bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Learner beliefs about sociolinguistic competence: A qualitative case study of four university second language learners
Authors: Yang Jinsuk , Rehner Katherine 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis article explores the beliefs about second language (L2) sociolinguistic competence of four university-level advanced L2 learners. It places particular emphasis on 1) how these university learners conceptualized L2 sociolinguistic competence; 2) how they thought about two different language learning contexts (viz., the L2 classroom versus study abroad) for their development of sociolinguistic competence; and 3) the L2 strategies they employed to develop their L2 sociolinguistic knowledge. The study found, first, that the university learners conceived of sociolinguistic competence as the ability to adjust their language to reflect the social distance between themselves and other speakers. Second, it demonstrates that the university learners believed that the classroom environment might provide them with insufficient opportunities to utilize those L2 registers that are most sensitive to context. Nevertheless, their beliefs about the necessity of having sociolinguistic competence played a pivotal role in helping most of them to find meaningful L2 learning opportunities in the classroom, as well as in study-abroad contexts. Finally, while immersive experiences can help learners sustain L2 motivational strategies according to their ultimate L2-related goals, the present study lends support to the observation that contexts
Students’ perceptions of deductive and inductive methods in teaching reading skills
Authors: Valijärvi Riitta-Liisa , Tarsoly Eszter 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis article explores students’ perceptions of inductive and deductive methods of teaching reading in Finnish and Hungarian in a higher education setting. A guided inductive discovery method of reading involves independent work and minimum vocabulary and grammar explanation before the reading assignment is given. A deductive pre-taught method involves grammar, vocabulary and content explanation before a text is read. Structured focus group interviews revealed that the advantages of the discovery method, i.e. guided inductive reading, are that it helps to maintain curiosity, enhances memorisation, encourages independent and active learning, and prepares for real-life reading situations. The deductive pre-taught method, on the other hand, feels safe and helpful, can keep one’s confidence up, saves time and effort for other language-learning tasks, and ensures a correct understanding of the text. The interviewees wanted to be given information about which grammar to expect in advance, some felt the same way about vocabulary. They were not always aware of the difference between the two approaches. By using both methods the teacher can help to maintain motivation and cater for different student preferences. Mixing methods also reflects how we treat information in real life. There appears to be no ideal method in teaching L2 reading: both methods have their advantages and disadvantages from the students’ point of view. Explicit instruction is crucial for reading development either before or after a text is read.
The impact of introducing foreign language requirements on the Spanish higher education system: The case of Córdoba University
Authors: Raigón Rodríguez Antonio R. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe requirement that students achieve accredited foreign language proficiency at B1 level in order to graduate from university or enrol for some postgraduate courses has prompted changes in language teaching in higher education in Spain. Given the clearly ineffective tuition received at earlier stages of their education, Spanish university students are finding it difficult to meet this new requirement. Society does not see language learning as a priority, and the aforementioned lack of effective teaching places Spaniards in a weak position with regard to language learning. Motivated by the Bologna Process, which seeks to foster the acquisition of multiple skills by students, the B1 requirement comes at the end of students’ education, regardless of what they were actually taught at primary and secondary level. This article examines the perceptions of a group of students enrolled in the master’s degree in secondary teacher training and analyses data on accreditation in general in order to draw relevant conclusions. The article focuses particularly on the options chosen by students at the University of Córdoba in order to meet the new foreign language requirement, and more specifically on the role played by the university’s language centre. Data was collected through a survey based on a validated
Teaching Nursing Leadership: Comparison of Simulation versus Traditional Inpatient Clinical
Authors: Gore Teresa N. , Johnson Tanya Looney , Wang Chih-hsuan 
Published: April 2015

AbstractNurse educators claim accountability to ensure their students are prepared to assume leadership responsibilities upon graduation. Although front-line nurse leaders and nurse executives feel new graduates are not adequately prepared to take on basic leadership roles, professional nursing organizations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) deem leadership skills are core competencies of new graduate nurses. This study includes comparison of a leadership-focused multi-patient simulation and the traditional leadership clinical experiences in a baccalaureate nursing leadership course. The results of this research show both environments contribute to student learning. There was no statistical difference in the overall score. Students perceived a statistically significant difference in communication with patients in the traditional inpatient environment. However, the students perceived a statistical significant difference in teaching–learning dyad toward simulation.
After Beryl Smalley: Thirty Years of Medieval Exegesis, 1984–2013
Authors: Ocker Christopher , Madigan Kevin 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
This essay surveys a generation of scholarship since the death of Beryl Smalley, pioneer in the study of the medieval reception of the bible, in 1984. We try to give a fair representation of work produced in English, French, German, and Italian over the last thirty years. We report on: 1) editions, tools, and translations, 2) surveys and synthetic treatments, 3) work on medieval biblical hermeneutics, 4) studies of periods and individuals, 5) thematic studies and studies of biblical books and pericopes across broad periods, and 6) comparative work on Muslim, Jewish, and Christian exegesis. We describe a rapidly growing quantity of knowledge and expanding perspectives on biblical interpretation in medieval culture. We conclude with suggestions for future research.
Structures of dehydrated microporous copper silicate CuSH-6Na, an in situ single crystal X-ray study
Authors: Wang Xiqu , Jacobson Allan J. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
The dehydration behavior of the microporous copper silicate Na2(Cu2Si5O13)·3H2O conventionally denoted as CuSH-6Na was studied using single crystal X-ray data collected at temperatures –150, 25, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 120 °C. Reversible dehydration of CuSH-6Na starts at ambient temperatures under dry nitrogen flow and is complete at 70 °C. The water molecules initially present in both ordered and disordered sites were simultaneously driven out beginning at ambient temperature. The dehydration is accompanied by a negative thermal expansion of the crystal caused by a slight progressive narrowing of the channels along the direction perpendicular to the silicate layers. The fully dehydrated structure has framework copper metal sites with open coordination spheres directly exposed to the space inside the accessible channels.
Measurement of Retinal Blood Flow Using Fluorescently Labeled Red Blood Cells
Authors: Kornfield Tess E. , Newman Eric A. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBlood flow is a useful indicator of the metabolic state of the retina. However, accurate measurement of retinal blood flow is difficult to achieve in practice. Most existing optical techniques used for measuring blood flow require complex assumptions and calculations. We describe here a simple and direct method for calculating absolute blood flow in vessels of all sizes in the rat retina. The method relies on ultrafast confocal line scans to track the passage of fluorescently labeled red blood cells (fRBCs). The accuracy of the blood flow measurements was verified by (1) comparing blood flow calculated independently using either flux or velocity combined with diameter measurements, (2) measuring total retinal blood flow in arterioles and venules, (3) measuring blood flow at vessel branch points, and (4) measuring changes in blood flow in response to hyperoxic and hypercapnic challenge. Confocal line scans oriented parallel and diagonal to vessels were used to compute fRBC velocity and to examine velocity profiles across the width of vessels. We demonstrate that these methods provide accurate measures of absolute blood flow and velocity in retinal vessels of all sizes.
Systematic discovery of drug interaction mechanisms
Authors: Chevereau Guillaume , Bollenbach Tobias 
Published: April 2015

AbstractDrug combinations are increasingly important in disease treatments, for combating drug resistance, and for elucidating fundamental relationships in cell physiology. When drugs are combined, their individual effects on cells may be amplified or weakened. Such drug interactions are crucial for treatment efficacy, but their underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. To uncover the causes of drug interactions, we developed a systematic approach based on precise quantification of the individual and joint effects of antibiotics on growth of genome‐wide Escherichia coli gene deletion strains. We found that drug interactions between antibiotics representing the main modes of action are highly robust to genetic perturbation. This robustness is encapsulated in a general principle of bacterial growth, which enables the quantitative prediction of mutant growth rates under drug combinations. Rare violations of this principle exposed recurring cellular functions controlling drug interactions. In particular, we found that polysaccharide and ATP synthesis control multiple drug interactions with previously unexplained mechanisms, and small molecule adjuvants targeting these functions synthetically reshape drug interactions in predictable ways. These results provide a new conceptual framework for the design of multidrug combinations and suggest that there are universal mechanisms at the heart of most drug interactions.
High glucose concentrations per se do not adversely affect human sperm function in vitro
Authors: Portela J M D , Tavares R S , Mota P C , Ramalho-Santos J , Amaral S 
Published: April 2015

Diabetes mellitus (DM) represents one of the greatest concerns to global health and it is associated with diverse clinical complications, including reproductive dysfunction. Given the multifactorial nature of DM, the mechanisms that underlie reproductive dysfunction remain unclear. Considering that hyperglycemia has been described as a major effector of the disease pathophysiology, we used anin vitroapproach to address the isolated effect of high glucose conditions on human sperm function, thus avoiding otherin vivoconfounding players. We performed a complete and integrated analysis by measuring a variety of important indicators of spermatozoa functionality (such as motility, viability, capacitation status, acrosomal integrity, mitochondrial superoxide production and membrane potential) in human sperm samples after incubation withd- andl-glucose (5, 25, or 50 mM) for 24 and 48 h. No direct effects promoted by 25 or 50 mMd-glucose were found for any of the parameters assessed (P>0.05), except for the acrosome reaction, which was potentiated after 48 h of exposure to 50 mMd-glucose (P<0.05). Interestingly, non-metabolizablel-glucose drastically increased superoxide production (P<0.05) and suppressed sperm motility (P<0.05) and capacitation (P<0.05) after 24 h of treatment, whereas mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.05), acrosomal integrity (P<0.01) and viability (P<0.05) were later decreased. The overall results suggest that high glucose levelsper sedo not influence human sperm functionin vitro, which stresses the importance of other factors involved in DM pathology. Nevertheless, the absence of metabolizable glucose contributes to a severe impairment of sperm function and thus compromises male fertility.Free Portuguese abstract: A Portuguese translation of this abstract is freely available athttp://www.reproduction-online.org/content/150/1/77/suppl/DC1.
Phenotypic differences in nebivolol metabolism and bioavailability in healthy volunteers
Authors: Briciu Corina , Neag Maria , Muntean Dana , Bocsan Corina , Buzoianu Anca , Antonescu Oana , Gheldiu Ana-Maria , Achim Marcela , Popa Adina , Vlase Laurian 
Published: April 2015

Introduction: Nebivolol, a third-generation β-blocker, is subject to extensive first-pass metabolism and produces active β-blocking hydroxylated metabolites, like 4-OH-nebivolol. It is primarily a substrate of CYP2D6, a metabolic pathway that is under polymorphic genetic regulation. The objective of this study was to assess the metabolizer phenotype and to evaluate the interphenotype bioavailability and metabolism of nebivolol.Material and methods: Forty-three healthy volunteers were included in this open-label, non-randomized clinical trial and each volunteer received a single dose of 5 mg nebivolol. Non-compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was performed to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of nebivolol and its active metabolite. The phenotypic distribution was assessed based on the AUC (aria under the curve) metabolic ratio of nebivolol/4-OH-nebivolol and statistical analysis. An interphenotype comparison of nebivolol metabolism and bioavailability was performed based on the pharmacokinetic parameters of nebivolol and its active metabolite.Results: Nebivolol/4-OH-nebivolol AUC metabolic ratios were not characterized by a standard normal distribution. The unique distribution emphasized the existence of two groups and the 43 healthy volunteers were classified as follows: poor metabolizers (PMs)=3, extensive metabolizers (EMs)=40. The phenotype had a marked impact on nebivolol metabolism. The exposure to nebivolol was 15-fold greater for PMs in comparison to EMs. Conclusion: 40 EMs and 3 PMs were differentiated by using the pharmacokinetic parameters of nebivolol and its active metabolite. The study highlighted the existence of interphenotype differences regarding nebivolol metabolism and bioavailability.
EVALUATION OF A TRAINING COURSE ON OPEN VASCULAR SURGICAL TECHNIQUES IN AORTOILIAC PATHOLOGY - 5 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Authors: Stancu Bogdan , Beteg Florin , Mironiuc Aurel , Muste Aurel , Gherman Claudia 
Published: April 2015

Introduction. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the efficacy of a vascular surgery course (2008-2012), and to verify the viability and the feasibility of the vascular anastomoses.Material and method. Vascular surgical techniques performed simultaneously on pigs were: enlargement prosthetic angioplasty, abdominal aortic interposition graft and aortoiliac bypass. Endpoints of the study were the surgical skills and the technical quality, evaluated on a scale ranging from 1 (satisfactory) to 3 (very good) for our participants.Result. A significant improvement in vascular surgical skills tasks was observed during the study years and we also found a semnificative statistical association between the quality of suture and the surgical technique used (Kendall coefficient=0.71, p=0.001<0.05).Conclusions. Our course contributed to the improvement of technical vascular surgical skills of the operator teams, reproducing in vivo, in pigs, the intraoperative environment as in human patients.
Management of endometrial modifications in perimenopausal women
Authors: Nicula Renata , Costin Nicolae 
Published: April 2015

Perimenopause has a variable length and time of onset and is characterized by its variability in hormonal levels. The histological changes in the perimenopausal endometrium may be represented by nonproliferative or proliferative benign or malignant lesions. A commonly encountered manifestation of endometrium lesions during menopausal transition is the abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). The clinical management of AUB must follow a standardized classification system for optimal results. The medical and surgical treatment must be adapted according to age, risk factors, symptoms, and cycle irregularities. Use of alternative therapies and proper diet may result in improved long-term outcomes.
Red Earth and Bones: the History of Cave Sediment Studies in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Osborne R. 
Published: April 2015

Red earth and bones are an enduring theme in the history of cave sediment studies in New South Wales. Scientific studies of cave sediments began with the discovery of fossil bones in red cave earth at Wellington Caves in the 1830's.
Three distinct phases in the study of cave sediments in New South Wales can be recognised. In the first. Classical, phase, from 1830 to 1900, leading naturalists and geologists visited caves and reported the presence of sediments. Red earth was sought as an indicator of vertebrate fossils, however, neither the sediment itself, nor its stratigraphy was studied to any extent.
In the second, Low Activity, phase, from 1900 till 1966, there was little scientific interest in cave sediments. Some work was done on phosphorites, and mention was made of both palaeokarst and possible correlation of sequences between different cave areas.
The third, Modern, phase began in 1966 with the work of R. M. Frank, who for the first time examined both the composition and stratigraphy of cave sediments in New South Wales. Following Frank, cave sediment studies became specialised with a variety of sedimentological, chemical and stratigraphic approaches being taken.
The Historian of Science and Oceanography After Twenty Years
Authors: Mills Eric 
Published: April 2015

A little more than twenty years ago, at the First International Congress of History of Oceanography in Monaco, the American historian of science Harold Burstyn attempted to place the history of oceanography in context within the history of science. He pointed out that history of science used as a working principle the increasing quantification of science, and that it was moving toward "externalist" studies of the social and political contexts in which science developed. Oceanography, according to Burstyn, was among the first examples of "big science" and was likely to prove important to historians attempting to link scientific development with its social context. He envisioned two tasks for the historian of oceanography, to develop detailed histories of the science itself, and to explore its response to social, political, financial and cultural forces.After three more congresses of the history of oceanography, the proliferation of publications, even the birth of a newsletter of the history of oceanography, it still largely remains true that (slightly edited) the field suffers from "lack of focus, publications of all offerings regardless of merit, and conjunction of scientists … and historians and philosophers of science, assembled without any methodological unit or rules of procedure". But all is not lost. Major books have helped to focus attention on interesting historical problems as well as achievements; outstanding work has been published, or is in progress, on marine geophysics, oceanographic institutions, exploration, national science, and the historical relationship of oceanography to its sister fields such as geography and marine biology. Bibliographies have begun to appear, easing the toil of starting new research, and regular contact, formal and informal is increasing among historians of oceanography.Nonetheless, the history of oceanography is still in a primitive state. We need more internal histories of oceanography's subdisciplines, critical biographies of its practitioners, studies of its institutions in their full contexts, work on differences in national styles, and a thorough examination of its professionalization. Few would now agree that the only canon of the history of oceanography is the increasing quantification of science, but this hybrid discipline remains, as Burstyn perceptively stated, "the most fruitful combination possible of ‘internal’ and ‘external’ problems in the history of science".
Oceanography, but not As A Profession: Its Status in Greece During the Late 19th and the Early 20th Centuries
Authors: Vlahakis George 
Published: April 2015

Although oceanography in Greece reached international standards only recently, it has its origins as an independent scientific practice in the late 19th century due to the work of Andreas Miaoulis, a brilliant officer of the Hellenic Navy who cooperated with the English admiral Arthur Mansel for the solution of the Euripus problem.
During the early 20th century oceanographic studies took a more systematic character under the supervision of the Hellenic Thalassographic Committee and several reports and books were published before World War II, which interrupted the evolution of oceanography in Greece.
Middle Nineteenth-Century Crinoid Studies Of Thomas Austin, Sr. And Thomas Austin, Jr.: Newly Discovered Unpublished Materials
Authors: Ausich William , Sevastopulo George , Torrens Hugh 
Published: April 2015

Thomas Austin, Sr. (1794-1881) and to a lesser extent his son Thomas Austin, Jr. (1817-before 1881) are recognized as important early students of both Carboniferous and Jurassic crinoids. However, the extent of their understanding of crinoids was not appreciated until the recent discovery of unpublished materials of Austin, Sr., including a manuscript dated 1855, plates indicating the intended continuation of their never finished 1843-1849 systematic monograph, and photographs of fossil crinoids.Within at most three and one-half decades after Johann Samuel Miller (1779-1830) first named the class Crinoidea in 1821, Austin, Sr. accurately summarized the broad outline of crinoid evolutionary history. Furthermore, Austin had a post-natural-historical interpretation of fossil crinoids. Fossil crinoids were not just ancient organisms to be described and classified, but Austin tried to interpret the biology of these fossils. Furthermore, he considered questions of taphonomy, functional morphology, paleoecology, processes controlling evolutionary trends, and crinoid deposits—still topics of interest to paleobiologists 150 years later; and he also discussed crinoid "evolution" and extinction. Other discussion is present on the history of crinoid studies from a middle-1800's perspective and on the superstitious and medicinal uses of crinoid fossils.But fain Saint Hilda's nuns would learn If, on a rock by Lindisfarne, Saint Cuthbert sits, and toils to frame The sea-born beads that bear his name: Such tales had Whitby's fishers told, And said they might his shape behold, And hear his anvil sound; A deaden'd clang,-a huge dim form Seen but, and heard, when gathering storm And night were closing round. But this, as tale of idle fame, The nuns of Lindisfarne disclaim.