batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
Almost 90 % of disease-associated genetic variants found using genome wide association studies (GWAS) are located in non-coding regions of the genome. Such variants can affect phenotype by altering important regulatory elements such as promoters, enhancers or repressors, leading to changes in gene expression and consequently disease, such as thyroid cancer and allergic diseases. A number of allergy and atopy related diseases such as asthma and atopic dermatitis are related to histamine receptors; however, these diseases are not fully characterized at the molecular level. Moreover, candidate gene based studies of common variants known as single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) located in the coding regions of these receptors have given mixed results. It is important to complement these approaches by identifying and characterising non-coding variants in order to further elucidate the role of these receptors in disease. Here we present an analysis of histamine receptor genes using the tool AnNCR-SNP to characterise variants in non-coding genomic regions. AnNCR-SNP combines bioinformatics and experimental data sets from various sources to predict the effects of genetic variation on gene expression regulation. We find many SNPs located in areas of open chromatin, overlapping with transcription factor binding sites and associated with changes in gene expression in expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) experiments. Here we present the results as a catalogue of non-coding variation in histamine receptor genes to aid histamine researchers in identifying putative functional SNPs found in GWAS for further validation, and to help select variants for candidate gene studies.
On 15 July 2000 the first MITA satellite was launched from Plesetsk. The main purpose of this mission is its in-flight validation, since MITA is going to be used as standard platform for small missions. In this paper the main MITA bus characteristics are reported, together with the description of the launch and the first commissioning phase. This article will describe the in-orbit results and the performances of the MITA platform.
We introduce a comprehensive finite-element analysis (FEA) computational model to accurately predict the thermo-mechanical stresses at heterogeneous joints and components of large-size sodium sulfur (NaS) cells during thermal cycling. Quantification of the thermo-mechanical stress is important because the accumulation of stress during cell assembly and/or operation is one of the critical issues in developing practical planar NaS cells. The computational model is developed based on relevant experimental assembly and operation conditions to predict the detailed stress field of a state-of-the-art planar NaS cell. Prior to the freeze-and-thaw thermal cycle simulation, residual stresses generated from the actual high temperature cell assembly procedures are calculated and implemented into the subsequent model. The calculation results show that large stresses are developed on the outer surface of the insulating header and the solid electrolyte, where component fracture is frequently observed in the experimental cell fabrication process. The impacts of the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) of glass materials and the thicknesses of cell container on the stress accumulation are also evaluated to improve the cell manufacturing procedure and to guide the material choices for enhanced thermo-mechanical stability of large-size NaS cells.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive, impairing, life-limiting disorder of childhood. Little is known about how siblings adapt to this. The aim of this study is to document psychosocial adjustment in siblings of patients with DMD. Healthy siblings (11–18years old) of young people with DMD attending a specialist paediatric centre and their parent/main carer took part. Parents, siblings and teachers completed a battery of questionnaires: (i) to assess psychiatric risk the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); (ii) to measure general wellbeing: SF-36; (iii) to document DMD illness disability: Functional Disability Inventory (FDI); (iv) to assess family function and life stresses for the unaffected sibling: Family Assessment Device (FAD), Family Burden Interview Schedule and Life Events Checklist. Forty six/77 eligible siblings (24 females/22 males); (mean age 14years (SD 2.3)) took part. Although their mean psychological functioning and wellbeing questionnaire scores were comparable to normative data, there was a trend for more siblings scoring at high-risk for psychological (mainly emotional) problems. Weak/moderate associations with psychological symptoms in siblings varied according to informant and included the following factors: closeness in age to the affected sibling; older sibling age; extent of wheelchair use, burden of illness on family interactions, and siblings reporting high impact of illness on their lives. Psychological symptoms were also associated with less sibling involvement in patient care, with broader psychosocial and family disadvantage and with life stresses. Siblings have an increased risk for emotional problems, which appears influenced by specific illness factors.
Poly(2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole) (PDMcT)/sulfonated graphene conductive composite (PDMcT/SGS) was synthesized through in situ oxidative polymerization in the presence of the water-soluble sulfonated graphene sheets (SGS). Raman spectra revealed the existence of the π–π interaction between thiadiazole rings and basal planes of SGS. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that the submicron-sized petals and nanofibers of PDMcT grew onto the surface of SGS. As evidenced by the cyclic voltammetry results, the incorporation of SGS has significantly improved the electrochemical activity and cyclability of PDMcT. The discharge capacity of PDMcT/SGS composite, measured with the charge–discharge tests, was 268 mAh g−1 at the first cycle and 124 mAh g−1 after 10 cycles.
Observations and modeling are used to assess potential impacts of sediment releases due to dam removals on the Hudson River estuary. Watershed sediment loads are calculated based on sediment-discharge rating curves for gauges covering 80% of the watershed area. The annual average sediment load to the estuary is 1.2 Mt, of which about 0.6 Mt comes from side tributaries. Sediment yield varies inversely with watershed area, with regional trends that are consistent with substrate erodibility. Geophysical and sedimentological surveys in seven subwatersheds of the Lower Hudson were conducted to estimate the mass and composition of sediment trapped behind dams. Impoundments were classified as (1) active sediment traps, (2) run-of-river sites not actively trapping sediment, and (3) dammed natural lakes and spring-fed ponds. Based on this categorization and impoundment attributes from a dam inventory database, the total mass of impounded sediment in the Lower Hudson watershed is estimated as 4.9 ± 1.9 Mt. This represents about 4 years of annual watershed supply, which is small compared with some individual dam removals and is not practically available given current dam removal rates. More than half of dams impound drainage areas less than 1 km2, and play little role in downstream sediment supply. In modeling of a simulated dam removal, suspended sediment in the estuary increases modestly near the source during discharge events, but otherwise effects on suspended sediment are minimal. Fine-grained sediment deposits broadly along the estuary and coarser sediment deposits near the source, with transport distance inversely related to settling velocity.
The properties of calcium zincate as negative electrode materials for secondary batteries were examined by powder microelectrode, cyclic voltammetry, charge–discharge cycle measurements and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The results show that the cycleability of calcium zincate is obviously superior to that of ZnO and that of the mixture of ZnO and Ca(OH)2 (the molar ratio of Zn:Ca=2:1). Calcium zincate forms zinc metal during the charging and exhibits an initial discharge capacity 230mAhg−1. With the discharge cut-off voltage of 1.0V, the discharge capacity of the experimental Zn/NiOOH cell does not decay much during 500 cycles, exhibiting good prospect for practical use.
Life-cycle design (LCD), the application of life-cycle concepts to the design phase of product development, is emerging as a valuable tool for incorporating environmental impacts and trade-offs as a criterion in product/process design. Because LCD is used as an internal decision-support tool and is often customized to meet firm-specific needs, its strengts, successes and limitations remain largely undocumented. Companies practicing, or inclined to adopt LCD methods have not benefitted from methodological advancements achieved by other firms, and opportunities for cross-fertilization across firms have been limited. An examination of LCD practices at three firms—IBM, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, and Armstrong World Industries, Inc.—provides insight into how these methods evolve, as well as a glimpse into the dynamics of organizational innovation in relation to corporate environmental management. Four ingredients are essential to initiating or sustaining a successful LCD program: 1) a pragmatic, flexible approach that avoids “analysis paralysis”; 2) program buy-in from multiple levels in the company; 3) supplier involvement and information exchange to support material and/or process decisions; and 4) inclusion of staff from various business functions to ensure that LCD is not merely another environmental initiative.
Novel inorganic film modified electrodes have been prepared by chemical deposition of a thin palladium pentacyanonitrosylferrate (PdPCNF) film on the surface of aluminum substrate. The modification process including the electroless deposition of metallic palladium on the aluminum electrode surface from PdCl2+25% ammonia solution and chemical derivatization of deposited palladium to the PdPCNF film in 0.1 M Na2[Fe(CN)5NO]+0.5 M KNO3+HNO3 solution (pH 1.5–2.5), are described. The aluminum-based modified electrodes exhibit, one pair of well-defined voltammetric peaks which correspond to the Fe(III)/Fe(II) transition in complex structure. The effect of pH, ammonium, alkali metal and alkaline earth metal cations of supporting electrolyte on the electrochemical characteristics of the modified electrode was studied in detail. Diffusion coefficients of hydrated ammonium and alkali metal cations in the film (D), transfer coefficient (α) and transfer rate constant for electron (k s), were determined. The high stability of this modified electrode makes it attractive in practical application.
This paper looks at some of the different practical cyborgs that are realistically possible now. It firstly describes the technical basis for such cyborgs then discusses the results from experiments in terms of their meaning, possible applications and ethical implications. An attempt has been made to cover a wide variety of possibilities. Human implantation and the merger of biology and technology are important factors here. The article is not intended to be seen as the final word on these issues, but rather to give an initial overview. Most of the experiments described are drawn from the author’s personal experience over the last 15 years.
Daily levels of particulate matter (PM) in the ambient air (PM 2.5 and PM 10) were measured in a northern city of Thailand (Chiang Mai) from March 1998 to October 1999. Twenty-four-hour air particulate matter samples were collected each day with Airmetric Minivol portable air samplers. Monthly averages of PM 2.5 from four stations in Chiang Mai varied from 15.39 to 138.31μg/m3 and 27.29 to 173.40μg/m3 for PM 10. The PM 2.5 annual average was 58.48mg/m3 and PM 10, 86.38μg/m3. Daily PM 2.5 (24h values) during the winter months in Chiang Mai frequently exceeded 200–300μg/m3. The maximum concentrations of PM 2.5 (24h average) in Chiang Mai air from December 1998 to April 1999 were 2.8-, 3.5-, 4.2-, 6.5- and 3.2-fold higher than the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), PM 2.5, 24h standard of 65μg/m3. From May to October, the mean 24h levels of PM 2.5 and PM 10 were at acceptable levels. The data shows that during the winter season (December to March), levels of PM 2.5 and PM 10 in the Chiang Mai atmosphere are very high, and there may be significant health implications associated with these high concentrations. During the summer season, the fine particles were generally within the acceptable levels. To our knowledge, these are the first measurements of PM 2.5 to be reported for the city of Chiang Mai and they indicate considerable ambient fine particle exposures to the Chiang Mai population. In addition, dichloromethane extracts of airborne particulate matter PM 2.5 or PM 10 collected in the months of winter in the city of Chiang Mai were mutagenic to Salmonella typhimurium strain TA100 without metabolic activation. The mutagenicity appeared to track particle concentrations and increased in the presence of S9 mix.
The degradation behavior of semicrystalline PEO on silica (SiO2) nanoparticles as a function of silanol density, hydrophobicity and nanoparticle size was investigated under N2 purge by derivative thermogravimetric analysis (dTGA) for adsorption amounts at or below plateau adsorption. The PEO was adsorbed onto colloidal (Stöber) onto 100nm colloidal that had been heat-treated to vary the silanol density or hydrophobically modified, (CH3)3–SiO2, and onto 15, 40 and 100nm SiO2 made by a water-glass process. Either one or two degradation peaks, T d , were observed for the adsorbed PEO, one at ∼180–210°C and one at ∼250–300°C. The degradation peak at 180–210°C appeared either at high adsorption amounts for the 100nm SiO2, on the 15nm SiO2, and on hydrophobically modified SiO2, where PEO not directly hydrogen-bonded with SiOH was expected. The degradation peak at 250–300°C correlated with SiOH density of the SiO2, and thus SiOH/CO contacts, and the peak position increased with increase in SiOH density. With decreasing adsorption amount for the 100nm SiO2, the 180–210°C peak decreased with respect to the 250–300°C peak. Thus, the freer PEO segments appeared to degrade at lower temperatures than the H-bonded segments. However, both T d s were well below those observed for neat PEO, which occurs at ca 388°C. This may arise since PEO is oxidatively unstable, and the volatile degradation products of the relatively small number of PEO chains on the high surface area SiO2 are removed quickly, resulting in more rapid degradation.
We have studied the electrochemical behavior of Tb0.11V2O5 electrodes in propylene carbonate and LiClO4. The techniques used in the study were cyclic voltammetry, discharge/charge polarization, FTIR and XRD. The Tb0.11V2O5 compound was prepared using the xerogel route and the composite electrodes were membranes prepared with PVDF-binder and carbon. The results show that the Tb doping improves the electrochemical performance of V2O5 due to the bonding of the earth-rare ions and the residual H2O in the V2O5 structure. The capacity fading was reduced, the specific reversible capacity was 330mAg−1 (C/4, cut-off 3.7–2.0V) and the voltage presented a large plateau at 2.5V for the Tb0.11V2O5 electrodes. The charge transfer between Li and Tb0.11V2O5 does not involve the oxidation–reduction of the Tb3+ ions.
Biomarkers have the potential to be used to assess the impact of anthropogenic discharges in marine waters. We have used a suite of biomarkers spanning from enzymatic to histopathological alterations and general stress responses to assess the short- and long-term impact on mussels Mytilus edulis of heavy fuel oil no. 6 and styrene. Mussels were exposed for 5 months, with a refilling of the exposure system, to a water soluble fraction of heavy fuel and, then, kept for a month in clean water for recovery. In a second experiment, mussels were exposed to styrene for 19 days and maintained in clean water for up to 4 months. Chemical body tissue levels reflected the weathering processes of these compounds. Acyl-CoA oxidase activity was induced in oil-exposed mussels after refilling, whereas styrene inhibited it after 19 days of exposure and after 2 weeks in clean water. Gamete development and alkali-labile phosphate levels suggest that neither oil nor styrene behaved as endocrine disruptors. Neutral red retention time was lower in treated groups than in controls. Lysosomal membrane stability was significantly reduced in exposed groups and recovered after withdrawal of oil but not after removal of styrene. Neither oil nor styrene exposure affected the condition index except for the reduction seen in mussels exposed to oil for 1 month. Biomarker response index discriminated exposed mussels, which showed higher values, and returned to control levels after recovery. Results obtained from these pilot experiments can help to identify relevant monitoring tools to assess the impact of oil and chemicals in marine spill scenarios.
In summer 2012, a landfill liner comprising an estimated 1.3 million shredded tires burned in Iowa City, Iowa. During the fire, continuous monitoring and laboratory measurements were used to characterize the gaseous and particulate emissions and to provide new insights into the qualitative nature of the smoke and the quantity of pollutants emitted. Significant enrichments in ambient concentrations of CO, CO2, SO2, particle number (PN), fine particulate (PM2.5) mass, elemental carbon (EC), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were observed. For the first time, PM2.5 from tire combustion was shown to contain PAH with nitrogen heteroatoms (a.k.a. azaarenes) and picene, a compound previously suggested to be unique to coal-burning. Despite prior laboratory studies' findings, metals used in manufacturing tires (i.e. Zn, Pb, Fe) were not detected in coarse particulate matter (PM10) at a distance of 4.2 km downwind. Ambient measurements were used to derive the first in situ fuel-based emission factors (EF) for the uncontrolled open burning of tires, revealing substantial emissions of SO2 (7.1 g kg−1), particle number (3.5 × 1016 kg−1), PM2.5 (5.3 g kg−1), EC (2.37 g kg−1), and 19 individual PAH (totaling 56 mg kg−1). A large degree of variability was observed in day-to-day EF, reflecting a range of flaming and smoldering conditions of the large-scale fire, for which the modified combustion efficiency ranged from 0.85 to 0.98. Recommendations for future research on this under-characterized source are also provided.
Interconnecting “things” and devices that takes the form of wearables, sensors, actuators, mobiles, computers, meters, or even vehicles is a critical requirement for the current era. These inter-networked connections are serving the emerging applications home and building automation, smart cities and infrastructure, smart industries, and smart-everything. However, the security of these connected Internet of things (IoT) plays a centric role with no margin for error. After a review of the relevant, online literature on the topic and after looking at the market trends and developments, one can notice that there are still concerns with regard to security in IoT products and services. This paper is focusing on a survey on IoT security and aims to highlight the most significant problems related to safety and security in the IoT ecosystems. This survey identifies the general threat and attack vectors against IoT devices while highlighting the flaws and weak points that can lead to breaching the security. Furthermore, this paper presents solutions for remediation of the compromised security, as well as methods for risk mitigation, with prevention and improvement suggestions.
Nanoparticles of lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4) spinel oxides have been synthesized from aqueous solutions of metal acetate containing citric acid as a chelating agent by a sol–gel method. The influence of calcination temperature on the physicochemical properties of LiMn2O4 powders in air atmosphere has been analyzed by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron microscopic techniques. The thermal behavior of the material has been examined by thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). Two sharp and well-defined peaks obtained from cyclic voltammetry of Li/1M LiPF6-EC/DEC electrolyte/LiMn2O4 cell reveal that the LiMn2O4 particles are highly crystalline and insertion–extraction mechanism occur at two stages in the 4V region.
Purpose This study was designed to raise awareness of the materials, devices, and Internet resources available to improve adherence to use of medications for the treatment of glaucoma and to review new devices under development. Methods A review of current indexed literature and Internet resources was conducted. Results A variety of educational brochures, pamphlets, and fact sheets promoting adherence to ocular hypotensive medications are available through multiple organizations and are easily accessed and ordered on the Internet. Video and Web-based patient educational tools have been designed to support patient adherence to glaucoma management plans and promote open dialogue between patients and providers. Reminder and recall systems that integrate with office software can be sent to cell phones as well as e-mails and personal digital assistant (PDAs), alerting patients to upcoming appointments and reminding them to instill their drops. Bottle devices with dosing support (timers with audible and visual signals and dispensing aids) and electronic monitoring have been shown to promote adherence. New products currently under development to improve the delivery of medications include nanoparticles, punctal plugs, and contact lenses that release glaucoma medications. Conclusions Many educational materials, services, Internet resources, and devices are available to optometrists to encourage patient adherence to glaucoma treatment and management.
This article makes use of survey data collected in 1992 and 2007 to examine the question of whether or not Postmaterialism is gradually becoming manifest in Hong Kong and to explore the applicability of Postmaterialist theory to this affluent Chinese society. Our findings basically support the hypotheses of the theory that the continued socioeconomic development of Hong Kong is giving rise to a populace that is increasingly inclined towards Postmaterialism. Younger people are more Postmaterialist than their seniors. In addition, Postmaterialists are more likely than Materialists to support the ‘new politics’ and democracy. Nevertheless, Hong Kong is far from being a Postmaterialist society. Multivariate regression analysis also revealed that the Materialist/Postmaterialist orientation is neither related to age nor to formative security.
Here, we report all-solid-state spiral wire-type stretchable supercapacitors (WSSCs) based on wire-type MnO2/graphene (Gr)/Ni electrode, in which a corroded Ni wire serves as substrate, Gr as buffer layer for depositing of MnO2 and KOH-polyvinyl alcohol gel as the solid-state electrolyte. Through interface engineering (surface corrosion and addition of buffer layer), interface contact, equivalent series resistance (ESR) and electrochemical performance of the wire-type electrode are greatly improved. The WSSC exhibits good electrochemical performance and stretchability. Linear (volumetric) specific capacitance of the spiral WSSC reaches 31.48 mF cm−1 (0.45Fcm−3). Maximum linear energy density (power density) reaches 2.80μWhcm−1 (0.54mWcm−1). The capacitance retention is about 92% after deformed at 100% tensile strain. Furthermore, the spiral WSSC has a smaller size and can be easily integrated with electrical wire in electric equipment as a backup power supply, which avoid damage of device or data as sudden power failure occurs.