bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shared regulatory programs suggest retention of blastula-stage potential in neural crest cells
Authors: Buitrago-Delgado Elsy , Nordin Kara , Rao Anjali , Geary Lauren , LaBonne Carole
Published: May 2015

From blastula to neural crest, do not pass go

During vertebrate development, neural crest cells give rise to an unusual diversity of cells, including pigment cells, neurons, and cartilage. Traditionally, neural crest cells have been considered a derivative of neural ectoderm. Buitrago-Delgado
et al.
now show that neural crest cells have components of the molecular programs characteristic of blastula cells from earlier in development (see the Perspective by Hoppler and Wheeler). Blastula cells have the broad range of developmental potentials necessary to build the embryo. Neural crest cells may thus reflect persistence of the developmental programs characteristic of early development rather than re-specification of developmental programs after differentiation into neurectoderm.

Science
, this issue p.
1332
; see also p.
1316
Genome Sequencing of 18 Francisella Strains To Aid in Assay Development and Testing
Authors: Johnson Shannon L. , Daligault Hajnalka E. , Davenport Karen W. , Coyne Susan R. , Frey Kenneth G. , Koroleva Galina I. , Broomall Stacey M. , Bishop-Lilly Kimberly A. , Bruce David C. , Chertkov Olga , Freitas Tracey , Jaissle James , Ladner Jason T. , Rosenzweig C. Nicole , Gibbons Henry S. , Palacios Gustavo F. , Redden Cassie L. , Xu Yan , Minogue Timothy D. , Chain Patrick S.
Published: May 2015

Francisella tularensis
is a highly infectious bacterium with the potential to cause high fatality rates if infections are untreated. To aid in the development of rapid and accurate detection assays, we have sequenced and annotated the genomes of 18
F. tularensis
and
Francisella philomiragia
strains.
Thirty-Two Complete Genome Assemblies of Nine
Yersinia
Species, Including Y. pestis, Y. pseudotuberculosis, and Y. enterocolitica
Authors: Johnson Shannon L. , Daligault Hajnalka E. , Davenport Karen W. , Jaissle James , Frey Kenneth G. , Ladner Jason T. , Broomall Stacey M. , Bishop-Lilly Kimberly A. , Bruce David C. , Coyne Susan R. , Gibbons Henry S. , Lo Chien-Chi , Munk A. Christine , Rosenzweig C. Nicole , Koroleva Galina I. , Palacios Gustavo F. , Redden Cassie L. , Xu Yan , Minogue Timothy D. , Chain Patrick S.
Published: May 2015

The genus
Yersinia
includes three human pathogens, of which
Yersinia pestis
is responsible for >2,000 illnesses each year. To aid in the development of detection assays and aid further phylogenetic elucidation, we sequenced and assembled the complete genomes of 32 strains (across 9
Yersinia
species).
Complete Genome Sequence of
Rhodococcus
sp. B7740, a Carotenoid-Producing Bacterium Isolated from the Arctic Sea
Authors: Zhang Di , Li Li , Zhu Sidong , Zhang Ning , Yang Jifang , Ma Xiangdong , Chen Jigang
Published: May 2015

Rhodococcus
sp. B7740 was isolated from Arctic seawater and selected for its capacity to synthesize carotenoids. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Rhodococcus
sp. B7740 to provide the genetic basis for a better understanding of its carotenoid-accumulating capabilities, and we describe the major features of the genome.
Draft Genome Sequence of Isolate Staphylococcus aureus LHSKBClinical, Isolated from an Infected Hip
Authors: Stipetic Laurence H. , Hamilton Graham , Dalby Matthew J. , Davies Robert L. , Meek R. M. Dominic , Ramage Gordon , Smith David G. E. , Burgess Karl E. V.
Published: May 2015

We report here the genome sequence of a clinical isolate of
Staphylococcus aureus
from an orthopedic infection. Phenotypically diverse
Staphylococcus aureus
strains are associated with orthopedic infections and subsequent implant failure, and some are highly resistant to antibiotics. This genome sequence will support further analyses of strains causing orthopedic infections.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Clinical Beijing-Like Strain Mycobacterium tuberculosis 323 Using the PacBio Real-Time Sequencing Platform
Authors: Rodríguez Juan Germán , Pino Camilo , Tauch Andreas , Murcia Martha Isabel
Published: May 2015

We report here the whole-genome sequence of the multidrug-resistant Beijing-like strain
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
323, isolated from a 15-year-old female patient who died shortly after the initiation of second-line drug treatment. This strain is representative of the Beijing-like isolates from Colombia, where this lineage is becoming a public health concern.
Health effects of adopting low greenhouse gas emission diets in the UK
Authors: Milner James , Green Rosemary , Dangour Alan D , Haines Andy , Chalabi Zaid , Spadaro Joseph , Markandya Anil , Wilkinson Paul
Published: May 2015

Objective

Dietary changes which improve health are also likely to be beneficial for the environment by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). However, previous analyses have not accounted for the potential acceptability of low GHG diets to the general public. This study attempted to quantify the health effects associated with adopting low GHG emission diets in the UK.

Design

Epidemiological modelling study.

Setting

UK.

Participants

UK population.

Intervention

Adoption of diets optimised to achieve the WHO nutritional recommendations and reduce GHG emissions while remaining as close as possible to existing dietary patterns.

Main outcome

Changes in years of life lost due to coronary heart disease, stroke, several cancers and type II diabetes, quantified using life tables.

Results

If the average UK dietary intake were optimised to comply with the WHO recommendations, we estimate an incidental reduction of 17% in GHG emissions. Such a dietary pattern would be broadly similar to the current UK average. Our model suggests that it would save almost 7 million years of life lost prematurely in the UK over the next 30 years and increase average life expectancy by over 8 months. Diets that result in additional GHG emission reductions could achieve further net health benefits. For emission reductions greater than 40%, improvements in some health outcomes may decrease and acceptability will diminish.

Conclusions

There are large potential benefits to health from adopting diets with lower associated GHG emissions in the UK. Most of these benefits can be achieved without drastic changes to existing dietary patterns. However, to reduce emissions by more than 40%, major dietary changes that limit both acceptability and the benefits to health are required.
Changes affecting the equine sector
Authors: Mayes Ben
Published: May 2015

In the second in a series of articles in Veterinary Record discussing the state of different sectors of the veterinary profession in the UK, Ben Mayes gives his perspective on developments affecting the equine veterinary sector and the challenges it may face in the future.
Support for graduates taking their first steps in practice
Authors: Hill Jenna
Published: May 2015

Jenna Hill qualified from the University of Bristol in 2013, having graduated from an intercalated degree in 2011. In her first job in practice, she has followed CVS's two‐year new graduate programme; here, she explains what it involves and how it has helped her
New report of additional enterobacterial species causing wilt in West Bengal, India
Authors: Sarkar Shamayeeta , Chaudhuri Sujata
Published: May 2015

Ralstonia solanacearum is known to be the most prominent causal agent of bacterial wilt worldwide. It has a wide host range comprising solanaceous and nonsolanaceous plants. Typical symptoms of the disease are leaf wilt, browning of vascular tissues, and collapsing of the plant. With the objective of studying the diversity of pathogens causing bacterial wilt in West Bengal, we collected samples of diseased symptomatic crops and adjacent symptomatic and asymptomatic weeds from widespread locations in West Bengal. By means of a routine molecular identification test specific to “R. solanacearum species complex”, the majority of these strains (68 out of 71) were found to not be R. solanacearum. Presumptive identification of these isolates with conventional biochemicals, extensive testing of pathogenicity of a subset involving greenhouse trials fulfilling Koch’s postulate test, and scanning electron microscopic analysis for the presence of pathogen in diseased plants were done. 16S rDNA sequencing of a subset of these strains (GenBank accession Nos. JX880249–JX880251) and analysis of sequences with the nBLAST programme showed a high similarity (97%–99%) to sequences of the Enterobacteriaceae group available in GenBank. Molecular phylogeny further established the taxonomic position of the strains. The 3 bacterial strain cultures have been submitted to MTCC, Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh, India, and were identified as Klebsiella oxytoca, Enterobacter cowanii, and Klebsiella oxytoca, respectively. Although Enterobacter sp. has previously been reported to cause wilt in many plants, susceptibility of most of the dedicated hosts of R. solanacearum to wilt caused by Enterobacter and other bacteria from Enterobacteriaceae is being reported for the first time in this work.
EEMC
Authors: Xiong Haoyi , Zhang Daqing , Wang Leye , Gibson J. Paul , Zhu Jie
Published: May 2015

Mobile Crowdsensing (MCS) requires users to be motivated to participate. However, concerns regarding energy consumption and privacy—among other things—may compromise their willingness to join such a crowd. Our preliminary observations and analysis of common MCS applications have shown that the data transfer in MCS applications may incur significant energy consumption due to the 3G connection setup. However, if data are transferred in parallel with a traditional phone call, then such transfer can be done almost “for free”: with only an insignificant additional amount of energy required to piggy-back the data—usually incoming task assignments and outgoing sensor results—on top of the call. Here, we present an Energy-Efficient Mobile Crowdsensing (EEMC) framework where task assignments and sensing results are transferred in parallel with phone calls. The main objective, and the principal contribution of this article, is an MCS task assignment scheme that guarantees that a minimum number of anonymous participants return sensor results within a specified time frame, while also minimizing the waste of energy due to redundant task assignments and considering privacy concerns of participants. Evaluations with a large-scale real-world phone call dataset show that our proposed EEMC framework outperforms the baseline approaches, and it can reduce overall energy consumption in data transfer by 54--66% when compared to the 3G-based solution.
TerraFly GeoCloud
Authors: Zhang Mingjin , Wang Huibo , Lu Yun , Li Tao , Guang Yudong , Liu Chang , Edrosa Erik , Li Hongtai , Rishe Naphtali
Published: May 2015

With the exponential growth of the usage of web map services, geo-data analysis has become more and more popular. This article develops an online spatial data analysis and visualization system, TerraFly GeoCloud, which helps end-users visualize and analyze spatial data and share the analysis results. Built on the TerraFly Geo spatial database, TerraFly GeoCloud is an extra layer running upon the TerraFly map and can efficiently support many different visualization functions and spatial data analysis models. Furthermore, users can create unique URLs to visualize and share the analysis results. TerraFly GeoCloud also enables the MapQL technology to customize map visualization using SQL-like statements. The system is available at http://terrafly.fiu.edu/GeoCloud/.
Computer Science Education in North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany—A Case Study
Authors: Knobelsdorf Maria , Magenheim Johannes , Brinda Torsten , Engbring Dieter , Humbert Ludger , Pasternak Arno , Schroeder Ulrik , Thomas Marco , Vahrenhold Jan
Published: May 2015

In North-Rhine Westphalia, the most populated state in Germany, Computer Science (CS) has been taught in secondary schools since the early 1970s. This article provides an overview of the past and current situation of CS education in North-Rhine Westphalia, including lessons learned through efforts to introduce and to maintain CS in secondary education. In particular, we focus on the differential school system and the educational landscape of CS education, the different facets of CS teacher education, and CS education research programs and directions that are directly connected with these aspects. In addition, this report offers a rationale for including CS education in general education, which includes the educational value of CS for students in today’s information and knowledge society. Through this article, we ultimately provide an overview of the significant elements that are crucial for the successful integration of CS as a compulsory subject within secondary schools.
"Manipulation and abuse on social media" by Emilio Ferrara with Ching-man Au Yeung as coordinator
Authors: Ferrara Emilio
Published: May 2015

The computer science research community has became increasingly interested in the study of social media due to their pervasiveness in the everyday life of millions of individuals. Methodological questions and technical challenges abound as more and more data from social platforms become available for analysis. This data deluge not only yields the unprecedented opportunity to unravel questions about online individuals' behavior at scale, but also allows to explore the potential perils that the massive adoption of social media brings to our society. These communication channels provide plenty of incentives (both economical and social) and opportunities for abuse. As social media activity became increasingly intertwined with the events in the offline world, individuals and organizations have found ways to exploit these platforms to spread misinformation, to attack and smear others, or to deceive and manipulate. During crises, social media have been effectively used for emergency response, but fear-mongering actions have also triggered mass hysteria and panic. Criminal gangs and terrorist organizations like ISIS adopt social media for propaganda and recruitment. Synthetic activity and social bots have been used to coordinate orchestrated astroturf campaigns, to manipulate political elections and the stock market. The lack of effective content verification systems on many of these platforms, including Twitter and Facebook, rises concerns when younger users become exposed to cyber-bulling, harassment, or hate speech, inducing risks like depression and suicide. This article illustrates some of the recent advances facing these issues and discusses what it remains to be done, including the challenges to address in the future to make social media a more useful and accessible, safer and healthier environment for all users.
The SDEval benchmarking toolkit
Authors: Heinle Albert , Levandovskyy Viktor
Published: May 2015

In this paper we will present SDeval, a software project that contains tools for creating and running benchmarks with a focus on problems in computer algebra. It is built on top of the Symbolic Data project, able to translate problems in the database into executable code for various computer algebra systems. The included tools are designed to be very flexible to use and to extend, such that they can be easily deployed even in contexts of other communities. We also address particularities of benchmarking in the field of computer algebra.

Furthermore, with SDEval, we provide a feasible and automatable way of reproducing benchmarks published in current research works, which appears to be a difficult task in general due to the customizability of the available programs.
The computational geometry algorithms library CGAL
Authors: Fogel Efi , Teillaud Monique
Published: May 2015

The Computational Geometry Algorithms Library (CGAL) is an open source software library that provides industrial and academic users with easy access to reliable implementations of efficient geometric algorithms.
Rapid Processing and Scanning Electrochemical Techniques Applied to Sintered Nickel Electrodes of Varying Thickness and Rate Capability
Authors: Mabbett Ian , Marinaccio Jordan , Glover Carol , Barnes A , Subramanian R , Williams Geraint , Worsley David A
Published: May 2015

Nickel based battery chemistries still have a place in stationary energy storage applications such as in back up accumulator storage for photovoltaic devices, owing to the long lifetimes and relative safety of these technologies. In this study rapid Near Infrared (NIR) radiative heating is used to sinter electrode pastes into plaques in 10’s of seconds as opposed to 10’s of minutes via traditional convection sintering routes. This step change reduction in processing time is useful in enabling rapid roll-to-roll manufacture of large-scale electrodes. In order to avoid difficulties associated with controlled atmospheres, reducing agents were added to the electrode pastes. Sintered plaques were characterized using typical physical techniques such as SEM/EDX, XRD and BET but scanning electrochemical techniques, more typical in corrosion studies, have also been used to investigate current densities and spatially resolved surface potential maps and identify how regions of varying thickness effect rate capability.
Alginic Acid as a New Aqueous Slurry-Based Binder for Cathode Materials of LIB
Authors: Soeda Kazunari , Yamagata Masaki , Ishikawa Masashi
Published: May 2015

Alginic acid (Alg-H) was applied as a novel aqueous binder for LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 (NMC) positive electrode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). We successfully obtained the pH-controlled aqueous slurry without any corrosion of NMC, which can also prevent a corrosion of an aluminum current collector. Using Alg-H can realize higher adhesive strength of the electrode even low content of 2 wt.% than using carboxymethyl cellulose and polyvinylidene difluoride. Galvanostatic charge-discharge cycle performances of both half cell and full cell composed of the NMC electrode with Alg-H are stable even at high voltage operation of 3.0-4.5 V, indicating that no side reaction including corrosion of the aluminum current collector and the decomposition of Alg-H binder occurs in this system. Moreover, this cell maintained over 90% of the initial discharge capacitance even after 100 cycles. These results suggest that the Alg-H binder has high potential to be used as an aqueous binder for positive electrodes of LIBs.
Low Temperature, High Energy Density Non-Aqueous Redox Flow Battery
Authors: Herr Tatjana , Fischer Peter , Tübke Jens , Pinkwart Karsten , Elsner Peter
Published: May 2015

A non-aqueous vanadium acetylacetonat redox flow battery in a solvent mixture consisting of acetonitrile, 1,3-dioxolane and dimethyl sulfoxide was investigated at two different temperatures. It was shown, that the reversibility of the both redox processes of V(acac)3 almost did not changed even at 248.15 K compared to the room temperature. But due to low temperature, increase of viscosity led to an increased electrolyte resistance and low rate constant. On the other hand experiments in a charge-discharge test cell achieved energy and coulombic efficiencies that are similar to the room temperature values.
Electrochemical Properties of RuO2 Catalyst for Air Electrode of Lithium Air Battery
Authors: Hayashi Masahiko , Nohara Masaya , Minowa Hironobu , Asakura Kaoru , Hayashi Katsuya , Kitabayashi Hiroto
Published: May 2015

Lithium air batteries incorporating RuO2(10wt%)/Ketjen Black EC600JD catalyst heat-treated at 110ºC showed a rather low charge voltage of about 3.6 V in an electrolyte solution of 1 mol/l LiTFSA/PC. The charge overpotentials decreased greatly as a result of the improved dispersion state of the oxide realized by employing the SM process, indicating a low charge voltage of about 3.6 V even at a small oxide loading of 1 wt%. A battery incorporating a DMSO-based solution exhibited high discharge and low charge voltages of about 2.8 and 3.2 V, respectively. As a result, a battery incorporating RuO2/KB and the DMSO-based electrolyte solution exhibited a high round-trip energy efficiency of more than 80%.
(Invited) Li-Air Flow Batteries
Authors: Chen X.J. , Shellikeri Annadanesh , Wu Qiang , Zheng J.P. , Hendrickson Mary A. , Plichta Edward J.
Published: May 2015

A novel rechargeable Li-air flow battery is demonstrated. It consists of a lithium-ion conducting glass-ceramic membrane sandwiched by a Li-metal anode in organic electrolyte and a carbon nanofoam cathode through which oxygen-saturated aqueous electrolyte flows. It features a flow cell design in which aqueous electrolyte is bubbled with compressed air, and is continuously circulated between the cell and a storage reservoir to supply sufficient oxygen for high power output. It shows high rate capability (5 mA/cm2) and renders a power density of 7.64 mW/cm2 at a constant discharge current density of 4 mA/cm2. By adding RuO2 as a catalyst in the cathode, the battery showed an improved round-trip efficiency (ca. 83%), with the overpotentials of 0.67 V between charge and discharge at a current of 1 mA/cm2. A Li-air flow battery using graphite as anode is also demonstrated for several cycles.
Nafion Coated Lithium Ion Conducting Ceramic for Aqueous Li-Air Batteries
Authors: Li Yunfeng , Xing Yangchuan
Published: May 2015

Protected lithium anodes use a lithium ion conducting ceramic membrane to separate the anode side and the cathode side, making it possible to use aqueous catholytes in a Li-air battery. However, this ceramic membrane is not chemically stable in acidic or alkaline electrolyte solutions. In order to extend the operational life of this protecting ceramic, modifications of its surface are needed. In this work, we coat the ceramic membrane with a thin layer of lithiated Nafion. Nafion coatings were obtained by using a doctor-blade method, with a typical thickness in the range of 6 to 10 μm. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that the Nafion coatings lead to a small increase in the membrane resistance. The coated ceramic showed better capacity and stability in cell performance when tested in extended discharge.
Visualization of Precipitation Behavior in an Aqueous Lithium-Air Battery Electrode by a Soft X-Ray CT
Authors: Masuda Tetsutaro , Uemura Suguru , Tsushima Shohji , Imanishi Nobuyuki , Hirai Shuichiro
Published: May 2015

Aqueous lithium air batteries have the great advantage that the discharge products are moderately soluble in aqueous electrolytes. However, the discharge products precipitate and inhibit the chemical reaction in a long discharge process. The mechanism of the precipitation behavior therefore needs to be clarified. In this study, the precipitated discharge products in an air electrode (carbon porous electrode) were visualized three-dimensionally at high spatial resolution using soft X-ray computed tomography. The precipitation of discharge products on specific fibers was observed. This indicates that the initial precipitation dominates the precipitation behavior in the discharge process. Furthermore, the precipitate did not dissolve entirely and bubbles appeared in the air electrode on charging to the same electric capacity as discharging. This suggests that the remaining precipitate and bubbles degrade the cycling performance of an aqueous lithium air battery.
The Scanning Vibrating Electrode Technique for the Study of Hydrogen Evolution from an Iron Electrode
Authors: Glover Carol Frances , Barnes Alistair , Mabbett Ian , Subramanian Raman , Williams Geraint
Published: May 2015

Nickel-iron (NiFe) batteries are an appropriate solution for utility-scale energy storage due to a long service life, high tolerance to deep discharge and overcharge and low cost materials with low toxicity. However, a parasitic hydrogen evolution reaction on the iron electrode contributes to low charging efficiencies. In the current study an in situ scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET) has been used to measure the volume of hydrogen evolved upon charging. The technique allows the characterisation of current density distributions over the electrode surface when immersed in KOH (30% w/v solution) electrolyte. The technique has been verified by comparison with current measurements and a traditional volumetric analysis technique. Furthermore, additives of S and LiOH have been made to the electrolyte to determine any change in the volume of hydrogen evolved where effectiveness at reducing hydrogen evolution was such that S > LiOH > no additive.
Effect of the Components of the Electrode on the Morphological and Electrochemical Performance of Manganese Dioxide-Based Electrode for Application in Hybrid Electrochemical Capacitor
Authors: Gambou-Bosca Axel , Bélanger Daniel
Published: May 2015

Composite electrodes based on manganese dioxide, a binder (poly(tetrafluoroethylene, PTFE) and a carbon additive (Acetylene black or high surface area Black Pearls 2000) were characterized by nitrogen gas adsorption. The electrochemical performances of the MnO2/Carbon/PTFE composite electrodes were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area measurements indicated only a minor effect of acetylene black (AB) on the mesoporous surface of composite electrode, presumably because of its larger particle size compared to Black Pearls 2000 (BP). The electrochemical utilization of MnO2 is similar whether AB or BP is used as carbon additive. This suggests that the porosity of Black Pearls, which could perhaps act as a reservoir of ionic species, does not appear to play a significant role. Finally, using a high surface carbon support with MnO2 can cancel the effect of the larger potential window of electroactivity of MnO2 because of its smaller electrochemical potential stability range.
Evaluation of Si Based Composite Nanorods Used as Anodes in LIB
Authors: Polat Deniz Billur , Keles Ozgul
Published: May 2015

Films with nanorods made of various Cu-Si atomic ratios (10-90%, 20-80%, 30-70%) were fabricated by an ion-assisted oblique angle co-deposition technique. The effect of Cu/Si atomic ratios on the morphologies and the structures were studied by SEM and XRD. The use of those nanorods as anode materials in lithium ion batteries were evaluated by galvanostatic test results. The SEM analyses demonstrate that during the co-evaporation an increase in Cu/Si atomic ratio decreases the nanorod width and height but increases the nanorod tilting angle. The galvanostatic tests show that the Sample 1 (film having 70% at. Si) performs 900mAh/g as the first discharge capacity with a higher initial coulombic efficiency (80%) and it retains 40% of its first discharge capacity after 100 cycles due to higher amount of Cu, which improves its geometry and increases the electrical conductivity as well as the mechanical tolerance of the electrode. The samples 2 and 3 (films with 80% and 90%at. Si contents) deliver higher capacities with lower coulombic efficiencies (1720 and 2550 mAh/g with 68% and 54% coulombic efficiencies) compared to Sample 1 because of their amorphous structures and high Si contents. They only retain 30% and 20% of their first capacities after 100 cycles due to limited amount of Cu presence. The results show that an optimization is always required to perform high capacity with a good capacity retention for long cycle life.
Ex-Situ Activation of Li-Excess Layered Cathode Materials for High-Capacity Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhao Jianqing , Huang R M , He H X , Wang Ying
Published: May 2015

Ex-situ activation of Li-excess layered cathode materials has been carried out via two-step ion-exchanges and a post-annealing process, resulting in a complete phase conversion from a Li-excess layered Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2 to a Li4Mn5O12-type spinel product. The newly-formed spinel material delivers an initial discharge capacity of 313.6 mAh/g at 0.1C (1C = 250 mA/g), much higher than 211.3 mAh/g from pristine Li-excess layered cathode. It can also retain a specific capacity of 197.5 mAh/g at 1C after 100 electrochemical cycles. The ion-exchange promoted phase transition contributes to remarkably improved rate capability and cycling stability of Li-excess layered cathode materials. This work sheds light on fundamental understanding of phase transitions within Li-excess layered oxides and provides a novel route for tailoring electrochemical performance of Li-excess layered cathode materials for high-capacity lithium ion batteries.
Tin (IV) Oxide (SnO2) Modifed LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 Cathode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Coban Huseyin Can , Polat Deniz Billur , Keles Ozgul
Published: May 2015

Synthesis of positive electrode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIB) plays a major role in battery performance. In this study, we first investigated the effect of chelating agents and calcination temperature on the production of LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 cathode material. Then, by using mechanical mixing and sol-gel methods, tin oxide was introduced in the LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 powder to enhance the electrochemical performance. The effects of chelating agents (citric acid, oxalic acid, adipic acid), calcination temperature (600-800 °C, @10 hours) and the tin oxide presence on the LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 powders were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer, Emmmett and Teller (BET) analyses. Galvonastatic tests were performed in between 3-4.2 V at various C rates (0.2, 0.5, 1C).The powders produced by using adipic acid as chelating agent at 700 °C showed higher capacity and better electrochemical properties than those of powders synthesized by oxalic and citric acid. And sol-gel modified powders had higher initial capacity and better capacity retention than the mechanically modified and the bare powders. Sol-gel modified powders had more stable cycle characteristic and they had not shown immediate capacity fall even at higher C rates where they kept their capacity above 140 mAh/g even after 50 cycles.
Real Time Estimation of the State of Health of Dynamic Power Profiles Application to Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Al Rahal Al Orabi Ayman , Mamadou Kelli , Delaplagne Tony , Bellemare Laurent , Blonbou Ruddy , Bultel Yann
Published: May 2015

The aging of batteries limits their life; this is a disadvantage for all devices powered by batteries, the aging study of Lithium-Ion batteries is therefore a key issue in the development of embedded applications including electric cars.  In this paper, aging of commercial Lithium-Ion cells is studied under nine different conditions for up to 15 months. Test protocol and aging results are shown; these results have been used to develop an algorithm for real-time tracking of battery aging (SoHE). This new SoHE algorithm can be easily implemented to forecast batteries aging and there lifetime directly from a given power solicitation and temperature profiles. At the same time, it can be also combined with the calendar-aging model and finally used to recalibrate the State-of-Energy (SoE) algorithm.
Electrochemical Performance of Sn/SnO2 Nanoparticles Encapsulated in Carbon Matrix Derived from Plant Polysaccharides
Authors: Chojnacka Agnieszka , Molenda Marcin , Bakierska Monika , Dziembaj Roman
Published: May 2015

Carbon-tin nanocomposites were obtained in one step pyrolysis and carboreduction process. The nanomaterial precursors were prepared using a novel method, based on coating of tin precursor by a plant polysaccharide in a sol-gel polycondensation process. The developed method provided formation of tin-based nanograins encapsulated in a carbon buffer matrix. Optimal conditions of the thermal treatment were determined by thermal analysis methods (EGA-TGA). The materials were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Comprehensive electrochemical characterization of obtained nanocomposites, including cyclic voltammetry (CV) and impedance spectroscopy (IS), was carried out. Discharge - charge tests were performed in R2032-type coin cells within 0.01-1.5 V potential range
Nanocomposite of TiO2 Nanoparticles-Reduced Graphene Oxide with High-Rate Performance for Li-Ion Battery
Authors: Sun Xiangcheng , Zhang Yuefei , Gu Lin , Hu Lilei , Feng Kun , Chen Zhongwei , Cui Bo
Published: May 2015

A simple and effective method is developed to synthesize the nanocomposites of anatase TiO2 nanoparticles deposited on the reduced graphene oxide (TiO2-RGO) sheets as anode materials for Li-ion battery applications. Structure analyses demonstrated that anatase TiO2 nanoparticles were well dispersed onto the reduced graphene oxide nanosheets with chemical bonds. These TiO2-RGO nanocomposites were electrochemically investigated in the coin-type cells versus metallic lithium, and the lithium storage performance of these nanocomposites showed the enhanced high-rate capabilities and good cycling stability. These improved electrochemical performance can be attributed mainly to efﬁcient dispersion of TiO2 nanocrystals on the surface of conductive RGO sheets, which makes these TiO2-RGO nanocomposites practical for high-rate Li-ion battery applications.
Effect of Adsorption or Electro-Adsorption of Electrolyte Components at Interfaces on the Electrochemical Performances of Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Ghamouss Fouad , Lemordant Daniel , Monconduit L
Published: May 2015

In order to improve the stability of the electrode/electrolyte interface, film forming additives, such as vinylene carbonate (VC) or fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), are usually added in small quantities to the electrolyte. When a stable SEI is formed, good cycling performances are obtained. These additives will compete with solvent molecules and electrolyte ions, for adsorption at the electrode surface. This work concerns the study of liquid/gas (L/G) and liquid/solid (S/L) interfaces for which the liquid is the electrolyte (a mixture of alkylcarbonates containing a lithium salt) and the solid a TiSnSb negative electrode. Surface free energy measurements lead to the conclusion that if lithium salts (LiPF6 and LiTFSI) are preferentially adsorbed at the L/G interface, the fluorinated additives (FEC and difluoroethylene carbonate) are adsorbed at the S/L interface. A consequence is that these additives are readily reduced at the active material surface when the potential is driven to low values and that it is not surprising to find that the reduction potential of such additives varies strongly with the composition of the electrolyte and the nature of the electrode material.
A Brief Overview of Periodic Mesoporous Materials as Robust Supports for Photocatalytic Splitting of Water
Authors: Peng Rui , Mahoney L J , Koodali Ranjit T
Published: May 2015

The growing demand to power the World has prompted intense research into the pursuit of developing sustainable and renewable sources that are carbon neutral. In this respect, the photocatalytic splitting of water to generate hydrogen and oxygen as fuel seems to be an attractive option. The rapid advances in the field of nanostructured materials has made it possible to design materials with novel properties, high reactivity, and catalytic efficiency. In recent years, mesoporous materials have proven to be popular choice for dispersion of photocatalytically active semiconductors. Their relatively high surface areas, large pore volumes, and tunable pore sizes allows for good dispersion of spatially isolated semiconductors. Such spatially isolated semiconductors and single-site containing mesoporous photocatalysts offer fresh perspective towards the realization of overall water splitting photocatalysts.
Photocatalytic Activity of Pd-Au Alloy Nanoparticle Co-Catalyst/TiO2 for Acetic Acid Decomposition
Authors: Jeevagan Arockiam John , Gunji Takao , Tanabe Toyokazu , Kaneko Shingo , Matsumoto Futoshi
Published: May 2015

A comparison of the photocatalytic activity on acetic acid (AcOH) decomposition with Pt nanoparticle (NP)-deposited, Pd NP-deposited and Pd-Au alloy NP-deposited TiO2 will be reported in this paper. Pd and Au atoms were co-deposited on the TiO2 surfaces via reductions of the photo-excited electrons under light irradiation. The composition, particle size, distribution and structures of the synthesized NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The photocatalytic experiments revealed that the CO2 elimination rate in the decomposition of AcOH was enhanced on Pd-Au-deposited TiO2 compared to the photocatalysts of pure TiO2, Pt- and Pd-deposited TiO2.
Corrosion Improvement of Oxidized Co by Silane Thin Films in Neutral Solution
Authors: Mabuchi Katsumi
Published: May 2015

Surface pretreatments by several silane coupling agents were evaluated from the viewpoint of improving corrosion resistance of a thin aluminum film. General and pitting corrosion were inhibited using silane coupling agents including S or O elements (Bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide, Trimethoxysilylpropanethiol, Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane) and were not inhibited by immersion in those including an N element (Bis(trimethoxysilylpropyl)amine, Aminopropyltriethoxysilan). When Isocyanatopropyltrimethoxysilan was used, general corrosion was inhibited but not pitting. These behaviors are attributed to the ion selectivity properties of the silane coupling layer.
Superhydrophobic and Corrosion Behavior of Electrospun PVDF-ZnO Coating
Authors: Bahgat Ahmed , Mohamed Adel M. A. , Abdullah Aboubakr Moustafa , Almaadeed Mariam
Published: May 2015

Corrosion is of considerable concern whenever metals and alloys are used in constructions, petroleum and gas pipelines. The present article was undertaken to investigate the hydrophobicity and corrosion resistance of PVDF polymer with and without ZnO nanoparticles using the electrospinning process. Contact angle measurements, scanning electron microscopy, SEM, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, FTIR and atomic force microscopy, AFM, were used to characterize the surface. The corrosion resistance of the superhydrophobic surface formed on aluminum sheet was investigated by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements and Tafel polarization. The results show that stable superhydrophobic PVDF-ZnO coating can be fabricated on aluminum substrate with water contact angle more than 155±2 ° and contact angle hysteresis of 4.5 ±2 °. The EIS and Tafel measurements and appropriate equivalent circuit models revealed that the prepared superhydrophobic PVDF/ZnO coating has the highest corrosion resistance compared with the bare Al and the PVDF- coated Al.
The Use of 3D-SVET for the Examination of Plasticized PVC Coatings: Effect of Deformation and UV Irradiation on Barrier Properties
Authors: Searle Justin Royston , Wilson Benjamin Paul , Yliniemi Kirsi , Worsley David A , McMurray Hamilton Neil
Published: May 2015

The three-dimensional Scanning Vibrating Electrode Technique (3D-SVET) has been used to investigate the effects of forming and UV irradiation on model plasticized PVC coatings and specifically the influence on the barrier properties of the coating. In addition, an industrially produced coating that had undergone outdoor exposure (for approximately seventeen years) was analyzed as a comparison. Results from the investigation show a significant correlation between the corrosion observed on the model samples when compared to the naturally weathered material.
Evaluation of the Electrochemical Behavior in Acid Media of HVOF-Spray Alloy Coatings
Authors: Cabral Miramontes Jose Angel , Achem Calahorra Jamnie Yazmin , Trujillo Estrada Ariadna , Pedraza Basulto Gabriela , Poblano Salas Carlos , Almeraya Calderon Facundo
Published: May 2015

In the aircraft and aerospace industry, coatings obtained by thermal spraying HVOF are use in some components of steam turbines, due to the passage of gases at high temperatures cause of the rotation of the wing which is subjected to severe static and dynamic load, usually associated with microstructure degradation mechanisms as corrosion, wear and creep. The MCrAlY coating (M = Co or Ni) type applications are used to provide wear and also corrosion resistance. In this work a HVOF gun was used to prepare a MCrAlY coating which has been subjected to two electrochemical techniques: polarization resistance and cyclic polarization curves in order to obtain the behavior of the rate of corrosion in acid and neutral media. The results show that the acid factor in the solution play an important role in the corrosion resistance of MCrAlY coating applied by HVOF thermal spraying.
Considerations in the Internal Corrosion Mitigation
Authors: Pedraza Basulto Gabriela Karina , Martinez Lorenzo , Ortega Dulce , Cantó Jorge , Carrillo Irene
Published: May 2015

Corrosion is an important dominant contributing factor to failures and leaks in pipelines. It´s important that to deal with this issue, there is recommended practices to improve and maintain the mechanical integrity of upstream pipelines. They are intended to assist ups tream oil and gas producers in recognizing the conditions that contribute to pipeline corrosion incidents, and identify effective measures that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of corrosion incidents. These factors could be low velocity and poor pigging practices allow water to stagnate in the pipelines, CO2 dissolves in water to form carbonic acid, Corrosion rates increase with increasing CO2 partial pressures for example. This document addresses design, maintenance and operating considerations for the mitigation of internal corrosion in oil pipeline systems.
Corrosion Behavior of α,β’-Brass in NaNO3 Solutions
Authors: Berne Clément , Andrieu Eric , Reby Jean , Sobrino Jean-Michel , Blanc Christine
Published: May 2015

The corrosion behavior of an α,β’-brass CuZn40Pb2 (CW617N) was studied in solutions with basic pHs and various nitrate ion concentrations. Corrosion at the open circuit potential was observed to proceed by the galvanic coupling of α and β’ phases, leading to a surface dezincification of the β’ phase and the evolution of the passive layer. When the alloy was polarized in the anodic domain, a pseudo-passive or a passive stage followed by a passive breakdown was observed.
High Temperature Electrochemical Evaluation of Ni Based Coatings Deposited by Laser Ablation
Authors: Estrada Ariadna Trujillo , Miramontes Jose Angel Cabral , Aguilar Pedro Antonio Márquez , Achem Calahorra Jamnie Yazmin , Robledo Patricia Zambrano , Tiburcio Citlalli Gaona , Calderón Facundo Almeraya
Published: May 2015

Metal coatings 59Ni 21Cr 13Mo 4Fe 3W by laser ablation, treatment is performed with a laser NdYag a wavelength of 1064nm for impinging the beam in a metal sample alloy mentioned evaluated, the particles are detached from said target attached in layers to the substrate surface (steel T22 and 4140) previously treated so that a coating is formed to improve the corrosion behavior. This deposition technique has the advantage of minimizing the porosity in the coating providing a more uniform surface coatings by thermal spraying (HVOF) and plasma, for application in diverse areas of industry turbo machinery such as, boilers, oil refineries, heat recovery, aeronautics, etc.
Electrochemical Analysis of Temperature, Concentration and Velocity Effects in Naphthenic Acid Corrosion of 5%Cr-1%Mo Steel
Authors: Escorcia Rojas Kely Margarita , Laverde Cataño Dionisio Antonio , Chávez L A , Sánchez D J
Published: May 2015

The effects of temperature, velocity and naphthenic acids concentration in the corrosive mechanism of 5%Cr-1%Mo steel were studied in a dynamic autoclave by Electrochemical Impedance spectroscopy and Potentiodynamic Polarization Curves with an electrochemical cell of three electrodes: reference and counter electrode was made of Au and working electrode was 5%Cr-1Mo sample. The sample was exposed to mineral oil-naphthenic acids solutions to different concentrations and atmospheric pressure. Contrary to the velocity effect, the temperature has a huge influence in the steel corrosion: to 180°C the steel exhibits lower corrosion rate, however, increasing temperature promotes the thermal composition of complex naphthenic acids, reflecting a reduction in electrochemical polarization resistance, increasing the corrosion rate. Moreover, the temperature is closely related to the concentration acid effect, since the kinetics of corrosion changes significantly when the system is subjected to higher temperatures. These results were complemented with surfaces characterizations by SEM and EDX.
Electrochemical Studies on Inorganic Zero VOC Coated Steel in Atmospheric Exposure and REAP Test
Authors: Ramirez-Reyes Jose Luis , Galicia-Aguilar Gonzalo , Malo-Tamayo Jose Maria , Uruchurtu-Chavarin Jorge
Published: May 2015

The application of coatings for control of degradation of materials has been historically used since ancient civilizations, but usually the coating systems take a long time to show the physical evidence of corrosion on coated metals, so the evaluation of coatings in aggressive atmospheres and with a rapid way has been the dream of the experts and users through the time. Laboratory standard tests have been developed as a quality control for coatings, including salt fog, climate chamber or artificially damaged conditions.The paint systems utilized for the study were zero volatile organic solvents or paints water base with metallic zinc content. The electrochemical measurements were made before and after the potentiostatic test using the electrochemical techniques of Corrosion Potential (Ecorr), Linear Polarization Resistance (LPR), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and the Polarization Curves.For the evaluation of the coatings exposed to the atmosphere, the samples were retired at different times to apply the electrochemical tests in the laboratory and then returned to the exposure rack. For the application of the Rapid Electrochemical Assessment of Paints (REAP), the galvanic current was registered during the potentiostatic conditions due that provides an alternative method for the qualification of paint systems, while the parameter of degradability for the paint systems can be calculated from the LPR results that are showed and compared with the results from both evaluation methods.
Electrochemical Behavior of Carbon Steel in a Synthetic Environment and Hydrocarbon on a System with Continuous Flow
Authors: Lopez Luis Daimir , Olguin Coca Francisco Javier , López León Abraham Leonel , Almeraya Calderon Facundo Mauricio , Marquez Casasola Miguel , Volpi León Valeria
Published: May 2015

This work studies the behavior AISI 1018 carbon steel in a buffered solution of chlorides with and without hydrocarbon in a continuous flow rate system. For techniques was designed a cell setup of a system continuous flow. The electrochemical techniques used polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The polarization curves obtained indicated that both the anodic part and the cathodic suffer a significant change with the addition of hydrocarbon. The presence of hydrocarbon in the system increases currents in comparison to the system in absence of hydrocarbon. The EIS technique shows steel has a higher activity in the studied solution presented at low frequencies. The adsorption of corrosive agents prevents the formation and growth of a passive layer of corrosion products. The analysis with XPS showed that the presence of hydrocarbon in the system allows the deposition of several Cl- crystals on the metal surface.
Microstructural and Electrochemical Characterization of Ti6Al4V Alloy
Authors: Flores-Álvarez José Fernando , Rodriguez-Gomez Francisco Javier , Onofre-Bustamante Edgar , Roncagliolo Barrera Paola
Published: May 2015

In this research, the electrochemical study of coatings obtained by means of cerium-based chemical conversion treatments (CCT) on the alloy Ti6Al4V previously modified through a thermal annealing treatment (TT) is presented. These coatings were assessed with X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine the phases present on the surface, while both morphology and substrate coating were performed by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Additionally, by the use of techniques like Polarization Curves (PC) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), the electrochemical characterization was performed using a phosphate buffered saline solution (PBS) as electrolyte.