Doctor of Engineering internship at Dow Chemical U.S.A.: an internship report

Cover title"Submitted to the College of Engineering of Texas A&M University in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Doctor of Engineering."Includes bibliographical referencesThis paper deals with the internship phase of the Doctor of Engineering program during an approximate eleven-month period at Dow Chemical U.S.A. in Freeport, Texas. The objectives of the internship, the position within the organization, supervisors' names and responsibilities, and a summary of significant work experience are outlined within this paper. A specific job assignment, the construction of a railroad roadbed, is delineated to allow further insight into the work performed during the internship at Dow Chemical U.S.A

The Web of an Old Weaver

Literatura dialectal Inglesa. -- Yorkshire. -- Pertenece a la colección DL del Corpus Salamanca. -- James Keighley Snowden, 1860-1947. -- The Web of an Old Weaver. -- 1896.[ES] Novela escrita en el dialecto de Yorkshire que se desarrolla en Yorkshire. [EN] Novel written in the Yorkshire dialect. It takes place in Yorkshire

Tales of the Yorkshire Wolds

Dialecto Literario Inglés. -- Yorkshire. -- Pertenece a la colección LD del Corpus Salamanca. -- James Keighley Snowden, 1860-1947. -- Tales of the Yorkshire Wolds. -- 1894.[ES] Colección de relatos que se desarrollan en Yorkshire y que contienen dialecto de Yorkshire. [EN] A collection of tales that take place in Yorkshire an contain Yorkshire dialect

Comparison of rule- and ordinary differential equation-based dynamic model of DARPP-32 signalling network

Dynamic modelling has considerably improved our understanding of complex molecular mechanisms. Ordinary differential equations (ODEs) are the most detailed and popular approach to modelling the dynamics of molecular systems. However, their application in signalling networks, characterised by multi-state molecular complexes, can be prohibitive. Contemporary modelling methods, such as rule- based (RB) modelling, have addressed these issues. The advantages of RB modelling over ODEs have been presented and discussed in numerous reviews. In this study, we conduct a direct comparison of the time courses of a molecular system founded on the same reaction network but encoded in the two frameworks. To make such a comparison, a set of reactions that underlie an ODE model was manually encoded in the Kappa language, one of the RB implementations. A comparison of the models was performed at the level of model specification and dynamics, acquired through model simulations. In line with previous reports, we confirm that the Kappa model recapitulates the general dynamics of its ODE counterpart with minor differences. These occur when molecules have multiple sites binding the same interactor. Furthermore, activation of these molecules in the RB model is slower than in the ODE one. As reported for other molecular systems, we find that, also for the DARPP-32 reaction network, the RB representation offers a more expressive and flexible syntax that facilitates access to fine details of the model, easing model reuse. In parallel with these analyses, we report a refactored model of the DARPP-32 interaction network that can serve as a canvas for the development of more complex dynamic models to study this important molecular system

Relationship between the lipid composition of maternal plasma and infant plasma through breast milk

Abstract: Introduction: This study was motivated by the report that infant development correlates with particular lipids in infant plasma. Objective: The hypothesis was that the abundance of these candidate biomarkers is influenced by the dietary intake of the infant. Methods: A cohort of 30 exclusively-breastfeeding mother–infant pairs from a small region of West Africa was used for this observational study. Plasma and milk from the mother and plasma from her infant were collected within 24 h, 3 months post partum. The lipid, sterol and glyceride composition was surveyed using direct infusion MS in positive and negative ion modes. Analysis employed a combination of univariate and multivariate tests. Results: The lipid profiles of mother and infant plasma samples are similar but distinguishable, and both are distinct from milk. Phosphatidylcholines (PC), cholesteryl esters (CEs) and cholesterol were more abundant in mothers with respect to their infants, e.g. PC(34:1) was 5.66% in mothers but 3.61% in infants (p = 3.60 × 10−10), CE(18:2) was 8.05% in mothers but 5.18% in infants (p = 1.37 × 10−11) whilst TGs were lower in mothers with respect to their infants, e.g. TG(52:2) was 2.74% in mothers and 4.23% in infants (p = 1.63 × 10−05). A latent structure model showed that four lipids in infant plasma previously shown to be biomarkers clustered with cholesteryl esters in the maternal circulation. Conclusion: This study found evidence that the abundance of individual lipid isoforms associated with infant development are associated with the abundance of individual molecular species in the mother’s circulation

Grapevine Improvement through Biotechnology

Grapevine cultivation is increasing worldwide as people realize the benefits of grape and wine consumption. To improve yield and enhance the quality of grapes, biotechnology research plays an ever-increasing role. In recent years, the sequencing of multiple grape genomes has led to increased vibrant research initiatives on grape improvement. These novel approaches include those related to the application of transgenic technology toward the improvement of grape varieties. These advancements include the development of molecular markers for valuable traits, improved plant transformation systems, genetic engineering to enhance disease tolerance in grape cultivars, and the identification of flavor and aroma components to improve the enological quality of grapes. Some of the results obtained by various researchers have direct application, whereas others are yet to gain direct application in grape quality improvement, although such techniques possess potential qualities, which can be exploited for genetic breeding of Vitis species. This chapter highlights selected advancements in grape biotechnology from recently reported research activities

Structural diversity of B-cell receptor repertoires along the B-cell differentiation axis in humans and mice

Most current analysis tools for antibody next-generation sequencing data work with primary sequence descriptors, leaving accompanying structural information unharnessed. We have used novel rapid methods to structurally characterize the complementary-determining regions (CDRs) of more than 180 million human and mouse B-cell receptor (BCR) repertoire sequences. These structurally annotated CDRs provide unprecedented insights into both the structural predetermination and dynamics of the adaptive immune response. We show that B-cell types can be distinguished based solely on these structural properties. Antigen-unexperienced BCR repertoires use the highest number and diversity of CDR structures and these patterns of naïve repertoire paratope usage are highly conserved across subjects. In contrast, more differentiated B-cells are more personalized in terms of CDR structure usage. Our results establish the CDR structure differences in BCR repertoires and have applications for many fields including immunodiagnostics, phage display library generation, and “humanness” assessment of BCR repertoires from transgenic animals. The software tool for structural annotation of BCR repertoires, SAAB+, is available at https://github.com/oxpig/saab_plus

Comparison of rule- and ordinary differential equation-based dynamic model of DARPP-32 signalling network

Dynamic modelling has considerably improved our understanding of complex molecular mechanisms. Ordinary differential equations (ODEs) are the most detailed and popular approach to modelling the dynamics of molecular systems. However, their application in signalling networks, characterised by multi-state molecular complexes, can be prohibitive. Contemporary modelling methods, such as rule- based (RB) modelling, have addressed these issues. The advantages of RB modelling over ODEs have been presented and discussed in numerous reviews. In this study, we conduct a direct comparison of the time courses of a molecular system founded on the same reaction network but encoded in the two frameworks. To make such a comparison, a set of reactions that underlie an ODE model was manually encoded in the Kappa language, one of the RB implementations. A comparison of the models was performed at the level of model specification and dynamics, acquired through model simulations. In line with previous reports, we confirm that the Kappa model recapitulates the general dynamics of its ODE counterpart with minor differences. These occur when molecules have multiple sites binding the same interactor. Furthermore, activation of these molecules in the RB model is slower than in the ODE one. As reported for other molecular systems, we find that, also for the DARPP-32 reaction network, the RB representation offers a more expressive and flexible syntax that facilitates access to fine details of the model, easing model reuse. In parallel with these analyses, we report a refactored model of the DARPP-32 interaction network that can serve as a canvas for the development of more complex dynamic models to study this important molecular system

High-intensity interval training (HIT) for effective and time-efficient pre-surgical exercise interventions

The advancement of perioperative medicine is leading to greater diversity in development of pre-surgical interventions, implemented to reduce patient surgical risk and enhance post-surgical recovery. Of these interventions, the prescription of pre-operative exercise training is gathering momentum as a realistic means for enhancing patient surgical outcome. Indeed, the general benefits of exercise training have the potential to pre-operatively optimise several pre-surgical risks factors, including cardiorespiratory function, frailty and cognitive function. Any exercise programme incorporated into the pre-operative pathway of care needs to be effective and time efficient in that any fitness gains are achievable in the limited period between the decision for surgery and operation (e.g. 4 weeks).Fortunately, there is a large volume of research describing effective and time-efficient exercise training programmes within the discipline of sports science. Accordingly, the objective of our commentary is to synthesise contemporary exercise training research, both from non-clinical and clinical populations, with the overarching aim of informing the development of effective and time-efficient pre-surgical exercise training programmes.The development of such exercise training programmes requires the careful consideration of several key principles, namely frequency, intensity, time, type and progression of exercise. Therefore, in light of more recent evidence demonstrating the effectiveness and time efficiency of high-intensity interval training—which involves brief bouts of intense exercise interspersed with longer recovery periods—the principles of exercise training programme design will be discussed mainly in the context of such high-intensity interval training programmes. Other issues pertinent to the development, implementation and evaluation of pre-operative exercise training programmes, such as individual exercise prescription, training session monitoring and potential barriers and risks to high-intensity exercise are also discussed. The evidence presented suggests that individually prescribed and supervised high-intensity interval training programmes, encompassing a variety of exercise modes represent an effective and safe means of exercise therapy prior to surgery