Best Buy 4th quarter loss narrows

FILE - In this Thursday Nov 22, 2012 file photo, people wait in line for a Best Buy store to open in Northeast Philadelphia. Best Buy Co. says its fourth-quarter loss narrowed as it cut costs to offset nearly flat sales during the key holiday quarter. The financial results beat expectations and shares rose more than 6 percent in premarket trading. (AP Photo/Joseph Kaczmarek, File)

FILE - In this Thursday Nov 22, 2012 file photo, people wait in line for a Best Buy store to open in Northeast Philadelphia. Best Buy Co. says its fourth-quarter loss narrowed as it cut costs to offset nearly flat sales during the key holiday quarter. The financial results beat expectations and shares rose more than 6 percent in premarket trading. (AP Photo/Joseph Kaczmarek, File)

NEW YORK (AP) ? Best Buy Co. said Friday that its fourth-quarter loss narrowed as better sales in the U.S. helped offset weakness abroad, particularly China and Canada.

The electronics chain also says a deadline passed without a bid from its co-founder, Richard Schulze, who had been weighing making an offer.

The financial results beat expectations and shares rose more than 5 percent in premarket trading.

Under new CEO Hubert Joly, Best Buy has been working to turn around results as it faces tough competition from online retailers and discounters. It has invested in training employees and implemented a price matching policy.

The results show that Best Buy's new management is making progress, said NBG Productions analyst Brian Sozzi.

He said there are "striking positives" in the results, including better-than-expected gross margin ? the percentage of each dollar in revenue a company actually keeps ? and an 11.2 percent increase in U.S. online sales.

"Every transaction online was essentially the equivalent of convincing groups of previously disenchanted customers that yes, Best Buy is finally price competitive," Sozzi said.

Earlier this week Minneapolis-based Best Buy announced 400 job cuts at its headquarters as part of a $725 million cost-cutting plan. On Friday the company said it expects to announce more job cuts later this year.

The company also said it plans $700 million to $800 million in capital spending and $150 million to $200 million in other expenses in fiscal 2014 as it invests in its business, mainly online and mobile channels. It plans to revamp Bestbuy.com by fiscal 2015.

Its loss after paying preferred dividends for the three months ended Feb. 2 totaled $409 million, or $1.21 per share, for the three months ended Feb. 2. That compares with a loss of $1.82 billion, or $5.17 per share, in the prior-year quarter.

Excluding restructuring and other costs, adjusted earnings came to $1.64 per share. Analysts expected $1.54 per share, according to FactSet.

Revenue was nearly flat at $16.71 billion, from $16.67 billion last year. Analysts expected $16.29 billion.

U.S. revenue in stores open at least one year rose 0.9 percent, helped by performance from Best Buy's standalone mobile stores. International revenue in stores open at least one year fell 6.6 percent due to weak results in Canada and China.

Best Buy also absorbed restructuring charges of $203 million related to closing stores and severance. It took an $822 million impairment charge to write off worse than expected results in Canada and China as well as $44 million in asset impairments.

"Renewed momentum in the domestic business more than offset continued softness in the International business," Joly said.

For the year, the loss totaled $249 million, or 73 cents per share. That compares with a loss of $1.32 billion, or $3.57 per share, in the prior year.

Revenue edged down less than 1 percent to $49.62 billion from $50.04 billion.

Looking forward, CFO Sharon McCollam said she expects first-quarter results to be "under significant pressure" because there will be a week less of sales compared with last year. Also, people buying TVs before the Super Bowl benefited the fourth quarter this year, compared with the first quarter last year. That helped net income by 14 cents per share in the fourth quarter.

The company is also making investments during the quarter in a price-matching program and revamping its websites.

Schulze, who founded the company in 1966 and is its largest shareholder by far with a 20 percent stake, had been considering a bid or selling his stake since resigning in June, following an investigation that led to the resignation of CEO Brian Dunn due to an inappropriate relationship with a female staffer.

Schulze was given until Feb. 28 to make an offer for the company, but no offer materialized, Best Buy said Friday.

Shares rose 84 cents, or 5.1 percent, to $17.25 in premarket trading. The stock has traded between $11.20 and $27.95 over the past 52 weeks.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/f70471f764144b2fab526d39972d37b3/Article_2013-03-01-US-Earns-Best-Buy/id-6664bbd87b94414ab2138a2e0030b216

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Aptina and Sony cross-license their camera patents, Nikon smiles

Sometimes, it's the behind-the-scenes deals that matter the most. See Aptina's newly signed patent cross-licensing agreement with Sony as an example: the pact lets the two imaging veterans use each other's know-how in camera sensors for everything from dedicated cameras through to smartphones and TVs. We know customers of both companies will be glad to see technology spreading beyond corporate borders, but we have a feeling that Nikon will be the happiest. When Nikon is using Aptina sensors in its 1 series mirrorless cameras and Sony sensors in its DSLRs, it's likely to reap the benefits, regardless of which sensor maker got the better deal.

Filed under: Cellphones, Cameras, Nikon

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Source: DPReview

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/03/01/aptina-and-sony-cross-license-each-others-camera-patents/

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Cell movement explained by molecular recycling

Feb. 28, 2013 ? Scientists at The University of Manchester have identified the method by which cells control the recycling of molecules, a process that is essential for them to move. The discovery provides researchers with a better understanding of how our bodies heal wounds.

Working under Professor Martin Humphries, the Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences, Dr Mark Morgan and his team at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research studied the role of integrins. These molecules are able to grab hold of the fibres surrounding the cell, like hands, allowing the cell to drag its self along. However, there are several types of integrin on the cell surface and they all have different properties which affect how quickly the cell can move.

Once they have been used by the cell, integrins are moved from the surface to a store inside the cell. When the time is right they are recycled back to the cell surface where they can bind with the surrounding fibres once again.

What the team uncovered is the method by which cells dynamically control the type of integrins that are recycled. They found that another molecule on the surface of the cell, called syndecan-4, is able to detect and interpret subtle changes in the cell's surroundings to decide how it should respond. By regulating where and when the different integrins are delivered to the cell surface, syndecan-4 precisely regulates cell movement and exploration.

Dr Morgan says: "Syndecan-4 plays a critical role in regulating wound healing, so ultimately, we hope that this work will inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies to improve wound healing."

Most cells in the body are able to crawl through the dense network of fibres that surround them. This migration process is essential for repairing wounds, tracking down infection and maintaining tissue function.

In order for a cell to move efficiently, it needs to precisely control which integrins are able to bind to the fibres. At certain times and places they need to bind strongly, whereas at other points they need to bind more weakly, and only when these processes are regulated appropriately can a cell migrate properly.

By studying the movement of fibroblast cells using sophisticated imaging techniques, Dr Morgan and the team identified the role of Syndecan-4. They found that it decodes the vast array of signals outside the cell and functions as a molecular switch to dictate whether the strong or weak binding integrins are recycled.

Dr Morgan explains: "When we changed the way Syndecan-4 senses the environment outside the cell, we were able to alter the way that it transmits signals into the cell and control integrin recycling. By manipulating the molecules in this way we found that we could either force the cells to move in a fast forward motion or stop altogether."

Their findings have been published in the journal Developmental Cell.

The next step will be to investigate how Syndecan-4 can be manipulated to control cell movement with a view to developing novel therapeutic strategies to improve wound healing. It will also be important to test whether this mechanism is involved in tumour progression and metastasis as disruptions in cell movement are often seen in cancer, as well as in vascular disorders and chronic inflammatory disease.

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by University of Manchester, via AlphaGalileo.

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

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Journal Reference:

1. Mark?R. Morgan, Hellyeh Hamidi, Mark?D. Bass, Stacey Warwood, Christoph Ballestrem, Martin?J. Humphries. Syndecan-4 Phosphorylation Is a Control Point for Integrin Recycling. Developmental Cell, 2013; DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2013.01.027

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/matter_energy/biochemistry/~3/Q-d8Ol5EJkU/130228124045.htm

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Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf buried at West Point

WEST POINT, N.Y. (AP) ? Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, the no-nonsense Desert Storm commander famously nicknamed "Stormin' Norman," graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, soaking up its values: "Duty, Honor, Country."

He married here. He taught here. And on Thursday he was buried here.

His family and friends joined Kuwaiti officials, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, former Vice President Dick Cheney, gray clad cadets and a detail of New Jersey state troopers for a memorial service in the academy's gothic chapel Thursday afternoon. His remains were buried afterward at the cemetery on the grounds of the storied military institution.

"Norman Schwarzkopf, Class of '56, has come home," Powell said during the service.

Schwarzkopf commanded the U.S.-led international coalition that drove Saddam Hussein's forces out of Kuwait in 1991 when Powell was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Schwarzkopf was 78 when he died of complications from pneumonia on Dec. 27 in Tampa.

Though lauded as one of the brighter lights of the "Long Gray Line," of West Point cadets and graduates, his daughter recalled him as a loving family man equally at home in palaces and camping tents. While Americans knew him as the no-nonsense man in the desert camouflage, his children remember him dressing as a clown and doing magic tricks for children's parties, Cindy Schwarzkopf said, her voice choked with emotion.

Schwarzkopf graduated from West Point in 1956 and later served two tours in Vietnam, first as an adviser to South Vietnamese paratroops and later as a battalion commander in the U.S. Army's Americal Division. While many disillusioned career officers left the military after the war, Schwarzkopf stayed to helped usher in institutional reforms. He was named commander in chief of U.S. Central Command at Tampa's MacDill Air Force Base in 1988.

The general's "Stormin' Norman" nickname ? a moniker he never was very fond of ? became popular in the lead-up to Operation Desert Storm, the six-week aerial campaign that climaxed with a massive ground offensive Feb. 24-28, 1991. Iraqis were routed from Kuwait in 100 hours before U.S. officials called a halt.

"When anyone thinks of Desert Storm, they think of Stormin' Norman, The Bear; ... he was a larger than life figure," Powell said.

Schwarzkopf spent his retirement years in Tampa. While he campaigned for President George W. Bush in 2000, Schwarzkopf maintained a low profile in the public debate over the second Gulf War against Iraq.

Schwarzkopf was buried near his father, Col. H. Norman Schwarzkopf, the founder and commander of the New Jersey State Police. The academy cemetery also holds the remains of such notable military figures as Gen. William Westmoreland, Lt. Col. George Custer and 1st Lt. Laura Walker, who became the first female graduate killed in action when she died in 2005 in Afghanistan.

Schwarzkopf and his wife, Brenda, had three children: Cynthia, Jessica and Christian.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/gen-norman-schwarzkopf-buried-west-point-195326222.html

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Eating Foods That Boost Your Memory

Making sure that you boost your memory is something that everyone in high school and in college should do. If you do not try to boost your memory you may find that you are unable to recall certain information that you learned in class that day and you may fail your test. There are many things that you can do to make sure that you are able to boost your memory. One great thing that you can do is eat foods that boost your memory.

When it comes to learning how to boost your memory you will find that food is a very important thing. There are many different foods out there that will help you to increase your memory and be able to recall all the information that you learned in class. Here are a few of the foods that you should be consuming to help you with your memory. PUFAs- This is an abbreviation of polyunsaturated fatty acids that help to improve your memory. They have been studied time and time again and have shown massive amount of improvement in the brain. Foods that contain PUFA's are salmon, tuna, sardines, herring, walnuts, Brussels sprouts, summer and winter squash, cabbage and leafy greens. Selenium- Selenium is an important mineral that the body needs but can only be taken in small amounts. It has been tested in rats that have Alzheimer's disease and it helped increase memory in the rat's brain. Selenium can be found in brazil nuts, eggs, rice, oatmeal, beef, turkey, and walnuts. Polyphenols- Polyphenols is the material that makes fruits and plants have their color. Past research has shown that they can help to boost your memory and have helped with brain function. While found in all plants and fruits these can be found in higher concentrations in raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and grapes.

Now that you know what kinds of foods you will want to eat to boost your memory you may want to know how much you should be eating. You should consume at least one of each of the categories listed above. Doing so will help you have the optimal amount of nutrition for your brain. Try using something that has both or all of the brain food listed. Walnuts are a great choice because they offer both PUFA's and selenium. If you cannot squeeze in one of each group a day try to get at least one thing in. If you are very busy just get something that is easy to grab such as nuts or fruits.

Eating the right foods to boost your memory will help you to increase your test scores and your overall classroom grades. Not only will you feel healthier but you will also feel smarter as well. Make sure that you consume as much of these brain foods as possible. Pack them for a snack at school and make sure that you eat them when you get home from school and even before studying.

For more information about how to boost your memory, check out the Good Grades Guide Review. I'm sure you'll like it.

Source: http://articles.submityourarticle.com/eating-foods-that-boost-your-memory-318710

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Djokovic, Federer reach Dubai semifinals

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) ? Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic remained unbeaten this year by routing Andreas Seppi of Italy 6-0, 6-3 as the top four seeds powered into the semifinals of the Dubai Championships on Thursday.

Defending champion Roger Federer defeated Nikolay Davydenko 6-2, 6-2.

Djokovic will play fourth-seeded Juan Martin del Potro, who returned to the semifinals by beating German qualifier Daniel Brands 6-4, 6-2. Federer will face third-seeded Tomas Berdych, who defeated Russian wild card Dmitry Tursunov for the second time in five days, 6-3, 6-2.

The top-ranked Djokovic won his 11th straight match to start the year. He broke three times in the first set and once in the second, which was a little more competitive. But a strong first serve ? he won 89 percent of points on it ? and a powerful forehand helped him improve to 10-0 against Seppi.

"It was an even better performance than first two matches, so match after match I'm elevating the level, which is good," Djokovic said. "I'm trying to do my best on the court. Tomorrow I have a big challenge, the biggest so far. Hopefully I can sustain the level from today."

Federer also had little problem with Davydenko, breaking him twice in the first set. The second set was much the same, as Federer jumped out to a 4-1 lead. Federer had two aces and an overhead smash to make it 5-1 and served it out at love.

Federer said he expected a much bigger challenge from Berdych, who beat him at the U.S. Open.

"He's got amazing power, one of the strongest guys out there on tour," Federer said. "I've struggled somewhat against him, but very often it's because his game is so big that, you know, he has a big say in the outcome of the match."

Del Potro managed to neutralize the big-serving Brands and said his right wrist, which he injured in 2010, was not bothering him as much as it did earlier in the tournament.

"I served well today. I didn't (concede) any break points. I think I took all my chances to break his serve," del Potro said.

Del Potro knows he'll need to be healthy against Djokovic.

"The good thing is I'm not getting worse. It's a good thing to be 100 percent," he said. "I know against Djokovic tomorrow I need to hit my backhand 100 percent and then see if I have a little chance to win."

Berdych also served well against Tursunov, hitting nine aces and winning 81 percent of points on his first serve. He moved the Russian around the court, aware that Tursunov's sore left hamstring limited his mobility.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/djokovic-federer-reach-dubai-semifinals-182525122--spt.html

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Is it bad if i drink coffee? - Food & Nutrition - VerticalSleeveTalk

Posted Yesterday, 12:00 PM

My nut says it is the caffeine noy the acid but didn't explain completely. Since I am 7days post op,??I am going to follow the rules...for now. I can do without coffee though I love it but I know we will dance again at a later date

Source: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/70725-is-it-bad-if-i-drink-coffee/

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