Role of the left aortic arch and blood flows in embryonic American alligator (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Alligator mississippiensis</Emphasis>)

All embryonic and fetal amniotes possess a ductus(i) arteriosus(i) that allows blood to bypass the pulmonary circulation and the non-functional lungs. The central hemodynamic of embryonic reptiles are unique, given the additional systemic aorta that allows pulmonary circulatory bypass, the left aorta (LAo). The LAo exits in the right ventricle or ‘pulmonary side’ of reptilian hearts in both embryos and adults, but its functional significance in ovo is unknown. This study investigated the role of the LAo in embryonic American alligators by surgically occluding the LAo and measuring oxygen consumption and, in addition, measured hemodynamic responses to hypoxia in embryonic alligators. We measured systemic cardiac output and primary chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) artery blood flow for normoxic and hypoxic-incubated (10% O₂) American alligator embryos (Alligator mississippiensis). Chronic blood flow (1–124 h) in the primary CAM artery for hypoxic-incubated embryos (92 ± 26 ml min⁻¹ kg⁻¹) was elevated when compared with normoxic-incubated embryos (29 ± 14 ml min⁻¹ kg⁻¹, N = 6; P = 0.039). For hypoxic-incubated embryos, acute LAo blood flow (49.6 ± 24.4 ml min⁻¹ kg⁻¹) was equivalent to the combined flow of the three systemic great vessels that arise from the left ventricle, the right aorta, common carotid and subclavian arteries (43.6 ± 21.5 ml min⁻¹ kg⁻¹, N = 5). Similarly, for normoxic-incubated embryos, LAo blood flow (27.3 ± 6.6 ml min⁻¹ kg⁻¹) did not statistically differ from the other three vessels (18.4 ± 4.9 ml min⁻¹ kg⁻¹, N = 5). This study contains the first direct test of LAo function and the first measurements of blood flow in an embryonic reptile. These data support the hypotheses that embryonic alligators utilize the LAo to divert a significant amount of right ventricular blood into the systemic circulation, and that CAM blood flow increases following chronic hypoxic conditions. However, surgical occlusion of the LAo did not affect egg [(V)\dot]_\textO2, \dot{V}_{{\text{O}}_{2}}, supporting the hypothesis that the LAo of reptiles is not critical to maintain in ovo oxygen consumption.     

Running economy deteriorates following 60?min of exercise at 80% V˙O2max

Fifteen young adult Singaporean male physical education students maximum oxygen consumption [(V˙O_2max) = 56 (4.7) ml · kg⁻¹ · min⁻¹] performed three prolonged runs in a counterbalanced design. The running bouts varied in time (40 vs 60 min) and intensity (70% vs 80% V˙O_{2 max} ). Each prolonged run was separated by 7 days. The running economy (RE) at 10.8 km · h⁻¹ during 10-min running bouts was measured before (RE1) and after (RE2) each prolonged run. A control study involved monitoring RE at 10.8 km · h⁻¹ before and after 60 min rest. There were no differences between RE1 and RE2 values during the control run. However, there were differences between RE1 and RE2 values when separated by a prolonged run. For example, the mean (SD) changes in oxygen consumption (ml · kg⁻¹ · min⁻¹) values were 38.2 (2.5) versus 40.1 (2.6) (40 min at 80% V˙O_{2 max} ), 38.9 (2.8) versus 41.5 (2.6) (60 min at 70% V˙O_{2 max} ), and 39.0 (3.1) versus 42.7 (2.9) (60 min at 80% V˙O_{2 max} ; P < 0.01). The results of this investigation support the hypothesis that RE deteriorates during prolonged running, and that the magnitude of the deterioration in RE increases with both increasing exercise intensity and duration. Accepted: 14 July 1997     

Quadrupedal locomotor performance in two species of arboreal squirrels: predicting energy savings of gliding

Gliding allows mammals to exploit canopy habitats of old-growth forests possibly as a means to save energy. To assess costs of quadrupedal locomotion for a gliding arboreal mammal, we used open-flow respirometry and a variable-speed treadmill to measure oxygen consumption and to calculate cost of transport, excess exercise oxygen consumption, and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption for nine northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) and four fox squirrels (Sciurus niger). Our results indicate that oxygen consumption during exercise by flying squirrels was 1.26–1.65 times higher than predicted based on body mass, and exponentially increased with velocity (from 0.84 ± 0.03 ml O₂ kg⁻¹ s⁻¹ at 0.40 m s⁻¹ to 1.55 ± 0.03 ml O₂ kg⁻¹ s⁻¹ at 0.67 m s⁻¹). Also, cost of transport in flying squirrels increased with velocity, although excess exercise oxygen consumption and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption did not. In contrast, oxygen consumption during exercise for fox squirrels was similar to predicted, varying from 0.51 (±0.02) ml O₂ kg⁻¹ s⁻¹ at 0.63 m s⁻¹ to 0.54 (±0.03) ml O₂ kg⁻¹ s⁻¹ at 1.25 m s⁻¹. In addition, the cost of transport for fox squirrels decreased with velocity, while excess exercise oxygen consumption and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption did not. Collectively, these observations suggest that unlike fox squirrels, flying squirrels are poorly adapted to prolonged bouts of quadrupedal locomotion. The evolution of skeletal adaptations to climbing, leaping, and landing and the development of a gliding membrane likely has increased the cost of quadrupedal locomotion by >50% while resulting in energy savings during gliding and reduction in travel time between foraging patches.     

The development of an isokinetic squat device: reliability and relationship to functional performance

The aims of the present study were: (1) to assess aerobic metabolism in paraplegic (P) athletes (spinal lesion level, T4–L3) by means of peak oxygen uptake (V˙O_2peak) and ventilatory threshold (VT), and (2) to determine the nature of exercise limitation in these athletes by means of cardioventilatory responses at peak exercise. Eight P athletes underwent conventional spirographic measurements and then performed an incremental wheelchair exercise on an adapted treadmill. Ventilatory data were collected every minute using an automated metabolic system: ventilation (l · min⁻¹), oxygen uptake (V˙O₂, l · min⁻¹, ml · min⁻¹ · kg⁻¹), carbon dioxide production (V˙CO₂, ml · min⁻¹), respiratory exchange ratio, breathing frequency and tidal volume. Heart rate (HR, beats · min⁻¹) was collected with the aid of a standard electrocardiogram. V˙O_2peak was determined using conventional criteria. VT was determined by the breakpoint in the V˙CO₂−V˙O₂ relationship, and is expressed as the absolute VT (V˙O₂, ml · min⁻¹ · kg⁻¹) and relative VT (percentage of V˙O_2peak). Spirometric values and cardioventilatory responses at rest and at peak exercise allowed the measurement of ventilatory reserve (VR), heart rate reserve (HRr), heart rate response (HRR), and O₂ pulse (O₂ P). Results showed a V˙O_2peak value of 40.6 (2.5) ml · min⁻¹ · kg⁻¹, an absolute VT detected at 23.1 (1.5) ml · min⁻¹ · kg⁻¹ V˙O₂ and a relative VT at 56.4 (2.2)% V˙O_2peak. HRr [15.8 (3.2) beats · min⁻¹], HRR [48.6 (4.3) beat · l⁻¹], and O₂ P [0.23 (0.02) ml · kg⁻¹ · beat⁻¹] were normal, whereas VR at peak exercise [42.7 (2.4)%] was increased. As wheelchair exercise excluded the use of an able-bodied (AB) control group, we compared our V˙O_2peak and VT results with those for other P subjects and AB controls reported in the literature, and we compared our cardioventilatory responses with those for respiratory and cardiac patients. The low V˙O_2peak values obtained compared with subject values obtained during an arm-crank exercise may be due to a reduced active muscle mass. Absolute VT was somewhat comparable to that of AB subjects, mainly due to the similar muscle mass involved in wheelchair and arm-crank exercise by P and AB subjects, respectively. The increased VR, as reported in patients with chronic heart failure, suggested that P athletes exhibited cardiac limitation at peak exercise, and this contributed to the lower V˙O_2peak measured in these subjects. Accepted: 22 April 1997     

Oxygen consumption rate and Na<Superscript>+</Superscript>/K<Superscript>+</Superscript>-ATPase activity in early developmental stages of the sea urchin <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paracentrotus lividus</Emphasis> Lam.

Changes in oxygen consumption rate and Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity during early development were studied in the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus Lam. The oxygen consumption rate increased from 0.12 μmol O₂ mg protein⁻¹ h⁻¹ in unfertilized eggs to 0.38 μmol O₂ mg protein⁻¹ h⁻¹ 25 min after fertilization. Specific activity of the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase was significantly stimulated after fertilization, ranging up to 1.07 μmol P_i h⁻¹ mg protein⁻¹ in the late blastula stage and slightly lower values in the early and late pluteus stages.     

Uptake of 3-O-methyl-D-[U-14C]glucose into brain of rainbow trout: possible effects of melatonin

The influx of glucose into the brain and plasma glucose disappearance were estimated in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) intravenously injected (1 ml · kg⁻¹ body weight) with a single dose (15 μCi · kg⁻¹ body weight) of 3-O-methyl-D-[U-¹⁴C]glucose ([U-¹⁴C]-3-OMG) at different times (2–160 min), and after intravenous injection at 15 min of increased doses (10–60 μCi · kg⁻¹ body weight) of [U-¹⁴C]-3-OMG. Brain and plasma radiotracer concentrations were measured, and several kinetic parameters were calculated. The apparent brain glucose influx showed a maximum after 15–20 min of injection then decreased to a plateau after 80 min. Brain distribution space of 3-OMG increased from 2 min to 20 min reaching equilibrium from that time onwards at a value of 0.14 ml · g⁻¹. The unidirectional clearance of glucose from blood to brain (k₁) and the fractional clearance of glucose from brain to blood (k₂) were estimated to be 0.093 ml · min⁻¹ · g⁻¹, and 0.867 min⁻¹, respectively. A linear increase was observed in brain and plasma radiotracer concentrations when increased doses of [U-¹⁴C]-3-OMG were used. All these findings support a facilitative transport of glucose through the blood-brain barrier of rainbow trout with characteristics similar to those observed in mammals. The injection of different doses of melatonin (0.25–1.0 mg · kg⁻¹) significantly increased brain glucose influx suggesting a possible role for melatonin in the regulation of glucose transport into the brain. Accepted: 26 January 2000     

Exchanges of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water in the caecilian Dermophis mexicanus

Oxygen consumption was measured in five Dermophis mexicanus and averaged (±SEM) 0.047 ± 0.004 ml O₂ g⁻¹ h⁻¹. Carbon dioxide production averaged 0.053 ± 0.005 ml CO₂ g⁻¹ h⁻¹ in the same five animals 1 week later. This metabolic rate is similar to metabolic rates of other Gymnophionans but lower than metabolic rates reported for Anurans and Urodeles. Total nitrogen excretion averaged 1.37 μmol N g⁻¹ h⁻¹ which is higher than that found for other amphibians. Of this, 82.5% (1.13 μmol N g⁻¹ h⁻¹) was in the form of urea while 17.5% (0.24 μmol N g⁻¹ h⁻¹) was in the form of NH₃ + NH⁺ ₄. Such ureotelism is typical of terrestrial amphibians like D. mexicanus. Osmotic water flux averaged 0.0193 ml g⁻¹ h⁻¹ in control (sham injected) animals and was not significantly altered by injection of either arginine vasotocin or mesotocin. This osmotic flux is similar to osmotic fluxes found for other terrestrial amphibians. The combined data suggest that metabolism in D. mexicanus is, like most other Gymnophionans, lower than other amphibians. The high rates of nitrogen (especially urea) excretion suggests that this fossorial animal accumulates urea like other burrowing amphibians. Accepted: 27 June 2000     

Reduced performance of male and female athletes at 580 m altitude

This study examined the effect of mild hypobaria (MH) on the peak oxygen consumption (O_2peak) and performance of ten trained male athletes [ (SEM); O_2peak = 72.4 (2.2) ml · kg⁻¹ · min⁻¹] and ten trained female athletes [O_2peak = 60.8 (2.1) ml · kg⁻¹ · min⁻¹]. Subjects performed 5-min maximal work tests on a cycle ergometer within a hypobaric chamber at both normobaria (N, 99.33 kPa) and at MH (92.66 kPa), using a counter-balanced design. MH was equivalent to 580 m altitude. O_2peak at MH decreased significantly compared with N in both men [− 5.9 (0.9)%] and women [− 3.7 (1.0)%]. Performance (total kJ) at MH was also reduced significantly in men [− 3.6 (0.8)%] and women [− 3.8 (1.2)%]. Arterial oxyhaemoglobin saturation (S_aO₂) at O_2peak was significantly lower at MH compared with N in both men [90.1 (0.6)% versus 92.0 (0.6)%] and women [89.7 (3.1)% versus 92.1 (3.0)%]. While S_aO₂ at O_2peak was not different between men and women, it was concluded that relative, rather than absolute, O_2peak may be a more appropriate predictor of exercise-induced hypoxaemia. For men and women, it was calculated that 67–76% of the decrease in O_2peak could be accounted for by a decrease in O₂ delivery, which indicates that reduced O₂ tension at mild altitude (580 m) leads to impairment of exercise performance in a maximal work bout lasting ≈ 5 min. Accepted: 30 July 1996     

Sub-lethal levels of waterborne petroleum may depress routine metabolism in polar cod Boreogadus saida (Lepechin, 1774)

Petroleum-related activities in Arctic waters are rapidly increasing parallel to the ongoing thinning of the Arctic sea ice. As part of a series of studies on petroleum-induced stress in polar cod Boreogadus saida, we tested the effects of acute (~60 min) and chronic (4 weeks) exposure to the water soluble fraction (WSF) of petroleum on whole body metabolism inferred from measurements of oxygen consumption rates. The exposure of polar cod to WSF leads to a statistically significant depression in routine metabolism in the order Control (0.260 mg O₂ g fish⁻¹ h⁻¹; N = 6) > Chronic (0.191 mg O₂ g fish⁻¹ h⁻¹; N = 6) > Acute (0.110 mg O₂ g fish⁻¹ h⁻¹; N = 2), decoupling of routine metabolism and body mass but possibly also to a partial metabolic compensation after 4 weeks of exposure. The results are reviewed in context with similar studies on Antarctic and non-polar fishes.     

Maximal oxygen uptake, anaerobic threshold and running economy in women and men with similar performances level in marathons

Sex differences in running economy (gross oxygen cost of running, C_R), maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max), anaerobic threshold (Th_an), percentage utilization of aerobic power (% VO_2max), and Th_an during running were investigated. There were six men and six women aged 20–30 years with a performance time of 2 h 40 min over the marathon distance. The VO_2max, Th_an, and CR were measured during controlled running on a treadmill at 1° and 3° gradient. From each subject's recorded time of running in the marathon, the average speed (v _M) was calculated and maintained during the treadmill running for 11 min. The VO_{2 max} was inversely related to body mass (m _b), there were no sex differences, and the mean values of the reduced exponent were 0.65 for women and 0.81 for men. These results indicate that for running the unit ml·kg^–0.75·min^–1 is convenient when comparing individuals with different m _b. The VO_2max was about 10% (23 ml·kg^–0.75·min^–1) higher in the men than in the women. The women had on the average 10–12 ml·kg^–0.75·min^–1 lower VO₂ than the men when running at comparable velocities. Disregarding sex, the mean value of C_R was 0.211 (SEM 0.005) ml·kg^–1·m^–1 (resting included), and was independent of treadmill speed. No sex differences in Th_an expressed as % VO_2max or percentage maximal heart rate were found, but Than expressed as VO₂ in ml·kg^–0.75·min^–1 was significantly higher in the men compared to the women. The percentage utilization of f _emax and concentration of blood lactate at v _M was higher for the female runners. The women ran 2 days more each week than the men over the first 4 months during the half year preceding the marathon race. It was concluded that the higher VO_2max and Th_an in the men was compensated for by more running, superior C_R, and a higher exercise intensity during the race in the performance-matched female marathon runners.     

The Antarctic notothenioid fish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pagothenia borchgrevinki</Emphasis> is thermally flexible: acclimation changes oxygen consumption

Antarctic marine organisms are considered to have extremely limited ability to respond to environmental temperature change. However, here we show that the Antarctic notothenioid fish Pagothenia borchgrevinki is an exception to this theory. P. borchgrevinki was able to acclimate its resting metabolic rate and resting ventilation frequency after a 5°C rise in temperature. Acute exposure to 4°C resulted in an elevation in metabolic rate (57.8 ± 4.79 mg O₂ kg⁻¹ h⁻¹) and resting ventilation rate (40.38 ± 1.61 breaths min⁻¹) compared with fish at −1°C (metabolic rate 34.45 ± 3.12 mg O₂ kg⁻¹ h⁻¹; ventilation rate 29.88 ± 3.72 breaths min⁻¹). However, after a 1-month acclimation period, there was no significant difference in the metabolic rate (cold fish 29.52 ± 3.01; warm fish 31.13 ± 2.30 mg O₂ kg⁻¹ h⁻¹), or the resting ventilation rate (cold fish 28.75 ± 0.98; warm fish 34.25 ± 2.28 breaths min⁻¹) of cold and warm acclimated fish. Acclimation changes to the rate of oxygen consumption following exhaustive exercise were complex. The pattern of oxygen consumption during recovery from exhaustive exercise was not significantly different in either cold or warm acclimated fish.     

Actual and potential rates of hydrogen photoproduction by continuous culture of the purple non-sulphur bacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus

The influence of (NH₄)₂SO₄ concentration and dilution rate (D) on actual and potential H₂ photoproduction has been studied in ammonium-limited chemostat cultures of Rhodobacter capsulatus B10. The actual H₂ production in a photobioreactor was maximal (approx. 80 ml h⁻¹l⁻¹) at D = 0.06 h⁻¹ and 4 mM (NH₄)₂SO₄. However, it was lower than the potential H₂ evolution (calculated from hydrogen evolution rates in incubation vials), which amounted to 100–120 ml h⁻¹ l⁻¹ at D = 0.03–0.08 h⁻¹. Taking into account the fact that H₂ production in the photobioreactor under these conditions was not limited by light or lactate, another limiting (inhibiting) factor should be sought. One possibility is an inhibition of H₂ production by the H₂ accumulated in the gas phase. This is apparent from the non-linear kinetics of H₂ evolution in the vials or from its inhibition by the addition of H₂; initial rates were restored in both cases after the vials had been refilled with argon. The actual H₂ production in the photobioreactor at D = 0.06 h⁻¹ was shown to increase from approximately 80 ml h⁻¹ l⁻¹ to approximately 100 ml h⁻¹ l⁻¹ under an argon flow at 100 ml min⁻¹. Under maximal H₂ production rates in the photobioreactor, up to 30% of the lactate feedstock was utilised for H₂ production and 50% for biomass synthesis. Received: 22 April 1997 / Received revision: 14 July 1997 / Accepted: 27 July 1997     

The influence of maximal aerobic power on recovery of skeletal muscle following anaerobic exercise

Phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (³¹P-MRS) was used to investigate the influence of maximal aerobic power (˙VO _2max) on the recovery of human calf muscle from high-intensity exercise. The (˙VOO_2max) of 21 males was measured during treadmill exercise and subjects were assigned to either a low-aerobic-power (LAP) group (n = 10) or a high-aerobic-power (HAP) group (n = 11). Mean (SE) ˙VO _2max of the groups were 46.6 (1.1) and 64.4 (1.4) ml · kg⁻¹ · min⁻¹, respectively. A calf ergometry work capacity test was used to assign the same relative exercise intensity to each subject for the MRS protocol. At least 48 h later, subjects performed the rest (4 min), exercise (2 min) and recovery (10 min) protocol in a 1.5 T MRS scanner. The relative concentration of phosphocreatine (PCr) was measured throughout the protocol and intracellular pH (pH_i) was determined from the chemical shift between inorganic phospate (P_i) and PCr. End-exercise PCr levels were 27 (3.4) and 25 (3.5)% of resting levels for LAP and HAP respectively. Mean resting pH_i was 7.07 for both groups, and following exercise it fell to 6.45 (0.04) for HAP and 6.38 (0.04) for LAP. Analysis of data using non-linear regression models showed no differences in the rate of either PCr or pH_i recovery. The results suggest that ˙VO_2max is a poor predictor of metabolic recovery rate from high-intensity exercise. Differences in recovery rate observed between individuals with similar ˙VO_2max imply that other factors influence recovery. Accepted: 17 December 1996     

Aerobic swimming performance of juvenile Schizothorax chongi (Pisces, Cyprinidae) in the Yalong River, southwestern China

Schizothorax chongi (locally known as Xilian Yu), a fish species commonly found in Yalong River, has been declining quickly in recent years. One of the important factors, among many, is the interruption of the free flowing river by dams. To obtain data that can be applied to the design of a fishway for S. chongi and other species in the community, a laboratory study of juvenile S. chongi’s swimming energetics and kinematics was conducted in a flume-type respirometer equipped with a high speed video camera system to record swimming behavior. The aerobic metabolic rate, tail beat frequency (TBF) and tail beat amplitude (TBA) were measured during steady swimming at varying flow rates for fish of similar mass. A power function accurately describes the relationship between oxygen consumption rate (MO₂) and swimming speed (U). The estimated standard metabolic rate (SMR) calculated from the power function was 445.34 mg O₂ kg⁻¹ h⁻¹, similar to the experimental result of 431.5 mg O₂ kg⁻¹ h⁻¹. The relationship between cost of transport (COT) and U was, characteristically, inverse bell-shaped, with COT_min = 44.6 J kg⁻¹ m⁻¹ at U _opt = 5.5 body lengths per second (bl s⁻¹). There was a significant positive linear correlation between TBF and U. The slope of the correlation (0.33) was lower than for many other species, implying that S. chongi swim efficiently. The TBA, ranging from 0.15 to 0.2 bl, was found to be independent of U. Kinematic analyses indicates that S. chongi primarily depends on the caudal fin to generate forward thrust and employs three velocity-dependent swimming gaits. This investigation provides data on the swimming ability of S. chongi that will add to the basic science required for fishway design.     

Metabolic energy utilization during development of Antarctic naked dragonfish (Gymnodraco acuticeps)

We have capitalised on the availability of eggs and adults of the naked dragonfish Gymnodraco acuticeps (Sub-order Notothenioidei, F. Bathydraconidae) near McMurdo Station, Antarctica to examine metabolic energy utilization at different stages of its life cycle. Average egg respiration rates were found to increase from 2.17±1.02 nmol O₂ h⁻¹ ind⁻¹ at about 17 h post-fertilization (hpf) to 5.72±0.56 nmol h⁻¹ ind⁻¹ at about 24 hpf, during which time the eggs underwent first cleavage. The respiration rates of embryos from 2–20 days post-fertilization (dpf) averaged 4.11±1.47 nmol O₂ h⁻¹ ind⁻¹. About 10 months post-fertilization, oxygen consumption rates of 27.14±3.92 nmol O₂ h⁻¹ ind⁻¹ were recorded immediately prior to hatching, with a peak of 112.41±31.38 nmol O₂ h⁻¹ ind⁻¹ at the time of hatch. Larvae aged 46–63 days post-hatch had an average respiration rate of 64.4±15.11 nmol O₂ h⁻¹ ind⁻¹. Mass-specific respiration rates of hatched larvae (approximately 1–2 months old) were calculated using dry weights (DW) and averaged 16.1±3.4 nmol O₂ h⁻¹ mg⁻¹ DW. Adult dragonfish respiration rates (corrected for a 100 g fish and using a 0.8 scaling exponent) averaged 0.91±0.36 mmol O₂ kg⁻¹ h⁻¹ after a 48 h acclimatization period, which is not indicative of significant metabolic cold adaptation. The energy contents of dragonfish eggs and larvae were also measured by microbomb calorimetry and used, along with the respiration data, in an initial approach to estimate an energy budget. In order to balance the budget, the bulk of the available post-gastrulation respiratory energy (during 213 days of embryonic incubation) must be consumed at a relatively low average rate (7.1 nmol O₂ h⁻¹ ind⁻¹), which supports the possibility that advanced dragonfish embryos overwinter in a relatively quiescent metabolic state while awaiting a suitable stimulus (such as the return of the sun) to initiate hatching.     

Biotreatment of phenol-contaminated wastewater in a spiral packed-bed bioreactor

A spiral packed-bed bioreactor inoculated with microorganisms obtained from activated sludge was used to conduct a feasibility study for phenol removal. The reactor was operated continuously at various phenol loadings ranging from 53 to 201.4 g m⁻³ h⁻¹, and at different hydraulic retention times (HRT) in the range of 20–180 min to estimate the performance of the device. The results indicated that phenol removal efficiency ranging from 82.9 to 100% can be reached when the reactor is operated at an HRT of 1 h and a phenol loading of less than 111.9 g m⁻³ h⁻¹. At an influent phenol concentration of 201.4 g m⁻³, the removal efficiency increased from 18.6 to 76.9% with an increase in the HRT (20–120 min). For treatment of phenol in the reactor, the maximum biodegradation rate (V _m) was 1.82 mg l⁻¹ min⁻¹; the half-saturation constant (K _s), 34.95 mg l⁻¹.     

Relationship between maximal oxygen uptake on different ergometers, lean arm volume and strength in paraplegic subjects

The present experiment was designed to study the importance of strength and muscle mass as factors limiting maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O_{2 max} ) in wheelchair subjects. Thirteen paraplegic subjects [mean age 29.8 (8.7) years] were studied during continuous incremental exercises until exhaustion on an arm-cranking ergometer (AC), a wheelchair ergometer (WE) and motor-driven treadmill (TM). Lean arm volume (LAV) was estimated using an anthropometric method based upon the measurement of various circumferences of the arm and forearm. Maximal strength (MVF) was measured while pushing on the rim of the wheelchair for three positions of the hand on the rim (−30°, 0° and +30°). The results indicate that paraplegic subjects reached a similar V˙O_{2 max} [1.23 (0.34) l · min⁻¹, 1.25 (0.38) l · min⁻¹, 1.22 (0.18) l · min⁻¹ for AC, TM and WE, respectively] and V˙O_{2 max} /body mass [19.7 (5.2) ml · min⁻¹ · kg⁻¹, 19.5 (6.14) ml · min⁻¹ · kg⁻¹, 19.18 (4.27) ml · min⁻¹ · kg⁻¹ for AC, TM and WE, respectively on the three ergometers. Maximal heart rate f _{c max} during the last minute of AC (173 (17) beats · min⁻¹], TM [168 (14) beats · min⁻¹], and WE [165 (16) beats · min⁻¹], were correlated, but f _{c max} was significantly higher for AC than for TM (P<0.03). There were significant correlations between MVF and LAV (P<0.001) and between the MVF data obtained at different angles of the hand on the rim [311.9 (90.1) N, 313.2 (81.2) N, 257.1 (71) N, at −30°, 0° and +30°, respectively]. There was no correlation between V˙O_{2 max} and LAV or MVF. The relatively low values of f _{c max} suggest that V˙O_{2 max} was, at least in part, limited by local aerobic factors instead of central cardiovascular factors. On the other hand, the lack of a significant correlation between V˙O_{2 max} and MVF or muscle mass was not in favour of muscle strength being the main factor limiting V˙O_{2 max} in our subjects. Accepted: 31 January 1997     

Sex-related differences in thermoregulatory responses while wearing protective clothing

This study examined the thermoregulatory responses of men (group M) and women (group F) to uncompensable heat stress. In total, 13 M [mean (SD) age 31.8 (4.7) years, mass 82.7 (12.5) kg, height␣1.79␣(0.06) m, surface area to mass ratio 2.46␣(0.18) m² · kg⁻¹ · 10⁻², Dubois surface area 2.01 (0.16) m², %body fatness 14.6 (3.9)%, V˙O_2peak 49.0 (4.8) ml · kg⁻¹ · min⁻¹] and 17 F [23.2 (4.2) years, 62.4 (7.7) kg, 1.65 (0.07) m, 2.71 (0.14) m² · kg⁻¹ · 10⁻², 1.68 (0.13) m², 20.2 (4.8)%, 43.2 (6.6) ml · kg⁻¹ · min⁻¹, respectively] performed light intermittent exercise (repeated intervals of 15 min of walking at 4.0 km · h⁻¹ followed by 15 min of seated rest) in the heat (40°C, 30% relative humidity) while wearing nuclear, biological, and chemical protective clothing (0.29 m² ·°C · W⁻¹ or 1.88 clo, Woodcock vapour permeability coefficient 0.33 i _m). Group F consisted of eight non-users and nine users of oral contraceptives tested during the early follicular phase of their menstrual cycle. Heart rates were higher for F throughout the session reaching 166.7 (15.9) beats · min⁻¹ at 105 min (n = 13) compared with 145.1 (14.4) beats · min⁻¹ for M. Sweat rates and evaporation rates from the clothing were lower and average skin temperature () was higher for F. The increase in rectal temperature (T _re) was significantly faster for the F, increasing 1.52 (0.29)°C after 105 min compared with an increase of 1.37 (0.29)°C for M. Tolerance times were significantly longer for M [142.9 (24.5) min] than for F [119.3 (17.3) min]. Partitional calorimetric estimates of heat storage (S) revealed that although the rate of S was similar between genders [42.1 (6.6) and 46.1 (9.7) W · m⁻² for F and M, respectively], S expressed per unit of total mass was significantly lower for F [7.76 (1.44) kJ · kg⁻¹] compared with M [9.45 (1.26) kJ · kg⁻¹]. When subjects were matched for body fatness (n = 8 F and 8 M), tolerance times [124.5 (14.7) and 140.3 (27.4) min for F and M, respectively] and S [8.67 (1.44) and 9.39 (1.05) kJ · kg⁻¹ for F and M, respectively] were not different between the genders. It was concluded that females are at a thermoregulatory disadvantage compared with males when wearing protective clothing and exercising in a hot environment. This disadvantage can be attributed to the lower specific heat of adipose versus non-adipose tissue and a higher percentage body fatness. Accepted: 31 October 1997     

Thermal sensitivity of scope for activity in Pagothenia borchgrevinki, a cryopelagic Antarctic nototheniid fish

The thermal sensitivity of scope for activity was studied in the Antarctic nototheniid fish Pagothenia borchgrevinki. The scope for activity of P. borchgrevinki at 0°C was 189 mg O₂ kg⁻¹ h⁻¹ (factorial scope 6.8) which is similar to that of temperate and tropical species at their environmental temperatures, providing no evidence for metabolic cold adaptation of maximum activity. The scope for activity increased to a maximum value of 266 mg O₂ kg⁻¹ h⁻¹ (factorial scope 8.3) at 3°C and then decreased from 3 to 6°C. The thermal sensitivity of critical swimming speed was also investigated and followed a similar pattern to aerobic scope for activity, suggesting oxygen limitation of aerobic performance. Oxygen consumption rates and ventilation frequencies were monitored for 24 h after the swimming challenge and the recovery of both parameters to resting levels was rapid and independent of temperature.     

Water influx and efflux in free-flying pigeons

We used tritium-labeled water to measure total body water, water influx (which approximated oxidative water production) and water efflux in free-flying tippler pigeons (Columba livia) during flights that lasted on average 4.2 h. At experimental air temperatures ranging from 18 to 27 °C, mean water efflux by evaporation and excretion [6.3 ± 1.3 (SD) ml · h⁻¹, n = 14] exceeded water influx from oxidative water and inspired air (1.4 ± 0.7 ml · h⁻¹, n = 14), and the birds dehydrated at 4.9 ± 0.9 ml · h⁻¹. This was not significantly different from gravimetrically measured mass loss of 6.2 ± 2.1 g · h⁻¹ (t = 1.902, n = 14, P>0.05). This flight-induced dehydration resulted in an increase in plasma osmolality of 4.3 ± 3.0 mosmol · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹ during flights of 3–4 h. At 27 °C, the increase in plasma osmolality above pre-flight levels (ΔP _osm = 7.6±4.29 mosmol · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n = 6) was significantly higher than that at 18 °C (ΔP _osm = 0.83±2.23 mosmol · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, (t = 3.43, n = 6, P < 0.05). Post-flight haematocrit values were on average 1.1% lower than pre-flight levels, suggesting plasma expansion. Water efflux values during free flight were within 9% of those in the one published field study (Gessaman et al. 1991), and within the range of values for net water loss determined from mass balance during wind tunnel experiments (Biesel and Nachtigall 1987). Our net water loss rates were substantially higher than those estimated by a simulation model (Carmi et al. 1992) suggesting some re-evaluation of the model assumptions is required. Accepted: 8 April 1997