Biopolymer coating of soybean lecithin liposomes via layer-by-layer self-assembly as novel delivery system for ellagic acid

The formulation of a novel delivery system for ellagic acid formulated via layer-by-layer (L-b-L) electrostatic deposition of biopolymers onto soybean lecithin liposomes was achieved. Optimization of parameters affecting the formulation of biopolymer-coated liposomes was carried out by monitoring changes on its size, surface charge and morphology. Ellagic acid was loaded into the liposome core and loading properties were analyzed. Release profiles for ellagic acid from optimized biopolymer-coated liposomes were evaluated as a function of time, temperature and pH of the media. The L-b-L electrostatic deposition of biopolymers succeeded in building nanosized, spherical and stable liposomes with a cumulative size of 386.5 ± 25.9 nm and a surface charge of ?30.66 ± 1.55 mV for a liposomal system coated with four bilayers of biopolymers. Biopolymer-coated liposomes offer good properties for encapsulation inside its liposomal aqueous core and sustained release of ellagic acid.     

Prophid: A Platform-Based Design Method

The continuing trendtowards higher integration densities of integrated circuits makesthe development of systems-on-a-chip possible. For well-definedapplication domains ``silicon platforms' must be defined whichallow efficient, yet programmable implementations. These platformsare heterogeneous reconfigurable multiprocessor architecturessupporting a variety of communication and computation models.As a consequence designers are facing a large architecture spacewith new possibilities for new architectures. To exploit theseopportunities a better understanding of system level architecturesis necessary. A first step in this direction is to learn fromdesign exercises. Eventually this may lead towards a system leveldesign method. In this paper a multiprocessor architecture templateis presented that serves as a platform for high-throughput applications.Central to this architecture is a reconfigurable high-performanceprocessor network that uses communication concepts based on theTST-networks known from the literature. We discuss the characteristicsof the architecture template in detail. Furthermore, we willdiscuss the specification, modelling, and mapping of applicationsfor this architecture. Finally, we analyse cost and performancefigures using real implementation results.     

Physical and Chemical Evaluation of CCBs for Alternative Uses

Coal combustion by-products (CCBs) have beneficial properties that are currently underutilized. Prudent evaluation of CCBs prior to alternative use application is in the best interest of the party undertaking the project. Ignorance and misunderstanding can lead to environmental harm and may result in unnecessary obstacles and undue regulation. With this consideration in mind, an alkaline injection treatment (AIT) evaluation was undertaken in order to select the most appropriate CCB to treat acid mine drainage (AMD). The information generated from this study also provides insight to the suitability of the CCBs for such alternative uses as neutralization of acidic industrial wastes and soil liming applications in an agricultural setting. Although there is variability in CCB composition due to parent material and operating conditions, general patterns are apparent from this work. With respect to AIT, CCBs with high alkaline contents, nonsetting characteristics, and low exchangeable toxic constituents are the most effective and desirable.     

Polymorphic New World monkeys with more than three M/L cone types

Most New World (platyrrhine) monkeys have M/L cone photopigment polymorphisms that map directly into individual variations in visual sensitivity and color vision. We used electroretinogram flicker photometry to examine M/L cone photopigments in the New World monkey Callicebus moloch (the dusky Titi). Like other New World monkeys, this species has an M/L cone photopigment polymorphism that reflects the presence of X-chromosome opsin gene alleles. However, unlike other platyrrhines in which three M/L photopigments are typical, Callicebus has a total of five M/L cone photopigments. The peak sensitivity values for these pigments extend across the range from 530 to 562 nm. The result is an enhanced array of potential color vision phenotypes in this species.     

Tuberkul?se Augenvereiterung bei einem Hirschkalb

Zusammenfassung Bei einem erblindeten Hirschkalb wurde Tuberkulose festgestellt. Eiterige, verkäsende Herde wurden in Thymus, Halslymphdrüsen und Leber gefunden, außerdem in beiden Augen, vorwiegend in der Iris und dem Ciliarkörper. Der Pansen des Stückes war stark mit vertrockneten Tannennadeln und Moos gefüllt.

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Summary Tuberculosis was found to be the cause of blindness in case of a fawn. Ulcerating caseating foci were found within the thymus, the lymphatic glands of the throat, and in the liver, besides in both eyes, above all within the iris and the corpus ciliare. The animal's rumen was filled to a high degree with dried fir needles and moss.

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Résumé On a constaté un cas de tuberculose chez un faon aveuglé. Des foyers purulants et coagulants furent trouvés dans le thymus, les glandes lymphatiques du cou et la foie, en plus dans les deux yeux, surtout dans l'iris et le corps ciliaire. La panse de la bête était fortement remplie des aiguilles de pin sec et de mousse.

     

Regulated and unregulated Nordic retail prices

Nordic residential electricity consumers can now choose among a number of contracts and suppliers. A large number of households have continued to purchase electricity from the incumbent supplier at default contract terms. In this paper, we compare the situation for such passive customers. Danish default prices are regulated whereas default prices in the other countries are unregulated. Systematic price differences exist among the Nordic countries. However, as wholesale prices sometimes differ the gross margin is a more relevant indicator. Regulated gross margins are lower in Denmark than in Sweden but higher than in Norway and Finland. Because of market design Norwegian default contracts are competitive whereas Swedish contracts provide the retailer with some market power. We interpret the low Finnish margins as a result of municipal retailers continuing traditional pricing from the monopoly period. Danish margins are higher than the competitive Norwegian margins but are earned from a much lower level of consumption. The annually margins earned per consumer are very close in the two countries, which indicates that the Danish regulation is achieving its objective of approaching competitive prices.     

Intrinsic and Effective Kinetics of Cobalt‐Catalyzed Fischer‐Tropsch Synthesis in View of a Power‐to‐Liquid Process Based on Renewable Energy

The production of liquid hydrocarbons based on CO₂ and renewable H₂ is a multi‐step process consisting of water electrolysis, reverse water‐gas shift, and Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis (FTS). The syngas will then also contain CO₂ and probably sometimes H₂O, too. Therefore, the kinetics of FTS on a commercial cobalt catalyst was studied with syngas containing CO, CO₂, H₂, and H₂O. The intrinsic kinetic parameters as well as the influence of pore diffusion (technical particles) were determined. CO₂ and H₂O showed only negligible or minor influence on the reaction rate. The intrinsic kinetic parameters of the rate of CO consumption were evaluated using a Langmuir‐Hinshelwood (LH) approach. The effectiveness factor describing diffusion limitations was calculated by two different Thiele moduli. The first one was derived by a simplified pseudo first‐order approach, the second one by the LH approach. Only the latter, more complex model is in good agreement with the experimental results.     

On the Importance of Gradient-Corrected Correlation for van der Waals Density Functionals

The van der Waals density functional (vdW-DF) family of exchange?Ccorrelation functionals is a promising step towards accounting for van der Waals interactions in density functional theory. This approach consists of a nonlocal correlation term in addition to semilocal generalized gradient approximation exchange and local density approximation correlation. It has proven useful for describing vdW bonded complexes but unfortunately deteriorates the prediction of solid-state properties such as bulk lattice parameters and cohesive energies, as compared to the underlying GGA functional. By considering a broad range of different condensed matter systems including weakly interacting complexes as well as strongly bonded molecules and bulk solids, we show that inclusion of gradient-corrected correlations in vdW-DF-type calculations may not only improve the accuracy for vdW bonded systems, but also amend vdW-DF deficiencies in predicting structural properties of solids. Based on this insight we construct a prototype vdW-DF which demonstrates high accuracy in describing the dispersive interactions responsible for benzene adsorption on the noble Au(111) surface.     

Hydrocracking of Fischer‐Tropsch Wax with Tungstovanadophosphoric Salts as Catalysts

The synthesis of liquid hydrocarbons from CO₂ and H₂, based on renewable energy and H₂O electrolysis, respectively, in a power‐to‐liquid process is a promising concept for the substitution of fossil fuels. Such a process is based on Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis followed by hydrocracking to convert waxy products into transportation fuels such as gasoline and diesel oil. Heteropolyacid cesium salts as catalysts show appropriate activity for hydrocracking, and the selectivity in cracking model hydrocarbons and Fischer‐Tropsch wax can be tuned by the vanadium content of the catalyst. Thermal stability and surface properties were investigated, and the catalysts are compared with a classical H‐Y‐type zeolite used for hydrocracking.