bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Gs-9620, An Oral Toll-Like Receptor 7 Agonist
Authors: Lopatin Uri , Wolfgang Grushenka , Tumas Daniel , Frey Christian R , Ohmstede Carol , Hesselgesser Joseph , Kearney Brian , Moorehead Lisa , Subramanian G Mani , McHutchison John G
Published: February 2013

Background

GS-9620 is a novel oral agonist of Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) in development for the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis. TLR7 is a highly conserved innate immune receptor expressed primarily on plasmacytoid dendritic cells and B lymphocytes. The aim of this double-blind, placebo-controlled, single ascending-dose study was to investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of GS-9620 in healthy volunteers.

Methods

In total, 75 healthy volunteers (8 subjects in each of the 10 cohorts; 5 subjects participated in two cohorts) were randomized (6:2) to receive a single dose of GS-9620 (0.3, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 or 12 mg) or placebo.

Results

GS-9620 was well-absorbed and well-tolerated in oral doses up to 12 mg. Minimal treatment-related adverse events were seen at doses up to 8 mg. Serum interferon (IFN)-α was only detected in subjects who received 8 or 12 mg doses, and the adverse event profile at 8 and 12 mg doses was generally consistent with that associated with IFN-α exposure (flu-like symptoms), consistent with the mechanism of TLR7 agonism. All adverse events resolved within 72 h. Induction of chemokines/ cytokines and IFN-stimulated genes were seen at GS-9620 doses ≥2 mg, well below doses that induced serum IFN-α or led to clinical adverse events.

Conclusions

GS-9620 demonstrates safety and pharmacodynamic activity at doses up to 12 mg. Pharmacodynamic activity is seen before adverse events, suggesting the potential for induction of an antiviral response without systemic adverse events in subjects with chronic viral hepatitis.
Requirements for Model Server Enabled Collaborating on Building Information Models
Authors: Shafiq Muhammad T. , Matthews Jane , Lockley Stephen R.
Published: February 2013

The application of Building Information Modelling (BIM) has demonstrated enormous potential to deliver consistency in the construction collaboration process. BIM can define an explicit configuration for digitized information exchange; however the technology to collaborate on models has not yet delivered the industry requirements for BIM collaboration. This research project is intended to provide a fresh review of industry requirements for BIM collaboration and will analyse how these requirements can be supported using a model server as a collaboration platform. This paper presents a review of existing collaboration platforms, with a particular focus to evaluate the research and development efforts on model servers as a collaboration platform. This paper also reports on the findings of three focus group sessions with industry practitioners to identify any problems in the available collaboration systems. The focus group findings identify a number of issues in current collaboration environments which help to understand the main domains of user requirements for BIM collaboration. These requirement domains will be further analysed to identify functional and technical specifications for a model server enabled collaboration platform.
Analysis of Educational Digital Storytelling Software using the “Dimension Star” Model
Authors: Psomos Panagiotis , Kordaki Maria
Published: February 2013

Digital Storytelling is a pedagogical tool that has been used for centuries to impart knowledge, values and attitudes. A few models have been developed for the analysis and evaluation of Educational Digital Storytelling Environments (EDSE). A useful, comprehensive and representative evaluation model of EDSE is the “Dimension Star” (Schafer, 2004). This model could be used in the analysis and evaluation of EDSE using twelve criteria-dimensions, namely: Concreteness, User Contribution, Coherence, Continuity, Structure, Cognitive Effort, Virtuality, Spatiality, Control, Interactivity, Collaboration, and Immersion. In this paper, twelve EDSE are analyzed and evaluated with the “Dimension Star” model. This study may be a useful tool for educational software developers especially in the early stages of conception and design of an EDSE. Finally, this study can help teachers to choose appropriate EDSE so that be able to fulfill specific teaching goals in their classrooms.
Self-Representation of Children Suffering from Congenital Heart Disease and Maternal Competence
Authors: Perricone Giovanna , Polizzi Concetta , De Luca Francesco
Published: February 2013

Child development may be subject to forms of motor, physical, cognitive and self-representation impairments when complex congenital heart disease (CHD) occurs. In some cases, inadequacy of both self-representation as well as the family system are displayed. It seems to be important to search the likely internal and external resources of the CHD child, and the possible connections among such resources, which may help him/her to manage his/her own risk condition. The research project inquires the possible resources related to the self-representation and self-esteem levels of the CHD child, and those related to maternal self-perception as competent mothers. A group of 25 children (mean age = 10.2; SD=1.8) suffering from specific forms of CHD, and a group made up of their relative mothers (mean age = 38.2; SD=5) were studied. The tools used were the Human Figure Drawing, to investigate child body-related self-representation; the TMA scale (Self-esteem Multidimensional Test), to investigate the child’s self-esteem; and the Q-sort questionnaire, to assess how mothers perceived their maternal competence. Data concerning the likely correlations between the child’s self-representation and the maternal role competence show [that] positive correlations between some indicators of maternal competence, specific aspects of CHD children’s self-representation (mothers’ emotional coping and children’s self-image adequacy) and self-esteem (mothers’ emotional scaffolding and children’s self-esteem at an emotional level). By detecting the occurrence of specific correlations among resources of both child and mother, the study provides cardiologists with information that is useful for building a relationship with the families concerned, which would seem to enhance the quality of the process of the cure itself.
Diffusion-weighted MRI in assessment of renal dysfunction
Authors: Goyal Ankur , Sharma Raju , Bhalla Ashu , Gamanagatti Shivanand , Seth Amlesh
Published: February 2013

Background: Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) in renal diseases is an evolving field and its potential is yet to be fully realized. Purpose: To study the relationship between apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of renal parenchyma and serum markers of renal function and stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all adult patients who underwent DW-MRI (at b-values of 0 and 500 s/mm2 ) for renal lesions from January 2009 to September 2010 and revealed 88 patients, of which 22 patients had renal dysfunction and 66 had normal renal function. Of these 22, 15 patients were known cases of CKD and were staged depending on disease severity. ADC values were determined for renal parenchyma and compared. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to establish cut-off ADC values. Pearson′s correlation coefficient (R) was calculated between ADC and renal function parameters. Results: ADC values in patients with renal dysfunction were significantly lower than in patients with normal renal function (2.1133 ± 0.2851 vs. 2.3198 ± 0.1246 (×10-3 mm2/s)). ADC values lower than 2.0354 (×10-3 mm2/s) were seen only with renal dysfunction and higher than 2.4516 (×10-3 mm2/s) were seen only with normal function. There was significant inverse correlation between ADC and serum creatinine (R = -0.530), blood urea (R= -0.502), and significant linear correlation (R = 0.784) with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). ADC values showed a statistically significant decreasing trend with increasing stage of CKD. Conclusion: ADC values may serve as an additional marker for the presence and degree of renal dysfunction.
Pituitary stalk transection syndrome: Comparison of clinico-radiological features in adults and children with review of literature
Authors: Kulkarni Chinmay , Moorthy Srikanth , Pullara Sreekumar , Rajeshkannan R , Unnikrishnan Ambika G
Published: February 2013

Hypo-pituitarism results from impaired production of one or more of anterior pituitary trophic hormones. A rare cause of hypo-pituitarism is pituitary stalk transection syndrome. The MRI features of this condition in children and its association with hormonal deficiencies have been reported earlier. Reports on adults with this disorder are scarce, with only one small case series published in the recent literature. We studied the hormonal deficiency pattern and MRI findings of 12 patients with pituitary stalk transection syndrome who presented to our department between 2004 and 2011. Six patients were children and six were adults (≥18 years). This article compares the adult clinico-radiological phenotype of pituitary transection syndrome with the pediatric group of patients with same condition.
Imaging in laryngeal cancers
Authors: Joshi Varsha M , Wadhwa Vineet , Mukherji Suresh K
Published: February 2013

Imaging plays an important complementary role to clinical examination and endoscopic biopsy in the evaluation of laryngeal cancers. A vast majority of these cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Cross-sectional imaging with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging allows excellent depiction of the intricate anatomy of the larynx and the characteristic patterns of submucosal tumor extension. CT, MRI and more recently PET-CT, also provide vital information about the status of cervical nodal disease, systemic metastases and any synchronous malignancies. Additionally, certain imaging-based parameters like tumor volume and cartilaginous abnormalities have been used to predict the success of primary radiotherapy or surgery in these patients. Integration of radiological findings with endoscopic evaluation greatly improves the pretherapeutic staging accuracy of laryngeal cancers, and significantly impacts the choice of management strategies in these patients. Imaging studies also help in the post-therapeutic surveillance and follow-up of patients with laryngeal cancers. In this article, we review the currently used laryngeal imaging techniques and protocols, the key anatomic structures relevant to tumor spread and the characteristic patterns of submucosal extension and invasion of laryngeal cancer. The role of CT, MRI and PET-CT in the evaluation of patients with laryngeal SCC and the impact of imaging findings on prognosis and clinical management is also discussed.
Short Communication: Effect of condensed tannin on in vitro ruminal fermentation of purple prairie clover (Dalea purpureaVent)–cool-season grass mixture
Authors: Jin L. , Wang Y. , Iwaasa A. D. , Xu Z. , Schellenberg M. P. , Zhang Y. G. , McAllister T. A.
Published: February 2013

Jin, L., Wang, Y., Iwaasa, A. D., Xu, Z., Schellenberg, M. P., Zhang, Y. G. and McAllister, T. A. 2013. Short Communication: Effect of condensed tannin on in vitro ruminal fermentation of purple prairie clover ( Dalea purpurea Vent)–cool- season grass mixture. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 155–158. Four purple prairie clover [Dalea purpurea Vent (PPC)]–/grass mixtures containing 7.3, 14.0, 29.3 and 42.1 g kg−1dry matter (DM) of condensed tannin (CT) were incubated with rumen fluid. As the CT increased, in vitro true dry matter disappearance (IVTDMD), production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and microbial protein synthesis were linearly increased (P<0.05) at 12 h, and IVTDMD and VFA were quadratically increased (P<0.01) at 48-h incubation. Molar proportion of acetate was linearly increased (P<0.01) but propionate and butyrate were decreased (P<0.05) at both 12 and 48-h incubation. Incorporation of PPC into cool-season grass pasture up to CT content of 42 g kg−1DM improved ruminal fermentability and microbial protein synthesis in mixed forages.
Canadian beef tenderness survey: 2001–2011
Authors: Juárez Manuel , Larsen Ivy L. , Klassen Mark , Aalhus Jennifer L.
Published: February 2013

Juárez, M., Larsen, I. L., Klassen, M. and Aalhus, J. L. 2013. Canadian beef tenderness survey: 2001–2011. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 89–97. A large survey across Canada was developed collecting retail beef samples in 2001 (702 steaks) and 2011 (602 steaks). The samples (strip loin, top sirloin, inside round and cross-rib steaks) were evaluated for instrumental tenderness using standard procedures for sampling, storage, cooking and texture evaluation. New equations were also developed in order to compare the results obtained in these studies with consumer thresholds developed in Canada and the United States of America. In general, retail steaks collected in 2011 weighed less and showed higher fat thickness than those from 2001. Regarding tenderness, a significant improvement was observed, especially for strip loin and top sirloin steaks between 2001 and 2011. Using US threshold categories, the percentage of “tender” samples improved for the strip loin (2001=89%; 2011=99%), top sirloin (2001=70%; 2011=87%), inside round (2001=52%; 2011=61%) and cross-rib (2001=65%; 2011=76%) steaks. Similarly, the percentage of “tough” samples shifted from 5, 8 27 and 13% for the strip loin, top sirloin, inside round and cross-rib steaks in 2001 to 1, 5, 13, and 8%, respectively, in 2011. Similar improvements were observed when using the more descriptive four-category Canadian threshold system. These improvements may be due to changes in the animal population, production systems, carcass processing and distribution/handling prior to display in Canada.
A joint effort to deliver satellite retrieved atmospheric CO2 concentrations for surface flux inversions: the ensemble median algorithm EMMA
Authors: Reuter M. , Bösch H. , Bovensmann H. , Bril A. , Buchwitz M. , Butz A. , Burrows J. P. , O'Dell C. W. , Guerlet S. , Hasekamp O. , Heymann J. , Kikuchi N. , Oshchepkov S. , Parker R. , Pfeifer S. , Schneising O. , Yokota T. , Yoshida Y.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. We analyze an ensemble of seven XCO2 retrieval algorithms for SCIAMACHY (scanning imaging absorption spectrometer of atmospheric chartography) and GOSAT (greenhouse gases observing satellite). The ensemble spread can be interpreted as regional uncertainty and can help to identify locations for new TCCON (total carbon column observing network) validation sites. Additionally, we introduce the ensemble median algorithm EMMA combining individual soundings of the seven algorithms into one new data set. The ensemble takes advantage of the algorithms' independent developments. We find ensemble spreads being often < 1 ppm but rising up to 2 ppm especially in the tropics and East Asia. On the basis of gridded monthly averages, we compare EMMA and all individual algorithms with TCCON and CarbonTracker model results (potential outliers, north/south gradient, seasonal (peak-to-peak) amplitude, standard deviation of the difference). Our findings show that EMMA is a promising candidate for inverse modeling studies. Compared to CarbonTracker, the satellite retrievals find consistently larger north/south gradients (by 0.3–0.9 ppm) and seasonal amplitudes (by 1.5–2.0 ppm).
LARGE SCALE URBAN RECONSTRUCTION FROM REMOTE SENSING IMAGERY
Authors: Kuschk G.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Automatic large-scale stereo reconstruction of urban areas is increasingly becoming a vital aspect for physical simulations as well as for rapid prototyping large scale 3D city models. In this paper we describe an easily reproducible workflow for obtaining an accurate and textured 3D model of the scene, with overlapping aerial images as input. Starting with the initial camera poses and their refinement via bundle adjustment, we create multiple heightmaps by dense stereo reconstruction and fuse them into one Digital Surface Model (DSM). This DSM is then triangulated, and to reduce the amount of data, mesh simplification methods are employed. The resulting 3D mesh is finally projected into each of the input images to obtain the best fitting texture for each triangle. As verification, we provide visual results as well as numerically evaluating the accuracy by comparing the resulting 3D model against ground truth generated by aerial laser scanning (LiDAR).
A LOCAL ADAPTIVE APPROACH FOR DENSE STEREO MATCHING IN ARCHITECTURAL SCENE RECONSTRUCTION
Authors: Stentoumis C. , Grammatikopoulos L. , Kalisperakis I. , Petsa E. , Karras G.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. In recent years, a demand for 3D models of various scales and precisions has been growing for a wide range of applications; among them, cultural heritage recording is a particularly important and challenging field. We outline an automatic 3D reconstruction pipeline, mainly focusing on dense stereo-matching which relies on a hierarchical, local optimization scheme. Our matching framework consists of a combination of robust cost measures, extracted via an intuitive cost aggregation support area and set within a coarse-tofine strategy. The cost function is formulated by combining three individual costs: a cost computed on an extended census transformation of the images; the absolute difference cost, taking into account information from colour channels; and a cost based on the principal image derivatives. An efficient adaptive method of aggregating matching cost for each pixel is then applied, relying on linearly expanded cross skeleton support regions. Aggregated cost is smoothed via a 3D Gaussian function. Finally, a simple "winnertakes- all" approach extracts the disparity value with minimum cost. This keeps algorithmic complexity and system computational requirements acceptably low for high resolution images (or real-time applications), when compared to complex matching functions of global formulations. The stereo algorithm adopts a hierarchical scheme to accommodate high-resolution images and complex scenes. In a last step, a robust post-processing work-flow is applied to enhance the disparity map and, consequently, the geometric quality of the reconstructed scene. Successful results from our implementation, which combines pre-existing algorithms and novel considerations, are presented and evaluated on the Middlebury platform.
A digital social network for rapid collection of earthquake disaster information
Authors: Xu J. H. , Nie G. Z. , Xu X.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Acquiring disaster information quickly after an earthquake is crucial for disaster and emergency rescue management. This study examines a digital social network – an earthquake disaster information reporting network – for rapid collection of earthquake disaster information. Based on the network, the disaster information rapid collection method is expounded in this paper. The structure and components of the reporting network are introduced. Then the work principles of the reporting network are discussed, in which the rapid collection of disaster information is realised by using Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) messages to report the disaster information and Geographic information system (GIS) to analyse and extract useful disaster information. This study introduces some key technologies for the work principles, including the methods of mass sending and receiving of SMS for disaster management, the reporting network grouping management method, brief disaster information codes, and the GIS modelling of the reporting network. Finally, a city earthquake disaster information quick reporting system is developed and with the support of this system the reporting network obtained good results in a real earthquake and earthquake drills. This method is a semi-real time disaster information collection method which extends current SMS based method and meets the need of small and some moderate earthquakes.
Analysis of ice phenology of lakes on the Tibetan Plateau from MODIS data
Authors: Kropáček J. , Maussion F. , Chen F. , Hoerz S. , Hochschild V.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The Tibetan Plateau includes a large system of endorheic (closed basin) lakes. Lake ice phenology, i.e. the timing of freeze-up and break-up and the duration of the ice cover may provide valuable information about climate variations in this region. The ice phenology of 59 large lakes on the Tibetan Plateau was derived from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) 8-day composite data for the period from 2001 to 2010. Ice cover duration appears to have a high variability in the studied region due to both climatic and local factors. Mean values for the duration of ice cover were calculated for three groups of lakes defined by clustering, resulting in relatively compact geographic regions. In each group several lakes showed anomalies in ice cover duration in the studied period. Possible reasons for such anomalous behaviour are discussed. Furthermore, many lakes do not freeze up completely during some seasons. This was confirmed by inspection of high resolution optical data. Mild winter seasons, large water volume and/or high salinity are the most likely explanations. Trends in the ice cover duration derived by linear regression for all the studied lakes show a high variation in space. A correlation of ice phenology variables with parameters describing climatic and local conditions showed a high thermal dependency of the ice regime. It appears that the freeze-up tends to be more thermally determined than break-up for the studied lakes.
Complement activation in thrombotic microangiopathy
Authors: Tati R. , Karpman D.
Published: February 2013

The endothelium lining the vascular lumen is continuously exposed to complement from the circulation. When erroneously activated on host cells, complement may generate a deleterious effect on the vascular wall leading to endothelial injury, exposure of the subendothelial matrix and platelet activation.

In this review the contribution of complement activation to formation and maintenance of the pathological lesion termed thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is discussed. TMA is defined by vessel wall thickening affecting mainly arterioles and capillaries, detachment of the endothelial cell from the basement membrane and intraluminal thrombosis resulting in occlusion of the vessel lumen. The TMA lesion occurs in haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). HUS is further sub-classified as associated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC-HUS) or with complement dysregulation (atypical HUS) as well as other less common forms. The contribution of dysregulated complement activation to endothelial injury and platelet aggregation is reviewed as well as specific complement involvement in the development of HUS and TTP.
Büyükbaş Hayvan Atıkları için Kurulacak Havasız Çürütme Tesisinin Ekonomik Analizi / The Economical Analysis of Cattle Manure Treatment by Anaerobic Digestion Process
Authors: Coşkun Tamer
Published: February 2013

Büyükbaş hayvan atıkları, içeriğindeki yüksek katı madde, organik kirlilik ve patojen mikroorganizmalar sebebiyle halk sağlığı açısından olumsuz etkiler yapabilecek bir atıktır. Bu çalışmada havasız çürütme ile atıkların stabilize edilerek biyogaz elde edilmesi ve çürümüş atıkların toprakta doğal gübre olarak kullanılmasını içeren bir yönetim modeli uygulanmıştır. Bunun için pilot ölçekli bir havasız çürütme reaktörü işletilmiş ve çürümüş atıklar çeşitli dozlarda yonca, Macar fiğ ve arpa karışımı ile mısır silajı bitkilerinin ekildiği alanlarda doğal gübre olarak toprağa eklenmiştir. Havasız çürütme işleminde yarımcı materyal olarak mısır silajı da reaktöre beslenmiştir. Çalışma sonunda elde edilen sonuçlar ve literatür yardımıyla 1000 baş hayvan için kurulum ve işletme maliyetleri hesaplanmıştır. Kurulum maliyeti; elektrik üretim sisteminin kurulup kurulmaması açısından iki farklı değer olarak hesaplanmıştır. İşletme maliyetleri farklı tarla ürünleri ve yine elektrik sisteminin kurulup kurulmaması açılarından çeşitli durumlar için hesaplanmıştır. Sonuç olarak elde edilen en iyi sonuçlara göre; çürümüş atıklar Macar fiğ ve arpa karışımı bitkisinin ekiminde kullanıldığında kurulacak tesisin elektrik üretim sistemi de kurulduğunda 2,5 yılda, elektrik üretim sistemi kurulmadığında ise 2,1 yılda kendisini amorti ettiği bulunmuştur. The Economical Analysis of Cattle Manure Treatment by Anaerobic Digestion Process Cattle manure is a potential for causing detrimental effects on human health due to its high solid matter and pathogen microorganism content. In this study, it was aimed to achieve biogas production by stabilizing the waste using anaerobic digestion. Digested waste was utilized as natural fertilizer. For that reason, a pilot-scale anaerobic digestion tank was operated and digested wastes were added to soil in diverse dosages where alfalfa, the mixture of Hungarian vetch and barley and corn silage are planted. Corn silage was fed to the reactor as a supplementary material during anaerobic digestion process. Installation and operating costs are determined for 1,000 cattle by the results obtained and the literature datas. Installation cost was evaluated considering both installed electricity producted system and non-installed electricity producted system. As a result, according to best results, the system would pay for itself in 2. 5 years when electricity production system is installed while the system is not installed, the pay off would be realized in 2. 1 years for the mixture of Hungarian vetch and barley.
İtibar Yönetimi Açışından Yeşil Pazarlama: Örnek Olay İncelemesi
Authors: Kavoğlu Samet
Published: February 2013

İtibar Yönetimi Açışından Yeşil Pazarlama:

 Örnek Olay İncelemesi[1]

 

Özet

21.yy modern işletmecilik mantığı çerçevesinde üretimin sorun olmaktan çıktığı, işletmeler için en önemli sıkıntının pazarlama faaliyetleri kapsamında yaşandığı düşünüldüğünde, alana dair çok sayıda yenilikçi fikrin ortaya çıkması oldukça normaldir. Bu fikri akımlar içerisinde yer alan, çalışma kapsamında incelenecek yeşil pazarlama uygulamalarını, diğerlerinden ayıran başlıca özellik pazarlama karması içerisinde yer alan tutundurma faaliyetlerinin her bir faktörüyle ilişkilendirilebilir olmasıdır. 

Çalışmanın sınırlarını çizebilmek ve derinlemesine araştırma olanağını arttırmak adına araştırma kapsamında yeşil pazarlamanın, tutundurma faaliyetlerinden halkla ilişkilerin, itibar yönetimi fonksiyonuyla olan ilişkisi, ödüllü bir proje olan “Unilever Sürdürülebilir Yaşam Planı” örneği üzerinden incelenmiştir.

Çalışmanın sonunda, kuruluşun paydaşları nezdinde itibarını arttırmak gayesiyle hayata geçirilen yeşil pazarlama temalı, küresel ölçekli projenin hedefleri açısından genel değerlendirmesi yapılmıştır.

 

 

 

Green Marketing in Terms of Reputation Management: A Case Study

 

Abstract

When it is taken into account that the production is no longer a problem within the framework of the modern business management logic of the 21st century and the primary difficulty is experienced by the businesses within the scope of the marketing activities, it is natural that a great number of innovative ideas emerge concerning the field. The main characteristic which distinguishes the practices of the green marketing which is in these streams of ideas and which will be examined within the scope of study from others is that they can be associated with each factor of promotional activities in the marketing mix.

To be able to draw the lines of the study and to increase the possibility of the in-depth research, within the scope of the research, the relationship of the green marketing with the reputation management function of the public relations which is one of the promotional activities is examined based on the sample “Unilever Sustainable Life Plan” which is an award-winning Project.

At the end of the study, the general evaluation is carried out in terms of the objectives of the green marketing-themed, the global scaled Project which is put into practice for the purpose of increasing the reputation in the presence of the stakeholders of the organization.

 
Influence of particle size and fluid fraction on rheological and extrusion properties of crosslinked hyaluronic acid hydrogel dispersions
Authors: Shimojo Andréa Arruda Martins , Pires Aline Mara Barbosa , de la Torre Lucimara Gaziola , Santana Maria Helena Andrade
Published: February 2013

Crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels are widely used in gel/HA fluid formulations as a viscosupplement to treat joint diseases; thus, it is important to characterize these hydrogels in terms of their particle size and to investigate the effects of the gel/fluid mixtures on their rheological properties and extrusion force. Hydrogels previously crosslinked with divinyl sulfone were sheared in an Ultra‐Turrax unit to produce particles with mean diameters ranging from 20 to 200 μm. Hydrogels with 75–100 μm mean diameters were also evaluated in dispersions containing a 20–40% mass fraction of HA fluid. The mean diameters were measured by laser light scattering and the rheological behavior was determined by oscillatory and steady measurements in parallel plate geometry. The HA hydrogels exhibited the typical behavior of so‐called weak gels, as analyzed by the storage and loss moduli G′ and G″, respectively. The viscoelasticity, the viscosity, and the extrusion force increased with the hydrogel particle size. The fluid phase dispersions decreased both moduli. At 40% fluid fraction, the gel characteristics were lost and the dispersion behaved as a fluid. Based on these results, the particle size and HA fluid fraction in hydrogel dispersions may be optimized to develop more efficient viscosupplement formulations. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Networked cellulose entrapped and reinforced PEO‐based solid polymer electrolyte for moderate temperature applications
Authors: Samad Yarjan Abdul , Asghar Ali , Lalia Boor Singh , Hashaikeh Raed
Published: February 2013

A novel solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) composed of poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) and networked cellulose (NC) is developed for moderate temperature applications typically 50 to 100°C. The SPE thus formed demonstrates enhanced strength; high thermal and appropriate electrochemical stability. NC is a high strength polymeric material with a network structure possessing open spaces in its construction. The NC open spaces shrink on drying. The SPEs are formed by solution casting different amounts of NC in dissolved PEO. NC was formed by the acid hydrolysis and regeneration of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). SEM, TEM and in‐situ optical images revealed that the dissolved PEO solidified around the suspended NC and the open structure of NC entraps PEO upon drying. NC provides structural and thermal stability to the SPE. With an addition of 15wt% NC in SPE there was about five‐time increase in both tensile as well as storage modulus measured via tensile testing and Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) respectively. The enhancement of mechanical strength is explained using the Zener model. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) studies validated that the electrochemical stability window of PEO+15 wt %NC with salt and that of neat PEO with salt are analogous. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Wetland edges as peak refugia from an introduced piscivore
Authors: Reid Andrea J. , Chapman Lauren J. , Ricciardi Anthony
Published: February 2013

Wetlands in the Lake Victoria basin serve as structural and hypoxic refugia for some native fishes against predation by introduced Nile perch (Lates niloticus); however, little is known about the fine‐scale patterns of distribution and abundance of these refuge inhabitants.

This study sought to quantify wetland ecological gradients and determine where peaks in native fish abundance and richness (‘peak refugia’) occurred using Lake Nabugabo, Uganda as a model system.

Extensive wetland transects were sampled between June and August, 2011 to measure ecological variation over distance from the lake–wetland edge.

Wetlands were characterized by strong clines in water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), depth and vegetation density, and narrow peak refugia were found precisely at the lake–wetland edge. Community richness and diversity tended to be greater in areas with higher DO and lower temperature, pH, and vegetation density. It is interesting that areas encroached upon by a native emergent macrophyte (hippo grass, Vossia cuspidata) had more extreme physico‐chemical conditions and supported fewer native fish species.

These results demonstrate the importance of wetland edges in the maintenance of native fish fauna in the Lake Victoria basin, and suggest that the continued expansion of hippo grass may reduce the accessibility of wetlands as refugia.

We recommend that the use of spatially explicit management approaches such as the development of secure buffer zones surrounding wetland edges to protect peak refugia, and the need for hippo grass control to minimize its effects on this important refuge.

Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combining near‐ and far‐field exposure for an organ‐specific and whole‐body RF‐EMF proxy for epidemiological research: A reference case
Authors: Lauer Oliver , Frei Patrizia , Gosselin Marie‐Christine , Joseph Wout , Röösli Martin , Fröhlich Jürg
Published: February 2013

A framework for the combination of near‐field (NF) and far‐field (FF) radio frequency electromagnetic exposure sources to the average organ and whole‐body specific absorption rates (SARs) is presented. As a reference case, values based on numerically derived SARs for whole‐body and individual organs and tissues are combined with realistic exposure data, which have been collected using personal exposure meters during the Swiss Qualifex study. The framework presented can be applied to any study region where exposure data is collected by appropriate measurement equipment. Based on results derived from the data for the region of Basel, Switzerland, the relative importance of NF and FF sources to the personal exposure is examined for three different study groups. The results show that a 24‐h whole‐body averaged exposure of a typical mobile phone user is dominated by the use of his or her own mobile phone when a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) 900 or GSM 1800 phone is used. If only Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) phones are used, the user would experience a lower exposure level on average caused by the lower average output power of UMTS phones. Data presented clearly indicate the necessity of collecting band‐selective exposure data in epidemiological studies related to electromagnetic fields. Bioelectromagnetics 34:366–374, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High throughput cell cycle analysis using microfluidic image cytometry (μFIC)
Authors: Yoo Hyun Ju , Park Jonghoon , Yoon Tae Hyun
Published: February 2013

Microfluidic image cytometry (μFIC) is a novel approach for the cytotoxicity assessment of the cells cultured and treated within microfluidic channels under a precisely controlled chemical environment. Here, following our previous morphology‐, and MTT absorbance‐based μFIC, we are presenting our recent effort to develop, evaluate, and apply a high throughput cell cycle analysis method using fluorescence‐based μFIC. A microfluidic device with a concentrantion gradient generator (CGG) and eight straight cell culture channels was fabricated, optimized, and applied for the assessment of paclitaxel‐induced cell cycle changes of HeLa cells. Throughout this study, we have shown that the cell cycle analysis using fluorescence‐based μFIC was able to provide comparable experimental data with those of flow cytometry. Moreover, cell cycle analysis using μFIC can also provide further advantages over flow cytometry, such as higher throughput, lower assay cost, less generation of toxic waste, and etc., which should have significant implications in pharmaceutical and biological applications as a future high throughput cell cycle analysis platform. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Untersuchungen zum Verbund von Bewehrung in Lagerfugen und Aussparungen
Authors: Brameshuber Wolfgang , Saenger Dorothea
Published: February 2013

Über den Verbund zwischen Bewehrung und Mörtel in der Lagerfuge existieren zahlreiche Veröffentlichungen. Dagegen gibt es über den Verbund der Bewehrung in Formsteinen und Aussparungen nur wenige Angaben in der Literatur. Neue Untersuchungen an Prüfkörpern mit Kalksandstein‐Formsteinen haben gezeigt, dass die ansetzbaren Verbundspannungen zwischen Mörtel und Bewehrung gemäß DIN 1053‐3 und Eurocode 6 für eine Bewehrung in Formsteinen zu hoch definiert bzw. nicht für alle Mauersteinarten ansetzbar sind. Im Zuge der Überarbeitung der DIN 1053‐3 und vor dem Hintergrund der zukünftigen Einführung des Eurocode 6 sollten die Verbundfestigkeiten von im Mörtel eingebetteter Stahlbewehrung – unter Berücksichtigung material‐ und geometrieabhängiger Einflussfaktoren – überprüft werden. Dies war der Anlass eines Forschungsvorhabens mit umfangreichen experimentellen Untersuchungen, das am Institut für Bauforschung der RWTH Aachen bearbeitet und vom Deutschen Institut für Bautechnik (DIBt) gefördert wurde. Aus den aus der Literatur und den eigenen Untersuchungen gewonnenen Versuchsdaten wurden neue charakteristische Werte für die Übertragung von Verbundspannungen in bewehrtem Mauerwerk abgeleitet. In diesem Beitrag werden die aus den Untersuchungen [1] gewonnenen Erkenntnisse vorgestellt.

Research about the bond of reinforcement in the bed joint and in shaped masonry units. There are numerous publications about the bond between reinforcement and mortar in the bed joint. In contrast to this, only a few data about the bond between reinforcement and mortar in cavities of masonry units can be found in the literature. Recent studies on specimens with calcium silicate shaped masonry units have shown that the values of the permissible bond stresses between reinforcement and mortar defined in DIN 1053‐3 and Eurocode 6 for reinforcement in shaped masonry units are higher than they should be or at least are not applicable on all masonry unit types. During the revision of DIN 1053‐3 and looking forward to the upcoming introduction of the Eurocode 6 the permissible anchorage stresses for the anchoring of reinforcing steel bars in masonry should be revised, taking into account the material and geometry‐dependent factors. This was the reason for a research project performed at the Institute of Building Materials Research (ibac) of the RWTH Aachen University and funded by the German Institute for Building Technology (DIBt). In this research project extensive experimental investigations were carried out. From the experimental data obtained from the literature and own investigations, new characteristic values for the anchorage strength of reinforcement in masonry were derived. The knowledge gained from this study [1] will be presented in this paper.
The road to transplant tolerance is paved with good dendritic cells
Authors: Benichou Gilles , Tocco Georges
Published: February 2013

After transplantation, recipient T cells can recognize donor antigens either by interacting with MHC class II on donor bone marrow‐derived cells (direct allorecognition), or by recognizing allogeneic peptides bound to self‐MHC class II molecules on recipient antigen presenting cells (indirect allorecognition). The activation of pro‐inflammatory T cells via either of these pathways leads to allograft rejection, so the suppression of both of these pathways is needed to achieve transplantation tolerance. A study in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology [Eur. J. Immunol. 2013. 43: 734–746] shows that allogeneic dendritic cells (DCs) modified to either lack expression of CD80/86 or over‐express indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) are able to inhibit direct and/or indirect alloresponses in vitro and in vivo in mice. Notably, both allorecognition pathways were suppressed by the coexpression of self‐ and allo‐MHC molecules on semi‐allogeneic DCs. This Commentary discusses the challenges and potential of using genetically‐modified DCs to suppress alloreactivity in the context of transplant tolerance.
High temperatures properties of barite concrete with cathode ray tube funnel glass
Authors: Ling Tung‐Chai , Poon Chi‐Sun
Published: February 2013

Heavyweight concrete has been used for different types of radiation shielding applications. Research studies have been performed to determine the mechanical properties of heavyweight concrete. However, relatively little information is available on the fire performance of heavyweight concrete after exposure to elevated temperatures. This study investigates the effects of elevated temperatures (25, 300, 500, 600 and 800 °C) on the residual density, compressive strength and water sorptivity of heavyweight barite concrete. A control mix of normal granite concrete was produced for comparison. The influence of using treated cathode ray tube (CRT) funnel glass cullets as a fine aggregate replacement in the barite concrete was also examined. The results show that the type of aggregate used had a significant influence on the residual properties of concrete mainly because of their physical and mineralogical transformation upon heating. Incorporation of CRT glass in barite concrete seemed to increase the risk of explosive spalling after exposure to 500 °C. However, as the temperature was increased from 600 to 800 °C, the loss of mechanical properties of the concrete containing CRT glass was smaller because of the molten glass being able to fill the pores/cracks, which was followed by resolidification upon cooling. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early Aptian paleoenvironmental evolution of the Bab Basin at the southern Neo‐Tethys margin: Response to global carbon‐cycle perturbations across Ocean Anoxic Event 1a
Authors: Yamamoto Kazuyuki , Ishibashi Masatoshi , Takayanagi Hideko , Asahara Yoshihiro , Sato Tokiyuki , Nishi Hiroshi , Iryu Yasufumi
Published: February 2013

Lower Aptian carbonates in the Bab Basin at the southern Neo‐Tethys margin record significant environmental changes across Oceanic Anoxic Event 1a (OAE1a). A long‐lasting negative shift of carbon‐isotope ratios (δ13C) associated with a distinct decrease in oxygen‐isotope ratios (δ18O) in orbitolinid‐rich carbonates characterizes the onset of OAE1a (Livello Selli), supporting a hypothesis that a long‐lasting volcanic CO2 emission is the main cause of OAE1a, inducing global warming. A bloom of microencrusters (Lithocodium and Bacinella) across the proto–Bab Basin occurred synchronously at the beginning of the subsequent positive δ13C excursion, responding to the global carbon‐cycle perturbations. The carbonates, formed during the OAE1a, show higher strontium‐isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr) compared with those of global seawater; this was likely caused by a local influx of isotopically heavier strontium, along with nutrients, into the proto–Bab Basin. These biotic proliferations were triggered by an increased nutrient supply induced by intensified continental weathering due to the global warming suggested by the increase in δ18O values. Spatial variations in the δ13C values among sites in the Bab Basin and its surrounding platform are related to local environmental factors, such as the degree of mixing of basin water with ocean water and local removal of 12C by metabolic activity at the platform‐top. The δ13C profile of the studied core indicates global removal of organic carbon of OAE1a began during the early stage of the second‐order transgression and lasted until the early stage of the highstand after the OAE1a. The Livello Selli corresponds to the early stage of this transgression.
Phantom earthquakes and triggered aseismic creep: Vertical partitioning of strain during earthquake sequences in Iran
Authors: Barnhart William D. , Lohman Rowena B.
Published: February 2013

We present evidence for significant aseismic fault slip at shallow depth above a pair of mainshock‐aftershock sequences in the Zagros Mountains of Iran. The two Mw 5.9 earthquakes are each spanned by high‐quality geodetic imagery and have well‐recorded sequences of aftershocks that occurred beneath a salt décollement. Earlier studies of the geodetic data inferred that the mainshocks were located above the décollement, requiring a ~10 km spatial separation between aftershock cluster and earthquake centroid. We find that the geodetic data simultaneously allow two slip sources of similar magnitude: one within the basement, collocated with aftershocks, and one shallow source (also equivalent to Mw 6) responsible for the primary signal apparent in the geodetic imagery. Should this phenomenon be widespread in the Zagros, it would partially explain a previously noted discrepancy between observed seismic moment release in the Zagros and current convergence rates between the Arabian and Eurasian plates.
Real‐time cellular analysis as a novel approach for in vitro cytotoxicity testing of medical device extracts
Authors: Garcia Sandra N. , Gutierrez Leslie , McNulty Amy
Published: February 2013

Cytotoxicity measurements are often performed to evaluate the biocompatibility of medical device materials. Here, we describe the use of a real‐time cell analyzer (RTCA) system for the investigation of biocompatibility of medical devices by comparing RTCA results to two distinct methods described in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) guidelines. Mouse L‐929 fibroblast proliferation was assessed every 15 min from 24 to 100 h during the pretreatment and postextract addition period. Simultaneously, we performed quantitative cytotoxicity analyses using water‐soluble tetrazolium salt (WST‐1) and qualitatively scored cytotoxicity by examining changes in morphology at 24‐h intervals. The RTCA uses electrical impedance to measure cell viability quantified as a normalized cellular index (CI) which was converted in this study to a reactivity grade. Results from microscopic analyses were expressed as a reactivity grade, based on morphology as defined by the ISO 10993‐5:2009. There was a clear correlation between addition of cytotoxic agents and, both, decreased normalized CI and concomitant cell layer destruction observed by microscopy. Results obtained from the colorimetric WST‐1 assays also correlated with normalized CI at various time points tested. The results indicate that RTCA allows for automated and accurate assessment of biocompatibility of medical devices and biomaterials. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.