Development and Verification of a Diagnostic Technology for Waste Battery Deterioration Factors.

We defined four major deterioration factors (electrolyte loss (EL), lithium loss (LL), lithium precipitation (LP), and compound deterioration (CD)). Then, we derived eleven key performance indicators (KPIs) for comparative analysis. After that, we fabricated three deteriorated cells for each of three deterioration factors (EL, LL, and LP) and one cell with CD (for verification) with four individual (dis)charging experiment manuals. The two major contributions of this study are the performance of 1) trend analysis to determine a suitable diagnostic metric by inspecting the eleven KPIs and 2) comparison analysis of V o c v , t ' ' ${{V}_{ocv,t}^{{ {^\prime} {^\prime}}}}$ and V o c v , t , s i m ' ' ${{V}_{ocv,t,sim}^{{ {^\prime} {^\prime}}}}$ to verify the effectiveness of utilizing V o c v , t ' ' ${{V}_{ocv,t}^{{ {^\prime} {^\prime}}}}$ as a real-time deterioration diagnostic factor using a concept of model-in-the-loop simulation. The results show that 1) V o c v , t ' ' ${{V}_{ocv,t}^{{ {^\prime} {^\prime}}}}$ has the most conspicuous trendline tendency among the eleven comparison targets for all four major deterioration factors, and 2) the angle difference between the two trends of V o c v , t ' ' ${{V}_{ocv,t}^{{ {^\prime} {^\prime}}}}$ and V o c v , t , s i m ' ' ${{V}_{ocv,t,sim}^{{ {^\prime} {^\prime}}}}$ lies within a minimum of 9° and a maximum of 43° (with a 10 4 ${{10}^{4}}$ sscale on the x-axis and a 10 - 7 ${{10}^{-7}}$ scale on the y-axis for a clear trend line analysis). From this, we can conclude that the trendline-based real-time deterioration analysis employing V o c v , t ' ' ${{V}_{ocv,t}^{{ {^\prime} {^\prime}}}}$ may be practically applicable to a limited extent.

Effect of water filtration infrared-A (wIRA) sauna on inorganic ions excreted through sweat from the human body.

Sweat discharged as a result of exposure to sauna plays an important role in removing inorganic ions accumulated in the body, including heavy metals. In this study, inorganic ions (toxic and nutrient elements) excreted in the form of sweat from the body using a water-filtered infrared-A (wIRA) sauna were determined using inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry. The analyzed elements included eight toxic elements (Al, As, Be, Cd, Ni, Pb, Ti, and Hg) and 10 nutrient elements (Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Se, V, and Zn), and their correlations were determined. Analysis of the sweat obtained from 22 people using the wIRA sauna showed a higher inorganic ion concentration than that obtained from conventional activities, such as exercise or the use of wet sauna, and the concentration of toxic elements in sweat was higher in females than in males. Correlation analysis of the ions revealed a correlation between the discharge of toxic elements, such as As, Be, Cd, and Ni, and discharge of Se and V, and Ni was only correlated with Mn. This study provides fundamental information on nutritional element supplementation when using wIRA sauna for detoxification.

Noninvasive Flow Monitoring in Simple Flow Phantom Using Resistive Strain Sensors.

In this paper, we introduce a monitoring method for flow expansion and contraction in a simple flow phantom based on electrical resistance changes in an epidermal strain sensor attached to the phantom. The flow phantom was fabricated to have a nonflat surface and small modulus that are analogous to human skin. The epidermal sensors made of polydopamine and polyvinyl alcohol show sufficient linearity (R = 0.9969), reproducibility, and self-adhesion properties, as well as high sensitivity to small modulus measurements (<1% tensile strain). Pulsatile flow monitoring experiments were performed by placing the epidermal sensor on the flow phantom and measuring the relative changes in resistance by the heartbeat. Experiments were conducted for three types of vessel diameters (1.5, 2, and 3 mm). In each of the experiments, the vessels were divided into Top, Middle, and Bottom positions. Experiments for each position show that the relative changes in resistance increase proportionally with the diameter of the vessel. The vessels located close to the epidermal layer have greater relative electrical changes. The results were analyzed using the Bernoulli equation and hoop stress formula. This study demonstrates the feasibility of a noninvasive flow monitoring method using a novel resistive strain sensor.

A qualitative and quantitative account of patient's experiences of ketamine and its antidepressant properties.

BACKGROUND: Ketamine is central to one of the most rapidly growing areas of neuroscientific research into novel treatments for depression. Limited research has indicated that the psychedelic properties of ketamine may play a role in its antidepressant effects. AIM: The aim of the current study was to explore the psychedelic experiences and sustained impact of ketamine in major depressive disorder. METHODS: In the current study, ketamine (0.44 mg/kg) was administered to 32 volunteers with major depressive disorder in a crossover design with the active-placebo remifentanil, in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) environment. The 11-dimension altered states of consciousness questionnaire and individual qualitative interviews were used to capture the acute psychedelic experience. The Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and further interviewing explored lasting effects. The second qualitative interview took place ⩾3 weeks post-ketamine. RESULTS: Greater antidepressant response (reduction in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale at 24 h) correlated with the 11-dimension altered states of consciousness dimensions: spirituality, experience of unity, and insight. The first qualitative interview revealed that all participants experienced perceptual changes. Additional themes emerged including loss of control and emotional and mood changes. The final interview showed evidence of a psychedelic afterglow, and changes to perspective on life, people, and problems, as well as changes to how participants felt about their depression and treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The current study provides preliminary evidence for a role of the psychedelic experience and afterglow in ketamine's antidepressant properties. Reflexive thematic analysis provided a wealth of information on participants' experience of the study and demonstrated the psychedelic properties of ketamine are not fully captured by commonly used questionnaires.

Preparation of Styrenated Phenol Over SO2-4/ZrO2 Catalyst in a Large-Scale Synthesis Process.

Styrenated phenols (SPs) are usually synthesized by the reaction of styrene and phenol under acid catalysts. SPs with a high content of di-styrenated phenol (DSP) can be used to prepare styrenated phenol alkoxylate (SP-A). Therefore, in this study, a scale-up process for synthesizing SPs with high DSP content which can be used for synthesis of SP-A was studied. The solid catalyst used in this study was prepared by impregnation method. SO2-4 was impregnated on a SO2-4/ZrO2 catalyst in an aqueous 1 M H2SO4 solution. The prepared catalysts were characterized by NH3-TPD. Catalytic activity was examined by measuring the conversion of phenol and styrene in a liquid-phase batch reactor. Almost 100% conversion of both phenol and styrene over 5-SO2-4/ZrO2 catalyst was obtained at a reaction temperature of 80 °C and a reaction time of 6 h. The amount of catalyst to the reactants was 2 wt%. Under the same reaction conditions, the selectivity of MSP, DSP, and TSP was 12.4%, 64.5%, and 23.1% respectively.

A Synthesis of Alkoxylates from Styrenated Phenols and Ethylene Carbonate Over KOH/La2O3 Catalysts.

Styrenated phenol alkoxylates (SP-A) are prepared from styrenated phenols (SP) and ethylene oxide (EO) under a homogeneous base catalyst. However, to use EO that is difficult to handle, a high-pressure reaction device capable of reaction process control should be used. Additionally, the homogeneous base catalyst requires a neutralization process to remove the remaining catalyst after the reaction, and it is difficult to separate the catalysts and the product. Therefore, in this study, the separation of product and catalyst by using KOH/La2O3 catalyst was facilitated in the production of SP-A. Also, it was possible to produce SP-A under atmospheric pressure reaction conditions using EC. The mean molecular weight of SP-A varied depending on the reaction conditions, and the size of the mean molecular weight could be arbitrarily controlled by changing the reaction conditions.

Scaling Effect on Silicon Nitride Memristor with Highly Doped Si Substrate.

A feasible approach is reported to reduce the switching current and increase the nonlinearity in a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)-compatible Ti/SiNx /p+ -Si memristor by simply reducing the cell size down to sub-100 nm. Even though the switching voltages gradually increase with decreasing device size, the reset current is reduced because of the reduced current overshoot effect. The scaled devices (sub-100 nm) exhibit gradual reset switching driven by the electric field, whereas that of the large devices (≥1 µm) is driven by Joule heating. For the scaled cell (60 nm), the current levels are tunable by adjusting the reset stop voltage for multilevel cells. It is revealed that the nonlinearity in the low-resistance state is attributed to Fowler-Nordheim tunneling dominating in the high-voltage regime (≥1 V) for the scaled cells. The experimental findings demonstrate that the scaled metal-nitride-silicon memristor device paves the way to realize CMOS-compatible high-density crosspoint array applications.

A Study on H2SO4-Treated MxOy Catalysts for Styrenated Phenols by Alkylation of Phenol with Styrene.

Styrenated phenols (SPs) involving very small amount of unreacted phenol and high content of di-SP (DSP) were synthesized, which can be used to prepare SP alkoxylate. The solid catalyst was prepared by impregnation method. SO2-4 on SO2-4/MxOy catalyst was introduced from an aqueous 1M-H2SO4 solution. The catalysts were characterized by XRD patterns, and FT-IR spectra. The catalytic activity was examined by measuring conversion of phenol and styrene in a batch liquid-phase reactor. The concentration of phenol, styrene, and SPs were measured by GC with capillary column. The optimum synthesis conditions for concentration of sulfuric acid solution, catalyst amount of reactants, reaction temperature, and reaction time over SO2-4/ZrO2 catalyst were 15 wt%, 15 wt%, 100 °C, and 6 hr, respectively. At these conditions, conversion of both phenol and styrene were almost 100%, and the selectivity of DSP was 52.1%. On the other hand, the optimum synthesis conditions over SO2-4/TiO2 catalyst were 10 wt%, 5 wt%, 100 °C, and 1 hr, respectively, and conversion of both phenol and styrene were almost 100%, and the selectivity of DSP was 66.1%.

A Study on Synthesis of Styrenated Phenol Over Al · Ni/SiO2-Supported Catalysts.

Styrenated phenol was prepared by an alkylation of phenol using NiCl2 and AlCl3 supported on silica gel. The conversion of phenol and styrene of alkylation reaction, and the selectivity of styrenated phenol were investigated. The Al · Ni/SiO2 Supported catalyst was used, the conversion of phenol was almost 100%. The product was in the form of a mixture of mono-styrenated phenol, di-styrenated phenol and tri-styrenated phenol. The styrenated phenol were selectivity of the varies depending on the reaction conditions.

Nano-cone resistive memory for ultralow power operation.

SiN x -based nano-structure resistive memory is fabricated by fully silicon CMOS compatible process integration including particularly designed anisotropic etching for the construction of a nano-cone silicon bottom electrode (BE). Bipolar resistive switching characteristics have significantly reduced switching current and voltage and are demonstrated in a nano-cone BE structure, as compared with those in a flat BE one. We have verified by systematic device simulations that the main cause of reduction in the performance parameters is the high electric field being more effectively concentrated at the tip of the cone-shaped BE. The greatly improved nonlinearity of the nano-cone resistive memory cell will be beneficial in the ultra-high-density crossbar array.

Preparation of Styrenated Phenol by Alkylation of Phenol with Styrene Over SO4²â» /ZrO2 Catalyst.

Styrenated phenols are usually synthesized by the reaction of styrene and phenol under acid catalysts. Styrenated phenol involving high content of di-styrenated phenol (DSP) was synthesized, which can be used to prepare styrenated phenol alkoxylate. The solid catalyst used in this study was prepared by impregnation method. SO4 2- on SO4 2-/ZrO2 catalyst was introduced from an aqueous 1M-H2SO4 solution. The catalysts were characterized by SEM images, XRD patterns, and FT-IR spectra. The catalytic activity was examined by measuring the conversion of phenol and styrene in a liquid-phase batch reactor. Almost 100% conversion of both phenol and styrene over 15-SO4 2-/ZrO2 catalyst were obtained at reaction temperature of 100 °C and reaction time of 6 hr. Amount of catalyst to the reactants was 15 wt%. At same reaction conditions, selectivity of MSP, DSP, and TSP were 23.6%, 52.1%, and 5.4%, respectively. It was known that the selectivity to DSP was increased as IR absorption peak of 1236 cm-1 corresponding to O­S­O bonds was increased.

Interface-modified unipolar resistive random access memory (RRAM) structure for low-power application.

An interface-engineered resistive random access memory (RRAM) using bilayer transition metal oxide (TMO) is presented for improving unipolar resistive-switching characteristics. The experiment and simulation data show that better resistive switching characteristics and superb uniformity can be realized by inserting a thin AIOx insertion layer between the Ir/NiO interface. To elucidate the uniformity improvement of our bilayer structure, the conducting-defect effects in the resistive cell were also investigated using a random circuit breaker (RCB) simulation model. It has been verified that the forming and set characteristics are more effectively improved because the conducting-defect ratio in the insertion layer region is low, therefore making it more advantageous for a filament path controllability. Using the optimal oxygen contents in both the insertion layer and the resistive cell, it was confirmed that a significant reduction of up to 0.15 mA of the reset current (I(RESET)) is possible compared to the conventional cell. These results indicate that new AI insertion has a large contribution to the reset and forming processes.

Dimensional effect of non-polar resistive random access memory (RRAM) for low-power memory application.

The relationships between the resistive cell dimension and the related analytical parameters such as the forming voltage, set voltage, and reset current were investigated to implement high-density and low-power unipolar RRAM. It was shown that the formation process in unipolar switching is strongly related to the cell dimension in the sub-nm region, not only in terms of its vertical thickness but also of its horizontal length, using the numerical simulation method. With the optimal cell size having sufficient initial resistance and a low forming voltage, the achievement of the greatest feasibility of the high-density low-power RRAM will be further accelerated. A numerical simulation was performed using a random circuit breaker (RCB) simulation model to investigate the optimal resistive switching condition. The on/off resistance ratio increases as the cell area decreases at the sub-nm level, and these phenomena are explained in terms of the relatively large set resistance change in a very small area due to the conductive defect (CD) amount effect in the RCB network model.

Split-gate-structure 1T DRAM for retention characteristic improvement.

As the feature size of the conventional 1T-1C DRAM scales down, difficulties of the fabrication process are increasing and it is becoming harder to keep a constant capacitance value for data storage. Capacitor-less 1T DRAM is a promising candidate for the substitution of the conventional 1T-1C DRAM, but its poor retention time is one of the critical issues in its commercialization. In the selection of a bias condition for 1T DRAM, however, it is impossible to choose a gate bias condition that is suitable for both the "1" and "0" hold state data. In this paper, a split gate structure and hold bias scheme are proposed for the simultaneous improvement of the "1" and "0" data retention characteristics. It was confirmed through numerical simulation that this structure has a more than 3 sec retention time. A vertical gate-all-around split-gate structure and its fabrication method are also suggested to achieve high density, low cost, a higher sensing margin, and a longer retention time.

Rash in adult patients receiving lamotrigine to treat bipolar I disorder in Korea: a multicenter, prospective, naturalistic, open-label trial.

The goal of this study was to assess the incidence of rash occurring in patients received lamotrigine to treat bipolar I disorder in a real world setting in Korea. We included a heterogeneous sample with multiple medications and medical comorbidities. Lamotrigine was added to the current therapy regime for DSM-IV bipolar I patients on an open-label basis for 12 weeks. The incidences of rash and other adverse events were assessed. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of rash. A total of 237 adult patients were included in the present study and 173 patients (73.0%) completed the 12 weeks of treatment. Thirty patients (12.7%) developed a rash, of whom 2 (0.8%) developed a serious rash. There were no patients who developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis. The median time of rash onset was 16 days. As a group, patients who did not experience rash were significantly heavier than those who did. Our findings suggest that the incidence of serious rash associated with lamotrigine is low. The prescription of lamotrigine should be undertaken with appropriate consideration of the potential risk of adverse events including rash to the patient in relation to potential benefit from improvement of bipolar disorder.