batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
Strategies for automatic design of power-optimized 3D-microbattery geometries are here investigated by utilization of the level-set method with structure topology optimization. The methodology is extended from solid mechanics to electrochemical systems, where battery operation is simulated using the Nernst–Planck equation. The calculations are carried out for the 3D-“trench” geometry with LiCoO2 and LiC6 as electrodes, separated with a LiPF6·PEO20 polyethylene oxide polymer electrolyte. With the goal to achieve a maximum uniform electrochemical activity over the electrode surface area, an optimized electrode design is produced by coating the current collectors non-uniformly with active material. This is shown to be an effect of the 3D design of the cell. Evaluation of the resulting optimized cell by simulations of the discharge process demonstrates uniform electrode material utilization and almost uniform current density distribution over the entire electrode–electrolyte interface. Comparisons between optimized and non-optimized geometries showed that the geometry optimization increased the cell performance up to 2.25 times. This effect is mainly achieved by minimizing the internal energy losses caused by non-uniformities in the ionic transport in the battery.
A 1 kW–4 kWh zinc-air flow battery has been built at Técnicas Reunidas facilities. The battery is divided in three different stacks connected in parallel, each of them comprising 20 cells connected in series and 0.25 m3 of electrolyte. The main challenges found on scaling up include the necessity of using three electrodes per cell, electrolyte leakage, ohmic resistance and gas diffusion electrode flooding. The three electrode solution is not optimal because it adds mechanical complexity and cost but it is a robust solution to evaluate the performance of the system as a baseline. During pilot plant operation, a phenomenon called shunt currents has revealed to reduce coulombic efficiency by 18%. In order to better understand this phenomenon, a mathematical model has been developed and it has been validated using real measurements taken on one of the 20-cell stacks. The major part of the challenges were solved and technical viability has been evaluated. However, efficiency, durability and the bifunctional air electrode are the challenges to overcome before this technology becomes ready for commercialization.
Coronary Endarterectomy (CE) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery has been shown to be beneficial in those with diffuse coronary artery disease. There are no published data on its role and benefit in patients undergoing more complex operations. We present our experience with CE in patients undergoing valve surgery with concomitant CABG.
Alkaline membranes based on quaternized poly(arylene ether sulfone) (QPAES) were characterized in relation to their water and methanol uptake, methanol permeability, electrical conductivity, and mechanical properties. The performance of QPAES as electrolyte in alkaline direct methanol fuel cells was studied using a free-breathing single fuel cell at room temperature. Methanol uptake by QPAES membranes is lower than water, while their methanol permeability, determined in the temperature range from 30 °C to 75 °C, was much lower than for Nafion membranes. Young modulus of QPAES membranes decrease with the degree of alkalization of the membrane, although mechanical properties are still satisfactory for fuel cell applications for membrane alkalized with 2 M KOH, which additionally exhibit optimal hydroxide conductivity. Although the specific conductivity of QPAES membranes was lower than that reported for Nafion, its methanol selectivity (conductivity/methanol permeability ratio), is much higher than that reported for Nafion 117, and a commercial amminated polysulfone. In view of these results, QPAES membranes are expected to exhibit promising performance as an electrolyte in alkaline direct methanol fuel cells.
A novel manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanosheet network grown on nickel/polyvinylidene fluoride (Ni/PVDF) coaxial fiber membrane is successfully fabricated by a three-step route: the polyvinylidene fluoride fiber membrane is prepared by electrospinning method, and then the Ni(shell)/PVDF(core) coaxial fiber membrane with core–shell structure can be obtained by the electroless deposition, and ﬁnally the manganese dioxide nanosheet network grown on Ni/PVDF coaxial fiber membrane can be achieved by using a simple hydrothermal treatment. This as-prepared binder-free and ﬂexible composite membrane is directly used as anode for lithium ion batteries. The excellent electrochemical performance of the composite membrane can be attributed to the unique combinative effects of nanosized MnO2 network and conductive Ni/PVDF fiber matrix as well as the porous structure of composite fiber membrane.
Residual excessive sleepiness (ES) and impaired cognition can occur despite effective and regular nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) therapy in some patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A pooled analysis of two 12-week, randomized, double-blind studies in nCPAP-adherent patients with ES associated with OSA evaluated the effect of armodafinil on wakefulness and cognition. Three hundred and ninety-one patients received armodafinil (150 or 250 mg) and 260 patients received placebo once daily for 12 weeks. Efficacy assessments included the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), Cognitive Drug Research cognitive performance battery, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Brief Fatigue Inventory. Adverse events were monitored. Armodafinil increased mean MWT sleep latency from baseline to final visit by 2.0 min vs a decrease of 1.5 min with placebo (P < 0.0001). Compared with placebo, armodafinil significantly improved quality of episodic secondary memory (P < 0.05) and patients’ ability to engage in activities of daily living (P < 0.0001) and reduced fatigue (P < 0.01). The most common adverse events were headache, nausea, and insomnia. Armodafinil did not adversely affect desired nighttime sleep, and nCPAP use remained high (approximately 7 h/night). Adjunct treatment with armodafinil significantly improved wakefulness, long-term memory, and patients’ ability to engage in activities of daily living in nCPAP-adherent individuals with ES associated with OSA. Armodafinil also reduced patient-reported fatigue and was well tolerated.
Aims Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is the etiological agent of Johne’s disease. To survive within host macrophages, the pathogen secretes a battery of proteins to interfere with the immunological response of the host. One of these proteins is tyrosine phosphate A (PtpA), which has been identified as a secreted protein critical for survival of its close relative M. tuberculosis within infected macrophages. Methods and results In this study, the immune response to recombinant PtpA used as an antigen was investigated in a cohort of ∼1000 cows infected with MAP compared to negative control animals using ELISA. The sera from MAP-infected cows had significantly higher levels of antibodies against PtpA when compared to uninfected cows. Conclusions The data presented here indicate that the antibodies produced against PtpA are sensitive enough to detect infected animals before the appearance of the disease symptoms. Significance and impact of study The use of PtpA as an antigen can be developed as an early diagnostic test. Moreover, PtpA is a candidate antigen for detection of humoral immune responses in cows infected with MAP.
ABSTRACT In dual-ion batteries (DIBs), energy storage is achieved by intercalation/de-intercalation of both cations and anions. Due to the mismatch between ion diameter and layer space of active materials, however, volume expansion and exfoliation always occur for electrode materials. Herein, an integrated electrode Co3O4/carbon fiber paper (CFP) is prepared as the anode of DIB. As the Co3O4 nanosheets grow on CFP substrate vertically, it promotes the immersion of electrolyte and shortens the pathway for ionic transport. Besides, the strong interaction between Co3O4 and CFP substrate reduces the possibility of sheet exfoliation. An integrated-electrode-based DIB is therefore packaged using Co3O4/CFP as anode and graphite as cathode. As a result, a high energy density of 72 Wh/kg is achieved at a power density of 150 W/kg. The design of integrated electrode provides a new route for the development of high-performance DIBs.
The aim of the present work is to prepare a novel polymer electrolyte (PE) based on multi component polymer blend of polyacrylonitrile (PAN), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polystyrene (PS) with varying compositions by electrospinning. Structural characterization is carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The thermal and crystalline properties of the blend are studied by thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. Morphology of the membrane is examined by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The voids and cavities generated by the interlaying of the fibers are effectively utilized for the preparation of PE by loading with lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) dissolved in ethylene carbonate (EC)/diethyl carbonate (DEC). The ionic conductivity of the polymer blend electrolyte is studied by varying the PMMA and PS content in the PAN matrix. The blend polymer electrolyte shows ionic conductivity of about 3.9×10−3 Scm−1. The performance evaluation in coin cells show good charge–discharge properties and stable cycle performance under the test conditions. The result shows that the prepared polymer blend electrolytes are promising materials for lithium ion batteries.
The electrochemical study of N-tert-butoxy-2,4-diphenyl-6-tert-butylphenylaminyl (1a), N-tert-butoxy-2,4-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-6-tert-butylphenylaminyl (1b), N-[2-(methoxycarbonyl)-2-propyl]-2,4-diphenyl-6-tert-butylphenylaminyl (2), and N-tert-butoxy-2,4,6-tris(4-chlorophenyl)phenylaminyl radicals (3) was performed by cyclic voltammetry using acetonitrile as the solvent and Bu4NPF6 as the supporting electrolyte. On cathodic scan (100mV/s), all the radicals gave chemically reversible cyclic voltammograms, and the E 1 / 2 red s were determined to be −1.405V (1a), −1.310V (2a), −1.282V (2b), and −1.195V (3) (versus Fc+/Fc), respectively. On anodic scan (100mV/s), on the other hand, 1a, 1b and 2 showed chemically reversible cyclic voltammograms, but 3 exhibited a partially reversible couple even on a scan rate of 500mV/s, indicating that the cation species of 3 was less stable. The E 1 / 2 ox s determined for 1a, 1b, 2 and 3 were 0.220, 0.280, 0.318 and 0.294V (versus Fc+/Fc), respectively. The electrochemical data were compared with those of thioaminyl radicals, the corresponding sulfur analogues of 1–3.
Atmospheric pressure Ar/N2 binary plasma jet irradiation has been introduced into the manufacturing process of lithium ions batteries as a facile, green and scalable post-fabrication treatment approach, which enhanced significantly the high-rate anode performance of lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12). Main emission lines in Ar/N2 plasma measured by optical emission spectroscopy reveal that the dominant excited high-energy species in Ar/N2 plasma are N2*, N2 +, N∗ and Ar∗. Sufficient oxygen vacancies have been evidenced by high resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis and Raman spectra. Nitrogen doping has been achieved simultaneously by the surface reaction between pristine Li4Ti5O12 particles and chemically reactive plasma species such as N∗ and N2 +. The variety of Li4Ti5O12 particles on the surface of electrodes after different plasma processing time has been examined by grazing incident X-Ray diffraction. Electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) confirm that the Ar/N2 atmospheric plasma treatment facilitates Li+ ions diffusion and reduces the internal charge-transfer resistance. The as-prepared Li4Ti5O12 anodes exhibit a superior capacity (132 mAh g−1) and excellent stability with almost no capacity decay over 100 cycles under a high C rate (10C).
A novel, quite flexible strategy for the surface pre-treatment of graphite anodes for lithium ion cells has been developed. The treatment involves a high temperature cleaning step in inert Ar atmosphere before treatment with gaseous reactants such as CO2 or O2. The effects of surface modification on the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and the corresponding irreversible charge losses are discussed by way of several examples. Morphology changes due to burn-off of carbon are particularly highlighted.
Phenomenological research indicates that disturbance of the basic sense of self may be a core phenotypic marker of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Basic self-disturbance refers to disruption of the sense of ownership of experience and agency of action and is associated with a variety of anomalous subjective experiences. Little is known about the neurocognitive underpinnings of basic self-disturbance. In these two theoretical papers (of which this is Part 1), we review some recent phenomenological and neurocognitive research and point to a convergence of these approaches around the concept of self-disturbance. Specifically, we propose that subjective anomalies associated with basic self-disturbance may be associated with: 1. source monitoring deficits, which may contribute particularly to disturbances of “ownership” and “mineness” (the phenomenological notion of presence or self-affection) and 2. aberrant salience, and associated disturbances of memory, prediction and attention processes, which may contribute to hyper-reflexivity, disturbed “grip” or “hold” on the perceptual and conceptual field, and disturbances of intuitive social understanding (“common sense”). In this paper (Part 1) we focus on source monitoring deficits. Part 2 (this issue) addresses aberrant salience. Empirical studies are required in a variety of populations in order to test these proposed associations between phenomenological and neurocognitive aspects of self-disturbance in schizophrenia. An integration of findings across the phenomenological and neurocognitive “levels” would represent a significant advance in the understanding of schizophrenia and possibly enhance early identification and intervention strategies.
In this paper, a nafion coated electrode is prepared to improve the performance of lithium sulfur batteries. It is demonstrated from a series of measurements that the nafion layer is quite effective in reducing shuttle effect and enhancing the stability and the reversibility of the electrode. When measured under the rate of 0.2 C, the initial discharge capacity of the nafion coated electrode can reach 1084 mAh g−1, with a Columbic efficiency of about 100%. After 100 charge/discharge cycles, this electrode can also deliver a reversible capacity of as high as 879 mAh g−1. Significantly, the charge-transfer resistance of the electrode tends to be reducing after coated with an appropriate thickness of nafion film. The cation conductivity as well as anion inconductivity is considered to be the dominant factor for the superior electrochemical properties.
Gel electrolytes based on amphiphilic copolymethacrylates containing ethylene oxide (EO) n side chains as ionophilic units and fluorocarbon (CF2)6 side chains as ionophobic units showed a substantial increase in ion conductivity, as compared to corresponding gels based on homopolymers of (EO) n methacrylate. The highest ion conductivity was found for a gel based on a copolymer composed of 24 wt% of (EO)9 methacrylate and 76 wt% of fluorocarbon methacrylate. This gel contained 70 wt% of 1 M LiPF6 γ-butyrolactone, and had an ion conductivity of 4.0 mS/cm at 20°C, and 1.0 mS/cm at −20°C. It was found that gels based on fluorocarbon-containing copolymers having (EO)9 side chains had higher ion conductivities than gels based on copolymers containing (EO)2 side chains. The study showed that it is important to control the ionophobic–ionophilic balance of the amphiphilic copolymer in order to achieve high ion conductivities in the gel electrolyte. It is very likely that the ionophobic side chains of the copolymer associated to form microdomains in the electrolyte. It is also likely that longer EO chains increased the stability of these microdomains in the electrolyte. However, strong lithium ion coordination to EO chains above a critical chain length may have suppressed the ion conductivity of the gels.
In mammals, the development of the olfactory bulb (OB) relies in part on the expression of transcription factors involved in the specifications/differentiation of glutamatergic cells. In a previous study from our group, a high molecular similarity was reported between mammals and cartilaginous fishes regarding the neurogenic mechanisms underlying the development of glutamatergic cells in the telencephalon. However, information about the transcriptional program operating in the development of the glutamatergic system (mainly represented by mitral cells) in the OB is lacking in the catshark Scyliorhinus canicula, a cartilaginous fish. Using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization techniques, we have found that, previously to the appearance of the olfactory primordium (OP), proliferating cells expressing Pax6 with molecular hallmarks of progenitor radial glia were located in the ventrolateral pallial ventricular zone. Later in development, when the OP is recognizable, a stream of Pax6-positive cells were observed between the ventricular zone and the OP, where transcription factors involved in mitral cell development in mammals (ScTbr2, ScNeuroD, Tbr1) are expressed. Later in development, these transcription factors became expressed in a layered-like structure where ScVglut1, a marker of mitral cells, is also present. Our data suggest that the transcriptional program related with the specification/differentiation of glutamatergic cells in the telencephalon has been conserved throughout the evolution of vertebrates. These results, in combination with previous studies concerning GABAergic neurogenesis in sharks, have evidenced that the OB of mammals and sharks shares similarities in the timing and molecular programs of development.
CuO nanowires were prepared by wet-chemical method through the reaction of CuSO4, KOH and ammonia in aqueous solution and subsequent aging process. The XRD, SEM, TEM, HRTEM, CV and galvanostatic method are used to characterize the structure, morphology and electrochemical performance of the as-prepared CuO nanowires. The CuO nanowires are polycrystalline microstructure, which facilitates the electrochemical storing Li. Therefore, the polycrystalline CuO nanowires exhibit a good electrochemical performance as Li ion batteries anode. The CuO nanowires showed a high reversible capacity of 720mAh/g. The capacity keeps up 650mAh/g over 100 cycles.
High energetic milling of the corresponding oxides and carbonates mixture was employed to obtain highly dense ceramics with Ce0.80Sm0.20−x Ca x O1.9 (x =0, 0.02) compositions at low sintering temperature. After 17h of milling, the samarium and calcium have entered in the ceria fluorite-type structure, indicating that the mechanosynthesis of the material has occurred. Densities in the order of 97–98% were obtained at temperatures as low as 1250–1300°C in a single thermal treatment. Besides, the addition of Ca is shown as a clear aid to sinter high-density ceramics with improved grain size for the increase of the ionic conductivity. The high homogeneity of the mixture allows Ca not only to partially incorporate to the structure, but also to react to the glassy siliceous phase located at the grain boundary. This effective cleaning process, together with the additional grain growth promoted by Ca doping, increases the grain boundary conductivity, and thus, the total conductivity of the ceramics. The influence of the microstructure on the electrical properties of the ceramics is discussed.
To claim that young children's biological thought is anthropocentric or that their induction depends on similarity rather than categories is to overlook the role of experience in reasoning. We tested four groups of 4-year-olds differing in two aspects of exposure to biological information: (a) their direct experience with nature (urban versus rural) and (b) biological expertise of their parents (expert biologists versus laypeople). We used a modified version of a novel feature projection task—in which projections are made from humans, mammals and insects to an array of nine targets representing various ontological kinds. Children's exposure to biology had consequences on their patterns of induction. There was an effect of parents’ expertise: laypeople's children's projections were based on similarity, while experts’ children's projections were based on the category animal. There was also an effect of direct experience: rural children were more restricted in their responses than were urban children. Although we found asymmetries in projections between humans and animals, humans were not a better source of knowledge about animates than were mammals or insects. These results show that the early emergence of domain specific biological thought and the use of biological categories in induction are highly contingent on children's experience.
TiO2-graphene nanocomposite was first synthesized by a facile gas/liquid interface reaction. The structure and morphology were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller measurements. The results indicate that TiO2 nanoparticles (ca. 10nm in mean grain size) were successfully deposited onto the graphene sheets during the gas/liquid interfacial reaction process. The electrochemical performance was evaluated by using coin-type cells versus metallic lithium in an enlarged potential window of 0.01–3.0V. A high specific charge capacity of 499mAhg−1 was obtained at a current density of 100mAg−1. More strikingly, the TiO2-graphene nanocomposite exhibits excellent rate capability, even at a high current density of 3000mAg−1, the specific charge capacity was still as high as 150mAhg−1. The high specific charge capacities can be attributed to the facts that graphene possesses high electronic conductivity, and the lithium storage performance of graphene is delivered during discharge/charge processes of TiO2-graphene nanocomposite between 0.01 and 3.0V.
Latent loads represent a significant portion of the air conditioning loads in hot and humid climates. In this study, a novel application for a hybrid photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) collector, which produces electricity and hot water simultaneously, is investigated. The hybrid collector is used to drive a hybrid air conditioner that separates the sensible and latent loads. The hybrid air conditioner consists of a solid desiccant wheel cycle (DWC) and a conventional vapor compression cycle (VCC). The DWC is driven by the collector thermal output and the VCC is driven by the electrical output. The system performance was modeled using Transient Systems Simulation program and Abu Dhabi weather conditions. A parametric study was carried out to study the effect of key parameters on the solar air conditioner performance. The overall system performance was also compared to the performance of a VCC, which is widely used in the UAE, powered by photovoltaic panels and a solar absorption cycle driven by evacuated tube collectors. The results show that decoupling of the latent and sensible loads is very effective in meeting the humidity and temperature requirements of buildings in hot and humid climates. In addition, the overall coefficient of performance of the proposed system is found to be higher throughout the year than that of the other solar air conditioners.