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From folklore to footnote : framing the past in Anglo-Scottish and Anglo-Irish women’s writing (1780-1830)
No full textThis dissertation sheds light on the role of women in shaping the histories of Scotland and Ireland during the Romantic period (c. 1780–1830). Taking a comparative approach to women’s writing in English, it examines how female authors actively collected, compiled, translated, and published folklore, oral traditions, and historical records. In doing so, it explores the intersection of national, cultural, and gendered dimensions in lesser-known publications by Scottish and Irish women. Furthermore, it considers how the distinct historical trajectories of these nations, as well as the political and socio-economic unification of the British Isles, influenced their depictions of the past. Given the challenges posed by a fragmented and incomplete archival record, this dissertation adopts an innovative reading method that foregrounds paratextual elements to gain insight into women’s authorial and intellectual ambitions as they are represented in their works. By situating their publications within eighteenth-century debates on historical progress and the recovery of early Scottish and Irish histories, this research challenges assumptions about feminine modes of history writing and the exclusion of women from political and historical debates. Through a series of close readings, it highlights the diversity of women’s engagement with the past and demonstrates the multiple and complex ways in which they made history meaningful and intelligible in their own time. Ultimately, by shifting the focus to how these authors framed, curated, and stylised the past, this study reveals their significant contributions to antiquarian research and their role in preserving and shaping national history in the Romantic period.Dit proefschrift werpt nieuw licht op de rol van vrouwen bij het vormgeven van het Schotse en Ierse verleden tijdens de Romantiek (ca. 1780–1830). Aan de hand van een vergelijkende studie van Engelstalige publicaties onderzoekt deze studie hoe vrouwelijke auteurs actief betrokken waren bij het verzamelen, samenstellen, vertalen en publiceren van folklore, orale tradities en historische documenten. Daarbij richt het onderzoek zich op de kruising van nationale, culturele en genderdimensies in minder bekende publicaties van Schotse en Ierse auteurs. Het analyseert hoe de uiteenlopende historische ontwikkelingen van deze naties—tezamen met de politieke en sociaaleconomische eenwording van de Britse eilanden—hun representaties van het verleden beïnvloedden. Gezien de uitdagingen die een gefragmenteerd en onvolledig archiefbestand met zich meebrengt, introduceert dit proefschrift een innovatieve leesmethode die paratekstuele elementen centraal stelt. Door voorwoorden, annotaties en andere randteksten nauwkeurig te analyseren, biedt het onderzoek nieuwe inzichten in de intellectuele ambities van deze vrouwelijke schrijvers. Hiermee toont het onderzoek niet alleen aan hoe zij hun eigen positie als auteurs en intellectuelen vormgaven, maar daagt het ook bestaande opvattingen over geschiedschrijving en de rol van vrouwen daarin uit door hun werken te situeren binnen achttiende-eeuwse debatten over historische vooruitgang en de interesse in vroege Schotse en Ierse geschiedenissen. Door middel van gedetailleerde tekstanalyses belicht deze studie de verscheidene manieren waarop vrouwen het verleden gebruikten in hun werken en laat het zien hoe zij geschiedenis betekenisvol en toegankelijk maakten voor hun tijdgenoten. Uiteindelijk onthult dit onderzoek hoe vrouwelijke auteurs het verleden kaderen, cureren en stileren en zo niet alleen bijdroegen aan antiquarisch onderzoek, maar ook hoe zij een centrale rol speelden in het bewaren en vormgeven van de nationale geschiedenissen van Schotland en Ierland tijdens de Romantiek.Public defense: 2025-04-01This dissertation sheds light on the role of women in shaping the histories of Scotland and Ireland during the Romantic period (c. 1780–1830). Taking a comparative approach to women’s writing in English, it examines how female authors actively collected, compiled, translated, and published folklore, oral traditions, and historical records. In doing so, it explores the intersection of national, cultural, and gendered dimensions in lesser-known publications by Scottish and Irish women. Furthermore, it considers how the distinct historical trajectories of these nations, as well as the political and socio-economic unification of the British Isles, influenced their depictions of the past. Given the challenges posed by a fragmented and incomplete archival record, this dissertation adopts an innovative reading method that foregrounds paratextual elements to gain insight into women’s authorial and intellectual ambitions as they are represented in their works. By situating their publications within eighteenth-century debates on historical progress and the recovery of early Scottish and Irish histories, this research challenges assumptions about feminine modes of history writing and the exclusion of women from political and historical debates. Through a series of close readings, it highlights the diversity of women’s engagement with the past and demonstrates the multiple and complex ways in which they made history meaningful and intelligible in their own time. Ultimately, by shifting the focus to how these authors framed, curated, and stylised the past, this study reveals their significant contributions to antiquarian research and their role in preserving and shaping national history in the Romantic period.Dit proefschrift werpt nieuw licht op de rol van vrouwen bij het vormgeven van het Schotse en Ierse verleden tijdens de Romantiek (ca. 1780–1830). Aan de hand van een vergelijkende studie van Engelstalige publicaties onderzoekt deze studie hoe vrouwelijke auteurs actief betrokken waren bij het verzamelen, samenstellen, vertalen en publiceren van folklore, orale tradities en historische documenten. Daarbij richt het onderzoek zich op de kruising van nationale, culturele en genderdimensies in minder bekende publicaties van Schotse en Ierse auteurs. Het analyseert hoe de uiteenlopende historische ontwikkelingen van deze naties—tezamen met de politieke en sociaaleconomische eenwording van de Britse eilanden—hun representaties van het verleden beïnvloedden. Gezien de uitdagingen die een gefragmenteerd en onvolledig archiefbestand met zich meebrengt, introduceert dit proefschrift een innovatieve leesmethode die paratekstuele elementen centraal stelt. Door voorwoorden, annotaties en andere randteksten nauwkeurig te analyseren, biedt het onderzoek nieuwe inzichten in de intellectuele ambities van deze vrouwelijke schrijvers. Hiermee toont het onderzoek niet alleen aan hoe zij hun eigen positie als auteurs en intellectuelen vormgaven, maar daagt het ook bestaande opvattingen over geschiedschrijving en de rol van vrouwen daarin uit door hun werken te situeren binnen achttiende-eeuwse debatten over historische vooruitgang en de interesse in vroege Schotse en Ierse geschiedenissen. Door middel van gedetailleerde tekstanalyses belicht deze studie de verscheidene manieren waarop vrouwen het verleden gebruikten in hun werken en laat het zien hoe zij geschiedenis betekenisvol en toegankelijk maakten voor hun tijdgenoten. Uiteindelijk onthult dit onderzoek hoe vrouwelijke auteurs het verleden kaderen, cureren en stileren en zo niet alleen bijdroegen aan antiquarisch onderzoek, maar ook hoe zij een centrale rol speelden in het bewaren en vormgeven van de nationale geschiedenissen van Schotland en Ierland tijdens de Romantiek.D
The invisible currency : how social capital fosters (or fractures) belonging in higher education : a Bourdieusian study of ethnic-minority experiences
No full textDespite Flanders' open-access HE-system, democratization remains incomplete, as ethnic-cultural minority (ECM) and low-socioeconomic-status (SES) students encounter significant social and academic challenges. With growing recognition of non-academic factors, fostering a sense of belonging (SoB) has become a key focus. While SoB matters for all students, ECM-students experience greater concerns due to their underrepresented social identities (Ahn & Davis, 2019).This study extends Ahn and Davis (2019) coding framework, which defines four domains of SoB: Academic, Social, Personal, and Surroundings. We examine the role of social capital in fostering a SoB. Employing Bourdieu’s cultural reproduction framework (Bourdieu, 1986; Bourdieu & Passeron, 1977), we conducted a longitudinal qualitative content analysis on 69 interviews with ECM students with diverse SES, tracking their experiences over three semesters.The findings highlight the pivotal role of meaningful social interactions with peers as well as academic staf, in shaping a SoB, with social capital proving essential in fostering these connections. Participants emphasized key factors in friendship-building during their university transition. The urgent need to belong emerged as a central theme. In this context, friendship began with the formation of initial connections, which may or may not evolve into deeper bonds. social capital emerged as a critical buffer against stress and uncertainty, with the urgent need to belong as a central theme. Initial connections, whether deepening or not, expanded social networks and reinforced SoB. Two forms of social capital were identified: bonding social capital, where students connected with peers sharing similar identities, often along ethnic lines, providing familiarity and recognition; and bridging social capital, where cross-ethnic connections offered access to dominant forms of capital.This paper is highly relevant to the conference as it applies Bourdieu’s theories in practice, examining the interplay between social capital and university sense of belonging.Despite Flanders' open-access HE-system, democratization remains incomplete, as ethnic-cultural minority (ECM) and low-socioeconomic-status (SES) students encounter significant social and academic challenges. With growing recognition of non-academic factors, fostering a sense of belonging (SoB) has become a key focus. While SoB matters for all students, ECM-students experience greater concerns due to their underrepresented social identities (Ahn & Davis, 2019).This study extends Ahn and Davis (2019) coding framework, which defines four domains of SoB: Academic, Social, Personal, and Surroundings. We examine the role of social capital in fostering a SoB. Employing Bourdieu’s cultural reproduction framework (Bourdieu, 1986; Bourdieu & Passeron, 1977), we conducted a longitudinal qualitative content analysis on 69 interviews with ECM students with diverse SES, tracking their experiences over three semesters.The findings highlight the pivotal role of meaningful social interactions with peers as well as academic staf, in shaping a SoB, with social capital proving essential in fostering these connections. Participants emphasized key factors in friendship-building during their university transition. The urgent need to belong emerged as a central theme. In this context, friendship began with the formation of initial connections, which may or may not evolve into deeper bonds. social capital emerged as a critical buffer against stress and uncertainty, with the urgent need to belong as a central theme. Initial connections, whether deepening or not, expanded social networks and reinforced SoB. Two forms of social capital were identified: bonding social capital, where students connected with peers sharing similar identities, often along ethnic lines, providing familiarity and recognition; and bridging social capital, where cross-ethnic connections offered access to dominant forms of capital.This paper is highly relevant to the conference as it applies Bourdieu’s theories in practice, examining the interplay between social capital and university sense of belonging.C
Unlocking domain knowledge : model adaptation for non-normative Dutch
No full textThis study examines the adaptation of transformer models to two non-normative Dutch language variants: early modern Dutch and contemporary social media Dutch. Both share linguistic features that set them apart from standard Dutch, including spelling inconsistencies, semantic shifts and out-of-domain vocabulary. To address this, we explore two domain adaptation techniques to adapt models to these language variants: (1) continued full-model pre-training and (2) training specialized adapters integrated into existing models. We evaluate these adaptation techniques on sentiment and emotion detection in early modern Dutch comedies and farces and on emotion and irony detection in Dutch tweets. Our results show that both adaptation methods significantly improve performance on historical and social media Dutch tasks, with the greatest gains occurring when domain-relevant datasets are used. The effectiveness of model adaptation is task-dependent and sensitive to the selection of pre-training data, emphasizing domain relevance over data quantity for optimizing downstream performance. We hypothesize that contemporary Dutch encoder models already capture informal language but lack historical Dutch exposure, making adaptation more impactful for the latter. Additionally, we compare adapted encoder models to generative decoder models, which are state-of-the-art in many NLP tasks. While generative models fail to match the performance of our adapted models for historical Dutch, fine-tuned generative models outperform adapted models on social media Dutch tasks. This suggests that task-specific fine-tuning remains crucial for effective generative modelling. Finally, we release two pre-training corpora for Dutch encoder adaptation and two novel task-specific datasets for early modern Dutch on Hugging Face.This study examines the adaptation of transformer models to two non-normative Dutch language variants: early modern Dutch and contemporary social media Dutch. Both share linguistic features that set them apart from standard Dutch, including spelling inconsistencies, semantic shifts and out-of-domain vocabulary. To address this, we explore two domain adaptation techniques to adapt models to these language variants: (1) continued full-model pre-training and (2) training specialized adapters integrated into existing models. We evaluate these adaptation techniques on sentiment and emotion detection in early modern Dutch comedies and farces and on emotion and irony detection in Dutch tweets. Our results show that both adaptation methods significantly improve performance on historical and social media Dutch tasks, with the greatest gains occurring when domain-relevant datasets are used. The effectiveness of model adaptation is task-dependent and sensitive to the selection of pre-training data, emphasizing domain relevance over data quantity for optimizing downstream performance. We hypothesize that contemporary Dutch encoder models already capture informal language but lack historical Dutch exposure, making adaptation more impactful for the latter. Additionally, we compare adapted encoder models to generative decoder models, which are state-of-the-art in many NLP tasks. While generative models fail to match the performance of our adapted models for historical Dutch, fine-tuned generative models outperform adapted models on social media Dutch tasks. This suggests that task-specific fine-tuning remains crucial for effective generative modelling. Finally, we release two pre-training corpora for Dutch encoder adaptation and two novel task-specific datasets for early modern Dutch on Hugging Face.A
Non-inferiority trial in veal calves on the efficacy of oxytetracycline and florfenicol treatment for pneumonia by quick thoracic ultrasound
No full textPurchase dependent calf rearing systems, such as the white veal industry, systematically rely on antimicrobial mass medication (metaphylaxis) to counter respiratory tract infections. Despite mounting criticism, the industry fears that without metaphylaxis, mortality would drastically increase. This randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the efficacy of a quick thoracic ultrasonography (qTUS) individualized treatment length between oxytetracycline (OTC) and florfenicol (FF). Regression of maximum consolidation depth 0.05). Overall, final cure of all calves with either moderate or severe pneumonia during the trial was 41.2% (52/102) and 19.0% (12/63), respectively (P = 0.004). Median treatment duration was 4 d (Interquartile range (IQR) = 2–6; Minimum (Min) = 2; Maximum (Max) = 8) and was similar in both treatment groups (P = 0.59). Treatment duration for calves with moderate pneumonia (Med = 6; IQR = 4–6; Min = 2; Max = 8) was lower than the median treatment duration of calves with severe pneumonia (Med = 8; IQR = 4–8; Min = 2; Max = 8) (P = 0.004). When compared with calves with mild pneumonia on d 1, calves with moderate (P = 0.01) and severe pneumonia (P 0.05). Overall, final cure of all calves with either moderate or severe pneumonia during the trial was 41.2% (52/102) and 19.0% (12/63), respectively (P = 0.004). Median treatment duration was 4 d (Interquartile range (IQR) = 2–6; Minimum (Min) = 2; Maximum (Max) = 8) and was similar in both treatment groups (P = 0.59). Treatment duration for calves with moderate pneumonia (Med = 6; IQR = 4–6; Min = 2; Max = 8) was lower than the median treatment duration of calves with severe pneumonia (Med = 8; IQR = 4–8; Min = 2; Max = 8) (P = 0.004). When compared with calves with mild pneumonia on d 1, calves with moderate (P = 0.01) and severe pneumonia (P < 0.001) had significantly longer treatment durations. In this study, cure was low and not different between both antimicrobials. Categorizing calves based on consolidation depth appears useful as both cure and treatment duration were different for the mild, moderate and severe group.A
Advanced Composites Manufacturing and Plastics Processing
No full textEnvironmental and energy concerns and digitalization are currently profoundly reshaping the plastics and composites industry [...]Environmental and energy concerns and digitalization are currently profoundly reshaping the plastics and composites industry [...]
Bouncy bands do not improve academic performance: an ecologically valid classroom study on the role of ADHD traits
No full textSoft tissue tumor imaging in adults : European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology–Guidelines 2024 : imaging immediately after neoadjuvant therapy in soft tissue sarcoma, soft tissue tumor surveillance, and the role of interventional radiology
No full textObjectivesAn update of the first European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR) consensus on soft tissue tumor imaging in 2015 became necessary due to technical advancements, further insights into specific entities, and the revised WHO classification (2020) and AJCC staging system (2017). The third part of the revised guidelines covers algorithms and techniques beyond initial imaging: (1) Imaging after neoadjuvant therapy in soft tissue sarcoma, (2) sarcoma surveillance, and (3) special aspects, including surveillance of non-malignant entities and the role of interventional radiology.Materials and methodsA validated Delphi method based on peer-reviewed literature was used to derive consensus among a panel of 46 specialized musculoskeletal radiologists from 12 European countries. Statements that had undergone interdisciplinary revision were scored online by level of agreement (0 to 10) during two iterative rounds that could result in either 'group consensus,' 'group agreement,' or 'lack of agreement.'ResultsThe three sections contain 47 statements with comments. Group consensus was reached in 91.5%, group agreement in 6.4%, lack of agreement in 2.1%. In sarcoma, imaging immediately after neoadjuvant therapy is pivotal for determining the therapy effects and for resection-planning; surveillance should include imaging at fixed grade- and type-dependent intervals. In general, MRI is the method of choice for loco-regional surveillance of soft tissue sarcomas, and chest CT to assess metastatic disease. Interventional radiology has a role, especially in oligometastatic disease, palliative tumor control and local recurrences.ConclusionStrategies for standardized soft tissue tumor imaging regarding therapy control, surveillance, and useful interventional procedures are provided.Key PointsQuestionAn ESSR consensus update on soft tissue tumor imaging regarding surveillance became necessary due to technical advancements, further entity-specific insights, and revised WHO- and AJCC-classifications.FindingsImaging immediately after neoadjuvant therapy in soft tissue sarcoma is pivotal. Post-therapeutic surveillance should include imaging at regular intervals, stratified for tumor grade and type.Clinical relevanceThe updated ESSR soft tissue tumor imaging guidelines aim to provide best practice expert consensus for standardized imaging, to support radiologists in their decision-making, and to improve examination comparability, both in individual patients and in future studies on individualized strategies.Key PointsQuestionAn ESSR consensus update on soft tissue tumor imaging regarding surveillance became necessary due to technical advancements, further entity-specific insights, and revised WHO- and AJCC-classifications.FindingsImaging immediately after neoadjuvant therapy in soft tissue sarcoma is pivotal. Post-therapeutic surveillance should include imaging at regular intervals, stratified for tumor grade and type.Clinical relevanceThe updated ESSR soft tissue tumor imaging guidelines aim to provide best practice expert consensus for standardized imaging, to support radiologists in their decision-making, and to improve examination comparability, both in individual patients and in future studies on individualized strategies.Key PointsQuestionAn ESSR consensus update on soft tissue tumor imaging regarding surveillance became necessary due to technical advancements, further entity-specific insights, and revised WHO- and AJCC-classifications.FindingsImaging immediately after neoadjuvant therapy in soft tissue sarcoma is pivotal.Post-therapeutic surveillance should include imaging at regular intervals, stratified for tumor grade and type.Clinical relevanceThe updated ESSR soft tissue tumor imaging guidelines aim to provide best practice expert consensus for standardized imaging, to support radiologists in their decision-making, and to improve examination comparability, both in individual patients and in future studies on individualized strategies.ObjectivesAn update of the first European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR) consensus on soft tissue tumor imaging in 2015 became necessary due to technical advancements, further insights into specific entities, and the revised WHO classification (2020) and AJCC staging system (2017). The third part of the revised guidelines covers algorithms and techniques beyond initial imaging: (1) Imaging after neoadjuvant therapy in soft tissue sarcoma, (2) sarcoma surveillance, and (3) special aspects, including surveillance of non-malignant entities and the role of interventional radiology.Materials and methodsA validated Delphi method based on peer-reviewed literature was used to derive consensus among a panel of 46 specialized musculoskeletal radiologists from 12 European countries. Statements that had undergone interdisciplinary revision were scored online by level of agreement (0 to 10) during two iterative rounds that could result in either 'group consensus,' 'group agreement,' or 'lack of agreement.'ResultsThe three sections contain 47 statements with comments. Group consensus was reached in 91.5%, group agreement in 6.4%, lack of agreement in 2.1%. In sarcoma, imaging immediately after neoadjuvant therapy is pivotal for determining the therapy effects and for resection-planning; surveillance should include imaging at fixed grade- and type-dependent intervals. In general, MRI is the method of choice for loco-regional surveillance of soft tissue sarcomas, and chest CT to assess metastatic disease. Interventional radiology has a role, especially in oligometastatic disease, palliative tumor control and local recurrences.ConclusionStrategies for standardized soft tissue tumor imaging regarding therapy control, surveillance, and useful interventional procedures are provided.Key PointsQuestionAn ESSR consensus update on soft tissue tumor imaging regarding surveillance became necessary due to technical advancements, further entity-specific insights, and revised WHO- and AJCC-classifications.FindingsImaging immediately after neoadjuvant therapy in soft tissue sarcoma is pivotal. Post-therapeutic surveillance should include imaging at regular intervals, stratified for tumor grade and type.Clinical relevanceThe updated ESSR soft tissue tumor imaging guidelines aim to provide best practice expert consensus for standardized imaging, to support radiologists in their decision-making, and to improve examination comparability, both in individual patients and in future studies on individualized strategies.Key PointsQuestionAn ESSR consensus update on soft tissue tumor imaging regarding surveillance became necessary due to technical advancements, further entity-specific insights, and revised WHO- and AJCC-classifications.FindingsImaging immediately after neoadjuvant therapy in soft tissue sarcoma is pivotal. Post-therapeutic surveillance should include imaging at regular intervals, stratified for tumor grade and type.Clinical relevanceThe updated ESSR soft tissue tumor imaging guidelines aim to provide best practice expert consensus for standardized imaging, to support radiologists in their decision-making, and to improve examination comparability, both in individual patients and in future studies on individualized strategies.Key PointsQuestionAn ESSR consensus update on soft tissue tumor imaging regarding surveillance became necessary due to technical advancements, further entity-specific insights, and revised WHO- and AJCC-classifications.FindingsImaging immediately after neoadjuvant therapy in soft tissue sarcoma is pivotal.Post-therapeutic surveillance should include imaging at regular intervals, stratified for tumor grade and type.Clinical relevanceThe updated ESSR soft tissue tumor imaging guidelines aim to provide best practice expert consensus for standardized imaging, to support radiologists in their decision-making, and to improve examination comparability, both in individual patients and in future studies on individualized strategies.A
Early-life group size influences response inhibition, but not the learning of it, in Japanese quails
No full textIn complex social environments, animals benefit from suppressing inappropriate responses (known as Response Inhibition) to avoid conflicts and maintain group cohesion. Recent research suggests that an individual's early-life social environment can shape their response inhibition. However, these findings have mostly been correlational, and results vary across species. Furthermore, the role of learning is often overlooked when measuring response inhibition, despite its potential importance to understanding group differences. We investigated the effect of early-life group size, a key determinant of social complexity, on response inhibition in Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica), whilst taking the role of learning into account. Quails (n = 120) were raised in either small groups of five or large groups of 15 individuals. Response inhibition was assessed using the cylinder task. Up to ten trials were administered to assess whether the birds' responses changed with increasing experience of the task. Among the quails that completed ten trials, we found that those raised in large groups consistently spent less time pecking the cylinder than those raised in small groups. The quails' responses were also influenced by their body condition, food motivation and sex. Importantly, the quails learned to inhibit their responses - successful trials increased, and time spent pecking the cylinder decreased, across ten trials. However, learning rates did not differ between the treatment groups. These findings suggest that early-life social group size promotes the development of response inhibition in quails, but not their learning of it, during the cylinder task.In complex social environments, animals benefit from suppressing inappropriate responses (known as Response Inhibition) to avoid conflicts and maintain group cohesion. Recent research suggests that an individual's early-life social environment can shape their response inhibition. However, these findings have mostly been correlational, and results vary across species. Furthermore, the role of learning is often overlooked when measuring response inhibition, despite its potential importance to understanding group differences. We investigated the effect of early-life group size, a key determinant of social complexity, on response inhibition in Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica), whilst taking the role of learning into account. Quails (n = 120) were raised in either small groups of five or large groups of 15 individuals. Response inhibition was assessed using the cylinder task. Up to ten trials were administered to assess whether the birds' responses changed with increasing experience of the task. Among the quails that completed ten trials, we found that those raised in large groups consistently spent less time pecking the cylinder than those raised in small groups. The quails' responses were also influenced by their body condition, food motivation and sex. Importantly, the quails learned to inhibit their responses - successful trials increased, and time spent pecking the cylinder decreased, across ten trials. However, learning rates did not differ between the treatment groups. These findings suggest that early-life social group size promotes the development of response inhibition in quails, but not their learning of it, during the cylinder task.A
Dupilumab induces long-term on-treatment clinical remission in patients with type 2 asthma
No full textBackgroundRemission is proposed as a multicomponent outcome for patients with severe asthma.ObjectiveThis post hoc analysis of QUEST (NCT02414854) and TRAVERSE (NCT02134028) evaluated whether dupilumab treatment leads to clinical asthma remission (≥12 months with no severe exacerbations, zero oral corticosteroid use, stabilized or improved lung function, patient-reported asthma control <1.5) and assessed its durability in patients with uncontrolled, moderate to severe type 2 asthma (blood eosinophils ≥150 cells/μL or fractional exhaled nitric oxide ≥20 ppb at parent-study baseline) who are not receiving maintenance oral corticosteroids.MethodsIn QUEST, patients (aged ≥12 years) were randomized to dupilumab 200/300 mg or placebo every 2 weeks for 52 weeks. In TRAVERSE, all patients received dupilumab 300 mg every 2 weeks for up to 96 weeks. We assessed the proportion of patients meeting criteria for on-treatment clinical remission up to 48 weeks of TRAVERSE.ResultsAt QUEST baseline, 1,040 patients receiving dupilumab and 544 taking placebo had type 2 asthma; of those, 842 (dupilumab/dupilumab) and 437 (placebo/dupilumab) enrolled in TRAVERSE. At QUEST week 52 (year 1), 37.2% of patients receiving dupilumab met clinical remission criteria, compared with 22.2% taking placebo (all P < .001). At week 48 of TRAVERSE (year 2 overall), 42.8% (dupilumab/dupilumab) and 33.4% (placebo/dupilumab) of patients met clinical remission criteria. Overall, 29.5% of patients in the dupilumab/dupilumab group met the criteria at both years 1 and 2.ConclusionsDupilumab treatment enabled approximately one third of patients with type 2 asthma to meet the multicomponent end point for on-treatment clinical asthma remission for up to 2 years.BackgroundRemission is proposed as a multicomponent outcome for patients with severe asthma.ObjectiveThis post hoc analysis of QUEST (NCT02414854) and TRAVERSE (NCT02134028) evaluated whether dupilumab treatment leads to clinical asthma remission (≥12 months with no severe exacerbations, zero oral corticosteroid use, stabilized or improved lung function, patient-reported asthma control <1.5) and assessed its durability in patients with uncontrolled, moderate to severe type 2 asthma (blood eosinophils ≥150 cells/μL or fractional exhaled nitric oxide ≥20 ppb at parent-study baseline) who are not receiving maintenance oral corticosteroids.MethodsIn QUEST, patients (aged ≥12 years) were randomized to dupilumab 200/300 mg or placebo every 2 weeks for 52 weeks. In TRAVERSE, all patients received dupilumab 300 mg every 2 weeks for up to 96 weeks. We assessed the proportion of patients meeting criteria for on-treatment clinical remission up to 48 weeks of TRAVERSE.ResultsAt QUEST baseline, 1,040 patients receiving dupilumab and 544 taking placebo had type 2 asthma; of those, 842 (dupilumab/dupilumab) and 437 (placebo/dupilumab) enrolled in TRAVERSE. At QUEST week 52 (year 1), 37.2% of patients receiving dupilumab met clinical remission criteria, compared with 22.2% taking placebo (all P < .001). At week 48 of TRAVERSE (year 2 overall), 42.8% (dupilumab/dupilumab) and 33.4% (placebo/dupilumab) of patients met clinical remission criteria. Overall, 29.5% of patients in the dupilumab/dupilumab group met the criteria at both years 1 and 2.ConclusionsDupilumab treatment enabled approximately one third of patients with type 2 asthma to meet the multicomponent end point for on-treatment clinical asthma remission for up to 2 years.A
Effect of solid content and ionomer-to-carbon ratio on high-solid-content ink-cast catalyst layers for PEM fuel cells
No full textThe multiscale structure of the catalyst layer (CL) is fabricated through the catalyst ink dispersion, coating process, and subsequent drying process. The formulation parameters of the catalyst ink, such as the ionomer-to-carbon ratio (I/C) and solid content (SC), play a critical role in determining the structure and performance of the CL. Recently, high-SC inks have attracted increasing attention due to their suitability for large-scale production and their environmentally friendly nature. However, the combined effects of variations in formulation parameters on the structure and properties of CLs in high-SC inks remain poorly understood, posing a challenge to further performance optimization. In this study, a series of high-SC inks with varying SCs and I/Cs were formulated to systematically examine their influence on the structural and functional properties of the cathode catalyst layer. The findings demonstrate the absence of a pronounced coupling effect between the I/C and SC. An increase in the I/C improves the continuity of the ionomer network, although it may contribute to pore blockage in the CL. Moreover, increasing the SC results in a thinner dry film, leading to a reduction in the CL porosity while enhancing the ionomer network connectivity. The trade-off relationship between proton conductivity and oxygen diffusion capacity within high-SC catalyst ink formulations defines an optimal balance of these two parameters. These results provide a crucial foundation for the development and large-scale production of membrane electrode assemblies.The multiscale structure of the catalyst layer (CL) is fabricated through the catalyst ink dispersion, coating process, and subsequent drying process. The formulation parameters of the catalyst ink, such as the ionomer-to-carbon ratio (I/C) and solid content (SC), play a critical role in determining the structure and performance of the CL. Recently, high-SC inks have attracted increasing attention due to their suitability for large-scale production and their environmentally friendly nature. However, the combined effects of variations in formulation parameters on the structure and properties of CLs in high-SC inks remain poorly understood, posing a challenge to further performance optimization. In this study, a series of high-SC inks with varying SCs and I/Cs were formulated to systematically examine their influence on the structural and functional properties of the cathode catalyst layer. The findings demonstrate the absence of a pronounced coupling effect between the I/C and SC. An increase in the I/C improves the continuity of the ionomer network, although it may contribute to pore blockage in the CL. Moreover, increasing the SC results in a thinner dry film, leading to a reduction in the CL porosity while enhancing the ionomer network connectivity. The trade-off relationship between proton conductivity and oxygen diffusion capacity within high-SC catalyst ink formulations defines an optimal balance of these two parameters. These results provide a crucial foundation for the development and large-scale production of membrane electrode assemblies.A