Affective Responses to Common Fitness Testing in College-Aged Women

Fitness testing provides awareness of discrepancy from normative standards and is a major component in most health, medical, and wellness settings. This discrepancy may have an effect on an individual’s desire to change or maintain particular health behaviors. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to examine the affective responses to discrepancies from normative data across six standard fitness tests. METHODS: Forty-eight college-aged women were presented with their discrepancy from a normative standard across standard fitness tests for body fat, body shape, aerobic fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility. RESULTS: Findings support previous conceptualizations on perceived discrepancies and affective responses: greater negative discrepancies from a normative standard in common fitness tests are associated with greater changes in negative feeling states. However, feeling more negative about a discrepancy does not guarantee a specific change in frustration-anger, which is theorized to relate to increased effort to reduce a discrepancy. Only three tests related to such responses, body fat (r=.46, p\u3c.01), aerobic fitness (r=.41, p\u3c.01), and muscular endurance (r=.34, p\u3c.05), perhaps due to their perceived threat to one’s global physical self-worth. CONCLUSION: Only discrepancies from body fat, aerobic fitness, and muscular endurance norms produced a change in feeling state which may in turn affect future behavior. Future research should examine how affective response could have positive or negative impacts on future behavior to reduce the perceived discrepancy, in addition to why particular discrepancies may be linked to physical self-worth, and not others

Executive Function Relationships to Sitting Time and Physical Activity: A Pilot Study

Executive function (EF) refers to the neurocognitive perspective of supervisory abilities to self-regulate during goal-direct behavior. More specifically, the ability to attend to and inhibit dominant responses (i.e. Attention/Inhibition) has been found to moderate the intention and physical activity (PA) relationship, yet does not appear to relate to PA. However, this EF is related to other health behaviors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption (i.e. behaviors to be inhibited). The lack of relationship to PA might be due to it being a behavior that is not to be inhibited, compared to a behavior that should be inhibited (e.g. sitting time). PURPOSE: To compare relationships of various executive functions to physical activity and sitting time. METHODS: Sixteen college-aged males (n=5) and females (n=11) (Age = 22.38±1.26 years; BMI = 25.57±7.58 kg/m2) completed the study. At time 1, participants provided demographics, self-reported PA (IPAQ-SF), and were asked to wear a Yamax Digiwalker SW-200 pedometer for 7 days to assess normal, PA in average steps/day (week 1). At time 2, three executive functions were assessed via computer-based tasks: Attention/Inhibition (Stroop task), Planning/Problem Solving (Tower of London), and Working Memory (Corsi Block Task). Participants were provided with a goal 50% greater than their week 1 average step/day count, and all intended to meet this goal over the following 7 days (week 2). RESULTS: On average, participants self-reported 496.88±142.72 min/day of sitting, and had an average step count of 7744.31±2900.20 steps/day for week 1. The average step change across week 2 was +2245.31±1102.32 steps/day – falling short of their prescribed step goal by ~1627 steps/day. Attention/Inhibition was positively related to sitting time (r = .61, p \u3c .01), and Planning/Problem Solving was the only EF related to change in steps from week 1 to week 2 (r = -.53, p \u3c .05). No other EFs related to sitting time, moderate- or vigorous-intensity PA. CONCLUSION: The present pilot data supports our initial hypothesis that Attention/Inhibition executive abilities are related to sedentary time, such as sitting, but not PA. To guide future research, Planning/Problem Solving was the only EF to be related PA, while Working Memory was not related to any PA outcomes

EOS MLS Level 1B Data Processing, Version 2.2

A computer program performs level- 1B processing (the term 1B is explained below) of data from observations of the limb of the Earth by the Earth Observing System (EOS) Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS), which is an instrument aboard the Aura spacecraft. This software accepts, as input, the raw EOS MLS scientific and engineering data and the Aura spacecraft ephemeris and attitude data. Its output consists of calibrated instrument radiances and associated engineering and diagnostic data. [This software is one of several computer programs, denoted product generation executives (PGEs), for processing EOS MLS data. Starting from level 0 (representing the aforementioned raw data, the PGEs and their data products are denoted by alphanumeric labels (e.g., 1B and 2) that signify the successive stages of processing.] At the time of this reporting, this software is at version 2.2 and incorporates improvements over a prior version that make the code more robust, improve calibration, provide more diagnostic outputs, improve the interface with the Level 2 PGE, and effect a 15-percent reduction in file sizes by use of data compression

Identification of genes involved in the production of a novel antifungal agent (7, 10, 12-trihydroxy-8(E)-octadecenoic acid) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa catalyzes the conversion of ricinoleic acid into a novel trihydroxy fatty acid, 7, 10, 12-trihydroxy-8(E)-octadecenoic acid (TOD), that has a potent antifungal activity against important crop pathogens, including Magnaporthe grisea the causative agent of rice blast disease. Natural crop-protecting agents such as TOD offer several advantages over synthetic agents, including improved ecological compatibility and environmental safety. Unfortunately, because many naturally occurring crop-protecting agents are produced only in trace amounts, it has been difficult to isolate large enough quantities of these antimicrobial agents to be economically feasible. Thus, a bacterium such as P. aeruginosa that is genetically amenable and produces an antifungal agent is ideal for genetic manipulation to achieve improved TOD production. The long-term goal of this research is to develop efficient processes for improving production of TOD from P. aeruginosa to mass-produce an economically competitive and environmentally friendly biological crop protection agent. As an initial step towards this goal, a genetic study was undertaken to identify the genes that are required for production of TOD in P. aeruginosa. In order to facilitate the genetic screen, a bioassay was developed to assess TOD’s antifungal activity against M. grisea in 96-well microtiter plates using either pure TOD or P. aeruginosa culture supernatants. In order to identify the genes involved in the bioconversion, a transposon mutagenesis was performed and a library of ~15,000 Tn5-B21 insertion mutants of the P. aeruginosa strain NRRL B-23260 (an environmental isolate) was constructed. From the genetic screen, 28 transposon insertion mutants that were defective for TOD production were identified. Molecular studies identified eleven mutants that appeared to have single transposon insertions. Genetic mapping of these eleven mutants was conducted to identify the genes that had been interrupted by transposon insertion. From this analysis, eight genes were identified including genes encoding alkylated DNA repair proteins, ferrous iron transport proteins, pseudouridylate synthase, a hypothetical protein/magnesium transport protein, a transport protein of ABC transport, and XcpP of the general secretory pathway. Three of the mutants have been successfully complemented with the wild-type genes to demonstrate their involvement in the microbial conversion of ricinoleic acid to TOD

The Dance/Movement Embodied Experience of Grief and Loss Using the Five Senses: Development of a Clinical Method

According to recent grief and loss research, creative arts therapy can help people heal after losing something or someone. However, there is little research to support the use of dance/movement therapy (DMT) in the adult population. This literature review investigated grief and loss, with a particular emphasis on embodied grief and how and where grief is carried in the physical body. Furthermore, this study of the literature extended on the implementation of DMT and the five senses with adults experiencing embodied grief, as well as body-based techniques to assist these individuals in understanding their loss. This was an essential subject to explore because, unfortunately, conceptualizing the grief process has been widely accepted as a conventional method of grieving. Adult\u27s and young adults\u27 grief processes, how long they should grieve, and how it manifests, have all been misconceptions. Following a thorough analysis of the current literature, the author identified how DMT and the five senses could help those experiencing embodiment grief as well as aid in their overall healing process. The findings indicate that the body plays an important role in the adult grieving experience. The findings further support the notion that the body should be a part of the therapeutic connection and interventions utilized with this population to aid in the grieving process. As a result of the combination of the body and mindfulness grounding techniques, our findings indicate that dance movement therapy and the five senses could be beneficial interventions for this population

Improving Reproductive Efficiency and Calving Distribution of Heifers Through Estrus Synchronization, Natural Service, and Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination

Artificial insemination has is considered to be one of the most important innovations in cattle management. Fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocols have offered new opportunities to implement AI, however, these technologies have not been widely implemented in beef heifers. The FTAI pregnancy rates in beef heifers have been inconsistent, leading to frustration and often discontinuation of a program that offers significant genetic and economic potential. The FTAI conception rates in heifers have been especially variably as some heifers come into estrus and ovulate too early and some ovulate too late for FTAI to be effective. Despite these inconsistencies, a major benefit of a FTAI program in heifers is that more heifers calve earlier in the calving season creating “calving momentum.” The calves conceived via AI have improved genetics resulting in improved carcass characteristics This improvement does come at some cost in terms of time, materials and labor. While many protocols and recommendations regarding the timing of hormone administration have been given, little information in available on breeding protocols involving estrus synchronization protocols combining natural service and AI. The goal of this study was to identify a breeding protocol that will result in more heifers calving within the first 21 days of their first calving season, as well as identifying the calving distribution (AI vs. natural sired). In this study, a 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR® protocol was combined with immediate natural service to critically evaluate the effectiveness of a FTAI protocol in beef heifers in order to provide scientifically based recommendations regarding a FTAI combined with natural service in terms of conception, calving rate and sire distribution that will result in 85% of pregnant heifers calving in the first 30 days of the calving season. Seventy-five pubertal heifers were randomly placed into 2 groups based on reproductive tract scores, ensuring that a relatively even allotment of peripubertal and pubertal heifers were in each group. They had free access to native forages, hay and water throughout gestation. The control Group (n=25 heifers; control) underwent a commonly used 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR® FTAI protocol, followed by introduction of a bull 10 days following AI. A 60-day breeding season was implemented. The experimental Group (n=50 heifers) underwent a similar 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR® protocol. Following CIDR removal at 7 days and FTAI on day 10, bulls were immediately placed with the heifers. Again, a 60-day breeding season was implemented. Three mature Angus bulls were used in the study, which were determined to be “satisfactory” on their breeding soundness examination. The experimental group was split into two groups (n=25) with one bull per group for logistic and management purposes. Initial pregnancy examinations were performed via trans-rectal ultrasound utilizing a 10 MHz probe at 120 days after the initiation of FTAI protocol. A follow-up pregnancy examination at five to six months of gestation was performed via trans-rectal palpation. Additionally, parentage testing of calves was performed on all calves to determine AI-sired calving distribution. The goal was to identify a breeding protocol that resulted in 85% of the heifers calving within the first 30 days of their first calving season. The calving distribution (AI vs. natural sired) following the induction of the breeding protocol involving estrus synchronization, natural service, and fixed-time artificial insemination was evaluated. . The preliminary results indicated that total conception rates may be improved combining a FTAI protocol with immediate natural service in heifers. While the percentage of heifers calving in the first 30 days was similar between experimental and control groups, subsequent 30-day calving intervals may be improved by a combination of natural service and AI, utilizing synchronization protocols to more efficiently tighten the calving season. Calving distribution in the experimental group drastically favored the natural service sire, which was expected. Thus, utilizing a FTAI protocol in beef heifers using the 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR® combined with immediate natural service may be a viable option for improving the pregnancy rates and increasing calving season momentum. However, if desiring a greater number of calves from AI sires, bulls should be turned out two weeks following the synchronization of estrus, as the percentage of AI to NS sired calves on the experimental compared to the control were 18% and 44% respectively

Financial Strain, High Stress and Smoking Among United Way Missouri 2-1-1 Callers

Objectives. We evaluated the influence of financial strain and perceived stress on smoking status among United Way Missouri 2-1-1 callers of predominantly low socioeconomic status. Methods. Data for this study were collected as part of a randomized, controlled intervention trial integrating cancer control referrals into regular United Way 2-1-1 Missouri services. Those who consented, completed the assessment and had at least one cancer control need were invited to participate in a longitudinal study that included completing the baseline assessment used in this study. We conducted chi-square analyses to assess the bivariate relationships between each financial strain variable and smoking status, perceived stress and smoking status, and the financial strain variables and perceived stress. Results. Smoking and high perceived stress were significantly associated in bivariate analyses. Participants with high-perceived stress (a perceived stress score greater than or equal to 10) have 65% (OR=1.65, 95% CI 1.37, 2.00; Table 1) higher odds of smoking than those who scored less than 10 on perceived stress. Although there was not a significant relationship between smoking and either financial strain variable, these financial strain variables are significantly associated with high stress. Conclusions. Participants with financial stress were likely to report high-perceived stress, yet the financial strain variables alone had minimal direct impact on the odds of a respondent being a current smoker. The odds of smoking were consistently higher for study respondents identified as having an education level of less than the completion of high school, male gender, experience high-perceived stress (PSS score \u3e=10), and reported self-rated poor health. Our findings highlight the impact of high stress and financial strain on smoking status and the need to address these variables of interest in smoking cessation interventions

History of Ice-Rafting in the Arctic Ocean During Glacial Maxima Through Marine Isotope Stage 6

Numerous studies attempted to reconstruct Arctic paleoclimate, specifically ice mass timing and locations, during glacial maxima. While some regions, like the Barents-Svalbard Ice Sheet (BSIS) are well-studied, they may benefit from a high-resolution paleo proxy. Other regions are highly contested, such as the East Siberian Sea or the presence of a central Arctic Ocean ice mass. This research uses an Fe-grain provenance method to (1) define how the BSIS behaved during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 2, 4, and 6, and when it retreated; (2) determine the presence and ages of Shelf Ice Masses (SIMs) in the Beaufort Sea and East Siberian Sea, or if these SIMs broke up during MIS 2, 4, and 6; and (3) identify whether large ice masses existed in the central Arctic Ocean that might have reduced or prevented ice-rafting during MIS 2, 4, and 6. This study uses elemental compositions of sand-sized Fe-grains within ice rafted debris (IRD) from the deep-sea marine sediment core HLY0503-JPC22 as a proxy for ice transport from 41 circum-Arctic Ocean Source Areas (SAs), and also develops new age model and sedimentation rates through MIS 6. The combined \u3e63 μm IRD and Fe-grain peaks in the last three glacial stages indicate ice sheet collapses near the middle of glacial stages and often again near the termination. MIS 4 is a weak glacial stage with smaller ice sheets than MIS 2 and especially smaller than MIS 6. SIMs on the Beaufort Shelf or East Siberian Shelf are problematic during MIS 2 and 4 but could have existed during MIS 6 where the data are inconclusive. Distinct \u3e1 kyr hiatuses in IRD and Fe-grain transport are only observed in MIS 6, suggesting a central Arctic ice mass existed, and probably consisted of grounded icebergs or shelf ice that reached the Lomonosov Ridge. This study provides an increased understanding of Arctic Ocean ice transport during MIS 2, 4, and 6, for the Barents-Svalbard Ice Sheet in the Eastern Arctic, the East Siberian Sea in the Western Arctic, and the Central Arctic Ocean

A Guide to Spurs of Maryland and Delaware ca. 1635-1820

This paper discusses research conducted on an assemblage of colonial spurs from Maryland and Delaware. The author has conducted this research for the purpose of adding the artifact category to the “Small Finds” section of the “Diagnostic Artifacts in Maryland” webpage. Identification and dating of spurs will be discussed, as will the value and meaning of spurs to the individuals who wore them. Spurs are not simply functional objects associated with horsemanship, they also represent items of personal adornment that can offer insight into status marking and boot styles worn in different time periods. This research draws from probate inventories, paintings, and other primary historical documents to create web content for archaeologists who are looking for accessible, reputable information on occasionally discovered small finds for which source material is scarce