bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel splicing variant of VCAN identified in a Chinese family initially diagnosed with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Zhong Junwei , Shi Jie , Zhang Xiaotian , Xu Ke , Zhang Xiaohui , Xie Yue , Li Yang
Published: November 2022

Background

Wagner vitreoretinopathy (WVR) is a rare autosomal dominant vitreoretinopathy caused by pathogenic variants in the VCAN gene. The aim of this study was to report a novel splicing variant in VCAN identified in a three‐generation Chinese family initially diagnosed with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy and to describe the patients' clinical features.

Methods

Four affected individuals from a three‐generation family underwent detailed ophthalmic examinations, including best‐corrected visual acuity by Snellen E chart, slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy under pupil dilatation, ocular B‐ultrasonography, optical coherence tomography scans, and fundus autofluorescence. Targeted next‐generation sequencing was performed to identify variants of the disease‐causing gene for the proband, followed by co‐segregation analysis using Sanger‐DNA sequencing. Reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was carried out to verify the effects of a variant on VCAN pre‐mRNA splicing in the lymphocytes from the patients.

Results

We detected a novel heterozygous variant c.4004‐4_c.4004‐3delinsCA of VCAN in all four affected individuals. RT‐PCR revealed that the novel variant caused an abnormal splicing in exon 8 of the VCAN and imbalanced versican transcripts. All four patients presented vitreous syneresis and bilateral retinal detachment occurring at different ages. The patients also showed different extents of visual defects and diverse clinical manifestations, including cataract, iris–lens synechiae, inverted papillae, and ectopic foveas.

Conclusions

Our results expand the mutation spectrum of VCAN and further confirm that the splicing sites for exon 8 are mutation hot spots. Patients with WVR may present high phenotype variation; therefore, molecular analysis is very important for precise diagnosis of patients with inherited vitreoretinopathy.
Electrical stimulation or tacrolimus (FK506) alone enhances nerve regeneration and recovery after nerve surgery, while dual use reduces variance and combines strengths of each in promoting enhanced outcomes
Authors: Marsh Evan B. , Schellhardt Lauren , Hunter Daniel A. , Mackinnon Susan E. , Snyder‐Warwick Alison K. , Wood Matthew D.
Published: November 2022

Introduction/Aims

Repaired nerve injuries can fail to achieve functional recovery. Therapeutic options beyond surgery, such as systemic tacrolimus (FK506) and electrical stimulation (E‐stim), can improve recovery. We tested whether dual administration of FK506 and E‐stim enhances regeneration and recovery more than either therapeutic alone.

Methods

Rats were randomized to four groups: E‐stim, FK506, FK506 + E‐stim, and repair alone. All groups underwent tibial nerve transection and repair. Two sets of animals were created to measure outcomes of early nerve regeneration using nerve histology (n = 36) and functional recovery (n = 42) (21‐ and 42‐day endpoints, respectively). Functional recovery was measured by behavioral analyses (walking track and grid walk) and, at the endpoint, muscle mass and force.

Results

Dual E‐stim and FK506 administration produced histomorphometric measurements of nerve regeneration no different than either therapeutic alone. All treatments were superior to repair alone (FK506, P < .0001; E‐stim, P < .05; FK506 + E‐stim, P < .05). The E‐stim and FK506 + E‐stim groups had improved behavioral recovery compared with repair alone (at 6 weeks: E‐stim, P < .05; FK506 + E‐stim, P < .01). The FK506 group had improved recovery based on walking‐track analysis (at 6 weeks: P < .001) and muscle force and mass (P < .05). The concurrent use of both therapies ensured earlier functional recovery and decreased variability in functional outcomes compared with either therapy alone, suggesting a moderate benefit.

Discussion

Dual administration of FK506 and E‐stim showed minimal additive effects to further improve regeneration or recovery compared with either therapy alone. The data suggest the combination of FK506 and E‐stim appears to combine the relative strengths of each therapeutic.
Bio‐based photo‐curable polyurethane composites
Authors: Ali Basharat , Irshad Adnan , Atif Muhammad
Published: November 2022

Polyurethane (PU) covers a range of applications in wearable circuits, coating materials, foaming industries, surgical equipments, packing materials and replacement of plastic materials. As per broad applications spectrum, huge data on PU synthesis has been reported so far, with different types of polyols, isocyanates, organic acids, acrylates with different chain extenders, catalysts, emulsifiers and/or PI. In this review, for a comprehensive study of structure‐activity relationship, data from last 5 years has been compiled for photo‐curable PU categorized on the basis of solvent as well as acrylate components. In this review a range of parameters including tensile strength, hardness, flexibility, hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity, solvent resistance, storage/young's modulus, shape recovery, viscosity, curing kinetics and thermal stability has been compared against composition.
Polyvinylidene fluoride, an advanced futuristic smart polymer material: A comprehensive review
Authors: Nivedhitha Durgam Muralidharan , Jeyanthi Subramanian
Published: November 2022

There was a fast development of various piezoelectric materials in the past two decades due to their numerous applications. Piezoelectric materials made up of natural quartz crystals were used in ultrasonic detectors in the early days. Later, the modern synthetic piezoelectric materials known as ferroelectric ceramics, such as Lead zirconate titanate (PZT), were developed, which were capable of exhibiting piezoelectricity several times greater than natural crystals. Later, the declination of ceramics began as they contained large amounts of lead content, which was considered harmful to both humans and the environment. Finally, a new era in the history of piezoelectric materials boomed with the outbreak of polymer materials. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a piezoelectric polymer material that has drawn the attention of researchers, from the family of fluoropolymers and has paved a new path in the field of polymer science and technology. PVDF has earned the renown of being an excellent piezoelectric material due to its unique and versatile exhibition of piezoelectric and dielectric properties. Furthermore, PVDF can exhibit incredible thermal stability and mechanical strength with flexible processing and low cost compared with the other piezoelectric crystals and ceramics. This comprehensive review mainly focuses on the evolution of piezoelectric materials from crystals to polymers with their advantages and significant drawbacks. Thus, the main objective of this review is to present a detailed description of PVDF concerning its uniqueness as a piezoelectric material and versatile properties, followed by various advanced fabrication techniques and their impact on doping various nanofillers with respective applications. Though PVDF is renowned for its significant applications such as sensors, actuators, energy harvesting and biomedical devices, a tabular chart has been specially framed in one‐liners which highlights the real‐time experimental outcomes where PVDF can be specified as a futuristic polymer for multifunctional applications. A few reports resulted that with increasing graphite and MWCNT fillers into PVDF film, the EMI shielding effectiveness value rose to 14.64 dB at a frequency of 8‐12 Hz. A few reports resulted that by adding ZnO and BaTiO3, the electrical output increased significantly, which is more suitable as a nanogenerator. After an extensive literature survey, we found that reviews are very limited and restricted to specific applications and properties. This review is an overall brief explanation of enormous research works carried out by various experts and presented in a modest way with pictorial and tabular representation for the convenience of researchers. Finally, this review attempts to provide source material to direct researchers towards a fertile area of research with a better understanding of the fundamentals and advancement of polymer piezoelectric materials.
Rapid prediction and analysis of protein intrinsic disorder
Authors: Dayhoff Guy W. , Uversky Vladimir N.
Published: November 2022

Protein intrinsic disorder is found in all kingdoms of life and is known to underpin numerous physiological and pathological processes. Computational methods play an important role in characterizing and identifying intrinsically disordered proteins and protein regions. Herein, we present a new high‐efficiency web‐based disorder predictor named Rapid Intrinsic Disorder Analysis Online (RIDAO) that is designed to facilitate the application of protein intrinsic disorder analysis in genome‐scale structural bioinformatics and comparative genomics/proteomics. RIDAO integrates six established disorder predictors into a single, unified platform that reproduces the results of individual predictors with near‐perfect fidelity. To demonstrate the potential applications, we construct a test set containing more than one million sequences from one hundred organisms comprising over 420 million residues. Using this test set, we compare the efficiency and accessibility (i.e., ease of use) of RIDAO to five well‐known and popular disorder predictors, namely: AUCpreD, IUPred3, metapredict V2, flDPnn, and SPOT‐Disorder2. We show that RIDAO yields per‐residue predictions at a rate two to six orders of magnitude greater than the other predictors and completely processes the test set in under an hour. RIDAO can be accessed free of charge athttps://ridao.app.
A one‐step multiplex PCR assay for the detection and differentiation of four species of Clarireedia causing dollar spot on turfgrass
Authors: Zhang Huangwei , Liu Jun , Dong Yinglu , Hu Jian , Lamour Kurt , Yang Zhimin
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Dollar spot (DS) is one of the most destructive and economically important diseases of cool‐ and warm‐season turfgrasses worldwide. A total of six species causing DS disease in the genus Clarireedia have been described, and four of them have been reported to be distributed countrywide in China. Identification of different species of Clarireedia is a prerequisite for the effective management of DS disease.

RESULTS

Here we report a novel polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based method for the detection and differentiation of the four species of Clarireedia associated with DS on turfgrass in China: C. jacksonii, C. paspali, C. monteithiana and C. hainanense. Species‐specific genes were identified for each species by comparative genomics analysis. Four primer pairs were designed and mixed to amplify species‐specific PCR fragments with differential sizes for the four species of Clarireedia in a single multiplex PCR assay. No PCR products were generated from the DNA templates of other common fungal pathogens associated with multiple turfgrass diseases. The multiplex PCR method developed can be used for the rapid and accurate detection and differentiation of the four species of Clarireedia from pure cultures as well as from infected turfgrass blades with DS symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The study developed a one‐step multiplex PCR assay for the detection and differentiation of four species of Clarireedia causing DS on turfgrass in China, which will have important implications for DS management in China and worldwide. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Synthesis and activity‐detection of photoswitchable ligands with fipronil to insect
Authors: Hou Qing‐Qing , Huang Qiu‐Tang , Xu Qi , Zhou Cong , Du Yao‐Yao , Ji Yun‐Fan , Xu Zhi‐Ping , Cheng Jia‐Gao , Zhao Chun‐Qing , Li Zhong , Shao Xu‐Sheng
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Ionotropic γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor (GABAR) in an insect is the major inhibitory receptor and is one of the most important targets for insecticides. Due to the high spatiotemporal resolution of GABAR, the photopharmacological ligands acting on it in vertebrates but not insect have been developed.

RESULTS

In this study, two types of photochromic ligands (PCLs) including DTFIPs (DTFIP1 and DTFIP2) and ABFIPs (p‐, m‐, and o‐ABFIP) were synthesized by incorporating photoswitch azobenzene or dithienylethene into fipronil (FIP), which is the antagonist of insect GABAR. Their photomodulation was measured by mosquito larval behavior, and their potential action mechanism was explored by the two‐electrode voltage clamp (TEVC) technique in vitro. DTFIP1 and m‐ABFIP exhibited the most significant difference of insecticidal activity by about 90‐ and 5‐fold to mosquito larvae between non‐irradiated and irradiated formation, respectively, and allowed for optical control of mosquito swimming activity. TEVC assay results indicated that m‐ABFIP and DTFIP1 enable optical control over the homomeric LsRDL‐type GABAR, which is achieved by regulating the chloride channel of resistance to dieldrin (RDL)‐type GABAR by photoisomerization.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that PCLs synthesized from fipronil provide an alternative and precise tool for studying insect ionotropic GABARs and GABA‐dependent behavior. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Heat‐sealing integrity assessment through nondestructive evaluation techniques
Authors: Taheri Hossein , Riggs Patrick , Widem Nathan , Taheri Mohammad
Published: November 2022

Sealing is a critical step in different packaging industries. In heat sealing as one of the major types of sealing processes, two layers of materials (typically thermoplastics) are joined together through the application of heat and pressure load for a certain sealing time. Due to the capabilities of the heat‐sealing process to seal different kinds and sizes of packages, it has a wide range of applications in many different industries such as the packaging of food and medical products. The quality and integrity of sealings produced by these techniques are crucial for the quality and safety of the contained materials. In this paper, different types and processes of sealing are discussed. Due to the variations in shape, size, and complexity of the sealing region, quality testing and inspection of these products is a challenging task. Nondestructive testing and evaluation (NDTE) techniques can be promising tools to overcome these challenges. Furthermore, a detailed study of various types of potential defects and their generation mechanism in heat sealing is presented. Then, various types of NDTE techniques that can be potentially used for the inspection of heat‐sealing regions and their working principles, as well as their strength and weakness in sealing inspection, are debated. Finally, several cases of sealing inspection and relevant NDTE techniques that are developed as standard procedures are presented. The discussions in this study provide useful information for the selection and implementation of appropriate quality inspection and inline quality monitoring of sealing parts and processes.
What have we learned about health effects more than 40 years after the Three Mile Island nuclear accident? A scoping and process review
Authors: Wilson Robin T. , LaBarge Brandon L. , Stahl Lauren E. , Goldenberg David , Lyamzina Yuliya , Talbott Evelyn O.
Published: November 2022

The worst commercial nuclear accident and the first large‐scale voluntary evacuation due to a nuclear event in United States history took place at Three Mile Island (TMI) in 1979. Within a short time, there was a well‐recognized impact of the TMI accident by public health officials and academicians upon mental health of nearby residents—particularly pregnant women. Despite long‐term and detailed follow‐up of this population for cancer outcomes, community concerns continue. Herein, we conduct a scoping and process review of fetal/maternal/child health (MCH) and cancer health outcomes, and consider the findings in light of subsequent accidents. The process evaluation is enhanced by unpublished transcripts of the Pennsylvania Department of Health's (PA DOH) TMI Advisory Panel on Health Research Studies (APHRS), comprised of experts from prominent US research institutions. Research and process strengths included a rapid initial house‐to‐house health census of over 35,000 individuals, intense medical record reviews, in‐person interviews of pregnant women within a 10‐mile radius, and coordination of multiple parallel studies by PA DOH with APHRS collaboration. Major limitations include (1) errors in causal inference, (2) limited radiation exposure assessment, (3) failure to include TMI never‐exposed groups in risk estimates, (4) exclusion of vulnerable populations, (5) nonindexed/never published investigations, and (6) government‐stated need for long‐term MCH follow‐up that was never conducted. Lingering unaddressed actual and perceived risks were identified as major common themes among TMI, Chernobyl and Fukushima accidents. These findings underscore the need for the establishment of mechanisms to ensure long‐term follow‐up and preaccident protocols designed to address major health issues with inclusion of vulnerable populations and perceived risks.
Human Papillomavirus Type 7 Identified in Digitated Warts on Facial Seborrhoeic Eczema of a Non-Butcher Immunocompetent Individual
Authors: Izumi Yuko , Kawase Masaaki , Egawa Kiyofumi
Published: November 2022

Human papillomavirus type 7 (HPV7) is frequently found in butchers' warts and has been demonstrated in several warts of immunocompromised hosts. HPV7 is rarely identified in non-butchers' warts, especially in individuals with normal immune status. We describe the first case of multiple HPV7-induced digitated warts which were developed on the face of a 68-year-old Japanese man, whose immune status was normal and who had no history of meat handling. Interestingly, the warts were developed exclusively on the skin affected with seborrhoeic eczema in the face, suggesting that some biologically active factors associated with seborrhoeic eczema and anatomical factors of sun-exposed facial skin might contribute to the development of HPV7-induced warts.
Stabilizing Interface pH by Mixing Electrolytes for High‐Performance Aqueous Zn Metal Batteries
Authors: Jin Shirui , Duan Fengxue , Wu Xiaoyu , Li Junpeng , Dan Xinxing , Yin Xiuxiu , Zhao Kangning , Wei Yingjin , Sui Yongming , Du Fei , Wang Yizhan
Published: November 2022

Aqueous zinc metal batteries with mild acidic electrolytes are considered promising candidates for large‐scale energy storage. However, the Zn anode suffers from severe Zn dendrite growth and side reactions due to the unstable interfacial pH and the absence of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) protective layer. Herein, a novel and simple mixed electrolyte strategy is proposed to address these problems. The mixed electrolytes of 2 M ZnSO4 and 2 M Zn (CF3SO3)2 can efficiently buffer the interfacial pH and induce the in situ formation of the organic‐inorganic SEI layer, which eliminates dendrite growth and prevents side reactions. As a result, Zn anodes in mixed electrolyte exhibit a lifespan enhancement over 400 times, endure stable cycling over 270 h at a high DOD of 62% and achieve high Zn plating/stripping reversibility with an average CE of 99.5% for 1000 cycles at 1 mA cm−2. The findings pave the way for developing practical electrolyte systems for Zn batteries.
Disclosing the Redox Pathway Behind the Excellent Performance of CuS in Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Mullaliu Angelo , Hosseini Seyed Milad , Conti Paolo , Aquilanti Giuliana , Giorgetti Marco , Varzi Alberto , Passerini Stefano
Published: November 2022

Copper sulfide has attracted increasing attention as conversion‐type cathode material for, especially, solid‐state lithium‐based batteries. However, the reaction mechanism behind its extraordinary electroactivity is not well understood, and the various explanations given by the scientific community are diverging. Herein, the CuS reaction dynamics are highlighted by examining the occurring redox processes via a cutting‐edge methodology combining X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, and chemometrics to overcome X‐ray diffraction limitations posed by the poor material's crystallinity. The mathematical approach rules out the formation of intermediates and clarifies the direct conversion of CuS to Cu in a two‐electron process during discharge and reversible oxidation upon delithiation. Two distinct voltage regions are identified corresponding to Cu‐ as well as the S‐redox mechanisms occurring in the material.
Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysts for the Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer: Challenges on Stability
Authors: Lin Hao Yang , Lou Zhen Xin , Ding Yeliang , Li Xiaoxia , Mao Fangxin , Yuan Hai Yang , Liu Peng Fei , Yang Hua Gui
Published: November 2022

Hydrogen generated by proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer holds a promising potential to complement the traditional energy structure and achieve the global target of carbon neutrality for its efficient, clean, and sustainable nature. The acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER), owing to its sluggish kinetic process, remains a bottleneck that dominates the efficiency of overall water splitting. Over the past few decades, tremendous efforts have been devoted to exploring OER activity, whereas most show unsatisfying stability to meet the demand for industrial application of PEM electrolyzer. In this review, systematic considerations of the origin and strategies based on OER stability challenges are focused on. Intrinsic deactivation of the material and the extrinsic balance of plant‐induced destabilization are summarized. Accordingly, rational strategies for catalyst design including doping and leaching, support effect, coordination effect, strain engineering, phase and facet engineering are discussed for their contribution to the promoted OER stability. Moreover, advanced in situ/operando characterization techniques are put forward to shed light on the OER pathways as well as the structural evolution of the OER catalyst, giving insight into the deactivation mechanisms. Finally, outlooks toward future efforts on the development of long‐term and practical electrocatalysts for the PEM electrolyzer are provided.
The emergence and maturation of student affairs assessment
Authors: Henning Gavin , Bentrim Erin
Published: November 2022

In this article, we will discuss the historical roots of student affairs assessment. The first part of this article will review the emergence of assessment in higher education including student affairs assessment and will follow with a discussion of the evolution of the field including growth and changes in positions over time. Next, the role of professional associations in developing the field, including the creation of standards for professional practice and individual competencies will be addressed. We include a section on the history of the Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS) and the role the organization played in program evaluation becoming an integral part of student affairs assessment. Lastly, we briefly discuss professional development opportunities and the growth of scholarship in the field.
Concepts of assessment: Our stories matter
Authors: Kupo V. Leilani , Kind‐Keppel Heather Marie
Published: November 2022

Utilizing Indigenous Knowledge Systems, ancestral knowledge, and storytelling, the authors of this article trouble traditional “best way” concepts associated with assessment and argue the importance of decentering the individual experience and centering community knowledge as sources for assessment data.
The community college: Building a culture of assessment
Authors: Peterson Robert D. , Cisarik De Jesus Nicci , Salgado‐Rodriguez Esperanza
Published: November 2022

This article examines the impetus and benefit of establishing a strong assessment culture at the community college level––institutions serving incredibly diverse student populations with fewer resources than their 4‐year counterparts. Best practices and lessons learned from a suburban Chicago community college serve as an example for other community colleges to assist in their pursuit of a strong assessment culture. In order to be successful in its implementation and long‐term health, community college assessment within the student affairs level must be student‐focused while carefully leveraging limited resources.
Assessment of co‐curricular support in predominantly online learning environments
Authors: Paton Valerie O. , Louder Justin R.
Published: November 2022

This article provides resources for assessing co‐curricular support for student learning in predominantly online learning environments. For the use of practitioners, the article provides a summary of applicable frameworks, definitions, resources, student characteristics, needs assessment, best practices in assessment for online learners, and use for improvement strategies.
Centering theories of learning to design humanizing pedagogies and inclusive assessments
Authors: Paguyo Christina H. , Sponsler Laura E. , Iturbe‐LaGrave Valentina
Published: November 2022

In this article, we offer a blueprint that connects learning, humanizing pedagogies, and inclusive assessment to foster equity in higher education. First, we build upon extant literature to infuse sociocultural theories in our reimagination of learning. Second, we articulate how inclusive pedagogical practices bring strong potential to humanize campus learning systems. Third, we share strategies for educators to enact inclusive assessment based upon conceptualizations of learning and inclusive pedagogies. Our hope is for readers to consider inclusive assessment as one tool for iteratively redesigning a powerful learning environment where students are supported, affirmed, valued, and validated as their whole selves.
Sensorbasierte Identifikation der Struktursteifigkeit zur Bemessung von Stahltragwerken
Authors: Kraus Matthias , Chowdhury Sharmistha
Published: November 2022

Für die Zustandsüberwachung werden Ingenieurbauwerke zunehmend durch Monitoringsysteme ausgestattet. Besonders deutlich wird dies bei Infrastrukturbauwerken des Straßenverkehrsnetzes, da entsprechende Brücken durch die gestiegene Verkehrsstärke und Lastintensität häufig höher beansprucht werden, als das im ursprünglichen Planungsprozess berücksichtigt werden konnte. Zukünftig werden durch Sensorsysteme ausgestattete „intelligente Bauwerke“ verstärkt dazu beitragen, ein besseres Verständnis zum Tragverhalten und zum Bauwerkszustand zu gewinnen. Die sachgerechte Interpretation der Monitoringdaten sowie deren Berücksichtigung bei der Bemessung von Tragwerken sind stets anspruchsvoll und mit Herausforderungen verbunden. Dieser Thematik widmet sich der vorliegende Beitrag. Es wird gezeigt, wie das Tragverhalten einer Struktur durch Sensordaten und mithilfe eines Bayesschen Ansatzes präzisiert und dies im semiprobabilistischen Sicherheitskonzept des Eurocode berücksichtigt werden kann.
Effect of strength grade on mechanical properties of concrete under dynamic load
Authors: Wang Zhihang , Bai Erlei , Huang He , Ren Biao
Published: November 2022

The uniaxial compression test and dynamic compression test of C30, C50, and C80 concrete were carried out. The effects of strength grade and strain rate () on dynamic mechanical properties of concrete were analyzed in terms of dynamic compressive strength, dynamic increase factor (DIF), dynamic peak strain, and dynamic peak toughness. And the strain rate sensitivity of mechanical indexes and DIF fitting model of concrete with different strength grades were explored. The results show that the dynamic compressive strength, DIF and dynamic peak toughness of concrete with different strength grades all have obvious strain rate effects. With the increase of strength grade of concrete, the dynamic peak strain of concrete decreases continuously, and the strain rate sensitivity of dynamic compressive strength and dynamic peak toughness of concrete increases continuously. The mechanical indexes of C80 concrete have the strongest sensitivity to the strain rate. The DIF empirical formula of Comite Euro‐International du Beton (CEB) cannot fit the DIF of C30 and C80 concrete effectively. There is a critical strain rate beyond which the strain rate effect of DIF is significantly enhanced. With the increase of strength grade of concrete, the critical strain rate of concrete decreases continuously. The piecewise linear fitting of DIF and of concrete with different strength grades shows good results.
Computational methods for the analysis of climate change communication: Towards an integrative and reflexive approach
Authors: Schäfer Mike S. , Hase Valerie
Published: November 2022

Computational methods, in particular text‐as‐data or Natural Language Processing (NLP) approaches, have become popular to study climate change communication as a global and large‐scale phenomenon. Scholars have discussed opportunities and challenges of these methods for climate change communication, with some proponents and critics taking strong positions, either embracing the potential of computational methods or critically questioning their value. Mirroring developments in the broader social scientific debate, we aim to bring both sides together by proposing a reflexive, integrative approach for computational research on climate change communication: We reflect on strengths (e.g., making data big and small, nowcasting observations) and weaknesses (e.g., introducing empiricist epistemologies, ignoring biases) of computational approaches. Moreover, we also provide concrete and constructive guidance on when and how to integrate (or not integrate) these methods based on theoretical considerations. We thereby understand computational methods as part of an ever‐increasing, diverse toolbox for analyzing climate change communication.

This article is categorized under:

The Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Knowledge and Practice

The Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Sociology/Anthropology of Climate Knowledge
The Saint‐Venant type isoperimetric inequalities for assessing saturated water storage in lacunary shallow perched aquifers
Authors: Avkhadiev Farit G. , Kacimov Anvar R.
Published: November 2022

The Dupuit‐Forchheimer (DF) approximation for unconfined groundwater flows is reduced to 2D Poisson's equation (PE), the right hand side of which involves an intensive evapotranspiration (ET) rate. A shallow water table dips inward from a constant piezometric head boundary (closed curve) such that a “dry gap,” demarcated by another closed curve (unknown front), may emerge. Apriori estimates of the volume of the saturated zone and of the “dry gap” area are important for water resources management in drylands. We use the results from the theory of linear elasticity, torsion of elastic bars, for which PE is solved for the Prandtl function. Using the Poincaré metrics with the Gaussian constant curvature , isoperimetric inequalities are obtained for steady‐state DF flows. Conformal moments and confromal radii of the domains and 2‐D Hardy's type inequalities in domains, modeling the Saint Venant bar torsion problem, are involved in the obtained estimates. The studied boundary value problems (BVPs) are nonlinear for ET rates depending on the depth of the water table. In the DF model, the vadose zone (VZ) is considered as a “distributed sink” (similar to a standard “distributed source,” which models recharge to the water table in humid climates). The analytical VZ is collated with one obtained from a numerical solution to BVP for Richards’ equation in a 3‐D saturated‐unsaturated flow. BVPs for Richards’ equation in cylindrical domains, solved by HYDRUS software, give the pressure head, moisture content, Darcian velocity fields, and streamlines.
Motivation and Application of Haptic Systems
Authors: Kern Thorsten A. , Hatzfeld Christian
Published: November 2022

This chapter serves as an introduction and motivation for the field of haptic research. It provides an overview of the technical domains covered, but also introduces the philosophical and social aspects of human haptic sense. Various definitions of haptics as a perceptual and interaction modality are discussed to serve as a common ground for the rest of the book. Typical application areas such as telepresence, training, interaction with virtual environments and communication are introduced and typical haptic systems from these areas are discussed.
Haptic Software Design
Authors: Abdulali Arsen , Jeon Seokhee
Published: November 2022

This chapter reviews design concepts of haptic modeling and rendering software. The main focus lies in realistic kinesthetic and tactile haptic models for virtual and augmented reality based on the data collected from physical objects. We consider both data-driven algorithms providing a black-box action-response mapping and measurement-based approaches identifying parameters of physics-based models. To show the research landscape and highlight ongoing research challenges, we introduce a series of state-of-the-art methods including data-driven models with deterministic and stochastic responses, physics-based simulation using optimization-based FEM solver, and hybrid approaches of combining the concepts of both data-driven and physics-based methods. These examples also cover a wide range of haptic properties, i.e., modeling and rendering of elasticity and plasticity, tool deformation, and haptic textures.
Examples of Haptic System Development
Authors: Abbasimoshaei Alireza , Meiss Thorsten , Koev Nataliya , Reisinger Jörg
Published: November 2022

In this section, several examples of task-specific haptic systems are given. They shall give an insight in the process of defining haptic interactions for a given purpose and illustrate the development and evaluation process outlined in this book so far. Examples were chosen by the editors to cover different basic system structures.
Conclusion
Authors: Kern Thorsten A. , Hatzfeld Christian , Abbasimoshaei Alireza , Abdulali Arsen , Gölz Jacqueline , Reisinger Jörg , Youssef Fady
Published: November 2022

Like any other design process, the design of haptic systems is largely influenced by the optimization of a technical system, which is based on the consideration of a large number of decisions about individual components that usually influence each other.
General System Structures
Authors: Abbasimoshaei Alireza , Kern Thorsten A.
Published: November 2022

Haptic systems exhibit several basic structures defined by the mechanical in- and outputs, commonly known as impedance or admittance system structures. This chapter describes these structures in open-loop and closed-loop variants and presents commercial realizations as well as common applications of these structures. Based on the different properties of the structures and the intended application, hints for the selection of a suitable structure are given.
Control of Haptic Systems
Authors: Abbasimoshaei Alireza , Opitz Thomas , Meckel Oliver
Published: November 2022

Control engineering is an important part for making the system more precise and provide the possibility for the system to reach the desired parameters. This chapter reviews some aspects of the control in haptic systems, including advanced forms of technical descriptions, system stability criteria and measures as well as the design of different control laws in a haptic system. A focus is set on the control of bilateral teleoperation systems including the derivation of control designs that guarantee stability as well as haptic transparency and the handling of time delay in the control loop. The chapter also includes an example for the consideration of thermal properties and non-ideal mechanics in the control of a linear stage made from an EC motor and a ball screw as well as an perception-orientated approach to haptic transparency intended to lower the technical requirements on the control and component design.
Radiation from axion star-neutron star binaries with a tilted rotation axis in the presence of plasma
Authors: Kyriazis A.
Published: November 2022

Abstract

We investigate the form of the radiation emitted by an axion star-neutron star binary using a f(r) = sech(r/R) profile for the axion star. Our analysis takes into account the co-rotating plasma of the neutron star. We find that there is significant enhancement to the radiated power if the neutron star’s spin is tilted towards the plane of the axion star-neutron star orbit, compared to the case where it is perpendicular. We also examine whether the neutron star’s co-rotating plasma can play a role in the emitted power and we find that even though dilute axion stars can in principle radiate more efficiently than dense axion stars, they will be pulled apart by the tidal forces of the neutron star.
$$ {U}_{\mathfrak{q}}{\mathfrak{sl}}_2 $$-invariant non-compact boundary conditions for the XXZ spin chain
Authors: Chernyak Dmitry , Gainutdinov Azat M. , Saleur Hubert
Published: November 2022

Abstract

We introduce new $$ {U}_{\mathfrak{q}}{\mathfrak{sl}}_2 $$

U
q

sl
2

-invariant boundary conditions for the open XXZ spin chain. For generic values of $$ \mathfrak{q} $$
q
we couple the bulk Hamiltonian to an infinite-dimensional Verma module on one or both boundaries of the spin chain, and for $$ \mathfrak{q}={e}^{\frac{i\pi}{p}} $$
q
=

e

iπ
p

a 2p-th root of unity — to its p-dimensional analogue. Both cases are parametrised by a continuous “spin” α ∈ ℂ.

To motivate our construction, we first specialise to $$ \mathfrak{q} $$
q
= i, where we obtain a modified XX Hamiltonian with unrolled quantum group symmetry, whose spectrum and scaling limit is computed explicitly using free fermions. In the continuum, this model is identified with the (η, ξ) ghost CFT on the upper-half plane with a continuum of conformally invariant boundary conditions on the real axis. The different sectors of the Hamiltonian are identified with irreducible Virasoro representations.

Going back to generic q we investigate the algebraic properties of the underlying lattice algebras. We show that if $$ \mathfrak{q} $$
q
α ∉±$$ \mathfrak{q} $$
q
ℤ, the new boundary coupling provides a faithful representation of the blob algebra which is Schur-Weyl dual to $$ {U}_{\mathfrak{q}}{\mathfrak{sl}}_2 $$

U
q

sl
2

. Then, modifying the boundary conditions on both the left and the right, we obtain a representation of the universal two-boundary Temperley-Lieb algebra. The generators and parameters of these representations are computed explicitly in terms of $$ \mathfrak{q} $$
q
and α. Finally, we conjecture the general form of the Schur-Weyl duality in this case.

This paper is the first in a series where we will study, at all values of the parameters, the spectrum and its continuum limit, the representation content of the relevant lattice algebras and the fusion properties of these new spin chains.
PanScales showers for hadron collisions: all-order validation
Authors: van Beekveld Melissa , Ferrario Ravasio Silvia , Hamilton Keith , Salam Gavin P. , Soto-Ontoso Alba , Soyez Gregory , Verheyen Rob
Published: November 2022

Abstract

We carry out extensive tests of the next-to-leading logarithmic (NLL) accuracy of the PanScales parton showers, as introduced recently for colour-singlet production in hadron collisions. The tests include comparisons to (semi-)analytic NLL calculations of a wide range of hadron-collider observables: the colour-singlet boson transverse momentum distribution; global and non-global hadronic energy flow variables related to jet vetoes and analogues of jettiness distributions; (sub)jet multiplicities; and observables sensitive to the DGLAP evolution of the incoming momentum fractions. In the tests, we also include an implementation of a standard transverse-momentum ordered dipole shower, to establish the size of missing NLL effects in such showers, which, depending on the observable, can reach 100%. This paper, together with [1], constitutes the first step towards process-independent NLL-accurate parton showers for hadronic collisions.
GLI1+ cells are a source of repair-supportive mesenchymal cells (RSMCs) during airway epithelial regeneration
Authors: Chu Xuran , Lingampally Arun , Moiseenko Alena , Kheirollahi Vahid , Vazquez-Armendariz Ana Ivonne , Koepke Janine , Khadim Ali , Kiliaris Georgios , Shahriari Felordi Mahtab , Zabihi Mahsa , Shalashova Irina , Alexopoulos Ioannis , Günther Stefan , Lebrigand Kevin , Truchi Marin , Günther Andreas , Braun Thomas , Mari Bernard , Samakovlis Christos , Li Xiaokun , Seeger Werner , Herold Susanne , Zhang Jin-San , Bellusci Saverio , El Agha Elie
Published: November 2022

Repair-supportive mesenchymal cells (RSMCs) have been recently reported in the context of naphthalene (NA)-induced airway injury and regeneration. These cells transiently express smooth muscle actin (Acta2) and are enriched with platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (Pdgfra) and fibroblast growth factor 10 (Fgf10) expression. Genetic deletion of Ctnnb1 (gene coding for beta catenin) or Fgf10 in these cells using the Acta2-Cre-ERT2 driver line after injury (defined as NA-Tam condition; Tam refers to tamoxifen) led to impaired repair of the airway epithelium. In this study, we demonstrate that RSMCs are mostly captured using the Acta2-Cre-ERT2 driver when labeling occurs after (NA-Tam condition) rather than before injury (Tam-NA condition), and that their expansion occurs mostly
between days 3 and 7 following NA treatment. Previous studies have shown that lineage-traced peribronchial GLI1+ cells are transiently amplified after NA injury. Here, we report that Gli1 expression is enriched in RSMCs. Using lineage tracing with Gli1Cre−ERT2 mice combined with genetic inactivation of Fgf10, we show that GLI1+ cells with Fgf10 deletion fail to amplify around the injured airways, thus resulting in impaired airway epithelial repair. Interestingly, Fgf10 expression is not upregulated in GLI1+ cells following NA treatment, suggesting that epithelial repair is mostly due to the increased number of Fgf10-expressing GLI1+ cells. Co-culture of SCGB1A1+ cells with GLI1+ cells isolated from non-injured or injured lungs showed that GLI1+ cells from these two conditions are similarly capable of supporting bronchiolar organoid (or bronchiolosphere) formation. Single-cell RNA sequencing on sorted lineage-labeled cells showed that the RSMC signature resembles that of alveolar fibroblasts. Altogether, our study provides strong evidence for the involvement of mesenchymal progenitors in airway epithelial regeneration and highlights the critical role played by Fgf10-expressing GLI1+ cells in this context.
Altered thymocyte development observed in EphA4-deficient mice courses with changes in both thymic epithelial and extracellular matrix organization
Authors: García-Ceca Javier , Montero-Herradón Sara , González Ana , Plaza Rosa , Zapata Agustín G.
Published: November 2022

Eph receptors and their ligands, Ephrins, are involved in the thymocyte-thymic epithelial cell (TEC) interactions, key for the functional maturation of both thymocytes and thymic epithelium. Several years ago, we reported that the lack of EphA4, a Eph of the subfamily A, coursed with reduced proportions of double positive (DP) thymocytes apparently due to an altered thymic epithelial stroma [Munoz et al. in J Immunol 177:804–813, 2006]. In the present study, we reevaluate the lymphoid, epithelial, and extracellular matrix (ECM) phenotype of EphA4−/− mice grouped into three categories with respect to their proportions of DP thymocytes. Our results demonstrate a profound hypocellularity, specific alterations of T cell differentiation that affected not only DP thymocytes, but also double negative and single positive T cell subsets, as well as the proportions of positively and negatively selected thymocytes. In correlation, thymic histological organization changed markedly, especially in the cortex, as well as the proportions of both Ly51+UEA-1− cortical TECs and Ly51−UEA-1+ medullary TECs. The alterations observed in the expression of ECM components (Fibronectin, Laminin, Collagen IV), integrin receptors (VLA-4, VLA-6), chemokines (CXCL12, CCL25, CCL21) and their receptors (CXCR4, CCR7, CCR9) and in vitro transwell assays on the capacity of migration of WT and mutant thymocytes suggest that the lack of EphA4 alters T-cell differentiation by presumably affecting cell adhesion between TECs and T-TEC interactions rather than by thymocyte migration.
Global weak attractors in the dynamics of bodies with vector-type microstructure
Authors: Bisconti Luca , Mariano Paolo Maria
Published: November 2022

We investigate the dynamics of bodies with vector-type microstructure. We consider linear constitutive relations and a nonlinear coupling between macroscopic and microscopic motions, determined by gyroscopic-type inertia. Based on an existence result obtained in the presence of viscous-type stress components, we determine the existence of a global attractor; its weak nature derives from the lack of uniqueness determined by the nonlinear coupling.
Human metabolism and excretion kinetics of benzotriazole UV stabilizer UV-327 after single oral administration
Authors: Fischer Corinna , Leibold Edgar , Hiller Julia , Göen Thomas
Published: November 2022

UV-327 (2-(5-chloro-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-di-(tert-butyl)phenol) is used as an ultraviolet (UV) absorber in plastic products and coatings. Due to its ubiquitous distribution in the environment, human exposure is conceivable. In the study presented herein, initial information on the human in vivo metabolism of UV-327 was obtained by single oral administration to three volunteers. Urine and blood samples were collected up to 72 h after exposure. One study participant additionally donated plasma samples. Maximum blood and plasma levels of UV-327 and its two monohydroxylated metabolites UV-327-6-mOH and UV-327-4-mOH were reached 6 h post-exposure. Almost the entire amount found in blood and plasma samples was identified as UV-327, whereas the two metabolites each accounted for only 0.04% of the total amount, indicating that UV-327 is well-absorbed from the intestine, but only partially metabolized. Plasma to blood ratios of UV-327, UV-327-6-mOH, and UV-327-4-mOH ranged from 1.5 to 1.6. Maximum urinary excretion rates of UV-327, UV-327-6-mOH, UV-327-4-mOH, and UV-327-4 + 6-diOH were reached 9–14 h post-exposure. However, only about 0.03% of the orally administered dose of UV-327 was recovered as UV-327 and its metabolites in urine, indicating that biliary excretion may be the major route of elimination of UV-327 and its hydroxylated metabolites. The present study complements the insight in the complex absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME) processes of benzotriazole UV stabilizers (BUVSs).