Sluggish kinetics of the CO2 reduction/evolution reactions lead to the accumulation of Li2CO3 residuals and thus possible catalyst deactivation, which hinders the long-term cycling stability of Li-CO2 batteries. Apart from catalyst design, constructing a fluorinated solid-electrolyte interphase is a conventional strategy to minimize parasitic reactions and prolong cycle life. However, the catalytic effects of solid-electrolyte interphase components have been overlooked and remain unclear. Herein, we systematically regulate the compositions of solid-electrolyte interphase via tuning electrolyte solvation structures, anion coordination, and binding free energy between Li ion and anion. The cells exhibit distinct improvement in cycling performance with increasing content of C-N species in solid-electrolyte interphase layers. The enhancement originates from a catalytic effect towards accelerating the Li2CO3 formation/decomposition kinetics. Theoretical analysis reveals that C-N species provide strong adsorption sites and promote charge transfer from interface to *CO22- during discharge, and from Li2CO3 to C-N species during charge, thereby building a bidirectional fast-reacting bridge for CO2 reduction/evolution reactions. This finding enables us to design a C-N rich solid-electrolyte interphase via dual-salt electrolytes, improving cycle life of Li-CO2 batteries to twice that using traditional electrolytes. Our work provides an insight into interfacial design by tuning of catalytic properties towards CO2 reduction/evolution reactions.
The middle corona, the region roughly spanning heliocentric distances from 1.5 to 6 solar radii, encompasses almost all of the influential physical transitions and processes that govern the behavior of coronal outflow into the heliosphere. The solar wind, eruptions, and flows pass through the region, and they are shaped by it. Importantly, the region also modulates inflow from above that can drive dynamic changes at lower heights in the inner corona. Consequently, the middle corona is essential for comprehensively connecting the corona to the heliosphere and for developing corresponding global models. Nonetheless, because it is challenging to observe, the region has been poorly studied by both major solar remote-sensing and in-situ missions and instruments, extending back to the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) era. Thanks to recent advances in instrumentation, observational processing techniques, and a realization of the importance of the region, interest in the middle corona has increased. Although the region cannot be intrinsically separated from other regions of the solar atmosphere, there has emerged a need to define the region in terms of its location and extension in the solar atmosphere, its composition, the physical transitions that it covers, and the underlying physics believed to shape the region. This article aims to define the middle corona, its physical characteristics, and give an overview of the processes that occur there.
This paper explores the innovative concept of using wearable technologies as a medium for musical expression. Special emphasis is placed on a unique wearable device equipped with motion, touch, and acceleration sensors, which can be used as a wrist strap, hand strap, or surface drum pad. The aim is to create a new musical instrument that simplifies music learning and expression and makes them more intuitive. The wearable device contains 32 individual touch-sensitive pressure sensors, a nine-axis inertial-measurement-unit motion sensor, and various light-emitting diode and vibrational haptic-feedback components. The inclusion of tactile and intuitive features in the wearable device enhances the musical experience of users by enabling engaging interaction. Consequently, it is believed that this groundbreaking technology has significant potential to contribute to the field of music, providing musicians with a versatile and intuitive instrument that facilitates their creative expression.
Touch Perception , Wearable Electronic Devices , Touch , Hand , Motion
The melting and solidification process of S32101 duplex stainless steel (DSS) was investigated using high-temperature confocal microscopy (HTCM). The method of concentric HTCM was employed to study microstructure evolution during the solidification process of S32101 DSS. This method could artificially create a meniscus-shaped solid-liquid interface, which dramatically improved the quality of in situ observations. During the heating stage, γ-austenite transformed to δ-ferrite, and this transformation manifested itself in the form of grain boundaries (GBs) moving. The effects of cooling rate on the solidification pattern and microstructure were revealed in the present research. An enhanced cooling rate led to a finer microstructure, and the solidification pattern changed from cellular to dendritic growth. As the temperature decreased, the commencement and growth of precipitates were observed. In this paper, the experimental data, including parameters such as temperature, cooling rate, and growth mode, were used as the benchmark for the simulation. A simulation framework using Micress linked to a 1D heat transfer model enabling consistent analysis of solidification dynamics in DSS across the whole cast slab was established. Simulating the dendrite growth and elemental segregation of DSS at specific cooling rates shows that this framework can be a powerful tool for solving practical production problems.
Aqueous monovalent-ion batteries have been rapidly developed recently as promising energy storage devices in large-scale energy storage systems owing to their fast charging capability and high power densities. In recent years, Prussian blue analogues, polyanion-type compounds, and layered oxides have been widely developed as cathodes for aqueous monovalent-ion batteries because of their low cost and high theoretical capacity. Furthermore, many design strategies have been proposed to expand their electrochemical stability window by reducing the amount of free water molecules and introducing an electrolyte addictive. This review highlights the advantages and drawbacks of cathode and anode materials, and summarizes the correlations between the various strategies and the electrochemical performance in terms of structural engineering, morphology control, elemental compositions, and interfacial design. Finally, this review can offer rational principles and potential future directions in the design of aqueous monovalent-ion batteries.
In this clinical validation study, we developed and validated a urinary Q-Score generated from the quantitative test QSant, formerly known as QiSant, for the detection of biopsy-confirmed acute rejection in kidney transplants. Using a cohort of 223 distinct urine samples collected from three independent sites and from both adult and pediatric renal transplant patients, we examined the diagnostic utility of the urinary Q-Score for detection of acute rejection in renal allografts. Statistical models based upon the measurements of the six QSant biomarkers (cell-free DNA, methylated-cell-free DNA, clusterin, CXCL10, creatinine, and total protein) generated a renal transplant Q-Score that reliably differentiated stable allografts from acute rejections in both adult and pediatric renal transplant patients. The composite Q-Score was able to detect both T cell-mediated rejection and antibody-mediated rejection patients and differentiate them from stable non-rejecting patients with a receiver-operator characteristic curve area under the curve of 99.8% and an accuracy of 98.2%. Q-Scores < 32 indicated the absence of active rejection and Q-Scores ≥ 32 indicated an increased risk of active rejection. At the Q-Score cutoff of 32, the overall sensitivity was 95.8% and specificity was 99.3%. At a prevalence of 25%, positive and negative predictive values for active rejection were 98.0% and 98.6%, respectively. The Q-Score also detected subclinical rejection in patients without an elevated serum creatinine level but identified by a protocol biopsy. This study confirms that QSant is an accurate and quantitative measurement suitable for routine monitoring of renal allograft status.
Here, we demonstrate that Cobalt/cobalt oxide core-shell nanoparticles integrated on nitrogen-doped (N-doped) three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide aerogel-based architecture (Co/CoO-NGA) were synthesized through a facile hydrothermal method followed by annealing treatment. The unique endurable porous structure could provide sufficient mass transfer channels and ample active sites on Co/CoO-NGA to facilitate the catalytic reaction. The synthesized Co/CoO-NGA was explored as an electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction, showing comparable oxygen reduction performance with excellent methanol resistance and better durability compared with Pt/C.
Nitrogen-doped crumpled graphene (NCG) is successfully synthesized via vapor phase deposition of polypyrrole onto graphene aerogel followed by thermal treatment. The NCG was explored as an electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction, showing comparable electrocatalytic performance with the commercial Pt/C in alkaline membrane exchange fuel cells because of the well-regulated nitrogen doping and the robust micro-3D crumpled porous nanostructure.
PURPOSE: Canagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Because T2DM is often associated with renal or hepatic impairment, understanding the effects of these comorbid conditions on the pharmacokinetics of canagliflozin, and further assessing its safety, in these special populations is essential. Two open-label studies evaluated the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics (renal study only), and safety of canagliflozin in participants with hepatic or renal impairment. METHODS: Participants in the hepatic study (8 in each group) were categorized based on their Child-Pugh score (normal hepatic function, mild impairment [Child-Pugh score of 5 or 6], and moderate impairment [Child-Pugh score of 7-9]) and received a single oral dose of canagliflozin 300 mg. Participants in the renal study (8 in each group) were categorized based on their creatinine clearance (CLCR) (normal renal function [CLCR ≥80 mL/min]; mild [CLCR 50 to <80 mL/min], moderate [CLCR 30 to <50 mL/min], or severe [CLCR <30 mL/min] renal impairment; and end-stage renal disease [ESRD]) and received a single oral dose of canagliflozin 200 mg; the exception was those with ESRD, who received 1 dose postdialysis and 1 dose predialysis (10 days later). Canagliflozin's pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (urinary glucose excretion [UGE] and renal threshold for glucose excretion [RTG]) were assessed at predetermined time points. FINDINGS: Mean maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to infinite (AUC)0-∞ values differed by <11% between the group with normal hepatic function and those with mild and moderate hepatic impairment. In the renal study, the mean Cmax values were 13%, 29%, and 29% higher and the mean AUC0-∞ values were 17%, 63%, and 50% higher in participants with mild, moderate, and severe renal impairment, respectively; values were similar in the ESRD group relative to the group with normal function, however. The amount of UGE declined as renal function decreased, whereas RTG was not suppressed to the same extent in the moderate to severe renal impairment groups (mean RTG, 93-97 mg/dL) compared with the mild impairment and normal function groups (mean RTG, 68-77 mg/dL). IMPLICATIONS: Canagliflozin's pharmacokinetics were not affected by mild or moderate hepatic impairment. Systemic exposure to canagliflozin increased in the renal impairment groups relative to participants with normal renal function. Pharmacodynamic response to canagliflozin, measured by using UGE and RTG, declined with increasing severity of renal impairment. A single oral dose of canagliflozin was well tolerated by participants in both studies. ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT01186588 and NCT01759576.
Canagliflozin/pharmacokinetics , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy , Liver Diseases/complications , Renal Insufficiency/complications , Adult , Aged , Area Under Curve , Female , Glucose/metabolism , Humans , Kidney Failure, Chronic/complications , Male , Middle Aged , Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors
An exfoliated MoS2-C composite (E-MoS2-C) was prepared via simple chemical exfoliation and a hydrothermal method. The obtained E-MoS2-C was tested as an anode material for sodium ion batteries. High capacity (~400 mA h g(-1)) at 0.25 C (100 mA g(-1)) was maintained over prolonged cycling life (100 cycles). Outstanding rate capability was also achieved with a capacity of 290 mA h g(-1) at 5 C.
Nano-Germanium/polypyrrole composite has been synthesized by chemical reduction method in aqueous solution. The Ge nanoparticles were directly coated on the surface of the polypyrrole. The morphology and structural properties of samples were determined by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis was carried out to determine the polypyrrole content. The electrochemical properties of the samples have been investigated and their suitability as anode materials for the lithium-ion battery was examined. The discharge capacity of the Ge nanoparticles calculated in the Ge-polypyrrole composite is 1014 mAh g(-1) after 50 cycles at 0.2 C rate, which is much higher than that of pristine germanium (439 mAh g(-1)). The composite also demonstrates high specific discharge capacities at different current rates (1318, 1032, 661, and 460 mAh g(-1) at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 C, respectively). The superior electrochemical performance of Ge-polypyrrole composite could be attributed to the polypyrrole core, which provides an efficient transport pathway for electrons. SEM images of the electrodes have demonstrated that polypyrrole can also act as a conductive binder and alleviate the pulverization of electrode caused by the huge volume changes of the nanosized germanium particles during Li(+) intercalation/de-intercalation.
Sodium-ion energy storage, including sodium-ion batteries (NIBs) and electrochemical capacitive storage (NICs), is considered as a promising alternative to lithium-ion energy storage. It is an intriguing prospect, especially for large-scale applications, owing to its low cost and abundance. MoS2 sodiation/desodiation with Na ions is based on the conversion reaction, which is not only able to deliver higher capacity than the intercalation reaction, but can also be applied in capacitive storage owing to its typically sloping charge/discharge curves. Here, NIBs and NICs based on a graphene composite (MoS2 /G) were constructed. The enlarged d-spacing, a contribution of the graphene matrix, and the unique properties of the MoS2 /G substantially optimize Na storage behavior, by accommodating large volume changes and facilitating fast ion diffusion. MoS2 /G exhibits a stable capacity of approximately 350â mAh g(-1) over 200 cycles at 0.25â C in half cells, and delivers a capacitance of 50â F g(-1) over 2000 cycles at 1.5â C in pseudocapacitors with a wide voltage window of 0.1-2.5â V.
Objective. Most snakebite deaths occur prior to hospital arrival; yet inexpensive, effective, and easy to administer out-of-hospital treatments do not exist. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors can be therapeutic in neurotoxic envenomations when administered intravenously, but nasally delivered drugs could facilitate prehospital therapy for these patients. We tested the feasibility of this idea in experimentally envenomed mice. Methods. Mice received intraperitoneal injections of Naja naja venom 2.5 to 10 times the estimated LD50 and then received 5 µ L neostigmine (0.5 mg/mL) or 5 µ L normal saline by nasal administration. Animals were observed up to 12 hours and survivors were euthanized. Results. 100% of control mice died. Untreated mice injected with 2.5× LD50 Naja naja died at average 193 minutes after injection, while 10 of 15 (67%) of treated mice survived and were behaviorally normal by 6 hours (P < 0.02). In the 5× LD50 group, survival was prolonged from 45 minutes to 196 minutes (P = 0.01) and for 10× LD50 mice, survival increased from 30 to 175 minutes (P < 0.02). Conclusion. This pilot suggests that intranasal drugs can improve survival and is the first direct demonstration that such an approach is plausible, suggesting means by which treatment could be initiated before reaching the hospital. Further investigation of this approach to neurotoxic and other types of envenomation is warranted.
The effects of different temperatures on the hydrogen sorption characteristics of double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) with palladium loading have been investigated. When we use different temperatures, the particle sizes and specific surface areas of the samples are different, which affects the hydrogen storage capacity of the DWCNTs. In this work, the amount of hydrogen storage capacity was determined (by AMC Gas Reactor Controller) to be 1.70, 1.85, 2.00, and 1.93 wt% for pristine DWCNTS and for 2%Pd/DWCNTs-300 degrees C, 2%Pd/DWCNTs-400 degrees C, and 2%Pd/DWCNTs-500 degrees C, respectively. We found that the hydrogen storage capacity can be enhanced by loading with 2% Pd nanoparticles and selecting a suitable temperature. Furthermore, the sorption can be attributed to the chemical reaction between atomic hydrogen and the dangling bonds of the DWCNTs.
Hydrogen/chemistry , Hydrogen/isolation & purification , Nanostructures/chemistry , Nanostructures/ultrastructure , Nanotubes, Carbon/chemistry , Palladium/chemistry , Adsorption , Materials Testing , Molecular Conformation , Particle Size , Porosity , Surface Properties , Temperature
In recent years, the controlled synthesis of inorganic micro- and nanostructures with hollow interiors has attracted considerable attention because of their widespread potential applications. A feasible method for synthesizing Li3 VO4 by a template-free, solution synthesis of single-crystalline microboxes with well-defined non-spherical morphologies has been reported. This study provides the useful information to produce other hollow structure materials to the broad audience of readers. The formation of hollow structure and the influence of raw materials have been presented. The thus-synthesized Li3 VO4 exhibited significantly improved conductivity, rate capability, and cycling life compared to commercial graphite, synthesized Li4 Ti5 O12 , and previously reported Li3 VO4 .
Palladium-nickel (PdNi) hollow nanoparticles were synthesized via a modified galvanic replacement method using Ni nanoparticles as sacrificial templates in an aqueous medium. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy show that the as-synthesized nanoparticles are alloyed nanostructures and have hollow interiors with an average particle size of 30 nm and shell thickness of 5 nm. Compared with the commercially available Pt/C or Pd/C catalysts, the synthesized PdNi/C has superior electrocatalytic performance towards the oxygen reduction reaction, which makes it a promising electrocatalyst for alkaline anion exchange membrane fuel cells and alkali-based air-batteries. The electrocatalyst is finally examined in a H2/O2 alkaline anion exchange membrane fuel cell; the results show that such electrocatalysts could work in a real fuel cell application as a more efficient catalyst than state-of-the-art commercially available Pt/C.
To explore good anode materials of high safety, high reversible capacity, good cycling, and excellent rate capability, a Li3VO4 microbox with wall thickness of 40 nm was prepared by a one-pot and template-free in situ hydrothermal method. In addition, its composite with graphene nanosheets of about six layers of graphene was achieved. Both of them, especially the Li3VO4/graphene nanosheets composite, show superior electrochemical performance to the formerly reported vanadium-based anode materials. The composite shows a reversible capacity of 223 mAh g(-1) even at 20C (1C = 400 mAh g(-1)). After 500 cycles at 10C there is no evident capacity fading.
Iron doped CeO2 nanoparticles with doping concentrations between 0 and 30 mol% were synthesized by the co-precipitation method for potential application as a pigmented ultraviolet filtration material. Each sample was calcined in air and in argon. The iron solubility limit in the CeO2 lattice was found to be between 10 and 20 mol%. Raman spectroscopy results revealed that both iron doping and argon calcination increase the concentration of oxygen vacancies in the CeO2 lattice. Iron doping causes a blue-shift of the absorbance spectrum, which can be linked to the decreased crystallite size, as obtained by XRD peak broadening using the Scherrer formula. The undoped samples showed weak ferromagnetic behaviour whereas the doped samples were all paramagnetic.
A tin nanoparticle/polypyrrole (nano-Sn/PPy) composite was prepared by chemically reducing and coating Sn nanoparticles onto the PPy surface. The composite shows a much higher surface area than the pure nano-Sn reference sample, due to the porous higher surface area of PPy and the much smaller size of Sn in the nano-Sn/PPy composite than in the pure tin nanoparticle sample. Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were also used as binders, and the electrochemical performance was investigated. The electrochemical results show that both the capacity retention and the rate capability are in the same order of nano-Sn/PPy-CMC > nano-Sn/PPy-PVDF > nano-Sn-CMC > nano-Sn-PVDF. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results show that CMC can prevent the formation of cracks in electrodes caused by the big volume changes during the charge-discharge process, and the PPy in the composite can provide a conducting matrix and alleviate the agglomeration of Sn nanoparticles. The present results indicate that the nano-Sn/PPy composite could be suitable for the next generation of anode materials with relatively good capacity retention and rate capability.
Fe(3)O(4)-graphene composites with three-dimensional laminated structures have been synthesised by a simple in situ hydrothermal method. From field-emission and transmission electron microscopy results, the Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles, around 3-15â nm in size, are highly encapsulated in a graphene nanosheet matrix. The reversible Li-cycling properties of Fe(3)O(4)-graphene have been evaluated by galvanostatic discharge-charge cycling, cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy. Results show that the Fe(3)O(4)-graphene nanocomposite with a graphene content of 38.0â wt % exhibits a stable capacity of about 650â mAh g(-1) with no noticeable fading for up to 100â cycles in the voltage range of 0.0-3.0â V. The superior performance of Fe(3)O(4)-graphene is clearly established by comparison of the results with those from bare Fe(3)O(4). The graphene nanosheets in the composite materials could act not only as lithium storage active materials, but also as an electronically conductive matrix to improve the electrochemical performance of Fe(3)O(4).
Electrochemistry/instrumentation , Ferrosoferric Oxide/chemistry , Lithium/chemistry , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Electric Power Supplies , Electrochemistry/methods , Electrodes , Ferrosoferric Oxide/chemical synthesis , Graphite/chemical synthesis , Graphite/chemistry , Nanoparticles/ultrastructure
