bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of AI-based Real Time Image Quality Feedback for Chest Radiographs in the Clinical Routine
Authors: Poggenborg Joerg , Yaroshenko Andre , Wieberneit Nataly , Harder Tim , Gossmann Axel 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurposeTo implement a tool for real time image quality feedback for chest radiographs into the clinical routine and to evaluate the effect of the system on the image quality of the acquired radiographs.Materials and MethodsA real time Artificial Intelligence (AI) image quality feedback tool is developed that analyzes chest PA x-rays right after the completion of the examination at the x-ray system and provides visual feedback to the system operator with respect to adherence to desired standards of collimation, patient rotation and inspiration. In order to track image quality changes over time, results were compared to image quality assessment for images, acquired prior to system implementation.ResultsCompared to the image quality prior to the installation of the real time image quality feedback solution, it is shown that a relative increase of images with optimal image quality with respect to collimation, patient rotation and inspiration is achieved by 30% (p<0.01). A relative improvement of 28% (p<0.01) is observed for the increase of images with optimal collimation, followed by a relative increase of 4% (p<0.01) of images with optimal inspiration. Finally, a detailed analysis is presented that shows that the average unnecessarily exposed area is reduced by 34% (p<0.01).DiscussionThis study shows that it is possible to significantly improve image quality using a real time AI-based image quality feedback tool. The developed tool not only provides objective and impartial criticism and helps x-ray operators identify areas for improvement, but also gives positive feedback.Key FindingsA substantial amount of images acquired in the clinical routine does not suffice the international guidelinesContinuous AI-based image quality feedback to the x-ray system operator in the clinical routine leads to a significant image quality improvement over timeUsing the developed tool, the overall fraction of images with optimal patient positioning could be improved by 30%, followed by a 34% decrease of unnecessarily exposed area.
Salvage of Ribose from Uridine or RNA Supports Glycolysis when Glucose is Limiting
Authors: Jourdain Alexis A. , Skinner Owen S. , Kawakami Akinori , Goodman Russel P. , Shen Hongying , Kemény Lajos V. , Joesch-Cohen Lena , Rees Matthew G. , Roth Jennifer A. , Fisher David E. , Mootha Vamsi K. 
Published: June 2021

Summary paragraphGlucose is vital for life, serving both as a source of energy and as a carbon building block for growth. When glucose availability is limiting, alternative nutrients must be harnessed. To identify mechanisms by which cells can tolerate complete loss of glucose, we performed nutrient-sensitized, genome-wide genetic screening and growth assays of 482 pooled PRISM cancer cell lines. We report that catabolism of uridine enables the growth of cells in the complete absence of glucose. While previous studies have shown that the uracil base of uridine can be salvaged to support growth in the setting of mitochondrial electron transport chain deficiency (1), our work shows that the ribose moiety of uridine can be salvaged via a pathway we call “uridinolysis” defined as: [1] the phosphorylytic cleavage of uridine by UPP1/2 into uracil and ribose-1-phosphate (R1P), [2] the conversion of R1P into fructose-6-P and glyceraldehyde-3-P by PGM2 and the non-oxidative branch of the pentose phosphate pathway (non-oxPPP), and [3] their glycolytic utilization to fuel ATP production, biosynthesis and gluconeogenesis. Intriguingly, we report that uridine nucleosides derived from RNA are also a substrate for uridinolysis and that RNA can support growth in glucose-limited conditions. Our results underscore the malleability of central carbon metabolism and raise the provocative hypothesis that RNA can also serve as a potential storage for energy.
Identification of novel pulmonary vein nodes as generators of ectopic arrhythmic foci for atrial fibrillation: An immuno-histochemical proof
Authors: Gupta T. , Kaur M. , Sahni D. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe atrial muscle sleeve (AMS) of the pulmonary vein is the most common source of the arrhythmogenic triggers in atrial fibrillation (AF). Anatomical substrate generating these ectopic currents is still elusive. The present study was designed to study the AMS of pulmonary veins with an emphasis on the structural basis which might govern AF initiation and perpetuation.Materials and MethodsThe study was conducted on longitudinal tissue section of pulmonary vein, taken from 15 human cadaveric non-diseased hearts. Tissue was studied histologically using H&E and Gömöri trichrome stain. The pacemaker channels were identified by immunohistochemistry using monoclonal HCN4 and HCN1 antibodies.ResultsThe AMS was identified in each pulmonary vein, located between the tunica adventitia and tunica media. A node like arrangement of myocytes was seen within the AMS in 30% of veins. It had a compact zone limited by a fibrous capsule and contained much smaller, paler and interconnected myocytes. Outside the capsule there was a zone of dispersed, singly placed myocytes separating the compact zone from the working myocytes of the AMS. HCN4 and HCN1 antibodies were expressed on the cell membrane of nodal myocytes, while the working myocytes demonstrated none to minimal staining.ConclusionPulmonary veins nodes are similar to the specialized cardiac conductive tissue in, histological arrangement of compact and transitional zones, cellular characteristics, and the presence of pacemaker channels. They might be the anatomical basis of ectopic arrhythmogenic foci. To our knowledge these nodes are being described for the first time in human.
Parkin drives pS65-Ub turnover independently of canonical autophagy in Drosophila
Authors: Usher Joanne L. , Lee Juliette J. , Sanchez-Martinez Alvaro , Whitworth Alexander J. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractParkinson’s disease-related proteins, PINK1 and Parkin, act in a common pathway to maintain mitochondrial quality control. While the PINK1-Parkin pathway can promote autophagic mitochondrial turnover (mitophagy) in cell culture, recent studies have questioned whether they contribute to mitophagy in vivo, and alternative PINK1- and Parkin-dependent mitochondrial quality control pathways have been proposed. To determine the mechanisms by which the Pink1-Parkin pathway operates in vivo, we developed methods to detect Ser65-phosphorylated ubiquitin (pS65-Ub) in Drosophila. Exposure to the oxidant paraquat led to robust, Pink1-dependent pS65-Ub production. Surprisingly, parkin-null flies displayed strikingly elevated basal levels of pS65-Ub, suggestive of disrupted flux through the Pink1-parkin pathway. Depletion of the core autophagy proteins Atg1, Atg5 and Atg8a did not cause pS65-Ub accumulation to the same extent as loss of parkin, and overexpression of parkin was able to reduce both basal and paraquat-induced pS65-Ub levels in an Atg5-null background. Taken together, these results suggest that the Pink1-parkin pathway is able to promote mitochondrial turnover independently of canonical autophagy in vivo.
A chemical strategy toward novel brain-penetrant EZH2 inhibitors
Authors: Liang Rui , Tomita Daisuke , Sasaki Yusuke , Ginn John , Michino Mayako , Huggins David J. , Baxt Leigh , Kargman Stacia , Shahid Maaz , Aso Kazuyoshi , Duggan Mark , Stamford Andrew W. , DeStanchina Elisa , Liverton Nigel , Meinke Peter T. , Foley Michael A. , Phillips Richard E. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAberrant gene-silencing through dysregulation of polycomb protein activity has emerged as an important oncogenic mechanism in cancer, implicating polycomb proteins as important therapeutic targets. Recently, an inhibitor targeting EZH2, the methyltransferase component of PRC2, received FDA approval following promising clinical responses in cancer patients. However, the current array of EZH2 inhibitors have poor brain-penetrance limiting their use in patients with CNS malignancies, a number of which have been shown to be sensitive to EZH2 inhibition. To address this need, we have identified a chemical strategy, based on computational modeling of pyridone-containing EZH2 inhibitor scaffolds, to minimize P-glycoprotein activity and here we report the first brain-penetrant EZH2 inhibitor, TDI-6118 (compound 5). Additionally, in the course of our attempts to optimize this compound we discovered TDI-11904 (compound 21); a novel, highly-potent, and peripherally active EZH2 inhibitor based on a 7 member ring structure.
Novel and highly distributed classes of hindbrain neuronal activity contribute to sensory processing and motor control in the Xenopus laevis tadpole
Authors: Messa Giulia , Koutsikou Stella 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAn animal’s survival depends heavily on the selection and execution of timely and well-coordinated motor responses. The brainstem controls the activity of spinal neural circuits to produce and modify movements. However, important questions remain unanswered about the origin of this descending control and how brainstem neuronal activity integrates sensory inputs and determines motor functions. Here, we record hindbrain extracellular activity in response to trunk skin stimulation, which in turn leads to fictive swimming in the hatchling Xenopus laevis tadpole. We identify four distinct classes of single unit activity, distributed along the hindbrain rostro-caudal axis, whose firing patterns correlate to distinct motor states. We observe different firing patterns in response to stimulation that leads to fictive swimming versus the application of a weak stimulus which does not evoke movement. We identify differences in the temporal activation of the four classes of hindbrain activity in relation to the initiation of fictive swimming. We propose a simple network encompassing the novel neuronal populations embedded within the currently known sensory pathway and central pattern generators of the tadpole brainstem. By identifying the contribution of the individual supraspinal neuronal populations we build a better understanding of how the brain controls and modulates movement.
Dynamic urine proteome changes in a rat model of simvastatin-induced skeletal muscle injury
Authors: Wei Jing , Huan Yuhang , Heng Ziqi , Zhao Chenyang , Gao Youhe 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundStatin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) are the main side effects of statins. Currently, there are no effective biomarkers for accurate clinical diagnosis. Urine is not subject to homeostatic control and therefore accumulates early changes, making it an ideal biomarker source. We therefore examined urine proteome changes associated with SAMS in an animal model.MethodsHere, we established a SAMS rat model by intragastric intubation with simvastatin (80 mg/kg). Biochemical analyses and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were used to evaluate the degree of muscle injury. The urine proteome on days 3, 6, 9 and 14 was profiled using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with the data-independent acquisition (DIA) method.ResultsDifferential proteins on day 14 of SAMS were mainly associated with glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, pyruvate metabolism, metabolism of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis, all of which were reported to be associated with the pathological mechanism of SAMS. Among the 14 differentially expressed proteins on day 3, FIBG, OSTP and CRP were associated with muscle damage, while EHD1, CUBN and FINC were associated with the pathogenic mechanisms of SAMS. MYG and PRVA increased dramatically compared with CK elevation in serum on day 14 of SAMS.ConclusionsOur preliminary results indicated that the urine proteome can reflect early changes in the SAMS rat model, providing the potential for monitoring drug side effects in future clinical research.
Notch pathway is required for protection against heat-stress in spermatogonial stem cells
Authors: Moreno Acosta Omar D. , Boan Agustín F. , Hattori Ricardo S. , Fernandino Juan I. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractEnvironmentally favorable conditions the sustainability of spermatogenesis is brought about by a balance between two types of division, the self-renewal division for the maintenance of the stem cell pool and the differentiation division for continuous production of spermatozoa. The production of gametes under unfavorable, stressful conditions can decrease or even be interrupted, compromising fertility parameters. Thus, the survival of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is crucial for the recovery of spermatogenesis after stressful situations (e.g. high temperature). Here, we show that the Notch pathway protects the spermatogonial stem cells against thermal stress, ensuring reproductive success after normal conditions are restored. First, presenilin enhancer-2 (pen-2), the catalytic subunit of γ-secretase complex, was localized in SSCs of the medaka testis. The exposure of adult males to thermal stress condition induced apoptosis in all spermatogenics cells, with the exception of SSCs. Concomitantly, the Notch pathways was up-regulated, including the pen-2, its ligands (dll4, jag1-2) and its receptors (notch1a-3); pen-2 expression was restricted to the SSCs during thermal stress. The importance of this pathway was further supported by an ex vivo approach, in which the inhibition of Notch activity induced a loss of SSCs. Overall, this study demonstrates that the Notch pathways activity is necessary for the protection of SSCs under chronic thermal stress.
Sustained experimental activation of FGF8/ERK in the developing chicken spinal cord reproducibly models early events in ERK-mediated tumorigenesis
Authors: Wilmerding Axelle , Bouteille Lauranne , Caruso Nathalie , Bidaut Ghislain , Etchevers Heather , Graba Yacine , Delfini Marie-Claire 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTMost human cancers demonstrate activated MAPK/ERK pathway signaling as a key tumor initiation step, but the immediate steps of further oncogenic progression are poorly understood due to a lack of appropriate models. Spinal cord differentiation follows caudal elongation in vertebrate embryos; both processes are regulated by a FGF8 gradient highest in neuromesodermal progenitors (NMP), where kinase effectors ERK1/2 maintain an undifferentiated state. FGF8/ERK signal attenuation is necessary for NMPs to progress to differentiation. We show that sustained ERK1/2 activity, using a constitutively active form of the kinase MEK1 (MEK1ca) in the chicken embryo, reproducibly provokes neopasia in the developing spinal cord. Transcriptomic data show that neoplasia not only relies on the maintenance of NMP gene expression, and the inhibition of genes expressed in the differentiating spinal cord, but also on a profound change in the transcriptional signature of the spinal cord cells leading to a complete loss of cell-type identity. MEK1ca expression in the developing spinal cord of the chicken embryo is therefore a tractable in vivo model to identify the critical factors fostering malignancy in ERK-induced tumorigenesis.
Readiness Potential Prevalence During a Deliberate Decision-Making Task
Authors: Blignaut J. , van den Heever D.J. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis study investigated the hypothesis that neural markers associated with arbitrary decision-making are present in higher order, deliberate decisions. Furthermore, the study aimed to investigate the effect of higher order decision content on neurophysiological markers such as the readiness potential and the P300 potential. An experiment was designed to measure, evaluate, and compare these electroencephalographic potentials under both arbitrary and deliberate choice conditions. Participants were presented with legal cases and had to convict and acquit criminal offenders. Distinct readiness potentials and P300 potentials were observed for both arbitrary and deliberate decisions across all participants. These findings support the hypothesis that the readiness potential and the P300 potential are present in the neurophysiological data for higher order deliberate decisions. The study also showed initial findings of how the readiness potential may inherently relate to decision content. Increased readiness potential amplitudes were observed for participants with previous exposure to violent crime when they had to acquit or convict criminals accused of violent crimes.
Hybridization potential between Amaranthus tuberculatus and Amaranthus albus
Authors: Murphy Brent P , Chatham Laura A , McCormick Danielle M , Tranel Patrick J 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe genus Amaranthus is composed of numerous annual herbs, several of which are primary driver weeds within annual production agricultural systems. In particular, Amaranthus tuberculatus, a dioecious species, is noteworthy for rapid growth rates, high fecundity, and an expanding geographic distribution. Interspecific hybridization within and between the subgenera Amaranthus and Acnidia is reported both in controlled environment and field studies, however a gap in knowledge exists with the subgenus Albersia. Interspecific hybridization may contribute to genetic diversity, and may contribute to the current range expansion of A. tuberculatus. Recently, a herbicide resistance survey of A. tuberculatus across five Midwestern states reported alleles of PPX2 similar to sequences of Amaranthus albus, a monoecious species. Here, we seek to generate empirical data for the hybridization potential of A. albus and A. tuberculatus through replicated, controlled crosses in a greenhouse. Of 65,000 progeny screened from A. albus grown with A. tuberculatus males, three were confirmed as hybrids. Hybrids were dioecious, possessed phenotypic traits of both species, and had limited to no fertility. DNA content analysis of backcross progeny suggested a polyploid state may be required for hybrid formation. Screening of 120 progeny of A. tuberculatus females grown with A. albus identified no hybrids, though a skew to female progeny was observed. The female skew may be due to apomixis or auto-pollination, the spontaneous generation of male flowers on otherwise female plants. Our results indicate that introgression between A. albus and A. tuberculatus will occur less frequently than what has often been reported from hybridization studies with different pairs of Amaranthus species.
Knowledge-enabled digital twin for smart designing of aircraft assembly line
Authors: Chang Xiao , Jia Xiaoliang , Liu Kuo , Hu Hao 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a knowledge-enabled digital twin for smart design (KDT-SD) of aircraft assembly line (AAL) to enhance the AAL efficiency, performance and visibility. Modern AALs usually need to have capabilities such as digital-physical interaction and self-evaluation that brings significant challenges to traditional design method for AAL. The digital twin (DT) combining with reusable knowledge, as the key technologies in this framework, is introduced to promote the design process by configuring, understanding and evaluating design scheme.

Design/methodology/approach
The proposed KDT-SD framework is designed with the introduction of DT and knowledge. First, dynamic design knowledge library (DDK-Lib) is established which could support the various activities of DT in the entire design process. Then, the knowledge-driven digital AAL modeling method is proposed. At last, knowledge-based smart evaluation is used to understand and identify the design flaws, which could further improvement of the design scheme.

Findings
By means of the KDT-SD framework proposed, it is possible to apply DT to reduce the complexity and discover design flaws in AAL design. Moreover, the knowledge equips DT with the capacities of rapid modeling and smart evaluation that improve design efficiency and quality.

Originality/value
The proposed KDT-SD framework can provide efficient design of AAL and evaluate the design performance in advance so that the feasibility of design scheme can be improved as much as possible.
IDMPF: intelligent diabetes mellitus prediction framework using machine learning
Authors: Ismail Leila , Materwala Huned 
Published: June 2021

PurposeMachine Learning is an intelligent methodology used for prediction and has shown promising results in predictive classifications. One of the critical areas in which machine learning can save lives is diabetes prediction. Diabetes is a chronic disease and one of the 10 causes of death worldwide. It is expected that the total number of diabetes will be 700 million in 2045; a 51.18% increase compared to 2019. These are alarming figures, and therefore, it becomes an emergency to provide an accurate diabetes prediction.Design/methodology/approachHealth professionals and stakeholders are striving for classification models to support prognosis of diabetes and formulate strategies for prevention. The authors conduct literature review of machine models and propose an intelligent framework for diabetes prediction.FindingsThe authors provide critical analysis of machine learning models, propose and evaluate an intelligent machine learning-based architecture for diabetes prediction. The authors implement and evaluate the decision tree (DT)-based random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM) learning models for diabetes prediction as the mostly used approaches in the literature using our framework.Originality/valueThis paper provides novel intelligent diabetes mellitus prediction framework (IDMPF) using machine learning. The framework is the result of a critical examination of prediction models in the literature and their application to diabetes. The authors identify the training methodologies, models evaluation strategies, the challenges in diabetes prediction and propose solutions within the framework. The research results can be used by health professionals, stakeholders, students and researchers working in the diabetes prediction area.
Independent board, gender diversity and bank performance in Nigeria: a system-GMM approach
Authors: Okoyeuzu Chinwe , Ujunwa Augustine , Ujunwa Angela Ifeanyi , Onah Emmanuel Onyebuchi 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
This study aims to examine the effects of board independence and gender diversity on bank performance in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach
The two-step system-generalized method moment was used to estimate the effect of board independence and gender diversity on bank performance in Nigeria using annual data of 15 deposit money banks from 2006 to 2018.

Findings
The results revealed that gender diversity is a significant positive predictor of bank performance, whereas board independence is a negative predictor of bank performance in Nigeria.

Practical implications
Despite the significant positive relationship between gender diversity and bank performance, this paper does not recommend mandatory quota-based initiates of female representation on corporate boards because of the increasing number of female representations on corporate boards of banks in Nigeria.

Originality/value
The study contributes to corporate governance literature from developing country perspective and policy, particularly, on the relevance or otherwise of market-based measures in assessing bank performance in developing counties. This paper finds that market-based variables are not good measures of firm performance in economies with underdeveloped markets.