44197 research outputs found
Sort by
Phase Engineering Improves the Electrochemical Stability of Lithium-rich Cobalt-free Layered Oxides for Lithium-ion Batteries
No full textThe expanding electric vehicle market is largely dependent on LiNixMnyCozO2 (NMC) as positive electrode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The resulting increased demand for cobalt is a pressing concern, since 65% of its global mining is concentrated in a single region. Also driven by its high cost and toxicity, there is a consensus to diminish cobalt usage in LIBs. This has led academia and industry to prioritize developing innovative positive electrode materials with reduced cobalt content or cobalt-free alternatives, such as lithium-rich cobalt-free layered oxides (xLiMO2*(1-x)Li2MO3 (M = Mn, Ni, etc.)). With both rhombohedral and monoclinic crystal phases, this materials class has theoretical capacities around 250 mAh g-1, has improved thermal stability, and is cost-effective because of the manganese-rich composition. Still, the practical application of these materials is hindered because of the pronounced voltage decay during electrochemical cycling, which is caused by the transition from a layered to a disordered spinel-type structure. Research efforts have focused on mitigating this voltage fade, for instance by including dopants to stabilize the crystal structure. For further optimization, it is crucial to quantify the degree in which doping affects the change in crystal structure during electrochemical cycling.
In this study, various post-mortem characterization techniques were used to investigate the impact of aluminum doping on the electrochemical stability of lithium-rich, cobalt-free Li1.26Ni0.15Mn0.61O2. Using statistical analysis based on spectroscopic data, the extent to which Al doping reduces disordered spinel phase formation was quantitatively investigated. The active materials were synthesized via spray pyrolysis followed by calcination. Aluminum doping effectively mitigated voltage fade, enhancing capacity retention from 46% to 67% over 250 cycles at 0.2 C. Structural analysis revealed that doping has a significant effect on the crystalline properties of the materials: the undoped material has a monoclinic crystal structure, but doping increases the rhombohedral character of the layered oxides. As shown by electron microscopy, the more stable rhombohedral phase is present as a shell around monoclinic core particles. This effectively shields the monoclinic phase from the electrolyte, avoiding irreversible oxygen redox, the formation of Mn3+, and the degradation into a disordered spinel phase. As such, the doping procedure results in the formation of a stabilizing rhombohedral interface. Over the course of galvanostatic cycling, the rhombohedral content of the doped materials increases, further contributing to the overall electrochemical stability. As such, this study provides insight into the role that aluminum doping plays in phase engineering and in the improvement of the electrochemical stability of lithium-rich cobalt-free layered oxides.
This work was supported by the HORIZON 2020 project COBRA (H2020-EU.3.4.−875568).
REFERENCES
[1] D. De Sloovere, S. K. Mylavarapu, J. D’Haen, T. Thersleff, A. Jaworski, J. Grins, G. Svensson, R. Stoyanova, L. O. Jøsang, K. R. Prakasha, M. Merlo, E. Martínez, M. N. Pascual, J. Jacas Biendicho, M. K. Van Bael, A. Hardy. Phase Engineering via Aluminum Doping Enhances the Electrochemical Stability of Lithium-Rich Cobalt-Free Layered Oxides for Lithium-Ion Batteries. Small, 2400876, 2024
Myokine secretion and metabolic pathways under resting and contractile conditions in primary human myotubes: A matter of oxygen level?
No full textDiabetologia (2024) 67 (Suppl 1):S1-S593 1 3 postprandial glycaemic control in fertile women with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) during the absorptive and postabsorptive states. This is especially relevant in T1DM since the amount of prandial insulin in circulation is often different when exercising before lunch (low insulin on board) vs. after lunch (high insulin on board), which considerably affects glucose excursions. We aimed to determine which timing of exercise (exercise before or after lunchtime) is more effective to opti-mise postprandial glycaemic control (18-h, 4-h, and nocturnal post-prandial periods) in women of reproductive age with T1DM. Materials and methods: The MERIT1D study is randomized crosso-ver trial. A total of 13 women at the early-middle follicular phase of the menstrual cycle underwent 2 experimental conditions: pre-meal exercise and post-meal exercise. These tests were conducted in 3 non-consecutive days within an 8-day period, with a wash-out period of 48 h between visits. On the 1 st day (screening visit), women underwent a resting energy expenditure test followed by an incremental walk test using a gas analyser, which allowed us to standardize meal energy content and exercise intensity in the experimental days. In the pre-meal and post-meal exercise days, the meal intake test consisted of a mixed milkshake equivalent to 35% of women's resting energy expenditure, and the exercise stimulus of an individualized 35min submaximal walking test whose intensity was equivalent to the 1 st ventilatory threshold. Postprandial glucose excursions were continuously monitored using last-generation continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGM, Dexcom G7). Participants were instructed to follow the same tailored diet, and physical activity and sleep patterns, in the study days. Results: Regarding the 18-h postprandial period, women spent more time in euglycemia and less time in hyperglycaemia when they exercised after lunchtime compared to before lunchtime. However, these trends were non-significant (evidence of statistical significance, p=0.1). Time in hypoglycaemia was similar between both stimuli (p>0.05). In addition, women showed lower glucose variability (standard deviation of mean CGM glucose levels) in the post-meal vs. pre-meal exercise day (p0.05). Conclusion: Overall, post-meal exercise appeared to be slightly more effective to optimise postprandial glucose excursions in women with T1DM compared to pre-meal exercise, at least in the 18-h postprandial period. Ongoing analyses will shed more light on these results. Background and aims: Physical activity is a powerful tool to prevent and reverse type 2 diabetes. It has been shown that myokines released by contracting skeletal muscle affect glucose homeostasis. Oxygen availability in the skeletal muscle microenvironment, which is lower during (high-intensity) exercise, might be a key regulator involved in myokine secretion and glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells. Here, we investigated the effects of oxygen level on myokine secretion and metabolic pathways under resting and contractile conditions in primary human myotubes. Materials and methods: Ex vivo primary human satellite cells were differentiated towards functional myotubes and exposed to different oxygen levels for 3h (1% vs 3% vs 21% O 2) under resting or contractile (Electrical Pulse Stimulation (EPS), 30V, 1Hz, 2ms) conditions (n=7 independent experiments, 6 biological replicates/condition). We determined lactate secretion, gene expression (quantitative RT-PCR) and secretion (high-sensitivity ELISA) of several myokines (IL-6, GDF-15, IL-15, SPARC and myonectin) as well as AMPK activation using Western Blotting. Data were analyzed using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test, with Bonferroni's post-hoc test in case of significance. Results: Both EPS and low oxygen availability induced a significant increase in lactate secretion compared to resting, non-contractile conditions and standard laboratory conditions (21% O 2), respectively (both p0.05), except for a modest increase in IL-6 secretion (EPS vs. no EPS at 21% O 2 , p=0.025). Effects of low oxygen exposure with(out) EPS on AMPK activation and glucose uptake are currently being examined. Conclusion: The present findings demonstrate that both contraction and a reduced oxygen availability in the skeletal muscle microenvi-ronment induce a shift towards anaerobic (glycolytic) metabolism and affect myokine expression/secretion.EFSD Anniversary Fund Programme - Boehringer Ingelheim; Lilly; NovoNordisk; FWO [11C4423N
Excellent Response to MEK Inhibition in an AGK-BRAF Gene Fusion Driven Carcinoma: Case Report and Literature Review
No full textBackground: Soft tissue myoepithelial carcinomas (STMC) are a rare, malignant subgroup of myoepithelial tumors that arise typically in glandular or ductal tissues, but also in the bone and soft and cutaneous tissues. Due to its rarity, there is no consensus regarding the treatment of STMC, including chemotherapy or other systemic agents for metastatic STMC. Case Report: A chemotherapy-and regorafenib-refractory STMC, harboring an AGK-BRAF fusion, was successfully treated using MEK-inhibition with cobimetinib in monotherapy. MEK-inhibition with cobimetinib effectively silenced paradoxical MAP kinase/ERK-signaling pathway activation after regorafenib monotherapy, and resulted in a significant and durable clinical response. Conclusion: This effect of MEK-inhibition in STMC harboring an AGK-BRAF fusion has not been previously reported and contributes to the existing, yet limited, knowledge on the treatment of BRAF fusion-driven tumors. Also, our case highlights the importance of next generation sequencing in driving further rational therapeutic choices to provide disease control and palliation
The Art of Timing: Effects of AR Guidance Timing on Speed Control
No full textAugmented Reality (AR) holds significant potential to facilitate
users in executing manual tasks. For effective support, however,
we need to understand how showing movement instructions in AR
affects how well people can follow those movements in real life. In
this paper, we examine the degree to which users can synchronize
the speed of their movements with speed cues presented through an
AR environment. Specifically, we investigate the effects of timing
in AR visual guidance. We assess performance using a highly realistic Mixed Reality (MR) welding simulation. Welding is a task that
requires very precise timing and control over hand and arm motion.
Our results show that upfront visual guidance (before manual task
execution) alone often fails to transfer the knowledge of intended
speeds, especially at higher target speeds. Live guidance (during
manual task execution) during the activity provides more accurate
speed results but typically requires a higher overshoot at the start.
Optimal outcomes occur when visual guidance appears upfront and
continues during the activity for users to follow through.This work was made possible with support from the projects XRHuis and MAXVR-INFRA. The XR-Huis aims to enhance the innovation and competitiveness of Limburg (Belgium) companies by promoting the use of XR technologies in their operations and is subsidised by the province of Limburg. MAXVR-INFRA is a scalable
and flexible infrastructure that facilitates the transition to digitalphysical work environments, subsidised by the Flemish Government and the European Union.
We also want to thank the participants of our study for taking the time to participate in our research
Commentaar bij art. 496 oud BW
No full textAfdeling 3. ORGANISATIE VAN HET BEWIND 496. Iedere persoon voor wie geen rechterlijke beschermingsmaatregel bedoeld in artikel 492/1 werd genomen kan, ten overstaan van de vrederechter van zijn ver-blijfplaats of, bij gebrek daaraan, van zijn woonplaats of ten overstaan van een notaris een verklaring afleggen waarin hij zijn voorkeur te kennen geeft omtrent de aan te wijzen bewindvoerder of vertrouwenspersoon indien de vrederechter een rechterlijke beschermingsmaatregel zou bevelen. In dezelfde verklaring kunnen een aantal beginselen worden opgenomen die de bewindvoerder met een opdracht van vertegenwoordiging in acht moet nemen bij de uitoefening van zijn opdracht. Van deze verklaring wordt een authentieke akte opgesteld. De vrederechter met bijstand van de griffier kan zich op verzoek en op kosten van de verzoeker, zelfs buiten zijn kanton, naar diens verblijfplaats of woonplaats begeven om een verklaring op te nemen. Binnen vijftien dagen na het afleggen van voormelde verklaring laat de griffier of de notaris deze verklaring opnemen in een centraal register dat wordt bijge-houden door de Koninklijke Federatie van het Belgisch notariaat. De Koning bepaalt de nadere regels inzake oprichting, beheer en raadpleging van het centraal register. De Koning bepaalt welke overheden gratis toegang tot het centraal register hebben. De Koning bepaalt het tarief van de kosten voor de opneming van de verklaringen. […] De in het eerste lid bedoelde persoon kan op ieder moment op dezelfde wijze als bepaald in het eerste en tweede lid de verklaring herroepen en desgevallend een nieuwe voorkeur uitdrukken. Er wordt voorts gehandeld zoals bepaald in de vorige leden. De vrederechter of notaris voor wie de herroeping plaatsheeft, stelt de vrederechter of notaris voor wie de oorspronkelijke verklaring werd afgelegd, hiervan in kennis. Deze laatste vermeldt de herroeping op de gewijzigde akte. 496. Toute personne pour laquelle aucune mesure de protection judiciaire visée à l'article 492/1 n'a été prise peut déposer devant le juge de paix de sa résidence ou, à défaut, de son domicile ou devant un notaire une déclaration dans laquelle elle fait connaître sa préférence en ce qui con-cerne l'administrateur ou la personne de confiance à désigner si le juge de paix ordonnait une mesure de protection judiciaire. Cette même déclaration peut contenir plusieurs principes que l'administrateur chargé d'une mission de représentation doit respecter dans l'exercice de sa mission. Il est établi un acte authentique de cette déclaration. Le juge de paix assisté du greffier peut se rendre à la résidence ou au domicile du demandeur, même en dehors de son canton, à la de-mande et aux frais de ce dernier, afin d'enregistrer une déclaration. 91 Personen-en familierecht OPF-Afl. 105 (31 januari 2025
The peri-articular muscle envelope of the hip (PAME) shows atrophy in patients with refractory groin pain after iliopsoas tenotomy
No full textBackground:
Iliopsoas tenotomy is commonly used to address refractory groin pain resulting from iliopsoas tendinopathy. However, consensus and high-level research on its effectiveness are lacking, with concerns about poor outcomes and complications. Little is known of the effects of iliopsoas tenotomy on the peri-articular muscle envelope of the hip. As the iliopsoas loses its function as the most important hip flexor, the rectus femoris takes over its function, which makes the rectus prone to tendinopathy.
Methods:
A retrospective review of patients (n = 17) undergoing iliopsoas tenotomy between January 2016 and January 2021 was conducted. Pelvic MRI scans were evaluated for muscle quality and volume using a Quartile classification system and cross-sectional area (CSA) measurements. Reliability tests determined the most consistent reference points. Statistical analyses assessed changes between ipsilateral and contralateral sides.
Results:
Following iliopsoas tenotomy, significant reduced cross sectional area was seen in the psoas, iliacus, gluteus minimus, gluteus maximus, rectus femoris, piriformis, obturator internus and obturator externus. Significant increased fatty degeneration was seen in the psoas, iliacus, gluteus minimus, tensor fascia latae, piriformis, obturator internus and obturator externus. The gluteus medius was the only muscle where no difference was seen in the cross sectional area or the fatty degeneration. 15 patients (88%) presented with rectus tendinopathy and 8 of these patients had a surgical debridement of the rectus femoris.
Conclusions:
Our findings reveal that patients with persistent groin pain following iliopsoas tenotomy exhibit changes in the peri-articular muscle envelope, displaying atrophy or fatty degeneration in all muscles except the gluteus medius. Awareness of potential risks is crucial when contemplating iliopsoas tenotomy. Persistent groin pain after iliopsoas tenotomy may be linked to secondary rectus femoris tendinopathy. Caution is recommended in the consideration of iliopsoas tenotomy for patients with pre-existing iliopsoas tendinopathy.The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship and/or publication of this article
Combining hybrid hydrogels with peptide conjugation for targeted cartilage tissue engineering
No full textDegenerative diseases like osteoarthritis affect millions of people worldwide. Hybrid hydrogels are promising in tissue engineering applications as scaffolds for supporting native cartilage damaged from arthritis. Such gels can be designed and synthesized to be biocompatible and have outstanding mechanical properties, approaching the remarkable behavior associated with native cartilage tissue. However, further improvement in promoting tissue regeneration is needed. Previous work has shown that (poly)peptide-polymer conjugates can be tailored to promote cellular interactions. Integrating peptides into hybrid hydrogels in a controlled manner remains a formidable challenge. This is particularly true in gels that exhibit stimuli-responsive behavior (e.g., triggered gelation) and are thus amenable to relevant processing such as injection. This must be achieved while maintaining the necessary mechanical properties to support normal tissue function. This contribution focuses on hydrogel design using an adaptable hybrid, dual network synthetic scaffold whereby the building blocks are functionalized for specific attachment to peptides. The mechanical properties will be tuned to match those of native cartilage tissue. These results may pave the way toward dynamic materials which can be used to probe cellular interactions
Conceptualizing Education for Sustainable Development in Urban Secondary Schools
No full textThis conceptual paper explores the characteristics of education for sustainable development (ESD) within urban secondary schools. Despite the discourse about the importance of sustainability, there has been a lack of research on this topic. The authors employed theory synthesis, which resulted in a concept for Education for Sustainable Development in Urban Contexts (ESDUC). This presents a comprehensive view on the interconnected characteristics that facilitate the successful implementation of ESD in urban secondary schools, (1) developing sustainability competences among both students and teachers, encompassing intercultural competences for teachers and self-regulating skills for students, (2) utilizing teaching methods that are both transformative and culturally responsive, (3) engaging the wider community in the educational process, and (4) shifting the school culture toward embracing diversity and adopting a whole-school approach. This study is valuable for researchers and urban secondary schools seeking to effectively integrate ESD into their educational framework.The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This research has been funded by the starting grants for professors at Vrije Universiteit Brussel and received financial support from MILO (BAS 53)
Noot Afdeling bestuursrechtspraak van de Raad van State
No full textRubriek Raad van State Titel Raad van State 25-09-2024 (met noot) Citeertitel JB 2025/40 Samenvatting Er bestaan dwingende redenen van algemeen belang om een volumebeleid voo passagiersvaart op de Amsterdamse binnenwateren in te stellen, maar het colleg heeft niet goed gemotiveerd dat de genomen maatregelen geschikt en noodzak zijn. Het beleid is daarom op dit moment in strijd met de Dienstenrichtijn. Samenvatting (Bron) Bij vijf besluiten van 4 juni 2020 heeft het college van burgemeester en wethoud van Amsterdam de eerder voor onbepaalde tijd aan Paradis Private Boat Tours verleende exploitatievergunningen voor passagiersvervoer voor vijf vaartuigen ambtshalve gewijzigd in exploitatievergunningen voor bepaalde tijd. Alle appella zijn exploitanten van rederijen voor passagiersvaart op de Amsterdamse binnenwateren. Het college wilde het aantal exploitatievergunningen nog steeds maximeren en heeft het nieuw beleid vastgesteld voor de passagiersvaart op de Amsterdamse binnenwateren. Dat beleid is neergelegd in de Nota Varen deel 1 maart 2019. Hierin is onder meer een volumebeleid voor de passagiersvaart opgenomen, waarbij het maximum aantal exploitatievergunningen is vastgesteld 550. Volgens het college brengt het volumebeleid mee dat de in het verleden vo onbepaalde tijd verleende exploitatievergunningen moeten worden gewijzigd in exploitatievergunningen voor bepaalde tijd, omdat het college anders in strijd m Dienstenrichtlijn zou handelen. Annotator S.L.T. Schoenmaekers Uitspraa