batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
In this paper, we consider the generic problem of how a network of physically distributed, computationally constrained devices can make coordinated decisions to maximise the effectiveness of the whole sensor network. In particular, we propose a new agent-based representation of the problem, based on the factor graph, and use state-of-the-art DCOP heuristics (i.e., DSA and the max-sum algorithm) to generate sub-optimal solutions. In more detail, we formally model a specific real-world problem where energy-harvesting sensors are deployed within an urban environment to detect vehicle movements. The sensors coordinate their sense/sleep schedules, maintaining energy neutral operation while maximising vehicle detection probability. We theoretically analyse the performance of the sensor network for various coordination strategies and show that by appropriately coordinating their schedules the sensors can achieve significantly improved system-wide performance, detecting up to 50 % of the events that a randomly coordinated network fails to detect. Finally, we deploy our coordination approach in a realistic simulation of our wide area surveillance problem, comparing its performance to a number of benchmarking coordination strategies. In this setting, our approach achieves up to a 57 % reduction in the number of missed vehicles (compared to an uncoordinated network). This performance is close to that achieved by a benchmark centralised algorithm (simulated annealing) and to a continuously powered network (which is an unreachable upper bound for any coordination approach).
Nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a heterogeneous condition that is associated with complex neuromuscular adaptations. Exercise is a widely administered treatment, but its effects are small to moderate. Tailoring patient-specific exercise treatments based on subgroup classification may improve patient outcomes.
We describe the case of an accomplished actor, whom we term AB, who suffered severe amnesia following a cardiac arrest and hypoxic brain damage, affecting medial temporal and thalamic structures. His performance on standard episodic memory tests, and on measures of retrograde amnesia, including autobiographical memory, was severely impaired. When presented with passages from plays he had not appeared in, AB showed a severe impairment at the first learning trial, but thereafter showed a ‘normal’ learning curve for this semantically and syntactically complex material. On being presented with passages from plays he had performed in the past, AB did not show any recognition of them whatsoever, as one might expect from his severe episodic memory impairment. However, AB showed a striking benefit (savings score) in relearning passages he had previously performed, compared with new passages, despite not having any autobiographical recall of having performed the relearned passages before. Moreover, although his initial recall performance in learning these passages was impaired compared with healthy control actors of similar age and experience, AB demonstrated the same incremental learning rate on subsequent learning trials of the passages as did the controls. We conclude that, although severely impaired at the first learning trial (on both ‘new’ and ‘old’ passages), AB was able to employ his long-established semantic and procedural skills to attempt the task, and that thereafter he showed a ‘normal’ rate of incremental learning from a lower baseline.
In this paper, hollow hematite nano-polyhedrons (Fe-HNPs) were synthesized via a facile solution route. The abundance of high indexed facets was demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. A new electrochemical biosensor for nitrite determination was then proposed by using the hematite hollow nanopolyhedron as the sensing layer. Electrochemical tests showed that the Fe-HNPs could act as efficient enzyme-like electron mediators for nitrite oxidation. As a result, the Fe2O3 modified biosensor exhibited excellent performance for the determination of nitrite with a response time of <10s, linear range between 0.009 and 3mM, and sensitivity as 19.83μAmM−1. A high selectivity and long-term stability toward nitrite oxidation in the presence of glucose and l-ascorbic (AA) was also observed at their maximum physiological concentrations, which made this novel Fe2O3 nanomaterial bounded with high indexed facets promising for sensing applications in medicine, biotechnology and environmental chemistry.
Minimizing the use of Pt catalysts in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is important, considering its high price and scarcity. Herein, we demonstrate novel catalysts for PEMFCs with exceptionally high mass activity and durability, in which block copolymer-based carbon supports are loaded with an ultra-small amount of Pt. The mass activity measured after 30000 cycles of single cell tests was 0.81 A mgPt−1 at 0.9 V, which is the highest performance reported to date. The newly developed catalyst yielded nearly the same power density as that of the commercial Pt/C, even with 1/20 of the Pt usage. The carbon supports were prepared by carbonizing crosslinked domains of block copolymer particles selectively, resulting in mesoporous carbon particles with ∼25 nm pores. When Pt was deposited, thin carbon shells were formed encapsulating PtFe nanoparticles, catalyzing the oxygen reduction reaction efficiently with high durability.
There is great interest in point-of-care antibody testing for the diagnosis of infectious and autoimmune diseases. As a first step in the development of self-contained and miniaturized devices for highly quantitative antibody detection, we demonstrate the application of Luciferase Immunoprecipitation Systems (LIPS) technology in a microfluidic format. Protein A/G was immobilized on the walls of PDMS-glass microchannels of 500 nL volume. The assay proceeds with the simultaneous introduction of plasma and Renilla luciferase–tagged antigens. Following washing, coelenterazine substrate was added and bound antigen-luciferase measured by chemiluminescence. Total assay time, including rinsing and detection, is under 10 min. Using these stable microfluidic devices, high diagnostic performance (100% sensitivity and 100% specificity) was achieved for the diagnosis of HSV-2 infection. Based on these findings, the LIPS microfluidic format should readily lend itself to automation and the transfer to portable instrumentation.
A novel and facile synthetic approach is developed to prepare the PbO@C nanocomposites by using starch as the carbon precursors. Nearly monodispersive lead oxide nanoparticles embedded carbon nanocomposites are produced via pyrolyzing Pb(NO3)2 impregnated starch gel under the N2 atmosphere at 700 °C. The PbO nanoparticles are ca. 10 nm in size and slightly changed with the [Pb(NO3)2:starch] ratios varied. XRD patterns and XPS data reveal the presence of α-PbO, orthorhombic β-PbO and Pb in the nanocomposites without any tetravalent Pb4+ species. When used as anode materials for the lead-acid battery, the nanocomposites exhibit an improved performance. PbO@C nanocomposites prepared from the mixtures with [Pb(NO3)2:starch] of 70:30, 50:50 and 30:70 exhibited the highest capacity of 205 mA h g−1, the highest residual capacity of 185 mA h g−1 and the best cyclic stability after 100 charge/discharge cycles, respectively.
Neonatal exposure of rats to bisphenol-A, an endocrine disruptor, has recently been proposed as a possible animal model of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), because such rats exhibit motor hyperactivity. To strengthen the face validity of this animal model, the present study replicated the original experiments and additionally analysed both changes in habituation to a novel environment and behavioural responses to methylphenidate, the two phenomena known to be altered in ADHD. Single intracisternal administration of bisphenol-A (20 and 40 μg) into 5-day-old male Wistar rats impaired habituation to a novel environment in the light, but not the dark, phase at 4 weeks of age. Thus, habituation as assessed by time-dependent decrease of locomotor activity, rearing, sniffing and grooming was significantly reduced in bisphenol-A-pretreated rats. Methylphenidate (1 and 3 mg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently enhanced locomotor activity in both vehicle-pretreated and bisphenol-A-pretreated rats during both the dark and the light phases. Thus, the effects of methylphenidate did not differ between bisphenol-A-pretreated and vehicle-pretreated rats. Apart from a slight methylphenidate-induced increase in rearing and sniffing in bisphenol-A (20 μg)-pretreated rats, the overall effects of methylphenidate on rearing, sniffing and grooming were similar in both vehicle- and bisphenol-A-pretreated rats. It is concluded that neonatal exposure of rats to bisphenol-A is an animal model with limited face validity for ADHD, because the motor hyperactivity and reduced habituation to a novel environment are not accompanied by altered responses to methylphenidate.
The nanotubes of mixed TiO2(B) and anatase phases, obtained by hydrothermal synthesis and subsequent calcination, are modified with NiO nanoparticles. In the modified products, NiO nanoparticles with poor crystallinity exist inside titania tubes and are attached to the outside surface of the nanotubes according to X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectra (EDS) analysis. The titania nanotubes, modified with 5wt.% NiO in which NiO nanoparticles were distributed homogenously, exhibit the optimal cycle performance and a good capability for high rate discharge. The lithium ion diffusion is mainly related to the anatase phase, while the electrochemical reaction activity is attributed to the TiO2(B) phase. Relative to titania nanotubes, NiO-modified nanotubes have a better electrochemical reaction activity, which is beneficial for the improvement of the high rate charge–discharge capability.
To investigate whether a period of 1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over M1 preconditioned by tDCS improves bradykinesia of the upper limb in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Fifteen patients with PD performed index finger, hand tapping and horizontal pointing movements as well as reach-to-grasp movements with either hand before (baseline conditions) and after a period of 1 Hz rTMS preconditioned by (1) sham, (2) anodal or (3) cathodal tDCS over the primary motor cortex contralateral to the more affected body side. Movement kinematics was analysed using an ultrasound-based motion analyser at baseline, immediately after and 30 min after each stimulation session. Dopaminergic medication was continued. Compared to baseline, 1 Hz rTMS significantly increased the frequency of index finger and hand tapping as well as horizontal pointing movements performed with the contralateral hand. Movement frequency increased up to 40% over 30 min after cessation of the stimulation. Preconditioning with cathodal tDCS, but not with anodal tDCS, reduced the effectiveness of 1 Hz rTMS to improve tapping and pointing movements. There was no significant increase of movement frequencies of the ipsilateral hand induced by 1 Hz rTMS preconditioned by either tDCS session. Movement kinematics of reach-to-grasp movements were not significantly influenced by either stimulation session. In PD the beneficial effects of 1 Hz rTMS over the primary motor cortex on bradykinesia of simple finger, hand and pointing movements is reduced by preconditioning with cathodal tDCS, but not with anodal tDCS. Preconditioning with tDCS is a powerful tool to modulate the behavioural effect of 1 Hz rTMS over the primary motor cortex in PD.
Cutaneous characteristics, e.g., thickness of the SC and density of follicles, affect the penetration of topically applied substances. In the present study, the penetration of benzyl nicotinate, causing a vasodilation, was studied on three anatomic sites (forearm, forehead and calf) differing in their skin characteristics. Therefore, the blood flow of the superficial dermal plexus and that of the larger capillaries in the deeper skin layers was simultaneously measured using a laser Doppler flowmeter. In addition, the cutaneous temperature and redness were determined as a function of time. These four biological reactions were measured in turn on a skin area treated with a gel containing benzyl nicotinate and on an untreated control area. The highest basal levels were observed on the forehead. Topical application of benzyl nicotinate resulted in an increase in each biological response. Compared to the other sites, the maximal values were reached earliest on the forehead, which also showed the fastest decrease. No significant differences were obtained comparing the kinetic data of the calf with that of the forearm. The results indicate an additional contribution by the numerous vellus hair follicles of the forehead to the penetration and exposure of the drug.
A methacrylate based plasticised polymer electrolyte membrane is prepared via a rapid and facile UV curing process, the major concerns of mechanical integrity are overcome by simply using appropriately modified cellulose handsheet laden with nano-sized acidic alumina particles as a reinforcement. The use of the cellulose handsheets greatly enhances the flexibility and mechanical properties of the membrane while the addition of alumina particles helps to maintain satisfactory conductivity values. The reinforced composite electrolyte membrane is also tested in a real lithium cell, exhibiting excellent performance which account for its use in futuristic lithium batteries having low cost, environmentally friendly and easily scalable properties.
Previous studies have shown the appearance of right-sided language-related brain activity in right-handed patients after a stroke. Non-invasive brain stimulation such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) have been shown to modulate excitability in the brain. Moreover, rTMS and tDCS have been found to improve naming in non-fluent post-stroke aphasic patients. Here, we investigated the effect of tDCS on the comprehension of aphasic patients with subacute stroke. We hypothesized that tDCS applied to the left superior temporal gyrus (Wernicke’s area) or the right Wernicke’s area might be associated with recovery of comprehension ability in aphasic patients with subacute stroke. Participants included right-handed subacute stroke patients with global aphasia due to ischemic infarct of the left M1 or M2 middle cerebral artery. Patients were randomly divided into three groups: patients who received anodal tDCS applied to the left superior temporal gyrus, patients who received cathodal tDCS applied to the right superior temporal gyrus, and patients who received sham tDCS. All patients received conventional speech and language therapy during each period of tDCS application. The Korean-Western Aphasia Battery (K-WAB) was used to assess all patients before and after tDCS sessions. After intervention, all patients had significant improvements in aphasia quotients, spontaneous speech, and auditory verbal comprehension. However, auditory verbal comprehension improved significantly more in patients treated with a cathode, as compared to patients in the other groups. These results are consistent with the role of Wernicke’s area in language comprehension and the therapeutic effect that cathodal tDCS has on aphasia patients with subacute stroke, suggesting that tDCS may be an adjuvant treatment approach for aphasia rehabilitation therapy in patients in an early stage of stroke.
Adsorption of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution onto tobacco stems has been investigated to evaluate the effects of initial lead ion concentration, adsorbent dosage, contact time, pH and temperature on the removal of Pb(II) systematically. The optimal pH value for Pb(II) adsorption onto the tobacco stems was found to be 5.0. The removal of lead ions for concentrations 10, 30 and 50mgL−1 using 0.8g adsorbent at contact time of 120min and at temperature of 299K were 94.37%, 92.10% and 90.43%, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters such as standard Gibbs free energy (ΔG°), standard enthalpy (ΔH°), and standard entropy (ΔS°) were evaluated by applying the Van’t Hoff equation, which describes the dependence of equilibrium constant on temperature. The thermodynamics of Pb(II) adsorption onto the tobacco stems indicated that the adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used to analyze the equilibrium data at different temperatures and the equilibrium data were found to fit Freundlich isotherm equation better than Langmuir isotherm. The adsorption was analyzed using pseudo-second-order kinetic equation.
Ageing of Ti1.02−x Zr x Ni0.98 (0≤ x ≤0.48) compounds during the electrochemical cycling in aqueous KOH electrolyte has been investigated. Microstructural and chemical characterisation, mostly conducted by transmission electron microscopy, show that for all electrodes their activation results from calendar KOH corrosion. After activation, Zr substituted compounds attain much higher capacity (∼350mAhg−1) than the binary TiNi compound (∼150mAhg−1) but their cycle-life is poor. The mechanism of electrode degradation differs for the binary and the substituted compounds. For TiNi, degradation is due to KOH corrosion whereas, for substituted compounds, it mainly results from the loss of electrical contact due to particle pulverisation. For all electrodes, KOH corrosion produces a double surface layer formed by an inner two-phase (Ni–NiO) nanocrystalline layer and an outer (Ti,Zr)O2 amorphous layer.
A new type of lead acid battery, the lead air battery, designed by altering the lead dioxide electrode to the air electrode, is put forward in this research. Two models are developed for simulating the activation polarization and time dependent processes respectively. The models illustrate the performance of the lead air battery, with respect to the effects of air electrode activity, electrode area ratio, Pb electrode thickness and current rate. The specific energy density of the lead air battery is identified to be about 42.9–49.7 Wh kg−1 at the current rate range of 2.0–0.1 C, with literature parameter values. Moreover, the cycle energy efficiency of the lead air battery is about 65.9–73.5% and the specific capacity is about 35.8 Ah kg−1. This research proposes lead air battery a feasible type of next generation of lead acid batteries, with advice on its future development.
Concentration of conducting ions is known to be a main factor affecting ionic conductivities of glasses. Therefore, the melt-quenched Ag2S–SiS2 glasses reported by Pradel et al. (J. Non-Cryst. Solids 188 (1995) 75) were difficult to show high ionic conductivity owing to the low Ag2S content of 40–50 mol.%. We recently reported that 60Ag2S·40SiS2 amorphous sample showed electrochemical potential window of more than 2.5 V vs. Ag/Ag+ electrode and silver ion conductivity of 7×10−2 Sm−2 at room temperature (J. Mater. Chem. 12 (2002) 1094). The ionic conductivity is somewhat low for practical uses. In order to further increase the ion conductivity, we tried to prepare high Ag2S-containing amorphous samples in the system Ag2S–SiS2 by employing the high-energy ball-milling process. Our results proved that amorphous samples containing 70 and 80 mol.% Ag2S can be synthesized in a suitable milling time range, and that the amorphous samples partially transformed into Ag8SiS6 crystalline phases with further milling. The high Ag2S-containing amorphous samples showed high ionic conductivity, and the highest ion conductivity of 2.1×100 Sm−1 was obtained at 298 K for the 80Ag2S·20SiS2 amorphous sample. Those samples, however, showed very poor electrochemical stability.
PdCu bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) having mixed disordered face-centered cubic (fcc) and ordered body-centered cubic (B2-type) phases enhance the kinetics of oxygen reduction/evolution reaction by significant reduction of overpotentials, which leads to the superb round-trip efficiency of ∼80%. In addition, the PdCu catalyst demonstrates a remarkable cyclic enhancement in stability and an outstanding rate capability even at a high current density of 5000 mA gcarbon−1. Our first-principles calculations demonstrate that the low overpotentials of the PdCu catalyst are strongly correlated with the weak LiO2 adsorption strength, caused by electron transfer from Cu to the top-layer Pd atoms on the surface.
Life extension by medical interventions and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are sometimes conflicting aspects of medical care. Long-term ventilation in children with neuromuscular disease is a well-established life-extending procedure and often at the center of this conflict. HRQOL and the mental health of affected children and their families become even more important in respect to emerging therapies in neuromuscular diseases with longer life-expectancy of treated patients and considerable costs of medical treatment.
Evidence suggests that the role of electric buses in public transit is important if we are to take steps to reduce climate change and the environmental impacts of fossil fuels. Several electric alternatives are currently operationalized, and the debate about which is most suitable is attracting considerable attention. This article provides a detailed review of various performance features for three categories of electric buses: hybrid, fuel cell, and battery. Economic, operational, energy, and environmental characteristics of each technology are reviewed in detail based on simulation models and operational data presented by various scholars in different contexts. The study develops a holistic assessment of electric buses based on side-by-side comparison of 16 features that best inform the decision making process. The review indicates that the selection process of electric technology is highly sensitive to operational context and energy profile. In addition, it highlights that hybrid buses will not provide a significant reduction in GHG and would be suitable only for short-term objectives as a stepping-stone towards full electrification of transit. Battery and fuel cell buses are arguably capable of satisfying the current operational requirements, yet initial investment remains a major barrier. Overnight Battery Electric Bus is advocated as the most suitable alternative for bus transit contexts given the expected improvements in battery technology and the trend to utilize sustainable sources in electricity generation.
Prussian blue (PB) and its analogues (PBA) are promising in energy-related applications. However, it is an extreme challenge to fabricate the hollow structures of PB/PBA materials. Herein, we propose a versatile synthetic protocol of cation exchange to prepare PBA submicroboxes with distinct hollow structures. Cobalt hexacyanoferrate (CoHCF) submicroboxes are exemplified as advanced electrode materials to demonstrate the efficient synthesis, which exhibit a high specific capacitance of 292Fg−1 in the neutral Na2SO4 aqueous electrolyte. Na-ion hybrid supercapacitor constructed with the CoHCF submicroboxes as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode can work in a reversible and stable operating voltage as high as 2.0V in an aqueous electrolyte, thereby rendering outstanding electrochemical properties, a high energy density of 42.5Whkg−1, a high power density of 21.1kWkg−1, and long cycling stability with a capacitance loss of 10% after 5000 cycles. More significantly, our method can be extended to rationally synthesize different kinds of PB/PBA hollow structures for a broad range of potential applications.