bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study the Effect of Test Speed and Fabric Weight on Puncture Behavior of Polyester Needlepunched Nonwoven Geotextiles
Authors: Askari Azadeh Seif , Najar Saeed Shaikhzadeh , Vaghasloo Yoness Alizadeh 
Published: November 2018

In this research, the effects of speed and weight on needlepunched nonwoven geotextiles subjected to CBR and Puncture tests were investigated. Polyester nonwoven fabrics with different weights (460, 715, 970 and 1070 g/m2) were prepared. The CBR test (ASTM D 6241) was conducted with five speeds, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 mm/min on geotextile layers, while the Puncture test (ASTM D 4833) was carried out at a standard speed of 300 mm/min on the same fabrics. Based on the load-elongation curves of these two tests, different puncture parameters, including puncture resistance (puncture force at failure), elongation at maximum force and puncture energy, were measured and statistically analyzed using ANOVA and multiple-range test methods. The results of the CBR tests indicate that the fabric weight significantly influenced the puncture resistance as well as the puncture energy and elongation while speed only affected the fabric puncture resistance and puncture energy. On the other hand, in the Puncture test, the fabric weight influenced all measured parameters.
New Directions in Braiding
Authors: Branscomb David , Beale David , Broughton Royall 
Published: November 2018

It is the intent of this manuscript to provide a general treatment of braiding: past, present, and future. A history and evolution of braiding, braiding machinery, and related engineering developments is provided with emphasis on the design, manufacture, and analysis of braided fabrics and composites. Some recent developments are briefly described, including: 1. a composite braider with axial yarns which interlace with the helicals, and in which the helical yarns do not interlace with each other – a machine now under commercial development, 2. a new braided structure, called the true triaxial braid, produced by the new machine or by proper carrier loading on a conventional Maypole braider; and 3. a computer controlled take-up system using image analysis to monitor and control braid formation. Original work ongoing at Auburn University is described and involves Jacquard lace braids with open structures for use in composites, computer aided design (CAD), computer aided manufacturing (CAM), and analysis of ordinary and lace braids for composite applications. This paper is an expanded version of an invited presentation under the title “New Directions in Braiding” at a Fiber Society presentation in Bursa, Turkey, in the spring of 2010 [1].
Thermal Behavior of Worsted Fabrics Produced from Different Yarn Spinning Systems
Authors: Mirdehghan Abolfazl , Saharkhiz Siamak , Nosraty Hooshang 
Published: November 2018

This paper describes an experimental study of the impact of yarn structure on the thermal properties of worsted fabric. In this study, four different spun yarn structures (Solo, Siro, and single ply and two ply Ring) were woven into four fabric structures (Plain, Twill2/1, Twill2/2 and Basket2/2) and their thermal properties were studied. In addition, the thermal behavior of finished and unfinished samples was also evaluated. Results showed that the finishing process causes an increase in thermal conductivity and warmth to weight factor and a decrease in thermal insulation. Different spinning systems, also affect the thermal properties of the worsted fabrics. Samples with Siro yarns in the weft were found to have the highest thermal conductivity and those made from single ply weft yarn the lowest thermal conductivity. A relation between fabric thermal insulation and air permeability and thickness was also found.
Conditional estimation and inference to address observed covariate imbalance in randomized clinical trials
Authors: Zhang Zhiwei , Tang Linli , Liu Chunling , Berger Vance W 
Published: November 2018

Background Baseline covariate imbalance (between treatment groups) is a common problem in randomized clinical trials which often raises questions about the validity of trial results. Answering these questions requires careful consideration of the statistical implications of covariate imbalance. The possibil ity of having covariate imbalance contributes to the marginal variance of an unadjusted treatment difference estimator, which can be reduced by making appropriate adjustments. Actual observed imbalance introduces a conditional bias into an unadjusted estimator, which may increase the conditional size of an unadjusted test. Methods This article provides conditional estimation and inference procedures to address the conditional bias due to observed imbalance. Interestingly, it is possible to use the same adjusted treatment difference estimator to address the marginal variance issue and the conditional bias issue associated with covariate imbalance. Its marginal variance estimator tends to be conservative for conditional inference, and we propose a conditionally appropriate variance estimator. We also provide an estimator of the conditional bias in an unadjusted treatment difference estimator, together with a conditional variance estimator. Results The proposed methodology is illustrated with real data from a stroke trial and evaluated in simulation experiments based on the same trial. The simulation results show that covariate imbalance can result in a substantial conditional bias and that the proposed methods deal with the conditional bias quite effectively. Discussion We recommend that the proposed methodology be used routinely to address the observed covariate imbalance in randomized clinical trials.
Strategic inclusion of regions in multiregional clinical trials
Authors: Song Seung Yeon , Chee Deborah , Kim EunYoung 
Published: November 2018

Background With the recent publication of the International Conference on Harmonisation E17 guideline and major reforms in China underway, the platform for clinical trial conduct is expected to change. This study aims to assess the strategic inclusion of regions in clinical trials and its change in trends over the past decade. Methods The ClinicalTrials.gov registry was searched for clinical trials registered by the top 10 pharmaceutical companies between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2017. Extracted data included phase, disease type, intervention, study start year, and region. Trial type was classified as either a local study or a multiregional clinical trial as per the International Conference on Harmonisation E17 guideline. Results Of 2488 phase I, 1855 phase II, and 1999 phase III trials included, the majority of phase I trials were local studies (76.8%), while the majority of phase II (66.0%) and phase III (72.2%) trials were multiregional clinical trials. The proportion of multiregional clinical trials showed an increasing trend for all phases ( p < 0.01). Although North America and Europe remained the main locations, increasing trends of inclusion of other regions, such as East Asia, were noted. Conclusion Globalization of drug development is evident with the increasing trend of multiregional clinical trial. Regulatory authorities as well as the pharmaceutical industry should prepare for the evolving setting of clinical research and problems that can arise from these changes.
The effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors on clinical outcomes in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and midrange ejection fraction: a post hoc subgroup analysis from the PEACE trial
Authors: Alzahrani Talal , Tiu John , Panjrath Gurusher , Solomon Allen 
Published: November 2018

Background: There have been significant advances in the treatment of patients with cardiomyopathy with reduced ejection fraction (EF < 40%). However, there is a dearth of information in the treatment of patients with cardiomyopathy and midrange EF (40–50%). Current guidelines state to treat these patients similarly to patients with cardiomyopathy and preserved EF. Data from the Prevention of Events with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibition (PEACE) trial were used to elucidate whether angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors improve clinical outcomes in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and midrange EF. Methods: A post hoc subgroup analysis of the PEACE trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of ACE inhibitors in a subgroup of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and midrange EF (40–50%). A Chi-square test and a Student‘s t-test were used to examine and compare the binary and continuous variables of baseline characteristics and outcomes between experimental and comparison groups. Results: We studied a subgroup of patients from the PEACE trial with ischemic cardiomyopathy and midrange EF ( n = 2512 of 8290 total patients). Patients were assigned to either the interventional group ( n = 1247) or the placebo group ( n = 1265). There were no significant differences in baseline demographic and health characteristics between the two groups. During a total of 7 years (mean 4.7 years) of follow up, the risk of composite outcomes [all-cause mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and stroke; relative risk (RR) 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63–0.98; p = 0.03] and all-cause mortality (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73–0.99; p = 0.03) was reduced in patients treated with trandolapril. Conclusion: This study revealed the benefit of ACE inhibitors among patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and midrange EF.
Fecal microbiota transplantation with frozen capsules for a patient with refractory acute gut graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Kaito Satoshi , Toya Takashi , Yoshifuji Kota , Kurosawa Shuhei , Inamoto Kyoko , Takeshita Kozue , Suda Wataru , Kakihana Kazuhiko , Honda Kenya , Hattori Masahira , Ohashi Kazuteru 
Published: November 2018

Key Points
Bacterial diversity was restored after FMT with oral frozen capsules, with improvement of diarrhea. Oral FMT for steroid-refractory acute gGVHD is feasible and could be effective.
Sirtuin 3 deficiency aggravates contrast-induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Zhang Qinghai , Liu Xun , li Na , Zhang Jihong , Yang Jianmin , Bu Peili 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Background
Sirtuin 3 (Sirt3) is a key regulator of energy metabolism and oxidative stress. To investigate the role of Sirt3 in contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI), we established the model both in vivo and in vitro to explore the potential mechanisms.

Methods
In vivo, we established CIAKI models in wild-type (WT) and Sirt3-knockout (Sirt3-KO) mice. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Scr) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) and creatinine clearance were also investigated. We detected the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via 2′7′-dichlorodihydro-fluorescein diacetate. The expressions of Sirt3, oxidative stress and apoptosis related markers (MnSOD, Catalase, Acetyl-MnSOD K68, Nox4, Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase3) were measured and analyzed. In addition, we observed the effect of nicotinamide riboside (NR) on CIAKI in WT and Sirt3-KO mice. In vitro, Sirt3 was knocked out by siRNA transfection method in HK-2 cells. Sirt3, ROS, oxidative stress and apoptosis markers in HK-2 cells were also measured.

Results
Our data demonstrated that the levels of Scr and BUN in Sirt3-KO mice were increased while the levels of the GFR and creatinine clearance were decreased in CIAKI mice. In Sirt3-KO or siRNA groups, the activities of MnSOD and Catalase were markedly down-regulated. Also, the expression of Caspase3 were markedly increased and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax was decreased, while the ROS level was increased in Sirt3 deficiency groups. NR ameliorated CIAKI in WT mice but not in Sirt3-KO mice.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that Sirt3 deficiency aggravates contrast-induced acute kidney injury. Sirt3 is critical in NR-mediated renoprotection in CIAKI.
Assessing the Training and Research Environment for Genomics, Bioinformatics, and Immunology in Radiation Oncology
Authors: Mouw Kent W. , Beck Tyler F. , Keen Judith C. , Dicker Adam P. 
Published: November 2018

Purpose To assess radiation oncologists’ perceptions of training and research opportunities in the fields of genomics, bioinformatics, and immunology. Materials and Methods A 13-item electronic survey was sent to 101 radiation oncology department chairs and administrators. A separate 30-item electronic survey was sent to 132 members of the American Society for Radiation Oncology Science Council as well as to 565 members of the Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology. Survey responses were collected, and results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results Twenty-six department chairs and 91 general respondents submitted responses. Among general respondents, 69% were current trainees and 31% had completed training. The majority of respondents (92%) were affiliated with an academic/university main campus. Approximately half of respondents (43% to 53%) reported no prior formal training in bioinformatics, genomics, or immunology. More than half of department chairs (54% to 58%) and general respondents (57% to 63%) thought that current training opportunities in these areas were absolutely or moderately insufficient. A majority of respondents (53% to 65%) thought that additional training in these areas would provide opportunity for career advancement, and 80% could identify a current or future research project that additional training in these fields would allow them to pursue. More than half of respondents expressed interest in attending a formal training course, and the majority of department chairs (22 of 26 [85%]) reported that they would probably or definitely send trainees or faculty members to a formal training course. Conclusion Among radiation oncologists surveyed, there is a perceived lack of current training opportunities in bioinformatics, genomics, and immunology. A majority of respondents reported an interest in obtaining additional training in these areas and believed that training would provide opportunity for career advancement.
SELECT: A Phase II Trial of Adjuvant Erlotinib in Patients With Resected Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor–Mutant Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Pennell Nathan A. , Neal Joel W. , Chaft Jamie E. , Azzoli Christopher G. , Jänne Pasi A. , Govindan Ramaswamy , Evans Tracey L. , Costa Daniel B. , Wakelee Heather A. , Heist Rebecca S. , Shapiro Marc A. , Muzikansky Alona , Murthy Sudish , Lanuti Michael , Rusch Valerie W. , Kris Mark G. , Sequist Lecia V. 
Published: November 2018

Purpose Given the pivotal role of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors in advanced EGFR-mutant non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we tested adjuvant erlotinib in patients with EGFR-mutant early-stage NSCLC. Materials and Methods In this open-label phase II trial, patients with resected stage IA to IIIA (7th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system) EGFR-mutant NSCLC were treated with erlotinib 150 mg per day for 2 years after standard adjuvant chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy. The study was designed for 100 patients and powered to demonstrate a primary end point of 2-year disease-free survival (DFS) greater than 85%, improving on historic data of 76%. Results Patients (N = 100) were enrolled at seven sites from January 2008 to May 2012; 13% had stage IA disease, 32% had stage IB disease, 11% had stage IIA disease, 16% had stage IIB disease, and 28% had stage IIIA disease. Toxicities were typical of erlotinib; there were no grade 4 or 5 adverse events. Forty percent of patients required erlotinib dose reduction to 100 mg per day and 16% to 50 mg per day. The intended 2-year course was achieved in 69% of patients. The median follow-up was 5.2 years, and 2-year DFS was 88% (96% stage I, 78% stage II, 91% stage III). Median DFS and overall survival have not been reached; 5-year DFS was 56% (95% CI, 45% to 66%), 5-year overall survival was 86% (95% CI, 77% to 92%). Disease recurred in 40 patients, with only four recurrences during erlotinib treatment. The median time to recurrence was 25 months after stopping erlotinib. Of patients with recurrence who underwent rebiopsy (n = 24; 60%), only one had T790M mutation detected. The majority of patients with recurrence were retreated with erlotinib (n = 26; 65%) for a median duration of 13 months. Conclusion Patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC treated with adjuvant erlotinib had an improved 2-year DFS compared with historic genotype-matched controls. Recurrences were rare for patients receiving adjuvant erlotinib, and patients rechallenged with erlotinib after recurrence experienced durable benefit.
PEPCK1 Antisense Oligonucleotide Prevents Adiposity and Impairs Hepatic Glycogen Synthesis in High-Fat Male Fed Rats
Authors: Beddow Sara A , Gattu Arijeet K , Vatner Daniel F , Paolella Lauren , Alqarzaee Abdulelah , Tashkandi Nedda , Popov Violeta B , Church Christopher D , Rodeheffer Matthew S , Cline Gary W , Geisler John G , Bhanot Sanjay , Samuel Varman T 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
The increased hepatic gluconeogenesis in type 2 diabetes mellitus has often been ascribed to increased transcription of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1, cystolic form (PEPCK1), although recent evidence has questioned this attribution. To assess the metabolic role of PEPCK1, we treated regular chow fed and high-fat fed (HFF) male Sprague-Dawley rats with a 2′-O-methoxyethyl chimeric antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) against PEPCK1 and compared them with control ASO-treated rats. PEPCK1 ASO effectively decreased PEPCK1 expression in the liver and white adipose tissue. In chow fed rats, PEPCK1 ASO did not alter adiposity, plasma glucose, or insulin. In contrast, PEPCK1 ASO decreased the white adipose tissue mass in HFF rats but without altering basal rates of lipolysis, de novo lipogenesis, or glyceroneogenesis in vivo. Despite the protection from adiposity, hepatic insulin sensitivity was impaired in HFF PEPCK1 ASO-treated rats. PEPCK1 ASO worsened hepatic steatosis, although without additional impairments in hepatic insulin signaling or activation of inflammatory signals in the liver. Instead, the development of hepatic insulin resistance and the decrease in hepatic glycogen synthesis during a hyperglycemic clamp was attributed to a decrease in hepatic glucokinase (GCK) expression and decreased synthesis of glycogen via the direct pathway. The decrease in GCK expression was associated with increased expression of activating transcription factor 3, a negative regulator of GCK transcription. These studies have demonstrated that PEPCK1 is integral to coordinating cellular metabolism in the liver and adipose tissue, although it does not directly effect hepatic glucose production or adipose glyceroneogenesis.
SETDB1 is essential for mouse primordial germ cell fate determination by ensuring BMP signaling
Authors: Mochizuki Kentaro , Tando Yukiko , Sekinaka Tamotsu , Otsuka Kei , Hayashi Yohei , Kobayashi Hisato , Kamio Asuka , Ito-Matsuoka Yumi , Takehara Asuka , Kono Tomohiro , Osumi Noriko , Matsui Yasuhisa 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACT
In mouse embryos, primordial germ cells (PGCs) are fate-determined from epiblast cells. Signaling pathways involved in PGC formation have been identified, but their epigenetic mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we show that the histone methyltransferase SETDB1 is an epigenetic regulator of PGC fate determination. Setdb1-deficient embryos exhibit drastic reduction of nascent PGCs. Dppa2, Otx2 and Utf1 are de-repressed whereas mesoderm development-related genes, including BMP4 signaling-related genes, are downregulated by Setdb1 knockdown during PGC-like cell (PGCLC) induction. In addition, binding of SETDB1 is observed at the flanking regions of Dppa2, Otx2 and Utf1 in cell aggregates containing PGCLCs, and trimethylation of lysine 9 of histone H3 is reduced by Setdb1 knockdown at those regions. Furthermore, DPPA2, OTX2 and UTF1 binding is increased in genes encoding BMP4 signaling-related proteins, including SMAD1. Finally, overexpression of Dppa2, Otx2 and Utf1 in cell aggregates containing PGCLCs results in the repression of BMP4 signaling-related genes and PGC determinant genes. We propose that the localization of SETDB1 to Dppa2, Otx2 and Utf1, and subsequent repression of their expression, are crucial for PGC determination by ensuring BMP4 signaling.
Nε-lysine acetylation in the endoplasmic reticulum – a novel cellular mechanism that regulates proteostasis and autophagy
Authors: Farrugia Mark A. , Puglielli Luigi 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACT
Protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) take many shapes, have many effects and are necessary for cellular homeostasis. One of these PTMs, Nε-lysine acetylation, was thought to occur only in the mitochondria, cytosol and nucleus, but this paradigm was challenged in the past decade with the discovery of lysine acetylation in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This process is governed by the ER acetylation machinery: the cytosol:ER-lumen acetyl-CoA transporter AT-1 (also known as SLC33A1), and the ER-resident lysine acetyltransferases ATase1 and ATase2 (also known as NAT8B and NAT8, respectively). This Review summarizes the more recent biochemical, cellular and mouse model studies that underscore the importance of the ER acetylation process in maintaining protein homeostasis and autophagy within the secretory pathway, and its impact on developmental and age-associated diseases.
Gold-Treated Silver Nanoparticles Have Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Harada Ayaka , Ichimaru Hiroaki , Kawagoe Takayuki , Tsushida Masayuki , Niidome Yasuro , Tsutsuki Hiroyasu , Sawa Tomohiro , Niidome Takuro 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Silver nanoparticles are known to have strong antibacterial activity and constitute a novel material to treat infectious diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria. The antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles is influenced by two important factors, their high dispersion stability and their release of silver ions. In this study, silver nanoparticles were treated with gold ions. The resultant Ag/Au nanoparticles were a hollow-shaped alloy made of silver and gold atoms. The antibacterial activity of the Ag/Au nanoparticles against the pathogenic bacteria S. Typhimurium was stronger than the original silver nanoparticles. Additionally, the release of silver ions from the hollowed Ag/Au nanoparticles was higher than the original silver nanoparticles. The existence of gold atoms on the silver metal and chloride ions in the medium likely enhanced the release of silver ions from the nanoparticles. The gold treatment of silver nanoparticles is an effective method to improve their antimicrobial activity.