End of 2018 Low Gas Prices

     Oil prices continued to fall Friday, November 23, amid weaker global demand and increased output in the United States, to the lowest price in 2018.  The cost of a barrel of oil dropped below $60, a decrease of more than 20 percent from its peak last month.

2018 AVERAGE MONTHLY GAS PRICES-

October $2.39 - $2.68, $2.54

November $2.38 - $2.65, $2.52

December $2.35 - $2.62, $2.49

2018 U.S. Average $2.57

(Gasbuddy.com)

     President Trump has credited Saudi Arabia with the falling oil prices.  Saudi Arabia is furnishing the United States with shipments of Aramco/Total produced gasoline.

     The drop in prices has raised concerns about the international economy, as well as domestic growth in the United States. "The real economic growth rate measures economic growth in relation to gross domestic product (GDP).  From one period to another the growth rate adjusted for inflation. Alternatively, it is expressed in real terms as opposed to nominal terms (Investopedia.com)."

     Ingredients to decrease oil prices:

-High production output in Saudi Arabia.

-Record U.S. oil output.

-Exemptions from U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil.

-Slow global growth.

-Stock market decline.

-Trade tensions.

     Prices fell at the pumps, $2.80 to $2.60 on Friday. Drivers of midsize cars are saving about $3 each time they fill up their tanks.

     The U.S. became the largest global crude oil producer earlier this year via the fracking boom and other drilling innovations.

The Cloud-Gaming Battle is on the Horizon, and Sony has its Game Face On

https://youtu.be/8irW7iNSPU8

Pumpkins and Beta-carotene

     Pumpkin is a tasty fruit.  It's a fruit because it has seeds.  Pumpkins are orange.  When made to be an ingredient, the food will be tinted orange.  There are numerous ways to partake of the delicious gourd. Choose one, and enjoy it for all of the benefits it gives.

     Pumpkins and pumpkins' seeds simultaneously supplement healthy diets.  Pumpkin pulp is a superb source of Beta-carotene. 

     Beta-Carotene Molecular Formula: C40H56

     Carotenoids are red, orange, and yellow pigments.  Beta-carotene is a carotenoid.  Incidentally, Beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A. Beta-carotene is derived from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

     Biosynthesis of carotenoids-

     The pathway begins with three molecules of acetyl CoA.  Those three acetyl CoA molecules plus mevalonic acid, synthesize isopentanyl pyrophosphate(IPP).  In the succeeding step of the pathway, geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate(GGPP) is produced by the condensation of dimethyl allyl pyrophosphate(DMAPP) with a molecule of isopentanyl pyrophosphate(IPP).  It is followed by the addition of two IPP units using GGPP synthase.  A two molecule reaction between  GGPP yields phytoene. The phytoene enzyme is faithful in the biosynthesis of the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway. The first C40 hydrocarbon, an important intermediate of phytoene, undergoes a series of desaturation reactions resulting in the formation of zeta-carotene(2-carotene) and lycopene.  Four desaturase reactions are catalysed by two related enzymes: phytoene desaturase(PDS) and 2-zeta-carotene desaturases (ZDS). The enzyme introduces double bonds in the phytoene. Lycopene has a pink color. The products yield carotene with two types of rings, B and E rings.  B rings yield beta- carotene, and E rings yield alpha-carotene.  The pathway branches at this point. The enzyme lycopene-beta-cyclases are responsible for cyclization of lycopene.  Two beta-rings are introduced at the ends of the linear lycopene molecule. 

     Beta-carotene uses:

     Decreases (exercise-induced) asthma.  It also prevents certain cancers, age related macular degeneration(AMD), treats AIDS,  alcoholism, Alzheimer's, alcoholism, disease, depression, epilepsy,  headache, heartburn, high blood pressure, infertility, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, schizophrenia, and skin disorders(psoriasis and vitiligo).

     Beta-carotene is used to treat malnourished women by reducing the chance of death and night blindness during pregnancy. The treatment is also aimed toward stopping diarrhea and fever after giving birth.

     Some people who sunburn easily, including those with an inherited disease called erthyropoietic protoporphyria(EPP), use beta-carotene to reduce the risk of sunburn.

     There are many authorities – including the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, the World Cancer Research Institute in association with the American Institute for Cancer Research, and the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer – that recommend getting beta-carotene and other antioxidants from food instead of supplements. Eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily provides 6-8 mg of beta-carotene.

     Pumpkin can be prepared in a wide array of scrumptious ways. For example: Protein Pumpkin Pie with Whey Protein Recipe (https://www.gnc.com/health-articles-tips/recipes/protein-pumpkin-pie.html):

2 (9-inch) deep-dish, unbaked pie crusts

5 eggs

2 ½ cups canned pumpkin

6 scoops- GNC performance Whey

1 2/3 cups sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground cloves

2 cans fat-free evaporated milk

     Light whipped cream (optional)

     The pie should be placed on bake, and allowed to cool. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream.

     Pumpkin is a healthy source of vitamins and nutrients.  It is packed with Beta-carotene.

Election Promises

      Since the current president has taken office, the news hasn't ceased to place him directly in the headlines.  We, the people, have been relentlessly reminded of his long list of election promises.

     An election promise or campaign promise is a guarantee, made to the public, by a candidate that is trying to win an election.

     Scrutinizing campaign declarations provides us with the fact that candidates make increasing numbers of promises to constituents.  Americans don't believe that candidates will follow through on their promises.  Regardless of public perception, election promises function to spark an interest in that specific candidate.  These campaign declarations will accomplish similar if not the same goals, upon election day.

          "In 1960, John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon squared off in the first televised presidential debates in American history. The Kennedy-Nixon debates not only had a major impact on the election’s outcome, but ushered in a new era in which crafting a public image and taking advantage of media exposure became essential ingredients of a successful political campaign (https://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/kennedy-nixon-debates)."

         
     It is common knowledge that President Nixon, number 37, was virtually impeached after the Watergate Scandal.  He pre-impeachment-resigned in 1974. Election promises became a major staple on politician plates pre-apropos presidency.
    
     A plethora of promises have been made by smiling men, climbing the ladder leaning on the position of Commander-in-Chief.

     Examples:

     President Gerald Ford, number 38- in 1974, when it became clear that Nixon would face criminal charges for his role in the Watergate Scandal and three articles of impeachment had been passed by the House Judiciary Committee, Nixon resigned.  It was August 9. On that day, Ford took the oath of office and became president, stating, “Our long national nightmare is over."  Gerald Ford pledged to continue Nixon's foreign policy.  He also promised to work to reduce inflation. One month later, President Ford issued a complete pardon to Nixon for all criminal acts perpetrated while he was President.

     President Jimmy Carter, number 39- in 1976, Jimmy was probably the lowest on the totem pole. However, in a time of deep frustration with establishment politicians, Carter's anonymity proved to be an advantage. He campaigned on: reducing government waste, balancing the budget and increasing government assistance to the poor. However, Jimmy Carter won on status and integrity. "I'll never tell a lie," Carter famously declared. "I'll never avoid a controversial issue." "A Leader, For a Change."

     President Ronald Reagan, number 40- in 1980, Reagan chose Bush as his running mate, and promised steep tax cuts, increased defense spending, a balanced budget, and a constitutional amendment to ban abortion.

      President George H.W. Bush, number 41- as Vice President, Bush had responsibility in several domestic areas, including Federal deregulation and anti-drug programs. In 1988 Bush won the Republican nomination for President and, with Senator Dan Quayle of Indiana as his running mate, he defeated Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis in the general election.  He pledged to round out some of the harsher edges of the previous administration, stating that he wanted "a kinder and gentler nation." And famously, he promised not to raise taxes: "Read my lips: no new taxes."

     President Bill Clinton, number 42-1992, facing incumbent President Clinton and his running mate, Tennessee Sen. Al got that 12 years of Republican leadership had led to political and economic stagnation.  Clinton had promised during the campaign to institute a system of universal health insurances, and to balance the budget.

     President George W. Bush Jr., Number 43- as gov. he implemented the philosophy of "compassionate conservatism," which combined limited government with concern for the underprivileged and personal responsibility.  He promised big tax cuts, new medical-drug benefits for the elderly, a major overhaul of Social Security, and commitment to public education.

     President Barack Obama, number 44- pledged and promised to end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He promised to deliver a public healthcare plan.

      President Donald Trump, number 45- promised to ban Muslims entering the US.   He also promised to build a wall along the border with Mexico, and make Mexico pay for it.

     Election promises that have been granted are a completely different topic.  There is a sensitive slope caused by election promises.  Campaign promises, or election promises are very important.

     Keep watching the news. Vote.

ATP- biological currency

(https://www.britannica.com/science/cellular-crespiration)

     Have you every found yourself completely drained of every ounce of energy?  You needed a healthy snack.  

     We can stay energized and keep our bodies energized. Cellular respiration yields ATP.

   Cellular respiration is important because it provides the energy for living organisms to perform all of the other necessary functions to maintain life.  Our energy currency is ATP.  

     How is ATP made?

     ATP is composed of Adenosine tri-phosphate-
a compound consisting of an adenosine molecule bonded to three phosphate groups, present in all living tissue. The breakage of one phosphate linkage (to form adenosine diphosphate, ADP ) provides energy for physiological processes such as muscular contraction.

     ATP is composed of Adenosine-
Adenosine is a nucleoside that is composed of Ademine and D-ribose. Adenosine derivatives play many important biological roles in addition to being components of DNA and RNA. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter.

     ATP contain Phosphate.  A phosphate can be grouped as any of numerous chemical compounds related to phosphoric acid (H3PO4). One group of these derivatives is composed of salts containing the phosphate ion (PO43−), the hydrogen phosphate ion (HPO42−), or the dihydrogen phosphate ion (H2PO4−), and positively charged ions such as those of sodium or calcium. A second group is composed of esters, in which the hydrogen atoms of phosphoric acid have been replaced by organic combining groups such as ethyl (C2H5), or phenyl (C6H5).

     Energy is formed through an ATP reaction. 

     ATP Hydrolysis-
Adenosine triphosphate is composed of the nitrogenous base adenine, the five-carbon sugar ribose, and three phosphate groups.ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP in the reaction ATP+H2O→ADP+Pi+ free energy.  The calculated ∆G for the hydrolysis of 1 mole of ATP is -57 kJ/mol.ADP is combined with a phosphate to form ATP in the reaction ADP+Pi+free energy→ATP+H2O.The energy released from the hydrolysis of ATP into ADP is used to perform cellular work, usually by coupling the exergonic reaction of ATP hydrolysis with endergonic reactions.Sodium-potassium pumps use the energy derived from exergonic ATP hydrolysis to pump sodium and potassium ions across the cell membrane while phosphorylation drives the endergonic reaction.

     Cellular respiration is supported by several key reactions:

Tricarboxylic acid cycle
Glycolysis
Aerobic oxidation
Glyoxylate cycle
Reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle
Pasteur effect
Energy flow
Catabolism

     The Human body goes through thousands of bodily processes, a day.

     Cellular respiration is vital.  This biological pathway provides the energy for humanity to perform all of the necessary functions to cellular life.

     Our energy currency is ATP.

New Home Mortgage

      Are you ready to buy a home?  

     You should be able to get the right mortgage.  Likewise, seek out the right lender and acquire the right price.

     Avoid bad fees. Attempt to manage the home-buying industry.  Negotiate the most cost-effective way to finance your home.

     Plenty of people will need to get a mortgage.  Mortgage is for individuals unable to pay up front, directly (http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/mortgage.html)

     Paying "up front", means you are unable to pay cash. Buying a house in cash means it requires 100% down.  The seller will lower the price, and as the buyer you will be sans lenders.

     If buying it in cash is a dream, it’s important to find a loan that meets your needs.  Your needs include your budget.  There are different types of mortgages:

1.  Conventional Mortgage- 

     a loan that is not subsidized by the federal government. There are two types of conventional loans: conforming and non-conforming.  

a) A conforming loan is bound by maximum loan limits which are set by the federal government. These limits vary by geographic area.  

b) A non-conforming loan in general can’t be sold or bought.  Loan bartering is restricted on non-confirming loans due to the principle amount or underwriting guidelines.  

2.  Government-insured loan- 

   lenders are less concerned with the risk of repayment.  This sort of loan is supported by the government.  The government guarantees repayment to the bank should you default on your mortgage payment.

3.  FHA- Federal Housing Authority-  

     this type of loan has more lenient requirements. Credit prerequisites and down payment are minor in comparison to other loan types available. It is necessary for the buyer to acquire the loan in order to purchase or refinance a primary residence. FHA loans tend to be more popular with first-time homebuyers.

4.  FHA 203k loan- 

     this Federal Housing Authority loan is designated with regard to home improvement and home purchase, together.  A 203k loan is guaranteed by the FHA, which means lenders take less risk when offering this loan.  There is a minimum and maximum applied in conjunction with the repair costs.  The total value of the house is rated a few different ways, but the lesser of the values is taken into account(https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/sell-your-house-fixer-upper/).

5.  Veterans Affairs loan- 

     this option is available to veterans, reservists, active duty military, and surviving spouses of veterans. A VA loan is typically considered the best loan option  at one's disposal because it requires no down payment, no private mortgage insurance.

6.  USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) loan- 

     these are for those individuals purchasing a home in a eligibly rural suburban community. Affordable interest rates apply. To be eligible means the neighborhood has to meet population size requirements.

7.  Good Neighbor Next Door program- 

     this is sponsored by HUD(Housing and Urban Development).  This loan is provided for housing aid for law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers.

     When acquiring a loan, or mortgage, you will need to have a fixed rate, or an adjustable rate.  Fixed rate applies to buyers seeking a lower payment over a longer period of time. Fixed rate are stable, with a consistent monthly payment amount.  Adjustable rates are subject to change after an initial grace period.  One month can be completely different than the payment for the following month.  

     In conclusion, plenty of mortgages are available.  Check your credit report before applying for a home loan. You'll have room in order to fix the problem area.  Acquire your financial goal and work on saving a large down payment.  Try to resolve any history of late payments before you approach a mortgage lender.  Arrange and compare all of the loans available to you.

You'll be ready to buy a house soon

Diphenylamine, apple pesticide

     Go to your nearest edible supplier. Pick up an apple.  What is the powder substance on the sides?  It is a pesticide, which slows down produce mold.  A popular pesticide is diphenylamine.

     Diphenylamine (DPA)-

(Information origination-
Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) document fact sheet case 2210, United States Prevention, Pesticides EPA-738-F-97-010 Environmental Protection And Toxic Substances April 1998 Agency (7508W))

     Diphenylamine (DPA) is a plant growth regulator used post-harvest to control storage scald on apples. It is mainly used for its antioxidant properties. As a pesticide, DPA is used for destroying insects or other organisms harmful to cultivated plants.  DPA has been classified as an indoor food use.

     Storage scald- term loosely applied to a group of skin disorders of apples and pears. It involves brown or gray discoloration of irregularly shaped areas on the surface of the fruit during or following storage (http://postharvest.tfrec.wsu.edu/pages/N6I2C)

Chemical formula- C12H11N

Molar Mass- 169.23 g/mol

Appearance- White, tan, amber, or brown crystals

Odor- pleasant, floral

Density- 1.2 g/cm3

Melting point- 53 °C (127 °F; 326 K)

Boiling point- 302 °C (576 °F; 575 K)

Solubility in water- 0.03%

Vapor pressure- 1 mmHg (108°C)

Acidity (pka)- 0.79

Magnetic susceptibility- -109.7·10−6 cm3/mol

     Formulations include an emulsifiable concentrate, a wettable powder, a soluble concentrate/liquid and a ready-to-use liquid.   DPA is applied by dipping, drenching or spraying.  It was pesticide registered in 1947.

     DPA has been shown to be slightly toxic by the oral, dermal, and inhalation routes and has been placed in Toxicity Category III (second lowest of four categories) for these effects.  The dietary intake cancer risk for diphenylnitrosamine is 2.8 x 10 mg/kg/day.

     DPA is of low acute toxicity and has been classified as “Not Likely“ as a human carcinogen. An impurity of DPA,
diphenylnitrosamine, is classified as a “probable human carcinogen”, however the cancer risks for dietary intake and worker exposure fall below the Agency’s level of concern. Food crop use consist of post-harvest use on apples. Dietary exposure to DPA residues in foods is within acceptable limits.

     Since this is considered an indoor food end-use chemical, only hydrolysis data are required. Available data indicate that DPA is stable towards hydrolysis at pH’s 5, 7, and 9. DPA has a moderate solubility in water (39.4 ppm), a relatively high octanol/water partition coefficient (K =3,860), and a high vapor pressure (6.39 x 10 torr). The high rate of ow
-4 aqueous photolysis and the susceptibility of the chemical in aerobic environments indicate that if DPA were to reach surface waters, it would be short lived.

     DPA is moderately toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates. It is practically non-toxic to avian species on an acute and subacute basis.

     Industrial handling of Diphenylamine- 

     The Agency develops any mitigation measures or regulatory controls needed to effectively reduce each pesticide's risks. EPA then reregisters pesticides that meet the safety standard of the FQPA and can be used without posing unreasonable risks to human health or the environment. When a pesticide is eligible for reregistration, EPA explains the basis for its decision in a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) document. These facts are summarized from the RED document for reregistration case 2210, diphenylamine.

Trade Wars 2018

     This is March, 2018, and the economy is at odds with the beginning of the Trade Wars.

     Trade war is a conflict between two or more nations regarding trade tariffs on each other. This type of conflict usually arises because the nations involved are trying to improve imports or exports for its own country. Trade wars have the potential of increasing the costs of certain imports if the nations involved refuse to make a compromise.

     There are some oppositions taking place, currently, with the trade tariffs imposed by President Trump.  There are differences in political view points between USA and China.  President Trump seeks to resolve the unfair trade policies involving China.  Currently, the benefits aren't mutual. There is a deep trade deficit.  Trade involves goods, services, and information.   375-400 billion is the current estimated USA China trade deficit, including goods only (https://www.thebalance.com).  Products brought into the country, by far, out weight the products being sold to China.  President Trump simply wants to solve the imbalances between exports and imports.

     USA major exports to China include:

Soybeans,大豆: $15 billion

Civilian aircraft,民用飞机: $8.4 billion

Cotton,棉:  $3.4 billion

Copper materials,铜:  $3 billion

Passenger vehicles (small engines),乘用车:  $3 billion

Aluminum materials,铝:  $2.4 billion

Passenger vehicles (large engines),大型发动机:  $2.2 billion

Electronic integrated circuits,电子集成电:  $1.7 billion

Corn,玉米:  $1.3 billion

Coal,煤炭:. $1.2 billion

     China major imports into USA include:

Electronic equipment,电子设备:  US $431.6 billion 

Electrical machinery, equipment,电机，设备 :  US $414.3 billion

Mineral fuels including oil,矿物燃料:  $175.8 billion 

Machinery including computers,机器包括电脑:  $147.8 billion 

Ores, slag, ash, 矿石，矿渣，灰:  $93.2 billion

Optical, technical, medical apparatus,光学，技术，医疗器械: $92.6 billion

Vehicles,汽车: $71.5 billion

Plastics, plastic articles,塑料，塑料制品: $61 billion

Organic chemicals,有机化学品:  $43.9 billion

Oilseeds,油籽:  $38.3 billion

     This trade war began  with President Trump imposing a 25% tariff on imports of steel and 10% tariff on imports of aluminum.

     There is an attached national security angle.  The angle is that there are section 232 investigations which have an immediate affect on national security imports.  This is under the authority of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended.  Any interested party has the authority to initiate the investigation, and maybe self initiated by the Secretary of Commerce.

     Opposition to compromise.  

     Unnecessary tariffs impose an advantage tipped in favor of the competition. Tariffs, for example, could potentially close small mom-and-pop businesses that only rely on imported steel in order to keep their company running.  Specialized are isn't available domestically.

     The top five or six sources of our imports of steel are Canada, Germany, and Turkey, which are in NATO; Japan and South Korea, with whom we have a military alliance; and Mexico. 

     On Thursday, March 8, 2018, President Donald Trump signed two proclamations levying tariffs on aluminum and steel imports. Mexico and Canada are exempted (https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/08/trump-signs-tariffs-that-exempt-canada-and-mexico-open-door-to-others.html).

Zika Virus update

1. Effective-

In both cell cultures and mouse models, a drug used to treat Hepatitis C effectively protected and rescued neural cells infected by the Zika virus -- and blocked transmission of the virus to mouse fetuses.

Cell culture-
refers to the removal of cells from an animal or plant and their subsequent growth in a favorable artificial environment.

Mouse models-
mice naturally develop conditions that mimic human disease conditions, so inbred laboratory mice have been used as model organisms to study the virus.

2. Useage-

Researcherssay their findings support further investigation of using the repurposed drug as a potential treatment for Zika-infected adults, including pregnant women.

3. Explanation-

Research took place in the Muotri Lab, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093.

Goal: a cure for the zika virus.

    
     "The team investigated an antiviral drug called sofosbuvir, approved and marketed under the brand name Sovaldi to treat and cure hepatitis C infections.  The drug works by inhibiting replication of the hepatitis C virus. Researchers noted that both hepatitis C and Zika belong to the same viral family and bore strong structural similarities that could make sofosbuvir effective against the latter. In addition, it had been reported that sofosbuvir was protective against Zika in different cell types (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180125135529.htm)."

Zika vs. Sofosbuvir-

a.  rescued dying NPCs infected with the Zika

b.  restored gene expression linked to their antiviral response

c.  arrested Zika replication in vivo

d.  stopped flow from mother to fetus

e.  the drug was well-tolerated by the Zika-infected pregnant mice

     "In subsequent tests using an immunodeficient mouse model infected by Zika, intravenous injections of sofosbuvir significantly reduced viral loads in blood serum compared to a placebo group. Moreover, fetuses of Zika-infected pregnant mice did not show detectable Zika virus amplification in the sofosbuvir-treated group."
 http://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/pressrelease/repurposed_drug_found_to_be_effective_against_zika_virus

More research needs to be done, but we are approaching the effective cure of the Zika virus.