Multiplicité des solutions d'équilibre d'une coque de Marguerre–von Kármán membranaireMultiplicity of solutions to the Marguerre–von Kármán membrane equations

We build explicitly an infinite number of equilibrium solutions of unloaded Marguerre–von Kármán membrane shells. This construction is based upon the existence of three elementary solutions, together with the solution of a Monge–Ampère equation associated with a partition of the reference configuration of the shell. To cite this article: A. Léger, B. Miara, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 335 (2002) 649–654.     

Transition-metal-templated synthesis of rotaxanes and catenanes: From small molecules to polymers

This article provides an overview of the fundamental principles of the synthesis of metallocatenanes and metallorotaxanes. It also describes the synthesis and properties of electronic conducting polymers—polypyrrole and polythiophene—built around metallocatenanes and metallorotaxanes. The particular properties of this new class of polymers, including the possibility of transmetallation reactions being performed with them and the observation of electronic coupling between the metal centers and the conducting matrix, are discussed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 3470–3477, 2003     

Complex II from a structural perspective

The super-macromolecular complex, succinate:quinone oxidoreductase (SQR, Complex II, succinate dehydrogenase) couples the oxidation of succinate in the matrix / cytoplasm to the reduction of quinone in the membrane. This function directly connects the Krebs cycle and the aerobic respiratory chain. Until the recent first report of the structure of SQR from Escherichia coli (E. coli) the structure-function relationships in SQR have been inferred from the structures of the homologous QFR, which catalyses the same reaction in the opposite direction. The structure of SQR from E. coli, analogous to the mitochondrial respiratory Complex II, has provided new insight into SQR's molecular design and mechanism, revealing the electron transport pathway through the enzyme. Comparison of the structures of SQR, QFR and other related flavoproteins shows how common amino acid residues at the interface of two domains facilitate the inter-conversion of succinate and fumarate. Additionally, the structure has provided a possible explanation as to why certain organisms utilise both SQR and QFR despite the fact that both can catalyse the inter-conversion of succinate and fumarate, in vitro and in vivo. Here we review how this structure has advanced our knowledge of this important enzyme and compare the structural information to other members of the Complex II superfamily and related flavoproteins.     

Encapsulation of porphyrins and chlorins in biodegradable nanoparticles: the effect of dye lipophilicity on the extravasation and the photothrombic activity. A comparative study

In the present work, we performed a preclinical inter-comparison study using several photosensitizers with the goal of optimizing photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with age-related macular degeneration. The tested molecules were the porphyrins meso-tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) and meso-tetra-(4-carboxyphenyl)-porphyrin (TCPP), and the chlorins pheophorbide-a (Pheo-a) and chlorin e(6) (Ce(6)). Each of these molecules was entrapped in biodegradable nanoparticles (NP) based on poly(d,l-lactic acid). The influence of the degree of lipophilicity on the incorporation efficiency of the drug in the NPs, and on the dye leakage from blood vessels as well as on the photothrombic efficiency was investigated using the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) as in vivo model. NP characterization showed that the dye was more effectively entrapped in the polymeric matrix when its degree of lipophilicity increased. While less lipophilic compounds (TCPP, Ce(6)) extravasate rather easily, the more lipophilic dyes (TPP, Pheo-a) tend to remain inside the blood vessels. After injection of a drug dose of 1 mg/kg body weight and a drug-light application interval of 1 min, irradiation with light doses ranging from 5 to 20 J/cm(2) led to the highest photothrombic efficiency when using the NPs loaded with the most lipophilic molecule (TPP). The latter induced vascular damage, which was significantly higher than that observed with the other molecules tested. Thus, in addition to minimal leakage from blood vessels, the TPP in NP formulation exhibited photothrombic efficiency similar to Visudyne which was also tested in the CAM model.     

New C2-Chiral Bidentate Ligands Bridging the gap between donor phosphine and acceptor carbonyl ligands

Two new C₂ chiral bidentate phosphorous ligands have been prepared in enantiomerically pure form. The two phosphorous centers bear electron-withdrawing groups ((CF₃)₂CH? O, C₆F₅) and are linked by a trans-cyclopentane-1,2-diol-derived bridge. Photolysis of [Cr(η⁶-C₆H₆)(CO)₃] in the presence of these two new ligands and of two previously reported bidentate phosphites, and fluorophosphinites (L) afforded [Cr(η⁶-C₆H₆)(CO)L] complexes. IR Spectral comparison of the complexes shows the new ligands to be intermediate in their bonding properties between alkyl phosphites and CO.     

A fast,sensitive determination of doxorubicin in rat plasma by solid-phase extraction and reversed-phase ion-pair chromatography

A very selective method is described for the determination of doxorubicin in rat plasma. Doxorubicin is extracted from the plasma on a pretreated octadecyl silane column and eluted with phosphate buffer pH 2.6/methanol (25/75, v/v) containing sodium 1-heptanesulfonate as ion-pairing agent. The extraction procedure is suitable for samples which contain doxorubicin encapsulated in liposomes if Triton X-100 is added. A portion of the evaporated eluate is used for high-performance reversed-phase chromatography with the same eluent and a fluorescence detector. Daunorubicin is used as internal standard. Extraction of doxorubicin from plasma is quantitative. The calibration graph is linear for 0.2-100 μg l^?1 doxorubicin with a limit of detection of 0.2 μg l^?1 for 0.5 ml of plasma. The relative standard error of estimate of the calibration was typically 3%.     

4‐Methyl‐2‐[N‐(3,4‐methyl­ene­dioxy­benzyl­idene)hydrazino]­thia­zole and its reduction product, 4‐methyl‐2‐[N‐(3,4‐methyl­ene­dioxybenzyl­idene)hydrazono]‐4,5‐di­hydro­thia­zole

The crystal structures of 4‐methyl‐2‐[N‐(3,4‐methyl­ene­dioxybenzyl­idene)hydrazino]­thia­zole, C₁₂H₁₁N₃O₂S, and its reduction product 4‐methyl‐2‐[N‐(3,4‐methyl­ene­dioxybenzyl­idene)hydrazono]‐4,5‐di­hydro­thia­zole, C₁₂H₁₃N₃O₂S, have been determined and compared. In the reduction product, the tautomer observed bears an H atom on the exocyclic N atom. Both compounds form hydrogen‐bonded dimers over centers of inversion.     

Spectroelectrochemical and Theoretical Study of [Si(ttpy)2](PF6)4: A Potential Polychromatic Electrochromic Dye

Complexes consisting of earth-abundant main group metals such as silicon with polypyridine ligands are of interest for a variety of optical and electronic applications including as electrochromic colorants. Previous spectroelectrochemical studies with tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)silicon(IV) hexafluorophosphate, [Si(bpy)₃](PF₆)_4, demonstrated an ability to control the color saturation of the potential electrochromic dye, with the intensity of the dye’s green color increasing as the charge state sequentially reduces from 4+ to 1+. In this study, the synthesis of bis(4′-(4-tolyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine)silicon(IV) hexafluorophosphate, [Si(ttpy)₂](PF₆)₄, is reported along with electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical analyses. Computational modeling (density functional theory) is used to further elucidate the electrochromic properties of previously reported Si(bpy)₃ⁿ⁺ species and the new Si(ttpy)₂ⁿ⁺ species. While the homoleptic tris(bidentate)silicon(IV) complexes are attractive as electrochromic dyes for tunable color saturation, the bis(tridentate)silicon(IV) complexes are attractive as polychromatic electrochromic dyes.