bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Framework for Assessing Passenger Rail Services: A Case Study of the Hoosier State Line
Authors: Pyrialakou V. Dimitra , Gkritza Konstantina (Nadia) 
Published: June 2014

The development of a nationwide commuter and high-speed rail (HSR) network has been suggested as a promising and “greener” passenger transport solution with the potential to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, given efficient planning that will ensure sufficient ridership and sustainable investment. It is anticipated that passenger rail growth will bring regional economic benefits as well as promote energy independence, transportation safety, and livable communities with improved accessibility and inter-connectivity.
Much research has been conducted to identify the benefits and costs associated with the operation, maintenance, and improvement of passenger rail services. However, previous studies supporting investment in passenger rail have generally considered one evaluation factor at a time. Additionally, studies suggesting that investment in passenger rail is not cost-effective give more weight to quantifiable benefits and current conditions, and rarely consider changes in public preferences influenced by policies and fostered conditions to encourage mode shifts. Thus, the literature lacks a comprehensive approach that would evaluate investments in passenger rail, accounting for quantifiable and other benefits, in light of environmental, resilience and sustainability, economic, demand, and feasibility factors.
Using a case study of the Hoosier State line, this study illustrates a systems approach for comprehensively assessing passenger rail services in the United States in terms of the system’s existing opportunities and future directions. The Hoosier State line operates four days per week between Indianapolis, Indiana and Chicago, Illinois with four intermediate stops. As of October 1, 2013, the State of Indiana, local communities, and Amtrak reached an agreement to support the Hoosier State line for the next fiscal year (2013–2014).
Tensioned Pullout Test Used to Investigate Wire Splitting Propensity in Concrete Railroad Ties
Authors: Holste Joseph R. , Haynes Mark , Peterman Robert J. , Beck B. Terry , Wu Chih-Hang John 
Published: June 2014

An experimental program was done at Kansas State University to investigate the possibility of splitting caused by different wire indent patterns used in concrete railroad ties. 5.32-mm-diameter pre-stressing wires with chevron, dot, or spiral indent patterns were tested along with a smooth wire. The wires were tested using a tensioned pullout test setup that was developed to simulate the transfer length bond area interaction between the wire and the concrete. The wires were tensioned to 75% of their ultimate capacity before the concrete specimens were cast around the wire.
Various diameter concrete specimens were tested to determine the amount of cover needed to prevent splitting. The wire was de-tensioned when the concrete had reached 4,500 psi, during which time wire slip and force were measured on each side of the specimen. The spitting behavior found during this testing was used to determine the probability of a wire to cause potential splitting in a concrete railroad tie. Indent geometry data was also compared with this test data to determine a method for predicting the splitting potential based on indent geometry.
An Extended Model of Light Railway System Used in Analysis of Normal Operation and Fault Conditions
Authors: Deleanu Sorin , Forman Keith , Carpenter David C. , Munteanu Calin 
Published: June 2014

The paper provides a description of the analysis of a Light Railway System for two configurations: - Rails above the ground and catenary supply - Track in a tunnel and power rail supply. Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis is compared to classical analytical approaches by Carson, Pollaczek, Bickford and Tylavsky.
Reviews of methods to determine self and mutual impedance for electrified railroads are provided. The solution of finite element method (FEM) applied for the determination of impedance for the two traction rail and catenary configuration, modeled and examined, consists of computational analysis based upon minimizing the energy of electromagnetic field.
The analytic impedance models are built on Carson-Pollaczek–Bickford equations, adjusted by Tylavsky, for two situations: when the ground is perfectly insulated and when considering the earth return current.
The railway track – catenary is integrated in a system containing the model for traction substation(s) with DC power output and moving vehicle with induction motors, controlled using voltage inverters with pulse width modulation.
The light transit train, supplied with a rectified DC power, is subjected to a significant harmonic content, which may affect the signal and control circuits. It is then shown that the power and signaling characteristics of the modelled system can predict the magnitude of the perturbation current for different frequencies, in normal operating conditions and in presence of faults as well.
In many of the light transportation systems, from all types of faults, the DC short-circuit at the output of the power rectifiers used for energizing the power rail and/or catenary presents a special interest. This is because of two main reasons: the positions of the vehicle-loads are in continuous changing and, even if they operate from DC sources, the parent network is still of AC type.
A key issue was the determination of the distributed parameters (resistances, inductances) of the running track and catenary, from experimental data and preliminary analytical and numerical calculations, followed by the analysis of their dependencies with the current magnitude and frequency response. A specific short-circuit study case is simulated when using a model of the traction system for the purpose of the DC fault current prediction.
The paper concludes with a discussion of future developments and further work.
Antimycobacterial Drugs Modulate Immunopathogenic Matrix Metalloproteinases in a Cellular Model of Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Singh Shivani , Kubler Andre , Singh Utpal K. , Singh Ajay , Gardiner Harriet , Prasad Rajniti , Elkington Paul T. , Friedland Jon S. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTTuberculosis is characterized by extensive destruction and remodelling of the pulmonary extracellular matrix. Stromal cell-derived matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated in this process and may be a target for adjunctive immunotherapy. We hypothesized that MMPs are elevated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of tuberculosis patients and that antimycobacterial agents may have a modulatory effect on MMP secretion. Concentrations of MMP-1, -2, -3, -7, -8, and -9 were elevated in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from tuberculosis patients compared to those in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from patients with other pulmonary conditions. There was a positive correlation between MMP-3, MMP-7, and MMP-8 and a chest radiological score of cavitation and parenchymal damage. Respiratory epithelial cell-derived MMP-3 was suppressed by moxifloxacin, rifampicin, and azithromycin in a dose-dependent manner. Respiratory epithelial cell-derived MMP-1 was suppressed by moxifloxacin and azithromycin, whereas MMP-9 secretion was only decreased by moxifloxacin. In contrast, moxifloxacin and azithromycin both increased MMP-1 and -3 secretion from MRC-5 fibroblasts, demonstrating that the effects of these drugs are cell specific. Isoniazid did not affect MMP secretion. In conclusion, MMPs are elevated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from tuberculosis patients and correlate with parameters of tissue destruction. Antimycobacterial agents have a hitherto-undescribed immunomodulatory effect on MMP release by stromal cells.
The Enterovirus Protease Inhibitor Rupintrivir Exerts Cross-Genotypic Anti-Norovirus Activity and Clears Cells from the Norovirus Replicon
Authors: Rocha-Pereira J. , Nascimento M. S. J. , Ma Q. , Hilgenfeld R. , Neyts J. , Jochmans D. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT

Potent and safe inhibitors of norovirus replication are needed for the treatment and prophylaxis of norovirus infections. We here report that the
in vitro
anti-norovirus activity of the protease inhibitor rupintrivir is extended to murine noroviruses and that rupintrivir clears human cells from their Norwalk replicon after only two passages of antiviral pressure. In addition, we demonstrate that rupintrivir inhibits the human norovirus (genogroup II [GII]) protease and further explain the inhibitory effect of the molecule by means of molecular modeling on the basis of the crystal structure of the Norwalk virus protease. The combination of rupintrivir with the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitors 2′-
C
-methylcytidine and favipiravir (T-705) resulted in a merely additive antiviral effect. The fact that rupintrivir is active against noroviruses belonging to genogroup I (Norwalk virus), genogroup V (murine norovirus), and the recombinant 3C-like protease of a GII norovirus suggests that the drug exerts cross-genotypic anti-norovirus activity and will thus most likely be effective against the clinically relevant human norovirus strains. The design of antiviral molecules targeting the norovirus protease could be a valuable approach for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of norovirus infections.
OXA-207, a Novel OXA-24 Variant with Reduced Catalytic Efficiency against Carbapenems in Acinetobacter pittii from Spain
Authors: Cayô Rodrigo , Merino María , Ruiz del Castillo Belén , Cano María Eliecer , Calvo Jorge , Bou Germán , Martínez-Martínez Luis 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT

A carbapenem-resistant
Acinetobacter pittii
strain carrying an OXA-24-like enzyme was isolated in northern Spain in 2008. Sequence analysis confirmed the presence of the novel
bla
OXA-207
gene flanked by the site-specific XerC/XerD-like recombination binding sites and showing a unique Gly222Val substitution compared to OXA-24. Cloning and kinetic analysis showed that OXA-207 presents a reduction in the catalytic efficiency against carbapenems and a noticeable increase for oxacillin.
Fidaxomicin Inhibits Clostridium difficile Toxin A-Mediated Enteritis in the Mouse Ileum
Authors: Koon Hon Wai , Ho Samantha , Hing Tressia C. , Cheng Michelle , Chen Xinhua , Ichikawa Yoshi , Kelly Ciarán P. , Pothoulakis Charalabos 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT

Clostridium difficile
infection (CDI) is a common, debilitating infection with high morbidity and mortality.
C. difficile
causes diarrhea and intestinal inflammation by releasing two toxins, toxin A and toxin B. The macrolide antibiotic fidaxomicin was recently shown to be effective in treating CDI, and its beneficial effect was associated with fewer recurrent infections in CDI patients. Since other macrolides possess anti-inflammatory properties, we examined the possibility that fidaxomicin alters
C. difficile
toxin A-induced ileal inflammation in mice. The ileal loops of anesthetized mice were injected with fidaxomicin (5, 10, or 20 μM), and after 30 min, the loops were injected with purified
C. difficile
toxin A or phosphate-buffered saline alone. Four hours after toxin A administration, ileal tissues were processed for histological evaluation (epithelial cell damage, neutrophil infiltration, congestion, and edema) and cytokine measurements.
C. difficile
toxin A caused histologic damage, evidenced by increased mean histologic score and ileal interleukin-1β (IL-1β) protein and mRNA expression. Treatment with fidaxomicin (20 μM) or its primary metabolite, OP-1118 (120 μM), significantly inhibited toxin A-mediated histologic damage and reduced the mean histology score and ileal IL-1β protein and mRNA expression. Both fidaxomicin and OP-1118 reduced toxin A-induced cell rounding in human colonic CCD-18Co fibroblasts. Treatment of ileal loops with vancomycin (20 μM) and metronidazole (20 μM) did not alter toxin A-induced histologic damage and IL-1β protein expression. In addition to its well known antibacterial effects against
C. difficile
, fidaxomicin may possess anti-inflammatory activity directed against the intestinal effects of
C. difficile
toxins.
RecO and RecR Are Necessary for RecA Loading in Response to DNA Damage and Replication Fork Stress
Authors: Lenhart Justin S. , Brandes Eileen R. , Schroeder Jeremy W. , Sorenson Roderick J. , Showalter Hollis D. , Simmons Lyle A. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT

RecA is central to maintaining genome integrity in bacterial cells. Despite the near-ubiquitous conservation of RecA in eubacteria, the pathways that facilitate RecA loading and repair center assembly have remained poorly understood in
Bacillus subtilis
. Here, we show that RecA rapidly colocalizes with the DNA polymerase complex (replisome) immediately following DNA damage or damage-independent replication fork arrest. In
Escherichia coli
, the RecFOR and RecBCD pathways serve to load RecA and the choice between these two pathways depends on the type of damage under repair. We found in
B. subtilis
that the rapid localization of RecA to repair centers is strictly dependent on RecO and RecR in response to all types of damage examined, including a site-specific double-stranded break and damage-independent replication fork arrest. Furthermore, we provide evidence that, although RecF is not required for RecA repair center formation
in vivo
, RecF does increase the efficiency of repair center assembly, suggesting that RecF may influence the initial stages of RecA nucleation or filament extension. We further identify single-stranded DNA binding protein (SSB) as an additional component important for RecA repair center assembly. Truncation of the SSB C terminus impairs the ability of
B. subtilis
to form repair centers in response to damage and damage-independent fork arrest. With these results, we conclude that the SSB-dependent recruitment of RecOR to the replisome is necessary for loading and organizing RecA into repair centers in response to DNA damage and replication fork arrest.
Awareness of occupational hazards and use of safety measures among welders: a cross-sectional study from eastern Nepal
Authors: Budhathoki Shyam Sundar , Singh Suman Bahadur , Sagtani Reshu Agrawal , Niraula Surya Raj , Pokharel Paras Kumar 
Published: June 2014

ObjectiveThe proper use of safety measures by welders is an important way of preventing and/or reducing a variety of health hazards that they are exposed to during welding. There is a lack of knowledge about hazards and personal protective equipments (PPEs) and the use of PPE among the welders in Nepal is limited. We designed a study to assess welders’ awareness of hazards and PPE, and the use of PPE among the welders of eastern Nepal and to find a possible correlation between awareness and use of PPE among them.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study of 300 welders selected by simple random sampling from three districts of eastern Nepal was conducted using a semistructured questionnaire. Data regarding age, education level, duration of employment, awareness of hazards, safety measures and the actual use of safety measures were recorded.ResultsOverall, 272 (90.7%) welders were aware of at least one hazard of welding and a similar proportion of welders were aware of at least one PPE. However, only 47.7% used one or more types of PPE. Education and duration of employment were significantly associated with the awareness of hazards and of PPE and its use. The welders who reported using PPE during welding were two times more likely to have been aware of hazards (OR=2.52, 95% CI 1.09 to 5.81) and five times more likely to have been aware of PPE compared with the welders who did not report the use of PPE (OR=5.13, 95% CI 2.34 to 11.26).ConclusionsThe welders using PPE were those who were aware of hazards and PPE. There is a gap between being aware of hazards and PPE (90%) and use of PPE (47%) at work. Further research is needed to identify the underlying factors leading to low utilisation of PPE despite the welders of eastern Nepal being knowledgeable of it.
Oxidation front and oxygen transfer in the fractured zone surrounding the Meuse/Haute-Marne URL drifts in the Callovian–Oxfordian argillaceous rock
Authors: Vinsot Agnès , Leveau François , Bouchet Alain , Arnould Apolline 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Deep argillaceous rocks are reducing environments. When exposed to air, reduced minerals of these rocks react with oxygen, modifying the surrounding chemical conditions. Thus, oxidation is an issue in studies about the confining properties of such rocks in the framework of geological disposal projects for radioactive waste. Previous studies in several underground research laboratories (URLs) in argillaceous rocks have shown that oxidation reactions mainly occurred in the excavation-induced fracture network surrounding the drifts. In the Callovian–Oxfordian argillaceous rock, at −490 m in drifts from the Meuse/Haute-Marne URL, oxidized features were systematically looked for in 115 borehole cores. The concerned drifts were of various ages, from a few days to 6.5 years. After 5 months, oxidized features were encountered in numerous excavation-induced extensional fractures. In excavation-induced shear fractures, oxidized features were observed in a few borehole cores after 2 years, and they became frequent after 6 years. In all cases, the oxidized features observed were found on the fracture walls or were connected to them, and were less than 1.8 m from the drift walls. These observations about the oxidation front and its evolution over time provide insights regarding the properties of excavation-induced fractures with respect to oxygen transfer.
Predictors of the Occurrence of Smoking Discontinuation in Novice Adolescent Smokers
Authors: O'Loughlin Jennifer L. , Sylvestre Marie-Pierre , Dugas Erika N. , Karp Igor 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Background: While long-term cessation is an outcome of interest in adult smokers, little is known about discontinuing smoking in adolescent smokers. The objective was to identify the predictors of the occurrence of smoking discontinuation in novice smokers.
Methods: Data were available for 620 adolescent smokers participating in a longitudinal study on the natural course of nicotine dependence. Data on smoking discontinuation (i.e., stopping smoking for ≥12 consecutive months) were collected in 20 cycles over five years from grade 7 to 11 (1999–2005). Data on 37 potential predictors representing a wide range of demographic, psychosocial, health, lifestyle, smoking-related, and context-related characteristics were collected once, 2 to 3 times, or 20 times. Pooled logistic regression was used to test the association between each potential predictor and smoking discontinuation, adjusting for potential confounders.
Results: Forty percent of 620 participants discontinued smoking during follow up. Male sex [OR (95% confidence interval), 1.8 (1.3–2.4)], age [1.3 (1.1–1.5)], cigarette package warnings [0.6 (0.5–0.9)], team sports participation [1.4 (1.1–1.9)], family stress [0.7 (0.6–1.0)], worrying about weight [0.6 (0.5–0.9)], overweight [0.7 (0.5–1.0)], illicit drugs use [0.5 (0.4–0.7)], tolerance [0.6 (0.4–1.0)], and other nicotine dependence symptoms [1.0 (0.9–1.0)] were statistically significantly associated with smoking discontinuation.
Conclusions: Both individual and context-level factors were associated with smoking discontinuation.
Impact: Programs and policy targeting novice adolescent smokers may be more effective if factors associated with long-term smoking discontinuation are taken into consideration. In particular, young smokers may need help with dependence symptoms, body weight issues, family functioning, and polysubstance use. Cigarette package warnings may be effective in helping adolescents discontinue smoking. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(6); 1090–101. ©2014 AACR.
Performance of the Genomic Evaluators of Metastatic Prostate Cancer (GEMCaP) Tumor Biomarker for Identifying Recurrent Disease in African American Patients
Authors: Levin Albert M. , Lindquist Karla J. , Avila Andrew , Witte John S. , Paris Pamela L. , Rybicki Benjamin A. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Evaluation of prostate cancer prognosis after surgery is increasingly relying upon genomic analyses of tumor DNA. We assessed the ability of the biomarker panel Genomic Evaluators of Metastatic Prostate Cancer (GEMCaP) to predict biochemical recurrence in 33 European American and 28 African American prostate cancer cases using genome-wide copy number data from a previous study. “Biomarker positive” was defined as ≥20% of the 38 constituent copy number gain/loss GEMCaP loci affected in a given tumor; based on this threshold, the frequency of a positive biomarker was significantly lower in African Americans (n = 2; 7%) than European Americans (n = 11; 33%; P = 0.013). GEMCaP positivity was associated with risk of recurrence [hazard ratio (HR), 5.92; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.32–15.11; P = 3 × 10−4] in the full sample and among European Americans (HR, 3.45; 95% CI, 1.13–10.51; P = 0.032) but was not estimable in African Americans due to the low rate of GEMCaP positivity. Overall, the GEMCaP recurrence positive predictive value (PPV) was 85%; in African Americans, PPV was 100%. When we expanded the definition of loss to include copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity (i.e., loss of one allele with concomitant duplication of the other), recurrence PPV was 83% for European American subjects. Under this definition, 5 African American subjects had a positive GEMCaP test value; 4 went on to develop biochemical recurrence (PPV = 80%). Our results suggest that the GEMCaP biomarker set could be an effective predictor for both European American and African American men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer who may benefit from immediate aggressive therapy after radical prostatectomy. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(8); 1677–82. ©2014 AACR.
Desire for Higher Education in First-Generation Hispanic College Students Enrolled in a Graduate Counseling Program
Authors: Olive Tamara 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Motivation to seek higher education is rarely examined in Hispanic first-generation graduate students, those whose parents have not attended college, and there is less literature examining those whose desire for education extends to a master’s degree in counseling. The purpose of this study was to conduct a phenomenological examination of the desire to attend college among first-generation Hispanic students enrolled in a counselor education program. One-hour taped interviews were conducted with three volunteer participants enrolled in a graduate counseling program at a Texas university designated as a Hispanic-serving institution. Meaning units and constituents were extracted, and a general structure was developed using the Descriptive Phenomenological Method (Giorgi, 1985). The phenomenological analysis resulted in one structure that identifies the influence of respected others; resilience and self-efficacy; self-denial; a need for distinction and career satisfaction; spirituality; altruism; and a view of commitment to a counseling degree as a nonlinear process.