bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Model Test Evaluation of High Speed Trimaran (HST) Sea Train Concept
Authors: Mizine Igor , Karafiath Gabor 
Published: April 2021

Sea Train is a longitudinal assembly of essentially similar size transportation units that increase the overall length resulting in a performance benefit to the system. Different types of mechanical connector hydrodynamic loads in a sea state have been the Achilles heel of platform assemblies operating on the sea surface. For example, Mobile Offshore Base project was discontinued in the early 1990s, partly because of the risk associated with extremely high connector loads.
The paper describes the Sea Train concept that eliminates the need for a mechanical link type of connector between units, thus allowing for rapid automatic assembly/disassembly into Sea Train formation.
All of the previously explored seatrain concepts resulted in a very long assembly of units, and the concepts with no yaw articulation between units were expected to have very large turning diameters.
Therefore a bulbous above water cylindrical nose and socket were designed to allow yaw articulation. The proposed connectorless approach to Seatrain assembly with ball and open socket coupling will also allow for lateral articulation between units to enhance turning.
Sea Train is a new concept for Military Sealift as well as for a broad spectrum of potential commercial marine transportation applications. The main advantages for Sealift are high speed and austere port access. A commercial application includes an America’s Marine Highway (AMH) Concept. A seatrain carrier for rolling stock envisioned along with the possibility of continuous coastal service that has units dropping off and other units joining up to deliver cargo.
Recently, selected model tests and operational demonstration, were performed by NSWCCD at their indoor tow tank and their outdoor maneuvering facility at Tridelphia Reservoir. A combination of individual unit tow arrangements, control algorithms for propulsion and steering, and remote control operation were examined. In conjunction with the operational demonstration, towing tank tests were done to measure a number of hydrodynamic factors. The primary objective was to determine the magnitude of resistance. These test results have confirmed basic Sea Train expectations and are presented in the paper.
Heterogeneity in transmissibility and shedding SARS-CoV-2 via droplets and aerosols
Authors: Chen Paul Z , Bobrovitz Niklas , Premji Zahra , Koopmans Marion , Fisman David N , Gu Frank X 
Published: April 2021

Background:Which virological factors mediate overdispersion in the transmissibility of emerging viruses remains a long-standing question in infectious disease epidemiology.Methods:Here, we use systematic review to develop a comprehensive dataset of respiratory viral loads (rVLs) of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1 and influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. We then comparatively meta-analyze the data and model individual infectiousness by shedding viable virus via respiratory droplets and aerosols.Results:The analyses indicate heterogeneity in rVL as an intrinsic virological factor facilitating greater overdispersion for SARS-CoV-2 in the COVID-19 pandemic than A(H1N1)pdm09 in the 2009 influenza pandemic. For COVID-19, case heterogeneity remains broad throughout the infectious period, including for pediatric and asymptomatic infections. Hence, many COVID-19 cases inherently present minimal transmission risk, whereas highly infectious individuals shed tens to thousands of SARS-CoV-2 virions/min via droplets and aerosols while breathing, talking and singing. Coughing increases the contagiousness, especially in close contact, of symptomatic cases relative to asymptomatic ones. Infectiousness tends to be elevated between 1 and 5 days post-symptom onset.Conclusions:Intrinsic case variation in rVL facilitates overdispersion in the transmissibility of emerging respiratory viruses. Our findings present considerations for disease control in the COVID-19 pandemic as well as future outbreaks of novel viruses.Funding:Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Discovery Grant program, NSERC Senior Industrial Research Chair program and the Toronto COVID-19 Action Fund.
Recombinant fusion protein by lysozyme and antibacterial peptide enhances ischemic wound healing via angiogenesis and reduction of inflammation in diabetic db/db mice
Authors: Li Wei , Jiang Yu-Xin , Chen Qing-Ying , Wang Guo-Guang 
Published: April 2021

Background & aims
Lysozyme and antibacterial peptides have been reported to broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and can further improve wound healing. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a recombinant fusion protein created by combining lysozyme and an antibacterial peptide in forming new vessels and wound healing in an ischemic hind limb.

Methods
An ischemic hind limb model was established by isolation and ligation of the femoral artery in diabetic db/db mice. Cutaneous wounds were created with or without ischemia. Adductor muscles and wounds were treated with or without the fusion protein.

Results
The fusion protein accelerated ischemic diabetic wound healing and attenuated impairment of ischemic adductor muscle . Further, the fusion protein elevated expression of platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein and mRNA in ischemic adductor muscle, reduced levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum and expression of phosphorylated nuclear factor κB (p-NF-κB) and p-IKB α in ischemic adductor. The fusion protein also enhanced levels of phosphorylated VEGF and PDGF receptors in the ischemic adductor muscles from diabetic db/db mice.

Conclusion
The data showed that the beneficial effects of the fusion protein on ischemic wound healing may be associated with angiogenesis and reduction of inflammatory response in the ischemic adductor muscles of diabetic db/db mice.
Green Synthesis, Characterization and In-vitro Antioxidant Property of Silver Nanoparticles Using the Aqueous Leaf Extract of Justicia carnea
Authors: Salaudeen I. O. , Olajuwon M. O. , Ajala A. B. , Abdulkareem T. O. , Adeniyi S. A. , Jisu S. A. , Omisore M. O. , Abdulahi M. D. , Abdulazeez J. D. , Igbalaye J. O. , Adeyemo G. A. 
Published: April 2021

This study investigated the synthesis, characterization and in vitro antioxidant activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous leaf extract of Justicia carnea. The aqueous leaf extract of J. carnea was used as a potential reducing and capping agent. To identify the compounds responsible for the reduction of silver ions, the functional groups present in the plant extract were subjected to FTIR. The in vitro antioxidant activity of synthesized nanoparticles was evaluated in terms of ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP), DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2`-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) free radicals scavenging assays. The surface plasmon resonance confirmed the formation of AgNPs with maximum absorbance at kmax = 446 nm. FTIR revealed the biological macromolecules of J. carnea leaf extract involved in the synthesis and stabilization of AgNPs. UV-Visible spectrophotometer showed absorbance peak in the range of 436-446 nm. The silver nanoparticles exhibited moderate antioxidant activities compared to standard antioxidants (ascorbic acid and BHT). These results confirmed this protocol as simple, eco-friendly, nontoxic and an alternative for conventional physical and chemical methods. It can be concluded that J. carnea leaf extract can be used effectively in the production of potential antioxidant AgNPs which could be useful in various bio-applications such as cosmetics, food and biomedical industry.
Kribbella
Authors: Meyers Paul R. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Krib.bel'la. N.L. fem. dim. n.
Kribbella
arbitrary name formed from the acronym for the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) where taxonomic studies on this taxon were first performed.

Actinobacteria / Actinobacteria / Propionibacteriales / Kribbellaceae / Kribbella

DNA G + C content
(
mol
%): 67.0–70.6 (based on 16 type‐strain genome sequences).

Type species
:
Kribbella flavida
Park et al. 1999
VP
.
Gout, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and the Risk of Death Related to Coronavirus Disease 2019: An Analysis of the UK Biobank
Authors: Topless Ruth K. , Phipps‐Green Amanda , Leask Megan , Dalbeth Nicola , Stamp Lisa K. , Robinson Philip C. , Merriman Tony R. 
Published: April 2021

ObjectivesThe objectives for this study were to assess whether gout and/or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are risk factors for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) diagnosis and to assess whether gout and/or RA are risk factors for death from COVID‐19.MethodsWe used data from the UK Biobank. Multivariable‐adjusted logistic regression was employed in the following analyses: analysis A, to test for association between gout and/or RA and COVID‐19 diagnosis (n = 473,139); analysis B, to test for association between gout and/or RA and death from COVID‐19 in a case‐control cohort of people who died of or survived COVID‐19 (n = 2059); analysis C, to test for association between gout and/or RA and death from COVID‐19 in the entire UK Biobank cohort (n = 473,139).ResultsRA, but not gout, was associated with COVID‐19 diagnosis in analysis A. Neither RA nor gout was associated with risk of death in the group diagnosed with COVID‐19 in analysis B. However, RA was associated with risk of death related to COVID‐19 by using the UK Biobank cohort in analysis C, independent of comorbidities and other measured risk factors (odds ratio [OR] 1.9; 95% confidence interval CI 1.2–3.0). Gout was not associated with death related to COVID‐19 in the same UK Biobank analysis (OR 1.2; 95% CI 0.8–1.7).ConclusionRA is a risk factor for death from COVID‐19 by using the UK Biobank cohort. These findings require replication in larger data sets that also allow for inclusion of a wider range of factors.
Bacterial Extracellular Vesicles and the Gut‐Microbiota Brain Axis: Emerging Roles in Communication and Potential as Therapeutics
Authors: Pirolli Nicholas H. , Bentley William E. , Jay Steven M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) have emerged as candidate signaling vectors for long‐distance interkingdom communication within the gut‐microbiota brain axis. Most bacteria release these nanosized vesicles, capable of signaling to the brain via their abundant protein and small RNA cargo, possibly directly via crossing the blood‐brain barrier. BEVs have been shown to regulate brain gene expression and induce pathology at most stages of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, and thus they may play a causal role in diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and depression/anxiety. On the other hand, BEVs have intrinsic therapeutic properties that may be relevant to probiotic therapy and can also be engineered to function as drug delivery vehicles and vaccines. Thus, BEVs may be both a cause of and solution to neuropathological conditions. In this review, current knowledge of the physiological roles of BEVs as well as state of the art pertaining to the development of therapeutic BEVs in the context of the microbiome‐gut‐brain axis are summarized.
Innovation of Materials, Devices, and Functionalized Interfaces in Organic Spintronics
Authors: Li Dong , Yu Gui 
Published: April 2021

AbstractOrganic spintronics has been attracting the interest of the scientific community because of its potential to complement the electronics industry by combining the spin and charge degrees of freedom. Synthesized organic materials with light elements have been widely applied in organic spintronics due to their intrinsic weak spin‐orbit coupling and hyperfine interaction. Meanwhile, the prototypic devices in inorganic spintronics have been creatively utilized to fabricate analogous organic devices. The interfaces between organic materials and ferromagnetic electrodes in spintronic devices are diverse and can lead to many novel phenomena that influence the device performance. In this review, the novel organic materials, innovative devices, and functionalized interfaces in organic spintronics are comprehensively introduced. First, the fundamental concepts and parameters of organic spin devices are clarified. Subsequently, the organic materials applied in organic spintronics are classified, which include small molecules, polymers, and organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites. Moreover, several types of spin‐related devices in this field are introduced and discussed. Thereafter, the functionalized interfaces of the spin‐related devices are categorized and elaborated upon. Finally, a brief summary and future prospects are presented, which highlight the developments necessary in organic spintronics in the near future.
Realizing the Intrinsic Anisotropic Growth of 1T′ ReS2 on Selected Au(101) Substrate toward Large‐Scale Single Crystal Fabrication
Authors: Li Xiaobo , Dai Xinyue , Tang Deqi , Wang Xiao , Hong Jinhua , Chen Chao , Yang Yang , Lu Jiangbo , Zhu Jianguo , Lei Zhibin , Suenaga Kazu , Ding Feng , Xu Hua 
Published: April 2021

AbstractLow‐symmetry 2D materials with strong in‐plane anisotropy are ideal platforms for building multifunctional optoelectronic devices. However, the random orientations and easy formation of multidomain structures lead to the single‐crystal synthesis of these materials remains a big challenge. Herein, for the first time, the orientation‐controlled synthesis of ReS2, a typical low‐symmetry 2D material, is explored via interface engineering based on the strong interaction between the material and Au substrates with different symmetries. It is revealed that the lattice orientation and growth behavior of ReS2 are closely relevant to the lattice symmetry of Au facets. Single crystal ReS2 domains with two and even one orientations are acquired on the four‐fold symmetry Au(001) facet and the two‐fold symmetry Au(101) facet, respectively. Combined with density functional theory calculations, it is demonstrated that the synergy of ultra‐strong ReS2‐Au interfacial coupling and reduction of symmetry of Au facet is critical to realizing its intrinsic anisotropic growth. Furthermore, great enhancement of electrical and photoelectrical performances are acquired on the well‐aligned single crystal ReS2 device. The progress achieved in this work provides significant guidance for the controllable synthesis of wafer‐scale single crystals of low‐symmetry 2D materials for their practical device applications.
Bioinspired Soft Microactuators
Authors: Zhu Pingan , Chen Rifei , Zhou Chunmei , Aizenberg Michael , Aizenberg Joanna , Wang Liqiu 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSoft actuators have the potential of revolutionizing the field of robotics. However, it has been a long‐standing challenge to achieve simultaneously: i) miniaturization of soft actuators, ii) high contrast between materials properties at their “on” and “off” states, iii) significant actuation for high‐payload mechanical work, and iv) ability to perform diverse shape transformations. This challenge is addressed by synergistically utilizing structural concepts found in the dermis of sea cucumbers and the tendrils of climbing plants, together with microfluidic fabrication to create diatomite‐laden hygroscopically responsive fibers with a discontinuous ribbon of stiff, asymmetrically shaped, and hygroscopically inactive microparticles embedded inside. The microactuators can undergo various deformations and have very high property contrast ratios (20–850 for various mechanical characteristics of interest) between hydrated and dehydrated states. The resulting energy density, actuation strain, and actuation stress are shown to exceed those of natural muscle by ≈4, >2, and >30 times, respectively, and their weight‐lifting ratio is 2–3 orders of magnitude higher than the value of recent hygroscopic actuators. This work offers a new and general way to design and fabricate next‐generation soft microactuators, and thus advances the field of soft robotics by tailoring the structure and properties of deformable elements to suit a desired application.
Two‐Dimensional Metal–Organic Frameworks and Covalent–Organic Frameworks for Electrocatalysis: Distinct Merits by the Reduced Dimension
Authors: Lee Min Kyung , Shokouhimehr Mohammadreza , Kim Soo Young , Jang Ho Won 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe demand to develop highly efficient electrocatalysts for renewable energy conversion has dramatically increased over the past few years. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent–organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as promising materials to improve the catalytic efficiency of a variety of electrochemical energy conversion reactions. Compared to 3D bulk MOFs and COFs, which are commonly obtained by typical synthesis routes, 2D MOFs and COFs are achieved through innovative synthesis strategies, and exhibit further benefits in terms of chemical and structural properties. Specifically, the large porosity and ultrathin structure of the 2D materials contribute to exotic properties such as large surface area, mechanical flexibility, enhanced electrical conductivity, and rapid mass transport during reactions, which are highly applicable to electrocatalysis. In this review, the synthesis methods of 2D MOFs and COFs are first discussed. Then, the distinct advantages and recent advances in 2D materials for electrocatalytic reactions, including water splitting, O2 reduction reaction, CO2 reduction reaction, and N2 reduction reaction, are introduced. Finally, based on existing challenges, crucial issues for the development of reliable 2D MOFs and COFs with enhanced catalytic performance are discussed.
Tunable Interaction between Metal‐Organic Frameworks and Electroactive Components in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries: Status and Perspectives
Authors: Qi Fulai , Sun Zhenhua , Fan Xialu , Wang Zhenxing , Shi Ying , Hu Guangjian , Li Feng 
Published: April 2021

AbstractLithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries, with high theoretical energy density, promise to be the optimal candidate of next‐generation energy‐storage. Rapid development in materials has made a major step forward in Li–S batteries. However, a big gap in cycle life and efficiency for practical applications still remains. Reasonable design of materials/electrodes a is significant aspect that must be addressed. The rising metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are a new class of crystalline porous organic–inorganic hybrid materials. Abundant inorganic nodes and designable organic linkers allow tailored pore chemistry at a molecular‐scale, which enables tunable interaction with electroactive components in Li–S batteries. In this review, the interaction between basic component/structure of MOFs and electroactive components in Li–S batteries is clarified to guide precise function‐driven design of MOFs. First, the reaction mechanisms and issues in Li–S batteries are briefly summarized. Second, the structural advantages of MOFs in pore chemistry and morphology are highlighted. Based on the above two aspects of understanding, a bridge between issue‐structure‐function is proposed. The interaction between MOFs with transport and reaction of electroactive components are discussed. Finally, a perspective on the future development of MOFs based materials in Li–S batteries are given. It is believed that the tunable interaction will boost the frontier interdiscipline of MOFs based electrochemical systems.
Trap State Passivation by Rational Ligand Molecule Engineering toward Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells Exceeding 23% Efficiency
Authors: Zhu Lihua , Zhang Xian , Li Mengjia , Shang Xueni , Lei Kaixiang , Zhang Boxue , Chen Cong , Zheng Shijian , Song Hongwei , Chen Jiangzhao 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe nonradiative recombination losses resulting from the trap states at the surface and grain boundaries directly hinder the further enhancement of power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of perovskite solar cells. Consequently, it is highly desirable to suppress nonradiative recombination through modulating perovskite crystallization and passivating the defects of perovskite films. Here, a simple and effective multifunctional additive engineering strategy is reported where 11 Maleimidoundecanoic acid (11MA) units with carbonyls (carboxyl and amide) and long hydrophobic alkyl chain are incorporated into a perovskite precursor solution. It is revealed that improved crystallinity, reduced trap state density, and inhibited ion migration are achieved, which is ascribed to the strong coordination interaction between the carbonyl groups at both sides of 11MA molecules and Pb2+. As a result, improved efficiency and stability are achieved simultaneously after introducing 11MA additive. The device with 11MA additive delivers a champion PCE of 23.34% with negligible hysteresis, which is significantly higher than the 18.24% of the control device. The modified device maintains around 91% of its initial PCE after aging under ambient conditions for 3000 h. This work provides a guide for developing multifunctional additive molecules for the purpose of simultaneous improvement of efficiency and stability.
Impact of sulfur application on soybean yield and quality in New York
Authors: Letham Jodi L. , Ketterings Quirine M. , Cherney Jerry H. , Overton Thomas R. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSulfur (S) fertilizer is not widely used for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production in the northeastern United States but decreased atmospheric S deposition rates warrant evaluation of S needs for soybean in the region. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of S fertilizers [CaSO4 and (NH4)2SO4 at 168 kg S ha–1] on soybean grain yield, crude protein (CP), S content, N/S ratio, and crop S balances. Thirteen on‐farm trials were conducted in New York in 2017–2019 using a randomized complete block design in three to six replications. Tissue analysis at early bloom and full maturity did not suggest an S limitation; N/S ratios were between 14:1 and 18:1 and tissue S at early bloom ranged from 3.10 to 4.36 g kg–1. These findings were consistent with the lack of increase in grain yield with S addition, independent of S source. Addition of S did not change seed CP or S concentration although, averaged across trials, the whole plant S content at maturity was slightly higher when S had been applied. Negative partial balances (crop removal – S deposition) showed considerable soil contribution to S uptake. Soil organic matter (SOM), however, was not a good indicator of soil S supply. Due to lack of a response to S, critical soil test S levels could not be determined. We conclude S is not limiting soybean grain yield currently. Continued monitoring is needed as partial balances suggest S may become deficient over time.
High‐performance adsorptive desulfurization by ternary hybrid boron carbon nitride aerogel
Authors: Luo Jing , Wang Chao , Liu Jixing , Wei Yanchen , Chao Yanhong , Zou Yiru , Mu Liping , Huang Yan , Li Huaming , Zhu Wenshuai 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSeparation of aromatic organosulfur compounds is vital for upgrading the feed to clean fuel products, however, it remains a formidable challenge for the present adsorbents. Herein, a series of novel aerogel‐like boron carbon nitride (BCN) with three‐dimensional interconnected porous networks were fabricated via a hydrogel template and freeze‐casting strategy. The as‐prepared aerogel‐like BCN had a variable carbon content and a flexible size of graphene domain on its porous structure. The optimal BCN aerogel represents the top‐level of adsorptive desulfurization (ADS) capacity for aromatic organosulfur compounds (30.8 mg S/g adsorbent), strikingly higher than the state‐of‐the‐art aerogels adsorbents (17.1 mg S/g adsorbent) reported under similar conditions. A selective adsorption for dibenzothiophene in the presence of aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrogen compounds were also achieved on BCN aerogel. The adsorption isotherm and XPS measurement reveal heterogeneous adsorption on the BCN aerogel via π–π and Lewis acid–base interactions.