bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance of a Mobile, Non-Contacting, Reference-Free Prototype System for RNT and Rail Stress Measurements
Authors: Rizos Dimitris C. , Stinson Brittany , Penna Caio , Gedney Brennan , Naseri Reza 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The use of Continuous Welded Rail (CWR) has become the industry standard in railroad tracks around the world due to the many advantages compared to the jointed rail. CWR, however, is susceptible to the development of internal forces in the rail due to thermal effects that can lead to track buckling or rail breaks. Railroads manage the internal stresses in the rail by setting, monitoring, and adjusting the rail neutral temperature (RNT) which is the temperature at which the rail is in a stress-free state. The existing methods in the industry to measure RNT are contacting, destructive, disruptive to railroad operations, and/or ineffective. The author has introduced a novel technique for estimating RNT that is based on shape and deformation measurements of the rail at different temperatures. The first generation of the prototype system acquired the said measurements using 3D Digital Image Correlation (StereoDIC) technology from a stationary platform. The second generation of the prototype comprises a moving platform and integrates a 3D laser profiler system for shape measurements. This paper and presentation discuss the unique challenges and solutions associated with mounting the system on a moving platform, along with the new testing protocol. The performance of the new mobile system is first assessed through laboratory studies in the indoor rail track testing facility at USC. Subsequently, the system is implemented and validated in the field. This paper presents the validation studies and discusses the performance of the system in the laboratory and the field along with the next steps in the development and implementation to practice.
Railroad Track and Wheel Defect Detection With Onboard Condition Monitoring System
Authors: Pams Jeffery , Tarawneh Constantine , Montoya Joe , Wilson Brent , Cantu Lee , Alkhaldi Hashem 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
In the railroad industry, it was estimated by the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Office of Safety Analysis that over 1,000 train derailments occur every year in the United States, with a significant amount being caused by mechanical failures such as defects within the wheels and tracks. The use of wireless onboard health monitoring technologies as opposed to wayside detection systems has been receiving a lot of attention considering recent catastrophic derailments. Through research, development, and implementation of onboard condition monitoring systems by the University Transportation Center for Railway Safety (UTCRS) and HUM Industrial Technology, Inc., a promising method to detect wheel and track defects has been field tested in freight revenue service. HUM’s onboard condition monitoring system, which includes the Boomerang (the onboard module with a suite of sensors), and the Gateway (the wireless communication module), has improved the visibility of data pertaining to the operating conditions of railcars by measuring vibration data generated by the bearings, wheels, and wheel-track interactions. By correlating these data to measured vehicle speed and GPS locations, the data pertinent to wheel and track aberrations can be parsed and verified against known defect signatures of each component or track. After conducting field tests, the technology was able to detect and locate surface defects on the railroad track at key locations as identified by GPS positioning. By utilizing the Gateway’s real-time GPS tracking, a track defect was identified within 10 feet of the GPS timestamped location of the anomalous impact data. Additionally, the wheel impact data indicated that two wheels had wheel impact load readings at low speeds that correlated with prior data generated on a 2-inch wheel flat from a previous field study. After removing and inspecting the two wheelsets, one wheel was identified with multiple distributed defects, and another wheel was found to contain a wheel flat, characteristic of a skidded wheel. This study highlights the capabilities of onboard condition monitoring systems for determining not only in-situ wheel defects, but extrapolations to track defects and low-speed defect monitoring as well.
Optimized Vibration-Based Health Metrics for Freight Rail Bearings
Authors: Pams Jeffery , Tarawneh Constantine , Rocha Dylan , Wilson Brent , Cantu Lee , Alkhaldi Hashem , Diaz Alberto 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
In the railroad industry, monitoring the condition of freight railcar bearings in-service is carried out through two primary systems: wayside hot bearing detectors (HBDs) and trackside acoustic detection systems (TADS). However, these systems face challenges in accurately assessing bearing fatigue and distress, especially during the initial stages of defect development. To address this, the University Transportation Center for Railway Safety (UTCRS) research team developed a vibration-based onboard monitoring technology. Unlike existing methods, this system continuously monitors in-service bearings, offering precise health assessments. It utilizes calibrated vibration thresholds based on correlations between bearing operating speeds and vibration signatures for healthy and defective bearings. Additionally, the system identifies faulty components in tapered-roller bearings through frequency domain analysis. To maintain the accuracy of the onboard sensors in detecting defective components, the thresholds are periodically reassessed by employing regression analysis to establish revised thresholds that incorporate the latest vibration data collected from the laboratory testing of healthy and faulty bearings. These revised thresholds can enhance the health monitoring of in-service bearings, enabling rail operators to identify issues early, schedule maintenance, and prevent costly and unnecessary train stoppages. The advanced methodologies proposed by the UTCRS aim to improve bearing health monitoring in the railroad industry, ultimately reducing catastrophic derailments and associated human and capital losses.
Evaluating the Puncture Resistance of the DOT-113 Tank Car for Liquified Natural Gas Service
Authors: Kirkpatrick Steven W. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Over the past two decades there has been significant research on improving the safety of hazardous material (HAZMAT) transport in railroad tank cars. This research was a collaborative effort of both the government and industry and motivated by significant rail accident/derailment events with HAZMAT releases. The research included both testing to measure the impact and puncture resistance of tank cars and the development of analysis methodologies capable of predicting the impact behaviors for a wide range of conditions. Consequently, a significantly improved understanding of the factors that improve HAZMAT tank car safety has been achieved and important analysis methodologies developed for evaluation of tank car puncture resistance.
The knowledge gained from these research programs supported the development of improved regulations for HAZMAT tank cars. These include the March 2009 regulations on poison inhalation hazard (PIH) tank cars (Federal Register, 74 FR 1769) and July 2015 regulations on high-hazard flammable tank cars (Federal Register, 80 FR 26643).
More recently, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) sponsored research to perform full-scale impact testing and analysis of cryogenic tank car designs, primarily supporting the transport of Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) by rail. This led to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) July 2020 ruling that allows transport of LNG in DOT-113C120W9 tank cars (Federal Register, 85 FR 44994). Subsequent to the rulemaking on the DOT-113 tank car for LNG service, there was still significant public interest in performing additional evaluations of the safety of LNG transport by rail. In September 2023, PHMSA suspended the authorization for LNG transportation in rail tank cars to allow for further investigation (Federal Register, 88 FR 60356).
The objective of this study was to evaluate the puncture risk of the DOT-113 LNG tank car. The approach was to first apply the existing tank car impact and material test data from the FRA research program to develop and validate a detailed impact and puncture analysis methodology. This analysis methodology was then applied to assess the puncture resistance of the DOT-113 LNG tank car under a range of impact scenarios. These scenarios included various impactors and impact conditions (normal and oblique impacts to the shell) as well as impacts on the tank head. The results of these puncture analyses are then used to assess the relative puncture resistance of the DOT-113 LNG tank car to a range of other HAZMAT tank car designs that were previously evaluated using the same methodology.
The results of this investigation show that the DOT-113 LNG tank car has a high level of puncture resistance relative to other HAZMAT tank cars over a wide range of impact conditions.
Automatic Assessment of Rail Squat Defects by Sensor Fusion
Authors: Scalera Antonio , Carotti Luca , Antuofermo Pasquale , Pace Pietro , Calegari Alan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Railway infrastructure is the backbone of global transportation systems, necessitating constant attention to safety and reliability. Recent years have witnessed an increasing focus on monitoring rail defects, particularly surface defects known as squats. Traditionally squats are identified through labor-intensive visual inspection, ultrasonic inspection, and eddy currents; the need for more efficient and accurate detection methods has led to Axle Box Acceleration (ABA) use and the development of new methods based on machine vision systems. However, today still challenges persist in terms of quantity of defects generated and consequent severity level assignment. This paper introduces a novel approach to automatically assess rail squat defects through the fusion of machine vision data with vertical acceleration measurements from a train’s axle box.
Our methodology involves data collection from both the machine vision and the ABA systems during regular operations. The integration of these data sources aims to correlate visual anomalies with the wheel dynamic behavior, focusing on squat defect location and severity. This integration aims to identify squats in their very early stage with a rate close to 100% and to automatically classify their severity level.
Mentalising imagery therapy for family dementia caregivers: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Jiang Xue , Jiang Hu 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionDementia is a growing public health concern, and providing long-term care for individuals affected by this condition is challenging for their family caregivers. While researchers have explored various intervention options to provide psychological support for dementia caregivers, mentalising imagery therapy (MIT) has gained significant recognition as an effective programme. Despite its significance and effectiveness, there is a lack of comprehensive scoping reviews of MIT in dementia caregiving. Thus, conducting such a review can provide valuable insights into the status and outcomes of MIT, identify gaps in existing research and provide recommendations for a more effective clinical practice.Methods and analysisThis study proposes a scoping review conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute, Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework, as well as the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-Scoping Review Extension. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases will be searched while grey literature will be retrieved via Google Scholar. Covidence will be used to manage the literature selection process and remove duplicate publications. Two researchers will independently screen the literature according to the inclusion criteria, with any discrepancies resolved through discussions with a third researcher. Data will be presented in a structured tabular format, with a narrative synthesis providing an overview of the findings on the identified research gaps and the effectiveness of MIT in the field of dementia caregiving.Ethics and disseminationIn a scoping review, no ethical approval is necessary. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration numberThe scoping review protocol has been registered with Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/FHRG8).
Decision aids for female BRCA mutation carriers: a scoping review
Authors: McGarrigle Sarah A , Prizeman Geraldine , Spillane Carol , Byrne Niamh , Drury Amanda , Polus Manria , Mockler David , Connolly Elizabeth M , Brady Anne-Marie , Hanhauser Yvonne P 
Published: June 2024

ObjectivesWomen who inherit a pathogenicBRCA1orBRCA2mutation are at substantially higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer than average. Several cancer risk management strategies exist to address this increased risk. Decisions about which strategies to choose are complex, personal and multifactorial for these women. Decision aids (DAs) are tools that assist patients in making health-related decisions. The aim of this scoping review was to map evidence relating to the development and testing of patient DAs for cancer unaffectedBRCAmutation carriers.DesignScoping review conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI’s) scoping review methodological framework.Data sourcesMEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science. No restrictions applied for language or publication date. A manual search was also performed.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesStudies on DAs for cancer risk management designed for or applicable to women with a pathogenicBRCA1orBRCA2mutation who are unaffected by breast or ovarian cancer.Data extraction and synthesisData were extracted using a form based on the JBI instrument for extracting details of studies’ characteristics and results. Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. Extracted data were tabulated.Results32 evidence sources relating to development or testing of 21 DAs were included. Four DAs were developed exclusively for cancer unaffected BRCA mutation carriers. Of these, two covered all guideline recommended risk management strategies for this population though only one of these was readily available publicly in its full version. All studies investigating DA effectiveness reported a positive effect of the DA under investigation on at least one of the outcomes evaluated, however only six DAs were tested in randomised controlled trials.ConclusionThis scoping review has mapped the landscape of the literature relating to developing and testing, DAs applicable to cancer unaffectedBRCAmutation carriers.
Low-dose naltrexone for post-COVID fatigue syndrome: a study protocol for a double-blind, randomised trial in British Columbia
Authors: Naik Hiten , Cooke Erin , Boulter Travis , Dyer Roger , Bone Jeffrey N , Tsai Melody , Cristobal Jaymie , McKay R Jane , Song Xiaowei , Nacul Luis 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionA significant proportion of individuals suffering from post COVID-19 condition (PCC, also known as long COVID) can present with persistent, disabling fatigue similar to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and post-viral fatigue syndromes. There remains no clear pharmacological therapy for patients with this subtype of PCC, which can be referred to as post-COVID fatigue syndrome (PCFS). A low dose of the opioid antagonist naltrexone (ie, low-dose naltrexone (LDN)) has emerged as an off-label treatment for treating fatigue and other symptoms in PCC. However, only small, non-controlled studies have assessed LDN in PCC, so randomised trials are urgently required.Methods and analysisA prospective, randomised, double-blind, parallel arm, placebo-controlled phase II trial will be performed to assess the efficacy of LDN for improving fatigue in PCFS. The trial will be decentralised and open to eligible individuals throughout the Canadian province of British Columbia (BC). Participants will be recruited through the province-wide Post-COVID-19 Interdisciplinary Clinical Care Network (PC-ICCN) and research volunteer platform (REACH BC). Eligible participants will be 19–69 years old, have had a confirmed or physician-suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection at least 3 months prior and meet clinical criteria for PCFS adapted from the Institute of Medicine ME/CFS criteria. Individuals who are taking opioid medications, have a history of ME/CFS prior to COVID-19 or history of significant liver disease will be excluded. Participants will be randomised to an LDN intervention arm (n=80) or placebo arm (n=80). Participants in each arm will be prescribed identical capsules starting at 1 mg daily and follow a prespecified schedule for up-titration to 4.5 mg daily or the maximum tolerated dose. The trial will be conducted over 16 weeks, with assessments at baseline, 6, 12 and 16 weeks. The primary outcome will be fatigue severity at 16 weeks evaluated by the Fatigue Severity Scale. Secondary outcomes will include pain Visual Analogue Scale score, overall symptom severity as measured by the Patient Phenotyping Questionnaire Short Form, 7-day step count and health-related quality of life measured by the EuroQol 5-Dimension questionnaire.Ethics and disseminationThe trial has been authorised by Health Canada and approved by The University of British Columbia/Children’s and Women’s Health Centre of British Columbia Research Ethics Board. On completion, findings will be disseminated to patients, caregivers and clinicians through engagement activities within existing PCC and ME/CFS networks. Results will be published in academic journals and presented at conferences.Trial registration numberNCT05430152.
Calcineurin Inhibitor in NEuRoloGically deceased donors to decrease kidney delayed graft function study: study protocol of the CINERGY Pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: D'Aragon Frederick , Selzner Markus , Breau Ruth , Masse Marie-Hélène , Lamontagne Francois , Masse Mélanie , Chassé Michael , Carrier François-Martin , Cardinal Héloïse , Chaudhury Prosanto , Weiss Matthew , Lauzier Francois , Turgeon Alexis F , Frenette Anne-Julie , Bolduc Brigitte , Ducharme Anique , Lamarche Caroline , Couture Etienne , Holdsworth Sandra , Bertholz Liz , Talbot Heather , Slessarev Marat , Luke Patrick , Boyd John Gordon , Shamseddin M Khaled , Burns Karen E A , Zaltzman Jeffrey , English Shane , Knoll Greg , Dhanani Sonny , Healey Andrew , Hanna Steven , Rochwerg Bram , Oczkowski Simon J W , Treleaven Darin , Meade Maureen 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionMost solid organ transplants originate from donors meeting criteria for death by neurological criteria (DNC). Within the organ donor, physiological responses to brain death increase the risk of ischaemia reperfusion injury and delayed graft function. Donor preconditioning with calcineurin inhibition may reduce this risk.Methods and analysisWe designed a multicentre placebo-controlled pilot randomised trial involving nine organ donation hospitals and all 28 transplant programmes in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Québec. We planned to enrol 90 DNC donors and their approximately 324 organ recipients, totalling 414 participants. Donors receive an intravenous infusion of either tacrolimus 0.02 mg/kg over 4 hours prior to organ retrieval, or a matching placebo, while monitored in an intensive care unit for any haemodynamic changes during the infusion. Among all study organ recipients, we record measures of graft function for the first 7 days in hospital and we will record graft survival after 1 year. We examine the feasibility of this trial with respect to the proportion of all eligible donors enrolled and the proportion of all eligible transplant recipients consenting to receive a CINERGY organ transplant and to allow the use of their health data for study purposes. We will report these feasibility outcomes as proportions with 95% CIs. We also record any barriers encountered in the launch and in the implementation of this trial with detailed source documentation.Ethics and disseminationWe will disseminate trial results through publications and presentations at participating sites and conferences. This study has been approved by Health Canada (HC6-24-c241083) and by the Research Ethics Boards of all participating sites and in Québec (MP-31-2020-3348) and Clinical Trials Ontario (Project #3309).Trial registration numberNCT05148715.
Real-world clinical effectiveness of ustekinumab in the treatment of Crohn’s disease in the East Midlands UK
Authors: White Jonathan Richard , Ahmad Saqib , Ashraf Fahad , Foley Stephen , Din Said , Das Ronit Kumar , Charles Nina Mary , Pinheiro João , Palejwala Altaf , Wright Pamela , Andiappan Manoharan , Alexander Myriam , Uddin Burhan , Hoshen Deloar , Elphick David , Qamar Tufail , Rezwan Nivin , Hamza Mohammad Viquaruddin , Glover John , Robinson Richard , Gopakumar Veena , Sajjad Aamir , Shahzad Muhammad , Moran Gordon 
Published: June 2024

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of ustekinumab in treating Crohn’s disease (CD) in a UK real-world setting.DesignThis was a multicentre, retrospective observational study of patients (aged ≥18 years) with CD or inflammatory bowel disease of unclassified type (IBDU) starting ustekinumab between 11 November 2016 and 1 August 2020 across eight English hospitals. The primary objective was to determine the proportion of patients achieving corticosteroid-free remission at week 52 for patients with CD/IBDU following initiation with ustekinumab. Corticosteroid-free remission was defined as achieving a clinical Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI) score of ≤4 and corticosteroid-free status.ResultsThe analysis included 422 patients with CD/IBDU. Corticosteroid-free remission was 41% (68/166) at week 16, 41% (47/115) at week 30 and 48% (38/80) at week 52. Clinical remission was 51% (85/166) at week 16 and 50% (40/80) at week 52. Clinical response was 34% (43/125) at week 16 and 32% (17/53) at week 52. Objective remission was 40% (4/10) at week 16 and 70% (7/10) at week 52. Corticosteroid-free remission at week 52 was achieved in patients with previous exposure to 1–2 biologics and/or small oral molecules (56%; 35/63), those without surgical history (64%; 16/25), and those without penetrating disease (54%; 29/54). Patients who achieved clinical remission at week 16 were more likely to achieve corticosteroid-free remission at week 52 (70%; 14/20) versus those who did not (20%; 4/20). In total, 37 adverse events occurred in 21 patients.ConclusionThis multicentre study provides real-world experience of ustekinumab in patients with CD/IBDU in England.