bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic variation in lipid desaturases and its impact on the development of human disease
Authors: Merino Diana M , Ma David WL , Mutch David M 
Published: June 2010

AbstractPerturbations in lipid metabolism characterize many of the chronic diseases currently plaguing our society, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Thus interventions that target plasma lipid levels remain a primary goal to manage these diseases. The determinants of plasma lipid levels are multi-factorial, consisting of both genetic and lifestyle components. Recent evidence indicates that fatty acid desaturases have an important role in defining plasma and tissue lipid profiles. This review will highlight the current state-of-knowledge regarding three desaturases (Scd-1, Fads1andFads2) and their potential roles in disease onset and development. Although research in rodent models has provided invaluable insight into the regulation and functions of these desaturases, the extent to which murine research can be translated to humans remains unclear. Evidence emerging from human-based research demonstrates that genetic variation in human desaturase genes affects enzyme activity and, consequently, disease risk factors. Moreover, this genetic variation may have a trans-generational effect via breastfeeding. Therefore inter-individual variation in desaturase function is attributed to both genetic and lifestyle components. As such, population-based research regarding the role of desaturases on disease risk is challenged by this complex gene-lifestyle paradigm. Unravelling the contribution of each component is paramount for understanding the inter-individual variation that exists in plasma lipid profiles, and will provide crucial information to develop personalized strategies to improve health management.
Differences in the BAL proteome after Klebsiella pneumoniae infection in wild type and SP-A-/- mice
Authors: Ali Mehboob , Umstead Todd M , Haque Rizwanul , Mikerov Anatoly N , Freeman Willard M , Floros Joanna , Phelps David S 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackgroundSurfactant protein-A (SP-A) has been shown to play a variety of roles related to lung host defense function. Mice lacking SP-A are more susceptible to infection than wild type C57BL/6 mice. We studied bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) protein expression in wild type and SP-A-/- mice infected withKlebsiella pneumoniaeby 2D-DIGE.MethodsMice were infected intratracheally withK. pneumoniaeand after 4 and 24 hours they were subject to BAL. Cell-free BAL was analyzed by 2D-DIGE on two-dimensional gels with pH ranges of 4-7 and 7-11. Under baseline conditions and at 4 and 24 hr post-infection BAL was compared between untreated and infected wild type and SP-A-/- mice. Sixty proteins identified by mass spectrometry were categorized as host defense, redox regulation, and protein metabolism/modification.ResultsWe found: 1) ~75% of 32 host defense proteins were lower in uninfected SP-A-/- vs wild type, suggesting increased susceptibility to infection or oxidative injury; 2) At 4 hr post-infection > 2/3 of identified proteins were higher in SP-A-/- than wild type mice, almost the exact opposite of untreated mice; 3) At 24 hr post-infection some proteins continued increasing, but many returned to baseline; 4) In infected wild type mice significant changes occurred in 13 of 60 proteins, with 12 of 13 increasing, vs on 4 significant changes in SP-A-/- mice. Infection response patterns between strains demonstrated both commonalities and differences. In several cases changes between 4 and 24 hr followed different patterns between strains.ConclusionsThese indicate that SP-A plays a key role in regulating the BAL proteome, functioning indirectly to regulate lung host defense function, possibly via the macrophage. In the absence of SP-A baseline levels of many host defense molecules are lower. However, many of these indirect deficits in SP-A-/- mice are rapidly compensated for during infection, indicating that SP-A also has a direct role on host defense againstK. pneumoniaethat may be instrumental in determining clinical course.
Abnormal macrophage response to microbial stimulus in a 43-year-old man with a severe form of atherosclerosis: a case report
Authors: Conti Maria , Sanna Francesca , Farci Giulia AM , Uda Sabrina , Porcu Giovanna , Collu Maria , Bonatesta Rosa R , Batetta Barbara 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Introduction
New evidence indicates infections are emerging as risk factors for atherosclerosis although their specific role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis is still unclear.

Case presentation
A 43-year-old Caucasian man who had been treated for four years for multiple sclerosis progressively manifested systemic hypertension, polycythemia, peripheral arterial occlusion with intermittent claudication, and persistent headaches. In 2006, an instrumental analysis (magnetic resonance imaging) of our patient revealed widespread fibrocalcific atherosclerotic lesions which accounted for all his current symptoms, including those related to microbial stimulus. Two particular aspects were of interest, namely a lack of conventional cardiovascular risk factors and a negative family history for cardiovascular events. His chemical blood tests all yielded negative findings although a low positive hepatitis C virus-ribonucleic acid titer was detected. The titer had progressively increased and worsening atherosclerosis threatened the life of our patient. Interferon therapy was not appropriate for our patient due to the severe adverse effects observed shortly after its administration.

Conclusions
The reaction of individual cells to infections may provide an explanation as to why individuals with a similar microbial burden, corrected for the presence of other risk factors, display a different susceptibility to developing or worsening atherosclerosis. The identification of susceptible individuals and the treatment even of silent infections may provide an additional tool against atherosclerosis and its clinical complications. The evaluation of cell susceptibility before and after the correction of risk factors may contribute to the assessment of the efficacy of drug therapy.
Individual exposure to Simulium bites and intensity of Onchocerca volvulus infection
Authors: Jacobi C A , Enyong P , Renz A 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background

Onchocerca volvulus, the causative agent of river blindness, is transmitted through the black fly Simulium damnosum s.l., which breeds in turbulent river waters. To date, the number of flies attacking humans has only been determined by standard fly collectors near the river or the village. In our study, we counted the actual number of attacking and successfully feeding S. damnosum s.l. flies landing on individual villagers during their routine day-time activities in two villages of the Sudan-savannah and rainforest of Cameroon. We compared these numbers to the number of flies caught by a standard vector-collector, one positioned near the particular villager during his/her daily activity and the other sitting at the nearest Simulium breeding site.

Results
Using these data obtained by the two vector-collectors, we were able to calculate the Actual Index of Exposure (AIE). While the AIE in the savannah was on average 6,3%, it was 34% in the rainforest. The Effective Annual Transmission Potential (EATP) for individual villagers was about 20 fold higher in the rainforest compared to the savannah.

Conclusions
Here we show for the first time that it is possible to determine the EATP. Further studies with more subjects are needed in the future. These data are important for the development of future treatment strategies.
Alterations of dendritic cell subsets in the peripheral circulation of patients with cervical carcinoma
Authors: Ye Feng , Yu Yan , Hu Yuting , Lu Weiguo , Xie Xing 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Patients with cervical carcinoma (CC) are frequently immunocompromised. Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent antigen-presenting cells. Using multicolor flow cytometry, the percentages of CD11c+ (DC1) and CD123+ (DC2) subsets, were determined in the peripheral blood of 37 patients with cervical carcinoma (CC), 54 patients with CIN, and 62 healthy individuals. A substantial reduction of circulating dendritic cells and accordingly immunodepression may be associated with increased IL-6 and TGF-β in serum. These findings could give expression to the immunosuppression of circulating dendritic cells in patients with CC and CIN, thus, may indicate novel aspects of cervical carcinoma immune evasion.
Report of the Automobile Research Committee on Contraction of Aluminium Alloy Bearings
Authors: Farkas L. , Ludicke H. 
Published: June 2010

The nature and the causes of contraction of aluminium alloy bearings have been investigated. Previous test results indicated that contraction is due to plastic straining of the bearing material. This is confirmed by calculation of the stresses set up in the bearing alloy, which are caused by the interference fit between bearing and housing and the differential thermal expansion of aluminium alloy and steel. The variables affecting bearing contraction are then considered under the headings:—( a) Strength of material; ( b) interference fit; ( c) bearing wall thickness; ( d) bearing size; ( e) connecting-rod wall thickness. Finally, the effect of temperature upon bearing clearance is considered. The results show that contraction can be prevented by a suitable choice of the bearing material and control of the dimensions. In particular, the interference fit should be kept low, and an alloy should be used which has a relatively high elastic limit in compression. The application of the results may be extended to light alloy bearings in general and for both bush type and split bearings fitted in steel housings.
Some Notes on the Design, Development, and Production of High-Speed Compression-Ignition Engines
Authors: Markland S. , Tattersall N. 
Published: June 2010

The high-speed compression-ignition engine has now almost completely superseded the spark-ignition or petrol engine as the power unit for heavy goods-carrying commercial vehicles and public service buses and coaches. The principal reasons for the popularity of this type of engine amongst users of commercial vehicles in general are, in the authors' opinion, due to: ( a) the high thermal efficiency attained, which results in the maximum number of miles per gallon of fuel consumed, and ( b) the high degree of mechanical reliability resulting in trouble-free operation for long periods. The results that are being obtained to-day are the outcome of many years of careful and painstaking work in the designs office and the test laboratory, together with the practical experience gained in the operating field. Except during the war years, development work has proceeded steadily in this country since the late 1920's. No revolutionary changes have been made during this period, but combustion has been improved (resulting in higher thermal efficiencies), and the mechanical weaknesses of some of the earlier designs of engines have been eliminated.
Export Vehicle Design
Authors: Fulton H. W. 
Published: June 2010

The author seeks to show that the change of outlook, occasioned by the demand that a far greater proportion of output be exported than in past years, calls for a special study of overseas market requirements. The difficulties of meeting road transport regulations in other countries are explained, with respect to the vital need for achieving the maximum degree of standardization, and the obstacles to this imposed by home regulations are described. A description of climatic and topographical conditions found abroad is included, and it is maintained that the designer should be given the opportunity of making contact with the operator, and of experiencing such operating conditions for himself. An outline questionnaire, covering the kind of information required before design is commenced, forms an appendix, some aspects of which are elaborated in the main text. The questionnaire comprises a section covering the general requirements for the particular territory, and a section covering specific requirements for a particular duty within that territory. Certain features in design that are readily acceptable in overseas markets are noted. The paper is illustrated by some interesting photographs of the road conditions that have to be faced by vehicles in service. After touching on the question of after-sales service, the author concludes by emphasizing the value of compromise in the design of export vehicles. Many of the principles suggested in this paper are applicable to any export commodity, but the author's interpretation of them is naturally coloured by his experience with commercial trucks and buses.
The Theory of Gear-changing
Authors: M'Ewen Ewen 
Published: June 2010

With certain simplifying assumptions, the validity of which is examined, the elementary differential equations relating synchronizing torque, time, and inertias are set up and solved. The effect of variation in the controllable variables is considered, and it is shown that the principal factor is the rotational inertia of the parts between the clutch and the synchronizer. The heat rating of synchronizers is discussed. The effect of scale is next considered, and it is shown that it is absolutely more difficult to effect synchronous gear-changing on larger vehicles. A coefficient of friction at the synchronizer varying linearly with slip speed is chosen as a first approximation to variable friction, and the corresponding differential equations are set up and solved. The crash gearbox without synchronizers is discussed. Failure to effect a synchronous change by crashing through is considered for baulked synchronizers and the equations of equilibrium are obtained. Failure to effect a change due to loss of way from too slow a change is also examined. The performance of the synchronizers of an automobile gearbox is calculated and the results obtained by the variable or constant friction methods are shown to be of the same order; both agree satisfactorily with test results. The predicted effectiveness of baulk also agrees with trial results. Similar calculations are made for the German Panther tank gearbox and the phenomenon of the unsatisfactory change from second to third gear proven on test is predicted. Finally, the application of the foregoing methods to easy-change gearboxes other than synchromesh is mentioned. The use of similar methods with main engine clutches is discussed in Appendix I.
Automobile Test Rigs
Authors: Dawtrey L. H. 
Published: June 2010

The paper opens by describing the background of automobile rig testing, with the word “rig” defined as “a contrivance or makeshift with the means at one's disposal”. A range of equipment is desirable so that rigs can, after use on one particular test, be reassembled to form some other device, after the fashion of a constructional toy. It is made clear that no indoor test can replace the testing of vehicles on the road, or tractors on the farm, but useful and quickly obtained results can be acquired with certain problems. Such work can be useful supplementary aid to a development programme. As the essence of the subject is variety and speed, it is felt necessary to give several illustrations to emphasize the simplicity and ingenuity required in rig construction and design. The use of photographs in lieu of engineering drawings as an aid to later reconstruction is mentioned. Test rigs illustrated include those for fatigue failure in suspension, frame, body, and transmission; impact failures; body and chassis weaving; tractor and car transmissions; valve port flow; roller bearing wear; and vehicle air resistance measurements. Sufficient technical data are given to show the scope and results of the tests.
Long-distance Diesel 'Buses on the European Continent
Authors: Steenman J. A. 
Published: June 2010

In this paper the author deals with the special requirements for Diesel 'buses used for long-distance travel on the European continent. These 'buses travel over flat and mountainous countries, covering distances of between 300–400 miles per day at a regular speed of 50–60 m.p.h., while between 70 and 75 m.p.h. must be maintained on German Reichs-Autobahnen. As they are regularly operated in the Alps they must have a high continuous output when working on long and steep gradients. The 'bus must be capable of climbing a gradient of approximately 20 per cent (1 in 5), and this necessitates a heavier transmission than is required in normal use. It is also essential that gear changing can be easily carried out. With steep gradients the normal braking system is not capable of doing all the work and it is therefore necessary to fit a special exhaust brake to the engine; details of this brake and the results obtained by fitting it are given. The influence of a throttle valve in the air intake is discussed. Light steering and a small turning circle are important when descending steep gradients, and the high front axle load of approximately 5,000 kg. when descending necessitates special springs and tyres.
An Investigation of Heavy Duty Lubricating Oils by Electron Microscopy
Authors: Barwell F. T. , Grunberg L. , Scott D. 
Published: June 2010

A number of unused and used heavy duty (H. D.) oils were investigated by the electron microscope. Plain oils containing no additives and an oil containing an anti-wear additive were also investigated. No support was found for the suggestion that unused oils containing H.D. detergent additives are colloidal suspensions, as the micrographs were perfectly clear and no particles were found to be present. Two types of particle were found to be present in used H.D. and plain oils. One type of particle was of the order of 0·05 micron (500A***) and tended to arrange itself in chain structures. The other type was very much larger up to several microns in diameter. The two types of particle may have different origins. It is concluded that the electron microscope is unlikely to provide a very useful means for the inspection of unused H.D. oils and the authors express doubts regarding the validity of an explanation of their successful use based solely on their deflocculating or dispersant action.
Some Notes on Carburation and other Fuel System Problems
Authors: Fisher Charles H. 
Published: June 2010

While both vertical down-draught and horizontal side-draught types of carburettor are produced in Great Britain, the majority of instruments manufactured are of the down-draught variety. There is a distinct trend in body style towards low bonnet-lines, and this has created a demand for shorter down-draught carburettors. A considerable portion of the paper deals with carburettor icing. This has become a most troublesome factor in fuel system performance throughout recent years, during conditions of critical atmospheric temperature and humidity. Various palliatives are possible. At the other end of the temperature scale come vaporizing troubles, causing hot starting difficulties in summer; conditions which assist the one are usually detrimental to the other. The need for every possible fuel economy has resulted in automatic economy systems being incorporated in most carburettors. By exploring the mixture range with loops the maximum economy of any particular engine can be determined. Too much attention is often given to some minor discrepancy in fuel flow between one carburettor and another, and not enough to the discrepancy between the fuel flow induced between one engine and another. Automatic chokes provide a controversial subject for discussion and their advantages and disadvantages are evaluated. The author has had a very wide experience with this form of starting. Petrol injection was once believed to be the panacea for all fuel system problems. Enough development has been carried out to indicate that while there are certain advantages to be obtained with some forms of petrol injection, it is likely to be too costly for employment on the medium and low priced mass production vehicle.
Exhaust Valve Life in Small Industrial Gasoline Engines
Authors: Downs D. 
Published: June 2010

The small industrial gasoline engine of 1 to 10 h.p. presents difficulties in ensuring an adequate exhaust valve life, which are not present to the same extent with the automotive engine. Thus, these engines often operate under a continuous full-load duty which does not permit combustion chamber deposits to clear themselves as readily as does the fluctuating load of the vehicle engine. The fact that so many of the industrial engines are single-cylinder units means that one piece of deposit under an exhaust valve may bring the engine to a halt, whereas in the multi-cylinder vehicle engine, the unaffected cylinders would generally pull the engine round until the deposit had cleared itself. Consequently, when the operating conditions of the valve are made more severe by increasing the lead content of the fuel, the industrial engine is particularly vulnerable. The investigation described in this paper was carried out on five assorted water-cooled and air-cooled engines to establish the minimum modifications necessary to enable them to run for 1,000 hours between top overhauls using M.T. 80 fuel containing a maximum of 3.6 cu. cm. tetraethyl lead per Imperial gal. (T.E.L./I.G.). In addition to being the Services fuel, M.T. 80 can be regarded for this purpose as representative of the most highly leaded gasoline likely to be marketed commercially in the immediately foreseeable future. Under standard conditions, the water-cooled engines failed in 210–270 hours' full-load operation, and the air-cooled engines in 65–80 hours, owing to sticking of the valve stem in its guide. The tests and modifications are described in considerable detail. Although in general 1,000 hours' operation can be obtained on all these engines with comparatively simple modifications, premature failure was always liable to occur in a random manner, owing to deposits showering down into the cylinder. This situation would seem difficult to overcome by mechanical design alone. Some preliminary results of an approach from a chemical aspect, using additives in the fuel, and various additive and non-additive lubricants, are described.
The Use of Shot Peening to Reduce Weight
Authors: Berry W. R. 
Published: June 2010

The object of this investigation was to explore the possibilities of utilizing the shot-peening process on laminated spring leaves from silico-manganese spring steel as a means of increasing the working stresses, and thus reducing weight without loss in fatigue life. The first part of the investigation showed that so far as fatigue tests alone were concerned it should be possible to increase the working stresses and thus save weight. To do this, however, would involve the bump stress exceeding the primitive elastic limit of the material. Investigation of the effect of scragging (prestressing) to the British Standards (B.S.) Test Deflexion of L2/900 t as at present adopted in manufacture showed that such scragging had practically no effect on the elastic limit, but that if the scrag deflexion was increased to approximately L2/400 t an increase in the apparent elastic limit of the order of 40 per cent of the primitive elastic limit could be obtained, and that such scragging also improved the fatigue life in both the plain and shot-peened conditions. It is considered that with effective scragging and shot peening it is probable that very considerable savings in weight, of the order of at least 20–25 per cent, and under certain conditions even more may be obtainable, provided trouble does not arise due to superimposed stresses of starting and braking torques, and possible embrittlement due to effective scragging. This does not seem to the author to be particularly likely at a weight saving of 20–25 per cent, but can be settled only by service trials which he feels should now be undertaken.