bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, spectroscopic, electrochemical and photophysical properties of high band gap polymers for potential applications in semi-transparent solar cells
Authors: Amin Peshawa O. , Ketuly Kamal Aziz , Saeed Salah Raza , Muhammadsharif Fahmi F. , Symes Mark D. , Paul Avishek , Sulaiman Khaulah 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
The design of new polymers able to filter the electromagnetic spectrum and absorb distinctly in the UV and high-energy part of visible spectrum is crucial for the development of semi-transparent solar cells. Herein, we report on the synthesis and spectroscopic, electrochemical, and photophysical characteristics of three new polymers, namely (i) Poly(triamterene-co-terephthalate), (ii) Poly[triamterene-co- 3-(2-pyridyl)-5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazine-p,p′-disulfonamide], and (iii) Poly(5-hydroxyindole-2-carboxylate) that might show promise as materials for semi-transparent solar cells.

Results
The energy band gap, refractive index, dielectric constant, and optical conductivity of the electron donor polymer, poly(triamterene-co-terephthalate), were determined to be 2.92 eV, 1.56, 2.44 and 2.43 × 104 S cm−1, respectively. The synthesized electron acceptor polymers showed a relatively high refractive index, dielectric constant, and optical conductivity. The presence of a direct allowed transition was confirmed between intermolecular energy bands of the polymers.

Conclusions
The polymers showed relatively high energy gap and deep HOMO levels, making them strong absorbers of photons in the UV region and high energy part of the visible region. The synthesized donor and acceptors performed well relative to P3HT and fullerenes due to the close match of the HOMO and LUMO levels. With further development, the polymers could be viable for use as the active layers of semi-transparent solar cells.
The podium illusion: a phenomenological study of the influence of social support on well-being and performance in elite para swimmers
Authors: Aitchison Beth , Rushton Alison B. , Martin Paul , Soundy Andrew , Heneghan Nicola R. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe value of social support in enhancing performance is well established in non-impaired and sub-international level athletes with impairments. Despite this, no research to date has explored the experiences of social support in elite para-athletes. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of social support in elite British para-swimmers and the influence on their wellbeing and performance.MethodsA hermeneutic phenomenological study involving semi-structured interviews was undertaken with 8 elite British para-swimmers (3 male, 5 female, mean age 24.9 years). Participants represented 5 para-swimming classes and all 10 of the International Paralympic Committee impairment categories. Data were analysed following a modified version of the Framework Method. Research quality and trustworthiness were ensured through employing techniques including data triangulation, member checking and reflexivity.ResultsFive themes and 11 sub-themes were generated. The five themes were: ‘the coach-athlete relationship’, ‘team bond’, ‘tangible aid’, ‘The Podium Illusion’ and ‘British para-swimming’. The overall findings and the magnitude of support mentioned in the fourth theme led to the development of a new model called ‘The Podium Illusion’ which reflects the magnitude of support that is available to elite para-swimmers to help maximise their performance and wellbeing.ConclusionSocial support is essential for athlete wellbeing and performance. Findings underpin a new model, ‘The Podium Illusion’.
Clinical evaluation of Bladder CARE, a new epigenetic test for bladder cancer detection in urine samples
Authors: Piatti Paolo , Chew Yap Ching , Suwoto Michiko , Yamada Taikun , Jara Benjamin , Jia Xi-Yu , Guo Wei , Ghodoussipour Saum , Daneshmand Siamak , Ahmadi Hamed , Rice Jeffrey , Bhasin Jeffrey , Holloway Faith , Tsai Yvonne , Chihara Yoshitomo , Liang Gangning 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Bladder cancer (BC) is the 5th most common cancer in the USA. Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer represents about 70% of all cases and has generally a favorable outcome. However, recurrence rates as high as 60 to 70% and progression rates of 10 to 20% necessitate intensive surveillance with cystoscopy. The invasiveness and high cost of cystoscopy poses significant burden on BC patients as well as on the healthcare system. In this study we test the feasibility of a simple, sensitive, and non-invasive detection of BC using Bladder CARE test in urine samples.

Results
Urine from 136 healthy and 77 BC subjects was collected using the at-home Bladder CARE Urine Collection Kit and analyzed with Bladder CARE test. The test measures the methylation level of three BC-specific biomarkers and two internal controls using methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes coupled with qPCR. Bladder CARE showed an overall sensitivity of 93.5%, a specificity of 92.6%, and a PPV and NPV of 87.8% and 96.2%, respectively. Bladder CARE has an LOD as low as 0.046%, which equates to detecting 1 cancer cell for every 2,200 cells analyzed. We also provided evidence that bisulfite-free methods to assess DNA methylation, like Bladder CARE, are advantageous compared to conventional methods that rely on bisulfite conversion of the DNA.

Conclusion
Highly sensitive detection of BC in urine samples is possible using Bladder CARE. The low LOD of the test and the measurement of epigenetic biomarkers make Bladder CARE a good candidate for the early detection of BC and possibly for the routine screening and surveillance of BC patients. Bladder CARE and the at-home urine sample collection system have the potential to (1) reduce unnecessary invasive testing for BC (2) reduce the burden of surveillance on patients and on the healthcare system, (3) improve the detection of early stage BC, and (4) allow physicians to streamline the monitoring of patients.
Epigenome-wide association study of level and change in cognitive abilities from midlife through late life
Authors: Karlsson Ida K. , Ericsson Malin , Wang Yunzhang , Jylhävä Juulia , Hägg Sara , Dahl Aslan Anna K. , Reynolds Chandra A. , Pedersen Nancy L. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Epigenetic mechanisms are important in aging and may be involved in late-life changes in cognitive abilities. We conducted an epigenome-wide association study of leukocyte DNA methylation in relation to level and change in cognitive abilities, from midlife through late life in 535 Swedish twins.

Results
Methylation levels were measured with the Infinium Human Methylation 450 K or Infinium MethylationEPIC array, and all sites passing quality control on both arrays were selected for analysis (n = 250,816). Empirical Bayes estimates of individual intercept (age 65), linear, and quadratic change were obtained from latent growth curve models of cognitive traits and used as outcomes in linear regression models. Significant sites (p < 2.4 × 10–7) were followed up in between-within twin pair models adjusting for familial confounding and full-growth modeling. We identified six significant associations between DNA methylation and level of cognitive abilities at age 65: cg18064256 (PPP1R13L) with processing speed and spatial ability; cg04549090 (NRXN3) with spatial ability; cg09988380 (POGZ), cg25651129 (-), and cg08011941 (ENTPD8) with working memory. The genes are involved in neuroinflammation, neuropsychiatric disorders, and ATP metabolism. Within-pair associations were approximately half that of between-pair associations across all sites. In full-growth curve models, associations between DNA methylation and cognitive level at age 65 were of small effect sizes, and associations between DNA methylation and longitudinal change in cognitive abilities of very small effect sizes.

Conclusions
Leukocyte DNA methylation was associated with level, but not change in cognitive abilities. The associations were substantially attenuated in within-pair analyses, indicating they are influenced in part by genetic factors.
Safety, pharmacokinetics and exploratory pro-cognitive effects of HTL0018318, a selective M1 receptor agonist, in healthy younger adult and elderly subjects: a multiple ascending dose study
Authors: Bakker Charlotte , Tasker Tim , Liptrot Jan , Hart Ellen P. , Klaassen Erica S. , Doll Robert Jan , Brown Giles A. , Brown Alastair , Congreve Miles , Weir Malcolm , Marshall Fiona H. , Cross David M. , Groeneveld Geert Jan , Nathan Pradeep J. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
The cholinergic system and M1 receptor remain an important target for symptomatic treatment of cognitive dysfunction. The selective M1 receptor partial agonist HTL0018318 is under development for the symptomatic treatment of Dementia’s including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). We investigated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and exploratory pharmacodynamics of multiple doses of HTL0018318 in healthy younger adults and elderly subjects.

Methods
This randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled study was performed, investigating oral doses of 15–35 mg/day HTL0018318 or placebo in 7 cohorts of healthy younger adult (n = 36; 3 cohorts) and elderly (n = 50; 4 cohorts) subjects. Safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic measurements were performed. Pharmacodynamics were assessed using a battery of neurocognitive tasks and electrophysiological biomarkers of synaptic and cognitive functions.

Results
HTL0018318 was generally well-tolerated in multiple doses up to 35 mg/day and were associated with mild or moderate cholinergic adverse events. There were modest increases in blood pressure and pulse rate when compared to placebo-treated subjects, with tendency for the blood pressure increase to attenuate with repeated dosing. There were no clinically significant observations or changes in blood and urine laboratory measures of safety or abnormalities in the ECGs and 24-h Holter assessments. HTL0018318 plasma exposure was dose-proportional over the range 15–35 mg. Maximum plasma concentrations were achieved after 1–2 h. The apparent terminal half-life of HTL0018318 was 16.1 h (± 4.61) in younger adult subjects and 14.3 h (± 2.78) in elderly subjects at steady state. HTL0018318 over the 10 days of treatment had significant effects on tests of short-term (working) memory (n-back) and learning (Milner maze) with moderate to large effect sizes.

Conclusion
Multiple doses of HTL0018138 showed well-characterised pharmacokinetics and were safe and generally well-tolerated in the dose range studied. Pro-cognitive effects on short-term memory and learning were demonstrated across the dose range. These data provide encouraging data in support of the development of HTL0018138 for cognitive dysfunction in AD and DLB.

Trial registration
Netherlands Trial Register identifier NTR5781. Registered on 22 March 2016.
A novel method of mobility-based clustering protocol in software defined sensor network
Authors: Cao Buwen , Deng Shuguang , Qin Hua , Tan Yue 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe distributed clustering method is widely used to extend network lifetime in traditional wireless sensor networks. However, it is difficult to achieve the idea performance of the whole network, such as transmission rate, energy consumption, and control overhead, neglecting the global stability of the network. To tackle this problem, a centralized mobility-based clustering (CMBC) protocol is proposed in the software defined sensor network. The method of CMBC mainly consists of two aspects: first, CMBC clusters the nodes with the connection time between the mobile nodes (i.e., noncluster head nodes, non-CH) and the cluster head (CH) and establishes stable topological structures between the non-CHs and the CH; second, when emergencies occur, the centralization management control center sends the configuration files to replace the CH. Compared to the distributed network of MBC, WCRA and IMP-MECA protocol, the proposed method can be applied in scenarios with high-speed mobile nodes to improve the network performance in terms of transmission successful rate, average power consumption, and average control overhead.
Rectal metastasis from bladder urothelial carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Ii Yuki , Munakata Shinya , Honjo Kumpei , Kawai Masaya , Kawano Shingo , Sugimoto Kiichi , Isotani Shuji , Kojima Yutaka , Horie Shigeo , Yao Takashi , Sakamoto Kazuhiro 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Urothelial carcinoma arises from transitional cells in the urothelial tract. In advanced cases, it can metastasize locally to surrounding organs or distally to organs such as the lungs, bones, or liver. Here we describe a case of rectal metastasis from urothelial carcinoma treated with multiple sessions of transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT).

Case presentation
A 72-year-old woman presented to our department with abdominal bloating andobstructed defecation. She had undergone two sessions of TURBT for early urothelial carcinoma in another hospital at 64 and 65 months ago, respectively. Cystoscopy at 3 months after the second TURBT session had indicated disease recurrence, and thus, she had been referred to our hospital for further examination, followed by TURBT for the third time at 59 months ago and for the fourth time at 48 months ago; thereafter, she had been followed up with cystoscopy every 6 months without any recurrence. However, she returned to our hospital, complaining of difficult defecation. Subsequent colonoscopy demonstrated an obstructive tumor in the rectum, which was pathologically diagnosed as metastatic urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. Laparoscopic examination revealed two small areas of peritoneal dissemination in the pelvis. A sigmoid colostomy was performed without rectal tumor resection. She has been receiving chemotherapy and is still alive 10 months after surgery.

Conclusions
Rectal metastasis is a rare site of metastasis for urothelial carcinomas. It is important to consider the possibility of annular rectal constriction caused by infiltrating or metastasizing urothelial carcinoma when managing patients with urothelial carcinoma and with difficult defecation.
Bio-nano interactions: binding proteins, polysaccharides, lipids and nucleic acids onto magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Abarca-Cabrera Lucía , Fraga-García Paula , Berensmeier Sonja 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The major interest in nanoparticles as an application platform for biotechnology arises from their high surface-to-volume ratio. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are particularly appealing due to their superparamagnetic behavior, which enables bioseparation using external magnetic fields. In order to design advanced biomaterials, improve binding capacities and develop innovative processing solutions, a thorough understanding of the factors governing organic-inorganic binding in solution is critical but has not yet been achieved, given the wide variety of chemical and physical influences. This paper offers a critical review of experimental studies of the interactions between low cost IONPs (bare iron oxides, silica-coated or easily-functionalized surfaces) and the main groups of biomolecules: proteins, lipids, nucleic acids and carbohydrates. Special attention is devoted to the driving forces and interdependencies responsible of interactions at the solid-liquid interface, to the unique structural characteristics of each biomolecular class, and to environmental conditions influencing adsorption. Furthermore, studies focusing on mixtures, which are still rare, but absolutely necessary to understand the biocorona, are also included. This review concludes with a discussion of future work needed to fill the gaps in knowledge of bio-nano interactions, seeking to improve nanoparticles’ targeting capabilities in complex systems, and to open the door for multipurpose recognition and bioseparation processes.
An efficient stock market prediction model using hybrid feature reduction method based on variational autoencoders and recursive feature elimination
Authors: Gunduz Hakan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this study, the hourly directions of eight banking stocks in Borsa Istanbul were predicted using linear-based, deep-learning (LSTM) and ensemble learning (LightGBM) models. These models were trained with four different feature sets and their performances were evaluated in terms of accuracy and F-measure metrics. While the first experiments directly used the own stock features as the model inputs, the second experiments utilized reduced stock features through Variational AutoEncoders (VAE). In the last experiments, in order to grasp the effects of the other banking stocks on individual stock performance, the features belonging to other stocks were also given as inputs to our models. While combining other stock features was done for both own (named as allstock_own) and VAE-reduced (named as allstock_VAE) stock features, the expanded dimensions of the feature sets were reduced by Recursive Feature Elimination. As the highest success rate increased up to 0.685 with allstock_own and LSTM with attention model, the combination of allstock_VAE and LSTM with the attention model obtained an accuracy rate of 0.675. Although the classification results achieved with both feature types was close, allstock_VAE achieved these results using nearly 16.67% less features compared to allstock_own. When all experimental results were examined, it was found out that the models trained with allstock_own and allstock_VAE achieved higher accuracy rates than those using individual stock features. It was also concluded that the results obtained with the VAE-reduced stock features were similar to those obtained by own stock features.
Influence of herbicides under biofertilizer application on fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) yield and quality with special reference to herbicide residues
Authors: Abdallah Ibrahim , Amer Alia , El-Hefny Dalia 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Weed occurrence and fertilization are considered two of the most factors influencing fennel yield. A two season’s field study was undertaken to investigate the response of fennel crop to two different herbicides under the application of biofertilizers. The two herbicides are pendimethalin (at reduced rate), fluazifop-p butyl and a combination of sequential application of both of them. The biofertilizers were used in 3 rates of 1:1:1, 2:1:1 and 1:1:2 (v/v/v) from atmospheric nitrogen-fixating, phosphorous-dissolving and potassium-solubilizing bacterial strains.

Results
The results indicated that under all rates of the biofertilizers, the two herbicides applied individually caused significant reduction in growth parameters of the fennel plant estimated. Hand weeding (untreated check) increased fruit yield by 63% and oil yield by 78% compared to unweeded control, while sequential application of pendimethalin + fluazifop increased fruit yield by 45% and oil yield by 83% under biofertilizers at the rate of 2:1:1. Slight decrease in protein content using pendimethalin + fluazifop (12.94, and 12.96%) compared to 13.56% for hand weeding was observed. However, fluazifop alone showed no significant differences (13.63 and 13.13%) during both seasons under the biofertilizer rate of 2:1:1. No detectable residues of pendimethalin and fluazifop applied alone or sequentially were found in the analyzed dry seeds.

Conclusion
The obtained results concluded that using proper level of biofertilizer combined with herbicides would increase the seed yield and oil content of fennel. Nevertheless, further investigation is needed to search for safer and effective weed control methods in medicinal plants.
Corruption and its diverse effect on credit risk: global evidence
Authors: Hasan Rashedul , Ashfaq Muhammad 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCorruption has a complex relationship with economic growth. We have explored the impact of corruption on credit risk from a global perspective. The sample consists of 178 countries and covers 18 years that range from 2000 to 2017. Non-performing loan (NPL) is used as a proxy for credit risk and data regarding NPL is collected from the World Bank Database. Corruption scores are collected from the Transparency International reports. Panel regression results provide a positive association between corruption and credit risk for the global sample. Generalized Methods of Moments regression and robustness tests validate the findings. However, sub-sample analysis provides support for “grease the wheel” hypothesis for high corruption countries and indicates that corruption is beneficial in a weak form of governance and excessive regulatory pressure. This study advocate for the importance of strong governance mechanisms in high corruption countries that can minimize the impact of corruption on banking sector profitability and ensure economic development. Unlike past literature, we provide global evidence on the association between corruption and credit risk for the banking sector which allows generalizability.
Strobilanthes heyneanus root extract as a potential source for antioxidant and antimicrobial activity
Authors: Sundaram Vijayakumar , Sadhasivam Selvaraju , Chandrasekaran Sivaraj , Nanjian Raaman , Pandian Arjun 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Strobilanthes heyneanus (Nilgirianthus heyneanus) belongs to the family Acanthaceae that contains many species with potential for diverse medicinal uses. It is also called ‘Karun kurinji’ and is commonly found in the South-West regions of India. The species are commonly used in rheumatic complaints, sprain of the ankle, and hernia. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the antioxidant activity, phytochemical analysis, and antibacterial activities of the root extract of S. heyneanus.

Results
The radical scavenging and reduction assays such as DPPH● radical and OH● radical scavenging assays, as well as phosphomolybdenum reduction and Fe3+ reducing power assays, were determined for the root extract. The highest DPPH● radical scavenging activity was 88.23 ± 1.32 at 120 μg/mL concentration, and the calculated IC50 was 38.52 μg/mL concentration. The highest OH● radical scavenging activity was 51.28 ± 1.06 at 120 μg/mL concentration, and the calculated IC50 was 51.28 μg/mL concentration. The highest ABTS●+ radical scavenging activity was 91.28 ± 1.12 at 30 μg/mL concentration, and the calculated IC50 was 33.92 μg/mL concentration. The highest phosphomolybdenum reduction was 87.43 ± 0.90 at 120 μg/mL concentration, and the calculated RC50 was 24.74 μg/mL concentration. The highest Fe3+ reduction was 89.38 ± 0.98 at 120 μg/mL concentration, and the calculated RC50 was 31.06 μg/mL concentration. The antibacterial activity of S. heyneanus showed the highest zone of inhibition of 24 mm for Salmonella typhi with 500 μg/mL concentration. The cytotoxicity limits of the root extracts were tested by MTT assay using human dermal fibroblast cell lines, reflecting > 90% cell viability at a concentration of 500 μg/mL.

Conclusions
The current study showed that the root extract of S. heyneanus has better antioxidant properties and potential anti-bacterial compounds. The phytochemical analysis of the root extract showed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, and carbohydrates, which are responsible for the antibacterial root extract of S. heyneanus synergistically.