bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cooperation in the spatial prisoner’s dilemma game with probabilistic abstention
Authors: Cardinot Marcos , Griffith Josephine , O’Riordan Colm , Perc Matjaž
Published: September 2018

Research has shown that the addition of abstention as an option transforms social dilemmas to rock-paper-scissor type games, where defectors dominate cooperators, cooperators dominate abstainers (loners), and abstainers (loners), in turn, dominate defectors. In this way, abstention can sustain cooperation even under adverse conditions, although defection also persists due to cyclic dominance. However, to abstain or to act as a loner has, to date, always been considered as an independent, third strategy to complement traditional cooperation and defection. Here we consider probabilistic abstention, where each player is assigned a probability to abstain in a particular instance of the game. In the two limiting cases, the studied game reverts to the prisoner’s dilemma game without loners or to the optional prisoner’s dilemma game. For intermediate probabilities, we have a new hybrid game, which turns out to be most favorable for the successful evolution of cooperation. We hope this novel hybrid game provides a more realistic view of the dilemma of optional/voluntary participation.
Utility of 15(S)-HETE as a Serological Marker for Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Authors: Lu Shaolei , Herzlinger Michael , Cao Weibiao , Noble Lelia , Yang Dongfang , Shapiro Jason , Kurtis Jonathan , LeLeiko Neal , Resnick Murray
Published: September 2018

The pathogenesis of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) involves Th2-mediated eosinophil recruitment and degranulation into the esophagus. However, measuring serum Th2 cytokines, eosinophils, and eosinophil-derived products does not reliably distinguish EoE from control populations. Non-invasive methods to diagnose EoE are lacking. We evaluated the diagnostic value of a novel candidate biomarker of EoE: 15(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE). We used immunoassay to measure 15(S)-HETE and cytokine profiles in patients undergoing endoscopy with known or suspected EoE. 31 subjects were enrolled, 16 with EoE, and 15 with an alternate diagnosis. 15(S)-HETE was elevated in the EoE group compared to non-EoE group. The sensitivity and specificity of 15(S)-HETE to be used as a non-invasive marker is 50% and 80%, respectively. 15(S)-HETE may aid in the diagnosis of EoE.
Variable importance for sustaining macrophyte presence via random forests: data imputation and model settings
Authors: Van Echelpoel Wout , Goethals Peter L. M.
Published: September 2018

Data sets plagued with missing data and performance-affecting model parameters represent recurrent issues within the field of data mining. Via random forests, the influence of data reduction, outlier and correlated variable removal and missing data imputation technique on the performance of habitat suitability models for three macrophytes (Lemna minor, Spirodela polyrhiza and Nuphar lutea) was assessed. Higher performances (Cohen’s kappa values around 0.2–0.3) were obtained for a high degree of data reduction, without outlier or correlated variable removal and with imputation of the median value. Moreover, the influence of model parameter settings on the performance of random forest trained on this data set was investigated along a range of individual trees (ntree), while the number of variables to be considered (mtry), was fixed at two. Altering the number of individual trees did not have a uniform effect on model performance, but clearly changed the required computation time. Combining both criteria provided an ntree value of 100, with the overall effect of ntree on performance being relatively limited. Temperature, pH and conductivity remained as variables and showed to affect the likelihood of L. minor, S. polyrhiza and N. lutea being present. Generally, high likelihood values were obtained when temperature is high (>20 °C), conductivity is intermediately low (50–200 mS m−1) or pH is intermediate (6.9–8), thereby also highlighting that a multivariate management approach for supporting macrophyte presence remains recommended. Yet, as our conclusions are only based on a single freshwater data set, they should be further tested for other data sets.
Doxorubicin induces caspase-mediated proteolysis of KV7.1
Authors: Strigli Anne , Raab Christian , Hessler Sabine , Huth Tobias , Schuldt Adam J. T. , Alzheimer Christian , Friedrich Thomas , Burridge Paul W. , Luedde Mark , Schwake Michael
Published: September 2018

Kv7.1 (KCNQ1) coassembles with KCNE1 to generate the cardiac IKs-channel. Gain- and loss-of-function mutations in KCNQ1 are associated with cardiac arrhthymias, highlighting the importance of modulating IKs activity for cardiac function. Here, we report proteolysis of Kv7.1 as an irreversible posttranslational modification. The identification of two C-terminal fragments of Kv7.1 led us to identify an aspartate critical for the generation of one of the fragments and caspases as responsible for mediating proteolysis. Activating caspases reduces Kv7.1/KCNE1 currents, which is abrogated in cells expressing caspase-resistant channels. Enhanced cleavage of Kv7.1 can be detected for the LQT mutation G460S, which is located adjacent to the cleavage site, whereas a calmodulin-binding-deficient mutation impairs cleavage. Application of apoptotic stimuli or doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity provokes caspase-mediated cleavage of endogenous IKs in human cardiomyocytes. In summary, caspases are novel regulatory components of IKs channels that may have important implications for the molecular mechanism of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.
Improved method for spectrophotometric determination of ruthenium using 1,10-phenanthroline: application for analysis of complex compounds
Authors: Zahirović Adnan , Osmanković Irnesa , Turkušić Emir , Kahrović Emira
Published: September 2018

A day-to-day fast, cheap and accurate analysis of ruthenium in complex compounds without forgoing distillation of ruthenium tetroxide was conducted.
A novel metronidazole electrochemical sensor based on surface imprinted vertically cross-linked two-dimensional Sn3O4 nanoplates
Authors: Wang Juan , Du Wei , Huang Xingqi , Hu Junling , Xia WeiWei , Jin Dangqin , Shu Yun , Xu Qin , Hu Xiaoya
Published: September 2018

A sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor for metronidazole was constructed based on surface imprinted vertically cross-linked two-dimensional Sn3O4 nanoplates.
Acetamide: a low-cost alternative to alkyl imidazolium chlorides for aluminium-ion batteries
Authors: Canever Nicolò , Bertrand Nicolas , Nann Thomas
Published: September 2018

Acetamide forms a room temperature liquid eutectic with AlCl3, which can be used as a low-cost electrolyte for aluminium-ion batteries.
Facile, shear-induced, rapid formation of stable gels of chitosan through in situ generation of colloidal metal salts
Authors: Ravishankar Kartik , Kanniyappan Hemalatha , Shelly K. M. , Muthuvijayan Vignesh , Dhamodharan Raghavachari
Published: September 2018

A novel method of preparing chitosan gels using in situ generated negatively-charged colloidal salts of a variety of metal ions is described.
Bridging solution properties to gas hydrate nucleation through guest dynamics
Authors: Zhang Zhengcai , Kusalik Peter G. , Guo Guang-Jun
Published: September 2018

Increasing guest concentration, decreasing entropy, and approaching a common critical diffusivity for different guests to nucleate hydrates readily.
Optical transient absorption experiments reveal the failure of formal kinetics in diffusion assisted electron transfer reactions
Authors: Angulo Gonzalo , Rosspeintner Arnulf , Lang Bernhard , Vauthey Eric
Published: September 2018

The charge separation yield is shown to be strongly influenced by the distance dependence of the reactivity, viscosity and concentration and cannot be disentangled from the preceding events.
Dynamic calorimetry and XRD studies of the nematic and twist-bend nematic phase transitions in a series of dimers with increasing spacer length
Authors: Stevenson Warren D. , Zou Heng-xing , Zeng Xiang-bing , Welch Christopher , Ungar Goran , Mehl Georg H.
Published: September 2018

A modulated DSC study of bent dimesogens with (CH2)nspacersn= 5–11 showed that the enthalpy of the ordinary nematic is lowest forn= 11 due to the lowest C–C torsion energy needed to straighten the dimer, causing near disappearance of twist-bend-nematic to nematic transition enthalpy.
Understanding the role of extracts from sea buckthorn seed residues in anti-melanogenesis properties on B16F10 melanoma cells
Authors: Zhang Jiachan , Wang Changtao , Wang Chengtao , Sun Baoguo , Qi Cai
Published: September 2018

The hydroalcoholic extract of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) seed residues (HYD-SBSR) is a potential skin whitening agent.
Visible light-enhanced thermal decomposition performance of ammonium perchlorate with a metal–organic framework-derived Ag-embedded porous ZnO nanocomposite
Authors: Wang Jingfeng , Li Yang , Qiao Yadong , Yu Guangzhi , Wu Jinzhu , Wu Xiaohong , Qin Wei , Xu Liang
Published: September 2018

An Ag-embedded porous ZnO nanocomposite (Ag–ZnO NC) fabricated using an MOF exhibits high catalytic activity for the thermal decomposition of AP under the assistance of visible light.
Multi-block magnetic nanorods for controlled drug release modulated by Fourier transform surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Kwak Min , Jung Insub , Kang Young Gyu , Lee Dong-ki , Park Sungho
Published: September 2018

Fourier transform surface plasmon resonance of tri-component Au–Ni–Au nanorods with silica shells for on-demand and controlled release of drug.
Effect of phosphorus content on mechanical properties of polymeric nickel composite materials with a diamond-structure microlattice
Authors: Zhao Yungang , Wei Fang , Zhao Xinqing , Yang Qinglin , Guo Lin , Jiang Lei
Published: September 2018

Ordered polymer–nickel microlattices are fabricated by electroless plating on diamond templates by 3D printing and are tested by compression. Fittings are used for tests and accord well. Composite with 8.01 wt% P presents best performance, 1.08 MPa.
Novel high-efficiency Eu3+-activated Na2Gd2B2O7 red-emitting phosphors with high color purity
Authors: Sakthivel Thangavel , Sun Liangling , Devakumar Balaji , Li Bin , Huang Xiaoyong
Published: September 2018

Novel high-efficiency Eu3+-activated Na2Gd2B2O7 red-emitting phosphors with color purity as high as 99% were developed for warm white LEDs.
Recyclable Cu/C3N4 composite catalyzed AHA/A3 coupling reactions for the synthesis of propargylamines
Authors: Xu Hang , Wang Jun , Wang Peng , Niu Xiyu , Luo Yidan , Zhu Li , Yao Xiaoquan
Published: September 2018

Recyclable Cu/C3N4 composite, a highly efficient catalyst for the synthesis of propargylamines via an AHA/A3 reaction.
Preparation of a novel palladium catalytic hydrogel based on graphene oxide/chitosan NPs and cellulose nanowhiskers
Authors: Ashiri Samira , Mehdipour Ebrahim
Published: September 2018

Pd NPs dispersed on a polysaccharide-based hydrogel as a novel catalyst show high catalytic activity and recyclability for coupling reactions.
Silver-mediated oxidative functionalization of alkylsilanes
Authors: Wang Feng , Xu Peng , Cong Fei , Tang Pingping
Published: September 2018

A general approach to the functionalization of aliphatic C–Si bonds in the presence of silver salts and oxidants has been reported.
A foldable composite electrode with excellent electrochemical performance using microfibrillated cellulose fibers as a framework
Authors: Liu Qingzhong , Chen Zehong , Jing Shuangshuang , Zhuo Hao , Hu Yijie , Liu Jinchao , Zhong Linxin , Peng Xinwen , Liu Chuanfu
Published: September 2018

A foldable composite electrode was fabricated for a flexible supercapacitor. The composite possesses not only excellent electrochemical properties, but also structural stability.
Correlating the electrocatalytic stability of platinum monolayer catalysts with their structural evolution in the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Chen Guangyu , Kuttiyiel Kurian A. , Li Meng , Su Dong , Du Lei , Du Chunyu , Gao Yunzhi , Fei Weidong , Yin Geping , Sasaki Kotaro , Adzic Radoslav R.
Published: September 2018

The structure–activity relationship of Pd–PtML core–shell electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction during up to 100k cycles of stability test is elucidated, and the self-healing and self-retaining mechanisms are proposed to illuminate its ultra-high ORR stability.
Editable asymmetric all-solid-state supercapacitors based on high-strength, flexible, and programmable 2D-metal–organic framework/reduced graphene oxide self-assembled papers
Authors: Cheng Junye , Chen Shengmei , Chen Da , Dong Liubing , Wang Jinjie , Zhang Taolin , Jiao Tianpeng , Liu Bin , Wang Hao , Kai Ji-Jung , Zhang Deqing , Zheng Guangping , Zhi Linjie , Kang Feiyu , Zhang Wenjun
Published: September 2018

An editable asymmetric all-solid-state supercapacitors based on 2D-MOF/rGO papers were constructed.
Synthesis of ZIF-67 nanocubes with complex structures co-mediated by dopamine and polyoxometalate
Authors: Wu Hao Bin , Guan Bu Yuan , He Peilei , Yu Xin-Yao
Published: September 2018

ZIF-67 nanocubes with sophisticated structures are synthesized.
A bifunctional and stable Ni–Co–S/Ni–Co–P bistratal electrocatalyst for 10.8%-efficient overall solar water splitting
Authors: Zhou Xiaoxue , Zhou Ju , Huang Guanping , Fan Ronglei , Ju Sheng , Mi Zetian , Shen Mingrong
Published: September 2018

A bifunctional NiCoS/NiCoP catalyst with bistratal structure for 10.8%-efficient and stable overall solar water splitting.
Significant enhancement in the Seebeck coefficient and power factor of thermoelectric polymers by the Soret effect of polyelectrolytes
Authors: Guan Xin , Cheng Hanlin , Ouyang Jianyong
Published: September 2018

The thermoelectric performance of PEDOT:PSS can be significantly enhanced by energy filtering arising from ion accumulation in the polyelectrolyte layer.
Exploration of dynamic self-assembly mediated nanoparticle formation using perylenemonoimide–pyrene conjugate: a tool towards single-component white-light emission
Authors: Kapuria Nilotpal , Sharma Vikas , Kumar Prashant , Koner Apurba Lal
Published: September 2018

The formulation of fluorescent organic nanoparticles in an easy and cost-effective way is the desideratum.
Exploring thermal transitions in anthradithiophene-based organic semiconductors to reveal structure-packing relationships
Authors: Li Shi , Ryno Sean M. , Risko Chad
Published: September 2018

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to provide atomic-scale details of the thermally induced phase transitions of crystalline organic semiconductors.
Synthesis, structure and nonlinear optical properties of solution-processed Bi2TeO5 nanocrystals
Authors: Chen Bin , Wang Xingzhi , Li Junqin , Xiong Qihua , Zhang Chaohua
Published: September 2018

Nonlinear optical Bi2TeO5 nanocrystals with controlled sizes and shapes are synthesized by a novel solution-based method using a mixed solvent.
FOXF2 inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of Hela cells by regulating Wnt signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Jun , Zhang Chunxia , Sang Lin , Huang Ling , Du Juan , Zhao Xingbo
Published: September 2018

This article was aimed to study the FOXF2 effects on cervical cancer. Tumor tissues and adjacent tissues of 41 cervical cancer patients were collected. Human endometrial epithelial cells (hEEC) and Hela cells were cultured. FOXF2 expression vector and its empty vector were transfected into Hela cells, and named as pcDNA 3.1-FOXF2 group and Vector group, respectively. Hela cells without any treatment were set as Blank group. qRT-PCR was used to detect mRNA expression. Nude mouse xenograft assay was performed to test Hela cells proliferation ability in vivo. FOXF2 and β-catenin positive cell numbers were detected by immunohistochemistry. Protein expression was analyzed by Western blot. Cells migration and invasion were conducted by Transwell. Tumor tissues and Hela cells FOXF2 expression were lower than that in adjacent tissues and hEEC (P<0.01). Low FOXF2 expression predicted poor outcomes of cervical cancer patients. Compared with Blank group and Vector group, Hela cells of pcDNA 3.1-FOXF2 group were with higher FOXF2 expression, lower OD495 value, migrated and invaded cells, higher E-cadherin expression, lower Vimentin and Snail expression, smaller tumor volume in nude mice, lower c-Myc, CyclinDl, MMP9, Lgr5, and nuclear β-catenin expression (all P<0.01). FOXF2 inhibits Hela cells proliferation, migration, and invasion through regulating Wnt signaling pathway.
Down-regulation of lncRNA snaR is correlated with postoperative distant recurrence of HPV-negative cervical squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Zhenli , Gao Yuqing
Published: September 2018

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) snaR is a newly identified lncRNA with known functionality only in colon cancer. Our study was carried out to investigate the involvement of lncRNA snaR in human papillomaviruses (HPV)-negative cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). In the present study, plasma levels of lncRNA snaR in 108 patients with HPV-negative CSCC at stage I and II, and 35 healthy female controls were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. ROC curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of lncRNA snaR for HPV-negative CSCC. All patients were subjected to surgical resection and followed-up for 5 years to record cancer recurrence. lncRNA snaR expression vectors were transfected into HPV-negative CSCC cells. Cell migration and invasion ability were evaluated by Transwell migration and invasion assay, respectively. Expression levels of TGF-β1 were determined by Western blot. It was observed that lncRNA snaR was down-regulated in HPV-negative CSCC patients comparing with healthy controls. Down-regulation of lncRNA snaR effectively distinguished HPV-negative CSCC patients from healthy controls. lncRNA snaR was further down-regulated in patients with distant recurrence (DR) but not in patients with local-recurrence or without recurrence. lncRNA snaR overexpression decreased TGF-β1 expression in CSCC cells, while exogenous TGF-β1 treatment showed no significant effects on lncRNA snaR expression. lncRNA snaR overexpression inhibited cancer cell migration and invasion, while TGF-β1 treatment attenuated the inhibitory effect of lncRNA snaR overexpression on cancer cell migration and invasion. We therefore conclude that down-regulation of lncRNA snaR may induce postoperative DR of HPV-negative CSCC possibly through the interactions with TGF-β1.
Inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3β is involved in cardioprotection by α7nAChR agonist and limb remote ischemic postconditionings
Authors: Li Hui-Xian , Cui Xin-Long , Xue Fu-Shan , Yang Gui-Zhen , Liu Ya-Yang , Liu Qing , Liao Xu
Published: September 2018

The present study was designed to determine whether glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) was involved in the cardioprotection by α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) agonist and limb remote ischemic postconditionings. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided equally into control (C), α7nAChR agonist postconditioning (P), limb remote ischemic postconditioning (L), combined α7nAChR agonist and limb remote ischemic postconditioning (P+L) groups. At the end of experiment, serum cTnI, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), high mobility group protein (HMGB1) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels were measured; infarct size (IS), myocardial expressions of GSK-3β, p-GSK-3β (Ser9), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and p-NF-κB (Ser536) in the ischemic area were assessed. The results showed that compared with group C, IS, serum cTnI and CK-MB levels obviously decreased in groups P, L and P+L. Compared with groups P and L, IS, serum cTnI and CK-MB levels significantly decreased in group P+L. Compared with group C, serum TNF-α, IL-6 and HMGB1 levels, and myocardial expression of p-NF-κBp65 (Ser536) evidently decreased, and myocardial expression of p-GSK-3β (Ser9) obviously increased in groups P, L and P+L. Compared with group P, serum TNF-α, IL-6 and HMGB1 levels and myocardial expression of p-NF-κBp65 (Ser536) significantly increased, and myocardial expression of p-GSK-3β (Ser9) evidently decreased in group L. Compared with group L, serum TNF-α, IL-6, HMGB1 levels, and myocardial expression of p-NF-κBp65 (Ser536) significantly decreased, and myocardial expression of p-GSK-3β (Ser9) obviously increased in group P+L. In conclusion, our findings indicate that inhibition of GSK-3β to decrease NF-κB transcription is one of cardioprotective mechanisms of α7nAChR agonist and limb remote ischemic postconditionings by anti-inflammation, but improved cardioprotection by combined two interventions is not completely attributable to an enhanced anti-inflammatory mechanism.
HD 38858: a solar-type star with an activity cycle of ∼10.8 yr
Authors: Flores M. , González J. F. , Jaque Arancibia M. , Saffe C. , Buccino A. , López F. M. , Ibañez Bustos R. V. , Miquelarena P.
Published: September 2018

Context.The detection of chromospheric activity cycles in solar-analogue and twin stars can be used to place the solar cycle in a wider context. However, relatively few of these stars with activity cycles have been detected. It is well known that the cores of the Ca IIH&K lines are modulated by stellar activity. The behaviour of the Balmer and other optical lines with stellar activity is not yet completely understood.

Aims.We search for variations in the Ca IIH&K, Balmer, and Fe IIlines modulated by stellar activity. In particular, we apply a novel strategy to detect possible shape variations in the Hαline.

Methods.We analysed activity signatures in HD 38858 using HARPS and CASLEO spectra obtained between 2003 and 2017. We calculated the Mount Wilson index (SMW), log(R′HK), and the statistical moments of the Ca IIH&K, Balmer, and other optical lines. We searched for periodicities using the generalized Lomb-Scargle periodogram.

Results.We detect a long-term activity cycle of 10.8 yr in Ca IIH&K and Hαin the solar-analogue star HD 38858. In contrast, this cycle is marginally detected in the Fe IIlines. We also detect a noticeable variation in radial velocity that seems to be produced by stellar activity.

Conclusions.HD 38858 is the second solar-analogue star where we find a clear activity cycle that is replicated in the Balmer lines. Spectral indexes based on the shape of Hαline seem to be more reliable than the fluxes in the same line for detecting activity variations. The cyclic modulation we detected gives place to a variation in radial velocity that previously has been associated with a super-Earth planet. Finally, due to the similarity of HD 38858 with the Sun, we recommend to continue monitoring this star.
Laboratory rotational spectrum and astronomical search for methoxyacetaldehyde
Authors: Kolesniková L. , Peña I. , Alonso E. R. , Tercero B. , Cernicharo J. , Mata S. , Alonso J. L.
Published: September 2018

Context. Methoxyacetaldehyde belongs to a group of structural isomers with the general formula C3H6O2, of which methyl acetate and ethyl formate are known interstellar molecules. Rotational data available for methoxyacetaldehyde are limited to 40 GHz, which makes predictions at higher frequencies rather uncertain.

Aims. The aim of this work is to provide accurate experimental frequencies of methoxyacetaldehyde in the millimeter-wave region to support its detection in the interstellar medium.

Methods. The rotational spectrum of methoxyacetaldehyde was recorded at room-temperature from 75 to 120 GHz and from 170 to 310 GHz using the millimeter-wave spectrometer in Valladolid. Additional measurements were also performed at conditions of supersonic expansion from 6 to 18 GHz. The assigned rotational transitions were analyzed using theS-reduced semirigid-rotor Hamiltonian.

Results. We newly assigned over 1000 lines for the most stable conformer of methoxyacetaldehyde in its ground state and five lowest excited vibrational states, and precise sets of spectroscopic constants were obtained. We searched for spectral features of methoxyacetaldehyde in the high-mass star-forming regions Orion KL and Sagittarius B2, as well as in the cold dark cloud Barnard 1 (B1-b). No lines belonging to methoxyacetaldehyde were detected above the detection limit of our data. We provide upper limits to the methoxyacetaldehyde colum density in these sources.
Spatiotemporal variation in wetland fish assemblages in the Western Ghats region of India
Authors: Grubh Archis R. , Winemiller Kirk O.
Published: September 2018

The Western Ghats region of peninsular India contains high diversity of freshwater fishes that support artisanal fisheries, but no studies to date have investigated fish assemblages of the region's extensive wetlands. This study examined fish population densities and the structure of local species assemblages in pools of the Periyakulam wetland of the Western Ghats. From 2000 to 2001, fishes and local abiotic environmental parameters were surveyed during three periods with contrasting rainfall (dry, major wet, minor wet). We hypothesized that fish density would be higher during the dry season when aquatic habitat is reduced, and that local assemblage structure would be strongly associated with habitat conditions. Total fish densities were higher during the dry season, but the magnitude of seasonal change was relatively low, and this apparently was because changes in water depth were minimal due to operation of sluice gates that control wetland hydrology. Chanda nama, Pseudetroplus maculatus, Rasbora daniconius, and Danio aequipinnatus were dominant species in most habitats during all three seasons. Multivariate ordinations revealed strong associations between assemblage structure and habitats based on vegetation cover. Local assemblages in shallow-vegetated habitats varied seasonally in association with gradients of rainfall and water quality parameters. Spatial variation of local fish assemblages in the Periyakulam wetland appears to be maintained by species-specific habitat selection. Although hydrologic regulation probably has reduced seasonal variation in the structure of local assemblages, seasonal differences still occur and appear to be caused by species differences with regard to periods of reproduction, recruitment, dispersal and habitat selection.
Municipal wastewater can result in a dramatic decline in freshwater fishes: a lesson from a developing country
Authors: Galib Shams M. , Mohsin A.B.M. , Parvez Md. Taskin , Lucas Martyn C. , Chaki Nipa , Arnob Sadman S. , Hossain Md. Istiaque , Islam M. Nazrul
Published: September 2018

Impacts of ineffective wastewater management on the biodiversity of receiving waters in developing countries are poorly documented. Using a before-after-control-impact methodology, we measured the effects of untreated wastewater release on the fish community in the Barnoi River, Bangladesh. In 2006, prior to untreated wastewater discharge, fish abundance, species richness and water quality were similar across sampling sites. In 2016, after 8 years of wastewater release to the downstream reach, fish abundance and species richness were reduced by >47% and >35% respectively at downstream sites compared to unaffected upstream sites and >51% and >41% lower respectively compared to the pre-wastewater discharge period. The wastewater impact was particularly severe during months of low discharge (October–December). Water transparency, dissolved oxygen and pH were lower (P < 0.001) at impacted downstream sites compared to upstream sites. Nineteen species (41.3% of all species we recorded) are threatened in Bangladesh and the abundance of these species, except one, decreased significantly (P < 0.05) at the impacted sites. We recommend improved wastewater management by applying primary treatment facilities and incorporating reedbed filtration as a mean of biological treatment, into the canals carrying wastewaters. The success of such measures should be tested with fish species that were most responsive to wastewater, using the indicator species concept.
Nebenwirkungen der neuen Antidepressiva
Authors: Lenz Frederike , Bauer Michael , Ritter Philipp
Published: September 2018

Der steigende Einsatz neuerer Antidepressiva liegt u. a. an deren geringerer Toxizität. Dennoch gibt es auch mit diesen Substanzen Nebenwirkungen – zwar seltener, aber dennoch potenziell gefährlich. Vor der Auswahl des passenden Antidepressivums steht deshalb eine ausführliche Anamnese und Aufklärung. Mit Kenntnis der Neben- und Wechselwirkungen mit anderen Medikamenten lassen sich der Behandlungserfolg optimieren und die Adhärenz fördern.
Sex-Survey-Forschung in Deutschland
Authors: Briken Peer , Matthiessen Silja
Published: September 2018

70 Jahre nach Alfred C. Kinseys „Sexual Behavior in the Human Male“ (1948) und seinem skandalumwitterten zweiten Band „Sexual Behavior in the Human Female“ (1953) liegen keine umfassenden repräsentativen Daten zum sexuellen Verhalten von Männern und
Frauen in Deutschland vor. Das vorliegende Schwerpunkheft stellt nun erste Ergebnisse einer Pilotstudie für einen repräsentativen Sex-Survey in Deutschland
zusammen. Die Pilotstudie wurde 2017 durchgeführt, mit den Vorbereitungen wurde allerdings schon 2015 begonnen. Zunächst erfolgten eine umfassende Recherche der
Erhebungsinstrumente und Studiendesigns vergleichbarer Sex-Surveys in anderen europäischen Ländern sowie umfangreiche Vorarbeiten zur Entwicklung eines
Indikatorensatzes und Fragebogens für eine Studie zur Sexualität Erwachsener in Deutschland. Anders als in vielen anderen Ländern Europas und der westlichen Welt
liegen auch Indikatoren zur „Sexuellen Gesundheit“ für Deutschland im engeren Sinne bislang nicht vor.
Pornografienutzung von Erwachsenen in Deutschland
Authors: Martyniuk Urszula , Dekker Arne
Published: September 2018

Einleitung: Die bisherigen empirischen Studien zur Nutzung von Pornografie stützten sich zum Großteil auf nicht-repräsentative Selbstselektionsstichproben
von Jugendlichen und jungen Erwachsenen.

Forschungsziele: Ziel der Studie war es, die Pornografienutzung von Erwachsenen zu untersuchen, und erstmalig für Deutschland einen Einblick in die
Nutzung auch der älteren Generationen zu bekommen.

Methoden: Es wurde eine repräsentative Studie zur Erwachsenensexualität in Deutschland mit 1 155 Befragten im Alter zwischen 18 und 75 Jahren
durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse: Die überwiegende Mehrheit der Befragten (96 % der Männer und 79 % der Frauen) hat schon mindestens einmal Pornografie angesehen, wobei das
Alter beim ersten Pornografiekontakt für Männer und die jüngeren Generationen niedriger ist. Auch bei der Häufigkeit der Pornografienutzung gibt es große
Geschlechter- und Generationenunterschiede und auch hier nutzen Männer und jüngere Befragte häufiger pornografisches Material. Während bei Frauen stärkere
religiöse Bindung mit weniger Pornografienutzung einhergeht, ist die Tendenz bei den Männern nicht so deutlich bzw. teilweise umgekehrt. Die meisten Befragten
geben an, dass ihre Pornografienutzung keine (59 %) bzw. nur positive (30 %) Auswirkungen auf ihr Sexualleben habe.

Schlussfolgerung: Die analysierten Daten bestätigen in der Tendenz bisherige Forschungsergebnisse. Es wird deutlich, dass nicht nur individuelle, sondern
auch soziale und kulturelle Faktoren für das Erleben und die Nutzung von Pornografie von Bedeutung sind.
Sexualbezogene Online-Fortbildung für Fachkräfte: Webinare und andere E-Learning-Kurse
Authors: Döring Nicola
Published: September 2018

Der vorliegende Praxisbeitrag stellt insgesamt sieben sexualwissenschaftlich fundierte E-Learning-Angebote von und für Fachkräfte vor. Darunter befinden sich vor
allem Webinare, aber auch andere E-Learning-Formate. Thematisch wird ein weiter Bogen gespannt von sexueller Gesundheit über Transphobie und Trans*Identitäten,
Sexualitäten bei Menschen mit Demenz, genitaler Stimulation und Orgasmus bei Frauen bis hin zu Techniken der Sexual- und Paartherapie.
Will the tradable green certifications and renewable portfolio standard policy work well in China: A recursive CGE analysis
Authors: Li Wei , Liu Liguo , Zhang Shu , Zhang Hongzhi
Published: September 2018

Massive carbon emissions and environmental pollution from electric power industries make China accelerate the promotion of renewable energy power. Since then, Tradable Green Certifications (TGCs) and Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) systems have been adopted as a main energy policy to deepen the current power sector reform. A recursive computable general equilibrium model will be constructed to explore the impacts of TGC and RPS policies under 4 scenarios. The simulation results show that the implementation of TGC and RPS policies will reduce 1.12 Bt-CO2 emissions and 1040.31 Mtce energy consumptions at most in 2030. Moreover, the TGC and RPS policies will help to rebuild a sustainable economic structure by the limitation of fossil energy consumption and output; especially in coal and oil industries, the spread of TGC and RPS makes renewable energy electricity become fungible for other energy generation. Nevertheless, this policy will also cause a lot of economic loss in gross domestic product through the huge deterioration of fossil energy-related industries, which will be expressed in the dramatic decline of output, consumption, and import and export trade. Additionally, we discover that the RPS level will have a significant influence on TGC prices: the higher the RPS level, the more the expensive TGC price. Overall speaking, the RPS level of 30% would be a better choice for the balance between the development of renewable energy and the negative impact on macroeconomics. It is recommended that the implementation of the TGC and RPS level should be with other economic policies to reduce the negative effects.
MESFETs and inverters based on amorphous zinc-tin-oxide thin films prepared at room temperature
Authors: Vogt Sofie , von Wenckstern Holger , Grundmann Marius
Published: September 2018

Room temperature fabrication of amorphous oxide semiconductors enables a cost-efficient production of devices on flexible and large-area substrates. Metal-semiconductor field-effect transistors using amorphous zinc-tin-oxide (ZTO) thin films with a cation composition of 1:1 Zn:Sn are presented. The n-type ZTO channel is deposited by long-throw magnetron sputtering from a ceramic target at room temperature on glass substrates. Reactively sputtered platinum is used as a gate contact material. We report on/off current ratios as high as 1.8 × 106, a threshold voltage of 0.47 V, and a sub-threshold swing of 124 mV dec−1 for as-fabricated devices. Using negative bias treatment, an improvement in device properties is observed, namely, a decrease in the off-current by two orders of magnitude and a reduction of the sub-threshold swing. An inverter based on as-deposited ZTO metal-semiconductor field-effect transistors exhibits a high peak gain magnitude of 119 and a small uncertainty level of 160 mV for a supply voltage of 3 V.
Microcanonical RT-TDDFT simulations of realistically extended devices
Authors: Andermatt Samuel , Bani-Hashemian Mohammad Hossein , Ducry Fabian , Brück Sascha , Clima Sergiu , Pourtois Geoffrey , VandeVondele Joost , Luisier Mathieu
Published: September 2018

In this paper, real-time time-dependent density functional theory (RT-TDDFT) calculations of realistically sized nanodevices are presented. These microcanonical simulations rely on a closed boundary approach based on recent advances in the software package CP2K. The obtained results are compared to those derived from the open-boundary Non-equilibrium Green’s Function (NEGF) formalism. A good agreement between the “current vs. voltage” characteristics produced by both methods is demonstrated for three representative device structures, a carbon nanotube field-effect transistor, a GeSe selector for crossbar arrays, and a conductive bridging random-access memory cell. Different approaches to extract the electrostatic contribution from the RT-TDDFT Hamiltonian and to incorporate the result into the NEGF calculations are presented.
Dielectric relaxation in acetamide + urea deep eutectics and neat molten urea: Origin of time scales via temperature dependent measurements and computer simulations
Authors: Mukherjee Kallol , Das Suman , Tarif Ejaj , Barman Anjan , Biswas Ranjit
Published: September 2018

Dielectric relaxation (DR) measurements in the frequency window 0.2 ≤ ν(GHz) ≤ 50 for deep eutectic solvents (DESs) made of acetamide (CH3CONH2) and urea (NH2CONH2) with the general composition, [f CH3CONH2 + (1 − f) NH2CONH2] at f = 0.6 and 0.7, reveal three distinct relaxation time scales—τ1 ∼ 120 ps, τ2 ∼ 40 ps, and τ3 ∼ 5 ps. Qualitatively similar time scales have been observed for DR of neat molten urea, whereas the reported DR for neat molten acetamide in the same frequency window reflects two relaxation processes with no trace of ∼100 ps time scale. This slowest DR time scale (τ1) resembles closely to the long-time constant of the simulated structural H-bond relaxation (CHB(t)) involving urea pairs. Similarity in activation energies estimated from the temperature dependent DR measurements (335 ≤ T/K ≤ 363) and structural H-bond relaxations indicates that the structural H-bond relaxation overwhelmingly dominates the slowest DR relaxation in these DESs. Simulated collective reorientational correlation functions (Cℓ(t)), on the other hand, suggest that the second slower time scale (∼40 ps) derives contributions from both the single particle orientation dynamics and structural H-bond relaxation, leaving no role for hydrodynamic molecular rotations. The sub-10 ps DR time scale has been found to be connected to the fast reorientation dynamics of the component molecules (acetamide or urea). Fractional viscosity dependence for the longest DR times, τDR∝η/Tp, has been observed for these DESs with the fraction power p = 0.7. Subsequently, the temporal heterogeneity aspects of these media have been investigated by examining the simulated particle motion characteristics and substantiated by estimating the dynamically correlated time scales and length-scales through simulations of four-point susceptibilities and density correlations. These estimated dynamical time scales and length-scales assist in explaining the different inferences regarding solution heterogeneity drawn from different measurements on these DESs.
A vibration modulation method for natural mode measurement of external-cavity diode laser
Authors: Quan Wei , Liu Sizhe , Zhai Yueyang
Published: September 2018

A vibration modulation method is introduced for natural mode measurement of external-cavity diode laser. The detuning power spectrum of the Fabry-Perot resonator is investigated by actively driving frequency range (0 ∼3 kHz) acoustic field to provide a vary series of sound waves loading on the laser structure, from which the natural modes of external-cavity diode laser are reflected intuitively. Furthermore, the impact of external noise using the acoustic pressure model is analyzed. The experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical analysis results. The proposed method can optimize the laser mechanics structure in stability and design feedback system in natural frequency respect in order to achieve better frequency stabilization effect.
Electrothermally modulated contact line dynamics of a binary fluid in a patterned fluidic environment
Authors: Kunti Golak , Mondal Pranab Kumar , Bhattacharya Anandaroop , Chakraborty Suman
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we depict the interfacial electro-thermo-chemical-hydrodynamics of two immiscible fluids in a microchannel with substrates patterned by ribs. The motion of the binary fluids is set by an alternating current electrothermal (ACET) mechanism. Our investigation, based on the free-energy-based phase field formalism, reveals that the capillary filling dynamics and the contact line motion are strong functions of the wetting characteristics and geometric parameters of the patterned ribs. Modulation of these parameters alters the surface energy over the rib surface, which, in turn, facilitates the interaction between the interfacial tension and the driving electrothermal force. An interplay of these two forces may speed up or slow down the fluid-fluid-solid contact line motion over the rib surface. At the edges of the ribs, the interface can halt for a sufficiently long time owing to the contact line pinning. Alteration in the position of the ribs between the electrode pairs changes the electric field strength and thereby the bulk ACET forces across the contact line. Furthermore, by suitable arrangement of these ribs, various intricate shapes of the liquid front can be achieved over a short distance, which can have significant implications on the morphological control of microscale flow.
An atomistic model for the charge distribution in layered MoS2
Authors: Yang Yida , Devel Michel , Wang Zhao
Published: September 2018

We present an atomistic model for predicting the distribution of doping electric charges in layered molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). This model mimics the charge around each ion as a net Gaussian-spatially distributed charge plus an induced dipole, and is able to predict the distribution of doping charges in layered MoS2 in a self-consistent scheme. The profiles of doping charges in monolayer MoS2 flakes computed by this charge-dipole model are in good agreement with those obtained by density-functional-theory calculations. Using this model, we quantitatively predict the charge enhancement in MoS2 monolayer nanoribbons, with which strong ionic charge-localization effects are shown.
Data mining of a clean signal from highly noisy data based on compressed data fusion: A fast-responding pressure-sensitive paint application
Authors: Wen Xin , Liu Yingzheng , Li Ziyan , Chen Yujia , Peng Di
Published: September 2018

A data mining approach based on compressed data fusion is developed to extract a clean signal from highly noisy data and it has been successfully applied to flow measurement using fast-responding pressure-sensitive paint (fast PSP). In this approach, spatially resolved but noisy full-field data are fused with clean but scattered data to reconstruct full-field clean data. The fusion process is accomplished based on a compressed sensing algorithm, which has shown significantly improved performance compared with low-dimensional analysis. This is because, in low-dimensional analysis such as proper orthogonal decomposition (POD), the selection criteria of proper POD modes for reconstruction are usually based on subjective observation and the mode coefficients can be severely distorted by noise, which restricts the applications of this method to complicated flow phenomena and leads to a low-quality reconstruction. The solutions to these two problems can be expressed via mathematical optimization by determining the optimal coefficients to reconstruct clean data using the most relevant POD modes. Here, compressed sensing is used as a suitable solution to explore the sparse representation of scattered clean data based on the POD modes obtained from noisy full-field data. A high-quality reconstruction can be obtained using the optimized coefficients. The new method is first demonstrated by using fabricated patterns, demonstrating a reduction of 75% in the reconstruction error compared with POD analysis. It is thereafter successfully applied to recover the unsteady pressure field induced by a cylinder wake flow at low speed. Fast PSP measurement and microphones are used to obtain full-field but noisy pressure field data and scattered but clean data, respectively. In the cases of single and step cylinders, the reconstruction errors are approximately 5% and 25%, respectively, and the accuracy of reconstruction depends on the low dimensionality of the flow phenomena and the total number of microphone sensors. The current technique provides a reliable method to recover clean signals from strong noise, with significant potential for applications to flow measurement, control, and monitoring.
Portable and noise-tolerant magnetic field generation system
Authors: Edamoto Masafumi , Morita Taichi , Saito Naoya , Itadani Yutaro , Miura Satoshi , Fujioka Shinsuke , Nakashima Hideki , Yamamoto Naoji
Published: September 2018

We have successfully developed a portable pulsed magnetic field generation system incorporating a number of techniques to avoid the effects of noise, including shielding, a self-power capability, and a high-capability semiconductor switch. The system fits into a cubical box less than 0.5 m in linear dimensions and can easily be installed in experimental facilities, including noisy environments such as high-power laser facilities. The system can generate a magnetic field of several tesla sustainable for several tens of microseconds over a spatial scale of several centimeters. In a high-power laser experiment with Gekko-XII, the system operated stably despite being subjected to a high level of electrical noise from laser shots of 600 J.
Functional validation of the Pi54 gene by knocking down its expression in a blast-resistant rice line using RNA interference and its effects on other traits
Authors: Arora Kirti , Rai Amit Kumar , Devanna Basavantraya N. , Kumari Banita , Sharma Tilak Raj
Published: September 2018

Rice blast disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae is one of the major diseases affecting the rice (Oryza sativa L.) crop. A major blast resistance gene, Pi54, has already been cloned and deployed in different rice varieties. To understand the role of Pi54 in providing rice blast resistance, we used the RNA interferences (RNAi) approach to knock down the expression of this gene. We showed a high frequency of Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of rice line Taipei 309 containing a single gene (Pi54) for blast resistance. Pi54 RNAi leads to a decreased level of Pi54 transcripts, leading to the susceptibility of otherwise M. oryzae-resistant rice lines. However, among the RNAi knockdown plants, the severity of blast disease varied between the lines. Histochemical analysis of the leaves of knockdown plants inoculated with M. oryzae spores also showed typical cell death and blast lesions. Additionally, Pi54 RNAi also showed an effect on the Hda3 gene, a florigen gene playing a role in rice flowering. By using the RNAi technique, for the first time, we showed that the directed degradation of Pi54 transcripts results in a significant reduction in the rice blast resistance response, suggesting that RNAi is a powerful tool for functional validation of genes.
The effect of weir crest width and discharge on passage performance of a potamodromous cyprinid
Authors: Amaral Susana D. , Branco Paulo , Romão Filipe , Viseu Teresa , Ferreira Maria T. , Pinheiro António N. , Santos José M.
Published: September 2018

Contrary to the vast literature on dams, much less is known about the effects of small weirs on fish movements. This study aims to evaluate the upstream and downstream passage of the Iberian barbel (Luciobarbus bocagei), when facing a small broad-crested experimental weir with varying widths of the weir crest (W) and discharges (Q). Nine configurations (W×Q) were tested. Fish were released downstream of the weir and upstream and downstream passages were monitored. Hydrodynamics were characterised with a flow probe and a three-dimensional acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV). Fish negotiated all configurations, registering a total of 273 upstream passages and 192 downstream passages. The number of fish that approached, attempted and successfully ascended and descended the weir varied among configurations, emphasising the complex influence of factors on passage performance. Discharge was preponderant on both passages, proving that fish movements may be hampered by increasing discharges. However, the width of the weir crest only significantly influenced downstream passages, showing that strong velocity gradients experienced on narrower widths of the weir crest may discourage downstream movements. Results from the present study are expected to be useful to identify potential migration obstacles and may be applicable to other cyprinid species.