bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of scalp stimulation for multidomain cognitive impairment in patients with post‐stroke cognitive impairment and dementia: A network meta‐analysis and meta‐regression of moderators
Authors: Xu Minjie , Li Ying , Zhang Chi , Ma Yanan , Zhang Leyi , Yang Yuai , Zhang Zihan , Meng Tiantian , He Junyi , Wang Haifang , Li Shuren , Kranz Georg S , Zhao Mingjing , Chang Jingling
Published: December 2023

Background

Scalp stimulation has gained more traction for post‐stroke cognitive impairment and dementia (PSCID); the interaction between stimulation targets and parameters influences the response to the stimulation. However, the most efficacious treatment for improving different domains of cognitive impairment remains unknown.

Objective

We aimed to conduct a systematic review and network meta‐analysis (NMA) to compare the efficacy of various scalp stimulation protocols used in PSCID treatment.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials of scalp stimulation in patients with PSCID were searched in eight databases over the past 20 years. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) for global and subdomain cognitive scores were pooled in Bayesian NMA. Moderators were examined using meta‐regression analysis.

Results

A total of 90 trials, with 6199 patients, were included. Low‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the unaffected dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) was highly suggested for alleviating global severity (SMD = 1.11, 95% CI (0.64, 1.57)). High‐frequency rTMS over the left DLPFC was recommended for language use (1.85 (1.18, 2.52)), executive function (0.85 (0.36, 1.33)), orientation deficits (0.59 (0.07, 1.13)), and attention (0.85 (0.27, 1.43)). Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the affected DLPFC (2.03 (0.72, 3.34)) was recommended for treating memory impairment. Meta‐regression analyses showed significant associations within attention, language and orientation.

Conclusion

Overall, different cognitive domains have different optimal scalp stimulation prescriptions, and activating the affected key brain regions and inhibiting the unaffected area is still the most effective treatment.
Prevalence and prognostic value of electrocardiographic abnormalities in hypokalemia: A multicenter cohort study
Authors: Kildegaard Helene , Brabrand Mikkel , Forberg Jakob Lundager , Platonov Pyotr , Lassen Annmarie Touborg , Ekelund Ulf
Published: December 2023

Background

Hypokalemia is common in hospitalized patients and associated with ECG abnormalities. The prevalence and prognostic value of ECG abnormalities in hypokalemic patients are, however, not well established.

Methods

The study was a multicentered cohort study, including all ault patients with an ECG and potassium level <4.4 mmol/L recorded at arrival to four emergency departments in Denmark and Sweden. Using computerized measurements from ECGs, we investigated the relationship between potassium levels and heart rate, QRS duration, corrected QT (QTc) interval, ST‐segment depressions, T‐wave flattening, and T‐wave inversion using cubic splines. Within strata of potassium levels, we further estimated the hazard ratio (HR) for 7‐day mortality, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and diagnosis of ventricular arrhythmia or cardiac arrest, comparing patients with and without specific ECG abnormalities matched 1:2 on propensity scores.

Results

Among 79,599 included patients, decreasing potassium levels were associated with a concentration‐dependent increase in all investigated ECG variables. ECG abnormalities were present in 40% of hypokalemic patients ([K+] <3.5 mmol/L), with T‐wave flattening, ST‐segment depression, and QTc prolongation occurring in 27%, 16%, and 14%. In patients with mild hypokalemia ([K+] 3.0–3.4 mmol/L), a heart rate >100 bpm, ST‐depressions, and T‐wave inversion were associated with increased HRs for 7‐day mortality and ICU admission, whereas only a heart rate >100 bpm predicted both mortality and ICU admission among patients with [K+] <3.0 mmol/L. HR estimates were, however, similar to those in eukalemic patients. The low number of events with ventricular arrhythmia limited evaluation for this outcome.

Conclusions

ECG abnormalities were common in hypokalemic patients, but they are poor prognostic markers for short‐term adverse events under the current standard of care.
Temporomandibular disorder patients with excessive daytime sleepiness present greater pain intensity and reduced jaw function
Authors: Xiong Xin , Xiao Chu‐Qiao , Yang Yi‐Chun , Li Yi‐Jun , Cheng Qiao‐Yu , Wang Xiao‐Yi , Liu Yang
Published: December 2023

Background

Sleep disorders are associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Limited studies have focused on excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and its impact on jaw functions in TMD patients.

Objective

The aim of the present investigation was to identify the impact of EDS on pain and jaw function in TMD patients.

Methods

A total of 338 TMD patients (50 males and 288 females) was included. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was used to classify patients into EDS group (score ≥ 10) and non‐EDS group (score < 10). The Jaw Functional Limitation Scale 8‐item (JFLS‐8) was used to assess the severity of jaw dysfunction. Pain intensity was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7‐item (GAD‐7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9‐item (PHQ‐9). All included patients were diagnosed with pain‐related TMD (PT), intra‐articular TMD (IT) or combined TMD (CT).

Results

Compared with non‐EDS patients, EDS patients exhibited more severe jaw dysfunction, greater pain intensity and higher PHQ‐9 scores (p < .05). Multivariate analyses showed that EDS (B = 3.69), female gender (B = 3.69), and elevated GAD‐7 score (B = 0.73) were significantly associated with an increased score on the JFLS‐8 (p < .05). Moreover, bivariate logistic regression analysis indicated a significant relationship between EDS and PT (OR = 2.70, p = .007).

Conclusion

The presence of EDS was more closely related to PT, but the causal relationship between them needs to be further confirmed. More concern and intervention to alleviate poor sleep quality might be highlighted during the treatment of TMD, especially PT subtype.
Assessment of oropharyngeal respiratory volume and sleep apnoea scores using peripheral arterial tonometry may improve diagnosis and treatment planning of combined dysgnathia therapy approaches
Authors: Wiechens Bernhard , Backhaus Sören J. , Oestreicher David , Beutner Dirk , Schliephake Henning , Meyer‐Marcotty Philipp , Brockmeyer Phillipp
Published: December 2023

Background

Increased daytime sleepiness is a frequently reported symptom in patients with pronounced dysgnathia.

Objectives

This study investigated possible correlations using home peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) and oropharyngeal airway volume determination in patients with dysgnathia and daytime sleepiness.

Methods

Twenty patients (13 male, median age 27.6 ± 6.8 years) with abnormal sleep history and 10 skeletal neutral configured controls (6 male, median age 29.5 ± 4.2 years) with normal sleep history were examined. Patients and controls were evaluated for apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI), respiratory disturbance index (RDI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), snoring volume (dB), total sleep time (TST) and REM‐percentage (REM). Airway volumetry was measured via CBCT. Individual user experience for PAT was assessed using the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ).

Results

Patients had significantly higher respiratory scores than controls. AHI increased 4.6‐fold (p = .006), RDI 2.5‐fold (p = .008) and ODI 6.4‐fold (p < .001). Oropharyngeal volumes showed a 30% decrease (p = .003). dB, TST and REM showed no significant differences. AHI (r = −.51; p = .005), ODI (r = −.60; p < .001) and RDI (r = −.45; p = .016) correlated negatively with pharyngeal volume. Wits appraisal correlated negatively with oropharyngeal volume (r = −.47; p = .010) and positively with AHI (r = .41; p = .03) and ODI (r = .49; p = .007). dB and TST (r = −.49; p = .008) and REM and RDI (r = −.43; p = .02) correlated negatively. UEQ‐KPI (2.17 ± 0.24) confirmed excellent usability of PAT.

Conclusion

Patients with mandibular retrognathia and abnormal sleep history showed significantly higher respiratory indices and smaller oropharyngeal volumes than neutrally configured controls. The dygnathia severity directly influenced the risk of obstructive sleep apnoea.
Does oral health goal setting during medical visits improve parents' oral health behaviors?
Authors: Talla Sneha , Flowerday Cherith , Dickinson Miriam , Braun Patricia A.
Published: December 2023

Objectives

The Rocky Mountain Network for Oral Health (RoMoNOH) promotes the delivery of preventive oral health services (POHS) to children receiving care at community health centers (CHCs) in Arizona, Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming. One POHS is oral health goal setting (OHGS). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of OHGS during medical visits on parent/caregiver‐reported oral health behaviors (OHBs).

Methods

The RoMoNOH implementation team trained CHC healthcare providers in POHS, including caries risk assessment, oral health education, fluoride varnish application, dental referrals, and parent/caregiver oral health engagement. To promote parents' oral health engagement, healthcare providers were trained in motivational interviewing (MI) with OHGS at medical visits. To evaluate the impact of MI with OHGS on parent/caregiver OHBs, a healthcare team member invited parents/caregivers to complete a baseline survey after their medical visits. The evaluation team sent a follow‐up survey after 10–14 days. The surveys measured parents/caregivers' goals, confidence in goal attainment, OHBs, and sociodemographics; the follow‐up survey also measured OHGS attainment. Improvement in parent/caregiver‐reported OHBs was tested with a paired t‐test and unadjusted and adjusted multiple linear regression.

Results

In total, 426 parents/caregivers completed the baseline survey; 184 completed both surveys. OHBs, including toothbrushing frequency, stopping bed bottles, drinking tap water, and brushing with fluoride toothpaste improved over the evaluation interval. After adjusting for covariates, brushing with fluoride toothpaste (p = 0.01), drinking tap water (p = 0.03), and removing bed bottles (p = 0.03) improved significantly.

Conclusion

MI with OHGS with parents/caregivers during medical visits has potential to improve OHBs on behalf of their children.
Effect of hospitalisation on the rate of surgical site infection in dogs with Penrose drains
Authors: Charlesworth T. , Sampaio E.
Published: December 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study is to retrospectively report complication and infection rates associated with the use of Penrose drains in a large population of dogs; and to compare complication and infection rates of dogs hospitalised for maintenance of their Penrose drains with those that were discharged home with their drains in place.

Materials and Methods

We performed a retrospective search of medical records from 2014 to 2022 for dogs that had a Penrose drain placed into a wound in one institution. Our population was sub‐divided into dogs discharged home with a drain in place; dogs discharged only after drain removal; and dogs recovered part of the time in hospital and part at home (with the drain in situ). Postoperative complications were graded using the Clavien‐Dindo scale.

Results

Two hundred and eight dogs were included. The overall complication rate was 40.9% (85/208), with most complications considered minor. The overall infection rate was 16.9% (35/207). Dogs discharged home with the drain in situ <24 hours after surgery (n=136) had similar complication (39.0%) and infection (16.2%) rates to dogs kept hospitalised for drain care (n=50, 42.9%, 18.4%) and dogs kept hospitalised for >24 hours but discharged with the drain in situ (n=18, 50.0%, 22.2%).

Clinical Significance

Our study results show no significant influence on the complication or infection rates between dogs that were hospitalised for drain care and those discharged home with drains in situ within 24 hours of surgery.
Evaluation of the benefit of the addition of 1% topical luliconazole versus topical bland emollient to the systemic itraconazole therapy for the management of disseminated dermatophytosis: A randomised control trial
Authors: Rana Deval K. , Shah Tithi S. , Rohit Mansi H. , Patel Nayankumar H. , Khadela Avinash D. , Oza Yaksh P. , Padhiyar Jigna K.
Published: December 2023

Background

The present epidemic of dermatophytosis in India is marked by an increase in chronic, recurrent and disseminated cases. A combination of oral itraconazole and topical luliconazole is being increasingly utilised by dermatologists in India. The superiority of this combination is not supported by robust clinical trial data.

Objective

We conducted this randomised, open‐label, two arms, parallel assignment intervention trial between November 2022 and May 2023 to determine the superiority of topical 1% Luliconazole over bland emollient as adjuvant to systemic Itraconazole therapy in the management of dermatophytosis.

Method

In this study, 135 patients of either sex were randomised to two study cohorts. Major exclusions being concomitant medical illness, use of concomitant medication and substance abuse. Participants were randomly assigned to receive topical bland emollient, (Cohort I, n = 67) or topical luliconazole, (Cohort II, n = 68). Both cohorts received oral itraconazole 200 mg/day (100 mg BID) and levocetirizine 5 mg twice a day as a systemic regime. Clinical and mycological cure at the end of 6 weeks and clinical relapse among cure patients during 10‐week follow‐up were observed.

Results

The cure rates for Cohorts I and II at 6 weeks were 50 (74.62%) and 56 (82.35%), (p = .46), respectively. During the 4‐week follow‐up period, clinical relapses were observed in 16 (32%) of the 50 patients in Cohort I and 12 (21.43%) of the 56 patients in Cohort II (p = .18). Luliconazole cohort shows a significantly higher medical cost (p < .05).

Conclusion

Our study shows a similar cure rate and relapse rate for patients receiving topical Luliconazole versus topical bland emollient as an adjuvant to the systemic itraconazole regime.
On the mechanism of visible‐light sensitized photosulfoxidation of toluidine blue O
Authors: Otero‐González Jennifer , Querini‐Sanguillén Whitney , Torres‐Mendoza Daniel , Yevdayev Ikhil , Yunayev Sharon , Nahar Kamrun , Yoo Barney , Greer Alexander , Fuentealba Denis , Robinson‐Duggon José
Published: December 2023

We report on the formation of toluidine blue O (TBO) sulfoxide by a self‐sensitized photooxidation of TBO. Here, the photosulfoxidation process was studied by mass spectrometry (MS) and discussed in the context of photodemethylation processes which both contribute to TBO consumption over time. Analysis of solvent effects with D2O, H2O, and CH3CN along with product yields and MS fragmentation patterns provided mechanistic insight into TBO sulfoxide's formation. The formation of TBO sulfoxide is minor and detectable up to 12% after irradiation of 3 h. The photosulfoxidation process is dependent on oxygen wherein instead of a type II (singlet oxygen, 1O2) reaction, a type I reaction involving TBO to reach the TBO sulfoxide is consistent with the results. Density functional theory results point to the formation of the TBO sulfoxide by the oxidation of TBO via transiently formed peroxyl radical or thiadioxirane intermediates. We discover that the TBO photosulfoxidation arises competitively with TBO photodemethylation with the latter leading to formaldehyde formation.
Incidence of major cardiovascular events at 1, 2, and 5 years and mortality in incident patients on peritoneal dialysis regarding their nutritional status by bioimpedanciometry: A multicenter study in Colombia
Authors: Torres Rodolfo , Reina Maricely , Olivares Orlando , Rosselli Carlos , Montoya María , Reales Marginis , Andrade David , Centeno Carlos , Briceño Robert , Buitrago David , Hernández Leonardo , Morales Jesús , Delgado Caterin , Gresott Ella , Gutiérrez Gerardo , Molina Carolina
Published: December 2023

Background

The nutritional status of incident patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) has been associated with survival outcomes. Bioimpedanciometry (BCM) enables to establish a nutritional diagnosis, the volume status, and correlates these findings with survival.

Methods

This study used a retrospective multicenter historical cohort.

Results

In this study, which included 420 incident patients on peritoneal dialysis with a 5‐year follow‐up, a cumulative incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) of 28.8% was found, being higher in the diabetic population at 36.8%. In regard to the nutritional status in this population, it was found that approximately 44% had altered nutritional status; 34% were found to be in sarcopenia; 6.7% sarcopenic obesity; and 2.8% in obesity (p < 0.001). In the survival analysis, a lower probability of survival was found in patients with overhydration (OH) greater than 3 L (p < 0.001) and in patients with altered nutritional status due to sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, and obesity (p 0.016). According to survival in the subgroup of the diabetic population, a lower probability of survival was found in this group of patients (p: 0.011). The overall mortality of the study population was 18%, being higher in the first 2 years, with the most important causes of mortality being cardiovascular. Of the deceased population, 51% were diabetic patients (p: 0.012).

Conclusion

In incident patients on peritoneal dialysis, sarcopenic obesity, sarcopenia, overhydration status determined by BCM, and having a diagnosis of diabetes are related to a lower probability of survival; MACE outcomes are more frequent in the diabetic population.
Tectonically induced travertine deposition in the Middle Miocene Levač intramountain basin (Central Serbia)
Authors: Andrić‐Tomašević Nevena , Simić Vladimir , Životić Dragana , Nikolić Nenad , Pavlović Aleksandra , Kluge Tobias , Beranoaguirre Aratz , Smit Jeroen , Bechtel Achim
Published: December 2023

Travertines are terrestrial carbonates that are commonly associated with fault activity in extensional and transtensional basins. The faults serve as conduits for the rising and mixing of carbonate‐enriched fluids with thermal and meteoric CO2 inputs promoting travertine precipitation at the surface. Therefore, travertine successions provide key constraint on the faulting, depositional environments, fluid flow and climate. This work focuses on the travertine succession in the Miocene Levač Basin, the marginal basin of the Morava Corridor situated at the junction of the Dinarides and the southernmost Carpathians. Detailed sedimentological, geochronological (U–Pb age, laser ablation – inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry) and structural analyses of the travertines are used to reconstruct the evolution of the feeding geoothermal system. Furthermore, these data were used to understand the controlling factors governing alternation of fluid flows enriched in thermally generated and meteoric CO2, and precipitation of travertines in Levač Basin, and finally to elucidate the late stage of basin evolution. Four facies associations are distinguished within the succession, i.e. travertine slope, ridge, flat, and travertine flat under the fluvial influence. The results demonstrated that travertine deposition was controlled by north‐west/south‐west and north‐east/south‐east normal fault arrays. Stable isotope data show positive δ13C values (with δ18O being negative) shifting to negative in the distal and stratigraphically younger deposits implying dilution of deep hydrothermal fluids by mixing with meteoric waters. Finally, travertine deposits yielded a new U–Pb age of ca 14 Ma indicating that the Middle Miocene extensional phase known from other intermountain basins in the Dinarides reached as far east as the Levač Basin and Morava Corridor.
Institutional interactions and racial inequality in policing: How everyday encounters bridge individuals, organizations, and institutions
Authors: Camp Nicholas P.
Published: December 2023

Racial disparities in policing are profound and accompanied by equally persistent gaps in trust. Analyses of these and other racial inequities are often bifurcated between institutional and individual levels of analysis. Here, I describe how everyday contacts between the public and doctors, teachers, or police officers—institutional interactions—can bridge these levels. Organizations direct and coordinate these agents' individual discretion; at the same time, individual agents relate to the public in ways institutions themselves cannot. The dual nature of these encounters links individual and dyadic processes to organizational and institutional ones. Using police stops as a paradigmatic example, I illustrate how institutional interactions contribute to racial gaps in police‐community trust, how they can be used as a platform for changing the relationship between law enforcement and the public, and how they can inform research on racial inequality in a range of institutional contexts, including health and education.
Research Work on Malleable Iron
Authors: Touceda Enrique
Published: December 2023

The author presents an account of four years of research work undertaken for the American Malleable Castings Association as a plea for industrial research among manufacturers and as a striking example of what such research can accomplish. He sketches the organization and purpose of the Association and shows how the quality of the product of its members has steadily increased since the beginning of the research work. Malleable-iron castings, due to lack of uniformity and dependability, were rapidly being replaced by other materials. There were many fallacious ideas and theories regarding the physical properties of such castings and the methods of annealing them. Records of tests of 1-in. bars from seven different concerns made by the author in 1911 showed that the average ultimate strength was 39,882 lb. and the elongation under 5 per cent. A report dated March, 1919, to the members of the Association, each of whom regularly submits test bars from some one heat of each day’s runs, showed that 44 per cent of the test bars submitted during that month had an ultimate strength over 52,000 lb. and an elongation of 14.67 per cent, indicating the progress made since research work was undertaken.

It is further stated that the average of test bars of the Association from January 1, 1917, to March 31, 1919, has shown an ultimate strength of 51,000 lb. and an elongation 12.5 per cent. The records of tests show, contrary to generally accepted theory, that the elongation increases with the ultimate strength. The purpose of the Association, however, is not to increase ultimate strength and elongation but to increase the uniformity of a product upon which the engineer can rely, and this is being accomplished through exhaustive research and advice to members through the consulting engineer of the Association.

A description is given of the process of manufacturing malleable iron, of the air furnace, and of the annealing ovens and the annealing process. The structures of iron containing free carbon and iron containing combined carbon are shown by micrographs and the metallurgy of cast iron is carefully explained with abundant micrographs of typical structures.

The effects of the time element in cooling through the critical temperature, of successive anneals, of varying percentages of carbon, sulphur, silicon, phosphorus and manganese and of subsequent heating to high temperatures are clearly described and illustrated. Picture-frame fractures are also discussed.
The Status of Industrial Relations
Authors: Alford L. P.
Published: December 2023

At the Annual Meeting of the Society of 1912, a report was presented by the Sub-Committee on Administration, of which the late James M. Dodge was Chairman, and L. P. Alford, Secretary, on The Present State of the Art of Industrial Management. This report was replete with information upon the broad aspect of the management problem as it then existed in the industries of the country.

During the seven years which have intervened since the preparation of this report, the question has been studied from many different angles and has come to be viewed in quite a different light from that in which it was regarded when the original report was prepared. In consequence, the Committee on Meetings and Program appointed Mr. Alford a committee of one to prepare the following new report upon the subject for presentation at the Session on Industrial Relations at the Detroit meeting.

This report not only comprises a review of the new aspects of the problem which have recently developed, but also a historical summary of the progressive stages in the development of industrial relations since the period immediately following the Civil War. It has proved to be inevitable that after any great economic disturbance like that produced by the Civil War, or the present period of unrest following the world conflict in Europe, there should be unrest and uncertainty in the field of labor and employment; and it thus seems appropriate at this time to outline briefly the most important transitions which have occurred in this field, beginning with the time of the Civil War and including the situation which now exists, so similar in character, but greatly amplified.
An Electrical Device for Measuring the Flow of Fluids in Pipes
Authors: Spitzglass Jacob M.
Published: December 2023

This paper deals with the theory and experimental development of an electrical device in which an ammeter and watt-hour meter are utilized in measuring the flow of fluids in pipes. The electric current which is used is regulated by the differential pressure of the fluid passing through the pipe.

The principle of the device involves a combination of the physical laws governing the flow of fluids in pipes and the flow of an electric current. The units of flow measurement are represented by general equations covering the relation between the velocity of the fluid in the pipe and the differential column obtained by the device. For the units of the electrical measurement, in the standard adopted the maximum capacity of flow is represented by a current of 1 ampere at a constant pressure of 40 volts.

The diagrammatic relation of the units involved in the electric measurement of the flow is shown by two curves; one in the form of a parabola representing the relation of differential head to the current — the other in the form of a hyperbola representing the relation between the current and the corresponding resistance in the circuit.

A summary is given of the experimental work in preparing a resistance which would vary according to the relation established, and which would operate under the usual conditions of flow. Particulars are given of the early experimental devices and of the improvements made until a satisfactory model was obtained, and the method of testing is discussed and a typical run described in detail.

In conclusion, a number of instances are cited where the instrument described has made possible the adoption of central measuring stations in large manufacturing plants, resulting in improved economy of operation.
Elements of a General Theory of Airplane-Wing Design
Authors: Durfee Walter C.
Published: December 2023

This paper presents in brief outline form ten subjects which have reference to the theory of fluid motion around the wings of airplanes. These are: the vortex theory of lift; the theory of initial motion around wings; vortex theory of shape; hydrodynamic-electromagnetic analogy; action of vortices with reference to each other; action on vortices with reference to their images; influence of the local wind; laws of energy content in trailing vortex; friction and head resistance; and explosion of eddies. These various subjects are not discussed but are merely brought forward for the purpose of providing a starting point for discussion.
Mechanical Lifts, Past and Present, and a New Method for Their Balancing
Authors: Robbins J. F.
Published: December 2023

In this paper the author first describes at some length the various types of mechanical and hydraulic lifts that have been developed for use in canal locks. He then gives particulars regarding a new type of lift in which the points of support of two counterbalancing loads are so interconnected that the movements of the supporting elements of the structure are synchronized and it is made impossible for the supports to get out of level. The advantage of this scheme and its adaptation to freight-car lifts, lifts for launching and dry-docking and lift bridges, as well as to canal-lock lifts, are also brought out.
Slow-Speed and Other Tests of Kingsbury Thrust Bearings
Authors: Howarth H. A. S.
Published: December 2023

This paper presents operating and experimental data which show the wide range of application of Kingsbury thrust bearings, and the author gives particulars of typical installations which have been in successful operation since 1911. Wide application of these bearings has been made to vertical and horizontal hydroelectric units, horizontal steam turbines, centrifugal pumps, and ship-propelling shafts. To determine some of the service conditions a series of slow-speed tests was recently made on a bearing carrying a load of 10,000 lb. The area of the supporting thrust-bearing segments was varied from 71.5 sq. in. to 10 sq. in. in order to test unit pressures ranging from 140 lb. to 1000 lb. per sq. in. The speed was varied from 0.1 r.p.m. to 16 r.p.m., long runs being made at the lowest speeds.
Turbo-Compressor Calculations
Authors: Blaisdell Allen H.
Published: December 2023

After pointing out the features which differentiate the turbo-compressor from the multi-stage centrifugal pump, the author takes up the study of the pressure and volume changes occurring while a fluid is passing through one stage of the former and states the fundamental energy equations involved. He then discusses the number of stages to be used in a given case and follows this with an explanation of the method of laying out a compression diagram and of subdividing it according to the number of stages to be provided for.

The function of the impeller is next discussed and in this connection expressions are derived for the actual and effective impeller radii and the axial depth of channel of any radius. Blades and blade angles are also considered and a graphical method is described for calculating the theoretical head to be developed by an impeller.

The paper concludes with a brief study of the working of free-vortex and guide-vane diffusers, and of matters to be taken into account in designing in order to obtain a turbo-compressor of the highest possible overall efficiency.
Kerosene as a Fuel for High-Speed Engines
Authors: Seaton Laurence F.
Published: December 2023

Although considerable work has been done toward the use of kerosene as a fuel for internal-combustion engines, there still exists a controversy regarding the correct design of a vaporizing system. There has also been very little work done toward determining the distribution of the heat evolved by the fuel. To study these problems the author accordingly made a series of tests on a high-speed heavy-duty type of engine, using kerosene as a fuel. These tests form the basis of the paper, and the apparatus used and the manner of conducting the tests are discussed in detail. The author concludes his paper by pointing out that in his opinion a kerosene motor would be successful if designed so that the piston displacement were higher than is commonly used; if the intake passages were larger and shorter; and if the incoming gas were heated to a temperature considerably above that of the boiling point of kerosene.
Motor-Transport Vehicles for the United States Army
Authors: Younger John
Published: December 2023

While the title of this paper might indicate that the mechanical features of the various types of motor-transport vehicles would be discussed, such is not the case, for to do so, as the writer points out, would merely be to recapitulate catalog specifications. The paper accordingly contains a discussion of the types of vehicle best adapted to various military needs. Motor-transport vehicles have been classified by the Army under ten broad heads, ranging from the motorcycle to the 5-ton truck, and such a classification has been found to be a most satisfactory one. The ultimate ideal is of course to standardize a single type of vehicle for each class, and with that point in view the writer discusses the various vehicles used. Numerous photographs are presented as illustrative of the American design and construction, and tables giving data on the various types used during the war are also included.
An Investigation of Strains in the Rolling of Metal
Authors: Musso Alfred
Published: December 2023

In every manufacturing process, while raw stock is being transformed into a finished article, a certain amount of material is incidentally wasted, and the minimizing of such a waste constitutes one of the most important problems to be solved by the operating engineer. Rolling-mill operations are no exception to the general rule and the problem may be specifically set forth as follows:

What is the most convenient length and width of the piece of metal to be rolled, in order to produce a finished article of certain definite dimensions, so that the waste of material may be reduced to a minimum?

A complete answer to this complex question depends on data of various natures resulting from actual investigation. We may, however, group these data in two classes: To the first class belong all data of a general character obtained through mechanical investigation; and to the second, data obtained through investigation of the special condition under which the manufacturing takes place. The scope of this article is the exposition of some fundamental principles leading to data of the first class.
Substrate Thickness Optimization in Multi-Material Single Lap Adhesive Joints
Authors: Kundurthi Saratchandra , Haq Mahmoodul
Published: December 2023

Adhesive bonding of dissimilar materials introduces stress concentrations due to stiffness mismatch between the substrates, thereby exacerbating the peel and shear stresses leading to premature failures in single lap configurations. This work demonstrates that the stress distribution can be improved by decreasing the thickness of the stiffer substrate, and presents a structured approach to find the optimum thickness to improve overall joint performance. First, the critical stress components and critical locations in the single lap joint were identified for each mode of failure. Then, a minimax-type optimization framework was developed using severity-weighted parameters for each critical stress component. Optimal thickness obtained from the proposed framework agreed with FEA-based parametric studies within 10% variation. Overall, this approach can generate design charts and aid in efficient designs for multi-material joining.
Performance Analysis of High-Efficiency Supercritical CO2 Power Cycles Using Recompression
Authors: Bui Tuananh , Lee Young Duk , Kim Young Sang , Kang Do Won , Ahn Kook Young , Lee Sangmin , Chang Sung Ho , Kim Min Kuk
Published: December 2023

System simulation, parametric analysis, and exergy analysis were performed to identify the advantages and drawbacks of recompression in the direct-fired supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) power cycle. In a parametric investigation, the recompression ratio, turbine inlet temperature (TIT), and pressure ratio were changed, and the obtained values for the efficiency of the power cycle were compared. The TIT was varied between 600 °C and 1600 °C, revealing that recompression is highly effective for lower TIT values but is less effected at higher TIT values. For TITs above 1400 °C, the recompression cycle obtains almost no increase in efficiency. Different optimal recompression ratios were obtained for the different pressure ratios between the high- and low-pressure sides. Exergy analysis reveals that exergy destruction occurs primarily in the oxy-fuel combustor due to a chemical reaction and mixing of the high recirculation fluid. Higher TIT decreases the exergy destruction of the oxy-fuel combustor, but increases the exergy destruction in the lower temperature recuperator, and is not always favorable for obtaining efficiency improvements.
Growth of large edge length two-dimensional WS2 using a custom 12-zone atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition system
Authors: Reza Md Samim , Tiwari Aman Abhishek , Sahdev Deshdeep , Singh Madhusudan
Published: December 2023

Transition metal dichalcogenides like WS2 exhibit technologically relevant optoelectronic properties. In this work, we report on the growth of two-dimensional tungsten disulfide of various geometries and morphologies using a custom atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition system. In triangular flakes, a maximum edge length of ∼110 μm (for multilayer) and ∼60 μm (for monolayer) was observed optically. Energy dispersive x-ray analysis yielded a W:S ratio close to a 1:2 stoichiometry. Two sets of intensity ratios (2LA(M)A1g), derived from Raman measurements, were found: ∼2.15 and ∼0.56, corresponding, respectively, to monolayer and multilayer growth of WS2. Photoluminescence measurements yield peaks at ∼640 and ∼660 nm, with the former peak (assigned to monolayer growth) exhibiting a ∼20-fold enhancement with respect to the latter (multilayer growth), suggesting a radiatively more efficient direct bandgap. It is expected that the process will lead to advancements in the growth of large-area two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides for device applications.
ACOUSTICAL NEWS
Authors: Moran Elaine
Published: December 2023

Editor's Note: Readers of this journal are encouraged to submit news items on awards, appointments, and other activities about themselves or their colleagues. Deadline dates for news and notices are 2 months prior to publication.
Driving forces of Antarctic krill abundance
Authors: Ryabov Alexey , Berger Uta , Blasius Bernd , Meyer Bettina
Published: December 2023

Antarctic krill, crucial to the Southern Ocean ecosystem and a vital fisheries resource, is endangered by climate change. Identifying drivers of krill biomass is therefore essential for determining catch limits and designating protection zones. We present a modeling approach to pinpointing effects of sea surface temperature, ice cover, chlorophyll levels, climate indices, and intraspecific competition. Our study reveals that larval recruitment is driven by both competition among age classes and chlorophyll levels. In addition, while milder ice and temperature in spring and summer favor reproduction and early larval survival, both larvae and juveniles strongly benefit from heavier ice and colder temperatures in winter. We conclude that omitting top-down control of resources by krill is only acceptable for retrospective or single-year prognostic models that use field chlorophyll data but that incorporating intraspecific competition is essential for longer-term forecasts. Our findings can guide future krill modeling strategies, reinforcing the sustainability of this keystone species.
Pulses of South Atlantic water into the tropical North Atlantic since 1825 from coral isotopes
Authors: Paterne Martine , Druffel Ellen R. M. , Guilderson Thomas P. , Blamart Dominique , Moreau Christophe , Weil-Accardo Jennifer , Feuillet Nathalie
Published: December 2023

Decadal and multidecadal changes in the meridional overturning circulation may originate from either the subpolar North Atlantic or the Southern Hemisphere. New records of carbon and oxygen isotopes from an eastern Martinique Island (Lesser Antilles) coral reveal irregular, decadal, double-step events of low ∆
14
C and enhanced vertical mixing, high δ
18
O and high δ
13
C values starting in 1885. Comparison of the new and published ∆
14
C records indicates that the last event (1956–1969) coincides with a widespread, double-step ∆
14
C low of South Atlantic origin from 32°N to 18°S, associated with a major slowdown of the Caribbean Current transport between 1963 and 1969. This event and the past Martinique ∆
14
C lows are attributed to pulses of northward advection of low ∆
14
C Sub-Antarctic Mode Waters into the tropical Atlantic. They are coeval with changes of the tropical freshwater budget and likely driven by meridional overturning circulation changes since ~1880.
Ni isotopes provide a glimpse of Earth’s pre-late-veneer mantle
Authors: Xu Yong , Szilas Kristoffer , Zhang Lingyu , Zhu Jian-Ming , Wu Guangliang , Zhang Jie , Qin Bin , Sun Yao , Pearson D. Graham , Liu Jingao
Published: December 2023

Moderately siderophile (e.g., Ni) and highly siderophile elements (HSEs) in the bulk silicate Earth (BSE) are believed to be partly or near-completely delivered by late accretion after the depletion caused by metallic core formation. However, the extent and rate of remixing of late-accreted materials that equilibrated with Earth’s pre-late-veneer mantle have long been debated. Observing evidence of this siderophile element-depleted pre-late-veneer mantle would provide powerful confirmation of this model of early mantle evolution. We find that the mantle source of the ~3.8-billion-year-old (Ga) Narssaq ultramafic cumulates from Southwest Greenland exhibits a subtle
60
Ni/
58
Ni excess of ~0.05 per mil and contains a clear HSE deficiency of ~60% relative to the BSE. The intermediate Ni isotopic composition and HSE abundances of the ~3.8-Ga Narssaq mantle mark a transitional Eoarchean snapshot as the poorly mixed 3.8-Ga mantle containing elements of pre-late-veneer mantle material transitions to modern Earth’s mantle.
Vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium
in Japan, 2007–2015: a molecular epidemiology analysis focused on examining strain characteristics over time
Authors: Tokano Mieko , Tarumoto Norihito , Sakai Jun , Imai Kazuo , Kodana Masahiro , Kawamura Toru , Maeda Takuya , Maesaki Shigefumi
Published: December 2023

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are a significant cause of healthcare-associated infections. In Japan, the estimated isolation rate of VRE is approximately 0.2%; however, sporadic outbreaks continue to occur in healthcare facilities. Despite sporadic cases of VRE at our hospital since the 2007 outbreak, it is unclear whether the same strains from 2007 were still prevalent. Therefore, we performed whole-genome sequencing of stored VRE strains at our hospital and assessed their potential utility as an alternative to pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) for infection control. In contrast to previous studies, our analysis focused on examining strain characteristics over time. The results of taxonomic characterization using average nucleotide identity (ANI) values and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) showed good agreement with the PFGE analysis, indicating that ANI values and MLST were viable potential alternatives to PFGE. Notably, many of the strains isolated in 2010 belonged to ST1421. The first reported VRE outbreak in Japan, caused by
pstS
-null VRE ST1421, occurred in Aomori in 2018. However, the present study demonstrated, for the first time, that the ST1421 strain existed in Japan as early as 2010. In the time series analysis, the observed PFGE pattern did not correlate with the time of strain isolation, particularly for isolates collected after 2012. We also observed cases where isolates sharing the same Tn1546 variant were found on distinct clonal backgrounds. While ANI and MLST may serve as suitable alternatives to PFGE for short-term outbreak evaluations, a plasmid analysis may prove useful for long-term assessments.

IMPORTANCE

Our study emphasizes the efficacy of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in addressing outbreaks of vancomycin-resistant enterococci. WGS enables the identification and tracking of resistant bacterial strains, early detection and management of novel infectious disease outbreaks, and the appropriate selection and use of antibiotics. Furthermore, our approach deepens our understanding of how resistant bacteria transfer genes and adapt to their environments or hosts. For modern medicine, these insights have significant implications for controlling infections and effectively managing antibiotic use in the current era, where antibiotic resistance is progressing.
Supplemental Material: An Eoarchean continental nucleus for the Fennoscandian Shield and a link to the North Atlantic craton
Authors: Petersson Andreas , al. et
Published: December 2023

S1: Extended method and results section, as well as references to compiled data; S2: Zircon images (BSE, and optical); S3: Zircon U-Pb isotope data; S4: O isotope data for detrital zircon; S5: O isotope data for igneous zircon; S6: Hf isotope data for detrital zircon; and S7: Hf isotope data for igneous zircon.  
Supplemental Material: Fault activity in the San Gabriel Mountains, southern California, USA: Insights from landscape morphometrics, erosion rates, and fault-slip rates
Authors: Mere Andre M. , McPhillips Devin
Published: December 2023

Supplemental Text S1: Critical area estimation. Supplemental Text S2: Topographic smoothing. Supplemental Text S3: Bare-rock exposure. Supplemental Text S4: Potential waterfall bias to θopt. Supplemental Text S5: Potential wildfire bias to detrital 10Be concentrations. Supplemental Text S6. Orographic precipitation effects on ksn. Supplemental Text S7. Bedrock hillslope and stream power residual analysis. Supplemental Text S8. Landscape adjustment timescales. Supplemental Text S9. Range-wide ksn.
A Study of Deformation and Fracture of the Eutectic in an Additively Manufactured Al-Si Composite Alloy
Authors: Zemlyanov A. V. , Gatiyatullina D. D. , Utyaganova V. R. , Dymnich E. , Shamarin N. N. , Nikonov S. Yu. , Romanova V. A. , Kulkov A. S. , Balokhonov R. R.
Published: December 2023

Experimental and numerical studies were conducted on AlSi12 alloy fabricated by wire-feed electron beam additive manufacturing to examine the structure, thermomechanical behavior and fracture of a eutectic microvolume at the scale of several microns. Dynamic boundary value problems were solved under plane strain conditions. The composite structure of the eutectic phase consisting of an aluminum matrix and silicon particles was taken into account explicitly in the calculations. Isotropic models of the thermoelastoplastic matrix and elastic-brittle particles were implemented in ABAQUS/Explicit. Composite deformation was calculated both with and without allowance for residual stresses caused by cooling of the composite after its fabrication. It was shown that after the cooling of the eutectic, silicon particles are compressed, and the aluminum matrix is under both bulk compressive and tensile as well as under pure shear stresses. It was found that residual stresses play a negative role at the stages of intense deformation of the composite. The fracture strain of the eutectic strongly depends on the yield point of the matrix, while the ultimate fracture stress varies but only slightly. Favorable morphology of silicon particles was determined which prevents early fracture of the eutectic.