Hydrophobicity is the generalized characteristic of non-polar substances that brings about their exclusion from aqueous phases. This property, entropic in its nature, drives key self-assembly and phase separation processes in water. Protein folding, the formation of DNA double helix, the existence of lipid bilayers and the wetting properties of leaf surfaces are all due to hydrophobic interactions. Inspired by Nature, we aimed to use hydrophobicity for creating novel and improved catalytic systems. (I) A number of fluorous amphiphilic star block-copolymers containing a tris(benzyltriazolylmethyl)amine motif have been prepared. These polymers assembled into well-defined nanostructures in water, and their mode of assembly could be controlled by changing the composition of the polymer. The polymers were used for enzyme-inspired catalysis of alcohol oxidation. (II) An enzyme-inspired catalytic system based on a rationally designed multifunctional surfactant was developed. The resulting micelles feature metal-binding sites and stable free radical moieties as well as fluorous pockets that attract and preconcentrate molecular oxygen. In the presence of copper ions, the micelles effect chemoselective aerobic alcohol oxidation under ambient conditions in water, a transformation that is challenging to achieve nonenzymatically. (III) Development of a facile means of photo/electrocatalytic water splitting is one of the main barriers to establishing of a solar hydrogen economy. Of the two half-reactions involved in splitting water into O2 and H2, water oxidation presents the most challenge due to its mechanistic complexity. A practical water oxidation catalyst must be highly active, yet inexpensive and indefinitely stable under harsh oxidative conditions. Here, I shall describe the synthesis of a library of molecular water oxidation catalysts based on the Co complex of tris(2-benzimidazolylmethyl)amine, (BimH)3. A wide range of catalysts differing in their electronic properties, surface affinity, and steric bulk was explored. We identified hydrophobicity as the key variable in mediating the catalytic competence of Co-(BimH)3 complexes. The change in this parameter correlates both with the conformational mobility of the ligand core and the structural changes in the local solvent environment around the catalytic metal site. The optimal ligand identified is superhydrophobic due to three fluorinated side chains. The corresponding Co complex catalyzes water electrooxidation efficiently, with an onset potential equal to that for the well-established CoPi heterogeneous system, albeit with a dramatically higher turnover frequency (TOF) and in the absence of soluble Co salts. As an added benefit, the hydrophobic catalyst can be immobilized through physisorption, and remains stable after prolonged controlled-potential electrolysis. A DFT calculation was also performed to understand the catalytic pathway.

The problem addressed in this study is whether physiologic, hematologic, and performance parameters obtained during and after a long term program of anaerobic and aerobic exercise can be used as markers of chronic fatigue.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether endurance (E) or endurance + resistance (ER) training affects C-reactive protein (CRP) and if these changes are related to alterations in fitness and (or) body composition in young females. Thirty-eight females (aged 18-24 years) were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: (1) E, (2) ER or (3) active control (AC). The E and ER groups completed 15 weeks of marathon training. The ER group performed additional resistance training and the AC group maintained their usual exercise routine. Primary outcomes were measured pre- and post-training and included anthropometric indices, dual-energy x-ray absorption metry, plasma CRP, time to complete 1.5 miles (in minutes), and upper and lower body strength tests (i.e., 8 repetition max on bench and leg press (ER group only)). There were no differences in any variable among the groups at baseline. After training, the E group decreased time to complete 1.5 miles (p < 0.05). The AC group decreased percent and absolute body fat while the E group decreased percent body fat, absolute body fat, and android and gynoid body fat (p < 0.05). The ER group significantly improved strength (p < 0.001) and reduced plasma CRP from 2.0 ± 1.1 to 0.8 ± 0.3 mg ·L -1 (p = 0.03). No significant associations were observed between CRP and measures of body composition or aerobic capacity. Combined endurance and resistance training may be an effective modality for reducing plasma CRP in young adult females independent of changes in aerobic capacity or body composition.

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts (Counselling Psychology) in the Department of Psychology at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2005. / Health is viewed as a complete state of well-being and not only the prevention of disease. This research was embarked upon to highlight the importance of health promotion as a method of improving one's health as compared to disease prevention. This study aims to detect whether there is a substantial difference in psychological wellness between individuals who exercise and those individuals that a sedentary. Secondly, this study aspires to determine whether there is a difference in psychological wellness between individuals who engage in different forms of physical activity. This study motivated by the fact that no other previous international research has implemented the RyfFs scales of psychological well-being (1995) and Fox's physical self-perception profile (1990) concurrently. It is hoped that results from the proposed scheme of work will afford experts in the field of health with further insight as to the importance of physical activity as a prescription for health promotion.

Bakgrund: Fibromyalgi är ett långvarigt smärtsyndrom med en prevalens kring 4 % för kvinnor och 1% för män. Träning rekommenderas till patienter som del i behandling. Tidigare sammanställningar av forskning visar på brister i kvalitet och variation i utformning av interventioner. Osäkerhet råder kring vilken typ av aerob träning som har störst effekt på smärta. Syfte: Denna litteraturstudie syftade till att sammanställa det vetenskapliga evidensläget gällande effekten av aerob träning på upplevd smärta hos fibromyalgipatienter. Metod: En litteraturstudie med systematisk litteratursökning i databaserna PEDro och PubMed. Studiernas kvalitet granskades med PEDros granskningsmall och en evidensgradering genomfördes med hjälp av GRADEstud. Resultat: Nio studier, med 529 deltagare totalt, av lägst medelhög kvalitet inkluderades i studien. Studierna visar på en positiv, kliniskt relevant effekt på smärtintensitet, av aerob träning vid jämförelse med kontrollgrupper och liknande effekt jämfört med annan aerob träningsmodalitet, lågintensiv träning eller styrketräning. Evidensstyrkan var måttligt hög för att likvärdig smärtminskning erhålls oberoende av modalitet av aerob träning. Evidensstyrkan var låg för att konkludera att aerob träning är bättre än en kontrollgruppsintervention, lika bra som styrketräning eller lågintensiv träning. Orsakerna till resultatet av evidensgraderingen beror främst på heterogenitet i studiernas interventioner. Konklusion: Det går utifrån granskningen inte att se någon skillnad avseende smärtintensitet mellan aerob träning och en annan aktiv intervention. Studierna är små, har skillnader i interventioner och resultat. Mot bakgrund av detta kan inga säkra slutsatser dras gällande vilken form av träning som är bäst vid fibromyalgi. / Background: Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome with a prevalence of around 4% for women and 1% for men. Physical exercise is recommended for patients as part of treatment. Earlier reviews indicate a lack of quality and heterogenity in intervention designs. There are uncertainties of which type of aerobic exercise has the biggest effect on pain. Objective: This review aimed to summarize the scientific level of evidence concerning aerobic exercise on pain level for the fibromyalgia population. Method: For this systematic review a structured litterature search was carried out in the databases PubMed and PEDro. Quality was assessed with the PEDro-scale and reliability was evaluated with GRADEstud. Results: Nine RCT's including 529 subjects, with at least 5 points on the PEDro scale were included. The studies show a positive, clinically relevant effect on pain level, of aerobic training when compared to control groups (evidence: low) and similar effects on pain (evidence: moderately high) when compared to other training modality, low intensity aerobic exercise (evidence: low) or strength training (evidence: low). Heterogeneity in the studies reduces the level of evidence in all categories.  Conclusion: The populations are generally small and generally there is a large heterogenity in the interventions. No difference between aerobic training and other active interventions was observed in terms of pain reduction. It is not possible to conclude which modality of training is best for patients with fibromyalgia. To clarify evidence, there is a need for more studies with similar interventions.

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A cross-sectional study was designed to determine the relationship between aerobic fitness and resting metabolic rate (RMR) in 69 males exhibiting a wide range of aerobic fitness levels (V̇O2max = 32.8-78.1 mL · kg-1 · min-1). The results of this study indicated that RMR was not significantly different between trained and untrained individuals when expressed in kJ · kg fat-free weight-1 · hr-1 or using an ANCOVA with fat-free weight as the covariate and RMR as the dependent variable (F ratio = 0.353, P < 0.70). In addition, this study also failed to support a previously suggested hypothesis that an elevated RMR may only be observed in those individuals exhibiting both high V̇O2max values and currently training a minimum of 12- 16 h/wk. Thus, the results of this study strongly suggest that RMR is independent of both a person's current aerobic level and training status.

Children with cerebral palsy have lesser cardiorespiratory endurance (or aerobic capacity) and less physical activity than children who are developing normally. Cardiorespiratory problems are linked to a higher risk of noncommunicable diseases and premature aging. The goal of this research is to discover aspects that can be added in physiotherapy practice to ensure a long-term improvement in aerobic capacity in children with cerebral palsy while engaging in physical activity. Also investigated is the effect of aerobic capacity on functional abilities. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken utilizing the PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, and PEDro databases. The child's cardiorespiratory fitness appears to improve when they engage in high- intensity, goal-directed physical activity. The child's adherence appears to be aided by a motivating intervention and the removal of environmental barriers to the activity's practice. This allows for a long-term increase in aerobic capacity. It was impossible to draw a direct link between this improvement and functional capacity. Few studies have incorporated cerebral palsy and low global motor skills in recent years. Despite the importance of the findings, their heterogeneity prevents generalizable suggestions for all children with cerebral...

The use of exercise is crucial as a means of treatment for various psychological disorders. However, as more research is being done, there seems to be a lack of consensus as to which type of exercise is most effective, aerobic or anaerobic. 232 students participated in this study via Qualtrics, and were asked to participate in the study by answering 9 questionnaires: the Demographics Questionnaire, GAD7, Beck Depression Inventory, PCL5, QOLS, Exercise History and Attitudes Questionnaire, Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Healthy Eating Assessment, and the RYFF Psychological Well-being Scales. The results found that a combination of aerobic, anaerobic, and healthy eating improved overall well-being and life satisfaction. These results indicate that while one's overall quality of life is improved through exercise, it is determinant for them to decide which exercise, aerobic or anaerobic, is most beneficial to them.