batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
Aims To examine whether baseline neurocognition and social cognition predict vocational outcomes over 6months in patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) enrolled in a randomised controlled trial of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) versus treatment as usual (TAU). Methods 135 FEP participants (IPS n =69; TAU n =66) completed a comprehensive neurocognitive and social cognitive battery. Principal axis factor analysis using PROMAX rotation was used to determine the underlying cognitive structure of the battery. Setwise (hierarchical) logistic and multivariate linear regressions were used to examine predictors of: (a) enrolment in education and employment; and (b) hours of employment over 6months. Neurocognition and social cognition factors were entered into the models after accounting for premorbid IQ, baseline functioning and treatment group. Results Six cognitive factors were extracted: (i) social cognition; (ii) information processing speed; (iii) verbal learning and memory; (iv) attention and working memory; (v) visual organisation and memory; and (vi) verbal comprehension. Enrolment in education over 6months was predicted by enrolment in education at baseline (p =.002) and poorer visual organisation and memory (p =.024). Employment over 6months was predicted by employment at baseline (p =.041) and receiving IPS (p =.020). Better visual organisation and memory predicted total hours of paid work over 6months (p <.001). Conclusions Visual organisation and memory predicted the enrolment in education and duration of employment, after accounting for premorbid IQ, baseline functioning and treatment. Social cognition did not contribute to the prediction of vocational outcomes. Neurocognitive interventions may enhance employment duration in FEP.
Abstract Obtaining a complete biopotential acquisition system suitable for the real-world use of an intelligent wheelchair is still an open problem without a satisfactory solution. It is perhaps the single block that may be hindering the final step for use of this technology outside controlled environments. We introduce the basic electronic instrumentation background needed to understand the state of the art in acquisition equipment and the challenge of electromagnetic interference and artifacts. We then analyze the particularities of measurement on a mobile wheelchair and comment on available solutions, finally suggesting a sample practical design for a medium complexity multichannel acquisition system.
Renewable energy sources have a huge potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decrease the dependence on fossil fuels in the energy sector. However, the energy output of these sources is variable and raises concerns regarding the electric grid reliability. Therefore, the deployment of energy storage would play a key role in enabling the integration of these sources in the electric grid. This paper proposes methods for determining the optimal operation and sizing of energy storage systems. The main purpose of the operation strategy is to maximize the revenues of the renewable farm. The sizing model, on the other hand, has a purpose to minimize the cost of the hybrid system while meeting the service requirement. Both methods were formulated as non-linear programming optimization models. To verify the effectiveness of these methods; case studies have been presented. Finally, this paper proposes an economical analysis to determine the cost added by the storage to each KWh of stored energy.
Nanocomposite of Li2ZnTi3O8/carbon nanobelt was successfully synthesized through a simple synthetic route using titanate nanobelts as a precursor, in which a thin carbon layer of ca. 2–3nm was formed on the surface of Li2ZnTi3O8 nanobelts. This material was used as an anode material for Li-ion storage and demonstrates a large reversible charge-discharge capacity of 247.6mA h g−1 after 200cycles at 0.2 A g−1, which is much greater than that of pure Li2ZnTi3O8 nanowires. At the same time, this material also exhibits excellent rate capability with a capacity of ca. 178.0mA h g−1 even at a current density as high as 2 A g−1. These excellent properties might be attributed to its high electronic conductivity due to a thin carbon layer on the surface of nanobelts and one-dimensional (1D) nanostructure can facilitate the electron transport along the long dimension, meanwhile, Li+ can be transport fast along the two short dimensions.
Conductivity hysteresis and room temperature ionic conductivities >10−3 S/cm were recently reported for electrolytes prepared from blends of an amphiphilic comb copolymer, poly[2,5,8,11,14-pentaoxapentadecamethylene (5-hexadecyloxy-1,3-phenylene)] (polymer I), and a linear multiblock copolymer, poly(oligotetrahydrofuran-co-dodecamethylene) (polymer II), following thermal treatment [F. Chia, Y. Zheng, J. Liu, N. Reeves, G. Ungar, P.V. Wright, Electrochim. Acta 43 (2003) 1939]. To investigate the origin of these effects, polymers I and II were synthesized in this work, and the conductivity and thermal properties of the individual polymers were investigated. AC impedance measurements were conducted on I and II doped with LiBF4 or LiClO4 during gradual heating to 110°C and slow cooling to room temperature. Significant conductivity hysteresis was seen for polymer II, and was similarly observed for poly(tetrahydrofuran) (PTHF) homopolymer at equivalent doping levels. From thermogravimetic analysis (TGA), gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and 1H NMR spectroscopy, both polymer II and PTHF were found to partially decompose to THF during heat treatment, resulting in a self-plasticizing effect on conductivity.
3D-ordered porous nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon (NS/C) is synthesized from the functionalized fluidic acrylonitrile telomer (ANT) as C, N and S source. The dispersed PdCuW nanoparticles with an average size of 5.25 nm are supported on the walls of the NS/C by a glycol reduction method. Compared with 20%Pd black (Pd/C), NS/C and 20%Pd-NS/C, it is found that PdCuW-NS/C composite with 11.4 wt% Pd exhibits superior catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline solution. Moreover, PdCuW-NS/C possesses higher capacities, lower overpotentials and better cyclic stability as cathode materials for Li-O2 batteries; the cyclic retention of more than 70 cycles are achieved at 300 mA g−1 with the restricted capacity at 500 mAh g−1.
The long forms of the dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) exon III repeat polymorphism (L-DRD4) have been linked in some studies to the adult personality trait of novelty seeking (NS), as well as to infant personality traits related to interest and activity. The current investigation extends the results of our previous longitudinal study on 1- to 5-month-old neonates assessed by the Early and Revised Infancy Temperament Questionnaire (EITQ/RITQ), in which we found a significant correlation between the DRD4 polymorphism and the adaptability trait at 1 month of age. In this study, we examined the relationship between children′s behavior at 3 years of age, measured with the Toddler Temperament Scale (TTS), and DRD4 exon III repeat polymorphism. We found a significant association between the behavioral dimension of intensity of reaction and DRD4 genotypes. Current data failed to confirm the association with the adaptability trait. None of the extraversion and/or exploratory behavior measures was related to the L-DRD4 allele, as expected. In contrast, children with 4/7 genotypes showed worse response to new stimuli compared with 4/4 genotypes. This study corroborates only in part previous results on the link between the DRD4 gene and human temperament.
Preventing the establishment of ectoparasitic poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) populations is key in ensuring welfare and egg production of laying hens and absence of allergic reactions of workers in poultry facilities. Using the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point method, a panel of experts identified hazards and associated risks concerning the introduction and spread of this mite in poultry facilities. Together we provide an overview of possible corrective actions that can be taken to prevent population establishment. Additionally, a checklist of the most critical control points has been devised as management tool for poultry farmers. This list was evaluated by Dutch and British poultry farmers. They found the checklist feasible and useful.
The past decade has seen some very significant changes in the supply and the demand for lead. One of the most obvious developments is the emergence of China—both as the world’s largest producer of primary lead and as a very significant consumer. Perhaps less obvious have been the increasing role of secondary lead in meeting demand for refined metal and the rapid growth in demand for industrial batteries, which have helped to sustain an annual average growth rate in Western World consumption of 3.4% between 1993 and 2000. Patchy knowledge about the lead industry in China has made it difficult to anticipate developments there and has created uncertainty in the global market. This uncertainty, and lead’s poor environmental image, largely undeserved as it may be today, has meant few companies outside the lead business want to be seen participating in it. This is just one factor accounting for the very limited increase in lead mine production for the foreseeable future. With around 75% of lead now being used in batteries and a very high global scrap recycling rate, it is probable that most, if not all, growth in lead demand can be met without an overall increase in mine production. The challenge for the lead industry will be to ensure that sufficient recycling capacity is in place in the right parts of the world to process an increasing quantity of battery and other lead-bearing scrap. Huge investment in the world’s telecommunications infrastructure and IT networks in the second half of the 1990s created a major market for industrial lead-acid batteries. With the collapse of the market for telecommunications equipment in 2001, lead consumption has fallen sharply and has revealed the extent to which demand growth in recent years has been dependent on this sector.
The effect of Zn2+ substitution on the electrochemical performance and the structural evolution upon cycling of Na3Ni2SbO6 and Na3Zn0.5Ni1.5SbO6 is reported. Samples were synthesized by solid state route and characterised by ex-situ X-ray diffraction and ex-situ 23Na solid state NMR, the results show that the partial substitution of Ni2+ by Zn2+ alters the superstructure symmetry and leads to a disordered lattice. This structural reorganisation has direct consequences on the electrochemical performances of Na3Zn0.5Ni1.5SbO6 with an average voltage of ∼3.3 V and with a specific capacity increase up to 145 mAh.g−1 at C/10. We observe that Zn2+ cations are inhomogeneously distributed in the structure, leading to different Na+ environments which are characterized by NMR. The phase transitions observed at high voltage in Na3Ni2SbO6 are suppressed in Na3Ni1.5Zn0.5SbO6 resulting in a smooth electrochemical profile with a low polarization. The presence of an irreversible phase at the end of the discharge was also detected in the undoped material.
Coprecipitation was applied to prepare Mg–Mn hydroxide precursor for optimal synthesis of Mg-doped Li–Mn–O spinel. The as-obtained precursor was then mixed with LiOH followed by an annealing at 850 oC for 15h. The spinel prepared from coprecipitated precursor can deliver over 100mAhg−1 at a discharge rate as high as 10C (1.2Ag−1) and retain 100% of the initial capacity in the 45th cycle while the spinel prepared directly from the as-purchased metal salts yields both smaller initial capacity and lower capacity retention after cycling. It was found that the crystallinity is higher and the charge transfer resistance is lower for the spinel prepared via coprecipitated precursor, which maybe resulted from the more homogeneous distribution of metal ion in such a spinel, than that in the spinel prepared from as-purchased reagents.
LiCo1/3Mn1/3Ni1/3O2 hollow spheres with an average outer diameter of 300nm and a wall thickness of about 50nm are prepared by using carbon spheres as template. They demonstrate excellent electrochemical performance, including high discharge capacity and rate capability. At a current rate of 0.2C (34mAg−1, 0.34mAcm−2), cathode materials constituted by the hollow spheres display a discharge capacity of 175.4mAhg−1. Even at a current rate of 10C (1700mAg−1, 17mAcm−2), the discharge capacity also keeps at 91.5mAhg−1. The reasons lie in that the hollow structure has a large surface to contact with liquid electrolyte, resulting in a better electrochemical performance at high charge/discharge rate.
Kindling in rats produces enduring behavioral changes that parallel the psychobehavioral disturbances frequently accompanying temporal lobe epilepsy. Some evidence suggests that the site of kindling is an important determinant of the type of behavioral changes observed following kindling, although this variable has not been systematically investigated. In the present experiments, the effects of amygdaloid kindling were assessed on a battery of behavioral tests we used previously to assess the effects of kindling in dorsal hippocampus or perirhinal cortex. Three generalized seizures were kindled with stimulation in or near the basolateral amygdala. One week later, rats were tested successively on measures of anxiety, activity, object recognition memory, and spatial working memory over a period of 3 weeks. Amygdaloid kindling produced increased anxiety, but spared all other behaviors assessed. This pattern of results is partially distinct from the previously described effects of perirhinal cortical kindling, which increases anxiety but also impairs object recognition memory, and is completely distinct from dorsal hippocampal kindling, which selectively increases activity and impairs spatial working memory. The observations suggest that kindling of distinct highly interconnected temporal lobe sites produces distinct patterns of behavioral comorbidity. The underlying mechanisms are thus most likely localized to intrinsic circuits at the site of seizure origination.
Cuprous sulfide (Cu2S) is attractive electrode material for lithium-ion battery because of its high capacity and energy density. Interestingly, the cycling stability of cuprous sulfide is poor in the carbonate-based electrolytes used in lithium ion battery industry but excellent in ether-based electrolyte. In this study, we have compared the electrochemical performance of commercially available cuprous sulfide in various kinds of carbonate-based electrolytes. Our results show that the specific capacity of Cu2S electrode fades quickly in cyclic carbonate-based electrolytes, but a much better electrochemical performance in linear carbonate-based electrolytes. In linear carbonate-based electrolyte (1M LiPF6 in EMC), it exhibits a specific discharge capacity of 242.8mAhg−1 after 50 cycles with coulombic efficiency of 99.6%. Our study suggests that the poor cycling performance of Cu2S in cyclic carbonate-based electrolytes is mainly due to the higher reactivity of cyclic carbonates with polysulfides on the surface of the electrode than linear carbonates, which was confirmed for the first time by our experiment studies and theoretical calculation.
We present two different ways to fabricate nitrogen-doped graphene (N-graphene) and demonstrate its use as a metal-free catalyst to study the catalytic active center for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). N-graphene was produced by annealing of graphene oxide (G-O) under ammonia or by annealing of a N-containing polymer/reduced graphene oxide (RG-O) composite (polyaniline/RG-O or polypyrrole/RG-O). The effects of the N precursors and annealing temperature on the performance of the catalyst were investigated. The bonding state of the N atom was found to have a significant effect on the selectivity and catalytic activity for ORR. Annealing of G-O with ammonia preferentially formed graphitic N and pyridinic N centers, while annealing of polyaniline/RG-O and polypyrrole/RG-O tended to generate pyridinic and pyrrolic N moieties, respectively. Most importantly, the electrocatalytic activity of the catalyst was found to be dependent on the graphitic N content which determined the limiting current density, while the pyridinic N content improved the onset potential for ORR. However, the total N content in the graphene-based non-precious metal catalyst does not play an important role in the ORR process.
Natural resources such as ores and rocks contain natural radioactive nuclides at various concentrations. If these resources contain high concentrations of natural radioactive nuclides, workers handling them might be exposed to significant levels of radiation. Therefore, it is important to investigate the radioactive activity in these resources. In this study, concentrations of radioactive nuclides in Th, Zr, Ti, Mo, Mn, Al, W, Zn, V, and Cr ores used as industrial raw materials in Japan were investigated. The concentrations of 238U and 232Th were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), while those of 226Ra, 228Ra, and 40K were determined by gamma-ray spectrum. We found the concentrations of 238U series, 232Th series, and 40K in Ti, Mo, Mn, Al, W, Zn, V, and Cr ores to be lower than the critical values defined by regulatory requirements as described in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safety Guide. The doses received by workers handling these materials were estimated by using methods for dose assessment given in a report by the European Commission. In transport, indoor storage, and outdoor storage scenarios, an effective dose due to the use of Th ore was above 4.3×10−2 Svy−1, which was higher than that of the other ores. The maximum value of effective doses for other ores was estimated to be about 4.5×10−4 Svy−1, which was lower than intervention exemption levels (1.0×10−3 Svy−1) given in International Commission of Radiological Protection (ICRP) Publication 82.
Neuronal injury elicits potent cellular responses from glia, but molecular pathways modulating glial activation, phagocytic function and termination of reactive responses remain poorly defined. Here we show that positive or negative regulation of glial responses to axon injury is molecularly encoded by unique isoforms of the Drosophila melanogaster engulfment receptor Draper. Draper-I promotes engulfment of axonal debris through an immunoreceptor tyrosine–based activation motif (ITAM). In contrast, Draper-II, an alternative splice variant, potently inhibits glial engulfment function. Draper-II suppresses Draper-I signaling through a previously undescribed immunoreceptor tyrosine–based inhibitory motif (ITIM)-like domain and the tyrosine phosphatase Corkscrew (Csw). Intriguingly, loss of Draper-II–Csw signaling prolongs expression of glial engulfment genes after axotomy and reduces the ability of glia to respond to secondary axotomy. Our work highlights a novel role for Draper-II in inhibiting glial responses to neurodegeneration, and indicates that a balance of opposing Draper-I and Draper-II signaling events is essential to maintain glial sensitivity to brain injury.
Sn/SnO2@C composite nanofibers were successfully fabricated by a facile annealing strategy. The composite consists of an amorphous carbon matrix encapsulating carbon nanotubes decorated by ultrafine (<10nm) SnO2 nanoparticles, with submicron Sn particles incorporated in the entangled networks of the composite nanofibers. When used as anode material for lithium ion batteries, the Sn/SnO2@C composite nanofibers exhibited high initial charge capacity of 756mAhg−1 at 100mAg−1, excellent high-rate capacity of 190mAhg−1 at 5Ag−1, and excellent capacity retention of 591mAhg−1 after 100 cycles at 100mAg−1. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy mapping, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were applied to investigate the origins of the excellent electrochemical Li+ storage properties of Sn/SnO2@C. It could be deduced that the ductile carbon matrix and free spaces in the composite nanofiber networks can effectively accommodate the strain of volume change during cycling, prevent the aggregation and pulverization of Sn/SnO2 particles, keep the whole structure stable, and facilitate electron and ion transport through the electrode.
In this paper, we present a new efficient composite electrocatalyst, manganese dioxide-supported silver bismuthate (Ag4Bi2O5/MnO2), for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline media. The new electrocatalyst was characterized with scanning electron microscope (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Electrochemical measurements indicate that the Ag4Bi2O5/MnO2 composite is a very efficient electrocatalyst for ORR in alkaline media. The physical and electrochemical characterization results suggest that the high activity is ascribed to the support effects from MnO2 and the synergetic effects among Ag4Bi2O5 and MnO2. The analysis of rotating disk electrode (RDE) results shows that the ORR occurs via a four-electron pathway on the surface of the Ag4Bi2O5/MnO2 electrocatalyst. This electrocatalyst was further tested in a designed zinc–oxygen (Zn–O2) battery. This battery can offer a discharge time of 225h at 120mAcm−2, increasing by more than 492% as compared with pure MnO2 electrocatalyst. It demonstrates that this inexpensive Ag4Bi2O5/MnO2 electrocatalyst is a viable alternative to platinum electrocatalyst for energy conversion devices.
Synthesis of α-MnO2 nanorods grown on porous graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) sheets via a facile hydrothermal treatment gives a porous composite exhibiting higher activity for an air cathode than the individual component of α-MnO2 or porous g-C3N4 for both the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The porous g-C3N4/α-MnO2 composite also exhibits better performance in a Li-air battery than pure α-MnO2 or XC-72 carbon catalysts, which includes superior discharge capacity, low voltage gap and high cycle stability. The α-MnO2 nanorods catalyze the OER and the porous g-C3N4 sheets catalyze the ORR.
Although videos of surgical procedures are useful as an educational tool, the recording of trauma surgeries in emergency situations is difficult. We describe an inexpensive and practical shooting method using a commercially available head-mounted video camera.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, which is characterized by progressive degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. There is a growing consensus that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress play a crucial role in PD pathogenesis. Sirtuin3 (SIRT3) is the major mitochondria NAD+-dependent deacetylase that acts as a regulator of mitochondrial protein function; it is essential for maintaining mitochondrial integrity. Although SIRT3 was reported to have anti-oxidative stress activity in an in vitro study, there is no explicit in vivo evidence for the involvement of SIRT3 in the etiology of PD. The present study shows that SIRT3 null mice do not exhibit motor and non-motor deficits compared with wild-type controls. However, SIRT3 deficiency dramatically exacerbated the degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD mice. SIRT3 null mice exposed to MPTP also exhibited decreased superoxide dismutase 2, a specific mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme, and reduced glutathione peroxidase expression compared with wild-type controls. Taken together, these findings strongly support that SIRT3 has a possible role in MPTP-induced neurodegeneration via preserving free radical scavenging capacity in mitochondria.