Effect of the electronic properties of Mo sulfide phase on the hydrotreating activity of catalysts supported on Al2O3, Nb2O5 and Nb2O5/Al2O3

Activity in thiophene hydrodesulfurization (HDS) and in the three routes of 2,6-dimethylaniline (DMA) decomposition was examined on Mo sulfide catalysts supported on Al₂O₃, Nb₂O₅ and Nb₂O₅–Al₂O₃. Catalysts activity is enhanced when Mo phase is deposited on niobium-containing support. For HDS and for the hydrogenation route of DMA decomposition, the niobium-containing support strongly contributes to the catalyst activity whereas the activity of the Mo phase per Mo atom decreases with the increase of niobium amount in the support. By contrast, as for the DMA route, which leads to xylene formation (XYL), the activity of the Mo sulfide phase per Mo atom is strongly enhanced. The electronic properties of the MoS₂ phase were studied by means of IR spectroscopy of CO adsorption. Comparison of ν(CO/Mo) wavenumbers reveals an upward shift when Mo sulfide phase is deposited on Nb-containing support. The modification of the electronic properties of the sulfide phase is related to an interaction Mo–Nb either through the formation of a mixed Mo–Nb sulfide phase, or through the interaction MoS₂ slabs – support whose strength depends on the support acidity. Hence, the beneficial effect for xylene formation route is attributed to a decrease of the electron density of the Mo sulfide phase that should strengthen the DMA adsorption on the sulfide phase.     

An FTIR/ATR in situ study of sorption and transport in corrosion protective organic coatings: 1. Water sorption and the role of inhibitor anions

Both sorption and desorption transport coefficients of water and the inhibitor (HPO₄²⁻) in a series of epoxy resins (model paints) of different cross-linking density have been reported. Water diffusion is unaffected by low electrolyte concentrations (0.1 μm) but is retarded at 0.6 M chloride ion levels, presumably due to water–polymer–polymer interaction shielding. Swelling is small, but may be significant for polymer chain relaxation. The FTIR data have been used to add a molecular level interpretation of the four different pseudo-Fickian processes observed at room temperature. These data are consistent with rapid sorption onto polymer active (OH, NH), sites followed by slower incorporation of water into polymer microvoids where cluster sizes are smaller. The reverse process (on desorption) is also evident from the water, ν(OH), spectral distribution. No evidence of significant accumulation of ‘bulk’ water at the polymer–substrate interface was found.     

Breast Cancer and Microcalcifications: An Osteoimmunological Disorder?

The presence of microcalcifications in the breast microenvironment, combined with the growing evidences of the possible presence of osteoblast-like or osteoclast-like cells in the breast, suggest the existence of active processes of calcification in the breast tissue during a woman’s life. Furthermore, much evidence that osteoimmunological disorders, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or periodontitis influence the risk of developing breast cancer in women exists and vice versa. Antiresorptive drugs benefits on breast cancer incidence and progression have been reported in the past decades. More recently, biological agents targeting pro-inflammatory cytokines used against rheumatoid arthritis also demonstrated benefits against breast cancer cell lines proliferation, viability, and migratory abilities, both in vitro and in vivo in xenografted mice. Hence, it is tempting to hypothesize that breast carcinogenesis should be considered as a potential osteoimmunological disorder. In this review, we compare microenvironments and molecular characteristics in the most frequent osteoimmunological disorders with major events occurring in a woman’s breast during her lifetime. We also highlight what the use of bone anabolic drugs, antiresorptive, and biological agents targeting pro-inflammatory cytokines against breast cancer can teach us.     

Differential toxicity on monocytes and monocyte‐derived dendritic Cells: a new tool to differentiate allergens from irritants?

Phenotypic activation of monocyte‐derived dendritic cells has been proposed as an in vitro alternative assay to discriminate potential sensitizers from irritants, but the sensitivity of the assay remains controversial. In this study, we first determined the dynamic range of expression of activation/maturation markers on human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells cultured in the presence or absence of transforming growth factor ß (TGFβ)? On day three of culture, most monocytes had already differentiated into dendritic cells that expressed low levels of costimulatory molecules especially in the presence TGFβ‐treatment of 3‐day‐old TGFβ‐treated monocyte‐derived dendritic cells with several chemicals at sub‐toxic concentrations induced significant phenotypic changes for all the strong and mild sensitizers tested, whereas the irritant sodium lauryl sulfate had no effect. However, a very large variability was observed among the experiments. Most interestingly, we could show here for the first time that at concentrations sub‐toxic for monocyte‐derived dendritic cells all the allergens tested induced monocyte apoptosis within 2 days of culture. In contrast, sodium lauryl sulfate displayed similar toxicity on monocytes and monocyte‐derived dendritic cells and these results were confirmed with other irritants such as benzoic acid or methylsalicylate. Although testing of far more chemicals is required, these results indicate that differential toxicity of chemicals to monocytes and monocyte‐derived dendritic cells could be a rapid, simple and valuable tool to differentiate sensitizers from irritants.     

Lorazepam impairs highway driving performance more than heavy alcohol consumption

While research indicates that benzodiazepine (BZD)-like drugs impair driving performance, it remains unclear (i) how far BZDs affect lane-keeping performance, compared with alcohol and (ii) to what extent this impact can realistically be measured in a simulated environment. To clarify these issues, 16 healthy male drivers who had never previously taken BZDs underwent a randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled driving paradigm (with the BZD lorazepam) in both real-world and simulated settings. Two lane-keeping variables, namely inappropriate line crossings (ILCs) and standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP), were recorded during the driving sessions. Analyses revealed that (i) a single lorazepam dose (2 mg given by mouth) caused higher SDLP increases than a blood alcohol concentration of above 0.05%, and that (ii) this BZD effect was amplified in the simulated driving setting, mainly for ILCs. As a consequence, we recommend that physicians be made more aware of BZD-related risks and that researchers make a clear distinction between the effects of BZD intake per se and the impact of simulated driving settings.     

What kind of knowledge sharing network for a consultant profile?

Management consultants appear to be particular knowledge workers that are characterised by an expert and self-sufficient profile. The aim of this research is to understand whether their professional characteristics still allow them to share knowledge and lead them to use a formal network (through a knowledge management system, kms) or an informal one (person-to-person). To study their kms using and sharing behaviour, a qualitative case study methodology was adopted, based on observation and multi-hierarchical ranking, multi-site, partly-structured interviews among consultants within the same consulting firm. The results firstly show that use and knowledge-sharing behaviours are differently influenced by practical and social characteristics; moreover, the social professional context of these self-sufficient experts encourages most of them to share knowledge within a more informal network.     

Allergenic and immunogenic potential of cow's milk β-lactoglobulin and caseins evidenced without adjuvant in germ-free mice

Scope: In most animal models of allergy, the development of an IgE response requires the use of an adjuvant. Germ‐free (GF) mice exhibit Th2‐polarized antibody responses combined with defective immunosuppressive mechanisms. The sensitizing potential of milk proteins was investigated in GF mice in the absence of adjuvant. Methods and results: β‐lactoglobulin (BLG) and whole casein (CAS) allergenicity was evaluated by means of intraperitoneal injections without adjuvant. Injections of BLG induced significant IgE and IgG1 responses in GF mice, while CAS injections provoked the production of IgG1 toward κ‐ and αS1‐caseins. No significant antibody response was evidenced in conventional (CV) mice. After in vitro BLG‐reactivation, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13 and IFN‐γ productions by splenocytes were higher in GF mice than in CV mice. Heat‐treatment decreased BLG allergenicity as indicated by the absence of IgE production in GF mice. However, heat‐treatment increased protein immunogenicity and led to the production of anti‐BLG and anti‐κ‐casein IgG1 in both GF and CV mice. This correlated with enhanced productions of IL‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐13 in BLG‐reactivated splenocytes from CV mice. Conclusion: Gut colonization by commensal bacteria appeared then to significantly reduce the susceptibility of mice toward the intrinsic allergenic and immunogenic potential of milk proteins.     

Development of two screening duplex PCR assays for genetically modified organism quantification using multiplex real-time PCR master mixes

Since 2001, the traceability and labelling of genetically modified organism (GMO) food and feed derived products are obligatory in the European Union. Genetically modified organisms (GMO) are commonly detected via PCR tests. These tests typically involve several steps: (1) screening (2) construct specific (3) event specific and (4) reference gene. Screening tests are based on sequences frequently used for GM development, allowing for the detection of a large number of GMOs. To improve GMO detection efficiency, using specific multiplex master mixes, we developed two real-time PCR screening duplex PCR assays for the detection of P35S/Tnos and Pnos/T35S sequences. By combining these tests, we were able to reduce the time and cost of analysis. For the Pnos/T35S duplex, good sensitivity was obtained using one of the mixes compared to the others. Both duplexes had 100% specificity when tested on DNA from GM maize, rapeseed and soybean. When the duplexes were tested on DNA containing various amounts of GM maize and soybean, the corresponding targets were detected. The detection limit of our methods was found to be between 2 and 8 haploid genome copies for both P35S/Tnos and Pnos/T35S tests. In summary, with high efficiency and good linearity, the proposed two screening duplexes allow for more efficient GMO detection.     

Extrusion Foaming of Poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile)/Clay Nanocomposites Using Supercritical CO2

Supercritical CO₂ has been used as a blowing agent to foam poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile)‐based materials in a single screw extruder specially adapted to allow fluid injection. The cellular morphology depends on foaming temperature, more regular cells being obtained with decreasing extrusion temperature. In a second step, a natural and an organomodified nanoclay have been added for the purpose of imparting some flame resistance to the foamed material. The filler efficiency in reducing sample combustion rate appeared to be dependent on its delamination level inside the matrix and better results were obtained when the organomodified clay was first delaminated in the polymer in an efficient twin screw extruder using water assistance, prior to foaming in the single screw extruder.