batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
Acute inhalation of combustion smoke produces long-term neurologic deficits in survivors. To study the mechanisms that contribute to the development of neurologic deficits and identify targets for prevention, we developed a mouse model of acute inhalation of combustion smoke, which supports longitudinal investigation of mechanisms that underlie the smoke induced inimical sequelae in the brain. Using a transgenic mouse engineered to overexpress neuroglobin, a neuroprotective oxygen-binding globin protein, we previously demonstrated that elevated neuroglobin preserves mitochondrial respiration and attenuates formation of oxidative DNA damage in the mouse brain after smoke exposure. In the current study, we show that elevated neuronal neuroglobin attenuates the persistent inflammatory changes induced by smoke exposure in the mouse brain and mitigates concordant smoke-induced long-term neurobehavioral deficits. Specifically, we found that increases in hippocampal density of GFAP and Iba-1 positive cells that are detected post-smoke in wild-type mice are absent in the neuroglobin overexpressing transgenic (Ngb-tg) mice. Similarly, the smoke induced hippocampal myelin depletion is not observed in the Ngb-tg mice. Importantly, elevated neuroglobin alleviates behavioral and memory deficits that develop after acute smoke inhalation in the wild-type mice. Taken together, our findings suggest that the protective effects exerted by neuroglobin in the brains of smoke exposed mice afford protection from long-term neurologic sequelae of acute inhalation of combustion smoke. Our transgenic mouse provides a tool for assessing the potential of elevated neuroglobin as possible strategy for management of smoke inhalation injury.
TiP2O7 is an applicable anode for aqueous Li ion batteries (ALIBs) for its suitable potential and competitive capacity. However, inferior cycling performance and rate capability owing to the poor ionic and electronic conductivities have greatly restricted its application in ALIBs. To tackle these issues, the strategies of nanostructuring and high quality carbon coating were developed in this work. TiP2O7/C nanoparticles with a size of ca. 50 nm have a high surface area of 41.07 m2 g−1. In this composite, TiP2O7 nanoparticle is well coated by a uniform carbon layer (thickness of ca. 10 nm and carbon content of 7.65 wt%). The as-obtained TiP2O7/C composite shows an excellent cycling performance (90.6% capacity retention after 100 cycles at 30 mA g−1 and 97.3% capacity retention after 600 cycles at 750 mA g−1) and superior rate capability (97 mAh g−1 at 30 mA g−1 and 78 mAh g−1 at 300 mA g−1). It is found that the intrinsically stable structure of TiP2O7 nanoparticles and the uniform carbon coating greatly contributed to their superior electrochemical properties in aqueous electrolyte.
Polyaniline in its emeraldine salt form has been prepared on graphite coated cellulose through vapor phase polymerization technique to prepare polyaniline encapsulated graphite (PANI-G) system. The resistive response of polyaniline in alcoholic medium has been reported in this article. The prepared PANI-G system appeared crystalline as revealed from X-ray diffraction measurements. π electrons from graphite facilitates the electronic conduction mechanism of polaron defect states in polyaniline, and are responsible for observed electronic behavior of polyaniline film and its response with the presence of methanol. The interaction of coupled polaron and electrons of PANI-G with alcohol, and thus the variation of resistivity of the PANI-G films has been the basis of this work for preparing an alcohol sensor. The OH− ion of alcohol localizes the coupled polaron-electron in alcoholic medium. Higher the concentration of alcohol higher is the polaron-electron localization and thus greater is the resistivity. Resistive methanol sensitivity of 11.2 has been obtained at pure methanol.
This study presents the design and optimization of device with 1D nanostructured grating modeled on gold (Au), silver (Ag) and copper (Cu) for sensing a minor variation in refractive index (RI). This small change in the adjacent media to metallic grating is detected quite effectively using the unique characteristic of the surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs). The electric field (E-field) of the SPPs penetrates into the nearby media which is very sensitive to slight change in RI. The grating devices has been simulated by using COMSOL Multiphysics 5.3a with periodicity 700 nm, film thickness 50 nm and optimum slit width 300 nm in correspondence with fundamental plasmonic mode. The 0th order transmission spectra have been extracted from each grating device by illuminating (through the substrate side) with p-polarized light at normal incidence. The change in RI of analyte studied to have a significant effect on the resonance wavelength. The sensitivity has been calculated as 700, 731 and 722 nm/RIU for Au, Ag and Cu grating devices respectively which is remarkable. The stability and quick sensing of Au-device make it suitable for application besides some other deficiencies (e.g. slightly less sensitivity as compared to Ag) which should be compromised. Near field analysis has been performed to apprehend the underlying physics connected with each resonance. The highest value of electric and magnetic fields (E-field and H-field) are obtained in the case of Au grating indicating the most efficient excitation of SPPs. This confirms the reasoning behind the efficient sensitivity of Au grating device and finds applications in medicine.
Nanocomposite polymer electrolytes (NCPE) composed of poly(ethylene oxide) and nanochitin for different concentrations of LiN(C2F5SO2)2 (LiBETI) were prepared by a completely dry, solvent-free procedure using a hot press. The thermal stability of NCPE membranes was investigated by DSC and TG-DTA. The membranes were subjected to SEM, ionic conductivity and FTIR analysis. Li/NCPE/Li symmetric cells were assembled and the variation of interfacial resistance as a function of time was also measured. The surface chemistry of lithium electrodes in contact with NCPE revealed the formation of Li–O–C and LiN compounds. LiFePO4/NCPE/Li cell was assembled and the cycling profile showed a well-defined and reproducible shape of the voltage curves thus indicating a good cycling behavior of the cell at 60°C.
Batteries with Li metal anodes have the desirable feature of high energy density; however, the notorious problem of Li dendrite formation has impeded their practical applications. Herein, we present a versatile single-ion electrolyte, which is achieved by a different strategy of coordinating the anions in the electrolyte on the open metal sites of a metal organic framework. Further investigations of the activation energy and theoretical quantum mechanical calculations suggest that Li ion transport inside the pores of Cu-MOF-74 is via a Grotthuss-like mechanism where the charge is transported by coordinated hopping of Li ions between the perchlorate groups. This single-ion electrolyte is versatile and has wide applications. When the single-ion electrolyte is used for Li‖Li symmetric cells and Li‖LiFePO4 full cells, Li dendrites are suppressed. As a result, an ultralong cycle life is achieved for both cells. In addition, when the single-ion electrolyte is assembled into Li‖LiMn2O4 batteries, the dissolution of Mn2+ into the electrolyte is suppressed even at elevated temperatures, and a long cycle life with improved capacity retention is achieved for Li‖LiMn2O4 batteries. Finally, when the single-ion electrolyte is applied to Li–O2 batteries, an improved cycle life with reduced overpotential is also achieved.
The production of hydrogen by methanol–water solution electrolysis was investigated. Hydrogen and carbon dioxide were contained in the cathode exhaust gas and the hydrogen concentration was 95.5–97.2mol%. The hydrogen flow rate in the cathode exhaust gas increased in proportion to the current density and almost agreed with the theoretical hydrogen-production rate. The voltage and electrical energy needed to produce hydrogen were less than that for water electrolysis. The electrical energy needed in methanol–water solution electrolysis was less than 60% of that required in water electrolysis. Permeation of methanol, water and carbon dioxide from the anode to the cathode of the electrolytic cell occurred with hydrogen production. The permeation rate of methanol became greater than that of water as the current density increased. When the current density was constant, the permeation rate of water did not depend on the methanol concentration in the methanol–water solution supplied to the anode, and that of methanol increased while that of carbon dioxide decreased as the methanol concentration increased.
We aimed to evaluate the effect of sleep quality on memory, executive function, and language performance in patients with refractory focal epilepsy and controlled epilepsy and compare these with healthy individuals. We prospectively enrolled 37 adolescent and adult patients with refractory focal epilepsy (Group 1) and controlled epilepsy (Group 2) in each group. History pertaining to epilepsy and sleep were recorded, and all patients underwent overnight polysomnography. Language, memory, and executive function assessments were done using Western Aphasia Battery, Post Graduate Institute (PGI) memory scale, and battery of four executive function tests (Trail Making Test A & B, Digit symbol test, Stroop Task, and Verbal Fluency Test), respectively. Forty age- and sex-matched controls were also included in the study. Significant differences were noted in both objective and subjective sleep parameters among all the groups. On polysomnography, parameters like total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep latency, and rapid eye movement (REM) latency were found to be significantly worse in Group 1 as compared with Group 2. Cognitive and executive parameters were significantly impaired in Group 1. Shorter total sleep time, poorer sleep efficiency, and prolonged sleep latencies were observed to be associated with poor memory and executive function in patients with refractory epilepsy. Our study strongly suggests that sleep disturbances, mainly shorter total sleep time, poor sleep efficiency, and prolonged sleep latencies, are associated with impaired memory and executive function in patients with refractory focal epilepsy and to a lesser extent, among those with medically controlled epilepsy.
This study investigated the relationship between motivation and language proficiency of Iranian EFL learners studying in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia [UTM]. Two aspects of motivation were considered in this paper i.e. instrumental and integrative. 100 Iranian students studying in UTM and from different faculties served as respondents to reflect a variety of ideas about learning a second language. Participants were those with IELTS band score 6 and above [high achievers] and below 6 [low achievers]. An integrative and instrumental motivation nineteen-item questionnaire adopted from standardized questionnaires such as Attitude Motivation Test Battery (AMTB) [1 & 2] was used as the instrument of the study. The results of correlation study revealed that high achievers’ language proficiency correlated well with integrative motivation [r=.72]. This indicated that high achievers L2 learners were highly integrative motivated.
The direct electrochemical reduction process of Nb2O5 powder was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and constant potential electrolysis with a novel metallic cavity electrode in molten calcium chloride at 850°C. The products of both constant potential and constant voltage electrolysis were characterized by XRD, SEM and EDX. CaNb2O6 was formed upon addition of solid Nb2O5 into molten CaCl2 when CaO was present. During the electrolysis solid Nb2O5 was reduced to various niobium oxides of lower oxidation states, including some composite oxides, and then was converted completely to metallic niobium near −0.35V (vs. Ag/AgCl), which was more positive than the reduction potential of Ca2+. Constant potential electrolysis was applied at the potentials near the reduction current peaks derived from the cyclic voltammetry curves, and cell voltages were monitored. The voltage was near 2.4V when the oxide was metallized at −0.35V (vs. Ag/AgCl). Nb2O5 pellet could be used to prepared metallic niobium at cell voltage 2.4V in a larger electrolysis bath filled with calcium chloride at 850°C. The experiment results further demonstrated the direct electrochemical reduction mechanism of Nb2O5 powder in a molten system.
In this paper we describe the preparation and the properties of a series of aprotic ionic liquid-based, proton-conducting membranes. The ionic liquids (ILs) 1,2-dimethyl-3-n-propylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide and the 3-methyl-1-n-propylpyridinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide are used as the casting solvents of PVdF gel-type membranes; the proton conductivity is achieved by the addition of a superacid component, namely, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (HTf) or N,N-bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (HTFSI). The polymer electrolytes showed good thermal and electrochemical properties in the temperature range of interest for PEMFC applications. The strong coordination between the ILs and the HTFSI, which have the same anion, improves the thermal stability of this kind of membrane, but lowers the chemical properties and the conductivity, due to an increase in viscosity. HTf-added samples have an ionic conductivity of 2 × 10−2 S cm−1 at 100 °C, showing the best overall properties and making these membranes of interest applications in fuel cells.
ABSTRACT Improving cell performance and durability through both new materials and membrane electrode processing optimization is needed for the commercialization of alkaline membrane fuel cell (AMFC) technologies. In this work, we adopted an in-situ cross-linking strategy of an anion-conducting block copolymer to prepare durable ionomers for use in alkaline membrane fuel cells (AMFCs). Our goal was to use new ionomers and binders with an aim at improving long-term stability of AMFCs, especially at high operation temperatures. At 80°C, AMFCs with in-situ cross-linked ionomers showed promising stability with an operating life time of more than 350hours at 100mA/cm2. We found that the optimized electrode fabrication process and operating conditions can significantly improve the durability performance of AMFCs. For example, a suitable electrode binder in addition to the ion-conducting ionomer can greatly enhance the durability performance of AMFCs. Operating fuel cells under a cathode over-humification condition can also enhance the long-term stability of AMFCs.
This study demonstrates the merits of evaluating a newly developed battery of executive function tasks, designed for use in early childhood, from the perspective of item response theory (IRT). The battery was included in the 48-month assessment of the Family Life Project, a prospective longitudinal study of 1292 children oversampled from low-income and African American families. IRT models were applied to a select set of tasks to demonstrate empirically (a) a principled method for item evaluation, including the utility of item characteristic curves; (b) how to explicitly test whether the measurement properties of executive function tasks are invariant across mutually exclusive subgroups of youths; (c) how the precision of measurement of a given task can vary according to underlying child ability; and (d) the utility of using IRT-based versus percentage correct scores. Results are discussed with respect to the importance of developing psychometrically sound and scalable instruments that facilitate the measurement of interindividual differences in intraindividual change of executive function across the early childhood period.
A large number of profiling floats are currently in use around the world oceans to monitor oceanographic conditions. Generally, floats are in motion by the buoyancy force, and missions of data collection, storage, and communication are carried out relying on Lithium-ion batteries. Chao et al. developed the TREC float which is operated on batteries rechargeable from the ocean thermocline. It uses a patented TREC (Thermal RECharging) engine which is a thermo-mechano-electric converter utilizing a Phase Change Material (PCM) system for energy harvesting. Data are desired from a target area, but the floats have lacked a way to stay on target, carried away from it by ocean currents. An alternative solution is proposed in the present study combining a profile float (the TREC) with small thrusters to allow for location correction. The main purpose of this study is to solve an optimal energy allocation problem through the numerical analysis of the nonlinear correlation between energy harvesting and consumption. A powered TREC is designed by sizing a feasible thruster to translate back to the target area. A parameter study on energy allocation is carried out with various types of translation motion (vertical, horizontal, and rotational for Options V, H, and R), and the geometry of the float (spherical and cylindrical end shapes for Options S, and C). Option R is the most promising candidate under the design requirements, though it must be noted that the location correction phase takes much longer due to the rotation time.
Metaphor comprehension was investigated in 50 right-hemisphere damaged (RHD) patients and 38 control subjects in two experimental conditions: a visuo-verbal and a verbal test. In the visuo-verbal test, subjects had to match a metaphorical sentence with one of four pictures representing the correct metaphorical meaning, the literal meaning, a control metaphor and a control literal meaning. In the verbal test, a metaphorical sentence had to be matched to a correct written metaphorical interpretation, a literal or a control interpretation. On both tests, the number of correct metaphorical responses in the RHD group was lower than in the control group. However, RHD patients performed more poorly in the visuo-verbal than in the verbal condition. Interestingly, when they selected the wrong response, the RHD patients tended to select the literal one only in the visuo-verbal condition. Context does not seem to be responsible for the dissociation between the two tests. The influence of the RHD patients' major visuo-spatial deficits was also checked, to exclude their role in the tendency to be literal with visuo-verbal material. Results are discussed in the perspective of an integration deficit.
Flexible supercapacitor is successfully fabricated using polyaniline nanowires/carbon cloth (PANI-NWs/CC) nanocomposite. High gravimetric capacitance of 1079Fg−1 at a specific energy of 100.9Whkg−1 and a specific power of 12.1kWkg−1 is obtained. Moreover, this approach also offers an exceptionally high area-normalized capacitance of 1.8Fcm−2. The diffusion length of protons within the PANI-NWs is estimated to be about 60nm by electrochemical impedance analysis, which indicates that the electrochemical performance of the electrode is not limited by the thickness of PANI-NWs. The electrochemical performance of PANI-NWS/CC remains without any deterioration, even when the cell is bent under high curvature. These results clearly present a cost-effective and simple method of fabrication of the nanostructured polymers with enormous potential in flexible energy storage device applications.
With the wearable electronics progressing rapidly, the demand for flexible, long-life and low-cost electrodes of Li-ion batteries (LIBs) becomes more and more urgent. Due to the abundant resources and low cost, silica (SiO2), especially the amorphous one, has attracted a lot of interests on the application of anode materials for LIBs. However, SiO2 still suffer from the poor cycling performance mainly caused by the huge volume change during cycling like other alloy-type materials. Furthermore, it remains a challenge to fabricate the SiO2–based flexible electrode. Herein, we propose a facile in situ strategy to fabricate the electrospun robust free-standing SiO2/carbon nanofibers (denoted as in-SCNFs) film constructed by N-doped carbon nanofibers encapsulating uniformly amorphous SiO2 nanoparticles. The in situ synthesized finer SiO2 nanoparticles in the in-SCNFs are uniformly encapsulated in flexible carbon nanofibers, which can effectively buffer the volume change. Furthermore, the robust in-SCNFs film possesses the excellent mechanical flexibility and strength. So, when served as the free-standing anode of LIBs, the in-SCNFs film exhibits superior cycling performance. A discharge specific capacity of 405mAh/g can be delivered even after a long-term 1000 cycles at a large current density of 500mA/g, and the retention is up to 115%. It is an exciting finding that the in-SCNFs film is also a long-life anode of Na-ion batteries (NIBs). The 99% of initial capacity can be kept after 250 cycles at 500mA/g. To our best knowledge, this is the first report on the application of SiO2/C composite for NIBs. These results suggest that the as-fabricated in-SCNFs film can become one promising free-standing long-life anode for LIBs and NIBs.
The surface of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 (LNMCO) particles has been studied for material synthesized at 900°C by a two-step process from a mixture of LiOH·H2O and metal oxalate [(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)C2O4] obtained by co-precipitation. Samples have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), Raman scattering (RS) spectroscopy, and magnetic measurements. We have investigated the effect of the heat treatment of particles at 600°C with organic substances such as sucrose and starch. HRTEM images and RS spectra indicate that the surface of particles has been modified. The annealing does not lead to any carbon coating but it leads to the crystallization of the thin disordered layer on the surface of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2. The beneficial effect has been tested on the electrochemical properties of the LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 cathode materials. The capacity at 10C-rate is enhanced by 20% for post-treated LNMCO particles at 600°C for half-an-hour.
We have redesigned the air cathode for metal–air batteries by adapting fiber-paper-supported carbon nanofoams as the base electrode architecture. Electrocatalytic functionality for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is added into the conductive, ultraporous nanofoam paper by electroless deposition at the carbon walls of conformal nanoscopic coatings of birnessite-like manganese oxide (10–20-nm thick MnO x ) via redox reaction with aqueous permanganate (MnO4 −). We report the ORR activity measured using an air-breathing electroanalytical cell for a series of native and MnO x -functionalized carbon nanofoams in which the size of the pore network is varied from tens to hundreds of nanometers, the thickness of the air cathode is varied, and the degree of hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of the electrode structure is altered. Technologically relevant ORR activity is obtained at 0.9V vs. Zn for MnOx-functionalized carbon nanofoams that are ≥180-μm thick, have pores on the order of 100–200nm, and are modified with hydrophobic poly(vinylidene difluoride).
Effective antiretroviral therapy reduces HIV-1 RNA levels, improves CD4 T-cell counts, and lowers the risk of opportunistic infections and malignancies. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) has been shown to increase CD4 T-cell numbers mainly by expanding CD4 cells and by prolonging their half-lives. HIV-infected patients previously enrolled into A328 had been randomized to antiretroviral therapy (ART) alone or ART followed by IL-2. In A5051, 53 patients from A328 who had previously received IL-2 were allowed to continue IL-2 for an additional 80 weeks; 27 patients who had received ART alone received IL-2 for 80 weeks.