Showing papers by "University of Jyväskylä published in 1999"

Explosive-strength training improves 5-km running time by improving running economy and muscle power

Abstract: To investigate the effects of simultaneous explosive-strength and endurance training on physical performance characteristics, 10 experimental (E) and 8 control (C) endurance athletes trained for 9 ...

Altered reflex sensitivity after repeated and prolonged passive muscle stretching

Abstract: Experiments were carried out to test the effect of prolonged and repeated passive stretching (RPS) of the triceps surae muscle on reflex sensitivity. The results demonstrated a clear deterioration ...

Good-genes effects in sexual selection.

Abstract: The magnitude of the effect of good genes as a viability benefit accruing to choosy females remains a controversial theoretical and empirical issue. We collected all available data from the literature to estimate the magnitude of good-genes viability effects, while adjusting for sample size. The average correlation coefficient between male traits and offspring survival in 22 studies was 0.122, which differed highly significantly from zero. This implies that male characters chosen by females reveal on average 1.5% of the variance in viability. The studies demonstrated considerable heterogeneity in effect size; some of this heterogeneity could be accounted for by differences among taxa (birds demonstrating stronger effects), and by differences in the degree of mating skew in the species (high skew reflecting stronger effects). Although these results suggest that viability-based sexual selection is widespread across taxa, they indicate that the effect is relatively minor. Finally, there was also an effect of publication year in that the more recent studies reported reduced effects. This may reflect publication biases during paradigm shifts of this debated issue, but it should also be recalled that the studies have only partly estimated the full fitness consequences of mate choice for offspring.

Effects of heavy-resistance training on hormonal response patterns in younger vs. older men.

Abstract: To examine the adaptations of the endocrine system to heavy-resistance training in younger vs. older men, two groups of men (30 and 62 yr old) participated in a 10-wk periodized strength-power training program. Blood was obtained before, immediately after, and 5, 15, and 30 min after exercise at rest before and after training and at rest at -3, 0, 6, and 10 wk for analysis of total testosterone, free testosterone, cortisol, growth hormone, lactate, and ACTH analysis. Resting values for insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and IGF-binding protein-3 were determined before and after training. A heavy-resistance exercise test was used to evaluate the exercise-induced responses (4 sets of 10-repetition maximum squats with 90 s of rest between sets). Squat strength and thigh muscle cross-sectional area increased for both groups. The younger group demonstrated higher total and free testosterone and IGF-I than the older men, training-induced increases in free testosterone at rest and with exercise, and increases in resting IGF-binding protein-3. With training the older group demonstrated a significant increase in total testosterone in response to exercise stress along with significant decreases in resting cortisol. These data indicate that older men do respond with an enhanced hormonal profile in the early phase of a resistance training program, but the response is different from that of younger men.

The scale dependent nuclear effects in parton distributions for practical applications

Abstract: The scale dependence of the ratios of parton distributions in a proton of a nucleus A and in the free proton, $R_i^A(x,Q^2)=f_{i/A}(x,Q^2)/f_i(x,Q^2)$ , is studied within the framework of the lowest order leading-twist DGLAP evolution. By evolving the initial nuclear distributions obtained with the GRV-LO and CTEQ4L sets at a scale $Q_0^2$ , we show that the ratios $R_i^A(x,Q^2)$ are only moderately sensitive to the choice of a specific modern set of free parton distributions. We propose that to a good first approximation, this parton distribution set-dependence of the nuclear ratios $R_i^A(x,Q^2)$ can be neglected in practical applications. With this result, we offer a numerical parametrization of $R_i^A(x,Q^2)$ for all parton flavours i in any $A>2$ , and at any $10^{-6}\le x \le 1$ and any $2.25 {\rm GeV}^2\le Q^2\le 10^4\,{\rm GeV}^2$ for computing cross sections of hard processes in nuclear collisions.

Learning failure in information systems development

Abstract: Information systems development is a high-risk undertaking, and fail- ures remain common despite advances in development tools and technologies. In this paper, we argue that one reason for this is the collapse of organizational intelligence required to deal with the complexities of systems development. Orga- nizations fail to learn from their experience in systems development because of limits of organizational intelligence, disincentives for learning, organizational designs and educational barriers. Not only have many organizations failed to learn, but they have also learned to fail. Over time they accept and expect poor perfor- mance while creating organizational myths that perpetuate short-term optimization. This paper illustrates learning failure in systems development and recommends tactics for overcoming it.

Maximal and explosive force production capacity and balance performance in men of different ages

Abstract: A group of 32 healthy men (M) divided into three different age groups, i.e. M20 years [mean 21 (SD 1); n = 12], M40 [mean 40 (SD 2); n = 10] and M70 [mean 71 (SD 5); n = 10] volunteered as subjects for examination of maximal and explosive force production of leg extensor muscles in both isometric and dynamic actions (squat jump, SJ and counter movement jump, CMJ, and standing long-jump, SLJ). The balance test was performed on a force platform in both isometric and dynamic actions. Maximal bilateral isometric force value in M70 was lower (P < 0.001) than in M40 and as much as 46% lower (P < 0.001) than that recorded in M20 (P < 0.001). The maximal rate of force development (RFD) on the force-time curve was in M70 lower (P < 0.001) than in M40 and as much as 64% lower than in M20. The heights in SJ and CMJ and the distance in SLJ in M70 were lower (P < 0.001) than in M40 and M20 (P < 0.001). In response to modifications of the visual surroundings the older subjects were 24%–47% (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001) slower in their response time in reaching the lit centre (TT) and remained 20%–34% (P < 0.001) less time inside the centre (TC) from the overall time of lighting than M40 and M20, respectively. In both older groups the individual values of isometric RFD correlated significantly (P < 0.05) with the individual balance values of TT and TC. The present results would suggest that the capacity for explosive force production declines drastically with increasing age, even more than maximal muscle strength. Aging may also lead to impaired balance with a decrease in event detection and speed of postural adjustments. The decreased ability to develop force rapidly in older people seems to be associated with a lower capacity for neuromuscular response in controlling postural sway.

Maximal strength and power characteristics in isometric and dynamic actions of the upper and lower extremities in middle-aged and older men.

Abstract: Muscle cross-sectional area of the quadriceps femoris (CSAQF), maximal isometric strength (handgrip test and unilateral knee extension/flexion), the shape of isometric force-time curves, and power-load curves during concentric and stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) actions with loads ranging from 15 to 70% of one repetition maximum half-squat (1RMHS) and bench-press (1RMBP) were examined in 26 middle-aged men in the 40-year-old (M40) (mean age 42, range 35-46) and 21 elderly men in the 65-year-old age group (M65) (mean age 65, range 60-74). Maximal bilateral concentric (1RMHS and 1RMBP), unilateral knee extension (isometric; MIFKE and concentric; 1RMKE) strength and muscle CSA in M65 were lower (P < 0.001) than in M40. The individual values of the CSAQF correlated with the individual values of maximal concentric 1RMHS, 1RMKE and MIFKE in M65, while the corresponding correlations were lower in M40. The maximal MIFKE value per CSA of 4.54 +/- 0.7 N m cm-2 in M40 was greater (P < 0. 05-0.01) than that of 4.02 +/- 0.7 N m cm-2 recorded in M65. The maximal rate of force development of the knee extensors and flexors in M65 was lower (P < 0.01-0.001) and the heights in squat and counter-movement jumps as much as 27-29% lower (P < 0.001) than those recorded in M40. M65 showed lower (P < 0.001) concentric power values for both upper and lower extremity performances than those recorded for M40. Maximal power output was maximized at the 30-45% loads for the upper extremity and at the 60-70% loads for the lower extremity extensors in both age groups. Muscle activation of the antagonists was significantly higher (P < 0.01-0.001) during the isometric and dynamic knee extension actions in M65 than in M40. The present results support a general concept that parallel declines in muscle mass and maximal strength take place with increasing age, although loss of strength may vary in both lower and upper extremity muscles in relation to the type of action and that ageing may also lead to a decrease in voluntary neural drive to the muscles. Explosive strength and power seem to decrease with increasing age even more than maximal isometric strength in both actions but power was maximized at the 30-45% loads for the upper and at the 60-70% loads for the lower extremity action in both age groups. High antagonist muscle activity may limit the full movement efficiency depending on the type of muscle action, testing conditions and the velocity and/or the time duration of the action, especially in the elderly.

Photoelectron spectra of aluminum cluster anions: Temperature effects and ab initio simulations

Abstract: Photoelectron (PES) spectra from aluminum cluster anions, ${\mathrm{Al}}_{n}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ $(12l~nl~15),$ at various temperature regimes, were studied using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations and experimentally. The calculated PES spectra, obtained via shifting of the simulated electronic densities of states by the self-consistently determined values of the asymptotic exchange-correlation potential, agree well with the measured ones, allowing reliable structural assignments and theoretical estimation of the clusters' temperatures.

Evolution of resource allocation between growth and reproduction in animals with indeterminate growth

Abstract: We review the recent theoretical developments explaining the evolution of age-schedules of reproduction in animals with indeterminate growth. Indeterminate growth, i.e. growth that continues past maturation and may continue until the end of life, is characteristic for a large number of invertebrate taxa (e.g. clams, cladocerans and crayfish) and ‘lower’ vertebrate taxa (e.g. fish, amphibians, lizards and snakes). Many plants also exhibit indeterminate growth, and we liberally include studies focused on plants when they can be interpreted in terms of animal life histories. We focus on different measures used to determine the fittest life histories, on indeterminate growth as a problem of resource allocation and on the effects of environment to the evolution of the resource allocation schemes.

Genetic Diversity, Population Size, and Fitness in Central and Peripheral Populations of a Rare Plant Lychnis viscaria

Abstract: Genetic diversity is expected to decrease in small and isolated populations as a consequence of bottlenecks, founder effects, inbreeding, and genetic drift. The genetics and ecology of the rare perennial plant Lychnis viscaria (Caryophyllaceae) were studied in both peripheral and central populations within its distribution area. We aimed to investigate the overall level of genetic diversity, its spatial distribution, and possible differences between peripheral and central populations by examining several populations with electrophoresis. Our results showed that the level of genetic diversity varied substantially among populations ( Hexp = 0.000–0.116) and that the total level of genetic diversity (mean Hexp = 0.056) was low compared to that of other species with similar life-history attributes. The peripheral populations of L. viscaria had less genetic variation (mean Hexp = 0.034) than the central ones (0.114). Analysis of genetic structure suggested limited gene flow (mean FST = 0.430) and high differentiation among populations, emphasizing the role of genetic drift ( Nem = 0.33). Isolation was even higher than expected based on the physical distance among populations. We also focused on the association between population size and genetic diversity and possible effects on fitness of these factors. Population size was positively correlated with genetic diversity. Population size and genetic diversity, however, were not associated with fitness components such as germination rate, seedling mass, or seed yield. There were no differences in the measured fitness components between peripheral and central populations. Even though small and peripheral populations had lower levels of genetic variation, they were as viable as larger populations, which emphasizes their potential value for conservation. Resumen: Se espera que la diversidad genetica disminuya en poblaciones pequenas y aisladas como consecuencia de cuellos de botella, efecto fundador, intracruza y deriva genica. La genetica y ecologia de la planta perenne rara Lychnis viscaria (Caryophyllaceae) fueron estudiadas tanto en poblaciones perifericas como centrales dentro de su area de distribucion. Investigamos el nivel total de diversidad genetica, su distribucion espacial y posibles diferencias entre poblaciones. Nuestros resultados muestran que el nivel de diversidad genetica varia sustancialmente entre poblaciones ( Hexp = 0.000–0.116) y que el nivel de diversidad genetica total (media Hexp = 0.056) fue bajo comparado con otras especies con atributos en la historia de vida similares. Las poblaciones perifericas de L. viscaria tienen una variacion genetica menor (media Hexp = 0.034) que las centrales (0.114). El analisis de la estructura genetica sugiere un flujo genetico limitado (media FST = 0.430) y alta diferenciacion entre poblaciones, haciendo enfasis en el papel de la deriva Genica ( Nem = 0.33). El aislamiento fue aun mayor que el esperado en base a la distancia fisica entre poblaciones. Adicionalmente, nos enfocamos en la asociacion entre tamano poblacional y diversidad genetica y los posibles efectos de estos factores sobre la condicion de las poblaciones. El tamano poblacional estuvo positivamente correlacionado con la diversidad genetica. Sin embargo, el tamano poblacional y la diversidad genetica no estuvieron asociados con componentes de la condicion, tales como la tasa de germinacion, la masa de germinados, o la produccion de semillas. No existieron diferencias en los componentes de la condicion entre poblaciones perifericas y centrales. A pesar de que las poblaciones pequenas y perifericas tuvieron un nivel de variacion genetica bajo, estas fueron tan viables como las poblaciones grandes, lo cual enfatiza su potencial valor para la conservacion.

The ∞-Eigenvalue Problem

Abstract: . The Euler‐Lagrange equation of the nonlinear Rayleigh quotient \( \left(\int_{\Omega}| abla u|^{p}\,dx\right) \bigg/ \left(\int_{\Omega}|u|^{p}\,dx\right)\) is \( -\div\left( | abla u|^{p-2} abla u \right)= \Lambda_{p}^{p} |u |^{p-2}u,\) where \(\Lambda_{p}^{p}\) is the minimum value of the quotient. The limit as \(p\to\infty\) of these equations is found to be \(\max \left\{ \Lambda_{\infty}-\frac{| abla u(x)|}{u(x)},\ \ \Delta_{\infty}u(x)\right\}=0,\) where the constant \(\Lambda_{\infty}=\lim_{p\to\infty}\Lambda_{p}\) is the reciprocal of the maximum of the distance to the boundary of the domain Ω.

Cortical responses of infants with and without a genetic risk for dyslexia: I. Age effects.

Abstract: Infants born to families with a background of developmental dyslexia have an increased risk of becoming dyslexic. In our previous study no major group or stimulus effects in the event-related potentials (ERPs) of at-risk and control infants were found until the age of 6 months. However, in the current study, when we made the stimulus presentation rate slower, the ERPs to the short deviant /ka/ were different from those to the long standard /kaa/ stimulus already in newborns. In addition, clear group differences in the ERPs were found. The results demonstrate that infants born with a high familial risk for dyslexia process speech/auditory stimulus durations differently from control infants at birth.

Reduced reflex sensitivity persists several days after long-lasting stretch-shortening cycle exercise.

Abstract: The mechanisms related to the acute and delayed secondary impairment of the stretch reflex function were investigated after long-lasting stretch-shortening cycle exercise. The results demonstrated ...

Integrin α2β1 Mediates Isoform-Specific Activation of p38 and Upregulation of Collagen Gene Transcription by a Mechanism Involving the α2 Cytoplasmic Tail

Abstract: Two collagen receptors, integrins α1β1 and α2β1, can regulate distinct functions in cells. Ligation of α1β1, unlike α2β1, has been shown to result in recruitment of Shc and activation of the Ras/ERK pathway. To identify the downstream signaling molecules activated by α2β1 integrin, we have overexpressed wild-type α2, or chimeric α2 subunit with α1 integrin cytoplasmic domain in human osteosarcoma cells (Saos-2) lacking endogenous α2β1. The chimeric α2/α1 chain formed a functional heterodimer with β1. In contrast to α2/α1 chimera, forced expression of α2 integrin resulted in upregulation of α1 (I) collagen gene transcription in response to three-dimensional collagen, indicating that the cytoplasmic domain of α2 integrin was required for signaling. Furthermore, signals mediated by α2β1 integrin specifically activated the p38α isoform, and selective p38 inhibitors blocked upregulation of collagen gene transcription. Dominant negative mutants of Cdc42, MKK3, and MKK4 prevented α2β1 integrin–mediated activation of p38α. RhoA had also some inhibitory effect, whereas dominant negative Rac was not effective. Our findings show the isoform-specific activation of p38 by α2β1 integrin ligation and identify Cdc42, MKK3, and MKK4 as possible downstream effectors. These observations reveal a novel signaling mechanism of α2β1 integrin that is distinct from ones previously described for other integrins.

Influence of exercise training on physiological and performance changes with weight loss in men

Abstract: Influence of exercise training on physiological and performance changes with weight loss in men. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 31, No. 9, pp. 1320-1329, 1999.Purpose:The purpose of this study was to examine the physiological effects of a weight-loss dietary regimen with or without exercise.M

Can aposematic signals evolve by gradual change

Abstract: Aposematic species, which signal conspicuously of their unprofitability to predators, have puzzled evolutionary biologists for over a century1,2. Although conspicuousness of unpalatable prey improves avoidance learning by predators3,4,5, it also involves an evolutionary paradox: with increasing detectability4,6,7,8 the deviant aposematic prey would suffer high predation initially from naive predators. Here we test a neglected idea7,8,9,10,11 that aposematic coloration may evolve by gradual change rather than by major mutations. Weak signals did not suffer high initial predation, but predators (great tits, Parus major) did not learn to separate them from cryptic palatable prey. Furthermore, enhanced avoidance of more conspicuous signals occurred only if predators had previously encountered relatively strong signals. Thus, the gradual-change hypothesis does not provide an easy solution to the initial evolution of aposematism through predator learning. However, the possibility remains that cost-free step-wise mutations over the range of weak signals could accumulate under neutral selection to produce effective strong signals.

Methane production and oxidation potentials in relation to water table fluctuations in two boreal mires

Abstract: We studied the response of methane production and oxidation potentials in a minerotrophic and an ombrotrophic mire to water table fluctuations. In profiles where water table had not varied, the water-saturated layers showed significant potentials while the unsaturated layers did not. The production potentials in the saturated layers below water level ranged from 0.1 to 2.4 m gC H4 h ˇ1 (g d.w.) ˇ 1 and oxidation potentials (first order reaction rate constants) betweenˇ0.010 andˇ0.120 h ˇ1 (g d.w.) ˇ 1 . In profiles with constant water level, the maximal production potential occurred 20 cm and maximal oxidation potential 10 cm below water level. When water table varied only a little, production potentials slightly increased towards the autumn. After a water level draw-down, in the profiles from the dry microsites, production and oxidation potentials were detected in layers that had been unsaturated up to 6 weeks. The maximal oxidation zone was shifted downwards during low water periods. In a wet microsite, a 2 week period of unsaturation eliminated the production potentials and decreased the oxidation potentials. After a rise in the water level, the potentials were reactivated more rapidly in the wet than in the dry microsites. # 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effects of job stressors on marital satisfaction in Finnish dual-earner couples

Abstract: The focus on the present study was to test a mediational model appropriate for explaining the effects of psychosocial job stressors, i.e., job insecurity, job autonomy, time pressures at work, leadership relations and work–family conflict, on marital satisfaction via job exhaustion and psychosomatic health. The study was carried out among 215 married or cohabiting dual-earner couples. The proposed model was tested through structural equation analysis (LISREL). The results indicated that the job stressors, except for job autonomy, spilled over into marital satisfaction via job exhaustion and psychosomatic health for both men and women. However, no empirical support was found for the crossover of job stressors between partners, signifying that job stressors experienced by one partner did not influence the marital well-being of the other. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effect of exhausting stretch-shortening cycle exercise on the time course of mechanical behaviour in the drop jump: possible role of muscle damage.

Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of stretch-shortening-cycle-induced muscle damage on the time course of mechanical behaviour in the drop jump. Ten healthy male subjects performed submaximal stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) exercise on a special sledge apparatus. Exhaustion occurred on average within 3 min. A drop jump (DJ) test from a 50-cm height was performed before and immediately after the sledge exercise as well as 2 h, 2 days and 4 days later. The fatigue exercise showed relatively high blood lactate concentration [12.5 (SD 2.6) mmol · 1−1] and an increase of serum creatine kinase (CK) activity delayed by 2 days [540 (SD 407) U · 1−1]. The initial decline in the jump performance (before – immediately after) was related negatively to the early recovery in performance (immediately after – 2 h) (P < 0.05). The early recovery of the knee joint moment at the end of stretch showed a negative correlation to the delayed decrease in DJ performance (2 h – 2 days) (P < 0.01). Thus, the DJ performance showed an initial decline followed by an early recovery and a secondary decline. Both the initial decline and early recovery in the knee joint moment at the end of stretch were related to the corresponding initial (after – 2 h) (P < 0.05) and secondary increases (2 h – 2 days) (P < 0.01) in CK. It is suggested that the early recovery as well as the initial decline in the knee joint function could depend on the degree of muscle damage. Delayed decrease in initial stiffness (2 h – 2 days) was negatively related to the corresponding changes in the knee joint angle at touch down in DJ (P < 0.001). These interactions would imply that the decrease in the stiffness regulation and the modulation of the prelanding motor control might be attributable to secondary muscle damage during 2 days after the SSC exercise. Therefore, it may be suggested that the changes in the DJ performance after the exhausting SSC exercise accompany the progress of muscle damage observed by the corresponding increase in serum CK concentration and the corresponding deterioration of stiffness regulation and motor control in DJ.

Multidisciplinary shape optimization in aerodynamics and electromagnetics using genetic algorithms

Abstract: SUMMARY A multiobjective multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) of two-dimensional airfoil is presented. In this paper, an approximation for the Pareto set of optimal solutions is obtained by using a genetic algorithm (GA). The first objective function is the drag coefficient. As a constraint it is required that the lift coefficient is above a given value. The CFD analysis solver is based on the finite volume discretization of the inviscid Euler equations. The second objective function is equivalent to the integral of the transverse magnetic radar cross section (RCS) over a given sector. The computational electromagnetics (CEM) wave field analysis requires the solution of a two-dimensional Helmholtz equation which is obtained using a fictitious domain method. Numerical experiments illustrate the above evolutionary methodology on an IBM SP2 parallel computer. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Gender differences in skeletal muscle fibre damage after eccentrically biased downhill running in rats.

Abstract: Specific antibodies against structural proteins of muscle fibres (actin, desmin, dystrophin) and extracellular matrix (fibronectin) were used to study the effect of eccentrically biased downhill running exercise (13,5 degrees, 17 m min(-1), 130 min) on the magnitude and properties of myofibre injury in the quadriceps femoris muscle of male and female rats. Muscle beta-glucuronidase activity, a quantitative indicator of muscle damage, showed clearly smaller increase in female than in male rats during the 4-day period following exercise. A similar course of histopathological changes was observed in both sexes, although females showed slower and less marked changes than males. In males, discontinuous or even lost submembrane protein dystrophin staining was observed in some swollen fibres immediately after exercise, before the loss of desmin and staining of disorganized actin, i.e. before the disruption of the cytoskeletal system and the contractile apparatus. The observation that no dramatic changes in the microarchitecture of the muscle fibres were detected immediately or even 6 h after the exercise in females compared with males may indicate that the sarcolemma of the females might be strengthened against membrane damage by a still unknown stabilizing compound.

Leucine supplementation and intensive training.

Abstract: Leucine, isoleucine and valine, the branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), make up about one-third of muscle protein. Of these, leucine has been the most thoroughly investigated because its oxidation rate is higher than that of isoleucine or valine. Leucine also stimulates protein synthesis in muscle and is closely associated with the release of gluconeogenic precursors, such as alanine, from muscle. Significant decreases in plasma or serum levels of leucine occur following aerobic (11 to 33%), anaerobic lactic (5 to 8%) and strength exercise (30%) sessions. In skeletal muscle, there is a decrease in leucine level and a reduction in glycogen stores during exhaustive aerobic exercise. Basal fasting serum leucine levels decrease by 20% during 5 weeks of speed and strength training in power-trained athletes on a daily protein intake of 1.26 g/kg bodyweight. The leucine content of protein is assumed to vary between 5 and 10%. There are suggestions that the current recommended dietary intake of leucine be increased from 14 mg/kg bodyweight/day to a minimum of 45 mg/kg bodyweight/day for sedentary individuals, and more for those participating in intensive training in order to optimise rates of whole body protein synthesis. Consumption of BCAA (30 to 35% leucine) before or during endurance exercise may prevent or decrease the net rate of protein degradation, may improve both mental and physical performance and may have a sparing effect on muscle glycogen degradation and depletion of muscle glycogen stores. However, leucine supplementation (200 mg/kg bodyweight) 50 minutes before anaerobic running exercise had no effect on performance. During 5 weeks of strength and speed training, leucine supplementation of 50 mg/kg bodyweight/day, supplementary to a daily protein intake of 1.26 g/kg bodyweight/day, appeared to prevent the decrease in the serum leucine levels in power-trained athletes. According to 1 study, dietary supplementation of the leucine metabolite beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) 3 g/day to humans undertaking intensive resistance training exercise resulted in an increased deposition of fat-free mass and an accompanying increase in strength. Muscle proteolysis was also decreased with HMB, accompanied by lower plasma levels of enzymes indicating muscle damage and an average 50% decrease in plasma essential amino acid levels. Furthermore, BCAA supplementation (76% leucine) in combination with moderate energy restriction has been shown to induce significant and preferential losses of visceral adipose tissue and to allow maintenance of a high level of performance. Caution must be paid when interpreting the limited number of studies in this area since, in many studies, leucine has been supplemented as part of a mixture of BCAA. Consequently, further research into the effects of leucine supplementation alone is needed.

On functions with derivatives in a Lorentz space

Abstract: We establish a sharp integrability condition on the partial derivatives of a Sobolev mapping to guarantee that sets of measure zero get mapped to sets of measure zero. This condition is sharp also for continuity and differentiability almost everywhere.