batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
BACKGROUND The Fried frailty phenotype is associated with morbidity and mortality in lung transplant (LTx) candidates, but its clinical application and association with post-transplant outcomes are not well defined. We assessed 2 alternate frailty indices in LTx candidates and evaluated associations of frailty with early post-transplant outcomes and 1-year mortality. METHODS Frailty was prospectively evaluated in 50 LTx candidates using the Fried and 2 alternate phenotypic indices, one using variables readily available to clinicians and one using variables from an existing data set. Agreement between indices and associations with related measures were assessed to establish validity. The data set index was then applied retrospectively to 221 LTx patients. Post-transplant outcomes were compared between frail and non-frail patients using t-tests and multivariable regression analysis. RESULTS Frailty prevalence among the 3 indices was 26% to 30%, and the κ agreement was 0.38 to 0.41. All indices had moderate correlations with London Chest Activity of Daily Living (r = 0.48–0.62) and Short-Physical Performance Battery (r = –0.43 to –0.52). In the retrospective cohort, frail LTx candidates had a worse St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire total score (73 ± 12vs 62 ± 12, p < 0.001). Frail candidates had a larger improvement with transplant in the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (–52 ± 19vs –43 ± 18, p = 0.002) and 6-minute walk distance (191 ± 119vs 129 ± 94m, p = 0.001). Frailty was not associated with hospital length of stay or 1-year mortality. CONCLUSIONS There was good construct validity and acceptable agreement among the frailty indices. Despite significant disability pre-transplant, frail LTx candidates derived significant benefit with transplantation.
Lithium–sulfur batteries are a promising energy storage devices beyond conventional lithium ion batteries. However, the “shuttle effect” of soluble polysulfides is a major barrier between electrodes, resulting in rapid capacity fading. To address above issue, pyrrole has been investigated as an electrolyte additive to trap polysulfides. When pyrrole is added into electrolyte, a surface protective layer of polypyrrole can be formed on the sulfur cathode, which not only acts as a conductive agent to provide an effective electron conduction path but also acts as an absorbing agent and barrier layer suppressing the diffusion of polysulfide intermediates. The results demonstrate that an appropriate amount of pyrrole added into the electrolyte leads to excellent cycling stability and rate capability. Apparently, pyrrole is an effective additive for the entrapment of polysulfides of lithium-sulfur batteries.
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor involved in adaptive cell functions, and it is highly active in the epidermis. AhR ligands can accelerate keratinocyte differentiation, but the precise role of AhR in the skin barrier is unknown. Our study showed that transepidermal water loss, a parameter of skin barrier integrity, is high in AhR-deficient mice. Experiments with conditionally AhR-deficient mouse lines identified keratinocytes as the primary cell population responsible for high transepidermal water loss. Electron microscopy showed weaker intercellular connectivity in the epidermis of keratinocytes in AhR-knockout mice, and gene expression analysis identified many barrier-associated genes as AhR targets. Moreover, AhR-deficient mice had higher interindividual differences in their microbiome. Interestingly, removing AhR ligands from the diet of wild-type mice mimicked AhR deficiency with respect to the impaired barrier; conversely, re-addition of the plant-derived ligand indole-3-carbinol rescued the barrier deficiency even in aged mice. Our results suggest that functional AhR expression is critical for skin barrier integrity and that AhR represents a molecular target for the development of therapeutic approaches for skin barrier diseases, including by dietary intervention.
Silicon has the highest known theoretical charge capacity for lithium, making it a promising material for rechargeable lithium ion batteries (LIB). A significant drawback of silicon anodes is the large volume change associated with the insertion and extraction of lithium, which oftentimes leads to cracking and pulverization of the anode, limiting its cycle life. We present a layered architecture consisting of a gold-coated porous silicon film attached to a bulk silicon substrate. This structure demonstrates an enhanced ability to alloy with lithium ions over several charge/discharge cycles while maintaining mechanical integrity. With this structure we show that a specific capacity of over 3000mAhg−1 can be achieved for over 50 charge–discharge cycles at 100μAcm−2, and 2500mAhg−1 can be achieved for over 75 cycles with coulombic efficiencies over 95%. This is a significant improvement over a gold-coated, non-porous silicon sample, which had a maximum capacity of 1mAhg−1 before failing after 10 cycles at 0.25mAhg−1 when cycled at a constant current of 100μAcm−2, illustrating the benefit of internal pores. Gold-coated porous silicon out-performed non-gold-coated porous silicon, which had a first cycle discharge capacities of 500mAhg−1, which quickly faded to 76mAhg−1 after the 10th cycle when cycled at a constant current of 50μAcm−2. The combination of internal pores and a gold-coating points to a new approach to improving the long-term cycleability and high-capacity performance metrics of LIB anodes.
Two-dimensional (2D) materials provide slit-shaped ion diffusion channels that enable fast movement of lithium and other ions. However, electronic conductivity, the number of intercalation sites, and stability during extended cycling are also crucial for building high-performance energy storage devices. While individual 2D materials, such as graphene, show some of the required properties, none of them can offer all properties needed to maximize energy density, power density, and cycle life. Here we argue that stacking different 2D materials into heterostructured architectures opens an opportunity to construct electrodes that would combine the advantages of the individual building blocks while eliminating the associated shortcomings. We discuss characteristics of common 2D materials and provide examples of 2D heterostructured electrodes that showed new phenomena leading to superior electrochemical performance. We also consider electrode fabrication approaches and finally outline future steps to create 2D heterostructured electrodes that could greatly expand current energy storage technologies.
Four kinds of polycarbonate-based polyurethane with 8–14 wt% hard segments content are synthesized via reactions of polycarbonatediol, hexamethylene diisocyanate and diethylene glycol. The mechanical strength of the polyurethanes increase with the increase of hard segments content. Solid polymer electrolytes composed of the polycarbonate-based polyurethanes and LiTFSI exhibits fascinating characteristics for all-solid-state lithium batteries with a high ionic conductivity of 1.12 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 80 °C, an electrochemical stability window up to 4.5 V (vs. Li+/Li), excellent mechanical strength and superior interfacial stability against lithium metal. The all-solid-state batteries using LiFePO4 cathode can deliver high discharge capacities (161, 158, 134 and 93 mAh g−1 at varied rates of 0.2, 0.5, 1 and 2 C) at 80 °C and excellent cycling performance (with 91% capacity retention after 600 cycles at 1 C). All the results indicate that such a polyurethane-based solid polymer electrolyte can be a promising candidate for all-solid-state lithium batteries.
To foster performance across all levels of sports practice, physical training has been integrated with various mental training practices. Recently, an integrative approach to neurocognitive enhancement tried to combine the strengths of mental practices (i.e. mindfulness) and of training with neurofeedback devices. Based on previous validation studies showing the effect of a combined mindfulness–neurofeedback program on neurocognitive efficiency and stress/anxiety levels, we aimed at testing the feasibility and potential of that intensive combined program for improving psychological well-being and attention regulation in sport contexts. 50 participants (sportspeople and volunteers not regularly involved in sports) were divided into groups undergoing experimental and active control training programs. The experimental one was based on breathing-awareness practices supported by a wearable neurofeedback, while the active control one included only breathing practices. Before and after training participants underwent standardized neuropsychological and electrophysiological assessment. Data analysis highlighted a significant reduction of response times and false alarms at computerized cognitive tasks in sportspeople who completed the training, as well as a consistent improvement of the N2 event-related potential — a marker of attention regulation processes. We have also observed a general reduction of perceived stress and increased ability to keep a non-evaluative stance. Findings extend available observations on cognitive and neural effects of combined mindfulness–neurofeedback practice by showing that it is possible to observe training effects even after a limited period of practice among sportspeople. Such early training effects might mirror optimized implicit learning curves due to peculiar sensitivity to bodily signals and awareness.
β-Li3N of hexagonal D46h (P63/mmc) structure was synthesized by high-energy ball milling commercial Li3N (composed of both α and β phases). Ionic conductivities of α-Li3N and β-Li3N were tested by direct current (D.C.) and alternating current (A.C.) impedance methods. β-Li3N exhibited the same order of magnitude of Li+ ion conductivity (2.085 × 10−4 S cm−1) as that of α-Li3N (5.767 × 10−4 S cm−1) at room temperature. First-principles calculations were employed to simulate the diffusion mechanism of Li+ ion in α-Li3N and β-Li3N. Our results indicate that the diffusion of Li+ ion in β-Li3N likely occurs between pure Liβ(1) planes, which is different from that in α-Li3N, where the diffusion of Li+ ion occurs within Li2N plane. The Li+ ion migration energy barriers (Em) for α-Li3N and β-Li3N are 0.007 eV and 0.038 eV, respectively.
Electrochemical performance of the as-prepared silicon based composite electrode for lithium ion battery can be enhanced by modifying the surface morphology of the Cu foil used as the anode current collector. Increasing the roughness of the Cu foil, contributes to the strong interface adhesion between the anode current collector and the silicon based active composite material slurry layer. The electrode with surface morphology modified Cu current collector delivers higher specific capacity and exhibits better rate capability than that with unmodified Cu current collector. It is also found that the cycle-life of the silicon based composite electrode has been significantly improved by using a surface morphology modified anode current collector. The enhanced cyclability is attributed to the good electrical contact integrality between the active materials and the anode current collector. The improved electrochemical performance indicates that optimizing the anode current collector system can be a valuable alternative for improving electrochemical properties of lithium ion rechargeable batteries.
To study the relation between serum complement levels and the chicken MHC (B) complex, complement haemolytic activity was measured in sera from hens from seven pure-bred B-typed White and one Brown Leghorn lines, and three ISA-Warren lines that had been divergently selected for antibody responses to sheep red blood cells (SRBC). Significant differences occurred in the serum haemolytic complement activities, both belonging to the classic (CPW) and the alternative (APW) pathways, among the 11 different haplotyped chicken lines. Hens with high CPW and high APW titres predominantly displayed the B2 or B21 haplotypes. Chickens with low CPW and APW were found in B14 and B15 haplotypes. Haplotype B14 appears to be different in complement levels when present into the pure-bred lines or into the ISA-Warren line selected for low antibody responses to SRBC. Otherwise, the presence of B21 in ISA-Warren line selected for high antibody responses to SRBC does not differ with the B21 in the inbred lines (except in the NL-line for CPW values). In general the haplotypes B2 and B21 are found in chicken lines with enhanced disease resistance, and the B15 haplotype has been connected with enhanced disease susceptibility. Our results suggest that levels of haemolytic complement activity, either from the classical or from the alternative pathways, may underlie part of the immunocompetence ascribed to the MHC (B) complex in chickens.
A surface-sensitive conversion-electron-yield X-ray absorption fine structure (CEY-XAFS) detector that operates at elevated temperatures is developed to investigate the thermal decomposition of cathode materials for Li-ion batteries. The detector enables measurements with the sample temperature controlled from room temperature up to 450 °C. The detector is applied to the LiNi0.75Co0.15Al0.05Mg0.05O2 cathode material at 0% state of charge (SOC) and 50% SOC to examine the chemical changes that occur during heating in the absence of an electrolyte. The combination of surface-sensitive CEY-XAFS and bulk-sensitive transmission-mode XAFS shows that the reduction of Ni and Co ions begins at the surface of the cathode particles at around 150 °C, and propagates inside the particle upon further heating. These changes with heating are irreversible and are more obvious at 50% SOC than at 0% SOC. The fraction of reduced Ni ions is larger than that of reduced Co ions. These results demonstrate the capability of the developed detector to obtain important information for the safe employment of this cathode material in Li-ion batteries.
A series of cross-linked network solid polymer electrolytes based on dual end-functionalized polydimethylsiloxane bearing reactive thiol terminal groups with poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether and pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate) have been synthesized and characterized. The obtained results can be briefed as: ionic conductivity in the range of 1.5 × 10−6 S cm−1 at room temperature to 1.6 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 90 °C, lithium ion transference number ranged from 0.15 to 0.20, electrochemical window up to 5.3 V (vs. Li+/Li), thermal resistance (T d5 ca. 254.5 °C), and tensile strength (ca. 1.6 MPa at max.). The interplay taking place between structure and physico-electrochemical properties of in these systems based on merits of poly(ethylene glycol) moieties as high solvation matrix for Li+ ions flexible along with smooth solid support from polydimethylsiloxane allow the tailoring of the design of polymer electrolytes for future all-solid-state lithium batteries.
The European Wind Atlas shows a very high wind energy capacity over the Aegean Sea and its coastal regions. Therefore, the western region of Turkey, which has a long coast along the Aegean Sea, appears to have high potential of wind energy. As a result of this fact, several studies have been performed to estimate the wind potential, especially, in western Turkey. However, due to the absence of a reliable and accurate Wind Atlas of Turkey, further studies on the assessment of wind energy in Turkey are necessary. In this study, the characteristics of wind on the campus of Izmir Institute of Technology, located in Cesme peninsula which has long coastline along the Aegean Sea, were studied over a period of one year. Measured data set and its evaluation showed that Izmir Institute of Technology campus area has a considerable wind energy potential. The study presented here is an attempt to promote wind energy in Turkey and to bridge the gap in order to create prospective Turkish Wind Atlas.
Li3VO4 is fabricated by a facile hydrothermal method and subsequent annealing treatment. The electrochemical performance and the possible charge/discharge mechanism of the as-prepared Li3VO4 as anode for Li-ion battery are firstly studied. Galvanostatic battery testing shows that the Li3VO4 electrode exhibits excellent cycle stability and rate capability. At a current density of 0.25 C, it delivers initial discharge and charge capacity about 624 and 481 mAh g−1, respectively, which maintains of 398 and 396 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles. After 60 cycles at various rates from 0.2 to 4.0 C, the discharge capacity can restore 98% when lowering the charge/discharge rate to 0.2 C. A possible redox reaction mechanism is proposed to interpret the lithiation/delithiation process of Li3VO4 according to experimental observations. The electrochemical reaction kinetic of the Li3VO4 electrode is studied by cyclic voltammetry measurement at various scan rate, which indicates the anodic and cathodic peak currents show linear dependence on the square root of scan rate from 0.3 to 1.0 mV s−1, suggesting a lithium ion diffusion controlled mechanism in the charge/discharge process.
In the present study, the CoSb3 powder was prepared by solvothermal route for the first time and the particle size of the as-prepared powder is in nanoscale. The electrochemical performances of the nanosized CoSb3 were characterized by galvanostatic charge and discharge cycling, cyclic voltammogram (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The electrochemical lithiation and delithiation mechanism of CoSb3 compound was investigated by ex situ XRD (X-ray diffraction) technique. The large reversible capacity and good cycling stability of nanosized CoSb3 suggest that it stands as a promising anode material for secondary Li-ion batteries.
In this article, I draw on ethnographic research to show how a particular ethos and worldview get produced in the context of “technical” education in a department of nanoengineering. Building on feminist science studies and communication theory, I argue that the curriculum introducing undergraduate students to scale implicitly teaches them an abstract and universal notion that smaller is better. I suggest that rather than smaller is better, a perspective that embraces context and specificity—such as the question “when, how, and for whom is smaller better?”—would ground nanoengineering in a more reflexive, pluralistic, and democratically oriented mode of world-building.
This paper aims to explain the implementation of blockchain technology in the production and supply chain delivery system for eggs from farm to consumer by a company based in the Midwestern USA. One of the primary research questions answered is how blockchain can be utilized and applied to more accurately and transparently move goods through global supply chains. This company is at the forefront of developing such systems for use in industry, and a use case for egg distribution is detailed. The goal is to track products from farm to fork using blockchain and internet of things (IoT) enabled technologies. By creating traceable and transparent supply chains for food, consumers can attain the information they need to make informed choices about the food they buy and the companies they support. For stakeholders in the food supply chain, having traceability and transparency builds better relationships with their customers, increases efficiency, and reduces the risk and cost of food recalls, fraud, and product loss. The blockchain technology and this business are creating a case for fixing and transforming the world’s food system.
We describe a touchscreen method that satisfies a proposed ‘wish-list’ of desirables for a cognitive testing method for assessing rodent models of schizophrenia. A number of tests relevant to schizophrenia research are described which are currently being developed and validated using this method. These tests can be used to study reward learning, memory, perceptual discrimination, object-place associative learning, attention, impulsivity, compulsivity, extinction, simple Pavlovian conditioning, and other constructs. The tests can be deployed using a ‘flexible battery’ approach to establish a cognitive profile for a particular mouse or rat model. We have found these tests to be capable of detecting not just impairments in function, but enhancements as well, which is essential for testing putative cognitive therapies. New tests are being continuously developed, many of which may prove particularly valuable for schizophrenia research. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled ‘Schizophrenia’.
Although organic p-type cathode materials with high redox potential (>3.5 V vs. Li/Li+) are sustainable alternatives to transition metal oxide cathodes for lithium-ion batteries, only a limited number of these materials have been investigated to date. Therefore, the discovery of new p-type redox centers is essential for further development of successful organic cathodes. Herein, we report phenoxazine (PXZ) as a new p-type redox center for high-voltage cathode materials. Negligible structural reorganization of this PXZ center facilitates a kinetically faster electrochemical pathway, leading to a narrow voltage plateau, full utilization of the capacity, and superior rate capability in a new PXZ-based cathode material, PXZ trimer (3PXZ). The 3PXZ cathode delivered a specific capacity of 112 mA h g−1 at 1C with a high average discharge voltage of 3.7 V vs. Li/Li+ in a Li-organic cell; moreover, even at a high rate of 20C, 73% capacity retention (76 mA h g−1) was achieved. In addition, a 3PXZ composite with mesoporous carbon CMK-3 exhibited a capacity of 100 mA h g−1 with high stability, losing only 0.044% capacity per cycle over 500 cycles at 5C. As 3PXZ outperforms most reported p-type cathodes in terms of both rate capability and stability, we suggest the adoption of the PXZ unit as a novel and promising redox center for high-performance and sustainable energy storage systems.
The synthesis and structural characterization of two types of membranes with formulas {Si(CH3)3O[Si(CH3)HO]21.26-[Si(CH3)((CH2)3SO3H)O]1.8-[Si(CH3)((CH2)3Si(CH3)2O-)-O]14-Si(CH3)3} n (A) and {Si(CH3)3O[Si(CH3)HO]21.26-[Si(CH3)((CH2)3SO3H)O]1.8-[Si(CH3)((CH2)3(Si(CH3)2O- ) w )-O ] v [Si(CH3)((CH2)3Si(CH3)2O-)-O ] 14 − v Si(CH3)3} n (B), ( w = 20.31 ), were previously proposed. The ac electrical response of A and B was fully characterized in the 40Hz–2MHz frequency region by studying the impedance spectra in the medium and low frequency regions by equivalent circuits and complex dielectric spectra at high frequency in terms of dielectric relaxation modes. Results demonstrated that A and B conduct ionically by means of a proton exchange event which occurs via a vehicular mechanism between neighboring water clusters formed by water molecules aggregated around each sulfonic acid group of the siloxane side chains. The proton conductivities at 115°C of ca. 1.9×10−3 and 1.8×10−4 Scm−1 of fully hydrated membranes A and B, respectively, classify these silicone networks as good proton conductors. Membrane B was chosen for a closer investigation using NMR spectroscopy. Solid state 29Si MAS NMR experiments gave further insight about the three-dimensional structure. Proton diffusion measurements provided some encouraging results about proton dynamics of this membrane signaling the great potential of siloxanic based proton conductors.