bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tectonic Evolution and Paleoposition of the Baoshan and Lincang Blocks of West Yunnan During the Paleozoic
Authors: Liu Bingbing , Peng Touping , Fan Weiming , Zhao Guochun , Gao Jianfeng , Dong Xiaohan , Peng Bingxia
Published: September 2020

Detrital zircon U‐Pb dating and Hf isotope analysis have been evidenced to be effective for reconstructing paleography and tectonic evolution of different continental blocks/terranes. Our new detrital zircon U‐Pb and Hf isotopic results combined with literature data for the Paleozoic (meta)sedimentary rocks in the Baoshan and Lincang Blocks provide crucial constraints on the paleogeographic position and tectonic affinity of these blocks during Paleozoic times. The Lincang and Baoshan Blocks were linked with each other during Early Paleozoic times, located on the northern margins of Australia and India in Gondwana, respectively. But a rift‐related ocean basin could likely have existed between these two blocks although they were still attached to East Gondwana during Middle Devonian‐Early Permian times. In contrast, the Simao‐Indochina Block had rifted from East Gondwana at least before the Late Ordovician as reflected by their young age cluster at ~450 Ma that is distinct from the characteristic Pan‐African event (600–520 Ma) in Gondwana. Therefore, the Lincang Block did not represent a continental arc of the Simao Block before the Early Permian, but rather it rifted from the northern margin of Australia Gondwana in the Early Permian and subsequently as an independent block drifted northward to the west side of the Simao Block. Taken together, we propose that the Changning‐Menglian Tethys Ocean was a long‐lived ocean developing successively at least from the Late Ordovician to the Permian and that the southern continuation of the Lincang Block is the Inthanon zone rather than the Sukhothai zone.
Coseismic and Postseismic Crustal Deformation Associated With the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake Sequence Revealed by PALSAR‐2 Pixel Tracking and InSAR
Authors: Himematsu Yuji , Furuya Masato
Published: September 2020

Coseismic and postseismic crustal deformations caused by earthquake episodes are important in understanding the mechanisms of these episodes as well as the fault rheology near an epicentral area. Specifically, interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) pixel tracking can depict high‐resolution crustal deformation fields associated with earthquakes and volcanic activities without installing on‐site observation instruments. In this study, we investigate the coseismic and postseismic near‐fault crustal deformations associated with the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake sequence in southwest Japan using ALOS‐2/PALSAR‐2 (Phased Array‐type L‐band SAR‐2) data. Coseismic three‐dimensional (3‐D) displacement fields inferred from PALSAR‐2 pixel tracking data showed 1.6 m of horizontal displacements and 2 m of subsidence at maximum, despite the mainshock focal mechanism that was dominated by strike‐slip components with N‐S extension axes. The locations of large displacement variations along surface ruptures due to the mainshock were almost identical to a region where infrastructure was damaged, thus implying the generation of strong ground seismic waves. By using conventional InSAR stacking, we inferred two independent quasi‐east‐west and quasi‐vertical displacement fields as cumulative postseismic deformations following the mainshock over a period of about 2 years. The near‐fault postseismic deformation represented complicated displacement characteristics that could not be explained by a single physical process. Deformation signals around Aso volcano were interpreted by the effects of postseismic physical processes as well as geological heterogeneous structures.
Invariability of Arctic Top‐of‐Atmosphere Radiative Response to Surface Temperature Changes
Authors: Hwang Jiwon , Choi Yong‐Sang , Su Hui , Jiang Jonathan H.
Published: September 2020

Recent studies have used satellite data to estimate the response of top‐of‐atmosphere (TOA) radiative fluxes to surface temperature changes in the Arctic. The satellite‐observed radiative response is indicative of Arctic climate sensitivity that determines future Arctic warming. However, it remains ambiguous whether the satellite‐observed radiative response is invariable because the time period covered by satellite data reflects a rapidly changing transient Arctic climate state with considerable sea ice loss. Using NASA's Clouds and Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) observations from 2000 to 2018, this study evaluates the invariability of the radiative response by comparing the radiative response of the high sea ice concentration (SIC) period to that of the low SIC period. The results show that the net radiative response remains approximately unchanged regardless of the SIC (−0.19 ± 0.44 and 0.15 ± 0.16 W m−2 K−1 for high and low SIC periods, respectively). In addition, seven of the 11 models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) demonstrated that the modeled radiative responses are stable. The ERA‐interim reanalysis estimates show that regionally confined changes in individual radiative feedbacks such as albedo, lapse rate, water vapor, and clouds do not vary considerably. Consequently, we infer that the radiative response in the Arctic may remain stable even under rapid Arctic climate change. Hence, the Arctic climate sensitivity can be quantified with present satellite observations.
Crustal Accretion in a Slow Spreading Back‐Arc Basin: Insights From the Mado Megamullion Oceanic Core Complex in the Shikoku Basin
Authors: Basch V. , Sanfilippo A. , Sani C. , Ohara Y. , Snow J. , Ishizuka O. , Harigane Y. , Michibayashi K. , Sen A. , Akizawa N. , Okino K. , Fujii M. , Yamashita H.
Published: September 2020

Oceanic core complexes (OCCs) represent tectonic windows into the oceanic lower crust and mantle; they are key structures in understanding the tectono‐magmatic processes shaping the oceanic lithosphere. We present a petrological and geochemical study of gabbros collected at the Mado Megamullion, a recently discovered OCC located in the extinct Shikoku back‐arc basin. Bathymetry of the Mado Megamullion reveals spreading‐parallel corrugations extending 25 km from the breakaway to the termination. Samples from several locations include peridotites, gabbros, dolerite, and rare pillow basalts. Gabbros range from granular to varitextured olivine gabbros and oxide gabbros. The emplacement of these gabbroic rocks within the oceanic lithosphere was followed by a multiphase tectono‐metamorphic evolution including (i) dynamic recrystallization within shear zones, developed under granulite‐ to upper‐amphibolite‐facies conditions, and (ii) intrusion of highly evolved melts forming felsic segregations. This tectono‐metamorphic evolution recalls that of the lower crust from other OCCs worldwide, demonstrating that this OCC exposes deep‐seated intrusions progressively exhumed by detachment faulting. Nonetheless, the Mado Megamullion lower crustal gabbros show an unusual crystal line of descent, different from what is reported from mid‐ocean ridge lower crustal rocks. We infer that the water‐bearing character of the primary melts in this back‐arc basin triggered the early precipitation of clinopyroxene, soon followed by amphibole and Fe‐Ti oxides. Such modifications in phase saturation are likely to be directly related to the back‐arc setting of the Mado Megamullion. If so, the phase assemblages of oceanic gabbros may be a diagnostic for the tectonic setting of lower crustal rocks in ophiolites.
Statistical Properties of Magnetic Structures and Energy Dissipation during Turbulent Reconnection in the Earth's Magnetotail
Authors: Bergstedt K. , Ji H. , Jara‐Almonte J. , Yoo J. , Ergun R. E. , Chen L.‐J.
Published: September 2020

We present the first statistical study of magnetic structures and associated energy dissipation observed during a single period of turbulent magnetic reconnection, by using the in situ measurements of the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission in the Earth's magnetotail on 26 July 2017. The structures are selected by identifying a bipolar signature in the magnetic field and categorized as plasmoids or current sheets via an automated algorithm which examines current density and plasma flow. The size of the plasmoids forms a decaying exponential distribution ranging from subelectron up to ion scales. The presence of substantial number of current sheets is consistent with a physical picture of dynamic production and merging of plasmoids during turbulent reconnection. The magnetic structures are locations of significant energy dissipation via electric field parallel to the local magnetic field, while dissipation via perpendicular electric field dominates outside of the structures. Significant energy also returns from particles to fields.
Observation of TeleseismicSWave Microseisms Generated by Typhoons in the Western Pacific Ocean
Authors: Liu Qiaoxia , Ni Sidao , Qiu Yong , Zeng Xiangfang , Zhang Baolong , Wang Fuyun , Duan Yonghong , Xu Zhiping
Published: September 2020

Microseisms generated by storms primarily propagate as surface andPwaves. However, there has been only one report ofSwave microseisms excited by strong storms in the North Atlantic, not from typhoons in the Pacific. In this paper, we present the first observations forSwave microseisms caused by typhoons in Western Pacific, via analyzing ambient seismic waveform recorded by a large‐aperture seismic array in China. The results show that three super typhoons clearly generatedSwave microseisms at periods of 5–10 s. The strength ofSwave microseism is found to be correlated withPwave. The excitation mechanism forSwave microseism observed in regions with flat seafloor may be related to the interaction betweenPwaves and sub‐ocean sedimentary structure.
Particle Size Segregation in Granular Mass Flows With Different Ambient Fluids
Authors: Zhou Gordon G. D. , Cui Kahlil F. E. , Jing Lu , Zhao Tao , Song Dongri , Huang Yu
Published: September 2020

Size segregation, which is a robust feature of sheared granular mixtures and geophysical mass flow deposits, is found to diminish in the presence of a viscous fluid. We study this inhibitive effect through coupled fluid‐particle simulations of granular flows fully immersed in different ambient fluids. Granular‐fluid mixture flows are modeled according to three distinct flow regimes—free fall, fluid inertial, and viscous—at different angles of inclination. Each flow regime corresponds to distinct flow dynamics and segregation behaviors. We find that segregation is indeed weaker and slower in the presence of an ambient fluid, which is more so as the flow becomes more viscous. The ambient fluid affects segregation in two major ways. First, buoyancy reduces the contact pressure gradients which are needed to drive large particles up, while at the same time reduces the particles' apparent weight. On the other hand, the streamwise drag force substantially changes the flow rheology, specifically the shear rate profile, thereby modifying the segregation behavior in the normal direction. Surprisingly, the fluid drag in the normal direction is negligible regardless of the fluid viscosity and does not affect segregation in a direct manner.
Macrofracturing of Oceanic Lithosphere in Complex Large Earthquake Sequences
Authors: Lay Thorne , Ye Lingling , Wu Zhenbo , Kanamori Hiroo
Published: September 2020

Major earthquakes in oceanic lithosphere seaward of the subduction zone outer trench slope are relatively uncommon, but several recent occurrences have involved very complex sequences rupturing multiple nonaligned faults and/or having high aftershock productivity with diffuse distribution. This includes the 21 December 2010 MW 7.4 Ogasawara (Bonin), 11 April 2012 MW 8.6 Indo‐Australia, 23 January 2018 MW 7.9 Off‐Kodiak Island, and 20 December 2018 MW 7.3 Nikol'skoye (northwest Pacific) earthquakes. Major oceanic intraplate event sequences farther from plate boundaries do not tend to be as complex in faulting or aftershocks. Outer trench slope extensional faulting can involve complex distributed sequences, particularly when activated by great megathrust ruptures such as 11 March 2011 MW 9.1 Tohoku and 15 November 2006 MW 8.3 Kuril Islands. Intense faulting sequences also occur near subduction zone corners, with many fault geometries being activated, including some in nearby oceanic lithosphere, as for the 29 September 2009 MW 8.1 Samoa, 6 February 2013 MW 8.0 Santa Cruz Islands, and 16 November 2000 MW 8.0 New Ireland earthquakes. The laterally varying plate boundary stresses from heterogeneous locking, recent earthquakes, or boundary geometry influence the specific faulting geometries activated in nearby major intraplate ruptures in oceanic lithosphere. Preexisting lithospheric structures and fabrics exert secondary influences on the faulting. Intraplate stress release in oceanic lithosphere near subduction zones favors distributed macrofracturing of near‐critical fault systems rather than localized, single‐fault failures, both under transient loading induced by plate boundary ruptures and under slow loading by tectonic motions and slab pull.
A Large Paleoearthquake in the Central Apennines, Italy, Recorded by the Collapse of a Cave Speleothem
Authors: Pace Bruno , Valentini Alessandro , Ferranti Luigi , Vasta Marcello , Vassallo Maurizio , Montagna Paolo , Colella Abner , Pons‐Branchu Edwige
Published: September 2020

Speleoseismological research carried out in the Central Apennines (Italy) contributed to understanding the behavior of active normal faults that are potentially able to generate Mw 6.5–7 earthquakes documented by paleoseismology and by historical and instrumental seismology. Radiometric (U‐Th, AMS‐14C, and bulk‐14C) dating of predeformation and postdeformation layers from collapsed speleothems found in Cola Cave indicates that at least three speleoseismic events occurred in the cave during the last ~12.5 ka and were ostensibly caused by seismic slip on one or more of the active faults located in the region surrounding the cave. We modeled the collapse of a tall (173 cm high) stalagmite to find a causative association of this event with one among the potential seismogenic sources. We defined the uniform hazard spectrum (UHS) for each seismogenic source at the site, and we used the calculated spectra in a deterministic approach to study the behavior of the speleothem, through a numerical finite element modeling (FEM). Although our analysis suggests the “Liri” fault as the most likely source responsible for the ground shaking recorded in the cave, the “Fucino” fault system, responsible for a Mw 7 earthquake in 1915, cannot be excluded as a potential source of speleoseismic damage. Results of this work provide new constraints on the seismotectonic history of this sector of Central Apennines and highlight the performance of integrated speleoseismological, seismic hazard, and numerical studies.
Modeling Hydrologic Controls on Particulate Organic Carbon Contributions to Beach Aquifer Biogeochemical Reactivity
Authors: Kim Kyra H. , Heiss James W. , Geng Xiaolong , Michael Holly A.
Published: September 2020

The intertidal zone of beach aquifers hosts biogeochemical transformations of terrestrially derived nutrients that are mediated by reactive organic carbon from seawater infiltration. While dissolved organic carbon is often assumed the sole reactive organic carbon component, advected and entrapped particulate organic carbon (POC) is also capable of supporting chemical reactions. Retarded advection of POC relative to groundwater flow forms pools of reactive carbon within beach sediments that support biogeochemical reactions as dissolved solutes move across them due to transient groundwater flow. In this work, we simulate the contribution of POC to beach reactions and identify parameters that control its relative contribution using a groundwater flow model (SEAWAT) and reactive transport model (PHT3D). Results show transient contributions of POC to denitrification, as the spatial extent of the saline circulation cell varies over time due to changing hydrologic factors. A decrease in POC retardation and an increase in tidal amplitude during POC deposition resulted in POC expansion, which increased the relative contributions of POC to beach reactivity. Decreased hydraulic conductivity and increased tidal amplitude post‐deposition decreased the utilization of POC for denitrification by allowing the oxic, saline water to completely encompass the pool of POC. Results highlight that POC is an intermittently utilized source of carbon that displays complex spatial relationships with groundwater flow conditions and overall beach biogeochemistry. This work demonstrates that POC may be a periodically important but overlooked contributor to biogeochemical reactions in carbon‐poor beach aquifers.
The historical record of massive star formation in Cygnus
Authors: Comerón F. , Djupvik A. A. , Schneider N. , Pasquali A.
Published: September 2020

Context. The Cygnus region, which dominates the local spiral arm of the Galaxy, is one of the nearest complexes of massive star formation, extending over several hundred parsecs. Its massive stellar content, regions of ongoing star formation, and molecular gas have been studied in detail at virtually all wavelengths. However, little is known of the history of the region beyond the past 10 Myr.

Aims. We use the correlations between age, mass and luminosity of red supergiants to explore the history of star formation in Cygnus previous to the formation of the present-day associations. The brightness and spectroscopic characteristics of red supergiants make it easy to identify them and build up a virtually complete sample of such stars at the distance of the Cygnus region, thus providing a record of massive star formation extending several tens of Myr into the past, a period inaccessible through the O and early B stars observable at present.

Methods. We have made a selection based on the 2MASS colors of a sample of bright, red stars in an area of 84 square degrees covering the whole present extension of the Cygnus association in the Local Arm. We have obtained spectroscopy in the red visible range allowing an accurate, homogeneous spectral classification as well as a reliable separation between supergiants and other cool stars. Our data are complemented with Gaia Data Release 2 astrometric data.

Results. We have identified 29 red supergiants in the area, 17 of which had not been previously classified as supergiants. Twenty-four of the 29 most likely belong to the Cygnus region and four of the remaining to the Perseus arm. We have used their derived luminosities and masses to infer the star formation history of the region. Intense massive star formation activity is found to have started approximately 15 Myr ago, and we find evidence for two other episodes, one taking place between 20 and 30 Myr ago and another one having ended approximately 40 Myr ago. There are small but significant differences between the kinematic properties of red supergiants younger or older then 20 Myr, hinting that stars of the older group were formed outside the precursor of the present Cygnus complex, possibly in the Sagittarius-Carina arm.
Running out of steam? A political incentive perspective of FDI inflows in China
Authors: Wang Danqing , Zhu Zhitao , Chen Shuo , Luo Xiaowei Rose
Published: September 2020

Drawing on the sociological literature of state bureaucracy, we develop a political incentive perspective on FDI inflows. We argue that political term, as a core feature of career advancement in state bureaucracy, influences the incentives of newly appointed government officials and in turn their efforts toward achieving the state’s goal of attracting FDI. Due to the mandatory retirement age which limits the career advancement, officials in their first terms perceive that they have better chances of promotion and hence have stronger incentives to work toward advancement than those continuing to serve in the current position for the following term. We test this argument by examining Chinese city government leaders and FDI inflows in their cities from 2003 to 2010, using a difference-in-differences design. The results show that first-term leaders, who are newly appointed after political turnover, attract more FDI inflows than continuing leaders. The difference is smaller when the new leaders are close to retirement, but greater if they are appointed to cities with low prior GDP performance. This study offers a new perspective on intra-country FDI variations, and extends the literature on the role of political institutions by investigating the political incentives of government officials.
The empirical reality of bridging contexts
Authors: Larrivée Pierre , Kallel Amel
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this paper is to provide quantitative substantiation for the role of bridging context in grammatical change. Bridging contexts are assumed to be environments compatible with the new function that an item is acquiring. The evolving item would therefore be predicted to occur in bridging contexts at significant rates just before the change. To test this prediction, the well-known evolution of Negative Polarity Items into an n-word is analysed, using the well-documented case of theaucunin the history of French. Charting its course in a monogeneric corpus of narrative legal material, we find that the item occurs in strong negative polarity environments at rates of over 50% before it is found in a majority of n-word uses. This supports the view that bridging contexts are instrumental to change, and that they involve quantitative conditions.
Discussion, dispute or controversy?
Authors: Ilie Cornelia
Published: September 2020

As parliamentary debates increasingly display rising levels of political conflict, the polarized and aggressive polemical exchanges in Prime Minister’s Questions are impacting the current agenda-setting and consequently public perceptions and assessments. To get a deeper understanding of the discourse strategies and argumentation practices used in the conflict-driven interaction between opposition MPs (particularly the Leader of the Opposition) and the Prime Minister, the present investigation has been carried out at macro- and micro-levels in an interdisciplinary perspective integrating Dascal’s (1998, 2008) typology of polemical exchanges and Ilie’s (2015a, 2018) pragma-rhetorical approach. At the macro-level, the aim is to account for the context-specific functions of three main types of polemical exchanges, i.e. discussions (focused on establishing the truth), disputes (focused on winning the argument) and controversies (focused on persuading the adversary/audience). At the micro-level, the aim is to examine the interplay and the extent to which the three polemical exchanges crisscross, overlap and/or complement each other through the use of three recurring metadiscourse strategies, i.e. definitions, quotations and parentheticals.
The Politics of Person Reference
Authors: Truan Naomi
Published: September 2020

This book, the first systematic exploration of the third person in English, German, and French, takes a fresh look at person reference within the realm of political discourse. By focusing on the newly refined speech role of the target, attention is given to the continuity between second and third grammatical persons as a system. The role played by third-person forms in creating and maintaining interpersonal relationships in discourse has been surprisingly overlooked. Until now, third-person forms have overwhelmingly been considered as referring to the absent, i.e. to someone outside the communication situation, other than the speaker or the hearer: the “nonperson”. By broadening the scope and finally integrating the third person, we come to understand The Politics of Person Reference fully, and to see the strategic, argumentative, and dialogical nature of the act of referring to other discourse participants, understood as the act of creating new referents.

For her work on parliamentary corpora as discussed in this book, Naomi Truan has received the prestigious Open Science Research Data Award from the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation in 2022!
Filler syllables as precursors of referring expressions
Authors: Yamaguchi Naomi , Salazar Orvig Anne , Le Mené Marine , Caët Stéphanie , Rialland Annie
Published: September 2020

In this chapter, we examine the properties of
filler syllables as transition forms in the development of referring
expressions. In particular, we hypothesize that fillers are
precursors of referring expressions. We focus on the distribution,
the phonological form and the referential function of fillers in
prenominal and/or preverbal positions, in comparison to others forms
in these positions. Results show that first, the substantial
presence of fillers does not lie in lexical factors, and that they
are used in combination with other prelexical forms. Second, their
variable realizations are not due to a phonological deficit, and
they also exhibit paradigmatic patterning with the use of specific
consonants. Fillers also share some of the functional
characteristics of grammatical units, since their distribution and
presence suggest that they play a role in the construction of the
verbal and nominal categories. Moreover, in the preverbal position,
children’s use of fillers varies according to the topic of the
utterance. In conclusion, filler syllables exhibit the formal and
functional characteristics of a transitional category and an
adult-like paradigm of referring expressions at the same time, and
should be studied as such.
The influence of dialogue in young children’s uses of referring
expressions
Authors: Marcos Haydée , Salazar Orvig Anne , da Silva-Genest Christine , Heurdier Julien
Published: September 2020

Twenty-four dialogues between French-speaking
children aged 1;10 to 2;6 and their more competent interlocutors
were analyzed from the point of view of (1) the uses of referring
expressions by both children and their interlocutors, according to
the attentional and discursive status of the referent, (2) the
immediate effect of the interlocutor’s discourse on the choice of a
referring expression; and (3) the dialogical relations of referring
expressions. The main results confirmed the similarity of adults’
and children’s uses of third-person pronouns and showed that
maintaining continuity in dialogue overrode the influence of forms
in the interlocutor’s discourse. Finally, a qualitative analysis
highlighted the role of formats and more generally, patterns of
dialogue in the language developmental process.
The acquisition of referring expressions: From formal factors to communicative experience
Authors: Salazar Orvig Anne , de Weck Geneviève
Published: September 2020

This last chapter undertakes a general
discussion of the results presented in Chapters 2 to 10.
After recalling the overall distribution of referring expressions in
the data of toddlers (age 1;7 to 2;6) and older children (age 3;6 to
7;5), we review the impact of formal factors (syntactic functions,
lexicon, constructions), discourse-pragmatic factors (the referent
type and its status in the discourse) and socio-discursive and
dialogical factors (activity, speech genre, social and interactional
setting and dialogue) on the use of referring expressions. More than
each factor taken separately, their interaction accounted for the
children’s and the adult’s uses of these expressions. Moreover, both
the child and adult uses were strongly determined by the
socio-discursive and dialogical context. These results thus appear
to offer a consistent set of arguments in favor of a dialogical
account of the process whereby children acquire and use referring
expressions, one that should not only consider forms and cognitive
development but also the way children experience forms in various
meaningful and dialogical contexts.
Objective sensory testing methods reveal a higher prevalence of olfactory loss in COVID-19–positive patients compared to subjective methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hannum Mackenzie E , Ramirez Vicente A , Lipson Sarah J , Herriman Riley D , Toskala Aurora K , Lin Cailu , Joseph Paule V , Reed Danielle R
Published: September 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has currently infected over 6.5 million people worldwide. In response to the pandemic, numerous studies have tried to identify causes and symptoms of the disease. Emerging evidence supports recently acquired anosmia (complete loss of smell) and hyposmia (partial loss of smell) as symptoms of COVID-19, but studies of olfactory dysfunction show a wide range of prevalence, from 5% to 98%. We undertook a search of Pubmed/Medline and Google Scholar with the keywords “COVID-19,” “smell,” and/or “olfaction.” We included any study that quantified smell loss (anosmia and hyposmia) as a symptom of COVID-19. Studies were grouped and compared based on the type of method used to measure smell loss—subjective measures such as self-reported smell loss versus objective measures using rated stimuli—to determine if prevalence differed by method type. For each study, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated from point estimates of olfactory disturbances. We identified 34 articles quantifying anosmia as a symptom of COVID-19 (6 objective, 28 subjective), collected from cases identified from January 16 to April 30, 2020. The pooled prevalence estimate of smell loss was 77% when assessed through objective measurements (95% CI of 61.4-89.2%) and 44% with subjective measurements (95% CI of 32.2-57.0%). Objective measures are a more sensitive method to identify smell loss as a result of infection with SARS-CoV-2; the use of subjective measures, while expedient during the early stages of the pandemic, underestimates the true prevalence of smell loss.
TCDD-induced multi- and transgenerational changes in the methylome of male zebrafish gonads
Authors: Akemann Camille , Meyer Danielle N , Gurdziel Katherine , Baker Tracie R
Published: September 2020

The legacy endocrine disrupting chemical and aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), is produced as a byproduct of industrial processes and causes adverse health effects ranging from skin irritation to cancer. TCDD endpoints are also observed in subsequent, unexposed generations; however, the mechanisms of these multi- and transgenerational effects are unknown. We hypothesized an epigenetic mechanism, specifically DNA methylation for the transgenerational, male-mediated reproductive effects of developmental TCDD exposure. Using whole genome bisulfite sequencing, we evaluated DNA methylation changes in three generations of zebrafish, the first of which was exposed to TCDD during sexual development at 50 ppt for 1 h at both 3- and 7-week post-fertilization. We discovered that TCDD induces multi- and transgenerational methylomic changes in testicular tissue from zebrafish with decreased reproductive capacity, but most significantly in the indirectly exposed F1 generation. In comparing differentially methylated genes to concurrent transcriptomic changes, we identified several genes and pathways through which transgenerational effects of low level TCDD exposure are likely inherited. These include significant differential methylation of genes involved in reproduction, endocrine function, xenobiotic metabolism, and epigenetic processing. Notably, a number of histone modification genes were both differentially methylated and expressed in all generations, and many differentially methylated genes overlapped between multiple generations. Collectively, our results suggest that DNA methylation is a promising mechanism to explain male-mediated transgenerational reproductive effects of TCDD exposure in zebrafish, and these effects are likely inherited through integration of multiple epigenetic pathways.
Gestational exposure to particulate air pollution exacerbates the growth phenotypes induced by preconception paternal alcohol use: a multiplex model of exposure
Authors: Mustapha Toriq A , Chang Richard C , Garcia-Rhodes Dennis , Pendleton Drew , Johnson Natalie M , Golding Michael C
Published: September 2020

It is now clear that parental histories of drug use, toxicant exposure, and social stress all have a significant influence on the health and development of the next generation. However, the ability of epigenetic parental life memories to interact with subsequent gestational exposures and cumulatively modify the developmental trajectory of the offspring remains an unexplored perspective in toxicology. Studies from our laboratory have identified male-specific postnatal growth restriction in a mouse model of chronic, preconception paternal alcohol exposure. The goal of the current study was to determine if paternal alcohol use, before conception, could modify the susceptibility of the offspring to a completely separate exposure encountered by the mother during pregnancy. In independent experiments, we previously identified altered developmental programming and increased markers of severe asthma induced by gestational exposure to particulate air pollution. In this study, male mice were exposed to either the control or alcohol preconception treatments, then mated to naive females, which we subsequently exposed to an ultrafine mixture of particulate matter via inhalation. Individually, neither preconception paternal drinking nor gestational exposures to particulate air pollution impacted the postnatal growth of female offspring. However, when both exposures were combined, females displayed a 30% reduction in weight gain. Unexpectedly, this exposure paradigm resulted in a dramatic postnatal increase in litter loss due to maternal cannibalism, which prevented additional measures of offspring health. These preliminary studies provide evidence of a complex interplay between preconception life history and intrauterine environmental factors in the control of postnatal growth.
Determinants of inequalities in years with disability: an international-comparative study
Authors: Nusselder Wilma J. , Rubio Valverde José , Bopp Matthias , Brønnum-Hansen Henrik , Deboosere Patrick , Kalediene Ramune , Kovács Katalin , Leinsalu Mall , Martikainen Pekka , Menvielle Gwenn , Regidor Enrique , Wojtyniak Bodgan , Mackenbach Johan P.
Published: September 2020

Background

Persons with a lower socioeconomic position spend more years with disability, despite their shorter life expectancy, but it is unknown what the important determinants are. This study aimed to quantify the contribution to educational inequalities in years with disability of eight risk factors: father’s manual occupation, low income, few social contacts, smoking, high alcohol consumption, high body-weight, low physical exercise and low fruit and vegetable consumption.

Methods

We collected register-based mortality and survey-based disability and risk factor data from 15 European countries covering the period 2010–14 for most countries. We calculated years with disability between the ages of 35 and 80 by education and gender using the Sullivan method, and determined the hypothetical effect of changing the prevalence of each risk factor to the prevalence observed among high educated (‘upward levelling scenario’), using Population Attributable Fractions.

Results

Years with disability among low educated were higher than among high educated, with a difference of 4.9 years among men and 5.5 years among women for all countries combined. Most risk factors were more prevalent among low educated. We found the largest contributions to inequalities in years with disability for low income (men: 1.0 year; women: 1.4 year), high body-weight (men: 0.6 year; women: 1.2 year) and father’s manual occupation (men: 0.7 year; women: 0.9 year), but contributions differed by country. The contribution of smoking was relatively small.

Conclusions

Disadvantages in material circumstances (low income), circumstances during childhood (father’s manual occupation) and high body-weight contribute to inequalities in years with disability.
Glycan array analysis of Pholiota squarrosa lectin and other fucose-oriented lectins
Authors: Rubén López-Cortés , Laura Muinelo-Romay , Almudena Fernández-Briera , Emilio Gil Martín
Published: September 2020

The α(1,6)fucose residue attached to the N-glycoprotein core is suspected to play an essential role in the progression of several types of cancer. Lectins remain the first choice for probing glycan modifications, although they may lack specificity. Thus, efforts have been made to identify new lectins with a narrower core fucose (CF) detection profile. Here, we present a comparison of the classical Aleuria aurantia lectin (AAL), Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA) and Aspergillus oryzae lectin (AOL) with the newer Pholiota squarrosa lectin (PhoSL), which has been described as being specific for core fucosylated N-glycans. To this end, we studied the binding profiles of the four lectins using mammalian glycan arrays from the Consortium of Functional Glycomics. To validate their glycan specificity, we probed AOL, LCA and PhoSL in western-blot assays using protein extracts from eight common colorectal cancer (CRC) lines and colorectal biopsies from a small cohort of patients with CRC. The results showed that (i) LCA and PhoSL were the most specific lectins for detecting the presence of CF in a concentration-dependent manner; (ii) PhoSL exhibited the highest N-glycan sequence restriction, with preferential binding to core fucosylated paucimannosidic-type N-glycans, (iii) the recognition ability of PhoSL was highly influenced by the presence of terminal N-acetyl-lactosamine; (iv) LCA bound to paucimannosidic, bi-antennary and tri-antennary core fucosylated N-glycans and (v) AOL and AAL exhibited broader specificity towards fucosylation. Together, our results support the choice of LCA as the most appropriate lectin for CF detection, as validated in protein extracts from CRC cell lines and tissue specimens from patients with CRC.
A perspective on the evolution of evolutionary economics
Authors: Nelson Richard R
Published: September 2020

Modern evolutionary economics has come a long way from its beginnings in the writings of a few economists in the 1970s and 1980s. To a considerable extent, its evolution has been the result of the findings of empirical research, much but not all of it motivated by an explicit or implicit evolutionary perspective, which has fed back to modify and enrich the way evolutionary economists view the way modern economies work. This article focuses on developments that have broadened and sharpened the evolutionary perspective on the capabilities and behavior of firms, the processes and institutions involved in technological progress, and competition and dynamics in industries where technological opportunities are expanding. In the course of these developments, the conception of what it means to propose that a dynamic process is evolutionary has evolved. The article considers, as well, where evolutionary economics might be going from where it is now.
Thermal, mechanical and morphological properties of polyurethane–zirconia loading
Authors: Salman Ali J , Al-Obaidi Ali Assim , Al-Mamoori Dalya H , Shaker Lina M , Al-Amiery Ahmed A
Published: September 2020

The polyurethane (PU) has been showing a dramatic increase in applications related to material science and technology. However, the mechanical, physical and thermal properties could be further improved by loading PU with zirconia (Zr) to create renewable materials known as polyurethane–zirconia (PUZ) composites. In this study, PU matrix was treated with wt.% Zr at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0. In this study, the thermo-mechanical properties and the morphology were investigated of PU and PUZ nano-samples. The images of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) were the prime tool in investigating PU and PUZ surfaces and fractured surfaces showing vanishing the cracks and formation of agglomeration on the sample PUZ-1.5%. In addition, the tensile strength, Young’s modulus and maximum loading were improved by 36.7, 31.8 and 39.1%, respectively, at Zr loading of 1.5 wt.%. The flexural stress and the load were improved by 94.3% and 93.6%, respectively, when Zr loading was 1.5 wt.%. The impact without and with a notch was improved by 110.7% and 62.6%, respectively, at Zr loading of 1.5 wt.%. The the morphologies of the PU surface and Zr surface supported by SEM images. Regarding the storage modulus ability of PU and PUZ composites, Zr loading has negatively influenced E. The E functioning temperature was observed to move from 142 to 183°C. Another effect was determined by adding a small amount of Zr. This small amount was enough to shift the crystallization temperature (${T}_c$) and the melting temperature (${T}_m$) of PU from 125 to 129°C and from 150 to 144°C, respectively.
Changes in Transcriptome and Gene Expression inSogatella furcifera(Hemiptera: Delphacidae) in Response to Cycloxaprid
Authors: Jin Jian-Xue , Ye Zhao-Chun , Jin Dao-Chao , Li Feng-Liang , Li Wen-Hong , Cheng Ying , Zhou Yu-Hang
Published: September 2020

The white-backed planthopper, Sogatella furcifera (Horváth), causes substantial damage to crops by direct feeding or virus transmission, especially southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus, which poses a serious threat to rice production. Cycloxaprid, a novel cis-nitromethylene neonicotinoid insecticide, has high efficacy against rice planthoppers, including imidacloprid-resistant populations. However, information about the influence of cycloxaprid on S. furcifera (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) at the molecular level is limited. Here, by de novo transcriptome sequencing and assembly, we constructed two transcriptomes of S. furcifera and profiled the changes in gene expression in response to cycloxaprid at the transcription level. We identified 157,906,456 nucleotides and 131,601 unigenes using the Illumina technology from cycloxaprid-treated and untreated S. furcifera. In total, 38,534 unigenes matched known proteins in at least one database, accounting for 29.28% of the total unigenes. The number of coding DNA sequences was 28,546 and that of amino acid sequences in the coding region was 22,299. In total, 15,868 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified. The trinucleotide repeats accounted for 45.1% (7,157) of the total SSRs and (AAG/CTT)n were the most frequent motif. There were 359 differentially expressed genes that might have been induced by cycloxaprid. There were 131 upregulated and 228 downregulated genes. Twenty-two unigenes might be involved in resistance against cycloxaprid, such as cytochrome P450, glutathione S-transferase (GST), acid phosphatase (ACP), and cadherin. Our study provides vital information on cycloxaprid-induced resistance mechanisms, which will be useful to analyze the molecular mechanisms of cycloxaprid resistance and may lead to the development of novel strategies to manage S. furcifera.
Artificial Diet Influences Population Growth of the Root Maggot Bradysia impatiens (Diptera: Sciaridae)
Authors: Gou Yuping , Quandahor Peter , Zhang Kexin , Guo Sufan , Zhang Qiangyan , Liu Changzhong , Coulter Jeffrey A
Published: September 2020

In order to investigate the effects of artificial diets on the population growth of root maggot Bradysia impatiens, its population growth parameters were assayed on eight artificial diets (Diet 1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, and D8). Results showed that developmental duration from egg to pupa was successfully completed on all eight artificial diets. However, the egg to pupal duration was shortest, while the survival rate of four insect stages was lowest when B. impatiens was reared on D1. When B. impatiens was reared on D7 and D8, the survival rate, female longevity, and female oviposition were higher than those reared on other diets. When B. impatiens was reared on D7, the intrinsic rate of increase (rm = 0.19/d), net reproductive rate (R0 = 39.88 offspring per individual), and finite rate of increase (λ = 1.21/d) were higher for its population growth with shorter generation time (T = 19.49 d) and doubling time (Dt = 3.67 d). The findings indicate that the D7 artificial diet is more appropriate for the biological parameters of B. impatiens and can be used an indoor breeding food for population expansion as well as further research. We propose that vitamin C supplement added to the D7 is critical for the improvement of the B. impatiens growth.
Extracellular vesicles miRNA-21: a potential therapeutic tool in premature ovarian dysfunction
Authors: Thabet Eman , Yusuf Alaaeldin , Abdelmonsif Doaa A , Nabil Iman , Mourad Ghada , Mehanna Radwa A
Published: September 2020

Chemotherapy induces an irreversible premature ovarian dysfunction (POD). Amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells (AFMSCs) can rescue fertility; however, the notion that stem cells can rejuvenate follicles is highly controversial due to the predetermined ovarian reserve. This study aims to isolate AFMSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) and investigate their abundancy for the anti-apoptotic miRNA-21 as a means of ovarian restoration. Female rats were divided into healthy controls and POD-induced groups. The POD induced groups were subdivided into three groups according to the therapies they received: placebo-treated POD, AFMSC and EVs groups. Rats were assessed for serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, ovarian caspase 3 and PTEN protein levels in the ovarian lysate. Total follicular counts (TFCs) were estimated from stained ovarian sections. Functional recovery was investigated through daily vaginal smears and mating trials. In vitro chemical transfection of the AFMSCs with selective miRNA-21 mimics/inhibitors followed by isolation of EVs for therapy was conducted in two additional groups. At the interval points studied, treatment with AFMSCs and EVs equally restored TFC, AMH levels, regular estrous cycles and fruitful conception, while it both diminished caspase 3 and PTEN levels. EVs carrying miRNA-21 mimics recapitulated the short-term effects. Placebo-treated POD or EVs carrying miRNA-21 inhibitors showed augmented ovarian follicular damage demonstrated the low AMH levels, TFC and high levels of PTEN and caspase 3. miRNA-21 allowed regeneration by modulating PTEN and caspase 3 apoptotic pathways. Our findings exemplify that EVs could serve as an innovative cell-free therapeutic tool functioning through their miRNA content and that miRNA-21 has a chief regenerative role through modulating PTEN and caspase 3 apoptotic pathways.
A C. elegans model for neurodegeneration in Cockayne syndrome
Authors: Lopes Amanda F C , Bozek Katarzyna , Herholz Marija , Trifunovic Aleksandra , Rieckher Matthias , Schumacher Björn
Published: September 2020

Cockayne syndrome (CS) is a congenital syndrome characterized by growth and mental retardation, and premature ageing. The complexity of CS and mammalian models warrants simpler metazoan models that display CS-like phenotypes that could be studied in the context of a live organism. Here, we provide a characterization of neuronal and mitochondrial aberrations caused by a mutation in the csb-1 gene in Caenorhabditis elegans. We report a progressive neurodegeneration in adult animals that is enhanced upon UV-induced DNA damage. The csb-1 mutants show dysfunctional hyperfused mitochondria that degrade upon DNA damage, resulting in diminished respiratory activity. Our data support the role of endogenous DNA damage as a driving factor of CS-related neuropathology and underline the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the disease.