bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tagging and purifying proteins to teach molecular biology and advanced biochemistry
Authors: Roecklein‐Canfield Jennifer A. , Lopilato Jane 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTwo distinct courses, “Molecular Biology” taught by the Biology Department and “Advanced Biochemistry” taught by the Chemistry Department, complement each other and, when taught in a coordinated and integrated way, can enhance student learning and understanding of complex material. “Molecular Biology” is a comprehensive lecture‐based course with a 3‐h laboratory once a week, while “Advanced Biochemistry” is a completely laboratory‐based course with lecture fully integrated around independent student projects. Both courses emphasize and utilize cutting‐edge technology. Teaching across departmental boundaries allows students access to faculty expertise and techniques rarely used at the undergraduate level, namely the tagging of proteins and their use in protein purification.
Development of a green fluorescent protein‐based laboratory curriculum
Authors: Larkin Patrick D. , Hartberg Yasha 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA laboratory curriculum has been designed for an undergraduate biochemistry course that focuses on the investigation of the green fluorescent protein (GFP). The sequence of procedures extends from analysis of the DNA sequence through PCR amplification, recombinant plasmid DNA synthesis, bacterial transformation, expression, isolation, and characterization of the protein by SDS‐PAGE. A survey of participants found that the majority of them were performing most of these procedures for the first time and that participants found the exercises enjoyable and considered them a significant aid to their understanding of biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular genetics.
Replacing lectures in conventional university courses by text‐based flexible learning can be a rewarding experience for the lecturer and students
Authors: Green John 
Published: February 2007

AbstractFor nearly two decades, a proportion of lectures in certain modules in conventional undergraduate diploma and degree courses has been replaced by text‐based flexible learning. This flexible learning program has satisfied the various quality assurance procedures in place within the university throughout the period of implementation. Evaluation of students' performance and perceptions demonstrated that the text‐based flexible learning program was an effective alternative to lectures. The advantages and disadvantages of this flexible learning program from the lecturer's perspective are discussed.
Trends in funding science education, 1994–2004*
Authors: Woodin Terry 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis review looks at the changes over the last 10 years in priorities guiding funding decisions in science education. A general survey of trends in funding both graduate and undergraduate education are covered, followed by a description of specific National Science Foundation initiatives. Understanding these changes should help proposal writers put their current submissions into context and better reply to the call for proposals from various agencies.
Redox redux: A response to feinman's “oxidation‐reduction calculations in the biochemistry course” (Biochem. Mol. Biol. Educ. 32, 161–166)
Authors: Silverstein Todd 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn a recent article, Richard Feinman suggested that we teach students to perform redox calculations in biochemistry by using the European rather than the American convention. In this article I raise a few objections (and correct a few errors). First, it's not clear that the European convention is any easier to use than the American. Second, students have already learned the American convention in freshman chemistry; why teach them a different method as upperclassmen? Last, by teaching a different problem‐solving method in biochemistry than the one they learned in Introductory Chemistry, we lose an opportunity to show students how principles from “regular” chemistry apply to biological systems.
A participant‐oriented, research‐based approach for design of a biochemistry workshop for faculty at undergraduate institutions*
Authors: Owen Rebecca L. , Breyer Emelita D. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe Molecular Genetics and Protein Structure and Function workshop is one of a series of workshops offered by the National Science Foundation‐funded Center for Workshops in the Chemical Sciences. The workshop provides a hands‐on introduction to current topics and techniques in molecular genetics and protein structure/function as applied to undergraduate education. This article describes a unique method for planning such a workshop, namely a participant‐oriented approach including research‐based lectures and experiments. This approach gives faculty from undergraduate institutions a rich perspective and practical experience in this interdisciplinary field of science, integrating aspects of both molecular biology and biochemistry. An outlook on current cutting edge techniques and the direction of future research in this field may enable the faculty participants to better prepare undergraduate students for careers in the workforce or graduate or professional programs.
Aligning biochemistry to the interests of biology students using haloperoxidase to illustrate reactions of environmental and biomedical importance*
Authors: Jervis Les , Jervis Loretta M. , Giovannelli Donato 
Published: February 2007

AbstractUndergraduate degree programs in the biosciences almost always include elements of biochemistry. In the United Kingdom, biosciences programs often have optional pathways to accommodate students of diverse interests. These programs rarely require students to demonstrate any school‐level chemistry knowledge, and many students find biochemistry difficult and irrelevant to their primary areas of interest. We have developed laboratory practical work that is used with more than 200 first year (Level 1) students, over 100 second year (Level 2) students, and about 30 final year (Level 3, Honors) students on pathways within a biosciences scheme ranging from Human Biosciences through Plant Sciences and Marine Biology to Environmental Biology. The practical work is based on haloperoxidase enzymes and is modified easily for different student groups and levels. The wide biological distribution of these enzymes and their important biological roles allow students with a wide spectrum of interests to engage with the practical work, and through it with biochemistry. Attempts to align the laboratory work with other aspects of the curriculum were confounded by organizational aspects of the student experience on a complex modular degree scheme.
Achieving due recognition for web scholarship: Experience at a structural biology education website
Authors: Rhodes Gale 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPeer‐evaluation committees are now faced with assessing the scholarly value of World Wide Web resources such as tutorials, databases, dictionaries, and computation services. How should these activities be weighted in comparison with publications in research or education journals or presentations at meetings? Clearly, nontraditional scholarship requires nontraditional documentation. In this article, I tell how I have documented my structural biology web resources for peer evaluation and how my colleagues have responded.
Teachers as learners in a cooperative learning biochemistry class
Authors: Osgood Marcy P. , Mitchell Steve M. , Anderson William L. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractUpper level college students majoring in biochemistry at the University of New Mexico have the opportunity to participate in an advanced biochemistry course entitled “Biochemistry Education.” This course introduces theories of teaching and learning, provides opportunities for participation in course organization, design, and assessment strategies, and requires practice in lecturing, exam writing, and grading. One component of this course required the biochemistry majors to act as educational assistants, leading problem‐based learning sessions in a cooperative learning introductory survey biochemistry course for nonmajors. Problem‐based learning scenarios used in this course were based on real‐life biochemistry problems. As a result of their participation, the educational assistants increased their understanding of the biochemistry principles, gained an appreciation for the difficulty of the job of a “good teacher,” developed new approaches to their own learning, and became more confident speakers. The participating biochemistry faculty were also positively affected by the collaborative approach they were attempting to model for the two sets of students and realized the benefits of truly cooperative team teaching.
Energetic metabolism and biochemical adaptation: A bird flight muscle model
Authors: Rioux Pierre , Blier Pierre U. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe main objective of this class experiment is to measure the activity of two metabolic enzymes in crude extract from bird pectoral muscle and to relate the differences to their mode of locomotion and ecology. The laboratory is adapted to stimulate the interest of wildlife management students to biochemistry. The enzymatic activities of cytochromecoxidase and lactate dehydrogenase are measured in pectoral muscle of black duck and ring‐necked pheasant. The black ducks have a high cytochromecoxidase/lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ratio, which reflects high aerobic capacity required for sustained and long distance flight. The low cytochromecoxidase/LDH ratio in ring‐necked pheasants and high level of LDH activity suggest that this bird can only support short bursts of flight, which may be related to his strategy of predator avoidance.
HPV vaccine development: A case study of prevention and politics
Authors: Grimes Janelle L. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAn analysis of the development of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines requires a fundamental comprehension of the underlying science of the technology, as well as an appreciation for the business issues essential to successful commercialization. Students analyzing this topic must consider scientific challenges related to the development of these vaccines, as well as the implications for their commercialization. This case study describes the evolution of our understanding of HPV infection and its causative link to cervical cancer, the establishment of viable HPV vaccine candidates, and various issues related to HPV vaccine implementation. Study questions for use in generating class discussion are provided.
Bioinformatics for undergraduates: Steps toward a quantitative bioscience curriculum*
Authors: Chapman Barbara S. , Christmann James L. , Thatcher Eileen F. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe describe an innovative bioinformatics course developed under grants from the National Science Foundation and the California State University Program in Research and Education in Biotechnology for undergraduate biology students. The project has been part of a continuing effort to offer students classroom experiences focused on principles and reasoning, using a computer‐assisted, problem‐based learning model. Here we report on the course design, methods of assessment for the course and materials, and analysis of results obtained in initial offerings of the course.
Teaching technical and professional skills using a laboratory exercise: A comparison of two methods of plasmid preparation
Authors: Brown Lesley R. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis laboratory exercise encourages upper level biochemistry students to build and expand upon previously developed laboratory skills and knowledge as they conduct a comparison of two methods of plasmid preparation based upon cost, quality of product, production time, and environmental impact. Besides creating an environment that mimics a more realistic practice of science, there are several key learning objectives. First, students will learn to effectively plan and manage time so that they can meet a scientific goal. A second objective is for them to learn to use theory as a basis for understanding new and different technology since classroom exposure is necessarily limited. Third, they will learn to think critically and logically to solve problems, and they will communicate this in written format. All of these skills are particularly important in preparation for a scientist's professional life.
Dishonesty in the biochemistry classroom laboratory: A synthesis of causes and prevention
Authors: Del Carlo Dawn , Bodner George 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAlthough reports of academic cheating are abundant, there are relatively few papers in the literature that focus on cheating in the context of science courses and even fewer that address dishonest practices, such as “cooking” or fudging data, within the classroom laboratory. This paper briefly reviews the existing literature on academic dishonesty and explores two theories that can be used to explain why cheating occurs: (1) classroom goal structure and (2) attitudes of neutralization. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of these theories within the context of a biochemistry and molecular biology teaching laboratory.
DNA fingerprint analysis of three short tandem repeat (STR) loci for biochemistry and forensic science laboratory courses
Authors: McNamara‐Schroeder Kathleen , Olonan Cheryl , Chu Simon , Montoya Maria C. , Alviri Mahta , Ginty Shannon , Love John J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe have devised and implemented a DNA fingerprinting module for an upper division undergraduate laboratory based on the amplification and analysis of three of the 13 short tandem repeat loci that are required by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Combined DNA Index System (FBI CODIS) data base. Students first collect human epithelial (cheek) cells using sterile buccal swabs and then utilize commercially available kits and materials to extract genomic DNA. This is followed by the PCR amplification of three specific short tandem repeat loci (i.e. CSF1PO, TPOX, THO1). Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is used to resolve the allelic bands associated with the three short tandem repeat loci, and the results are statistically analyzed in the context of human population genetics. In addition, DNA was collected from a family, and the children's allele sets were compared with those of the parents to help illustrate paternal and maternal relatedness. This module enables students to use the materials and methods employed by actual law enforcement agencies and therefore can be used for laboratory exercises in traditional biochemistry curricula as well as for the growing field of forensic science and education.
Prevention in integrated children's services: the impact of sure start on referrals to social services and child protection registrations
Authors: Carpenter John , Brown Sharon , Griffin Michaela 
Published: February 2007

AbstractEvery Child Matters, the English government's plans for integrated children's services, proposed that preventative approaches such as those developed through Sure Start should be able to reduce the numbers of children requiring more intensive support from children's social services and, by implication, the numbers of children on the child protection register. This study examined the impact of Sure Start local programmes (SSLPs) on four local authorities with social services responsibilities in the northeast of England. The researchers analysed routinely collected statistical data concerning over 10,000 referrals of children under four years and over 1,600 child protection registrations (CPRs) in an eight‐year period before and after the introduction of 19 SSLPs. They also analysed interviews with 36 key informants in eight case study SSLP areas. Contrary to expectations, the quantitative data revealed no discernable short‐term effect on the numbers of referrals, or on CPRs. Interview data showed broad agreement on the potential impact of preventative work undertaken by SSLPs and many respondents believed that it was too early to draw conclusions. Alternatively, the universal approach to prevention within the Sure Start areas and the attempts to provide non‐stigmatising and non‐intrusive community‐based services may be ineffective in reducing the need for intensive support for ‘at risk’ families. The findings are discussed in relation to ‘targeted’ prevention programmes and government policy intentions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bio‐based Ester Oils for Use as Lubricants in Metal Working
Authors: Wichmann Hubertus , Bahadir Muefit 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe potential application of bio‐based ester oils for use as lubricants in metal working has been investigated for sustainable production processes in the future. When waste edible and animal fats came into focus as starting materials, it was already proven, that ester oils produced from plant fats performed very well as cooling lubricants. Waste fats were first characterized by analyzing and monitoring samples for one complete year. Inorganic and organic contaminations were found to be low and without seasonal variations. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) were produced by transesterification of the waste fats and they were separated into fractions with saturated FAME or unsaturated FAME by fractional crystallisation (winterisation). Further transesterification with 2‐ethylhexanol led to products that could be successfully tested as lubricants. The development of an extraction process aimed at the recycling of oil containing grinding mud by enabling the recirculation of lubricating oil and reutilization of oil‐free metal chips.
Toxicity of Ionic Liquids
Authors: Zhao Dongbin , Liao Yongcheng , Zhang Ziding 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe dramatic growth in ionic liquid research over the past decade has resulted in the development of a huge number of novel ionic liquids, as well as many associated applications. The perceived environmentally friendly nature of ionic liquids, which results from their negligible vapor pressure, is now under scrutiny since although they will not evaporate into air, it is not possible to guarantee that they will never enter the environment. Toxicity research studies including ecotoxicity, have recently received broad attention and the commonly accepted notion that ionic liquids have low toxicity has been shown to be incorrect. This review attempts to highlight the progress of ionic liquid toxicity research, as well as the development of degradable and bio‐renewable ionic liquids.
Personal Sampler for Viable Airborne Microorganisms: Main Development Stages
Authors: Agranovski Igor E. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA new personal bioaerosol sampler has been developed and verified as an efficient tool for monitoring of viable/non‐viable airborne microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The operational principle of the device is based on continuous passage of an air sample through porous media submerged into a liquid layer. During motion along narrow and tortuous ways inside the porous media, the air stream is split into a large number of ultra small bubbles with the particulates are being scavenged by these bubbles and, thus, effectively trapped. The device was initially verified for monitoring of viable airborne bacteria and fungi, firstly, under controlled laboratory conditions and later in a field. It was demonstrated that bacterial recovery rates for these two groups of microorganisms were very high and the device was found to be fully feasible for such monitoring. The next step of the device investigation was performed in the laboratory on monitoring viable airborne viruses with a range of sensitivities to physical and biological stresses. As the result, the new personal sampler demonstrated a very high recovery rate even for viruses which are rather sensitive to environmental stress (Avian Influenza, SARS, Mumps, etc.). Some following field studies, undertook in a hospital and animal houses, also demonstrated an excellent performance of the new device for selective and reliable monitoring of viable airborne viruses even in environments highly contaminated by other microorganisms. This paper reviews the main development staged of the new personal bioaerosol sampler.
A gadolinium triacetic monoamide DOTA derivative with a methanethiosulfonate anchor group. Relaxivity properties and conjugation with albumin and thiolated particles
Authors: Thonon David , Jacques Vincent , Desreux Jean F. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe gadolinium(III) complex with a new DOTA‐based ligand bearing a methanethiosulfonate group (MTS) was synthesized and its relaxivity properties were investigated. MTS‐ADO3A is a triacid DOTA derivative with an amide arm substituted by an ethylmethanethiosulfonate function. This ligand was obtained in two steps: tri‐tert‐butyl 2,2′,2″‐(1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7‐triyl)triacetate was reacted with S‐(2‐aminoethyl)methanesulfonothioate and the tert‐butyl groups were removed with trifluoroacetic acid. The Gd(III) MTS–ADO3A complex readily formed disulfide bonds with albumin (BSA) in its native and reduced forms and with thiolated silica particles. Four‐ to five‐fold relaxivity increases at 20 MHz were measured on the isolated adducts. The EuMTS‐ADO3A chelate was found to be monohydrated by fluorescence and the relaxivity parameters of the Gd(III) complex were obtained by 17O NMR and by measuring the nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion between 0.01 and 80 MHz. The water exchange time τm is increased upon forming disulfide bonds with macromolecules and particles and the relaxivity gains of all the complexes are limited by the τm factor. Forming covalent or hydrophobic/electrostatic bonds with BSA seems to bring about similar relaxivity changes but the covalent BSA adducts can be isolated and their properties can be directly studied. The addition of dithiothreitol or glutathione leads to the removal of the metal chelates from the macromolecules, as indicated by the relaxation times reverting to their values before binding. It is thus expected that the chelate will stay in the body long enough for imaging but will still be excreted through the kidneys. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An improved meshless collocation method for elastostatic and elastodynamic problems
Authors: Wen P. H. , Aliabadi M. H. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractMeshless methods for solving differential equations have become a promising alternative to the finite element and boundary element methods. In this paper, an improved meshless collocation method is presented for use with either moving least square (MLS) or compactly supported radial basis functions (RBFs). A new technique referred to as an indirect derivative method is developed and compared with the direct derivative technique used for evaluation of second‐order derivatives and higher‐order derivatives of the MLS and RBF shape functions at the field point. As the derivatives are obtained from a local approximation (MLS or compact support RBFs), the new method is computationally economical and efficient. Neither the connectivity of mesh in the domain/boundary nor integrations with fundamental/particular solutions is required in this approach. The accuracy of the two techniques to determine the second‐order derivative of shape function is assessed. The applications of meshless method to two‐dimensional elastostatic and elastodynamic problems have been presented and comparisons have been made with benchmark analytical solutions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.