bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Staging Rachel: Rabbinic Midrash, Theatrical Mime, and Christian Martyrdom in Late Antiquity
Authors: Hadjittofi Fotini , Sivan Hagith
Published: June 2020

Lamentations Rabbah Proem 24, a late ancient rabbinic midrash, is in many ways a unique text within the entire rabbinic corpus. It presents an extraordinary array of characters (including Abraham, Moses, the Torah, and even the alphabet) who are called upon to placate God, but fail. As their quest proves inconclusive, the biblical Rachel jumps into the fray to tell her story: how out of sisterly compassion she allowed Leah to take her own place in the conjugal bed on “her” wedding night. Disclosing to her sister the secretive “signs” she had shared with Jacob, Rachel crawled under the nuptial bed to respond to Jacob whenever he spoke. This scandalous autobiography transforms an apparent instance of illicit sex, the ideal material for theatrical stage mimes, into an act of martyrdom and sublime compassion. This article argues that the performance culture of the late ancient Mediterranean world provides the key for assessing this text’s originality. We begin with an analysis of the text, drawing attention to its theatrical qualities and its relationships with contemporary visual imagery (mosaics) and texts from outside the rabbinic milieu (Christian Apocrypha). We then examine the casting of midrashic Rachel as a response to both the mimic adulteress and the Christian martyr. Finally, we consider rabbinic familiarity with mime, particularly with its usefulness as a social mediator and agent of collective catharsis. It is precisely these aspects of mimic performance, we argue, that Rachel’s vignette appropriates in this fascinating rabbinic text.
El Salvador vs. Imperialismo Yanqui, 1912–14
Authors: Lindo-Fuentes Héctor
Published: June 2020

When the United States invaded Nicaragua in 1912 the popular reaction in El Salvador was so strong that it completely upended politics. The article argues that this anti-imperialist movement, completely ignored by the current historiography, forced Salvadorean governments to make decisions regarding foreign policy that would have been unthinkable had it not been for the pressure from below. Popular pressures contributed to limit the scope of the final version of the Chamorro–Bryan Treaty between the United States and Nicaragua. The treaty did not include Platt Amendment-like provisions. Moreover, the Wilson administration abandoned the idea of extending a protectorate to all the Central American countries and building a naval base in the Gulf of Fonseca.
When expanding training from working memory to emotional working memory: not only improving explicit emotion regulation but also implicit negative control for anxious individuals
Authors: Pan Dong-ni , Hoid Delhii , Wang Xiao-bo , Jia Zhuo , Li Xuebing
Published: June 2020

Background

The effect of working memory training (WM-T) has been found to transfer to emotional wellbeing, despite some debate on whether an affective component in training is necessary to achieve specific emotion-related benefits. These novel cognitive trainings have not yet been tested in highly anxious individuals, who have deficits in implicit and explicit emotional regulation and should be the potential beneficiaries of these trainings.

Methods

We designed two types of mobile phone-based training applications: (1) WMT and (2) an emotional working memory training (EWM-T) that comprised negative face distraction. Ninety-eight participants (33, WM-T; 35, EWM-T; 30, Control group) with high trait anxiety completed the 21-day intervention or placebo program and conducted pre- and post-test procedures, including questionnaires, emotional regulation and emotional Stroop tasks alongside electroencephalogram recording. Late positive potential (LPP) in emotion regulation task and P3 in the emotional Stroop task were adopted as neutral indicators for the explicit and implicit affective regulation/control processing.

Results

Those who had received training (WM-T and EWM-T) showed enhanced explicit regulation (indexed by reduced LPP during reappraisal) compared with the control. Besides, individuals in EWM-T showed reduced behavioral attention bias and a decline of P3 in response to negative faces in an emotional Stroop task. The altered neural indicators were correlated with corresponding behavior indexes that contributed to the anxiety alleviation.

Conclusions

The general WM-T was effective in enhancing explicit emotional regulation, while training with emotional add-in further improved implicit emotional control. (E)WM-T shows potential as a beneficial intervention for the anxiety population.
Head-Raising Method of Snake Robots Based on the Bézier Curve
Authors: Zhou Yunhu , Zhang Yuanfei , Ni Fenglei , Liu Hong
Published: June 2020

For acquiring a broad view in an unknown environment, we proposed a control strategy based on the Bézier curve for the snake robot raising its head. Then, an improved discretization method was developed to accommodate the backbone curves with more complex shapes. Besides, in order to determine the condition of using the improved discretization method, energy of framed space curve is introduced originally to estimate the shape complexity of the backbone curve. At last, based on degree elevation of the Bézier curve, an obstacle avoidance strategy of the head-raising motion was proposed and validated through simulation.
Evaluating the fitness effects of seed size and maternal tree size onPolylepis tomentella(Rosaceae) seed germination and seedling performance
Authors: Domic Alejandra I. , Capriles José M. , Camilo Gerardo R.
Published: June 2020

In vascular plants, larger seeds are generally associated with higher germination potential, healthier seedlings and overall higher rates of survivorship. How this relationship holds or what other physiological tradeoffs evolved in plants adapted to high-altitude environments, such as the tropical and subtropical highlandPolylepistree, remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between seed mass and seedling performance by testing the reserve effect, the metabolic effect, and the seedling-size effect hypotheses inPolylepis tomentellaWeddell (Rosaceae). Since the relationship between fitness and seed size can often depend on maternal plant size, we additionally investigated the association between germination success, seedling performance (survival, relative growth rate (RGR) and height), and size of bearing-seed trees under controlled greenhouse conditions. Our results showed that heavier seeds are more likely to germinate, but we did not find evidence that could support the reserve effect, metabolic effect or seedling-size effect. As seedlings from larger and medium seeds exhibited comparatively similar RGR, survival percentages and final size, maternal plant size was positively associated with improved seed quality and seedling performance. These results demonstrate that seed mass and maternal size during early seedling establishment are critical forPolylepispersistence, demography and conservation.
Reflect, Revisit, Reimagine: Language Assessment inARAL
Authors: Chapelle Carol A.
Published: June 2020

This 40thanniversary ofARALalso marks the 40-year anniversary of a significant uptick in research on language assessment, and hence there is much to reflect on and revisit within this period—and still scope for imagining the future. Pre-1980, language assessment had a long history, but Spolsky (1995) designated the late 1940s as a time of professionalization, which continued through the following decades. By the 1970s, language testers were gradually organizing into an academic community with an annual international conference, regional conferences, journals, and scholarly books. The new academic community not only developed and used language tests but also investigated the validity of their interpretations and uses. Canale's (1987) paper inARALprovides an enduring frame of reference for reflection on the concerns of the academic community, which he introduced as thewhat,how, andwhyof language assessment.
Sampling Bias and the Problem of Generalizability in Applied Linguistics
Authors: Andringa Sible , Godfroid Aline
Published: June 2020

In this final contribution to the issue, we discuss the important concept of generalizability and how it relates to applied linguists’ ability to serve language learners of all shades and grades. We provide insight into how biased sampling in Applied Linguistics currently is and how such bias may skew the knowledge that we, applied linguists, are building about second language learning and instruction. For example, our conclusions are often framed as universally-applying, even though the samples that have given rise to them are highly specific and Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD; Henrich, Heine, & Norenzayan, 2010). We end with a call for research and replication in more diverse contexts and with more diverse samples to promote progress in the field of Applied Linguistics as ARAL celebrates its 40th anniversary.
African Americans in World Language Study: The Forged Path and Future Directions
Authors: Anya Uju
Published: June 2020

This article examines the history of African Americans in the academic study of world languages and presents an overview of inquiry on the topic. The paper focuses on the impact of race in second language acquisition (SLA) as exemplified through the experience of black students in language education and study abroad. It discusses objectives, policies, instructional priorities and strategies, conditions, and materials related to how black students have in the past, are currently, or should be engaged in language learning. The article examines the path forged by African Americans in world language study, signals gaps in the present body of knowledge, and suggests future directions for investigations into this important topic in the field of applied linguistics and SLA forARAL's 40th anniversary.
Indigenous Language Revitalization and Applied Linguistics: Parallel Histories, Shared Futures?
Authors: McIvor Onowa
Published: June 2020

Damages done to Indigenous languages occurred due to colonial forces, some of which continue to this day, and many believe efforts to revive them should involve more than Indigenous peoples alone. Therefore, the need for learning Indigenous languages as “additional” languages is a relatively new societal phenomenon and Indigenous language revitalization (ILR) an emerging academic field of study. As the ILR body of literature has developed, it has become clear that this work does not fit neatly into any single academic discipline. While there have been substantial contributions from linguistics and education, the study and recovery of Indigenous languages are necessarily self-determined and self-governing. Also, due to the unique set of circumstances, contexts, and, therefore, solutions needed, it is argued that this discipline is separate from, yet connected to, others. Applied linguists hold specific knowledge and skills that could be extended to ILR toward great gains. This paper explores current foci within ILR, especially concepts, theories, and areas of study that connect applied linguistics and Indigenous language learning. The intention of this paper is to consider commonalities, differences, current and future interests for shared consideration of the potential of collaborations, and partnerships between applied linguistics and ILR scholars.
Is an Antiracist and Decolonizing Applied Linguistics Possible?
Authors: Motha Suhanthie
Published: June 2020

This article argues for an uncovering of the multitude of ways in which applied linguistics has functioned as an important and effective vehicle for White supremacy and empire, with its disciplinary roots embedded in assumptions about racial inequalities and racial hierarchies and, equally importantly, the concealment of these forms of racial discrimination which often manifest as innocuous language practices. In particular, the notion of objectivity has played a guiding role in reinscribing Whiteness in much applied linguistics theorizing and research within a global context of inequitable racial power and forms of knowledge production and transmission that are steeped in colonial reasoning. In this piece, the author considers what antiracism and decolonization mean within applied linguistics and asks: Is the discipline of applied linguistics irretrievably rooted in an ontology of race and empire? Or is an antiracist and decolonizing applied linguistics possible?
A systematic review of gene-by-intervention studies of alcohol and other substance use
Authors: Neale Zoe E. , Kuo Sally I-Chun , Dick Danielle M.
Published: June 2020

Alcohol and other substance use problems are common, and the efficacy of current prevention and intervention programs is limited. Genetics may contribute to differential effectiveness of psychosocial prevention and intervention programs. This paper reviews gene-by-intervention (G×I) studies of alcohol and other substance use, and implications for integrating genetics into prevention science. Systematic review yielded 17 studies for inclusion. Most studies focused on youth substance prevention, alcohol was the most common outcome, and measures of genotype were heterogeneous. All studies reported at least one significant G×I interaction. We discuss these findings in the context of the history and current state of genetics, and provide recommendations for future G×I research. These include the integration of genome-wide polygenic scores into prevention studies, broad outcome measurement, recruitment of underrepresented populations, testing mediators of G×I effects, and addressing ethical implications. Integrating genetic research into prevention science, and training researchers to work fluidly across these fields, will enhance our ability to determine the best intervention for each individual across development. With growing public interest in obtaining personalized genetic information, we anticipate that the integration of genetics and prevention science will become increasingly important as we move into the era of precision medicine.
On finite sets of small tripling or small alternation in arbitrary groups
Authors: Conant Gabriel
Published: June 2020

We prove Bogolyubov–Ruzsa-type results for finite subsets of groups with small tripling, |A3| ≤ O(|A|), or small alternation, |AA−1A| ≤ O(|A|). As applications, we obtain a qualitative analogue of Bogolyubov’s lemma for dense sets in arbitrary finite groups, as well as a quantitative arithmetic regularity lemma for sets of bounded VC-dimension in finite groups of bounded exponent. The latter result generalizes the abelian case, due to Alon, Fox and Zhao, and gives a quantitative version of previous work of the author, Pillay and Terry.
Sampling biased monotonic surfaces using exponential metrics
Authors: Greenberg Sam , Randall Dana , Streib Amanda Pascoe
Published: June 2020

Monotonic surfaces spanning finite regions of ℤd arise in many contexts, including DNA-based self-assembly, card-shuffling and lozenge tilings. One method that has been used to uniformly generate these surfaces is a Markov chain that iteratively adds or removes a single cube below the surface during a step. We consider a biased version of the chain, where we are more likely to add a cube than to remove it, thereby favouring surfaces that are ‘higher’ or have more cubes below it. We prove that the chain is rapidly mixing for any uniform bias in ℤ2 and for bias λ > d in ℤd when d > 2. In ℤ2 we match the optimal mixing time achieved by Benjamini, Berger, Hoffman and Mossel in the context of biased card shuffling [2], but using much simpler arguments. The proofs use a geometric distance function and a variant of path coupling in order to handle distances that can be exponentially large. We also provide the first results in the case of fluctuating bias, where the bias can vary depending on the location of the tile. We show that the chain continues to be rapidly mixing if the biases are close to uniform, but that the chain can converge exponentially slowly in the general setting.
Ramsey properties of randomly perturbed graphs: cliques and cycles
Authors: Das Shagnik , Treglown Andrew
Published: June 2020

Given graphs H1, H2, a graph G is (H1, H2) -Ramsey if, for every colouring of the edges of G with red and blue, there is a red copy of H1 or a blue copy of H2. In this paper we investigate Ramsey questions in the setting of randomly perturbed graphs. This is a random graph model introduced by Bohman, Frieze and Martin [8] in which one starts with a dense graph and then adds a given number of random edges to it. The study of Ramsey properties of randomly perturbed graphs was initiated by Krivelevich, Sudakov and Tetali [30] in 2006; they determined how many random edges must be added to a dense graph to ensure the resulting graph is with high probability (K3, Kt) -Ramsey (for t ≽ 3). They also raised the question of generalizing this result to pairs of graphs other than (K3, Kt). We make significant progress on this question, giving a precise solution in the case when H1 = Ks and H2 = Kt where s, t ≽ 5. Although we again show that one requires polynomially fewer edges than in the purely random graph, our result shows that the problem in this case is quite different to the (K3, Kt) -Ramsey question. Moreover, we give bounds for the corresponding (K4, Kt) -Ramsey question; together with a construction of Powierski [37] this resolves the (K4, K4) -Ramsey problem.

We also give a precise solution to the analogous question in the case when both H1 = Cs and H2 = Ct are cycles. Additionally we consider the corresponding multicolour problem. Our final result gives another generalization of the Krivelevich, Sudakov and Tetali [30] result. Specifically, we determine how many random edges must be added to a dense graph to ensure the resulting graph is with high probability (Cs, Kt) -Ramsey (for odd s ≽ 5 and t ≽ 4).

To prove our results we combine a mixture of approaches, employing the container method, the regularity method as well as dependent random choice, and apply robust extensions of recent asymmetric random Ramsey results.
THE TRANSITION FROM PIGOU’S IDEAS ON ROAD PRICING TO THEIR APPLICATION
Authors: Button Kenneth
Published: June 2020

A century ago Arthur Pigou published The Economics of Welfare. Within this volume are a few lines relating to the pricing of traffic congestion. Over the years, these lines have attracted the attention and thoughts of some of the leading economists of their day. These have included Knight, Clapham, and Robertson in the 1920s; Kahn and Viner in the 1930s; Ellis and Fellner in the 1940s; and Buchanan, Vickrey, Solow, Friedman, Walters, Demsetz, Newbery, and Allais in the post-World War II period. Here, I look at the academic arguments from the 1920s concerning how roads should be priced and by whom. I then move to consider the continuation of the intellectual debates after World War II and their implications for policy design and implementation. Finally, I briefly look at the extent to which some of the existing road congestion pricing systems meet the requirements of the economic theory.
Cocaine use in university students: relationships with demographics, mental health, risky sexual practices, and trait impulsivity
Authors: Chamberlain Samuel R. , Lust Katherine , Grant Jon E.
Published: June 2020

Background

Cocaine is increasingly used on a recreational basis by the general population with potential implications for mental health. The aim of this study was to assess how common cocaine use is, and its mental health associations, in a large sample of university students.

Methods

Approximately 10 000 university students were invited to take part in an online survey, which assessed the use of cocaine (ever or past year), alcohol and drug use, mental health issues, and impulsive and compulsive tendencies. Group differences in demographic and clinical characteristics were characterized.

Results

A total of 3520 university students (57.7% female) completed the survey. Of these, 110 students (3.1%) reported using cocaine in the preceding year, and a further 163 students (4.6%) reported historical use more than a year ago. Cocaine use was associated with more years as a student, lower grade point averages, more use of other drugs, riskier sexual practices, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, treatment for psychological/emotional problems (including taking prescribed medication), and trait impulsivity. Of these associations, the link with trait impulsivity had the largest effect size.

Conclusion

History of cocaine use appears relatively common in university students; and has a number of untoward associations in terms of mental health, use of other substances, and risky sexual practices. The most marked finding (in terms of effect size) was the link between cocaine use and trait impulsivity, supporting the importance of this construct in seeking out candidate vulnerability markers for use of cocaine and other drugs. Future work should use longitudinal designs to further characterize the nature of these associations.
Attitudes and perceptions towards the scientific search for extraterrestrial life among students of public and private universities in Peru
Authors: Chon-Torres Octavio A. , Ramos Ramírez Julio César , Hoyos Rengifo Fernando , Choy Vessoni Rosana Aurora , Sergo Laura Ivan , Ríos-Ruiz Félix Germán Alfonso , Murga-Moreno César Andreé , Alvarado Pino José Percy Leonel , Yance-Morales Ximena
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study was to identify attitudes towards the scientific search for extraterrestrial life among students from public and private universities in Peru. This research was inspired by similar studies, realized in Sweden, which used the same instrument adapting it to our reality. The process consisted of a survey of the Peruvian student population by targeting it in different regions of Peru. The sample consisted of 1237 students from different academic areas. The findings show that 92% of the students believe in the existence of life outside our planet, with differences between the subgroups surveyed.
The Determination of Causation in the Application of Trade Remedies
Authors: Gascoigne Catherine E.
Published: June 2020

In order for one Member to implement trade remedies against another, it must be satisfied that the harm to its domestic industry was the result of imports, rather than some other factor(s). In order for a Member to be satisfied in this way, it must perform both: (1) a causal link analysis, and (2) a non-attribution analysis. In interpreting the relevant provisions concerned with the causal link and non-attribution analysis, the Appellate Body (AB) has consistently found that injury to the domestic industry need not be the product of imports alone – that is, it may be the result of a combination of imports and other factors. Accordingly, many commentators have queried the utility of separating imports from other causal factors at the non-attribution stage. This article argues that these two apparently contradictory positions may be reconciled if they are interpreted such that the causal contribution from imports must reach a minimum threshold, whilst also providing some tolerance for other factors. This article argues in favour of using econometric tests as a means of measuring and separating the causal contributions of imports vis-à-vis other factors and allocating responsibility to each. The article concludes by proposing a three-step non-attribution and causal link analysis.
Broadleaf weed control with abrasive grit during raspberry establishment
Authors: Forcella Frank , Poppe Steven , Tepe Emily , Hoover Emily
Published: June 2020

Growers desire more techniques to control weeds in horticultural crops that are grown organically and consumed directly, such as red raspberry. Abrasive grit emited via high air pressure is a new method for controlling weeds. Grit derived from corn cobs was examined for its efficacy during the year of raspberry establishment for 2 to 3 years at three sites (seven site-years) and compared with efficacy of hand-weeding as well as no weed control. Grit was applied once or twice weekly after raspberry transplantation in spring until weed emergence ceased in mid to late July. Weeds and raspberry growth were assessed in August. Grit was effective in controlling broadleaf weeds, averaging 94% control across site-years, but control of grass weeds was less than 10%. Total weed (broadleaf plus grass) control across site-years ranged from 51% to 96% and averaged 78%. Raspberry cane growth was affected by weeds, and grit-weeding at least partially alleviated these effects. Thus, abrasive grit allows growers to manage broadleaf weeds effectively without herbicides or soil tillage. However, additional research is needed to determine the correct amounts and timing of grit applications, as well as more efficacious types of grit, to control grass weeds.
Resistance of Inzen™ grain sorghum to multiple PRE- and POST-applied acetolactate synthase–inhibiting herbicides
Authors: Bowman Hunter D. , Barber Tom , Norsworthy Jason K. , Roberts Trenton L. , Kelley Jason , Gbur Edward E.
Published: June 2020

A non-GMO trait called Inzen™ was recently commercialized in grain sorghum to combat weedy grasses, allowing the use of nicosulfuron POST in the crop. Inzen™ grain sorghum carries a double mutation in the acetolactate synthase (ALS) gene Val560Ile and Trp574Leu, which potentially results in cross-resistance to a wide assortment of ALS-inhibiting herbicides. To evaluate the scope of cross-resistance to Weed Science Society of America Group 2 herbicides in addition to nicosulfuron, tests were conducted in 2016 and 2017 at the Lon Mann Cotton Research Station near Marianna, AR, the Arkansas Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Fayetteville, AR, and in 2016 at the Pine Tree Research Station near Colt, AR. The tests included ALS-inhibiting herbicides from all five families: sulfonylureas, imidazolinones, pyrimidinylthiobenzoics, triazolinones, and triazolopyrimidines. Treatments were made PRE or POST to grain sorghum at a 1× rate for crops in which each herbicide is labeled. Grain sorghum planted in the PRE trial were Inzen™ and a conventional cultivar. Visible estimates of injury and sorghum heights were recorded at 2 and 4 wk after herbicide application, and yield data were collected at crop maturity. In the PRE trial, no visible injury, sorghum height reduction, or yield loss were observed in plots containing the Inzen™ cultivar. Applications made POST to the Inzen™ grain sorghum caused visible injury, sorghum height reduction, and yield loss of 20%, 13%, and 35%, respectively, only in plots where bispyribac-Na was applied. There was no impact on the crop from other POST-applied ALS-inhibiting herbicides. These results demonstrate that the Inzen™ trait confers cross-resistance to most ALS-inhibiting herbicides and could offer promising new alternatives for weed control and protection from carryover of residual ALS-inhibiting herbicides in grain sorghum.
Flue-cured tobacco tolerance to S-metolachlor
Authors: Clapp Andrew M. , Vann Matthew C. , Cahoon Charles W. , Jordan David L. , Fisher Loren R. , Inman Matthew D.
Published: June 2020

Currently, there are seven herbicides labeled for U.S. tobacco production; however, additional modes of action are greatly needed in order to reduce the risk of herbicide resistance. Field experiments were conducted at five locations during the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons to evaluate flue-cured tobacco tolerance to S-metolachlor applied pretransplanting incorporated (PTI) and pretransplanting (PRETR) at 1.07 (1×) and 2.14 (2×) kg ai ha−1. Severe injury was observed 6 wk after transplanting at the Whiteville environment in 2017 when S-metolachlor was applied PTI. End-of-season plant heights from PTI treatments at Whiteville were likewise reduced by 9% to 29% compared with nontreated controls, although cured leaf yield and value were reduced only when S-metolachlor was applied PTI at the 2× rate. Severe growth reduction was also observed at the Kinston location in 2018 where S-metolachlor was applied at the 2× rate. End-of-season plant heights were reduced 11% (PTI, 2×) and 20% (PRETR, 2×) compared with nontreated control plants. Cured leaf yield was reduced in Kinston when S-metolachlor was applied PRETR at the 2× rate; however, treatments did not impact cured leaf quality or value. Visual injury and reductions in stalk height, yield, quality, and value were not observed at the other three locations. Ultimately, it appears that injury potential from S-metolachlor is promoted by coarse soil texture and high early-season precipitation close to transplanting, both of which were documented at the Whiteville and Kinston locations. To reduce plant injury and the negative impacts to leaf yield and value, application rates lower than 1.07 kg ha−1 may be required in these scenarios.
Invasive Phragmites Increases Blue Carbon Stock and Soil Volume in a St. Lawrence Estuary Marsh
Authors: Gu Jiali , van Ardenne Lee B. , Chmura Gail L.
Published: June 2020

Our study of a St. Lawrence Estuary marsh reveals that, compared to native Spartina patens‐dominated vegetation, invasive Phragmites australis makes a greater contribution to soil volume and carbon stock (referred to as blue carbon). Phragmites' contributions to soil volume enhance marsh sustainability in face of sea level rise, and its greater contribution to soil carbon helps to reduce the atmospheric concentration of CO2. Phragmites australis (common reed) is a cosmopolitan species growing in fresh to brackish wetlands. An invasive genetic strain, introduced from Europe or Asia, has expanded extensively along the St. Lawrence River in the last few decades but has been little studied on the estuarine portion. We collected soil cores from three sites within an invasive Phragmites stand and one site within S. patens‐dominated stand in a St. Lawrence Estuary salt marsh near la Pocatiere, Quebec. We measured the bulk density, carbon content, volume, and mass of belowground organic matter in 2‐cm‐thick soil layers of three cores at each Phragmites site. Bulk density and carbon content were measured in 5‐cm‐thick soil layers of three cores at S. patens site. Results showed that soil in the Phragmites stands held 37–77% more blue carbon than in the S. patens‐dominated marsh. Based upon their diameter size, Phragmites rhizomes could be contributing 7.4–10.2 cm to the thickness in the upper 20 cm of soil. We suggest that any management of invasive Phragmites include consideration of its role in increasing blue carbon stocks and marsh resilience along with other ecosystem services.
Terrestrial Biomolecular Burial Efficiencies on Continental Margins
Authors: Hou Pengfei , Yu Meng , Zhao Meixun , Montluçon Daniel B. , Su Chenglong , Eglinton Timothy I.
Published: June 2020

The fate of terrestrial organic carbon (OCterr) exported from large rivers in marginal seas is an integral component of land‐ocean‐atmosphere carbon dynamics and influences on atmospheric CO2 concentrations on millennial and longer timescales. In this study, we employ a novel approach to constrain burial efficiencies for source‐specific terrestrial biomolecules (long‐chain n‐alkanes and n‐fatty acids) in two river‐marginal sea systems. We find for the Pearl River‐South China Sea system that 34 ± 19% and 11 ± 4% of n‐alkanes and n‐fatty acids, respectively, are preserved across the transport pathway from the river mouth to inner shelf. In contrast, terrestrial biomolecular burial efficiencies were markedly higher (64 ± 17% and 84 ± 30% of n‐alkanes and n‐fatty acids, respectively) in the Yellow River‐Bohai Sea/Yellow Sea system. These findings reveal markedly different fates of OCterr in these two fluvial‐marine systems, as well as sharp contrasts in OCterr reactivity within each system.
Impact of a Regional U.S. Drought on Land and Atmospheric Carbon
Authors: Lee Eunjee , Zeng Fan‐Wei , Koster Randal D. , Ott Lesley E. , Mahanama Sarith , Weir Brad , Poulter Benjamin , Oda Tomohiro
Published: June 2020

The impacts of drought on regional land and atmospheric carbon are still poorly understood. Here we quantify the impact of a regional U.S. drought on land carbon fluxes (gross primary production, or GPP, and net biosphere production) and atmospheric carbon (CO2) by imposing an idealized 3‐month meteorological drought in an ensemble of coupled land‐atmosphere climate simulations. The imposed drought, applied to the lower Mississippi River Valley (~500,000 km2), leads to a 23% GPP reduction in the drought area in the month immediately following the drought's termination. The drought also caused GPP reductions in some remote areas through drought‐induced impacts on remote meteorology, particularly the areas adjacent to the imposed drought. In the remote areas, the induced precipitation changes are responsible for most of the anomalous land productivity. The impact of the drought‐induced meteorological anomalies on GPP is greater than that of the CO2 anomalies by at least an order of magnitude. While their impact on GPP is secondary, the drought‐induced atmospheric CO2 anomalies near the land surface can be as large as 3.57 ppm. The significant CO2 anomalies cover an area up to three times of that of the imposed drought, suggesting that atmospheric transport needs to be considered in the interpretation of drought‐induced CO2 anomalies in the atmosphere. The imposed drought also leads to column‐averaged CO2 increases of up to 0.78 ppm, which is at the edge of the uncertainty from single soundings of current greenhouse gas observing satellites.
Water Demand Forecasting Accuracy and Influencing Factors at Different Spatial Scales Using a Gradient Boosting Machine
Authors: Xenochristou M. , Hutton C. , Hofman J. , Kapelan Z.
Published: June 2020

Understanding, comparing, and accurately predicting water demand at different spatial scales is an important goal that will allow effective targeting of the appropriate operational and conservation efforts under an uncertain future. This study uses data relating to water consumption available at the household level, as well as postcode locations, household characteristics, and weather data in order to identify the relationships between spatial scale, influencing factors, and forecasting accuracy. For this purpose, a Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM) is used to predict water demand 1–7 days into the future. Results show an exponential decay in prediction accuracy from a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 3.2% to 17%, for a reduction in group size from 600 to 5 households. Adding explanatory variables to the forecasting model reduces the MAPE up to 20% for the peak days and smaller household groups (20–56 households), whereas for larger aggregations of properties (100–804 households), the range of improvement is much smaller (up to 1.2%). Results also show that certain types of input variables (past consumption and household characteristics) become more important for smaller aggregations of properties, whereas others (weather data) become less important.
Desert Microbes Mine for Water
Authors: Evans Ogden Lesley
Published: June 2020

Scientists studying a cyanobacterium isolated from rock samples in the Atacama Desert found out how the bacteria extract water to live. Their results may help identify likely sites for life on Mars.
Catastrophic Failure: How and When? Insights From 4‐D In Situ X‐ray Microtomography
Authors: Cartwright‐Taylor Alexis , Main Ian G. , Butler Ian B. , Fusseis Florian , Flynn Michael , King Andrew
Published: June 2020

Catastrophic failure of brittle rocks is important in managing risk associated with system‐sized material failure. Such failure is caused by nucleation, growth, and coalescence of microcracks that spontaneously self‐organize along localized damage zones under compressive stress. Here we present X‐ray microtomography observations that elucidate the in situ micron‐scale processes, obtained from novel tri‐axial compression experiments conducted in a synchrotron. We examine the effect of microstructural heterogeneity in the starting material (Ailsa Craig microgranite; known for being virtually crack‐free) on crack network evolution and localization. To control for heterogeneity, we introduced a random nanoscale crack network into one sample by thermal stressing, leaving a second sample as‐received. By assessing the time‐dependent statistics of crack size and spatial distribution, we test the hypothesis that the degree of starting heterogeneity influences the order and predictability of the phase transition between intact and failed states. We show that this is indeed the case at the system‐scale. The initially more heterogeneous (heat‐treated) sample showed clear evidence for a second‐order transition: inverse power law acceleration in correlation length with a well‐defined singularity near failure and distinct changes in the scaling exponents. The more homogeneous (untreated) sample showed evidence for a first‐order transition: exponential increase in correlation length associated with distributed damage and unstable crack nucleation ahead of abrupt failure. In both cases, anisotropy in the initial porosity dictated the fault orientation, and system‐sized failure occurred when the correlation length approached the grain size. These results have significant implications for the predictability of catastrophic failure in different materials.
Effects of Earthquake Recurrence on Localization of Interseismic Deformation Around Locked Strike‐Slip Faults
Authors: Zhu Yijie , Wang Kelin , He Jiangheng
Published: June 2020

Localized geodetic deformation of arctan shape around locked strike‐slip faults is widely reported, but there are also important exceptions showing distributed deformation. Understanding the controlling mechanism is important to hazard assessment and geodynamic analysis. Here we use simple finite element viscoelastic earthquake cycle models to investigate the basic mechanics of this process. Our models feature a vertical strike‐slip fault in an elastic layer overlying a viscoelastic substrate of Maxwell or Burgers rheology, with or without a low‐viscosity shear zone representing deeper extension of the fault. We demonstrate that the primary control on the localization of interseismic deformation is the recurrence interval of past earthquakes. Given viscosity, shorter recurrence leads to greater localization, regardless of the rheological model used. The presence of a low‐viscosity deep fault does not change this conclusion, although it tends to lessen localization by promoting faster postseismic stress relaxation. Distributed deformation, although less reported, is a natural consequence of very long recurrence and in theory should be as common as localized deformation. We think that the apparent propensity of the latter is likely associated with the much greater quantity and better quality of geodetic observations from higher‐rate and shorter‐recurrence faults. Our results also show the important role of nearby earthquakes along the same fault. For faults of relatively short recurrence, frequent ruptures of nearby segments, modeled using a migrating rupture sequence, further enhance localization. For faults of very long recurrence, faster near‐fault deformation induced by a recent earthquake may give a false impression of localized interseismic deformation.
The Polarity Reversal of Lightning‐Generated Sky Wave
Authors: Hou W. , Azadifar M. , Rubinstein M. , Rachidi F. , Zhang Q.
Published: June 2020

The polarity reversal of the lightning‐generated first sky wave as a function of the observation distance is studied using a novel approach combining the finite‐difference time domain (FDTD) method and the superposition principle of electromagnetic waves. In this method, the sky wave is generated by radiation from the induced current produced by the motion of charged particles driven by the lightning‐radiated electromagnetic waves in the ionosphere. The horizontal and vertical components of the induced current density under the daytime and nighttime ionospheric conditions are evaluated. Their different contributions to the sky wave at different observation distances are analyzed in detail. Furthermore, a physical explanation for the polarity reversal in the time domain is proposed. It is found that, for relatively short observation distances (within ~200 km), the first sky wave is dominated by the component generated by the horizontal equivalent current in the Fresnel zone, while for longer observation distances (larger than ~300 km), the first sky wave is dominated by the component generated by the vertical equivalent current in the Fresnel zone. Since the polarities of the sky wave components generated by the vertical current source and horizontal current source are opposite, the polarity of the sky wave will reverse when increasing the observation distance.
Global and Regional CH4 Emissions for 1995–2013 Derived From Atmospheric CH4, δ13C‐CH4, and δD‐CH4 Observations and a Chemical Transport Model
Authors: Fujita Ryo , Morimoto Shinji , Maksyutov Shamil , Kim Heon‐Sook , Arshinov Mikhail , Brailsford Gordon , Aoki Shuji , Nakazawa Takakiyo
Published: June 2020

To better understand the current global CH4 budget, biogenic, fossil fuel, and biomass burning CH4 fluxes for the period 1995–2013 were inversely estimated from the observed mole fraction data of atmospheric CH4 using a three‐dimensional chemical transport model. Then, forward simulations of carbon and hydrogen isotope ratios of atmospheric CH4 (δ13C‐CH4 and δD‐CH4) were conducted using the inversion fluxes to evaluate the source proportion of the global total CH4 emission. Model‐simulated spatiotemporal variations of atmospheric CH4 reproduce the observational results well; however, the simulated δ13C‐CH4 and δD‐CH4 values significantly underestimate their observed values as a whole. This implies that the proportion of biogenic CH4 sources in the global CH4 emission, deduced by inverse modeling, is overestimated, although the proportion is fairly comparable with the medians of recent multiple CH4 inverse modeling. To reduce the disagreement between the observed and calculated isotope ratios, the CH4 fluxes of individual source categories were adjusted using our atmospheric δ13C‐CH4 and δD‐CH4 data observed at Arctic and Antarctic surface stations. The resultant global average biogenic, fossil fuel, and biomass burning CH4 fluxes over 2003–2012 are 346 ± 11, 162 ± 2, and 50 ± 2 TgCH4 year−1, respectively. It is also strongly suggested that the leveling‐off of atmospheric CH4 in the early 2000s and the renewed growth after 2006/2007 are, respectively, explainable by the decrease in biogenic and biomass burning CH4 emissions for 2000–2006 and the increase in biogenic CH4 emissions after that period. These emission changes mainly originate in the tropics.
Water Use Efficiency‐Based Multiscale Assessment of Ecohydrological Resilience to Ecosystem Shifts Over the Continent of Africa During 1992–2015
Authors: Kayiranga Alphonse , Chen Baozhang , Trisurat Yongyut , Ndayisaba Felix , Sun Shaobo , Tuankrua Venus , Wang Fei , Karamage Fidele , Measho Simon , Nthangeni Winny , Dilawar Adil , Zhang Huifang , Bofana José
Published: June 2020

The spatial‐temporal representation is a crucial key for understanding at what extent terrestrial ecosystems can maintain their structure and functions and recover from various ecosystem shifts (drought/wet). Hence, it is vital for sustainable ecosystem management, adaptation, and mitigation practices. This study assessed ecohydrological resilience to ecosystem shifts at contrast water‐limited and well‐watered regions at multiple scales (i.e., country scale, basin scale, climate type scale, and land cover scale) over Africa during the period 1992–2015, based on Standard Evapotranspiration Deficit Index (SEDI) and water use efficiency (WUE) at ecosystem scales, which was obtained from satellite‐derived evapotranspiration (ET) and simulated gross primary productivity (GPP) using the Carnegie‐ames‐stanford approaches (CASA) model. SEDI values indicated that 11 years were characterized by dry conditions, while 13 were wetter years during 1992–2015. WUE, ET, and GPP values indicated increased tendencies mostly in central to central west of African continent. The ecohydrological resilience exhibited that about 68.78% of African terrestrial ecosystems were highly, moderately, or slightly resilient, and about 31.22% were not resilient to ecosystem shifts with 11.28% vulnerably exposed to high risk of ecosystem shift and severely nonresilient. The extent areas exposed to severe ecohydrological nonresilience are distributed in Savannas and barelands land cover types, temperate‐dry summer‐hot summer (Csa), climate type, Mediterranean South Coast (B14), African‐North interior (B3), and Red Sea‐Golf of Aden Coast (b5) basins; and the four countries, namely, Egypt, Mauritania, Niger, and Tunisia. These findings may provide insightful scientific information about vulnerable regions for policy making and ecosystem management and increase the necessary awareness for taking reasonable adaptation mechanisms, such as afforesting open lands to increase the area of vegetation cover (i.e., choosing the drought or wet‐tolerant plant species) and water conservation and management measures to ensure the sustainability of terrestrial ecosystems under ecosystem shifts over the African continent.
Centrosome dysfunction: a link between senescence and tumor immunity
Authors: Wu Qi , Li Bei , Liu Le , Sun Shengrong , Sun Si
Published: June 2020

Centrosome aberrations are hallmarks of human cancers and contribute to the senescence process. Structural and numerical centrosome abnormalities trigger mitotic errors, cellular senescence, cell death, genomic instability and/or aneuploidy, resulting in human disorders such as aging and cancer and affecting immunity. Interestingly, centrosome dysfunction promotes the secretion of multiple inflammatory factors that act as pivotal drivers of senescence and tumor immune escape. In this review, we summarize the forms of centrosome dysfunction and further discuss recent advances indicating that centrosome defects contribute to acceleration of senescence progression and promotion of tumor cell immune evasion in different ways.
The interaction between ferroptosis and lipid metabolism in cancer
Authors: Li Dingshan , Li Yongsheng
Published: June 2020

Ferroptosis is a new form of programmed cell death characterized by the accumulation of iron-dependent lethal lipid peroxides. Recent discoveries have focused on alterations that occur in lipid metabolism during ferroptosis and have provided intriguing insights into the interplay between ferroptosis and lipid metabolism in cancer. Their interaction regulates the initiation, development, metastasis, therapy resistance of cancer, as well as the tumor immunity, which offers several potential strategies for cancer treatment. This review is a brief overview of the features characterizing the interaction between ferroptosis and lipid metabolism, and highlights the significance of this interaction in cancer.
Correction: The orphan nuclear receptor Nr4a1 mediates perinatal neuroinflammation in a murine model of preterm labor
Authors: Estrada Sarah M. , Thagard Andrew S. , Dehart Mary J. , Damicis Jennifer R. , Dornisch Elisabeth M. , Ippolito Danielle L. , Burd Irina , Napolitano Peter G. , Ieronimakis Nicholas
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.