batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
Neuropathic pain is accompanied by both positive and negative sensory signs. To explore the spectrum of sensory abnormalities, 1236 patients with a clinical diagnosis of neuropathic pain were assessed by quantitative sensory testing (QST) following the protocol of DFNS (German Research Network on Neuropathic Pain), using both thermal and mechanical nociceptive as well as non-nociceptive stimuli. Data distributions showed a systematic shift to hyperalgesia for nociceptive, and to hypoesthesia for non-nociceptive parameters. Across all parameters, 92% of the patients presented at least one abnormality. Thermosensory or mechanical hypoesthesia (up to 41%) was more frequent than hypoalgesia (up to 18% for mechanical stimuli). Mechanical hyperalgesias occurred more often (blunt pressure: 36%, pinprick: 29%) than thermal hyperalgesias (cold: 19%, heat: 24%), dynamic mechanical allodynia (20%), paradoxical heat sensations (18%) or enhanced wind-up (13%). Hyperesthesia was less than 5%. Every single sensory abnormality occurred in each neurological syndrome, but with different frequencies: thermal and mechanical hyperalgesias were most frequent in complex regional pain syndrome and peripheral nerve injury, allodynia in postherpetic neuralgia. In postherpetic neuralgia and in central pain, subgroups showed either mechanical hyperalgesia or mechanical hypoalgesia. The most frequent combinations of gain and loss were mixed thermal/mechanical loss without hyperalgesia (central pain and polyneuropathy), mixed loss with mechanical hyperalgesia in peripheral neuropathies, mechanical hyperalgesia without any loss in trigeminal neuralgia. Thus, somatosensory profiles with different combinations of loss and gain are shared across the major neuropathic pain syndromes. The characterization of underlying mechanisms will be needed to make a mechanism-based classification feasible.
We describe a patient who presented with temporal lobe epilepsy and a seizure onset pattern in the right temporo-occipital area. Structural MRI revealed sclerosis in the right hippocampus. A comprehensive presurgical neuropsychological assessment allowed us to disentangle deficits in visual object recognition and visual imagery from well-preserved spatial capacities. Following a right temporal lobectomy, the patient remained seizure free, and 1year postsurgery, the patient's scores on object recognition and imagery were in the normal range. Our findings suggest that visual object recognition and visual imagery are sustained by cortical areas located in proximity to the temporo-occipital ventral pathway and that perceptual and imagery spatial processing is subserved as well by anatomically close mechanisms. Furthermore, the results seem to indicate that nonlesional paroxysmal activity in the posterior temporal lobe can cause chronic dysfunctions of the visual system and that it may be reversible with effective seizure control.
A novel method involving vacuum filtration deposition (VFD) of graphene suspension is developed in this study to fabricate graphene based nickel foam electrode for supercapacitor. Acid-treated graphene nanosheets in a suspension can be easily deposited in the pores of nickel foam in large quantity using this method, thus producing supercapacitors with large energy capacity. Structural and morphological characterizations of as prepared electrodes have been carried out using scan electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. Electrochemical performance of as prepared electrode has also been investigated through cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic charge/discharge analyzer, in comparison with electrodes prepared via existing technique. Our results demonstrated that the new electrode, while achieving much greater energy capacity due to large active substance incorporated, still maintains a relatively high power density and a good cycle performance in 6M KOH electrolyte. Our results also demonstrated that a supercapacitor made of the existing electrophoretic deposition based electrodes will lose its entire capacitance after certain time period (20 days in our study); whereas the VFD based one retains virtually all its performance after the same period. The present study shows the potential application of this method for fabrication of supercapacitor with much improved energy capacity.
ZrO2 microparticles and self-doped polyaniline nanofibres (nanoSPAN, copolymer of aniline and m-aminobenzenesulfonic acid) were utilized to fabricate synergistic membranes for the DNA hybridization sensing. The nanoSPAN was coated on the surface of glassy carbon electrode to form a negatively charged nanostructure monolayer. Then ZrO2 microparticles with strong affinity toward the oxygen-containing groups were electrochemically deposited on nanoSPAN by using cyclic voltammetry, which acted as a bridge to link the –SO3H group of the conducting polymer nanostructures and the phosphate group of the DNA. The architecture of the as-prepared ZrO2/nanoSPAN, the immobilization and hybridization of DNA were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetric technology, respectively. The charge transfer resistance observed for the Fe ( CN ) 6 3 - / 4 - redox marker was related to the adhered ssDNA and the hybridized dsDNA, which can be used as the highly sensitive label-free impedance sensing for the sequence-specific DNA detection. The transgenic fragment of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPCase) gene in transgenic rape was successfully detected by using this DNA electrochemical biosensor. The linear range was from 1.0×10−12 M to 1.0×10−6 M with a detection limit of 3.4×10−13 M. This is the first application of nanoSPAN combined with ZrO2 microparticles to fabricate a DNA electrochemical biosensor with a synergistic performance for the sensitive and rapid detection of DNA hybridization.
Formalin injection into rodent hind paws is one of the most commonly employed pain assays. The resulting nocifensive behaviors can be divided into two phases differing in timing, duration and underlying mechanisms. Spinal sensitization has long been felt to participate in the second phase of this response, although this sensitization is incompletely understood. By using correlative analysis between spinal gene expression and mouse strain-dependent intensity of late phase behavior, we hypothesized genes participating in variability of the response could be identified.
Off-loading is essential for diabetic foot management, but remains understudied. The evaluation of Off-loading using a new removable oRTHOsis in DIABetic foot (ORTHODIAB) trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of a new removable device “Orthèse Diabète” in the healing of diabetic foot.
Owing to high capacity, low cost, and environmental benignity, transition-metal sulfides have attracted increasing attention as potential anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, their practical application is impeded by poor cycling stability and rate capability due to large volume change and sluggish kinetics. Here, a yolk-shell structured zinc-cobalt binary metal sulfide @ N-doped carbon composite (Zn-Co-S@N-C) with enhanced lithium storage is reported. In this composite, unique porous yolk-shell structure provides short Li+/e− diffusion distance and offers sufficient void space to accommodate volume variation during the Li+ insertion/extraction process. The presence of N-doped carbon matrix not only enhances electron transfer kinetics, but also improves structural stability. Moreover, bimetallic sulfides enhance electrochemical reactivity for superior lithium storage and mitigate the formation of by-products. The resulting Zn-Co-S@N-C anode exhibits significantly enhanced cycling stability (667.7 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles at 1000 mA g−1) and rate capability (332.2 mAh g−1 at 5000 mA g−1).
Organic sultones and a perfluorinated sultone are grafted on the surface of montmorillonite (MMT) to render the organic sulfonic acid (HSO3–) functionality. Organic–inorganic composite proton-conducting membranes are cast together with Nafion® using these functionalized MMTs as inorganic fillers. Grafting with the perfluorinated sultone is more efficient on the surface of MMT than with non-fluorine organic sultones. Montmorillonite functionalized with the perfluorinated organic sulfonic acid also shows higher ion exchange capacity and ion conductivity, which are desired attributes to serve as an effective filler for a proton-conducting composite membrane. The composite membrane reduces the relative permeability of methanol in 3M solution by about 40%, while maintaining comparable ionic conductivity relative to pristine Nafion membrane. This leads to much enhanced performance of a direct methanol fuel cell employing the Nafion®/sulfonated MMT composite membrane. The current density of a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) fabricated with a composite membrane containing MMT functionalized with perfluorinated organic sulfonic acid is about 24% higher than that of a MEA fabricated with a composite membrane containing MMT functionalized with non-fluorine organic sulfonic acids, and about 40% higher than that with pristine Nafion®.
To enhance the energy densities, pseudocapacitive materials are usually added to electric double layer carbonaceous materials. However in the process of energy densities enhancement, power densities are usually lowered which creates a dilemma situation for researchers. Thus to obtain high energy and power densities, a new pseudocapacitive mechanism, to the best of our knowledge, is introduced in this paper. High supercapacitive performance can be obtained by the redox mechanism of thiocarboxylic acid ester to sulphone with the aid of external current. The specific capacitance of the material is enhanced to as high as 1089Fg−1 at 1Ag−1, and even at high current density of 50Ag−1, it is able to discharge a respectable 833Fg−1. The material is able to exhibit high energy density of 43Whkg−1 at high power density of 38kWkg−1 which validates the possibility of a harmonious coexistence between high energy density and high power density.
There is mounting concern over the sustainability of global energy supplies. Among the key drivers are: (i) global warming, ocean surface acidification and air pollution, which imply the need to control and reduce anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases, especially emissions from transportation and thermal power stations; (ii) the diminishing reserves of oil and natural gas; (iii) the need for energy security adapted to each country, such as decreasing the dependence on fossil fuel imports (in particular, the vulnerability to volatile oil prices) from regions where there is political or economic instability; (iv) the expected growth in world population with the ever-increasing aspiration for an improved standard-of-living for all, especially in developing and poor nations. Hydrogen is being promoted world-wide as a total panacea for energy problems. As a versatile carrier for storing and transporting energy from any one of a myriad of sources to an electricity generator, it is argued that hydrogen will eventually replace, or at least greatly reduce, the reliance on fossil fuels. Not unexpectedly, the building of a ‘hydrogen economy’ presents great scientific and technological challenges in production, delivery, storage, conversion, and end-use. In addition, there are many policy, regulatory, economic, financial, investment, environmental and safety questions to be addressed. Notwithstanding these obstacles, it is indeed plausible that hydrogen will become increasingly deployed and will compete with traditional systems of energy storage and supply. Moreover, the case for hydrogen will be greatly strengthened if fuel cells, which are the key enabling technology, become more reliable, more durable, and less expensive. This paper examines the prospects for hydrogen as a universal energy-provider and considers the impact that its introduction might have on the present deployment of lead–acid batteries in mobile, stationary and road transportation applications.
We report on a new composite material in view of its application as a negative electrode in lithium-ion batteries. A commercial preceramic polysilazane mixed with graphite in 1:1 weight ratio was transformed into a SiCN/graphite composite material through a pyrolytic polymer-to-ceramic conversion at three different temperatures, namely 950°C, 1100°C and 1300°C. By means of Raman spectroscopy we found successive ordering of carbon clusters into nano-crystalline graphitic regions with increasing pyrolysis temperature. The reversible capacity of about 350mAhg−1 was measured with constant current charging/discharging for the composite prepared at 1300°C. For comparison pure graphite and pure polysilazane-derived SiCN ceramic were examined as reference materials. During fast charging and discharging the composite material demonstrates enhanced capacity and stability. Charging and discharging in half an hour lead to about 200 and 10mAhg−1, for the composite annealed at 1300°C and pure graphite, respectively. A clear dependence between the final material capacity and pyrolysis temperature is found and discussed with respect to possible application in batteries, i.e. practical discharging potential limit. The best results in terms of capacity recovered under 1V and high rate capability were also obtained for samples synthesized at 1300°C.
Given the current influx of intermittent renewable energy sources due to the German Energiewende, additional flexibility is needed to guarantee a reliable power supply by varying electricity generation. Battery energy storage systems are playing an important role for the grid stabilization in Germany. This paper analyses the hybrid concept of combining batteries with power-to-heat technology in the environment of primary control reserve. A comparative economic assessment of hybrid and stand-alone battery systems is discussed by making use of a simulation model in MATLAB®. The economic feasibility of a sustainable business model was investigated in accordance with the German regulatory framework. By comparing to a stand-alone battery system providing primary control reserve, simulation results revealed that the combination with a power-to-heat system is another option for providing a reliable frequency regulation. Despite the additional cost of power-to-heat units, grid fees, taxes and expected shorter lifetime of the battery cells, the hybrid solution leads to an improved profitability scenario for investors when compared with a stand-alone battery in a PCR market.
In this work, we deposited a nanometric layer of platinum (40 nm thick) on a standard propylene/polypropylene Celgard separator 3501 by plasma sputtering, and studied the effect of this thin layer when in contact with a lithium metal anode in a Li-S battery. The platinum-coated Celgard slowed down the shuttle effect at low current density (C/10) compared to standard Celgard and led to an increase in capacity retention at higher current density (C/2). In addition, the polarization was reduced with a platinum separator in a Li-Li symmetric cell after 500 h.
There has been growing interest in the performance of vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) depending on the electrolyte temperature and flow rate. In this work, we have devised a single-cell test system with four reservoirs which can effectively control the temperature and flow rate of VRFB to investigate electrochemical properties during discharging in VRFB. The temperature has been set between 278K and 318K for the electrolytes composed of 1600mol/m3 V3+/V4+ with 4000mol/m3 H2SO4, while the flow rate of the electrolytes is in the range of 10–100mL/min. The exchange current density extracted by Tafel theory is expressed by Arrhenius-like equation and ranges between 38.83 and 49.07A/m2. Meanwhile, the electron transfer coefficient increases from 0.31 to 0.51 with increased temperature and flow rate. The area-specific resistance is found to decrease with increased temperature at the rate of 20.3mΩcm2/K. With these, the proposed analytical method successfully predicts the obtained experimental data with excellent accuracy. Our study offers the fundamental understandings of electrochemical properties of VRFB as well as can be applied to evaluate the VRFB energy storage system at the early conceptual design even without prototypes.
LiFePO4 was synthesized in the presence of high-surface area carbon-black. The carbon was added to the precursors before the formation of the crystalline phase. SEM micrographs confirmed that the addition of the fine carbon powder reduces the LiFePO4 grain size. The carbon is uniformly dispersed between the grains, ensuring a good electronic contact. Electrochemical tests showed that the material obtained by adding 10 wt.% of carbon gives enhanced performance in terms of improved practical capacity and charge/discharge rate. The specific capacity was seen to increase on increasing temperatures. The full capacity (170 mA h g−1) was delivered when discharging the cell at 80°C and C/10 rate. The cyclability of the material was tested at room temperature and C/2 rate. The cell was cycled for over 230 cycles with an average specific capacity of about 95 mA h g−1.
Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) perform traditional architectural functions of walls and roofs while also generating electricity. The displacement of utility generated electricity and conventional building materials can conserve fossil fuels and have environmental benefits. A life cycle inventory model is presented that characterizes the energy and environmental performance of BIPV systems relative to the conventional grid and displaced building materials. The model is applied to an amorphous silicon PV roofing shingle in different regions across the US. The electricity production efficiency (electricity output/total primary energy input excluding insolation) for a reference BIPV system (2kWp PV shingle system with a 6% conversion efficiency and 20 year life) ranged from 3.6 in Portland OR to 5.9 in Phoenix, AZ indicating a significant return on energy investment. The reference system had the greatest air pollution prevention benefits in cities with conventional electricity generation mixes dominated by coal and natural gas, not necessarily in cities where the insolation and displaced conventional electricity were greatest.
In this paper polyurethane-based phase change materials (PCMs) modified with graphene for thermal energy storage were obtained in situ using a one-step bulk polymerization method. Polyurethanes (PUs) have been synthesized with 1,4-butanediol as a chain extender or without a chain extender. FTIR-ATR, DSC, TGA, SEM, OM and ultrasonic techniques were used for characterization of the obtained composites containing up to 4wt.% of graphene. FTIR-ATR analysis confirmed PU structure and proved that there was no chemical reaction between polyurethane and graphene. The highest heat of phase transition and crystallinity were found for PU system synthesized without the chain extender and modified with 1.0wt.% of graphene. Microscopic observation results indicated spherulite structures typical for poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) which was used to form soft segments, with regions of lamellar crystal bundles radiating from the center of a spherulite. Thermal cycling tests were done by 50 and 100 heating/cooling cyclings in air and nitrogen atmosphere for verification of the thermal reliability and chemical stability – it has been found the heat of phase transition was generally not diminished. Importantly, the thermal conductivity of the PCMs was improved after modification with graphene. Generally, PUPEG without chain extender exhibited higher heat of phase transition, higher thermal stability and better thermal reliability.
The electronic and magnetic structures of the ternary nitrides Li2UN2 and LiUN2 are examined from ab initio with an assessment of the properties of chemical bonding. Both nitrides are characterized by metallic behavior with a large U 5f density of states leading to finite magnetic moments on the uranium sites, whereas the lithium-free UN2 has insulating character with ~1 eV band gap. The chemical bonding is found mainly between U and N, whereas Li–N shows a small bonding magnitude. The removal of one Li equivalent out of Li2UN2 requires little energy compared to the process of de-intercalating Li from LiUN2 or the departure of a second Li atom from Li2UN2.
Herein we provide an effective strategy for drastically improving the cyclic behavior and rate capability of an LiMn2O4 (LMO) electrode at elevated temperature through P element doping. The P-doped LiMn2O4 materials are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry analysis. The results show that the P element is effectively and uniformly doped within the LiMn2O4 crystal lattice and is beneficial for growth of the truncated octahedral crystal structure. The electrochemical results reveal that P doping can greatly improve the cycling performance of LiMn2O4 electrodes, especially improving the rate capability at elevated temperatures. At a high 10C rate of current density and 55 °C, the optimized LMO (1.5 wt% P) electrode shows the highest initial specific capacity of 101.2 mAh g−1, which become 74.4 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles, corresponding to 73.5% capacity retention. Under similar conditions, the LMO (2.5 wt% P) electrode shows an initial discharge capacity of 78.5 mA g−1, which become 72.2 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles, corresponding to 92.3% capacity retention.
The insular cortex is a complex structure which contains areas that subserve visceral sensory, motor, vestibular, and somatosensory functions. The role of the insular cortex in auditory processing was poorly understood until recently. However, recent case studies indicate that bilateral damage to the insulae may result in total auditory agnosia. Functional imaging studies demonstrate that the insulae participate in several key auditory processes, such as allocating auditory attention and tuning in to novel auditory stimuli, temporal processing, phonological processing and visual–auditory integration. These studies do not clarify the issue of further specialisation within the insular cortex, e.g. whether the posterior insulae are primarily sensory areas, while the anterior insulae serve mainly as integration/association auditory areas, two hypotheses that would be compatible with the cytoarchitectonic structure and connectivity of the insulae. The functional characterisation of the insulae remains incomplete, underlining the need for further studies.