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Participatory Action Research (PAR) brings unique ethical challenges. Scholars have developed seven ethical principles to address these challenges. So far, little has been published on how these ethical principles (are put to) work in different fields. We used the principles to evaluate our collaboration with co-researchers with developmental language disorder (DLD). This article aims to explore how the principles helped to reflect on the ongoing research practice. First, we needed to simplify the language of the principles so that the co-researchers could understand how they relate to concrete practices. Second, the co-researchers needed to be reminded of specific events before they could relate the principles to their own experiences. Lastly, for an evaluation of (co-) researchers dealing with multiple roles, from friend to colleague and client, this theme has been specifically included to the principle of personal integrity, so that it cannot be overlooked. Looking through a care ethical lens, we suggest speaking of "practical insights" rather than (ethical) principles, as it more clearly communicates that these insights are based on learning by doing and are not fixed, but build on (good) practices, whilst still allowing enough room for adjustments to the particularities inherent to each research process.

BackgroundPeople with the chronic disease Multiple Sclerosis are subjected to different degrees of profound uncertainty. Uncertainty has been linked to adverse psychological effects such as feelings of heightened vulnerability, avoidance of decision-making, fear, worry, anxiety disorders, and even depression. Research into Multiple Sclerosis has a predominant focus on the scientific, practical, and psychosocial issues of uncertainty. In comparison, existential uncertainty has been under-researched, even though it might pose a greater burden to those experiencing it.ObjectiveTo understand the lived experience of uncertainty for people living with relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis.MethodsThis study followed a phenomenological research design, employing elements of both the Reflective Lifeworld Approach and Phenomenology of Practice. Seventeen people with a recent (ResultsThe lived experience of uncertainty can be described as a stumbling motion across the liminal space between hope and grief while dealing with oscillating feelings of unrest concerning the body, self, and others. The following four constituents further illuminate the meaning of the phenomenon: Having to constantly (re)define unfamiliar and intangible bodily changes on one's own; Unsteady navigating amidst a destabilization of the imagined life; Relating to others as a source of, mirror or buffer for uncertainty; Going through overwhelming fears and worries while clinging to one's own logic.ConclusionAdding to existing qualitative and phenomenological research into MS and theories on uncertainty, this study portrays uncertainty as a multifaceted experience. The findings imply the need for a continuous attunement of healthcare practitioners to the expectations, fears, avoidance techniques, and other uniquely personal circumstances of people with Multiple Sclerosis.

Long Covid (LC) has been called the greatest mass-disabling event in human history. For patients, LC not only has implications for quality of life but also for meaning in life: how one’s life and the world are understood and what is seen as valuable in one’s life. This qualitative empirical study used a Constructivist Grounded Theory approach to investigate the meaning in life of people struggling with LC through ten patient interviews. This study shows that patients lose their prior understanding of life and come to a changed meaning in life, in part due to the experienced (social) isolation and loss of (both physical and cognitive) abilities caused by LC. Moreover, patients struggled with acceptance, uncertainty, and the inherent incomprehensibility and uncontrollability that living with LC entails, though this simultaneously co-existed with hope, optimism and acceptance. Additionally, dimensions of meaning intersect; a patient having some understanding of their illness (dimension of meaning: comprehension) required an understanding Other (dimension of meaning: connection). Emerging from lockdown brought the challenge and isolation of adjusting to chronic illness in society as usual (albeit divided about COVID-19 measures). This study thus offers novel insights regarding changed, present, and sought meaning in life for LC patients.

The Sentinel-5 Precursor (S5P) satellite operated by the European Space Agency has carried the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) on a Sun-synchronous low-Earth orbit since 13 October 2017. The S5P mission has acquired more than 5 years of TROPOMI nadir ozone profile data retrieved from the level 0 to 1B processor version 2.0 and the level 1B to 2 optimal-estimation-based processor version 2.4.0. The latter is described in detail in this work, followed by the geophysical validation of the resulting ozone profiles for the period May 2018 to April 2023. Comparison of TROPOMI ozone profile data to co-located ozonesonde and lidar measurements used as references concludes to a median agreement better than 5 % to 10 % in the troposphere. The bias goes up to −15 % in the upper stratosphere (35–45 km) where it can exhibit vertical oscillations. The comparisons show a dispersion of about 30 % in the troposphere and 10 % to 20 % in the upper troposphere to lower stratosphere and in the middle stratosphere, which is close to mission requirements. Chi-square tests of the observed differences confirm on average the validity of the ex ante (prognostic) satellite and ground-based data uncertainty estimates in the middle stratosphere above about 20 km. Around the tropopause and below, the mean chi-square value increases up to about four, meaning that the ex ante TROPOMI uncertainty is underestimated. The information content of the ozone profile retrieval is characterised by about five to six vertical subcolumns of independent information and a vertical sensitivity (i.e. the fraction of the information that originates from the measurement) nearly equal to unity at altitudes from about 20 to 50 km, decreasing rapidly at altitudes above and below. The barycentre of the retrieved information is usually close to the nominal retrieval altitude in the 20–50 km altitude range, with positive and negative offsets of up to 10 km below and above this range, respectively. The effective vertical resolution of the profile retrieval usually ranges within 10–15 km, with a minimum close to 7 km in the middle stratosphere. Increased sensitivities and higher effective vertical resolutions are observed at higher solar zenith angles (above about 60°), as can be expected, and correlate with higher retrieved ozone concentrations. The vertical sensitivity of the TROPOMI tropospheric ozone retrieval is found to depend on the solar zenith angle, which translates into a seasonal and meridian dependence of the bias with respect to reference measurements. A similar although smaller effect can be seen for the viewing zenith angle. Additionally, the bias is negatively correlated with the surface albedo for the lowest three ozone subcolumns (0–18 km), despite the albedo's apparently slightly positive correlation with the retrieval degrees of freedom in the signal. For the 5 years of TROPOMI ozone profile data that are available now, an overall positive drift is detected for the same three subcolumns, while a negative drift is observed above (24–32 km), resulting in a negligible vertically integrated drift.

Abstract Fault normal stress (σn) changes dynamically during earthquakes. However, the impact of these changes on fault strength is poorly understood. We explore the effects of rapidly varying σn by conducting rotary‐shear experiments on simulated fault gouges at 1 μm/s, under well‐drained, hydrothermal conditions. Our results show both elastic and anelastic (time‐dependent but recoverable) changes in gouge layer thickness in response to step changes and sinusoidal oscillations in σn. In particular, we observe dilation associated with marked weakening during ongoing σn‐oscillations at frequencies >0.1 Hz. Moreover, recovery of shear stress after such oscillations is accompanied by transient (anelastic) compaction. We propose a microphysically based friction model that explains most of the observations made, including the effects of temperature and step versus sinusoidal perturbation modes. Our results highlight that σn‐oscillations above a specific frequency threshold, controlled by the loading regime and frictional properties of the fault, may enhance seismic hazards.

Introduction One of the main responsibilities of the liver is the metabolism of endogenous and xenobiotic substances making the liver susceptible to chemical-induced injury through exposure to environmental toxicants or [...], BACKGROUND: Understanding the variability across the human population with respect to toxicodynamic responses after exposure to chemicals, such as environmental toxicants or drugs, is essential to define safety factors for risk assessment to protect the entire population. Activation of cellular stress response pathways are early adverse outcome pathway (AOP) key events of chemical-induced toxicity and would elucidate the estimation of population variability of toxicodynamic responses. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to map the variability in cellular stress response activation in a large panel of primary human hepatocyte (PHH) donors to aid in the quantification of toxicodynamic interindividual variability to derive safety uncertainty factors. METHODS: High-throughput transcriptomics of over 8,000 samples in total was performed covering a panel of 50 individual PHH donors upon 8 to 24 h exposure to broad concentration ranges of four different toxicological relevant stimuli: tunicamycin for the unfolded protein response (UPR), diethyl maleate for the oxidative stress response (OSR), cisplatin for the DNA damage response (DDR), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF[alpha]) for NF-[kappa]B signaling. Using a population mixed-effect framework, the distribution of benchmark concentrations (BMCs) and maximum fold change were modeled to evaluate the influence of PHH donor panel size on the correct estimation of interindividual variability for the various stimuli. RESULTS: Transcriptome mapping allowed the investigation of the interindividual variability in concentration- dependent stress response activation, where the average of BMCs had a maximum difference of 864-, 13-, 13-, and 259-fold between different PHHs for UPR, OSR, DDR, and NF-[kappa]B signaling-related genes, respectively. Population modeling revealed that small PHH panel sizes systematically underestimated the variance and gave low probabilities in estimating the correct human population variance. Estimated toxicodynamic variability factors of stress response activation in PHHs based on this dataset ranged between 1.6 and 6.3. DISCUSSION: Overall, by combining high-throughput transcriptomics and population modeling, improved understanding of interindividual variability in chemical-induced activation of toxicity relevant stress pathways across the human population using a large panel of plated cryopreserved PHHs was established, thereby contributing toward increasing the confidence of in vitro-based prediction of adverse responses, in particular hepatotoxicity. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11891

In this paper, we present m-Path (www.m-Path.io), an online platform that provides an easy-to-use and highly tailorable framework for implementing smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and intervention (EMI) in both research and clinical practice in the context of blended care. Because real-time monitoring and intervention in people's everyday lives have unparalleled benefits compared to traditional data collection techniques (e.g., retrospective surveys or lab-based experiments), EMA and EMI have become popular in recent years. Although a surge in the use of these methods has led to a myriad of EMA and EMI applications, many existing platforms only focus on a single aspect of daily life data collection (e.g., assessment vs. intervention, active self-report vs. passive mobile sensing, research-dedicated vs. clinically-oriented tools). With m-Path, we aim to integrate all of these facets into a single platform, as it is exactly this all-in-one approach that fosters the clinical utility of accumulated scientific knowledge. To this end, we offer a comprehensive platform to set up complex and highly adjustable EMA and EMI designs with advanced functionalities, using an intuitive point-and click web interface that is accessible for researchers and clinicians with limited programming skills. We discuss the strengths of daily life data collection and intervention in general and m-Path in particular. We describe the regular workflow to set up an EMA or EMI design within the m-Path framework, and summarize both the basic functionalities and more advanced features of our software.

Background: People with the chronic disease Multiple Sclerosis are subjected to different degrees of profound uncertainty. Uncertainty has been linked to adverse psychological effects such as feelings of heightened vulnerability, avoidance of decision-making, fear, worry, anxiety disorders, and even depression. Research into Multiple Sclerosis has a predominant focus on the scientific, practical, and psychosocial issues of uncertainty. In comparison, existential uncertainty has been under-researched, even though it might pose a greater burden to those experiencing it. Objective: To understand the lived experience of uncertainty for people living with relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis. Methods: This study followed a phenomenological research design, employing elements of both the Reflective Lifeworld Approach and Phenomenology of Practice. Seventeen people with a recent (<1 year) diagnosis of relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis were included. In-depth interviews were conducted immediately after inclusion. Results: The lived experience of uncertainty can be described as a stumbling motion across the liminal space between hope and grief while dealing with oscillating feelings of unrest concerning the body, self, and others. The following four constituents further illuminate the meaning of the phenomenon: Having to constantly (re)define unfamiliar and intangible bodily changes on one's own; Unsteady navigating amidst a destabilization of the imagined life; Relating to others as a source of, mirror or buffer for uncertainty; Going through overwhelming fears and worries while clinging to one's own logic. Conclusion: Adding to existing qualitative and phenomenological research into MS and theories on uncertainty, this study portrays uncertainty as a multifaceted experience. The findings imply the need for a continuous attunement of healthcare practitioners to the expectations, fears, avoidance techniques, and other uniquely personal circumstances of people with Multiple Sclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seismic potential of faults depends on the local mineralogy and can change upon mineral reactions. We conducted friction experiments on serpentinite, carbonate and carbonated serpentinite fault gouges at temperatures from 400°C to 630°C, under 100 MPa effective normal stress and fluid saturated conditions. Pure serpentinite fault gouges exhibited unstable slip with significant strain‐hardening. Carbonate‐bearing serpentinite fault gouges showed stable sliding at temperatures <500°C, but displayed unstable stick‐slip behavior and strong strain weakening at temperatures ≥500°C. Microstructural analyses revealed localization and the formation of olivine and pyroxene from devolatilization reactions at temperatures ≥500°C. The degree of devolatilization increased near major slip planes and was enhanced by higher temperature and carbonate content, as shown by three‐dimensional micro‐computer tomography analyses. Nano‐scale transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed the absence of hydrous and carbonate phases along major slip planes. We attribute the strong weakening and unstable slip behavior in carbonated serpentinite fault gouges to the formation of nano‐sized anhydrous phases of olivine and pyroxene along the slip plane. Our results indicate that serpentinized fault zones may experience seismic event nucleation at temperatures approaching the thermodynamic stability limit of serpentine. This suggests that the absence of seismic events cannot exclusively be attributed to serpentinization. The formation of carbonates, through replacive and additive carbonation, can explain aseismic deformation in transform faults, but at elevated temperatures, devolatilization reactions in carbonated serpentinites cause strong localization and strain weakening, accompanied by laboratory seismicity. Plain Language Summary: Carbonated serpentinite fault gouges are common along tectonic interfaces and significantly impact how these areas deform. These fault rocks contain a mix of water‐ and carbon dioxide‐bearing minerals and their frictional behavior varies based on their mineralogical composition. In our experiments, we studied pure serpentinite and carbonated serpentinite fault gouges. We found stick‐slip behavior in pure serpentinites, which means earthquakes can nucleate. Presence of carbonates can prevent the nucleation of earthquakes. At temperatures of 500°C or higher, olivine and pyroxene minerals form due to devolatilization reactions, causing the rocks to weaken and slip unstably. Key Points: Serpentinite fault gouges deform by frictional sliding at temperatures close to their stability limitAseismic behavior of ultramafic fault zones may be due to carbonation rather than serpentinization aloneDevolatilization in carbonated serpentinite fault gouges causes localization and promotes strain weakening [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long Covid (LC) has been called the greatest mass-disabling event in human history. For patients, LC not only has implications for quality of life but also for meaning in life: how one's life and the world are understood and what is seen as valuable in one's life. This qualitative empirical study used a Constructivist Grounded Theory approach to investigate the meaning in life of people struggling with LC through ten patient interviews. This study shows that patients lose their prior understanding of life and come to a changed meaning in life, in part due to the experienced (social) isolation and loss of (both physical and cognitive) abilities caused by LC. Moreover, patients struggled with acceptance, uncertainty, and the inherent incomprehensibility and uncontrollability that living with LC entails, though this simultaneously co-existed with hope, optimism and acceptance. Additionally, dimensions of meaning intersect; a patient having some understanding of their illness (dimension of meaning: comprehension) required an understanding Other (dimension of meaning: connection). Emerging from lockdown brought the challenge and isolation of adjusting to chronic illness in society as usual (albeit divided about COVID-19 measures). This study thus offers novel insights regarding changed, present, and sought meaning in life for LC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]