bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple‐Language Program Assessment: Learners' Perspectives on First‐ and Second‐Year College Foreign Language Programs and Their Implications for Program Improvement
Authors: Rivera Gladys M. , Matsuzawa Chie
Published: January 2009

A pilot study was designed to examine student perspectives on the first two years of the foreign language program at an east coast college. The study addresses key areas of foreign language teaching and learning in terms of goals and objectives, effectiveness of instruction and instructional approach, and student suggestions for improvement. The survey's findings indicate that the program generally meets the needs and interests of the students; however, these findings call for a clearer articulation of program goals in culture and careful review of some instructional methods. They also reveal critical differences in learning priorities and learning styles between students in commonly taught languages and those in less commonly taught languages. This article discusses plausible explanations for the survey findings and makes recommendations for program improvement.
Rethinking Description in the Russian SOPI: Shortcomings of the Simulated Oral Proficiency Interview
Authors: Mikhailova Julia
Published: January 2009

This article describes the shortcomings of one of the major testing tools in the foreign languages field, the Simulated Oral Proficiency Interview (SOPI), with regard to the elicitation of the function of description. In doing so, the article raises questions about the applicability of the SOPI as a surrogate for the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) in general and, more specifically, about SOPI testing oral proficiency at the Intermediate‐High level and above. The SOPI and the OPI are not designed on the basis of the same conceptualization of description. Even though both tests base their assessment criteria on the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines‐Speaking (1999), in the SOPI both the definition of description and the description prompts themselves are problematic. Results of the research project described in this article‐a comparison of SOPI and OPI Russian tests‐suggest that the Russian version of the SOPI, for example, does not elicit description and therefore the SOPI test, in its current version, may be unreliable for ratings at the Advanced and Superior levels.
Instructional Conversations in a High School Spanish Class
Authors: Todhunter Susan
Published: January 2009

This case study investigated spontaneous interpersonal communication in a high school Spanish classroom, using instructional conversation as a framework for analysis. Instructional conversations are collaborative, extended verbal exchanges in which students develop a coherent topic, supported by the teacher's contingent questions and feedback. The features, length, and frequency of instructional conversations were examined. Analysis of discourse led to a set of distinctive features adapted from the bilingual instructional conversation model. Seventeen instructional conversation episodes constituted 7% of the total time in 18 observed lessons, occurring typically before the teacher's planned lesson activities and at transitions in the lesson. The potential value of instructional conversations for developing interactional competence suggests that they deserve the attention of teachers and researchers, and a more prominent place in the language classroom.
Perceptions of a Learner's Self‐Expressive Speech by an Instructor and the Learner
Authors: Yoshida Reiko
Published: January 2009

Learners' spontaneous speech beyond interaction patterns such as teacher's initiation‐learner's response‐teacher's evaluation (I‐R‐E/F) (Heap, 1988; Mehan, 1979; Ohta, 1999) helps lead them to negotiated interaction (Boulima, 1999), which is effective for foreign language learning. This study examines both an instructor's and a learner's perceptions of self‐expressive speech in a Japanese language classroom at an Australian university. Methods of data collection and analysis included classroom observations, audio recording of the speech of the instructor and the learner in class, stimulated recall interviews, and discourse analysis. The data showed a gap between the instructor's and the learner's perceptions of the learner's self‐expressive speech. The instructor's negative evaluation of the learner's self‐expressive speech is related to “act” and “stance” (Ochs, 1993, p. 288), as well as social pressure (Allwright, 1996) within classrooms.
Fostering Second Language Oral Communication Through Constructivist Interaction in Desktop Videoconferencing
Authors: Lee Lina
Published: January 2009

This article describes a classroom project using one‐to‐one desktop videoconferencing to enhance the development of second language (1.2) oral skills. Eighteen university students worked collaboratively with expert speakers to complete task‐based activities. The author gathered data from video‐recording samples, reflections, and oral interviews to report the participants' experiences and examine the potential of desktop videoconferencing to support speaking skills. While this approach is effective in supporting collaborative learning and fostering L2 oral communication, learners with less sophisticated listening skills experienced difficulties comprehending native speakers. Native speakers' linguistic variations, including regionalisms and accents, also affected the degree of the interactivity. This study suggests three essential ingredients to maximize the potential benefits of desktop videoconferencing for language learning: (1) use of carefully designed tasks that engage learners, (2) appropriate selection of linguistic context, and (3) inclusion of sufficient network training.
Policies and Practices in Foreign Language Writing at the College Level: Survey Results and Implications
Authors: O'Donnell Mary E.
Published: January 2009

This artide contains results from an online survey that asked 66 college‐level language program directors of French, German, and Spanish in (he United States about policies and procedures governing foreign language writing at iheir respective institutions. Survey categories included (1) general Information, (2) Information regarding practices and treatment of drafts, (3) policies and procedures regulating instructors' response to students' writing, and (4) mechanisms for providing feedback. Results indicate that the size of the program and the professional level of the instructors were the primary factors influencing how writing was treated. More specifically, larger programs‐in particular those with teaching assistants‐were more likely to have estahlished policies and procedures regulating treatment of foreign language writing. The article includes survey implications and pedagogic recommendations.
Learning Diaries in the English as a Foreign Language Classroom: A Tool for Accessing Learners' Perceptions of Lessons and Developing Learner Autonomy and Reflection
Authors: Porto Melina
Published: January 2009

The aim ofthis study was to learnfrom students' frame of refercnce how they experience foreign language classes. Data include learning diaries written during 2005 for more than 35 weeks (March to November). Subjects were 95 Argentine, Caucasian, mostly jemale, middle‐class, Spanish‐speaking College students between 19 and 21 years of age who were enrolled in English Language 11 at the National University of La Plata in Argentina. The results of this study stress 1) the value of systematic learner introspection over time as a vehicle for reflection and autonomy in foreign and second language learning contexts; 2) uncovering learners' thoughts and beliefs in an effort to understand how these affect their engagement with language activities; and 3) using this Information to make instructional decisions and monitor their adequacy and effectiveness.
Taking a Closer Look at Vocabulary Learning Strategies: A Case Study of a Chinese Foreign Language Class
Authors: Winke Paula M. , Abbuhl Rebekha
Published: January 2009

Over the past decades, there have been a number of studies investigating the vocabulary strategies used by learners of Indo‐European languages, especially English. However, studies of the strategies used by learners of non‐Indo‐European languages are rare. This classroom‐based case study investigates the vocabulary learning strategies used by nine learners of Chinese as aforeign language and tests a taxonomy, based on Long's (1996) interaction hypothesis, for classifying strategies that mayfacilitate our understanding of strategies and their role within second language acquisition.
Effects of Word and Fragment Writing During L2 Vocabulary Learning
Authors: Barcroft Joe
Published: January 2009

This study examined how writing (copying) target words and word fragments affects intentional second language (L2) vocabulary learning. English‐speaking first‐semester learners ofSpanish attempted to learn 24 Spanish nouns via word‐picture repetition in three conditions: (1) word writing, (2) fragment writing, and (3) no writing. After the learning phase, the participants completed productive (picture‐to‐L2) and recpectively oriented (L2‐to‐first language) posttests. Vocabulary learning scores in the no‐writing condition were higher than in the other two conditions and higher in the word‐writing condition than in the fragment‐writing condition. These fmdings provide new evidence on how forced Output without access to meaning can detract from early word learning by exhausting processing resources needed to encode new word forms. The pedagogical implications of the study call for language instructors to rethink the practice of encouraging students to write down a word to remember it.
Facilitating the Integration of Culture and Vocabulary Learning: The Categorization and Use of Pictures in the Classroom
Authors: Bush Michael D.
Published: January 2009

Culture and vocabulary are widely accepted as important elements for language courses, and pictures (photographs, slides, drawings, pictures jrom magazines, etc.) have long been afavorite tool of language teachers at all levels. Although pictures provide an excellent means of integrating culture with vocabulary acquisition, their use is not only impractical at times but also can be more superficial than Substantive. This article discusses these issues, which are both logistical and pedagogical, and their potentially significant impact on classroom implementation. A literature review regarding the integration of culture with the teaching of vocabulary precedes a discussion of how pictures can benefit language Instruction. Finally, the article describes an efficient approach for the collection, categorization, and storage of images that will facilitate their classroom use.
Ni Pour, Ni Contre1: Conflict and Community in the Films of Céedric Klapisch
Authors: Fallon Jean M.
Published: January 2009

Eschewing the making of elitist films, French writer/director Céedric Klapisch strives to appeal to a wide population with his largely humorous yet thought‐provoking narratives that look compellingly at the relationship between individuals and community. Three of his films that have received U.S. releases—Chacun cherche son chat [When the Cat's Away], L'Auberge espagnole [The Spanish Apartment], and Les Poupées russes [The Russian Dolls]—reflect numerous unresolved issues that have threatened the harmony of French society in the last decade. His films provide a symbolic jramework for exploring current social issues of gentrification and immigration, questions about national identity, and sovereignty concerns that affect union with other European nations.
Fairy Tales and Foreign Languages: Ever the Twain Shall Meet
Authors: Davidheiser James C.
Published: January 2009

Fairy tales are certainly not new to foreign language instructors, but on occasion they have been considered either exoteric or unworthy of class time. Yet today there is a resurgence of interest in fairy tales and a rebirth of their use in the arts, which may serve foreign language instructors. This article presents historical background to inform instructors of the origin and development of European fairy tales, while also providing them with necessary information to answer students' questions on fairy tales. It further describes how the author weaves fairy tales into classes on several levels and illustrates how well the tales lend themselves to the learning of other languages and cultures. Course details offer instructors some essentials that may prove beneficial in designing their own courses.
A Problem‐Based Learning Approach to Integrating Foreign Language Into Engineering
Authors: Neville David O. , Britt David W.
Published: January 2009

Problem‐based learning (PBL) is an instructional methodology placing primary emphasis on students solving realistic problems in a team‐oriented environment. Here we discuss using PBL to integrate a language for specific purposes (LSP) track into an undergraduate biological engineering curriculum as a way to prepare students for an engineering career requiring job‐specific foreign language skills. In Part I we review PBL theory and anticipate problems that may arise when merging it with an LSP track. In Part II we detail the development of a PBL/LSP module, including module performance objectives and assessment instruments. Areas of potential future research also are highlighted.
Creating a Culture for the Preparation of an ACTFL/NCATE Program Review
Authors: McAlpine Dave , Dhonau Stephanie
Published: January 2009

This article examines what one university has done to prepare for its program review for recognition by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), a Specialized Professional Association (SPA) of NCATE. The history of the Standards movement within higher education is neither long nor exhaustive; however, with the publication of the ACTFL/NCATE Program Standards for the Preparation of Foreign Language Teachers (2002), universities must begin to focus efforts on the training of future K‐12 foreign language teachers. Six considerations are offered to foreign language and pedagogy faculty: (1) engaging all faculty in the program review process, (2) establishing a culture of oral proficiency, (3) educating faculty on standards, (4) revising curricula, (5) preparing the seven assessments required by ACTFL/NCATE, and (6) making use of technology for data collection.
Is the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale Measuring Anxiety or Language Skills?
Authors: Sparks Richard L. , Ganschow Leonore
Published: January 2009

Fifty‐four students were followed over 10 years and tested with native language measures in first through fifth grades and measures of foreign language aptitude and foreign language proficiency in high school. All students had completed two years of Spanish, French, or German. Students were divided into three groups based on their scores on the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS). Findings showed that the low anxious group scored significantly higher than the high anxious group on all native language measures beginning in second grade. The low anxious group scored significantly higher than the high anxious group on all measures of foreign language proficiency and foreign language aptitude, and also achieved higher foreign language course grades. Few differences were found between the low anxious and average anxious groups on the native language and foreign language testing measures. Findings also showed that the FLCAS was negatively correlated with native language measures of reading, spelling, and vocabulary as early as the beginning of first grade. The results suggest that the FLCAS is likely to be measuring students' perceptions of their language learning skills, and that language skills are likely to be a confounding variable in the findings of researchers who suggest that anxiety plays a primary role in foreign language proficiency and achievement.
The Video‐Based Short Comment Writing Task
Authors: Pino‐Silva Juan
Published: January 2009

Composing from sources may no longer be the exclusive domain of reading‐to‐write activities. The ever‐increasing presence of video technology and broadcasting in academic settings could place listening‐to‐write tasks on a similar footing. This article describes a listening‐to‐write task, the video‐based short comment, which (1) uses video as linguistic input, (2) honors the current upsurge of skills integration, and (3) draws on a particular view of critical thinking. The teaching context, procedure, material design, guidelines for teachers, video‐based short comment samples, and student strategies round up the task description. The article aims at making a good case for the task by noting its promises and limitations and includes a preliminary research agenda.
Development of the Spanish Subjunctive by Advanced Learners: Study Abroad Followed by At‐Home Instruction
Authors: Isabelli Casilde A.
Published: January 2009

This study investigates whether or not abstract‐level linguistic features, not successfully acquired abroad, will be acquired once the advanced language learner returns from a study abroad program and is exposed to linguistic instruction. The goal of the study was to measure the development of the Spanish subjunctive in adverbial clauses collected via oral interviews among 24 learners who were exposed to advanced subjunctive instruction upon returning from a study abroad program, and to compare them to 19 learners who were exposed to advanced subjunctive instruction without ever having studied abroad. The results show a positive effect on the development of the Spanish subjunctive with linguistic instruction. However, those who had previous study abroad experience benefited even more from this instruction in that they produced more complex subjunctive‐related structures.
Energy and High Surface Area Siliceous Ash From the Combustion of Rice Hulls
Authors: McQueen Mark T.
Published: January 2009

Biomass combustion is an attractive energy production method since it is a zero net emitter of carbon dioxide. Rice hulls are a significant source of biomass fuel: approximately 100Mt of rice hulls are produced yearly from the processing and milling of paddy rice. Previous studies have shown that the ash produced from the combustion of rice hulls possesses pozzolanic properties. When used as a concrete additive, the ash can behave similar to silica fume and improve the strength and porosity of the finished concrete. In such cases, the surface area attributed to the pozzolan is related to the residual carbon content of the ash, which is often well in excess of 5%. The excessive carbon level stems from the awkward geometry of the hulls combined with the low melting point and heat sensitive nature of the ash minerals: these create problems for commercial combustion devices. As a result, the ash produced at these facilities contains either high residual carbon or a high proportion of crystalline silica, both of which renders the ash unattractive for use as a concrete additive. However, if the ash is of sufficient quality to be sold as a concrete additive, the economics of energy generation from the rice hulls can be improved. Test work conducted in Mississauga, Canada has produced an ash with less than 3% residual carbon, and greater than 90% silica, nearly all of which is amorphous. This work was done at temperatures higher than those in conventional operations without significant conversion of the siliceous component from the amorphous state to crystalline forms such as crystobalite or quartz. The key to this unexpected result is an enhanced combustion environment in which the solids residence time at elevated temperatures, and therefore the opportunity for silica phase changes, is minimized. In this instance, the total measured surface area of this ash is lower than that of the other ashes due to the reduced residual carbon content, but the siliceous surface area is equal or greater due to the high amorphous content. Consistent with this fact, the rice hull ash performed well in a number of standard concrete tests, in which the ash replaced 7.5% to 12.5% of the Portland cement for similar water to cement mixture ratios. With proper application of a TORBED process reactor as a combustor, a high value and high surface area siliceous ash can be produced as energy is simultaneously recovered from the system.
Formation of Calcium Chloride and Its Interaction With the Sand Particles During Fluidised Bed Combustion
Authors: Partanen Jatta , Backman Peter , Backman Rainer , Hupa Mikko
Published: January 2009

Fluidised bed boilers are well suited to burning fuels that have diverse characteristics such as refuse-derived fuels and biofuels. These fuels often contain various amounts of chlorine. In many countries, the emissions of HCl from waste material combustion are regulated by stringent laws. In the fluidised bed combustion of sulphur-containing fuels, the addition of a Ca-based sorbent into the bed is a widely used method for controlling SO2 emission. In this work, the absorption of HCl with limestone was studied in the laboratory at high temperatures, 650–850°C, by using a special thermogravimetric apparatus (TGA). In addition to the absorption rates, special emphasis was placed on studying the effects of molten phase formation during chlorination. We have recently reported our first results on the interactions between the calcium chloride being formed and the quartz sand. We proposed a chemical mechanism for the formation of the calcium silicate coatings frequently found on the sand particles in fluidised beds. Here, the proposed mechanism in which calcium chloride acts as a crucial intermediate is more thoroughly discussed.
Effect of Material and Manufacturing Variations on Membrane Electrode Assembly Pressure Distribution
Authors: Vlahinos Andreas , Kelly Kenneth , D’Aleo Jim , Stathopoulos Jim
Published: January 2009

A design is robust when it is not sensitive to variations in noise parameters such as manufacturing tolerances, material properties, environmental temperature, humidity, etc. In recent years several robust design concepts have been introduced in an effort to obtain optimum designs and minimize the variation in the product characteristics. Increasing the pressure on a PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cell’s MEA (Membrane Electrode Assembly) leads to increasing the electric conductivity and reducing the permeability of the assembly. In this study, a probabilistic FEA analysis was performed on a simplified fuel cell stack in order to identify the effect of material and manufacturing variations on the MEA’s pressure distribution. The bi-polar flow plate thickness, the modulus of elasticity and the end plate bolt loading were considered as randomly varying parameters with given mean and standard deviation. The normal stress uniformity of the MEA was determined in terms of the probabilistic input variables. The methodology for implementing robust design used in this research effort is summarized in a reusable workflow diagram.
Simplified Building and Air Handling Unit Model Calibration and Applications
Authors: Liu M. , Song L. , Wei G. , Claridge D. E.
Published: January 2009

Model calibration remains a significant topic for both researchers and practitioners in the HVAC field although calibrated building and air handling unit (AHU) models have been used for “measuring” building energy retrofit/commissioning savings, identifying operational problems, and optimizing system operation and control schedules for more than decades. This paper discusses the modeling and simplification of building and AHU systems used in the simplified model calibration process. The paper presents a two-level calibration procedure integrated with energy signatures for simplified building and AHU heating and cooling energy consumption models. The procedures are demonstrated using a detailed example. This procedure can be implemented into computer simulation programs to allow automatic calibration and fault detection in many HVAC engineering processes.
Low Frequency Motions of LNG Carriers Moored in Shallow Water
Authors: Naciri Mamoun , Buchner Bas , Bunnik Tim , Huijsmans Rene´ , Andrews Jerome
Published: January 2009

With the LNG market booming, the need for reliable and safe means of transferring LNG from a producing, floating facility to an LNG carrier and from this carrier to a near-shore terminal is becoming acute. The Soft Yoke Mooring and Offloading (SYMO©) system has recently been model tested in MARIN’s offshore basin. Results of these tests are presented. Insight has been gained, from these model tests and from the calibration of numerical tools performed thereafter, on the following issues: • The inherent weakly damped nature of a moored LNG carrier, • Shallow water effects in wave drift forces, • The effect of current on drift forces, • The structure of low frequency long waves in a shallow water basin. These issues will be discussed and guidance regarding their importance will be provided. Consequences in terms of system design, mooring analysis methodology and model test program will be discussed.
Qualification Approach to Unbonded Flexible Pipes With Fibre Reinforced Armour Layer
Authors: Rytter Jan
Published: January 2009

The future water depth capabilities for unbonded flexible pipes is being pushed by NKT Flexibles I/S through the development of an innovative flexible pipe structure, taking full advantage of the material characteristics of metallic, polymeric and fibre reinforced materials. The fluid tight liner and possible insulation of this pipe structure are supported by an inner armour, capable of carrying the external hydrostatic pressure, clamp and crushing loads, as well as axial compression load, and an outer armour, consisting of two cross wound layers of carbon/epoxy composites, carrying the internal pressure as well as end cap forces and applied tension. A permeable and radially flexible outer layer protects the composite armour. Combining known and well-proven flexible pipe technologies and new solutions for materials, structure and functionality of the flexible pipe, positions this future product outside the present industry standards for flexible pipes, e.g. API-17J. The analysis tools used for the conventional flexible pipes are validated by NKT according to the API-17J specification. The API-17J describes load cases and corresponding allowable utilization ratios, stated as design criteria. However, this approach is not directly applicable to the composite pipe, where the same analysis tools will be used, but the material in one of the two primary load bearing layers is made of fibre reinforced polymer, a material class not covered by the API allowable utilization factors. The DNV offshore standard DNV-OS-C501 considers any offshore structure in which the load bearing material is a composite. An accompanying Recommended Practice DNV-RP-F202 for composite risers has also been issued, but is not applicable to the composite flexible pipe. The design equations of the DNV standard are formulated in the so-called Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) format, where partial safety factors are applied to the load effects and to the resistance variables that enter the design equations. The DNV standard DNV-OS-C501 covers composite materials and composite metal interfaces of a structure, metal parts should be designed according to other relevant standards. The API standard can therefore be used for the metal parts. One of the challenges in using this combined approach is the different ways loads are defined in the two standards. In short, this will result in a conventional API design check of the inner armour, the polymer layers, and the secondary layers, whereas the composite tensile armour, special intermediate layers and the interfaces will be analyzed with composite specific tools based on the criteria derived from the DNV standard. The qualification procedure is described and exemplified in the following.
Spatial Extreme Value Analysis of Nonlinear Simulations of Random Surface Waves
Authors: Krogstad Harald E. , Liu Jingdong , Socquet-Juglard Herve´ , Dysthe Kristian B. , Trulsen Karsten
Published: January 2009

The paper first recalls the Slepian Model Representation and a theorem of V. I. Piterbarg as generic tools for analyzing the spatial characteristic of ocean waves. We then consider numerical simulations of random surface gravity waves carried out in space and time by means of the modified nonlinear Schro¨dinger equation. It is shown that the extreme waves in the simulations are steeper and more asymmetric than predicted by the Gaussian theory. Moreover, the reconstructed wave fields shows extreme crest heights well in excess of what is expected from the Gaussian theory.
Solar Trough Integration Into Combined Cycle Systems
Authors: Dersch Ju¨rgen , Geyer Michael , Hermann Ulf , Jones Scott A. , Kelly Bruce , Kistner Rainer , Ortmanns Winfried , Pitz-Paal Robert , Price Henry
Published: January 2009

Parabolic trough solar technology has over 125 plant-years of successful operation at nine commercial Solar Electric Generating Systems (SEGS) power plants that are operating near Barstow, California. These solar plants utilize conventional steam Rankine turbine-generator systems, and as a result most people associate parabolic trough solar technology with steam Rankine cycle power plants. Although these plants are clearly optimized for their particular application, other power cycle designs may be appropriate in other situations. Of particular interest is the integration of parabolic trough solar technology with combined cycle power plant technology, a configuration called the integrated solar combined cycle system (ISCCS). Four potential projects in India, Egypt, Morocco, and Mexico are considering the ISSCS configuration. This paper compares the performance, cost, and carbon emissions of ISCCS and SEGS plants with a standard combined cycle plant.
Nanodiamonds in the Younger Dryas Boundary Sediment Layer
Authors: Kennett D. J. , Kennett J. P. , West A. , Mercer C. , Hee S. S. Que , Bement L. , Bunch T. E. , Sellers M. , Wolbach W. S.
Published: January 2009

We report abundant nanodiamonds in sediments dating to 12.9 ± 0.1 thousand calendar years before the present at multiple locations across North America. Selected area electron diffraction patterns reveal two diamond allotropes in this boundary layer but not above or below that interval. Cubic diamonds form under high temperature-pressure regimes, and n-diamonds also require extraordinary conditions, well outside the range of Earth's typical surficial processes but common to cosmic impacts. N-diamond concentrations range from ≈10 to 3700 parts per billion by weight, comparable to amounts found in known impact layers. These diamonds provide strong evidence for Earth's collision with a rare swarm of carbonaceous chondrites or comets at the onset of the Younger Dryas cool interval, producing multiple airbursts and possible surface impacts, with severe repercussions for plants, animals, and humans in North America.
Phage-Mediated Intergeneric Transfer of Toxin Genes
Authors: Chen John , Novick Richard P.
Published: January 2009

Because bacteriophages generally parasitize only closely related bacteria, it is assumed that phage-mediated genetic exchange occurs primarily within species. Here we report that staphylococcal pathogenenicity islands, containing superantigen genes, and other mobile elements transferred to
Listeria monocytogenes
at the same high frequencies as they transfer within
Staphylococcus aureus.
Several staphylococcal phages transduced
L. monocytogenes
but could not form plaques. In an experiment modeling phage therapy for bovine mastitis, we observed pathogenicity island transfer between
S. aureus
and
L. monocytogenes
in raw milk. Thus, phages may participate in a far more expansive network of genetic information exchange among bacteria of different species than originally thought, with important implications for the evolution of human pathogens.
Response to Comment on "Log or Linear? Distinct Intuitions of the Number Scale in Western and Amazonian Indigene Cultures"
Authors: Dehaene Stanislas , Izard Véronique , Pica Pierre , Spelke Elizabeth
Published: January 2009

The performance of the Mundurucu on the number-space task may exemplify a general competence for drawing analogies between space and other linear dimensions, but Mundurucu participants spontaneously chose number when other dimensions were available. Response placement may not reflect the subjective scale for numbers, but Cantlon
et al
.'s proposal of a linear scale with scalar variability requires additional hypotheses that are problematic.
Declining Coral Calcification on the Great Barrier Reef
Authors: De'ath Glenn , Lough Janice M. , Fabricius Katharina E.
Published: January 2009

Reef-building corals are under increasing physiological stress from a changing climate and ocean absorption of increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide. We investigated 328 colonies of massivePoritescorals from 69 reefs of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) in Australia. Their skeletal records show that throughout the GBR, calcification has declined by 14.2% since 1990, predominantly because extension (linear growth) has declined by 13.3%. The data suggest that such a severe and sudden decline in calcification is unprecedented in at least the past 400 years. Calcification increases linearly with increasing large-scale sea surface temperature but responds nonlinearly to annual temperature anomalies. The causes of the decline remain unknown; however, this study suggests that increasing temperature stress and a declining saturation state of seawater aragonite may be diminishing the ability of GBR corals to deposit calcium carbonate.
Stable Introduction of a Life-Shortening
Wolbachia
Infection into the Mosquito
Aedes aegypti
Authors: McMeniman Conor J. , Lane Roxanna V. , Cass Bodil N. , Fong Amy W.C. , Sidhu Manpreet , Wang Yu-Feng , O'Neill Scott L.
Published: January 2009

Most pathogens require a relatively long period of development in their mosquito vector before they can be transmitted to a new human host; hence, only older insects are of epidemiological importance. The successful transfer of a life-shortening strain of the inherited bacterial symbiont,
Wolbachia
, into the major mosquito vector of dengue,
Aedes aegypti
, halved adult life span under laboratory conditions. The association is stable, and the
Wolbachia
strain is maternally inherited at high frequency. It is capable of inducing complete cytoplasmic incompatibility, which should facilitate its invasion into natural field populations and its persistence over time. Our data suggest that targeting mosquito age with inherited
Wolbachia
infections may be a viable strategy to reduce the transmission of pathogens such as dengue viruses.
Stretching the Envelope of Past Surface Environments: Neoproterozoic Glacial Lakes from Svalbard
Authors: Bao Huiming , Fairchild Ian J. , Wynn Peter M. , Spötl Christoph
Published: January 2009

The oxygen isotope composition of terrestrial sulfate is affected measurably by many Earth-surface processes. During the Neoproterozoic, severe “snowball” glaciations would have had an extreme impact on the biosphere and the atmosphere. Here, we report that sulfate extracted from carbonate lenses within a Neoproterozoic glacial diamictite suite from Svalbard, with an age of ∼635 million years ago, falls well outside the currently known natural range of triple oxygen isotope compositions and indicates that the atmosphere had either an exceptionally high atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration or an utterly unfamiliar oxygen cycle during deposition of the diamictites.
Mott Insulating State in Ultraclean Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Deshpande Vikram V. , Chandra Bhupesh , Caldwell Robert , Novikov Dmitry S. , Hone James , Bockrath Marc
Published: January 2009

The Mott insulating state is a manifestation of strong electron interactions in nominally metallic systems. Using transport spectroscopy, we showed that an energy gap exists in nominally metallic carbon nanotubes and occurs in addition to the band gap in small–band-gap nanotubes, indicating that carbon nanotubes are never metallic. This gap has a magnitude of ∼10 to 100 milli–electron volts and a nanotube radius (
r
) dependence of ∼1/
r
, which is in good agreement with predictions for a nanotube Mott insulating state. We also observed neutral excitations within the gap, as predicted for this state. Our results underscore nanotubes' exceptional capabilities for use in studying correlated electron phenomena in one dimension.
Control of Self-Assembly of DNA Tubules Through Integration of Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Sharma Jaswinder , Chhabra Rahul , Cheng Anchi , Brownell Jonathan , Liu Yan , Yan Hao
Published: January 2009

The assembly of nanoparticles into three-dimensional (3D) architectures could allow for greater control of the interactions between these particles or with molecules. DNA tubes are known to form through either self-association of multi-helix DNA bundle structures or closing up of 2D DNA tile lattices. By the attachment of single-stranded DNA to gold nanoparticles, nanotubes of various 3D architectures can form, ranging in shape from stacked rings to single spirals, double spirals, and nested spirals. The nanoparticles are active elements that control the preference for specific tube conformations through size-dependent steric repulsion effects. For example, we can control the tube assembly to favor stacked-ring structures using 10-nanometer gold nanoparticles. Electron tomography revealed a left-handed chirality in the spiral tubes, double-wall tube features, and conformational transitions between tubes.
Why Peer Discussion Improves Student Performance on In-Class Concept Questions
Authors: Smith M. K. , Wood W. B. , Adams W. K. , Wieman C. , Knight J. K. , Guild N. , Su T. T.
Published: January 2009

When students answer an in-class conceptual question individually using clickers, discuss it with their neighbors, and then revote on the same question, the percentage of correct answers typically increases. This outcome could result from gains in understanding during discussion, or simply from peer influence of knowledgeable students on their neighbors. To distinguish between these alternatives in an undergraduate genetics course, we followed the above exercise with a second, similar (isomorphic) question on the same concept that students answered individually. Our results indicate that peer discussion enhances understanding, even when none of the students in a discussion group originally knows the correct answer.
Signal Sequences Activate the Catalytic Switch of SRP RNA
Authors: Bradshaw Niels , Neher Saskia B. , Booth David S. , Walter Peter
Published: January 2009

The signal recognition particle (SRP) recognizes polypeptide chains bearing a signal sequence as they emerge from the ribosome, and then binds its membrane-associated receptor (SR), thereby delivering the ribosome–nascent chain complex to the endoplasmic reticulum in eukaryotic cells and the plasma membrane in prokaryotic cells. SRP RNA catalytically accelerates the interaction of SRP and SR, which stimulates their guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) activities, leading to dissociation of the complex. We found that although the catalytic activity of SRP RNA appeared to be constitutive, SRP RNA accelerated complex formation only when SRP was bound to a signal sequence. This crucial control step was obscured because a detergent commonly included in the reaction buffer acted as a signal peptide mimic. Thus, SRP RNA is a molecular switch that renders the SRP-SR GTPase engine responsive to signal peptide recruitment, coupling GTP hydrolysis to productive protein targeting.
Floral Iridescence, Produced by Diffractive Optics, Acts As a Cue for Animal Pollinators
Authors: Whitney Heather M. , Kolle Mathias , Andrew Piers , Chittka Lars , Steiner Ullrich , Glover Beverley J.
Published: January 2009

Iridescence, the change in hue of a surface with varying observation angles, is used by insects, birds, fish, and reptiles for species recognition and mate selection. We identified iridescence in flowers of
Hibiscus trionum
and
Tulipa
species and demonstrated that iridescence is generated through diffraction gratings that might be widespread among flowering plants. Although iridescence might be expected to increase attractiveness, it might also compromise target identification because the object's appearance will vary depending on the viewer's perspective. We found that bumblebees (
Bombus terrestris
) learn to disentangle flower iridescence from color and correctly identify iridescent flowers despite their continuously changing appearance. This ability is retained in the absence of cues from polarized light or ultraviolet reflectance associated with diffraction gratings.
Video Games: A Route to Large-Scale STEM Education?
Authors: Mayo Merrilea J.
Published: January 2009

Video games have enormous mass appeal, reaching audiences in the hundreds of thousands to millions. They also embed many pedagogical practices known to be effective in other environments. This article reviews the sparse but encouraging data on learning outcomes for video games in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines, then reviews the infrastructural obstacles to wider adoption of this new medium.
Inside the Schooled Mind
Authors: Stern Elsbeth
Published: January 2009

Applying Cognitive Science to Education
. Thinking and Learning in Scientific and Other Complex Domains.
By Frederick Reif
. MIT Press, Cambridge, MA, 2008. 489 pp. $38, £24.95. ISBN 9780262182638.

Reif discusses how findings from cognitive science can help improve teaching and learning, especially science education (and, within that, physics education).
Technology and Informal Education: What Is Taught, What Is Learned
Authors: Greenfield Patricia M.
Published: January 2009

The informal learning environments of television, video games, and the Internet are producing learners with a new profile of cognitive skills. This profile features widespread and sophisticated development of visual-spatial skills, such as iconic representation and spatial visualization. A pressing social problem is the prevalence of violent video games, leading to desensitization, aggressive behavior, and gender inequity in opportunities to develop visual-spatial skills. Formal education must adapt to these changes, taking advantage of new strengths in visual-spatial intelligence and compensating for new weaknesses in higher-order cognitive processes: abstract vocabulary, mindfulness, reflection, inductive problem solving, critical thinking, and imagination. These develop through the use of an older technology, reading, which, along with audio media such as radio, also stimulates imagination. Informal education therefore requires a balanced media diet using each technology's specific strengths in order to develop a complete profile of cognitive skills.
Immersive Interfaces for Engagement and Learning
Authors: Dede Chris
Published: January 2009

Immersion is the subjective impression that one is participating in a comprehensive, realistic experience. Interactive media now enable various degrees of digital immersion. The more a virtual immersive experience is based on design strategies that combine actional, symbolic, and sensory factors, the greater the participant's suspension of disbelief that she or he is “inside” a digitally enhanced setting. Studies have shown that immersion in a digital environment can enhance education in at least three ways: by allowing multiple perspectives, situated learning, and transfer. Further studies are needed on the capabilities of immersive media for learning, on the instructional designs best suited to each type of immersive medium, and on the learning strengths and preferences these media develop in users.
A Handbook for Hands-On Learning
Authors: Lue Robert A. , Losick Richard
Published: January 2009

Creating Effective Undergraduate Research Programs in Science
. The Transformation from Student to Scientist.
Roman Taraban and Richard L. Blanton, Eds.
. Teachers College Press, New York, 2008. 264 pp. Paper, $42.95. ISBN 9780807748770.

The contributors present perspectives on undergraduate research programs from participants, administrators, and external evaluators.
Education and Training Technology in the Military
Authors: Fletcher J. D.
Published: January 2009

The United States Department of Defense (DOD) has contributed to the development of various education and training technologies, two of which are computer-assisted instruction and simulation-based instruction. DOD investment in computer-assisted instruction has continued from the 1950s to the present. Its contributions have ranged from drill and practice to computers capable of generating instructional interactions on demand and in real time. DOD investment in instructional simulation began with pilot trainers but evolved to include computer-controlled simulators serving a wide range of purposes, including simulators that are networked for collective education and the training of crews, teams, and units. Past and continuing contributions of the DOD in areas such as effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, instructional efficiency, and collaborative collective activity are worthy of attention.
The Gamers' Advancement of Learning
Authors: Willinsky John
Published: January 2009

What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy
. 2nd ed.
By James Paul Gee
. Palgrave Macmillan, New York, 2007. 253 pp. Paper, $16.95, C$19.75, £11.99. ISBN 9781403984531.

Starting from the observation that video games captivate both players and programmers, Gee explores their implications for learning theory, motivation, and development of expertise.
Opening Education
Authors: Smith Marshall S.
Published: January 2009

Spurred by the publication of Massachusetts Institute of Technology OpenCourseWare in 2002, the open educational resources (OER) movement, which has rapidly expanded and captured the imagination and energy of millions of creators and users throughout the world, now faces many opportunities and substantial challenges as it moves to become an integral part of the world's educational environment. The confluence of the Web and a spirit of sharing intellectual property have fueled a worldwide movement to make knowledge and education materials open to all for use. OER are content (courses, books, lesson plans, articles, etc.), tools (virtual laboratories, simulations, and games), and software that support learning and educational practice. OER are free on the Web, and most have licenses that allow copyright holders to retain ownership while providing specified rights for use in original and modified forms. At the least, OER have helped to level the distribution of knowledge across the world. A second promise of OER is to help transform educational practices. This article explores the history of and promises and challenges for OER.
What's Wrong with Inferences from Test Scores?
Authors: Haertel Edward
Published: January 2009

Measuring Up
. What Educational Testing Really Tells Us.
By Daniel Koretz
. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA, 2008. 361 pp. $29.95, £22.95, €27. ISBN 9780674028050.

In this account of the complexities of educational testing written for nonspecialists, Koretz discusses what such tests can and cannot reveal and how test scores can be misunderstood and misused.