Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Importance Of Temporal Climate Variability For Spatial Patterns In Plant Diversity, Andrew D. Letten, Michael B. Ashcroft, David A. Keith, John R. Gollan, Daniel Ramp

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Spatial variation in absolute climatic conditions (means, maxima or minima) is widely acknowledged to play a fundamental role in controlling species diversity patterns. In contrast, while evidence is accumulating that variability around mean climatic conditions may also influence species coexistence and persistence, the importance of spatial variation in temporal climatic variability for species diversity is still largely unknown. We used a unique dataset capturing fine-scale spatial heterogeneity in temperature variability across 2490 plots in southeast Australia to examine the comparative strength of absolute temperature and temperature variability in explaining spatial variation in plant diversity. Across all plots combined and in …

Moisture, Thermal Inertia, And The Spatial Distributions Of Near-Surface Soil And Air Temperatures: Understanding Factors That Promote Microrefugia, Michael B. Ashcroft, John R. Gollan

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Climate change poses significant threats to biodiversity, but some species may be able to escape its effects in small locations with unusual and stable climates (microrefugia). However, there are still great uncertainties about where microrefugia are located, and the exact role that moisture plays in buffering extreme temperatures. In this study we quantified the effects of moisture on the distribution and variability of near-surface soil and air temperatures. We collected hourly 1 cm soil and 5 cm air temperatures and humidities at 111 sites from May 2011 to March 2012. Sites were diverse in terms of elevation (2-1428 m), distance …

Importance Of Matrix Permeability And Quantity Of Core Habitat For Persistence Of A Threatened Saltmarsh Bird, Michael B. Ashcroft, Richard E. Major

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Species habitat preferences can be obscured when individuals have been recorded in non-core habitats because of dispersal, spillover effects or spatial errors in observation locations. Disentangling the direct effects of the habitats species are observed in from the effects of proximity to other nearby habitats is especially challenging in fragmented landscapes, as many fragmentation metrics are correlated and it is difficult to prove independent effects. In this paper we addressed this issue by comparing a number of models based on predefined ecological theories. We compared models based on quantity of core habitat surrounding observations, proximity to core habitat, or a …

The Evolution Of The 87sr/86sr Of Marine Carbonates Does Not Constrain Continental Growth, Nicolas Flament, Nicolas Coltice, Patrice F. Rey

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Many continental growth models have been proposed over the years to explain geological and geochemical data. Amongst these data, the evolution of the 87Sr/86Sr of marine carbonates has been used as an argument in favour of delayed continental growth models and of a Neoarchean pulse in continental growth. This interpretation requires that continental freeboard and continental hypsometry have remained constant throughout Earth's history. However, recent studies suggest that Archean sea levels were higher, and Archean relief lower, than present-day ones. To assess the validity of the evolution of the 87Sr/86Sr of marine carbonates as a proxy for continental growth, we …

From Darkness To Lightness: Developing A Working Definition Of Special Observation In An Acute Aged Care Setting, Michael Kerr, Yvonne Verner, Victoria Traynor

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Background: Special observation is a practice in common use in acute care settings for older people, in particular when dementia and/or delirium are/is experienced, but there is little evidence of best practice approaches. Aim and objectives: The overall aim of this project was to develop a working definition of special observation in acute aged care settings. The objectives were to identify barriers and enablers for undertaking special observation and compare descriptions of special observation practice by staff with those in policy and related documents. Methods: The setting was an acute care ward in a large regional hospital in New South …

Sensor Technology: A Smart Way To Manage Continence, Paul Fish, Victoria Traynor

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Urinary incontinence is one of the most emotionally challenging issues facing people with dementia, and supporting continence is a major concern of both professional and family carers. Paul Fish and Victoria Traynor show how technology is able to assist with continence management.

Relationship Of Calling Intensity To Micrometeorology In Pond Breeding Frogs From Central Eastern New South Wales, Francis Lemckert, Trent Penman, Michael J. Mahony

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Micrometeorological factors can strongly influence calling activity in frogs, but relatively little empirical evidence has examined possible relationships in Australian species. Such information is important when using surveys to detect species for management and research. We recorded the calling activity of frogs breeding at 93 ponds through coastal northern New South Wales and used linear mixed effects models to compare the number of calling males with temperature, humidity and cumulative rainfall at 24 hours and 72 hours prior to calling surveys. We obtained sufficient data to analyze the relationships for nine species, obtaining a positive response to 72-hour rainfall in …

It's Time To Examine The Status Of Our Undergraduate Mental Health Curricula, Susan J. Thomas, Brahmavar N. Pai, Kerry Dawes

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

To the Editor: Review of undergraduate mental health education is timely, given the growing disease burden of mental disorders and the need to better equip doctors for their central role in treatment. Curricula should prepare all doctors with competencies in recognising and treating mental health problems,1 because these occur frequently in patients across all branches of medicine, leading to poorer outcomes.2 Curricula should also prepare a minority of doctors for specialist psychiatry training.

Synthesis And Inhibitory Activities At Mglurs Of 3-Alkylated And N-Alkylated Cyclopentyl-Glutamate Analogues, Alison T. Ung, Stephen G. Pyne, Francois Bischoff, Anne S. J Lesage, Brian W. Skelton, Allan H. White

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

The conformationally restricted glutamate analogues, 3-alkyl-1-amino-2-cyclopentene-1,3-dicarboxylates and N-alkylated analogues have been prepared in a regioselective and diastereoselective manner. From the biological studies of the 3-alkylated analogues, compound 13b was found to be the most potent antagonist (IC50 7.7 μM) at mGluR2. Amongst the N-alkylated analogues, compound 20 was found to be a partial agonist (EC50 9.5 μM) and as well as an antagonist (IC50 47 μM) at mGluR2.

Removal Of Trace Organic Contaminants By Nitrifying Activated Sludge And Whole-Cell And Crude Enzyme Extract Of Trametes Versicolor, Shufan Yang, Faisal I. Hai, Long D. Nghiem, Felicity Roddick, William E. Price

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

The resistance of certain anthropogenic trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) to conventional wastewater treatment and their potential adverse effects on human and ecological health raise significant concerns and have prompted research on their bioremediation by white-rot fungi. This study compared the removal efficiencies of four widespread TrOCs: carbamazepine (CBZ), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), bisphenol A (BPA) and diclofenac (DCF), by nitrifying activated sludge as well as whole-cell and extracellular enzyme (laccase) extract of the white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor. Fungal whole-cell culture removed only BPA and DCF but with high efficiencies (>90%) while the mixed nitrifying culture removed all compounds, although by levels …

Using Biophysics And Dynamic Energy Budget Theory To Investigate How A Large Mammal Responds To Varying Environmental Conditions, J A. Roberts, Salm Kooijman, G C. Coulson, A J. Munn, M R. Kearney

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Abstract of paper that presented at SICB 2013 Annual Meeting.

Shrimp U-Pb Dating Of Zircon Inheritance In Walash Arc Volcanic Rocks ( Paleogene Age) , Zagros Suture Zone, Ne Iraq: New Insights Into Crustal Contributions To Trachytic Andesite Generation, Sarmad A. Ali, Khalid Aswad

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

SHRIMP U-Pb ages were determined on single zircon grains separated fromcombined samples (i.e. GA8-GA9) belonging to a trachytic andesite, Galalaharea,Walash arc volcanic rocks, Northwestern Zagros Suture Zone, NE Iraq. Therock suite in the studied area ranges from calc-alkaline to alkaline (i.e., Ga8-Ga9).The New reconnaissance SHRIMP U-Pb zircon ages of GA8 - GA9 reveal twoepisodes of Palaeoproterozoic inherited zircon growth:1- 1953±39 Ma cores.2- ca. 1777±28 Ma rims. This provides evidence for the ancestry of terrane(i.e. crystalline basement).which had been pervasively overprinted by Mesoproterozoic thermal eventsthat facilitate the growth of zircon rims.The cathodoluminescence (CL) imagesshow no evidence of the zircon growth during …

Active Learning In An Undergraduate Setting - Reflections, Key Learning And Recommendations, Rebekkah Middleton

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Background: Healthcare anywhere in the world is a dynamic environment. It requires effective and fast thinking workers who will keep the patient central amid all the change and diversity. Registered nurses are pivotal to this workforce as one of the only constants - they are present 24 hours a day. Emerging registered nurses need to be equipped with leadership skills, knowledge and behaviours to ensure patient safety and effective nursing care is provided. These facets need to be developed in undergraduate nursing students to help them to manage themselves, their environment and their patients/clients as they prepare to transition into …

Factors That Impact On Teaching And Learning Using Simulation, Leeanne Heaton

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Abstract of poster presented at the SimHealth 2013 Conference.

Cay10593 Inhibits The Human P2x7 Receptor Independently Of Phospholipase D1 Stimulation, A Pupovac, L Stokes, R Sluyter

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

The P2X7 receptor is a trimeric ATP-gated cation channel important in health and disease. We have observed that the specific phospholipase D (PLD)1 antagonist, CAY10593 impairs P2X7-induced shedding of the 'low affinity' IgE receptor, CD23. The current study investigated the mode of action of this compound on P2X7 activation. Measurements of ATP-induced ethidium+ uptake revealed that CAY10593 impaired P2X7-induced pore formation in human RPMI 8226 B cells, P2X7-transfected HEK-293 cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Concentration response curves demonstrated that CAY10593 impaired P2X7-induced pore formation in RPMI 8226 cells more potently than the PLD2 antagonist CAY10594 and the non-specific PLD …

Surface Analysis Of Lipids By Mass Spectrometry: More Than Just Imaging, Shane R. Ellis, Simon H. Brown, Marc In Het Panhuis, Stephen J. Blanksby, Todd W. Mitchell

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Mass spectrometry is now an indispensable tool for lipid analysis and is arguably the driving force in the renaissance of lipid research. In its various forms, mass spectrometry is uniquely capable of resolving the extensive compositional and structural diversity of lipids in biological systems. Furthermore, it provides the ability to accurately quantify molecular-level changes in lipid populations associated with changes in metabolism and environment; bringing lipid science to the "omics" age. The recent explosion of mass spectrometry-based surface analysis techniques is fuelling further expansion of the lipidomics field. This is evidenced by the numerous papers published on the subject of …

The Spatial Domain Of Wildfire Risk And Response In The Wildland Urban Interface In Sydney, Australia, O F. Price, R A. Bradstock

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

In order to quantify the risks from fire at the wildland urban interface (WUI), it is important to understand where fires occur and their likelihood of spreading to the WUI. For each of the 999 fires in the Sydney region we calculated the distance between the ignition and the WUI, the fire's weather and wind direction and whether it spread to the WUI. The likelihood of burning the WUI was analysed using binomial regression. Weather and distance interacted such that under mild weather conditions, the model predicted only a 5% chance that a fire starting >2.5 km from the interface …

Foods, Nutrients Or Whole Diets: Effects Of Targeting Fish And Lcn3pufa Consumption In A 12mo Weight Loss Trial, Linda C. Tapsell, Marijka Batterham, Karen E. Charlton, Elizabeth P. Neale, Yasmine C. Probst, Jane E. O'Shea, Rebecca L. Thorne, Qingsheng Zhang, Jimmy Chun Yu Louie

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Background There is some evidence in the literature that emphasising fish consumption may assist with weight loss. The aim was to assess the effects of advice to consume 2 fish meals per week in a weight loss diet. Methods A parallel randomised placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 118 obese Australian adults (mean BMI +/- SD 31.3 +/- 3.5 kg/m2; mean age +/- SD 45 +/- 10 y; 28% male). Participants received low calorie dietary advice + placebo (1 g olive oil; Control), low calorie dietary advice emphasising fish + placebo (Fish), or low calorie dietary advice emphasising fish diet + …

Factors Driving Mercury Variability In The Arctic Atmosphere And Ocean Over The Past 30 Years, Jenny A. Fisher, Daniel J. Jacob, Anne L. Soerensen, Helen M. Amos, Elizabeth S. Corbitt, David G. Streets, Qiaoqiao Wang, Robert M. Yantosca, Elsie M. Sunderland

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

[1] Long-term observations at Arctic sites (Alert and Zeppelin) show large interannual variability (IAV) in atmospheric mercury (Hg), implying a strong sensitivity of Hg to environmental factors and potentially to climate change. We use the GEOS-Chem global biogeochemical Hg model to interpret these observations and identify the principal drivers of spring and summer IAV in the Arctic atmosphere and surface ocean from 1979–2008. The model has moderate skill in simulating the observed atmospheric IAV at the two sites (r ~ 0.4) and successfully reproduces a long-term shift at Alert in the timing of the spring minimum from May to April …

Developing A Set Of Nurse-Sensitive Patient Indicators, Jenny Sim, Patrick A. Crookes, Kenneth Walsh

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

The measurement of nursing care is not a simple task. Largely because of the complexity of measuring nursing practice, there has been no collective agreement in Australia, or internationally, on a set of nursesensitive indicators that measures both the quality and safety of nursing practice. This presentation will describe a mixed methods research project that has addressed this gap. A conceptual framework for measuring the quality and safety outcomes of nursing practice has been developed. A modified Delphi survey was utilised to gather data and rank concepts based on their importance to a wide cross-section of direct care nursing staff …

Facilitating Better Health Care For Mental Health Consumers: Complexities Of Establishing A Partnership Program, Christopher Patterson, Alex Gagan, Sarah Watson, Angela Douglas

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Abstract of paper that presented at the Australian College of Mental Health Nursing 39th International Mental Health Nursing Conference, 22-24 October, 2013, Perth, Australia.

The Needs Of People With Alcohol-Related Brain Injury (Arbi): A Review Of The International Literature, Renee Brighton, Victoria Traynor, Lorna Moxham, Janette Curtis

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Purpose - Alcohol-related brain injury (ARBI) is part of a group of conditions that do not fit easily into existing systems of care. People living with ARBI require flexible health and social services to ensure they receive person-centred, therapeutic care and treatment. Effective service provision promotes recovery for people who continue to experience significant levels of morbidity and mortality due to symptoms that are potentially reversible or at least amendable to appropriate care and treatment options. There exist significant gaps in the provision of this care for these vulnerable populations. Design/methodology/approach - A literature review was undertaken of various scholarly …

Bioassays For Anticancer Activities, Janice Mccauley, Ana Zivanovic, Danielle Skropeta

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

The MTT/MTS in vitro cell proliferation assay is one of the most widely used assays for evaluating preliminary anticancer activity of both synthetic derivatives and natural products and natural product extracts. The highly reliable, colorimetric based assay is readily performed on a wide range of cell lines. This assay gives an indication of whole cell cytotoxicity; however, to determine the exact molecular target further assays need to be performed. Of these, kinase inhibition assays are also one of the most widespread enzyme inhibition screening assays performed. Kinases are enzymes that play a key role in a number of physiological processes …

A Timeline Reflection: Emboldened Learning From My Stories, Angela Brown

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

This paper is a personal reflection on my leadership development using empowerment, enlightenment and emancipation as a reflective framework. Aim and objectives: To reflect on my leadership journey and share some of my leadership stories as examples of opportunities for personal growth. Conclusions: I have experienced a rich and fulfilling leadership journey; others could experience similar paths if they seek and seize the right opportunities. My journey continues. Implications for practice: • Leadership development can be enhanced by an open and responsive attitude to opportunities • A model of reflection can be used to analyse experiences and tell them as …

Is A Good Idea Enough?' Engaging Mental Health Professionals And University Of Wollongong Students To Facilitate Sustainable Change In Health Care For Mental Health Consumers, Angela Douglas, Alex Gagan, Keirin Mccormack, Sarah Lisle

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Abstract of paper that presented at the 2013 Engagement Australia Conference, 15-17 July, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne.

Petrophysical Characterization Of The Lacustrine Sediment Succession Drilled In Lake El'gygytgyn, Far East Russian Arctic, A C. Gebhardt, Alexander Francke, J Kück, M A. Sauerbrey, F Niessen, V Wennrich, Martin Melles

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Seismic profiles of Far East Russian Lake El'gygytgyn, formed by a meteorite impact some 3.6 million years ago, show a stratified sediment succession that can be separated into subunits Ia and Ib at approximately 167 m below lake floor (=~3.17 Ma). The upper (Ia) is well-stratified, while the lower is acoustically more massive and discontinuous. The sediments are intercalated with frequent mass movement deposits mainly in the proximal areas, while the distal region is almost free of such deposits at least in the upper part. In spring 2009, a long core drilled in the lake center within the framework of …

Chronology Of Lake El'gygytgyn Sediments - A Combined Magnetostratigraphic, Palaeoclimatic And Orbital Tuning Study Based On Multi-Parameter Analyses, Norbert R. Nowaczyk, E M. Haltia, D Ulbricht, V Wennrich, M A. Sauerbrey, P Rosén, Hendrik Vogel, Alexander Francke, C Meyer-Jacob, A A. Andreev, A V. Lozhkin

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

A 318-metre-long sedimentary profile drilled by the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP) at Site 5011-1 in Lake El'gygytgyn, Far East Russian Arctic, has been analysed for its sedimentologic response to global climate modes by chronostratigraphic methods. The 12 km wide lake is sited off-centre in an 18 km large crater that was created by the impact of a meteorite 3.58 Ma ago. Since then sediments have been continuously deposited. For establishing their chronology, major reversals of the earth's magnetic field provided initial tie points for the age model, confirming that the impact occurred in the earliest geomagnetic Gauss chron. …

North-South Palaeohydrological Contrasts In The Central Mediterranean During The Holocene: Tentative Synthesis And Working Hypotheses, M Magny, Nathalie Combourieu-Nebout, J L. De Beaulieu, V Bout-Roumazeilles, D Colombaroli, S Desprat, Alexander Francke, Sébastien Joannin, E Ortu, O Peyron

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

On the basis of a multi-proxy approach and a strategy combining lacustrine and marine records along a north-south transect, data collected in the central Mediterranean within the framework of a collaborative project have led to reconstruction of high-resolution and well-dated palaeohydrological records and to assessment of their spatial and temporal coherency. Contrasting patterns of palaeohydrological changes have been evidenced in the central Mediterranean: south (north) of around 40° N of latitude, the middle part of the Holocene was characterised by lake-level maxima (minima), during an interval dated to ca. 10 300-4500 cal BP to the south and 9000-4500 cal BP …

A Realist Review Of Interventions And Strategies To Promote Evidence-Informed Healthcare: A Focus On Change Agency, Brendan Mccormack, Joanne Rycroft-Malone, Kara Decorby, Alison M. Hutchinson, Tracey K. Bucknall, Bridie Kent, Alyce Schultz, Erna Snelgrove-Clarke, Cheryl B. Stetler, Marita Titler, Lars Wallin, Valerie J. Wilson

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Background: Change agency in its various forms is one intervention aimed at improving the effectiveness of the uptake of evidence. Facilitators, knowledge brokers and opinion leaders are examples of change agency strategies used to promote knowledge utilization. This review adopts a realist approach and addresses the following question: What change agency characteristics work, for whom do they work, in what circumstances and why?.

Methods: The literature reviewed spanned the period 1997-2007. Change agency was operationalized as roles that are aimed at effecting successful change in individuals and organizations. A theoretical framework, developed through stakeholder consultation formed the basis …

Leadership Development: An Essential Ingredient In Supporting Nursing Unit Managers, Valerie J. Wilson, Sheree Paterson, Kelly Kornman

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Purpose: The aim of the leadership development program was to enhance participants' understanding of person-centered leadership in the context of their nursing unit manager (NUM) roles.

Materials and methods: This article details the results of the NUM leadership development program (LDP). Twenty-one NUMs from an Australian pediatric hospital participated in the 8-month program. The evaluation encompassed a group claims/concerns/issues session, one-on-one interviews, and written feedback. Data were themed using a four-step sequential process.

Results: The NUM LDP had a positive impact on the leadership practices of the participants. Six key themes were identified from the evaluation: "forming …