Bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in an aged coal-tar-contaminated soil using different in-vessel composting approaches

The biodegradation of 16 USEPA-listed PAHs (SigmaPAHs) during simulated in-vessel composting-bioremediation of an aged coal-tar-contaminated soil amended with fresh green waste compost (FGWC) collected from two landfill sites in the United Kingdom (UK) were studied over 56 days. The experimental design compared three constant temperature profiles (TC=38, 55 and 70 degrees C) with one variable temperature profile including treatment at 70 degrees C to comply with regulatory requirements (TP1). The highest disappearance of SigmaPAHs was observed in the soil amended with FGWC (53.2% and 48.1% SigmaPAHs disappearance in soil amended with FGWC-Site 1 and FGWC-Site 2, respectively) containing lower initial organic mater (TOM) (Initial TOM(FGWC-Site 1)=25.6+/-0.6%相似文献   

PCR detection of foodborne bacteria producing the biogenic amines histamine, tyramine, putrescine, and cadaverine

This study describes an easy PCR method for the detection of foodborne bacteria that potentially produce histamine, tyramine, putrescine, and cadaverine. Synthetic oligonucleotide pairs for the specific detection of the gene coding for each group of bacterial histidine, tyrosine, ornithine, or lysine decarboxylases were designed. Under the conditions used in this study, the assay yielded fragments of 372 and 531 bp from histidine decarboxylase-encoding genes, a 825-bp fragment from tyrosine decarboxylases, fragments of 624 and 1,440 bp from ornithine decarboxylases, and 1,098- and 1,185-bp fragments from lysine decarboxylases. This is the first PCR method for detection of cadaverine-producing bacteria. The method was successfully applied to several biogenic amine-producing bacterial strains.     

Fire resistance of cold-formed steel framed shear walls under various fire scenarios

This paper presents results of large-scale experiments with varying levels of fire severity on lateral force-resisting systems commonly used in cold-formed steel framed buildings. Gypsum-sheet steel composite panel sheathed walls, oriented strand board sheathed walls, and steel strap-braced walls are examined. Postflashover fire conditions of two different intensities as well as 1 hour of fire exposure similar to that in a standard furnace qualification test are studied. Additionally, a full-scale furnished kitchen fire experiment is conducted for comparison. The results highlight differences in the thermal response and subsequent performance of the walls as well as differing sensitives of the walls to pre-damage, eg, that might occur during an earthquake. The results are part of a larger effort to provide fragilities for these wall systems in response to realistic fires for performance-based design.     

ADSORPTION AND RECOVERY OF NITRATED POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS ON HYBRID SURFACTANT EXPANDED ZIRCONIUM-PHOSPHATE

This paper focuses on the removal of nitro substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds (NPAHs) from water using low cost synthesized zirconium phosphate mesoporous materials. These materials are lamellar type incorporating n-alkyl-(n = 12 and n = 16) trimethylamonium bromide molecules with different concentrations. For comparison of their performance as adsorbents and in the recovery of NPAH, their results were compared with commercial ENVI-18 extraction tubes and three dimensional type material incorporating hexadecyl-trimethyl ammonium bromide. The adsorption yield for the new materials were almost 100% and the recovery factors with dichloromethane as eluent was nearly 100%. Best results were obtained by preparing lamellar zirconium and titanium phosphates in the presence of n-dodecyl-trimethylammonium. This material has several environmental advantages because zirconium salts are non-toxic and their synthesis costs is relatively small.     

Non-Coding RNAs in Saliva: Emerging Biomarkers for Molecular Diagnostics

Saliva is a complex body fluid that comprises secretions from the major and minor salivary glands, which are extensively supplied by blood. Therefore, molecules such as proteins, DNA, RNA, etc., present in plasma could be also present in saliva. Many studies have reported that saliva body fluid can be useful for discriminating several oral diseases, but also systemic diseases including cancer. Most of these studies revealed messenger RNA (mRNA) and proteomic biomarker signatures rather than specific non-coding RNA (ncRNA) profiles. NcRNAs are emerging as new regulators of diverse biological functions, playing an important role in oncogenesis and tumor progression. Indeed, the small size of these molecules makes them very stable in different body fluids and not as susceptible as mRNAs to degradation by ribonucleases (RNases). Therefore, the development of a non-invasive salivary test, based on ncRNAs profiles, could have a significant applicability to clinical practice, not only by reducing the cost of the health system, but also by benefitting the patient. Here, we summarize the current status and clinical implications of the ncRNAs present in human saliva as a source of biological information.     

Environmental Engineering in Mexico

This paper analyzes the current situation of the environmental engineering (ENVE) field in Mexico and proposes some guidelines for future developments, particularly with respect to human resources. In Mexico, the ENVE field has evolved in a disorganized way, such that research, technology development, and human resources education and training (HRET) are all separate activities that do not adequately address national problems. Mexico faces tremendous environmental problems, with very limited economic resources and technically qualified professionals. The total number of environmental engineers in the country in 1998 was around 600, whereas in 1996 it was estimated that 3,500 professionals, 1,500 professors, and 250 researchers were required to sufficiently manage the current level of environmental degradation. The development of an effective HRET program in ENVE must include the improvement of existing programs, development of specialized courses outside of formal programs, and incorporation of new educational strategies; each of these sectors should retain close ties to research groups. At the same time, it is very important to support technology development along with research. The government must undertake the role of coordinating and integrating HRET, research and development, and private sector participation.     

MACHINE LEARNING TECHNIQUES FOR ACQUIRING NEW KNOWLEDGE IN IMAGE TRACKING

The purpose of this research is to apply data mining (DM) to an optimized surveillance video system with the objective of improving tracking robustness and stability. Specifically, the machine learning has been applied to blob extraction and detection, in order to decide whether a detected blob corresponds to a real target or not. Performance is assessed with an Evaluation function, which has been developed for optimizing the video surveillance system. This Evaluation function measures the quality level reached by the tracking system.