bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Standards of Carburetor Performance
Authors: Berry O. C. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The type of test which a carburetor is most frequently given to establish its merit or lack of merit is carried out in the following manner: An engine in good mechanical condition is tested, using a carburetor which bears a high reputation. These tests are then repeated, using the new carburetor, and its merits are thus reported in terms of the comparative performances of the engine. The results of these tests are valuable and convincing, and while they will always be the final criterion of carburetor performance, they fall a little short of the ideal in that they fail to show the reasons for the differences. Several writers have recently pointed this out and suggested that the performance of a carburetor should also be expressed in terms of its ability to perform those functions which are essential to proper carburation. In order to do this it will be necessary to determine these essentials. Each function must then be studied to see when and how it operates, its comparative importance, and the conditions for the best results. This is a difficult task, but its accomplishment should prove of great benefit. In this paper a list of the essential factors, as now understood, has accordingly been made. Some experimental data are also presented which it is hoped will help to establish some of the standards of performance. These data cover the following points:
(a) The efficiency and power capacity of an engine as affected by the richness of the mixture
(b) The effect of the speed of an engine upon its mixture requirements
(c) The effect of the torque produced by the engine upon its mixture requirements
(d) The effect of the dryness of the mixture upon the mixture requirements, power and efficiency of the engine:
1 The heat for drying the mixture coming from the sensible heat in the air
2 The heat for drying the mixture coming from a “hot spot” in the intake manifold.
Further research is now under way which is expected to throw light on other phases of the problem.
The Design of Riveted Butt Joints
Authors: Adler Alphonse A. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In this paper Schwedler’s graphical method of designing riveted joints is analytically treated by the author, who states the fundamental assumptions employed and submits brief evidence for their justification.
A general equation is derived to determine the pitch in any row, and another to determine the efficiency in ideal cases. The design of cover plates is also considered.
Actual joints are calculated, using commercial dimensions, and the close agreement found between the ideal and calculated efficiencies seems to indicate that the scheme of analysis is consistent. The design of a quadruple-riveted joint furnishes the data for the single-, double- and triple-riveted joints by simply omitting the extra rows of rivets.
Common Errors in Designing and Machining Bearings
Authors: Bierbaum Christopher H. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
After presenting ten principles relating to the design, construction and operation of journal bearings, based on what is now known concerning the laws of lubrication, the author discusses among other things oil grooves and their proper distribution, the disadvantages of tight-fitting bushings, proper methods of finishing brasses to provide for expansion when running, and proper methods of clamping bearings during tooling. He then takes up the matter of the tools employed in machining bearings and shows by numerous photomicrographs of finished surfaces the importance of using sharp tools with the proper rake in order that the crystalline structure of the surface material of the bearing may not be so crushed and compacted that it will fail to function as a normal bearing alloy.
The Hvid Engine and its Relation to the Fuel Problem
Authors: Blakely E. B. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper describes a type of engine, the Hvid, which, it is claimed, has all the advantages and none of the disadvantages of the so-called Diesel type, and which is being produced in units as small as 1½ hp. It can be started cold, has no complicated air-compressor system, and is so economical that it can compete with gasoline engines of the same size. The author outlines the operation of the engine, describing in detail the suction, compression, power and exhaust strokes and presenting a series of indicator cards. Fuel consumption is shown by means of curves obtained as the results of tests performed. The paper concludes with a discussion of the heat balance and torque characteristics of the engine. It is not claimed that this motor has reached its ultimate state of development, but rather that it possesses certain characteristics which, in the author’s opinion, ought to attract many internal-combustion engineers by the possibilities they hold out of helping to solve some of the country’s fuel problems.
Modern Electric Furnace Practice as Related to Foundries in Particular
Authors: Moore W. E. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Since 1913 the number of electric furnaces employed in the steel industry in the United States and Canada has risen from 19 to 335, practically all of which are of the arc type.
After first giving particulars regarding the operation of acid and basic furnaces, the author enumerates the superior properties which have created the present demand for electric steel. He then points out the advantages of the electric furnace over the open-hearth furnaces in steel melting and states the features of the various classes of arc furnaces which have made that type practically supreme in its field.
Following this the crucible and converter processes are briefly described and it is shown how the acid type of furnace is the best for foundry work.
Comparative operating costs of producing liquid steel by the converter and electric-furnace processes are then given, which bring out the marked economy of the latter. The paper concludes with notes on the employment of the electric furnace in malleable-iron foundries and on the selection of the most suitable type of furnace for a given installation.
Thread Forms for Worms and Hobs
Authors: Waterman B. F. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The use of worm gearing is steadily increasing, and accompanying this increase, perhaps the cause of it, is a corresponding increase in efficiency and durability which is the result of a better understanding of both the theoretical and mechanical problems. This paper points out some of the problems involved and some of the mechanical difficulties in the use of worm gearing, for failure to take these problems and difficulties into consideration in the past has often led to the discrediting of this form of drive. It also suggests methods for bringing about a uniform and satisfactory practice in worm gearing.
Design of Porous Partition Elastomer Substrates for the Island–Bridge Structures in Stretchable Inorganic Electronics
Authors: Gao Hongwei , Li Jiaxin , Wang Zihao , Xue Zhaoguo , Meng Xianhong 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Stretchable inorganic electronics have been of growing interest over the past decades due to their various attractive potential applications. The island–bridge structure is the most widely used structural design, where rigid inorganic devices (islands) and interconnects (bridges) are attached to an elastomer substrate, and large deformations in the structure are accommodated by the large stretchability of the interconnects and the elastomer underneath them. Due to the large modulus mismatch of more than five orders of magnitude between the rigid island and elastomer substrate, there is a severe stress and strain concentration at the interface between the island and the substrate during large deformations, which may cause the interface fracture and delamination. In this work, the analytical solution of the interfacial shear and peel stress between the island and the substrate is derived to reveal the mechanism of interface fracture and agrees well with finite element analysis (FEA) results. A simple porous partition substrate design strategy is proposed to alleviate this stress and strain concentration at the boundary of the interface, where the porous region can undergo larger deformation due to the reduced stiffness of the material. FEA obtains the key parameters affecting the pore layout. The digital image correlation (DIC) experiment verifies the design strategy. The results show that, compared to the solid substrate, the porous partition substrate strategy can significantly reduce the maximum normal strain of the substrate around the island, thus effectively reducing the risk of structural interface failure.
Accounting for Machine Learning Prediction Errors in Design
Authors: Du Xiaoping 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Machine learning is gaining prominence in mechanical design, offering cost-effective surrogate models to replace computationally expensive models. Nevertheless, concerns persist regarding the accuracy of these models, especially when applied to safety-critical products. To address this challenge, this study investigates methods to account for model prediction errors by incorporating epistemic uncertainty within surrogate models while managing aleatory uncertainty in input variables. The paper clarifies key aspects of modeling coupled epistemic and aleatory uncertainty when using surrogate models derived from noise-free training data. Specifically, the study concentrates on quantifying the impacts of coupled uncertainty in mechanical design through the development of numerical methods based on the concept of the most probable point. This method is particularly relevant for mechanical component design, where failure prevention holds paramount importance, and the probability of failure is low. It is applicable to design problems characterized by probability distributions governing aleatory and epistemic uncertainties in model inputs and predictions. The proposed method is demonstrated using shaft and beam designs as two illustrative examples. The results demonstrate the method's effectiveness in quantifying and mitigating the influence of coupled uncertainty in the design process.
A Continuously Variable Transmission-Based Variable Stiffness Actuator for pHRI: Design Optimization and Performance Verification
Authors: Mobedi Emir , Can Dede Mehmet İsmet 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Physical human–robot interfaces (pHRIs) enabled the robots to work alongside the human workers complying with the regulations set for physical human–robot interaction systems. A variety of actuation systems named variable stiffness/impedance actuators (VSAs) are configured to be used in these systems’ design. Recently, we introduced a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) mechanism as an alternative solution in configuring VSAs for pHRI. The optimization of this CVT has significant importance to enhance its application area and to detect the limitations of the system. Thus, in this paper, we present a design optimization approach (an adjustment strategy) for this system based on the design goals, desired force, and minimization of the size of the system. To implement such design goals, the static force analysis of the CVT is performed and validated. Furthermore, the fabrication of the optimized prototype is presented, and the experimental verification is performed considering the requirements of VSAs: independent position and stiffness variation, and shock absorbing. Finally, the system is calibrated to display 6 N continuous output force throughout its transmission variation range.
Advances in the cellular biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology of acidocalcisomes
Authors: Docampo Roberto 
Published: December 2023

SUMMARY

Acidocalcisomes are organelles conserved during evolution and closely related to the so-called volutin granules of bacteria and archaea, to the acidocalcisome-like vacuoles of yeasts, and to the lysosome-related organelles of animal species. All these organelles have in common their acidity and high content of polyphosphate and calcium. They are characterized by a variety of functions from storage of phosphorus and calcium to roles in Ca
2+
signaling, osmoregulation, blood coagulation, and inflammation. They interact with other organelles through membrane contact sites or by fusion, and have several enzymes, pumps, transporters, and channels.
Complete m6A and m4C methylomes for group B streptococcal clinical isolates CJB111, A909, COH1, and NEM316
Authors: Manzer Haider S. , Doran Kelly S. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Group B
Streptococcus
(GBS) is known to colonize the female reproductive tract and causes adverse pregnancy outcomes and neonatal disease. DNA methylation is a common mechanism for both phage defense and transcriptional regulation. Here, we report the m6A and m4C methylomes of four clinical GBS isolates, CJB111, A909, COH1, and NEM316.
Antipsychotic quetiapine alters the mouse fecal resistome by impacting antibiotic efflux, cell membrane, and cell wall synthesis genes
Authors: Kyono Yasuhiro , Magboo Jonathan D. , Daley Elizabeth A. , Flowers Stephanie A. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

The understanding of the antimicrobial activities of non-antibiotic pharmaceuticals is evolving, with growing interest in their implications for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in gut bacteria. Quetiapine, a frequently prescribed second-generation antipsychotic (SGA), is relevant in this context. While previous studies indicate quetiapine’s role in AMR development
in vitro
, the specific mechanisms and impacts remain undefined. We aim to elucidate quetiapine’s effects on the gut resistome in C57BL/6NHsd male and female mice. Over 12 weeks, mice received quetiapine in their drinking water. We longitudinally analyzed the fecal resistome, contrasting it with a control group receiving regular water. Recognizing AMR genes’ minute presence in metagenomes, we adopted a hybrid capture method to examine AMR genes’ longitudinal trends, correlating them with 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) sequencing data and validating with qPCR. We also evaluated the minimal inhibitory concentrations for
Escherichia coli
exposed to quetiapine
in vitro
and
Escherichia
species cultured from experimental mouse stool. Quetiapine exposure led to a pronounced increase in the relative abundance of certain AMR gene families within the mouse fecal resistome, notably those linked to antibiotic efflux, phosphoethanolamine transferases, and undecaprenyl pyrophosphate-related proteins.
Escherichia
isolates from quetiapine-exposed mice showed significantly reduced colistin sensitivity compared to isolates from control mice. Our findings mark the first evidence that quetiapine, and potentially other SGAs, may influence AMR evolution in complex
in vivo
microbial communities. This highlights the need for continued investigation into how medications impact the gut resistome, guiding improved clinical practices and antimicrobial stewardship.

IMPORTANCE
This study significantly contributes to our understanding of how certain medications can unintentionally contribute to a major global health issue, i.e., antibiotic resistance. Quetiapine, a widely used antipsychotic medication, was found to increase key resistance mechanisms of gut bacteria to antibiotics in mice. Specifically, these data suggest that quetiapine may target elements of the bacterial cell membrane. If similar effects are found in humans, this medicine could unexpectedly make it harder to treat certain infections. This research emphasizes the importance of being mindful about not just antibiotics themselves, but also about other medications that could inadvertently contribute to this problem. Ultimately, these findings underline the necessity for more in-depth research on the broader impact of pharmaceuticals.
Effect of the Tool Path on Hardness Uniformity in an Annular Zone of X20Cr13 Steel Surface-Hardened by Friction Stir Processing
Authors: Kuznetsov V. P. , Skorobogatov A. S. , Kolubaev E. A. , Dmitriev A. I. , Smolin I. Yu. , Voropaev V. V. , Vorontsov I. A. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper presents the numerical and experimental results of hardening of an annular zone on the flat surface of an X20Cr13 steel specimen by friction stir processing (FSP) with a WC-Co hard alloy tool moving along circular and fan-shaped paths. A finite element model of the process is proposed for predicting the temperature distribution through the width and depth of the annular zone for the considered tool paths and for detecting the reverse tempering regions. The influence of the paths of a cylindrical friction stir tool with a flat end on microhardness distribution in the surface layer of the hardened zone was studied experimentally. It was shown that FSP along the fan-shaped path provides uniform hardening of the annular zone, while processing along the circular trajectory leads to softening of the material in the regions where the friction tracks overlap. The uniformity of surface hardness in the friction stir processed annular zone of X20Cr13 steel was evaluated by calculating the “covering uniformity” (CU) index proposed by Campana. The hardening behavior is in full agreement with the results of finite element simulation of the FSP process. Hardness measurements and microstructural studies showed that the fan-shaped tool path provides surface layer hardening to a depth of 400 μm with the CU index ranging from 0.78 to 1.00. In the case of the circular path, the CU index ranges from 0.48 to 0.72 at the same depth. The proposed research methods can be applied to evaluate the FSP efficiency when using other workpiece and tool materials.
Geospatial mapping of 2-hour access to timely essential surgery in the Philippines
Authors: Lim Xuxin , Ayyappan Madhumitha , Zaw Ma Wai Wai , Mandyam Nikita Kanumoory , Chia Hui Xiang , Lucero-Prisno Don Eliseo 
Published: December 2023

ObjectivesTimely access to safe and affordable surgery is essential for universal health coverage. To date, there are no studies evaluating 2-hour access to Bellwether procedures (caesarean section, laparotomy, open fracture management) in the Philippines. The objectives of this study were to measure the proportion of the population able to reach a Bellwether hospital within 2 hours in the Philippines and to identify areas in the country with the most surgically underserved populations.MethodsAll public hospitals with Bellwether capacities were identified from the Philippines Ministry of Health website. The service area tool in ArcGIS Pro was used to determine the population within a 2-hour drive time of a Bellwether facility. Finally, suitability modelling was conducted to identify potential future sites for a surgical facility that targets the most underserved regions in the Philippines.Results428 Bellwether capable hospitals were identified. 85.1% of the population lived within 2 hours of one of these facilities. However, 6 regions had less than 80% of its population living within 2 hours of a Bellwether capable facility: Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga, Autonomous region of Muslim Mindanao, Caraga and Mimaropa. Suitability analysis identified four regions—Caraga, Mimaropa, Calabarzon and Zamboanga—as ideal locations to build a new hospital with surgical capacity to improve access rates.Conclusion85.1% of the population of the Philippines are able to reach Bellwether capable hospitals within 2 hours, with regional disparities in terms of access rates. However, other factors such as weather, traffic conditions, financial access, availability of 24-hour surgical services and access to motorised vehicles should also be taken into consideration, as they also affect actual access rates.
Inhaled beclomethasone in the treatment of early COVID-19: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised, hospital-based trial in Sri Lanka
Authors: Mettananda Chamila , Peiris Chathura , Abeyrathna Dharani , Gunasekara Aloka , Egodage Thimira , Dantanarayana Channaka , Pathmeswaran Arunasalam , Ranasinha Channa 
Published: December 2023

ObjectivesTo study if early initiation of inhaled beclomethasone 1200 mcg in patients with asymptomatic, mild or moderate COVID-19 reduces disease progression to severe COVID-19.DesignDouble-blinded, parallel-groups, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.SettingA hospital-based study in Sri Lanka.ParticipantsAdults with asymptomatic, mild or moderate COVID-19, presenting within the first 7 days of symptom onset or laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19, admitted to a COVID-19 intermediate treatment centre in Sri Lanka between July and November 2021.InterventionsAll participants received inhaled beclomethasone 600 mcg or placebo two times per day, for 10 days from onset of symptoms/COVID-19 test becoming positive if asymptomatic or until reaching primary endpoint, whichever is earlier.Primary outcome measureProgression of asymptomatic, mild or moderate COVID-19 to severe COVID-19.Secondary outcome measuresThe number of days with a temperature of 38°C or more and the time to self-reported clinical recovery.ResultsA total of 385 participants were randomised to receive beclomethasone(n=193) or placebo(n=192) stratified by age (≤60 or >60 years) and sex. One participant from each arm withdrew from the study. All participants were included in final analysis. Primary outcome occurred in 24 participants in the beclomethasone group and 26 participants in the placebo group (RR 0.90 ; p=0.763). The median time for self-reported clinical recovery in all participants was 5 days (95% CI 3 to 7) in the beclomethasone group and 5 days (95% CI 3 to 8) in the placebo group (p=0.5). The median time for self-reported clinical recovery in patients with moderate COVID-19 was 5 days (95% CI 3 to 7) in the beclomethasone group and 6 days (95% CI 4 to 9) in the placebo group (p=0.05). There were no adverse events.ConclusionsEarly initiation of inhaled beclomethasone in patients with asymptomatic, mild or moderate COVID-19 did not reduce disease progression to severe COVID-19.Trial registration numberSri Lanka Clinical Trials Registry; SLCTR/2021/017.
Study protocol for a single-blind, parallel-group, randomised, controlled non-inferiority trial of 4-day intensive versus standard cognitive behavioural therapy for adults with obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Ivanova Ekaterina , Fondberg Robin , Flygare Oskar , Sannemalm Max , Asplund Sofia , Dahlén Sofia , Sampaio Filipa , Andersson Erik , Mataix-Cols David , Ivanov Volen Z , Rück Christian 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionIndividual cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention is an effective treatment for obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). However, individual CBT is costly and time-consuming, requiring weekly therapy sessions for 3–4 months. A 4-day intensive version of CBT for OCD delivered in group format has been recently developed in Norway (Bergen 4-day treatment, B4DT). B4DT has shown promising results in several uncontrolled and one small, randomised trial, but its non-inferiority to the gold standard treatment has not been established.Methods and analysisThis single-blind, randomised controlled trial including 120 patients (60 per arm) will compare B4DT to individual CBT. The primary outcome is the blind assessor-rated Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). We hypothesise that B4DT will be non-inferior to gold standard CBT 15 weeks after treatment start. The non-inferiority margin is set at four points on the Y-BOCS. Secondary outcomes include time to treatment response, cost-effectiveness, response and remission rates, drop-out rates and adverse events.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority. Hypotheses were specified and analysis code published before data collection started. Results from all analyses will be reported in accordance with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement for non-pharmacological trials and Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards irrespective of outcome.Trial registration numberNCT05608278.