Monday, April 29, 2013

Conversion from 'bad' fat to good fat

Apr. 28, 2013 ? Scientists from ETH Zurich have shown for the first time that brown and white fat cells in a living organism can be converted from one cell type to the other. Their work, using mice as a model organism, provides important new insights into the origin of brown fat cells, which is a prerequisite for the development of successful anti-obesity therapies.

Two types of fat cells can be found in mammals and hence in humans: White fat cells function mainly as highly flexible energy stores which are filled in times of calorie abundance. The fat is stored in the form of lipid droplets, which are mobilized when energy is needed. Diametrically opposed in function are the so-called brown adipocytes: These cells specialize in burning energy in the form of fat and sugar to produce heat. New-born babies possess substantial amounts of brown fat and utilize it to maintain body temperature. Since it was recently shown that brown adipocytes also exist in adult humans, research has focused on understanding how brown adipocytes are formed. The ultimate goal of these efforts is to increase brown adipocyte number and activity in obese humans, allowing them to burn excess calories and thus reduce weight.

Against the current belief

It is known that both humans and mice can adapt to cold temperatures by forming brown fat cells within their white fat depots. These cells are called "brite" fat cells (brown-in-white) and are less common at warmer versus colder temperatures. However, the origin of these special brown adipocytes has remained a matter of debate. The prevalent hypothesis was that brite cells are formed from special precursor cells and are removed when no longer needed. The alternate idea of a direct interconversion between white and brown fat cells gained less attention. By demonstrating that this interconversion does occur and is one of the main contributors to brite fat cell formation, the current belief has been challenged.

Genetically labelled fat cells

To demonstrate how brite fat cells are formed the researchers in the laboratory of Christian Wolfrum, a professor at the Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, generated mice that allowed them to genetically label specific fat cells. These animals were kept in a changing environment: starting at 8?C for a week and for several weeks afterwards at normal room temperature. During the cold exposure, the mice formed brown adipocytes in their white fat depots -- a process called "britening." After warm adaptation the fat tissue turned white again. Using the genetic markers the scientists concluded from these experiments that white fat cells can convert into brown fat cells and vice versa. As humans have the same type of cells as mice it is likely that the same process occurs in humans upon cold stimulation.

Treatments against obesity

"To develop new treatment strategies we need to find ways to convert white into brown adipocytes," says Wolfrum. Most of the research has focused on identifying the precursor cells for brown fat cells, an approach that may be insufficient. Future work will address the question of how to manipulate this interconversion process either by pharmacological or by nutritional means.

This approach would represent a novel strategy. "Current anti-obesity therapies target the energy intake side of the equation by controlling appetite and the uptake of nutrients," says Wolfrum. The pharmacological treatments that are available are not very efficient and usually are associated with side effects. In contrast, this novel approach to treat obesity would target the energy expenditure side of the equation by promoting brown fat formation.

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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by ETH Zurich, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

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


Journal Reference:

  1. Matthias Rosenwald, Aliki Perdikari, Thomas R?licke, Christian Wolfrum. Bi-directional interconversion of brite and white?adipocytes. Nature Cell Biology, 2013; DOI: 10.1038/ncb2740

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/top_news/~3/3LfJOKXIqoE/130428144925.htm

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Paranoid Android teases in-app pop-up window multitasking (video)

Paranoid Android teases inapp popup window multitasking

As advanced as "multitasking" gets on the latest smartphones, many times you're still left to completely switch between apps. Paranoid Android is looking to set things into overdrive with in-app multiple-window multitasking for its skin of Android, going beyond the similar, but limited, functionality seen in the likes of Samsung's basked-in Galaxy apps. PA's Paul Henschel recently posted a demo to YouTube highlighting the feature working with various apps on both an Android tablet and a Nexus smartphone, with a post to Google+ stating that it shows less than ten percent of the planned functionality. If that wasn't enough, the post further clarifies PA's drive to build out its version stating, "We think these [Samsung, Cyanogen & Cornerstone] implementations suck and we want to get it right this time." Thirsty for more info? Hit the source link and the video after the break for some quencher, while we eagerly wait to see more.

Comments

Via: liliputing, Reddit

Source: Paranoid Android (Google+)

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/G3ZMNkQxD7E/

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Sunday, April 28, 2013

So, while American TV news was mesmerized by the Royal baby ...

If those in charge of our society - politicians, corporate executives, and owners of press and television - can dominate our ideas, they will be secure in their power. They will not need soldiers patrolling the streets. We will control ourselves. - Howard Zinn

Someone pointed out to me that North Korea has been awfully quiet this week, all things considered. Or, at least, our crackerjack news networks haven?t seen fit to cover them.

True, we have had two major events happen in close succession - the Boston bombing and the plant explosion in Texas. Oh, and how our ?lawmakers? sprang into action when airline profits were threatened by the government budget battles.

Other than that, though, what else (other than stories about the Boston bomber) have we learned about?

We have seen endless footage of the Royal ?baby bump,? with anxious Americans being informed of the child?s role when it comes to succeeding the current Queen of England - roughly, a few thousand supermarket openings and other photo ops to go, kid.

We don?t actually know anything about the oddly-bland made for TV Royal couple, other than what press releases tell us . . . but then, modern journalism lives on press releases.

The opening of the George Bush Presidential Library, which featured fawning reporter after fawning reporter talking to the former president about his new found love for painting.

Som yes, Wagnerian Reader, one might possibly be forgiven for thinking that nothing else happened in the world this week. Except for . . .

I picked up a copy of the New York Times yesterday, just to see if there might have been one or two stories the networks might have let slip through the cracks, and here are some of the nuggets I found:

North Korea Issues Threat At Ceremony For Military - North Korean generals warned that not only were their forces ready to launch ICBM attacks against this country, but that the North is ? . . . one click away from pressing the launch button.? The claim was made that pilots, instead of loading up with fuel for a return trip, would be prepared to launch ?kamikaze-like? attacks against this country.

Venezuela Says U.S. Citizen Plotted Unrest - Timothy Hallett was arrested on accusations that he was working with right-wing groups hoping to promote violence, and possibly even a civil war.


Cuba: U.S. Bars Raul Castro?s Daughter from a Forum
- Castro?s daughter was to attend a gay rights conference in Philadelphia next week, when she was to receive an award. No explanation was given for the decision to bar her from the conference.

South Africa: Lawmakers Pass Contentious Secrecy Bill - The South African government approved a highly criticized bill would increase the government?s power to restrict access to information.

Agency Halts Trials for AIDS Vaccine - A trial of a possible Vaccine against AIDS was halted because it appeared not to be working, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Cancer Specialists Attack High Drug Costs - More than 100 cancer specialist from around the globe met to take what has been described as the ?first step? in banding together in the hopes of persuading drug companies to bring their prices down.

Wouldn?t it be nice if ?lawmakers? who get campaign donations from drug manufacturers also felt such concern?

And if this wasn?t bad enough, it takes the excellent HBO documentary series VICE to lay open just what is happening in Europe, while on American TV news all we hear is that folks are in an uproar due to ?austerity measures.?

I still cling to the old-fashioned view that knowing things (real things, not conspiracy drenched crap) is important to our culture, and to ourselves as human beings. It sets good example for our friends, and for the young people in our lives, while being pig ignorant, on the other hand . . .

Maybe it?s too late to expect anything of local and national news, but we can expect more of ourselves, and it only takes a few minutes a week to stay informed.

******

And here is one bit of news a local anchor and weatherman twisted out of all proportion

A local anchor and weatherman were practically giving each other high fives a few days ago, because ?the drought is over.?

This headline from the New York Times:

In Midwest, Drought Gives way To Flood.

Deep, deep sigh.

*****

Quote of the Day

The universe is not required to be in perfect harmony with human ambition. - Carl Sagan

rsdrake@cox.net

Source: http://www.arktimes.com/StreetJazz/archives/2013/04/27/2833450-so-while-american-tv-news-was-mesmerized-by-the-royal-baby-bump-and-the-paintings-of-george-bush-here-is-what-happened-on-planet-earth

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Friday, April 26, 2013

Advice On Operating A Pain Management Facility ? Hot Article Depot

If you have a heart for helping people, then working as a manager of pain management Nashville TN clinic may be the ideal profession for you. In this job, you will be helping people who have suffered a great loss to their mobility and who are suffering from a lot of physical pain. You will earn a steady source of income this way while also getting a lot of fulfillment from helping people out.

Besides handling transactions with your clients, one of your tasks is to see to it that the establishment is run smoothly each day. Also, you will be overseeing a number of people who are the clinic?s staff. When running this kind of business, another essential task of yours would be to conceptualize and streamline your operations. You can take advantage of the following practical tips below.

First of all, you should determine the main aim of your establishment. There are other clinics out there who cater to people who have migraines and sciatica and there are others who provide care for people suffering from fatal diseases like cancer. Make sure you get together with the clinic?s owner and his staff so together, you can come up with the main purpose of your establishment.

Smooth communication is also needed between you and the doctors of your clients. Be sure to inform them about the schedules that your clinic adheres to. This way, whenever they feel like setting a treatment session for their patients, they will be obliged to inform you first so that you can prepare for the session beforehand.

In addition, you need to be updated with your office procedures as well as your billing system. Try to come up with more effective ways in which you can handle medical transactions as well as insurance claims, for instance. Likewise, you should update yourself with the latest medical software there is, so that you can bill your customers more efficiently.

You should amp up the quantity and level of services you give your customers. Aside from simple therapy and testing, new procedures can also be offered by you. As an example, you may opt to hire a specialist who can focus specially in outpatient procedures.

Furthermore, you should increase your number of patients by boosting your promotional strategies. Find ways in which you can attract new clients to your establishment. When you do, you can generate greater profits.

This would also be beneficial to you in that when you have more clients, your potential business partners will look at you as more established and credible. Furthermore, it will pique the interest of therapists and physicians and make them want to work in your establishment. You should have adverts printed in medical magazines as they are good avenues for reaching your target market.

In the course of operating a pain management Nashville TN clinic, you should really consider what is best for your business. As its manager, its success in the field would depend on your hands. So too will the state of your patients and your staff.

Read more about Insights On Running A Pain Management Establishment visiting our website.

Source: http://hotarticledepot.com/advice-on-operating-a-pain-management-facility/

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Jeb Bush 2016 Buzz Builds: Will He Run For President?

Source: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2013/04/jeb-bush-2016-buzz-builds-will-he-run-for-president/

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Thursday, April 25, 2013

Twitter for Mac update brings photo sharing improvements, Retina Display support

Twitter for Mac update brings photo sharing improvements, Retina Display support

Twitter's showing off an updated version of its Mac app today, featuring a number of key fixes, including a slew of new languages and improvements to photo sharing. On the imaging side of things, you can now share a photo by clicking on the camera icon in the tweet composing module, or just do it the old fashioned way by dragging pictures from your desktop. Also new in this version is support for Macs with Retina Displays and 14 new languages, including Dutch, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese and Turkish. Interested parties can download the update via the source link below.

Filed under: ,

Comments

Via: Twitter Blog

Source: iTunes

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/a--ZdhCG6uA/

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Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Brinker International Reports Increase In Year ... - Franchising.com

DALLAS, April 23, 2013 // PRNewswire // -- Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT) today announced results for the fiscal third quarter ended March 27, 2013.

Highlights include the following:

  • Earnings per diluted share, excluding special items, increased 20.0 percent to?$0.72?compared to?$0.60?for the?third quarter?of fiscal?2012?(see non-GAAP reconciliation below)
  • On a GAAP basis, earnings per diluted share increased 26.8 percent to?$0.71?compared to?$0.56?for the?third quarter?of fiscal?2012
  • Restaurant operating margin1?improved approximately 70 basis points to 17.9 percent from 17.2 percent
  • Brinker's operating income, excluding special items, improved 110 basis points from 9.8 percent to 10.9 percent primarily due to general and administrative savings in addition to the restaurant operating margin improvement mentioned above
  • Chili's?comparable restaurant sales decreased?1.1?percent for the quarter consisting of a 0.4 percent and 4.3 percent decrease in January and February, respectively, offset by a 1.3 percent increase in March
  • Maggiano's comparable restaurant sales increased?0.4?percent, representing the 13th consecutive quarterly increase
  • Franchise comparable restaurant sales increased 1.3 percent driven by a 5.1 percent increase in international franchise comparable restaurant sales
  • The company repurchased approximately 1.8?million shares of its common stock for?$60.4 million?in the third quarter
  • The company paid a dividend of?20 cents?per share in the third quarter, an increase of 25 percent over the prior year third quarter
  • For the?first nine months?of fiscal?2013, cash flows provided by operating activities were?$222.6 million?and capital expenditures totaled?$98.7 million

"Brinker?delivered a 20 percent increase in EPS for the quarter, despite a tough industry sales environment," said?Wyman Roberts, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We've remained steadfast in executing our initiatives and are realizing the benefits of our strengthened business model. As such, we are confident we will meet our 2010 promise of doubling EPS as early as next fiscal year."

1

Effective for the fiscal first quarter ended Sept. 26, 2012, revenues are reported in two separate captions?Company sales and Franchise and other revenues. Restaurant operating margin is now defined as Company sales less Cost of sales, Restaurant labor and Restaurant expenses.

?

Table 1: Monthly and?Q3?comparable restaurant sales

Q3 13?and?Q3 12, company-owned, reported brands and franchise; percentage

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
? ?

Jan

?

Feb

?

March

?

Q3 13

?

Q3 12

Brinker International

?

(0.1)

?

(4.2)

?

1.5

?

(0.9)

?

4.5

??Chili's Company-Owned

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

?????Comparable Restaurant Sales

?

(0.4)

?

(4.3)

?

1.3

?

(1.1)

?

4.6

?????Pricing Impact

?

1.9

?

1.3

?

1.3

?

1.5

?

1.9

?????Mix-Shift

?

0.5

?

0.2

?

1.3

?

0.6

?

0.9

?????Traffic

?

(2.8)

?

(5.8)

?

(1.3)

?

(3.2)

?

1.8

??Maggiano's

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

?????Comparable Restaurant Sales

?

1.7

?

(3.4)

?

2.5

?

0.4

?

3.9

?????Pricing Impact

?

2.5

?

1.1

?

0.7

?

1.6

?

2.2

?????Mix-Shift

?

0.0

?

(1.1)

?

0.5

?

(0.2)

?

0.2

?????Traffic

?

(0.8)

?

(3.4)

?

1.3

?

(1.0)

?

1.5

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

Franchise1

? ? ? ? ? ? ?

1.3

?

3.5

??Domestic Comparable Restaurant Sales

? ? ? ? ? ? ?

(0.3)

?

3.8

??International Comparable Restaurant Sales

? ? ? ? ? ? ?

5.1

?

2.6

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

System-wide2

? ? ? ? ? ? ?

(0.2)

?

4.2

? ?

1

Revenues generated by franchisees are not included in revenues on the consolidated statements of income; however, we generate royalty revenue and advertising fees based on franchisee revenues, where applicable. We believe including franchisee comparable restaurants revenues provides investors information regarding brand performance that is relevant to current operations and may impact future restaurant development.

? ?

2

System-wide comparable restaurant sales are derived from sales generated by company-owned Chili's and Maggiano's restaurants in addition to the sales generated at franchisee operated restaurants.

Quarterly Operating Performance?

CHILI'S?third quarter?company sales of?$632.6 million?represent a?0.7 percent?decrease from?$637.0 million?in the prior year period driven by traffic declines. As compared to the prior year,?Chili's?operating margin improved due to lower cost of sales. Cost of sales as a percentage of company sales was favorably impacted by mix changes related to shrimp, ribs and fajita meat coupled with increased menu pricing, partially offset by unfavorable commodity pricing primarily related to beef, pork and chicken wings. Restaurant labor was positively impacted by improved labor productivity from the installation of new kitchen equipment and lower manager bonuses, partially offset by increased health insurance claims and sales deleverage.

MAGGIANO'S?third quarter?company sales of?$92.1 million?increased?0.2 percent?primarily driven by menu pricing. As compared to the prior year, Maggiano's operating margin improved primarily due to lower cost of sales. Cost of sales was favorably impacted by decreased commodity usage from efforts to reduce waste, menu item changes, favorable commodity pricing on seafood as well as increased menu pricing. Restaurant operating margin was negatively impacted by higher workers' compensation insurance expenses and increased health insurance claims, partially offset by lower repair and maintenance expense and utilities expense.

FRANCHISE AND OTHER revenues totaled?$18.1 million?for the quarter, an increase of?38.2?percent compared to?$13.1 million?in the prior year. The increase was driven primarily by a?$5.2 million?reduction in revenues in the prior year resulting from a change in the estimate of gift card breakage. International franchise comparable restaurant sales increased?5.1 percent?while domestic franchise comparable restaurant sales decreased?0.3 percent.Brinker?franchisees generated approximately?$424 million?in sales1?for the?third quarter?of fiscal?2013.

1

Royalty revenues are recognized based on the sales generated and reported to the company by franchisees.

Other

Depreciation and amortization expense increased?$2.3 million?for the quarter primarily due to investments in existing restaurants and asset replacements, partially offset by an increase in fully depreciated assets.

General and administrative expense decreased?$6.0 million?primarily due to lower performance-based compensation.

Interest expense increased?$0.6 million?for the quarter as a result of higher borrowing balances.

Excluding the impact of special items, the effective income tax rate remained flat at 28.9 percent in the current quarter compared to the same quarter last year as the tax impact of increased earnings in the current quarter was offset by a credit related to the prior year. On a GAAP basis, the effective income tax rate increased to?28.7?percent in the current quarter as compared to?28.2?percent in the same quarter last year due to increased earnings in the current quarter and the tax benefit resulting from higher net charges related to special items in the prior year, partially offset by a credit related to the prior year.

Non-GAAP Reconciliation

Brinker?believes excluding special items from its financial results provides investors with a clearer perspective of the company's ongoing operating performance and a more relevant comparison to prior period results.

Table 2: Reconciliation of net income excluding special items

Q3 13?and?Q3 12; $ millions and $ per diluted share after-tax

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
? ?

Q3 13

?

EPS Q3 13

?

Q3 12

?

EPS Q3 12

Net Income

?

52.0

?

0.71

?

44.9

?

0.56

Other (Gains) and Charges1

?

0.9

?

0.01

?

(0.1)

?

0.00

????Adjustment for Gift Card Breakage2

?

?

?

?

?

3.3

?

0.04

Net Income excluding Special Items

?

52.9

?

0.72

?

48.1

?

0.60

? ?

1

Pre-tax Other gains and charges was a $1.6 million charge and a $0.1 million gain in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 and 2012, respectively.

? ?

2

The Company recognized a pre-tax $5.2 million reduction to revenue in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 resulting from a change in the estimate of gift card breakage.

Guidance Policy

Brinker?provides annual guidance as it relates to comparable restaurant sales, earnings per diluted share, and other key line items in the income statement and will only provide updates if there is a material change versus the original guidance. Consistent with prior practice, management will not discuss intra-period sales or other key operating results not yet reported as the limited data may not accurately reflect the final results of the period or quarter referenced.

Webcast Information

Investors and interested parties are invited to listen to today's conference call, as management will provide further details of the quarter. The call will broadcast live on the?Brinker?website (www.brinker.com) at?9 a.m. CDT?today (April 23). For those who are unable to listen to the live broadcast, a replay of the call will be available shortly thereafter and will remain on the?Brinker?website until the end of the day?May 21, 2013.

Additional financial information, including statements of income which detail operations excluding special items, franchise and other revenues, and comparable restaurant sales trends by brand, is also available on the?Brinkerwebsite under the Financial Information section of the Investor tab.

Forward Calendar

  • SEC Form 10-Q for third quarter fiscal 2013 filing on or before?May 6, 2013; and
  • Fourth quarter earnings release, before market opens,?Aug. 2, 2013.

About?Brinker

Brinker International, Inc.?is one of the world's leading casual dining restaurant companies. Founded in 1975 and based in?Dallas, Texas,?Brinker?currently owns, operates, or franchises 1,588 restaurants under the names?Chili's?Grill?& Bar (1,544 restaurants) and?Maggiano's Little Italy??(44 restaurants).

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and, consequently, could be affected by general business and economic conditions, financial and credit market conditions, credit availability, reduced disposable income, the impact of competition, the impact of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and other strategic transactions, franchisee success, the seasonality of the company's business, adverse weather conditions, future commodity prices, product availability, fuel and utility costs and availability, terrorists acts, consumer perception of food safety, changes in consumer taste, health epidemics or pandemics, changes in demographic trends, availability of employees, unfavorable publicity, the company's ability to meet its business strategy plan, acts of God, governmental regulations and inflation.

?

?

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

?
? ? ?
? ?

Thirteen Week Periods Ended

?

Thirty-Nine Week Periods Ended

? ?

March 27,?
2013

?

March 28,?
2012

?

March 27,?
2013

?

March 28,?
2012

Revenues:

? ? ? ? ? ?

Company sales

?

$

724,693

?

$

728,868

?

$

2,057,490

?

$

2,038,333

Franchise and other revenues (a)

?

18,066

?

13,177

?

58,540

?

54,018

Total revenues

?

742,759

?

742,045

?

2,116,030

?

2,092,351

Operating Costs and Expenses:

? ? ? ?

Company restaurants

? ? ? ?

Cost of sales

?

198,316

?

205,155

?

567,602

?

571,962

Restaurant labor

?

231,822

?

233,806

?

667,865

?

664,068

Restaurant expenses

?

164,537

?

164,230

?

489,781

?

489,872

Company restaurant expenses

?

594,675

?

603,191

?

1,725,248

?

1,725,902

Depreciation and amortization

?

33,222

?

30,929

?

98,830

?

93,265

General and administrative

?

33,986

?

40,006

?

102,289

?

104,040

Other gains and charges (b)

?

1,550

?

(104)

?

2,227

?

5,614

Total operating costs and expenses

?

663,433

?

674,022

?

1,928,594

?

1,928,821

Operating income

?

79,326

?

68,023

?

187,436

?

163,530

Interest expense

?

7,085

?

6,530

?

21,040

?

20,087

Other, net

?

(573)

?

(1,072)

?

(2,096)

?

(3,018)

Income before provision for income taxes

?

72,814

?

62,565

?

168,492

?

146,461

Provision for income taxes

?

20,863

?

17,632

?

51,500

?

42,233

Net income

?

$

51,951

?

$

44,933

?

$

116,992

?

$

104,228

? ? ? ? ?

Basic net income per share

?

$

0.73

?

$

0.58

?

$

1.61

?

$

1.31

? ? ? ? ?

Diluted net income per share

?

$

0.71

?

$

0.56

?

$

1.56

?

$

1.28

? ? ? ? ?

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

?

71,067

?

77,582

?

72,511

?

79,722

? ? ? ? ?

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

?

73,341

?

79,735

?

74,873

?

81,658

?

?

(a)?????Franchise and other revenues includes royalties, development fees and franchise fees, banquet service charge income, and gift card activity (breakage and discounts).

(b)?????Other gains and charges includes:

?

? ?

Thirteen Week Periods Ended

?

Thirty-Nine Week Periods Ended

? ?

March?27,

2013

?

March?28,

2012

?

March?27,

2013

?

March?28,

2012

Restaurant impairment charges

?

$

?

? ?

$

?

? ?

$

661

? ?

$

1,098

?

Restaurant closure charges

?

305

? ?

1,032

? ?

2,887

? ?

4,154

?

Severance and other benefits

?

1,269

? ?

?

? ?

1,269

? ?

100

?

Gain on sale of assets, net

?

(81)

? ?

(25)

? ?

(2,430)

? ?

(1,365)

?

Other

?

57

? ?

(1,111)

? ?

(160)

? ?

1,627

?
? ?

$

1,550

? ?

$

(104)

? ?

$

2,227

? ?

$

5,614

?

?

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

?
? ?

March?27,

2013

?

June?27,

2012

? ?

(Unaudited)

? ?

ASSETS

? ? ? ?

Current assets

?

$

214,897

? ?

$

194,846

?

Net property and equipment (a)

?

1,029,921

? ?

1,043,564

?

Total other assets

?

201,044

? ?

197,662

?

Total assets

?

$

1,445,862

? ?

$

1,436,072

?

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

? ? ? ?

Current installments of long-term debt

?

$

27,528

? ?

$

27,334

?

Current liabilities

?

363,107

? ?

374,415

?

Long-term debt, less current installments

?

677,309

? ?

587,890

?

Other liabilities

?

132,709

? ?

136,560

?

??????????Total shareholders' equity

?

245,209

? ?

309,873

?

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

?

$

1,445,862

? ?

$

1,436,072

?
?

(a)????

At March 27, 2013, the company owned the land and buildings for 189 of the 865 company-owned restaurants. The net book values of the land and buildings associated with these restaurants totaled $141.4 million and $119.2 million, respectively.

?

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

?
? ?

Thirty-Nine Week Periods Ended

? ?

March?27,

2013

?

March?28,

2012

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

? ? ? ?

Net income

?

$

116,992

?

$

104,228

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

? ? ? ?

Depreciation and amortization

?

98,830

?

93,265

Restructure charges and other impairments

?

3,792

?

5,042

Stock-based compensation

?

12,909

?

10,393

Net loss on disposal of assets

?

1,115

?

1,541

Changes in assets and liabilities

?

(11,002)

?

19,341

Net cash provided by operating activities

?

222,636

?

233,810

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

? ? ? ?

Payments for property and equipment

?

(98,690)

?

(85,177)

Proceeds from sale of assets

?

6,535

?

4,344

Inves

Source: http://www.franchising.com/news/20130423_brinker_international_reports_increase_in_year_ove.html

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Engadget's smartphone buyer's guide: spring 2013 edition

Engadget's smartphone buyer's guide spring 2013 edition

Stepping into a carrier's store can be like a visit to the candy shop for the gadget junkie, but once playtime is over and it's time to choose just one, the decision can get a bit overwhelming. You'll find Android phones that range in size from tiny to massive, Windows Phone handsets that cover the rainbow in colors and, of course, the ubiquitous iPhone, which has a price point to suit every need. There's also the latest BlackBerry, which melds a familiar name with a brand-new operating system.

Naturally, it's no easy task to sort through the wide number of options on the market today, and it's even more difficult to find the best of the best. That's where Engadget's smartphone buyer's guide comes in handy. Here, you'll find a very exclusive list of the smartphones that we confidently use and achingly desire. Regardless of your financial situation or platform preference, you're bound to find a stellar choice that's a great fit for your needs. So read on as we round up the very best smartphones of the season.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/04/24/engadget-smartphone-buyers-guide-spring-2013/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget

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Endangered African language explored

Endangered African language explored [ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 23-Apr-2013
[ | E-mail | Share Share ]

Contact: Eva-Marie Str?m
eva-marie.strom@sprak.gu.se
46-073-072-8555
University of Gothenburg

Children growing up in the Rufiji region along the coast of Tanzania are learning Swahili as their first language.

Consequently, their parents are expected to be the last generation to be fluent in the minority language Ndengeleko. A new doctoral thesis in African languages from the University of Gothenburg is the first, and maybe last, attempt ever to explore Ndengeleko grammatically.

More than 120 languages are spoken in Tanzania. Most are minority languages spoken by various ethnic groups in the country. Eva-Marie Strm, the author of the thesis, estimates that Ndengeleko, which belongs to the Bantu language family, is currently spoken by about 72 000 people.

'Although this is not an extremely low number in the context of minority languages, my conclusion is that Ndengeleko is indeed endangered and will most likely disappear within a few generations,' she says.

Strm's study is based on interviews and recordings and was carried out on-site with speakers of the language who are interested in preserving their knowledge for future generations.

'My research gives a good description of the phonology of the language, or of the sounds used. It turns out that it has a rather limited number of consonants and vowels. Moreover, some consonants have disappeared from some words over time, making combinations of vowels common.'

In Ndengeleko as in other Bantu languages in Africa morphemes are combined to form long words. Morphemes are the small building blocks of words, and they all have a meaning. Combinations of morphemes can appear differently in different words depending on which vowels and consonants are involved. A large part of the analysis concerned these complex processes.

Descriptions of languages are important in order to understand people's linguistic abilities and how languages evolve. Also, languages can reveal information about the people who speak them and how they approach life and the world around them.

'Traditional research on languages and cognition is still largely based on Western languages. My thesis contributes to our understanding of human languages,' says Strm, who is also hoping that her study will help strengthen the self-confidence and status of Ndengeleko speakers.

###

More information: Eva-Marie Strm, +46 (0)730 72 85 55, email: eva-marie.strom@sprak.gu.se

Title of the doctoral thesis: The Ndengeleko language of Tanzania

The thesis is available at: https://gupea.ub.gu.se/handle/2077/32111


[ Back to EurekAlert! ] [ | E-mail | Share 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.


Endangered African language explored [ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 23-Apr-2013
[ | E-mail | Share Share ]

Contact: Eva-Marie Str?m
eva-marie.strom@sprak.gu.se
46-073-072-8555
University of Gothenburg

Children growing up in the Rufiji region along the coast of Tanzania are learning Swahili as their first language.

Consequently, their parents are expected to be the last generation to be fluent in the minority language Ndengeleko. A new doctoral thesis in African languages from the University of Gothenburg is the first, and maybe last, attempt ever to explore Ndengeleko grammatically.

More than 120 languages are spoken in Tanzania. Most are minority languages spoken by various ethnic groups in the country. Eva-Marie Strm, the author of the thesis, estimates that Ndengeleko, which belongs to the Bantu language family, is currently spoken by about 72 000 people.

'Although this is not an extremely low number in the context of minority languages, my conclusion is that Ndengeleko is indeed endangered and will most likely disappear within a few generations,' she says.

Strm's study is based on interviews and recordings and was carried out on-site with speakers of the language who are interested in preserving their knowledge for future generations.

'My research gives a good description of the phonology of the language, or of the sounds used. It turns out that it has a rather limited number of consonants and vowels. Moreover, some consonants have disappeared from some words over time, making combinations of vowels common.'

In Ndengeleko as in other Bantu languages in Africa morphemes are combined to form long words. Morphemes are the small building blocks of words, and they all have a meaning. Combinations of morphemes can appear differently in different words depending on which vowels and consonants are involved. A large part of the analysis concerned these complex processes.

Descriptions of languages are important in order to understand people's linguistic abilities and how languages evolve. Also, languages can reveal information about the people who speak them and how they approach life and the world around them.

'Traditional research on languages and cognition is still largely based on Western languages. My thesis contributes to our understanding of human languages,' says Strm, who is also hoping that her study will help strengthen the self-confidence and status of Ndengeleko speakers.

###

More information: Eva-Marie Strm, +46 (0)730 72 85 55, email: eva-marie.strom@sprak.gu.se

Title of the doctoral thesis: The Ndengeleko language of Tanzania

The thesis is available at: https://gupea.ub.gu.se/handle/2077/32111


[ Back to EurekAlert! ] [ | E-mail | Share 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/2013-04/uog-eal042313.php

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