Random walks in cones: The case of nonzero drift

We consider multidimensional discrete valued random walks with nonzero drift killed when leaving general cones of the euclidean space. We find the asymptotics for the exit time from the cone and study weak convergence of the process conditioned on not leaving the cone. We get quasistationarity of its limiting distribution. Finally we construct a version of the random walk conditioned to never leave the cone.     

A binuclear tantalum(III) complex with a bridging carboxylato ligand

Ta₂Cl₆(SMe₂)₃ reacts with one equivalent of C₄H₉CO₂Li to give a complex with a bridging carboxylate ligand, Ta₂Cl₅(O₂CC₄H₉)(SMe₂)(THF)₂. The product was isolated in two crystalline forms, 1 and 2, from a THF/hexane and benzene/hexane solvent mixture, respectively. The following are the unit cell parameters, for 1: monoclinic (P2₁/n), a = 10.537(5) Å, b = 22.015(4) Å, c = 11.663(4) Å, β = 107.80(3)°, V = 2576(3) ų, and Z = 4; for 2: monoclinic (P2₁/c), a = 15.584(4) Å, b = 15.647(4) Å, c = 11.275(3) Å, β = 106.04(5)°, V = 2642(3) ų and Z = 4. The complex is a dimer with a distorted octahedra-sharing-an-edge geometry. The TaTa distances in 1 and 2 were 2.766(1) Å and 2.779(1) Å, respectively, which is somewhat longer than in previously reported Nb(III) and Ta(III) dinuclear compounds. Diamagnetism of the complex is shown by NMR. Fenske—Hall calculations, which correctly predict an electronic transition at about 16,000 cm^?1, indicate a double TaTa bond. The observed elongation of the metalmetal bond is attributed mainly to steric crowding. The complex is the first proven low-valent Ta species with a coordinated carboxylate ion.     

Integrity of liposomes in presence of various formulation excipients, when dispersed in aqueous media and in hydrogels

The integrity of liposomes when dispersed in presence of various common formulation excipients is studied. Additionally, the effect of the excipients on the release of calcein from the same liposomes when dispersed in hydrogels is investigated and the results of the two sets of experiments are compared. Propyleneglycol (PG), transcutol CG (TR), cremophor EL (CR) and labrafac hydro WL 1219 (LB) are used at 10 or 25% (v/v) and the retention of liposome encapsulated calcein is followed for 24 or 48 h periods. Calcein entrapping multilamellar liposomes composed of phosphatidylcholine (PC) or 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC) with or without addition of different amounts of cholesterol (Chol) were prepared by the thin film hydration method.

Experimental results reveal that liposomes are affected more by the excipients in the order: LB > CR > PG  TR. Particularly LB and in some cases also CR result in rapid release of most or the entire vesicle encapsulated dye. Addition of Chol in both PC and DSPC liposomes results in substantial increase of vesicle integrity in all cases. Concerning the release of calcein form the liposomal gels, from DSPC/Chol (1:1) liposomal gels calcein release was not affected by addition of 25% of TR or PG in all gels studied, but LB caused a significant increase in calcein release. However, from PC-liposomal gels even TR and PG (at 25%), increases calcein release.

Conclusively, the results of this study suggest that liposomes are protected from excipients when dispersed in gels compared to aqueous media. This should be taken into account when liposomal drug formulations are designed.     

Vibrational studies of biquinonyl

Using theoretical calculations, the IR and Raman spectra of biquinonyl, 2,2'-Bi-(2,5-cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione), were interpreted. The force field of this molecule was analysed and the changes caused by joining two p-benzoquinone groups were discussed and compared with the calculated π-electron bond orders (PPP).