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1. An integrated assessment of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) and flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) as sources of fibre for newsprint production

Author

Lisson, S

Subjects
Agronomy
Abstract

The primary objective of the study reported in this thesis was to show whether fibre of value as a reinforcing agent in newsprint production could be produced economically from hemp and flax grown in Tasmania. This involved an integrated analysis of the whole potential industry, with studies into the key areas of crop production, pulp and paper manufacture and economic viability. Another objective of the study was to develop a computer model for simulating the growth, development and yield of hemp in response to climatic, soil and management inputs. This would enable the results of this project to be extrapolated to other suitable production areas and hence assist in the initial assessment of cropping potential and the identification of optimum site and management conditions. Of the nine hemp cultivars that were assessed, Kompolti and Futura 77 were the best performing, producing crops in excess of 2 m high and yielding up to 1500 g/m2of oven dry stem. The results from sowing date trials suggest that September is the optimum month for sowing hemp in Tasmania. Later sowings resulted in a reduction in stem yield associated with a shortening of the thermal time duration from sowing to flowering. Furthermore, van der Werf etal. (1996) reported yield declines from later sowings due to delays in canopy closure and a subsequent reduction in intercepted radiation. Sowings prior to September appear to be limited by premature flowering in response to short daylengths. In an irrigation trial conducted in north west Tasmania, significant stem yield differences were not apparent for irrigation regimes based on refill to field capacity at deficits down to 120 mm. Maximum bark yield was obtained from regimes based on a 60 mm deficit or less (water consumption of 535 mm). The stem yields under rainfed conditions were substantially below those of the irrigated treatments. Stem yield responded in a parabolic manner to plant densities ranging from 50 to 300 plants/m2, with maximum yields at about 110 plants/m 2. The results from a flax cultivar trial showed that stem yields of selected European cultivars were superior to a number of older Australian cultivars, developed for the Australian flax industry during the mid 1900's. The cultivar Ariane was selected for further field trials and produced crops with oven dry stem yields of up to 1000 g/m 2. Field studies with a range of sowing date and irrigation treatments demonstrated that flax could be sown from autumn through to spring, under either rainfed or irrigated conditions. Maximum stem and seed yields were from an autumn sowing with supplementary irrigation from flowering to late grain fill. The optimum seeding rate for autumn sown flax was found to involve a compromise between maximising yield and minimising the potential losses from lodging apparent at densities in excess of about 1000 plants/m2. Lodging was not a major problem at the optimum seeding rates for spring sowings of flax. Controlled environment studies were conducted into the response of pre-emergent development to temperature, and the flowering response of selected hemp cultivars to photoperiod. Parameters, constants and functions derived from these studies, the field trials and from selected references, were then used to develop a hemp simulation model. The model adequately predicted phenology, leaf area and biomass production for cv. Kompolti grown in north west Tasmania. The Australian newsprint industry currently uses a mixture of locally sourced eucalypt, radiata pine and recycled paper pulps, blended with an imported kraft (chemical) pulp. The purpose of the kraft pulp is to reinforce the newsprint. The primary aim of the pulping trials conducted in this study was to investigate the potential of using flax and hemp bark and whole stem pulps as alternative reinforcing agents in newsprint production. The existing cold caustic soda (CCS) and thermomechanical (TMP) processes were trialled with a view to harnessing the existing infrastructure and expertise. Cold caustic soda pulp made from the bark fraction formed paper of very high tear index, but with lower tensile index and tensile energy absorption than would be desirable from softwood kraft. This limitation might be overcome by using a higher proportion of non-wood pulp in the overall newsprint blend or through breeding improvements. The use of pulping (& pre-pulping) equipment more suited to non-woods may overcome handling difficulties associated with excessive fibre length. Pulps were also made from the core fraction to assess its suitability as a supplement to the short fibred component of the existing newsprint blend. Whilst potentially suited for use as a short fibred supplement in newsprint manufacture, the properties of the core pulps are not currently in demand within the industry. Interest from the newsprint industry in taking the financial risk of adopting hemp and flax based pulps as an alternative to kraft, would require that the total cost be somewhat less than the imported option. Similarly, interest from primary producers requires that the gross returns from these crops are at least comparable with a range of crop alternatives. The minimum bark price (mill gate) that is likely to attract farmers would vary between flax and hemp and between growing conditions. Dual purpose flax grown under dryland conditions would require a separated bark price in the vicinity of $400/t to $450/t. Irrigated hemp and flax crops grown in the more productive north west area of the state would require a price in excess of about $650/t. These minimum bark prices are not attractive to the newsprint industry at present. Future financial viability will depend on a number of factors, including: fibre yield and quality (eg bark proportion in the stem and fibre tensile strength properties) improvements, elevated kraft pulp prices, and the establishment of strong markets for the stem core fraction and the seed of flax.

Published
2023
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2. Plant growth and soil responses to soil applied organic materials in Tasmania, Australia

Author

Ives, S.W., Cotching, W.E., Sparrow, L.A., Lisson, S., and Doyle, R.B.

Subjects
Wheat -- Growth, Soils -- Carbon content, Leaching, Soil microbiology -- Growth, Soil acidity, Company growth, Agricultural industry, Earth sciences, Soil Science Society of America -- Growth
Abstract

Biosolids, poppy mulch (PM), and poppy seed waste (PSW) were applied to soils in barley and wheat field trials in two areas of Tasmania to determine crop and soil responses and the potential for these materials to substitute for inorganic fertiliser. Lime-amended biosolids (LAB) was applied at one, two, and five times the nitrogen-limitmg biosolids application rate (NLBAR). Anaerobically digested biosolids (ADB) was applied at the NLBAR, and PM and PSW were applied at industry-recommended rates. The results indicated that ADB, LAB, PM, and PSW can substitute for inorganic fertiliser m meeting plant nutrient requirements but may be releasing more plant-available N than guideline assumptions. However, organic amendments are less easily managed and applied than inorganic fertiliser, and release of plant- available N from organic amendments may be too rapid for plant uptake to prevent leaching losses. LAB can also leave elevated residual extractable phosphorus in soil after two cereal crops, and PM and LAB can increase soil pH. Microbial biomass showed an inconsistent, and in some cases unexpected, response to organic amendments after 1 year and no significant relationship to changes in soil carbon. Additional keywords: biosolids, poppy mulch, poppy seed waste, Sodosols., Introduction Organic materials are used as soil amendments to increase or replace soil organic matter, and in lieu of inorganic fertiliser to supply essential plant nutrients (Kidd el al. 2007; [...]

Published
2011
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3. Spontaneous Focusing on Numerosity Is Linked to Numerosity Discrimination in Children and Adults

Author

Hannula-Sormunen M, Lisson S, Mattan S. Ben-Shachar, Shotts-Peretz D, and Andrea Berger

Subjects
Numerosity adaptation effect, Psychology, Cognitive psychology
Abstract

Spontaneous focusing on numerosity (SFON) is the tendency to spontaneously address exact numerosity in the environment without prompting. While previous studies have found children’s SFON to be a stable, domain-specific predictor of mathematical abilities throughout development, it is unclear whether SFON reflects individual differences in quantitative processing. This study examined the relationship between SFON and the acuity of the Approximate Number System (ANS) in children and adults. To measure adults’ SFON, we developed a numerosity bias task (NBT). In children and adults, better ANS acuity was related to higher tendency to spontaneously focus on numerosity. Additionally, in adults, SFON was related to higher mathematical academic achievements. These findings suggest an interplay between SFON and ANS acuity, indicating a mechanism where increased ANS acuity makes numerosity elements in the environment more salient, while early self-initiated numerical practice promotes fine-tuning of the ANS. Possible implications of these reciprocal developmental pathways are discussed.

Published
2020

15. The Effects of Organic Wastes on Sodosols in Tasmania, Australia.

Author

Ives, S.W., Cotching, W. E., Sparrow, L. A., Doyle, R. B., and Lisson, S. N.

Abstract

Organic wastes, including sewage sludge or biosolids, poppy mulch (PM) and poppy seed waste (PSW), were applied to Brown Sodosols in field trials in Tasmania, Australia. The trials used barley and wheat to determine crop responses and the potential for these materials to substitute for inorganic fertiliser and to improve soil structure. Lime amended biosolids (LAB) was applied at 1, 2 and 5 times the nitrogen limiting biosolids application rate (NLBAR). The 2 NLBAR and 5 NLBAR applications exceeded rates allowed by the current guidelines. Digester Sludge (DS) was applied at 1 NLBAR and PM and PSW applied at industry recommended rates. The results indicated that PM and LAB can have a beneficial impact on soil chemical properties and plant yield and biomass parameters in the first year of amendment application, comparable in most cases to inorganic fertiliser. However, soil physical and microbial testing showed no significant differences between treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2009

22. Host location and parasitism of Brevicoryne brassicae in diversified broccoli cropping systems.

Author

Broad, S. T., Schellhorn, N. A., Lisson, S. N., Mendham, N. J., and Corkrey, R.

Subjects
CABBAGE aphid, BROCCOLI, CROPPING systems, PARASITISM, HOST-parasite relationships
Abstract

Host location is a crucial step in the life cycle of the cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) (Homoptera: Aphididae). Diversified cropping systems have the potential to inhibit or interfere with host location processes to reduce the severity of aphid outbreaks. We altered the vegetation mix of a broccoli [ Brassica oleracea var. italica (Plenck) (Brassicaceae)] cropping system by substituting broccoli with strips of potatoes [ Solanum tuberosum (L.) (Solanaceae)], planting broccoli into a cereal rye [ Secale cereale (L.) (Poaceae)] cover crop, or both. The probability of aphid infestation was significantly reduced by the presence of the cover crop, whereas strips of potatoes slightly increased initial numbers. The effectiveness of the cover crop treatments was primarily due to fewer alate aphids initially colonizing broccoli plants. Aphid parasitism by Diaeretiella rapae (McIntosh) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) did not explain the observed differences in the number of aphid colonies present in each treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2008
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24. Development of a hemp (Cannabis sativaL.) simulation model 3. The effect of plant density on leaf appearance, expansion and senescence

Author

Lisson, S. N., Mendham, N. J., and Carberry, P. S.

Abstract

Abstract.The accurate prediction of leaf area production is an important element of many crop models, given that it is the key determinant of light interception and the accumulation of plant biomass. Plant density has been reported to have a significant influence on the component processes of leaf area production in hemp. This study investigates the response to plant density of leaf (node) appearance, leaf expansion at each node and leaf senescence, and develops relationships for use in the hemp model described in the final paper of this series. Green and senesced node counts were made at regular intervals in a plant density trial for treatments of 50, 80, 120, 200 and 300 plants/m2. Measurements were also made of the fully expanded leaf area at each node. Leaf pairs were found to appear and senesce at constant thermal time durations; between 84 and 97˚Cd for node production, and between 130 and 167˚Cd for node senescence. Leaf area per node at first increased linearly with node number, then reached a plateau, and subsequently declined linearly. Increases in plant density resulted in slower rates of node production and reduced the maximum leaf area per node. Additional keywords: hemp, model, leaf area.

Published
2000

25. Growth and development of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) in response to irrigation treatments

Author

Pratley, J, Vijay Kumar, I, Acuna, TB, Lisson, S, Hardie, M, Pratley, J, Vijay Kumar, I, Acuna, TB, Lisson, S, and Hardie, M

Abstract

Opportunity exists for Australian growers to develop a commercial cannabis/hemp industry to meet globaldemand for seed, fibre and pharmaceutical products. Development of a commercial scale hemp industryrequires improved knowledge of hemp crop water relations to maximise yield, understand irrigationrequirements in new production regions, and for scheduling of harvest. Currently little is known of the hempplant-water relations. This study sought to evaluate the growth, development and physiology of industrialhemp under varying irrigation treatments. A preliminary greenhouse experiment was conducted to monitorresponse of industrial hemp cultivar Ferimon 12 to different irrigation treatments (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 dayintervals). We found significantly taller plants for 2 day compared with the 8 and 10 day irrigation intervals.Significantly higher above ground dry biomass was observed for plants irrigated with 6, 8 and 10 dayintervals compared to the 2 and 4 days interval at 42 DAS. Significantly higher PSII photochemical capacity(Fv/Fm) and leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD value) was observed for plants irrigated with 6 and 10 dayintervals compared with the 2 day intervals. There for 6 day irrigation interval is probably the best frequencyof irrigation. Results from the preliminary experiment will be used to inform the design of future researchwhich will be used to develop irrigation recommendations and refine the hemp crop simulation model tofurther support farmer decision making regarding water management.

26. Seasonal climate forecasts for agriculture: Towards better understanding and value

Author

McIntosh, PC, Pook, MJ, Risbey, JS, Lisson, S, Rebbeck, M, McIntosh, PC, Pook, MJ, Risbey, JS, Lisson, S, and Rebbeck, M

Abstract

Two approaches to obtaining more valuable seasonal climate forecasts for Australian agriculture are described. The first involves obtaining a better understanding of the climate system by exploring the individual synoptic weather events that make up seasonal climate. An examination of rainfall events in north-west Victoria indicates that there is one dominant synoptic system that is responsible for the majority of useful rainfall: the cutoff low. An exploration of the physics of these systems reveals that the moisture sources are most likely to be from the oceans north of Australia, while the frequency and intensity might be controlled by ocean temperatures to the south. The second approach involves an examination of the potential value of different forecast systems using a century-long simulation of the growth of a wheat crop in north-west Victoria. It is concluded that a perfect forecast of the growing season rainfall total is likely to provide less than half the potential value of an ideal forecast system.

27. What is limiting canola yield in southern New South Wales? A diagnosis of causal factors

Author

Lisson, S, Kirkegaard, JA, Robertson, MJ, Zwart, A, Lisson, S, Kirkegaard, JA, Robertson, MJ, and Zwart, A

Abstract

During the 1990s there was considerable evidence from grower surveys and other regional statistics to suggest that canola (Brassica napus) yields were declining in the medium and high rainfall areas of southern New South Wales (NSW). A paddock survey was conducted across three regions of southern NSW over three consecutive seasons (2003–05) to explore the importance of disease and other possible causes of low productivity. Under-performing paddocks were identified by comparing measured paddock yields with simulated potential yields. The causes of the resultant yield gaps were identified by analysis of the survey results with growers and consultants and from insights provided by the simulation analysis. Seasonal water supply and emergence date accounted for around 70% of the variation in yield across the survey, although no dependence on these variables was evident in 2005 as a result of high spring rainfall. A majority (95) of the 132 paddocks surveyed yielded to within 20% of the simulated potential yield. Disease, while significant in some paddocks, was limited by the dry seasons, there was no evidence for widespread micronutrient deficiencies and most crops were adequately supplied with nitrogen. There was no single cause of under-performance and the impact of those causes varied across regions and seasons. Subsoil constraints (seven paddocks) and late season water stress (six paddocks) were the most common factors associated with under-performance, while five paddocks had inexplicable yield gaps. Restrictions to taproot growth were widespread, especially in the southern region where around 60% of paddocks had significantly restricted taproots in all seasons (>3 on a 0–5 scale). Survey paddocks in which significant root restriction was found were between 10 and 50% below potential yield. Subsequent soil profile analysis identified a range of possible subsoil constraints including high soil strength, sodic or saline subsoils or subsurface acidity and further resea

28. Seasonal climate forecasts for agriculture: Towards better understanding and value

Author

McIntosh, PC, Pook, MJ, Risbey, JS, Lisson, S, Rebbeck, M, McIntosh, PC, Pook, MJ, Risbey, JS, Lisson, S, and Rebbeck, M

Abstract

Two approaches to obtaining more valuable seasonal climate forecasts for Australian agriculture are described. The first involves obtaining a better understanding of the climate system by exploring the individual synoptic weather events that make up seasonal climate. An examination of rainfall events in north-west Victoria indicates that there is one dominant synoptic system that is responsible for the majority of useful rainfall: the cutoff low. An exploration of the physics of these systems reveals that the moisture sources are most likely to be from the oceans north of Australia, while the frequency and intensity might be controlled by ocean temperatures to the south. The second approach involves an examination of the potential value of different forecast systems using a century-long simulation of the growth of a wheat crop in north-west Victoria. It is concluded that a perfect forecast of the growing season rainfall total is likely to provide less than half the potential value of an ideal forecast system.

29. What is limiting canola yield in southern New South Wales? A diagnosis of causal factors

Author

Lisson, S, Kirkegaard, JA, Robertson, MJ, Zwart, A, Lisson, S, Kirkegaard, JA, Robertson, MJ, and Zwart, A

Abstract

During the 1990s there was considerable evidence from grower surveys and other regional statistics to suggest that canola (Brassica napus) yields were declining in the medium and high rainfall areas of southern New South Wales (NSW). A paddock survey was conducted across three regions of southern NSW over three consecutive seasons (2003–05) to explore the importance of disease and other possible causes of low productivity. Under-performing paddocks were identified by comparing measured paddock yields with simulated potential yields. The causes of the resultant yield gaps were identified by analysis of the survey results with growers and consultants and from insights provided by the simulation analysis. Seasonal water supply and emergence date accounted for around 70% of the variation in yield across the survey, although no dependence on these variables was evident in 2005 as a result of high spring rainfall. A majority (95) of the 132 paddocks surveyed yielded to within 20% of the simulated potential yield. Disease, while significant in some paddocks, was limited by the dry seasons, there was no evidence for widespread micronutrient deficiencies and most crops were adequately supplied with nitrogen. There was no single cause of under-performance and the impact of those causes varied across regions and seasons. Subsoil constraints (seven paddocks) and late season water stress (six paddocks) were the most common factors associated with under-performance, while five paddocks had inexplicable yield gaps. Restrictions to taproot growth were widespread, especially in the southern region where around 60% of paddocks had significantly restricted taproots in all seasons (>3 on a 0–5 scale). Survey paddocks in which significant root restriction was found were between 10 and 50% below potential yield. Subsequent soil profile analysis identified a range of possible subsoil constraints including high soil strength, sodic or saline subsoils or subsurface acidity and further resea

30. Seasonal climate forecasts for agriculture: Towards better understanding and value

Author

McIntosh, PC, Pook, MJ, Risbey, JS, Lisson, S, Rebbeck, M, McIntosh, PC, Pook, MJ, Risbey, JS, Lisson, S, and Rebbeck, M

Abstract

Two approaches to obtaining more valuable seasonal climate forecasts for Australian agriculture are described. The first involves obtaining a better understanding of the climate system by exploring the individual synoptic weather events that make up seasonal climate. An examination of rainfall events in north-west Victoria indicates that there is one dominant synoptic system that is responsible for the majority of useful rainfall: the cutoff low. An exploration of the physics of these systems reveals that the moisture sources are most likely to be from the oceans north of Australia, while the frequency and intensity might be controlled by ocean temperatures to the south. The second approach involves an examination of the potential value of different forecast systems using a century-long simulation of the growth of a wheat crop in north-west Victoria. It is concluded that a perfect forecast of the growing season rainfall total is likely to provide less than half the potential value of an ideal forecast system.

31. Deficits in arithmetic error detection in infants with prenatal alcohol exposure: An ERP study.

Author

Berger A, Shmueli M, Lisson S, Ben-Shachar MS, Lindinger NM, Lewis CE, Dodge NC, Molteno CD, Meintjes EM, Jacobson JL, and Jacobson SW

Subjects
Child, Female, Humans, Infant, Male, Pregnancy, Ethanol adverse effects, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders pathology, Mathematics methods, Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects psychology
Abstract

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is associated with a range of physical, cognitive, and behavioral problems, particularly in arithmetic. We report ERP data collected from 32 infants (mean age = 6.8 mo; SD = 0.6; range = 6.1-8.1; 16 typically developing [TD]; 16 prenatally alcohol-exposed) during a task designed to assess error detection. Evidence of error monitoring at this early age suggests that precursors of the onset of executive control can already be detected in infancy. As predicted, the ERPs of the TD infants, time-locked to the presentation of the solution to simple arithmetic equations, showed greater negative activity for the incorrect solution condition at middle-frontal scalp areas. Spectral analysis indicated specificity to the 6-7 Hz frequency range. By contrast, the alcohol-exposed infants did not show the increased middle-frontal negativity seen in the TD group nor the increased power in the 6-7 Hz frequency, suggesting a marked developmental delay in error detection and/or early impairment in information processing of small quantities. Overall, our research demonstrates that (a) the brain network involved in error detection can be identified and highly specified in TD young infants, and (b) this effect is replicable and can be utilized for studying developmental psychopathology at very early ages., (Copyright © 2019 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Published
2019
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32. Nutrition Education Resources in North Carolina-Based Head Start Preschool Programs: Administrator and Teacher Perceptions of Availability and Use.

Author

Lisson S, Goodell LS, Dev D, Wilkerson K, Hegde AV, and Stage VC

Subjects
Adult, Child, Preschool, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Humans, Interviews as Topic, North Carolina, Young Adult, Early Intervention, Educational organization & administration, Early Intervention, Educational statistics & numerical data, Early Intervention, Educational supply & distribution, Nutritional Sciences education, Nutritional Sciences organization & administration, Nutritional Sciences standards, School Teachers organization & administration, School Teachers psychology, School Teachers statistics & numerical data
Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to provide new insight into common barriers to the availability and use of nutrition education (NE) resources in Head Start preschool programs based on administrator and teacher perceptions., Methods: In-depth, semistructured phone interviews (n = 63) were conducted with administrators (n = 31) and teachers (n = 32) from North Carolina-based Head Start programs. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed qualitatively using content analysis to identify common themes., Results: Five emergent themes were identified within the areas of NE resource availability and use and barriers to NE resource availability and use. Participants expressed desire for greater organization of existing NE material resources, increased community support, and professional development opportunities for teachers specific to NE. Funding and time constraints were reported as affecting NE resources., Conclusions and Implications: Creative strategies for addressing NE resource availability and use and barriers (eg, NE integration with educational standards) in Head Start are needed., (Copyright © 2016 Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Published
2016
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33. Blood BDNF level is gender specific in severe depression.

Author

Kreinin A, Lisson S, Nesher E, Schneider J, Bergman J, Farhat K, Farah J, Lejbkowicz F, Yadid G, Raskin L, Koman I, and Pinhasov A

Subjects
Adult, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor genetics, Case-Control Studies, Demography, Depressive Disorder, Major drug therapy, Depressive Disorder, Major genetics, Female, Genotype, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor blood, Depressive Disorder, Major blood, Sex Characteristics
Abstract

Though the role of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a marker for major depressive disorder (MDD) and antidepressant efficacy has been widely studied, the role of BDNF in distinct groups of patients remains unclear. We evaluated the diagnostic value of BDNF as a marker of disease severity measured by HAM-D scores and antidepressants efficacy among MDD patients. Fifty-one patients who met DSM-IV criteria for MDD and were prescribed antidepressants and 38 controls participated in this study. BDNF in serum was measured at baseline, 1st, 2nd and 8th treatment weeks. Depression severity was evaluated using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D). BDNF polymorphism rs6265 (val66met) was genotyped. We found a positive correlation between blood BDNF levels and severity of depression only among untreated women with severe MDD (HAM-D>24). Serum BDNF levels were lower in untreated MDD patients compared to control group. Antidepressants increased serum BDNF levels and reduced between-group differences after two weeks of treatment. No correlations were observed between BDNF polymorphism, depression severity, duration of illness, age and BDNF serum levels. Further supporting the role of BDNF in the pathology and treatment of MDD, we suggest that it should not be used as a universal biomarker for diagnosis of MDD in the general population. However, it has diagnostic value for the assessment of disease progression and treatment efficacy in individual patients.

Published
2015
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34. Differential responses to distinct psychotropic agents of selectively bred dominant and submissive animals.

Author

Nesher E, Gross M, Lisson S, Tikhonov T, Yadid G, and Pinhasov A

Subjects
Aggression physiology, Analysis of Variance, Animals, Antimanic Agents pharmacology, Anxiety genetics, Anxiety psychology, Diazepam pharmacology, Drinking drug effects, Hypnotics and Sedatives pharmacology, Lithium Chloride pharmacology, Male, Mice, Mice, Inbred BALB C, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Mice, Inbred ICR, Motor Activity physiology, Paroxetine pharmacology, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors pharmacology, Swimming psychology, Behavior, Animal physiology, Dominance-Subordination, Psychotropic Drugs pharmacology
Abstract

Dominance and submissiveness are two opposite poles of behavior representing important functional elements in the development of social interactions. We previously demonstrated the inheritability of these traits by selective breeding based upon the dominant-submissive relationships (DSR) food competition paradigm. Continued multigenerational behavioral selection of Sabra mice yielded animal populations with strong and stable features of dominance and submissiveness. We found that these animals react differentially to stressogenic triggers, antidepressants and mood stabilizing agents. The anxiolytic compound diazepam (1.5mg/kg, i.p.) reduced anxiety-like behavior of submissive animals, but showed anxiogenic effects among dominant animals. In the Forced Swim test, the antidepressant paroxetine (1, 3 and 10mg/kg, i.p.) markedly reduced immobility of submissive animals, demonstrating antidepressant-like effect. In contrast, when administered to dominant animals, paroxetine caused extreme (frenetic) activity. The mood stabilizer lithium (0.4%, p.o.) selectively influenced dominant mice, without affecting the behavior of submissive animals. In summary, we describe here two distinct animal populations possessing strong dominant and submissive phenotypes. We suggest that these populations hold potential as tools for studying the molecular basis and pharmacogenetics of dominant and submissive behavior., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Published
2013
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36. The influence of work-life balance, choice and a meaningful location on work transitions.

Author

Lisson S, Mee L, and Gilbert K

Subjects
Chile, Humans, Job Satisfaction, Male, Quality of Life, Work Schedule Tolerance, Workplace, Career Choice, Choice Behavior, Employment psychology, Personal Satisfaction
Abstract

Objective: To explore career transitions using an occupational perspective., Participant: One man shared his views on career transitions to elaborate concepts on work-life balance, choice and meaning., Method: Narrative reflection and theoretical exploration of occupational concepts underscoring career transitions., Results: Three concepts are important to understanding career transitions, work-life balance, making meaning choices, and place., Conclusions: Further development in work transitions can be elaborated using an occupational understanding.

Published
2013
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37. Determining the frequency, depth and velocity of preferential flow by high frequency soil moisture monitoring.

Author

Hardie M, Lisson S, Doyle R, and Cotching W

Subjects
Equipment Design, Rain, Tasmania, Environmental Monitoring methods, Groundwater, Soil
Abstract

Preferential flow in agricultural soils has been demonstrated to result in agrochemical mobilisation to shallow ground water. Land managers and environmental regulators need simple cost effective techniques for identifying soil - land use combinations in which preferential flow occurs. Existing techniques for identifying preferential flow have a range of limitations including; often being destructive, non in situ, small sampling volumes, or are subject to artificial boundary conditions. This study demonstrated that high frequency soil moisture monitoring using a multi-sensory capacitance probe mounted within a vertically rammed access tube, was able to determine the occurrence, depth, and wetting front velocity of preferential flow events following rainfall. Occurrence of preferential flow was not related to either rainfall intensity or rainfall amount, rather preferential flow occurred when antecedent soil moisture content was below 226 mm soil moisture storage (0-70 cm). Results indicate that high temporal frequency soil moisture monitoring may be used to identify soil type - land use combinations in which the presence of preferential flow increases the risk of shallow groundwater contamination by rapid transport of agrochemicals through the soil profile. However use of high frequency based soil moisture monitoring to determine agrochemical mobilisation risk may be limited by, inability to determine the volume of preferential flow, difficulty observing macropore flow at high antecedent soil moisture content, and creation of artificial voids during installation of access tubes in stony soils., (Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Published
2013
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38. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy: A systematic review of its use in fracture management.

Author

Petrisor B, Lisson S, and Sprague S

Abstract

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is increasingly used as an adjuvant therapy in the management of nonunions, delayed unions and more recently fresh fractures. This is in an effort to increase union rates or obtain unions when fractures have proven recalcitrant to healing. In this report we have systematically reviewed the English language literature to attempt to determine the potential clinical efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in fracture management. Of 32 potentially eligible studies identified, 10 were included that assessed the extracorporeal shockwave therapy use for healing nonunions or delayed unions, and one trial was included that assessed its use for acute high-energy fractures. From the included, studies' overall union rates were in favor of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (72% union rate overall for nonunions or delayed unions, and a 46% relative risk reduction in nonunions when it is used for acute high-energy fractures). However, the methodologic quality of included studies was weak and any clinical inferences made from these data should be interpreted with caution. Further research in this area in the form of a large-scale randomized trial is necessary to better answer the question of the effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy on union rates for both nonunions and acute fractures.

Published
2009
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