batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
Polymer electrolyte (PE), based on PVdF-co-HFP polymer network and MePrPipNTf2 +LiNTf2 ionic liquid (MePrPip: N-methyl-N-propylpiperidinium cation, NTf2 is bis(trifluoromethanesulphonyl)imide anion) was prepared. PE contained small amounts of vinylene carbonate. The performance of metallic-lithium and graphite (G) anodes working together with the electrolyte were tested with the use of: electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), galvanostatic charging/discharging and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Specific conductance of the membrane was ca. 4mScm−1 at 25°C with activation energy of 14.35kJmol−1. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the charged/discharged graphite anodes differed in morphology from the pristine material. The surface of graphite flakes was covered with small crystals with a diameter of ca. 1μm (the solid electrolyte interface, SEI). When the graphite anode was soaked with the 1M LiPF6 solution in PC+DMC (propylene carbonate and dimethyl carbonate, respectively), before the G|PE|Li cell assembling, its reversible capacity was ca. 340mAhg−1 (after the 50th cycle).
Results of in situ UV–vis spectroelectrochemical studies of the electropolymerization of o-phenylenediamine (OPD), m-toluidine (MT) and the copolymerization of OPD with MT are reported. Electropolymerization was performed in aqueous acidic medium at a constant potential of E SCE =1.0V at an indium doped tin oxide (ITO) coated glass electrode. The course of homopolymerization was followed for MT and OPD solutions with various monomer concentrations. The spectral characteristics of the mixed solutions were studied at a constant concentration of MT and various concentrations of OPD in the comonomer feed. An absorption band at λ =497nm was assigned to the head-to-tail mixed dimer/oligomer resulting from the cross reaction between OPD and MT cation radicals. UV–vis spectra recorded during copolymerization show dependence of the growth of the band at λ =497nm on OPD concentration in the feed. At lower OPD feed concentration it appears as the major band in the corresponding spectra. The UV–vis spectra recorded for the copolymer films suggest the incorporation of both monomer units in the copolymer. The FT-IR spectra of the copolymers show the presence of phenazine type structures in the copolymer backbone.
Widespread developments in the manufacture of electric vehicles have been accompanied by higher requirements for their safety. As an important test for the mechanical safety of power batteries, the nail penetration test needs further study in order to explore the impact of the puncture process on the internal structure, so as to evaluate the safety of power batteries. In this paper, by combining multi-methods including computed tomography, mechanics analysis and simulation, we characterize the evolution of the battery's internal structure. Furthermore, through dismantling analysis, the evolution of battery materials during nail penetration is also explored.
The synthesis and the structural and morphological characterization of micro-sized, spherical LiNi0.5−x Co2x Mn1.5−x O4 powders are reported. The results demonstrate that these materials have a high electronic conductivity as well as a high tap density. We show that when tested in a lithium cell the Co-substituted LiNi0.5−x Co2x Mn1.5−x O4 electrodes exhibited a better cycling performance and a better rate capability than the Co-free LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 parent cells. The enhanced electrochemical performances are attributed to the increase in electrical conductivity and in structural stability caused by Co substitution for Ni and Mn and the mixed valence effect of Mn3+/Mn4+. Due to these properties, the LiNi0.5−x Co2x Mn1.5−x O4 electrodes are believed to be of importance for the progress of the lithium battery technology.
Shell–core nanostructured ZnS/CdS quantum dots (QDs) were assembled uniformly on the surface of TiO2 nanotube arrays by sequence chemical bath deposition (CBD) of CdS and ZnS in alcohol solution system. The morphology and chemical composition of the obtained composite thin films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The effect of solvent and immersion cycles for the photoanode preparation on the photoelectrochemical activity and photogenerated cathodic protection property was investigated. It is found that the nanostructured CdS QDs (20 cycles) coated on TiO2 nanotube arrays show a remarkably enhanced photoelectrochemical activity. The coating of ZnS QD shells (5 cycles) is able to improve the stability of the CdS@TiO2 photoanode under white-light irradiation. After the irradiation light is turned off, the photogenerated cathodic protection of 403 stainless steel (403SS) can be remained for several hours.
LiNi1-yMyO2 (M = Ga, In and Tl, y = 0.010, 0.025 and 0.050) with small y were synthesized by the combustion method by calcining in an O2 stream at 750 °C for 36 h. XRD analyses, SEM observation and measurement of the variation of discharge capacity with the number of cycles were carried out. All the samples had the R
In this work, composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs), that is, 80%[(1−x)PIL–(x)SN]–20%LiTFSI, are successfully prepared by using a pyrrolidinium-based polymeric ionic liquid (P(DADMA)TFSI) as a polymer host, succinonitrile (SN) as a plastic crystal, and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) as a lithium salt. XRD and DSC measurements confirm that the as-obtained CPEs have amorphous structures. The 80%[50%PIL–50%SN]–20%LiTFSI (50% SN) electrolyte reveals a high room temperature ionic conductivity of 5.74 × 10−4 S cm−1, a wide electrochemical window of 5.5 V, as well as good mechanical strength with a Young's modulus of 4.9 MPa. Li/LiFePO4 cells assembled with the 50% SN electrolyte at 0.1C rate can deliver a discharge capacity of about 150 mAh g−1 at 25 °C, with excellent capacity retention. Furthermore, such cells are able to achieve stable discharge capacities of 131.8 and 121.2 mAh g−1 at 0.5C and 1.0C rate, respectively. The impressive findings demonstrate that the electrolyte system prepared in this work has great potential for application in lithium ion batteries.
As the world has increasingly embraced globalization, temptations to encroach on traditional boundaries of state sovereignty for reasons of self-interest mount. Argumentation studies provide an important lens for examining the public discourse used to justify such moves. This essay examines the Bush administration’s strategic use of the definitional processes of association and dissociation to build its public case for regime change in Afghanistan. After exploring how the Bush administration’s early rhetoric after 9/11 failed to actually provide the Taliban a choice to remain in power, the essay reveals three combinations of the terrorism/state relationship that functioned as an argument by definition to gain support for the US campaign to overthrow the regime.
Novel ultraviolet (UV)-cured gel polymer electrolytes based on polyethyleneglycol diacrylate (PEGDA) oligomer and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF) are prepared and characterized. UV-curing of PEGDA oligomer containing PVdF and ethylene carbonate (EC)-based liquid electrolyte yields chemically and physically cross-linked PEGDA/PVdF blend gel electrolytes. PEGDA/PVdF blend films show much higher mechanical properties and electrolyte liquid retention than pure PEGDA film. The ionic conductivity (σ) of a PEGDA/PVdF (5/5) blend electrolyte reaches about 4mScm−1 at ambient temperature and is as high as 1mScm−1 at 0°C. All the blend electrolytes are electrochemically stable up to 4.6V versus Li/Li+. The cation transference number (t +) measured by dc micropolarization exceeds 0.5 at room temperature. Li/(PEGDA/PVdF)/LiCoO2 cells (2 cm×2 cm) retains >91% of its initial discharge capacity after 50 cycles at the C/3 rate (2mAcm−2) and delivers about 70% of full capacity with an average load voltage of 3.6V at the C/1 rate. Cell performance is stable up to 80°C because PVdF chains might be stabilized by entanglement with the chemically cross-linked PEGDA network structure.
Lead (Pb) concentration, speciation and bioaccessibility were measured in 122 household dust samples collected in rural areas of eight provinces of China. The mean Pb concentration in the household dust was 208mgkg−1, of which samples from sites in Hunan (538mgkg−1) and Yunnan (280mgkg−1) provinces exhibited the highest Pb concentrations while those from Shaanxi (96mgkg−1) and Fujian (80mgkg−1) provinces had a relatively low Pb content. The major fraction of Pb in the household dust samples was found to be strongly bound to Fe–Mn oxide phases (37%) while Pb present in minor fractions individually making up between 14 and 18% was characterized in falling orders as residual, carbonate, organic/sulphide, and exchangeable fractions by the sequential extraction method applied. Bioaccessible Pb making up an average proportion of 53% in the household dusts was significantly correlated to the Fe–Mn oxide phases of Pb. According to the Hazard Quotient (HQ), the ingestion of dust particles pose the highest risk to children in Chinese rural areas, followed by dermal contact and inhalation. Hazard Index (HI) values for most samples were lower than 1, indicating that the domestic Pb exposure in rural areas of China were relatively safe for children when they exposure to the household dust. However, dust Pb in 4.1% of the studied families having HI values higher than 1 may pose adverse health effect to the children.
Electrochemistry takes a key position in products and manufacturing processes of microtechnology, which has established a multi-billion dollar market with applications in information, entertainment, medical, automotive, telecom and many other technologies. In combination with microlithographic pattern generation electrochemical deposition processes are applied in manufacturing CDs and DVDs, nozzle plates for ink jet printers, read–write heads for hard magnetic disks and solder bumps for flip-chip technology. Three-dimensional microstructures with extremely high precision and aspect ratio are manufactured by means of LIGA technology, which combines deep lithography, electroforming and moulding process steps. Field assisted etching processes with ultra-short voltage pulses, anodization of silicon and field assisted ion exchange in glass have been successfully used for generating microstructures. Meanwhile, there are a huge number of microdevices, which utilize electrochemical phenomena. ISFETs and ion sensitive electrodes are standard components in the field of microsensors, microfuel cells will become high-performance power supply systems for mobile IT and entertainment products. In communication technology electrophoresis-based on electronic ink displays will become more and more important products. The most challenging development is dealing with so-called labs-on-a-chip which utilize electrochemical phenomena like electrophoresis, isoelectric focussing and electroosmosis to create a novel platform for ultra-miniaturized analytics in life sciences, medical diagnosis, environmental technologies and many other areas of modern development.
Objective Cognitive difficulties in epilepsy are common and add to disability beyond seizures alone. A self-management intervention targeting cognitive dysfunction was developed and assessed for whether it improves quality of life, objective memory, and mood in adults with epilepsy. Methods The HOme Based Self-management and COgnitive Training CHanges lives (HOBSCOTCH) program was developed to incorporate (1) psychoeducation, (2) self-awareness training, (3) compensatory strategies, and (4) application of these strategies in day-to-day life using problem solving therapy. Adults aged 18–65years with epilepsy (n=66) were randomized into 3 groups, to receive 8weeks of HOBSCOTCH, with (H+) or without (H) additional working memory training on a commercial gaming device, or to a waitlisted control group. The primary outcome was quality of life (Quality of Life in Epilepsy scale, QOLIE-31) with secondary outcomes of objective cognition measured with the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and depression (as measured by PHQ9 and NDDIE). Results Both intervention arms showed a significant improvement in quality of life, as compared with controls who demonstrated a decline in QOLIE-31 scores. There was significant improvement in objective cognitive performance among the intervention groups, most notably in attention, compared with the waitlisted controls. There was no significant change in depression scores. Significance The HOBSCOTCH program significantly improved quality of life and appeared to be an effective intervention to address cognitive dysfunction in adults with epilepsy. Further studies are needed to assess the generalizability and cost-effectiveness of this intervention.
As the focus on academic achievement has increased, physical activity (PA) opportunities in schools have decreased in the United States. In an attempt to discover how the decline in PA may affect academic achievement, researchers have been studying the effects of PA on cognition and academic achievement in children for more than 50 years. This review takes a historical perspective on the science of PA and academic achievement prior to and during the past 5 years. A total of 125 published articles were included and reviewed. Fifty-three of these articles were published in the past 5 years. In recent years, the overall quality of the studies has increased, but the results continue to be inconsistent. Many use cross-sectional designs and the methods vary substantially. The majority of conclusions show a positive effect of PA on constructs related to academic achievement. Future studies should use strong study designs to examine the types and doses of PA needed to produce improvements in academic achievement.
To correlate lipid metabolism and autonomic dysfunction with anxious-depressive spectrum and eating disorders. To propose the lipid index (LI) as a new possible biomarker.
Objective Much recent research has focused on nonhormonal treatments for menopausal hot flashes. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of 5-hydroxytroptophan (5-HTP), the immediate precursor of serotonin, upon menopausal hot flashes. Selective, serotonergic, reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gap, have shown some promise in the amelioration of hot flashes. Methods We administered 5-HTP or placebo, in double-blind fashion, to 24 postmenopausal women reporting frequent hot flashes. Treatment outcome was measured using a miniature, electronic, hot flash recorder. Results No significant effects of 150mg/day 5-HTP upon hot flash frequency were found. The 5-HTP group had 23.8±5.7 (SD) hot flashes/24h prior to treatment and 18.5±9.6 at the end of treatment. The placebo group had 18.5±9.6 before treatment and 22.6±12.4 at treatment completion. Conclusions At the dose given, 5-HTP does not significantly ameliorate frequency of menopausal hot flashes, as measured objectively with an electronic recorder. Given the small size, this study must be considered preliminary in nature.
Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the association of positive and negative symptoms, as well as of neurocognition to functional status in patients with schizophrenia. Participants were 309 veterans with DSM-IV-diagnosed schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who were enrolled in a 12-month double-blind clinical trial and randomized to receive either 5 to 20 mg/d of oral olanzapine or haloperidol. Patients were assessed at study entry and at 3, 6 and 12-months on the PANSS and measures of verbal memory, verbal fluency, fine motor coordination, visual sequencing/set shifting, and conceptual reasoning. Functional status was evaluated by the Heinrichs–Carpenter Quality of Life Scale (QLS) and by days of employment in the past 30. Hierarchical regression models examined the association of functional status with symptomatology and three neurocognitive factors (motor skills, memory and card sorting), controlling for demographics and visit number. A mixed effects model was used to adjust for repeated observations from the same subjects. Results The PANSS explained 16% additional variance in QLS total score after accounting for demographics and visit number (p <.001), while the neurocognitive factors explained only 4% additional variance beyond the effect of symptoms. When neurocognition was entered before symptoms, it explained an additional 8% of the variance on the QLS total score, while the PANSS explained an additional 12% over and above neurocognition. Conclusions These findings suggest that symptoms may pose an equal or greater impediment to functional capacity independent of neurocognition, at least in younger non-institutionalized people with schizophrenia.
Within the EU FP6 project OSIRIS approaches to Integrated Testing Strategies (ITSs) were developed, with the aim to facilitate the use of non-test and non-animal testing information in regulatory risk assessment of chemicals. This paper describes an analytical Weight-of-Evidence (WoE) approach to an ITS for the endpoint of skin sensitisation. It specifically addresses the European chemicals legislation REACH, but the concept is readily applicable to ITS and WoE procedures in other regulatory frameworks, and for other toxicological endpoints. Bayesian statistics are applied to estimate the reliability of a conclusion on the sensitisation potential of a chemical, combining evidence from different information sources such as QSAR model predictions, in vitro and in vivo test results. The methodology allows for adaptation of the weight of individual information sources to account for the different levels of reliability of the individual ITS components. The calculated reliability of the WoE conclusion gives an objective, transparent and reproducible measure to decide if the information requirements for data evaluation are satisfied. Furthermore, in case the WoE is not sufficient, it gives the possibility to evaluate a priori if and how it will be possible to fulfil the information requirements with additional tests and/or model predictions.
An integrated ecotoxicological assessment of marine sediments affected by land-based marine fish farm effluents was developed using physicochemical and benthic community structure analyses and standardised laboratory bioassays with bacteria (Vibrio fischeri), amphipods (Ampelisca brevicornis) and sea urchin larvae (Paracentrotus lividus). Intertidal sediment samples were collected at five sites of the Rio San Pedro (RSP) creek, from the aquaculture effluent to a clean site. The effective concentration (EC50) from bacterial bioluminescence and A. brevicornis survival on whole sediments and P. lividus larval developmental success on sediment elutriates were assessed. Numbers of species, abundance and Shannon diversity were the biodiversity indicators measured in benthic fauna of sediment samples. In parallel, redox potential, pH, organic matter and metal levels (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the sediment and dissolved oxygen in the interstitial water were measured in situ. Water and sediment physicochemical analysis revealed the exhibition of a spatial gradient in the RSP, evidenced by hypoxia/anoxia, reduced and acidic conditions, high organic enrichment and metal concentrations at the most contaminated sites. Whereas, the benthic fauna biodiversity decreased the bioassays depicted decreases in EC50, A. brevicornis survival, P. lividus larval success at sampling sites closer to the studied fish farms. This study demonstrates that the sediments polluted by fish farm effluents may lead to alterations of the biodiversity of the exposed organisms.
LiMn2O4 thin films were deposited on silica glass substrates by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Li-ion chemical diffusion coefficients D ˜ Li were measured by cyclic voltammetry (CV), potentiostatic intermittent titration technique (PITT), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and limiting current density (LCD). The D ˜ Li values depended on the content of Li in Li x Mn2O4. It was found that the D ˜ Li values by CV, PITT and LCD were in the order of 10−10, 10−11 and 10−12 cm2 s−1, respectively, and those by EIS were in the range of 10−9 to 10−11 cm2 s−1. The D ˜ Li values obtained by above methods were compared with those by an electron blocking method. It turned out that the D ˜ Li values by the electron blocking method were more comparable with those by EIS.
Ethnopharmacological relevance In the traditional Indian and Thai system of medicine, Mimusops elengi Linn., flower is used as brain tonic and to calm anxiety and panic attacks. Aim of the study The present study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Mimusops elengi (ME) against cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury in rats. Materials and methods Male rats were pretreated with ME (100 and 200mg/kg) for seven days and focal cerebral ischemia was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) method. After 60min of MCAO and 24h of reperfusion, a battery of behavioral tests assessed the extent of neurological deficits. Infarct volume and brain edema were measured in TTC stained brain sections and the extent of blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption was observed by Evan's blue extravasation. Oxidative and nitrative stress parameters were estimated in the brain homogenates. Further, simultaneous quantification of five polyphenolic biomarkers were done using HPLC. Results Pretreatment with ME at doses of 100 and 200mg/kg significantly improved the neurobehavioral alterations and reduced the infarct volume, edema and extent of BBB disruption induced by ischemia reperfusion injury. It also prevented the alteration in the antioxidant status and reduced the nitrite levels when compared to ischemic animals. Further, HPLC studies revealed that ME contains five bioactive polyphenolic compounds. Conclusions These results clearly indicate the neuroprotective effect of ME against stroke like injury. The observed protective effect might be attributed to the polyphenolic compounds and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory property.
Poly(N-alkylcarbazole) synthesized from the corresponding 3,6 dihalide monomer using zerovalent nickel as a catalyst has an average value for its polydispersity of ca. 2. The electrochemical behaviour in solution is characterized by as many signals as weight populations in the crude sample. We have prepared, by selective solubilization in acetone, various samples having a low polydispersity (index lower than 1.4) and studied their electrochemical properties when these compounds are solubilized in dichloromethane. We observed that the electrochemical behaviour of these samples with low polydispersity is much better defined than the crude samples but less well-defined than the only carbazole oligomer having a well-defined structure easily available, i.e. the 9,9′-diethyl 3,3′ dicarbazyle. These results allow the study of the variation of the apparent diffusion coefficient versus the average molecular weight M n. Finally, we show that the decrease of electrochemical activity of poly(N-alkylcarbazole) having a low polydispersity deposited as a thin layer on platinum as a function of the number of electrochemical cycles is less pronounced compared with a film of the crude product. Furthermore, this decrease is also less pronounced with higher molecular weight fractions. Thus, a decrease in the polydispersity as well as an increase in the molecular weight of the polymer may be helpful in the improvement of the life time of electrochromic devices.