Remembering sport history: Narrative, social memory and the origins of the rugby league in Australia

This study examines the historiography of the origins of rugby league in Australia. By accepting the inclusive nature of representation of the past as found in social memory theory, a wide range of sources ranging from histories written by academics to annuals, yearbooks and newspaper books are consulted. These sources reveal that there are several competing and conflicting accounts of the emergence of rugby league in Australia. These divergent accounts are used to facilitate a discussion of the role of narrative in sport history This article argues that narrative is an integral, not optional, feature of the production of history and that the historography of the origins of rugby league highlight the problematic nature of objectivity in history and the unavoidable, impositionalist role of the historian.

Haemonchus contortus: The uptake and metabolism of closantel

Closantel is an anthe lmintic which associates with plasma albumin and is useful for the control of sheep parasites, such as Haemonchus contortus, that ingest blood. However, the utility of closantel for parasite control has been threatened by the emergence of resistance. The mechanisms of resistance are unknown. A closantel-resistant and a closantel-susceptible isolate of H. contortus were compared with respect to the distribution and metabolism of closantel. Neither strain appeared to metabolise closantel in vitro or in vivo. Following treatment of infected sheep with radioactively labelled closantel, isotope levels in closantel-resistant adult H. contortus were significantly lower than in susceptible worms. This reduced accumulation of drug could contribute to closantel resistance by mechanisms such as reduced feeding, failure to dissociate the drug-albumin complex in the gut or increased efflux of closantel from resistant worms. (C) 1997 Australian Society for Parasitology.

Out of the shadows: The critical sociology of sport in Australia, 1986 to 1996

The sociology of sport in Australia has reached a key point in its development. A critical tradition in the subdiscipline has been established over the last decade, but its intellectual and institutional progress has been uneven. This article briefly traces the emergence of critical sports sociology in a country outside the major centers in the UK and U.S., its break with functionalist approaches, and its attempts to overcome the neglect of local mainstream sociology. The authors proceed to examine (self-reflexively) the changes of theoretical direction and the new lines of research that are being explored in the field. A recent ''skirmish'' with narrative history over the preferred theories and methods in sports analysis is discussed as illustrative of the difficulties encountered by an energetic but small, dispersed and underorganized scholarly movement in Australia.

Role of circumventricular organs in pro-inflammatory cytokine-induced activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

1. The past 15 years has seen the emergence of a new field of neuroscience research based primarily on how the immune system and the central nervous system can interact. A notable example of this interaction occurs when peripheral inflammation, infection or tissue injury activates the hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA). 2. During such assaults, immune cells release the pro- inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha into the general circulation. 3. These cytokines are believed to act as mediators for HPA axis activation. However, physical limitations of cytokines impede their movement across the blood-brain barrier and, consequently, it has been unclear as to precisely how and where IL-1beta signals cross into the brain to trigger HPA axis activation. 4. Evidence from recent anatomical and functional studies suggests two neuronal networks may be involved in triggering HPA axis activity in response to circulating cytokines. These are catecholamine cells of the medulla oblongata and the circumventricular organs (CVO). 5. The present paper examines the role of CVO in generating HPA axis responses to pro-inflammatory cytokines and culminates with a proposed model based on cytokine signalling primarily involving the area postrema and catecholamine cells in the ventrolateral and dorsal medulla.

The effect of musculoskeletal pain on motor activity and control

Aberrant movement patterns and postures are obvious to clinicians managing patients with musculoskeletal pain. However, some changes in motor function that occur in the presence of pain are less apparent. Clinical and basic science investigations have provided evidence of the effects of nociception on aspects of motor function. Both increases and decreases in muscle activity have been shown, along with alterations in neuronal control mechanisms, proprioception, and local muscle morphology. Various models have been proposed in an attempt to provide an explanation for some of these changes. These include the vicious cycle and pain adaptation models. Recent research has seen the emergence of a new model in which patterns of muscle activation and recruitment are altered in the presence of pain (neuromuscular activation model). These changes seem to particularly affect the ability of muscles to perform synergistic functions related to maintaining joint stability and control. These changes are believed to persist into the period of chronicity. This review shows current knowledge of the effect of musculoskeletal pain on the motor system and presents the various proposed models, in addition to other shown effects not covered by these models. The relevance of these models to both acute and chronic pain is considered. It is apparent that people experiencing musculoskeletal pain exhibit complex motor responses that may show some variation with the time course of the disorder. (C) 2001 by the American Pain Society.

A typology of community opportunity and vulnerability in metropolitan Australia

A multivariate model using hierarchical clustering and discriminant analysis is used to identify clusters of community opportunity and community vulnerability across Australia's mega metropolitan regions, Variables used in the model measure aspects of structural economic change, occupational change, human capital, income, unemployment, family/household disadvantage, and housing stress. A nine-cluster solution is used to categorise communities across metropolitan space. Significant between-city variations in the incidence of these clusters of opportunity and vulnerability are apparent, suggesting the emergence of marked differentiation between Australia's mega metropolitan regions in their adjustments to changing economic and social conditions. JEL classification: C49, R11, R12.

The game of leapfrog and the Internet: Developing countries and the information-divide

Recent rapid advances in communication technology have changed global structural patterns and produced new concepts and poles of dynamism in international relations. One such technology, which is increasingly causing a mixed reaction across international boundaries, is that of the Internet. For the first time in history the emergence of the Internet has produced an anarchic power that is capable of influencing individuals, societies and governments on a scale previously unimaginable.

The natural history of Hendra and Nipah viruses

Pteropid bats (flying foxes), species of which are the probable natural host of both Hendra and Nipah viruses, occur in overlapping populations from India to Australia. Ecological changes associated with land use and with animal husbandry practices appear most likely to be associated with the emergence of these two agents. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.

Interaction of temperature and vegetative flush maturity influences shoot structure and development of lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.)

Potted lychee trees (cv. Tai so) of varying vegetative flush maturity were grown under a range of temperature regimes and monitored for subsequent shoot structure and development. A combination of low temperature (15/17 or 18/13 degreesC day/night) and high vegetative flush maturity was necessary for floral initiation to occur, Exposure to high temperatures (28/23 degreesC) invariably resulted in the production of vegetative shoots, irrespective of flush maturity. Strong floral initiation was marked by the emergence of terminal particles and accompanying axillary particles. A decrea,;e in vegetative flush maturity or increase in temperature (e.g. 23/18 degreesC) resulted in a decrease in axillary shoot formation and the production of several intermediate shoot structures. These included leafy particles, stunted particles, partially emerged buds and non-emergent swollen buds, often produced on the same tree. At 23/18 degreesC, closer synchronisation of initial flush maturity was required for the production of a consistent shoot-type. Trees with synchronised mature flushes (I-2) at 23/18 degreesC resulted in the production of swollen terminal buds. Healthy trees were maintained in this state for at least 11 months. These results indicate that both temperature and flush maturity can influence subsequent shoot structure of lychee. In the absence of either a strong floral temperature (18/13 degreesC) or strong vegetative temperature (28/23 degreesC), slight differences in initial flush maturity have gteater impact on the type of emerging shoot formed. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Development and survival of the diamondback moth (Lepidoptera : Plutellidae) at constant and alternating temperatures

Survival and development time from egg to adult emergence of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), were determined at 19 constant and 14 alternating temperature regimes from 4 to 40degreesC. Plutella xylostella developed successfully front egg to adult emergence at constant temperatures from 8 to 32degreesC. At temperatures from 4 to 6degreesC or from 34 to 40degreesC, partial or complete development of individual stages or instars was possible, with third and fourth instars having the widest temperature limits. The insect developed successfully from egg to adult emergence under alternating regimes including temperatures as low as 4degreesC or as high as 38degreesC. The degree-day model, the logistic equation, and the Wang model were used to describe the relationships between temperature and development rate at both constant and alternating temperatures. The degree-day model described the relationships well from 10 to 30degreesC. The logistic equation and the Wang model fit the data well at temperatures 32degreesC. Under alternating regimes, all three models gave good simulations of development in the mid-temperature range, but only the logistic equation gave close simulations in the low temperature range, and none gave close or consistent simulations in the high temperature range. The distribution of development time was described satisfactorily by a Weibull function. These rate and time distribution functions provide tools for simulating population development of P. xylostella over a wide range of temperature conditions.

The paradox of commercialising public sector intellectual property

The juxtapositioning of government providing a public good through research and development investment on one hand and engaging in commercialisation of the research outcome on the other is a paradox. Using agricultural research as an example, we examine the nature of the paradox to determine if commercialisation potentially leads to a conflict in the role of public research institutions set up to fulfil public good responsibilities. We identify the reasons for the shift in policy towards commercialisation and greater exploitation of public sector intellectual property and how this has contributed to the emergence of the apparent inconsistency. We argue that the belief in working for public good is inherent and embedded in an organisation's history and its wider operating environment. We propose that the creation of public sector intellectual property and its commercialisation are influenced by the political, social and economic environment in which the public institutions operate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparative evaluation of juvenoids for control of cat fleas (Siphonaptera : Pulicidae) in topsoil

The efficacy of a photostable formulation of methoprene and two photostable juvenoids, fenoxycarb and pyriproxyfen, and their residual activity in inhibiting the emergence of adult cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouche), was studied in topsoil. Nursery pots composed of clay, peat, and plastic, and wooden flats were used to hold soil samples. Treated soil samples were exposed to sunlight during the 63-d study period. Methoprene was as effective as fenoxycarb and pyriproxyfen against cat fleas for up to 42 d in clay, peat, and plastic pots at a concentration of 64.56 mg (AI) /m(2) (6 mg [AI] /ft(2)), but its activity declined significantly thereafter. In contrast, fenoxycarb and pyriproxyfen showed strong residual activity for the entire 63 d. The activity of methoprene declined even more rapidly over time in wooden flats, while at the same concentrations the other two juvenoids showed significant residual activity for 63 d. Clay, peat, and plastic pots were therefore considered to be equally effective for evaluating the outdoor efficacy of juvenoids in comparison to the wooden flats. However, results obtained with wooden flats may be more realistic when testing residual activity of volatile chemicals such as methoprene. Fenoxycarb and pyriproxyfen showed strong efficacy and residual activity at concentrations of 8.07, 16.14, and 32.28 mg (AI) /m(2), whereas methoprene did not cause a significant reduction of adult emergence at levels below 64.56 mg (AI) /m(2). LC50 values for methoprene, fenoxycarb, and pyriproxyfen needed for preventing flea emergence when applied to topsoil were estimated to be 0.643, 0.031, and 0.028 ppm, respectively.

Very limited transmission of FMD following introduction into a sheep flock

IN contrast to previous international experience, sheep played a critical role in the source and spread of foot-andnmouth disease (FNID) in the 2001 outbreak in the UK. At many stages during the outbreak, sheep wvere associated with the emergence of disease in new, that is, previously non-infected, areas, and in areas which had been apparently cleared of disease some weeks or months earlier. Although some information about this disease in sheep is available (Donaldson and Sellers 2000), an understanding of the natural history of FNIF in sheep will be improved based on lessons learned from the 2001 outbreak. This short communication describes an outbreak of FNID in a sheep flock in north-east England, where there was strong epidemiological and laboratory evidence of very limited transmission of disease following introduction.

Predicting plant leaf area production: shoot assimilate accumulation and partitioning, and leaf area ratio, are stable for a wide range of sorghum population densities

Predicting plant leaf area production is required for modelling carbon balance and tiller dynamics in plant canopies. Plant leaf area production can be studied using a framework based on radiation intercepted, radiation use efficiency (RUE) and leaf area ratio (LAR) (ratio of leaf area to net above-ground biomass). The objective of this study was to test this framework for predicting leaf area production of sorghum during vegetative development by examining the stability of the contributing components over a large range of plant density. Four densities, varying from 2 to 16 plants m(-2), were implemented in a field experiment. Plants were either allowed to tiller or were maintained as uniculm by systematic tiller removal. In all cases, intercepted radiation was recorded daily and leaf area and shoot dry matter partitioning were quantified weekly at individual culm level. Up to anthesis, a unique relationship applied between fraction of intercepted radiation and leaf area index, and between shoot dry weight accumulation and amount of intercepted radiation, regardless of plant density. Partitioning of shoot assimilate between leaf, stem and head was also common across treatments up to anthesis, at both plant and culm levels. The relationship with thermal time (TT) from emergence of specific leaf area (SLA) and LAR of tillering plants did not change with plant density. In contrast, SLA of uniculm plants was appreciably lower under low-density conditions at any given TT from emergence. This was interpreted as a consequence of assimilate surplus arising from the inability of the plant to compensate by increasing the leaf area a culm could produce. It is argued that the stability of the extinction coefficient, RUE and plant LAR of tillering plants observed in these conditions provides a reliable way to predict leaf area production regardless of plant density. Crown Copyright (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.