batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
Stresses generated during the hydrogen extraction from and injection into a Ni(OH)2/NiOOH film electrode in 0.1 M KOH solution are analysed by means of a laser beam deflection technique combined with potentiostatic current transient and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) techniques. From the measured values of the film thickness, the elapsed time for phase boundary movement (PBM) and the potential step given between the hydrogen extraction/injection potential and the plateau potential, the velocity and the mobility of PBM are determined to be 2.3×10−6–5.4×10−6 cm s−1 and 3.5×10−10–2.6×10−9 cm2 s−1 V−1, respectively. From the mass change measured by means of EQCM, it is suggested that, during hydrogen extraction, the PBM continues until the insertion of K+ ions begins to occur simultaneously with the desertion of such neutral species as H2O molecules or KOH molecules. During hydrogen injection, the PBM is accompanied by the extraction of K+ ions, followed by the insertion of neutral species. From the mass change transient and the deflection transient, simultaneously measured with the current transient, it is suggested that the sharp rise of tensile and compressive deflections in the initial stage is traced back to the PBM. The following relaxation of tensile and compressive deflections is attributed to the extraction/insertion of neutral species. Most of the stresses developed during the hydrogen extraction and injection originate mainly from the PBM, not the extraction/insertion of K+ ions and neutral species.
In the past few years, borohydrides have gathered a lot of attention as an energy carrier for fuel cell application. Numerous investigations on both hydrogen generation and direct oxidation of NaBH4 have been published. Nonetheless, in our knowledge, only a few catalysts are capable to completely perform the direct oxidation of NaBH4 at low potentials without hydrogen evolution. In this work, carbon supported Pd1−x Bi x /C and Pt1−x Bi x /C nanocatalysts were synthesized by a “water in oil” microemulsion method. The influence of surface modifications of Pt and Pd by Bi on the electrooxidation of sodium borohydride in alkaline media was evaluated. Physical and electrochemical methods were applied to characterize the structure and surface of the synthesized catalysts. It was verified that bismuth is present at the surface of the bimetallic catalysts and that hydrogen adsorption/desorption reactions are strongly limited on Pt and Pd surfaces with high bismuth coverage. Although the onset potential for NaBH4 oxidation on Pd x Bi1−x /C catalysts is ca. 0.2V higher than that for Pd/C, the presence of bismuth on palladium surface influences the reaction mechanism, limiting hydrogen evolution and oxidation in the case of Pd0.8Bi0.2 catalyst. On Pt0.9Bi0.1 catalyst the onset potential remains unchanged comparing to Pt/C and negligible hydrogen evolution was observed in the whole potential range where the catalyst is active. The number of exchanged electrons was calculated using the Koutecky–Levich equation and it was found that for Pt0.9Bi0.1 catalyst, ca. 8 electrons are exchanged per BH4 − ion at low potentials. The presented results are remarkable evidencing that NaBH4 can be directly oxidized at low potentials with high energy efficiency.
Background Higher levels of circulating oestrogens in women and testosterone in men have been shown to have a protective effect against the clinical manifestations of schizophrenia, mostly with respect to negative symptomatology. Certain studies suggest that they also have a protective effect against the neuropsychological impairment observed in the disease. We investigated whether greater prenatal exposure to estrogens in women and to testosterone in men, reflected by the 2D:4D ratio, was similarly associated with decreased negative symptomatology and improved neuropsychological functioning in patients. Method 51 schizophrenia patients and 50 healthy participants were administered a neuropsychological battery. The 2D:4D ratio was measured in all participants. Positive, negative, and affective symptoms were assessed in patients. Regression analyses were conducted separately in male and female subgroups. Results No associations with positive symptoms were revealed. In male patients, the 2D:4D ratio was positively associated with avolition and inversely associated with anxiety. In female patients, it was inversely associated with alogia, and tended to be positively associated with depression. No association between higher prenatal concentration of the relevant sex hormone and improved neuropsychological performance emerged in patients. Conclusions Higher concentrations of prenatal testosterone in male patients, and prenatal oestrogens in female patients, are associated with a decrement in certain aspects of negative symptomatology. In addition, prenatal sex hormone concentration seems to be associated with predisposition to anxiety in male patients, and to depression in female patients.
This paper presents an investigation of a hybrid DC/AC integration paradigm to establish microgrids (MGs) by using a conventional three-phase local power delivery system. This approach adds an additional DC power line to the local power distribution system in order to collect energy generated by distributed domestic renewable sources. The local renewable distributed generation (DG) works in conjunction with the conventional grid utility to reduce the power draw from the grid. Researchers designed an energy conversion station to mix energy from the local DGs with energy from the grid utility. This approach, therefore, uses a continuous energy mixing strategy for DC integration of local generation and grid energy to supply energy to MG consumers via the conventional three-phase power distribution system. Thus, local distributed renewable generators do not have to contend with AC integration problems, such as AC stability and line synchronization. This approach can facilitate the transformation of conventional local power distribution systems into reliable MGs in an affordable way for stakeholders and it is a step towards construction of future smart grids.
The upcoming ban on testing of cosmetics in animals by the European Union's 7th Amendment to the Cosmetics Directive will require genotoxicity safety assessments of cosmetics ingredients and final formulations to be based primarily on in vitro genotoxicity tests. The current in vitro test battery produces an unacceptably high rate of false positives, and used by itself would effectively prevent the use and development of many ingredients that are actually safe for human use. To address the need for an in vitro test that is more predictive of genotoxicity in vivo, we have developed an in vitro micronucleus assay using a three-dimensional human reconstructed skin model (EpiDerm™) that more closely mimics the normal dermal exposure route of chemicals. We have refined this model and assessed its ability to predict genotoxicity of a battery of chemicals that have been previously classified as genotoxins or non-genotoxins based on in vivo rodent skin tests. Our reconstructed skin micronucleus assay correctly identified 7 genotoxins and 5 non-genotoxins, demonstrating its potential to have a higher predictive value than currently available in vitro genotoxicity tests, and its utility as part of a comprehensive in vitro genotoxicity testing strategy.
An all-vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) is an attractive candidate as an electrochemical energy storage system that uses conversion technology for applications that range from those requiring only a few kilowatts to those that must perform on a megawatt scale. Issues to be resolved, however, include problems with increasing the rates of charge/discharge (due to an increase in overpotentials) and cycling stability (due to the irreversibility of redox reactions at the electrodes as well as crossover of the vanadium species) that have prevented a broader market penetration of VRFB systems. One of the strategies to overcome these problems may be the introduction of electrocatalysts to the electrode surface to improve the reaction kinetics of the positive and negative redox couples, thus enabling the achievement of higher levels of power density. Therefore, carbon felt electrodes decorated with SnO2 nanoparticles were evaluated in this study. The performance of VRFBs at a high current density of 150 mA cm−2 with SnO2-deposited carbon felts returned an energy efficiency of 77.3%, with a corresponding increase in discharge capacity of 23.7% over a pristine electrode. Cycling stability of the system was also improved almost 2.7-fold compared with that of a pristine electrode at 50 mA cm−2. The electrocatalytic activity of SnO2 nanoparticles facilitates a reduction in the overpotentials, which enables charge/discharge reactions at faster rates, which was confirmed by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Furthermore, confirmation of the formation of clusters of SnO2 nanocrystals as well as their chemical and physical stability after cycling (as probed by various characterization techniques including synchrotron-based X-ray absorption) supports their feasibility as a stable, efficient and cost-effective electrocatalyst for use in VRFB systems.
Cost reduction is very critical in the pursuit of realizing more competitive clean and sustainable energy systems. In line with this goal a control method that enables minimization of the cost associated with performance and life time degradation of fuel cell and electrolyzer, and cost of battery replacement in PV/hydrogen standalone power systems is developed. The method uses the advantage of existing peak shaving battery to suppress short-term PV and load fluctuations while reducing impact on the cycle life of the battery itself. This is realized by diverting short-term cyclic charge/discharge events induced by PV/load power fluctuations to the upper band of the battery state of charge regime while operating the fuel cell and electrolyzer systems along stable (smooth) power curves. Comparative studies of the developed method with two other reference cases demonstrate that the proposed method fares better with respect to defined performance indices as fluctuation suppression rate and mean state of charge. Modeling of power electronics and design of controllers used in the study are also briefly discussed in Appendix A.
Capsule endoscopy (CE) was found to be an effective tool in diagnosis of small bowel pathology. This review will focus on its role in Crohn's disease. Its role in patients with suspected Crohn's disease (CD) is described. CE has an established role for diagnosing CD when other tests are negative, though it is not a first line investigative tool in these patients. Over diagnosis is of concern. Its use in established CD remains an open question. It can provide exact mapping of small bowel disease before surgery, and might have impact on the treatment of the disease. It may have role in monitoring mucosal healing, which is becoming a target of therapy, and may help establish the exact diagnosis in a limited group of patients with indeterminate colitis. Retention of CE might occur. It is of low rate in patients with suspected CD and higher in patients with known CD but clinical obstruction is extremely rare. Economic considerations are a limit to a wider application of the CE.
Objective To examine possible retinal contributions to cortically induced phosphenes by transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) involving the visual cortex. Methods Self-reported phosphene ratings and voltage-related potentials from the canthus, supra-orbital and sub-orbital regions of the right eye were measured to 2, 10 and 20Hz tACS at 250 and 1000 μA intensities in healthy volunteers. Results Qualitatively similar, but more intense phosphenes were reported during frontalis–vertex tACS as compared to occiput–vertex tACS. In addition, voltage-related potentials were recorded at the canthus and orbit regions of the eye during frontalis–vertex, occiput–vertex and occiput-right shoulder tACS. Conclusions The experience of phosphenes during tACS involving the visual cortex is influenced by volume conductions effects of the scalp. Significance Retinal effects should be taken into account when studying the cortical modulatory effects of tACS.
The paper is divided into two distinct parts. The first part deals with a look at the progress made to date in the VRLA battery technology that has established itself as the primary source of emergency standby power within the BT network. This will include a review of maintenance procedures and the specifying of such products for central office and local switching centres, and will be discussed alongside an appreciation of how telecommunications networks are changing. The second part includes an assessment of future technology developments and how these changes will increase demand upon suppliers of battery power for network and hand-held devices of the future. The paper will conclude with a light-hearted look at potential technological developments of the future that will revolutionise the way we communicate with each other and our environment.
An advanced porous membrane containing slit-like selective layer on its top surface is designed and prepared for flow battery application. The structure is realized by regulating the parameters during membrane formation process. The porous membrane exhibits a thick skin layer with narrow slits and sponge-like support layer in the cross-section. The thick and comparatively hydrophobic skin layer hinders the passage of vanadium ions. Meanwhile, the slit structure and comparatively hydrophilic support layer facilitates the transport of protons. The resulting poly(ether sulfone) (PES)/sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) porous membrane containing slit-like selective layer achieves an excellent balance between ion selectivity and proton conductivity, resulting in a columbic efficiency of 98.5%, a voltage efficiency of 91.7%, and an energy efficiency of 90.4% at 80 mA cm−2, which is much higher than a vanadium flow battery (VFB) with the commercial Nafion 115. Therefore, this paper provides a simple and economical method to develop high-performance, low-cost membranes for VFB applications.
Extracting coin cells from industrially manufactured Li-ion cells is a commonly used method to investigate the state-of-health of the electrode material. However, the influence of the reassembling process on coin cell performance and its reproducibility is not clearly described in the literature. For this intention, we develop a preparation procedure to extract the cell material out of these original cells and build coin cells. The measurements of the reassembled Li-ion coin cells reveal a similar relative standard deviation in capacity to commercially cells at begin of life. Furthermore, the coin cells show a stable aging behavior with a mean capacity loss of about 5% after 300 full cycles at 25 °C. The washing of the electrodes before the reassembly does not decrease the relative standard deviation in capacity at begin of life and during the cyclic aging. The relative standard deviation in impedance is larger for the washed coin cells. In addition, we analyze the influence of the separator on the aging of the coin cells. Coin cells with a double-layer separator, consisting of polypropylene fiber and a polyethylene membrane, show a lower variation in capacity at begin of life and a lower loss in capacity over cycle aging than coin cells with the separator from the original cell.
Tobacco smoke from a combustible cigarette contains more than 6000 constituents; approximately 150 of these are identified as toxicants. Technologies that modify the tobacco blend to reduce toxicant emissions have been developed. These include tobacco sheet substitute to dilute toxicants in smoke and blend treated tobacco to reduce the levels of nitrogenous precursors and some polyphenols. Filter additives to reduce gas (vapour) phase constituents have also been developed. In this study, both tobacco blend and filter technologies were combined into an experimental cigarette and smoked to International Organisation on Standardisation and Health Canada puffing parameters. The resulting particulate matter was subjected to a battery of in vitro genotoxicity and cytotoxicity assays – the Ames test, mouse lymphoma assay, the in vitro micronucleus test and the Neutral Red Uptake assay. The results indicate that cigarettes containing toxicant reducing technologies may be developed without observing new additional genotoxic hazards as assessed by the assays specified. In addition, reductions in bacterial mutagenicity and mammalian genotoxicity of the experimental cigarette were observed relative to the control cigarettes. There were no significant differences in cytotoxicity relative to the control cigarettes.
The Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD) is a well-supported tool for assessing psychopathic features in youth. However, most research with the APSD has been derived from clinical and forensic samples comprised mainly of male Caucasian and African American adolescents. In this prospective study, the incremental and predictive validity of the self-report APSD for violent and non-violent offending was examined in an ethnically diverse community sample of male and female youth (N = 335) aged 12 to 14. High-school students from a moderate sized city in Western Canada completed the self-report APSD and then completed the Self-Report of Offending 6 months later. Receiver Operating Characteristics analysis indicated that APSD total and subscale scores were predictive of violent and non-violent offending at 6-month follow-up with moderate to large effect sizes. In addition, total scores on the APSD added incremental predictive utility above and beyond traditional criminogenic predictors of youth offending (i.e., prior offending, delinquent peer affiliation, poor school achievement, substance use, low parental monitoring). Although sex differences emerged in the predictive utility of the Impulsivity subscale of the APSD vis-à-vis violent offending, sex did not moderate the relationship between APSD total, Narcissism, or Callous/Unemotional scores and offending. In addition, the predictive utility of the APSD did not vary as a function of the youth’s ethnic background. These findings suggest that: (1) the self-report APSD may have utility for risk or threat assessment with normative school populations, (2) APSD findings from higher risk samples generalize to a lower risk sample of high-school youth, and (3) predictive utility of APSD total scores do not differ across male and female Caucasian and ethnic minority youth.
Unique molybdenum trioxide decorated nickel-cobalt oxide nanostructures (MoO3/NiCo2O4-NSs) and three-dimensional hierarchical structure α-FeOOH/rGO film were prepared via facile hydrothermal and annealing strategies. Owing to the merits of the large surface area, superior ionic conductivity, increased availability of active sites/interfaces, rich mixed valences of polymetallic oxide and the favorable structural stability, the as-prepared optimized battery-type MoO3/NiCo2O4-NSs electrode material presents an extraordinary specific capacity (1042 F g−1 at 1 A g−1), largely improved rate capability (93%, from 1 to 6 A g−1), and superior cycling performance, compared with the NiCo2O4–NCs, MoO3, and also exceeds some of the reported Ni-, Co-based electrodes. Underlying such great improvement, a MoO3/NiCo2O4-NSs//α-FeOOH/rGO asymmetric supercapacitor device with a large potential window was assembled, which delivered a high capacitance of 141 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, an excellent energy density of 50.2 Wh kg−1, and an amazing power density of 4.8 kW kg−1. The serially connected asymmetric supercapacitor can power commercial light-emitting diodes suggesting their potential application for electronic gadgets. The superior energy storage characteristics of the asymmetric supercapacitor are strongly attributed to the interconnected 3D nanoporous network architectures of the MoO3/NiCo2O4-NSs and the good compatibility with the α-FeOOH/rGO negative electrode.
As the same-day delivery service becomes increasingly popular among e-commerce customers, it demands fast, cheap, and flexible on-demand delivery service. This paper proposes, formulates, and evaluates a new on-demand, same-day delivery (ODSD) strategy using direct peer-to-peer transshipment (P2PT). P2PT involves package relays among multiple couriers to extend beyond the normal service range of a single courier; this is done directly via effective collaboration and coordination among couriers. Three P2PT variants are investigated in this paper: P2PT-1 with one single inter-zonal ODSD service request (pickup and delivery in two different service zones), P2PT-M with multiple inter-zonal ODSD requests, and P2PT-RT with real-time inter-zonal demand. An adaptive boundary relaxation (ABR) heuristic algorithm is proposed and evaluated for its solution performance. The P2PT delivery paradigm is also compared with the most responsive and naive ODSD strategy of direct shipping. It is found that while P2PT tends to incur longer travel time than direct shipping, it provides the ODSD service without having to expand and maintain a larger fleet of vehicles (and thus drivers) or incurring extra labor cost. As the economy of scale of ODSD demand increases, those advantages of P2PT will only become more prominent. Our investigations have also found that the efficiency of P2PT, measured by the additional travel time incurred per ODSD service request, improves initially with the economy of scale, and then seems to flatten out in the static demand scenario or worsen in the real-time demand scenario as the number of service requests increases.
Summary The current problem finding reliable and objective methods for evaluating results after peripheral nerve repair is a challenge when introducing new clinical techniques. The aim of this study was to obtain reference material and to evaluate the applicability of different tests used for clinical assessment after peripheral nerve injuries. Fifteen patients with a history of complete median nerve transsection and repair, and 15 healthy volunteers were included. Each subject was investigated using a battery of conventional and new tests for functional, sensory and motor recovery including questionnaires, clinical evaluations, neurophysiological and physiological findings. The results were statistically analysed and comparisons were made within the patient group and between patients and healthy volunteers using a ‘per protocol’ and an ‘intention to treat’ approach. Criteria for success were stipulated in order to be able to judge the usefulness of each method. The results showed that 19 of 34 variables, representing six of 16 methods, were not able to fulfil the criteria and were thus questionable for the evaluations of nerve repair in a clinical trial setting. However, 2pd, sensory recovery according to the non-modified British Medical Research Council, sensory neurography, manual muscle test, electromyography, questionnaires (i.e. DASH and the 4 question form) and performance tests (i.e. AMPS and Sollerman's subtests 4 and 8) did fulfil the criteria defined for being useful.