batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
We present experimental evidence for the Peltier effect of electrodes that are relevant to the aluminium electrolysis. The electrolyte is therefore always a mixture of molten cryolite and aluminium fluoride saturated with aluminium oxide at 975°C. We find that the aluminium cathode has a large heat production, while the carboncarbon dioxide anode has a small one. The oxygen electrode, on the other hand is cooled down several degrees when the electric current is switched on. The Peltier effect of the oxygen electrode, or the degree of cooling varies with the current, as expected from theory. We propose that irreversible heat effects compensate the reversible (Peltier) cooling of the carboncarbon dioxide electrode in the aluminium electrolysis cell, but that there will be a net cooling effect at electrodes where oxygen production take place.
A microscopic model of a lithium battery is developed, which accounts for lithium diffusion within particles, transfer of lithium from particles to the electrolyte and transport within the electrolyte assuming a dilute electrolyte and Butler–Volmer reaction kinetics. Exploiting the small size of the particles relative to the electrode dimensions, a homogenised model (in agreement with existing theories) is systematically derived and studied. Details of how the various averaged quantities relate to the underlying geometry and assumptions are given. The novel feature of the homogenisation process is that it allows the coefficients in the electrode-scale model to be derived in terms of the microscopic features of the electrode (e.g. particle size and shape) and can thus be used as a systematic way of investigating the effects of changes in particle design. Asymptotic methods are utilised to further simplify the model so that one-dimensional behaviour can be described with relatively simpler expressions. It is found that for low discharge currents, the battery acts almost uniformly while above a critical current, regions of the battery become depleted of lithium ions and have greatly reduced reaction rates leading to spatially nonuniform use of the electrode. The asymptotic approximations are valid for electrode materials where the OCV is a strong function of intercalated lithium concentration, such as LixC6, but not for materials with a flat discharge curve, such as LiFePO4.
The aim of this study was to develop a capsule which can measure contractions in the small intestine. Currently available methods cause discomfort to the patient while taking measurements; with the development of a telemetry capsule that can measure contractions, patients can avoid pain and continue with ordinary activities while the information is automatically collected from the external receiver. In order to develop the contraction force measuring capsule, various types of silicone transducers were designed and implemented to measure the contraction pressure in the small intestine. The minimum resolution of the implemented transducer was 0.05 mbar, which was small enough to measure contractions. The transducer was assembled with telemetry modules and packaged as a capsule (Φ13 × L25 mm) that had a similar size to a commercial capsule endoscope. In order to verify the function of the capsule, in vitro experiments were conducted and contractile motion was measured as 16.6 cycles per minute (CPM).
Lithium ion phosphate (LiFePO4) nanocrystals are successfully in-situ grown on interconnected carbon nanotubes/mesoporous carbon nanosheets (designated as LFP@CNTs/CNSs) with a soft-templated method, which involves the multi-constituent co-assembly of a triblock copolymer, CNTs, resol and precursors of LFP followed by thermal treatment. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and N2 adsorption-desorption techniques are used to characterize the structure and morphology of the as-synthesized materials. When used as the cathode of lithium ion batteries, the LFP@CNTs/CNSs composite exhibits superior rate capability and cycling stability, compared with the samples modified only with CNSs (designated as LFP/CNSs) or with CNTs (designated as LFP/CNTs). This is mainly attributed to the synergetic effect between CNTs and CNSs caused by their unique structure, which forms interconnected conductive network for fast transport of both electrons and lithium ions, and thus remarkably improves the electrode kinetics. Firstly, nano-sized LFP are in-situ grown on the CNTs/CNSs framework, which can serve as an effective matrix to (i) restrain the size growth of LFP during the thermal treatment process and (ii) prevent them from aggregating during cycling. Secondly, the incorporation of CNTs/CNSs framework into the LFP electrode significantly increases the electronic conductivity of the composite, and thus allow for improved high-rate charge-discharge performance. Finally, open mesoporosity in the CNTs/CNSs framework also provides an efficient transport pathway for lithium ions diffusion to LFP.
The new compound Li2CuVO4 was synthesized by a solid state reaction route, and its crystal structure was determined from single crystal X-ray diffraction data. Li2CuVO4 was characterized by galvanometric cycling, cycle voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The structure of Li2CuVO4 is isotypic to Pmn21-Li3VO4. It can be described as a disordered wurtzite structure with rows of Li1/Cu1 atoms alternating with rows of (Li2/Cu2)-V-(Li2/Cu2) atoms along [100]. All cations are tetrahedrally coordinated. The lithium and copper atoms are statistically disordered over two crystallographic sites. The electrochemical cycling between 2.0 and 4.7 V indicates that almost two lithium atoms could be extracted and re-intercalated. This delivers a maximum discharge capacity of 257 mA h g−1 at a C/50 rate (theoretical capacity = 139 mA h g−1 for one lithium). Li2CuVO4 shows also high rate capability with a capacity of 175 mA h g−1 at 1C rate. This demonstrates that Cu-based compounds can be very interesting as electrodes for Li-ion batteries if Cu-dissolution is avoided.
VO2 is a low band-gap semiconductor with relatively high conductivity among transition metal oxides, which makes it an interesting material for supercapacitor electrode applications. The performance of VO2 as supercapacitor electrode in organic electrolytes has never been reported before. Herein, two-dimensional nanosheets of VO2 are prepared by the simultaneous solution reduction and exfoliation from bulk V2O5 powder by hydrothermal method. A specific capacitance of 405Fg−1 is achieved for VO2 based supercapacitor in an organic electrolyte, in three electrode configuration. The symmetric capacitor based on VO2 nanosheet electrodes and the liquid organic electrolyte exhibits an energy density of 46Whkg−1 at a power density of 1.4kWkg−1 at a constant current density of 1Ag−1. Furthermore, flexible solid-state supercapacitors are fabricated using same electrode material and Alumina-silica based gel electrolyte. The solid-state device delivers a specific capacitance of 145Fg−1 and a device capacitance of 36Fg−1 at a discharge current density of 1Ag−1. Series combination of three solid state capacitors is capable of lighting up a red LED for more than 1minute.
This study investigates the pro-oxidant behavior of the antiepileptic drug carbamazepine (CBZ) on the marine algal species Dunaliella tertiolecta and the immune defense-related hemocytes of mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. A phytotoxicity test, performed in a first step, showed a significant inhibition of the growth rate and the chlorophyll alpha (Chl-α) content in algae after exposure for 24 h to different concentrations of CBZ (1–200 mg L−1). On the other hand, the increased levels of lipid peroxidation products, such as MDA, measured in 24 h CBZ-treated cells were attenuated with time (48–96 h), followed by a significant recovery of both the algal growth rate and the Chl-α content in all cases. The latter could be related to the concomitant enhancement of total carotenoids in CBZ-treated algae with time, which in turn could protect algal growth and survival against CBZ-induced oxidative stress. On the other hand, the increased levels of cell death, superoxide anions (·O2−), nitric oxides (NO, in terms of nitrites, NO2−) and MDA content observed in mussel hemocytes exposed to environmentally relevant (0.01–1 μg L−1) and/or higher (10 and 100 μg L−1) concentrations of the drug, clearly indicate the ability of CBZ to induce oxidative effects on cells of non-target species, such as mussels, affecting thus their overall health status. The significant relationships occurred among the tested biological parameters in both bioassays, further reinforce CBZ-mediated pro-oxidant effects on species, widely used in ecotoxicological and toxicological studies and provide a more comprehensive view on its environmental fate and ecotoxicological risk evaluation.
Epigenetic gene regulation is a dynamic process orchestrated by chromatin-modifying enzymes. Many of these master regulators exert their function through covalent modification of DNA and histone proteins. Aberrant epigenetic processes have been implicated in the pathophysiology of multiple human diseases. Small-molecule inhibitors have been essential to advancing our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of epigenetic processes. However, the resolution offered by small molecules is often insufficient to manipulate epigenetic processes with high spatiotemporal control. Here we present a generalizable approach, referred to as 'chemo-optical modulation of epigenetically regulated transcription' (COMET), enabling high-resolution, optical control of epigenetic mechanisms based on photochromic inhibitors of human histone deacetylases using visible light. COMET probes may be translated into new therapeutic strategies for diseases where conditional and selective epigenome modulation is required.
Cognitive impairment and quality of life (Qol) are important to assess the burden of epilepsy and neurocysticercosis (NCC), which are common but neglected in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The aims of this study were to assess cognitive performance and Qol of people with epilepsy (PWE) in Zambia and to explore differences in PWE with and without NCC. In this community based, cross-sectional case-control-study, 47 PWE and 50 healthy controls completed five neuropsychological tests (Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Digit Span, Selective Reminding Test (SRT), Spatial Recall Test (SPART), Test Battery of Attentional Performance (TAP)) and a World Health Organization (WHO) questionnaire of Qol. Comparisons were made between PWE (n=47) and healthy controls (n=50) and between PWE with NCC (n=28) and without NCC (n=19), respectively, using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and Linear Models (LMs) while correcting for confounders such as age, sex, and schooling years, and adjusting for multiplicity. Working memory, spatial memory, verbal memory, verbal learning, orientation, speech and language reception, visuoconstructive ability, and attentional performance were significantly reduced in PWE compared with healthy controls (ANCOVA and LM, p<0.05). Quality of life of PWE was significantly lower in three domains (psychological, social, environmental) and in overall Qol compared with healthy controls (ANCOVA, p<0.05). There were no significant differences between PWE with NCC and PWE without NCC detected by ANCOVA. Using LM, significant differences between the groups were detected in four tests, indicating worse performance of PWE without NCC in MMSE, Digit Span, SPART, and lower physical Qol. Epilepsy was found to be associated with cognitive impairment and reduced Qol. People with epilepsy due to NCC had similar cognitive impairment and Qol compared with PWE due to other causes. Further studies should investigate the role of different conditions of NCC and the role of seizures on cognition and Qol.
I propose that different relations among basic components of self-regulation produce distinct types of decision value: (a) Outcome value is produced when the consequences of a decision are relevant to the regulatory orientation of the decision maker, (b) value from fit is produced when goal pursuit means suit the regulatory orientation of the decision maker, and (c) value from proper means is produced when goal pursuit means are in agreement with established rules and normative principles. I use the regulatory focus distinction between promotion focus concerns with aspirations and accomplishments and prevention focus concerns with safety and responsibilities (Higgins, 1997, 1998) to illustrate outcome value and value from fit. Justification of a decision is used to illustrate value from proper means. I propose that decision makers are unlikely to distinguish among their experiences of these 3 types of value, and thus value from fit and value from proper means can be transferred to outcome value. I present evidence of such value transfer and consider its implications for value to the customer. I also reconsider sunk costs and the endowment effect in light of there being value beyond outcome value.
Child poverty has been widely discussed in Germany since the publication of the third official Poverty and Wealth Report of the German government in 2008 which—inter alia—focused on the situation of children and families. However, child poverty is not only caused by low household incomes and impacts of child poverty are not only restricted to financial consequences. The capability approach takes into account this multidimensionality of well-being and poverty of children. It conceptualizes human well-being as not only depending on financial means but also gives the same importance to the personal and social conversion factors which determine how far financial means can be converted into personal well-being. Before 2008 the capability approach had only been applied to the well-being of adults in Germany, but not specifically to the well-being of children. However, there are several reasons why a capability analysis for children will differ from a capability analysis for adults. Adults’ capability sets comprise dimensions that are less relevant for small children while other valuable capabilities have to be added. Furthermore the capability set depends to a large extent on the age of the child. The paper focuses on a multidimensional poverty analysis in the capability perspective of 5–6 years old children. In the domains of “Education/Leisure”, “Health”, “Social Participation” and “Income” child poverty is measured by predefined indicators. The relationship to the social and personal conversion factors of the caretakers is then evaluated. Additionally, a multidimensional poverty measure is analyzed.
Electrochemical properties and working mechanism of biphenyl as a polymerizable electrolyte additive for overcharge protection of lithium ion batteries are studied by microelectrode voltammetry, charge–discharge measurements and SEM characterization of the overcharged cell’s components. The experimental results reveal that biphenyl can electrochemically polymerize at the overcharge potential of 4.5–4.75V (versus Li/Li+) to form a layer of conductive film on the cathode surface and the polymer deposits may develop to penetrate the separator to reach the anode surface, resulting an internal short-circuit to prevent from the cell voltage runaway. On the other hand, the electro-oxidative polymerization of biphenyl produces excessive gas and heat, which help to enhance the sensitivities of electric disconnecting devices. In addition, it is also found that the use of biphenyl as an electrolyte additive does not significantly influence the normal performances of the lithium ion batteries.
Chromium (Cr) pollution in farmlands is a common environmental issue, that can seriously inhibit plant growth, damage plant cells, and even cause plant death. In this study, bok choy (Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis Makino (var. communis Tsen et Lee)) was selected as a model plant to investigate the metabolic response to Cr stress at concentrations of 2.0 mg/L and 8.0 mg/L. Metabolites were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Principal component analysis and orthogonal projections to latent structure discriminant analysis revealed the notable effect of Cr stress on the metabolites of bok choy. Under Cr stress, 145 metabolites were identified in the bok choy leaves. At 2.0 mg/L Cr stress, 10 and 26 metabolites changed compared to the control after 7 d and 14 d, respectively. At 8.0 mg/L Cr stress, 24 and 24 metabolites changed significantly after 7 and 14 d, respectively. The data showed that metabolism was affected by the Cr stress concentration and exposure time. Specifically, under the Cr stress, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, glutamine synthetase/glutamate synthase cycle, and partial amino acid metabolic pathways were blocked, inhibiting the normal growth and development of bok choy. The change of citric acid content was the most significant, and the accumulation of citric acid indicated the degree of plant Cr toxicity and resistance. These results would facilitate further dissection of the mechanisms of heavy metal accumulation/tolerance in plants and the effective management of such contamination in vegetable crops by genetic manipulation.
During high rate utilization of porous Li battery, Li+ refuelling from the electrolyte limits the discharge kinetics of positive electrodes. In the case of thick electrodes a strategy to buffer the resulting sharp drop of Li+ concentration gradient would be to functionalize the electrode with anionic based redox molecules (RMR) that would be therefore able to relay intercalation process. The occurrence of these RMR in the electrode should not however, induce adverse effect on Li intercalation processes. In this respect, this work studies the effect of functionalizing LFPC based electrodes by either covalent or non-covalent chemistry, on Li intercalation kinetics. To do so, model molecules containing a nitro group were introduced at the surface of both carbon conducting additives and active material (C–LiFePO4). It is shown that presumably due to formation of sp3 defects, covalent anchoring using diazonium chemistry inhibits the intercalation kinetics in C–FePO4. On the contrary, if molecules such as pyrene derivatives are immobilized by pi-staking interactions, Li intercalation is not impeded. Therefore non-covalent functionalization of pyrene based RMR appears as a promising route to relay Li intercalation reaction during high power demand. The framework for future development of this strategy is discussed.
rTMS is increasingly used for a variety of neuropsychiatric conditions. There are data to support ‘fast’ rTMS (≥10 Hz) having some positive effects on cognitive functioning, but a dearth of research looking at any such effects of ‘slow’ rTMS. This question is important as cognitive dysfunction accompanies many neuropsychiatric conditions and neuromodulation that potentially enhances or hinders such functioning has important clinical consequences. To determine cognitive effects of slow (≤1 Hz) rTMS, a systematic review of randomized control trials assayed cognition in neurological, psychiatric, and healthy volunteer ≤1 Hz rTMS paradigms. Both active (fast rTMS) and placebo comparators were included. 497 Records were initially obtained; 20 met inclusion criteria for evaluation. Four major categories emerged: mood disorders; psychotic disorders; cerebrovascular accidents; and ‘other’ (PTSD, OCD, epilepsy, anxiety, and tinnitus). Cognitive effects were measured across several domains: attention, executive functioning, learning, and psychomotor speed. Variability of study paradigms and reporting precluded meta-analytical analysis. No statistically significant improvement or deterioration was consistently found in any cognitive domain or illness category. These data support the overall safety of rTMS in not adversely affecting cognitive functioning. There are some data indicating that rTMS might have cognitive enhancing potential, but these are too limited at this time to make any firm conclusions, and the literature is marked by considerable heterogeneity in study parameters that hinder interpretation. Greater consensus is required in future studies in cognitive markers, and particularly in reporting of protocols. Future work should evaluate the effects of rTMS on cognitive training.
Cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbioses are mutualistic endosymbioses in which the algae live in the cells of host organisms, providing nutrients to the host while the host supplies a protective environment or living expenses to the algae. The molecules involved in the initiation, establishment, and maintenance of these endosymbioses remain largely unexplored. Suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was applied to identify genes in the sea anemone, Aiptasia pulchella Carlgren 1943, that are differentially expressed in specimens with or without symbionts. Eleven candidate transcripts were isolated, seven of which were confirmed unique and differentially expressed. Two genes were further analyzed to complete the full-length cDNAs. Phylogenetic analysis suggested the full-length 1A6 cDNA, which is upregulated in anemones containing the symbiont, codes for the sea anemone Niemann-Pick type C2 homologue that is involved in lysosomal cholesterol transport. The predicted secondary structure and folding analysis of the deduced amino acid of 2C7 cDNA, which is upregulated in anemones without the symbiont, suggested that Mlc1p, a calmodulin-like myosin light chain from the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is closely associated. Using SSH, we demonstrated that A. pulchella differentially expresses transcripts under symbiotic or aposymbiotic conditions.
This study aimed at describing Iranian University EFL learners’ beliefs about language learning and exploring how such beliefs might affect the deployment of different cognitive, meta-cognitive, social, and affective language learning strategies. A group of 203 undergraduate learners of English selected randomly from five major Iranian universities consented to participate in the study. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were employed for the collection of the required data including questionnaire and interview data. Quantitative aspects of learners’ beliefs about language learning and their learning strategy use were investigated using the “Beliefs about Language Learning Inventory” and the “Strategy Inventory for Language Learning”, respectively. Qualitative data collected through interviews were added to further clarify possible associations. Exploratory factor analyses were carried out to determine emerging underlying categories of beliefs about learning and learning strategies. Descriptive and inferential data analyses indicated that beliefs about language learning were significantly related to language learning strategy use and language proficiency. Language learners’ self-efficacy about language learning and “the perceived value of language learning” correlated with the use of all types of learning strategies except meta-cognitive ones, in which the majority of the learners seemed to be weaker. Moreover, items that loaded on the factor of “formal practice” seemed to discourage the use of compensation, affective, social, and functional-practice strategies by learners. The findings of the study and the related discussions point to possible culture specific considerations in the study of beliefs about learning and strategies for language learning. They also sensitize teachers to their learners’ preconceived ideas and expectations about learning and give them some clues on how these might affect their pedagogical practices.