A numerical evaluation of a hollow fiber extractive fermentor process for the production of ethanol

The economics of a process for the production of ethanol employing a hollow fiber extractive fermentor have been investigated. A computer simulation of the process incorporating a mathematical model of the fermentor was used to calculate the mass and energy balances. The results of the process simulation were read into a computer spreadsheet programmed with the economic calculations from which a final ethanol product cost was obtained. The process was found to be as competitive as conventional fermentation processes even at the currently high cost--$4/sq ft--of hollow fibers. It was determined that the 1986 price of 46.2 cents/L of ethanol produced by the process would be reduced by 1.8 cents/L for every $1/sq foot drop in the price of hollow fibers. A comparison of this process with conventional fermentation processes indicates that its potential savings lie in its ability to use a concentrated sugar feed, and the fermentor's increased productivity and ability to produce a concentrated ethanol stream which is removed by the extracting solvent.     

Assessment of Morpho-Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Perennial Ryegrass to Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Application Under Salinity Stress Using Multivariate Analyses Techniques

Journal of Plant Growth Regulation - Salinity stress is one of the most important global problems that afflicts and limits the growth and development of turfgrass in arid and semi-arid areas....     

Kinetics of Cr(VI) Removal by Iron Filings in Some Soils

In this research, kinetics of Cr(VI) reduction by iron filings was investigated through a batch study in seven different soils. Chromate reduction experiments were carried out for initial Cr(VI) concentrations ranging from 20 to 100 mgkg^?1 and iron filings dosage of 0 to 5% w/w. The experimental data were analyzed using various kinetic models including zero-order, pseudo first-order, power function, Elovich, and diffusion parabolic. Results showed that the Cr(VI) reduction efficiency in the presence of all studied soils increased with increasing iron filings dosage and decreased with increasing the initial Cr(VI) concentration. The reaction rates considerably depended on pH and were higher in acidic soils. The diffusion parabolic model was the best kinetic model as evidenced by the highest determination coefficient (r²) and the lowest standard error of the estimate (SE). The rate-limiting step(s) may be transport of chromate anions across a liquid film at the interface of soil-liquid, transport in liquid-filled macropores of iron filings aggregates, or diffusion in micropores and along the particle's surface.     

Calprotectin Pegylation Enhanced Its Physical and Structural Properties

Calprotectin is member of the S-100 protein family with a wide plethora of intra-and extracellular functions. Anticancer activities, antimicrobial effects and being a qualified disease marker are among the compelling features of this protein to be used as a pharmaceutical agent. However, there are several impediments to applications of protein pharmaceuticals including: proteolytic degradation, short circulating half-life, low solubility and immunogenicity. Pegylation is a common bioconjugation polymer capable of overcoming these drawbacks. Recombinant expression and purification of calprotectin along with its pegylation would result in enhanced pharmaco-dynamic and pharmacokinetic properties. Our florescence spectroscopy and far Ultraviolet-optical density results indicate that pegylation altered the physical and structural properties of the calprotectin to become in a more stable and functionally active state. Due to enhanced pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of the calprotectin via pegylation, this study would pave the way for better in vitro and in vivo validations of calprotectin applications in medical practice.     

A Dermal Gel Made of Rutilus Kutum Skin Collagen-Chitosan for Deep Burn Healing

International Journal of Peptide Research and Therapeutics - Natural compounds extracted from marine organisms consisting of biological active materials like collagen provide a major source of...     

Global estimate of gastric cancer in Helicobacter pylori–infected population: A systematic review and meta-analysis

There is information regarding the rates of gastric cancer (GC) in different populations and the important role of Helicobacter pylori in GC development; however, no comprehensive study has yet been performed to investigate the prevalence of GC in H. pylori–infected patients. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library through January 1, 2000 were searched without language restrictions. Quality of included studies was assessed with a critical appraisal checklist recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute. All of the analyses were conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software Version 2.0 and Stata 14.0. Forty-four studies from 17 countries were included. The pooled frequency of GC was 17.4% (95% confidence interval: 16.4–18.5) in H. pylori–infected population. The frequency of GC among H. pylori–infected population varied markedly across countries. The highest rate of GC was observed in H. pylori–infected individuals from Asian countries. The frequency of GC was relatively high in H. pylori–infected population in the world. However, the eradication of H. pylori might be a promising strategy for GC prevention, especially in high-risk populations such as Asian countries.