bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychological Processes in Cooperative Language Learning: Group Dynamics and Motivation
Authors: DÖRNYEI ZOLTÁN
Published: October 2011

Cooperative learning (CL) has been found to be a highly effective instructional approach in education in general and this has been confirmed with regard to second language (L2) learning as well. This article investigates reasons for the success of CL from a psychological perspective, focusing on two interrelated processes: the unique group dynamics of CL classes and the motivational system generated by peer cooperation. It is argued that the affective domain of CL plays a crucial role in the educational potential of the method. This paper summarizes the specific factors that contribute to the promotion of learning gains. While the analysis concerns cooperatively structured learning only, it is assumed that the processes described have a broader relevance to understanding the success of peer collaboration in general.
The Cinderella of Communication Strategies: Reception Strategies in Interactive Listening
Authors: VANDERGRIFT LAURENS
Published: October 2011

Interactive listening plays an important role in language learning. Specifically, the effective use of reception strategies by listeners in interaction can both resolve immediate comprehension problems and facilitate long‐term language learning. This study investigated the types of reception strategies and the frequency of their use by students of French at different levels of language proficiency, measured by an oral proficiency interview as designed by ACTFL/ETS (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages/Educational Testing Service). A number of distinct strategies were identified. Students with novice‐level proficiency made greater use of kinesics, global reprises, and hypothesis testing in English to clarify meaning or solicit further input. Students with intermediate‐level proficiency also used these strategies, but less frequently and in qualitatively different ways. In addition, they more often used the strategy of uptaking. Results are discussed in light of cognitive and social constraints. The article presents pedagogical implications of the study's findings.
Constructivist Theory Applied to Collaborative Learning in Teacher Education: In Search of ZPD
Authors: NYIKOS MARTHA , HASHIMOTO REIKO
Published: October 2011

Few studies look critically at the processes in a teacher education course in which students are asked to practice the very teaching approach they study. Using a constructivist framework, this article examines written statements from students working collaboratively in a graduate‐level class on cooperative learning. The study asks to what extent constructivist theory, particularly the concept of the zone of proximal development (ZPD), explains interactions that occurred spontaneously during group work on the final project. Content analysis was used to examine three types of writings: (a) dialogue journals, (b) self‐reports on the group process, and (c) self‐reports on each student's role in the group. Key findings address division of labor, role taking and switching, desire for challenge, power relationships, the languages used to express these concerns, and the need for social interaction to actualize constructivist claims.
A Graduate Course Focusing on the Second Language Learner
Authors: HORWITZ ELAINE K. , MCLENDON MARY ELIZABETH , BRESSLAU BARBARA , YU JYU‐FANG , DRYDEN MARIANNE
Published: October 2011

Professionals frequently discuss collaborative language learning and teaching, but few language teachers actually learn how to work in a collaborative environment. This article concerns a graduate course that helps prepare language teachers by emphasizing ways to tailor instruction to learners' needs and demonstrating multiple forms of collaboration. The article, coauthored by the professor and four participants, describes the course in detail. Course participants discuss their collaborative learning experiences in this course and their expectations for using such approaches in their own teaching.
Reasonable Expectations: Oral Proficiency Goals for Intermediate‐ Level Students of German
Authors: TSCHIRNER ERWIN , KATHYHEILENMAN L.
Published: October 2011

This article reports a study gauging the average oral proficiency as measured by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) of college students (N = 20) studying German at the end of their fourth semester. All OPIs were official ACTFL double‐rated interviews. Proficiency, as measured by the OPI, ranged between Novice High and Intermediate Mid. Discussion centers on reasonable expectations for high school graduation and for college language requirements.
Linguistic Development in an Immersion Context: How Advanced Learners of Spanish Perceive SLA
Authors: Liskin‐Gasparro Judith E.
Published: October 2011

This study focuses on how learners perceive the experience of their linguistic development, and particularly how contextual factors in the learning environment and individual issues such as linguistic goals, self‐confidence, and friendship patterns interact with their perceptions of their progress and performance in Spanish. The data consist of the reports and reflections—oral and written, formal and informal—of 7 advanced learners about their experience of functioning in Spanish in the context of a U.S.‐based immersion program lasting 6 weeks. Three major themes emerged from the participants' introspections: (a) linguistic uncertainties and crises of confidence that pervade learners' daily lives; (b) an ambiguous relationship to formal language instruction; and (c) metaphorical frameworks in which learners cast the SLA process, which highlight the conflicting beliefs that they hold about how they can manage or control that process.
Evidence for Mental Models: How Do Prior Knowledge, Syntactic Complexity, and Reading Topic Affect Inference Generation in a Recall Task for Nonnative Readers of Spanish?
Authors: BARRY SUE , LAZARTE ALEJANDRO A.
Published: October 2011

This study tested how domain‐related knowledge, syntactic complexity, and reading topic influence inference generation in the written recalls of English‐speaking participants after they read Spanish historical texts. Three types of inferences were examined: within‐text inferences, elaborative inferences, and incorrect inferences. The total number of inferences generated indicated the richness of the mental model, and the type of inferences generated provided evidence for the nature and accuracy of the model. Two groups of students, a high‐knowledge and a low‐knowledge group, read three Spanish passages, each on a different topic and at a different level of syntactic complexity as defined by the number of embedded clauses per sentence. Results suggest that high‐knowledge readers generate a richer and more accurate mental model than low‐knowledge readers. In addition, the level of complexity and the reading topics indicate a complex pattern of influence on the generation of inferences.
Negotiation of Meaning in Child Interactions
Authors: OLIVER RHONDA
Published: October 2011

This research examines conversational interactions between children, a group generally overlooked in second language acquisition (SLA) research. Specifically, the research focuses on (a) whether children can negotiate for meaning, (b) what strategies they use, and (c) whether diere are differences between the ways adults and primary school children negotiate for meaning. Some possible effects of negotiation for meaning on child SLA are also explored. Students (n = 192) from age 8 to 13, were paired to form 96 age‐ and gender‐matched dyads. The pairs worked together on 2 communication tasks: a one‐way and a two‐way task. From the transcriptions made of their conversations it was apparent that, like adults, children also negotiate for meaning and use a variety of strategies to do so. Although the pattern of use by children seems to differ from that of adults, the differences are not categorical but, rather, are manifest in the proportional use of particular strategies. Further, the evidence indicates that, like adults, primary school learners also benefit from the process of negotiation for meaning. It appears to provide them with the opportunity to receive comprehensible input, to produce comprehensible output, and to obtain feedback on their attempts. The results show that tasks that promote negotiation for meaning can be undertaken successfully by primary school second language (L2) learners, and provide evidence that diere is a valid argument for making use of such pedagogical practice in L2 teaching for this age group of learners. The differences between the child and adult findings (see Oliver, 1995) highlight the fact that findings from adult studies cannot be generalized to child studies without adequate and appropriate research involving child learners.
Incorporating Critical Thinking and Authenticity into Business German Testing
Authors: EGBERT MARIA , MAXIM HIRAM
Published: October 2011

For some time, foreign language proficiency theoreticians and practitioners as well as executives in international business have identified critical thinking as an essential skill. Despite this demand, the leading world‐wide examinations for assessing oral and written communicative competence in Business German, the Prüfung Wirtschaftsdeutsch International [International Business German Examination] (PWD) and the Zertifikat Deutsch für den Beruf [German Certificate for Professional Purposes] (ZDfB), test only students' information retrieval skills and fail to assess their critical thinking abilities. This article proposes to integrate critical thinking and problem solving into the exams and to contextualize the tests' tasks in a more authentic business setting without compromising the PWD's and ZDfB's content. These proposals should then be researched using qualitative as well as statistical methods in order to develop a stronger test. For each component of these exams, this article offers ways to include an assessment of the students' ability to reflect on, analyze, and critically evaluate business information. Parallels are drawn to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. Given the enormous influence of the PWD and the ZDfB on Business German curricula worldwide, these improvements will contribute to a more realistic preparation of Business German learners for their successful participation in the global marketplace.
The Relationship of Verb Morphology to Second Language Reading Comprehension and Input Processing
Authors: LEE JAMES F.
Published: October 2011

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of varying the morphological characteristics of input on comprehension and input processing. The input varied as follows. The text used in this study contained nine, targeted subjunctive verbs. These verbs were substituted in other versions of the passage with infinitives and with a nonsense morpheme. Results revealed that passage comprehension, as measured by recall, was significantly lower for the correct, subjunctive forms than for the infinitives and nonsense forms. Input processing, as measured by a word recognition task, was not affected by verb form. No significant correlations were found between comprehension and input processing scores.
Effects of First Language and Phonological Accessibility on Kanji Recognition
Authors: MORI YOSHIKO
Published: October 2011

This study examines the transfer of learners' first language (L1) orthographic processing strategies to second language (L2) processing. Two groups of college students learning Japanese, a group of learners whose L1 writing system is phonographic and another group whose L1 employs a morphographic writing system, were tested on their ability to represent novel kanji characters in short‐term memory. For students in the phonographic language background group, phonologically accessible characters (i.e., characters whose inner radical was a pronounceable katakana character) were easier to remember than phonologically inaccessible characters (i.e., characters whose inner radical was not pronounceable). In contrast, the absence of the pronounceable elements in the stimuli did not hinder the memory performance of the morphographic language background group. This interaction between L1 background and the phonological inaccessibility of stimuli is interpreted as showing that, due to their L1 experience, L2 learners from a morphographic language background use more flexible strategies for phonological decoding for new characters than learners from a phonographic language background.
Accurate L2 Production across Language Tasks: Focus on Form, Focus on Meaning, and Communicative Control
Authors: SALABERRY M. RAFAEL , LOPEZ‐ORTEGA NURIA
Published: October 2011

Attention to form has been shown to be a direct predictor of accuracy in second language (L2) production (Ellis, 1987; Tomlin & Villa, 1994). However, Tarone and Parrish (1988) claim that communicative pressure (communicative demands of linguistic interaction) may be as important as attention to form. The present study analyzes the accuracy of L2 Spanish production across 3 different tasks (narrative task, multiple‐choice cloze test, and fill‐in‐the‐blanks cloze test) on 3 discourse‐determined grammatical items (subject pronouns, articles, and past tense aspect) among 74 native (L1) English speakers (45 intermediate and 29 advanced students). The analysis of the data reveals different rates of accuracy in L2 production according to task type and grammatical item. The effect of functional focus on form (communicative pressure) may constitute one of various factors that affect accuracy in L2 production. The analysis of the data also considers other factors such as communicative control.
Retention of Word Meanings Inferred from Context and Sentence‐Level Translations: Implications for the Design of Beginning‐Level CALL Software
Authors: GRACE CAROLINE A.
Published: October 2011

This article attempts to reconcile two positions on second language (L2) vocabulary learning: (a) inferring word meanings produces greater retention because it promotes deeper processing, and (b) incorrect meanings are retained if wrong inferences are made. In beginning‐level computer‐assisted language learning (CALL) software, native language translations at the sentence level may satisfy both positions. When deriving meaning from translations of this type, users must make associations (i.e., search for semantic equivalents) and focus their attention on structural differences between the two languages. Moreover, these translations increase the likelihood of making correct associations by more readily triggering appropriate schemata and, hence, the likelihood of committing the correct meaning to memory. In the present study, a MANOVA indicated that, given bilingual multiple‐choice tests, learners with access to sentence‐level translations demonstrated significantly greater short‐term (ST) and long‐term (LT) retention (p > .001) of correct word meanings than learners without sentence‐level translations. Results suggest a possible synergy between deep processing and verifications of meaning.
A simple method to estimate phosphorus mobilization in hemodialysis using only predialytic and postdialytic blood samples
Authors: Agar Baris U. , Akonur Alp , Cheung Alfred K. , Leypoldt John K.
Published: October 2011

We have recently developed a pseudo one‐compartment model to describe intradialytic and postdialytic rebound kinetics of plasma phosphorus. In this model, individual patient differences in phosphorus kinetics were characterized by a single parameter; the phosphorus mobilization clearance (KM). In this work, we propose a simple method to estimate KM from predialytic and postdialytic plasma phosphorus concentrations. Clinical data were collected from 22 chronic hemodialysis patients that underwent a 4‐hour treatment session. A simple algebraic equation was derived from the pseudo one‐compartment model to determine KM from predialytic and postdialytic plasma phosphorus concentrations. KM values computed using this equation were compared with values obtained from nonlinear regression of the full kinetic model to frequent intradialytic and postdialytic measurements of plasma phosphorus concentrations. There was good agreement between KM values (concordance correlation coefficient of 0.94) obtained from the simple method (105 ± 52 mL/min, mean ± SD) and from the full model (99 ± 47 mL/min). The 95% confidence interval for the difference between estimated KM values was −26 to 36 mL/min. The proposed simple method requires the use of only predialytic and postdialytic blood samples to estimate patient specific KM; this approach may allow easy clinical evaluation of phosphorus kinetics in hemodialysis patients.
What is good about PD + HD combined therapy
Authors: Yamashita Akihiro C. , Tomisawa Narumi
Published: October 2011

It is known that β2‐microglobulin (β2‐MG) concentration in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients is inversely correlated to the residual renal function (RRF). With decreasing RRF, some PD patients may necessarily be treated with hemodialysis (HD) once a week, not only for removing excess water and small solutes, but also for removing much larger solutes such as β2‐MG. In this study, a kinetic model allowed us to show what is good about PD + HD combined therapy in long‐term PD patients. A mathematical model was established based on a classic compartment theory for clinical use. Model validations were made by comparing calculated results with clinical data in order to specify what was good about PD + HD combined therapy (5‐day PD + 1‐HD/week). Time‐averaged concentration (TAC) for urea and creatinine decreased by 20% on the average by introducing PD+HD combined therapy no matter which dialyzers were used. TAC for β2‐MG in PD+HD combined therapy, however, was strongly dependent upon the dialyzer clearance, and when a low flux dialyzer (clearance for β2‐MG = 10 mL/min under QB = 200, QD = 500 mL/min) was used, pre‐dialysis β2‐MG concentration may increase. Use of super high‐flux dialyzers (clearance for β2‐MG = 60 mL/min under the same conditions) should greatly reduce the β2‐MG concentration from 30 to 8 mg/L in 4‐hr treatment. Then, when PD+HD combined therapy is introduced to a PD patient with diminishing RRF, use of super high‐flux dialyzers may be strongly recommended in order not to increase concentrations of pre‐dialysis β2‐MG and/or even greater solutes. Use of super high‐flux dialyzers is a key to the success of PD+HD combined therapy that could prevent concentrations of large solutes from increasing.
Using dialysis machine technology to reduce intradialytic hypotension
Authors: Davenport Andrew
Published: October 2011

Intradialytic hypotension remains the most frequent complication associated with routine outpatient hemodialysis. Although increasing dialysis frequency and also lengthening dialysis session duration can reduce the risk of intradialytic hypotension, in practice, these options are limited to a small minority of dialysis patients.

To help reduce intradialytic hypotension, a number of technological developments have been incorporated into the hemodialysis machine, based around relative blood volume monitoring, an indirect assessment of plasma volume. Further developments based on so called “fuzzy” logic feedback systems designed to adjust either or both the ultrafiltration rate and dialyzate sodium concentration according to relative changes in plasma volume. In addition, cooling and dissipation of the heat generated during dialysis also reduces the risk of intradialytic hypotension, and this can be regulated by cooling of the dialyzate using thermal control systems. In addition, convective therapies, such as online hemodialfiltration, have also been reported to reduce the frequency of intradialytic hypotension; whether this effect is simply due to increased cooling remains to be determined.

Although all these developments have been reported to reduce the frequency of serious intradialytic hypotensive episodes, they have not been able to totally abolish hypotension, as they can not alone compensate for excessive weight gains and consequent excessive ultrafiltration requirements. Thus, in addition to the advances in hemodialysis machine technology designed to reduce intradialytic hypotension, attention also needs to be focused on reducing interdialytic weight gains, so reducing ultrafiltration requirement.
Role of dialysis technology in the removal of uremic toxins
Authors: Davenport Andrew
Published: October 2011

Traditionally, the amount of hemodialysis prescribed for a patient has been based on urea clearance, as urea is not only retained in patients with chronic kidney disease, but also readily measurable, by reliable and inexpensive assays. More recently, other retained solutes, phosphate, β2 microglobulin, and latterly p‐cresol have been reported to be associated with increased risk of mortality in hemodialysis patients. As such, developments in dialysis practice that would result in greater clearance of water‐soluble middle‐sized toxins and also protein‐bound and/or organic solutes are being studied. Although session time is a key factor, switching from low flux to dialyzers with larger pores, the addition of convective transport with hemodiafiltration can help increase phosphate and β2 microglobulin clearances. Adsorption techniques can increase the clearance of organic and protein bound toxins either directly or indirectly by regenerating dialysate and ultrafiltrates.
A successful term pregnancy using in‐center intensive quotidian hemodialysis
Authors: Thompson Stephanie , Marnoch Catherine A. , Habib Syed , Robinson Heather , Pauly Robert P.
Published: October 2011

A 30‐year‐old woman with stage V chronic kidney disease presented at 7 weeks gestation. She had no uremic symptoms; however, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was 33.6 mg/dL. Because of the well‐established negative relationship between BUN and fetal outcomes, dialysis was initiated with a nocturnal home hemodialysis (NHD)‐like prescription performed in‐center for logistical reasons. She received 36 hours per week of dialysis. Following the initiation of renal replacement therapy, the predialysis BUN was within the normal physiologic range. The patient had an uncomplicated pregnancy with delivery of a healthy 3000 g infant at 39 weeks gestation. This case adds to the growing literature that supports more intensive dialysis in the pregnant women than was previously recommended. This dose of dialysis should be offered to women in an in‐center setting if nocturnal home hemodialysis is not available or feasible.
Postprostatectomy seizures: A case report
Authors: Bichu Prasad , Phadke Gautam , Sangha Harbaksh , Misra Madhukar
Published: October 2011

A 75‐year‐old Caucasian male presented with generalized seizures half‐hour post‐transurethral resection of the prostate surgery. The intra‐operative course was complicated by perforation of the posterior wall of the bladder neck during a difficult Foley catheter placement. This resulted in intraperitoneal extravasation of the glycine containing bladder irrigation fluid. An emergent laparotomy was performed, and 3.5–4 L of fluid was drained from the peritoneal cavity. Postoperative course was complicated by two seizures within a short interval. Patient developed profound hyponatremia (Na of 109 mEq/L). However, measured serum osmolality was normal (283 mOsm/kg). The serum osmolality remained relatively stable, indicating that the absorbed glycine and its metabolites remained osmotically active in the intravascular space (until they were dialyzed as mentioned later), making the hyponatremia less pernicious and an unlikely cause of patient's symptoms. The encephalopathy and seizures were ascribed to accumulation of toxic metabolites of glycine, especially ammonia (serum level –1261 mcmol/L). During a complicated postoperative period, patient developed oligo‐anuric renal failure, and was started on slow low‐efficiency dialysis for 8 hours resulting in rapid lowering of serum ammonia levels and glycine with reversal of encephalopathy including seizures. There was no recurrence of encephalopathy, seizures, or metabolic acidosis. Although rare, glycine toxicity may be life threatening. The pathophysiology, need for early detection and the role of early use of renal replacement therapy in acute glycine toxicity is discussed below.
New‐onset psoriasis in a maintenance hemodialysis patient
Authors: Triga Konstantina , Dousdampanis Periklis , Aggelakou‐Vaitsi Stamatina , Gellner Karen
Published: October 2011

New‐onset psoriasis is extremely rare in hemodialysis (HD) patients, and several trials of dialysis therapies (HD and peritoneal dialysis) in psoriasis have indicated remarkable improvement in skin lesions and well‐being even in patients without renal impairment. We describe a patient who developed severe psoriasis despite undergoing chronic maintenance hemodialysis for 5 years and was treated successfully with oral cyclosporin A.
HLA‐B*15:33, a rare allele whose product reacts as an HLA‐B62 and ‐Cw5/Cw8 specificity
Authors: Street J. , Climer T. , Johnson J. , Darke C.
Published: October 2011

Using PCR with sequence‐specific primers (SSP) and subsequent sequencing of exons 2 and 3, we identified an example of B*15:33 in a likely north‐western European Caucasoid volunteer haemopoietic stem cell (HSC) donor. This was only the second example submitted to the IMGT/HLA database since B*15:33 was first described in 1996. B*15:33 differs from B*15:01:01:01 by three nucleotides resulting in two amino acid differences with B*15:01 (131S>R, 138T>K). This allele encodes a typical HLA‐B62 specificity – as confirmed using 17 local antisera from parous women and 19 monoclonal antibodies directed towards B15, B62 and B63 specificities. Importantly, it also reacted as a Cw5/Cw8 specificity when tested against 21 Cw5, Cw5/Cw8 and Cw8 antisera. This Cw5/Cw8 reactivity is probably due to the B*15:33 specificity having lysine at position 138 which is possessed by numerous C*05 and many C*08 products. B*15:33 is likely to have derived from a HLA‐B/C inter‐locus gene conversion event. HLA‐B*15:33 is clearly rare – this single example was found during the HLA PCR‐SSP‐based typing of 57 079 potential HSC donors. This indicates an allele frequency of <0.00001 in blood donors resident in Wales. An Epstein–Barr virus transformed B‐cell line from the HLA‐B*15:33 donor is available.
Effect of Thermal Stress on Orientation Control of CSD‐Derived Pb(Zr0.53Ti0.47)O3 Thin Films
Authors: Noda Toshinari , Komaki Kazuki , Sakamoto Naonori , Wakiya Naoki , Suzuki Hisao
Published: October 2011

Electrical properties of Pb(Zr0.53Ti0.47)O3 (PZT) thin films are significantly affected by the film orientation. Especially c‐axis‐oriented PZT thin films exhibit higher electrical properties. However, perfect orientation control to c‐axis is very difficult, especially for the case of chemical solution deposition (CSD). Therefore, we tried to make clear the factors that affect the film orientation of the CSD‐derived PZT thin films, by applying the thermal stress. We used stainless steel (SS) substrates with higher thermal expansion coefficients and the CSD‐derived LNO seeding layer, which showed good lattice matching with c‐plane of PZT and similar thermal expansion coefficient to the SS substrates, to apply the thermal compressive stress to the PZT thin film during cooling. As a result, we successfully deposited the selectively c‐axis‐oriented PZT thin film with higher remanent polarization, Pr, over 30 μC/cm2 and good squareness of the hysteresis loop. These results elucidate that the thermal compressive stress by the constraint force from substrate is very effective not only for the orientation contol of the resulting PZT thin films but also to improve the electrical properties of the PZT thin films. This strategy is essential to obtain the ferroelectric thin films with excellent electrical properties.
Preceding Intravenous Thrombolysis Facilitates Endovascular Mechanical Recanalization in Large Intracranial Artery Occlusion
Authors: Pfefferkorn Thomas , Holtmannspötter Markus , Patzig Maximilian , Brückmann Hartmut , Ottomeyer Caroline , Opherk Christian , Dichgans Martin , Fesl Gunther
Published: October 2011

Background and aims

Acute occlusions of the large intracranial arteries are relatively resistant to intravenous thrombolysis. Therefore, multimodal approaches combining intravenous thrombolysis with endovascular mechanical recanalization are increasingly being applied. In this setting, intravenous thrombolysis may facilitate subsequent mechanical thrombectomy. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the influence of intravenous thrombolysis on net intervention time in subsequent endovascular mechanical recanalization.

Methods

In this retrospective single-center analysis, we compared net intervention time with and without preceding intravenous thrombolysis in patients treated by endovascular mechanical recanalization between 01/2003 and 06/2010. The net intervention time was defined as the interval between the onset of endovascular thrombus manipulation and successful vessel recanalization.

Results

We identified 65 eligible patients, 35 of whom were treated by intravenous thrombolysis before mechanical therapy. Recanalization was achieved in 26 patients with (74%) and 23 patients without preceding intravenous thrombolysis (77%). In the case of successful recanalization, the net intervention time was significantly shorter in patients with preceding intravenous thrombolysis (24·8 ± 22·8 vs. 44·2 ± 40·5 min; P<0·05). This difference remained significant after restricting the analysis to the patients treated by the Penumbra Stroke System© ( n=32). After three-months, patients with preceding intravenous thrombolysis were more likely to be functionally independent (modified Rankin Scale≤2) than those without ( P<0·05).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that preceding intravenous thrombolysis may reduce the intervention time in patients treated by endovascular mechanical recanalization. However, due to the retrospective design of our study, these findings have to be interpreted with caution and need confirmation in a larger patient population.
Evaluation of the Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. by a Novel DPPH‐HPLC Method
Authors: Liu Yewei , Li Hongbing , Wang Xiaofei , Zhang Gexiang , Wang Yu , Di Duolong
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  A novel DPPH‐HPLC method was successfully developed for evaluating the free radical scavenging activity of Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. The analysis was achieved on a YMC C30 column with the gradient elution by using water and methanol as mobile phase. The intraday and interday precisions were less than 4.36%. The correlation coefficients of the calibration curve for the standard antioxidants exceeded 0.9967. The proposed method was found to be simple, rapid, and sensitive for evaluating the free radical scavenging activity of natural product. Quantitative analyses of the samples showed that the free radical scavenging activity of the samples from different grown sites varied significantly.
Structural Characterization of the Exopolysaccharide Produced by Streptococcus thermophilus 05‐34 and Its In Situ Application in Yogurt
Authors: Qin Q.Q. , Xia B.S. , Xiong Y. , Zhang S.X. , Luo Y.B. , Hao Y.L.
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  An exopolysaccharide (EPS) producing strain was isolated from Tibetan kefir grains in China, which was identified by 16S rDNA tests and designated as Streptococcus thermophilus 05‐34. The high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that it was composed of galactose and glucose in a molar ratio of 1.0:0.8 with a molecular mass of 2.5 × 104 Da. EPS was further revealed to have α‐d‐glucose, α‐d‐galactose, β‐d‐glucose, and β‐d‐galactose by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy combined with 1D 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The length of EPS ranged from 10 to 100 nm and the maximal height of lumps was 2.5 nm through atomic force micrograph analysis. Furthermore, yogurt fermented with EPS‐producing S. thermophilus 05‐34 exhibited lower susceptibility to whey separation, higher viscosity, and sensory scores than those made with non‐EPS‐producing strain in yogurt production. These results suggested that EPS‐producing Streptococcus thermophilus 05‐34 provided a potential application in the fermented dairy industry.
Inhibition ofListeria monocytogenesby Exposure to a Combination of Nisin and Cold‐Pressed Terpeneless Valencia Oil
Authors: Shannon Erin M. , Milillo Sara R. , Johnson Michael G. , Ricke Steven C.
Published: October 2011

Abstract: Listeria monocytogenesis an important foodborne pathogen and its control in foods is a significant challenge. This study evaluated the effectiveness of nisin and cold‐pressed terpeneless Valencia oil (CPTVO) on limitingL. monocytogenesgrowth. Disk diffusion assays were performed to determine the effects of CPTVO and nisin individually and in combination. Together, these antimicrobials produced a zone of inhibition that was significantly larger (P< 0.05) than zones correlating to CPTVO or nisin individually. Furthermore,L. monocytogenesΔsigBhad an increased sensitivity to the combination treatment. Growth experiments performed in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth revealed the effects of nisin and CPTVO, individually and in combination onL. monocytogenesgrowth rate. WhenL. monocytogeneswas grown in BHI containing 0.025% CPTVO and 26 IU/mL nisin, no growth inhibition was observed relative to the control. However, exposure to CPTVO at 0 h followed by the introduction of nisin at 15 h resulted in a statistically significant (P< 0.05) reduction in growth. This approach to inhibitingL. monocytogeneshas potential as an all‐natural, generally‐recognized‐as‐safe multiple hurdle intervention that may be applicable for ready‐to‐eat products in whichL. monocytogenesis likely to cause foodborne illness.
Consumer Acceptance of Ginseng Food Products
Authors: Chung Hee Sook , Lee Young‐Chul , Kyung Rhee Young , Lee Soo‐Yeun
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  Ginseng has been utilized less in food products than in dietary supplements in the United States. Sensory acceptance of ginseng food products by U.S. consumers has not been reported. The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine the sensory acceptance of commercial ginseng food products and (2) assess influence of the addition of sweeteners to ginseng tea and ginseng extract to chocolate on consumer acceptance. Total of 126 consumers participated in 3 sessions for (1) 7 commercial red ginseng food products, (2) 10 ginseng teas varying in levels of sugar or honey, and (3) 10 ginseng milk or dark chocolates varying in levels of ginseng extract. Ginseng candy with vitamin C and ginseng crunchy white chocolate were the most highly accepted, while sliced ginseng root product was the least accepted among the seven commercial products. Sensory acceptance increased in proportion to the content of sugar and honey in ginseng tea, whereas acceptance decreased with increasing content of ginseng extract in milk and dark chocolates. Findings demonstrate that ginseng food product types with which consumers have been already familiar, such as candy and chocolate, will have potential for success in the U.S. market. Chocolate could be suggested as a food matrix into which ginseng can be incorporated, as containing more bioactive compounds than ginseng tea at a similar acceptance level. Future research may include a descriptive analysis with ginseng‐based products to identify the key drivers of liking and disliking for successful new product development.
Antioxidant Capacity of Different Fractions of Vegetables and Correlation with the Contents of Ascorbic Acid, Phenolics, and Flavonoids
Authors: Ji Linlin , Wu Jianquan , Gao Weina , Wei Jingyu , Yang Jijun , Guo Changjiang
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  The antioxidant capacity of different fractions of 17 vegetables were analyzed using ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP assay) after water and acetone extractions. The contents of ascorbic acid, phenolics, and flavonoids were determined and their correlations with FRAP value were investigated. The results showed that the peel or leaf fractions of vegetables were stronger than the pulp or stem fractions in antioxidant capacity based on total FRAP value. Lotus root peel was the highest and cucumber pulp the lowest in total FRAP value among the vegetable fractions analyzed. All water extracts were higher in FRAP value than the acetone extracts. The FRAP value was significantly correlated with the contents of ascorbic acid, phenolics, or flavonoids in water extracts, in which the phenolics contributed most based on multivariate regression analysis. We conclude that different vegetable fractions were remarkably different in antioxidant capacity. The phenolics are responsible mostly for the antioxidant capacity of vegetables in vitro.
A Microwave and Ohmic Combination Heater for Uniform Heating of Liquid–Particle Food Mixtures
Authors: Choi Won , Nguyen Loc T. , Lee Seung Hyun , Jun Soojin
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  Microwave and ohmic combination heating was proposed to improve the uniformity of thermal processing of particulate foods. Thermal patterns of a liquid–particle mixture in a small test cell were studied using both experimental and simulation approaches. Carrot cubes (10 mm × 10 mm × 10 mm) and 0.1% NaCl salt solution were used as model foods. The temperature distribution of solid and liquid phases was examined using individual and combination heating methods. Under ohmic heating, the liquid was heated faster by 18.9 °C after 250 s. The heating rate of a carrot cube was faster than liquid under microwave heating and temperature rise of carrot was approximately 11.2 °C higher than that of solution after heating of 70 s. Samples experienced different heating patterns over time during the combination heating. Carrot samples showed a thermal lead initially when heated under microwave and the trend reversed during the second stage when ohmic heating was applied. Liquid–particle temperature difference was reduced as the combination heating proceeded, and came to be less than 2 °C at the end. Results obtained from simulation showed similar patterns and all prediction data agreed well with the experimental data. The prediction errors for sample temperatures ranged from 5.7% to 11.6%. The results provided better understanding for designing a continuous flow combination heater that can produce uniform temperature of solid–liquid mixtures.

Practical Application:  If successful, this combination heating technique will find its way to effective aseptic or sterile processing of low acid multiphase foods containing large particulates (such as soups with meatballs or vegetables) that has not been a commercial reality in the United States.
Sweetness Concentration‐Response Behavior of Rebiana at Room and Refrigerator Temperatures
Authors: Fry John C. , Yurttas Nese , Biermann Kari L.
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  Rebiana is a zero‐calorie, natural, high‐potency sweetener derived from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni and comprising almost pure rebaudioside A. Reliable information on its sweetness concentration‐response (C‐R) behavior is fundamental to rebiana's use as an ingredient. The response curve of rebiana in room‐temperature (21 °C) and refrigerated (5 °C) water was determined using 2‐alternative forced choice discrimination tests with a minimum of 70 tasters. From a series of panels the proportion of tasters finding different sucrose concentrations sweeter than a fixed concentration of rebiana was plotted against sucrose concentration. The resultant sigmoid curves were linearized by transforming the ordinate axis to a probability scale. This aided experimental design and determination of isosweet concentrations. The latter were deemed to be the sucrose concentration at which 50% of tasters found it to be the sweeter of the pair. Isosweet concentrations of sucrose for seven rebiana concentrations up to 600 mg/L were used to construct a C‐R curve for each temperature. Equations were derived for the resultant hyperbolic curves. Rebiana is significantly more potent in cold water.

Practical Application:  Rebiana is a new, zero‐calorie, natural, high‐potency sweetener derived from the Stevia plant. We have measured the sweetness of rebiana over a range of concentrations at room and refrigerator temperatures. This information will help developers of low‐calorie products get the right sweetness level when replacing sugar with rebiana.
Physiological Implications of Miltenberger blood group antigen subtype III (Mi.III)
Authors: Hsu K.
Published: October 2011

In Taiwan, Miltenberger blood group antigen subtype III (Mi.III) is the second most important blood group antigen following ABO. Mi.III presumably evolved from homologous recombination between GYPA and GYPB, and expresses a hybrid configuration of glycophorin B‐A‐B and the Mur antigen in the crossover region.

GPA and GPB oligomerize on the erythrocyte cell membrane. GPA also forms protein complexes with band 3 and facilitates band 3 expression. GPB is believed not to involve in the GPA‐band 3 interaction. In Mi.III+ blood, half or all GPB is replaced with the glycophorin BAB hybrid, Gp.Mur. We previously showed that upon heterologous expression in HEK‐293 cells, Gp.Mur, like GPA, facilitates the protein expression of band 3. Quantitative proteomics by iTRAQ revealed 25–67% more band 3 on the Mi.III+ erythrocyte membrane, as compared to the non‐Mi.III. Band 3 is a Cl−/HCO3− exchanger. With more band 3 protein expression, Mi.III+ RBCs exhibit larger capacities for Cl−/HCO3− exchange across the cell membrane. Conceivably, those with the Mi.III phenotype might have larger capacities for CO2 respiration.

On the other hand, GPB is a component of the Rh protein complex, and has been shown to assist the surface expression of RhAG. Because GPB is half or completely replaced by Gp.Mur in Mi.III+ RBCs, we also examined if the expression of the Rh complexes could be affected in Mi.III. We found that homologous Mi.III RBCs exhibit reduced levels of RhAG and Rh antigens. The functions of Rh polypeptides and RhAG in erythrocytes are unclear, but RhAG in other species might function as gas channels for physiologically important molecules such as CO2, NH3, NO, and/or O2. Thus, substitution of GPB with Gp.Mur in Mi.III+ RBCs affects the structure of the band 3/Rh‐associated macrocomplex, and is expected to affect functional coordination within the metabolon of O2/CO2 gas exchange as well.
Designing peptide‐based FSL constructs to create Miltenberger kodecytes
Authors: Henry S. M. , Komarraju S. , Heathcote D. , Rodionov I. L.
Published: October 2011

Background  KODE technology involves the synthesis of function‐spacer‐lipid (FSL) constructs and their insertion into cell membranes to create kodecytes. The functional group in FSLs includes blood group antigens and can be used to create synthetic antigen‐modified red cells.

Aims  To review the issues in constructing peptide‐based FSLs, with an emphasis on MNS system hybrid glycophorins and the resultant Miltenberger kodecytes.

Materials and Methods  Peptides suitable for synthesis into FSL constructs are ligated to a carboxymethylated oligoglycine spacer attached to a lipid tail. Simple contact of these FSL constructs with red cells allows for their spontaneous insertion into the cell membrane, creating kodecytes.

Results  Once optimized peptide sequences are identified, FSL constructs are simple and easy to build. Field trials established Miltenberger kodecytes were functional and able to identify clinically significant IgG antibodies.

Discussion  This review explores the issues with creating peptide‐based FSL constructs, with an emphasis on the relatively simple MUT/Mur FSLs. With the recent development of easy‐to‐use construct‐your‐own FSL‐peptide kits, researchers can now produce their own extended range of peptide‐based blood group kodecytes.

Conclusion:  Provided possible complications/issues have been taken into account, FSL‐peptides can be easily synthesized and used to make kodecytes representative of selected protein blood antigens/epitopes.
Alternative donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: current concepts
Authors: Wu T.
Published: October 2011

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a curative therapy for many diseases such as hematological malignancies, bone marrow failure, immunodeficiency and other disorders. Unrelated donor and haploidentical family member are important alternative donors for the patients who need HSCT for otherwise incurable disease but without identical sibling donor. Since the first unrelated HSCT in 1974, the number and the clinical outcomes of unrelated transplant have been progressed significantly over time. More than 16 million adult unrelated donors have been registered worldwide. Near half of the donations from unrelated donors are international in recent years. HLA disparity between donor and recipient and disease status before transplant are key factors on survival after unrelated HSCT. In experienced centers, unrelated transplant has achieved comparable results with identical sibling HSCT. In addition, transplant from unrelated donor has advantage to cure some inherited disorders such as severe combined immunodeficiency disease, thalassaemia, Fanconi anemia, Familial Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis and so on. Haploidentical HSCT (haplo‐HSCT) was initiated in 1981. The early results were poor mainly due to severe graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) and infections post‐transplant. To reduce GVHD, T‐cell depletion and mega dose CD34 + cells have been employed with certain success. Reduced intensity conditioning has further decreased early transplant‐related mortality (TRM), but relapse rate is relatively high. Haplo‐HSCT in our group with GIAC regimen has achieved comparable outcomes in terms of severe acute GVHD, chronic GVHD, relapse, TRM, disease‐free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) with HLA‐identical sibling transplant. New strategies have been applied in order to better manage complications post HSCT. As the third party cells, cord blood co‐infusion has reduced severe acute GVHD and early TRM significantly. The majority of refractory cytomegalovirus, Epstein–Barr virus and aspergillus infections can be controlled with adoptive cellular therapy. Our clinical results from a large series of transplants have demonstrated that haplo‐HSCT in sex‐matched donor–recipient pair has survival advantage. Early disease stage before HSCT and high CD34 + cell infused but not age and HLA disparity have positive influence on DFS and OS. Therefore, it is better to consider haplo‐HSCT for the patients who need urgent transplant to cure the diseases at earlier disease stage, when matched siblings or unrelated donors are not available. Among all haploidentical family members, sex‐matched one should be the first choice as a donor for HSCT.
Complications of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Jaing T.‐H.
Published: October 2011

Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) following myeloablative conventional conditioning regimen is associated with a higher incidence of transplant‐related morbidity and mortality, limiting its applicability to younger patients without significant co‐morbidities. The morbidity and mortality of HSCT are related closely to relapse of malignancy, conditioning‐related toxicities, infection, and donor–recipient human leucocyte antigen (HLA) disparity. Disparities at minor histocompatibility antigens are thought to be responsible for acute graft‐versus‐host disease in patients receiving HSCT from a HLA‐matched donor.

Serious complications tend to erupt within specified periods of immunologic reconstitution after bone marrow grafting. Because their innate and acquired immune systems are especially vulnerable, HSCT recipients often have infectious and noninfectious complications. This article reviews the major complications of HSCT.