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1. Holocene Monsoon Change and Abrupt Events on the Western Chinese Loess Plateau as Revealed by Accurately Dated Stalagmites

   https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GL090273  

   Tan, Liangcheng; Li, Yanzhen; Wang, Xiqian; Cai, Yanjun; Lin, Fangyuan; Cheng, Hai; Ma, Le; Sinha, Ashish; Edwards, R. Lawrence (November 2020, Geophysical Research Letters)

   Abstract Here we present, to date, the highest‐resolved (~5 years) and most precisely dated Holocene monsoon climate reconstruction for the western Chinese Loess Plateau based on five replicated stalagmite δ¹⁸O records from Wuya Cave, eastern Gansu, China. Our record suggests the wettest period occurred between 10,500 and 6,600 a BP in this region. After this period, the amplitude of Asian summer monsoon decadal‐scale variability progressively increased likely in response to increasing ENSO frequency since the middle Holocene. Our study reveals similar asymmetric centennial‐scale double‐plunging structures of the 8.2, 5.5, and 2.8 ka events in the western Chinese Loess Plateau, suggesting a possible role of solar activity whose impact was amplified around 8.2 ka BP by the meltwater flood. In contrast, the 4.2 ka event exhibit gradually declining monsoon rainfall with centennial‐ to decadal‐scale fluctuations. 

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2. Scientific collaboration formation: network mechanisms, bonding social capital, and particularized trust in US-China collaboration on COVID-19-related research

   https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-023-01098-6  

   Haupt, John P.; Lee, Jenny J. (September 2023, Higher Education)

   Given the disruptions COVID-19 caused to normal research processes, including inter- national collaboration, this study sought to understand scientists’ experiences collabo- rating internationally during the pandemic on COVID-19-related research. Specifically, it explored US scientists’ tie formation and reasons for international research collabora- tion with Chinese scientists. The study employed a sequential exploratory mixed methods design collecting interview and survey data from US scientists who co-published articles related to COVID-19 with Chinese scientists. The findings revealed the role of network mechanisms, such as transitivity, opportunity of contact, and homophily, in promoting rela- tionship formation and maintenance. Moreover, they showed the greater role that bonding social capital played in helping scientists access valuable knowledge, skills, and resources to enhance their research potential. Lastly, they demonstrated how particularized trust based on prior interactions and experiences encouraged relationship formation and col- laboration between US and Chinese scientists. Together, these results provide new insights in informing future policies and guidelines related to supporting international collaboration and, ultimately, shared pandemic challenges. 

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3. Chromosome‐scale scaffolds for the Chinese hamster reference genome assembly to facilitate the study of the CHO epigenome

   https://doi.org/10.1002/bit.27432  

   Hilliard, William; MacDonald, Madolyn_L; Lee, Kelvin_H (June 2020, Biotechnology and Bioengineering)

   Abstract The Chinese hamster genome serves as a reference genome for the study of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, the preferred host system for biopharmaceutical production. Recent re‐sequencing of the Chinese hamster genome resulted in the RefSeq PICR meta‐assembly, a set of highly accurate scaffolds that filled over 95% of the gaps in previous assembly versions. However, these scaffolds did not reach chromosome‐scale due to the absence of long‐range scaffolding information during the meta‐assembly process. Here, long‐range scaffolding of the PICR Chinese hamster genome assembly was performed using high‐throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi‐C). This process resulted in a new “PICRH” genome, where 97% of the genome is contained in 11 mega‐scaffolds corresponding to the Chinese hamster chromosomes (2n = 22) and the total number of scaffolds is reduced by three‐fold from 1,830 scaffolds in PICR to 647 in PICRH. Continuity was improved while preserving accuracy, leading to quality scores higher than recent builds of mouse chromosomes and comparable to human chromosomes. The PICRH genome assembly will be an indispensable tool for designing advanced genetic engineering strategies in CHO cells and enabling systematic examination of genomic and epigenomic instability through comparative analysis of CHO cell lines on a common set of chromosomal coordinates. 

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4. The geology of Tianshui-Qin'an area of western Loess Plateau and the chemical characteristics of its Neolithic pottery

   https://doi.org/10.1002/gea.21786  

   Ma, Hongjiao Hein (January 2020, Geoarchaeology)

   null (Ed.)

   The difference in the chemical compositions between Neolithic pottery from the eastern and western ends of the northern Chinese Loess Plateau has been known for some time, and a number of possible explanations have been proposed. However, a full understanding of the difference is yet to be achieved. Based on recent geological studies of the Tianshui‐Qin'an area on the western Loess Plateau, the present study establishes a logical connection between the chemical characteristics of Neolithic pottery from the western Loess Plateau and the primary sediments available in the area. Moreover, this study reveals that the chemical compositions of clay used for fine wares and coarse wares at Dadiwan also bear some clear differences. Based on these findings, the paper discusses possible clay selection methods by potters in the Neolithic western Loess Plateau to make their different wares based on the locales where suitable raw materials are available. The paper demonstrates that the raw materials available for pottery making on the eastern and western Loess Plateau differ significantly and this explains the marked difference in ceramic composition between the two locations 

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5. The Virtual Jail: Content Moderation Challenges Faced by Chinese Queer Content Creators on Douyin

   Shen, Caoyang; Haimson, Oliver L (April 2025, ACM)

   Queer users of Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, suspect that the platform removes and suppresses queer content, thus reducing queer visibility. In this study, we examined how Chinese queer users recognize and react to Douyin’s moderation of queer content by conducting interviews with 21 queer China-based Douyin content creators and viewers. Findings indicate that queer users actively explore and adapt to the platform’s underlying moderation logic. They employ creative content and posting strategies to reduce the likelihood of their expressions of queer topics and identities being removed or suppressed. Like Western platforms, Douyin’s moderation approaches are often ambiguous; but unlike Western platforms, queer users sometimes receive clarity on moderation reasons via direct communication with moderators. Participants suggested that Douyin’s repressive moderation practices are in!uenced by more than just platform policies and procedures – they also re!ect state-led homophobia and societal discipline. This study underscores the challenges Chinese queer communities face in maintaining online visibility and suggests that meaningful change in their experiences is unlikely without broader societal shifts towards queer acceptance. 

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