Showing papers by "University of Bedfordshire published in 1984"

Mapping by monoclonal antibody detection of glycosaminoglycans in connective tissues

Abstract: Chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans are widespread connective tissue components1–4 and chemical analysis of cartilage and other proteoglycans has demonstrated molecular speciation involving the degree and position of sulphation of the carbohydrate chains5,6. This may, in turn, affect the properties of the glycpsaminoglycan (GAG), particularly with respect to self-association and interactions with other extracellular matrix components6,7. Interactions with specific molecules from different connective tissue types, such as the collagens8,9 and their associated glycoproteins10,11, could be favoured by particular charge organizations on the GAG molecule endowed by the sulphate groups. So far, it has not been possible to identify and map chondroitins of differing sulphation in tissues, but we have now raised three monoclonal antibodies which specifically recognize unsulphated, 4-sulphated and 6-sulphated chondroitin and dermatan sulphate. These provide novel opportunities to study the in vivo distribution of chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans. We demonstrate that chondroitin sulphates exhibit remarkable connective tissue specificity and furthermore provide evidence that some proteoglycans may predominantly carry only one type of chondroitin sulphate chain.

Diffusion Properties of Salt and Acetic Acid into Herring and Their Subsequent Effect on the Muscle Tissue

Abstract: The diffusion of sodium chloride and acetic acid into herring muscle and their subsequent effects on the myotibrillar proteins were studied at different temperatures and fish:cure ratios. Acid was found to penetrate tissue more quickly than salt. The acid and salt cause an initial “hardening” of the tissue, the extent of which is proportional to the concentration of each, but it is considered that the resultant fall in pH activates muscle cathepsins. SDS PAGE indicated that proteolysis of the myosin heavy chains was concomitant with subsequent tissue softening. Electron microscopy detected little disintegration of myofilaments, but extensive break-up of Z-lines.

Roof space ventilation

Abstract: ® A tiling member (1) used in the ventilation of a pitched roof space at high level is adapted to rest on, and extend transversely of, the upper surface of at least one roofing tile and has an upper wall portion (2) for supporting at least a portion of a longitudinal side edge of a ridge tile, an elongate ventilation area comprising a plurality of ventilation apertures (7), extending transversely of the roofing tile when the tiling member (1) is rested thereon, a baffle (8) depending from the upper wall portion (2) behind the ventilation apertures (7) and a ventilation opening (12) behind the baffle (8) When a plurality of such tiling members (1 ) are incorporated into a tiled pitched-roof structure with the longitudinal edges of the ridge tiles supported on the upper wall portions (2), a flow of air passes from the roof space through the ventilation openings (12) into the tiling members (1) around the baffles (8) and out through the ventilation apertures (7)

In urgent need of protection—habitat for the woolly spider monkey

Abstract: Brazil has more primate species than any other country in the world but large-scale deforestation for agriculture and industry has brought an estimated 22 species to the verge of extinction Nowhere is this habitat destruction more evident than in Brazil's Atlantic forest ecosystem Although originally extending along the entire length of the eastern coastline, today only small isolated tracts of primary forest remain In 1983 the authors, aided by an Oryx 100% Fund grant of £200, carried out a vegetation and habitat survey in the forest of Fazenda Montes Claros, one of the last remaining refuges for the woolly spider monkey Brachyteles arachnoids The 47 individuals within the forest form the largest single breeding population in the world today Rapid and effective action is required to secure this habitat if there is to be any hope of saving this primate from extinction

A Multiple Regression Model for the Respiratory Activity of Soil Nematodes

Abstract: On four dates (P) within one year, nematodes were extracted from soil samples taken from deciduous woodland. The respiratory rates (R) of nematodes of seven size classes (W) were measured at six temperatures (T), at three soil moisture levels (C) and on four different days (D) following their extraction from the soil. The results from the 288 combinations of experimental conditions for each size class were used to produce a multiple regression model, including 12 significant partial coefficients, by a stepdown elimination procedure. The model indicates that: the value of the regression coefficient 'b' between respiratory rate and nematode weight, is temperature dependent; the respiratory rate of nematodes shows temperature acclimation during the year which makes reliance upon temperature corrections from Krogh's normal curve undesirable; it is important to measure nematodes' respiratory rates immediately following their extraction; the respiratory rate of nematodes is related to soil moisture levels implying that caution must be exercised in the use of respiratory data based upon free swimming nematodes.

Bearing and seal assembly

Abstract: A bearing and seal assembly in which the seal has an outer casing formed with claws which are engaged in an annular groove in the outer periphery of the outer bearing ring, and a resilient annular lip or washer compressed between the outer casing and the adjacent side wall of the bearing ring and urging the outer casing away from the bearing ring, so as to engage the claws as a tight fit against a side wall of the annular groove. In one embodiment, the outer casing of the seal is made of resilient material and the annular lip is formed integral with the casing. In another embodiment, a non-planar washer of resilient material is compressed between a step on the outer casing and the adjacent side wall of the outer bearing ring.

Apparatus for the mechanical treatment of food product

Abstract: An oscillating deck for treatment of a product such as peanuts is mounted on a main frame by air mounts. The deck is driven in linear oscillation by a pair of vibration motors. The deck supports a cascade of conveying surfaces which deliver the product to treatment stages such as rollers and debris removal devices; the treatment stages being mounted independently of the deck.

Challenge, Change and Commitment

Abstract: The author illustrates the challenges which he has faced in many changes of function and responsibilities. In doing so, he relates them in a way which highlights many fundamental operating and engineering truths. He hopes they will be recognized by younger Engineers making their way in engineering, and adopted by them as part of their engineering education.Finally he lends support to the President's initiative to the Institution and its members to play a leading part in the turn round of the engineering industry. To this end he challenges Automobile Division members to commit themselves to the Institution and to adopt a theme for personal action during his year in office: ‘Resolve your Problems’

Fitness for Purpose

Abstract: This paper discusses, against the background of my own experience, the education and initial training of the mechanical engineer. It draws a parallel between the engineer and his product, the engineer himself being the product of his education, training and work experience. I t suggests that fitness for intended purpose starts with a specification of that purpose, both for the engineer and for his product, and that the specification of the mechanical engineer is itself subject to rapid evolution. The working environment and the consequent qualities required of the professional mechanical engineer have changed significantly in the two generations since I started my engineering education. They are still changing and the rate of change is increasing. It is increasingly difficult even to describe the typical mechanical cngineer of today, let alone to look the ten years ahead which is the minimum time-span needed for any forward planning of educational policy. Nevertheless the task must be attempted. Even without an agreed definition it is clear that whatever it is that we mean by mechanical engineering lies at the vcry core of the process of converting ideas into viable products and processes, and its skilled practitioners will continue to be crucial to the successful engineering business, to industry as a whole and to the national well-being. I haw bccn fortunate (good luck, properly exploited, bcing an essential element of any enterprise) to have had a career which has taken me into a variety of engineering environments, sometimes far from the traditional mechanical engineering industry. I have therefore bccn able to form a judgement of the relevance and suitability of my mechanical engineering education and training from the viewpoint of what is perhaps now and ccrtainly will become a typical environment for the mechanical engineer, an environment predominantly not in thc mechanical engineering industry but in manufacture generally, in the process industries and, it is to be hoped, in non-industrial jobs where the balanced and informed judgements of the professional cnginccr will be at a premium. Perhaps there is here an element of wishful thinking? I t should not be so; because the properly trained and cxperieuced engineer is not only highly creative but can temper his creativc abilities with commercial shrewdness, i s a competent manager of men and projects, and is able to achieve that desired optimization betwecn performance and resources which is the hallmark of the successful enterprise in general business. I do not wish to hide from you what is perhaps already obvious; that I believe the engineer to be the salt of the earth, and the mechanical engineer at the very nub of our splendid profession. We have not always done ourselves justice in the past. How otherwise can one explain why enterprising and talented youngsters sometimes prefer the lesser and certainly less creative professions (such as the law and medicine)? 1 certainly never had much doubt that I wanted to be an engineer, though, like my immediate predecessor, 1 was not born into an engineering family.

Tretovularia, a new hyphomycetous genus

Abstract: Tretovularia is introduced to accommodate Ovularia villiana. It differs from Ramularia by tretic conidiogenesis and unthickened hila on the conidia.