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“Assessing the size-dependent chemical speciation of soil particles using electron probe X-ray microanalysis”. Semenov MY, Spolnik Z, Van Grieken R, Microchimica acta 157, 121 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1007/S00604-006-0637-3
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1007/S00604-006-0637-3
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“Assessment of local analysis by Fourier transform laser microprobe mass spectrometry with external ion source”. van Roy W, Struyf H, Kennis P, Van Vaeck L, Van Grieken R, Andrle C, Microchimica acta 120, 121 (1995). http://doi.org/10.1007/BF01244426
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1007/BF01244426
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“Nontarget biomolecules alter macromolecular changes induced by bactericidal low-temperature plasma”. Privat-Maldonado A, Gorbanev Y, O'Connell D, Vann R, Chechik V, van der Woude MW, IEEE transactions on radiation and plasma medical sciences 2, 121 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1109/TRPMS.2017.2761405
Abstract: Low-temperature plasmas (LTPs) have a proven bactericidal activity governed by the generated reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) that target microbial cell components. However, RONS also interact with biomolecules in the environment. Here we assess the impact of these interactions upon exposure of liquid suspensions with variable organic content to an atmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier discharge plasma jet. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium viability in the suspension was reduced in the absence [e. g., phosphate buffered saline (PBS)], but not in the presence of (high) organic content [Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM), DMEM supplemented with foetal calf serum, and Lysogeny Broth]. The reduced viability of LTP-treated bacteria in PBS correlated to a loss of membrane integrity, whereas double-strand DNA breaks could not be detected in treated single cells. The lack of bactericidal activity in solutions with high organic content correlated with a relative decrease of center dot OH and O-3/O-2(a(1)Delta g)/O, and an increase of H2O2 and NO2- in the plasma-treated solutions. These results indicate that the redox reactions of LTP-generated RONS with nontarget biomolecules resulted in a RONS composition with reduced bactericidal activity. Therefore, the chemical composition of the bacterial environment should be considered in the development of LTP for antimicrobial treatment, and may affect other biomedical applications as well.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
DOI: 10.1109/TRPMS.2017.2761405
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“Electron tomography based on a total variation minimization reconstruction technique”. Goris B, van den Broek W, Batenburg KJ, Heidari Mezerji H, Bals S, Ultramicroscopy 113, 120 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2011.11.004
Abstract: The 3D reconstruction of a tilt series for electron tomography is mostly carried out using the weighted backprojection (WBP) algorithm or using one of the iterative algorithms such as the simultaneous iterative reconstruction technique (SIRT). However, it is known that these reconstruction algorithms cannot compensate for the missing wedge. Here, we apply a new reconstruction algorithm for electron tomography, which is based on compressive sensing. This is a field in image processing specialized in finding a sparse solution or a solution with a sparse gradient to a set of ill-posed linear equations. Therefore, it can be applied to electron tomography where the reconstructed objects often have a sparse gradient at the nanoscale. Using a combination of different simulated and experimental datasets, it is shown that missing wedge artefacts are reduced in the final reconstruction. Moreover, it seems that the reconstructed datasets have a higher fidelity and are easier to segment in comparison to reconstructions obtained by more conventional iterative algorithms.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 171
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2011.11.004
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“Graphitic nanocrystals inside the pores of mesoporous silica : synthesis, characterization and an adsorption study”. de Clippel F, Harkiolakis A, Vosch T, Ke X, Giebeler L, Oswald S, Houthoofd K, Jammaer J, Van Tendeloo G, Martens JA, Jacobs PA, Baron GV, Sels BF, Denayer JFM, Microporous and mesoporous materials: zeolites, clays, carbons and related materials 144, 120 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2011.04.003
Abstract: This work presents a new carbonsilica hybrid material, denoted as CSM, with remarkable sorption properties. It consists of intraporous graphitic nanocrystals grown in the pores of mesoporous silica. CSM is obtained by a subtle incipient wetness impregnation of Al-containing mesoporous silica with furfuryl alcohol (FA)/hemelitol solutions. Both the volume match of the impregnation solution with that of the silica template pore volume, and the presence of Al3+ in the silica, are crucial to polymerize FA selectively inside the mesopores. Carbonization of the intraporous polymer was then performed by pyrolysis under He up to 1273 K. The resulting CSMs were examined by SEM, HRTEM, 27Al MAS NMR, N2 adsorption, XRD, TGA, TPD, XPS, pycnometry and Raman spectroscopy. Mildly oxidized graphitic-like carbon nanoblocks, consisting of a few graphene-like sheets, were thus identified inside the template mesopores. Random stacking of these carbon crystallites generates microporosity resulting in biporous materials at low carbon content and microporous materials at high carbon loadings. Very narrow pore distributions were obtained when pyrolysis was carried out under slow heating rate, viz. 1 K min−1. Adsorption and shape selective properties of the carbon filled mesoporous silica were studied by performing pulse chromatography and breakthrough experiments, and by measuring adsorption isotherms of linear and branched alkanes. Whereas the parent mesoporous silica shows unselective adsorption, their CSM analogues preferentially adsorb linear alkanes. The sorption capacity and selectivity can be adjusted by changing the pore size of the template or by varying the synthesis conditions. A relation between the carbon crystallites size and the shape selective behaviour of the corresponding CSM for instance is demonstrated. Most interestingly, CSM shows separation factors for linear and branched alkanes up to values comparable to those of zeolitic molecular sieves.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.615
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2011.04.003
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“Atomic imaging of cage like structures of silicon”. Nistor L, Van Tendeloo G, Amelinckx S, Cros C, Physica status solidi: A: applied research 146, 119 (1994). http://doi.org/10.1002/pssa.2211460111
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1002/pssa.2211460111
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“Formation mechanism of SBA-16 spheres and control of their dimensions”. Stevens WJJ, Mertens M, Mullens S, Thijs I, Van Tendeloo G, Cool P, Vansant EF, Microporous and mesoporous materials 93, 119 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2006.02.015
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.615
Times cited: 34
DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2006.02.015
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“Superconducting nanowires : new type of BCS-BEC crossover driven by quantum-size effects”. Shanenko AA, Croitoru MD, Vagov A, Peeters FM, , 119 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0044-4_9
Abstract: We show that a superconducting quantum nanowire undergoes a new type of BCS-BEC crossover each time when an electron subband approaches the Fermi surface. In this case the longitudinal Cooper-pair size drops by two-three orders of magnitude down to a few nanometers. This unconventional BCS-BEC crossover is driven by quantum-size effects rather than by tuning the fermion-fermion interaction.
Keywords: P1 Proceeding; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-0044-4_9
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“Chemical composition, mass size distribution and source analysis of long-range transported wildfire smokes in Helsinki”. Sillanpää, M, Saarikoski S, Hillamo R, Pennanen A, Makkonen U, Spolnik Z, Van Grieken R, Koskentalo T, Salonen RO, The science of the total environment 350, 119 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2005.01.024
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2005.01.024
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“The common descent of biological shape description and special functions”. Gielis J, Caratelli D, de Jong van Coevorden M, Ricci PE page 119 (2018).
Abstract: Gielis transformations, with their origin in botany, are used to define square waves and trigonometric functions of higher order. They are rewritten in terms of Chebyshev polynomials. The origin of both, a uniform descriptor and the origin of orthogonal polynomials, can be traced back to a letter of Guido Grandi to Leibniz in 1713 on the mathematical description of the shape of flowers. In this way geometrical description and analytical tools are seamlessly combined.
Keywords: H1 Book chapter; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-75647-9_10
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“North Sea aerosol characterization by single particle analysis techniques”. van Malderen H, de Bock L, Injuk J, Xhoffer C, Van Grieken R page 119 (1993).
Keywords: H3 Book chapter; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“On the concept of a supervisory, fuzzy set logic based, advanced filtration control in membrane bioreactors”. Brauns E, van Hoof E, Huyskens C, de Wever H, Desalination and water treatment 29, 119 (2011). http://doi.org/10.5004/DWT.2011.2258
Abstract: The filtration process within a membrane bioreactor (MBR) is mostly controlled in a classic way through typical set-points such as aeration flow rate, filtration duration, backwash frequency or relaxation duration. The values of these filtration set-points result from experience and remain often unchanged during the installations operational lifetime. Filtration is dictated considerably by membrane fouling phenomena. The fouling potential of the mixed liquor however can significantly fluctuate, even daily, from changing influent characteristics. Fixed set-point values thus may represent sub-optimal filtration conditions. Consequently, a supervising advanced control system, being able to continuously adapt the set-points values would be beneficial regarding the MBR filtration process optimization. Such optimization could reduce the corresponding MBR energy consumption, e.g. linked to the filtration related membrane aeration. An Advanced Control System (ACS) based on Fuzzy Set Logic (FSL) is introduced here, enabling to supervise an existing classic membrane filtration control system. Such ACS is able to daily (or even more frequent) optimize the set-points of the underlying classic control system, from the input of various sensor and process parameter values. The theoretical background and practical implementation of the FSL based ACS concept is explained.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.5004/DWT.2011.2258
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“Preliminary experiments on grazing-exit electron probe microanalysis (GE-EPMA)”. Tsuji K, Spolnik Z, Wagatsuma K, Nullens R, Van Grieken RE, , 119 (1999)
Keywords: P1 Proceeding; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Studying aerosol samples by non-linear mapping of electron probe microanalysis data”. Treiger B, van Malderen H, Bondarenko I, van Espen P, Van Grieken R, Analytica chimica acta 284, 119 (1993). http://doi.org/10.1016/0003-2670(93)80014-C
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Chemometrics (Mitac 3)
DOI: 10.1016/0003-2670(93)80014-C
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“Tracing the metal pollution history of the Tisza River through the analysis of a sediment depth profile”. Nguyen HL, Braun M, Szaloki I, Baeyens W, Van Grieken R, Leermakers M, Water, air and soil pollution 200, 119 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1007/S11270-008-9898-2
Abstract: The vertical profiles of 20 major and trace metals were investigated along a 180-cm-long sediment core, which was sampled at Kiss-Janosne-Holt Tisza, an oxbow lake located in the upper part of the Tisza River in Hungary. The vertical profiles showed sharp peaks at different depths, reflecting historical pollution events and unusual changes of river water characteristics. Five different groups of metals, containing metals which were strongly correlated and showing a similar behaviour, could be distinguished by factor analysis. Six areas, with variable degrees and types of contamination, were classified in the sediment core with cluster analysis. The most polluted sections were found in the upper 50-cm part (significantly contaminated by Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd and Hg) and the deeper 100120-cm part (characterised by high concentrations of metals associated with mining activities, such as Fe and Mn, as well as Cu, Zn and Pb). In recent years, important pollution events, such as the one which took place in March of 2000, were the reason for pollution of the upper sediment layers, whereas mining activities during the last century were responsible for the pollution of the deeper core sections.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1007/S11270-008-9898-2
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“Quantifying inflow uncertainties for CFD simulations of the flow in downtown Oklahoma City”. García-Sánchez C, Philips DA, Gorlé, C, Building and environment 78, 118 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2014.04.013
Abstract: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods are widely used to investigate wind flow and dispersion in urban environments. Validation with field experiments that represent the full complexity of the problem should be performed to assess the predictive capabilities of the computations. In this context it will be necessary to quantify the effect of uncertainties in simulations of the full-scale problem. The present study aims at quantifying the uncertainty related to the variability in the inflow boundary conditions for Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulations of the flow in downtown Oklahoma City to address validation with the Joint Urban 2003 field measurements. Three uncertain inflow parameters were defined: the wind speed and wind direction at a reference height, and the aerodynamic roughness in the logarithmic velocity inlet profile. An ensemble of 729 RANS simulations were performed to determine the polynomial chaos expansion coefficients that define the response surfaces for the velocity magnitude and direction at 13 field measurement stations, and the results are compared to the experimental data. For the velocity magnitude the mean experimental velocity magnitude is encompassed within the 95% confidence interval for the magnitudes predicted by the Uncertainty Quantification study in all stations. For the velocity direction this holds in 11 out of 13 locations. The study demonstrates the significant potential of applying advanced uncertainty quantification methods to address validation with field measurements and to develop a more realistic approach to the definition of inflow boundary conditions in atmospheric CFD simulations. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.053
Times cited: 29
DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2014.04.013
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“Reliability of copper dual damascene influenced by pre-clean”. Tokei Z, Lanckmans F, van den Bosch G, Van Hove M, Maex K, Bender H, Hens S, van Landuyt J, Analysis Of Integrated Circuits , 118 (2002). http://doi.org/10.1109/IPFA.2002.1025629
Keywords: P1 Proceeding; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1109/IPFA.2002.1025629
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“Local probing of the enhanced field electron emission of vertically aligned nitrogen-doped diamond nanorods and their plasma illumination properties”. Deshmukh S, Sankaran KJ, Srinivasu K, Korneychuk S, Banerjee D, Barman A, Bhattacharya G, Phase DM, Gupta M, Verbeeck J, Leou KC, Lin IN, Haenen K, Roy SS, Diamond and related materials 83, 118 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.DIAMOND.2018.02.005
Abstract: A detailed conductive atomic force microscopic investigation is carried out to directly image the electron emission behavior for nitrogen-doped diamond nanorods (N-DNRs). Localized emission measurements illustrate uniform distribution of high-density electron emission sites from N-DNRs. Emission sites coupled to nano graphitic phases at the grain boundaries facilitate electron transport and thereby enhance field electron emission from N-DNRs, resulting in a device operation at low turn-on fields of 6.23 V/mu m, a high current density of 1.94 mA/cm(2) (at an applied field of 11.8 V/mu m) and a large field enhancement factor of 3320 with a long lifetime stability of 980 min. Moreover, using N-DNRs as cathodes, a microplasma device that can ignite a plasma at a low threshold field of 390 V/mm achieving a high plasma illumination current density of 3.95 mA/cm2 at an applied voltage of 550 V and a plasma life-time stability for a duration of 433 min was demonstrated.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.561
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1016/J.DIAMOND.2018.02.005
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“A simple way to calculate the volume and surface area of avian eggs”. Shi P, Chen L, Quinn BK, Yu K, Miao Q, Guo X, Lian M, Gielis J, Niklas KJ, Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 1524, 118 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1111/NYAS.15000
Abstract: Egg geometry can be described using Preston's equation, which has seldom been used to calculate egg volume (V) and surface area (S) to explore S versus V scaling relationships. Herein, we provide an explicit re-expression of Preston's equation (designated as EPE) to calculate V and S, assuming that an egg is a solid of revolution. The side (longitudinal) profiles of 2221 eggs of six avian species were digitized, and the EPE was used to describe each egg profile. The volumes of 486 eggs from two avian species predicted by the EPE were compared with those obtained using water displacement in graduated cylinders. There was no significant difference in V using the two methods, which verified the utility of the EPE and the hypothesis that eggs are solids of revolution. The data also indicated that V is proportional to the product of egg length (L) and maximum width (W) squared. A 2/3-power scaling relationship between S and V for each species was observed, that is, S is proportional to (LW2)(2/3). These results can be extended to describe the shapes of the eggs of other species to study the evolution of avian (and perhaps reptilian) eggs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 5.2
DOI: 10.1111/NYAS.15000
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Vlasov E (2024) Exploiting secondary electrons in transmission electron microscopy for 3D characterization of nanoparticle morphologies. x, 118 p
Abstract: Electron tomography (ET) is an indispensable tool for determining the three-dimensional (3D) structure of nanomaterials in (scanning) transmission electron microscopy ((S)TEM). ET enables 3D characterization of a variety of nanomaterials across different fields, including life sciences, chemistry, solid-state physics, and materials science down to atomic resolution. However, the acquisition of a conventional tilt series for ET is a time-consuming process and thus cannot capture fast transformations of materials in realistic conditions. Moreover, only a limited number of nanoparticles (NPs) can be investigated, hampering a general understanding of the average properties of the material. Therefore, alternative characterization techniques that allow for high-resolution characterization of the surface structure without the need to acquire a full tilt series in ET are required which would enable a more time-efficient investigation with better statistical value. In the first part of this work, an alternative technique for the characterization of the morphology of NPs to improve the throughput and temporal resolution of ET is presented. The proposed technique exploits surface-sensitive secondary electron (SE) imaging in STEM employed using a modification of electron beam-induced current (EBIC) setup. The time- and dose efficiency of SEEBIC are tested in comparison with ET and superior spatial resolution is shown compared to conventional scanning electron microscopy. Finally, contrast artefacts arising in SEEBIC images are described, and their origin is discussed. The second part of my thesis focuses on real applications of the proposed technique and introduces a high-throughput methodology that combines images acquired by SEEBIC with quantitative image analysis to retrieve information about the helicity of gold nanorods. It shows that SEEBIC imaging overcomes the limitation of ET providing a general understanding of the connection between structure and chiroptical properties.
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
DOI: 10.63028/10067/2049050151162165141
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“Electron capture in GaAs quantum wells via electron-electron and optic phonon scattering”. Kálna K, Mo×ko M, Peeters FM, Applied physics letters 68, 117 (1996)
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.302
Times cited: 10
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“Excitons in single and vertically coupled type II quantum dots in high magnetic fields”. Peeters FM, Janssens KL, Partoens B s.l., page 117 (2003).
Keywords: H1 Book chapter; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
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“Influence of the lattice symmetry on melting of the bilayer Wigner crystal”. Schweigert IV, Schweigert VA, Peeters FM, Journal de physique: 4
T2 –, International Conference on Strongly Coupled Coulomb Systems, SEP 04-10, 1999, ST MALO, FRANCE 10, 117 (2000). http://doi.org/10.1051/jp4:2000515
Abstract: The melting transition of the five different lattices of a bilayer crystal is studied using the Monte-Carlo (MC) technique. We found the surprising result that the square lattice has a substantial larger melting temperature as compared to the other lattice structures, which is a consequence of the specific topology of the temperature induced defects. A new melting criterion is formulated which we show to be universal for bilayers as well as for single layer crystals.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
DOI: 10.1051/jp4:2000515
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“The use of convergent beam electron diffraction for stress measurements in shallow trench isolation structures”. Stuer C, van Landuyt J, Bender H, Rooyackers R, Badenes G, Materials science in semiconductor processing 4, 117 (2001). http://doi.org/10.1016/S1369-8001(00)00110-4
Abstract: Shallow trench isolation (STI) is a promising technology for the isolation structures of the new generation of ULSI devices with dimensions below 0.18 mum. The various processing steps cause stress fields in STI structures, which can lead to defect formation in the silicon substrate. In their turn, stress fields affect the electrical parameters and the reliability of devices. Convergent beam electron diffraction (CBED) is used in this study to examine the influence of a wet and a dry pre-gate oxidation on the stress distribution around STI structures. The measurements are performed on STI structures with different width and spacing. CBED analysis is compared with bright-field TEM images. Defects are observed in high-strain areas of small isolated structures. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.359
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1016/S1369-8001(00)00110-4
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“Transport of cystine across xC-antiporter”. Ghasemitarei M, Yusupov M, Razzokov J, Shokri B, Bogaerts A, Archives of biochemistry and biophysics 664, 117 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.abb.2019.01.039
Abstract: Extracellular cystine (CYC) uptake by xC antiporter is important for the cell viability. Especially in cancer cells, the upregulation of xC activity is observed, which protects these cells from intracellular oxidative stress. Hence, inhibition of the CYC uptake may eventually lead to cancer cell death. Up to now, the molecular level mechanism of the CYC uptake by xC antiporter has not been studied in detail. In this study, we applied several different simulation techniques to investigate the transport of CYC through xCT, the light subunit of the xC antiporter, which is responsible for the CYC and glutamate translocation. Specifically, we studied the permeation of CYC across three model systems, i.e., outward facing (OF), occluded (OCC) and inward facing (IF) configurations of xCT. We also investigated the effect of mutation of Cys327 to Ala within xCT, which was also studied experimentally in literature. This allowed us to qualitatively compare our computation results with experimental observations, and thus, to validate our simulations. In summary, our simulations provide a molecular level mechanism of the transport of CYC across the xC antiporter, more specifically, which amino acid residues in the xC antiporter play a key role in the uptake, transport and release of CYC.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.165
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2019.01.039
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“Implementation of an expert system for the qualitative interpretation of x-ray-fluorescence spectra”. Janssens K, van Espen P, Analytica chimica acta 184, 117 (1986). http://doi.org/10.1016/S0003-2670(00)86475-2
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Chemometrics (Mitac 3)
DOI: 10.1016/S0003-2670(00)86475-2
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Zhang H (2020) Optical diagnostics of spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of nanosecond laser-induced plasma in gases. 117 p
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
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“Study of the influence of water and oxygen on the morphology and chemistry of pyritized lignite: Implications for the development of a preventive drying protocol”. Odin GP, Belhadj O, Vanmeert F, Janssens K, Wattiaux A, Francois A, Rouchon V, Journal Of Cultural Heritage 42, 117 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CULHER.2019.08.004
Abstract: Lignite constitutes a unique testimony of past diversity and evolution of land plants. This material, usually waterlogged, is particularly difficult to dry because of its mechanical sensitivity to moisture changes. In addition, lignite may contain organic and inorganic sulfides, which are susceptible to oxidation once excavated. As a result, the conservation of lignite is particularly complicated and lignite remains scarce in paleobotanical collections. We experimentally test different drying protocols on waterlogged pyritized lignite, while documenting the respective role of water and oxygen on their morphology and chemistry. The results reveal that inorganic sulfides (pyrite) are more prone to oxidation than organic sulfides (thioethers). Critically, water is the main factor responsible for this oxidation, provoking sulfate efflorescence when samples are further exposed to oxygen. On the other hand, an abrupt removal of water provokes significant mechanical damage while sulfur remains mostly present as reduced compounds. The control of water and oxygen exchanges is thus critical for conserving lignite without physical damage and efflorescence. We successfully achieved this by storing the samples in hermetically sealed plastic bags made of semi-permeable films, which slowly release humidity while allowing a gradual influx of oxygen. We advise curators to quickly handle lignite once removed from its waterlogged environment because of the fast kinetics of oxidation, and to choose a drying protocol according to the purpose of the lignite treated. Finally, once dried, we advise to store the lignite in an anhydrous environment. (C) 2019 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Art; History; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 3.1
DOI: 10.1016/J.CULHER.2019.08.004
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Peeters M (2021) The added value of Smart Product-Service Systems to real estate developments. 117 p
Abstract: Socially responsible investments can be defined as an investment process that integrates ethical values and environmental protection, improving social conditions, and good governance into a traditional investment decision. This integration is mainly a consequence of the growing importance that investors give to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, resulting in more sustainable development. Also, in the real estate sector, increased attention is being paid to the contributions made to integrate economic, environmental, and social factors into decisions. The ESG framework looks closely at how companies are managed, and the impact related to their market value. The factors for investors’ focus are summarized as environmental, social, and governance. The term ESG was coined in a 2004 United Nations (UN) report titled “Who Cares Wins,” aimed at raising awareness regarding the importance of environmental, social, and corporate governance issues in financial markets. The ESG criteria’s specific purpose is to guide investors in recognizing sustainable investments without evaluating how sustainable the asset is or the investment value represented by sustainability. It is essential to underline that ESG does not take specific economic interests into account. The rationale behind this apparent gap is that investors investigate the economic aspects before investing. However, by not explicitly linking ESG and economic criteria, attractive investments are often misjudged and not implemented. For example, investments that only show their value in the longer term or indirectly influence value by achieving a higher retention rate among incumbent tenants, reducing or eliminating friction costs. A product–service system (PSS) refers to a market proposition (business model) that builds on a product’s traditional functionality by incorporating additional services. Although services are already offered, the PSS function is to link the service to a product. The service thereby supports the operation of the product and generates additional benefits. It encompasses the integrated solutions of products and services to satisfy customers' needs and generate maximum value. According to Sutanto et al., a PSS is designed to focus on sustainability characterized in three dimensions. 1. The economic dimension 2. The environmental dimension 3. The social dimension When discussing sustainability in this thesis, we use the criteria listed above related to socially responsible investments. The link between PSS and ESG is that a PSS focuses on creating a sustainable system, and ESG makes sustainability more visible to investors. Therefore, when PSS are recognized and implemented in buildings, they must be evaluated using ESG analysis methods. Product-Service Systems (PSS) try to find a way to offer services on top of a product. The product is essentially secondary to the result that is delivered from the services. For example, the modem (product) that a cable company provides will be of secondary importance to the connectivity (service). Alternatively, it will be less critical how heat is made (product) than the intended set point is achieved in the building. PSSs transform the supply of products into services. In doing so, the responsibility shifts from delivering a product (once only) to continuous service delivery. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the service provider to deliver the outcome of the service as efficiently (read: lowest cost) as possible. A direct consequence of this is that the service provider will want to use the product as efficiently as possible and as long as possible to reduce his costs. Therefore, the supplier will also want to recover and maximize the reuse of his product based on the same rationale. A positive impact on the environment and the used raw materials is thus to be expected. The whole process of servitization (transforming products into services) in real estate will positively impact the Economic, Environmental and Social factors. Therefore, demonstrating this proposition is the main objective of this thesis. Smart PSS is the same idea as Product-Service systems but in which the digitization of the services plays a key role. It will be shown that by digitizing services, a broader range can be offered. It will be demonstrated that products that provide services at the building level can, through their interconnectedness, also provide services to external systems (e.g. electricity grid, urban planning, mobility, ...). At the same time, digitizing the products and services will also underpin trust in the systems and allow for proper remuneration. In this PhD, different standard systems in a building, such as the reservation system, the water heater, or the fire detection system, are equipped with additional services. A PSS is often specifically designed to focus on economic, social, and environmental dimensions. These dimensions correspond to the investor’s examination as part of the ESG analysis before investing. As the PSS is often specifically designed to integrate sustainability, there is a close link between the sustainability performance of the PSS and the ESG criteria evaluated by the investor. Throughout the work, the owner is considered to be the user of the building. It is not the case that only an owner-user can generate cash flow. In essence, if they have sufficient rights to the underlying product, any building user can activate services that generate cash flow. In today's market, it is logical that this is viewed in the owner-user context as they will usually choose the products to be installed in larger technical installations. They may have previously used a PSS or choose to move to one. However, a building’s tenant could choose to lease out their meeting rooms if they are not contractually prohibited from doing so since, in practice, contracts have begun to prohibit certain services. For example, rental contracts that actively prohibit renting out a property through platforms such as Airbnb. Thus, the user’s function could potentially impact how the PSS is designed. This work does not explicitly explore the impact of this aspect. The owner-user is assumed throughout this manuscript. The second chapter describes the state of affairs concerning PSSs in a broad framework evolving towards focusing on the real estate sector. After which, in the second chapter, ESG and the link to real estate and how smart real estate (smart buildings) is missing from this evaluation are discussed in more detail. Chapter 3 shows from a fire alarm system, which was extended with an evacuation support system, the usefulness, and the risk of data. Further work was done to demonstrate the added value in terms of Economic, Environmental and Social factors of standard installations in buildings. In Chapter 4, a simple sanitary hot water boiler is extended with a service that allows controlling this boiler according to the status of the electricity grid (surplus or shortage of energy). The supply and demand of energy on the power grid must be equal at all times. By equipping a classic water heater (product) with additional intelligence (service), it becomes possible to adjust the energy use to the grid's needs. The grid operators are prepared to pay for this. This payment can be linked to different energy markets (long term market, spot market, ...). This study looked at the fee that would have to be paid when the adjustment of the energy use can be made instantaneously so that the fee must be settled according to the prices on the imbalance market. In chapter 5, we look at the impact of the service to rent out free spaces as co-working places on a broad market (external to the building), compared to a regular reservation system. By renting out unused workplaces on a broad market, the utilization of the existing patrimony will be higher. The demand for new square meters with the same function will decrease as the supply-demand curve changes, and so will the price. This makes it less interesting to build new buildings. Less construction of new buildings will result in fewer resources being used, which will positively affect the environment. In addition, fewer new buildings with an office function will leave more space for buildings with another function. Also, the city's infrastructure will be less burdened (roads, sewerage, electricity grid,...). In The Hague, the decreasing need for new square meters of office buildings can lead to more space for affordable housing, for which the city has a great need. Chapter 6 will frame the valuation of service as a real options method that gives an impetus to a general valuation methodology to value the flexibility that Smart PSS inherently has. Finally, this thesis demonstrates that (smart) PSSs impact real estate profitability, while positively influencing environmental and social factors. Further research and the limitations of the studies conducted are documented. This PhD concludes that Product-Service systems should break the silos between different stakeholders, resulting in a lower total cost of ownership of buildings in the longer term. This can only be achieved if the valuation of Product-Service systems is done correctly and is recognized by every stakeholder in the real estate process.
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM); Internet Data Lab (IDLab)
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“Apical application of nanosecond-pulsed dielectric barrier discharge plasma causes the basolateral release of adenosine triphosphate as a damage-associated molecular pattern from polarized HaCaT cells”. Truong B, Siegert K, Lin A, Miller V, Krebs FC, Plasma medicine 7, 117 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1615/PLASMAMED.2017019120
Abstract: Promising biomedical uses for nonthermal plasma (NTP) in the fields of regenerative medicine, cancer therapy, and vaccine delivery involve the noninvasive application of uniform nonequilibrium plasma (including dielectric barrier discharge plasma) to living skin. Whereas most investigations have focused on achieving desired therapeutic outcomes, fewer studies have examined the mechanisms and pathways by which epithelial cells respond to NTP exposure. Using a transwell apical-basolateral-chambered system to culture the human keratinocyte HaCaT cell line, in vitro experiments were performed to demonstrate the effects of nanosecond-pulsed dielectric barrier discharge (nsDBD) plasma on polarized epithelial cell viability, monolayer permeability, intracellular oxidative stress, and the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Application of nsDBD plasma at 60 Hz or below had minimal or no effect on HaCaT monolayer viability or permeability. nsDBD plasma exposure did, however, result in frequency-dependent reductions in intracellular glutathione (indicating direct induction of oxidative stress by nsDBD plasma) and increased extracellular ATP concentrations in the ba-solateral (subepithelial) media, which are indicators of cellular stress and an NTP-induced inflammatory response. These studies provide new insights into nsDBD plasma-induced inflammation and local innate immune responses initiated by polarized epithelial tissues.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
DOI: 10.1615/PLASMAMED.2017019120
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