Determination of step rate thresholds corresponding to physical activity intensity classifications in adults

Current recommendations call for adults to be physically active at moderate and/or vigorous intensities. Given the popularity of walking and running, the use of step rates may provide a practical and inexpensive means to evaluate ambulatory intensity. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify step rate thresholds that correspond to various intensity classifications. Methods: Oxygen consumption was measured at rest and during 10 minute treadmill walking and running trials at 6 standardized speeds (54, 80, 107, 134, 161, and 188 m∙min-1) in 9 men and 10 women (28.8 ± 6.8 yrs). Two observers counted the participants’ steps at each treadmill speed. Linear and nonlinear regression analyses were used to develop prediction equations to ascertain step rate thresholds at various intensities. Results: Nonlinear regression analysis of the metabolic cost versus step rates across all treadmill speeds yielded the highest R2 values for men (R2 = .91) and women (R2 = .79). For men, the nonlinear analysis yielded 94 and 125 step∙min-1 for moderate and vigorous intensities, respectively. For women, 99 and 135 step∙min-1 corresponded with moderate and vigorous intensities, respectively. Conclusions: Promoting a step rate of 100 step∙min-1 may serve as a practical public health recommendation to exercise at moderate intensity

Conserved themes in small-RNA-mediated transposon control

Eukaryotes are engaged in a constant struggle against transposable elements, which have invaded and profoundly shaped their genomes. Over the past decade, a growing body of evidence has pointed to a role for small RNAs in transposon defense. Although the strategies used in different organisms vary in their details, they have strikingly similar general properties. Basically, all mechanisms consist of three components. First, transposon detection prompts the production of small RNAs, which are Piwi-interacting RNAs in some organisms and small interfering RNAs in others. Second, the population of small RNAs targeting active transposons is amplified through an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase-based or Slicer-based mechanism. Third, small RNAs are incorporated into Argonaute- or Piwi-containing effector complexes, which target transposon transcripts for post-transcriptional silencing and/or target transposon DNA for repressive chromatin modification and DNA methylation. These properties produce robust systems that limit the catastrophic consequences of transposon mobilization, which can result in the accumulation of deleterious mutations, changes in gene expression patterns, and conditions such as gonadal hypotrophy and sterility

High Field Q Slope and the Effect of Low-Temperature Baking at 3 GHz

A strong degradation of the unloaded quality factor with field, called high field Q slope, is commonly observed above Bp ≅ 100 mT in elliptical superconducting niobium cavities at 1.3 and 1.5 GHz. In the present experiments several 3 GHz niobium cavities were measured up to and above Bp ≅ 100 mT. The measurements show that a high field Q slope phenomenon limits the field reach at this frequency, that the high field Q slope onset field depends weakly on the frequency, and that the high field Q slope can be removed by the typical empirical solution of electropolishing followed by heating to 120°C for 48 hrs. In addition, one of the cavities reached a quench field of 174 mTand its field dependence of the quality factor was compared against global heating predicted by a thermal feedback model

Photic effects on sustained performance

Research is described which evaluates manipulating environmental light intensity as a means to attenuate fatigue. A counter balanced, within-subjects design was used to compare nine male subjects exposed to dim (100 lux) and bright (3000 lux) light conditions. Oral temperature values were greater for the bright light group over the dim light condition. Melatonin levels were suppressed by bright light treatment. Also, the frequency of eye blink rate was less for subjects during bright over dim light exposure. Light exposure was without effect on subjective fatigue. However, irrespective of light condition, significant effects on confusion, fatigue, and vigor mood dimensions were found as a result of 30 hour sleep deprivation. The findings suggest that bright lights may be used to help sustain nocturnal activity otherwise susceptible to fatigue. Such findings may have implications for the lighting arrangements on space flights during the subjective night for astronauts

Electron Capture Dissociation Mass Spectrometry of Metallo-Supramolecular Complexes

The electron capture dissociation (ECD) of metallo-supramolecular dinuclear triple-stranded helicate Fe2L3 4 ions was determined by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Initial electron capture by the di-iron(II) triple helicate ions produces dinuclear double-stranded complexes analogous to those seen in solution with the monocationic metal centers CuI or AgI. The gas-phase fragmentation behavior [ECD, collision-induced dissociation (CID), and infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD)] of the di-iron double-stranded complexes, (i.e., MS3 of the ECD product) was compared with the ECD, CID, and IRMPD of the CuI and AgI complexes generated from solution. The results suggest that iron-bound dimers may be of the formFeI 2L2 2 and that ECD by metallo-complexes allows access, in the gas phase,to oxidation states and coordination chemistry that cannot be accessed in solution

The guardian's little helper: MicroRNAs in the p53 tumor suppressor network

Several microRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in tumor development based on both changes in their expression patterns and gene structural alterations in human tumors. However, we are only now beginning to see how miRNAs interact with classic oncogene and tumor suppressor mechanisms. Several recent studies have implicated the miR-34 family of miRNAs in the p53tumor suppressor network. The expression of miR-34a, miR-34b, and miR-34c is robustly induced by DNA damage and oncogenic stress in a p53-dependent manner. When overexpressed, miR-34 leads to apoptosis or cellular senescence, whereas reduction of miR-34 function attenuates p53-mediated cell death. These findings, together with the fact that miR-34 is down-regulated in several types of human cancer, show that miRNAs can affect tumorigenesis by working within the confines of well-known tumor suppressor pathways. ©2007 American Association for Cancer Research

Blood Sugar, Your Pancreas, and Unicorns: The Development of Health Education Materials for Youth With Prediabetes

Background. The obesity epidemic has led to an increase in prediabetes in youth, causing a serious public health concern. Education on diabetes risk and initiation of lifestyle change are the primary treatment modalities. There are few existing age-appropriate health education tools to address diabetes prevention for high-risk youth. Aim. To develop an age-appropriate health education tool(s) to help youth better understand type 2 diabetes risk factors and the reversibility of risk. Method. Health education tool development took place in five phases: exploration, design, analysis, refinement, and process evaluation. Results. The project resulted in (1) booklet designed to increase knowledge of risk, (2) meme generator that mirrors the booklet graphics and allows youth to create their own meme based on their pancreas’ current mood, (3) environmental posters for clinic, and (4) brief self-assessment that acts as a conversation starter for the health educators. Conclusion. Patients reported high likability and satisfaction with the health education tools, with the majority of patients giving the materials an “A” rating. The process evaluation indicated a high level of fidelity and related measures regarding how the health education tools were intended to be used and how they were actually used in the clinic setting

The Intentionality of Confronting Racism, Systemic Oppression, and Cyclical Trauma in Counselor Education: A Self Study

Utilizing self-study methodology, the researchers sought to understand their practices in developing school counselors and counselor educators who acknowledge and resist anti-Black racism and marginalization to prevent harm through complacency. Given counselor education’s existence as overwhelmingly white and Eurocentric, the authors investigate disrupting the heteronormative structures inherent in counseling and the academy with the prioritizing of race, systemic inequities, and cyclical trauma in their faculty roles (e.g., teaching, supervising, and service) in efforts to shift a profession slow to address society’s ever-changing mental health needs. The team of counselor educators from different states in the northeast use a thematic analysis to highlight their challenges and successes at each institution, and within the broader counselor education and academic context

Center for Pediatric Obesity and Diabetes Prevention Research

poster abstractBackground To facilitate both research and treatment of obesity in youth who are at especially high risk for diabetes, we have created the Center for Pediatric Obesity and Diabetes Prevention Research. The mission of the center is to advance the health of vulnerable populations through obesity and diabetes prevention research focusing on mechanisms of progression from obesity to type 2 diabetes, defining best practices for obesity/diabetes prevention among youth, and cost-effective translation of the research to the community. Specific Aims 1. To promote the clinical investigation of pathophysiologic mechanisms, diagnosis, and primary prevention of type 2 diabetes among vulnerable youth 2. Foster collaboration and facilitate interdisciplinary research between investigators interested in childhood obesity and diabetes prevention 3. Participate in community-based diabetes prevention research Key Ongoing Collaborative Research Projects Youth Diabetes Prevention Clinic (YDPC) – Patient-Centered Outcomes Project This program is designed to evaluate and assess the needs of adolescents (ages 10 – 21) who have evidence of prediabetes. Our goal is to successfully intervene in the trajectory toward the development of diabetes, and to promote healthy weight-control and improved well-being through an individualized treatment plan. Not only has this allowed us to address a significant unmet clinical need, but also to advance pediatric obesity patient-centered outcomes research and comparative effectiveness research in adolescent obesity / diabetes prevention. Dietary Intervention for Glucose Intolerance in Teens (DIG-IT Study) The objective of this study is to determine the impact on glycemic control, in adolescents who have prediabetes, of an individually-tailored wellness coaching strategy used to modify lifestyle habits. Additionally, the study aims to identify lifestyle factors that drive glycemic control, independent of changes in weight. We are conducting this study in in the Youth Diabetes Prevention Clinic via a collaboration with Dr. Gletsu-Miller (Purdue University). ENCOURAGE Healthy Families Study This is a randomized trial evaluating the comparative effectiveness and costs of an adaptation of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) directed at mothers and their children. The intervention is a group based lifestyle program which we developed and implemented in partnership with the YMCA. We are comparing the ENCOURAGE intervention targeted to 1) mothers who have had gestational diabetes or prediabetes, and 2) mothers who have had GDM or prediabetes along with their school-aged children