bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personalized Genomic Medicine and the Rhetoric of Empowerment
Authors: Juengst Eric T. , Flatt Michael A. , Settersten Richard A.
Published: October 2014

A decade after the completion of the Human Genome Project, the widespread appeal of personalized genomic medicine's vision and potential virtues for health care remains compelling. Advocates argue that our current medical regime “is in crisis as it is expensive, reactive, inefficient, and focused largely on one size fits all treatments for events of late stage disease.” What is revolutionary about this kind of medicine, its advocates maintain, is that it promises to resolve that crisis by simultaneously increasing the ability to be “personalized,” “predictive,” “preventive,” and “participatory.” Some call personalized genomic medicine “P4 Medicine,” inscribing these cardinal virtues into the movement's name.

All of these putative virtues have interesting implications for the future of health care. In this essay, we are especially interested in the claims that personalized medicine will lead to a more “participatory” or “patient‐centered” approach to health care, in which patients are “empowered” to take more personal control over their care. The rhetoric of patient empowerment is nothing new in health care, but personalized medicine is an interesting case study because it portrays empowerment as one of its key virtues and as a mechanism for fixing the health care “crisis.”
Maintaining Trust in Newborn Screening
Authors: van der Burg Simone , Verweij Marcel
Published: October 2014

Newborn screening consists of taking a few drops of blood from a baby's heel in the first week of life and testing it for a list of disorders. In the United States and most countries in Europe, newborn screening programs began in the 1960s and 1970s with screening for phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare metabolic disease that causes severe and irreversible mental retardation unless treated before problems arise. As knowledge about rare diseases expanded and new screening technologies were introduced—such as the tandem mass spectrometer and high‐performance liquid chromatography—the same blood sample could be used to test for a whole list of disorders.

In general, screening programs in most countries have tended to expand, but in different countries they have expanded in different ways. Regulation also varies. In some states, screening is mandatory, whereas in others—Wyoming and Maryland—parents are asked for their informed consent. Germany and France have adopted an explicit informed consent procedure, whereas other European countries have a more informal “opt‐out” procedure that does not require signing an informed consent form.

Whether newborn screening requires informed consent is an ongoing issue in bioethics. In this article, we will focus on the tension between informed consent and the problem of compliance in newborn screening. Asking for informed consent—allowing parents to opt out—is often thought to pose a threat to compliance. Building on the work of Onora O'Neill on informed consent and trust, however, as well as on work she coauthored with Neil Manson, we will argue that informed consent procedures may actually help maintain trust in newborn screening and may therefore support compliance.
The ACA Decision: Law and Philosophy
Authors: Kaebnick Gregory E.
Published: October 2014

The Affordable Care Act survived the Supreme Court—but “just barely”—according to Mark Hall, a contributor to the Report's At Law column. That “just barely” leaves much to ponder, and in this issue a special installment of At Law, appearing as a set of essays, looks into it.
Latitudes and Longitudes
Authors: Crowley Mary
Published: October 2014

This summer, I met Stephan Van Dam, a mapmaker and publisher so well known for his innovative work that twenty‐six of his maps are in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. We talked about our work, and he connected bioethics to mapping. “After all, ethics is action,” he said.

I've thought about that since because I found it a great description for bioethics and my role in it. Being concerned with how things ought to be requires a map of how they are and where we want to go. As director of public affairs and communications at The Hastings Center, my job is to help put the normative and empirical research of our scholars into action via policy‐makers, journalists, and the public—to place it on the map.
Battles over the Sexes
Authors: Kaebnick Gregory E.
Published: October 2014

Several themes in this issue of the Hastings Center Report deserve mention. Entirely fortuitously, several shorter pieces in this issue discuss the nature of the doctor‐patient relationship and the need for physicians to engage patients personally rather than only technically. Also, a special supplement to this issue addresses the shifting terrain of the debate about the use of animals in medical research. Perhaps the most prominent topic in the issue, however, is the physical modification of women's genitals. Both articles address this topic, and though there are significant differences between the two articles, both circle specifically around the question of whether the modification of women's genitals may be driven by cultural norms of womanhood and how women differ from men, and both comment not just on the questions but on the social debate about them.
Conceived and Deceived: The Medical Interests of Donor‐Conceived Individuals
Authors: RAVITSKY VARDIT
Published: October 2014

Effective July 22, 2011, a new law in the state of Washington requires any donor of sperm or eggs to provide a medical history and identifying information to fertility clinics. It also allows donor‐conceived individuals to request this information from clinics once they reach the age of eighteen. This is a significant legislative milestone and a promising development in a country that has consistently shied away from regulating the infertility industry in any way.

What do we as a society owe donor‐conceived individuals in terms of obtaining access to information about their genetic origins? This essay addresses just one of this set of issues: the regulatory changes required to address the medical interests of donor‐conceived individuals, regardless of whether a human right to know one's genetic origins is acknowledged.
The Ethics of Evidence
Authors: Biller‐Andorno Nikola , Wild Verina
Published: October 2014

Basing normative judgment and policy on a rich empirical account of the issue at hand is usually a good idea. But doing nothing and awaiting further evidence can sometimes itself be bad judgment. This is the case with female genital cutting. We already know what is needed to define the conditions under which female genital cutting is morally unacceptable and that we can legitimately act on this knowledge.
Wetting and Cooling Performance of Vegetable Oils during Quench Hardening
Authors: Ramesh G. , Prabhu K. Narayan
Published: October 2014

Wetting kinetics, kinematics, and cooling performance of vegetable oils (sunflower, gingelly, palm, and coconut oils) during quenching of Inconel 600 probe were studied using goniometry, online video imaging, and cooling curve analysis. The results were compared with a conventional mineral oil quench medium. Improved wettability was obtained for vegetable oils with lower viscosity. Cooling curve analyses showed three stages of cooling for both mineral and vegetable oils. Video imaging of the quenching process and differential scanning calorimetry analysis confirmed that the first stage of cooling was caused by the formation of vapor film in mineral oil and due to the occurrence of a heated liquid layer around the quench probe surface in vegetable oils. Vegetable oils showed continuous boiling phenomenon during the convective cooling stage of quenching. The cooling performance of vegetable oils was found to depend on the concentration of mono‐unsaturated fatty acid. The heat extracting capability of vegetable oils with lower mono‐unsaturated fatty acid oils was found to be higher. However, no correlation was observed between fatty acid composition and uniformity of heat transfer. When compared to mineral oil quenching, vegetable oil quenching produced faster wetting kinematics and better cooling performance.
Financial Development and Economic Growth: Evidence from 10 New European Union Members
Authors: Caporale Guglielmo Maria , Rault Christophe , Sova Anamaria Diana , Sova Robert
Published: October 2014

This paper reviews the main features of the banking and financial sector in 10 new European Union members, and then examines the relationship between financial development and economic growth in these countries by estimating a dynamic panel model over the period 1994–2007. The evidence suggests that the stock and credit markets are still underdeveloped in these economies and that their contribution to economic growth is limited owing to a lack of financial depth. By contrast, a more efficient banking sector is found to have accelerated growth. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural insights into RNA recognition properties of glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase 3 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Shen Hui , Wang Hong , Liu Qiao , Liu Huihui , Teng Maikun , Li Xu
Published: October 2014

Glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH, EC: 1.2.1.12) is an essential enzyme in the glycolytic pathway. However, recent evidence demonstrates that GAPDH displays a range of new functions unrelated to its glycolytic function. GAPDH has long been known as a 3′ AU‐rich element‐binding protein; however, its RNA recognition mechanism is still not well understood. Here, we present the first crystal structure of GAPDH3 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and identify its RNA‐binding specificity and propose an RNA recognition model based on structural and biochemical studies. This study sheds light on the RNA‐binding mechanism of GAPDH3 and contributes to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of its RNA‐related functions. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(9):631–638, 2014
Treatment relapse and behavioral momentum theory
Authors: Pritchard Duncan , Hoerger Marguerite , Mace F. Charles
Published: October 2014

The relapse of problem behavior after apparently successful treatment is an enduring problem for the field of applied behavior analysis. Several theoretical accounts of treatment relapse have emerged over the years. However, one account that has received considerable recent attention is based on behavioral momentum theory (BMT). BMT has shown that behavior is more persistent in contexts that are correlated with higher rates of reinforcers after disruption of the response–reinforcer relation. Accordingly, relapse after successful treatment can be viewed as the persistence of behavior when treatment is compromised in some manner. We review basic BMT research, alternative accounts of treatment relapse, and translational research studies derived from BMT research. The implications for applied behavior analysis in practice are discussed along with potential solutions to the problem of treatment relapse.
Mini review on blood–brain barrier penetration of pyridinium aldoximes
Authors: Kalász H. , Nurulain S. M. , Veress G. , Antus S. , Darvas F. , Adeghate E. , Adem A. , Hashemi F. , Tekes K.
Published: October 2014

This paper reviews the blood–brain barrier (BBB) penetration of newly developed pyridinium aldoximes. Pyridinium aldoximes are highly charged hydrophilic compounds used in the treatment of subjects exposed to organophosphonates because they are effective as acetylcholinesterase reactivators. Pyridinium aldoximes have antidotal effects against poisoning with cholinesterase inhibitors, a frequent problem affecting people working with organophosphate‐based insecticides and pesticides. Toxic organophosphonate products such as sarin and tabun can be used by terrorists as chemical warfare agents. This poses a severe challenge to all innocent and peace‐loving people worldwide. This review gives a brief summary of BBB transporters and description of the current in vitro and in vivo methods for the characterization of BBB penetration of established and novel pyridinium aldoximes. The authors provide a putative mechanism of penetration, outline some future ways of formulation and discuss the possible advantages and disadvantages of increasing BBB penetration. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel microcalorimetric assay for antibacterial activity of implant coatings: The cases of silver‐doped hydroxyapatite and calcium hydroxide
Authors: Braissant Olivier , Chavanne Philippe , de Wild Michael , Pieles Uwe , Stevanovic Sabrina , Schumacher Ralf , Straumann Lukas , Wirz Dieter , Gruner Philipp , Bachmann Alexander , Bonkat Gernot
Published: October 2014

Biomaterials with antimicrobial properties are now commonly used in different clinical specialties including orthopedics, endodontic, and traumatology. As a result, assessing the antimicrobial effect of coatings applied on implants is of critical importance. In this study, we demonstrate that isothermal microcalorimetry (IMC) can be used for monitoring bacterial growth and biofilm formation at the surface of such coatings and for determining their antimicrobial effects. The antibacterial effects of silver doped hydroxyapatite (HA) and calcium hydroxide coatings on Staphylococcus epidermidis were determined with a minimal workload. Using the Gompertz growth model we determined biofilm growth rates close to those values reported in the literature. Furthermore, we were able to estimate the reduction in the bacterial inocula originally applied at the surface of the coatings. Therefore, in addition to monitoring the antimicrobial effect of silver doped HA and calcium hydroxide coatings, we also demonstrate that IMC might be a valuable tool for assessing such antimicrobial properties of implant coatings at a minimal workload. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 1161–1167, 2015.
Gastroprotective Effects of L‐Lysine Salification of Ketoprofen in Ethanol‐Injured Gastric Mucosa
Authors: Cimini Annamaria , Brandolini Laura , Gentile Roberta , Cristiano Loredana , Menghini Paola , Fidoamore Alessia , Antonosante Andrea , Benedetti Elisabetta , Giordano Antonio , Allegretti Marcello
Published: October 2014

Ketoprofen L‐lysine salt (KLS), a NSAID, is widely used for its analgesic efficacy and tolerability. L‐lysine salification was reported to increase the solubility and the gastric absorption and tolerance of ketoprofen. Since the management of NSAIDs gastrotoxicity still represents a major limitation in prolonged therapies, mainly when gastric lesions are present, this study investigated the gastro‐protective activity of L‐lysine by using a well‐established model of gastric mucosa injury, the ethanol‐gastric injury model. Several evidences show that the damaging action of ethanol could be attributed to the increase of ROS, which plays a key role in the increase of lipid peroxidation products, including malonyldialdehyde and 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal. With the aim to unravel the mechanism of L‐lysine gastroprotection, cellular MDA levels and 4‐HNE protein adducts as markers of lipid peroxidation and a panel of key endogenous gastro‐protective proteins were assayed. The data obtained indicate a gastroprotective effect of L‐lysine on gastric mucosa integrity. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 813–820, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pregnane X Receptor as the “Sensor and Effector” in Regulating Epigenome
Authors: Ma Xi , Chen Jingshu , Tian Yanan
Published: October 2014

The pregnane X receptor (PXR, NR1I2) is a ligand‐activated nuclear receptor which plays an essential role in organism's metabolic detoxification system by sensing the presence of xenobiotics and triggering detoxification responses. In addition to its role in xenobiotic metabolism, PXR has pleiotropic functions in regulating immune/inflammatory responses, cell proliferation, bile acid/cholesterol metabolism, glucose and lipid metabolism, steroid/endocrine homeostasis, and bone metabolism. Recent research suggests that the PXR is required for maintaining healthy commensalism between microbiota and gut. Interestingly, the metabolites such as indole derivatives from commensal microbes serve as the ligands for the PXR in intestinal epithelium forming an intricate mutualistic interaction between host and microbiota. PXR‐regulated gene responses are controlled at epigenetic level by chromatin modifications, DNA methylation and noncoding RNA. Developmental alterations of the epigenome by exposure to the xenobiotics or diseases may produce persistent changes in PXR‐regulated physiological responses. These new areas of research promise to vastly increase our understanding of PXR‐regulated responses. In this review we highlight recent results on the epigenetic mechanisms for the PXR‐regulated gene expression and discuss the physiological significance of these findings. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 752–757, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of Methionine Adenosyltransferase α2 and β Phosphorylation and Stabilization in Human Hepatic Stellate Cell Trans‐Differentiation
Authors: Ramani Komal , Donoyan Shant , Tomasi Maria Lauda , Park Sunhee
Published: October 2014

Myofibroblastic trans‐differentiation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is an essential event in the development of liver fibrogenesis. These changes involve modulation of key regulators of the genome and the proteome. Methionine adenosyltransferases (MAT) catalyze the biosynthesis of the methyl donor, S‐adenosylmethionine (SAMe) from methionine. We have previously shown that two MAT genes, MAT2A and MAT2B (encoding MATα2 and MATβ proteins respectively), are required for HSC activation and loss of MAT2A transcriptional control favors its up‐regulation during trans‐differentiation. Hence MAT genes are intrinsically linked to the HSC machinery during activation. In the current study, we have identified for the first time, post‐translational modifications in the MATα2 and MATβ proteins that stabilize them and favor human HSC trans‐differentiation. Culture‐activation of human HSCs induced the MATα2 and MATβ proteins. Using mass spectrometry, we identified phosphorylation sites in MATα2 and MATβ predicted to be phosphorylated by mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) family members (ERK1/2, V‐Raf Murine Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog B1 [B‐Raf], MEK). Phosphorylation of both proteins was enhanced during HSC activation. Blocking MEK activation lowered the phosphorylation and stability of MAT proteins without influencing their mRNA levels. Silencing ERK1/2 or B‐Raf lowered the phosphorylation and stability of MATβ but not MATα2. Reversal of the activated human HSC cell line, LX2 to quiescence lowered phosphorylation and destabilized MAT proteins. Mutagenesis of MATα2 and MATβ phospho‐sites destabilized them and prevented HSC trans‐differentiation. The data reveal that phosphorylation of MAT proteins during HSC activation stabilizes them thereby positively regulating trans‐differentiation. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 1075–1085, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company
Efficient Synthesis of Complex Oxazatricycles via Three‐Component Reaction of Isoquinolinium Salts, Acetone and Cyclic Diketones
Authors: Liu Li‐Juan , Yan Chao‐Guo
Published: October 2014

A series of complex oxazatricyclic systems was efficiently synthesized in satisfactory yields by three‐component reaction of isoquinolinium salts, acetone, and cyclic 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds in ethanol in the presence of triethylamine as base catalyst.
Chemistry of Phosphonium Ylides. Part 39: Facile Synthesis of Aziridine, Pyridine, Pyrolotriazole Chromenones and Azaphosphinin Chromenones as Antitumor Agents
Authors: Abd‐El‐Maksoud Mansoura A. , Maigali Soher S. , Soliman Fouad M.
Published: October 2014

The reaction of 4‐azido‐2‐oxo‐2H‐chromene‐3‐carbaldehyde with the active nucleophilic phosphacumulenes yielded the corresponding phosphanylidene‐aziridines and chromeno‐pyrolo‐triazoles. On the other hand, the reaction of the allylic phosphonium ylide, hexaphenylcarbodiphosphorane with the azido compound, was also undertaken. In this case, the phosphanylidene‐chromeno‐triazinone was obtained. Further assessment of these new compounds against (breast: MCF‐7 and liver: HPEG2) human solid tumor cell lines is necessary.
Remyelination in multiple sclerosis: Cellular mechanisms and novel therapeutic approaches
Authors: Olsen John A. , Akirav Eitan M.
Published: October 2014

The myelin sheath that coats axons allows rapid propagation of electrical impulses across the nervous system. Oligodendrocytes (ODs) are myelin‐producing cells of the central nervous system (CNS) responsible for wrapping the axons of neurons. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the CNS identifiable by white and gray matter lesions. These lesions consist of axons that have lost their myelin through an autoimmune response to myelin and ODs. Current treatments for MS target the autoimmune aspect of the disease. However, these immunomodulators do not directly enhance the process of remyelination. The ability to remyelinate lesions can be enhanced by neural progenitor cells that can differentiate into ODs and replace lost myelin, although successful remyelination is complex and dependent on multiple factors. The restoration of lost myelin might protect the axon from degeneration and restore optimal conduction of impulses in MS patients, requiring further research on proremyelinating therapies. The combination of immunomodulators and remyelinating enhancers might be the best course of treatment for many MS patients. This Review discusses demyelination in MS, the mechanisms of remyelination, and current therapies designed to promote remyelination in MS patients. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A review of perceived diversity in teams: Does how members perceive their team's composition affect team processes and outcomes?
Authors: Shemla Meir , Meyer Bertolt , Greer Lindred , Jehn Karen A.
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we review the growing literature on perceived diversity in teams. We aim to clarify the construct of perceived diversity and organize the findings in this emergent line of research. To do so, we develop a framework integrating research emerging on perceived diversity from across several different research fields. We propose that the nature of perceived diversity and its effects can be best understood by identifying the focal point of the diversity perceptions being studied: perceptions of self‐to‐team dissimilarity, of subgroup splits, and of group heterogeneity. Our review concludes that perceived self‐to‐team dissimilarity and perceived subgroup splits mostly have been linked to negative effects for individuals and groups, whereas perceived group heterogeneity has been shown to exert both positive and negative effects on group outcomes. Our review also draws attention to the problem that research on perceived diversity varies not only in definitions and conceptualizations, but also in the methodological approaches towards operationalizing perceived diversity. We conclude by discussing potential areas for future research. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Environmentally friendly method for the determination of acrylamide and trimethylolpropane in paper packaging materials by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Yang Fei , Li Zhonghao , Bian Zhaoyang , Tang Gangling , Fan Ziyan , Wang Ying , Liu ShanShan , Zhang Hongfei
Published: October 2014

A simple, rapid, and environmentally friendly method was developed for the determination of acrylamide and trimethylolpropane in paper packaging materials. No organic solvent was used and the matrix effect was investigated. The extract was directly analyzed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass chromatography for quantification and confirmation. The chromatographic separations were performed on a ZORBAX HILIC Plus (2.1 mm × 150 mm, 3μm; Agilent, USA) column with only one mobile phase (100% water). Calibration curves for acrylamide and trimethylopropane were achieved with concentrations ranging from 0.4 to 20 mg/kg and the corresponding r2 values were 0.998 and 0.999, respectively. The recoveries were >85% with relative standard deviations <10%. The validated method was applied to the analysis of 50 real samples, and positive results were obtained for 30 samples. The result indicated that trimethylolpropane is associated with inks and printing activity and acrylamide is widely used as a papermaking additive in many paper packages. The concentrations of acrylamide and trimethylolpropane ranged from 0.41 to 7.5 and 0.50 to 8.8 mg/kg, respectively. The results of this study revealed that this method could be used accurately and precisely.
Effects of oral prednisolone on recovery after tonsillectomy
Authors: Park Soo K. , Kim Jisung , Kim Jeong M. , Yeon Je Y. , Shim Woo S. , Lee Dong W.
Published: October 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the effect of oral prednisolone on recovery from tonsillectomy.

Study Design

Prospective, randomized, controlled trial of 198 consecutive patients, aged 4 years and older, with no previous or known contraindications to steroid therapy.

Methods

All 198 patients scheduled for elective tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy from April 2013 to April 2014 were included. The participants were then randomly assigned to receive a postoperative course of prednisolone 0.25 mg/kg/d or no prednisolone over 7 days. During the first postoperative day, pain, type of diet (none, fluid, soft, normal), type of activity (none, bed rest, quiet, restricted, normal), presence of nausea and vomiting, postoperative bleeding rate, and sleep disturbance were assessed using questionnaires. All patients were followed up on days 7 and 14 by endoscopic photographic examination of both tonsillar fossa and by completion of questionnaires.

Results

No statistically significant differences in pain, diet, activity, rate of minor bleeding, nausea/vomiting, fever, or sleep disturbance were observed between the groups on day 1. On day 7, however, in pediatric patients, differences in pain (P = .001), diet (P = .001), activity (P = .004), mean area of re‐epithelialization (P = .000), fever (P = .04), and sleep disturbance (P = .04) were observed. On day 14, differences in the mean area of re‐epithelialization (P = .000, .001) remained in both pediatric and adult patients.

Conclusions

Oral prednisolone may be beneficial during recovery from tonsillectomy without causing any serious complications.

Level of Evidence

1b. Laryngoscope, 125:111–117, 2015
Fibers Mechanically Similar to Sheep Wool Obtained by Wet Spinning of Gelatin and Optional Plasticizers
Authors: Stoessel Philipp R. , Raso Renzo A. , Kaufmann Tim , Grass Robert N. , Stark Wendelin J.
Published: October 2014

Gelatin is an exceptional and versatile biopolymer with applications in various industries. As the most abundant structural protein in vertebrates it is available in megaton quantities. On these grounds, it would be a plausible substitute for synthetic polymers. Gelatin processing into fibers seems promising as continuous protein filaments do not have the limitation of natural fibers, i.e., small staple fiber length. Instead of spinning an aqueous gelatin solution, a protein precipitate from a phase‐separated system is used. Robust wet spinning with subsequent fiber drawing allows production of a gelatin filament with similar mechanical properties as sheep wool. Different degrees of fiber drawing and addition of plasticizers enable to tailor the mechanical and thermal fiber properties and demonstrate the versatility of the proposed spinning process.
Decision Support System and Multi‐Criteria Decision Aid: A State of the Art and Perspectives
Authors: Razmak Jamil , Aouni Belaid
Published: October 2014

The aim of this paper is to highlight the role of the Decision Support System within the field of multi‐criteria decision aid (MCDA). The MCDA tools have been incorporated into systems to create Multi‐Criteria Decision Support Systems (MCDSSs). In our literature review, we noticed that more than 100 papers have been written over a 20‐year period in which MCDSS was used as a decision‐making tool. The present paper describes some real applications of MCDSS in different fields, harmoniously combined with decision‐making methods such as analytic hierarchy process, Utility Additive, and Goal Programming. The present study proposes an integrative MCDSS evaluation through guidance on the tools most useful for a specific user with a particular decision problem. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NMR spectroscopy to follow reaction progress in ionic liquids
Authors: Butler Bradley J. , Thomas Donald S. , Hook James M. , Harper Jason B.
Published: October 2014

In order to understand reaction outcomes in ionic liquids, it is crucial to be able to follow the progress of these reactions. This review highlights the advantages of NMR spectroscopy over other analytical techniques in following reaction progress in ionic liquids, particularly addressing the practical aspects of the methodology and highlighting the range of processes that can be readily followed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Paraproteinemic neuropathies
Authors: Raheja Divisha , Specht Charles , Simmons Zachary
Published: October 2014

The paraproteinemias are a heterogeneous group of disorders in which monoclonal plasma cells cause the proliferation of monoclonal proteins. They are of importance to clinicians because they often occur in association with neuropathies. Neurologists play a particularly important role when the neuropathy is the presenting feature, in which case they may uncover clinical, laboratory, radiologic, electrodiagnostic, or biopsy findings that lead to identification of the underlying paraproteinemia. The frequency of neuropathies in these patients, and the extent to which such neuropathies dominate the clinical picture, varies significantly between the different paraproteinemias. Treatments may be aimed specifically at the neuropathy, or against the underlying hematologic disorder. In all patients with paraproteinemias, the neurologist can work collaboratively with the hematologist to formulate therapeutic plans and goals and can provide follow‐up and monitoring to determine the response of the neuropathy to treatment. Muscle Nerve 51: 1–13, 2015
A myopathy with unusual features caused by PNPLA2 gene mutations
Authors: Pennisi Elena M. , Missaglia Sara , Dimauro Salvatore , Bernardi Cinzia , Akman Hasan Orhan , Tavian Daniela
Published: October 2014

Introduction: The PNPLA2 gene encodes the enzyme adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), which catalyzes the first step of triglyceride hydrolysis. Mutations in this gene are associated with an autosomal recessive lipid‐storage myopathy, neutral lipid‐storage disease with myopathy (NLSD‐M). Results: A 72‐year‐old woman had late‐onset myopathy, with mild weakness, cramps, and exercise intolerance. Electromyography showed myotonic discharges. A few leukocytes showed lipid droplets (Jordan anomaly). Deltoid and quadriceps muscle biopsies showed no lipid storage. Genetic analysis of PNPLA2 detected 2 heterozygous mutations: c.497A>G (p.Asp166Gly) in exon 5 and c.1442C>T (p.Pro481Leu) in exon 10. Expression of mutant PNPLA2 plasmids in HeLa cells resulted in impaired enzyme activity, confirming the pathological effects of the mutations. Conclusions: In this case of NLSD‐M, the myopathy may be due to a metabolic defect rather than to a mechanical effect of lipid storage. This suggests that more than 1 mechanism contributes to muscle damage in NLSD‐M. Muscle Nerve 51: 609–613, 2015
Which hand is worse? Concordance between patient perception and electrodiagnostic results in carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Rumbolt Colin B.C. , Hooper Davyd R.
Published: October 2014

Introduction: In patients with clinically diagnosed carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) the more symptomatic hand may be different from the more severely affected hand on electrodiagnostic testing. This study aims to determine the level of agreement which should be expected between these measures and consequently the level of suspicion for co‐occurring pathology which is warranted if there is discordance. Methods: This was a single center retrospective review of 252 patients referred for upper extremity electrodiagnostic evaluation who were diagnosed subsequently with CTS. Comparison was made between the patient's perceived worst side and the more abnormal side on electrodiagnostic studies. Results: We found a significant level of agreement (κ = 0.676) between patient symptoms and electrodiagnostic testing when identifying the side with more severe CTS. Conclusions: Discordance between patient perception and electrodiagnostic results regarding which hand is affected more severely in patients with CTS should alert the clinician to possible coexisting nonneurologic pathology and prompt regional musculoskeletal examination as indicated. Muscle Nerve 51: 282–283, 2015
THE GROWING ROLE OF SOCIAL PENSIONS: HISTORY, TAXONOMY AND KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Authors: Palacios Robert , Knox‐Vydmanov Charles
Published: October 2014

Social pensions—government‐provided non‐contributory cash transfers to older people—are becoming an increasingly important element of public pension policy. While the history of social pensions is almost as long as social security itself, it is only in the last two decades that they have risen to prominence, particularly in the attempts of developing countries to fill a persistent coverage gap in their pension systems. This article begins by reviewing the history of social pensions, focusing on developments over the last two decades. It then goes on to explore an appropriate taxonomy of social pensions, attempting to move on from the simplistic (and often problematic) division of universal and means‐tested schemes. Drawing on evidence from HelpAge International'sSocial Pensions Database, the article presents new indicators that can be used to assess the scope of social pensions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DESIGNING SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEMS: LEARNING FROM AUSTRALIA AND OTHER COUNTRIES
Authors: Podger Andrew , Stanton David , Whiteford Peter
Published: October 2014

Social protection systems reflect each country's history, culture and social values, as well as its economic capacity. But, once first established, they can be very hard to redesign as expectations are locked in, and the scale of the systems makes major change a difficult and risky management challenge. This paper describes alternative designs of social security systems and how each addresses the two core objectives of poverty alleviation and income maintenance. Drawing on the ‘pillars’ typology or framework, the paper describes how different systems are being adjusted to meet changing demographic profiles and economic pressures. It focuses in particular on Australia, which has always emphasised ‘foundation pillar’ programmes aimed at poverty alleviation and has only recently given emphasis to income maintenance. In doing so, it has chosen a very different approach involving mandated contributions into mostly fully funded schemes where individuals rather than the government and future generations of taxpayers bear most of the risks. Australia has also restructured its schemes for public sector employees. What possible lessons are there for countries at the early stages of design and implementation of a social security system? Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
BRAZIL'S SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM: PROSPECTIVE TRAJECTORY AND REFORM ALTERNATIVES
Authors: Beltrao Kaizo , Pinhanez Monica
Published: October 2014

This article assesses the current status of Brazil's Social Security System in terms of the social and economic development of the Brazilian population it is intended to serve. It starts with a historical overview of the system. Data from a household survey (Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílio) is used to describe the workforce and its relationship with the social security system. The years 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, and 2012 were chosen to give a series of pictures of the Brazilian population at equal intervals but under different legal circumstances with respect to the implementation of social security legislation. Data with regard to beneficiaries and the corresponding expenditures and revenues of the system are also shown. The situation presented is rather bleak considering that, since 1997, expenditure on benefits has consistently surpassed revenues based on payrolls. Some alternative reform options (parametric in nature) are evaluated using simulations. These simulations show that the alternative of postponing the eligibility age would have the greatest positive effect on balancing the books, especially when using 65 years as the minimum pensionable age. This would be the equivalent of eliminating “seniority retirement.” Age testing is also effective for the recipients of survivor's benefit. Eliminating multiple benefits, though not impressive in terms of numbers, is progressive in nature and, therefore, an alternative to be considered. Dissociating the minimum wage from the minimum benefit would have a much larger impact in the long run, but the measure is highly unpopular and would most probably not be approved if proposed by the Government. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PUBLIC POLICY FOR PENSIONS REFORM: A GOVERNANCE CHALLENGE FOR PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND DEVELOPMENT: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Collins Paul D. , Podger Andrew , Dong Keyong
Published: October 2014

Reform of pensions policies is a priority public policy issue around the world. It is high on the agenda across Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development, transitional and developing countries alike. The individual country circumstances and drivers of reform may differ, as do the policy directions chosen, but there are also common factors and opportunities for cross‐country learning. These relate not only to technical aspects of pension system design but also to the processes of policy and administrative reform and to issues of development. For PAD, they raise questions about ideas, interests and institutions, as well as about specific pension system design. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Family caregivers' involvement in caring for a hospitalized patient with cancer and their quality of life in a country with strong family bonds
Authors: Effendy Christantie , Vernooij‐Dassen Myrra , Setiyarini Sri , Kristanti Martina Sinta , Tejawinata Sunaryadi , Vissers Kris , Engels Yvonne
Published: October 2014

Background

Being involved in caring for family members during illness is part of the Indonesian culture, even during hospitalization. It is unknown which factors influence the quality of life (QoL) of family members taking care of their loved ones. The present study aims to identify factors influencing the QoL of family caregivers of hospitalized patients with cancer in Indonesia.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was performed. Data were collected in a general hospital in Yogyakarta from September to December 2011. Family caregivers of patients with cancer were invited to participate. Regression analysis was used to determine which aspects of caring and which demographic characteristics influenced their QoL. The Caregiver QoL Index—Cancer questionnaire was used to measure the QoL.

Results

One hundred of 120 invited caregivers (83%) completed the questionnaire. Being involved in psychological issues in caring (β = 0.374; p = 0.000), younger age (β = −0.282; p = 0.003), no previous caring experience (β = −0.301; p = 0.001), and not being the spouse (β = −0.228; p = 0.015) negatively influenced the QoL and explained 31% of the variation (adjusted R2 = 0.312; F = 12.24; p = 0.000). Gender, education level, and time spent on caring did not influence the QoL of family caregivers.

Conclusions

Our findings identified modifiable factors such as dealing with psychological issues and lack of experience in caring that negatively influenced the QoL of family caregivers. These factors are potential targets for intervention strategies. Education and intervention programs focusing on dealing with psychological problems in cancer care might improve the QoL of both patients and their families. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal green protein, an extremely stable, nonaggregating fluorescent protein created by structure‐guided surface engineering
Authors: Close Devin W. , Paul Craig Don , Langan Patricia S. , Wilce Matthew C. J. , Traore Daouda A. K. , Halfmann Randal , Rocha Reginaldo C. , Waldo Geoffery S. , Payne Riley J. , Rucker Joseph B. , Prescott Mark , Bradbury Andrew R. M.
Published: October 2014

In this article, we describe the engineering and X‐ray crystal structure of Thermal Green Protein (TGP), an extremely stable, highly soluble, non‐aggregating green fluorescent protein. TGP is a soluble variant of the fluorescent protein eCGP123, which despite being highly stable, has proven to be aggregation‐prone. The X‐ray crystal structure of eCGP123, also determined within the context of this paper, was used to carry out rational surface engineering to improve its solubility, leading to TGP. The approach involved simultaneously eliminating crystal lattice contacts while increasing the overall negative charge of the protein. Despite intentional disruption of lattice contacts and introduction of high entropy glutamate side chains, TGP crystallized readily in a number of different conditions and the X‐ray crystal structure of TGP was determined to 1.9 Å resolution. The structural reasons for the enhanced stability of TGP and eCGP123 are discussed. We demonstrate the utility of using TGP as a fusion partner in various assays and significantly, in amyloid assays in which the standard fluorescent protein, EGFP, is undesirable because of aberrant oligomerization. Proteins 2015; 83:1225–1237. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigating the impact of the water‐vapour sounding observations from SAPHIR on board Megha‐Tropiques for the ARPEGE global model
Authors: Chambon Philippe , Meunier Louis‐François , Guillaume Frank , Piriou Jean‐Marcel , Roca Rémy , Mahfouf Jean‐François
Published: October 2014

Data assimilation experiments of radiances from the microwave sounder SAPHIR on board the Megha‐Tropiques (MT) satellite were conducted using the global numerical weather prediction (NWP) model ARPEGE (Action de Recherche Petite Echelle Grande Echelle) operational at Météo‐France for the period June to August 2012. The combination of the MT's low‐inclined orbit with the SAPHIR's six channels was found to increase the number of assimilated humidity‐sensitive microwave observations in the Tropics by a factor of 3.8, compared with a control experiment using three existing Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit B and Microwave Humidity Sounder instruments. Impacts of SAPHIR on both analyses through the 4D‐Var system and forecasts are found to be positive with respect to radiosonde data and analyses by the European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasts up to 12 h and neutral to positive up to 72 h. In particular, the improvement of innovation statistics for other humidity‐sensitive satellite observations when SAPHIR is assimilated indicates a positive synergy of the MT satellite with the present observing system. In addition to providing new humidity observations in the Tropics, the SAPHIR data can also be used to define new diagnostics for NWP models. In particular: (i) with the MT's orbit being non‐heliosynchronous, all local times are observed by the same sensor for a given area, which makes diurnal cycle diagnostics straightforward to set up; (ii) with SAPHIR providing more information on the vertical (six channels) than similar sensors, it can be easily used to study water‐vapour vertical structures in NWP models. The first diagnostic applied to the ARPEGE model reveals a good consistency between observed and modelled diurnal cycles in analyses over western Africa, but also reveals a 2–4 h time lag between mean observed and equivalent model brightness temperatures. The second diagnostic highlights a well‐represented vertical correlation of simulated brightness temperatures from the ARPEGE model with respect to SAPHIR over western Africa, but a too‐low vertical correlation over drier regions such as the southern Pacific Ocean during the period June to August 2012.
Systematic dependence of transition‐metal coordination energies on density‐functional parametrizations
Authors: Weymuth Thomas , Reiher Markus
Published: October 2014

In recent years, the calibration of parameters in approximate exchange‐correlation density functionals was intensified by the proposition of diverse and increasingly unbiased reference datasets. It is, however, not obvious how sensitive the accuracy of a given functional is with respect to a small change of its parameters. Knowledge about this sensitivity would be desirable for the assessment of the general accuracy that can be expected for the calculation of a given observable—especially for notorious cases as found, for instance, in coordination chemistry. At the example of the well‐known BP86 exchange‐correlation functional, we investigate the dependence of the coordination energies in the WCCR10 reference set [Weymuth et al., J. Chem. Theory Comput. 2014, 10, 3092] on the empirical parameters of this density functional. The WCCR10 reactions were found to be a true challenge for contemporary density functionals. Here, we find that the parameter dependence is qualitatively the same for all reactions. This observation is important in view of the fact that the BP86 functional was never parametrized against transition‐metal data. Still, within the parameter intervals investigated, the individual reaction energies vary significantly, which seems to suggest a reoptimization of the empirical parameters. However, it turns out that the overall description of all 10 reactions can be improved by only 9.5 kJ/mol, and therefore, such a reoptimization is not advisable. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Effects of Autonomy‐Supportive vs. Controlling Guidance on Learners' Motivational and Cognitive Achievement in a Structured Field Trip
Authors: BASTEN MELANIE , MEYER‐AHRENS INGA , FRIES STEFAN , WILDE MATTHIAS
Published: October 2014

Field trips can provide unique opportunities for authentic, meaningful, and self‐determined learning. Capitalizing on these opportunities requires that field trips be structured. A common way to do this is through the use of educational materials such as worksheets. The extent to which the guide's or teacher's autonomy‐supportive or controlling motivating style influences learning structured by worksheets has not yet been investigated. We conducted two studies focusing on this specific issue. We hypothesized that autonomy‐support is beneficial to intrinsic motivation and cognitive achievement. The setting for our research involved a field trip to the local zoo. The participants were 100 fifth graders (medium achievers) for Study 1 and 106 fifth and sixth graders (high achievers) for Study 2. The classes were divided into two groups for each study. While completing worksheets, some classes were given autonomy‐supportive guidance and the others controlling guidance. We assessed the pupils’ intrinsic motivation and knowledge using a pre‐, post‐, follow‐up test design. Our research found that autonomy‐support appears to be beneficial to motivation and does not seem to impair cognitive achievement. The beneficial effect of autonomy‐support was found to be higher for the high‐achieving pupils than for the medium achievers.