Artificial Mixtures Research Articles

The influence of X-ray diffraction pattern angular range on Rietveld refinement results used for quantitative analysis, crystallite size calculation and unit-cell parameter refinement

This article reports a detailed examination of the effect of the magnitude of the angular range of an X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern on the Rietveld refinement results used in quantitative phase analysis and quality assurance/quality control applications. XRD patterns from 14 different samples (artificial mixtures, and inorganic and organic materials with nano- and submicrometre crystallite sizes) were recorded in 2θ interval from 5–10 to 120°. All XRD patterns were processed using Rietveld refinement. The magnitude of the workable angular range was gradually increased, and thereby the number of peaks used in Rietveld refinement was also increased, step by step. Three XRD patterns simulated using CIFs were processed in the same way. Analysis of the results obtained indicated that the magnitude of the angular range chosen for Rietveld refinement does not significantly affect the calculated values of unit-cell parameters, crystallite sizes and percentage of phases. The values of unit-cell parameters obtained for different angular ranges diverge by 10−4 Å (rarely by 10−3 Å), that is about 10−2% in relative numbers. The average difference between the calculated and actual phase percentage in artificial mixtures was 1.2%. The maximal difference for the crystallite size did not exceed 0.47, 5.2 and 7.7 nm at crystallite sizes lower than 20, 50 and 120 nm, respectively. It has been established that these differences are statistically insignificant.

An Ultrasensitive Next Generation Sequencing Method for the Detection of Minimal Residual Disease and the Assessment of Chimerism Following Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Introduction Accuracy and precision are critically important in the assessment of minimal residual disease (MRD) and chimerism following hematopoietic cell transplantation. Reliable and sensitive detection of changes in engraftment status can impact patient care by early detection of potential failure of engraftment or relapse. We evaluated a commercially available NGS technology for engraftment monitoring for sensitivity, accuracy and reproducibility. Objective Introduction of next generation sequencing technology for engraftment monitoring. Methods Samples analyzed by NGS at Baylor Transplant Immunology Laboratory included archived clinical specimens with historic results by STR, n=19, or qPCR, n=15, test results; 72 artificial mixtures of volunteer donors, and 5 ASHI external proficiency specimens. NGS analysis assessed 182 SNPs validated in the 1000 Genomes HapMap project and distributed across all 23 chromosomes, including the x chromosome. The rapid workflow allows a TAT of 2 days for up to 24 samples, with a less than 6 hour NGS library preparation protocol, followed by a 6 hour sequencing run time and 30 minute analysis. The low sample requirement, 1 ng DNA per PCR, facilitates chimerism assessment in multiple cell subsets including low frequency populations such as CD34-positive cells. Results NGS showed close concordance with historic results from STR and qPCR (figure 1), providing validation of NGS technology. Figure 2 compares NGS results versus the reference values of artificial mixtures and demonstrates NGS accuracy, while the low tech to tech variation data reveals assay precision. Limit of detection experiments showed reliable 0.1% sensitivity, as illustrated in Figure 3, with NGS analysis of 4 mixtures at 0.1%.. In addition, NGS reported results for the external proficiency samples correlated closely with the mean % donor reported throughout the full range of donor/recipient proportions including concordance with a sample of 100% donor. Conclusions Application of NGS technology to chimerism analysis in HCT provides accurate and precise test results. With the reliable 0.1% sensitivity and low input DNA that allows testing of multiple critical cell subsets, NGS is particularly relevant to early detection of MRD, graft failure, and relapse.

Degradation of plastics via electron-beam distillation

The effect of electron beam irradiation on the dry distillation of plastics waste and their artificial mixtures with lignocelluloses as well as refuse derived fuel (RDF) was studied. It was found that irradiation makes it possible to reduce the temperature of dry distillation and increase the yield of wax/oil from plastics. Wax/oil obtained via the radiation-thermal degradation of plastics contains more of saturated components. Wax/oil yield is at least 2/3 of the initial RDF sample. Radiation-thermal degradation of the cellulose fraction of RDF produces mainly derivatives of furans.

Relative molar sensitivities of carnosol and carnosic acid with respect to diphenylamine allow accurate quantification of antioxidants in rosemary extract

ABSTRACTWe have been developing a high-performance liquid chromatography/photodiode array (HPLC/PDA) employing relative molar sensitivities (RMSs) and adopted it to the accurate quantification of carnosol (CL) and carnosic acid (CA) which are the antioxidants in rosemary extract. The method requires no references of CL or CA and instead uses RMSs with respect to diphenylamine (DPA) whose certified reference material is available from a reagent manufacturer. The molar and response ratios of the analytes to the reference in an artificial mixture of them were determined using 1H-quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-qNMR) and HPLC/PDA at a wavelength of 284 nm under isocratic condition, respectively, and then RMSs were calculated to be 0.111 for CL/DPA and 0.0809 for CA/DPA as averaged values in three HPLC–PDA instruments. The RMS values varied by up to 1.1% as relative standard deviation. To evaluate the performance of HPLC/PDA with the RMSs, the CL and CA contents in rosemary extracts were determined using DPA as a reference. The CL and CA contents were compared with those determined using calibration curves of CL and CA obtained by HPLC measurement of standard solutions prepared from their reagents whose absolute purities were determined using 1H-qNMR. The differences between the two methods for CL and CA were ≤3% as relative error. This chromatographic method with RMSs allows a simple and reliable quantification when reference of the analyte is unavailable.

Investigations on secondary compression behaviours of artificial soft sand-clay mixtures

Special soft soils with notable coarse and fine fractions are not only naturally deposited in ravines or interactive marine-terrestrial sedimentation areas but also artificially formed in land reclamation projects via the hydraulic filling method and excavation cuts of different soil layers in open pit mines. The behaviour of these soils is not like that of similar normal sands or clays but rather exhibits the characteristics of transitional mixtures. A sand-clay mixture was prepared in the laboratory to simulate these special soil types, and an incremental loading oedometer test was performed. Thereafter, a secondary compression coefficient (Cα) was determined to investigate the long-term rheological properties of the mixture. The results in the Cα-log σv′, Cα-e, Cα-e/eL and Cα-Cc planes revealed that a threshold e/eL value (i.e. approximately 0.45) in the case of sands. Note that in a traditional Cα-Cc analysis system, the soils with sand exhibited the same secondary compression behaviour (SCB) as that without sand before reaching the transformation threshold, whereas after this threshold, they appeared to behave much like sandy soils. Hence, a four-phase frame of sand-clay mixture was further introduced to clarify the mechanism of the SCB of soils with and without sand. An updated Cαc/Ccc reflecting the creep mechanism of the clay phase can be effectively adopted to exclude the influence of sand particles. Because the quantitative relationship between Cαc and Ccc for soils with sand was consistent with that without sand, it can be assumed that the SCB of clay-sand mixtures was dominated by the creep of fine fractions. It is porposed that the existence pattern of the sand particles in the mixtures undergoes three stages with an increasing vertical stress, i.e. non-skeleton, partial skeleton and complete skeleton. A further discussion on the mutual relationship between phases on the behaviour of mixtures with sand revealed that isolated sand had no effect on the compressibility and SCB during the initial stage. When a partial skeleton of the sand was established in the second stage, characterized by less stress on the clay matrix, the compressibility and SCB were suppressed. When the vertical stress continuously increased or additional sand content was supplied, a complete skeleton formed. Hence, the behaviour of mixtures (regardless of compressibility and secondary compression) was completely governed by the sand fractions. Generally, the same relationship was observed between Cαc and Ccc during the first and second stages with sand, indicating that the influence of sand fractions on the compressibility and SCB can be counterweighted.

Application of novel solid phase extraction-NMR protocols for metabolic profiling of human urine.

Metabolite identification and annotation procedures are necessary for the discovery of biomarkers indicative of phenotypes or disease states, but these processes can be bottlenecked by the sheer complexity of biofluids containing thousands of different compounds. Here we describe low-cost novel SPE-NMR protocols utilising different cartridges and conditions, on both natural and artificial urine mixtures, which produce unique retention profiles useful for metabolic profiling. We find that different SPE methods applied to biofluids such as urine can be used to selectively retain metabolites based on compound taxonomy or other key functional groups, reducing peak overlap through concentration and fractionation of unknowns and hence promising greater control over the metabolite annotation/identification process.

Shear Strength of Compacted Clays as Affected by Mineral Content and Wet‐Dry Cycles

The behaviors of high‐plasticity clays depend largely on the clay mineral content. Recently, it has been observed that sudden slope failures of most clay slopes occur in regions pronounced with repeated rainfall and sunny climate. The reason for this is still unclear. Examining the effect of clay minerals and drastic weather changes on shear strength will be useful in predicting the performance of structures built in such soils and to take precautionary measures to improve the properties before failure. Therefore, a series of quick direct shearing tests were conducted on 11 artificial clay mixtures. The cohesion and frictional strength properties were determined and linked to the proportion of clay minerals and the number of wetting and drying cycles. The results show a significant reduction in shear strength after exposure to wetting and drying. Generally, montmorillonite‐dominated mixtures were less susceptible to the changes in cohesion strength than kaolin‐dominated mixtures, and the reduction in frictional strength was relatively insignificant.

Systemic contact dermatitis related to alcoholic beverage consumption

Systemic contact dermatitis is a rash secondary to systemic exposure to allergens after sensitization. Numerous agents are implicated including Balsam of Peru, a plant-derived compound often used for flavoring and fragrance. Alcoholic beverages can contain many possible allergens, including cinnamon, vanilla, citrus peels, and Balsam of Peru. Herein, we describe two patients presenting with recurrent, diffuse, erythematous, and pruritic cutaneous eruptions suspicious for contact dermatitis. Based on clinical history, exam, and formal and at-home patch testing results, we believe the most likely etiology was Balsam of Peru within the alcohol beverages leading to systemic contact dermatitis. Both patients markedly improved after avoidance of their alcoholic beverages. Overall, systemic contact dermatitis secondary to alcohol consumption is a rare phenomenon, whereas Balsam of Peru is a relatively common allergen. Suspicion must be high to identify possible allergens (including Balsam of Peru) exposure within alcoholic beverages such as artificial flavorings, aromas, and mixtures.

Breastfeeding as an important factor of reduced infants’ infection diseases

Purpose: Respiratory tract infections and severe allergy reactions are a leading cause of hospitalization and morbidity in infants and children. The protection of breastfeeding against infectious diseases as well as allergy development has often been suggested. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the various models of infant nutrition, its immunity influence and children response after 3-6 years of age. Materials and methods: The research was based on a voluntarily questionnaire, filled in by parents of pre-school children. Information on breast and milk formula feeding duration (never; 1-6 months; 6-12 months; 12-24 months; 24>months) were collected. The frequency of infections, chronic diseases, and allergies occurrence was analysed. Results: A statistically significant differences between infants breastfeeding and milk formula feeding in case of reduced infection (p=0.003) and infection recurrences (p=0.001) were found. This relationship was not found among children at further stages of development. There was no correlation between the consumption of only mothers’ milk, and the reduced occurrence of asthma, allergies, and eczema. Conclusions: Maternal milk has an influence on the reduced risk of infection in the first year of the child’s life compared to children fed only with artificial mixtures

Effect of sodium silicate on the magnetic separation of ilmenite from titanaugite by magnetite selective coating

Surface magnetization provides a possible approach for recovering weak or non-magnetic minerals via magnetic separation. In the present study, magnetite selective coating was used to enlarge the magnetic difference between ilmenite and titanaugite and further separate them. During this process, the selective coating behavior of magnetite was investigated with sodium silicate depressant and sodium oleate surfactant on mineral surfaces. The SEM analysis and magnetic separation results revealed that magnetite displayed a selective coating behavior on the surface of ilmenite and titanaugite, resulting in a large recovery difference by approximately 53% between them. The results of zeta potential and adsorption measurements indicated that sodium silicate preferred to adsorb onto titanaugite surfaces and prevented sodium oleate adsorption but not on ilmenite. Contact angle analysis suggested that the selective adsorption of reagents led to the hydrophobic difference of minerals. EDLVO calculation results illustrated that hydrophobic attraction dominated the selective adhering behavior of magnetite on ilmenite and titanaugite. After magnetite coating, the magnetic separation recovery and TiO2 grade of artificial mixtures were increased by approximately 26.33% and 4.7%, respectively.

Acaricidal properties of the essential oil from Aristolochia trilobata and its major constituents against the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae)

Tetranychus urticae Koch is a polyphagous pest that is widely distributed throughout the world and causes considerable damage to crops in northeastern Brazil. The effects of the essential oil from Aristolochia trilobata L., selected constituents, and an artificial mixture (sulcatyl acetate, limonene, linalool, and p-cymene) on T. urticae in terms of fumigant action, residual contact, and fecundity were investigated under laboratory conditions. The results were compared with eugenol, Azamax®, and Ortus® as positive controls. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the oil revealed a predominance of monoterpenes, with sulcatyl acetate (24.57% ± 0.40%) as the major component, followed by linalool (10.80% ± 0.27%). Toxicity varied with the method employed. Through fumigation, the A. trilobata oil was about 2.18-fold more toxic than the artificial mixture, whereas no significant difference between the two products was found with regard to residual contact. Regarding the selected compounds, the mite was most susceptible to linalool and p-cymene by fumigation and residual contact, respectively. The plant-based (Azamax®) and synthetic (Ortus®) acaricidal agents were more toxic than the products tested. Moreover, low concentrations of the products investigated herein had no effect on mite survival, but a significant effect was found on the quantity of eggs laid by females. The A. trilobata oil and artificial mixture are promising natural acaricidal agents that have more than one mode of action (fumigation and residual contact) and exert an effect on fecundity. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the cost–benefit ratio for use on organic crops and protected environments in northeastern Brazil.

Consequences of a contaminant mixture of bisphenol A (BPA) and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), two plastic-derived chemicals, on the diversity of coastal phytoplankton

To assess the impact of two plastic derived chemicals: bisphenol A (BPA) and the di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), on phytoplankton biomass and community structure, microcosm incubations were performed during spring and summer, with offshore and lagoon waters of a south-western Mediterranean ecosystem. Phytoplankton were exposed to an artificial mixture of BPA and DEHP and to marine water previously enriched with plastic-derivative compounds, originated from in situ water incubations of plastic debris for 30 days. After 96 h of incubation, changes were observed in phytoplankton biomass in the contaminated microcosms, with a net decrease (up to 50% of the control) in the concentration of Chlorophyll a in offshore waters. Concomitantly, plastic-derivative contamination provoked structural changes, especially for offshore waters. This suggests a relative tolerance of the lagoon communities to BPA and DEHP contamination, related to the dominance of Chaetoceros spp., which could potentially be used as a bioindicator in bioassessment studies.

Using pedological knowledge to improve sediment source apportionment in tropical environments

PurposeSoils are important regulators of Critical Zone processes that influence the development of geochemical signals used for sediment fingerprinting. In this study, pedological knowledge of tropical soils was incorporated into sediment source stratification and tracer selection in a large Brazilian catchment.Materials and methodsIn the Ingaí River basin (~ 1200 km2), Brazil, three source end-members were defined according to the interpretation of soil and geological maps: the upper, mid, and lower catchment. A tributary sampling design was employed, and sediment geochemistry of three different size fractions was analyzed (2–0.2 mm; 0.2–0.062 mm, and < 0.062 mm). A commonly used statistical methodology to element selection was compared to a knowledge-based approach. The mass balance un-mixing models were solved by a Monte Carlo simulation. Modeled source contributions were evaluated against a set of artificial mixtures with known source proportions.Results and discussionFor the coarse fraction (2–0.2 mm), both approaches to element selection yielded high errors compared to the artificial mixtures (23.8% and 17.8% for the statistical and the knowledge-based approach, respectively). The knowledge-based approach provided the lowest errors for the intermediate (0.2–0.062 mm) (10.9%) and fine (< 0.062 mm) (11.8%) fractions. Model predictions for catchment outlet target samples were highly uncertain for the coarse and intermediate fractions. This is likely the result of the spatial scale of the source stratification not being able to represent sediment dynamics for these fractions. Both approaches to element selection show that most of the fine sediments (median > 90%) reaching the catchment outlet were derived from Ustorthents in the lower catchment.ConclusionsThe different element selection methods and the artificial mixtures provide multiple lines of evidence for evaluating the fingerprint approaches. Our findings highlight the importance of considering pedogenetic processes in source stratification, and demonstrate that different sampling strategies might be necessary to model specific sediment fractions.

Multiparameter Optimization of Two Common Proteomics Quantification Methods for Quantifying Low-Abundance Proteins.

Quantitative proteomics has been extensively applied in the screening of differentially regulated proteins in various research areas for decades, but its sensitivity and accuracy have been a bottleneck for many applications. Every step in the proteomics workflow can potentially affect the quantification of low-abundance proteins, but a systematic evaluation of their effects has not been done yet. In this work, to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of label-free quantification and tandem mass tags (TMT) labeling in quantifying low-abundance proteins, multiparameter optimization was carried out using a complex 2-proteome artificial sample mixture for a series of steps from sample preparation to data analysis, including the desalting of peptides, peptide injection amount for LC-MS/MS, MS1 resolution, the length of LC-MS/MS gradient, AGC targets, ion accumulation time, MS2 resolution, precursor coisolation threshold, data analysis software, statistical calculation methods, and protein fold changes, and the best settings for each parameter were defined. The suitable cutoffs for detecting low-abundance proteins with at least 1.5-fold and 2-fold changes were identified for label-free and TMT methods, respectively. The use of optimized parameters will significantly improve the overall performance of quantitative proteomics in quantifying low-abundance proteins and thus promote its application in other research areas.

Detection of Cistanches Herba (Rou Cong Rong) Medicinal Products Using Species-Specific Nucleotide Signatures.

Cistanches Herba is a medicinal plant that has tonification properties and is commonly used in Asia. Owing to the imbalance between supply and demand, adulterants are frequently added for profit. However, there is no regulatory oversight because quality control tools are not sufficient for identifying heavily processed products. Thus, a novel molecular tool based on nucleotide signatures and species-specific primers was developed. The ITS2 regions from 251 Cistanches Herba and adulterant samples were sequenced. On the basis of SNP sites, four nucleotide signatures within 30~37 bp and six species-specific primers were developed, and they were validated by artificial experimental mixtures consisting of six different species and different ratios. This method was also applied to detect 66 Cistanches Herba products on the market, including extracts and Chinese patent medicines. The results demonstrated the utility of nucleotide signatures in identifying adulterants in mixtures. The market study revealed 36.4% adulteration: 19.7% involved adulteration with Cynomorium songaricum or Cistanche sinensis, and 16.7% involved substitution with Cy. songaricum, Ci. sinensis, or Boschniakia rossica. The results also revealed that Cy. songaricum was the most common adulterant in the market. Thus, we recommend the use of species-specific nucleotide signatures for regulating adulteration and verifying the quality assurance of medicinal product supply chains, especially for processed products whose DNA is degraded.

The dependence of the technosols models functional properties from the primary stratigraphy designs

In the present article the assumption that the design of the soil-like artificial body in zero-moment of existence determines the dynamics and trajectory of soilforming process was tasted. It was shown that an important aspect of the experiment is the search criteria that you can perform evaluation of the functional properties of the generated structures depending on their organization. The study of the water infiltration dynamics from the soil surface is highlyinformative non-destructive testing for evaluating the properties of the soil body. Studies showed that technosols as artificial creation have fundamental differences between the natural soils for which the classic Philip equitation was proposed. Technosoils are porous, but heterogeneous formations. The process of filtering in technosols is not laminar, periods of smooth water infiltration is outbreak by disastrous water absorption. To simulate this process it was showed that the better results may be obtained due to originally modified Philip equitation. Specific constant C describes the dynamics of the infiltration process the early stages of the experiment and is a specific indicator for technosols. In natural soils this constant is zero. The sorptivity of the pedozems was reveled to be depended from the underlying layer. Organic components contribute to the formation of aggregate most of which is water resistant. Such for- mations smooth density variation of clay soil resulting from swelling and shrinkage processes that can maintain stable structure of the pore space. As a result, the soil after phytomeliorative rotation gets such features as reduced infiltration rate, but increased level of filtration. The artificial mixture of clay has significant waterproof properties, which ultimately can lead to complete discontinuance of water absorption by technosols. Waterproof properties of soil may increase the risk of water erosion of technosols. For technosoils structural change of the pore space state are inherent in contact with water because hydrolabile units of their structure. Accordingly, during the infiltration process there are significant changes in the course of the rate of filtration of water.

Theoretical framework of sand pits recultivation in Western Siberia

Mining of non-metallic minerals by an open method inevitably leads to disruption of the ecological state of the territory. After development of quarries, a stage of their reclamation comes, which has to prevent development of erosion processes, to provide restoration of vegetation. The biological stage of reclamation of sand pits is due to the creation of a fertile soil layer and the sowing of perennial grasses. Traditional artificial soil used in the reclamation of quarries is considered peat-sand mixture. However, it initially has adverse physical, mechanical and water-physical properties. Its use leads to a rapid washout of peat and nutrients, which leads to the death of sown perennial grasses. The proposed method for creating an artificial fertile soil mix is based on simulation of the most fertile soils of heavy granulometric composition. The ratio of the component composition of artificial soil mixture was determined by mathematical modeling. The resulting soil mixture had the properties of a humus layer of black soil and was resistant to erosion processes. The ratio between sand, peat and clay was 1:2:7, respectively. To improve the nutritional regime after mixing 100 kg of the mixture, 0.5 kg diammophoska and 0.2 kg of dolomite are added. The created experimental sample of the soil was characterized by a medium loam composition, the optimum acid-alkaline characteristics (pH 6.5) and balanced nutrition for herbaceous plants.

Ecotoxicological evaluation of dredged sediments from Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon (Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil) using bioassays with earthworms and collembolans

The toxicity and metal bioavailability were studied in dredged sediments from Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon (Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil) using acute and avoidance tests with Eisenia andrei, and reproduction tests with Folsomia candida. The sediment was mixed with an artificial soil, and two natural soils (ferralsol and chernosol—representative Brazilian tropical soils) to obtain the following doses: 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30%. Total metal concentrations were determined in the sediment to support the interpretation of ecotoxicological data. Metal concentrations in the mixtures were in agreement with the threshold limits established by Brazilian law. However, significant avoidance responses were found on doses ≥ 3% and were the most sensitive endpoint. Earthworm mortality found in artificial soil mixtures (LC50 = 3.9) suggests higher toxicity levels than those obtained in ferralsol (LC50 = 7.6%) and chernosol (11.0%) treatments. Earthworm mortality, avoidance responses and collembolan reproduction levels found in ferralsol mixtures (LC50 = 9.2; avoidance EC50 = 2.3%; reproduction EC50 = 2.8%) were higher compared to chernosol treatments (LC50 = 11.0%; avoidance EC50 = 4.3%; reproduction EC50 = 4.9%). The reduction of toxicity levels in chernosol mixtures is probably due to the abundance of expansive clay minerals in chernosols with capacity of adsorbing metals and other xenobiotic substances from soil pore water, decreasing metal bioavailability. Finally, threshold limits defined by Brazilian legislation for soil quality and land disposal of dredged sediments are not sufficient to prevent noxious effects on soil fauna and should be complemented with a preliminary ecotoxicological evaluation.

Biochemical and reproductive effects of red mud to earthworm Eisenia fetida

Red mud (RM) is the main waste of alumina production whose disposal poses a problem. The research of various possible effects of red mud on soil organisms has been scarce. We have exposed earthworms (Eisenia fetida) to red mud: artificial soil mixtures. The tested samples of red mud were of different origin: Croatian (CRRM) and Hungarian (HURM). The effects of exposure on the metabolic and oxidative status of earthworms were measured using several biochemical biomarkers (acetylcholinesterase, catalase and glutathione S-transferase activity and metallothionenin content) and reproductive success was assessed upon counting the number of hatched juveniles. The LC50 value for CRRM was 40% and for HURM 62% of red mud in the growth medium on weight basis, respectively. A significant effect (p < 0.001) of the RM concentration and origin, as well as significant interactions between the origin of RM and the applied concentrations on all measured biomarkers were observed. CRRM had a higher content of different metals as well as a higher conductivity in comparison to HURM. The reproduction was inhibited after exposure to both RMs. Namely, 25% CRRM caused a 53.26% reduction in the number of juveniles, whereas 18% HURM caused a 68.84% reduction, and 50% HURM caused 97.9% reduction, respectively. Both RMs caused changes in the measured biomarkers related to an oxidative stress. Consequently, the possible adverse effects on soil organisms before the environmental application of red mud should be assessed to avoid further environmental damage.

Massively parallel sequencing analysis of nondegraded and degraded DNA mixtures using the ForenSeq™ system in combination with EuroForMix software.

Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) technologies enable the simultaneous analysis of short tandem repeats (STRs) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). MPS also enables the detection of alleles of the minor contributors in imbalanced DNA mixtures. In this study, 59 STRs (amelogenin, 27 autosomal STRs, 7 X-STRs, and 24 Y-STRs) and 94 identity-informative SNPs of 119 unrelated Taiwanese (50 men, 69 women) were sequenced using a commercial MPS kit. Forty-eight nondegraded and 44 highly degraded two-person artificial DNA mixtures with various minor to major ratios (1:9, 1:19, 1:29, 1:39, 1:79, and 1:99) were analyzed to examine the performance of this system for detecting the alleles of the minor contributors in DNA mixtures. Likelihood ratios based on continuous model were calculated using the EuroForMix for DNA mixture interpretation. The STR and SNP genotypes of these 119 Taiwanese were obtained. Several sequence variants of STRs were observed. Using EuroForMix software based on the sequence data of autosomal STRs and autosomal SNPs, 97.9% (47/48) and 97.7% (42/43) of minor donors were accurately inferred among the successfully analyzed nondegraded and degraded DNA mixtures, respectively. In conclusion, combined with EuroForMix software, this commercial kit is effective for assignment of the minor contributors in nondegraded and degraded DNA mixtures.