Inter-Calibration Between Plasma Instruments Onboard DEMETER

The in-situ measurements of the ionospheric plasma that we use come from two instruments of the scientific payload of the satellite DEMETER; the plasma analyser IAP （Instrument d＇analyse du plasma） and the Langmuir probe ISL （Instrument Sonde de Langmuir）. DEMETER is a micro-satellite realized by the CNES（Centre National d＇Etudes Spatiales, France） with a principal objective to seek a possible influence of the seismic activity on the electromagnetic waves in the ionosphere and on the ionospheric plasma. The satellite was placed on June 29, 2004, in a circular and quasi helio-synchronous orbit at -710 km altitude. The experiments function primarily at mid-latitudes （from ＋60° to -60°）. The IAP data were analysed to deduce the ion population （densities of the dominant ions, i.e. generally O^＋, H^＋ and He^＋） therefore the total ion density. The use of data IAP thus requires some precaution to make sure that the electric equilibrium conditions of the satellite, such as the satellite potential （Фsat）, are obtained during the treatment of routine, does not induce an error of measurement. When this potential is negative, the minority light ions H^＋ and He^＋ can be measured in a reliable way when their proportion is above 3% to 5% of that of O^＋. The critical limitation is： under certain conditions, the satellite potential becomes positive and reach a value about -0.5 V so that it becomes impossible to measure H^＋ ions. This is likely to involve a significant error on the composition and the density of the plasma. Therefore we carried out a calibration to estimate the missing density. The ISL experiment （Langmuir probe） provided the collected current/polarized tension characteristics of a cylindrical probe from which both electron density Ne and temperature Te were obtained. In some situations it is necessary to examine the accuracy of the electron density using another technique, for instance the high frequency （HF） spectrogram, provided by ICE （instrument champ     

Increased LRG1 Levels in Overweight and Obese Adolescents and Its Association with Obesity Markers,Including Leptin,Chemerin, and High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein

Leucine-rich α-2 glycoprotein1 (LRG1) is a member of the leucine-rich repeat (LRR) family that is implicated in multiple diseases, including cancer, aging, and heart failure, as well as diabetes and obesity. LRG1 plays a key role in diet-induced hepatosteatosis and insulin resistance by mediating the crosstalk between adipocytes and hepatocytes. LRG1 also promotes hepatosteatosis by upregulating de novo lipogenesis in the liver and suppressing fatty acid β-oxidation. In this study, we investigated the association of LRG1 with obesity markers, including leptin and other adipokines in adolescents (11–14 years; n = 425). BMI-for-age classification based on WHO growth charts was used to define obesity. Plasma LRG1 was measured by ELISA, while other markers were measured by multiplexing assay. Median (IQR) of LRG1 levels was higher in obese (30 (25, 38) µg/mL) and overweight (30 (24, 39) µg/mL) adolescents, compared to normal-weight participants (27 (22, 35) µg/mL). The highest tertile of LRG1 had an OR [95% CI] of 2.55 [1.44, 4.53] for obesity. LRG1 was positively correlated to plasma levels of high sensitivity c-reactive protein (HsCRP) (ρ = 0.2), leptin (ρ = 0.2), and chemerin (ρ = 0.24) with p < 0.001. Additionally, it was positively associated with plasma level of IL6 (ρ = 0.17) and IL10 (ρ = 0.14) but not TNF-α. In conclusion, LRG1 levels are increased in obese adolescents and are associated with increased levels of adipogenic markers. These results suggest the usefulness of LRG1 as an early biomarker for obesity and its related pathologies in adolescents.     

Camel milk composition by breed,season, publication year,and country: A global systematic review,meta-analysis,and meta-regression

Camel milk consists of an essential macro/micronutrient for human nutrition in the arid and urban regions. This review study aimed to use meta-analysis statistical techniques for assessment and correction of publication bias, exploration of heterogeneity between studies, and detailed assessment of the effect of a comprehensive set of moderators including breed, season, country, year of publication, and the interaction between composition elements. This could provide a single synthesis of the camel milk composition to warrant strong generalizability of results, examine variability between available studies, and analyze differences in camel milk composition among different exposures. Such a finding will aid future researchers and health professionals in acquiring a more precise understanding of camel milk composition and drawing more clinical implications. Six searching databases and bibliographic were used including PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Springer, EBSCOhost, Scopus, and Web of Science from January 1980 to December 2021. The DerSimonian–Laird estimator was used to create the current random-effects meta-analysis. This systematic review and meta-analysis included a total of 7298 camel milk samples from 23 countries. This review comprises 79 studies published in the English language on or after 1980, including a subgroup of 117 analyses consisting of seasons, sub-breeds, and countries. The contents of macro/micronutrients in camel milk were identified as follows: protein, 3.17%; fat, 3.47%; lactose, 4.28%; ash, 0.78%; and total solids, 11.31%; calcium, 112.93 mg/100 g; iron, 0.45 mg/100 g; potassium, 116.13 mg/100 g; magnesium, 9.65 mg/100 g; sodium, 53.10 mg/100 g; zinc, 1.68 mg/100 g; vitamin C, 5.38 mg/100 g; vitamin A, 0.36 mg/100 g; vitamin B₁,0.05 mg/100 g; vitamin B₂, 0.13 mg/100 g; vitamin B₃, 0.51 mg/100 g; vitamin B₆, 0.09 mg/100 g; and vitamin B₁₂, 0.0039 mg/100 g. Our meta-regression analysis found that fat and total solids were statistically significant moderators of protein; moreover, total solids content is a statistically significant moderator of fat. Discrepancies observed in camel milk profiles are dependent upon several factors, including number of included studies, number of samples, different analytical techniques, feeding patterns, camel's breeds, geographical locations, and seasonal variations.     

La-doped NaTaO3 perovskite nanocrystals supported with α-Fe2O3 for sustainable visible-light-driven elimination of ciprofloxacin in water

To date, the emergence of antibiotic waste in water has become an important issue for humans and other living organisms. The spread of such waste will influence human health and the effectiveness of such antibiotics. Accordingly, several research approaches are offered for the clean and safe elimination of such waste. Herein, we present a facile synthesis of visible-light-activated La-doped NaTaO₃ perovskite nanocrystals (LNTO) supported with small amounts (1.0–4.0 wt %) of Fe₂O₃ (FO) nanoparticles to produce x%FO@LNTO nanocomposites. These FO@LNTO samples exhibited a mesostructured crystalline surface with a high surface area (200–230 m² g^?1). Additionally, the loading of FO nanoparticles onto LNTO resulted in a broad visible-light absorption and reduction of the bandgap (E_g) to 2.35 eV compared to 4.40 eV for the parent LNTO. The produced nanocomposite was tested for the photodegradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) as an emerging probe of antibiotic waste in water. The 3% FO@LNTO displayed a total elimination of 10 ppm CIP after 90 min of visible-light illumination with sustainable recyclability. This fascinating action of FO@LNTO is referred to as the formation of a close heterojunction between FO and LNTO that decreases the E_g value and enhances photocharge separation. This work implies the use of perovskite-based photocatalysts for reasonable elimination of antibiotic waste in water.     

Immobilization of Co(Ⅱ) Ions in Cement Pastes and Their Effects on the Hydration Characteristics

The immobilization of Co(Ⅱ) in various cement matrices was investigated by using the solidification/stabilization(S/S) technique.The different cement pastes used in this study were ordinary Portland cement in absence and presence of water reducing-and water repelling-admixtures as well as blended cement with kaolin.Two ratios of Co(Ⅱ) were used(0.5% and 1.0% by weight of the solid binder).The hydration characteristics of the used cement pastes were tested via the determination of the combined water content,phase composition and compressive strength at different time intervals up to 180 d.The degree of immobilization of the added heavy metal ions was evaluated by determining the leached ion concentration after time intervals extended up to 180 d.The leachability experiments were carried out by using two modes:the static and the semi-dynamic leaching processes.It was noticed that the concentration of the leached Co2+ ions in the static mode of leachability was lower than the solubility of its hydroxide in all the investigated cement pastes.     

FENTON AND FENTON-LIKE AOPs FOR ALUM SLUDGE CONDITIONING: EFFECTIVENESS COMPARISON WITH DIFFERENT Fe2+ AND Fe3+ SALTS

Currently, organic polymers are adopted in alum sludge (aluminum-coagulated drinking water treatment sludge) conditioning. However, there are important concerns regarding the use of these polymers because of the unknown and long-term effects of the potential release of excess polymer to the surrounding environment when the sludge is landfilled. Therefore, as an initial action, this study aimed at investigating alternative chemical conditioning methods and focused mainly on exploiting Fenton (Fe²⁺/H₂O₂) and Fenton-like (Fe³⁺/H₂O₂) reagents as the conditioner. Experiments have been conducted to test the effectiveness of Fenton's reagent (containing the ferrous salts of chloride, sulfate, or oxalate), Fenton-like reagent (containing ferric salts of chloride and sulfate), and the coagulation method using FeCl₃ for alum sludge conditioning at constant hydrogen peroxide and iron salt concentrations of 125 and 20 mg/g DS (dry solids), respectively. The effectiveness on dewaterability of the alum sludge demonstrated that the maximum reduction (%) of SRF (specific resistance to filtration) and CST (capillary suction time) of 74% and 47%, respectively, can be obtained when Fenton's reagent was adopted for sludge conditioning. Such reduction of 64% for SRF and 38% for CST can be achieved when Fenton-like reagents were applied.     

Supplementation of pearl millet flour with soybean protein: effect of cooking on in vitro protein digestibility and essential amino acids composition

In vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) and amino acids profile of pearl millet (Dempy cultivar) supplemented with soybean protein (5–15%) were investigated. Supplementation of dempy flour with soybean protein steadily decreased IVPD with increasing the portion of soybean in the blend. The in vitro protein digestibilities of the cooked supplemented dempy flours were higher when compared with the raw ones, whereas the highest value was that of the 5% soybean protein. All essential amino acids of dempy flour were enriched on supplementation with soybean protein. The levels of amino acids increased with increasing the amount of soybean protein in the blend. Essential amino acids in dempy supplemented with 15% soybean are comparable to those in the FAO reference pattern. Supplementation increased significantly lysine to 1.5–2.4 folds. Essential amino acids content remained higher in the cooked composite flours when compared with the cooked native dempy flour.     

Processing and characterization of reinforced polyethylene composites made with lignocellulosic fibers from Egyptian agro-industrial residues

Lignocellulosic fibers were extracted from Egyptian industrial crops, viz. cotton stalk, rice straw, bagasse, and banana plant waste. The chemical composition of these fibers was determined. Composite materials were processed from these natural lignocellulosic fibers using low density polyethylene and acid stearic as compatibilizer, or maleated low density polyethylene. The thermal and mechanical properties were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and tensile tests, respectively. The morphology of processed composites was studied by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Better compatibility and enhanced mechanical properties were obtained when using maleated LDPE as compatibilizer. The chemical composition of fibers, in terms of lignin, cellulose and hemicelluloses contents, was found to have a strong influence on the mechanical properties of the composites.     

Thermal,mineralogical, and microstructural characterizations of irradiated polymer blended cement mortar composites

In this study, the effects of styrene–acrylic ester (SAE), nanocalcined clay (NCC), and irradiation dose on the thermal, mineralogical, and microstructural characterizations of irradiated polymer‐blended cement mortar composites have been investigated. The composites were prepared by partial replacement of cement with 5 and 10% NCC and mixed with sand, SAE latex was added with different ratios (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 15%); the composites were subjected to various doses of γ‐irradiation ranged from 10 to 50 kGy. Physicomechanical properties, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffractometry, and scanning electron microscopy techniques were carried out. Mechanical investigation manifested that composites loaded with SAE up to 8% showed the best mechanical performance as compared with composites contains 10 and 15% SAE. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1849–1858, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Biological Evaluation of Multivalent Lewis X–MGL‐1 Interactions

Myeloid C‐type lectin receptors (CLRs) expressed by antigen‐presenting cells are pattern‐recognition receptors involved in the recognition of pathogens as well as of self‐antigens. The interaction of carbohydrate ligands with a CLR can trigger immune responses. Although several CLR ligands are known, there is limited insight into CLR targeting by carbohydrate ligands. The weak affinity of lectin–carbohydrate interactions often renders multivalent carbohydrate presentation necessary. Here, we have analyzed the impact of multivalent presentation of the trisaccharide Lewis X (Le^X) epitope on its interaction with the CLR macrophage galactose‐type lectin‐1 (MGL‐1). Glycan arrays, including N‐glycan structures with terminal Le^X, were prepared by enzymatic extension of immobilized synthetic core structures with two recombinant glycosyltransferases. Incubation of arrays with an MGL‐1‐hFc fusion protein showed up to tenfold increased binding to multiantennary N‐glycans displaying Le^X structures, compared to monovalent Le^X trisaccharide. Multivalent presentation of Le^X on the model antigen ovalbumin (OVA) led to increased cytokine production in a dendritic cell /T cell coculture system. Furthermore, immunization of mice with Le^X‐OVA conjugates modulated cytokine production and the humoral response, compared to OVA alone. This study provides insights into how multivalent carbohydrate–lectin interactions can be exploited to modulate immune responses.