The future of the urban street in the united states: visions of alternative mobilities in the twenty-first century

This dissertation is concerned with the present and future of urban streets in the United States. The goal is to document and analyze current visions, policies, and strategies related to the form and use of American urban streets. The dissertation examines current mobility trends and offers a framework for organizing visions of the future of urban streets, evaluating them through three lenses: safety, comfort, and delight: assessing physical conditions in accordance with livability standards toward sustainable development. At the same time, it demonstrates the way 12 scenarios (NACTO Blueprint for Autonomous Urbanism, Sidewalk Labs: Quayside Project, Public Square by FXCollaborative, AIANY Future Street, The National Complete Street Coalition, Vision Zero, Smart Columbus, Waymo by Alphabet, The Hyperloop, Tesla “Autopilot,” Ford City of Tomorrow, SOM City of Tomorrow) have intentionally or unintentionally influenced contemporary use of American urban streets. Ultimately, the study shows that while sustainable alternative mobilities continue to emerge, the dominance of the automobility system has led to a stagnation of sustainable urban street development in the United States

The tissue specific nature of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells: gaining better understanding for improved clinical outcomes

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitors that are derived from most adult tissue as well as cord blood and placenta. MSCs are defined by their adherent nature, ability to propagate in culture and capacity to differentiate into bone fat and cartilage. However, many studies have shown that MSCs, derived from different tissues, differ both in their in situ and in vitro phenotypes. Despite abundance of MSCs studies, little is known about the molecular events that control their tissue specific nature. Two recent studies comparing MSCs derived from different tissues have now found clues to the molecular mechanisms that control the tissue specific nature ofthese cells. In the first, the superior genomic stability of adipose derived MSCs (ASCs), compared to bone marrow (BM) MSCs, was explained by reduced H19, a long non-coding RNA expression and increased p53 activity of ASCs. In the second, a compression of abdominal and subcutaneous ASCs reveals poor propagation, differentiation and migration capacities of abdominal ASCs that is explained by their increased tendency to over-accumulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in culture. ROS over production in abdominal ASCs was shown to be controlled by the NADPH oxidase NOX1. The unique features of MSCs derived from different tissues suggest a tissue specific molecular signature arising from the tissue of origin that is retained during culture. The implications of this phenomenon on our understanding of the role and function of MSCs in situ as well as on their clinical utilization, is discussed

The Horizontal Ice Nucleation Chamber (HINC) : INP measurements at conditions relevant for mixed-phase clouds at the High Altitude Research Station Jungfraujoch

In this work we describe the Horizontal Ice Nucleation Chamber (HINC) as a new instrument to measure ambient ice-nucleating particle (INP) concentrations for conditions relevant to mixed-phase clouds. Laboratory verification and validation experiments confirm the accuracy of the thermodynamic conditions of temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) in HINC with uncertainties in T of ±0.4 K and in RH with respect to water (RHw) of ±1.5 %, which translates into an uncertainty in RH with respect to ice (RHi) of ±3.0 % at T > 235 K. For further validation of HINC as a field instrument, two measurement campaigns were conducted in winters 2015 and 2016 at the High Altitude Research Station Jungfraujoch (JFJ; Switzerland, 3580 m a. s. l. ) to sample ambient INPs. During winters 2015 and 2016 the site encountered free-tropospheric conditions 92 and 79 % of the time, respectively. We measured INP concentrations at 242 K at water-subsaturated conditions (RHw = 94 %), relevant for the formation of ice clouds, and in the water-supersaturated regime (RHw = 104 %) to represent ice formation occurring under mixed-phase cloud conditions. In winters 2015 and 2016 the median INP concentrations at RHw = 94 % was below the minimum detectable concentration. At RHw = 104 %, INP concentrations were an order of magnitude higher, with median concentrations in winter 2015 of 2.8 per standard liter (std L−1; normalized to standard T of 273 K and pressure, p, of 1013 hPa) and 4.7 std L−1 in winter 2016. The measurements are in agreement with previous winter measurements obtained with the Portable Ice Nucleation Chamber (PINC) of 2.2 std L−1 at the same location. During winter 2015, two events caused the INP concentrations at RHw = 104 % to significantly increase above the campaign average. First, an increase to 72.1 std L−1 was measured during an event influenced by marine air, arriving at the JFJ from the North Sea and the Norwegian Sea. The contribution from anthropogenic or other sources can thereby not be ruled out. Second, INP concentrations up to 146.2 std L−1 were observed during a Saharan dust event. To our knowledge this is the first time that a clear enrichment in ambient INP concentration in remote regions of the atmosphere is observed during a time of marine air mass influence, suggesting the importance of marine particles on ice nucleation in the free troposphere

Factors that Affect the Quality of Olive Oil Produced Using Olives from Traditional Orchards in the Middle East

Traditional olive (Olea europaea) orchards have been grown for thousands of years and still occupy most of the world’s cultivated olive areas. To compete with olive oil produced in the higher-yielding intensive orchards, the oil from traditional orchards must be of high quality. We evaluated oil quality—potential and actual (under commercial conditions)—and tested the stages in the production chain that are likely to reduce oil quality in the traditional sector in the Middle East region. Our findings show a clear negative impact of growers’ traditional practices on both the chemical and sensory characteristics of olive oil. The oil originating from the commercial process had higher free fatty acid and lower polyphenol and carotenoid contents, lower stability, lower pungency, lower fruitiness, lower bitterness, and a higher prevalence of organoleptic defects than oil that originated from fruit picked from the same trees during the experimental procedure. The current common harvesting technique of pole beating significantly increased fruit injury and fruit with mold, leading to a reduction in oil polyphenols and an increase in free fatty acid levels compared with those resulting from manual picking. In addition, after harvest, storing the fruit for more than 48 hours in plastic bags dramatically reduced the oil quality. The traditional olive orchard could be a source of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. However, fruit handling—from the trees until the end of the oil extraction process—is performed incorrectly, thus adversely affecting the oil quality

Effects of Olive Mill Wastewater on Soil Microarthropods and Soil Chemistry in Two Different Cultivation Scenarios in Israel and Palestinian Territories

Although olive mill wastewater (OMW) is often applied onto soil and is known to be phytotoxic, its impact on soil fauna is still unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate how OMW spreading in olive orchards affects Oribatida and Collembola communities, physicochemical soil properties and their interdependency. For this, we treated plots in two study sites (Gilat, Bait Reema) with OMW. Among others, the sites differed in irrigation practice, soil type and climate. We observed that soil acidity and water repellency developed to a lower extent in Gilat than in Bait Reema. This may be explained by irrigation-induced dilution and leaching of OMW compounds in Gilat. In Bait Reema, OMW application suppressed emergence of Oribatida and induced a community shift, but the abundance of Collembola increased in OMW and water-treated plots. In Gilat, Oribatida abundance increased after OMW application. The effects of OMW application on soil biota result from an interaction between stimulation of biological activity and suppression of sensitive species by toxic compounds. Environmental and management conditions are relevant for the degree and persistence of the effects. Moreover, this study underlines the need for detailed research on the ecotoxicological effects of OMW at different application rates

Radiologically isolated aquaporin-4 antibody neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

Aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-Ab) Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) is a rare neuroinflammatory syndrome presenting predominantly with optic neuritis and transverse myelitis. We report a case of radiologically isolated longitudinally extensive optic neuritis in an asymptomatic 12-year-old female with positive serum AQP4-Ab, with resolution of imaging changes after immune therapy. By contrast to patients with radiologically isolated syndrome, of which some will never convert to multiple sclerosis, the pathogenicity of AQP4-Ab in the context of sub-clinical disease, supported treatment in our patient. Given the severe morbidity in AQP4-Ab NMOSD, prognostic biomarkers for disease severity are required to guide optimal therapy for patients

Contenido de aceite en pasta de aceituna sobre una base de peso seco (OPDW): un indicador del tiempo de cosecha óptimo en modernos olivares

In modern oil olive orchards, mechanical harvesting technologies have significantly accelerated harvesting outputs, thereby allowing for careful planning of harvest timing. While optimizing harvest time may have profound effects on oil yield and quality, the necessary tools to precisely determine the best date are rather scarce. For instance, the commonly used indicator, the fruit ripening index, does not necessarily correlate with oil accumulation. Oil content per fruit fresh weight is strongly affected by fruit water content, making the ripening index an unreliable indicator. However, oil in the paste, calculated on a dry weight basis (OPDW), provides a reliable indication of oil accumulation in the fruit. In most cultivars tested here, OPDW never exceeded ca. 0.5 g.g–1 dry weight, making this threshold the best indicator for the completion of oil accumulation and its consequent reduction in quality thereafter. The rates of OPDW and changes in quality parameters strongly depend on local conditions, such as climate, tree water status and fruit load. We therefore propose a fast and easy method to determine and monitor the OPDW in a given orchard. The proposed method is a useful tool for the determination of optimal harvest timing, particularly in large plots under intensive cultivation practices, with the aim of increasing orchard revenues. The results of this research can be directly applied in olive orchards, especially in large-scale operations. By following the proposed method, individual plots can be harvested according to sharp thresholds of oil accumulation status and pre-determined oil quality parameters, thus effectively exploiting the potentials of oil yield and quality. The method can become a powerful tool for scheduling the harvest throughout the season, and at the same time forecasting the flow of olives to the olive mill.En los modernos olivares, las tecnologías de recogida mecánica han acelerado significativamente la recogida de las cosechas, lo que permite la planificación del momento idóneo de la cosecha. Mientras que la optimización de tiempo de cosecha puede tener importantes efectos en la producción de un aceite de calidad, las herramientas para determinar con precisión la mejor fecha de la cosecha son más bien pobres. Por ejemplo, el indicador de uso común, el índice de maduración de la fruta, no se correlaciona necesariamente con la acumulación de aceite. El contenido de aceite por peso de fruto fresco está estrechamente afectado por el contenido de agua de la fruta, por lo que es un indicador poco fiable. Sin embargo, el aceite en la pasta, calculado sobre una base de peso seco (OPDW), proporciona una indicación fiable de la acumulación de aceite en el fruto. En la mayoría de los cultivares analizados aquí, OPDW nunca excedió 0.5 g·g–1 de peso seco, haciendo de este umbral el mejor indicador para la terminación de la acumulación de aceite y su consiguiente reducción de la calidad. Las tasas de OPDW y los cambios en los parámetros de calidad dependen en gran medida de las condiciones locales, como el clima, el estado hídrico del árbol, y la carga frutal. Por tanto, proponemos un método rápido y fácil de determinar y seguir OPDW en un olivar determinado. El método propuesto es una herramienta útil para la determinación del momento óptimo de cosecha, especialmente en las grandes parcelas bajo prácticas intensivas de cultivo, y con el consiguiente aumento de ingresos. Los resultados de esta investigación pueden aplicarse directamente a un olivar, especialmente en operaciones a gran escala. Siguiendo el método propuesto, las parcelas individuales pueden cosecharse de acuerdo con los perfiles de estado de acumulación de aceite y determinados parámetros de calidad del aceite, por lo tanto explotar eficazmente los potenciales de rendimiento de aceite y calidad. El método puede convertirse en una poderosa herramienta de programar la cosecha a lo largo de la temporada, la previsión de este modo el flujo de las aceitunas a la almazara

The Horizontal Ice Nucleation Chamber (HINC): INP measurements at conditions relevant for mixed-phase clouds at the High Altitude Research Station Jungfraujoch

Abstract. In this work we describe the Horizontal Ice Nucleation Chamber, HINC as a new instrument to measure ambient ice nucleating particle (INP) concentrations for conditions relevant to mixed-phase clouds. Laboratory verification and validation experiments confirm accuracy of the thermodynamic conditions of temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) in HINC with uncertainties in temperature of ±0.4 K and in RH with respect to water (RHw) of ±1.5 %, which translates to an uncertainty in RH with respect to ice (RHi) of ±3.0 % at T &gt; 235 K. For further validation of HINC as a field instrument, two measurement campaigns were conducted in winters 2015 and 2016 at the High Altitude Research Station Jungfraujoch (JFJ; Switzerland, 3580 m a.s.l.) to sample ambient INPs. During winters 2015 and 2016 the site encountered free tropospheric conditions 92 % and 79 % of the time respectively. We measured INP concentrations at 242 K at water sub-saturated conditions (RHw = 94 %), relevant for the formation of ice clouds, and in the water supersaturated regime (RHw = 103–104 %) to represent ice formation occurring under mixed-phase cloud conditions. In winter 2015 and 2016 the median INP concentrations at RHw = 94 % was below the minimum detectable concentration. At RHw = 104 %, INP concentrations were an order of magnitude higher, with median concentrations in winter 2015 of 2.8 per standard liter (stdL−1; normalized to standard temperature T = 273 K and pressure p = 1013 hPa) and 4.7 stdL−1 in winter 2016. The measurements are in agreement with previous winter measurements obtained with the Portable Ice Nucleation Chamber, PINC, of 2.2 stdL−1 at the same location. During winter 2015, two events caused the INP concentrations at RHw = 103–104 % to significantly increase above the campaign average. First, an increase to 72.1 stdL−1 was measured during an event influenced by marine air, coming from the Northern Sea and the Norwegian Sea. Second, INP concentrations up to 146.2 stdL−1 were observed during a Saharan dust event. To our knowledge this is the first time that a clear enrichment in ambient INP concentration is observed during a time of marine air mass influence, indicating the importance of marine particles on ice nucleation in the free troposphere. </jats:p

Impact of Air Mass Conditions and Aerosol Properties on Ice Nucleating Particle Concentrations at the High Altitude Research Station Jungfraujoch

Ice nucleation is the source of primary ice crystals in mixed-phase clouds. Only a small fraction of aerosols called ice nucleating particles (INPs) catalyze ice formation, with their nature and origin remaining unclear. In this study, we investigate potential predictor parameters of meteorological conditions and aerosol properties for INP concentrations at mixed-phase cloud condition at 242 K. Measurements were conducted at the High Altitude Research Station Jungfraujoch (Switzerland, 3580 m a.s.l.), which is located predominantly in the free troposphere (FT) but can occasionally receive injections from the boundary layer (BLI). Measurements are taken during a long-term study of eight field campaigns, allowing for the first time an interannual (2014-2017) and seasonal (spring, summer, and winter) distinction of high-time-resolution INP measurements. We investigate ranked correlation coefficients between INP concentrations and meteorological parameters and aerosol properties. While a commonly used parameterization lacks in predicting the observed INP concentrations, the best INP predictor is the total available surface area of the aerosol particles, with no obvious seasonal trend in the relationship. Nevertheless, the predicting capability is less pronounced in the FT, which might be caused by ageing effects. Furthermore, there is some evidence of anthropogenic influence on INP concentrations during BLI. Our study contributes to an improved understanding of ice nucleation in the free troposphere, however, it also underlines that a knowledge gap of ice nucleation in such an environment exists

The Hemopoietic Stem Cell Niche Versus the Microenvironment of the Multiple Myeloma-Tumor Initiating Cell

Multiple myeloma cells are reminiscent of hemopoietic stem cells in their strict dependence upon the bone marrow microenvironment. However, from all other points of view, multiple myeloma cells differ markedly from stem cells. The cells possess a mature phenotype and secrete antibodies, and have thus made the whole journey to maturity, while maintaining a tumor phenotype. Not much credence was given to the possibility that the bulk of plasma-like multiple myeloma tumor cells is generated from tumor-initiating cells. Although interleukin-6 is a major contributor to the formation of the tumor’s microenvironment in multiple myeloma, it is not a major factor within hemopoietic stem cell niches. The bone marrow niche for myeloma cells includes the activity of inflammatory cytokines released through osteoclastogenesis. These permit maintenance of myeloma cells within the bone marrow. In contrast, osteoclastogenesis constitutes a signal that drives hemopoietic stem cells away from their bone marrow niches. The properties of the bone marrow microenvironment, which supports myeloma cell maintenance and proliferation, is therefore markedly different from the characteristics of the hemopoietic stem cell niche. Thus, multiple myeloma presents an example of a hemopoietic tumor microenvironment that does not resemble the corresponding stem cell renewal niche