bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Student's t‐based density peaks clustering with superpixel segmentation (tDPCSS) method for image color clustering
Authors: Li Zhijiang , Zheng Yingping , Cao Liqin , Jiao Lei , Zhong Yanfei , Zhang Caiyi 
Published: February 2020

AbstractImage color clustering is a basic technique in image processing and computer vision, which is often applied in image segmentation, color transfer, contrast enhancement, object detection, skin color capture, and so forth. Various clustering algorithms have been employed for image color clustering in recent years. However, most of the algorithms require a large amount of memory or a predetermined number of clusters. In addition, some of the existing algorithms are sensitive to the parameter configurations. In order to tackle the above problems, we propose an image color clustering method named Student's t‐based density peaks clustering with superpixel segmentation (tDPCSS), which can automatically obtain clustering results, without requiring a large amount of memory, and is not dependent on the parameters of the algorithm or the number of clusters. In tDPCSS, superpixels are obtained based on automatic and constrained simple non‐iterative clustering, to automatically decrease the image data volume. A Student's t kernel function and a cluster center selection method are adopted to eliminate the dependence of the density peak clustering on parameters and the number of clusters, respectively. The experiments undertaken in this study confirmed that the proposed approach outperforms k‐means, fuzzy c‐means, mean‐shift clustering, and density peak clustering with superpixel segmentation in the accuracy of the cluster centers and the validity of the clustering results.
N‐Terminal Modification of Proteins with Subtiligase Specificity Variants
Authors: Weeks Amy M. , Wells James A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSubtiligase is a powerful enzymatic tool for N‐terminal modification of proteins and peptides. In a typical subtiligase‐catalyzed N‐terminal modification reaction, a peptide ester donor substrate is ligated onto the unblocked N terminus of a protein, resulting in the exchange of the ester bond in the donor substrate for an amide bond between the donor substrate and protein N terminus. Using this strategy, new chemical probes and payloads, such as fluorophores, affinity handles, cytotoxic drugs, and reactive functional groups, can be introduced site‐specifically into proteins. While the efficiency of this reaction depends on the sequences to be ligated, a panel of mutants was recently developed that expands the scope of substrate sequences that are suitable for subtiligase modification. This article outlines the steps for applying subtiligase or specificity variants for both site‐specific bioconjugation of purified proteins and for global modification of cellular N termini to enable their sequencing by tandem mass spectrometry. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.Basic Protocol 1: Subtiligase‐catalyzed site‐specific protein bioconjugationSupport Protocol 1: Expression and purification of subtiligase‐His6Support Protocol 2: Subtiligase substrate synthesisBasic Protocol 2: Subtiligase N terminomics using a cocktail of subtiligase specificity mutants
Efficient algorithm for scheduling parallel applications on hybrid multicore machines with communications delays and energy constraint
Authors: Ait Aba Massinissa , Zaourar Lilia , Munier Alix 
Published: February 2020

SummaryThis paper presents an efficient algorithm with performance guarantee to solve task scheduling problem on hybrid platforms with energy constraint and communication delays. The underlying platform architecture in this work is composed of two types of resources, CPU and GPU, often called hybrid parallel multicore platforms. We focus on finding a generic approach to schedule applications presented by Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG), which minimizes the makespan by considering communication delays and respecting an energy constraint. A two‐phase algorithm is proposed with a performance guarantee of 6 compared with the optimal solution; the first phase consists in solving the assignment problem to find the type of processor assigned to execute the tasks (CPU or GPU) using a linear program. In the second phase, we calculate the start execution time of each task to generate a feasible schedule. Finally, we test our algorithm on a large number of instances. These tests demonstrate that the proposed algorithm achieves a close‐to‐optimal performance.
Customers' corporate social responsibility awareness as antecedent of repeat behaviour intention
Authors: González‐Rodríguez María Rosario , Díaz‐Fernández María Carmen 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe aim of the study is mainly to investigate the influence of hotel customers' perception and awareness of corporate social responsibility (CSR) concerning the environmental practices of hotels on the image of the establishments and on repeat behaviour intention (RBI) by said customers. Accordingly, a research model is established which allows an understanding of the underlying mechanism of perceived CSR practices, CSR awareness, hotel image and RBI. The growing interest shown by practitioners to understand the mechanism to achieve sustainable competitive advantage for hotels through their environmental policies and the scarce number of studies analysing customer CSR awareness and its influence on customer green hotels' engagement justify this study. Hence, the study strives to overcome this gap in the CSR literature. Data were collected from hotel guests who have stayed at green hotels in Spain over the last 12 months. The research model was estimated using a variance‐based structural equation modelling approach. The findings achieved and future research avenues derived from the study are of great value for both theorists and managers to achieve a sustainable development. The research model proposed can be applied to other tourist agents other than hotels and provide valuable knowledge for practitioners to understand to what extent their managerial CSR practices and their effort to communicate them are perceived by their stakeholders, which in turn influence the stakeholder engagments with those agents with a greater commitment to the environment.
Microsecond nonlinear model predictive control for DC‐DC converters
Authors: Lekić Aleksandra , Hermans Ben , Jovičić Nenad , Patrinos Panagiotis 
Published: February 2020

SummaryIn this paper, we present a novel nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) formulation for the transient control of a DC‐DC converter. We demonstrate that a real‐time implementation of the proposed NMPC scheme using the PANOC solver can be efficiently applied to control DC‐DC converters in the microsecond range. Moreover, an embedded, code‐generated version of PANOC can be implemented using microcontrollers or digital signal processors. The algorithm is incorporated in the transient simulator of PWM DC‐DC converters, and the operation of the simulator on the boost converter's example is presented, comparing the performance of our NMPC‐controller with that of a classical PID controller. The operation of the boost converter controlled using the proposed NMPC algorithm is validated experimentally.
GNSS positioning accuracy improvement based on surface meteorological parameters using artificial neural networks
Authors: Mohammednour Agab Bakheet , Özdemir Ahmet Turan 
Published: February 2020

SummaryWith the ongoing development of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) technologies, user's dependence on these technologies has drastically risen. Ranging anywhere from industrial applications to agriculture or geodetic applications, the growing demand has stimulated the need for more sophisticated equipment with seamless accuracy. However, the signal received by a GNSS receiver has always faced the risk of contamination by many different sources of error, and this issue decreases the GNSS positioning accuracy. One of the most notable errors is the delay that occurs mainly in the troposphere layer, which mostly relies on the meteorological condition parameters. In this work, an artificial neural network (ANN)‐based mitigation technique in order to eliminate troposphere delay is presented. Our ANN model trained using the surface meteorological parameters, namely, temperature, humidity, wind speed, maximum wind direction, and pressure with the number of satellites achieved by a GNSS receiver. The result showed that ANN model successfully improved the position accuracy level of the GNSS receiver in both horizontal (2D) and three dimensions (3D) at 43.77% and 19.19%, respectively.
Development of copper‐tungsten clad‐contacts for 400 A‐arc‐less switching of hybrid dc switch
Authors: Yamada Yuta , Chen Mo , Yasuoka Koichi 
Published: February 2020

AbstractA hybrid dc switch has been studied extensively due to the increasing demand for photovoltaic plants or dc power distribution systems. The advantages of the hybrid dc switch are low contact resistance and high‐speed interruption. We have demonstrated an arc‐less commutation of current from copper‐based tungsten contacts to a SiC‐MOSFET. The arc‐less commutation prevents the contact erosion that is one of the drawbacks of conventional dc mechanical switches. This report shows the experiment results on the threshold current of the arc‐less commutation and the contact resistance with different material contacts up to 400A in a hybrid dc switch.
Body mass index and B‐lines on lung ultrasonography in chronic and acute heart failure
Authors: Brainin Philip , Claggett Brian , Lewis Eldrin F. , Dwyer Kristin H. , Merz Allison A. , Silverman Montane B. , Swamy Varsha , Biering‐Sørensen Tor , Rivero Jose , Cheng Susan , McMurray John J.V. , Solomon Scott D. , Platz Elke 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAimsIncreased body mass index (BMI) is common in heart failure (HF) patients and is associated with lower levels of N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP). We evaluated the influence of BMI on lung ultrasonography (LUS) findings indicative of pulmonary congestion (i.e. B‐lines) in patients with chronic and acute HF (AHF).Methods and resultsWe analysed ambulatory chronic HF (n = 118) and hospitalized AHF (n = 177) patients (mean age 70 years, 64% men, mean BMI 29 kg/m2, mean ejection fraction 42%) undergoing echocardiography and LUS in eight chest zones. B‐lines and chest wall thickness (skin to pleura) on ultrasound were quantified offline and blinded to clinical findings. NT‐proBNP was available in AHF patients (n = 167). In chronic HF, B‐line number decreased by 18% per 5 unit increase in BMI [95% confidence interval (CI) −35% to +5%, P = 0.11]. In AHF, the number of B‐lines decreased by 12% per 5 unit increase in BMI (95% CI −19% to −5%, P = 0.001), whereas NT‐proBNP concentration decreased by 28% per 5 unit increase in BMI (95% CI −40% to −16%, P < 0.001). For AHF, B‐line number declined to a lesser degree than NT‐proBNP concentration with increasing BMI (P = 0.020), and >6 B‐lines were observed in half of AHF patients with severe obesity. There was an inverse relationship between B‐line number and chest wall thickness, and this association varied by chest region.ConclusionsDespite an inverse relationship between B‐lines and BMI, B‐lines declined to a lesser degree than NT‐proBNP with increasing BMI. These data suggest that LUS may be useful in patients with HF despite obesity.
Long‐term survivors of early breast cancer treated with chemotherapy are characterized by a pro‐inflammatory biomarker profile compared to matched controls
Authors: Tromp Jasper , Boerman Liselotte M. , Sama Iziah E. , Maass Saskia W.M.C. , Maduro John H. , Hummel Yoran M. , Berger Marjolein Y. , de Bock Geertruida H. , Gietema Jourik A. , Berendsen Annette J. , van der Meer Peter 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundChemo‐ and radiotherapy for breast cancer (BC) can lead to cardiotoxicity even years after the initial treatment. The pathophysiology behind these late cardiac effects is poorly understood. Therefore, we studied a large panel of biomarkers from different pathophysiological domains in long‐term BC survivors, and compared these to matched controls.Methods and resultsIn total 91 biomarkers were measured in 688 subjects: 342 BC survivors stratified either to treatment with chemotherapy ± radiotherapy (n = 170) or radiotherapy alone (n = 172) and matched controls. Mean age was 59 ± 9 years and 65 ± 8 years for women treated with chemotherapy ± radiotherapy and radiotherapy alone, respectively, with a mean time since treatment of 11 ± 5.5 years. No biomarkers were differentially expressed in survivors treated with radiotherapy alone vs. controls (P for all >0.1). In sharp contrast, a total of 19 biomarkers were elevated, relative to controls, in BC survivors treated with chemotherapy ± radiotherapy after correction for multiple comparisons (P <0.05 for all). Network analysis revealed upregulation of pathways relating to collagen degradation and activation of matrix metalloproteinases. Furthermore, several inflammatory biomarkers including growth differentiation factor 15, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 16, tumour necrosis factor super family member 13b and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, elevated in survivors treated with chemotherapy, showed an independent association with lower left ventricular ejection fraction.ConclusionBreast cancer survivors treated with chemotherapy ± radiotherapy show a distinct biomarker profile associated with mild cardiac dysfunction even 10 years after treatment. These results suggest that an ongoing pro‐inflammatory state and activation of matrix metalloproteinases following initial treatment with chemotherapy might play a role in the observed cardiac dysfunction in late BC survivors.
Brewers’ spent grain liquor as a feedstock for lactate production with Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis
Authors: Akermann Alexander , Weiermüller Jens , Christmann Jens , Guirande Léa , Glaser Gregor , Knaus Annette , Ulber Roland 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBrewers’ spent grain (BSG) is a low‐cost by‐product of the brewing process. BSG liquor names the liquid components of BSG, mainly glucose, maltose, and long‐chain α‐1,4‐glycosidic bond glucose oligomers. These substances should be separated in existing BSG biorefineries, as they might lead to an increased formation of microbe‐inhibiting compounds in well‐established hydrothermal/enzymatic saccharification processes. In most cases, this liquid fraction is discarded. The present study presents for the first time an optimized process with BSG liquor for the purpose of producing bulk chemicals (e.g., lactate) in relevant concentrations. The process comprises the application of yeast extract, produced from own brewing processes, as the sole supplemented complex constituent in a simultaneous fermentation and saccharification process. Kinetic parameters for the final optimized process conditions with the organism Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis were: maximum specific growth rate µmax = 0.47 h−1, maximum lactate concentration cLac, max = 79.06 g L−1, process yield YPS = 0.89 gLac gSugar−1, lactate production rate qP = 4.18 gLac gCDW−1 h−1, and productivity P 15 h = 4.93 gLac L−1 h−1. BSG liquor, linked with yeast extract from Brewers’ yeast, can be a promising substrate for further bioprocess engineering tasks and contribute to a holistic and sustainable usage of Brewers’ spent grain.
Inhibition of urinary bladder cancer cell proliferation by silibinin
Authors: Barros Tatiane M. B. , Lima Ana P. B. , Almeida Tamires C. , da Silva Glenda N. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSilibinin, a natural compound extracted from milk thistle, has demonstrated antitumor properties in urinary bladder cancer cells; however, the role of TP53 gene in these effects is unclear. In order to better understand the molecular and antiproliferative mechanisms of this compound, urinary bladder cancer cells with different TP53 gene status, RT4 (low‐grade tumor, wild TP53 gene), 5637 (high‐grade tumor, Grade 2, mutated TP53 gene), and T24 (high‐grade tumor, Grade 3, mutated TP53 gene) were treated with several concentrations of silibinin (1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 150 μM). Cytotoxicity, prooxidant effect, morphological changes, cell migration, cell cycle progression, global methylation profile, and relative expression of HOXB3, c‐MYC, PLK1, SMAD4, SRC, HAT, HDAC, and RASSF1A genes were evaluated. The silibinin presented cytotoxic and prooxidant effects in the three cell lines. In mutated TP53 cells, significant interference in cell migration and cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase was observed. Additionally, silibinin induced global DNA hypomethylation in the highest grade tumor cells. For wild‐type TP53 cells, a sub‐G1 apoptotic population was present. Furthermore, there was modulation of gene expression responsible for cell growth (SMAD and c‐MYC), migration (SRC), cell cycle kinetics (PLK1), angiogenesis (HOXB3), and of genes associated with epigenetic events such as DNA acetylation (HAT) and deacetylation (HDAC). In conclusion, the silibinin inhibited the urinary bladder tumor cell proliferation independently of TP53 status; however, cell cycle effects, gene expression changes, and alteration of cell migration are dependent on TP53 status. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Prediction of liquid holdup in horizontal pipe with BP neural network
Authors: Xiao Rongge , Li Kai , Sun Leyuan , Zhao Jiali , Xing Peng , Wang Haifeng 
Published: February 2020

AbstractLiquid holdup is one of the most critical factors for the formation of pipe effusion, which is closely related to the efficiency of pipe transportation. Nowadays, liquid holdup is mainly estimated according to empirical or semiempirical correlation. Besides, little has been done concerning the accurate prediction of liquid holdup. Therefore, to obtain more precise forecast, this paper proposed a prediction method concerning liquid holdup in horizontal pipe with BP neural network algorithm. Meanwhile, a sensitivity analysis on the key factors impacting liquid holdup was conducted by the combination of the forecast calculation and orthogonal experiment design. The results showed that compared with the empirical calculation (the smallest standard deviation 8.65%), the BP neural network prediction model had achieved more accurate estimation (the average relative error is 7.38%). In addition, the sensitivity analysis indicated that the main indexes including pipe diameter, gas‐ and liquid‐phase superficial velocities, and temperature have significant influence on the liquid holdup. Pipe diameter, liquid‐phase superficial velocity, temperature, and viscosity are positively correlated with the liquid holdup, while pressure and gas‐phase superficial velocity are negatively correlated with it.
A comprehensive survey on semantic interoperability for Internet of Things: State‐of‐the‐art and research challenges
Authors: Rahman Hafizur , Hussain Md. Iftekhar 
Published: February 2020

SummaryInternet of Things (IoT) is highly heterogeneous in terms of devices, communication technologies, protocols, data formats, and semantics. Data generated from various sources are represented using different semantics. It makes semantic interoperability as one of the significant issues in provisioning seamless communication and services over diverse IoT platforms. Semantic models help in exchanging semantically annotated information among such heterogeneous applications in a meaningful way. Seamless communication among different types of applications is commonly accomplished by using middleware, ontology, and semantic web technologies. In this paper, we present a comprehensive survey of different semantic interoperability solutions in the context of IoT. The pivotal semantic models available in the literature are compared with the help of a classification framework. This study identifies various open research issues and challenges for facilitating interoperable IoT communications. For the purpose of implementation and performance evaluation of various semantic models, we also suggest some important tools and frameworks. After pointing out different prospects and problems of the existing semantic interoperability schemes, the factors for improvement are identified indicating future research directions.
Loss‐of‐function of EBP50 is a new cause of hereditary peripheral neuropathy: EBP50 functions in peripheral nerve system
Authors: Song Gyun Jee , Gupta Deepak Prasad , Rahman Md Habibur , Park Hwan Tae , Al Ghouleh Imad , Bisello Alessandro , Lee Maan‐Gee , Park Jae‐Yong , Park Hyun Ho , Jun Jin Hyun , Chung Ki Wha , Choi Byung‐Ok , Suk Kyoungho 
Published: February 2020

AbstractFinding causative genetic mutations is important in the diagnosis and treatment of hereditary peripheral neuropathies. This study was conducted to find new genes involved in the pathophysiology of hereditary peripheral neuropathy. We identified a new mutation in the EBP50 gene, which is co‐segregated with neuropathic phenotypes, including motor and sensory deficit in a family with Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease. EBP50 is known to be important for the formation of microvilli in epithelial cells, and the discovery of this gene mutation allowed us to study the function of EBP50 in the nervous system. EBP50 was strongly expressed in the nodal and paranodal regions of sciatic nerve fibers, where Schwann cell microvilli contact the axolemma, and at the growth tips of primary Schwann cells. In addition, EBP50 expression was decreased in mouse models of peripheral neuropathy. Knockout mice were used to study EBP50 function in the peripheral nervous system. Interestingly motor function deficit and abnormal histology of nerve fibers were observed in EBP50+/− heterozygous mice at 12 months of age, but not 3 months. in vitro studies using Schwann cells showed that NRG1‐induced AKT activation and migration were significantly reduced in cells overexpressing the I325V mutant of EBP50 or cells with knocked‐down EBP50 expression. In conclusion, we show for the first time that loss of function due to EBP50 gene deficiency or mutation can cause peripheral neuropathy.
Nonlinear convection in an elasticoviscous fluid‐saturated anisotropic porous layer using a local thermal nonequilibrium model
Authors: Hemanthkumar C. , Raghunatha K. R. , Shivakumara I. S. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBy adopting a perturbation method and a local thermal nonequilibrium model, nonlinear thermal convection in an anisotropic porous layer saturated by an elasticoviscous fluid is investigated. An elasticoviscous fluid is modeled by a modified Darcy‐Oldroyd‐B model, and the fluid and solid phase temperatures are represented using a two‐field model for the heat transport equation. Anisotropy in permeability and fluid and solid thermal conductivities are considered. A cubic Landau equation is derived separately to study the stability of bifurcating solution of both stationary and oscillatory convection, and the results of linear instability theory are delineated. The boundary between stationary and oscillatory convection is demarcated by identifying codimension‐two points in the viscoelastic parameters plane. It is found that the subcritical instability is not possible, and the linear instability analysis itself completely captures the behavior of the onset of convection. Heat transfer is obtained in terms of Nusselt number, and the effect of governing parameters on the same is discussed. The results of the Maxwell fluid are obtained as a particular case from the present study.