Nottingham Trent University

About: Nottingham Trent University is a education organization based out in Nottingham, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 4702 authors who have published 12862 publications receiving 307430 citations. The organization is also known as: NTU & Trent Polytechnic.

Micelles with highly branched nanoporous interior: Solution properties and binding capabilities of amphiphilic copolymers with linear dendritic architecture

Abstract: This article describes the solution behavior of model amphiphilic linear-dendritic ABA block copolymers that self-assemble in aqueous media and form micelles with highly branched nanoporous cores. The materials investigated are constructed of poly(ethylene glycol), PEG, with molecular weight 5,000 or 11,000 as the water-soluble B block and poly(benzyl ether) monodendrons [G] of second and third generation as the hydrophobic A fragments. The process of self-assembly in aqueous media and the character of the micellar core are investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy using pyrene as the molecular probe. The data obtained by different methods indicate that the critical micelle concentrations (cmc) for these systems are between 1.1 × 10−5 and 2.0 × 10−5 mol/L for [G-2]-PEG5000-[G-2] and between 7.08 × 10−6 and 7.94 × 10−6 mol/L for [G-3]-PEG11000-[G-3]. It is found that the ratio of the first and third vibronic bands (I1/I3 ) in the fluorescence spectrum of the encapsulated pyrene changes from 1.77 to 1.32 when the concentration of [G-2]-PEG5000-[G-2] increases from 1.1 × 10−6 mol/L to 1.1 × 10−4 mol/L. For [G-3]-PEG11000-[G-3] these changes are between 1.77 and 1.17 in the same concentration range. The hybrid copolymers form host-guest complexes with several polyaromatic compounds (phenanthrene, pyrene, perylene and fullerene, C60) that are stable over extended periods of time (more than 12 months). © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 2711–2727, 2000

Carnosine: from exercise performance to health

Abstract: Carnosine was first discovered in skeletal muscle, where its concentration is higher than in any other tissue. This, along with an understanding of its role as an intracellular pH buffer has made it a dipeptide of interest for the athletic population with its potential to increase high-intensity exercise performance and capacity. The ability to increase muscle carnosine levels via β-alanine supplementation has spawned a new area of research into its use as an ergogenic aid. The current evidence base relating to the use of β-alanine as an ergogenic aid is reviewed here, alongside our current thoughts on the potential mechanism(s) to support any effect. There is also some emerging evidence for a potential therapeutic role for carnosine, with this potential being, at least theoretically, shown in ageing, neurological diseases, diabetes and cancer. The currently available evidence to support this potential therapeutic role is also reviewed here, as are the potential limitations of its use for these purposes, which mainly focusses on issues surrounding carnosine bioavailability.

Do gaming motives mediate between psychiatric symptoms and problematic gaming? An empirical survey study.

Abstract: Previous research has suggested that motives play an important role in several potentially addictive activities including online gaming. The aims of the present study were to (i) examine the mediat...

Multiple job holding in the United Kingdom: evidence from the British Household Panel Survey

Abstract: This article examines the determinants of multiple job holding in the UK. We address these issues using data from the first 11 waves of the British Household Panel Survey (BHPS), which covered the period from 1991 to 2001. Evidence from the BHPS does not support the hypotheses of main job hours constrained and main job insecurity. We argue that the incentive for moonlighting in the UK is due to financial pressures and the desire for heterogeneous jobs. The empirical work is carried out separately for men and women.

FORUM: Ecologists need robust survey designs, sampling and analytical methods

Abstract: Summary 1. Research that yields conflicting results rightly causes controversy. Where methodological weaknesses are apparent, there is ready opportunity for discord within the scientific community, which may undermine the entire study. 2. We use the debate about the role of dingoes Canis dingo in conservation in Australia as a case study for a phenomenon that is relevant to all applied ecologists, where conflicting results have been published in high-quality journals and yet the problems with the methods used in these studies have led to significant controversy. 3. To alleviate such controversies, scientists need to use robust methods to ensure that their results are repeatable and defendable. To date, this has not occurred in Australia’s dingo debate due to the use of unvalidated indices that rely on unsupported assumptions. 4. We highlight the problems that poor methods have caused in this debate. We also reiterate our recommendations for practitioners, statisticians and researchers to work together to develop long-term, multi-site experimental research programmes using robust methods to understand the impacts of dingoes on mesopredators. 5. Synthesis and applications. Incorporating robust methods and appropriate experimental designs is needed to ensure that conservation actions are appropriately focused and are supported with robust results. Such actions will go a long way towards resolving the debate about the role of dingoes in conservation in Australia, and other, ecological debates.