bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Culture insert device with perfusable microchannels enhances in vitro skin model development and barrier function assessment
Authors: Mikimoto Dina , Mori Masahito , Toyoda Akemi , Yo Kazuyuki , Oda Haruka , Takeuchi Shoji 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The ever-stricter regulations on animal experiments in the field of cosmetic testing have prompted a surge in skin-related research with a special focus on recapitulation of the in vivo skin structure in vitro. In vitro human skin models are seen as an important tool for skin research, which in recent years attracted a lot of attention and effort, with researchers moving from the simplest 2-layered models (dermis with epidermis) to models that incorporate other vital skin structures such as hypodermis, vascular structures, and skin appendages. In this study, we designed a microfluidic device with a reverse flange-shaped anchor that allows culturing of an in vitro skin model in a conventional 6-well plate and assessing its barrier function without transferring the skin model to another device or using additional contraptions. Perfusion of the skin model through vascular-like channels improved the morphogenesis of the epidermis compared with skin models cultured under static conditions. This also allowed us to assess the percutaneous penetration of the tested caffeine permeation and vascular absorption, which is one of the key metrics for systemic drug exposure evaluation.
Charging behavior of ZnMn2O4 and LiMn2O4 in a zinc- and lithium-ion battery: an ab initio study
Authors: Sousa O M , Assali L V C , Lalic M V , Araujo C M , Eriksson O , Petrilli H M , Klautau A B 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In the field of sustainable energy storage systems, zinc-ion batteries (ZIB) employing aqueous electrolytes have emerged as viable successors to the widely used lithium-ion batteries, attributed to their cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and intrinsic safety features. Despite these advantages, the performance of ZIBs is significantly hindered by the scarcity of suitable cathode materials, positioning manganese zinc oxide (ZnMn2O4) as a potential solution. In this study, we describe the ZnMn2O4 (ZMO) compound focusing on its properties variations during Zn extraction and potential battery applications. For the sake of comparison, we also analyze the same properties of the LiMn2O4 in its tetragonal phase (TLMO), for the first time, motivated by a recent discovery that the substitution of Zn ions by Li in ZMO forms isostructural TLMO compound at room temperature. The study was conducted within the density functional theory (DFT) framework, where the structural, electronic, magnetic, electrochemical, and spectroscopic properties of ZMO and TLMO are investigated under various conditions. Although both systems crystallize in tetragonal structures, they demonstrate distinct electronic and magnetic properties due to different oxidation states of the Mn. Computationally optimized lattice parameters align closely with experimental values. The TLMO exhibits a narrower band gap compared to ZMO, indicating enhanced electrical conductivity. In addition, TLMO presented a lower diffusion energy barrier than ZMO, indicating better ionic conductivity. To evaluate the potential application of these materials in battery technologies, we further explored their volume changes during charging/discharging cycles, simulating Zn or Li ions extraction. TLMO underwent a significant volume contraction of 5.8% upon complete Li removal, while ZMO experienced a more pronounced contraction of 12.5% with full Zn removal. By adjusting ion extraction levels, it is possible to reduce these contractions, thereby approaching more viable battery applications. Voltage profiles, constructed from DFT-based simulation results, unveiled an average voltage of 4.05 V for TLMO, closely matching experimental values. Furthermore, spectroscopy results provide insights into the electronic transitions and validate the computational findings, consolidating our understanding of the intrinsic properties of ZMO and TLMO.
Against Recognizability as a Criterion of Work-Performance
Authors: Kania Andrew 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Over the past few decades, various philosophers of music have appealed to the notion of recognizability in their theories of the performance of works of Western classical music. In this paper, I attempt to clarify that notion and examine whether it can actually do the jobs it is called upon to execute. I begin with a discussion of Jerrold Levinson’s appeal to (something like) work-recognizability as a criterion of successful work-performance and its influential uptake by Stephen Davies. I then attempt to clarify the notion of work-recognizability. I argue that the concept cannot do the task it is asked to in theories of work-performance, and that we should instead appeal to a robust notion of the intention to perform a work.
A comprehensive survey on deep learning-based identification and predicting the interaction mechanism of long non-coding RNAs
Authors: Diao Biyu , Luo Jin , Guo Yu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLong noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been discovered to be extensively involved in eukaryotic epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional regulatory processes with the advancements in sequencing technology and genomics research. Therefore, they play crucial roles in the body’s normal physiology and various disease outcomes. Presently, numerous unknown lncRNA sequencing data require exploration. Establishing deep learning-based prediction models for lncRNAs provides valuable insights for researchers, substantially reducing time and costs associated with trial and error and facilitating the disease-relevant lncRNA identification for prognosis analysis and targeted drug development as the era of artificial intelligence progresses. However, most lncRNA-related researchers lack awareness of the latest advancements in deep learning models and model selection and application in functional research on lncRNAs. Thus, we elucidate the concept of deep learning models, explore several prevalent deep learning algorithms and their data preferences, conduct a comprehensive review of recent literature studies with exemplary predictive performance over the past 5 years in conjunction with diverse prediction functions, critically analyze and discuss the merits and limitations of current deep learning models and solutions, while also proposing prospects based on cutting-edge advancements in lncRNA research.
3Dmapper: a command line tool for BioBank-scale mapping of variants to protein structures
Authors: Ruiz-Serra Victoria , Valentini Samuel , Madroñero Sergi , Valencia Alfonso , Porta-Pardo Eduard 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Motivation
The interpretation of genomic data is crucial to understand the molecular mechanisms of biological processes. Protein structures play a vital role in facilitating this interpretation by providing functional context to genetic coding variants. However, mapping genes to proteins is a tedious and error-prone task due to inconsistencies in data formats. Over the past two decades, numerous tools and databases have been developed to automatically map annotated positions and variants to protein structures. However, most of these tools are web-based and not well-suited for large-scale genomic data analysis.

Results
To address this issue, we introduce 3Dmapper, a stand-alone command-line tool developed in Python and R. It systematically maps annotated protein positions and variants to protein structures, providing a solution that is both efficient and reliable.

Availability and implementation
https://github.com/vicruiser/3Dmapper
Draft genome sequence and tissue expression panel of Pacific saury (Cololabis saira)
Authors: Nakamura Yoji , Yasuike Motoshige , Fuji Taiki , Suyama Satoshi , Mekuchi Miyuki 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Pacific saury (Cololabis saira) is an important fish in several countries. Notably, the catch of this fish has markedly decreased recently, which might be due to environmental changes, including feeding habitat changes. However, no clear correlation has been observed. Therefore, the physiological basis of Pacific saury in relation to possible environmental factors must be understood. We sequenced the genome of Pacific saury and extracted RNA from nine tissues (brain, eye, gill, anterior/posterior guts, kidney, liver, muscle, and ovary). In 1.09 Gb assembled genome sequences, a total of 26,775 protein-coding genes were predicted, of which 26,241 genes were similar to known genes in a public database. Transcriptome analysis revealed that 24,254 genes were expressed in at least one of the nine tissues, and 7,495 were highly expressed in specific tissues. Based on the similarity of the expression profiles to those of model organisms, the transcriptome obtained was validated to reflect the characteristics of each tissue. Thus, the present genomic and transcriptomic data serve as useful resources for molecular studies on Pacific saury. In particular, we emphasize that the gene expression data, which serve as the tissue expression panel of this species, can be employed in comparative transcriptomics on marine environmental responses.
Applications of three-dimensional printing in percutaneous closure of aortic-to-right ventricle fistula after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a case report
Authors: Echarte-Morales Julio , Toribio-García Irene , Diéguez Alfredo Redondo , de Prado Armando Pérez , Fernández-Vázquez Felipe 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Percutaneous closure of aortic-to-right ventricle (ARV) fistula has emerged as an alternative to surgical management in selected cases. The use of three-dimensional (3D) printing in interventional planning for structural heart disease provides a concrete understanding, and it is useful in diagnostic assessment and to guide treatment approaches and to simulate procedures.

Case summary
We report a case of a 70-year-old male presenting in cardiogenic shock due to severe aortic stenosis and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. The patient had several comorbidities and was deemed not eligible for cardiac surgery. After transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), an ARV fistula was discovered on the TTE. Due to complex anatomical considerations, a 3D printed model of the patient’s anatomy was employed to supplement the decision-making process and technical planning of percutaneous ARV closure. Successful closure of the fistula with the use of the Amplatzer atrial septal occluder was subsequently performed.

Discussion
Three-dimensional printing improves the understanding of complex structures of cardiac diseases, allowing for enhanced planning and simulation of the procedure. This case, demonstrating the effective percutaneous closure of a TAVR-related ARV fistula facilitated by the use of 3D printed anatomical models in the pre-procedural phase, highlights the technology’s potential in advancing patient-specific treatment approaches.
Speckle-tracking global longitudinal strain predicts death and cardiovascular events in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Stronati Giulia , Guerra Federico , Benfaremo Devis , Dichiara Cristina , Paolini Federico , Bastianoni Gianmarco , Brugiatelli Leonardo , Alfieri Michele , Compagnucci Paolo , Dello Russo Antonio , Moroncini Gianluca 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aims
Albeit often asymptomatic, heart involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) represents a negative prognostic factor, accounting for nearly one-fourth of all deaths. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is accurate in detecting heart involvement in patients with SSc and no overt cardiac disease and allows early detection and longitudinal monitoring, but its association with clinical endpoints has not been tested so far. The primary outcome was the association between left and right GLS and mortality for all causes. The secondary outcome was the association between left and right GLS and hospitalizations.

Methods and results
A prospective longitudinal study enrolling all consecutive patients with SSc without structural heart disease or previous cardiovascular event.
A total of 164 patients were enrolled, of whom 19 (11.5%) died during follow-up and 48 (29.3%) were hospitalized. Both left (LV) and right ventricle (RV) GLS at enrolment were independently associated with an increased risk of death for all causes and hospitalizations. Patients with biventricular GLS impairment, respectively, had a 4.2-, 4.9-, and 13.9-fold increased risk of death when compared with patients with only LV, only RV, or no impairment (P &lt; 0.001). The incidence of hospitalization in patients with biventricular GLS impairment was nearly four times higher when compared with patients with only LV or only RV impairment, and nine times higher when compared with normal biventricular GLS (P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
Biventricular GLS is associated with an increased risk of death and hospitalization in patients with SSc during a median of 3-year follow-up, acting as a reliable and accurate prognostic tool in everyday practice.
Childhood Book Availability Helps to Preserve Cognitive Function in Older Adults With Low Education: Results From the NEIGE Study
Authors: Tani Yukako , Kawahara Tomoki , Sugihara Genichi , Machida Masaki , Amagasa Shiho , Murayama Hiroshi , Inoue Shigeru , Fujiwara Takeo , Shobugawa Yugo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives
It is well known that low educational attainment is associated with cognitive function decline in older age. Childhood book availability may help to preserve cognitive function in older adults with low education. The study objective was to examine the association between childhood book availability and cognitive function among older adults with low educational attainment, and to investigate the mediating effect of the volume of reading-related brain regions (e.g., superior temporal cortex).

Methods
A cross-sectional study of community-dwelling older Japanese adults aged 65–84 years was conducted (n = 474). Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Childhood book availability was assessed using a retrospective questionnaire. Brain region volume was measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Multivariate regression modeling and structural equation modeling were used for analysis.

Results
Both high educational attainment and childhood book availability were independently associated with high MMSE score. Stratification of educational level showed that childhood book availability was positively associated with MMSE score among participants with low educational attainment (coefficient = 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.31 to 2.66), but not among those with moderate or high educational attainment (coefficient = −0.01, 95% CI: −1.44 to 1.42 and −1.21, 95% CI: −3.85 to 1.42, respectively). Among participants with low educational attainment, left superior temporal cortex volume mediated the association between childhood book availability and MMSE score.

Discussion
The availability of books in childhood helps to preserve cognitive function in older adults with low education via left superior temporal cortex volume. Further research is needed to replicate these findings.
Thermodynamics of mantle minerals – III: the role of iron
Authors: Stixrude Lars , Lithgow-Bertelloni Carolina 
Published: April 2024

SUMMARY
We expand the scope of HeFESTo by encompassing the rich physics of iron in the mantle, including the existence of multiple valence and spin states. In our previous papers, we considered iron only in its most common state in the mantle: the high-spin divalent (ferrous) cation. We now add ferric iron end-members to six phases, as well as the three phases of native iron. We also add low-spin states of ferrous and ferric iron and capture the behaviour of the high-spin to low-spin transition. Consideration of the multi-state nature of iron, unique among the major elements, leads to developments of our theory, including generalization of the chemical potential to account for the possibility of multiple distinguishable states of iron co-existing on a single crystallographic site, the effect of the high-spin to low-spin transition on seismic wave velocities in multiphase systems, and computation of oxygen fugacity. Consideration of ferric iron also motivates the addition of the chromia component to several phases, so that we now consider the set of components: Ca, Na, Fe, Mg, Al, Si, O and Cr (CNFMASO+Cr). We present the results of a new global inversion of mineral properties and compare our results to experimental observations over the entire pressure–temperature range of the mantle and over a wide range of oxygen fugacity. Applications of our method illustrate how it might be used to better understand the seismic structure, dynamics and oxygen fugacity of the mantle.
Membrane Lipids Augment Cell Envelope Stress Signaling via the MadRS System to Defend Against Antimicrobial Peptides and Antibiotics in Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Miller William R , Nguyen April , Singh Kavindra V , Rizvi Samie , Khan Ayesha , Erickson Sam G , Egge Stephanie L , Cruz Melissa , Dinh An Q , Diaz Lorena , Thornton Philip C , Zhang Rutan , Xu Libin , Garsin Danielle A , Shamoo Yousif , Arias Cesar A 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Enterococci have evolved resistance mechanisms to protect their cell envelopes against bacteriocins and host cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) produced in the gastrointestinal environment. Activation of the membrane stress response has also been tied to resistance to the lipopeptide antibiotic daptomycin. However, the actual effectors mediating resistance have not been elucidated. Here, we show that the MadRS (formerly YxdJK) membrane antimicrobial peptide defense system controls a network of genes, including a previously uncharacterized 3-gene operon (madEFG) that protects the Enterococcus faecalis cell envelope from antimicrobial peptides. Constitutive activation of the system confers protection against CAMPs and daptomycin in the absence of a functional LiaFSR system and leads to persistence of cardiac microlesions in vivo. Moreover, changes in the lipid cell membrane environment alter CAMP susceptibility and expression of the MadRS system. Thus, we provide a framework supporting a multilayered envelope defense mechanism for resistance and survival coupled to virulence.
An examination of the predictors of change in BMI among 38 026 school students in Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Banany Mohammed , Gebel Klaus , Sibbritt David 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The prevalence of childhood obesity has substantially increased in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including Saudi Arabia. The Rashaka initiative is a Saudi national school-based multicomponent intervention that was introduced in the school year 2016–2017 to address childhood overweight and obesity. This study aims to examine the effect of the Rashaka initiative on students’ body mass index (BMI) for two academic years (2016–2017 and 2018–2019) and to analyse predictors of BMI change.

Methods
Secondary data for this pre–post study was provided by the Ministry of Health for 38 026 students from 89 intermediate and secondary schools that implemented the initiative in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia. It was analysed using non-parametric tests and multiple regressions at a 5% level of significance.

Results
Over 2 y of implementation, BMI was reduced significantly across the schools (p &lt; 0.001). Based on the regression modelling, school gender and education stage were found to be the only significant predictors of BMI change. Girls and intermediate schools had greater BMI reductions than boys and secondary schools (p &lt; 0.001 and p = 0.031).

Conclusions
This study provides tentative evidence for the effectiveness of the Rashaka intervention in Makkah City. In addition, our study has identified that the Rashaka initiative may require modification to improve its effect on boys and students in secondary schools.
Assessing quality of critical care during an ongoing health emergency—a novel approach to evaluate quality of care at Lebanese public ICUs during COVID-19
Authors: AbouNader Karim , Abou Mourad Ghada , Chalouhi Georges , Rady Alissar , Von Schreeb Johan , Halmin Märit 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background: Quality of care has been systematically monitored in hospitals in high-income countries to ensure adequate care. However, in low- and middle-income countries, quality indicators are not readily measured. The primary aim of this study was to assess to what extent it was feasible to monitor the quality of intensive care in an ongoing health emergency, and the secondary aim was to assess a quality of care intervention (twinning project) focused on Intensive Care Unit (ICU) quality of care in public hospitals in Lebanon.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study nested within an intervention implemented by the World Health Organization (WHO) together with partners. To assess the quality of care throughout the project, a monitoring system framed in the Donabedian model and included structure, process, and outcome indicators was developed and implemented. Data collection consisted of a checklist performed by external healthcare workers (HCWs) as well as collection of data from all admitted patients performed by each unit. The association between the number of activities within the interventional project and ICU mortality was evaluated.
Results: A total of 1679 patients were admitted to five COVID-19 ICUs during the study period. The project was conducted fully across four out of five hospitals. In these hospitals, a significant reduction in ICU mortality was found (OR: 0.83, P &lt; 0.05, CI: 0.72–0.96).
Conclusion: We present a feasible way to assess quality of care in ICUs and how it can be used in assessing a quality improvement project during ongoing crises in resource-limited settings. By implementing a quality of care intervention in Lebanon’s public hospitals, we have shown that such initiatives might contribute to improvement of ICU care. The observed association between increased numbers of project activities and reduced ICU mortality underscores the potential of quality assurance interventions to improve outcomes for critically ill patients in resource-limited settings. Future research is needed to expand this model to be applicable in similar settings.
‘I Feel Like I’m with You; Therefore, I’m Having Fun’: The Effects of Social Comparison and Belongingness on Continuous Play Intention for Online Games and Loyalty
Authors: Lee Jihyeon , Kim Hanku 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Playing a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) is no longer just a personal hobby, and the genre has evolved into a forum that encourages continual interaction among its users. To determine the motivation behind the user’s participation of MMORPG, we suggest social comparison and self-expansion theories. Specifically, this study proposes a research model that comprehensively identifies the effects of psychological motives (social comparison motive and belongingness) and immersive gaming behaviors (social presence and flow experience) on behavioral factors (continuous play intention and loyalty). We analyzed 274 valid survey questionnaire responses. Our findings contribute to a growing body of literature that identifies the motives of users to play MMORPGs by applying social comparison and self-expansion theories to understand the factors that influence people to play MMORPGs. Furthermore, the study’s results have practical implications for game developers, suggesting that they should develop content strategically to attract users.