Ion Mobility in Crystalline Battery Materials

Ion mobility in electrolytes and electrodes is an important performance parameter in electrochemical devices, particularly in batteries. In this review, the authors concentrate on the charge carrier mobility in crystalline battery materials where the diffusion basically corresponds to hopping processes between lattice sites. However, in spite of the seeming simplicity of the migration process in crystalline materials, the factors governing mobility in these materials are still debated. There are well-accepted factors contributing to the ion mobility such as the size and the charge of the ions, but they are not sufficient to yield a complete picture of ion mobility. In this review, possible factors influencing ion mobility in crystalline battery materials are critically discussed. To gain insights into these factors, chemical trends in batteries, both as far as the charge carriers as well as the host materials are concerned, are discussed. Furthermore, fundamental questions, for example, about the nature of the migrating charge carriers, are also addressed

Solution Atomic Layer Deposition of Smooth, Continuous, Crystalline Metal-Organic Framework Thin Films

For the first time, a procedure has been established for the growth of surface-anchored metal–organic framework (SURMOF) copper(II) benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate (Cu-BDC) thin films of thickness control with single molecule accuracy. For this, we exploit the novel method solution atomic layer deposition (sALD). The sALD growth rate has been determined at 4.5 Å per cycle. The compact and dense SURMOF films grown at room temperature by sALD possess a vastly superior film thickness uniformity than those deposited by conventional solution-based techniques, such as dipping and spraying while featuring clear crystallinity from 100 nm thickness. The highly controlled layer-by-layer growth mechanism of sALD proves crucial to prevent unwanted side reactions such as Ostwald ripening or detrimental island growth, ensuring continuous Cu-BDC film coverage. This successful demonstration of sALD-grown compact continuous Cu-BDC SURMOF films is a paradigm change and provides a key advancement enabling a multitude of applications that require continuous and ultrathin coatings while maintaining tight film thickness specifications, which were previously unattainable with conventional solution-based growth methods

Solution Atomic Layer Deposition of Smooth, Continuous, Crystalline Metal–Organic Framework Thin Films

For the first time, a procedure has been established for the growth of surface-anchored metal–organic framework (SURMOF) copper(II) benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate (Cu-BDC) thin films of thickness control with single molecule accuracy. For this, we exploit the novel method solution atomic layer deposition (sALD). The sALD growth rate has been determined at 4.5 Å per cycle. The compact and dense SURMOF films grown at room temperature by sALD possess a vastly superior film thickness uniformity than those deposited by conventional solution-based techniques, such as dipping and spraying while featuring clear crystallinity from 100 nm thickness. The highly controlled layer-by-layer growth mechanism of sALD proves crucial to prevent unwanted side reactions such as Ostwald ripening or detrimental island growth, ensuring continuous Cu-BDC film coverage. This successful demonstration of sALD-grown compact continuous Cu-BDC SURMOF films is a paradigm change and provides a key advancement enabling a multitude of applications that require continuous and ultrathin coatings while maintaining tight film thickness specifications, which were previously unattainable with conventional solution-based growth methods

COVID-19 pandemic: Lessons for spatial development

Background and aims of this position paper: Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, it has become ever clearer that it poses an enormous challenge for society. The lockdown imposed on large parts of public life, which hit all social groups and institutions relatively abruptly with a wide range of impacts, as well as the measures adopted subsequently have resulted in radical changes in our living conditions. In some cases, the crisis has acted as an accelerator of trends affecting processes that were already ongoing: the digitalisation of communications and educational processes, the growth in working from home and mobile working arrangements, the expansion of online retail, changes in travel behaviour (in favour of cars and bicycles), and the establishment of regional service networks. At the same time, there has been a braking effect on sectors such as long-distance travel, global trade, trade fairs and cultural events, as well as on progress towards gender equality in the division of labour for household responsibilities and childcare. Socio-spatial, infrastructural, economic and ecological effects are becoming increasingly apparent. For those involved in spatial development and spatial planning, urgent questions arise not only about the weaknesses that have become apparent in our spatial uses in terms of infrastructure and public service provision, the economy and ecology, and in our ways of life in terms of housing and the supply of goods and services, but also about what opportunities have emerged for sustainable and self-determined lifestyles. What conclusions for anticipatory and preventive planning can be drawn from these (provisional) findings? Using a critical, multidisciplinary and integrative examination of the spatially-relevant effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper establishes connections between the crisis management of today and crisis preparedness concepts for potential future pandemics. Building on that, it proposes corresponding recommended actions. These actions relate not only to insights for medium-term space-related crisis management but also to conclusions on long-term strategic challenges for spatial development in view of pandemics to be expected in the future. For this position paper, the 'Pandemic and Spatial Development' Ad hoc Working Group at the ARL - Academy for Territorial Development in the Leibniz Association has compiled interdisciplinary perspectives from spatial development and spatial planning, public health services, epidemiology, economics and social sciences, and has condensed them into transdisciplinary recommendations for action. These recommendations are directed at the various action levels for spatial development and spatial planning

Transcription at the proximity of the nuclear pore: A role for the THP1-SAC3-SUS1-CDC31 (THSC) complex

4 páginas, 1 figura.A key aspect of eukaryotic gene expression is the coupling of transcription with RNA processing, polyadenylation and export. The use of new techniques based on tandem affinity purification (TAP) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and of genetic and cell biology approaches has contributed to the beginning of deciphering the network of protein-mRNA interactions accompanying this coupling. Although an extensive amount of work has shed light on this matter, the order of participation and precise role of the different proteins remain to be deciphered. It seems that different and sequential protein interactions must converge to finally promote the anchoring of genes to the nuclear periphery. Here we discuss the new data on the coupling of gene expression and RNA export, with emphasis on the THP1-SAC3-SUS1-CDC31 complex and the possible implications of these results on transcription at the nuclear pore.Research in A.A.’s lab is funded by grants from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Education and the Junta de Andalucía.Peer reviewe

A scoping review of regulatory T cell dynamics in convalescent COVID-19 patients – indications for their potential involvement in the development of Long COVID?

Background Recovery from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be impaired by the persistence of symptoms or new-onset health complications, commonly referred to as Long COVID. In a subset of patients, Long COVID is associated with immune system perturbations of unknown etiology, which could be related to compromised immunoregulatory mechanisms. Objective The objective of this scoping review was to summarize the existing literature regarding the frequency and functionality of Tregs in convalescent COVID-19 patients and to explore indications for their potential involvement in the development of Long COVID Design A systematic search of studies investigating Tregs during COVID-19 convalescence was conducted on MEDLINE ( via Pubmed) and Web of Science. Results The literature search yielded 17 relevant studies, of which three included a distinct cohort of patients with Long COVID. The reviewed studies suggest that the Treg population of COVID-19 patients can reconstitute quantitatively and functionally during recovery. However, the comparison between recovered and seronegative controls revealed that an infection-induced dysregulation of the Treg compartment can be sustained for at least several months. The small number of studies investigating Tregs in Long COVID allowed no firm conclusions to be drawn about their involvement in the syndrome’s etiology. Yet, even almost one year post-infection Long COVID patients exhibit significantly altered proportions of Tregs within the CD4+ T cell population. Conclusions Persistent alterations in cell frequency in Long COVID patients indicate that Treg dysregulation might be linked to immune system-associated sequelae. Future studies should aim to address the association of Treg adaptations with different symptom clusters and blood parameters beyond the sole quantification of cell frequencies while adhering to consensualized phenotyping strategies

Handlungsempfehlungen für die planerische Steuerung der Krankenhausversorgung in Nordwestdeutschland

Umstrukturierungen in der Krankenhauslandschaft, insbesondere Schließungen sowie Zusammenlegungen kleinerer Klinikstandorte zu Zentralkliniken jenseits Zentraler Orte, stellen Herausforderungen an die wohnortnahe Versorgung und eine zukunftsfähige Raumstruktur. Die Förderung und der Erhalt gleichwertiger Lebensbedingungen sowie die Sicherung der Daseinsvorsorge im Hinblick auf ein leistungsfähiges und effektives Standortsystem der Krankenhaus- und Gesundheitsversorgung sind infrage gestellt. Es bedarf einer stärkeren raumordnerischen Steuerung sowie einer vorausschauenden, länderübergreifenden und kriterienbasierten Krankenhausplanung. Ein Ansatz zur Effizienzsteigerung ist die Stärkung der sektorenübergreifenden und interdisziplinär fachübergreifenden Versorgung. Für die Gestaltung der künftigen Krankenhauslandschaft sind neben raumordnerischen Kriterien insbesondere die Anforderungen der verschiedenen Nutzer/innengruppen zu berücksichtigen. Zudem bedarf es digitaler Daten für detaillierte Versorgungs- und Erreichbarkeitsanalysen als Planungsgrundlage.Current development trends in the restructuring of the hospital landscape, in particular the mergers of smaller hospitals into central hospitals beyond the central-places system, pose challenges for a sustainable spatial structure. The objectives of spatial planning and development are to ensure the provision of public services, the promotion and preservation of equal living conditions, and an efficient and effective system of hospital and health care locations. This requires spatial planning and governance, which should be based on the central-place system, as well as on a forward- looking, cross-state and criteria-based hospital planning. One approach to increase efficiency is an intersectoral and interdisciplinary care. In addition to regional planning criteria, the requirements of the various user groups are important for the designing of the future hospital landscape. In addition, digital data is required for detailed supply and accessibility analyses as a basis for planning

Differential effects of α4β7 and GPR15 on homing of effector and regulatory T cells from patients with UC to the inflamed gut in vivo

Objective: Gut homing of lymphocytes via adhesion molecules has recently emerged as new target for therapy in inflammatory bowel diseases. We aimed to analyze the in vivo homing of effector (Teff) and regulatory (Treg) T cells to the inflamed gut via α4β7 and GPR15. Design: We assessed the expression of homing receptors on T cells in peripheral blood and inflamed mucosa. We studied the migration pattern and homing of Teff and Treg cells to the inflamed gut using intravital confocal microscopy and FACS in a humanized mouse model in DSS-treated NSG (NOD.Cg-Prkdcscid-Il2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ) mice. Results: Expression of GPR15 and α4β7 was significantly increased on Treg rather than Teff cells in peripheral blood of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) as compared to Crohn´s disease and controls. In vivo analysis in a humanized mouse model showed augmented gut homing of UC Treg cells as compared to controls. Moreover, suppression of UC (but not control) Teff and Treg cell homing was noted upon treatment with the α4β7 antibody vedolizumab. In contrast, siRNA blockade of GPR15 had only effects on homing of Teff cells but did not affect Treg homing in UC. Clinical vedolizumab treatment was associated with marked expansion of UC Treg cells in peripheral blood. Conclusion: α4β7 rather than GPR15 is crucial for increased colonic homing of UC Treg cells in vivo, while both receptors control UC Teff homing. Vedolizumab treatment impairs homing of UC Treg cells leading to their accumulation in peripheral blood with subsequent suppression of systemic effector T cell expansion

SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie: Was lernen wir daraus für die Raumentwicklung?

[Veranlassung und Ziele des Positionspapiers] Seit Beginn der "Corona-Krise"/SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie wird immer deutlicher, dass es sich hierbei um eine gesellschaftliche Herausforderung größten Ausmaßes handelt. Der sog. Lockdown weiter Teile des öffentlichen Lebens, der relativ unvermittelt alle sozialen Gruppen und Institutionen mit den unterschiedlichsten Konsequenzen traf, und die darauf aufbauenden Maßnahmen stellen eine radikale Veränderung unserer Lebensumstände dar. Die Krise ist zumindest in Teilen zu einem großen Trendverstärker für bereits ablaufende Prozesse geworden: bei der Digitalisierung von Kommunikations- und Lernprozessen, der Zunahme an Homeoffice/mobilem Arbeiten, der Ausweitung von Onlinehandel, Veränderungen im Mobilitätsverhalten (zugunsten Pkw und Fahrrad) und regionaler Vernetzung der Leistungserbringung. Gleichzeitig wurden Entwicklungen wie Fernreisen, globaler Handel, Messen und Kultur, aber auch eine geschlechtergerechtere Arbeitsteilung mit Blick auf Haushalt und Kinderbetreuung ausgebremst. Sozialräumliche, infrastrukturelle sowie ökonomische und ökologische Auswirkungen zeichnen sich offener ab. Es stellt sich für die Akteure der Raumentwicklung und Raumplanung dringlich die Frage, welche Schwächen unserer Raumnutzungen im Hinblick auf Infrastrukturen und Daseinsvorsorge, Ökonomie und Ökologie, unserer Lebensmodelle mit Wohnen und Versorgung - aber auch welche Chancen für nachhaltige und selbstbestimmte Lebensweisen - offensichtlich geworden sind. Was ergibt sich aus diesen (vorläufigen) Erkenntnissen für eine vorausschauende und vorsorgende Planung? Auf Grundlage einer kritischen, multidisziplinären und integrativen Betrachtung raumrelevanter Auswirkungen der Corona-Krise wird der Bogen geschlagen von der aktuellen Krisenbewältigung zur konzeptionellen Krisenvorsorge für mögliche künftig zu erwartende Pandemien. Darauf aufbauend werden entsprechende Handlungsempfehlungen formuliert. Sie beziehen sich nicht nur auf Erkenntnisse zum mittelfristigen raumbezogenen Krisenmanagement, sondern auch auf Aussagen zu langfristigen strategischen Herausforderungen der räumlichen Entwicklung angesichts zukünftig zu erwartender Pandemien. Der Ad-hoc-Arbeitskreis "Pandemie und Raumentwicklung" der ARL - Akademie für Raumentwicklung in der Leibniz-Gemeinschaft hat hierzu für dieses Positionspapier interdisziplinäre Perspektiven aus Raumentwicklung und Raumplanung, Öffentlichem Gesundheitsdienst (ÖGD), Epidemiologie/ Public Health und Ökonomie sowie Sozialwissenschaften zusammengetragen und zu transdisziplinären Handlungsempfehlungen verdichtet. Diese richten sich an die unterschiedlichen Handlungsebenen der Raumentwicklung und Raumplanung

Guideline adherence and patient satisfaction in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disorders – an evaluation study

Background: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are the most frequent inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD). IBD cause a significant burden to society due to extensive health care utilization from the first clinical symptoms until diagnosis and thereafter due to direct and indirect costs. Besides the socio-economic impact of CD and UC, gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptoms affect quality of life, but there is remarkably little data about the quality of treatment as assessed by patient satisfaction, quality of life and adherence to guidelines. Thus the aim of this study was to identify variables that influence quality of treatment and quality of life as well as patient satisfaction. Methods: The Essener Zirkel Study was a cross sectional study of 86 IBD-patients with a confirmed diagnosis of CD or UC. They were recruited at primary, secondary and tertiary care settings. Quality of treatment, quality of life and patient satisfaction were evaluated. Consulting behaviour and number of examinations, duration of disease and variables regarding adherence to guidelines were evaluated, too. Results: 59 (69%) patients had CD and 27 had UC (31%). 19% spent more than four years until the suspected diagnosis of IBD was confirmed and visited more than five physicians. All patients showed a significantly reduced quality of life compared to the 1998 German normative population. In spite of being under medical treatment, nearly half of the patients suffered from strong quality of life restricting symptoms. Over all, 35% described their treatment as moderate or bad. Patients who consulted psychotherapists and non-medical practitioners suffered significantly less from depression. Conclusion: Besides structural deficiencies due to the health care policy, we revealed the adherence to guidelines to be a problem area. Our findings support the assumption, that providing better health care and especially maintaining constant patient-physician communication improves patient satisfaction.Claudia Pieper, Sebastian Haag, Stefan Gesenhues, Gerald Holtmann, Guido Gerken and Karl-Heinz Jöcke