bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flow Characteristics of Special Fe-Ni-Cr Alloys and Some Steels at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: French H. J. , Kahlbaum William , Peterson A. A.
Published: April 2023

In this paper the authors give the results of “creep” tests at different temperatures for three groups of alloys. The eleven metals in the first group included commercial alloys of nickel, chromium, and iron, both with and without tungsten, and low-chromium steels containing also tungsten, vanadium, or molybdenum. The second group comprised two carbon steels, a 3½ per cent nickel steel, and two low-nickel-chromium steels which were tested only at 700 deg. fahr.; the twelve alloys of the third group were melted in a high-frequency induction furnace and their compositions were selected to show the general trends at 1000 deg. fahr. in the load-carrying ability of castings of the nickel-chromium-iron system. A metallographic study of the creep-test specimens revealed inter-crystalline weakness in some of the wrought nickel-chromium-iron alloys, especially at temperatures between 1160 and 1390 deg. fahr. A study was also made of the effect of deformation in the creep tests at different temperatures on the hardness and impact resistance of a chromium-vanadium steel at atmospheric temperatures.
Design of Thick-Walled Tubes Subjected to Pressure and Heat Input
Authors: Luster E. W.
Published: April 2023

With the increases in pressure and oil temperature, which have accompanied the development of distillation and cracking equipment in recent years, has arisen the need for a rational method for the design of thick tubes subjected to internal pressure and heat input. The author has accordingly developed in the present paper formulas for temperature and pressure stresses in such tubes, and for calculating the optimum tube for given conditions. Examples of calculations are given, as well as particulars of experimental investigations, both completed and contemplated, for the determination of the values of the constants employed in the formulas.
Engineering Aspects of Interchange of Power With Industrial Plants: Establishment of Means and Facilities for Utilizing Massed Resources to Serve the Power Requirements of Individual Industries
Authors: Wood B. F.
Published: April 2023

Economical operation can be effected and overhead costs greatly reduced in a great many cases where public-utility or other steam-generating or hydro power plants find it possible to hook up with large industrial operations. The advent of high steam pressures has largely increased these possibilities and extended the engineering problems involved in their proper solution. The engineer must seek the maximum overall economy with minimum investment having regard for reliability of service, and then work out a plan for the undertaking that will be to the equal advantage of all parties at interest.
A Method for the Standardization of Centrifugal Pumps
Authors: Stepanov Jos. S.
Published: April 2023

In the author’s opinion, the combined application of the preferred-numbers idea and the law of similitude provides an effective means of eliminating unnecessary variety of sizes and of simplifying tool and machinery equipment in any field of industrial production.

In the application of this method to the standardization of centrifugal pumps, the author develops a set of geometric series conforming to the preferred-numbers table. The formation of the series, and their interconnection and use for treating the standardization problem, are illustrated by numerical tables, charts, and diagrams.

Standardizations of hydraulic and mechanical parts of centrifugal pumps are tied together by the use of the law of similitude, resulting in the formation of a set of interconnected geometric series applicable to both cases.
Apprentice Training in Virginia
Authors: Bailey C. F.
Published: April 2023

Virginia, along with the rest of the South, is becoming industrially minded. This stresses the need for education for the industries and the arts. The transportation companies, iron works, and shipbuilding concerns require skilled mechanics, trained through apprenticeship. The primary principles in apprentice training are, first, careful selection of candidates; second, importance of the supervisor; and, third, the sympathy and aid of the management. The advantages of apprentice training include recruiting skilled mechanics, with a spirit of loyalty and service, some of whom will develop to foremen and higher officials. To promote this, training schools, on company’s time, are advisable. The apprentice group should be self-governing. The conclusions are that the wages should be liberal, with opportunity for increased earnings through premium or bonus work. The prospects for apprentice-trained men were never so bright as now. Virginia manufacturers are taking increased interest, and they recognize the necessity and value of apprentice training. The business of building involves both materiel and personnel—the building of men as well as of machines and ships.
Training Apprentices and Foremen
Authors: Perkins Frances
Published: April 2023

The experience of the author in labor problems and in legislature affecting workers provides a background for recommendations as to the proper training of apprentices and the development of foremen. Foremen generally are ignorant of the labor law, the health requirements, or of safety. The personnel manager and the safety engineer of the plant should work in closer contact with the foremen. Under the Smith-Hughes Act, the University of the State of New York has a course for training trade, industrial, and technical teachers. The courses are offered in large centers. Should labor management be taught in addition to these other subjects, there would be provided a good course for foreman teaching.
Repair of Worn Parts by Electrodeposition of Iron
Authors: Thomas T. P.
Published: April 2023

In this paper a commercial method is described for salvaging worn or undersized steel parts, such as thread and plug gages, arbors, reamers, motor shafts, gear centers, etc., by electrodeposited iron. Details of the process have been worked out which provide a practicable set of instructions for shop use. The high current efficiency and rate of deposit of the warm concentrated sulphate bath will enable the plater to complete practically any salvage job in one working day.
Material Handling in Mass Production at the General Electric Plant
Authors: Rundle H. C.
Published: April 2023

In this paper the author describes the conveyor system used throughout the various buildings where refrigerators are made at the General Electric Company. Before this installation material was handled by tractor-and-trailer trains, lift trucks, and gas and electric trucks. The new system has eliminated congestion, retracing of material routes, delays in schedule, spoilage of material, and maintenance and replacement of the industrial trucks. The conveyor serves as a traveling stockroom, thus releasing floor space for use in manufacturing operations. The conveyor system has linked together four different sections located in 12 separate buildings and maintains a uniform flow of material.
The Industrial-Type Internal-Combustion-Engine Locomotive
Authors: Schenck S. B.
Published: April 2023

The paper seeks to show that the internal-combustion type of locomotive can be used to advantage and at a much lower operating cost than the steam locomotive for industrial-plant use. The electric drive, in combination with gasoline or Diesel engines, places the internal-combustion type on a par with the steam locomotive so far as mobility is concerned, and ahead of the latter type with respect to availability for service, economy of operation, safety, visibility, convenience, and general performance. The electric drive is declared to be better than the conventional clutch and gear transmission between engine and axle as being better to operate, having more tractive power on grades, and in being much easier on the engine. There is available a wide range of internal-combustion type of locomotives using electric drives.
Suspended Cables With Large Sags
Authors: Strachan Robert C.
Published: April 2023

The curve assumed by a cable having its own weight and the applied load uniformly distributed over its length differs but little from a parabola if the deflection or sag is small; but as the actual curve is a catenary, modified more or less by the elastic deformation of the cable, the difference between the two curves becomes too great to be disregarded when, in the case of suspended structures other than suspension bridges, the sag exceeds a certain limit. The catenary being an exponential curve, its solution presents unavoidable difficulties. As a means of overcoming these in great measure, the author has compiled a table of hyperbolic radians tabulated as angular functions, whose use he shows by means of several worked-out examples.
Heat Recovery From Internal-Combustion Engines
Authors: Clarkson Thos. , Bradford Wm.
Published: April 2023

Citing the heat losses of locomotives and steam turbines, the authors aver the internal-combustion engine the most efficient mechanism for converting heat into useful work; yet even in this, two-thirds of the heat is wasted in exhaust gases and in cylinder jackets. The need for further heat conservation is urgent. In considering the recovery of heat from exhaust gases of internal-combustion engines, the authors lay down seven basic conditions. Adding to these limitations the avoidance of back pressure and the provision of a simple way of decarbonizing the heating surface, the designing of the ideal waste-heat boiler is not a simple matter. The evolution of the “thimble tube” boiler after 30 years of experience is described.
The Diesel-Engine Situation Today
Authors: Rotter Max
Published: April 2023

The first commercially successful Diesel engines were a product of American manufacturers, but now large Diesels are being built principally in Germany. This country, however, is making considerable headway in manufacture of engines up to 1000 b.hp. per cylinder. The author discusses developments in atomization, combustion, and supercharging. He feels that there is now a need for standardization, but it must not interfere with progress.
Design of Furnaces and Fuel Feeders for Burning Refuse
Authors: Hofft M. A.
Published: April 2023

This paper includes a discussion of (1) a recent development in the design of a furnace for burning dry wood refuse in suspension; (2) factors influencing the design of wood-burning furnaces in industrial plants; (3) the development of inclined-grate furnaces for burning refuse fuels; and (4) the development of automatically controlled dry wood-refuse feeders and storage bins.
Curved and Bent Plywood
Authors: Perry Thomas D.
Published: April 2023

Curved surfaces on solid wood reveal unattractive wood grain and are seriously lacking in strength and rigidity. The veneering of curved surfaces on solid wood is an ancient art. A description of the curving of plywood for modern designs is timely, since curved surfaces are passing through a period of style popularity. The paper gives a concise description of the building of curved plywood, as well as of the bending of plywood by processes just emerging from the experimental stage. Suggestions are given for the necessary tolerances in size and shape, the trimming and sanding of the curved shapes, and the accessory equipment required therefor. Attention is called to the fact that, pound for pound, wood is the strongest material known; hence curved plywood has an opportunity to become an industrial product with wide applications and substantial economic value.
Hydraulic Presses for Plywood
Authors: Francis Harry G.
Published: April 2023

The paper reviews the progress made in the clamping of plywood, especially in the last 35 years, when wooden hand screws and wooden-frame hand-screw presses were in general use. Improved hand clamps, improved hand-screw presses, and power-screw presses have their uses for certain classes of work and comparatively small output, and inverted-cylinder hydraulic presses are necessary for special methods and classes of work. Plywood is an artistic and utilitarian product with increasing appeal for both manufacturing and construction purposes. As the market for plywood products expands, new problems will necessitate further advances in press design. Plywood presses of the future may outdistance those of the present as much as the presses of the present demonstrate improvement over the old hand presses.
Engineering Problems in the Operation of Air Transports
Authors: Canney Frank R.
Published: April 2023

The author gives a masterly summing up of the hundred or more points that must be observed in the planning of a successful air-transport system, and reveals that there has been necessary only a slight modification of the original design of the Boeing transport plane as the result of the experience gained through its operation.
Aircraft-Float Design and Construction
Authors: Richardson Holden C.
Published: April 2023

Designs of aircraft floats have included the canoe type, inflated bag or skid, box type, multi-rib type, canoe system with cloth over a thin smooth skin, girder type, and all-metal construction. The author follows the development and discusses necessary characteristics. Late construction is principally of aluminum alloy for both floats and boats. Bulkheads are used to carry concentrated loads, and the bottoms are sometimes reinforced by exterior longitudinals. Extruded shapes, angles, channels, and tees are becoming popular as framing members.
All-Metal Airplane Construction
Authors: Beall Wellwood E.
Published: April 2023

The loads to which airplanes are subjected are pretty well known so the stresses in various members can be calculated. A light structure is necessary, but strength and durability must be increased due to the demand for greater speed and more hours in the air. Metal has thus been called into construction to help the designer.

Some of the advantages from use of metal in airplane construction include ease of determining the strength of members, decreased fire hazard, less danger to passengers in case of a crash, and decreases in cost of production, labor, handling, bulk, and waste.

Use of aluminum alloys is increasing, and monocoque construction is becoming more popular. Methods of analyzing the stresses in various members are given in the paper.
Service for Airplane Engines
Authors: Biddlecombe C. H.
Published: April 2023

Properly equipped service stations with competent mechanics are being established at some of the principal airports to take care of airplane maintenance. These have been found necessary by airplane-engine manufacturers in order to protect both their own interest and those of the customer. The work varies from a simple engine overhaul to complete rebuilding of large aircraft, and includes such items as packing and loading large airplanes for export shipment; designing and building gliders; dismantling, trucking, and reassembling airplanes for aviation shows; demonstrating airplanes to customers, and many other details, but not including the making of new engines and airplanes.

It seems probable that the major overhaul stations will eventually function on lines similar to those of present wholesale jobbers in the automotive industry with dealers doing all repair work, and buying necessary spare parts from jobbers in the territory in which they operate. Engine manufacturers look forward to having service representation at every active airport. The author tells of various methods and equipment used in overhaul work and the care necessary to ensure satisfactory operation.
Some Characteristics of Light Alloys for Aircraft
Authors: Gillett H. W.
Published: April 2023

In this paper the author tells of the various light alloys that might he used to advantage in aircraft construction, and gives their advantages and drawbacks. As fast as the disadvantages are overcome, whether they relate to price fabricability, or other properties, the improved material will find increased use in aircraft. Progress in aeronautics is linked closely with the metallurgy of light alloys.
New Developments in Airport Lighting
Authors: Ritchie H. C.
Published: April 2023

The principles of airport lighting have been covered in many papers which have varied slightly and only in details, says the author, these principles now having been standardized through the medium of the Department of Commerce. These requirements are stated, and then the author points out some new developments which make it possible for airports to obtain maximum ratings for lighting equipment and also some of the new systems or devices brought out to supplement these requirements.
Practical Airplane Performance Calculations
Authors: Watter Michael
Published: April 2023

A design must meet the characteristics set forth in the specification if it is to warrant construction. Performance characteristics represent a most important requirement, and there are today many methods and theories of performance calculation.

The conclusion was reached to obtain simplicity even at the cost of scientific accuracy, so long as the calculations gave a correct answer. The method described is based on the evaluation of parasite resistance, wing or cell characteristics, and knowledge of engine-propeller behavior. It is intended for routine calculations, but may be extended for special cases.
Some Improvements in Wind-Tunnel Balances Made Possible by Use of Vacuum Tubes
Authors: Eastman Fred S.
Published: April 2023

The paper presents some novel ideas on wind-tunnel balance design. It describes a new electromagnetic balance, which determines the current required to produce a balancing force. The claims are made, as against the motor-driven balance, that it is less costly, that it has no moving parts in the beam, is practically instantaneous in its response to sudden changes in force, can be quickly adjusted to almost any desired degree of sensitivity, and is readily adapted to recording devices to do away with the point-by-point method of obtaining curves.
Fire-Prevention Problems
Authors: McCord C. G.
Published: April 2023

This paper gives a few general principles and points out the trend of investigations that have been made along the lines of fire prevention and the design of fire extinguishers. Prevention in the case of aircraft is a relative term as there are no thoroughly satisfactory fire extinguishers, although the improvements are encouraging as more thought is being given to the subject.

While much work is in progress toward the development of aircraft fire-extinguishing systems in Government departments and by the manufacturers of that type of equipment, and although the need is manifest, there is at present no basis for a hard and fast regulation regarding the nature of equipment to be prescribed for installation in military or commercial airplanes.
Flying Boat Design
Authors: Rohrbach Adolf K.
Published: April 2023

This paper tells of some of the problems encountered in designing flying boats, and compares their characteristics with those of landplanes. Five outstanding considerations include: the size of boat, aerodynamic qualities, floating system, structural principles, and general arrangement. The best shape for a flying-boat hull must be determined by experiment.
The Artificial Horizon
Authors: Sperry Elmer A.
Published: April 2023

This paper describes the “artificial horizon,” an instrument developed recently to aid blind flying. Through the use of a gyroscope a gravity device is constructed with a very slow rate of motion that will maintain a horizontal position in an airplane with sufficient accuracy to make a most useful instrument. Test data for the instrument are given.
The Preparation of Anthracite
Authors: Chance T. M.
Published: April 2023

This paper covers the development and present practice of the methods used in the manufacturing process called “preparation,” necessary to the conversion of the raw anthracite produced from the mines into the finished products consumed. The paper is divided into three main sections covering the crushing, sizing, and cleaning of the coal and into supplementary ones dealing with breaker design, operation, and efficiency.
Economics of Reclamation of Anthracite Silt Coal and Culm
Authors: Dechant Frederick H.
Published: April 2023

The paper deals generally with the production of fine-sized anthracite coal, its preparation for market, and its present uses. It defines several of the most important present markets, and the ultimate essential market to be created. It develops that anthracite can be most cheaply prepared for market by the coal companies themselves, taking in all sizes down to and including pulverized fuel. It recommends complete preparation by the coal-producing companies as the method of attaining the best economic position.
Relative Economy of Pulverized Coal, Oil, and Gas as Boiler-Plant Fuels
Authors: Frisch Martin
Published: April 2023

Where plants are so located that several fuels are available, the management must determine which fuel is most economical. An analysis of the cost of making steam with each of the available fuels is necessary. The various commonly used fuels are compared as to their relative economy. The influence of each fuel on overall plant performance and economy is considered. The paper sums up the relative plant efficiency and the relative plant economy to be expected of the various fuels.
Coke as a Domestic Heating Fuel
Authors: Nicholls P. , Landry B. A.
Published: April 2023

This paper deals with one of several types of fuel used in heating houses. It sets forth the burning characteristics of coke when used for this purpose as shown by work done by the U. S. Bureau of Mines and others. Of the solid fuels, anthracite and coke are truly smokeless and are held in high regard for this quality. Ways are being found for making commercial coke from a wider range of coals than heretofore, and the use of coke for domestic heating is increasing.
Recent Developments in Stoker Design
Authors: Savage H. D.
Published: April 2023

In this paper recent developments in stokers are discussed. The presentation covers all stokers manufactured by the firms who are members of the Stoker Manufacturers’ Association. Stokers for the larger size of steam-power boilers have undergone a different development from the smaller stokers. There has been a distinct advance in size, in practical combustion rates, and in the convenient arrangement of stokers in general. The problems of preheated air and the development of small stokers for domestic and industrial uses are also presented.
An Apparatus for the Determination of Creep at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: White A. E. , Clark C. L. , Thomassen L.
Published: April 2023

This paper describes an apparatus designed for the purpose of measuring creep of metals at elevated temperatures. Due to the slight changes in dimensions encountered, such an apparatus must be sensitive to small variations. This particular machine is capable of measuring variations in length of the test specimen to about 2.8 millionths of an inch per inch.

The three essential parts of a creep-measuring apparatus are listed as (1) a means of applying and maintaining a constant load, (2) a means of obtaining and maintaining constant a given temperature, and (3) a means of accurately determining any deformation produced in the test piece. The manner in which this machine fulfils each of these conditions is described.
Advantages Derived From the Simplification of the Fundamental Formulas for Economic Production Quantities
Authors: Raymond Fairfield E.
Published: April 2023

The paper seeks to demonstrate that a rapid and reliable method can be developed for application to the problems most frequently encountered in planning production schedules and controlling inventories. This method is stated to be more simple than the fundamental formula developed in the author’s former paper on “Economic Production Quantities.” Other advantages are gained from the simplified method.
Incentive Payment Plans for Material Handling
Authors: Fike C. A.
Published: April 2023

In this paper the author describes the methods used in installing incentive payment plans on two different phases of material-handling activities at the East Pittsburgh plant of the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company. The first phase is that of industrial electric trucking, the other is a material-supply group in the motor-manufacturing department. Detailed formulas used in the installation are included.
Material Handling in Production of Pork Products
Authors: DeVout A. W.
Published: April 2023

This paper describes the various operations through which hogs pass from the buying pens in the stockyards until the various products are dressed, boxed, and placed in refrigerator cars ready for shipment. Handling equipment plays an important part in speeding up the operations, lowering costs, and doing away with heavy manual handling.
Conveyor Handling Methods of the Chicago Daily News
Authors: Potts Matthew W.
Published: April 2023

In this paper the author describes the conveyor handling system as installed in the plant of the Chicago Daily News. Continuous conveyors are used to handle rolls of paper from railroad cars and barges to the storage room, and then to the reel room. Conveyors are also used for handling stereotype plates to the press room, bundles of papers from the presses to the truck platforms, and mats from the makeup room to the stereotype room.
Present Practice in the Use of Cutting Fluids: Progress Report No. 2 of the Sub-Committee on Cutting Fluids of the A.S.M.E. Special Research Committee on Cutting of Metals
Authors: McKee S. A.
Published: April 2023

This report is an attempt to indicate, in so far as its scope will permit, either the trend or lack of trend, as the case may be, toward the use of a particular type of cutting agent for a given maching operation on a given kind of metal. It is based on information obtained from sixty-eight of the large users of cutting fluids in this country. Nine tables are presented. The first of these is a general summary. It lists the number of plants using any of three general types of cutting agent (dry, water or emulsions, oils or oil mixtures) for each of nineteen maching operations on eight kinds of metals. Each of the remaining eight tables gives more detailed information pertaining to the cutting agents used for the various operations on a given metal.
Sizes and Tolerances for Metal Fits: Advantages of Standardization for Manufacturing Practice—Controlling Influences and Application to Existing Conditions—Analysis and Reference to the Practice in Other Plants
Authors: Reiman C. R.
Published: April 2023

This paper discusses comparisons of metal fits. The matter of working fits being left in many plants largely to the opinion and ability of the workman, the need of standardization in consequence asserts itself as organizations are entitled to records of these matters. The comparisons of the practice of other standards and the analysis that influences the conclusions are given in a simple way. Simplification for better understanding is aimed at, and the need for a standard common practice throughout our industry is recognized. Controlling influences are considered, and various features for which advantages are claimed are stressed. The use of the basic size to under hole system, and the basic shaft are discussed. Different kinds of fits are compared, and the reasons for differentiating between straight shafts and turned studs are given.
Traversing with quantitative fidelity through the glass transition of amorphous polymers: Modeling the thermodynamic dilatational flow of polycarbonate
Authors: Negahban Mehrdad , Li Wenlong , Saiter Jean-Marc , Delbreilh Laurent , Strabala Kyle , Li Zheng
Published: April 2023

We follow the assumption that the dilatational response of glassy polymers can be characterized by a back-stress type analog that includes a thermal expansion for each elastic component and with a viscosity that is dependent on the expansion of the elastic back-stress component. To this, we add the assumption of an unloaded equilibrium temperature that correlates to the past processing through the viscous flow. After setting this in a thermodynamically consistent structure, elastic, elastic back-stress, thermal expansion, back-stress thermal expansion, heat capacity, and viscous damping are evaluated using existing experiments for the response of polycarbonate over the glassy and rubbery ranges. For the demonstration, this is done entirely using a WLF shift factor that is augmented to include, in addition, back strain superposition. We then examine the resulting model under different thermal and mechanical loadings that have the material passing through the glass transition.
Athletic Trainers’ Proficiency in Evaluating Emergency Action Plans and a Subset of Catastrophic Policies and Procedures
Authors: Scarneo-Miller Samantha E. , Eason Christianne M. , Winkelmann Zachary K. , Emrich Christina , Register-Mihalik Johna K.
Published: April 2023

Written health and safety policies mitigate catastrophic outcomes resulting from sport injuries. The purpose of this project was to evaluate athletic trainers’ proficiency in evaluating catastrophic policies and procedures alignment with best practices. This study found athletic trainers were not able to identify the majority of policy and procedure components based on evidence-based best practice documents. Furthermore, athletic trainers tended to focus more on aesthetics and feasibility versus alignment with current best practices. Results support the need to enhance education specific to policy and procedure development, evaluation, and implementation in order to improve proficiency of clinicians.
Twenty-Three-Year-Old Collegiate Soccer Athlete With Bilateral Femoral Head Avascular Necrosis: A Case Report
Authors: Folkert Allyson K. , Tripp Brady L. , Brown Christopher D.
Published: April 2023

A 23-year-old collegiate club soccer player reported to his athletic trainer right hip flexor pain and no recalled mechanism. Diagnostic imaging revealed bilateral avascular necrosis (AVN) of both femoral heads. Medical intervention included bilateral core decompression surgery. The majority of reported AVN cases are pediatric patients and adults over 50 years old, following trauma (i.e., femoral fracture) being the main risk factor. Although not seen often in athletic populations, athletic trainers should be aware of the possibility of AVN in patients. AVN is a life-altering condition and accurately documenting all patient encounters, and proper interprofessional collaboration is imperative for positive outcomes.
“This Isn’t a Sports Story … This Is a Life Story”: Elite Athletes and Myths About Mental Illness in Sport
Authors: Parrott Scott
Published: April 2023

Athletes face unique mental health stressors, including internal/external pressure, time displacement, and physical injury. In addition, athletes who experience mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety reference the role of social factors—specifically stigma—as barriers to mental health. The present study draws on 37 testimonials from The Players’ Tribune in which athletes disclosed mental illness. A theoretical thematic analysis pinpointed themes within the testimonials of athletes who elucidated and refuted myths concerning mental health in sport. Through disclosure, the athletes challenged stigma by protesting myths that discourage help-seeking behavior in sport. The analysis identified six themes in the myths concerning (a) professional success, (b) strength, (c) identity, (d) the sports story treatment of mental health, (e) sport as escape, and (f) isolation. Implications are discussed in relation to changing social norms in sport.
Correlations Between Hamstring Muscle Architecture, Maturation, and Anthropometric Measures in Academy Soccer Players
Authors: Brown Matthew , Buchheit Martin , Lacome Mathieu , Hader Karim , Guilhem Gaël
Published: April 2023

Purpose: Muscle architecture is associated with motor performance and muscle injury. While muscle architecture and knee-flexor eccentric strength change with growth, the influence of anthropometric measures on these properties is rarely considered. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hamstring muscle architecture and knee-flexor eccentric strength with anthropometric measurements. Methods: Sixty male footballers (16.6 [1.05] y) from the U16, U17, and U19 teams of an elite soccer club were included in this study. Fascicle length, pennation angle, and muscle thickness of the biceps femoris long head (BFlh) and semimembranosus muscles were measured in both legs using ultrasound. Knee-flexor eccentric strength, height, body mass, leg length, femur length, and peak height velocity (PHV) were measured within 1 week of the ultrasound images. A stepwise regression and 1-way analysis of variance tests were used to evaluate the effects of age, maturity, and anthropometric measurements on muscle properties. Results: Variance within BFlh and semimembranosus muscle thickness (r < .61), semimembranosus pennation angle (r < .58), and knee-flexor eccentric strength (r = .50) were highly related to body mass. We observed no significant correlations between muscle architecture and age (P > .29). However, moderately greater BFlh muscle thickness was shown for the post-PHV compared with the PHV group (effect size ± 90% CI: 0.72 ± 0.49). Conclusions: In conclusion, weak correlations between muscle architecture and anthropometric measurements suggest that other factors (ie, genetics, training regimen) influence muscle architecture. The moderate effect of maturity on BFlh muscle thickness strongly suggests post-PHV hypertrophy of the BFlh muscle. Our results confirmed previous findings that eccentric knee-flexor strength is influenced by body mass.
Ultrahigh-precision noble gas isotope analyses reveal pervasive subsurface fractionation in hydrothermal systems
Authors: Bekaert David V. , Barry Peter H. , Broadley Michael W. , Byrne David J. , Marty Bernard , Ramírez Carlos J. , de Moor J. Maarten , Rodriguez Alejandro , Hudak Michael R. , Subhas Adam V. , Halldórsson Saemundur A. , Jessen Gerdhard L. , Blamey Jenny M. , Stefánsson Andri , Caracausi Antonio , Lloyd Karen G. , Giovannelli Donato , Seltzer Alan M.
Published: April 2023

Mantle-derived noble gases in volcanic gases are powerful tracers of terrestrial volatile evolution, as they contain mixtures of both primordial (from Earth’s accretion) and secondary (e.g., radiogenic) isotope signals that characterize the composition of deep Earth. However, volcanic gases emitted through subaerial hydrothermal systems also contain contributions from shallow reservoirs (groundwater, crust, atmosphere). Deconvolving deep and shallow source signals is critical for robust interpretations of mantle-derived signals. Here, we use a novel dynamic mass spectrometry technique to measure argon, krypton, and xenon isotopes in volcanic gas with ultrahigh precision. Data from Iceland, Germany, United States (Yellowstone, Salton Sea), Costa Rica, and Chile show that subsurface isotope fractionation within hydrothermal systems is a globally pervasive and previously unrecognized process causing substantial nonradiogenic Ar-Kr-Xe isotope variations. Quantitatively accounting for this process is vital for accurately interpreting mantle-derived volatile (e.g., noble gas and nitrogen) signals, with profound implications for our understanding of terrestrial volatile evolution.
Pseudomonas Acts as a Reservoir of Novel Tigecycline Resistance Efflux Pump
tmexC6D6-toprJ1b
and
tmexCD-toprJ
Variants
Authors: Wang Cheng-Zhen , Gao Xun , Liang Xin-Hong , Lv Lu-Chao , Lu Li-Tao , Yue Chao , Cui Xiao-Xiao , Yang Ke-Er , Lu Duo , Liu Jian-Hua , Yang Jun
Published: April 2023

Tigecycline is one of the treatment options for serious infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria, and tigecycline resistance has gained extensive attention. The emergence of a transferable tigecycline resistance efflux pump gene cluster,
tmexCD-toprJ
, severely challenged the efficiency of tigecycline.
Species-Level Taxonomic Characterization of Uncultured Core Gut Microbiota of Plateau Pika
Authors: Pu Ji , Yang Jing , Lu Shan , Jin Dong , Luo Xuelian , Xiong Yanwen , Bai Xiangning , Zhu Wentao , Huang Yuyuan , Wu Shusheng , Niu Lina , Liu Liyun , Xu Jianguo
Published: April 2023

The great majority of microbial species remain uncultured, severely limiting their taxonomic characterization and biological understanding. The plateau pika (
Ochotona curzoniae
) is a small burrowing steppe lagomorph that is endemic to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and is considered to be the keystone species in the maintenance of ecological stability.
Neuronal Exosomes as a New Signaling System
Authors: Yakovlev Alexander A.
Published: April 2023

Number of studies devoted to investigation of neuronal exosomes increases significantly each year. Potential of exosomes as diagnostic markers of neurodegenerative diseases has been examined thoroughly and similar protocols were used to search for the markers of other psychiatric disorders. Biogenesis of exosomes in various types of cells has been studied, physiological role of exosomes has been actively investigated, and many features of their signaling cascades have been clarified. The accumulated data indicate important role of the exosome signaling in interneuronal communication. Do we have enough grounds to recognize exosomes as new non-canonical neurotransmitters in the brain? In this review we discuss this issue and present a concept on the possible role of brain exosomes as a new signaling system to the scientific community.
Pathogenetic Mechanisms of Mental Disorders: Endogenous Intoxication
Authors: Uzbekov Marat G.
Published: April 2023

The review describes the syndrome of endogenous intoxication in patients with mental disorders. Oxidative stress, middle-mass endotoxic molecules, impaired functional properties of serum albumin and albumin thiol groups, neurotrophic factors, and enzymes, including monoamine oxidase and semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase contribute to the development of endogenous intoxication. Possible pathogenetic mechanisms of the endogenous intoxication development in mental disorders and approaches to its treatment are discussed.
Longitudinal educational attainment among children with isolated oral cleft: a cohort study
Authors: Park Min Hae , Fitzsimons Kate J , Deacon Scott , Medina Jibby , Wahedally Muhammad A H , Butterworth Sophie , Russell Craig , van der Meulen Jan H
Published: April 2023

Objectives

(1) To explore differences in educational attainment between children born with isolated clefts and the general population at ages 5, 7 and 11 years; (2) to describe longitudinal changes in attainment among children with cleft through primary education.

Design

Analysis of Cleft Registry and Audit Network data linked to national educational outcomes.

Setting

English state schools.

Patients

832 children born with isolated cleft, aged 5 years in 2006–2008.

Main outcome measures

Difference in teacher-assessed attainment between children with a cleft and general population at each age, for all children and by cleft type. Percentage of children with low attainment at age 5 years who had low attainment at age 11 years, for all children and by cleft type.

Results

Children with a cleft had lower attainment than the general population in all subject areas (Z-score range: −0.29 (95% CI −0.36 to −0.22) to −0.22 (95% CI −0.29 to −0.14)). This difference remained consistent in size at all ages, and was larger among children with a cleft affecting the palate (cleft palate/cleft lip and palate (CP/CLP)) than those with a cleft lip (CL). Of 216 children with low attainment in any subject at age 5 years, 54.2% had low attainment in at least one subject at age 11 years. Compared with children with CL, those with CP/CLP were more likely to have persistent low attainment.

Conclusions

An educational attainment gap for children born with isolated clefts is evident throughout primary education. Almost half of children with low attainment at age 5 years achieve normal attainment at age 11 years.
Disability accrual in primary and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Harding-Forrester Sam , Roos Izanne , Nguyen Ai-Lan , Malpas Charles B , Diouf Ibrahima , Moradi Nahid , Sharmin Sifat , Izquierdo Guillermo , Eichau Sara , Patti Francesco , Horakova Dana , Kubala Havrdova Eva , Prat Alexandre , Girard Marc , Duquette Pierre , Grand'Maison Francois , Onofrj Marco , Lugaresi Alessandra , Grammond Pierre , Ozakbas, Serkan , Amato Maria Pia , Gerlach Oliver , Sola Patrizia , Ferraro Diana , Buzzard Katherine , Skibina Olga , Lechner-Scott Jeannette , Alroughani Raed , Boz Cavit , Van Pesch Vincent , Cartechini Elisabetta , Terzi Murat , Maimone Davide , Ramo-Tello Cristina , Yamout Bassem , Khoury Samia Joseph , La Spitaleri Daniele , Sa Maria Jose , Blanco Yolanda , Granella Franco , Slee Mark , Butler Ernest , Sidhom Youssef , Gouider Riadh , Bergamaschi Roberto , Karabudak Rana , Ampapa Radek , Sánchez-Menoyo José Luis , Prevost Julie , Castillo-Trivino Tamara , McCombe Pamela A , Macdonell Richard , Laureys Guy , Van Hijfte Liesbeth , Oh Jiwon , Altintas Ayse , de Gans Koen , Turkoglu Recai , van der Walt Anneke , Butzkueven Helmut , Vucic Steve , Barnett Michael , Cristiano Edgardo , Hodgkinson Suzanne , Iuliano Gerardo , Kappos Ludwig , Kuhle Jens , Shaygannejad Vahid , Soysal Aysun , Weinstock-Guttman Bianca , Van Wijmeersch Bart , Kalincik Tomas
Published: April 2023

Background

Some studies comparing primary and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS, SPMS) report similar ages at onset of the progressive phase and similar rates of subsequent disability accrual. Others report later onset and/or faster accrual in SPMS. Comparisons have been complicated by regional cohort effects, phenotypic differences in sex ratio and management and variable diagnostic criteria for SPMS.

Methods

We compared disability accrual in PPMS and operationally diagnosed SPMS in the international, clinic-based MSBase cohort. Inclusion required PPMS or SPMS with onset at age ≥18 years since 1995. We estimated Andersen-Gill hazard ratios for disability accrual on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), adjusted for sex, age, baseline disability, EDSS score frequency and drug therapies, with centre and patient as random effects. We also estimated ages at onset of the progressive phase (Kaplan-Meier) and at EDSS milestones (Turnbull). Analyses were replicated with physician-diagnosed SPMS.

Results

Included patients comprised 1872 with PPMS (47% men; 50% with activity) and 2575 with SPMS (32% men; 40% with activity). Relative to PPMS, SPMS had older age at onset of the progressive phase (median 46.7 years (95% CI 46.2–47.3) vs 43.9 (43.3–44.4); p<0.001), greater baseline disability, slower disability accrual (HR 0.86 (0.78–0.94); p<0.001) and similar age at wheelchair dependence.

Conclusions

We demonstrate later onset of the progressive phase and slower disability accrual in SPMS versus PPMS. This may balance greater baseline disability in SPMS, yielding convergent disability trajectories across phenotypes. The different rates of disability accrual should be considered before amalgamating PPMS and SPMS in clinical trials.
Fertility, pregnancy and childbirth in women with multiple sclerosis: a population-based study from 2018 to 2020
Authors: Moccia Marcello , Affinito Giuseppina , Fumo Maria Grazia , Giordana Roberta , Di Gennaro Massimo , Mercogliano Michelangelo , Carotenuto Antonio , Petracca Maria , Lanzillo Roberta , Triassi Maria , Brescia Morra Vincenzo , Palladino Raffaele
Published: April 2023

Background

We aim to evaluate whether fertility, pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding have been actually improving in women with multiple sclerosis (MS), compared with general population, and in relation to treatment features.

Methods

We included 2018–2020 population-level healthcare data on women with MS living in the Campania region (Italy). Fertility, pregnancy and delivery outcomes were obtained from Certificate of Delivery Assistance; breastfeeding was collected up to 6 months after delivery by trained personnel.

Results

Out of 2748 women with MS in childbearing age, 151 women delivered 156 babies. Fertility rate was 0.58 live births per woman with MS, compared with 1.29 in Campania region and 1.25 in Italy. Disease-modifying treatment (DMT) continuation during pregnancy was associated with lower birth weight (coeff −107.09; 95% CI –207.91 to –6.26; p=0.03). Exposure to DMTs with unknown/negative effects on pregnancy was associated with birth defects (OR 8.88; 95% CI 1.35 to 58.41; p=0.02). Birth defects occurred in pregnancies exposed to dimethyl fumarate (2/21 exposed pregnancies), fingolimod (1/11 exposed pregnancies) and natalizumab (2/30 exposed pregnancies). After delivery, 18.8% of women with MS were escalated of DMT efficacy, while 50.7% started on same/similar-efficacy DMTs, and 30.5% did not receive DMT. The probability of breastfeeding was higher in women who were treated with breastfeeding-safe DMTs (OR 5.57; 95% CI 1.09 to 28.55; p=0.03).

Conclusions

Fertility rate in women with MS remains below the general population. Family planning and subsequent DMT decisions should aim to achieve successful pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding outcomes, while controlling disease activity.
Asthma hospitalisations and heat exposure in England: a case–crossover study during 2002–2019
Authors: Konstantinoudis Garyfallos , Minelli Cosetta , Lam Holly Ching Yu , Fuertes Elaine , Ballester Joan , Davies Bethan , Vicedo-Cabrera Ana Maria , Gasparrini Antonio , Blangiardo Marta
Published: April 2023

Background

Previous studies have reported an association between warm temperature and asthma hospitalisation. They have reported different sex-related and age-related vulnerabilities; nevertheless, little is known about how this effect has changed over time and how it varies in space. This study aims to evaluate the association between asthma hospitalisation and warm temperature and investigate vulnerabilities by age, sex, time and space.

Methods

We retrieved individual-level data on summer asthma hospitalisation at high temporal (daily) and spatial (postcodes) resolutions during 2002–2019 in England from the NHS Digital. Daily mean temperature at 1 km×1 km resolution was retrieved from the UK Met Office. We focused on lag 0–3 days. We employed a case–crossover study design and fitted Bayesian hierarchical Poisson models accounting for possible confounders (rainfall, relative humidity, wind speed and national holidays).

Results

After accounting for confounding, we found an increase of 1.11% (95% credible interval: 0.88% to 1.34%) in the asthma hospitalisation risk for every 1°C increase in the ambient summer temperature. The effect was highest for males aged 16–64 (2.10%, 1.59% to 2.61%) and during the early years of our analysis. We also found evidence of a decreasing linear trend of the effect over time. Populations in Yorkshire and the Humber and East and West Midlands were the most vulnerable.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence of an association between warm temperature and hospital admission for asthma. The effect has decreased over time with potential explanations including temporal differences in patterns of heat exposure, adaptive mechanisms, asthma management, lifestyle, comorbidities and occupation.