bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED: A systematic review of life satisfaction and related factors among burns patients
Authors: Parvizi Arman , Haddadi Soudabeh , Ghorbani Vajargah Pooyan , Mollaei Amirabbas , Firooz Mahbobeh , Hosseini Seyed Javad , Takasi Poorya , Farzan Ramyar , Karkhah Samad
Published: February 2023

This systematic review aimed to examine the life satisfaction and related factors among burns patients. A comprehensive systematic search was conducted at the international electronic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Persian electronic databases such as Iranmedex, and Scientific Information Database using keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings such as ‘Burns’, ‘Life satisfaction’, ‘Personal satisfaction’, and ‘Patient satisfaction’ from the earliest to the 1 October 2022. The quality of the studies included in this review was evaluated using the appraisal tool for cross‐sectional studies (AXIS tool). A total of 3352 burn patients in the nine cross‐sectional studies were included in this systematic review. 70.52% of burn patients were male. The mean age of burn patients was 37.47 (SD = 14.73). The mean score of life satisfaction in burn patients based on SWLS was 23.02 (SD = 7.86) out of 35, based on LSI‐A was 12.67 (SD = 4.99) out of 20, and based on the life satisfaction questionnaire was 4.81 (SD = 1.67) out of 7. Factors including time since burn, religion, and constant had a positive and significant relationship with life satisfaction in burn patients. Whereas, factors such as single marital status, age at injury, length of hospital stay, presence of pain, larger total body surface area burn, head and neck burn, functional impairment, family satisfaction, satisfaction with appearance, and previous psychiatric treatment had a negative and significant relationship with life satisfaction in burn patients. In sum, this systematic review showed that burn patients were slightly satisfied with their life. Therefore, health managers and policymakers can improve the quality of life of burn victims by planning psychological counselling and behavioural therapy, and consequently increase their life satisfaction.
Nondestructive detection of adulterated wolfberry (Lycium Chinense) fruits based on hyperspectral imaging technology
Authors: Nirere Adria , Sun Jun , Kama Rakhwe , Atindana Vincent Akolbire , Nikubwimana Felix Didier , Dusabe Keza Dominique , Zhong Yuhao
Published: February 2023

In order to detect adulterants on Lycium Chinense species effectively, a rapid, clean, and nondestructive detection method based on hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology was conducted in a wavelength range of 400.68–1001.60 nm. Industrial sulfur particles were chosen as a dye to prepare three groups of adulterated L. Chinense samples as the research object. The whole L. Chinense was considered the region of interest. First, a multiple scatter correction (MSC) method was used to preprocess spectra data. The competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) and linear discriminant analysis approaches were contrasted for optimal extraction of wavelengths characteristic. Then, two models were established: K‐nearest neighbor (KNN) and support vector machine (SVM). Furthermore, the performance accuracies of KNN and SVM models were compared. According to the outcomes, the SVM model built on CARS provided the best classification impact. The accuracy for the prediction set was 98.75%, and the accuracy for the training set was 100%. Also, the kernel parameters c and g of the SVM model were enhanced by genetic algorithm (GA) optimization. The values parameters (c, g) were set at 14.975 and 0.224, respectively, and the results improved by 1.25% at an elapsed time of 1.887 s, with the accuracy reaching 100% on both training and test sets. This study aimed to detect and classify sulfur‐adulterated wolfberries using an improved SVM and HSI. Finally, the results demonstrate that a combination of HSI and the CARS‐GA‐SVM model could be used for the rapid detection of foreign entities' in wolfberry fruits.

Practical applications

Dried wolfberry adulteration has a direct link to the overall quality of the fruits, and potentially compromises the health of the fruits consumers. The traditional methods of testing adulterants on Lycium Chinense are arduous, require a lot of time, and are highly impacted by biased elements, necessitating new techniques. HSI technology, on the other hand, is nondestructive, quick/fast, accurate, subjective, reproducible, and pollution‐free. The study findings proved to be recommendable for initiating a feasible mobile system for rapidly detecting adulteration on L. Chinense.
It is time to be heard and understood: Readmission probably is not the outcome that matters among people with dementia considering percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Bernacki Gwen M. , Krishnaswami Ashok , Don Creighton W.
Published: February 2023

This editorial comments on the article by Park et al. in this issue.
Apolipoprotein E ε4 modulates astrocyte neuronal support functions in the presence of amyloid‐β
Authors: Fleeman Rebecca M. , Kuhn Madison K. , Chan Dennis C. , Proctor Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2023

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a lipid transporter produced predominantly by astrocytes in the brain. The ε4 variant of APOE (APOE4) is the strongest and most common genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although the molecular mechanisms of this increased risk are unclear, APOE4 is known to alter immune signaling and lipid and glucose metabolism. Astrocytes provide various forms of support to neurons, including regulating neuronal metabolism and immune responses through cytokine signaling. Changes in astrocyte function because of APOE4 may therefore decrease neuronal support, leaving neurons more vulnerable to stress and disease insults. To determine whether APOE4 alters astrocyte neuronal support functions, we measured glycolytic and oxidative metabolism of neurons treated with conditioned media from APOE4 or APOE3 (the common, risk‐neutral variant) primary astrocyte cultures. We found that APOE4 neurons treated with conditioned media from resting APOE4 astrocytes had similar metabolism to APOE3 neurons treated with media from resting APOE3 astrocytes, but treatment with astrocytic conditioned media from astrocytes challenged with amyloid‐β (Aβ), a key pathological protein in AD, caused APOE4 neurons to increase their basal mitochondrial and glycolytic metabolic rates more than APOE3 neurons. These changes were not because of differences in astrocytic lactate production or glucose utilization, but instead correlated with increased glycolytic ATP production and a lack of cytokine secretion in response to Aβ. Additionally, we identified that astrocytic cytokine signatures could predict basal metabolism of neurons treated with the astrocytic conditioned media. Together, these findings suggest that in the presence of Aβ, APOE4 astrocytes alter immune and metabolic functions that result in a compensatory increase in neuronal metabolic stress.

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A prospective randomized controlled study of Mycobacterium Indicus Pranii vaccine, Measles Mumps Rubella vaccine and Vitamin D3 in extragenital cutaneous warts
Authors: Lahoria Utkrist , Singh Saurabh , Bhardwaj Abhishek , Budania Anil , Chhajed Neelam , Rajagopal Srinivasan Varun , Singh Surjit
Published: February 2023

Design

Interventional, prospective, four arm randomized control.

Setting

Outpatient department, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, AIIMS Jodhpur (Rajasthan), India.

Participants

Two hundred patients.

Methods

The intervention administered in the groups were normal saline (A), vitamin D3 (B), MIP (C), and MMR (D). The injections were given into the largest wart at 2‐weekly intervals until complete clearance or for a maximum of seven sittings. Post‐treatment clearance of the injected wart and the distant wart was compared on the basis of change in wart number, percentage clearance, and mean time to complete clearance. Side effects were recorded.

Results

A total of 197 patients were recruited. The mean percentage improvement in the injected and non‐injected warts was 68.4% and 66.8%, respectively. Intention to treat analysis (ITT) showed that complete clearance of lesions in injected wart occurred in placebo, vit D3, MMR, and MIP arms in 64%, 66%, 58%, and 55% patients, respectively (p > 0.05), while in the non‐injected warts in 62%, 64%, 52%, and 53%, respectively (p > 0.05). The mean time to achieve complete clearance of wart was fastest in MIP at 7.1 weeks followed by MMR at 7.2 weeks, VIT D3 at 7.4 weeks and in placebo group 7.8 weeks (p > 0.05). Side effects noted were fever, pain, erythema, and swelling which was highest in VIT D3 group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The efficacy of immunotherapies was comparable to placebo with minimal side effects.
A cross‐sectional study of alcohol, opioid use, and anxiety in agriculturally based occupations
Authors: Chasek Christine , Watanabe‐Galloway Shinobu , Rutt Rachel , Olson Ashley , Yoder Aaron
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Although there are many studies that have examined substance use and mental health concerns in rural areas, there is a paucity of research related to the prevalence of substance use and mental well‐being in agriculturally based occupations. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of alcohol and opioid misuse and anxiety among adults in agriculturally based occupations in the rural Midwest and to determine the risk factors for alcohol misuse.

Methods

Data were collected via mailed surveys with 1,791 surveys returned. Participants completed the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test, the Drug Abuse Screening Test‐1, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener, and reported demographic data. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with alcohol misuse.

Results

Younger age, male, not married, agriculturally based workers were significantly associated with alcohol misuse. For opioid use, the highest prevalence rate (10%) was found among direct agricultural workers who were not married and in the age group 19‐39. The highest anxiety prevalence rate was found in participants aged 19‐39 (15.5%) who also scored in the highest level of alcohol misuse with a prevalence rate of 27.9%.

Conclusions

Future research is suggested in the areas of gender identity and anxiety in agricultural populations and agriculturally based occupations as protective factors for opioid misuse.
Sociocultural learning theory and assessment for learning
Authors: Castanelli Damian
Published: February 2023

Sociocultural learning theory can help us address difficulties in achieving assessment for learning by expanding what we think of as learning and when we think learning occurs.
Mycobacterial phosphodiesterase Rv0805 is a virulence determinant and its cyclic nucleotide hydrolytic activity is required for propionate detoxification
Authors: McDowell James R. , Bai Guangchun , Lasek‐Nesselquist Erica , Eisele Leslie E. , Wu Yan , Hurteau Gregory , Johnson Richard , Bai Yinlan , Chen Yong , Chan John , McDonough Kathleen A.
Published: February 2023

Cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling is essential to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) pathogenesis. However, the roles of phosphodiesterases (PDEs) Rv0805, and the recently identified Rv1339, in cAMP homeostasis and Mtb biology are unclear. We found that Rv0805 modulates Mtb growth within mice, macrophages and on host‐associated carbon sources. Mycobacterium bovis BCG grown on a combination of propionate and glycerol as carbon sources showed high levels of cAMP and had a strict requirement for Rv0805 cNMP hydrolytic activity. Supplementation with vitamin B12 or spontaneous genetic mutations in the pta‐ackA operon restored the growth of BCGΔRv0805 and eliminated propionate‐associated cAMP increases. Surprisingly, reduction of total cAMP levels by ectopic expression of Rv1339 restored only 20% of growth, while Rv0805 complementation fully restored growth despite a smaller effect on total cAMP levels. Deletion of an Rv0805 localization domain also reduced BCG growth in the presence of propionate and glycerol. We propose that localized Rv0805 cAMP hydrolysis modulates activity of a specialized pathway associated with propionate metabolism, while Rv1339 has a broader role in cAMP homeostasis. Future studies will address the biological roles of Rv0805 and Rv1339, including their impacts on metabolism, cAMP signaling and Mtb pathogenesis.
“Hooked”: How Undergraduate Students Become Anthropology Majors
Authors: Kvitek Victoria L. , Cora Maria , Jhoslien Anastasia , Lee Briana M. , Storey Angela D.
Published: February 2023

How and why do undergraduate students decide to become anthropology majors? We explore this question through mixed methods research conducted by undergraduate students at two public universities in the United States and one in New Zealand. We found that students often discovered anthropology once in college and many spoke about it as a dynamic major through which they might enact change. The major can affirm students’ identity, interests, and ways of thinking, even as it elicits anxieties about the state of the world, past and present, and concerns about the discourse of race in anthropology. We explore the major as a doorway into departmental and disciplinary communities of practice, arguing that undergraduate decisions to major in anthropology are connected to past experiences, family contexts, interdepartmental experiences, and global conditions. This research is part of the larger project organized through the American Anthropological Association that is discussed in this special issue.
Normal variation of mandibular asymmetry in children
Authors: Vespasiano Valeria , Klop Cornelis , Mulder Catharina S. , Koolstra Jan H. , Lobé Nicolaas H. J. , Beenen Ludo. F. M , Nolte Jitske W. , Becking Alfred G.
Published: February 2023

Objective

To explore the normal variation of asymmetry in mandibles of children in the age group of 1 to 12 years.

Materials and Methods

The study group consisted of 92 cadaveric mandibles of children with a dental age of 1 to 12 years old in possession of ACTA (Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam), Faculty of Dentistry, the Netherlands. 3D models of the mandibles were obtained from CT‐scans and hemimandibular volumes of all mandibles were calculated. The condylar height, ramus height, mandibular body length and the gonial angle were bilaterally determined using a novel landmark‐based method, and the degree of asymmetry was calculated.

Results

No relationship was found between dental age and asymmetry of the studied parameters (P < .05). The highest degree of asymmetry was found in the ramus height, whereas the gonial angle presented the lowest degree of asymmetry. A positive correlation was found between the asymmetry of the hemimandibular volume vs the height of the ramus (P < .05) and the length of the mandibular body (P < .05). An inverse correlation was found between the asymmetry of the ramus height vs the condylar height (P < .05), mandibular body length (P < .05) and gonial angle (P < .05).

Conclusions

Mandibular asymmetries in children did occur (9.8% of the included mandibles presented with a relevant overall asymmetry of ≥3%) and were unrelated to age. The different segments of the mandible seem to compensate for each other, in order to maintain a functional equilibrium.
Emergency transfusion with whole blood versus packed red blood cells: A study of 1400 patients
Authors: Ruby Kristen N. , Dzik Walter H. , Collins Julia J. , Eliason Kent , Makar Robert S.
Published: February 2023

Background

Low‐titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) is increasingly used for emergency transfusion. We studied whether initial release of LTOWB compared with packed red blood cells (pRBCs) reduced overall blood requirements for patients needing emergency transfusion. Secondary outcomes examined included survival and non‐lethal adverse clinical outcomes.

Study Design and Methods

A retrospective, single‐center, before‐versus‐after study compared patients transfused with emergency‐release, uncrossmatched pRBC followed by component therapy (2016–2019) versus patients transfused with emergency‐release, uncrossmatched LTOWB followed by component therapy (2019–2022).

Results

Outcomes were available for 602 patients in the pRBC group versus 749 in the whole blood group. The two groups were similar for age, sex, race, estimated blood volume, ABO blood groups, and underlying diagnosis. Use of LTOWB was associated with increased blood product use at 24 h (4.0 (2.0–12.0) in pRBC group versus 6.5 (4.2–12.7) in LTOWB group, p < .0001) and at 7 days (5.5 (3.0–13.0) in pRBC group versus 7.3 (4.3–14.3) in LTOWB group, p < .0001). Initial use of LTOWB was not associated with improved 24 h or 30 day survival nor lower incidence of non‐lethal adverse clinical outcomes compared with pRBC.

Discussion

Our study showed a statistically significant increase in total blood use and blood acquisition costs for patients receiving initial emergency transfusion with LTOWB compared with pRBC. The initial use of LTOWB offered no advantage over component therapy for 30 day survival or selected non‐lethal adverse outcomes.
A secondary CD34+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia unmasked and mobilized by G‐CSF in an autologous stem cell donor with testicular cancer
Authors: Cooling Laura , Kelley Justin , Sexton Edison , Anand Sarah , Hoffmann Sandra
Published: February 2023

Background

Late complications of chemotherapy include treatment‐related secondary leukemias. We describe an unusual case of a new treatment‐related acute lymphoblastic leukemia (t‐ALL) that was unmasked and mobilized by G‐CSF during autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell collection (HPCC) in a young man with testicular cancer.

Methods

Electronic chart review of the patient medical history and pertinent laboratory findings. Patient CD34 and blast results were compared to 4249 autologous and 437 allogeneic HPCC performed between 2004 and 2022. In autologous donors, the %blast and %CD34 were compared by linear regression and paired t‐test using commercial software.

Results

The patient was a 21‐year‐old male with relapsed testicular cancer referred for G‐CSF cytokine‐only mobilization and autologous HPCC. His pre‐mobilization WBC count and differential were normal. On the day of HPCC, his WBC = 37.9 K/mcL with 12% blasts and 9.75% circulating CD34+ cells. The patient was admitted 9 days after HPCC with a normal WBC count and 15% blasts. He was diagnosed with a pro‐B t‐ALL bearing an t(4:11)(q21:q23) translocation and KMT2A‐AF4 rearrangement. Upon review, this patient had the highest %CD34 among 4686 HPCC and was the only donor with %CD34 > 1% after a cytokine‐only mobilization.

Conclusion

We report a case of t‐ALL that mimicked CD34+ HPC and was mobilized by high‐dose G‐CSF. Up to 70% of secondary leukemias bear 11q23/KMT2A rearrangements, which occur at the multipotent stem cell stage and can result in myeloid and lymphoid leukemias. Donors who have received past chemotherapy, especially with topoisomerase II inhibitors, are at increased risk for 11q23/KMT2A leukemias.
Characteristics of Large Hell Gate Direct-Fired Boiler Units
Authors: Caldwell W. E.
Published: February 2023

Among the outstanding features which characterize this boiler installation is a capacity of each of the two units in excess of 1,000,000 lb per hr. The direct-fired, slag-tapped furnace with a twin arrangement of sectional header boilers above a single furnace is an innovation. The building that houses the two boilers, bunkers, and all auxiliaries is 78.7 ft by 106.5 ft and is 162 ft high, or a building volume of 680 cu ft per 1000 lb steaming capacity per hour. The steam conditions of 275 lb per sq in. pressure and 725 F temperature are the same as those prevailing in the remainder of the plant. The circulation of each half of the boiler unit, with its accompanying proportion of water walls, is independent. The superheater, economizer, and air heater of each half of the unit are also independent. The air-inlet end of the air heaters and similarly the gas-discharge end of the air heaters are connected to a common plenum chamber to eliminate the fan auxiliaries as a source of boiler outage. By this arrangement the unit may develop about 75 per cent of maximum capacity with half of the fan equipment idle. Aside from innovations regarding the twin arrangement, the boiler and furnace are of conservative design. Heat-release rates, absorption rate per unit of surface, and gas velocities entering the tube bank are moderate. Large boiler drums were provided in order to confine water-level fluctuations within safe limits regardless of the rapidity or range of load changes. The visible range within the water glass accommodates a 13 per cent change in the volume of water contained in the boiler and water walls up to the normal water level. This is equivalent to 4.5 per cent of the hourly output at maximum capacity on the basis of solid water.
Influence of Lashing and Centrifugal Force on Turbine-Blade Stresses
Authors: Kroon R. P.
Published: February 2023

This paper gives a stress analysis for rotating segments of lashed blades under a given load. By using difference calculus, results were obtained, which apply to any blade out of any number of blades.
Stainless Steel in Aircraft Construction
Authors: Flader Fredric
Published: February 2023

The characteristics of a new material, commonly known as stainless steel, are considered, with facts and conclusions concerning its adaptability and suitability for use in aircraft construction. The type of steel discussed is called 18-8, by the proportions of chromium and nickel used. This material is selected because it is austenitic in character and is more readily procurable than some of its kindred alloys. The strength-to-weight ratios of 18-8 stainless steel are first considered in relation to comparable values from aluminum alloy, which is the most widely used metal in aircraft structures. This comparison is made using four criteria as representing the value of a material for structural uses. These criteria are (1) tensile strength, (2) the strength of columns, (3) the strength of members in bending, and (4) the deflection or stiffness characteristics. In this connection the finishes which are necessarily employed on aluminum alloy as corrosion preventives are charged against that material.
Elements of Milling, Part 2
Authors: Boston O. W. , Kraus C. E.
Published: February 2023

The results are given of a series of experiments in which a single-point tool corresponding to a single tooth of a milling cutter was used in removing metal in a dynamometer of a pendulum type. The values of energy as a function of variable feed, depth, width, and front- and side-rake angles of the cutter were determined when cutting three steels and a brass, in both groove and land cutting. It is found that all data obtained follow the general equation for energy in which E = Cwfxdy. It is shown that invariably groove cutting requires greater energy than land cutting. It also is shown that greater values of front rake on the cutter reduce the energy required to remove a chip, while the value of side rake for a given value of front rake exerts no appreciable influence on energy values. The results of some 24,000 commercial tests made by students at the Ohio State University in cooperation with the Cincinnati Milling Machine Company are presented and analyzed. The results are shown to agree substantially with those obtained with the single-point tool and that the foregoing energy equation holds for all types of milling, such as slabbing, groove cutting, half-side milling, and facing.
The Study of Calcium-Sulphate Scale Prevention at Higher Steam Pressures
Authors: Straub Frederick G.
Published: February 2023

The results of previous tests run by the author indicated that there was a possibility of using soda ash for treatment of boilers operating even as high as at 1000 lb steam pressure. However, these tests were run in steel bombs without the generation of steam and were equilibrium tests. In actual operation the results might be different. Consequently, a small one-tube boiler was built for test purposes. The boiler was constructed so that heat could be furnished to the heating tube at a constant rate and as high as 100,000 Btu per sq ft per hr. The boiler was operated so that the concentration of chemicals in the boiler would be independent of the steaming rate. At the same time scale could be formed, removed, or prevented from forming on the heating tube. The thickness of the scale formed could be measured and the scale analyzed. The temperature increase of the tube wall due to the scale could also be measured. This boiler has been operated at steam pressures between 160 and 2700 lb. The results obtained are given in the paper.
Number of Active Coils in Helical Springs
Authors: Vogt R. F.
Published: February 2023

Due to the torsional displacement between cross-sections of the helical spring bar or wire in the so-called dead or inactive coils on each end of the spring, the total deflection of the spring is greater than that which corresponds to the deflection of the free coils. The exact amount of the spring deflection corresponding to the influence of the “inactive” coils can be calculated for known loading conditions of the spring and can be closely estimated for all springs subjected to conventional spring-practise loads. The deflections of the end coils are calculated in terms of the deflection of active coils. A test to determine the actual number of active coils is suggested and examples are given.
Performance of Cutting Fluids When Sawing Various Metals
Authors: Boston O. W. , Kraus C. E.
Published: February 2023

This paper presents the results of a series of tests conducted on a Peerless high-speed, 9-inch-capacity hacksaw. Two types of tests were runs: The first to determine the influence of four typical cutting fluids on the wear of the teeth of tungsten-steel hacksaw blades, the second to determine the influence of eleven cutting fluids on high-speed-steel blades when sawing each of eight different metals.

The time required to saw through a 1½-inch-square section of each metal was obtained and used to indicate the performance of the cutting fluid. In these tests high-speed-steel hacksaw blades were used, inasmuch as they retained the initial degree of sharpness without visible change throughout the test. The comparative tests were run at constant speed and constant feeding pressures.

It is shown that a mineral-lard oil causes the tungsten-steel blades to wear fastest. Plain mineral oil produces the next fastest degree of wear, followed in order by an emulsion and a sulphurized mineral oil. The sulphurized mineral oil permitted the least degree of dulling on the saw blades and, at the same time, kept the sawing time to a time below that for any of the other cutting fluids. Cutting fluids produced a rather wide variation in cutting time when cutting steels, but gave more uniform values when cutting aluminum, malleable cast iron, cast iron, and brass.
Effects of Side Leakage in 120-Degree Centrally Supported Journal Bearings
Authors: Needs Sydney J.
Published: February 2023

Theoretical treatment of journal-bearing lubrication, based on the assumption that the bearing is infinitely wide, and hence has no oil flow from the sides of the film, has been brought to a high degree of development during recent years. Less is known, however, of the various phenomena that occur in an actual oil film. Experiments, necessarily on a bearing of finite proportions and from which oil is leaking at the sides of the film, show results entirely different from those predicted by the theory which takes no account of side leakage.

From the viewpoint of bearing design, it is highly desirable to have further information for applying the excellent theoretical charts now available. The most important work on this problem has been done by A. G. M. Michell (4) and Albert Kingsbury (5). In 1905, Mr. Michell published a mathematical solution for a plane slide block of finite width. In all cases considered, he assumed the film thickness at the entering edge to be twice that at the trailing edge. The oil viscosity was assumed constant throughout the film. In 1931, Mr. Kingsbury published a method of investigating any film form regardless of shape, viscosity variation, or boundary conditions.

In a later publication (6), Mr. Kingsbury introduced the idea of optimum bearing conditions and pointed out that in the case of a plane rectangular slide block the best results at finite and infinite widths are not found with the same film form. By means of the method developed and used by Mr. Kingsbury, the present paper undertakes an analysis of this problem in the case of 120-deg centrally supported journal bearings. The effect of side leakage is found to vary not only with the bearing dimensions of length and width, but also with the load carried by a bearing of given proportions.

Results are given in tabular form and also by curves, and from these, optimum operating conditions are apparent. The problem of the best bearing for a given minimum film thickness, load, speed, and journal diameter is treated, the only assumption being a desired average oil viscosity in the film.
Influence of Bends or Obstructions at the Fan Discharge Outlet on the Performance of Centrifugal Fans
Authors: Marks L. S. , Raub J. H. , Pratt H. R.
Published: February 2023

The form and dimensions of the inlet ducts and inlet boxes of a centrifugal fan have been shown to have a profound effect upon the fan performance. The object of the investigations, described in this paper, was to determine whether bends or obstructions close to the discharge end of the fan have any similar influence. No such influence was found. The conclusion reached is that with a complete fan housing of good design, a bend or obstruction connected directly to the fan discharge will have no appreciable effect on the fan performance and will result in the same losses that would occur if the bend or obstruction were located at a considerable distance from the fan.
The Relative Grindability of Coal
Authors: Sloman Harold J. , Barnhart Arthur C.
Published: February 2023

This paper points out the need for a standard method of determining the relative grinding characteristics of various coals. Several methods have been advanced and the authors herein are proposing another which they believe simpler to operate, duplicate, and control. A simplified roll test, designated as the C.I.T. roll test, is introduced, which is based on the principle of increase of new surface measured in accordance with Rittinger’s theory of crushing.

Twenty-nine representative bituminous-coal samples were tested and their relative grindabilities determined by this method. Many of these values have been correlated with those obtained by the Fuels Research Laboratory (Canada) Method, the Hardgrove Method, and the Cross Method. An important phase of this paper is the discussion of particle-size determination by the sedimentation-velocity method. Particle-size distribution of minus-300-mesh coal has been studied experimentally and a more rational value for this size is proposed than has been done heretofore.
Fluid-Meter Nozzles
Authors: Buckland B. O.
Published: February 2023

The development of fluid-meter nozzles for the precise measurement of turbine condensate during performance tests in central stations has been stimulated by the fact that in a number of cases the usual weigh-tank installations have not been made. A group of flow nozzles which has been used in such cases is described in this paper. The results of the calibrations of these nozzles are presented and compared with those of some other experimenters.

The calibration results show that the flow coefficients of all the nozzles of the group can be represented as a single function of Reynolds’ number with an accuracy of a little better than ±½ per cent in flow coefficient.

The comparison of the calibration results with those on other nozzles shows that the nozzles with a gradual approach curve and an appreciable length of cylindrical throat have coefficients which change less abruptly with changing Reynolds’ numbers than nozzles with rapidly curving approach and short parallel throat.
Circulation in Vacuum Pans
Authors: Webre Alfred L.
Published: February 2023

This paper has for its object an exposition and discussion of new facts brought out in consequential tests and studies of the design and operation of vacuum pans in the sugar industry, and the logical consequence of these data in the readoption of the rather old and generally discarded principle of mechanical circulation.

It is demonstrated by actual observations that the heating of the heavy and viscous masse-cuite circulating through the tubes of the pans is not at all uniform, as has generally been assumed. During critical periods of operation, streamline flow obtains and the liquid is heated only at the skin. Recorded differences of temperature in the masse-cuite show observable variations of fully 30 F, with all indications of unobservable differences of as much as 50 F. With mechanical circulation, as proposed by the author, these variations are cut down to about one-fourth of their intensity.

This radically different operation makes possible new and interesting results, among which may be mentioned uninterrupted growth of sugar crystals, uniformity of products, greatly decreased formation of conglomerates, absence of false grain, faster operation, lower-steam pressures.

One of the very interesting developments also brought out in the paper is a method of cooling low-grade strikes in the pans themselves in the short period of four hours, thus eliminating the time-honored crystallizer from the raw-sugar industry.
Tractive Effort of Steam Locomotives (Locomotive Ratios—II)
Authors: Lipetz A. I.
Published: February 2023

In a paper presented before the A.S.M.E., December, 1932, the author developed constants for a new method of figuring horsepower and tractive effort of steam locomotives based on boiler evaporation and number of revolutions of the driving wheels for use in connection with modern locomotives. This method was verified on a number of locomotives, for which it gave accurate results in accordance with test data.

In the present paper the author discusses the influence of the size of cylinders and shows that for locomotives with certain proportions between boiler and cylinder dimensions modifications of previously recommended factors are necessary. These modifications are verified for a number of locomotives with comparatively large cylinders. In conclusion he develops a convenient formula based on both boiler evaporation and cylinder dimensions, applicable to all modern locomotives, whether of the longor limited cut-off type (with small or large cylinders).
The Calculation of the Dispersion of Flue Dust and Cinders From Chimneys
Authors: Croft Huber O.
Published: February 2023

The dispersion of flue dust from a chimney depends primarily upon: (a) the velocity of the flue gas in the chimney; (b) the size and weight of the particle; (c) the height of the chimney; (d) the wind velocity; and (e) the aerodynamic resistance of the particle. The value of the last-mentioned quantity is usually the most uncertain of these variables and is usually obtained from Stokes’s equation. Comparisons of different equations for the fluid resistance to falling particles are made in the following article and a new equation is suggested. Using this latter equation and assuming values of the other variables mentioned, a method is demonstrated for calculating the annual dust loading at different distances from a chimney.
The Division of Load Among Generating Units for Minimum Cost
Authors: Mulligan James E.
Published: February 2023

The criteria for minimum-input division of load among several generating units which are to be operated together depend upon the forms of the input-output curves of the units. When the curves are continuous and uninflected the greatest input-curve slope at which any unit operates should be kept a minimum. When the curves are discontinuous or inflected a comparison of two curves of total input against total output will determine the load at which a change should be made from one loading definitely prescribed by the slopes of the input curves, to another definite distribution. When a varying load is to be supplied with part of the units operating at constant load, minimum-input loading may be determined by means of curves of average input against average output.
Observations on the Use of Current Meters for Precise Flow Measurement
Authors: Ott L. A.
Published: February 2023

This paper discusses the circumstances surrounding the development of current meters in Central Europe, and the application of these meters in the testing of large water-power plants. Among the important steps presented in the application of these instruments are, the use in parallel of a plurality of meters, the adoption of simultaneous electric recording by a chronograph, the consequent adoption of water-free contact mechanisms and elimination of the multiplicity of meter types, and standardization of practice.

Reference is made to the practice of attempting to avoid the necessity for properly converting unfavorable measuring sections by using two types of meter having different degrees of error in resolving oblique flow. It is pointed out that precise testing presupposes equally precise rating of meters with duplication of the exact supporting means used in field tests. Standard values for the degree of accuracy of the instruments used in Germany are given, and the accuracy actually obtainable in practice is discussed in the light of comparative tests which have been made.
Research Investigation of Current-Meter Behavior in Flowing Water
Authors: Kerr S. Logan
Published: February 2023

This paper Investigates the inconsistencies of flow measurements in closed flumes by means of current meters. It describes (a) the construction of a flume in which two meters were installed side by side and tested under varying conditions of flow, (b) the velocity distribution in the flume, and (c) the establishment of the true velocity plane across the face of the meters by means of a pitot tube. The pitot-tube coefficient was established for each flow condition, thus providing an accurate means of establishing the actual velocity existing in front of the current meter.
Locomotive Tractive Effort in Relation to Speed and Steam Supply
Authors: Young E. G. , Pei C. P.
Published: February 2023

The problem of estimating with reasonable accuracy the amount of tractive force exerted by a locomotive at running speeds enters every tonnage rating, economy study, and locomotive-operating investigation. Its importance is recognized, and many investigators have approached a rational solution by determining the hourly steam supply and the steam consumption per horsepower-hour, and from these the horsepower and tractive force. The steam rates assumed have been generally correlated with the speed only. Indirectly this requires the defining of the resulting speed-tractive-effort relation as “maximum tractive effort”, “all-day tractive effort”, or similar terms. This paper points out that the variation of the steam rate with the cut-off is of equal importance, but that a chart showing the variation of steam rate with the two factors, speed and cut-off cannot be used directly to obtain horsepower without an additional process. A more direct attack is made by (a) estimating the actual weight of steam used per revolution in cylinders of various sizes, with varying speeds, cut-offs, and working pressure; and (b) by correlating the speed, cut-off, and mean effective pressure, from which the tractive force corresponding to the cylinder horsepower is directly calculated. Each relation calculated gives the four values of speed, tractive effort, cut-off, and steam consumption for a given operating condition, and the calculation of a number of selected points results in a chart presenting a set of curves showing the tractive effort which may be expected at various speeds for specified conditions of boiler output and cut-off. This type of chart permits the user to see the economy to be expected at any condition within the probable working range of the locomotive and to determine the validity of any single speed-pull curve, involving a specified program of cut-off and boiler output for each speed.
Reliability of Aircraft Welds
Authors: Ward N. F.
Published: February 2023

This paper outlines the effects of fusion welding upon the dependability of structures in aircraft, due consideration being given to the existing conditions of welding practice found in this field. Obviously, the fusion welding of steel is of primary importance, since this is accepted practice. For the purposes of analysis, specimens prepared by experienced aircraft welders were subjected to physical tests and microscopic examination. With this information certain guiding principles in design for welding are outlined.
The Viscosity of Water and Superheated Steam
Authors: Hawkins G. A. , Solberg H. L. , Potter A. A.
Published: February 2023

The authors present in this paper data on the viscosity of water and superheated steam at temperatures and pressures used in modern power-plant practice. The authors constructed an apparatus to measure the viscosity of water and superheated steam at pressures up to 3500 lb per sq in. abs and at temperatures up to the critical in the case of water and between 800 F and 1000 F for superheated steam. The apparatus is described and the results obtained with it are reported in this paper.
Progress Report on Cavitation Research at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Authors: Hunsaker J. C.
Published: February 2023

This paper, a second progress report on the study of the nature of hydraulic cavitation being conducted at M.I.T., is continued along the lines reported in the first paper published in Mechanical Engineering, April, 1935, and discusses information obtained regarding the relation between frequency of vapor collapse and the controlling variables. The current work tends to confirm that previously reported. A new method for the study of resistance to cavitation attack is described.
Lateral Oscillations of Rail Vehicles
Authors: Langer B. F. , Shamberger J. P.
Published: February 2023

The authors point out in this paper that lateral oscillations, which either do not occur or are negligible at slow train speeds, are of vital importance at the high train speeds now demanded by the railroads in order for them to compete successfully with the swiftly moving automobile and the much swifter airplane. Aside from collisions and broken rails, practically all railroad accidents result from lateral derailments, since vertical derailments occur only on those rare occasions when a bridge or trestle collapses from flood or storm. Lateral derailments are caused by lateral pressure of wheel flanges against the rail. Therefore, the prevention of lateral derailments requires a knowledge of both the conditions which cause high lateral forces and of the conditions which must prevail in order to keep the lateral forces below some indicated safe value.

The literature on the subject of lateral oscillations of rail vehicles is rather meager. Nadal and Marie’ discuss the type of oscillations that are forced. Boedecker, as well as the authors previously mentioned, discusses the weaving motion of the wheel base due to the conicality of the wheel treads. The weaving action which Boedecker discusses must be started by an initial disturbance and, in the absence of further periodic disturbances, can neither build up to a higher amplitude than that produced by the initial conditions nor be sustained, but must quickly die away. Carter develops the stability condition for a rail vehicle as determined by the slippage at the treads.

The essential difference between the previous studies and the present one is that the previous ones discussed forced oscillations the life of which depended upon the application of some periodic force, such as that from cylinder action or rail joints, whereas the present discussion describes and explains a type of oscillation which, after an initial disturbance, even though a minor one, may build up to dangerous proportions and sustain itself indefinitely on absolutely perfect track. This type of oscillation is frequently encountered and is commonly known as “nosing”. It is only one phase of the whole problem, but it represents the most serious menace to the safe operation of rail vehicles at high speed.
Measurement of Steam Rate and Indicated Horsepower of Locomotives
Authors: Williams Arthur
Published: February 2023

It has been the customary procedure to determine the steam rate and indicated horsepower of locomotives and other reciprocating steam engines from indicator cards. This paper points out that particularly at high locomotive speeds, the obtainment of indicator cards is subject to gross errors, and that the expense of rigging up for such tests is hardly warranted by the results that can be expected. The paper discusses in detail another method of determining the steam rate and indicated horsepower of a locomotive, which other writers have referred to as the “heat-drop method”. The paper proves both the simplicity of the method as well as its relative accuracy. The method is applicable to such locomotives only in which the exhaust steam is at least dry, and only in the absence of moisture, the Btu contents per pound of both admitted and exhausted steam can be accurately determined through pressure and temperature measurement. The paper contains detailed suggestions for successfully applying the method on the locomotive. Thus it contains data on the construction and location of the thermocouples, and the manner in which these thermocouples are applied and wired up to the instrument with which the pyroelectric force is determined. The results of the tests carried out with this method on two different locomotives, are presented in the paper and, in general, it is shown what advantages this simple method has for the test and analysis of all those design factors or devices which are liable to affect the steam rate of a locomotive.

Toward the conclusion of the paper, reference is made to a suggestion by L. K. Botteron, which appeared in the Railway Mechanical Engineer of July, 1930, to the effect that the exhaust nozzle of a locomotive could be considered a flowmeter nozzle for the determination of the quantity of steam that the locomotive exhausts. The paper proceeds to show how the specific volume and velocity of the steam, while passing through the mouth of the locomotive exhaust tip (which quantities are essential for the Botteron method), are derived from the exhaust-steam temperature and pressure measurements that are incidental to the carrying out of the heat-drop determination.
Review of Methods of Computing Heat Absorption in Boiler Furnaces
Authors: Wohlenberg W. J. , Mullikin H. F.
Published: February 2023

This paper contains results obtained by each of a number of methods of computing heat absorption in boiler furnaces. These are compared with the results reported by the A.S.M.E. Committee on Absorption of Radiant Heat in Boiler Furnaces. Particular emphasis has been placed on the Broido, Orrok, and Wohlenberg methods. It is shown that the influence of various conditions as found by experiment are in substantial agreement with results expected from a theoretical consideration of the problem and those arrived at by certain well-known methods now in use.
The Flow Characteristics of Variable-Speed Reaction Steam Turbines
Authors: Egli Adolf
Published: February 2023

In this paper a general relation is derived between weight of flow, speed, and efficiency of a reaction-blading group operating under various steam conditions. With this relation, which is best plotted graphically, the author presents a method for calculating the peculiar variation of the weight of flow in variable-speed turbines.