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The Post Mortem-Interval (PMI), also known as time since death, is of relevance for forensic routine casework and serves primarily as the basis for the determination of the time that has passed since the time of death. The existing, "classical" approaches are characterised by certain limitations because they are predominantly based on morphological examinations. The present study deals with the assessment of two molecular messengerRNA-markers in different kinds post-mortem human specimens concerning their ability to use them for the estimation of the time of death. Moreover, a comparison between carefully selected endogenous and one exogenous reference marker for the normalisation of the gene expression data as relevant for accurate PMI estimation is drawn. The evaluation showed that the used approach is methodologically useful but on consideration of the achieved results it was only possible to determine slightly meaningful tendencies. The tested exogenous reference marker was not suitable for sufficient data normalisation whereas the endogenous reference markers showed a stable expression. However, it was not possible to recognise a specific expression level of the genes within a PMI group when endogenous reference markers were used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: One major part of the cooperation of RWE Power, BASF and Linde, which is aiming at an advanced optimised CO2-scrubbing technology for power plant applications, was the construction and commissioning of the first post-combustion capture pilot plant in Germany at the lignite-fired 1,000 MWel power station Niederaussem. The testing programme executed in the pilot plant is not only focusing on the energy demand for CO2 capture, solvent stability and emissions but also comprises an extensive material testing programme. Steel and plastic samples, tubes and flanges are located in different positions in the plant (pre-scrubber unit, absorber, desorber) to investigate material resistance at a wide range of specific process conditions (temperature, pressure, solvent loading, gas/solvent stream). Coupons made of different grades of stainless steel and plastic were placed in eight different positions. Tubes and flanges made of stainless steel and glass fibre-reinforced plastic were located in five different positions. In addition, a temperature-controlled concrete module equipped with a plastic in-liner was incorporated into the pilot plant. And, finally, different types of gaskets were tested. The testing programme started in mid-2009 with a six-month campaign using 30%-weight MEA as a benchmark solvent. At the beginning of 2010, the testing campaign with the new optimised solvent from BASF was started. This paper summarises the examination methodology based on non-destructive and destructive measurements and discusses some of the results obtained for both testing phases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Inulin fermentation in the gut leads to the production of beneficial metabolites. • The fermentation model was combined with pig intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2). • Inulin was associated with elevated butyrate levels. • Inulin fermentation products enhanced gut barrier function in IPEC-J2 cells. • The increase in butyrate could account for inulin bioactive property. Prebiotics can modulate gut fermentation and improve intestinal barrier function in mammals. First, inulin fermentation profile was tested in a three-step in vitro model of the piglet's gastro-intestinal tract combining a hydrolysis – dialysis step to a batch fermentation. Then, the differential effects of digested inulin (after the hydrolysis – dialysis steps) or fermented inulin (after the fermentation step) on the expression of gut barrier and immune-related genes of IPEC-J2 cells were investigated by high-throughput qPCR. Inulin was associated with elevated short-chain fatty acids and butyrate levels. Upregulated expressions of tight and adherens junction genes were observed in IPEC-J2 cells supplemented with inulin fermentation supernatant compared to control IPEC-J2 cells and digested inulin. Therefore, metabolites arising from the fermentation process, including butyrate, could be responsible for the reinforcement of the barrier function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]