NSP4, encoded by rotavirus genome segment 10 has been shown to be a transmembrane, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) specific N-linked glycoprotein. Consistent with its localization to the ER membrane, NSP4 was first shown to have a role in the morphogenesis of the infectious virion. T…
Utilizing self-determination theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 1985; Ryan & Deci, 2002) as a framework, the current thesis aimed to explore the social conditions that satisfy versus thwart psychological needs and, in turn, impact upon psychological and physiological functioning and well…
The release and clearance of adenosine are reasonably well-documented in the mature CNS but relatively little is known about how adenosine signalling changes during postnatal development. The activation of presynaptic A1 receptors (A1R) at cerebellar parallel fibre terminals is …
The oxidative stress response to exercise is a well-established phenomenon; however, the time course of this response has not been well characterised. There is little information in the literature regarding the oxidative stress response during exercise; most authors have measure…
The present thesis describes the impact of glycaemic index of high carbohydrate diets consumed for 5 days on exercise energy metabolism and capacity and fasting plasma lipids in healthy physically active individuals. The thesis consists of a literature review (Chapter 1), genera…
The vibration transmitted through a seat is influenced by the dynamics of the seat and the dynamics of the occupant. The principal objective of this thesis is to understand how the dynamics of the body and factors affecting the dynamics of the body influence the vibration transm…
RKIP was initially discovered as an endogenous inhibitor of the ERK and NF-κB pathways,and was also shown to prolong the activation of GPCRs via inhibition of the GRK2 protein. Now increasing evidence has linked RKIP to a metastases suppressing and chemo-sensitising role in canc…
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease characterised by vasoconstriction and remodelling of the pulmonary vasculature. The consequence of this is increased pulmonary arterial pressure, right heart failure and eventual death if left untreated. Even in thos…
The three-dimensional conformation of a protein is central to its biological function. Mass spectrometry (MS) has become an important tool for the study of various aspects of protein structure. This project investigates the use of MS for diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies, through …
Diabetes is a chronic epidemic compounded by a burden of vascular complications including diabetic nephropathy. Diabetic nephropathy affects ~40% of patients and is characterised by increased urinary albumin excretion and decreased glomerular filtration rate. Diabetic patients e…
The cardiovascular system (CVS) has emerged as an important target of corticosteroid hormones. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists provide cardiovascular protection and are now routinely used in disorders such as primary hyperaldosteronism, resistant hypertension and congesti…
Mountain bike suspension systems have been designed to improve riding performance and comfort for the cyclist. Additionally, a suspension system may reduce fatigue, energy expenditure, and enhance time trial performance. It has also been proposed, however, that using a rear susp…
SUMMARY: Every day we have to make choices, to solve small and big life problems, and we behave accordingly. The experience becomes crucial and determinant in sport situation. The research intends to propose an analysis, at a first level, of the main factors involved in choice a…
This research applied the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to the development and evaluation of a TPB measure of walking cognitions and an intervention to encourage walking behaviour. Study one (N=10) used interpretative phenomenological analysis to provide a rich and detailed …
This thesis describes the use of intrinsic fluorescence measurements as a means for examining mitochondrial function in different cardiac preparations and phenotypes. Cardiac myocytes are intrinsically fluorescent and spectroscopic analysis of rabbit ventricular myocytes indicat…
The secretory pathway Ca\(^{2+}\)-ATPase (SPCA) provides the Golgi apparatus with a luminal Ca\(^{2+}\) store, which is used to modulate the activity of Ca\(^{2+}\)-dependent enzymes involved in controlling the secretory pathway and post-translational modification of proteins. T…
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease of the joints with predominant symptoms of pain, swelling and stiffness. Patients with RA are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The exact mechanism for this is unknown, but RA disease-related i…
The present work, employing biochemical, biophysical and electrophysiological techniques, attempted to identify specific receptor sites in the vertebrate olfactory system for heterocyclic odorants. An in vitro rat preparation was developed and characterised for use in vapour-pha…