bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental investigation on the effects of carbon nanotubes on mode I interlaminar fracture toughness of laminated composites
Authors: Kermansaravi Misaq , Pol Mohammad Hossein 
Published: November 2016

In this research, a small quantity of multiwalled carbon nanotubes was used in order to enhance the IFT and the tensile properties of glass fiber/epoxy composite laminates. For this purpose, the nanocomposite samples, which have 18 fiber‐glass plain‐weave layers were manufactured. The epoxy resin system is made of Epon828 resin with Epikure F205 as the hardener. The MWCNTs modified with hydroxide (‐COOH) is also dispersed into the epoxy system as a reinforcement in a 0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 wt%. In addition, the tensile nanoresin and hybrid nanocomposite specimens were produced. In the tensile test of nanomatrixes, the maximum change in Young's modulus, ultimate strength, and fracture toughness of the samples is obtained in the 0.5 wt% sample, with a 31.2, 21.4, and 16.66% increase with respect to neat sample, respectively. Moreover, the results of the tensile test of hybrid nanocomposites show that the maximum change in fracture toughness, ultimate strength, and fracture strain of the samples is in the 0.5 wt% sample, with a 12.6, 9.8, and 12.6% increase with respect to the neat sample, respectively. The result of the double cantilever beam test of hybrid nanocomposites indicates that the maximum change in value of the force and value of the energy of crack propagation in mode I interlaminar fracture is in 0.5 wt% sample, with a 24.4 and 24.15% increase respect to the neat sample, respectively. Totally, it can be included that the 0.5 wt% is the best value out of 3% of MWCNTs to be added. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E797–E806, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Development and validation of a fetal genotyping assay with potential for noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of hereditary hearing loss
Authors: Chen Ying , Liu Yiqian , Wang Benjing , Mao Jun , Wang Ting , Ye Kan , Ye Yanlin , Cram David S. , Li Hong 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectiveInherited non‐syndromic hearing loss (NSHL) is a common sensory disorder that afflicts otherwise healthy individuals. The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of circulating single molecule amplification and re‐sequencing technology (cSMART) for non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) of NSHL.MethodNeonatal inheritance of NSHL mutations was determined from bloodspots using SNaPshot genotyping. NIPT of cell‐free DNA for fetal NSHL mutations in the GJB2, GJB3 and SLC26A4 genes was performed by a multiplex cSMART assay. The percentage of mutant alleles was used to deduce fetal DNA fractions and assign fetal genotypes.ResultsA total of 25 plasma samples selected with different fetal NSHL genotypes were coded and retrospectively analyzed by NIPT. Three normal fetuses, 18 carrier fetuses comprising seven GJB2 109G>A, four GBJ2 235delC, three GJB2 299‐300delAT and four SLC26A4 IVS7‐2A>G heterozygotes and four affected fetuses comprising two GJB2 109G>A homozygotes, one GBJ2 235delC homozygote and one compound GJB2 235delC/299‐300delAT heterozygote were identified. All 25 fetal genotypes determined by the cSMART assay were concordant with neonatal genotypes.ConclusionThe cSMART assay applied to cell‐free DNA isolated from maternal plasma of pregnant women is highly accurate for calling correct fetal NSHL genotypes. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of percolation threshold and electrical conductivity of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/short carbon fiber (SCF) composites: effect of SCF aspect ratio
Authors: Ram Ranvijai , Rahaman Mostafizur , Aldalbahi Ali , Khastgir Dipak 
Published: November 2016

AbstractComposites of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and short carbon fibers (SCFs) with different aspect ratios of the SCFs were prepared by the solution casting technique. The electrical percolation thresholds of the composites are highly influenced by the SCF aspect ratio calculated using both the Sigmoidal Boltzmann model and classical percolation theory. It was observed that the percolation threshold of PVDF/SCF composites decreases with an increase in the aspect ratio of the SCFs in the PVDF matrix. Different theoretical models were used to check the alignment of the SCFs in the PVDF matrix. The applicability of the theoretical models was tested to predict the composition‐dependent electrical conductivity at different SCF loadings and aspect ratios and the predictions were compared with experimental results. The effect of the fiber aspect ratio on the AC electrical conductivity was also investigated. Finally, the transparency of the composites was tested with the help of UV−visible spectroscopy and exhibits an SCF loading dependence in the PVDF matrix. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Screening for potential serum‐based proteomic biomarkers for human type 2 diabetes mellitus using MALDI‐TOF MS
Authors: Meng Qiutao , Ge Siqi , Yan Wenhua , Li Ruisheng , Dou Jingtao , Wang Haibing , Wang Baoan , Ma Qingwei , Zhou Yong , Song Manshu , Yu Xinwei , Wang Hao , Yang Xinghua , Liu Fen , Alzain Mohamed Ali , Yan Yuxiang , Zhang Ling , Wu Lijuan , Zhao Feifei , He Yan , Guo Xiuhua , Chen Feng , Xu Weizhuo , Garcia Monique , Menon Desmond , Wang Youxin , Mu Yiming , Wang Wei 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex, pandemic disease contributing towards the global burden of health issues. To date, there are no simple clinical tests for the early detection of T2DM.MethodTo identify potential peptide biomarkers for such applications, 406 sera of T2DM patients (n = 206) and healthy controls (n = 200) are analyzed by using MALDI‐TOF MS with a cross‐sectional case‐control design.ResultSix peptides (peaks m/z 1452.9, 1692.8, 1946.0, 2115.1, 2211.0 and 4053.6) are identified as candidate biomarkers for T2DM. A diagnostic model constructed with six peptides is able to discriminate T2DM patients from healthy controls, with an accuracy of 82.20%, sensitivity of 82.50%, and specificity of 77.80% in the validation set. Peptide peaks m/z 1452.9 and 1692.8 are identified as fragments of the complement C3f, while peptide peaks m/z 1946.0, 2115.1, and 2211.0 are identified as the fragments of kininogen 1 isoform 1 precursor.ConclusionThis study reinforces proteomic analyses as a potential technique for defining significant clinical peptide biomarkers, providing a simple and convenient diagnostic model for T2DM in clinical examination.
Global adaptive regulation of feedforward nonlinear time‐delay systems by output feedback
Authors: Jia Xianglei , Xu Shengyuan , Cui Guozeng , Zhang Baoyong , Ma Qian 
Published: November 2016

SummaryThe problem of global adaptive state regulation is investigated via output feedback for uncertain feedforward nonlinear time‐delay systems. Compared with existing results, our control schemes can be applicable to more general nonlinear time‐delay systems because of combining the low‐gain scaling approach with the backstepping method. In particular, we allow that there exist uncertain output function and uncertain growth rate imposed on nonlinear terms. Also, one considers a class of nonlinear systems with main‐axis delay. By the Lyapunov–Krasovskii theorem, delay‐independent controllers are proposed by constructing novel low‐gain observers driven by system input, to regulate the states of original system while all the closed‐loop signals are globally bounded. Furthermore, two examples are given to illustrate the usefulness of our results. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cerium oxide nanoparticles in neuroprotection and considerations for efficacy and safety
Authors: Rzigalinski Beverly A. , Carfagna Charles S. , Ehrich Marion 
Published: November 2016

Cerium oxide nanoparticles have widespread use in the materials industry, and have recently come into consideration for biomedical use due to their potent regenerative antioxidant properties. Given that the brain is one of the most highly oxidative organs in the body, it is subject to some of the greatest levels of oxidative stress, particularly in neurodegenerative disease. Therefore, cerium oxide nanoparticles are currently being investigated for efficacy in several neurodegenerative disorders and have shown promising levels of neuroprotection. This review discusses the basis for cerium oxide nanoparticle use in neurodegenerative disease and its hypothesized mechanism of action. The review focuses on an up‐to‐date summary ofin vivowork with cerium oxide nanoparticles in animal models of neurodegenerative disease. Additionally, we examine the current state of information regarding biodistribution, toxicity, and safety for cerium oxide nanoparticles at thein vivolevel. Finally, we discuss future directions that are necessary if this nanopharmaceutical is to move up from the bench to the bedside.WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol2017, 9:e1444. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1444This article is categorized under:Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Neurological DiseaseToxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
A Mathematical Approach to a More Accurate Determination of Critical Micelle Concentration and Other Thermodynamic Parameters of 14‐2‐14 Gemini Surfactant in Water–Organic Solvent Mixed Media at Variable Temperatures
Authors: Sood Ashwani Kumar , Pritambir  , Aggarwal Meenu 
Published: November 2016

AbstractTo explore how the solvent characteristics influence the self‐aggregation of the cationic gemini surfactant dimethylene‐1,2‐bis(tetradecyldimethylammonium bromide) (14‐2‐14) and to obtain various energetic parameters, conductometric experiments were performed on the binary mixtures in the presence of commonly used organic solvents; formamide (FA), acetonitrile (AN) and 2‐methoxyethanol (ME) in aqueous solutions at varying temperatures (298.15–323.15 K) and compositions. The procedure suggested by Carpena et al. has been utilized to analyze conductivity–concentration plots in order to obtain critical micelle concentration (CMC) and degree of counterion dissociation (α) of the micelles. This method provides more accurate results as compared to conventional treatments, and the experimental error for the evaluation of micellar parameters is reduced significantly. The results revealed that, although the process of micellization becomes less favorable with the increase in composition of FA, AN and ME in mixed systems, the increase in CMC at compositions lower than 20% (v/v) of the organic solvents is relatively less, indicating that water character is dominant in the bulk phase. As the enthalpy of micellization became more negative, the corresponding entropy change became less positive and enthalpy–entropy compensation phenomenon has been observed for 14‐2‐14 in all the mixtures within the studied temperature range.
Structural stability of the inverse limit of endomorphisms
Authors: Berger Pierre , Kocsard Alejandro 
Published: November 2016

We prove that every endomorphism which satisfies Axiom A and the strong transversality conditions is

C^{1}

-inverse limit structurally stable. These conditions were conjectured to be necessary and sufficient. This result is applied to the study of unfolding of some homoclinic tangencies. This also achieves a characterization of

C^{1}

-inverse limit structurally stable covering maps.

Résumé

Nous montrons qu'un endomorphisme a son extension naturelle qui est

C^{1}

-structurellement stable s'il vérifie l'axiome A et la condition de transversalité forte. Ces conditions étaient conjecturées nécessaires et suffisantes. Ce résultat est appliqué à l'étude des déploiements des tangences homoclines. Aussi, cela accomplit la description des recouvrements dont l'extension naturelle est

C^{1}

-structurellement stable.
Predictors of mortality of low birth weight newborns during the neonatal period: A cohort study in two health districts of Burkina Faso
Authors: Coulibaly Abou , Baguiya Adama , Millogo Tieba , Meda Ivlabèhiré Bertrand , Koueta Fla , Kouanda Seni 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the neonatal mortality rate among low birth weight infants, and identify the predictors of mortality during the neonatal period in two health districts in Burkina Faso.MethodsA prospective cohort study of live born babies delivered in health centers that weighed less than 2500 g. Their survival status at the end of the neonatal period was measured and analyzed using multivariate analysis in a Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsThe study included 341 newborns (146 newborns from Kaya health district and 195 from Dori health district). The mean weight was 2158.2 ± 287.1 g. Neonatal mortality was 53 per 1000 live births (18 deaths and 323 survivors), while the incidence density was 1.93 per 1000 persons/days (95% CI, 1.2–3.1). After adjustment, the factors significantly associated with neonatal death included preterm infants (HR 8.0; 95% CI, 2.4–26.5), the mother's history of infant death (HR 14.3; 95% CI, 4.1–49.7), young maternal age (HR 0.9; 95% CI, 0.8–0.9), immunization status (HR 5,1; 95% CI, 1.8–14.2), and infant birth weight (HR 0.8; 95% CI, 0.7–0.9).ConclusionNeonatal mortality among low birth weight infants in the study population was 53 per 1000 live births. This is higher than the 28 per 1000 live births reported by the 2010 Demographic Health Survey for the general population. Therefore, it is necessary to follow infants with low birth weight after they leave health centers.
Rate of and factors associated with indications for cesarean deliveries: Results of a national review in Burkina Faso
Authors: Meda Ivlabèhiré Bertrand , Millogo Tieba , Baguiya Adama , Ouédraogo/Nikiema Laeticia , Coulibaly Abou , Kouanda Seni 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of cesarean deliveries in Burkina Faso, analyze the indications for them and the outcomes, and identify factors associated with non‐absolute maternal indications for the procedure, as opposed to major obstetric interventions performed to save a woman's life.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study, we selected and analyzed cesarean deliveries among those most recently performed between May 2009 and April 2010 in all facilities in Burkina Faso. To identify the factors associated with non‐absolute maternal indications, we used generalized estimating equations to take into account the clustering of data at the hospital level.ResultsThe proportion of births by cesarean delivery was 1.5%, with regional variations ranging from 0.8% to 4.5%. They were performed mainly for absolute maternal indications (54.8%). Cesarean deliveries for non‐absolute maternal indications were statistically more frequent in private hospitals (OR 2.2; 95% CI, 1.2–4.0), among women in urban areas (OR 1.6; 95% CI, 1.0–2.4), during scheduled cesareans, and in the absence of use of the partogram.ConclusionThis study confirms the small proportion of cesarean deliveries in Burkina, the disparity between urban and rural areas, and the relative preponderance of absolute maternal indications for cesarean delivery.
Trends and changes in home deliveries in Kassena–Nankana districts in northern Ghana: Results from repeated cross‐sectional surveys
Authors: Millogo Tieba , Musenge Eustasius , Azongo Daniel K. , Kouanda Seni , Oduro Abraham Rexford 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate trends and changes in home deliveries in northern Ghana following the implementation of interventions targeting common barriers to utilization of health services.MethodsData collected through repeated cross‐sectional surveys conducted in the Kassena–Nankana east and west districts from 2003–2009 were used in a secondary analysis. All childbirths that occurred in this period were included. Univariate time series were used to describe trends in home deliveries. Significant trends were investigated using the χ2 test for trends, and changes in inequalities across subgroups were assessed by fitting simple linear regressions.ResultsA total of 25 539 deliveries were recorded, of which 58.1% occurred at home. The incidence of home deliveries declined from 69.1% in 2003 to 36.5% in 2009 (P<0.001). This declining pattern was consistently observed within all subgroups defined by wealth index, and educational and residential status. Larger declines were observed in poor and rural residents compared with rich and urban residents (P<0.001).ConclusionThe incidence of home deliveries halved during the study period and there was a significant reduction in previous inequalities.
Factors associated with fresh stillbirths: A hospital‐based, matched, case–control study in Burkina Faso
Authors: Millogo Tieba , Ouédraogo Gautier H. , Baguiya Adama , Meda Ivlabèhiré Bertrand , Kouanda Seni , Sondo Blaise 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the risk factors for fresh stillbirths in hospitals in Burkina Faso.MethodsA hospital‐based, matched (1:1), case–control study was conducted from July to August 2014 in 50 hospitals across the country. All cases of stillbirth that occurred during this period in the participating facilities were included, and an appropriate control was selected for each case from the same health facility. Cases and controls were matched for gestational age. Conditional logistic regression with robust standard errors was used to compute both unadjusted and adjusted conditional odds ratios.ResultsCases were 67% less likely to have been delivered by a midwife compared with a nonmidwife attendant (ACOR = 0.33; 95% CI, 0.12–0.84;P= 0.02). Use of a partograph to monitor labor lowered the odds of fresh stillbirth by 82% (ACOR = 0.18; 95% CI, 0.05–0.61;P= 0.006). Mothers who had been transferred from another health facility were five times more likely to experience a fresh stillbirth (ACOR = 5.36; 95% CI, 2.02–14.23;P< 0.001).ConclusionQuality and timing of intrapartum obstetric care is key to preventing fresh stillbirths. Easy to implement and available interventions, such as use of a partograph for all laboring women and improving the referral system, have the potential to save the lives of many fetuses.
Prenatal care and pregnancy outcomes: A cross‐sectional study in Luanda, Angola
Authors: Nimi Tazi , Fraga Sílvia , Costa Diogo , Campos Paulo , Barros Henrique 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo describe prenatal care in Angolan women delivered at a large tertiary care unit, and to explore the association between prenatal care and selected perinatal outcomes.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study between December 2012 and February 2013, involving 995 women aged 13–46 years, delivered at Lucrécia Paím Maternity, Luanda. Trained interviewers collected information on timing, frequency, place, and satisfaction with prenatal care; sociodemographic and clinical characteristics; birth weight; and gestational age. Logistic regression models were fitted, and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (OR, 95%CI) estimated.ResultsQuantitatively inadequate prenatal care (< 4 visits) was more common in younger, less educated, poorer women, followed in public institutions, and those who felt more dissatisfied with care. More visits, both in primiparas and multiparas, were independently associated with more cesarean deliveries. After adjustment, having fewer than four visits was significantly associated with low birth weight (OR 2.00; 95% CI, 1.15–3.50) and preterm delivery (OR 2.74; 95% CI, 1.69–4.44 for 2–4 visits); similar associations were found regarding late entrance into care.ConclusionEarly entrance into prenatal care and the recommended number of visits are major determinants of mode of delivery and pregnancy outcomes, constituting targets to improve perinatal health.
Initial management of postpartum hemorrhage: A cohort study in Benin and Mali
Authors: Tort Julie , Traoré Mamadou , Hounkpatin Benjamin , Bodin Cécile , Rozenberg Patrick , Dumont Alexandre 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the components of initial management associated with a decreased risk of severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in Benin and Mali.MethodsA cohort study was conducted between May 2013 and September 2014 that included all women who delivered vaginally in seven participating centers and who presented excessive bleeding after birth. Severe PPH was defined as PPH that required surgical treatment (vascular ligature and/or hysterectomy), and/or blood transfusion, and/or transfer to an intensive care unit, and/or an outcome of maternal death. Logistic regression was used to identify the components of initial PPH management that were associated with severe PPH, adjusting for case mix.ResultsA total of 223 women presented a primary PPH presumably caused by uterine atony. Among those, 88 (39.5%) had severe PPH. Nearly one‐third of women (30.4%) had a late injection of oxytocin (> 10 minutes) after PPH diagnosis or no injection. Oxytocin injection within 10 minutes after the PPH diagnosis was significantly associated with a decreased risk of severe PPH (adjusted OR = 0.3; 95% CI, 0.14–0.77).ConclusionDecrease in the delays in oxytocin administration is a key determinant to improve maternal outcomes related to PPH in this context.
A case–control study of risk factors for surgical site infection after cesarean delivery in eastern Burkina Faso
Authors: Kaboré Boezemwendé , Soudouem Georges , Seck Ibrahima , Millogo Tieba , Evariste Yaméogo Wambi Maurice , Kouanda Seni 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo identify the risk factors for surgical site infection after cesarean delivery in a rural area in eastern Burkina Faso.MethodsA matched case–control study was conducted in Fada N'Gourma Regional Hospital Center and the Diapaga Medical Center with Surgical Antenna using data from 2011–2014. A total of 99 cases of surgical site infection after cesarean delivery were included in the study. Each case was matched with a control patient similar for age, admission date, and facility where the cesarean took place. Risk factors were identified using conditional logistic regression.ResultsMultivariate analysis identified hyperthermia at admission (OR 2.37; P = 0.035), the presence of caput succedaneum in newborns (OR 7.07; P = 0.001), and difficult delivery (OR 3.69; P = 0. 019) as risk factors for surgical site infection.ConclusionProvision of quality prenatal care, use of the partograph during labor, and the responsiveness of health workers during labor can reduce surgical site infection after cesarean delivery.
Determinants of non‐medically indicated cesarean deliveries in Burkina Faso
Authors: Kaboré Charles , Ridde Valéry , Kouanda Seni , Agier Isabelle , Queuille Ludovic , Dumont Alexandre 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo identify the factors associated with non‐medically indicated cesarean deliveries (NMIC) in Burkina Faso in centers where user fees for cesarean delivery were partially removed.MethodsWe carried out a criteria‐based audit in 22 referral hospitals, using data from a 6‐month prospective observational study, to assess the proportion of NMIC. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with NMIC.ResultsThe decision of cesarean delivery was not medically indicated in 24% of cases. The factors independently associated with NMIC were urban residence (adjusted OR 1.55; 95% CI, 1.12–2.12; P=0.006), spouse's occupation other than breeder or farmer (aOR varying from 1.77 [95% CI, 1.19–2.62] to 2.15 [95% CI, 1.38–3.32] according to the profession), and cesarean decided by a general practitioner (aOR 1.61; 95% CI, 1.13–2.30; P=0.009).ConclusionThe high percentage of unnecessary cesarean deliveries is in contrast to the unmet needs of women who still deliver outside health facilities. NMIC is associated with both socioeconomic determinants and medical factors. Hence, interventions are needed to improve the skills of healthcare professionals and awareness of women concerning the risks associated with unnecessary cesarean delivery.