bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhodium metal–rhodium oxide (Rh–Rh2O3) nanostructures with Pt-like or better activity towards hydrogen evolution and oxidation reactions (HER, HOR) in acid and base: correlating its HOR/HER activity with hydrogen binding energy and oxophilicity of the catalyst
Authors: Kundu Manas Kumar , Mishra Ranjit , Bhowmik Tanmay , Barman Sudip
Published: October 2018

Rh–Rh2O3 nanostructures exhibit superior HER and HOR in acid and base; hydrogen binding energy and oxophilicity were found to be the equivalent descriptors for HER/HOR in alkaline medium.
Mixed phthalocyanine-porphyrin-based conjugated microporous polymers towards unveiling the activity origin of Fe–N4 catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Liu Wenbo , Wang Kang , Wang Chiming , Liu Wenping , Pan Houhe , Xiang Yanjuan , Qi Dongdong , Jiang Jianzhuang
Published: October 2018

Mixed phthalocyanine-porphyrin-based conjugated microporous polymers with Fe–N4 active sites were fabricated with the origin of their ORR catalytic activity clarified.
Wetting behaviors and applications of metal-catalyzed CVD grown graphene
Authors: Khan Afzal , Habib Mohammad Rezwan , Kumar Rishi Ranjan , Islam Sk Masiul , Arivazhagan V. , Salman Muhammad , Yang Deren , Yu Xuegong
Published: October 2018

Metal-catalyzed chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth of graphene is one of the most important techniques to produce high quality and large area graphene films.
Nanoporous PdCe bimetallic nanocubes with high catalytic activity towards ethanol electro-oxidation and the oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline media
Authors: Chen Jiyun , Li Yao , Lu Nali , Tian Chunhuan , Han Zhida , Zhang Lei , Fang Yong , Qian Bin , Jiang Xuefan , Cui Rongjing
Published: October 2018

In this work, we reported a simple method to fabricate nanoporous PdCe (NP-PdCe) nanocubes with high activity and good stability by melt spinning combined with chemical dealloying.
Topotactic conversion of calcium carbide to highly crystalline few-layer graphene in water
Authors: Jia Yin , Chen Xiangchao , Zhang Guoxin , Wang Lin , Hu Cejun , Sun Xiaoming
Published: October 2018

CaC2 redox-reaction with water facilitates the formation of highly crystalline graphene via the electron depletion and cross-linking of pre-arranged C22− dumbbells.
Desensitization of the dinitromethyl group: molecular/crystalline factors that affect the sensitivities of energetic materials
Authors: Zhang Jichuan , Zhang Jiaheng , Parrish Damon A. , Shreeve Jean'ne M.
Published: October 2018

The dinitromethyl group has attracted considerable attention because of its high nitrogen and oxygen content, positive oxygen balance and high energy.
Optical and electronic anisotropies in perovskitoid crystals of Cs3Bi2I9 studies of nuclear radiation detection
Authors: Sun Qihao , Xu Yadong , Zhang Hongjian , Xiao Bao , Liu Xin , Dong Jiangpeng , Cheng Yuanbo , Zhang Binbin , Jie Wanqi , Kanatzidis Mercouri G.
Published: October 2018

Cs3Bi2I9 single crystals with significant anisotropies show a capability of detecting 241Am@5.49 MeV α particles ((FWHM) of ∼32%).
Dual-functional peptide conjugated gold nanorods for the detection and photothermal ablation of pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Chen Qingyu , Zhang Liwei , Feng Yonghai , Shi Fan , Wang Yibing , Wang Ping , Liu Lei
Published: October 2018

Au@peptide937 nanorods for detecting bacteria by specific binding and killing bacteria due to the local hyperthermal effect.
Dual water-healable zwitterionic polymer coatings for anti-biofouling surfaces
Authors: Wang Zhanhua , Fei Guoxia , Xia Hesheng , Zuilhof Han
Published: October 2018

Herein, we show for the first time drop-casting zwitterionic polymer colloidal particles onto different surfaces to obtain zwitterionic coatings with highly protein-repelling properties and dual self-healing capabilities.
Photolithographically assembled polyelectrolyte complexes as shape-directing templates for thermoreversible gels
Authors: Choudhuri Kunal , de Silva Udaka K. , Huynh Vincent , Wylie Ryan G. , Lapitsky Yakov
Published: October 2018

Photolithographically prepared polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) can serve as shape-directing, sacrificial templates for nonionic thermoreversible gels.
Multifunctional cellulose-based hydrogels for biomedical applications
Authors: Fu Lian-Hua , Qi Chao , Ma Ming-Guo , Wan Pengbo
Published: October 2018

This review focuses on state-of-the-art progress in cellulose-based hydrogels, and emphasizes their fascinating properties and biomedical applications.
NIR-responsive carbon-based nanocarriers for switchable on/off drug release and synergistic cancer therapy
Authors: Nie Rongrong , Liu Hongji , Hu Lin , Gu Xinyu , Qian Junchao , Wang Hui
Published: October 2018

This communication reports a chitosan-gated carbon-based nanocarrier as a NIR light-switchable drug delivery system for controlled on/off drug release.
Polymorphism of derivatives of tert-butyl substituted acridan and perfluorobiphenyl as sky-blue OLED emitters exhibiting aggregation induced thermally activated delayed fluorescence
Authors: Hladka Iryna , Volyniuk Dmytro , Bezvikonnyi Oleksandr , Kinzhybalo Vasyl , Bednarchuk Tamara J. , Danyliv Yan , Lytvyn Roman , Lazauskas Algirdas , Grazulevicius Juozas V.
Published: October 2018

Blue multi-functional emitters with a perfluorobiphenyl moiety exhibiting polymorphism and changing emission colour.
Novel three‐level T‐type isolated bidirectional DC–DC converter
Authors: Demirel Onur , Arifoglu Ugur , Kalayci Kemal
Published: October 2018

This study presents a novel three‐level T‐type isolated bidirectional DC–DC converter (3LTT‐IBDC) for bidirectional DC power transfer. Owing to of the T‐type structure of the proposed converter it has less number of switches and thus, lower cost and higher efficiency, as well as easy control are the advantages of the proposed converter compared to three‐level counterparts. Additionally, 3LTT‐IBDC is more reliable than three‐level converters since unequal voltage blocking does not occur in T‐type structure. Moreover, the symmetrical operation of the isolation transformer due to three‐level symmetrical voltage waveform, lower voltage stress of switches and thus, higher efficiency are other advantages of 3LTT‐IBDC compared to two‐level counterparts. Here, the DC voltage gain and power transfer characteristic of the proposed converter for steady‐state operation and the expressions of the leakage inductance are derived. The proposed converter is simulated using PSIM. A 2‐kW prototype is built to verify the theoretical analysis of the converter. Theoretical and experimental results show a good agreement and validate the competency of the presented converter design. The efficiency of the proposed converter and switching transitions of the switches are analysed. The full load and maximum efficiency of the converter are measured as 96.27% and 96.81%, respectively.
The sub‐module voltage‐balanced control strategy of mmc‐HVDC based on model prediction control
Authors: Zhang Ming‐Guang , Li Bo
Published: October 2018

The modular multilevel converter (MMC) has the advantages of high efficiency, low harmonic, modular design, and easy cascade, which has been widely used in the field of high voltage and large capacity energy conversion. In order to improve the dynamic response speed of the MMC‐HVDC based on the modular multi‐level converter, a novel method which combines a model predictive control (MPC) of MMC‐HVDC system with improved sub‐module voltage balanced control strategy is proposed. The method, which utilises the prediction model, feedback correction and rolling optimisation to obtain the optimal voltage control, overcomes the difficulties in the traditional way of setting PI parameters of the internal loop current controller and the outer loop controller and tackles the problem of low dynamic response. Finally, a 21‐level MMC‐HVDC system simulation model is built on PSCAD‐EMTDC software platform. The simulation results indicate the effectiveness and feasibility of the control strategy.
Scheduling model of power system with renewable energy and transaction mode of direct electricity purchase by large consumers considering network security constraints
Authors: Li Yan , Wang Xiuli , Zhang Wentao , Zuo Yu , Zhang Qianwen
Published: October 2018

The policy of transaction mode of direct electricity purchase by large consumers will further reduce the power system scheduling space. When large‐scale non‐controllable wind turbines and photovoltaic power stations are connected to the system, the optimal scheduling of the system will face even more severe challenges. In order to analyse the impact of the direct purchase of large consumers on the system capacity of renewable energy, this paper proposes a scheduling model of power system with renewable energy and transaction mode of direct electricity purchase by large consumers considering network security constraints. By taking into account the network security constraints, this model can compute large power system and analyse the impact of the direct electricity purchase unit access node on renewable consumption capacity of the system. To illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed model, a real power system in a northern province of China is used in the case study. The consumed renewable energy is calculated and the reason for the wind and solar power curtailment is analysed. The influence of real‐time price, contract size, and the unit access node of the direct electricity purchase on renewable energy consumption capacity of the system is analysed.
DC voltage margin adaptive droop control strategy of VSC‐MTDC systems
Authors: Cheng Zhi Ping , Wang Yi Fan , Li Zhong Wen , Gao Jin Feng
Published: October 2018

In this study, direct current (DC) voltage margin control strategy and droop control strategy of voltage source converter multi‐terminal direct current (VSC‐MTDC) are introduced firstly, and according to the characteristics of two control strategies, an adaptive droop control strategy of DC voltage margin is proposed. When the power fluctuation of DC grid is relatively smaller, some of converter stations which connect to the power generations systems are involved in power coordination to balance the power margin of the entire DC grid. When the power of DC grid suddenly changes and the power fluctuation is relatively larger, the converter stations that adopt the adaptive droop control strategy adjust power and can avoid some of them to lose the adjust ability due to full load and power huge fluctuation as far as possible. Finally, the simulation based on MATLAB validates the effectiveness of the strategy.
Simulation of electrical trees in XLPE cable insulation and electric field analysis
Authors: Ye Gang , Cai Changxin , Zhou Bichang , Ye Mingzhu
Published: October 2018

To understand the non‐breakdown phenomenon during the accelerating electrical tree ageing in cross‐linked polyethylene (XLPE) cable insulation, the non‐breakdown mechanism of electrical tree is investigated in this study. The needle electrodes were inserted into the cable insulation samples to accelerate electrical tree ageing. The electrical trees which were not broken down had a larger expansion range and branch density. Referring to the actual cable slice for the internal structure of the sample, the electrical tree model with different number of tree channels was built. The correspondence between electric distortion and the number of tree channels was discussed. According to the calculation of the electric field distribution by the finite element method, the results showed that the electric field strength at the tip of electrical tree was reduced when the number of channels was increased. Compared with the single electrical tree channel, when the insulation was completely carbonised in the electrical tree region the electric field strength at the tip of electrical tree was reduced by 20.8%. The electric field shielding which was formed by the tips of electric trees could reduce the electric field strength at the tip of the tree and it could result in the formation of the non‐breakdown electric tree.
Tower Air‐gaps discharge characteristics and insulation coordination for UHV AC double‐circuit line
Authors: Feng Huo , Jing Nan , Qiming Ye , Yeming Ma
Published: October 2018

In order to give out inverse V‐type insulator tower air‐gaps configuration of double‐circuit UHV AC power transmission line, different distance air‐gaps from high‐voltage electrode to tower frame discharge tests of inverse V‐string are carried out. Discharge characteristics curves of power frequency voltage, 1000 μs long wave‐front switching impulse voltage, and lightning impulse of UHV AC double‐circuit tower are obtained. Results show that the 50% discharge voltage gradient of bottom phase air‐gaps is higher than middle phase. 1000 μs wave‐front switching impulse 50% discharge voltage gradient of bottom phase air‐gaps is 4.6% higher than the middle phase. Based on the test results and the characters of operating voltage and overvoltage of UHV AC power transmission system, the UHV AC double‐circuit tower inverse V‐type insulator air‐gaps configuration is proposed. The air‐gap configurations of power frequency voltage and switching overvoltage are 2.9 and 6.5 m, and the lightning protection air‐gaps are 6.7 and 7.2 m, in mountains and plains.
Research on sub‐station‐area breaker failure protection based on the principle of current differential
Authors: Li Baowei , Wen Minghao , Lv Pengfei , Zheng Junchao , Su Yaxin
Published: October 2018

On the basis of the principle of breaker failure protection delay and the analysis of the main factors which affect the protection, a sub‐station‐area breaker failure and dead‐zone protection technical scheme based on the current differential principle is proposed. In this scheme, an incomplete current differential protection is structured by the breakers current transformer (CT) of the non‐fault area, which is adjacent to the fault area. When the criteria of the incomplete current differential protection are satisfied, the adjacent breakers will trip to realise the isolation of the fault. This scheme is not only affected by the CT tailing and CT saturation, but also greatly reduces the time delay of breaker failure protection and achieves the free protection setting. The implementation of the project adopts an expandable architecture designed with the master slave mode, which could be achieved by high reliability with a flexible configuration of engineering and not relying on external time signals. Moreover, this scheme has the advantages of versatility and easier to implement. Also, it is preferable due to practicability and extended significance to popularise.
Research on distributed cooperative optimisation control strategy for active distribution network based on combine‐then‐adapt diffusion algorithm
Authors: Wu Lizhen , Jiang Libo , Hao Xiaohong , Zheng Tianwen
Published: October 2018

Considering the problem of cooperative operation of highly intermittent renewable generations (photovoltaic and wind power) and flexible load in active distribution network, a distributed cooperative optimisation operation strategy based on combine‐then‐adapt diffusion algorithm is proposed in this study. Distributed agents of distributed generators are connected by the distributed sparse network through distributed hierarchical control method. As an agent node of networked system, it interchanges information with its neighbours. In order to make the distribution generator meet the equal incremental cost principle, the adaptive adjacency matrix and fusion matrix with the weighted factor are introduced to update the state value of nodes to obtain the same convergence value. In this strategy, the coordinated source and load is applied by the active power optimisation dispatching for active distribution network. Stimulate analysis and experimental results show that the proposed combine‐then‐adapt diffusion algorithm can effectively solve the problem of real‐time detection signal, can quickly learn and adapt to environmental changes. Finally, the simulation analysis and experimental results of IEEE14‐bus distribution test system is carried out to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.
Study of multi‐objective optimal power flow of AC–DC hybrid system with DCpower flow controller
Authors: Li Guoqing , Wang Haoxiang , Wang He , Bian Jing , Yang Yang , Hu Jingwen
Published: October 2018

The DC power flow controller (DCPFC) is a hotspot in DC power flow analysis and control field, which can effectively improve the power flow control degree of DC power grid. The DCPFC is usually installed at the DC bus of the hub converter station. Its power flow control function is an effective complement to the power flow control of the converter station. Therefore, it is necessary to coordinate the DCPFC and the converter station. This paper adds the network loss, static voltage stability index and voltage offset into the objective function of the optimal power flow. The optimisation model of multi‐objective power flow of AC–DC hybrid system with DCPFC is established. The converter station and the DCPFC cooperate with each other to control the AC–DC system flow, and realise the coordinated control of the converter station and the DCPFC to achieve minimal loss of network, static voltage stability margin maximisation, and the use of coordinated control of the control system with economic benefits, easier scheduling and so on. Using simulation software to optimise the power flow of the hybrid system, a five‐terminal hybrid system is taken as an example to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Analysis of necessary primary reserve of a high wind penetration power system
Authors: Zhao Dan , Feng Xichao , Gong Yanqun , Zhang Bo , Jiang Xunzhi
Published: October 2018

The increasing wind power penetration poses a great challenge to the operation stability of the traditional power system. The current mainstream wind turbines are variable speed wind turbines. Some of the traditional power supplies are replaced by large‐scale wind power integration. The inertia of a variable speed wind turbine is decoupled by power electronic converters from the power network and therefore does not intrinsically contribute to power system inertia. The principle of the power system frequency regulation is introduced. The primary frequency response of the high wind penetration power system is analysed based on a typical power system frequency response model and the primary frequency characteristic of the wind turbine. Necessary primary reserves provided by wind farms are studied based on the real data of a specific power system.
Simulation calculation of electric field protection for live working on Ultra‐high voltage transmission line
Authors: Zhang Bing , Dai Ruzhang , Ma Wanxun , Wu Huijian , Zhi Li , Chen Yanran , Zhang Yujiao
Published: October 2018

The current standards related to live working provide no determined path for equal potential working, in which only safety distance is referred, so that the works are often executed relying on the line maintenance experience. As high‐voltage and strong space electrical field intensity exist in 1000 kV ultra‐high voltage transmission lines, the real‐time safe distance measurement is difficult to be conducted and the exhaustive full‐scale experiments are difficult to accomplish due to the varied true tower models and lines. Simulation calculation is aroused for improving the efficiency of safety distance calculation and safety path planning during the process of importing and exporting the potential according to the different kind of tower and the actual line situation. Here, with the cup type iron tower and hanging basket mode, the electrical field intensity in and outside of screening clothes at different part of body while climbing tower and during equal‐potential process are calculated, and then the safety distance, the combination gap, and the optimal path planning are carried out. The simulation results demonstrate that electrical field intensity meet safety requirements using the proposed planning path, which enriches the theoretical basis for the safety operation of ultra‐high voltage live working.
Suppression of EMI radiation noise by inductor current recoil on boost PFC
Authors: Shen Zhou , Zhao Yang , Yan Wei , Yu Jin , Zhou Mengxia , Chen Tao , Zhu Jiaming
Published: October 2018

As the development of switching power and power factor correction (PFC) technology in electronic devices, there is strong transient current rate and electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise caused by switching power supply MOSFET, IGBT, and other semiconductor, which can seriously affect the normal operation of electronic devices and the electromagnetic environment. This paper established a radiation EMI model of Boost PFC circuit under critical conduction mode (CRM); extracted the high‐frequency noise current caused by Boost PFC switching device; proposed EMI radiation noise suppression technology by inductor current recoil; discussed the influence of the boost inductor and the parasitic capacitance, the transient current change rate, and the radiation EMI noise; built a Boost PFC hardware circuit; examined on EMI standardisation based on RE 101 (magnetic field radiation) and RE 102 (electric field radiation). It is proved that the boost inductor current recoil method can effectively suppress the radiation EMI noise of the Boost PFC circuit under CRM. Results show that the magnetic field radiation noise can be reduced to 2 dBpT in frequency 25 Hz–100 kHz, the radiation noise can be reduced to 20 dB V/m in frequency 100 kHz–5 MHz.
Estimation of state‐of‐charge based on unscented Kalman particle filter for storage lithium‐ion battery
Authors: Gao Shengwei , Kang Mingren , Li Longnv , Liu Xiaoming
Published: October 2018

Battery management systems (BMS) are widely used in energy storage systems and electric vehicles. The precise estimation of state‐of‐charge is a key factor affecting the performance of BMS. For the difficulty of calculating the charge status of storage lithium battery (e.g. poor estimation and reliability), this study presents the way of unscented Kalman particle filter (UPF) based on the online recursive least square method matched by dual polarisation battery model. The results show that, compared to the extended Kalman filter (EKF), extended Kalman particle filter (EKPF) and the unscented Kalman filter, the estimate accuracy was improved by 50.9, 33.4 and 19.6%, respectively. The online parameter identification assisted by UPF shows stronger inhibitory effect and the convergence stability. Besides, in comparison to the offline parameter identification with UPF, the estimated accuracy of 27.59% was improved by using the online parameter identification.
Voltage stability analysis of DC ship power system with pulse load
Authors: Gao Xue‐Ping , Fu Li‐Jun , Hu Jian , Yan Qing‐Song
Published: October 2018

With the continuous development of pulse load represented by laser weapon and electromagnetic railgun, its application to the naval combat platform becomes a tendency. These pulse loads have the characteristic of high power as well as instantaneous which will impact the volume limited DC ship power system and challenge its stability. For this purpose, the simulation model of a medium voltage DC ship power system is built in PSCAD/EMTDC. Choose electromagnetic railgun which has two‐level energy storage system as the representation of the pulse load. The model of the railgun is built through derivation then added to the DC ship power system to study the influence it does to the system voltage stability. The small disturbance method is used to compute the voltage stability of the whole system and the result is compared with the simulation figures. The comparison shows that the two‐level energy storage based electromagnetic railgun can works normally in the system thus provides a new method to the way that the pulse load applies to the DC ship power system.
Thyroid Peroxidase as an Autoantigen in Hashimoto’s Disease: Structure, Function, and Antigenicity
Authors: Williams Daniel , Le Sarah , Godlewska Marlena , Hoke David , Buckle Ashley
Published: October 2018

Human thyroid peroxidase (TPO), is an important enzyme responsible for the biosynthesis of thyroid hormones and is a major autoantigen in autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs) such as the destructive Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Although the structure of TPO has yet to be determined, its extracellular domain consists of three regions that exhibit a high degree of sequence similarity to domains of known three-dimensional structure: the myeloperoxidase (MPO)-like domain, complement control protein (CCP)-like domain, and epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domain. Homology models of TPO can therefore be constructed, providing some structural context to its known function, as well as facilitating the mapping of regions that are responsible for its autoantigenicity. In this review, we highlight recent progress in this area, in particular how a molecular modelling approach has advanced the visualisation and interpretation of epitope mapping studies for TPO, facilitating the dissection of the interplay between TPO protein structure, function, and autoantigenticity.
Computer-aided prediction of polyp histology on white light colonoscopy using surface pattern analysis
Authors: Sánchez-Montes Cristina , Sánchez Francisco , Bernal Jorge , Córdova Henry , López-Cerón María , Cuatrecasas Miriam , Rodríguez de Miguel Cristina , García-Rodríguez Ana , Garcés-Durán Rodrigo , Pellisé María , Llach Josep , Fernández-Esparrach Glòria
Published: October 2018

Background This study aimed to evaluate a new computational histology prediction system based on colorectal polyp textural surface patterns using high definition white light images.

Methods Textural elements (textons) were characterized according to their contrast with respect to the surface, shape, and number of bifurcations, assuming that dysplastic polyps are associated with highly contrasted, large tubular patterns with some degree of bifurcation. Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) was compared with pathological diagnosis and the diagnosis made by endoscopists using Kudo and Narrow-Band Imaging International Colorectal Endoscopic classifications.

Results Images of 225 polyps were evaluated (142 dysplastic and 83 nondysplastic). The CAD system correctly classified 205 polyps (91.1 %): 131/142 dysplastic (92.3 %) and 74/83 (89.2 %) nondysplastic. For the subgroup of 100 diminutive polyps (≤ 5 mm), CAD correctly classified 87 polyps (87.0 %): 43/50 (86.0 %) dysplastic and 44/50 (88.0 %) nondysplastic. There were no statistically significant differences in polyp histology prediction between the CAD system and endoscopist assessment.

Conclusion A computer vision system based on the characterization of the polyp surface in white light accurately predicted colorectal polyp histology.
Re-Evaluation of 162 Malignant Thyroid Nodules that were Interpreted as Benign Based on Ultrasound Findings
Authors: Fujimoto Tomoko , Hirokawa Mitsuyoshi , Suzuki Ayana , Ota Hisashi , Oshita Maki , Kudo Takumi , Fukushima Mitsuhiro , Kobayashi Kaoru , Miyauchi Akira
Published: October 2018

The goal of this study was to estimate the risk of malignant thyroid nodules being interpreted as benign based on ultrasound findings and to clarify the pathological features of these malignant nodules.

We retrospectively re-evaluated ultrasound and pathological findings for 162 malignant thyroid nodules that were initially interpreted as benign based on ultrasound findings at Kuma Hospital between April 2012 and June 2015.

The incidences of malignancy among “benign” thyroid nodules were 0.5% overall and 6.2% among resected nodules. In addition, 82.7% of thyroid nodules that were originally judged to have low or very low suspicion patterns were subsequently re-categorized as having high or intermediate suspicion patterns. The incidences of irregular margins (63.6%) and low echogenicity (36.4%) were higher than those of punctate microcalcification (17.9%) and the taller-than-wide shape (20.4%). Among microcarcinomas, the incidences were 65.7% for irregular margins and 51.4% for low echogenicity. Rim calcification with small extrusive soft tissue components and extrathyroidal extensions were not observed. After re-evaluation, 40.0% of papillary thyroid carcinomas remained benign based on their variants, such as the encapsulated, follicular, macrofollicular, and oxyphilic cell variants.

We conclude that more careful observation, especially for lesions with irregular margins and low echogenicity, can help improve the diagnostic accuracy of thyroid ultrasonography. Furthermore, greater care may decrease the incidence of malignancy among thyroid nodules with low or very low suspicion patterns. Some variants of papillary thyroid carcinoma can have benign ultrasound findings.
Diagnostic yield of magnetically assisted capsule endoscopy versus gastroscopy in recurrent and refractory iron deficiency anemia
Authors: Ching Hey-Long , Hale Melissa F. , Kurien Matthew , Campbell Jennifer A. , Chetcuti Zammit Stefania , Healy Ailish , Thurston Victoria , Hebden John M. , Sidhu Reena , McAlindon Mark E.
Published: October 2018

Background Small-bowel capsule endoscopy is advocated and repeat upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy should be considered for evaluation of recurrent or refractory iron deficiency anemia (IDA). A new device that allows magnetic steering of the capsule around the stomach (magnetically assisted capsule endoscopy [MACE]), followed by passive small-bowel examination might satisfy both requirements in a single procedure.

Methods In this prospective cohort study, MACE and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) were performed in patients with recurrent or refractory IDA. Comparisons of total (upper GI and small bowel) and upper GI diagnostic yields, gastric mucosal visibility, and patient comfort scores were the primary end points.

Results 49 patients were recruited (median age 64 years; 39 % male). Combined upper and small-bowel examination using the new capsule yielded more pathology than EGD alone (113 vs. 52; P < 0.001). In upper GI examination (proximal to the second part of the duodenum, D2), MACE identified more total lesions than EGD (88 vs. 52; P < 0.001). There was also a difference if only IDA-associated lesions (esophagitis, altered/fresh blood, angioectasia, ulcers, and villous atrophy) were included (20 vs. 10; P = 0.04). Pathology distal to D2 was identified in 17 patients (34.7 %). Median scores (0 – 10 for none – extreme) for pain (0 vs. 2), discomfort (0 vs. 3), and distress (0 vs. 4) were lower for MACE than for EGD (P < 0.001).

Conclusion Combined examination of the upper GI tract and small bowel using the MACE capsule detected more pathology than EGD alone in patients with recurrent or refractory IDA. MACE also had a higher diagnostic yield than EGD in the upper GI tract and was better tolerated by patients.
Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern of Bacterial Isolates in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Kaduna, Nigeria
Authors: Musa Emmanuel , Kodiya Aliyu , Kirfi Abdullahi , Nwaorgu Onyekwere
Published: October 2018

Introduction A common practice in the management of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), the empirical use of antibiotics may contribute to treatment failure and to the development of antimicrobial resistance.

Objective To determine the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria associated with CRS.

Methods This was a prospective cross-sectional study in which endoscopically guided middle meatal swabs (IBM Spss, version 16.0, Chicago, IL, USA) were aseptically taken from patients diagnosed with CRS after obtaining informed consent and ethical clearance. The samples were sent to the laboratory for qualitative and semiquantitative analysis via gram stain, aerobic, anaerobic cultures and antibacterial sensitivity tests. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS for Windows, version 16 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA). Simple statistical parameters and paired sample t-test were used, as appropriate.

Results There were 74 (56.92%) bacterial growths, out of which 55 (74.32%) were aerobic and 19 (25.68%) were anaerobic isolates, from a total of 130 patients. About 13 (17.5%–18%) of these bacterial growths yielded a mixed growth of aerobic and anaerobic isolates. The most common bacterial isolates were 26 (35.14%) Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae 9 (12.16%), Streptococcus viridians 8 (10.81%), and Streptococcus pneumoniae 5 (6.76%). Augmentin, ciprofloxacin, and Peflacine were found to be most effective, followed by levofloxacin, Rocephin, erythromycin and Zinat in that order.

Conclusion Augmentin, ciprofloxacin and Peflacine have a sensitivity of 100%, while most of the organisms show resistance to Ampiclox, amoxicillin, and Septrin.
Activity patterns with silent states in a heterogeneous network of gap-junction coupled Huber-Braun model neurons
Authors: Tchaptchet Aubin
Published: October 2018

A mathematical model of a network of nearest neighbor gap-junction coupled neurons has been used to examine the impact of neuronal heterogeneity on the networks’ activity during increasing coupling strength. Heterogeneity has been introduced by Huber-Braun model neurons with randomization of the temperature as a scaling factor. This leads to neurons of an enormous diversity of impulse pattern, including burst discharges, chaotic activity, and two different types of tonic firing—all of them experimentally observed in the peripheral as well as central nervous system. When the network is composed of all these types of neurons, randomly selected, a particular phenomenon can be observed. At a certain coupling strength, the network goes into a completely silent state. Examination of voltage traces and inter-spike intervals of individual neurons suggests that all neurons, irrespective of their original pattern, go through a well-known bifurcation scenario, resembling those of single neurons especially on external current injection. All the originally spontaneously firing neurons can achieve constant membrane potentials at which all intrinsic and gap-junction currents are balanced. With limited diversity, i.e., taking out neurons of specific patterns from the lower and upper temperature range, spontaneous firing can be reinstalled with further increasing coupling strength, especially when the tonic firing regimes are missing. Reinstalled firing develops from slowly increasing subthreshold oscillations leading to tonic firing activity with already fairly well synchronized action potentials, while the subthreshold potentials can still be significantly different. Full in phase synchronization is not achieved. Additional studies are needed elucidating the underlying mechanisms and the conditions under which such particular transitions can appear.
The mechanical properties of epoxy resin composites modified by compound modification
Authors: Li Cuiyu , Zhang Rui , Wang Gaopan , Shi Yameng
Published: October 2018

The composite modification is a method of modifying the surface of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fabric through the surface grafting, at the same time the epoxy resin through ultrasonic and 3- amino propyl triethoxy silane (KH550), and then using the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process to prepare the composite. Explore the improvement of the interface between fiber and resin so as to optimize the mechanical properties of the material. The modification effect, the mechanism of action and the effect of different KH550 contents on the properties of the composite were studied. Compared with the unmodified sample, When 1wt% KH550, the maximum tensile load, tensile strength and the tensile fracture length increased by 13.83%, 20.19% and 51.27%, respectively, and the tensile modulus was reduced by 29.74%. The maximum bending stress and bending modulus of the 1wt% KH550 sample were increased by 104.57% and 190.97%, respectively. The displacement, which is related to the maximum loading, the pressure and the tension area of the resin decreased by 7.81%. The KH550 content had a substantial influence on the thermal decomposition temperature of UHMWPE, and it had a small effect on the epoxy resin. A KH550 content of 1wt% strengthened the bonds between the fibre and the resin, such that the main failure mode of the pressure area was the hickies, and the tension areas contained hickies and cracks.
Multiband switching realized by a bidirectionally tunable and multiconfiguration acoustic diode
Authors: He Jia-Hao , Huang Hsin-Haou
Published: October 2018

We propose a bidirectionally tunable and multiconfiguration acoustic diode. The acoustic characteristics of the proposed prototype acoustic diode (PAD) were investigated experimentally and numerically. The results indicated that the PAD could achieve a favorable tunability index (rate of total changes in contrast ratio) of up to 124.3%. The PAD can not only turn on or off unidirectional transmission but realize the “bidirectionally tunable effect” to tune unidirectional transmission in the forward or backward direction within multibands. In particular, the PAD employs a unique control system for switching the types of tunability from unidirectional to bidirectional. Moreover, we propose a plate-type acoustic diode (PTAD). The PTAD was observed to demonstrate favorable tunability within multibands, and the rate of total variation in its contrast ratio approached 108.0%.
Improved FEM for distribution network cables rating using multiple forgetting factors least-square
Authors: Liu Shiqi , Wang Junhua , Fang Zhijian
Published: October 2018

Complicated surroundings of distribution network cables make it difficult to compute maximum ampacity according to actual operations. However, single numerical method for cable rating causes complex computation load which is not suitable for ampacity dynamic adjustment. This paper deals with the contradiction between simplicity and accuracy of the distribution network cables rating. A novel approach with the combination of an Improved Finite Elements Model (IFEM) and Multiple Forgetting Factors Least-Square (MFLS) for distribution network cables rating is proposed. One of key boundary conditions, heat dissipation coefficient is corrected dynamically in the IFEM to improve the accuracy of boundary calculations, which shows better performance compared with the classical FEM and the IEC Standard. In addition, the proposed method capitalizes on the power of MFLS method to attain the maximum ampacity with a lower computation load while the conductor temperature reaches prescribed value instead of iterations. Multiple forgetting factors are employed considering the complex thermal process in cables, especially the maximum ampacity is reached. The combination of the IFEM and MFLS retains simplicity in computation as well as the improvement of boundary calculation accuracy. Eventually, numerous simulations and experiments are employed to verify the validity of the method. The method shows good performances and provides a better guidance to the design of cable system.
Plankton ciliate community responses to different aquatic environments in Nan'ao Island, a representative mariculture base in the South China Sea
Authors: Wu Fengxia , Dai Ming , Huang Honghui , Qi Zhanhui
Published: October 2018

The temporal variation and spatial distribution of plankton ciliate communities were investigated in Shen’ao Bay, South China Sea. In all, 35 species belonging to 17 genera and 7 orders were identified. The number of ciliate species was lower in spring than in summer, whereas ciliate abundance was higher in spring than in summer. Spatially, the number of ciliate species and ciliate abundance were higher in the oyster–algae mixed culture area and non-aquaculture area, and lower in the caged fish culture area. Multivariate and univariate analyses demonstrated that ciliate communities were associated with environmental factors (e.g. temperature, chlorophyll (Chl)-a, nutrient levels). In addition, two dominant species, namely Mesodinium rubrum and Tintinnopsis beroidea, were significantly positively correlated with Chl-a. Three dominant species, namely Strombidium globosaneum, Tintinnopsis minuta and Strombidium conicum, showed more sensitivity to dissolved oxygen, pH and chemical oxygen demand, whereas Tintinnopsis parvula and Tintinnopsis chinglanensis were significantly related to NO2–. Ciliate species diversity, species evenness and species richness were higher in the oyster–algae mixed culture area and non-aquaculture area and lower in the caged fish culture area. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that the ciliate community is significantly correlated with its aquatic habitat and the dominant species can be considered a favourable bioindicator of the marine water environment.
Grazing and tree ‘clearing’ alter grass-associated invertebrate assemblages in an Australian tropical grassy woodland
Authors: Houston Wayne A. , Melzer Alistair
Published: October 2018

To evaluate the response of invertebrates to ‘clearing’ and grazing pressure impacts, a previously grazed but uncleared grassy woodland in central Queensland was manipulated to provide four grazing pressures (destocked, low, moderate and high) and two tree treatments (with trees, i.e. untreated, and ‘cleared’, i.e. trees and saplings poisoned with herbicides), with two replicates of each, making 16 plots in total. Monitoring was carried out in 1998, approximately four years post-establishment of the treatments. Two types of samples were taken: pitfall for ground-active fauna and suction for grass-associated fauna. Overall, 23 orders of invertebrates were sampled by pitfalls and 22 by suction. Significant effects of grazing on invertebrate assemblages were detected by both methods, but no effects were detected from ‘clearing’. There was a gradation in the invertebrate assemblages from low to high grazing pressure, the invertebrate assemblages in the paddocks with the highest grazing differing most from those in the destocked and low-grazing-pressure paddocks. Notwithstanding the lack of effect of ‘clearing’ at the assemblage level, ground-active invertebrates and some grass-associated invertebrates increased in abundance following ‘clearing’, possibly reflecting an increase in the quality of the resource base. However, ground-active invertebrates and grass-associated invertebrates showed contrasting responses to grazing pressure, the former increasing, possibly reflecting changes in trapability due to the more open vegetation structure at higher grazing pressures. The abundance of grass-associated invertebrates declined by 50–80% with increased grazing – although with complex changes in assemblage structure. Despite those declines, the basic trophic pyramid remained, and, along with that, the potential for recovery of invertebrate assemblages and associated ecosystem services with reduction in grazing intensity. With 80% of Queensland grazed, the reduction in invertebrate abundance has implications for the viability of insectivores, particularly mobile fauna such as birds, at a landscape scale. It is recommended that the utility of using suction samples as a basis for assessing ecosystem functional health be investigated and that grazing pressure be reduced to increase invertebrate assemblages of rangeland pastures and to improve sustainability.
A Taxonomy of Secondary School Athletic Team Names and Mascots in the United States
Authors: Zeitler Ezra J.
Published: October 2018

Athletic team names are a fascinating yet understudied topic in onomastics. Inspired by the work of Nuessel (1994) and Smith (1997) and framed by the extensive toponymy approach described by Tent (2015), this study proposes a taxonomy of team names and mascots used by high schools in the United States. A list of 20,853 schools procured from the Clell Wade Coaches Directory catalyzed the study, and content analysis of school websites and social media accounts determined the mascots of ambiguous team names. The results include seven general categories: humans, fauna, flora, inanimate objects and phenomena, deities and spiritual beings, mythological creatures and beings, and schools not using team names. Most schools use an animal or human mascot, and prevailing themes among all names include a strong degree of convention in their selection, a high frequency of bellicosity in their character, and a small but notable observance of local distinctiveness in their presence.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of novel microRNAs in seed development of soybean
Authors: Yu Lan , Guo Rongkai , Jiang Yeqin , Ye Xinghuo , Yang Zhihong , Meng Yijun , Shao Chaogang
Published: October 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important and ubiquitous regulators of gene expression in eukaryotes. However, the information about miRNAs population and their regulatory functions involving in soybean seed development remains incomplete. Base on the Dicer-like1-mediated cleavage signals during miRNA processing could be employed for novel miRNA discovery, a genome-wide search for miRNA candidates involved in seed development was carried out. As a result, 17 novel miRNAs, 14 isoforms of miRNA (isomiRs) and 31 previously validated miRNAs were discovered. These novel miRNAs and isomiRs represented tissue-specific expression and the isomiRs showed significantly higher abundance than that of their miRNA counterparts in different tissues. After target prediction and degradome sequencing data-based validation, 13 novel miRNA–target pairs were further identified. Besides, five targets of 22-nt iso-gma-miR393h were found to be triggered to produce secondary trans-acting siRNA (ta-siRNAs). Summarily, our results could expand the repertoire of miRNAs with potentially important functions in soybean.
Equivariant Tamagawa number conjecture for Abelian varieties over global fields of positive characteristic
Authors: Trihan Fabien , Vauclair David
Published: October 2018

We state and prove certain cases of the equivariant Tamagawa number conjecture of a semistable Abelian variety over an everywhere unramified finite Galois extension of a global field of characteristic

p
>
0

p>0

under a semisimplicity hypothesis.
Combinatorial cost: A coarse setting
Authors: Kaiser Tom
Published: October 2018

The main inspiration for this paper is a paper by Elek where he introduces combinatorial cost for graph sequences. We show that having cost equal to

1
1

and hyperfiniteness are coarse invariants. We also show that “cost

−
1

-1

” for box spaces behaves multiplicatively when taking subgroups. We show that graph sequences coming from Farber sequences of a group have property A if and only if the group is amenable. The same is true for hyperfiniteness. This generalises a theorem by Elek. Furthermore we optimise this result when Farber sequences are replaced by sofic approximations. In doing so we introduce a new concept: property almost-A.
Glaciation: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Evans David J. A.
Published: October 2018

Vast, majestic, and often stunningly beautiful, glaciers lock up some 10 per cent of the world’s fresh water. These great bodies of ice play an important part in the Earth system, carving landscapes and influencing climate on regional and hemispheric scales, as well as having a significant impact on global sea level. Glaciation: A Very Short Introduction offers an overview of glaciers and ice sheets as systems, considering the role of geomorphology and sedimentology in studying them, and their impacts on our planet in terms of erosional and depositional processes. Looking at our glaciers today, and their ongoing processes, it considers the extent to which we can use this knowledge in reconstructing and interpreting ancient glacial landscapes.