Northumbria University

About: Northumbria University is a education organization based out in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Context (language use) & Population. The organization has 5624 authors who have published 17423 publications receiving 381949 citations. The organization is also known as: University of Northumbria at Newcastle.

Southern Ocean warming and Wilkes Land ice sheet retreat during the mid-Miocene

Abstract: Observations and model experiments highlight the importance of ocean heat in forcing ice sheet retreat during the present and geological past, but past ocean temperature data are virtually missing in ice sheet proximal locations. Here we document paleoceanographic conditions and the (in)stability of the Wilkes Land subglacial basin (East Antarctica) during the mid-Miocene (~17-13.4 million years ago) by studying sediment cores from offshore Adelie Coast. Inland retreat of the ice sheet, temperate vegetation, and warm oligotrophic waters characterise the mid-Miocene Climatic Optimum (MCO; 17-14.8 Ma). After the MCO, expansion of a marine-based ice sheet occurs, but remains sensitive to melting upon episodic warm water incursions. Our results suggest that the mid-Miocene latitudinal temperature gradient across the Southern Ocean never resembled that of the present day. We demonstrate that a strong coupling of oceanic climate and Antarctic continental conditions existed and that the East Antarctic subglacial basins were highly sensitive to ocean warming.

Interfacial structures and mechanical properties of PVC composites reinforced by CaCO3 with different particle sizes and surface treatments

Abstract: The effects of particle size and surface treatment of CaCO3 particles on the microstructure and mechanical properties of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) composites filled with CaCO3 particles via a melt blending method were studied by SEM, an AG-2000 universal material testing machine and an XJU-2.75 Izod impact strength machine. The tensile and impact strengths of CaCO3/PVC greatly increased with decreasing CaCO3 particle size, which was attributed to increased interfacial contact area and enhanced interfacial adhesion between CaCO3 particles and PVC matrix. Titanate-treated nano-CaCO3/PVC composites had superior tensile and impact strengths to untreated or sodium-stearate-treated CaCO3/PVC composites. The impact strength of titanate-treated nano-CaCO3/PVC composites was 26.3 ± 1.1 kJ m−2, more than three times that of pure PVC materials. The interfacial adhesion between CaCO3 particles and PVC matrix was characterized by the interfacial interaction parameter B and the debonding angle θ, both of which were calculated from the tensile strength of CaCO3/PVC composites. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry

Anticipatory pacing strategies during supramaximal exercise lasting longer than 30 s.

Abstract: Purpose: This study assessed whether pacing strategies are adopted during supramaximal exercise bouts lasting longer than 30 s. Methods: Eight healthy males performed six Wingate anaerobic tests (WAnT). Subjects were informed that they were performing four 30-s WAnT, a 33-s, and a 36-s WAnT. However, they actually completed two trials of 30, 33, and 36 s each. Temporal feedback in the deception trials was manipulated so that subjects were unaware of the time discrepancy. Power output was determined from the angular displacement of the flywheel. The peak power (PPI), mean power (MPI), and fatigue (FI) indices were calculated for each trial. Results: Power output was similar for all trials up to 30 s. However, at 36 s, the power output was significantly lower in the 36-s deception trial compared with the 36-s informed trial (392 ± 32 W vs 470 ± 88 W) (P < 0.001). The MPI was significantly lower in the 36-s trials (714 ± 76 W and 713 ± 78 W) compared with the 30-s trials (745 ± 65 W and 764 ± 82 W) although they were not different at 30 s (764 ± 83 W and 755 ± 79 W). The significant reduction in FI was greatest in the 36-s deception trial. Conclusions: The significant reduction in power output in the last 6 s of the 36-s deception trial, but not in the 36-s informed trial, indicates the presence of a preprogrammed 30-s end point based on the anticipated exercise duration from previous experience. The similarity in pacing strategy suggests that the pacing strategy is centrally regulated.

Epigallocatechin gallate, cerebral blood flow parameters, cognitive performance and mood in healthy humans: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover investigation.

Abstract: Objective The aim of the study was to assess the effects of oral ingestion of the ‘green tea’ polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on cognitive performance, mood and localised cerebral blood flow (CBF) parameters in healthy human adults. Method In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, 27 healthy adults received placebo and two doses (135 and 270 mg) of EGCG in counterbalanced order on separate days. Following a 45-min resting absorption period, participants performed a selection of computerised cognitive tasks that activate the frontal cortex for a further 42 min. CBF and haemodynamics, as indexed by concentration changes in oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin, were assessed in the frontal cortex throughout the post-treatment period using Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Results During the post-dose task performance period, the administration of 135 mg EGCG resulted in reduced CBF in the frontal cortex, as indexed by significantly lower concentrations of both oxygenated and total haemoglobin, in comparison with placebo. Heart rate was significantly reduced from pre dose to post dose across all treatments. No significant differences were observed for the level of deoxygenated haemoglobin or on any of the cognitive performance/mood measures. Conclusions These results demonstrate that a single dose of orally administered EGCG can modulate CBF parameters in healthy humans but that this is not associated with changes in cognitive performance or mood.