bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RASGRF2 gene fusions identified in a variety of melanocytic lesions with distinct morphological features
Authors: Houlier Aurélie , Pissaloux Daniel , Tirode Franck , Lopez Ramirez Noémie , Plaschka Maud , Caramel Julie , Masse Ingrid , de la Fouchardiere Arnaud 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe WHO classification identifies nine classes of melanocytic proliferations according to location, UV exposure, histological, and genetic features. Only a minority of lesions remain unclassified. We describe five cases that harbored either an ERBIN‐RASGRF2 or an ATP2B4‐RASGRF2 in‐frame fusion transcript. These lesions were collected from different studies, unified only by the lack of identifiable known mutations, with a highly variable phenotype. One case was a large abdominal congenital nevus, three were slowly growing pigmented nodules, and the last was an ulcerated nodule arising on the site of a preexisting small nevus, known since childhood. The latter was diagnosed as a 4 mm thick melanoma with loss of BAP1 expression. The four other cases were compound, melanocytic proliferations with an unusual deep pattern of small dense nests of bland melanocytes encased in a fibrous background. The RASGRF2 fusion was confirmed by a break‐apart FISH technique. Array CGH performed in three cases found non‐recurrent secondary copy number alterations. Follow‐up was uneventful. In silico analysis identified a single RASGRF2 fusion in the TCGA pan‐cancer database, whereas RASGRF2 variants were stochastically distributed in all cancer subtypes.
Influence of sex hormones on the immune response to leishmaniasis
Authors: de Araújo Albuquerque Layana Pachêco , da Silva Amanda Miranda , de Araújo Batista Francisca Miriane , de Souza Sene Ingridi , Costa Dorcas Lamounier , Costa Carlos Henrique Nery 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe differences in morbidity and mortality patterns and life expectancy between the sexes are well established in different infectious and parasitic conditions, such as in leishmaniases, in which biological, genetic, sexual and hormonal variations can modulate the immune response indicating greater infectivity, prevalence and clinical severity in men. In this regard, in seeking the understanding of factors related to protection and susceptibility to infection, this review aimed to discuss the influence of sex hormones on the immune response to leishmaniases. In the literature, sex hormone variations promote differences in the innate, humoral and cell‐mediated immune response, leading to greater susceptibility, mortality and complications in males. Epidemiological estimates confirm these results, showing a predominance of the disease, in its different clinical forms, in men and suggesting that sexual variations influence immunomodulatory mechanisms since the prevalence of cases comprises the post‐puberty and adulthood period. In this perspective, the action of sex hormones has been investigated in different clinical models, highlighting the potential of testosterone in immunosuppression, given its association with greater susceptibility and poor control of parasite load and the induction of cell apoptosis and attenuation of pro‐inflammatory signalling pathways. Therefore, hormonal variations influence the immune response among males and females against leishmaniases, in which androgens may present immunosuppressive potential, while steroids present immunomodulatory characteristics.
A “Good” Country without Democracy: Can China's Outward FDI buy a Positive State Image Overseas?
Authors: Fong Ware , Sakib Nazmus 
Published: July 2021

This study examines the effects of China's outward foreign direct investment (FDI) on buying its state image abroad. We argue that regime survival has motivated China to use FDI to improve its state image and induce the world to accept China as a “good” country without democracy. Our analysis shows that while world public opinion becomes more favorable to China when its FDI share increases, even democratic countries remain less favorable toward this growing power. However, when China's FDI share crosses a higher threshold, democratic countries' unfavorable view toward China is compromised and the significant difference in favorability between democratic and nondemocratic countries is diminishing. China's FDI share has no significant effect on improving its state image in the Asia Pacific region, in particular—probably due to the memory of past wars with China and China's aggressive geopolitical strategy that focuses more on hard power competition. Our empirical results are robust in terms of their consistency with the governments' UN voting similarity with China.Related ArticlesÅberg, John H. S., and Derick Becker. 2020. “China as Exemplar: Justin Lin, New Structural Economics, and the Unorthodox Orthodoxy of the China Model.” Politics & Policy 48 (5): 815‐835. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12376Asongu, Simplice A. 2016. “Sino‐African Relations: A Review and Reconciliation of Dominant Schools of Thought.” Politics & Policy 44 (2): 351‐383. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12152Davis, G. Doug. 2011. “Regional Trade Agreements and Foreign Direct Investment.” Politics & Policy 39 (3): 401‐419. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2011.00296.x
Alpha‐ketoglutarate‐dependent dioxygenase homolog 10B, an N6‐methyladenosine mRNA demethylase, plays a role in salt stress and abscisic acid responses in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Shoaib Yasira , Hu Jianzhong , Manduzio Stefano , Kang Hunseung 
Published: July 2021

AbstractN6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is an abundant methylation mark in eukaryotic mRNAs. It is installed and removed by methyltransferases (“writers”) and demethylases (“erasers”), respectively. A recent study has demonstrated that alpha‐ketoglutarate‐dependent dioxygenase homolog 10B (ALKBH10B) is an mRNA m6A eraser affecting floral transition in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, the roles of m6A eraser proteins, including ALKHB10B, in plant adaptation to abiotic stresses are largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to determine the role of ALKBH10B in the response of A. thaliana to abiotic stresses and abscisic acid (ABA). The m6A level increased in response to salt stress, and m6A levels in alkbh10b mutants were higher than those in the wild‐type under both normal and salt stress conditions. Germination of alkbh10b mutant seeds was markedly delayed under salt stress but not under dehydration, cold, or ABA conditions. Seedling growth and survival rate of alkbh10b mutants were enhanced under salt stress. Notably, salt‐tolerant phenotypes of alkbh10b mutants were correlated with decreased levels of several m6A‐modified genes, including ATAF1, BGLU22, and MYB73, which are negative effectors of salt stress tolerance. In response to ABA, both seedling and root growth of alkbh10b mutants were inhibited via upregulating ABA signaling‐related genes, including ABI3 and ABI4. Collectively, these findings indicate that ALKBH10B‐mediated m6A demethylation affects the transcript levels of stress‐responsive genes, which are important for seed germination, seedling growth, and survival of Arabidopsis thaliana in response to salt stress or ABA.
Women’s progression through the maternal continuum of care in Guinea: Evidence from the 2018 Guinean Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Camara Bienvenu Salim , Benova Lenka , Delvaux Thérèse , Sidibé Sidikiba , El Ayadi Alison Marie , Grietens Koen Peeters , Delamou Alexandre 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo examine women's progression through the antenatal, birth, and post‐partum maternal care in Guinea in 2018.MethodsUsing the Guinea Demographic and Health Survey of 2018, we analysed data on most recent live births in the 24 months preceding the survey among women aged 15–49 and the determinants (health system, quality of care, reproductive and sociodemographic factors) of women's progression through three steps of the continuum of care, using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsIn the sample of 3,018 women, 87% reported at least one ANC visit (ANC1) with a health professional and 36% reported ANC4+, at least one of which was with a health professional. In the study, 26% of women reported ANC4+ plus birth in a health facility, and 20% reported ANC4+, birth in a health facility, plus post‐partum check‐up.Predictors of woman's progression from ANC1 to ANC4+ visits included living in the administrative regions of Kindia (AOR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.23–3.14) and Nzérékoré (AOR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.32–0.79) vs. Kankan, being aged 15 to 17 (AOR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.35–0.86) vs. aged 25 to 34, having primary or more education (AOR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.09–1.72), and being from a middle (AOR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.18–1.96) or wealthier (AOR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.67–3.39) household vs. a poor household. Living in the administrative regions of Nzérékoré (AOR: 6.27, 95% CI: 1.57–25.05) vs. Kankan, in a middle (AOR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.05–2.57) or wealthier (AOR: 3.23, 95% CI: 1.98–5.29) household vs. a poor household, nulliparity (AOR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.03–2.97) vs. 2–4 previous births, the distance to health facility perceived as not being a problem (AOR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.23–2.50), and higher ANC content score (AOR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.10–1.52) remained independently associated with progression from ANC4+ to birth in a health facility. Predictors of progression from birth in the health facility to post‐partum check‐up included residing in the administrative regions of Labé (AOR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.09–0.51) or Faranah (AOR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.19–0.96) vs. Kankan, higher ANC content score (AOR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.36–2.28), skin‐to‐skin contact after birth (AOR: 3.00, 95% CI: 1.70–5.31), and being attended at birth by a health professional (AOR: 17.52, 95% CI: 4.68–65.54).ConclusionsRemoving financial barriers and improving quality of care appear to be important to increase the percentage of women receiving the full maternal continuum of care.
Multilocus phylogenetics of smooth clam shrimps (Branchiopoda, Laevicaudata)
Authors: Sigvardt Zandra M. S. , Olesen Jørgen , Rogers D. Christopher , Timms Brian , Mlambo Musa , Rabet Nicolas , Palero Ferran 
Published: July 2021

AbstractLaevicaudatan branchiopods, also called ‘smooth clam shrimps’ or ’pea shrimps’, are rare crustaceans found exclusively in temporary, small freshwater bodies, which stay dry most of the year. Only 42 laevicaudatan species have been described so far, 90% of which belong to the genus Lynceus. The first multilocus phylogeny of the group is provided here, based on 15 Lynceus species from North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Caledonia and using nine molecular markers (two mitochondrial and seven nuclear genes, including newly designed primers). Genetic data suggest populations of Lynceus brachyurus from Europe and North America to represent a complex of cryptic species and sister group to all other laevicaudatans. Species from Thailand, Japan, Mongolia and China formed a distinct East Asian clade. A Southern Hemisphere (Gondwanaland) clade, composed of Chilean, Australian and New Caledonian taxa, was found weakly clustering with an African Lynceus species. Relaxed molecular clock analyses indicate a Pangean origin of Laevicaudata, with further diversification due to vicariance and the continued splitting of continents. Rostrum characters, which are particularly relevant for laevicaudatan systematics, were re‐evaluated and provide morphological evidence supporting molecular clades. Our worldwide overview of Laevicaudata evolution highlights that recent sampling from Africa and South America is scarce, and that further DNA efforts should focus on Paralimnetis and Lynceiopsis species.
A Flexible Similarity-Based Algorithm for Tool Condition Monitoring
Authors: Stuhr Benjamin , Liu Rui 
Published: July 2021

AbstractTo realize smart manufacturing in various machining processes, tool condition monitoring (TCM) systems are employed to detect the state of the tool in optimizing tool conditions and preventing catastrophic failures. However, many developed TCM systems lack flexibility and require extensive setup. To address these issues, the proposed algorithm takes advantage of repetitive machining operations in mass production settings and adopts similarity analysis to realize TCM by comparing the signals collected from the tool with known conditions against the signals generated by the tool to be monitored. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed TCM system, a case study was performed in which the power signal was collected and used in the similarity analysis. According to this case study, it has been proved that the proposed TCM algorithm is able to accurately predict the state of the tool, i.e., tool wear, with a very simple and flexible solution. Furthermore, several tool condition-induced machining parameters have been evaluated to satisfy various monitoring requirements. Nearly all evaluated machining parameters validated the performance and flexibility of the TCM algorithm.
Experimental and Numerical Evaluation of Performance of a Variable Pitch Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine
Authors: Shah Owaisur Rahman , Jamal Muhammad Azfar , Khan Talha Irfan , Qazi Usama Waleed 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The research work depicts the study of the comparison of a 1 kW fixed pitch vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) and a variable pitch VAWT via analytical, numerical, and experimental results. Being an emerging technology, wind turbine is becoming a source of attraction for the researchers. The VAWT in comparison to the horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT) has shown numerous benefits. The fundamental purpose of this study is to maximize the output power and output torque of the wind turbine. For achieving an improved output, a novel and unique mechanism, termed as pitching mechanism, is employed that follows the variable pitch concept. The mathematical modeling was performed for the straight blade variable pitch VAWT and for the fixed rotor. The four-bar mechanism was developed to execute the variable pitch mechanism and implemented in the form of the computer-aided design, model. A scaled down three-dimensional (3D) model of the rotor was manufactured using the 3D printing technique. The aerodynamic forces such as lift and drag were measured upon the rotor as per the testing on the rotor in the wind tunnel. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were run for the fixed pitch and the variable pitch rotor. The transient analysis was performed for the azimuthal angle ranging from 0 to 360 deg and for a pitch angle varying from +25 to −25 deg in ansys software. The comparative study was undertaken, keeping in view the analytical, simulation, and experimental results. A worthy agreement was observed among analytical, software, and experimental results, and a promising increase in power and torque was observed due to the introduction of the variable pitch mechanism. The power produced by the variable pitch design showed a significant increase in the power production compared to the fixed pitch design. The numerical and experimental values of cp for the variable pitch design were quite comparable.
Experimental and Large Eddy Simulation Study for Visualizing Complex Flow Phenomena of Gas Turbine Internal Blade Cooling Channel With No Bend
Authors: Nourin Farah Nazifa , Amano Ryoichi S. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this study, the internal cooling channel was investigated without any bend. Smooth surfaces and dimpled surfaces were investigated using the different combinations of connecting circular and rectangular holes. The computations were performed using the large eddy simulation (LES) model for Reynolds (Re) numbers from 10,000 to 50,000. A total of six different connecting holes were investigated with a smooth and dimpled surface. A partial spherical dimple with two circular holes showed the highest heat transfer, but it has a higher pressure loss penalty. Even though the leaf dimpled surface with the rectangluar holes indicated a little low heat transfer, it represents the highest efficiency at higher Reynolds numbers because of the low-pressure drops.
Masters Athletes’ Views on Sport Psychology for Performance Enhancement and Sport Lifestyle Adherence
Authors: Makepeace Tyler , Young Bradley W. , Rathwell Scott 
Published: July 2021

This study explored the views of Canadian Masters athletes (MAs; Mage = 51, range 38–62; three men and five women) from 12 sports (10 individual and two team sports) on sport psychology for performance, experiential, and lifestyle enhancement. Using Braun and Clarke’s procedures for thematic analysis, the authors interpreted data from semistructured interviews deductively in relation to five strategic themes in which psychological skills are applied for performance enhancement. Deductive results demonstrated MAs used goal setting, imagery, arousal regulation, concentration, and self-confidence to enhance performance and obtain competitive advantages. The authors also analyzed data inductively to reveal themes related to experiential and lifestyle factors. Inductive results showed that MAs “placed priorities on sport,” which involved cognitively justifying the priority and framing sport as an outlet and as the embodiment of the authentic self. Social strategies associated with continued sport pursuit included cultivation of supportive social environments, social contracts/negotiations, social signaling, and social accountability. Strategies “to fit sport in” included integrating/twinning, scheduling, and managing commitment. Managing age-related concerns involved mindfulness and compensation strategies. Results show how MAs uniquely apply sport psychology to enhance their performance and to support sport adherence.
Experiences engaging in a group-based physiotherapist-led exercise programme for adults living with HIV and complex multimorbidity: a qualitative study
Authors: Homayouni Tina S. , Ruth Alex , Abbott-Tate Zoe , Burger Helen , Rahim Shaera , Murray Carolann , Wannamaker Ryan , Chan Carusone Soo , O'Brien Kelly K. 
Published: July 2021

ObjectiveTo explore experiences participating in a group-based physiotherapist (PT)-led exercise programme among people living with HIV and complex multimorbidity.DesignWe conducted a qualitative descriptive study using semistructured interviews.Recruitment and settingWe recruited community-dwelling adults living with HIV who engaged in a group-based PT-led exercise programme within an HIV-specialty hospital in Toronto, Canada. Interviews were conducted in-person or by telephone.ParticipantsEight men and two women with a median age of 58 years and median of six concurrent conditions in addition to HIV, who had attended ≥2 classes of the exercise programme.Data collectionInterviews explored (1) reasons for engaging in the programme, (2) experiences with exercise prior to and after joining the programme, (3) facilitators and barriers to engagement and (4) perceived impacts of participation on health and disability. We administered the HIV Disability Questionnaire and a demographic questionnaire.ResultsExperiences spanned perspectives prior to, during and after the PT-led exercise programme. Reasons for engaging in the programme included addressing health-related goals. Participants identified accessibility, the flexible schedule, interprofessional staff and the HIV-specific, group-based environment as facilitators to engagement. Participants reported high attendance rates, but identified episodic health challenges and overcrowded space as potential barriers to attending exercise classes. Perceived impacts on health and disability outcomes included improved physical, mental, social and cognitive health, and activities of daily living. Anticipated or actual experiences transitioning to independent exercise included facilitators (supportive programme leaders) and barriers (challenges motivatiing self to exercise alone).ConclusionsFeatures of the programme that facilitated engagement included the interprofessional, group-based environment that offered tailored exercise in an HIV-specific facility, whereby participants perceived benefits in domains of health and disability. However, challenges transitioning to independent exercise remain. Group-based PT-led exercise programmes may facilitate engagement in exercise among adults living with HIV and complex multimorbidity.
Vector control for malaria prevention during humanitarian emergencies: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Messenger Louisa Alexandra , Furnival-Adams Joanna , Pelloquin Bethanie , Rowland Mark 
Published: July 2021

IntroductionHumanitarian emergencies, of either natural or anthropogenic origins, are equivalent to major disasters, which can lead to population displacement, food insecurity and health system disruptions. Almost two-thirds of people affected by humanitarian emergencies inhabit malaria endemic regions, particularly the WHO African Region, which currently accounts for 93% and 94% of malaria cases and deaths, respectively. As of late 2020, the United Nations Refugee Agency estimates that there are globally 79.5 million forcibly displaced people, including 45.7 million internally displaced people, 26 million refugees, 4.2 million asylum-seekers and 3.6 million Venezuelans displaced abroad.Methods and analysesA systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted to evaluate the impact of different vector control interventions on malaria disease burden during humanitarian emergencies. Published and grey literatures will be systematically retrieved from 10 electronic databases and 3 clinical trials registries. A systematic approach to screening, reviewing and data extraction will be applied based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Two review authors will independently assess full-text copies of potentially relevant articles based on inclusion criteria. Included studies will be assessed for risk of bias according to Cochrane and certainty of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Eligible studies with reported or measurable risk ratios or ORs with 95% CIs will be included in a meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses, including per study design, emergency phase and primary mode of intervention, may be performed if substantial heterogeneity is encountered.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to perform secondary analyses of existing anonymous data. Study findings will be disseminated via open-access publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations to stakeholders and international policy makers, and will contribute to the latest WHO guidelines for malaria control during humanitarian emergencies.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020214961.