bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Competency‐based education: Recent policy trends
Authors: Anderson Lexi 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundThe student population on college campuses continues to evolve, including an influx of adult learners. With the specific needs of this student population, states and institutions must assess the current learning environment and explore alternative pathways to earning a credential, including competency‐based education (CBE). This article provides an overview of recent legislation and policy activity regarding CBE. Institution examples are presented as well as policy considerations for policymakers and institutions to keep top of mind when exploring CBE programs.Materials & MethodsPolicies explored were pulled from a databased housed at Education Commission of the States (ECS). ECS began tracking specific higher education policies in 2014, hence this article covers CBE policies beginning that year. The author reviewed introduced and enacted legislation from 2014 to 2017. The author also reviewed institution examples of CBE programs not set in legislation.Results2014 and 2015 saw four states introduce CBE legislation with two bills ultimately being enacted. In 2016, three states considered CBE bills, one of which was enacted. At least five states considered CBE bills in 2017, ultimately seeing three of those enacted. In addition to legislative activity, many institutions implement CBE on their campuses without policy. The article highlights three including Western Governors University, the University of Wisconsin Flex option, and Davis Technical College. Policy and practice considerations include:

Institutions should consider moving away from a credentialing approach to an instructional approach;

States need to modernize state financial aid policies to allow students to utilize state funds for CBE programs;

Institutions offering CBE should support students and enhance the educational experience by providing coaches or mentors to navigate both academic rigor and administrative tasks; and

Coordinate efforts between institutions and industry leaders.

ConclusionAs this article highlights, CBE policies in states and at institutions are at various levels of sophistication. Many states are continuing to explore CBE through expert committees, research, and legislative action. With the ever‐increasing number of adult learners coming to campuses, states and institutions need to assess the needs of their student populations and how CBE could benefit all students. A change to the instructional model in postsecondary education can increase completion rates and help states ultimately reach their lofty attainment goals.
Analysis of the Quaternary Structure of Hemoglobin Beckman Variant and Molecular Interpretation of Its Functional Abnormality: A Mass‐Spectrometry‐Based Approach
Authors: Muralidharan Monita , Das Rajdeep , Bhat Vijay , Mandal Amit Kumar 
Published: January 2018

AbstractElectrostatic attraction between α and β globin chains holds the subunits together in a tetrameric human hemoglobin molecule (α2β2). Compared to normal globin chains, the affinity of a mutant chain to its partner globin might be different in genetic variants of hemoglobin. This leads to an unequal abundance of normal and variant hemoglobin in heterozygous samples, even though the rates of synthesis of both the normal and variant chains are the same. The aforementioned affinities across various globin chains might be assessed by quantification of the different forms of the tetramers present in a variant hemoglobin sample. In the present study, by exploiting mass differences between globin chains, differently populated hemoglobin tetramers present in hemoglobin (Hb) Beckman, a β variant (βA135D), were structurally characterized. The relative populations of dissymmetric tetramers (α2β2, α2ββV, and α2βV2) indicated that both β and βV have different affinities towards the α globin chain. Conformational dynamics analyzed from hydrogen/deuterium exchange kinetics of the three peptide fragments of Hb Beckman in its oxy state displayed molecular insight into its functional abnormality. However, in comparison to normal hemoglobin (α2β2), the point mutation did not show any change in the collision cross‐sections of the functionally active conformers of the variant hemoglobin molecules (α2ββV and α2βV2).
Plant breeding innovation: A global regulatory perspective
Authors: Atanassova Ana , Keiper Felicity 
Published: January 2018

Background and objectivesWhile there has been continued improvement and increasing accessibility of enabling biotechnological tools, their ultimate deployment and range of applications in support of plant breeding will largely depend on how the resulting products are regulated and the extent of premarket assessment required. The features of GMO regulatory systems throughout the world are reviewed, with a focus on recent developments aimed at clarifying their application to biotechnological tools used for targeted mutagenesis and transfer of genetic material between crossable species.FindingsTo date, regulatory clarity for biotechnological innovations in plant breeding is limited to a small number of countries; the few countries with product‐based regulatory systems are generally able to continue using exiting regulatory provisions, and others have provided timely solutions that can result in the exclusion of some types of plant products from the scope of GMO regulations. However, the majority of countries are yet to take decisions on the topic. Their challenge is to achieve proportionate risk regulation for products developed using recent biotechnological tools that can result in a range of products, from transgenic plants to plants that are indistinguishable from conventionally bred plants.ConclusionsThe challenges for providing clarity on the regulation of plant breeding innovations are strongly linked to the features of the existing GMO regulations. Countries that regulate product risks are better equipped to adapt to technological change; conversely, countries that use process‐based regulatory triggers face the challenge of continuously adjusting to technological development and will lag behind unless they can timely develop criteria for regulatory exclusions. As a consequence of these different approaches, adopters of plant breeding innovations are faced with an uncertain and complex global regulatory situation that is unlikely to be resolved in the near future.Significance and noveltyThis review of the global regulatory status of plant breeding innovations demonstrates that to date, few countries have provided regulatory clarity. However, regulatory clarity, including consistent and predictable legislation with clear scope, triggers, and technical criteria, is required to facilitate technology adoption. The current uncertain and complex global regulatory situation is stifling innovation and the realization of the full potential of these technologies.
Effects of xanthan and guar gums on starch digestibility and texture of rice flour blend bread
Authors: Sasaki Tomoko 
Published: January 2018

Background and objectivesThe effects of adding xanthan and guar gums on starch digestibility and textural properties were examined in rice and wheat flour blend breads.FindingsThe addition of xanthan gum to the bread formula had a high impact on the staling of the crumb compared with guar gum. The addition of gums suppressed the recovery of the crumb after compression. The extent of starch digestion of the bread crumb was determined by an in vitro method using two types of bread crumb samples, milled samples after freeze‐drying and ground samples after moistening. Starch digestibility of the bread crumb reduced after the addition of gums. Xanthan gum resulted in a more pronounced suppressive effect, which was concentration‐dependent. The addition of xanthan gum at concentrations ≥1% to the bread formula caused a significant decrease in the extent of starch digestion in both the samples.ConclusionsThe bread crumb containing xanthan gum had a dense structure and formed an agglomeration after grinding, resulting in delayed enzyme penetration into the crumb structure and thus delayed the enzymatic hydrolysis of starch.Significance and noveltyAddition of xanthan gum to the formula of rice and wheat flour blend breads significantly retards the starch digestibility of bread crumb.
Evaluation of commercial α‐amylase enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kits for wheat
Authors: Kiszonas Alecia M. , Morris Craig F. 
Published: January 2018

Background and objectivesThere are few methods in wheat to directly measure α‐amylase, which is the result of preharvest sprouting (PHS) and late maturity α‐amylase (LMA). Both of these conditions are associated with reduced wheat and flour quality. Those methods that do exist for measuring α‐amylase in wheat are based on enzyme activity. The objective of this study was to evaluate commercially available enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits on sound grain, sprouted grain, and grain that had both PHS and LMA.FindingsThree kits were evaluated; human AMY1 and AMY2, and a “plant α‐amylase” kit. The wheat samples were also assayed for α‐amylase activity using the Megazyme SD α‐amylase method. All three ELISA kits functioned very well based on calibration curves (R2 > .99). Of the three, the AMY1 and plant α‐amylase kits appeared to show no useful detection of wheat α‐amylase. The AMY2 kit, however, detected a 2.7‐fold increase in α‐amylase protein in the PHS and PHS/LMA grain lots, similar to a 2.7‐fold difference in activity.ConclusionsIt appears that the particular human AMY2A ELISA kit, and perhaps others, can detect α‐amylase in wheat and may be a useful alternative technology to enzyme kits. These kits may also be useful in predicting PHS and LMA potential damage.Significance and noveltyThus far, α‐amylase studies have focused on enzyme kits, whereas this study examined three commercially available ELISA kits to measure α‐amylase content in sound, sprouted, and PHS/LMA grain. Both PHS and LMA are highly detrimental to grain and result in low prices paid to growers.
Effects of Solute Permeability on Permeation and Solute Rejection in Membrane Filtration
Authors: Lopes Gustavo H. , Ibaseta Nelson , Guichardon Pierrette , Haldenwang Pierre 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMembrane solute permeability plays a role in the buildup of concentration polarization in pressure‐driven crossflow filtration processes, and thus in the determination of the permeate flux, solute rejection, retentate flux, and concentration. Reverse‐osmosis desalination with membranes of fixed solvent permeability but of variable selectivity with respect to the solute is numerically examined. The study highlights an intricate coupling between retentate and filtrate properties. In particular, it reveals that, for given values of solute permeability and feed concentration, there is a maximum operating pressure that optimizes solute rejection regardless of the feed salinity. The conditions leading to this and to other peculiar behaviors for permeation fluxes and concentrations are identified.
Early/Late Heterobimetallic Tantalum/Rhodium Species Assembled Through a Novel Bifunctional NHC‐OH Ligand
Authors: Srivastava Ravi , Moneuse Raphaël , Petit Julien , Pavard Paul‐Alexis , Dardun Vincent , Rivat Madleen , Schiltz Pauline , Solari Marius , Jeanneau Erwann , Veyre Laurent , Thieuleux Chloé , Quadrelli Elsje Alessandra , Camp Clément 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe straightforward synthesis of a new unsymmetrical hydroxy‐tethered N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand, HL, is presented. The free ligand exhibits an unusual OH–carbene hydrogen‐bonding interaction. This OH–carbene motif was used to yield 1) the first tantalum complex displaying both a Fischer‐ and Schrock‐type carbene ligand and 2) a unique NHC‐based early/late heterobimetallic complex. More specifically, the protonolysis chemistry between the ligand's hydroxy group and imido‐alkyl or alkylidene‐alkyl tantalum precursor complexes yielded the rare monometallic tantalum–NHC complexes [Ta(XtBu)(L)(CH2tBu)2] (X=N, CH), in which the alkoxy‐carbene ligand acts as a chelate. In contrast, HL only binds to rhodium through the NHC unit in [Rh(HL)(cod)Cl] (cod=cycloocta‐1,5‐diene), the hydroxy pendant arm remaining unbound. This bifunctional ligand scaffold successfully promoted the assembly of rhodium/tantalum heterobimetallic complexes upon either 1) the insertion of [Rh(cod)Cl]2 into the Ta–NHC bond in [Ta(NtBu)(L)(CH2tBu)2] or 2) protonolysis between the free hydroxy group in [Rh(HL)(cod)Cl] and one alkyl group in [Ta(NtBu)(CH2tBu)3].
Bonding Insights from Structural and Spectroscopic Comparisons of {SnW5} and {TiW5} Alkoxido‐ and Aryloxido‐Substituted Lindqvist Polyoxometalates
Authors: Kandasamy Balamurugan , Bruce Peter G. , Clegg William , Harrington Ross W. , Rodríguez‐Fortea Antonio , Pascual‐Borrás Magda , Errington R. John 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIncorporation of {MX}n+ groups into polyoxometalates (POMs) provides the means not only to introduce reactivity and functionality but also to tune the electronic properties of the oxide framework by varying M, X and n. In order to elucidate the factors responsible for differences in reactivity between {TiW5} and {SnW5} Lindqvist‐type hexametalates, a series of alkoxido‐ and aryloxido‐tin substituted POMs (nBu4N)3[(RO)SnW5O18] (R=Me, Et, iPr and tBu) and (nBu4N)3[(ArO)SnW5O18] (Ar=C6H5, 4‐MeC6H5, 4‐tBuC6H5, 4‐HOC6H4, 3‐HOC6H4 and 2‐CHOC6H4) has been structurally characterised and studied by multinuclear NMR (1H, 13C, 17O, 119Sn and 183W) and FTIR spectroscopy. Spectroscopic and structural parameters were compared with those of titanium‐substituted homologues and, when coupled with theoretical studies, indicated that Sn−OR and Sn−OAr bonds are ionic with little π‐contribution, whereas Ti−OR and Ti−OAr bonds are more covalent with π‐bonding that is more prevalent for Ti−OR than Ti−OAr. This experimental and theoretical analysis of bonding in a homologous series of reactive POMs is the most extensive and detailed to date, and reveals factors which account for significant differences in reactivity between tin and titanium congeners.
A Well‐Established POM‐based Single‐Crystal Proton‐Conducting Model Incorporating Multiple Weak Interactions
Authors: Cao Xue‐Li , Xie Shuai‐Lei , Li Shun‐Li , Dong Long‐Zhang , Liu Jiang , Liu Xi‐Xi , Wang Wen‐Bin , Su Zhong‐Min , Guan Wei , Lan Ya‐Qian 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThree new proton conductors with simple structures based on isolated olyoxometalate anions as well as protonated imidazole and benzimidazole, namely, NNU‐6–8, have been successfully prepared by hydrothermal reaction. We could control the number of proton sources by selecting different types and changing the charges of POM anions. The single crystal sample of NNU‐6 along a‐axis shows a highest proton conductivity of 1.91×10−2 S cm−1, which is two and three orders of magnitude higher than that of 2.42×10−4 and 8.90×10−5 S cm−1 along b‐ and c‐axes, respectively, due to the more unobstructed H‐bonding network and stronger π–π stacking between benzimidazole rings as proton‐transferring pathway along a‐axis than that along b and c axes. It is a straightforward model to understand the metaphysical proton‐conducting process, and this is the first time to put forward the idea that π–π stacking could assist proton transfer and be in favor of proton conduction, which has been demonstrated by calculating potential energy surfaces of proton transfer between benzimidazole molecules.
Synergistic Glycosylation as Key to the Chemical Synthesis of an Outer Core Octasaccharide of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Zou Xiaopeng , Qin Chunjun , Pereira Claney L. , Tian Guangzong , Hu Jing , Seeberger Peter H. , Yin Jian 
Published: January 2018

AbstractHelicobacter pylori, a widespread gastric bacterial pathogen that infects 90 % of the population in developing countries, causes chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. Battling H. pylori infection is a serious challenge due to the increased resistance to antibiotics and the lack of vaccines. The lipopolysaccharide covering the H. pylori cell‐surface outer membrane is an attractive target for the development of a glycoconjugate vaccine. Here, we report a [3+5] convergent synthesis of an outer core octasaccharide of H. pylori employing just three orthogonally protected building blocks. A synergistic glycosylation strategy enables the creation of five pivotal 1,2‐cis‐α‐glucosidic bonds consist of four types of linkages using just three monomers. This strategy can be expanded to many 1,2‐cis‐α‐gluoside‐containing oligosaccharides both in solution and solid phase.
Chiroptical structure‐property relations in cyclo[18]carbon and its in silico hydrogenation products
Authors: Murphy Veronica L. , Farfan Camille , Kahr Bart 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe anisotropy of the optical activity of cyclo[18]carbon (C18), fully hydrogenated C18 (C18H36), and 26 hydrogenated compounds of intermediate composition, C18H2n, n = 1,2…17, were computed. These compounds were selected because they resemble loops of wire. The maximum gyration for acetylenic and cumulenic subgroups of compounds was linearly proportional to the product of the geometric area over which the charge can circulate, multiplied by the largest separation between carbon atoms on opposing sides of the loops. These geometric quantities can be likened to transition magnetic dipole moments and transition electric dipole moments, respectively, that can be generated in electronic excitations and which contribute in the main to nonresonant optical activity. The correlation between a computed geometric product of distance and area, and a quantum chemical property, establishes that chiroptical structure‐activity relationships can be well established for judiciously chosen series of comparatively large compounds.
Simultaneous production of phycobiliproteins and carbonic anhydrase by Spirulina platensis LEB‐52
Authors: Sala Luisa , Ores Joana da Costa , Moraes Caroline Costa , Kalil Susana Juliano 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe simultaneous production of carbonic anhydrase and the phycobiliproteins, C‐phycocyanin and allophycocyanin, was evaluated during the cultivation of Spirulina platensis using Zarrouk's medium in its non‐diluted (100 % ZM) and diluted to 20 % (v/v) (20 % ZM) forms. In both media, Spirulina simultaneously produced carbonic anhydrase and phycobiliproteins. For the phycobiliproteins’ production, higher concentrations (mg/g) of C‐phycocyanin and allophycocyanin were obtained when 100 % ZM was used. For carbonic anhydrase production, higher concentrations (U/g) were obtained on the 6th day of cultivation in both culture media. 100 % ZM promoted greater productions of these bioproducts, and, for simultaneous obtainment, the cells should be harvested after 21 days, obtaining concentrations of 137.4 mg/g C‐phycocyanin, 104.4 mg/g allophycocyanin, and 26.6 U/g carbonic anhydrase.
Farbig fluoreszierende Zinkoxid‐Nanopartikel
Authors: Wilke Timm , Waitz Stefanie , von Hoff Elena , Waitz Thomas 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn diesem Beitrag wird ein im Chemieunterricht umsetzbarer Versuch zur Herstellung verschiedenfarbig fluoreszierender Zinkoxid‐Nanopartikeldispersionen vorgestellt. Es wird gezeigt, dass sich sowohl das Phänomen der Fluoreszenz als auch die verschiedenen Fluoreszenzfarben mit Hilfe chemischer Basiskonzepte deuten lassen. Neben der grundsätzlichen Erkenntnis, dass sich Nanomaterialien in ihren Eigenschaften von denen ihrer makroskopisch großen Analoga unterscheiden, kann mit Hilfe des vorgestellten Versuchs anschaulich erarbeitet werden, dass sich innerhalb eines Größenbereichs auf der Nanomaterskala Stoffeigenschaften in Abhängigkeit von der Teilchengröße steuern lassen, was heute in diversen technischen Anwendungen genutzt wird. Darüber hinaus werden im Beitrag auch Versuche zur Verwendung von Zinkoxid‐Nanopartikeln als „low cost“ UV‐Lichtdetektor, zum Nachweis der photokatalytischen Aktivität sowie zur Wirkung auf pflanzliche Zellen präsentiert.
A Novel Prodrug of a γ‐Glutamylcyclotransferase Inhibitor Suppresses Cancer Cell Proliferation in vitro and Inhibits Tumor Growth in a Xenograft Mouse Model of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Ii Hiromi , Yoshiya Taku , Nakata Susumu , Taniguchi Keiko , Hidaka Koushi , Tsuda Shugo , Mochizuki Masayoshi , Nishiuchi Yuji , Tsuda Yuko , Ito Kosei , Kageyama Susumu , Yoshiki Tatsuhiro 
Published: January 2018

Abstractγ‐Glutamylcyclotransferase (GGCT) depletion inhibits cancer cell proliferation. However, whether the enzymatic activity of GGCT is critical for the regulation of cancer cell growth remains unclear. In this study, a novel diester‐type cell‐permeable prodrug, pro‐GA, was developed based on the structure of N‐glutaryl‐l‐alanine (GA), by structure optimization using temporary fluorophore‐tagged prodrug candidates. The antiproliferative activity of pro‐GA was demonstrated using GGCT‐overexpressing NIH‐3T3 cells and human cancer cells including MCF7, HL‐60, and PC3 cells. By contrast, normal cells were not significantly affected by pro‐GA treatment. Moreover, pro‐GA administration exhibited anticancer effects in a xenograft model using immunocompromised mice inoculated with PC3 cells. These results indicate that the enzymatic activity of GGCT accelerates tumor growth and that GGCT inhibition is a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of GGCT‐overexpressing tumors.
Increased pathologic upstaging with rising time to treatment initiation for head and neck cancer: A mechanism for increased mortality
Authors: Xiao Roy , Ward Matthew C. , Yang Kailin , Adelstein David J. , Koyfman Shlomo A. , Prendes Brandon L. , Burkey Brian B. 
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUNDTime to treatment initiation (TTI) is increasing and is associated with worsening survival. In the current study, the authors sought to identify a mechanism for this relationship by assessing the effect of TTI on clinical‐to‐pathologic upstaging in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).METHODSUsing the National Cancer Data Base, the authors analyzed patients receiving definitive surgery for SCC of the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx from 2005 through 2014. The primary outcome was T, N, or stage group upstaging, defined as higher pathologic stage than clinical stage. TTI was defined as the time between diagnosis and surgery. Multivariable logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression modeled upstaging and survival, respectively.RESULTSCohorts of 60,194 patients, 51,380 patients, and 52,980 patients, respectively, with complete T, N, and stage group data were included. N upstaging was most common (18.6%), followed by stage group (17.4%) and T (12.1%) upstaging; all types were predicted by TTI. Compared with a TTI of 1 to 6 days, TTIs as short as 7 to 13 days (odds ratio, 1.20; P = .038) or ≥ 70 days (odds ratio, 2.04; P < .001) were found to predict T upstaging, a finding that is consistent for N and stage group upstaging. Using restricted cubic splines, relative odds of T and stage group upstaging escalated to 2.25 and 1.93, respectively, at a TTI of 365 days. In survival analyses, T (hazard ratio [HR], 1.53), N (HR, 1.88), and stage group (HR, 1.69) upstaging all predicted mortality (P < .001), whereas TTI only predicted mortality after 70 days (HR, 1.11; P = .023).CONCLUSIONSTumor progression, measured by clinical‐to‐pathologic upstaging, increases mortality for patients with HNSCC experiencing treatment delays. Cancer 2018;124:1400‐14. © 2018 American Cancer Society.