batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
To achieve wearable application, developing highly active and low cost non-precious metal bifunctional oxygen catalysts for foldable solid-state Zn-air battery is still a great challenge. Herein, we report a single-atom cobalt electrocatalyst with CoN4 moieties dispersed on nitrogen-doped graphitic nanosheet (marked as CoN4/NG) by a surfactant-assisted approach. The CoN4/NG catalyst exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activities with a half-wave potential of 0.87 V (versus RHE) for ORR and a low overpotential of 0.38 V at 10 mA cm−2 for OER. Moreover, the liquid Zn-air battery with the CoN4/NG catalyst as the air electrode displays a superior discharging and charging performance, larger power density, higher energy density and robust stability (without any decay after 100 h cycle test), compared to the 20% Pt/C + IrO2 counterpart. Importantly, the CoN4/NG-based flexible solid-state Zn-air battery also exhibits a high power density and a long-term stability of 30 cycles under flat and folded states, which means that the single-atom cobalt catalyst may be a promising candidate for practical applications in wearable flexible solid batteries.
Patients with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are treated postnatally with life-long glucocorticoid (GC) replacement therapy. Although prolonged exposure to GCs may have a negative impact on behaviour, few studies have studied this issue. We therefore investigated behavioural outcomes in male and female children and adolescents with CAH.
Studies suggest that neuropsychological measures may provide prognostic information regarding SSRI treatment response, yet it is unclear which specific cognitive domains are the most effectual predictors. The aim of this study was to characterize the cognitive profile associated with SSRI nonresponse using a comprehensive set of neuropsychological tests. Participants (N = 32) met criteria for current major depressive episode. Assessment followed pre-treatment medication washout. Clinical response was measured after 3-month open-label SSRI treatment. Groups did not differ by demographic characteristics, intelligence or depression severity. Responders outperformed nonresponders across all cognitive domains, with the largest differences observed in executive, language and working memory functions. Results indicate poorer global cognitive functioning is predictive of treatment nonresponse. Deficits were most pronounced in tests demanding greater mental search and manipulation rather than speeded motor output. Cognitive slowing may mediate the working memory and executive function deficits found in nonresponders. These findings can inform exploration for pharmacogenetic endophenotypes.
In this paper we present experimental data on the temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity, σ, in nine different imidazolium based ionic liquids. We have measured four 1-(alkyl chain)-3-methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate (C n MIM-BF4) ionic liquids, with C n representing ethyl, butyl, hexyl and octyl chains, to study the dependence of σ with the cation length. Moreover, to study the influence of the anion size in the electrical conductivity, we measured six different EMIM-X, with X being, from smaller to bigger sizes, Cl−, Br−, BF4 −, PF6 −, ethyl sulfate and tosylate. The measurements were performed at atmospheric pressure, and the studied temperature range covers the liquid phase of the analyzed compounds. We have fitted the electrical conductivity data of the nine ionic liquids using a Vogel–Tamman–Fulcher (VTF) equation with high precision. We observe from the measured data that the electrical conductivity decreases its value as the alkyl chain of the cation increases. In contrast, we do not observe that dependence with the anion size, where there seems to be an optimal size (that of BF4 −) for which σ reaches its maximum value, being lower for smaller or bigger anion sizes. Finally, if we plot the natural logarithm of σ versus the distance in temperature to the glass transition one for each IL, we observe that the resulting straight lines are ordered with the anion (or cation) sizes for all nine compounds measured, i.e., lower σ values for bigger sizes.
Pre-lithiation of anode materials can be an effective method to compensate active lithium loss which mainly occurs in the first few cycles of a lithium ion battery (LIB), due to electrolyte decomposition and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation at the surface of the anode. There are many different pre-lithiation methods, whereas pre-lithiation using metallic lithium constitutes the most convenient and widely utilized lab procedure in literature. In this work, for the first time, solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) is applied to monitor the reaction kinetics of the pre-lithiation process of graphite with lithium. Based on static 7Li NMR, we can directly observe both the dissolution of lithium metal and parallel formation of LiCx species in the obtained NMR spectra with time. It is also shown that the degree of pre-lithiation as well as distribution of lithium metal on the electrode surface have a strong impact on the reaction kinetics of the pre-lithiation process and on the remaining amount of lithium metal. Overall, our findings are highly important for further optimization of pre-lithiation methods for LIB anode materials, both in terms of optimized pre-lithiation time and appropriate amounts of lithium metal.
Small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (SK, KCa2.1, KCa2.2, KCa2.3) are expressed at high levels in brain regions critical for learning and memory. The activation of dendritic SK channels limits the induction of synaptic plasticity that may underlie hippocampal and amygdala dependent memory. EBIO facilitates SK channel activation by increasing their sensitivity to calcium. The compound CyPPA selectively activates SK2 and SK3 channels in a similar manner. To date there has been no report of the effects of SK channel activators on memory. Therefore, the present study examined the effects of systemic EBIO on mice in a behavioral task battery. Significant effects of EBIO on memory and motor activity were validated and extended by examining the effects of systemic CyPPA. Systemic EBIO and CyPPA both produced a transient decline in locomotor behavior. Neither SK channel activator affected anxiety. EBIO (17.5 mg/kg) impaired the encoding, but not retrieval, of object memory in a spontaneous object recognition task. A similar impairment of object memory encoding was observed in CyPPA (15 mg/kg)-treated mice. These memory-impairing effects were not due to changes in motivation, attention or movement. Systemic EBIO did not affect contextual or cued fear memory after conditioning with a 3 tone (CS)-footshock (US) pairing protocol or a 1 CS-US pairing protocol. Interestingly, apamin (0.4 mg/kg) enhanced contextual fear memory in mice conditioned with a 1 CS-US pairing protocol. These results suggest that SK channel activation impairs the encoding of non-aversive memory but not memory for aversive events. These data support converging evidence that SK channels regulate cellular mechanisms of memory encoding.
The Si–CeMg12 composites with 30wt.%, 40wt.% and 50wt.% Si, were synthesized by directly ball milling Si and CeMg12 alloy. The microstructure of the Si–CeMg12 composites is confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. It is demonstrated from TEM images that active Si nanoparticles are distributed in the inactive CeMg12 matrix. The electrochemical performance of the Si–CeMg12 composites as a function of Si content is investigated. The maximum reversible (charge) capacities of the ball-milled Si–CeMg12 composites with 30wt.%, 40wt.% and 50wt.% Si reach 470, 690 and 1080mAhg−1, respectively, after full activations. It is found that the Si–CeMg12 composite with 40wt.% Si delivers a larger reversible capacity and better cycle ability because the uniform distribution of active Si nanoparticles embedded in the CeMg12 matrix, which can accommodate the volume expansion of the composite during Li-alloying/dealloying processes. After subsequent cycles, the recrystallization of Si with lattice shrinkage is observed, which is unfavorable to the Li-alloying/dealloying reaction. The degeneration of CeMg12–Si composites during repeated cycling is attributed not only to the Si pulverization led by the volume change, but partially also to the irreversible phase transformation of Si.
Uniform nano/micro-spherical MoO2/Mo2CTx (T = O) heterostructures have been synthesized through a heterocatalytic reaction with subsequent facile calcinations. Given the high activity of HxMoO3/C precursors, this strategy opens a low-temperature route to realize the fabrication of nanocrystalline MoO2/Mo2CTx heterostructures, leading to achieve rapidly activated conversion reaction and extrinsic pseudocapacitive behaviour. Rather than carbon, highly conductive Mo2CTx decreases the charge transfer resistance in MoO2 and maintains its structural stability upon lithiation/delithiation, ensuring the heterostructures with excellent cyclability (e.g., up to 833 mA h g⁻1 at 100 mA g⁻1 for 160 cycles with 95% capacity retention) and high rate capability (e.g., 665 mA h g⁻1 at 1 A g⁻1). Additionally, owing to the carbon-free characteristic, the secondary nano/microstructure feature and the suppressed surface oxidation trait, MoO2/Mo2CTx heterostructures, therefore, can deliver an improved initial Coulombic efficiency (e.g., up to 78% at 100 mA g⁻1). The present oxycarbide transformation and hybridization strategies are facile but effective, and they are very promising to be applied to converting other oxides–carbon composites into oxides/carbides heterostructures towards achieving higher electrochemical performance.
Karachi, Pakistan is one of the largest and most polluted metropolitan cities in south Asia. Air quality was assessed using 24-hr fine-particulate matter (PM2.5) samples collected from two sites, Korangi (industrial/residential) and Tibet Center (commercial/residential). Spatial and temporal characteristics and sources of pollution were evaluated from August 2008 through August 2009 using samples analyzed for PM2.5, black carbon (BC), trace elements, and water-soluble ions. Elemental enrichment factors (EFs) and a receptor model/positive matrix factorization (PMF), were used to delineate the anthropogenic and natural sources. The mean 24-hr PM2.5 was 101 ± 45.6 μg m−3 at Korangi and 76.5 ± 38.4 μg m−3 at Tibet Center. Every 24-hr sample analyzed from both sites exceeded the WHO 24-hr guideline value of 25 μg m−3. Average PM2.5 levels were higher during winter, suggesting increased combustion activity and decreased air dispersion. EFs suggest significant contributions of trace elements from anthropogenic activities. Air pollution levels were higher at the Korangi site than Tibet Center, highlighting major contributions from industrial activities near the site. From PMF analysis, five sources and their relative contributions were determined at Korangi and Tibet Center, respectively: 1) oil combustion (25% and 21%); 2) soil and urban dust resuspension (28% and 25%); 3) vehicular emissions (23% and 5%); 4) sea spray (13% and 26%); and 5) industrial emissions (11% and 23%). The evaluation of health risk associated with exposure to air pollution indicated some major air pollution concerns in Karachi, stressing the need for the formulation and implementation of strict laws on PM2.5 emission.
We aimed to assess which comorbid problems (oppositional defiant behaviors, anxiety, autistic traits, motor coordination problems, and reading problems) were most associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); to determine whether these comorbid problems shared executive and motor problems on an endophenotype level with ADHD; and to determine whether executive functioning (EF)—and motor-endophenotypes supported the hypothesis that ADHD with comorbid problems is a qualitatively different phenotype than ADHD without comorbid problems. An EF—and a motor-endophenotype were formed based on nine neuropsychological tasks administered to 816 children from ADHD—and control-families. Additional data on comorbid problems were gathered using questionnaires. Results indicated that oppositional defiant behaviors appeared the most important comorbid problems of ADHD, followed by autistic traits, and than followed by motor coordination problems, anxiety, and reading problems. Both the EF—and motor-endophenotype were correlated and cross-correlated in siblings to autistic traits, motor coordination problems and reading problems, suggesting ADHD and these comorbid problems may possibly share familial/genetic EF and motor deficits. No such results were found for oppositional defiant behaviors and anxiety. ADHD in co-occurrence with comorbid problems may not be best seen as a distinct subtype of ADHD, but further research is warranted.
The intermittent characteristic of a solar-alone or a wind-alone power generation system prevents the standalone renewable energy system from being fully reliable without suitable energy storage capability. In this study, the most traditional and mature storage technology, pumped hydro storage (PHS), is introduced to support the standalone microgrid hybrid solar-wind system. This paper explores a new solution for the challenging task about energy storage. A mathematical model of the hybrid system is developed and the operating principle is introduced. The proposed system is applied in a case study to power a remote island in Hong Kong, and its technical feasibility is then examined. The hour-by-hour simulation results indicate that the intermittent nature of the renewables can be compensated by introducing the PHS technology. Therefore, a reliable and environmentally friendly power supply can be provided. The results demonstrate that technically the PHS based renewable energy system is an ideal solution to achieve 100% energy autonomy in remote communities.
The electrochemical reaction with lithium of a vanadium-based metal-organic framework VIV(O)(bdc) [MIL-47], which is isostructural to the iron compound MIL-53(Fe), was investigated. The large open channels which can accommodate small guest species, such as Li+ ions, together with the redox properties of the tetravalent vanadium ions make this material of potential interest as a rechargeable intercalation electrode for lithium batteries. The electrochemical properties were investigated in Li|1 M LiPF6 in ethylene carbonate (EC) and dimethyl carbonate (DMC)|V(O)(bdc) cells between 4.0 and 1.5 V vs. Li/Li+. V(O)(bdc) cathodes can be reversibly cycled in Li cells with good rate capability and specific capacity. At a current density of C/12, Li/V(O)(bdc) cells can be cycled between 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.7 in Li x V(O)(bdc) with ∼100% coulombic efficiency corresponding to 82 mAh g−1 which is a higher capacity than that found for MIL-53(Fe). The cell performance and electrochemical profiles at various current conditions are discussed. Structural evolution taking place during lithium intercalation was monitored by powder X-ray diffraction on phases of Li x V(O)(bdc) (0 < x ≤ 2) chemically prepared by using n-BuLi. Previous studies of the reaction of lithium with metal-organic frameworks are briefly reviewed for comparison with the data presented for Li x V(O)(bdc).
Neuroimaging studies have indicated that people with alexithymia show structural and functional alterations in brain areas associated with emotional awareness, as amygdala, insula, anterior cingulate cortex, fusiform gyrus and parahippocampal gyrus, and only occasionally alterations in the cerebellar activity were reported. The main goal of the present study was to investigate the associations between gray and white matter cerebellar macro- (Voxel-Based Morphometry) and micro- (Mean Diffusivity and Fractional Anisotropy) structural measures (evaluated by means of a 3-T high-resolution structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging and a Diffusion Tensor Imaging scan protocol) and the presence of alexithymia (evaluated by means of 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale), in a sample of 60 healthy subjects having low, borderline or high alexithymia. As a corollary aim, the associations between volumes of amygdala, insula, anterior cingulate cortex, fusiform gyrus or parahippocampal gyrus and alexithymia scores have been investigated. Cerebellar gray matter volumes were positively associated with alexithymia scores. The subjects with high alexithymic traits had larger volumes in the bilateral Crus 1 in comparison to the remaining subjects. Volumes of right amygdala, left insula and left parahippocampal gyrus were negatively associated with the alexithymia scores. Thus, alexithymia scores were linked directly with cerebellar areas and inversely with limbic and para-limbic system, proposing a possible functional modality for the cerebellar involvement in emotional processing. The increased volumes in Crus 1 of subjects with high alexithymic traits may be related to an altered embodiment process leading to not-cognitively interpreted emotions.
A brief discussion on transport measurements for lithium ion conducting polymer electrolytes is given. An engineering approach to obtain a complete set of transport and thermodynamic properties for a binary salt dissolved in a polymer electrolyte solvent is described. The technique is based on concentrated solution theory and requires a minimal amount of experimentation. Results from measurements on a representative polymer electrolyte system are given. The measured transport and thermodynamic properties of the polymer electrolyte are used to simulate the performance of symmetric Li/polymer/Li cells and compare to experimental data.
Calreticulin is an endoplasmic reticulum-resident, calcium-binding, stress-produced, chaperone protein that serves multiple functions and is widely distributed in eukaryotic cells. Exogenously applied recombinant calreticulin solution, markedly enhanced the rate and quality of skin wound healing. These modulatory effects are more efficient than commercially available topic platelet-derived growth factor ointments (Regranex®). Trypanosoma cruzi calreticulin is more effective in equimolar terms to human counterpart in accelerating skin wound healing. While the effect of externally added recombinant parasite calreticulin on wound healing has been reported, the domains responsible for these modulatory effects have not yet been established. Here, recombinant parasite calreticulin and some of its domains were tested to assess their influence in increasing proliferation and migration of fibroblasts in vitro and rat skin wound healing in vivo. Herein, we propose that Trypanosoma cruzi whole calreticulin or some of its domains are differentially involved in the modulation of wound-healing cell migration and proliferation, and cosmetic outcome. Therefore, precise combination of the parasite protein and its domains could allow us to tailor-specific desired effects during the skin wound-healing process.
Several models of tinnitus maintenance emphasize the importance of cognitive, emotional and psychophysiological processes. These factors contribute to distress in patients with decompensated tinnitus symptoms. We investigated whether tinnitus patients show increased physiological levels of arousal, more intense stress reactivity patterns and exaggerated psychological strain compared to healthy controls. Seventy tinnitus patients and 55 healthy controls underwent various stress tests. Muscular reactivity and peripheral arousal as well as strain ratings were assessed. Tinnitus patients reported significantly more strain during stress tests compared to healthy controls. Few physiological reactivity patterns differed significantly between the two groups. The physiological data thus only partly supported a hyperreactivity hypothesis. Strain reports and physiological data were only marginally correlated. Tinnitus patients show maladaptive appraisal processes during stress exposure, yet physiological reactivity is only slightly affected. Treatment programs for patients with decompensated tinnitus symptoms should account for appraisal processes and coping mechanisms in stressful situations.
This paper presents a case study of an intermittent audio failure analysis of a remote speaker-microphone module for a two-way radio. A root cause analysis was undertaken to identify probable causes of the intermittent failure, followed by a series of experiments to determine the strength and the intermittent audio failure load of cable components and the fully assembled cable. The combined experimental and finite element results demonstrated that the main contributor of the intermittent audio failure was the micro surface cracks on the copper conductor strands. In addition, the combination of the component materials and design of the cable have also contributed to the non-uniform state of residual stress induced in the copper conductors which have reduced the ability of the copper conductors to withstand the normal handling load under the influence of micro surface cracks.
There has been increasing focus on factors predicting the development of chronic musculoskeletal disorders. For patients already experiencing chronic non-specific low back pain it is also relevant to investigate which prognostic factors predict recovery. We present the design of a cohort study that aims to determine the course and prognostic factors for recovery in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.
Ni-Co oxide, one of the binary metal oxides, has many advantages for use in high-performance supercapacitor electrode materials due to its relatively high electronic conductivity and improved electrochemical performance. In this work, Ni-Co oxide/electrochemically exfoliated graphene nanocomposites (NC-EEG) are successfully synthesized using a simple low temperature solution method combined with a thermal annealing treatment. Graphene sheets are directly obtained by an electrochemical exfoliation process with graphite foil, which is very simple, environmentally friendly, and has a relatively short reaction time. This electrochemically exfoliated graphene (EEG) can improve the electrical conductivity of the Ni-Co oxide nanostructures. The as-prepared NC-EEG nanocomposites have 3D porous architectures that can provide large surface areas and shorten electron diffusion pathways. Electrochemical properties were performed by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge in a 6M KOH electrolyte. The NC-EEG nanocomposites exhibited a high capacity value of 649Cg−1 at a current density of 1.0Ag−1. The asymmetric supercapacitors, manufactured on the basis of NC-EEG nanocomposites as a positive electrode and activated carbon (AC) as a negative electrode, exhibited a maximum energy density of 86Whkg−1 and a maximum power density of 16.5kWkg−1. It is believed that our 3D nano-architectured composites with excellent electrochemical performances would be promising candidates for supercapacitor materials.
Mechanical degradation, owing to intercalation induced stress and microcrack formation, is a key contributor to the electrode performance decay in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The stress generation and formation of microcracks are caused by the solid state diffusion of lithium in the active particles. In this work, scaling relations are constructed for diffusion induced damage in intercalation electrodes based on an extensive set of numerical experiments with a particle-level description of microcrack formation under disparate operating and cycling conditions, such as temperature, particle size, C-rate, and drive cycle. The microcrack formation and evolution in active particles is simulated based on a stochastic methodology. A reduced order scaling law is constructed based on an extensive set of data from the numerical experiments. The scaling relations include combinatorial constructs of concentration gradient, cumulative strain energy, and microcrack formation. The reduced order relations are further employed to study the influence of mechanical degradation on cell performance and validated against the high order model for the case of damage evolution during variable current vehicle drive cycle profiles.