bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting of phage particles towards endothelial cells by antibodies selected through a multi-parameter selection strategy
Authors: Mandrup Ole A. , Lykkemark Simon , Kristensen Peter
Published: February 2017

One of the hallmarks of cancer is sustained angiogenesis. Here, normal endothelial cells are activated, and their formation of new blood vessels leads to continued tumour growth. An improved patient condition is often observed when angiogenesis is prevented or normalized through targeting of these genomically stable endothelial cells. However, intracellular targets constitute a challenge in therapy, as the agents modulating these targets have to be delivered and internalized specifically to the endothelial cells. Selection of antibodies binding specifically to certain cell types is well established. It is nonetheless a challenge to ensure that the binding of antibodies to the target cell will mediate internalization. Previously selection of such antibodies has been performed targeting cancer cell lines; most often using either monovalent display or polyvalent display. In this article, we describe selections that isolate internalizing antibodies by sequential combining monovalent and polyvalent display using two types of helper phages, one which increases display valence and one which reduces background. One of the selected antibodies was found to mediate internalization into human endothelial cells, although our results confirms that the single stranded nature of the DNA packaged into phage particles may limit applications aimed at targeting nucleic acids in mammalian cells.
Chemical Modification of Graphene Oxide by Nitrogenation: An X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Chuang Cheng-Hao , Ray Sekhar C. , Mazumder Debarati , Sharma Surbhi , Ganguly Abhijit , Papakonstantinou Pagona , Chiou Jau-Wern , Tsai Huang-Ming , Shiu Hung-Wei , Chen Chia-Hao , Lin Hong-Ji , Guo Jinghua , Pong Way-Faung
Published: February 2017

Nitrogen-doped graphene oxides (GO:Nx) were synthesized by a partial reduction of graphene oxide (GO) using urea [CO(NH2)2]. Their electronic/bonding structures were investigated using X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES), valence-band photoemission spectroscopy (VB-PES), X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS). During GO:Nxsynthesis, different nitrogen-bonding species, such as pyrrolic/graphitic-nitrogen, were formed by replacing of oxygen-containing functional groups. At lower N-content (2.7 at%), pyrrolic-N, owing to surface and subsurface diffusion of C, N and NH is deduced from various X-ray spectroscopies. In contrast, at higher N-content (5.0 at%) graphitic nitrogen was formed in which each N-atom trigonally bonds to three distinctsp2-hybridized carbons with substitution of the N-atoms for C atoms in the graphite layer. Upon nitrogen substitution, the total density of state close to Fermi level is increased to raise the valence-band maximum, as revealed by VB-PES spectra, indicating an electron donation from nitrogen, molecular bonding C/N/O coordination or/and lattice structure reorganization in GO:Nx. The well-ordered chemical environments induced by nitrogen dopant are revealed by XANES and RIXS measurements.
Beam wander relieved orbital angular momentum communication in turbulent atmosphere using Bessel beams
Authors: Yuan Yangsheng , Lei Ting , Li Zhaohui , Li Yangjin , Gao Shecheng , Xie Zhenwei , Yuan Xiaocong
Published: February 2017

Optical beam wander is one of the most important issues for free-space optical (FSO) communication. We theoretically derive a beam wander model for Bessel beams propagating in turbulent atmosphere. The calculated beam wander of high order Bessel beams with different turbulence strengths are consistent with experimental measurements. Both theoretical and experimental results reveal that high order Bessel beams are less influenced by the turbulent atmosphere. We also demonstrate the Bessel beams based orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexing/demultiplexing in FSO communication with atmospheric turbulence. Under the same atmospheric turbulence condition, the bit error rates of transmitted signals carried by high order Bessel beams show smaller values and fluctuations, which indicates that the high order Bessel beams have an advantage of mitigating the beam wander in OAM multiplexing FSO communication.
Pan-retinal characterisation of Light Responses from Ganglion Cells in the Developing Mouse Retina
Authors: Hilgen Gerrit , Pirmoradian Sahar , Pamplona Daniela , Kornprobst Pierre , Cessac Bruno , Hennig Matthias H. , Sernagor Evelyne
Published: February 2017

We have investigated the ontogeny of light-driven responses in mouse retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Using a large-scale, high-density multielectrode array, we recorded from hundreds to thousands of RGCs simultaneously at pan-retinal level, including dorsal and ventral locations. Responses to different contrasts not only revealed a complex developmental profile for ON, OFF and ON-OFF responses, but also unveiled differences between dorsal and ventral RGC responses. At eye-opening, dorsal RGCs of all types were more responsive to light, perhaps indicating an environmental priority to nest viewing for pre-weaning pups. The developmental profile of ON and OFF responses exhibited antagonistic behaviour, with the strongest ON responses shortly after eye-opening, followed by an increase in the strength of OFF responses later on. Further, we found that with maturation receptive field (RF) center sizes decrease, spike-triggered averaged responses to white noise become stronger, and centers become more circular while maintaining differences between RGC types. We conclude that the maturation of retinal functionality is not spatially homogeneous, likely reflecting ecological requirements that favour earlier maturation of the dorsal retina.
Complexity of the Ruminococcus flavefaciens FD-1 cellulosome reflects an expansion of family-related protein-protein interactions
Authors: Israeli-Ruimy Vered , Bule Pedro , Jindou Sadanari , Dassa Bareket , Moraïs Sarah , Borovok Ilya , Barak Yoav , Slutzki Michal , Hamberg Yuval , Cardoso Vânia , Alves Victor D. , Najmudin Shabir , White Bryan A. , Flint Harry J. , Gilbert Harry J. , Lamed Raphael , Fontes Carlos M. G. A. , Bayer Edward A.
Published: February 2017

Protein-protein interactions play a vital role in cellular processes as exemplified by assembly of the intricate multi-enzyme cellulosome complex. Cellulosomes are assembled by selective high-affinity binding of enzyme-borne dockerin modules to repeated cohesin modules of structural proteins termed scaffoldins. Recent sequencing of the fiber-degrading Ruminococcus flavefaciens FD-1 genome revealed a particularly elaborate cellulosome system. In total, 223 dockerin-bearing ORFs potentially involved in cellulosome assembly and a variety of multi-modular scaffoldins were identified, and the dockerins were classified into six major groups. Here, extensive screening employing three complementary medium- to high-throughput platforms was used to characterize the different cohesin-dockerin specificities. The platforms included (i) cellulose-coated microarray assay, (ii) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and (iii) in-vivo co-expression and screening in Escherichia coli. The data revealed a collection of unique cohesin-dockerin interactions and support the functional relevance of dockerin classification into groups. In contrast to observations reported previously, a dual-binding mode is involved in cellulosome cell-surface attachment, whereas single-binding interactions operate for cellulosome integration of enzymes. This sui generis cellulosome model enhances our understanding of the mechanisms governing the remarkable ability of R. flavefaciens to degrade carbohydrates in the bovine rumen and provides a basis for constructing efficient nano-machines applied to biological processes.
Ubiquitination mediates Kv1.3 endocytosis as a mechanism for protein kinase C-dependent modulation
Authors: Martínez-Mármol Ramón , Styrczewska Katarzyna , Pérez-Verdaguer Mireia , Vallejo-Gracia Albert , Comes Núria , Sorkin Alexander , Felipe Antonio
Published: February 2017

The voltage-dependent potassium channel Kv1.3 plays essential physiological functions in the immune system. Kv1.3, regulating the membrane potential, facilitates downstream Ca2+-dependent pathways and becomes concentrated in specific membrane microdomains that serve as signaling platforms. Increased and/or delocalized expression of the channel is observed at the onset of several autoimmune diseases. In this work, we show that adenosine (ADO), which is a potent endogenous modulator, stimulates PKC, thereby causing immunosuppression. PKC activation triggers down-regulation of Kv1.3 by inducing a clathrin-mediated endocytic event that targets the channel to lysosomal-degradative compartments. Therefore, the abundance of Kv1.3 at the cell surface decreases, which is clearly compatible with an effective anti-inflammatory response. This mechanism requires ubiquitination of Kv1.3, catalyzed by the E3 ubiquitin-ligase Nedd4-2. Postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), a member of the MAGUK family, recruits Kv1.3 into lipid-raft microdomains and protects the channel against ubiquitination and endocytosis. Therefore, the Kv1.3/PSD-95 association fine-tunes the anti-inflammatory response in leukocytes. Because Kv1.3 is a promising multi-therapeutic target against human pathologies, our results have physiological relevance. In addition, this work elucidates the ADO-dependent PKC-mediated molecular mechanism that triggers immunomodulation by targeting Kv1.3 in leukocytes.
Dual Immunomagnetic Nanobeads-Based Lateral Flow Test Strip for Simultaneous Quantitative Detection of Carcinoembryonic Antigen and Neuron Specific Enolase
Authors: Lu Wenting , Wang Kan , Xiao Kun , Qin Weijian , Hou Yafei , Xu Hao , Yan Xinyu , Chen Yanrong , Cui Daxiang , He Jinghua
Published: February 2017

A novel immunomagnetic nanobeads -based lateral flow test strip was developed for the simultaneous quantitative detection of neuron specific enolase (NSE) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), which are sensitive and specific in the clinical diagnosis of small cell lung cancer. Using this nanoscale method, high saturation magnetization, carboxyl-modified magnetic nanobeads were successfully synthesized. To obtain the immunomagnetic probes, a covalent bioconjugation of the magnetic nanobeads with the antibody of NSE and CEA was carried out. The detection area contained test line 1 and test line 2 which captured the immune complexes sensitively and formed sandwich complexes. In this assay, cross-reactivity results were negative and both NSE and CEA were detected simultaneously with no obvious influence on each other. The magnetic signal intensity of the nitrocellulose membrane was measured by a magnetic assay reader. For quantitative analysis, the calculated limit of detection was 0.094 ng/mL for NSE and 0.045 ng/mL for CEA. One hundred thirty clinical samples were used to validate the test strip which exhibited high sensitivity and specificity. This dual lateral flow test strip not only provided an easy, rapid, simultaneous quantitative detection strategy for NSE and CEA, but may also be valuable in automated and portable diagnostic applications.
Superresolution imaging of nanoscale chromosome contacts
Authors: Wang Yejun , Ratna Prasuna , Shivashankar G. V.
Published: February 2017

Co-expression of a specific group of genes requires physical associations among these genes, which form functional chromosomal contacts. While DNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) pinpoints the localization of genes within the 3D nuclear architecture, direct evidence of physical chromosomal contacts is still lacking. Here, we report a method for the direct visualization of transcription-dependent chromosomal contacts formed in two distinct mechanical states of cells. We prepared open chromatin spreads from isolated nuclei, ensuring 2D rendering of chromosome organization. Superresolution imaging of these chromatin spreads resolved the nanoscale organization of genome contacts. We optimized our imaging method using chromatin spreads from serum+/− cells. We then showed direct visualization of functional gene clusters targeted by YAP (Yes-associated protein) and SRF (Serum response factor) transcription factors. In addition, we showed the association of NF-κB bound gene clusters induced by TNF-α addition. Furthermore, EpiTect ChIP qPCR results showed that these nanoscale clusters were enriched with corresponding transcription factors. Taken together, our method provides a robust platform to directly visualize and study specific genome-wide chromosomal contacts.
Visualizing dynamics of angiogenic sprouting from a three-dimensional microvasculature model using stage-top optical coherence tomography
Authors: Takahashi Haruko , Kato Keisuke , Ueyama Kenji , Kobayashi Masayoshi , Baik Gunwoong , Yukawa Yasuhiro , Suehiro Jun-ichi , Matsunaga Yukiko T.
Published: February 2017

Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro microvasculature in a polydimethylsiloxane-based microdevice was developed as a physiologically relevant model of angiogenesis. The angiogenic process is monitored using stage-top optical coherence tomography (OCT). OCT allows non-invasive monitoring of the 3D structures of the prepared host microvasculature and sprouted neovasculature without fluorescence staining. OCT monitoring takes only a few minutes to scan through the several-millimetre scale range, which provides the advantage of rapid observation of living samples. The obtained OCT cross-sectional images capture 3D features of the angiogenic sprouting process and provide information on the dynamics of luminal formation. The stage-top system used in this study enables the observer to visualize the in vitro dynamics of 3D cultured cells simply and conveniently, offering an alternative monitoring method for studies on angiogenesis and providing quantitative information about vascular morphological changes.
Dielectric properties of almond kernels associated with radio frequency and microwave pasteurization
Authors: Li Rui , Zhang Shuang , Kou Xiaoxi , Ling Bo , Wang Shaojin
Published: February 2017

To develop advanced pasteurization treatments based on radio frequency (RF) or microwave (MW) energy, dielectric properties of almond kernels were measured by using an open-ended coaxial-line probe and impedance analyzer at frequencies between 10 and 3000 MHz, moisture contents between 4.2% to 19.6% w.b. and temperatures between 20 and 90 °C. The results showed that both dielectric constant and loss factor of the almond kernels decreased sharply with increasing frequency over the RF range (10–300 MHz), but gradually over the measured MW range (300–3000 MHz). Both dielectric constant and loss factor of almond kernels increased with increasing temperature and moisture content, and largely enhanced at higher temperature and moisture levels. Quadratic polynomial equations were developed to best fit the relationship between dielectric constant or loss factor at 27, 40, 915 or 2450 MHz and sample temperature/moisture content with R2 greater than 0.967. Penetration depth of electromagnetic wave into samples decreased with increasing frequency (27–2450 MHz), moisture content (4.2–19.6% w.b.) and temperature (20–90 °C). The temperature profiles of RF heated almond kernels under three moisture levels were made using experiment and computer simulation based on measured dielectric properties. Based on the result of this study, RF treatment has potential to be practically used for pasteurization of almond kernels with acceptable heating uniformity.
A new approach to quantification of mAb aggregates using peptide affinity probes
Authors: Cheung Crystal S. F. , Anderson Kyle W. , Patel Pooja M. , Cade Keale L. , Phinney Karen W. , Turko Illarion V.
Published: February 2017

Using mAbs as therapeutic molecules is complicated by the propensity of mAbs to aggregate at elevated concentrations, which can lead to a variety of adverse events in treatment. Here, we describe a proof-of-concept for new methodology to detect and quantify mAb aggregation. Assay development included using an aggregated mAb as bait for screening of phage display peptide library and identifying those peptides with random sequence which can recognize mAb aggregates. Once identified, the selected peptides can be used for developing quantitative methods to assess mAb aggregation. Results indicate that a peptide binding method coupled with mass spectrometric detection of bound peptide can quantify mAb aggregation and potentially be useful for monitoring aggregation propensity of therapeutic protein candidates.
Reduced Necrosis and Content of Apoptotic M1 Macrophages in Advanced Atherosclerotic Plaques of Mice With Macrophage-Specific Loss of Trpc3
Authors: Solanki Sumeet , Dube Prabhatchandra R. , Birnbaumer Lutz , Vazquez Guillermo
Published: February 2017

In previous work we reported that ApoeKO mice transplanted with bone marrow cells deficient in the Transient Receptor Potential Canonical 3 (TRPC3) channel have reduced necrosis and number of apoptotic macrophages in advanced atherosclerotic plaques. Also, in vitro studies with polarized macrophages derived from mice with macrophage-specific loss of TRPC3 showed that M1, but not M2 macrophages, deficient in Trpc3 are less susceptible to ER stress-induced apoptosis than Trpc3 expressing cells. The questions remained (a) whether the plaque phenotype in transplanted mice resulted from a genuine effect of Trpc3 on macrophages, and (b) whether the reduced necrosis and macrophage apoptosis in plaques of these mice was a manifestation of the selective effect of TRPC3 on apoptosis of M1 macrophages previously observed in vitro. Here, we addressed these questions using Ldlr knockout (Ldlr−/−) mice with macrophage-specific loss of Trpc3 (MacTrpc3−/−/Ldlr−/− → Ldlr−/−). Compared to controls, we observed decreased plaque necrosis and number of apoptotic macrophages in MacTrpc3−/−/Ldlr−/− → Ldlr−/− mice. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a reduction in apoptotic M1, but not apoptotic M2 macrophages. These findings confirm an effect of TRPC3 on plaque necrosis and support the notion that this is likely a reflection of the reduced susceptibility of Trpc3-deficient M1 macrophages to apoptosis.
Silver(i)-promoted insertion into X–H (X = Si, Sn, and Ge) bonds with N-nosylhydrazones
Authors: Liu Zhaohong , Li Qiangqiang , Yang Yang , Bi Xihe
Published: February 2017

Silver(i)-promoted carbene insertion into X–H (X = Si, Sn, and Ge) bonds has been realized by using unstable diazo compounds, which are generated in situ from N-nosylhydrazones as carbene precursors.
Enantiopure and racemic radical-cation salts of bis(2′-hydroxylpropylthio)(ethylenedithio)TTF with polyiodide anions
Authors: Martin Lee , Wallis John D. , Guziak Milena , Maksymiw Peter , Konalian-Kempf Florence , Christian Anthony , Nakatsuji Shin'ichi , Yamada Jun'ichi , Akutsu Hiroki
Published: February 2017

The chiral TTF-based donor molecule BHPT-EDT-TTF has produced enantiopureR,RandS,Sradical-cation salts with polyiodide anions I3−and I82−.
Small molecule activation: SbF3 auto-ionization supported by transfer and mesoionic NHC rearrangement
Authors: Alič Blaž , Štefančič Aleš , Tavčar Gašper
Published: February 2017

Product [(LDipp)2SbF2]+[SbF4]− is the first example of mesoionic carbene rearrangement on any metal/metalloid fluorido substrate and the first example of a NHC auto-ionization product on any fluorido substrate reported to date.
Distinguishing thermal lens effect from electronic third-order nonlinear self-phase modulation in liquid suspensions of 2D nanomaterials
Authors: Wang Yanan , Tang Yingjie , Cheng Peihong , Zhou Xufeng , Zhu Zhuan , Liu Zhaoping , Liu Dong , Wang Zhiming , Bao Jiming
Published: February 2017

Diffraction rings of a laser beam through a graphene suspension show a thermal lens effect instead of a third-order nonlinear optical response.
Synthesis, radio-synthesis and in vitro evaluation of terminally fluorinated derivatives of HU-210 and HU-211 as novel candidate PET tracers
Authors: Zanato Chiara , Pelagalli Alessia , Marwick Katie F. M. , Piras Monica , Dall'Angelo Sergio , Spinaci Andrea , Pertwee Roger G. , Wyllie David J. A. , Hardingham Giles E. , Zanda Matteo
Published: February 2017

Prospective PET tracers HU-210F and HU-211F were synthesised and tested as ligands of cannabinoid (CB1 and CB2) and N-methyl d-aspartate (NMDAR) receptors.
The effects of humidity on the self-discharge properties of Li(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)O2/graphite and LiCoO2/graphite lithium-ion batteries during storage
Authors: Byun Seoungwoo , Park Joonam , Appiah Williams Agyei , Ryou Myung-Hyun , Lee Yong Min
Published: February 2017

Exposure of battery tabs to humid air triggers self-discharge of batteries because of the induction effect of polar water molecules.
Hybrid-structured ZnO thermoelectric materials with high carrier mobility and reduced thermal conductivity
Authors: Zhang Dai-Bing , Li He-Zhang , Zhang Bo-Ping , Liang Dou-dou , Xia Min
Published: February 2017

We obtained a high thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) in this simple ZnO by adopting a hybrid micro/nano structuring approach.
High performance solution-crystallized thin-film transistors based on V-shaped thieno[3,2-f:4,5-f′]bis[1]benzothiophene semiconductors
Authors: Mitsui Chikahiko , Tsuyama Hiroaki , Shikata Ryoji , Murata Yoshinori , Kuniyasu Hiroyuki , Yamagishi Masakazu , Ishii Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Akito , Hirose Yuri , Yano Masafumi , Takehara Tsunayoshi , Suzuki Takeyuki , Sato Hiroyasu , Yamano Akihito , Fukuzaki Eiji , Watanabe Tetsuya , Usami Yoshihisa , Takeya Jun , Okamoto Toshihiro
Published: February 2017

A new class of solution-processable thieno[3,2-f:4,5-f′]bis[1]benzothiophene (TBBT-V) semiconductors are facilely synthesized and fully investigated.
Biodegradable vascular stents with high tensile and compressive strength: a novel strategy for applying monofilaments via solid-state drawing and shaped-annealing processes
Authors: Im Seung Hyuk , Kim Chang Yong , Jung Youngmee , Jang Yangsoo , Kim Soo Hyun
Published: February 2017

Monofilaments such as those consisting of polyamide (PA), polydioxanone (PDS), and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), have been commonly used in various industries.
Dependence of surface aging on DNA topography investigated in attractive bimodal atomic force microscopy
Authors: Alshehhi Mashael , Alhassan Saeed M. , Chiesa Matteo
Published: February 2017

Here we employ bimodal atomic force microscopy (AFM) to investigate the relevance of the aging of the surface and accumulation of adsorbates on the resolved topography of biomolecules.
Correction: First-principles analysis of the spectroscopic limited maximum efficiency of photovoltaic absorber layers for CuAu-like chalcogenides and silicon
Authors: Bercx Marnik , Sarmadian Nasrin , Saniz Rolando , Partoens Bart , Lamoen Dirk
Published: February 2017

Correction for ‘First-principles analysis of the spectroscopic limited maximum efficiency of photovoltaic absorber layers for CuAu-like chalcogenides and silicon’ by Marnik Bercx et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2016, 18, 20542–20549.
An anionic metal–organic framework with ternary building units for rapid and selective adsorption of dyes
Authors: Yao Shuo , Xu Tong , Zhao Nian , Zhang Lirong , Huo Qisheng , Liu Yunling
Published: February 2017

JLU-Liu39with ternary building units including a rare hexa-nuclear [Cu6O2(SO4)6] cluster, a classical paddlewheel and a hetero-N, O donor ligand was synthesized. Owing to the ionic framework and large pore volume,JLU-Liu39shows rapid and selective adsorption of organic dyes.
Counterion-induced crystallization of intermetalloid Matryoshka clusters [Sb@Pd12@Sb20]3−,4−
Authors: Li Zhenyu , Ruan Huapeng , Wang Lulu , Liu Caiping , Xu Li
Published: February 2017

Two intermetalloid Matryoshka cluster anions [Sb@Pd12@Sb20]3−,4− were isolated as [K(2,2,2-cryptand)]+ and [K(18-crown-6)]+ salt, respectively, revealing a feasible route toward controlled isolation of intermetalloid clusters and their potential in electron reservoir materials.
Amphipathic guanidine-embedded glyoxamide-based peptidomimetics as novel antibacterial agents and biofilm disruptors
Authors: Nizalapur Shashidhar , Kimyon Onder , Yee Eugene , Ho Kitty , Berry Thomas , Manefield Mike , Cranfield Charles G. , Willcox Mark , Black David StC , Kumar Naresh
Published: February 2017

Novel antibacterial peptidomimetics that inhibit the growth of planktonic cells and reduce biofilm formation in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Experimental and numerical insights into the formation of zirconia nanoparticles: a population balance model for the nonaqueous synthesis
Authors: Stolzenburg Pierre , Garnweitner Georg
Published: February 2017

The nonaqueous synthesis of zirconia nanoparticles was investigated and modeled by a comprehensive population balance equation framework that simulates the entire particle formation process to predict final nanoparticle properties as well as their evolvement during the synthesis.
Cooperative learning in organic chemistry increases student assessment of learning gains in key transferable skills
Authors: Canelas Dorian A. , Hill Jennifer L. , Novicki Andrea
Published: February 2017

Science and engineering educators and employers agree that students should graduate from college with expertise in their major subject area as well as the skills and competencies necessary for productive participation in diverse work environments. These competencies include problem-solving, communication, leadership, and collaboration, among others. Using a pseudo-experimental design, and employing a variety of data from exam scores, course evaluations, and student assessment of learning gains (SALG) surveys of key competencies, we compared the development of both chemistry content knowledge and transferable or generic skills among students enrolled in two types of large classes: a lecture-based formatversusan interactive, constructive, cooperative learning (flipped classroom) format. Controlling for instructor, as well as laboratory and recitation content, students enrolled in the cooperative learning format reported higher learning gains than the control group in essential transferable skills and competency areas at the end of the term, and more growth in these areas over the course of the term. As a result of their work in the class, the two groups of students reported the most significant differences in their gains in the following areas: “interacting productively to solve problems with a diverse group of classmates,” “behaving as an effective leader,” “behaving as an effective teammate,” and “comfort level working with complex ideas.” Our findings clearly show that cooperative learning course designs allow students to practice and develop the transferable skills valued by employers.
An electrical solid-state sulphur dioxide vapour sensor based on a polyvinyl alcohol formaldehyde composite
Authors: Chakravarty Sudesna , Datta Arpan , Sen Sarma Neelotpal
Published: February 2017

Polyvinyl alcohol-formaldehyde–coumarin 6 (PVFCOU) polymer composite as a novel solid-state sensor material for SO2 gas sensing.
Approximate iteration detection with iterative refinement in massive MIMO systems
Authors: Tang Chuan , Liu Cang , Yuan Luechao , Xing Zuocheng
Published: February 2017

To improve energy efficiency and spectral efficiency, massive multiple‐input–multiple‐output (MIMO) is proposed and becomes a promising technology in the next generation mobile communication. However, massive MIMO systems equip with scores of or hundreds of antennas which induce large‐scale matrix computations with tremendous complexity, especially for matrix inversion in data detection. Thus, many detection methods have been proposed using approximate matrix inversion algorithms, which satisfy the demand of precision with low complexity. In this study, the authors focus on the approximate detection method based on Newton iteration (NI), and propose upgraded methods named NI method with iterative refinement (NIIR) and diagonal band NIIR (DBNIIR) which combine NI method and DBNI method with iterative refinement (IR). The results show that their proposals provide about 2 dB improvement on bit error rate (BER) for 16‐quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), and could even break the error floor existing in NI and DBNI methods for 64‐QAM modulation. Furthermore, the BER of their proposals could provide almost the same performance as the exact method. Moreover, in contrast with NI and DBNI methods, NIIR and DBNIIR methods require quite few extra complexity cost and no extra hardware resource which is quite suitable for data detection in massive MIMO.
Interference and throughput aware resource allocation for multi‐class D2D in 5G networks
Authors: Ferdouse Lilatul , Ejaz Waleed , Raahemifar Kaamran , Anpalagan Alagan , Markandaier Mohan
Published: February 2017

This study examines subcarrier and optimal power allocation in orthogonal frequency division multiple access based 5G device‐to‐device (D2D) networks. To improve spectrum efficiency, D2D users share same subcarriers with the legacy users using underlay approach. In this approach, it is challenging to design an efficient subcarrier and power allocation method for D2D networks which guarantees the quality of service requirements of legacy users. Therefore, the key constraint is to check the interference condition among D2D and legacy users while allocating the same resources to D2D users. In this study, the authors propose a throughput efficient subcarrier allocation (TESA) and geometric water‐filling based optimal power allocation (GWFOPA) method for multi‐class cellular D2D systems. First, the TESA method selects subcarriers and allocates power equally for D2D users according to their service classes while maintaining interference and data rate constraints. Then, the GWFOPA method is applied to optimise power in a computationally effective way. The objective of TESA and GWFOPA method is to maximise the data rate of each class while maintaining interference constraint and fairness among the D2D users. Finally, the authors present simulation results to evaluate performance of TESA and GWFOPA in terms of throughput, user data rate, and fairness.
Awake Craniotomy for Left Insular Low-Grade Glioma Removal on a Patient with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Vranic Andrej , Koritnik Blaz , Markovic-Bozic Jasmina
Published: February 2017

Introduction Low-grade gliomas (LGG) are slow-growing primary brain tumors in adults, with high tropism for eloquent areas. Standard approach in treatment of LGG is awake craniotomy with intraoperative cortical mapping — a method which is usually used on adult and fully cooperative patients.

Case Report We present the case of a patient with learning disabilities (PLD) who was operated for left insular LGG awake craniotomy, and intraoperative cortical mapping were performed and the tumor was gross totally removed.

Conclusion Awake surgery for left insular LGG removal is challenging; however, it can be performed safely and successfully on PLD.
Concomitant Sternal Fracture in Flail Chest: An Analysis of 21,741 Polytrauma Patients from the TraumaRegister DGU®
Authors: Krinner Sebastian , Langenbach Andreas , Oppel Pascal , Lefering Rolf , Taylor Dominic , Hennig Friedrich , Mauerer Andreas , Schulz-Drost Stefan ,   the TraumaRegister DGU
Published: February 2017

Background Isolated sternal fractures (SFs) rarely show complications, but their influence in a thorax trauma of the seriously injured still remains unclear.

Methods A retrospective analysis of the TraumaRegister DGU® was performed involving the years 2009 to 2013 (Injury Severity Score [ISS] ≥ 16, primary admission to a trauma center). Cohort formation: Unilateral and bilateral flail chest (FC) injuries with and without a concomitant SF, respectively.

Results In total, 21,741 patients (25% female) met the inclusion criteria, with 3,492 (16.1%) showing SF. Unilateral FC patients were on average 53.6 ± 18.4 years old, and bilateral FC patients were on average 55.2 ± 17.7 years old. The ISS in unilateral FC and bilateral FC amounted to 31.2 ± 13.0 and 43.4 ± 13.1 points, respectively. FC with an SF occurred more frequently as an injury to car occupants and less frequently as an injury to motorcyclists or in injuries due to falls.

Conclusion Patients with an SF additional to an FC had longer hospital and intensive care unit stays and were longer artificially respirated than those patients without an SF. SF indicates possible cardiac and thoracic spine injuries.
Law, finance, and the international mobility of corporate governance
Authors: Cumming Douglas , Filatotchev Igor , Knill April , Reeb David Mitchell , Senbet Lemma
Published: February 2017

We introduce the topic of this Special Issue on the “Role of Financial and Legal Institutions in International Governance”, with a particular emphasis on a notion of “international mobility of corporate governance”. Our discussion places the Special Issue at the intersection of law, finance, and international business, with a focus on the contexts of foreign investors and directors. Country-level legal and regulatory institutions facilitate foreign ownership, foreign directors, raising external financial capital, and international M&A activity. The interplay between the impact of foreign ownership and foreign directors on firm governance and performance depends on international differences in formal/regulatory institutions. In addition to legal conditions, informal institutions such as political connections also shape the economic value of foreign ownership and foreign directors. We highlight key papers in the literature, provide an overview of the new papers in this Special Issue, and offer suggestions for future research.
Antiferromagnetic order in CeCoIn5 oriented by spin-orbital coupling
Authors: Mineev V. P.
Published: February 2017

An incommensurate spin-density wave (Q phase) confined inside the superconducting state at high basal plane magnetic field is an unique property of the heavy-fermion metal CeCoIn5. The neutron scattering experiments and the theoretical studies point out that this state come out from the soft mode condensation of magnetic resonance excitations. We show that the fixation of direction of antiferromagnetic modulations by a magnetic field reported by Gerber et al. [Nat. Phys. 10, 126 (2014)], is explained by spin-orbit coupling. This result, obtained on the basis of quite general phenomenological arguments, is supported by the microscopic derivation of the χzz susceptibility dependence on the mutual orientation of the basal plane magnetic field and the direction of modulation of spin polarization in a multiband metal.
Quantum oscillations in coupled orbits networks of (BEDT-TTF) salts with tris(oxalato)metallate anions
Authors: Laukhin Vladimir N. , Audouard Alain , Fortin Jean-Yves , Vignolles David , Prokhorova Tatyana G. , Yagubskii Eduard B. , Canadell Enric
Published: February 2017

Band structure calculations relevant to bis-ethylenedithio-tetrathiafulvalene-based charge transfer salts containing tris(oxalato)metallate anions, with generic formula (BEDT-TTF)4A[M(C2O4)3]·Solv, where A is a monovalent anion, M is a trivalent cation and Solv is a solvent, suggest that their Fermi surface is liable to achieve networks of compensated orbits coupled by magnetic breakdown. Even though this picture accounts for quantum oscillations spectra of a number of these compounds, puzzling results can be noticed in several cases, pointing to the possibility of Fermi surface reconstruction at low temperature.
Two-instanton approximation to the Coulomb blockade problem
Authors: Burmistrov I. S.
Published: February 2017

We develop the two-instanton approximation to the current-voltage characteristic of a single electron transistor within the Ambegaokar-Eckern-Schon model. We determine the temperature and gate voltage dependence of the Coulomb blockade oscillations of the conductance and the effective charge. We find that a small (in comparison with the charging energy) bias voltage leads to significant suppression of the Coulomb blockade oscillations and to appearance of the bias-dependent phase shift.
Giant tunable magnetoresistance of electrically gated graphene ribbon with lateral interface under magnetic field
Authors: Kadigrobov A. M.
Published: February 2017

Quantum dynamics and kinetics of electrically gated graphene ribbons with lateral n–p and n–p–n junctions under magnetic field are investigated. It is shown that the snake-like states [C. W. J. Beenakker, Rev. Mod. Phys. 80, 1337 (2008)] of quasiparticles skipping along the n–p interface do not manifest themselves in the main semi-classical part of the ribbon conductance. Giant oscillations of the conductance of a ribbon with an n–p–n junction are predicted and analytically calculated. Depending on the number of junctions inside the ribbon its magneto-resistance may be controllably changed by 50%–90% by an extremely small change of the magnetic field or the gate voltage.
Nature of localized states in two-dimensional electron systems in the quantum Hall regime: Acoustic studies
Authors: Drichko I. L. , Smirnov I. Yu. , Suslov A. V. , Galperin Y. M. , Pfeiffer L. N. , West K. W.
Published: February 2017

We review our work on high-frequency conductance in two-dimensional high-mobility electronic systems in wide n-AlGaAs/GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells. Using simultaneous measurements of the attenuation and velocity of a surface acoustic wave we obtained both real and imaginary components of the complex high-frequency conductance. Based on the experimental results and their analysis we conclude that close to the filling factor ν = 1/5, as well as in the interval 0.18 > ν > 0.125, a Wigner crystal pinned by disorder is formed. Both the melting temperature and the correlation length of the pinning-induced domains in the Wigner crystal were found. In close vicinities of ν = 1 and 2, transitions from single-electron localization to a Wigner crystal were observed.
Interface role in the enhanced photocatalytic activity of TiO2-Na0.9Mg0.45Ti3.55O8 nanoheterojunction
Authors: Guo Ze-Qing , Zhou Jian-Ping , Wang Jing-Zhou , Hassan Qadeer Ul , Yang Jia , Ma Yi
Published: February 2017

TiO2-Na0.9Mg0.45Ti3.55O8 (TiO2-NMTO) nanocomposites were synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method. TiO2 nanoparticles were loaded on NMTO nanosheets with well matched lattices. The TiO2-NMTO nanoheterojunctions enjoyed high photodegradative ability for a RhB pollutant. The photoinduced electron-hole pairs were separated effectively by the TiO2-NMTO nanoheterojunctions, which were directly observed by surface potential measurements with a scanning Kelvin probe microscopy. The photogenerated electrons accumulate at interface due to the high density of interface states, and holes remain TiO2 and NMTO particles, other than they migrate from one part to another in heterojunctions by comparing the surface potentials under illumination with different wavelengths.
Collapsing vortex filaments and the spectrum of quantum turbulence
Authors: Andryushchenko V. A. , Nemirovskii S. K.
Published: February 2017

The method of correlation functions and the method of quantum vortex configurations are used to calculate the energy spectrum of a three-dimensional velocity field that is induced by collapsing (immediately before reconnection) vortex filaments. The formulation of this problem is motivated by the idea of modeling classical turbulence by a set of chaotic quantized vortex filaments. Among the various arguments that support the idea of quasi-classical behavior for quantum turbulence, the most persuasive is probably the resulting Kolmogorov energy spectrum resembling E(k)∝k−5/3 that was obtained in a number of numerical studies. Another goal is associated with an important and intensely studied theme that relates to the role of hydrodynamic collapse in the formation of turbulence spectra. Calculations have demonstrated that vortex filaments create a velocity field at the moment of contact, which has a singularity. This configuration of vortex filaments generates the spectrum E(k), which bears the resemblance to the Kolmogorov law. A possible cause for this observation is discussed, as well as the likely reasons behind any deviations. The obtained results are discussed from the perspective of both classical and quantum turbulence.
Chemical potentials and thermodynamic characteristics of ideal Bose- and Fermi-gases in the region of quantum degeneracy
Authors: Sotnikov A. G. , Sereda K. V. , Slyusarenko Yu. V.
Published: February 2017

Calculations of chemical potentials for ideal monatomic gases with Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac statistics as functions of temperature, across the temperature region that is typical for the collective quantum degeneracy effect, are presented. Numerical calculations are performed without any additional approximations, and explicit dependences of the chemical potentials on temperature are constructed at a fixed density of gas particles. Approximate polynomial dependences of chemical potentials on temperature are obtained that allow for the results to be used in further studies without re-applying the involved numerical methods. The ease of using the obtained representations is demonstrated on examples of deformation of distribution for a population of energy states at low temperatures, and on the impact of quantum statistics (exchange interaction) on the equations of state for ideal gases and some of the thermodynamic properties thereof. The results of this study essentially unify two opposite limiting cases in an intermediate region that are used to describe the equilibrium states of ideal gases, which are well known from university courses on statistical physics, thus adding value from an educational point of view.
Ca
2+
-binding protein 2 inhibits Ca
2+
-channel inactivation in mouse inner hair cells
Authors: Picher Maria Magdalena , Gehrt Anna , Meese Sandra , Ivanovic Aleksandra , Predoehl Friederike , Jung SangYong , Schrauwen Isabelle , Dragonetti Alberto Giulio , Colombo Roberto , Van Camp Guy , Strenzke Nicola , Moser Tobias
Published: February 2017

Significance

Ca
2+
channels mediate excitation-secretion coupling and show little inactivation at sensory ribbon synapses, enabling reliable synaptic information transfer during sustained stimulation. Studies of Ca
2+
-channel complexes in HEK293 cells indicated that Ca
2+
-binding proteins (CaBPs) antagonize their calmodulin-dependent inactivation. Although human mutations affecting
CABP2
were shown to cause hearing impairment, the role of CaBP2 in auditory function and the precise disease mechanism remained enigmatic. Here, we disrupted
CaBP2
in mice and showed that CaBP2 is required for sound encoding at inner hair cell synapses, likely by suppressing Ca
2+
-channel inactivation. We propose that the number of activatable Ca
2+
channels at the active zone is reduced when CaBP2 is lacking, as is likely the case with the newly described human
CABP2
mutation.
Stylistic fronting and related constructions in the Insular Scandinavian Languages
Authors: Angantýsson Ásgrímur
Published: February 2017

This chapter reports on the similarities and differences between Stylistic Fronting (SF) and related constructions in Icelandic and Faroese. Contrary to the claim that “any category can become an expletive” (Holmberg 2000), it is argued that stylistically fronted elements and overt expletives are not equivalent. In both languages, expletive insertion is preferred over SF in complement clauses, but in Faroese, unlike in Icelandic, expletive insertion is preferred over SF in adverbial clauses and relative clauses as well. The overall data presented and discussed here suggest that the possibility of SF is partly conditioned by the clause type and the nature of the element fronted by SF and partly by lexical/idiomatic factors.
Writing biology, assessing biology
Authors: Antia Bassey E. , Kamai Richard A.
Published: February 2017

There has been substantial research into terminology as an issue in learning science, especially against the backdrop of concerns over school literacy in science and as sometimes reflected in the poor performance of high school students in assessment tasks. Relevant research has emphasized issues such as lexical load, complexity and metaphor. Variation in the use of terminology has, however, been relatively under researched, although there is evidence that terminology use does vary within and across high school textbooks of science. Drawing on an eclectic theoretical framework comprising transitivity analysis (Halliday 1994), legitimation code theory semantics (Maton 2013a), and the context-specific term model (Gerzymisch-Arbogast 2008), this article identifies and classifies variations in the terminology employed in three high school textbooks of biology in Nigeria. It then determines what impact assessment tasks which use terms that differ from those employed in students’ study materials have on students. Examples are found of variant terminology impeding science literacy and task performance, even though there is reason to suspect such variation might in fact have been leveraged to enhance cognition.
Producing frame-based definitions
Authors: Durán-Munoz Isabel
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this paper is to produce frame-based definitions in the domain of adventure tourism by applying definitional templates derived from Frame-Based Terminology (Faber et al. 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009) with the aim of producing sound and systematic definitions that help users gain a better understanding of the contextual frame. The ontoterminography methodology (Durán-Muñoz 2012), which combines semi-automatic term extraction and the development of a frame-based ontology, is applied to an English corpus of promotional tourist texts about adventure tourism. To illustrate the process of producing frame-based definitions in this framework, one particular adventure activity,canyoning, is examined and categorised, giving an account of the different steps to be performed and the final results that can be reached by applying this methodology.
Science transformed? A comparative analysis of ‘societal relevance’ rhetoric and practices in 14 Canadian Networks of Centres of Excellence
Authors: Coutinho Aline , Young Nathan
Published: February 2017

One of the most hotly debated ideas in science studies is the claim that contemporary science is in the midst of a transformation. While ‘transformationalist’ arguments and concepts vary, their core principle is that the norms, values and practices that have enforced the separation of science from society are being challenged by new expectations that scientists pursue closer connections with industry, government and/or civil society, and address research questions of immediate value to non-academic partners. While many major funding agencies have embraced this idea and now pressure scientists to enhance the ‘societal relevance’ of their work, the impact of these changes on scientific practices is still unclear. This paper reports findings from a comparative meso-level analysis of 14 large Canadian research networks funded by an agency with an explicit transformationalist mandate – the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) programme. Documents and web communications from these 14 NCEs, as well as from the central programme administration office, are analysed and compared to key transformationalist concepts, such as Mode 2 science, post-normal science, the triple helix model, academic capitalism and strategic science. We find that transformationalist ideas have a strong rhetorical presence across the 14 NCE projects and the central office, but that a great deal of inconsistency and confusion exists at the level of implementation and assessment of outcomes. Easily quantifiable outputs, such as the commercialization of research findings, are favoured over softer qualitative outcomes, such as public engagement and knowledge sharing. We conclude by arguing that the NCE programme is having an observable impact on the rhetoric of science, but any resulting transformations in practice are incremental rather than radical.