Jelly-like Substance Research Articles

Formulation and development of herbal gel for wound healing

Herbal gel is a solid, jelly-like substance that can have properties ranging from soft and weak to hard and tough preparation. It is used topically for a variety of purposes, such as protectants, antiseptics, and antimicrobials. Herbal formulations means a dosage form consisting of one or more herbs or processed herbs in specified quantities to provide specific nutritional, cosmetic benefits meant for use to diagnose, treat, mitigate diseases of human beings or animals, alter the structure or physiology of human beings or animals. The aim of herbal treatment is usually to produce persisting improvements in well-being. Practitioners often talk in terms of trying to treat the “underlying cause” of disease and may prescribe herbs aimed at correcting patterns of dysfunction rather than targeting the presenting symptoms. Gel-based products absorb into the skin easily, leave little to no residue on the skin, and prevent greasiness. Moisturizing benefit, Acne, Ageing, treat sunburn, hydration, cooling effect, long lasting, Compatible with sensitive skin type. Moringa oleifera is a tree with antioxidants and also anti-inflammatory properties. Its health benefits may range from speeding up wound healing. The herbal gel was prepared by using heat add the required amount of all the ingredients and stirred it continuously up to 10 to 15 minute to form a homogenous mass of gel. This gel was formulate by using suitable ingredients like, Maringa seed oil, olive oil, aloe-Vera gel This gel is honey, Garlic extract. In different properties the herbal gel was evaluated by different parameters such as a pH measurement, viscosity test skin irritation test, physical appearance, spread ability test and net content.

Appendicular mass with pseudomyxoma peritonei: a case report

Pseudomyxoma peritonei is an infrequently occurring clinical entity having an annual incidence of less than two per million. It is originated from the rupture of a tumour filled with mucinous substance. The intra-abdominal viscera are usually covered with a jelly-like substance. This syndrome originates most frequently from tumours of the appendix or ovaries. Genetic history is expected to play a role in the appendicular mucocele. The disease advances due to the presence of microbial agents expressed in carcinomas associated with gelatinous ascites. It typically has an insidious onset with a non-exclusive presentation like an increase in abdominal girth and associated abdominal pain with locoregional dissemination initially and dissemination to multiple sites later. The main sign is pelvic ascites. Diagnosis is made by combining radiological imaging with histopathology. Ultrasound aids in identifying the pelvic mass, peritoneal implants, calcifications, effusion, septa, the associated tumours (e.g., ovaries), the involvement of mesentery, and finalizing the surgical strategy. Usually, this condition is adequately treated by combining surgical excision and/or hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), which may be omitted by selecting the patient carefully.

The biofilm characteristics and management of skin flap infection following cochlear implantation.

SUMMARYObjectiveThis study aims to assess the frequency, bacteriology, biofilm characteristics and management of skin flap infection (SFI) following cochlear implantation (CI).MethodsThe study enrolled 1,251 patients receiving CI in the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University between August 2001 and March 2021. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilised to characterise the aetiology of infection. A proposed classification system was applied to optimise treatments for post-operative skin flap infection.ResultsAfter CI, SFI was reported in 16 patients (1.28%) and occurred more frequently in patients under 6 years of age. Of all SFI cases Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen for flap infection, with 8 cases (50%) and bacterial biofilm was evident within the jelly-like substance on the surface of implanted devices in SFI patients. A two-stage classification was proposed to optimise the treatment schemes. Conservative therapy was recommended for stage I cases and surgical treatment for stage II patients.ConclusionsPaediatric patients are more susceptible to SFI after CI, which may be attributed to the formation of bacterial biofilm. The proposed classification can facilitate the management of SFI.

Artificial jelly channel inspired by the shark for sensing specific ions and environmental perturbation

The ampullae of Lorenzini (AoL) from sharks is an important tool to ensure their well-known six-sense function. Inspired by the jelly-like substance inside AoL, we design a polymer hydrogel to mimic it and achieve some of the functions of AoL. The polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/polyaniline (PANI) hydrogel with an excellent ion conductivity of 10.8 mS cm−1 presents great selectivity toward Fe and Cu ions and high sensitivity for the environmental variation. By combining electrochemical analysis and molecular dynamics simulations, the inner mechanism for sensing specific ions can be explained by the large difference in ion conductivity between various cations related to the diversity in the diffusion barrier through the fabricated jelly system. The experimental results can further be well interpreted by finite element analysis (FEA) simulation, implying the function of this AoL-inspired jelly is to sense the ion variation and environmental perturbation nearby for collecting helpful information. These results will provide potential applications with similar function as the AoL for multifunctional undersea sensors.

Transparent exopolymer particle (TEP) and its impact on marine carbon transport along the East China Sea coast

Transparent exopolymer particle (TEP) is a transparent jellylike substance characterized with high carbon concentration, playing an important role in the marine carbon cycle. Based on a survey of the East China Sea coast in summer of 2020, the distribution, controlling factors of TEP and its impact on marine carbon transportation were discussed. The results showed that the TEP in the surface decreases from northwest to southeast gradually with an average concentration of 214.90 µg Xeq./L, which is basically consistent with the distribution of POC, Chl a and NO3-N. The TEP in the water of 10 m, 20 m, and 30 m also gradually decreases from northwest to southeast horizontally, while it is high in the surface and bottom layer, and low in the middle water layer vertically. The hydrological situation of the study area is complex and is the main factor affecting the distribution of various parameters including TEP. The TEP in the seawater has the characteristics of high TEP-C/POC, low settling ratio and high degradation ratio. The TEP-C/POC in the seawater is 32.03%, which is extremely higher than that of 14.46% in the surface sediments; the settling ratio of TEP is 17.67%, which is extremely lower than that of 50.31% for POC; the degradation ratio of TEP is 82.79%, which is extremely higher than that of 49.69% for POC. These results together indicated that TEP in the seawater has a longer residence time and is more easily degraded than other forms of POC.

Re-Envisioning the History of Cellular and Molecular Biology

Re-Envisioning the History of Cellular and Molecular Biology

MECHANISMS OF CYTOKINE STORM DEVELOPMENT IN COVID-19 AND NEW POTENTIAL TARGETS OF PHARMACOTHERAPY

The development of a "cytokine storm", characteristic of severe COVID-19 forms, can be defined as a state of uncontrolled release of a large number of inflammatory mediators.The attachment of SARS-CoV-2 S-glycoprotein to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 is considered a process that triggers complex molecular interactions that lead to hyperinflammation. In its turn, it is realized through several systems: renin-angiotensin-aldosterone, kallikrein-kinin and a complement system. Knowledge of these mechanisms suggests potential therapeutic interventions that can be targeted by existing therapeutic agents to counter the cytokine storm and treat the acute respiratory distress syndrome associated with COVID-19.The aim of the review article is to summarize the currently known data on the molecular processes underlying the uncontrolled "cytokine storm" in the patients with severe COVID-19, and possible options for their pharmacological correction.Materials and methods. The data base was represented by such systems as Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, Elibrary, Google-Academy. A search was carried out for the following keywords and combinations: COVID-19, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, bradykinin, complement system, hyaluronic acid, pharmacotherapy.Results. The development of a "cytokine storm" in COVID-19 is mediated by pathogenetic changes in the body in response to the penetration of SARS-CoV-2 into the cell. In the RAAS, suppression of ACE2 leads to a decrease in its ability to degrade ATII, which, on the one hand, leads to a decrease in the amount of AT1-7, and, on the other hand, to the effect of ATII on AT1R with the subsequent development of vasoconstriction and lung damage. The disturbances in the kallikrein-kinin system are associated, on the one hand, with the increased expression of kallikrein and an increase in the formation of bradykinin and its metabolite des-Arg 9-bradykinin. On the other hand, the disturbances are associated with the suppression of the expression of the C1-esterase inhibitor which prevents the formation of kallikrein, and impaired inactivation of des-Arg 9-bradykinin under the action of ACE 2. The nucleocapsid protein SARS-CoV-2 triggers the activation of the complement system through the lectin pathway. It leads to the production of anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a, which stimulate the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Proinflammatory cytokines are potent inducers of the HAS 2 gene in the endothelium, which encodes the membrane enzymes of hyaluronate synthase. The sweating of the fluid into the alveoli caused by the "bradykinin storm" in combination with the overproduction of hyaluronic acid, which accumulates water 1000 times its own mass, can lead to the formation of a dense jelly-like substance that prevents gas exchange.Conclusion. Promising areas of pharmacotherapy for "cytokine storm" are associated with its impact on the dysfunction of the listed above systems. However, the efficacy and safety of most drugs for the treatment of COVID-19, is to be studied through carefully designed clinical trials.

Herbal gel formulation and evaluation using locally available plants

Herbal gel is a solid, jelly-like substance that can have properties ranging from soft and weak to hard and tough preparation. It is used topically for a variety of purposes, such as protectants, antiseptics, and antimicrobials. The herbal gel was made by combining Azadirachta indica, Curcuma longa, Berberis aristata and Rubia cordifolia. Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli were used as test subjects for the antibacterial activity. It was shown that the herbal gel had the strongest effect on Staphylococcus aureus (Hand bacteria). To fully understand the mechanism of action and to create a formulation that can be useful in the health sector, more research is required.

Epidemiology of Mucinous Adenocarcinomas.

Simple SummaryMucinous adenocarcinomas are a very uncommon type of cancer that is poorly studied. These cancers overexpress a jelly-like substance called mucin outside their cells. These cancers share characteristics to another group of cancers called signet ring cell adenocarcinomas, which express mucin inside their cells, and these cancers almost invariability have a worse outcome compared to conventional adenocarcinomas. In our study, we show that patient outcomes with mucinous adenocarcinomas depend largely on the site of the cancer, with both similarities and differences to cancers arising from signet ring cells. This work, along with our recent study on signet ring cell cancers, provides a solid epidemiological reference for future work to motivate investigations as to how recognizing this tumor histology should lead to more tailored cancer treatments in order to improve patient outcomes.Mucinous (colloid) adenocarcinomas (MAs) are a rare histological subtype of adenocarcinomas where extracellular mucin comprises more than 50% of the tumor. Most literature on MAs relate to cancers from colorectal and breast sites; however, the literature lacks a standardized overview of the MA disease entity. Particularly in colorectal cancer, some MAs may have signet ring cells floating within the mucin, which may represent a highly metastatic phenotype. MAs and signet ring cell adenocarcinomas represent a spectrum of mucin-producing neoplastic conditions where in the latter most mucin is intracellular rather than extracellular. We recently published a standardized overview of signet ring cells, and in this companion work, using a retrospective cohort approach, we summarize the clinicodemographic and mortality outcomes of MAs in sixteen primary sites, comprising 95.6% of all MAs in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER), a population-level cancer database covering nearly one-third of the United States population. Compared to matching nonvariant adenocarcinomas, MAs have a slightly earlier age of onset with increased rates of regional and distant disease at presentation. Survival outcomes are highly dependent on tumor location, illustrating our poor understanding of MA tumor biology. The clinical significance of MA histology depends largely on tumor site.

Middle ear myxoma: a diagnostic dilemma and its management, a case report

The aim of this study was to present a rare case report of myxoma of the mastoid cleft/temporal bone with intracranial extension and its management and follow-up. A 13-year-old girl presented with discharge from the right ear with gradually progressive hearing loss for the last 4–5 years and facial palsy of grade III on the right side for the last 4–5 months. She was diagnosed as having chronic otitis media, squamosal type, and underwent canal wall down mastoidectomy on the same ear 6 months back. On examination, an aural polyp occupying the whole of the mastoid cavity along with mucopurulent discharge and lower motor neuron facial palsy were seen on the right side. high resolution ct scan (HRCT) of the temporal bone showed a soft tissue mass occupying the whole of the mastoid cavity breaching bony confinements, extending up to the posterior fossa, extradurally, and engulfing the facial nerve. The patient underwent reexploration of the right mastoid cavity under general anaesthesia and a soft jelly-like substance was removed from whole of the mastoid cavity, extending anteriorly up to the Eustachian tube, inferiorly up to the jugular bulb, posteriorly up to the retrosigmoid cells, superiorly up to the tegmen plate, extending medially intracranially up to the posterior fossa dura through Trautmann’s triangle and engulfing the facial nerve from the first genu to the stylomastoid foramen. Facial nerve decompression was performed along with disease clearance and wide conchomeatoplasty. The patient developed grade IV facial palsy postoperatively. The histopathology report of the dissected jelly-like soft tissue revealed myxoma. The patient is at present under regular follow-up and there is no recurrence after 6 months, although facial palsy is still persisting as grade IV. Myxoma of the temporal bone or the mastoid cleft is a rare entity. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice in this case, although recurrence is very common. The clinical presentation, management and outcome of this tumour are discussed in view of available literature.

Aloe a Gel in a Cell

Aloe a miracle plant obtained from many species namely aloe vera, aloe barbadensis, aloe perryi, aloe ferox and various other species. Aloe vera the Indian species cultivated in India and other species are cultivated in Africa. Aloe is a cactuslike plant that grows in hot, dry climates. Aloe plant can withstand drought conditions and can grow without rainfall. Aloe produces two substances, gel and latex. Aloe gel is a clear, jelly-like substance found in the inner part of the aloe plant leaf. Aloe latex comes from the plant's skin and is yellow in color. Some aloe products are made from the whole crushed leaf, so they contain both gel and latex. Aloe vera plant has enormous activities in treatment of various skin diseases such as acne, burns, psoriasis, etc. and used in herbal cosmetics. Aloe gel is used in many cosmetic preparations as face wash and herbal creams etc. since the potency, efficacy, safety is more toxicity and side effects are comparatively less. Aloe is used in gum diseases in, dental problems and dental plaque etc. Aloe gel has anti-diabetic activity, used in treatment of glaucoma, and can treat vision problems. It is also used in hepatitis, osteoarthritis, varicose veins, weight loss etc. aloe has tremendous other activities. This review includes various uses, medicinal properties, pharmacological actions, various extracts of these Aloe species are traditionally used and their application used to cure, arthritis, inflammation, immunity, diabetes, hyperlipidemic, antioxidant, atherosclerosis, coronary heart diseases, laxative, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, wound healing and antitumor effect. Since aloe has been reviewed in many journal and articles, this review is compiled from recent article of aloes. Hence aloe is an invaluable gift of nature and a miracle plant. Aloe is a medicinal plant from the past, present and future and the invaluable activities present in this plant leads us to promising activities for the research and development for finding new entities.

AB025. Semen liquefaction molecular pathways

BackgroundHuman semen is the jelly-like substance mainly containing Semenogelin 1 (Sg1) and fibronectin (Fn) with the characteristics of coagulation and liquefaction in a short time. In our previous study, we have identified that Eppin could interact with Sg. Eppin75–133 C-terminal fragment bind the Sg164–283 fragment containing the only cysteine in human Sg1 (Cys-239). Besides that, during semen liquefaction, physiologically prostate specific antigen (PSA) hydrolyzes some region of Sg1 which inhibits sperm motility. Therefore, complex interaction among Eppin, Sg and PSA plays a major role in regulating semen liquefaction process. The aim of this study is to investigate the molecular pathways during semen liquefaction.MethodsMolecular cloning was used to recombination in vitro 6-His-Eppin protein with N- and C-terminal fragments. Protein in seminal vesicle fluid was transferred to Immobilon-P Polyvinylidene Difluoride membrane by western blot analysis, followed by incubation with 6-His-Eppin protein, Eppin283–423 C-terminal fragment and Eppin73–288 N-terminal fragment at 4 °C overnight respectively in order to find the protein which can be bind to 6-HisEppin protein. 2-D electrophoresis was used to identification of Eppin binding partners. After that, anti-His was used to visualize using enhanced chemiluminescence and mass spectrometry to identify the sequence of protein.ResultsWe found that the protein specifically binding to Eppin through Far-western immunoblot analysis demonstrated only the N-terminal of recombinant epididymal protease inhibitor (N-rEppin) and rEppin can binds to reduce seminal plasma protein, while MS identified that Fn can specifically bind to Eppin. Our study was the first evidence that some protein existed in seminal vesicle fluid does bind to Eppin, regulating the semen coagulation and liquefaction.ConclusionsTwo molecular pathways occurred in semen liquefaction. Eppin C- and N-terminal fragment interacted with Sg and Fn. Eppin N-terminal has a binding site of fibronectin, which is an important protein for semen coagulation. EpiPen regulated the process of semen coagulation and liquefaction through its N- and C-terminal bound to fibronectin and Sg respectively, influencing sperm capacitation. What’s more, the C- and N-terminal fragment of Eppin self-formed double ring type molecular structure respectively and closely bound to the core structure named β—sheet by four-disulfide, which make the combination of Wap and Kunitze type inhibitor external surface just in the opposite two terminals of the transection of molecular structure. This structure contributes to interact with other proteins in increasing its roles. During human ejaculation, spermatozoa pass through the ampulla of the vas deferens and then move into the proximal extension of the seminal vesicle and finally enter into the ejaculatory duct. At this juncture spermatozoa are first mixed with copious secretion from the seminal vesicles. Thereafter the spermatozoa and seminal fluid is mixed with prostatic secretions when they enter into the prostatic urethra. It can be imagined that after spermatozoa enter into the ejaculatory ducts their surface Eppin would be saturated by binding with Sg and Fn. This process inhibits human sperm capacitation, making the initial ejaculated spermatozoa be in an immotile state. Purified plasma Fn, added at various concentrations to a preparation of live spermatozoa, was found to inhibit sperm motility in a dose dependent manner. During semen liquefaction, physiologically PSA hydrolyzes Sg and Fn to increase sperm motility. Therefore, seminal liquefaction is a process increasing the capacitation of sperm progressive motility and fertilization. Fibronectin could affect the process of sperm coagulation and liquefaction through specificity combined with Eppin, involving in sperm capacitation and fertilization. Our findings revealed novel molecular pathways of semen liquefaction.

Endoscopic Stalk Resection of a Toe Ganglion With Color-aided Visualization

Ganglion cysts are common cystic lesions filled with a jelly-like substance and originate from a joint capsule or tendon sheath through a stalk. Ganglion cysts mostly occur in the hand region, for which surgical excision usually results in good outcomes. In contrast, toe ganglions are relatively rare, and surgical treatment is associated with a high recurrence rate because of unidentifiable ganglion stalks, requiring large skin incisions. We have treated toe ganglion cysts using endoscopy in the ganglion cyst by injecting methylene blue into the tendon sheath that connects to the ganglion stalk. The result has been favorable, without recurrence. The advantages of our technique include the following: (1) Endoscopy using a color aid can show the location of a ganglion stalk, and removing the stalk can prevent recurrence. (2) Endoscopic stalk-only resection is minimally invasive, allowing early mobilization and reducing surgical-site complications. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe our endoscopic stalk resection technique with color-aided visualization, and we have included a video presentation.

Production and Quality Analysis of Wine from Honey and Coconut Milk Blend Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Honey is a high-sugar jelly-like substance produced by bees from flower nectar, and coconut milk is the creamy (rich in fat and minerals) extract of coconut meat (endosperm). Studies on honey-fruit wines are scant, and mostly documented in unpublished or personal blogs. This study produced honey–coconut wine using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Honey slurry (HS, a 100% diluted honey) was mixed with undiluted coconut milk (CM) at varying ratios to obtain six wine (W) versions (HS:CM) designated as WA (1:1), WB (1:2), WC (2:1), WD (3:1), WE (1:3), and control was coded as CTRL (1:0). Each version (1800 mL) was inoculated with 200 mL (~6.0 log10 cfu/mL) of S. cerevisiae, fermented (25 ± 2 °C) for 60 days, degassed and agitated every 2 days, pasteurized to stop fermentation, and clarified by siphoning the supernatant. Irrespective of the wine version, the optimum range of microbial growth and duration for HS-CM wines were 8.1–8.2 log10 cfu/mL and 25–30 days respectively. Most enological (pH, total acidity, and free SO2) and physicochemical (temperature and fermentation velocity) parameters were relatively stable across all wine versions. However, fermentative capacity and degree, and alcoholic and caloric contents were proportional to the quantity of HS. Sensory rating of wines by 50 assessors were in the decreasing order of CTRL > WC > WD > WA > WE > WB. Conclusively, honey–coconut wines are acidic wines and could be dry or semi-sweet wines, low to high alcoholic wines, or very low to moderate caloric wines, depending on the quantity of honey added. This study observed a correlation of more than 95% precision between wine compositions (HS:CM) and wine qualities (alcoholic and caloric contents). Thus, models of enological parameters would enhance HS-CM winemaking process.

Agarose gels

Discovered in 17th-century Japan, agar is a jelly-like substance obtained by boiling algae, and it is widely used as a gelling agent for desserts in Japanese, Indian, Philippine and Vietnamese cuisine.

AB073. Semen liquefaction molecular pathways

ObjectiveHuman semen is the jelly-like substance mainly containing semenogelin 1 (Sg1) and fibronectin (Fn) with the characteristics of coagulation and liquefaction in a short time. In our previous study, we have identified that Eppin could interact with Sg. Eppin75-133 C-terminal fragment bind the Sg164-283 fragment containing the only cysteine in human Sg I (Cys-239). Besides that, during semen liquefaction, physiologically prostate specific antigen (PSA) hydrolyzes some region of Sg1 which inhibits sperm motility. Therefore, complex interaction among Eppin, Sg and PSA plays a major role in regulating semen liquefaction process. The aim of this study is to investigate the molecular pathways during semen liquefaction.MethodsMolecular cloning was used to recombination in vitro 6-His-Eppin protein with N- and C-terminal fragments. Protein in seminal vesicle fluid was transferred to immobilon-P polyvinylidene difuoride membrane by western blot analysis, followed by incubation with 6-His-Eppin protein, eppin283-423 C-terminal fragment and eppin73-288 N-terminal fragment at 4 °C overnight respectively in order to find the protein which can be bind to 6-HisEppin protein. 2-D electrophoresis was used to identification of Eppin binding partners. After that, anti-His was used to visualise using enhanced chemiluminescence and mass spectrometry (MS) to identify the sequence of protein.ResultsWe found that the protein specifically binding to Eppin through Far-western immunoblot analysis demonstrated only the N-terminal of recombinant epididymal protease inhibitor (N-rEppin) and rEppin can binds to reduce seminal plasma protein, while MS identified that Fn can specifically bind to Eppin. Our study was the first evidence that some protein existed in seminal vesicle fluid does bind to Eppin, regulating the semen coagulation and liquefaction.ConclusionsTwo molecular pathways occurred in semen liquefaction. Eppin C- and N-terminal fragment interacted with Sg and Fn. Eppin N-terminal has a binding site of fibronectin, which is an important protein for semen coagulation. Eppin regulated the process of semen coagulation and liquefaction through its N-terminal and C-terminal bound to fibronectin and Sg respectively, influencing sperm capacitation. What’s more, the C- and N-terminal fragment of Eppin self-formed double ring type molecular structure respectively and closely bound to the core structure named β-sheet by four disulfide, which make the combination of Wap and Kunitze type inhibitor external surface just in the opposite two terminals of the transection of molecular structure. This structure contributes to interact with other proteins in increasing its roles. During human ejaculation, spermatozoa pass through the ampulla of the vas deferens and then move into the proximal extension of the seminal vesicle and finally enter into the ejaculatory duct. At this juncture spermatozoa are first mixed with copious secretion from the seminal vesicles. Thereafter the spermatozoa and seminal fluid is mixed with prostatic secretions when they enter into the prostatic urethra. It can be imagined that after spermatozoa enter into the ejaculatory ducts their surface Eppin would be saturated by binding with Sg and Fn. This process inhibits human sperm capacitation, making the initial ejaculated spermatozoa be in an immotile state. Purified plasma Fn, added at various concentrations to a preparation of live spermatozoa, was found to inhibit sperm motility in a dose dependent manner. During semen liquefaction, physiologically PSA hydrolyzes Sg and Fn to increase sperm motility. Therefore, seminal liquefaction is a process increasing the capacitation of sperm progressive motility and fertilization. Fibronectin could affect the process of sperm coagulation and liquefaction through specificity combined with Eppin, involving in sperm capacitation and fertilization. Our findings revealed novel molecular pathways of semen liquefaction.

A question without answers?

On Thursday, August 21, 1862, Edmond and Jules de Goncourt registered in their Journal a short entry on the nature of life: ‘‘Qu’est-ce que la vie? L’usufruit d’une agregation de molecules’’—What is life? The usufruct of an aggregation of molecules. Although the extraordinary chronicles of the social and cultural life of the Second French Empire written by the Goncourt brothers includes names of their most distinguished contemporaries, the writers, artists, politicians and socialites they befriended outnumber by far the scientists. It is almost certain that they were never close to Felix Dujardin, a distinguished microbiologist and member of the French Academy of Sciences. In 1835, Dujardin had started crushing ciliates under the microscope and observed that the tiny cells exuded a jellylike substance, which he described as a ‘‘gelee vivante’’ and was eventually named ‘‘protoplasm’’ by Johann E. Purkinje and Hugo von Mohl. The small note written by the Goncourts in their journal is an indication of the pace at which biochemistry and cell biology were transforming life sciences, spilling new concepts beyond the boundaries of academia and into the literary salons. The search for the nature and origin of life are no modest intellectual undertakings. By assembling this anthology, Mark Bedau and Carol Cleland offer the possibility of having in a single volume different and even opposing views on these issues. Both are philosophers of science that have devoted much time to biological problems and are convinced that ‘‘it is difficult to draw a bright red line separating scientific and philosophical questions about life.’’ Many would agree with their conclusion. Professors Bedau and Cleland have divided their compilation into four major sections that correspond to what they believe are the central topics in which both philosophy and science intersect when addressing the nature of life: ‘‘the classical discussions of life, the origin and extent of natural life, artificial life and

Superficial Acral Fibromyxoma on the Second Toe

Superficial Acral Fibromyxoma on the Second Toe

SiO2계열 젤화제에 따른 케로신 젤 연료의 유변학적 특성 연구

ABSTRACT Present work deals three families of SiO 2 gelling agents which have been used to produce gel fuel based on Kerosene. Jet A-1 is chosen as fuel where power-law rh eological model is used to confirm whether or not the gelification is achieved depending on the %wt of gellant. It was confirmed that the produced jelly-like substance have shear-thinning effect, and t hat its apparent viscosity increases as SiO 2 concentration increases. Compared to other gellants, gel with AerosilⓇ R972 fits most to the power-law model, while gels with Silica 230 and Silica 530 deviate from the power-law model. The rheological characteristics behaved differently depending on th e mixing method(vortex mixing and manual mixing) when gellant concentration is increased.초 록 본 연구에서는 SiO 2 계열 젤화제로 알려진 AerosilⓇ R972, Silica 230, Silica 530을 사용하여 케로신 기반 젤 연료를 제작하였다. 케로신 계열 연료로는 Jet A-1을 사용하였으며 젤화(gelification) 여부를 확인하기 위한 전단박화(shear thinning) 현상은 멱법칙(power-law) 모델을 이용하여 검증하였고 제작된 모든 젤 연료는 전단박화 효과와 함께 SiO

Mouse In A Can Revisited, Deep-Sea Carnivorous Harp

The Newscripts gang loves hearing readers’ reactions to our stories. For instance, Barbara Lewis, a chemistry lab instructor at Clemson University, wrote to tell us about how a Jan. 23 story inspired her to dissolve mice in soda. The story ( C&EN, Jan. 23, page 48) described a gag-inducing lawsuit filed by an Illinois man against PepsiCo. He claimed he found an intact, dead mouse in his can of Mountain Dew. A veterinarian hired by the soda company disputed the claim, saying any critter spending that much time in the acidic drink would have dissolved into a “jellylike substance.” Lewis decided to test the doctor’s claim as a demonstration for the 1,800 or so students in her spring general chemistry lab. A dentist quoted in the Newscripts story suggested that, compared with Pepsi, Mountain Dew might better dissolve bone and teeth. So Lewis filled one glass jar with Pepsi and ...