On ℤp-graded identities and cocharacters of the Grassmann algebra

Let p be an odd prime number, F a field of characteristic zero, and let Ebe the unitary Grassmann algebra generated by the infinite-dimensionalF-vector space L. We determine the bases of the ?_p-graded identities.Moreover we compute the ?_p-graded codimension and cocharacter sequences for the algebra E endowed with any ?_p-grading such that L is a homogeneous subspace.     

Comparative Study on Microencapsulation of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) and Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) Essential Oils via Spray-Drying Technique

Essential oils have been studied for various applications, including for therapeutic purposes. There is extensive literature regarding their properties; however, their low stability limits their application. Generally, the microencapsulation of essential oils allows enhanced stability and enables the potential incorporation in solid dosage forms. Lavender and peppermint oils were encapsulated in microparticles using a spray-drying technique under optimized conditions: 170 °C temperature, 35 m³/h aspiration volume flow, and 7.5 mL/min feed flow. Arabic gum and maltodextrin were used as coating polymers individually in varying concentrations from 5 to 20% (w/v) and in combination. The microparticles were studied for morphology, particle size, oil content, and flowability. The formulated powder particles showed a high yield of 71 to 84%, mean diameter 2.41 to 5.99 µm, and total oil content of up to 10.80%. The results showed that both the wall material type and concentration, as well as the type of essential oil, significantly affected the encapsulation process and the final particle characteristics. Our study has demonstrated that the encapsulation of lavender and peppermint oils in Arabic gum/maltodextrin microparticles by spray-drying represents a feasible approach for the conversion of liquids into solids regarding their further use in powder technology.     

Asymptotics of generalized derangements

An adaptive wavelet-based method is proposed for solving TV(total variation)–Allen–Cahn type models for multi-phase image segmentation. The adaptive algorithm integrates (i) grid adaptation based on a threshold of the sparse wavelet representation of the locally-structured solution; and (ii) effective finite difference on irregular stencils. The compactly supported interpolating-type wavelets enjoy very fast wavelet transforms, and act as a piecewise constant function filter. These lead to fairly sparse computational grids, and relax the stiffness of the nonlinear PDEs. Equipped with this algorithm, the proposed sharp interface model becomes very effective for multi-phase image segmentation. This method is also applied to image restoration and similar advantages are observed.     

INFERCNMR: a 13C NMR interpretive library search system

INFERCNMR is an automated (13)C NMR spectrum interpretation aid for use either as a stand-alone program or as a component of a comprehensive, computer-based system for the characterization of chemical structure. The program is an interpretive library search which requires a database of assigned (13)C NMR spectra. An interpretive library search does not require overall structural similarity between an unknown and a library entry in order to retrieve a substructure common to both. Input consists of the chemical shift and one-bond proton-carbon multiplicity of each signal in the spectrum, and the molecular formula of the unknown. Program output is one or more substructures predicted to be present in the unknown, each of which is assigned an estimated prediction accuracy.     

Synthesis and contractile activity of substituted 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines

A series of different 1-monosubstituted and 1,1-disubstituted 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-isoquinolines was synthesized in high yields from different ketoamides. We have developed a convenient method for the synthesis of disubstituted derivatives by interaction of ketoamides with organomagnesium compounds, followed by cyclization in the presence of catalytic amounts of p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA). A number of substituents at the C-1 in the isoquinoline skeleton were introduced varying either carboxylic acid or organomagnesium compound. Some of the obtained 1,1-dialkyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-isoquinolines possess contractile activity against guinea pig's gastric smooth muscle preparations.     

Platinum group metal-free oxygen reduction electrocatalysts used in neutral electrolytes for bioelectrochemical reactor applications

The oxygen reduction reaction is one of the limiting steps in microbial fuel cell performance. M–N–C catalysts (M as transition metal) represent the best compromise of optimal cost, electrocatalytic activity and durability. The Fe-based catalysts were shown to be the best compared with Co-, Mn-, Ni-based catalysts. The addition of the second transition metal such as Mn was shown to increase the selectivity of the reaction and reduce peroxide production. The use of different N–C precursors resulted in diverse surface chemistry that directly affects the performance. Generally, surface chemistry plays a critical role in the electrocatalytic activity. Integration of the catalyst in the air-breathing cathode is also discussed with a performance that is enhanced by: (i) increased catalyst loading; (ii) the addition of graphene to structure.     

Generic Uniqueness for Two Inverse Problems in POtential Scattering

which is written in terms of the characteristic function of the evolving set. The argument is based on implicit time-discretization, derivation of uniform estimates, and passage to thIn this paper the equation of mean curvature flow (with forcing term) is modified, to account not only for surface motion but also for nucleation and other discontinuities in set evolution. Existence of a solution is proved for a weak formulation,e limit.