Post-settlement mortality and growth of newly settled reef corals in a subtropical environment

There are few studies of post-settlement mortality of newly settled corals, particularly on subtropical reefs. This study examined the mortality and growth of spat of three broadcast spawning coral species at the Solitary Islands, eastern Australia (30°S). Mortality of spat was high, with only 0.2–2.8% surviving their first year of life. Growth was slow, with coral spat achieving a maximum diameter of 2 mm after 8 months. High post-settlement mortality and slow growth rates are likely to contribute to low rates of recruitment of broadcast spawning species at the Solitary Islands.     

Regulation of microtubule-dependent recycling at the trans-Golgi network by Rab6A and Rab6A'

The small GTPase rab6A but not the isoform rab6A' has previously been identified as a regulator of the COPI-independent recycling route that carries Golgi-resident proteins and certain toxins from the Golgi to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The isoform rab6A' has been implicated in Golgi-to-endosomal recycling. Because rab6A but not A', binds rabkinesin6, this motor protein is proposed to mediate COPI-independent recycling. We show here that both rab6A and rab6A' GTP-restricted mutants promote, with similar efficiency, a microtubule-dependent recycling of Golgi resident glycosylation enzymes upon overexpression. Moreover, we used small interfering RNA mediated down-regulation of rab6A and A' expression and found that reduced levels of rab6 perturbs organization of the Golgi apparatus and delays Golgi-to-ER recycling. Rab6-directed Golgi-to-ER recycling seems to require functional dynactin, as overexpression of p50/dynamitin, or a C-terminal fragment of Bicaudal-D, both known to interact with dynactin inhibit recycling. We further present evidence that rab6-mediated recycling seems to be initiated from the trans-Golgi network. Together, this suggests that a recycling pathway operates at the level of the trans-Golgi linking directly to the ER. This pathway would be the preferred route for both toxins and resident Golgi proteins.     

Effects of acute hyperosmolality on blood-brain barrier function in ovine fetuses and lambs

We examined the effects of hyperosmolality on blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability during development to test the vulnerability of the immature barrier to stress. The BBB response to hyperosmolality was quantified using the blood-to-brain transfer constant (Ki) with alpha-aminoisobutyric acid in fetuses at 60% and 90% gestation, premature, newborn, and older lambs. Ki plotted against osmolality increased as a function of increases in osmolality in all groups and brain regions. The relationship was described (P < 0.05) by a segmented regression model. At lower osmolalities, changes in Ki were minimal, but after a break point (threshold) was reached, the increase (P < 0.05) was linear. We examined the responses of Ki to hyperosmolality within each brain region by comparing the thresholds and slopes of the second regression segment. Lower thresholds and higher slopes imply greater vulnerability to hyperosmolality in the younger groups. Thresholds increased (P < 0.05) with development in the thalamus, superior colliculus, pons, and spinal cord, and slopes of the second regression segment decreased (P < 0.05) in the cerebellum, hippocampus, inferior colliculus, medulla, and spinal cord. BBB resistance to hyperosmolality increased (P < 0.05) with development in most brain regions. The pattern of the Ki plotted against osmolality was (P < 0.05) heterogenous among brain regions in fetuses and premature and newborn lambs, but not in older lambs. We conclude that 1) BBB permeability increased as a function of changes in osmolality, 2) the barrier becomes more resistant to hyperosmolality during development, and 3) the permeability response to hyperosmolality is heterogenous among brain regions in fetuses and premature and newborn lambs.     

A Study of the Infant Nasal Microbiome Development over the First Year of Life and in Relation to Their Primary Adult Caregivers Using cpn60 Universal Target (UT) as a Phylogenetic Marker

Whereas the infant gut microbiome is the subject of intense study, relatively little is known regarding the nares microbiome in newborns and during early life. This study aimed to survey the typical composition and diversity of human anterior nare microflora for developing infants over time, and to explore how these correlate to their primary caregivers. Single nare swabs were collected at five time points over a one-year period for each subject from infant-caregiver pairs. Our study comprised of 50 infants (recruited at 2 weeks, post delivery) and their 50 primary caregivers. Applying the chaperonin-60 (cpn60) universal target (UT) amplicon as our molecular barcoding marker to census survey the microbial communities, we longitudinally surveyed infant nares microbiota at 5 time points over the course of the first year of life. The inter- and intra-subject diversity was catalogued and compared, both longitudinally and relative to their adult primary caregivers. Although within-subject variability over time and inter-subject variability were both observed, the assessment detected only one or two predominant genera for individual infant samples, belonging mainly to phyla Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. Consistent with previously observed microbial population dynamics in other body sites, the diversity of nares microflora increased over the first year of life and infants showed differential operational taxonomic units (OTUs) relative to their matched primary caregiver. The collected evidence also support that both temporal and seasonal changes occur with respect to carriage of potentially pathogenic bacteria (PPBs), which may influence host predisposition to infection. This pilot study surveying paired infant/caregiver nare microbiomes provides novel longitudinal diversity information that is pertinent to better understanding nare microbiome development in infants.     

Morphological variation and cultural characteristics ofConiothyrium leucospermi associated with leaf spots of proteaceae

During an examination ofConiothyrium collections occurring on Proteaceae one species,C. leucospermi, was repeatedly encountered. However, it was not always possible to identify this species from host material alone, whereas cultural characteristics were found to be instrumental in its identification. Conidium wall ornamentation, which has earlier been accepted as crucial in species delimitation is shown to be variable on host material, making cultural comparisons essential. Using standard culture and incubation conditions,C. leucospermi is demonstrated to have a wide host range in the Proteaceae. In addition, microcyclic conidiation involving yeast-like budding from germinating conidia and hyphae in culture is newly reported for this species.     

Intravascular magnetomotive optical coherence tomography of targeted early‐stage atherosclerotic changes in ex vivo hyperlipidemic rabbit aortas

We report the development of an intravascular magnetomotive optical coherence tomography (IV‐MM‐OCT) system used with targeted protein microspheres to detect early‐stage atherosclerotic fatty streaks/plaques. Magnetic microspheres (MSs) were injected in vivo in rabbits, and after 30 minutes of in vivo circulation, excised ex vivo rabbit aorta samples specimens were then imaged ex vivo with our prototype IV‐MM‐OCT system. The alternating magnetic field gradient was provided by a unique pair of external custom‐built electromagnetic coils that modulated the targeted magnetic MSs. The results showed a statistically significant MM‐OCT signal from the aorta samples specimens injected with targeted MSs.

Representative magnetomotive signal (green) using targeted and non‐targeted magnetomotive microspheres in atherosclerotic diseased rabbit aortas.     

Spotlight on phytochrome nomenclature

These recommendations for genes encoding phytochromes were developed independently by Quail et al., but are broadly consistent with the Commission's guidelines. Their original article, kindly provided in advance of publication, appeared as a Letter to the Editor inPlant Cell (6:468–471, 1994) and is published with permission of the American Society of Plant Physiologists.     

Roles of Aquaporins in Root Responses to Irrigation

Due to current environmental issues concerning the use of water for irrigation, the improvement of crop water-use efficiency and a reduction in water consumption has become a priority. New irrigation methods that reduce water use, while still maintaining production have been developed. To optimise these techniques knowledge of above- and below-ground plant physiological responses is necessary. During growth, plant roots are exposed to cycles of wetting and drying in normal rain-fed and irrigation situations. This review concentrates on the below-ground aspects, in particular the water permeability of roots. Significant research has been conducted on the root anatomy and hydraulic conductivity of desert plants subjected to wetting and drying. Major intrinsic proteins (MIPs), most of which show aquaporin (water-channel) activity are likely to be involved in balancing the water relations of the plants during water deficit. However, many MIPs seem to allow permeation of other small neutral solutes and some may allow permeation of ions under certain conditions. The ability of the plant to rapidly respond to rewetting may be important in maintaining productivity. It has been suggested that aquaporins may be involved in this rapid response. The down-regulation of the aquaporins during dry conditions can also limit water loss to the soil, and intrinsic sensitivity of aquaporins to water potential is shown here to be very strong in some cases (NOD26). However, the response of aquaporins in various plant species to water deficits has been quite varied. Another component of aquaporin regulation in response to various stresses (hypoxia/anoxia, salinity and chilling) may be related to redistribution of flow to more favourable regions of the soil. Some irrigation techniques may be triggering these responses. Diurnal fluctuations of root hydraulic conductance that is related to aquaporin expression seem to match the expected transpirational demands of the shoot, and it remains to be seen if shoot-to-root signalling may be important in regulation of root aquaporins. If so, canopy management typical of horticultural crops may impact on root hydraulic conductance. An understanding of the regulation of aquaporins may assist in the development of improved resistance to water stress and greater efficiency of water use by taking into account where and when roots best absorb water.     

Plant wound compounds from oviposition scars used in host discrimination by a stem-galling sawfly

The stem-galling sawfly Euura lasiolepisuses one or more plant wound compounds resulting from oviposition scars as cues in host discrimination (avoiding sites occupied by conspecifics). Four experiments were conducted to test hypotheses about how Euurapartitions resources. Experiment 1 demonstrated that Euuraavoids ovipositing on nodes with scars from previous ovipositions. Experiment 2 showed no evidence that the sawfly uses oviposition-deterring pheromones and indicated there is a time lag following oviposition before the oviposition scar becomes a deterrent. Experiment 3 showed that sawflies avoid artificially formed scars, demonstrating that a plant cue alone can lead to host discrimination. Experiment 4 showed that visual or tactile cues are not necessary for host discrimination and indicated that a plant wound compound functions as an oviposition deterrent. Both experimental results and field surveys showed that Euuraoviposition scars were more uniformly distributed than expected if sawflies were ignoring previous ovipositions.     

Challenging the racialization of child sexual exploitation: Muslim men,racism and belonging in Rotherham

This paper presents findings from original research exploring the impact on Muslim men of a child sexual exploitation scandal that attracted significant attention to the northern English town where they live and contributed to a sustained detrimental effect on local community relations. It foregrounds men’s accounts to reveal their agency and resilience in responding to racism that they identified as resulting from the scandal. It reveals how their accounts disrupt dominant discourses foregrounding Muslim self-segregation and lack of integration, demonstrating positive attachments and claims to localized space, and commitment to belonging. In doing so, it shows how men’s responses to racism challenge racialized forms of knowledge about Muslims. The paper draws attention to the significance of localized forms of belonging in facilitating the inclusion of Muslim minorities. It also highlights the importance of centring Muslim men as historically speaking subjects in accounts of issues involving them.