Two molecular sensors that specifically recognize ADP in a background of over 100-fold molar excess of ATP are described. These sensors are nucleic-acid based and comprise a general method for monitoring protein kinase activity. The ADP-aptamer scintillation proximity assay is configured in a single-step, homogeneous format while the allosteric ribozyme (RiboReporter) sensor generates a fluorescent signal upon ADP-dependent ribozyme self-cleavage. Both systems perform well when configured for high-throughput screening and have been used to rediscover a known protein kinase inhibitor in a high-throughput screening format.

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A 15-minute, single-intervention, individually guided, Vedanta-based meditation was evaluated for acute effects on vital signs and mood indices. This study included 99 volunteers. Subjects were led in meditations incorporating breathing techniques, relaxation exercises, mental imagery, and silent mantra repetition. Pre-and post-intervention vital signs and mood indices were assessed, including heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, temperature, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Likert scales for mood. The meditation was shown to have statistically significant effects in the immediate improvement of vital signs and mood indices. The most substantial effects occurred for blood pressure, respiratory rate, Beck Depression Inventory, depression, anxiousness, happiness, and peacefulness. Also, males experienced greater physiological benefit whereas females experienced greater psychological benefit. The results of this study could be useful in developing gender-specific meditations to improve vital signs and mood indices in acute settings.

Aim To examine an innovative leadership model for public health professionals and for public health systems.

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We examine whether banks, in providing financing for the deals, monitor firms mergers and acquisitions to the extent that will benefit acquirers shareholders. Inconsistent with the conventional theoretical argument, we do not find that bank-financed deals are associated with better stock or accounting performance than bond-financed deals or deals paid with internal cash. There is strong evidence instead that banks tighten up the loan contract terms in financing the deals, such as cutting short the loan maturity and imposing higher collateral requirement and more covenant restrictions.However, bank-financed deals are more likely to be terminated when they experience more negative stock market reactions to deal announcements, suggesting that banks may be subject to the pressure of shareholder dissent. Overall, our results suggest that banks do not monitor to enhance firm value but rather protect themselves from downside risks through more stringent loan contract terms. This study highlights the passive role of banks in corporate decisions outside of credit default states and covenant violations.2

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