Honours Projects - University of Western SydneyThis booklet lists available projects for the...

Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours)

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Honours Projects

School of Science and Health

Mid-year intake 2012

Dear Potential Honours Student, Congratulations on your success in your undergraduate studies! Based on your success in your undergraduate studies, you may qualify to continue your studies by undertaking an Honours project in Medical Science or Science. This booklet lists available projects for the mid-year Honours intake in the School of Science and Health. Please note that the projects listed may be on Campbelltown, Hawkesbury or Parramatta campus or even at external facilities. Further, some of the project areas listed will allow more than one Honours project. After you have browsed through the booklet, and if you are interested in starting Honours mid-year this year (2012), here is what you need to do next:

1. Contact those supervisors listed in the booklet with whom you might be interested to undertake your Honours studies. Demand for Honours places is high and we recommend that you keep your options open and contact a number of supervisors, you may not get your first choice of project.

2. Make an appointment with potential supervisors and ask them all you need to know

about the project. Remember that supervisors are busy, so arrange your appointments in advance by email.

3. Once you have decided on a project and your prospective supervisor is happy to take

you on, please obtain a project outline from your supervisor and a letter of support. Both these documents need to be submitted with your submission as certified documents or be sent to enrolments directly from your supervisor’s UWS email account.

4. Fill in the application on line by June 30, 2012 at the following

link: https://applyonline.uws.edu.au/connect/webconnect . Late applications will not be accepted.

If you would like to know more about the Honours program please check out the website at http://future.uws.edu.au/future_students_home/honours and our School website at http://www.uws.edu.au/ssh/school_of_science_and_health/honours If there are any further questions you need answered, please do not hesitate to contact me on [email protected] . Kind regards,

Sabine Piller Academic Course Advisor Honours (Science)

https://applyonline.uws.edu.au/connect/webconnect�

http://future.uws.edu.au/future_students_home/honours�

http://www.uws.edu.au/ssh/school_of_science_and_health/honours�

mailto:[email protected]�

Table of Contents

Investigating Biostructures Using NMR/MRI ........................................................................................................... 1

Campbelltown Campus Based Projects

Investigating Restricted Diffusion Using NMR Techniques ..................................................................................... 2

MRI-Based Electron Density Mapping for Radiotherapy Treatment Planning ........................................................ 3

NMR Simulation Using Symbolic Algebra ............................................................................................................... 4

Expanding the Boundaries and Applications of Diffusion NMR .............................................................................. 5

Anion Detection by Temperature Control Using Smart Materials ........................................................................... 6

Metal Directed Assembly of Discrete Supramolecular Systems ............................................................................. 7

Molecular Recognition Using Macrocyclic Compounds .......................................................................................... 8

Discrete Interlocked/Intertwined Supramolecular Assemblies ................................................................................ 9

Global Mechanisms Affecting Heat Stress Survival and Their Implications for Cell Ageing ................................. 10

A Systems Biology Approach to Studying Interactions Between Sphingolipid Metabolism and Mitochondrial Function: Implications tor Stress Tolerance and Human Diseases....................................................................... 11

Decode Nature’s Way Of Detoxification – NMR Studies on Dissolved Organic Matter in Australian Aquatic Systems ................................................................................................................................................................. 12

Quantitative Composition-Flavour Relationships: The First Step to a Flavour Tasting Machine .......................... 13

Advanced Water Signal Suppression in In Vivo NMR Spectroscopy .................................................................... 14

Information Encoding by Temporal Structure of Afferent Spike Trains Evoked by Complex Vibrotactile Stimuli .................................................................................................................................................................... 15

A Novel Approach to Investigate the Neuronal Information Encoding and Analyses Mechanisms in Human Nervous System .................................................................................................................................................... 16

Tactile Sensory System and Neural Mechanisms Underpinning Hand Dexterity in Humans ............................... 17

Examining the Effect of Antifungal Treatment on the Detection of Molecular Markers for Invasive Aspergillosis .......................................................................................................................................................... 18

Mechanism of Cell Cycle Re-Entry by Quiescent Prostate Cancer Cells ............................................................. 19

Competing Epistemologies and Use of Complementary Medicine ....................................................................... 20

Dechlorination of Hexachlorobenzene Derivatives by Catalysed Electroreduction with Carbon and Nanoelectrodes ..................................................................................................................................................... 21

The Importance of Protein Arginine Methylation ................................................................................................... 22

The Role of Autophagy in Dominant-Intermediate Charcot-Marie-Tooth Syndrome ............................................ 24

Understanding the Benefits of Low-To-Moderate Alcohol Consumption on Protecting the Development of Fatty Liver Disease: A Mechanistic Approach ....................................................................................................... 26

Does Neighbourhood Deprivation Influence Participation in Moderate To Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) Among Informal Carers? Findings From the NSW 45 and Up Study .................................................................... 27

Breakfast Cereals: How Much Glucose Does it Release in our Digestive System? ............................................. 28

Hawkesbury Campus Based Projects

Digestibility of Cooked Rice: Effect of the Composition and Rice Varieties .......................................................... 29

A Groundwater Management and Sustainability Project to Improve Livelihood of Village Communities in India ....................................................................................................................................................................... 30

Maternal Effects on Antipredator Behaviour .......................................................................................................... 32

The Establishment of Nest Box Populations of Birds: Habitat Enhancement and Investigation Behaviour ......... 33

Sustainability, Contribution and Streetscape Value of Plants in Raingardens as Part of a Living Pollution Removal System. .................................................................................................................................................. 34

Investigating the Impacts of Global Change on Terrestrial Ecosystems ............................................................... 35

Plants, Animals and Interactions ........................................................................................................................... 36

Effects of Global Change on Soil Biology and Plant-Soil Interactions. ................................................................. 37

Development of Marsupial Immune System .......................................................................................................... 38

Hearing Thresholds of Native Mammals ............................................................................................................... 39

Lipid Profiles in Marsupial Pouches Over the Different Reproductive Stages ...................................................... 40

Optimisation of Titanium Dioxide for Solar Energy Conversion: A Densification Study ........................................ 41

Optimisation of Titanium Dioxide for Solar Energy Conversion: Solvothermal Synthesis .................................... 42

Optimisation of Titanium Dioxide for Solar Energy Conversion: Sol-Gel Synthesis ............................................. 43

Examining the Effects of High Co2 Treatments on Citrus Fruit Quality ................................................................ 44

How Can the Storage of Persimmons be Improved? ............................................................................................ 45

Assess and Develop New Methods for Feral Cat Control ..................................................................................... 46

The Decline of Murray River Turtles ...................................................................................................................... 47

Ecology of Invasive Indian Mynas ......................................................................................................................... 48

Evolution of Sex-Determining Mechanisms in Reptiles ......................................................................................... 49

Stomatal Behaviour and Ion Channel Regulation by Elevated Carbon Dioxide in Arabidopsis ............................ 50

Branched Polymers for Anti-Cancer Drug Delivery ............................................................................................... 51

Parramatta Campus Based Projects

Characterizing Polysaccharides for a Better Health .............................................................................................. 52

Towards High Quality Bioplastics .......................................................................................................................... 53

Polysaccharide-Water Interactions by Solid-State NMR ....................................................................................... 54

Separation of Ph-Responsive Polymers ................................................................................................................ 55

Smart Polymers as the Additives of the Future ..................................................................................................... 56

Implicit Learning or Explicit Learning Paradigms? Which is Better for Decision Making in Sport. ........................ 57

Penrith Campus Based Projects

Can Observational Learning Methods of ‘Self’ Improve the Deceptive (Side-Step/Agility) Movements of Sports Participants? .............................................................................................................................................. 58

Can Training Improved “Team-Mate” Recognition in Sports People? .................................................................. 59

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Title of Project

Investigating Biostructures using NMR/MRI

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Supervisor: Prof. William S. Price Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4520 3336

Co-supervisor: Dr Tim Stait-Gardner Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3216 Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick):

Campbelltown: Hawkesbury: Penrith: Parramatta: Other/External:

Background: Biological tissue is not just an amorphous arrangement of cells. Indeed most tissue has an underlying structure composed of microscopic components as in muscle fibres or, as has more recently been realised, fibre tracts in brain tissue. Although the tracts might ultimately be macroscopic, they are composed of microscopic components. Such structures are not only involved in normal biological function, but also in diseased states, such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s disease. Traditional techniques used to visualise such structures are not only limited in their application, but often these methods are invasive and tedious. In this project new NMR/MRI diffusion methods will be used to characterise tissue microstructure on a microscopic scale well below the resolution that is achievable using standard MRI sequences. In addition, the student would participate in the development of new NMR/MRI methods aimed at elucidating sample microstructure. (Would suit students interested in Biology/Mathematics/Medical Physics/MRI/NMR) Aim of the Study: To characterise a variety of tissue microstructures (mainly brain and muscle) and to participate in the development of new NMR techniques with this purpose. Methods: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Imaging Ethics Application Requirements: May be necessary for some tissue samples.

Key References: W.S. Price, NMR Studies of Translational Motion, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2009. S. Mori, J. Zhang, Principles of diffusion tensor imaging and its applications to basic neuroscience research, Neuron 51 (2006) 527-539. P. Callaghan, Principles of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Microscopy, Oxford University Press 1994.

This is just one example of an Honours Project available in the Nanoscale Research Group (www.uws.edu.au/nanoscale). Many other projects are available (or can be developed) please consult with any member of the Nanoscale Group (Prof. William S. Price, Prof. Janice Aldrich-Wright, A/Prof. Gary Dennis, Dr Tim Stait-Gardner, Dr Bahman Ghadirian, Prof. Annemarie Hennessy, A/Prof. Andrew Shalliker, Dr Allan Torres, Dr Gang Zheng).



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Title of ProjectInvestigating Restricted Diffusion using NMR Techniques

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Co-supervisor: Dr Bahman Ghadirian Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3216 Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick):

Campbelltown: Hawkesbury: Penrith: Parramatta: Other/External: Background: Modelling self-diffusion in complicated geometries is of fundamental importance in many areas of science including medicine. Modelling diffusion-controlled reactions - which occur widely in chemical and biochemical systems, and nuclear magnetic resonance diffusion experiments in bounded systems provide many prominent examples of where such modelling is required. Using a simple cellular system as an example, a reacting species diffuses to the enzymatic membrane and then reacts in some way, being either transformed into a product, becoming bound to the surface or transported through the surface. The nature of the interaction at the surface determines the boundary conditions in the modelling. Presently only solutions for some simple geometries are available. This is a serious impediment as most real-world structures that chemical reactions occur in have complicated geometries. Thus, there is a need to develop techniques for modelling diffusive processes near surfaces which are applicable to different geometries and arbitrary boundary conditions. (Would suit students interested in Biology/Chemistry/Mathematics/Medical Physics/MRI/NMR) Aim of the Study: To develop theoretical and experimental method for investigating diffusion in restricted systems and studying their application. Methods: Analytical modelling and numerical computer programming in Mathcad or Matlab, and testing the models using NMR experiments. Ethics Application Requirements: Not applicable. Key References: C. H. Neuman, J. Chem. Phys. 60, 4508 (1974). S. D. Traytak and W. S. Price, J. Chem. Phys. 127, 184508 (2007). G. A. Truskey, F. Yuan, and D. F. Katz, Transport Phenomena in Biological Systems. (Pearson Prentice Hall, London, 2004).

W. S. Price, NMR Studies of Translational Motion. (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2009). D. G. Duffy, Mixed Boundary Value Problems. (Chapman & Hall / CRC, New York, 2008). H. S. Carslaw and J. C. Jaeger, Conduction of Heat in Solids. (Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1959).




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Title of Project

MRI-based Electron Density Mapping for Radiotherapy Treatment Planning

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Supervisor: Prof. William S. Price Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3336 Co-supervisors: Other members of the Nanoscale Group + Dr Stephen Bosi (USyd/POW Hospital) Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick):


Background: Radiation therapy is a recommended treatment for approximately half of cancer cases [Delaney et al 2005]. Accurate planning of radiation dose requires both a picture of a patient's tissues and a map of the "electron density" of these tissues, currently obtained using CT (or "CAT") scans which use ionising radiation. At present an electron density (ED) map derived from a CT of the patient is the minimum requirement for treatment planning (TP) for external beam radiotherapy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans actually provide a clearer tissue image than CT scans (and without using ionising radiation), but traditional medical MRI methods cannot provide a density map – at least not at the present time. Development of a new method which allows MRI to be used to measure tissue composition AND density would eliminate the extra radiation dose of a CT scan and streamline treatment planning. (Would suit students interested in Biology/Chemistry/Medical Physics/NMR) Aim of the Study: The aim is to develop a method allowing MRI scanners to provide a tissue density map which is required for accurate radiation dose planning for radiation therapy. Methods: MRI Experiments + Analysis Ethics Application Requirements: N/A as only phantoms will be used in this project. Key References: Delaney G., Jacob S., Featherstone C. et al. The role of radiotherapy in cancer treatment: estimating optimal utilization from a review of evidence-based clinical guidelines. Cancer 104 1129-1137 (2005). Khan F.M. "The Physics of Radiation Therapy" - 3rd ed., Lippincott & Wilkins. Philadelphia USA, 2003. Wu Y., Reese T.G., Cao H., et al. Bone Mineral Imaged In Vivo by 31P Solid State MRI of Human Wrists J. Magn. Reson. Imaging. 34, 623–633 (2011).



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Title of Project

NMR Simulation using Symbolic Algebra

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Co-supervisor: Dr Tim Stait-Gardner Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3216 Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick): Campbelltown: Hawkesbury: Penrith: Parramatta: Other/External:

Background: Understanding spin-dynamics is of fundamental importance for NMR students. However, in many instances to understand such complicated theory we must resort to computer simulation, which turns boring memorization into exciting practice. Numerical and symbolic algebra simulation programs can be used for the development of new NMR pulse sequences. In this project students will perform NMR simulations based on a full understanding of spin-dynamics to enhance the development of new NMR methods (e.g. water suppression and diffusion measurements). Exact numerical simulations of NMR experiments are often required for the development of new techniques and for the extraction of structural and dynamic information from the spectra. (Would suit students interested in Mathematics/MRI/NMR/Physics) Aim of the Study: In this project, user friendly liquid state NMR simulation software will be developed based on density matrix, product operator and quaternion theories by the use of symbolic algebra software (e.g. Mathematica, Maple). The newly developed software will be distributed around UWS to assist NMR teaching and scientific research. Methods: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and computer simulation. Ethics Application Requirements: N/A Key References: W.S. Price, NMR Studies of Translational Motion, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2009. R.P.F. Kanters et al., A Computer-Algebra Application for the Description of NMR Experiments Using the Product-Operator Formalism, J. Magn. Reson. 101, 23-29, 1993.




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Title of Project

Expanding the Boundaries and Applications of Diffusion NMR

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Co-supervisor Dr. Allan Torres Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3459 Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick): Campbelltown: Hawkesbury: Penrith: Parramatta: Other/External: Background: Diffusion NMR is routinely used to study various molecular properties, and interactions occurring in solution. This technique is also valuable in MRI as it can be used to probe microscopic structures in biological tissues. Recently, long-lived singlet spin states have been used in NMR diffusion and diffusion-diffraction studies. Unlike regular spin coherences, singlet spin states have significantly longer lifetimes on the order of tens of seconds to a minute making it feasible to study extremely slowly diffusing molecules. In diffusion-diffraction studies, long lived singlet states can potentially be useful for probing structures with larger characteristic distances. In this project, the restricted diffusion of test molecules in glass and flexible silica capillaries will be investigated by utilising singlet spin states and various NMR coherences. The feasibility of performing NMR diffusion experiments in a single capillary with internal diameter of 10-200 micrometers will also be studied. (Would suit students interested in NMR/Physical Chemistry/Physics) Aim of the Study: To characterise NMR diffusion in capillaries using various spin coherences and singlet spin states. Methods: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Ethics Application Requirements: Not applicable Key References: M. Carravetta and M.H. Levitt, Long-lived nuclear spin states in high-field solution NMR. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 126 (2004) 6228-6229. W.S. Price, NMR Studies of Translational Motion, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2009. N.N. Yadav, A.M. Torres and W.S. Price, NMR q-space imaging of macroscopic pores using singlet spin states. J. Magn. Reson. 204 (2010) 346-348. A.M. Torres, B. Ghadirian and W.S. Price, Diffusion-diffraction using singlet spin states and various NMR coherences in a J-coupled AX spin system 8 (2012) 3352-3360.




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Title of Project

Anion Detection by Temperature Control Using Smart Materials

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Supervisor: Dr Feng Li Email: [email protected] Telephone: 9685 9987

Co-supervisor: Prof Janice Aldrich-Wright Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3218

Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick):


Background: The ubiquity of anions such as halides, phosphates and carboxylates in nature, which play essential roles in chemistry, biology, medicine and the environment as catalysts, drugs, food additives, agricultural fertilizers and industrial materials, has led to considerable attention to address their sensing, separation and transport by the scientific community. In addition, most of the important biomolecular targets such as peptides, nucleotides, phospholipids, and carbohydrates are anionic species in aqueous solution. Hence, there is a significant need for the development of new classes of anion receptors that operate with high selectivity and sensitivity in water, in order to better characterise anion association patterns based on novel binding features. Although the majority of anion receptors have been based around organic scaffolds, there has been an accelerating recent trend towards the use of metal-based anion host species. However, to date most anion receptors can only sense and/or select one or two anions using spectroscopic techniques. Therefore, the development of sensors based on new materials for the detection of a large range of anionic species in aqueous solution by straightforward techniques remains a significant challenge.

Aim of the Study:

This project aims to explore anion-sensing based on spin-crossover scaffolds by temperature control. The incorporation of spin-switching sites into supramolecular capsules will see the development of unique self-indicating molecular receptors, in turn spurring the development of new classes of anion indicators and chemosensors. Outcomes on both the fundamental and applied levels will pave the way toward molecular devices for anion sensing and transport.

Methods:

To employ directed assembly procedures, stepwise syntheses and template controls for constructing innovative nanometre-scale materials.

Ethics Application Requirements:

N/A

Key References: J. L. Sessler, P. A. Gale and W.-S. Cho, Anion Receptor Chemistry, RSC publishing, Cambridge, UK, 2006.

P. A. Gale, Chem. Commun., 2011, 47, 82-86.

Z. Ni, M. P. Shores, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2009, 131, 32-33.

F. Li, R. Delgado and V. Félix, Eur. J. Inorg. Chem., 2005, 4550-4561.



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Metal Directed Assembly of Discrete Supramolecular Systems

Title of Project:





Background:

The metal-ion directed assembly of discrete molecular architectures, and especially those with interesting supramolecular topologies, has received very considerable attention over recent years, because of their specific applications in recognition, catalysis, magnetic materials and synthetic membranes for ion channels. Yet the rational design and synthesis of discrete coordination architectures or polymeric coordinations still remains a great challenge. The ultimate aim of metallo-supramolecular systems is to control the structure of the target product with expected properties and functions. These include novel redoxactive, magnetism, photoactive, conductive (including superconductive), catalytic and non-linear optical properties.

Aim of the Study:

The design of suitable organic ligands and the selection of the correct metal ions for favoring structure-specific self-assembly play important roles in the construction of discrete coordination architectures. Thus much attention in this project will be focused on the synthetic approach and the structural control of coordination architectures, especially for those with multidimensional structures. The organic components to be employed all incorporate 𝛽-diketonate, pyridylpyrazole and/or imidazole schiff base sites - motivated in part by the availability of the extremely well documented metal coordination behaviour of these ‘classical’ coordination entities. Furthermore, characterization and functionality of such systems will be investigated for specific applications in host-guest chemistry and spin-crossover (SCO) studies. This will elucidate fundamental aspects of metallo-supramolecular chemistry (including the role that both metal ions and organic species may play in the assembly process), factors influencing host-guest inclusion behaviour and the nature of electronic/magnetic interactions between spin-crossover and magnetic coupling energies.

Methods: To employ directed assembly procedures, stepwise syntheses and template controls for constructing innovative nanometre-scale materials.


N/A

Key References: J. K. Clegg, F. Li, K. A. Jolliffe, G. V. Meehan and L. F. Lindoy, Chem. Commun., 2011, 6042-6044.

F. Li, J. K. Clegg, R. B. Macquart, G. V. Meehan and L. F. Lindoy, Nature Commun., 2011, 2: 205.

F. Li, J. K. Clegg, L. Goux-Capes, G. Chastanet, D. M. D'Alessandro, J.-F. Létard, and C. J. Kepert, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2011, 50, 2820-2823.

F. Li, J. K. Clegg, D. Price, and C. J. Kepert, Inorg. Chem., 2011, 50, 726-728.



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Title of Project

Molecular Recognition Using Macrocyclic Compounds

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Background: Molecular recognition has been a vigorous, fast-growing and fascinating area of research interest in coordination and supramolecular chemistry, and biological processes. Macrocyclic compounds are of great interest as receptors for the molecular recognition of cations, anions and neutral molecules, since their cavity size, shape, and components can be readily varied. Therefore, the design and synthesis of novel functional macrocyclic receptors is crucial and a challenge for researchers.

Aim of the Study:

This research project is concentrated on polyoxa-polyaza macrocyclic compounds and new functional cryptands containing different spacers as receptors for selectively binding metal ions, anions and neutral species. The strength of the association of these guests is evaluated by the determination of the binding constant by spectroscopic or potentiometric techniques. For the successful receptors, they can be selected in the detection or quantification of “real-life” samples using straightforward analytical techniques.

Methods:

To employ high dilution and metal template controls for constructing macrocyclic compounds.


N/A

Key References: F. Li, R. Delgado, A. Coelho, M. G. B. Drew, and V. Félix, Tetrahedron, 2006, 62, 8550-8558.

N. Bernier, S. Carvalho, F. Li, R. Delgado and V. Félix, J. Org. Chem., 2009, 4819-4827

F. Li, S. Carvalho, R. Delgado, M. G. B. Drew, and V. Félix, Dalton Trans., 2010, 9579-9581.



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Title of Project

Discrete Interlocked/Intertwined Supramolecular Assemblies

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Background: In the realm of supramolecular chemistry, finite nano-scale interlocked/intertwined metallo-supramolecular ensembles with interesting and beautiful molecular structures have received very considerable attention over recent years. Such metallo-architectures range from large metal protein to a small number of intricately interwoven structures that bridge the boundaries between Art and Science. These ensembles, which typically form on the nanometer scale, display both considerable beauty and applications. However, the generation of new structures of this type has remained a very significant synthetic challenge. A condition for the rational strategies of such metal organic structures is that the metal ion(s) and organic component(s) display the required steric and electronic complementarity to promote formation of the molecular architecture of interest.

Aim of the Study: The application of cation and/or anion templated syntheses to the design and construction of new practical molecular devices and machines, including sensors, (opto)electronic devices (including electronic components ranging from transistors to logic gates) and enzyme-like catalysts remains a significant intellectual and practical challenge. To probe the construction of novel molecular devices, which show molecular movement of interlocked/intertwined constituent parts that can be triggered by cation and/or anion binding controls, is anticipated to lead to novel supramolecular assemblies for practical applications in molecular memory and molecular machines. The proposed interlocked supramolecular systems could also contribute to the development of nanoscale molecular machines that, for example, might mimic the role of sophisticated biomolecular entities.

Methods:

The application of cation and/or anion templated syntheses to the design and construction of new practical molecular devices and machines


N/A

Key References: L. F. Lindoy, & I. M. Atkinson, Self-Assembly in Supramolecular Systems (Royal Society of Chemistry, 2000).

J.- P. Sauvage, & C. Dietrich-Buchecker, eds Molecular Catenanes, Rotaxanes and Knots (Wiley-VCH, 1999).

F. Li, J. K. Clegg, R. B. Macquart, G. V. Meehan and L. F. Lindoy, Nature Commun., 2011, 2: 205.



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Title of Project

Global mechanisms affecting heat stress survival and their implications for cell ageing

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Supervisor: Dr Gabriel Perrone Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3286 Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick):


Background: Organisms have evolved to survive in temperatures ranging from the freezing point of water to those above its boiling point. Despite this, deviations of only a few degrees from an organism’s optimal growth temperature can cause heat stress. Humans can encounter heat stress in a range of situations including exposure to hot weather, drugs/chemicals and due to occupational and lifestyle factors and illness. The impact of heat stress on plants, animals and aquatic life can also be substantial. The impact of climate change on the incidence of extreme heat events is also of major concern and the incidence of extreme weather events, including heat waves, will increase substantially. At a cellular level heat stress can affect a broad range of molecules, functions and structures. One critical factor effecting survival is the capacity of cells to induce a heat shock response (HSR). Emerging evidence suggests a close relationship between heat shock survival pathways and cell/organism lifespan. Recent studies in the group have made the exciting and novel discovery that changes in a specific biochemical pathway have a profound effect not only on heat shock tolerance but also the lifespan (ageing) of cells. This project will aim to investigate the mechanisms involved in these phenomena. It is anticipated that the outcomes of this project will not only provide a better understanding of how cells survive heat stress but also delineate the important links between heat shock survival pathways and cell lifespan. Aims of the Study:

1. to study the mechanism involved in the dramatic change in heat stress resistance and cell ageing, that we recently discovered was associated with a metabolic pathway in cells;

2. study the mechanism of action of related compounds we have found cause such a profound effect on heat shock survival and cell lifespan.

Methods: This project will exploit the extensive genetic and cell biology resources of the model eukaryotic organism, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (budding yeast) as well as cutting-edge experimental and bioinformatics tools. Experimentation will involve a range of genetic, cell biology, biochemical techniques including cell survival and growth analyses, biochemical assays, drug treatments, a range of recombinant DNA and protein analysis techniques, analysis of free radical production, small molecule analysis (HPLC), flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy and real-time PCR. This project is supported by existing grant funding and national (UNSW) and international (Austria; New Zealand) collaborations. Please arrange a time to meet with me to discuss these projects in person.

Other optional project areas: Modelling aspect of Alzheimer’s disease in yeast or a systems biology approach to antifungal drug discovery. (please feel free to enquire) Ethics Application Requirements: None required Key References: The heat shock response: Life on the verge of death, Richter, K., Haslbeck, M. and Buchner, J. Molecular Cell, 40:253-266


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A Systems Biology approach to studying interactions between sphingolipid metabolism and mitochondrial function: implications for stress tolerance and human diseases

Title of Project:

Supervisor: Dr Gabriel Perrone Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3286 Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick): Campbelltown: Hawkesbury: Penrith: Parramatta: Other/External:

Background: Sphingolipids play key roles in a broad range of cellular processes including: the formation of lipid micro domains “rafts” in membrane bilayers, that influence protein sorting and signal transduction; signalling molecules in cell differentiation, growth and cell cycle progress/arrest, cholesterol metabolism and stress signalling; and immune function, endocytosis and programmed cell death (Ozbayraktar and Ulgen, 2009; Worgall, 2011). Due to the role of sphingolipids in important cellular processes the impact of altered sphingolipid metabolism can have very serious consequences for cells. Altered sphingolipid metabolism has also been shown to play an important role in the pathobiology of diseases including: cancer, diabetes and metabolic syndrome; heart disease; Alzheimer’s disease; Niemann-Pick; and immune dysfunction (Rylan et al., 2011; Worgall, 2011; Brice and Cowart, 2011; Ozbayraktar and Ulgen, 2009). In some cancers altered sphingolipid homestasis appears to play a key role in disease progression. Crucially, despite the role of sphingolipids in a diverse range of serious human diseases, on a global scale very little is known of how the broad array of cellular functions influence sphingolipid homeostasis and/or how defects in distinct aspects of sphingolipid homeostasis impact the cells on a cell-wide level. Aim of the Study: This research aims to: 1) Use a Systems Biology approach to determine on a genome-wide level the cellular processes that show a functional interaction with the sphingolipid pathway. This approach aims to not only identify the cellular processes that influence sphingolipid homeostasis, but also the converse, that is, to identify the processes that are perturbed by abnormal sphingolipid metabolism and/or signalling; and 2) To investigate at a mechanistic level how dysfunctional mitochondrial respiratory leads to aberrant sphingolipid homeostasis, and, vice-versa how defects in sphingolipid metabolism impact mitochondrial function, including respiratory capacity.

Methods: This project will exploit the extensive genetic and cell biology resources of the model eukaryotic organism, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (budding yeast) as well as cutting edge techniques and resources. The project will also exploit the genome-wide deletion strain collections, drug treatments, a range of recombinant DNA and protein analysis techniques, biochemical assays, lipid analyses, as well as gene libraries that allow researchers to selectively overexpress most genes in the yeast genome. The advantage of such resources is that allow almost unlimited capacity to manipulate the genetics and biology of cells to test almost any hypotheses. This project will also exploit use of sophisticated analytical instruments including flow cytometers, mass spectrometers, fluorescent microscopes/plate readers etc. This project is supported by existing grant. Please arrange a time to meet with me to discuss these projects in person. Other optional project area: Modelling aspect of Alzheimer’s disease in yeast or a systems biology approach to antifungal drug discovery (please feel free to enquire)

Ethics Application Requirements: None required


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Title of Project

Decode Nature’s Way of Detoxification – NMR Studies on Dissolved Organic Matter in Australian Aquatic Systems

:

Supervisor: Dr Gang Zheng Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3729 Co-supervisor: Prof. William S. Price Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3336 Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick): Campbelltown: Hawkesbury: Penrith: Parramatta: Other/External: Background: Like ourselves, mother nature has many methods for detoxification. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays a major role in natural detoxification in aquatic systems. In fresh water, many harmful versions of heavy metals (e.g., methyl-mercury) latch onto DOM then are more likely broken down into harmless compounds by sunlight. In sea water, however, these nasty metal complexes tend to latch onto salt (i.e., sodium chloride) instead of DOM and therefore are far more likely accumulated through the food chain, according to studies by a US researcher. In this study, the key chemical components of the various DOM in Australian aquatic systems will be identified, their roles in the natural detoxification will be revealed, and environmental factors (e.g., salt) affecting the detoxification process will be identified. (Would suit students interested in Biology/Chemistry/NMR/Physics) Aim of the Study: To unveil the role of each key chemical component of DOM in natural aquatic detoxification. Methods: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Size Exclusion Chromatography Ethics Application Requirements: Not Applicable. Key References: G. Zheng and W.S. Price, Direct hydrodynamic radius measurement on dissolved organic matter in natural waters using diffusion NMR. Environmental Science and Technology, 2012. 46(3): p. 1675-1680. G. Zheng, T. Stait-Gardner, P.G. Anil Kumar, A.M. Torres, and W.S. Price, PGSTE-WATERGATE: An STE-based PGSE NMR sequence with excellent solvent suppression. Journal of Magnetic Resonance, 2008. 191(1): p. 159-163. G. Zheng and W.S. Price, Solvent signal suppression in NMR. Progress in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, 2010. 56(3): p. 267-288.




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Title of Project

Quantitative Composition-Flavour Relationships: the first step to a flavour tasting machine

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Supervisor: Dr Gang Zheng Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3729

Co-supervisor: Prof. William S. Price Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3336



Background: Have you ever thought about why different wines have different tastes? What is controlling the flavour? What chemicals contribute to the flavour generation process? Are these chemicals staying as monomers or forming assemblies in the wine? The results of this study will answer all these tricky questions.

(Would suit students interested in Biology/Chemistry/NMR/Physics/Statistics/Wine tasting)

Aim of the Study:

To build an NMR-based wine tasting machine

Methods:

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Pattern Recognition


Not Applicable.

Key References:

Hu, N., D. Wu, K. Cross, S. Burikov, T. Dolenko, S. Patsaeva, and D.W. Schaefer, Structurability: A collective measure of the structural differences in vodkas. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2010. 58(12): p. 7394-7401.

Polášková, P., J. Herszage, and S.E. Ebeler, Wine flavor: Chemistry in a glass. Chemical Society Reviews, 2008. 37(11): p. 2478-2489.




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Title of Project:

Advanced Water Signal Suppression in in vivo NMR Spectroscopy

Supervisor: Dr Gang Zheng Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3729

Co-supervisor: Prof. William S. Price Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3336 Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick): Campbelltown: Hawkesbury: Penrith: Parramatta: Other/External: Background: In mammalian tissue, the common metabolites (e.g., tCr and NAA) used in NMR based disease diagnosis are present in concentrations several orders of magnitude smaller than water. Consequently, in vivo proton NMR spectra are overwhelmed by the extremely strong water signal, thereby preventing accurate detection of metabolites and thus the diagnostic value is unreliable. In this study, advanced water signal suppression techniques will be developed for better detection of metabolites and thus more accurate NMR based disease diagnoses. (Would suit students interested in Biology/Chemistry/Medical Physics/MRI/NMR) Aim of the Study: To build advanced water signal suppression techniques for in vivo NMR spectroscopy Methods: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Ethics Application Requirements: N/A Key References: S.W. Provencher, Estimation of metabolite concentrations from localized in vivo proton NMR spectra. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, 1993. 30(6): p. 672-679. G. Zheng and W. S. Price. Solvent Signal Suppression in NMR. Prog.NMR Spectrosc. 56 (3):267-288, 2010.




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Title of Project:

Information encoding by temporal structure of afferent spike trains evoked by complex vibrotactile stimuli

Supervisor: Dr Ingvars Birznieks Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3292 Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick): Campbelltown: Hawkesbury: Penrith: Parramatta: Other/External: Background: The fundamental questions this study will address have captivated the sensory neuroscience research community for many years, yet nobody has succeeded to prove that the temporal pattern in which individual nerve impulses follow each other determines the perception of vibrotactile frequency. We have preliminary evidence that such temporal encoding mechanism, based on the timing of spikes in the peripheral afferent rather than the mean discharge rate, as currently believed, plays the decisive role in determining the perceived frequency of vibrotactile stimuli. Temporal encoding is an emerging field in neuroscience, and it is increasingly apparent that the temporal features of spike trains play a significant role in signalling various stimulus features. Our own studies have showed that relative time at which afferents discharge in the population can encode contact force magnitude and direction as well geometrical shape of the contact surface.

Aim of the Study: To obtain neurophysiological and psychophysical evidence that properties of vibrotactile stimuli are encoded by timing of individual spikes (action potentials) transmitted by sensory neurons. Methods:

1. Psychophysical tests on human subjects. 2. Human microneurography - a unique method which allows us to tap into the signals single sensory axons

are sending to the brain. Using fine needle electrodes inserted into a peripheral nerve we are able to analyse tactile neural signals in awake humans with a precision and resolution previously available only in animal experiments.

Ethics Application Requirements: UWS Approval No: H6187 (for some aspects of the project some amendments might be required) UNSW Approval No: HREC 11074 (Application will be submitted for approval at UWS) Key References: Johansson RS & Flanagan JR. (2009). Coding and use of tactile signals from the fingertips in object manipulation tasks. Nat Rev Neurosci 10, 345-359. Birznieks I, Macefield VG, Westling G & Johansson RS. (2009). Slowly adapting mechanoreceptors in the borders of the human fingernail encode fingertip forces. J Neurosci 29, 9370-9379. Johansson RS & Birznieks I. (2004). First spikes in ensembles of human tactile afferents code complex spatial fingertip events. Nat Neurosci 7, 170-177. Vallbo AB & Johansson RS. (1984). Properties of cutaneous mechanoreceptors in the human hand related to touch sensation. Hum Neurobiol 3, 3-14.


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Title of Project:

A novel approach to investigate the neuronal information encoding and analyses mechanisms in human nervous system

Supervisor: Dr Ingvars Birznieks Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3292 Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick): Campbelltown: Hawkesbury: Penrith: Parramatta: Other/External: Background: Various features of tactile stimuli are reflected in the pattern of action potential firing in tactile afferents and in somatosensory cortical neurons; however there is no clear experimental evidence that this temporal code is exploited by the central nervous system. Over the last years we have developed a unique mechanical stimulator able to evoke precisely-controlled temporal patterns of tactile afferent spiking activity. This gives us an unprecedented methodological advantage to investigate the physiological significance of the timing of individual spikes generated by skin mechanoreceptors. By combining human psychophysical data with microneurographic recordings from single human tactile afferents, we expect to be the first to demonstrate that a sophisticated temporal analysis mechanism underpin the perception of various tactile stimuli. This study will explain a very basic sensory mechanism, and is of fundamental importance to neurophysiology.

Aim of the Study: To obtain neurophysiological and psychophysical evidence that sensory information is encoded by timing of individual spikes (action potentials). Methods:

1. Psychophysical tests on human subjects. 2. Human microneurography - a unique method which allows us to tap into the signals single sensory axons

are sending to the brain. Using fine needle electrodes inserted into a peripheral nerve we are able to analyse tactile neural signals in awake humans with a precision and resolution previously available only in animal experiments.

Ethics Application Requirements: UWS Approval No: H6187 (for some aspects of the project some amendments might be required) UNSW Approval No: HREC 11074 (Application will be submitted for approval at UWS) Key References: Johansson RS & Flanagan JR. (2009). Coding and use of tactile signals from the fingertips in object manipulation tasks. Nat Rev Neurosci 10, 345-359. Birznieks I, Macefield VG, Westling G & Johansson RS. (2009). Slowly adapting mechanoreceptors in the borders of the human fingernail encode fingertip forces. J Neurosci 29, 9370-9379. Johansson RS & Birznieks I. (2004). First spikes in ensembles of human tactile afferents code complex spatial fingertip events. Nat Neurosci 7, 170-177. Vallbo AB & Johansson RS. (1984). Properties of cutaneous mechanoreceptors in the human hand related to touch sensation. Hum Neurobiol 3, 3-14.


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Title of Project:

Tactile sensory system and neural mechanisms underpinning hand dexterity in humans

Supervisor: Dr Ingvars Birznieks Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3292 Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick): Campbelltown: Hawkesbury: Penrith: Parramatta: Other/External: Background: The human hand is an evolutionary masterpiece. It is an extraordinary sensory organ that is used to explore the physical world using the tactile sense, but at the same time it is also the most sophisticated and versatile instrument to change the world around us via manipulation of objects. The key to the hand’s astounding functionality is highly specialised sensory system and sensorimotor control algorithms that govern hand actions. The dexterity of the human hand still remains unmatched by the most advanced artificial devices - largely because it is not understood how relevant sensory information is extracted and utilised. There are many things to discover – not just to increase our understanding of how sensory information is encoded and analysed by the brain, but also to help people who have lost part of their sensory function due to illness or trauma. Engineers can also borrow some astonishing ideas from biological systems and use them to develop future technologies like artificial sensors and control algorithms for prosthesis and robotic manipulators resembling functionality of human hand.

Aim of the Study: The overall goal of our research is to unravel the neural sensory mechanisms that endow humans with their extraordinary ability to manipulate physical objects with their hands. In particular the main aim of the proposed study is to investigate how tactile receptors in the fingertip skin encode object properties relevant for manipulation such as softness, roughness and friction, and how this information is analyzed by the brain. Methods: A specific methodological signature of proposed research project is the use of microneurography - a unique method which allows us to tap into the signals single sensory axons are sending to the brain. Using fine needle electrodes inserted into a peripheral nerve we are able to analyse tactile neural signals in awake humans with a precision and resolution previously available only in animal experiments. Ethics Application Requirements: UWS Approval No: H6187 (for some aspects of the project some amendments might be required) Key References: Johansson RS & Flanagan JR. (2009). Coding and use of tactile signals from the fingertips in object manipulation tasks. Nat Rev Neurosci 10, 345-359. Birznieks I, Macefield VG, Westling G & Johansson RS. (2009). Slowly adapting mechanoreceptors in the borders of the human fingernail encode fingertip forces. J Neurosci 29, 9370-9379. Johansson RS & Birznieks I. (2004). First spikes in ensembles of human tactile afferents code complex spatial fingertip events. Nat Neurosci 7, 170-177. Vallbo AB & Johansson RS. (1984). Properties of cutaneous mechanoreceptors in the human hand related to touch sensation. Hum Neurobiol 3, 3-14.


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Title of Project:

Examining the effect of antifungal treatment on the detection of molecular markers for invasive aspergillosis

Supervisor: Dr Oliver Morton Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3446 Co-supervisor: Dr Colin Stack Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3237 Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick): Campbelltown: Hawkesbury: Penrith: Parramatta: Other/External: Background: Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a disease caused by fungi of the genus Aspergillus, especially A. fumigatus. It is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing intensive treatment such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for haematological malignancies. Another major factor in determining the poor outcome of IA is its delayed diagnosis which leads to consequent sub-optimal therapy. The fact that A. fumigatus is an opportunistic pathogen leads to unpredictable disease progression with an absence of disease-specific symptoms. By the time the fungus can be seen in x-rays of the lungs or brain it can be too late for treatment to be effective. There is a large economic burden associated with IA; in a study of intensive care unit (ICU) patients it was found that that treatment costs of those with IA rose to $97,000 compared to $44,000 for uninfected patients. Optimal molecular diagnosis could result in both, earlier therapeutic intervention, reducing mortality but also allowing cessation of therapy once patient health improved. Consequently sensitive and reliable molecular diagnosis, especially for patients under antifungal treatment, is urgently required. Aim of the Study: A significant obstacle in the development of diagnostic tests for IA is the possibility that the use antifungal drugs on patients may have adverse effects on diagnostic tests. It was recently observed, in a rat model of IA, that treatment with azoles or polyenes could reduce the sensitivity of qPCR and GM-ELISA. The aim of this study is to grow A. fumigatus in vitro and measure the effect of fungicidal and fungistatic drugs on the detection of extracellular DNA released from the fungus. Methods: Culture of fungi, qPCR, DNA isolation and ELISA. Ethics Application Requirements: No Ethics Requirements Key References: Morton CO, Loeffler J, De Luca A, et al. (2010) Dynamics of extracellular release of Aspergillus fumigatus DNA and galactomannan during growth in blood and serum. J Med Microbiol 59: 408-413. McCulloch E, Ramage G, Rajendran R, et al. (2012) Antifungal treatment affects the laboratory diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis. Journal of clinical pathology 65: 83-86. Neofytos D, Horn D, Anaissie E, et al. (2009) Epidemiology and outcome of invasive fungal infection in adult hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: analysis of Multicenter Prospective Antifungal Therapy (PATH) Alliance registry. Clin Infect Dis 48: 265-273. Perlin DS & Zhao Y (2008) Molecular diagnostic platforms for detecting Aspergillus. Med Mycol 1-10.



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Title of Project:

Mechanism of cell cycle re-entry by quiescent prostate cancer cells

Supervisor: Assoc Prof Qihan Dong Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3633 Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick):


Background: Cancers are made up of both actively dividing and "resting" cancer cells. These resting or quiescent cancer cells are thought to be central to relapse, after actively dividing cancer cells are eliminated by chemo- or radio-therapy. One can envisage if cell cycle re-entry by these quiescent cancer cells is blocked, cancer recurrence can be prevented or delayed. However, the regulatory signals required for quiescent cancer cells to re-enter the cell cycle have not been determined. Identification of these signals will provide needed molecular targets for preventing cancer recurrence. We have found a list of genes that are over-expressed in advance form of prostate cancer compared with either normal prostate or organ-confined prostate cancer.

Aim of the Study: To determine role of over-expressed genes in cell cycle re-entry by quiescent prostate cancer cells.

Methods:

Honours students will learn immunohistochemistry and immunoblot and use these techniques to analyse the identified gene product (proteins) in cancer tissue and cultured cancer cells.


Approved. Collection of cancer tissue is completed.

Key References: Desoize B, Jardillier J. Multicellular resistance: a paradigm for clinical resistance? Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2000;36:193-207.


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Title of Project: Competing Epistemologies and Use of Complementary Medicine Supervisor: Dr Rebecca E. Olson Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620.3226 Co-supervisor: Sue Cochrane Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3485 Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick): Campbelltown: Hawkesbury: Penrith: Parramatta: Other/External: Background: Wasserman and Hinote (2011, p. 55) write that ‘perspectives resting at a singular level of scale explain less and less of our world.’ We typically prescribe to multiple definitions of reality, philosophies of knowledge, epistemologies or ways of knowing, ranging from religious to constructivist to positivist (Capra, 1982; Little, 1995). Biomedical research and practices based on a positivist epistemology maintain a dominant position within Australia. In early 2012 a lobby group called ‘Friends of Science in Medicine’ made up of 400 biomedical researchers and practitioners urged universities to stop offering degrees in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) (Schwager, 2012). This very public epistemological struggle illustrates the difficulties often faced in coming to terms with our often pluralistic ways of knowing, being and acting. Interested honours students should become familiar with philosophy of knowledge debates and philosophers, especially Francois Jullien and Karen Barad. Jullien (2009) identifies Chinese thinking as being deliberately indeterminate, explaining that standard methods of biomedical science fail to fully comprehend the vitality of qi and the relational dynamism of yin-yang because the biomedical way of knowing favours almost exclusively observation through sight. Barad (2003; 2007; 2008) points to the importance of diffractive methods, methods that focus on relationality rather than the objects. Aim of the Study: This honours project explores the ways patients, practitioners and student of CAM manage competing epistemologies. Methods: Possible research methods might include: interviews (n=10-15) with students and lecturers in Traditional Chinese Medicine, interviews (n=10-15) with Traditional Chinese Medicine or CAM patients, or another method to be negotiated with the supervisors. Ethics Application Requirements: Approval from the UWS Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) will be required. Key References: Barad, K. (2003). Posthumanist performativity: Toward an understanding of how matter comes to matter. Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, 28 (3), 801-831. Barad, K. (2007). Meeting the universe halfway: Quantum physics and the entanglement of matter and meaning. Durham, NC: Duke University Press. Barad, K. (2008). Living in a posthumanist material world: Lessons from Schrodinger’s cat. In A. Smelik and N. Lykke (Eds.) Bits of life: Feminism at the intersections of media, bioscience and technology. Seattle: University of Washington Press. Capra, F. (1982). The turning point: Science, society, and the rising culture. London: Flamingo. Csordas, T. (2006). Preface. In H. Johannessen and I. Lazar (Eds.) Multiple medical realities: Patients and healers in biomedical, alternative and traditional medicine (pp. ix-xi). New York: Berghahn Books. Johannessen, H. (2006). Introduction. In H. Johannessen and I. Lazar (Eds.) Multiple medical realities: Patients and healers in biomedical, alternative and traditional medicine (pp. 1-15). New York: Berghahn Books. Jullien, F. (2009). The great image has no form: On the nonobject through painting. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press. Little, M. (1995). Humane medicine. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Sauer, U. (2007). Getting closer to the whole picture. Science, 316, 550. Schwager, S. (2012, February 21). War against natural medicine. The Drum Opinion on ABC news 24. Retrieved from http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/3840682.html Wasserman, J. A., & Hinote, B. P. (2011). Chronic illness as incalculable risk: Scientific uncertainty and social transformations in medicine. Social Theory & Health, 9, 41–58. doi:10.1057/sth.2010.4



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Title of Project:

Dechlorination of Hexachlorobenzene Derivatives by Catalysed Electroreduction with Carbon and Nanoelectrodes

Supervisor: Dr Robert Kaziro Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3207

Co-supervisor: Dr Cheang Khoo Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3211



Background: Cyclic voltammetry and controlled-potential electrolysis have been used to investigate the catalytic reduction of hexachlorobenzene (Matsunaga and Yasuhara 2005) (Matsunaga and Yasuhara 2005) and (Gach, Karty et al. 2008), but the multiple products were not isolated. (Sidhu 2000) uncatalytically and catalytically reduced the HCB and its substitution products by cyclic votammetry and proposed an electroreduction mechanism. Sidhu demonstrated that the 1,4.dicyanobenzene-catalysed electoreduction of HCB and its derivatives were between 2 and 14 dm3 mol-1 s-1, whereas those for the uncatalysed electro reduction were between 2 x 10-13 and 6 x 10-7 cm s-1.

The honours project is proposed concerning the following areas: Efficiency of 1,4-dicyanobenzene catalyst and reactivity of pentachloromethoxychlorobenzene with new catalysts. Efficiency of solid carbon electrode and fabrication of nanoparticle electrodes such as zinc. Identification of multiple products from 1,4-dicyanobenene electroreduction of pentachloromethoxybenzene.

Aim of the Study:

To investigate dechlorination of hexachlorobenzene derivatives by catalysed electroreduction with carbon and nanoelectrodes.

Methods:

Cyclic voltammetry and chronamperometry will be applied for the electroredcution of HCB derivatives. Gas chromatography, mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance will be used for identifying and quantifying the products from dechlorination of hexachlorobenzene derivatives.


N/A

Key References:

Gach, P. C., J. A. Karty, et al. (2008). "Catalytic reduction of hexachlorobenzene and pentachlorobenzene by cobalt(I) salen electrogenerated at vitreous carbon cathodes in dimethylformamide." Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry 612(1): 22-28.

Matsunaga, A. and A. Yasuhara (2005). "Dechlorination of polychlorinated organic compounds by electrochemical reduction with naphthalene radical anion as mediator." Chemosphere 59(10): 1487-1496.

Sidhu, J. K. (2000). Kinetics and mechanisms of methoxide substitution and electroreduction of hexachlorobenzene, University of Western Sydney. PhD



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Title of Project: The importance of protein arginine methylation Supervisor: Dr Sabine C. Piller Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3354 Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick):


Background: Protein arginine methylation is a post-translational modification like phosphorylation, acetylation and ubiquitination to name a few. Recent research and advances in technology have revived the initial research carried out on protein methylation in the early 1960ies (1), and protein arginine methylation has become one of the hot topics of research in a variety of fields including virology, cell biology and molecular mechanisms of disease as well as potential drug target development. The most interesting recent findings are that protein arginine methylation may be reversible and hence can be regulated which makes it a likely key modulator of cellular processes such as transcription, cell signalling, nuclear transport, ageing and cellular stress. These processes have implications for a wide range of diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, viral infection, lung disease and potentially neuronal diseases.

Currently there are 10-11 protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) known in humans and they are a protein family that is highly conserved and can even be found in yeast (2). There are now 4 types of PRMTs known and arginine residues can be mono-methylated on the terminal nitrogen (by types, I, II and III) or on an internal nitrogen (by type IV). Arginine residues can further be modified by type I PRMTs resulting in asymmetric dimethylation of the terminal nitrogen, while type II PRMTs result in symmetric dimethylation of the terminal nitrogens.

This field of research is fast moving and new findings about the mechanism and importance of protein arginine methylation are discovered and published every months.

My lab has started to study protein arginine methylation initially in the HIV virus (3, 4) and work continues to clarify the role of protein arginine methylation of 2 HIV proteins. In addition, in collaboration with Prof Sucher we have obtained preliminary data suggesting that arginine methylation may be important in the ageing process and may overlap with traditional Chinese herbal medicines used as anti-ageing compounds. Further, the work of one of my PhD students in 2011 has identified neuronal proteins that are methylated. We are in the process of studying the importance and role of protein arginine methylation in neurons and neuronal disease. A collaborative project with the University of Western Australia studying the role of protein methylation in other diseases including hepatitis and liver diseases has been established in 2011. Other areas of interest include studying the role of protein arginine methylation in cyanobacteria, bacteria and other microorganisms (a collaborative project with Dr Michelle Moffitt) and in ion channel forming proteins.

Honours projects are available for each of the abovementioned aspects of the overall focus to elucidate the molecular mechanism of protein arginine methylation.

Aim of the Study: The major aim of the work conducted in my laboratory is to better understand protein arginine methylation and its importance in cellular pathways and disease in order to identify potential future drug targets to combat a variety of diseases.

The specific aims and individual projects include:

1. Role of protein methylation in neurons and neuronal disease

2. Role of protein methylation in viral diseases including HIV, HCV, HBV

3. Role of protein methylation in liver disease

4. Role of protein methylation in microorganisms including cyanobacteria (co-supervised project with primary supervisor Dr Michelle Moffitt)

5. Role of protein methylation in ion channel forming proteins

6. Role of protein methylation in ageing

7. Role of protein methylation in nuclear transport


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There are several Honours positions and projects available in my lab which all revolve around protein arginine methylation making use of similar techniques but the actual cell type, protein, cellular mechanism and/or disease connection to be studied differ.

Methods: The major methods and techniques employed include, cell and tissue culture techniques (bacteria, yeast, eukaryotic cells), transformation, transfection, plasmid DNA preparations and purifications, PCR, site-directed mutagenesis, SDS-PAGE, agarose gels, Western Blotting, immunoprecipitation, fluorescent confocal microscopy, and potentially some advanced microscopy techniques (FRET) ; 2D gels and mass spectrometry and mass spectrometry.

Reagents and infrastructure as well as expertise with techniques is available in the Piller laboratory and from national and international collaborators (including Prof Muench at SoM, Ass/Prof Roslyn London at UWA, Dr Michelle Moffitt, SSH; Dr Russell Pickford at UNSW).

Ethics Application Requirements: Most experiments are performed in cell lines and collaborators hold ethics approvals for mouse work where needed.

Key References: Paik et al. 2007 Trends in Biochemical Sciences 32(2):146-152

Bedford and Clarke 2009 Molecular Cell 33: 1-13

Willemsen et al. 2006 Retrovirology 3:92

Mirto & Piller 2010 Future Medicine - HIV Therapy 4(1): 65.

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Title of Project: The role of autophagy in Dominant-Intermediate Charcot-Marie-Tooth Syndrome

Supervisor: Dr Simon Myers Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3383

Co-supervisor Prof. Jens Coorssen Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3802



Background: The hereditary neuropathies are the most common group of hereditary disorders presenting to genetic counseling clinics with a prevalence of approx 1 in 2500 population, thus affecting 8000 Australians. Although they are rarely fatal they cause lifelong disability and thus have significant economic impact, estimated to be $180M per annum. No specific treatment is yet available but we have developed a comprehensive management approach to correct the complications of distal weakness and sensory loss that has been widely adopted.

Although the causes of hereditary neuropathy are diverse, a common mechanism causes disability, axonal degeneration. The importance of axonal degeneration has is recognized in disorders of the central nervous system eg multiple sclerosis and the common neurodegenerations, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Axonal degeneration is thought to result from defects in axonal transport (Kamholz et al., 2000), or failure of neurotrophin uptake (Bartlett et al., 1999, Ginty and Segal, 2002) or sodium transport changes.

Dominantly inherited neurodegenerations are generally caused by mutations in proteins that lead to cell toxicity (described as a “gain of toxic function”).

Dynamins are large, 100 kDa mechanochemical GTPases that have a central role in clathrin-mediated endocytosis that interact with functionally diverse SH3 domain-containing proteins (Orth and McNiven, 2003). Dynamin 2 is a member of the dynamin superfamily and is ubiquitously expressed. It has several cellular functions including receptor-mediated endocytosis (RME), a vesicle budding role in the endocytosis of caveolae, phagocytosis, trans-Golgi network budding, cytoskeleton regulation, apoptosis, cell proliferation and cell division (Thompson et al., 2002; Thompson et al., 2004). RME requires Dyn2 GTPase activity to release energy for the process (Hinshaw, 2000). The PH domain binds the lipid PtdIns(4,5)P2, and targets dynamin to the sites of vesicle budding. The GTPase effector domain (GED) is required for the ring assembly process around the neck of invaginating vesicles, whilst the proline rich domain (PRD) regulates activity by phosphorylation (Tan et al., 2003; Larsen et al., 2004).

Dyn2 is thought to act at the fission step of clathrin-coated vesicles and is present in the cytosol as dimers or tetramers (Muhlberg et al., 1997). Dynamin’s function during RME is to assemble into ring-like structures around the neck of the budding clathrin-coated pit, where it functions directly or indirectly in severing off vesicles from the plasma membrane (Schmid et al., 1998). Dynamin can act alone or interact with other molecules in vivo to facilitate its function and to assist in its recruitment to clathrin-coated pits (McPherson, 1999; Marsh and McMahon, 1999; Hinshaw, 2000; Hill et al., 2001).

In distal axonal degenerations, mitochondrial membrane damage is associated with loss of mitochondrial membrane charge and as a result mitochondria are diverted back to the cell body rather than undergoing transport to the distal axon. The distal axon then suffers from some form of “energy starvation”, setting in train normal reparative changes or autophagy of the distal axon.

Aim of the Study: Hypothesis: That axonal damage secondary to mitochondrial disruption is a mechanism shared by various distal axonal degenerations. This common mechanism may provide a drug target in hereditary neuropathies with distal axonal degeneration known as hereditary sensory neuropathy type 1.

Overall Aim: Is to characterise the role of autophagy in sensory axonal neurodegeneration.

Specific Aims:

1. To determine the relationship between morphological damaged mitochondria (in DI-CMT lymphoblasts and transfected cells) and autophagosomes.



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2. To determine how the Dyn II mutations cause autophagy

Methods: Cell culture, fluorescent microscopy, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting and membrane gradient fractionations

Ethics Application Requirements: None

Key References: Baloh, R. H., Schmidt, R. E., Pestronk, A., and Milbrandt, J. (2007), 'Altered axonal mitochondrial transport in the pathogenesis of charcot-marie-tooth disease from mitofusin 2 mutations', J Neurosci, 27 (2), 422-30.

Bartlett SE, Reynolds AJ, Hendry IA, (1999) The regulation of the retrograde axonal transport of (125)I-beta nerve growth factor is independent of calcium. Brain Res. 837:8-14

Bejaoui K, Uchida Y, Yasuda S, Ho M, Nishijima M, Brown RH, Jr., Holleran WM,

Hanada K (2002) Hereditary sensory neuropathy type 1 mutations confer dominant negative effects on serine palmitoyltransferase, critical for sphingolipid synthesis. J. Clin. Invest. 110:1301-1308

Dedov VN, Dedova IV, Merrill AH Jnr, Nicholson GA (2004) Activity of partially inhibited serine palmitoyltransferase is sufficient for normal sphingolipid metabolism and viability of HSN1 patient cells. Biochim. Biophys. Acta. 1688: 168-175

Dyck PJ (1993) Neuronal atrophy and degeneration predominantly affecting peripheral sensory and autonomic neurones. In: Dyck PJ, Thomas, P.K., Griffin, J.W., Low, P.A. & Poduslo, J.F. (ed) Peripheral Neuropathy. W B Saunders, Philadelphia

Hailey DW et al., (2010) Cell. 141: 656-667.

Hanada K (2003) Serine palmitoyltransferase, a key enzyme of sphingolipid metabolism. Bichim. Biophys. Acta. 1632: 16-30

Linn SC, Kim HS, Keane EM, Audras LM, Wang E, Merrill AH Jnr (2001) Regulation of de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis and the toxic consequences of its disruption. Biochem Soc Trans. 29:831-835

Munafo and Colombo (2001) J. Cell Sci. 114: 3619-3629

ill, E., van Der Kaay, J., Downes, C. P., and Smythe, E. (2001), 'The role of dynamin and its binding partners in coated pit invagination and scission', J Cell Biol., 152 (2), 309-23.

Hinshaw, J. E. (2000), 'Dynamin and its role in membrane fission', Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol., 16, 483-519.

Larsen, M. R., Graham, M. E., Robinson, P. J., and Roepstorff, P. (2004), 'Improved detection of hydrophilic phosphopeptides using graphite powder microcolumns and mass spectrometry: Evidence for in vivo doubly phosphorylated dynamin i and dynamin iii', Mol Cell Proteomics., 3 (5), 456-65. Epub 2004 Feb 2.

Marsh, M. and McMahon, H. T. (1999), 'The structural era of endocytosis', Science., 285 (5425), 215-20.

McPherson, P. S. (1999), 'Regulatory role of sh3 domain-mediated protein-protein interactions in synaptic vesicle endocytosis', Cell Signal., 11 (4), 229-38.

Muhlberg, A. B., Warnock, D. E., and Schmid, S. L. (1997), 'Domain structure and intramolecular regulation of dynamin gtpase', Embo J., 16 (22), 6676-83.

Orth, J. D. and McNiven, M. A. (2003), ‘Dynamin at the actin-membrane interface’. Curr Opin Cell Biol., 15,31-39.

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Title of Project: Understanding the benefits of low-to-moderate alcohol consumption on protecting the development of fatty liver disease: A mechanistic approach Supervisor: Dr Srinivas Nammi Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3038 Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick): Campbelltown: Hawkesbury: Penrith: Parramatta: Other/External: Background (200 words): Compelling lines of evidence indicate that chronic heavy alcohol consumption has an adverse effect on the liver and precipitate metabolic dyslipidemia leading to a wide spectrum of severe liver and cardiovascular diseases (Crabb and Liangpunsakul, 2006; Reddy and Rao, 2006). Thus, alcoholic liver disease is one of the major causes of chronic liver diseases in many western countries. However, the threshold of alcohol consumption causing an adverse effect on the liver and metabolic dysfunction is still controversial (Savolainen et al., 1993). In Australia, the NHMRC has released guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol and highlighted that consumption of up to TWO Standard drinks/day (ONE Standard drink = 10 g of alcohol) by adults will have health benefits while consumption above this limit will produce detrimental effects leading to mortality.Several epidemiological studies have reported an association between regular low-to-moderate alcohol consumption and lower risk of mortality and morbidity from life-threatening diseases (Brenner, 2000). Nevertheless, the effect of low-to-moderate alcohol consumption on the risk of developing fatty liver disease largely remains unknown. To date, only few studies addressed the association between low-to-moderate alcohol consumption and liver diseases. Our previous studies have demonstrated that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with lower prevalence of fatty liver disease in rats (Nammi & Roufogalis, Unpublished) although the molecular mechanisms are not known yet. Aim of the Study: To investigate the effectiveness and mechanisms of low-to-moderate alcohol consumption on protecting the development of fatty liver disease using cultured cell and rat models. Methods: In our earlier studies, AMPK, an enzyme that acts a metabolic ‘master switch’ and SREBP-1 (involves in fatty acid biosynthesis) are regulated after chronic low to moderate alcohol treatment in normal rats. These effects could be responsible for the beneficial effects of low to moderate alcohol. These initial studies have now opened a new platform for further research to answer new research questions to explore (1) the mechanisms responsible for AMPK and SREBP-1 regulation upon chronic low to moderate alcohol administration which will be addressed in this project using whole animal (rats) and in vitro cell culture experiments. In addition to the Good Laboratory Practices, students working on the project will gain skills in handling, drug administration, blood sampling in animals models (eg. rats) if needed; skills in handling and working with mammalian cell cultures; skills in centrifugation and processing blood/tissue/cell lysate samples; skills in handling analytical instrumentation; and, skills in electrophoresis, western blotting and RT-PCR. Ethics Application Requirements: Yes, approval from the Animal Care and Ethics Committee will be obtained in advance. A revised ethics application [Protocol Number A9387] has been submitted to the UWS animal ethics committee for approval.

Key References: Crabb DW, Liangpunsakul S. Alcohol and lipid metabolism. J Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2006; 21: S56-S60. Bell RA, Mayer-Davis EJ, Martin MA et al. Associations between alcohol consumption and insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular disease risk factors. The insulin resistance and atherosclerosis study. Diabetes Care 2000; 23: 1630-36. Nammi S, Roufogalis BD. Light to moderate ethanol feeding augments AMPKα phosphorylation and attenuates SREBP-1 expression in the liver of rats. (Unpublished). Reddy, J.K., Rao, M.S. (2006). Lipid metabolism and liver inflammation. II. Fatty liver disease and fatty acid oxidation. Am. J. Physiol. Gastrointest. Liver. Physiol. 290, G852-G858. Savolainen, V.T., Leisto, K., Mannikko, A., Penttila, A., Karhunen, P.J. (1993). Alcohol consumption and alcoholic liver disease: Evidence of a threshold level of effects of ethanol. Alcohol Clin. Exp. Res. 17, 1112-1117.


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Title of Project: Does neighbourhood deprivation influence participation in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among informal carers? Findings from the NSW 45 and Up Study Supervisor: Dr. Thomas Astell-Burt Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3714 Co-supervisor Dr. Xiaoqi Feng Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3951 Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick): Campbelltown: Hawkesbury: Penrith: Parramatta: Other/External: Background: Over 2.9 million people in Australia are informal carers – providing the annual equivalent of $40 billion in unpaid support to others with significant health problems (1). However, informal carers often suffer poor health too (2). If they become too sick to provide care, who will care for the carers? Research is needed to identify modifiable risk factors, and promoters of good health, among informal carers. Since a considerable number of hours are often spent providing informal care (3), a lack of time is likely to reduce participation in health-promoting behaviours, such as moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). This may be exacerbated by the context in which a carer lives, with residents of deprived neighbourhoods generally discouraged from being physically active (4) (e.g. because of poor access to sports/recreational facilities). Informal carers in deprived neighbourhoods, therefore, are likely to suffer a double-jeopardy which substantially reduces their likelihood of meeting recommended physical activity guidelines (5). If this is the case, which will be determined by this project, then carers living deprived neighbourhoods constitute a high risk group and should be targeted for greater support from health policy-makers. Aim of the Study: The overall aim of this study is to produce a quality piece of research which can be published (with the support and co-authorship of the project supervisors) in a peer-reviewed epidemiological journal. The first aim of this study is to examine the association between moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and informal carer status. The second aim is to investigate whether informal carers living in deprived neighbourhoods are substantially less likely to participate in MVPA than carers in affluent areas. The third aim is to map the locations of informal carers and to explore whether specific clusters can be identified for future research and intervention. Methods: This is a quantitative study set in New South Wales (NSW) and will focus on older adults. The main data source will be the ‘45 and Up Study’ – a dataset containing information on 266,000 adults over 45 years old living in NSW. This project will analyse associations between physical activity, carer status and neighbourhood deprivation using regression models. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be used to create maps. Previous experience of quantitative methods (and statistical software e.g. SPSS) would be advantageous, however, the student does not need to have any experience with these methods or software and they can be learned while conducting the project. The ideal student for this role with have an enthusiasm for working with numbers, a basic understanding of the social determinants of health, and a keenness to develop and test specific hypotheses concerning how where people live can play an important role in determining their physical activity. This project would be an ideal starting point for a student who aspires to continue studies at Doctoral (PhD) level in Epidemiology or Medical Geography. Ethics Application Requirements: This is an analysis of fully-anonymised, secondary data which is available to all academics at Australian universities via HREC approval (already secured). Key References: Access Economics Pty Limited. The economic value of informal care in 2010. Report for Carers Australia; 2010. Hirst M. Carer distress: a prospective, population-based study. Social Science & Medicine 2005;61(3):697-708. Olson RE. Managing hope, denial or temporal anomie? Informal cancer carers' accounts of spouses' cancer diagnoses. Social Science & Medicine 2011;73(6):904–11. Lovasi GS, Hutson MA, Guerra M, et al. Built environments and obesity in disadvantaged populations. Epidemiologic Reviews 2009;31(1):7-20. Department of Health and Ageing. Recommendations on physical activity for health for older Australians. Canberra: Department of Health and Ageing; 2009.



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TTiittllee ooff PPrroojjeecctt::

Breakfast cereals: how much glucose does it release in our digestive system?

Supervisor: Dr Ashok K Shrestha Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4570 1296

Co-supervisor: TBA Email: Telephone:



Background: Epidemiological studies have shown that Australians are one of the most obese people on the earth (now in epidemic proportion). Our dietary behaviour is largely responsible for higher incidence of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and colorectal cancer. One of the major factors involved in above diseases is high level of rapidly digestible starch (RDS) in our staple diets. Refined foods containing processed cereals (starch) are rapidly digestible that causes rapid surge in glucose level in the blood. RDS is positively correlated to the glycemic index (GI). Slowly digestible starch (SDS), however, slowly ramp the blood glucose level and potentially health beneficial. Dietary starch that is not digestible in small intestine of healthy individuals but metabolized in large intestine gut bacteria is termed as resistant starch (RS). RS is beneficial because of low calorie contribution, intestinal health and several other health benefits.

Aim of the Study: The aim of this project is to investigate the amount of RDS, SDS and RS, using in vitro method, in a number of breakfast cereal products available in the supermarket aisle. This will help us to understand the kind of starch we are eating and their potential impact in our health.

Methods: In vitro starch digestibility and starch analysis

Key References: R. Eyaru, A. K. Shrestha and J. Arcot (2009). Effect of various processing techniques on digestibility of starch in red kidney bean (Phaseoulus vulgaris) and two varieties of peas (Pisum sativum). Food Research International. 42: 956-962.

Bird, A. R., Lopez-Rubio, A., Shrestha, A. K., & Gidley, M. J. (2009). Resistant starch in vitro and in vivo: Factors determining yield, structure, and physiological relevance. In S. Kasapis, I. T. Norton, & J. B. Ubbink (Eds.), Modern biopolymer science. San Diego, CA: Academic Press, pp. 449–510.


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TTiittllee ooff PPrroojjeecctt::

Digestibility of cooked rice: effect of the composition and rice varieties Supervisor: Dr Ashok K Shrestha Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4570 1296

Co-supervisor: TBA Email: Telephone:



Background: Rice is a staple diet for a large number of world populations and its consumption in Australia is growing. It contains high amount of digestible starch. However, the amount of glucose released during digestion/absorption of rice depends on type of rice and method of preparation, for example, the glycemic indices of white rice (boiled), brown rice (boiled) and puffed rice cakes are 64, 55 and 78, respectively. Considering rice has very high amount of starch, about 90%, it has one of the highest glycemic loads among the cereals. High glycemic load in the foods tend to increase the blood glucose which is a risk factor for diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases. Generally rice with low amylose content are more digestible (e.g., sushi rice) than high amylase varieties. On the other hand, parboiled rice is likely to be less digestible.

Aim of the Study: The proposed research is aimed at evaluating the effect of various varieties of commonly eaten (cooked) rice on their in vitro digestibilities. Different varieties of rice such as low to high amylose rice, parboiled, brown rice etc. will be considered. Their potential impact on the human health will be discussed.

Methods: In vitro starch digestibility and starch analysis

Key References: Denarding et al. (2012). Amylose content in rice (Oryza sativa) affects performance, glycemic and lipidic metabolism in rats. Ciencia Rural, 42, 2, 381-387

BRAND-MILLER, J. et al. (1992). Rice: a high or low glycemic index food? American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 56, 1034-1036


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Title of Project: MARVI - Managed Aquifer Recharge through Village-Level Intervention

A Groundwater Management and Sustainability Project to Improve Livelihood of Village Communities in India Supervisor: Prof Basant Maheshwari Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4570 1235

0410 550 911 Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick): Campbelltown: Hawkesbury: Penrith: Parramatta: Other/External: Background: In most semi-arid parts of India, farmers face significant water shortages and risk of crop failure even with a slightly abnormal decline or delay in monsoonal rains. With advances in pumping technology and its easy affordability, groundwater exploitation for irrigation by small-holder farmers across India has undergone massive expansion and has to some extent enabled farmers to manage deficiencies in monsoonal rainfall, and even allow dry-season irrigation, thus contributing to poverty alleviation. However, rapid population increases and groundwater use in the past three decades in many parts of India has resulted in the exploitation of groundwater at a rate far greater than the natural recharge of these systems. The presence of over 20 million wells has meant that groundwater is over extracted and groundwater levels are declining raising serious questions from a hydrological, ecological, agricultural and community point of view. The management of groundwater recharge by deliberately directing surface waters to aquifers is one means of reducing the over-exploitation of groundwater. Recently, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) has funded a four year long project to UWS and partners to tackle some of the above challenges and issues.

Aims of the ACIAT Project The overall aim of this project is to improve the security of irrigation water supplies and enhance livelihood opportunities for rural communities. Specifically, the project will focus on assessing the effectiveness of current rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge structures and demand management strategies at village scale. The project aims to develop or adapt suitable best practice guidelines and modelling and assessment tools that can be applied with relatively easily available local information. This study will be conducted in Sabarkantha district in Gujarat and Udaipur district in Rajasthan.

What will be done? A range of hydrologic, agronomic, economic, social and cultural data at selected clusters of villages will be collected over a period of four years (2012-2016). Bio-physical and socio-economic tools and models will be developed or adapted to evaluate the current issues of surface water and groundwater management, identify options and strategies that will improve the long-term access to groundwater, provide a scientific and evidenced-based input to enhance watershed development policies, and regenerate the natural resource base in irrigated farming systems.

Opportunities for Honours Students This project provides ideal opportunities to do an honours project about sustainability issues in village communities in India and be part of creating a positive community development scenario. As part of your involvement, you can work in any of the following aspects connected with the project:

1. Work with the ACIAR project team to understand socio-economic, gender, equity and cultural issues that affect livelihood of people and identify barriers to community development and sustainability of natural resources in the study area;

2. Participate in monitoring of groundwater use and other natural resources and work with villagers to develop some insights for situation improvement; and

3. Work with local schools in the study area to develop a range of teaching materials and help students to learn about water, sustainability and livelihood issues around their villages and be part of sustainable future through education, capacity building, awareness and positive change in village communities.

Your involvement in the project will require working in the villages in the study area for up to 8 weeks to collect you field data. Some assistance towards your airfare for travel to India may be available. Your work will be supported by


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researchers of this ACIAR project and government agency staff associated with the project. Further, the ACIAR project team will assist you for local transport and accommodation in hostels during your stay.

How will this project help village communities? The guidelines and tools developed will assist in capacity building of implementing agencies, NGOs and communities at a local level and help analyse tangible economic, social and environmental benefits through managed aquifer recharge (MAR) activities. Further, the project will help in guiding improved planning and implementation of rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge works, and enable policies to deliver better value for investments.

The project will have significant community impacts through identifying where and under what conditions MAR will actually improve water availability and livelihood opportunities within a given area while not reducing availability of water for other users (including the environment). The research in this project will be transdisciplinary and will directly involve local farmers and communities and other stakeholders in aspects of data collection, thus ensuring holistic solutions and wider ownership and adoption of the research outcomes.

Project partners The project partners in Australia include University of Western Sydney and CSIRO Land & Water. The partners in India include the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), M.P. University of Agriculture and Technology, Vidhya Bhawan Krishi Vigyan Kendra and Development Support Centre (DSC).

More information:

Professor Basant Maheshwari, B.E., M.Eng., PhD

Professor - Water, Environment and Sustainability

School of Science & Health, University of Western Sydney

Locked Bag 1797 Penrith, NSW 2751 AUSTRALIA

Email: [email protected]

W 4570 1235; M 0410 550 911

Working with villagers

A view of water well, pump and cropped area in the study area.

Students, teachers and project team at one of the schools in the study area


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Title of Project:

Maternal effects on antipredator behaviour

Supervisor: BriAnne Addison Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4570 1479

Co-supervisor: Lars-Anders Hansson

Email: [email protected] Telephone: -



Background:

Daphnia (water fleas) are a model system for trait plasticity and induced maternal effects. Previous work has looked at the influence of maternal exposure to predators on the inducibility of spikes as armour in offspring. Daphnia utilize light and chemical cues to monitor the presence of predators and food in their environment, and adjust their migration behaviour in the water column to manage tradeoffs between threat and food. A newly developed nanodot technology allows the detailed tracking of microscopic organisms in the lab, and can be used to measure daphnia behaviour.

Aim of the Study:

To determine the effect of maternal exposure to food regimes and predators on the offspring sensitivity to threat/food tradeoffs.

Methods:

Daphnia mothers will be reared under experimental food and predator regimes and their unexposed offspring will be monitored for predator sensitivity using the nanodot tracking technology. All lab work will be done in the limnology department of Lund University in Sweden.


No requirements for work with planktonic invertebrates.

Key References:

Tollrian, R. 1995. Predator-induced morphological defenses: Costs, life history shifts, and maternal effects in Daphnia pulex. Ecology 76(6), pp 1691-1705

Hansson, L.-A., and Hylander, S. 2009. Size-structured risk assessments govern Daphnia migration. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 276 (1655), pp 331-336




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Title of Project:

The establishment of nest box populations of birds: habitat enhancement and investigation behaviour

Supervisor: BriAnne Addison Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4570 1479



Background:

Nest boxes have been used to study bird populations around the world. While it is known that establishment of nest box populations usually takes a couple of years, little is known about the process of establishment, or what types of investigation behaviour eventually lead to nest box utilization.

Aim of the Study:

The primary aim is to monitor the establishment of a nest box population of birds on the Hawkesbury campus. We will also explore differences in behaviour of different species investigating nest boxes, and consider attraction and enhancement techniques to make nest boxes more appealing to Australian native birds.

Methods:

We will put nest boxes and nesting ledges up around campus to attract swallows and cavity nesters. Consideration of habitat, historical colonies and visitation, and aspect will be important. We will then monitor boxes with cameras for visitation, as well as checking boxes for signs of activity such as deposition of materials. Occupancies will be monitored to relate breeding success to nest box characteristics. The project will require hiking, the use of a small ladder, handling birds, set up of video cameras, and analysis of video data.


Requires animal use application and state permits which will be applied for early June.

Key References: Lindenmayer, D.B., Welsh, A., Donnelly, C., Crane, M., Michael, D., Macgregor, C., McBurney, L., (...), Gibbons, P. 2009. Are nest boxes a viable alternative source of cavities for hollow-dependent animals? Long-term monitoring of nest box occupancy, pest use and attrition. Biological Conservation 142 (1) , pp. 33-42.

Munro, H.L., Rounds, R.C. 1985. Selection of artificial nest sites by five sympatric passerines. Journal of Wildlife Management 49 (1) , pp. 264-276.


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Title of Project:

Sustainability, contribution and streetscape value of plants in raingardens as part of a living pollution removal system.

Supervisor: Chris Derry Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4570 1731

Co-supervisor Dr Tony Haigh Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4570 1254



Background: This is part of an existing project relating to the development of a monitoring framework for raingardens in the City of Sydney as part of their Sustainable Sydney 2030 Program and in the interests of Water Sustainable Urban Design. Raingardens are bioretention units for the decentralised treatment of rainwater for potential aquifer recharge or safe return to the aquatic environment. They are planted out with terrestrial species to provide soil anchorage, a rootzone to enhance filtration capacity and treatment and to enhance streetscape. One of the monitoring indicators which needs to be developed for the raingardens concerns the sustainability and amenity of plant species grown in the units. For the project the City is likely to provide transport for a licensed driver. The experience will align the student with local government environmental and horticultural work and enhance employment potential.

Aim of the Study: To assess the environmental factors to which plants may be subjected in raingardens and hence their survivability in terms of known tolerance factors. This will be extended from the literature to the field in terms of existing raingardens with some involvement in the existing field monitoring and laboratory modelling of raingardens.

Methods: 1. Identification, description and measurement of the plant species already existing in raingardens in the City Centre

and plotting of growth density

2. Identification of possible risk factors for growth and retardation through literature survey and field observations

3. Field identification of the existence of such risk factors and of methods of managing these

4. Researching alternative species which would meet raingarden needs and identifying their potential contribution. Observing some experimental growth.

5. Developing a simplified schedule for the future monitoring of plant growth by Council staff

6. Assessing the acceptability and amenity of raingarden vegetation to the community.


As this is a recent development in an existing project, this would still have to be applied for.

Key References: Bioretention units, raingardens, water sensitive urban design, greening the city, Sustainable Sydney 2030



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Title of Project: Investigating the impacts of global change on terrestrial ecosystems Supervisor: Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment - Ecosystem Function and Integration theme staff

Email: Please refer to the individual staff member’s email found below

Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick): Campbelltown: Hawkesbury: Penrith: Parramatta: Other/External: Background: The Ecosystem Function and Integration Theme is one of three groups within the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (http://www.uws.edu.au/hie). Theme group staff are involved in cutting edge research investigating how environmental change alters ecological processes and ecosystem function at local, regional and global scales. We have multiple projects available in areas related to ongoing research activities, supervised by theme group members. Projects cover a wide range of areas including (but not limited to) topics such as:

• Understanding carbon and water fluxes in woodland ecosystems • How will predicted changes in rainfall patterns affect community composition and nutrient cycling in grassland

ecosystems? • What effects will climate and land use change have on fire regimes and carbon storage capacity of ecosystems? • How will increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations affect our nutrient-poor Cumberland Plain woodlands? • Can Eucalyptus species adapt to extreme climate change?

The Hawkesbury Institute has several large scale experimental platforms (including a Free Air CO2 Enrichment (EucFACE) facility and automated rain exclusion shelters) and a wide range of in-house analytical facilities available to Honours project students. We offer excellent training opportunities and access to state of the art research facilities; if you are interested in one of several projects working with us, please contact theme group members (listed below, with research key words) to discuss.

Methods: Various, involving field and/or greenhouse experiments. Ethics Application Requirements: N/A Key References: Albert, K.R. et al. (2011). Effects of elevated CO2, warming and drought episodes on plant carbon uptake in a temperate heath ecosystem are controlled by soil water status. Plant Cell Environ., 4, 1207–1222. Jones, A.G & Power, S.A (2011). Field-scale evaluation of effects of nitrogen deposition on the functioning of heathland ecosystems. J. Ecology, 100, 331-342. Knapp, A., et al., (2008). Consequences of altered precipitation regimes for terrestrial ecosystems. Bioscience, 58, 1–11. Resco de Dios V, et al. (2012). Endogenous circadian regulation of carbon dioxide exchange in terrestrial ecosystems. Global Change Biology, 18, 1956-1970.

Prof Mark Tjoelker [email protected] (tree physiology, ecosystem ecology, climate change); A/Prof Sally Power [email protected] (ecosystems ecology, global change impacts, biogeochemical cycling); Prof David Ellsworth [email protected] (photosynthesis, elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration, Eucalyptus); Dr Matthias Boer [email protected] (fire ecology, ecohydrology, landscape ecology); Dr Remko Duursma; [email protected] Dr Victor Resco de Dios [email protected] (biosphere-atmosphere interactions, land cover change, circadian ecology); Dr Kristine Crous; [email protected] Dr Teresa Gimeno [email protected] (tree physiology, ecohydrology, water relations); Dr Sebastian Pfautsch [email protected] (tree physiology, ecohydrology, forest science);

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Title of Project: Plants, Animals and Interactions Supervisor: Prof. James Cook Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4570 1371 Co-supervisor Dr. Oula Ghannoum Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4570 1581 Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick): Campbelltown: Hawkesbury: Penrith: Parramatta: Other/External: Background: The Plants, Animals and Interactions theme is one of three groups within the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE). This theme brings together several academic staff researching how environmental change alters the ecology and physiology of individual plant and animal species, and the biotic interactions between species. We are keen to supervise Honours projects on a range of topics, including (but not limited to) those below. You are welcome to contact potential supervisors (surnames in brackets) directly or one of the theme leaders named above (James Cook, Oula Ghannoum) to help refine your choices.

• Impact of climate on plant physiology, ecology and biochemistry (Ghannoum, Sharwood, Tissue) • The ecology and evolution of insect/plant and insect/microbe interactions (Cook, Johnson, Riegler) • The ecology and environmental physiology of mammals (Moore, Turbill) • Adaptation and population genetics of plants and their interactions with animals (Choat, Moore, Rymer) • Patterns in biodiversity and community ecology (Cook, Johnson, Moore, Riegler, Rymer,)

HIE has major experimental field platforms that manipulate key factors like CO2 and water availability, as well as a wide range of laboratory and analytical facilities. We offer excellent training opportunities in a research-focused institute, so please contact us to discuss possibilities. You can see further details on our web page: http://www.uws.edu.au/hie/research/plants,_animals_and_interactions Aim of the Study: The overarching aim is to determine how environmental change alters the ecology and physiology of plant and animal species and interactions between species. Specific objectives depend on the exact choice of project. Methods: These depend on the exact project chosen. Both field and laboratory approaches are available with a wide range of in-house laboratory and analytical facilities, environmental chambers, etc. available to Honours students. Ethics Application Requirements: This also depends on the exact project chosen, but most would not require any application. Key References: Choat B, et al. (2011) 'Xylem traits mediate a trade-off between resistance to freeze-thaw-induced embolism and photosynthetic capacity in overwintering evergreens', New Phytologist, 191, 996-1005 Cook JM, Rasplus J-Y, (2003) 'Mutualists with attitude: coevolution of fig wasps and figs', Trends Ecol. Evol, 18, 241-248 Johnson SN, et al. (2011) 'Elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide impairs the performance of root-feeding vine weevils by modifying root growth and secondary metabolites', Global Change Biology, 17, 688-695 Moore BD, et al. (2010) 'Palatability mapping: a koala's eye view of spatial variation in habitat quality', Ecology, 91, 3165-3176 Riegler M, O’Neill SL, (2007) 'Evolutionary dynamics of insect symbiont associations', Trends Ecol. Evol. 22, 625-627 Rossetto M, Crayn D, Ford A, Ridgeway P, Rymer PD, (2007) ‘The comparative study of range-wide genetic structure across related, co-distributed rainforest trees reveals contrasting evolutionary histories’, Aust. J. Botany, 55, 416-424. Smith RA, Lewis JD, Ghannoum O, Tissue DT, (2012) 'Leaf structural responses to pre-industrial, current and elevated atmospheric [CO2] and temperature affect leaf function in Eucalyptus sideroxylon', Funct. Plant Biol., 39, 285-296 Turbill C, et al. (2011) 'Seasonal dormancy increases survival and is associated with the evolution of slow life histories in hibernating mammals', Proc. R. Soc. B. 278, 3355-3363



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Title of Project: Effects of global change on soil biology and plant-soil interactions. Supervisor: Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment

- Soil Biology & Genomics theme staff Email: Please refer to the individual staff member’s email found below

Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick): Campbelltown: Hawkesbury: Penrith: Parramatta: Other/External:

Background: All terrestrial life on earth depends upon soil, making it one of our most important resources. Researchers in the Soil Biology and Genomics group at the newly established Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (http://www.uws.edu.au/hie) are exploring how environmental change influences the amazing diversity of life in soils, including its fungi, bacteria and animals. Staff within this theme group are keen to supervise Honours student projects investigating responses of soil biota to global change. This includes (but is not limited to) projects linking above- and below-ground research which aim to increase understanding of how changes in soil biodiversity affect soil processes that are important for plant and ecosystem health. We use a range of technologies and experimental approaches to build a holistic picture of how soil organisms influence the ecology, growth and diversity of plants and animals. The outcomes from our research are used to improve future strategies for ecosystem management, increased plant production, carbon sequestration, and remediation of contaminated soils. We currently have opportunities for multiple projects working with academics in the Soil Biology & Genomics group, asking cutting-edge questions on a range of topical issues. Current staff and their associated research areas are listed below – please get in touch with us to discuss potential Honours projects.

Methods: Various (laboratory & field)

Ethics Application Requirements: N/A

Key References: Johnson D, Martin F, Cairney JWG, Anderson IC, (2012) 'The importance of individuals: Intraspecific diversity of mycorrhizal plants and fungi in ecosystems', New Phytologist, 194,614-628 Jentsch A, Kreyling J, Elmer M, Gellesch E, Glaser B, Grant K, Hein R, Lara M, Mirzae H, Nadler SE, Nagy L, Otieno D, Pritsch K, Rascher U, Schädler M, Schloter M, Singh BK, Stadler J, Walter J, Wellstein C, Wöllecke J, Beierkuhnlein C, (2011) ‘Climate extremes initiate ecosystem regulating functions while maintaining productivity’, Journal of Ecology, 99, 689-702 Powell JR et al., (2009) ‘Effects of genetically-modified, herbicide-tolerant crops and their management on soil food web properties and crop litter decomposition’, Journal of Applied Ecology, 46, 388-396 Nielsen UN, Ayres E, Wall DH, Bardgett RD, (2011) 'Soil biodiversity and carbon cycling: a synthesis of studies examining diversity-function relationships', European Journal of Soil Science, 62,105-116 Macdonald CA, Anderson IC, Bardgett RD, Singh BK, (2011) 'Role of nitrogen in carbon mitigation in forest ecosystems', Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 3, 303-310

Prof Ian Anderson (Microbial ecology, mycorrhizal fungi, plant microbe interactions); [email protected] A/Prof Brajesh Singh (Microbial ecology, functional microbial ecology, global processes); [email protected] Prof John Cairney (Soil fungal ecology, plant fungal interactions); [email protected] Dr Jeff Powell (Microbial ecology, community assembly, ecological informatics); [email protected] Dr Uffe Nielsen (Soil biodiversity, global change, ecosystem processes); [email protected] Dr Susan Chambers (Soil fungal ecology, plant fungal interactions); [email protected] Dr Barbara Drigo (Soil microbial communities, rhizosphere, C flow); [email protected] Dr Catriona Macdonald (Microbial ecology, plant-soil interactions, nutrient cycling); [email protected] Dr Loic Nazaries (Greenhouse gases, microbial control and modelling, climate change); [email protected]

http://pubapps.uws.edu.au/teldir/schlprocess.php?HIE�

http://www.uws.edu.au/hie�










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Title of Project:

Development of Marsupial Immune System

Supervisor: Dr Julie Old Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4570 1283



Background: Various projects are available in the area of marsupial immunology.

Very little is known about Dasyurid marsupials (carnivorous marsupials), including their immunology, with many species in the Family listed as endangered or threatened. One of the key immunological questions in marsupials involves understanding how newborn marsupials survive the microbial onslaught in the pouch when they lack mature immune tissues and are therefore unable to mount their own immune response to pathogens.

Aim of the Study: The project aims to isolate the cDNA sequences for key immunological molecules using molecular techniques in the phascogale (Phascogale calura) and/or kultarr (Antechinomys langier) with the aim of increasing the understanding of the development and in the longer term function of their immune system.

Methods: The project involves molecular laboratory work as well as a small animal handling component with the animals housed on campus.


BRSC, ACEC and NPWS licences already in place.

Key References:

Old J, Deane E (2000) Development of the immune system and immunological protection in marsupial pouch young. Dev Comp Immunol. 24, 445-454. ISSN 0145-305X


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Title of Project:

Hearing Thresholds of Native Mammals

Supervisor: Dr Julie Old Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4570 1283

Co-supervisor: Dr Carl Parsons Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3890



Background: Very little is known about native mammal hearing thresholds. The project will involve determining the hearing

thresholds of phascogales (Phascogale calura), kultarrs (Antechinomys langier), plains rats (Pseudomys australis)

and spinifex-hopping mice (Notomys alexis) held on campus. The project may include an expansion of the project

to also investigate behaviour and calls of native mammals. The project will involve handling of native mammals.

Aim of the Study: The project will involve determining the hearing thresholds of phascogales (Phascogale calura), kultarrs (Antechinomys langier), plains rats (Pseudomys australis) and spinifex-hopping mice (Notomys alexis).

Methods: The project will involve handling of native mammals and will include methodologies including anaesthesia and using specific equipment and computer programs to measure brain wave activity.


TBA

Key References:

Available upon request



- 40 -

Title of Project:

Lipid profiles in marsupial pouches over the different reproductive stages Supervisor: Dr Julie Old Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4570 1283

Co-supervisor: Dr Jo-anne Chuck Email: [email protected] Telephone: 9685 9906



Background:

Marsupials are born without functional immune tissues and are therefore unable to mount specific immune responses. Despite this, marsupial neonates survive in the microbial-rich pouch. Recently, peptides have been identified in marsupial pouches at the time of oestrus with antimicrobial properties. Lipids secreted by the pouch skin of marsupials may also have antimicrobial properties, and play a role in innate immunity of young marsupials.

Aim of the Study: The project will identify lipids in the pouches of tammar wallabies (Macropus eugenii) during the different reproductive stages to determine if they may play a role in immunological protection of the neonatal marsupial.

Methods:

It is a laboratory-based biochemistry/immunology project, however some animal handling experience can be incorporated.


No further ACEC requirements are required for this project.

Key References:

Old J, Deane E (2000) Development of the immune system and immunological protection in marsupial pouch young. Dev Comp Immunol. 24, 445-454. ISSN 0145-305X



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Title of Project:

Optimisation of Titanium Dioxide for Solar Energy Conversion: a Densification Study Supervisor: Leigh Sheppard Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4570 1745

Co-supervisor: Marta Bello Lamo Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4570 1442 Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick):


Background: Titanium dioxide, TiO2, is an important material that can efficiently harvest solar energy for both alternative fuel generation and water decontamination. It is photosensitive, has outstanding corrosion resistance and is low cost.

TiO2 exhibits a broad range of functional properties, not all of which are favourable for energy conversion. The Solar Energy Technologies research group is endeavouring to tailor the properties of TiO2, such as density, for optimal practical performance by controlling the processing parameters including temperature and gas phase.

This project is most suitable for students with an undergraduate background in chemistry, physics or materials engineering, especially for those interested in environmental and sustainability applications.

This project will contribute to an existing ARC funded project.

Aim of the Study: The aim of this project is to establish the kinetics (rates) of densification of compressed TiO2 powders at high temperature under different gas phases. This project will assist in the elucidation of optimised processing conditions that are required to achieve a semiconductor of high bulk density. By obtaining TiO2 of high bulk density, an improved understanding of how to customise its semiconducting properties will result, leading ultimately to more efficient solar energy conversion.

Methods: This project will involve the use of:

• Ceramic forming equipment, including presses, state-of-the-art polishing and precision cut-off instruments;

• High temperature furnaces with atmospheric control;

• Analytical instrumentation such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).


None



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Title of Project:

Optimisation of Titanium Dioxide for Solar Energy Conversion: Solvothermal Synthesis Supervisor: Dr Leigh Sheppard Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4570 1745 Co-supervisor: Dr Marta Bello Lamo Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4570 1442 Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick):


Background: Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a material that, in a manner analogous to photosynthesis, can efficiently harvest solar energy for both alternative fuel generation and water decontamination. It is photosensitive, has outstanding corrosion resistance and is low cost.

In its raw form, TiO2 exhibits a broad range of functional properties, not all of which are favourable for energy conversion. The Solar Energy Technologies research group is endeavouring to tailor the properties of TiO2, such as crystal morphology, for optimal practical performance by controlling the processing parameters including synthesis methodology and pH.

This project is most suitable for students with an undergraduate background in chemistry, nanotechnology or materials engineering, especially for those interested in environmental and sustainability applications.


Aim of the Study: The aim of this project is to establish the effect of pH and incubation time on the morphology, orientation and growth kinetics of TiO2 nanostructures that are grown via the solvothermal method on TiO2 substrates. The project will involve extensive use of scanning electron microscopy for nanostructure characterisation.

The project outcomes will contribute to understanding how to control the morphology of TiO2 nanostructures. This will ultimately lead to improved semiconducting properties and therefore more efficient solar energy conversion.


• Wet chemistry techniques;

• Low temperature ovens and autoclaves;

• Extensive use of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Ethics Application Requirements: None



- 43 -

Title of Project:

Optimisation of Titanium Dioxide for Solar Energy Conversion: Sol-Gel Synthesis

Supervisor: Dr Leigh Sheppard Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4570 1745

Co-supervisor: Dr Marta Bello Lamo Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4570 1442 Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick):


Background: Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a material that, in a manner analogous to photosynthesis, can efficiently harvest solar energy for both alternative fuel generation and water decontamination. It is photosensitive, has outstanding corrosion resistance and is low cost.

In its raw form, TiO2 exhibits a broad range of functional properties, not all of which are favourable for energy conversion. The Solar Energy Technologies research group is endeavouring to tailor the properties of TiO2, such as particle size, for optimal practical performance by controlling the processing parameters including synthesis methodology and temperature.

This project is most suitable for students with an undergraduate background in chemistry, nanotechnology or materials engineering, especially for those interested in environmental and sustainability applications. However, sol-gel applications are wide ranging, from industrial and agricultural to biomedical.


Aim of the Study: The aim of this is to synthesise TiO2 powders with controlled particle size and distribution using the sol-gel method. This project will assist in the elucidation of ideal wet chemistry and calcination conditions that are required to achieve nanopowders with controlled surface area and regular particle size distribution. Small, regularly shaped particles will lead to TiO2-based semiconducts with controlled functionality and ultimately, improved solar energy conversion.


• Wet chemistry techniques;

• High temperature furnaces with atmospheric control;

• Analytical instrumentation such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).


None



- 44 -

Title of Project:

Examining the effects of high CO2 treatments on citrus fruit quality

Supervisor: Assoc Prof Paul Holford Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4570 1943

Co-supervisor: John Golding,

NSW Department of Primary Industries Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 4348 1926


Background: High CO2 treatments maybe an option to improve the market access of Australian citrus. We have shown that high CO2 treatments have been found to improve the effectiveness of cold disinfestations for quarantine pests. However, before any disinfestations treatment can be applied, its effect on fruit quality needs to be assessed. This project will examine the effects of high CO2 treatments on fruit quality on a range of important export citrus varieties.

Aim of the Study: To examine the effects of high CO2 treatments on the physical, chemical, sensory quality of citrus fruit.




- 45 -

Title of Project:

How can the storage of persimmons be improved?

Supervisor: Assoc Prof Paul Holford Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4570 1943

Co-supervisor: John Golding,

NSW Department of Primary Industries Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4348 1926


Background: Persimmon fruit are a typical climacteric fruit but are sensitive to chilling injury. Industry prefers to store fruit at 13°C to eliminate any chance of chilling, but this limits shelf life and marketing. A colder storage and transport temperature would improve market access of Australian persimmons. However, we do not have a clear understanding of the interaction between chilling and ethylene exposure. There does not appear to be any systematic approach to understanding the role of ethylene and cold temperature.

Aim of the Study: To systematically examine the role of ethylene in persimmon storage at different temperatures.




- 46 -

Title of Project: Assess and develop new methods for Feral Cat Control

Supervisor: Dr Ricky Spencer Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4570 1962

Co-supervisor: Dr Julie Old Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4570 1283



Background: Feral cats are a conservation nightmare, causing the extinction of many native small mammals throughout Australia. However, unlike foxes, there are no broad scale control techniques to control them. Your job is to develop and test a range of potential techniques.

Aim of the Study: Assess new broad-scale cat control techniques in eastern Australia

Methods: You will work closely with a NZ based company to trial new techniques that have been developed for New Zealand, and compare them to some other techniques currently used in WA. The project will be based near Lithgow and on the Hawkesbury campus. You will also work in conjunction with Emirates Hotels and Resorts.


ACEC Required



- 47 -

Title of Project:

The Decline of Murray River Turtles





Background: Our objective is to determine whether recently determined long-term declines and increased levels of disease in freshwater turtles in the Murray River (Roe and Georges 2010, Chessman 2011) are real and widespread. The issue is critical to determine because turtles are the second largest vertebrate biomass in the Murray and thus occupy a significant place in the river ecosystem and its long-term health. Significant decline, let alone extinction, would have unpredictable effects of the River’s ecology. Until now, Australia has largely been immune to the global decline in freshwater turtles, even though over 40% of the world's species are threatened with extinction, making them among the most threatened groups of animals on the planet. Declines of freshwater turtles indicate that freshwater ecosystems that millions of people rely on for irrigation, food and water are being damaged in a manner that could have dire consequences for people and turtles alike (Van Dijk 2010). Predation by foxes on nests is a major threatening process for most turtles in Australia and predation rates on the Murray have been >90% since 1983 (Thompson 1983, Spencer et al. 2006). More importantly, River Murray turtles have little resilience to increases in adult mortality rates (Spencer and Thompson 2005) and recent drought, combined with water management practices and predation on nesting females (Spencer 2002) have led to increases in adult mortality. The ability of populations to absorb these increases is significantly reduced because of low hatchling recruitment since European settlement. Hence turtles cannot readily respond when conditions become favourable

Aim of the Study: The project has three objectives:

1. Critically assess the population status of the three species of turtles that inhabit the Murray River. This assessment will concentrate on turtle populations that have been regularly sampled for up to 30 years.

2. Use genetic analyses to determine how widely turtles disperse. We hypothesise that certain key populations along the River may be important for recruitment but that impoundments limit dispersal distances.

3. Develop a management plan using GIS models that incorporates current and historical population and ecosystem data, as well as CSIRO climate projections for the Murray-Darling basin. Climate models for the Murray River suggest that prospects for many turtle populations in the Murray Valley look bleak without management intervention, even though changes in recruitment levels are subject to strong density-dependent interactions that provide adaptive mechanisms of population resilience (Spencer et al. 2006, Loudon and Spencer 2012).

Methods:

The project will require several honours students working as a team doing both field and laboratory work. The details can be discussed and developed.


ACEC Required



- 48 -

Title of Project:

Ecology of Invasive Indian Mynas





Background: Indian Mynas are considered a social problem, but not an environmental or economic problem. This project will assess their impacts in nature reserves and national parks.

Aim of the Study:

Assess behaviour of Indian Mynas in different environments

Determine if Indian Mynas impact on native birds and small mammals in different environments

Methods:

Fieldwork primarily in the Hawkesbury and Wollongong regions


ACEC Required



- 49 -

Title of Project:

Evolution of Sex-Determining Mechanisms in Reptiles



Co-supervisor: Dr Lisa Schwanz Email: ANU Telephone: ANU



Background: Overall objective: Determine the extent of local adaptation among populations of dragon lizards (Amphibolurus spp.) to understand evolutionary forces underpinning Sex Determining Mechanisms (SDMs) and to aid management of local ecosystems under climate change scenarios. Dragon lizards in the genus Amphibolurus are distributed across southeastern Australia. They live for 3-4 years and produce up to three clutches of 3-9 eggs per year. Research on reproductive behaviour and SDMs have concentrated on populations in a single region near Sydney (eg. Warner et al. 2008), but they have a diversity of SDMs in the genus across their geographic range, Dragons are a model species for broader testing of evolutionary and ecological theories induced by climate change.

Aim of the Study:

Determine whether there is variation in the TSD reaction norm among different populations and species and whether the variation is related to the degree of interannual fluctuations in climate.

Methods:

Catch lizards from different areas of the country, collect eggs and incubate them under common conditions back at UWS.


ACEC Required



- 50 -

Title of Project: Stomatal behaviour and ion channel regulation by elevated carbon dioxide in Arabidopsis Supervisor: Dr. Zhong-Hua Chen Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4570 1934 Co-supervisor Prof. Bill Bellotti Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4570 1730 Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick): Campbelltown: Hawkesbury: Penrith: Parramatta: Other/External: Background: Atmospheric CO2 rise poses significant impact to the Australian and world economy especially on sustainable crop production for feeding the booming population. In Australia the government has introduced a market mechanism, placing a price on carbon emissions, and focussing industry and society on reducing emissions. Humans rely on plants to absorb excessive CO2 through stomatal pores. Stomata guard cells exert major controls on both water and carbon cycles of our planet. Although the total stomatal pore area may be 5% of a leaf surface, transpirational water loss through the stomata contributes to 70% of total agricultural water usage (Willmer and Fricker 1996). As an environmental signal, CO2 regulates stomatal movements by opening and closing the stomata at low and high CO2 concentration, respectively (Hetherington and Woodward 2003). The potential annual profit of increase of CO2 to agricultural production could result in billions of dollars from water and energy saving and yield increase. However, the CO2 regulated membrane transport including the response of K+, anion and Ca2+ channels currents and fluxes in stomata of model plants Arabidopsis thaliana (which has been used in 16,000 laboratories across the world) remains unclear. Aim of the Study: This project will investigate CO2 regulated membrane transport in guard cells with physiological and molecular biological techniques. The project will investigate the effects of CO2 elevation on microscopic stomatal behaviour and measure CO2-indcued ion fluxes and ion channel currents. The outcomes will potential provide key guidelines for plant breeders and growers to identify high performing crops under elevated CO2. Methods: Stomata assay. Stomata aperture width, aperture area, guard cell length and width, guard cell volume, surface area, stomatal density and stomatal index of wild type Arabidopsis plants in control and CO2 enriched conditions will be measured according to Chen et al. (2010) and Eisenach et al. (2012). Ion flux measurements. Fluxes of K+, Cl-, and Ca2+ will be measured on intact guard cells using ion-selective microelectrodes as described by Chen et al. (2005). Voltage clamp measurements. voltage clamp measurements will be measured as described in our previous publications (Chen et al. 2010; Chen et al. 2012). Ethics Application Requirements: N/A Key References: Brearley J, Venis MA, Blatt MR (1997) Planta 203: 145–154 Chen ZH, Eisenach C, Xu XQ et al. (2012) Plant Methods (in press) Chen ZH, Hills A, Lim CK, et al. (2010) Plant J. 61: 816–825 Chen ZH, Newman I, Zhou M, et al. (2005) Plant Cell Environ 28: 1230-1246 Eisenach C, Chen ZH, Grefen C, et al. (2012) Plant J 69: 241-251 Hetherington AM, Woodward FI (2003) Nature 424: 901–908 Kim TH, Böhmer M, Hu H, et al. (2010) Annu. Rev. Plant Biol. 61: 561–591 Vavasseur A, Raghavendra AS (2005) New Phytol. 165: 665–682 Willmer C, Fricker M (1996) Stomata. Chapman & Hall, London



- 51 -

Title of Project: Branched polymers for anti-cancer drug delivery Supervisor: Dr Marion Gaborieau Email: [email protected] Telephone: 9685 9905 Co-supervisor: Dr Patrice Castignolles Email: [email protected] Telephone: 9685 9970 Co-supervisor: Dr Yohann Guillaneuf Email: [email protected] Campus project is offered and conducted: Campbelltown: Hawkesbury: Penrith: Parramatta: Other/External: Background: Branched polymers such as dendrimers are being tested for drug delivery. Our preliminary results show that polyacrylates are branched. Our colleagues in Marseilles, France, can control the synthesis to obtain a range of branched polymers. These polyacrylates are also ‘smart’ polymeric materials; they react to changes in pH. Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC or GPC) is the most widely used characterization method for polymers. We have developed models to understand SEC separation and extract as much reliable information as possible from multiple-detection SEC data. Aim of the Study: One aim of this work is to test these models on SEC of polyacrylates. Multiple detection SEC is used with not only the conventional refractive index detector but also online viscosity and light scattering detection (the latter is multi-angle). These results will be compared to capillary electrophoresis measurements currently carried out in our group. The aim is to determine the structure of the polyacrylates and to relate the structure of these polyacrylates to their ability to bind anti-cancer drugs such as cisplatin or 56MESS. This work is also done in collaboration with Prof Janice Aldrich-Wright (Campbelltown). Methods: Multiple-detection Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC, also known as GPC), Capillary electrophoresis. Ethics Application Requirements: N/A Key References: MGaborieau, P Castignolles, Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) of branched polymers and polysaccharides. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry 2011, 399, 1413-1423 P Castignolles, M Gaborieau, Viscosimetric detection in size-exclusion chromatography (SEC/GPC): the Goldwasser method and beyond. Journal of Separation Science 2010, 33, 3564-3570 P Castignolles, R Graf, M Parkinson, M Wilhelm, M Gaborieau, Detection and quantification of branching in polyacrylates by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) and melt-state 13C NMR spectroscopy. Polymer 2009, 50, 2373-2383. P Castignolles, Transfer to Polymer and Long-Chain Branching in PLP-SEC of Acrylates. Macromolecular Rapid Communications 2009, 30, 1995-2001 MGaborieau, J Nicolas, M Save, B Charleux, J-P Vairon, RG Gilbert, P Castignolles, Multiple-detection size-exclusion chromatography of complex branched polyacrylates. Journal of Chromatography A 2008, 1190, 215-223 MGaborieau, RG Gilbert, A Gray-Weale, JM Hernandez, P Castignolles, Theory of Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) of complex branched polymers. Macromolecular Theory and Simulations 2007, 16, 13-28




- 52 -

Title of Project:

Characterizing Polysaccharides for a better health

Supervisor: Dr Marion Gaborieau Email: [email protected] Telephone: 9685 9905

Co-supervisor: Dr Patrice Castignolles Email: [email protected] Telephone: 9685 9970

Co-supervisor: Prof. Kelvin Chan Email: [email protected] Telephone: 4620 3837 Campus project is offered and conducted:


Background: Polysaccharides have a major and key component of our diet. They also have a high potential for medical applications since they are biocompatible and biodegradable and sometimes bactericide. They are obtained from natural sources. Glucomannans are obtained from Konjac.

Proper dissolution of polysaccharides is a challenge but also one of the keys to their characterization. Our research groups showed that dissolution and structural characterisation of starch can be done using NMR spectroscopy. We also have recently showed that capillary electrophoresis can separate polysaccharides according to their composition. The mechanical properties can be understood through the characterisation of the molecular motion with solid-state NMR.

Aim of the Study: The aim of the project is to characterize ‘real’ samples developing new capillary electrophoresis and NMR spectroscopy methods.

Methods: Capillary electrophoresis, solution-state NMR spectroscopy, solid-state NMR spectroscopy.


N/A

Key References:

M Chua, K Chan, TJ Hocking, PA Williams, CJ Perry, TC Baldwin, Methodologies for the extraction and analysis of konjac glucomannan from corms of Amorphophallus konjac K. Koch. Carbohydrate Polymers, 2012, 87, 2202-2210

S Schmitz, AC Dona, P Castignolles, RG Gilbert, M Gaborieau, Assessment of the extent of starch dissolution in dimethyl sulfoxide by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Macromolecular Bioscience 2009, 9, 506-514

M Gaborieau, TJ Causon, Y Guillaneuf, EF Hilder, P Castignolles, Molecular weight and tacticity of oligoacrylates by capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry. Australian Journal of Chemistry 200, 63, 1219-1226

C Gartner, BL Lopez, L Sierra, R Graf, HW Spiess, M Gaborieau, Interplay between structure and dynamics in chitosan films investigated with solid-state NMR, dynamic mechanical analysis, and X-ray diffraction. Biomacromolecules 2011, 12, 1380-1386




- 53 -

Title of Project:

Towards high quality bioplastics



Co-supervisor: Dr Catherine Lefay Email: [email protected] Telephone: - Campus project is offered and conducted:


Background: It is desirable to replace materials derived from oil, such as current plastics, by new ones derived from renewable resources such as cellulose or galactomannans. Cellulose is a significant waste from agriculture, while galactomannans like guar gums are an additive used in the food industry whose resources are largely under-used. These polysaccharides need to be chemically modified to adjust performance to the level of current plastics.

Aim of the Study: What are the best conditions? We could use capillary electrophoresis (in the critical conditions) to separate compounds with different degrees of modification. With solid-state NMR we could elucidate the interplay between molecular structure and molecular motions, and explore the crucial role of moisture. We collaborate with Dr Cathy Lefay (Aix-Marseille University, Mareilles, France), Dr Aurelia Charlot and Prof Etienne Fleury (INSA, Lyon, France) to answer these fundamental questions. This project has a strong potential to lead to industrial collaborations.

Methods: Capillary electrophoresis, solid-state NMR spectroscopy, solution-state NMR spectroscopy.


N/A

Key References:

M Tizzotti, A Charlot, E Fleury, M Stenzel, J Bernard, Modification of polysaccharides through controlled/living radical polymerization grafting - towards the generation of high performance hybrids. Macromolecular Rapid Communications 2010, 31,1751-1772


C Gartner, BL Lopez, L Sierra, R Graf, HW Spiess, M Gaborieau, Interplay between structure and dynamics in chitosan films investigated with solid-state NMR, dynamic mechanical analysis, and X-ray diffraction. Biomacromolecules 2011, 12, 1380-86




- 54 -

Title of Project:

Polysaccharide-water interactions by solid-state NMR

Supervisor: Dr Marion Gaborieau Email: [email protected] Telephone: 9685 9905 Co-supervisor: Dr Patrice Castignolles Email: [email protected] Telephone: 9685 9970 Co-supervisor: Dr Robert Graf Email: [email protected] Telephone: - Campus project is offered and conducted: Campbelltown: Hawkesbury: Penrith: Parramatta: Other/External: Background: Starch is the main source of energy in human diet, as it is a major component of staple crops such as wheat, maize, potatoes and rice. Furthermore, being renewable, cheap and biodegradable, it has major applications in the paper, pharmaceutical and textile industries. Starch is a chemically simple polymer (a homopolymer of glucose) but it has a very complex macromolecular (branched) and supramolecular structure, with six identified hierarchical levels, on scales ranging from nm to mm. Its hydrogen-bonding capacity, provided by three hydroxyl groups per glucose unit, is crucial for its solid-state structure as well as its behavior in solution. In aqueous media, starch is indeed difficult to dissolve, and is prone to precipitation or gelation (retrogradation), consistent with a subtle balance between starch-water and starch-starch interactions. Starch granules contain water molecules, which are an integral part of the semi-crystalline structure. Starch-water interactions define the first stages of cooking of starch granules in excess water (gelatinization), and are also of importance in the mechanical properties of starch-based bioplastics. Solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance is an invaluable tool in the study of polymer materials: it yields local information on their structure and dynamics. Aim of the Study: In this study, the local dynamics of starch and residual water will be investigated on the molecular level as a function of sample temperature by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods. The study will also be extended to other polysaccharides. This will shed light onto hydrogen bonding capacity of starch (as a model polysaccharide) and its interactions with water. It will help elucidate the poorly-understood endothermic transition observed by differential scanning calorimetry for many polysaccharides. This project will build on the expertise of Dr Marion Gaborieau in solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of native and functionalized polysaccharides. Methods: Solid-state NMR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Ethics Application Requirements: N/A Key References: S Schmitz, AC Dona, P Castignolles, RG Gilbert, M Gaborieau, Assessment of the extent of starch dissolution in dimethyl sulfoxide by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Macromolecular Bioscience 2009, 9, 506-514 C Gartner, BL Lopez, L Sierra, R Graf, HW Spiess, M Gaborieau, Interplay between structure and dynamics in chitosan films investigated with solid-state NMR, dynamic mechanical analysis, and X-ray diffraction. Biomacromolecules 2011, 12, 1380-1386 IAM Appelqvist, D Cooke, MJ Gidley, SJ Lane, Thermal properties of polysaccharides at low moisture: An endothermic melting process and water-carbohydrate interactions. Carbohydrate Polymers 1993, 20, 291-299




- 55 -

Title of Project:

Separation of pH-responsive polymers



Co-supervisor: Prof Bernadette Charleux Email: [email protected] Telephone: - Campus project is offered and conducted:


Background: pH-responsive polymers see their solubility in water greatly affected by pH. They are commonly used to stabilize colloids. The team of Prof Bernadette Charleux (University Lyon 1, France) developed a technology to control the polymerization of a variety of monomers in emulsion. This process relies on the use on stable radical, nitroxides. The visit to UWS of Emilie Groison, PhD student enrolled in Lyon, France showed the potential of the capillary electrophoresis method we develop in our group to separate the pH-responsive stabilizer.

Aim of the Study: The aim of the project is investigate the potential of capillary electrophoresis to separate these complex samples. The samples are synthesized in Lyon. The project consists in separating them and characterizing them to finally explore the mechanism of the nitroxide-mediated polymerization process.

Methods: Capillary electrophoresis.


N/A

Key References:

E Groison, S Brusseau, F D’Agosto, S Magnet, R Inoubli, L Couvreur, B Charleux, Well-defined amphiphilic block copolymer nanoobjects via nitroxide-mediated emulsion polymerization. ACS Macro Letters, 2012, 1, 47-51





- 56 -

Title of Project:

Smart polymers as the additives of the future



Co-supervisor: Prof Mathias Destarac Email: [email protected] Telephone: - Campus project is offered and conducted:


Background: Smart’ polymeric materials react to changes in temperature or pH. These ‘smart’ polymers are intensively researched for use in drug delivery, water purification and more. The ‘smart’ behaviour of these materials is making their characterization difficult by common liquid chromatography methods. The team of Prof Mathias Destarac (University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France) developed a new technology to synthesize some complex polymers where part of the polymer chain is cationic, while the other part is neutral and thermoresponsive. The cationic part ensures this polymer has great adhesive properties on a number of substrates. The thermoresponsive properties mean that the materials is water-soluble at low temperature but not at high temperature.

Aim of the Study: The characterization of these polymers failed up to now due to the presence of the charges. We propose to use this charge at our advantage and separate the polymers using and electric field, i.e. using capillary electrophoresis. The self-assembly of these polymers lead to powerful and fascinating structures that could be characterized using solid-state NMR.

Methods: Capillary electrophoresis, solid-state NMR spectroscopy.


N/A

Key References:

M Destarac, On the critical role of RAFT agent design in reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Polymer Reviews 2011, 51, 163-187


W Gu, M Gaborieau, VT Huynh, PL de Souza, MH Stenzel, Functionalization of microspheres with malonates using Michael addition as a pathway to create a drug delivery system for platinum drugs for the treatment of liver cancer. Polymer 2011, 52, 5993-6002




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Title of Project: Implicit learning or explicit learning paradigms? Which is better for decision making in sport. Supervisor: Dr Kylie Steel (UWS) Email: [email protected] Telephone: 9852 5523 Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick): Campbelltown: Hawkesbury: Penrith: Parramatta: Other/External:

Background: Correct identification of a team-mate is a crucial skill within any invasion game (Steel, Adams, & Canning, 2006, 2007, 2008; Steel, Adams, Canning, & Eisenhuth, 2010), however this skill is rarely addressed by coaches or athletes during training or in a game situation. To date research provides evidence that participants in invasion sports can identify team-mates at a level significantly above chance (Steel, et al., 2006, 2007, 2008). Though it is not clear as to whether this process can be improved via implicit (non specific instruction) or explicit (specific instruction) processes. Masters and Maxwell (2008) suggest that movement can be subject to aspects of cognition that can distract or disrupt attention when learning, thus drawing the learner’s attention to factors that are not important to the task. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine whether the familiarity of biological movements (running) of team-mates can be enhanced based on the type of instruction (implicit or explicit) provided and whether this provides greater attentional focus for the learner.

Aim of the Study: To examine the effect of implicit versus explicit training methods in the improved of decision making skills of sports participants.

Methods: **This study can accommodate two honours students Participants: The study will require (N=20+) to be randomly allocated to four groups:

1. Control group, Observation group, Explicit training group, Implicit training group Procedure: Participants will:

1. Be filmed running past a video camera. This footage is then edited into a brief (approx 3minute) testing sequence.

2. All groups then observe footage and make a decision as to whether the individual is a team-mate or not. 3. Groups 3 and 4 will take part in a further one week training intervention using explicit and implicit training

methods to determine whether this skill can be trained. The pre and post test are the same. (Groups 3 and 4 only).

4. Testing lasts no longer than 10 minutes.

Ethics Application Requirements: Ethics approval is required as human participation is involved.

Key References: Masters, R., & Maxwell, J. (2008). The theory of reinvestment. International Review of Sport Psychology, 1 (2), 160-183. Steel, K. A., Adams, R. D., & Canning, C. G. (2007). Identifying swimmers as water-polo or swim team-mates from visual displays of less than one second. Journal of Sports Sciences, 25(11), 1251-1258. Steel, K. A., Adams, R. D., & Canning, C. G. (2008). Junior football players can classify runners as their team-mates from 400 ms video-clips. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 107 Steel, K. A., Adams, R. D., Canning, C, G., Eisenhuth, J. (2010). The Team-Mate Identification (TM-ID) test; Effect of participant and situation familiarity on response accuracy and latency. International Journal of Sport Science and Coaching, 5 (2), 281-290.


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Title of Project:

Can observational learning methods of ‘Self’ improve the deceptive (side-step/agility) movements of sports participants?

Supervisor: Dr Kylie Steel (UWS) Email: [email protected] Telephone: 9852 5523

Co-supervisor: Dr Roger Adams (USYD) Email: - Telephone: - Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick): Campbelltown: Hawkesbury: Penrith: Parramatta: Other/External:

Background: Physical activity and sport participants acquire many motor (movement) and perceptual-cognitive (decisions-making) skills during their athletic development. However many participants and coaches will trade-off some skills based on skilled performance of others, i.e., if you are fast and skilled at kicking you may not bother to improve your agility (side-stepping). As a result this skill remains a deficit in the participants skill set and may result in non-selection in teams at higher competitive levels.

Whilst traditional instructional and practice methods are useful when learning movement skills, some participants may benefit from additional approaches to movement learning such as ‘Self-as-model’ (Dowrick, 1999). ‘Self’ based models use a series of visual images of the participant performing the entire skill, but only the best and most appropriate examples of that skill.

The ‘Self’ based method has been used successfully in recent times to improve the kicking ability of Australian Football League players (Steel, et al., 2010). Participants in these studies observed visual images on a daily basis over a two-three week period. Their best kicks served to demonstrate to them the type of kick they wished to use in game situations. Given the success of this methodology within this experimental group it is suggested that such a method may have similar effects in additional athletic groups. Therefore the purpose of this study is to determine whether ‘Self’ can be used to improve the deceptive movements skills of team sport participants.

Aim of the Study: The aims of this study include the design of a self-based training method to improve the effectiveness of deceptive movements in team-sports participants.

Methods: Participants within this study will be required to:

1. Participants will be filmed while they perform a series of deceptive movements to either the left (10) and/or right (10) of an obstacle.

2. The footage will then be used to provide a learning stimulus for the participants. 3. The participants will view the learning stimulus every day for one week. After this period the participants will

be re-tested to determine whether improvement has occurred on one or both sides. Ethics Application Requirements: Ethics approval is required as human participation is involved. Key References: Dowrick, P. W. (1999). A review of self modelling and related interventions. Applied & Preventative Psychology. 8: 23-39. Steel, K. A., Coulson, S., Adams, R. D., & Canning, C, G. (2010). Self-as-a-model training of left foot AFL punt kicking in two cases using reversed video footage of the player’s right foot kicks. Proceedings of the 2010 ACSMs Sports Medicine Australia Conference, Port Douglas, Nov 4-6.


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Title of Project: Can training improved “team-mate” recognition in sports people? Supervisor: Dr Kylie Steel Email: [email protected] Telephone: 9852 5523 Co-supervisor: Dr Rachel Robbins Email: [email protected] Telephone: 9772 6134 Campus project is offered and conducted (please tick): Campbelltown: Hawkesbury: Penrith: Parramatta: Other/External:

Background: A significant body of research exists that examines biological motion in a variety of contexts, e.g., security, medicine, computer science and perceptual psychology. This research has found that individuals can identify familiar others (Cutting & Kozlowski, 1977), gender (Barclay, Cutting, & Kozlowski,1978), and emotion (Pollick, Lestou, Ryu, & Cho, 2002; including deception Runeson & Frykholm, 1981). Observers seem to use relative information (temporal and spatial) to formulate responses and often use global processing to achieve this goal. Little research into biological motion in sport contexts exists, however recent work by Steel et al., (2010) has delved into its application in this domain. They found team-mates can discriminate each other and distractors from brief visual displays. Whether this ability exists at a more subtle level with sports people being able to identify others based on movement characteristics more generally is a matter for further research. Determining whether this ability is present and indeed trainable may provide additional information related to the specific cues that individual extract from visual stimuli. In turn this would provide base level information required for training purposes in this domain as well as others.

Aim of the Study: To examine the ability of sports people to identify others using brief visual displays of biological motion, and test whether this can be improved using a simple training method.

Methods: Participants (N=15+) within this study will be required to:

1. Observe video footage of individuals performing, e.g., a throwing, kicking, catching, running skill. 2. They will then be required to identify whether the observed individual is a sports person or not, as well as

“naming” the person. 3. After an initial test the participants will engage in 8 x 1 hour video training session over the course of eight

weeks. This will be followed by a post-test, and a retention test (Robbins & McKone, 2003).

Ethics Application Requirements: Ethics approval is required as human participation is involved.

Key References: Barclay, C. D., Cutting, J. E., & Kozlowski, L. T. (1978). Temporal and spatial factors in gait perception that influence gender recognition. Perception and Psychophysics, 23(2), 145-152. Cutting, J. E., & Kozlowski, L. T. (1977). Recognising friends by their walk; Gait perception without familiarity cues. Bulletin of the Psychonomic Society, 9(5), 353-356. Robbins, R., & McKone, E. (2003). Can holistic processing be learned for inverted faces? Cognition, 88, 79-107. Runeson, S., & Fryholm, G. (1981). Visual perception of lifted weight. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 7(4), 733-740. Steel, K. A., Adams, R. D., Canning, C, G., Eisenhuth, J. (2010). The Team-Mate Identification (TM-ID) test; Effect of participant and situation familiarity on response accuracy and latency. International Journal of Sport Science and Coaching, 5 (2), 281-290.



Honours Projects - University of Western SydneyThis booklet lists available projects for the...

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