ENTREPRENEURIALISM MEETS THE SUSTAINABLE CITY: THE CASE OF LEXINGTON’S TOWN BRANCH COMMONS

Although the idea of the entrepreneurial city is nothing new, recent research in contemporary urban geography and related disciplines indicates that the modus operandi of such entrepreneurial endeavors has shifted, as a result of an increasing recognition and acceptance of global climate change, to include and even prioritize sustainable urban development discourses and practices. While these discourses purportedly culminate in the production of the “sustainable city,” they often fail to deliver upon their promise to create a greener, more sustainable city for all. Such practices, in an effort to help cities obtain an urban sustainability fix (While et al. 2004), often lead to the selective uptake and implementation of “sustainable” policies and projects by local governments and members of the urban elite in their efforts to positively market their respective cities to potential residents and investors. The city of Lexington, Kentucky’s ongoing efforts to establish a new downtown park system—the Town Branch Commons—along the route of a once buried stream, is representative of how such a sustainability fix is both conceived of and ultimately produced by urban elites in the contemporary neoliberal city

A Diphenylcyclopropene Complex of Tungsten, [WCl_2O(PMePh_2)_2(η^2-3,3-diphenylcyclopropene)], Precursor to a Tungsten–Oxo–Olefin Metathesis Catalyst

The title compound, dichlorobis(methyldiphenylphosphine-P) [(1,2-[η])-3,3-diphenylcyclopropene]oxotungsten, [WCl_2O(C_(15)H_(12))(C_(13)H_(13)P)_2], is a mononuclear complex of tungsten with an approximately octahedral environment around the metal atom. The ligand, 3,3-diphenylcyclopropene, is bonded to the W atom in a [η]^2-geometry with effectively identical metal-to-carbon bond distances [W-C1 = 2.133 (7) Å and W-C2 2.131 (7) Å]

A Diphenylcyclopropene Complex of Tungsten, [WCl_2O(PMePh_2)_2(η^2-3,3-diphenylcyclopropene)], Precursor to a Tungsten–Oxo–Olefin Metathesis Catalyst

The title compound, dichlorobis(methyldiphenylphosphine-P) [(1,2-[η])-3,3-diphenylcyclopropene]oxotungsten, [WCl_2O(C_(15)H_(12))(C_(13)H_(13)P)_2], is a mononuclear complex of tungsten with an approximately octahedral environment around the metal atom. The ligand, 3,3-diphenylcyclopropene, is bonded to the W atom in a [η]^2-geometry with effectively identical metal-to-carbon bond distances [W-C1 = 2.133 (7) Å and W-C2 2.131 (7) Å]

Capture and Recycle of Industrial CO\u3csub\u3e2\u3c/sub\u3e Emissions Using Mircoalgae

A novel cyclic flow photobioreactor (PBR) for the capture and recycle of CO2 using microalgae was designed and deployed at a coal-fired power plant (Duke Energy’s East Bend Station). The PBR was operated continuously during the period May–September 2015, during which algae productivity of typically 0.1–0.2 g/(L day) was obtained. Maximum CO2 capture efficiency was achieved during peak sunlight hours, the largest recorded CO2 emission reduction corresponding to a value of 81 % (using a sparge time of 5 s/min). On average, CO2 capture efficiency during daylight hours was 44 %. The PBR at East Bend Station also served as a secondary scrubber for NOx and SOx, removing on average 41.5 % of the NOx and 100 % of the SOx from the flue gas. The effect of solar availability and self-shading on a rudimentary digital model of the cyclic flow PBR was examined using Autodesk Ecotect Analysis software. Initial results suggest that this is a promising tool for the optimization of PBR layout with respect to the utilization of available solar radiation

Capture and Recycle of Industrial CO\u3csub\u3e2\u3c/sub\u3e Emissions Using Mircoalgae

A novel cyclic flow photobioreactor (PBR) for the capture and recycle of CO2 using microalgae was designed and deployed at a coal-fired power plant (Duke Energy’s East Bend Station). The PBR was operated continuously during the period May–September 2015, during which algae productivity of typically 0.1–0.2 g/(L day) was obtained. Maximum CO2 capture efficiency was achieved during peak sunlight hours, the largest recorded CO2 emission reduction corresponding to a value of 81 % (using a sparge time of 5 s/min). On average, CO2 capture efficiency during daylight hours was 44 %. The PBR at East Bend Station also served as a secondary scrubber for NOx and SOx, removing on average 41.5 % of the NOx and 100 % of the SOx from the flue gas. The effect of solar availability and self-shading on a rudimentary digital model of the cyclic flow PBR was examined using Autodesk Ecotect Analysis software. Initial results suggest that this is a promising tool for the optimization of PBR layout with respect to the utilization of available solar radiation

Synthesis and Activity of Ruthenium Alkylidene Complexes Coordinated with Phosphine and N-Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands

This paper reports the synthesis and characterization of a variety of ruthenium complexes coordinated with phosphine and N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands. These complexes include several alkylidene derivatives of the general formula (NHC)(PR_3)(Cl)_2Ru═CHR', which are highly active olefin metathesis catalysts. Although these catalysts can be prepared adequately by the reaction of bis(phosphine) ruthenium alkylidene precursors with free NHCs, we have developed an alternative route that employs NHC-alcohol or -chloroform adducts as “protected” forms of the NHC ligands. This route is advantageous because NHC adducts are easier to handle than their free carbene counterparts. We also demonstrate that sterically bulky bis(NHC) complexes can be made by reaction of the pyridine-coordinated precursor (NHC)(py)_2(Cl)_2Ru═CHPh with free NHCs or NHC adducts. Two crystal structures are presented, one of the mixed bis(NHC) derivative (H_2IMes)(IMes)(Cl)_2Ru═CHPh, and the other of (PCy_3)(Cl)(CO)Ru[η^2-(CH_2-C_6H_2Me_2)(N_2C_3H_4)(C_6H_2Me_3)], the product of ortho methyl C−H bond activation. Other side reactions encountered during the synthesis of new ruthenium alkylidene complexes include the formation of hydrido-carbonyl-chloride derivatives in the presence of primary alcohols and the deprotonation of ruthenium vinylcarbene ligands by KOBu^t. We also evaluate the olefin metathesis activity of NHC-coordinated complexes in representative RCM and ROMP reactions

ROR2 blockade as a therapy for osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is characterized by the loss of the articular cartilage, bone remodeling, pain, and disability. No pharmacological intervention can currently halt progression of osteoarthritis. Here, we show that blocking receptor tyrosine kinase–like orphan receptor 2 (ROR2) improves cartilage integrity and pain in osteoarthritis models by inhibiting yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling. ROR2 was up-regulated in the cartilage in response to inflammatory cytokines and mechanical stress. The main ligand for ROR2, WNT5A, and the targets YAP and connective tissue growth factor were up-regulated in osteoarthritis in humans. In vitro, ROR2 overexpression inhibited chondrocytic differentiation. Conversely, ROR2 blockade triggered chondrogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 cells and suppressed the expression of the cartilage-degrading enzymes a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)–4 and ADAMTS-5. The chondrogenic effect of ROR2 blockade in the cartilage was independent of WNT signaling and was mediated by down-regulation of YAP signaling. ROR2 signaling induced G protein and Rho-dependent nuclear accumulation of YAP, and YAP inhibition was required but not sufficient for ROR2 blockade–induced chondrogenesis. ROR2 silencing protected mice from instability-induced osteoarthritis with improved structural outcomes, sustained pain relief, and without apparent side effects or organ toxicity. Last, ROR2 silencing in human articular chondrocytes transplanted in nude mice led to the formation of cartilage organoids with more and better differentiated extracellular matrix, suggesting that the anabolic effect of ROR2 blockade is conserved in humans. Thus, ROR2 blockade is efficacious and well tolerated in preclinical animal models of osteoarthritis

Growth delay of human bladder cancer cells by Prostate Stem Cell Antigen downregulation is associated with activation of immune signaling pathways

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchored protein expressed not only in prostate but also in pancreas and bladder cancer as shown by immunohistochemistry and mRNA analysis. It has been targeted by monoclonal antibodies in preclinical animal models and more recently in a clinical trial in prostate cancer patients. The biological role played in tumor growth is presently unknown. In this report we have characterized the contribution of PSCA expression to tumor growth.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A bladder cell line was engineered to express a doxycycline (dox) regulated shRNA against PSCA. To shed light on the PSCA biological role in tumor growth, microarray analysis was carried out as a function of PSCA expression. Expression of gene set of interest was further analyzed by qPCR</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Down regulation of the PSCA expression was associated with reduced cell proliferation <it>in vitro </it>and <it>in vivo</it>. Mice bearing subcutaneous tumors showed a reduced tumor growth upon treatment with dox, which effectively induced shRNA against PSCA as revealed by GFP expression. Pathway analysis of deregulated genes suggests a statistical significant association between PSCA downregulation and activation of genes downstream of the IFNα/β receptor.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>These experiments established for the first time a correlation between the level of PSCA expression and tumor growth and suggest a role of PSCA in counteracting the natural immune response.</p

Influence of composition, bonding characteristics and microstructure on the electrochemical and optical stability of AlOxNy thin films

Thin films of AlOxNy were deposited by magnetron sputtering in a wide composition range. Different structures and morphologies were observed, depending on the composition and bonding states, which opened the possibility to tailor the properties of this oxynitride system between those of pure Al and those of nitride and oxide films. In a wide range of stoichiometries, one can report the formation of nanocomposite porous films, where Al nanoparticles are dispersed in an amorphous matrix of AlOxNy. The electrochemical behaviour of the films was studied in isotonic NaCl solution. It was observed that the pitting 2 potential characteristic of aluminium disappears with the incorporation of oxygen and nitrogen in the films, being replaced by a smooth current increase. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy performed during 35 days showed that the corrosion resistance of the films steadily increases. The unusual optical reflectance profile of some films is maintained after immersion for several months.Fundação para a Ciência e a TecnologiaPrograma Pessoa 2010/2011, Cooperação Portugal/França, Proc.º 441.00, Project“COLOURCLUSTER”

Consensus recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of inherited methylation disorders

Inherited methylation disorders are a group of rarely reported, probably largely underdiagnosed disorders affecting transmethylation processes in the metabolic pathway between methionine and homocysteine. These are methionine adenosyltransferase I/III, glycine N-methyltransferase, S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase and adenosine kinase deficiencies. This paper provides the first consensus recommendations for the diagnosis and management of methylation disorders. Following search of the literature and evaluation according to the SIGN-methodology of all reported patients with methylation defects, graded recommendations are provided in a structured way comprising diagnosis (clinical presentation, biochemical abnormalities, differential diagnosis, newborn screening, prenatal diagnosis), therapy and follow-up. Methylation disorders predominantly affect the liver, central nervous system and muscles, but clinical presentation can vary considerably between and within disorders. Although isolated hypermethioninemia is the biochemical hallmark of this group of disorders, it is not always present, especially in early infancy. Plasma S-adenosylmethionine and S-adenosylhomocysteine are key metabolites for the biochemical clarification of isolated hypermethioninemia. Mild hyperhomocysteinemia can be present in all methylation disorders. Methylation disorders do not qualify as primary targets of newborn screening. A low-methionine diet can be beneficial in patients with methionine adenosyltransferase I/III deficiency if plasma methionine concentrations exceed 800 μmol/L. There is some evidence that this diet may also be beneficial in patients with S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase and adenosine kinase deficiencies. S-adenosylmethionine supplementation may be useful in patients with methionine adenosyltransferase I/III deficiency. Recommendations given in this article are based on general principles and in practice should be adjusted individually according to patient's age, severity of the disease, clinical and laboratory findings