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How Alcohol Chain-Length and Concentration Modulate Hydrogen Bond Formation in a Lipid Bilayer

2012-03-15T06:36:00.000-07:00

ABSTRACT

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to measure the change in properties of a hydrated dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine bilayer when solvated with ethanol, propanol, and butanol solutions. There are eight oxygen atoms in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine that serve as hydrogen bond acceptors, and two of the oxygen atoms participate in hydrogen bonds that exist for significantly longer time spans than the hydrogen bonds at the other six oxygen atoms for the ethanol and propanol simulations. We conclude that this is caused by the lipid head group conformation, where the two favored hydrogen-bonding sites are partially protected between the head group choline and the sn-2 …

Sarkozy's son splits with French leader's own anointed candidate in mayoral race

2012-03-15T04:10:00.000-07:00

French President Nicolas Sarkozy's home base was in political disarray a month before municipal elections, with his son breaking ranks Sunday with the president's favored candidate for City Hall.

The race in the posh Paris suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine _ where Sarkozy long served as mayor _ has shaped up as a test for the president, whose poll numbers have fallen recently and whose once-hearty appetite for reform has shrunk.

The elections in around 36,000 French cities, towns and villages are the first nationwide polls since Sarkozy was elected president last May _ and some in his conservative UMP party fear its candidates will be punished by voters who are …

The Best Banks 2006

2012-03-15T01:49:00.000-07:00

THE BEST BANKS 2006: BALANCE SHEET SIZE MORE THAN RS 20,000 CRORE

RANKS__ __ __ GROWTH__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ SIZE__ __ __ QUALITYOF ASSETS__ __ __ PRODUCTIVITY AND EFFICIENCY__ __ __ __ QUALITY OFEARNINGS__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

2006__ 2005*__ BANK__ GROWTH IN TOTAL DEPOSITS (%)__ GROWTH INLOANS AND ADVANCES (%)__ GROWTH IN FEE INCOME (%)__ GROWTH INOPERATING PROFIT (%)__ 2-YEAR CAGR^ OF TOTAL DEPOSITS (%)__ 2-YEARCAGR OF LOANS AND ADVANCES (%)__ 2-YEAR CAGR OF FEE INCOME (%)__ 2-YEAR CAGR OF OPERATING PROFIT (%)__ DEPOSITS (RS CR) __ OPERATINGPROFIT (RS CR)__ BALANCE SHEET SIZE (RS CR)__ TOTAL NPAU GROWTH RATE(%)__ NPA COVERAGE (%)__ NET NPA/ NET ADVANCES (%)__ …

Straight from the top

2012-03-14T23:26:00.000-07:00

The leaders of the Big FIve on: Corporate strategy, consolidation, the environment and globalization.

The Daimler-Chrysler merger hammered one thing home to the auto industry - be prepared for dramatic changes in the business. From new hybrid vehicles, to the demise of some companies and never-before-thought-of marriages among others, that's the way of the burgeoning global auto industry.

As it begins to take shape, Toyota's President Hiroshi Okuda wants the automakers to join hands to solve environmental issues while at the same time looking for partners to accomplish the same mission with his company.

Volkswagen Chairman Ferdinand Piech believes the yellow-brick …

Giants 15, Tigers 3

2012-03-14T21:06:00.000-07:00

San Francisco			Detroit
ab r h bi		ab r h bi
Rownd cf	3 1 1 0		AJcksn cf	3 0 0 0
Torres ph-cf	2 0 0 1		C.Wells rf	4 0 2 0
Burriss 2b	6 2 2 0		Ordonz dh	3 0 1 0
PSndvl dh …

Agriculture futures trade mixed on the CBOT

2012-03-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

Agriculture futures were mixed early Friday on the Chicago Board of Trade.

Wheat for December delivery lost 1 cent to $4.72 a bushel, while December corn gained 4 cents to $3.405 a bushel and November soybeans jumped 11.5 cents to $9.31 a bushel. Oats for December delivery rose 1.5 cents to $2.205 a bushel.

…

S. Africa Aid Questioned // Chicago Hair-Care Grant Cited in Report

2012-03-14T16:25:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON A $500,000 grant to a Chicago-based foundation to teachhair care to South Africans is among a series of U.S. foreign aidgrants for South Africa under scrutiny by the Senate ForeignRelations Committee.

The committee has scheduled hearings into what its chairman, Sen.Jesse Helms (R-N.C.), called "abuses of U.S. foreign aid."

Targeted are grants made by the Agency for InternationalDevelopment under a policy of steering federal grants to blackorganizations in the United States. The policy was criticized by theagency's inspector general in a report that suggested it went beyondcongressional mandates on minority preferences.

Among the first grants …

Hit me baby: Britney Spears looking forward to 30

2012-03-14T14:04:00.000-07:00

LONDON (AP) — The singer who created a sensation when she hit the music world in pigtails and knee socks is turning 30 — and Britney Spears says she's looking forward to it.

The U.S. pop star will be on the South American leg of her "Femme Fatale" world tour as she celebrates the landmark birthday on Dec. …

Earnie Stewart appointed technical director at AZ

2012-03-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

Former United States international Earnie Stewart has been appointed technical director at the former Dutch champion AZ Alkmaar.

The 41-year-old, who won 101 caps for the U.S., moved to Alkmaar from NAC Breda, where he held the same position.

Stewart was formerly a midfielder with Dutch clubs VVV Venlo, …

Curried Chicken-Broccoli Casserole

2012-03-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Mix all ingredients well in a large bowl, then place in abaking or casserole dish.

3. Sprinkle with additional shredded cheese and bake until bubbly,about …

Vince Gill's 4-disc masterwork could surprise for CMA album of the year

2012-03-14T07:03:00.000-07:00

When it comes to surprises, the Country Music Association Awards usually do not have much to offer.

But even the staid CMA is good for the occasional twist or two, and this year's best bet might be Vince Gill, who is nominated for album of the year for his ambitious four-disc set, "These Days."

The awards are scheduled for Wednesday night in Nashville; ABC is to broadcast them live.

Gill wrote or co-wrote all the albums' 43 tracks, co-produced them, sang, played guitars and assembled a dream team of guests including Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt, Diana Krall, Alison Krauss and Emmylou Harris.

"These Days" earned Gill …

Gunmen kill 7 at Egypt church after Christmas Mass

2012-03-14T04:43:00.000-07:00

Gunmen killed at least seven people in a drive-by shooting outside a church in southern Egypt as worshippers left a midnight Mass for Coptic Christmas on Thursday, the church bishop, security and hospital officials said.

The attack took place in the early morning hours in the town of Nag Hamadi in Qena province, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from the famous ancient ruins of Luxor.

Bishop Kirollos of the Nag Hamadi Diocese, a hospital administrator and a local security official all said seven people were killed in the attack. The security official said three people were seriously wounded as well.

The security official said two gunmen drove by a …

Reinvesting in the industry

2012-03-14T01:59:00.000-07:00

It's no longer enough just to manufacture a quality product. Paint companies today play dual roles in the collision repair industry as product innovators and business educators.

Traditionally, paint manufacturers have supplied the collision repair industry with the materials it needs at the end of a repair job. Paint not only makes the car look like new, but it also protects the sheet metal below from corrosion. Plus, it gives the owner something to wash every Saturday during the summer and spring seasons. But in recent years, the paint industry has taken a more active role in the industry it serves by training shop owners to take their businesses to the next level; by training shop managers in best hiring practices and how to manage better; and by training technicians to be more productive. In short, they are training the shop from the front end to the back end.

"The product today isn't enough," says Hugh Schwartz, vice president of Spies Hecker. "It is very nice to have a fine product. [But] you need to be able to offer a heck of a lot more than just a good product to have a loyal customer today. We set out in all aspects of our company to improve the chances of success for body shops."

Perhaps more important to the future of the industry, many paint manufacturers also sponsor programs such as Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA). They sit on boards of associations nationwide, such as the Automotive Service Association (ASA), the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), the Automotive Service Industry Association (ASIA) and the National Auto Body Council (NABC). At the local level, paint manufacturers work to make the image of the industry more attractive to prospective technicians by going to high schools and by emphasizing collision repair's positive aspects. ICI Autocolor contributes both personnel and financial assistance. For example, the company was the first sponsor of the Collision Technician Apprenticeship Program (CTAP) and is also a corporate sponsor of SCRS and NABC. The paint maker's employees participate on the board of the NABC as well as on the executive council of the Automotive Management Institute (AMI).

Training, Training, Training

Paint companies have a vested interest in the success of collision repair shopstheir customers. If repair facilities thrive, then jobbers and distribution networks succeed, and the paint conglomerates prosper. But today, running a body shop entails more than just fixing cars. "Today it's not enough to be the best at repairing vehicles," says an Akzo Nobel spokesperson. "Shop owners and managers have to be top-notch business people, too."

To help the collision repair industry thrive, paint manufacturers are investing in it by expanding their roles.

According to the Akzo Nobel spokesperson, the company's mission is to be the best at enabling body shop profitability. That dedication allows the company to leverage its knowledge value beyond the basic paint product.

Most paint makers have training centers across the country that offer courses in management training, products, sales, warranty, production flow, hiring and interviewing, production management, increasing close ratios, hazardous materials, the National Rule, CSI indexing, paint shop performance tracking, OSHA compliance, personnel, materials training, and inventory management. ICI offers free educational seminars on the East Coast that cover such topics as better ways to run the shop, how to increase profits, how to increase efficiency, and training and development. According to Joel Hart, Valspar group vice president, the company's philosophy is to develop the end user (the painter) and the shop owner through training management techniques. "The trick is how to help [repair facilities] be successful and profitable during this day of consolidation. That's a critical part to it," says Hart.

Schwartz states, "The business is much more competitive today than it ever has been. You've got consolidators out there who are making inroads into the business. These are professional business people who understand business, who understand finance and are joint venturing with experts on the technical end of body shops, which makes business more competitive. For an independent to survive, it has to be better, too. So I think [consolidtion] is actually raising the standard for everybody."

Investing in the Future

Management training to help established businesses grow is not enough to keep the industry thriving. There is a technician shortage right now, and some blame the trade's image, while others blame unqualified technicians. Regardless of who's at fault, if the technician pool is not refilled and if the technicians entering the workforce are not sufficiently skilled, the industry will suffer. Because of this, many paint manufacturers are taking measures to increase the quality and quantity of technicians.

Elevating the expectations of body shop managers requires elevating the quality of the education technicians receive. PPG has developed a scholarship fund for students graduating from NATEF-certified high school programs and attending NATEF-certified junior colleges. In addition, PPG supports local VICA programs by acting as judges for skills competitions and by donating paint materials. Don Askew, director of automotive industry relations at PPG, chairs the executive steering committee for the International Youth Skills Competition and sits on the board of the Youth Development Foundation, a planning arm for VIC.A's Skills USA Championship, which is held in Kansas City every year. DuPont Automotive Finishes also has been active in VICA for many years. The company chairs 35 to 40 state VICA events and is active in Skills Canada as well as in international competitions.

Another avenue some paint companies have chosen is involvement with CTAP. Both PPG and Sherwin-Williams have representatives on CTAP's board, and both companies supported CTAP's recent initiative to establish a workforce alliance that would establish standards for apprenticeship programs.

Industry Image

Realizing that a good image is essential for the collision repair industry, the paint industry has joined the quest to establish a more positive image for its customers. To some companies, establishing a positive image is essential to attracting potential technicians. "People don't understand how good a career this industry can be," says Schwartz.

Many companies are active with the NABC in some capacity and use it as a vehicle to draw technicians at the high school level. "We have taken initiatives with NABC to work toward letting people know in the vo-tech schools that the automotive industry and collision area is a good viable field," says Askew, who also serves as chairman of NABC's industry relations committee. "I've made presentations at several junior colleges and vo-tech schools about the shortfall of technicians coming into this industry and ways that we can somehow improve the image of the industry itself."

Askew is also working with the American Vocational Association and with the American Guidance Counselor's Association to put together programs that will help enhance the image of the industry and reinforce to teachers and guidance counselors that the collision industry is a reputable one. DuPont and Spies Hecker also work with NABC, while Hart believes the best way to improve the image of the industry is through I-CAR's training program.

No matter how a company chooses to enhance the industry's image, it is clear that the concept is unanimously accepted and practiced. "I don't know an association in the collision industry that doesn't think it's working hard to enhance the image," says Bruce Cooley, director of industry relations for Sherwin-Williams.

Community Involvement

While the paint makers primarily reinvest in the industry that keeps them in business, they also contribute to the communities in which they do business.

According to Doug Kelly, marketing manager for DuPont Automotive Finishes, DuPont as a corporation donated more than $30 million last year in cash and property to non-profit groups. It also offered many land grants to wildlife groups that used land contiguous to the company's 87 plant sites.

Many paint companies, such as Martin-Senour, Sherwin-Williams and Valspar, contribute to the United Way and Habitat for Humanity. Valspar sponsors a Paint-a-Thon every year that entails employees repainting houses, and Spies Hecker sponsors an Adopt-a-School program to provide assistance to underprivileged schools across the country.

Spies Hecker also sponsors a Day at the Races, which is dedicated to assisting children with cancer. ICI Autocolor employees participate in community activities, such as coaching Little League baseball, soccer, basketball and football, according to John Bosin, industry relations for ICI. They also donate their time to inschool tutoring programs.

The Paint Industry's Role

Paint industry representatives have various opinions on the role of their industry within the collision repair trade:

According to Akzo Nobel's spokesperson, the company feels that the industry's role is "doing everything we can to enable our customers to run their body shops as profitably as possible."

Sherwin-Williams' Cooley says that "there's almost no role that some players are unwilling to participate in."

Andy Ladak, manager of marketing communications for BASF, notes, "Among the things we do is advise our customer base in preparing them for the future."

Bill Mays, director of sales at Martin-Senour, believes that the role of the paint industry is changing.

ICI's Bosin contends that his company's role is to make the best products possible to help shops increase productivity, as well as the best products for the environment. "Our role has changed a great deal in the last several years. Today, helping shops be more productive and efficient facilities [helps strengthen] their position," he says.

"With the consolidation that is taking place today," adds Bosin, "the shops that are classified as B (mid-level) shops are feeling a lot of pressure to invest in their facilities [so] they can produce more revenue and be a surviving, thriving shop. I think it's incumbent upon the paint companies that deal with those shops to [sit them down], build a business plan and do a complete analysis of their operation to help them become better business operators."

Gunners youth seal triumph

2012-03-13T23:08:00.000-07:00

Mid-norton League TeamBath Arsenal Colts Under 11 won theirfinal league game of the season 3-1 at Chew Valley to confirm theirUnder 11 Midsomer Norton Youth League title.

The side had been crowned champions earlier in the week, buttheir win saw them win the league by a six-point margin.

Early pressure told when Lewis Cross netted from close range,with a Joe Lindsay header at the far post and a Jordan Cross strikecompleting their tally near the end of the first half.

A fierce wind played its part in the second half, but theTeamBath defence held firm to win the game.

The Arsenal youngsters won 14 of their 16 league games, scoring92 goals and conceding just 20, to finish with a goal difference 45better than their closest rivals.

Manager Pete Maddison said: "Their success is a testament to hardwork at training, listening and learning to improve theirdevelopment, and taking their skills and winning mentality on to thepitch in matches."

Del Monte putting yogurt in pull-top can

2012-03-13T20:16:00.000-07:00

Del Monte has introduced Yogurt Cup, shelf-stable yogurt in4.75-ounce pull-top cans. Flavors include strawberry, raspberry,blueberry and peach. Retail price in supermarkets is $1.99 for thefour-pack.

PEKING CHICKEN: As part of the Great Chef's Dining Seriessponsored by Moraine Valley Community College, Chef Ben Moy willconduct a brief cooking demonstration and host a dinner at the Birdrestaurant in Melrose Park. A bus will depart from the Palos Hillscampus, 10900 S. 88th Ave., 700 Building, at 6 p.m. and return at11:30 p.m. The $40 fee includes meal and transportation. Toregister, call the Center for Community and Continuing Education at371-3800.

ZAP A SPUD: The Idaho Potato Commission has produced an "IdahoPotato Microwave Cookbook" booklet in conjunction with microwavecooking expert Thelma Pressman. For a copy, send $1 for postage andhandling to the Idaho Potato Commission, Box 1068, Boise, Idaho,83701.

If you have news of new products, classes or other food eventsopen to the public, send the information at least two weeks inadvance to Bits and Pieces, Chicago Sun-Times Food Department, 401 N.Wabash, Chicago 60611.

OT Victory Puts Toledo In the History Books

2012-03-13T17:23:00.000-07:00

LAS VEGAS Gary Pinkel didn't know what to expect after Toledo andNevada found themselves going into a historic overtime in the LasVegas Bowl.

This was, after all, uncharted territory for any major collegefootball coach.

"That's the first time I've ever had to play a fifth quarter,"Pinkel said after his No. 25 Toledo team emerged from the first majorcollege overtime game with a 40-37 victory Thursday night againstNevada in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Toledo, capping an undefeated season, assured itself both a spotin the final national rankings and in the history books by putting aquick overtime end to what was a marathon game. It was the firsttest of the new NCAA overtime rules for bowl games, and even Nevadacoach Chris Ault proclaimed it a success.

"Tie games are a crime in college football," Ault said "The oldguard needs to get off their butts and have tiebreakers in allgames."

Ironically, the only blemish on Toledo's 11-0-1 record was a28-28 tie with Miami of Ohio midway through the regular season.

"This is the best way to do it," Pinkel said. "It gives eachteam an opportunity to win it."

Nevada had that opportunity first, after Toledo won the cointoss and elected to go on defense to begin the overtime.

Unlike the NFL, where the first team to score wins, the collegeovertime is decided after one team scores more points after an equalnumber of possessions. Each team gets the ball at the opposition's25-yard line.

Husband Arrested After Wife Gunned Down

2012-03-13T14:31:00.000-07:00

OAKLAND, Calif. - The estranged husband of a woman who was shot dead in a church parking lot just before Sunday morning services has been booked on suspicion of murder after surrendering to police.

Matthew McCall, 42, was arrested Sunday evening but refused to talk to police about the killing of his wife, Tanya McCall, 40, Oakland police Sgt. Tony Jones said.

Horrified parishioners watched a man pull out a gun and shoot Tanya McCall four times as they fought in the parking lot of Acts Full Gospel Church in Oakland. He shot her twice at close range, then twice in the head, police said. She died at the scene.

Tanya McCall, who worked as a real estate agent and had attended the 7,000-member church for several years, had recently filed for divorce after the couple separated in November.

It was not clear Monday whether Matthew McCall had retained a lawyer. He was scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday.

The victim had obtained a restraining order from Solano County Superior Court against her husband on Thursday after citing threats and acts of violence dating back to 1982, Jones said.

Yesteryear

2012-03-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

100 years ago

A well-patronised dramatic entertainment in aid of the CheddarBaden-Powell Boy Scouts was given in Cheddar Church House.

The well-received programme consisted of a play entitled A CoupleOf Scamps, followed by the screaming farce entitled The Area Bellewhen the several characters were creditably impersonated by MrsStatham, Miss Beryl Willis, Dr and Master Openshaw and Mr FM Willis.

An interesting feature of Axbridge Board of Guardians at theworkhouse was that the out-relief dispensed during the pastfortnight showed a decrease of nearly Pounds 150, as compared withthe corresponding period of last year.

The difference arose through the large number of out-paupers whohad availed themselves of old age pensions.

Although it was mentioned that in a few cases old folks who hadapplied for pensions had since desired to be again placed on thePoor Law out-relief list, the clerk presented a return showing thatno fewer than 282 former recipients of Poor Law relief hadrelinquished parish pay in favour of pensions.

Hints for the home - rice has a finer flavour if washed in hotwater instead of cold before cooking.

Tinned and bottled fruit should be kept in the dark. A drycupboard is the best place for it.

Pieces of linen saturated with pure rectified spirit, placed uponthe temples of a sleepless patient, will often bring relief.

50 years ago

Cheddar Horse and Pony Show and Gymkhana cannot be held thisAugust because the organisers, after making inquiries, have beenunable to find a showground.

Public support had gradually dwindled and although the horseclasses were dropped last year in favour of an attractive children'spony show and gymkhana, there were very few spectators.

Mr CE Stark, chairman since the show's inception, said that MrAllan G Brice, of Froglands, had, with reluctance, declined to makehis field available.

The Rev A R Janes, who until recently was vicar of Woolavington,near Bridgwater, is returning to Somerset as chaplain to StMichael's Home, Axbridge.

Mr Janes was ordained in 1923 and after holding appointments inLancashire and Derbyshire, served with the Universities Mission toCentral Africa from 1930 to 1937.

The new vicar of Winscombe, the Rev W L Jones, conducted thefuneral service at Winscombe Parish Church of Miss Edith Dunster, ofThe Court, Winscombe, who passed away aged 74 years.

A popular member of the Winscombe Tennis Club, Miss Dunster hadbeen in the village for 14 years. She had lived with two sisters ather present address but they pre-deceased her in recent years. MissDunster had been a nurse in Lancashire.

25 years ago

Axbridge has hit back at critics of a Pounds 24,000 scheme for acycle walkway along the former railway line between the town andCheddar.

Axbridge's deputy mayor, Councillor Huw Griffith, called commentsmade by Cheddar parish councillors on the scheme "ill-advised" andhis view has been backed by parent Ian Keen.

Councillor Griffith said: "It is my belief it will be aconsiderable asset. I am concerned we should show enthusiasm for theproject and we should not let some people in Cheddar have it alltheir own way."

Police are investigating a mini crime wave which has hit theCheddar Valley.

Thieves raided S and H Jones Engineering Services, RedcliffeStreet, Cheddar, and neighbouring firm DDC Engineering for thesecond time in two weeks. The first time thieves got away with toolsand a safe but the second time fled with gloves and coffee.

Travellers camping illegally in Cheddar will be given a helpinghand to leave the village provided they promise to quit the county.

Somerset County Council made the offer to the travellers withinhours of a judge at Bristol County Court granting them a possessionorder for the former county highways' depot.

The families have been given until Monday to move from the sitethey occupied following an eviction order on Shipham Hill Quarry.They will be given petrol and some limited technical assistance,including spare parts for their vehicles, following an assurance theconvoy moved on.

10 years ago

Cheddar 0 Castle Cary 2

Cheddar's poor run continued when they were beaten by a strongCastle Cary side, whose victory strengthened their promotionchances. The game was a scrappy affair, mainly due to the swirlingwind and extremely uneven Bowdens Park pitch that made the passinggame both sides enjoy playing almost impossible.

Pantomimes are, in the main, aimed at a young audience, but apanto with a difference hits the stage at Cheddar Football Club nextmonth.

Throbbing Hood And His Bunch Of Hairy Men, the seventh annualperformance by Cheddar Renowned Adult Pantomime, is a version ofBabes In The Wood which is not for the easily offended, warn theorganisers.

A usual cast of suspects known to the regular audience appear andthe original script is written by Tim Richens.

Police are appealing for information after one of their vehiclesalmost collided with a jet ski which was thrown from the back of avan.

Police were carrying out a routine patrol on the A38 towardsCross when they became suspicious of a G-reg white Ford Transit van.As they followed the van the back doors flew open and a blue andwhite Tiger Shark jet ski was thrown out, narrowly missing thepolice car.

Troops Storm Pakistan Mosque Compound

2012-03-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Government troops stormed the compound of Islamabad's Red Mosque before dawn Tuesday, prompting a fierce firefight with militants accused of holding scores of hostages, officials said. At least 40 rebels and three soldiers were killed.

Amid the sounds of rolling explosions, commandos attacked from three directions about 4 a.m. and quickly cleared the ground floor of the mosque, army spokesman Gen. Waheed Arshad said. Some 20 children who rushed toward the advancing troops were brought to safety, he said.

Well-trained militants armed with machine guns, rocket launchers and gasoline bombs put up tough resistance from the basement, Arshad said, adding rebels were also firing from minarets and have booby trapped some areas.

"Those who surrender will be arrested, but the others will be treated as combatants and killed," he said.

The assault began minutes after a delegation led by a former prime minister left the area declaring that efforts to negotiate a peaceful end to a week-old seige had failed.

Clashes this month between security forces and supporters of the mosque's hardline clerics prompted the siege. The religious extremists had been trying to impose Taliban-style morality in the capital through a six-month campaign of kidnappings and threats. Prior to Tuesday's assault, at least 24 people had been killed in and around the mosque.

The assault was signaled by blasts and gunfire. About three and a half hours after the assault started, Arshad said 50 to 60 percent of the complex had been "cleared" but resistance continued in "various places."

Some 40 militants had been killed and between 15 to 20 had been wounded. Arshad said three special forces commandos were also killed and 15 wounded.

Rebel leader Abdul Rashid Ghazi told the private Geo TV network that his mother had been wounded by gunshot. There was no immedidate official confirmation of his claim.

"The government is using full force. This is naked aggression," he said. "My martyrdom is certain now."

He said that about 30 militants were resisting security forces but were only armed with 14 AK-47 assault rifles.

As the fighting roiled on, emergency workers at an army cordon waiting for access to the compound. Women police officers were on standby to handle any female survivors or casualties.

A senior civilian official said troops had arrested dozens of people inside the compound and that part of the madrassa had caught fire. The official requested anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to media.

Tuesday attack followed a botched commando raid on the high-walled mosque compound over the weekend.

On Monday, President Gen. Pervez Musharraf assigned ex-premier Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain to try and negotiate a peaceful end to the standoff.

But Hussain and a delegation of Islamic clerics returned crestfallen from the mosque before dawn Tuesday after about nine hours of talks with rebel leader Abdul Rashid Ghazi via loudspeakers and cell phones.

"We offered him a lot, but he wasn't ready to come on our terms," Hussain told reporters waiting at the edge of the army cordon.

Several loud explosions boomed over the city just as the vexed looking delegates were getting into their cars and sporadic shooting was also heard.

About two dozen relatives of people trapped inside the complex waited anxiously at the army cordon during the assault.

The government has said wanted terrorists are organizing the defense of the mosque, while Ghazi has accused security forces of killing scores of students.

In his comments on Tuesday, Ghazi said he had offered to show the mediators that they had no heavy weapons, foreign militants or other wanted people inside the mosque.

The siege has given the neighborhood the look of a war zone, with troops manning machine guns behind sandbagged posts and from the top of armored vehicles.

It has also sparked anger in Pakistan's restive northwest frontier. On Monday, 20,000 tribesmen, including hundreds of masked militants wielding assault rifles, held a protest in the frontier region of Bajur.

Many chanted "Death to Musharraf" and "Death to America" in a rally led by Maulana Faqir Mohammed, a cleric wanted by authorities and who is suspected of ties to al-Qaida No. 2 leader Ayman al-Zawahri.

---

Associated Press writers Zarar Khan and Sadaqat Jan in Islamabad and Habibullah Khan in Khar contributed to this report.

Sporting wins to pass loser Benfica in 2nd

2012-03-13T04:26:00.000-07:00

Sporting shrugged off a midweek European rout with a 2-0 victory over bottom table Rio Ave and Benfica's unbeaten home record ended in a 1-0 defeat to Guimaraes in the Portuguese league on Saturday.

Sporting, which exited the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday to Bayern Munich by a 12-1 aggregate, needed 22 minutes to get over it when Joao Moutinho opened.

Brazilian midfielder Fabio Rochemback's first half injury-time goal allowed Sporting, which last won the league in 2002, to improve to 44 points and sit one point behind leader and three-time defending champion FC Porto, which will host Naval on Sunday.

Benfica dropped into third with 43 points. Roberto Calmon stayed onside in the 66th to score off a counterattack with a left-footed strike at the Stadium of Light.

Guimaraes finished with 10 after 85th-minute substitute Cicero Sanchez was red-carded in injury time.

In Sunday's other 22nd round of games, Belenenses plays Amadora, Trofense faces last-place Setubal and Braga looks to stay fourth against Academica.

On Monday, fifth-placed Nacional plays Maritimo.

Pacos Ferreira picked up an important 4-0 win over Leixoes and moved away from the relegation zone on Friday.

Belgian gov't says it will ensure Dexia's survival

2012-03-13T01:16:00.000-07:00

BRUSSELS (AP) — A Belgian newspaper is reporting that the government has promised to guarantee the survival of Dexia, a bank investors worry is overexposed to potentially bad debt from Europe's most indebted countries.

Following a two-hour emergency cabinet meeting Tuesday evening, caretaker Prime Minister Yves Leterme said, according to De Standaard newspaper, "We are giving a new government guarantee and will take all the initiatives necessary for Dexia Belgium to consolidate. We still believe it has a future."

The paper said Leterme gave no figure on the guarantee.

The plan involves dividing the bank and putting the problem loans — including those to Southern European countries — into a "bad bank — which both Belgian and France would agree to prop up.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

BRUSSELS (AP) — France and Belgium were fighting to prevent the bank Dexia from going under as investors grew increasingly worried over its ability to survive a renewed credit crunch.

The two countries have promised Tuesday to prop up the bank and insure every cent of its deposits in response to a calamitous decline in the bank's share price over the past couple of days.

Dexia is at the forefront of investor concerns over its exposure to potentially bad debt from Europe's most indebted countries. With the markets bracing for a Greek debt default soon, investors are concerned about what bonds Europe's banks are holding and banks themselves have become reluctant to lend to one another.

At one point on Tuesday its share price plunged nearly 40 percent, prompting France and Belgium to launch crisis-management initiatives designed to prevent a complete rout.

Their attempts to reassure appear to have eased the selling pressure somewhat, and Dexia's shares ended the day down 22.5 percent.

Belgium and France have effectively sought to reassure Dexia clients and creditors that they won't lose their money.

"The government will take its responsibility for the continuation of the bank," said Yves Leterme, Belgium's caretaker prime minister.

Dexia stock began to plummet Monday after Moody's warned it could be downgraded because of mounting difficulties it is facing getting short-term funding. In the wake of the warning, Dexia's board of directors called an emergency meeting.

On Tuesday, Dexia's board of directors issued a statement ordering the bank's management to take steps, in consultation with the Belgian and French governments, "to resolve the structural problems weighing on the group's operational activities and offer new growth prospects."

Belgium's caretaker government planned to hold an urgent meeting on Dexia on Tuesday evening, local media reported. The finance ministers of both countries also pledged government guarantees so bank can gets its hands on funding.

And Luxembourg's finance minister Luc Frieden said his government would play an active part in any restructuring of Dexia and that a solution would be found "soon." However, nothing was imminent Tuesday, Frieden added.

Luxembourg does not have a stake in Dexia, but the bank has extensive operations in the country.

Government attempts to shore up Dexia come after the bank's board said it would resolve its "structural problems," without giving details.

There has been speculation the bank will be split up with support from the French and Belgian governments — both of which have stakes in the bank following a 2008 bailout.

"We promised to all accountholders and savers that they would not lose a eurocent in the crisis. There is no reason for that. We are determined to help Dexia weather this crisis without causing anyone any loss," Leterme told the VRT broadcast network.

He said Belgian and French authorities were in discussions to see how they can "cooperate in solidarity as shareholders to lead Dexia through this tough time."

One way forward would be to isolate Dexia's toxic assets — totalling €100 billion ($132 billion) — in a "bad bank." Its healthy parts, which are thought to include Dexia Asset Management and the Canadian RBC-Dexia BIL joint venture among others, would be sold individually this year, according to the dailies De Standaard and De Morgen. The proceeds would be used to prop up Dexia's toxic leftovers, including businesses in France, Italy and Spain, into a so-called "bad bank."

Dexia got a government and shareholder bailout in late 2008 when it ran into trouble with its U.S. bond insurance unit, FSA, during the U.S. subprime crisis.

As a result, Belgium, France and Luxembourg said they would inject almost €6.4 billion to keep it afloat.

The bailout led to Dexia being owned 17.6 percent by France's sovereign wealth fund, the Caisse des Depots et Consignations. The French and Belgian governments each own another 5.7 percent of the bank, and three Belgian regional authorities jointly hold another 5.7 percent stake.

Since the bailout, Dexia has worked to shore up its finances, and the statement it issued Tuesday said it was making progress.

But Europe's worsening debt crisis and the resulting reluctance among banks to lend to one another have exacerbated Dexia's troubles.

___

DiLorenzo contributed from Luxembourg. Greg Keller in Paris and Robert Wielaard in Brussels contributed to this report.

Ford surprises with $1B profit; sees profit in '11

2012-03-12T22:18:00.000-07:00

Ford, the only Detroit automaker to dodge direct government aid and bankruptcy court, surprised investors with net income of nearly $1 billion in the third quarter and forecast a "solidly profitable" 2011.

The automaker said Monday earnings were fueled by U.S. market share gains, cost cuts and the Cash for Clunkers program, which drew flocks of buyers to showrooms this summer. Ford's shares rose 68 cents, or 9.8 percent, to $7.68 in morning trading.

The latest results signal that Ford's turnaround is on more solid ground. The company lost more than $14.6 billion last year and hasn't posted a full-year profit since 2005. While it made a profit in the second quarter, that was mainly due to debt reductions that cut its interest payments.

Ford, based in Dearborn, Mich., reported third-quarter net income of $997 million, or 29 cents per share. Its profit forecast for 2011 was a step above previous guidance of break-even or better for the year.

Ford's key North American car and truck division posted a pretax profit of $357 million, the division's first quarter in the black since early 2005. Ford cited higher pricing, lower material costs and increased market share for the improvement.

Excluding one-time items, Ford earned 26 cents per share, blowing away analysts' expectations of a loss of 12 cents.

The earnings came despite an $800 million revenue drop. But Ford said it cut costs by $1 billion during the quarter, accomplished through layoffs in North America and Europe, reduced pension and retiree health care costs and improvements in productivity and product development.

Chief financial officer Lewis Booth said the company took in $1.3 billion more than it spent in the quarter, an improvement over its $1 billion cash burn in the second quarter.

"That's a huge deal," Booth said.

Ford's plan to create demand and get better prices for its products, coupled with cost cuts, gave the company confidence that it will make money in 2011, Booth said.

But Ford still faces obstacles in its turnaround. Last week, workers overwhelmingly rejected an agreement with the United Auto Workers that would have brought Ford's labor costs in line with rivals General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC. Workers objected to clauses limiting their right to strike and freezing entry-level wages, and felt the company was healthy enough and didn't need further concessions.

The rejected deal also would have changed rules so skilled tradesmen such as electricians and pipefitters work in teams and perform more than one task.

Rejection of the deal isn't likely to place Ford at an immediate cost disadvantage to its crosstown rivals because savings from the concessions are longer-term, said Gary Chaison, a professor of labor relations at Clark University in Worcester, Mass. Neither the company nor the UAW has released any cost savings numbers.

The third-quarter profit makes it extremely unlikely that the company will push to head back to the bargaining table before the current UAW contract expires in the fall of 2011, and union leaders also are unlikely to take another deal to the membership, Chaison said.

"I think the company has no credibility asking for concessions now, and I think the leadership is quite embarrased for making a case for concessions," he said.

Chaison said Ford could make some noise about moving new vehicle production to Canada, where unionized workers on Sunday approved a package of concessions, but it's more likely that Ford will live with the current contract until 2011.

The other area where Ford has a cost disadvantage is debt. Ford reported $26.9 billion in debt, up $800 million from the second quarter.

The company avoided the same fate as rivals Chrysler and GM by mortgaging its factories and even the familiar blue oval logo to borrow $23.5 billion before credit markets froze last year.

Ford didn't quantify the impact of Cash for Clunkers, which offered buyers rebates to trade in their vehicles. The program helped Ford cut costly incentives and raise production.

It also won buyers; the fuel-efficient Ford Focus sedan and Ford Escape, a small SUV, were among the top five sellers under clunkers. Ford sales climbed 17 percent in August thanks to the program.

Ford's revenue fell $800 million for the quarter, to $30.9 billion, due mainly to its financial services arm, Ford Motor Credit, making fewer loans.

But the division still posted a pretax profit of $677 million, and revenue from auto operations rose slightly to $27.9 billion.

Ford also has benefited from consumer goodwill after it declined government bailout money and didn't go into bankruptcy over the summer as GM and Chrysler did. Ford grabbed sales from its rivals, posting the largest increase in market share of any automaker in September. Ford expects an overall gain in U.S. market share in 2009, a feat it hasn't accomplished since 1995.

(This version CORRECTS 5th graf that Ford's North American car and truck division posted the first pretax profit since the first quarter of 2005 sted company's first pretax profit since first quarter of 2005)

Blending utility, verve

2012-03-12T19:27:00.000-07:00

The Mazda CX-7 is for those who want a rakish, nicely sized car-based crossover vehicle with agile handling, lively performance and decent cargo capacity. It offers an astute blend of sports car verve with a good dose of practicality.

There's no doubt that the CX-7 is plenty sporty, with visual cues such as a steeply raked windshield, swoopy roofline and bulging fenders reminiscent of Mazda's RX-8 sports car.

That's not to say the CX-7 isn't practical. It has comfortable room for four tall adults -- or five in a pinch -- and a large cargo area with a high opening. However, easily reached releases make it easy to lower the split-folding rear seatbacks for extra cargo space.

The CX-7 is directed at married, childless couples 30 to 40 years old, although there's plenty of room for kids in the back. It comes in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring versions with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

List prices range from $23,900 for the front-drive Sport to $28,400 for the Grand Touring with all-wheel drive. The mid-range Touring models start at $25,800.

Even the entry model CX-7 is nicely equipped with air conditioning, tilt wheel with radio controls, cruise control, AM/FM/CD player, variable-intermittent wipers and power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry.

The Touring adds leather upholstery power driver's seat and heated front seats, while the Grand Touring adds automatic climate control and heated power mirrors.

Safety items for all include front- and curtain-side air bags with rollover deployment, traction control, an anti-skid system and anti-lock all-disc brakes with a brake assist feature.

The major option is a $4,485 Technology package containing a power moonroof, Bose 9-speaker sound system with an in-dash 6-disc CD changer, keyless start feature, rearview camera and navigation system.

Changes for 2009 include turn signals integrated into the sideview mirrors on the Grand Touring model and dual heated front seats with a power driver seat newly available on the Sport version.

Powering the CX-7 is a turbocharged, intercooled 2.3-liter dual-overhead-camshaft four-cylinder with 244 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Towing capacity is 2,000 pounds.

Performance of the smooth direct-injection, 16-valve engine is lively in town and decent on highways, with a good 65-75 mph passing time. The 0-60 mph time of 7.9 seconds isn't neck-snapping but is OK -- considering the CX-7 weighs a hefty 3,710 pounds with front-wheel drive and 3,929 pounds with all-wheel drive, which isn't meant for off-road use. A responsive six-speed automatic transmission has an easily used manual-shift feature.

Estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg in the city and 23 on highways with front-drive and 16 and 22 with all-wheel drive. Regular-grade gasoline can be used, but premium is recommended for "maximum" performance.

Steering is accurate with good road feedback, and the turning radius is impressive for maneuvering in tight spots. Handling is sharp and the firm ride is generally comfortable, with nicely restrained ride motions and hardly any body sway in curves. However, the ride gets choppy over uneven surfaces. Brake pedal feel is good. So are stopping distances.

A little extra effort is needed to slide in and out, but front occupants sit relatively high in supportive seats with good visibility. Rear passengers sit low, with a seat cushion that puts occupants in a slight knees-up position. While the backseat area is roomy, the center of the seat is too firm for comfort. Rear seatbacks sit flat after being folded forward for more cargo space.

The electroluminescent gauges can be quickly read. Climate controls are large, but the small dashboard radio controls make the steering-wheel audio controls handy. Front doors have storage pockets, and the covered console bin is deep. Dual front cupholders are easily reached and the rear pull-down center armrest has two cupholders.

The heavy hood has an interior lining for noise control. But it's held open by an inconvenient prop rod, which can get hot and dirty. Hydraulic struts are needed here.

In all, the CX-7 stands out in a crowded market with its combination of sport and utility.

JEDLICKA'S TAKE

'09 MAZDA CX-7

- Prices: $23,900-$28,400

- Likes: Racy styling. Handy size. Sharp handling. Decent fuel economy. Nice interior. Fairly fast. Optional all-wheel drive.

- Dislikes: Small audio controls. High cargo opening. Low rear seat.

JEDLICKA ON THE CX-7:

Changes for 2009 include turn signals integrated into the sideview mirrors on the Grand Touring model and dual heated front seats with a power driver seat newly available on the Sport version.

Color Photo: The CX-7 seats four comfortably -- and you can squeeze in a fifth ... ; Color Photo: ... -- plus a large cargo area with a high opening. Color Photo: (See microfilm for photo description). ;

Second industrial fluid properties simulation challenge announced

2012-03-12T15:19:00.000-07:00

The challenge is on! On September 10, a group of researchers from 3M, BP, the Dow Chemical Company, DuPont, Mitsubishi Chemicals, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced the problems for the Second Industrial Fluid Properties Simulation Challenge. Academic groups, research laboratories, and scientific software companies from around the world now have one year to predict vapor pressures and heats of vaporization, gas solubility, and enthalpies of mixing for materials specified by the contest committee.

The purpose of the contest, organized in conjunction with AIChE's Computational Molecular Science and Engineering Forum and the Theoretical Subdivision of the American Chemical Society (ACS) Physical Chemistry Division, is to objectively assess current capabilities for the prediction of fluid properties, and to promote the use of molecular simulation, which was identified as a "promising technology" for predicting materials properties in the Vision 2020: Roadmap for the Chemical Industry. The problems focus on industrially-relevant properties, and the competition's three sections challenge entrants to predict vapor pressures and heats of vaporization for two different materials; to predict the solubility of gases in liquids; and to predict heats of mixing for an amine in both hydrocarbon oil, and in water, over a range of concentrations at different temperatures, Accurate experimental measurements of all properties will be taken at NIST and the Dow Chemical Company during the year, and used to judge predictions made by the contest entrants.

Modeling groups from academia, industry, and government laboratories are encouraged to participate. Contest problems, rules, and complete registration information can be found on the NIST Web site at http://www.cstl.nist.gov/ FluidSimulationChallenge/index.htm. Manuscripts must be submitted by September 10, 2004, and the winners will be announced and prizes awarded at a special session at the AIChE Annual Meeting, which will be held in November 2004 in Austin, TX.

Timberwolves After Duke Duo

2012-03-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

If the Minnesota Timberwolves were to get draft rights to Duke'sGrant Hill, the word is they will try to lure Blue Devils coach MikeKrzyzewski to replace Sidney Lowe.

Two of Krzyzewski's former players, Christian Laettner and BrianDavis, already play for the Timberwolves.

"I pray that he does," Davis said. "I would love for him tocoach me again. I don't know if it would be here or somewhere else.He's the top coach in the country and he can make it at the NBAlevel. You can tell it's about time for him to go."

If Magic Johnson pulls off a near-miracle and leads the Lakersinto the playoffs, don't be surprised to hear Lakers owner Jerry Bussoffer Johnson an opportunity to buy a significant part of the club.That way he would stay as coach.

Johnson denied there is any bad blood between him and generalmanager Jerry West.

"I've known Jerry for many years, and we both run a basketballcamp in Hawaii every summer," Johnson said. "If anything, Jerrycares too much about my welfare. He doesn't want anything to gowrong for me."

Although retired NBA coach Dick Motta recently told Mavericksowner Donald Carter he does not want to coach, one insider said hebelieves Motta would accept a full-time job with the right team.Motta presently is serving as a consultant for rookie Mavs coachQuinn Buckner.

Veteran power forward Buck Williams, 34, playing in the last yearof a contract that pays him $5 million this season, has signed a newthree-year deal with the Trail Blazers. It guarantees him $2.5million a year for the first two years, with the third at the club'soption.

Williams, averaging 9.9 points and 10.8 rebounds, was scheduledto become an unrestricted free agent.

"Maybe I'm losing money because some team could have offered me abigger contract," Williams said. "But I decided to pass up freeagency because I want to end my career in Portland. Not having touproot my family again also means a lot to me."

A parting of the ways may be unavoidable in Washington, whereBullets coach Wes Unseld became upset after general manager John Nashpublicly criticized center Pervis Ellison's knee rehab and suggestedthe team won't re-sign the center when he becomes an unrestrictedfree agent.

Jim Lynam, Ron Rothstein, Matt Guokas and Maryland's GaryWilliams are among possible replacements if Unseld doesn't return.

Agent Steve Endicott said there is a possibility his client,Charlotte Hornets forward Larry Johnson, might not play with DreamTeam II in this summer's World Championships if his back and rightknee are not 100 percent.

"It's Larry's decision to make," Endicott said. "But if he's not100 percent or close, I can't imagine him playing. We want to review(with Hornets management) what's been done and see if anything elseneeds to be done to be ready for the next 11 years."

Which is how much time Johnson has left on his new 12-year, $84million contract.