Nokia Lumia 520 tries to arrive at FCC incognito, given away by codename

Nokia just tried to hustle a certain RM-914 model through the FCC, but thanks to an earlier glance at the Fed's Indonesian counterpart POSTEL, we know we're actually looking at the Lumia 520. As the Finnish outfit just announced, that model represents the new low-end of its Windows Phone 8 line, though it's decently spec'd with a dual-core 1GHz Snapdragon CPU, 4-inch 800 x 480 IPS display and 1,430mAh battery. While eschewing LTE, the device will pack various WCDMA and HSPA+ frequencies for 3G, though in this case, we're not looking at WCDMA 900 / 2100 bands, meaning it's indeed a US model. Its next stop ought to be store shelves later this quarter -- followed by your pocket, if the $183 or so WP8 handset rings your bell.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Nokia

Comments

Source: FCC

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/26/nokia-lumia-520-FCC-RM-914/

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3D Printers to Build NASA's Spare Parts & Rocket Engines

In his recent State of the Union address, President Obama spoke glowingly of 3D printing, saying the technology "has the potential to revolutionize the way we make almost everything." At NASA, the revolution is already under way. Engineers are now testing 3D printing (more broadly known as additive manufacturing) for making engine parts for the Space Launch System (SLS), the vehicle slated to take mankind back to the moon, to asteroids, and someday to Mars. A 3D printer will soon head to the International Space Station. And in the future, NASA hopes 3D printers will let astronauts fabricate tools, spare parts, or virtually anything their mission requires throughout the solar system.

"Additive manufacturing is this new technology that really gives us an endless set of possibilities for the products we manufacture at NASA for our terrestrial launch vehicle and our in-space applications," says John Vickers, assistant manager of the Materials and Processes Laboratory at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.

In a sign of how seriously NASA is taking the technology, on Friday agency chief Charles Bolden toured an additive manufacturing facility at Marshall. "The things going on here are very impressive," Bolden tells PM. "I was surprised by the maturity of the systems already."

Additive manufacturing consists of successively adding thin layers of material to build up an object in three dimensions based on a digital blueprint. The technology's costs have plummeted in recent years, prompting everyone from garage tinkerers to America's space agency to get in on the action. "All NASA centers have some capability in additive manufacturing or 3D printing," Vickers says.

Bolden looks ahead to when 3D printing will fundamentally redefine the planning of manned spaceflight missions. "My chief technologist Mason Peck and I talk every week," Bolden says. "He envisions somewhere down the road we'll launch with nothing except an additive manufacturing set of machines or apparatus; everything we need we'll produce when we get there. It could be incredible."

NASA is beginning with smaller steps. Ames Research Center in California is working on small satellite development, for example, while Florida's Kennedy Space Center has eyes on using lunar, martian, and asteroid regolith as raw material for 3D printers. At Marshall, where Vickers works, the focus is on propulsion systems. Engineers are experimenting with a process called selective laser melting (SLM) to build complex, conventionally hard-to-make components for the SLS engines, called the RS-25 and J-2X. In the SLM machine's chamber, lasers melt and fuse a finely powdered substance?in this case an aeronautics-grade, nickel-based alloy called Inconel?in a designed pattern. The current machine can create objects only about a half cubic foot in volume, but larger SLM devices could go on to make bigger and bigger engine components. "We believe it will be possible in the future to build all of the hard parts we would desire to build out of additive technology," Vickers says.

The same factors that are pushing more and more entrepreneurs to embrace 3D printing?lower cost and shorter production times?are enticing NASA too. As an example, Vickers says, an engine injector made with conventional fabrication techniques of molding and welding might cost in the range of $250,000. "We hope to reduce that by a factor of 10 and get in the range of $25,000," Vickers says. "That's huge when you start talking about reducing the cost." Production times could also dwindle from six months to just weeks.

A conventional injector design could contain some 300 parts, Vickers adds, but the additive manufacturing could build it all as a single unit. That means the production could be not only faster and cheaper, but also safer; it cuts down on the number of individual aeronautical parts that could have manufacturing defects, as well as the time needed for rigorous inspections to root out such flaws.

Another benefit: SLM components will not need to be welded together. "Generally, welds are a weak point," Vickers says. "So the elimination of welds is inherently a good thing." NASA will test the new components to see how they stand up against intense heat and vibrations. One component made via SLM under study and that Vickers talked to Bolden about on his tour is called a POGO Z-baffle, which dampens vertical oscillations in an oxygen line in the RS-25 rocket engine. The plan is to certify the part for use on the maiden SLS flight in 2017, Vickers says.

Putting additive manufacturing right at astronauts' fingertips is also in the works. In October 2014 a SpaceX flight is scheduled to deliver a 3D printer for fashioning plastic objects to the International Space Station. The NASA effort is a collaboration with startup company Made In Space. Should the technology prove successful on the ISS, Bolden says it could be transitioned to the SLS's manned Orion space capsule and other spacecraft.

Bolden piloted or commanded four shuttle missions from 1986 to 1994, including the mission that deployed the Hubble Space Telescope in 1990. He recalls a situation on his last mission aboard space shuttle Discovery where a 3D printer could have come in handy. Crew member Franklin Chang-Diaz was setting up a SPACEHAB module, which sat in a space shuttle's payload bay and provided astronauts a safe, pressurized environment where they could work without wearing a spacesuit. "Franklin noticed that the air duct into the SPACEHAB module that provided life support had been crushed," Bolden says. "We were worried about it, as were people on the ground." To prevent the flimsy duct from closing off completely, Bolden says the astronauts devised a solution: taking the hard plastic cover from an atlas, rolling it up, and then sticking it inside the duct. But a 3D printer might have saved considerable worry and the need to resort to jury-rigging while in orbit. "If we had this capacity with us then," Bolden says, "we could have ordered up the second module component we needed and printed one out that was plastic that wasn't able to be crushed."

This is this sort of ad hoc versatility that excites interplanetary mission planners. Should a spacecraft part break down or need replacement, astronauts could simply type into a 3D printer what component they need. Want a stronger shovel to dig a hole on Mars? An astronaut-engineer could create custom tools on the fly. 3D-printed objects themselves could be recycled as feedstock for the next set of wares.

"The further you get from Earth, the harder it is to take all the supplies and redundant parts you might need," Vickers says. "This capability to produce parts in space is a critical enabling tech for exploring if we're really ever going to spend long periods of time on other planets or the moon."

"A mission to Mars today is eight months," Bolden says. "There's no sending back asking for UPS or FedEx."

Source: http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/space/nasa/3d-printers-to-build-nasas-spare-parts-rocket-engines-15146569?src=rss

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Utah Travel Headlines: Utah Properties on the Forbes Travel Guide ...

Forbes Travel Guide has released this
list of the best hotels, restaurants, spas and destinations in
the US and around the world. Below we list Utah properties that made the coveted list. Forbes said this about the rankings:

Forbes Travel Guide has delivered the travel industry's most comprehensive ratings and reviews of hotels, restaurants and spas since1958. Forbes Travel Guide's team of professional inspectors anonymously evaluates properties on over 500 service criteria. Forbes Travel Guide is the global rating standard providing guests with the insight to make better-informed and more consistent travel and leisure decisions.

Forbes 5-Star Award Winners

Forbes 4-Star Award Winners

Hotels:

• Amangiri (Lake Powell)

• Montage Deer Valley

• Waldorf Astoria Park City

• The Grand America Hotel (Salt Lake City)

• The St. Regis Deer Valley

• Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa (Moab)

Restaurants:

• Apex (Deer Valley)

• Riverhorse on Main (Park City)

• SLOPES by Talisker (Park City)

• Glitretind Restaurant (Deer Valley)

Spas:

Forbes Recommended:

Forbes Recommended Destinations:

Source: http://www.travelheadlines.utah.com/2013/02/utah-properties-on-forbes-travel-guide.html

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Air balloon in Egypt falls 1,000 feet, killing 18

LUXOR, Egypt (AP) ? A hot air balloon flying over Egypt's ancient city of Luxor caught fire and crashed into a sugar cane field on Tuesday, killing at least 18 foreign tourists, a security official said.

It was one of the worst accidents involving tourists in Egypt and likely to push the key tourism industry deeper into recession.

The casualties included French, British, Belgian, Hungarian, Japanese nationals and nine tourists from Hong Kong, Luxor Governor Ezzat Saad told reporters.

Three survivors of the crash ? two British tourists and one Egyptian ? were taken to a local hospital. Egypt's civil aviation minister, Wael el-Maadawi, suspended hot air balloon flights and flew to Luxor to lead the investigation into the crash.

According to the Egyptian security official, the balloon carrying at least 20 tourists was flying over Luxor early Tuesday when it caught fire, which triggered an explosion in its gas canister, then plunged at least 300 meters (1,000 feet) from the sky.

The balloon crashed into a sugar cane field outside al-Dhabaa village just west of Luxor, 510 kilometers (320 miles) south of Cairo, said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media.

Bodies of the dead tourists were scattered across the field around the remnants of the balloon. An Associated Press reporter at the crash site counted eight bodies as they were put into body bags and taken away. The security official said all 18 bodies have been recovered.

The security official said foul play has been ruled out. He also said initial reports of 19 dead were revised to 18 as confusion is common in the aftermath of such accidents.

An official with the state prosecutor's office said initial findings show that the accident occurred when the pilot's landing cable was caught around a helium tube. He spoke anonymously because the investigation is ongoing.

The head of Japan Travel Bureau's Egypt branch, Atsushi Imaeda, confirmed that four Japanese died in the crash. He said two were a couple in their 60s from Tokyo. Details on the other two were not immediately available.

In Hong Kong, a travel agency said nine of the tourists that were aboard the balloon were natives of the semiautonomous Chinese city. There was a "very big chance that all nine have perished," said Raymond Ng, a spokesman for the agency. The nine, he said, included five women and four men from three families.

They were traveling with six other Hong Kong residents on a 10-day tour of Egypt.

Ng said an escort of the nine tourists watched the balloon from the ground catching fire around 7 a.m. and plunging to the ground two minutes later.

In Britain, tour operator Thomas Cook confirmed that two British tourists were dead and two were in hospital.

"What happened in Luxor this morning is a terrible tragedy and the thoughts of everyone in Thomas Cook are with our guests, their family and friends," said Peter Fankhauser, CEO of Thomas Cook UK & Continental Europe.

"We have a very experienced team in resort with the two guests in the local hospital, and we're providing our full support to the family and friends of the deceased at this difficult time," he said.

In Paris, a diplomatic official said French tourists were among those involved in the accident, but would give no details on how many, or whether French citizens were among those killed.

Speaking on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to be publicly named according to government policy, the official said French authorities were working with their Egyptian counterparts to clarify what happened. French media reports said two French tourists were among the dead but the official wouldn't confirm that.

Hot air ballooning, usually at sunrise over the famed Karnak and Luxor temples as well as the Valley of the Kings, is a popular pastime for tourists visiting the area. Tickets for a hot air balloon ride per person are around 200 Egyptian pounds, or roughly $30.

The site of the accident has seen past crashes. In 2009, 16 tourists were injured when their balloon struck a cellphone transmission tower. A year earlier, seven tourists were injured in a similar crash.

Egypt's tourism industry has been decimated since the 2011 uprising and the political turmoil that followed and continues to this day. Luxor's hotels are currently about 25 percent full in what is supposed to be the peak of the winter season.

Scared off by the turmoil and tenuous security following the uprising, the number of tourists coming to Egypt fell to 9.8 million in 2011 from 14.7 million the year before, and revenues plunged 30 percent to $8.8 billion.

Magda Fawzi, whose company operates four luxury Nile River cruise boats to Luxor, said she expects the accident will lead to tourist cancellations. Tour guide Hadi Salama said he expects Tuesday's accident to hurt the eight hot air balloon companies operating in Luxor, but that it may not directly affect tourism to the Nile Valley city.

Poverty swelled at the country's fastest rate in Luxor, which is highly dependent on visitors to its monumental temples and the tombs of King Tutankhamun and other pharaohs. In 2011, 39 percent of its population lived on less than $1 a day, compared to 18 percent in 2009, according to government figures.

In August, Egypt's Islamist President Mohammed Morsi flew to Luxor to encourage tourism there, about a month after he took office and vowed that Egypt was safe for tourists.

"Egypt is safer than before, and is open for all," he said in remarks carried by the official MENA news agency at the time. He was referring to the security situation following the 2011 ouster of autocratic leader Hosni Mubarak.

Deadly accidents caused by poor management and a decrepit infrastructure have taken place since Morsi took office. In January, 19 Egyptian conscripts died when their rickety train jumped the track. In November, 49 kindergarteners were killed when their school bus crashed into a speeding train because the railway guard failed to close the crossing.

The Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt's most powerful political force and Morsi's base of support, blames accidents on a culture of negligence fostered by Mubarak.

___

Associated Press writers Kelvin Chan in Hong Kong, Jill Lawless in London and Angela Charlton in Paris contributed to this report.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/hot-air-balloon-crash-egypt-kills-18-foreigners-091122549.html

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Tweaking gene expression to repair lungs

Public release date: 25-Feb-2013
[ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Karen Kreeger
karen.kreeger@uphs.upenn.edu
215-349-5658
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

PHILADELPHIA Lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are on the rise, according to the American Lung Association and the National Institutes of Health.

These ailments are chronic, affect the small airways of the lung, and are thought to involve an injury-repair cycle that leads to the breakdown of normal airway structure and function. For now, drugs for COPD treat only the symptoms.

"A healthy lung has some capacity to regenerate itself like the liver," notes Ed Morrisey, Ph.D., professor of Medicine and Cell and Developmental Biology and the scientific director of the Penn Institute for Regenerative Medicine in the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. "In COPD, these reparative mechanisms fail."

Morrisey is looking at how epigenetics controls lung repair and regeneration. Epigenetics involves chemical modifications to DNA and its supporting proteins that affect gene expression. Previous studies found that smokers with COPD had the most significant decrease in one of the enzymes controlling these modifications, called HDAC2.

"HDAC therapies may be useful for COPD, as well as other airway diseases," he explains. "The levels of HDAC2 expression and its activity are greatly reduced in COPD patients. We believe that decreased HDAC activity may impair the ability of the lung epithelium to regenerate."

Using genetic and pharmacological approaches, they showed that development of progenitor cells in the lung is specifically regulated by the combined function of two highly related HDACs, HDAC/1 and /2. Morrisey and colleagues published their findings in this week's issue of Developmental Cell.

By studying how HDAC activity, as well as other epigenetic regulators, controls lung development and regeneration, they hope to develop new therapies to alleviate the unmet needs of patients with asthma and COPD.

HDAC1/2 deficiency leads to a loss of expression of the key transcription factor, a protein called Sox2, which in turn leads to a block in airway epithelial cell development. This is affected in part by deactivating a repressor of expression (derepressing) of two other proteins, Bmp4 and the tumor suppressor Rb1 - targets of HDAC1/2.

In the adult lung, loss of HDAC1/2 leads primarily to increased expression of inhibitors of cell proliferation including the proteins Rb1, p16, and p21. This results in decreased epithelial proliferation in lung injury and inhibition of regeneration.

Together, these data support a critical role for HDAC-mediated mechanisms in regulating both development and regeneration of lung tissue. Since HDAC inhibitors and activators are currently in clinical trials for other diseases, including cancer, such compounds could be tested in the future for efficacy in COPD, acute lung injury, and other lung diseases that involve defective repair and regeneration, says Morrisey.

###

This work was funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (HL071589, HL087825, HL100405, HL110942) and the Lung Repair and Regeneration consortium, funded by the NHLBI.

Penn Medicine is one of the world's leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care. Penn Medicine consists of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $4.3 billion enterprise.

The Perelman School of Medicine is currently ranked #2 in U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $479.3 million awarded in the 2011 fiscal year.

The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania -- recognized as one of the nation's top "Honor Roll" hospitals by U.S. News & World Report; Penn Presbyterian Medical Center; and Pennsylvania Hospital the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Penn Medicine also includes additional patient care facilities and services throughout the Philadelphia region.

Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2011, Penn Medicine provided $854 million to benefit our community.

---

[ | E-mail | Share ]

?

AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.

Public release date: 25-Feb-2013
[ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Karen Kreeger
karen.kreeger@uphs.upenn.edu
215-349-5658
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

PHILADELPHIA Lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are on the rise, according to the American Lung Association and the National Institutes of Health.

These ailments are chronic, affect the small airways of the lung, and are thought to involve an injury-repair cycle that leads to the breakdown of normal airway structure and function. For now, drugs for COPD treat only the symptoms.

"A healthy lung has some capacity to regenerate itself like the liver," notes Ed Morrisey, Ph.D., professor of Medicine and Cell and Developmental Biology and the scientific director of the Penn Institute for Regenerative Medicine in the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. "In COPD, these reparative mechanisms fail."

Morrisey is looking at how epigenetics controls lung repair and regeneration. Epigenetics involves chemical modifications to DNA and its supporting proteins that affect gene expression. Previous studies found that smokers with COPD had the most significant decrease in one of the enzymes controlling these modifications, called HDAC2.

"HDAC therapies may be useful for COPD, as well as other airway diseases," he explains. "The levels of HDAC2 expression and its activity are greatly reduced in COPD patients. We believe that decreased HDAC activity may impair the ability of the lung epithelium to regenerate."

Using genetic and pharmacological approaches, they showed that development of progenitor cells in the lung is specifically regulated by the combined function of two highly related HDACs, HDAC/1 and /2. Morrisey and colleagues published their findings in this week's issue of Developmental Cell.

By studying how HDAC activity, as well as other epigenetic regulators, controls lung development and regeneration, they hope to develop new therapies to alleviate the unmet needs of patients with asthma and COPD.

HDAC1/2 deficiency leads to a loss of expression of the key transcription factor, a protein called Sox2, which in turn leads to a block in airway epithelial cell development. This is affected in part by deactivating a repressor of expression (derepressing) of two other proteins, Bmp4 and the tumor suppressor Rb1 - targets of HDAC1/2.

In the adult lung, loss of HDAC1/2 leads primarily to increased expression of inhibitors of cell proliferation including the proteins Rb1, p16, and p21. This results in decreased epithelial proliferation in lung injury and inhibition of regeneration.

Together, these data support a critical role for HDAC-mediated mechanisms in regulating both development and regeneration of lung tissue. Since HDAC inhibitors and activators are currently in clinical trials for other diseases, including cancer, such compounds could be tested in the future for efficacy in COPD, acute lung injury, and other lung diseases that involve defective repair and regeneration, says Morrisey.

###

This work was funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (HL071589, HL087825, HL100405, HL110942) and the Lung Repair and Regeneration consortium, funded by the NHLBI.

Penn Medicine is one of the world's leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care. Penn Medicine consists of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $4.3 billion enterprise.

The Perelman School of Medicine is currently ranked #2 in U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $479.3 million awarded in the 2011 fiscal year.

The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania -- recognized as one of the nation's top "Honor Roll" hospitals by U.S. News & World Report; Penn Presbyterian Medical Center; and Pennsylvania Hospital the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Penn Medicine also includes additional patient care facilities and services throughout the Philadelphia region.

Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2011, Penn Medicine provided $854 million to benefit our community.

---

[ | E-mail | Share ]

?

AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.

Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-02/uops-tge022513.php

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Save IR and Politics at University of the West of England

by Rodger Payne on February 19, 2013 in Duck

Earlier today, I received an email alerting me to the fact that the University of the West of England?s Academic Board supported a recommendation from the Vice Chancellor?s Executive Group to close all international relations and politics programs.

Apparently, the plan is to refocus the university (one of the ten largest in England) on skills-based learning and vocational courses, which essentially means that arts and social sciences have no place in future plans. As long-time Duck readers know, I think this is a very bad idea ? and some much-discussed research strongly supports the value of liberal arts education. Indeed, this research suggests that liberal arts students even out-perform vocationally trained students in the job market. In IR at UWE, 95% of ?Students [are] in work / study six months after finishing? their course.

Unsurprisingly, students are very happy with the education they receive at UWE:

In the last five National Student Surveys History at UWE has consistently scored over 90 per cent in the overall satisfaction ratings and Politics at UWE has scored close to 90 per cent. In the 2011 Guardian University League Tables Politics at UWE scored 91 per cent for overall course satisfaction.

Indeed, the students are campaigning? to save their programs. They have set up an online petition. They also have a Facebook page. An especially resourceful Politics/IR student at UWE made the following video about the pending decision and the value of the programs:

Readers, if you are willing and able, an email to UWE?s?Vice Chancellor, Steven West, stating your opposition to this decision could be helpful. That?s Professor Steven West at Steven.West@uwe.ac.uk. West is a podiatrist.?

Tags: academia, activism, Anarchy in the UK, liberal arts, political science, research, student activism Print article

Source: http://www.whiteoliphaunt.com/duckofminerva/2013/02/save-ir-and-politics-at-the-west-of-england-university.html

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UN forum offers new details on depth of Syria disaster

The State Department announced Tuesday that Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Europe and the Middle East next week, with the Syrian crisis figuring high on his agenda.

By Howard LaFranchi,?Staff writer / February 19, 2013

Valerie Amos, Under-Secretary-General and Emergency Relief Coordinator at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), arrives with Claus Sorensen, Director-General of the European Commission Directorate-General for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO), for a news conference after the seventh Syrian Humanitarian Forum at the United Nations European headquarters in Geneva Tuesday.

Denis Balibouse/Reuters

Enlarge

With nearly two years of fighting in Syria claiming more than 70,000 lives, causing almost 900,000 Syrians to flee their country, and displacing more than 2.5 million internally, the United Nations appears to have given up on finding new superlatives to describe the grinding civil war.

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On Tuesday the UN?s emergency relief coordinator and under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, Valerie Amos, told an international conference on the Syrian crisis in Geneva that ?the situation in Syria is getting worse? as violence continues unabated.

Ms. Amos spoke at the UN?s ?Syria humanitarian forum? as reports came out of Aleppo, Syria?s largest city and a focal point in the fighting between the government and rebel forces, about the kind of violence that has become daily and mundane: A rocket, possibly a Scud missile, hit a rebel-held Aleppo neighborhood, killing 19 ? mostly women and children.

The Geneva meeting was the seventh humanitarian forum designed to update international donors on the crisis in Syria and to solicit donations.

The United States announced an additional $19 million in humanitarian assistance at the conference, which brings to $385 million the total US contribution. Among the US donations, President Obama in late January announced $155 million in aid.

The State Department said Tuesday that Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Europe and the Middle East next week, with the Syrian crisis figuring high on his agenda.

In addressing the Geneva conference, Amos noted that more than half of Syria?s public hospitals are damaged and lack basic services, while more than 1 in 5 schools has either been destroyed or is serving as a shelter for displaced families. ?We are watching a humanitarian tragedy unfold before our eyes,? she said.

With no end to the war in sight, the World Food Program is gearing up to address the needs of 2.5 million Syrians by April ? up from 1.75 million today, Amos said. About half of those are living in contested or opposition-controlled areas of the country, she added, which makes them more difficult to reach.

As grim a picture as Amos painted, others suggest Syria?s toll may be even worse.

Last week Secretary Kerry said his Saudi counterpart, Prince Saud al-Faisal, reported to him that Syria?s death toll is closer to 90,000 people.

Kerry plans to address the Syrian crisis on his first trip as secretary of State next week, when he will visit a number of European allies and make stops in Egypt; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; the United Arab Emirates; and Qatar.

Kerry has said he wants to discuss new proposals for halting Syria?s violence, such as convincing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad that he must leave power. As a senator, Kerry expressed support for US participation in arming the rebels, but so far Mr. Obama has closed the door on that option.

Some speculate that the door may be opening a crack, however, and they take Kerry?s travel next week to Saudi Arabia and Qatar ? two Gulf states said to be providing arms to the Syrian opposition ? as a sign that the US is considering new options.

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/csm/~3/7H3R0U8gwmg/UN-forum-offers-new-details-on-depth-of-Syria-disaster

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Brown Bag with Jim Raymo Single Mothers and Poverty in Japan: The Role of Living Arrangements

• Date Today, Feb. 20, 2013
• Time noon.
• Location336 Ingraham Hall
• DescriptionJim Raymo is professor of sociology at UW-Madison, and is director for Concentration in Analysis and Research (CAR).
• CostFree
• Contact262-3643, eas@intl-institute.wisc.edu
• Tagged under

Add this event to your calendar: iCalendar Email Invite

Source: http://www.today.wisc.edu/events/view/59889

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Ethiopian rebels warn Canadian firm exploring oil

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) ? Ethiopian rebels are warning a Canadian oil company against oil exploration in the country's east.

The Ogaden National Liberation Front, or ONLF, said Monday the region is unsafe for the Africa Oil Corporation and said it should halt operations until the rebels make peace with the government.

The ONLF is blamed for the 2007 attack on a Chinese-run oil field in the region in which scores died.

The Ethiopian government spokesman downplayed the statement, saying the region is peaceful and that the rebels don't pose a real threat.

Africa Oil Corp. says it has three projects in the country including in the Ogaden Basin where ONLF has been fighting the government. The rebels want to create an independent state in the Ogaden region, which is inhabited by mostly ethnic Somalis.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/ethiopian-rebels-warn-canadian-firm-exploring-oil-142520121.html

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Genetic key to preventing spine tumors

Feb. 18, 2013 ? Genetic medicine experts from Manchester Biomedical Research Centre at Saint Mary's Hospital and The University of Manchester have identified a new gene responsible for causing an inherited form of tumour, known as spinal meningioma. Meningiomas are the commonest form of tumour affecting the brain and spine. Usually meningiomas can be removed by surgery and do not recur. Occasionally people can develop more than one meningioma or many members of the same family can be affected.

A team led by Dr Miriam Smith, Professor Gareth Evans and Dr Bill Newman worked with families with a history of meningiomas affecting the spinal cord. Using a powerful new genetic sequencing technique called next generation sequencing, they were able to check all the genes of three individuals with multiple spinal meningiomas. This lead to the identification that changes in a gene called SMARCE1 lead to spinal meningiomas in some families.

In December 2012 the government announced a focus on genetic sequencing with an aim of sequencing the genomes (a person's DNA) of 100,000 Britons with cancer and rare diseases in UK centres. The voluntary sequencing of patients will lead to better testing, better drugs and above all better care for patients. Manchester is already using this technology in their well established Genetics department at Saint Mary's and it is enabling doctors to ensure patients have access to the right drugs and personalised care quicker than ever before.

In the past year 10 genes have been discovered using the new next generation sequencing technology in Manchester including genes for developmental problems, deafness, short stature and bladder problems that lead to kidney failure.

"With our new DNA sequencing machines, we have been able to show that changes in the SMARCE1 gene are responsible for multiple spinal meningioma disease," said Dr Smith. "Before our work, doctors did not know that inherited spinal meningiomas have a completely different cause to other tumours affecting the brain and spine.

"The next step is to develop a screening programme to assess the risk of developing spinal tumours for individuals in affected families, and to investigate possible treatments to prevent the spinal tumours from growing."

Professor Richard Marias, Director of Cancer Research UK's Paterson Institute at The University of Manchester, said "This research highlights the complexity of tumour diagnosis. Such detailed molecular characterisation underpins current thoughts about how meningioma and cancer will be managed in the future and is at the heart of the personalised medicine approach." Just over two people in every 100,000 develop meningiomas in the head and spine, with twice as many women as men diagnosed with the condition.

The team's pioneering work was funded by The Children's Tumor Foundation, a US-based charity supporting neurofibromatosis research, and the Association for International Cancer Research, a global cancer research charity.

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Manchester University.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

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Journal Reference:

1. Miriam J Smith, James O'Sullivan, Sanjeev S Bhaskar, Kristen D Hadfield, Gemma Poke, John Caird, Saba Sharif, Diana Eccles, David Fitzpatrick, Daniel Rawluk, Daniel du Plessis, William G Newman, D Gareth Evans. Loss-of-function mutations in SMARCE1 cause an inherited disorder of multiple spinal meningiomas. Nature Genetics, 2013; DOI: 10.1038/ng.2552

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/health_medicine/genes/~3/kwJLukBZpww/130218092509.htm

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Ford Schedules Major Announcement for New Investments at Brook Park Plant

Ford workers at the Brook Park plant are today scheduled to vote on a tentative new contract after Ford and the United Auto Workers Local 1250 reached a new labor deal last week. The union said that the deal would include no major changes to work rules, and in exchange, the union said that Ford would bring a new line of small engines to the plant that currently almost exclusively makes truck motors. An official announcement has been scheduled for Thursday to discuss the new investments in Brook Park.

The addition of small engines to the Brook Park plant could bring in nearly 800 jobs over the next few years. Currently, the plant has 1,065 hourly workers.

A new engine line would be the first major expansion at the Brook Park plant after years of contraction. The Brook Park site had, as recently as 2010, three plants - two engine plants and a large iron casting plant - but now there is just one as the casting plant closed in 2010, followed by the closure of Cleveland Engine Plant No. 2 in 2012.

Despite the recent contractions, the lone bright spot in Brook Park has been Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1, which makes the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 Engine that's used in the Ford F-150 pickup. Engine Plant No. 1 currently runs three daily shifts to meet demand for the engine, yet there are still many dealers complaining that they cannot get enough trucks in stock.

Ford has been expanding its EcoBoost brand by offering, in addition to the F-150 pickup truck, the small, turbocharged engines in larger cars, crossovers, and SUVs. However, right now many of those engines come from Europe.

Ford is anticipating selling more than 100,000 of the smaller EcoBoost engines per year. Shifting at least part of the production of the engines for the vehicles to the U.S. would make sense, and that's where Brook Park comes in to play.

UAW Local 1250 President Mike Gammella has said that his priority for the past five years has been getting small car engines into the plant.

So far, Ford officials are being tight-lipped about what investments they plan to make in Brook Park, but the wait won't be long. On Thursday, a top Ford executive will be coming to the site to announce the investments and changes.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ClevelandLeader/~3/I8gDtqZjWs8/20202

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Area animal shelters

The following pets are among those available for adoption at Fredericksburg-area animal shelters:

FREDERICKSBURG REGIONAL SPCA

540/898-1500; fburgspca.org

Coco, spaniel?retriever, 4 years old, spayed female, sweet girl

Hank, pit bull mix, 4 years old, neutered male, great companion

Marla, beagle mix, 8 years old, spayed female, sweet girl

Montador, Chihuahua mix, neutered, 7 years old, loyal

Pancake, tabby cat, 5 years old, spayed female, free spirit

Pistachio, gray and white cat, neutered, 6 years old, talkative

Preston, Whippet?hound, neutered, 3 years old, very sweet

Polly, white/buff cat, spayed female, 11 years old, beautiful

Woodstock, black cat, neutered male, 9 years old, good friend

(Open house first Saturday of each month at PetSmart, Central Park; second Saturday at Petco, Plank Road; third Saturday at PetSmart, South Gateway Drive; and fourth Saturday at Petco, Worth Avenue, Stafford.)

STAFFORD COUNTY SHELTER

540/658-7387; co.Stafford.va.us; look for link to Animal Control Department. From there, click on Adopting an Animal.

Olive, hound mix, female, black and tan

Lila, pit bull, female, gray brindle/white

Diego, Labrador?pointer, neutered, white/brown

Sparky, Walker coonhound, spayed, tricolor

Cajun, hound mix, spayed, tricolor

Marble, male, brindle/white

Petey, pit bull mix, male, white and black

Coco, pit bull, female, 6 months old, white and black

Cats and kittens also available.

STAFFORD COUNTY SPCA

540/657-7387; staffordspca.org

Urijah, shorthair cat, 2 years old, neutered male, very patient

Lillith, Maine Coon, 2 years old, spayed female, very active

Bella, Maine Coon, 2 years old, spayed female, enjoys sunbathing

Chicklet, Corgi mix, 3 years old, spayed female, needs quiet

Harmony, shorthair cat, 3 years old, spayed, loves to watch birds

Brandy, Plott hound, 3 years old, spayed, athletic and full of energy

Blue, pit bull, neutered, 2 years old, loving and obedient

Sebastian, medium-coat cat, neutered, 1 year old, tuxedo coat

Onyx, shorthair cat, 2 years old, neutered male, all black

SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY SHELTER

540/507-7459;spotsylvania.va.us/animalcontrol

Judd, beagle, male, lemon and white

Boxer, male, brown and white with black muzzle

Jack, beagle, male, tricolor

Labrador mix, male, black

Rottweiler?Akita, male, black with red on legs

Hound mix, male, black, tan and white

Shepherd mix, neutered male, black and tan

Labrador mix, female, tan with brown and white muzzle

Labrador mix, neutered male

Bentley, Schnauzer, male, gray and black

Cats also available.

KING GEORGE COUNTY SHELTER

540/775-2120;?petfinder.com/shelters/VA53

Labrador mix, adult male, black and white, loves attention

Husky?pointer, adult female, chocolate and white, gorgeous

Pit bull mix, adult male, white/gray, sweet, loves attention

American Staffordshire mix, young adult female, tan, sweet

Boxer?Labrador, young adult female, chocolate/black, energetic

Mix breed, young female, brindle, cute

Cats, longhairs, shorthairs, tabbies and calicos available

ORANGE COUNTY SHELTER

540/672-1124;petfinder.com/shelters/VA123.html

Hobo, shorthair cat, neutered male, young, black

Mew Mew, medium-coat adult cat, spayed female, orange tabby

Asheville, beagle, 5 years old, neutered, brown, black and white

Wise Guy, hound mix, neutered, brown, black and white

Fonzi, flat-coated retriever, neutered, black

Marvin, hound, neutered, 5 years old, tan/black/white

Daphne, pit bull terrier, 2 years old, spayed female, black and white

Whisper, pit bull terrier, 3 years old, spayed, brindle black/cream

Freddy, pit bull terrier, 3 years old, neutered male, brindle blonde

Cyrus, beagle, adult, neutered male, black/brown/white

Twister, foxhound, 10 years old, neutered, brown, black and white

Dilly, shepherd mix, 8 years old, spayed female, brown

Rufus, hound, 8 years old, neutered, tan and white

Trinity, pit bull terrier mix, spayed,

10 years old, silver brindle

Hattie, pit bull terrier, 5 years old, spayed, black and white

Coco, pit bull terrier, 8 years old, spayed, brown and white

Lucian, pit bull terrier, 4 years old, neutered, brindle black/white

PET HARBOR RESCUE

703/583-4759; petharbor.org

Julian, Siberian husky, male,

2 years old, black/white, playful

McPadden, Siberian husky, male,

2 years old, red/white, hunk

Milan, Siberian husky, 2 years old, female, black/white, golden girl

Srini, Siberian husky, 5 years old, female, wooly, black/white

Beatty, Siberian husky, male,

3 years old, white, waterbaby

Goldie, shorthair cat, 5 years old, female, orange tabby and white

Simone, longhair cat, 11 months old, female, brown tabby, inquisitive

Judy, shorthair cat, 11 months old, female, calico, gymnast

Debra, shorthair cat, 1 year old, female, tortoiseshell, confident

Dowdy, shorthair cat, 1 year old, male, black tabby, brainiac

(Pet Harbor Rescue and Referral is a Siberian husky and cat rescue. Adoption events are held at Massaponax PetSmart.)

Permalink: http://news.fredericksburg.com/newsdesk/2013/02/17/area-animal-shelters/

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Source: http://news.fredericksburg.com/newsdesk/2013/02/17/area-animal-shelters/

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Sony To Drop PlayStation Vita Price In Japan

post from Press The Buttons on 18 February 2013 09:30:00 AM. ? Press The Buttons

Those of you who have wanted to buy a Sony PlayStation Vita but have been hesitant because of the high price ($250 for a Wi-Fi model and $300 for a Wi-Fi/3G model) should pay attention to this morning's news from Japan as Sony has announced that it will drop the price of the Vita to 19,980 at the end of the month. That works out to $214 at today's exchange rates and could signify a similar price cut coming to North America and beyond shortly. Joystiq has the news. Sony announced a sizable price cut for the PlayStation Vita in...

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Source: http://game.blogdig.net/archives/articles/February2013/18/Sony_To_Drop_PlayStation_Vita_Price_In_Japan.html

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Pope asks continued prayers in these 'unusual' days for church

POPE-ANGELUS Feb-17-2013 (560 words) With photos. xxxi

Pope asks continued prayers in these 'unusual' days for church

People watch from St. Peter's Square as Pope Benedict XVI leads the Angelus from the window of his apartment at the Vatican Feb. 17. The pope is resigning Feb. 28. (CNS/Reuters)

By Cindy Wooden
Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Calling this an unusual time for him and for the church -- but not specifically mentioning his resignation -- Pope Benedict XVI thanked people for their affection and asked them to continue their prayers.

A roar of applause rose up from more than 50,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square Feb. 17 as Pope Benedict came to his studio window to lead the Angelus prayer.

People came to St. Peter's in larger numbers than normal for a Sunday Angelus because it was the first completely public, no-tickets-needed event since the pope announced Feb. 11 that he would be stepping down Feb. 28.

As he does every week, he greeted groups of pilgrims in their native tongues. Addressing Spanish speakers, he said, "My heartfelt thanks ... for your prayers and affection in these days. Continue to pray for me and the next pope."

And he told Polish speakers, "Thank you for your prayerful support and spiritual closeness in these days that are so unusual for the church and for me."

Before leading the Angelus prayer, Pope Benedict commented on the beginning of Lent and the day's Gospel reading about the temptation of Jesus.

He said Lent is a time for Catholics to renew their spiritual lives and turn to God, "renouncing pride and selfishness to live in love."

Making God the center of one's life, he said, requires "spiritual battle" because the devil doesn't want people to be holy and "tries to detour us from the path toward God."

The Gospel account of the temptation of Jesus in the desert, he said, shows just how "subtle" the devil can be: he does not try to trick Jesus directly into evil, but tempts him with "a false good."

When power or material goods, even basic necessities, become the most important priorities, "God becomes secondary," the pope said. "In the final analysis, faith is at stake with temptations because God is at stake. In the decisive moments of our lives, we face a juncture: do we want to follow the ego or God, individual interests or the one who is truly good?"

The good news, the pope said, is that Jesus has defeated the devil for us, "therefore, we are not afraid to take up the battle against evil; what is important is that we do so with him, with Christ, the victor."

For many Roman families, joining the pope for the recitation of the Angelus is a normal part of a Sunday or holiday stroll, and Feb. 17 they were joined by Gianni Alemanno, mayor of Rome, and members of the city council.

With large crowds expected, officers from a variety of Italian and Rome police forces, as well as paramedics and even garbage collectors had deployed along the broad avenue leading to St. Peter's Square and along the square's perimeter by 10 a.m.

An hour before the Angelus, thousands of people were already in the square. The young staked out places by sitting on the cold cobblestones. Others previewed their banners for the press, including some that said: "You are Peter. Stay" and "Thank you, Holy Father. We love you very much."

Pope Benedict ended his remarks by asking for special prayers for himself and his top aides in the Roman Curia as they were about to begin their annual Lenten retreat that evening.

END

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Copyright (c) 2013 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed.
CNS ? 3211 Fourth St NE ? Washington DC 20017 ? 202.541.3250

Source: http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1300696.htm

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Wall Street dips off five-year highs after Europe, Japan data

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks dipped on Thursday after traders cashed in some of their recent gains following weaker-than-expected economic growth data from Europe and Japan, though declines were limited by news on mergers and acquisitions.

A contraction of 0.6 percent in gross domestic product in the euro zone was the steepest for the bloc since the first quarter of 2009, while Japan's GDP shrank 0.1 percent in the fourth quarter, crushing expectations of a modest return to growth.

The persisting weakness in Europe and its implications for global growth and U.S. corporate profits prompted some investors to lock in recent profits.

The S&P 500 is still up more than 6 percent so far this year and is hovering near its highest level since November 2007.

U.S. data showed the number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell more than expected in the latest week. That suggests the job market is improving, said Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at Rockwell Global Capital in New York.

"But it won't be much of a catalyst for the market this morning because of ... the news out of Europe," he said.

Cardillo said a weaker euro, down 0.8 percent versus the U.S. dollar, was also a downward pressure on markets.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 13.86 points or 0.1 percent, to 13,969.05, the S&P 500 lost 2.18 points or 0.14 percent, to 1,518.15 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 8.12 points or 0.25 percent, to 3,188.76.

Shrinking European economies translated to a 5-percent drop in revenue from the region for Cisco Systems , which nonetheless beat estimates as it reported its results Wednesday. The company's shares slid 2.6 percent to $20.60.

General Motors Co reported a weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter profit, also citing bigger losses in Europe alongside lower prices in its core North American market. Still, shares rose 1.3 percent to $29.05.

Recent news on mergers and acquisitions led some investors to bid up shares of related companies.

H.J. Heinz Co shares jumped 20 percent after it said that Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital will buy the company for $72.50 a share, or $28 billion including debt.

American Airlines and US Airways Group said they plan to merge in a deal that will form the world's biggest air carrier, with an equity valuation of about $11 billion. US Airways shares fell 2.4 percent to $14.31.

Constellation Brands soared more than 31 percent to $41.80 after terms of its takeover of Mexican brewer Grupo Modelo were revised, granting it perpetual rights to distribute Corona and other Modelo brands in the United States. AB InBev ADRs gained 5.9 percent to $93.46.

(Additional reporting by Angela Moon; Editing by Bernadette Baum)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/wall-street-dips-off-five-highs-europe-japan-153953075--finance.html

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Case of the blues for Rhythm & Hues! Starz and Sony renew vows.

After the coffee. Before getting my own output deal with Starz.

The Skinny: If I knew the pope was stepping down, I would have gotten my resume together. It's never too late for a career shift, right? Tuesday's headlines include the challenges that actors who specialize in commercials are facing, a big special effects firm filing for Chapter 11 protection and Starz and Sony signing a new long-term agreement.

Daily Dose: Viacom Chairman Sumner Redstone, who four years ago said he wouldn't sell any of his company's stock, unloaded $7.6 million worth of Viacom B shares last week. Of course, the B shares are the non-voting stock, so this isn't about loosening his grip on the company. Maybe he just needed some walking-around money.

Tough times. Given all the new platforms that have advertising, one might think that this is a great time to be an actor working in the commercial side of the business. Guess again. Not only is more A-list talent cutting into work that in the past would go to working actors, more companies are spending their money on cable TV, where the rates and residuals are lower. The Los Angeles Times looks at the pinch actors are feeling on the eve of negotiations between their unions and the big advertising agencies for a new contract.

Cover your eyes. Rhythm & Hues, a big visual effects company whose recent work includes the hit movie "Life of Pi," is heading for bankruptcy and laying off staff. The moves come after an effort to merge with India's Prime Focus fell short. It is another blow to Southern California's production community, although Rhythm and Hues brass has indicated it hopes its stay in Chapter 11 is a short one. Details from the Los Angeles Times and Variety.

Seeing Starz. Pay-TV channel Starz struck a new deal to keep movies from Sony Pictures on its channel. For Starz, holding on to product from Sony was crucial because late last year its other big supplier of movies -- Walt Disney Co. -- signed a long-term pact to sell its content to Netflix instead. That put Sony in the driver's seat because Netflix wanted those movies too. Starz had to pony up some more dollars to keep content flowing through the pipeline. More on the deal from the Los Angeles Times and Wall Street Journal.

Fusion fever.?Univision and ABC News have come up with a name for their new channel. It's Fusion. I guess that's better than confusion. The channel is aimed at English-speaking Latinos and will be a news-and-lifestyle channel. Although the channel will be primarily in English, ABC News is offering its staff free Spanish lessons. The network is set to launch in the summer and will initially have a reach of at least 20 million homes, officials said. Additional coverage from the New York Times.

Fade out. After almost 20 years as president of Oprah Winfrey's film company, Harpo Films, Kate Forte was shown the door. The move comes because Harpo Films has become less of a priority for Winfrey now that there is a whole cable channel to program. One might wonder why Harpo Films isn't being utilized for that platform, but the focus there is on reality and sitcoms and not so much on original moves. Details on the demise of Harpo Films from Deadline Hollywood.

Piling on. It's no secret that NBC is having a pretty disappointing winter. New shows such as "Deception," "Do No Harm" and "1600 Penn" have been tanking, and the return of "Smash" failed to light a spark. Making this more painful is that the Peacock Network had a strong autumn. Of course, much of that was due to "The Voice" and "Sunday Night Football" giving something of an artificial lift to what otherwise were weaker shows. The New York Post weighs in on NBC's woes.

Play ball. Pitchers and catchers are getting ready to report to spring training, and Major League Baseball is working on ways to boost ratings. With pricey new long-term TV contracts in place, now is not the time for a slump for baseball and the networks that carry the sport (Fox, Turner, ESPN). Tim Brosnan, Major League Baseball's executive in charge of TV, talks with Broadcasting & Cable?about how the league plans to boost its performance with a few enhancements.?

Inside the Los Angeles Times: "Silver Linings Playbook" aside, stories touching on mental health often cause headaches at the box office.

Follow me on Twitter to a life without regret. @JBFlint.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/newsandbuzz/~3/QIYEBTiRnWw/la-et-ct-morning-fix-20130212,0,6499568.story

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USC battery wields silicon nanowires to hold triple the energy, charge in 10 minutes

There's no shortage of attempts to build a better battery, usually with a few caveats. USC may have ticked all the right checkboxes with its latest discovery, however. Its use of porous, flexible silicon nanowires for the anodes in a lithium-ion battery delivers the high capacity, fast recharging and low costs that come with silicon, but without the fragility of earlier attempts relying on simpler silicon plates. In practice, the battery could deliver the best of all worlds. Triple the capacity of today's batteries? Full recharges in 10 minutes? More than 2,000 charging cycles? Check. It all sounds a bit fantastical, but USC does see real-world use on the horizon. Researchers estimate that there should be products with silicon-equipped lithium-ion packs inside of two to three years, which isn't long to wait if the invention saves us from constantly hunting for the nearest wall outlet.

Filed under: Science

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Via: Gizmodo

Source: USC

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/13/usc-battery-wields-silicon-nanowires-to-hold-triple-the-energy/

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EUR/USD: Euro gained following positive ... - GCI Forex News

GCI Forex News - EUR/USD: Euro gained following positive comments by ECB council member; trading lower this morning

EURUSD Movement

?

For the 24 hours to 23:00 GMT, EUR rose 0.27% against the USD and closed at 1.3402, after the European Central Bank (ECB) council member, Jens Weidmann stated that, the Euro is not overvalued and warned Euro-zone governments against trying to weaken the currency.

In economic news, industrial production in France fell 2.1% annually in December, in line with market estimates and compared to the 3.8% fall recorded in November.

The greenback came under pressure, after the US Federal Reserve Vice-Chairman, Janet Yellen, stated that as long as inflation does not become a major concern, the central bank?s ultra loose monetary stance is appropriate to bring an improvement in the job market.

In the Asian session, at GMT0400, the pair is trading at 1.3391, with the EUR trading marginally lower from yesterday?s close.

The pair is expected to find support at 1.3356, and a fall through could take it to the next support level of 1.3321. The pair is expected to find its first resistance at 1.3427, and a rise through could take it to the next resistance level of 1.3463.

The currency pair is showing convergence with its 20 Hr and 50 Hr moving averages.

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Source: http://forexnews.gcitrading.com/currencies/eurusd/eurusd-euro-gained-following-positive-comments-by-ecb-council-member-trading-lower-this-morning.htm

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UK cost agency says 'no' to Novartis blood cancer drug Jakavi

LONDON (Reuters) - A new drug from Novartis for myelofibrosis, a rare blood cancer, is not worth using on the state health service, Britain's healthcare cost watchdog said on Wednesday.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) said it had issued new draft guidance not recommending Jakavi because it could not be considered a cost-effective use of resources.

The drug costs 3,600 pounds ($5,600) for a 60-tablet pack, corresponding to an annual cost of approximately 43,200 pounds per patient.

Jakavi, which was licensed from Incyte, was given a marketing authorisation in Europe last August.

Industry analysts expect it to have annual worldwide sales of around $1.5 billion by 2017, according to consensus forecasts compiled by Thomson Reuters Pharma.

The NICE draft guidance is now out for consultation, ahead of a final decision on the medicine expected in June.

(Reporting by Ben Hirschler; Editing by Greg Mahlich)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/uk-cost-agency-says-no-novartis-blood-cancer-000831492--sector.html

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Wall Street pauses after gains, awaits Obama address

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks were little changed on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 holding near multi-year highs ahead of President Barack Obama's State of the Union address.

The economy will be a major topic of Obama's speech before a joint session of Congress set for 9 p.m. (0200 GMT Wednesday). Investors will listen for any clues on a deal with Republicans to avert automatic spending cuts due to take effect March 1.

The S&P 500 has risen in the past six weeks and is up 6.5 percent so far this year. But gains have been harder to come by since the benchmark S&P index hit a five-year high on February 1. The market has to consolidate strong gains at the year's start while investors search for reasons to drive stocks higher.

"The market itself at this point has got to digest this six-plus percentage point move ... we are due for that pause," said Drew Nordlicht, managing director at HighTower Advisors in San Diego.

Investors are "looking for more data at this point going forward to support the thesis that corporate profits will continue to grow and the economy has turned the corner."

The White House has signaled Obama in his speech will urge U.S. investment in infrastructure, manufacturing, clean energy and education. He is also expected to call for comprehensive trade talks with the European Union.

With earnings season moving to its latter stages, of the 353 companies in the S&P 500 that have reported earnings, 70.3 percent have exceeded analysts' expectations, above a 62 percent average since 1994 and 65 percent over the past four quarters according to Thomson Reuters data through Tuesday morning.

Fourth-quarter earnings for S&P 500 companies are estimated to have risen 5.3 percent, according to the data, above a 1.9 percent forecast at the start of the earnings season.

The Dow Jones industrial average gained 27.65 points, or 0.20 percent, to 13,998.89. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index added 1.03 points, or 0.07 percent, to 1,518.04. The Nasdaq Composite Index dipped 1.60 points, or 0.05 percent, to 3,190.41.

Coca-Cola Co shares fell 1.9 percent to $37.88 and were the biggest drag on the Dow after the world's largest soft drink maker reported quarterly revenue slightly below analysts' estimates, hurt by a weaker-than-expected performance in Europe.

Housing shares climbed, led by a 12.9 percent jump in Masco Corp to $20.09 after the home improvement product maker posted fourth-quarter earnings and said it expects new home construction to show strong growth in 2013. The PHLX housing sector index gained 2.7 percent.

Avon Products shares surged 16.7 percent to $20.16 after the beauty products company reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber shares lost 3.1 percent to $13.48 after it posted a stronger-than-expected quarterly profit but cut its 2013 forecast due to weakness in the European automotive market.

Michael Kors Holdings shares jumped 10.9 percent to $63.24 after the fashion company handily beat Wall Street's estimates and raised its full-year outlook.

(Reporting by Chuck Mikolajczak; Editing by Kenneth Barry)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/wall-street-pauses-gains-awaits-obama-address-173343060--finance.html

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In speech, Obama to challenge divided Congress to back his proposals

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama will challenge a divided Congress on Tuesday to back his proposals to create jobs for the middle class and produce a smarter, not bigger, government in a State of the Union speech that will lay out his second-term agenda.

"A growing economy that creates good, middle-class jobs - that must be the North Star that guides our efforts," Obama will say.

Obama will enter the well of the House of Representatives for a 9 p.m. EST (0200 GMT on Wednesday) address to a joint session of Congress at a time when he is again locked in a bitter battle with Republicans over taxes and spending, and this tussle will cast a heavy shadow over his appearance.

Seeking to use momentum from his re-election victory, the Democratic president will urge Congress to adopt his proposals to increase taxes on the wealthy, overhaul U.S. immigration laws and enact tighter gun controls.

Obama's speech marks a renewed focus on the U.S. economy as he tries to satisfy American worries about a stubbornly high unemployment rate of 7.9 percent.

The White House has signaled Obama will urge U.S. investment in infrastructure, manufacturing, clean energy and education, despite Republican opposition to increased government spending and a political divide over how to tame the budget deficit.

According to speech excerpts released by the White House, Obama will speak up for the middle class.

"It is our unfinished task to make sure that this government works on behalf of the many, and not just the few; that it encourages free enterprise, rewards individual initiative, and opens the doors of opportunity to every child across this great nation of ours," he will say.

Obama will fight back against Republicans who say he simply wants to close tax loopholes enjoyed mostly by the wealthy in order to produce more revenue for government spending, instead of paying down the staggering national debt of $16 trillion.

He will say his additional proposals are fully paid for and consistent with a budget framework both parties agreed to 18 months ago.

"Let me repeat - nothing I'm proposing tonight should increase our deficit by a single dime. It's not a bigger government we need, but a smarter government that sets priorities and invests in broad-based growth," he will say.

RUBIO REPLY

Florida Senator Marco Rubio, a rising Republican star who will deliver his party's response to Obama's speech, will say that tax increases will not produce needed jobs nor reduce the deficit, and that government spending needs to be reined in.

Rubio is to make an impassioned plea to let the free enterprise system work.

"Economic growth is the best way to help the middle class. Unfortunately, our economy actually shrank during the last three months of 2012. But if we can get the economy to grow at just 4 percent a year, it would create millions of middle class jobs," Rubio will say, according to speech excerpts.

Just three months after winning re-election on November 6, Obama has a narrow window to push through policy priorities on the economy, immigration and gun control.

Analysts say he has roughly a year before Washington turns its attention to the 2014 mid-term elections, which could sweep more Republicans into Congress and accelerate the subsequent "lame duck" status that defines presidents who are not running for office again.

"He basically has a year for major legislative accomplishments because after the first year you get into the mid-term elections, which will partially be a referendum on his presidency," said Michele Swers, an associate professor of American government at Georgetown University in Washington.

On foreign policy, Obama will outline steps to unwind U.S. involvement in the unpopular Afghanistan war and plans to announce that 34,000 U.S. troops will return by early 2014, a senior administration official said.

The State of the Union comes less than 24 hours after North Korea conducted a nuclear test that Obama in a statement called a "provocative act." Obama is expected to address Pyongyang's latest action in his speech.

(Additional reporting by Jeff Mason, Mark Felsenthal, Susan Heavey, Tabassum Zakaria and John Whitesides; Editing by Alistair Bell and Mohammad Zargham)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/legacy-political-calendar-frame-obamas-state-union-address-060600790--business.html

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