bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent development in biogeotechnology and its engineering applications
Authors: Lai Hanjiang , Wu Shifan , Cui Mingjuan , Chu Jian
Published: October 2021

Microbial geotechnology or biogeotechnology is a new branch of geotechnical engineering. It involves the use of microbiology for traditional geotechnical applications. Many new innovative soil improvement methods have been developed in recent years based on this approach. A proper understanding of the various approaches and the performances of different methods can help researchers and engineers to develop the most appropriate geotechnical solutions. At present, most of the methods can be categorized into three major types, biocementation, bioclogging, and biogas desaturation. Similarities and differences of different approaches and their potential applications are reviewed. Factors affecting the different processes are also discussed. Examples of up-scaled model tests and pilot trials are presented to show the emerging applications. The challenges and problems of biogeotechnology are also discussed.
Septal Ablation Versus Surgical Myomectomy for Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Pelliccia F. , Seggewiss H. , Cecchi F. , Calabrò P. , Limongelli G. , Alfieri O. , Ferrazzi P. , Yacoub M. H. , Olivotto I.
Published: October 2021

Purpose of Review

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) who have left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) often experience severe symptoms and functional limitation. Relief of LVOTO can be achieved by two invasive interventions, i.e., surgery myectomy and alcohol septal ablation (ASA), leading in experienced hands to a dramatic improvement in clinical status. Despite extensive research, however, the choice of the best option in individual patients remains challenging and poses numerous clinical dilemmas.

Recent Findings

Invasive strategies have been recently incorporated in recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of HCM on both sides of the Atlantic. These guidelines are based on a bulk of well-designed but retrospective studies as well as on expert opinions. Evidence now exists that adequate evaluation and management of HCM requires a multidisciplinary team capable of choosing the best available options.

Management of LVOTO still varies largely based on local expertise and patient preference. Following the trend that has emerged for other cardiac diseases amenable to invasive interventions, the concept of a “HCM heart team” is coming of age.
The Status and Challenges of Sustainable Intensification of Rice-Potato Systems in Southern China
Authors: Lu Yao , Kear Philip , Lu Xiaoping , Gatto Marcel
Published: September 2021

Potato is the world's largest non-cereal crop, occupying a position critical for global food security. In China, potato is the fourth largest crop adding to food security and incomes. The large population and unremitting reductions in arable land are the most critical root causes of China's food security problems. Hence, crop yield improvements and strategies to improve land use are at the forefront of solutions to increase China's food security. Maintenance of existing land resources while increasing crop yields, avoiding soil quality degradation and wastage of water are enduring problems that have long attracted widespread attention in many research fields. This article, analyzes and discusses the status and challenges to sustainable intensification of rice-potato rotation in southern China. Three significant findings were obtained in this paper, viz. availability of about 16 million hectares of suitable land for rice-potato intensification in southern China in 2016 are reported, several conservation agricultural practices with varying intensity and higher economic benefits in rice-potato rotation than rice-fallow, which may positively effects the environment. It was concluded that agricultural intensification with potato was an economically viable avenue along with good agricultural practices that minimize adverse environmental effects.
In Stars We Trust – A Note on Reputation Portability Between Digital Platforms
Authors: Hesse Maik , Teubner Timm , Adam Marc T. P.
Published: October 2021

Complementors accumulate reputation on an ever-increasing number of online platforms. While the effects of reputation within individual platforms are well-understood, its potential effectiveness across platform boundaries has received much less attention. This research note considers complementors’ ability to increase their trustworthiness in the eyes of prospective consumers by importing reputational data from another platform. The study evaluates this potential lever by means of an online experiment, during which specific combinations of on-site and imported rating scores are tested. Results reveal that importing reputation can be advantageous – but also detrimental, depending on ratings’ values. Implications for complementors, platform operators, and regulatory bodies concerned with online reputation are considered.
Compositional modulation in ZnGa2O4 via Zn2+/Ge4+ co-doping to simultaneously lower sintering temperature and improve microwave dielectric properties
Authors: Xiong Ying , Xie Hongyuan , Rao Zhenggang , Liu Laijun , Wang Zhengfeng , Li Chunchun
Published: September 2021

AB2O4-type spinels with low relative permittivity (εr) and high quality factor (Q × f) are crucial to high-speed signal propagation systems. In this work, Zn2+/Ge4+ co-doping to substitute Ga3+ in ZnGa2O4 was designed to lower the sintering temperature and adjust the thermal stability of resonance frequency simultaneously. Zn1+xGa2−2xGexO4 (0.1 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.5) ceramics were synthesised by the conventional solid-state method. Zn2+/Ge4+ co-substitution induced minimal variation in the macroscopical spinel structure, which effectively lowered the sintering temperature from 1385 to 1250 °C. All compositions crystallized in a normal spinel structure and exhibited dense microstructures and excellent microwave dielectric properties. The compositional dependent quality factor was related to the microstructural variation, being confirmed by Raman features. A composition with x = 0.3 shows the best dielectric properties with εr ≈ 10.09, Q × f ≈ 112,700 THz, and τf ≈ −75.6 ppm/°C. The negative τf value was further adjusted to be near-zero through the formation of composite ceramics with TiO2.
Körper, Tod und Flüssigkeiten – Das Abjekte der Organspende
Authors: Böhrer Annerose
Published: October 2021

Die postmortale Transplantation von Organen gilt als integraler Bestandteil von Hochleistungsmedizin. Zugleich wird immer wieder ein Mangel an gespendeten Organen problematisiert und die Autonomie der Patientinnen und Patienten gegen einen gesellschaftlichen Solidaritätsanspruch gestellt. Eine zentrale Praxis in diesem Zusammenhang ist die ‚Aufklärung‘ der Bevölkerung. In den für diesen Zwecken zusammengestellten Informationen und Kampagnen finden Widerspruch und Unbehagen jedoch meistens keinen Raum und auch bestimmte Aspekte der Organspende (wie z. B. der Tod der Spender/-innen) werden tendenziell oft übergangen. Der Beitrag richtet das Augenmerk auf eben jene ambivalenten Bereiche der Organspende und schlägt vor, sich diesen mit Kristevas Konzept des Abjekten zu nähern. Das ‚Abjekte der Organspende‘ ließe sich demnach auf vier Ebenen verorten, die vor allem die Körper der Spender/-innen betreffen: Tod und Sterben, die Zergliederung des Körpers, die Organe und das Körperinnere sowie die in der Praxis der Organspende entstehenden Grenzverschiebungen bzw. -auflösungen. Das Wechselspiel der Annäherung an und Distanzierung von diesen Aspekten der Körperlichkeit und des Sterbens, das in den Kulturtechniken der Organspende sichtbar wird, ist aus dieser Perspektive ein integraler Bestandteil dieser Praxis im Umgang mit Körper, Tod und Sterben.
Islands in the Lake
Authors: Conway Richard M.
Published: October 2021

Now notorious for its aridity and air pollution, Mexico City was once part of a flourishing lake environment. In nearby Xochimilco, Native Americans modified the lakes to fashion a distinctive and remarkably abundant aquatic society, one that provided a degree of ecological autonomy for local residents, enabling them to protect their communities' integrity, maintain their way of life, and preserve many aspects of their cultural heritage. While the area's ecology allowed for a wide array of socioeconomic and cultural continuities during colonial rule, demographic change came to affect the ecological basis of the lakes; pastoralism and new ways of using and modifying the lakes began to make a mark on the watery landscape and on the surrounding communities. In this fascinating study, Conway explores Xochimilco using native-language documents, which serve as a hallmark of this continuity and a means to trace patterns of change.
Happiness and Well-Being
Authors: Heathwood Chris
Published: October 2021

This Element provides an opinionated introduction to the debate in moral philosophy over identifying the basic elements of well-being and to the related debate over the nature of happiness. The question of the nature of happiness is simply the question of what happiness is (as opposed to what causes it or how to get it), and the central philosophical question about well-being is the question of what things are in themselves of ultimate benefit or harm to a person, or directly make them better or worse off.
Personal Networks
Authors: Pescosolido Bernice , Smith Edward B.
Published: October 2021

Social networks are ubiquitous. The science of networks has shaped how researchers and society understand the spread of disease, the precursors of loneliness, the rise of protest movements, the causes of social inequality, the influence of social media, and much more. Egocentric analysis conceives of each individual, or ego, as embedded in a personal network of alters, a community partially of their creation and nearly unique to them, whose composition and structure have consequences. This volume is dedicated to understanding the history, present, and future of egocentric social network analysis. The text brings together the most important, classic articles foundational to the field with new perspectives to form a comprehensive volume ideal for courses in network analysis. The collection examines where the field of egocentric research has been, what it has uncovered, and where it is headed.
Bayesian Data Analysis for the Behavioral and Neural Sciences
Authors: Hudson Todd E.
Published: October 2021

This textbook bypasses the need for advanced mathematics by providing in-text computer code, allowing students to explore Bayesian data analysis without the calculus background normally considered a prerequisite for this material. Now, students can use the best methods without needing advanced mathematical techniques. This approach goes beyond “frequentist” concepts of p-values and null hypothesis testing, using the full power of modern probability theory to solve real-world problems. The book offers a fully self-contained course, which demonstrates analysis techniques throughout with worked examples crafted specifically for students in the behavioral and neural sciences. The book presents two general algorithms that help students solve the measurement and model selection (also called “hypothesis testing”) problems most frequently encountered in real-world applications.
Return to Vietnam
Authors: Martin Hobbs Mia
Published: October 2021

Between 1981 and 2016, thousands of American and Australian Vietnam War veterans returned to Việt Nam. This comparative, transnational oral history offers the first historical study of these return journeys. It shows how veterans returned in search of resolution, or peace, manifesting in shifting nostalgic visions of 'Vietnam.' Different national war narratives shaped their returns: Australians followed the 'Anzac' pilgrimage tradition, whereas for Americans the return was an anti-war act. Veterans met former enemies, visited battlefields, mourned friends, found new relationships, and addressed enduring legacies of war. Many found their memories of war eased by witnessing Việt Nam at peace. Yet this peacetime reality also challenged veterans' wartime connection to Vietnamese spaces. The place they were nostalgic for was Vietnam, a space in war memory, not Việt Nam, the country. Veterans drew from wartime narratives to negotiate this displacement, performing nostalgic practices to reclaim their sense of belonging.
The Making of Medieval Rome
Authors: Dey Hendrik
Published: October 2021

Integrating the written sources with Rome's surviving remains and, most importantly, with the results of the past half-century's worth of medieval archaeology in the city, The Making of Medieval Rome is the first in-depth profile of Rome's transformation over a millennium to appear in any language in over forty years. Though the main focus rests on Rome's urban trajectory in topographical, architectural, and archaeological terms, Hendrik folds aspects of ecclesiastical, political, social, military, economic, and intellectual history into the narrative in order to illustrate how and why the cityscape evolved as it did during the thousand years between the end of the Roman Empire and the start of the Renaissance. A wide-ranging synthesis of decades' worth of specialized research and remarkable archaeological discoveries, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in how and why the ancient imperial capital transformed into the spiritual heart of Western Christendom.
How the East Was Won
Authors: Phillips Andrew
Published: October 2021

How did upstart outsiders forge vast new empires in early modern Asia, laying the foundations for today's modern mega-states of India and China? In How the East Was Won, Andrew Phillips reveals the crucial parallels uniting the Mughal Empire, the Qing Dynasty and the British Raj. Vastly outnumbered and stigmatised as parvenus, the Mughals and Manchus pioneered similar strategies of cultural statecraft, first to build the multicultural coalitions necessary for conquest, and then to bind the indigenous collaborators needed to subsequently uphold imperial rule. The English East India Company later adapted the same 'define and conquer' and 'define and rule' strategies to carve out the West's biggest colonial empire in Asia. Refuting existing accounts of the 'rise of the West', this book foregrounds the profoundly imitative rather than innovative character of Western colonialism to advance a new explanation of how universal empires arise and endure.
Homotopy Hubbard trees for post-singularly finite exponential maps
Authors: PFRANG DAVID , ROTHGANG MICHAEL , SCHLEICHER DIERK
Published: October 2021

We extend the concept of a Hubbard tree, well established and useful in the theory of polynomial dynamics, to the dynamics of transcendental entire functions. We show that Hubbard trees in the strict traditional sense, as invariant compact trees embedded in
$\mathbb {C}$
, do not exist even for post-singularly finite exponential maps; the difficulty lies in the existence of asymptotic values. We therefore introduce the concept of a homotopy Hubbard tree that takes care of these difficulties. Specifically for the family of exponential maps, we show that every post-singularly finite map has a homotopy Hubbard tree that is unique up to homotopy, and that post-singularly finite exponential maps can be classified in terms of homotopy Hubbard trees, using a transcendental analogue of Thurston’s topological characterization theorem of rational maps.
Impact of surface viscosity on the stability of a droplet translating through a stagnant fluid
Authors: Singh Natasha , Narsimhan Vivek
Published: October 2021

This study examines the impact of interfacial viscosity on the stability of an initially deformed droplet translating through an unbounded quiescent fluid. The boundary-integral formulation is employed to investigate the time evolution of a droplet in the Stokes flow limit. The droplet interface is modelled using the Boussinesq–Scriven constitutive relationship having surface shear viscosity

$\eta _\mu$

and surface dilatational viscosity

$\eta _\kappa$

. We observe that, below a critical value of the capillary number,

$Ca_C$

, the initially perturbed droplet reverts to its spherical shape. Above

$Ca_C$

, the translating droplet deforms continuously, growing a tail at the rear end for initial prolate perturbations and a cavity for initial oblate perturbations. We find that surface shear viscosity inhibits the tail/cavity growth at the droplet's rear end and increases the

$Ca_C$

compared with a clean droplet. In contrast, surface dilatational viscosity increases tail/cavity growth and lowers

$Ca_C$

compared with a clean droplet. Surprisingly, both shear and dilatational surface viscosity appear to delay the time at which pinch off occurs, and hence satellite droplets form. Lastly, we explore the combined influence of surface viscosity and surfactant transport on droplet stability by assuming a linear dependence of surface tension on surfactant concentration and exponential dependence of interfacial viscosities on the surface pressure. We find that pressure-thinning/thickening effects significantly affect the droplet dynamics for surface shear viscosity but play a small role for surface dilatational viscosity. We lastly provide phase diagrams for the critical capillary number for different values of the droplet's viscosity ratio and initial Taylor deformation parameter.
Effect of finite Weissenberg number on turbulent channel flows of an elastoviscoplastic fluid
Authors: Izbassarov Daulet , Rosti Marco E. , Brandt Luca , Tammisola Outi
Published: October 2021

Direct numerical simulations are carried out to study the effect of finite Weissenberg number up to

$Wi=16$

on laminar and turbulent channel flows of an elastoviscoplastic (EVP) fluid, at a fixed bulk Reynolds number of

$2800$

. The incompressible flow equations are coupled with the evolution equation for the EVP stress tensor by a modified Saramito model that extends both the Bingham viscoplastic and the finite extensible nonlinear elastic-Peterlin (FENE-P) viscoelastic models. In turbulent flow, we find that drag decreases with both the Bingham and Weissenberg numbers, until the flow laminarises at high enough elastic and yield stresses. Hence, a higher drag reduction is achieved than in the viscoelastic flow at the same Weissenberg number. The drag reduction persists at Bingham numbers up to 20, in contrast to viscoplastic flow, where the drag increases in the laminar regime compared with a Newtonian flow. Moreover, elasticity affects the laminarisation of an EVP flow in a non-monotonic fashion, delaying it at lower and promoting it at higher Weissenberg numbers. A hibernation phenomenon is observed in the EVP flow, leading to large changes in the unyielded regions. Finally, plasticity is observed to affect both low- and high-speed streaks equally, attenuating the turbulent dissipation and the fragmentation of turbulent structures.
Long-term impact of paediatric tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy on the Paediatric Throat Disorders Outcome Test: a prospective observational study
Authors: Bennett S , Gao J , Osen E , Myuran T
Published: October 2021

Background

The clinical value of tonsillectomy continues to cause much debate, despite tonsil disease representing a significant burden to patients, caregivers and healthcare systems. This study assessed the long-term effect of adenotonsillectomy or tonsillectomy on the Paediatric Throat Disorders Outcome Test (‘T-14’), a validated tool used to objectively assess obstructive and infective symptoms in paediatric throat disorders.

Methods

Patients aged under 16 years undergoing adenotonsillectomy or tonsillectomy were recruited consecutively from 2018 into our prospective observational study. The Paediatric Throat Disorders Outcome Test questionnaire was completed by the children's caregivers pre-operatively (n = 80), and at 21 days (n = 68) and 2 years (n = 66) post-operatively.

Results

Significant reductions were noted in mean total Paediatric Throat Disorders Outcome Test scores at 21 days and 2 years post-operatively (p ≤ 0.003).

Conclusion

Our results provide supporting evidence that paediatric adenotonsillectomy or tonsillectomy significantly improves quality of life up to two years post-operatively, and therefore remains a valuable use of healthcare resources.
Exploring the art of medical photography - an otolaryngologist's perspective
Authors: Samaddar S , Maiti A , Samaddar S , Mondal B , Bandyopadhyay S
Published: October 2021

Background

Modern day otolaryngology has expanded beyond the ear, nose and throat to include head and neck surgery and aesthetic facial procedures. Photographic documentation is important within this expanded horizon. The spectrum of clinical photography includes photomicrographs, endoscopic photographs, peri-operative photography and medical social photography.

Method

This article aimed to review the standard guidelines essential to obtain, store and disseminate photographs and looked at setting up a small clinic with minimal gadgets to suit clinical photography requirements. Elaboration of basic photography techniques in otolaryngology was reviewed, with examples of photographs taken in a clinic by a clinician. Advances and innovation in clinical photography, in the form of smartphone photography, artificial intelligence, device editing and newer hardware and software in otorhinolaryngology was reviewed.

Conclusion

Having a professional photographer to aid a clinician is a luxury. Simple knowledge and regular practice of basic photography guidelines by a clinician is imperative.
No lasting impact of Covid-19 on the auditory system: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Hassani S , Lazem M , Jafari Z
Published: October 2021

Objective

Otological complications are considered early symptoms of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2; however, it is unknown how long these symptoms last and whether the virus leaves any hearing disorders post-recovery.

Methods

This prospective cohort study comprised 31 mild or moderate confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 patients and 26 age-matched control peers (21–50 years old). Patients were questioned about their otological symptoms, and their hearing status was assessed during one month post-diagnosis.

Results

Patients showed a significantly higher rate of otological symptoms (hearing loss, ear fullness, ear pain, dizziness or vertigo, communication difficulties, and hyperacusis) versus the control group (p≤ 0.022). The symptoms resolved early, between 2 and 8 days after their appearance. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in pure tone and extended high-frequency audiometry, transient evoked otoacoustic emissions, distortion product otoacoustic emissions, or auditory brainstem response following recovery.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that, in mild to moderate coronavirus disease 2019 cases, otological symptoms resolve within a week, and the virus has no lasting impact on the auditory system.
Growing versus non-growing vestibular schwannomas: assessment of natural history
Authors: Dardis A , Donghun K , Kontorinis G
Published: October 2021

Objective

Vestibular schwannomas can demonstrate great heterogeneity in their behaviour; approximately one-third will grow and two-thirds will not. This study aimed to determine whether there are factors present at diagnosis that can help predict outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study compared data from 735 patients from the past 20 years. Analysis of serial magnetic resonance imaging was carried out to place patients into growing and non-growing cohorts. Factors including size, age, follow-up time and presence of balance symptoms were compared.

Results

The median size of a growing vestibular schwannoma at diagnosis was 13 mm, whereas the non-growing median size was 10.65 mm (p < 0.001). Balance symptoms were present in 60.76 per cent of growing vestibular schwannoma patients but only in 38.75 per cent of patients with non-growing vestibular schwannomas (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study highlights initial tumour size and balance symptoms as potential predictors of whether or not a vestibular schwannoma will grow; these results better facilitate our understanding of vestibular schwannoma natural history.
The afterlives of Yi Gwangsu: Narrating the trauma of colonial collaboration
Authors: Shin Michael D.
Published: October 2021

This article seeks to examine the repeated appearance of Yi Gwangsu (1892–1950) in South Korean postcolonial fiction as a sign of collective trauma. Yi was a pioneering novelist who was a nationalist hero to his readers, but later became a collaborator who supported Japan's war effort. This article focuses on depictions of Yi in the works of three postcolonial writers – Choe Inhun, Seonu Hwi, and Bok Geoil – whose works bore witness to how traumatic his collaboration was. Their works displayed many of the defining characteristics of trauma such as delayed experience and transmission to others. They were also marked by narrative rupture as represented by Yi's mutually incompatible identities as both a nationalist and a collaborator. Rather than repeating the traumatic event, these stories employed various strategies to create new narratives that attempted to heal the trauma.
Applying spatial mutual information to AIS data
Authors: McArthur Bruce A. , Isenor Anthony W.
Published: October 2021

This paper examines a new interpretation for spatial mutual information based on the mutual information between an attribute value and a spatial random variable. This new interpretation permits the measurement of variations in spatial mutual information over the domain, not only answering the question of whether a spatial dependency exists and the strength of that dependency, but also allowing the identification of where such dependencies exist. Using simulated and real vessel reporting data, the properties of this new interpretation of spatial mutual information are explored. The utility of the technique in detecting spatial boundaries between regions of data having different statistical properties is examined. The technique is shown to successfully identify vessel traffic boundaries, crossing points between traffic lanes, and transitions between regions having differing vessel movement patterns.
Developing Cultural Awareness Curricular Competencies for Humanitarian Non-Governmental Organization Staff
Authors: Hart Alexander , Toma Mariana , Issa Fadi , Neault Noelle
Published: October 2021

Background:

Cultural awareness is an important part of organizational success when interacting with multiple cultures. Research has shown a dearth of standardized cultural awareness training programs for non-governmental humanitarian organization staff.

Purpose:

This study aims to develop an expert-consensus set of cultural awareness competencies as the basis for development of humanitarian staff cultural awareness trainings.

Methods:

A modified Delphi process was selected. The first round of surveys collected a list of cultural awareness competencies from experts in the fields of non-governmental organization (NGO) operations and cultural awareness education and research. This collated list of competencies was then used as the basis of a survey obtaining ratings by the group on a five-point Likert scale. Competencies which achieved an average rating of 4.0 or higher were considered to be “important” for inclusion in future training programs.

Results:

A total of 67.9% of contacted experts agreed to participate, with 84.2% of those completing all rounds of the survey. This group developed a list of ten competencies, including: Cultural Awareness/Sensitivity and Intercultural Communication; Cultural Intelligence; Unconscious Bias/Diversity Awareness; a Universal Declaration of Ethical Principles; Gender and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Other Sexual Identities (LGBTQ+) Issues and Safety; Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills; Negotiation; Program Mission; Power Dynamics; and Empathy.

Conclusions:

This study defined a set of ten expert-consensus cultural awareness competencies which can be a basis for future NGO staff training. Future work can both use these competencies to create educational programs and further define and expand the set of competencies based on analyses of their implementation.
Fast Food Delivery: Operationalization and Research Design
Authors: Thunberg Michael E.
Published: October 2021

Active learning is an important component of political science instruction in which instructors use innovative active-learning techniques across the subfields. These methods are crucially important in methods courses, which contain some of the most difficult and important topics for the discipline, making it optimal for conveying challenging concepts using active-learning approaches. This article describes an active-learning exercise to engage students with operationalization, research design, data collection, and analysis. Students develop an observational study for a “fast” food delivery service. They operationalize the dependent variable—“fast delivery”—and determine which independent variables will impact delivery speed. Students collect data when the instructor orders food and has it delivered to the classroom. This exercise moves away from abstract concepts found in political science journals and makes research design more concrete, relatable, and engaging.
Changing the Bodleian Law Library: From the Ground to the Roof
Authors: Garner Helen
Published: October 2021

This article written by Helen Garner, the Bodleian Law Librarian, reviews three different building projects that have taken place at the Bodleian Law Library (BLL) between 2010 and 2020. The three projects were all undertaken independently of each other and have transformed the BLL. This article discusses each project and explains the work that was completed. This is followed by a summary of the impact of the projects and the lessons learnt.
Westlaw Edge UK: Three Traits that Make for an Unrivalled Lawyer
Authors: Steer Samantha
Published: October 2021

In this article Samantha Steer looks at recent market insights as to the expectations of law firm clients, as well as the traits of lawyers, and presents key features from Westlaw Edge UK that address both aspects. She focuses on how Westlaw Edge UK can help lawyers with regard to accuracy, efficiency and confidence.
A Complex Paleo‐Surface Revealed by the Yutu‐2 Rover at the Lunar Farside
Authors: Lai Jialong , Xu Yi , Bugiolacchi Roberto , Wong Hon Kuan , Xu Luyuan , Zhang Xunyu , Zhang Ling , Zhang Xiaoping , Xiao Long , Liu Bin , Di Kaichang
Published: October 2021

The observable lunar surface is represented by a ubiquitous layer of fine‐grained materials produced by billions of years of hypervelocity pounding of its crustal layer. The data from the Lunar Penetrating Radar onboard Chang'e‐4 (CE‐4) rover (Yutu‐2), which is exploring the Von Kármán Crater on the lunar farside, are helping to peel back the upper layer of finely comminuted materials, interpreted as a thick layer of ejecta from the neighboring Finsen crater, to reveal a complex paleo‐surface morphology. During the rover’s 560 m journey, from depths of 7–20 m, distinct variations in the returned signal characteristics reveal a possible 270 ± 10 m buried crater with an estimated age of less than 100 m.y. A smooth surface depression that lies to the southwest of the Yutu‐2 rover’s travel path might not be the remnant of a degraded crater but a related surface expression of the hidden structure.
Distinct Tropospheric and Stratospheric Mechanisms Linking Historical Barents‐Kara Sea‐Ice Loss and Late Winter Eurasian Temperature Variability
Authors: Xu Mian , Tian Wenshou , Zhang Jiankai , Screen James A. , Huang Jinlong , Qie Kai , Wang Tao
Published: October 2021

Reduced Arctic sea‐ice has been proposed to induce severe Eurasian cold events. However, the physical mechanisms for this connection, particularly the relative importance of tropospheric and stratospheric processes, remain unclear. Using ERA‐Interim reanalysis data and WACCM‐SC simulations, we show that the Eurasian cooling induced by reduced sea‐ice centers over eastern Asia and northern Europe. Tropospheric and stratospheric processes contribute roughly equally to the cooling over eastern Asia, while the stratospheric and tropospheric contributions are 60% and 40%, respectively, over northern Europe. In the tropospheric pathway, weakened meridional temperature gradient due to reduced sea‐ice strengthens the Ural blocking and enhances the Siberian High. The enhanced Siberian High favors two streams of cold air‐mass, reaching northern Europe and eastern Asia. In the stratospheric pathway, enhanced upward‐propagating planetary wave 1 causes a shift of the stratospheric polar vortex toward Eurasia and consequently, tropospheric cyclonic anomalies are induced that enhance surface cold anomalies.
Influence of Zones of Pre‐Existing Crustal Weakness on Strain Localization and Partitioning During Rifting: Insights From Analog Modeling Using High‐Resolution 3D Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Osagiede Edoseghe E. , Rosenau Matthias , Rotevatn Atle , Gawthorpe Rob , Jackson Christopher A‐L , Rudolf Michael
Published: October 2021

Pre‐existing crustal structures are known to influence rifting, but the factors controlling their influence remain poorly understood. We present results of digital image correlation that allows for the surface strain analysis of a series of analog rifting experiments designed to test the influence of the size, orientation, depth, and geometry of pre‐existing crustal weak zones on strain localization and partitioning. We apply distributed basal extension to crustal‐scale models consisting of a silicone weak zone embedded in a quartz sand layer. We vary the size and orientation (α‐angle) of the weak zone with respect to the extension direction, reduce the thickness of the sand layer to simulate a shallow weak zone, and vary the geometry of the weak zone. Our results show that at higher α‐angle (≥60°) both small‐scale and large‐scale weak zones localize strain into graben‐bounding (oblique‐) normal faults. At lower α‐angle (≤45°), small‐scale weak zones do not localize strain effectively, unless they are shallow. In most models, we observe diffuse, second‐order strike‐slip intra‐graben structures, which are conjugate and antithetic under orthogonal and oblique extension, respectively. Generally, the observed spectrum of rift faulting styles (from discrete fault planes to diffuse fault zones, from normal to oblique and strike‐slip) highlights the sensitivity of rift architecture to the orientation, size, depth, and geometry of pre‐existing weak zones. Our generic models are comparable to observations from many natural rift systems like the North Sea and East Africa, and thus have implications for understanding the role of structural inheritance in rift basins.
Extracellular vesicles and immunogenic stress in cancer
Authors: Wu Qi , Zhang Hanpu , Sun Si , Wang Lijun , Sun Shengrong
Published: October 2021

Tumor progression requires bidirectional cell-to-cell communication within a complex tumor microenvironment (TME). Extracellular vesicles (EVs) as carriers have the capacity to shuttle regulatory molecules, including nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, between cancer cells and multiple stromal cells, inducing remarkable phenotypic alterations in the TME. Recently proposed the concept “immunogenic stress”, which means in some stressed microenvironment, cancer cells can release EVs containing specific immunoregulatory mediators, depending on the initiating stress-associated pathway, thereby provoking the changes of immune status in the TME. Considerable evidence has revealed that the intracellular mechanisms underlying the response to diverse stresses are mainly autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress reactions and the DNA damage response (DDR). In addition, the activation of immunogenic stress responses endows hosts with immune surveillance capacity; in contrast, several cargoes in EVs under immunogenic stress trigger a passive immune response by mediating the function of immune cells. This review discusses the current understanding of the immunogenic stress pathways in cancer and describes the interrelation between EVs and immunogenic stress to propose potential treatment strategies and biomarkers.
Suppression of lncRNA NLRP3 inhibits NLRP3-triggered inflammatory responses in early acute lung injury
Authors: Luo Deqiang , Dai Wei , Feng Xiaojin , Ding Chengzhi , Shao Qiang , Xiao Rui , Zhao Ning , Peng Wei , Yang Ying , Cui Yamei , Liu Fen , Qian Kejian
Published: October 2021

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common lung pathology that is accompanied by alveolar macrophage (AM) activation and inflammatory response. This study investigated the role of the long non-coding RNA NONRATT004344 (hereafter named lncRNA NLRP3) in regulating the Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)-triggered inflammatory response in early ALI and the underlying mechanism as well. We established LPS-induced ALI models to explore their interactive mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. Luciferase reporter assays were performed to determine that miR-138-5p could bind to lncRNA NLRP3 and NLRP3. We observed increased lncRNA NLRP3 expression, decreased miR-138-5p expression, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and upregulated caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 expression in the LPS-induced ALI model. Furthermore, lncRNA NLRP3 overexpression activated the NLRP3 inflammasome and promoted IL-1β and IL-18 secretion; the miR-138-5p mimic abolished these effects in vivo and in vitro. Consistently, miR-138-5p inhibition reversed the effects of lncRNA NLRP3 silencing on the expression of NLRP3-related molecules and inhibition of the NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β signalling pathway. Mechanistically, lncRNA NLRP3 sponging miR-138-5p facilitated NLRP3 activation through a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism. In summary, our results suggested that lncRNA NLRP3 binding miR-138-5p promotes NLRP3-triggered inflammatory response via lncRNA NLRP3/miR-138-5p/NLRP3 ceRNA network (ceRNET) and provides insights into the treatment of early ALI.
Chidamide triggers BTG1-mediated autophagy and reverses the chemotherapy resistance in the relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Xue Kai , Wu Ji-Chuan , Li Xi-Ya , Li Ran , Zhang Qun-ling , Chang Jin-Jia , Liu Yi-Zhen , Xu Chun-Hui , Zhang Jia-Ying , Sun Xiao-Jian , Gu Juan J. , Guo Wei-Jian , Wang Lan
Published: October 2021

Rituximab/chemotherapy relapsed and refractory B cell lymphoma patients have a poor overall prognosis, and it is urgent to develop novel drugs for improving the therapy outcomes. Here, we examined the therapeutic effects of chidamide, a new histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, on the cell and mouse models of rituximab/chemotherapy resistant B-cell lymphoma. In Raji-4RH/RL-4RH cells, the rituximab/chemotherapy resistant B-cell lymphoma cell lines (RRCL), chidamide treatment induced growth inhibition and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. The primary B-cell lymphoma cells from Rituximab/chemotherapy relapsed patients were sensitive to chidamide. Interestingly, chidamide triggered the cell death with the activation of autophagy in RRCLs, likely due to the lack of the pro-apoptotic proteins. Based on the RNA-seq and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis, we identified BTG1 and FOXO1 as chidamide target genes, which control the autophagy and the cell cycle, respectively. Moreover, the combination of chidamide with the chemotherapy drug cisplatin increased growth inhibition on the RRCL in a synergistic manner, and significantly reduced the tumor burden of a mouse lymphoma model established with engraftment of RRCL. Taken together, these results provide a theoretic and mechanistic basis for further evaluation of the chidamide-based treatment in rituximab/chemotherapy relapsed and refractory B-cell lymphoma patients.
Modulation of oxidative phosphorylation augments antineoplastic activity of mitotic aurora kinase inhibition
Authors: Zhang Zijian , Zeng Deshun , Zhang Wei , Chen Ailin , Lei Jie , Liu Fang , Deng Bing , Zhuo Junxiao , He Bin , Yan Min , Lei Xinxing , Wang Shulan , Lam Eric W.-F. , Liu Quentin , Wang Zifeng
Published: September 2021

Uncontrolled mitosis is one of the most important features of cancer, and mitotic kinases are thought to be ideal targets for anticancer therapeutics. However, despite numerous clinical attempts spanning decades, clinical trials for mitotic kinase-targeting agents have generally stalled in the late stages due to limited therapeutic effectiveness. Alisertib (MLN8237) is a promising oral mitotic aurora kinase A (AURKA, Aurora-A) selective inhibitor, which is currently under several clinical evaluations but has failed in its first Phase III trial due to inadequate efficacy. In this study, we performed genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9-based screening to identify vulnerable biological processes associated with alisertib in breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. The result indicated that alisertib treated cancer cells are more sensitive to the genetic perturbation of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Mechanistic investigation indicated that alisertib treatment, as well as other mitotic kinase inhibitors, rapidly reduces the intracellular ATP level to generate a status that is highly addictive to OXPHOS. Furthermore, the combinational inhibition of mitotic kinase and OXPHOS by alisertib, and metformin respectively, generates severe energy exhaustion in mitotic cells that consequently triggers cell death. The combination regimen also enhanced tumor regression significantly in vivo. This suggests that targeting OXPHOS by metformin is a potential strategy for promoting the therapeutic effects of mitotic kinase inhibitors through the joint targeting of mitosis and cellular energy homeostasis.
NUPR1 inhibitor ZZW-115 induces ferroptosis in a mitochondria-dependent manner
Authors: Huang Can , Santofimia-Castaño Patricia , Liu Xi , Xia Yi , Peng Ling , Gotorbe Célia , Neira Jose Luis , Tang Daolin , Pouyssegur Jacques , Iovanna Juan
Published: October 2021

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent cell death characterized by the accumulation of hydroperoxided phospholipids. Here, we report that the NUPR1 inhibitor ZZW-115 induces ROS accumulation followed by a ferroptotic cell death, which could be prevented by ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) and ROS-scavenging agents. The ferroptotic activity can be improved by inhibiting antioxidant factors in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)- and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-derived cells. In addition, ZZW-115-treatment increases the accumulation of hydroperoxided lipids in these cells. We also found that a loss of activity and strong deregulation of key enzymes involved in the GSH- and GPX-dependent antioxidant systems upon ZZW-115 treatment. These results have been validated in xenografts induced with PDAC- and HCC-derived cells in nude mice during the treatment with ZZW-115. More importantly, we demonstrate that ZZW-115-induced mitochondrial morphological changes, compatible with the ferroptotic process, as well as mitochondrial network disorganization and strong mitochondrial metabolic dysfunction, which are rescued by both Fer-1 and N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Of note, the expression of TFAM, a key regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, is downregulated by ZZW-115. Forced expression of TFAM is able to rescue morphological and functional mitochondrial alterations, ROS production, and cell death induced by ZZW-115 or genetic inhibition of NUPR1. Altogether, these results demonstrate that the mitochondrial cell death mediated by NUPR1 inhibitor ZZW-115 is fully rescued by Fer-1 but also via TFAM complementation. In conclusion, TFAM could be considered as an antagonist of the ferroptotic cell death.
Hsa_circ_0011385 knockdown represses cell proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ni Chuangye , Yang Shikun , Ji Yang , Duan Yunfei , Yang Wenjie , Yang Xinchen , Li Min , Xie Jun , Zhang Chuanyong , Lu Yunjie , Lu Hao
Published: October 2021

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), continuous loops of single-stranded RNA, regulate gene expression during the development of various cancers. However, the function of circRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is rarely discussed. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to determine the mRNA levels of circ_0011385, miR-361-3p, and STC2 in 96 pairs of HCC tissues (tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues), HCC cell lines, and L02 (human normal liver cell line) cells. The relationships between circ_0011385 expression and clinical features of HCC were evaluated. Functional experiments in vitro or in vivo were used to evaluate the biological function of circ_0011385. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to predict miRNAs and mRNAs sponged by circ_0011385. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays were used to elucidate the interactions among circ_0011385, miR-361-3p, and STC2 (stanniocalcin 2). ChIP and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays were used to identify the upstream regulator of circ_0011385. High expression of circ_0011385 was observed in HCC tissues and cell lines and was significantly associated with tumor size, TNM stage, and prognosis. In addition, inhibition of circ_0011385 expression prevented the proliferation of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Circ_0011385 sponged miR-361-3p, thereby regulating the mRNA expression of STC2. In addition, the transcription of circ_0011385 was regulated by SP3. Circ_0011385 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation and tumor activity in HCC. Circ_0011385 may therefore serve as a new biomarker in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
The blood–brain barrier in systemic infection and inflammation
Authors: Galea Ian
Published: September 2021

The vascular blood–brain barrier is a highly regulated interface between the blood and brain. Its primary function is to protect central neurons while signaling the presence of systemic inflammation and infection to the brain to enable a protective sickness behavior response. With increasing degrees and duration of systemic inflammation, the vascular blood–brain barrier becomes more permeable to solutes, undergoes an increase in lymphocyte trafficking, and is infiltrated by innate immune cells; endothelial cell damage may occasionally occur. Perturbation of neuronal function results in the clinical features of encephalopathy. Here, the molecular and cellular anatomy of the vascular blood–brain barrier is reviewed, first in a healthy context and second in a systemic inflammatory context. Distinct from the molecular and cellular mediators of the blood–brain barrier’s response to inflammation, several moderators influence the direction and magnitude at genetic, system, cellular and molecular levels. These include sex, genetic background, age, pre-existing brain pathology, systemic comorbidity, and gut dysbiosis. Further progress is required to define and measure mediators and moderators of the blood–brain barrier’s response to systemic inflammation in order to explain the heterogeneity observed in animal and human studies.