Formation of Halonitromethanes and Iodo-Trihalomethanes in Drinking Water Summary

The main purpose of this study was to examine the conditions and precursors involved in the formation of two emerging classes of disinfection by-products (DBPs), halonitromethanes (HNMs) and iodo-trihalomethanes (I-THMs), which are not currently regulated but have been observed in some drinking water systems

On Stein's Identity and Near-Optimal Estimation in High-dimensional Index Models

We consider estimating the parametric components of semi-parametric multiple index models in a high-dimensional and non-Gaussian setting. Such models form a rich class of non-linear models with applications to signal processing, machine learning and statistics. Our estimators leverage the score function based first and second-order Stein's identities and do not require the covariates to satisfy Gaussian or elliptical symmetry assumptions common in the literature. Moreover, to handle score functions and responses that are heavy-tailed, our estimators are constructed via carefully thresholding their empirical counterparts. We show that our estimator achieves near-optimal statistical rate of convergence in several settings. We supplement our theoretical results via simulation experiments that confirm the theory

Selective Glucose Isomerization to Fructose via Nitrogen-doped Solid Base Catalyst Derived from Spent Coffee Grounds

In this work, glucose isomerization to fructose was conducted via a solid base biochar catalyst derived from spent coffee grounds and melamine. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra identified the majority of pyridinic nitrogen on the biochar surface, which imparted the strong base character of the catalyst. Activity of the catalyst was evidenced by fast conversion of glucose (12%) and high selectivity to fructose (84%) in 20 min at a moderate temperature (120 °C) compared to recently reported immobilized tertiary amines at comparable N concentrations (10-15 mol% relative to glucose). By increasing the reaction temperature to 160 °C, fructose yield achieved 14% in 5 min. The base biochar catalyst showed superior selectivity (\u3e80%) to commonly used homogeneous base catalysts such as aqueous hydroxides and amines (50-80%) and comparable catalytic activity (~20 mol% conversion within 20 min). Moreover, co-solvent of acetone in the reaction system may increase the overall basicity by stabilizing protonated water clusters via hydrogen bonding, which led to faster conversion and higher fructose selectivity than those in water. Approximately 19% fructose was obtained at 160 °C, and the basic sites on the biochar catalyst were stable in hydrothermal environment as indicated by acid-base titration test. Therefore, nitrogen-doped engineered biochar can potentially serve as solid base catalyst for biorefinery processes

A Herbal Formula HT051, a Combination of Pueraria lobata

Menopause is strongly associated with an increased risk of metabolic dysfunctions due to the decline in estrogen. Here, we hypothesized that dietary HT051, containing the roots of Pueraria lobata and Rehmannia glutinosa, has beneficial effects on ovariectomized (OVX) rats by regulating lipid metabolism. Forty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham-operated (Sham), OVX, OVX with low-dose HT051 supplementation, and OVX with high-dose HT051 supplementation. The rats were fed with a modified AIN-93G diet or an HT051-containing modified AIN-93G diet for 8 weeks. Body weight, fat mass, and serum levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase decreased in HT051-fed OVX rats. Dietary HT051 supplementation significantly decreased the mRNA expression of lipogenesis-related genes, including sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c and fatty acid synthase, and increased the mRNA expression of β-oxidation-related genes, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 in the liver of OVX rats. Moreover, the expression of genes involved in adipogenesis and inflammation was significantly lower in the adipose tissue of OVX rats fed with HT051 than in the OVX group. These findings suggest that HT051 may be a potential natural alternative for the management of postmenopausal metabolic dysfunctions

Iron-modified biochar and water management regime-induced changes in plant growth, enzyme activities, and phytoavailability of arsenic, cadmium and lead in a paddy soil

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of raw (RawBC) and iron (Fe)-modified biochar (FeBC) derived from Platanus orientalis Linn branches on the plant growth, enzyme activity, and bioavailability and uptake of As, Cd, and Pb by rice in a paddy soil with continuously flooded (CF) or alternately wet and dry (AWD) irrigation in a pot experiment. Application of RawBC (3%, w/w) significantly increased soil pH, while FeBC decreased it. The FeBC was more effective in reducing As and Pb bioavailability, particularly under the AWD water regime, while RawBC was more conducive in reducing Cd bioavailability under the CF water regime. The FeBC decreased As concentration, but increased concentrations of Cd and Pb in the straw and brown rice, as compared to the untreated soil. Soil catalase and urease activities were enhanced by RawBC, but decreased by FeBC treatment. The FeBC increased the grain yield by 60 and 32% in CF and AWD treatments, respectively. The FeBC can be recommended for immobilization of As in paddy soils, but a potential human health risk from Cd and Pb in FeBC-treated soils should be considered due to increased uptake and translocation of the metals to brown rice

Microstructure and Electrochemical Behaviors of Equiatomic TiMoVCrZr and Ti-rich TiMoVCrZr High-Entropy Alloys for Metallic Biomaterials

The present study investigated various thermodynamic parameters, microstructures and electrochemical behaviors of TiMoVCrZr and Ti-rich TiMoVCrZr high-entropy alloys (HEAs) prepared by vacuum arc remelting. The microstructures of the alloys were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and potentiodynamic polarization tests. The determined thermodynamic values of the Ω-parameter and the atomic size difference (δ) for the HEAs were determined to be in the range of Ω ≥ 1.1, and δ ≤ 6.6% with valance electron configuration (VEC) ≤ 5.0, suggesting the HEAs were effective at forming solid solutions. XRD patterns of the equiatomic Ti20 Mo20 V20 Cr20 Zr20 HEA revealed four phases consisting of the body centered cubic1 (BCC1 ), BCC2 , hexagonal close-packed (HCP), and intermetallic compound Cr2 Zr phases. Three phases were observed in the XRD patterns of Ti-rich Ti40 Mo15 V15 Cr15 Zr15 (BCC, HCP, and Cr2 Zr) and a single BCC phase was observed in Ti-rich Ti60 Mo10 V10 Cr10 Zr10 HEAs. The backscattered-electron (BSE) images on the equiatomic Ti20 Mo20 V20 Cr20 Zr20 HEA revealed BCC and HCP phases with Cr2 Zr precipitates, suggesting precipitation from the HCP solid solution during the cooling. The micro-segregation of Ti-rich Ti60 Mo10 V10 Cr10 Zr10 HEAs appeared to decrease remarkably. The alloying elements in the HEAs were locally present and no phase changes occurred even after additional HIP treatment. The lowest current density obtained in the polarization potential test of Ti-rich Ti40 Mo15 V15 Cr15 Zr15 HEA was 7.12×10-4 mA/cm2 was obtained. The studied TiMoVCrZr HEAs showed improved corrosion characteristics as compared to currently available joint replacement material such as ASTM F75 alloy

Effect of Cold Rolling on Electrochemical Impedance Behavior of New β-Type Ti-6Mo-6V-5Cr-3Sn-2.5Zr Alloy

In this study, the corrosion properties of Ti-6Mo-6V-5Cr-3Sn-2.5Zr alloy were investigated as a function of the cold rolling ratio and annealing temperature. The annealing treatment was carried out at temperature of 680°C, 730°C, and 780°C. The highest corrosion potential observed in the specimen with a 10% rolling ratio was 179 mV, which was more positive than that of the nonrolled specimen (–0.214 VSSC). The lowest corrosion current density (1.30×10-8 A/cm2) was observed in the non-rolled specimen which suggested that the integrity of its passive oxide layer was superior to that of the cold-rolled specimens. Time-dependent EIS evaluation revealed that the consistency of the passive oxide layer was highly affected by the subjected rolling ratio over time

Cinnamomum cassia and Rosa laevigata Mixture Improves Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats by Regulating Androgen Receptor Signaling and Apoptosis

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common condition in elderly men that is characterized by an increase in the size of the prostate gland. Cinnamomum cassia and Rosa laevigata have been reported to treat the symptoms associated with BPH. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of HT080, an herbal extract of C. cassia and R. laevigata, on a testosterone propionate (TP)-induced BPH rat model. The rats received a daily subcutaneous injection of TP (3 mg/kg) for 4 weeks to induce BPH. Rats were divided into four groups: group 1 (sham), group 2 (BPH, TP alone), group 3 (Fina, TP + finasteride 1 mg/kg/day), and group 4 (HT080, TP + HT080 200 mg/kg/day). At the end of the experiment, all rats were sacrificed, and their prostate glands were removed, weighed, and subjected to histopathological examination and western blot analyses. Serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels were determined. In addition, serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferase levels were measured to evaluate the toxicity in the liver. The Hershberger bioassay was also conducted to investigate the effects of HT080 on androgenic and antiandrogenic activities. In the BPH model, the prostate weight, prostate index, prostate epithelial thickness, and serum testosterone and DHT levels in the HT080 group were significantly reduced compared to the BPH group. Histological studies showed that HT080 reduced prostatic hyperplasia. The protein expression of androgen receptor from the HT080 group was significantly reduced in comparison with the BPH group (p < 0.05). HT080 also induced apoptosis by regulating Bcl-2 and Bax expression. In addition, HT080 showed no toxicity in the liver and did not exhibit androgenic and antiandrogenic activities. Our finding revealed that HT080 can be a potential candidate for the treatment of BPH by regulating androgen receptor signaling and apoptosis

Gastroprotective Effects of Inulae Flos on HCl/Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcers in Rats

Inulae Flos, the flower of Inula britannica L., is used as a dietary supplement, beverage, and medicine in East Asia. In this study, we evaluated the gastroprotective effects of Inulae Flos extract (IFE) against gastric mucosal lesions induced by hydrochloric acid (HCl)/ethanol in rats and explored its potential mechanisms by measuring antioxidant enzyme activity, mucus secretion, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels. Pretreatment with IFE at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg significantly inhibited gastric lesions in HCl/ethanol-treated rats. IFE increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase and the levels of glutathione and PGE2 in gastric tissues. The administration of IFE also significantly increased the gastric wall mucus contents in HCl/ethanol-induced gastric lesions. These findings suggest that IFE has gastroprotective effects against HCl/ethanol-induced gastric lesions and exerts these effects through increased antioxidant levels and gastric mucus secretion. Inulae Flos may be a promising agent for the prevention and treatment of gastritis and gastric ulcers