James Cotter

The Late Wisconsinan glacial chronostratigraphy of eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey has been based mainly on minimum ages obtained from the base of organic-rich sediment and basalt sediment ("bog-bottom') radiocarbon dates. Five new radiocarbon-dated pollen profiles are compared with numerous others in the region to document several reasons for non-representative minimum dates or the erroneous interpretation of dates used in the development of glacial stratigraphies. These errors occur because: 1) there is no stratigraphic; control on the dates which are obtained; 2) lag times occur between deglaciation and lake formation, and between deglaciation and organic-sediment deposition; or 3) contamination by younger carbon can occur. Although these are not the only problems associated with minimum date glacial chronologies, these problems can commonly be recognized and possibly avoided with the use of pollen analysis. Carefully assessed minimum dates can be used to dev...

Following exercise a reduction in mean arterial pressure (MAP) is often experienced and is referred to as post-exercise hypotension (PEH). Whilst syncope is more likely following exercise, it is unknown whether orthostatic tolerance is impacted by any exercise-intensity mediated effect on PEH. We examined the effect of exercise intensity on time to presyncope, induced via combined head-up tilt and lower body negative pressure following one-hour cycling at 30 and 70% of heart rate range (HRR). Healthy participants (n = 8, mean±SD: 28 ± 5 y) completed orthostatic testing to presyncope before and following exercise. Beat-to-beat middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (MCAv), MAP and cerebral oxygenation (NIRS) were recorded continuously throughout orthostatic testing. During exercise, heart rates were 95 ± 6 and 147 ± 5 b∙min(-1) for 30% and 70% HRR, respectively, with average power outputs 103 ± 22 and 221 ± 45 watts, respectively. Time to presyncope occurred 32% faster following the 70% HRR trial (952 ± 484 s vs. 1418 ± 435 s, p = 0.004). Both before and following exercise, presyncope occurred at the same reduction in MCAv (grouped mean -30 ± 11 cm∙s(-1) ), MAP (-18 ± 13 mm Hg), total oxygenation index (-6 ± 2%) and partial pressure of end tidal CO2 (PET CO2 , -16 ± 8 mm Hg, all P > 0.1). At presyncope following exercise the MCAv response was related more to the change in PET CO2 from the baseline preceding orthostatic testing (R(2) = 0.50, P = 0.01) than to the hypotension (R(2) = 0.12, P = 0.17). Presyncope both before and following exercise occurred as a result of the same physiological perturbations, albeit greatly accelerated following more intense exercise. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Exercise is a uniquely effective and pluripotent medicine against several noncommunicable diseases of westernised lifestyles, including protection against neurodegenerative disorders. High-intensity interval exercise training (HIT) is emerging as an effective alternative to current health-related exercise guidelines. Compared with traditional moderate-intensity continuous exercise training, HIT confers equivalent if not indeed superior metabolic, cardiac, and systemic vascular adaptation. Consequently, HIT is being promoted as a more time-efficient and practical approach to optimize health thereby reducing the burden of disease associated with physical inactivity. However, no studies to date have examined the impact of HIT on the cerebrovasculature and corresponding implications for cognitive function. This review critiques the implications of HIT for cerebrovascular function, with a focus on the mechanisms and translational impact for patient health and well-being. It also introduces similarly novel interventions currently under investigation as alternative means of accelerating exercise-induced cerebrovascular adaptation. We highlight a need for studies of the mechanisms and thereby also the optimal dose-response strategies to guide exercise prescription, and for studies to explore alternative approaches to optimize exercise outcomes in brain-related health and disease prevention. From a clinical perspective, interventions that selectively target the aging brain have the potential to prevent stroke and associated neurovascular diseases.Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism advance online publication, 1 April 2015; doi:10.1038/jcbfm.2015.49.

Hypothermia occurs within domestic and non-residential settings. Most epidemiological data originate from the northern hemisphere, with little data being generally available concerning cases from New Zealand and Australia. The National Health Statistics Centre (New Zealand) records hospital discharges and deaths. This study isolated hypothermia cases, to quantify its incidence and identify risk groups. The morbidity and mortality files for the years 1979-86 (cases = 3,808,717) and 1977-86 (cases = 259,325; respectively) were searched by three investigators. Hypothermia hospitalisations were identified (6.9 per 100,000 per year). There were 176 deaths from hypothermia, representing 0.07% of the 259,325 deaths from all causes for the same period (0.537 per 100,000 people per year); of these fatalities, 72.2% were classified as domestic, and 27.8% as non-residential; of the domestic fatalities, 86.6% were 65 + years and 35.5% of these were male. Within the non-residential category, 75....

ABSTRACT Using light from B.L. 9.3.1 at the Advanced Light Source (ALS), the relaxation dynamics of CH_3Cl were studied. A space-focused time-of-flight mass spectrometer was used to take multi-ion coincidence measurements following the excitation in the neighborhood of Cl K-shell threshold (approximately 2.8 keV). Analysis of the data gives insight into the fragmentation mechanisims, and shows preferential fragmentation localized around the initially excited site.

Short-term, high-altitude (HA) exposure raises pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and decreases left-ventricular (LV) volumes. However, relatively little is known of the long-term cardiac consequences of prolonged exposure in Sherpa, a highly adapted HA population. To investigate short-term adaptation and potential long-term cardiac remodeling, we studied ventricular structure and function in Sherpa at 5,050 m (n = 11; 31 ± 13 yr; mass 68 ± 10 kg; height 169 ± 6 cm) and lowlanders at sea level (SL) and following 10 ± 3 days at 5,050 m (n = 9; 34 ± 7 yr; mass 82 ± 10 kg; height 177 ± 6 cm) using conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiography. At HA, PASP was higher in Sherpa and lowlanders compared with lowlanders at SL (both P < 0.05). Sherpa had smaller right-ventricular (RV) and LV stroke volumes than lowlanders at SL with lower RV systolic strain (P < 0.05) but similar LV systolic mechanics. In contrast to LV systolic mechanics, LV diastolic, untwisting velocity ...

We investigated the reliability of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in assessing calf muscle microvascular perfusion in health and disease. Response to a post-occlusive reactive hyperaemia test was repeated on two occasions >48 h apart in healthy young (28 ± 7 y) and elderly controls (70 ± 5 y), and in peripheral arterial disease patients (PAD, 69 ± 7 y; n = 10, 9 and 8 respectively). Overall, within-individual reliability was poor (coefficient of variation [CV] range: 15-87%); the most reliable parameter was time to peak (TTP, 15-48% CV). Nevertheless, TTP was twice as long in elderly controls and PAD compared to young (19.3 ± 10.4 and 22.0 ± 8.6 vs. 8.9 ± 6.2 s respectively; p < 0.01), and area under the curve for contrast intensity post-occlusion (a reflection of blood volume) was ∼50% lower in elderly controls (p < 0.01 versus PAD and young). Thus, CEUS assessment of muscle perfusion during reactive hyperaemia demonstrated poor reliability, yet still distinguished differences between PAD patients, elderly and young controls.

We examined the initial physiological responses and subsequent capacity to swim following cold-water immersion. An ecologically-valid model was used whereby immersion was sudden (<2s) and participants had to actively remain afloat. Participants (15 skilled swimmers, 17 less-skilled swimmers) undertook four experimental test sessions: a physiological test and a swimming test in both cold (10°C) water and temperate (27°C) water in a swimming flume (temperature order counter-balanced). For physiological testing, measures of brain perfusion [flow velocity (MCAv, Doppler) and oxygenation (NIRS)] and cardiorespiratory function [ventilation parameters and end-tidal PCO2 (PETCO2)] were recorded whilst treading water for 150s. The swimming test involved treading water (150s) before swimming at 60% (up to 120s) and 90% (to intolerance) of pre-determined maximum velocity. Multifactorial analysis revealed that swimming duration was influenced most heavily by water temperature, followed by respiratory variables and MCAv in the first 30s of immersion. The time course and severity of cold shock were similar in both groups (p=0.99), in terms of initial physiological changes (MCAv down ~20 ± 11%, respiratory frequency increased to 58 ± 18 breaths·min(-1), PETCO2 dropped to 12 ± 9 mmHg). Treading water following cold-water immersion increased MCAv by 30% above resting values despite maintained cold-shock-induced hyperventilation. In comparison to temperate water, swimming capacity was also reduced similarly between groups in the cold (i.e., distance decreased by 34 ± 26% skilled; 41 ± 33% less-skilled, p=0.99). These integrative findings verify that sudden cold-water immersion followed by physical activity leads to similar physiological responses in humans when contrasting between skilled and less-skilled swimmers.

Healthy young adults are presumed to be in their cognitive prime, yet emerging evidence indicates that regular engagement in physical activity can still benefit their cognitive functioning. The mechanisms supporting these exercise-related cognitive benefits remain unclear, but recent research points to cerebral blood-flow (CBF) regulation as potentially important. The current study investigated the possibility that efficacy of CBF regulation underpins exercise-cognition links in this high functioning population. In 55 healthy young adults, cognitive control performance (inhibition and switching) was examined in relation to habitual physical activity, aerobic fitness, and CBF regulation (evidenced by blood-flow responsiveness to increases and decreases in carbon dioxide: hypercapnic reactivity, n = 43, and hypocapnic reactivity, n = 42). Multiple regression analyses revealed that more frequent physical activity, and to some extent better aerobic fitness, predicted both better CBF regulation and better cognitive inhibitory control. CBF regulation also predicted better cognitive inhibitory control. Moreover, mediation analyses indicated that more frequent participation in physical activity may bring about improvements in cognitive inhibitory control through improved CBF regulation. These results provide novel insight into the cognitive and cerebrovascular benefits that may be gained with regular engagement in physical activity, even in a high-functioning population. Moreover, they point to better CBF regulation as a specific mechanism that may drive physical activity-related cognitive benefits, which converges with recent data in older women (Brown et al., 2010).

The Valsalva maneuver (VM) produces large and abrupt increases in mean arterial pressure (MAP) at the onset of strain (Phase I), however, hypotension, sufficient to induce syncope, occurs upon VM release (phase III). We examined the effect of VM intensity and duration on middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv) responses. Healthy men (n =10; mean ± SD: 26 ± 4 years) completed 30%, 60%, and 90% of their maximal VM mouth pressure, for 5 and 10 sec (order randomized) while standing. Beat-to-beat MCAv and MAP during phase I (peak), at nadir (phase III), and recovery are reported as the change from standing baseline. During phase I, MCAv rose 15 ± 6 cm·s(-1) (P <0.001), which was not reliably different between intensities (P =0.11), despite graded increases in MAP (P <0.001; e.g., +12 ± 9 mmHg vs. +35 ± 14 for 5 sec 30% and 90% VM, respectively). During Phase III, the MCAv response was duration- (P = 0.045) and intensity dependent (P < 0.001), with the largest decrease observed following the 90% VM (e.g., -19 ± 13 and -15 ± 11 cm·s(-1) for 5 and 10 sec VM, respectively) with a concomitant decrease in MAP (P <0.001, -23 ± 11 and -23 ± 9 mmHg). This asymmetric response may be attributable to the differential modulators of MCAv throughout the VM. The mechanical effects of the elevated intrathoracic pressure during phase I may restrain increases in cerebral perfusion via related increases in intracranial pressure; however, during phase III the decrease in MCAv arises from an abrupt hypotension, the extent of which is dependent upon both the duration and intensity of the VM.

The Valsalva maneuver (VM) produces large and abrupt changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) that challenge cerebral blood flow and oxygenation. We examined the effect of VM intensity on middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv) and cortical oxygenation responses during (phases I-III) and following (phase IV) a VM. Healthy participants (n = 20 mean ± SD: 27 ± 7 years) completed 30 and 90% of their maximal VM mouth pressure for 10 s (order randomized) whilst standing. Beat-to-beat MCAv, cerebral oxygenation (NIRS) and MAP across the different phases of the VM are reported as the difference from standing baseline. There were significant interaction (phase (*) intensity) effects for MCAv, total oxygenation index (TOI) and MAP (all P < 0.01). MCAv decreased during phases II and III (P < 0.01), with the greatest decrease during phase III (-5 ± 8 and -19 ± 15 cm·s(-1) for 30 and 90% VM, respectively). This pattern was also evident in TOI (phase III: -1 ± 1 and -5 ± 4%, both P < 0.05). Phase IV increased MCAv (22 ± 15 and 34 ± 23 cm·s(-1)), MAP (15 ± 14 and 24 ± 17 mm Hg) and TOI (5 ± 6 and 7 ± 5%) relative to baseline (all P < 0.05). Cerebral autoregulation, indexed, as the %MCAv/%MAP ratio, showed a phase effect only (P < 0.001), with the least regulation during phase IV (2.4 ± 3.0 and 3.2 ± 2.9). These data illustrate that an intense VM profoundly affects cerebral hemodynamics, with a reactive hyperemia occurring during phase IV following modest ischemia during phases II and III.

Dehydration is typical during prolonged exercise. Because training stimulates numerous adaptations, some involving fluid regulation, it is conceivable that training involves adaptations to dehydration. This study tested the hypothesis that trained individuals have altered fluid regulatory, but not behavioural or perceptual responses to exercise when hypohydrated. Six trained (V.O2 peak: 65+/-8 mL kg(-1) min(-1)) and six untrained (V.O2 peak: 45+/-4 mL kg(-1) min(-1)) males cycled for 40 min at 70%V.O2 peak, once whilst euhydrated (EUH) and once whilst hypohydrated by ~2% body mass (HYPO), before a 40-min performance trial with euhydration (in EUH) or ad libitum drinking (in HYPO), in temperate conditions (24.3 degrees C, 50% rh). Baseline hydration was achieved by complete or partial rehydration from exercise+heat stress on the previous evening. Body mass was reduced (-1.8+/-0.1%) and plasma osmolality was increased (5+/-1 mosmol kg(-1)) similarly between fitness groups in HYPO compared to EUH (P<0.05). During exercise, plasma [AVP] rose more in HYPO than EUH; the elevation was greater in the Untrained (4.1+/-1.7 vs. 2.0+/-0.8 pmol L(-1), P<0.01) than Trained (1.4+/-0.6 vs. 1.1+/-0.5 pmol L(-1), P<0.01; P=0.02). Increases in plasma [AVP] relative to osmolality were higher in Untrained than Trained (0.47+/-0.06 vs. 0.025+/-0.05 pmol mosmol(-1), P=0.03). Fitness groups had equivalent thirst ratings during fixed exercise but Trained were thirstier than Untrained when self regulating in HYPO (4.0+/-1.5 vs. 2.7+/-1.2; P=0.05); thus Trained tended to consume more fluid (1.20+/-0.16 vs. 0.88+/-0.16 L; P=0.19), but maintained similar hypohydration consistent with their greater sweat rate during HYPO. In conclusion, aerobic fitness attenuates the neuroendocrine ([AVP]) response to hypohydrated exercise, but not perceptual (thirst) or behavioural (ad libitum drinking) responses.

Although the effects of ageing on cardiovascular control and particularly the response to orthostatic stress have been the subject of many studies, the interaction between the cardiovascular and cerebral regulation mechanisms is still not fully understood. Wavelet cross-correlation is used here to assess the coupling and synchronization between low-frequency oscillations (LFOs) observed in cerebral hemodynamics, as measured using cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) and cerebral oxygenation (O2Hb), and systemic cardiovascular dynamics, as measured using heart rate (HR) and arterial blood pressure (ABP), in both old and young healthy subjects undergoing head-up tilt table testing. Statistically significant increases in correlation values are found in the interaction of cerebral and cardiovascular LFOs for young subjects (P<0.01 for HR-ABP, P<0.001 for HR-O2Hb and ABP-O2Hb), but not in old subjects under orthostatic stress. The coupling between the cerebrovascular and wider cardiovascular systems in response to orthostatic stress thus appears to be impaired with ageing.

The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude and pattern of intensity, and physiological strain, of competitive exercise performed across several days, as in adventure racing. Data were obtained from three teams of four athletes (7 males, 5 females; mean age 36 years, s = 11; cycling .VO(2 peak) 53.9 ml . kg(-1) . min(-1), s = 6.3) in an international race (2003 Southern Traverse; 96 - 116 h). Heart rates (HR) averaged 64% (95% confidence interval: +/- 4%) of heart rate range [%HRR = (HR - HR(min))/(HR(max) - HR(min)) x 100] during the first 12 h of racing, fell to 41% (+/-4%) by 24 h, and remained so thereafter. The level and pattern of heart rate were similar across teams, despite one leading and one trailing all other teams. Core temperature remained between 36.0 and 39.2 degrees C despite widely varying thermal stress. Venous samples, obtained before, during, and after the race, revealed increased neutrophil, monocyte and lymphocyte concentrations (P < 0.01), and increased plasma volume (25 +/- 10%; P < 0.01) with a stable sodium concentration. Standardized exercise tests, performed pre and post race, showed little change in the heart rate-work rate relationship (P = 0.53), but a higher perception of effort post race (P < 0.01). These results provide the first comprehensive report of physiological strain associated with adventure racing.

The physiological adaptations to sauna bathing could enhance endurance performance. We have therefore performed a cross-over study in which six male distance runners completed 3 wk of post-training sauna bathing and 3 wk of control training, with a 3 wk washout. During the sauna period, subjects sat in a humid sauna at 89.9+/-2.0 degrees C (mean+/-standard deviation) immediately post-exercise for 31+/-5 min on 12.7+/-2.1 occasions. The performance test was a approximately 15 min treadmill run to exhaustion at the runner's current best speed over 5 km. The test was performed on the 1st and 2nd day following completion of the sauna and control periods, and the times were averaged. Plasma, red-cell and total blood volume were measured via Evans blue dye dilution immediately prior to the first run to exhaustion for each period. Relative to control, sauna bathing increased run time to exhaustion by 32% (90% confidence limits 21-43%), which is equivalent to an enhancement of approximately 1.9% (1.3-2.4%) in an endurance time trial. Plasma and red-cell volumes increased by 7.1% (5.6-8.7%) and 3.5% (-0.8% to 8.1%) respectively, after sauna relative to control. Change in performance had high correlations with change in plasma volume (0.96, 0.76-0.99) and total blood volume (0.94, 0.66-0.99), but the correlation with change in red cell volume was unclear (0.48, -0.40 to 0.90). We conclude that 3 wk of post-exercise sauna bathing produced a worthwhile enhancement of endurance running performance, probably by increasing blood volume.

... Evidence of Concern for All Stakeholders," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 86(1), pages 65-79, April. [Downloadable!] (restricted); Hubert Ooghe & Veerle De Vuyst, 2001. "The Anglo-Saxon versus the Continental European Corporate Governance Model: Empirical ...