Salmonella enterica biofilm-mediated dispersal by nitric oxide donors in association with cellulose nanocrystal hydrogels

Protected by extracellular polymers, microbes within biofilms are significantly more resistant to disinfectants. Current research has been instrumental in identifying nitric oxide donors and hydrogels as potential disinfectant additives. Nitric oxide (NO) donors are considered a very promising molecule as biofilm dispersal agents and hydrogels have recently attracted a lot of interest due to their biocompatible properties and ability to form stable thin films. When the NO donor MAHMA NONOate was dissolved in phosphate saline buffer, it was able to reduce the biomass of well-established biofilms up to 15% for at least 24 h of contact time. Encapsulation of MAHMA NONOate and molsidomine within a hydrogel composed of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) has shown a synergistic effect in dispersing well-established biofilms: after 2 h of exposure, moderate but significant dispersion was measured. After 6 h of exposure, the number of cells transitioning from the biofilm to the planktonic state was up to 0.6 log higher when compared with non-treated biofilms. To further explore the transport processes of NO donors within hydrogels, we measured the nitric oxide flux from gels, at 25°C for a composite of 0.1 µM MAHMA NONOate–CNC. Nitric oxide diffuses up to 500 µm from the hydrogel surface, with flux decreasing according to Fick’s law. 60% of NO was released from the hydrogel composite during the first 23 min. These data suggest that the combined treatments with nitric oxide donor and hydrogels may allow for new sustainable cleaning strategies

Thiol-Stabilized Gold Nanoparticles: New Ways To Displace Thiol Layers Using Yttrium or Lanthanide Chlorides

We use the aurophilic interactions shown by lanthanides to overcome the sulfur–gold interaction. UV–vis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirm that yttrium or lanthanide chlorides easily displace sulfur ligands from the surface of thiol-stabilized gold nanoparticles

Modélisation numérique du laminage à pas de pèlerin de tubes ODS en vu de limiter les risques d'endommagement

National audiencePour les Réacteurs à Neutrons Rapides au sodium, les matériaux de gainage de référence pour les très forts taux de combustion sont les nuances ferritiques/martensitiques ODS. Ces matériaux présentent en effet des bonnes propriétés en fluage, en résilience et en résistance à l'oxydation. Toutefois la présence des oxydes ODS font de ces nuances des matériaux très difficiles à mettre en forme. Classiquement le tube de gainage est mis en forme à froid à partir d'une ébauche tubulaire par une succession de passes de laminage à pas de pèlerin et de traitements thermiques. Dans le cadre de cette étude la modélisation numérique du procédé de laminage dans une configuration de type HPTR a été entreprise. Le modèle prend en compte toute la complexité des phénomènes physiques, mécaniques ainsi que le modèle de comportement du matériau pour simuler les déformations élastoplastiques cycliques qui apparaissent au cours de la mise forme des tubes minces. La modélisation de la cinématique du procédé a déjà été réalisée. L'utilisation de capteurs numériques pour suivre le chemin de déformation de la matière lors du procédé permet d'estimer la nature et l'amplitude des déformations cycliques subies

Finite element simulation of cold pilgering of ODS tubes

International audienceThe oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) ferritic and martensitic steels are candidate cladding materials for the new fast-neutron sodium-cooled Generation IV reactors. Typically the cladding is cold formed by a sequence of cold pilger rolling passes with intermediate heat treatments. Cracking risk prediction in pilgering is linked to the choice of an appropriate constitutive model for modeling the process. Consequently, this work aims to assess the impact of the constitutive laws on cracking risk development in pilgering conditions

Maniobrabilidad de buques: pruebas a escala real del Buque Patrullero de Apoyo Fluvial de la Armada de Colombia

Methodology and results of full scale maneuvering trials for Riverine Support Patrol Vessel “RSPV”, built by COTECMAR for the Colombian Navy are presented. This ship is equipped with a “Pump – Jet” propulsion system and the hull corresponds to a wide-hull with a high Beam – Draft ratio (B/T=9.5). Tests were based on the results of simulation of turning diameters obtained from TRIBON M3˝ design software, applying techniques of Design of Experiments “DOE”, to rationalize the number of runs in different conditions of water depth, ship speed, and rudder angle. Results validate the excellent performance of this class of ship and show that turning diameter and other maneuvering characteristics improve with decreasing water depth.En el presente trabajo se presenta la metodología y los resultados de las pruebas de maniobrabilidad a escala real del Buque Patrullero de Apoyo Fluvial Pesado “PAF-P”, construido por COTECMAR para la Armada Nacional de Colombia. El buque está equipado con un sistema de propulsión de bomba de agua tipo “Pump – Jet” y su casco corresponde a un casco con una relación Manga – Calado muy alta (B/T = 9.5). Las pruebas se basaron en los resultados de simulación de círculos evolutivos obtenidos en el software de Diseño TRIBON M3©, aplicando técnicas de Diseño de Experimentos “DOE”, para racionalizar el número de corridas en diferentes condiciones de profundidad, velocidad y ángulo de timón. Los resultados validan el excelente desempeño de esta clase de buques y muestran que el diámetro de giro y otras características de maniobrabilidad mejoran con la disminución de la profundidad

Spanish validation of the revised depression attitude questionnaire (R-daq)

Purpose: The aim of the study was to develop and validate a Spanish version of the Revised Depression Attitude Questionnaire (R-DAQ). Methods: The R-DAQ was used as a baseline for the study. It was translated and tested to ensure the instrument was appropriate for the target population. 537 Ecuadorian healthcare professionals completed the revised Spanish version of the R-DAQ (SR-DAQ). Statistical and exploratory factor analyses were performed to examine construct validity, internal consistency, readability and floor and ceiling effects. Results: Three factors were obtained: “Professional confidence in depression care”; “Therapeutic optimism about depression”; and “Generalist perspective about depression occurrence, recognition, and management”. The internal consistency of the SR-DAQ was determined by means of Cronbach’s α coefficient, with values ranging between 0.61–0.8. The correlations with the English version reflected adequate validity. The model explained 39% of the variance. Subsequent analysis with a sample restricted to those who had received training in depression produced a model that explained 42% of the variance. Conclusion: The SR-DAQ meets the psychometric requirements for measuring depression attitude in a Spanish-speaking population and shows adequate internal consistency and validity