Modified cokes with improved resistance to CO2 reaction were produced from a high volatile coking coal (HVC) and different concentrations of boron carbide (B4C) in a laboratory scale coking furnace. This paper focuses on modification mechanism about the influence of B4C on coking behavior and chemical structure during HVC carbonization. The former was studied by using a thermo-gravimetric analyzer. For the latter, four semi-cokes prepared from carbonization tests for HVC with or without B4C at 450 °C and 750 °C, respectively, were analyzed by using Fourier transform infrared spectrum and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy technologies. It was found that B4C will retard extensive condensation and crosslinking reactions by reducing the amount of active oxygen obtained from thermally produced free radicals and increase secondary cracking reactions, resulting in increasing size of aromatic layer and anisotropic degree in coke structure, which eventually improves the coke quality. 
  transmission routes are not entirely elucidated. Since yeasts are postulated to transmit this pathogen, this study aimed to detect and genotype intracellular 
  harbored within vaginal yeast cells.
 
  A questionnaire was used to determine risk factors of 
  infection. Samples were seeded on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and horse blood-supplemented Columbia agar. Isolated yeasts were identified using and observed by optical microscopy searching for intra-yeast 
  . Total yeast DNA, from one random sample, was extracted to search for 
  virulence genes by PCR and bacterial identification by sequencing.
 
  43% of samples contained yeasts, mainly 
  (91%). Microscopy detected bacteria such as bodies and anti-
  antibodies binding particles in 50% of the isolated yeasts. Total DNA extracted showed that 50% of the isolated yeasts were positive for 
  16S rDNA and the sequence showed 99.8% similarity with 
  In total, 32% of 
  DNA positive samples were 
  . No relationship was observed between possible 
  infection risk factors and vaginal yeasts harboring this bacterium.
  
  having virulent genotypes were detected within vaginal yeasts constituting a risk for vertical transmission of this pathogen.
 H. pylori having virulent genotypes were detected within vaginal yeasts constituting a risk for vertical transmission of this pathogen.The level of the properties of bituminous mixtures produced with water foamed bitumen relies on the optimum characteristics of the bitumen. One way to achieve the desired characteristics is to modify the bitumen with chemical additives before it is foamed. Bitumen 50/70 treated with a surface-active agent (SAA) at 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% and Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) synthetic wax at 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5% and 3.0% was used in the tests. The effect of the modifiers was investigated by assessing bitumen properties (penetration, softening point, Fraass breaking point and dynamic viscosity at 60 °C, 90 °C and 135 °C) and foam parameters (maximum expansion-ER, half-life-HL). For statistical evaluation of the test results, models of the properties of bitumen 50/70 were developed as a function of the contents of F-T synthetic wax and SAA. It was found that 2.0% F-T wax and 0.6% SAA were optimum contents for achieving the desired standard properties and foam characteristics of the tested binder. The developed models allow determining the composition of the modified binder depending on the required foam characteristics for specific applications in road construction. The recommended composition of the chemical additives used to modify the binder was also established to ensure its optimum properties.The soil and human health issues are closely linked.  https://www.selleckchem.com/Androgen-Receptor.html  Properly managed nitrogen (N) does not endanger human health and increases crop production, nevertheless when overused and uncontrolled, can contribute to side effects. This research was intended to highlight that there is a need for carrying out monitoring studies in agricultural areas in order to expand the available knowledge on the content of N forms in agricultural lands and proper management in farming practice. The impact of two types of fertilization, concerning spatially variable (VRA) and uniform (UNI) N dose, on the distribution of N forms in soils was analyzed. The analysis was performed on the basis of soil monitoring data from agricultural fields located in three different experimental sites in Poland. The analyses performed at selected sites were supported by statistical evaluation and recognition of spatial diversification of N forms in soil. It was revealed that the movement of unused N forms to deeper parts of the soil, and therefore to the groundwater system, is more limited due to VRA fertilization. Finally, it was also concluded that the management in agricultural practice should be based on the prediction of spatial variability of soil properties that allow to ensure proper application of N fertilizers, resulting in the reduction of possible N losses.Insufficient nutrient supply can impair the immune system, which is important for animal health and welfare. Since chicken can partly hydrolyze phytate, which is the primary phosphorus storage in plant seeds, a reduction of mineral phosphorus in the diets could be an option for more sustainable egg production. Laying hens require high concentrations of calcium that might inhibit the function of endogenous enzymes for phytate hydrolyzation. The objective of this study was to characterize the impact of standard and reduced dietary phosphorus and calcium concentrations on the number and functionality of immune cells in the peripheral and gut-associated immune system in a white and brown laying hen strain. Reduced mineral phosphorus enhanced several immune parameters such as B cells in blood and IgA concentrations in bile in both strains, and peripheral monocytes and γδ T cells in cecal tonsils in brown hens. Reduced calcium levels resulted in lower numbers of T cells in blood and cecal tonsils in both strains, suggesting negative effects on adaptive immunity. Differences between the two strains were found in almost all immune parameters. Results suggest a potentially beneficial effect of reduced dietary mineral phosphorus on the immune system that is dependent on the genetic background.