Determination of water activities and osmotic and activity coefficients of the system NaCl–BaCl2–H2O at 298.15 K

The water activities of the mixed aqueous electrolyte NaCl–BaCl₂(aq) are measured at total molalities from 0.25 mol kg⁻¹ to about saturation for different ionic strength fractions (y) of NaCl with y=0.33,0.50,0.67. The results allow the deduction of osmotic coefficients. The experimental results are compared with the predictions of the Zdanovskii, Stokes, and Robinson (ZSR), Kusik and Meissner (KM), Robinson and Stokes (RS), Lietzke and Stoughton (LSII), Reilly, Wood, and Robinson (RWR), and Pitzer models. From these measurements, the Pitzer mixing ionic parameters are determined and used to predict the solute activity coefficients in the mixture. The excess Gibbs energy is also determined.     

Characterization of Urine Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Reveals B Cell Stimulating Cargo

Elucidation of the biological functions of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their potential roles in physiological and pathological processes is an expanding field of research. In this study, we characterized USC–derived EVs and studied their capacity to modulate the human immune response in vitro. We found that the USC–derived EVs are a heterogeneous population, ranging in size from that of micro–vesicles (150 nm–1 μm) down to that of exosomes (60–150 nm). Regarding their immunomodulatory functions, we found that upon isolation, the EVs (60–150 nm) induced B cell proliferation and IgM antibody secretion. Analysis of the EV contents unexpectedly revealed the presence of BAFF, APRIL, IL–6, and CD40L, all known to play a central role in B cell stimulation, differentiation, and humoral immunity. In regard to their effect on T cell functions, they resembled the function of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)–derived EVs previously described, suppressing T cell response to activation. The finding that USC–derived EVs transport a potent bioactive cargo opens the door to a novel therapeutic avenue for boosting B cell responses in immunodeficiency or cancer.     

Cytotoxic T Cell Expression of Leukocyte-Associated Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor-1 (LAIR-1) in Viral Hepatitis C-Mediated Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) pathogenesis involves liver inflammation, therefore, despite successful treatment, hepatitis C virus (HCV) may progress to HCC from initiated liver cirrhosis. Cytotoxic T cells (Tcs) are known to be involved in HCV-related cirrhotic complications and HCC pathogenesis. The inhibitory checkpoint leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor-1 (LAIR-1) is expressed on Tcs. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether the Tc expression level of LAIR-1 is associated with HCC progression and to evaluate LAIR-1 expression as a noninvasive biomarker for HCC progression in the context of liver cirrhosis related to HCV genotype 4 (G4) in Egyptian patients’ peripheral venous blood liquid biopsy. A total of 64 patients with HCC and 37 patients with liver cirrhosis were enrolled in this case-controlled study, and their LAIR-1 expression on Tc related to the progression of liver cirrhosis was examined and compared to that of the apparently healthy control group (n = 20). LAIR-1 expression was analyzed using flow cytometry. Results: The HCC group had significantly higher LAIR-1 expression on Tc and percentage of Tc positive for LAIR-1 (LAIR-1+Tc%) than the HCV G4-related liver cirrhosis group. LAIR-1+Tc% was correlated with the HCC surrogate tumor marker AFP (r = 0.367, p = 0.001) and insulin resistance and inflammation prognostic ratios/indices. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve revealed that adding LAIR-1+Tc% to AFP can distinguish HCC transformation in the Egyptian patients’ cohort. Upregulated LAIR-1 expression on Tc could be a potential screening noninvasive molecular marker for chronic inflammatory HCV G4 related liver cirrhosis. Moreover, LAIR-1 expression on Tc may be one of the players involved in the progression of liver cirrhosis to HCC.     

Capacity planning in job-shop environment

Presented here is a computerized capacity planning system for the IBM Microcomputer family. The system maintains the profile of the job shop in a data base along with data pertinent to various products that can be manufactured in the shop. Projected orders for the planning period are input to the system with their associated quantities and delivery dates. The system uses the forward and backward loading rules in generating capacity loading scenarios. User selects the best course of action which may satisfy delivery dates subject to the limitations of the work centers. Efficiency figures are provided to aid the user in his/her decision.     

Detection of algal blooms over optically complex waters of the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman using MODIS fluorescence data

The Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman are two of the most complex and turbid ecosystems in the world where algal blooms frequently occur. The conventional blue/green band ratio shows low performance to detect these algal batches in this region due to the effect of the non-algal parameters, shallow water depth, and atmospheric aerosols. Thus, an attempt to use MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) fluorescence for the detection of algal blooms in this region have been undertaken using in situ measurements (Chlorophyll a: Chl-a, coloured dissolved organic matters: CDOM, Secchi disk depth: SDD, and radiometric) collected in 2006, 2013, and 2014, and MODIS satellite images. MODIS fluorescence line height (FLH in W m^?2 µm^?1 sr^?1) data showed low correlation (coefficient of determination: R² ~0.46) with near-concurrent in situ Chl-a (mg m^?3). This disparity is caused by the effect of the suspended sediments (SDD), CDOM (<2 mg m^?3 or >2 mg m^?3), and bottom reflectance (water depth: WD) parameters, where an increase of 1% in their magnitudes can cause a respective change of 13.4%, ?0.8% or 6%, and 1.4% in the FLH. In this work, the positions of the FLH bands have been relocated to include 645 nm to reduce the effect of these parameters on Chl-a, which has improved the performance to R² of 0.76. This modified FLH (MFLH) model was found to perform well in the Arabian Gulf where the estimated bias, root-mean-square error (RMSE), and coefficient of determination are, respectively, 0.03, 1.06, and 0.76. High values of MFLH are indicating the areas of the algal blooms, while no overestimation was observed in the mixed pixel coastal areas. This result is explained by less sensitivity of this model to the non-algal particles, shallow water, and aerosols.     

Synthesis of MIL-101@g-C<Subscript>3</Subscript>N<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanocomposite for enhanced adsorption capacity towards CO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

MIL-101@g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite was prepared by solvothermal synthesis and used for CO₂ adsorption. The parent materials (MIL-101 and g-C₃N₄) and the MIL-101@g-C₃N₄ were characterized by X-ray diffraction, argon adsorption/desorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis (TG/DTA), transmission electronic microscopy, and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results confirmed the formation of well-defined MIL-101@g-C₃N₄ with interesting surface area and pore volume. Furthermore, both MIL-101 and MIL-101@g-C₃N₄ were accomplished in carbon dioxide capture at different temperatures (280, 288, 273 and 298 K) at lower pressure. The adsorption isotherms show that the nanocomposite has a good CO₂ adsorption affinity compared to MIL-101. The best adsorption capacity is about 1.6 mmol g^?1 obtained for the nanocomposite material which is two times higher than that of MIL-101, indicating strong interactions between CO₂ and MIL-101@g-C₃N₄. This difference in efficacy is mainly due to the presence of the amine groups dispersed in the nanocomposite. Finally, we have developed a simple route for the preparation of an effective and new adsorbent for the removal of CO₂, which can be used as an excellent candidate for gas storage, catalysis, and adsorption.     

Application of myrrh extract as an eco-friendly dye and antimicrobial agent on wool and silk fabrics part 2: antimicrobial activity and fastness property

ABSTRACT

We investigate the dyeing and antimicrobial properties of myrrh (Commiphora molmol) extracts on wool and silk fabrics, the use of eco-friendly materials such as sumac (Rhus coriaria), manjakani (Quercus infectoria), alum, and ferrous sulfate as mordants. The mordanting methods were optimized.

The best conditions of dyeing process were discussed in the first part of this study. Dyed fabrics were assessed for color strength (K/S), color fastness, and antimicrobial activity. Non-mordanted dyed wool and silk showed color fastness of grade 4–5. Dyed fabrics showed good antimicrobial activity, which was enhanced by mordanting.     

Chitosan Functionalized with Carboxyl Groups as a Recyclable Biomaterial for the Adsorption of Cu (II) and Zn (II) Ions in Aqueous Media

The modification of chitosan represents a challenging task in obtaining biopolymeric materials with enhanced removal capacity for heavy metals. In the present work, the adsorption characteristics of chitosan modified with carboxyl groups (CTS-CAA) towards copper (II) and zinc (II) ions have been tested. The efficacy of the synthesis of CTS-CAA has been evaluated by studying various properties of the modified chitosan. Specifically, the functionalized chitosan has been characterized by using several techniques, including thermal analyses (differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry), spectroscopies (FT-IR, XRD), elemental analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The kinetics and the adsorption isotherms of CTS-CAA towards both Cu (II) and Zn (II) have been determined in the aqueous solvent under variable pH. The obtained results have been analyzed by using different adsorption models. In addition, the experiments have been conducted at variable temperatures to explore the thermodynamics of the adsorption process. The regeneration of CTS-CAA has been investigated by studying the desorption process using different eluents. This paper reports an efficient protocol to synthesize chitosan-based material perspective as regenerative adsorbents for heavy metals.     

The Plasminogen–Activator Plasmin System in Physiological and Pathophysiological Angiogenesis

Angiogenesis is a process associated with the migration and proliferation of endothelial cells (EC) to form new blood vessels. It is involved in various physiological and pathophysiological conditions and is controlled by a wide range of proangiogenic and antiangiogenic molecules. The plasminogen activator–plasmin system plays a major role in the extracellular matrix remodeling process necessary for angiogenesis. Urokinase/tissue-type plasminogen activators (uPA/tPA) convert plasminogen into the active enzyme plasmin, which in turn activates matrix metalloproteinases and degrades the extracellular matrix releasing growth factors and proangiogenic molecules such as the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A). The plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is the main inhibitor of uPA and tPA, thereby an inhibitor of pericellular proteolysis and intravascular fibrinolysis, respectively. Paradoxically, PAI-1, which is expressed by EC during angiogenesis, is elevated in several cancers and is found to promote angiogenesis by regulating plasmin-mediated proteolysis and by promoting cellular migration through vitronectin. The urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) also induces EC cellular migration during angiogenesis via interacting with signaling partners. Understanding the molecular functions of the plasminogen activator plasmin system and targeting angiogenesis via blocking serine proteases or their interactions with other molecules is one of the major therapeutic strategies scientists have been attracted to in controlling tumor growth and other pathological conditions characterized by neovascularization.