bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observer Design for One-Sided Lipschitz Nonlinear Systems Subject to Measurement Delays
Authors: Ahmad Sohaira , Majeed Raafia , Hong Keum-Shik , Rehan Muhammad
Published: March 2015

This paper presents a novel nonlinear observer-design approach to one-sided Lipschitz nonlinear systems in the presence of output delays. The crux of the approach is to overcome the practical consequences of time delays, encountered due to distant sensor position and time lag in measurement, for estimation of physical and engineering nonlinear system states. A Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional is employed, the time derivative of which is solved using Jensen’s inequality, one-sided Lipschitz condition, and quadratic inner-boundedness, and, accordingly, design conditions for delay-range-dependent nonlinear observer for delayed one-sided Lipschitz systems are derived. Further, novel solutions to the problems of delay-dependent observer synthesis of one-sided Lipschitz models and delay-range-dependent state estimation of linear and Lipschitz nonlinear systems are deduced from the present delay-range-dependent technique. An observer formulation methodology for retrieval of one-sided Lipschitz nonlinear-system states, which is robust againstL2norm-bounded perturbations, is devised. The resultant design conditions, in contrast to the conventional procedures, can be solved via less conservative linear matrix inequality- (LMI-) based routines that succeed by virtue of additional LMI variables, meaningful transformations, and cone complementary linearization algorithm. Numerical examples are worked out to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed observer-synthesis approach for delayed one-sided Lipschitz systems.
26th Pezcoller Symposium: Cancers Driven by Hormones
Authors: Brown Myles , Chinnaiyan Arul , Farsetti Antonella , Livingston David M. , Loda Massimo , Schuele Roland , Mihich Enrico
Published: March 2015

This symposium was held in Trento, Italy, on June 19–21, 2014, and was focused on advances in biology, physiology, and pathology of neoplasms affected by hormones, especially breast and prostate cancers. The stem cell function, the genetic and epigenetic interactions with hormones, the mechanisms of estrogen receptor transcription, biochemical markers and therapeutic targets in breast cancer, promotion of breast cancer carcinogenesis by progesterone, the basis for prostate cancer progression and the relevance of DNA repair processes, androgen receptor programming during prostate carcinogenesis, the metabolic stress role in tumor survival, and the diagnostic use of imaging in prostate cancer were discussed. Cancer Res; 75(7); 1177–80. ©2015 AACR.
A Chemical Genetics Approach for the Functional Assessment of Novel Cancer Genes
Authors: Zhou Qianhe , Derti Adnan , Ruddy David , Rakiec Daniel , Kao Iris , Lira Michelle , Gibaja Veronica , Chan HoMan , Yang Yi , Min Junxia , Schlabach Michael R. , Stegmeier Frank
Published: March 2015

Assessing the functional significance of novel putative oncogenes remains a significant challenge given the limitations of current loss-of-function tools. Here, we describe a method that employs TALEN or CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-in of inducible degron tags (Degron-KI) that provides a versatile approach for the functional characterization of novel cancer genes and addresses many of the shortcomings of current tools. The Degron-KI system allows for highly specific, inducible, and allele-targeted inhibition of endogenous protein function, and the ability to titrate protein depletion with this system is able to better mimic pharmacologic inhibition compared with RNAi or genetic knockout approaches. The Degron-KI system was able to faithfully recapitulate the effects of pharmacologic EZH2 and PI3Kα inhibitors in cancer cell lines. The application of this system to the study of a poorly understood putative oncogene, SF3B1, provided the first causal link between SF3B1 hotspot mutations and splicing alterations. Surprisingly, we found that SF3B1-mutant cells are not dependent upon the mutated allele for in vitro growth, but instead depend upon the function of the remaining wild-type alleles. Collectively, these results demonstrate the broad utility of the Degron-KI system for the functional characterization of cancer genes. Cancer Res; 75(10); 1949–58. ©2015 AACR.
Endostatin Has ATPase Activity, Which Mediates Its Antiangiogenic and Antitumor Activities
Authors: Wang Shan , Lu Xin-an , Liu Peng , Fu Yan , Jia Lin , Zhan Shunli , Luo Yongzhang
Published: March 2015

Endostatin is an endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor with broad-spectrum antitumor activities. Although the molecular mechanisms of endostatin have been extensively explored, the intrinsic biochemical characteristics of endostatin are not completely understood. Here, we revealed for the first time that endostatin embedded novel ATPase activity. Moreover, mutagenesis study showed that the ATPase activity of endostatin mutants positively correlated with effects on endothelial cell activities and tumor growth. E-M, an endostatin mutant with higher ATPase activity than that of wild-type (WT) endostatin, significantly increased endostatin-mediated inhibitory effects on endothelial cell proliferation, migration, tube formation, and adhesion. In vivo study showed that E-M displayed enhanced antitumor effects compared with WT. On the other hand, K96A, K96R, and E176A, endostatin mutants with lower ATPase activities than that of WT, showed reduced or comparable effects on targeting both in vitro endothelial cell activities and in vivo tumor angiogenesis and tumor growth. Furthermore, endostatin and its mutants exhibited distinct abilities in regulations of gene expression (Id1, Id3), cell signaling (Erk, p38, and Src phosphorylation), and intracellular ATP levels. Collectively, our study demonstrates that endostatin has novel ATPase activity, which mediates its antiangiogenic and antitumor activities, suggesting that construction of endostatin analogues with high ATPase activity may provide a new direction for the development of more potent antiangiogenic drugs. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(5); 1192–201. ©2015 AACR.
A Clinical Education Program for Speech-Language Pathologists Applying Reflective Practice, Evidence-Based Practice and Case-Based Learning
Authors: Meilijson Sara , Katzenberger Irit
Published: March 2015

This paper presents a comprehensive clinical education program for speech-language pathology students while considering the learning process and gradual acquisition of knowledge and skills for becoming a practicing speech-language pathologist. It describes the clinical speech and language education program for speech-language pathology students at Hadassah Academic College Jerusalem (HAC) based on three facets of learning: reflective practice, evidence-based practice and case-based learning. Also described are the choice of the model of learning and its implementation. The clinical education program presented reflects the professional development of the faculty at HAC as well as recent trends in clinical education methods.
Correlates and Moderators of Change in Subjective Memory and Memory Performance: Findings from the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Hülür Gizem , Hertzog Christopher , Pearman Ann M. , Gerstorf Denis
Published: March 2015

Aging researchers have long been interested in understanding individuals' subjective perceptions of their own memory functioning. Previous research has shown that subjective memory ratings are partly based on memory performance but also reflect the influence of other factors, such as depressive symptoms. The aim of the present study was to examine (1) longitudinal associations between trajectories of subjective memory and memory performance, (2) variables that predict levels of and changes in subjective memory and memory performance, and (3) variables that moderate associations between these constructs. We applied a latent growth curve model to four occasions of data from 15,824 participants of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; mean age at baseline = 64.27 years, SD = 9.90; 58% women). Results revealed that latent changes in subjective memory were correlated with latent changes in memory performance (φ = 0.49), indicating that participants who reported steeper declines of subjective memory indeed showed steeper declines of memory performance over time. Three major patterns of associations emerged with respect to predictors of subjective memory and subjective memory change. First, the level of memory performance showed stronger associations with age, gender, and education, whereas subjective memory was more strongly associated with subjective age and personality traits. For example, women performed better than men on the episodic memory test, but there were no gender differences in subjective memory. Also, older age was associated with steeper declines of memory performance but with less decline of subjective memory. Second, personality traits that predicted subjective memory intercepts did not predict subjective memory slopes. Third, the strength of associations between levels and slopes of subjective memory and memory performance varied as a function of gender, education, depressive symptoms, and personality traits. Conscientiousness moderated the relationship of the level of subjective memory to the level of memory performance, consistent with the hypothesis that persons high in conscientiousness more accurately monitor memory successes and failures. The results reinforce the importance of depressive symptoms as a predictor of subjective memory but also indicate that a broader perspective on the reasons why memory complaints have modest correlations with memory itself is needed.
Subjective Beliefs, Memory and Functional Health: Change and Associations over 12 Years in the Australian Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Luszcz Mary A. , Anstey Kaarin J. , Ghisletta Paolo
Published: March 2015

Background: Neither subjective memory beliefs, nor remembering itself, can be isolated from the overall context in which one is aging, nor are the drivers of memory complaints well specified. Sense of control is an important self-regulatory resource that drives cognitive and physical health over the lifespan. Existing findings are equivocal concerning both the extent of stability or change in control beliefs over time as well as their contribution to changes in behavior. Objective: Subjective beliefs may play a role when engaging memory processes or identifying memory complaints, and it has been argued that self-regulatory potential in general may be limited by age-related changes in the domains of health and cognition. We aimed to examine trajectories of change and shed light on relationships among subjective beliefs and indicators of memory and functional health. Methods: Participants' data were drawn from four measurement occasions over up to a 12-year period (1992-2004) from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ALSA), a population-based study of older adults [age 65-100 years; mean age(SD) at the first and final occasion 78.2 (6.7) and 84.9 (4.9) years, respectively]. Participants completed three questionnaires assessing subjective beliefs concerning (1) memory knowledge and control, (2) health control, and (3) expectancy of control over a range of lifestyle situations. Memory comprised a recall composite. Functional health tapped mobility and disability. Latent growth curve models incorporated informative covariates (baseline age, gender, self-rated health, education, and chronic conditions). Results: While subjective memory control beliefs, but not subjective knowledge of memory tasks, improved over 12 years, neither was associated with level of memory performance. Knowledge of memory tasks was linked to a significant memory decline. Beliefs about memory, health, and lifestyle were interrelated. Declines in remembering and health were also coupled; moreover, changes in both were coupled with change in lifestyle control beliefs. Conclusions: This is the first examination of individual differences in changes in, and relationships among, psychological domains of subjective beliefs about memory, health, and lifestyle, and objective remembering and functional health in very late life. Findings point to a system of coupled changes in memory and health in late life that is related to underlying beliefs about control over lifestyle.
How Valid Are Subjective Ratings of Prospective Memory in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early Dementia?
Authors: Thompson Claire L. , Henry Julie D. , Rendell Peter G. , Withall Adrienne , Brodaty Henry
Published: March 2015

Background: Prospective memory refers to memory for future intentions and is a critical predictor of functional capacity in late adulthood. For many other cognitive abilities, self- and informant-rated methods of assessment are routinely used to guide clinical decision-making. However, little is known about the validity (and consequently the clinical utility) of subjective reports of prospective memory difficulties. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare clinical [mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia] and nonclinical older adults (healthy controls) on self- and informant-rated versions of prospective and retrospective memory function, as well as objective measures of prospective memory. Critical here was not only the assessment of between-group differences, but also whether these different methods of assessing memory function would show appropriate convergent and discriminant validity. Methods: A total of 138 participants aged between 64 and 92 years, diagnosed with dementia (n = 37), MCI (n = 48) or no impairment (n = 53), were asked to complete self- and informant-rated versions of the Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ). Participants also completed behavioural measures of global cognitive function [the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)], as well as a behavioural measure of prospective memory (Virtual Week). Results: Self-reported impairments were equivalent across the three groups, and informant reports of impairment, while higher for those with dementia, did not distinguish MCI from controls. For the combined sample and for all three groups separately, both self- and informant reports of prospective memory showed poor convergent validity, at best correlating only weakly with Virtual Week. Self-reported prospective memory was correlated with informant report only in the dementia group, not in the control or MCI groups. Convergent and discriminant validity were poor, with self- and informant-rated prospective memory more strongly related to self- and informant-rated retrospective memory than to scores on Virtual Week. Conclusion: These data indicate that self-report and informant report may neither accurately measure prospective memory of older people, nor be sensitive to objective prospective memory difficulties in people with MCI and dementia. These data have potentially important implications for clinical practice.
Risk Factors for Cytarabine-Induced Cutaneous Toxicity in Patients with Haematological Malignancies
Authors: Morio Kayoko , Mizuki Masao , Sozu Takashi , Uejima Etsuko
Published: March 2015

Background: The risk factors for cytarabine (Ara-C)-induced cutaneous toxicity are unclear. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of patients with haematopoietic malignancies treated with Ara-C and examined risk factors for Ara-C-induced cutaneous toxicity. Results: We reviewed 114 patients (76 men, 38 women) and found that 47 patients (41.2%) experienced cutaneous toxicity. In 93 patients (81.6%) with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), the toxicity was significantly associated with the cancer type [AML/NHL: odds ratio (OR) = 4.84; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.99-11.81; p = 0.001], age (<50/≥50 years: OR = 2.54; 95% CI = 1.08-5.95; p = 0.032) and concurrent steroid administration (yes/no: OR = 0.22; 95% CI = 0.09-0.56; p = 0.001). AML was the only significant association (OR = 3.83; 95% CI = 1.21-12.06; p = 0.022) in the multivariate logistic analysis. Conclusion: AML, age <50 years and no steroid use are considered to be risk factors for Ara-C-induced cutaneous toxicity.
Cerebral Perivascular Spaces Visible on Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Development of a Qualitative Rating Scale and its Observer Reliability
Authors: Potter Gillian M. , Chappell Francesca M. , Morris Zoe , Wardlaw Joanna M.
Published: March 2015

Background: Perivascular spaces (PVS) are an important component of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD), several inflammatory disorders, hypertension and blood-brain barrier breakdown, but are difficult to quantify. A recent international collaboration of SVD experts has highlighted the need for a robust, easy-to-use PVS rating scale for the effective investigation of the diagnostic and prognostic significance of PVS. The purpose of the current study was to develop and extend existing PVS scales to provide a more comprehensive scale for the measurement of PVS in the basal ganglia, centrum semiovale and midbrain, and to test its intra- and inter-rater agreement, assessing reasons for discrepancy. Methods: We reviewed previously published PVS scales, including site of PVS assessed, rating method, and size and morphological criteria. Retaining key features, we devised a more comprehensive scale in order to improve the reliability of PVS rating. Two neuroradiologists tested the new scale in MRI brain scans of 60 patients from two studies (stroke, ageing population), chosen to represent a full range of PVS, and demonstrating concomitant features of SVD such as lacunes and white matter hyperintensities. We rated basal ganglia, centrum semiovale, and midbrain PVS. Basal ganglia and centrum semiovale PVS were rated 0 (none), 1 (1-10), 2 (11-20), 3 (21-40) and 4 (>40), and midbrain PVS were rated 0 (none visible) or 1 (visible). We calculated kappa statistics for rating, assessed consistency in use of PVS categories (Bhapkar test) and reviewed sources of discrepancy. Results: Intra- and inter-rater kappa statistics were highest for basal ganglia PVS (range 0.76-0.87 and 0.8-0.9, respectively) than for centrum semiovale PVS (range 0.68-0.75 and 0.61-0.8, respectively) or midbrain PVS (inter-rater range 0.51-0.52). Inter-rater consistency was better for basal ganglia compared to centrum semiovale PVS (Bhapkar statistic 2.49-3.72, compared to 6.79-21.08, respectively). Most inter-rater disagreements were due to very faint PVS, coexisting extensive white matter hyperintensities (WMH) or the presence of lacunes. Conclusions: We developed a more inclusive and robust visual PVS rating scale allowing rating of all grades of PVS severity on structural brain imaging. The revised PVS rating scale has good observer reliability for basal ganglia and centrum semiovale PVS, best for basal ganglia PVS, and moderate reliability for midbrain PVS. Agreement is influenced by PVS severity and the presence of background features of SVD. The current scale can be used in further studies to assess the clinical implications of PVS.
Invasive Home Mechanical Ventilation: Living Conditions and Health-Related Quality of Life
Authors: Huttmann Sophie Emilia , Windisch Wolfram , Storre Jan Hendrik
Published: March 2015

Background: The number of patients with invasive home mechanical ventilation (HMV) following unsuccessful weaning is steadily increasing, but little is known about the living conditions and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in these patients. Objectives: To establish detailed information on living conditions and HRQL in patients with invasive HMV. Methods: The Severe Respiratory Insufficiency Questionnaire (SRI) was used to measure specific HRQL aspects in addition to patient interviews on individual living conditions during home visits. Results: Thirty-two patients with lung disease, most prominently COPD (n = 18), and neuromuscular disorders (n = 14) were included. The overall mean SRI summary scale score (range 0-100) was 53 ± 16, with a broad range amongst individuals (23-86). Neuromuscular patients were younger than those with lung diseases (49 ± 18 vs. 67 ± 11 years; p < 0.005), and although they had a higher nursing dependency and fewer comorbidities, they tended to have higher (better) SRI summary scale scores (58 ± 16 vs. 48 ± 15; p = 0.092). Living in a private home compared to living in nursing facilities did not influence the SRI scores. Conclusions: Patients undergoing invasive HMV primarily following unsuccessful weaning reported an individual HRQL which, when taken together, was highly heterogeneous and ranged from very good to extremely bad. Older patients with COPD and more comorbidities are likely to have a worse HRQL than neuromuscular patients, while the living situation does not influence the HRQL.
Immigrant Patients with Dementia and Memory Impairment in Primary Health Care in Norway: A National Registry Study
Authors: Diaz Esperanza , Kumar Bernadette N. , Engedal Knut
Published: March 2015

Background: Immigrants comprise a growing proportion of the elderly population. However, knowledge about the diagnosis and management of dementia and memory impairment among immigrants is scarce in Norway and elsewhere. Aims: To compare proportions of Norwegians and immigrants aged ≥50 years with a diagnosis of dementia or memory impairment in primary health care and to study the demographic characteristics, utilization of primary health care services and pharmacological treatment of Norwegians and immigrants with either of the two diagnoses in 2008. Method: This is a registry-based study using linked data at the individual level from 4 national Norwegian registers. Results: A significantly lower proportion of immigrants, especially those from other than high-income countries, had a diagnosis of dementia or memory impairment. Among patients with such diagnoses, anti-dementia medication was purchased 20-50% more often by Norwegians than by immigrants, although the differences remained significant only for immigrants from other than high-income countries after adjustment for several variables. Conclusion: The lower proportions of immigrants with a dementia diagnosis and lower proportions of patients receiving treatment might indicate a lower prevalence or milder forms of dementia among immigrants. However, the cultural validity of the assessment tools, linguistic barriers and challenges for general practitioners should be further investigated.
Therapeutic Options for Hydrating Airway Mucus in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Tildy Bernadett E. , Rogers Duncan F.
Published: March 2015

Background: In cystic fibrosis (CF), genetic mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene cause reduced chloride efflux from ciliated airway epithelial cells. This results in a reduction in periciliary liquid (PCL) depth of the airway surface liquid due to associated reduced water efflux. PCL layer dehydration reduces mucociliary clearance (MCC), leading to airway obstruction (reduced airflow and inflammation due to pathogen invasion) with mucus plug formation. Summary: Rehydrating mucus increases MCC. Mucus hydration can be achieved by direct hydration (administering osmotic agents to set up an osmotic gradient), using CFTR modulators to correct dysfunctional CFTR, or it can be achieved pharmacologically (targeting other ion channels on airway epithelial cells). Key Messages: The molecular mechanisms of several therapies are discussed in the context of pre-clinical and clinical trial studies. Currently, only the osmotic agent 7% hypertonic saline and the CFTR ‘potentiator' VX-770 (ivacaftor) are used clinically to hydrate mucus. Emerging therapies include the osmotic agent mannitol (Bronchitol), the intracellular Ca2+-raising agent Moli1901/lancovutide, the CFTR potentiator sildenafil [phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor] and the CFTR ‘corrector' VX-809 (lumacaftor). Other CFTR correctors (e.g. ‘chemical chaperones') are also showing pre-clinical promise.
Association between Circulating Thrombopoietin Levels and Cardiovascular Risk Prediction Scores in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Mansell Holly , Elmoselhi Hamdi , Shoker Ahmed
Published: March 2015

Background/Aims: The 7-year Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Calculator (CRCRTR-MACE) predicts cardiovascular events (CVE) in renal transplant recipients (RTR), and thrombopoietin (TPO) is a humoral inflammatory factor implicated in cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of the study was to determine if circulating TPO levels in stable RTR are positively associated with variable(s) in the CRCRTR-MACE score. Methods: CRCRTR-MACE scores were calculated in 95 stable RTR. TPO levels were measured by multiplexed fluorescent bead-based immunoassay in all patients and 48 controls. Multivariate analysis (MVA) was performed between TPO and CV risk variables and patient demographics. Stepwise regression with backward elimination of insignificant variables estimated the impact of risk variables on TPO levels. Significance was defined at p < 0.05. Normalized data were presented as mean ± SD and non-normalized data as median (maximum to minimum). Results: The risk of a CVE within 7 years as predicted by the median was 9.97% (range 1.93-84.2). The percentage of patients who were above 20% risk for a CVE was 28.4%. Control TPO level of 170.41 (4.4-995.9) pg/ml was significantly lower than that of 237.90 (32.77-1,386.79) pg/ml in RTR (p = 0.010). TPO level correlated significantly with the total CRCRTR-MACE score (R = 0.310, p = 0.004), smoking (p = 0.009) and eGFR (R = -0.275, p = 0.012) but not with age, diabetes, LDL level or history of CVE. Only the total CRCRTR-MACE score (p = 0.013) and smoking (p = 0.009) remained significant in the MVA. Stepwise regression estimated that smoking increased TPO levels by 206.28 pg/ml and each 10% increase in CRCRTR-MACE score increased TPO levels by an additional 44.4 pg/ml. Conclusion: TPO levels are increased in RTR with high CRCRTR-MACE, particularly in smokers with diminished eGFR. Circulating TPO may serve as a biomarker and treatment target for CVD in RTR.
Titrating haemophilia B phenotypes using siRNA strategy: evidence that antithrombotic activity is separated from bleeding liability
Authors: Thankappan Anil , R. Strapps Walter , DiPietro Marti , Leander Karen , Zhang Zuo , K. Shin Myung , Levorse John , Desai Kunal , Xu Yiming , Lai KehDih , Wu Weizhen , Chen Zhu , Cai Tian-Quan , Jochnowitz Nina , Bentley Ross , Hoos Lizbeth , Zhou Yuchen , Sepp-Lorenzino Laura , Seiffert Dietmar , M. Metzger Joseph , Tadin-Strapps Marija , Andre Patrick
Published: March 2015

Haemophilia A and B are characterised by a life-long bleeding predisposition, and several lines of evidence suggest that risks of atherothrombotic events may also be reduced. Establishing a direct correlation between coagulation factor levels, thrombotic risks and bleeding propensity has long been hampered by an inability to selectively and specifically inhibit coagulation factor levels. Here, the exquisite selectivity of gene silencing combined with a gene knockout (KO) approach was used to define the relative contribution of factor IX (fIX) to thrombosis and primary haemostasis in the rat. Using a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation, we successfully delivered fIX siRNAs to the liver by intravenous administration. The knockdown (KD) of target gene mRNA was achieved rapidly (within 24 hour post-siRNA dosing), sustained (maintained for at least 7 days post dosing) and not associated with changes in mRNA expression levels of other coagulation factors. We found that intermediate levels of liver fIX mRNA silencing (60–95 %) translating into a 50–99 % reduction of plasma fIX activity provided protection from thrombosis without prolonging the cuticle bleeding time. Over 99 % inhibition of fIX activity was required to observe increase in bleeding, a phenotype confirmed in fIX KO rats. These data provide substantial evidence of a participation of fIX in the mechanisms regulating thrombosis prior to those regulating primary haemostasis, therefore highlighting the potential of fIX as a therapeutic target. In addition, hepatic mRNA silencing using LNP-encapsulated siRNAs may represent a promising novel approach for the chronic treatment and prevention of coagulation-dependent thrombotic disorders in humans.
Zinc delays clot lysis by attenuating plasminogen activation and plasmin-mediated fibrin degradation
Authors: Henderson Sara J. , Stafford Alan R. , Leslie Beverly A. , Kim Paul Y. , Vaezzadeh Nima , Ni Ran , Fredenburgh James C. , Weitz Jeffrey I.
Published: March 2015

Zinc circulates free in plasma at a concentration of 0.1–2 μM, but its levels increase locally when it is released from activated platelets. Although zinc influences many processes in haemostasis, its effect on fibrinolysis has not been thoroughly investigated. Using a fluorescent zinc-binding probe, we demonstrated that zinc binds tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasmin with high affinity (Kd values of 0.2 μM), and surface plasmon resonance studies revealed that zinc binds fibrin with a Kd of 12.8 μM. Zinc had no effect on the affinity of plasminogen or plasmin for fibrin, but increased the affinity of tPA by two-fold. In the presence of 5 μM zinc, the catalytic efficiency of plasminogen activation by tPA was reduced by approximately two-fold, both in the absence or presence of fibrin. Zinc attenuated plasminmediated degradation of the fibrinogen alpha-chain by 43 %, but had no effect on trypsin degradation. tPA-mediated fibrin clot lysis was prolonged 2.5-fold by zinc in a concentration-dependent fashion, and tPA-mediated plasma clot lysis was attenuated by 1.5-fold. Therefore, our data indicate that zinc modulates fibrinolysis by attenuating tPAmediated plasminogen activation and plasmin-induced fibrin degradation. These findings suggest that local release of zinc by platelets attenuates fibrinolysis.
“I wouldn’t call them Muslims!”: Constructing a Respectable Islam
Authors: Otterbeck Jonas
Published: March 2015

This article addresses the understanding of Islam of nine young adult Muslims living in the Malmö and Copenhagen region.1 Throughout the interviews with the young adults, they mark their distance from what they perceive as unacceptable forms of Islamic ideas and practices, labeling these ideas as extremist and inconsistent. They develop discursive techniques of distancing themselves from the mediated Islam of radicals and the often negative rendering of Islam that they encounter in daily life and in the media. By negotiating with the dominant discourse on what a “respectable religion” should look like, the young adults construct a religiosity that shares much of theformprescribed by mainstream society, but is different incontent. The theoretical framework is drawn from the study of sociology of religion and, in particular, from Beverley Skeggs’ theories on respectability (1997).
Twenty Years of International Negotiation
Authors: Spector Bertram I.
Published: March 2015

In this 20th anniversary issue of International Negotiation, we reflect back on past accomplishments and look forward to new areas of inquiry. The journal has focused on promoting four goals: concentrating research attention on challenging topics through thematic issues, supporting researcher-practitioner dialogue, stimulating interdisciplinary discussion, and providing a platform for new research frameworks and approaches. The articles in this anniversary issue consider the state of the field over the past two decades, highlight critical areas that demand further attention, and offer research agendas to fill those gaps.
Relationships between Negotiators: A Neglected Topic in the Study of Negotiation
Authors: Jönsson Christer
Published: March 2015

Negotiation can be seen as a dynamic social process. Perspectives emphasizing the social context and dynamics of negotiations have been largely neglected in the negotiation literature. This article addresses the question of why social relations have received such scant attention, reviews the existing literature on negotiation as a social process, and spells out some ingredients of a social contextual approach. Finally, by way of illustration, such an approach is applied to international negotiations. Whereas ideas about social dynamics emanate from a focus on individuals, international negotiations take place at a level of aggregation and representation most remote from the individual level. Yet, even at this macro level, social context matters in negotiations.
Prenegotiation Development of Optimism in Intractable Conflict
Authors: Pruitt Dean G.
Published: March 2015

Except when there is substantial third-party pressure for settlement, participants in intractable conflict will only enter negotiation if they are motivated to end the conflict and optimistic about negotiation’s chances of success. The sources of such optimism are explored using case material from three intractable interethnic conflicts that were ultimately resolved by negotiation. In all three cases, optimism developed during prenegotiation communication between the parties. Also there were two main channels of communication, each channel providing credibility to the other and serving as a back-up if the other failed. In two of the cases the communication was face-to-face and friendly, but in the third it was distant and mediated by a chain of two intermediaries. A possible reason for this difference is that the parties were positively interdependent in the first two cases but not in the third. The paper concludes with a summary of three psychological experiments that demonstrate the impact of positive vs. negative interdependence.
Diffusion of Power and Diplomacy: New Meanings, Problem Solving, and Deadlocks in Multilateral Negotiations
Authors: Singh J. P.
Published: March 2015

The classic hierarchical distribution of power featuring nation-states is now increasingly supplemented with a diffusion of power with multiple actors. A hierarchical concentration of power is predicated toward bargaining coercion and great powers can impose their solutions on the weak. Diffused power allows for joint problem solving among multiple actors through negotiations but also makes reaching agreement hard because of the relatively greater equality among bargaining units. Reaching agreement in a diffusion of power is also hard because of the new perspectives and meanings that arise through globalized interactions. These new meanings – for example, commerce viewed through the lens of intra-firm rather than inter-country trade – make it hard to fashion solutions based on past understandings centered on territoriality and nation-states.
Citizen Negotiation: Toward a More Inclusive Process
Authors: Spector Bertram I.
Published: March 2015

Negotiation is becoming a more inclusive activity. More and different types of actors are taking part at national and international levels to resolve conflicts and seek agreement. At a national level, non-governmental organizations and individual citizens are partaking in mass demonstrations that often evolve into negotiation. At the international level, ngos working through issue networks have been participating more and more in formal negotiations with state parties. By reviewing several cases at these different levels, this article identifies useful questions for future research focusing on the sources of legitimacy and power of these new actors and how they are changing the organization, structure, process and outcomes of negotiation.
Negotiation Theory and the Intifadat
Authors: Zartman I. William
Published: March 2015

The evolution of the Arab Spring in eight countries is primarily a matter of negotiation. The instances can be broken down into Short Track (Tunisia, Egypt) and Long Track (Syria, Libya, Yemen) Transitions and Short Track (Algeria, Morocco, Bahrain) Reactions. They bring a number of lessons for negotiation analysis, primarily on scope and power, and their deviation from an ideal type model can be explained by the predominance of distributive over integrative negotiation and the imposition of a three-dimensional scene for negotiation and legitimization, with an Islamic dimension overlaying the usual left-right spectrum.
Understanding Climate Change Negotiations: Contributions from International Negotiation and Conflict Management
Authors: Crump Larry , Downie Christian
Published: March 2015

Climate change is the largest and most complicated interdependent issue the world has confronted. Yet there is little negotiation and conflict management knowledge within the climate change context. To address this gap, this theoretical article reviews the sparse extant literature and provides a brief overview of the science of climate change public policy. This review establishes a foundation for examining negotiation and conflict management research questions that emanate from current and future climate change negotiations. Such questions are considered for climate change mitigation negotiations and climate change adaptation negotiations. This article demonstrates how the negotiation and conflict management field can make important contributions to the study of interdependency in a context of climate change.
A new species of Moutabea (Polygalaceae) for the Brazilian Amazon, Guyana and Peru
Authors: Silveira João Barros , Secco Ricardo De S.
Published: March 2015

As part of the review of Moutabea, a new species of the genus, Moutabea floribunda, is described and illustrated. It is characterized by its smooth leaves with adaxially lustrous surface, racemes with rachis trimerous or tetramerous, monads rare, and pubescent seeds with unnoticeable raphe. This paper contains a description, a comparison with similar species, illustrations, distribution map, and phenological information about the new species.
Tripogon idukkianus (Poaceae: Chloridoideae), a new species from India
Authors: SUNIL C.N. , PRADEEP A.K. , KOTTEKKATTU THOIBA
Published: March 2015

Tripogon idukkianus, a new species of grass from the Ramakkalmedu hill slopes of Idukki district of Kerala, South India is described and illustrated. The new species differs from T. anantaswamianus in having 5–13 mm long, acuminate glabrous leaves, 6–14 flowered spikelets with secund florets, 4-lobed scabrid lemmas with 3 awns each, and 2-keeled ciliate paleas with an obtuse or acute apex with two subapical setae.
Centaurea goksivriensis (Asteraceae), a new species from Turkey
Authors: Bona Mehmet
Published: March 2015

Centaurea goksivriensis M. Bona, a new species of C. sect. Acrocentron from Hatay Province of Turkey, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to C. antiochia var. antiochia, C. carduiformis, and C. urvillei subsp. armata but differs mainly in its flower colour, indumentum and pappus. The IUCN conservation status of Critically Endangered (CR) should be applied to C. goksivriensis.
Typification of Hooker’s name Calamagrostis munroana var. stricta (Poaceae, Agrostidinae)
Authors: Paszko Beata , PENDRY COLIN A. , Kar Sutrishna , Singh Paramjit
Published: March 2015

Hooker’s name Calamagrostis munroana var. stricta (Poaceae, Agrostidinae) is lectotypified by a specimen housed at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (K). Pencil drawings on the Kew sheet and field labels on the CAL duplicate have provided clues to the identification of C. munroana var. stricta and to the collection locality.
Description of male of Dasypolia volynkini Ronkay, Ronkay, Gyulai & Pekarsky, 2014 with data on bionomics of the species
Authors: VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , EGOROV PETR V. , RAKHIMOV RUSLAN D. , TITOV SERGEY V.
Published: March 2015

Noctuidae is one of the most species-rich families of Lepidoptera (Nieukerken et al. 2011). The Palaearctic noctuid genus Dasypolia Guenée includes more than a hundred species some of which are still undescribed. The genus is distributed predominantly in the mountain massifs of Asia, reaching the highest species diversity in the Tibetan and Himalayan regions. Many species of Dasypolia have been described during last three decades (Hacker & Peks 1990, 1992, 1996; Ronkay & Varga 1990; Ronkay et al. 1991; Ronkay & Plante 1992; Ronkay & Zilli 1993; Gyulai & Ronkay 1995; Hreblay & Ronkay 1995, 1999; Ronkay et al. 1995; Hacker & Ronkay 1996; Hreblay & Ronkay 1998; Hreblay et al. 1998; Ronkay et al. 1998; Ivinskis & Saldaitis 2010; Benedek et al. 2011; Volynkin 2012; Benedek et al. 2014; Ronkay et al. 2014; Benedek & Saldaitis 2014). The genus is now subdivided into twelve subgenera, six of which have recently been described by Benedek et al. (2011) and Benedek & Saldaitis (2014). One subgenus, Tschetwerikovia Bundel, 1966 has been synonymised with the nominate subgenus by Ronkay et al. (2014).
Tetronarce cowleyi, sp. nov., a new species of electric ray from southern Africa (Chondrichthyes: Torpediniformes: Torpedinidae)
Authors: Ebert David A. , Haas Diane l. , DE CARVALHO MARCELO R.
Published: March 2015

A new species of torpedo ray, Tetronarce cowleyi, sp. nov., is described from specimens collected from the southeastern Atlantic Ocean. The new species is placed in the genus Tetronarce based on a uniform dorsal coloration and absence of papillae around the spiracles. The new species is distinguished from its closest congeners, the North Atlantic Tetronarce nobiliana Bonnaparte, 1835, and southwestern Atlantic Tetronarce puelcha Lahille, 1926, by a combination of morphological characteristics including a shorter spiracular length, a proportionally greater head length as measured between snout margin and fifth gill openings, a proportionally greater preoral snout length, a uniform shiny black or dark gray dorsal surface, lacking any prominent markings, and a creamy white ventral color with dark edges in juveniles but fading with growth. Teteronarce cowleyi, sp. nov., is further distinguished from T. nobiliana by its more circular anterior disc shape (vs. relatively straight in T. nobiliana), fewer tooth rows (32/28 vs. 38–53/38–52 in T. nobiliana), greater mouth width (1.5–1.7 times as great as interorbital width vs. 0.5–0.6 times interorbital width in T. nobiliana), smaller distance between second dorsal and caudal fins (3.5–4.9% vs. 6.6–6.8% in T. nobiliana), and a clasper length extending nearly to lower caudal fin origin (claspers in T. nobiliana that extend only two-thirds distance between second dorsal and caudal fins). Teteronarce cowleyi, sp. nov., is known from Walvis Bay, Namibia to Algoa Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa, at depths of 110 to 457 m.
Psocids from Malta (Insecta: Psocodea: ‘Psocoptera’), with new synonymy for Peripsocus stagnivagus based on the discovery of its first Palaearctic male
Authors: LIENHARD CHARLES , MIFSUD DAVID
Published: March 2015

About 2,000 specimens of Psocoptera were collected in Malta recently. Examination of this material revealed 21 new records for the Maltese archipelago, augmenting the known psocid fauna of these islands from 6 to 27 species. One of the most abundant species is Peripsocus stagnivagus Chapman, 1930 (= P. bivari Baz, 1988 = P. leleupi Badonnel, 1976, new synonymies), formerly considered to be a predominantly Nearctic species. The discovery in Malta, of one male of this usually parthenogenetic species enabled comparison of this first Palaearctic male with the well-documented, rare Nearctic male. The lack of any morphological difference between these males, or between females from the Nearctic, the western Palaearctic and several Atlantic islands, supports the proposed synonymies.
Notes on the genus Mada Mulsant with description of a new Andean species (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae: Epilachnini)
Authors: SZAWARYN KAROL
Published: March 2015

Mada andeana, a new species from the Andes is here described. Diagnostic characters are illustrated for both male and female. Mada durantae González et Gómez is here synonymized with Mada inepta (Gorham), new synonymy.
Mechanisms of Asian Summer Monsoon Changes in Response to Anthropogenic Forcing in CMIP5 Models
Authors: Li Xiaoqiong , Ting Mingfang , Li Cuihua , Henderson Naomi
Published: March 2015

Changes of the Asian summer monsoon in response to anthropogenic forcing are examined using observations and phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) multimodel, multirealization ensemble. In the twentieth century, CMIP5 models indicate a predominantly drying Asian monsoon, while in the twenty-first century under the representative concentration pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5) scenario, monsoon rainfall enhances across the entire Asian domain. The thermodynamic and dynamic mechanisms causing the changes are evaluated using specific humidity and winds, as well as the moisture budget. The drying trend in the CMIP5 historical simulations and the wetting trend in the RCP8.5 projections can be explained by the relative importance of dynamic and thermodynamic contributions to the total mean moisture convergence. While the thermodynamic mechanism dominates in the future, the historical rainfall changes are dominated by the changes in circulation. The relative contributions of aerosols and greenhouse gases (GHGs) on the historical monsoon change are further examined using CMIP5 single-forcing simulations. Rainfall reduces under aerosol forcing and increases under GHG forcing. Aerosol forcing dominates over the greenhouse effect during the historical period, leading to the general drying trend in the all-forcing simulations. While the thermodynamic change of mean moisture convergence in the all-forcing case is dominated by the GHG forcing, the dynamic change of mean moisture convergence in the all-forcing case is dominated by the aerosol forcing.
Improving Large-Eddy Simulation of Neutral Boundary Layer Flow across Grid Interfaces
Authors: Goodfriend Elijah , Chow Fotini Katopodes , Vanella Marcos , Balaras Elias
Published: March 2015

Increasing computational power has enabled grid resolutions that support large-eddy simulation (LES) of the atmospheric boundary layer. These simulations often use grid nesting or adaptive mesh refinement to refine the grid in regions of interest. LES generates errors at grid refinement interfaces, such as resolved energy accumulation, that may compromise solution accuracy. In this paper, the authors test the ability of two LES formulations and turbulence closures to mitigate errors associated with the use of LES on nonuniform grids for a half-channel approximation to a neutral atmospheric boundary layer simulation. Idealized simulations are used to examine flow across coarse–fine and fine–coarse interfaces, as would occur in a two-way nested configuration or with block structured adaptive mesh refinement. Specifically, explicit filtering of the advection term and the mixed model are compared to a standard LES formulation with an eddy viscosity model. Errors due to grid interfaces are evaluated by comparison to uniform grid solutions. It is found that explicitly filtering the advection term provides significant benefits, in that it allows both mass and momentum to be conserved across grid refinement interfaces. The mixed model reduces unphysical perturbations generated by wave reflection at the interfaces. These results suggest that the choice of LES formulation and turbulence closure can be used to help control grid refinement interface errors in atmospheric boundary layer simulations.
Ethical Codes and Executive Coaches
Authors: Fatien Diochon Pauline , Nizet Jean
Published: March 2015

While most coaching scholars and professionals focus on the role of codes of conduct in sustaining ethical behavior in the practice of executive coaching, our research answers the call to go “beyond the book.” Our study aims to describe restrictions identified by executive coaches to the application of codes to ethical conflicts. The analysis of 27 coaches’ ethical challenges highlights three main types of restrictions that coaches express: the code is not relevant, the code has shortcomings, and the code is an obstacle to the ethics of the coach. The underlying legitimacy, efficacy, and value issues show that codes do not fit all situations or all practitioners. We recommend altering codes so that they better reflect the subjective, emotional, social, and value-oriented nature of the ethical decision-making process in coaching. In particular, we suggest using an interrogative tone and illustrative case studies written by different stakeholders.