bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and optimization of nanoparticle-pigmented solar selective absorber coatings for high-temperature concentrating solar thermal systems
Authors: Wang Xiaoxin , Yu Xiaobai , Fu Sidan , Lee Eldred , Kekalo Katerina , Liu Jifeng
Published: January 2018

We present a systematic approach for the design and optimization of nanoparticle-pigmented solar selective absorbers for operation at 750 °C. Using the scattering and absorption cross-sections calculated by Lorenz-Mie scattering theory as input, we employ a four-flux radiative transfer method to investigate the solar selectivity mechanism and optimize the optical-to-thermal conversion efficiency (ηtherm) as a function of the metallic nanoparticle material, the nanoparticle diameter, the volume fraction, and the coating thickness. Among the nanoparticle material candidates in this study, C54-TiSi2 is the best option with an optimized ηtherm = 87.0% for a solar concentration ratio of C = 100 and ηtherm = 94.4% for C = 1000 at 750 °C. NiSi is also a promising candidate comparable to TiSi2 in thermal efficiency. Experimentally, an un-optimized 200 nm-diameter TiSi2 nanoparticle-silicone solar selective coating has already achieved ηtherm = 89.8% for C = 1000 at 750 °C. This performance is consistent with the theoretical model and close to the thermal efficiency of the commercial Pyromark 2500 coatings (90.1%). We also demonstrate that Ni/NiSi core-shell structures embedded in the SiO1.5 matrix is thermally stable at 750 °C for 1000 h in air. These results indicate that silicide cermet coatings are promising to achieve high optical performance and high temperature thermal stability simultaneously.
On the theoretical prediction of fluorescence rates from first principles using the path integral approach
Authors: de Souza Bernardo , Neese Frank , Izsák Róbert
Published: January 2018

In this work, we present and implement the theory for calculating fluorescence rates and absorption and emission spectra from first principles, using the path integral approach. We discuss some approximations and modifications to the full set of equations that improve speed and numerical stability for the case when a large number of modes are considered. New methods to approximate the excited state potential energy surface are also discussed and it is shown that for most purposes, these can be used instead of a full geometry optimization to obtain the rates mentioned above. A few examples are presented and the overall performance of the method is discussed. It is shown that the rates and spectra computed in this way are well within the acceptable range of errors and can be used in future predictions, particularly for screening purposes, with the only limitation on size being that of the electronic structure calculation itself.
Power-law scaling of plasma pressure on laser-ablated tin microdroplets
Authors: Kurilovich Dmitry , Basko Mikhail M. , Kim Dmitrii A. , Torretti Francesco , Schupp Ruben , Visschers Jim C. , Scheers Joris , Hoekstra Ronnie , Ubachs Wim , Versolato Oscar O.
Published: January 2018

The measurement of the propulsion of metallic microdroplets exposed to nanosecond laser pulses provides an elegant method for probing the ablation pressure in a dense laser-produced plasma. We present the measurements of the propulsion velocity over three decades in the driving Nd:YAG laser pulse energy and observe a near-perfect power law dependence. Simulations performed with the RALEF-2D radiation-hydrodynamic code are shown to be in good agreement with the power law above a specific threshold energy. The simulations highlight the importance of radiative losses which significantly modify the power of the pressure scaling. Having found a good agreement between the experiment and the simulations, we investigate the analytic origins of the obtained power law and conclude that none of the available analytic theories is directly applicable for explaining our power exponent.
First-principles evaluation of electronic and optical properties of (Mo, C) codoped BaHfO3 for applications in photocatalysis
Authors: Akhtar Shaheen , Alay-e-Abbas Syed Muhammad , Abbas Syed Muhammad Ghulam , Arshad Muhammad Imran , Batool Javaria , Amin Nasir
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we report first-principles spin-polarized density functional theory calculations for exploring the effect of aliovalent Mo and C dopants on the electronic properties and photocatalysis potential of doped modifications of wide-bandgap cubic perovskite oxide BaHfO3 for water splitting. The structural and thermodynamic properties are computed by using the generalized gradient approximation, whereas the modified Becke-Johnson local density approximation is used to calculate the electronic structures of pristine, cation (Mo), and anion (C) monodoped and cation-anion (Mo, C) codoped BaHfO3. The spin-polarized calculations reveal that substitutional dopants CO and MoHf in the BaHfO3 lattice are thermodynamically stable. The incorporation of C in the O site reduces the bandgap of BaHfO3 and acts as a double-acceptor system, whereas a metallic character is obtained when Mo is doped into the Hf site giving rise to a double-donor system. We show that the acceptor and donor states of the C- and Mo-monodoped BaHfO3 can be passivated by (Mo, C) codoping at nearest-neighbor Hf and O sites of the BaHfO3 lattice, respectively. Analysis of the calculated electronic structure and optical absorption of (Mo, C) codoped BaHfO3 with reference to the H2O oxidation and reduction potentials reveals that this system is a suitable candidate for efficient splitting of water through photocatalysis in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Miscibility at the immiscible liquid/liquid interface: A molecular dynamics study of thermodynamics and mechanism
Authors: Karnes John J. , Benjamin Ilan
Published: January 2018

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to study the dissolution of water into an adjacent, immiscible organic liquid phase. Equilibrium thermodynamic and structural properties are calculated during the transfer of water molecule(s) across the interface using umbrella sampling. The net free energy of transfer agrees reasonably well with experimental solubility values. We find that water molecules “prefer” to transfer into the adjacent phase one-at-a-time, without co-transfer of the hydration shell, as in the case of evaporation. To study the dynamics and mechanism of transfer of water to liquid nitrobenzene, we collected over 400 independent dissolution events. Analysis of these trajectories suggests that the transfer of water is facilitated by interfacial protrusions of the water phase into the organic phase, where one water molecule at the tip of the protrusion enters the organic phase by the breakup of a single hydrogen bond.
Optical effects induced by epitaxial tension in lead titanate
Authors: Dejneka A. , Chvostova D. , Pacherova O. , Kocourek T. , Jelinek M. , Tyunina M.
Published: January 2018

Single-crystal-type epitaxial films of perovskite oxide ferroelectrics are attractive for integrated photonic applications because of the remarkable optical properties and effects in ferroelectrics. The properties of the films may be influenced by epitaxial strain arising from the film-substrate mismatch. Here, dramatic strain-induced changes of the absorption and refraction are experimentally detected by spectroscopic ellipsometry in epitaxial films of archetypical ferroelectric PbTiO3. Comparison of the properties of a tensile-strained film with those of reference films and crystals reveals that epitaxial tension produces blueshifts of the primary above-bandgap absorption peaks by 1 eV and a decrease in the refractive index by 0.5 in the transparent spectral range. The obtained quadratic electrooptic and effective elastooptic coefficients exceed the bulk values by orders of magnitude. The experimental observations prove that epitaxy is a powerful tool for engineering unprecedented optical properties that may enable future photonics innovations.
Communication: Investigation of ion aggregation in ionic liquids and their solutions with lithium salt under high pressure
Authors: Pilar Kartik , Balédent Victor , Zeghal Mehdi , Judeinstein Patrick , Jeong Sangsik , Passerini Stefano , Greenbaum Steve
Published: January 2018

X-ray scattering measurements were utilized to probe the effects of pressure on a series of ionic liquids, N-alkyl-N-methyl-pyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Pyr1A-TFSI) (A = 3, 6, and 9), along with mixtures of ionic liquid and 30 mol. % lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) salt. No evidence was found for crystallization of the pure ionic liquids or salt mixtures even at pressures up to 9.2 GPa. No phase separation or demixing was observed for the ionic liquid and salt mixtures. Shifts in the peak positions are indicative of compression of the ionic liquids and mixtures up to 2 GPa, after which samples reach a region of relative incompressibility, possibly indicative of a transition to a glassy state. With the application of pressure, the intensity of the prepeak was found to decrease significantly, indicating a reduction in cation alkyl chain aggregation. Additionally, incompressibility of the scattering peak associated with the distance between like-charges in the pure ionic liquids compared to that in mixtures with lithium salt suggests that the application of pressure could inhibit Li+ coordination with TFSI− to form Li[TFSI2]− complexes. This inhibition occurs through the suppression of TFSI− in the trans conformer, in favor of the smaller cis conformer, at high pressures.
Designing a combinational solar water desalination system and investigation of solving sedimentation of minerals with water input from the Persian Gulf
Authors: Fazaeli Reza , AmirKalaei Mohammad Hasan , Ahmadi Seyedsasan , Hajarolasvadi Amir , Mirzaei Ezzatolah
Published: January 2018

In this research, an active combinational solar water desalination system was designed and investigated. Sea water was guided towards a solar collector and was evaporated in a glass chamber where the produced vapor was conducted towards a water cooled condenser using a compressor, thereby resulting in the production of distilled water. In the first experiment, the corrosion test was performed to investigate the occurrence of corrosion in the solar collector and the floor of the glass chamber. According to the corrosion test performed in the first experiment, the corrosion rate of copper, the galvanized sheet, and stainless steel was measured to be 21.874, 24.356, and 17.595 mm/year, respectively. In order to reduce corrosion in the system, a descaling solution (acetic acid) was used, where the results of the corrosion test for copper and the galvanized sheet in the presence of the descaling solution were measured to be 14.759 and 14.795 mm/year, respectively. Considering the closeness of the corrosion rate of the galvanized sheet and the stainless steel sheet, as well as the finished price of the sheet employed in the floor of the glass chamber, the application of the galvanized sheet is more economical than the use of the stainless steel sheet.
Morphological relative frequency impedes the use of stylistic
variants
Authors: Heffernan Kevin , Hiratuka Yusuke
Published: January 2018

The sociolinguistic enterprise has demonstrated that speakers manipulate
linguistic variants as they construct their speech style. Contrary to this
expectation, this study introduces specific cases in which stylistic variation
is highly constrained. We examine the verbal negative suffix in Kansai
vernacular Japanese. We first demonstrate that this variable indexes speech
style. We then show that in a few specific contexts, such as following the verb
stem shir- ‘know’, speakers overwhelmingly use a single
variant, in this case, shira-n ‘not know’. We point out that
the unusual forms such as shira-n all have a high relative
frequency compared to the other forms in their paradigms. Complex forms such as
the English word insane, which occur more frequently than their
parts (in+sane), are difficult to decompose. We claim that this
phenomenon also impedes stylistic variation as forms such as
shira-n are not readily decomposed into verb stem +
negative suffix.
Managing diversity in higher education
Authors: Yusof Norhafezah , Hashim Rosna Awang , Valdez Nena P. , Yaacob Aizan
Published: January 2018

Situated in the first stage of Lewin’s Change Management Model (Lewin, 1947),
this study examined the strategic communication plan needed to enable Higher
Educational Institutions (HEIs) to embrace learner diversity via diversity
engagement. Participants were 56 academics from 14 public and two private
universities in Malaysia who attended the Learner Diversity training module at
the Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKEPT) between the periods from 2014 to
2015. During the training sessions, participants were asked to diagnose the
existing communication strategies of their respective universities that
concerned learner diversity, and to suggest ways to fulfill the mission of
driving diversity in their respective universities. Each participant wrote three
series of reflective writings and these created a total database of 168
reflective notes. The data were analyzed using the six phases of thematic
analysis proposed by Braun and Clarke
(2006). The findings have identified three main themes for a
strategic communication planning approach: (1) re-examining the institutional
mission statement on inclusive diversity practices, (2) changing the mindset of
academe, and (3) starting with small steps when introducing change in embracing
learner diversity. This study served as one of the baseline studies conducted at
the national level to comprehend the potential of a strategic communication
planning process in HEIs from the perspectives of employees.
The vicarious and source credibility grid across cultures
Authors: Dilbeck Keith E. , Domínguez Andrés S. , Ruiz Jon Dornaletetxe , Allen Mike R.
Published: January 2018

The manuscript offers an expansion of a traditional view of source credibility based on evaluation of a message source with inclusion of vicarious credibility (evaluation by members of a social network). The move reflects the need to consider differing cultural perspectives on how a message source might become evaluated. Data from 1,149 participants (US, Spanish, Japanese) identify vicarious and source credibility as significantly different. Classification results from discriminant analysis, where vicarious and source become a single function to create new grounds for cross-cultural communication research. The new paradigm requires the examination of both vicarious credibility in conjunction with source credibility that produce a credibility grid.
Generational differences in workplace communication
Authors: Abdul Malek Marlin Marissa , Jaguli Abd Rahim
Published: January 2018

Purpose – This research investigates the generational differences in workplace communication, expectations and behaviors of employees from the perspectives of female leaders and their direct reports.

Design – This study employs a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews with 12 female leaders and 24 of their direct reports who are working in various organizations in Malaysia.

Findings – Findings include three themes that emerged as key in determining and reflecting the female leaders’ experiences in communicating with their employees in the workplace: (1) attitudes towards power and authority; (2) being creative and taking risks and (3) workplace dynamics.

Research Implications – The workplace setting and the leaders’ stance with regards to workplace interaction have seen adjustment towards a flatter and less-hierarchical structure in line with the challenges associated with the 21st century organizations.

Practical implications – Leaders and members of the organizations should work towards balancing some traditional and emerging expectations and work practices to better engage with each other.

Originality/value – This research highlights the interactions between two distinct groups that are gaining importance and influence in the current workplace; female leaders and the Gen-Ys and uncovers the unique blend between perceived cultural dimensions, the influence of technology advancement and overseas exposure in organizations in Malaysia.
Reframing the figure of the sexual child/teen in Argentine cinema
Authors: Olivera Guillermo
Published: January 2018

Drawing on a detailed analysis of a corpus of three key Argentine post-2000 films in which the figure of the child as a sexual/gendered being is central, this article explores three core affective dimensions of the processes of queer child/teenage relational subjectivation. Firstly, it discusses the queer shameful or injured selves of LGBTIQ children/teens as nevertheless being able to open up new spaces of affective performativity that can potentially challenge gender/sexuality norms and boundaries. Secondly, it addresses early queer antagonism associated with the configurative role of the ‘closet space’. Thirdly, emerging processes of peer solidarity and alliances arising from queerness, and non-heteronormative sexualities more generally, are identified and subjected to a political reading in terms of different forms of relationality, mobility and agency. By examining the verbal as well as the visual dimensions of the referential and affective messages inscribed in these films, the analysis attends to both their articulated and non-articulated meanings.
Toward an affective phenomenology of discourse
Authors: Martin Richard Joseph
Published: January 2018

TheFifty Shadestrilogy is often associated with BDSM, yet practitioners of BDSM typically disavow the trilogy. Previous research highlights how mechanics of BDSM such as agency and consent are misrepresented in the trilogy; this study highlights differences inaffect. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork among BDSM practitioners in Berlin, Germany, this paper considers reception beyond reading as evidence of BDSM’s affective phenomenology. The paper combines an Ortner-inspired “cultural ethnography through discourse” with close reading: it compares discourse and affect observed in the field with that in the novels, and suggests that the portrayal of BDSM in the novels and portrayals of the novels as representations of BDSM misinterpret the affective phenomenology of BDSM. Through attention to language, this study shows how affect and situated discourse become mutually constitutive in shaping the legibility of phenomenological experience, suggesting that playful reterritorializations of semiotic forms can counter mimetic perpetuations of symbolic violence.
Narratives of affect
Authors: Lane Nikki
Published: January 2018

Extending the work of those who center narratives in their discussions of affect, this essay considers black queer women’s (BQW) narratives describing the sensations associated with being in and out of spaces created for and by BQW. The narratives examine emerged during ethnographic interviews I conducted in Washington, D.C. between 2012 and 2015. Many BQW living in and around Washington, D.C. socialize within what is colloquially referred to as the Scene – an amorphous, loosely connected set of social networks made up of other BQW and their allies. One of the most important and recognizable aspects of the Scene are the spaces produced for and by these social networks. I refer to these as “scene spaces.” Scene spaces are highly-affect latent sites, as people frequently talk about how space makes them feel, or how they feel in particular spaces. Thus, scene spaces serve as the focal point of this paper’s discussion.
The use of lexical and sublexical cues in speech segmentation by second language learners of English
Authors: Lin Candise Yue , Wang Min
Published: January 2018

This study examined the use of lexical and sublexical cues in speech segmentation by Mandarin L2 learners of English, focusing on
two types of lexical cue, lexical knowledge and semantic relatedness, and three coda (sublexical) cues, /n, s, ŋ/ due to their
varying phonotactic probabilities in Mandarin and English. Thirty-five native English speakers and 30 L2 learners participated in
two experiments. Experiment 1 showed that learners were able to use lexicality as a cue to segment L2 speech. The lexicality
effect significantly interacted with L2 proficiency. Experiment 2 showed that learners did not use semantic cues to the same
extent as native listeners did. All participants experienced more difficulty with word boundary identification preceded by /s/.
This difficulty may stem from weak allophonic cues of /s/ in English. L2 learners with better proficiency may be better at
recognizing familiar words from continuous speech, thus more efficiently utilizing the lexicality cue.
Effects of second language proficiency and working memory span on novel language learning
Authors: Zavaleta Kaitlyn L. , Nicol Janet L.
Published: January 2018

In this paper we examine the effects of prior language learning experience and working memory capacity on learning a novel language. Participants with a range of proficiency in a second language were trained on a third language. They were presented with 20 Turkish words (to test word-learning) and their plural counterparts (to test rule-learning). After training, participants were asked to judge whether a given label correctly matched the pictured object (comprehension) and to verbally produce the correct label for a given object (production). The comprehension test took place immediately after training and again a week later. The production test was administered after the second comprehension test. We found that performance on the initial comprehension test was predicted by working memory span but not L2 proficiency; L2 proficiency predicted learning performance only for the delayed tests. This suggests that the two variables – L2 Proficiency and Working Memory – play different roles in L3 learning.
Insights and their emergence in everyday practices
Authors: Trasmundi Sarah Bro , Linell Per
Published: January 2018

The aim of this article is twofold. First, it is a theoretical and empirically based contribution to the branch of research that studies enabling conditions of human sense-making. It demonstrates the value of a coherent ecological framework, based on dialogism and interactivity for the study of sense-making, problem-solving and task performance in naturalistic contexts. Second, it presents a promising method for the analysis of cognitive activities, Cognitive Event Analysis (CEA), with which we investigate real-life medical interactions, especially the emergence of insights in procedural task performance in emergency medicine. We show how sense-making and insights are accomplished by medical teams when they integrate cultural expertise, professional skills, inter-bodily dynamics, material constraints and affordances within the environment, i.e. when local co-action is embedded in socio-cultural patterns of behaviour.
Nations in news
Authors: Pfeilstetter Richard
Published: January 2018

This contribution investigates the stereotyping of nations in TV news text. It compares the headline appearances of the names Germany and Spain on each other’s leading national evening TV news program during the peak of the European financial crisis (2011–13). The paper combines quantitative analysis of word-frequency and topic-distribution in a 621 headline-corpus, with in-depth case analysis of news values underpinning 32 extracted headline examples. A discussion of literature in media anthropology and Critical Discourse Analysis concludes with the argument that intentions and consequences of media discourse should be separated, whereas differences between ordinary and official language should not be overvalued. The case study shows how the textual display of Germans and Spaniards supports the everyday imagining of national belonging, how othering works through the labelling of nations as “economies”, and how negativity, competition and relatedness are prevailing values underlying the examined news headlines.
How words behave in other languages
Authors: Schröter Melani
Published: January 2018

This paper undertakes a systematic investigation into the use of German Nazi vocabulary in English. Nazi vocabulary is checked for frequency of occurrence in a large web corpus of English and then, where it occurs, for reference to Nazi discourse. Next, its frequency is compared to similar French and German web corpora, showing whether or not the use of Nazi vocabulary outside German is unique to English and whether or not its current usage differs between German and the borrowing languages. Finally, the use of two words that occur with similar frequencies in all three languages – judenrein and Blitzkrieg – and of two words that occur there with the highest difference in frequency – Anschluss and Lebensraum – is investigated in detail by means of the Sketch Engine corpus tool, including an analysis of collocations which indicate contexts of usage. The results can inform further research into lexical borrowing by demonstrating that borrowed words may be used in ways that differ notably from their use in the donor language.
Oral language development among Mandarin learners in Chinese homestays
Authors: Diao Wenhao , Donovan Anne , Malone Margaret
Published: January 2018

This mixed-method study describes the oral Mandarin development of 25 American students living in Chinese homestays, and how it may
relate to the ways they respond to opportunities for interaction with their host families. While scholars have begun to examine
students’ Mandarin development during their sojourns in China, there is little research regarding changes in their holistic oral
proficiency and how such changes may be related to the quality of interaction they have with their interlocutors. The results of
this study show robust gains in proficiency ratings of their oral performances over the course of one semester. A case study of
two purposefully selected student performances – one who demonstrated the most prominent proficiency gains and the other who
showed no gains – reveals differences in the ways they respond to opportunities for interaction. These findings provide
suggestions on ways to best facilitate students’ learning experience while living with host families.
“What’s the sign fornitty gritty?”
Authors: Petitta Giulia , Halley Mark , Nicodemus Brenda
Published: January 2018

Humans have the unique capability of using language to talk about language (Jakobson 1957). For example, one can say, “The Italian word fordogiscane.” These metalinguistic references can create a dilemma for interpreters because the critical linguistic term (i.e.,cane) must be maintained in the target language to create meaning. Spoken language interpreters can render the original form since both working languages are expressed in the same modality (speech-speech). However, signed language interpreters who work between languages having distinct modalities (speech-sign), thus, must interpret forms between different phonological structures. We videorecorded ten experienced American Sign Language-English interpreters as they interpreted a mock training session containing metalinguistic references. Results showed interpreters employed numerous strategies to manage and coordinate the target language output.
Invisible no more
Authors: Spooner Ruth Anna , Sutton-Spence Rachel , Lerner Miriam Nathan , Lerner Kenny
Published: January 2018

We report here on strategies used in the art of literary translation between ASL and English through the self-reflections of three ASL-English “translators” as they grapple with the varying degrees of translator visibility that push them beyond the traditional expectations of faceless translators into becoming performers of the translated texts. During translation, their faces, hands, and/or voices embody the text, becoming an integral part of the piece, which adds layers of complexity to the ways we think about the translator’s role and the process of translation. We hope that our reflections will challenge prevailing notions about creating, performing, and translating ASL literature, as well as raise questions about recasting the role of the translator and the body in sign language translation.
Didactic subtitling in the Foreign Language (FL) classroom. Improving language skills through task-based practice and Form-Focused Instruction (FFI)
Authors: Ragni Valentina
Published: January 2018

Didactic subtitling is a relatively new area of investigation that is undergoing a surge in popularity. By bringing together findings from Audiovisual Translation (AVT), Second Language Acquisition (SLA) and psycholinguistics, some theoretical issues related to the practice of subtitle creation in Foreign Language Learning (FLL) are appraised. The article introduces Task-Based Learning and Teaching (TBLT) and reflects on what didactic subtitling can and cannot offer to TBLT approaches. In a still predominantly communicative era, language researchers are questioning the effectiveness ofentirelycommunicative approaches to FLL. Many support the idea that, if successful learning is to be achieved, some Form-Focused Instruction (FFI) is needed. This article reviews relevant FFI literature, and explores how far active subtitling can provide an effective strategy for focussing on form that leads to communicative language development. In doing so, concepts such as noticing, skill development, interaction, pushed output and consciousness-raising are addressed. It is argued that a combination of task-based and form-focused instruction in the subtitling classroom can have great potential and should be investigated further, both theoretically and empirically.
Exploring the possibilities of interactive audiovisual activities for language learning
Authors: Sokoli Stavroula
Published: January 2018

Language teachers often resort to video to familiarise their students with contextualised linguistic and cultural aspects of communication. Since they tend to consider learning-by-doing more effective than learning-by-viewing, they try to further exploit this valuable asset through active tasks, such as taking notes or answering comprehension questions, silent viewing and predicting, ordering sentences, role-playing, analysing, summarising and describing (Zabalbeascoa et al. 2015). Advances in ICT have enabled more interactive options, with a view to expanding the range of available activities to include audiovisual translation (AVT) activities, such as subtitling and dubbing. This is the focus of ClipFlair, a project which developed a platform for creating and hosting such activities and a pedagogical proposal based on the idea that language learning can be enhanced with the use of activities asking learners to work from a video by inserting their own writing (captioning) or speech (revoicing). Based on this framework, a whole range of possible activities are open to teachers, beyond standard subtitling and dubbing.

This paper starts out by briefly describing previous work done in the area and goes on to illustrate the ClipFlair conceptual framework including the educational specifications for the web platform, after the description of which concrete examples are provided in order to expand on the possible audiovisual activities that can be used in a language classroom and beyond. Finally, the paper gives an account of the learner survey carried out during the pilot phase of the project, which included feedback provided by more than a thousand learners and teachers.
Critical review of automotive hot-stamped sheet steel from an industrial perspective
Authors: Taylor T. , Clough A.
Published: January 2018

Originating from the early 1970s in Luleå, Sweden, and initially designed for the agricultural industry, hot-stamped sheet steel has developed to become the leading material in a modern state-of-the-art lightweight structural automotive body engineering. This critical review provides a detailed insight into the origins, fundamental metallurgical principles, commercial growth, current legal stronghold on aluminising coatings and latest technological developments. Comparisons to other state-of–the-art ferrous and non-ferrous automotive sheet materials are made, including carbon fibre-reinforced polymer; while the future outlook for hot-stamped sheet steel and opportunities for further technological developments are highlighted.
Laser welding/brazing of 5182 aluminium alloy to ZEK100 magnesium alloy using a nickel interlayer
Authors: Yang Jin , Yu Zhishui , Li Yulong , Zhang Hua , Zhou Norman
Published: January 2018

Aluminium alloy and magnesium alloy were successfully joined by using laser welding/brazing technology via a nickel interlayer. Microstructure and mechanical properties of the dissimilar Al/Mg joints with and without a nickel interlayer were comparatively investigated. No joints were achieved without a nickel interlayer; after welding, specimens were separated without applying any force. By inserting a nickel interlayer, sound metallurgical bonding were obtained at the interfaces. Hence, the joint strength reached 410 N with the failure at Mg/Ni interface. The influence of Ni interlayer on the weld defect, microstructure and joint strength was studied, and the joint formation mechanism was also discussed.
The red flags of child abuse
Authors: Perkins Amanda
Published: January 2018

Many nurses will encounter children who are being abused. By identifying signs and symptoms—and reporting them—we can help prevent future occurrences.
Current Strategies in the Management of Syndesmotic Injuries
Authors: Khazai Ravand S. , Weatherford Brian M.
Published: January 2018

Failure to adequately reduce and stabilize syndesmotic injuries has been repeatedly linked to poor outcomes in unstable ankle fractures. There remains controversy with regard to the ideal management of these injuries. This article reviews the background of syndesmotic injuries, as well as recent aspects of management that have generated controversy. Particular emphasis is placed on assessment of reduction, syndesmotic stability, and of various methods of fixation.

Level of Evidence: Level V—review article, expert opinion. See instructions for authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Coordination of the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes program: so the whole is greater than the sum of its parts
Authors: Smith Brian , Knox Susan , Benjamin Daniel K.
Published: January 2018

Purpose of review

The Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program's mission is to enhance the health of children for generations to come. In this manuscript, we describe the structure of the ECHO Coordinating Center (ECHO-CC) and its role in developing the infrastructure for the ECHO program.

Recent findings

The ECHO-CC supports ECHO's mission by developing the framework of the ECHO program, coordinating multiple levels of membership in the ECHO community, developing ECHO policies and procedures, and fostering communication and engagement inside and outside of ECHO.

The ECHO-CC has used a number of innovative methods for organization, communication, and engagement to enable the ECHO program to become greater than the sum of its parts.
Grading Using Ki-67 Index and Mitotic Rate Increases the Prognostic Accuracy of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Philips Prejesh , Kooby David A. , Maithel Shishir , Merchant Nipun B. , Weber Sharon M. , Winslow Emily R. , Ahmad Syed , Kim Hong J. , Scoggins Charles R. , McMasters Kelly M. , Martin Robert C.G.
Published: January 2018

Objectives

To measure the usefulness of Ki-67 proliferative index (Ki-67 index) as a prognostic variable for grading pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Methods

A multi-institutional prospective database comprising 350 patients. Grading based on mitotic activity (<2 mitoses/10 high-power fields, 2–20 and >20) and Ki-67 index (<3% per 10 high-power fields, 3%-20% and >20%). Final grade selected based on higher grade of either variable.

Results

Most patients were in the less than 3% (n = 158) and 3% to 20% Ki-67 category (n = 107), with a minority being high-grade (Ki-67 > 20%, n = 27). Discordance between Ki-67 and mitotic rate was noted in 58 patients. On multivariate analysis, final-grade (grade 2: P = 0.010, hazard ratio [HR], 1.2; grade 3: P = 0.002; HR, 2.8), Ki-67, mitotic rate, and lymph node status were significant prognostic markers for overall survival (OS). For disease-free survival (DFS), only final-grade (grade 2: P = 0.05; HR, 1.4; grade 3: P = 0.009; HR, 2.3), Ki-67, mitotic rate, and margin status significantly predicted DFS. Ki-67 was a better model for OS and mitotic rate for DFS. Overall combined final grade was the best model based on HR.

Conclusion

Ki-67 is a strong prognostic factor for OS and DFS and should be included in all pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor pathology.
Evaluating the July Phenomenon in Plastic Surgery: A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Analysis
Authors: Rangel Lauren K. , Gonzalez Jose A. , Kantar Rami S. , Plana Natalie M. , Rifkin William J. , Stranix John T. , Diaz-Siso J. Rodrigo , Rodriguez Eduardo D.
Published: January 2018

Background:

The perception that complications are more frequent earlier in the medical academic year, known as the “July phenomenon,” has been studied in several specialties, with conflicting results. This phenomenon has yet to be studied in plastic surgery; therefore, this study sought to evaluate the presence of the July phenomenon within plastic surgery.

Methods:

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was accessed, and cases from 2005 to 2014 where “plastic surgery” was listed as the surgical specialty were identified. Only cases with trainee involvement were included for analysis. Included cases were stratified into two groups based on calendar-year quarter of admission. The quarter-3 group included 2451 cases performed during July to September of each calendar year, and the remaining-quarters group included 7131 cases performed in the remaining quarters of each calendar year. Complication rates for 24 complications of interest for quarter-3 and remaining-quarters cases with trainee involvement were calculated, chi-square analysis was used to compare complication rates between groups. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to control for potential confounders.

Results:

Comparison of complication rates within operations with trainee involvement showed a statistically significant increase in quarter-3 versus remaining-quarters groups for superficial wound infection (0.032 versus 0.023; p = 0.046) and wound dehiscence (0.010 versus 0.006; p = 0.034). No significant difference was found for the remaining 22 complications evaluated.

Conclusion:

This study of a nationwide surgical database found that for the vast majority of complications coded in the database, the rates do not increase in the beginning of the academic year.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
Genetic potential for disease resistance in a critically endangered frog decimated by chytridiomycosis
Authors: Kosch Tiffany A. , Silva Catarina N. S. , Brannelly Laura A. , Roberts Alexandra A. , Lau Quintin , Berger Lee , Skerratt Lee F.
Published: January 2018

Southern corroboree frogs (Pseudophryne corroboree) have been driven to functional extinction in the wild after the emergence of the amphibian fungal pathogenBatrachochytrium dendrobatidis(Bd) in southeastern Australia in the 1980s. This species is currently maintained in a captive assurance colony and is managed to preserve the genetic diversity of the founding populations. However, it is unlikely that self-sustaining wild populations can be re-established unlessBdresistance increases. We performed aBd-challenge study to investigate the association between genetic variants of the major histocompatibility complex class IA (MHC) and genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We also investigated differences inBdsusceptibility among individuals and populations, and the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of four naturalP. corroboreepopulations. We found several MHC alleles and SNPs associated withBdinfection load and survival, provide evidence of significant structure among populations, and identified population-level differences in the frequency of influential variants. We also detected evidence of positive selection acting on the MHC and a subset of SNPs as well as evidence of high genetic diversity inP. corroboreepopulations. We suggest that low interbreeding rates may have contributed to the demise of this species by limiting the spread ofBdresistance genes. However, our findings demonstrate that despite dramatic declines there is potential to restore high levels of genetic diversity inP. corroboree. Additionally, we show that there are immunogenetic differences among captive southern corroboree frogs, which could be manipulated to increase disease resistance and mitigate the key threatening process, chytridiomycosis.
Audio-tactile and peripersonal space processing around the trunk in human parietal and temporal cortex: an intracranial EEG study
Authors: Bernasconi Fosco , Noel Jean-Paul , Park Hyeong Dong , Faivre Nathan , Seeck Margitta , Spinelli Laurent , Schaller Karl , Blanke Olaf , Serino Andrea
Published: January 2018

Interactions with the environment happen by the medium of the body within one’s peripersonal space (PPS) - the space surrounding the body. Studies in monkey and humans have highlighted a multisensory distributed cortical network representing the PPS. However, electrophysiological evidence for a multisensory encoding of PPS in humans is lacking. Here, we recorded for the first time intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) in humans while administering tactile stimulation (T) on the trunk, approaching auditory stimuli (A), and the combination of the two (AT). To map PPS, in AT trials, tactile stimulation was delivered when the sound was far, at an intermediate location, or close to the body. We first identified electrodes showing AT multisensory integration (i.e., AT vs. A+T): 19% of the recording electrodes. Among those electrodes, we identified those showing a PPS effect (30% of the AT electrodes), i.e., a modulation of the evoked response to AT stimulation as a function of the distance between the sound and body. For most sites, AT multisensory integration and PPS effects had similar spatiotemporal characteristics, with an early response (~50ms) in the insular cortex, and later responses (~200ms) in pre‐ and post-central gyri. Superior temporal cortex showed a different response pattern with AT multisensory integration at ~100ms without PPS effect. These results, representing the first iEEG delineation of PPS processing in humans, show that PPS processing happens at neural sites where also multisensory integration occurs and at similar time periods, suggesting that PPS representation (around the trunk) is based on a spatial modulation of multisensory integration.
Shallow evolutionary divergence between two Andean hummingbirds: Speciation with gene flow?
Authors: Palacios Catalina , García-R Silvana , Parra Juan Luis , Cuervo Andrés M. , Stiles F. Gary , McCormack John E. , Cadena Carlos Daniel
Published: January 2018

Ecological speciation can proceed despite genetic interchange when selection counteracts homogeneizing effects of migration. We tested predictions of this divergence-with-gene-flow model inCoeligena heliantheaandC. bonapartei, two parapatric Andean hummigbirds with marked plumage divergence. We sequenced neutral markers (mtDNA and nuclear ultra conserved elements) to examine genetic structure and gene flow, and a candidate gene (MC1R) to assess its role underlying divergence in coloration. We also tested the prediction of Glogers’ rule that darker forms occur in more humid environments, and compared ecomorphological variables to assess adaptive mechanisms potentially promoting divergence. Genetic differentiation between species was very low and coalescent estimates of migration were consistent with divergence with gene flow.MC1Rvariation was unrelated to phenotypic differences. Species did not differ in macroclimatic niches but were distinct in ecomorphology. Although we reject adaptation to variation in humidity as the cause of divergence, we hypothesize that speciation likely occurred in the face of gene flow, driven by other ecological pressures or by sexual selection. Marked phenotypic divergence with no neutral genetic differentiation is remarkable for Neotropical birds, and makesC. heliantheaandC. bonaparteian appropriate system in which to search for the genetic basis of species differences employing genomics.
Development of PTSD-like behavior in adult mice after observing an acute traumatic event
Authors: Lee Ray X. , Stephens Greg J. , Kuhn Bernd
Published: January 2018

In human post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a major psychiatry challenge is how diverse stress reactions emerge after a protracted symptom-free period. Here, we study the behavioral development in mice isolated after observing an aggressive encounter inflicted upon their pair-housed partners and compared the results with those in multiple control paradigms. Compared with mice plainly isolated, mice isolated following the acute witnessing social stress gradually developed a wide range of long-term differences of their physiological conditions, spontaneous behaviors, and social interactions, including paradoxical results if interpreted in traditional ways. To address this developmental diversity, we applied fine-scale behavioral analysis to standard behavioral tests and showed that the seemingly sudden emergent behavioral differences developed gradually. Mice showed different developmental patterns in different zones of a behavior testing apparatus. However, the results of the fine-scale analysis together with state-space behavioral characterization allow a consistent interpretation of the seemingly conflicting observations among multiple tests. Interestingly, these behavioral differences were not observed if the aggressive encounter happened to a stranger mouse. Additionally, traumatized mice showed rebound responses to their partners after the long separation. In contrast, mice pair-housed with their attacked partners after the aggressive encounters still showed a difference in social interactions, while a difference in spontaneous behaviors did not occur. Accordingly, we propose that social relationship is the single common factor underlying the otherwise independent development of behavioral differences in this mouse paradigm and that the gained insights could have parallels in human PTSD development.
Observation weights to unlock bulk RNA-seq tools for zero inflation and single-cell applications
Authors: Van den Berge Koen , Perraudeau Fanny , Soneson Charlotte , Love Michael I. , Risso Davide , Vert Jean-Philippe , Robinson Mark D. , Dudoit Sandrine , Clement Lieven
Published: January 2018

Dropout events in single-cell transcriptome sequencing (scRNA-seq) cause many transcripts to go undetected and induce an excess of zero read counts, leading to power issues in differential expression (DE) analysis. This has triggered the development of bespoke scRNA-seq DE methods to cope with zero inflation. Recent evaluations, however, have shown that dedicated scRNA-seq tools provide no advantage compared to traditional bulk RNA-seq tools. We introduce a weighting strategy, based on a zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) model, that identifies excess zero counts and generates gene and cell-specific weights to unlock bulk RNA-seq DE pipelines for zero-inflated data, boosting performance for scRNA-seq.