bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced intensity conditioning prior to autologous stem cell transplantation in elderly DLBCL patients
Authors: Marks Reinhard , Strüßmann Tim , Hermes Philipp , Finke Jürgen , Duque-Afonso Jesus , Engelhardt Monika , Duyster Justus , Ihorst Gabriele 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
High-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is widely used in diffuse-large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients in a curative approach. Since HDCT/ASCT is associated with increased morbidity in elderly/unfit DLBCL patients, we retrospectively investigated the use of reduced-intensity conditioning prior to ASCT in this cohort. Between 2005 and 2019 146 patients aged ≥ 60 years were treated; 86 patients received standard intensity conditioning (SI-group) with BEAM/TEAM (BCNU/thiotepa, etoposide, cytarabine, melphalan). 60 patients received reduced intensity conditioning (RI-group) with BM (BCNU, melphalan, 43.3%), TM (thiotepa, melphalan 16.7%), BCNU- or busulfan-thiotepa (38.4%) or bendamustin-melphalan (1.7%). While patient characteristics differed significantly between the SI- and RI-groups, acute toxicities and non-relapse mortality were comparable. The cumulative incidence of relapse at 3 years was higher in the RI-group (30.8% vs. 23.4%, p = 0.034, median follow-up: 62.4 month). Nevertheless, in multivariate analyses, no difference in PFS (HR 0.74 CI 0.40–1.38, p = 0.345) and a trend for better OS with RI-conditioning (HR 0.45 CI 0.22–0.94, p = 0.032) could be detected. ASCT in frontline DLBCL treatment was also associated with superior OS. In summary, RI-conditioning prior to ASCT is feasible in elderly patients and led to a comparable outcome when corrected for multiple significant confounders.
Infection Play a Key Role in the Formation of Calcium Oxalate Stone: A New Hypothesis Starting from the Composition of Early DJ Stent Encrustations
Authors: Yang Zesong , Lin Jiexiang , Wang Fang , Hong Yun , Hu Minxiong , Cai Wanghai , Pan Honghong , Zhu Qinguo , Ye Liefu , Wu Jinfeng 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background/aims:
At present, the mechanism of calcium oxalate(CaOx) stone formation is still unclear. Previous studies have shown that the compositions of encrustations on double-J(DJ) stents were basically consistent with the compositions of primary stones, which may be a special form of stone recurrence. Therefore, we tried to identify the compositions of early encrustations and combined with some clinical findings and existing evidence to discover the a new potential direction for mechanism research of CaOx stone formation.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the data of 251 patients with upper urinary tract stones who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URL), or retrograde renal surgery (RIRS). F4.8 DJ stents were indwelled after operation in all patients and were removed after 1 month. we collected early encrustations (if occurred) and purulent floccules (if found in surgery) for compositional analysis. In addition, we accidentally obtained gout crystals and dental calculus from a gout patient, and conducted a compositional analysis of them out of interest.
Results
All of these patients were left with DJ stents for 1 month, and 5.18% of them had encrustations on the DJ stents (early encrustations). The main compositions of these scabs were infectious compositions, without a single CaOx. Primary infectious stone and urease-producing bacteria before surgery were the risk factors for early encrustation. The compositions of purulent floccules were mainly composed of infectious compositions such as CaAp. The compositions of gout crystals were sodium urate monohydrate, CaOx dihydrate and MAP hexahydrate, and the compositions of dental calculus also contained CaOx.
Conclusion
Infectious compositions were the main components of early DJ stent encrustations. Infection may play a indispensable role in the formation of CaOx stone, which deserves further research.
Time-Series Forecasting of Wheat Crop Productivity in Egypt using Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Mahmoud Amal , Moahmmed Ammar , wahab M. M abdel , Khalil A.A 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Egypt’s agricultural sector plays a critical role in the country’s economy, with wheat cultivation being vital for ensuring food security. However, the challenges faced by wheat farming in Egypt, such as climate change, water scarcity, and pest infestations, contribute to yield fluctuations, highlighting the need for accurate and timely predictions of wheat productivity. To address this need, time series analysis is employed, which involves analyzing data collected at regular intervals over a specific time frame. Time series data can encompass multiple variables recorded simultaneously at each interval, known as multivariate time series data. Traditional statistical methods have been commonly used for time series analysis. However, these methods have limitations when dealing with nonlinear and complex data patterns, especially in agricultural data exhibiting spatiotemporal characteristics. Deep learning techniques have emerged as a promising solution to address these limitations. In this paper, we have developed the Multivari-ate Multi-Head Attention Temporal Convolutional Networks (MATCN) model specifically to handle the spatiotemporal nature of multivariate time series data in the context of wheat crop productivity prediction in Egypt. The experimental results revealed that our proposed MATCN model exhibited the most effective prediction performance when compared to other state-of-the-art models.
Social inequalities in household food availability and wellbeing among newcomer adolescents in Canada: A Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children 2017/2018 Study
Authors: Hammami Nour 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Purpose:This study sought to assess how hunger and wellbeing differ among newcomer adolescents versus non-newcomer adolescents in Canada and the associations between these factors.
Methods:This study represents results from a proportional sample of 21,750 adolescents in Canada recruited through the HBSC-Canada study 2017/2018 cycle. It used measures of migration status, the WHO-5 measure of wellbeing, hunger, and family support factors in regression models to estimate cross-sectional associations between migration status and hunger, and wellbeing while controlling for covariates and the nested nature of the data.
Results:Approximately 32.1% of the sample were newcomers and newcomers were more likely to be hungry (20.4%) compared with non-newcomer adolescents (15.5%). The regression analyses confirmed this association and also showed that newcomer adolescents also reported lower wellbeing compared with non-newcomer adolescents. Further analyses showed that among hungry adolescents, non-newcomers reported lower wellbeing than newcomer adolescents in Canada.
Conclusion:Although newcomer adolescents report overall lower wellbeing and more hunger with non-newcomers; when hungry, newcomers report higher wellbeing than their non-newcomer peers. This resilience to hunger may be explained by living in other adversity (i.e., more household deprivation, less family supports) which were living conditions found among newcomer adolescents in this study.
Effects of Occupational License Access on Undocumented Immigrants: Evidence from the California Reform
Authors: Chung Bobby 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In 2014, California lifted legal work status requirement for dozens of occupational licenses - a major obstacle for undocumented immigrants in the US to access professional jobs. This paper assesses its effects on the employment outcome of undocumented immigrants in California. Analysing likely undocumented immigrants in the American Community Survey, I find that the law increased their employment, particularly in lower-skill or blue-collar licensed occupations, and older or Hispanic workers. I also find the law did not crowd out documented or domestic workers.
JEL Classification: J15, J44, K37
Cassegrain antenna using anomalously hollow beams with orbital angular momentum to improve transmission efficiency
Authors: Wang Jingyi , Yang Huajun , Jiang Ping , Zhou Miaofang , Wang Chaoxiang , Chen Xin , Bai Chenxi , Wang Peiyuan 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In order to solve the transmission problem of severe energy loss in the center of the Cassegrain antenna, an anomalously hollow beam with orbital angular momentum is innovatively considered, and the transmission characteristics of anomalously hollow beams with different parameters through the Cassegrain antenna in free space is studied. The anomalously hollow beam with orbital angular momentum is a special kind of vortex light, which can maintain good parallelism over long distance transmission. By adjusting the focal parameters of Cassegrain antenna, the beam radius can be expanded in different degrees. In addition, the hollow beam can be applied to the wavelength range of 500 ~ 1550 nm and maintain good performance of parallelism. The result shows that the anomalously hollow beam with orbital angular momentum has a divergence angle of 0.228 μrad, and the beams transmission efficiency of the Cassegrain antenna can reach 89.33% at the wavelength of 863 nm, which can significantly improve the transmission efficiency of the antenna.
Qualitative Evaluation of Mixed-reality Artificial Intelligence Assistant (MAIA): An AI-Enabled VR Program for Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Spiegel Brennan , Liran Omer , Clark Alllisitair , Samaan Jamil , Khalil Carine , Charnoff Robert , Reddy Kavya , Mehra Muskaan 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Investigating the effect of long-term exclosure in a semi-arid experimental watershed on canopy cover of vegetation
Authors: Eshghizadeh Masoud , Moosavi Vahid 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This research investigated the effect of long-term excluding livestock as a measure of vegetation cover management in the Kakhk experimental watershed in northeast Iran. For this purpose, the normalized difference in vegetation index was investigated in two grazed and ungrazed sub-catchments from 1991 to 1995 and 2015 to 2019. The results of statistical comparisons showed only in the ungrazed sub-catchment, the mean values of the NDVI in the second period are significantly higher than in the first period. Based on the results, the mean NDVI in the ungrazed sub-catchment has increased from 0.103 in the first period to 0.163 in the second period, whereas, in the grazed sub-catchment it has decreased from 0.152 in the first period to 0.139 in the second period. The survey of temperature data and NDVI showed the growth period of plants in the second period started faster due to higher temperatures in March and April. The results demonstrated the ability of remote sensing to investigate the effects of exclosure to rehabilitate and restore the vegetation cover in watershed management. Also, the results showed the possibility of long-term use of the rangeland without vegetation destruction if the grazing period is managed. Therefore, grazing in the long-term cannot decrease the vegetation cover by correct grazing management. Therefore, the long-term exclosure will not be significant without the application of vegetation restoration methods in watershed management. Also, remote sensing images are capable to investigate the effects of biological measures in watershed management projects.
Improved Cuckoo Search Algorithm for Hyper-parameter Optimization in Deep Learning and Its Application in Activity Recognition
Authors: Tong Yu , Chen Rong 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Current research shows that deep learning algorithm is an effective method for activity recognition. However, the deep learning algorithms often contain some hyper-parameters which may be continuous, integer, or mixed, and are often given based on experience but largely affect the effectiveness of activity recognition. In this paper, Cuckoo Search (CS) algorithm is proposed to optimize hyper-parameters in deep learning models. In order to adapt to different hyper-parameter optimization problems, an improved CS algorithm is proposed. Then, the hyper-parameters in CNN and LSTM are optimized based on the improved CS algorithm on the smart home activity recognition dataset. Recognition results show that hyper-parameter optimization based on improved CS algorithm can improve the performance of the deep learning model.
A bibliometric analysis of gut microbiota in urolithiasis
Authors: Liu Hongbo , Lv Jia , Xu Zihao , Wang Hengyou , He Kangjie , Hu Lizhe , Yin Shanfeng , Yan Xiang 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purposes:
This work aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the knowledge structure and research hotspots of gut microbiota in urolithiasis through bibliometrics.
Methods
This study retrieved publications on gut microbiota in urolithiasis from the Web of Science Core Collection database. VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the R package "bibliometrix" were utilized to conduct this bibliometric analysis.
Results
The study included 233 articles from 44 countries, with the United States and China leading the research. The number of publications related to gut microbiota in urolithiasis is increasing between 1995 to 2023. A total of 957 authors published these articles, with Hatch Marguerite, Miller Aaron W., Hoppe Bernd, Jin Xi, and Liu Yu having published the most papers. The most popular journals in this field are Kidney International and Urolithiasis. The main research institutions are the University of Florida, New York University, Cleveland Clinic, and Sichuan University. The primary keyword clusters included "gut microbiota,""oxalate degradation,""SLC26A6," and "urinary oxalate excretion."
Conclusion
This article analyzes influential authors, journals, countries, and institutions in the field of gut microbiota in urolithiasis using bibliometrics and holds a positive attitude towards research in this field.
A Rare Case of EBV-positive Inflammatory Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma of the Iliac Bone
Authors: Ye Zhenbang , Jing Liang , Zhang Huijuan , Fu Yongliang , Huang Wenting 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been shown to be associated with the occurrence of certain types of malignant tumors, including EBV-positive (EBV+) inflammatory follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In this case study, we present the diagnosis of a Chinese male who sequentially developed iliac bone-derived EBV + inflammatory FDCS and NPC, both of which were associated with EBV. The diagnosis was confirmed through positive immunohistochemical staining for specific markers of EBV + inflammatory FDCS (CD21, CD23, CD35 and CXCL13) and in situ hybridization of EBV encoding RNA (EBER). Furthermore, Next-generation Sequencing (NGS) identified copy number amplification of CCND1 and FGF19, as well as copy number loss of CDKN2A and CDKN2B. These genetic alterations may partially account for patient’s unfavorable prognosis, as evidenced by local recurrence at the 3rd month post-surgery and subsequent death at the 4th month post-surgery. This case suggests that a patient may develop multiple types of EBV-related cancers, which could feature unfavorable outcome as indicated by the NGS results.
Effect of Annealing Temperature on the Magnetization Behavior of LaFe0.5Cr0.5O3
Authors: Cao Huanhuan , Li Huijing , Mo Jajun , Lu Zeyi , Xia Yanfang , Liu Min 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
LaFe0.5Cr0.5O3 was prepared by sol-gel method, and the obtained samples were annealed at 750°C and 900°C. The magnetic hysteresis curves illustrated that the coercivity of the samples increased with higher annealing temperatures. Magnetic tests revealed anomalous behavior in the M-T curve of LFCO-900 within the temperature range of 50K-150K, which can be attributed to changes in magnetic entropy induced by annealing. The annealing temperature has a significant impact on the magnetic properties of LFCO. Monte Carlo simulation was employed to simulate the dependence of the magnetization on the temperature in disordered systems under weak and strong fields, and the results were consistent with the phenomena of LFCO-750. These findings provide important reference values for in-depth studies to understand the physical properties of perovskite materials, and they contribute to the optimization of the magnetic entropy effect in perovskite systems, thus enhancing their application value.
Superior Sorption of Mn (VII) @ Functionalized Cellulose Nanocrystals Derived from Sustainable Newspapers
Authors: Mohamed F. M. , Eweida B. Y. , Abdualla A. M. , Hamad H. A. , Alrakshy M. F. , Khalifa R. E. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The fabrication of natural polymer nanocrystals and their versatility stimulated the development of functionalized hybrid nanomaterials for the elimination of harmful contaminants. In this quest, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from environmentally friendly newspapers have been functionalized using a simple two-step reaction with anionic polymer (poly hydrex 6161) to create FCNCs. FTIR, XRD, and SEM are used to describe the structure of FCNCs. The impact of five factors (starting Mn (VII) concentration, contact time, pH, adsorbent dosage, and temperature) and their interactions on the removal efficiency is examined using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). FCNC adsorption efficiency in batch mode is highly influenced by a number of variables, including pH. The innovative FCNCs hybrid composite not only demonstrated the efficient removal of Mn (VII) ions from an aqueous solution, but it also made the process easier. For the elimination of Mn (VII) ions, a mild acid (pH = 2) is preferred. The pseudo-second order, intraparticle-diffusion, and Langmuir isotherm kinetic models as well as the adsorption process have been proven to be compatible. Electrostatic interaction, complexation interaction, ion exchange, and pore filling are methods that can be used to determine the adsorption mechanism on the FCNCs. At least six adsorption-desorption recycles were easily performed by the hybrid FCNCs. The hybrid composite is extremely promising as an improved adsorbent for significant potential in wastewater treatment for heavy metal removal on an industrial scale due to its special features.
Performance improvement of AODV routing protocol using Q-Learning, SARSA and DQN Algorithm based RL Techniques
Authors: Rani Seema , Charaya Saurabh 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This paper investigates the application of reinforcement learning (RL) techniques to enhance the performance of the Ad hoc On-Demand Distance Vector (AODV) routing protocol in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). MANETs are self-configuring networks consisting of mobile nodes that communicate without the need for a centralized infrastructure. AODV is a widely used routing protocol in MANETs due to its reactive nature, which reduces overhead and conserves energy. This research explores three popular Reinforcement Learning algorithms: SARSA, Q-Learning and Deep Q-Network (DQN) to optimize the AODV protocol's routing decisions. The RL agents are trained to learn the optimal routing paths by interacting with the network environment, considering factors such as link quality, node mobility, and traffic load. The experiments are conducted using network simulators to evaluate the performance improvements achieved by the proposed RL-based enhancements. The results demonstrate significant enhancements in various performance metrics, including reduced end-to-end delay, increased packet delivery ratio, and improved throughput. Furthermore, the RL-based approaches exhibit adaptability to dynamic network conditions, ensuring efficient routing even in highly mobile and unpredictable MANET scenarios. This study offers valuable insights into harnessing RL techniques for improving the efficiency and reliability of routing protocols in mobile ad hoc networks.
Neurocognitive outcomes and radiological features in long-term survivors of paediatric brain tumours
Authors: zarraa semia , alami soufiane , drissi cyrine , yousfi amani , noubbigh Ghaeit el fida , yahyaoui safia , nasr chiraz 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose This article reports long-term neurocognitive disorders on survivor children of brain tumours, their predictive factors and their aspects in imaging.
Methods We included 30 patients. Twenty-six patients underwent, prospectively, a neurocognitive assessment; and for 16 of them, we performed a comparative reading between pre- and post-treatment magnetic resonance imaging and/or cerebral tomodensitometry. We looked for cerebral atrophy, white matter lesions, and microvascular lesions.
Results Medulloblastoma was the most frequent histological type. The median age at diagnosis was 10 years. Eighty five percent of patients had at least one cognitive deficit, and 52% had moderate to severe deficits. Significant predictors of cognitive deficits were a high dose of radiotherapy to the right hippocampus, low socioeconomic status, psychiatric history, mood disorders at evaluation, and scholar failure. In radiological study, 40% of patients had at least one focal lesion of the white brain matter and 43% had at least one microvascular lesion.
Conclusion We, definitely, observed a high prevalence of neurocognitive deficits affecting all assessed cognitive domains concurrently to a high prevalence of white matter lesions and micro vascular lesions between patients treated for brain tumours at childhood. Although, it was a little series of patients, our results represent a strong proof that children with brain tumours are indifferently, at risk of developing neurocognitive impairments after treatment.
Implications for Cancer Survivors We strongly, recommend continuous long term follow up, with regular cerebral imaging and regular neurocognitive assessment for brain tumor survivors.
Healthcare utilization disparities among children in Israel: big data analyses study
Authors: Ghanayem Doaa , Sliman Rim Kasem Ali , Schwartz Naama , Cohen Hilla , Shehadeh Shereen , Pillar Giora 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the differences in healthcare utilization in children in Israel over ten years. While examining the differences between various populations.
Methods
Data were obtained from the Clalit Health Care data warehouse, covering over 250,000 children residing in the Haifa and Western Galilee district. The population groups were categorized based on ethnicity (Jewish vs Arab) and residential settings (urban vs rural).
Results
Healthcare utilization was consistently higher among Jewish children than Arab children, irrespective of the specific dimension analyzed. Additionally, urban-dwelling children exhibited higher usage rates than those residing in rural areas in all investigated dimensions.
However, Jewish children showed significantly lower hospitalization rates than Arab children across all years. No significant differences in hospitalizations were observed between urban and rural children. Notably, the study observed reduced antibiotic usage and hospitalizations over the years for all populations. Furthermore, Arab children and those living in rural environments face reduced accessibility to health care, as evidenced by fewer physician visits, laboratory and imaging tests.
Conclusion
This study highlights the substantial population-based disparities in healthcare utilization among children in Israel, despite the equalizing effect of the national health insurance law. Consequently, it is imperative to address these disparities and implement targeted interventions to enhance healthcare accessibility for Arab children and rural communities. The decline in antibiotic usage and hospitalizations suggests positive trends in pediatric health care, necessitating ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access and quality of care for all populations.