1,065 research outputs found

    The MASSIVE Survey - III. Molecular gas and a broken Tully-Fisher relation in the most massive early-type galaxies

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    In this work we present CO(1-0) and CO(2-1) observations of a pilot sample of 15 early-type galaxies (ETGs) drawn from the MASSIVE galaxy survey, a volume-limited integral-field spectroscopic study of the most massive ETGs (M∗>1011.5M⊙M_* >10^{11.5}M_\odot) within 108 Mpc. These objects were selected because they showed signs of an interstellar medium and/or star formation. A large amount of gas (>>2×\times108^8 M⊙_{\odot}) is present in 10 out of 15 objects, and these galaxies have gas fractions higher than expected based on extrapolation from lower mass samples. We tentatively interpret this as evidence that stellar mass loss and hot halo cooling may be starting to play a role in fuelling the most massive galaxies. These MASSIVE ETGs seem to have lower star-formation efficiencies (SFE=SFR/MH2_{\rm H2}) than spiral galaxies, but the SFEs derived are consistent with being drawn from the same distribution found in other lower mass ETG samples. This suggests that the SFE is not simply a function of stellar mass, but that local, internal processes are more important for regulating star formation. Finally we used the CO line profiles to investigate the high-mass end of the Tully-Fisher relation (TFR). We find that there is a break in the slope of the TFR for ETGs at high masses (consistent with previous studies). The strength of this break correlates with the stellar velocity dispersion of the host galaxies, suggesting it is caused by additional baryonic mass being present in the centre of massive ETGs. We speculate on the root cause of this change and its implications for galaxy formation theories.Comment: 13 pages, 7 figures, accepted by MNRA

    A Comparative Study of the Views of Planning Students and Professionals About Planning Education in Western Australia

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    This paper reports the finding of a study into the relevance of Planning Education in Western Australia (WA). Phase one involved surveying students Planning at both Curtin and Edith Cowan Universities and WA Planning professionals. Participants were asked to rate the importance of the various \u27streams\u27 of planning education, their passion for planning, and to identify what were the key attributes of an \u27excellent\u27 planner. The survey was followed up with qualitative research involving focus groups of selected students to explore in depth the similarities and differences between the views of students and professionals and the issues raised by the results. The key similarities in views on the planning education streams showed the importance of environmental and sustainability planning, regional planning, strategic planning and infrastructure planning. There was agreement that research methods, planning history and computer aided design were the least important. The key differences concerned the importance of statutory planning and evaluation techniques (professionals saw these as important and students saw them as unimportant). In regard to key attributes of an \u27excellent\u27 planner, there was agreement that communication and negotiations skills, being ethical, being adaptable, being innovative and thinking strategically were key attributes. The passion participants expressed for planning from all groups was high, being over 7 out of 10 for all groups. The results of the focus groups are reported and explored

    Exposure of a 23F serotype strain of <i>Streptococcus pneumoniae</i> to cigarette smoke condensate is associated with selective upregulation of genes encoding the two-component regulatory system 11 (TCS11)

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    Alterations in whole genome expression profiles following exposure of the pneumococcus (strain 172, serotype 23F) to cigarette smoke condensate (160 μg/mL) for 15 and 60 min have been determined using the TIGR4 DNA microarray chip. Exposure to CSC resulted in the significant (P &#60; 0.014–0.0006) upregulation of the genes encoding the two-component regulatory system 11 (TCS11), consisting of the sensor kinase, hk11, and its cognate response regulator, rr11, in the setting of increased biofilm formation. These effects of cigarette smoke on the pneumococcus may contribute to colonization of the airways by this microbial pathogen

    ICF Linking of Patient-Reported Therapy Goals for Children with Acquired Upper Extremity Impairment

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    BACKGROUND: Patient reported outcome measures are used to evaluate hand therapy outcomes. Yet, limited evidence is available regarding the outcomes children desire from hand therapy. PURPOSE: To determine the desired treatment outcomes of children with acquired upper extremity impairments. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive case series METHODS: Two raters independently applied International Classification of Function, Disability and Health (ICF) linking rules to the Canadian Occupational Performance goals of 151 children, age 6-18, receiving occupational therapy for acquired upper extremity impairments. Prevalence of the linked ICF codes was examined using frequency distributions. Kappa and the proportion of positive agreement assessed inter-rater agreement of the linked codes. RESULTS: Following consensus, two independent raters linked 894 meaningful concepts to the study population\u27s 501 goals derived from the Canadian Occupational Performance. Ninety-two unique ICF codes were linked to these 894 meaningful concepts. Twenty-three ICF codes account for 77.2% of the most frequently linked codes. For these top 23 codes, the greatest proportion (51.4%) of ICF codes are in the d4 mobility chapter representing specific constructs of hand and arm use. The second largest proportion (14.2%) of linked codes are in the d9 Community, society and civic life chapter aligning with participation in sports, music, performing arts and play. Within the d5 self-care chapter, the study population\u27s top priorities included hair care, fitness and drinking. The primary concerns within the b body functions domain are reduced pain, improved joint mobility and strength. CONCLUSION: The study population\u27s top priorities align with specific dimensions of hand and arm use and participation in sports and fitness, performing arts, and play. Further research may elucidate alignment of these patient-desired outcomes and the item banks of commonly used patient reported outcome measurement scales in this population

    FORCE ASYMMETRY DURING ISOMETRIC CONTRACTIONS FOLLOWING ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION

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    The aim of this study was to compare isometric strength asymmetry in participants that have previously undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and a healthy control group. Three-dimensional force data (1000 Hz) were collected from 21 ACL (3.2 ± 1.8 years post-surgery) and 21 control participants during maximal isometric contractions. Peak knee flexion force displayed significant asymmetry differences between groups, with ACL participants showing greater asymmetry (7.6 %) than the control group (0.1 %). No significant asymmetry differences were found between groups for peak extension, adduction and internal rotation force. Results suggest that following ACL reconstruction and rehabilitation, external force production during knee flexion is significantly less on the affected side than the uninjured side, which has implications on rehabilitation monitoring

    Showcase Faculty Recital

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    Prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in diarrhoea samples from patients in New South Wales, Australia

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    Campylobacteriosis is a leading cause of bacterial foodborne disease in many industrialized countries including Australia. New South Wales (NSW) is the most populous state in Australia yet the lack of any Campylobacter species surveillance programs has led to a knowledge gap in the importance of these pathogens as causes of diarrhoea. The data collected in this study demonstrated a need for such programs. In this study, 400 human clinical fecal samples were collected from two NSW locations, Western Sydney and Wagga Wagga, and tested for the presence of Campylobacter spp. Patients were clustered by location, age and gender to assess Campylobacter spp. prevalence within these groups between the two regions. The frequency of Campylobacter spp. was higher in males compared to females in the age groups 0&ndash;4 and 5&ndash;14 years; 6.4% and 1.0%, and 8.2% and none, respectively (P &lt; 0.05). A second peak was noted in elderly adults compared with those in younger age groups. Based on the findings of the quantitative PCR analysis it was estimated that the age-adjusted prevalence of Campylobacter spp. associated diarrhoea was 159 cases per 100,000 persons. [Int Microbiol 2016; 19(1):33-37]Keywords: Campylobacter species &middot; campylobacteriosis &middot; foodborne diseases &middot; prevalence of pathogens &middot; New South Wales, Australi

    Dairy-inspired coatings for bone implants from whey protein isolate-derived self-assembled fibrils

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    To improve integration of a biomaterial with surrounding tissue, its surface properties may be modified by adsorption of biomacromolecules, e.g. fibrils. Whey protein isolate (WPI), a dairy industry by-product, supports osteoblastic cell growth. WPI’s main component, β-lactoglobulin, forms fibrils in acidic solutions. In this study, aiming to develop coatings for biomaterials for bone contact, substrates were coated with WPI fibrils obtained at pH 2 or 3.5. Importantly, WPI fibrils coatings withstood autoclave sterilization and appeared to promote human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSC) spreading and differentiation. In the future, WPI fibrils coatings could facilitate immobilization of biomolecules with growth stimulating or antimicrobial propertie
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