batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
Genetic analyses have linked microRNA-137 (MIR137) to neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder. miR-137 plays important roles in neurogenesis and neuronal maturation, but the impact of miR-137 loss-of-function in vivo remains unclear. Here we show the complete loss of miR-137 in the mouse germline knockout or nervous system knockout (cKO) leads to postnatal lethality, while heterozygous germline knockout and cKO mice remain viable. Partial loss of miR-137 in heterozygous cKO mice results in dysregulated synaptic plasticity, repetitive behavior, and impaired learning and social behavior. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses revealed that the miR-137 mRNA target, phosphodiesterase 10a (Pde10a), is elevated in heterozygous knockout mice. Treatment with the Pde10a inhibitor papaverine or knockdown of Pde10a ameliorates the deficits observed in the heterozygous cKO mice. Collectively, our results suggest that MIR137 plays essential roles in postnatal neurodevelopment and that dysregulation of miR-137 potentially contributes to neuropsychiatric disorders in humans.
Prohibitively expensive precious metal catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) have been one of the major hurdles in a wide use of electrochemical cells. Recent significant efforts to develop precious metal free catalysts have resulted in excellent catalytic activities. However, complicated and time-consuming synthesis processes have negated the cost benefit. Moreover, detailed analysis about catalytically active sites and the role of each element in these high-performance catalysts containing nanomaterials for large surface areas are often lacking. Here we report a facile one-step synthesis method of nitrogen-iron coordinated carbon nanotube (CNT) catalysts without precious metals. Our catalysts show excellent long-term stability and onset ORR potential comparable to those of other precious metal free catalysts, and the maximum limiting current density from our catalysts is larger than that of the Pt-based catalysts. We carry out a series of synthesis and characterization experiments with/without iron and nitrogen in CNT, and identify that the coordination of nitrogen and iron in CNT plays a key role in achieving the excellent catalytic performances. We anticipate our one-step process could be used for mass production of precious metal free electrocatalysts for a wide range of electrochemical cells including fuel cells and metal-air batteries.
Pseudocapacitive materials are known to suffer from severe capacitance loss during charging/discharging cycling. Here we report flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors (ASSSCs) based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/polypyrrole nanotube (PPy NT) papers prepared by a facile vacuum filtration method. It is revealed that the incorporation of rGO nanosheets can improve the electrochemical stability of PPy NT paper electrodes for pseudocapacitors. The hybrid paper electrode shows a high areal specific capacitance of 807 mF/cm2 at 1 mA/cm2 and a large volumetric specific capacitance of 94.3 F/cm3 at 0.1 A/cm3. The assembled ASSSC possesses a maximum areal specific capacitance of 512 mF/cm2 at 1 mA/cm2 and a maximum volumetric specific capacitance of 59.9 F/cm3 at 0.1 A/cm3. Moreover, it also exhibits excellent rate capability (86.3% capacitance retention from 1 to 10 mA/cm2) and cycling stability, little capacitance deviation under different bending states, a small leakage current and a low self-discharge characteristic. The device can provide an areal energy density of 61.4 μWh/cm2 at 10 mW/cm2 and a volumetric energy density of 7.18 mWh/cm3 at 1.17 W/cm3, indicating this high-performance ASSSC is a promising candidate for flexible high-power supply devices.
The drive-line to power contemporary ventricular assist devices exiting the skin is associated with infection, and requires a holstered performance of the cardiac pump, which reduces overall quality of life. Attempts to eliminate the drive-line using transcutaneous energy transfer systems have been explored but have not succeeded in viable widespread application. The unique engineering of the coplanar energy transfer system is characterized by 2 large rings utilizing a coil-within-the-coil topology, ensuring robust resonance energy transfer while allowing for a substantial (>6 hours) unholstered circulatory support powered by an implantable battery source. Herein we report the first known human experience with this novel technology, coupled with a continuous-flow assist left ventricular assist device, in 2 consecutive patients evaluated with the primary end-point of system performance at 30 days post-implantation.
Sorption heat storage has the potential to store large amounts of thermal energy from renewables and other distributed energy sources. This article provides an overview on the recent advancements on long-term sorption heat storage at material- and prototype- scales. The focus is on applications requiring heat within a temperature range of 30–150°C such as space heating, domestic hot water production, and some industrial processes. At material level, emphasis is put on solid/gas reactions with water as sorbate. In particular, salt hydrates, adsorbents, and recent advancements on composite materials are reviewed. Most of the investigated salt hydrates comply with requirements such as safety and availability at low cost. However, hydrothermal stability issues such as deliquescence and decomposition at certain operating conditions make their utilization in a pure form challenging. Adsorbents are more hydrothermally stable but have lower energy densities and higher prices. Composite materials are investigated to reduce hydrothermal instabilities while achieving acceptable energy densities and material costs. At prototype-scale, the article provides an updated review on system prototypes based on the reviewed materials. Both open and closed system layouts are addressed, together with the main design issues such as heat and mass transfer in the reactors and materials corrosion resistance. Especially for open systems, the focus is on pure adsorbents rather than salt hydrates as active materials due to their better stability. However, high material costs and desorption temperatures, coupled with lower energy densities at typical system operating conditions, decrease their commercial attractiveness. Among the main conclusions, the implementation within the scientific community of common key performance indicators is suggested together with the inclusion of economic aspects already at material-scale investigations.
In nonhuman primates, anxiety levels are typically assessed by observing social hierarchies or behavior in an intruder task. As measures of anxiety might influence performance on a particular cognitive task, it is important to analyze these measures in the same room as used for the cognitive task. As we use a playroom for the spatial maze test, we classified elderly female rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) monkeys, as bold or reserved monkeys based on the time spent in specific areas of this room. Based on their exploratory behavior in the playroom, bold monkeys were defined as animals that spent 20% more time in the unprotected areas of the room than in the protected areas, whereas reserved monkeys spent a comparable amount of time in both areas. MRI analyses showed that reserved monkeys had a smaller amygdala compared to bold monkeys but there were no group differences in hippocampal volumes. In addition, the amount of time spent in the corners of the room was negatively correlated with the right amygdala as well as the total amygdala size. Finally, reserved monkeys showed a lower phMRI response to the muscarinic receptor antagonist scopolamine compared to the bold monkeys. Thus, in elderly female nonhuman primates measures of anxiety are associated with structural amygdala differences and hippocampal muscarinic receptor function. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled ‘Anxiety and Depression’.
With the increasing demand for high energy density in energy-storage systems, a high-voltage cathode is essential in rechargeable Li-ion and Na-ion batteries. The operating voltage of a triclinic-polymorph Na2CoP2O7, also known as the rose form, is above 4.0 V (vs. Na/Na+), which is relatively high compared to that of other cathode materials. Thus, it can be employed as a potential high-voltage cathode material in Na-ion batteries. However, it is difficult to synthesize a pure rose phase because of its low phase stability, thus limiting its use in high-voltage applications. Herein, compositional-engineered, rose-phase Na2-2xCo1+xP2O7/C (x = 0, 0.1 and 0.2) nanopowder are prepared using a wet-chemical method. The Na2-2xCo1+xP2O7/C cathode shows high electrochemical reactivity with Na ions at 4.0 V, delivering high capacity and high energy density.
The most important topics of the rapidly developing field of conducting polymers are surveyed. Particular emphasis is laid on the problems of synthesis, structure, thermodynamics and kinetic behaviour of these systems. The relevant experiences, existing models and theories are outlined. Abundant examples of the growing applications are also discussed.
Designing a hybrid architecture of electroactive species on the modified graphene sheets is one of the most promising tactics for high-performance supercapacitors. Herein, multiphase nickel sulfides nanoparticles (Ni3S2-NiS, abbreviated as Ni-S-1) with abundant edge sites were synthesized by pyrolysis of three-dimensional porous Ni-C3N3S3 complexes, and then the N-doped graphene (NG)/Ni-S-1 hybrid was obtained by an introduction of graphene oxide. The NG/Ni-S-1 hybrid shows the electroactive species-on-sheet architectures and the heteroatom nitrogen doping into graphene. The unique structural composition of the NG/Ni-S-1 hybrid can accelerate the permeation and shorten the diffusion length of electrolyte ions, to perform favorable electrochemical charge storage kinetics. Remarkably, compared with Ni-S-1 electrode, the NG/Ni-S-1 hybrid electrode delivers an improved specific capacity of 732.1 C g−1 at 1 A g−1 and an excellent rate capability, which are attributed to more accessible surfaces and enhanced electron-transport capacity due to the integration of NG matrix. Furthermore, a hybrid supercapacitor assembled using the NG/Ni-S-1 hybrid as positive electrode and activated carbon (AC) as negative electrode demonstrates a high energy density of 40.2 Wh kg−1, high power density of 7.4 kW kg−1, and relatively good electrochemical stability. The facile strategy may offer a new opportunity for fabrication of transition metal sulfides-based hybrids for high-performance supercapacitors.
Probiotics are a live microbial feed supplement that beneficially affects the host animal. As aquaculture is one of the main areas where probiotics can be applied, the environmental suitability of using probiotics in hatching and nursing facilities for turbot farming was evaluated through the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. This LCA study showed that the potential environmental impacts associated with probiotic production are generally offset by the impact reductions linked to lower consumption levels and reduced waste and emission generation rates within the hatching and nursing subsystem. Thus, the use of probiotics is recommended in order to enhance the performance of turbot aquaculture systems provided that operational and economic advantages are attained.
To ensure the future highly efficient utilization of various sustainable and renewable energy sources, nanostructured electrodes have become more and more important. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent research progress in template-directed synthesis of nanostructured arrays for highly-efficient energy storage and conversion. We especially focus on nanostructure arrays based on porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template and colloidal crystal template (CCT), because they possess numerous structural advantages resulting from the highly-ordered and highly-oriented structural features of AAO and CCT, such as nanoscale structural tunability, high regularity and predefined spatial orientation/alignment. All these advantages make AAO and CCT template-directed nanostructure arrays as attractive candidates for highly-efficient energy storage and conversion. This review starts with a brief introduction on template-directed construction of nanostructure arrays, including the fabrication and structural features of both the templates (AAO and CCT) and the corresponding as-achieved nanostructure arrays. Then, the advantages, the progress and the challenges of AAO and CCT template-directed nanostructure arrays for the construction of highly-efficient electrochemical energy storage and solar energy conversion devices are summarized, respectively, followed by present status and the prospects for future research.
Nanostructured carbon-based materials fabricated via simple methods from renewable bio-resources have great potential in rechargeable energy storage systems. In this study, nanoporous pyroproteins containing a large amount of redox-active heteroatoms (H-NPs) were fabricated from silk fibroin by an in situ carbonization/activation method. The H-NPs have a large surface area of ∼3050 m2 g−1, which is mainly comprised of nanometer-scale pores. Also, these H-NPs have oxygen and nitrogen heteroatoms of 17.4 wt% and 2.9 wt%, respectively. Synergistic sodium ion storage behaviors originate from electrochemical double layer capacitance and pseudocapacitance, leading to very high electrochemical performances of H-NPs in aqueous and non-aqueous electrolyte systems. Sodium-ion supercapacitors (NISs) based on commercial graphite//H-NPs show a high specific power of ∼1900 W kg−1 at ∼77 Wh kg−1. Also, NISs based on commercial hard carbon//H-NPs exhibit a high specific energy of ∼217 Wh kg−1 at ∼42 W kg−1. In addition, outstanding cycling performances over 30,000 cycles are achieved for symmetric NISs.
The electropolymerization and doping/dedoping properties of polyaniline ultrathin films on Au electrode surfaces were investigated by a combination of in situ electrochemical techniques, i.e., electrochemical surface plasmon spectroscopy (ESPR) and the electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM). In the ESPR measurements, we employed two wavelengths, i.e., 632.8 and 1152 nm in order to distinguish independently the electrochromic behavior. In addition, we used spectroelectrochemical transmittance measurements in order to probe further the optical properties of the polymer films as a function of the applied potential. The real and imaginary parts of the dielectric constant of the polyaniline thin film at several doping levels was determined quantitatively by taking into consideration the thickness values obtained from the EQCM measurement. The combination of these two techniques provides a powerful method for probing the electrical, optical, and dielectric properties of conjugated ultrathin polymer films.
Chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 8 (Chd8) is a high-confidence risk gene for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, how Chd8 haploinsufficiency impairs gene expression in the brain and impacts behavior at different stages of life is unknown.
Summary Rural electrification rates in India lag behind government goals, in part due to the inability of distribution companies (discoms) to fund central grid expansion. In the absence of central grid electrification, mini-grids offer significant potential for an immediate pathway toward rural electrification and the attendant gains in economic growth and productivity. Yet private investment in mini-grids has been virtually absent in India. Using a comprehensive life-cycle cost analysis, we find that mini-grids based on solar PV power and storage are more economical than incumbent energy services available to households without central grid connection. Under current law, a prospective entrepreneur in India does not require a license or certification in order to build a mini-grid and subsequently provide electricity services in the area covered by said installation. Conversely, there is no legal or regulatory framework that specifies what is to happen if the central grid were to be extended to an area that is already covered by a mini-grid. We report detailed survey evidence from interviews with entrepreneurs, analysts and policymakers whose assessments converge on the same point: mini-grid investments would be jeopardized in the event of central grid extension, precisely because discoms would, by regulatory order, provide electricity services at highly subsidized rates, well below their full economic cost. Our fieldwork suggests that the threat of central grid extension is a gateway barrier preventing mini-grid development in India. The issues associated with the gateway barrier have common elements with the so-called holdup problem as identified in the economics of organizations. There have been two recent federal policy guidelines and one actual state-level policy addressing the regulatory status of mini-grids. We examine the effectiveness of these policies/proposals in terms of an entrepreneur’s willingness to develop mini-grids in the future.
A comparison between photovoltaic hybrid systems (PVHS), standalone photovoltaic (PV) and standalone diesel generator options is performed using the net present value (NPV) technique. A typical village mini-grid energy demand of 7.08 kWh/day is considered in the computation of energy costs and breakeven grid distances. A first sensitivity analysis is conducted using remote diesel prices of 0.8 €/l, 0.98 €/l, 1.12 €/l, 1.28 €/l with a PV module cost of 7.5 €/Wp. A second sensitivity analysis is also done using PV module costs of 5.25 €/Wp, 6 €/Wp, 6.75 €/Wp, 7.5 €/Wp with a diesel price of 1.12 €/l. The energy cost for the diesel option was found to be 0.812 €/kWh at a diesel fuel price of 1.12 €/l. The sensitivity analyses showed that minimum energy costs were attained in PVHS at renewable energy fractions in the range 82.6–95.3%. In the second sensitivity analysis the energy costs and breakeven grid distances were found to be in the ranges 0.692–0.785 €/kWh and 5.1–5.9 km respectively. For a PV module cost of 5.25 €/Wp, the lowest energy cost for the PVHS option was 0.692 €/kWh at a final renewable energy fraction of 95.3% with the diesel generator hours being 37 h compared to 2075 h in the standalone diesel generator option. Consequently, a 30% reduction in custom duties and taxes on imported PV modules and sub-systems would increase the use of small-scale and climate friendly PV mini-grids in remote areas of far north Cameroon that have an annual insolation of at least 5.55 kWh/m2/day.
Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) for grid-scale applications need active materials that combine a high energy density with sustainability. Given the high theoretical specific capacity 501 mAh g−1, and Earth abundance of disodium rhodizonate (Na2C6O6), it is one of the most promising cathodes for SIBs. However, substantially lower reversible capacities have been obtained compared with the theoretical value and the understanding of this discrepancy has been limited. Here, we reveal that irreversible phase transformation of Na2C6O6 during cycling is the origin of the deteriorating redox activity of Na2C6O6. The active-particle size and electrolyte conditions were identified as key factors to decrease the activation barrier of the phase transformation during desodiation. On the basis of this understanding, we achieved four-sodium storage in a Na2C6O6 electrode with a reversible capacity of 484 mAh g−1, an energy density of 726 Wh kg−1cathode, an energy efficiency above 87% and a good cycle retention.
Both electronic and ionic conductivities are of high importance to the performance of anode materials for Li-ion batteries. Many large capacity anode materials (such as Ge) do not have sufficiently high electronic and ionic conductivities required for high-rate cycling. Here, we report a novel ternary compound, copper germanium phosphide (CuGe2P3), as a high-rate anode. Being synthesized via a facile and scalable mechanochemistry method, CuGe2P3 has a cation-disordered sphalerite structure and offers higher ionic and electronic conductivities and better tolerance to volume change during cycling than Ge, as confirmed by first principles calculations and experimental characterization, including high-resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction, HRTEM, SAED, XPS and Raman spectroscopy. Furthermore, the results suggest that CuGe2P3 has a reversible Li-storage mechanism of conversion reaction. When composited with graphite by virtue of a two-stage ball-milling process, the yolk–shell structure of the amorphous carbon-coated CuGe2P3 nanocomposite (CuGe2P3/C@Graphene) delivers a high initial coulombic efficiency (91%), a superior cycling stability (1312 mA h g−1 capacity after 600 cycles at 0.2 A g−1 and 876 mA h g−1 capacity after 1600 cycles at 2 A g−1), and an excellent rate capability (386 mA h g−1 capacity at 30 A g−1), surpassing most Ge-based anodes reported to date. Moreover, a series of cation-disordered new phases in the Cu(Zn)–Ge–P family with various cation ratios offer similar Li-storage properties, achieving high reversible capacities with high initial coulombic efficiencies and desirable redox chemistry with improved safety.
Titanium-dioxide-grafted carbon paper (CP@TiO2) has been synthesized by pyrolysis of tetrabutyl-titanate-treated filter paper, which is a simple, large-scale, and green method, while the product is a superior material for immobilising sulfur as a flexible free-standing electrode for lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. The as-synthesised CP@TiO2 membrane is constructed of interlaced circuitous carbon fibers and TiO2 nanoparticles distributed on/in the void among the carbon fibers. The CP@TiO2–S membrane retains the robust and flexible structure of the CP membrane after infiltrating the sulfur, and the sulfur particles are homogeneously distributed within the CP@TiO2. As a free-standing cathode, the CP@TiO2–S membrane exhibits superior electrochemical performance than the CP-S membrane, displaying a reversible discharge capacity of 850 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.5C and a specific capacity of 660 mAh g−1 at 5C. The superior electrochemical performance of the CP@TiO2–S membrane is ascribed to the synergetic effect between the interlaced carbon fibers of the CP membrane, which provides electronic conduction pathways and works as mechanical support, and the TiO2 nanoparticles with relatively high surface area and pore volume, which could physically/chemically trap polysulfides. The results indicate that the CP@TiO2 membrane owns potential suitability for efficient, free-standing, and high-performance batteries.
17α-ethynyl-5α-androstane-3α, 17β-diol (HE3235, Apoptone) is an orally bioavailable synthetic analogue of 3β-androstanediol, that is active in rodent models of prostate and breast cancer, and is in Phase IIa clinical trials for the treatment of early- and late-stage prostate cancer. In preparation for clinical studies, nuclear hormone receptor and P450 interactions for HE3235 and major metabolites were characterized in vitro, and pharmacokinetics and metabolite profiles were studied in rodents, dogs, and monkeys. Four-week safety studies conducted in rats and dogs indicated a substantial margin of safety for clinical use, and no evidence of electrocardiographic or neurological effects, although anorexia, thrombocytopenia, and hypokalemia were identified as potentially dose-limiting toxicities at superpharmacological exposures. Pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism have been studied in prostate cancer patients.