bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The unprecedented J-aggregate formation of rhodamine moieties induced by 9-phenylanthracenyl substitution
Authors: Kim Sooyeon , Fujitsuka Mamoru , Tohnai Norimitsu , Tachikawa Takashi , Hisaki Ichiro , Miyata Mikiji , Majima Tetsuro
Published: June 2015

9-Phenylanthracenyl substitution of rhodamine derivatives induced J-aggregate formation of rhodamine moieties in aqueous solution.
Stereoelectronic control of photophysics: red and yellow axial and equatorial anomers of a rhenium-quinoline complex
Authors: Platel Rachel H. , Coogan Michael P. , Platts James A.
Published: June 2015

A novel quinoline-substituted pyrimidine ligand forms two different coloured complexes upon reaction with Re(CO)5Br.
Supercritical fluid extraction of grape seeds: extract chemical composition, antioxidant activity and inhibition of nitrite production in LPS-stimulated Raw 264.7 cells
Authors: Pérez Concepción , Ruiz del Castillo María Luisa , Gil Carmen , Blanch Gracia Patricia , Flores Gema
Published: June 2015

Grape by-products are a rich source of bioactive compounds having broad medicinal properties, but are usually wasted from juice/wine processing industries.
Highly stable membranes based on sulfonated fluorinated poly(ether ether ketone)s with bifunctional groups for vanadium flow battery application
Authors: Yuan Zhizhang , Li Xianfeng , Duan Yinqi , Zhao Yuyue , Zhang Huamin
Published: June 2015

A facile strategy for fabricating highly stable membranes that are promising candidates for VFB systems has been presented.
Photochromic and fluorescent LC gels based on a bent-shaped azobenzene-containing gelator
Authors: Bobrovsky Alexey , Shibaev Valery , Hamplová Věra , Novotna Vladimíra , Kašpar Miroslav
Published: June 2015

Photochromic liquid crystalline gels based on a low-molar-mass azobenzene-containing bent-shaped gelator and nematic liquid crystals were prepared.
Total synthesis and stereochemical assignment of cryptolatifolione
Authors: Novaes Luiz F. T. , Sarotti Ariel M. , Pilli Ronaldo A.
Published: June 2015

An enantioselective total synthesis of cryptolatifolione and its C-8 epimer is presented in a protecting-group-free fashion.
The inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy of curved finite-sized graphene nanoribbon based molecular devices
Authors: Ding Zongling , Sun Zhaoqi , Li Guang , Meng Fanming , Wu Mingzai , Ma Yongqing , Chen Xiaoshuang
Published: June 2015

The inelastic electron scattering properties of the molecular devices of curved finite-sized graphene nanoribbon (GNR) slices have been studied by combining the density functional theory and Green's function method.
Enhanced solar performance of chemical bath deposited-Zn(O,S)/Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells via interface engineering by a wet soaking process
Authors: Chen Chia-Wei , Tsai Hung-Wei , Wu Tsung-Ta , Yen Yu-Ting , Wang Yi-Chung , Hsu Cheng-Hung , Tsai Wen-Chi , Tsai Hsu-Sheng , Shen Chang-Hong , Shieh Jia-Min , Chueh Yu-Lun
Published: June 2015

A facile wet soaking process was proposed to reduce the defects in the CIGS absorption layer, yielding the significantly enhanced cell efficiency from ~1% to ~6.4%.
Drug loaded bi-layered sponge for wound management in hyperfibrinolytic conditions
Authors: Mohandas Annapoorna , Nimal T. R. , Das Vishnu , Shankarappa Sahadev A. , Biswas Raja , Jayakumar R.
Published: June 2015

Bi-layers consisting of hyaluronic acid containing amicar and chitosan containing tetracycline loadedO-carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles for hyperfibrinolytic wound management.
Shaping bio-inspired nanotechnologies to target thrombosis for dual optical-magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Wen Amy M. , Wang Yunmei , Jiang Kai , Hsu Greg C. , Gao Huiyun , Lee Karin L. , Yang Alice C. , Yu Xin , Simon Daniel I. , Steinmetz Nicole F.
Published: June 2015

Bionanoparticle-based probes for imaging thrombi in vivo were developed, with elongated tobacco mosaic virus more favorably accumulating at thrombosis sites compared to icosahedral cowpea mosaic virus.
Controlling crystallization, phase transformation and magnetic properties of amorphous FeNiP by annealing in nano-confinement
Authors: Winkler N. , Peterlechner M. , Wilde G.
Published: June 2015

The influence of nanometer restricted confinement provides new insight into surface enhanced nucleation and volume diffusion restricted growth of phases.
Resistance controllability and variability improvement in a TaOx-based resistive memory for multilevel storage application
Authors: Prakash A. , Deleruyelle D. , Song J. , Bocquet M. , Hwang H.
Published: June 2015

In order to obtain reliable multilevel cell (MLC) characteristics, resistance controllability between the different resistance levels is required especially in resistive random access memory (RRAM), which is prone to resistance variability mainly due to its intrinsic random nature of defect generation and filament formation. In this study, we have thoroughly investigated the multilevel resistance variability in a TaOx-based nanoscale (<30 nm) RRAM operated in MLC mode. It is found that the resistance variability not only depends on the conductive filament size but also is a strong function of oxygen vacancy concentration in it. Based on the gained insights through experimental observations and simulation, it is suggested that forming thinner but denser conductive filament may greatly improve the temporal resistance variability even at low operation current despite the inherent stochastic nature of resistance switching process.
A model for assessing mammal contribution of Escherichia coli to a Texas floodplain
Authors: Parker Israel D. , Lopez Roel R. , Karthikeyan Raghupathy , Silvy Nova J. , Davis Donald S. , Cathey James C.
Published: June 2015

Context Free-ranging mammals contribute to faecal pollution in United States water bodies. However, research into wildlife impact on water quality is dependent upon unreliable data (e.g. data uncertainty, unknown importance of parameters). Aims Our goal was to determine the potential impacts of common free-ranging mammal species and their management on Escherichia coli in the study floodplain. Our objectives for this research were to construct a model from study area- and literature-derived data, determine important species for E. coli deposition, and conduct sensitivity analyses on model parameters to focus future research efforts. Methods We constructed a model that incorporated parameters for four wildlife species known to contribute E. coli in central Texas: raccoons (Procyon lotor), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana), and wild pigs (Sus scrofa). These parameters were (1) population density estimates, (2) defaecation rates, (3) defaecation areas, (4) E. coli concentration in faecal material estimates, and (5) E. coli survival. We conducted sensitivity analyses on the model parameters to determine relative importance of each parameter and areas for additional study. Key results We found that adjustment of raccoon and Virginia opossum population densities had higher impacts on E. coli in the floodplain than similar changes in other species across all spatial and seasonal variations. We also found that the changes in E. coli survival, E. coli concentration in raccoon faecal material, and defaecation rates had the highest impacts on E. coli in the floodplain. Conclusions Our sensitivity analyses indicated that the largest impacts to projected E. coli loads were from changes in defaecation rates followed by E. coli concentration in faecal material and E. coli survival. Watershed planners, ranchers, and regulators must be cautioned that faecal deposition patterns are location specific and could significantly impact which species are considered the most important contributors. Implications Although all parameters require more research, we recommend that researchers determine defaecation rates for contributing species due to their relatively large impacts on E. coli in comparison to the other parameters. We also suggest additional research in free-ranging wildlife faecal morphology (form and structure) and area of deposition. Finally, species-specific E. coli survival studies for free-ranging wildlife should be conducted.
Landauer in the age of synthetic biology: energy consumption and information processing in biochemical networks
Authors: Mehta Pankaj , Lang Alex H. , Schwab David J.
Published: June 2015

A central goal of synthetic biology is to design sophisticated synthetic cellular circuits that can perform complex computations and information processing tasks in response to specific inputs. The tremendous advances in our ability to understand and manipulate cellular information processing networks raises several fundamental physics questions: How do the molecular components of cellular circuits exploit energy consumption to improve information processing? Can one utilize ideas from thermodynamics to improve the design of synthetic cellular circuits and modules? Here, we summarize recent theoretical work addressing these questions. Energy consumption in cellular circuits serves five basic purposes: (1) increasing specificity, (2) manipulating dynamics, (3) reducing variability, (4) amplifying signal, and (5) erasing memory. We demonstrate these ideas using several simple examples and discuss the implications of these theoretical ideas for the emerging field of synthetic biology. We conclude by discussing how it may be possible to overcome these limitations using “post-translational” synthetic biology that exploits reversible protein modification.
Genome-wide transcription factor activities are explained by intrinsic conformational dynamics of binding-sites and distal flanking-regions
Authors: Andrabi Munazah , Hutchins Andrew Paul , Miranda-Saavedra Diego , Kono Hidetoshi , Nussinov Ruth , Mizuguchi Kenji , Ahmad Shandar
Published: June 2015

Transcription factors (TFs) recognize small DNA sequence motifs directly or through their sequence-dependent structure. While sequence composition and degeneracy are verified to be the defining factors of TF binding specificity, the role of conformational dynamics of the DNA remains poorly understood. With growing evidence from next generation sequencing (NGS) data suggesting the inadequacy of sequence-only models, alternative models for describing the TF binding preferences are required, wherein the conformational dynamics presents an attractive option. Here, we report a novel method (DynaSeq) which accurately predicts DNA-conformational ensembles for genomic targets of TFs. UsingDynaSeqwe demonstrate how the dynamics of binding sites and their distal flanking regions can be used to elucidate TF-binding patterns for two model systems: cell type-specific binding of STAT3 and chromatin structural specificity of 3 functional TF classes viz. pioneers, settlers and migrants. We find that TF preferences in both these systems can be accurately explained by the conformational dynamics of their binding sites and their distal flanking DNA regions. Conformational dynamics not only distinguishes binding sites from genomic backgrounds in STAT3; it also points to a modular organization of their surrounding regions. Further, the differential binding modes of STAT3-DNA reveal a potential mechanism of cellular specificity. Our model identifies clear signatures to accurately classify pioneer, migrant and settler TF targets from the dynamics of distal flanking regions. This suggests that the chromatin preferences of TFs are significantly influenced by the intrinsic conformational dynamics of the DNA surrounding the TF binding sites.
Management commitment and awareness creation – ICT safety and security in electric power supply network companies
Authors: Skotnes Ruth Østgaard
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to follow-up on previous research by studying the degree of management commitment to information and communication technology (ICT) safety and security within network companies in the electric power supply sector, implementation of awareness creation and training measures for ICT safety and security within these companies and the relationship between these two variables.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were mainly collected through a survey among users of ICT systems in network companies within the Norwegian electric power supply sector. In addition, qualitative data were gathered through interviews with representatives from the regulatory authorities, and observation studies were conducted at ICT safety and security conferences.

Findings

– In accordance with previous research, our survey data showed a statistically significant correlation between management commitment to ICT safety and security and implementation of awareness creation and training measures. The majority of survey respondents viewed the degree of management commitment to ICT safety and security within their own organization as high, even though qualitative studies showed contradictory results. The network companies had implemented awareness creation and training measures to a varying degree. However, interactive awareness measures were used to a lesser extent than formal one-way communication methods.

Originality/value

– The paper provides insight into management commitment to and implementation of awareness creation and training measures for ICT safety and security within network companies.
Effects of curing ingredients and nisin on product characteristics of Vawksa rep (smoked pork product)
Authors: Lalchamliani Lalchamliani , Hazarika Pragati , Singh Tarun Pal , Talukder Suman
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of curing ingredients (salt, sugar, nitrate and nitrite) and nisin as preservative on the storage stability of a traditional smoked pork product of Mizoram known as Vawksa rep, under different packaging conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

– Meat cuts (preferably ham) were cut into small pieces of uniform size and allotted to four different treatment groups, namely, T1 (Traditional Vawksa rep + Aerobic packaging); T2 (Traditional Vawksa rep + Vacuum packaging); T3 (Modified Vawksa rep + Aerobic packaging) and T4 (Modified Vawksa rep + Vacuum packaging). Vawksa rep is traditionally produced by light smoking of pork chunks. Modification was carried out by applying curing prior to smoking and applying nisin to the pork chunks after smoking and before packaging. The products were compared on the basis of physicochemical, microbiological, proximate composition and sensory qualities at five days interval under refrigerated (4 ± 1°C) conditions.

Findings

– Among the treatments, pH was recorded significantly lower for T4 as compared to other treatments with the advancement of the storage periods. The mean tyrosine value and thio-barbituric acid number of all the treatment show increasing trend with the advancement of the storage period. T4 had better microbiological quality than other treatments, with lower aerobic plate count, Coliform count and Yeast and Mould count. Aerobic plate count was found to differ significantly (p
<
0.05) throughout the period of storage. Coliform and Yeast and Mould counts were not detected in T3 and T4 on entire storage period. The sensory evaluation revealed highest scores for appearance, flavour, texture, juiciness and overall acceptability for T4 than other treatments.

Originality/value

– The manuscript has stated that combination of curing ingredients and nisin improved all the attributes (physicochemical, microbiological and sensory) and also ensured a longer shelf-life of the product.
From anticipation to anxiety in a market for lottery-like stocks
Authors: Boisen Mikael , Durand Robert B. , Gould John
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate a unique sample of lottery-like stocks and contextualize their short-run price behavior with respect to behavioral principles.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors conduct a short-run event-study of the abnormal returns for stock market investments in Australian small-cap oil and gas (O
&
G) explorers centered on the drilling commencement (spudding) of 157 wildcat oil or gas wells drilled between January 2000 and June 2010.

Findings

– Small-cap stock market investments associated with newly spudded wildcat O
&
G wells are negative NPV gambles rather than fair (zero NPV) investments. Once a wildcat well is spudded, the 30-day expected abnormal return is 6-8 percent: wealth-maximizing stockholders are advised to sell upon news of spudding, but gamblers may wish to hold on for the chance of a 10.6 percent 30-day average abnormal return (if the well is not plugged and abandoned). In the lead-up to each gamble the authors observe a significant pre-spudding stock price run-up on average, perhaps indicative of positively affected investors aroused by an easily imagined successful wildcat gusher as per evidence on the influence of image and affect on investors’ decisions (MacGregor et al., 2000; Loewenstein et al., 2001; Rottenstreich and Hsee, 2001; Peterson, 2002).

Originality/value

– The wildcat drilling events considered in this paper are lottery-like by nature, and spudding represents the distinct moment when the gamble is unambiguously on, following shortly on from which investors either strike it lucky or strike out. The specifically small-cap wildcatters are typically heavily vested in one well at a time, therefore the sample stocks are uniquely lottery like. This differs from other studies which infer the lottery-like nature of their sample stocks from characteristics such as price and idiosyncratic volatility.
Men's Sheds and the experience of depression in older Australian men
Authors: Culph Jennifer S. , Wilson Nathan J. , Cordier Reinie , Stancliffe Roger J.
Published: June 2015

Background/aim

Men's Sheds are community spaces where, usually, older men can socialise as they participate in a range of woodwork and other activities. There is currently little research evidence supporting the anecdotally reported mental health and wellbeing benefits of Men's Sheds. This research project investigated how older men with self‐reported symptoms of depression experience their participation in Men's Sheds.

Methods

This study included in‐depth interviews and administration of the Beck Depression Inventory‐II with 12 men from 3 Men's Sheds, triangulated with observation of the different shed environments. Interviews explored how participation in the Men's Shed, living in a regional area, and retirement intersected with experiences of depression. Participants had either self‐reported symptoms of depression or a diagnosis of depression.

Results

The findings from this study support the notion that participation at Men's Sheds decreases self‐reported symptoms of depression. Beck Depression Inventory‐II scores showed that most participants were currently experiencing minimal depression. The Men's Sheds environment promoted a sense of purpose through relationships and in the sharing of skills, new routines, motivation, and enjoyment for its members. The shed encouraged increased physical activity and use of cognitive skills. Finally, participants reported feelings of pride and achievement which had an impact on their sense of self‐worth.

Conclusion

Men's Sheds provide an opportunity to promote health and wellbeing among retired men. The shed's activity and social focus offers a way to help men rediscover purpose and self. Further research is required to measure symptoms of depression before and after participation in Men's Sheds.
Thalassaemia major and infectious risk: High Mobility Group Box‐1 represents a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker
Authors: Chirico Valeria , Lacquaniti Antonio , Piraino Basilia , Cutrupi Maricia , Cuppari Caterina , Grasso Luisa , Rigoli Luciana , David Antonio , Arrigo Teresa , Salpietro Carmelo
Published: June 2015

High mobility group box ‐1 (HMGB1) represents a common causal agent for various types of diseases, including infective pathologies. This study aimed to investigate the role of HMGB1 in β‐thalassemia major (TM) by evaluating its diagnostic and prognostic role. Fifty‐one TM patients and 30 healthy subjects (HS) were enrolled. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was employed to calculate the area under the curve (AUC) for HMGB1 to determine the best cut‐off values capable of identifying infectious episodes. Adjusted risk estimates for infective events were calculated using univariate followed by multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. Serum HMGB1 levels were higher in TM patients than in HS (14·6 ± 8·7 vs. 2·08 ± 0·9 ng/ml, P < 0·0001). Patients who underwent splenectomy were characterized by lower levels of HMGB1, when compared with patients with an intact spleen (10·2 ± 8 vs. 19·1 ± 7 ng/ml, P = 0·004). ROC analyses revealed an AUC for serum HMGB1 of 0·801, with a sensitivity and specificity of 92·3% and 68·2% to detect an infectious episode. Low HMGB1 levels predicted high risk of infective events (HR: 0·81; P = 0·006). HMGB1 represents a prognostic marker for TM patients and a predictive factor for infectious events.
Dismantling Public Housing, Reconstructing the Lives of Children
Authors: Barrett Edith J.
Published: June 2015

Just as the lives of adults may be turned upside down when a move is made from public housing, so too may be the lives of children. Over the course of 5 years, mothers relocated out of a housing development in the southwest U.S. participated in surveys and focus groups, discussing among many topics the lives of their children after the move. Mothers talked about their children's behaviour, the lack of play spaces, their children experiences in their schools, and the schools' responses. The mothers offered insights into ways to ease the relocation process and make the new space home.
Dynamic reorganization of neural activity in motor cortex during new sequence production
Authors: Lu Xiaofeng , Ashe James
Published: June 2015

Although previous studies have shown that primary motor cortex (M1) neurons are modulated during the performance of a sequence of movements, it is not known how this neural activity in the M1 reorganizes during new learning of sequence‐dependent motor skills. Here we trained monkeys to move to each of four spatial targets to produce multiple distinct sequences of movements in which the spatial organization of the targets determined uniquely the serial order of the movements. After the monkeys memorized the sequences, we changed one element of these over‐practised sequences and the subjects were required to learn the new sequence through trial and error. When one element in an over‐learned four‐element sequence was changed, the sequence‐specific neural activity was totally disrupted, but relatively minor changes in the direction‐specific activity were observed. The data suggest that sequential motor skills are represented within M1 in the context of the complete sequential behavior rather than as a series of single consecutive movements; and sequence‐specific neurons in the M1 are involved in new learning of sequence by using memorized knowledge to acquire complex motor skill efficiently.
Contentious Politics in Austere Times
Authors: Nolan Laura‐Jane , Featherstone David
Published: June 2015

The current conjuncture is becoming defined by political austerity, and this paper engages with different forms of contentious politics that are emerging in response. The paper reviews debates on post‐politics arguing that while post‐political perspectives speak to important tensions in relation to contemporary social and political relations, they also risk limiting an engagement with existing forms of political contestation. The paper makes three cuts through crisis geographies by exploring contested place making in relation to the 2011 riots, debates about localism and resilience, and the construction of spaces of antagonism by the Occupy Movement. By considering such diverse forms of resistance alongside each other rather than treating them separately, we emphasize the importance of attending to multiple articulations of contentious politics. We conclude by arguing that it is important to recognize the different means by which actors are seeking to bring crisis and austerity into contestation.
Acute kidney injury after near drowning: The way from the beach to hemodialysis
Authors: Alp Alper , Akdam Hakan , Meteoğlu İbrahim , Ünsal Alparslan , Akar Harun , Yeniçerioğlu Yavuz
Published: June 2015

Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs in many different situations and may have a variable prognosis influenced by clinical setting, underlying cause, and comorbidity. This is important because of the high mortality and morbidity risk affecting many people around the world. Near‐drowning related AKI requiring hemodialysis is very seldom reported in literature. Although cardiovascular and respiratory disorders are more frequently seen after this entity, we aimed to emphasize this rare but dangerous complication in near‐drowning patients.
Induction of a quorum sensing pathway by environmental signals enhances group A streptococcal resistance to lysozyme
Authors: Chang Jennifer C. , Jimenez Juan Cristobal , Federle Michael J.
Published: June 2015

The human‐restricted pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus, GAS) is responsible for wide‐ranging pathologies at numerous sites in the body but has the proclivity to proliferate in individuals asymptomatically. The ability to survive in diverse tissues is undoubtedly benefited by sensory pathways that recognize environmental cues corresponding to stress and nutrient availability and thereby trigger adaptive responses. We investigated the impact that environmental signals contribute to cell‐to‐cell chemical communication [quorum sensing (QS)] by monitoring activity of the Rgg2/Rgg3 and SHP‐pheromone system in GAS. We identified metal limitation and the alternate carbon source mannose as two environmental indicators likely to be encountered by GAS in the host that significantly induced the Rgg‐SHP system. Disruption of the metal regulator MtsR partially accounted for the response to metal depletion, whereas ptsABCD was primarily responsible for QS induction due to mannose, but each sensory system induced Rgg‐SHP signaling apparently by different mechanisms. Significantly, we found that induction of QS, regardless of the GAS serotype tested, led to enhanced resistance to the antimicrobial agent lysozyme. These results indicate the benefits for GAS to integrate environmental signals with intercellular communication pathways in protection from host defenses.
Vibration Analysis for Improving Powertrain Design and Contact Measurements of a Roller Rig
Authors: Hosseinipour Milad , Meymand Sajjad Z. , Ahmadian Mehdi
Published: June 2015

This paper provides two vibration analyses on a scaled roller rig that is under construction at the Railway Technologies Laboratory of Virginia Tech (VT) for evaluating wheel/rail contact mechanics. The scaled vertical rig includes a wheel that is placed on a roller with similar profile of a U.S. 136 weight rail. Two independent AC servomotors enable controlling the relative speed of the disks to a high degree of precision. Linear actuators allow for adjusting the simulated load, wheel angle of attack, rail cant, and lateral position of the wheel with respect to the rail, including flanging. Rotation of each disk is dominated by internal dynamics of the motors, gearheads, couplers, and flexible shafts. As a result, dynamics of each component has direct effect on the relative speed of the wheel and the roller at the contact patch. On the other hand, it is essential to make sure that the measurements are only caused by the particular subject of study, and not any intermittent source of disturbance such as unbalanced rotation. Electromechanical models of the rig components have been developed in previous works of the authors for studying the overall behavior of the coupled drivelines. This study aims to fulfill the previous studies by analyzing the effect of incorporating compliant joints in the drivelines, as well as unbalanced dynamics in the disks. Appropriate consideration is given to providing an accurate mathematical model of each phenomenon. The mathematical models are solved numerically to carry out parametric studies that represent actual working conditions of the rig. The results of these studies indicate that incorporation of constant velocity joints in sensitive instruments like the roller rig, leads to inevitable axial vibrations that affect both driver and driven sides. This paper also provides a tool for filtering the undesired vibrations from the contact measurements due to unbalanced rotation or other sources of the same nature.
Use of Heavy Duty, Lipped Channel Connections to Improve Rolling Stock Life Cycle Costs: An Analysis of Commonly Used Connection Methods
Authors: Lesher Mark , Prendergast Guy , Moras Rafael
Published: June 2015

We present the results of a study in which we examined how different types of heavy-duty mechanical connections can affect total life cycle costs of rolling stock or similar equipment. The three commonly used methods for mechanical connection in the rolling stock industry include: welding, standard – through-hole bolting, and lipped channel, a newer technology. Newer designs of lipped channel connections have high/dynamic load capacities that are not considered possible with common, cold rolled channel products. Hot rolled channel products are capable of withstanding heavy loads typically experienced in welded or bolted joints. Throughout the life of rolling stock equipment, components may need to be replaced or upgraded from a new source, which may require a new mounting pattern or position. We have evaluated the total life cycle costs for the three techniques, when one includes costs for changing the mounting location or size of the bolt pattern. After evaluation of the cost results, we present several examples to show how rolling stock manufactures have used lipped channels to help them lower life cycle cost of their equipment. In addition to yielding flexibility in mounting position, the lipped channel connections facilitate the modularization and customization of products at the lower production levels associated with this industry.
Model Track Studies by Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) on Ballast With Different Fouling and Geotechnical Properties
Authors: Kashani Hamed Faghihi , Ho Carlton L. , Oden Charles P. , Smith Stanley S.
Published: June 2015

In recent years there has been an increase in the knowledge of, and need for, non-invasive monitoring of ballast in order to identify the problematic sections of track and decrease the maintenance cost. Various technologies such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) are becoming accepted for investigating the condition of ballast. However since these techniques were not originally developed for engineering applications, their applicability in ballast evaluations can be sometimes uncertain. Continued empirical studies and condition specific calibrations are needed to demonstrate repeatable and quantifiable results. In this study large-scale track models with trapezoidal section area were constructed at the University of Massachusetts to investigate the effects of breakdown fouling, and the effects of changing geotechnical properties on GPR traces. This paper presents the design and construction of large scale track models, and methods used for GPR data collection. GPR data are presented in this paper that demonstrate sensitivity to the track model properties and variables. In particular, the experiments are being used to evaluate changes in GPR data with changing geotechnical properties of the ballast such as density, water content, grain size distribution (GSD), and fouling percentage.
Locomotive Crash Energy Management Test Plans
Authors: Llana Patricia
Published: June 2015

The Office of Research, Development, and Technology of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Volpe Center are continuing to evaluate new technologies for increasing the safety of passengers and operators in rail equipment. The results of vehicle-to-vehicle override, where the strong underframe of one vehicle, typically a locomotive, impacts the weaker superstructure of the other vehicle, can be devastating. Crashworthy components which can be integrated into the end structure of a locomotive have been developed to inhibit override in the event of collision. Recent research has resulted in the development of a design concept, including evaluation with finite-element analysis (FEA), fabrication, and component tests. The design concept developed incorporates two key components: a push-back coupler and a deformable anti-climber. Detailed designs for these components were developed and the performance of the designs was evaluated through large deformation dynamic FEA. Test articles were fabricated and dynamically tested to verify their individual performance characteristics. The tests were successful in demonstrating the required performance of the components. Test results were consistent with finite element model predictions of energy absorption capability, force-displacement behavior, and modes of deformation.

Work is ongoing to retrofit these crashworthy components onto conventional locomotives and conduct full-scale dynamic impact tests of colliding cars, as well as colliding trains. Service tests will be performed to measure the impact speed at which push-back coupler triggering occurs. Vehicle-to-vehicle tests will be conducted to demonstrate the performance of the crashworthy components working together as an integrated system. The vehicle-to-vehicle tests will also allow an evaluation of the crashworthiness compatibility of a modified locomotive with a range of equipment, including conventional locomotives, cab cars, and freight cars. Train-to-train tests are planned to demonstrate incremental improvement, increased crashworthiness, compatibility, and serviceability.

This paper describes the tests that are planned to demonstrate the behavior of these components when they are integrated into the end structure of a locomotive. The tests will demonstrate the in-service and crashworthiness performance of the modified locomotives. This research program endeavors to advance locomotive crashworthiness technology and develop the technical basis for generating specifications for push-back couplers and deformable anti-climbers.
Effect of Concrete Release Strength on the Development Length and Flexural Capacity of Members Made With Different Prestressing Wires Commonly Used in Pretensioned Concrete Railroad Ties
Authors: Momeni Amir Farid , Peterman Robert J. , Beck B. Terry , Wu Chih-Hang John , Bodapati Naga Narendra B.
Published: June 2015

A study was conducted to determine the effect of concrete release strength on the development length and flexural capacity of members utilizing five different 5.32-mm-diameter prestressing wires that are commonly used in the manufacture of prestressed concrete railroad ties worldwide. These included two chevron-indented wires with different indent depths, one spiral-indented wire, one dot-indented wire, and one smooth wire (with no surface indentation). A consistent concrete mixture was used for the manufacture of all test specimens, and the different release strengths were obtained by allowing the specimens to cure for different amounts of time prior to de-tensioning. Each prismatic specimen (prism) had a 3.5″ (88.9 mm) × 3.5″ (88.9 mm) square cross section with four wires arranged symmetrically. The prisms were identical except for the wire type and the compressive strength at the time of de-tensioning. All four wires were each initially tensioned to 7000 pounds (31.14 KN) and then de-tensioned gradually when the concrete compressive strength reached 3500 (24.13 MPa), 4500 (31.03 MPa) and 6000 (41.37 MPa) psi. Precise de-tensioning strengths were ensured by testing 4-in.-diameter (101.6 mm) × 8-in.-long (203.2 mm) compression strength cylinders that were temperature match-cured.

The prisms were loaded in 3-point-bending to determine the ultimate bond characteristics of each reinforcement type for the different concrete release strengths. A loading rate of 300 lb/min (1334 N/min) was applied at mid-span and the maximum sustained moment was calculated for each test. Two 69-in.-long (175.26 cm) prisms, each having different concrete release strength, were tested with each of the 5 wire types. These prisms were tested at both ends, with a different embedment length assessed at each end. Thus, for each wire type and concrete release strength evaluated, a total of 4 tests were conducted for a total of 60 tests (5 wire types × 3 release strengths × 4 tested embedment lengths). Test results indicate that the concrete compressive strength at de-tensioning can have a direct impact on the ultimate flexural capacity of the members, and this has significant design implications for pretensioned concrete railroad ties. Results are discussed and recommendations made.
Strategy for Mitigating AC Voltage on Light Rail Systems’ Interactions With Utility AC Power Distribution Systems
Authors: Khalsa Manjit Singh , Sabherwal Krishan
Published: June 2015

Light rail systems interact with utility AC power distribution systems in many areas where running rails run parallel to the utility AC power transmission and distribution lines. This interaction may produce a 60Hz voltage on the running rail relative to the earth, adjacent to that the running rail. Since the running rails on modern systems are reasonably well isolated, this can result in potentials that can cause significant AC voltage on the rail that can cause instrumentation problems and personnel safety issues working on right-of-way (ROW). This effect is generally seen in areas where electrical distribution lines (power lines) run parallel to the running rail.

This paper will describe methodology used to mitigate the problems by selecting a suitable capacitor filter bank network that provides a highly conductive path for the induced AC voltages between the substation grounding grid and the running rail at the traction power substation location. The filter actually provides lower resistance to AC than the resistance to the ground, thus from an AC standpoint, the running rails are connected to the earth at that location. This drains much of the AC potential between running rail and the earth thus greatly lessening this potential even at significant distance from the substation. The filter network provides no path for DC current so it does not increase stray traction earth currents produced by rail drop voltage from an accelerating train. The adequate measurement and verification (M & V) techniques are adopted to achieve desired results.

The paper describes a cost effective solution comprising of an RC network filter with NEMA 3R rating enclosure, along with monitoring devices for monitoring DC and AC voltages and currents at the negative rail. These devices are installed and tested to mitigate the stray current issues successfully at the Valley Transportation Authority’s (VTA) traction power substation #31.
Criticality of Railroad Training
Authors: Schlesinger Dave
Published: June 2015

With the advent of Positive Train Control (PTC), railroads have significantly expanded their communications, signaling, networking and information technology systems. This has required training for existing staff as well as new staff with experience in these areas from industries other than railroading. At the same time, railroads must ensure that maintenance and operations are supported by properly trained employees who execute their responsibilities consistent with regulatory and railroad requirements. Certainly, this is the case for the vast majority of railroad employees; however, in those rare instances when employees deviate from their training, the results can be catastrophic. This has played out recently at Metro North Railroad, which has suffered five accidents over a ten month period, resulting in six fatalities, one hundred and twenty-eight injuries and twenty-eight million dollars in property damage.

The lessons from these tragedies, from the perspective of human behavior, and more specifically, training is discussed. Indeed, these accidents, in part, occurred because the railroad’s training program did not achieve its desired outcome, to mold human behavior; especially while performing safety-critical work. This is consistent with the findings of a recent Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) safety review of Metro North Railroad, which found ineffective training was at least in part to blame for the aforementioned rash of accidents.

The rigorous training requirements, that are part of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (RSIA), are detailed. These requirements are intended to ensure that employees are properly prepared to maintain and operate these complex systems and have the added benefit of helping to prepare new employees to take the place of departing, highly experienced individuals. Recognizing the criticality of this training, this paper details training best practices and how they can most effectively be leveraged by railroads. Properly applied, they can reduce accidents, stem the loss of institutional knowledge and properly prepare railroad staff to maintain and operate their new PTC systems.

This paper discusses how comprehensive training programs should be built on a foundation of organizational understanding, created by conducting training needs analysis. This analysis seeks to identify the current state of knowledge of key personnel, and compares it to that needed to properly support new organizational goals, such as to maintain and operate PTC. These organizational goals, coupled with the training needs analysis findings, then drive the enhancement of existing training programs, and, in some cases, the creation of new programs. In order to maximize effectiveness of these programs, it was found that training must be conducted using real-life case studies and in a manner that is engaging and interactive.
Setting System Wide RAM Targets in Passenger Rail Project Early Development Phase
Authors: Muftic Ibrahim , Turner David , Lawrence Steve , Padegimas Paul
Published: June 2015

New and expanded passenger rail projects must deliver dependable scheduled service with affordable operations and maintenance (O&M) costs. Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (RAM) characteristics of equipment, facilities, and rolling stock determine the dependability and O&M costs of a rail system. System designers, builders, and operators can achieve suitable RAM characteristics by applying established engineering concepts, methods, tools, and techniques throughout the system life-cycle. Targeting and achieving system-wide RAM characteristics are necessary to assure the quality of service delivered to the customers and control O&M costs.

A rail project reaps maximum benefits from applying system-wide RAM assurance processes if the RAM activities begin in an early planning phase, whether for a green field or an upgrade project, a single passenger rail system subsystem or a whole new railroad or rail service. Application of RAM assurance processes early on guide design to ensure RAM requirements are met in support of achieving overall service dependability and costs goals. RAM assurance processes are often applied at the railroad subsystem level such as rolling stock, train control, communications, traction power, and even infrastructure and civil works.

Key challenges in the early phases of a project are setting the appropriate system-wide performance indicators and metrics, using on-time performance, O&M cost, and other system-wide indicators; and then apportioning those targets to each railroad subsystem in a suitable metric that is measurable and directly relevant to each subsystem and its provider.

Once the rail system is integrated and in operation, further steps must assure that the system as a whole meets the system-wide RAM targets. This paper describes a model and associated processes that establish the needed parameter sets, analyses, and metrics, and provides a case study based on a new high-speed rail project.
The SpeedCourt: Reliability, Usefulness, and Validity of a New Method to Determine Change-of-Direction Speed
Authors: Düking Peter , Born Dennis-Peter , Sperlich Billy
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

To determine the reliability, usefulness, and validity of 3 different change-of-direction tests on a SpeedCourt (SCCODT) in team-sport players.

Methods:

For reliability and usefulness, 30 players (16 female and 14 male; age 19 ± 3 y, height 169 ± 30 cm, body mass 70 ± 11 kg) performed 3 SCCODTs differing in duration (7–45 s) on 3 occasions 1 wk apart. The total sprint times (TT) and time to change direction (TCD) were analyzed for each SCCODT. For validity, 14 players performed the Illinois Agility Test (IAT) and 505 test on a separate occasion.

Results:

TT for all SCCODTs is reliable (ICC > .79, CV < 5%), useful (TE < SWC0.5), and valid (IAT r > .71, P < .05; 505 test r > .54, P < .05). SCCODT variable TCD may be useful (TE = SWC0.5) but shows limited reliability with ICC >.65 and a CV >5%.

Conclusions:

All SCCODTs are reliable, useful, and valid to detect moderate performance changes regarding TT, with limited reliability for TCD. The quality of assessment improves when players are well familiarized with the SCCODT.
In Vitro
Antimalarial Activity of Different Inhibitors of the Plasmodial Isoprenoid Synthesis Pathway
Authors: da Silva Marcia F. , Saito Alexandre Y. , Peres Valnice J. , Oliveira Antonio C. , Katzin Alejandro M.
Published: June 2015

Previous studies have shown that fosmidomycin, risedronate, and nerolidol exert antimalarial activity
in vitro
. We included squalestatin, an inhibitor of the isoprenoid metabolism in
Erwinia uredovora
, and found that combinations of compounds which act on different targets of the plasmodial isoprenoid pathway possess important supra-additivity effects.
Flagellin Is Required for Host Cell Invasion and Normal Salmonella Pathogenicity Island 1 Expression by Salmonella enterica Serovar Paratyphi A
Authors: Elhadad Dana , Desai Prerak , Rahav Galia , McClelland Michael , Gal-Mor Ohad
Published: June 2015

Salmonella enterica
serovar Paratyphi A is a human-specific serovar that, together with
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhi and
Salmonella enterica
serovar Sendai, causes enteric fever. Unlike the nontyphoidal
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium, the genomes of
S
. Typhi and
S
. Paratyphi A are characterized by inactivation of multiple genes, including in the flagellum-chemotaxis pathway. Here, we explored the motility phenotype of
S
. Paratyphi A and the role of flagellin in key virulence-associated phenotypes. Motility studies established that the human-adapted typhoidal
S
. Typhi,
S
. Paratyphi A, and
S
. Sendai are all noticeably less motile than
S
. Typhimurium, and comparative transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) showed that in
S
. Paratyphi A, the entire motility-chemotaxis regulon is expressed at significantly lowers levels than in
S
. Typhimurium. Nevertheless,
S
. Paratyphi A, like
S
. Typhimurium, requires a functional flagellum for epithelial cell invasion and macrophage uptake, probably in a motility-independent mechanism. In contrast, flagella were found to be dispensable for host cell adhesion. Moreover, we demonstrate that in
S
. Paratyphi A, but not in
S
. Typhimurium, the lack of flagellin results in increased transcription of the flagellar and the
Salmonella
pathogenicity island 1 (SPI-1) regulons in a FliZ-dependent manner and in oversecretion of SPI-1 effectors via type three secretion system 1. Collectively, these results suggest a novel regulatory linkage between flagellin and SPI-1 in
S
. Paratyphi A that does not occur in
S
. Typhimurium and demonstrate curious distinctions in motility and the expression of the flagellum-chemotaxis regulon between these clinically relevant pathogens.