bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modified Voltage Control Law for Low Frequency Railway Power Systems
Authors: Laury John , Abrahamsson Lars , Bollen Math
Published: July 2017

In today’s Swedish and Norwegian low frequency railway power system the voltage at a converter is controlled such that its voltage will drop with increased reactive power output. However, for low frequency railways the influence of active power on voltage is larger compared to public power systems and alternative methods are interesting to investigate.

This paper presents a modified voltage control law for increased load sharing between converter stations and reduce the risk for converter overload in low frequency railways power systems. The modified voltage control law is derived mathematically and tested with different droops for two case studies. The results confirms the increased load sharing between the converter stations.

The results are analysed and discussed; ideas are presented to counteract some of the negative impacts of the modified voltage control law.
LNG Use in Freight Rail Industry as an Economic and Environmental Driver: A Technical, Operational and Economic Assessment
Authors: Barbosa Fábio C.
Published: July 2017

Freight rail carriers have been continuously challenged to reduce costs and comply with increasingly stringent environmental standards, into a continuously competing and environmentally driven industry. In this context, current availability and relative abundance of clean and low cost non conventional gas reserves have aroused a comprehensive reevaluation of rail industry into fuel option, especially where freight rail are strongly diesel based. Countries in which rail sector is required to play an important role in transport matrix, where fuel expenditures currently accounts for a significant share of operational costs, like Australia, Brazil, United States and other continental countries, can be seen as strong candidates to adopt fuel alternatives to diesel fueled freight railways. Moreover, from an environmental perspective, the use of alternative fuels (like natural gas) for locomotive traction may allow rail freight carriers to comply with emission standards into a less technologically complex and costly way. In this context, liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueled freight locomotives are seen as a strong potential near-term driver for natural gas use in rail sector, with its intrinsic cost and environmental benefits and with the potential to revolutionize rail industry much like the transition from steam to diesel experienced into the fifties, as well as the more recent advent of use of alternating current diesel-electric locomotives. LNG rail fueled approach has been focused on both retrofitting existing locomotive diesel engines, as well as on original manufactured engines. Given the lower polluting potential of natural gas heavy engines, when compared to diesel counterparts, LNG locomotives can be used to comply with increasingly restrictive Particulate Matter (PM) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) emission standards with less technological complexity (engine design and aftertreatment hardware) and their intrinsic lower associated costs. Prior to commercial operation of LNG locomotives, there are some technical, operational and economic hurdles that need to be addressed, i.e. : i) locomotive engine and fuel tender car technological maturity and reliability improvement; ii) regulation improvement, basically focused on operational safety and interchange operations; iii) current and long term diesel - gas price differential, a decisive driver, and, finally, iv) LNG infrastructure requirements (fueling facilities, locomotives and tender car specifications). This work involved an extensive research into already published works to present an overview of LNG use in freight rail industry into a technical, operational and economical perspective, followed by a critical evaluation of its potential into some relevant freight rail markets, such as United States, Brazil and Australia, as well as some European non electrified rail freight lines.
Models for the Residual Life of Railroad Bearing Grease in Laboratory and Industry Applications
Authors: Timmer Douglas H. , Tarawneh Constantine , Jones Robert
Published: July 2017

Adequate lubrication in railroad bearings is crucial to the safe operation of these components. An investigation of the residual life of railroad bearing grease was conducted in a laboratory setting. The data was collected using a split-split-plot design of experiments. The Oxidation Induction Time (OIT), which is the time required for the remaining antioxidants in a sample of grease to be consumed in a test, is the response variable for this study. Low values of OIT indicate small remaining amounts of antioxidants in the grease and thus small remaining residual life in the grease. OIT measurements were made using differential scanning calorimetry. Laboratory testing was performed utilizing a specialized dynamic test rig that allowed four rail-road bearings of the same class, mounted on a test axle, to be subjected to varying operating conditions. The independent factors manipulated in this study were total service mileage, miles at load, average speed, mounted lateral spacing, and average temperature at three locations within each bearing. Additional information was recorded for each axle tested that includes axle number, bearing location within the test axle, grease location within each bearing and the presence or absence of a small sprall on the bearing surface. Regression analysis was employed to fit mixed effects models using JMP software. The first modeling effort was to develop the best possible model for laboratory usage. A second modeling effort was conducted to develop a model for industry usage without several variables available only in the laboratory setting. Web-based applications are provided for users to investigate the residual life of railroad bearing grease in both laboratory and industry settings.
Assessment of Pantograph Loss-of-Contact Transients: A Follow-Up
Authors: Ku Bih-Yuan , Chen Guan-Ru
Published: July 2017

In this paper we present the follow-up of our work on the assessment of pantograph arcs during loss-of-contact transients. It is not easy to accurately detect the gap between the contact strip of the pantograph and the contact wire on the fly. Instead, in the European Standards EN50119 the measurable arcs are used in the performance criteria. This paper addresses the issue of arc detection from two aspects: arc image and arc intensity. Using the arc intensity sensors and an action camera we performed two field tests to verify the speculation that arc intensity does vary in different directions. This implies the requirement of more than one sensor in the detection of arcs, and the need to combine the outputs of all sensors to obtain an effective measure of arc intensity. Both issues are addressed in this paper using video clips and measurement data conducted in a field test in Taiwan.
Performance Measurement and Quality Assurance Applications for Passenger Rail Planning
Authors: Sperry Benjamin R. , Morgan Curtis A.
Published: July 2017

In recent decades, many transportation agencies have adopted a performance-based strategy for developing and supporting decisions related to transportation planning. Recent Federal legislation related to intercity passenger rail planning and development has adopted numerous provisions that emphasize the role of performance measurement throughout the process. This paper reports the findings of a comprehensive synthesis of performance measurement and quality assurance techniques for intercity passenger rail service planning and development. A performance-based process can support planning and decision-making for a wide range of activities including statewide rail planning, rail corridor planning, and management of existing services. For statewide planning purposes, a performance measurement system can be used to prioritize specific intercity corridors for detailed feasibility study. For existing rail services, a performance-based process can be used to establish performance targets related to operational and customer service aspects, measure progress toward these targets, and develop strategies to achieve desired results. A regular “quality assurance” program can also be used to maintain accountability for service operators and correct deficiencies in service delivery for existing routes. States and other entities involved with the passenger rail planning process will benefit from the findings of this synthesis by providing insight into the “ideal” performance management strategy.
Incorporating Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in Freight Transportation Infrastructure Project Evaluation
Authors: Oduru Soumith Kumar , Lautala Pasi
Published: July 2017

Transportation industry at large is a major consumer of fossil fuels and contributes heavily to the global greenhouse gas emissions. A significant portion of these emissions come from freight transportation and decisions on mode/route may affect the overall scale of emissions from a specific movement. It is common to consider several alternatives for a new freight activity and compare the alternatives from economic perspective. However, there is a growing emphasis for adding emissions to this evaluation process. One of the approaches to do this is through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA); a method for estimating the emissions, energy consumption and environmental impacts of the project throughout its life cycle.

Since modal/route selections are often investigated early in the planning stage of the project, availability of data and resources for analysis may become a challenge for completing a detailed LCA on alternatives. This research builds on such detailed LCA comparison performed on a previous case study by Kalluri et al. (2016), but it also investigates whether a simplified LCA process that only includes emissions from operations phase could be used as a less resource intensive option for the analysis while still providing relevant outcomes. The detailed LCA is performed using SimaPro software and simplified LCA is performed using GREET 2016 model. The results are obtained in terms of Kg CO2 equivalents of GHG emissions. This paper introduces both detailed and simplified methodologies and applies them to a case study of a nickel and copper mine in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The analysis’ are done for three modal alternatives (two truck routes and one rail route) and for multiple mine lives.
Energy Consumption and Passenger Compensation in Disruption Management
Authors: Cadarso Luis , Marín Ángel
Published: July 2017

A new approach is presented in order to deal with disruptions in rail transport networks. A mathematical model which decides on the speed profile while considering passenger use is presented. The model decides on the optimal sequence of operating regimes and the switching points between them for a range of different circumstances and train types all while considering delays and passenger compensation policies applied by the train operator. Computational tests on realistic problem instances of the Spanish rail operator RENFE are reported. The proposed approach is able to find solutions with a very good balance between various managerial goals.
Multifunctional Coating System for Rail Track Applications
Authors: Wang Hao , Salemi Milad , Balaguru P. N.
Published: July 2017

This study focused on development and characterization of a multifunctional coating system for rail track applications, such as low solar absorption, long-term durability, and corrosion resistance. Both laboratory and field experiments were conducted using coated and uncoated rails exposed to sunlight at various ambient temperatures to evaluate the effectiveness of coating in reducing rail temperature. The experimental results show that the average temperature reduction provided by the coating was 10–25°F, depending on the peak air temperature and measurement method. The effect of measurement method on rail temperature was investigated using different instrumentation types (magnet sensor, thermocouple, and automated Salient system) and thermal modelling simulations. On the other hand, the coated rail segments were placed in to the accelerate corrosion testing in a customized chamber to evaluate the performance of coating under exposure of wet/dry and freeze/thaw cycles, UV radiation, and salt spray. The performance of the coated rail segments placed in the outdoor environment and the coated rail track at service were used to evaluate the durability of coating. Field application of coating demonstrates that the coating adheres well to the rails. The curing time is about an hour. The coating can be applied on active tracks with proper scheduling. The durability of the coating was observed over two winter seasons.
Phosphorylation of amyloid precursor protein by mutant LRRK2 promotes AICD activity and neurotoxicity in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Chen Zhong-Can , Zhang Wei , Chua Ling-Ling , Chai Chou , Li Rong , Lin Lin , Cao Zhen , Angeles Dario C. , Stanton Lawrence W. , Peng Jian-He , Zhou Zhi-Dong , Lim Kah-Leong , Zeng Li , Tan Eng-King
Published: July 2017

Mutant forms of the kinase LRRK2 contribute to neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease by phosphorylating amyloid precursor protein.
In situ expansion of engineered human liver tissue in a mouse model of chronic liver disease
Authors: Stevens Kelly R. , Scull Margaret A. , Ramanan Vyas , Fortin Chelsea L. , Chaturvedi Ritika R. , Knouse Kristin A. , Xiao Jing W. , Fung Canny , Mirabella Teodelinda , Chen Amanda X. , McCue Margaret G. , Yang Michael T. , Fleming Heather E. , Chung Kwanghun , de Jong Ype P. , Chen Christopher S. , Rice Charles M. , Bhatia Sangeeta N.
Published: July 2017

An engineered microenvironment supports expansion of adult human engineered liver tissue after implantation in a mouse model of liver injury.
Neurotoxic Concentration of Piperacillin during Continuous Infusion in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Quinton Marie-Charlotte , Bodeau Sandra , Kontar Loay , Zerbib Yoann , Maizel Julien , Slama Michel , Masmoudi Kamel , Lemaire-Hurtel Anne-Sophie , Bennis Youssef
Published: July 2017

This retrospective cohort study included 53 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), with an average age of 69 years, without neurologic disorder before initiation of a continuous piperacillin infusion at the standard dose and who underwent piperacillin serum concentration monitoring. Among them, 23 developed a neurologic disorder for which the piperacillin causality was chronologically and semiologically suggestive. A concentration threshold of 157.2 mg/liter independently predicted neurotoxicity with 96.7% specificity and 52.2% sensitivity and may constitute a limitation when targeting less susceptible pathogens.
Assessment of the effectiveness and safety of ethosuximide in the treatment of abdominal pain related to irritable bowel syndrome – IBSET: protocol of a randomised, parallel, controlled, double-blind and multicentre trial
Authors: Kerckhove Nicolas , Scanzi Julien , Pereira Bruno , Ardid Denis , Dapoigny Michel
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterised by the association of abdominal chronic pain with bowel habit disorders in the absence of identifiable organic disease. This is the first reason for consultation in gastroenterology, with an estimated prevalence of 10%–15% in industrialised countries. Although this is a benign gastrointestinal disease, its chronicity profoundly impacts the patient’s quality of life and causes considerable health spending. Actual medical treatments are poorly efficient on IBS-related abdominal pain, making it a major public health concern. The mechanisms causing IBS symptoms are unknown. Recent studies have shown the involvement of T-type channel in abdominal pain. We aim to evaluate the therapeutic potential of ethosuximide, a T-type channel blocker, on the abdominal pain of patients presenting an IBS.

Methods and analysis

The IBSET trial is a randomised, controlled, parallel, double-blind and multicentre study. It is the first clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of ethosuximide on abdominal pain related to IBS. Adults with IBS that report significant abdominal pain (≥4/10) at least for 3 months will be included. 290 patients will be randomly assigned to receive either ethosuximide or placebo over 12 weeks after 1 week of run-in period. The primary endpoint is the rate of responders (pain reduction ≥30% and Subject Global Assessment of Relief score ≥4). The intensity of abdominal pain will be assessed by an 11-point Numerical Rating Scale before and after 12 weeks of treatment and the score of the Subject Global Assessment of Relief scale at the end of treatment. The secondary endpoints are the safety of ethosuximide, the intensity and features of IBS and quality of life.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by an independent medical ethics committee (CPP Sud-Est VI, Clermont-Ferrand, France). The results will be published in a peer-review journal and presented at international congresses.

Trial registration number

NCT02973542; Pre-results.
Protocol for an online randomised controlled trial to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a peer-supported self-management intervention for relatives of people with psychosis or bipolar disorder: Relatives Education And Coping Toolkit (REACT)
Authors: Lobban Fiona , Robinson Heather , Appelbe Duncan , Barraclough Johanna , Bedson Emma , Collinge Lizzie , Dodd Susanna , Flowers Sue , Honary Mahsa , Johnson Sonia , Mateus Ceu , Mezes Barbara , Minns Valerie , Murray Elizabeth , Walker Andrew , Williamson Paula , Wintermeyer Catherine , Jones Steven
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Despite clinical guidelines recommendations, many relatives of people with psychosis or bipolar disorder do not currently receive the support they need. Online information and support may offer a solution.

Methods and analysis

This single-blind, parallel, online randomised controlled trial will determine clinical and cost-effectiveness of the Relatives Education And Coping Toolkit (REACT) (including an online resource directory (RD)), compared with RD only, for relatives of people with psychosis or bipolar disorder. Both groups continue to receive treatment as usual. Independent, web-based variable, block, individual randomisation will be used across 666 relatives. Primary outcome is distress at 24 weeks (measured by General Health Questionnaire; GHQ-28) compared between groups using analysis of covariance, adjusting for baseline score. Secondary clinical outcomes are carer well-being and support. Cost-effectiveness analysis will determine cost of a significant unit change (three-point reduction) in the GHQ-28. Costs include offering and supporting the intervention in the REACT arm, relevant healthcare care costs including health professional contacts, medications prescribed and time off (or ability to) work for the relative. Cost utility analysis will be calculated as the marginal cost of changes in quality-adjusted life years, based on EuroQol. We will explore relatives’ beliefs, perceived coping and amount of REACT toolkit use as possible outcome mediators. We have embedded two methodological substudies in the protocol to determine the relative effectiveness of a low-value (£10) versus higher value (£20) incentive, and an unconditional versus conditional incentive, on improving follow-up rates.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial has ethical approval from Lancaster National Research Ethics Service (NRES)Committee (15/NW/0732) and is overseen by an independent Data Monitoring and Ethics Committee and Trial Steering Committee. Protocol version 1.5 was approved on 9 January 2017. All updates to protocols are uploaded to the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Journals Library. A full statistical analysis plan is available athttps://figshare.com/account/home#/projects/19975. Publications will be in peer-reviewed journals (open access wherever possible). Requests for access to the data at the end of the study will be reviewed and granted where appropriate by the Trial Management Group.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN72019945, pre-results.
A pragmatic, phase III, multisite, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm, dose increment randomised trial of regular, low-dose extended-release morphine for chronic breathlessness: Breathlessness, Exertion And Morphine Sulfate (BEAMS) study protocol
Authors: Currow David , Watts Gareth John , Johnson Miriam , McDonald Christine F , Miners John O , Somogyi Andrew A , Denehy Linda , McCaffrey Nicola , Eckert Danny J , McCloud Philip , Louw Sandra , Lam Lawrence , Greene Aine , Fazekas Belinda , Clark Katherine C , Fong Kwun , Agar Meera R , Joshi Rohit , Kilbreath Sharon , Ferreira Diana , Ekström Magnus
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Chronic breathlessness is highly prevalent and distressing to patients and families. No medication is registered for its symptomatic reduction. The strongest evidence is for regular, low-dose, extended- release (ER) oral morphine. A recent large phase III study suggests the subgroup most likely to benefit have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and modified Medical Research Council breathlessness scores of 3 or 4. This protocol is for an adequately powered, parallel-arm, placebo-controlled, multisite, factorial, block-randomised study evaluating regular ER morphine for chronic breathlessness in people with COPD.

Methods and analysis

The primary question is what effect regular ER morphine has on worst breathlessness, measured daily on a 0–10 numerical rating scale. Uniquely, the coprimary outcome will use a FitBit to measure habitual physical activity. Secondary questions include safety and, whether upward titration after initial benefit delivers greater net symptom reduction. Substudies include longitudinal driving simulation, sleep, caregiver, health economic and pharmacogenetic studies. Seventeen centres will recruit 171 participants from respiratory and palliative care. The study has five phases including three randomisation phases to increasing doses of ER morphine. All participants will receive placebo or active laxatives as appropriate. Appropriate statistical analysis of primary and secondary outcomes will be used.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been obtained. Results of the study will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals, findings presented at relevant conferences and potentially used to inform registration of ER morphine for chronic breathlessness.

Trial registration number

NCT02720822; Pre-results.
Homogeneous changes in cofinalities with applications to HOD
Authors: Ben-Neria Omer , Unger Spencer
Published: July 2017

We present a new technique for changing the cofinality of large cardinals using homogeneous forcing. As an application we show that many singular cardinals in [Formula: see text] can be measurable in HOD. We also answer a related question of Cummings, Friedman and Golshani by producing a model in which every regular uncountable cardinal [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-supercompact in HOD.
The divisor class group of splittable Zariski surfaces
Authors: Lang Jeffrey
Published: July 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be an algebraically closed field of characteristic [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be a normal variety defined by the equation [Formula: see text]. If [Formula: see text] is a product of [Formula: see text] linear factors in [Formula: see text], not necessarily homogeneous, where [Formula: see text] equals the degree of [Formula: see text], we say that [Formula: see text] is splittable. In this paper, we calculate the group of Weil divisors of a splittable [Formula: see text] for a generic [Formula: see text] when the characteristic of [Formula: see text] equals [Formula: see text]. In the process, we describe a general approach to studying class groups of splittable [Formula: see text] that we believe should yield results when [Formula: see text].
A new method for option pricing via time-fractional PDE
Authors: Saberi Elaheh , Hejazi S. Reza , Dastranj Elham
Published: July 2017

In this paper, power options pricing is driven via time-fractional PDE when the dynamic of underlying asset price follows a regime switching model in which the risky underlying asset depends on a continuous-time hidden Markov chain process. An exact solution for power options pricing is driven under our considered model.
Customizing Crowdfunding Approaches to Replace “Biased” Funding
Authors: Flomenbom Ophir , Mazaj Jelena
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this paper is to deal with crowdfunding approaches’ strength to influence the society, in particular, reforming the funding power structure in the society, to restructure the society wealth distribution, and to increase the flow of opportunities in the nation. The approaches that can do that include local crowdfunding from within businesses, crowd funds’ entities that are combined with unbiased management, and those combined with unbiased bank’s support. Local crowdfunding from within businesses is indeed a unique tool for financial stability at the neighborhood level, yet also in the nation’s level upon generalizations, where these can shift socio-economic-power to the citizens. In generalizing crowd funds’ entities, these are of value to fight biases in case combined with unbiased management; “unbiased crowdfunding” might prove simpler to create and maintain than the alternatives. Some of the example of works that we performed with local businesses are presented in this paper.
Autogenic Sedimentation in Clastic Stratigraphy
Authors: Hajek Elizabeth A. , Straub Kyle M.
Published: July 2017

Internally generated, or autogenic, terrestrial and marine sediment-transport dynamics can produce depositional patterns similar to those associated with climatic, tectonic, or sea level changes. A central challenge in accurately interpreting the sedimentary archive is determining what scales and types of deposits reflect autogenic controls on sedimentation in different environments. Autogenic sediment-transport dynamics commonly result from intermittent sediment storage in transient landforms, which produces episodic, spatially discontinuous sedimentation across a basin. The transition from localized, variable sedimentation to even, basin-wide sedimentation marks the shift from stochastic landscape dynamics to deterministic deposition responding to the long-term balance between sediment supply and the creation of space to accommodate sediment. This threshold can be measured in a wide variety of stratigraphic successions and has important bearing on whether climatic, tectonic, or sea level signals can be recognized in physical sedimentary deposits.
Genetics and Epigenetics of Mating Type Determination in Paramecium and Tetrahymena
Authors: Orias Eduardo , Singh Deepankar Pratap , Meyer Eric
Published: July 2017

While sex is an ancient and highly conserved eukaryotic invention, self-incompatibility systems such as mating types or sexes appear to be derived limitations that show considerable evolutionary plasticity. Within a single class of ciliates, Paramecium and Tetrahymena species have long been known to present a wide variety of mating type numbers and modes of inheritance, but only recently have the genes involved been identified. Although similar transmembrane proteins mediate self/nonself recognition in both ciliates, the mechanisms of mating type determination differ widely, ranging from Mendelian systems to developmental nuclear differentiation, either stochastic or maternally inherited. The non-Mendelian systems rely on programmed editing of the germline genome that occurs during differentiation of the somatic nucleus, and they have co-opted different DNA recombination mechanisms—some previously unknown. Here we review the recent molecular advances and some remaining unsolved questions and discuss the possible implications of these diverse mechanisms for inbreeding/outbreeding balance regulation.
Metabolic Effects of Intermittent Fasting
Authors: Patterson Ruth E. , Sears Dorothy D.
Published: July 2017

The objective of this review is to provide an overview of intermittent fasting regimens, summarize the evidence on the health benefits of intermittent fasting, and discuss physiological mechanisms by which intermittent fasting might lead to improved health outcomes. A MEDLINE search was performed using PubMed and the terms “intermittent fasting,” “fasting,” “time-restricted feeding,” and “food timing.” Modified fasting regimens appear to promote weight loss and may improve metabolic health. Several lines of evidence also support the hypothesis that eating patterns that reduce or eliminate nighttime eating and prolong nightly fasting intervals may result in sustained improvements in human health. Intermittent fasting regimens are hypothesized to influence metabolic regulation via effects on (a) circadian biology, (b) the gut microbiome, and (c) modifiable lifestyle behaviors, such as sleep. If proven to be efficacious, these eating regimens offer promising nonpharmacological approaches to improving health at the population level, with multiple public health benefits.
About Fixed Points in CAT(0) Spaces under a Combined Structure of Two Self-Mappings
Authors: De la Sen Manuel
Published: July 2017

This paper investigates some fixed point-related questions including the sequence boundedness and convergence properties of mappings QtSx,Ty=tSx⊕1-tTy defined in CAT0 spaces, which are parameterized by a scalar t∈0,1, where S,T:  X→X are nonexpansive Lipschitz-continuous mappings and X,d is a metric space which is a CAT0 space.
On the Critical Speed, Supercritical Bifurcation, and Stability Problems of Certain Type of High-Speed Rail Vehicle
Authors: Dong Hao , Wang Qunsheng
Published: July 2017

Recently, Chinese engineers have proposed a simple way to find the vehicles’ critical speed, which is similar to the ramping method. In this article, through an example of vehicle of supercritical properties, it is proved that the new easier way is not scientifically justified and should not be used in engineering practice. In addition, the ramping way also yields inaccurate critical speed. Then one abnormal vibration phenomenon which appears on Beijing-Shanghai high-speed line is studied. The results demonstrate that it is car body hunting but not bogie hunting. Finally, through the computation and comparison of the lateral ride indices under different conditions, one stability problem about stochastic limit cycle banding is tentatively discussed.
Imported Asymptomatic Bancroftian Filariasis Discovered from aPlasmodium vivaxInfected Patient: A Case Report from Singapore
Authors: Chavatte Jean-Marc , Jureen Roland
Published: July 2017

Human lymphatic filariasis is a vector-borne disease mainly caused by the parasitic nematodeWuchereria bancroftiand transmitted worldwide within the tropical and subtropical regions. Singapore was once endemic for bancroftian filariasis but recent reports are scarce and the disease is nearly forgotten. The case report presented here reports the incidental hospital laboratory finding of an asymptomatic microfilaremia in a relapsingPlasmodium vivaximported case during a malaria treatment follow-up appointment. The parasite was identified by microscopy asW. bancroftiand retrospective investigation of the sample collected during malaria onset was found to be also positive. Additional confirmation was obtained by DNA amplification, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrialcox1gene that further related the parasite toW. bancroftistrains from the Indian region. Considering the large proportion of asymptomatic filariasis with microfilaremia, the high number of migrants and travellers arriving from the surrounding endemic countries, and the common presence of local competent mosquito vectors, Singapore remains vulnerable to the introduction, reemergence, and the spread of lymphatic filariasis. This report brings out from the shadow the potential risk of lymphatic filariasis in Singapore and could help to maintain awareness about this parasitic disease and its public health importance.
Adsorptive Removal of Benzene and Toluene from Aqueous Environments by Cupric Oxide Nanoparticles: Kinetics and Isotherm Studies
Authors: Mohammadi Leili , Bazrafshan Edris , Noroozifar Meissam , Ansari-Moghaddam Alireza , Barahuie Farahnaz , Balarak Davoud
Published: July 2017

Removal of benzene and toluene, as the major pollutants of water resources, has attracted researchers’ attention, given the risk they pose to human health. In the present study, the potential of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) in eliminating benzene and toluene from a mixed aqueous solution was evaluated. For this, we performed batch experiments to investigate the effect of solution pH (3–13), dose of CuO-NPs (0.1–0.8 g), contact time (5–120 min), and concentration of benzene and toluene (10–200 mg/l) on sorption efficiency. The maximum removal was observed at neutral pH. By using the Langmuir model, we measured the highest adsorption capacity to be 100.24 mg/g for benzene and 111.31 mg/g for toluene. Under optimal conditions, adsorption efficiency was 98.7% and 92.5% for benzene and toluene, respectively. The sorption data by CuO-NPs well fitted into the following models: Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich model. The experimental information well fitted in the Freundlich for benzene and Langmuir for toluene. Based on the results, adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics with acceptable coefficients. The findings introduced CuO-NPs as efficient compounds in pollutants adsorption. In fact, they could be used to develop a simple and efficient pollutant removal method from aqueous solutions.
Pluripotent Stem Cell Metabolism and Mitochondria: Beyond ATP
Authors: Lees Jarmon G. , Gardner David K. , Harvey Alexandra J.
Published: July 2017

Metabolism is central to embryonic stem cell (ESC) pluripotency and differentiation, with distinct profiles apparent under different nutrient milieu, and conditions that maintain alternate cell states. The significance of altered nutrient availability, particularly oxygen, and metabolic pathway activity has been highlighted by extensive studies of their impact on preimplantation embryo development, physiology, and viability. ESC similarly modulate their metabolism in response to altered metabolite levels, with changes in nutrient availability shown to have a lasting impact on derived cell identity through the regulation of the epigenetic landscape. Further, the preferential use of glucose and anaplerotic glutamine metabolism serves to not only support cell growth and proliferation but also minimise reactive oxygen species production. However, the perinuclear localisation of spherical, electron-poor mitochondria in ESC is proposed to sustain ESC nuclear-mitochondrial crosstalk and a mitochondrial-H2O2presence, to facilitate signalling to support self-renewal through the stabilisation of HIFα, a process that may be favoured under physiological oxygen. The environment in which a cell is grown is therefore a critical regulator and determinant of cell fate, with metabolism, and particularly mitochondria, acting as an interface between the environment and the epigenome.
Effect of Grain Size on the Stress Corrosion Cracking of Ultrafine Grained Cu-10 wt% Zn Alloy in Ammonia
Authors: Asabe Takuma , Rifai Muhammad , Yuasa Motohiro , Miyamoto Hiroyuki
Published: July 2017

The effect of grain size in the micron to submicron range on the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of Cu-10 wt% Zn alloys was investigated using constant-load tests in ammonia vapor. The grain size was systematically varied from 4 μm to 0.12 μm by either cold-rolling or equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP), followed by annealing. The time to fracture increased with decreasing grain size above 1 μm but then began to decrease with decreasing grain size into the submicron range. This inverse trend in the submicron range is discussed in terms of a severe plastic deformation- (SPD-) induced ultrafine grain microstructure.
Response Surface Methodology for Biodiesel Production Using Calcium Methoxide Catalyst Assisted with Tetrahydrofuran as Cosolvent
Authors: Chumuang Nichaonn , Punsuvon Vittaya
Published: July 2017

The present study was performed to optimize a heterogeneous calcium methoxide (Ca(OCH3)2) catalyzed transesterification process assisted with tetrahydrofuran (THF) as a cosolvent for biodiesel production from waste cooking oil. Response surface methodology (RSM) with a 5-level-4-factor central composite design was applied to investigate the effect of experimental factors on the percentage of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) conversion. A quadratic model with an analysis of variance obtained from the RSM is suggested for the prediction of FAME conversion and reveals that 99.43% of the observed variation is explained by the model. The optimum conditions obtained from the RSM were 2.83 wt% of catalyst concentration, 11.6 : 1 methanol-to-oil molar ratio, 100.14 min of reaction time, and 8.65% v/v of THF in methanol concentration. Under these conditions, the properties of the produced biodiesel satisfied the standard requirement. THF as cosolvent successfully decreased the catalyst concentration, methanol-to-oil molar ratio, and reaction time when compared with biodiesel production without cosolvent. The results are encouraging for the application of Ca(OCH3)2 assisted with THF as a cosolvent for environmentally friendly and sustainable biodiesel production.
Use of Over-the-Counter Medication among Pregnant Women in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Abduelkarem Abduelmula R. , Mustafa Hafsa
Published: July 2017

Background. Over-the-counter medications are widely available in pharmacies Their safety profile, however, does not extend to pregnant women. Accordingly, there should be educational programs developed for pregnant women to protect them from the harms of the side effects. Aim. This study was planned and designed with the aim of exploring the awareness and assessing the usage of OTC medications among pregnant women in Sharjah, UAE. Method. A cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire. Results. More than three-quarters (75.7%) reported that they are familiar with the term “over-the-counter drugs.” Interestingly, 40% of the respondents reported that they took OTC drugs during pregnancy, and the majority (94.2%) agreed with the survey statement “not all OTC medications are safe to be taken during pregnancy.” Constipation was the most frequent side effect that most of the participants reported during the study period. Folic acid (36%), calcium (28.6%), and iron (35.1%) were the most common supplements used by the pregnant women responding. Conclusion. The reported 40% usage of OTC medications among pregnant women in this study is worrisome and calls for the need to educate, counsel, and increase awareness among pregnant women regarding the dangers of OTC drugs usage while pregnant in Sharjah, UAE.
Successful Outcome of Low-Dose S-1 Used to Treat Buccal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Yusa Kazuyuki , Yamanouchi Hideyuki , Sugano Ayako , Iino Mitsuyoshi
Published: July 2017

This case report describes an 86-year-old woman with dormant right buccal squamous cell carcinoma who was able to maintain a reasonable quality of life after being treated with oral low-dose S-1 (80 mg/day). The treatment regimen started in April 2014 and consisted of two weeks of S-1 followed by a one-week interval. The patient remains on this regimen while maintaining her quality of life and she has been under follow-up as an outpatient for 36 months. The outcomes for this patient indicated that low-dose S-1 is a valid anticancer therapy that may help maintain quality of life for some patients with incurable or dormant cancers.
Intelligent Controller Design for Quad-Rotor Stabilization in Presence of Parameter Variations
Authors: Doukhi Oualid , Fayjie Abdur Razzaq , Lee Deok Jin
Published: July 2017

The paper presents the mathematical model of a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and the design of robust Self-Tuning PID controller based on fuzzy logic, which offers several advantages over certain types of conventional control methods, specifically in dealing with highly nonlinear systems and parameter uncertainty. The proposed controller is applied to the inner and outer loop for heading and position trajectory tracking control to handle the external disturbances caused by the variation in the payload weight during the flight period. The results of the numerical simulation using gazebo physics engine simulator and real-time experiment using AR drone 2.0 test bed demonstrate the effectiveness of this intelligent control strategy which can improve the robustness of the whole system and achieve accurate trajectory tracking control, comparing it with the conventional proportional integral derivative (PID).
Thermal Environment inside a Tunnel after Thermobaric Explosion
Authors: Chen Fei , Mao Jinfeng , Zhou Jin , Hou Pumin , Liu Liyao , Chen Shangyuan
Published: July 2017

The outstanding thermal damage effect of thermobaric explosive (TBX) is enhanced in closed or semiclosed spaces, which may pose a serious threat to the security of people sheltered in tunnels or other protective engineering. In order to investigate the thermal environment inside a tunnel after thermobaric explosion, we developed a damage evaluation method for the thermal radiation of explosion fireballs in tunnels; secondly, the air temperature distribution inside a tunnel shortly after explosion was theoretically analyzed; finally, the dynamic thermal environment after the explosion and the influences of TBXs mass and initial ground temperature on it in cases of open and blocked tunnels were numerically simulated with the FLUENT software. The results show that the fireball thermal radiation damage occurs mainly in the vicinity of the explosion source. The air temperature inside a tunnel shortly after the explosion decreases continuously with increasing distance from the explosion source and finally reaches the initial air temperature. The decay rate of air temperature inside a tunnel is slower in the blocked case, which increases the probability of causing a secondary fire disaster. The increase of explosive mass and the initial ground temperature favor the high-temperature performance of TBX, especially for the blocked tunnel.
Fungal Bezoar: A Rare Cause of Ureteral Obstruction
Authors: Zeineddine Nabil , Mansour Wissam , El Bitar Sandy , Campitelli Marco , Mobarakai Neville
Published: July 2017

A 52-year-old male, with diabetes mellitus and alcoholic liver disease, presented to the Emergency Room for right flank pain of 3 days’ duration, associated with dysuria. Physical examination revealed right flank tenderness with fever and hypotension; laboratory findings showed acute kidney injury and large blood and leucocytes in the urine. A CT abdomen and pelvis showed hydronephrosis of the right collecting system of a horseshoe kidney with air and hyperdense debris in the renal pelvis. Patient was treated for multisensitive Proteus mirabilis emphysematous pyelonephritis, and a right nephrostomy tube was inserted. Symptoms recurred in 4 weeks, and repeated urine culture grew Candida albicans and CT scan showed same high density material within the right moiety of the horseshoe kidney. Patient underwent ureteroscopy, and a white fluffy material was aspirated from the right renal pelvis. Pathology of the aspirate confirmed the presence of fungal balls. Patient was given 2 weeks of oral fluconazole. Fungal pyelonephritis is unusual and difficult to treat. Candida species is responsible for the clear majority of the cases. A fungus ball should be managed with surgical and medical therapy. This patient had an endoscopic procedure to remove the fungus ball and received fluconazole. His symptoms resolved and urine culture was done before termination of the treatment was negative.
A Recurrent Episode of Dermatomyositis Associated with Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Eranki Vijay Gopal
Published: July 2017

Objective. It is uncommon for dermatomyositis to be associated with papillary thyroid cancer. We report an unusual case of papillary thyroid cancer presenting with dermatomyositis. Methods. The case history, imaging and laboratory data is reviewed. Results. We report the case of a 62-year-old female with a prior history of dermatomyositis and breast cancer who presented with a recurrent episode of dermatomyositis. Extensive evaluation of the cause of the dermatomyositis recurrence revealed no recurrence of the breast cancer but a thyroid nodule was identified. The nodule was biopsied and the patient was noted to have papillary thyroid cancer. The patient subsequently underwent total thyroidectomy and had gradual improvement in her dermatomyositis. Conclusion. It is very uncommon for dermatomyositis to be associated with papillary thyroid cancer.
Primary Small Cell Carcinoma of the Hypopharynx: A Report of Two Cases and Review of Nine Additional Cases
Authors: Nakahira Mitsuhiko , Kuba Kiyomi , Matsumura Satoko , Sugasawa Masashi
Published: July 2017

Objective. Two patients with primary small cell carcinoma (SmCC) of the hypopharynx, an extremely rare site for the occurrence of SmCC, are reported and nine additional well-documented cases are reviewed. Methods. Case report and review of the literature concerning primary SmCC of the hypopharynx. Results. On the final analysis, we reviewed eleven cases of primary SmCC of the hypopharynx. The tumors contained mixed elements of SmCC and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in six (55%) of eleven patients. Out of eleven patients, two patients had distant metastasis at the initial presentation. Even though nine patients presented with locoregional disease, development of distant metastasis after treatment was seen in five patients (56%), whereas there was no report of treatment failure on the primary site. To achieve more than two-year survival, patients should have received more than 4 cycles of chemotherapy. Conclusion. We report two cases of primary SmCC of the hypopharynx with a review of the literature. In more than half of the cases, combined carcinomas with SCC are seen. Because this tumor has a strong propensity for distant metastasis even in patients with clinically localized tumor, new powerful systemic agents should be explored.
Thinning of Inner Retinal Layers after Vitrectomy with Silicone Oil versus Gas Endotamponade in Eyes with Macula-Off Retinal Detachment
Authors: Purtskhvanidze Konstantine , Hillenkamp Jost , Tode Jan , Junge Olaf , Hedderich Jürgen , Roider Johann , Treumer Felix
Published: July 2017

Purpose: To evaluate retinal layer thickness with optical coherence tomography (OCT) in eyes with macula-off retinal detachment after silicone oil (SiO) or gas endotamponade. Procedures: Cross-sectional study of 40 eyes with macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment that underwent vitrectomy. 20 eyes received SiO tamponade and 20 matched eyes received gas. 33 healthy fellow eyes served as controls. Macular spectral domain OCT was performed with automated layer detection in the 5 inner subfields of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) map. Results: Comparing the SiO group with the gas group, the ganglion cell layer showed a significant thinning in all fields of the inner ring of the ETDRS map, the inner plexiform layer in the nasal, superior and temporal quadrants, and the outer plexiform layer in the nasal quadrant. Conclusions: Inner retinal layers in the fovea/parafovea were significantly thinner in the SiO group. Prospective studies are warranted to further elucidate possible retinal adverse effects of SiO tamponade.