The 2011 Pearl Meister Greengard Prize: Honoring Dr. Brenda Milner for her pioneering work in cognitive neuroscience

Tragic it is when a young mother never gets to meet her newborn child; however, it is also awe-inspiring to see a victim of this circumstance rise above and honor his mother?s sacrifice.? On December 11th, 1925, the complications surrounding Paul Greengard?s birth resulted in the death of his mother, nee Pearl Meister.? Almost 75 years later, the Nobel laureate and Rockefeller University professor and his wife, Ursula von Rydingsvard, paid homage to his late mother ? and to women in science ? by launching the Pearl Meister Greengard Prize.

Dr. Brenda Milner (image obtained from The Rockefeller University)

This year?s recipient is Dr. Brenda Miller, the Dorothy J. Killam Professor at?McGill University?s Montreal Neurological Institute and professor in the department of neurology and neurosurgery at?McGill University.? On November 3rd, Dr. Milner will be honored in the eight year of this prestigious award.? She is among the many women who have paved the way for women?s progress in academia and this ceremony to celebrate her work is nothing short of well deserved.

History of the Pearl Meister Greengard Prize

Though progress has been made over the years, women are still sorely underrepresented in the upper ranks of biomedical research.? This statement is backed up by a plethora of statistics, with perhaps the breakdown of inductees into the National Academy of Sciences representing the prime example of this inequitable paradigm.? Dr. Greengard recognizes this disparity stating that ?[women] are not yet receiving awards and honors at a level commensurate with their achievements.?

Dr. Paul Greengard (image obtained from Wikipedia Commons)

In 1998, Dr. Greengard and Ursula von Rydingsvard decided to go beyond the simple acknowledgement of gender bias in biomedical research and began to fund an award that simultaneously honored Pearl Meister Greengard and outstanding women scientists.? He started with the $50,000 award for medical research he received from the Metropolitan Life Foundation and matched it with $50,000 of his own money. ??He was also able to raise money from a number of very generous independent donors.? However, the endowment for the Pearl Meister Greengard Prize was significantly advanced in 2000 when Dr. Greengard won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work on the neurological understanding of psychological disorders ? a prize that was shared with Eric Kandel of Columbia University and Arvid Carlsson of Goteborg University. ??The $400,000 donation made by Dr. Greengard ? his entire Nobel Prize winnings ? brought the Pearl Meister Greengard Prize funding to a level that would support an annual prize.

After a six-year gestational period, the Pearl Meister Greengard Prize was finally brought to life. In November of 2004, the French embryologist Nicole Le Douarin became the first Pearl Meister Greengard Prize recipient, beginning a wonderful tradition of recognizing internationally outstanding women in the field of biomedical research.? Also included in this new declaration of women?s scientific achievements was to have the award presented by another exceptional woman role model ? one who was not necessarily involved in science.? To date, there have been twelve women recognized by the Pearl Meister Greengard Prize committee, two of whom (Elizabeth Blackburn and Carol Greider) have gone on to win the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, leading Sir Paul Nurse to joke in his 2010 introduction to the Pearl Meister Greengard Prize ceremony, where we go, Stockholm follows.

Defenders of DNA. From left to right, the 2008 Pearl Meister Greengard Prize recipients Vicki Lundblad, Carol W. Greider and Elizabeth H. Blackburn (image obtained from The Rockefeller University).

Although he never knew his mother, Dr. Greengard saw her as an example of how women have been held back simply because of the fact that they had two X chromosomes.? In his video about this prestigious prize, Dr. Greengard discusses his mother: She was by all accounts a very talented woman but she was restricted to doing secretarial work. He further adds, Because I wanted to do something about the discrimination against women, it seemed that it would be a nice thing to name it in honor of her memory.

Honoring Dr. Brenda Milner?s legacy and the modern era of memory research

The 2011 Pearl Meister Greengard prize will go to Dr. Brenda Milner of McGill University for her work in the field of cognitive neuroscience.? On November 3rd, in a ceremony to take place in the historic Caspary Auditorium at The Rockefeller University, the former president of Chile, Michelle Bachelet, will present Dr. Milner with this international award.

Considered the to be founder of neuropsychology, a discipline that examines the association between brain structure and psychological behavior, Dr. Milner began her career studying experimental psychology at Cambridge University in the late 1930?s.? After a brief period examining fighter pilot aptitude during World War II, Dr. Milner moved to Canada in 1944, taking an academic position at the Institute of Psychology at the?University of Montreal.? However, it was not until 1950 that she moved to McGill University, where she began her doctoral studies at the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI).

Though Dr. Milner was technically the doctoral student of Dr. Donald Hebb, she served as a modern-day medical apprentice to Dr. Wilder?Penfield, who was developing a type of surgical procedure to help treat patients with severe epilepsy.

Dr. Wilder Penfield (Image obtained here)

Using an electroencephalogram (EEG) test to map the affected areas in the brain in patients with epilepsy, Dr. Penfield developed a more directed surgical technique that allowed neurosurgeons to treat only brain regions associated with the epileptic seizures, lessening the need for potentially damaging exploratory procedure.? Dr. Milner developed her doctoral research project around this technique, developing a series of tests in order to accurately demonstrate the efficacy of this type of surgery. The new approach introduced by Dr. Penfield primarily dealt with an area of the brain called the temporal lobe.

Basic brain anatomy (image obtained here)

This region of the brain includes the very important hippocampus, which is the neurological component associated with long-term memory function.? Dr. Milner noted that though these procedures were quite effective in lessening the number and severity of epileptic episodes, some patients who had undergone this surgery suffered from memory issues.? Because of these findings, Dr. Milner shifted the direction of her research and began to study the neurological processes involved in focus and memory.

Dr. Milner?s studies quickly led to a collaboration that would forever change the field of cognitive neuroscience.? After catching word of her research, Dr. William Beecher Scoville, the neurosurgeon responsible for the patient known to the world only as H.M. (revealed to be Henry Gustav Molaison at the time of his death in December 2008), contacted Dr. Milner?s group.

Patient H.M., N of 1 (image obtained <a href="http://blog.mutewatch.com/tag/h-m/">here</a>)

Patient H.M., N of 1 (image obtained here)

Dr. Scoville had performed a temporal lobectomy on H.M., who, because of a severe childhood head injury, had been suffering from about 20 epileptic seizures per day.? Though the surgery had done wonders for H.M.?s epilepsy, the procedure left him completely unable to form new memories.? In essence, H.M. could not remember a single event prior to the surgery ? no recollection of who he had met that day, who the president was, or even what he had for breakfast.? Soon enough, Dr. Milner found herself regularly taking the night train from Quebec to Hartford to visit H.M., administering a series of memory exams with each visit.

In 1957, along with Dr. Scoville, Dr. Milner co-authored a scientific paper describing their results.? In this seminal article, it was found that there is a positive relationship between the extent of destruction to the hippocampal complex specifically and the degree of memory impairment.? For the first time, it was postulated that memory was something that could be traced back to a single neurological region and was not something associated with the entire brain.? Because this conclusion went against the accepted dogma, it was highly questioned by the scientific establishment.? However, the doubts associated with Dr. Milner?s initial publication regarding H.M. quickly faded, beginning in 1962 when she showed that H.M. was able to learn a new motor skill using visual perception. ?This landmark study was the first to suggest that there are at least two neurological systems for memory and that different areas of the brain are responsible for different types of memory, such as that associated with learning new motor skills.

Dr. Milner continued with her research on H.M., radically changing our understanding of how learning and memory worked.? As it was written in the McGill Reporter in 2007, Milner has been blazing trails over the last 50 years, making her name as one of the most important neuroscientists of the twentieth century. ?Along with the accolades have come the awards. She?s been inducted into the National Academy of Sciences (USA) and the Royal Societies of London and Canada and is a Companion of the Order of Canada, to name but a few of her honours.? Also included in Dr. Milner?s list of incredible honors are the Balzan Prize for Cognitive Neurosciences, the Gairdner Foundation International Award and now the prestigious Pearl Meister Greengard Prize.

When asked to comment on the newest of these awards, Dr. Milner humbly states: I am absolutely delighted and amazed to receive this special award and so proud and honored to be representing women scientists in this context.? I am very privileged for having been able to pursue my sense of curiosity within the culture of excellence at the Montreal Neurological Institute, as well as to train and encourage talented young students ? driving forces throughout my career to which I attribute much of my success.? The Rockefeller University and the scientific community as a whole look forward to November 3rd so that we may pay homage to the woman who has paved the way not only for neuropsychology, but also for women who choose to pursue a career as a biomedical researcher.

?

Source: http://rss.sciam.com/click.phdo?i=120c1036bb062c08dbe553de9b417df3

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What to Do When You've Forgotten Your Smartphone's Passcode [How To]

Some passcodes are so effective that even you can't remember what they are. If you've locked yourself out of your Android or iPhone, it's not to complicated to get back in. Just click on your phone's guide below for instructions on how to do it. More »


Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/CtosrTuvsxI/what-to-do-when-youve-forgotten-your-smartphones-password

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92% Drive

A dark, visceral, patient and mind-blowing experiance. One hell of an exhilerating and insanely cool movie. An adrenaline-pumping thrill-ride that never stops. A stylish, taunt, intense, shocking, brutal and captivating new film. A fast, furious and very original thriller. It keeps your pulse-pounding and heart racing all the way to the end. An instant class. A hard-boiled and explosive edge of your seat thriller. It packs lots of great style, hair-trigger suspense and white-knuckle action. IT has a 80`s retro style feel that works wonderfully and has a great soundtrack. Director, Nicolas Winding Refn crafts an incrediable and slick film that has no equal. A masterpiece. A tremendosuly entertaining and outsanding movie. The directing and acting are all flawless. The all-star cast truly delivers. Ryan Gosling is riveting, he brings a quiet, sensitve and surprisingly tough pressense to his great performance. Albert Brooks is electrifying. Ron Pearlman is explosive. Bryan Cranston is terrific. Carey Mulligan is wonderful.

September 23, 2011

Source: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/drive_2011/

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BOJ to debate easing with eyes on yen, Europe (Reuters)

TOKYO (Reuters) ? Japan's central bank is likely to debate easing monetary policy further at a meeting on Thursday after the yen rose to another record high and doubts mounted over whether Europe can forge a clear plan to tackle the euro zone debt crisis, sources said.

If the central bank acts, it will likely expand its 50 trillion yen ($660 billion) asset-buying program by around 5 trillion yen, sources familiar with the bank's thinking said.

The Japanese economy is recovering from the devastating March earthquake and tsunami and the central bank has been counting on fiscal spending on reconstruction and demand from emerging markets to sustain the upturn.

However, the yen's renewed climb to record highs against the dollar and stock market losses -- driven largely by market concerns that Wednesday's European Union crisis summit will fail to produce a decisive solution -- are dimming Japan's economic outlook.

Many central bankers have hoped to save their limited policy options for later, the sources told Reuters, but in light of the latest market jitters the decision will be a close call.

The BOJ last eased policy by boosting its asset buying pool in August, acting in tandem with the finance ministry which ordered Japan's biggest ever single-day currency intervention selling more than 4.5 trillion yen.

The impact, however, proved short lived and the yen crawled back to trade close to its record highs.

This has been a source of deepening frustration for Japanese officials, who argue that a rallying currency is one problem too many for a nation grappling with a nuclear crisis, a $250 billion post-quake rebuilding effort and ballooning debt.

SPECULATORS WARNED

The yen's break to new peaks against the dollar last Friday and again on Tuesday prompted a barrage of warnings from the Japanese authorities that they were ready to step in if speculators kept driving the currency higher.

Finance Minister Jun Azumi on Wednesday served dealers another warning after the yen climbed to 75.73 to the dollar in New York the previous day, saying he would not rule out any steps to curb currency speculation and had instructed staff during the morning to be prepared for all possible measures on foreign exchange.

He also hinted at possible concerted action with the central bank.

"The BOJ shares our sense of crisis, so I'm sure they will take appropriate steps when necessary," Azumi said.

The yen was quoted around 76.10 to the dollar in early Tokyo trade while Tokyo stocks were down 1 percent (.N225), reflecting market nervousness about the outcome of the EU summit.

The prospects for a comprehensive deal to resolve the euro zone debt crisis this week looked dim, with deep disagreement remaining on critical elements, including how to give the region's bailout fund greater firepower.

Investors fear that, without a clear solution, the sovereign debt crisis engulfing highly indebted nations of the euro zone periphery could trigger a banking crisis and a credit crunch similar to what followed the Lehman Brothers collapse in 2008.

Since September 2010, Japan has intervened twice on its own and once jointly with other Group of Seven rich nations to weaken the yen. But the effects of intervention have proved fleeting in the face of steady demand from nervous investors seeking highly liquid and relatively safe assets such as Japanese government bonds.

(Additional reporting by Stanley White; Writing by Tomasz Janowski; Editing by Edmund Klamann)

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/japan/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20111026/bs_nm/us_japan_economy

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Zooey Deschanel Sings National Anthem at World Series


Who's that girl singing "The Star-Spangled Banner"?

Zooey Deschanel did the honors at Game 4 of the World Series last night, and let's just say the actress can belt out a tune as easily as a witty one-liner?

Sure, it was a nice plug for her new show on the network that aired the game (see some of her best New Girl quotes), but Fox wasn't reaching, either.

Girl can sing! Watch Zooey in action here ...

Deschanel is part of indie pop duo She & Him, sings wonderfully in Elf and those Cotton commercials ... and of course does her own New Girl theme song.

And unlike American Idol winner Scotty McCreery, who possibly flubbed the lines during Game 1 of the World Series, she nailed the words. Just saying.

The big guns come out for the Fall Classic, currently tied 2-2 between Texas and St. Louis. On tap to perform the song before Game 5? Demi Lovato!

Source: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2011/10/zooey-deschanel-sings-national-anthem-at-world-series/

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Young, apparently healthy -- and at risk of heart disease: New study pinpoints hidden thickening of the arteries in young adults

ScienceDaily (Oct. 25, 2011) ? Atherosclerosis -- or buildup of fat in the walls of arteries ? is thought of as a disorder of older people but it affects a large number of young men and women, according to a new Heart and Stroke Foundation study.

"The proportion of young, apparently healthy adults who are presumably 'the picture of health' who already have atherosclerosis is staggering," says Dr. Eric Larose, an interventional cardiologist at the Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Qu?bec and an assistant professor at Universit? Laval.

Atherosclerosis can eventually lead to serious problems including heart disease, stroke, or even death.

The study enrolled 168 young adults (age 18 to 35) -- half male and half female -- who had no known cardiovascular disease or risk factors such as family history of premature heart disease, diabetes, smoking, high blood cholesterol, or high blood pressure.

The team took complete body measurements, including height, weight, body-mass index and waist circumference. They also measured, through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), various body fat deposits including subcutaneous fat (fat under the skin that you can measure with calipers) as well as fat within and around the abdomen and chest including the amount of intra-abdominal or visceral fat. Ultimately, they measured atherosclerosis volumes of the carotid arteries by MRI.

The researchers found that although a large proportion of subjects didn't have traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis, they did have discrete signs: greater waist circumference, and visceral fat covering the internal organs within the chest and abdomen. Visceral fat is difficult to detect because it surrounds the organs deep inside the body, unlike the fat under our skin than can be easily detected in the mirror or with a pinch of the fingers.

"We know obesity is a bad thing," says Dr. Larose "but we're dropping the ball on a large proportion of young adults who don't meet traditional measures of obesity such as weight and BMI."

He says their message is that beyond simple weight and BMI, measures of fat hidden within (visceral fat) are greater predictors of atherosclerosis. The people with greater visceral fat will have greater atherosclerosis, even if they are young and apparently healthy ? and could benefit from preventive lifestyle measures.

Dr. Larose adds thatdespite having normal weight and BMI, young adults with greater visceral fat have greater atherosclerosis burden, therefore greater risk for clinical events including heart attack and stroke in the long run. "We were encouraged to find that in this young and apparently healthy population, an easy way to measure risk in the doctor's office is through waist circumference," he says.

At any given BMI, an enlarged waist circumference measured with a simple tailor's ribbon was predictive of increased visceral adiposity and of premature atherosclerosis. The prediction of visceral adiposity and of atherosclerosis was almost as precise as by MRI.

Dr. Larose's study verifies earlier research that found that as many as 80 percent of young Americans killed in war or in car accidents had premature and subclinical (hidden) atherosclerosis.

The strength of the present findings is in measuring atherosclerosis in live individuals instead of waiting for an autopsy, and in finding a simple office-based solution in waist circumference.

These results may improve our ability to identify early individuals in need of more robust preventive support to slow the progression of their atherosclerosis.

Heart disease and stroke are leading causes of death in Canada, says Heart and Stroke Foundation spokesperson Dr. Beth Abramson. "Someone in this country dies from heart disease or stroke every seven minutes," she says. "The good news is that heart disease and stroke are largely preventable by undertaking heart healthy behavior."

She says that the results of this Canadian study form a critical piece of the puzzle. Many of us have risk factors for heart disease and stroke, even if they aren't immediately evident, and it is important to start early in preventing disease.

"You can think of it as a ticking time bomb inside your body that might explode later in life," says Dr. Abramson. "There is a lot you can do to defuse the explosion."

Dr. Abramson recommends that all Canadians follow a healthy diet, be physically active, know and control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, maintain a healthy weight, be tobacco-free, reduce stress, manage diabetes and limit alcohol consumption. She says that Canadians can ask their healthcare providers to help them reach their goals.

"My message to young adults is that you are not superhuman, you're not immune to risk factors," says Dr. Abramson. "It's important to manage your risk factors at all ages. Lifestyle will eventual catch up with you. You are never too young to prevent heart disease."

The study was presented today at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress 2011, co-hosted by the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society.

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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/~3/xnu17FJbMDs/111025091636.htm

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Ravens shut out by Jacksonville defense (AP)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. ? Stifling stops against the run. Relentless pressure on the quarterback. A struggle just to make a first down. It was the kind of defense expected when the Baltimore Ravens play.

Only this time, it happened to them.

The Ravens (4-2) pitched the wrong kind of shutout Monday night in a 12-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars when they went an entire half without getting a first down, and didn't have a drive lasting more than three plays until late in the third quarter.

Joe Flacco completed two straight passes for negative yards, one that he caught himself. Ray Rice carried only eight times for 28 yards, with only one run longer than 4 yards.

"They basically beat us with their defense," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "I don't think it was only one thing. It was a lack of execution. They outplayed us one-on-one. It's about as bad as you can play on offense."

Harbaugh didn't see this one coming.

The Jaguars (2-5) were a team in disarray, losers of five straight games, and eight of nine dating to last year. They had a strong defense of their own, for sure, along with the worst offense in the league.

The Ravens did their part on defense, as usual.

Ed Reed's low hit on Maurice Jones-Drew caused a fumble at the goal line in the first quarter. Mike Thomas returned a punt 28 yards to give the Jaguars the ball on the Baltimore 31, and the Ravens' drove them back three yards and made them settle for a 54-yard field goal from Josh Scobee.

Scobee added another field goal from 54 yards in the second quarter, and Baltimore made the Jaguars settle for a 22-yard field goal when they were first-and-goal from the 3 after a personal foul on Brendon Ayanbadejo that got him ejected.

That's what was so maddening about this loss.

For everything that went wrong on offense ? 16 yards in the first half, only 57 yards through three quarters ? the Ravens were still in the game. They just couldn't score until it was too late.

Flacco threw for just 37 yards going into the fourth quarter until the Jaguars gave him a cushion toward the end of the game and, going with a no-huddle offense, he drove the Ravens 90 yards by completing 10 of 13 passes. Flacco found Anquan Boldin in the back of the end zone for a 5-yard touchdown pass with 2:02 left in the game to get to 9-7.

But the onside kick by Billy Cundiff, recovered by the Ravens, came within inches of going the required 10 yards before bouncing back. Jacksonville managed one more field goal by Scobee.

With the late scoring drive, Flacco put up respectable numbers ? 21 of 38 for 137 yards, his lone interception coming on the final drive when Drew Coleman stepped in front of his pass in the middle of the field.

"Bad football," Flacco said. "They're a physical defense and we were able to give them momentum, and keep the momentum at home."

Flacco couldn't find receivers downfield and didn't have much time to throw. He was sacked three times and under constant pressure for most of the night. Even so, the Ravens were down only at 6-0 at halftime, and fully expected to win the game despite not having a first down and only 16 yards at halftime ? the fewest the Jaguars have ever given up in one half.

He expects to take the brunt of the blame for this miserable performance.

"They look at the quarterback when things are good, and they look at the quarterback when things are bad," Flacco said. "We weren't playing consistently on offense. It's going to get better. We're a young team. We need to make sure when we're not on our 'A' game, we're not this."

Baltimore, which came into the game averaging 375.2 yards a game, finished with 146 yards ? 89 of those in the fourth quarter.

"There's no excuse for that," Boldin said. "You've got to give them credit. They played like it was their Super Bowl. We all know we have the talent in this locker room."

If there was a series that define the hapless offense of the Ravens in this game, it came early in the second quarter when they started in Jacksonville territory for the first time. Flacco completed one pass for a loss of five yards to Dennis Pitta. Michael Oher was called for holding, Rice dropped a short pass over the middle and Oher was called for holding again.

Just like that, it was third-and-35 from their own 30. And on the next play, Jeremy Mincey came charging at Flacco and swatted down his pass into Flacco's arms. He took off running for the sideline and didn't make it, slung to the ground by Paul Posluszny for an 8-yard loss that forced yet another punt.

As for the defense, the Ravens held Jacksonville to 205 yards. That's no great feat, considering Jacksonville ranked last in offense. But it gave up a 100-yard rusher for the first time all year, as Jones-Drew ran for 105 on 30 carries.

"It baffles me," linebacker Terrell Suggs said, noting that Rice only had eight carries to 30 for Jones-Drew. "They fed their horse. We've got to feed our horse. But don't forget to give credit to Jacksonville."

The Ravens now have two losses, same as Pittsburgh and Cincinnati in the AFC North. This was a game they were supposed to win, and Suggs called it a low point even this early in the season.

"We have to get over it quick," Suggs said. "We can't drop any more games like this."

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20111025/ap_on_sp_fo_ga_su/fbn_ravens

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Panetta praises China on Taiwan arms reaction (AP)

BALI, Indonesia ? In unusual praise for China, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Sunday that Beijing deserved credit for its relatively mild response to Washington's announcement last month of a $5.8 billion arms sale to Taiwan. He suggested it could create new momentum toward improved U.S.-China ties.

China has reacted to past American arms sales to Taiwan by reducing or freezing contacts with the Pentagon. China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and sees U.S. arms sales as undermining its efforts to reunite Taiwan with mainland China. The two sides split amid civil war in 1949.

Beijing temporarily suspended military exchanges with the U.S. last year after the Obama administration notified Congress it was making $6.4 billion in weapons available to Taiwan, including missiles, Black Hawk helicopters, information distribution systems and two mine hunting ships.

But this time the response was milder when the U.S. announced in September an arms deal that will upgrade Taiwan's existing F-16 fighter jets. A decision to sell the island a new version of the F-16 ? as some in Congress asserted was crucial to Taiwan's defense ? likely would have stirred a more vociferous response.

The U.S. is bound by law to provide for Taiwan's defense, but it does not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign nation.

At a news conference on the Indonesian resort island of Bali, Panetta said he appreciated what he characterized as a mild Chinese response to the latest arms deal. He said he is aware of no steps China is taking to limit military-to-military activities or contacts in reaction to the latest sale.

"I guess I would commend them for the way that they've handled the news of that sale to Taiwan," he said. "I think we'd given the Chinese a heads up as to what was going to take place, and in the end I think they handled it in a professional and diplomatic way and we appreciate that."

Panetta is in Indonesia for talks with Southeast Asian leaders. On Monday he plans to travel to Japan and later in the week will hold security talks in South Korea.

At his news conference, Panetta indicated that improving U.S. relations with China will be a priority for him as defense secretary and that he hoped to build on progress achieved by his predecessor, Robert Gates. Panetta said he hopes to travel to China "as soon as I can," but offered no timetable.

"I feel pretty confident," he added, that Washington and Beijing are in position to build a relationship that improves communication and strengthens security.

He also said that a central message of his current visit ? his first to Asia since becoming Pentagon chief in July ? is that the U.S. intends to remain a Pacific power and that coming reductions in U.S. defense budgets will not lead to a smaller U.S. military presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

___

Robert Burns can be reached on Twitter at http://twitter.com/robertburnsAP

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/asia/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20111023/ap_on_re_as/as_panetta_asia

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A guide to administration's new mortgage-refi plan (AP)

WASHINGTON ? Two big questions loom over the Obama administration's latest bid to help troubled homeowners: Will it work? And who would benefit?

By easing eligibility rules, the administration hopes 1 million more homeowners will qualify for its refinancing program and lower their mortgage payments ? twice the number who have already. The program has helped only a fraction of the number the administration had envisioned.

In part, that's because many homeowners who would like to refinance can't because they owe more on their mortgage than their home is worth. But it's also because banks are under no obligation to refinance a mortgage they hold ? a limitation that won't change under the new plan.

Here are some of the major questions and answers about the administration's initiative:

Q: What is the program?

A. The Home Affordable Refinance Program, or HARP, was started in 2009. It lets homeowners refinance their mortgages at lower rates. Borrowers can bypass the usual requirement of having at least 20 percent equity in their home. But few people have signed up. Many "underwater" borrowers ? those who owe more than their homes are worth ? couldn't qualify under the program. Roughly 22.5 percent of U.S. homeowners, about 11 million, are underwater, according to CoreLogic, a real estate data firm. As of Aug. 31, fewer than 900,000 homeowners, and just 72,000 underwater homeowners, have refinanced through the administration's program. The administration had estimated that the program would help 4 million to 5 million homeowners.

Q. Why did so few benefit?

A. Mainly because those who'd lost the most in their homes weren't eligible. Participation was limited to those whose home values were no more than 25 percent below what they owed their lender. That excluded roughly 10 percent of borrowers, CoreLogic says. In some hard-hit areas, borrowers have lost nearly 50 percent of their home's value. Another problem: Homeowners must pay thousands in closing costs and appraisal fees to refinance. Typically, that adds up to 1 percent of the loan's value ? $2,000 in fees on a $200,000 loan. Sinking home prices also left many fearful that prices had yet to bottom. They didn't want to throw good money after a depreciating asset. Or their credit scores were too low. Housing Secretary Shaun Donovan acknowledged that the program has "not reached the scale we had hoped."

Q: What changes is the administration making?

A. Homeowners' eligibility won't be affected by how far their home's value has fallen. And some fees for closing, title insurance and lien processing will be eliminated. So refinancing will be cheaper. The number of homeowners who need an appraisal will be reduced, saving more money. Some fees for those who refinance into a shorter-term mortgage will also be waived. Banks won't have to buy back the mortgages from Fannie or Freddie, as they previously had to when dealing with some risky loans. That change will free many lenders to offer refinance loans. The program will also be extended 18 months, through 2013.

Q: Who's eligible?

A. Those whose loans are owned or backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, which the government took control of three years ago. Fannie and Freddie own or guarantee about half of all U.S. mortgages ? nearly 31 million loans. They buy loans from lenders, package them into bonds with a guarantee against default and sell them to investors. To qualify for refinancing, a loan must have been sold to Fannie and Freddie before June 2009. Homeowners can determine whether their mortgage is owned by Fannie or Freddie by going online: Freddie's loan tool is at freddiemac.com/mymortgage; Fannie's is at fanniemae.com/loanlookup. Mortgages that were refinanced over the past 2 1/2 years aren't eligible. Homeowners must also be current on their mortgage. One late payment within six months, or more than one in the past year, would mean disqualification. Perhaps the biggest limitation on the program: It's voluntary for lenders. A bank remains free to reject a refinancing even if a homeowner meets all requirements.

Q: Will it work?

A. For those who can qualify, the savings could be significant. If, for example, a homeowner with a $200,000 mortgage at 6 percent can refinance down to 4.5 percent, the savings would be $3,000 a year. But the benefit to the economy will likely be limited. Even homeowners who are eligible and who choose to refinance through the government program could opt to sock away their savings or pay down debt rather than spend it.

Q: How many homeowners will be eligible or will choose to participate?

A: Not entirely clear. The government estimates that up to 1 million more people could qualify. Moody's Analytics says the figure could be as high as 1.6 million. Both figures are a fraction of the 11 million or more homeowners who are underwater, according to CoreLogic, a real estate data research firm.

Q: Who will benefit most?

A: Underwater homeowners in the hard-hit states of Arizona, California, Florida and Nevada could be greatly helped. Many are stuck with high mortgage rates after they were approved for mortgages with little or no money as a down payment and few requirements. The average annual savings for a U.S. household would be $2,500, officials say.

Q: When will it start?

A: Fannie and Freddie will issue the full details of the plan lenders and servicers on Nov. 15, officials say. The revamped program could be in place for some lenders as early as Dec. 1.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/personalfinance/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20111024/ap_on_bi_ge/us_obama_housing_q_a

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Nevada moves caucus to Feb. 4 after backlash

In this photo taken Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011,New Hampshire's Secretary of State Bill Gardner walks by the historic desk where presidential candidates file their paperwork to be on the nations first presidential primary ballot, in Concord, N.H. Gardner doesn't just play chicken with other states over the presidential nominating calendar: He spent years raising roosters and hens at home. A look at the prime defender of New Hampshire's first in the nation primaries. (AP Photo/Jim Cole)

In this photo taken Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011,New Hampshire's Secretary of State Bill Gardner walks by the historic desk where presidential candidates file their paperwork to be on the nations first presidential primary ballot, in Concord, N.H. Gardner doesn't just play chicken with other states over the presidential nominating calendar: He spent years raising roosters and hens at home. A look at the prime defender of New Hampshire's first in the nation primaries. (AP Photo/Jim Cole)

In this photo taken Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011,New Hampshire's Secretary of State Bill Gardner is seen in his office in Concord, N.H. Gardner doesn't just play chicken with other states over the presidential nominating calendar: He spent years raising roosters and hens at home. A look at the prime defender of New Hampshire's first in the nation primaries. (AP Photo/Jim Cole)

In this photo taken Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011,New Hampshire's Secretary of State Bill Gardner is seen in his office in Concord, N.H. Gardner doesn't just play chicken with other states over the presidential nominating calendar: He spent years raising roosters and hens at home. A look at the prime defender of New Hampshire's first in the nation primaries. (AP Photo/Jim Cole)

(AP) ? Nevada Republicans have shifted their presidential caucuses to early February, a move that ends an increasingly bitter standoff among rival states and for the first time clarifies the path to the Republican presidential nomination.

There will be no voting before Christmas. That's despite warnings from New Hampshire's top election official that Nevada's initial insistence to host its contest in mid-January could force the Granite State to schedule the nation's first Republican primary election in roughly six weeks.

But facing boycott threats from campaigns, incentive offers from the Republican National Committee, and the private blessing of the Mitt Romney campaign, Nevada Republicans voted Saturday to set their caucuses for Feb. 4. It will be the West's first stop in the race for the Republican presidential nomination and the fifth contest overall, after Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Florida.

"The candidates are anxious to come here and campaign and don't want to have the heat put on them by New Hampshire to stay away," former Nevada Gov. Bob List, a national Republican committeeman, said before Saturday's vote. "We have to eat a little crow perhaps in some people's minds, but I think in the end it's a win-win."

The calendar scramble had consumed Republican officials in early voting states and complicated candidates' decisions about travel, the timing of television advertisements and the distribution of limited resources. But with New Hampshire now free to settle on its preferred date of Jan. 10, the final puzzle pieces appear to have fallen into place.

Iowa will keep its Jan. 3 caucus date despite Nevada's move, Iowa GOP chairman Matt Strawn said Saturday.

The Republican presidential contenders are free to shift their campaigns into high gear with the first stop on the road to the GOP nomination set for Iowa in just 10 weeks.

"Now you'll see the campaigns ramp up very quickly," said Michael Dennehy, a New Hampshire Republican operative who led Sen. John McCain's political operation four years ago and was a central player in the Granite State's boycott push in recent weeks.

Nevada's shift ensures the state won't suffer penalties expected for states that violated national party rules by skipping ahead to boost their political influence. Nevada Republicans also stand to earn some perks at the party's national convention in Florida next August. As part of negotiations in recent days, the Republican National Committee promised Nevada delegates they could sit on the floor "in the best positions," and would have prime hotel space if they made the change, according to Nevada GOP Chairwoman Amy Tarkanian.

"This will be well worth it," she said. "We will be the good guys in the end because we don't need to be New Hampshire's pi?ata."

Republican Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval endorsed the move, saying it would allow the state GOP to focus on its principal goal ? winning elections.

"The move preserves Nevada's first-in-the-West standing and creates a scenario where all candidates will likely compete here," he said in a statement.

The RNC would not comment on its specific role in the discussions, but Chairman Reince Priebus, who had called for a compromise, praised Nevada's decision.

"Nevadans should be proud of their Republican leaders," he said. "They have restored their state's key role in the nomination process and in the 2012 presidential election."

The Romney campaign also played an active, but private, role in the flap.

Campaign officials initially encouraged Nevada to schedule its caucuses before Florida, hoping that Romney's popularity in Nevada would fuel a victory there and create momentum heading into the critical Florida contest. But sensing a political backlash in New Hampshire, Romney representatives in recent days encouraged key Nevada Republicans to settle on a later date.

The Romney campaign would not discuss its actions publicly when asked Saturday, but did not dispute its role.

New Hampshire officials were clearly happy.

"It's a win for the process and it's certainly a win for New Hampshire," said Phyllis Woods, a RNC member from the Granite State. "Going forward, we really want to have Nevada as an ally. We really don't want to have enemies as we go into the next primary calendar."

Also Saturday, Nevada Democrats said they would hold their caucuses on Jan. 21.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who helped obtain the state's third-in-the nation status in 2008, decried the GOP's move.

"I'm deeply disappointed that the Nevada Republican Party has caved to the will of the Republican National Committee and New Hampshire," he said in a statement.

___

Silva reported from Las Vegas. Associated Press writer Tom Beaumont contributed to this story from Iowa.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/89ae8247abe8493fae24405546e9a1aa/Article_2011-10-22-Primary%20Scramble/id-ae3b8981d309481ea31760f2f6427600

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