batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
Oxidative stress mediates the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. Gartanin, a natural xanthone of mangosteen, possesses multipharmacological activities. Herein, the neuroprotection capacity of gartanin against glutamate-induced damage in HT22 cells and its possible mechanism(s) were investigated for the first time. Glutamate resulted in cell death in a dose-dependent manner and supplementation of 1–10 µM gartanin prevented the detrimental effects of glutamate on cell survival. Additional investigations on the underlying mechanisms suggested that gartanin could effectively reduce glutamate-induced intracellular ROS generation and mitochondrial depolarization. We further found that gartanin induced HO-1 expression independent of nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2). Subsequent studies revealed that the inhibitory effects of gartanin on glutamate-induced apoptosis were partially blocked by small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of HO-1. Finally, the protein expression of phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its downstream signal molecules, Sirtuin activator (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), increased after gartanin treatment. Taken together, these findings suggest gartanin is a potential neuroprotective agent against glutamate-induced oxidative injury partially through increasing Nrf-2-independed HO-1 and AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathways.
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has been widely utilized as an experimental method for understanding the internal mechanisms and aging effect of lithium ion battery. However, the impedance interpretation still has a lot of difficulties. In this study, a multi-physics based EIS simulation approach is developed to study the cycling effect on the battery impedance responses. The SEI film growth during cycling is coherently coupled with the complicated charge, mass and energy transport processes. The EIS simulation is carried out by applying a perturbation voltage on the electrode surface, and the numerical results on cycled cells are compared with the corresponding experimental data. The effect of electrical double layer, electrode open circuit potential as well as the diffusivity of binary electrolyte are simulated on battery impedance responses. The influence of different SEI growth rate, thermal conditions and charging-discharging rate during cycling are also studied. This developed method can be potentially utilized for interpretation and analysis of experimental EIS results.
A new fabricating process for high-performance sulfur cathode is proposed. The fabricating process relies on two-step coating technique: firstly, high sulfur content slurry is coated on the current collector. After drying, the electrode is coated with another slurry composed of Super P and binder. The sulfur electrode with relatively high sulfur content/loading of 60 wt%/2 mg cm−2 discharges capacity of ∼695 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C after 100 cycling. This method is easy for industrialization and well controlled over the areal sulfur loading and mass, therefore it is efficient for fabricating high-performance Li-S batteries with high-energy density.
Summary While several studies have documented the physiological and anthropometric characteristics of senior rugby league players, investigations of the physical qualities of junior rugby league players are limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the physical qualities of junior rugby league players competing at the elite and sub-elite level, and determine if pre-season fitness measures were significantly different for the players selected to play in the first game of the season (i.e. starters) compared to the players not selected (i.e. non-starters). Thirty-six junior sub-elite and 28 junior elite rugby league players participated in this study. All sub-elite players were registered with the same junior recreational rugby league club, while elite players were members of a National Rugby League club junior development program. Subjects underwent measurements of anthropometry (height, body mass, and sum of seven skinfolds), speed (10m, 20m, and 40m sprint), change of direction speed (505 test), estimated lower body power (vertical jump), and estimated maximal aerobic power (multi-stage fitness test) at the beginning of the competitive season. Elite players had better developed speed, change of direction speed, vertical jump, and maximal aerobic power than sub-elite players. Elite starters were taller and heavier than non-starters, while sub-elite starters were taller and had greater change of direction speed than non-starters. A high estimated maximal aerobic power was a common discriminator between starters and non-starters for both elite and sub-elite competitors. These findings demonstrate that some physical qualities can discriminate starters and non-starters in elite and sub-elite junior rugby league teams.
Molten carbonate direct carbon fuel cells (MC-DCFCs) are among the most promising devices for high-efficiency energy conversion and clean power generation from coal. Many studies have focused on the anode performance, while little attention was paid to the cathode. In the present study, we comprehensively investigate the cathode polarization performance, revealing the reactions taken place and the impact of several important operation parameters on reaction rate. The results show that the reduction of inputted gases is the primary reaction at moderate cathodic polarization of a gold electrode, which could benefit from incorporation of an optimal O2/CO2 molar ratio of 1/2, increase of the gas flux or reaction temperature to a certain extent. Interestingly, with a sufficient overpotential applied, an unexpected carbon deposition phenomenon on the cathode is observed. To give an insight into this reaction, several material characterization techniques and electrochemical tests are conducted to analyze the composition and formation conditions of the deposit, respectively. It shows that the carbon deposition is resulted from the reduction of carbonate ions in the electrolyte, which occurs when the cathode potential reaches a critical value of −1.5 V, corresponding to a current density of −32 mA cm−2. To avoid the contamination of the cathode surface by the carbon deposition when operating an MC-DCFC, a feasible strategy is using a sufficiently large cathode to keep the cathodic current density as well as overpotential below the critical value.
This special issue is dedicated to the research presented and discussed at the 8th International Conference on Sustainable Energy & Environmental Protection held from the 11th to the 14th August 2015 in Paisley, Scotland. The contents of this special issue are within the aims and scope of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. The aim of the International conferences on Sustainable Energy & Environmental Protection is to gather experts, practitioners and early career researchers together in a relaxed environment to present their research findings. The articles published in this special issue summarise a snapshot of the diverse range of topics from bioenergy and biogas, energy storage and district heating and energy in buildings to carbon emissions, carbon flux in soil and social aspects of carbon discussed at the conference within the framework of sustainable development. A total of eighteen extended manuscripts were invited by for consideration for publication following the conference and after a robust review process by experts in the field a total of ten articles were accepted.
Electrolyte choice is an important decision on the quest for higher-energy batteries. Besides general guidelines on the required properties of an electrolyte suitable for use in lithium–sulfur batteries, the influence of more specific physicochemical properties on its characteristics is not well understood. For this purpose, binary mixtures based on the [DEME][TFSI] and dioxolane electrolyte system for lithium–sulfur batteries was investigated in this work. Selected physicochemical properties were determined for different mixtures of solvents and lithium salt concentrations. All the electrolytes prepared were also tested in the lithium–sulfur battery system. The capacity, Coulombic efficiency, overpotentials and impedance spectra were analyzed and a connection between them and the determined electrolyte properties elucidated. We show that the electrolyte's conductivity does not have a direct connection to any of the battery system properties measured. The highest specific capacities were obtained with batteries compromising 1.0M LiTFSI and the highest ratio of dioxolane in the binary solvent mixture. On the other hand, the best Coulombic efficiencies were obtained with batteries having high ratios of ionic liquid. Resistance and overpotential are connected parameters and are a function of the ionic liquid content. None of the monitored parameters prevail, since the best electrochemical performance in terms of specific capacity and stability was obtained with the 1.0M LiTFSI in X[DEME][TFSI]=0.199 electrolyte.
Fused-in-Sarcoma (FUS) gene encodes an RNA/DNA binding protein whose mutations are linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). This study shows that FUS functions in the neuronal DNA damage response by its recruitment to the site of DNA double-stranded breaks and by its interaction with histone deacetylase 1. The study also shows ALS/FTLD-associated mutant FUS is defective in DNA repair mechanism and that ALS/FTLD patients with FUS mutations have greater DNA damage.
Goal The aim of this study is to assess to what extent psychomotor assessment can aid the clinician in differentiating between schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Methods Enrolled subjects were recent in remission patients (n=304), who all met DSM-IV (APA, 2013) criteria for either schizophrenia (Sz; n=117), schizoaffective disorder (SaD; n=36), psychotic disorder not otherwise specified (P-NOS) (n=86), substance/medication-induced psychotic disorder (SIPD; n=33) or major depressive disorder with psychotic features (MDD-p; n=32). The patients were submitted to a psychomotor test battery. Results Patients with schizophrenia generally perform worse on most tests. Using cluster analysis a combination of three tests, namely the sensory integration subscale of the Neurological Evaluation Scale (NES), a Figure Copying Task (FCT) and the finger tapping test (FTT), came out to be useful to clinically differentiate between schizophrenia and substance-induced psychotic disorder (SIPD) or psychosis not otherwise specified (P-NOS). When comparing schizophrenia only to a group of patients with SIPD, the differentiation potential becomes even greater with a 76.1% chance to correctly diagnose patients with schizophrenia and 75% chance for patients with SIPD. Conclusion A combination of NES, FCT and FTT shows promising results as a clinical tool in daily practice to differentiate schizophrenia from other psychotic disorders. Future prospective studies to confirm these results are necessary.
Novel goethite (α-FeOOH) corner-truncated tetragonal prisms (CTPs) with a length of about 1 μm and a width of about 200 nm have been synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The morphology, structure and electrochemical properties of CTPs are systematically studied. The obtained α-FeOOH CTPs exhibit high-quality single-crystalline nature. In addition, the single α-FeOOH corner-truncated tetragonal prism (CTP) is enclosed by six side facets, two {020} and four {110}. Depending on the reaction time, two different types of top-endings, one flat or two canted facets, are obtained. The formation of α-FeOOH is associated with the growth and subsequent phase transformation of β-FeOOH. The CTP contributes to structural stability and avoids the common pulverization process of electrodes. In addition, tiny crystallites are generated during the cycle, which increase the contact area between the electrode and electrolyte. Therefore, the α-FeOOH CTPs electrode displays excellent cycling performance with a reversible specific capacity of 870 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 100 cycles.
Developing bifunctional catalysts that increase both the OER and ORR kinetics and transport reactants with high efficiency is desirable. Herein, micro‑meso-macroporous FeCo-N-C-X (denoted as “M-FeCo-N-C-X”, X represents Fe/Co molar ratio in bimetallic zeolite imidazole frameworks FeCo-ZIFs) catalysts derived from hierarchical M-FeCo-ZIFs-X was prepared. The micropores in M-FeCo-N-C-X have strong capability in O2 capture as well as dictate the nucleation and early-stage deposition of Li2O2, the mesopores provided a channel for the electrolyte wetting, and the macroporous structure promoted more available active sites when used as cathode for Li-O2 batteries. More importantly, M-FeCo-N-C-0.2 based cathode showed a high initial capacity (18,750 mAh g−1@0.1 A g−1), good rate capability (7900 mAh g−1@0.5 A g−1), and cycle stability up to 192 cycles. Interestingly, the FeCo-N-C-0.2 without macropores suffered relatively poorer stability with only 75 cycles, although its discharge capacity was still as high as 17,200 mAh g−1(@0.1 A g−1). The excellent performance attributed to the synergistic contribution of homogeneous Fe, Co nanoparticles and N co-doping carbon frameworks with special micro‑meso-macroporous structure. The results showed that hierarchical FeCo-N-C architectures are promising cathode catalysts for Li-O2 batteries.
The LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2/Silicon-carbon (NCM811/Si@C) lithium ion battery is used in the plug-in electric vehicle due to its high specific energy. The mileage of electric vehicles can be improved by increasing the energy density of batteries, but the charging process becomes a more challenge issue since the excessive charging current results in high temperature while the thermal stability of NCM811 material is poor. Also, the increasing of temperature may cause the thermal runaway of lithium ion battery. In this work, in order to study the thermal runaway prevention during charging process, the NCM811/Si@C battery model is set up, and the simulation results are verified by the experimental results. The detailed temperature distribution of the battery is observed, which can advise on the thermal management system of the batteries. Based on the thermal runaway data, the maximum safe charge current under different ambient temperature is predicted, and the relationship between maximum safe charging current and ambient temperature is found.
High-voltage rechargeable lithium-metal batteries (LMBs) require electrolytes that are compatible with both the Li metal anode (LMA) and the metal-oxide cathode. Herein, by imitating the fluorosulfonyl imide group from a well-known LMA-compatible salt, lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl) imide (LiFSI), we come up with an organic solvent dimethylsulfamoyl fluoride (FSO2NC2H6), a fluorosulfonamide (FSA) with two methyl substituents, to develop a new “full fluorosulfonyl” (FFS) electrolyte. Remarkably, it enables a highly reversible LMA with an excellent initial coulombic efficiency (CE) ∼91%, and rapidly approaching 99% within only 10 cycles, with average CE outperforming the well-known LMA-compatible fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC)-based electrolyte. Furthermore, benefitting from its high anodic stability against the oxidative LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 (NMC622) and LiMn2O4 (LMO) surfaces, the Li‖NMC622 cell retains 89% of its original capacity after 200 cycles using a limited Li excess anode. This electrolyte design strategy opens a new avenue for exploring new medium-concentration organic electrolytes for 4 V class lithium-metal batteries (LMBs).
A spherical nanostructured Si/graphite/carbon composite is synthesized by pelletizing a mixture of nano-Si/graphite/petroleum pitch powders, followed by heat treatment at 1000°C under an argon atmosphere. The structure of the composite sphere is examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). The resultant composite sphere consists of nanosized silicon and flaked graphite embedded in a carbon matrix pyrolyzed from petroleum pitch, in which the flaked graphite sheets are concentrically distributed in a parallel orientation. The composite material exhibits good electrochemical properties, a high reversible specific capacity of ∼700mAhg−1, a high coulombic efficiency of 86% on the first cycle, and a stable capacity retention. The enhanced electrochemical performance is attributed to the structural stability of the composite sphere during the charging–discharging process.
There is great interest in one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures that allow lateral relaxation and can be used to reduce pulverization of a silicon-based anode material. However, the growth of high density arrays of silicon nanowires (SiNWs) on metal current collectors using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processing is challenging due to competing metal silicide formation during the Si nanowire growth process. An issue with the metal silicide formation is that Si is consumed and this reduces the overall specific capacity as well as the rate capability of a silicon nanowire-based anode material. Here, we demonstrate high density, electrically contacted Si nanowire growth on stainless steel substrates (metal current collectors) with minimal unwanted substrate-silicide formation for high Li ion battery performance. These high-purity silicon nanowire-based anodes show average high specific capacities of 3670mAhg−1 at 0.2C and 3448mAhg−1 at 0.5C over 40 cycles. Moreover, the high-purity silicon nanowires are demonstrated to reach extremely high capacities at high cycle rates (1912mAhg−1 and 997mAhg−1 at 10C and 20C, respectively).
Two spherical carbons of 500 and 3000m2/g, respectively, activated with NaOH (M500) and KOH (M3000), were examined in relation to their carbon structure and electrochemical behavior to explain their contrast capacitances as EDLC electrode. M500 and M3000 showed capacitances per weight (F/g) and volume (F/ml) of 35 and 35 (M500), 40 and 25 (M3000), respectively. The charge profile of M500 by galvanostat charge indicated that the charge took place rapidly below 1.5V and then very gradually increased up to the final voltage of 2.7V in the first charge. Such electrochemical behavior suggests electric field activation of this particular activated carbon at the charge. The charge profile of M3000 was conventional. The structure of M500 suffered a certain marked expansion at the charge, however the 002 diffractions profile shifted very slightly to a lower angle at the change. Such charge appears reversible while the structure of expansion was more or less irreversible. No expansion was observed with M3000 at the charge to the same voltage. Such a structure allows high efficiency of EDLC due to small pores and electric field activation to induce small pores among the graphitic units. In contrast, M3000 with its larger surface areas of relatively large pores in the graphitic structure showed a larger capacitance per weight. However many useless pores cause lower the capacitance per volume. In addition, large pores lose the efficiency for the formation of an electric double layer per unit surface area of the pore, while the non-graphitic wall of M3000 fails to introduce small pores with a higher capacitance.
SnO2/graphene nanocomposites were prepared from graphite oxide (GTO). Sn2+ precursors were impregnated between graphene layers of GTO and subsequently subjected to thermal treatment to produce nanocomposites consisting of SnO2 and reduced GTO (SnO2/rGTO). When thermally reduced, the pre-aligned nature of graphene layers in GTO produced densely packed and thick graphene stacks, in contrast to graphene layers in the SnO2 nanocomposites (SnO2/rGO) made from thermal reduction of mechanically exfoliated graphene oxide (GO). The surface area and void volume of the SnO2/rGTO nanocomposites (280m2 g−1 and 0.27cm3 g−1, respectively) were significantly decreased, by comparison with those of the SnO2/rGO nanocomposites (390m2 g−1 and 0.39cm3 g−1, respectively), which resulted in an enhanced dimensional-stability of SnO2 during the lithium alloying/dealloying processes. As a result, SnO2/rGTO proved to be superior to SnO2/rGO as an anode material in lithium ion batteries from the view-point of both reversible charge–discharge (C–D) capacity and cyclability. The simplification of the nanocomposite preparation process (the removal of mechanical exfoliation) is an additional benefit of using GTO as a template.
As a cathode material for commercial lithium rechargeable battery, Al-doped and Al2O3-coated LiCoO2 were structurally characterized and compared by using solid-state 7Li and 27Al magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR. The structural states of lithium and aluminum in those samples were successfully identified by calculation of NMR spectra. 7Li MAS NMR spectra of samples had shown similar features having more than three lithium sites, which were determined as quadrupole coupling constant with the same asymmetric parameter (η = 0.1); C Q = 1.10MHz for octahedral site, and C Q = 2.97MHz and C Q = 3.83MHz for shoulders. 27Al MAS NMR spectra of samples, however, showed significant difference in two observed aluminum sites. In the simulation of NMR spectrum for Al2O3-coated LiCoO2, the values of C Q and η were obtained; 4.45MHz and η = 0.86 for tetrahedral site and 4.31MHz and η = 0.81 for octahedral.
This paper presents the pico-hydro development status in Lao PDR and introduces the Pump as Turbine (PAT) concept as an alternative for isolated communities (40–500 people). The intention is to provide a long-term reproducible system for communities where pico-hydro propeller turbines are insufficient and proper turbines are expensive. This approach presents a high quality and cost-effective solution for rural electrification which can be installed, commissioned, and maintained by local staff and villagers. Furthermore, a 2kWel PAT-scheme is proposed for a community in the Xiagnabouli province and considers power generation alternatives, sizing, asynchronous motor simulation, civil works, cost estimation, and social aspects.
To decrease the self-discharge rate of the nickel metal hydride batteries, the self-discharge characteristic and mechanism of single-phase PuNi3-, Gd2Co7-, and Pr5Co19-type Nd–Mg–Ni-based alloys are studied from the perspective of structure in this work. It is found that the self-discharge rate of the alloy electrodes gradually increases with a rising [NdNi5]/[NdMgNi4] subunit ratio. The factors resulting in reversible and irreversible self-discharge are analyzed by electrochemical pressure-composition isotherms, Tafel and SEM measurements. Electrochemical P-C isotherms show that with the increasing [NdNi5]/[NdMgNi4] subunit ratio, the hydrogen desorption plateau pressure sharply elevates, leading to less stability of the corresponding hydride and more reversible self-discharge of the alloys; whereas, corrosion current density of the three alloy electrodes gradually decreases and SEM shows that the amount of hydroxide accumulating on the alloy surface diminishes, indicating the oxidation/corrosion degree alleviates and less irreversible self-discharge with the higher [NdNi5]/[NdMgNi4] ratio. By calculating the proportion of reversible and irreversible self-discharge in total capacity loss, we find that the reversible self-discharge is nearly more than 90% for the three single-phase alloys, while irreversible self-discharge is less than 10%, which illustrates that reversible self-discharge is the dominate factor in self-discharge of Nd–Mg–Ni-based alloys in this study.