bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cholelithiasis in childhood: Report of two cases from Afghanistan and literature review
Authors: Hakimi Turyalai , Rahmani Fazel Rahman , Aslamzai Mansoor , Jawed Mohammad Anwar 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Cholelithiasis is a rare abdominal condition in children. The cause of pediatric cholelithiasis is unclear, and the most commonly occurring type is pigment stones due to hemolytic diseases and other causes such as medications, hepatobiliary tract anomalies, and genetic problems. Asymptomatic patients require monitoring, whereas symptomatic patients require surgical removal of the gall bladder (cholecystectomy), which can be performed using open or laparoscopic techniques. Here, we present two cases of cholelithiasis (symptomatic and asymptomatic) with neglect of proper medical management until a definite diagnosis and surgical treatment.

Case presentation
A 13-year-old and an 11-year-old child were presented with the diagnosis of cholelithiasis to our pediatric surgery department. The earlier patient suffered from jaundice in early childhood and was treated with the traditional method (non-surgical home remedy using an onion). Later, he was diagnosed with multiple gallbladder stones. The later patient was asymptomatic until his hospitalization at the age of 11 years, when he was diagnosed with a single gallbladder stone (epigastric pain after heavy meals as a chief complaint). Both patients were symptomatic, so we decided to plan them for definite treatment. The patients underwent cholecystectomy with no complications and were discharged from the hospital in satisfactory condition.

Clinical discussion
However, cholelithiasis is uncommon in children, but recent reports indicate increased detection of the disease. In developed nations, an increase in childhood obesity has risen the rate of gallstone cases in the pediatric population. Typically, pediatric cholelithiasis is asymptomatic, but symptomatic children may present with biliary colic as the sudden onset of recurrent epigastric or right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain radiating to the back or right shoulder. In young children, the episodes are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever. Many times, the pain develops without precipitating factors, and fat intolerance is an inconsistent feature. The management of cholelithiasis requires a concise work-up regarding its cause in children.

Conclusion
Cholelithiasis has different underlying causative factors. In otherwise healthy children, surgical treatment is only warranted in symptomatic cases.
Effect of oxygen shielding on the tensile and fatigue performance of 300M repaired through laser-directed energy deposition
Authors: Barr C. , Rashid R.A.R. , Palanisamy S. , Matthews N. , Brandt M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractLaser-directed energy deposition (L-DED) is a key enabling technology for the repair of high-value aerospace components, as damaged regions can be removed and replaced with additively deposited material. While L-DED repair improves strength and fatigue performance compared to conventional subtractive techniques, mechanical performance can be limited by process-related defects. To assess the role of oxygen on defect formation, local and chamber-based shielding methods were applied in the repair of 300M high strength steel. Oxidation between layers for locally shielded specimens is confirmed to cause large gas pores which have deleterious effects on fatigue life. Such pores are eliminated for chamber shielded specimens, resulting in an increased ductility of ∼15%, compared to ∼11% with chamber shielding. Despite this, unmelted powder defects are not affected by oxygen content and are found in both chamber- and locally shielded samples, which still have negative consequences for fatigue.
Portland’s Response to the Western North American Heatwave: A Brief Report
Authors: Burlotos Athanasios , Dresser Caleb , Shandas Vivek 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background:
In June of 2021, a heatwave resulted in high mortality across the Pacific Northwest region. The city of Portland, Oregon, had many advantages: emergency response personnel, science-based policies, political support for climate change adaptation, and collaboration among municipal, county, state, and federal authorities. Though the city’s response likely prevented many deaths, heat-related mortality was high.

Methods:
This study presents a retrospective case analysis of the 2021 Western North American Heatwave in Portland, Oregon. Specifically, the study examines the limitations of current heatwave response paradigms by means of a narrative review of the heatwave response and impacts.

Results:
Most deaths occurred at home, and most of those who died lived alone. Most of the deceased did not have access to functioning air conditioning.

Conclusions:
Heatwaves exhibit high predictability in the demographics of those most affected and have rising rates of recurrence. Given the effectiveness of residential cooling systems in preventing heat-related mortality, findings suggest that future public health and policy initiatives should put increased focus on the primary prevention of heat exposure.
Geometrical representation of subshifts for primitive substitutions
Authors: MERCAT PAUL 
Published: November 2023

AbstractFor any primitive substitution whose Perron eigenvalue is a Pisot unit, we construct a domain exchange that is measurably conjugate to the subshift. Additionally, we give a condition for the subshift to be a finite extension of a torus translation. For the particular case of weakly irreducible Pisot substitutions, we show that the subshift is either a finite extension of a torus translation or its eigenvalues are roots of unity. Furthermore, we provide an algorithm to compute eigenvalues of the subshift associated with any primitive pseudo-unimodular substitution.
A mechanism for ejecting a horseshoe from a partially hyperbolic chain recurrence class
Authors: BONATTI CHRISTIAN , SHINOHARA KATSUTOSHI 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe give a
$C^1$
-perturbation technique for ejecting an a priori given finite set of periodic points preserving a given finite set of homo/heteroclinic intersections from a chain recurrence class of a periodic point. The technique is first stated under a simpler setting called a Markov iterated function system, a two-dimensional iterated function system in which the compositions are chosen in a Markovian way. Then we apply the result to the setting of three-dimensional partially hyperbolic diffeomorphisms.
How to Regulate Moral Dilemmas Involving Self-Driving Cars: The 2021 German Act on Autonomous Driving, the Trolley Problem, and the Search for a Role Model
Authors: Kirchmair Lando 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWith the promulgation of the Autonomous Driving Act in summer 2021, Germany took the worldwide lead on regulating self-driving cars. This Article discusses the (non-)regulation of moral dilemmas in this act. To this end, it clarifies the role of the so-called trolley problem, which influenced the report of the German Ethics Commission that paved the way for this act in particular and the relationship between philosophical reasoning, empirical studies, and the law in general. By introducing the international legal community to the (non-)regulation of moral dilemmas in the German act, the Article critically reviews the German goal, which is to serve as a European and international role model. This will be preceded by a discussion as to why self-driving cars should be allowed as well as the moral dilemmas they cause which should be regulated by the law.
THE NEED FOR A NEW APPROACH TO THE RADIOCARBON DATING OF HISTORIC MORTARS
Authors: Pesce Giovanni 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTThis commentary aims at raising awareness and fostering a discussion on the need of a new approach to the radiocarbon (14C) dating of historic mortars. Over the last decades, important advancements have been made in the application of the 14C dating methods to lime mortar samples, including the use of lime lumps instead of generic pieces of mortar. However, a relevant number of results in disagreement with the chronological framework of the related archaeological cases are published every year without a clear understanding of the reasons for such results. This suggests that further developments to the methodology are needed. The commentary argues that to further develop this particular application of the 14C dating method, a new, more holistic approach is needed that moves away from the very “applied” approach that dominated the last decades and focuses more on the causes of contamination and the mechanism of the reactions involved. Two actions are suggested that can immediately improve our ability to critically assess the results obtained: the publication of a chemical and mineralogical characterization of the binding fraction for the dated mortars, and the publication of sampling depth for each dated sample.
RELATIONAL TRADE NETWORKS
Authors: Ioannou Ilias 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis paper argues that in platform-based digitalisation of international trade processes, the use of blockchain instead of a central database system does not by itself adequately address the platform provider’s potential to engage in opportunistic behaviour. Digital transformation of international trade is, thus, constrained by hold-up problems. This requires embedding governance mechanisms in platform rulebooks designed to establish trust and commonality of interests. The article proposes a governance mechanism to promote widespread digital adoption through contract design choices based on guiding principles that can establish legally enforceable behavioural standards which align with the relational characteristics of digital trade networks.
Shared genetic influences between eating disorders and gastrointestinal disease in a large, population-based sample of adult women and men
Authors: Pascoe Laura A. , Mikhail Megan E. , Burt S. Alexandra , Culbert Kristen M. , Klump Kelly L. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundSome preliminary research suggests higher rates of gastrointestinal disease in individuals with eating disorders (EDs). However, research is limited, and it remains unknown what etiologic factors account for observed associations. This was the first study to examine how EDs and dimensional ED symptoms (e.g. body dissatisfaction, binge eating) are phenotypically and etiologically associated with gastrointestinal disease in a large, population-based twin sample.MethodsAdult female (N = 2980) and male (N = 2903) twins from the Michigan State University Twin Registry reported whether they had a lifetime ED (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge-eating disorder) and completed a measure of dimensional ED symptoms. We coded the presence/absence of lifetime gastrointestinal disease (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease) based on responses to questions regarding chronic illnesses and medications. We first examined whether twins with gastrointestinal disease had higher rates of EDs and ED symptoms, then used correlated factors twin models to investigate genetic and environmental contributions to the overlap between disorders.ResultsTwins with gastrointestinal disease had significantly greater dimensional ED symptoms (β = 0.21, p < 0.001) and odds of a lifetime ED (OR 2.90, p = 0.001), regardless of sex. Shared genetic factors fully accounted for the overlap between disorders, with no significant sex differences in etiologic associations.ConclusionsComorbidity between EDs and gastrointestinal disease may be explained by overlap in genetic influences, potentially including inflammatory genes implicated in both types of disorders. Screening for gastrointestinal disease in people with EDs, and EDs in those with gastrointestinal disease, is warranted.
My religion preaches ‘p’, but I don't believe thatp: Moore's Paradox in religious assertions
Authors: Tarnowski Maciej 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn this article, I consider the cases of religious Moorean propositions of the form ‘d, but I don't believe thatd’ and ‘d, but I believe that~d’, wheredis a religious dogma, proposition, or part of a creed. I argue that such propositions can be genuinely and rationally asserted and that this fact poses a problem for traditional analysis of religious assertion as an expression of faith and of religious faith as entailing belief. In the article, I explore the possibility of undermining these commonly held assumptions and argue that the assertability of religious Moorean propositions can be justified by an account of faith as an intention to form religious beliefs. In the end, I also consider the consequences of such a stance, especially concerning the debate on the ethics of religious belief and doxastic voluntarism.
The reuse of ancient tuff blocks in early medieval construction in Rome
Authors: Andrews Margaret M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis paper analyzes the reuse of ancient tuff blocks in early medieval architecture in Rome, in both papal and private structures. The blocks are a well-known phenomenon, but they have not yet received any focused study. Short discussions in earlier scholarship have typically described them in utilitarian terms. I first identify a pattern of targeted reuse in papal building projects. I then argue that they would also have had symbolic value for an independent papacy wanting to display power. For later private builders, I propose that the blocks became prestige materials displayed on the houses of an ever-tightening aristocracy eager to be seen within some of the city's most important monumental spaces. I consider how the city's ancient monuments and their pieces were viewed in the early medieval period and how the blocks’ ancient contexts contributed to the symbolic value that I identify in them.
Target date funds as asset market stabilizers: evidence from the pandemic
Authors: Parker Jonathan A. , Sun Yang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractTarget date funds (TDFs) provide retirement investors, many of whom are unsophisticated or inattentive, with age-appropriate exposures to different asset classes like stocks and bonds. To maintain exposures, TDFs trade actively against market returns, buying stock funds when the stock market does poorly, and selling when the market does well (Parker et al., 2023, Journal of Finance). This paper shows that trading by TDFs was a significant stabilizing force in US equity markets during the unprecedented economic volatility of the COVID-19 pandemic period. Specifically, TDFs – now comprising a quarter of all 401(k) plan assets – caused significant contrarian investment flows across asset classes, flows that were not undone by enrollment of TDF investors or by discretionary actions by TDF managers. Mutual funds with large ownership by TDFs had more stable funding through the pandemic, and stocks that had greater indirect ownership by TDFs had lower co-movement with the market and lower volatility during the pandemic period.
Low–Ti Continental Tholeiite Origin of Magmas With Calc‐Alkaline Signature in Transcurrent Settings: The Mississippian Matachel Volcanic Field (SW Iberian Massif)
Authors: Sarrionandia F. , Errandonea‐Martin J. , Larrondo E. , Carracedo‐Sánchez M. , Ábalos B. , Gil Ibarguchi J. I. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn the Mississippian Matachel small volcanic field of the Ossa‐Morena Zone (southern Iberian Massif) outpoured basic‐intermediate lavas exhibit geochemical characteristics of Low‐Ti continental tholeiites and calc‐alkaline lavas. Low‐Ti continental tholeiites integrate two contrasting groups of rocks: basalts (Mg#: 54 to 70; Ti/Zr: 61–79; LaN/LuN: 1.6–2.9; εNdi: +4.0–+6.6; “Group #1”), and basalts and basaltic andesites (Mg#: 43 to 66; Ti/Zr: 36–58; LaN/LuN: 2.5–5.9; εNdi: −0.2–+3.5; “Group #2”). Primitive Group #1 tholeiitic magmas were generated by partial melting of a garnet‐free lherzolite from an enriched lithospheric mantle, near the lithosphere‐asthenosphere thermal boundary layer (with a very limited asthenosphere melting input). Progressive interaction of these magmas with crustal alkali igneous rocks resulted in the formation of the petrological evolutionary trends observed, to a larger extent in the case of Group #2 Low‐Ti tholeiites. Further assimilation of amphibole‐rich calc‐alkaline metaigneous rocks might have originated the basalts and basaltic andesites with calc‐alkaline signature (Mg#: 33 to 56; Ti/Zr: 25–78; LaN/LuN: 2.0–5.6; εNdi: +2.8–+4.8). These exhibit a “Cordilleran‐type” evolutionary trend, though are unrelated to plate convergence. The magmas with calc‐alkaline signature attest to a closed‐system differentiation process controlled by the fractionation of plagioclase, clinopyroxene, magnetite and ilmenite. It is proposed that Mississippian lithospheric‐scale intra‐continental wrenching, unrelated to coeval mantle plume upwelling, reworked complexly docked mantle domains and triggered mantle melting. Enduring mid‐upper crustal processes (magma storage in mid‐crustal chambers and crustal assimilation) likely shaped the latest petrologic and geochemical aspects of the Matachel Low‐Ti tholeiites and related rocks with calc‐alkaline signature.
Strengthened East Asian Winter Monsoon Regulated by Insolation and Arctic Sea Ice Since the Middle Holocene
Authors: Zhou Peng , Li Xinzhou , Shi Zhengguo , Sha Yingying , Lei Jing , An Zhisheng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) is a crucial climate system in Asia, with significant social and economic impacts. Orbital‐scale variability of the EAWM during the Holocene and its associated mechanisms, however, are still not fully understood. Based on a high‐resolution transient simulation by a coupled climate model, we present here a continuous climate evolution of the EAWM in response to orbital forcing. Our simulated springtime EAWM variations, consistent with grain size records of loess, exhibit an obvious strengthening trend since the mid‐Holocene. In winter, a similar increasing trend is also simulated although not statistically significant. Our results suggest that the Holocene EAWM is basically controlled by meridional temperature gradients between high and low latitudes in both seasons. Other than northern insolation forcing, the feedbacks from Arctic sea ice and Eurasian snow cover also modulate the meridional temperature gradients, highlighting their important roles in driving EAWM evolution during the Holocene.
A Semi‐Analytical Model for Water Vapor, Temperature, and Surface‐Albedo Feedbacks in Comprehensive Climate Models
Authors: Feldl Nicole , Merlis Timothy M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRadiative feedbacks govern the Earth's climate sensitivity and elucidate the geographic patterns of climate change in response to a carbon‐dioxide forcing. We develop an analytical model for patterned radiative feedbacks that depends only on changes in local surface temperature. The analytical model combines well‐known moist adiabatic theory with the radiative‐advective equilibrium that describes the energy balance in high latitudes. Together with a classic analytical function for surface albedo, all of the non‐cloud feedbacks are represented. The kernel‐based analytical feedbacks reproduce the feedbacks diagnosed from global climate models at the global, zonal‐mean, and seasonal scales, including in the polar regions, though with less intermodel spread. The analytical model thus provides a framework for a quantitative understanding of radiative feedbacks from simple physics, independent of the detailed atmospheric and cryospheric responses simulated by comprehensive climate models.
A Multi‐Source GRACE Fusion Solution via Uncertainty Quantification of GRACE‐Derived Terrestrial Water Storage (TWS) Change
Authors: Gao Shengjun , Hao Weifeng , Fan Yi , Li Fei , Wang Jing 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn analyzing terrestrial water storage (TWS) data observed by Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and GRACE Follow‐On satellites, quantifying uncertainties proves challenging due to the scarcity of sufficient independent observations of mass changes at scales commensurate with these missions. Moreover, owing to the diverse geophysical background models and processing techniques utilized by data processing centers, reaching consistent mass change estimations within specific regions of published solutions often proves arduous. We, therefore, quantified the uncertainty of the GRACE‐derived TWS changes by using the generalized three‐cornered hat method without relying on any prior knowledge and fused it to generate a higher‐quality solution. The findings reveal that of the six solutions, the Center for Space Research spherical harmonics (SH) solution exhibits the lowest uncertainty and highest signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) at both global and basin scales, and the Goddard Space Flight Center Mascon solution outperforms other Mascon counterparts. The fusion solution has an average 36.56% reduction in uncertainty and a 1.92‐fold improvement in SNR at the basin scale, and the improvement in SNR is particularly significant in regions with drastic mass changes. The global distribution patterns of the uncertainties associated with Mascon and SH solutions exhibit distinct differences. Mascon solutions result in significant signal leakage around regions characterized by the most substantial global mass variability. Additionally, transient mass changes triggered by super earthquake events in the ocean also produce similar “scars” in the global spatial distribution of uncertainties. The analysis of 142 basins worldwide shows that basins with more significant TWS annual oscillations have larger uncertainties but also better SNR.
Smart nanoparticles for cancer therapy
Authors: Sun Leming , Liu Hongmei , Ye Yanqi , Lei Yang , Islam Rehmat , Tan Sumin , Tong Rongsheng , Miao Yang-Bao , Cai Lulu 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSmart nanoparticles, which can respond to biological cues or be guided by them, are emerging as a promising drug delivery platform for precise cancer treatment. The field of oncology, nanotechnology, and biomedicine has witnessed rapid progress, leading to innovative developments in smart nanoparticles for safer and more effective cancer therapy. In this review, we will highlight recent advancements in smart nanoparticles, including polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, micelles, liposomes, protein nanoparticles, cell membrane nanoparticles, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, iron oxide nanoparticles, quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, black phosphorus, MOF nanoparticles, and others. We will focus on their classification, structures, synthesis, and intelligent features. These smart nanoparticles possess the ability to respond to various external and internal stimuli, such as enzymes, pH, temperature, optics, and magnetism, making them intelligent systems. Additionally, this review will explore the latest studies on tumor targeting by functionalizing the surfaces of smart nanoparticles with tumor-specific ligands like antibodies, peptides, transferrin, and folic acid. We will also summarize different types of drug delivery options, including small molecules, peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, and even living cells, for their potential use in cancer therapy. While the potential of smart nanoparticles is promising, we will also acknowledge the challenges and clinical prospects associated with their use. Finally, we will propose a blueprint that involves the use of artificial intelligence-powered nanoparticles in cancer treatment applications. By harnessing the potential of smart nanoparticles, this review aims to usher in a new era of precise and personalized cancer therapy, providing patients with individualized treatment options.