bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Numerical analysis of soil water dynamics in a soil column with an artificial capillary barrier growing leaf vegetables
Authors: Wongkaew A. , Saito H. , Fujimaki H. , Šimůnek J. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAn artificial capillary barrier (CB), which consists of two layers of gravel and coarse sand, was used to improve the soil water retention capacity of the root zone of sandy soil for the cultivation of Japanese spinach (Brassica rapa var. perviridis). The performance of a CB under specific conditions can be evaluated using numerical simulations. However, there have been relatively few numerical studies analyzing soil water dynamics in CB systems during crop growth. The objectives of this study were (i) to evaluate the performance of a CB during the cultivation of Japanese spinach irrigated at different rates and (ii) to investigate the effect of the irrigation schedule on root water uptake. Numerical analysis was performed using HYDRUS‐1D after the soil hydraulic properties of the CB materials were determined. In most cases, the HYDRUS‐1D results agreed well with the experimental soil water content data without any calibration when the dual‐porosity model describing soil hydraulic properties was used for gravel and coarse sand. We found that the dual‐porosity model was able to attenuate the unrealistically steep reduction in the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity predicted by the single‐porosity model. The numerical simulations also showed that the CB played an important role in maintaining plant‐available water in the root zone while maximizing the water use efficiency. The numerical simulations revealed that the irrigation frequency could be reduced by half during the early growth stage, and the water use efficiency could be greatly improved with the CB layer installed.
Cephalic anatomy of Sphaeriusidae and a morphology‐based phylogeny of the suborder Myxophaga (Coleoptera)
Authors: Yavorskaya Margarita I. , Anton Eric , Jałoszyński Paweł , Polilov Alexey , Beutel Rolf G. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMyxophaga are a small group of beetles, but phylogenetically crucial as one of the four coleopteran suborders. The monogeneric Sphaeriusidae, one of four myxophagan families, comprise about 20 species, most of them living in moist substrate at river edges. The morphology of the minute hemispherical adult is very insufficiently known. Consequently, we document external and internal head structures using scanning electron microscopy, microtome sections and three‐dimensional reconstructions. The results are discussed with respect to effects of miniaturization and also functional aspects, especially microphagous feeding habits. The head ofSphaeriusis less affected by size reduction compared with other beetles of the same size class (e.g. larger Ptiliidae, Corylophidae). Features related to very small size are the absence of externally visible ridges and a partial shift of the brain into the prothorax. The cephalic musculature is apparently not affected. The feeding apparatus is similar to what is found in microphagous species of Polyphaga, especially in Scirtoidea and Staphyliniformia. However, in contrast to polyphagans with similar feeding habits, the hypopharyngeal longitudinal ridge (or process) ofSphaeriusis strongly reduced and a fimbriate galea is lacking. The observed features are also evaluated in a cladistic analysis of larval and adult characters. The results are distinctly in conflict with branching patterns suggested by analyses of molecular data, but in agreement with previous morphological studies. In contrast to a pattern obtained in a recent molecular study – (Hydroscaphidae + (Torridincolidae + (Sphaeriusidae + Lepiceridae))) – our analyses yielded Lepiceridae as sister to the remaining Myxophaga (branch support 9), andSphaeriusas sister taxon of Hydroscaphidae (branch support 5). The monophyletic origin of the latter two taxa is supported by unusual synapomorphies of adults and larvae.Sphaeriusis characterized by numerous autapomorphies of the head: a labro‐mandibular locking device, a bipartite M. frontoepipharyngalis (M9) with subcomponents oriented in the opposite direction, a deep antennal furrow, an intercalary antennomere with a structure resembling a sucking disc, a strongly elongated flagellomere 1, a compact three‐segmented antennal club, strong bundles of M. tentorioscapalis (M4) originating on the posterior head capsule, a concave anterior side of maxillary palpomere 2, and an elongated second pair of tormae posteriorly connected with a process of the hypopharyngeal suspensorium.
Enriching the GIScience research agenda: Fusing augmented reality and location‐based social networks
Authors: Liu Chengbi , Fuhrmann Sven 
Published: June 2018

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

AbstractExisting research shows mutual fund flow is highly correlated with past performance in an asymmetric way, namely flow–performance convexity. Fund managers pursue incentives to manipulate fund characteristics to invoke future fund inflows. Given this body of evidence, how has the global financial crisis impacted on fund volatility and fee structures with respect to the flow–performance relationship? Using data for the period 1999 to 2011 (disaggregated into three sample periods) for US mutual equity funds, empirical analysis in this study shows mutual funds adopt a low‐risk strategy resulting in the greatest flow–performance sensitivity. An incremental dampening effect is observed on flow–performance convexity due to increasing riskiness of portfolios, more significant in the GFC period. In addition, the results indicate that pure operating expense weakens the flow–performance sensitivity, especially in the post‐GFC period. Advertising effects trigger greater investor response to past performance, particularly throughout the GFC. It is also documented that front‐end load is not a statistically significant in determining the flow–performance relationship; nevertheless, back‐end load on average dampens investor response to past performance, and this dampening impact is more evident in the post‐GFC period.
On the Effects of the USP on the Lateral Resistance of Ballasted Railway Tracks
Authors: Pucillo Giovanni Pio , De Iorio Antonio , Rossi Stefano , Testa Mario 
Published: June 2018

From the advent of high-speed (HS) railways and with increasing traffic-induced loads transmitted to the superstructure, maintenance costs due to track geometry degradation have become a crucial problem for researchers and railway administrations. Moreover, the operations of ballast renewal, track tamping, and track re-alignment, that are indispensable to guarantee a good track geometry, have dramatic effects on the tie-ballast lateral resistance, which in turn reduce the track flexural strength in the lateral plane and increase the proneness of railway tracks made of continuous welded rails (CWR) to experience either progressive lateral shift of the track panel or thermal track buckling phenomena. To restore proper values of the tie-ballast lateral resistance, railway technicians either impose a speed reduction or compact the ballast bed mechanically by mean of the dynamic track stabilizing machines.
Recently, elastic elements in railway tracks are receiving more and more attention due to their ability to reduce track geometry degradation and to attenuate noise and vibrations. Under Tie Pads, or Under Sleeper Pads (USP), guarantee better homogenization of the track vertical stiffness and have received more attention due to their ability to reduce maintenance costs. Most published studies focused their attention to USPs’ attitude to improve track performances in terms of dynamic impact force mitigation and track quality improvement; however, with few exceptions, no available literature exists on lateral resistance of ballasted track with USP, and some question still remains whether or not the lateral resistance is improved by USP.
In this study, the experimental results of about 40 lateral resistance tests carried out in situ are reported and discussed. The tests were performed with the Discrete Cut Panel Pull Test (DCPPT) technique on three type of concrete ties, with and without USP; each type of tie and the related track conditions (ballast thickness, subgrade thickness and composition, shoulder width, ballast wall, etc.) were representative of specific track conditions, namely traditional tracks, high-speed lines and gallery. The tests were carried out in loaded and unloaded track conditions, in compacted and just-laid track conditions.
In compacted ballast conditions the peak lateral resistance due to USPs can increase up to 20% — depending on the material used — and this variation is almost constant in the bedding modulus range considered in this study, which was quite well representative of typical static bedding modulus values of actual USPs. Even higher advantages seem to be achievable with softer USPs in weak or just-tamped ballast conditions.
TriMet MAX Energy Storage Substation: Updates on Commissioning, Optimization and Operating Experience
Authors: Pham Kinh D. , Looijenga Kai , Wallis Gene , Heilig Thomas , Ramirez Xavier 
Published: June 2018

This paper provides an update to the 2015 paper titled “A New Energy Storage Substation for the Portland to Milwaukie Light Rail (PMLR) Extension” [4] presented at the 2015 JRC in San Jose.
The energy storage substation (ESS) with super-capacitor technology manufactured by Siemens was installed in place of a utility-connected substation at the Tacoma substation location to capture the energy generated by braking light rail vehicles and store it in the ESS energy savings mode and feed it back to the traction power supply during vehicle acceleration. In voltage stabilization mode, the ESS will enable the rail system to maintain voltage system stability by ensuring the system voltage to remain within the required voltage ranges and prevent system disruptions due to low system voltage conditions.
In the Fall 2015, the Tacoma ESS went into service as part of the PMLR Orange Line light rail extension. This paper presents the design concepts for the unit, briefly discusses installation and testing, and focuses on the optimization process, operating experience, energy savings and reliability. TriMet operates a fleet of 145 light rail vehicles on its 60 mile network. Approximately 75% of the energy regenerated during braking is captured and re-used, saving an estimated $1.8 M annually in energy cost. The Tacoma ESS capacity is approximately 2.5 kWh. The unit normally operates in energy savings mode, maximizing recovery and re-use of braking energy while the secondary voltage stabilization mode is available to maintain system operation during outage conditions. After more than two years of revenue service operation, detailed operating data is presented and analyzed, including reliability information and actual energy and cost savings.
Predict, Detect and React to Signaling and Train Control Failures With Improved Diagnostics Achieved With a Suite of Data Collection and Analysis Tools in a Maintenance and Diagnostic Center
Authors: Greco Joseph A. 
Published: June 2018

The highest level of automation may be achieved with traditional fixed block systems with numerous benefits. Diagnostic Data can be collected from wayside infrastructure and stored in a central depository. Diagnostics from the vehicle may also be collected, not typically in a dynamic fashion, and stored in a centralized depository. This data is not easily integrated or sequenced between the onboard and wayside. External systems are added to collect all data. This centralized system composes a Maintenance and Diagnostic Center.
In addition, with CBTC systems, communication between the wayside and the vehicle include ATP information, Movement Authority, Speed Restrictions from the wayside to the vehicle and reports of train location, speed, travel direction and vehicles status. With ATO, data is also transferred between the train and wayside. Much of the vehicle reported ATO data includes vehicle and on-board controller alarms and events. This train and wayside communicated data is collected and stored in the MDC with the added benefit of being integrated between the on-board and wayside. This integrated data allows data mining to be performed to evaluate many operating aspects of the system.
This presentation identifies some of the types of data collected and the analysis that may be performed on the data to identify improvements that are to be integrated in system operation, detect system components that are degrading to a point of failure to help schedule maintenance before failure and provide the capability to review events post mortem to identify the root cause of failures that occur in the system.
Hepatitis C virus infection and hospital-related outcomes: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Ti Lianping , Ng Michelle , Awendila Lindila , Carrieri Patrizia Maria 
Published: June 2018

IntroductionPeople living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are disproportionately over-represented in the healthcare system due to various individual and contextual circumstances, including comorbidities and socioeconomic marginalisation. With growing trends in morbidity and mortality related to HCV infection, HCV is becoming a significant health and financial burden on the healthcare system, particularly in acute hospital settings. It is noteworthy that with the advent of direct-acting antiviral therapy the increasing number of patients who are cured of HCV could potentially result in different patterns of hospital-related outcomes over time.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a systematic review of published literature to retrieve quantitative research articles pertaining to hospital outcomes among patients living with HCV. Primary outcomes include hospitalisation rates, length of stay, leaving against medical advice, readmission and in-hospital mortality. In total, five databases will be searched (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science). Titles, abstracts and full texts will be independently reviewed by two investigators in three separate stages. The methodological quality of included quantitative research studies will be assessed using a validated tool. Data from included articles will be extracted using a standardised form and synthesised in a narrative account.Ethics and disseminationResults of this systematic review could provide a better understanding on how to optimise health systems and services to improve patient outcomes and care. The results of this study may provide future research with a foundation to guide decision-making and for designing and implementing systems-level interventions to improve treatment and care delivery for people living with HCV. Ethical approval for this study was received by the University of British Columbia/Providence Health Care Research Ethics Board. Findings from this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, reports and community forumsPROSPERO registration numberCRD42017081082; Pre-results.
Study protocol for a feasibility study of an internet-administered, guided, CBT-based, self-help intervention (ENGAGE) for parents of children previously treated for cancer
Authors: Woodford Joanne , Wikman Anna , Cernvall Martin , Ljungman Gustaf , Romppala Amanda , Grönqvist Helena , von Essen Louise 
Published: June 2018

IntroductionA subgroup of parents of children previously treated for cancer report long-term psychological distress after end of treatment. However, needs for psychological support are commonly unmet and there is a lack of evidence-based treatments tailored to the specific needs of this population. An internet-administered, guided, cognitive–behavioural therapy-based, self-help intervention (ENGAGE) for parents of children previously treated for cancer may provide a solution. The aim is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention ENGAGE and the study procedures for a future controlled trial.Methods and analysisThe study has an uncontrolled within-group design with an embedded qualitative and quantitative process evaluation. Potential participants are parents of children previously treated for cancer, living in Sweden, recruited via their child’s personal identification number (via the Swedish Childhood Cancer Registry and the Swedish Tax Agency). Parents are invited randomly with information packs sent to home addresses. Further interest in participating can be registered via information on relevant websites. The study aims to recruit 50 parents who will receive the intervention ENGAGE which is designed to be delivered over a 10-week period, and comprises one introductory chapter followed by up to 10 intervention modules addressing key concerns identified for the population. Consistent with feasibility study objectives, primary outcomes relate to recruitment, attrition, data collection, study resources, intervention delivery and acceptability. Clinical outcomes (post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, fear of cancer recurrence, psychological inflexibility and experiential avoidance, depressed inactivity, fatigue, quality of life and self-compassion) will be measured at baseline, post-treatment (12 weeks) and 6-month follow-up.Ethics and disseminationThe Regional Ethical Review Board in Uppsala, Sweden has granted approval for the study (Dnr: 2017/527). Results will be disseminated to relevant healthcare and patient communities, in peer-reviewed and popular science journals, and at scientific and clinical conferences.Trial registration numberISRCTN57233429; Pre-results.
Severity scoring of lung oedema on the chest radiograph is associated with clinical outcomes in ARDS
Authors: Warren Melissa A , Zhao Zhiguou , Koyama Tatsuki , Bastarache Julie A , Shaver Ciara M , Semler Matthew W , Rice Todd W , Matthay Michael A , Calfee Carolyn S , Ware Lorraine B 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundThere is no accurate, non-invasive measurement to estimate the degree of pulmonary oedema in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We developed the Radiographic Assessment of Lung Oedema (RALE) score to evaluate the extent and density of alveolar opacities on chest radiographs. After first comparing the RALE score to gravimetric assessment of pulmonary oedema in organ donors, we then evaluated the RALE score in patients with ARDS for its relationship to oxygenation and clinical outcomes.MethodsWe compared radiographs with excised lung weights from 72 organ donors (derivation cohort) and radiographs with clinical data from 174 patients with ARDS in the ARDSNet Fluid and Catheter Treatment Trial (validation cohort). To calculate RALE, each radiographic quadrant was scored for extent of consolidation (0–4) and density of opacification (1–3). The product of the consolidation and density scores for each of the four quadrants was summed (maximum score=48).ResultsAgreement between two independent reviewers for RALE score was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.93, 95% CI 0.91 to 0.95). In donors, pre-procurement RALE score correlated with height-adjusted total lung weight (ρ=0.59, p<0.001). In patients with ARDS, higher RALE scores were independently associated with lower PaO2/fractional inspired oxygen and worse survival. Conservative fluid management significantly decreased RALE score over 3 days compared with liberal fluid management.ConclusionsThe RALE score can be used to assess both the extent of pulmonary oedema and the severity of ARDS, by utilising information that is already obtained routinely, safely and inexpensively in every patient with ARDS. This novel non-invasive measure should be useful for assessing ARDS severity and monitoring response to therapy.
IgE to the Mammalian Oligosaccharide Galactose-α-1,3-Galactose Is Associated With Increased Atheroma Volume and Plaques With Unstable Characteristics—Brief Report
Authors: Wilson Jeffrey M. , Nguyen Anh T. , Schuyler Alexander J. , Commins Scott P. , Taylor Angela M. , Platts-Mills Thomas A.E. , McNamara Coleen A. 
Published: June 2018

Objective—
Emerging evidence suggests a link between coronary artery disease and type 2 immunity. We sought to test the hypothesis that IgE sensitization to the mammalian oligosaccharide galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal)—the target allergen of delayed anaphylaxis to red meat—is associated with coronary artery disease.

Approach and Results—

Total IgE and specific IgE to α-Gal were assayed on sera from 118 subjects who presented for cardiac catheterization and underwent intravascular ultrasound. IgE to α-Gal was detected in 26%, and atheroma burden was higher in sensitized subjects (
P
=0.02). Because α-Gal sensitization relates to an environmental exposure that could be a risk factor for early-onset coronary artery disease (ie, tick bites), we age stratified the cohort. In subjects ≤65 years of age, the strength of the association with atheroma burden was stronger (
P
<0.001), and plaques in the sensitized group had less stable features based on intravascular ultrasound. To address the specificity of the association with IgE to α-Gal, IgE to inhalants and peanut were assayed and were not associated with coronary artery disease. Total IgE and α-Gal–specific IgE were strongly associated with each other, but the strength of the relationship with atheroma burden was stronger for α-Gal–specific IgE. This association was significant when adjusted for sex, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, statin use, and total IgE (regression coefficient, 12.2; SE, 5.2;
P
=0.02).

Conclusions—
Increased atheroma burden and plaques with more unstable features were associated with IgE to α-Gal—an effect most pronounced in subjects ≤65 years of age. IgE sensitization to α-Gal may represent a novel, and potentially modifiable, risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis.