Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Intranasal Vaccination With Streptococcal Fibronectin Binding Protein Sfb1 Fails To Prevent Growth And Dissemination Of Streptococcus Pyogenes In A Murine Skin Infection Model, Jason D. Mcarthur, E. Medina, J. Chin, B. J. Currie, K. S. Sriprakash, S. R. Talay, G. S. Chhatwal, Mark J. Walker

Faculty of Science - Papers (Archive)

Fibronectin binding protein F1 (Sfb1) of Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus [GAS]) is a well-characterized adhesin that has been shown to induce protection in mice against a lethal intranasal GAS challenge after intranasal immunization with cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) as adjuvant. With a murine skin infection model, we have shown that Sfb1/CTB vaccination neither elicits opsonizing antibodies nor prevents systemic bacterial growth and dissemination to internal organs after a subcutaneous GAS challenge. These results indicate that an Sfb1-based vaccine should be complemented with additional protective antigens in order to be used in areas such as the tropical north of …

Two Distinct Genotypes Of Prtf2, Encoding A Fibronectin Binding Protein, And The Evolution Of The Gene Family In Streptococcus Pyogenes, V. Ramachandran, Jason D. Mcarthur, C. E. Behm, C. Gutzeit, M. Dowton, P. K. Fagan, R. Towers, B. J. Currie, K. S. Sriprakash, Mark J. Walker

Faculty of Science - Papers (Archive)

The group A Streptococcus (GAS) is an important pathogen responsible for a wide range of human diseases. Fibronectin binding proteins (FBPs) play important role in promoting GAS adherence and invasion of host cells. The gene prtF2 encodes a FBP and is contained in approximately 60% of GAS strains. In the present study we have examined 51 prtF2-positive GAS strains isolated from the Northern Territory of Australia and describe two genotypes of prtF2, which are mutually exclusive. Both genotypes have been previously identified in the literature as pfbp and fbaB. We show these genotypes map to the same chromosomal location within …

Austrochlamys Heardensis (Fleming, 1957) (Bivalvia: Pectinidae) From Central Kerguelen Plateau, Indian Ocean: Palaeontology And Possible Tectonic Significance, P. G. Quilty, C. V. Murray-Wallace, J. M. Whitehead

Faculty of Science - Papers (Archive)

Austrochlamys heardensis (Fleming) is recorded from a boulder of Late Pliocene (3.62–2.5 Ma) volcaniclastic sandstone dredged 70 km east-north-east of Heard Island, the third record of the species. The collection is much larger than the original described by Fleming and includes left valves which are described for the first time. The species is compared with A. anderssoni (Hennig) from Cockburn Island and ‘Chlamys’ mawsoni Fletcher from Îles Kerguelen. The source rock accumulated in fully marine, highly current-affected conditions. The collection is dominated by right valves, possibly because left valves are more susceptible to breakage and the effects of current winnowing. …

Australian Backyard Gardens And The Journey Of Migration, Lesley M. Head, Pat Muir, E. Hampel

Faculty of Science - Papers (Archive)

Gardens have been an important site of environmental engagement in Australia since the British colonization. They are places where immigrant people and plants carry on traditions from their homelands, and work out an accommodation with new social and biophysical environments. We examine the backyard gardens of three contemporary migrant groups in suburban Australia, Macedonian, Vietnamese and British-born, and a fourth group of first generation Australians with both parents born overseas. There is strong emphasis on the production of vegetables in Macedonian backyards, and herbs and fruit in Vietnamese backyards. British backyards were more diverse, some focusing on non-native ornamental flowers …

Comparison Of Solvent Regimes For The Extraction Of Photosynthetic Pigments From Leaves Of Higher Plants, J. L. Dunn, J. D. Turnbull, Sharon A. Robinson

Faculty of Science - Papers (Archive)

The relative efficiency of methanol- and acetone-based solvents for the extraction of pigments from photosynthetic tissues of plant was compared, together with the advantages of multiple versus single extractions. The two commonly employed triple acetone extractions (100:80:80% and 85:100:100%) performed comparably for most pigments and for all plant species tested. Single extractions with either 96% methanol or 85% acetone failed to extract the more hydrophobic pigments, especially ?-carotene. We conclude that multiple extractions that combine pure and aqueous (80–85%) acetone are preferable for extraction of the full range of pigments. These results suggest that previous studies that have utilised aqueous …

Nativeness, Invasiveness And Nation In Australian Plants, Lesley M. Head, Pat Muir

Faculty of Science - Papers (Archive)

The conceptualization of alien invasive species conflates two axes of variability that have become unhelpfully blurred. The nativeness/alienness axis refers to the presumed belonging of a species in ecological or social space. Invasiveness refers to the behavior of the species in question, particularly in relation to other species. The overlay of nation introduces further variability. Teasing these axes apart is important for more effective environmental management. We examine these concepts using two influential forms of ecological knowledge: the biogeographical and ecological literature and the vernacular experiences of suburban backyarders. Three case studes, the invasive native Pittosporum undulatum and two invasive …

National Inquiry On Bushfire Mitigation And Management, S. Ellis, P. Kanowski, R. J. Whelan

Faculty of Science - Papers (Archive)

Bushfires are an inherent part of the Australian environment. We cannot prevent them, but we can minimise the risks they pose to life, property and infrastructure, production systems, and the environment. Australia has a large and very capable force of volunteer and career firefighters, advanced firefighting technologies, and significant firefighting resources. But the geographical scale of our country, the large and expanding rural–urban interface, and the potential for rapid bushfire development and spread under adverse weather conditions mean that individual Australians cannot rely solely on fire agencies to protect their lives and property from bushfires. Bushfires have a fundamental and …

Trace Gas Emissions From Biomass Burning Inferred From Aerosol Optical Depth, Clare Paton-Walsh, N. B. Jones, Stephen R. Wilson, A. Meier, N. Deutscher, D. W. Griffith, R. Mitchell, S. Campbell

Faculty of Science - Papers (Archive)

We have observed strong correlations between simultaneous and co-located measurements of aerosol optical depth and column amounts of carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, formaldehyde and ammonia in bushfire smoke plumes over SE Australia during the Austral summers of 2001/2002 and 2002/2003. We show how satellite-derived aerosol optical depth maps may be used in conjunction with these correlations to determine the total amounts of these gases present in a fire-affected region. This provides the basis of a method for estimating total emissions of trace gases from biomass burning episodes using visible radiances measured by satellite.

Food Fears: A National Survey On The Attitudes Of Australian Adults About The Safety And Quality Of Food, P. G. Williams, E. Stirling, N. Keynes

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

A national telephone survey of a representative sample of 1200 Australian adults was conducted in March 2002 in order to identify the factors of greatest concern to consumers in relation to the safety and quality of food, to measure recent trends in views about hazards in the food supply, to explore beliefs about the safety of additives and to discover whether consumers use food labels to check for ingredients of concern. Forty five percent of Australians responded that they were more concerned about the safety and quality of food than they were five years previously, while only 5% were less …

The Illawarra Healthy Food Price Index. 1. Development Of The Food Basket, P. G. Williams, M. Reid, K. Shaw

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Objective To define a basket of foods that could be used to monitor trends in the affordability of healthy food in the Illawarra region. Design A reference family of five was defined reflecting the population of the Illawarra region. A draft basket of foods was selected based on recommendations of the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE), and using information on typical eating patterns from the 1995 National Nutrition Survey and data from local supermarket sales. Products were chosen to conform where possible to the National Heart Foundation guidelines for acceptability in the Pick the Tick food approval program. Seven …

The Illawarra Healthy Food Price Index. 2. Pricing Methods And Index Trends From 2000-2003, P. G. Williams, Y. James, J. Kwan

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Objective To develop a method to monitor trends in the cost of the Illawarra Healthy Food Basket (IHFB) and report trends from 2000 to 2003.

Design Detailed instructions for the method of pricing the IHFB were developed and tested. The price of the IHFB was collected each year in September at a major supermarket, green grocer and butcher in five Illawarra suburbs, representing a range of socio-economic locations. Data on welfare payments available to the reference family, assuming all members were unemployed, were collected from staff of Centrelink.

Main outcome measures The average weekly cost of the IHFB, the Illawarra …

The Impact Of Different Types Of Incentives On Re-Enrolment Into Health Management Programs, Sandra C. Jones, Christina Hoang

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

The Australian Health Management Group (AHMG) offers disease- and risk-management programs for members, aimed at improving health status and reducing health care costs. As an incentive to re-enrol, members are posted a small gift upon receipt of their completed enrolment form. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the provision of an incentive has a measurable effect on re-enrolment rates. Members were allocated to one of three conditions: “gift”; “competition”; or “no incentive”. We found that the provision of an incentive resulted in an increase in re-enrolment rates, with little difference between the “competition” and “gift” conditions. …

What Can Change Blindness Tell Us About The Visual Processing Of Complex Objects?, Simone Keane, Stephen A. Palmisano

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Processing visual information about objects in our environment is an essential and widely used skill. However, recent research in change blindness suggests that humans are remarkably poor at detecting certain types of changes to objects. In particular, changes to the configuration of an object's parts are detected quicker and more accurately than changes to the shape of the parts or a switching of parts. The implication of this finding is that information regarding the layout or configuration of an object is better encoded than finer details, like part shape. The aim of the current study was to determine whether this …

Erythrocyte Biomarker-Based Validation Of A Diet History Method Used In A Dietary Intervention Trial, Craig S. Patch, Karen J Murphy, Jackie Mansour, Linda C. Tapsell, Barbara J. Meyer, Trevor A Mori, Manny Noakes, P Clifton, I Puddey, P Howe

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

No abstract provided.

Functional Foods And Ingredients: Opportunities For Health And Profit, Linda C. Tapsell

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

The National Centre of Excellence in Functional Foods (NCEFF) is developing well with strategic research projects underway. This report outlines progress to date.

Metal Equilibration And Bioavailability In Laboratory-Contaminated (Spiked) Sediments Used For The Development Of Whole-Sediment Toxicity Tests, Stuart L. Simpson, Brad M. Angel, Dianne F. Jolley

Faculty of Science - Papers (Archive)

The equilibration and bioavailability of metals in laboratory-contaminated sediments has been investigated in order to provide better guidance on acceptable procedures for spiking sediments with metals for use in the development whole-sediment toxicity tests. The equilibration rates of Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn spiked into three estuarine surface sediments with varying properties were investigated. Changes to sediment pH, redox potential, porewater and acid soluble metals, acid-volatile sulfide and bacterial activity during equilibration, effects of temperature and disturbances following equilibration are reported. The addition of metals to sediments caused major decreases in pH and increases in redox potential as metals displaced …

Studies On The Synthesis Of Croomine: Synthesis Of The Tricyclic B,C,D-Ring Core Structure, Karl B. Lindsay, Stephen G. Pyne

Faculty of Science - Papers (Archive)

A convergent and asymmetric synthesis of the tricyclic B,C,D-ring core structure of croomine has been achieved, using aminolysis reactions of chiral vinyl epoxides and the RCM reaction.

Quantitative Force Measurements In Liquid Using Frequency Modulation Atomic Force Microscopy, Suzi P. Jarvis, S. Akita, Takayuki Uchihashi, John E. Sader, Y. Nakayama, Michael J. Higgins, S Yasuda

Faculty of Science - Papers (Archive)

The measurement of short-range forces with the atomic force microscope (AFM) typically requires implementation of dynamic techniques to maintain sensitivity and stability. While frequency modulation atomic force microscopy (FM-AFM) is used widely for high-resolution imaging and quantitative force measurements in vacuum, quantitative force measurements using FM-AFM in liquids have proven elusive. Here we demonstrate that the formalism derived for operation in vacuum can also be used in liquids, provided certain modifications are implemented. To facilitate comparison with previous measurements taken using surface forces apparatus, we choose a model system (octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane) that is known to exhibit short-ranged structural ordering when confined …

Analysis Of The Mechanism By Which Calcium Negatively Regulates The Tyrosine Phosphorylation Cascade Associated With Sperm Capacitation, Mark Baker, Louise Hethrington, Heath W. Ecroyd, Shaun D. Roman, Robert J. Aitken

Faculty of Science - Papers (Archive)

The capacitation of mammalian spermatozoa involves the activation of a cAMP-mediated signal transduction pathway that drives tyrosine phosphorylation via mechanisms that are unique to this cell type. Controversy surrounds the impact of extracellular calcium on this process, with positive and negative effects being recorded in independent publications. We clearly demonstrate that the presence of calcium in the external medium decreases tyrosine phosphorylation in both human and mouse spermatozoa. Under these conditions, a rise in intracellular pH was recorded, however, this event was not responsible for the observed changes in phosphotyrosine expression. Rather, the impact of calcium on tyrosine phosphorylation in …

Using A Taxonomy Of Errors As A Conceptual Framework For Differences In Patterns Of Use For Casual And Novice Users, Jocelyn R. Harper, Peter Caputi, Rohan Jayasuriya, Shae-Leigh C. Vella, P. Hyland

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

A taxonomy of errors was applied in a recent study of casual and novice users of a statistical analysis software. The taxonomy was found to be useful and several extensions to the taxonomy were proposed. The aim of this study is to confirm the theoretical validity of the proposed extensions and the usefulness of the taxonomy in describing the patterns of human-computer interaction and predicting changes in use patterns with learning.

Individual Differences In Anticipated Emotions, Desires And Intentions In Approaching A Computer Task, Jocelyn R. Harper, Peter Caputi, Rohan Jayasuriya

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Research on user training has drawn on psychological theory to understand individual differences effects. An extension of the Model of Goal-directed Behaviour (MGB) was used to test the role of Personality variables, Computer self-efficacy and Computer anxiety as antecedents of anticipated emotions, goal desires and intentions. Positive anticipated emotions were demonstrated to intervene in the relation between Computer self efficacy and goal desires.

On The Transferability Of The Spcal Water Model To Biomolecular Simulation, Alice Glaettli, Chris Oostenbrink, Xavier Daura, Daan Geerke, Haibo Yu, Wilfred Van Gunsteren

Faculty of Science - Papers (Archive)

We investigated the performance of the recently developed SPC/L model for liquid water, as a pure liquid, in binary mixtures with DMSO, and as a solvent model in a peptide folding simulation. Additionally, in order to test the compatibility with the GROMOS biomolecular force field, free energies of hydration of a set of representative compounds were computed. The results are compared to those for the well established SPC water model, which is generally used as a solvent model in conjunction with the GROMOS force field already for more than two decades. It turns out that as a pure liquid and …

Protecting Group Effects On The Efficiency Of The Ruthenium-Catalyzed Alder-Ene Reaction, Joseph Hartley, Stephen G. Pyne

Faculty of Science - Papers (Archive)

The efficiency of the ruthenium-catalysed Alder-ene reaction of hydroxy alkenes depends heavily on the nature of the O-protecting groups employed as well as the length of the carbon spacer between the hydroxy and alkene group.

An Exploratory Study Of Older Adults' Perceptions Of Dtca For Prescription Medications, Sandra C. Jones, Judy Mullan

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

There are many arguments for and against Direct-To-Consumer-Advertising (DTCA) and their impact on the consumer. A study involving 97 older consumers was carried out to investigate their perceptions about long or short versions of written DTCA for arthritis or diabetes medication. The results indicate that even though the ads may improve doctor-patient discussion about medications, they would not necessarily empower them to make decisions. Some of the consumers also believed that DTCA might cause people to ask for inappropriate medicines, become confused and possibly stop seeking medical advice.

An Exploratory Study On The Effect Of Positive (Warmth Appeal) And Negative (Guilt Appeal) Print Imagery On Donation Behaviour In Animal Welfare, M. Haynes, Jennifer Thornton, Sandra C. Jones

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Very few studies in social marketing empirically compare the effectiveness of positive and negative appeals. This study examines the effect of positive (warmth appeal) and negative (guilt appeal) print imagery on donation behaviour to an animal welfare organisation. A quasiexperimental design was used to test the appeals, using a convenience sample of 282 university students, with each experimental group being exposed to only one type of appeal. The results indicated that negative imagery which evoked guilt was more effective than positive imagery which evoked warmth, on intention to donate money and time to the animal welfare organisation.

The Influence Of Magazine Advertising On Parents' Nutrition Ratings Of Food Products For Children, Christina Hoang, Sandra C. Jones, Jennifer Thornton

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Childhood obesity currently affects approximately 22 million children under the age of five worldwide (Rochinni, 2002) and its increasing prevalence in developed nations makes it one of the most common nutritional problems among children (Sorof and Stephen, 2002). A study was conducted to investigate parents’ health-related perceptions for a series of magazine advertisements for commonly advertised and popular children’s food products. The study revealed that confusion exists among parents and this was most evident in relation to the energy content of food products. Parents are important due to the instrumental role they play in their child’s nutrition - both as …

Compartmentalization Of Prion Isoforms Within The Reproductive Tract Of The Ram, Heath W. Ecroyd, Pierre Sarradin, Jean-Louis Dacheux, Jean-Luc Gatti

Faculty of Science - Papers (Archive)

Cellular prion protein (Prp(C)) is a glycoprotein usually associated with membranes via its glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. The trans-conformational form of this protein (Prp(SC)) is the suggested agent responsible for transmissible neurodegenerative spongiform encephalopathies. This protein has been shown on sperm and in the reproductive fluids of males. Antibodies directed against the C-terminal sequence near the GPI-anchor site, an N-terminal sequence, and against the whole protein showed that the Prp isoforms were compartmentalized within the reproductive tract of the ram. Immunoblotting with the three antibodies showed that the complete protein and both N- and C-terminally truncated and glycosylated isoforms are present …

The Development Of Signal Transduction Pathways During Epididymal Maturation Is Calcium Dependent, Heath W. Ecroyd, Kelly Asquith, Russell C. Jones, Robert J. Aitken

Faculty of Science - Papers (Archive)

Capacitation has been correlated with the activation of a cAMP-PKA-dependent signaling pathway leading to protein tyrosine phosphorylation. The ability to exhibit this response to cAMP matures during epididymal maturation in concert with the ability of the sperrnatozoa to capacitate. In this study, we have addressed the mechanisms by which spermatozoa gain the potential to activate this signaling pathway during epididymal maturation. In a modified Tyrode's medium containing 1.7 mM calcium, caput spermatozoa had significantly higher [Ca2+](i) than caudal cells and could not tyrosine phosphorylate in response to cAMP. However, in calcium-depleted medium both caput and caudal cells could exhibit a …

Negotiating Nature: Collaboration And Conflict Between Aboriginal And Conservation Interests In New South Wales, Australia, Michael Adams

Faculty of Science - Papers (Archive)

Faced with the paradox of a large global increase in conservation reserves and a simultaneous global decrease in actual effective protection for biodiversity, conservation scientists and policymakers are questioning established conservation theory and practice. I argue that the fundamental premises, the foundational myths, for Western-style conservation also need to be questioned. The statistics on Indigenous land claims, and conservation reserves, in Australia and more specifically the state of New South Wales (NSW), reveal a landscape of policy failure in both arenas. Focusing on Australia, I use spatial analysis and policy histories to demonstrate converging trajectories of land use priorities for …

Land-Based Activities And Impacts On Coral Reefs And The Marine Environment Of The Pacific Islands, Robert John Morrison, N. S. Tuivavalagi

Faculty of Science - Papers (Archive)

This paper recognizes the fact some of the problems encountered in the coral reefs and marine environment of the Pacific are actually due to land-based activities. This message needs to be clearly brought to the attention of farmers and others who work the land - as well as to fishermen and others whose activities focus on coral reefs and the marine environment.

The paper discusses the Pacific environment and some relevant key issues. The paper goes on to discuss land-based activities that harm the coral reef environment - with some emphasis on agricultural activities and soil erosion; however, the impacts …