bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What Happened to the ‘Development’ in Sustainable Development? Business Guidelines Two Decades After Brundtland
Authors: Barkemeyer Ralf , Holt Diane , Preuss Lutz , Tsang Stephen 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTOver 20 years ago Our Common Future presented a conceptualization and explanation of the concept of sustainable development. Since then, numerous alternative definitions of the concept have been offered, of which at least some are exclusive to each other. At the same time, the role of business in the transition to sustainable development has increasingly received attention. Bringing these two trends in sustainable development together, this paper returns to the Brundtland version of the concept to examine to what extent the original principles of sustainable development are still embedded within key business guidelines, namely the UN Global Compact, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, the ICC Business Charter for Sustainable Development, the CAUX Principles, the Global Sullivan Principles and the CERES Principles. The findings suggest that these business guidelines tend to emphasize environmental rather than social aspects of sustainable development, in particular to the detriment of the original Brundtland prioritization of the needs of the poorest. Furthermore, the attention to environmental aspects stresses win–win situations and has a clear managerialist focus; whereas more conceptual environmental issues concerning systems interdependencies, critical thresholds or systemic limits to growth find little attention. The normative codes and principles targeted at the private sector therefore not only add another voice to the multiple discourses on sustainable development but also contribute to a reinterpretation of the original agenda set by Brundtland towards conceptualizations of sustainable development around the needs of industrialized rather than developing countries. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
COIM: An object‐process based method for analyzing architectures of complex, interconnected, large‐scale socio‐technical systems
Authors: Osorio Carlos A. , Dori Dov , Sussman Joseph 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThere is growing evidence for the relevance of human behavioral factors in successful development of new products, processes, and services. The evidence is even clearer when the forces affecting the development and evolution of long‐lived, large, and open complex socio‐technical systems are examined. Methods that study the architecture of these systems can help scholars and practitioners to better understand, manage, and develop socio‐technical systems. We propose an approach and a method to address these needs that is grounded in the theory of systems architecture and builds on the strengths of Object Process Methodology (OPM) and the process for representing Complex Large‐scale Interconnected Open Socio‐technical (CLIOS) systems. We do so by integrating these methods into the CLIOS‐OPM Integrated Method (COIM). COIM is conducive to studying a system's architecture and its evolution, as it is enhanced by a set of qualitative methods for answering questions about the reasons (why) and process (how) of change in human‐made systems over time. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Project management vs. systems engineering management: A practitioners' view on integrating the project and product domains
Authors: Sharon Amira , de Weck Olivier L. , Dori Dov 
Published: April 2011

AbstractWhile most Systems Engineering Management (SEM) applications use some subset of traditional Project Management (PM) methods and tools, the actual practice of systems engineering management involves continuous cognitive zigzagging between systems engineering—the product domain—and project management—the project domain. Focusing on seven PM methods, we examine two research questions regarding systems engineering practitioners: (1) While conducting SEM, do they perceive a notion of a project domain, a product domain, and a combined project‐product domain? (2) What is the extent to which, and ways by which, systems engineering practitioners deem PM methods as effective for supporting SEM? Using analysis of structured questionnaires among 24 participants, we verified that project and product are indeed viewed as two complementary facets of SEM, and that certain PM methods address both domains better than others with respect to particular examined factors. © 2011 Wiley international, Inc.
Overcoming in vivo barriers to targeted nanodelivery
Authors: Chrastina Adrian , Massey Kerri A. , Schnitzer Jan E. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractNanoparticles have been investigated as promising nanocarriers for delivery of imaging and therapeutic agents for several decades, but have met with limited success. Although enormous progress in the fields of nanotechnology and nanoscience has been achieved, basic discoveries have not yet translated into effective targeted therapies. Nanoparticles can potentially improve the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs; however, the complexity of in vivo systems imposes multiple barriers that severely inhibit efficiency and have to be overcome to fully exploit the theoretical potential of nanoparticles. Here, we address two major challenges to effective systemic nanodelivery. Both limited penetration across the vascular endothelium and uptake by the reticuloendothelial system (RES) substantially impede effectiveness of nanoparticle delivery into tissues. Although the design of nanoparticles with extended circulation half‐life is essential, it is not sufficient for effective penetration of nanoparticles across the formidable barrier formed by the vascular endothelium. Current nanodelivery systems rely on passive transvascular exchange and tissue accumulation. They require high dosages to create large concentration gradients that drive nanoparticles passively across the blood–tissue interface. However, passive accumulation has resulted in only a fractional dosage of nanoparticles penetrating into target tissue. This inevitably diminishes therapeutic efficacy and aggravates potential side effects. Although there are multiple ways to augment passive delivery, active delivery of targeted nanoparticles across the vascular endothelium could significantly increase the therapeutic index and decrease side effects of nanoparticle‐based drug delivery systems. Use of active transendothelial transport pathways, such as caveolae, may provide an effective solution to both target and deliver nanoparticles. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2011 3 421–437 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.143This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Mononuclear Complexes of Iron(II) Based on Symmetrical Tripodand Ligands: Novel Parent Systems for the Development of New Spin Crossover Metallomesogens
Authors: Seredyuk Maksym , Gaspar Ana B. , Kusz Joachim , Gütlich Philipp 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe synthesis and characterization of a series of mononuclear tripodand‐based FeII complexes by means of Mössbauer andUV/Vis spectroscopic as well as magnetic methods is reported. The complexes were obtained from the reactions of FeII salt with heterocyclic aldehydes (imd = imidazole‐4(5)‐carboxaldehyde, py = picolinaldehyde, or 6‐Mepy = 6‐methylpicolinaldehyde) and a symmetric triamine [tren = tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine, tame = 2,2,2‐tris(aminomethyl)ethane, or tach = 1,3,5‐cis,cis‐cyclohexanetriamin]. Because of extreme rigidity of the capping triamine tach, the molecular structure of {Fe[tach(imd)3](BF4)2} (1) features an unprecedented tapered trigonal prismatic FeN6 polyhedron. The molecular structures of the complexes {Fe[tach(py)3](ClO4)2} (2), {Fe[tame(imd)3](ClO4)2} (3), {Fe[tame(py)3](ClO4)2} (4) and {Fe[tame(6‐Mepy)3](ClO4)2} (5) are quite similar and exhibit pseudo‐octahedral arrangements of the coordination polyhedron. Compound 1 is in the high spin state, whereas compounds 2–5 are in the low spin state at all investigated temperatures (10–400 K). Chemical modification of the ligands in 2–5 to introduce liquid crystalline properties is expected to decrease the ligand field strength sufficiently to transform the electronic LS ground state to spin crossover behavior in the room temperature region.
N2 Activation in NiI–NN–NiI Units: The Influence of Alkali Metal Cations and CO Reactivity
Authors: Horn Bettina , Pfirrmann Stefan , Limberg Christian , Herwig Christian , Braun Beatrice , Mebs Stefan , Metzinger Ramona 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAfter single electron reduction of the dinitrogen complex [LtBuNi(μ‐η1:η1‐N2)NiLtBu] (I) with KC8, reaction of the resulting compound K[LtBuNi(μ‐η1:η1‐N2)NiLtBu] (II) with sodium sand yields KNa[LtBuNi(μ‐η1:η1‐N2)NiLtBu] (1), which contains two different alkali metal ions. Treatment of I with two equivalents of sodium sand leads to the symmetric complex Na2[LtBuNi(μ‐η1:η1‐N2)NiLtBu] (2). Complexes 1 and 2 were investigated by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis as well as by Raman spectroscopy, and the results were compared with the data of K2[LtBuNi(μ‐η1:η1‐N2)NiLtBu] (III), which contains two K+ ions. Thus, it became obvious that the nature of the alkali metal ion M in compounds M2[LtBuNi(μ‐η1:η1‐N2)NiLtBu] has hardly any influence on the degree of NN bond activation. Furthermore, it was shown that treatment of the dinickel(I) complex III with CO leads to the dinickel(0) compound K2[LtBuNi(CO)]2 (4) and N2. Reaction of the unreduced dinickel(I) complex I with CO leads to a more simple replacement of the N2 ligand and formation of [LtBuNi(CO)] (3).
Cytoprotective properties of rifampicin are related to the regulation of detoxification system and bile acid transporter expression during hepatocellular injury induced by hydrophobic bile acids
Authors: González Raúl , Cruz Adolfo , Ferrín Gustavo , López‐Cillero Pedro , Briceño Javier , Gómez Miguel A. , Rufián Sebastián , Padillo Javier , De la Mata Manuel , Marin Jose J. G. , Muntané Jordi 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackground/PurposeRifampicin has been used for the treatment of patients with jaundice and pruritus. This study evaluated the effect of rifampicin on the expression of different detoxification systems and bile acid transporters during in‐vivo and in‐vitro experimental models of cholestasis.MethodsRifampicin was administered to glycochenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA)‐treated human hepatocytes and bile duct‐obstructed rats. Different parameters related to cell death, and the expression of phase I and II drug metabolizing enzymes (DME) and bile acid transporters were determined.ResultsThe induction of hepatocellular injury induced by cholestasis was associated with a reduction in cytochrome P4503A4 (CYP3A4), CYP7A1, and UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase 2B4 (UGT2B4) expression, as well as an increase in import (Na+‐taurocholate co‐transporting polypeptide, NTCP) system expression. The beneficial properties of rifampicin were associated with an increase in DME and export bile acid systems (multidrug resistance‐associated protein 4, MRP4, and bile acid export pump to bile duct, BSEP) expression, as well as a reduction in NTCP expression.ConclusionsThe beneficial effect of rifampicin in cholestasis is associated with an increase in DME expression involved in toxic, bile acid and cholesterol metabolism, as well as a reduction in the bile acid importing system in hepatocytes.
General allometric equations and biomass allocation of Pinus massoniana trees on a regional scale in southern China
Authors: Xiang Wenhua , Liu Shaohui , Deng Xiangwen , Shen Aihua , Lei Xiangdong , Tian Dalun , Zhao Meifang , Peng Changhui 
Published: April 2011

AbstractApplying allometric equations in combination with forest inventory data is an effective approach to use when qualifying forest biomass and carbon storage on a regional scale. The objectives of this study were to (1) develop general allometric tree component biomass equations and (2) investigate tree biomass allocation patterns for Pinus massoniana, a principal tree species native to southern China, by applying 197 samples across 20 site locations. The additive allometric equations utilized to compute stem, branch, needle, root, aboveground, and total tree biomass were developed by nonlinear seemingly unrelated regression. Results show that the relative proportion of stem biomass to tree biomass increased while the contribution of canopy biomass to tree biomass decreased as trees continued to grow through time. Total root biomass was a large biomass pool in itself, and its relative proportion to tree biomass exhibited a slight increase with tree growth. Although equations employing stem diameter at breast height (dbh) alone as a predictor could accurately predict stem, aboveground, root, and total tree biomass, they were poorly fitted to predict the canopy biomass component. The inclusion of the tree height (H) variable either slightly improved or did not in any way increase model fitness. Validation results demonstrate that these equations are suitable to estimate stem, aboveground, and total tree biomass across a broad range of P. massoniana stands on a regional scale.
Solubilization of Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Ethylene Oxide‐Propylene Oxide Triblock Micelles: Location of Solubilizate and its Effect on Micelle Size from 2D NMR and Scattering Techniques
Authors: Parekh Paresh , Singh Kulbir , Marangoni D. Gerrard , Aswal Vinod K. , Bahadur Pratap 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe solubilization of benzene and toluene in micellar solutions and the effects on the micellization and micelle size of ethylene oxide‐propylene oxide triblock copolymers were investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS), small angle neutron scattering (SANS), and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The copolymeric surfactants have the same size as the middle hydrophobic polypropylene oxide block (Mol. Wt. 3250) and varying polyethylene oxide end blocks (30, 40 and 50%). The solubilization and the properties of the micelles in the presence of the solubilizates were investigated; the results reveal that the more hydrophobic copolymer showed better solubilization. The cloud points of the copolymers decreased in the presence of oils; the depression in the cloud point is due to the formation of an electron donor–acceptor complex. DLS shows that the effect of benzene is dominated at high oil concentration. SANS data show that the micelles remain spherical in shape and that the micellar core size does not change with higher benzene concentration; observed changes in the low scattering vector region could be because of some small amount of benzene clusters formed at higher benzene concentration. Finally, the locus of solubilization of the oils in the copolymer micelles was determined via 2D NMR experiments. In all cases, significant nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) cross peaks were observed that appeared to correlate well with the expected loci of these solubilizates in micelles. Hence, the noninvasive NOESY technique provides important information on the location of the aromatic solubilizates in these copolymer micelles that depends on the structure of the oils.
Spermatogonial stem cells and in vitro spermatogenesis
Authors: Ogawa Takehiko 
Published: April 2011

AbstractSpermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) provide the basis for the life‐long production of enormous numbers of sperm. The nature of these mysterious cells is being clarified. Although they were regarded to be mostly dormant, dividing rarely and remaining static in a niche, their rather dynamic behavior in the seminiferous tubules has been disclosed. The territories of each colony of SSCs can also quickly change in size. The development of a culture method for SSCs also shed light on their stable, but at the same time, fragile characteristics. In addition, an in vitro system for spermatogenesis was developed which can produce functional sperm from SSCs. These new developments will contribute to reproductive medicine.
Modulation of gene-specific epigenetic states and transcription by non-coding RNAs
Authors: Morris Kevin V. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Emerging evidence points to a role for long non-coding RNAs in the modulation of epigenetic states and transcription in human cells. New insights, using various forms of small non-coding RNAs, suggest that a mechanism of action is operative in human cells, which utilizes non-coding RNAs to direct epigenetic marks to homology containing loci resulting ultimately in the epigenetic-based modulation of gene transcription. Importantly, insights into this mechanism of action have allowed for certain target sequences, which are either actively involved in RNA mediated epigenetic regulation or targets for non-coding RNA based epigenetic regulation, to be selected. As such, it is now feasible to utilize small antisense RNAs to either epigenetically silence a gene expression or remove epigenetic silencing of endogenous non-coding RNAs and essentially turn on a gene expression. Knowledge of this emerging RNA-based epigenetic regulatory network and our ability to cognitively control gene expression has deep implications in the development of an entirely new area of pharmacopeia.
The Protective Effect of Marriage for Survival: A Review and Update
Authors: Rendall Michael S. , Weden Margaret M. , Favreault Melissa M. , Waldron Hilary 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe theory that marriage has protective effects for survival has itself lived for more than 100 years since Durkheim’s groundbreaking study of suicide (Durkheim 1951 [1897]). Investigations of differences in this protective effect by gender, by age, and in contrast to different unmarried statuses, however, have yielded inconsistent conclusions. These investigations typically either use data in which marital status and other covariates are observed in cross-sectional surveys up to 10 years before mortality exposure, or use data from panel surveys with much smaller sample sizes. Their conclusions are usually not based on formal statistical tests of contrasts between men and women or between never-married, divorced/separated, and widowed statuses. Using large-scale pooled panel survey data linked to death registrations and earnings histories for U.S. men and women aged 25 and older, and with appropriate contrast tests, we find a consistent survival advantage for married over unmarried men and women, and an additional survival “premium” for married men. We find little evidence of mortality differences between never-married, divorced/separated, and widowed statuses.
Iron bound to pectin is utilised by rats
Authors: Miyada Tomihiro , Nakajima Akira , Ebihara Kiyoshi 
Published: April 2011

In the present in vitro study, the effects of pH and ionic strength on the release of iron from pectin and the ability of pectin to reduce ferric iron to ferrous iron were examined. The bioavailability of Fe bound to pectin was evaluated in rats. The amount of Fe released from pectin was at a maximum at pH 2·0 and decreased as the pH value increased. At pH 2·0, the amount of Fe released from pectin increased as the ion length increased; at pH 5·0, ion length had no effect on pectin release. Pectin effectively reduced Fe from the ferric form to the ferrous form. In rats fed a pectin diet, where Fe bound to pectin was the only Fe source, the final Hb concentration using diets containing 4·4–5·7, 7·2 or 11·5 mg Fe/kg diet was equal to the concentration in rats fed diets containing 4·5, 7·6 or 13·5 mg ferrous iron/kg diet, respectively. Hb regeneration efficiencies in rats fed pectin diets were significantly different from rats fed a diet containing 13·5 mg ferrous iron/kg diet. In rats fed a diet with or without pectin, where ferric iron was the only Fe source, pectin increased the final Hb concentration. These results suggest that Fe bound to pectin is utilised by rats.
Effects of a high-protein, low-carbohydrate v. high-protein, moderate-carbohydrate weight-loss diet on antioxidant status, endothelial markers and plasma indices of the cardiometabolic profile
Authors: Johnstone Alexandra M. , Lobley Gerald E. , Horgan Graham W. , Bremner David M. , Fyfe Claire L. , Morrice Philip C. , Duthie Garry G. 
Published: April 2011

There are concerns that weight-loss (WL) diets based on very low carbohydrate (LC) intake have a negative impact on antioxidant status and biomarkers of cardiovascular and metabolic health. Obese men (n 16) participated in a randomised, cross-over design diet trial, with food provided daily, at approximately 8·3 MJ/d (approximately 70 % of energy maintenance requirements). They were provided with two high-protein diets (30 % of energy), each for a 4-week period, involving a LC (4 % carbohydrate) and a moderate carbohydrate (MC, 35 % carbohydrate) content. Body weight was measured daily, and weekly blood samples were collected. On average, subjects lost 6·75 and 4·32 kg of weight on the LC and MC diets, respectively (P < 0·001, sed 0·350). Although the LC and MC diets were associated with a small reduction in plasma concentrations of retinol, vitamin E (α-tocopherol) and β-cryptoxanthin (P < 0·005), these were still above the values indicative of deficiency. Interestingly, plasma vitamin C concentrations increased on consumption of the LC diet (P < 0·05). Plasma markers of insulin resistance (P < 0·001), lipaemia and inflammation (P < 0·05, TNF-α and IL-10) improved similarly on both diets. There was no change in other cardiovascular markers with WL. The present data suggest that a LC WL diet does not impair plasma indices of cardiometabolic health, at least within 4 weeks, in otherwise healthy obese subjects. In general, improvements in metabolic health associated with WL were similar between the LC and MC diets. Antioxidant supplements may be warranted if LC WL diets are consumed for a prolonged period.
Umbilical venous–arterial plasma composition differences suggest differential incorporation of fatty acids in NEFA and cholesteryl ester pools
Authors: Lewis Rohan M. , Hanson Mark A. , Burdge Graham C. 
Published: April 2011

The developing fetus requires an adequate supply of fatty acids, in particular PUFA, for optimal growth and development. Little is known about the transfer of fatty acids by the placenta into the fetal circulation. However, the molecular form in which fatty acids are transferred into the fetal circulation may influence their metabolism and hence their availability to specific tissues. The aim of the present study was to determine which lipid pools in the fetal circulation become enriched in fatty acids from the placenta by comparing the fatty acid compositions of individual lipid pools between umbilical venous (UV) and umbilical arterial (UA) plasma. Plasma from the UV and UA was collected after delivery from ten uncomplicated pregnancies, and the fatty acid composition of each lipid class was determined by GC. Total NEFA concentration in the UV was twofold higher than in the UA (P < 0·05) due to enrichment in 16 : 0, 16 : 1n-7, 18 : 1n-9, 18 : 1n-7, 18 : 2n-6, 20 : 3n-6, 20 : 4n-6, 24 : 0 and 22 : 6n-3. Total cholesteryl ester concentration was twofold higher in the UV than in the UA (P < 0·05) due to enrichment in 16 : 0, 16 : 1n-7, 18 : 0, 18 : 1n-9, 18 : 1n-7, 18 : 2n-6 and 20 : 4n-6. There were no significant UV–UA differences in the total concentration or composition of TAG or phosphatidylcholine. The present study demonstrates differential enrichment across the placenta of fatty acids into specific lipid pools in the fetal circulation. Such partitioning may facilitate supply of individual fatty acids to specific fetal tissues.