text:
Zinc Lactate Dihydrate Purified Powder
Jost Code: 2963
Zinc Lactate can be used as a dietary supplement and as a nutrient. Zinc is an important antioxidant nutrient. It is necessary for protein synthesis, wound healing, for blood stability, normal tissue function, and aids in the digestion and metabolism of phosphorus. It also governs the contractility of muscles and maintains the body's alkaline balance. Product specifications, SDSs and certifications are available under Additional Information.
Technical Information
Related Articles
Calcified Tissue International. 2001 Sep
Mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential of strontium in bone.
The processes of bone resorption and formation are tightly governed by a variety of systemic and local regulatory agents. In addition, minerals and trace elements affect bone formation and resorption through direct or indirect effects on bone cells or bone mineral. Some trace elements closely chemically related to calcium, such as strontium (Sr), have pharmacological… Read Abstract
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A. 2015 Oct
Strontium-impregnated bioabsorbable composite for osteoporotic fracture fixation.
Osteoporosis impairs the bone-healing process as well as bone fracture fixation. The intervention of osteoporosis is considered to be one part of bone fracture treatment. Thus, orthopedic fixators impregnated with antiosteoporosis regimens will improve fracture fixation in osteoporotic bone. In this study, the strontium (Sr) and calcium phosphate ceramic (CPC) were mixed first and then… Read Abstract
Food Chemistry. 2014 Jan
Geographic determination of coffee beans using multi-element analysis and isotope ratios of boron and strontium.
This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using chemical and isotopic compositions of coffee beans to identify their geographic origins. Twenty-one Coffea arabica beans collected from 14 countries in 3 major coffee-producing regions, Africa, America and Asia, were analysed for multi-element of B, Rb, Sr, Ba, Fe, Mn and Zn, as well as isotopic… Read Abstract
- Poultry Science . 2019 Mar Effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on growth performance and concentrations of malondialdehyde, zinc in tissues, and corticosterone in broiler chickens under heat stress conditions.
The Journal of Clinical Dentistry. 2014 Jan
The effect of zinc lactate and magnolia bark extract added tablets on volatile sulfur-containing compounds in the oral cavity.
A controlled, clinical, double-blind study was conducted to assess the efficacy of sugar-free tablets containing zinc lactate and magnolia bark extract (MBE) on oral volatile sulfur-containing compounds (VSC) versus placebo tablets for two hours. METHODS: In order to join the study, subjects had to have at least 24 teeth, no report of oral and systemic… Read Abstract
Animal Science Journal. 2015 Aug
Zinc-bearing zeolite clinoptilolite improves tissue zinc accumulation in laying hens by enhancing zinc transporter gene mRNA abundance.
A study was conducted to investigate effects of zinc-bearing zeolite clinoptilolite (ZnCP), as an alternative for zinc sulfate (ZnSO4), on laying performance, tissue Zn accumulation and Zn transporter genes expression in laying hens. Hy-Line Brown laying hens were allocated to three treatments, each of which had six replicates with 15 hens per replicate, receiving basal… Read Abstract
Oral Health and Preventive Dentistry. 2010 Jan
The effects of a zinc citrate dentifrice on bacteria found on oral surfaces.
PURPOSE: Clinical studies with dentifrices formulated with antimicrobial ingredients typically examine the effects of their use on clinical parameters of dental plaque and gingivitis. The effects of routine use of these formulations on the microorganisms found in the distinct regions of the human mouth remain unexplored. The present cross-over design clinical study compared the effects… Read Abstract
Korean Journal of Urology. 2012 Feb
Induction of apoptosis of bladder cancer cells by zinc-citrate compound.
PURPOSE: Zinc is one of the trace minerals in the body and is known to have an anticancer effect by inducing apoptosis in prostate cancer. We aimed to investigate the antiproliferative effects of a zinc-citrate compound in bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A bladder cancer cell line (MBT-2) was treated with a zinc-citrate compound at… Read Abstract
The Journal of Nutrition. 2014 Feb
Zinc absorption by young adults from supplemental zinc citrate is comparable with that from zinc gluconate and higher than from zinc oxide.
The water-soluble zinc salts gluconate, sulfate, and acetate are commonly used as supplements in tablet or syrup form to prevent zinc deficiency and to treat diarrhea in children in combination with oral rehydration. Zinc citrate is an alternative compound with high zinc content, slightly soluble in water, which has better sensory properties in syrups but… Read Abstract
Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2019 Mar
Zinc citrate incorporation with whey protein nanoparticles alleviate the oxidative stress complication and modulate gene expression in the liver of rats.
This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of whey protein nanoparticles (WP-NPs) coated Zinc citrate (Zn) against oxidative stress complications and disturbances in gene expression in rats treated with CCl4. WP-NPs were used to coat Zn at three levels and amino acids content was determined in WP-NPs and the fabrications. Seven groups of male… Read Abstract
Journal of Veterinary Dentistry. 2001 Dec
Clinical and microbiological effects of oral zinc ascorbate gel in cats.
The clinical and microbiological effects of zinc ascorbate gel applied orally in cats were evaluated during a 42-day study period. Cats were divided randomly into two equal groups, with the treatment group (18 cats) receiving zinc ascorbate gel and the control group (18 cats) receiving a placebo (0.9% sterile saline). Clinical parameters evaluated biweekly included… Read Abstract
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2011 Oct
Susceptibility of Propionibacterium acnes isolated from patients with acne vulgaris to zinc ascorbate and antibiotics.
PURPOSE: The in vitro antimicrobial activity of ascorbic acid derivatives against Propionibacterium acnes was tested either alone or in combination with a variety of antimicrobial agents, and their fractional inhibitory concentration index was determined using checkerboard tests. The antimicrobial effectiveness of zinc ascorbate in the treatment of acne vulgaris, either alone or in combination with… Read Abstract
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2012 Sep
Zinc ascorbate has superoxide dismutase-like activity and in vitro antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a common dermatological disease, and its pathogenesis is multifactorial. OBJECTIVE: We examined whether the ascorbic acid derivative zinc ascorbate has superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity. SOD is an enzyme that controls reactive oxygen species production. In addition, the in vitro antimicrobial activity of zinc ascorbate against the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and… Read Abstract
Contact Dermatitis. 2000 Feb
Strontium nitrate suppresses chemically-induced sensory irritation in humans.
Skin care products are complex formulations that may cause sensory irritation symptoms, characterized by stinging, burning, and itching. Substances capable of counteracting sensory irritation are of great practical interest. Strontium salts have been demonstrated to inhibit sensory irritation and inflammation when applied topically. In this double-blind study, we evaluated the efficacy of strontium nitrate in… Read Abstract
Dermatology. 2010 May
Strontium nitrate decreased histamine-induced itch magnitude and duration in man.
BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that strontium salts have a potent and broad ability to suppress sensory irritation. OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the possible antipruritic effects of topical strontium salts, we conducted a double-blind randomized study to evaluate the effect of 20% strontium nitrate on itch magnitude (intensity) and duration. METHODS: In 8 human subjects, strontium… Read Abstract
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2016 Aug
Bioavailability of potassium from potatoes and potassium gluconate: a randomized dose response trial.
BACKGROUND: The bioavailability of potassium should be considered in setting requirements, but to our knowledge, the bioavailability from individual foods has not been determined. Potatoes provide 19-20% of potassium in the American diet.OBJECTIVE: We compared the bioavailability and dose response of potassium from nonfried white potatoes with skin [targeted at 20, 40, and 60 milliequivalents… Read Abstract
British Journal of Anaesthesia. 2013 May
Effect of intrathecal magnesium in the presence or absence of local anaesthetic with and without lipophilic opioids: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Spinal anaesthesia is the primary anaesthetic technique for many types of surgery. Adjuncts to the local anaesthetics (LA) used in spinal anaesthesia can exhibit undesirable side-effects, limiting their use, but magnesium may have advantages in this respect. We sought randomized control trials (RCTs) in patients undergoing all types of surgery and in women in labour… Read Abstract
Acta Neurologica Belgica. 2019 Feb
The efficacy of magnesium oxide and sodium valproate in prevention of migraine headache: a randomized, controlled, double-blind, crossover study.
Migraine is a disabling disorder that affects the quality of life of patients. Different medications have been used in prevention of migraine headache. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of magnesium oxide in comparison with valproate sodium in preventing migraine headache attacks. This is a single-center, randomized, controlled, crossover trial which is double-blind, 24-week,… Read Abstract
Acta Universitatis Palackianae Olomucensis. 1991 Jan
Osteoporosis treated with magnesium lactate.
33 patients with senile, 18 patients with postmenopausal and 9 patients with medicamentous (corticosteroids) osteoporosis were treated with single therapy of Mg lactate (37 patients) and with the combined one of Mg lactate and Na fluoride (23 patients). They were evaluated in three periods of half a year, one year, two years. The better results… Read Abstract
Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation. 2017 Mar
Magnesium lactate in the treatment of Gitelman syndrome: patient-reported outcomes.
BACKGROUND: Gitelman syndrome (GS) is a rare recessively inherited renal tubulopathy associated with renal potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) loss. It requires lifelong K and Mg supplementation at high doses that are at best unpalatable and at worst, intolerable. In particular, gastrointestinal side effects often limit full therapeutic usage. METHODS: We report here the analysis… Read Abstract
Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy. 2018 Sep
The absolute bioavailability and the effect of food on a new magnesium lactate dihydrate extended-release caplet in healthy subjects.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the absolute bioavailability of 20 mEq magnesium lactate extended-release (ER) caplets and to assess the effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of these ER caplets. SIGNIFICANCE: Magnesium in different salt forms is available as over-the-counter oral formulations. The absorption and bioavailability is highly affected by the water solubility of the salt form.… Read Abstract
Acta scientiarum polonorum. Technologia alimentaria.. 2018 Jul
Quality of yogurt fortified with magnesium lactate.
During the tests carried out with rats the organic complex magnesium gluconate was examined for its bioavailability and its stress-reducing properties after oral application. The increase of magnesium concentration in serum achieved by means of magnesium gluconate turned out to be higher than the increase of concentration due to the administration of magnesium chloride. Just… Read Abstract
Zhonghua fu chan ke za zhi. 1997 Oct
Oral low-dose magnesium gluconate preventing pregnancy induced hypertension.
OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of oral low-dose magnesium gluconate in prevention of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and its mechanism. METHODS: A prospective randomized double-blind study was carried out in 51 pregnant women as treatment group (including 22 cases as treatment group 1 and 29 cases as treatment group 2) and 51 pregnant women as… Read Abstract
Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology. 2018 Dec
Magnesium Citrate Protects Against Vascular Calcification in an Adenine-induced Chronic Renal Failure Rat Model.
BACKGROUND: Hypomagnesemia was identified as a strong risk factor for cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). However, the effects of magnesium (Mg) on vascular calcification (VC) have not been fully elucidated. Thus, we aim to determine the effects of Mg citrate (MgCit) on VC in CRF rats. METHODS: Rats were divided into… Read Abstract
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. 2018 May
A Case of Hailey-Hailey Disease Managed With Oral Magnesium Citrate and High-Dose Vitamin D3.
Hailey-Hailey disease, or benign familial pemphigus, is a rare blistering disease originally described in 1939. The disease is due to an autosomal dominant mutation in the ATP2C1 gene on chromosome 3, which encodes for an adenosine triphosphate-dependent calcium pump in the Golgi apparatus whose function is to maintain intercellular calcium homeostasis. Common treatments for Hailey-Hailey… Read Abstract
Journal of Nephrology. 2019 Feb
Control of metabolic predisposition to cardiovascular complications of chronic kidney disease by effervescent calcium magnesium citrate: a feasibility study.
AIMS: Cardiovascular (CV) complications are common in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Numerous metabolic disturbances including hyperphosphatemia, high circulating calciprotein particles (CPP), hyperparathyroidism, metabolic acidosis, and magnesium deficiency are associated with, and likely pathogenic for CV complications in CKD. The goal of this feasibility study was to determine whether effervescent calcium magnesium citrate (EffCaMgCit) ameliorates the… Read Abstract
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care. 2014 May
Meeting iron needs for infants and children
Iron deficiency early in life is associated with impaired neurological development. This study reviews the latest research on how to best meet iron requirements in infants and children. There is concurrent evidence that delayed cord clamping is well tolerated and improves infant iron stores. Iron supplements or enriched complementary foods starting before 6 months of… Read Abstract
Vojnosanit Pregl. 2006 Feb
Resorption and tolerance of the high doses of ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate in the patients on peritoneal dialysis.
BACKGROUND/AIM: Iron supplementation plays a crucial role in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Oral iron substitution is more convenient than intravenous therapy in PD patients, but impaired absorption and adverse effects may be limiting factors for oral treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the absorption and side effects of high doses ferrous sulphate… Read Abstract
- Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology. 1991 Apr Improvement in iron deficiency anemia through therapy with ferric ammonium citrate and vitamin C and the effects of aerobic exercise.
Cell Discovery. 2018 Mar
Antiviral effects of ferric ammonium citrate.
Iron is an essential nutrient for cell survival and is crucial for DNA replication, mitochondrial function and erythropoiesis. However, the immunological role of iron in viral infections has not been well defined. Here we found the iron salt ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) inhibited Influenza A virus, HIV virus, Zika virus, and Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infections.… Read Abstract
Send to Zhong Nan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban. 2007 Apr
Oral ferric ammonium citrate solution in MRCP for diagnosing low-level obstructive jaundice.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of oral ferric ammonium citrate solution as a gastrointestinal contrast agent in diagnosing low-level obstructive jaundice. METHODS: Thirty-six patients who were suspected of low-level obstructive jaundice were performed with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and conventional MRI before and after the administration of oral ferric ammonium citrate solution. The diagnostic accuracy… Read Abstract
Acta Radiologica. 1999 Jul
Ferric ammonium citrate as a positive bowel contrast agent for MR imaging of the upper abdomen. Safety and diagnostic efficacy.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and diagnostic efficacy of two different doses of ferric ammonium citrate as a paramagnetic oral contrast agent for MR imaging of the upper abdomen. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety-nine adult patients referred for MR imaging for a known or suspected upper abdominal pathology were included in this randomized multicenter double-blind clinical… Read Abstract
Frontiers in Bioscience. 2004 Sep
Copper storage diseases: Menkes, Wilsons, and cancer
The trace element copper is vital to the healthy functioning of organisms. Copper is used in a multitude of cellular activities including respiration, angiogenesis, and immune responses. Like other metals, copper homeostasis is a tightly regulated process. Copper is transported from dietary intake through the serum and into cells via a variety of transporters. There… Read Abstract
Survey of Ophthalmology. 2013 Nov
Iron, zinc, and copper in retinal physiology and disease.
The essential trace metals iron, zinc, and copper play important roles both in retinal physiology and disease. They are involved in various retinal functions such as phototransduction, the visual cycle, and the process of neurotransmission, being tightly bound to proteins and other molecules to regulate their structure and/or function or as unbound free metal ions.… Read Abstract
Nature. 2014 May
Copper is required for oncogenic BRAF signalling and tumorigenesis.
The BRAF kinase is mutated, typically Val 600→Glu (V600E), to induce an active oncogenic state in a large fraction of melanomas, thyroid cancers, hairy cell leukaemias and, to a smaller extent, a wide spectrum of other cancers. BRAF(V600E) phosphorylates and activates the MEK1 and MEK2 kinases, which in turn phosphorylate and activate the ERK1 and… Read Abstract
Oncotarget. 2016 Jun
Copper as a target for prostate cancer therapeutics: copper-ionophore pharmacology and altering systemic copper distribution.
Copper-ionophores that elevate intracellular bioavailable copper display significant therapeutic utility against prostate cancer cells in vitro and in TRAMP (Transgenic Adenocarcinoma of Mouse Prostate) mice. However, the pharmacological basis for their anticancer activity remains unclear, despite impending clinical trails. Herein we show that intracellular copper levels in prostate cancer, evaluated in vitro and across disease… Read Abstract
Waste Management & Research. 2017 Jun
Optimisation of chemical oxygen demand removal from landfill leachate by sonocatalytic degradation in the presence of cupric oxide nanoparticles.
Leachate is the liquid formed when waste breaks down in the landfill and water filters through that waste. This liquid is very toxic and can pollute the land, ground water, and water resources. In most countries, it is mandatory for landfills to be protected against leachate. In addition to all other harms to the environment,… Read Abstract
Biosensors and Bioelectronics. 2018 Feb
Efficient label-free chemiluminescent immunosensor based on dual functional cupric oxide nanorods as peroxidase mimics.
Dual-functional cupric oxide nanorods (CuONRs) as peroxidase mimics are proposed for the development of a flow-through, label-free chemiluminescent (CL) immunosensor. Forming the basis of this cost-efficient, label-free immunoassay, CuONRs, synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method, were deposited onto epoxy-activated standard glass slides, followed by immobilization of biotinylated capture antibodies through a streptavidin bridge. The CuONRs… Read Abstract
Scientific Reports. 2019 Feb
Electromagnon excitation in cupric oxide measured by Fabry-Pérot enhanced terahertz Mueller matrix ellipsometry.
Here we present the use of Fabry-Pérot enhanced terahertz (THz) Mueller matrix ellipsometry to measure an electromagnon excitation in monoclinic cupric oxide (CuO). As a magnetically induced ferroelectric multiferroic, CuO exhibits coupling between electric and magnetic order. This gives rise to special quasiparticle excitations at THz frequencies called electromagnons. In order to measure the electromagnons… Read Abstract
International Journal of Pharmaceutics. 2007 Jun
Role of copper gluconate/triethanolamine in irinotecan encapsulation inside the liposomes.
A novel method for encapsulating irinotecan into liposomes containing copper gluconate buffered to pH 7.0 with triethanolamine (TEA) has recently been developed. In the present study, the mechanism dictating drug encapsulation and retention inside those liposomes was investigated. Spectroscopic analyses revealed that irinotecan interacted with copper gluconate/TEA in solution. Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy indicated… Read Abstract
Bioresource Technology. 2010 Feb
Adsorption of copper-citrate complexes on chitosan: equilibrium modeling.
The effects of complexes on the adsorption of copper from citrate solutions using chitosan were investigated. Various copper to citrate ratios and solution pHs were used to determine the copper adsorption capacity on the chitosan and a mathematical model was developed to simulate the copper adsorption process. According to the model, the three parameters influencing… Read Abstract
Pnas. 2014 Jul
Excited-state structural dynamics of a dual-emission calmodulin-green fluorescent protein sensor for calcium ion imaging
Fluorescent proteins (FPs) have played a pivotal role in bioimaging and advancing biomedicine. The versatile fluorescence from engineered, genetically encodable FP variants greatly enhances cellular imaging capabilities, which are dictated by excited-state structural dynamics of the embedded chromophore inside the protein pocket. Visualization of the molecular choreography of the photoexcited chromophore requires a spectroscopic technique… Read Abstract
Nutrition Reviews. 2012 Jul
Role of calcium during pregnancy: maternal and fetal needs
Although the demand for additional calcium during pregnancy is recognized, the dietary reference intake for calcium was lowered for pregnant women in 1997 to amounts recommended for nonpregnant women (1,000 mg/day), and recently (November 2010) the Institute of Medicine report upheld the 1997 recommendation. It has been frequently reported that women of childbearing age do… Read Abstract
- Journal of Internal Medicine. 2006 May Calcium and vitamin D in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis – a clinical update
Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2014 Apr
The plasma membrane calcium pump: new ways to look at an old enzyme.
The three-dimensional structure of the PMCA pump has not been solved, but its basic mechanistic properties are known to repeat those of the other Ca(2+) pumps. However, the pump also has unique properties. They concern essentially its numerous regulatory mechanisms, the most important of which is the autoinhibition by its C-terminal tail. Other regulatory mechanisms… Read Abstract
Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess. 2019 Mar
Traditional materials from new sources - conflicts in analytical methods for calcium carbonate.
Calcium carbonate (E170) is a common food and pharmaceutical additive/ingredient. In addition to a source of calcium, the carbonate has uses including as a colour, acidity regulator and bulking agent. Globally, a range of regulatory agencies and pharmacopoeia control the analyses and specification of additives in food, supplements, pharmaceutical substances and excipients. Accordingly, a range… Read Abstract
Bioresource Technology. 2013 Sep
High-level production of calcium malate from glucose by Penicillium sclerotiorum K302.
In this study, after screening of 9 fungal strains for their ability to produce calcium malate, it was found that Penicillium sclerotiorum K302 among them could produce high-level of calcium malate. Under the optimal conditions, the titer of calcium malate in the supernatant was 88.6 g/l at flask level. During 10-l fermentation, the titer of… Read Abstract
Journal of Dairy Science. 2019 Jan
Calcium lactate as an attractive compound to partly replace salt in blue-veined cheese.
In addition to their high sodium content, cheeses are thought to induce an acid load to the body, which is associated with deleterious effects on consumers' health. Our objective was to explore the use of alkalinizing salts in partial substitution of NaCl to reduce both the sodium content and the acid-forming potential of cheese, without… Read Abstract
Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology. 2015 Jan
Anti-inflammatory effects of calcium citrate in RAW 264.7cells via suppression of NF-κB activation.
Here we aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of calcium citrate in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The anti-inflammatory effects of calcium citrate were investigated by assessing pro-inflammatory factors (NO, ROS, NF-κB, iNOS, and COX-2) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α). Treatment of cells with calcium citrate (10-100μM) significantly reduced the generation of intracellular… Read Abstract
Bioengineered. 2016 Sep
Preparation and properties of calcium citrate nanosheets for bone graft substitute.
A convenient and effective soft chemical method is presented for the synthesis of nano-scaled calcium citrate sheets. The preparation involved the precipitation of nano-calcium citrate by adding ethanol to reach the super saturation state of a solution containing calcium and citrate salts. The obtained nano-calcium citrate formed nanosheets, with the following dimensions: width of about… Read Abstract
Journal of Food and Drug Analysis. 2018 Jan
Codissolution of calcium hydrogenphosphate and sodium hydrogencitrate in water. Spontaneous supersaturation of calcium citrate increasing calcium bioavailability.
The sparingly soluble calcium hydrogenphosphate dihydrate, co-dissolving in water during dissolution of freely soluble sodium hydrogencitrate sesquihydrate as caused by proton transfer from hydrogencitrate to hydrogenphosphate, was found to form homogenous solutions supersaturated by a factor up to 8 in calcium citrate tetrahydrate. A critical hydrogencitrate concentration for formation of homogeneous solutions was found to… Read Abstract
Food Research International. 2018 May
Supersaturation of calcium citrate as a mechanism behind enhanced availability of calcium phosphates by presence of citrate.
Dissolution of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) in aqueous citrate at varying pH has been studied with perspective of increasing availability of calcium from sidestreams of whey protein, lactose and/or cheese production or on development of new functional foods. ACP formed as an initial precipitate in 0.10 mol L-1 equimolar aqueous calcium chloride, sodium citrate, and sodium hydrogenphosphate… Read Abstract
Nutrients. 2018 Nov
Chronic Ingestion of Sodium and Potassium Bicarbonate, with Potassium, Magnesium and Calcium Citrate Improves Anaerobic Performance in Elite Soccer Players.
Anaerobic power and anaerobic capacity significantly influence performance in many sport disciplines. These include prolonged sprints in athletics, swimming, or cycling, and other high intensity intermittent sports, such as soccer or basketball. Considering the association of exercise-induced acidosis and fatigue, the ingestion of potential buffering agents such as sodium bicarbonate, has been suggested to attenuate… Read Abstract
Food Research International. 2019 Feb
Calcium citrate insolubilization drives the fouling of falling film evaporators during the concentration of hydrochloric acid whey.
When dairy powders are produced, the mineral fraction undergoes strong modifications during the vacuum concentration step, leading to the fouling of falling film evaporators. The objective of this study was to determine the nature of the deposits formed during the vacuum concentration of two fouling and highly mineralized products: hydrochloric acid whey and lactic acid… Read Abstract
Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 1990 Dec
Mechanism by which ammonium bicarbonate and ammonium sulfate inhibit mycotoxigenic fungi.
In this study we examined the mechanism by which ammonium bicarbonate inhibits mycotoxigenic fungi. Elevated extracellular pH, alone, was not responsible for the antifungal activity. Although conidia of Penicillium griseofulvum and Fusarium graminearum had internal pH (pHi) values as high as 8.0 in buffer at an external pH (pHo) of 9.5, their viability was not… Read Abstract
Chemosphere. 2015 Sep
Combination of powdered activated carbon and powdered zeolite for enhancing ammonium removal in micro-polluted raw water.
Even zeolite is promising in ammonia pollution disposing, its removal efficiency is frequently interfered by organics. As activated carbon has good removal efficiency on organic contaminants, combination of two adsorbents may allow their respective adsorption characteristics into full play. This paper provides a performance assessment of the combination for enhancing ammonium removal in micro-polluted raw… Read Abstract
- Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2014 Aug Physical characterisation and long-term stability studies on quaternary ammonium palmitoyl glycol chitosan (GCPQ)--a new drug delivery polymer.
Acta Physiologica. 2015 Jun
Ammonium increases Ca(2+) signalling and upregulates expression of Cav1.2 gene in astrocytes in primary cultures and in the in vivo brain.
AIM: The primary aim of this study was to identify the effects of hyperammonaemia on functional expression of Cav1.2 L-type Ca(2+) channels in astroglia.METHODS: Primary cultures of mouse astrocytes were used to study effects of chronic treatment (1-5 days) with ammonium chloride, at 1, 3 and 5 mm on depolarization-induced increases in free cytosolic Ca(2+)… Read Abstract
Journal of Chromatography A. 2016 Dec
Headspace gas chromatography based methodology for the analysis of aromatic substituted quaternary ammonium salts.
The analysis of quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) using GC is often performed by "in injector" pyrolysis to create volatile degradation products for quantification purposes. Besides the risk of severe system contamination, the application of this approach on aqueous samples is problematic. In this work, the sample is treated in a vial with 2,2-dimethoxypropane (DMP) under… Read Abstract
Stem Cells. 2015 Sep
Brief Report: Human Mesenchymal Stem-Like Cells Facilitate Floating Tumorigenic Cell Growth via Glutamine-Ammonium Cycle.
How mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) promote tumor growth remains incompletely understood. Here, we show that mesenchymal stem-like cells (MSLCs) are commonly present in malignant pleural effusion or ascites of cancer patients, where they directly interact with tumor cells. Chemokines and chemokine receptors, especially the CCL2/CCR2 pathway, are involved in this interaction. As a result, MSLCs… Read Abstract
International Journal of Food Microbiology. 2014 May
New insights into the advantages of ammonium as a winemaking nutrient.
Nitrogen limitation is the most common cause for stuck or sluggish fermentation in winemaking, and it is usually dealt with by supplementing grape juice with either ammonium salts or organic nutrients. These practices have a direct impact on both fermentation kinetics and the sensorial features of the final product. The aim of this work is… Read Abstract
Science of the Total Environment. 2019 Jan
Development of a polydimethylsiloxane-thymol/nitroprusside composite based sensor involving thymol derivatization for ammonium monitoring in water samples.
This report describes a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-thymol/nitroprusside delivery composite sensor for direct monitoring of ammonium in environmental water samples. The sensor is based on a PDMS support that contains the Berthelot's reaction reagents. To prepare the PDMS-thymol/nitroprusside composite discs, thymol and nitroprusside have been encapsulated in the PDMS matrix, forming a reagent release support which significantly… Read Abstract
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America . 2014 Jul
Direct observation of electrogenic NH4(+) transport in ammonium transport (Amt) proteins.
Ammonium transport (Amt) proteins form a ubiquitous family of integral membrane proteins that specifically shuttle ammonium across membranes. In prokaryotes, archaea, and plants, Amts are used as environmental NH4(+) scavengers for uptake and assimilation of nitrogen. In the eukaryotic homologs, the Rhesus proteins, NH4(+)/NH3 transport is used instead in acid-base and pH homeostasis in kidney… Read Abstract
Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo. 2018 Dec
Acid Ammonium Citrate as P Extractor for Fertilizers of Varying Solubility
There are several globally accepted methods to chemically characterize P-fertilizers, but not all are suitable to predict the agronomic efficiency of the P sources in terms of plant nutrition. Our aim was to investigate the performance of P extractors for fertilizers, investigating the consistency of different methods for P sources of varying properties and the… Read Abstract
Journal of Experimental Botany. 2017 Mar
Ammonium as a signal for physiological and morphological responses in plants
Ammonium is a major inorganic nitrogen source for plants. At low external supplies, ammonium promotes plant growth, while at high external supplies it causes toxicity. Ammonium triggers rapid changes in cytosolic pH, in gene expression, and in post-translational modifications of proteins, leading to apoplastic acidification, co-ordinated ammonium uptake, enhanced ammonium assimilation, altered oxidative and phytohormonal… Read Abstract


text:
Looking for the right length workshopFebruary 6, 2009 — kathyross
The first time I conducted my First Day of Class workshop online, I scheduled it for four weeks so that faculty would have time to view digital case stories, participate in pairs discussing the first day goals, create their own template of first day activities, and view and comment on the plans of a fellow participant.
Having some attrition over that duration of time, I opted next to experiment with shortening it to three weeks with a structure of activities so faculty would participate each half week. By half way through, it became evident to the three-week group that the pace of meeting twice a week was not working so well. We extended back to four weeks, and I concluded that it was better for me to structure an online workshop that allows faculty participation on a once, rather than twice, a week basis. It may reduce the extent of interaction, but could make completion more achievable. I would not omit discussion, as faculty seem to value that component.
I have also found that the first week has needed a bit of time and effort devoted to helping some participants get their tcomputers ready to view the videos (updating Quicktime or browser plug-ins, for instance.) So I just need to expect that and encourage those delayed by that so they don't feel like they are falling too far behind just as they are starting.
I still like the online format for our workshops, especially because we are a small campus and this delivery mode allows us to invite faculty from other campuses to join ours.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Day 3: Winter Meetings
Hello from Day 3 of the Winter Meetings in Indianapolis. Day 2 saw a big three-team, seven-player trade between the Yankees, Tigers and D-backs, with the centerpiece of the deal being Curtis Granderson donning pinstripes.
All was quiet on the Roy Halladay front for the most part, with the exception of knowing that the Yanks' move does not necessarily mean they are out of the running to acquire the ace. The Angels, Red Sox and Dodgers are all still involved as well.
Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston arrived yesterday as well and general manager Alex Anthopoulos noted that the skipper will be consulted on some player moves that impact the 2010 season. We're scheduled to sit down with Gaston today to get his thoughts on all the offseason happenings and about his final season on the bench.
Behind the scenes, Anthopoulos is busy beyond just the ongoing Halladay talks, which are still in the early stages. It would be very surprising if the Jays dealt Doc here in Indianapolis. If Toronto does make a move, it's more likely to be one that addressed one of the many other needs for the club.
Anthopoulos has noted that he has told rival GMs that every player on the Jays is available, just to initiate some creative conversations and to gauge what type of offers are out there — not to necessarily move the players. The Jays rookie GM is also working on three- and perhaps four-team scenarios to help the process.
"We have so many needs and we do want to add a lot of quality players," Anthopoulos said on Tuesday. "I'm actively working on as many things as I can, to be honest with you. Most deals, in my mind … you may get five pieces back and four of the five really fit for you, and the fifth one might be a better fit for somebody else.
"If you can maximize your return moving that fifth piece to get something else, those are the type of things you try to do. The other scenarios are obviously if you like a player on a certain team and your roster doesn't have a fit with that team. Well, maybe with your trade talks with other teams you can get something."
In Halladay, Anthopoulos has a player who could help speed the process of stengthening the core of Toronto's roster. The Jays want Major League-ready talent and young, controllable players to build around in order to improve the team's long-term chances of contending. Free agency does not factor into that part of Anthopoulos' plan.
"Free agency is something that's going to fill the big league team for 2010," Anthopoulos said. "We have some immediate needs — the first being behind the plate more than anything. It's definitely there. Right now, the market just isn't there for us — the values don't line up with us and agents. But, there's a lot of players out there that we like. I've certainly contacted a lot of the agents to try to get a sense of what their asking prices might be. Right now, I don't see a fit.
"I've also contacted some agents for players that I felt we might go after should we trade a player and open up a spot. I've wanted to just touch base and know that, should we trade Player X, if we wanted to get a replacement, what might that expense be? So, when I'm looking at what the net return on the trade is and what the cost might be in signing a player, I can evaluate it before making that trade."
On the catching front, the Blue Jays continue to be linked to Ryan Doumit of the Pirates. Toronto has inquired about the catcher with Pittsburgh and the teams are rumored to be discussing a potential deal — one that could include a third team. Anthopoulos reiterated on Tuesday that nothing was imminent or close in any of his trade talks.
Beyond finding a new starting catcher, the Blue Jays are also in the market for a corner outfielder and perhaps some help in the rotation and bullpen. As Toronto looks to address those needs, the club is interested to see which arbitration-eligible players might join the free-agent pool if they are not tendered contracts before Saturday's deadline.
"Our conversations are moving along at the right pace," Anthopoulos said. "We know that there are some dates that are going to fast approach and impact things — like the tender deadline — and that may impact things a little bit with respect to players becoming available and players we might go after. That may change things for us a little bit."
Check back here later for more and don't forget to follow me on twitter (@MLBastian).
8 Comments
Bob Elliot reports that the Sox will not part with Buchholz or Kelly for Halladay. If this is true, both the Yanks and Sox expect Roy to reach free agency, and then let the bidding begin. Hopefully, some other team will enter the mix, but it does not look like the "Big 2" are going to mortgage their future when all they have to do is be patient and wait until Roy reaches free agency. A good strategy on their part, but it sucks for us 😦
Burt-That is obvious posturing by the Sox, trying to convince NY they're not interested in order to keep the price down. NY will bid aggressively for Halladay at some point because they know he almost guarantees them another ws and the Yanks are about winning now, since a big chunk of their core is aging.
However, I hope the TB offer is the one that gets done. I think Davis could be the next King Felix, and I think he could get there sooner than later. I also think if Upton was handled properly, he'd return to 2007 performance levels almost immediately.
But the key is Davis; I'd be prepared to trade Halladay for him on a one to one basis, he really is a stud.
I'd say that the Yanks are out of the race now that Jackson has been dealt. Even if they offered Montero, Joba and Hughs, AA should decline. Hughs and Joba have proven that they are destined to be relief pitchers at best. They are no longer the stud prospects that they once were. The deal that the Jays are looking for is something better than 2 1st round picks. If they aren't offered that then they need to walk away.
With the Yanks out, I'd say the Sox will walk away as well. They would be happy to just go into a dollar for dollar bidding war against the Yanks next off-season.
So, if the Jays are looking for a deal, it's probably down to T-Bay, the Angels and Dodgers. The Phillies haven't made a reasonable offer to date.
This is not a case of "I told you so," but I remember a couple of years ago gs and myself were talking openly about the need to re-build, and that included trading Halladay to get something. Clearly, Halladay with two years on his contract would be worth a king's ransom. However, the continual pandering to fans who could not see the writing on the wall, by Godfrey and JP, has put us in a real position of weakness. This is why I admire a lot of the small market teams, like Minnesota, Kansas City, etc. who have the guts to move their assets while they can still get a lot for them. They are not always successful, but their strategy is reasonable. It is hard to know how Antho will work out, but at least he seems to be of a similar mind set, understanding that success for the Jays means building from within with top-notch talent at every position. I just hope that it is not too late to get a good return on Halladay. However, as I mentioned in my previous post, I feel that both NY and the Sox would be happy if neither acquired Roy. If any other team acquires Roy, save for the Phils, both the Yanks and perhaps the Sox would likely have enough on their own to beat them. In other words, NY and Boston just have to make sure that someone else gets Doc and they will both be fine. However, maybe gs is right, and this is just posturing. I hope so!
As much as I admire the Twins , they got little to nothing for Santana and Hunter went to free agency so not sure how you think they move their assets .
I recently read the Angels have offered Aybar, Saunders and Bourjos for Halladay . I can't say I am impressed so I wouldn't be upset if we kept Halladay and took the 2 draft picks . Ultimately Doc has control of where he goes
Both Aybar and Saunders are free agents in 2012 thus they will be gone before the Jays go anywhere . Saunders is a decent pitcher , Aybar is slightly better than average shortstop and I admit to not knowing much about Bourjos but he is just that a prospect so no guarantee.
Naked, not sure what you don't like about the LA offer. Aybar is a future gold glove all-star short stop and potential lead off switch hitter, Saunders is a quality starter giving us left hand starter depth which is deep enough to provide trade chips, Bourjos is a 22 year old speedster CF who hits .300 and stole 32 bases in 110 games last year and about to go into AAA. In addition, it gives us a trade chip with Gonzalez.
That is one hell of a lot better than two draft picks and although I still like Davis better as a pure pitching prospect, this LA offer is a much better offer than I ever expected us to get.
Andrew-"The deal that the Jays are looking for is something better than 2- 1st round picks. Actually almost any deal offered which includes a current above average mlb player is better than 2 first round draft picks, since less than 1 of 8 or 10 first rounders ever make it and have impact.
That being said, the LA offer is much better than that as is the TB offer. The Phillies, Yanks and Boston are all still in the mix, don't misunderstand the lack of information on what they offered.
Alex is playing his cards close to the vest, in fact Toronto sports writers don't even know what floor his hotel room is on, so any offers he's gotten are confidential at this point. Even CBS sports had a nice complimentary blog post on how Alex is handling this trade.
Quite a bit different that JP's circus, but looking at the LA offer, a lot more effective. Now let's see if NY, the Phillies, Boston or TB beat it.


text:
Dante Exum could be the number one pick in next week's NBA Draft.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, owners of the top selection, have reportedly invited the 18-year-old Australian basketball phenomenon to work out for the team after the player they had targetted, Cameroon-born centre Joel Embiid, suffered a foot injury.
The Cavaliers did not appear to be interested in Exum before news broke on Thursday of Embiid's injury.
While the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic, holders of the second, third and fourth picks respectively in next Thursday's draft have all worked out Exum the past fortnight, the Cavaliers didn't.
If Cleveland does select Exum, the team would have three Australian-born guards with star Kyrie Irving and Victorian Matthew Dellavedova on the squad.
Exum would also be the third Australian picked number one after Andrew Bogut in 2005 and Irving in 2011.
Embiid, 20, is a 213cm tall, 113kg, centre who played just one year with the University of Kansas before declaring for the draft.
Despite his talent and potential to be a force in the NBA, teams have had health concerns about him.
Embiid suffered a stress fracture in his back that forced him to sit out the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments for Kansas and, while it seemed he had recovered from that, the latest injury, possibly a broken foot, could scare off the Cavaliers and other teams.
"He suffered a foot injury to his right foot sometime over the last few days," Embiid's agent Arn Tellem told ESPN.
"He's getting evaluations from various doctors and experts in the field."
The other potential number one picks are forwards, Andrew Wiggins of Kansas and Duke's Jabari Parker.


text:
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Drugs used in the hope of slowing multiple sclerosis progression may help some patients, but at a very high cost, according to a study out Wednesday.
The medications in question are the so-called disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) that have been available since the 1990s to treat multiple sclerosis.
The drugs include beta interferons (brand-names like Avonex, Refib and Betaseron), glatiramer (Copaxone) and natalizumab (Tysabri). They are given by injection or infusion and can help prevent MS symptom flare-ups and delay long-term disability from the disease.
But the price tag is large, with each drug now costing upwards of $3,000 a month in the U.S.
The new study, published in the journal Neurology, estimates that people who use the medications for a decade would get a modest health benefit for the money.
They would gain an extra two months or less of good health over 10 years, the researchers say, compared with using only therapies that help ease MS symptoms — like medications for pain, fatigue and muscle spasms.
Overall, the study estimated, DMDs cost close to $1 million for each year of relatively healthy life a person with MS could expect to gain with 10 years of use.
In contrast, common thresholds used to define a "cost-effective" treatment range between $50,000 and $150,000 for each good-quality year of life gained.
The figure for DMDs is an "order of magnitude higher," said Katia Noyes, a researcher at the University of Rochester in New York who led the study.
However, she stressed that the findings do not mean that people with MS shouldn't take the drugs.
"This study was not designed to try to deprive people with MS of any therapy," Noyes said in an interview. It was not intended, she said, to tell doctors what to prescribe or insurance companies what to pay for.
But, Noyes added, in the age of healthcare reform, studies need to look at the value of different medical therapies, and what factors seem to affect their cost-effectiveness for patients overall.
In the case of DMDs for MS, she said, starting earlier in the course of the disease appears to be better.
The researchers estimate that starting the drugs before any noticeable disability makes the medications more cost-effective — though they still hover above $700,000 for each good-quality year of life gained.
Part of the issue is the nature of MS and how DMDs work. In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks nerve fibers in the body, causing symptoms like muscle weakness, numbness, vision problems and difficulty with coordination and balance. In most cases, those symptoms wax and wane — worsening for a period of time, followed by a period of milder symptoms or none at all. Eventually, the cycle often leads to physical disability.
Early on, DMDs can reduce the number of symptom flare-ups. But their central effect on quality of life would be in stalling disability, Noyes noted.
"The main benefit of these drugs is in the long-term," she said. "That may be 10 or 20 years down the road."
Noyes also pointed out that MS is "not unique" in having therapies with a high price for the benefit.
Other examples include implanted defibrillators for people at high risk of cardiac arrest, many cancer treatments and some arthritis therapies. And there are many medical interventions, Noyes said, whose cost-effectiveness has never been studied.
"The good news from this study is that these drugs do seem to be effective, on average," said Kathleen A. Smyth, a researcher at the Neurological Outcomes Center at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.
"The bad news is, these positive outcomes come at a very high price," said Smyth, who wrote an editorial published with the study.
People already on the MS drugs know well the high costs, she noted in an interview, but the price tag might come as a shock to new patients.
However, Smyth said, people with MS need to make treatment decisions on an individual basis, after discussions with their doctor — and not based on cost alone.
Like Noyes, she pointed out that earlier treatment appeared more effective in this study. So while it may ultimately cost more, starting a DMD earlier may benefit patients more.
"I don't think there's anything in this study that should stop people from getting an early diagnosis or starting treatment," Smyth said.
She also noted that the picture may change in the future. When individual DMDs' patents eventually expire, for example, the cost of some could well come down. And then certain medications may become preferred by insurance companies.
Both Noyes and Smyth said the findings highlight a wider issue: the high price Americans pay for prescription drugs.
Avonex, for example, cost Americans with MS about $34,000 for the year in 2010. The price in the UK was equivalent to about $12,000 — because that's all the National Health Service will pay for the drug.
And costs are only going up. Makers of the DMDs have raised their prices since last year, in response to the approval of the first oral MS drug — Gilenya, made by Swiss drugmaker Novartis AG.
The annual cost of that medication in the U.S. will be about $48,000. But since it's a pill, the medication is expected to cut significantly into sales of the other DMDs.
As it stands, Smyth said, no particular DMD stands out as a "best buy" for Americans.
Manufacturers of the DMD drugs did not respond in time to Reuters Health requests for comment on the new study, however a spokesman for Biogen Idec, maker of Avonex, did offer a written statement on the question of drug costs:
"The overall cost of disease management for a chronic disease like MS is expensive and includes much more than medication," wrote Jeff Boyle. "Avonex is approved for the treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and we believe the pricing is consistent with the real world value it delivers to patients with MS. Avonex remains the least expensive option for those looking to slow the progression of their MS and is the only once-a-week treatment for RRMS that is proven to reduce relapses, start working after the first attack and delay physical disability progression, helping patients stay active longer."
SOURCE: bit.ly/Q5TNl Neurology, online July 20, 2011.


text:
GREEN BAY, Wis., Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Aaron Rodgers threw two touchdowns passes and Ryan Grant ran in a pair of scores Sunday, helping Green Bay move to 13-0 with a 46-16 rout of Oakland.
Rodgers completed 17-of-30 pass attempts for 281 yards and one interception. Grant carried the ball 10 times for 85 yards in Green Bay's victory, the Packers' 19th straight dating back to last year's NFL Championship season.
Jordy Nelson hauled down three passes for 81 yards and a score for Green Bay. Donald Driver made four grabs for 75 yards in the one-sided win, during which the Packers set a franchise record for most points scored in a season.
The NFC North champs earned a first-round bye in the playoffs and kept alive their hopes for a perfect 16-0 season.
The news wasn't all good for the Packers, however. Their leading receiver, Greg Jennings, left Sunday's game on a cart after suffering a injury to his left knee early in the third quarter.
Carson Palmer was picked off four times for Oakland (7-6), which fell one game behind Denver atop the AFC West with the setback.


text:
Faryab women vendors seek proper place, market for their products
Faryab women vendors seek proper place, market for their products
MAIMANA (Pajhwok): Some sales women associated with handicraft industry in north western Faryab province accused government for not addressing their problems and exploring market for their products.
The lack of proper place in the market and import of goods badly affected the local market of handicraft. As many as 200 women have established stalls on pedestrians to sell their products in Maimana, the provincial capital.
Bibi Shah, 60, says she has started selling handicraft products when she was nine years old hoping she would be able to accommodate her family from its profit.
"Over 200 women including widow have established stalls on the roadsides in Maimana. They have been suffering from the heat of son in summer and cold weather in winter," she said.
"Since morning I sold nothing. I borrowed 10 afghanis from another woman to get bread," said Bibi Shah.
She asked the government to construct a proper place for women vendors where they could be able to sell their handicraft products.
Sharifa Azeemi, Women Affairs Department director, said they often told the authorities concerned to construct a market for women where they could be able to sell their products.
She said the Women Affairs Department had no specific budget to construct market for women vendors.
Maimana City Mayor Eng. Ahmad Javed Kewan said they planned to include the construction of a market in next year budget.
He pledged the municipality would strive to economically and socially support women. He recalled the municipality earned first position in gender equality in the country.
Related Article
Download "Pajhwok" mobile App, on your smartphone to read and access latest news, features, interviews, videos and photos about Afghanistan.


text:
Many people take nonprescription antacids for mild or
occasional heartburn.
Examples of nonprescription antacids include:
Most nonprescription antacids are safe to use during
pregnancy to treat heartburn symptoms. Antacids that contain sodium bicarbonate
should not be taken by pregnant women because they can cause fluid
If you need to use antacids frequently, talk with your
doctor or pharmacist about his or her recommendations and cautions. Be sure
to follow the package directions.
Last Revised:
March 20, 2012
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
To learn more visit Healthwise.org
© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.


text:
Friday, 11 March, 2011
Pushing HIV out the door
How host factors aid in the release of HIV particles
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) – which causes AIDS – invades human immune cells and causes them to produce new copies of the virus, which can then infect new cells. A research team led by NIM researcher Professor Don C. Lamb (LMU Munich) and Priv.-Doz. Dr. Barbara Müller of Heidelberg University Hospital have now analyzed the involvement of particular components of the infected cell in virion release, and discovered that the enzyme VPS4A plays a more active role in the process than was previously thought. VPS4A was already known to act after virus budding was complete. Using an advanced microscopy technique, the group was able to show that complexes containing about a dozen VPS4A molecules form at points in the membrane at which newly assembled virions later emerge. According to Lamb, "We can now demonstrate in detail, for the first time, how host proteins interact with components of HIV, to enable them to bud from infected cells. Our ultimate goal is to elucidate the entire life cycle of the virus." "With the methods we have at our disposal, we can also study the effects of drugs on infected cells, which may allow us to improve their efficacy or even lead to the development of new classes of active compounds." (Nature Cell Biology online, 10 March 2011)


text:
Shun Shima Steak Knife Set
Easy, hassle-free returns online and in-store for eligible items.Learn More
Earn 5% Back in rewards4 plus free standard shipping3every day when you shop with your Williams Sonoma credit card at Williams Sonoma.Apply Now Learn More
- Summary
Named after Tokyo's Shima Steakhouse, famous for serving some of the finest beef in the world, these distinctive steak knives are handcrafted of a premium Japanese high-carbon stainless steel. The 16˚ razor-sharp edge cuts with remarkable precision, retaining the meats flavor far better than serrated steak knives.
- Set of four steak knives.
- Crafted of Japanese high-carbon stainless steel for excellent cutting performance and sharp edge-holding capability.
- Mirror-polished, slightly curved blade ensures easy, precision slicing.
- Full-tang construction provides balance in the hand and strength for the task.
- Fully riveted handle scales are made of ebony PakkaWood with a decorative inlay.
- Contoured handle design tapers toward the blade to provide a comfortable grip for precise cutting control.
- 5"-long blade; 4 3/8"-long handle.
- Handcrafted in Japan.
- Set of four steak knives.
- Use & Care
- Always use caution when handling sharp objects.
- Avoid cutting on hard surfaces such as stone, metal or glass.
- It is not advisable to use any knife but a meat cleaver to cut through bone, as other blades can be easily damaged.
- Hand-wash with warm water and a mild detergent; rinse and dry immediately.
- Avoid cleaners containing bleach or citrus extracts.
- Sharpen as needed. With regular use and honing once a week, your knife should not need sharpening more than once or twice a year.
- Sharpen your knife at home using a whetstone or knife sharpener designed to sharpen at a 16-degree angle, or have it sharpened by a professional.
- Store knife in a safe place to protect its edge and prevent injury.
- Shipping
Shipping Information
UPS can deliver most in-stock items within 3–5 business days. UPS is unable to deliver to P.O. boxes.
Shipping Rates
The shipping rate varies depending on your order total and shipping destination. View Shipping Options and Charges.
Next Day Delivery
For an additional charge of $26 per address, we can expedite delivery to most destinations. This service is not available for some oversize items, items shipped directly from the supplier (including perishable and custom-manufactured items), out-of-stock items and items to be shipped outside the contiguous 48 states.
Orders received by 9:00 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday will arrive the next business day; orders placed Friday through Sunday will arrive on the following Tuesday.
Return Policy
At Williams Sonoma, we take great pride in the quality and craftsmanship of our products. Attention to design, materials, safety and construction are our priority. Upon receipt, please inspect your purchase and notify us of any damage; we will arrange for a prompt replacement.
If within 30 days, you are dissatisfied for any reason, you may return your purchase for a refund of the merchandise value. An original receipt or gift receipt is required for all returns and exchanges. Returns with a gift receipt will be refunded in the form of a Merchandise Credit for the amount indicated on the gift receipt. Returns with original receipt will be refunded in the original form of payment, cash and check refunds over $100 will be issued as a company check (may take 14 business days from time of request).
For all cutlery returns (knife sets, single knives, cutting boards, knife sharpeners and knife storage), please contact us at 888.922.4108 to initiate the return.
We cannot accept returns on monogrammed, personalized, special-order items, custom upholstery, food, items shipped direct from the vendor or on items damaged through normal wear and tear. Final sale items ending in .97 or .99 cannot be returned.
Made to Order and Final Sale Furniture items are non-returnable and cannot be cancelled once the order is placed.
For returns of items purchased from your Williams Sonoma Gift Registry, we will gladly provide a refund or exchange for the merchandise within 90 days of your event or within 90 days of purchase, whichever date is later. View Full Returns Policy.
- Warranty Information
Learn more about Care, Sharpening, Warranty Policy and Shipping Instructions. View details
- Price Match Guarantee
Williams Sonoma Price Match Guarantee
At Williams Sonoma, we're committed to bringing you the best quality at the best prices.
If you find a lower price on any of our products, we'll match it—guaranteed. Click here for details.
Customers Who Viewed This Item Also Viewed
Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought
Rated 5 out of 5 by Tea or Coffee from Elegance with every slice. These are the most amazing steak knives. I dislike bulky wood handled steak knives that resemble a saw. I equily refuse to set a table with something that looks like it's out of a 30's gangster movie. (Stiletto style dinner knives). These are so elegant, graceful yet resilient. All the knive you will need for any dinner service. Tender Filet mignon or a thick center cut pork chop. Glancing the bone dose nothing to demenish the blades integrity. A great accsent to your table.Date published: 2017-04-22


text:
Welcome to Watch List, where we identify five things on TV to watch while you stay at home and welcome summer with open arms. Grilling outside! Hanging by the pool! Staring wistfully out your window at work while other people enjoy the nice weather! Homeless people in open-toed shoes! Summer is magic! LET'S GO!
NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT – 8:00PM Sunday (PBS) I love these big national holiday celebrations on PBS because they always bring together the most random assortment of famous people. To wit, this year's Memorial Day concert features Gen. Colin Powell, BB King, Pia Toscano, Dianne Wiest (Dianne Wiest!), and Forest Whitaker. And Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna are hosting! It's like someone took a David Mamet film and transplanted it to a concert stage! ANTICIPATION: PARTY-TIME!
THE KILLING – 10:00PM Sunday (AMC) Things heated up at the end of last week's episode, with Stanley goin' all gangsta on the Mr. Dreadlocks (told you he was a red herring!). But we still have four whole episodes left before we're gonna know who iced Rosie. So this better not be the last Polish mafia beatdown I see in between now and then. And how about Stanley's mover friend punching the rock just to get his aggression out? That was a total metal move. ANTICIPATION: JUICY!
MY BIG FAT GYPSY WEDDING – 9:00PM Sunday (TLC) Think gypsies are a bunch of traveling thieves who try and nick your wallet while throwing a baby at you? WRONG. This new TLC series goes a little deeper, exploring gypsy culture and customs, including gypsy weddings. Which I'm told produce many gypsy tears, and you know how valuable gypsy tears are. ANTICIPATION: GIVE ME YOUR TEARS, GYPSY!
WHY NOT? WITH SHANIA TWAIN – 10:00PM Sunday (OWN) Shania needs time to find herself, so she goes off to Taos to go rock climbing. Celebrities, they're just like you and I! ANTICIPATION: TWAINY!
MONTY PYTHON'S LIFE OF BRIAN – 9:00PM Sunday (IFC) "There shall in that time be rumors of things going astray, erm, and there shall be a great confusion as to where things really are, and nobody will really know where lieth those little things with the sort of raffia-work base, that has an attachment. At that time, a friend shall lose his friend's hammer, and the young shall not know where lieth the things possessed by their fathers that their fathers put there only just the night before, about eight o'clock." ANTICIPATION: BEST MOVIE EVER!


text:
Just a few weeks after being named one of the "greenest" universities by the Princeton Review, Arizona State University has racked up another green recognition.
Sierra Magazine, a publication of the Sierra Club, the oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization in the U.S., has released their list of the nation's top 20 "coolest" schools and ASU has been named as lucky number 13.
The schools were recognized for their sustainable efforts based on questionnaires addressing a variety of categories including: academics, administration, efficiency, energy, food, purchasing, transportation, and waste management. Schools could earn up to ten points in each category with an additional five bonus points if they had extra green initiatives.
Again, ASU was in some pretty elite company with Yale, Harvard, New York University and others. The University of Colorado at Boulder may have taken the top spot but for ASU this is another notch on its green belt of accomplishments. Being sustainable is no small feat and this type of national recognition gives Arizonans not only a reason to be proud, but also motivation to keep the mission going.
For the full list of school's check out the Sierra Club's website.


text:
On one of the topics on spray basting, one of the gals mentioned she used Krylon Spray. Inquiring mind that I have, I looked up the various Krylon Spray Adhesives. I found this "Paper Finishes Easy-Tack Repositionable Adhesive" could be used on fabric. See info from the Michael's website below. I also went to the Krylon website and looked it up there.
"Krylon® Easy-Tack Adhesive provides a repositionable bond on most light weight materials and may be adjusted, removed, and reapplied throughout the life of the bond. Benefits: Low odor, non-staining, long-lasting tack, non-wrinkling, less curl. Its acid-free formula is ideal for scrapbook projects and its also great for stenciling and much more!"
Read what it says and let me know what you think. The price is about half of the other spray basting products we use.


text:
Opps!!31 05 2013
Sorry everyone, I had a change of e-mail and forgot to update the site so comments didn't get approved until just now. My bad!
Categories : Uncategorized
Sorry everyone, I had a change of e-mail and forgot to update the site so comments didn't get approved until just now. My bad!
Head Ref Hater Sucks too!
Are you happy with the NBA or are you upset with the NBA, the referreeing, or just want to rant? This is the place for you to express your opinions on the NBA!
Head Ref Hater
Sorry Thunder, what the NBA giveth the NBA taketh away!
The Miami Heat win game 4 104-98 over the Oklahoma City Thunder thanks to the officials.
I've never been a person that bought into conspiracy theories or things being rigged. But after this game obviously being tooled with by the referees and with what happend at the NBA Draft Lottery even i'm starting to buy in.
Let's face it, America wants the Thunder to win to keep the hated Heat and LeBron from winning a ring, but at the same time LeBron is the face of the NBA, and how bad would it look for his legacy and the NBA if he never got a ring? Cue the NBA getting involved.
Everytime a Heat player was touched, especially LeBron and Dwyane Wade, a foul was called. Usually in the NBA Finals the referees let most things go, but in 2012 they call everything one-sided to the benefit of the Miami Heat. The Thunder try to draw the same fouls or even get bulldozed by their opponent and still get no whistle. Even ESPN's NBA Analyst Tim Legler got involved on Twitter (@LegsESPN).
"OKC cannot get the benefit of the doubt on any calls. Too many touch calls for the NBA Finals."
"Mia is playing great. Make no mistake. But it's getting ridiculous how few calls they (Thunder) get on similar plays to what Mia gets. Obvious."
When someone attacked Legler for saying he was just mad the Thunder wouldn't win in 6 games like he predicted (as did i) Tim responded by saying " I don't care who wins. Dude change that tune. I'm just saying what I'm seeing."
The Heat are a great team with great superstars. They earned their spot in the Finals, but make them work for it. The NBA is serving the championship up on a platter for the Heat and it's completely ridiculous.
The Thunder earned their right to be where they are but are being treated like 2nd place in the Miss America Pagent, "they will get theirs, just not yet." I wonder what Timothy Bradley and Manny Pacquiao think about the NBA Finals?
Even with all of this the Miami Heat barely pulled out the last two games. If James Harden and Russell Westbrook played smarter the Thunder would be up 3-1 in this series no thanks to the officials. I'm thinking of even boycotting the rest of the series. I'm disgusted to even write about the NBA at this point, completely pathetic.
I expect for Tim Donaghy (Referee that was busted for throwing games) to make an appearance
MIAMI – The general manager of the Boston Celtics was trying to understand how LeBron James could get to the free-throw line those 24 times, and so Danny Ainge stood in the hallway recreating a clear-path foul call for the NBA's vice president of referee operations, Joe Borgia. Ainge slid his feet, and tried to show how the Celtics defender had reached around to the Miami Heat star, how they were far too close to the rim for that call.
"How?" Ainge asked him.
They did some kind of a dance here late Wednesday night, Borgia and Ainge, the NBA official delivering his explanation, and Ainge, the ultimate contrarian, challenging the premises. And hey, how could Paul Pierce foul out again? How could the Heat get to the free-throw line 47 times? These were the things on Ainge's mind, and there would be no satisfaction coming out of here for these Celtics, no solace out of an epic effort and a historic performance out of Rajon Rondo. Ainge was persistent, polite and Borgia finally relented that he'd watch the film of the Heat's 115-111 Game 2 overtime victory.
Rajon Rondo earned high praise from LeBron James after Miami's victory in Game 2. (Reuters) "I'm sure we missed five or six calls somewhere," Borgia said.
I vote we give the Bucks the 1st round series against the Hawks just so we can see this again!
Still can't watch a whole game on NBA Broadband. Always starts to lock up toward the end of the game. Just plain crap! Just like the referees the NBA can't figure out how to get it right!
I guess I didn't learn my lesson. I bought League Pass so I could watch my favorite team and it is suppose to include NBA Broadband. NBA Broadband is the worst product ever, only thing worse is the referring in the NBA. DO NOT pay for this feature, they can't even deliver a whole game, you just might watch the whole game just to be denied the last few minutes of the game.
NBA Broadband is a joke!
NBA Broadband is a waste of money!
NBA Broadband is garbage!
NBA Broadband Blows!
NBA Broadband Sucks!
OK lets see if google can get this out to everyone and hurt the NBA where it means the most!
The NBA's current contract with its 60-odd referees runs out next week and the sides appear to be far apart on a new deal, according to sources with knowledge of the negotiations.
Sept. 1 is the expiration date of the current five-year pact. One source told ESPN.com on Tuesday that — with the league proposing an across-the-board reduction to the referee budget of an estimated 10 percent — the impasse might not be resolved before the start the 2009-10 season.
As of "right now," according to the source, existing NBA referees "will not be working preseason [or the] regular season."
Another source with knowledge of the talks, however, countered by questioning the referees' willingness to hold out in a depressed economy if it reaches the point that the league threatens to impose a lockout.
Don't bother signing up for NBA Broadband. They promise to make all game available but blackout the best games. Even better they make impossible to locate whether or not a game will be blacked out prior to the game.
If you want to watch an archived game you have to click on a link that "HAS THE SCORE ON THE LINK" no need watching a game that you already know the ending score. Don't bother trying to send feedback because just like the refereeing in the league they really don't want your opinion. The Feed back link doesn't work, what a surprise.
Save your money to buy drinks at a nice cozy sports bar!
NBA Broadband Sux!
Lets see if this gets a response from the beloved league!


text:
the problem with over-thinkers
so here's how it is.
i think too much, maybe waaaayy too much.
a thinking man is not sexy, in fact it's a curse, because we tend to think about all the evidence and possible outcomes that it paralyzes you.
and a man who doesn't act.. is really not much of a man at all.
it's good to have faith, but faith without works is dead. the good intention, the brilliant strategies, the things that make the world a better place, don't get implemented.
i don't know if one can stop the mind from racing too far ahead before the body can catch up. the mind is capable of so much more, that surpasses human and physical limitations. the mind, does not always live in the same reality as the physical body.
it is able to dream, imagine, prophecy and predict either the utopia or the apocalypse
but everything is meaningless if it does not come to pass.


text:
What are you in the mood for today? Experience a variety of culinary pleasures in our four different restaurants:
In 2019 Gault Millau again distinguished two of our restaurants: 13 points for the chinese restaurant Blun-Chi and 13 points for the regional classic "La Gare".
Our restaurants are all smoke-free. But of course our smoking guests don't have to forego their pleasure. They are free to use the cigar lounge SMOKING to enjoy a good cigar or a fine pipe at their leisure.
If you enjoy a copious breakfast you will love our large Saanenland breakfast buffet with fresh regional products. If you prefer to breakfast the Italian way with just some good coffee and a croissant - just walk on over to BASTA by Dalsass.
Marcel Reist came to us as our new chef in 2016. Besides a passion for creative cooking he possesses years of experience in various renowned Swiss and Gstaad restaurants. At the Bernerhof Marcel Reist is responsible für three kitchens with a total of 26 Gault Millau points that he will develop with his creativity and great skill. Marcel's right hand is our long-standing sous-chef Tomo Kentera.


text:
Since late 2009, the blogosphere has been atwitter with speculation about the true identities of Monarchy, the mysterious London-based electro duo, whose trippy, synth-pop songs Gold in the Fire, Black, the Colour of My Heart, The Phoenix Alive (along with the accompanying space age-y video for it), plus remixes of tracks they've done for Fyfe Dangerfield, Penguin Prison, and Elie Goulding, have caused a veritable sensation, with everyone from the UK Guardian to The New Musical Express, and other breathless-with-anticipation critics, labeling them the new "It" band or "The Next Big Thing." Monarchy's sure-to-be-hailed latest, It Must Be love, is being released today. Have a listen, then judge for, and discuss, amongst yourselves.
NEW: Monarchy – It Must Be Love (below)
"Our sound is cold comfort. The music is spacious, an arctic landscape with a pulsing life running beneath it. We have a certain love of synth-pop from years gone past, but we're absolutely modern." —Monarchy
Ok. Great tunes. But, still, who are Monarchy? Rather than engage in generic gossip, guessing games, or futile Google searches for hidden clues in their sound and look (some of which may or may not lead to plausible results), The Excellent People, as is our Outstanding habit and tried and true tenet, much prefer to go directly to the source, letting the top secret band speak for themselves. To read the full interview, please click here. (Downloadable PDF).


text: Five technologies that help save fuel Smart JourneySmall EngineAlways meant cheap, loud and less power. Now drivers can enjoy the new generation. Turbo-charged Ford EcoBoost engines deliver big power and small fuel economy figures.Auto StartStopWaiting at traffic lights with the engine running wastes fuel. This technology automatically switches off the engine and restarts it before you move off.Active Grille ShutterThe adjustable shutter manages airflow to cool the engine – improving aerodynamics and lowering fuel consumption.Smart Regenerative ChargingBraking can slow your vehicle and power your battery, in the same way that pedalling a bicycle can turn the wheels and power lights.Eco-ModeOn-the-move virtual coaching rewards smooth gear-changes, acceleration and braking by showing a flower. Bad behaviour makes it wilt.Contact us for more information


text:
The Woodland Davis Clean Water Agency has approved a contract with the company CH2MHill to build and operate the plant in Woodland for $141.2 million.
Dennis Diemer is the agency's general manager. He says the facility is needed in part to reduce the volume of chemicals in both the drinking water and wastewater discharge.
Diemer says the biggest concerns have been Hexavalent Chromium and Selenium.
"Both communities will be able to not only meet both current and future water regulations, but will also supply them with a sustainable water supply from a quantity standpoint," he says. "And it will also allow them to meet discharge requirements from their wastewater treatment systems."
The plant will be built about five miles from the Sacramento River near Interstate 5 and County Road 23. Fifteen miles of pipe and a new water intake facility are also part of the project.


text:
Traveling light is a sound piece of advice. For that, you need to leave your belongings behind.
The issue: Suppose you plan to go on a long trip and you stop paying rent, so you have to return the keys. You cannot and do not want to take all your stuff with you, but you don't have that much stuff either and everything fits in 3 or 5 large suitcases. You want to keep all that in a safe place while you travel.
Of course you can think family and friends, but assume they are far away or have no space available. What creative options do you have to solve this problem? Are there places who offer excellent value in storage for your money and charge by the month? Perhaps places that can help you with that even if it is not their main business? Are there non-commercial alternatives?
Location: in principle it could be mostly anywhere, because depending on the price it may be worth the ticket, but preferences would be for Europe, especially some central hub (major cities with huge airports like Paris, Amsterdam, Madrid, Frankfurt etc), followed by Central and South America.
I believe that knowing how to deal with this can be, for many people, a liberating step for finally hitting the road.


text:
Idea: a remote-controlled car as a modern-day Logo-turtle
Just a random thought.
You could do a modern take on the old Logo turtle-robot, but with a remote-control car whose movement you could program, wirelessly, via a smart-phone or tablet.
If you're not familiar with Logo, the "turtle" was a simple robot on wheels with a pen attached to it. You sat it down on a big piece of paper and as it moved along the pen traced out its path on the paper. Logo was the simple programming language used to tell the turtle what to do (e.g. 'move forwards 10 units', 'turn 45 degrees right', 'move forwards 5 units', etc). You'd write the program then send it to the turtle which would slowly move around according to the commands in your program, and if you programmed it right it could draw out all sorts of shapes and patterns. The system was for teaching kids the basic concepts behind programming.
A Logo 'turtle'. Image source
But what if instead of the turtle you had a remote-controlled car? Instead of directly controlling its behaviour with a normal RC controller, you'd control it like the turtle, by writing a program that sets out the movements it should perform. Specifying this with a smart-phone or tablet would make sense - the instructions could be sent wirelessly to the car.
Compared to the traditional turtle an RC car would be faster, have acceleration and braking, and could travel over rough and varied surfaces.
Instead of being about drawing patterns on paper, it could be about getting the car to successfully navigate the physical environment. It might be in your backyard, and avoiding trees, going down slopes, traversing small mounds, etc. Where there's obstacles, the possibility for jumps, and so forth. Where obstacles could form signposts for a track.
I suspect that, rather than programming it by telling it to move by a certain distance or to turn by a certain number of degrees, you'd want commands like 'move at 75% throttle for 5 seconds' and '50% right turn for 1 second' (where '100% right turn' would mean turn as sharply right as possible, so 50% means turn half as sharply).
The hope would be that kids would find this kind of thing fun. Rather than having a more abstract goal of drawing certain shapes, they'd have more tangible goals like navigating around the physical space, getting it to do a jump over a curb, etc. That a remote control car can go pretty fast would hopefully make it more exciting, too.
I would imagine that if a bunch of kids got together and they had several of these cars, they could try and race them or set up some other kind of competition (e.g. trying to get the cars to ram each other, maybe to knock one over).
Electronics are so much cheaper these days, so I imagine that cost or getting the necessary parts to do something like wouldn't be too much of a barrier. (And if you are wondering whether I have any thoughts about trying it out, I don't. It'd be nice to try but I'm working on other things at the moment. Just thought I'd get the idea out there).
Of course, there'd be a lot more to think about to think this through properly. E.g. Logo has the equivalent of procedures, which can be useful for drawing shapes and patterns, and these are a form of abstraction you want to teach. Would there be some motivation for utilising procedures if the focus wasn't on drawing patterns? There could be, especially if you set up an obstacle course for the car that made them useful.
Edit: this idea could also be applied to drones.


text:
GOP touts school choice
Republicans eager to attract black and Latino voters believe they have hit on an ideal magnet: school choice.
Led by Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, with high-profile contributions from House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), the GOP is pushing an election-year initiative to talk up school choice at every turn.
Story Continued Below
Calling for more charter schools, vouchers and tax credits to help parents pay private school tuition fits with the party's mantra that the government works best when it gets out of the way and lets the free market flourish. But top strategists say it's more than that: Talking about helping poor minority children softens the GOP's image and lets candidates offer a positive vision instead of forever going on the attack. And unlike immigration reform, school choice is politically safe; there's no chance of blowback from the tea party.
Plus, the photo ops are great. As the conservative advocacy group FreedomWorks put it in a strategic planning document: "Focus on kids and the future = excellent media opportunity."
( Also on POLITICO: Full education policy coverage)
But Democrats say they're confident the black and Latino majorities they built up in recent years will see the school choice push as empty messaging.
"You cannot punch me in the mouth with one hand and reach out and shake my hand with the other," said the Rev. Joe Darby, a civil rights leader in Charleston, S.C.
Black voters, he said, won't be won over by Republicans promising vouchers to help them pay tuition — not when the same candidates are fighting minimum wage hikes and blocking health care expansion. "The Republicans don't have a leg to stand on," Darby said.
Republicans beg to differ. They believe school choice can be the fulcrum of their newly reinvigorated effort to woo minority voters, dubbed the Growth and Opportunity Project. They point to polling data showing strong support for vouchers among Latino voters, especially in New Jersey and in the swing states of Florida and New Mexico. They note that a large number of minority families are entering charter school lotteries and more than 500,000 students are on charter waiting lists nationally.
( Sign up for POLITICO's Morning Education tip sheet)
GOP strategists also like school choice because it adds a spark of positive energy to a 2014 campaign agenda that's awfully heavy on the negatives: no to Obamacare, no to minimum-wage hikes, no to gay marriage — but yes to rescuing struggling kids from failing public schools through the power of the free market.
"It allows Republicans to be positive, and different from how they are normally perceived," said Matthew Dowd, a political strategist and the architect of George W. Bush's 2004 victory. "Republicans are often seen as supporting policies that help a certain class of voters," Dowd said. "Here, we have policies that provide opportunity for everyone, especially low-income voters."
Even if minority voters aren't entirely won over, Dowd said, GOP candidates still benefit from talking up school choice: "It gives the message to moderate white suburban voters that they're tolerant, they're expansive — they care."
( PHOTOS: Schools making adequate yearly progress)
In short, school choice "is not only great policy but great messaging," Dowd said.
It certainly worked on Phyllis Jenkins. A mother of three in Harvey, La., Jenkins usually votes Democrat. But she obtained a voucher this school year to enroll her youngest, a 7-year-old, in a Catholic school, Our Lady of Prompt Succor. The school's voucher students don't post great results on math and reading tests; last year, Our Lady earned the equivalent of a D- from the state. In many states, in fact, voucher students do no better — and sometimes fare worse — than their peers in public schools.
Still, Jenkins said she sees her daughter making gains by the day. The school is safe. The staff is caring.
"I just love it," Jenkins said.
And she is deeply grateful to Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal for promoting the voucher program. So grateful that she plans to vote for him if he runs for higher office. "He's supporting our children," Jenkins said. "He's looking out for the future." She'll even consider backing other Republicans, too, if they promise to protect vouchers. "It would make a big difference," Jenkins said.
Hoping for more such victories, Priebus visited New Orleans and Detroit last fall to talk up the Republican commitment to school choice. He has addressed the National Black Chamber of Commerce on the subject and has written several times about the issue's importance to black and Hispanic voters. In an open letter to Republicans published in the National Review Online, Priebus wrote: "If you're not engaging with the Hispanic community, you better get to work." He then outlined a series of talking points — starting with school choice.


text:
The Supreme Court gyroscope is still working
By Ruth Marcus
Washington Post Writers Group
I've always thought of the Supreme Court as having a kind of internal, institutional gyroscope that keeps it from veering too far out of kilter.
This notional instrumentation is obviously imperfect; there are times when the court overreaches. And in recent years — call it the post-Bush v. Gore era — there have been numerous instances that give cause to wonder if the gyroscope is functioning at all.
Thursday's ruling upholding the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act offers welcome, relieving evidence that it is, thanks to Chief Justice John Roberts. Lord knows, there have been times when Roberts has failed to practice the umpire-like restraint he so fervently preached at his Senate confirmation hearings.
The court under Roberts reached out in the Citizens United case, for example, to decide a question that had not been raised by any of the parties before it, and in doing so overturned both one of its own precedents and a congressional enactment.
I like the result in the health care case, if not all of the reasoning. But I hope to be saying something more intellectually honest here than that the chief justice ruled in a way I agree with, so now I've decided he's a good guy after all.
My point is also different from the maxim of the Supreme Court following the election returns or being swayed, however subconsciously, by public opinion. After all, if the court's decision-making on the health care law was influenced by public polling, the mandate would have been out the window: The provision did not have majority support even among Democrats.
I mean something more fundamental about the court and the justices' conception of its role in the constitutional architecture. The court appropriately operates as a check on the power of Congress and the president. It acts less appropriately as a check-mate, frustrating the ability of the other branches to address national problems.
This was the hard-learned lesson of the court during the New Deal, when its rulings frustrated, in every sense of that word, Franklin Roosevelt's efforts to help the country climb out of the Great Depression. Ultimately, the court's self-correcting, and perhaps self-protecting, mechanisms kicked in.
Likewise, there are moments — the civil rights struggle and Brown v. Board of Education come to mind — when the court must be in the forefront of social change. But there are also occasions when the court appropriately recoils from disrupting settled expectations.
Thus I found myself sitting in the Supreme Court chamber 20 years ago this week when the court, defying predictions that it was prepared to eliminate the constitutional right to abortion, stepped back from the brink of reversing Roe v. Wade, citing the risk of "profound and unnecessary damage to the court's legitimacy."
That was a similarly gyroscopic moment, similarly unexpected.
In Thursday's ruling, Roberts was less explicit, yet a sense of the profound stakes for the court and the country suffuses the opinion. He referred to the court's "general reticence to invalidate the acts of the nation's elected leaders," adding, "it is not our job to protect the people from the consequences of their political choices."
Turning to the unexpected ground of finding the individual mandate constitutional under Congress' taxing powers, Roberts made clear the degree to which he was putting a judicial thumb on the scale of constitutionality.
"Every reasonable construction must be resorted to, in order to save a statute from unconstitutionality," he wrote, quoting an 1895 case. It was reminiscent of the contortions that Roberts led the court through in avoiding ruling on the constitutionality of the Voting Rights Act three years ago.
There are two magnificent ironies embedded in this outcome. The first is that the president, having strenuously denied that he was raising taxes with the "shared responsibility payment," was saved by the court's having found it to be, yes, a tax.
The second, even richer, is that Obama's signature domestic achievement was saved by none other than the chief justice whose confirmation he opposed. Then-Senator Obama said he worried about how Roberts would vote in the sliver of "truly difficult" cases, that "can only be determined on the basis of one's deepest values, one's core concerns, one's broader perspectives on how the world works, and the depth and breadth of one's empathy."
His alliance with liberals in the health care ruling, I suspect, illuminated something of Roberts' "deepest values" and "core concerns." Too bad protocol would prevent the president from picking up the phone to say "thanks." Maybe even, "I was wrong."
Ruth Marcus (email@example.com) is a Washington Post columnist. This column was distributed by the Washington Post Writers Group.