bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use and analysis of HIV PrEP needs among men who have sex with men in Germany
Authors: Marcus Ulrich , Schmidt Daniel , Schink Susanne B. , Koppe Uwe 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Data on PrEP use in Germany is not collected systematically. We aim to estimate the number of PrEP users among men having sex with men (MSM) and describe PrEP use in Germany from 2017 through 2020. Moreover, we analyse whether PrEP needs expressed in 2017 could have been met by the expansion of PrEP until 2020.Methods: We estimated the number of PrEP users using drug prescription data, information on on-demand/intermittent PrEP use from online surveys, and number of online profiles indicating PrEP use, based on varying assumptions about the proportion of on-demand/intermittent and daily PrEP users and on the average number of PrEP pills used. Factors associated with intention to use PrEP were identified by a multivariable logistic regression analysis among respondents to an online survey. We estimated the number of MSM in need for PrEP in 2017 based on four groups defined among the survey respondents, combining respondents intending to use PrEP and respondents indicating substantial sexual risks. We used data and assumptions on self-selection biases to estimate a range for the absolute size of these groups among gay men in Germany.Results: Depending on assumptions, we estimated a total of 15,600 to 21,600 PrEP users in Germany by the end of June 2020, which corresponds to between 40 and 55% of men with the intention to use PrEP in 2017. Distributions of PrEP users from different data sources and PrEP prescriptions by federal state in Germany were highly correlated, except for major deviations for Berlin with a higher proportion of prescriptions in Berlin compared to the proportion of survey participants using PrEP. A correlation between the regional distribution of intention to use PrEP in 11/2017 and actual PrEP use by 06/2020 suggested an unequal regional distribution of unsatisfied needs. The number of men with unmet PrEP needs ranged between 27,500 and 93,000 in 06/2020.Conclusions: PrEP use in Germany has increased considerably between 10/2017 and 06/2020, but large regional inequalities persist. Results suggested that PrEP is not fully accessible and that there is a need to expand services and encourage demand.
No impact of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio on pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in Turkish women with breast cancer
Authors: Cubukcu Erdem , Sahin Ahmet , Ocak Birol , Deligonul Adem , Evrensel Turkkan , Tolunay Sahsine , Gokgoz Mustafa Sehsuvar , Cetintas Sibel , Yarbas Gorkem , Senol Kazım 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A low neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) reflects a systemic milieu characterized by reduced inflammation and increase immune system activation – potentially favoring a better response to therapy in solid malignancies. This retrospective study of collected data aimed to assess whether NLR may predict pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in Turkish women with breast cancer. The study sample consisted of 406 patients with breast cancer who were scheduled to undergo NAC before attempting cytoreductive surgery. A pretreatment complete blood count was obtained in the week preceding NAC, and the NLR was calculated from absolute counts of neutrophils and lymphocytes. The Miller-Payne system was used to grade response to NAC. Secondary outcome measures included disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Patients were divided into two groups (high versus low) according to the optimal cutoff value (NLR = 1.95; low NLR ≤ 1.95, high NLR > 1.95). The rate of pCR in the low NLR group (22.3%) was similar to that observed in the high NLR group (19.8%; P = 0.20). Moreover, there were no significant differences in DFS and OS of patients in the high and low NLR groups. Based on our results, pretreatment NLR seems to have no significant predictive value in Turkish women with breast cancer who received NAC. However, prospective studies will surely provide deeper insights into the prognostic significance of NLR in this clinical setting.
The dynamics of gene transcription with periodic synthesis rate
Authors: SUN QIWEN , Jiao Feng , Yu Jianshe 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The periodic transcription output is ubiquitously observed in an isogenic cell population. To understand mechanisms of cyclic behavior in transcription, we extend the gene activation process in the two-state model by assuming the synthesis rate is periodic. We derive the analytical forms of the mean transcript level and the noise. The limits of them indicate the mean level and the noise display periodic behaviors. Our numerical examples strongly suggest that the transcription system with a periodic synthesis rate generates more noise than that with a constant rate, but maintains transcription homeostasis in each period. It also suggests that if the periodicity is not considered, the calculated noise may be greater than the correct value.
An Efficient Computational Numerical Approach For Nonlinear Mathematical Influenza Disease Modelling
Authors: Sabir Zulqurnain , Raja Muhammad Asif Zahoor , Ali Mohamed R. , Arbi Adnène , Kristiawan Muhammad 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this study, an advanced computational numerical scheme based on the Levenberg-Marquardt backpropagation (LMB) neural network (NN) process, i.e., LMB-NN is presented for solving the nonlinear mathematical influenza disease model. The nonlinear mathematical influenza disease model depends on four categories named susceptible S(t), infected I(t), recovered R(t) and cross-immune individuals proportion C(t). Six different cases of the nonlinear mathematical influenza disease model have been numerically treated using the LMB-NN process and the comparison of the results has been presented by using the reference data-based solutions designed based on the Adams results. The numerically obtained results of the nonlinear mathematical influenza disease model using the verification, testing, and training procedures are calculated using the LMB-NN process to reduce the functions of mean square error (MSE). For the correctness, competence, effectiveness, and efficiency of the LMB-NN process, the proportional and analysis methods are performed using the analysis of correlation, MSE results, error histograms and regression.
Assessment of Factors Causing Coffee Yield Gap Among Smallholder Farmers in Mbinga and Mbozi Districts
Authors: Kiwelu Leonard Kauwedi , Damas Philip , Mpenda Zena 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This study assesses the factors causing coffee yield gap among smallholder in the study area. The aim of this study is to increase coffee productivity from the current level. The primary data were collected from 218 adopters and 102 non-adopters of improved coffee varieties using a structured questionnaire. The descriptive statistics was used to assess yield gap and linear regression model was used to determine factors causing yield gap among smallholder farmers in the study area. The findings showed that the yield potential (3000 kg/ha and 1000 kg/ha) for improved and traditional coffee varieties respectively has not yet been realized by farmers and there is a large gap between the average coffee yield (1141 kg/ha and 384 kg/ha) gained by smallholder farmers growing improved coffee varieties and farmer growing traditional coffee varieties respectively. The yield gap from smallholder farmers with improved coffee varieties was 2000 kg/ha and 646 kg/ha from traditional coffee varieties. The main factors causing coffee yield gap were lack of access to extension services (p < 0.000), plant population (0.007), low use of fertilizer (p < 0.002), coffee diseases (p < 0.008). To minimize coffee yield gap in Tanzania promotion of the use of improved coffee varieties, fertilizer and agro-inputs is important.
Investigating the pulse short electric arc milling of Ti6Al4V alloy
Authors: Zhang Li , Hu Guoyu , Zhou Jianping , Zhou Zongjie , Liu Kai , Zhang Shengsheng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this study, characteristics of Ti6Al4V alloy are studied by pulse short electric arc milling (SEAM). In this regard, the influence of SEAM parameters on the material removal rate (MRR), relative electrode wear rate (REWR) and surface integrity of Ti6Al4V is studied. A wide variety of processing parameters, including different voltages, frequencies, duty cycles, flushing pressures, electrode rotation speeds and electrode feed rates are considered in the investigation. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrograph (EDS) and micro-hardness analysis are applied to analyze results. Moreover, a multi-channel data acquisition system is used to measure gap voltage and gap current. Obtained results cover the variation of MRR, REWR, surface roughness (Ra), average re-solidified layer thickness and average heat-affected zone thickness with different processing parameters. Furthermore, the electrode surface morphology and chemical composition of the negative growth of REWR are studied. Based on the obtained results, the microstructure of the re-solidified layer and heat-affected zone of the workpiece cross-section is confirmed. This study provides a technological basis for the high-quality pulse SEAM technology of difficult-to-machine (DTM) materials to enter the semi-finishing field.
Four - bar linkage mechanisms with continuous friction model in joint clearance
Authors: Bamdad Mahdi , Javanfar Amirhosein 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Clearance joint widely occurs in the components of mechanical systems as evidence of manufacturing errors. Since a proper set of parameters in the contact and friction model could lead to a higher precision of clearance analysis, the effect of friction models when surfaces collide with a non-zero tangential velocity is examined. Unlike the crank mechanism, a double rocker four - bar linkage mechanism as a challenging problem in the impact mode is analyzed. An investigation on the dynamic modeling and analysis of double rocker four - bar linkage mechanisms with frictional revolute clearance joints is presented. In the presence of clearance joints, asserting friction force, a novel formulation of the contact model is proposed after exploring the perfect continuous friction models with easy parameterization and analyzing the applicable compliant contact force models. The perfect continuous friction models including stribeck effect, static, dynamic, and viscous friction terms are studied, and four friction models (Ambrosio, Threlfall, Anderson and Brown) are thoroughly compared. Using an appropriate model, nonlinear dynamic behaviour is examined and to profit by Poincare portrait; it is proven that either strange chaos exists in the system response. FFT analysis expresses the friction and restitution coefficient inﬂuence the nonlinear dynamics of the mechanism signiﬁcantly. The main consideration here is to present a friction model for improving continuity and computational cost. This paper comes to efficiency of the brown friction model which is used in the clearance joint for first time. The results clearly reveal that the angular accelerations of the links and the contact forces in the continuous friction models are smoother and bounded.
Retinoblastoma Mutational Screening in India: Opportunities and Challenges in Clinical Decisions and Genetic Counselling
Authors: Gupta Himika , Malaichamy Sivasankar , Mallipatna Ashwin , Murugan Sakthivel , Jeyabalan Nallathambi , Sureshbabu Vishnu , Ghosh Anuprita , Ghosh Arkasubhra , Santhosh Sam , Seshagiri Somasekar , Ramprasad Vedam L , Kumaramanickavel Govindasamy 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: India accounts for 20% of the global retinoblastoma (RB) burden. Existing data is sparse on RB1 gene germline mutations and its influence on clinical decisions is minimally explored. Methods: Fifty children with RB underwent complete clinical examination and appropriate multidisciplinary management. Screening of germline RB1 gene mutations was performed through next-generation sequencing and Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) analysis. The mutation and non-mutation groups were compared for clinical parameters especially severity and recurrence. Results: Twenty-nine patients had bilateral RB (BLRB) and 21 had unilateral RB (ULRB). The genetic analysis revealed 20 RB1 variations in 29 probands (79%), inclusive of 3 novel mutations, previously reported 16 mutations and heterozygous whole gene deletions. The mutation detection rate (MDR) was 86.2% in BLRB and 19% in ULRB. Associations of disease recurrence (p=0.021), progression (p=0.000) and higher percentage of optic nerve invasion, subretinal seeds and high-risk pathological factors were observed in the mutation group. Clinical management was influenced by the presence of germline mutations, particularly while deciding on enucleation, frequency of periodic follow up and radiotherapy. Conclusions: We identified novel RB1 mutations and our mutation detection rate was at par with previous robust global studies. Genetic results influenced clinical management and we suggest that it should be an essential and integral component of RB-care in India.
Alteration in Arsenic Dynamics and Toxicity to Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus L.) in Response to Phosphorus in Different Textured Soils
Authors: Piracha Muhammad Awais , Ashraf Muhammad , Shahzad Sher Muhammad , Arif Muhammad Saleem , Rizwan Muhammad Shahid , Imtiaz Muhammad , Aziz Ahsan , Tu Shuxin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Being analogue to arsenic (As), phosphorus (P) may affect As dynamics in soil and toxicity to plants depending upon many soil and plant factors. Two sets of experiments were conducted to determine the effect of P on As fractionation in soils, its accumulation by plants and subsequent impact on growth, yield and physiological characteristics of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Experimental plan comprised of two As levels (60 and 120 mg As kg-1 soil), four P (0-5-10-20 g phosphate rock kg-1 soil) and three textural types (sandy, loamy and clayey) with three replications. Among different As fractions determined, labile, calcium-bound, organic matter-bound and residual As increased while iron-bound and aluminum-bound As decreased with increasing P in all the three textural types. Labile-As percentage increased in the presence of P by 16.9-48.0% at As60 while 36.0-68.1% at As120 in sandy, 19.1-64.0% at As60 while 11.5-52.3% at As120 in loamy, and 21.8-58.2% at As60 while 22.3-70.0% at As120 in clayey soil compared to respective As treatment without P. Arsenic accumulation in plant tissues at both contamination levels declined with P addition as evidenced by lower bioconcentration factor. Phosphorus mitigated the As-induced oxidative stress expressed in term of reduced hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde while increased glutathione, and consequently improved the achene yield. Although, P increased As solubility in soil but restricted its accumulation in plant tissues, leading to reversal of oxidative damage and improved sunflower growth and yield in all the three soil textural types, more profound effect in sandy texture.
Impact of Mycoplasma pneumoniae coinfection in children with adenovirus pneumonia
Authors: Wei Jin-feng , Pan Shan-shan , Wu Su-ling , Jin Xue-feng , Zhang Jie 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background Since the winter of 2018 to the end of 2019, there has been an epidemic of Adenovirus infection in southern China, including Zhejiang province, and the number of children suffering from adenovirus pneumonia has increased significantly. Adenovirus pneumonia is often accompanied by other infections in children[3,4], but the effect of other Pathogenic coinfection on the AP has been reported few. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is also an important pathogen of community-acquired pneumonia, accounting for 20-40% of children's CAP[5]. As we know the Impact of Mycoplasma pneumoniae coinfection in children with adenovirus pneumonia, which has drawn the attention of the society and the Paediatrician now has not been reported before. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of MP coinfection on hospitalized AP patients, to identify the risk factors for those patients. Methods Nasopharyngeal swabs (NPSs) or sputum specimens for Culturing were collected from patients once they were admitted to our hospital. ADV-Ag, MP-IgM and MP nucleic acid was tested at the same time, then we classify under two groups(single AP groups and AP groups coinfected with MP) . The clinical manifestations, laboratory and imaging findings and clinical medication of the two groups were compared and analyzed.Results A total of 171 patients diagnosed with single AP and 125 patients diagnosed with AP coinfected with MP. Coinfection group lead to a significantly longer duration of fever than single AP group(p=0.03). Shortness of breath was more commonly found in the coinfection group(P = 0.023).there was no statistical difference in pulmonary signs and blood tests between the two groups (P > 0.05). pulmonary imaging, such as pulmonary consolidation, atelectasis, pleural effusion and multi lobe lesions were more common in the coinfection group (P < 0.05). The patients with coinfection had a more severe symptom, leading to a significantly longer hospitalization time, and increasing the proportion of patients using glucocorticoids and / or gamma globulin, needing oxygen inhalation(P < 0.05). Conclusions The occurrence of adenovirus pneumonia coinfected MP is high. prediction factors of prolonged fever duration and pulmonary imaging can be used to predict MP coinfection in children with adenovirus pneumonia. AP patients coinfected MP may easily turn into severe illness, and a reasonable change in treatment is necessary.
Investigating Fracture Properties of The Additively Manufactured PLA Using Sub-Size Specimens
Authors: Simandjuntak Sarinova , Jiang Chulin , Kathke Tobias , Sanders David , Chen Jiye , Bausch Nils 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In the absence of an acceptable test standard for determining fracture properties of a single edge notched sub-size non-metallic (plastic) specimen, the test method’s viability of the ASTM-5045’s energy approach and the Roberts and Newton solution for Charpy V-Notch (CVN) impact testing was investigated. The strain energy release rate (SERR) and fracture toughness were determined by subjecting the sub-size specimens of additively manufactured Polylactic Acid (PLA) to a three-point flexural and a CVN impact testing. A Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) technique was adapted to manufacture thin specimens by sequentially layering a 100mm thick raster in (-45/45)° and (0/90)° orientation. The toughness values of the flexural specimens increase with the number of layers (specimen thickness) and are clearly influenced by the layer orientation. Thicker CVN impact test specimens, however, resulted in relatively lower toughness values. This was due to a reduction of constraints for plane strain conditions that the existing impact test standard/procedure considered. When compared with the impact testing method, the flexural testing using the energy approach demonstrates a better capability to capture the effect of an increase in the energy absorbed for the air gaps to plastically deform and for the delamination to take place in the sub-size specimens. The X-Ray Tomographic images of the flexural test specimens confirmed the presence of air gaps where the onset of the cracking and delamination were observed, whilst the micrographic images revealed mode I intra-laminar fracture for all test specimens.
Title: Transcriptome and metabolome analyses reveal pathways associated with fruit color in plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.)
Authors: Chen Lei , Wang Xue-Song , Cui Long , Zhang Yan-Bo 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background In order to reveal the mechanism of fruit color changes in plum, two common plum cultivars Changli84 (Ch84, red fruit) and Dahuangganhe (D, yellow fruit) in Northeast China were selected as plant materials. Transcriptome sequencing and metabonomic analyzing were performed at three different developmental stages: young fruit stage, colour-change stage, and maturation stage. Results “Flavonoid biosynthesis” was significantly enriched in the KEGG analysis. Some DEGs in “Flavonoid biosynthesis” pathway had an opposite trend between the two cultivars, such as CHS, DFR and FLS. In the current study, procyanidin B1 and B2 had the highest level at young fruit stage in Ch84 and the content of procyanidin B2 decreased sharply at the color change stage. Conversely, the content of cyanidin increased with the growth of fruit and reached the peak at the maturation stage. Conclusion The content of procyanidin B1 and B2 in plums at young fruit stage might be the leading factors of the matured fruit color. At the maturation stage, the cyanidin produced by procyanidins keeps the color of the fruit red. Correspondingly, genes in “flavonoid biosynthesis” pathway play critical roles in regulating the accumulation of anthocyanin in plum.
The link between urbanization and air pollution in Turkey: Evidence from dynamic Autoregressive Distributed Lag simulations
Authors: Aslan Alper , ALTINOZ BUKET , OZSOLAK BAKİ 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between urbanization and air pollution in Turkey. Dynamic ARDL method was used for the period 1960–2014. According to the findings, there is a positive and statistically significant relationship between long-term urbanization and Co2. If urbanization increased by 1%, carbon emissions increased by 0.02%. There is a similar relationship between the shocks that will occur in population growth and Co2 emission in the long term. However, there is a negative and statistically insignificant relationship between the two variables. In the relationship between GDP and Co2, there is a positive relationship in the long term. GDP increase of 1% increases Co2 emissions by 0.11%. There is a similar relationship between long-term GDP shocks and Co2 emissions. According to short-term analysis results, energy consumption increases Co2 emissions by the same rate as GDP. However, the astonishing result of the study emerges here. Empirical results show that a long-term positive shock in energy consumption reduces CO2 emissions and a negative shock increases pollution. According to these results, Turkey has not reached the point of sustainable growth. For this reason, this developing country needs to make regulatory implementations and determine future policies for these impacts affecting air pollution.