bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circ_0091579 enhances the malignancy of hepatocellular carcinoma via miR-1287/PDK2 axis
Authors: Shu Junwei , Du Jiayuan , Wang Futao , Cheng Yong , Chen Gangxin , Xu Bing , Zhang Dianpeng , Chen Shuangjiang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Several articles have indicated that circular RNAs are involved in pathogenesis of human cancers. Nevertheless, the role of circ_0091579 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression remains to be revealed. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was carried out to examine the expression of circ_0091579 and miR-1287. The proliferation of HCC cells was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Western blot assay was conducted to detect the protein expression of CyclinD1, Cleaved caspase3, and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 2 (PDK2). Cell glycolysis was evaluated by measuring the uptake of glucose, the production of lactate, and extracellular acidification rate. The target relationship between miR-1287 and circ_0091579 or PDK2 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation assay, and RNA-pull down assay. The enrichment of circ_0091579 was enhanced in HCC tissues (n = 77) and four HCC cell lines (HB611, Huh-7, MHCC97, and SNU423) compared with adjacent non-tumor tissues (n = 77) and normal human liver cell line THLE-2. Circ_0091579 mediated the promotion of proliferation and glycolysis and the suppression of apoptosis of HCC cells. MiR-1287 was a direct target of circ_0091579 in HCC cells. MiR-1287 knockdown reversed the effects caused by circ_0091579 interference on the functions of HCC cells. PDK2 could bind to miR-1287 in HCC cells. Circ_0091579 upregulated the enrichment of PDK2 by acting as a sponge of miR-1287 in HCC cells. The influence caused by circ_0091579 intervention on HCC cells was attenuated by overexpression of PDK2. Circ_0091579 interference impeded the progression of HCC in vivo. Circ_0091579 deteriorated HCC by promoting the proliferation and glycolytic metabolism and suppressing the apoptosis of HCC cells via miR-1287/PDK2 axis.
Two new inflammatory markers related to the CURB-65 score for disease severity in patients with community-acquired pneumonia: The hypersensitive C-reactive protein to albumin ratio and fibrinogen to albumin ratio
Authors: Luo Bing , Sun Minjie , Huo Xingxing , Wang Yun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship among hypersensitive C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR), fibrinogen to albumin ratio (FAR), and the CURB-65 score for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) severity.

Methods
Clinical data and laboratory indicators of 82 patients with CAP and 40 healthy subjects were retrospectively analysed. The relationship among CAR, FAR, and the severity of CAP was then analysed.

Results
CAR and FAR in patients with low-risk CAP were significantly higher than those in the normal control group (P < 0.05). CAR and FAR in patients with medium–high-risk CAP were further increased compared with those in patients with low-risk CAP (P < 0.05). CAR and FAR were positively correlated with hypersensitive C-reactive protein, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and CURB-65 scores (P < 0.05). In the receiver operating characteristic curve for predicting severe CAP, the area under the curve of combining four biomarkers (CAR + FAR + NLR + PLR) was the largest. CAR was also an independent risk factor for severe CAP (OR = 8.789, 95% CI: 1.543–50.064, P = 0.014).

Conclusions
CAR and FAR may be used as the inflammatory markers for CAP severity evaluation.
Relationships between renal function variations and relative changes in cardiac troponin T concentrations based on quantile generalized additive models (qgam)
Authors: Monneret Denis , Fasiolo Matteo , Bonnefont-Rousselot Dominique 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe relationship between high-sensitive cardiac troponin T concentration (hs-cTnT) and renal markers levels is known. However, the extent to which their variations are associated remains to be explored. Objective: model the relationship between relative changes in hs-cTnT (Δhs-cTnT) and variations in creatinine (Δcre) or estimated glomerular filtration rate (ΔeGFR), using a quantile generalized additive model (qgam).MethodsConcomitant plasma Δhs-cTnT and Δcre from patients aged 18–100 years, selected with a time variation (Δtime) of 3 h–7 days, were collected over a 5.8-year period. Relationships between Δhs-cTnT and covariates Δcre (A) or ΔeGFR (B), including age, Δtime, hour of blood sampling (HSB) and covariates interactions were fitted using qgam.ResultsOn the whole (n=106567), Δhs-cTnT was mainly associated with Δcre, in a positive and nonlinear way (−21, −6, +5, +20, +55% for −50, −20, +20, +50, +100%, respectively), but to a lesser extent with age (min −9%, max +2%), Δtime (min −4%, max +8%), and HSB (min −5%, max +7%). Δhs-cTnT was negatively associated with ΔeGFR (+46, +7, −5, −11, −20% for −50, −20, +20, +50, +100%, respectively). Classifying Δhs-cTnT as consistent or not with myocardial injury based on recommendations, an interpretation of Δhs-cTnT adjusted for model A or B led to statistically significant but small diagnostic discrepancies (<2%), as compared to an interpretation based on Δhs-cTnT only.ConclusionsFrom a laboratory and statistical standpoint, considering renal function variations when interpreting relative changes in cardiac troponin T has a minor impact on the diagnosis rate of myocardial injury.
Recommendations for validation testing of home pregnancy tests (HPTs) in Europe
Authors: Sturgeon Catharine , Butler Stephen A. , Gould Fiona , Johnson Sarah , Rowlands Sam , Stenman Ulf-Håkan , Grenache David G. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Home pregnancy tests (HPTs) available in Europe include accuracy and other performance claims listed on their packaging. Due to the lack of guidance on the standardisation of such products, it is often difficult to replicate these claims when tested on a clinical sample, whether in a laboratory setting or by lay users. The In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation is a set of requirements that mandate comprehensive validation data on human pregnancy tests and other in vitro devices. It is due to replace the current European Directive (98/79/EC) and fully implemented in Europe by 2022. In June 2019, a panel of seven experts convened to discuss the validation studies required to provide the information needed to meet the new regulation for HPTs in Europe and proposed 15 recommendations for best practice. Defining best practice at all stages of validation of these important tests may ensure that tests marketed in Europe are fit for purpose, enabling lay users to be confident of the high quality of the HPT results they obtain. The panelists believe that the recommendations proposed here for the validation of HPTs may constructively contribute to improved standardisation of validation procedures in Europe.
An alternative way to measure total lung capacity: a pilot study
Authors: Laufer Bernhard , Krueger-Ziolek Sabine , Moeller Knut , Docherty Paul D. , Hoeflinger Fabian , Reindl Leonhard 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Total lung capacity is usually measured by a body plethysmograph or helium dilution methods. In this study an alternative approach to obtain total lung capacity of spontaneous breathing subjects is introduced. The device utilises an optoelectronic plethysmograph and a small tube, which measures mouth pressure and allows total lung capacity to be obtained, which differs less than 0.4 L from the total lung capacity of the body plethysmograph. The method shows potential to be a less burdensome method to estimate total lung capacity determination than the body plethysmograph.
The underlying action-oriented and task-based approach of the CEFR and its implementation in language testing and assessment at university
Authors: Fischer Johann 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The underlying methodological approach of the CEFR is defined as being “action-oriented” and task-based (Council of Europe. 2001. Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment. Cambridge University Press: 9), although it explicitly leaves room for a variety of approaches, since the CEFR is a framework document. The action-oriented approach is, however, not coherently developed throughout the publication as it does not explain its application in assessment (Chapter 9). Chapter 9 presents a general introduction to the principles of language assessment but does not explain how the assessment can be contextualised so that the test-taker acts as a “social agent”. Although related documents on testing and assessment such as the Manual for Relating Language Examinations to the CEFR (Council of Europe 2009) and the Manual for Language Test Development and Examining (Council of Europe 2011) provide tools on assessment practices, they do not explain how to conceptualise an action-oriented task-based assessment. The CEFR Companion Volume (Council of Europe 2020) also stresses the underlying action-oriented approach of the CEFR in teaching and learning, but as it focuses explicitly on teaching and learning, it too does not cover the area of testing and assessment. For university language teaching, learning and assessment, it is necessary to develop a coherent, holistic methodology that applies the action-oriented and task-based approach to language teaching, learning and assessment, and applies a constructive alignment, which has a particular focus on the learner as a social agent. Initially, this requires the development of course content and the related assessment tasks to be based on a thorough needs analysis for a specific language teaching programme. In this way, university language centres can rethink their approach to teaching and assessment and implement changes both in their teaching and in their assessment and testing in order to offer a more coherent programme to their learners, which makes better use of the CEFR Framework. This paper summarises the principles of task-based language testing and explains in which contexts this approach might be particularly fruitful. It also presents the author’s experience gained in implementing the approach at institutional and national levels, and the challenges involved in managing this change.
The development of a Language Centre. An example of best practice in a historical perspective
Authors: Szczuka-Dorna Liliana 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The XXVth Anniversary of CercleS brings back memories not only of the CercleS Association and its development, but also of the role of Language Centres in European universities. This article presents the Centre of Languages and Communication (CLC) at Poznan University of Technology (PUT) in Poland. It focuses on the main challenges the CLC has experienced over the years and presents facts from its historical development. It is a very personal article which can be read in two ways: firstly, as a memoir with facts and detailed information about the development of the CLC, and secondly, as a guide for new Language Centres and their managers, who may wish to play a positive role at national and international levels.
Raciolinguistic ideology in first-year university (non)heritage Chinese classes
Authors: Chang Sharon 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This qualitative case study explores how raciolinguistic ideology of Chinese heritage is collectively shaped in first-year non-heritage Mandarin classes in one US university, but individually told by two minoritized (ethnolinguistically marginalized) heritage learners and two non-heritage learners. Their experiences in learning Mandarin Chinese as a non-heritage language elucidate how Chinese language learners negotiate their ethnolinguistic identities in the transnational world. The stories of four Chinese language learners demonstrate how their raciolinguistic ideology is collectively shaped by a complex racialization process while negotiating their race, ethnicity, culture, language, and transnationality. The present study challenges the raciolinguistic ideologies of the institutionalized norms of defining heritage and non-heritage learners as learner-trait terms. Implications for researchers and practitioners of Language Learning Centers beyond US higher education are drawn.
About as boring as flossing sharks: Cognitive accounts of irony and the family of approximate comparison constructions in American English
Authors: Lehmann Claudia 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis paper reports a case study on a family of American English constructions that will be called the family ofapproximate comparisonconstructions. This family has three members, all of which follow the syntactic patternabout as X as YwithXbeing an adjective, but which allow three related functions: literal comparison, simile and irony. Two cognitive frameworks concern themselves with irony, the cognitive modelling approach and viewpoint approach, and the paper will show that, while the ironic approximate comparison construction calls central assumptions of the cognitive modelling approach to question, the viewpoint account can be refined to handle these cases. In doing so, it furthers our understanding of the cognitive underpinning of irony. The paper provides a corpus-based analysis on theYslot as well as collostructional analyses on the adjectivalXslot in the family ofapproximate comparisonconstructions. The results thereof suggest that the ironicapproximate comparisonconstruction, in comparison to its literal counterpart, prefers adjectives that convey positively connotated, nuanced attitudes and is formally less variable in theYslot. The preference for particular adjectives lends further support to the assumption that hearers understand the construction as ironic or literal before speakers complete their utterance. Given that, it is argued that the ironicapproximate comparisonconstruction communicates an inherent viewpoint.
Corrosion inhibitory effect of mixed cocoa pod-Ficus exasperata extract on MS in 1.5 M HCl: optimization and electrochemical study
Authors: Popoola Lekan Taofeek 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper investigated optimization of corrosion inhibitory attributes of mixed cocoa pod-Ficus exasperata (CP-FE) extracts towards mild steel in 1.5 M HCl using central composite design. Potentiodynamic polarization, linear polarization resistance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements were used for the electrochemical study. The result revealed maximum inhibition efficiency of 91.52% at temperature, inhibitor concentration, time and acid concentration of 50 °C, 5 g/L, 144 h and 0.2 M, respectively with R
2 value of 0.9429. Central composite design predicted optimum point of 70.37 °C, 3.81 g/L, 127.37 h and 0.22 M. Potentiodynamic polarization revealed extract to be mixed-type inhibitor with anodic prevalence. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that corrosion inhibition occurred via adsorption of CP-FE molecules on active sites of MS surface. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed protection of mild steel surface by adsorbed molecules of CP-FE extracts. Fourier transform infrared revealed presence of carboxyl (–COOH), unsaturated (–C-C–) and hydroxyl (–OH). Energy dispersive spectroscopy revealed presence of high iron composition on mild steel surface in the presence of mixed CP-FE extract proving its corrosion inhibition efficiency in 1.5 M HCl. Atomic adsorption spectroscopy revealed loss of Fe2+ into free HCl solution. Generally, extract from mixed CP-FE was found as effective corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 1.5 M HCl solution.
Reliability of fetal–infant mortality rates in perinatal periods of risk (PPOR) analysis
Authors: Di Bona Vito 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The Fetal–Infant mortality rate (FIMR) is the basic surveillance statistic in perinatal periods of risk (PPOR) analyses. This paper presents a model for the FIMR as the ratio of two Poisson random variables. From this model, expressions for estimators of variance, standard error, and relative standard error are developed. The coverage properties of interval estimators for the FIMR are investigated in a simulation study for both small and large populations and FIMR rates. Results from these studies are applied to a PPOR analysis of NC vital records. Results suggest that the sample size guidance provided in the literature to ensure statistical reliability is overly conservative and interval construction methodology should be selected based on population size.
Two characterizations of central BMO space via the commutators of Hardy operators
Authors: Fu Zunwei , Lu Shanzhen , Shi Shaoguang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This article addresses two characterizations of

BMO
⁢

(

ℝ
n

)

{\mathrm{BMO}(\mathbb{R}^{n})}

-type space via the
commutators of Hardy operators with homogeneous kernels on Lebesgue spaces: (i) characterization of the central

BMO
⁢

(

ℝ
n

)

{\mathrm{BMO}(\mathbb{R}^{n})}

space by the boundedness of the commutators; (ii) characterization of the central

BMO
⁢

(

ℝ
n

)

{\mathrm{BMO}(\mathbb{R}^{n})}

-closure of

C
c
∞

⁢

(

ℝ
n

)

{C_{c}^{\infty}(\mathbb{R}^{n})}

space via the compactness of the commutators. This is done by exploiting the center symmetry of Hardy operator deeply and by a more explicit decomposition of the operator and the kernel function.
Assessment of Chlorophyll-a concentration from Sentinel-3 satellite images at the Mediterranean Sea using CMEMS open source in situ data
Authors: Moutzouris-Sidiris Ioannis , Topouzelis Konstantinos 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of two well-known algorithms (Ocean Colour 4 for MERIS [OC4Me] and neural net [NN]) used in the calculation of chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) from the Sentinel-3 Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI) compared to in situ measurements covering the Mediterranean Sea. In situ data set, obtained from the Copernicus Marine Environmental Monitoring Service (CMEMS) and more specifically from the data set with the title INSITU_MED_NRT_OBSERVATIONS_013_035, and Chl-a values at different depths were extracted. The concentration of Chl-a at a penetration depth was calculated. Then, water was classified into two categories, Case-1 and Case-2. For Case-2 waters, the OC4Me presents a moderate correlation with the in situ data for a time window of 0–2 h. In contrast with the NN algorithm, where very weak correlations were calculated, lower values of the statistical index of Bias for Case-1 waters were calculated for the OC4Me algorithm. Higher values of Pearson correlation were calculated (r > 0.5) for OC4Me algorithm than NN. OC4Me performed better than NN.
COVID-19 and geriatric population: from pathophysiology to clinical perspectives
Authors: Bansod Swanjal , Ahirwar Ashok Kumar , Sakarde Apurva , Asia Priyanka , Gopal Niranjan , Alam Sana , Kaim Kirti , Ahirwar Pradeep , Sorte Smita R. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has not only led to a worldwide socio-economic depression, but has also had the highest health impact on the geriatric population. Elderly population, due to various reasons such as low immunity, pre-existing co-morbidities such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases or diabetes, are obviously predisposed to develop severe infections and exhibit a high mortality rate. This is because of many reasons which include the atypical presentation in the geriatric population which might have led to diagnostic delay. As per the WHO guidelines to perform RT-PCR only on the symptomatic individuals, a very small portion of individuals were tested, leaving a fraction of population undiagnosed. Therefore, there remained a chance that many asymptomatic individuals such caregivers, healthcare professionals, family members were undiagnosed and might have carried this virus to the geriatric patients. Also, many countries were not prepared to handle the burden on their healthcare system which included sudden increased demand of ICU beds, mechanical ventilation etc. As a result, they had to make decision on who to be admitted. Atypical presentation in geriatric population may include afebrile or low-grade fever, absence of cough, malaise, muscle pains, dyspnoea etc. Geriatric population shows a more severe type of pneumonia, significantly higher number of neutrophils and C-reactive protein, less lymphocytes and a higher proportion of multiple lobe involvement. Extreme social suppression during COVID-19 pandemic has increased the risk of mental and physical adverse effects that has made older adults more vulnerable to depression and anxiety.
Fabrication and characterization of Yb-doped Y2O3 powders and thin films
Authors: Kaya Elif Emil , Ünal Fatma , Kazmanlıa Kürşat , Gürmena Sebahattin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Yttrium oxide (Y2O3) and ytterbium (Yb)-doped Y2O3 particles were synthesized via the sol-gel method from the aqueous solution of their nitrate salts. The synthesized powders were then deposited on Corning glass substrates using an electron beam evaporation technique to examine the growth morphology of the thin films. The effect of the Yb dopant concentration on the microstructure and morphology of the Y2O3 powders and thin films was investigated using various characterization techniques. The synthesized powders and fabricated thin films have body-centered cubic structures with space group Ia-3. Based on the X-ray peak broadening, crystallite size and lattice parameters were evaluated with the Williamsom-Hall and Cohen-Wagner methods. The lattice parameter and crystallite size decrease with increasing Yb concentration. The intensities of the Raman peaks decrease due to microstructural disorder caused by the increase in the Yb dopant concentration. The band gap values of the powders also decrease depending on the dopant concentration, similar to the lattice parameter and crystallite size. While the synthesized powders have a sponge-like morphology, they exhibit different morphological structures depending on the dopant concentration when converted into thin films.
Laser additive manufacturing of copper– chromium–niobium alloys using gas atomized powder
Authors: Maischner Dora , Fritsching Udo , Kini Anoop , Weisheit Andreas , Uhlenwinkel Volker , Schleifenbaum Johannes Henrich , Biermann Tim 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Copper-chrome-niobium alloys exhibit excellent thermal and electrical properties combined with high strength at elevated temperatures. Additive manufacturing techniques such as laser metal deposition using powder as raw material offer the potential for rapid solidification as well as a high freedom of design to manufacture parts layer by layer. Powder samples of copper- chrome-niobium alloys were produced by gas atomization. Via laser metal deposition, bulk volumes without cracks and with a very low porosity can be built up. Rapid solidification leads to the formation of fine precipitates which are likely to be (Cr,Fe)2Nb. The precipitates are distributed homogeneously in the copper matrix. The copper crystals grow across the layers due to epitaxial nucleation on the preceding layer.