rating according to ASTM E119 [2] by exposing the assemblies to a prescribed 30 minute time-temperature curve using a furnace. Though the ASTM E119 is a standard test procedure, it does not represent a real fire scenario which can have temporal and spatial varying exposure. This work developed a computational framework to evaluate and compare standard fire exposures such as ASTM E119 to real fire exposures to determine the difference in the temperature rise of a railcar floor assembly. The dimensions of the assembly used in this work consisted of the entire width of the railcar ∼3.0 m (10 ft) and a length of 3.7 m (12 ft) as described in NFPA 130. The real fire exposures simulated in this work have been identified in a review [3] of incidents involving fire exposures to railcars in the US and internationally over the past 50 years. The fire exposures consisted of a continuously fed diesel fuel spill, a localized trash fire, and a gasoline spill simulated from a collision of the railcar with an automobile. These realistic fire exposures were applied to a floor assembly model in Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) [4] which also included the undercarriage equipment to better capture the fire dynamics. The thermal exposure at the underside of railcar assembly was extracted using the heat transfer coefficient and the adiabatic surface temperature provided by FDS. These spatial-temporal exposures were coupled with a detailed railcar floor assembly finite element (FE) model in ABAQUS [5] to analyze the thermal behavior of the assembly. The thermal model in ABAQUS provided the evolution of temperature in different components of floor assembly consisting of a structural frame, insulation, and a composite floor. The standard scenarios were simulated for two hours instead of the typical 30 minutes to identify the appropriate exposure duration which can better represent a real fire scenario.
TriMet MAX Energy Storage Substation: Updates on Commissioning, Optimization and Operating Experience
Authors: Pham Kinh D. , Looijenga Kai , Wallis Gene , Heilig Thomas , Ramirez Xavier
Published: June 2018

This paper provides an update to the 2015 paper titled “A New Energy Storage Substation for the Portland to Milwaukie Light Rail (PMLR) Extension” [4] presented at the 2015 JRC in San Jose.

The energy storage substation (ESS) with super-capacitor technology manufactured by Siemens was installed in place of a utility-connected substation at the Tacoma substation location to capture the energy generated by braking light rail vehicles and store it in the ESS energy savings mode and feed it back to the traction power supply during vehicle acceleration. In voltage stabilization mode, the ESS will enable the rail system to maintain voltage system stability by ensuring the system voltage to remain within the required voltage ranges and prevent system disruptions due to low system voltage conditions.

In the Fall 2015, the Tacoma ESS went into service as part of the PMLR Orange Line light rail extension. This paper presents the design concepts for the unit, briefly discusses installation and testing, and focuses on the optimization process, operating experience, energy savings and reliability. TriMet operates a fleet of 145 light rail vehicles on its 60 mile network. Approximately 75% of the energy regenerated during braking is captured and re-used, saving an estimated $1.8 M annually in energy cost. The Tacoma ESS capacity is approximately 2.5 kWh. The unit normally operates in energy savings mode, maximizing recovery and re-use of braking energy while the secondary voltage stabilization mode is available to maintain system operation during outage conditions. After more than two years of revenue service operation, detailed operating data is presented and analyzed, including reliability information and actual energy and cost savings.
Accident/Incident Reconstruction and Visualization
Authors: Renze Kevin J.
Published: June 2018

Factual evidence from locomotive event data recorders (EDR), locomotive image data recorders, accident site surveys, witness marks, rail equipment, track structure, photographs, video cameras, AEI readers, hot wheel or hot bearing detectors, wayside signal bungalows, train consist documents, and radio communication is integrated, validated, and visualized in a three-dimensional model environment. The goal is to build a physics-based, data-driven model of train position as a function of time to enhance the documentation, investigation, understanding, and analysis of in-service train derailments. Methods to construct, validate, and interrogate time-accurate, interactive visualizations of train movements for partial and complete train consists are discussed and demonstrated. In-service freight train derailments that occurred in Hoxie, Arkansas (offset frontal collision between opposing freight trains), Casselton, North Dakota (unit grain train derailment with car fouling opposing mainline track and subsequent crude oil unit train head-on collision), and Graettinger, Iowa (unit ethanol train derailment) are used to illustrate the accident reconstruction method. Similar vehicle path reconstructions for recent highway, aviation, and marine investigations are also presented.
Predict, Detect and React to Signaling and Train Control Failures With Improved Diagnostics Achieved With a Suite of Data Collection and Analysis Tools in a Maintenance and Diagnostic Center
Authors: Greco Joseph A.
Published: June 2018

The highest level of automation may be achieved with traditional fixed block systems with numerous benefits. Diagnostic Data can be collected from wayside infrastructure and stored in a central depository. Diagnostics from the vehicle may also be collected, not typically in a dynamic fashion, and stored in a centralized depository. This data is not easily integrated or sequenced between the onboard and wayside. External systems are added to collect all data. This centralized system composes a Maintenance and Diagnostic Center.

In addition, with CBTC systems, communication between the wayside and the vehicle include ATP information, Movement Authority, Speed Restrictions from the wayside to the vehicle and reports of train location, speed, travel direction and vehicles status. With ATO, data is also transferred between the train and wayside. Much of the vehicle reported ATO data includes vehicle and on-board controller alarms and events. This train and wayside communicated data is collected and stored in the MDC with the added benefit of being integrated between the on-board and wayside. This integrated data allows data mining to be performed to evaluate many operating aspects of the system.

This presentation identifies some of the types of data collected and the analysis that may be performed on the data to identify improvements that are to be integrated in system operation, detect system components that are degrading to a point of failure to help schedule maintenance before failure and provide the capability to review events post mortem to identify the root cause of failures that occur in the system.
Eriophyoid mites associated with the blackberry in Brazil—a new species in the genus Diptacus Keifer 1951 (Diptilomiopidae) and first report and supplementary description of Acalitus orthomerus (Keifer, 1951) (Eriophyidae)
Authors: Trinidad Claudia Teresita Olmedo , Duarte Mércia Elias , Da Cunha Uemerson Silva , Navia Denise
Published: June 2018

A new vagrant species of Diptilomiopidae mite, in the Diptacus Keifer, 1951 genus, namely Diptacus rubuscolum sp. nov., living on the lower leaf surface of blackberry-Rubus sp. (Rosaceae) in South Brazil, is described and illustrated. In addition, Acalitus orthomerus Keifer, 1951, for the first time reported in Brazil and even in South America; a supplementary description of this species is presented based on females, males and immature specimens associated to the drupelets. Main morphological differences distinguishing the new Diptacus species and A. orthomerus species from those belonging to the same genera or morphologically similar also associated with Rubus are presented.
Anecdotal History of The Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Celebration of the Acoustical Society of America
Authors: Firestone Floyd A.
Published: June 2018

Since we are committed to a decimal system of numeration while at the same time holding the scale-of-two in high regard, and since our unit for the measurement of long times is the period of the earth round its orbit, therefore the Council of the Acoustical Society of America has declared this particular moment, a quarter century since our founding, as a time for high celebration of the success of the Acoustical Society in advancing our science and as a moment for assessing past progress and orienting future effort.
Building TRUST in an LGBTQ-hostile country
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: June 2018

A bold HIV/AIDS clinic that caters to men who have sex with men.
The influence of human disturbance on wildlife nocturnality
Authors: Gaynor Kaitlyn M. , Hojnowski Cheryl E. , Carter Neil H. , Brashares Justin S.
Published: June 2018

Nocturnal refuge

As the human population grows, there are fewer places for animals to live out their lives independently of our influence. Given our mostly diurnal tendencies, one domain that remains less affected by humans is the night. Gaynor
et al.
found that across the globe and across mammalian species—from deer to coyotes and from tigers to wild boar—animals are becoming more nocturnal (see the Perspective by Benítez-López). Human activities of all kinds, including nonlethal pastimes such as hiking, seem to drive animals to make use of hours when we are not around. Such changes may provide some relief, but they may also have ecosystem-level consequences.

Science
, this issue p.
1232
; see also p.
1185
Reactivation of recall-induced neurons contributes to remote fear memory attenuation
Authors: Khalaf Ossama , Resch Siegfried , Dixsaut Lucie , Gorden Victoire , Glauser Liliane , Gräff Johannes
Published: June 2018

The mechanisms of fear attenuation

Surprisingly little is known about how remote fearful memories are stored and attenuated. Khalaf
et al.
used independent fear memory attenuation paradigms, engram-based tagging techniques, and chemogenetic tools to alter neuronal activity (see the Perspective by Frankland and Josselyn). They found that a discrete subset of neurons within an ensemble is engaged during recall after memory attenuation, which correlated with fear reduction. Memory updating and extinction mechanisms thus likely coexist to make this happen. These findings support the notion that effective memory attenuation is mediated by a rewriting of the original memory trace of fear toward one of safety.

Science
, this issue p.
1239
; see also p.
1186
Hepatitis C virus infection and hospital-related outcomes: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Ti Lianping , Ng Michelle , Awendila Lindila , Carrieri Patrizia Maria
Published: June 2018

Introduction

People living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are disproportionately over-represented in the healthcare system due to various individual and contextual circumstances, including comorbidities and socioeconomic marginalisation. With growing trends in morbidity and mortality related to HCV infection, HCV is becoming a significant health and financial burden on the healthcare system, particularly in acute hospital settings. It is noteworthy that with the advent of direct-acting antiviral therapy the increasing number of patients who are cured of HCV could potentially result in different patterns of hospital-related outcomes over time.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a systematic review of published literature to retrieve quantitative research articles pertaining to hospital outcomes among patients living with HCV. Primary outcomes include hospitalisation rates, length of stay, leaving against medical advice, readmission and in-hospital mortality. In total, five databases will be searched (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science). Titles, abstracts and full texts will be independently reviewed by two investigators in three separate stages. The methodological quality of included quantitative research studies will be assessed using a validated tool. Data from included articles will be extracted using a standardised form and synthesised in a narrative account.

Ethics and dissemination

Results of this systematic review could provide a better understanding on how to optimise health systems and services to improve patient outcomes and care. The results of this study may provide future research with a foundation to guide decision-making and for designing and implementing systems-level interventions to improve treatment and care delivery for people living with HCV. Ethical approval for this study was received by the University of British Columbia/Providence Health Care Research Ethics Board. Findings from this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, reports and community forums

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017081082; Pre-results.
Study protocol for a feasibility study of an internet-administered, guided, CBT-based, self-help intervention (ENGAGE) for parents of children previously treated for cancer
Authors: Woodford Joanne , Wikman Anna , Cernvall Martin , Ljungman Gustaf , Romppala Amanda , Grönqvist Helena , von Essen Louise
Published: June 2018

Introduction

A subgroup of parents of children previously treated for cancer report long-term psychological distress after end of treatment. However, needs for psychological support are commonly unmet and there is a lack of evidence-based treatments tailored to the specific needs of this population. An internet-administered, guided, cognitive–behavioural therapy-based, self-help intervention (ENGAGE) for parents of children previously treated for cancer may provide a solution. The aim is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention ENGAGE and the study procedures for a future controlled trial.

Methods and analysis

The study has an uncontrolled within-group design with an embedded qualitative and quantitative process evaluation. Potential participants are parents of children previously treated for cancer, living in Sweden, recruited via their child’s personal identification number (via the Swedish Childhood Cancer Registry and the Swedish Tax Agency). Parents are invited randomly with information packs sent to home addresses. Further interest in participating can be registered via information on relevant websites. The study aims to recruit 50 parents who will receive the intervention ENGAGE which is designed to be delivered over a 10-week period, and comprises one introductory chapter followed by up to 10 intervention modules addressing key concerns identified for the population. Consistent with feasibility study objectives, primary outcomes relate to recruitment, attrition, data collection, study resources, intervention delivery and acceptability. Clinical outcomes (post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, fear of cancer recurrence, psychological inflexibility and experiential avoidance, depressed inactivity, fatigue, quality of life and self-compassion) will be measured at baseline, post-treatment (12 weeks) and 6-month follow-up.

Ethics and dissemination

The Regional Ethical Review Board in Uppsala, Sweden has granted approval for the study (Dnr: 2017/527). Results will be disseminated to relevant healthcare and patient communities, in peer-reviewed and popular science journals, and at scientific and clinical conferences.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN57233429; Pre-results.
Consenting to invasive contraceptives: an ethical analysis of adolescent decision-making authority for long-acting reversible contraception
Authors: Behmer Hansen Rosemary Talbot , Arora Kavita Shah
Published: June 2018

Since USA constitutional precedent established in 1976, adolescents have increasingly been afforded the right to access contraception without first obtaining parental consent or authorisation. There is general agreement this ethically permissible. However, long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods have only recently been prescribed to the adolescent population. They are currently the most effective forms of contraception available and have high compliance and satisfaction rates. Yet unlike other contraceptives, LARCs are associated with special procedural risks because they must be inserted and removed by trained healthcare providers. It is unclear whether the unique invasive nature of LARC changes the traditional ethical calculus of permitting adolescent decision-making in the realm of contraception. To answer this question, we review the risk–benefit profile of adolescent LARC use. Traditional justifications for permitting adolescent contraception decision-making authority are then considered in the context of LARCs. Finally, analogous reasoning is used to evaluate potential differences between permitting adolescents to consent for LARC procedures versus for emergency and pregnancy termination procedures. Ultimately, we argue that the invasive nature of LARCs does not override adolescents’ unique and compelling need for safe and effective forms of contraception. In fact, LARCs may oftentimes be in the best interest of adolescent patients who wish to prevent unintended pregnancy. We advocate for the specific enumeration of adolescents’ ability to consent to both LARC insertion and removal procedures within state policies. Given the provider-dependent nature of LARCs and the stigma regarding adolescent sexuality, special political and procedural safeguards to protect adolescent autonomy are warranted.
Severity scoring of lung oedema on the chest radiograph is associated with clinical outcomes in ARDS
Authors: Warren Melissa A , Zhao Zhiguou , Koyama Tatsuki , Bastarache Julie A , Shaver Ciara M , Semler Matthew W , Rice Todd W , Matthay Michael A , Calfee Carolyn S , Ware Lorraine B
Published: June 2018

Background

There is no accurate, non-invasive measurement to estimate the degree of pulmonary oedema in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We developed the Radiographic Assessment of Lung Oedema (RALE) score to evaluate the extent and density of alveolar opacities on chest radiographs. After first comparing the RALE score to gravimetric assessment of pulmonary oedema in organ donors, we then evaluated the RALE score in patients with ARDS for its relationship to oxygenation and clinical outcomes.

Methods

We compared radiographs with excised lung weights from 72 organ donors (derivation cohort) and radiographs with clinical data from 174 patients with ARDS in the ARDSNet Fluid and Catheter Treatment Trial (validation cohort). To calculate RALE, each radiographic quadrant was scored for extent of consolidation (0–4) and density of opacification (1–3). The product of the consolidation and density scores for each of the four quadrants was summed (maximum score=48).

Results

Agreement between two independent reviewers for RALE score was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.93, 95% CI 0.91 to 0.95). In donors, pre-procurement RALE score correlated with height-adjusted total lung weight (ρ=0.59, p<0.001). In patients with ARDS, higher RALE scores were independently associated with lower PaO2/fractional inspired oxygen and worse survival. Conservative fluid management significantly decreased RALE score over 3 days compared with liberal fluid management.

Conclusions

The RALE score can be used to assess both the extent of pulmonary oedema and the severity of ARDS, by utilising information that is already obtained routinely, safely and inexpensively in every patient with ARDS. This novel non-invasive measure should be useful for assessing ARDS severity and monitoring response to therapy.
There is no classification of the decidably presentable structures
Authors: Harrison-Trainor Matthew
Published: June 2018

A computable structure [Formula: see text] is decidable if, given a formula [Formula: see text] of elementary first-order logic, and a tuple [Formula: see text], we have a decision procedure to decide whether [Formula: see text] holds of [Formula: see text]. We show that there is no reasonable classification of the decidably presentable structures. Formally, we show that the index set of the computable structures with decidable presentations is [Formula: see text]-complete. We also show that for each [Formula: see text] the index set of the computable structures with [Formula: see text]-decidable presentations is [Formula: see text]-complete.
No Tukey reduction of Lebesgue null to Silver null sets
Authors: Spinas Otmar
Published: June 2018

We prove that consistently the Lebesgue null ideal is not Tukey reducible to the Silver null ideal. This contrasts with the situation for the meager ideal which, by a recent result of the author, Spinas [Silver trees and Cohen reals, Israel J. Math. 211 (2016) 473–480] is Tukey reducible to the Silver ideal.
Lattice of closure endomorphisms of a Hilbert algebra
Authors: Cı̄rulis Jānis
Published: June 2018

A closure endomorphism of a Hilbert algebra [Formula: see text] is a mapping that is simultaneously an endomorphism of and a closure operator on [Formula: see text]. It is known that the set [Formula: see text] of all closure endomorphisms of [Formula: see text] is a distributive lattice where the meet of two elements is defined pointwise and their join is given by their composition. This lattice is shown in the paper to be isomorphic to the lattice of certain filters of [Formula: see text], anti-isomorphic to the lattice of certain closure retracts of [Formula: see text], and compactly generated. The set of compact elements of [Formula: see text] coincides with the adjoint semilattice of [Formula: see text]; conditions under which two Hilbert algebras have isomorphic adjoint semilattices (equivalently, minimal Brouwerian extensions) are discussed. Several consequences are drawn also for implication algebras.
ORAI Channels as Potential Therapeutic Targets in Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Rode Baptiste , Bailey Marc A. , Marthan Roger , Beech David J. , Guibert Christelle
Published: June 2018

Pulmonary hypertension is a complex and fatal disease that lacks treatments. Its pathophysiology involves pulmonary artery hyperreactivity, endothelial dysfunction, wall remodelling, inflammation, and thrombosis, which could all depend on ORAI Ca2+channels. We review the knowledge about ORAI channels in pulmonary artery and discuss the interest to target them in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.
Analysis of Vibration Reduction by Damping Using Simple Analytical Modelling
Authors: Pavić Goran
Published: June 2018

The performance of different solutions to global vibration reduction using external damping is discussed. The solutions are either uneven distribution of structural damping or use of vibration absorbers. To this end, a comparative study is carried out, built on simple analytical models. It is shown that a well‐chosen solution can produce a substantial reduction of global vibration level. It is further shown that the overall damping effect critically depends on the mutual interaction between the applied damping device and the damped structure. Qualitative guidelines are provided about the selection of appropriate parameters that affect damping performance.
Prolactin Is a Strong Candidate for the Regulation of Luteal Steroidogenesis in Vizcachas (Lagostomus maximus)
Authors: Proietto S. , Cortasa S. A. , Corso M. C. , Inserra P. I. F. , Charif S. E. , Schmidt A. R. , Di Giorgio N. P. , Lux-Lantos V. , Vitullo A. D. , Dorfman V. B. , Halperin J.
Published: June 2018

Prolactin (PRL) is essential for the maintenance of the corpora lutea and the production of progesterone (P4) during gestation of mice and rats, which makes it a key factor for their successful reproduction. Unlike these rodents and the vast majority of mammals, female vizcachas (Lagostomus maximus) have a peculiar reproductive biology characterized by an ovulatory event during pregnancy that generates secondary corpora lutea with a consequent increment of the circulating P4. We found that, although the expression of pituitary PRL increased steadily during pregnancy, its ovarian receptor (PRLR) reached its maximum in midpregnancy and drastically decreased at term pregnancy. The luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) exhibited a similar profile than PRLR. Maximum P4 and LH blood levels were recorded at midpregnancy as well. Remarkably, the P4-sinthesizing enzyme 3β-HSD accompanied the expression pattern of PRLR/LHR throughout gestation. Instead, the luteolytic enzyme 20α-HSD showed low expression at early and midpregnancy, but reached its maximum at the end of gestation, when PRLR/LHR/3ß-HSD expressions and circulating P4 were minimal. In conclusion, both the PRLR and LHR expressions in the ovary would define the success of gestation in vizcachas by modulating the levels of 20α-HSD and 3ß-HSD, which ultimately determine the level of serum P4 throughout gestation.
Enhancing Epitranscriptome Module Detection from m6A-Seq Data Using Threshold-Based Measurement Weighting Strategy
Authors: Chen Kunqi , Wei Zhen , Liu Hui , Magalhães João Pedro de , Rong Rong , Lu Zhiliang , Meng Jia
Published: June 2018

To date, with well over 100 different types of RNA modifications associated with various molecular functions identified on diverse types of RNA molecules, the epitranscriptome has emerged to be an important layer for gene expression regulation. It is of crucial importance and increasing interest to understand how the epitranscriptome is regulated to facilitate different biological functions from a global perspective, which may be carried forward by finding biologically meaningful epitranscriptome modules that respond to upstream epitranscriptome regulators and lead to downstream biological functions; however, due to the intrinsic properties of RNA molecules, RNA modifications, and relevant sequencing technique, the epitranscriptome profiled from high-throughput sequencing approaches often suffers from various artifacts, jeopardizing the effectiveness of epitranscriptome modules identification when using conventional approaches. To solve this problem, we developed a convenient measurement weighting strategy, which can largely tolerate the artifacts of high-throughput sequencing data. We demonstrated on real data that the proposed measurement weighting strategy indeed brings improved performance in epitranscriptome module discovery in terms of both module accuracy and biological significance. Although the new approach is integrated with Euclidean distance measurement in a hierarchical clustering scenario, it has great potential to be extended to other distance measurements and algorithms as well for addressing various tasks in epitranscriptome analysis. Additionally, we show for the first time with rigorous statistical analysis that the epitranscriptome modules are biologically meaningful with different GO functions enriched, which established the functional basis of epitranscriptome modules, fulfilled a key prerequisite for functional characterization, and deciphered the epitranscriptome and its regulation.
A Rare Presentation of Stage IV Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Cervix with Metastasis to the Cranium
Authors: Hooker Neema , Mohanan Sveta , Burks R. Tucker
Published: June 2018

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are aggressive diseases developing from neuroendocrine cells that most frequently involve the gastro-entero-pancreatic tract and the lung, but more rarely are found in almost all body tissues. Limited biological and clinical data are currently available for NETs in uncommon sites, such as female genital tract. NETs represent 0.9% to 1.5% of the tumors of the uterine cervix. This case is reported on a 75-year-old Caucasian woman, presenting with dental and generalized pain for two weeks. Later during her admission, facial droop and diplopia were noticed. Radiological findings ruled out cerebrovascular accident but revealed multiple bone marrow lesions involving the left and the right clivus, right Meckel's cave, and posterior margin of the right cavernous sinus. Findings also included pulmonary nodules and adenopathy supporting diagnosis of likely stage IV metastatic carcinoma. Further imaging revealed homogeneous enhancement of the uterus suggestive of diffusely infiltrative carcinoma; pathology results confirmed large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the uterine cervix (LCNEC) giving her a 1.5-month median survival range.
Changes in Uterine Cancer Incidence Rates in Egypt
Authors: Alshahrani Saad , Soliman Amr S. , Hablas Ahmed , Ramadan Mohamed , Meza Jane L. , Remmenga Steven , Seifeldein Ibrahim A. , Chamberlain Robert M.
Published: June 2018

Background. Uterine cancer is one of the top-ranking cancers in women with wide international variations in incidence rates. Developed countries have higher incidence rates than the developing countries. Egypt has significantly lower incidence of uterine cancer than other countries in the Middle East. This study aimed at verifying the incidence rate of uterine cancer and characterizing the demographic and clinical profiles of patients residing in the Gharbiah province in the Nile delta region of Egypt. Methods. Data from 660 uterine cancer patients diagnosed during the period of 1999 to 2010 were abstracted from the Gharbiah Cancer Registry, the only population-based registry in Egypt. The data included age, marital status, number of children, residence, smoking, occupation, date and basis of diagnosis, tumor topography, morphology, stage and grade, and treatment. Crude rate, age-standardized rate (ASR), and age-specific rate were calculated and associated with demographic and clinical characteristics of patients. Results. The study confirmed the low ASR of uterine cancer in Egypt, (4.1 per 100,000 (95% CI: 3.8–4.4)). The incidence rate increased significantly over the 12-year period. The crude rate (CR) was 1.95, 95% CI (1.64–2.25) in 1999–2002; 2.9, 95% CI (2.5–3.2) in 2003–2006; and 3.5, 95% CI (3.1–3.9) in 2007–2010. The rate ratio was 1.5, 95% CI (1.2–1.8) in 2003–2006 and 1.8, 95% CI (1.5–2.2) in 2007–2010 compared to 1999–2002. The majority of patients (83%) were postmenopausal with the highest age-specific rate in the 60–69-year age group (22.07 per 100,000 (95% CI: 19.3–25.2). The majority of patients were diagnosed at early stages (60% localized and 5% regional), had adenocarcinoma (68%), and resided in urban areas (54%). Conclusions. The study confirmed the low incidence rate of uterine cancer in the Gharbiah province of Egypt and significant increase in incidence in recent years. Future studies should focus on verifying the possible effect of hysterectomy on lowering the incidence, the factors related to the changes in rates between rural and urban areas, and the possible impact of nutritional and epidemiologic transitions on the increasing rates.
Economic and Environmental Effects of Public Transport Subsidy Policies: a Spatial CGE Model of Beijing
Authors: Xu Ping , Wang Weiyu , Wei Chunxia
Published: June 2018

Public transport plays an important role in the environment. This study established a Spatial Computable General Equilibrium (SCGE) model to examine the economic and environmental effects of public transport subsidy policies. The model includes firms, consumers, and traffic modules in one framework. Statistical data from Beijing were used in calibration to obtain benchmark equilibrium. Based on the equilibrium, simulations compared citywide social welfare, jobs-housing spatial population distribution, and environmental outputs under four subsidy policies: fare subsidy, cash grants, road expansion, and public transport speedup. Based on the results regarding the effects of public transport policies, conclusions can be drawn about which policies will have greater overall social influence and should therefore be used.
Railway Subgrade Defect Automatic Recognition Method Based on Improved Faster R-CNN
Authors: Xu Xinjun , Lei Yang , Yang Feng
Published: June 2018

Railway subgrade defect is the serious threat to train safety. Vehicle-borne GPR method has become the main railway subgrade detection technology with its advantages of rapidness and nondestructiveness. However, due to the large amount of detection data and the variety in defect shape and size, defect recognition is a challenging task. In this work, the method based on deep learning is proposed to recognize defects from the ground penetrating radar (GPR) profile of subgrade detection data. Based on the Faster R-CNN framework, the improvement strategies of feature cascade, adversarial spatial dropout network (ASDN), Soft-NMS, and data augmentation have been integrated to improve recognition accuracy, according to the characteristics of subgrade defects. The experimental results indicates that compared with traditional SVM+HOG method and the baseline Faster R-CNN, the improved model can achieve better performance. The model robustness is demonstrated by a further comparison experiment of various defect types. In addition, the improvements to model performance of each improvement strategy are verified by an ablation experiment of improvement strategies. This paper tries to explore the new thinking for the application of deep learning method in the field of railway subgrade defect recognition.