Grass is an extraordinary plant, the unsung hero of backyards everywhere.
With proper care and feeding, grass can help clean the air, cool the ground, reduce erosion and provide one of the softest outdoor play surfaces. With all of these amazing benefits, it pays to start the spring season off right by giving grass a boost.
The drought and heat of last summer, combined with uncharacteristic winter temperatures in many regions, may have taken a toll on the lawn, but getting it back on the road to recovery is easy. Moderate temperatures and increased precipitation in spring are perfect for repairing, seeding and feeding grass. Well-nourished grass withstands harsh conditions better, and provides a lush, durable place to play while squeezing out unwanted weeds by blocking access to sunlight. Follow these tips to take your grass from tired to terrific.
Seed Fill in bare or thin spots with grass seed to encourage a thick lawn, helping prevent weeds from invading your lawn by blocking access to sunlight. Use a high-quality seed appropriate for your region, like Scotts EZ Seed to fill in thin spots and thicken the lawn. To repair larger areas, use Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed with WaterSmart coating.
Feed Grass needs nutrients to grow strong, deep roots that can endure harsh conditions and grow in thick to help block access to sunlight for weeds. If the lawn does not need reseeding, use a high-quality lawn food like Scotts Turf Builder. This lawn food can be used in any season on any grass type, and delivers balanced nutrients for strong, thick grass. Use a starter fertilizer when planting new grass to promote root growth and seedling development.
When seeding or feeding, use Scotts DLX EdgeGuard Broadcast Spreader for larger areas to direct lawn food only where desired ? on the lawn and off hard surfaces ? and out of storm sewers. This spreader combines the accuracy of a drop spreader with the speed of a rotary spreader.
Mow Set your mower at the highest setting and leave grass clippings on the lawn. Mow frequently to avoid removing more than one third of the grass height, and do so when grass is dry to avoid damp clumps that could smother grass. Leaving clippings on the lawn recycles nutrients stored in the clippings keeping the soil cooler, encouraging deeper root growth and enriching the soil with organic material.
Keep these simple mowing tips in mind every time you head out to trim the grass: Mow your grass at the highest setting, keep grass clippings on the lawn and water only when needed.
Water Grass that is fed and kept at a taller height develops deep roots which are better able to conserve water and withstand periods of heat and drought. Rely on rainfall as the primary source of water. During periods of drought, the lawn can go without water for an extended time. Even though the lawn may look brown and wilted, it will recuperate after the rain returns. If you do choose to irrigate the lawn, water less frequently for a longer period of time rather than short frequent waterings.
These tips for a great lawn will provide a foundation for a fun-filled summer in your own backyard. For more information on seeding and feeding this spring, visit www.scotts.com.
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Lawrence County Real Estate News is updated every week with a variety of information that you can use in and around your home. In the Lawrence County Real Estate News, we share home decorating and home improvement ideas, as well as information on senior living, green living and much more.
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UCLA scientists pinpoint how vitamin D may help clear amyloid plaques found in Alzheimer'sPublic release date: 6-Mar-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: Rachel Champeau rchampeau@mednet.ucla.edu 310-794-0777 University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences
A team of academic researchers has identified the intracellular mechanisms regulated by vitamin D3 that may help the body clear the brain of amyloid beta, the main component of plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Published in the March 6 issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, the early findings show that vitamin D3 may activate key genes and cellular signaling networks to help stimulate the immune system to clear the amyloid-beta protein.
Previous laboratory work by the team demonstrated that specific types of immune cells in Alzheimer's patients may respond to therapy with vitamin D3 and curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric spice, by stimulating the innate immune system to clear amyloid beta. But the researchers didn't know how it worked.
"This new study helped clarify the key mechanisms involved, which will help us better understand the usefulness of vitamin D3 and curcumin as possible therapies for Alzheimer's disease," said study author Dr. Milan Fiala, a researcher at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System.
For the study, scientists drew blood samples from Alzheimer's patients and healthy controls and then isolated critical immune cells from the blood called macrophages, which are responsible for gobbling up amyloid beta and other waste products in the brain and body.
The team incubated the immune cells overnight with amyloid beta. An active form of vitamin D3 called 1a,25dihydroxyvitamin D3, which is made in the body by enzymatic conversion in the liver and kidneys, was added to some of the cells to gauge the effect it had on amyloid beta absorption.
Previous work by the team, based on the function of Alzheimer's patients' macrophages, showed that there are at least two types of patients and macrophages: Type I macrophages are
improved by addition of 1a,25dihydroxyvitamin D3 and curcuminoids (a synthetic form of curcumin), while Type II macrophages are improved only by adding 1a,25dihydroxyvitamin D3.
Researchers found that in both Type I and Type II macrophages, the added 1a,25dihydroxyvitamin D3 played a key role in opening a specific chloride channel called "chloride channel 3 (CLC3)," which is important in supporting the uptake of amyloid beta through the process known as phagocytosis. Curcuminoids activated this chloride channel only in Type I macrophages.
The scientists also found that 1a,25dihydroxyvitamin D3 strongly helped trigger the genetic transcription of the chloride channel and the receptor for 1a,25dihydroxyvitamin D3 in Type II macrophages. Transcription is the first step leading to gene expression.
The mechanisms behind the effects of 1a,25dihydroxyvitamin D3 on phagocytosis were complex and dependent on calcium and signaling by the "MAPK" pathway, which helps communicate a signal from the vitamin D3 receptor located on the surface of a cell to the DNA in the cell's nucleus.
The pivotal effect of 1a,25dihydroxyvitamin D3 was shown in a collaboration between Dr. Patrick R. Griffin from the Scripps Research Institute and Dr. Mathew T. Mizwicki from UC Riverside. They utilized a technique based on mass spectrometry, which showed that 1a,25dihydroxyvitamin D3 stabilized many more critical sites on the vitamin D receptor than did the curcuminoids.
"Our findings demonstrate that active forms of vitamin D3 may be an important regulator of immune activities of macrophages in helping to clear amyloid plaques by directly regulating the expression of genes, as well as the structural physical workings of the cells," said study author Mizwicki, who was an assistant research biochemist in the department of biochemistry at UC Riverside when the study was conducted.
According to the team, one of the next stages of research would be a clinical trial with vitamin D3 to assess the impact on Alzheimer's disease patients. Previous studies by other teams have shown that a low serum level of 25hydroxyvitamin D3 may be associated with cognitive decline. It is too early to recommend a definitive dosage of vitamin D3 to help with Alzheimer's disease and brain health, the researchers said. They add that ongoing studies are showing that vitamin D3 may be beneficial in reducing the incidence of a growing number of human diseases.
###
The study was funded in part by the Alzheimer's Association and by the National Institutes of Health.
Other study authors included Danusa Menegaz and Antonio Barrientos-Duran of the department of biochemistry at UC Riverside; Jun Zhang and Patrick R. Griffin of the department of molecular therapeutics at the Scripps Research Institute in Jupiter, Fla.; Stephen Tse of the department of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
and the Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System; and John R. Cashman of the Human BioMolecular Research Institute in San Diego, Calif.
For more news, visit the UCLA Newsroom and follow us on Twitter.
[ | E-mail | Share ]
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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.
UCLA scientists pinpoint how vitamin D may help clear amyloid plaques found in Alzheimer'sPublic release date: 6-Mar-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: Rachel Champeau rchampeau@mednet.ucla.edu 310-794-0777 University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences
A team of academic researchers has identified the intracellular mechanisms regulated by vitamin D3 that may help the body clear the brain of amyloid beta, the main component of plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Published in the March 6 issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, the early findings show that vitamin D3 may activate key genes and cellular signaling networks to help stimulate the immune system to clear the amyloid-beta protein.
Previous laboratory work by the team demonstrated that specific types of immune cells in Alzheimer's patients may respond to therapy with vitamin D3 and curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric spice, by stimulating the innate immune system to clear amyloid beta. But the researchers didn't know how it worked.
"This new study helped clarify the key mechanisms involved, which will help us better understand the usefulness of vitamin D3 and curcumin as possible therapies for Alzheimer's disease," said study author Dr. Milan Fiala, a researcher at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System.
For the study, scientists drew blood samples from Alzheimer's patients and healthy controls and then isolated critical immune cells from the blood called macrophages, which are responsible for gobbling up amyloid beta and other waste products in the brain and body.
The team incubated the immune cells overnight with amyloid beta. An active form of vitamin D3 called 1a,25dihydroxyvitamin D3, which is made in the body by enzymatic conversion in the liver and kidneys, was added to some of the cells to gauge the effect it had on amyloid beta absorption.
Previous work by the team, based on the function of Alzheimer's patients' macrophages, showed that there are at least two types of patients and macrophages: Type I macrophages are
improved by addition of 1a,25dihydroxyvitamin D3 and curcuminoids (a synthetic form of curcumin), while Type II macrophages are improved only by adding 1a,25dihydroxyvitamin D3.
Researchers found that in both Type I and Type II macrophages, the added 1a,25dihydroxyvitamin D3 played a key role in opening a specific chloride channel called "chloride channel 3 (CLC3)," which is important in supporting the uptake of amyloid beta through the process known as phagocytosis. Curcuminoids activated this chloride channel only in Type I macrophages.
The scientists also found that 1a,25dihydroxyvitamin D3 strongly helped trigger the genetic transcription of the chloride channel and the receptor for 1a,25dihydroxyvitamin D3 in Type II macrophages. Transcription is the first step leading to gene expression.
The mechanisms behind the effects of 1a,25dihydroxyvitamin D3 on phagocytosis were complex and dependent on calcium and signaling by the "MAPK" pathway, which helps communicate a signal from the vitamin D3 receptor located on the surface of a cell to the DNA in the cell's nucleus.
The pivotal effect of 1a,25dihydroxyvitamin D3 was shown in a collaboration between Dr. Patrick R. Griffin from the Scripps Research Institute and Dr. Mathew T. Mizwicki from UC Riverside. They utilized a technique based on mass spectrometry, which showed that 1a,25dihydroxyvitamin D3 stabilized many more critical sites on the vitamin D receptor than did the curcuminoids.
"Our findings demonstrate that active forms of vitamin D3 may be an important regulator of immune activities of macrophages in helping to clear amyloid plaques by directly regulating the expression of genes, as well as the structural physical workings of the cells," said study author Mizwicki, who was an assistant research biochemist in the department of biochemistry at UC Riverside when the study was conducted.
According to the team, one of the next stages of research would be a clinical trial with vitamin D3 to assess the impact on Alzheimer's disease patients. Previous studies by other teams have shown that a low serum level of 25hydroxyvitamin D3 may be associated with cognitive decline. It is too early to recommend a definitive dosage of vitamin D3 to help with Alzheimer's disease and brain health, the researchers said. They add that ongoing studies are showing that vitamin D3 may be beneficial in reducing the incidence of a growing number of human diseases.
###
The study was funded in part by the Alzheimer's Association and by the National Institutes of Health.
Other study authors included Danusa Menegaz and Antonio Barrientos-Duran of the department of biochemistry at UC Riverside; Jun Zhang and Patrick R. Griffin of the department of molecular therapeutics at the Scripps Research Institute in Jupiter, Fla.; Stephen Tse of the department of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
and the Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System; and John R. Cashman of the Human BioMolecular Research Institute in San Diego, Calif.
For more news, visit the UCLA Newsroom and follow us on Twitter.
[ | 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.
BIN JAWWAD, Libya (AP) ? Libyan government officials said Sunday they have unearthed a mass grave with 157 bodies of rebel fighters and civilians in an eastern town that was a major battleground during the country's 2011 civil war.
It is the largest grave yet to be discovered from the conflict that began as a popular uprising and ended with the capture and killing of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi last October.
Nearly five months after the civil war ended, the country's new government is struggling to rebuild a national security force, unify the country's militias and tribes under its authority, and ready the country's justice system to handle cases of those accused of war crimes, including Gadhafi's son and one-time heir apparent, Seif al-Islam.
The affects of the war itself are still apparent.
The head of the new government-run missing persons office, Omar al-Obeidi, told The Associated Press that 80 of the bodies discovered in Bin Jawwad have been identified. He said they are all from eastern Libya. The youngest was a 17-year-old male.
"This is the biggest (mass grave) so far," he said. "These are civilians who were protesting in their cities and killed by Gadhafi's men," he said referring to armed fighters and residents of eastern cities.
Al-Obeidi said most appear to have died from gunshot wounds and rocket strikes starting in March. Some were executed, while others were severely disfigured from rocket attacks, he said.
The excavation of the bodies began Friday and finished Sunday.
He said a "Martyrs' Parade" has been planned for those found in the mass grave. The procession, scheduled for Monday, will start in Bin Jawwad, pass through the city of Ajdabiya and conclude in the former rebel capital of Benghazi.
The small town of Bin Jawwad, 375 miles (600 kilometers) east of the capital Tripoli, is on Libya's main coastal highway and was the scene of intense fighting throughout the civil war, trading hands several times.
Osama Swail, a spokesman at the Ministry of Martyrs, Wounded and Missing Persons, said the bodies that were identified would be returned to the families for funerals. He said two of his brothers were among the dead.
A forensic team is looking at DNA samples and photos of the remaining bodies to see if they match with DNA samples the ministry has for missing persons in Libya.
The ministry said the mass grave was first discovered in December. Libya estimates that around 7,000 people remain missing as a result of the civil war.
Do you know what insurance companies hate? An informed customer. Knowledgeable auto insurance customers get better coverage and lower rates than those less informed. Who do you want to have the advantage when you buy auto insurance, yourself or your insurer? Read on to learn how you can tip the balance in your favor.
Although you may think your insurance will be reasonable because you are driving an economy car, you may just have a surprise. Some cars are considered to be highly sought by thieves and if this is true of your car, you will see an increase in the price of your insurance, as well. Be sure to be aware of this when purchasing your car and consider avoiding these ?hot? cars.
One great and underrated way to save on your monthly auto insurance premiums is to join an automobile club. Especially if you are driving a classic or rare vehicle, joining an auto club will allow you to join with a group discounted rate, ultimately saving you hundreds of dollars annually on your insurance premiums.
There are a lot of factors that determine the premium you pay for your auto insurance policy. Much of that price is determined by the car that you have insured. If you truly want the lowest possible cost, ask your agent what cars, years and safety features will net you the lowest possible price. Go to Hop Over To THESE Guys for superb tips.
While shopping for a new or used vehicle, in addition to calculating what the cost will be for financing the purchase of your vehicle, you might want to also consider the cost of auto insurance coverage. Get a quote from your insurance agent on coverage for the different vehicles you?re interested in. The cost of insurance might make a difference in your final decision.
If your car is considered a classic vehicle, you can get what is known as classic car insurance. This is often far less expensive than traditional insurance. If your car is of extreme value though, you will want to insure it for enough to replace it in the event it is wrecked or stolen.
Make sure you understand the laws and regulations of your state of residence when it comes to auto insurance. Each state varies in minimum coverages and laws, making it important you understand the requirements before purchasing an auto insurance policy. Understanding your state?s regulations also comes in handy if you ever have a claim or are unsure if your policy covers a claim.
Don?t allow your teen or yourself to drive without auto insurance. Car accidents and car repairs can be incredibly expensive. Having auto insurance before something happens is important so you can protect you and your family from a financial struggle! Use the tips above to get auto insurance today!
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Do you like the look of your floors? Would you like it to be a different material? Are you trying to make your home more green? Would you like your floors to be easier to keep clean? Ask yourself these questions when you get ready to do your next remodel. By researching your options for flooring material you will be able to find what best suits your needs and wants for your new floor. First, identify what you need and what you want from your new flooring. The following lays out some flooring ideas you can use.
Many people like hardwood. Many real estate agents will list hardwood floors among the top benefits of listed homes. If you have any intention of selling your home in the future you might consider the beauty of hardwood floors. The durability and easy of care of these floors makes it completely worth the work. People have been using hardwood as flooring for centuries-you can find it in a variety of types, colors and grains.
Cork flooring is a super flooring idea. Cork flooring is an environmentally friendly option. Formed from hard pressed tree bark, this flooring does not require any trees to be chopped down. It is good to know that cork flooring will help regulate the temperature in your home. The extra give and cushion in this type of flooring is great for those that stand all day at work. For those concerned about decorative properties cork is ideal. Because of its absorbent properties, this flooring responds well to stains or dyes.
Making the actual decision and choosing one of your flooring ideas is difficult. You?ll need to keep these things in mind. You need to consider your budget. Some flooring will be more costly than others. You need to think about the effort it may take to install the flooring. Some flooring is simple to install, therefore you can save money by installing it on your own. Other flooring should only be installed by a professional. Ponder about the kind of lifestyle you have-do you need something that is long-lasting? This will assist you in making your decision. Each of these things is imperative for you to think about when you are trying to decide what type of flooring you want to have installed in your house.
You may be getting overwhelmed with the task of installing your flooring. It can be especially overwhelming if you want to do the remodel all by yourself. Flooring needs to fit your lifestyle, meet your budget constraints and save you time. Just because it?s pretty doesn?t mean you should buy it. Be sure you choose something that is going to last and not break the bank. The more research you do the more affordable, durable and great looking flooring you will find. Take time to shop around.
The author is a search marketing and advertising specialist ? who writes on various real estate matters such as ? real estate Orlando, real estate investing and Orlando real estate MLS
[unable to retrieve full-text content]AP - BP's settlement with plaintiffs suing the company over the 2010 oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico may address harm to individuals and businesses, but there is nothing in it that compensates the public for damage to its natural resources and environment, the Justice Department said Saturday.
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Public release date: 6-Mar-2012
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