Big Thoughts, Small Wants: The Impact of Mental Construal on Impulse Strength

The way people mentally represent objects and events influences self-control; high-level construals, made up of abstract, global features, assist self-control, while low-level construals, made up of concrete, proximal features, hinder self-control. Previous research has assumed that high-level construals enhance self-control by increasing the salience of long-term goals (Fujita, Trope, Liberman, & Levin-Sagi, 2006). However, self-control is determined by not only a person’s ability to override an impulse, but also the motivational force that compels the impulse (impulse strength). The current investigation examined how mental construal affects visceral and need states (e.g., hunger) that determine impulse strength and undermine self-control. It was predicted that high-level construals would diminish the subjective intensity of hunger states, while low-level construals would intensify these feelings. Overall results showed that construal level did not impact subjective hunger states, and subsequently impulse strength, however exploratory findings revealed a relationship between construal level, eating tendencies, and subjective hunger. For restricted eaters, a high-level construal (versus a low-level construal) led to greater subjective hunger. For normal eaters, a high-level construal attenuated feelings of hunger. These results were attributed to the high-level construal’s influence on mood state. The current research provides a more comprehensive account of how mental construal impacts self-control and emphasizes the important role of impulse strength in self-regulation

Biological insights from a simulation model of the critical FtsZ accumulation required for prokaryotic cell division

A simulation model of prokaryotic Z-ring assembly, based on the observed behavior of FtsZ in vitro as well as on in vivo parameters, is used to integrate critical processes in cell division. According to the model, the cell’s ability to divide depends on a “contraction parameter” (χ) that links the force of contraction to the dynamics of FtsZ. This parameter accurately predicts the outcome of division. Evaluating the GTP binding strength, the FtsZ polymerization rate, and the intrinsic GTP hydrolysis/dissociation activity, we find that inhibition of GTP–FtsZ binding is an inefficient antibacterial target. Furthermore, simulations indicate that the temperature sensitivity of the ftsZ84 mutation arises from the conversion of FtsZ to a dual-specificity NTPase. Finally, the sensitivity to temperature of the rate of ATP hydrolysis, over the critical temperature range, leads us to conclude that the ftsZ84 mutation affects the turnover rate of the Z-ring much less strongly than previously reported

Time, Money, or Knowledge: What factors are associated with implementing youth cooking programs?

Research suggests participating in youth hands-on cooking programs, like those offered by Extension and 4-H, can improve nutrition behaviors and reduce the risk for obesity. We surveyed [STATE] Extension professionals (n = 127) to explore factors (e.g., employee characteristics, resources, county demographics) related to offering youth hands-on cooking programs and curricula used. Over 2/3 of participants offer programs and reported creating their own curriculum. More years of experience, having received Extension Specialist training, and increased confidence were positively related to offering these programs. Results suggest training could increase confidence and program implementation and standard curricula may be needed

A Brief Report on a Facilitated Approach to Connect Cooperative Extension Southern Region State-Level Health Specialists

Improving the nation’s health will require collaboration among many stakeholders and systems, including representatives from Cooperative Extension Services (CES). This paper describes the process of establishing a multistate collaboration and discusses initial outcomes of a third-party facilitated participatory planning meeting. State-level specialists with expertise and responsibilities in “health” promotion participated. Satisfaction with meeting format; feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of the proposed approach to public health impact; and general meeting feedback were collected through a survey and cultural artifacts (e.g., notes, worksheets). Preparation and attendance costs were captured. Seventeen of the 20 attendees (85%) responded to the survey and reported the process was satisfactory and the proposed plan for moving forward was feasible, acceptable, and appropriate. The meeting cost was $1,011 per attendee. The process mobilized a multistate Extension collaborative to promote health but revealed potential cost-benefit challenges. Leveraging resources is necessary to plan, implement, and measure collaborative public health efforts. Future data on outcomes will show if the process leads to intended objectives. If successful, this approach can be replicated across CES for stronger impacts

The Grizzly, January 26, 1999

A Work in Progress • Area Congressmen Discuss Leadership in the 21st Century • Montco Welcomes Clintons, Gores • Classes Held Martin Luther King Day • The Message of Dr. King Remembered • Students Honored for Fundraising • Spring/Summer Internships • Collegeville Squares is a Hit • Opinion: State of Surreality; Impeachment: Democracy on Trial? • Film Society: New & Improved! • Ursinus Gymnastics Back in Full Swing • First Conference Win for UC Swimming • Winter Sports Wrap-uphttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1431/thumbnail.jp

A model of membrane contraction predicting initiation and completion of bacterial cell division

Bacterial cell division involves a complex and dynamic sequence of events whereby polymers of the protein FtsZ assemble at the division plane and rearrange to achieve the goal of contracting the cell membrane at the site of cell division, thus dividing the parent cell into two daughter cells. We present a mathematical model (which we refer to as CAM-FF: Critical Accumulation of Membrane-bound FtsZ Fibres) of the assembly of the contractile ring in terms of the accumulation of short linear polymers of FtsZ that associate and dissociate from the cell membrane. In prokaryotes, the biochemical function of FtsZ is thought to underpin the assembly and at least the initial kinetic force of ring contraction. Our model extends earlier work of Surovtsev et al. [PLoS Comput. Biol., 2008, 4, e1000102] by adding (i) the kinetics of FtsZ accumulation on cell membrane anchor proteins and (ii) the physical forces required to deform the cell against its surface tension. Moreover, we provide a more rigorous treatment of intracellular diffusion and we revise some of the model parameter values in light of the experimental evidence now available. We derive a critical contraction parameter which links the chemical population dynamics of membrane-bound FtsZ molecules to the force of contraction. Using this parameter as a tool to predict the ability of the cell to initiate division, we are able to predict the division outcome in cells depleted of key FtsZ-binding proteins

Identifying Community-Engaged Translational Research Collaboration Experience and Health Interests of Community-Based Organizations Outside of Metropolitan Atlanta

Background: While rural health research has increased over the last two decades, there is limited understanding of the self-reported health priorities and research interests of rural and suburban community-based representatives and residents. These insights can be used to inform more successful intervention strategies that are responsive to the lived experiences of local residents and leaders who are the gatekeepers to buy-in and sustainability of community engaged research. The Georgia Clinical and Translational Science Alliance, a collaboration between four academic institutions includes a Community Engagement Program (CE) designed to facilitate community-academic research partnerships. This study aimed to assess the health priorities, community-academic research experience, and interests of community respondents outside of Metropolitan Atlanta through the Community Engagement Facilitation Survey (CEFS). Methods: CE Program and Community Steering Board created the CEFS to assess the health topic priorities, research experience, and interests of community-based representatives and community members across the state of Georgia. The 11-item survey was administered (paper and electronic surveys) statewide at community events and professional organization meetings. Descriptive statistics were analyzed, and geospatial mapping was conducted. Data were analyzed in SPSS and Microsoft Excel software systems to clean data and to calculate data counts and percentages. Three maps were created in Tableau Version 19.2 depicting all counties represented by the survey sample superimposed with the counties from which at least one respondent indicated each of the top three health priorities for this sample. Results: Four-hundred six (406) surveys were analyzed, representing 83.6% of rural and suburban Georgia counties. The most frequently identified health priorities and research interests were diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, and mental health

EXercising with Computers in Later Life (EXCELL) - pilot and feasibility study of the acceptability of the Nintendo® WiiFit in community-dwelling fallers

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Refining the Primrose syndrome phenotype: A study of five patients with ZBTB20 de novo variants and a review of the literature

Primrose syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant condition caused by heterozygous missense variants within ZBTB20. Through an exome sequencing approach (as part of the Deciphering Developmental Disorders [DDD] study) we have identified five unrelated individuals with previously unreported, de novo ZBTB20 pathogenic missense variants. All five missense variants targeted the C2H2 zinc finger domains. This genotype‐up approach has allowed further refinement of the Primrose syndrome phenotype. Major characteristics (>90% individuals) include an intellectual disability (most frequently in the moderate range), a recognizable facial appearance and brain MRI abnormalities, particularly abnormalities of the corpus callosum. Other frequent clinical associations (in 50–90% individuals) include sensorineural hearing loss (83%), hypotonia (78%), cryptorchidism in males (75%), macrocephaly (72%), behavioral issues (56%), and dysplastic/hypoplastic nails (57%). Based upon these clinical data we discuss our current management of patients with Primrose syndrom