bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilization of Cycle Threshold Values of RTPCR SARS-Cov-2 Among Admitted Patients in a Public Hospital
Authors: Laurito Arbeen Acosta , Arengo Alyanna Mae Cuerquis
Published: December 2022

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) was caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and not just affected the Philippines but also globally. Data on real-time PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values were accessible in the healthcare facility and previous studies did not support its direct clinical significance on patient’s management. The aim of this study was to investigate the RT-PCR Ct values of admitted COVID-19 confirmed patients in the epidemiologic context from April 2021 to November 2021.

A total of 1,245 were tested and out of the 1,038 confirmed COVID-19 admitted patients, 579 (55.78%) were females and 459 were males (44.22%). There were 4 genes detected, namely: N, E, ORF1ab and RdRP genes, and the majority was N gene 925 (88.94%) while the least detected was 203 E gene of SARS-CoV-2. This study described the utilization of five (5) different COVID-19 test kits.

Comparing the Ct values between the male and female groups, this study showed no significant differences. To compare between the different age groups and the three classifications of CT values was shown in Table 6. For the N gene, the current study showed a significant difference of CT value <25 among 0-17 years old vs 46-60 years old (p=0.00054), and among 0-17 years old vs >61 (senior citizens) years old group (p=0.00945). Moreover, a significant difference was observed for CT value >30 among 0-17 years vs 18-45 years old (p=0.00411) and among 0-17 years old vs >61 years old group (p=0.00025). CT values for the ORF gene showed significant differences. CT value <25 showed significant differences among 0-17 years versus 45-60 years old (p=0.00907) and 0-17 years versus >60 years old (p=0.04298). Moreover, CT value >30 showed significant differences among 0-17 years versus 46-60 years old (p=0.02344) and 0-17 years versus >60 years old (p=0.3411).

Comparing the mean CT values of two consecutive months from April to Nov, this study showed a significant difference between April and May (p value= 0.0004), August and September (p value= 0.0212), and September and October (p value= 0.002). There was no significant difference with the following months: May and June, June and July, July and August, and October and November (Table 9).
Dynamic organization of cerebellar climbing fiber response and synchrony in multiple functional modules reduces dimensions for reinforcement learning
Authors: Hoang Huu , Tsutsumi Shinichiro , Matsuzaki Masanori , Kano Masanobu , Kawato Mitsuo , Kitamura Kazuo , Toyama Keisuke
Published: December 2022

Daynamic functional organization by synchronization is theorized to be essential for dimension reduction of the cerebellar learning space. We analyzed a large amount of coordinate-localized, two-photon imaging data from cerebellar Crus II in mice undergoing “Go/No-go” reinforcement learning. Tensor component analysis revealed that a majority of climbing fiber inputs to Purkinje cells were reduced to only four functional components, corresponding to accurate timing control of motor initiation related to a Go cue, cognitive error-based learning, reward processing, and inhibition of erroneous behaviors after a No-go cue. Spatial distribution of these components coincided well with the boundaries of Aldolase-C/zebrin II expression in Purkinje cells, whereas several components are mixed in single neurons. Synchronization within individual components was bidirectionally regulated according to specific task contexts and learning stages. These findings suggest that the cerebellum, based on anatomical compartments, reduces dimensions by self-organization of components, a feature that may inspire new-generation AI designs.
Ketamine’s rapid antidepressant effects are mediated by Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors in the hippocampus
Authors: Zaytseva Anastasiya , Bouckova Evelina , Wiles McKennon J. , Wustrau Madison H. , Schmidt Isabella G. , Mendez-Vazquez Hadassah , Khatri Latika , Kim Seonil
Published: December 2022

Ketamine is shown to enhance excitatory synaptic drive in the hippocampus, which is presumed to underlie its rapid antidepressant effects. Moreover, ketamine’s therapeutic actions are likely mediated by enhancing neuronal Ca2+signaling. However, ketamine is a noncompetitive NMDA receptor (NMDAR) antagonist that inhibits excitatory synaptic transmission and postsynaptic Ca2+signaling. Thus, it is a puzzling question how ketamine enhances glutamatergic and Ca2+activity in neurons to induce rapid antidepressant effects while blocking NMDARs in the hippocampus. Here, we find that ketamine treatment for one hour in cultured mouse hippocampal neurons significantly reduces calcineurin activity to elevate AMPA receptor (AMPAR) subunit GluA1 phosphorylation. This phosphorylation ultimately induces the expression of Ca2+- Permeable, GluA2-lacking, and GluA1-containing AMPARs (CP-AMPARs). Such ketamine-induced expression of CP-AMPARs enhances glutamatergic activity and synaptic plasticity in cultured hippocampal neurons. When a sub-anesthetic dose of ketamine is given to mice, it increases synaptic GluA1 levels, but not GluA2, and GluA1 phosphorylation in the hippocampus within one hour after treatment. These changes are likely mediated by ketamine-induced reduction of calcineurin activity in the hippocampus. Using the open field and tail suspension tests, we demonstrate that a low dose of ketamine rapidly reduces anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors in both male and female mice. However, when in vivo treatment of a CP-AMPAR antagonist abolishes the ketamine’s effects on animals’ behavior. We thus discover that ketamine at the low dose promotes the expression of CP-AMPARs via reduction of calcineurin activity in the hippocampus, which in turn enhances synaptic strength to induce rapid antidepressant actions.
The ratio of auxin to cytokinin controls leaf development and meristem initiation inPhyscomitrium patens
Authors: Cammarata Joseph , Roeder Adrienne H. K. , Scanlon Michael J.
Published: December 2022

Crosstalk between auxin and cytokinin contributes to widespread developmental processes, including root and shoot meristem maintenance, phyllotaxy, and vascular patterning. Although auxin and cytokinin are potent regulators of plant development, our understanding of crosstalk between these hormones is limited to few model systems. The mossPhyscomitrium patens(formerlyPhyscomitrella patens) is a powerful system for studying plant hormone function. Auxin and cytokinin play similar roles in regulating moss gametophore (upright shoot) architecture, as they do in flowering plant shoots. However, auxin-cytokinin crosstalk is poorly understood in moss. Here we find that the ratio of auxin to cytokinin is an important determinant of development inP. patens, especially during leaf development and branch stem cell initiation. Addition of high levels of auxin toP. patensgametophores blocks leaf outgrowth. However, simultaneous addition of high levels of both auxin and cytokinin partially restores leaf outgrowth, suggesting that the ratio of these hormones is the overriding factor. Likewise, during branch initiation and outgrowth, chemical inhibition of auxin synthesis phenocopies cytokinin application. Finally, cytokinin insensitive mutants resemble plants with altered auxin signaling and are hypersensitive to auxin. In summary, our results suggest that the ratio between auxin and cytokinin signaling is the basis for developmental decisions in the moss gametophore.
Sex-specific microglial responses to glucocerebrosidase inhibition: relevance to GBA1-linked Parkinson disease
Authors: Brunialti Electra , Villa Alessandro , Toffoli Marco , Del Pozo Sara Lucas , Rizzi Nicoletta , Meda Clara , Maggi Adriana , Schapira Anthony H. V. , Ciana Paolo
Published: December 2022

Microglia are heterogenous cells characterized by distinct populations each contributing to specific biological processes in the nervous system, including neuroprotection. To elucidate the impact of sex-specific microglia heterogenicity to the susceptibility of neuronal stress, we analysed the dynamic changes in shape and motility occurring in primary mouse microglia following pro-inflammatory or neurotoxic insults, thus finding sex-specific responses of microglial subpopulations. Male microglia exhibited a pro-inflammatory phenotype, whereas female microglia showed enhanced neuroprotective capabilities associated with the activation of Nrf2 detoxification pathway in neurons. The sex difference in neuroprotective functions is lost by inhibition of glucocerebrosidase, the product of the GBA1 gene, mutations of which are the major risk factor for Parkinson’s disease (PD). This finding is consistent with the increased risk of PD observed in female carriers of GBA1 mutation, when compared with wild type population, suggesting a role for microglial functionality in the etiopathogenesis of PD-GBA1.
Synergic homology directed recombination by PRDM9 meiotic factor
Authors: Sanvicente-García Marta , Gonzalez-Bermudez Lourdes , Turpín Isabel , Batlle Laura , Acosta Sandra , Güell Marc , Sanchez-Mejias Avencia
Published: December 2022

Genome editing requires precision to broadly move on to industrial and clinical applications. For this reason, homologous directed repair (HDR) is one of the preferred methods for small edits, other than knock-outs. However, HDR has low efficiency. Current investigations to enhance HDR have mainly gone in the direction of finding non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) inhibitors. NHEJ is crucial for cellular integrity, then the inhibition of this pathway is detrimental for the correct survival of living entities. In other studies, a second opportunity is given to HDR by targeting the byproducts of NHEJ, using an extra gRNA. In this study, we propose the use of a meiotic factor, PRDM9, to directly enhance homology recombination. Through the exploration of combinatorial factors and donor design, we have established an optimized protocol for HDR. PRDM9-Cas9 fusion combined with CtIP improves HDR/NHEJ ratio. In addition, we have validated this combinatorial approach for small edits through a traffic light reporter system, as well as for longer edits with a split-GFP reporter system.
Rsp5/NEDD4 and ESCRT regulate TDP-43 toxicity and turnover via an endolysosomal clearance mechanism
Authors: Byrd Aaron , Marmorale Lucas , Addison Vanessa , Marcinowski Sophia , Buchan J. Ross
Published: December 2022

A key pathological hallmark in >97% of all Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) cases is the cytoplasmic mislocalization and aggregation of a nuclear RNA binding protein, TDP-43. Driving clearance of cytoplasmic TDP-43 reduces toxicity in various ALS models, though how TDP-43 clearance is regulated remains controversial. To address this, we conducted an unbiased yeast genome-wide screen using high-throughput dot blots to identify genes that affect TDP-43 levels. Our screen identified ESCRT complex factors, which induce membrane invagination (particularly at multi-vesicular bodies; MVBs) and K63-linked ubiquitination as key facilitators of TDP-43 endolysosomal clearance. TDP-43 co-localized and bound Rsp5/NEDD4 and ESCRT proteins, and perturbations to either increased TDP-43 aggregation and accumulation. NEDD4 also ubiquitinates TDP-43. Lastly, TDP-43 accumulation caused formation of “giant” MVBs which could reflect a pathological consequence of TDP-43 pertinent to ALS. Our studies shed light on endolysosomal-mediated cytoplasmic protein degradation, which likely impacts multiple substrates, and may be a target for novel ALS therapeutic strategies.
The unique structure and replication mode of the replication system ofKlebsiella pneumoniaeplasmid pIGMS31
Authors: Wawrzyniak Paweł , Barańska Sylwia , Hernández Pablo , Dylewski Maciej , Cecuda-Adamczewska Violetta , Stypiński Łukasz , Kabaj Paulina , Gościk Agata , Bartosik Dariusz
Published: December 2022

Due to their relatively small size and the lack of housekeeping genes, bacterial plasmids are very convenient models for studying DNA replication. So, for a long time, they had been intensively studied in this regard. Unfortunately, only a limited number of model plasmid replication systems were analyzed in detail. In the era of high-throughput DNA sequencing, we are faced with an increasing gap in our knowledge of bacterial plasmid replication and a rapidly growing number of deposited new plasmid genome sequences. For this reason, we decided to investigate the replication system of the pIGMS31 plasmid, a representative of the newly described pHW126-like plasmids family. They are small replicons isolated from different clinical and environmental strains of Gamma proteobacteria. Whole shares unique replication modules with no significant similarities to known model plasmid replication systems. In this study, we identified and characterized the basic elements of the pIGMS31 replication module. Studies on regulatory mechanisms of replication initiation of this plasmid as well as on pIGMS31 replication mode were also performed. We revealed that the pIGMS31 replication module is composed of elements typical for boththetaand rolling circle replicons. This mosaic structure is reflected in the unique course of replication of this plasmid, with both modes of replication. What is more, our results led us to conclude that pHW126-like plasmids, despite DNA sequence similarity, are a highly diverse group of replicons.
Longer healthy life, but for how many? Insights on healthy lifespan inequality from the Global Burden of Disease Study
Authors: Zarulli Virginia , Caswell Hal
Published: December 2022

In the last 150 years, in many populations life expectancy has more than doubled, the variation in length of life has decreased, and, as result, more individuals enjoy similarly longer lives (even though with important socio-demographic differences). When it comes to healthy longevity, today more and more people reach older ages in better health than what they used to do only a few decades ago, for many individuals the unhealthy years are getting compressed at the end of life and, overall, healthy life expectancy is increasing globally. But we do not know how many individuals are benefiting from this increase. Indicators of average length of life, such as healthy life expectancy, don’t capture the spread, while similar levels of healthy life expectancy can be achieved by different populations: one where most individuals share a similar number of years in good health, or one where few individuals enjoy high numbers of years in good health compared to many others who don’t. Here we apply demographic techniques for the analysis of variation to the demography of health to study the fundamental question of the distribution of number of healthy years of life among individuals and the relation between healthy lifespan length and healthy lifespan inequality. We use data from the Global Burden of Disease Study, and we produce the first international landscape of healthy lifespan variation over time and by socioeconomic level of the country.
Diacetonitrile(2,2′-bipyridine-κ2
N,N′)palladium(II) bis(trifluoromethanesulfonate)
Authors: Adrian Rafael A. , Gutierrez Marcela C. , Arman Hadi D.
Published: December 2022

In the title complex, [Pd(C10H8N2)(CH3CN)2](CF3SO3)2 or [Pd(bipy)(CH3CN)2](CF3SO3)2, the palladium(II) ion is fourfold coordinated by two acetonitrile molecules and a bidentate 2,2′-bipyridine ligand in a distorted square-planar geometry.
The role of machine learning in robotics
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to illustrate the growing role of machine learning techniques in robotics.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an introduction which includes a brief historical perspective, this paper provides a short introduction to machine learning techniques. It then provides examples of robotic machine learning applications in agriculture, waste management, warehouse automation and exoskeletons. This is followed by a short consideration of applications in future generations of self-driving vehicles. Finally, brief conclusions are drawn.

Findings

Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence and the topic of extensive academic study. Recent years have seen machine learning techniques being applied successfully to a diversity of robotic systems, most of which involve machine vision. They have imparted these with a range of unique or greatly improved operational capabilities, allowing them to satisfy all manner of new applications.

Originality/value

This provides a detailed insight into how machine learning is being applied to robotics.
A novel understanding of fraudsters
Authors: Manning Paul
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to add to the understanding of the human personality of fraudsters. This paper will explore their human personality by reviewing three characters from realist novels that have fraudsters as their leading characters. This pa[er will also contribute to literature that intersects between the humanities and criminology.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews three fraudster characters from realist novels to explore their human personality, which includes qualitative phenomena resistant to positivist research.

Findings

Literature character review that adds to understanding of the qualitative nature of the personality of fraudsters. This qualitative nature of the human personality has been neglected in fraud research and the findings contribute to expanding understanding of the qualitative nature of fraud and fraudsters.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is limited to a literature review from three characters from realist novels.

Practical implications

By expanding understanding of the human personality of fraudsters literary insights can contribute to fraud identification and prevention.

Originality/value

This paper reviews the human personality of three characters from novels to expand understanding of fraudsters, and thus contributes to the intersection of research between the humanities and criminology and fraud research.
The role of information sharing in combating money laundering: the importance and challenges of mutual legal assistance for developing jurisdictions like Pakistan
Authors: Sultan Nasir , Mohamed Norazida
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The study aims to explore the challenges of developing jurisdictions like Pakistan in achieving significant mutual legal assistance from the international community, especially for sharing financial information.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach of semi-structured interviews was adopted to complete the study’s objective. The selection of financial experts for interviews was based on purposive sampling.

Findings

This study concluded that Pakistan is facing several challenges, including mistrust of the international community; political disinterestedness and instability; delaying tactics in implementation, capacity and resources of law enforcers; and proximity with hostile neighbours.

Originality/value

Rare studies discussed this issue in the Pakistani context.
Requisite trust requirements for digital society development
Authors: Ototsky Peter , Manenkov Sergey , Smoliak Alexander
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to demonstrate the importance of the requisite trust for the processes of digitalization of business, the state and society in general.

Design/methodology/approach

The work is built “from particular to general”. The analysis of many cases of digitalization projects leads to some higher-level principles useful for description most of them – trust, umwelt and complexity.

Findings

Based on the analysis of empirical material, the principle of requisite trust is introduced based on the definition of trust through a “relevant umwelt”. In addition, the article examines many aspects of society digitalization processes using cybernetic concepts. It is shown that (1) in the core of digitalization process is the export of the umwelt from human head to a computer (digital umwelt), (2) models used in the digital platforms are not only a reflection of social processes, but have a significant impact on them, like the observers of cybernetics of the second order and (3) umwelt concept is closely related to a social reality concept, meanings are relative and are carried by the communication systems.

Research limitations/implications

The paper summarized practical and theoretical experience in the field of digital projects and introduced The Law of Requisite Trust. In the future, this principle should be studied more formally in quantitative terms.

Originality/value

The principle of requisite trust, as well as the definition of trust through the relevant umwelt is original. The promotion of trust in organizations and also digital organizations using such instruments as standard of social responsibility (ISO 26000) has high practical value.
Top management team internal social capital, market dynamics and business model design: a dynamic managerial capability perspective
Authors: Wang Yunhui , Yi Yaqun , Wei Zelong
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Drawing on the dynamic managerial capability perspective and the dynamic capability perspective of business model (BM) literature, this paper aims to investigate how top management team internal social capital (TISC) promotes BM design and how such effects are moderated by market dynamics (i.e. demand uncertainty and competitive intensity).

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed hypotheses were tested by a questionnaire-based survey. The empirical study was conducted on a sample of 210 firms in China. The model was tested via hierarchical regression analysis.

Findings

TISC has a positive effect on BM efficiency but an inverted U-shaped effect on BM novelty. The effects of TISC on BM efficiency and novelty are contingent on demand uncertainty and competitive intensity in different ways. Specifically, this study finds that demand uncertainty strengthens the inverted U-shaped effect of TISC on BM novelty. This study also finds that competitive intensity strengthens the positive effect of TISC on BM efficiency but weakens the inverted U-shaped effect of TISC on BM novelty.

Originality/value

The conclusion contributes to the dynamic capability perspective of BM literature in two ways. First, it offers a dynamic managerial capability perspective for understanding the antecedents of BM design. It highlights TISC, a root of dynamic managerial capability, as an important internal antecedent of BM design. Second, it provides a more nuanced understanding of the role of TISC in BM design. The findings show the distinct effects of TISC on BM efficiency and novelty. This study also discusses the contingency role market dynamics play in the TISC–BM design relationship.
Honeydew contaminated cotton: a sticky problem needs a solution
Authors: Behera Prapti , Aravind Sanjukta , Seetharaman Balaji
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Bales of cotton run through the gins and textile mill instruments, stick to them and make it cumbersome for the ginning mill workers. This is so because more time and money have to be invested in cleaning these instruments. The stickiness of cotton causes health hazards to the workers, decreases the yarn quality and economic loss to the textile industry. The effect of cotton stickiness on textile ginning, various methods for cotton stickiness detection and the steps for reduction are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The different methods that are available for detecting and measuring cotton stickiness are described. The sugars that cause stickiness are either of plant origin (physiological sugars) or from the feeding insects (entomological origin). The methods for stickiness detection and reduction are discussed under physical, chemical and biological categories.

Findings

This review suggests possible ways to mitigate cotton stickiness.

Originality/value

One of the major issues of the textile industry is honeydew-contaminated cotton stickiness. However, there are few papers on detection methods for analyzing honeydew cotton stickiness along with the approaches to reduce stickiness. This paper summarizes different methods along with a study for detection as well as reduction of cotton stickiness.
Poetics as Praise: ‘Theology and Literature’, Shakespeare and Doxology
Authors: Gerlier Valentin
Published: December 2022

This essay challenges the assumption that ‘theology and literature’ deals with two sealed off orders of words, the former establishing a doctrinal ground to which the latter provides merely comparative or corroborative material. It argues instead that language itself, understood as a theological phenomenon, provides the ground through which these two disciplines coincide. This phenomenon can be encountered through a doxological reading of literature, in which the original presence of the Word in words can be encountered as a gift which calls for counter‐gifts. Looking at recent forays into Shakespeare criticism that engages with theology, I argue that a ‘secular’ conception of language prevents readers from encountering this theological phenomenon in the play. Through Oliver‐Thomas Venard's theological reading of Rimbaud, I show that even fiercely secular poetry seems inhabited by a call to recover a connection between words, world and the transcendent. Drawing on Nicholas of Cusa to argue that this connection is ultimately found in doxology, I conclude with a reading of King Lear which, both epitomising and supplementing this approach, shows that the play is inhabited by a call to find once again the profound connection between word and gift, and thus world and God.
Prioritized reconstruction of healthcare facilities after earthquakes based on recovery of emergency services
Authors: Alisjahbana Irene , Ceferino Luis , Kiremidjian Anne
Published: December 2022

Earthquakes can disrupt the healthcare system heavily, leading to long wait times and many untreated patients for years after the event. Emergency services, in particular, must return to preearthquake functionality as soon as possible such that patients, especially critically injured ones, can be treated promptly. However, reconstruction and restoration of emergency services can take years. Due to limited reconstruction resources, decision‐makers cannot reconstruct all hospitals simultaneously. They are typically forced to prioritize the reconstruction order, and this process is often poorly planned. This article models emergency services as an M/M/s queuing system that accounts for prioritized treatment of critical patients and formulates a greedy algorithm to plan for an effective healthcare system reconstruction. The algorithm finds the reconstruction ordering of hospital buildings such that emergency patients have the shortest time to receiving medical care possible. We show our greedy algorithm's good performance for small problem instances, with average deviations from the optimal solution below 16%. Further, we apply our methodology to a case study of Lima, Peru, under a hypothetical M8.0 earthquake. The application demonstrates that compared to typically implemented policies, a policy guided by our formulation results in shorter time to treatment and reduces the number of untreated patients over the course of the reconstruction period by more than a factor of 3 in a worst‐case scenario with 70% hospital capacity disruption. Finally, we demonstrate that our formulation can be integrated into risk analysis through Monte Carlo simulations to inform decision‐makers of reconstruction plans after future earthquakes.
Shielded Thermocouples for Gas Turbines
Authors: Dahl A. I. , Fiock E. F.
Published: December 2022

In gas turbines, the gases are normally much hotter than the surrounding walls, so that radiation from a thermocouple in the gas stream to the walls may cause considerable error in observed values of gas temperature. Effective radiation shielding of the measuring junction can be accomplished by pressing a small tubular shield of silver, gold, or platinum directly on an oxidized junction of base-metal thermoelements. The construction, calibration, and performance of junctions with pressed shields of low surface emissivity are described, and the results to date of service tests in gas turbines are discussed. Experimental results on the rate of response of various junctions to sudden changes in temperature, and means for increasing this rate are presented.
A Study of Three Tube Arrangements in Unbaffled Tubular Heat Exchangers
Authors: Bergelin O. P. , Davis E. S. , Hull H. L.
Published: December 2022

Pressure-drop and heat-transfer tests, using a medium-viscosity oil in viscous flow across vertical tubes in three unbaffled exchangers, are reported in the course of a research program on tubular exchangers. The three once-flow-through units have, respectively, equilateral triangular, in-line square, and staggered square tube arrangements, but, in all other respects, are as nearly identical as possible. Heat-transfer data for three bulk-oil temperatures and a constant, but lower, tube-wall temperature, and both isothermal and nonisothermal pressure-drop data at three temperature levels are reported. The two staggered-tube arrangements provide greater heat transfer at a given pumping power loss than the in-line arrangement in the region of viscous flow, but this superiority decreases at higher velocities and may disappear in turbulent flow as previous data have indicated. A correction is presented for the effect of viscosity gradient upon friction during heat transfer but this correction does not allow for free convection or nonuniform flow.
Constant-Pressure Lathe Test for Measuring the Machinability of Free-Cutting Steels
Authors: Boulger F. W. , Shaw H. L. , Johnson H. E.
Published: December 2022

This paper describes a machinability testing method developed during a co-operative research program at Battelle Memorial Institute sponsored by The Carnegie-Illinois Steel Corporation. The test evaluates materials on the basis of the feed resulting from a fixed horizontal tool pressure. Its advantage is that it requires only a short testing time. A description of the lathe and auxiliary equipment is given, and typical testing results are presented. The data indicate that the method has a high order of sensitivity and adequate reproducibility of test ratings. Constant-tool-pressure machinability-test ratings were in close agreement with tool-life test values when the evidence indicated reliable sampling, and in adequate agreement with large-scale commercial machining operations. The test seems to offer a means of rating the cutting quality of free-cutting steels rapidly and reliably with the use of small samples.
Influence on Tool Life and Power of Nose Radius, Chamfer, and Peripheral-Cutting-Edge Angle When Face-Milling a 40,000-Psi Cast Iron
Authors: Boston O. W. , Gilbert W. W.
Published: December 2022

The object of these tests is to outline the results obtained in studying the effect on tool life, nature of tool wear, and power requirements when varying successively the nose radius, width of chamfer at 45 deg from the cutter face, and the peripheral-cutting-edge angle in face-milling cast iron.
The High-Frequency Heating of Nonconducting Materials
Authors: Jolly F. J.
Published: December 2022

High-frequency dielectric heating provides a unique method of heating certain materials with results which are unattainable with conventional means. The limitations of former methods and the advantages of high-frequency heating are discussed, and the theoretical basis and the practical limitations of the latter method are explained. Its applications in various industries and the advantages gained are briefly discussed, followed by some of the possible future applications.
“Packaged” Boilers
Authors: Frisch Martin , Hemenway H. H.
Published: December 2022

Various steam-generating units were developed during the war for use particularly in Europe where power networks had been destroyed and power needs had to be met in order to rehabilitate the captured areas rapidly. Power trains, unit power plants, and other forms have been widely described. The present paper deals with four types of “packaged” boilers which are described in some detail; all of them are of the bent-tube type. These are a crossdrum design, built either for stoker- or oil-firing; a portable SA type resembling the original oil-field design; two “D” type units, one of which has special application to motorships having supplementary steam requirements for heating, auxiliary power generation, and the like.
Burning Low-Grade Midwestern Coals on Spreader Stokers With Continuous Ash Discharge: Installation at the Iowa Falls, Iowa, Generating Station of the Central States Electric Company
Authors: Drabelle J. M.
Published: December 2022

The use of a spreader stoker with continuous ash discharge for firing a combustion boiler rated at 125,000 lb per hr, 420 psig, 750 F, at the superheater outlet, is described. Design data relating to the furnace, waterwalls, the convection section of the boiler, superheater, air heater, forced- and induced-draft fans, cinder-return system, overfired-air system, combustion control, and the stoker are given. The characteristics of the coals of northern Illinois and Iowa fields are discussed, together with the operating results obtained. Experiences of this publicutility company in the operation of the unit are described and comments of other operators of similar equipment in central-station service are included. Conditions found in the furnace, convection section of the boiler, superheater, air preheater, precipitator unit, fans and stoker, are described. The inspection condition covers 6000 hr of operation of the unit.
Part-Load Characteristics of Marine Gas-Turbine Plants
Authors: Rohsenow W. M. , Hunsaker J. P.
Published: December 2022

To be successful as prime movers, a gas-turbine plant must have good part-load characteristics and efficiencies. Several cycle arrangements and methods of control are mentioned for particular applications. The purpose of the paper, however, is to present the results of an investigation of the part-load performance of two different cycle arrangements and to indicate the best method of control for a given set of operating conditions.
Experiences With Internal-Boiler-Surface Corrosion in 1450-Lb Open-Pass Boilers at West End Station of The Cincinnati Gas and Electric Company
Authors: Mitsch E. H. , Yeager B. J.
Published: December 2022

Three 1450-lb-pressure open-pass boilers designed for 350,000 lb per hr maximum capacity have been in operation at the West End Station since April, 1937, for 5-1; November, 1937, for 5-2; and March, 1938, for 5-3. A pit type of corrosion in certain tubes of boiler 5-1 occurred in April, 1940, after 3 years of operation without difficulty from corrosion. In February, 1941, the first failure by corrosion at the rolled joints of tubes occurred on boiler 5-3. This type of corrosion stopped being active at about the beginning of 1942 and had not recurred up to June, 1946. The rolled-joint corrosion appeared to occur during the period when the boilers were operated with continuous and rapid changes in steam demand. Conditions of operation, boiler-water concentrations, and other factors are described and compared in order to determine the cause for the corrosion or to determine what factors were responsible for arresting it.
Precipitation-Hardened Alloys for Gas-Turbine Service—I: Metallurgical Considerations
Authors: Scott Howard , Gordon R. B.
Published: December 2022

This paper presents a detailed account of the metallurgical principles involved in the development of precipitation-hardened alloys for gas turbines, together with typical data on heat-resistant alloys “K42B,” “Discaloy,” “Refractaloy 26,” and “Refractaloy 70.” Selection of base alloy and hardening agent, choice of heat-treatment for optimum properties, and the use of short-time tensile and creep rupture tests in evaluating the effects of composition and heat-treatment variables are discussed in Part I. The creep rupture properties of K42B, Discaloy, Refractaloy 26, and Refractaloy 70 are given in Part II in the form of design curves for each alloy at one or more temperatures in the range 1200 to 1600 F. The factors governing choice of alloy for rotor and blading service are discussed together with some considerations on forging, machining, welding, and heat-treating these gas-turbine components.
Effect of Microstructure on Machinability of Cast Irons—I
Authors: Field Michael , Stansbury E. E.
Published: December 2022

Test bars were prepared to study the effect of the following structures in the milling of cast iron: Graphite-pearlite of various gradations of coarseness; graphite-pearlite plus about 5 per cent of free-carbide segregation; graphite-ferrite. Quantitative results of the relative machinability of these structures are presented in terms of (1) tool life, (2) power requirements, (3) surface finish. Tool life was found to increase as much as 2:1 as the graphite-pearlite structure was varied from fine to coarse. For the same graphite-pearlite size, the presence of free carbides had no effect on tool life at a cutting speed of 200 fpm but seriously reduced tool life between 250 and 1000 fpm. The increase in tool life for the graphite-ferrite structure as compared to all other structures was outstanding, e.g., at 1150 fpm the increase was of the order of 8:1, compared to the pearlite structure, while at 300 fpm the increase was of the order of 50:1. All of the graphite-pearlite structures required the same amount of power to mill at a constant rate of metal removal for the same feed per tooth. The graphite-ferrite required approximately ½ to ⅔ the power per cubic inch for the same feed per tooth compared to graphite-pearlite structures. The sharpness of the cutter played an important role in power requirements. A “dull” cutter required as high as 3 times the power as that for a sharp cutter at 0.002 in. feed per tooth, and 1.3 times as much power at 0.020 in. feed per tooth. Surface finish improved as the cutting speed increased and as the graphite distribution became finer.
Experiments With Activated Tanks
Authors: Minorsky N.
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this paper is to give an account of certain experimental work conducted by the Bureau of Construction and Repair, Navy Department, in connection with the problem of the stabilization of ships against rolling by the so-called method of activated tanks. The paper incorporates preliminary data from stabilization tests on the destroyer Hamilton. Activation of antirolling systems was produced by means of variable-pitch pumps inserted in ducts connecting the port and starboard tanks. Control equipment consisted of a servomotor system controlled through an electron-tube system by an instrument responsive to angular acceleration of rolling motion. Although, because of the war, these tests could not be completed, it is believed that the experimental program has progressed sufficiently to warrant formulation of certain conclusions of general interest. The principal attempts at stabilization of ships against rolling which have been made, with varying degrees of success, during the last 60 years are considered briefly.
Coefficients of Discharge of Sharp-Edged Concentric Orifices in Commercial 2-In., 3-In., and 4-In. Pipes for Low Reynolds Numbers Using Flange Taps
Authors: Ambrosius E. E. , Spink L. K.
Published: December 2022

Commercial pipe in 2, 3, and 4-in. standard weights was used in test installations, making results directly applicable to commercial meter installations. This analysis covers the data on flange taps centered 1 in. upstream and 1 in. downstream from respective orifice faces down to a minimum Reynolds number of 40. Results compare well with previous A.S.M.E. coefficients.
Temperature Distribution in Some Simple Bodies Developing or Absorbing Heat at a Linear Function of Temperature
Authors: Jakob Max
Published: December 2022

In a previous paper the temperature distribution in electrical coils of simple shape has been studied under the assumption of constant current, uniform and constant surface temperature, and linear increase of the electric resistance with temperature. It covered also the case of exothermic chemical reactions in similar configurations and under analogous conditions. The present investigation deals with bodies of the same form, but producing Joulean heat or heat of reaction at a rate decreasing linearly with rising temperature, or absorbing heat by endothermic reaction with a constant positive or negative temperature coefficient. The equations of temperature distribution derived in the paper are closely related to the previous ones in their form as well as in the occurring functions.
Applications of Mechanical Cascade Control Systems
Authors: Swarr J. N.
Published: December 2022

The development of the concept of the cascade controller placed a very powerful tool in the hands of the process-control engineer. The continued refinement of the continuous process has required an extension of the original concept so that cascade systems of increasing complexity are becoming more and more commonplace. Six distinct types of cascade systems are herein classified. A discussion of each type covers the method by which the cascade system is built up from component instruments, the operating characteristics of each system, the field of application for each system with actual illustrations, and benefits to be derived. It is suggested that the classification herein initiated be reviewed officially and perhaps extended to cover some of the more complex installations made within the past several years.
Meter for Flowing Mixtures of Air and Pulverized Coal
Authors: Carlson H. M. , Frazier P. M. , Engdahl R. B.
Published: December 2022

In the course of research by Battelle on the fundamentals of flow of mixtures of air and pulverized coal, for Bituminous Coal Research, Inc., a meter has been developed which measures the rate of flow of both constituents. The meter depends on a unique property of the mixture when passing through a sharp-edged rubber-faced orifice to which coal does not adhere. It was found that the presence of finely divided coal in the air stream has very little effect on the accuracy with which the orifice indicates the flow of the air component, whereas a flow nozzle placed in series with the orifice measures the total of the air plus coal. Thus the simultaneous use of the two elements provides a means for determining the amount of coal flowing. This paper describes the development of the meter, presents data on its performance, and gives the details of practical application. The rate of coal flow is measured with an accuracy of plus or minus 5 per cent for coal-air ratios ranging from 0.5 to 1.4, and for coal sizes ranging from 75 to 92 per cent through 200 mesh, after allowance has been made for the small effects of these variables. The meter has been used successfully in the laboratory in vertical and horizontal pipe lines from ¾ to 4 in. diam and it is believed to be applicable to larger lines.
Some Properties and Mechanical Applications of Compar
Authors: Hitov By J. J.
Published: December 2022

Some of the properties and applications of a relatively little-known synthetic material, “compar,” are presented. A modified polyvinyl-alcohol resin, it is manufactured as tubing in the extruded state and is molded in many forms, over a wide range of formulations. The data contained in the paper have not previously been disclosed, so the author hopes that they may help in the solution of particular problems for which better-known materials may not have proved suitable.
Strength and Failure Characteristics of Thin Circular Membranes
Authors: Brown W. F. , Sachs George
Published: December 2022

The problem treated in this paper concerns the deformation and failure characteristics of thin circular metal membranes. The problem originated in a research project on the elevated-temperature bulging of aluminum alloys, conducted at Case Institute of Technology under contract with the Office of Production Research and Development of the War Production Board. Commercially the problem relates to the design of safety diaphragms used for the protection of pressure vessels. Also, similar conditions of loading and geometry are present in certain structures subjected to underwater explosion or high hydrostatic pressure. The circular bulging of metal membranes also offers the possibility of investigating the fundamental properties of metal in biaxial stress and strain states.

In this paper the instability phenomena encountered in the deformation of such shapes is analyzed in terms of strain distribution and also by previously developed equations relating the stress-strain and radius-strain functions. The paper also develops the fact that the circular bulge test appears particularly suitable for determining basic stress-strain relations to much higher strain values than are obtainable by conventional methods.
Condensation of Refrigerant Vapors—Apparatus and Film Coefficients for Freon-12
Authors: White R. E.
Published: December 2022

In this paper is described an apparatus for the direct determination of condensing-vapor heat-transfer film coefficients in which precision measuring methods are employed. The conditions are closely controlled and can be made nearly ideal if so desired. Among the factors affecting condensation which may be studied in this apparatus are condensing temperature, film-temperature drop, noncondensable gas, liquid load on tubes, and condensing-surface condition. Included herein are data on the condensation of saturated Freon-12 under ideal conditions on a plain horizontal tube at various vapor temperatures and film-temperature drops.
The Removal of Aldehydes from Diesel Exhaust Gas
Authors: Davis R. F. , Elliott M. A.
Published: December 2022

This report presents the results of studies (a) to determine the relation between aldehyde content of Diesel-exhaust gas and the odorous and irritating properties of that gas; (b) to determine the effectiveness of different scrubbing media for removing aldehydes from Diesel-exhaust gas. Observations on the odor and irritation produced by Diesel exhaust gas have shown that both of these properties can be correlated with the concentration of aldehydes in the exhaust gas. The threshold concentration for perception of odor is approximately 0.2 to 0.3 ppm of aldehydes (expressed as equivalent formaldehyde). The threshold of nasal and eye irritation occurs at about 1 ppm of aldehydes (expressed as equivalent formaldehyde). A series of full-scale tests on the removal of aldehydes by scrubbing with water showed that, as the concentration of aldehydes in the scrubbing solution increases, the percentage removal of aldehydes decreases. At elevated temperatures, the removal was nil, and under no conditions was complete removal obtained.

From a series of laboratory tests, it appeared that aqueous solution of sodium sulphite might be used in removing aldehydes from Diesel exhaust gas if hydroquinone was added to inhibit the oxidation of sodium sulphite. A full-scale test showed that an aqueous scrubbing solution, containing 10 per cent sodium sulphite by weight and 0.5 per cent hydroquinone, removed substantially all aldehydes for a period of 7 hr, and 90 per cent or more of the aldehydes for a period of 15 hr. In this test approximately 3000 cu ft of dry exhaust gas (at 60 F and 29.92 in. Hg) was scrubbed per hour at a scrubbing temperature of 133 F. Estimates of the cost of scrubbing Diesel exhaust gas indicate that the cost of materials would be approximately 80 cents for an engine operating continuously for 8 hr and producing an average of 5000 cu ft of dry exhaust gas (at 60 F and 29.92 in. of Hg) per hour.
An Evaluation of Cylindrical-Grinding Performance
Authors: McKee R. E. , Moore R. S. , Boston O. W.
Published: December 2022

This paper, the third in a series on cylindrical grinding, presents some of the results of an investigation of the grinding process with particular reference to the influence of certain variables, such as, wheel grain, grade, and velocity, table-traverse feed, depth of cut, and type of material.