batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
While the collection of genotoxicity data and insights into potential mechanisms of action for nano-sized particulate materials (NPs) are steadily increasing, there is great uncertainty whether current standard assays are suitable to appropriately characterize potential risks. We investigated the effects of NPs in an in vivo Comet/micronucleus (MN) combination assay and in an in vitro MN assay performed with human blood. We also incorporated additional endpoints into the in vivo study in an effort to delineate primary from secondary mechanisms. Amorphous silica NPs (15 and 55nm) were chosen for their known reactivity, while gold nano/microparticles (2, 20, and 200nm) were selected for their wide size range and lower reactivity. DNA damage in liver, lung and blood cells and micronuclei in circulating reticulocytes were measured after 3 consecutive intravenous injections to male Wistar rats at 48, 24 and 4h before sacrifice. Gold nano/microparticles were negative for MN induction in vitro and in vivo, and for the induction of DNA damage in all tissues. Silica particles, however, caused a small but reproducible increase in DNA damage and micronucleated reticulocytes when tested at their maximum tolerated dose (MTD). No genotoxic effects were observed at lower doses, and the in vitro MN assay was also negative. We hypothesize that silica NPs initiate secondary genotoxic effects through release of inflammatory cell-derived oxidants, similar to that described for crystalline silica (quartz). Such a mechanism is supported by the occurrence of increased neutrophilic infiltration, necrosis, and apoptotic cells in the liver, and induction of inflammatory markers TNF-α and IL-6 in plasma at the MTDs. These results were fairly consistent between silica NPs and the quartz control, thereby strengthening the argument that silica NPs may act in a similar, thresholded manner. The observed profile is supportive of a secondary genotoxicity mechanism that is driven by inflammation.
This paper proposes a genetic algorithm-based method for sizing the energy storage system (ESS) in microgrids. The main goal of the proposed method is to find the energy and power capacities of the storage system that minimizes the operating cost of the microgrid. The energy management strategy (EMS) used in this paper is based on a fuzzy expert system which is responsible for setting the power output of the ESS. The design of the EMS is carried out by means of a genetic algorithm that is used to set the fuzzy rules and membership functions of the expert system. Given that the size of the storage system has a major influence on the energy management strategy, in this paper the EMS and ESS capacities are jointly optimized. In addition, the proposed method uses an aging model to predict the lifetime of the ESS. In this way it is possible to determine the cost associated with energy storage in a more precise manner. The unit commitment problem, which is crucial for the proper operation of the microgrid, has been also considered in the present work. The suggested sizing methodology has been validated in two case studies.
Increases in nitrogen (N) availability can favor fast-growing invasive species over slow-growing native species. One way to reduce N availability is to add labile carbon (C) to the soil, which can lead to microbial immobilization of plant available N. This method has been used, with widely varying degrees of success, to both study and control plant invasions. One reason that C addition might not work as expected is that N is not always the limiting resource for plant growth. For example, if plant growth is limited by water, changes in N availability might have little effect on invasion. Here I ask whether effects of C addition on N availability, resident plant biomass, and invasion depend on water availability in semi-arid mixedgrass prairie. Six invasive species were seeded into plots treated with a factorial combination of water (ambient or added) and N (+C, control or +N). Carbon addition reduced capture of mineral N by resin probes (by an average of 73%), and reduced biomass of resident species (from 336 g m−2 to 203 g m−2), both with and without added water. In contrast, because there was little invasion in ambient-water plots, C addition reduced invasion only in added-water plots. Given added water, C addition reduced biomass of Centaurea diffusa by 95%, and prevented invasion by Gypsophila paniculata and Linaria dalmatica. Mechanisms by which C addition reduced invasion varied by species, with added C reducing the growth of individual C. diffusa plants, but reducing numbers of G. paniculata and L. dalmatica individuals.
Three types of composite supercapacitor electrodes were prepared; electroactive polyaniline (PANI), PANI/multi-walled carbon nanotube (CNT), and PANI/CNT/RuO2. Specifically, the PANI and PANI/CNT were prepared by polymerization, and PANI/CNT/RuO2 was prepared by electrochemical deposition of RuO2 on the PANI/CNT matrix. Cyclic voltammetry between −0.2 and 0.8 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) at various scan rates was performed to investigate the supercapacitive properties in an electrolyte solution of 1.0 M H2SO4. The PANI/CNT/RuO2 electrode showed the highest specific capacitance at all scan rates (e.g., 441 and 392 F g−1 at 100 and 1,000 mV s−1, respectively). In contrast, the PANI/CNT electrode demonstrated the best capacitance retention (66%) after 104 cycles. Additional analysis including morphology and complex impedance spectroscopy suggested that with small loading of RuO2, an increase in capacitance was observed, but dissolution and/or detachment of RuO2 species from the electrode might occur during cycling to reduce the cycle performance.
Commercial 18650-type lithium ion cells employing an Al2O3 coating on the anode surface as a safety feature are investigated regarding cycling behavior at low temperatures and related safety. Due to irreversible lithium metal deposition, the cells show a pronounced capacity fading, especially in the first cycles, leading to a shortened lifetime. The amount of reversibly strippable lithium metal decreases with every cycle. Post-mortem analysis of electrochemically aged anodes reveals a thick layer of lithium metal deposited beneath the coating. The Al2O3 coating on the electrode surface is mostly intact. The lithium metal deposition and dissolution mechanisms were determined combining electrochemical and post-mortem methods. Moreover, the cell response to mechanical and thermal abuse was determined in an open and adiabatic system, revealing a similar behavior of fresh and aged cells, thus, demonstrating no deterioration in the safety behavior despite the presence of a thick lithium metal layer on the anode surface.
The complex hierarchical CuO nanostructures (woolen clumps, stacked nanosheets and nanobuds) have been developed through a chemical bath deposition method using surfactant assisted approach. The morphology of CuO nanostructures can be easily tuned using different surfactants as a soft chemical template. Nanobuds clusters deliver a superior 3D conductive framework, which allows well electrolytic accessible surface area and provides a shortest path for ions. The porous and well defined nanostructure renders a high contact surface area for the intercalation/deintercalation of ions into/out of active materials and reduces the path length for electrolyte ion transport. The maximum specific capacitance of 396Fg−1 at 5mVs−1 is calculated for CuO nanobuds structured electrode. Moreover, all the CuO nanostructures reveal better power performance, excellent rate as well as long term cycling stability. Such a study will encourage for the preparation of 3D nanostructures framework of the other materials using surfactant assisted approach.
Widespread adoption of thermal storage systems is limited by their complex transient response, which is dependent on material properties, module geometry and thermal load. Now, an approach to evaluate energy and power density adapted from electrochemical storage reveals design trade-offs in thermal storage modules.
A novel approach has been developed to prepare silicon@carbon/graphene sheets (Si@C/G) composite with a unique structure, in which carbon coated Si nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed in a matrix of graphene sheets, to enhance the cycleability and electronic conductivity of Si-based anodes for Li-ion batteries. In this study, Si nanoparticles and expanded graphite (EG) are treated by combining high-energy wet ball-milling in sucrose solution with subsequent pyrolysis treatment to produce this Si@C/G composite. To achieve better overall electrochemical performance, the carbon content of the composites is also studied systematically. The as-designed Si30@C40/G30 (Si:C:G = 30:40:30, by weight) composite exhibits a high Li-storage capacity of 1259 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.2 A g−1 in the first cycle. Further, a stable cycleability with 99.1/88.2% capacity retention from initial reversible charge capacity can be achieved over 100/300 cycles, showing great promise for batteries applications. This good electrochemical performance can be attributed to the uniform coating and binding effect of pyrolytic carbon as well as the network of graphene sheets, which increase the electronic conductivity and Li+ diffusion in the composite, and effectively accommodated the volume change of Si nanoparticles during the Li+ alloying and dealloying processes.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) appears to play a crucial role in the reward response to drugs such as heroin. The primary objective of the present study was to examine epigenetic changes and serum levels of BDNF in patients undergoing different opiate-based maintenance treatments. We compared patients receiving treatment with either levomethadone (n = 55) or diamorphine (n = 28) with a healthy control group (n = 51). When comparing all subjects (patients and controls), BDNF serum levels showed a negative correlation with the BDNF IV promoter methylation rate (r = −0.177, p = 0.048). Furthermore, BDNF serum levels negatively correlated with Beck’s Depression Inventory measurements (r = −0.177, p < 0.001). Patients receiving diamorphine maintenance treatment showed slightly decreased BDNF serum levels compared to healthy controls, whereas patients on levomethadone maintenance treatment with or without heroine co-use showed a pronounced decrease (analysis of covariance: control vs. levomethadone with and without heroine co-use: p < 0.0001, diamorphine vs. levomethadone with heroine co-use: p = 0.043, diamorphine vs. levomethadone without heroine co-use: p < 0.0001). According to these findings, methylation of the BDNF IV promoter showed the highest level in patients receiving levomethadone without heroine co-use (linear mixed model: control vs. levomethadone group without heroine co-use: p = 0.008, with heroin co-use: p = 0.050, diamorphine vs. levomethadone group with heroine co-use: p = 0.077 and without heroine co-use: p = 0.015.). For the first time, we show an epigenetic mechanism that may provide an explanation for mood destabilization in levomethadone maintenance treatment.
An organic ionic plastic crystal (OIPC) 2-hydroxyethyltrimethylammonium iodide (choline iodide) as an important component in solid electrolyte is synthesized and applied in dye-sensitized solar cells. It allows relatively rapid diffusion of the redox couple through the plastic crystal phase that is critical to the cell performance. The novel material, utilizing strong quaternary ammonium cation 2-hydroxyethyltrimethylammonium (HETA+) as a cation donor, is treated as matrix in electrolyte. At optimal condictions, the cell gives a short-circuit photocurrent density (J sc), open-circuit voltage (V oc) and fill factor (FF) of 6mAcm−2, 0.69V and 63%, respectively. The corresponding overall conversion efficiency (η) is 2.5%. The results suggest that the OIPC is a promising solid electrolyte material for dye-sensitized solar cells applications.
This paper presents an optimization approach for optimal component sizing of PEM fuel cell (PEMFC)-battery hybrid energy system (HES) to provide the driving force required to haul passenger trains. The objective function is the minimization of the cost of HES, which subjects to the constraints of battery state-of-charge limit, PEMFC capacity constraint, and the instantaneous power balance constraint. A model of PEMFC-battery HES suitable for locomotive application is formulated. Two energy management strategies (EMS) are proposed to ensure the balance between instantaneous power demand and supply. The EMS is suitably incorporated into the particle swarm optimization based solution algorithm. Three practical drive cycles are used in the simulation study. The simulation study reveals that the sizes of PEMFC and battery depend on the choice of EMS, average speed of train, and slope of the railway track. The fuel consumption and dynamic behaviour also depend on the choice of EMS.
Among the fuel cell technologies, the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are particularly promising because they are energy-efficient, clean, and fuel-flexible (i.e., can use hydrogen or methanol). The great majority of PEM fuel cells rely on a polymer electrolyte from the family of perfluorosulfonic acid membranes, nevertheless alternative materials are currently being developed, mainly to offer the alternative workout techniques which are required for the portable energy sources. Plasma polymerization represents a good solution, as it offers the possibility to deposit thin layer with an accurate and homogeneous thickness, even on 3D surfaces. In this paper, we present the results for the growth of proton conductive fluoro carboxylic membranes elaborated by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition. These membranes present conductivity values of the same order than the one of Nafion®. The properties of the membrane, such as the chemical composition, the ionic conductivity, the swelling behaviour and the permeability were correlated to the plasma process parameters. The membranes were integrated in fuel cells on porous substrates and we present here the results regarding the barrier effect and the power output. Barrier effect similar to those of 40μm Nafion® layers was reached for 10μm thick carboxylic membranes. Power outputs around 3mWcm−2 were measured. We discuss the results regarding the gas barrier effect and the power outputs.
Amorphous-Si@SiO x /C composites with amorphous Si particles as core and coated with a double layer of SiO x and carbon are prepared by ball-milling crystal micron-sized silicon powders and carbonization of the citric acid intruded in the ball-milled Si. Different ratios of Si to citric acid are used in order to optimize the electrochemical performance. It is found that SiO x exists naturally at the surfaces of raw Si particles and its content increases to ca. 24 wt.% after ball-milling. With an optimized Si to citric acid weight ratio of 1/2.5, corresponding to 8.4 wt.% C in the composite, a thin carbon layer is coated on the surfaces of a-Si@SiO x particles, moreover, floc-like carbon also forms and connects the carbon coated a-Si@SiO x particles. The composite provides a capacity of 1450 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g1, and a capacity of 1230 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at 500 mA g1 as anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Effects of ball-milling and the addition of citric acid on the microstructure and electrochemical properties of the composites are revealed and the mechanism of the improvement in electrochemical properties is discussed.
This study aimed to explore the relationship between action execution and mental rotation modalities. To this end, pantomime gesture (i.e. the mime of the use of an object) was used as its execution relies on imagery processes. Specifically, we tried to clarify the role of visuo-spatial or motor and body-related mental imagery processes in pantomime gestures performed away (AB, e.g. drawing on a sheet) and towards the body (TB, e.g. brushing the teeth). We included an “actual use” condition in which participants were asked to use a toothbrush and make 3, 6, or 9 circular movements close to their mouth (as if they were brushing their teeth) or to use a pencil and make 3, 6, or 9 circular movements on a desk (as if they were drawing circles). Afterwards, participants were asked to pantomime the actual use of the same objects (“pantomime” condition). Finally, they were asked to mentally rotate three different stimuli: hands, faces, and abstract lines. Results showed that participants were faster in AB than TB pantomimes. Moreover, the more accurate and faster the mental rotation of body-related stimuli was, the more similar the temporal duration between both kinds of pantomimes and the actual use of the objects appeared. Instead, the temporal similarity between AB pantomimes and pencil actual use, as well as, the duration of AB pantomime and actual use, were associated with the ability to mentally rotate abstract lines. This was not true for TB movements. These results suggest that the execution of AB and TB pantomimes may involve different mental imagery modalities. Specifically, AB pantomimes would not only require to mentally manipulate images of body-parts in movement but also represent the spatial relations of the object with the external world.
Wearable and flexible electronics warrant the development of self-powered devices to circumvent the limitations imposed by traditional energy storage devices. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) that convert waste mechanical energy from human motion into electric power offer a solution. Highly electronegative and conducting TENG materials that support the generation of both large potential differences and high currents are imperative for effectively harvesting electric power from human muscle movements. Here, we demonstrate that two-dimensional MXenes (e.g., titanium carbide Ti3C2Tx, where Tx stands for surface functional groups such as -O, -OH, and -F) are a family of electrically conducting materials that are triboelectrically more negative than polytetrafluorethylene, or Teflon. Specifically, flexible MXene TENGs support both high open circuit voltages ranging from ~500 to ~650V and an instantaneous peak power ~ 0.5–0.65mW that could power > 60 light-emitting diodes or quickly charge a 1μF capacitor up to 50V. Lastly, we demonstrate that flexible MXene TENGs are capable of harvesting electrical power from simple muscle movements (e.g., texting) even when the device is flexed by ~ 30° suggesting facile integration with wearable electronics.
Rational design & modulation of ion/electron transfer paths are critical for achieving high-performance anode materials for lithium ion batteries. In this work, we first time realize smart assembly of oxygen vacancy modulated titanium niobium oxide (Ti2Nb10O29-x, TNOx) onto highly conductive bacterial cellulose carbon (BCC) forming BCC/TNOx electrode through a facile solvothermal-annealing method. BCC consists of interlinked (N, S & P) co-doped carbon fibres uniformly decorated with TNOx nanoparticles. Impressively, the introduction of oxygen vacancy can effectively enhance the internal ion/electron transfer in TNOx and enhancement effect is elaborated by synchrotron radiation technology (XANES and XAFS) and DFT calculation. Meanwhile, with the aid of conductive BCC skeleton, the external ion/electron transfer path on TNOx is also greatly improved leading to better reaction kinetics. The synergistic dual internal plus external modulation on transfer path show positive advantages including smaller band gap with better electrical conductivity, and larger lattice parameters with faster ion/electron transfer. Accordingly, the BCC/TNOx electrode is endowed with outstanding lithium ion storage performance with high-rate capability (281 mA h g−1 at 5 C, and 160.5 mA h g−1 at 40 C). Our finding provides valuable insights into design of other advanced electrodes via dual transfer path modulation strategy.
Biomass-derived chars present energy density values close to those of fossil fuels and therefore they are good candidates in electricity or heat production plants with only minor drawbacks compared to fossil fuels. Even if co-firing seems the most attractive solution for near-term applications, processes based on combustion and gasification (which are competing in dependence of the need of heat or electricity) are receiving renewed attention. Thanks to their high carbon content, and their high specific surface area and developed porous structure, biomass-derived chars can be treated and converted into activated carbons and applied in many different field (as energy storage materials for gaseous fuels, mainly hydrogen and methane, or as electrodes). They can constitute the raw materials for preparing synthetic graphite, which can be used in some types of batteries and fuel cells, and in carbon electrodes for electrochemical capacitors. The performances in terms of capacitance, electrical conductivity, potential, charge and discharge rates, power density, etc. have been reported to be very close to those of commercial devices. The recent progress in the activation protocols brought to higher fuel gas storage capacities, especially in cryogenic conditions and under high pressure, and opened the possibility to apply these materials in new application fields. In catalysis, advances in the use of biomass-derived chars and active carbons have been made thanks to the improvement of the modification techniques. The optimization of the engineering methodologies allows to lower the cost of the activation processes of biomass-derived chars and to tune the char properties to adapt them to the final application. The present paper aims to give a comprehensive survey of already-well-established or future potential energy applications of biomass-derived chars. A critical comparison of their use in different processes is reported and their modification by various catalytic, physical and chemical routes is detailed.
Condoms are an important contraceptive method in Turkey, used by one in three couples using modern methods. However, withdrawal remains the most common form of contraception, resulting in many unwanted pregnancies. To address this issue and increase condom use in Turkey, DKT International, a social marketing enterprise, leveraged the high use of the Internet and social networking to help build Fiesta, a premium condom brand, and promote sales and condom use. By utilising a wide range of digital platforms – a new website, Facebook page, Google Adwords, an e-newsletter, viral marketing, banner ads and involving bloggers – Fiesta achieved strong recognition among the target audience of sexually active young people, though far more men than women. Retail audits, Internet analysis and sales performance suggest that using the Internet was instrumental in establishing Fiesta. Sales reached 4.3 million condoms (of which 8% were sold online) in the first 18 months. In contrast, Kiss, a far more inexpensive DKT condom, launched at the same time but with no digital campaign, sold 2.6 million. With the growing availability and use of the Internet and social media globally, family planning organizations should consider incorporating these technologies into their educational, outreach and marketing programmes.