Deficiencies in immune responses can lead to increases in the rate of infections and chronic diseases, such as cancer. Critical to the adaptive immune response is the activation of the T helper (Th)/CD4+ cell, the subsequent production of interleukin 2 (IL-2), expression of IL-2 and transferrin receptors (IL-2R, TfR) and transcription of genes resulting in DNA synthesis and T cell clonal expansion. The CD4+ lymphocyte response is impaired with ageing. Recent evidence suggests that moderate, regular aerobic training may increase the responsiveness of CD4+ lymphocytes to antigenic and mitogenic challenge, and thereby improve immune function in the older individual. Large volumes of chronic endurance training, and also high intensity training, may adversely affect the immune response, leading to immunosuppression and increased risk of infections. Impaired immune function and increased rates of URTI are found in athletes who undergo large volumes of training, often at high intensity. Purpose: To investigate if long-term aerobic training improved the immune response in men and women aged 65 to 75 years and, and to investigate if long-term endurance training depressed the immune response in male athletes aged 23 to 36 years. Methods:T helper lymphocyte proliferation was assessed monthly, by inducing the expression of CD25 (IL-2R ) and CD71 (transferrin) receptors with phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Percentage of CD4+ cells positive for the receptors, and the receptor density, were measured using two colour flow cytometry. Concentrations of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) and iron (Fe3+) were also measured monthly to determine the effect of endurance training on intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and Fe3+ ([Fe3+]i) within the CD4+ lymphocyte signal transduction pathway. Results: After twelve months of moderate aerobic training the percentage of CD4+ lymphocytes positive for CD25 increased in males aged 65 to 75 years, but not in females. There was no training effect on the density of CD25 in either gender, nor was there a training-induced increase in [Ca2+]i, total intracellular [Ca2+] from endoplasmic reticulum stores ([Ca2+]t) or [Fe3+] in this age group. Significant month to month variations in leucocyte, erythrocyte and haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, platelets, CD25 expression, CD71 expression, [Ca2+] and [Fe3+] were documented for both trained and untrained male and female groups. Aerobic capacity increased significantly with training for both men and women, with increases in peak, peak power and peak ventilation (p less than 0.05). Twelve months of chronic endurance training produced significantly lower haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and platelet concentration for six ([Hb]) and nine months ([MCHC], platelets) of the year in Ironman-distance triathletes, compared to sedentary males aged 23 to 36 years. There was no evidence of immunosuppression in the trained group, with no significant differences between groups in the percentage of CD4+ cells positive for CD25. The trained group showed a significantly higher density of CD25 receptors in October, January and June, suggesting a better immune response during these months. Endurance training did not effect [Ca2+] or [Fe3+]. The trained group did not show a reduced leucocyte concentration, and reported significantly fewer cases of URTI in twelve months than their sedentary counterparts. The 23 to 36 years age group showed seasonal changes in haematological and immunological indices similar to older individuals, indicating that autumn, late winter and late spring are periods of reduced immuno-competency. Conclusion: Twelve months of moderate intensity training significantly increased functional capacity in older men and women, and the percentage of CD4+ lymphocytes expressing CD25 in older men, thereby improving the lymphoid immune response. Twelve months of endurance training significantly increased CD25 density in CD4+ lymphocytes in Ironman triathletes compared to sedentary young males. The monthly changes in immune variables in young and older subjects suggested that autumn, late winter and late spring might be periods where individuals were more at risk of succumbing to infections due to decreased lymphocyte responsiveness. Summer months appeared to be a period of increased lymphocyte responsiveness and proliferation.

The aim of this study was to describe the behaviour and perceptions of women in aerobic or exercise to music classes. In particular, the study examined the meaning women attach to this activity choice and the interaction of aerobics participation with cultural pressures and beliefs such as that of the ‘ideal female bodyshape’. A naturalistic method of study was chosen in order to gain a comprehensive view of the subjective experience of aerobics participation. Approximately fifty female health club members were observed over a three month period in order to identify and describe patterns of involvement, behaviour and perception and the factors affecting them. Six groups of women were identified. These were ‘Naturals’, ‘Compulsive’, ‘Functional Feminist’. Several factors were observed as potentially contributing to the patterns observed. These included attitude toward perceived cultural ideals and pressures of female expectation and shape, perceptions of aerobics and exercise, pre-occupation with slenderness and bodyshape, self-image and body image. The relationship between these factors was found to be dynamic and reciprocal, with participation possibly intensifying or alternately reducing bodyshape concern. Aerobics was seen to have a multifaceted yet very individual and important appeal to the women observed.

<p>An analysis of a specific application of anaerobic wastewater treatment at a pulp and board mill, Stora Enso Skoghall, was carried out. A literature study was done and effluent wastewater from CTMP pulp production was analyzed. The analysis consisted of a broad constituent analysis and an anaerobic treatment trial. Results from these test where used to calculate the treatment effectiveness and resulting energy potential at the mill.</p><p>The literature study and constituent analysis showed that toxicity of the water to be treated, due to wood extractives and sulphur content, was of concern. Detoxification chemicals targeting these constituents where used in the anaerobic treatment trial. The trial consisted of a two chamber upflow reactor and aerobic post treatment. The result of the trial is that the water of concern has about 50% anaerobically degradable content. A full scale implementation of anaerobic wastewater treatment would result in a methane production of 3,76 to 7,76 GWh/yr. An application of anaerobic wastewater treatment will also result in electricity savings, in aerated pond, and increase the capacity margin on current sludge handling techniques.</p>

Highly-active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has improved the prognosis of HIV-infected individuals. Unfortunately it has also been associated with impaired functional capacity and development of metabolic perturbations which increases health risk. This study tested the hypothesis that a combined cardiorespiratory and resistance exercise training (CARET) intervention may result in significant health benefits in HIV-infected individuals receiving HAART. Thirty-seven HIV-infected men and women, predominantly of lower socioeconomic status (SES), were recruited and randomly assigned to: 1) a group of moderate-intensity CARET for three months or 2) a control group receiving no exercise intervention for three months. At baseline and following the intervention, physical characteristics (body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and blood pressure), physical fitness variables (estimated VO2max and one repetition maximum for upper and lower body), metabolic variables (fasting glucose and serum lipids), immune functioning (CD4+ T Cell count, CD4/CD8 ratio, and HIV RNA viral load), and quality of life (SF-36 Health Survey) were measured. Exercise participants evidenced increases in estimated VO2max (21%, p < 0.01), upper body strength (15%, p < 0.05), and lower body strength (22%, p < 0.05), while showing reductions in waist circumference (-2%, p < 0.05), and fasting glucose (-16%, p < 0.05). While the control group showed a significant decrease in CD4+ T cell count (-16%, p < 0.05) from baseline, the exercise group maintained a more stable count following training (-3%, p = 0.39). Finally, the exercise participants showed self-reported improvements in physical (11%, p < 0.03) and mental (10%, p < 0.02) quality of life. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that a three-month supervised and moderate intensity CARET program performed three times a week, can result in significant improvements in physical characteristics, physical fitness, metabolic variables, and physical and mental quality of life. Furthermore, the same intervention resulted in more favorable immunological responses following training in HIV-infected individuals of lower SES. Key words: Highly active antiretroviral therapy, HIV, combined aerobic and resistance exercise training, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and immune functioning.

Purpose: To determine the association of certain aerobic fitness and physical activity genotypes and the gene-physical activity interaction effect on aerobic fitness in pre-pubertal, African American, obese children. Methods: Subjects were 30 pre-pubertal, African American, obese children (9.5 ± 1.7 years) who were free of clinical disease. Height and weight were measured according to standard procedures. Body fat was assessed using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, and DNA samples were collected using buccal swabs. Aerobic fitness was assessed using a cycle ergometer and the McMaster cycle protocol. ANOVAs were used to determine associations and interaction effects of the ACE, ADRB2, NOS3, IL6, IGF-1, and APO-E genes, physical activity and aerobic fitness. Results: Age, height, weight, body mass index, and waist circumference were significantly lower in girls compared to boys. Subjects averaged approximately 51 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity activity per day, and girls were significantly more active than boys. There were no significant associations between the candidate genes and aerobic fitness level. P > 0.05). There were trends towards significance for the IL6 rs2069845 gene for absolute and relative VO2peak measures (P = 0.078, and P = 0.094, respectively). There was also a trend toward significance for the ADRβ2 rs1042717 gene for leanVO2peak (P = 0.092). Conclusions: In children, further research is needed that includes diverse populations and large sample sizes in order to more accurately assess the association and interaction effects of the candidate genes, physical activity and fitness.

The purpose of this study was to compare the muscular strength and endurance of thirty-two men 51 to 79 years of age who engage in weight training (WT), aerobic training (AT), cross training (CT), or no training (S). The design employed in the study was a 2x2 between subjects factorial design with weight training and aerobic training as the two factors. A KIN/COM isokinetic dynomometer was used to test muscular strength and endurance of the dominant leg extensors and chest/shoulder complex. Strength of the leg extensors and chest/shoulder complex were measured as peak torque and peak force, respectively, at a velocity of 60 degrees/second. Endurance of the same muscle groups was measured as the percent decline over 50 continuous maximal contractions at a velocity of 180 degrees/second. A two-way between subjects ANOVA and independent t-tests were used to analyze the difference between mean muscular strength and mean muscular endurance for each group. A significant weight training effect was found for leg strength, with the WT and CT groups (Weight Trained groups) exhibiting a greater peak torque than the AT and S groups (Non-Weight Trained groups). Participating in one of three training programs was found to have a significant effect for chest and shoulder strength, with the WT, CT, and AT groups exhibiting a greater peak force than the S group. However, no significant difference was found between the WT, CT, and AT groups for chest/shoulder strength. The WT group was found to have significantly greater muscular endurance of the leg compared to the S group. No other training effects were observed between any of the groups for either muscular endurance test. / Graduation date: 1992

The proceedings included herein are the papers presented in the Seventh ICCAE Open Forum held in October 20th, 2006 at Nagoya University, Japan.

Access to abstract permanently restricted to Ball State community only / Access to thesis permanently restricted to Ball State community only / School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science

Access to abstract is permanently restricted to Ball State community only / Access to dissertation permanently restricted to Ball State community only / School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science

An analysis of a specific application of anaerobic wastewater treatment at a pulp and board mill, Stora Enso Skoghall, was carried out. A literature study was done and effluent wastewater from CTMP pulp production was analyzed. The analysis consisted of a broad constituent analysis and an anaerobic treatment trial. Results from these test where used to calculate the treatment effectiveness and resulting energy potential at the mill. The literature study and constituent analysis showed that toxicity of the water to be treated, due to wood extractives and sulphur content, was of concern. Detoxification chemicals targeting these constituents where used in the anaerobic treatment trial. The trial consisted of a two chamber upflow reactor and aerobic post treatment. The result of the trial is that the water of concern has about 50% anaerobically degradable content. A full scale implementation of anaerobic wastewater treatment would result in a methane production of 3,76 to 7,76 GWh/yr. An application of anaerobic wastewater treatment will also result in electricity savings, in aerated pond, and increase the capacity margin on current sludge handling techniques.