bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cellular model reflecting the phenotypic heterogeneity of mutant HRAS driven squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Cantariño Neus , Fernández‐Figueras M. Teresa , Valero Vanesa , Musulén Eva , Malinverni Roberto , Granada Isabel , Goldie Stephen J. , Martín‐Caballero Juan , Douet Julien , Forcales Sonia‐Vanina , Buschbeck Marcus
Published: April 2016

Squamous cell carcinomas have a range of histopathological manifestations. The parameters that determine this clinically observed heterogeneity are not fully understood. Here, we report the generation of a cell culture model that reflects part of this heterogeneity. We have used the catalytic subunit of human telomerase hTERT and large T to immortalize primary UV‐unexposed keratinocytes. Then, mutant HRAS G12V has been introduced to transform these immortal keratinocytes. When injected into immunosuppressed mice, transformed cells grew as xenografts with distinct histopathological characteristics. We observed three major tissue architectures: solid, sarcomatoid and cystic growth types, which were primarily composed of pleomorphic and basaloid cells but in some cases displayed focal apocrine differentiation. We demonstrate that the cells generated represent different stages of skin cancerogenesis and as such can be used to identify novel tumor‐promoting alterations such as the overexpression of the PADI2 oncogene in solid‐type SCC. Importantly, the cultured cells maintain the characteristics from the xenograft they were derived from while being amenable to manipulation and analysis. The availability of cell lines representing different clinical manifestations opens a new tool to study the stochastic and deterministic factors that cause case‐to‐case heterogeneity despite departing from the same set of oncogenes and the same genetic background.
Modeling Financial Sector Joint Tail Risk in the Euro Area
Authors: Lucas André , Schwaab Bernd , Zhang Xin
Published: April 2016

We develop a novel high‐dimensional non‐Gaussian modeling framework to infer measures of conditional and joint default risk for numerous financial sector firms. The model is based on a dynamic generalized hyperbolic skewed‐t block equicorrelation copula with time‐varying volatility and dependence parameters that naturally accommodates asymmetries and heavy tails, as well as nonlinear and time‐varying default dependence. We apply a conditional law of large numbers in this setting to define joint and conditional risk measures that can be evaluated quickly and reliably. We apply the modeling framework to assess the joint risk from multiple defaults in the euro area during the 2008–2012 financial and sovereign debt crisis. We document unprecedented tail risks between 2011 and 2012, as well as their steep decline following subsequent policy actions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vascular Calcification Induced by Chronic Kidney Disease Is Mediated by an Increase of 1α-Hydroxylase Expression in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Torremadé Noelia , Bozic Milica , Panizo Sara , Barrio-Vazquez Sara , Fernandez-Martín Jose L , Encinas Mario , Goltzman David , Arcidiacono Maria V , Fernandez Elvira , Valdivielso José M
Published: April 2016

Vascular calcification (VC) is a complication of chronic kidney disease that predicts morbidity and mortality. Uremic serum promotes VC, but the mechanism involved is unknown. A role for 1,25(OH)2D3 in VC has been proposed, but the mechanism is unclear because both low and high levels have been shown to increase it. In this work we investigate the role of 1,25(OH)2D3 produced in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in VC. Rats with subtotal nephrectomy and kidney recipient patients showed increased arterial expression of 1α-hydroxylase in vivo. VSMCs exposed in vitro to serum obtained from uremic rats also showed increased 1α-hydroxylase expression. Those increases were parallel to an increase in VC. After 6 days with high phosphate media, VSMCs overexpressing 1α-hydroxylase show significantly higher calcium content and RUNX2 expression than control cells. 1α-hydroxylase null mice (KO) with subtotal nephrectomy and treated with calcitriol (400 ng/kg) for 2 weeks showed significantly lower levels of vascular calcium content, Alizarin red staining, and RUNX2 expression than wild-type (WT) littermates. Serum calcium, phosphorus, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), PTH, and 1,25(OH)2D3 levels were similar in both calcitriol-treated groups. In vitro, WT VSMCs treated with uremic serum also showed a significant increase in 1α-hydroxylase expression and higher calcification that was not observed in KO cells. We conclude that local activation of 1α-hydroxylase in the artery mediates VC observed in uremia. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Prognostic impact of sarcopenia in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma treated with rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone
Authors: Go Se‐Il , Park Mi Jung , Song Haa‐Na , Kim Hoon‐Gu , Kang Myoung Hee , Lee Hyang Rae , Kim Yire , Kim Rock Bum , Lee Soon Il , Lee Gyeong‐Won
Published: April 2016

Background

Sarcopenia is known to be related to an increased risk of chemotherapy toxicity and to a poor prognosis in patients with malignancy. We assessed the prognostic role of sarcopenia in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Methods

In total, 187 consecutive patients with DLBCL treated with induction rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone (R‐CHOP) immunochemotherapy were reviewed. Sarcopenia was defined as the lowest sex‐specific quartile of the skeletal muscle index, calculated by dividing the pectoralis muscle area by the height. Clinical outcomes were compared between the sarcopenic and non‐sarcopenic groups. A nomogram was constructed from the Cox regression model for overall survival (OS).

Results

Treatment‐related mortality (21.7 vs. 5.0%, P = 0.002) and early discontinuation of treatment (32.6 vs. 14.9%, P = 0.008) were more common in the sarcopenic group than in the non‐sarcopenic group. The 5 year progression‐free survival (PFS) rates were 35.3% in the sarcopenic group and 65.8% in the non‐sarcopenic group (P < 0.001). The 5 year OS rates were 37.3% in the sarcopenic group and 68.1% in the non‐sarcopenic group (P < 0.001). Sarcopenia and the five variables of the International Prognostic Index (IPI) were independent prognostic factors in a multivariate analysis for PFS and OS and were used to construct the nomogram. The calibration plot showed good agreement between the nomogram predictions and actual observations. The c index of the nomogram (0.80) was higher than those of other prognostic indices (IPI, 0.77, P = 0.009; revised‐IPI, 0.74, P < 0.001; National Comprehensive Cancer Network‐IPI, 0.77, P = 0.062).

Conclusions

Sarcopenia is associated with intolerance to standard R‐CHOP chemotherapy as well as a poor prognosis. Moreover, sarcopenia itself can be included in prognostic models in DLBCL.
One‐pot Synthesis of Benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine Derivatives in Aqueous Conditions
Authors: Vodolazhenko Maria A. , Mykhailenko Anastasiia E. , Gorobets Nikolay Yu. , Desenko Sergey M.
Published: April 2016

One‐pot reaction of cyclic 1,3‐diketones, dimethylformamide dimethylacetal (DMFDMA) and 2‐(1H‐benzo[d]imidaz‐2‐yl)acetonitrile was found to be a highly selective process leading to 4‐oxo‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2‐a]quinolin‐6‐yl cyanides. Optimized reaction conditions using water as solvent at room temperature or under microwave heating allowed high yields of the target products required no additional purification.
Closing the Gap between Electronics and High Power Connectors: LIMBO
Authors: Britten Simon W.
Published: April 2016

To integrate high power electronic components in conventionally low voltage environments, the joining of massive copper interconnectors on thermally‐sensitive substrates poses a significant key processing step. However, conventional welding approaches deposit an excess of energy in the thermally‐sensitive substrates. The laser impulse metal bonding process (LIMBO) applies a new welding approach in order to join thick copper interconnectors on a metallized substrate with a minimal thermal input into the substrate.
Status Quo and Perspectives: Laser Markets
Authors: Belforte David A.
Published: April 2016

Industrial laser systems are now firmly established in material processing operations among world's manufacturing industries. Proof of this can be shown in recent statistical reports which estimate that slightly more than $ 80 bn of machine tools were produced in 2015; of which an estimated $ 8 bn or 10 % were industrial laser systems qualified as machine tools. Therefore logic suggests that industrial laser sales should track machine tool sales.
Scaffolds of Hyaluronic Acid–Poly(Ethyl Acrylate) Interpenetrating Networks: Characterization and In Vitro Studies
Authors: Rodríguez‐Pérez E. , Lloret Compañ A. , Monleón Pradas M. , Martínez‐Ramos C.
Published: April 2016

Hyaluronic acid (HA) provides many advantages to regenerative implants through its bioactive properties, but it also has many limitations as a biomaterial if it is not chemically modified. In order to overcome some of these limitations, HA has been combined with poly(ethyl acrylate) in the form of interpenetrating polymeric networks (IPNs), in which the HA network is crosslinked with divinyl sulfone. Scaffolds of this IPN have been produced through a template‐leaching methodology, and their properties have been compared with those of single‐network scaffolds made of either PEA or crosslinked HA. A fibroblast cell line has been used to assess the in vitro performance of the scaffolds, revealing good cell response and a differentiated behavior on the IPN surface when compared to the individual polymers. Altogether, the results confirm that this type of material offers an interesting microenvironment for cells, which can be further improved toward its potential use in medical implants.

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Engineering of Tough Double Network Hydrogels
Authors: Chen Qiang , Chen Hong , Zhu Lin , Zheng Jie
Published: April 2016

Double‐network (DN) hydrogel has intrinsic tough mechanical properties due to its unique two contrasting network structures. The research on DN hydrogel is a fast growing field, mainly focusing on network structures, formation, and interactions at the molecular level. In this trend article, we take a critical review at the important and latest research findings, current research challenges, and future research directions in the DN hydrogel field. We discuss some issues on the discovery of fundamentally new phenomena versus performance benchmarking for different types of the DN hydrogels. Finally we offer our personal opinions to several unique aspects for future DN gel research.

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Fabrication of Polymer Film with Extraordinary Conductive Anisotropy by Forming Parallel Conductive Vorticity‐Aligned Stripes and Its Formation Mechanism
Authors: Huang Jinrui , Xu Junbao , Sheng Yuping , Zhu Yutian , Jiang Wei , Xu Donghua , Tang Qingxin , Nie Xiaoan
Published: April 2016

In this work, anisotropic conductive film (ACF) is fabricated by shear‐flow induced assembly. It is found that an appropriate content of carbonaceous filler is needed for forming well‐ordered parallel vorticity‐aligned stripes and the content depends on the category of the filler. Interestingly, the lowest aspect ratio carbon black (CB) with lowest electrical conductivity is the best candidate for fabricating ACF. The film with CB stripes shows excellent conductive anisotropy: the electrical resistivity in the direction parallel to the CB stripes is almost eight orders of magnitude lower than that in the perpendicular direction. The formation mechanism of the vorticity‐aligned stripe is also investigated by the rheological measurement and the study of morphological evolution. It is found that the coalescence of dispersed phase or aggregates dominates the formation and growth of the stripe and negative value of the first normal stress difference drives the stripe to align along the vorticity direction.

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Self‐Healing Polysaccharide Hydrogel Based on Dynamic Covalent Enamine Bonds
Authors: Liu Hongchen , Sui Xiaofeng , Xu Hong , Zhang Linping , Zhong Yi , Mao Zhiping
Published: April 2016

A self‐healing polysaccharide hydrogel based on dynamic covalent enamine bonds has been prepared with a facile, cost‐effective, and eco‐friendly way. The polysaccharide hydrogel is obtained by mixing cellulose acetoacetate (CAA) aqueous solution with chitosan aqueous solution under room temperature. CAA is synthesized by reaction of cellulose with tert‐butyl acetoacetate (t‐BAA) in ionic liquid 1‐allyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride (AMIMCl). The structure and properties of CAA are characterized by FT‐IR, NMR, and solubility measurements. The results demonstrate that CAA possesses water solubility with a degree of substitution (DS) about 0.58–1.11. The hydrogel shows an excellent self‐healing behavior without other external stimuli and good stability under physiological conditions. Furthermore, the polysaccharide hydrogel exhibits pH responsive properties.

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Gonality of complete graphs with a small number of omitted edges
Authors: Panizzut Marta
Published: April 2016

Let be the complete metric graph on d vertices. We compute the gonality of graphs obtained from by omitting edges forming a , or general configurations of at most edges. We also investigate if these graphs can be lifted to curves with the same gonality. We lift the former graphs and the ones obtained by removing up to edges not forming a K3 using models of plane curves with certain singularities. We also study the gonality when removing edges not forming a K3. We use harmonic morphism to lift these graphs to curves with the same gonality because in this case plane singular models can no longer be used due to a result of Coppens and Kato.
Vitamin D and/or calcium deficient diets may differentially affect muscle fiber neuromuscular junction innervation
Authors: Gifondorwa David J. , Thompson Tyran D. , Wiley June , Culver Alexander E. , Shetler Pamela K. , Rocha Guilherme V. , Ma Yanfei L. , Krishnan Venkatesh , Bryant Henry U.
Published: April 2016

Introduction: There is evidence that supports a role for Vitamin D (Vit. D) in muscle. The exact mechanism by which Vit. D deficiency impairs muscle strength and function is not clear. Methods: Three‐week‐old mice were fed diets with varied combinations of Vit. D and Ca2+ deficiency. Behavioral testing, genomic and protein analysis, and muscle histology were performed with a focus on neuromuscular junction (NMJ) ‐related genes. Results: Vit. D and Ca2+ deficient mice performed more poorly on given behavioral tasks than animals with Vit. D deficiency alone. Genomic and protein analysis of the soleus and tibialis anterior muscles revealed changes in several Vit. D metabolic, NMJ‐related, and protein chaperoning and refolding genes. Conclusions: These data suggest that detrimental effects of a Vit. D deficient or a Vit. D and Ca2+ deficient diet may be a result of differential alterations in the structure and function of the NMJ and a lack of a sustained stress response in muscles. Muscle Nerve 54: 1120–1132, 2016
Copper–Antimony Alloy–Nanoparticle Clusters Supported on Porous Cu Networks for Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Zhang Chi , Xu Kai‐Qi , Zhou Wen , Lu Xue‐Feng , Li Rui‐Ying , Li Gao‐Ren
Published: April 2016

Novel copper–antimony (Cu2Sb) alloy–nanoparticle clusters (CANCs) supported on porous Cu networks are successfully synthesized by electrodeposition. The porous structures in CANCs can provide adequate void space to accommodate volume change during charging/discharging, and accordingly can prevent the pulverization and electrical isolation, enabling long‐term cycling. The porous Cu networks as supports can provide large surface areas for the growth of CANCs, excellent electron transportation for charge/discharge, and an efficient “buffer zone” for volume fluctuation of Cu2Sb alloys. The CANCs show superior electrochemical performance, such as high and reversible capacity and superior long‐term cycle stability. With ease of large scale fabrication, low‐cost, environmentally friendly, and superior electrochemical characteristics, the CANCs qualify as a promising candidate for anode materials of Li‐ion batteries with high performance.
Efficacy of oral corticosteroids in the treatment of acute wheezing episodes in asthmatic preschoolers: Systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Castro‐Rodriguez Jose A. , Beckhaus Andrea A. , Forno Erick
Published: April 2016

Rationale

Systemic corticosteroids (SCS) are used for treat preschoolers with acute asthma or wheezing exacerbations, with conflicting results.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of oral corticosteroids (OCS) compared to placebo in preschoolers presenting with acute asthma/wheezing exacerbations.

Methods

Five electronic databases were searched for all placebo‐controlled, randomized clinical trials of OCS in children <6 years of age presenting with recurrent wheezing/asthma exacerbations of any severity. Primary outcomes were hospitalizations, unscheduled emergency department (ED) visits in following month, need of additional OCS courses, and length of stay (ED or hospital).

Results

Eleven studies met inclusion criteria (n = 1,733); four were conducted on an outpatient basis, five in inpatients, and two in the ED. Significant heterogeneity was found when pooling all studies, and thus analysis was stratified by trial setting. Among the outpatient studies, children who received OCS had a higher hospitalization rate (RR: 2.15 [95%CI = 1.08–4.29], I2 = 0%) compared to those to received placebo. Among the ED studies, children who received OCS had a lower risk of hospitalization (RR: 0.58 [0.37–0.92], I2 = 0%). Among the inpatient studies, children who received OCS needed fewer additional OCS courses than those on placebo (RR: 0.57 [0.40–0.81], I2 = 0%).

Conclusions

Treatment with OCS in the ED or hospital may be beneficial in toddlers and preschoolers with frequent asthma/wheezing exacerbations. However, more studies are needed before OCS can be broadly recommended for this age group. Future trials should be carefully designed to avoid bias and according to our findings regarding administration setting. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:868–876. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of Measurement Error on Joint Monitoring of Process Mean and Variability under Ranked Set Sampling
Authors: Ghashghaei Reza , Bashiri Mahdi , Amiri Amirhossein , Maleki Mohammad Reza
Published: April 2016

In this paper first we apply ranked set sampling (RSS) procedure in joint monitoring of both process mean and variance. Then, we study the effect of measurement error on joint monitoring of process mean and variance when simple random sampling (SRS) as well as RSS procedure is used. The results prove that the measurement error can seriously deteriorate the ability of the control chart in detecting all out‐of‐control scenarios. The results also represent that using RSS procedure can improve the ability of the monitoring scheme in detecting mean shifts, variance shifts as well as joint shifts either measurement error exists or not. In other words, RSS procedure can reduce the adverse effect of measurement error on detecting ability of joint monitoring scheme. After that, we utilize multiple measurements at each sample point when both SRS and RSS procedures are used. We investigate the effect of parameters in the covariate model thorough a sensitivity analysis. Finally, the applicability of the proposed control charts is illustrated using a real case of the piston rings in an automotive engine manufactured by a forging process. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Product Component Genealogy Modeling and Field‐failure Prediction
Authors: King Caleb , Hong Yili , Meeker William Q.
Published: April 2016

Many industrial products consist of multiple components that are necessary for system operation. There is an abundance of literature on modeling the lifetime of such components through competing risks models. During the life‐cycle of a product, it is common for there to be incremental design changes to improve reliability, to reduce costs, or due to changes in availability of certain part numbers. These changes can affect product reliability but are often ignored in system lifetime modeling. By incorporating this information about changes in part numbers over time (information that is readily available in most production databases), better accuracy can be achieved in predicting time to failure, thus yielding more accurate field‐failure predictions. This paper presents methods for estimating parameters and predictions for this generational model and a comparison with existing methods through the use of simulation. Our results indicate that the generational model has important practical advantages and outperforms the existing methods in predicting field failures. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corrosion resistances of passive films on low‐Cr steel and carbon steel in simulated concrete pore solution
Authors: Liu Ming , Cheng Xuequn , Zhao Gucheng , Li Xiaogang , Pan Yue
Published: April 2016

The passive ranges of carbon steel rebar and 3Cr steel rebar in saturated Ca(OH)2‐simulated concrete pore solution with pH 12.6 were determined by means of cyclic voltammetry and potentiodynamic polarization curves. Chronopotentiometry was used to obtain steady‐state conditions for the formation of passive films on rebar samples at different anodic potentials. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Mott–Schottky and X‐ray photoelectron spectrometer curves were employed to compare the formed passive films at different potentials. Additionally, cyclic polarization curves were used to compare the corrosion resistances of formed passive films on the two rebars in saturated Ca(OH)2‐simulated concrete pore solution with different concentration of Cl−. The results show that the passive ranges of the two rebars are all between −0.15 and +0.6 V, and more stable passive films can be formed on both rebars at the anodic potential of +0.3 V. In the absence of Cl−, the stability and corrosion resistance of the passive film formed on the 3Cr rebar are better than those of CS rebar. The passive film of 3Cr steel has the relatively better pitting corrosion resistance than carbon steel in saturated Ca(OH)2‐simulated concrete pore solution that contains different concentration of Cl−. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sex differences in neurotensin and substance P following nicotine self‐administration in rats
Authors: Pittenger Steven T. , Swalve Natashia , Chou Shinnyi , Smith Misty D. , Hoonakker Amanda J. , Pudiak Cindy M. , Fleckenstein Annette E. , Hanson Glen R. , Bevins Rick A.
Published: April 2016

Investigator‐administered nicotine alters neurotensin and substance P levels in Sprague‐Dawley rats. This finding suggested a role of the dopamine‐related endogenous neuropeptides in nicotine addiction. We sought to extend this observation by determining the responses of neurotensin and substance P systems (assessed using radioimmunoassay) in male and female rats following nicotine self‐administration (SA). Male and female Sprague‐Dawley were trained to self‐administer nicotine, or receive saline infusions yoked to a nicotine‐administering rat during daily sessions (1‐h; 21 days). Brains were extracted 3 h after the last SA session. Nicotine SA increased tissue levels of neurotensin in the males in the anterior and posterior caudate, globus pallidus, frontal cortex, nucleus accumbens core and shell, and ventral tegmental area. Nicotine SA also increased tissue levels of neurotensin in the females in the anterior caudate, globus pallidus, nucleus accumbens core and shell, but not in the posterior caudate, frontal cortex, or ventral tegmental area. There were fewer sex differences observed in the substance P systems. Nicotine SA increased tissue levels of substance P in both the males and females in the posterior caudate, globus pallidus, frontal cortex, nucleus accumbens shell, and ventral tegmental area. A sex difference was observed in the nucleus accumbens core, where nicotine SA increased tissue levels of substance P in the males, yet decreased levels in the females. The regulation of neuropeptides following nicotine SA may play a role in the susceptibility to nicotine dependence in females and males.Synapse 70:336–346, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Counterfactuals and Accessibility
Authors: Kodaj Daniel ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: April 2016

The accessibility relation between possible worlds can be defined in the metalanguage of counterfactual semantics. As a result, counterfactuals can ground the whole of standard modal logic.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Hydrogen Bonding of μ‐Hydroxo‐μ‐peroxo‐bis[bis(ethylenediamine)cobalt(III)] Squarate
Authors: Köferstein Roberto , Robl Christian
Published: April 2016

Black‐brown needle‐shaped single crystals of [Co2(en)4(O2)(OH)][C4O4]1.5·4H2O (en = ethylenediamine) were prepared in aqueous solution at room temperature [space group P$\bar{1}$ (no.2) with a = 800.20(8), b = 1225.48(7), c = 1403.84(9) pm, α = 100.282(5), β = 94.515(7), and γ = 95.596(6)°]. The Co3+ cations [Co(1), Co(2)] are coordinated in an octahedral manner by four nitrogen atoms stemming from the ethylenediamine molecules and two oxygen atoms each from a hydroxo group and a peroxo group, respectively. Both Co3+ coordination polyhedra are connected by a common corner and by the peroxo group leading to the dinuclear [(en)2Co(O2)(OH)Co(en)2]3+ cation. The squarate dianions, not bonded to Co3+, and the [(en)2Co(O2)(OH)Co(en)2]3+ cations are linked by hydrogen bonds forming a three‐dimensional supramolecular network containing water molecules. Magnetic measurements revealed a diamagnetic behavior indicating a low‐spin electron configuration of Co3+. The UV/Vis spectra show two LMCT bands [π*(O22–) → dσ*(Co3+)] at 274 and 368 nm and the d–d transition (1A1g → 1T1g) at 542 nm. Thermoanalytical investigations in air show that the compound is stable up to 120 °C. Subsequent decomposition processes to cobalt oxide are finished at 460 °C.
Vapour-bubble nucleation and dynamics in turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard convection
Authors: Narezo Guzman Daniela , Frączek Tomasz , Reetz Christopher , Sun Chao , Lohse Detlef , Ahlers Guenter
Published: April 2016

Vapour bubbles nucleating at micro-cavities etched into the silicon bottom plate of a cylindrical Rayleigh–Bénard sample (diameter $D=8.8$  cm, aspect ratio ${\it\Gamma}\equiv D/L\simeq 1.00$ where $L$ is the sample height) were visualized from the top and from the side. A triangular array of cylindrical micro-cavities (with a diameter of $30~{\rm\mu}\text{m}$ and a depth of $100~{\rm\mu}\text{m}$) covered a circular centred area (diameter of 2.5 cm) of the bottom plate. Heat was applied to the sample only over this central area while cooling was over the entire top-plate area. Bubble sizes and frequencies of departure from the bottom plate are reported for a range of bottom-plate superheats $T_{b}-T_{on}$ ($T_{b}$ is the bottom-plate temperature, $T_{on}$ is the onset temperature of bubble nucleation) from 3 to 12 K for three different cavity separations. The difference $T_{b}-T_{t}\simeq 16$  K between $T_{b}$ and the top plate temperature $T_{t}$ was kept fixed while the mean temperature $T_{m}=(T_{b}+T_{t})/2$ was varied, leading to a small range of the Rayleigh number $Ra$ from $1.4\times 10^{10}$ to $2.0\times 10^{10}$. The time between bubble departures from a given cavity decreased exponentially with increasing superheat and was independent of cavity separation. The contribution of the bubble latent heat to the total enhancement of heat transferred due to bubble nucleation was found to increase with superheat, reaching up to 25 %. The bubbly flow was examined in greater detail for a superheat of 10 K and $Ra\simeq 1.9\times 10^{10}$. The condensation and/or dissolution rates of departed bubbles revealed two regimes: the initial rate was influenced by steep thermal gradients across the thermal boundary layer near the plate and was two orders of magnitude larger than the final condensation and/or dissolution rate that prevailed once the rising bubbles were in the colder bulk flow of nearly uniform temperature. The dynamics of thermal plumes was studied qualitatively in the presence and absence of nucleating bubbles. It was found that bubbles enhanced the plume velocity by a factor of four or so and drove a large-scale circulation (LSC). Nonetheless, even in the presence of bubbles the plumes and LSC had a characteristic velocity which was smaller by a factor of five or so than the bubble-rise velocity in the bulk. In the absence of bubbles there was strongly turbulent convection but no LSC, and plumes on average rose vertically.
ABOVE-GROUND BIOMASS ESTIMATION OF OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA (L.) MILL. FOR FORAGE CROP IN A MEDITERRANEAN ENVIRONMENT BY USING NON-DESTRUCTIVE METHODS
Authors: REIS CARLOS MANUEL GASPAR , GAZARINI LUIZ CARLOS , FONSECA TERESA FIDALGO , RIBEIRO MARIA MARGARIDA
Published: April 2016

In marginal lands Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) could be used as an alternative fruit and forage crop. The plant vigour and the biomass production were evaluated in Portuguese germplasm (15 individuals from 16 ecotypes) by non-destructive methods, 2 years following planting in a marginal soil and dryland conditions. Two Italian cultivars (Gialla and Bianca) were included in the study for comparison purposes. The biomass production and the plant vigour were estimated by measuring the cladodes number and area, and the fresh (FW) and dry weight (DW) per plant. We selected linear models by using the biometric data from 60 cladodes to predict the cladode area, the FW and the DW per plant. Among ecotypes, significant differences were found in the studied biomass-related parameters and several homogeneous groups were established. Four Portuguese ecotypes had higher biomass production than the others, 3.20 Mg ha−1 on average, a value not significantly different to the improved ‘Gialla’ cultivar, which averaged 3.87 Mg ha−1. Those ecotypes could be used to start a breeding program and to deploy material for animal feeding and fruit production.
Mrs. Pat's Two Bodies: Ghosting and the Landmark Performance
Authors: Gregory Fiona
Published: April 2016

In 1893, Mrs. Patrick (Stella) Campbell appeared as the title character in Arthur Wing Pinero's The Second Mrs Tanqueray at the St James's Theatre in London. The play told of a respectable widower, Aubrey Tanqueray, and his doomed second marriage to Paula, a younger woman with a past. Good wives did not have “pasts,” and Paula's is particularly scandalous for she has, since adolescence, “kept house” with a series of men. Aware that their marriage is unlikely to be accepted by their peers, Paula and Aubrey retreat to the country, where they are joined by Aubrey's adult daughter, Ellean. Ellean subsequently becomes engaged to a young soldier, Hugh Ardale. The crisis of the play occurs when Paula and Ardale come face to face and the audience learns that the pair had once lived together in London. With this revelation, Paula becomes convinced that she cannot outrun her past, and the play closes with her suicide. Despite the conventionality of its ending, the play was considered modern and daring and is remembered as one of the first attempts to represent the “fallen woman” sympathetically and to question the sexual double standard that operated in Victorian society. Campbell's clarity of expression and relatively unmannered delivery enhanced Pinero's uncommonly sympathetic portrait of a former courtesan. However, it was the actress's physical presence that particularly captured the audience's imagination. Campbell was tall, pale, and thin to the point of angularity—a representative example of the fashionable “neurasthenic” woman of the 1890s. Pinero's characterization joined with Campbell's playing style and (most important) her physicality to create the entity I dub “Paula Tanqueray circa 1893.” This entity haunted Campbell's entire career, acting as a ghostly double to her living body both onstage and off. Campbell continued to play the role of Paula Tanqueray into the 1920s, yet as the actress's body matured and changed, that of the ghost retained its svelte 1893 proportions and youthful charm, creating a corporeal dissonance that disrupted audience reception.
Explanations and Implications of ‘Psychophysical’ Acting
Authors: Whyman Rose
Published: April 2016

The term ‘psychophysical’ in relation to acting and performer training is widely used by theatre scholars and practitioners. Konstantin Stanislavsky is considered to have been an innovator in developing an approach to Western acting focused on both psychology and physicality. The discourse encompasses questions of practice, of creativity and emotion, the philosophical problem of mind–body from Western and Eastern perspectives of spirituality. In this article, Rose Whyman attempts to uncover what Stanislavsky meant by his limited use of the term ‘psychophysical’ and suggests that much of the discourse remains prone to a dualist mind–body approach. Clarification of this is needed in order to further understanding of the practice of training performers. Rose Whyman is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Drama and Theatre Arts at the University of Birmingham. She researches the science of actor training and is the author of The Stanislavsky System of Acting (Cambridge, 2008) and Stanislavsky: the Basics (Routledge, 2013).
The Ambiguous Table: Dramatic Representations of Women at Dinner
Authors: Decent Campion
Published: April 2016

An actual dinner party is nearly always characterized by the presence of three central elements: a meal, a table, and a gathering of people, who usually converse. In this article Campion Decent considers the dinner party as a social event and questions how artists draw on its elements to inform artistic representations of dinner. He examines the use of dining events in drama, notably in five texts authored by women between the late 1970s and the present day–Tina Howe's The Art of Dining (1979) and One Shoe Off (1992), Caryl Churchill's Top Girls (1982), Moira Buffini's Dinner (2002), and Tanya Ronder's Table (2013). These texts share an emphasis on the symbolic idea of food or dining, feature tables with a woman at their centre and offer dialogue allied to the experiences of women. While the dining events that they depict are populated with vastly different characters and distinct conversations, the tables nevertheless function as potent yet ambiguous symbols both of women's oppression and of the potential for creative freedom. This article draws on research in anthropology, sociology, food studies, theatre and performance studies, and women's studies to illustrate the fertile complexity of ideas involved in the symbolic dinner. Campion Decent has recently completed his doctoral studies at La Trobe University, Melbourne. He is an award-winning playwright, with productions at Sydney Theatre Company, the Griffin Theatre, and the National Institute of Dramatic Art, Sydney. He has presented papers at Stanford University, Shanghai Theatre Academy, and Victoria University of Wellington.
The Beginnings of Ḥibbat Ẓion: A Different Perspective
Authors: Goldstein Yossi
Published: April 2016

In the spring of 1881, Jewish communities within the Pale of Settlement in Russia and Romania witnessed the creation of the Jewish nationalist groups, regional associations, and other core organizations that would subsequently evolve into the movement that came to be known as Ḥovevei Ẓion (lovers of Zion), or Ḥibbat Ẓion.

Although anti-Semitism played an important role in stimulating the emergence of Ḥibbat Ẓion, the movement's establishment must be understood as having been shaped by two concurrent processes. One was the conclusion of Jewish emancipation in central and western Europe, which brought central figures in the national movement, such as Leon Pinsker, to the decisive conclusion that the Jews could only be truly emancipated in an independent Jewish state. The second stemmed from the poor socioeconomic conditions faced by Jews of the time, particularly in eastern Europe. The demographic growth experienced by the Jews of eastern Europe, which reached a high point during the last few decades of the nineteenth century, required a dramatic socioeconomic solution that was nowhere to be found. Proponents of the Jewish nationalist movement argued that the establishment of a Jewish state would also help relieve the Jews' social and economic plight.
A Matter of Time: Writing Jewish Memory into Roman History
Authors: Gribetz Sarit Kattan
Published: April 2016

The Palestinian and Babylonian Talmuds preserve fascinating stories about the origins of Roman festivals, through which they attempt to connect Roman history with Jewish history. This paper offers contextual readings of these narratives (Y. Avodah Zarah 1:2 [39c] and B. Avodah Zarah 8b) in light of Greek and Roman texts, epigraphical material, and numismatics, and places these rabbinic narratives within broader debates about cultural memory, Jewish historiography, calendars, and time. In one story, the idolatrous sins committed by a series of Israelite kings are blamed for the geological, mythical, and historical origins of the city of Rome, and a series of Roman imperial motifs and figures (the Tiber River, Remus and Romulus, Numa) are inverted. In another, the Romans are said to draw on the power of the Torah in order to defeat their Greek rivals. The rabbinic stories of Roman festivals and their Jewish origins can be understood as examples of what James C. Scott has called “a hidden transcript”—texts that bring to light an alternative perspective, that of the rabbis, within a Roman imperial context that they often interpreted as hostile or threatening.
Stimulating annuity markets
Authors: HEIJDRA BEN J. , MIERAU JOCHEN O. , TRIMBORN TIMO
Published: April 2016

We study the short-, medium-, and long-run implications of stimulating annuity markets in a dynamic general-equilibrium overlapping-generations model. We find that beneficial partial-equilibrium effects of stimulating annuity markets are counteracted by negative general-equilibrium repercussions. Balancing the positive partial-equilibrium and negative general-equilibrium forces we show that there exists an intermediate level of annuitization such that the lifetime utility of steady-state agents is maximized. Studying the transition to this optimal degree of annuitization shows that currently middle-aged individuals stand to gain most from the stimulation of annuity markets. Complementing our main analysis, we highlight the centrality of the interplay between human-capital accumulation and annuity market policy.
Characterization and genetic potential of African pearl millet named landraces conserved at the ICRISAT genebank
Authors: Upadhyaya H. D. , Reddy K. N. , Irshad Ahmed M. , Ramachandran Senthil , Kumar Vinod , Singh Sube
Published: April 2016

The world collection of pearl millet at ICRISAT genebank includes 19,696 landraces. Passport and characterization data of 2,929 accessions belonging to 89 named landraces originating in 15 countries of Africa was used to study the adoption pattern and genetic potential. Out of 89 named landraces under study, 71 were grown in one country, 11 in two countries, six in three countries and one in four countries. Latitude and prevailing climate at collection sites were found as the important determinants of cultivation pattern of landraces. A hierarchical cluster analysis using 12 agronomic traits resulted in five clusters. Cluster 1 for late flowering, short height in rainy season, high tillering and thin panicles; cluster 2 for early flowering; cluster 3 for stout panicles in both the seasons and larger seeds and cluster 5 for longer panicles in both seasons, were found as promising sources. IP 8957, IP 8958, IP 8964 of Iniadi landrace for short height, downy mildew and rust resistance and high seed iron and zinc contents; IP 17521 of Gnali (106.9 ppm) and IP 11523 of Idiyouwe (106.5 ppm) for high seed iron content; IP 17518 of Gnali (79.1 ppm) and IP 11535 of Iniadi (78.4 ppm) for high seed zinc content were the important sources. All accessions of Raa for high seed protein content (>15%) and those of Enele for drought tolerance, were found to be promising sources. Further evaluation of promising sources identified in this study is needed for enhanced utilization of germplasm in pearl millet improvement.
DIVISION A COMMISSION 8: ASTROMETRY
Authors: Zacharias Norbert , Brown Anthony , Evans Dafydd , Chen Li , Gouda Naoteru , Makarov Valeri , Shulga Aleksandr , Souchay Jean , Teixeira Rama , Unwin Stephen
Published: April 2016

Commission 8 has regularly published triennial reports in the past and the current OC therefore voted to adopt a traditional format also for this special Legacy issue of the IAU Transactions. The outgoing President is grateful for the support of many Commission members who contributed to this report. Our contribution consists of 3 parts: 1) this introduction, providing a general overview and highlights of recent research in astrometry, 2) a summary of the astrometry business & science meeting at the 2015 IAU General Assembly, and 3) the activity report of our Commisson covering the mid-2012 to mid-2015 period.
DIVISION B COMMISSION 14 WORKING GROUP: COLLISION PROCESSES
Authors: Peach Gillian , Dimitrijevic Milan S. , Barklem Paul S.
Published: April 2016

Since our last report (Peach & Dimitrijević 2012), a large number of new publications on the results of research in atomic and molecular collision processes and spectral line broadening have been published. Due to the limited space available, we have only included work of importance for astrophysics. Additional relevant papers, not included in this report, can be found in the databases at the web addresses provided in Section 6. Elastic and inelastic collisions between electrons, atoms, ions, and molecules are included, as well as charge transfer in collisions between heavy particles which can be very important.
DIVISION B COMMISSION 40: RADIO ASTRONOMY
Authors: Chapman Jessica M. , Giovaninni Gabriele , Taylor Russell , Carilli Christopher , Hills Richard , Hirabayashi Hisashi , Jonas Justin L. , Lazio Joseph , Morganti Rafaella , Nan Rendong , Rubio Monica , Shastri Prjaval , Kellermann Ken , Ekers Ronald , Ohishi Masatoshi
Published: April 2016

IAU Commission 40 for Radio Astronomy (hereafter C40) brought together scientists and engineers who carry out observational and theoretical research in radio astronomy and who develop and operate the ground and space-based radio astronomy facilities and instrumentation. As of June 2015, the Commission had approximately 1,100 members from 49 countries, corresponding to nearly 10 per cent of the total IAU membership.
TRIENNIAL REPORT
Authors: Green Richard , Walker Constance , van Driel Wim , del Castillo Elizabeth Alvarez , Garcia Beatriz , Metaxa Margarita , Ohishi Masatoshi , Patat Ferdinando , Sefako Ramotholo , Tzioumis Anastasios
Published: April 2016

This will be the last triennial report from Commission 50 under that label, because of the reorganization of the IAU at the end of the triennial period. Fortunately, site protection was recognized as an important ongoing function of the IAU, and the work of the Commission is continuing as Commission C.B7. The Commission has its primary association with Division B because of the technical aspects of its work and association with ground-based facilities, while it has the support of Division C as an Inter-Division Commission because of the strong need for educating the public on the issues.
DIVISION J COMMISSION 28: GALAXIES
Authors: Gallagher John S. , Davies Roger L. , Courteau Stéphane , Dekel Avishai , Franx Marijn , Jog Chanda J. , Jogee Sardha , Nakai Naomasa , Rubio Monica , Tacconi Linda , Terlevich Elena
Published: April 2016

IAU Commission 28 (IAU C28: Galaxies) was founded in the late 1930s at which time it had only a small membership (see the historical notes by Sadler et al. 2007). When C28 ended its existence in 2015 there were well over 1000 members on its books. The membership had grown to the point where the effort to keep track of active participants had become a major task. During the C28s tenure 27 IAU Symposia have been devoted to galaxies, the third highest number (Mickaelian 2014)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WORKING GROUP: WOMEN IN ASTRONOMY
Authors: Primas Francesca , Maddison Sarah , Primas Francesca , Aerts Conny , Clayton Geoffrey , Combes Françoise , Elmegreen Debra , Feretti Luigina , Jog Chanda , Kobayashi Chiaki , Lazzaro Daniela , Liang Yanchun , Mandrini Cristina , Mathews Brenda , Rovira Marta
Published: April 2016

The gender† dimension of science and technology has become one of the most important and debated issues worldwide, impacting society at every level. A variety of international initiatives on the subject have been undertaken, including the continued monitoring of the status of women in science by Unesco Institute for Statistics (UIS) or the annual reports “Education at a Glance” by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) as well as field-related working groups and networking in order to collect data in a consistent manner. The majority of the international organizations have made clear statements about their discrimination policies (independently of their main field(s) of action), including the International Council for Science whose regulations are followed by the IAU. Gender equality at large is one of the eight United Nations Millennium Development Goals, which clearly calls for action related to science, technology and gender.
Erratum: Layer-dependent quantum cooperation of electron and hole states in the anomalous semimetal WTe2
Authors: Das Pranab Kumar , Di Sante D. , Vobornik I. , Fujii J. , Okuda T. , Bruyer E. , Gyenis A. , Feldman B. E. , Tao J. , Ciancio R. , Rossi G. , Ali M. N. , Picozzi S. , Yadzani A. , Panaccione G. , Cava R. J.
Published: April 2016

Nature Communications 7, Article number: 10847 (2016); Published 29 February 2016; Updated 13 April 2016. This Article contains errors in the numbering of the references in the text. The third sentence of the second paragraph should only refer to reference 2, not references 2 and 3. The correct sentence is:
Novel piperazine core compound induces death in human liver cancer cells: possible pharmacological properties
Authors: Samie Nima , Muniandy Sekaran , Kanthimathi M. S. , Haerian Batoul Sadat , Raja Azudin Raja Elina
Published: April 2016

The current study evaluates the cytotoxic mechanism of a novel piperazine derivate designated as PCC against human liver cancer cells. In this context, human liver cancer cell lines, SNU-475 and 243, human monocyte/macrophage cell line, CRL-9855, and human B lymphocyte cell line, CCL-156, were used to determine the IC50 of PCC using the standard MTT assay. PCC displayed a strong suppressive effect on SNU-475 and SNU-423 cells with an IC50 value of 6.98 ± 0.11 μg/ml and 7.76 ± 0.45 μg/ml respectively, after 24 h of treatment. Significant dipping in the mitochondrial membrane potential and elevation in the released of cytochrome c from the mitochondria indicated the induction of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway by PCC. Activation of this pathway was further evidenced by significant activation of caspase 3/7 and 9. PCC was also shown to activate the extrinsic pathways of apoptosis via activation of caspase-8 which is linked to the suppression of NF-ƙB translocation to the nucleus. Cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase was confirmed by flow cytometry and up-regulation of glutathione reductase expression was quantified by qPCR. This study suggests that PCC is a simultaneous inducer of intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis in liver cancer cell lines.