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In this study, we explored the effects of exposure to an experimental program of daily physical education (PE) during primary school on adult attitudes toward school PE. In 2008, 86 original participants in the Trois-Rivieres study (44 women and 42 men aged 44.0 [+ or -] 1.2 years) underwent a semistructured interview in which their attitudes toward PE, the amount of curricular time that should be allocated to PE, and participants' recollections of their primary school PE program were examined. From 1970 to 1977, these individuals had been assigned to either an experimental program (5 hr of PE per week from Grade 1 to 6) or the standard curriculum (40 min of PE per week). Participants advocated increasing the time currently allocated to school PE, to an average of 3 hr 25 min/week ([+ or -] 1 hr 9 min). Justifications for such an increase included the lack of other opportunities for physical activity (PA), enhanced academic achievement in active individuals, and the potential contribution of such initiatives to reduce sedentary behavior and childhood obesity. Participants from the experimental group recommended an average of 38 min/week more PE than the controls. The proportion of participants who expressed mostly positive recollections of their PE program was greater in the experimental group (94.9% vs. 82.1%). These findings are suggestive of a consensus for increasing the time allocated to PE, and participants 'justifications were mostly consistent with current evidence. Moreover, participation in daily PE may foster the development of more favorable attitudes toward PE., Data from the 2007-2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) revealed that only 7% of children and adolescents met current Canadian physical activity (PA) guidelines, which recommend at least 60 min [...]

The COPI complex, which has a role in retrograde transport through the Golgi, is shown to also mediate anterograde tubular transport through the Golgi; in response to external stimuli, the small GTPase CDC42 acts as an essential modulator of bidirectional Golgi transport, and promotes the sorting of cargoes destined for anterograde transport into the tubules at the expense of those targeted for retrograde transport. Two-way traffic through Golgi complex tubules The Golgi complex consists of a series of plate-like stacks, connected by structures called tubules. It has been called the cell's 'post office', given its central role in the sorting and distribution of proteins to their proper intracellular destination. Here Victor Hsu and colleagues provide evidence that Golgi tubules play a role in anterograde transport from Golgi towards plasma membrane -- a process previously thought to be mediated primarily by the Golgi stacks. They find that the COPI protein complex, known to play a part in retrograde transport through the Golgi, also mediates anterograde tubular transport. This raises the question of how COPI can sort cargoes for transport in opposite directions. The authors find that in response to external stimuli, the small GTPase CDC42 is an essential modulator of bidirectional Golgi transport, promoting the sorting of cargoes destined for anterograde transport into the tubules at the expense of those targeted for retrograde transport. The Golgi complex has a central role in the intracellular sorting of secretory proteins.sup.1,2. Anterograde transport through the Golgi has been explained by the movement of Golgi cisternae, known as cisternal maturation.sup.3,4,5. Because this explanation is now appreciated to be incomplete.sup.6, interest has developed in understanding tubules that connect the Golgi cisternae.sup.7,8,9. Here we show that the coat protein I (COPI) complex sorts anterograde cargoes into these tubules in human cells. Moreover, the small GTPase CDC42 regulates bidirectional Golgi transport by targeting the dual functions of COPI in cargo sorting and carrier formation. CDC42 also directly imparts membrane curvature to promote COPI tubule formation. Our findings further reveal that COPI tubular transport complements cisternal maturation in explaining how anterograde Golgi transport is achieved, and that bidirectional COPI transport is modulated by environmental cues through CDC42., Author(s): Seung-Yeol Park [sup.1] [sup.2] , Jia-Shu Yang [sup.1] [sup.2] , Angela B. Schmider [sup.2] [sup.3] , Roy J. Soberman [sup.2] [sup.3] [sup.4] , Victor W. Hsu [sup.1] [sup.2] Author [...]

The Golgi complex has a central role in the intracellular sorting of secretory proteins (1,2). Anterograde transport through the Golgi has been explained by the movement of Golgi cisternae, known as cisternal maturation (3-5). Because this explanation is now appreciated to be incomplete (6), interest has developed in understanding tubules that connect the Golgi cisternae (7-9). Here we show that the coat protein I (COPI) complex sorts anterograde cargoes into these tubules in human cells. Moreover, the small GTPase CDC42 regulates bidirectional Golgi transport by targeting the dual functions of COPI in cargo sorting and carrier formation. CDC42 also directly imparts membrane curvature to promote COPI tubule formation. Our findings further reveal that COPI tubular transport complements cisternal maturation in explaining how anterograde Golgi transport is achieved, and that bidirectional COPI transport is modulated by environmental cues through CDC42., In addition to its known role in generating vesicles (10), we recently discovered that COPI also generates tubules that connect the Golgi stacks (9). However, whether these tubules act passively [...]

Background Preterm very-low-birth-weight (PT-VLBW) infants are at risk of an elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) in infancy and adulthood; however, the pathogenesis remains unclear. Altered renal development or function may be associated with increased SBP, but their contribution in PTVLBW is unknown. Methods We determined renal function and its relationship to SBP in three groups of PT-VLBW at 1, 2, and 3 years of age, using serum cystatin-C to calculate the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Results Cystatin-C levels decreased from 0.84 ± 0.2 (SD) within the 1-year group to 0.70 ± 0.1 mg/l (± SD; P Conclusions Preterm very-low-birth-weight infants demonstrate increasing renal function with advancing age. An elevated SBP and eGFR at 1 year suggests dysfunctional renal autoregulation and hyperfiltration, which may alter subsequent renal function and contribute to the lower eGFR seen at 3 years in infants with the lowest birth weight and gestational age. Keywords Glomerular filtration rate * Cystatin-C * Renal development * Developmental programming * Developmental plasticity, Introduction Barker and colleagues pioneered the concept that environmental factors, particularly abnormal fetal nutrition, program the risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension (HTN), type 2 diabetes, obesity, and chronic kidney disease [...]

DENG XIAOPING AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF CHINA. By Ezra F. Vogel. Belknap/Harvard. 876 pp. $39.95 MORE THAN ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL, Deng Xiaoping made China's modern rise possible. History is replete [...]

Preterm, very-low-birth-weight neonates ([less than or equal to]1500 gm, VLBW) exhibit elevated systolic blood pressures (SBP) in adolescence and adulthood; however, the age of onset and causes are unknown. We assessed SBP in a cross-sectional study of VLBW infants at 1, 2 and 3 years of age (n = 40 per cohort). SBP was manually measured using Doppler amplification (observed), and calm values were compared to reference ranges used for clinical purposes (expected). SBP was converted to age-, gender- and height-specific z-scores (SBPz). Perinatal variables and growth parameters measured between 6 and 36 months were assessed as predictors of an elevated SBP. Observed SBP and SBPz exceeded the expected value at each age (P < 0.01); for example 1 year SBP was 94 ± 10 (standard deviation) vs. 85 ± 3 mmHg, respectively. Although the expected SBP rose from 85 ± 3 to 90 ± 3 mmHg with advancing age (P < 0.05), VLBW SBP was unchanged (P > 0.1), averaging 93 mmHg across ages. Height and weight z-scores were below expected (P < 0.01), while weight-for-height z-scores exceeded zero at 6, 12 and 24 months (P < 0.05). Male subscapular skinfold thickness:abdominal circumference ratio decreased with advancing age, paralleling the decreases in SBPz. The VLBW neonates demonstrated an elevated SBP as early as 1 year of age. Although predictive perinatal variables were not identified, gender-specific relationships between infant growth and SBP were observed., Author(s): Andrea F. Duncan [sup.1] , Roy J. Heyne [sup.1] , Janet S. Morgan [sup.1] , Naveed Ahmad [sup.2] , Charles R. Rosenfeld [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.267313.2, 0000000094827121, Division [...]

Preterm, very-low-birth-weight neonates ([less than or equal to] 1500 gm, VLBW) exhibit elevated systolic blood pressures (SBP) in adolescence and adulthood; however, the age of onset and causes are unknown. We assessed SBP in a cross-sectional study of VLBW infants at 1, 2 and 3 years of age (n = 40 per cohort). SBP was manually measured using Doppler amplification (observed), and calm values were compared to reference ranges used for clinical purposes (expected). SBP was converted to age-, gender- and height-specific z-scores (SBPz). Perinatal variables and growth parameters measured between 6 and 36 months were assessed as predictors of an elevated SBP. Observed SBP and SBPz exceeded the expected value at each age (P0.1), averaging 93 mmHg across ages. Height and weight z-scores were below expected (P Keywords Infant growth * Adiposity * Z-scores * Perinatal-neonatal events, Introduction Term neonates with lower weight, shorter length and thinness at birth are at increased risk of adult cardiovascular disease and hypertension [1-5]. These associations have been related to an [...]

Concepts on malnutrition have evolved from an emphasis on protein deficiency through energy deficit, to the realization that food quality in general and an adequate supply of micronutrients in particular, is often more of a problem than food quantity. Throughout the developing world, micronutrient deficiency is one of the most important factors influencing human health, being directly responsible for conditions such as xeropthalmia, associated with vitamin A deficiency and anaemia, due to iron deficiency. In addition, micronutrient deficiency predisposes children to infection and retards recovery from common infections such as malaria, measles and diarrhoea. The groups most at risk from micronutrient deficiency are usually children and those for whom labour for food production is limited by ill health (HIV sufferers), advanced age or intense social commitments (single mothers, for example). There have been numerous health projects in sub-Saharan Africa and elsewhere in the developing world, to address micronutrient deficiency through the distribution of vitamin and mineral supplements, which usually have to be imported. An alternative (or complementary) approach is to promote the inclusion of high quality food crops in the farming system to enrich the diet with essential vitamins and minerals. This agricultural approach to the problem of micronutrient deficiency can provide sustainable solutions, which improve diet quality. An increase in the cultivation of high quality foods such as legumes, fruits and green vegetables, may be able to deliver a balanced diet to households, without necessarily requiring additional land and labour. Agricultural approaches to enhance dietary intake of vitamins and minerals have the additional advantage that they foster community self-reliance, they are sustainable in the absence of external funding, and, offer the opportunity for enhanced income by marketing surplus production. Diet diversification through better use of existing biodiversity offers an immediate means to address poor diet quality and can also include the use of presently available nutritionally enhanced crops, such as orange-fleshed sweet potato. Key words: micronutrients, deficiency, agriculture, diet diversity, INTRODUCTION Human under-nutrition may be caused by insufficient calorie intake to supply the energy required to meet daily work and social demands, insufficient protein to build body mass and/or an [...]

Comparison of a full collection of the transposable element (TE) sequences of vertebrates with genome sequences shows that the human genome makes 655 perfect full-length matches. The cause is that the human genome contains many active TEs that have caused TE inserts in relatively recent times. These TE inserts in the human genome are several types of young Alus (AluYa5, AluYb8, AluYc1, etc.). Work in many laboratories has shown that such inserts have many effects including changes in gene expression, increases in recombination, and unequal crossover. The time of these very effective changes in the human lineage genome extends back about 4 million years according to these data and very likely much earlier. Rapid human lineage-specific evolution, including brain size is known to have also occurred in the last few million years. Alu insertions likely underlie rapid human lineage evolution. They are known to have many effects. Examples are listed in which TE sequences have influenced human-specific genes. The proposed model is that the many TE insertions created many potentially effective changes and those selected were responsible for a part of the striking human lineage evolution. The combination of the results of these events that were selected during human lineage evolution was apparently effective in producing a successful and rapidly evolving species. Alu sequences | speed of evolution | last 3 myr doi/ 10.1073/pnas.1014330107

Mucus-binding proteins (MUBs) have been revealed as one of the effector molecules involved in mechanisms of the adherence of lactobacilli to the host; mub, or mub-like, genes are found in all of the six genomes of Lactobacillus reuteri that are available. We recently reported the crystal structure of a Mub repeat from L. reuteri ATCC 53608 (also designated strain 1063), revealing an unexpected recognition of immunoglobulins. In the current study, we explored the diversity of the ATCC 53608 mub gene, and MUB expression levels in a large collection of L. reuteri strains isolated from a range of vertebrate hosts. This analysis revealed that the MUB was only detectable on the cell surface of two highly related isolates when using antibodies that were raised against the protein. There was considerable variation in quantitative mucus adhesion in vitro among L. reuteri strains, and mucus binding showed excellent correlation with the presence of cell-surface ATCC 53608 MUB. ATCC 53608 MUB presence was further highly associated with the autoaggregation of L. reuteri strains in washed cell suspensions, suggesting a novel role of this surface protein in cell aggregation. We also characterized MUB expression in representative L. reuteri strains. This analysis revealed that one derivative of strain 1063 was a spontaneous mutant that expressed a C-terminally truncated version of MUB. This frameshift mutation was caused by the insertion of a duplicated 13 nt sequence at position 4867 nt in the mub gene, producing a truncated MUB also lacking the C-terminal LPxTG region, and thus unable to anchor to the cell wall. This mutant, designated 1063N (mub-4867i), displayed low mucus-binding and aggregation capacities, further providing evidence for the contribution of cell-wall-anchored MUB to such phenotypes. In conclusion, this study provided novel information on the functional attributes of MUB in L. reuteri, and further demonstrated that MUB and MUB-like proteins, although present in many L. reuteri isolates, show a high genetic heterogeneity among strains. DOI 10.1099/mic.0.043265-0

Our hypothesis was that the addition of an 8-week lower limb plyometric training program (hurdle and depth jumping) to normal in-season conditioning would enhance measures of competitive potential (peak power output [PP], jump force, jump height, and lower limb muscle volume) in junior soccer players. The subjects (23 men, age 19 [+ or -] 0.7 years, body mass 70.5 [+ or -] 4.7 kg, height 1.75 [+ or -] 0.06 m, body fat 14.7 [+ or -] 2.6%) were randomly assigned to a control (normal training) group (Gc; n = 11) and an experimental group (Gex, n = 12) that also performed biweekly plyometric training. A force-velocity ergometer test determined PP. Characteristics of the squat jump (SJ) and the countermovement jump (CMJ) (jump height, maximal force and velocity before take-off, and average power) were determined by force platform. Video-camera kinematic analyses over a 40-m sprint yielded running velocities for the first step ([V.sub.s]), the first 5 m ([V.sub.5m]) and between 35 and 40 m ([V.sub.max]). Leg muscle volume was estimated using a standard anthropometric kit. Gex showed gains relative to controls in PP (p < 0.01); SJ (height p < 0.01; velocity p < 0.001), CMJ (height p < 0.001 ; velocity p < 0.001, average power p < 0.01) and all sprint velocities (p < 0.001 for [V.sub.5m] and [V.sub.max], p < 0.01 for Vs). There was also a significant increase (p < 0.05) in thigh muscle volume, but leg muscle volume and mean thigh cross-sectional area remain unchanged. We conclude that biweekly plyometric training of junior soccer players (including adapted hurdle and depth jumps) improved important components of athletic performance relative to standard in-season training. Accordingly, such exercises are highly recommended as part of an annual soccer training program. KEY WORDS depth jump, running velocity, muscle volume, stretch-shortening cycle, jumping, force--velocity test

Hermassi, S, Chelly, MS, Fathloun, M, and Shephard, RJ. The effect of heavy-vs. moderate-load training on the development of strength, power, and throwing ball velocity in male handball players. J Strength Cond Res 24(9): 2408-2418, 2010--The aim was to compare the effect of 2 differing 10-week resistance training programs on the peak power (PP) output, muscle volume, strength, and throwing velocity of the upper limbs in handball players during the competitive season. The subjects were 26 men (age 20.0 [+ or -] 0.6 years, body mass 85.0 [+ or -] 13.2 kg, height 1.86 [+ or -] 0.06 m, and body fat 13.7 [+ or -] 2.4%). They were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: control (C; n = 8), heavy resistance (n = 9), or moderate resistance (MR; n = 9) training, performed twice a week. A force-velocity test on an appropriately modified Monark cycle ergometer determined PP. Muscle volumes were estimated using a standard anthropometric kit. One-repetition maximum (1RM) bench press ([1RM.sub.BP]) and 1RM pull-over ([1RM.sub.PO]) scores assessed arm strength. Handball throwing velocity was measured with ([T.sub.R]) and without run-up ([T.sub.w]). Both training programs enhanced absolute PP relative to controls (p < 0.05), although differences disappeared if PP was expressed per unit of muscle volume. Heavy resistance-enhanced [1RM.sub.BP] and [1RM.sub.PO] compared to both MR (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) and C (p < 0.001 for both tests). Heavy resistance also increased [T.sub.R] and [T.sub.W] compared to C (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Moderate resistance increased only [T.sub.R] compared to C (p < 0.01). Thus, during the competitive season, the PP, [1RM.sub.BP], [1RM.sub.PO], and [T.sub.w] of male handball players were increased more by 10 weeks of bench press and pull-over training with suitably adapted heavy loads than with moderate loads. It would seem advantageous to add such resistance exercise before customary technical and tactical handball training sessions. KEY WORDS arm throwing, maximal strength, upper extremity, throwing performance

Representatives of the family Strephocladidae have been considered as fossil relatives (i.e., stem-group) of Mantodea (mantises) based on characters of the forewing morphology. Here we describe new specimens from the Wellington Formation that we assign to the strephocladid species Homocladus grandis Carpenter, 1966. The range of morphological variation exhibited by the new material, in addition to wing morphology variability documented in extant mantises and roaches, suggest that H. ornatus Carpenter, 1966 and Paracladus retardatus Carpenter, 1966, reported from the same formation, are new junior subjective synonyms of H. grandis. We describe the first hind wing for this species based on a well-preserved specimen. It exhibits a combination of character states unique to dictyopteran insects.

This study aimed to investigate relationships between peak power (PP) as measured by upper limb ([PP.sub.UL]) and lower limb ([PP.sub.LL]) force--velocity tests, maximal upper limb force assessed by 1 repetition maximum bench press ([1RM.sub.BP]), and pullover ([1RM.sub.PO]) exercises, estimates of local muscle volume and 3-step running handball throwing velocity ([T.sub.3-Steps]), Fourteen male handball players volunteered for the investigation (age: 19.6 [+ or -] 0.6 years; body mass: 86.7 [+ or -] 12.9 kg; and height 1.87 [+ or -] 0.07 m). Lower and upper limb force--velocity tests were performed on appropriately modified forms of a Monark cycle ergometer, with measurement of [PP.sub.UL] and [PP.sub.LL], and the corresponding respective maximal forces ([F.sub.OUL] and [F.sub.OLL]) and velocities ([V.sub.OUL] and [V.sub.OLL]). [T.sub.3-steps] was assessed using a radar Stalker ATS system[TM]. Muscle volumes of the upper and lower limbs were estimated with a standard anthropometric kit. [T.sub.3-steps] was closely related to absolute [PP.sub.UL] and to [F.sub.OUL] (r = 0.69, p < 0.01 for both relationships). [T.sub.3-Steps] was also moderately related to [1RM.sub.BP] and [1RM.sub.PO] (r = 0.56, p < 0.05; r = 0.55, p < 0.05 respectively), and to [PP.sub.LL] and [F.sub.OLL] (r = 0.56, p < 0.05; r = 0.62, p < 0.05, respectively). When [PP.sub.LL] was expressed per unit of limb muscle volume, the relationship with [T.sub.3-steps] disappeared. This suggests the importance of muscle volume to performance in throwing events. Force--velocity data may prove useful in regulating conditioning and rehabilitation programs for handball players. Our results also highlight the contribution of both the lower and the upper limbs to handball throwing velocity, suggesting the need for coaches to include upper and lower limb strength and power programs when improving the throwing velocity of handball players. KEY WORDS force--velocity test, maximal repetition tests, muscle volume, anthropometry, resistance conditioning

Inflammation is associated with various pulmonary diseases and contributes to the pathogenesis of acute lung injury. We previously identified a proinflammatory signaling pathway triggered by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in which stimulation of [G.sub.q]-coupled GPCRs results in activation of the transcription factor NF-[kappa]B. Because damage to the lung causes the release of multiple mediators acting through [G.sub.q]-coupled GPCRs, this signaling pathway is likely to contribute to inflammatory processes in the injured lung. In an effort to identify novel inhibitors of lung inflammation, the National Institutes of Health Clinical Collection, a library of 446 compounds, was screened for inhibitory activity toward production of IL-8 induced by stimulation of the [G.sub.q]-coupled tachykinin 1 receptor with substance P in A549 cells. Twenty-eight compounds that significantly inhibited substance P-induced IL-8 production were identified. The most potent inhibitor was triptolide, a diterpenoid compound from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, a vine used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Triptolide inhibited IL-8 production induced by substance P with an [IC.sub.50] of 2.3 x [10.sup.-8] M and inhibited NF-[kappa]B activation in response to an agonist of the protease-activated receptor 2 with an [IC.sub.50] of 1.4 x [10.sup.-8] M. Anti-inflammatory effects of triptolide were assessed in vivo using a chlorine gas lung injury model in mice. Triptolide inhibited neutrophilic inflammation and the production of KC (Cxcl1) in the lungs of chlorine-exposed mice. The results demonstrate that triptolide exhibits anti-inflammatory activity in cultured lung cells and in an in vivo model of acute lung injury. chlorine gas; acute lung injury; substance P; nuclear factor-[kappa]B; tachykinin 1 receptor doi: 10.1152/ajplung.00014.2010.

The standard formal presentation of the Dixit-Stiglitz-Krugman (DSK) model of monopolistic competition with a constant-elasticity-of-substitution (CES) utility function supposes a sufficient number of firms so that the elasticity of demand facing each variety is approximated by a constant elasticity of substitution. Such a formulation forces economies of scale to be frozen so that firm size never changes. We use a Bertrand-Nash interpretation of the equilibrium that allows the elasticity of demand facing each variety to depend on the number of varieties, thus allowing the gains from globalization to reflect both the increase in variety and the exploitation of economies of scale. We also develop a precise expression for per capita real income with any number of sectors and examine the age-old question of the socially optimal number of varieties. JEL Classification: F12, L11, D60, 1. Introduction Paul Samuelson (1948, p. 484; 1967, p. 426) was fond of pointing out that the 'privilege of being able to buy a vast array of goods at low [...]

J Strength Cond Res 24(1): 266-271, 2010--Performance over very short distances (1-5 m) is important in soccer. We investigated this in 23 male regional-level soccer players aged 17.2 [+ or -] 0.7 years, filming body markers to determine the average velocity and acceleration over the first step ([V.sub.s] and [A.sub.s]) and the first 5 m ([V.sub.5], [A.sub.5]). Data were related to scores on a force-velocity test, squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and 1 maximal repetition (1 RM) half back squat. Leg and thigh muscle volumes were also assessed anthropometrically. V5 was positively correlated with leg and thigh muscle volumes (r = 0.61, p < 0.05; r = 0.43, p < 0.05, respectively), SJ power (absolute and relative to body mass, r = 0.45, p < 0.05; r = 0.43, p < 0.05, respectively), absolute force-velocity leg power (r = 0.49, p < 0.05), and 1 RM half back squat (r = 0.66, p < 0.001). The use of dimensional exponents did not change coefficients materially. Vs was also correlated with leg muscle volume and 1 RM back half squat (r = 0.56, p < 0.01 ; r = 0.58, p < 0.01, respectively) and more weakly with force-velocity leg power and SJ force (r = 0.49, p < 0.05; r = 0.46, p < 0.5, respectively). However, the CMJ was unrelated to velocity or acceleration. Sprinting ability is correlated with measures of power and force such as the force-velocity test, SJ, and 1 RM half back squat; such measures thus offer useful guidance to soccer coaches who wish to improve the short-distance velocity of their players. KEY WORDS velocity, acceleration, force-velocity test, squat jump, countermovement jump, leg force

Ira Harkavy and Matthew Hartley. (Eds.). (Summer 2009). New Directions for Youth Development: Theory, Practice, and Research. Universities in Partnership. No. 122. San Francisco: Wiley Periodicals Inc. 133 pages. ISBN: [...]

Adipocyte differentiation is controlled by many transcription factors, but few known downstream targets of these factors are necessary for adipogenesis. Here we report that retinol saturase (RetSat), which is an enzyme implicated in the generation of dihydroretinoid metabolites, is induced during adipogenesis and is directly regulated by the transcription factor peroxisome proliferator activated receptor [gamma] (PPAR[gamma]). Ablation of RetSat dramatically inhibited adipogenesis but, surprisingly, this block was not overcome by the putative product of RetSat enzymatic activity. On the other hand, ectopic RetSat with an intact, but not a mutated, FAD/NAD dinucleotide-binding motif increased endogenous PPAR[gamma] transcriptional activity and promoted adipogenesis. Indeed, RetSat was not required for adipogenesis when cells were provided with exogenous PPAR[gamma] ligands. In adipose tissue, RetSat is expressed in adipocytes but is unexpectedly downregulated in obesity, most likely owing to infiltration of macrophages that we demonstrate to repress RetSat expression. Thiazolidinedione treatment reversed low RetSat expression in adipose tissue of obese mice. Thus, RetSat plays an important role in the biology of adipocytes, where it favors normal differentiation, yet is reduced in the obese state. RetSat is thus a novel target for therapeutic intervention in metabolic disease. adipocyte | PPAR

The article reviews the existing literature on relationship repair and develops a conceptual framework of the same. It investigates four issues that examine assumptions or overlooked topics in current research with the aim of creating a more complete conceptual foundation.

A study was conducted to examine the existing streams of work on relationship repair in organizations, and to organize them into a conceptual framework. Questions that probe assumptions or overlooked issues in existing research with the objective of moving toward a more comprehensive conceptual foundation are also analyzed.

In its 2007 B.C. Health Services decision, the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) constitutionalized labour's right to bargain collectively. (1) The Court ruled that the Canadian Charter of Rights and [...]

Leukotrienes (LTs) are signaling molecules derived from arachidonic acid that initiate and amplify innate and adaptive immunity. In turn, how their synthesis is organized on the nuclear envelope of myeloid cells in response to extracellular signals is not understood. We define the supramolecular architecture of LT synthesis by identifying the activation-dependent assembly of novel multi-protein complexes on the outer and inner nuclear membranes of mast cells. These complexes are centered on the integral membrane protein 5-Lipoxygenase-Activating Protein, which we identify as a scaffold protein for 5-Lipoxygenase, the initial enzyme of LT synthesis. We also identify these complexes in mouse neutrophils isolated from inflamed joints. Our studies reveal the macromolecular organization of LT synthesis. inflammation | multiprotein complex | 5-lipoxygenase | 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY) are anti-diabetes/obesity hormones secreted from the gut after meal ingestion. We have shown that dietary-resistant starch (RS) increased GLP-1 and PYY secretion, but the mechanism remains unknown. RS is a fermentable fiber that lowers the glycemic index of the diet and liberates short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) through fermentation in the gut. This study investigates the two possible mechanisms by which RS stimulates GLP-1 and PYY secretion: the effect of a meal or glycemic index, and the effect of fermentation. Because GLP-1 and PYY secretions are stimulated by nutrient availability in the gut, the timing of blood sample collections could influence the outcome when two diets with different glycemic indexes are compared. Thus we examined GLP-1 and PYY plasma levels at various time points over a 24-h period in RS-fed rats. In addition, we tested proglucagon (a precursor to GLP-1) and PYY gene expression patterns in specific areas of the gut of RS-fed rats and in an enteroendocrine cell line following exposure to SCFAs in vitro. Our findings are as follows. 1) RS stimulates GLP-1 and PYY secretion in a substantial day-long manner, independent of meal effect or changes in dietary glycemia. 2) Fermentation and the liberation of SCFAs in the lower gut are associated with increased proglucagon and PYY gene expression. 3) Glucose tolerance, an indicator of increased active forms of GLP-1 and PYY, was improved in RS-fed diabetic mice. We conclude that fermentation of RS is most likely the primary mechanism for increased endogenous secretions of total GLP-1 and PYY in rodents. Thus any factor that affects fermentation should be considered when dietary fermentable fiber is used to stimulate GLP-1 and PYY secretion. short-chain fatty acids; gene regulation; promoter; gut hormone; nutrition

Background. We determined associations between habitual physical activity and metabolic syndrome in elderly persons. Methods. Pedometer/accelerometers measured step count and activity intensity on a 24-hour basis in 220 free-living Japanese persons 65-84 years old throughout an entire year. At year end, participants were screened for metabolic syndrome (modified criteria of National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel HI [NCEP-ATP III]). Results. Most individuals 65-74 years old who took > 10,000 steps/d and/or spent >30 min/d of activity >3 metabolic equivalents (METs) had [less than or equal to] 8000 steps/d and/or >20 min/d at >3 METs. Multivariate-adjusted logistic regression analyses showed that the risk of metabolic syndrome was 4.3 (1.6-11.7) and 3.3 (1.3-8.8) times greater in the least active quartiles of participants (taking 3 METs, respectively) relative to the most active quartiles (taking >8500 steps/d and spending >24 min/d at >3 METs, respectively). Conclusions. The metabolic syndrome is less likely in elderly people taking >8000-10,000 steps/d, and reaching an intensity >3 METs for >20-30 min/d, relative to their sedentary peers. Key Words: Accelerometer--Aging--Blood glucose--Blood pressure--Body mass index--Cholesterol--Moderate-exercise duration--Step count.

This paper examines whether a country that enjoys a superior technology in all commodities in a two-country, multi-commodity Ricardian setting could actually gain if its technology in which it possesses its greatest comparative advantage is stolen or transferred to the other country without any compensation. Such a paradoxical possibility is shown always to exist with a finite number of commodities and equal-shared Cobb-Douglas demand conditions for certain ranges of relative country size. Keywords: Technology transfer Turning points JEL classification: F11 030

We present a simple passive technique for estimating the acoustic-to-seismic signal coupling ratio (SAR) in the ground using noise produced by moving vehicles. The seismic signal received on a geophone contains some energy that has propagated as seismic waves and some energy that couples from acoustic waves to seismic waves in the vicinity of the geophone. We use the frequency-domain coherence between the microphone and geophone signals to determine when the seismic signal is predominantly due to acoustic-to-seismic wave coupling. In frequency bands where the microphone and geophone coherence is above 0.8, the ratio of the seismic ground particle velocity to sound pressure--SAR--can be determined with less than 2 dB of error. The method is applied to data from a summer experiment with grass ground cover and at two winter experiments with snow-covered ground. At 100 Hz, the summer analysis yields a SAR value of 1.0 x [10.sup.-5] [(m/s)/Pa]. In addition, at 100 Hz, the two winter tests yield SAR between 0.1 x [10.sup.-5] and 1.0 x [10.sup.-5] [(m/s)/Pa]. In the later winter result, our vehicle-derived SAR estimate is shown to be in excellent agreement with SAR estimates obtained from blank pistol shots. Through the opportunistic exploitation background noise sources, our approach opens the possibility for automatic adaptation of unattended acoustic area, monitoring sensors to changing ground conditions. Index Terms--Acoustic applications, acoustic reflection, atmospheric measurements, surface acoustic wave signal processing.

Intractable multiparty conflict is omnipresent in social life, but how do individuals in this type of dispute make sense of their situation and therefore enact it in a particular way? The current study investigated this question by examining how disputants from different stakeholder groups framed conflict situations in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Texas that revolved around environmental issues. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of interview transcripts and archival data suggested that, based on their framing similarities, disputants could be grouped together in four clusters, each implying a different framing repertoire. In turn, the analyses indicated that the repertoire differences between these clusters fueled the intractability of each dispute. Keywords: Conflict; Intractability; Sensemaking; Framing

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of objective assessments of the short- and long-term outcomes of elementary school physical education programs. Evaluations have used a variety of designs, including longitudinal and tracking studies as well as correlational analyses. The short-term effect of physical education on health and physical fitness is well documented. To date, most long-term data add little to the understanding of long-term effects, because researchers have rarely used an experimental design. Nevertheless, the available literature suggests that physical education should offer instruction in a variety of lifelong physical activities and sports, in order to reach children with differing interests. There is also an urgent need to perform quasi-experimental follow-up studies in various populations, assessing the extent to which benefits are modulated by changes in the type, duration, and frequency of the physical education program.

The significance of multiple cysteine residues within the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) catalytic domain for enzymatic activity is demonstrated by isolation of a series of recombinant variants of JAK2.

This paper presents a theory for role-playing simulation games intended to support analysts (and trainees) with generating and testing alternative competing hypotheses on how to influence world conflict situations. Simulated leaders and followers capable of playing these games are implemented in a cognitive modeling framework, called the Performance Moderator Function Server (PMFserv), which covers value systems, personality and cultural factors, emotions, relationships, perception, stress/coping style, and decision making. Of direct interest, as Section I-A explains, is codification and synthesis of best-of-breed socialscience models within PMFserv to improve the internal validity of agent implementations. Sections II and III present this for leader profiling instruments and group-membership decision making, respectively. Section IV then offers two real-world case studies (The Third Crusade and SE Asia Today) where agent models are subjected to Turing and correspondence tests under each case study. In sum, substantial effort on game realism, best-of-breed social-science models, and agent validation efforts is essential if analysis and training tools are to help explore cultural issues and alternative ways to influence outcomes. Such exercises, in turn, are likely to improve the state of the science as well. Index Terms--Agent-based simulation, leaders and followers, personality and culture, spread of ideas, strategy games.

This study examined the extent to which Israeli-Jews' beliefs about ingroup vulnerability, injustice, distrust, superiority, and helplessness are linked to extreme policy preferences in the context of the intractable Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In a phone survey of a representative sample (N = 504), stronger beliefs in all domains except for helplessness predicted greater support for the morally problematic transfer of Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza to neighboring Arab countries compared to alternative policies highlighting territorial compromise. This set of beliefs remained important even after taking into consideration the respondents' political orientation and degree of religiosity. Keywords: intractable conflict; Israeli-Palestinian conflict; compromise solutions; core beliefs; extreme policy preferences; public opinion

Metabolic fuels act on hypothalamic neurons to regulate feeding behavior and energy homeostasis, but the signaling mechanisms mediating these effects are not fully clear. Rats placed on a low-protein diet (10% of calories) exhibited increased food intake (P < 0.05) and hypothalamic Agouti-related protein (Agrp) gene expression (P = 0.002). Direct intracerebroventricular injection of either an amino acid mixture (RPMI 1640) or leucine alone (1 [micro]g) suppressed 24-h food intake (P < 0.05), indicating that increasing amino acid concentrations within the brain is sufficient to suppress food intake. To define a cellular mechanism for these direct effects, GT1-7 hypothalamic cells were exposed to low amino acids for 16 h. Decreasing amino acid availability increased Agrp mRNA levels in GTI-7 cells (P < 0.01), and this effect was attenuated by replacement of the amino acid leucine (P < 0.05). Acute exposure to elevated amino acid concentrations increased ribosomal protein $6 kinase phosphorylation via a rapamycin-sensitive mechanism, suggesting that amino acids directly stimulated mammalian target of rapamycin (roTOR) signaling. To test whether roTOR signaling contributes to amino acid inhibition of Agrp gene expression, GT1-7 cells cultured in either low or high amino acids for 16 h and were also treated with rapamcyin (50 nM). Rapamycin treatment increased Agrp mRNA levels in cells exposed to high amino acids (P = 0.01). Taken together, these observations indicate that amino acids can act within the brain to inhibit food intake and that a direct, mTOR-dependent inhibition of Agrp gene expression may contribute to this effect. hypothalamus; food intake; neuropeptide; mammalian target of rapamycin doi:10.1152/ajpendo.00675.2006.

Eight species of mecopteroid Panorpida are known from the Lower Permian Wellington Formation of Elmo (Dickinson County), Kansas; one of those species, Permopanorpa inaequalis Tillyard, 1926, is documented for the [...]

This article describes five possible techniques for negotiating conflicts and stresses flexibility as an important style. Tips for negotiators to select the best style based on the relative significance of both its outcome and its relationship with the company are presented.

Results of protein sequence comparison at open criterion show a very large number of relationships that have, up to now, gone unreported. The relationships suggest many ancient events of gene duplication. It is well known that gene duplication has been a major process in the evolution of genomes. A collection of human genes that have known functions have been examined for a history of gene duplications detected by means of amino acid sequence similarity by using BLASTp with an expectation of two or less (open criterion). Because the collection of genes in build 35 includes sets of transcript variants, all genes of known function were collected, and only the longest transcription variant was included, yielding a 13,298-member library called KGMV (for known genes maximum variant). When all lengths of matches are accepted, >97% of human genes show significant matches to each other. Many form matches with a large number of other different proteins, showing that most genes are made up from parts of many others as a result of ancient events of duplication. To support the use of the open criterion, all of the members of the KGMV library were twice replaced with random protein sequences of the same length and average composition, and all were compared with each other with BLASTp at expectation two or less. The set of matches averaged 0.35% of that observed for the KGMV set of proteins. open criterion | protein | relationships | sequence

The authors examined the effects of supervisory guidance (providing instruction to employees) and behavioral integrity (a pattern of word-deed alignment) on employee organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and deviant behavior. Results revealed a pattern of Supervisory Guidance X Behavioral Integrity interaction effects, such that relationships between guidance and outcome variables were dependent on the level of behavioral integrity exhibited by supervisors. The interactions suggest a positive relationship between supervisory guidance and OCBs when behavioral integrity is high but also a positive relationship between guidance and deviant behavior when behavioral integrity is low. These results were consistent across 2 independent field samples: 1 assessing individual employee perceptions of supervisory behavior and the other assessing aggregate perceptions of supervisory behavior among employees in bank branches. Keywords: behavioral integrity, supervisory guidance, deviant behavior, citizenship, HLM

The Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) has started targeting Wal-Mart in Canada, as it has closed the store in Jonquiere, Quebec. The inability of the UFCW to win a Wal-Mart collective agreement in Canada is sending warning signals to the US unionists who have placed high hopes on the success of the Employee Free Choice Act, which is making its way through Congress in 2006.

Most Americans smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS) on a daily basis. Current tobacco treatment guidelines recommend the use of the 5As model to screen and treat primary [...]