Search

A method for the diastereoselective carboboration of 1,2-disubstituted styrenes with aryl/vinyl bromides and (Bpin)2 is reported. High diastereoselectivities and yields are observed for the formation of either diastereomer of the product from a single alkene isomer. These reactions provide access to a diverse range of structures from simple starting materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The asymmetric BODIPY 1 a (BODIPY=4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza- s-indacene), containing two chloro substituents at the 3,8-positions and a reactive 5-methyl group, was synthesized from the asymmetric dipyrroketone 3, which was readily obtained from available pyrrole 2 a. The reactivity of 3,8-dichloro-6-ethyl-1,2,5,7-tetramethyl-BODIPY 1 a was investigated by using four types of reactions. This versatile BODIPY undergoes regioselective Pd0-catalyzed Stille coupling reactions and/or regioselective nucleophilic addition/elimination reactions, first at the 8-chloro and then at the 3-chloro group, using a variety of organostannanes and N-, O-, and S-centered nucleophiles. On the other hand, the more reactive 5-methyl group undergoes regioselective Knoevenagel condensation with an aryl aldehyde to produce a monostyryl-BODIPY, and oxidation with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) gives the corresponding 5-formyl-BODIPY. Investigation of the reactivity of asymmetric BODIPY 1 a led to the preparation of a variety of functionalized BODIPYs with λmax of absorption and emission in the ranges 487-587 and 521-617 nm, respectively. The longest absorbing/emitting compound was the monostyryl-BODIPY 16, and the largest Stokes shift (49 nm) and fluorescence quantum yield (0.94) were measured for 5-thienyl-8-phenoxy-BODIPY 15. The structural properties (including 16 X-ray structures) of the new series of BODIPYs were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To compare health care utilization and payments between NCQA-recognized patient-centered medical home ( PCMH) practices and practices without such recognition. Data Sources Medicare Part A and B claims files from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2010, 2009 Census, 2007 Health Resources and Services Administration and CMS Utilization file, Medicare's Enrollment Data Base, and the 2005 American Medical Association Physician Workforce file. Study Design This study used a longitudinal, nonexperimental design. Three annual observations (July 1, 2008-June 30, 2010) were available for each practice. We compared selected outcomes between practices with and those without NCQA PCMH recognition. Data Collection Methods Individual Medicare fee-for-service ( FFS) beneficiaries and their claims and utilization data were assigned to PCMH or comparison practices based on where they received the plurality of evaluation and management services between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008. Principal Findings Relative to the comparison group, total Medicare payments, acute care payments, and the number of emergency room visits declined after practices received NCQA PCMH recognition. The decline was larger for practices with sicker than average patients, primary care practices, and solo practices. Conclusions This study provides additional evidence about the potential of the PCMH model for reducing health care utilization and the cost of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses considerations in preparing and conducting thorough job analyses and lawful job descriptions. It mentions the importance of conducting a job analysis prior to the preparation of the job description as an effective method to determine essential functions of a job in compliance with the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Also discussed are the legal significance of a job description and best practices.

One of the two stated objectives of the new "Research Note" section of Political Psychology is to present short reports that highlight novel methodological approaches. Toward that end, we call readers' attention to the "flanker task," a research protocol widely employed in the study of the cognitive processes involved with detection, recognition, and distraction. The flanker task has increasingly been modified to study social traits, and we believe it has untapped value in the area of political psychology. Here we describe the flanker task--discussing its potential for political psychology--and illustrate this potential by presenting results from a study correlating political ideology to flanker effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the accommodations provided to female employees under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) in the U.S. It discusses the treatment to be provided to pregnant employees and those with certain medical conditions under PDA. It discusses how long the employer needs to continue paying the employee when on leave, as well as keep the job open under PDA.

I Grass and Forage Science i has a strong history of publishing science related to the role of legumes in grassland farming systems. Pasture legumes are uniquely placed to provide high-quality forage and biologically fixed nitrogen despite the challenges associated with the incorporation of legumes into grazing systems. A special theme issue on forage legumes in grassland systems appeared in June 2014 with an emphasis on European farming systems, e.g., Lüscher et al. (2014), although papers on evaluation and management of annual legumes were included (Ates et al., 2014). [Extracted from the article]

The article presents questions and answers related to Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act including what employer mandate is, what an applicable large employer is and full-time employment as defined under the Act.

Nine different stearin fractions with 1,3-distearoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycerol (StOSt) contents ranging from 69-84% were obtained via fractionation from fats produced by acidolysis of high oleic sunflower oil (HOSO) with various mixtures of stearic (either 95 or 98% pure) and palmitic acids (98% pure). Samples were further treated with silica to reduce the oxidised glyceride and DAG content. Isothermal crystallisation at 20°C showed a single main peak, but evidence of crystallisation during the initial DSC transient was also apparent for high StOSt content samples. This was confirmed as the α form by stop-and-return DSC and XRD. The main crystallisation event was generally faster (including a shorter induction time) for samples with higher StOSt levels (lower POSt levels). Silica treatment generally accelerated transformations to higher polymorphs (γ, β′ and β). Raman microscopy experiments showed that crystallisation of the β-form was achieved after 7 days storage at 20°C but only in the silica treated stearin samples. This is consistent with higher solid fat content (SFC) values that were obtained with silica treated samples, which also increased with higher levels of StOSt. The results suggest that such stearins could potentially replace shea stearin in cocoa butter equivalents (CBE) formulations. Practical applications: This paper has two main practical applications: (i) Provides knowledge and understanding of the crystallisation and polymorphic behaviour of isolated hard stearins, obtained from enzymatic acidolysis of high oleic sunflower oil, which can be further used in CBE formulations. (ii) The presence of minor components significantly delays the crystallisation of the stearins, confirming the desirability of higher quality (less oxidised/hydrolysed) fat ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symmetric dipyrrylketones 1 a, b were synthesized in two steps from the corresponding α-free pyrroles, by reaction with thiophosgene followed by oxidative hydrolysis under basic conditions. The dipyrrylketones produced the corresponding 5-chloro-dipyrrinium salts or 5-ethoxy-dipyrrins on reaction with phosgene or Meerwein's salt, respectively. Boron complexation of the dipyrrins afforded the corresponding 8-functionalized BODIPYs (borondipyrromethenes) in high yields. The 5-chloro-dipyrrinium salts reacted with methoxide or ethoxide ions to produce monopyrrole esters, presumably via a 5,5-dialkoxy-dipyrromethane intermediate. In contrast, 8-chloro-BODIPYs underwent a variety of nucleophilic substitutions of the chloro group in the presence of alkoxide ions, Grignard reagents, and thiols. In the presence of excess alkoxide or Grignard reagent, at room temperature or above, substitution at the boron center also occurred. The 8-chloro-BODIPY was a particularly useful reagent for the preparation of 8-aryl-, 8-alkyl-, and 8-vinyl-substituted BODIPYs in very high yields, using Pd0-catalyzed Stille cross-coupling reactions. The X-ray structures of eleven BODIPYs and two pyrroles are presented, and the spectroscopic properties of the synthesized BODIPYs are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on a study which examines the effects of diacylglycerol (DAG) on the physical characteristics of silica-treated shea stearin (SHs), which is produced through the fractionation of shea butter obtained from the Vitellaria paradoxa tree. The characteristics of SHs during melting, as defined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is examined. Its crystal forms characteristics as defined through X-ray diffraction and Raman microscopy is also discussed.

Copper-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura-type cross-coupling and carboboration processes are reported. The cross-couplings function well with a variety of substituted aryl iodides and aryl boronic esters and allows for orthogonal reactivity compared to palladium-catalyzed processes. The carboboration method includes both alkynes and allenes and provides access to highly substituted and stereodefined vinyl boronic esters. The alkyne carboboration method is highlighted in the simple one-pot synthesis of Tamoxifen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers tips on how to draft an effective handbook for employees. The author mentions the companies should drft employee handbook because it helps them reduce the risk of workers' lawsuits. Moreover, the provisions that should be incorporated in the handbook and the advantages of drafting one are also discussed.

The article presents questions and answers concerning the legal and policy issues surrounding the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies of most employers in the U.S.

This article reports results from the first twin study of adults in the United States that focuses exclusively and comprehensively on political traits. These data allow us to test whether a common set of genetic and environmental influences act upon a broad variety of values, personality traits, and political attitudes. In short, it allows us to empirically investigate whether there are a core set of predispositions that form the basis of our political orientations and, if so, whether these predispositions are shaped by the same environmental and innate forces. The key finding from our analysis is that there are core political predispositions that are rooted in common genetic and environmental influences and that these predispositions are empirically distinct from broader personality traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents questions and answers related to employee wellness programs such as the implications of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to employee wellness programs, the impact of Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) employee wellness programs, and other federal programs to be considered in creating an employee wellness programs.

I examine the positive and negative features of synthetic biology ('SynBio') from a utilitarian ethical perspective. The potential beneficial outcomes from Syn Bio in the context of medicine are substantial; however it is not presently possible to predict precise outcomes due to the nascent state of the field. Potential negative outcomes from Syn Bio also exist, including iatrogenesis and bioterrorism; however it is not yet possible to quantify these risks. I argue that the application of a 'precautionary' approach to Syn Bio is ethically fraught, as is the notion that Syn Bio-associated knowledge ought to be restricted. I conclude that utilitarians ought to support a broadly laissez-faire stance in respect of Syn Bio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystallization of shea stearin was investigated both before and after pre-treatment with silica to remove a small amount (0.7 wt%) of diacylglycerols (DAGs) and oxidized material. NMR (for solid fat content), X-ray diffraction (XRD), polarized light microscopy, confocal Raman microscopy, and non-isothermal, isothermal and 'stop-and-return' differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques were used. Four major polymorphs previously found with 1,3-distearoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycerol (StOSt) were detected: α, γ, β′, and β; whilst evidence for a further (δ) polymorph was found by DSC and possibly XRD but not Raman spectroscopy. Isothermal crystallization of shea stearins by DSC at 20°C produced α and δ forms within 5 min which then transformed to γ. Microscope images showed that after 1 day these had transformed into β′ with a few crystals of β, with further conversion to β after one week. Silica treated samples showed a faster initial crystallization, with faster transformation or direct crystallization into δ and then γ and β′ forms. Non-isothermal DSC also showed a faster transformation into γ from α on the subsequent remelt. However, further transformation into β appeared to occur at reasonably similar rates for both types, suggesting that DAGs have less influence on this transformation and may be excluded from higher forms. Practical applications: This paper has two main practical applications: (i) Provides knowledge and understanding of the crystallization and polymorphic behavior of commercial shea stearin, which is a widely used fat in the confectionery, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. (ii) The presence of small amounts of DAGs significantly delays the crystallization process of shea stearin, particularly of the lower polymorphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential for chemical H2 storage on liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) has focused attention on the catalytic reactions needed to store and release H2 from the LOHCs. Herein we review our recent studies on the use of N-ethylcarbazole and carbazole as LOHCs. Experimental data show that the hydrogenation reactions are relatively facile, although N-ethylcarbazole hydrogenates 10×'s faster than carbazole on a 5 wt% Ru/Al2O3 catalyst at 150°C. Dehydrogenation of dodecahydro- N-ethylcarbazole is more difficult than hydrogenation and is structure sensitive on Pd catalysts. Maximum activity and 100% selectivity to the completely dehydrogenated product, N-ethylcarbazole, was achieved over a 4 wt% Pd/SiO2 catalyst with dPd ∼ 9 nm. The dehydrogenation TOF of dodecahydrocarbazole and dodecahydrofluorene were much lower than dodecahydro- N-ethylcarbazole. DFT was used to identify the dehydrogenation mechanism and explain the experimental observations. Both theoretical and experimental results lead to the conclusion that dodecahydro- N-ethylcarbazole is a better H2storage candidate than dodecahydrocarbazole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents questions and answers related to internships including factors to consider in the classification of interns as employees, internship training, and tips to avoid misclassifcation of interns.

ABSTRACT We develop a methodology to obtain a consistent velocity model from calibration shots or microseismicity observed on a buried array. Using a layered 1D isotropic model derived from checkshots as an initial velocity model, we invert P-wave arrival times to obtain effective anisotropic parameters with a vertical axis of symmetry (VTI). The nonlinear inversion uses iteration between linearized inversion for anisotropic parameters and origin times or depths, which is specific to microseismic monitoring. We apply this technique to multiple microseismic events from several treatments within a buried array. The joint inversion of selected events shows a largely reduced RMS error indicating that we can obtain robust estimates of anisotropic parameters, however we do not show improved source locations. For joint inversion of multiple microseismic events we obtained Thomsen anisotropic parameters ε of 0.15 and δ of 0.05, which are consistent with values observed in active seismic surveys. These values allow us to locate microseismic events from multiple hydraulic fracture treatments separated across thousands of metres with a single velocity model. As a result, we invert the effective anisotropy for the buried array region and are able to provide a more consistent microseismicity mapping for past and future hydraulic fracture stimulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unique properties of cocoa butter (CB) are due to the fact that it is composed, for the most part, of just three TAGs, 1,3-dipalmitoyl-2-oleoylglycerol (POP), 1,3-distearoyl-2-oleoylglycerol (StOSt), and rac-1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-3-stearoylglycerol (POSt). In this study we have examined blends, at 10% intervals, across the ternary of these three TAG by stabilizing them during a lengthy temperature regime designed to induce the most stable polymorph at the point of melting. The liquidus observed is in good agreement with that predicted using the Hildebrand model. A eutectic is seen in each binary system, with a possible ternary eutectic present at about POP:POSt 1:1 and <10% StOSt. CB stabilized following the same regime exhibits solid fat contents much greater than those obtained following the standard IUPAC 2.150(b) stabilization, likely to be due to the presence of the βVI polymorph rather than the βV form. Practical applications: The processing characteristics and final properties of fat based products depend greatly on the composition, crystallization, and melting properties of the fat or fats involved. In the case of chocolate and confectionery, this fat is CB. The present study confirms many of the relevant published phase diagrams and emphasizes the compositional areas having similar melting behavior to that of CB and, hence, suitable for cocoa butter equivalents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies report that chalcones exhibit cytotoxicity to human cancer cell lines. Typically, the form of cell death induced by these compounds is apoptosis. In the context of the discovery of new anticancer agents and in light of the antitumour potential of several chalcone derivatives, in the present study, we synthesized and tested the cytotoxicity of six chalcone derivatives on human colon adenocarcinoma cells. Six derivatives of 3-phenyl-1-(thiophen-2-yl) prop-2-en-1-one were prepared and characterized on the basis of their 1H and 13C NMR spectra. HT-29 cells were treated with synthesized chalcones on two concentrations by three different incubation times. Cells were evaluated by cell morphology, Tetrazolium dye (MTT) colorimetric assay, live/dead, flow cytometry (annexin V) and gene expression analyses to determine the cytotoxic way. Chalcones 3-(4-bromophenyl)-1-(thiophen-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one (C06) and 3-(2-nitrophenyl)-1-(thiophen-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one (C09) demonstrated higher cytotoxicity than other chalcones as shown by cell morphology, live/dead and MTT assays. In addition, C06 induced apoptosis on flow cytometry annexin V assay. These data were confirmed by a decreased expression of anti-apoptotic genes and increased pro-apoptotic genes. Our findings indicate in summary that the cytotoxic activity of chalcone C06 on colorectal carcinoma cells occurs by apoptosis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents questions and answers related to Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of the U.S. such as when an employee become covered of FLSA, when to consider employee's action fall under FLSA, and things that could be learned by employers from the case Rutti v. Lojack Corp. Inc.

The article presents questions and answers related in making employment decisions including the circumstances that an employer can base decisions on the employees criminal records, disparate impact, and treatment.

Recent work suggests that people predict how objects interact in a manner consistent with Newtonian physics, but with additional uncertainty. However, the sources of uncertainty have not been examined. In this study, we measure perceptual noise in initial conditions and stochasticity in the physical model used to make predictions. Participants predicted the trajectory of a moving object through occluded motion and bounces, and we compared their behavior to an ideal observer model. We found that human judgments cannot be captured by simple heuristics and must incorporate noisy dynamics. Moreover, these judgments are biased consistently with a prior expectation on object destinations, suggesting that people use simple expectations about outcomes to compensate for uncertainty about their physical models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although predator effects on the number of locally coexisting species are well understood, there are few formal predictions of how these local predator effects influence patterns of prey diversity at larger spatial scales. Building on the theory of island biogeography, we develop a simple model that describes how predators can alter the scaling of diversity in prey metacommunities and compares the effects of generalist and specialist predators on regional prey diversity. Generalist predators, which consume prey randomly with respect to species identity, are predicted to reduce α-diversity and increase β-diversity thereby maintaining regional diversity (γ-diversity). Alternatively, specialist predators, which filter out prey species intolerant of predators, are predicted to reduce bothα-diversity andβ-diversity by causing the same prey species to be extirpated in each locality, resulting in regional prey species extinctions and lower γ-diversity. These distinct effects of generalist and specialist predators on prey diversity at different spatial scales are uniquely shaped by the extent of predation within those metacommunities. Overall, our model results make general predictions for how different types of predators can differentially affect prey diversity across spatial scales, allowing a more complete understanding of the possible implications of predator eradications or introductions for biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The Patient Journey Record system ( Pa JR) is an application of a complex adaptive chronic care model in which early detection of adverse changes in patient biopsychosocial trajectories prompts tailored care, constitute the cornerstone of the model. Aims To evaluate the Pa JR system's impact on care and the experiences of older people with chronic illness, who were at risk of repeat admissions over 12 months. Design Community-based cohort study - random assignment into intervention and usual care group, with process and outcome evaluation. Study population Adult and older patients with multiple morbidity, one or more chronic diseases with one or more overnight hospitalizations, and seven or more general practice visits in the past 6 months. Complex intervention Pa JR lay care guides/advocates call patients and their caregivers. The care guides summarize their semi-structured conversations about health concerns and well-being. Predictive modelling and rules-based algorithms trigger alerts in relation to online call summaries. Alerts are acted upon according to agreed guidelines. Analysis Descriptive and comparative statistics. Outcomes Impact on unplanned emergency ambulatory care sensitive admissions ( ACSC) with an overnight stay; sensitivity of alerts and predictions; rates of care guides-supported activities. Findings Five part-time lay care guides and a care manager monitored 153 intervention patients for 500 person months with 5050 phone calls. The 153 patients in the intervention group were comparable to the 61 controls. The intervention group reported in 50% of calls that their health limited their social activities; and one-third of calls reported immediate health concerns. Predictive analytics were highly sensitive to risk of hospitalization. ACSC admissions were reduced by 50% compared to controls across the sites. Discussion The initial implementation of a complex patient-centred adaptive chronic care model using lay care guides, supported by machine learning, appeared sensitive to risk of hospitalization and capable of stabilizing illness journeys in older patients with multi-morbidity. Conclusion Actions based on alerts produced in this study appeared to significantly reduce hospitalizations. This paves the way for further testing of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In opposition to the premises of Against Homeopathy - a Utilitarian Perspective, all four respondents base their objections on the central claims that homeopathy is in fact scientifically plausible and is supported by empirical evidence. Despite ethical aspects forming the main thrust of Against Homeopathy, the respondents' focus on scientific aspects represents sound strategy, since the ethical case against homeopathy would be weakened concomitant with the extent to which any plausibility for homeopathy could be demonstrated. The trouble here is that the respondents are attempting to perpetuate a sterile debate. The notion that homeopathic preparations could have any biological effects represents a fringe viewpoint, one not entertained by serious scientists nor supported by reason and evidence. In the present article, I shall endeavour to explain why the respondents do not have a valid case. I will deal firstly with their general approach to scientific plausibility and evidence, and then consider some of the specific claims they have made. Finally, I will answer the philosophical arguments some of the respondents have raised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT I examine the positive and negative features of homeopathy from an ethical perspective. I consider: (a) several potentially beneficial features of homeopathy, including non-invasiveness, cost-effectiveness, holism, placebo benefits and agent autonomy; and (b) several potentially negative features of homeopathy, including failure to seek effective healthcare, wastage of resources, promulgation of false beliefs and a weakening of commitment to scientific medicine. A utilitarian analysis of the utilities and disutilities leads to the conclusion that homeopathy is ethically unacceptable and ought to be actively rejected by healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). It stresses the struggle of employers in achieving the law's reasonable accommodation requirements and undue hardship establishment for employees with disabilities. Furthermore, it provides a list of common mistakes that violate ADA including the employers' failure to engage in the interactive process and the automatic termination of employee on Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) expiration.

Forty to fifty percent decreases in acidic deposition through the 1980s and 1990s led to partial recovery of acidified surface waters in the northeastern United States; however, the limited number of studies that have assessed soil change found increased soil acidification during this period. From existing data, it's not clear whether soils continued to worsen in the 1990s or if recovery had begun. To evaluate possible changes in soils through the 1990s, soils in six red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) stands in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, first sampled in 1992 to 1993, were resampled in 2003 to 2004. The Oa-horizon pH increased (P < 0.01) at three sites, was marginally higher (P < 0.1) at one site, and lower (P < 0.05) at the New York site. Total C concentrations in Oa horizons decreased (P < 0.05) at sites where the pH increased, but the cause is uncertain. Exchangeable Al concentrations in Oa horizons decreased (P < 0.05) 20 to 40% at all sites except New York, which showed no change. The AI decrease can be attributed to decreased deposition of SO42-, which decreased the mobility of Al throughout the upper soil profile. Results indicate a nascent recovery driven largely by vegetation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four blends formulated with low saturated fatty acid content, with the saturated component rich in stearic acid, were prepared from shea stearin, interesterified shea stearin, fully hardened soybean oil and high oleic sunflower oil in order to study their performance as shortenings in puff pastry products. The blends had a low saturated fatty acid content (30.1 ± 1.1%) compared to butter (65.9%). Saturates in the four blends examined came mainly from SSS, SOS, SSO and SOO. Puff pastry prepared from the blend that contained SOS as the main source of saturates had better properties than the other blends. It was similar to butter in compressibility of the baked product. The β-polymorphic form was present in all blends, although blends containing the highest levels of SSS also showed some β′ crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TAGs play an important role in determining the functional properties of fat-based food products such as margarines, chocolate, and spreads. Nowadays, special attention is given to the role of the TAG structure and how it affects functional properties such as mouth feel, texture, and plasticity. Key to this research is the need to develop more healthy fats with a reduced level of trans and saturated fatty acids (SFAs), while maintaining the desired properties. In this study, fat blends with identical levels of SFA (50%) but differing in the ratio asymmetric/symmetric blends were evaluated by pulsed NMR and texturometry as a function of storage time and storage temperature. A higher trisaturated TAG content gave rise to a higher solid fat content (SFC) at higher temperature and a lower SFC at lower temperature for both palmitic and stearic based blends. On the other hand, the effect of symmetry on the SFC-profile of the blends was only clear for the stearic based blends. At lower temperatures, the SFC of symmetric TAG based blend (blend SM) was markedly lower than that of asymmetric TAG based blend (blend iS). However, from 30°C onwards, the SFC of blend SM was clearly higher than that of blend iS. The microscopic analyses revealed a denser crystal network for a higher degree of trisaturated TAG and for symmetric stearic based blends. Moreover, some blends showed a clear evolution of the microstructure during storage with smaller crystals transforming into larger ones. Finally, texture analyses demonstrated the importance of the crystallization and storage temperature on the hardness of the blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human population growth and economic development threaten the integrity of freshwater ecosystems globally, reducing their ability to support biodiversity and provide ecosystem services. However, our knowledge of freshwater biodiversity is fragmented due to bias in conservation research toward primarily terrestrial or charismatic taxonomic groups. Here, we utilize the most comprehensive assessment of freshwater biodiversity for an entire continent to examine the implications of this shortfall. Results indicate that groups that have been the focus of most conservation research are poor surrogates for patterns of both richness and threat for many freshwater groups, and that the existing protected area network underrepresents freshwater species. Areas of highest species richness and threat are congruent with areas where reliance on ecosystem services by humans and pressures placed on freshwater ecosystems are high. These results have implications for targets to reduce biodiversity loss and safeguard associated ecosystem services on which millions of people depend globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four fat blends based on palm fractions in combination with high oleic sunflower oil (HOSF) with a relatively low saturated fatty acid content (29.2 ± 0.85%, i.e. less than 50% of that of butter) were prepared. The saturated fat was located in different TAG structures in each blend. Principal saturated TAG were derived from palm stearin (POs, containing tripalmitoyl glycerol-PPP), palm mid-fraction (PMF, containing 1,3-dipalmitoyl-2-oleoyl glycerol-POP) and interesterified PMF (inPMF, containing PPP, POP and rac-1,2-dipalmitoyl-3-oleoyl glycerol-PPO). Thus, in blend 1, composed of POs and HOSF, the saturates resided principally in PPP. In blend 2, composed of POs, PMF and HOSF, the principal saturate-containing TAG were PPP and POP. Blend 3, composed of inPMF and HOSF, was similar to blend 2 except that the disaturated TAG comprised a 2:1 mixture of PPO:POP. Finally, blend 4, a mixture of PMF and HOSF, had saturates present mainly as POP. The physical properties and the functionality of blends, as shortenings for puff pastry laminated in a warm bakery environment (20-24°C), were compared with each other, and with butter. Puff pastry prepared with blend 1 (POs:HOSF 29:71) and blend 4 (PMF:HOSF 41:59), was very hard; blend 2 (POs:PMF:HOSF 13:19:68) was most similar to butter in the compressibility of the baked product and it performed well in an independent baking trial; blend 3 (inPMF:HOSF 40:60) gave a product that required a higher force for compression than butter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the ethical aspects of homeopathy as form of health care. It states that providing homeopathy as a medicine to patients is unethical because it may lead to more risks for the patient's health and wastes of resources. It mentions that the use of homeopathy as a placebo-based therapy is ethically and logically flawed as its founder, Samuel Hahnemann, believes that it can cause psychological changes in the patient.

Over the years, there has been a steady stream of publications on the influence that minor components and additives have on the physical properties of fat continuous systems. These have been reviewed here. Both indigenous and added components are taken into account. The various materials have been discussed, ranging from partial glycerides and phospholipids to esterified sugars and polyols. Within the publications in this area, the (sub-)micron effects that these minor components have on nucleation, crystal growth, morphology, heat capacity and polymorphic stability have been described and discussed and, sometimes, explained. Similarly, the effects on a macroscopic level, such as visual aspects, melting profiles, post-hardening and rheology have been the subject of research. Although limited compositional information, especially of additives, hinders appropriate discussions of the relevant mechanisms, some generic guidelines as to what type and strength of effect can be expected have been derived. As a general rule, a more significant influence is observed when the acyl group of the minor component (where present) is similar to those present in the fat itself. Additives may have different effects depending on the fat they are added to, their concentration and the temperature, especially with increasing undercooling (which typically reduces the effect of additives). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we trace the route by which genetics could ultimately connect to issue attitudes and suggest that central to this connection are chronic dispositional preferences for mass-scale social rules, order, and conduct-what we label political ideology. The need to resolve bedrock social dilemmas concerning such matters as leadership style, protection from outgroups, and the degree to which norms of conduct are malleable, is present in any large-scale social unit at any time. This universality is important in that it leaves open the possibility that genetics could influence stances on issues of the day. Here, we measure orientation to these bedrock principles in two ways-a survey of conscious, self-reported positions and an implicit association test (IAT) of latent orientations toward fixed or flexible rules of social conduct. In an initial test, both measures were predictive of stances on issues of the day as well as of ideological self-labeling, thereby suggesting that the heritability of specific issue attitudes could be the result of the heritability of general orientations toward bedrock principles of mass-scale group life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An appreciation of the structures of the oligosaccharide chains which become attached to biomolecules (the process known as glycosylation), and their relevance to the biological function of the molecule concerned, has progressed rapidly in recent years with developments in site-selective protein glycosylation, oligosaccharide synthesis and in vivo targeting of oligosaccharides. These developments have necessitated the parallel development of effective analytical tools for the determination of the structures of glycosylation. The conclusion of studies in the 1980s and 1990s was that high pH anion exchange chromatography (HPAEC) was the most effective HPLC mode for the analysis of glycosylation. It allowed the fractionation of complex mixtures of monosaccharides or oligosaccharides, the latter in terms of charge, size, composition, anomerity and intra-chain linkages. This review reinvestigates whether HPAEC still appears to offer the most effective means of analysing glycosylation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photosynthetic bacteria are capable of carrying out the fundamental biological processes of carbon dioxide assimilation and photosynthesis. In this work, ensemble modeling (EM) was used to examine the behavior of mutant strains of the nonsulfur purple photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides containing a blockage in the primary CO assimilatory pathway, which is responsible for cellular redox balance. When the Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) pathway is nonfunctional, spontaneous adaptive mutations have evolved allowing for the use of at least two separate alternative redox balancing routes enabling photoheterotrophic growth to occur. The first of these routes expresses the nitrogenase complex, even in the presence of normal repressing ammonia levels, dissipating excess reducing power via its inherent hydrogenase activity to produce large quantities of hydrogen gas. The second of these routes may dissipate excess reducing power through reduction of sulfate by the formation of hydrogen sulfide. EM was used here to investigate metabolism of R. sphaeroides and clearly shows that inactivation of the CBB pathway affects the organism's ability to achieve redox balance, which can be restored via the above-mentioned alternative redox routes. This work demonstrates that R. sphaeroides is capable of adapting alternative ways via mutation to dissipate excess reducing power when the CBB pathway is inactive, and that EM is successful in describing this behavior. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upon infection with many RNA viruses, the cytoplasmic retinoic acid inducible gene-I (RIG-I) pathway activates the latent transcription factor IRF-3, causing its nuclear translocation and the induction of many antiviral genes, including those encoding interferons. Here, we report a novel and distinct activity of IRF-3, in virus-infected cells, that induces apoptosis. Using genetically defective mouse and human cell lines, we demonstrated that, although both pathways required the presence of RIG-I, IPS1, TRAF3 and TBK1, only the apoptotic pathway required the presence of TRAF2 and TRAF6 in addition. More importantly, transcriptionally inactive IRF-3 mutants, such as the one missing its DNA-binding domain, could efficiently mediate apoptosis. Apoptosis was triggered by the direct interaction of IRF-3, through a newly identified BH3 domain, with the pro-apoptotic protein Bax, their co-translocation to the mitochondria and the resulting activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Thus, IRF-3 is a dual-action cytoplasmic protein that, upon activation, translocates to the nucleus or to the mitochondrion and triggers two complementary antiviral responses of the infected cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most earnings restatements are blamed on error, or misunderstanding of GAAP, but suspicion persists that many of these restatements are instead due to intentional earnings management. We analyze balance sheet bloat, or unusually high levels of working capital account balances, for evidence of sustained, income-increasing earnings management prior to initial non-GAAP financial reports. We establish a pattern of systematically increasing balance sheet bloat for firms later issuing clearly fraudulent financial reports. Next, we compare bloat for apparently non-fraud restatements to fraud and control samples. We find non-fraud restatement companies’ bloat is higher than control companies for two years preceding the initial misstated financial report. But, these firms accumulate less balance sheet bloat than companies with restatements clearly involving fraud. This suggests meaningful, but not pervasive, earnings management underlying even apparently non-fraudulent restatements. We extend our analysis to discretionary accruals and real activity earnings management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that there is considerable population structure in cultivated barley (Hordeum vu/gare L.), with the strongest structure corresponding to differences in row number and growth habit. U.S. barley breeding programs include six-row and two-row types and winter and spring types in all combinations. To facilitate mapping of complex traits in breeding germplasm, 1816 barley lines from 10 U.S. breeding programs were scored with 1536 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping assays. The number of SNPs segregating within breeding programs varied from 854 to 1398. Model-based analysis of population structure showed the expected clustering by row type and growth habit; however, there was additional structure, some of which corresponded to the breeding programs. The model that fit the data best had seven populations: three two-row spring, two six-row spring, and two six-row winter. Average linkage disequilibrium (LD) within populations decayed over a distance of 20 to 30 cM, but some populations showed long-range LD suggestive of admixture. Genetic distance (allele-sharing) between populations varied from 0.11 (six-row spring vs. six-row spring) to 0.45 (two-row spring vs. six-row spring). Analyses of pairwise LD revealed that the phase of allelic associations was not well correlated between populations, particularly when their allele-sharing distance was >0.2. These results suggest that pooling divergent barley populations for purposes of association mapping may be inadvisable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the impact of accumulating polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil, plants, and water at the North Canadian River floodplain in Oklahoma. The authors measured the concentration and distribution of PAH, and examined the sources of PAH through chronosequence of floodplain soils used in vegetation. In investigating the spatial distribution of PAH, principal component, cluster and correlation analyses are used, combined with diagnostic ratios. It concludes that atmospheric deposition is likely the main PAH contamination method due to asphalt production, and previous landfill operations.