Cytostatic activity of 1,10-phenanthroline derivatives generated by the clip-phen strategy

The cytostatic activities of a series of twelve 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) derivatives and of their copper complexes were studied on L1210 murine leukemia cells. Large increases in the biological activity were observed for compounds of the 3-Clip-Phen series, in which two Phen moieties were bridged at their C3 positions by an alkoxy linker, the 3-pentyl-Clip-Phen derivative showing an IC(50) value of 130 nM while Phen shows an IC(50) value of 2500 nM under the same conditions. IC(50) values seemed to be modulated not only by the position, the nature, and the length of the linker of Clip-Phen but also by hydrophobicity. Since copper complexes of Phen are chemical nucleases and nucleic acids are thus a potential target for these compounds, the corresponding copper complexes were also studied. Copper complexation of the 3-Clip-Phen ligands did not increase their biological activities. Attempts to vectorize 3-Clip-Phen derivatives with a DNA binder such as spermine or with a cell-penetration peptide failed to increase their biological activity relative to the original 3-Clip-Phen series.     

Physico‐Mechanical Properties of Biodegradable Starch Nanocomposites

Nanocomposites of cassava starch reinforced with waxy starch nanocrystals were prepared. They showed a 380% increase of the rubbery storage modulus (at 50 °C) and a 40% decrease in the water vapor permeability. X‐ray spectra show that the composite was more amorphous than the neat matrix, which was attributed to higher equilibrium water content in the composites. TGA confirmed this result and its thermal derivative suggested the formation of hydrogen bonding between glycerol and the nanocrystals. The reinforcing effect of starch nanocrystals was attributed to strong filler/matrix interactions due to the hydrogen bonding. The decrease of the permeability suggests that the nanocrystals were well dispersed, with few filler/filler interactions.

     

Simultaneous reinforcing and toughening: New nanocomposites of waterborne polyurethane filled with low loading level of starch nanocrystals

New nanocomposites of waterborne polyurethane (WPU) as a matrix were prepared by filling low loading of starch nanocrystals (StNs) as a nano-phase. It is worth noting that the resultant StN/WPU nanocomposites showed significant enhancements in strength, elongation and Young's modulus. Herein, the key role of StN in simultaneous reinforcing and toughening was disclosed, namely active surface and rigidity facilitated forming the interface of transferring stress and contributed to enduring stress, respectively. The preserving of original structure and interaction in WPU matrix was also the essential guarantee of improving mechanical performances. As the StN loading increased, the self-aggregation of StNs caused size expansion of nano-phase along with the increase of number, and hence they decreased the mechanical performances. Furthermore, it was verified that chemical grafting onto the StN surface didn't favor enhancing the strength and elongation, due to inhibiting the formation of physical interaction and increasing network density in nanocomposites.     

B Cells with a Senescent-Associated Secretory Phenotype Accumulate in the Adipose Tissue of Individuals with Obesity

Senescent cells accumulate in the adipose tissue (AT) of individuals with obesity and secrete multiple factors that constitute the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). This paper aimed at the identification of B cells with a SASP phenotype in the AT, as compared to the peripheral blood, of individuals with obesity. Our results show increased expression of SASP markers in AT versus blood B cells, a phenotype associated with a hyper-metabolic profile necessary to support the increased immune activation of AT-derived B cells as compared to blood-derived B cells. This hyper-metabolic profile is needed for the secretion of the pro-inflammatory mediators (cytokines, chemokines, micro-RNAs) that fuel local and systemic inflammation.     

Cellulose nanocrystal-mediated assembly of graphene oxide in natural rubber nanocomposites with high electrical conductivity

This study reports a green and powerful strategy for preparing cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)/graphene oxide (GO)/natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites hosting a 3D hierarchical conductive network. Due to good dispersibility and amphiphilic nature of CNC, well dispersed CNC/GO nanohybrids were prepared. Hydrogen bonding interactions between CNC and GO greatly enhanced the stability of the CNC/GO nanohybrids. CNC/GO nanohybrids were introduced into NR latex under sonication and the mixture was cast. Self-assembled CNC/GO nanohybrids preferentially dispersed in the interstice between latex microspheres allowing the construction of a 3D hierarchical conductive network. By combining strong hydrogen bonds and 3D conductive network, both electrical conductivity and mechanical properties (tensile strength and modulus) have been significantly improved. The electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite with 4 wt% GO and 5 wt% CNC exhibited an increase of nine orders of magnitude compared to the nanocomposite with only 4 wt% GO; meanwhile, the electrical percolation threshold was 3-fold lower than for NR/GO composites.     

钛基复合材料的高周疲劳性能研究

研究了TiC粒子增强的钛基复合材料的室温轴向高周疲劳性能。测试Kt=1的试样时采用的试验频率为76Hz，R＝0．06和R＝－1时，复合材料的室温疲劳强度分别为594MPa和494MPa。试验结果表明TiC粒子增强的钛基复合材料的室温高周疲劳性能与细晶组织的Ti-6Al-4V和IMI834的相当。复合材料内含有较细小的薄片状组织，这种组织为α β相互相交错构成，这种细小的α β相间的层状组织对于阻止疲劳裂纹的扩展和提高疲劳裂纹的扩展寿命有重要作用。退火后的复合材料疲劳裂纹扩展区规则且较宽广，从而也使复合材料具有较高的疲劳强度，疲劳裂纹扩展寿命延长。     

Methanol Selective Oxidation to Formaldehyde over Iron-Molybdate Catalysts

This review deals with the important industrial reaction of formaldehyde manufacture by methanol oxidation over iron molybdate catalysts. Detailed reference is made to the used catalyst, preparation techniques (coprecipitation, sol-gel like, mechanical mixing, etc.) including unsupported and supported catalysts, promoters and characterization methods. The controversial active phase assignment (stoichiometric versus Mo rich iron molybdate) is discussed. The proposed reaction mechanisms and kinetic laws for the main and side reactions are examined. The catalyst deactivation processes are reviewed and the role of Mo excess on these processes is underlined. Finally conclusions and perspectives are presented.     

Influence of Substrate Properties on the Formation of Suspension Plasma Sprayed Coatings

In this study, YSZ coatings were deposited on different substrate materials (stainless steel and aluminum) using suspension plasma spray technique. The effects of substrate properties (material, surface topology, temperature, and thickness) on the formation of coatings were investigated. The results showed that, with the identical spray parameters, the porosity is higher for the coatings deposited on aluminum than that on stainless steel due to the high thermal transfer ability of the former substrate material. The SEM results revealed that the microstructure of as-prepared coatings could be tailored from the vertical cracked structure to the columnar structure by increasing the substrate surface roughness and their formation mechanisms were discussed. The substrate preheating temperature has an influence on the microstructure of the coatings, especially in the interfacial region. Increasing the substrate temperature is an effective means for reducing the interface defects and for improving the adhesion of the coatings. With the increase in the substrate thickness, the quantity of the vertical cracks in the coatings is reduced and their width becomes narrower.     

Spark plasma sintering of double-walled carbon nanotubes

Bulk samples of double-walled carbon nanotubes are prepared for the first time. The best spark plasma sintering conditions are (1100 °C, 100 MPa). Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy show that the nanotubes are undamaged. The density is equal to 1.29 g cm⁻³ and the pores are all below 6 nm in diameter. The electrical conductivity is equal to 1650 S cm⁻¹. The transverse fracture strength is equal to 47 MPa.     

Numerical Modeling of Inclusion Behavior in Liquid Metal Processing

Thermomechanical performance of metallic alloys is directly related to the metal cleanliness that has always been a challenge for metallurgists. During liquid metal processing, particles can grow or decrease in size either by mass transfer with the liquid phase or by agglomeration/fragmentation mechanisms. As a function of numerical density of inclusions and of the hydrodynamics of the reactor, different numerical modeling approaches are proposed; in the case of an isolated particle, the Lagrangian technique coupled with a dissolution model is applied, whereas in the opposite case of large inclusion phase concentration, the population balance equation must be solved. Three examples of numerical modeling studies achieved at Institut Jean Lamour are discussed. They illustrate the application of the Lagrangian technique (for isolated exogenous inclusion in titanium bath) and the Eulerian technique without or with the aggregation process: for precipitation and growing of inclusions at the solidification front of a Maraging steel, and for endogenous inclusions in the molten steel bath of a gas-stirred ladle, respectively.