batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
During an incident of toxic mussel poisoning, the epileptogenic excitotoxin domoic acid (DOM) was associated with lasting neurological deficits mainly in older patients (Perl et al., 1990), suggesting supersensitivity to excitotoxins is a feature of brain aging. Here, hippocampal slices from young (3 months) and aged (26–29 months) Sprague Dawley rats were assessed by CA1 field potential analysis before and after preconditioning with DOM. In naïve slices from young animals, DOM produced initial hyperexcitability followed by significant dose-dependent reductions in population spike amplitude during prolonged application. Following toxin washout, only small changes in neuronal activity were evident during a second application of DOM, suggesting that a resistance to the effects of DOM occurs in hippocampal slices which have undergone prior exposure to DOM. This inducible tolerance was not antagonized by the NMDA receptor blockers APV or MK-801, nor was it diminished by the group I, II or III mGluR blockers AIDA, CPPG and EGLU. Likewise, neither the AMPA/KA blocker CNQX nor the VSCC blocker nifedipine were effective in blocking tolerance induction in young slices. Field potential analysis revealed significant age-related reductions in CA1 EPSP strength, population spike amplitude and paired-pulse inhibition, but aged slices did not differ in sensitivity to DOM relative to young. However, aged CA1 failed to exhibit any tolerance to DOM following preconditioning, suggesting that a loss of inducible neuroprotective mechanisms may account for increased sensitivity to excitotoxins during aging.
The thermal energy storage and thermal-to-electric conversion components of a satellite power system were analyzed computationally. A phase- change material provided the energy storage while thermophotovoltaic cells converted the thermal energy to electrical. The phase-change mechanics were modeled and the associated system temperatures determined throughout the orbit. Using an equivalent circuit model for low-bandgap thermophotovoltaic diodes, those temperatures were then used to predict the maximum power output of the thermophotovoltaic cells. The system was modeled at five different altitudes. Two different thermophotovoltaic cells, gallium antimonide (GaSb) and gallium indium arsenide antimonide (GaInAsSb), were evaluated, and the system was analyzed when there were no voids in the phase-change material and when there were voids present. For all situations evaluated, the GaInAsSb cell produced significantly more power, but experienced greater variation in performance. The presence of voids in the phase-change material significantly lowered the power available during eclipse.
The European hare (Lepus europaeus) was introduced in the late 19th century in Argentina and has since rapidly expanded northwards, currently occupying the Brazilian south and southeast. Although European hare is known to be a farmland specialist in its native Europe, what habitat types or landscape features are facilitating its expansion in the Neotropics are not yet clear. Here we assessed support to the disturbance and biotic resistance hypotheses as general drivers of this invasion. We sampled with camera-traps and track surveys 205 sites in three landscapes in southeastern Brazil. We used occupancy models that corrected for both false positive and false negative errors. The disturbance hypothesis was the top-ranked (w = 0.66) with the amount of field, sugarcane, and managed forests all affecting strongly and positively hare occupancy. Support to the biotic resistance hypothesis was lower (ΔAICc = 2.14; w = 0.23) and partial, since only native forests showed a negative effect on hare occupancy. Our findings indicate that in the expansion front occupancy of this invader is mainly dictated by niche opportunities created by native habitat transformation into agricultural lands. The biotic resistance imposed by remaining native habitats seems to play a secondary role and only due to native forests. We conclude that hare geographical expansion should increase given the prominent role of Brazil as a commodity producer and exporter. Nevertheless, fomenting forested protected areas and improving adherence of rural owners to the Brazilian Forest Act, which protects forests in private rural properties, might help lessen this spread.
Car fluff is the waste produced after end-of-life-vehicles (ELVs) shredding and metal recovery. It is made of plastics, rubber, glass, textiles and residual metals and it accounts for almost one-third of a vehicle mass. Due to the approaching of Directive 2000/53/EC recycling targets, 85% recycling rate and 95% recovery rate in 2015, the implementation of automotive shredder residue (ASR) sorting and recycling technologies appears strategic. The present work deals with the characterization of the shredder residue coming from an industrial plant, representative of the Italian situation, as for annual fluxes and technologies involved. The aim of this study is to characterize ASR in order to study and develop a cost effective and environmentally sustainable recycling system. Results show that almost half of the residue is made of fines and the remaining part is mainly composed of polymers. Fine fraction is the most contaminated by mineral oils and heavy metals. This fraction produces also up to 40% ashes and its LHV is lower than the plastic-rich one. Foam rubber represents around half of the polymers share in car fluff. Moreover, some chemical–physical parameters exceed the limits of some parameters fixed by law to be considered refuse derived fuel (RDF). As a consequence, ASR needs to be pre-treated in order to follow the energy recovery route.
Rare-earths (REs) are key components for the transition to a greener energy profile and low carbon society. The elements turn out to be of limited availability in the market, due to the supply-demand issues, exponential price rises, or geopolitics, which has led to a focus on the exploration of secondary sources for RE reclamation. End-of-life (EoL) nickel-metal hydride batteries, permanent magnets, and fluorescent lamps (FL) have been the primary sources for recyclable REs, while the recovery of REs in EoL FL (Ce, Eu, La, Tb, or Y) includes comparatively fewer processing steps than the other potential sources. In the current work, we proposed a simple, energy-efficient protocol for EoL FL processing, using chelators in combination with ball milling. The parameters for optimum chelator-assisted recovery (chelator concentration, solid-to-liquid ratio, solution pH), and milling variables (ball size, ball weight, milling speed, milling duration), were evaluated at room temperature (RT, 25 ± 2 °C). The dissolution of REs with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid, methylglycinediacetic Acid, or 3-hydroxy-2,2′-iminodisuccinic acid, was compared at RT, while EDTA was used as the reference chelator throughout. Increasing the system temperature from 25 to 135 °C achieved at least double Eu and Y recovery, relative to that at RT, whereas the recovery rate improvement for Ce, La or Tb was insignificant. Mechano-chemical treatment at RT, via wet milling of EoL FL, with chelators, yielded a five order of magnitude increase in Ce, La and Tb recovery, however, plus a two-order increase for Eu or Y, compared with non-abetted operating conditions. It was also found that higher impact energy achieved improved recovery over a reduced milling duration with this technique having the added advantage of minimal acid consumption and reduced effluent production.
Objective The first objective of this study was to determine the prevalence rate of alexithymia (dysregulation and unawareness of emotion) in patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNESs) and epileptic seizures (ESs). The second objective was to identify the predictors of alexithymia in patients with PNESs. Methods We studied 66 consecutive patients with PNESs and 35 patients with ESs with the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20. The prevalence of alexithymia was determined in both groups. In order to identify the risk factors of alexithymia in PNES, the Trauma Symptom Inventory-II (TSI-II), the MMPI 2-RF, a clinical history, and demographic variables were studied. Results Our study revealed a prevalence of alexithymia in PNES and ES of 36.9% and 28.6%, respectively (not a significant difference). Upon examining the group with PNES, we found a significant correlation between alexithymia and Anxious Arousal (r=.497, p<.000), Intrusive Experiences (r=.541, p<.000), Dissociation (r=.421, p<.001), and Defensive Avoidance (r=.444, p<.000) from the TSI-II. Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-RF RCd (r=.512, p<.000), RC1 (r=.346, p<.017), RC2 (r=.355, p<.017), RC3 (r=.467, p<.001), and EID (r=.567, p<.000) also correlated significantly with alexithymia. However, stepwise regression analysis only retained Intrusive Experiences and Defensive Avoidance from the TSI-II and the cynicism RC3 scale from the MMPI 2-RF. Conclusion Symptoms of psychological trauma and cynicism in patients diagnosed with PNESs were associated with alexithymia. These findings are encouraging, as they assist in better understanding the condition and in treatment design for this subset of patients.
Present work focuses on hydrothermal preparation of FeOOH@MnO2 core shell as a vertically aligned 1-D nanostructure and improvement in electrochemical charge storage by utilizing MnO2 nanostructure as an active electrode material and vertically aligned FeOOH nanorods for one dimensional electron transfer paths. A FeOOH@MnO2 core shell thin film electrode gives maximum capacitance of 0.252 Fcm−2 for the applied current density of 1 mAcm−2 and maintains 99.5% capacitance retention for 2000 charge discharge cycles at 5 mAcm−2 that attributes to better capacitive charge storage in the material. Assembled solid state symmetric electrochemical capacitor of FeOOH@MnO2 electrode yields maximum of 0.05 mWhcm−2 energy density with power delivery of 1.5 mWcm−2.
The Keggin-type polyoxometalate Li3PMo12O40 was evaluated for energy storage applications in non-aqueous media. In acetonitrile, using a static H-cell, high coulombic efficiency (∼90%) and stable (>500h) charge and discharge results were obtained. Different separators taking advantage of charge and size-based differentiation were compared for this system. Celgard®2325, Nafion®117 and aramid nanofiber-based membranes (ANF) were examined. Both Li-exchanged Nafion®117 and ANF membranes enabled stable charge/discharge cycles with high coulombic efficiency for this non-aqueous polyoxometalate system. The ANF membrane, which separates based on size, permitted operation at higher current densities than the Nafion®117 ion-exchange membrane.
Tin with a theoretical capacity of 993 mAh g−1 is considered as a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). However, under the intercalated-Li+ state, large volume deformation in tin active materials may result in cracks and flakes that seriously affect the cycle stability of LIBs. In this paper, the indentation load-displacement behaviors of Li x Sn (0 ≤ x ≤ 4.4) alloys with various charge states are tested to determine their hardness, elastic modulus, yield strength and hardening exponent. In conjunction with finite element modeling and dimensional analysis, the stress–strain relationships of Li x Sn alloys are obtained by using a power-law hardening model. Furthermore, the evolution of stress–strain relationships is investigated as the change of charge states.
In an attempt to optimize a suspension electrode for redox flow batteries, this work demonstrates the effect of solid content and additive material on the electrical and rheological behavior of an anolyte made up of lithium titanium oxide (Li4Ti5O12 (LTO), as active material), carbon black (Ketjen black (KB), as a conductive material) suspended in organic medium (1 M lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide; LiTFSI in propylene carbonate). The rheo-electrical properties of the anolyte are very sensitive to the Li4Ti5O12 content. The 20 wt% LTO is the maximum loading the percolated KB network can sustain without significant loss of the electronic conductivity and flowability of the electrode. Interestingly, this critical concentration increases to 25 wt% by addition of trace amount of conductive carbon nanofibers (CNFs) which electronically wire the conductive pathways and even reduce viscosity of the suspension electrode. Under shear flow, the suspension electrodes show three-regime flow curves with intermediate shear-thickening regions in accordance with minima in the conductivity. These minima are sharper at higher KB content, but nearly disappear in suspension electrodes with CNFs additive implying its role in wiring the ruptured conductive pathways under flow.
In comparison to conventional supercapacitors that commonly fall short of energy densities, the intercalation pseudocapacitors have combined high charge-storage capacity and fast charge/discharge rates from their unique charge storage mechanism of fast kinetics without the limitation of diffusion. Nevertheless, only very limited crystalline materials have a structure that can fulfill the strict demands of fast ion transport pathways and insignificant structural variation upon ion insertion and extraction for the intercalation pseudocapacitance. Here we report that amorphous titanium dioxide, grown on highly conductive nanoporous graphene frameworks by atomic layer deposition, is capable of storing and delivering a large capacity at high rates by pseudocapacitive and bulk-form Li+ intercalation/de-intercalation reactions. Different from intercalation pseudocapacitive crystals, amorphous TiO2 experiences local structure changes during Li+ insertion and extraction which essentially only lead to insignificant constraints on the overall kinetics as a result of loose packing and structure disorder of amorphous materials. This study paves a new way to develop high-energy capacitive materials in a wide spectrum of amorphous materials and may promote the practical implementation of high-rate and large-capacity energy storage.
Lithium ion conducting membranes are important to protect the lithium metal electrode and act as a barrier to crossover species such as polysulphides in Li-S systems, redox mediators in Li-O2 cells or dissolved cathode species or electrolyte oxidation products in high voltage Li-ion batteries. We present an in-situ method for measuring permeability of membranes to crossover redox species. The method employs a ‘Swagelok’ cell design equipped with a glassy carbon working electrode, in which redox species are placed initially in the counter electrode compartment only. Permeability through the membrane, which separates working and counter electrodes, is determined using a square wave voltammetry technique that allows the concentration of crossover redox species to be evaluated over time with very high precision. We test the method using a model and well-behaved electrochemical system to demonstrate its sensitivity, reproducibility and reliability relative to alternative approaches. This new method offers advantages in terms of small electrolyte volume, and simple, fast, quantitative and in-situ measurement.
A novel polymer is designed to serve as the conductive binder for high-capacity silicon anodes in lithium ion batteries (LIBs), aiming to address fast capacity fade and poor cycle life of silicon anodes caused by large volume change during repeated cycles. Abundant carboxyl groups in the polymer chain can effectively enhance the binding force to Si nanoparticles (NPs) and the n-type polyfluorene backbones of the polymer significantly promote the electronic conductivity under the reducing environment for anodes, dual-features of which can maintain electronic integrity during lithiation/delithiation cycles. Notably, the polymer can react with the polar groups on the surface of Si NPs to form strong chemical bonds, thus truly maintaining the electrode mechanical integrity and good electronic conductivity after repeated charge/discharge process. The as-assembled batteries based on the polymer without any conductive additive exhibit a high reversible capacity (2806mAhg−1 at 420mAg−1) and good cycle stability (85.2% retention of the initial capacity) after 100 cycles.
Graphene is a 2D allotrope of carbon with exciting properties such as extremely high electronic conductivity and superior mechanical strength. It has considerable potential for applications in fields such as bio-sensors, electrochemical energy storage and electronics. In most cases, graphene has been functionalized and modified with other materials to prepare composites. This work reviews the electrochemical modification of graphene. Commencing with a brief history, a summary of several different means of modifying graphene to effect diverse applications is provided. This is followed by a discussion on different composite materials that have been prepared with reduced graphene oxide prior to moving onto a detailed consideration of six different methods of electrochemically modifying graphene to prepare composite materials. These methods involve cathodic reduction of graphene oxide, electrophoretic deposition, electro-deposition techniques, electrospinning, electrochemical doping and electrochemical polymerization. Finally a consideration on the applications of electrochemically modified graphene composite materials in various fields is presented prior to discussing some prospects in enhancing the electrochemical process to realize excellent and economic composite materials in bulk.
Rotating disk electrode (RDE) and rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) measurements have been undertaken to study the behaviour of pure aluminum electrodes in alkaline media. The measurements did consist of linear sweep voltammetry from anodic to cathodic potentials on 4N, 5N or 5N5-aluminum samples in 4M aqueous potassium hydroxide solution. In the potential range studied (−0.7V versus NHE to −2.5V versus NHE) the aluminum undergoes oxidation/dissolution into aluminates anions at high electrode potential while it yields strong hydrogen evolution at low potentials. Thanks to the RRDE technique, we show that hydrogen starts to evolve from the aluminum electrode even above the open circuit potential. Also, the oxidation state of superficial aluminum varies according to the electrode potential: whereas non-conducting aluminum oxides are present above the open-circuit potential hindering hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), they tend to disappear below the ocp, due to the strong hydrogen evolution, following the probable porous oxide layer blow up induced by the hydrogen bubbles formation. In consequence at very low potential, HER occurs on bare aluminum, HER kinetics being much faster than on oxide-covered aluminum.
The current COVID-19 pandemic highlights the challenges air ambulance services are facing when transporting highly infectious patients for several hours in enclosed spaces. This overview provides an example of a standard operating procedure (SOP) for infection prevention measures in HEMS missions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, we describe different methods used by several organizations in Europe and the experience of the Swiss air rescue organization Rega in transporting these patients.
Publisher Summary The use of physical force against a person or property is a crime of violence. Violent crimes include murders, robberies, rapes, and assaults that frighten people. Three behaviors generally are viewed as serious violent crimes—homicide, assault, and rape. Conventional forms of homicide are a by-product of social interaction; their incidence increases on weekends, holidays, and other times of more intense social activity. A homicide is viewed as a completed assault and an assault as an unfinished murder. Rape has undergone from a sex crime to a crime of violence, although it has a strong sexual component. This component involves the use of sexual dominance as an indication of power and superiority. Domestic violence causes serious harm to women and children. Sibling violence plays a role in socialization into the use of violence. Business, government, and professional violence form a very large part of the roster of serious harm-inflicting offenses. Injuries are often brought about by a failure to take proper precautions or by deceit in validating tests, as with new drugs. Organized crime is a term used to categorize groups of offenders, usually of similar ethnic identification, who use force to get their way. Organized criminals engage in activities such as extortion, drug trafficking, money laundering, and protection rackets in which for a certain payoff they will “protect” a merchant from their own willingness to wreck his or her store and from predation by other mobsters.
Conducting homo- and copolymers of o-phenylenediamine (OPD) and o-toluidine (OT) were studied with in situ Raman spectroelectrochemical measurements using red laser illumination (647.1nm) within a broad electrochemical potential window ranging from E SCE =−0.2 to 0.6V. Experimental results show that the spectroelectrochemical characteristics of the polymers synthesized from mixed OT and OPD solution, particularly at lower OPD feed concentration, are considerably different from those of the corresponding homopolymers, suggesting formation of a copolymer during the electrolysis of mixed solutions of OPD and OT. Specific Raman features of the homo-/copolymers have been identified. The effects of polymerization conditions with respect to OPD feed concentration on the Raman intensity of various bands of the polymers are discussed. The influence of applied electrode potential on the Raman intensity of various bands is demonstrated.
Elemental sulfur has become a particularly attractive material for lithium metal batteries owing to its low cost, availability, non-toxicity and high specific capacity of sulfur active material. Problematics of the Li/S cell arise from its particular mechanism, based on dissolution/precipitation phenomena of active materials along cycling. The phase transitions endured by active material are responsible for dramatic changes in the morphology of the positive electrode upon cycling, and results in severe capacity fading. In this work, vertically-aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNT) were investigated as a positive electrode 3D current collector for Li/S cells, combined with a semi-liquid VACNT/Polysulfides (catholyte)/Li battery configuration. The influence of the catholyte composition and the sulfur concentration, and the impact of electrolyte solvents and additives in the catholyte were investigated, yielding significant improvements in terms of practical surface capacity of the cells.
China has implemented numerous policies to develop electric vehicles (EVs). This paper focuses on evaluating the performance of these policies by systematically collecting and sorting them. These policies can be divided into three categories: finance policy, infrastructure promotion, and research and development (R&D) investment. In addition, the defects of EV policy mechanism are defined by being compared with the policy mechanisms in other countries. The results show that EV policy mechanism should be improved in China. For example, the subsidy and taxation policies are limited, and the goal formulation for EV infrastructure and the input for R&D investment are also unreasonable. Moreover, China need to establish uniform standards for the EV charging infrastructure and a charging pricing mechanism for EVs. Finally, we propose valuable suggestions to improve the performance of EV policies according to the empirical analysis.