bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liveweight gain and feed intake of weaned Bali cattle fed a range of diets in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Marsetyo  , Damry  , Quigley S. P. , McLennan S. R. , Poppi D. P.
Published: November 2018

Three experiments were conducted to determine liveweight (W) gain and feed and water intake of weaned Bali cattle offered a range of feed types. In each experiment, 18 weaned entire male Bali cattle were allocated to three treatment groups in a completely randomised block design, with six replicates (animals) per treatment. The dietary treatments were: Experiment 1, native grass fed ad libitum, native grass supplemented with rice bran at 10 g dry matter (DM)/kg W.day and native grass supplemented with a mixture of rice bran and copra meal in equal proportions fed at 10 g DM/kg W.day; Experiment 2, elephant grass hay fed ad libitum, elephant grass supplemented with gliricidia at 10 g DM/kg W.day, and gliricidia fed ad libitum; and Experiment 3, corn stover fed ad libitum, corn stover supplemented with gliricidia at 10 g DM/kg W.day, and corn stover supplemented with rice bran/copra meal in equal amounts (w/w) at 10 g DM/kg W.day. Each experiment was 10 weeks in duration, consisting of a 2-week preliminary period for adaptation to diets and an 8-week experimental period for the measurement of W change, feed and water intake and digestibility of the diet. Growth rates of 6–12-month-old, entire male Bali cattle fed a range of local diets ranged from 0.10 and 0.40 kg/day. Lowest growth rates occurred when the cattle were given the basal diets of native grass (0.104 kg/day), elephant grass (0.174 kg/day) and corn stover (0.232 kg/day). With the addition of supplements such as rice bran, rice bran/copra meal or gliricidia to these basal diets liveweight gains increased to between 0.225 and 0.402 kg/day. Forage DM intake was reduced with these supplements by on average 22.6% while total DM intake was increased by an average of 10.5%. The growth rate on gliricidia alone was 0.269 kg/day and feed DM intake was 28.0 g/kg W.day. Water intake was not affected by supplement type or intake. In conclusion, inclusion of small quantities of locally available, high quality feed supplements provide small-holder farmers with the potential to increase growth rates of Bali calves from 0.1 to 0.2 kg/day, under prevailing feeding scenarios, to over 0.4 kg/day.
Long-term growth of male and female Bali cattle fed Sesbania grandiflora
Authors: Dahlanuddin  , Ningsih B. S. , Poppi D. P. , Anderson S. T. , Quigley S. P.
Published: November 2018

This study examined the long-term growth of male and female Bali cattle (Bos javanicus) fed a diet consisting solely of Sesbania grandiflora (sesbania) or sesbania with rice bran. Twelve male (71.6 ± 2.2 kg mean liveweight and standard error of the mean; LW) and six female (80.3 ± 2.8 kg LW) weaned Bali cattle, ~6 months of age at the commencement were used in this experiment. LW, wither height (WH), hip height and chest circumference (girth) were measured from ~6 to 27 months of age. Dry matter intake and the concentration of glucose, urea and insulin-like growth factor-1 in the plasma were measured at ~9, 18 and 27 months of age. There was no difference in LW gain of male and female Bali cattle between 6 and 18 months of age but males had a greater average LW gain (0.40 kg/day) than females (0.22 kg/day) between 18 and 27 months of age. Overall females displayed a curvilinear growth path in LW, WH and girth between 6 and 27 months of age, while males displayed a linear growth path in LW and girth but curvilinear in WH over the same age. Dry matter intake did not differ with stage of development or between male and female cattle. The plasma urea concentration declined in male Bali cattle with stage of development but was constant in female cattle across the experiment. The concentration of insulin-like growth factor-1 in the plasma increased with age and tended to be greater in male (268 ng/mL) than female (222 ng/mL) Bali cattle. In conclusion, Bali cattle display sexual dimorphism in growth after ~18 months of age, which is important to consider when developing feeding strategies across the full growth path.
Fatty acid profiles of intramuscular, intermuscular, external and internal fat in Polish Holstein-Friesian × Hereford bulls and steers fed grass silage-based diets supplemented with concentrates
Authors: Wielgosz-Groth Zofia , Sobczuk-Szul Monika , Nogalski Zenon , Mochol Magdalena , Purwin Cezary , Winarski Rafał
Published: November 2018

This paper determined the impact of gender and feeding intensity on the profile of fatty acids in different types of fat deposits. The studies were conducted with 20 young bulls and 20 steers, which were Polish Holstein-Friesian and Hereford crossbreds fattened intensively – grass silage ad libitum and concentrate covered 50% of the net energy requirement in fattened cattle or semi-intensively – concentrate covered 30% of the net energy. The fatty acid profile in intramuscular, intermuscular, external and internal fat was determined. The content of intramuscular fat was lower (P < 0.001) in the longissimus muscle in the bulls (1.74%) than in the steers (3.71%). In fat of steers, the proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids was higher whereas in fat of bulls, the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids was higher. Generally the impact of the location of fat depots on the profile of fatty acids was statistically significant (P < 0.001) but there was no effect of feeding intensity.
A Bayesian modelling approach for long lead sugarcane yield forecasts for the Australian sugar industry
Authors: Everingham Y. L. , Inman-Bamber N. G. , Thorburn P. J. , McNeill T. J.
Published: November 2018

For marketers, advance knowledge on sugarcane crop size permits more confidence in implementing forward selling, pricing, and logistics activities. In Australia, marketing plans tend to be initialised in December, approximately 7 months prior to commencement of the next harvest. Improved knowledge about crop size at such an early lead time allows marketers to develop and implement a more advanced marketing plan earlier in the season. Producing accurate crop size forecasts at such an early lead time is an on-going challenge for industry. Rather than trying to predict the exact size of the crop, a Bayesian discriminant analysis procedure was applied to determine the likelihood of a small, medium, or large crop across 4 major sugarcane-growing regions in Australia: Ingham, Ayr, Mackay, and Bundaberg. The Bayesian model considers simulated potential yields, climate forecasting indices, and the size of the crop from the previous year. Compared with the current industry approach, the discriminant procedure provided a substantial improvement for Ayr and a moderate improvement over current forecasting methods for the remaining regions, with the added advantage of providing probabilistic forecasts of crop categories.
Significance of Sulfhydryl Compounds in the Manifestation of Fluoroacetate Toxicity to the Rat, Brush-tailed Possum, Woylie and Western Grey Kangaroo
Authors: Mead RJ , Moulden DL , E Twigg L
Published: November 2018

Levels of citrate in kidneys and livers of rats with normal glutathione levels increased 6' 8- and I . 7 ?fold respectively 2 h after dosing with I . 5 mg of compound 1080 (= 95% sodium fluoroacetate) per kilogram body weight.
Protoplast Formation from Submerged Mycelium and from Spore Germinants of Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Stevenson I
Published: November 2018

Stages in the formation of protoplasts from S. coelicolor strain A3(2) have been studied by transmission electron microscopy. Protoplasts liberated from submerged mycelial growth were variable in size and were released when digestion of the cell wall by lysozyme had completely or almost completely taken place. Protoplasts did not fully adopt the typical rounded shape until after release. A single region of cytoplasm gave rise to more than one protoplast unit. Protoplasts released from spore germinants escaped from the tip of the germ tube, which was the region of the cell wall most susceptible to digestion. Protoplasts derived from spore germinants were more consistent in size and rounded up more rapidly. If a cross-wall had formed in a germinant then it gave rise to separate protoplasts from each cellular. compartment. Protoplasts of either type contained a single DNA region. These studies give an indication of the cellular organization of a streptomycete colony, which can be visualized as a multinucleated assemblage of cellular units in a common cytoplasm. The assembly of units separates into a number of protoplasts on digestion of the cell wall.
Growth of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease, Akabane, and Ephemeral Fever Viruses in Aedes albopictus Cells Maintained at Various Temperatures
Authors: Hoffmann D , St George TD
Published: November 2018

The growth curves of one epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) virus serotype (Reoviridae), two Akabane virus strains (Bunyaviridae) and three bovine ephemeral fever (BEF) group viruses (Rhabdoviridae) were determined in Aedes albopictus cells maintained at IS, 20, 28 and 33�e. Ae albopictus cells supported the growth of all the viruses although not necessarily at all temperatures. Because none of the viruses exhibited cytopathic effect in Ae albopictus cells, growth was assayed in baby hamster kidney 21 (BHK21) cells maintained at 37�e. The temperature at which the Ae albopictus cells were maintained had a marked effect on the growth and yield for each virus studied. EHD virus was heat-stable and grew after 4 days at 28 and 33�C, and after 8 days at 20�e. No growth was recorded up to 12 days at 15OC. The two Akabane viruses were heat-sensitive and exhibited different growth patterns. One strain (B8935) showed no growth at 15�C and only minimal growth at 20, 28 and 33�e. The other strain (CSIRO 16) showed growth after 1-2 days at all temperatures with higher titres reached at 15 and 200C than at 28 and 33OC. The BEF group viruses grew to approximately the same titres at all temperatures. At the higher temperatures (28 and 33�C) most of BEF group viruses had disappeared within 9 days. In contrast at the lower temperatures (15 and 20�C), there was still virus present 18 days after inoculation. BEF virus grew at 280C after being maintained in Ae albopictus cells held at 4�C for 14 and 42 days.
Fire intensity, serotiny and seed release in 19 woody species: evidence for risk spreading among wind-dispersed and resprouting syndromes
Authors: Clarke Peter J. , Knox Kirsten J. E. , Butler Damian
Published: November 2018

Seed storage in woody fruits on plants has been much studied, whereas trait variation in seed release has been given scant attention. In non-Mediterranean climates, some species release seeds immediately after fire, whereas others retain seeds in open fruits/cones for longer. We expected that species with wind-dispersed seeds and those killed by fire would spread their recruitment risks by having stronger cues for fruit opening and slower seed release once fruits were open. We therefore tested whether fire intensity (heat) affected fruit opening and seed release in 19 species. We then contrasted fruit opening and seed release among (1) serotiny levels (weak, moderate, strong), (2) dispersal (wind v. unassisted) and (3) resprouting ability (killed v. resprout) traits. Only three species required heat for fruit opening. Most species, however, retained varying proportions of seeds in open fruits. Strongly and moderately serotinous species retained seeds in open fruits longer than did weakly serotinous species. Both species with wind-dispersed seeds and fire-killed species required stronger heat effects for fruits to open but retained seeds in open fruits longer than did species with alternative traits. By delaying seed release after fruits have opened, species with wind-dispersed seeds, and those that are killed by fire, maximise the ability of seeds to arrive at safe sites after fire.
The persistence and germination of fern spores in fire-prone, semi-arid environments
Authors: Paul Sarah K. , Dixon Kingsley W. , Miller Ben P.
Published: November 2018

In addition to population regeneration, the spore phase provides ferns with a capacity for dispersal through space and time (if spores are able to survive for long periods), and buffers their populations against environmental extremes. Inhabiting dry and fire-prone environments provides specific challenges to ferns, and the traits of fern spores in relation to these challenges are not well understood. Their shallow, dense and fibrous root networks mean that the loss or establishment of fern populations in disturbed ecosystems may influence soil stability, and indicate a keystone role in ecosystem function and ecological restoration. Here, we examine the requirements for, and limits of, spore persistence and germination of three Cheilanthes Syn.Fil. (Pteridaceae) species, namely, optimal conditions for spore germination and prothallial growth, sensitivity to temperature extremes and spore longevity. Viability of fresh spores was assessed following exposure to temperature extremes (–20 to 250°C) or after incubation at a range of temperatures (10−35°C) and in light or dark conditions. Viability of spores from herbarium voucher specimens was also assessed, covering 3–65 years of storage. Maximal germination occurred among spores incubated between 20°C and 30°C in light. Further temperature variation within this range resulted in a ×10 difference in prothallial size. Germination was unaffected by 10 min of exposure to temperatures up to 100°C, but was reduced after exposure to temperatures of −20°C and 110°C. Germination of herbarium-stored spores demonstrated longevity of up to 15 years. This longevity, combined with high spore density in field soils (including at depth to at least 10 cm), very high germination under ideal conditions, and microscopic size, describes a disturbance-mediated propagule persistence strategy. Spores are non-persisting and will germinate if exposed to light and water, but do persist if buried. Germinable spore can be found 5 cm below the soil surface, and can persist for at least 15 years, but the light requirement for germination means that persistent spores can achieve germination only if exhumed. Elucidating these traits reveals a unique pathway for plant persistence, and contributes to the development of the restoration capacity of arid-environment ferns.
Erratic hyperaccumulation of nickel, with particular reference to the Queensland serpentine endemic Pimelea leptospermoides
Authors: Reeves Roger D. , Laidlaw W. Scott , Doronila Augustine , Baker Alan J. M. , Batianoff (the late) George N.
Published: November 2018

Many hyperaccumulators of nickel (Ni) are endemic to ultramafic soils and always show very high Ni concentrations. Others occur on a variety of substrates but accumulate high Ni from the ultramafic ones. Pimelea leptospermoides is unusual in being an ultramafic endemic that shows a very wide range of Ni concentrations. The present work sought to establish the factors governing the wide variation in Ni uptake by P. leptospermoides, and aimed to investigate the likelihood of this variation originating from plant differences or soil differences. Multiple paired plant and soil samples were taken over the geographic range of occurrence of P. leptospermoides. Plant and soil metal concentrations and soil pH were measured. No evidence was found to suggest that the plants belong to populations with inherent ‘high-Ni’ and ‘low-Ni’ accumulation capability. Instead, the soil pH (covering a range from 6.0 to 8.3) and the total soil Ni concentrations of the ultramafic soils were found to be the major influences on the level of Ni accumulation. The wide variation observed in Ni accumulation by P. leptospermoides from ultramafic soils can be explained by a combination of variations in soil pH and total soil Ni concentrations.
Seed germination and unusual serotiny in two species of Conospermum from fire-prone vegetation in Western Australia
Authors: Zhao Xiaoying , Ladd P. G.
Published: November 2018

Serotiny is a mechanism for storing propagules on plants, so that seed dispersal can be maximised after the death of aerial parts of plants or to take advantage of conditions beneficial to establishment. In fire-prone vegetation, regeneration of new plants after fire is mostly from seeds that are stored in the soil or on the plant. These traits are generally consistent within a genus. However, in Conospermum, a genus of shrubs that mostly occur in fire-prone vegetation and in which most species have soil-stored seeds, two species exhibit an unusual serotinous structure. We examined the morphology and anatomy of inflorescences and infructescences of C. capitatum and C. petiolare that were collected from natural vegetation in south-western Western Australia. Inflorescence and infructescence axes were sectioned and examined microscopically, fresh infructescences were heated in an oven to various temperatures for 2 min and the fruits from them sown in a germination trial. Some fruits were also treated with smoke chemicals. Both species have a low, dense growth form and retain the seed-like fruits in a serotinous structure formed by enlargement of the cortical cells of the inflorescence axis after flowering. The fruits can be effectively released from the plant only if the foliage is removed by a fire. For both species, the infructescence protects the fruits from heat up to 200°C for 2 min and this is similar to protection afforded by woody cones in other serotinous species. C. capitatum requires either heat or smoke to cue germination, whereas C. petiolare requires no cue, as is found in most other serotinous species. A combination of morphological modification associated with allometry of the whole plant body and physiological changes to germination requirements shows that a series of complex changes may be needed to develop serotiny from non-serotinous antecedents.
Global research on ultramafic (serpentine) ecosystems (8th International Conference on Serpentine Ecology in Sabah, Malaysia): a summary and synthesis
Authors: van der Ent Antony , Rajakaruna Nishanta , Boyd Robert , Echevarria Guillaume , Repin Rimi , Williams Dick
Published: November 2018

Since 1991, researchers from approximately 45 nations have participated in eight International Conferences on Serpentine Ecology (ICSE). The Conferences are coordinated by the International Serpentine Ecology Society (ISES), a formal research society whose members study geological, pedological, biological and applied aspects of ultramafic (serpentine) ecosystems worldwide. These conferences have provided an international forum to discuss and synthesise multidisciplinary research, and have provided opportunities for scientists in distinct fields and from different regions of the world to conduct collaborative and interdisciplinary research. The 8th ICSE was hosted by Sabah Parks in Malaysia, on the island of Borneo, and attracted the largest delegation to date, 174 participants from 31 countries. This was the first time an ICSE was held in Asia, a region that hosts some of the world’s most biodiverse ultramafic ecosystems. The presentations provided a cross-section of the current status of research in all aspects of ultramafic-biota relations. In this Special Issue of Australian Journal of Botany (Issues 1–2 combined and 3–4 combined), we have compiled a selection of papers from among the oral and poster presentations to provide insights into recent advances in geoecological and applied studies of ultramafic habitats worldwide. Here we provide a preview of select papers found in this Special Issue and summarise some of the contributions made during the 8th ICSE and describe some of the exciting challenges awaiting future research.
Differences in trace element profiles of three subspecies of Silene parnassica (Caryophyllaceae) growing on ophiolitic substrate
Authors: Đurović Sanja , Jakovljević Ksenija , Buzurović Uroš , Niketić Marjan , Mihailović Nevena , Tomović Gordana
Published: November 2018

The aim of the present study was to compare trace element profiles and the differences in uptake and translocation of trace elements in plants from five populations (three from Greece and two from Serbia) belonging to three subspecies of Silene parnassica Boiss. & Sprun. growing on ophiolitic substrates. For comparison of the subspecies, bioconcentration and translocation factors were used, as well as Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients for concentrations of elements in root and shoot samples. Chemical characteristics of the soil samples (pH, organic C, P2O5, K2O, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Zn, Cu, Cr, Co, Cd and Pb) and plant samples (P2O5, K2O, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Zn, Cu, Cr, Co, Cd and Pb) were determined, as well as bioconcentration and translocation factors and correlation matrices. All the three subspecies acted as strong Ni accumulators, with equal concentrations of Ni in roots and shoots, the values being several times higher than 100 mg kg–1, exceeding concentrations of available Ni in the soil. Concentrations of Cu and Cr in the aboveground plant tissues in samples from three localities were several times higher than expected, even for plants growing on metalliferous soils, exceeding, by multiple times, the available concentrations in the soil samples.
Isolation and structure confirmation of norprodigiosin from a Serratia marcescens mutant
Authors: Deol BS , Alden JR , Still JL , Robertson AV , Winkler J
Published: November 2018

Norprodigiosin has at last been isolated pure and crystalline from
the OF mutant of Serratia marcescens
by t.1.c. The structure previously proposed is confirmed by u.v., i.r., p.m.r. and m.s. except that the preferred tautomer in solution is the
keto form instead of the enol. Methylation of norprodigiosin
to give prodigiosin has been further examined.
Spectra of nickel(II) perchlorate in organic solvents. Mixed-ligand complexes
Authors: Abu-Eittah R , El-Makabaty S
Published: November 2018

The electronic absorption
spectra of nickel(II) perchlorate were investigated in some organic solvents.
Transition probabilities, energy levels splitting and related parameters were
computed. The absorbing species was identified as a mixed ligand complex ion
for nickel(II).
Synthesis and Structural Systematics of Nitrogen Base Adducts of Group 2 Salts. IX. Some Complexes of Group 2 Metal Halides With 2,2':6',2"-Terpyridine
Authors: Skelton BW , Waters AF , White AH
Published: November 2018

Syntheses and room-temperature single-crystal X-ray structure determinations are recorded for a number of adducts of MX2.ntpy stoichiometry of salts of Group 2 metals, MX2, with 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine ( tpy ). ' Homoleptic' adducts, [M( tpy )3] X2, are found in space groups with trigonal symmetry, with M located on a site of at least 3 symmetry, the structures being derivative of the P 62c array found in [ Pb ( tpy )3] (ClO4)2, but with variations in anion and cation stackings . [M( tpy )3] I2.~1.7MeOH, M = Ca (1), Sr (2), are trigonal , P3c1, a ≈ 13, c ≈ 15.3 Ǻ, Z = 2 f.u., conventional R on ׀ F ׀ being 0.050, 0.086 for No 894, 865 independent 'observed' (I > 3σ(I)) reflections respectively. [ Sr ( tpy )3] Br2.2MeOH (3), although similar, is modelled in space group P3c1, a 13.040(4), c 15.13(1) Ǻ, Z = 2 f.u ., R 0.041 for No 447. [( tpy )2BaI2] (4) is monoclinic, P 21/c, a 10.812(4), b 16.740(5), c 17.458(4) Ǻ, β 109.39(2)°, Z = 4 f.u ., R 0.042 for No 3256. [( tpy )2Ba(O2ClO2)2] (5) is triclinic, Pī , a 14.220(4), b 11.212(2), c 10.511(2) Ǻ, α 65.66(2), β 87.32(2), γ 88.92(2)°, Z = 2 f.u ., R 0.029 for No 4676.
Pyrolysis of Aryl Azides. XIII. Conformational Effects on the Ability of Carbonyl as a Neighbouring Group
Authors: Dyall LK , Ferguson JA , Jarman TB
Published: November 2018

Our previous claim, that locking an ortho carbonyl group into a favourable conformation causes very large increases in the rate of thermolysis of aryl azides , has been reexamined. In 8-azido-5-methoxy-1-tetralone the rate advantage over an azide with a rotatable ortho acetyl group is estimated to be only 18-fold. Nevertheless, this factor is large enough to invalidate attempts to explain relative neighbouring group abilities on simple electronic effects alone. The very large rate increases we reported previously for 1-azidoacridin-g(10H)-one and 1-azidoanthracene-9,10-dione are partly due to favourable retention of conjugation in the transition state.
Molecular phylogeny of the Kosciuscola grasshoppers endemic to the Australian alpine and montane regions
Authors: Tatarnic N. J. , Umbers K. D. L. , Song H.
Published: November 2018

Diversity and speciation in Australia’s alpine biota are poorly understood. Here we present a molecular phylogeny of the Australian alpine grasshopper genus Kosciuscola (Sjösted) that currently includes five described species. These grasshoppers are of interest not only because of their alpine distribution but also for the extraordinary colour change exhibited by the species K. tristis, whose males turn turquoise when their body temperature exceeds 25°C. We reconstructed the phylogeny with two fragments of the mitochondrial genome using parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses and our data support the current taxonomy. Further, our data show little geographic structuring within some clades, which is puzzling since members of Kosciuscola are brachypterous. Finally, our data coupled with our observations on colouration provide evidence for a genetically distinct clade of K. tristis in the Victorian Alps. This is among the first molecular studies of an alpine invertebrate and one of a few on non-endangered, widespread Australian alpine species. More phylogenetic studies in the Australian Alps are required if we are to understand the evolution of alpine fauna and establish baseline data to monitor their response to climate change.
Molecular phylogenetics of Caribbean Micrathena (Araneae : Araneidae) suggests multiple colonisation events and single island endemism
Authors: McHugh Anne , Yablonsky Carol , Binford Greta , Agnarsson Ingi
Published: November 2018

The terrestrial biota of the Caribbean islands includes many lineages, some whose presence on the islands dates back some 35–40 million years ago, when land bridges are thought to have linked islands to continents, and others that have colonised more recently via dispersal. The New World spiny orb-weavers (Micrathena Sundevall, 1833) are a diverse group of mostly Neotropical spiders. Eight species have been described on the Greater Antilles islands: three widespread and five single island endemics. Here, using three molecular markers (16S rRNA, ITS-2 and COI) we provide a preliminary phylogenetic test of the taxonomy and biogeography of Caribbean Micrathena through the first molecular phylogeny of the genus. Our analyses support monophyly of the genus, but not that of Caribbean Micrathena with at least 3–4 colonisations from South America. We sampled six of the eight nominal Caribbean species (M. banksi, M. cubana, M. similis, M. forcipata, M. horrida, M. militaris), but demark eight divergent genetic lineages that all are single island endemics, and morphologically distinct. Thus a revision of the taxonomy of Caribbean Micrathena is needed. Our results function foremost to guide more thorough taxon sampling of Micrathena that enable more rigorous assessments of its diversity and biogeography in the Caribbean.
The first phylogenetic analysis of Palpigradi (Arachnida) – the most enigmatic arthropod order
Authors: Giribet Gonzalo , McIntyre Erin , Christian Erhard , Espinasa Luis , Ferreira Rodrigo L. , Francke Óscar F. , Harvey Mark S. , Isaia Marco , Kováč Ĺubomír , McCutchen Lynn , Souza Maysa F. V. R. , Zagmajster Maja
Published: November 2018

Palpigradi are a poorly understood group of delicate arachnids, often found in caves or other subterranean habitats. Concomitantly, they have been neglected from a phylogenetic point of view. Here we present the first molecular phylogeny of palpigrades based on specimens collected in different subterranean habitats, both endogean (soil) and hypogean (caves), from Australia, Africa, Europe, South America and North America. Analyses of two nuclear ribosomal genes and COI under an array of methods and homology schemes found monophyly of Palpigradi, Eukoeneniidae and a division of Eukoeneniidae into four main clades, three of which include samples from multiple continents. This supports either ancient vicariance or long-range dispersal, two alternatives we cannot distinguish with the data at hand. In addition, we show that our results are robust to homology scheme and analytical method, encouraging further use of the markers employed in this study to continue drawing a broader picture of palpigrade relationships.
An evaluation of electrofishing as a control measure for an invasive tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) population in northern Australia
Authors: Thuesen P. A. , Russell D. J. , Thomson F. E. , Pearce M. G. , Vallance T. D. , Hogan A. E.
Published: November 2018

Combating the spread of invasive fish is problematic, with eradication rarely possible and control options varying enormously in their effectiveness. In two small impoundments in north-eastern Australia, an electrofishing removal program was conducted to control an invasive tilapia population. We hypothesised that electrofishing would reduce the population density of Oreochromis mossambicus (Mozambique tilapia), to limit the risk of downstream spread into areas of high conservation value. We sampled by electrofishing monthly for 33 months. Over this period, there was an 87% decline in catch per unit effort (CPUE) of mature fish, coupled with a corresponding increase of 366% in the number of juveniles, suggesting a density-dependent response in the stock–recruitment relationship for the population. Temperature was inversely related to CPUE (r = 0.43, lag = 10 days), implying greater electrofishing efficiency in cooler months. The reduction in breeding stock is likely to reduce the risk of spread and render the population vulnerable to other control measures such as netting and/or biological control. Importantly, the current study suggests routine electrofishing may be a useful control tool for invasive fish in small impoundments when the use of more destructive techniques, such as piscicides, is untenable.
Distribution of rotifers and other meiofauna in the bryophytes and hyporheic zone of a karst hydrosystem – an example of a nested community
Authors: Dražina Tvrtko , Špoljar Maria , Primc Biserka , Habdija Ivan
Published: November 2018

The meiofauna assemblages inhabiting the bryophyte-covered tufa barriers were investigated in the barrage system of Plitvice Lakes (Croatia). The main aims of the present study were: (1) to analyse the structure of the rotifer community and other meiofaunal communities in the bryophytes and the hyporheic tufa zone; and (2) to determine the influence of food sources on the meiofauna. Our results indicate that meiofauna were a constant and abundant component in bryophytes and tufa. Of the nine identified groups (Catenulida, Gastrotricha, Nematoda, Rotifera, Hydrachnidia, Oligochaeta, Copepoda, Tardigrada and Chironomidae (Diptera)), rotifers (50%) and nematodes (40%) were most abundant. Rotifers were the most diverse meiofaunal group and reached their highest numbers within the bryophytes. Also, the highest amount of ultrafine particulate organic matter, as a potential food source for rotifers, was recorded in this layer. Nematodes were the dominant meiofaunal group in deeper tufa layers. They are an omnivorous trophic group and different food sources (such as phytal remains or other meiofauna) were available in tufa layers. Meiofaunal assemblages were significantly nested and their composition was under the influence of community established in surface bryophyte mats. Information on these often overlooked faunal groups is essential for estimates of overall abundance, species richness and productivity in freshwater ecosystems.
Feeding and Control of Toheroa (Amphidesma ventricosum Gray) (Eulamellibranchiata) Populations in New Zealand.
Authors: Rapson AM
Published: November 2018

Surveys of toheroa stocks on the North Island beaches of New Zealand
are described and the causes of natural and epidemic mortality discussed. The
evidence for previous resurgent populations of tuatua (Amphidesma subtriangulatum
Wood) alternating with toheroa is given. Analyses of water
samples show that a source of sea-water rich in nutrient salts produces the
great quantities of diatoms on which the shellfish populations feed. A quantitative
estimation is made of the littoral phytoplankton and the dominant
species are given for each beach. Chaetoceros armatus is found on all beaches
and, in the cold months, when blooming occurs, comprises in some places 100
per cent. of the diatoms. The greatest quantity recorded is 1500 g dry weight
per cu. m. of water. Each beach has a characteristic flora. The rate at which
toheroa feed is determined from the diatom consumption. Methods are
suggested by which more stable toheroa stocks might be developed and consequently
a greater production achieved.
Biogeography of the tropical seagrasses in the western Pacific
Authors: Mukai H
Published: November 2018

Seagrass species and their distributions were recorded from 18 localities in the tropical
and subtropical Pacific. These field observations were collated with a review of the
recent literature, enabling the present distribution patterns of seagrass species in the western
Pacific to be described and the origin of those species to be discussed in relation to the major
oceanic currents of the region. The major tropical seagrasses of the western Pacific are
Thalassia hemprichii, Enhalus acoroides, Cymodocea rotundata, C. serrulata, Halodule uninervis,
Syringodium isoetifolium and Thalassodendron ciliatum, with T. hemprichii and E. acoroides
being the two most widely distributed species. Species are found in coastal waters along the
Equatorial Countercurrent and the Kuroshio and East Australian Currents. The highest number
of seagrass species occurs in the coastal waters of Malesia enclosed by Indonesia, Borneo,
Papua New Guinea and the Torres Strait (northern Australia). This area is considered to be
the source of all of the seagrass species of the western Pacific, i.e. the centre of their origin.
A relationship between the distance from this centre of origin along the above three major ocean
currents and the diversity of seagrass species was found: the further from the origin, the poorer
the seagrass diversity. These observations support the centre-of-origin theory that was first
proposed by den Hartog to describe the processes responsible for the present distribution
patterns of seagrasses in the western Pacific.
Seagrasses between Cape York and Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia
Authors: Lee Long WJ , Mellors JE , Coles RG
Published: November 2018

The area of seagrasses in waters adjacent to the Queensland coast between Cape York and
Hervey Bay is approximately 4000 km2. Seagrasses were found near estuaries, in coastal
bays and associated with islands, at sites that provided shelter from the south-easterly trade
winds and Pacific Ocean swells. Of the seagrass meadows mapped, 37% had a bottom
vegetation cover greater than 50%. Two large continuous areas (total of approximately 2500 km2)
of seagrass of predominantly Halophila species were found in deep water in Hervey Bay
and between Barrow Point and Lookout Point and may be part of a much larger area of
deep-water seagrass habitat not yet surveyed in the Great Barrier Reef province. Fourteen
seagrass species were found in the surveyed region, and most were typical of the northern
Australian and Indo-West Pacific region. The opportunistic Halophila and Halodule species
were most common, with Halophila ovalis (R. Br.) Hook. f. and Halodule uninervis (Forsk.) Aschers.
each being found in more than 15% of samples. High species richness occurred at depths of less
than 6 m, predominantly in sheltered bays at coastal and island locations.
Low species richness at estuary- associated sites may be due to stresses caused by low salinity
during monsoonal runoff periods or exposure at low tides. Zostera capricorni Aschers. was restricted
to these areas and may have a competitive advantage over other species with lesser tolerance to
varying salinity. Species richness decreased with an increase in both latitude and depth.
The latitudinal limits of recorded distributions for some of these tropical seagrasses were confirmed.
Seagrass biomass decreased with increasing depth, but parameters of seagrass abundance showed
no correlation with latitude, being dependent on a complex of site-related factors.
High seagrass biomass occurred at sheltered sites, including estuary-associated, coastal-bay and
island-associated sites. The maximum recorded above-ground biomass was 102.9 g m-2 for Zostera
capricorni at Upstart Bay. Shoot densities reached 13 806 shoots m-2 for Halophila ovalis at
Escape River, and the highest leaf area index was 1.81 for Zostera capricorni at Upstart Bay.
Root-hair structure and development in the seagrass Halophila ovalis (R. Br.) Hook. F
Authors: Roberts DG
Published: November 2018

The seagrass Halophila ovalis normally produces one mature root, covered with a permanent mat of
root hairs, per node. In this study, the development of the root hairs increased the effective root surface
absorptive area by 215%. Of the root surface examined, 39% was devoted to root-hair production.
Epidermal cells that produced root hairs contained more cytoplasm, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi
bodies than did adjacent hairless cells. In addition to appearing to be more metabolically active,
root-hair-producing cells had a greater number of plasmodesmatal connections with the underlying
outer cortical cells than did adjacent cells that did not produce root hairs. This would suggest that
cells that produce root hairs play a more active role in nutrient uptake and exchange than do other
cortical cells.
Partitioning of the nitrogen stock in the vicinity of a Fijian seagrass bed dominated by Syringodium isoetifolium (Ascherson) Dandy
Authors: Yamamuro M , Koike I , Iizumi H
Published: November 2018

Partitioning of the nitrogen stock in a Fijian seagrass bed dominated by Syringodium isoetifolium
(Ascherson) Dandy and in an adjacent area bare of macrophytic vegetation was assessed to evaluate
the effect of the presence of seagrass on coral sediment. Concentrations of major nutrients, such as
nitrogen and phosphate, were as low in the water column at the seagrass bed and the bare area as they
were in the open ocean. Concentrations of ammonium and dissolved organic nitrogen, however, were
higher in the water within the seagrass canopy than they were in other waters. In sediments at the
seagrass bed and the bare area, interstitial nitrogen, such as nitrate and dissolved organic nitrogen, was
a minor component of the total nitrogen (0.3-0.05%). On the other hand, concentrations of total
organic nitrogen in seagrass-bed sediment (about 70% of which was in the form of amorphous organic
nitrogen and the rest of which came from living and dead seagrass) were more than three times higher
than those in bare-area sediment. Concentrations of organic carbon from amorphous organic materials
in seagrass-bed sediment showed no large change with depth, resulting in an apparent decrease in the
carbodnitrogen atom ratio from 60 to 10. These results suggest some mechanisms to minimize the
loss of nitrogen stock from the sediment of tropical seagrass beds.
Nitrogen fixation in seagrass communities during summer in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia
Authors: Moriarty DJW , O'Donohue MJ
Published: November 2018

Rates of acetylene reduction in seagrass communities in the Gulf of Carpentaria were determined in
intact cores of sediment and seagrass and in slurries. Short-term incubations and three different
methods were used to ensure that results could be reliably converted to rates of nitrogen fixation.
At Groote Eylandt, values ranged from 16 to 47 mg N m-2 day-1 in a Syringodium isoetifolium
community and from 13 to 19 mg N m-2 day-1 on a reef flat with Thalassia hernprichii. At Weipa,
mean rates of nitrogen fixation were 25 mg N m-2 day-1 in an Enhalus acoroides community and
20 mg N m-2 day-1 on a mud bank below mangroves. About 5% of fixation was due to epiphytes
on the seagrass leaves, and 8% of fixation associated with the Syringodium isoetifolium community
occurred in washed roots and rhizomes; the remainder was due mostly to bacteria in the sediment.
Nitrogen fixation supplied 8 to 16% of the nitrogen requirements of the plants.
Carbon and nitrogen budgets of two Ascidians and their symbiont, Prochloron, in a tropical seagrass meadow
Authors: Koike I , Yamamuro M , Pollard PC
Published: November 2018

Two species of ascidian, Didemnum molle Herdman and Lissoclinum voeltzkowi Michaelsen, were
collected from a Fijian seagrass meadow. The primary production of their symbiont (Prochloron), the
inorganic nitrogen metabolism and the filtration rate were measured to assess the nutritional coupling
between the symbiont and the host animal. The loss of organic carbon due to the respiration of
D. molle (1.1 �g at. C (mg dry wt)-1 day-1) was greater than that supplied through photosynthesis
of the Prochloron (0.69 �g at. C (mg dry wt)-1 day,-1). The carbon supplied through filter-feeding
appeared to supplement the ascidian's carbon budget. In contrast, organic carbon from the Prochloron
of L. voeltzkowi appeared to meet the colony's respiration needs.
The nitrogen budgets of both ascidian colonies were estimated from their respiration rates, the
nitrogen requirement of the Prochloron, and the uptake of inorganic nitrogen and particulate organic
nitrogen uptake from the water column. The nitrogen incorporated from the surrounding environment
could contribute to the net nitrogen gain of the colony. However, our estimate of the nitrogen needed
by the Prochloron was much greater than that which could be supplied externally. The amount of
nitrogen released by the ascidians was also greater than that which could be supplied externally.
This suggests that nitrogen is efficiently recycled within the symbiotic Prochloron-ascidian relationship.
Distribution of seagrasses, and their fish and penaeid prawn communities, in Cairns harbour, a tropical estuary, Northern Queensland, Australia
Authors: Coles RG , Lee Long WJ , Watson RA , Derbyshire KJ
Published: November 2018

From aerial photography (July 1987) and diving surveys (February 1988), 876 ha of seagrasses (eight
species) were mapped in Cairns Harbour, tropical north-eastern Queensland. Zostera capricorni was
the most common seagrass species and had the greatest biomass at 79 g m-2 dry weight of stems and
leaves and 180 g m-2 dry weight of roots and rhizomes. The maximum shoot density found was
4798 shoots m-2 of Halodule pinifolia, the second most common species. Seagrasses were found only
between 0.5 and 5.0 m below mean sea level. Zostera capricorni was found at the shallowest depths,
Halodule pinifolia at the deepest depths. Twenty species of penaeid prawns, nine of which are marketed
commercially, were sampled from the seagrass beds. Abundances of prawns of commercial species were
significantly greater on seagrass-covered substrata than on nonvegetated substrata. Overall, 5614 mostly
small or juvenile fish, representing 134 taxa, were sampled from seagrasses in Cairns Harbour. The
most numerous fish species were a goby, Yongeichthys criniger, and a pony fish, Leiognathus splendens.
Only 15 species were highly valued as recreational fish, and only 11 species were highly valued as
commercial fish. Of the fish species, five (4%) were highly valued species of both groups. The density
of fish on the seagrass beds was estimated to be 8809 fish ha-1.
Why are some prawns found in seagrass? An experimental study of brown (Penaeus esculentus) and grooved (P. semisulcatus) tiger prawns
Authors: Hill BJ , Wassenberg TJ
Published: November 2018

A laboratory-based study was made of the responses of juveniles (8 to 24 mm carapace length) and
adults (over 24 mm CL) of brown (Penaeus esculentus) and grooved (P. semisulcatus) tiger prawns to
two habitats: simulated seagrass and bare sand. At night, the brown tiger prawns spent about 80% of
their nonswimming time in seagrass, whereas the grooved tiger prawns spent equal amounts of time in
both habitats. In daylight (0830 to 0930 hours), the brown tiger prawns were found mainly in the
seagrass, with most of those larger than 15 mm CL buried in the substrate whereas smaller individuals
were divided equally between standing on the bottom, burying in the sand, or clinging to the seagrass,
mainly to the upper half of the fronds. Grooved tiger prawns between 15 and 25 mm CL were also
found mainly in seagrass in the morning, but both smaller and larger animals were found equally in
both habitats. Most grooved tiger prawns found in seagrass during the day were buried; few were
clinging to the seagrass or standing on the substrate. The results show that both species of tiger
prawns show preferences with respect to structures in their environment and that these preferences are
influenced by the size of the animals.
Exchange of trace elements at the sediment-water interface during early diagenesis processes
Authors: Petersen W , Wallman K , Pinglin L , Schroeder F , Knauth HD
Published: November 2018

The exchange processes at the sediment-water interface can significantly influence the transport of trace contaminants in a river. In order to investigate the importance of these processes in the tidal part of the River Elbe, a laboratory 'simulation' apparatus (LABOSI) was used that allows the incubation of undisturbed sediment cores with a relatively large area (1700 cm²) in a closed system under defined conditions (temperature, pH, pE, etc.). Together with measured depth profiles of the pore-water and the solids of the incubated cores before and after the experiment, this method allows all relevant processes to be investigated in all three phases (sediment, overlying water, gas) simultaneously.
Under oxic conditions, a flux of heavy metals (Cu, Cd , Zn) into the water phase was observed as a result of the mineralization of organic matter in the thin oxic layer of the sediment (thickness about 3 mm) as well as a flux of manganese caused by diffusion from deeper anoxic layers.
Up to 40% of Cd, Zn and Ni and 15% of Zn deposited in the sediment by settling of contaminated suspended particulate matter can be remobilized from the sediment surface by the processes of early diagenesis. Within 14 days, an enrichment of arsenic in the sediment surface caused by diffusion from deeper anoxic layers could be detected. Under anoxic conditions and when the other electron acceptors were consumed, Fe(II) was released and accompanied by a strong remobilization of As, Co and Cr and an accelerated release of Mn(II). This release was soon stopped when the water phase became oxic again, and the trace elements were removed from the water phase by co-precipitation andlor adsorption on the freshly formed hydrous ferric oxides.