Deterioration Of Capacity Research Articles

Relationship between NT-proBNP, echocardiographic abnormalities and functional status in patients with subclinical siabetic cardiomyopathy

IntroductionPersons with diabetes are at risk for developing a cardiomyopathy through several pathophysiological mechanisms independent of traditional risk factors for heart failure. Among those with diabetic cardiomyopathy (DbCM), the relationship between natriuretic peptides, cardiac structural abnormalities and functional capacity is largely unknown.MethodsIn this prespecified subgroup analysis of the Aldose Reductase Inhibition for Stabilization of Exercise Capacity in Heart Failure (ARISE-HF) trial, 685 participants with asymptomatic DbCM underwent baseline echocardiography data, laboratory investigations, and functional assessments. Participants were stratified by N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) quartiles, and correlation with echocardiographic and functional parameters were assessed using Spearman correlation test.ResultsThe median NT-proBNP was 71 (Q1, Q3: 33, 135) ng/L. No association was observed between NT-proBNP concentrations and echocardiographic parameters of either diastolic or systolic dysfunction including global longitudinal strain, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular mass index, left atrial volume index, E/E’, or right ventricular systolic pressure. In contrast, NT-proBNP was significantly correlated with overall Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score (rho = − 0.10; p = 0.007), the Physical Activity Scale in the Elderly (rho = − 0.12; p = 0.004), duration of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (rho = − 0.28; p < 0.001), peak VO2 (rho = − 0.26; p < 0.001), and ratio of minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production (rho = 0.12; p = 0.002). After adjustment for known confounders, the correlation with Physical Activity Scale in the Elderly and overall Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score was no longer significant.ConclusionAmong patients with subclinical DbCM, elevated NT-proBNP concentrations are associated with worse health status, lower activity levels, and reduced functional capacity, but not with cardiac structural abnormalities. These findings suggest that regardless of cardiac structural abnormalities, biomarker concentrations reflect important deterioration in functional capacity in affected individuals.Trial registrationARISE-HF, NCT 04083339 Date Registered August 23, 2019.Graphical abstractAbnormal ECHO defined as Myocardial Global Longitudinal Strain < − 16 or left ventricular mass index > 95 for females or > 115 for males or E/e’ >13 or left atrial volume index > 34. †Normal ECHO is defined as the absence of these abnormalities. Low NT-proBNP is defined as < 71 ng/L while high NT-proBNP is defined as ≥ 71 ng/L.

Toward Ultralow Temperature Lithium Metal Batteries: Advancing the Feasibility of 1,3‐Dioxolane Based Localized High‐Concentration Electrolytes via Lithium Nitrate

AbstractLithium metal batteries (LMBs) suffer severe capacity deterioration due to sluggish ionic transport kinetics at extremely low temperatures, which limits their practical operation. Selecting solvents with low desolvation energy, and promoting interfacial Li+ transport in solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) are regarded as effective methods to improve electrochemical performances. Herein, 1,3‐dioxolane (DOL) with weak solvating power is adopted for designing a DOL‐based localized high concentration electrolyte (DLHCE) with LiNO3 as a multifunctional additive. The strong coordination between NO3− and DOL molecules not only inhibits the polymerization of DOL at high lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) concentration, but also reduces the solvent‐diluent miscibility and extends the salt‐solvent solubility. As a result, an anion‐dominated solvation structure is obtained that derives an inorganic‐rich SEI composed of LiF and Li3N, guiding the uniform deposition of Li at low temperature. Remarkably, the Li||LiFePO4 cells retain 53.6% of room temperature capacity at −40 °C, and also present potential application of Li||NCM811 cells under cryogenic environments.

Introducing Ionic Transport Islands in Graphite Anode towards Fast-Charging Lithium-Ion Batteries

The development of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) possessing excellent fast charging performance is particularly important for expanding the worldwide application market of LIBs. However, the grievous growth of lithium dendrites during high rate charging and discharging process occurring on the surface of the anode material still restricts the development of commercial fast charging LIBs, which raises capacity deterioration and even enormous safety risks. Herein, we developed simple physical mixing of active carbon (AC) powder into graphite negative slurry to generate the hybrid fast charging anode (called AS anode), which can realize unprecedented fast charging capability whether at room temperature or low temperature, along with greatly improved capacity retention cycling at high 2 C rate. Importantly, the density functional theory calculation and combined characterizations including in situ electrochemical confocal system spectroscopy and lithium ion (Li+) diffusion coefficient analysis can decipher that AC particles with rapid Li+ diffusion and adsorption can act as ion transport islands in graphite electrode to accelerate the transport process of lithium ion inside the whole negative electrode, leading to the faster charging performance. This work not only promotes the development of anode construction with fast charging capability for LIBs, but also deciphers the ion transport mechanism inside the electrode.

Oxygen vacanciesWriting – introduced to iron oxide by melamine assist to improve lithium storage performance

Oxygen vacanciesWriting – introduced to iron oxide by melamine assist to improve lithium storage performance

Lung deposition of PM-bound trace elements and corresponding human health risk assessment in commercial kitchens serving Mediterranean cuisine

Lung deposition of PM-bound trace elements and corresponding human health risk assessment in commercial kitchens serving Mediterranean cuisine

Promoting elderly mobility and fall prevention through virtual reality: a sustainable approach to gait balance training

Background: Deterioration of physical coordinative capacity, balance and falls cause significant physical repercussions in the older adult population. Objective: to design a program for gait balance training in older adults at risk of falls using Virtual Reality. Methods: descriptive study, with quantitative approach, longitudinal cut, fifteen older adults with an age range from 65 to 84 years belonging to the care unit "Dulce Hogar" of one of the MIES projects participated, all of them executed the program through virtual reality for 16 weeks with a frequency of 1 session per week. Participants were evaluated before and after the intervention using the Tinetti scale and the unipodal (timed) station. Results: for the statistical analysis the SPSS version 29.0 computer system was used, the Student's t-test was used with a statistical significance p&lt;0.05, yielding results of p&lt;0.001 in all parameters tested: balance, gait and risk of falls. The results were expressed in statistical tables with their respective analyses. Conclusions: Virtual Reality applied in a gait balance training program for the elderly is beneficial because it showed a better balance, better gait performance and decreased the risk of falls in the elderly.

Design of regression neural network model for estimating the remaining useful life of lithium-ion battery

Lithium-ion batteries are widely utilized in a variety of transportation sectors, including highways, airplanes, and defensive military applications because of their positive features, which include a low self-discharge rate, raised operating voltage, prolonged cycle life, and high energy density. Nevertheless, during operation, the battery undergoes adverse reactions that may eventually cause material aging and capacity deterioration. For this reason, the prediction of remaining useful life (RUL) for LiBs is important and necessary for ensuring reliable system operation. Moreover, accurate RUL prediction can effectively offer maintenance strategies to certify the system’s dependability and safety. The impedance of the battery plays a vital role in the degradation process and hence its measurement accounts for the changes in the battery’s internal parameters as aging occurs. The objective of this paper is to create a forecasting model for the lifespan of batteries through the application of data analysis. Moreover, it aims to use a Regression Neural Network (RNN) based mathematical model to assess the degradation of the battery across diverse operational scenarios. The co-efficient of the RNN model is found by solving the RNN equations. In this research, MATLAB is employed for data analysis, utilizing open-source battery data sourced from the NASA dataset. The conclusive prediction outcomes indicate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology in accurately forecasting the battery RUL.

Factors Associated with the Deterioration of Intrinsic Capacity among Older Adults in Mexico and Colombia.

Intrinsic capacity (IC) is defined as &quot;all the physical and mental attributes possessed by the older person.&quot; This concept has gained momentum in recent years because it provides insights into the changes in the functional capacity of individuals during their life. This study examined common factors associated with IC decline among older adults in Mexico and Colombia. This cross-sectional, correlational study included 348 community-dwelling older adults. Sociodemographic, clinical, and family conditions were assessed as possible associated factors, and IC was analyzed across five domains: cognitive, locomotor, psychological, vitality (malnutrition through deficiency and excess), and sensory (visual and auditory). Parametric and non-parametric statistical analyses were performed. The common factors associated with impairment according to domain were family dysfunctionality (cognitive domain); myocardial infarction, family dysfunctionality, age &gt;80 years, home occupation, and not having a partner (locomotor domain); dysfunctional family and risk of falls (psychological domain); age &gt;80 years and not having a partner (malnutrition by deficiency domain); age 60-79 years, walking &lt;7,500 steps/day, and peripheral vascular disease (malnutrition by excess domain); risk of falling and being female (visual sensory domain); risk of falling (auditory sensory domain); and dysfunctional family and risk of falling (total intrinsic capacity). Both populations had common sociodemographic, clinical, and familial factors that directly affected total IC stocks and their domains.

Influence of corrosion on seismic performance of steel beam-to-column connections

Influence of corrosion on seismic performance of steel beam-to-column connections

Borate modified Co-free LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode material: A pathway to superior interface and cycling stability in LNMO/graphite full-cells

Borate modified Co-free LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode material: A pathway to superior interface and cycling stability in LNMO/graphite full-cells

Recent Advances and Opportunities in Reactivating Inactive Lithium in Batteries

AbstractThe loss of active materials is one of the main culprits of the battery failures. As a typical example, the presence of inactive lithium, also known as “dead lithium”, contributes to the rapid capacity deterioration and reduces energy output in lithium batteries. This phenomenon has long been recognized as irreversible. In this Minireview, the first of this kind, we aim to summarize the formation of inactive lithium and reassess its impact on battery performance metrics. Additionally, we explore various strategies that have been devised to rejuvenate inactive lithium. This comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in reactivating inactive lithium not only offers insights into restoring capacity and enhancing battery performance metrics but also provides a foundation for future research in reviving other inactive materials found in next‐generation batteries, such as lithium metal batteries, lithium‐sulfur batteries, other alkali metal batteries, and liquid flow batteries.

Recent Advances and Opportunities in Reactivating Inactive Lithium in Batteries.

The loss of active materials is one of the main culprits of the battery failures. As a typical example, the presence of inactive lithium, also known as "dead lithium", contributes to the rapid capacity deterioration and reduces energy output in lithium batteries. This phenomenon has long been recognized as irreversible. In this Minireview, the first of this kind, we aim to summarize the formation of inactive lithium and reassess its impact on battery performance metrics. Additionally, we explore various strategies that have been devised to rejuvenate inactive lithium. This comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in reactivating inactive lithium not only offers insights into restoring capacity and enhancing battery performance metrics but also provides a foundation for future research in reviving other inactive materials found in next-generation batteries, such as lithium metal batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, other alkali metal batteries, and liquid flow batteries.

Chemical short-range disorder in lithium oxide cathodes.

Ordered layered structures serve as essential components in lithium (Li)-ion cathodes1-3. However, on charging, the inherently delicate Li-deficient frameworks become vulnerable to lattice strain and structural and/or chemo-mechanical degradation, resulting in rapid capacity deterioration and thus short battery life2,4. Here we report an approach that addresses these issues using the integration of chemical short-range disorder (CSRD) into oxide cathodes, which involves the localized distribution of elements in a crystalline lattice over spatial dimensions, spanning a few nearest-neighbour spacings. This is guided by fundamental principles of structural chemistry and achieved through an improved ceramic synthesis process. To demonstrate its viability, we showcase how the introduction of CSRD substantially affects the crystal structure of layered Li cobalt oxide cathodes. This is manifested in the transition metal environment and its interactions with oxygen, effectively preventing detrimental sliding of crystal slabs and structural deterioration during Li removal. Meanwhile, it affects the electronic structure, leading to improved electronic conductivity. These attributes are highly beneficial for Li-ion storage capabilities, markedly improving cycle life and rate capability. Moreover, we find that CSRD can be introduced in additional layered oxide materials through improved chemical co-doping, further illustrating its potential to enhance structural and electrochemical stability. These findings open up new avenues for the design of oxide cathodes, offering insights into the effects of CSRD on the crystal and electronic structure of advanced functional materials.

Study on Flow Characteristics of Integrated Natural Circulation Reactor Under Inclined Conditions

In order to study the flow characteristics of an integrated natural circulation reactor under inclined conditions, a typical three-dimensional analysis model of natural circulation was established. The natural circulation under inclined conditions was numerically simulated using the computational fluid dynamics method, and the velocity and temperature distribution characteristics of heat exchangers and mixed-flow channels with different inclined angles were analyzed. The results show that as the inclination angle of the heat exchanger flow rate increases, there is a spatial migration phenomenon corresponding to the direction of the average flow rate. A large inclination angle will lead to a serious deterioration of the natural circulation capacity in the lower channel. Under inclined conditions, there is a phenomenon of temperature stratification in the mixed-flow channel.

Electrochemomechanical failure in layered oxide cathodes caused by rotational stacking faults.

Electrochemomechanical degradation is one of the most common causes of capacity deterioration in high-energy-density cathodes, particularly intercalation-based layered oxides. Here we reveal the presence of rotational stacking faults (RSFs) in layered lithium transition-metal oxides, arising from specific stacking sequences at different angles, and demonstrate their critical role in determining structural/electrochemical stability. Our combined experiments and calculations show that RSFs facilitate oxygen dimerization and transition-metal migration in layered oxides, fostering microcrack nucleation/propagation concurrently with cumulative electrochemomechanical degradation on cycling. We further show that thermal defect annihilation as a potential solution can suppress RSFs, reducing microcracks and enhancing cyclability in lithium-rich layered cathodes. The common but previously overlooked occurrence of RSFs suggests a new synthesis guideline of high-energy-density layered oxide cathodes.

Performance assessment of corroded stiffened steel plates considering non-Gaussian spatial correlated corrosion random field

Performance assessment of corroded stiffened steel plates considering non-Gaussian spatial correlated corrosion random field

Numerical analysis of fire-exposed reinforced concrete sections for assessing post-heating axial and flexural capacity

PurposeThis study investigates the impact of the fire decay phase on structural damage using the sectional analysis method. The primary objective of this work is to forecast the non-dimensional capacity parameters for the axial and flexural load-carrying capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) sections for heating and the subsequent post-heating phase (decay phase) of the fire.Design/methodology/approachThe sectional analysis method is used to determine the moment and axial capacities. The findings of sectional analysis and heat transfer for the heating stage are initially validated, and the analysis subsequently proceeds to determine the load capacity during the fire’s heating and decay phases by appropriately incorporating non-dimensional sectional and material parameters. The numerical analysis includes four fire curves with different cooling rates and steel percentages.FindingsThe study’s findings indicate that the rate at which the cooling process occurs after undergoing heating substantially impacts the axial and flexural capacity. The maximum degradation in axial and flexural capacity occurred in the range of 15–20% for cooling rates of 3 °C/min and 5 °C/min as compared to the capacity obtained at 120 min of heating for all steel percentages. As the fire cooling rate reduced to 1 °C/min, the highest deterioration in axial and flexural capacity reached 48–50% and 42–46%, respectively, in the post-heating stage.Research limitations/implicationsThe established non-dimensional parameters for axial and flexural capacity are limited to the analysed section in the study owing to the thermal profile, however, this can be modified depending on the section geometry and fire scenario.Practical implicationsThe study primarily focusses on the degradation of axial and flexural capacity at various time intervals during the entire fire exposure, including heating and cooling. The findings obtained showed that following the completion of the fire’s heating phase, the structural capacity continued to decrease over the subsequent post-heating period. It is recommended that structural members' fire resistance designs encompass both the heating and cooling phases of a fire. Since the capacity degradation varies with fire duration, the conventional method is inadequate to design the load capacity for appropriate fire safety. Therefore, it is essential to adopt a performance-based approach while designing structural elements' capacity for the desired fire resistance rating. The proposed technique of using non-dimensional parameters will effectively support predicting the load capacity for required fire resistance.Originality/valueThe fire-resistant requirements for reinforced concrete structures are generally established based on standard fire exposure conditions, which account for the fire growth phase. However, it is important to note that concrete structures can experience internal damage over time during the decay phase of fires, which can be quantitatively determined using the proposed non-dimensional parameter approach.

Randomized Trial of a Selective Aldose Reductase Inhibitor in Patients With Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Progression to symptomatic heart failure is a complication of type 2 diabetes; heart failure onset in this setting is commonly preceded by deterioration in exercise capacity. This study sought to determine whether AT-001, a highly selective aldose reductase inhibitor, can stabilize exercise capacity among individuals with diabetic cardiomyopathy (DbCM) and reduced peak oxygen uptake (Vo2). A total of 691 individuals with DbCM meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomized to receive placebo or ascending doses of AT-001 twice daily. Stratification at inclusion included region of enrollment, cardiopulmonary exercise test results, and use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. The primary endpoint was proportional change in peak Vo2 from baseline to 15months. Subgroup analyses included measures of disease severity and stratification variables. The mean age was 67.5 ± 7.2 years, and 50.4% of participants were women. By 15months, peak Vo2 fell in the placebo-treated patients by -0.31mL/kg/min (P=0.005 compared to baseline), whereas in those receiving high-dose AT-001, peak Vo2 fell by -0.01mL/kg/min (P=0.21); the difference in peak Vo2 between placebo and high-dose AT-001 was 0.30 (P=0.19). In prespecified subgroup analyses among those not receiving sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists at baseline, the difference between peak Vo2 in placebo vs high-dose AT-001 at 15months was 0.62mL/kg/min (P=0.04; interaction P=0.10). Among individuals with DbCM and impaired exercise capacity, treatment with AT-001 for 15months did not result in significantly better exercise capacity compared with placebo. (Safety and Efficacy of AT-001 in Patients With Diabetic Cardiomyopathy [ARISE-HF]; NCT04083339).

Inorganic/organic composite binder with self-healing property for silicon anode in lithium-ion battery

Inorganic/organic composite binder with self-healing property for silicon anode in lithium-ion battery

Pain, fatigability and cognitive impairment in log-COVID: a cohort study

IntroductionSurvivors of the pandemic of COVID-19 suffered from multiple sequelae long time after recovery, such as tiredness and memory dysfunction, affecting daily life activities.ObjectivesTo assess fatigability, cognitive impairment and the severity of pain in long-COVID.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study including 121 Tunisian COVID-19 inpatients who had been discharged alive from hospital. Each enrolled patient was asked about the period before the hospital stay, and the 6-9 month-period after hospital discharge, using the visual analog scale (VAS), self-completed unidimensional scale and yes/ no question about fatigability and cognitive impairments.ResultsThe median age of participants was 59 years, with extreme values ranging from 18 to 80. Among them, 51.2% were females.Our findings showed a significant increase in VAS score after COVID infection (3.82 vs 1.69; p&lt;0.001). Sixty-eight (56.2%) participants reported spontaneously fatigability after the infection and 52 (43%) reported spontaneously a deterioration in memory capacity either with or without previous memory dysfunction. Fatigability was statistically associated to cognitive impairment (55.9% vs 26.4%; P= 0.02). In addition, fatigability and cognitive impairment were statistically associated with pain (P=0.001 and P= 0.022 respectively).There was no significative association of fatigability nor cognitive impairment with the gender of the survivors.ConclusionsThe clinician should keep in mind to screen for possible somatic or psychological distress, in particular pain, fatigability and cognitive impairment even after resolution of the COVID infection, in order to guarantee a better quality of life.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared