batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
Measures of cognition support diagnostic and treatment decisions in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. We used an integrative neuroscience framework to assess cognition and associated brain-function correlates in large attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and healthy groups. Matched groups of 175 attention deficit hyperactivity disorder children/adolescents and 175 healthy control subjects were assessed clinically, with the touch screen-based cognitive assessment battery “IntegNeuro” (Brain Resource Ltd., Sydney, Australia) and the “LabNeuro” (Brain Resource Ltd., Sydney, Australia) platform for psychophysiologic recordings of brain function and body arousal. IntegNeuro continuous performance task measures of sustained attention classified 68% of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder patients with 76% specificity, consistent with previous reports. Our additional cognitive measures of impulsivity, intrusive errors, inhibition, and response variability improved sensitivity to 88%, and specificity to 91%. Positive predictive power was 96%, and negative predictive power, 88%. These metrics were stable across attention deficit hyperactivity disorder subtypes and age. Consistent with their brain-based validity, cognitive measures were correlated with corresponding brain-function and body-arousal measures. We propose a combination of candidate cognitive “markers” that define a signature for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: “sustained attention,” “impulsivity,” “inhibition,” “intrusions,” and “response variability.” These markers offer a frame of reference to support diagnostic and treatment decisions, and an objective benchmark for monitoring outcomes of interventions.
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is an effective bariatric procedure, and it can be done as an isolated LSG or in conjunction with biliopancreatic diversion bypass/duodenal switch (laparoscopic duodenal switch; LDS). Gastroesophageal reflux after LSG has been described, but the mechanism is unknown and the treatment in the severest cases has not been discussed. We describe a cohort of patients who have underwent an LSG or LDS, and have suffered from a severe postoperative gastroesophageal motility disorder and/or reflux, report on their treatment, and discuss possible underlying mechanisms.
As outlined in the introductory article "The Neverending Story--Using the Narrative as a Fundamental Approach to Teaching Biology and Beyond," historical storytelling has the potential to add understanding and synthesis to learning that is usually restricted to memorization and skills-based application. The following stories were written in an attempt to reconcile mandated microbiology topics, such as biochemistry and the properties of DNA, with an overarching evolutionary framework that is applicable regardless of the scale of observation. These stories were designed with secondary school biology teachers and students in mind, particularly at the senior-grade level. In an effort to preserve narrative flow, internal referencing has been sacrificed, but a complete set of source material is cited at the end of the compilation.
The effect of an anodic treatment on the methanol oxidation activity of PtRu/C (50:50at.%) and PtNiCr/C (Pt:Ni:Cr=28:36:36at.%) catalysts was investigated for various potential limits of 0.9, 1.1, 1.3 and 1.4V (vs. reference hydrogen electrode, RHE). NaBH4 reduced catalysts were further reduced at 900°C for 5min in an argon balanced hydrogen flow stream. Improved alloying was obtained by the hydrogen reduction procedure as confirmed by X-ray diffraction results. In the PtRu/C catalyst, a decrease of irreversible Ru (hydrous) oxide formation was observed when the anodic treatment was performed at 1.1V (vs. RHE) or higher potentials. In chronoamperometry testing performed for 60min at 0.6V (vs. RHE), the highest activity of the PtRu/C catalyst was observed when anodic treatment was performed at 1.3V (vs. RHE). The current density increased from 1.71 to 4.06Agcat. −1 after the anodic treatment. In the PtNiCr/C catalyst, dissolution of Ni and Cr was observed when potentials ≥1.3V (vs. RHE) were applied during the anodic treatment. In MOR activity tests, the current density of the PtNiCr/C catalyst dramatically increased by more than 13.5 times (from 0.182 to 2.47Agcat. −1) when an anodic treatment was performed at 1.4V. On an Agnoble metal −1 basis, the current density of PtNiCr-1.4V is slightly higher than the best anodically treated PtRu-1.3V catalyst, suggesting the PtNiCr catalyst is a promising candidate to replace the PtRu catalysts.
Ecological sciences have, in recent decades, benefited from the ability of proximity loggers (PLs)—i.e. devices that transmit and receive radio signals (UHF)—to quantify intra- and inter-specific interactions. These are used to estimate the frequency of contacts according to a predefined distance between individuals or between individuals and environmental features. The performance of these devices may, however, be potentially affected by several factors, signifying that they require accurate calibration under field conditions in order to correctly interpret the information obtained. We assessed the effect of four relevant factors in ecological and epidemiological studies over the attenuation of radio waves in terms of the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and contact success rate at a short (3 m) and medium distance (up to 20 m). The factors considered were: height above the ground (0–1 m), the presence/absence of vegetation, the presence/absence of live body mass around the devices, the distance between devices and the overlaid effects of all of them.
Children with developmental language disorders (DLD) often experience difficulty in understanding and engaging in interactive behavior with other children, which may lead to reduced daily physical activity and fitness levels. The present study evaluated the physical activity and physical fitness levels of 8–11 year old children with DLD (n =27) and compared this to typically developing (TD) age and gender matched controls (n =27). In addition, it was investigated whether interrelationships existed between physical activity and physical fitness in children with DLD and in TD children. Physical activity was measured using accelerometers. Physical fitness was measured using five tests of the Eurofit test battery (standing broad jump (SBJ), sit-ups (SUP), handgrip (HG), 10×5m shuttle run (10×5m SR), and the 20m shuttle run test (20m SR)). Physical activity of children with DLD did not significantly differ from TD children. Physical fitness of children with DLD was significantly lower on the SBJ, SUP, HG and 10×5m SR than TD controls, while no significant difference was found on the 20m SR. Strong significant relationships were found between physical activity variables and sedentary behavior and some physical fitness measures (SBJ and SUP) in children with DLD, while in TD children a strong significant relationship was found between time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity and performance on the SBJ. This study reveals important differences in fitness between children with DLD and TD children, which should be taken into account when creating physical activity interventions. Special attention has to be paid to children with DLD who show low physical activity and low physical fitness performance.
The capacity to switch between tasks is a central component of executive functioning. Previous studies assessing effects of task-switch training have revealed mixed results, both in terms of processes that may be improved and the extent of beneficial effects on non-trained tasks. These studies primarily used few training sessions, which may have limited training and transfer effects. Here, 31 students were trained for 21 days on a cued switching task. Both the trained group and an active control group (n = 29) performed a number of cognitive tasks before and after training. Training reduced both switch and mixing costs, which mostly reached an asymptote after approximately four to six training sessions, although there were residual costs at the end of training. The switch cost reduction was restricted to trials with a short cue–stimulus onset interval (CSI). Training benefitted performance on another switching task, reflecting near transfer. However, this benefit was limited to the switch cost and to trials with a short CSI. There were no beneficial effects on far-transfer tasks measuring interference control, response inhibition, working memory, and general IQ. The results suggest that the present extensive training protocol, implicating overtraining, specifically enhanced the efficiency of processes involved in preparing for the relevant upcoming task set and/or inhibition of the previous task set. However, the lack of beneficial far-transfer effects is in line with previous cognitive training studies employing fewer training sessions, suggesting that the extent of training is not critical for (not) finding transfer effects.
Abstract Cognitive functions develop and change across the lifespan. Previous research has documented how normal age-related processes negatively affect cognition. Tests of memory performance, decision-making, processing speed, and executive functioning, including inhibition, set-shifting, and problem-solving ability, have been shown to steadily decline across the lifespan, with noticeable deficits clearly occurring by age 50. Although the data consistently demonstrate a decline, interindividual differences have shown great variability in the onset and extent of these changes. Additionally, investigators in the field of cognitive rehabilitation have provided support for the view that cognitive fitness can be enhanced by engaging in mentally stimulating activities and/or aerobic exercise and that such activity may delay cognitive decline and even prevent dementia.
Modified natural rubber (NR) polymer hosts having low transition glass temperatures have been investigated. Three types of modified NR, namely 25% epoxidised NR (ENR-25), 50% ENR (ENR-50) and polymethyl methacrylate grafted NR (MG-49) were employed. Results are reported for ionic conductivity and thermal properties for both unplasticised and plasticised polymer electrolyte systems. The samples were in the form of free standing films with the thickness 0.2–0.5mm and mixtures of ethylene carbonate (EC) and propylene carbonate (PC) were used as plasticisers. Unplasticised modified NR based systems exhibit ionic conductivities in 10−6–10−5 Scm−1 range at ambient temperatures. Incorporating 50–100% of EC/PC by weight to the systems yielded mechanically stable films and ionic conductivities in 10−4–10−3 Scm−1 range at ambient temperature. The thermal event of the systems has displayed an increasing trend of transition glass temperature at elevated salt concentration whereas incorporation of EC and PC into the systems leads to marked reduction in their T g values.
Anatase TiO2 nanorods (NRs), with an average diameter of 3–4nm and an average length of 25–30nm were investigated as Li-insertion material. The NRs, capped with oleic acid, were synthesized by a low temperature colloidal route based on thermal decomposition of the precursors in presence of coordinating agents. A highly porous and connective network of NRs and carbon was prepared by taking advantage of this organic capping to inhibit the nanoparticle agglomeration and to act as a precursor for the formation of a carbonaceous percolating network. Composite electrodes, made of such material, were able to deliver reversible capacities of about 250mAhg−1 (corresponding to 0.75equiv. of Li per TiO2 unit). Reversible capacities of 210mAhg−1 (0.63 Li per TiO2), 194mAhg−1 (0.58 Li per TiO2), 165mAhg−1 (0.49 Li per TiO2), and 130mAhg−1 (0.39 Li per TiO2) were observed during cycle tests at 1C, 2C, 5C, and 10C, respectively, confirming the excellent high rate performance of the well-dispersed NRs. Finally, the electrodes showed excellent cycle life performance.
Lithium iodide has been studied extensively as a redox-mediator to reduce the charging overpotential of Li–oxygen (Li–O2) batteries. Ambiguities exist regarding the influence of lithium iodide on the reaction product chemistry and performance of lithium–oxygen batteries. In this work, we examined the role of lithium iodide on the reduction product chemistry under two conditions: (i) mixing KO2 with lithium salts and (ii) discharging Li–oxygen batteries at high and low overpotentials, in the presence of an ether-based electrolyte with different ratios of H2O:LiI. The addition of iodide to electrolytes containing water was found to promote the formation of LiOOH·H2O, LiOH·H2O and LiOH at the expense of Li2O2. At low H2O:LiI ratios (lower than 5), LiOH instead of Li2O2 was formed, which was accompanied by the oxidation of iodide to triodide while at high H2O:LiI ratios (12, 24, 134), a mixture of Li2O2, LiOOH·H2O and LiOH·H2O was observed and no triiodide was detected. The reaction between peroxide Li2O2 and/or superoxide LiO2 with H2O to form LiOH is facilitated by increased water acidity by strong I−–H2O interactions as revealed by 1H NMR and FT-IR measurements. This mechanism of LiOH formation in the presence of LiI and H2O was also found upon Li–O2 cell discharge, which is critical to consider when developing LiI as a redox mediator for Li–O2 batteries.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) offer the potential to reduce oil imports, greenhouse gases, and fuel costs, but high upfront costs discourage many potential purchasers. Making an economic comparison with conventional alternatives is complicated in part by sensitivity to drive patterns, vehicle range, available energy management, and charge strategies that affect battery wear and gasoline consumption. Identifying justifiable battery replacement schedules adds further complexity to the issue. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory developed the Battery Ownership Model to address these and related questions. The Battery Ownership Model is applied here to examine the sensitivity of PHEV economics to drive patterns, vehicle range, available energy management, and charge strategies when a high-fidelity battery degradation model and financially justified battery replacement schedules are employed. We find that energy management methodology, all-electric range, maximum beginning-of-life state of charge, and basic charge timing generally have a small impact on the total cost of ownership of PHEVs; however, PHEV economics do prove sensitive to drive patterns and the availability of an at-work charger.
Despite the introduction of at least 20 new antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) into clinical practice over the past decades, about one third of all epilepsies remain refractory to conventional forms of treatment. In addition, currently used AEDs have been developed to suppress neuronal hyperexcitability, but not necessarily to address pathogenic mechanisms involved in epilepsy development or progression (epileptogenesis). For those reasons endogenous seizure control mechanisms of the brain may provide alternative therapeutic opportunities. Adenosine is a well characterized endogenous anticonvulsant and seizure terminator of the brain. Several lines of evidence suggest that endogenous adenosine-mediated seizure control mechanisms fail in chronic epilepsy, whereas therapeutic adenosine augmentation effectively prevents epileptic seizures, even those that are refractory to conventional AEDs. New findings demonstrate that dysregulation of adenosinergic mechanisms are intricately involved in the development of epilepsy and its comorbidities, whereas adenosine-associated epigenetic mechanisms may play a role in epileptogenesis. The first goal of this review is to discuss how maladaptive changes of adenosinergic mechanisms contribute to the expression of seizures (ictogenesis) and the development of epilepsy (epileptogenesis) by focusing on pharmacological (adenosine receptor dependent) and biochemical (adenosine receptor independent) mechanisms as well as on enzymatic and transport based mechanisms that control the availability (homeostasis) of adenosine. The second goal of this review is to highlight innovative adenosine-based opportunities for therapeutic intervention aimed at reconstructing normal adenosine function and signaling for improved seizure control in chronic epilepsy. New findings suggest that transient adenosine augmentation can have lasting epigenetic effects with disease modifying and antiepileptogenic outcome. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled ‘Purines in Neurodegeneration and Neuroregeneration’.
Fe2O3 sheets have been synthesized on nickel foam by a simple template-free growth process and heat treatment. Structural characterization by SEM, TEM and BET indicates that the neighboring porous Fe2O3 sheets form a open reaction space on the surface of the nickel foam skeletons. The sheets are confirmed to be pure Fe2O3 phase by X-ray diffraction. The electrochemical capacitance behaviors of Fe2O3 sheets electrode are investigated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests. The results show that the Fe2O3 sheets electrode exhibits a specific capacitance as high as 147Fg−1 at 0.36Ag−1 in 1moldm−3 Li2SO4 electrolyte, good cycling stability, and with a wide potential window of 1.0V. The superior capacitance of Fe2O3 sheets electrode might be attributed to its unique porous structure for easy access of electrolyte ions and high electrochemical activity.
Ever since energy sustainability is an emergent concern, Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs) significantly affect the approaching smart grids. Indeed, Demand Response (DR) brings a positive effect on the uncertainties of renewable energy sources, improving market efficiency and enhancing system reliability. This paper proposes a multi-stage stochastic model of a PEV aggregation agent to participate in day-ahead and intraday electricity markets. The stochastic model reflects several uncertainties such as the behaviour of PEV owners, electricity market prices, and activated quantity of reserve by the system operator. For this purpose, appropriate scenarios are utilized to realize the uncertain feature of the problem. Furthermore, in the proposed model, the PEV aggregation agents can update their bids/offers by taking part in the intraday market. To this end, these aggregation agents take part in Demand Response eXchange (DRX) markets designed in the intraday session by employing DR resources. The numerical results show that DR provides a perfect opportunity for PEV aggregation agents to increase the profit. In addition, the results reveal that the PEV aggregation agent not only can increase its profit by participating in the DRX market, but also can become an important player in the mentioned market.
We evaluated the charge–discharge behavior of a graphite electrode in a 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (EMImFSI) ionic liquid. According to the charge–discharge tests, the graphite negative electrode exhibited a high rate of performance in LiTFSI/EMImFSI (TFSI− = bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide) in the voltage range of 0.005–1.5 V (vs. Li/Li+), and the performance was comparable to that in a conventional organic solution-based electrolyte, LiPF6/EC+DMC. Moreover, the addition of LiBOB (=lithium bis(oxalato)borate) improved the rate capability and low-temperature operation of the graphite negative electrode, most likely owing to the low-resistivity solid electrolyte interface (SEI) derived from LiBOB. These results suggest that EMImFSI is a suitable electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries utilizing graphite negative electrodes and that optimization of the electrolyte composition with an additive can improve battery performance.
A series of AgCuO2 samples are prepared and tested as alkaline cathode materials for primary batteries. AgCuO2 discharges via four equivalent-charge reduction processes, the rate capabilities of which are determined. At ambient temperature AgCuO2 displays superior rate capabilities for the two highest voltage processes. For all samples, the rate capability of the two lower voltage processes is always superior to those at higher voltage. This is due to the electrode intrinsically doping itself with elemental silver during discharge as part of the second reduction process. The electrode compares favourably with commercial electrolytic manganese dioxide but is prone to self-discharge, the kinetics of which are also discussed.
Age-related sarcopenia is a disease state of loss of muscle mass and strength that affects physical function and mobility leading to falls, fractures, and disability. The need for therapies to treat age-related sarcopenia has attracted intensive preclinical research. To facilitate the discovery of these therapies, we have developed a non-invasive rat muscle functional assay system to efficiently measure muscle force and evaluate the efficacy of drug candidates.
The assessment of risks associated with non-indigenous species implies a detailed knowledge of their taxonomical composition and distribution within a certain region. The northern branch of the central European ‘invasion corridor’—a series of canals connecting different watersheds—has formed an important migratory route for Ponto-Caspian fish (i.e. fish from the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Caspian Sea). However, the current status of non-indigenous fish species in this region is very scarce. This article presents a comprehensive overview of recent distribution data of non-indigenous fish species in the northern branch of the central European invasion corridor. Here, extensive data are integrated based on studies performed during 2003–2014 comprising reliable published and unpublished records from the last 12 years. Altogether, ten non-indigenous fish species were currently found in the northern branch of the central European invasion corridor, constituting 19 % of its freshwater fish diversity. Three species, including the Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio), the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), and the Chinese sleeper (Perccottus glenii), are considered invasive species. Eight species may potentially invade this region in the near future. A comparison of the history of non-indigenous fish species introduction in the inland waters of the northern branch and other countries of the central European invasion corridor revealed similar introduction trends. Potential expansion of non-indigenous fish species across the central European invasion corridor has international implications that require awareness, cooperation, and government support from each individual country. Disclosure of recently operating vectors for non-indigenous fish introductions within the central European invasion corridor will help predict and prevent their further spread and establishment in this region.
Tellurite (TeO32−) is recognized as a toxic oxyanion to living organisms. However, mainly anaerobic or facultative-anaerobic microorganisms are able to tolerate and convert TeO32− into the less toxic and available form of elemental Tellurium (Te0), producing Te-deposits or Te-nanostructures. The use of TeO32−-reducing bacteria can lead to the decontamination of polluted environments and the development of “green-synthesis” methods for the production of nanomaterials. In this study, the tolerance and the consumption of TeO32− have been investigated, along with the production and characterization of Te-nanorods by Rhodococcus aetherivorans BCP1 grown under aerobic conditions.