Lyndon Brooks - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Lyndon Brooks

Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 2002

We investigated the characteristics and composition of 4,506 humpback whale pods observed in Herv... more We investigated the characteristics and composition of 4,506 humpback whale pods observed in Hervey Bay between 1992 and 2005. We use these data to analyze and model the variability of pod size and composition, and to assess the importance of Hervey Bay for particular classes of humpback whales. Pods ranged in size from one to nine individuals. Pairs were the most frequent pod type (1,344, 29.8%), followed by mother-calf alone (1,249, 27.7%), trios (759, 16.8%), singletons (717, 15.9%), and 4+ whales (437, 9.7%). Of the 4,506 pods, calves were present in 40%, and 10.8% of all pods had one or more escorts present. Of the 1,804 pods observed with calves present, 1,251 (69.4%) were mothers alone with their calves. The size and composition of pods in the study area varied significantly as the season progressed. Pods with calves present were rarely recorded early in the season but E134 FRANKLIN ET AL.: POD CHARACTERISTICS OF HUMPBACK WHALES E135 dominated later in the season. A significant increase over years in larger groups may be related to social and behavioral changes as the population expands. The data indicate that Hervey Bay is important to immature males and females early in the season, to mature males and females in mid-season, and to mother-calf pairs (either alone or with escorts) in mid-to-late season.

Australian Zoologist, 2007

The conservation of the Oxleyan Pygmy Perch Nannoperca oxleyana would benefit from the adoption o... more The conservation of the Oxleyan Pygmy Perch Nannoperca oxleyana would benefit from the adoption of a standardised, non-destructive sampling protocol that effectively and efficiently detects the presence, and quantifies the relative abundance, of extant populations. The objectives of this study were to: (i) quantify the minimum number of traps required to obtain precise relative abundance estimates, (ii) assess the effectiveness and efficiency of various trapping regimes, and (iii) compare the relative detectability and short-term mortality rates of trapping, seine netting and backpack electrofishing. Previous survey data were utilised and augmented with field experiments. Ten traps provided relatively precise estimates of relative abundance. Unbaited and baited traps set for 30 and 60 minutes detected the species on all occasions, whereas traps set for 15 minutes did not. Positive correlations were found between set time and both overall (fish/trap) and standardised (fish/trap/ minute) catch rates, although only the former relationship was significant. The addition of bait to traps did not significantly affect catch rates. Trapping, seine netting and electrofishing detection rates were 88%, 71% and 83%, respectively. Associated mortality rates were 10%, 55% and 0%, respectively. The deployment of multiple gear types increased the likelihood of detecting N. oxleyana. A sampling protocol is recommended that includes saturating sites with unbaited traps set for at least 30 minutes and sampling with a backpack electrofisher. Seine netting should be reserved for situations where an electrofisher is unavailable or non-deployable.

Biologics : targets & therapy, 2010

Isolated fucoidans from brown marine algae have been shown to have a range of anti-inflammatory e... more Isolated fucoidans from brown marine algae have been shown to have a range of anti-inflammatory effects. This present study tested a Maritech((R)) extract formulation, containing a blend of extracts from three different species of brown algae, plus nutrients in an open label combined phase I and II pilot scale study to determine both acute safety and efficacy in osteoarthritis of the knee. Participants (n = 12, five females [mean age, 62 +/- 11.06 years] and seven males [mean age, 57.14 +/- 9.20 years]) with a confirmed diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee were randomized to either 100 mg (n = 5) or 1000 mg (n = 7) of a Maritech((R)) extract formulation per day. The formulation contained Maritech((R)) seaweed extract containing Fucus vesiculosis (85% w/w), Macrocystis pyrifera (10% w/w) and Laminaria japonica (5% w/w) plus vitamin B6, zinc and manganese. Primary outcome was the average comprehensive arthritis test (COAT) score which is comprised of four sub-scales: pain, stiffnes...

ABSTRACT Thersites mitchellae (Cox, 1864) (Camaenidae) is a regionally endemic Australian land sn... more ABSTRACT Thersites mitchellae (Cox, 1864) (Camaenidae) is a regionally endemic Australian land snail that is critically endangered under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). We studied its habitat use and movement patterns. Knowledge of habitat use is relevant to the conservation of the species, and knowledge of movements is relevant to the interpretation of the results of capture-recapture studies and occupancy-based habitat models. We provide quantitative data of nightly distances travelled, the probability of moving on a night, retreat site selection, overnight substrate use and activity. A total of 636 location positions for 11 snails was recorded on 12 nights over an 18-day period. Nocturnal movements measured at approximately 2-hour intervals showed that the mean nightly movement was 457.8 cm. The maximum nightly movement by an individual was 1,575 cm, and the maximum nightly displacement was 1,270 cm. Over the study period, the maximum movement from capture was 74.45 m, and the maximum displacement was 31.80 m. The results show that the probability of moving on a night, and the nightly distance moved once active both increase with increasing humidity up to a maximum and then decline. Whilst individuals did not return to the same retreat site location with any reliability, there is evidence of active and frequent selection of particular retreat site types within selected habitats. Snails most frequently selected sedge retreat in rainforest (66.7%) and in paperbark wetland (59.3%), and despite the scarcity of sedge in palm forest, it was the most frequented retreat site group overall (42.5%). Snails selected palm frond retreats most frequently in the palm forest (66.7%), and coarse woody debris (CWD) was selected in all habitats (17.9%) and most frequently in the palm forest (27.8%). Statistical analysis revealed significant variation among individuals in their relative use of retreat site types, and significant association between the selection of retreat site types and the initial habitat in which the individuals were located.

Biologics: Targets and Therapy, 2011

Background: Isolated fucoidans from brown marine algae have been shown to have a range of immune-... more Background: Isolated fucoidans from brown marine algae have been shown to have a range of immune-modulating effects. This exploratory study aimed to determine whether a seaweed nutrient complex containing a blend of extracts from three different species of brown algae plus nutrients is safe to administer and has biological potential as an immune modulator. The study was undertaken as an open-label combined Phase I and II study. Methods: Participants (n = 10) were randomized to receive the study medication at either a 100 mg (n = 5) or 1000 mg (n = 5) dose over 4 weeks. The primary outcome measurement was in vivo changes in lymphocyte subsets. The secondary outcome measures were ex vivo changes in T-lymphocyte (CD4 and CD8) activation, phagocytosis of granulocytes and monocytes, T helper 1/T helper 2 cytokines, and serum oxygen radical absorbance capacity. Results: The preparation was found to be safe over the 4 weeks at both doses tested. There were no clinically relevant changes to blood measurements of hemopoietic, hepatic, or renal function. Immunomodulatory measurements showed no dose response between the two doses. The combined results from the two doses demonstrated a significant increase in cytotoxic T cell numbers and phagocytic capacity in monocytes, and a significant decrease in levels of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin 6. A separate analysis of the 100 mg dose (n = 5) alone showed a significant linear component over time (P , 0.05) for phagocytosis by both granulocytes and monocytes. Conclusion: The seaweed nutrient complex was safe to use when taken orally over 4 weeks. The preparation was demonstrated to have potential as an immune modulator, and this bioactivity deserves further exploration.

Australian Zoologist, 2014

ABSTRACT The natural diet of the camaenid land snail Thersites mitchellae (Cox, 1864) was investi... more ABSTRACT The natural diet of the camaenid land snail Thersites mitchellae (Cox, 1864) was investigated by examination of the faecal contents of specimens collected from a range of substrates. The composition of faecal pellets from 22 snails obtained from three different substrates was determined. The results demonstrate that T. mitchellae has a generalist feeding strategy that varies with substrate. Fungal material contributed a high proportion of the diet, suggesting that coarse woody debris (a common fungal substrate) may be an important requirement for populations of T. mitchellae in rainforest associated habitats. Thersites mitchellae was the first species for which a critical habitat determination was made under the New South Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. This study adds to our knowledge of the biology of this poorly known land snail. Future studies would benefit from obtaining data pertaining to the timing and frequency of fungal dispersal and substrate preferences to gain further understanding about the availability of fungi as a food source.

Journal of sports science & medicine, 2006

Many studies have investigated the kinematics of sports skills with the majority describing the k... more Many studies have investigated the kinematics of sports skills with the majority describing the kinematics of the technique or investigating significant kinematic variables that affect performance. Many sports skills are complex three-dimensional movements involving many joints. However, few studies have investigated the relationships between kinematic variables during performance of such skills. The aim of this study was to investigate the inter- relationships among three-dimensional kinematic variables during performance of a lofted instep soccer kick. A motion analysis system was used to collect kinematic data for 13 skilled amateur soccer players attempting a standardised lofted instep kick. Three-dimensional angular displacement patterns were reported for the thoracolumbar spine and right hip joints. Two-dimensional angular displacement data was reported for the right knee and ankle joints. An exploratory rather than confirmatory factor analysis was applied, as there is current...

Wetlands, 2010

Abstract The recent listing of saltmarsh in northern New South Wales, Australia, as an endangered... more Abstract The recent listing of saltmarsh in northern New South Wales, Australia, as an endangered ecological community has highlighted the need to rehabilitate dam-aged saltmarsh and create new areas to offset losses. Land managers require scientific measurements of the early ...

Science Education, 2005

Perceptions of mentors' practices related to primary science teaching from nine Australian univer... more Perceptions of mentors' practices related to primary science teaching from nine Australian universities (N = 331 final-year preservice teachers) were gathered through a literature-based instrument. Five factors that characterize effective mentoring practices in primary science teaching were supported by confirmatory factory analysis. These factors, namely, personal attributes, system requirements, pedagogical knowledge, modeling, and feedback, had Cronbach alpha coefficients of internal consistency reliability of . 93, .76, .94, .95, and .92, respectively. Final model fit indexes were χ 2 = 1335, d f = 513, CMIDF = 2.60, IFI = .922, CFI = .921, RMR = .066, RMSEA = .070 ( p < .

Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 2010

Students&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;... more Students&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; proficiency in three object control and three locomotor skills were assessed in 2000 (M age = 10.06 years, SD = 0.63) in New South Wales, Australia and in 2006-07 (M age = 16.44 years, SD = 0.64). In 2006-07, 266 students, 138 girls (51.9%) and 128 boys (48.1%), had at least one skill reassessed. Boys were more object control proficient than girls. Childhood object control proficiency significantly predicted (p = .001) adolescent object control proficiency (r2 = .39), and, while gender was significant (p = .001), it did not affect the relationship between these variables (p = .53). Because childhood object control proficiency is predictive of subsequent object control proficiency, developing skills in childhood is important.

Preventive Medicine, 2001

activity (PA) is demonstrated to have a significant im-Background. School playgrounds during brea... more activity (PA) is demonstrated to have a significant im-Background. School playgrounds during break times pact on health throughout life [8,9,. PA during provide potential opportunities for children to be childhood may not only confer health benefits for later active during the school day. However, there is limited adulthood, but also enhances the health of children research on how active children really are during . PA contributes to bone development, controls these breaks. many of the indicators for lifestyle diseases (i.e., arterio-Methods. The CAST (Children's Activity Scanning sclerotic lesions, blood lipids, NIDDM obesity, and hy-Tool) instrument was developed, validated, and used pertension), and improves psychological health and imto assess the percentages of children engaged in modmune status during childhood [1,10,14-16]. There is erate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and vigorevidence that risk factors for CHD and diabetes start ous physical activity (VPA-a subset of MVPA) in 18 in childhood [17,18]. Childhood PA levels have a low to primary schools (children ages 5-12) in rural Australia.

Preventive Medicine, 2003

Physical education (PE) lessons are an ideal setting to improve child fundamental movement skills... more Physical education (PE) lessons are an ideal setting to improve child fundamental movement skills (FMSs) and increase physical activity (PA) for optimal health. Despite this, few studies have assessed the potential to do both simultaneously. The "Move It Groove It" primary school intervention in New South Wales, Australia, had this opportunity. A whole school approach to implementation included establishment of school project teams, a teacher "buddy" system, project Web site, teacher training workshops, and small grants for equipment. The quasi-experimental evaluation involved 1,045 year 3 and 4 children (aged 7 to 10 years) in nine intervention and nine control rural primary schools (53% boys/47% girls). It utilised pre- and postobservational surveys of (1) mastery or near mastery levels for each of eight FMSs, (2) proportion of PE lesson time spent in moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) and vigorous PA (VPA), and (3) teacher- and lesson-related contextual covariates. Data were analysed by hierarchical logistic multiple regression. For FMSs, overall mastery or near mastery level at baseline was 47% ranging from 22.7% for the overarm throw among girls to 75.4% for the static balance among boys. The intervention delivered substantial improvements in every FMS for both genders ranging from 7.2% to 25.7% (13 of 16 comparisons were significant). For PA level, mean MVPA at baseline was 34.7%. Baseline MVPA for boys was 38.7% and for girls was 33.2%. The intervention was associated with a nonsignificant 4.5% increase in MVPA and a significant 3.0% increase in VPA. This translates to a gain of <1 minute of MVPA per average 21-minute lesson. This is the first study to show that by modifying existing PE lessons, significant improvements in FMS mastery can be gained without adversely affecting children's MVPA and VPA. To increase PA levels, we recommend increasing the number of PE lessons per week.

PLoS ONE, 2013

Amphibians have undergone dramatic declines and extinctions worldwide. Prominent among these have... more Amphibians have undergone dramatic declines and extinctions worldwide. Prominent among these have been the streambreeding frogs in the rainforests of eastern Australia. The amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has been postulated as the primary cause of these declines. We conducted a capture-mark-recapture study over a 7-year period on the endangered Fleay's barred frog (Mixophyes fleayi) at two independent streams (30 km apart) in order to assess the stability of these populations. This species had undergone a severe decline across its narrow geographic range. Markrecapture modelling showed that the number of individuals increased 3-10 fold along stream transects over this period. Frog detection probabilities were frequently above 50% but declined as the populations increased. Adult survival was important to overall population persistence in light of low recruitment events, suggesting that longevity may be a key factor in this recovery. One male and female were present in the capture record for .6 years. This study provides an unambiguous example of population recovery in the presence of Bd. Citation: Newell DA, Goldingay RL, Brooks LO (2013) Population Recovery following Decline in an Endangered Stream-Breeding Frog (Mixophyes fleayi) from Subtropical Australia. PLoS ONE 8(3): e58559.

Muscle & Nerve, 2009

In this study we investigate the effects of unilateral voluntary contraction (VC) and electromyos... more In this study we investigate the effects of unilateral voluntary contraction (VC) and electromyostimulation superimposed on VC (EV) training on maximal voluntary (MVC) force and cross-sectional area (CSA), as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging of knee extensors. Thirty young men were randomly assigned to either a control group (CG), VC group (VG), or EV group (EVG). The VG and EVG trained the right leg isometrically three sessions per week for 6 weeks. After training, MVC increased in the right leg in the VG and in both legs in the EVG, and EVG was significantly different from CG (all P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.01). Increased CSA was found only in the right leg in the VG and EVG (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.01), and correlated with improvements of MVC (r = 0.49, P = 0.01). It appeared that the EV training was equally effective as VC at increasing MVC and CSA, while having a greater cross-education effect. Increased strength without muscle hypertrophy in the unexercised leg of the EVG indicated that neural adaptation was responsible for the cross-education effect.

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2008

Purpose: To determine whether childhood fundamental motor skill proficiency predicts subsequent a... more Purpose: To determine whether childhood fundamental motor skill proficiency predicts subsequent adolescent cardiorespiratory fitness. Methods: In 2000, children_s proficiency in a battery of skills was assessed as part of an elementary school-based intervention. Participants were followed up during 2006/2007 as part of the Physical Activity and Skills Study, and cardiorespiratory fitness was measured using the Multistage Fitness Test. Linear regression was used to examine the relationship between childhood fundamental motor skill proficiency and adolescent cardiorespiratory fitness controlling for gender. Composite object control (kick, catch, throw) and locomotor skill (hop, side gallop, vertical jump) were constructed for analysis. A separate linear regression examined the ability of the sprint run to predict cardiorespiratory fitness. Results: Of the 928 original intervention participants, 481 were in 28 schools, 276 (57%) of whom were assessed. Two hundred and forty-four students (88.4%) completed the fitness test. One hundred and twenty-seven were females (52.1%), 60.1% of whom were in grade 10 and 39.0% were in grade 11. As children, almost all 244 completed each motor assessments, except for the sprint run (n = 154, 55.8%). The mean composite skill score in 2000 was 17.7 (SD 5.1). In 2006/2007, the mean number of laps on the Multistage Fitness Test was 50.5 (SD 24.4). Object control proficiency in childhood, adjusting for gender (P = 0.000), was associated with adolescent cardiorespiratory fitness (P = 0.012), accounting for 26% of fitness variation. Conclusion: Children with good object control skills are more likely to become fit adolescents. Fundamental motor skill development in childhood may be an important component of interventions aiming to promote long-term fitness.