Modeling Elementary Heterogeneous Chemistry and Electrochemistry in Solid-Oxide Fuel Cells

This paper presents a new computational framework for modeling chemically reacting flow in anode-supported solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFC). Depending on materials and operating conditions, SOFC anodes afford a possibility for internal reforming or catalytic partial oxidation of hydrocarbon fuels. An important new element of the model is the capability to represent elementary heterogeneous chemical kinetics in the form of multistep reaction mechanisms. Porous-media transport in the electrodes is represented with a dusty-gas model. Charge-transfer chemistry is represented in a modified Butler-Volmer setting that is derived from elementary reactions, but assuming a single rate-limiting step. The model is discussed in terms of systems with defined flow channels and planar membrane-electrode assemblies. However, the underlying theory is independent of the particular geometry. Examples are given to illustrate the model

Sodium Percarbonate Fuel Cells Based on Porous Paper Supports

A self-pumping T-shaped paper based fuel cell was fabricated using sodium percarbonate as a fuel and potassium permanganate as an oxidant. The cell is portable, economic, lightweight and compact, consumes less fuel, and can be easily regenerated. Whatman filter papers served as porous supports for fluids. Different electrolytes (for fuel and oxidant) and different gel electrolytes were attempted. Among acidic media, mixed media and basic media, the mixed media combination outperforms both acidic and basic media combinations. A T-shaped mixed media paper based fuel cell at 3 M sodium percarbonate (SPC) as fuel concentration produces OCV of 1.22 V. It generates a maximum current density of 3.21 mA/cm2 and a maximum power density of 1.2 mW/cm2at optimum fuel (3 M SPC) concentration without any catalyst. Au NPs were used as catalyst, and the maximum current and maximum power densities increased to 5.357 mA/cm2 and 2.15 mW/cm2 respectively

Synthesis, spectroscopic characterisation, corrosion inhibition studies and dyeing properties of lanthanide(III) complexes of 1-[(3-carboxyethyl-4,5-dimethylthiophen-2-yl)azo]-2-naphthol

Ligational behaviour of the heterocyclic ligand obtained by coupling of diazotized 2-amino-3-carboxyethyl-4,5-dimethylthiophene with β-naphthol towards some selected lanthanide(III) ions has been studied. Various spectral and physico-chemical techniques have been used to confirm the coordination sites of the ligand (HTAN) and its lanthanide(III) complexes. It has been observed that these ligands coordinate to the metal ions in a neutral tridentate fashion. Thermal stability of metal chelates and structural stability of the chelating agent has been studied by thermal analysis. As lanthanides and azo dyes are reported as good corrosion inhibitors we have examined the corrosion inhibition activities of HTAN and its metal complexes. Also dyeing properties of the azo dye and some of its selected complexes towards cotton fabrics has been evaluated, as the traditional application field of the synthetic azo dyes still remains in the textile industry

Scrub typhus in South India: clinical and laboratory manifestations, genetic variability, and outcome

SummaryObjectivesThis study sought to document the clinical and laboratory manifestations, genetic variability, and outcomes of scrub typhus, an often severe infection caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, in South India.MethodsPatients admitted to a large teaching hospital with IgM ELISA-confirmed scrub typhus were evaluated. Clinical examination with a thorough search for an eschar, laboratory testing, chest X-ray, and outcome were documented and analyzed. Additionally, a 410-bp region of the 56-kDa type-specific antigen gene of O. tsutsugamushi was sequenced and compared with isolates from other regions of Asia.ResultsMost of the 154 patients evaluated presented with fever and non-specific symptoms. An eschar was found in 86 (55%) patients. Mild hepatic involvement was seen in most, with other organ involvement including respiratory, cardiovascular, and renal. Multi-organ dysfunction was noted in 59 (38.3%), and the fatality rate was 7.8%. Hypotension requiring vasoactive agents was found to be an independent predictor of mortality (p<0.001). The phylogeny of 26 samples showed 17 (65%) clustering with the Kato-like group and eight (31%) with the Karp-like group.ConclusionsThe presentation of scrub typhus can be variable, often non-specific, but with potentially severe multi-organ dysfunction. Prompt recognition is key to specific treatment and good outcomes. Further study of the circulating strains is essential for the development of a successful vaccine and sensitive point-of-care testing

Brain structural covariance networks in obsessive-compulsive disorder: a graph analysis from the ENIGMA Consortium.

Brain structural covariance networks reflect covariation in morphology of different brain areas and are thought to reflect common trajectories in brain development and maturation. Large-scale investigation of structural covariance networks in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may provide clues to the pathophysiology of this neurodevelopmental disorder. Using T1-weighted MRI scans acquired from 1616 individuals with OCD and 1463 healthy controls across 37 datasets participating in the ENIGMA-OCD Working Group, we calculated intra-individual brain structural covariance networks (using the bilaterally-averaged values of 33 cortical surface areas, 33 cortical thickness values, and six subcortical volumes), in which edge weights were proportional to the similarity between two brain morphological features in terms of deviation from healthy controls (i.e. z-score transformed). Global networks were characterized using measures of network segregation (clustering and modularity), network integration (global efficiency), and their balance (small-worldness), and their community membership was assessed. Hub profiling of regional networks was undertaken using measures of betweenness, closeness, and eigenvector centrality. Individually calculated network measures were integrated across the 37 datasets using a meta-analytical approach. These network measures were summated across the network density range of K = 0.10-0.25 per participant, and were integrated across the 37 datasets using a meta-analytical approach. Compared with healthy controls, at a global level, the structural covariance networks of OCD showed lower clustering (P &lt; 0.0001), lower modularity (P &lt; 0.0001), and lower small-worldness (P = 0.017). Detection of community membership emphasized lower network segregation in OCD compared to healthy controls. At the regional level, there were lower (rank-transformed) centrality values in OCD for volume of caudate nucleus and thalamus, and surface area of paracentral cortex, indicative of altered distribution of brain hubs. Centrality of cingulate and orbito-frontal as well as other brain areas was associated with OCD illness duration, suggesting greater involvement of these brain areas with illness chronicity. In summary, the findings of this study, the largest brain structural covariance study of OCD to date, point to a less segregated organization of structural covariance networks in OCD, and reorganization of brain hubs. The segregation findings suggest a possible signature of altered brain morphometry in OCD, while the hub findings point to OCD-related alterations in trajectories of brain development and maturation, particularly in cingulate and orbitofrontal regions