bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An approach to the critical assessment of the experimental conditions in practical molecular biology: isolation of plant DNA
Authors: Scarafoni Alessio , Duranti Marcello 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA plant molecular biology laboratory class experiment, based on real lab situations, is proposed to illustrate to the students how the assessment of the experimental conditions and the correct application of the technical details are critical also with an established procedure. During plant genomic DNA isolation and purification, a number of undesired effects, including DNA shearing and formation of secondary compounds, may take place. To simulate such events, we have set up a simple practical laboratory experiment in which the students are asked to isolate plant DNA under three different working conditions, from an optimal to a coarse one. The subsequent analyses on the extracted DNA enable the students to evaluate the influence of these different manipulations on DNA yield and quality. The experiment described can help the students to adopt a critical approach when interpreting the results of common preparative molecular techniques. © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Student reactions and learning: evaluation of a biochemistry course that uses web technology and student collaboration
Authors: Traver Holly A. , Kalshery Michael J. , Diwan Joyce J. , Warden Joseph 
Published: October 2008

AbstractMany academic institutions across the country are incorporating computer and Internet technology into their classrooms. Rensselaer has developed a studio classroom that incorporates student collaboration and Internet technology. The purpose of this research was to examine student reactions and learning in an undergraduate biochemistry course taught in a studio classroom. Student reactions to the course, the technology, and working in groups were positive. Students liked using the technology, felt it helped them to learn the material, and thought working in groups was beneficial for learning. Pre‐test and post‐test grades on a standardized examination indicated a significant increase in learning. In addition, positive reactions to using the technology in the course, as well as student confidence to do well in the course, were significantly related to improved course performance. © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Fluorescence spectroscopy in biochemistry: teaching basic principles with visual demonstrations
Authors: Croney John C. , Jameson David M. , Learmonth Robert P. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAlthough most biochemistry curricula include some treatment of light absorption and spectrophotometry, discussion of fluorescence spectroscopy is generally omitted. This omission is unfortunate given the increasing use of fluorescence in many fields of biochemical research. In this paper we briefly review the principles and applications of fluorescence in biochemical systems, from the viewpoint of teaching fluorescence in undergraduate curricula. Simple practical demonstrations are presented, which clearly demonstrate important concepts yet require minimal specialized equipment. © 2001IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
The AAA amino acid list a mnemonic derivation of the structures and properties of the amino acids
Authors: Mezl Vasek A. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA rhymed presentation of the amino acids, consisting of one line per amino acid, gives the structures of the amino acids, their nomenclature, abbreviations, pKs, basic chemistry, dietary requirements and the characteristics of the peptide bond. © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
On the importance of controls in enzyme assays — an odd example
Authors: Sudarshana Subita , Noor Shahid , Punekar Narayan S. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAn interesting example of interference in the arginase assay is presented. This can be exploited to convey the importance of taking precautions and appropriate controls to the students of enzymology. © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Problem‐based learning in biochemistry at Ziauddin Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Jaleel Anila , Rahman M. Ataur , Huda Nighat 
Published: October 2008

AbstractSince its inception in 1996, Ziauddin Medical University has integrated problem‐based learning (PBL) in its curriculum, a strategy introduced for the first time in Pakistan. This was aimed at overcoming various drawbacks in the traditional methods of teaching such as irrelevant subject matter and lack of integration between disciplines. The main features of new curricula and a system‐integrated course are outlined. A problem is quoted from the same course and its methodology is discussed. Assessment of the program through a questionnaire given to students, showed they perceived that the PBL approach adopted consistently across the curriculum contributed to the development of their information management, critical reasoning, communication and team‐ linked skills. However, the challenges are information access, the role of tutor, and coping with the ambiguity of knowledge and reasoning. 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Using the separation of poster handouts into sections to develop student skills
Authors: Costa Manuel Joao 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA method is presented that aims at developing the ability of students to handle information, to participate in group discussions, and to accept and give constructive criticism. The method involves synthesizing information in poster handouts and taking part in a student‐centered assessment. The assessment proceeds through an objective scoring strategy that leads to the identification of key points for selecting and integrating information, as it should be displayed in poster presentations. A component of the strategy is the separation of these ‘poster panels’ into their main sections. Student̂s participation is enthusiastic. © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Article The free energies of metabolic reactions (ΔG) are not positive
Authors: Edwards Robert A. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBiochemistry textbooks often erroneously state that some metabolic reactions have positive free energies (ΔG), which suggests that they are spontaneous in the reverse direction. This incorrectly implies that reverse fluxes can occur through some steps in a metabolic pathway while the overall flux through the pathway is in the forward direction. In fact, at steady state all the reactions of a metabolic pathway proceed in the forward direction with the same flux. During periods of transition between steady states a positive free energy for any one reaction in a pathway means that the pathway is not actually proceeding from beginning to end. © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Bringing the brain into the test tube: an experiment illustrating the effect of ethanol on nerve terminal viability
Authors: Cunha Rodrigo A. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractEthanol is primarily responsible for the behavioural effects of acute alcoholic beverage consumption, which involves central nervous system dysfunction. The mechanisms of ethanol action in the nervous system are poorly understood, particularly those related to the neurotoxicity of high acute ethanol consumption. We now describe a simple experiment showing that a concentration of ethanol, which is reached in the plasma after high acute ethanol intake, disrupts rat brain nerve terminals, as measured by the release of lactate dehydrogenase. This cytolytic action of ethanol was further enhanced upon depolarisation of the nerve terminals suggesting that the mechanism of action of ethanol might not be related to modification of lipid bilayer properties. © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Conventional teaching remains effective in teaching medical biochemistry in BPKIHS, Nepal, although students enjoy supplementary computer teaching
Authors: Koner B. C. , Lamsal M. , Banerjee B. D. , Baralb N. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA computer program down loaded from the Internet was used as a tutorial to teach the structure‐function relationship of MHC molecule to MBBS students of BPKIHS, a medical college in Nepal. The computer‐aided teaching session, with a facilitator from the biochemistry faculty, was found to be more interesting to the students although learning outcomes were not enhanced by comparison to sessions using only conventional tools. A non‐subject expert presenting the computer tutorial failed to generate interest in the topic, and the achievement of learning objectives by the students was inferior. We conclude that the interaction with a biochemistry subject expert was crucial for success in our use of computer‐aided teaching sessions on the structure‐function relationship of proteins. The results are discussed with attention to the role of computer‐aided instruction in medical colleges in a developing country (Nepal). © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Metabolic pathways: does the actual Gibbs free‐energy change affect the flux rate?
Authors: Aledo J. Carlos 
Published: October 2008

AbstractEnergy dissipation fulfils an important function in metabolism driving the flux of matter through metabolic pathways. The flux rate is a multivariable function. One of such variables affecting the flux is the actual free energy change. A particular case of metabolic pathway is analysed to illustrate this fact, using only general enzymic and thermodynamic concepts. © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Designer metabolic pathways in the teaching laboratory
Authors: Gillett Michael P. T. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractDesigner or artificial metabolic pathways are simple, cheap and readily available in the form of enzyme reagent kits for the determination of different biomolecules. Such kits can be easily adapted for use in the teaching laboratory and used to illustrate a variety of important concepts in metabolism and enzymology, including coupled reactions, pathway mapping, competition, anoxia, compartmentalization and effects of pH and temperature. Such experiments can be conducted in a fraction of the time that would be needed for procedures using sub‐cellular preparations from animals or plants. © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Human rhinovirus 3C protease: a cysteine protease showing the trypsin(ogen)‐like fold
Authors: Bolognesi Martino , Spallarossa Andrea , Ascenzi Paolo 
Published: October 2008

AbstractViral‐encoded proteases cleave precursor polyprotein(s) leading to maturation of infectious virions. Strikingly, human rhinovirus 3C protease shows the trypsin(ogen)‐like serine protease fold based on two topologically equivalent six‐stranded β‐barrels, but displays residue Cys147 as the active site nucleophile. By contrast, papain, which is representative of most cysteine proteases, does not display the trypsin(ogen)‐like fold. Remarkably, in human rhinovirus 3C cysteine protease, the catalytic residues Cys147, His40 and Glu71 are positioned as Ser195, His57 and Asp102, respectively, building up the catalytic triad of serine proteases in the chymotrypsin‐trypsin‐elastase family. However, as compared to trypsin‐like serine proteases and their zymogens, residue His40 and the oxyanion hole of human rhinovirus 3C cysteine protease, both key structural components of the active site, are located closer to the protein core. Human rhinovirus 3C cysteine protease cleaves preferentially Gin — Gly peptide bonds or, less commonly, the Gin — Ser, Gin —Ala, Glu — Ser or Glu —Gly pairs. Finally, human rhinovirus 3C cysteine protease and the 3CD cysteine protease‐polymerase covalent complex bind the 5° non‐coding region of rhinovirus genomic RNA, an essential function for replication of the viral genome. © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
A Biochemistry of Human Disease course for undergraduate and graduate students
Authors: Glew Robert H. , VanderJagt David L. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis paper describes the experience of members of a medical school faculty who have been offering for more than 10 years a two‐course series in the biochemistry of human disease to undergraduate students majoring in biochemistry, biology, or chemistry. Each of the iwo 3‐credit courses meets twice a week for 90min per session. The courses are divided into five three‐week blocs (total number of sessions per bloc, six), each of which is taught by a different instructor. The sixth and last class in each of the blocs is devoted to an exam; there is no cumulative final exam. The topics that are covered include the following: diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, Alzheimer's disease, trophoblastic diseases of pregnancy, molecular and cellular mechanisms of cancer (including chemical carcinogenesis), disorders of calcium metabolism, biochemical and nutritional causes of anemia, collagen diseases, and gene replacement therapy. The various teaching formats and kinds of reading assignments that are used are discussed, as are the reactions of selected faculty who have participated in these courses. The positive experience we have had with a bloc approach to topics‐based, multi‐instructor courses in human disease should encourage basic science faculty at other medical schools in the US and elsewhere to become involved in teaching specialized, advanced courses to undergraduate, pre‐professional students. © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
The new biochemistry: in praise of alternate curricula
Authors: Feldberg Ross S. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe problem of what to include or exclude in designing a modern biochemistry course is becoming increasingly difficult to resolve. In this article, I suggest that the focus on which topics are to be covered is misplaced. Since factual information is rapidly forgotten, whereas skills can be retained, students would be better served if we designed our courses around those skill sets we desire our students to learn. © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Dialogues as teaching tools in the biochemical sciences
Authors: Roberts‐Kirchhoff Elizabeth S. , Caspers Mary Lou 
Published: October 2008

AbstractIn their senior year, biochemistry majors take “Recent Advances in Biochemistry Related to Societal Issues” in which new advances in biochemical sciences are explored through the reading and presenting of recent articles from the literature. Emphasis is placed on the analysis and interpretation of experimental results and the ethical and societal implications of the work including the significance of the findings to the improvement of life. To fulfill the objectives of the course, a group project was implemented in which the goal was to write a dialogue that explores one area in which advances in biochemical research give rise to ethical and societal considerations. This assignment required the groups to research the topics and then creatively integrate the information into a dialogue format representing different views on the subject. The dialogue was presented to the rest of the class and invited guests in skit format and then a discussion followed. Based upon evaluations, the project was regarded highly by the students. The assignment, group and topic selection, examples of presentations and issues raised during discussions, and results from student and audience evaluations will be discussed. © 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. on behalf of IUBMB.
Use of the web to provide learning support for a large metabolism and nutrition class
Authors: Henly Debra C. , Reid Athol E. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractTo support student learning in a large Metabolism and Nutrition class, we have introduced a web‐based package, using a commercially available program, WebCT. The package was developed at a minimal cost and with limited resources. In addition to downloadable (PDF) versions of lecture Powerpoint presentations, tutorial outlines and a practical class exercise, web‐based self‐directed learning exercises were included to reinforce and extend lecture material in an active learning environment. The web‐site also contained a variety of formative and summative assessment tasks that examined both factual recall and higher order thinking. Detailed course information, timetables and a bulletin board were also readily accessible. Student usage of the site was generally high, but varied widely between individual students. Students who achieved a high overall score for the course completed on average three times as many formative assessment items and achieved a higher score for all tests than students who did poorly. Student feedback about the site was very positive with the majority of students reporting that the course material and assessment items that were available were useful to their learning. Administration of the course was also facilitated. © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
A laboratory exercise designed to teach medical students about reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Faya Michael J. , Chandar Nalini , Viselli Susan M. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis report describes a laboratory exercise that was incorporated into an endocrinology elective course, with a class size between 5 and 20 students, taught to second year osteopathic medical school students. This exercise was designed to reinforce understanding of basic molecular biology techniques within the context of a clinically important aspect of endocrinology, that of hormone‐dependent cancers. Students used the technique of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to determine if two breast cancer cell lines were estrogen receptor‐α positive or negative. The experiment served as the basis for discussing the importance of estrogen in relation to breast cancer, and the use of antiestrogens for treating hormone‐dependent breast cancer. This laboratory exercise has been used successfully for both second year osteopathic medical school students and high school students. © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Restriction enzyme mapping of bacterial urease genes: using degenerate primers to expand experimental outcomes
Authors: Reed Kelynne E. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractTwo degenerate primers are described that can be used to amplify a 340 bp fragment of the ureC gene from a variety of urease producing bacteria. A series of experiments are outlined that enable students to develop restriction maps of the urease gene clusters from different bacteria. Students learn a variety of molecular biology techniques including polymerase chain reaction, agarose gel electrophoresis, and Southern blotting. This project allows for multiple experimental outcomes using the same two PCR primers. © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Real‐Time Forecasting and Political Stock Market Anomalies: Evidence for the United States
Authors: Bohl Martin T. , Döpke Jörg , Pierdzioch Christian 
Published: October 2008

AbstractUsing monthly data from 1953 to 2003, we apply a real‐time modeling approach to investigate the implications of U.S. political stock market anomalies for forecasting excess stock returns in real‐time. Our empirical findings show that political variables, chosen on the basis of widely used model‐selection criteria, are often included in real‐time forecasting models. However, political variables do not contribute systematically to improving the performance of simple trading rules. For this reason, political stock market anomalies are not necessarily an indication of market inefficiency.
Political Views and Corporate Decision Making: The Case of Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Rubin Amir 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis paper conducts an empirical analysis of the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and political beliefs in the United States. By analyzing the 2004 presidential election results of communities in which corporate headquarters are located, we establish a correlation between the political beliefs of corporate stakeholders and the CSR ratings of their firms. Companies with a high CSR rating tend to be located in Democratic, or “blue” states and counties, while companies with a low CSR rating tend to be located in Republican, or “red” states and counties.
Risk Shifts Following Sarbanes‐Oxley: Influences of Disclosure and Governance
Authors: Akhigbe Aigbe , Martin Anna D. , Newman Melinda 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) aimed to improve financial reporting by enhancing corporate disclosure and governance. We find statistically significant increases, from before to after the passage of SOX, in total return variance, market risk and idiosyncratic risk. The risk increases are consistent with predictions that the legislation would cause firms to disclose more negative information, resulting in increased investment risk. However, in cross‐sectional tests, post‐SOX improvements in information certainty, board independence and monitoring are associated with smaller increases or greater decreases in risk. If SOX is responsible for these improvements, its effects are consistent with its purpose.
Lease Financing and Corporate Governance
Authors: Robicheaux Sara H. , Fu Xudong , Ligon James A. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractLease financing is a well‐recognized mechanism for reducing the agency costs of debt. This study examines whether firms that attempt to control the agency costs of equity through strong governance structures, including Chief Executive Officer compensation alignment and board structure, are more likely to use an agency cost reducing debt structure, such as leasing. For a sample of large firms, we find that firms who use more incentive compensation and have more outside directors also tend to use more lease financing, suggesting these agency cost reducing measures are complements.
Evaluation of the Left Ventricular Function with Tissue Tracking and Tissue Doppler Echocardiography in Pediatric Malignancy Survivors after Anthracycline Therapy
Authors: Karakurt Cemşit , Koçak Gulendam , Özgen Unsal 
Published: October 2008

Although the anthracyclines have gained widespread use in the treatment of childhood hematological malignancies and solid tumors, cardiotoxicity is the major limiting factor in the use of anthracyclines. The aim of this study was to assess the mitral annular displacement by tissue tracking in pediatric malignancy survivors who had been treated with anthracycline groups chemotheraphy and compare with the tissue Doppler and conventional two dimensional measurements and Doppler indices.
In this study, 32 pediatric malignancy survivors and 22 healthy children were assessed with 2D, colour‐coded echocardiography. Left ventricular ejection fraction, fractional shortening, stroke volume, cardiac output, cardiac index and diastolic functions were measured. All subjects were assessed with tissue Doppler echocardiography, mitral annular displacements, and also with tissue tracking method.
We detected that peak velocity of the early rapid filling on tissue Doppler (E′) was lower (p < 0.05) and the ratio of early peak velocity of rapid filling on pulse Doppler to tissue Doppler (E/E′) values were statistically higher in patient group than control group (p < 0.05). Myocardial performance index values were also higher in patient group than the control group (p < 0.01). It appears that MPI is a useful echocardiograghic method than tissue tracking of mitral annular displacement in patients with pediatric cancer survivors who had subclinical diastolic dysfunction.