bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proposal of a framework for scale-up life cycle inventory: A case of nanofibers for lithium iron phosphate cathode applications
Authors: Simon Bálint , Bachtin Krystyna , Kiliç Ali , Amor Ben , Weil Marcel 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Environmental assessments are crucial for the management of the environmental impacts of a product in a rapidly developing world. The design phase creates opportunities for acting on the environmental issues of products using life cycle assessment (LCA). However, the LCA is hampered by a lack of information originating from distinct scales along the product or technology value chain. Many studies have been undertaken to handle similar problems, but these studies are case-specific and do not analyze the development options in the initial design phase. Thus, systematic studies are needed to determine the possible scaling. Knowledge from such screening studies would open the door for developing new methods that can tackle a given scaling problem. The present article proposes a scale-up procedure that aims to generate a new life cycle inventory (LCI) on a theoretical industrial scale, based on information from laboratory experiments. Three techniques are described to obtain the new LCI. Investigation of a laboratory-scale procedure is discussed to find similar industrial processes as a benchmark for describing a theoretical large-scale production process. Furthermore, LCA was performed on a model system of nanofiber electrospinning for Li-ion battery cathode applications. The LCA results support material developers in identifying promising development pathways. For example, the present study pointed out the significant impacts of dimethylformamide on suspension preparation and the power requirements of distinct electrospinning subprocesses. Nanofiber-containing battery cells had greater environmental impacts than did the reference cell, although they had better electrochemical performance, such as better wettability of the electrode, improving the electrode's electrosorption capacity, and longer expected lifetime. Furthermore, material and energy recovery throughout the production chain could decrease the environmental impacts by 40% to 70%, making the nanofiber a promising battery cathode. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:465–477. © 2016 SETAC
Key Points
Scale-up procedure in life cycle assessment (LCA) is extremely important in the rapid developing technological environment in order to manage the growing environmental problems through environmentally conscious design of new materials. Recent publications and studies offer some promising techniques to handle the problem of different scales in LCA, even though they are not always feasible in low technology readiness levels (TRL 1–3). We propose a general process-scaling framework in order to gain information on theoretical large-scale production in the early development phase. We describe an example of the application of the proposed framework to scale-up the inventory of nanofiber production for a lithium iron phosphate battery cathode.
Forecasting With the Standardized Self‐Perturbed Kalman Filter
Authors: Grassi Stefano , Nonejad Nima , De Magistris Paolo Santucci 
Published: April 2016

SummaryWe propose and study the finite‐sample properties of a modified version of the self‐perturbed Kalman filter of Park and Jun (Electronics Letters1992;28: 558–559) for the online estimation of models subject to parameter instability. The perturbation term in the updating equation of the state covariance matrix is weighted by the estimate of the measurement error variance. This avoids the calibration of a design parameter as the perturbation term is scaled by the amount of uncertainty in the data. It is shown by Monte Carlo simulations that this perturbation method is associated with a good tracking of the dynamics of the parameters compared to other online algorithms and to classical and Bayesian methods. The standardized self‐perturbed Kalman filter is adopted to forecast the equity premium on the S&P 500 index under several model specifications, and determines the extent to which realized variance can be used to predict excess returns. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intra‐articular Injection of platelet‐rich fibrin releasates in combination with bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of articular cartilage defects: An in vivo study in rabbits
Authors: Wu Chang‐Chin , Sheu Shi‐Yuan , Hsu Li‐Ho , Yang Kai‐Chiang , Tseng Chia‐Chuan , Kuo Tzong‐Fu 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which can be differentiated into chondrocytes under specific conditions, has been proposed for the treatment of cartilage defects. Blood‐derived platelet‐rich fibrin releasate (PRFr), which is rich in growth factors and cytokines, may improve cartilage regeneration. In this study, the therapeutic effects of PRFr in combination with bone marrow‐derived MSCs for articular cartilage regeneration were evaluated in a rabbit model. Critical osteochondral defects were surgically created in the femoral condyle of the rabbits, and 3 × 106 of MSCs, 0.8 mL of PRFr, or a combination of MSCs and PRFr were injected intra‐articularly and one week after first administration. The animals were sacrificed 12 weeks postoperatively, and the regenerated cartilages were assessed by gross inspection and histological examination. No treatment‐related adverse events were noted in any of the rabbits. The size of the defect decreased and the volume of regenerated cartilage increased in the medial femoral condyles of the MSCs + PRFr group. Relative to the MSCs or PRFr group, histological examination demonstrated that the MSCs + PRFr group had thicker hyaline‐like cartilaginous tissue with normal glycosaminoglycan production. Grading scores revealed that MSCs + PRFr injection had better matrix, cell distribution, and surface indices than other groups. The results showed that intra‐articular injections of MSCs + PRFr into the knee can reduce cartilage defects by regenerating hyaline‐like cartilage without adverse events. This approach may provide an alternative method of autologous chondrocyte implantation to repair cartilage defects with an unlimited source of cells and releasate. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 1536–1543, 2017.
Dual electrospinning with sacrificial fibers for engineered porosity and enhancement of tissue ingrowth
Authors: Voorneveld Jason , Oosthuysen Anel , Franz Thomas , Zilla Peter , Bezuidenhout Deon 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPorosity, pore size and pore interconnectivity are critical factors for cellular infiltration into electrospun scaffolds. This study utilized dual electrospinning with sacrificial fiber extraction to produce scaffolds with engineered porosity and mechanical properties. Subsequently, scaffolds were covalently grafted with heparin, a known anti‐coagulant with growth‐factor binding properties. We hypothesized that the tissue ingrowth would correlate positively with the porosity of the scaffolds. Pellethane® (PU) was spun simultaneously with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO, subsequently extracted). Low, medium and high porosity scaffolds and heparinized versions of each were characterized and implantedin vivofor evaluation of cellular infiltration and inflammation subcutaneously in male Wistar rats (7,14 and 28 days,n = 6). Average pore‐size for low (76 ± 0.2%), medium (83 ± 0.5%) and high (90 ± 1.0%) porosity scaffolds was 4.0 ± 2.3 µm, 9.9 ± 4.2 µm and 11.1 ± 5.5 µm (p < 0.0001). Heparinization resulted in increased fiber diameter (3.6 ± 1.1 µm vs. 1.8 ± 0.8 µm,p < 0.0001) but influenced neither pore‐size (p = 0.67) nor porosity (p = 0.27). Cellular infiltration for low, medium and high porosity scaffolds reached 33 ± 7%, 77 ± 20% and 98 ± 1% of scaffold width, respectively, by day 28 of implantation (p < 0001); heparinization did not affect infiltration (p = 0.89). The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and Young's modulus (Ey) of the constructs increased linearly with increasing PU fiber fraction (UTS:r2 = 0.97,p < 0.0001,Ey:r2= 0.76,p < 0.0001) and heparinization resulted in decreased strength but increased stiffness compared to non‐heparinized scaffolds. Increased PEO to PU fraction in the scaffold resulted in predictable losses to mechanical strength and improvements to cellular infiltration, which could make PEO to PU fraction a useful optimization parameter for small diameter vascular grafts. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 1559–1572, 2017.
Synthesis and preliminary characterization of radioiodinated benzofuran‐3‐yl‐(indol‐3‐yl)maleimide derivatives as potential SPECT imaging probes for the detection of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) in the brain
Authors: Ono Masahiro , Kitada Ayane , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Miyazaki Anna , Kimura Hiroyuki , Saji Hideo 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe report on the synthesis and preliminary characterization of two radioiodinated benzofuran‐3‐yl‐(indol‐3‐yl)maleimides, 3‐(benzofuran‐3‐yl)‐4‐(5‐[125I]iodo‐1‐methyl‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl)‐1H‐pyrrole‐2,5‐dione ([125I]5), and 3‐(5‐[125I]iodo‐1‐methyl‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl)‐4‐(6‐methoxybenzofuran‐3‐yl)‐1H‐pyrrole‐2,5‐dione ([125I]6), as the first potential SPECT imaging probes targeting glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β). In this study, we used 125I as a surrogate of 123I because of its ease of use. The radioiodinated ligands were prepared from the corresponding tributyltin precursors through an iododestannylation reaction using hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant with a radiochemical yield of 10–30%. In vitro binding experiments suggested that both compounds show high affinity for GSK‐3β at a level similar to a known GSK‐3β inhibitor. Biodistribution studies with normal mice revealed that the radioiodinated compounds display sufficient uptake into (1.8%ID/g at 10 min postinjection) and clearance from the brain (1.0%ID/g at 60 min postinjection). These preliminary results suggest that the further optimization of radioiodinated benzofuran‐3‐yl‐(indol‐3‐yl)maleimide derivatives may facilitate the development of clinically useful SPECT imaging probes for the in vivo detection of GSK‐3β.
Preparation of Composite Electrospun Membranes Containing Strontium‐Substituted Bioactive Glasses for Bone Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Santocildes‐Romero Martin E. , Goodchild Rebecca L. , Hatton Paul V. , Crawford Aileen , Reaney Ian M. , Miller Cheryl A. 
Published: April 2016

Barrier membranes used for the treatment of bone tissue defects caused by periodontitis lack the ability to promote new bone tissue regeneration. However, the addition of an osteogenic component to membranes may enhance their regenerative potential. Here the manufacturing of composite membranes made of poly(caprolactone) and strontium‐substituted bioactive glass is described using the solution‐electrospinning technique, with particles located both inside and on the surface of the fibers. All membranes are characterized using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and glass dissolution from within the fibers is investigated in water. In vitro material cytotoxicity is determined using a rat osteosarcoma cell line. Electrospun fibers exhibit porous surfaces and regions of increased diameter where the particles are accumulated. The glass dissolves after immersion in water, releasing dissolution products that are associated with increased pH. Further evidence suggests accelerated polymer degradation due to interactions between both components, which may provide the additional benefit of reducing the pH changes associated with glass dissolution. All compositions are biocompatible in vitro, with the exception of membranes with >50 μg of glass on their surface. In conclusion, these membranes show great potential for bone healing applications, including guided bone regeneration and scaffolds for musculoskeletal tissue engineering.
image
Grafting of a Stimuli Responsive Polymer on Nanolayered Coextruded PS/PCL Films by Surface Initiated Polymerization
Authors: Pangilinan Katrina D. , de Leon Al Christopher C. , Mangadlao Joey Dacula , Baer Eric , Advincula Rigoberto C. 
Published: April 2016

A simple method of preparing stimuli‐responsive polystyrene (PS)/polycaprolactone (PCL) nanolayered films with by growing poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) brush on the surface by surface‐initiated polymerization is reported. Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiator with a benzophenone moiety is attached onto the surface by UV irradiation. After ATRP polymerization, PNIPAM brush films with varying thicknesses are produced. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirms the successful deposition of initiator and grafting of the polymer. Moreover, the behavior of the brush film as a function of temperature is demonstrated by contact angle experiments. Photopatterning is also achieved by using a photomask and is confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) imaging.image
Super Oxygen and Improved Water Vapor Barrier of Polypropylene Film with Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Nanocoatings
Authors: Song Yixuan , Tzeng Ping , Grunlan Jaime C. 
Published: April 2016

Biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) is widely used in packaging. Although its orientation increases mechanical strength and clarity, BOPP suffers from a high oxygen transmission rate (OTR). Multilayer thin films are deposited from water using layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly. Polyethylenimine (PEI) is combined with either poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) or vermiculite (VMT) clay to impart high oxygen barrier. A 30‐bilayer PEI/VMT nanocoating (226 nm thick) improves the OTR of 17.8 μm thick BOPP by more than 30X, rivaling most inorganic coatings. PEI/PAA multilayers achieve comparable barrier with only 12 bilayers due to greater thickness, but these films exhibit increased oxygen permeability at high humidity. The PEI/VMT coatings actually exhibit improved oxygen barrier at high humidity (and also improve moisture barrier by more than 40%). This high barrier BOPP meets the criteria for sensitive food and some electronics packaging applications. Additionally, this water‐based coating technology is cost effective and provides an opportunity to produce high barrier polypropylene film on an industrial scale.
image
Synthesis, Thermal Properties, and Thermoresponsive Behaviors of Cyclic Poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl Methacrylate)s
Authors: An Xiaonan , Tang Qingquan , Zhu Wen , Zhang Ke , Zhao Youliang 
Published: April 2016

This study aims at physicochemical properties of thermo‐ and pH/CO2‐responsive cyclic homopolymers. Three examples of cyclic poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)s (PDMAs) are synthesized by combining the reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer process and the Diels–Alder ring‐closure reaction. After cyclization, the glass transition temperature significantly increases (ΔTg = 51.8–59.7 °C) due to the different configurational entropy and end groups, and the maximum decomposition temperature to lose the pendent groups is drastically decreased from 309 to 278 °C. Effects of polymerization degree, polymer concentration, additive of NaCl, and pH/CO2 on lower critical solution temperature behaviors of PDMA aqueous solutions are investigated. The cloud points (Tc) of ring PDMAs are usually higher than their linear precursors, and the ΔTc values obtained under a fixed condition can reach up to 20.7 °C, revealing the crucial role of the topology effect. This study paves the way for unique properties and applications of smart cyclic polymers and their derivatives.
image
Carnosic acid alleviates chronic alcoholic liver injury by regulating the SIRT1/ChREBP and SIRT1/p66shc pathways in rats
Authors: Gao Lili , Shan Wen , Zeng Wenjing , Hu Yan , Wang Guangzhi , Tian Xiaofeng , Zhang Ning , Shi Xue , Zhao Yan , Ding Chunchun , Zhang Feng , Liu Kexin , Yao Jihong 
Published: April 2016

ScopeCarnosic acid (CA), which is extracted from rosemary, displays multiple pharmacological activities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of CA on chronic alcoholic liver injury and to elucidate the related mechanisms.Methods and resultsAn in vivo rat model was established by feeding rats a liquid diet containing ethanol, and an in vitro model was created by treating HepG2 cells with 100 mM ethanol for 48 h. In the rat model of alcohol‐induced liver injury, CA significantly decreased serum aminotransferase, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. Additionally, CA inhibited oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death. Interestingly, CA activated SIRT1, which was associated with the downregulation of lipoprotein carbohydrate response element‐binding protein (ChREBP) and growth factor adapter protein (p66shc). In HepG2 cells, ethanol‐induced cell injury was associated with decreased SIRT1 and increased ChREBP and p66shc protein expression. These changes were reversed by CA but enhanced by a specific SIRT1 inhibitor, EX527. Moreover, the effects of CA on SIRT1, ChREBP, and p66shc were abolished by SIRT1 siRNA or EX527, indicating that CA decreased ChREBP and p66shc expression via SIRT1 activation.ConclusionCA exerted protective effects against alcoholic liver injury by activating the SIRT1/ChREBP and SIRT1/p66shc pathways, which are related to the anti‐steatosis, anti‐oxidant, and anti‐apoptosis effects.
A new approach to supracervical hysterectomy during laparoscopic sacral colpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Campagna Giuseppe , Morciano Andrea , Rossitto Cristiano , Panico Giovanni , Naldini Angelica , Ercoli Alfredo , Cervigni Mauro , Scambia Giovanni 
Published: April 2016

AimsLaparoscopic sacral colpopexy (LSC) for pelvic prolapse is a complex procedure, characterized by long operative times and, when combined with supracervical hysterectomy, by a high risk of spreading of unsuspected cancerous tissue. The aim of the present study was to compare, in patients who underwent hysterectomy plus LSC for severe POP, different methods for cervical incision and uterine morcellation.MethodsThis is a prospective single Institution randomized double‐blinded clinical trial enrolling 124 patients with severe POP from June 2014 to May 2015. Patients underwent laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH) plus LSC for pelvic organ prolapse and were randomized in Group 1 (monopolar hook and conventional mechanical morcellator) and Group 2 (bipolar laparoscopic loop and bipolar morcellator), for supracervical incision and uterine morcellation, respectively. Our primary endpoints were the operative times and the secondary endpoints the incidence of intra‐ or post‐operative complications.ResultsA total of 50 patients for group completed the study. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. Cervical cutting time (32 vs. 3.10 sec; P <0.01), morcellation (4.10 vs. 2.13 min; P <0.01) and operative time (131 vs. 118 min; P <0.05) resulted significantly lower in Group 2. No differences were found in terms of intra‐ or post‐operative complications.ConclusionsLaparoscopic bipolar loop and morcellator guaranteed a faster and hemostatic tool during supracervical incision and a controlled and rotation‐free uterine extraction. The significant surgical time reduction linked to these devices should be considered even more helpful and effective to perform a complex procedure represented by LSH plus LSC. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:798–802, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Capacity investment decisions under risk aversion
Authors: Lu Lijian , Yan Xiaoming 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis article studies the optimal capacity investment problem for a risk‐averse decision maker. The capacity can be either purchased or salvaged, whereas both involve a fixed cost and a proportional cost/revenue. We incorporate risk preference and use a consumption model to capture the decision maker's risk sensitivity in a multiperiod capacity investment model. We show that, in each period, capacity and consumption decisions can be separately determined. In addition, we characterize the structure of the optimal capacity strategy. When the parameters are stationary, we present certain conditions under which the optimal capacity strategy could be easily characterized by a static two‐sided (s, S) policy, whereby, the capacity is determined only at the beginning of period one, and held constant during the entire planning horizon. It is purchased up to B when the initial capacity is below b, salvaged down to Σ when it is above σ, and remains constant otherwise. Numerical tests are presented to investigate the impact of demand volatility on the optimal capacity strategy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 63: 218–235, 2016
Family Functioning and the Well‐Being of Children With Chronic Conditions: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Leeman Jennifer , Crandell Jamie L. , Lee Anna , Bai Jinbing , Sandelowski Margarete , Knafl Kathleen 
Published: April 2016

AbstractFor children with chronic conditions, well‐being is closely related to how well their families function. Most prior research syntheses on family functioning and child well‐being have focused on children with a single condition, thereby limiting the potential to aggregate and build on what is known across conditions. To address this challenge, research reports were reviewed and meta‐analyses conducted of findings on the relationship between family functioning and child well‐being across a range of chronic physical conditions. The sample was derived from a larger systematic review study that included 1,028 reports published between January 1, 2000 and March 31, 2014. The current review includes 53 studies in which a relationship between family functioning and child well‐being was analyzed using one of four family measures: Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales, Family Environment Scale, Family Relationship Index, or Family Assessment Device. Most studies were cross‐sectional and observational (n = 43, 81%). The most frequently studied conditions were diabetes, cancer, sickle cell disease, and asthma. In 37 studies, findings were sufficiently comparable to conduct meta‐analyses. Significant correlations were identified between children's psychological health and seven of nine dimensions of family functioning. Significant correlations also were found between dimensions of family functioning and children's problem behaviors, social competence, quality of life, and, to a lesser extent, adherence and physical health. Of the family dimensions, cohesion and conflict were associated most strongly with child outcomes. Understanding the specific family variables, such as conflict, linked to varied child outcomes is key for intervention development. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anti‐coagulant therapy with dabigatran for cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Bansal Manvi , Ren Clement L. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryPatients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism, especially in association with central venous catheter use. Coumarin drugs and low molecular weight heparin are frequently used for anti‐coagulant therapy, but are more challenging to administer in CF patients. Dabigatran, an oral thrombin antagonist, is an alternative anti‐coagulant medication, but its use in CF has not been reported. We describe our experience in successfully using dabigatran for long‐term anti‐coagulation therapy in two CF patients. Our experience suggests that dabigatran can serve as an option for anticoagulation therapy in CF. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:E29–E30. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.