bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Wheel-Rail Forces on Mismatched Joints With Ramps
Authors: Marquis Brian , Greif Robert 
Published: June 2016

The discontinuity between rail ends at a joint creates dynamic wheel-rail forces (i.e. high impact forces and wheel unloading) that can result in a range of problems including wear, deterioration, and early failure of the track structure, its components, and passing equipment. The response and magnitude of the dynamic wheel-rail forces generated at joints depend upon the form of the discontinuity (e.g. battered rail ends, ramps, gaps, mismatches, etc.) and the support condition. Joints with battered rail ends, which result from degradation due to repeated impact loading, have been extensively analyzed using closed form expressions developed by Jenkins [1] to estimate P1 and P2 impact forces. While appropriate for analyzing joints with battered rail ends, P1 and P2 forces are not directly applicable to other forms of discontinuity at joints such as mismatches in which the rail ends are offset vertically when installed.
Under certain circumstances, railroads are introducing ramps (by grinding or welding) to reduce the mismatch discontinuity and produce a smoother transition in order to mitigate these dynamic wheel-rail forces. In this paper, analyses are conducted to estimate dynamic wheel-rail forces at joints having ramps and mismatches of various sizes using simplified models along with detailed NUCARS models for comparative purposes. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Track Safety Standards (49 CFR Part213) [2] limit the maximum mismatch at joints by Track Class in order to minimize the impact forces which deteriorate the track structure, its components, and equipment, and may ultimately lead to derailment. Parametric studies are conducted to examine the effects of ramp length, direction of travel, mismatch height, and equipment speed (track class). Plots of primary shock-response-spectrum (maximum impact force on the ramp), residual shock-response-spectrum (maximum impact force after the ramp), and minimum wheel force (i.e. wheel unloading) are developed to provide guidelines on ramp length (H-rule) in order to control the maximum force by track class.
Introduction to Chemical Stabilization of Unstable Trackbeds
Authors: Tannoury George A. , Schrock Steven D. 
Published: June 2016

Trackbeds are typically composed of all granular materials comprised of ballast and subballast over compacted subgrade. Most poor performances of railroads can be attributed to poor and unstable subgrade conditions. Below the surface, the instability of the subgrade material can propagate through the granular zone leading to excessive settlements and deformations of the railway. Conventional subgrade restoration in the trackbed system requires the removal of the granular materials and over-excavation of soft unstable subgrade materials, moisture adjustment, re-compaction, and sometimes chemical stabilization of the subgrade soils. Since these procedures are considered very expensive in terms of construction equipment, railway outage time, and labor force, alternative solutions for consideration and evaluation are essential.
Injection of expansive foam (polymer based) materials is a relatively recent method that has been used in various applications of soil stabilization in the roadway industry. This technique relies on the injection of rigid-polyurethane foam, which is a high-density, expanding, thermoset, hydro-insensitive and environmentally neutral polyurethane-resin product, into the soft and unstable soil to improve their shear strength and stability index. In addition, the stabilized zone acts as a waterproof membrane protecting moisture sensitive subgrade, and acting as a separation layer to eliminate pumping and contamination of the granular subballast at saturated fine grained conditions.
The objective of this paper is to evaluate the practicability of polyurethane stabilized soft and unstable subgrade under unbounded granular trackbeds to mitigate future deformation, restore railway foundation, and reduce trackbed repair cost and outage time.
Advancing Pedestrian Safety and Case Study of Pedestrian Psychology at Railroad Grade Crossing
Authors: Shehada Mohammad , Ahuja Akshit , Schrock Steven D. 
Published: June 2016

Contrary to the declining railroad-highway crossing crashes over the past decade, the pedestrian-railroad interface has remained relatively unchanged. While engineering solutions and law enforcement have been tried, little is known about their effectiveness on the pedestrian mindset and psychology.
One of the main reason for crashes of this type is that pedestrians tend to be restless while waiting at railroad crossings. This can lead to pedestrians performing irrational acts such as attempting to walk across a crossing before a train arrives. Earlier, trains traveled at slower speeds which pedestrians could react to easily and trains had less freight so it needed less braking distance and thus it was easier to control them. There are many factors with the potential to improve pedestrian safety at railroad crossings.
In this paper the current safety norms for railroad crossings existing across in more than 40 major cities in US were analyzed to determine the existing safety standards for pedestrians at railroad grade crossings. State departments of transportation (DOTs) were contacted, along with professionals in public and private sector involved in safety at railroad crossing and ask them what according to them is a high risk railroad grade crossings in their area, safety practices that are common in their area, various threats to Safety implementation and then analyze these crossing for the types, safety signs and equipment present at them.
Comparison of Transfer Lengths in Pretensioned Concrete Railroad Ties Subjected to Different Magnitudes of Rail Loads
Authors: Bodapati Naga Narendra B. , Peterman Robert J. , Beck B. Terry , Wu Chih-Hang John 
Published: June 2016

In order to quantify the effect of different reinforcement types on transfer lengths, an extensive study was conducted with the selected group of twelve different reinforcement types. These reinforcements are extensively used to produce concrete railroad ties across the world. These employed twelve (12) different types are of 5.32 mm diameter wires with different surface indent geometries. A research team from Kansas state university visited a PCI certified concrete tie manufacturing plant during January 2013. During the plant visit, four (4) concrete railroad ties were cast for each reinforcement type for a total of 48 ties. Considerable part of the study conducted at the plant was previously published by the authors. However for effective understanding, brief explanation of the tie manufacturing process will be presented in this paper. Strain measuring points were mounted on the bottom surface of a concrete railroad tie during the casting process. Proper measures were taken to safeguard these strain measuring points during loading. Transfer lengths were calculated using these mounted strain measuring points. Transfer length measurements were calculated at the plant, immediately after the application of prestressing forces to the concrete ties. After the casting process, two ties for each reinforcement type were stored at plant location for approximately one year and the remaining two ties (companion ties) for the each reinforcement types were shipped and stored at Kansas state university. Transfer length measurements were again calculated at this stage for all 48 ties. Ties stored at plant location were later subjected to cumulative in-track railroad loading of 85 million gross tons over six (6) months period of time. Whereas, the companion ties stored at Kansas state university were not subjected to any loading. Transfer lengths are calculated and compared at this stage and presented [4] in the past.
Ties which were already subjected to 85 million gross tons were further loaded to cumulative total of 236.3 million gross tons and the companion ties stored at Kansas State University were not subjected to any loading. Transfer lengths for the ties (twenty four) that were subjected 263.3 million gross tons were calculated and presented in this paper with detailed explanation. Transfer length behavior under different magnitudes of loading is also presented along with the discussion.
Evaluation of Risk Reduction From Tank Car Design and Operations Improvements: An Extended Study
Authors: Gonzalez Francisco , Prabhakaran Anand , Booth Graydon F. , Gantoi Florentina M. 
Published: June 2016

Critical derailment incidents associated with crude oil and ethanol transport have led to a renewed focus on improving the performance of tank cars against the potential for puncture under derailment conditions. Proposed strategies for improving puncture performance have included design changes to tank cars as well as operational considerations, such as reduced speeds and upgraded brake systems. In a prior paper on this topic, the authors conceptualized a novel and objective methodology for quantifying and characterizing the reductions in risk that result from changes to tank car design or to the tank car operating environment.
This paper describes an extension of that effort to include additional derailment cases, additional operating speeds, considerations for alternate train configurations, such as Distributed Power (DP) and Electrically Controlled Pneumatic (ECP) brakes, as well as options for component level studies. In essence, the developed methodology considers key elements that are relevant to tank car derailment performance and combines these elements into a consistent probabilistic framework to estimate the relative merit of proposed mitigation strategies. The relevant elements considered include variations in the derailment scenarios, chaotic derailment dynamics, the distribution of impact loads and impactor sizes, various operating speeds, brake system differences, and variations in tank car design. The paper also provides an overview of the validation efforts which suggest that the gross dynamics of a tank car train derailment, and the resulting puncture performance of the tank cars, are captured well by this methodology.
Digital Image Correlation Techniques for Prestressed Concrete Tie Quality Control
Authors: Bartelmo Sally , Rajan Sreehari , Li Ning , Sutton Michael , Rizos Dimitrios C. 
Published: June 2016

Qualification of prestressed concrete railroad ties is currently performed through testing at the design level following established AREMA guidelines, while important parameters, such as the strand transfer length, are typically not identified. Conventional testing practices are time demanding, expensive and labor intensive. Consequently, implementation of highly reliable, yet cost effective, quality control procedures at the tie production stage is highly appropriate and desired.
In this work, the authors developed a stereo-vision system for both laboratory and industrial environments to measure the 3-D strain fields on the surfaces of prestressed concrete railroad ties. The proposed measurement system is based on the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) techniques developed in University of South Carolina (USC) laboratories over the past three decades. It is a non-destructive, non-contacting technique that has been successfully applied to obtain full-field measurements for a wide range of materials, loading types and temperature conditions. Known as 3D-DIC or Stereo-DIC, the method employs a stereo-vision system to successfully perform quality assessment of concrete ties in relation to the determination of: (i) the transfer length in both laboratory and production facility environments and (ii) full strain fields during product qualification tests to identify product defects. The proposed procedure is introduced and verified through application in a laboratory environment. The implementation of the method is presented and the cost effectiveness, accuracy, and versatility are discussed.
Aging effect on microcirculation: A multiscale entropy approach on laser speckle contrast images
Authors: Khalil A. , Humeau‐Heurtier A. , Gascoin L. , Abraham P. , Mahé G. 
Published: June 2016

Purpose:It has long been known that age plays a crucial role in the deterioration of microvessels. The assessment of such deteriorations can be achieved by monitoring microvascular blood flow. Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) is a powerful optical imaging tool that provides two‐dimensional information on microvascular blood flow. The technique has recently been commercialized, and hence, few works discuss the postacquisition processing of laser speckle contrast images recorded in vivo. By applying entropy‐based complexity measures to LSCI time series, we present herein the first attempt to study the effect of aging on microcirculation by measuring the complexity of microvascular signals over multiple time scales.Methods:Forearm skin microvascular blood flow was studied with LSCI in 18 healthy subjects. The subjects were subdivided into two age groups: younger (20–30 years old, n = 9) and older (50–68 years old, n = 9). To estimate age‐dependent changes in microvascular blood flow, we applied three entropy‐based complexity algorithms to LSCI time series.Results:The application of entropy‐based complexity algorithms to LSCI time series can differentiate younger from older groups: the data fluctuations in the younger group have a significantly higher complexity than those obtained from the older group.Conclusions:The effect of aging on microcirculation can be estimated by using entropy‐based complexity algorithms to LSCI time series.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Tokyovirus
, a Member of the Family
Marseilleviridae
Isolated from the Arakawa River of Tokyo, Japan
Authors: Takemura Masaharu 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACT

Members of the
Marseilleviridae
family are large DNA viruses with icosahedral particles that infect
Acanthamoeba
cells. This report presents a new
Marseilleviridae
family member discovered in a water/soil sample from a river in Tokyo, named
Tokyovirus
, with genome size of 370 to 380 kb.
Genome Sequence of the Autotrophic Acetogen Clostridium magnum DSM 2767
Authors: Uhlig Ronny , Poehlein Anja , Fischer Ralf-Jörg , Daniel Rolf , Bahl Hubert 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACT

Here we report the draft genome sequence (6.6 Mbp) of the type strain
Clostridium magnum
, an acetogen with two operons coding for two separate Rnf complexes.
C. magnum
grows on a broad range of organic substrates and converts CO
2
and H
2
to acetate using the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway.
Draft Genome Assembly of the Bloom-Forming Cyanobacterium
Nodularia spumigena
Strain CENA596 in Shrimp Production Ponds
Authors: Popin Rafael Vicentini , Rigonato Janaina , Abreu Vinicius Augusto Carvalho , Andreote Ana Paula Dini , Silveira Savênia Bonoto , Odebrecht Clarisse , Fiore Marli Fatima 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACT

We report here the draft genome assembly of the brackish cyanobacterium
Nodularia spumigena
strain CENA596 isolated from a shrimp production pond in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The draft genome consists of 291 contigs with a total size of 5,189,679 bp. Secondary metabolite annotations resulted in several predicted gene clusters, including those responsible for encoding the hepatotoxin nodularin.
Complete Genome Sequence of Seoul Virus Strain Tchoupitoulas
Authors: Miles Rory W. , Lewandowski Kuiama , Atkinson Barry , Pullan Steven T. , Lloyd Graham , Bailey Daniel 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACT

Seoul virus (genus
Hantavirus
; family
Bunyaviridae
) is an emerging pathogen associated with cases of acute kidney injury in several countries across the globe. We report here the whole-genome sequence of the Tchoupitoulas strain of Seoul virus isolated in New Orleans, LA.
First Complete Genome Sequence of
Cherry virus A
Authors: Koinuma Hiroaki , Nijo Takamichi , Iwabuchi Nozomu , Yoshida Tetsuya , Keima Takuya , Okano Yukari , Maejima Kensaku , Yamaji Yasuyuki , Namba Shigetou 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACT

The 5′-terminal genomic sequence of
Cherry virus A
(CVA) has long been unknown. We determined the first complete genome sequence of an apricot isolate of CVA (7,434 nucleotides [nt]). The 5′-untranslated region was 107 nt in length, which was 53 nt longer than those of known CVA sequences.
Complete Genome Sequence of Mesorhizobium ciceri Strain CC1192, an Efficient Nitrogen-Fixing Microsymbiont of
Cicer arietinum
Authors: Haskett Timothy , Wang Penghao , Ramsay Joshua , O'Hara Graham , Reeve Wayne , Howieson John , Terpolilli Jason 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACT

We report the complete genome sequence of
Mesorhizobium ciceri
strain CC1192, an efficient nitrogen-fixing microsymbiont of
Cicer arietinum
(chickpea). The genome consists of 6.94 Mb distributed between a single chromosome (6.29 Mb) and a plasmid (0.65 Mb).
Complete Genome Sequence of Sphingopyxis terrae Strain 203-1 (NBRC 111660), a Polyethylene Glycol Degrader
Authors: Ohtsubo Yoshiyuki , Nonoyama Shouta , Nagata Yuji , Numata Mitsuru , Tsuchikane Keiko , Hosoyama Akira , Yamazoe Atsushi , Tsuda Masataka , Fujita Nobuyuki , Kawai Fusako 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACT

The complete genome sequence of
Sphingopyxis terrae
strain 203-1, which is capable of growing on polyethylene glycol, was determined. The genome consisted of a chromosome with a size of 3.98 Mb and a plasmid with a size of 4,328 bp. The strain was deposited to the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (Tokyo, Japan) under the number NBRC 111660.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lysinibacillus sphaericus WHO Reference Strain 2362
Authors: Hernández-Santana Alejandra , Gómez-Garzón Camilo , Dussán Jenny 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACT

Lysinibacillus sphaericus
is a species that contains strains widely used in the biological control of mosquitoes. Here, we present the complete 4.67-Mb genome of the WHO entomopathogenic reference strain
L. sphaericus
2362, which is probably one of the most commercialized and studied strains. Genes coding for mosquitocidal toxin proteins were detected.
Complete Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium chelonae Type Strain CCUG 47445, a Rapidly Growing Species of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria
Authors: Jaén-Luchoro Daniel , Salvà-Serra Francisco , Aliaga-Lozano Francisco , Seguí Carolina , Busquets Antonio , Ramírez Antonio , Ruíz Mikel , Gomila Margarita , Lalucat Jorge , Bennasar-Figueras Antoni 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium chelonae
strains are ubiquitous rapidly growing mycobacteria associated with skin and soft tissue infections, cellulitis, abscesses, osteomyelitis, catheter infections, disseminated diseases, and postsurgical infections after implants with prostheses, transplants, and even hemodialysis procedures. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
M. chelonae
type strain CCUG 47445.
Behavioural reactions of three-spined sticklebacks to simulated risk of predation—Effects of predator distance and movement
Authors: Näslund Joacim , Pettersson Leo , Johnsson Jörgen I 
Published: June 2016

The behavioural response of animals to predation risk commonly depends on the behaviour of potential predators. Here, we report an experiment investigating effects of predator model (a life-like wooden trout model) distance and movement on the behaviour of three-spined sticklebacks Gasterosteus aculeatus L. in a standardized experimental setting. When the predator model was immobile, the behaviour of the sticklebacks could, in general, not be clearly distinguished from a no-predator control treatment. When moving the predator 41 cm towards the stickleback, clear anti-predator behaviours were observed. However, behavioural expression depended on the distance to the predator. At the two farthest distances (approaching from 129 to 88 cm and from 170 to 129 cm), the sticklebacks approached the predator and spent little time freezing. At the two closest distances (approaching from 88 to 47 cm and from 47 to 6 cm), the sticklebacks increased the distance to the predator model and froze their movements. These results suggest that the closest-distance groups showed avoidance behaviour, whereas the farthest-distance groups instead appeared to start inspecting the potential predator. This provides evidence for conditional anti-predator behaviour and highlights the importance of considering distance to, and movement of predator models when interpreting data from standardized behavioural trials.
Eigen function and corresponding eigen values of charge carriers in V-grooves quantum wires with variable width
Authors: Zaheri Ali Hossein Mohammad 
Published: June 2016

In this work, we have calculated analytically the energy spectra of electrons and holes in V-grooves quantum wires. To modify wire structure, we have used the equations which suggested in the work of Inoshita et al. We introduce a new effective potential scheme which is applicable and matchable with actual interface geometry of this groove of ridge quantum wires. By applying this effective potential and considering a suitable transformed coordinate that allows the decoupling of the two-dimensional wave functions, we have calculated eigen values of the charge carriers in three states as well as the wave functions. We found that by increasing the curvature at the top of quantum wire [Formula: see text] the energy eigen value decreases. Our results are in good agreement with the earlier investigations.
Study of Various Nanostructures Titania with Graphene Composites: The Preparation and Photocatalytic Activities
Authors: Dai Bolin , Tao Hong , Lin Yu-Jung , Chang Chang-Tang 
Published: June 2016

Different kinds of graphene (GN)/titania nanocomposites using graphene and P25 or Titanium (IV) n-butoxide (TBOT) as precursors were prepared with hydrothermal method. To investigate the differences of the photocatalytic properties of composites with various shapes of titanium dioxide (TiO[Formula: see text], three types of TiO2, including titanium nanotubes (TNT), titanium nanosheets (TNS) and titanium nanoparticles (TNP) were successfully prepared and combined with GN to form the composites. The prepared composites were confirmed by Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), etc. Photocatalytic activities of composites were carried out by the degradation of Reactive Black 5 (RBk5) and Norfloxacin (NFXC) under the radiation of UV lamp. Results indicate that the differences in the TiO2 morphology of the composites greatly influence the catalytic properties. In addition, the heterojunction between graphene and TiO2 also play an important role in the photocatalytic abilities of composites. In this study, it can be seen that the prepared composites exhibit higher photocatalytic activity including excellent adsorption capacity and photo-degradation ability than P25. The photocatalytic activity of GN–TNS is higher than that of GN–TiO2 and GN–TNT.