bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The death of Rasputin—A forensic evaluation
Authors: Byard Roger W. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractGrigori Yefimovich Rasputin, a confidant of Tsar Nicholas and his wife, was murdered by Prince Yussupov and his co-conspirators in the cellar of the prince’s Moika Palace in St Petersburg, Russia, on the evening of December 30th, 1916 (December 17th in the Russian calendar). The narrative of his death is largely based on Prince Yussupov’s published memoirs and has Rasputin being poisoned with cyanide, shot, bludgeoned, and finally drowned. A review of the available forensic material, however, shows a photograph with a contact gunshot wound to Rasputin’s forehead. This would indicate that he was dead prior to being dropped into the Little Nevka River. His distaste for sweet foods and the absence of poison at autopsy would also suggest that the story of cyanide toxicity was fabricated. Yussupov’s description of Purishkevich firing at Rasputin from a distance as he ran across the courtyard in an attempt to escape would also not be consistent with the post mortem photograph. The simplest version of the events would be that Rasputin was executed by a contact gunshot wound to the forehead when he visited the Yussupov Palace. While it appears that the events of that fateful evening have been embellished, it is certainly not uncommon for perpetrators of homicides to provide histories that are later shown to be at odds with the truth. Re-evaluation of historic cases may provide compelling evidence for alternative interpretations to the popular historic record.
PD–DEM hybrid modeling of leading edge erosion in wind turbine blades under controlled impact scenarios
Authors: Walayat Khuram , Haeri Sina , Iqbal Imran , Zhang Yonghao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper addresses the critical issue of leading edge erosion (LEE) on modern wind turbine blades (WTBs) caused by solid particle impacts. LEE can harm the structural integrity and aerodynamic performance of WTBs, leading to reduced efficiency and increased maintenance costs. This study employs a novel particle-based approach called hybrid peridynamics–discrete element method (PD–DEM) to model the impact of solid particles on WTB leading edges and target material failure accurately. It effectively captures the through-thickness force absorption and the propagation of stresses within the leading edge coating system composed of composite laminates. The amount of mass removed and the mean displacement of the target material points can be reliably calculated using the current method. Through a series of tests, the research demonstrates the method’s ability to predict impact force changes with varying particle size, velocity, impact angles and positions. Moreover, this study offers a significant improvement in erosion prediction capability and the development of design specifications. This work contributes to the advancement of WTB design and maintenance practices to mitigate LEE effectively.
GenAI against humanity: nefarious applications of generative artificial intelligence and large language models
Authors: Ferrara Emilio 
Published: February 2024

AbstractGenerative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) are marvels of technology; celebrated for their prowess in natural language processing and multimodal content generation, they promise a transformative future. But as with all powerful tools, they come with their shadows. Picture living in a world where deepfakes are indistinguishable from reality, where synthetic identities orchestrate malicious campaigns, and where targeted misinformation or scams are crafted with unparalleled precision. Welcome to the darker side of GenAI applications. This article is not just a journey through the meanders of potential misuse of GenAI and LLMs, but also a call to recognize the urgency of the challenges ahead. As we navigate the seas of misinformation campaigns, malicious content generation, and the eerie creation of sophisticated malware, we’ll uncover the societal implications that ripple through the GenAI revolution we are witnessing. From AI-powered botnets on social media platforms to the unnerving potential of AI to generate fabricated identities, or alibis made of synthetic realities, the stakes have never been higher. The lines between the virtual and the real worlds are blurring, and the consequences of potential GenAI’s nefarious applications impact us all. This article serves both as a synthesis of rigorous research presented on the risks of GenAI and misuse of LLMs and as a thought-provoking vision of the different types of harmful GenAI applications we might encounter in the near future, and some ways we can prepare for them.
Evaluation of the efficacy of shadowing house officer experience in surgical training
Authors: Wijesinghe Kanchana , Jayasinghe Aruni , Gamage Hasangi , Gooneratne Thushan , Chamara Yohan , Nandasena Malith , Jayarajah Umesh , Pathirana Aloka , Weerasekara Deepaka 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
The shadowing house officer is an experiential learning activity that usually takes place within the final year clinical rotations of medical undergraduates. An exposure to a surgical intern is especially useful as the work extends to more practical aspects of ward work.

Objective
We assessed the impact of the shadowing house officer exprience during medical student clinical rotation on the surgical internship and to evaluate the challenges of the shadowing period.

Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out among 108 surgical intern doctors in Sri Lanka via electronic media in 2023.

Results
Our study population consisted of 108 interns, with a response rate of 43.2%. This study demonstrates that on average a final year medical student undergoes a 4- day shadowing period in surgery which was considered by a majority to help in smooth transition to internship. 56% had a clear understanding about learning outcomes and less than half has had an induction session prior to commencement of shadowing. Official documentation, routine ward work, team work and communication skills were meaningfully experienced during shadowing. The main criticisms were inadequate breaks leading to exhaustion and missing out on important teaching activities. Another major concern was shadowing close to the final examination.

Conclusions
Surgical shadowing house officer is an authentic work experience that intern doctors consider as important component in orientating the role of an intern. Introduction of shadowing at an earlier stage would be more beneficial and provide a broader view about the clinical set up to undergraduates.
Reasoning Through Narrative
Authors: Flowerree A. K. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA peculiar feature of our species is that we settle what to believe, value, and do by reasoning through narratives. A narrative is adiachronic, information-rich story that contains persons, objects, and at least one event. When we reason through narrative, we usenarrative to settle what to do, to make predictions, to guide normative expectations, and to ground which reactive attitudes we think areappropriate in a situation. Narratives explain, justify, and provide understanding. Narratives play a ubiquitous role in human reasoning. Andyet, narratives do not seem up to the task. Narratives are often unmoored representations (either because they are do not purport to referto the actual world, or because they are grossly oversimplified, or because are known to be literally false). Against this, I argue thatnarratives guide our reasoning by shaping our grasp of modal structure: what is possible, probable, plausible, permissible, required,relevant, desirable and good. Narratives are good guides to reasoning when they guide us to accurate judgments about modal space. Icall this the modal model of narrative. In this paper, I develop an account of how narratives function in reasoning, as well as an account ofwhen reasoning through narrative counts as good reasoning.
Seventeen men at Lake Success: In search of the International Law Commission
Authors: van Douwen Keri 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe International Law Commission has allegedly been in crisis from its first day of existence. Its own (former) members have been critical about its working methods, the topics it chooses to discuss, its relationship with other UN bodies, and even its aura. At the same time, the International Law Commission also paints more positive pictures of itself. This article aims to make sense of this dynamic without explaining, accepting or refuting any doubts or critiques. Instead, in an attempt to take these discussions to a new place, the article analyses the debates of the Committee of 17, which recommended the establishment of the International Law Commission in 1947. By combining literary, socio-legal and historical methods, it is argued that the ILC is founded on an embracing of uncertainty. As such, the Commission’s ambivalence towards itself is revealed as structural rather than illustrative of the institution being in crisis.
Considerable Uncertainty of Simulated Arctic Temperature Change in the Mid‐Holocene Due To Initial Ocean Perturbation
Authors: Shi Jian , Lohmann Gerrit 
Published: February 2024

AbstractArctic temperature is one of the most uncertain aspects of mid‐Holocene (MH) climate change modeling, usually attributed to the different responses of different models to external forcing. However, in this study, we find that significant discrepancies (i.e., the noise is close to the signal in term of climate change) in the MH Arctic temperature changes can occur within the same model and for identical external forcing due to initial ocean condition perturbations. It is shown that initial ocean perturbations can affect the surface energy budget change through the uncertain cloud effect on shortwave radiation in boreal summer. The resulted uncertain change in summer surface heat flux alters the subsequent autumn and winter sea ice and contributes to significant differences in Arctic temperature via sea ice‐albedo feedback. This study suggests that internal uncertainty of an individual model is a non‐negligible source of overall uncertainty in simulating the MH Arctic temperature change.
Molecular mechanism underlying miR-204-5p regulation of adipose-derived stem cells differentiation into cells from three germ layers
Authors: Wang Zhimin , Bi Meiyu , Zhe Xiaoshu , Wang Xiao , Dai Bai , Han Xiaoyu , Ren Bingxu , Liang Hao , Liu Dongjun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe limited differentiation ability of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) limits their application in stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine. Here, we explore the molecular mechanism by which miR-204-5p regulates ADSCs differentiation into cells derived from the three germ layers (i.e., adipocytes, neurocytes, and hepatocytes). Although miR-204-5p overexpression inhibited ADSCs differentiation into adipocytes, neurocyte and hepatocyte differentiation were promoted. Mechanistically, miR-204-5p inhibited the expression of PPARG by regulating the AMPK signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting ADSCs differentiation into adipocytes. Further, miR-204-5p regulated JAG1/NOTCH3 axis for the inhibition of differentiation into adipocytes and promotion of differentiation into neurocytes. miR-204-5p might also promote ADSCs differentiation into hepatocytes by upregulating E2F8. The findings of this study provide novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying early embryonic development and will help to facilitate the application of ADSCs in stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine.
Perilipin 5 deletion protects against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma by modulating lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses
Authors: Mass-Sanchez Paola Berenice , Krizanac Marinela , Štancl Paula , Leopold Marvin , Engel Kathrin M. , Buhl Eva Miriam , van Helden Josef , Gassler Nikolaus , Schiller Jürgen , Karlić Rosa , Möckel Diana , Lammers Twan , Meurer Steffen K. , Weiskirchen Ralf , Asimakopoulos Anastasia 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe molecular mechanisms underlying the transition from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are incompletely understood. During the development of NAFLD, Perilipin 5 (PLIN5) can regulate lipid metabolism by suppressing lipolysis and preventing lipotoxicity. Other reports suggest that the lack of PLIN5 decreases hepatic injury, indicating a protective role in NAFLD pathology. To better understand the role of PLIN5 in liver disease, we established mouse models of NAFLD and NAFLD-induced HCC, in which wild-type and Plin5 null mice were exposed to a single dose of acetone or 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) in acetone, followed by a 30-week high-fat diet supplemented with glucose/fructose. In the NAFLD model, RNA-seq revealed significant changes in genes related to lipid metabolism and immune response. At the intermediate level, pathways such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and protein kinase B (AKT) were blunted in Plin5-deficient mice (Plin5−/−) compared to wild-type mice (WT). In the NAFLD-HCC model, only WT mice developed liver tumors, while Plin5−/− mice were resistant to tumorigenesis. Furthermore, only 32 differentially expressed genes associated with NALFD progession were identified in Plin5 null mice. The markers of mitochondrial function and immune response, such as the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor-γ, coactivator 1‐α (PGC-1α) and phosphorylated STAT3, were decreased. Lipidomic analysis revealed differential levels of some sphingomyelins between WT and Plin5−/− mice. Interestingly, these changes were not detected in the HCC model, indicating a possible shift in the metabolism of sphingomelins during carcinogenesis.
Uncovering the interhospital price variations for vasectomies in the United States
Authors: Mortach Sherry , Sellke Nicholas , Rhodes Stephen , Sun Helen H. , Tay Kimberly , Abou Ghayda Ramy , Loeb Aram , Thirumavalavan Nannan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDue to the historic lack of transparency in healthcare pricing in the United States, the degree of price variation for vasectomy is largely unknown. Our study aims to assess characteristics of hospitals reporting prices for vasectomy as well as price variation associated with hospital factors and insurance status. A cross-sectional analysis was performed in October, 2022 using the Turquoise Database which compiles publicly available hospital pricing data. The database was queried for vasectomy prices to identify the cash (paid by patients not using insurance), commercial (negotiated by private insurers) and Medicare and Medicaid prices for vasectomies. Hospital characteristics of those that reported a price for vasectomy and those that did not were compared and pricing differences based on hospital ownership and reimbursement source were determined using multivariable linear regression analysis. Overall, only 24.7% (1657/6700) of hospitals reported a price for vasectomy. Those that reported a price had more beds (median 117 vs 80, p < 0.001), more physicians (median 1745 vs 1275, p < 0.001). They were also more likely to be nonprofit hospitals (77% vs 14%, p < 0.001) and to be in well-resourced areas (ADI 91.7 vs 94.4, p < 0.001). Both commercial prices and cash prices for vasectomy were lower at nonprofit hospitals than at for-profit hospitals (commercial: $1959.47 vs $2861.56, p < 0.001; cash: $1429.74 vs $3185.37, p < 0.001). Our study highlights the current state of pricing transparency for vasectomy in the United States. Patients may be counseled to consider seeking vasectomy at a nonprofit hospital to reduce their costs, especially when paying with cash. These findings also suggest a need for new policies to target areas with decreased price transparency to reduce price disparities.
Drosophila TMEM63 and mouse TMEM63A are lysosomal mechanosensory ion channels
Authors: Li Kai , Guo Yanmeng , Wang Yayu , Zhu Ruijun , Chen Wei , Cheng Tong , Zhang Xiaofan , Jia Yinjun , Liu Ting , Zhang Wei , Jan Lily Yeh , Jan Yuh Nung 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCells sense physical forces and convert them into electrical or chemical signals, a process known as mechanotransduction. Whereas extensive studies focus on mechanotransduction at the plasma membrane, little is known about whether and how intracellular organelles sense mechanical force and the physiological functions of organellar mechanosensing. Here we identify the Drosophila TMEM63 (DmTMEM63) ion channel as an intrinsic mechanosensor of the lysosome, a major degradative organelle. Endogenous DmTMEM63 proteins localize to lysosomes, mediate lysosomal mechanosensitivity and modulate lysosomal morphology and function. Tmem63 mutant flies exhibit impaired lysosomal degradation, synaptic loss, progressive motor deficits and early death, with some of these mutant phenotypes recapitulating symptoms of TMEM63-associated human diseases. Importantly, mouse TMEM63A mediates lysosomal mechanosensitivity in Neuro-2a cells, indicative of functional conservation in mammals. Our findings reveal DmTMEM63 channel function in lysosomes and its physiological roles in vivo and provide a molecular basis to explore the mechanosensitive process in subcellular organelles.
Effects of inorganic mulching on soil hydrothermal environment and tomato characters in the presence of unheated greenhouse cultivation
Authors: Dai Yanyan , Zhang Pengfei , Chao Jinlong , Liu Geng , Guo Ligang , Senge Masateru 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe present study was conducted by cultivating tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Provence’) using varied inorganic mulching to investigate soil hydrothermal environment and tomato characters under unheated greenhouse cultivation in the cold zone of China. A total of 6 different treatments were adopted: no mulching (control), white film mulching (white film), black film mulching (black film), the white film with hole mulching (white hole), the black film with hole mulching (black hole), and snake skin bag mulching (snake skin). Inorganic mulching treatment significantly improved soil temperature and moisture, water use efficiency, tomato yield, and reduced soil water consumption. There was no significant difference observed in the variation of daily mean soil temperature between different mulching treatments, and the variation was in the range of 1.95–2.20 °C, which was significantly lower compared with the control (3.42 °C). The daily mean soil moisture varied significantly after different mulching treatments, with the highest level achieved by snake skin (23.37%), followed by black hole (22.55%), white hole (22.08%), white film (21.48%), black film (20.12%), and control (18.78%) in descending order. According to the research results, plastic-hole mulching, which include white hole and black hole treatments, performed better in maintaining soil temperature and moisture.
Survival outcome and prognostic factors for early-onset and late-onset metastatic colorectal cancer: a population based study from SEER database
Authors: Ren Bingyi , Yang Yichen , Lv Yi , Liu Kang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractColorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide and there has been a concerning increase in the incidence rate of colorectal cancer among individuals under the age of 50. This study compared the survival outcome between early-onset and late-onset metastatic colorectal cancer to find the differences and identify their prognostic factors. We obtained patient data from SEER database. Survival outcome was estimated using Kaplan–Meier survival curves and compared using the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted utilizing COX models to identify their independent prognostic factors. A total of 10,036 early-onset metastatic colorectal (EOCRC) cancer patients and 56,225 late-onset metastatic colorectal cancer (LOCRC) patients between 2010 and 2019 were included in this study. EOCRC has more survival benefits than LOCRC. Tumor primary location (p < 0.001), the location of metastasis (p < 0.001) and treatment modalities (p < 0.001) affect the survival outcomes between these two groups of patients. Female patients had better survival outcomes in EOCRC group (p < 0.001), but no difference was found in LOCRC group (p = 0.57). In conclusion, our study demonstrated that EOCRC patients have longer survival time than LOCRC patients. The sex differences in survival of metastatic colorectal cancer patients are associated with patients’ age. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the differences between metastatic EOCRC and LOCRC, and can help inform the development of more precise treatment guidelines to improve prognosis.
Liquid biopsy guides successful molecular targeted therapy of an inoperable pediatric brainstem neoplasm
Authors: Arthur Cecilia , Carlson Lena-Maria , Svoboda Jan , Sandvik Ulrika , Jylhä Cecilia , Nordenskjöld Magnus , Holm Stefan , Tham Emma 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMidline CNS tumors are occasionally inaccessible for surgical biopsies. In these instances, cell-free DNA (cfDNA) may serve as a viable alternative for molecular analysis and identification of targetable mutations. Here, we report a young child with an inoperable brainstem tumor in whom a stereotactic biopsy was deemed unsafe. The tumor progressed on steroids and after radiotherapy the patient developed hydrocephalus and received a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Droplet digital PCR analysis of cfDNA from an intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid liquid biopsy revealed a BRAF V600 mutation enabling targeted treatment with MEK and BRAF inhibitors. The patient, now on trametinib and dabrafenib for 1 year, has had substantial tumor volume regression and reduction of contrast enhancement on MRIs and is making remarkable clinical progress. This case highlights that in a subset of CNS tumors, access to liquid biopsy analysis may be crucial to identify actionable therapeutic targets that would otherwise go undiscovered.
Einstellungen von Pflegenden zum assistierten Suizid in der stationären Langzeitpflege: Eine qualitative Interview-Studie
Authors: Flügge Katrin , Kirchner Christiane , Seeger Yvonne , Meyer Gabriele 
Published: February 2024

Zusammenfassung
Ziel Die Einstellung von Pflegenden zum assistierten Suizid in der stationären Langzeitpflege zu explorieren und die mögliche Rolle Pflegender sowie notwendige Voraussetzungen abzuleiten.
Methodik Von August bis November 2022 wurden 13 Pflegende aus 6 Pflegeheimen für die Teilnahme an leitfadengestützten Einzelinterviews gewonnen. Die qualitative Datenanalyse erfolgte anhand der objektiven Hermeneutik.
Ergebnisse Sechs Fallstrukturen wurden entwickelt, mit Fokus auf emotionaler Belastung, Wunsch nach Selbstreflexion, Hilflosigkeit durch fehlende rechtliche Regelung, Übernahme von Verantwortung, Abgrenzbarkeit und Rollenübernahme.
Schlussfolgerung Der assistierte Suizid löst bei Pflegenden Unsicherheit aus. Es zeigt sich Informations- und Aufklärungsbedarf sowie der Wunsch nach einem klaren rechtlichen Rahmen. Die Studie zeigt, dass die Entscheidung zur Unterstützung beim assistierten Suizid individuell ist und stets freiwillig getroffen werden sollte.
Photo-Induced α-Oxyalkylation of Aryl Chlorides with Ethers and Alcohols through Homolytic Aromatic Substitution
Authors: Shirakawa Eiji , Aoki Kohei , Yonekura Kyohei , Ejima Wataru , Tanaka Shota , Shigeta Ami 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe α-oxyalkylation of aryl chlorides with ethers and alcohols using a small amount of a peroxide was found to be induced by photoirradiation. The reaction proceeds through a homolytic aromatic substitution (HAS) mechanism consisting of addition of an α-oxyalkyl radical to an aryl chloride and elimination of the chlorine atom to give the α-oxyalkylation product, where photoirradiation is considered to effect not only the initiation step to facilitate homolysis of a peroxide, but also the propagating radical chain.