bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A decision‐making solution for cloud storage system
Authors: Gao Yang , Qi Heng , Jin Yingwei , Li Keqiu 
Published: September 2018

SummaryEnterprise IT departments must decide whether to build a private cloud themselves or lease space in a cloud instead. Actually, most enterprise cloud systems are heterogeneous simultaneously consisting partly of private cloud and partly of public cloud. An enterprise needs to know the optimal mixing ratio to achieve the lowest cost. However, the optimal ratio is a dynamic value because the popularity of data changes constantly and the data increases rapidly. In this paper, we formulate maximizing the net present value (NPV) of the investment revenue as a dynamic decision‐making problem and propose a model to simplify the decision‐making problem. We use the K‐means algorithm to cluster the devices into groups. In addition, we also provide a solution with the kNN algorithm for locating data. Furthermore, our system provides a cost‐saving solution that requires no additional devices or investment. Subsequently, as the system grows larger, the decision‐making solution can be employed again to determine how to best extend the cloud system at the lowest cost.
A novel automated MOALO algorithm aided RF low‐noise amplifier design for wireless applications
Authors: Suvitha Sundar , Mathana J.M. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryThis paper presents a Novel automated Multi Objective Ant Lion Optimization Algorithm (MOALO) aided Radio Frequency Low Noise Amplifier (RFLNA) design for wireless applications. This MO‐ALO algorithm has been used to resolve numerous nonlinear engineering problems with exceptional results. In regard of this, the MOALO algorithm is used to optimize the performance parameters of RF LNA. The RF LNA topology has a cascode structure with inductive source degeneration topology using 0.18 μm CMOS technology for wireless applications. This optimization using the MOALO algorithm is implemented using the Xilinx tool, which optimizes the active and passive parameters of RF LNA, and the optimized RF LNA is simulated using the Agilent ADS and Cadence OrCAD Capture 17.2 tools; the results are compared with the existing works. This optimized RF LNA provides high Gain, Low Noise Figure, and better Stability with less power and low circuit complexity.
Evaluation of samidorphan, a μ‐opioid antagonist, in a drug discrimination assay in rats
Authors: Sgro Mario P. , Modlin Deah L. , Deaver Daniel R. , Kallman Mary J. , Todtenkopf Mark S. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Preclinical Research & Development

Background: Samidorphan, a μ‐opioid receptor antagonist, is in clinical development for central nervous system related diseases. The discriminative stimulus effects of samidorphan were assessed in rats trained to discriminate the effects of a known morphinan of abuse, morphine, from that of saline.Methods: Escalating doses of samidorphan were substituted for morphine and rats were allowed to respond on two levers for food reward. Doses of samidorphan were chosen based on other pharmacodynamic assays in which samidorphan blocked the effects of morphine (such as blocking analgesia in a hot plate test; data not shown). In addition, a pharmacokinetic study was conducted to determine if these doses would reflect predicted exposure levels that translate to human equivalent doses.Results: Rats discriminating morphine from vehicle responded predominantly on the vehicle lever after receiving samidorphan. In addition, samidorphan was rapidly absorbed, and plasma concentrations of the doses tested in this study bracket therapeutically relevant concentrations.Conclusions: In summary, samidorphan produced saline‐like behavioral responses over a wide dose range.
Synergistic interaction between docosahexaenoic acid and diclofenac on inflammation, nociception, and gastric security models in rats
Authors: Miranda‐Lara Christopher Allan , Ortiz Mario I. , Rodríguez‐Ramos Fernando , Chávez‐Piña Aracely Evangelina 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Preclinical Research & Development

The addition of polyunsaturated fatty acids to nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs can increase their antinociceptive activity and produce a gastroprotective effect. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of the interaction between docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and diclofenac on inflammation (fixed ratios 1:1, 1:3, and 3:1), nociception (fixed ratio 1:3), and gastric injury in rats. DHA, diclofenac, or combinations of DHA and diclofenac produced anti‐inflammatory and antinociceptive effects in rat. The administration of diclofenac produced significant gastric damage, but this effect was not observed with either DHA or the DHA–diclofenac combinations. Effective dose (ED30) values were estimated for each individual drug and analyzed isobolographically. The anti‐inflammatory experimental ED30 values were 6.97 mg/kg (1:1 fixed ratio), 1.1 mg/kg (1:3 fixed ratio), and 11.34 mg/kg (3:1 fixed ratio). These values were significantly lower (p < .05) than the theoretical ED30 values: 67.94 mg/kg (1:1), 35.37 mg/kg (1:3), and 100.51 mg/kg (3:1). The antinociceptive experimental value was 1.25 mg/kg (1:3 fixed ratio). This value was lower (p < .05) than the theoretical ED30, which was predicted to be 15.92 mg/kg. These data indicate that the DHA–diclofenac combinations interact at the systemic level, produce minor gastric damage, and potentially have therapeutic advantages for the clinical treatment of inflammatory pain.
A path to defining excellence in intensive treatment for eating disorders
Authors: Guarda Angela S. , Wonderlich Stephen , Kaye Walter , Attia Evelyn 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn the United States, the past decade has seen rapid growth in treatment centers providing specialty care to patients with eating disorders. Much of this growth has been in higher levels of care, including hospital‐based and residential treatment. Despite this expansion, there remains lack of agreement regarding the most important components of care, such as staff training or specifics of treatment delivery. Additionally there is no consensus on how best to assess outcome and compare performance across programs. This leaves patients, families, public and private insurance programs, and policy makers with limited information to help facilitate treatment decisions. The present paper considers implications of these changes in the eating disorder treatment landscape and examines two ideas that, if implemented, may enhance the quality of eating disorder care. First, we explore the proposal to develop a network of centers of excellence in eating disorder treatment and the value this may have for improving overall treatment quality. This idea was discussed at an expert meeting held at SAMSHA in 2017 regarding issues important to the field following passage of the 21st Century Cures Act. Second, we consider the potential utility of a study using the Delphi method to promote expert consensus regarding clinical outcome assessments.
Optimization‐based minimum‐cost seismic retrofitting of hysteretic frames with nonlinear fluid viscous dampers
Authors: Pollini Nicolò , Lavan Oren , Amir Oded 
Published: September 2018

SummaryIn this paper, we discuss an optimization‐based approach for minimum‐cost seismic retrofitting of hysteretic frames with nonlinear fluid viscous dampers. The proposed approach accounts also for moment‐axial interaction in the structural elements, to consider a more realistic coupling between added dampers and retrofitted structure. The design variables of the problem are the damping coefficients of the dampers. Indirectly, the design involves also the stiffness coefficients of the supporting braces. In the optimization analysis, we minimize a realistic retrofitting cost function with constraints on inter‐story drifts under a suite of ground motion records. The cost function includes costs related to the topological and mechanical properties of the dampers' designs. The structure is modeled with a mixed finite element approach, where the hysteretic behavior is defined at the beams' and columns' cross sections level. We consider damper‐brace elements with a visco‐elastic behavior characterized by the Maxwell model. The dampers' viscous behavior is defined by a fractional power law. Promising results obtained for a two‐story, a nine‐story, and a 20‐story 2‐D frames are presented and discussed.
General retrospective mega‐analysis framework for rare variant association tests
Authors: Chien Li‐Chu , Chiu Yen‐Feng 
Published: September 2018

AbstractHere, we describe a retrospective mega‐analysis framework for gene‐ or region‐based multimarker rare variant association tests. Our proposed mega‐analysis association tests allow investigators to combine longitudinal and cross‐sectional family‐ and/or population‐based studies. This framework can be applied to a continuous, categorical, or survival trait. In addition to autosomal variants, the tests can be applied to conduct mega‐analyses on X‐chromosome variants. Tests were built on study‐specific region‐ or gene‐level quasiscore statistics and, therefore, do not require estimates of effects of individual rare variants. We used the generalized estimating equation approach to account for complex multiple correlation structures between family members, repeated measurements, and genetic markers. While accounting for multilevel correlations and heterogeneity across studies, the test statistics were computationally efficient and feasible for large‐scale sequencing studies. The retrospective aspect of association tests helps alleviate bias due to phenotype‐related sampling and type I errors due to misspecification of phenotypic distribution. We evaluated our developed mega‐analysis methods through comprehensive simulations with varying sample sizes, covariates, population stratification structures, and study designs across multiple studies. To illustrate application of the proposed framework, we conducted a mega‐association analysis combining a longitudinal family study and a cross‐sectional case–control study from Genetic Analysis Workshop 19.
Tight oil sandstones in Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation, Ordos Basin, N. China: Reservoir quality destruction in a closed diagenetic system
Authors: Liu Mingjie , Gluyas Jon , Wang Weibin , Liu Zhen , Liu Junbang , Tan Xiucheng , Zeng Wei , Xiong Yi 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAn investigation of the Triassic Yanchang Formation, Ordos Basin, N. China, revealed that the diagenesis and quality of tight oil sandstone reservoirs (with an average porosity of 9.83% and an average permeability of 0.96 mD) were controlled by a closed diagenetic system. The carbonate cements observed in the sandstone were derived from decarboxylation of organic matter that occurred in the adjacent mudstones. These reactions supplied CO32−, which reacted with cations derived from grain dissolution in the sandstones. The average size of the diagenetic geochemical system with respect to carbonate cements was small (<6 × 10−2 m3), comprising sandstone and its adjacent mudstone(s). The carbonate cements tend to concentrate in the marginal sandstone, which is taken to indicate that the flux of CO32− into the sandstones limited the quantity of carbonate precipitated. In addition, the mass is near balance between the amount of feldspar dissolution and its by‐products in the central sandstone (distance to the sandstone/mudstone interface is mainly more than 1 m), where the permeability of sandstone will present a decreasing trend with the increase of feldspar dissolution pores. The pore space of central sandstone will be just redistributed, with primary intergranular pores converting to feldspar dissolution pores and clay mineral micropores. Thus, the best part of the sandstone reservoirs tends to be the central part of sandstone. In particular, sandstones that are more than 2 m thick could be the potential hydrocarbon reservoirs because they retain the best porosity (average of 13.6%) and permeability (average of 1.8 mD). The results of our study provide an important guide for the exploration of tight oil sandstones in other petroliferous basins over the world.
Modification of silicone elastomers with Bioglass 45S5® increases in ovo tissue biointegration
Authors: Cohrs Nicholas H. , Schulz‐Schönhagen Konstantin , Mohn Dirk , Wolint Petra , Meier Bürgisser Gabriella , Stark Wendelin J. , Buschmann Johanna 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSilicone is an important material family used for various medical implants. It is biocompatible, but its bioinertness prevents cell attachment, and thus tissue biointegration of silicone implants. This often results in constrictive fibrosis and implant failure. Bioglass 45S5® (BG) could be a suitable material to alter the properties of silicone, render it bioactive and improve tissue integration. Therefore, BG micro‐ or nanoparticles were blended into medical‐grade silicone and 2D as well as 3D structures of the resulting composites were analyzed in ovo by a chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. The biomechanical properties of the composites were measured and the bioactivity of the composites was verified in simulated body fluid. The bioactivity of BG‐containing composites was confirmed visually by the formation of hydroxyapatite through scanning electron microscopy as well as by infrared spectroscopy. BG stiffens as prepared non‐porous composites by 13% and 36% for micro‐ and nanocomposites respectively. In particular, after implantation for 7 days, the Young's modulus had increased significantly from 1.20 ± 0.01 to 1.57 ± 0.03 MPa for microcomposites and 1.44 ± 0.03 to 1.69 ± 0.29 MPa to for nanocpmosites. Still, the materials remain highly elastic and are comparably soft. The incorporation of BG into silicone overcame the bioinertness of the pure polymer. Although the overall tissue integration was weak, it was significantly improved for BG‐containing porous silicones (+72% for microcomposites) and even further enhanced for composites containing nanoparticles (+94%). These findings make BG a suitable material to improve silicone implant properties. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1180–1188, 2019.
Absence of effect of the antiretrovirals Duovir and Viraday on mitochondrial bioenergetics
Authors: Fadel Jessy J. , Bahr Georges M. , Echtay Karim S. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMost toxicity associated with antiretroviral drugs is thought to result from disruption of mitochondrial function. Unfortunately, there are no validated laboratory markers for clinically assessing the onset of mitochondrial toxicity associated with antiretroviral therapy. In a previous study on mitochondrial hepatocytes, the protease inhibitor lopimune was shown to induce mitochondrial toxicity by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and decreasing respiratory control ratio (RCR) reflecting compromised mitochondrial efficiency in adenosine triphosphate production. Mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS production were directly correlated with the expression of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). In the current study we aim to determine the toxicity of nucleoside or nucleotide and nonnucleoside reverse‐transcriptase inhibitors, Duovir and Viraday on liver mitochondria isolated from treated mice by monitoring UCP2 expression. Our results showed that both Duovir and Viraday had no effect on mitochondrial respiration states 2, 3, 4, and on RCR. In addition, ROS generation and UCP2 expression were not affected. In conclusion, our results indicate the difference in the mechanism of action of distinct classes of antiretroviral drugs on mitochondrial functions and may associate UCP2 expression with subclinical mitochondrial damage as marker of cellular oxidative stress.
Silence of long intergenic noncoding RNA HOTAIR ameliorates oxidative stress and inflammation response in ox‐LDL‐treated human macrophages by upregulating miR‐330‐5p
Authors: Liu Jie , Huang Guang‐Qing , Ke Zun‐Ping 
Published: September 2018

AbstractEvidence of the involvement of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in atherosclerosis is growing but still not well characterized. Here, we concentrated on the biological roles of lncRNA HOX transcription antisense RNA (HOTAIR) in atherosclerosis. In our study, we found that oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) induced human macrophages THP‐1 cells apoptosis dose dependently and time dependently. Meanwhile, HOTAIR was significantly increased in THP‐1 cells treated with ox‐LDL. Then, HOTAIR was modulated by infection of LV‐short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and LV‐HOTAIR into THP‐1 cells. As displayed, CD36, Oil Red O staining levels, total cholesterol, triglyceride levels and dil‐ox‐LDL uptake rate were greatly repressed by the silence of HOTAIR while triggered by overexpression of HOTAIR. Moreover, knockdown of HOTAIR suppressed reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde levels, increased superoxide dismutase activity and cell apoptosis were also restrained. Reversely, overexpression of HOTAIR exhibited an opposite phenomenon. In addition, interleukin 6 (IL‐6), IL‐1β, cyclo‐oxygenase 2, and tumor necrosis factor α protein levels were significantly depressed by LV‐shRNA) of HOTAIR while increased by upregulation of HOTAIR in THP‐1 cells. By carrying out bioinformatics analysis, miR‐330‐5p was predicted as a target of HOTAIR and the correlation between them was validated in our current study. MiR‐330‐5p was greatly decreased in THP‐1 cells incubated with ox‐LDL and overexpression of miR‐330‐5p was able to inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation process. Taken together, it was implied that HOTAIR contributed to atherosclerosis development by downregulating miR‐330‐5p in human macrophages.
Forecasting the Probability of Recessions in South Africa: the Role of Decomposed Term Spread and Economic Policy Uncertainty
Authors: Aye Goodness C. , Christou Christina , Gil‐Alana Luis A. , Gupta Rangan 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis paper decomposes the term spread into the expectation and the term premium components using a fractional integration approach and subsequently uses same with the economic policy uncertainty index to forecast the probability of recession in South Africa. We use different specifications of the probit model and quarterly data from 1990:1 to 2012:1. Our out‐of‐sample results show that the model that incorporates the expectation component and economic policy uncertainty provides the best forecast of recession. All three recession periods in our sample were accurately dictated by the prediction models and the best forecast occurred at the four quarters ahead horizon. A robustness check with a longer sample from 1946q1 to 2017q4 but excluding the factors and economic policy uncertainty due to data limitation provided justification for decomposing the term spread as the model with the expected spread turned out to be the best. We draw the implications of these findings. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of an ultralow power CNTFET based 9T SRAM with shared BL and half select free techniques
Authors: Patel Pramod Kumar , Malik Manzar , Gupta Tarun Kumar 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a new design of high‐performance ultralow power carbon nanotube field effect transistor (CNTFET)‐based nine‐transistor static random access memory (SRAM) cell and its implementation using shared bitline (BL) and half‐select free techniques. Simulations of the 9T SRAM design, using CNTFET compact model, have presented merits over the silicon‐complementary‐metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) SRAM cell in terms of leakage current, power consumption, and stability. Uses of the half‐select free technique eliminate the conflict between read and write operations and shared BL technique offers reduced physical layout area and enhanced data access speed. Further, uses of the increased number of tubes or say CNT array in the CNTFET device increases the probability of functionality (>95%) with a high yield SRAM cell.
Effect of chitosan pre‐soaking on the growth and quality of yellow soybean sprouts
Authors: Yang Rui , Jiang Yu , Xiu Lili , Huang Jianying 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDSoybeans are popularly known as a healthy food in many Asian countries and are mostly consumed as sprouts. The present study aimed to investigate the potential applications of chitosan as a natural growth regulator of soybean sprouts, as well as to determine the variation and composition of nutrients and anti‐nutrients of soybean sprouts pre‐soaked in different concentrations of chitosan solutions.RESULTSThe hypocotyl length and fresh weight of the soybean sprouts could be positively affected by chitosan treatment. The content changes of bioactive products in chitosan‐soaked soybean sprouts were dependent on the concentration of chitosan and germination time. Additionally, the lowest phytic acid content was observed in 8 g kg−1 chitosan‐treated soybean sprouts, and the phytic acid content values after 5 days of germination was 1.56 g kg−1, which was decreased by 79.0% compared to the value in ungerminated soybean.CONCLUSIONChitosan pre‐soaking can increase the hypocotyl length and fresh weight of soybean sprouts and also positively effect the content of bioactive products in sprouts, whereas phytic acid can be partially removed, thereby leading to the enhancement of product quality. Chitosan pre‐soaking is an alternative technology for the production of low‐cost functional foods, where the dose of chitosan is a key factor. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Detection and Evaluation of Anti‐Cancer Efficiency of Astragalus Polysaccharide Via a Tissue Engineered Tumor Model
Authors: Li Wenfang , Hu Xueyan , Wang Shuping , Wang Hai , Parungao Roxanne , Wang Yiwei , Liu Tianqing , Song Kedong 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPolysaccharides have been known to display their anti‐cancer activity via immunomodulation. The immunomodulation of RAW 246.7 macrophages by astragalus polysaccharide (APS) is herein studied in human breast cancer cells. Apart from traditional 2D culture, a novel tissue‐engineered tumor model is prepared based on decellularized porcine lung scaffold. Decellularized lung scaffolds exhibit preferable biocompatibility that promote the formation and enlargement of tumor spheroids. The conditioned medium (CM, the supernatant liquid of APS‐treated RAW264.7 macrophages) shows anti‐cancer activity by inhibiting cell proliferation, demonstrated by a 39.25 ± 5.04% decrease in tumoroid size and 20.96 ± 2.43% reduction in cell viability, and promoting cell apoptosis by the nuclear fragmentation and increasing apoptotic‐stage proportion. The cytotoxicity of CM is associated with the upregulated production of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor‐α from RAW 246.7 cells stimulated by APS. Overall, by using this 3D tumor model to study CM, there is convincing evidence that APS can modulate macrophage function to further mediate anti‐cancer activity.
Stiffening by Osmotic Swelling Constraint in Cartilage‐Like Cell Culture Scaffolds
Authors: Offeddu Giovanni S. , Tanase Constantin E. , Toumpaniari Sotiria , Oyen Michelle L. , Cameron Ruth E. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCartilage wounds result in chronic pain and degradation of the quality of life for millions of people. A synthetic cellular scaffold able to heal the damage by substituting the natural tissue is of great potential value. Here, it is shown for the first time that the unique interplay between the molecular components of cartilage can be reproduced in composite materials made of a polyelectrolyte hydrogel embedding a collagen scaffold. These composites possess a mechanical response determined by osmotic and electrostatic effects, comparable to articular cartilage in terms of elastic modulus, time‐dependent response, and permeability to interstitial fluid flow. Made entirely from biocompatible materials, the cartilage‐like composite materials developed permit 3D culture of chondrocyte‐like cells through their microporosity. The biomimetic materials presented here constitute an entirely new class of osmotically stiffened composites, which may find use outside of biomedical applications.