Clawback Provisions in Real Estate Investment Trusts

Using a sample of 195 unique real estate investment trusts (REITs), we examine factors related to the adoption of clawback provisions within managerial compensation contracts. In general, we find strong and consistent empirical evidence that clawback provision are directly related to firm size, complexity, leverage, growth options, monitoring incentives, and CEO performance incentives. We also find that clawbacks are associated with enhanced market and accounting performance, with stronger performance relations observed for adoption decisions tied directly to regulatory mandates. In sum, we conclude compensation clawback provisions represent a value-relevant, strategic governance mechanism for REITs

CATHEDRAL: A Fast and Effective Algorithm to Predict Folds and Domain Boundaries from Multidomain Protein Structures

We present CATHEDRAL, an iterative protocol for determining the location of previously observed protein folds in novel multidomain protein structures. CATHEDRAL builds on the features of a fast secondary-structure–based method (using graph theory) to locate known folds within a multidomain context and a residue-based, double-dynamic programming algorithm, which is used to align members of the target fold groups against the query protein structure to identify the closest relative and assign domain boundaries. To increase the fidelity of the assignments, a support vector machine is used to provide an optimal scoring scheme. Once a domain is verified, it is excised, and the search protocol is repeated in an iterative fashion until all recognisable domains have been identified. We have performed an initial benchmark of CATHEDRAL against other publicly available structure comparison methods using a consensus dataset of domains derived from the CATH and SCOP domain classifications. CATHEDRAL shows superior performance in fold recognition and alignment accuracy when compared with many equivalent methods. If a novel multidomain structure contains a known fold, CATHEDRAL will locate it in 90% of cases, with <1% false positives. For nearly 80% of assigned domains in a manually validated test set, the boundaries were correctly delineated within a tolerance of ten residues. For the remaining cases, previously classified domains were very remotely related to the query chain so that embellishments to the core of the fold caused significant differences in domain sizes and manual refinement of the boundaries was necessary. To put this performance in context, a well-established sequence method based on hidden Markov models was only able to detect 65% of domains, with 33% of the subsequent boundaries assigned within ten residues. Since, on average, 50% of newly determined protein structures contain more than one domain unit, and typically 90% or more of these domains are already classified in CATH, CATHEDRAL will considerably facilitate the automation of protein structure classification

The Effects of a Thermogenic Supplement on Metabolic and Hemodynamic Variables and Subjective Mood States

Thermogenic supplements are widely used in the general population to support attempted fat loss; however, the efficacy and safety of these supplements are questioned. PURPOSE: To determine whether a thermogenic supplement affects metabolic rate, hemodynamic responses, and mood states. METHODS: In a randomized double-blind crossover design, 23 females (22.2 ± 3.5 y; 164.8 ± 6.4 cm; 73.5 ± 6.9 kg) who were moderate caffeine consumers (\u3c150mg/day) reported to the lab on a 12-hour fast for baseline assessments of resting energy expenditure (REE) via indirect calorimetry, heart rate (HR), blood pressure (SBP and DBP), and hunger, satiety, and mood states. Thereafter, subjects ingested the assigned treatment (active treatment containing caffeine, micronutrients, and phytochemicals [TR] or placebo [PL]). All variables were reassessed at 30-, 60-, 120-, and 180-minutes post-ingestion. Subjects repeated the same protocol with ingestion of the opposite treatment on a separate day. All data were analyzed using a 2x5 ANOVA with repeated measures and significance was accepted a priori at p\u3c0.05. RESULTS: In the TR group, mean increases in REE of 121 to 166 kcal/d were observed at 30-, 60-, and 180-minutes post-ingestion (p\u3c0.01 for all). PL group mean decreases in REE of 72 to 91 kcal/d were observed at 60-, 120-, and 180-minutes (p\u3c0.05 for all). Similarly, TR resulted in mean increases in expired carbon dioxide of 13 to 19 mL/min at 30- and 60-minutes (p\u3c0.05 for both), and oxygen consumption increased by 12 to 24 mL/min at 30-, 60-, 120-, and 180-minutes (p\u3c0.05 for all) post-ingestion. Respiratory quotient decreased at 120- and 180-minutes in both treatments. A mean decrease in HR of 5 bpm was observed at 30-minutes post-ingestion of TR (p\u3c0.01). Slight increases in SBP of 3 to 4 mmHg were observed at 30-, 120-, and 180-minutes (p\u3c0.05 for all) post-ingestion of TR, while no effects were observed for DBP. Observed increases in SBP were within normal blood pressure ranges. TR decreased subjective fatigue with no other significant changes in mood states. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that ingestion of a specific thermogenic supplement formulation produces a sustained increase in metabolic rate and caloric expenditure and reduces fatigue over three hours without producing adverse hemodynamic responses

Assessment and practical science:identifying generalizable characteristics of written assessments that reward and incentivise effective practices in practical science lessons

High-stakes assessments prominently influence what is done in secondary school science lessons (‘washback’ effects). It is therefore important that assessments of knowledge and understanding gained from practical work are constructed to reward and incentivise effective practices in practical work. To do that, they must differentiate between pupils who have experienced practical work in different ways. This empirical, mixed-methods study identifies generalizable characteristics of written assessments that differentially reward pupils who experienced practical activities through hands-on work, teacher demonstration, video demonstration, or reading about the activity. Conclusions are drawn from 1486 post-intervention tests completed by pupils aged 14–15 in England, from lesson observations and teacher interviews. This study also identifies pedagogical practices that were more noticeable in practical work that was most rewarded by the written assessments: the work was teacher-guided; and pupils were encouraged to be active participants. Existing literature describes negative washback effects of high-stakes, written assessments that limit the use and effectiveness of practical work as a pedagogical tool. We describe ways in which written assessments could be constructed to better reward effective practices in practical work (practices that better support learning), with the intention of having positive washback effects on pedagogy by better incentivising these practices

Prevalence of iron deficiency in 62,685 women of seven race/ethnicity groups: The HEIRS Study.

BackgroundFew cross-sectional studies report iron deficiency (ID) prevalence in women of different race/ethnicity and ages in US or Canada.Materials and methodsWe evaluated screening observations on women who participated between 2001-2003 in a cross-sectional, primary care-based sample of adults ages ≥25 y whose observations were complete: race/ethnicity; age; transferrin saturation; serum ferritin; and HFE p.C282Y and p.H63D alleles. We defined ID using a stringent criterion: combined transferrin saturation &lt;10% and serum ferritin &lt;33.7 pmol/L (&lt;15 μg/L). We compared ID prevalence in women of different race/ethnicity subgrouped by age and determined associations of p.C282Y and p.H63D to ID overall, and to ID in women ages 25-44 y with or without self-reported pregnancy.ResultsThese 62,685 women included 27,079 whites, 17,272 blacks, 8,566 Hispanics, 7,615 Asians, 449 Pacific Islanders, 441 Native Americans, and 1,263 participants of other race/ethnicity. Proportions of women with ID were higher in Hispanics and blacks than whites and Asians. Prevalence of ID was significantly greater in women ages 25-54 y of all race/ethnicity groups than women ages ≥55 y of corresponding race/ethnicity. In women ages ≥55 y, ID prevalence did not differ significantly across race/ethnicity. p.C282Y and p.H63D prevalence did not differ significantly in women with or without ID, regardless of race/ethnicity, age subgroup, or pregnancy.ConclusionsID prevalence was greater in Hispanic and black than white and Asian women ages 25-54 y. p.C282Y and p.H63D prevalence did not differ significantly in women with or without ID, regardless of race/ethnicity, age subgroup, or pregnancy

Meningococcal Disease in Patients With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection: A Review of Cases Reported Through Active Surveillance in the United States, 2000-2008.

BackgroundAlthough human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is an established risk factor for several bacterial infections, the association between HIV infection and meningococcal disease remains unclear.MethodsExpanded chart reviews were completed on persons with meningococcal disease and HIV infection reported from 2000 through 2008 from 9 US sites participating in an active population-based surveillance system for meningococcal disease. The incidence of meningococcal disease among patients meeting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) surveillance criteria was estimated using data from the National HIV Surveillance System for the participating sites.ResultsThirty-three cases of meningococcal disease in individuals with HIV infection were reported from participating sites, representing 2.0% of all reported meningococcal disease cases. Most (75.8%) persons with HIV infection were adult males aged 25 to 64 years old. Among all meningococcal disease cases aged 25 to 64 years old, case fatality ratios were similar among HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected persons (13.3% vs 10.6%; P = .6). The cumulative, mean incidence of meningococcal disease among patients aged 25 to 64 years old with HIV infection ever classified as AIDS was 3.5 cases per 100000 person years (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1-5.6), compared with 0.3 cases per 100000 person years (95% CI, 0.3-0.3) for persons of the same age group not reported to have AIDS (relative risk = 12.9; 95% CI, 7.9-20.9).ConclusionsIndividuals with HIV infection meeting the AIDS surveillance case definition have a higher incidence of meningococcal disease compared with the general adult population

Offseason Body Composition Changes Detected by Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Versus Multifrequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis in Collegiate American Football Athletes

In American football, offseason training is designed to promote increases in muscle strength and size in athletes. Tracking changes in body composition may confer key information about the effectiveness of training programs to football practitioners. PURPOSE: The present study assessed the relationship between body composition changes estimated by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in football players during the initial period of an offseason training program. METHODS: Body composition in 29 NCAA Division III American football players (mean ± SD; age: 19.7 ± 1.5 y; height: 179.8 ± 6.6 cm; body mass [BM]: 96.1 ± 12.6 kg; DXA body fat: 20.9 ± 4.4%) was estimated using BIA (InBody 770) and DXA (Hologic Horizon) before and after a seven-week training intervention. Repeated measures analysis of variance, concordance correlation coefficients, and Bland-Altman analysis alongside linear regression were used to detect differences in cross-sectional estimates and change values, the strength of correlation, and determine the degree of proportional bias between methods, respectively. RESULTS: Significant method by time interactions were observed for BM (p = 0.03), arms fat-free mass (FFM) (p = 0.03), and legs FFM (p = 0.01). Post hoc comparisons indicated that DXA – but not BIA – detected increases in FFM of the arms and legs. Time main effects indicated an increase in total FFM (p = 0.004) and trunk FFM (p = 0.002) from pre to post. Finally, method main effects indicated higher leg FM values for DXA (p \u3c 0.001) and higher trunk FM values for BIA (p \u3c 0.001). No significant effects were observed for total FM (p = 0.92) or arms FM (p = 0.13). Changes in total BM (CCC = 0.96), FFM (CCC = 0.49), and fat mass (CCC = 0.50) were significantly correlated between BIA and DXA. CONCLUSION: DXA and BIA may similarly track increases in whole-body FFM in American collegiate football players; however, BIA may possess less sensitivity to detect segmental FFM increases, particularly in the appendages

Burkitt's lymphoma

Burkitt's lymphoma is a highly aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and is the fastest growing human tumour. The disease is associated with Epstein-Barr virus and was one of the first tumours shown to have a chromosomal translocation that activates an oncogene (c-MYC). Burkitt's lymphoma is the most common childhood cancer in areas where malaria is holoendemic. The incidence is very high in immunosuppressed patients in non-endemic areas, especially when associated with HIV infection. Outcome with intensive chemotherapy has improved and is now excellent in children, but the prognosis is poor in elderly adults. The success of intensive treatment relies on good supportive care. The therapy offered in oncology units in low-income countries is not as aggressive as in centres in high-income countries and outcomes are less successful. Adjuvant monoclonal antibody therapy with rituximab shows promise for improved outcomes and reduced toxic effects in the future

Relationship Between Changes in Upper Body Fat-Free Mass and Bench Press Performance in American Football Players

Horizontal pushing strength and strength endurance are relevant attributes for blocking and block shedding in American football. Since most positions in American football require the ability to either block or shed a block, and since bench press repetitions to failure (RTF) with 225 pounds is a component of the NFL draft combine, improving horizontal pushing strength and strength endurance have been key areas of emphasis for strength and conditioning coaches working with these athletes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this analysis was to quantify the relationship between changes in upper body fat-free mass (FFM) and metrics of bench press performance in American football players. METHODS: Body composition and muscular performance were assessed in NCAA Division III American football players. Upper body FFM was obtained from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA; Hologic Horizon) before and after a seven-week offseason training period. Barbell bench press one-repetition maximum (1RM), incline barbell bench press 1RM, and RTF with 225 pounds on the barbell bench press were also determined before and after the training period. Using Spearman’s rank correlations, the relationships between percent changes in upper body FFM and bench press 1RM (n=19), bench press RTF with 225 pounds (n=15), and incline bench press 1RM (n=18) were evaluated. RESULTS: Relative changes in bench press 1RM and DXA upper body FFM exhibited a weak, non-significant correlation (ρ: 0.38, p: 0.11). However, there was a moderate strength, significant correlation between relative changes in bench press RTF with 225 pounds and DXA upper body FFM (ρ: 0.53, p: 0.04). For relative changes in incline bench press 1RM, there was a weak, non-significant correlation with DXA upper body FFM (ρ: 0.24, p: 0.36). CONCLUSION: Of the performance tests assessed, only changes in bench press RTF with 225 pounds and changes in DXA upper body FFM were positively correlated. Therefore, strength and conditioning coaches working with athletes who plan on entering the NFL draft may want to consider dedicating time to increasing upper body FFM gains prior to the draft as it appears to be positively correlated with performance on this NFL combine test

Associations of Changes in Body Composition and Athletic Performance in Collegiate American Football Players

Football practitioners ubiquitously employ offseason resistance training to improve on-field performance. Early offseason training is frequently designed to emphasize accretion of lean and total body mass. While this is a main objective of sport-specific conditioning, there are few investigations comparing correlated changes in body composition, maximal strength, and football-specific performance tests after an early-offseason training program. PURPOSE: The purpose of this analysis was to quantify the relationship between changes in athletic performance and body composition in collegiate American football players. METHODS: Before and after a 7-week offseason training program, body composition and athletic performance were assessed in NCAA Division III American football players. Body composition was estimated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA; Hologic Horizon). One-repetition maximum (1RM) strength was assessed for the barbell back squat and front squat exercises. Vertical jump height, 40-yard dash time, broad jump distance, and pro agility shuffle time were also assessed. The sample size ranged from 17 to 19, depending on the specific performance test. Using Pearson’s product-moment correlations, the relationships between percent changes in DXA variables and athletic performance outcomes were examined.RESULTS: A trend for a positive correlation between changes in lower body FFM and front squat 1RM (r: 0.43, p: 0.08), but not back squat 1RM (r: -0.03, p: 0.92), was observed. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was observed between pro agility shuffle time and DXA BM (r: 0.50, p: 0.03) and total FFM (r: 0.49, p: 0.04), but not FM (r: 0.06, p: 0.80). In contrast, no correlations between changes in body composition variables and changes in vertical jump height, 40-yard dash time, or broad jump height were observed (range of r: -0.36 to 0.31, p\u3e0.05 for all).CONCLUSION: Increases in FFM may predict improvements in front squat 1RM but impairments in pro agility shuffle performance, with no relationships observed for vertical jump height, 40-yard dash time or back squat. Additional phases of training that specialize in developing maximal power and velocity are likely necessary to maximize athletic development