The Future of the Australian-U.S. Security Relationship

Australia is an increasingly important ally for the United States. It is willing to be part of challenging global missions, and its strong economy and growing self-confi dence suggest a more prominent role in both global and regional affairs. Moreover, its government has worked hard to strengthen the link between Canberra and Washington. Political and strategic affi nities between the two countries have been refl ected in--and complemented by--practiced military interoperability, as the two allies have sustained a pattern of security cooperation in relation to East Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq in the last 4 years. This growing collaboration between the two countries suggests that a reinvention of the traditional bilateral security relationship is taking place. At the core of this process lies an agreement about the need for engaging in more proactive strategic behavior in the changing global security environment, and a mutual acceptance of looming military and technological interdependence. But this new alliance relationship is already testing the boundaries of bipartisan support for security policy within Australia. Issues of strategic doctrine, defense planning, and procurement are becoming topics of fi erce policy debate. Such discussion is likely to be sharpened in the years ahead as Australia’s security relationship with the United States settles into a new framework.

The anodic dissolution of magnesium in chloride and sulphate solutions

The electrochemical behaviour of magnesium was studied in representative chloride and sulphate solutions including NaCl, Na2SO4, NaOH and their mixed solutions, HCl, and H2SO4: (1) by measuring electrochemical polarisation curves, (2) by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and (3) by simultaneous measurement of hydrogen gas evolution and measurement of magnesium dissolution rates using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometry (ICPEAS). These experiments showed that a partially protective surface film played an important role in the dissolution of magnesium in chloride and sulphate solutions. Furthermore, the experimental data were consistent with the involvement of the intermediate species Mg+ in magnesium dissolution at film imperfections or on a film-free surface. At such sites, magnesium first oxidised electrochemically to the intermediate species Mg+, and then the intermediate species chemically reacted with water to produce hydrogen and Mg2+. The presence of Cl- ions increased the film free area, and accelerated the electrochemical reaction rate from magnesium metal to Mg+. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.

Antibody responses and protective immunity to recombinant vaccinia virus-expressed bluetongue virus antigens

The role of individual viral proteins in the immune response to bluetongue virus (BTV) is not clearly understood. To investigate the contributions of the outer capsid proteins, VP2 and VP5, and possible interactions between them, these proteins were expressed from recombinant vaccinia viruses either as individual proteins or together in double recombinants, or with the core protein VP7 in a triple recombinant. Comparison of the immunogenicity of the vaccinia expressed proteins with BTV expressed proteins was carried out by inoculation of rabbits and sheep. Each of the recombinants was capable of stimulating an anti-BTV antibody response, although there was a wide range in the level of response between animals and species. Vaccinia-expressed VP2 was poorly immunogenic, particularly in rabbits. VP5, on the whole, stimulated higher ELISA titers in rabbits and sheep and in some animals in both species was able to stimulate virus neutralizing antibodies. When the protective efficacy of VP2 and VP5 was tested in sheep, vaccinia-expressed VP2, VP5 and VP2 + VP5 were protective, with the most consistent protection being in groups immunized with both proteins. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.

Structural analysis and molecular model of a self-incompatibility RNase from wild tomato

Self-incompatibility RNases (S-RNases) are an allelic series of style glycoproteins associated with rejection of self-pollen in solanaceous plants. The nucleotide sequences of S-RNase alleles from several genera have been determined, but the structure of the gene products has only been described for those from Nicotiana alata. We report on the N-glycan structures and the disulfide bonding of the S-3-RNase from wild tomato (Lycopersicon peruvianum) and use this and other information to construct a model of this molecule. The S-3-RNase has a single N-glycosylation site (Asn-28) to which one of three N-glycans is attached. S-3-RNase has seven Cys residues; six are involved in disulfide linkages (Cys-16-Cys-21, Cys-46-Cys-91, and Cys-166-Cys-177), and one has a free thiol group (Cys-150). The disulfide-bonding pattern is consistent with that observed in RNase Rh, a related RNase for which radiographic-crystallographic information is available. A molecular model of the S-3-RNase shows that four of the most variable regions of the S-RNases are clustered on one surface of the molecule. This is discussed in the context of recent experiments that set out to determine the regions of the S-RNase important for recognition during the self-incompatibility response.

Perceived self-other differences in persuasibility: the effects of interpersonal and group-based similarity

Two experiments examined the effects of interpersonal and group-based similarity on perceived self-other differences in persuasibility (i.e. on third-person effects, Davison, 1983). Results of Experiment 1 (N=121), based on experimentally-created groups, indicated that third-person perceptions with respect to the impact of televised product ads were accentuated when the comparison was made with interpersonally different others. Contrary to predictions, third-person perceptions were not affected by group-based similarity (i.e. ingroup or outgroup other). Results of Experiment 2 (N = 102), based an an enduring social identity, indicated that both interpersonal and group-based similarity moderated perceptions of the impact on self and other of least-liked product ads. Overall, third-person effects were more pronounced with respect to interpersonally dissimilar others. However, when social identity was salient, information about interpersonal similarity of the target did not affect perceived self-other differences with respect to ingroup targets. Results also highlighted significant differences in third-person perceptions according to the perceiver's affective evaluation of the persuasive message. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A protein with protective properties against the cellular defense reactions in insects

The molecular mechanism of how insects recognize intruding microorganisms and parasites and distinguish them from own body structures is not well known. We explored evolutionary adaptations in an insect parasitoid host interaction to identify components that interfere with the recognition of foreign objects and cellular encapsulation. Because some parasitoids provide protection for the developing wasp in the absence of an overt suppression of the insect host defense, we analyzed the surface of eggs and symbiotic viruses for protective properties. Here we report on the molecular cloning of a 32-kDa protein (Crp32) that is one of the major protective components. It is produced in the calyx cells of the female wasp ovaries and attached to the surface of the egg and other particles including polydnaviruses. The recombinant protein confers protection to coated objects in a cellular encapsulation assay suggesting that a layer of Crp32 may prevent cellular encapsulation reactions by a local inactivation of the host defense system.

Young children, adolescents and alcohol - Part II: Reputation enhancement and self-concept

The research reported builds on our earlier work (Houghton, Carroll, & Odgers, 1998) which explored young children's and adolescents' views pertaining to knowledge and awareness of alcohol and alcohol-related issues. In this second study 640 (286 male and 354 female) school students randomly selected from five primary schools and five high schools in Perth, Western Australia participated. Data were obtained using The Which Group picture booklet questionnaire which comprises five parts and utilises illustrations (drawn by a professional children's artist) to gather information about children's and adolescents' orientations towards alcohol risk social situations, reputation enhancement, self-concept, and other related issues. Of the sample, 73% of males and 70.6% of females had tried alcohol, with beer being consumed most often. Significantly more participants in higher Year levels had tried alcohol. Over 90% said they drank at a party. Multivariate analysis revealed that nine of the 11 dependent variables contributed to the significant main effect of alcohol risk group, of which three were self-concept variables and six were reputation enhancement variables. It appears that individuals with the highest levels of orientation to alcohol risk believe that they are liked by their families, are physically attractive and have greater confidence in themselves. They also have higher levels of Admiration of Alcohol Related Activities and also of prosocial activities. While striving to attain a non-conforming reputation these individuals also wish to be ideally perceived by others as conforming. Gender and Age differences are investigated.

Structure and distribution of N-glycans on the S-7-allele stylar self-incompatibility ribonuclease of Nicotiana alata

S-RNases are the stylar products of the self-incompatibility (S)-locus in solanaceous plants (including Nicotiana alata), and as such, are involved in the prevention of self-pollination. All cDNA sequences of S-RNase products of functional S-alleles contain potential N-glycosylation sites, with one site being conserved in all cases, suggesting that N-glycosylation is important in self-incompatibility. In this study, we report on the structure and localization of the N-glycans on the S-7-allele RNase of N, alata, A total of nine N-glycans, belonging to the high-mannose- and xylosylated hybrid-classes, were identified and characterized by a combination of electrospray-ionization mass-spectrometry (ESI-MS), H-1-NMR spectroscopy, and methylation analyses. The glycosylation pattern of individual glycosylation sites was determined by ESI-MS of the glycans released from isolated chymotryptic glycopeptides, All three N-glycosylation sites showed microheterogeneity and each had a unique complement of N-glycans, The N-glycosylation pattern of the S-7-RNase is significantly different to those of the S-1- and S-2-RNases.

Attributions for the performance of self and other: It matters who the "other" is

This study tested hypotheses that locus of causality attributions for the academic performance of others are influenced by whether the other is a specific individual, or a typical other, and whether the other is similar or dissimilar to self. The research was carried out in two studies. Study 1 entailed development of two scales to measure perceptions of interpersonal similarity: 254 Australian undergraduates rated their similarity to either a specific other or to typical other students. In Study 2, 332 subjects completed one of the 16-item scales developed in Study 1, along with Rosenberg's self-esteem scale, and self-attribution and other-attribution versions of the Multidimensional Multi-attribution Causation Scale (MMCS). Results showed that attributions for the academic performance of others were strongly affected by whether the other was perceived to be similar or dissimilar to self, especially when the other was a specific individual. In particular, causal attributions for similar specific others were more favourable than attributions for self.

Effect of self-monitoring and national culture on follower perceptions of personal charisma and charismatic message

In this paper, a theory of charismatic relationships is examined with reference to the follower's personal characteristics. It is argued that a leader's charismatic message and personal charisma occupy different roles for individuals who vary in national culture and level of self-monitoring. In an empirical test of the theory, 387 undergraduates of Chinese and Australian cultural backgrounds completed self-monitoring and charismatic leadership instruments. High self-monitors placed more importance on personal charisma than the charismatic message. Chinese participants relied more than the Australians on the charismatic message, although this preference depended on self-monitoring orientation. These results indicate the influence of both individual-and cultural-level variables on leader-member relationships, and the need to consider these effects in future developments of a theory of charismatic leadership.

Effect of load distance on self-selected manual lifting technique

The aim of this research is to determine the effects of constraining the horizontal distance of the feet from the load on the posture adopted at the start of the lift. Kinematic data were collected while each of 24 subjects lifted 3, 6, and 9 kg loads from a starting height 18 cm above the ground. The position of the feet was controlled relative to the load such that the horizontal distance from the hand to the ankle at the start of extension was either 20, 40, or 60 cm. Subjects performed 20 trials in each of six combinations of load and ankle-load distance chosen to provide three sets of equivilent load moment pairs. The initial horizontal distance from the load to the ankle had a large influence on the posture adopted to lift the load. Ankle and knee flexion, in particular, were reduced when the ankle-load distance was smaller, and particularly so when the distance was reduced to 20 cm. Hip flexion was reduced to a smaller extent, while lumbar vertebral flexion remained relatively unchanged. The inclination of the trunk at the start of the lift was unchanged when the ankle-load distance was 60 or 40 cm, but was 10 degrees greater when the load was 20 cm from the ankles, indicating that subjects adopted a posture closer to a stoop when the ankle-load distance was small. Comparison of conditions of equal load moment (but different load mass and ankle-load distance) revealed differences which mirrored the effects of ankle-load distance alone, suggesting that the effects of ankle-load distance on the posture adopted at the start of extension were largely independent of the load moment. While the forces and torques required to lift a load must be to some extent dependent on the load moment, rather than load or ankle-load distance per se, the posture adopted to lift the load is not.

Methadone maintenance treatment reduces heroin injection in New South Wales prisons

The purpose of this study was to examine whether methadone maintenance treatment reduces injecting risk behaviour land therefore transmission of blood-borne viral infections) among prisoners in New South Wales (NSW), using comparison of retrospective reports of drug use in prisons for people who received standard drug treatment, time-limited methadone treatment and methadone maintenance treatment, The setting for the study was the NSW prison system. One hundred and eighty-five injecting drug users who had been recently released from NSW prisons were recruited in 1993, Self-reported drug use and injecting risk behaviour were compared in inmates who received standard drug treatment (counselling), time-limited methadone treatment and methadone maintenance treatment. HIV status was determined by serology, Intervention comprised high and low dose methadone treatment and counselling. The groups were similar in terms of most basic demographic characteristics but subjects who had been maintained on methadone reported a significantly lower prevalence of heroin injection, syringe sharing and scored lower on an HIV Risk-taking Behavioural Scale than subjects who received standard drug treatment and time-limited methadone treatment, This study suggests that methadone treatment is associated with reduced injecting risk behaviour in prison with adequate (greater than 60 mg) dose and duration in treatment. These treatment conditions are known to increase effectiveness in community-based methadone programmes. Prospective studies are required to evaluate the effectiveness of methadone programmes in the prevention of HIV and other blood-borne viral infections among IDU prisoners.

Advice on exercise from a family physician can help sedentary patients to become active

Objectives: To test the effectiveness, in the setting of primary health care, of verbal advice on exercise from a family physician (FP) combined with supporting written information. Design: A controlled trial with subjects allocated to a control group or one of two intervention groups using a balanced design based on day of the week. Setting: Ten general practices in Perth, Western Australia. Subjects: All sedentary patients consulting an FP. Intervention: Verbal advice on exercise from the FP and a pamphlet on exercise mailed to the patient's home address within 2 days of his/her visit to the doctor. Main outcome measure: Level of physical activity at followup. Results: 6,351 adult patients attending an FP practice completed a screening questionnaire, and 763 sedentary adults were recruited to the project. The response to follow-up, via a postal survey at 1, 6, and 12 months after the index consultation was 70%, 60%, and 57%, respectively. At 1 month a subsample of the control and intervention subjects were contacted for a telephone interview to verify self-reported levels of activity (n = 136). Treating all nonresponders as sedentary, at 1 month significantly more subjects in the combined intervention groups reported doing some physical activity (40%) compared with the control group (31%). Similarly, at 6 months, 30% of the control group and 38% of the combined intervention groups were now active. There was very little change at followup at 12 months (31% control and 36% intervention groups, respectively). Conclusion: A simple intervention aimed at the promotion of physical activity to sedentary patients in general practice can help reduce inactivity.