bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular docking studies of N-substituted 4-methoxy-6-oxo-1-aryl-pyridazine-3-carboxamide derivatives as potential modulators of glutamate receptors
Authors: Avdeeva Natalia V. , Severina Hanna I. , Georgiyants Victoriya A. , Kovalenko Sergiy M. , Yarcev Artem I. , Prohoda Svetlana N.
Published: March 2020

Introduction: The virtual target-oriented screening is a necessary stage of modern drug-design. In the present study, the affinity of pyridazine derivatives for the most promising antiparkinsonian biotargets – I–III groups of metabotropic and ionotropic NMDA-glutamate receptors – was evaluated.

Materials and methods: Docking of the studied ligands to the active sites of biotargets – mGluR5, mGluR3, mGluR8, NMDA GluN2B – was performed using AutoDockVina. Base of the preparation of ligands and proteins – AutoDock­Tools-1.5.6. A Discovery Studio Visualizer 2017/R2 was used to visualize the interpretation of the results.

Results and discussion: A high degree of the affinity is predicted for group III of the metabotropic mGlu8 receptors – binding energy from -5.0 to -8.7 kcal/mol, compared to -6.1 kcal/mol of that of the reference drug (L-AP4), as well as for the ionotropic NMDA GluN2B receptors –binding energy from -8.7 to -11.6 kcal/mol, compared to -11.3 kcal/mol of that of ifenprodil.

Conclusion: The prospects of the searching for glutamate receptor modulators in a number of n-substituted 4-methoxy-6-oxo-1-aryl-pyridazine-3-carboxamide derivatives are proved. Some aspects of the structure-affinity relationship are discussed.
Identification of key microRNAs involved in tumorigenesis and prognostic microRNAs in breast cancer
Authors: Lu Dongchen ,   Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210000, China, Han Wei , Lu Kai
Published: March 2020

Breast cancer is a commonly diagnosed cancer in women, and one of the leading causes of cancer-related death among female patients However, the key microRNAs involved in its tumorigenesis and microRNAs of prognostic values have not been fully understood. In the present study, we aimed to perform a systematic analysis of microRNA expression profiles to identify some key microRNAs associated with tumor initiation and prognosis. Using TCGA breast cancer datasets, we identified 110 differentially expressed microRNAs. The functional enrichment analysis of the upregulated microRNAs revealed signaling transduction pathways, such as Notch and Wnt signaling pathway, and metabolism-related pathways such as sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, and oxidative stress response. Moreover, multivariable Cox model based on three variables of hsa-mir-130a, hsa-mir-3677, and hsa-mir-1247 stratified patients into high-risk and low-risk groups, which showed significant prognostic difference. In addition, we also tested the performance of this model in patient cohorts of any specific breast cancer subtypes or different TNM stages. The high performance in risk prediction was also observed in all of breast cancer subtypes and TNM stages. We also observed that there were highly possible interactions between hsa-mir-130a and seven target genes. Among these target genes, VAV3 and ESR1 were predicted as the target genes of hsa-mir-130a, suggesting that hsa-mir-130a may function by regulating the expression of VAV3 and ESR1 in breast cancer. In conclusion, the stratification based on the multivariable Cox model showed high performance in risk prediction. The dysregulated microRNAs and prognostic microRNAs greatly improved our understanding of the microRNA-related molecular mechanism underlying breast cancer.
Laser Modification of the "Ring-Cylinder Liner" Mating Surfaces
Authors: Shastin V.I. , Kargapol’tsev S.K.
Published: March 2020

The article focuses on the topical issues of studying the microstructure, physical-and-mechanical and tribological parameters of the surface layers of a “ring-cylinder liner” friction pair subjected to laser processing. The analysis of the main defects of the elements of the cylinder-piston group of the internal combustion engine, methods for their recovery and increase of tribotechnical characteristics has been carried out. It is noted that the most effective means of increasing the wear resistance of the “ring-cylinder liner” friction pair are various types of heat and chemical-heat treatment of the working surface of the link. As a result of tribological studies, it was found that there is an increase in the wear resistance of a “ring – cylinder liner” friction pair in all the investigated laser exposure modes, taking into account the identified boundary processing conditions for one and the other interfacing elements. The maximum value of wear resistance is observed during laser thermal strengthening of both mating surfaces, at critical levels of laser energy density, which do not cause melting and microcracks in the surface layer. In this case, the wear resistance of the modified surface of the cylinder liner can increase 4.5...5 times, and more than three times for the piston rings.
Improving the Efficiency of Drilling and Blasting Operations for High Water Cut Conditions
Authors: Marinin M.A. , Dolzhikov V.V. , Isheyskiy V.A.
Published: March 2020

The article discusses the experience of drilling and blasting operations in the conditions of high water cut of the rock massif, it also presents practical experience in modeling and forecasting water inflows into workings. By the example of the Koashvinskoe deposit, the problems of work in conditions of high water cut of the rock mass leading to the collapse and silting of drilled boreholes are considered. The article presents calculations showing the effectiveness of the drainage systems for lowering the groundwater level of a prepared rock mass section. The paper provides a rationale for the optimal mass of bottom charges for the preparation of drains in the rock mass, depending on the water saturation of the mass and the grid of drilled boreholes.
Prospects for the Use of the Sorbent for Purification of Gases from Sulfur-Containing Components on the Basis of Manganese Ore
Authors: Bolotov Victor A. , Cheremisina Olga V. , Ponomareva Maria A. , Alferova Daria A.
Published: March 2020

The physical and chemical properties of "loose" manganese ore of Ulu-Telyak Deposit of the Republic of Bashkortostan for the possibility of its use as an effective sorbent for purification of exhaust gases of metallurgical, chemical, oil refining, mining and other industries are studied. Analyses were carried out on the phase composition, chemical composition, determined the specific surface area of the pores and thermogravimetric method of water content. The process of sorption of a gas mixture containing hydrogen sulfide, methyl and ethyl mercaptans was also studied. The results of the experiments concluded that the prospects of using this "loose" manganese ore for the sorption of sulfur-containing gases.
Improving the Wear Resistance of Bushings through Polymer Coatings
Authors: Krasnyy V.A. , Osminko D.A.
Published: March 2020

The paper deals with modern designs of crankshaft bushings used in internal combustion engines. It delineates the prospects of polymer coatings to ensure additional protection of lead bronze bushings in the event of emergencies associated with a temporary loss of lubrication. For this purpose, a polymer composition of silicone polyorganosiloxane and fluoro-epoxy lacquers is proposed. Tribotechnical results are provided for polymer-coated bushings: 1) in a full-film lubrication condition, 2) in boundary conditions (with lubricant residues once the unit has been switched off) and 3) in dry conditions (with no lubrication after a long standstill). A thin-layer (3...5 μm) polymer coating based on polyorganosiloxane and fluorine can be used on the bearing surfaces of the shells of highly loaded bearings in order to increase antifriction properties, especially with limited lubrication and possible scores in a bearing.
Using the Diffusion Saturation Technology for the Surface of Different Steel Products from Melts of Low-Melting Metals
Authors: Dzhabbarov S.N. , Pryakhin E.I.
Published: March 2020

The article discusses the modern method of increasing the corrosion and wear resistance of machine parts by diffusion saturation from the environment of fusible melts. A review of ongoing studies is on the multicomponent diffusion saturation of steel samples, including refractory metals. The results of the studies will be the basis for the formation of a coating with increased resistance to corrosion and strength of the surface layer.
Studying Resistance to Cold in Low-Alloy Steels
Authors: Borisova L.G. , Gorshkova T.P.
Published: March 2020

Commonly used Grade 20GL cast steel has unstable impact strength values determined on V-notched samples at –60 °C and so cannot provide reliability of cast parts at negative temperatures.
Treatment of Titanium Alloys Based on Preliminary Plastic Impact
Authors: Maksarov Vyacheslav V. , Efimov Alexander E. , Golikov Taras S.
Published: March 2020

This paper proposed a new method for processing titanium alloys based on preliminary plastic impact. The reasons for the deterioration of the surface roughness of titanium alloys during machining are considered. This problem lies in the formation of outgrowths on tool cutting wedge, which leads to the cutting process taking place as in the titanium-titanium pair. The adsorption phenomenon leads to the fact that the outgrowth is saturated with gases from the environment, and a thick oxide film is formed. As a result, high temperatures arise during machining from 1100 to 1200°C, increasing the cutting forces P and friction Q, which introduce the technological system into an unstable self-oscillating process. The problem posed eliminated by the method of preliminary plastic deformation, which forms a local inhomogeneous structure. At the stage of processing the titanium billet, the cutting edge enters the region with a heterogeneous structure, destroying the chips and growth with an oxide film. Since most of the temperature, about 80% takes away with the chips, the amplitude of the self-oscillating process decreases, which reduces the surface roughness of the processed titanium alloys.
Ultrasound imaging of a scar on the knee: Sonopalpation for fascia and subcutaneous tissues
Authors: Pirri Carmelo , Stecco Antonio , Fede Caterina , De Caro Raffaele , Stecco Carla , Özçakar Levent
Published: March 2020

Persistent scar pain associated with healed surgical incisions after a trauma is a common and potentially debilitating type of fascial pain. At present, there is no universally effective treatment for persistent surgical or post-trauma scar pain. Herein we describe the successful objective diagnosis of debilitating scar pain by Ultrasound (US) imaging. The sonopalpation of the fasciae and subcutaneous tissues seems to be relevant to diagnose the real cause of the pain and why not to monitor the treatment.
The unavoidable costs of frailty: a geriatric perspective in the time of COVID-19
Authors: Polidori Maria Cristina , Maggi Stefania , Mattace-Raso Francesco , Pilotto Alberto
Published: March 2020

The world is facing speechless one of the most feared, greatest catastrophes for human beings. Despite better healthcare systems, despite warnings through similar situations and even documented threats, as the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it found us largely unprepared. It offered to us on a silver tray the fragility of mankind. And once again, but this time in a particularly overwhelming way, the most vulnerable part of the world population is mowed down: older persons. Indeed, recent data from the Italian Istituto Superiore di Sanità showed that COVID-19 is more lethal in older subjects: in Italy, at the date of March 17, 2020, the overall case-fatality rate was 7.2% and 96.4% of died patients had more than 60 years. When data were stratified by age groups, individuals aged 70 years or older represent 35.5% of cases, while subjects aged ≥80 years were 52.3%. These data confirm once again that the older generation payed the highest price in time of crisis...
Covid-19: Pandemonium in our time
Authors: Bergquist Robert , Rinaldi Laura
Published: March 2020

While pandemonium has come to mean wild and noisy disorder, the reference here is to John Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost and the upheaval following Lucifer's banishment from Heaven and his construction of Pandæmonium as his hub. Today's avalanche of conflicting news on how to deal with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) brings to mind the Trinity nuclear bomb test with Enrico Fermi estimating its strength by releasing small pieces of paper into the air and measuring their displacement by the shock wave. Fermi's result, in fact not far from the true value, emphasised his ability to make good approximations with few or no actual data. The current wave of Covid-19 presents just this kind of situation as it engulfs the world from ground zero in Wuhan, China. Much information is indeed missing, but datasets that might lead to useful ideas on how to handle this pandemic are steadily accumulating.
The Modularity of Special Cycles on Orthogonal Shimura Varieties over Totally Real Fields under the Beilinson–Bloch Conjecture
Authors: Maeda Yota
Published: March 2020

We study special cycles on a Shimura variety of orthogonal type over a totally real field of degree d associated with a quadratic form in $n+2$ variables whose signature is $(n,2)$ at e real places and $(n+2,0)$ at the remaining $d-e$ real places for $1\leq e <d$. Recently, these cycles were constructed by Kudla and Rosu–Yott, and they proved that the generating series of special cycles in the cohomology group is a Hilbert-Siegel modular form of half integral weight. We prove that, assuming the Beilinson–Bloch conjecture on the injectivity of the higher Abel–Jacobi map, the generating series of special cycles of codimension er in the Chow group is a Hilbert–Siegel modular form of genus r and weight $1+n/2$. Our result is a generalization of Kudla’s modularity conjecture, solved by Yuan–Zhang–Zhang unconditionally when $e=1$.
Uma cidade dos trabalhadores, mas não para os trabalhadores: o processo de urbanização da cidade de Macapá
Authors: Matos Marlos Vinícius Gama de
Published: March 2020

Resenha de livro: LOBATO, Sidney da Silva. A cidade dos trabalhadores: insegurança estrutural e táticas de sobrevivência em Macapá (1944-1964). Belém: Paka-Tatu, 2019. 377 p.
Shipborne MAX-DOAS measurements for validation of TROPOMI NO2 products
Authors: Wang Ping , Piters Ankie , van Geffen Jos , Tuinder Olaf , Stammes Piet , Kinne Stefan
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Tropospheric NO2 and stratospheric NO2 vertical column densities are important TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) data products.
In order to validate the
TROPOMI NO2 products, KNMI Multi-AXis Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) instruments have measured NO2 on ship cruises over the Atlantic
and the Pacific oceans. The MAX-DOAS instruments have participated in five cruises on board RV Sonne (in 2017 and 2019)
and RV Maria S. Merian (in 2018). The MAX-DOAS measurements were acquired over 7 months and spanned
about 90∘ in latitude and 300∘ in longitude.
During the cruises aerosol measurements from Microtops sun photometers were also taken.
The MAX-DOAS measured stratospheric NO2 columns between
1.5×1015 and 3.5×1015 molec cm−2
and tropospheric NO2 up to 0.6×1015 molec cm−2.
The MAX-DOAS stratospheric NO2 vertical column densities have been compared with
TROPOMI stratospheric NO2 vertical column densities
and the stratospheric NO2 vertical column densities
simulated by the global chemistry Transport Model, version 5, Massively Parallel model (TM5-MP). Good correlation is found between the MAX-DOAS and TROPOMI and
TM5 stratospheric NO2 vertical column densities, with a correlation coefficient of 0.93 or larger. The TROPOMI and TM5
stratospheric NO2 vertical column densities are about 0.4×1015 molec cm−2 (19 %) higher than
the MAX-DOAS measurements.
The TROPOMI tropospheric NO2 also has good agreement with the MAX-DOAS measurements. The
tropospheric NO2 vertical column density is as low as 0.5×1015 molec cm−2 over remote oceans.
The 2018 fire season in North America as seen by TROPOMI: aerosol layer height intercomparisons and evaluation of model-derived plume heights
Authors: Griffin Debora , Sioris Christopher , Chen Jack , Dickson Nolan , Kovachik Andrew , de Graaf Martin , Nanda Swadhin , Veefkind Pepijn , Dammers Enrico , McLinden Chris A. , Makar Paul , Akingunola Ayodeji
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Before the launch of the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI), only two other satellite instruments were able to observe aerosol plume heights globally, the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) and Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP). The TROPOMI aerosol layer height is a potential game changer, since it has daily global coverage, and the aerosol layer height retrieval is available in near real time. The aerosol layer height can be useful for aviation and air quality alerts, as well as for improving air quality forecasting related to wildfires. Here, TROPOMI's aerosol layer height product is evaluated with MISR and CALIOP observations for wildfire plumes in North America for the 2018 fire season (June to August). Further, observing system simulation experiments were performed to interpret the fundamental differences between the different products. The results show that MISR and TROPOMI are, in theory, very close for aerosol profiles with single plumes. For more complex profiles with multiple plumes, however, different plume heights are retrieved; the MISR plume height represents the top layer, and the plume height retrieved with TROPOMI tends to have an average altitude of several plume layers. The comparison between TROPOMI and MISR plume heights shows that, on average, the TROPOMI aerosol layer heights are lower, by approximately 600 m, compared to MISR, which is likely due to the different measurement techniques. From the comparison to CALIOP, our results show that the TROPOMI aerosol layer height is more accurate over dark surfaces, for thicker plumes, and plumes between approximately 1 and 4.5 km. MISR and TROPOMI are further used to evaluate the plume height of Environment and Climate Change Canada's operational forecasting system FireWork with fire plume injection height estimates from the Canadian Forest Fire Emissions Prediction System (CFFEPS). The modelled plume heights are similar compared to the satellite observations but tend to be slightly higher with average differences of 270–580 and 60–320 m compared to TROPOMI and MISR, respectively.
InnFLUX – an open-source code for conventional and disjunct eddy covariance analysis of trace gas measurements: an urban test case
Authors: Striednig Marcus , Graus Martin , Märk Tilmann D. , Karl Thomas G.
Published: March 2020

Abstract. We describe and test a new versatile software tool for
processing eddy covariance and disjunct eddy covariance flux data. We
present an evaluation based on urban non-methane volatile organic compound
(NMVOC) measurements using a proton transfer reaction quadrupole interface
time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-QiTOF-MS) at the Innsbruck Atmospheric
Observatory. The code is based on MATLAB® and can
be easily configured to process high-frequency, low-frequency and disjunct
data. It can be applied to a wide range of analytical setups for NMVOC and other trace gas measurements, and is tailored towards the
application of noisy data, where lag time corrections become challenging.
Several corrections and quality control routines are implemented to obtain
the most reliable results. The software is open source, so it can be
extended and adjusted to specific purposes. We demonstrate the capabilities
of the code based on a large urban dataset collected in Innsbruck, Austria,
where three-dimensional winds and ambient concentrations of NMVOCs and
auxiliary trace gases were sampled with high temporal resolution above an
urban canopy. Concomitant measurements of 12C and 13C isotopic
NMVOC fluxes allow testing algorithms used for determination of flux limits
of detection (LOD) and lag time analysis. We use the high-frequency NMVOC
dataset to generate a set of disjunct data and compare these results with
the true eddy covariance method. The presented analysis allows testing the
theory of disjunct eddy covariance (DEC) in an urban environment. Our
findings confirm that the disjunct eddy covariance method can be a reliable
tool, even in complex urban environments when fast sensors are not
available, but that the increase in random error impedes the ability to
detect small fluxes due to higher flux LODs.
A decade of methane measurements at the Boknis Eck Time-series Station in the Eckernförde Bay (Southwestern Baltic Sea)
Authors: Ma Xiao , Sun Mingshuang , Lennartz Sinikka T. , Bange Hermann W.
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Coastal areas contribute significantly to the emissions of methane (CH4) from the ocean. In order to decipher its temporal variability in the whole water column, dissolved CH4 was measured on a monthly basis at the Boknis Eck Time-series Station (BE) located in the Eckernförde Bay (SW Baltic Sea) from 2006 to 2017. BE has a water depth of about 28 m and dissolved CH4 was measured at six water depths ranging from 0 to 25 m. In general CH4 concentrations increased with depth, indicating a sedimentary release of CH4. Pronounced enhancement of the CH4 concentrations in the bottom layer (15–25 m) was found during February, May–June and October. CH4 was not correlated with Chlorophyll a or O2 over the measurement period. Unusually high CH4 concentrations (of up to 696 nM) were sporadically observed in the upper layer (0–10 m) (e.g. in November 2013 and December 2014) and were coinciding with Major Baltic Inflow (MBI) events. Surface CH4 concentrations were always supersaturated throughout the monitoring period, indicating that the Eckernförde Bay is an intense but highly variable source of atmospheric CH4. We did not detect significant temporal trends in CH4 concentrations or emissions, despite of ongoing environmental changes such as warming and deoxygenation in the Eckernförde Bay. Overall, the CH4 variability at BE is driven by a complex interplay of various biological and physical processes.
Climate change induced a new intermittent regime of convective ventilation that threatens the Black Sea oxygenation status
Authors: Capet Arthur , Vandenbulcke Luc , Grégoire Marilaure
Published: March 2020

Abstract. The Black Sea is entirely anoxic, except for a thin (∼ 100 m) ventilated surface layer. Since 1955, the oxygen content of this upper layer has decreased by 44 %. The reasons hypothesized for this decrease are, first, a period of eutrophication from mid 70's to early 90's and, second, a reduction in the ventilation processes, suspected for the recent years. Here we show that the Black Sea convective ventilation regime has been drastically altered by atmospheric warming during the last decade. Since 2008, the prevailing regime is below the range of variability recorded since 1955, and is characterized by consecutive years during which the renewal of intermediate waters does not occur. Oxygen records from the last decade indicate a clear relationship between cold water formation events and oxygenation status at different pycnal levels, suggesting a leading role of convective ventilation in the oxygen budget of the upper intermediate layers. We thus suggest that this regime shift has a significant impact on the oxygenation structure of the Black Sea and on its biogeochemical balance.
Presentation and discussion of the high resolution atmosphere-land surface subsurface simulation dataset of the virtual Neckar catchment for the period 2007–2015
Authors: Schalge Bernd , Baroni Gabriele , Haese Barbara , Erdal Daniel , Geppert Gernot , Saavedra Pablo , Haefliger Vincent , Vereecken Harry , Attinger Sabine , Kunstmann Harald , Cirpka Olaf A. , Ament Felix , Kollet Stefan , Neuweiler Insa , Hendricks Franssen Harrie-Jan , Simmer Clemens
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Coupled numerical models, which simulate water and energy fluxes in the subsurface-land surface-atmosphere system in a physically consistent way are a prerequisite for the analysis and a better understanding of heat and matter exchange fluxes at compartmental boundaries and interdependencies of states across these boundaries. Complete state evolutions generated by such models may be regarded as a proxy of the real world, provided they are run at sufficiently high resolution and incorporate the most important processes. Such a virtual reality can be used to test hypotheses on the functioning of the coupled terrestrial system. Coupled simulation systems, however, face severe problems caused by the vastly different scales of the processes acting in and between the compartments of the terrestrial system, which also hinders comprehensive tests of their realism. We used the Terrestrial Systems Modeling Platform TerrSysMP, which couples the meteorological model COSMO, the land-surface model CLM, and the subsurface model ParFlow, to generate a virtual catchment for a regional terrestrial system mimicking the Neckar catchment in southwest Germany. Simulations for this catchment are made for the period 2007–2015, and at a spatial resolution of 400 m for the land surface and subsurface and 1.1 km for the atmosphere. Among a discussion of modelling challenges, the model performance is evaluated based on real observations covering several variables of the water cycle. We find that the simulated (virtual) catchment behaves in many aspects quite close to observations of the real Neckar catchment, e.g. concerning atmospheric boundary-layer height, precipitation, and runoff. But also discrepancies become apparent, both in the ability of the model to correctly simulate some processes which still need improvement such as overland flow, and in the realism of some observation operators like the satellite based soil moisture sensors. The whole raw dataset is available for interested users. The dataset described here is available via the CERA database (Schalge et al., 2020): https://doi.org/10.26050/WDCC/Neckar_VCS_v1.
VARDA (VArved sediments DAtabase) – providing and connecting
proxy data from annually laminated lake sediments
Authors: Ramisch Arne , Brauser Alexander , Dorn Mario , Blanchet Cecile , Brademann Brian , Köppl Matthias , Mingram Jens , Neugebauer Ina , Nowaczyk Norbert , Ott Florian , Pinkerneil Sylvia , Plessen Birgit , Schwab Markus J. , Tjallingii Rik , Brauer Achim
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Varved lake sediments provide long climatic records with high temporal resolution and low associated age uncertainty. Robust and detailed comparison of well-dated and annually laminated sediment records is crucial for reconstructing abrupt and regionally time-transgressive changes as well as validation of spatial and temporal trajectories of past climatic changes. The VARved sediments DAtabase (VARDA) presented here is the first data compilation for varve chronologies and associated palaeoclimatic proxy records. The current version 1.0 allows detailed comparison of published varve records from 95 lakes. VARDA is freely accessible and was created to assess outputs from climate models with high-resolution terrestrial palaeoclimatic proxies. VARDA additionally provides a technical environment that enables to explore the database of varved lake sediments using a connected data-model and can generate a state-of-the-art graphic representation of multi-site comparison. This allows to reassess existing chronologies and tephra events to synchronize and compare even distant varved lake records. Furthermore, the present version of VARDA permits to explore varve thickness data. In this paper, we report in detail on the data mining and compilation strategies for the identification of varved lakes and assimilation of high-resolution chronologies as well as the technical infrastructure of the database. Additional paleoclimate proxy data will be provided in forthcoming updates. The VARDA graph-database and user interface can be accessed online at https://varve.gfz-potsdam.de, all datasets of version 1.0 are available at http://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.3.2019.003 (Ramisch et al., 2019).
Stability evaluation and potential failure process of rock slopes characterized by non-persistent fractures
Authors: Zhang Wen , Wang Jia , Xu Peihua , Lou Junqing , Shan Bo , Wang Fengyan , Cao Chen , Chen Xiaoxue , Que Jinsheng
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Slope failure, which causes destructive damage and fatalities, is extremely common in mountainous areas. Therefore, the stability and potential failure of slopes must be analyzed accurately. For most fractured rock slopes, the complexity and random distribution of structural fractures make the aforementioned analyses considerably challenging for engineers and geologists worldwide. This study aims to solve this problem by proposing a comprehensive approach that combines the discrete fracture network (DFN) modeling technique, synthetic rock mass (SRM) approach, and statistical analysis. Specifically, a real fractured rock slope in Laohuding Quarry in Jixian County is studied to show this comprehensive approach. DFN simulation is performed to generate non-persistent fractures in the cross section of the slope. Subsequently, SRM approach is applied to simulate the slope model using 2D particle flow code software (PFC2D). A stability analysis is carried out based on the improved gravity increase method, emphasizing the effect of stress concentration throughout the formation of the critical slip surface. The collapse, rotation, and fragmentation of blocks and the accumulation distances are evaluated in the potential failure process of the rock slope. 100 slope models generated with different DFN models are used to repeat the aforementioned analyses as the result of a high degree of variability in DFN simulation. The critical slip surface, factor of safety, and accumulation distance are selected by statistical analysis for safety assurance in slope analysis and support.
Characterizing a decametre-scale granitic reservoir using GPR and
seismic methods – A case study for preparing hydraulic stimulations
Authors: Doetsch Joseph , Krietsch Hannes , Schmelzbach Cedric , Jalali Mohammadreza , Gischig Valentin Samuel , Villiger Linus , Amann Florian , Maurer Hansruedi
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and seismic imaging have proven to be important tools for the characterization of rock volumes. Both methods provide information about the physical rock mass properties and geology structures away from boreholes or tunnel walls. Here, we present the results from a geophysical characterization campaign that was conducted in preparation for a decametre-scale hydraulic stimulation experiment in the crystalline rock volume at the Grimsel Test Site (Central Switzerland). For this characterization experiment, we used tunnel based GPR reflection imaging as well as seismic traveltime tomography to investigate the volumes between several tunnels and boreholes. The interpretation of the GPR data with respect to geological structures is based on the unmigrated and migrated images. For the tomographic analysis of the seismic first-arrival traveltime data, we inverted for an anisotropic velocity model described by the Thomsen parameters v0, ϵ and δ to account for the rock mass foliation. Subsequently, the GPR and seismic images were interpreted in combination with the geological model of the test volume and the known in-situ stress states. We found that the ductile shear zones are clearly imaged by GPR and show an increase in seismic anisotropy due to a stronger foliation, while they are not visible in the P-wave (v0) velocity model. Regions of decreased seismic p-wave velocity, however, correlate with regions of high fracture density. For geophysical characterization of potential deep geothermal reservoirs, our results imply that wireline compatible borehole GPR should be considered for shear zone characterization, and that seismic anisotropy and velocity information are desirable to acquire in order to gain information about ductile shear zones and fracture density, respectively.
Front Matter and TOC
Authors: Nara Hiroshi
Published: March 2020

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Japanese Up Close—15 Lessons on Society and Culture in Japanese
Authors: Geyer Naomi
Published: March 2020

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Residual Futures: The Urban Ecologies of Literary and Visual Media of 1960s and 1970s Japan
Authors: Sakaki Atsuko
Published: March 2020

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Japanese Kanji Power: A Workbook for Mastering Japanese Characters
Authors: Curtin Karen
Published: March 2020

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Adaptation as a Strategy for Participation: The Chikusai Storyworld in Early Modern Japanese Literature
Authors: Moretti Laura
Published: March 2020

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Clinical and Urodynamic Predictors of the Q-Tip Test in Women With Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Authors: Wu Chin-Jui , Ting Wan-Hua , Lin Ho-Hsiung , Hsiao Sheng-Mou
Published: March 2020

Purpose: The Q-tip test is used to measure urethral hypermobility and can predict surgical outcomes. However, certain factors may affect the reliability of this test. Our aim was to identify independent clinical and urodynamic predictors of the results of the Q-tip test.Methods: Between January 2014 and June 2019, 176 consecutive women with lower urinary tract symptoms who underwent the Q-tip test and urodynamic studies were included in this retrospective study.Results: Multivariable regression analysis revealed that age (regression coefficient, -0.55), point Ba (regression coefficient, 4.1), urodynamic stress incontinence (regression coefficient, 9.9), maximum flow rate (Qmax) (regression coefficient, 0.13), pressure transmission ratio (PTR) at maximum urethral pressure (MUP) (regression coefficient, -0.14), and the score on the fifth question of the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQQ5; “Has urine leakage affected your participation in social activities outside your home?”; regression coefficient, -4.1) were independent predictors of the Q-tip angle, with a constant of 87.0. The following Spearman rank correlation coefficients were found between the Q-tip angle and the following variables: age, -0.38; point Ba, 0.34; urodynamic stress incontinence, 0.32; Qmax, 0.28; PTR at MUP, -0.28; and IIQQ5, -0.23. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis for the prediction of urodynamic stress incontinence found that the optimum cutoff for PTR at MUP was <81%, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.70.Conclusions: Age, point Ba, urodynamic stress incontinence, Qmax, PTR at MUP, and IIQQ5 were independent predictors of the Q-tip angle. However, none of these could be used as effective surrogates for the Q-tip test due to their lack of a sufficient correlation.
Korean Translation and Linguistic Validation of Urgency and Overactive Bladder Questionnaires
Authors: Kim Seung-Ee , Lee Hyo Serk , Lee Ha Na , Lee Seo Yeon , Choo Min Soo , Park Min Gu , Chae Ji Yun , Oh Seung-June , Cho Sung Yong
Published: March 2020

Purpose: Given the importance of evaluating the severity of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms and outcomes after treatment, several questionnaires have been developed to evaluate OAB patients. However, only limited questionnaires are available in Korea for use with Korean patients. Therefore, this study aimed to develop Korean versions of OAB questionnaires through a rigorous linguistic validation process.Methods: The Indevus Urgency Severity Scale, Urgency Perception Scale, Urgency Severity Scale, and Patient Perception of Intensity of Urgency Scale underwent translation and linguistic validation. The linguistic validation procedure consisted of permission for translation, forward translations, reconciliation, back-translation, cognitive debriefing, and proofreading. Two independent bilingual translators translated the original version of each questionnaire, and a panel then discussed and reconciled the 2 initial translations. Next, a third independent bilingual translator performed a backward translation of the reconciled version into English. Five Korean patients diagnosed with OAB were interviewed for cognitive debriefing.Results: Each item of the questionnaires was translated into 2 Korean versions in the forward translation process. Terms such as ‘urgency’ and ‘wetting’ were translated into ordinary language by the translators and adjusted by the panel members to more conceptually equivalent terms in a medical context. In the back-translation process, the panel made a few changes regarding details based on a comparison of the back-translated and original versions. During the cognitive debriefing process, 5 patients provided a few pieces of feedback on the naturalness of the wording of the questionnaires, but generally agreed on the translated terms.Conclusions: In this study, the panel produced a successful linguistic validation of Korean versions of multiple OAB questionnaires, which can be utilized to evaluate the severity and treatment outcomes of OAB.
Risk Factors Associated with Impaired Ovarian Reserve in Young Women of Reproductive Age with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Zhao Yue , Chen Baili , He Yao , Zhang Shenghong , Qiu Yun , Feng Rui , Yang Hongsheng , Zeng Zhirong , Ben-Horin Shomron , Chen Minhu , Mao Ren
Published: March 2020

Background/Aims: Crohn’s disease (CD) primarily affects young female adults of reproductive age. Few studies have been conducted on this population’s ovarian reserve status. The aim of study was to investigate potential risk factors associated with low ovarian reserve, as reflected by serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in women of reproductive age with CD.Methods: This was a case-control study. Cases included 87 patients with established CD, and healthy controls were matched by age, height and weight in a 1:1 ratio. Serum AMH levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: The average serum AMH level was significantly lower in CD patients than in control group (2.47±2.08 ng/mL vs. 3.87±1.96 ng/mL, respectively, P<0.001). Serum AMH levels were comparable between CD patients and control group under 25 years of age (4.41±1.52 ng/mL vs. 3.49±2.10 ng/mL, P=0.06), however, serum AMH levels were significantly lower in CD patients over 25 years of age compared to control group (P<0.05). Multivariable analysis showed that an age greater than 25 (odds ratio [OR], 10.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.90–52.93, P=0.007), active disease state (OR, 27.99; 95% CI, 6.13–127.95, P<0.001) and thalidomide use (OR, 15.66; 95% CI, 2.22–110.65, P=0.006) were independent risk factors associated with low ovarian reserve (serum AMH levels <2 ng/mL) in CD patients. Conclusions: Ovarian reserve is impaired in young women of reproductive age with CD. Age over 25 and an active disease state were both independently associated with low ovarian reserve. Thalidomide use could result in impaired ovarian reserve.
Use of Packaging for 'Hawaii' Papaya Conservation, Sold at CEASA of São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
Authors: Aguiar Francisco Ivo dos Santos , Freitas Junior Francisco Gilvan Borges Ferreira , Silva Maria Das Dores Cardozo , Costa Neta Clotilde De Morais , Macedo Karla Bianca da Costa , Almeida Edmilson Igor Bernardo , Neves Junior Augusto César Vieira , Araujo José Ribamar Gusmão , Silva Luana Ribeiro , Oliveira Leonardo Bernardes Taverny de , Shigaki Francirose
Published: March 2020

Surveys carried out in different microregions of Maranhão highlight papaya as one of the fruits with the postharvest losses estimates. In this context, this study aimed to analyze the efficiency of plastic packaging on postharvest conservation of Hawaii papaya to instruct the Maranhão retail market about viable alternatives to mitigate losses related to this fruit. The papayas were purchased from CEASA of São Luís and sent to the laboratory. Posteriorly, they were randomly separated into 65 groups of 2 units, and then, applying the coverings are made. The experimental design was completely randomized in a split-plot at 4x5 times, with four treatment control [(without packaging), plastic film (FP), hermetic-bag (SH), and perforated-bag (SP)] and five evaluation periods (3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 days of storage); four repetitions and 2-fruits per portion (tray). For the individual biometric characterization, was carried out the measuring of the longitudinal and transverse diameters, fresh mass, pulp yield, seed mass, firmness, and fruit mass loss. Furthermore, for chemical analysis, total soluble solids content, total titratable acidity, and pH were measured. It was found, at the end of the study, that the hermetic-bag is efficient for maintaining the loss of fresh mass, firmness, ripening, total soluble solids content, total titratable acidity, and pH, which are relevant attributes of quality for commercialization of the Hawaii papaya. Therefore, the use of the hermetic-bag is recommended to increase the postharvest shelf life of Hawaii papaya fruit under stored at room conditions and at least for 15 days.
Is Alexa My Neighbor?
Authors: Ammon Laura , Reed Randall
Published: March 2020

The advent of home artificial intelligence devices such as Amazon Echo (“Alexa”), Google Home, and Apple’s Siri represent a first incursion of artificial intelligence into the homes of Americans. It is predicted that A.I.s will continue to become more intelligent over time and even begin to develop unique personalities in response to their users. Might such A.I.s be perceived as religious persons? And if so, what strategies might the church use for their inclusion? In this article we will examine two examples in an attempt to look at the strategies that Christian churches have used to justify the inclusion of such persons: the sixteenth-century debate in the Catholic Church about the religious status of Native Americans, and twentieth- (and twenty-first-) century debates in Protestant churches about the religious status of LGBT+ people. In both these examples, the church designated peoples in these categories as being outside the religious sphere of salvation and then came to accept and in some cases celebrate these groups as part of God’s plan. We will then suggest the way that these two examples may eventually act as precursors to a future debate over the religious status of artificial intelligence.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for English Linguistics Research, Vol. 9, No. 1
Authors: Su Camille
Published: March 2020

English Linguistics Research (ELR) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether ELR publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue. Reviewers for Volume 9, Number 1 Alina Andreea Dragoescu Urlica, University of Life Sciences, RomaniaHülya Tuncer, Çukurova University, TurkeyKate Short-Meyerson, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, USAKazeem K. Olaniyan, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, NigeriaLi-ping Chang, National Taipei College of Business, TaiwanOmer Elsheikh Hago Elmahdi, Taibah Universit, Saudi ArabiaSawsan M.A. Ahmed, Taif University, Saudi ArabiaWin Whelan, St. Bonaventure University, USAZeineb Ayachi Ben Abdallah, Higher Institute of Human Sciences Jendouba, Tunisia Best Regards,Camille SuEditorial Assistant, English Linguistics ResearchSciedu Press*************************************Add: 9140 Leslie St. Suite 110, Beaver Creek, Ontario, L4B 0A9, CanadaTel: 1-416-479-0028 ext. 210Fax: 1-416-642-8548E-mail1: elr@sciedupress.com  E-mail2: elr@sciedupress.org Website: http://elr.sciedupress.com
Availability of Innovative Instructional Media for Social Studies Implementation in Enugu State
Authors: Anthonia C. Ugo , Francisca U. Nweke
Published: March 2020

The study investigated the availability of innovative instructional media for social studies implementation in Enugu State. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. The population for the study consisted of 339 social studies teachers from the six education zones in Enugu State. There was no sample because of the manageable size of the population. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire. Instrument was face validated and reliability was obtained using Cronbach alpha. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation for the research questions and t – test statistics for the hypotheses. Findings from the study revealed that teachers in urban and rural schools were provided with instructional media for the implementation of social studies curriculum to a very low extent. Teachers in urban secondary schools employed innovative instructional methods to a great extent while those in rural schools employed innovative teaching methods in the implementation of social studies curriculum to a low extent. The study recommended that efforts should be made by school administrators to expose teachers to workshops on innovative methods of teaching and the use of instructional media. Principals of schools should monitor the teaching of social studies, with a bid to ensure use of provided instructional media and innovative instructional strategies.
The effects of pneumoperitoneum and patient position on the perfusion index and pleth variability index during laparoscopic bariatric surgery
Authors: ARSLANTAS Reyhan , ARSLANTAS Mustafa Kemal , TORE ALTUN Gulbin , CORMAN DINCER Pelin
Published: March 2020

Objective: Limited data are available on the use of the perfusion index (PI) and the pleth variability index (PVI) during laparoscopicbariatric surgery. We investigated the effects of pneumoperitoneum and the reverse Trendelenburg position on these indices.Materials and Methods: PI, PVI, heart rate (HR), blood pressure, SpO2 and ventilation parameters were recorded before anaesthesiainduction (T0), 5 min after endotracheal intubation (T1), immediately before surgery, after the patient had been in the reverseTrendelenburg position for 5 min (T2), after inflating the abdomen with CO2 in reverse Trendelenburg (T3), after the abdomen hadbeen deflated (T4) and 5 min after extubation (T5).Results: General anaesthesia induced an increase in the PI (P<.001), and a decrease in the PVI (P=.002). The PI and PVI values werenot affected during T2 or T3. Pneumoperitoneum caused an increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and a decrease in HR. PVI andMAP decreased during T4, but the PI and HR remained unchanged. PVI, HR and MAP increased during T5.Conclusion: Our data suggest that the reverse Trendelenburg position and pneumoperitoneum did not affect the PI or PVI values,whereas deflation decreased the PVI in morbidly obese patients under general anaesthesia.