bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Economy of Certain Arizona Steam-Electric Power Plants Using Oil Fuel
Authors: Weymouth C. R. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In certain steam-electric power plants the combination of load factor and high fuel cost not only necessitates but also makes possible the attainment of high economies in operation. These particular conditions exist in three Arizona plants known and located as follows: Inspiration Consolidated Copper Company, Inspiration, Ariz.; New Cornelia Copper Company, Ajo, Ariz. and Arizona Power Company, Clarkdale, Ariz. All of these plants embody many similar features and in this paper the author discusses the economy of operation of each. Tables and curves of operating characteristics are also given and these show that the best economy per bbl. of oil obtained at the Inspiration Plant was 294.5 kw-hr., at the New Cornelia Plant 326.2 kw-hr., and at the Arizona plant 333.3 kw-hr. All these values were obtained during the winter months when conditions were most favorable. The paper concludes with a section dealing with the personnel responsible for the installations.
Reliability of Materials and Mechanism of Fractures
Authors: de Freminville Charles 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
It is a common experience that the behavior of materials in practice does not always agree with their behavior under test; designs worked out from data secured from test pieces have not always proved satisfactory, and actual machines have had to be modified from the experience of practice. The differences between test predictions and actual results are set forth in the following paper, and it is shown that the reasons for the discrepancy between test and actual conditions can be determined by an analysis of the mechanism of fractures of the test pieces and of actual specimens. Such an analysis reveals the fact that the mechanism of the fracture follows certain laws which can be formulated. The paper also deals with methods of designing members so that stresses in them do not conflict with the laws of mechanism of fracture. Pieces can be so designed and so assembled that the stresses in them largely avoid the conditions of fracture, and it is significant that when such design and assembling is carried out, the behavior of the actual machines is much more similar to the behavior of the test pieces themselves.
Scientific Development of the Steam Locomotive
Authors: Muhlfeld John E. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The future of the steam locomotive has been a topic for frequent discussion, particularly since the electrification of the main line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad through the city of Baltimore in 1895.
Little attention was given to improving its efficiency until the tunnel, bridge and track-clearance and weight limitations and the rising costs for fuel and labor made it necessary to find means to increase capacity and economy, since which time the compound, Mallet articulated, and superheated-steam types of locomotives have been generally adopted, although the working steam pressures, due to the continuation of the existing locomotive type of boiler, have remained relatively low, with a few extreme cases of from 225 to 250 lb.
In this paper the author discusses at length the scientific factors that have been considered in the design and development of a new, high-powered freight locomotive for the purpose of substantially increasing the average thermal efficiency, as well as the maximum and sustained drawbar pull and horsepower per unit of weight, all of which are now limited by the capacity of the generally adopted boiler superheater.
Development of a Novel Compact Robotic Exoskeleton Glove With Reinforcement Learning Control
Authors: Xu Wenda , Guo Yunfei , Liu Yujiong , Ben-Tzvi Pinhas 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper presents the design, optimization, control, and experimental evaluation of a novel compact exoskeleton glove aiming to assist patients with brachial plexus injuries in grasping daily used objects. The finger mechanism is based on a rigid coupling hybrid mechanism concept, which utilizes a serially connected rack-and-pinion mechanism and an offset slider-crank mechanism to couple the motions of different finger joints. The glove dimensions are synthesized based on the natural grasping motion of human hands. To better control the glove and enhance the grasping capabilities, a simulation environment was developed and reinforcement learning techniques were applied. This learning-based control trained an agent to perform different grasp types with appropriate force. The trained agent was then applied in real-world experiments with the developed exoskeleton glove. The results validated the effectiveness of the mechanical design and the real-time self-adjustable control policy, which demonstrated the glove’s functionality and capability to grasp various objects relevant to activities of daily living.
Data and Knowledge for Overtaking Scenarios in Autonomous Driving
Authors: Pinto Mariana , Dutra Inês , Fonseca Joaquim 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Autonomous driving has become one of the most popular research topics within artificial intelligence. An autonomous vehicle is understood as a system that combines perception, decision-making, planning, and control. All of those tasks require that the vehicle collects surrounding data in order to make a good decision and action. In particular, the overtaking manoeuvre is one of the most critical actions of driving. The process involves lane changes, acceleration and deceleration actions, and estimation of the speed and distance of the vehicle in front or in the lane in which it is moving. Despite the amount of work available in the literature, just a few handle overtaking manoeuvres and, because overtaking can be risky, no real-world dataset is available. This work contributes in this area by presenting a new synthetic dataset whose focus is the overtaking manoeuvre. We start by performing a review of the state of the art in autonomous driving and then explore the main datasets found in the literature (public and private, synthetic and real), highlighting their limitations, and suggesting a new set of features whose focus is the overtaking manoeuvre.
Distribution characteristics of the
Legionella
CRISPR-Cas system and its regulatory mechanism underpinning phenotypic function
Authors: Xu Pei-Xing , Ren Hong-Yu , Zhao Na , Jin Xiao-Jing , Wen Bo-Hai , Qin Tian 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Legionella
is a common intracellular parasitic bacterium that infects humans via the respiratory tract, causing Legionnaires’ disease, with fever and pneumonia as the main symptoms. The emergence of highly virulent and azithromycin-resistant
Legionella pneumophila
is a major challenge in clinical anti-infective therapy. The CRISPR-Cas acquired immune system provides immune defense against foreign nucleic acids and regulates strain biological functions. However, the distribution of the CRISPR-Cas system in
Legionella
and how it regulates gene expression in
L. pneumophila
remain unclear. Herein, we assessed 915
Legionella
whole-genome sequences to determine the distribution characteristics of the CRISPR-Cas system and constructed gene deletion mutants to explore the regulation of the system based on growth ability
in vitro
, antibiotic sensitivity, and intracellular proliferation of
L. pneumophila
. The CRISPR-Cas system in
Legionella
was predominantly Type II-B and was mainly concentrated in the genome of
L. pneumophila
ST1 strains. The Type II-B CRISPR-Cas system showed no effect on the strain’s growth ability
in vitro
but significantly reduced resistance to azithromycin and decreased proliferation ability due to regulation of the
lpeAB
efflux pump and the Dot/Icm type IV secretion system. Thus, the Type II-B CRISPR-Cas system plays a crucial role in regulating the virulence of
L. pneumophila
. This expands our understanding of drug resistance and pathogenicity in
Legionella
, provides a scientific basis for the prevention of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks and the rational use of clinical drugs, and facilitates effective treatment of Legionnaires’ disease.
Rapid turnover and short-term blooms of
Escherichia coli
in the human gut
Authors: Han Na , Peng Xianhui , Zhang Tingting , Qiang Yujun , Li Xiuwen , Zhang Wen 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Escherichia coli (E. coli
) is a common microorganism that is widely present in the environment and closely related to human health. The extent of
E. coli
presence in the human gut has been a subject of ongoing debate. Through whole-genome shotgun metagenomic sequencing, our study revealed that
E. coli
exists in the human body at a low abundance (average abundance 1.21%), with occasional short-term bursts leading to temporary increases in abundance, with the highest recorded at 50.91%. Further investigations into the factors contributing to these short-term blooms of
E. coli
showed significant variations in strain types and genomes within fecal samples collected from the same individuals at different time points. Evolutionary tree analysis indicated that samples from different individuals crossed, suggesting a change in the dominant
E. coli
strains within the human gut. Therefore, it can be inferred that
E. coli
in the human body are more likely to be transient bacteria rather than permanent residents in the gut. The rapid rate of turnover among months (87.5% within a month) and short-term blooms of
E. coli
in the human body can establish "latent infections" of nonpathogenic strains in healthy individuals while also posing a potential risk of introducing pathogenic strains, thereby impacting human health. In summary, our study revealed the variation in
E. coli
abundance and strains within the human gut, influenced by geographic area and temporal factors. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between
E. coli
, the gut microbiota, and human health.

IMPORTANCE

Escherichia coli (E. coli
) is a microorganism closely linked to human health, and its presence in the human gut has been a topic of debate. Our study, using whole-genome shotgun metagenomic sequencing, revealed that
E. coli
exists at a low abundance in the human body, with occasional short-term bursts leading to temporary increases. Strain and genome variations were observed within fecal samples from the same individuals at different time points, suggesting transient rather than permanent residence of
E. coli
in the gut. The rapid turnover rate and short-term blooms of
E. coli
can establish latent infections while also posing a risk of introducing pathogenic strains. These findings enhance our understanding of the relationship between
E. coli
, the gut microbiota, and human health.
Detection of
Histoplasma capsulatum
and
Blastomyces dermatitidis
antigens in serum using a single quantitative enzyme immunoassay
Authors: Granger Dane , Streck Nicholas T. , Theel Elitza S. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Histoplasma
and
Blastomyces
antigen detection assays are commonly used diagnostic tools. However, a high level of cross-reactivity between these antigens prevents definitive pathogen identification by these assays alone. Retrospective analysis of 3,529 patients with
Histoplasma
and
Blastomyces
antigen testing performed on the same serum sample yielded an overall percent agreement of 99.3% (3,506 of 3,529; kappa: 0.859) between the two assays, suggesting that use of a single assay to detect both antigens may be an alternative diagnostic approach. We assessed performance of the Gotham BioTech
Blastomyces
antigen (GBA) enzyme immunoassay (EIA) (Portland, Maine) for detection of
Blastomyces
and
Histoplasma
antigens in serum. Comparison to the MiraVista Diagnostics
Blastomyces
(MVB) EIA showed 100% positive (24 of 24), negative (57 of 57), and overall (81 of 81) percent agreement. Additionally, 171 sera were used to compare the GBA EIA to the MiraVista Diagnostics
Histoplasma
(MVH) EIA, which showed 91.3% (63 of 69), 98% (100 of 102), and 95.3% (163 of 171) positive, negative, and overall percent agreement, respectively. Among eight patients with discordant GBA/MVH EIA results, seven had additional fungal testing performed, and results suggested that the MVH and GBA results were inaccurate for two and five samples, respectively. Overall, this study suggests that the GBA EIA has a high level of agreement with both of the commonly used, individual
Blastomyces
and
Histoplasma
antigen EIAs. By taking advantage of the high level of cross-reactivity between
Blastomyces
and
Histoplasma
antigen EIAs, utilization of a single antigen detection assay for these fungi provides an opportunity to optimize test utilization and decrease patient cost while maintaining a high level of diagnostic accuracy.
Filtration effect of
Cordyceps chanhua
mycoderm on bacteria and its transport function on nitrogen
Authors: Hu Gongping , Zhou Yeming , Mou Dan , Qu Jiaojiao , Luo Li , Duan Lin , Xu Zhongshun , Zou Xiao 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Cordyceps chanhua
is a kind of entomopathogenic fungus that has a long medicinal history in traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of
C. chanhua
mycoderm. Our results showed that
C. chanhua
mycoderm has a certain ability to transfer nitrogen, which can transfer nitrogen from the insect body to the external environment and transfer nitrogen from the environment to
C. chanhua
. By studying the filtration of bacterial mycoderm, it was found that the mycoderm of
C. chanhua
was able to filter out most of the bacteria in the environment. Using the high-throughput sequencing methods, we found that the abundance of bacterial community first increased and then decreased during the growth and development of
C. chanhua
. The bacterial richness and diversity of mycoderm of
C. chanhua
cultivated in sterile glass bottles were significantly lower than those cultivated in soil mulching. In addition, this study also found that the mycoderm of
C. chanhua
formed under both soil mulching cultivation and sterile glass bottle cultivation was hydrophobic. The mycoderm of
C. chanhua
, which occurred under sterile glass bottle cultivation, was closely and orderly arranged, while the mycoderm of
C. chanhua
cultivated in soil was quite the opposite. The density and thickness of the
C. chanhua
membrane in aseptic glass bottle culture were higher than those in soil-covered culture, but the dry/fresh weight was lower than those in soil-covered culture.

IMPORTANCE

During the natural growth of
Cordyceps chanhua
, it will form a mycoderm structure specialized from hyphae. We found that the bacterial membrane of
C. chanhua
not only filters environmental bacteria but also absorbs and transports nitrogen elements inside and outside the body of
C. chanhua
. These findings are of great significance for understanding the stable mechanism of the internal microbial community maintained by
C. chanhua
and how
C. chanhua
maintains its own nutritional balance. In addition, this study also enriched our understanding of the differences in bacterial community composition and related bacterial community functions of
C. chanhua
at different growth stages, which is of great value for understanding the environmental adaptation mechanism, the element distribution network, and the changing process of symbiotic microbial system after
Cordyceps
fungi infected the host. At the same time, it can also provide a theoretical basis for some important ecological imitation cultivation technology of
Cordyceps
fungi.
Detecting horizontal gene transfer among microbiota: an innovative pipeline for identifying co-shared genes within the mobilome through advanced comparative analysis
Authors: Schwarzerova Jana , Zeman Michal , Babak Vladimir , Jureckova Katerina , Nykrynova Marketa , Varga Margaret , Weckwerth Wolfram , Dolejska Monika , Provaznik Valentine , Rychlik Ivan , Cejkova Darina 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

The study presents an innovative pipeline for detecting horizontal gene transfer (HGT) among a collection of sequenced genomes from gut microbiota. Herein, chicken and porcine gut microbiota were analyzed. Based on statistical analysis, we propose that nearly identical genes co-shared between distinct genera can be evidence for a previous event of mobilization of that gene from genome to genome
via
HGT. Data mining, computational analysis, and network analysis were used to investigate genomes of 452 isolates of chicken or porcine origin to detect genes involved in HGT. The proposed pipeline is user-friendly and includes network visualization. The study highlights that different species and strains of the same genera typically carry different cargo of mobilized genes. The pipeline is capable of identifying not yet characterized genes, as well as genes that are usually co-transferred with genes involved in resistance, virulence, and/or mobilization. Among the analyzed genome collection, the main reservoirs of the HGT genes were found in
Phocaeicola
spp. (
Bacteroidaceae
) and UBA9475 spp. (early
Pseudoflavonifractor
,
Oscillospiraceae
). Altogether, over 6,000 genes suspected of HGT were identified. Genes associated with intracellular trafficking and secretion and DNA repair were enriched, while genes of unknown and general functions were dominant but not enriched. Only 15 genes were co-shared between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, mostly genes directly associated with mobilome or antibiotic resistance. However, most HGTs were identified among different genera of the same phylum. Therefore, we suggest that a significant selection pressure exists on gene variants at the phylum level.

IMPORTANCE

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a key driver in the evolution of bacterial genomes. The acquisition of genes mediated by HGT may enable bacteria to adapt to ever-changing environmental conditions. Long-term application of antibiotics in intensive agriculture is associated with the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes among bacteria with the consequences causing public health concern. Commensal farm-animal-associated gut microbiota are considered the reservoir of the resistance genes. Therefore, in this study, we identified known and not-yet characterized mobilized genes originating from chicken and porcine fecal samples using our innovative pipeline followed by network analysis to provide appropriate visualization to support proper interpretation.
Trend, regional variation and socioeconomic inequality in cardiovascular disease among the elderly population in China: evidence from a nationwide longitudinal study during 2011–2018
Authors: Wu Qiong , Zhao Yang , Liu Lihua , Liu Yuehui , Liu Jianchao 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionCardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to pose a significant burden among the elderly population in China. There is a knowledge gap in the temporal trends, regional variations and socioeconomic inequalities among this vulnerable population.MethodsThis study conducted cross-sectional and cohort analyses based on four survey waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study among adults aged ≥60 years spanning 2011–2018 across 28 provinces. Cross-sectional analyses examined temporal trends, regional variations and socioeconomic inequalities in CVD prevalence. Cohort analyses identified individuals without CVD in 2011 and followed them up until 2018 to calculate CVD incidence. Generalised estimating equations (GEE) were employed to identify associated factors.ResultsA total of 5451, 7258, 8820 and 11 393 participants were eligible for cross-sectional analyses, and 4392 and 5396 participants were included in cohort analyses of CVD and comorbid CVD. In 2018, the age-adjusted and sex-adjusted prevalence of CVD and comorbid CVD was 31.21% (95% CI 27.25% to 35.17%) and 3.83% (95% CI 2.85% to 4.81%), respectively. Trend analyses revealed a significant increase in the adjusted prevalence from 2011 to 2018 (p for trend <0.001). There were substantial provincial variations in the adjusted prevalence of CVD and comorbid CVD. Higher socioeconomic status (SES) participants exhibited higher prevalence, and the concentration curves and concentration indices suggested persistent but narrowing inequalities in CVD and comorbid CVD across survey waves. Cohort analyses from 2011 to 2018 yielded overall CVD and comorbid CVD incidence densities of 17.96 and 2.65 per 1000 person-years, respectively. GEE results indicated increased CVD risks among older individuals, women, higher SES participants and northern residents.ConclusionMore efforts should be taken to optimise strategies for high-quality CVD prevention and management in China’s elderly population. Future interventions and policies should address age-specific and gender-specific, geographical, and socioeconomic disparities to ensure equitable access and outcomes for all.
Phase 2 trial of a DNA vaccine (pTVG-HP) and nivolumab in patients with castration-sensitive non-metastatic (M0) prostate cancer
Authors: McNeel Douglas G , Emamekhoo Hamid , Eickhoff Jens C , Kyriakopoulos Christos E , Wargowski Ellen , Tonelli Tommaso P , Johnson Laura E , Liu Glenn 
Published: December 2023

PurposeWe have previously reported that a plasmid DNA vaccine encoding prostatic acid phosphatase (pTVG-HP) had greater clinical activity when given in combination with pembrolizumab to patients with metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer. The current trial was conducted to evaluate vaccination with PD-1 blockade, using nivolumab, in patients with early, recurrent (M0) prostate cancer.MethodsPatients with M0 prostate cancer were treated with pTVG-HP (100 µg administered intradermally) and nivolumab (240 mg intravenous infusion) every 2 weeks for 3 months, and then every 4 weeks for 1 year of total treatment. Patients were then followed for an additional year off treatment. The primary objectives were safety and complete prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response (PSA<0.2 ng/mL).Results19 patients were enrolled. No patients met the primary endpoint of complete PSA response; however, 4/19 (21%) patients had a PSA decline >50%. Median PSA doubling times were 5.9 months pretreatment, 25.6 months on-treatment (p=0.001), and 9.0 months in the subsequent year off-treatment. The overall median radiographic progression-free survival was not reached. Grade 3 or 4 events included adrenal insufficiency, fatigue, lymphopenia, and increased amylase/lipase. 9/19 (47%) patients developed immune-related adverse effects (irAE). The development of irAE and increased CXCL9 were associated with increased PSA doubling time. Quantitative NaF PET/CT imaging showed the resolution of subclinical lesions along with the development of new lesions at each time point.ConclusionsIn this population, combining nivolumab with pTVG-HP vaccination was safe, and immunologically active, prolonged the time to disease progression, but did not eradicate disease. Quantitative imaging suggested that additional treatments targeting mechanisms of resistance may be required to eliminate tumors.Trial registration numberNCT03600350.