Structural-magnetic correlations on the first dinuclear spin crossover d⁴ system

The triple decker dinuclear Cr(II) salt [(5-C5Me5)Cr(µ2:5-P5)Cr(5-C5Me5)]+ (SbF6)– has been structurally characterised by multiple temperature X-ray diffraction experiments from 290 K to 12 K. This material shows changes in its structural features which correlate with its magnetic response, including a structural transition with a change of symmetry from the orthorhombic space group Fddd to the monoclinic I2/a at 160 K and an abrupt rearrangement of electron density at 23 K

NFκB as a potent regulator of inflammation in human adipose tissue, influenced by depot, adiposity, T2DM status, and TNFα

Objective Central obesity and sub-clinical inflammation increase metabolic risk, this study examined the intracellular inflammatory pathways in adipose tissue (AT) that contribute to this risk. Design and Methods This study therefore addressed the influence of NFκB and JNK activation in human abdominal subcutaneous (AbdSc) and omental (Om) AT, the effect of adiposity, T2DM status and the role of TNFα in vitro, using molecular biology techniques. Results Our data showed NFκB activity is increased in Om AT versus AbdSc AT (P<0.01), which was reversed with respect to depot specific activation of JNK (P<0.01). However, T2DM status appeared to preferentially activate NFκB (P<0.001) over JNK. Furthermore, in vitro studies showed recombinant human (rh) TNFα treated AbdSc adipocytes increased NFκB activity over time (2-48 h, P<0.05) whilst JNK activity reduced (2 h, 4 h, P<0.05); inhibitor studies supported a preferential role for NFκB as a modulator of TNFα secretion. Conclusions These studies suggest distinct changes in NFκB and JNK activation, dependent upon AT depot, adiposity and T2DM status, with in vitro use of rh TNFα leading to activation of NFκB. Consequently NFκB appears to play a central role in inflammatory mediated metabolic disease over JNK, highlighting NFκB as a potential key target for therapeutic intervention

A Low-Carbon Fuel Standard for California Part 2: Policy Analysis

The Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) can play a major role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and stimulating improvements in transportation fuel technologies so that California can meet its climate policy goals. In Part 1 of this study we evaluated the technical feasibility of achieving a 10 percent reduction in the carbon intensity (measured in gCO2e/MJ) of transportation fuels in California by 2020. We identified six scenarios based on a variety of different technologies that could meet or exceed this goal, and concluded that the goal was ambitious but attainable. In Part 2, we examine many of the specific policy issues needed to achieve this ambitious target. Our recommendations are based on the best information we were able to gather in the time available, including consultation with many different stakeholders. The recommendations are intended to assist the California Air Resources Board, Energy Commission, and Public Utility Commission, as well as private organizations and individuals, in addressing the many complex issues involved in designing a low carbon fuel standard. Choices about specific policies and calculation of numeric values for use in regulation must, of course, be made by these regulatory agencies. The analysis we present here is only illustrative

A Low-Carbon Fuel Standard for California Part 2: Policy Analysis

The Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) can play a major role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and stimulating improvements in transportation fuel technologies so that California can meet its climate policy goals. In Part 1 of this study we evaluated the technical feasibility of achieving a 10 percent reduction in the carbon intensity (measured in gCO2e/MJ) of transportation fuels in California by 2020. We identified six scenarios based on a variety of different technologies that could meet or exceed this goal, and concluded that the goal was ambitious but attainable. In Part 2, we examine many of the specific policy issues needed to achieve this ambitious target. Our recommendations are based on the best information we were able to gather in the time available, including consultation with many different stakeholders. The recommendations are intended to assist the California Air Resources Board, Energy Commission, and Public Utility Commission, as well as private organizations and individuals, in addressing the many complex issues involved in designing a low carbon fuel standard. Choices about specific policies and calculation of numeric values for use in regulation must, of course, be made by these regulatory agencies. The analysis we present here is only illustrative.