Ionic liquids containing tricyanomethanide anions: physicochemical characterisation and performance as electrochemical double-layer capacitor electrolytes

We investigated the use of fluorine free ionic liquids (ILs) containing the tricyanomethanide anion ([C(CN)3]) as an electrolyte in electrochemical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs). Three cations were used; 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium ([Im1,4]), N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium ([Pyr1,4]) and N-butyl-N-methylpiperidinium ([Pip1,4]). Their physicochemical properties are discussed alongside with their performance as electrolytes. We found that the cyano-based ILs present higher ionic conductivity (9.4, 8.7 and 4.2 mS cm−1 at 25 °C for [Im1,4], [Pyr1,4] and [Pip1,4], respectively) than the widely studied IL containing the bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion, namely [Pyr1,4][Tf2N] (2.7 mS cm−1 at 25 °C). Of the three ILs investigated, [Pip1,4][C(CN)3] presents the widest electrochemical stability window, 3.0 V, while [Pyr1,4][C(CN)3] is stable up to 2.9 V and its [Tf2N] analogue can operate at 3.5 V. Despite operating at a lower voltage, [Pyr1,4][C(CN)3] EDLC is capable of delivering up to 4.5 W h kg−1 when operating at high specific power of 7.2 kW kg−1, while its [Pyr1,4][Tf2N] counterpart only delivered 3.0 W h kg−1 when operated at similar power

Insuffisance vélo-pharyngée chez l'enfant

Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) represents an incomplete closure between the soft palate and the posterior pharyngeal wall. Its etiology can be anatomical (cleft palate), neurologic, or iatrogenic (after adenoidectomy). The evaluation of a VPI begins with a through speech and language assessment and can be complemented by instrumental investigations. VPI treatment relies on its early identification, followed by a specific speech therapy management. Surgery is performed in case of no improvement with speech therapy or in case of an anatomical defect not allowing the child to improve. IVP management requires a multidisciplinary team

Therapeutic potential of the human endogenous retroviral envelope protein HEMO: a pan‐cancer analysis

International audienc

6'-Guanidinonaltrindole (6'-GNTI) is a potent and functionally unique kappa opioid agonist that displays bias against beta-arrestin recruitment and receptor internalization

<p>Endogenous ligands, and drugs which mimic their effects, can activate multiple second messenger pathways through one receptor. Structurally distinct ligands can bias G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling towards selected cellular signaling pathways both in cell culture and in vivo. The implications of such signaling divergence is particularly intriguing considering that engaging differential pathways may be useful for imparting different and distinct pharmacological effects in vivo. The kappa opioid receptor (KOR) can be activated in just such a manner to induce differential signaling. In this study, we find that 6'-guanidinonaltrindole (6’-GNTI) is a partial agonist at KOR in regards to G protein coupling while it is a full agonist at the receptor for activating ERK and for its ability to induce changes in cellular impedance. In all three signaling assays, 6’-GNTI is more potent than the standard selective kappa opioid agonist, U69,593. Interestingly, 6’-GNTI does not promote βarrestin-2 recruitment and receptor internalization and therefore displays bias against this signaling pathway. Moreover, 6’-GNTI partially antagonizes U69,593-stimulated G protein coupling and fully blocks U69,593-stimulated βarrestin2 coupling and KOR internalization. 6’-GNTI also displays functional selectivity in vivo by acting as an inverse agonist for G protein coupling in spinal cord but not striatum, and by differentially activating ERK MAPK and Akt in primary neonatal striatal neurons. Thus, 6’-GNTI is a unique ligand of the KOR that may prove useful in delineating functionally selective signaling complexes and behaviors both in vitro and in vivo.</p> <p>Presented on 10th April 2011 at Experimental Biology (Washington DC).</p> <p>Abstract published as:</p> <p>Streicher JM, Groer CE, Munro T, Béguin C, Cohen BM, Bohn LM (2011): 6'-Guanidinonaltrindole (6'-GNTI) is a potent and functionally unique kappa opioid agonist that displays bias against beta-arrestin recruitment and receptor internalization.<br>The FASEB Journal, 25(Meeting Abstracts):626.2.</p> <p>Full report subsequently published as:</p> <p>Schmid CL, Streicher JM, Groer CE, Munro TA, Zhou L, Bohn LM (2013): Functional Selectivity of 6′-Guanidinonaltrindole (6′-GNTI) at κ-Opioid Receptors in Striatal Neurons.<br>Journal of Biological Chemistry, 288(31):22387-22398. doi:10.1074/jbc.M113.476234<br>© the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.</p

Nitrogen-enriched carbon electrodes in electrochemical capacitors: investigating accessible porosity using CM-SANS

Carbon electrochemical capacitor electrodes containing nitrogen groups were studied with respect to their electrochemical behaviour, chemical composition and physical characteristics. Thermal treatment of nitrogen-enriched carbon materials in different atmospheres was used to control the specific type and concentration of nitrogen groups present, while importantly retaining similar pore size distributions. Pyridinic nitrogen is shown to be most likely responsible for increased values of surface area normalized specific capacitance, although the mechanisms by which this occurs are poorly understood. Contrast matched-small angle neutron scattering (CM-SANS) was employed to probe the electrode porosity accessible to an electrolyte and indicates that there is no appreciable difference between the materials studied. Cyclic Voltammetry showed no evidence of electrode reactions occurring over the operating potential range. Therefore a greater amount of charge is displaced at pyridinic sites during the charge–discharge process. This may occur due to a specific adsorption mechanism, coupled with enhanced electron conductivity through the carbon matrix

Metabolism and developmental competence of the preimplantation embryo

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) has permitted many thousands of couples to conceive world-wide yet is limited by low success rates and a confounding high multiple birth rate due to the transfer of more than one embryo. These problems could be overcome if single embryos of known developmental competence could be selected for replacement. It is clear that current embryo selection methods, which rely on morphological appearance alone, are poor predictors of viability. Metabolism is intrinsic to embryo health and much research has concentrated on developing a non-invasive metabolic marker of developmental competenc

Energy storage in electrochemical capacitors: designing functional materials to improve performance

Electrochemical capacitors, also known as supercapacitors, are becoming increasingly important components in energy storage, although their widespread use has not been attained due to a high cost/ performance ratio. Fundamental research is contributing to lowered costs through the engineering of new materials. Currently the most viable materials used in electrochemical capacitors are biomass-derived and polymer-derived activated carbons, although other carbon materials are useful research tools. Metal oxides could result in a step change for electrochemical capacitor technology and is an exciting area of research. The selection of an appropriate electrolyte and electrode structure is fundamental in determining device performance. Although there are still many uncertainties in understanding the underlying mechanisms involved in electrochemical capacitors, genuine progress continues to be made. It is argued that a large, collaborative international research programme is necessary to fully develop the potential of electrochemical capacitors