title: Characterisation of the TNF superfamily members CD40L and BAFF in the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula)

authors: Li, Ronggai

subjects: CD40L

abstract: The tumour necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF) members CD40L and BAFF play critical roles in mammalian B cell survival, proliferation and maturation, however little is known about these key cytokines in the oldest jawed vertebrates, the cartilaginous fishes. Here we report the cloning of CD40L and BAFF orthologues (designated ScCD40L and ScBAFF) in the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula). As predicted both proteins are type II membrane-bound proteins with a TNF homology domain in their extracellular region and both are highly expressed in shark immune tissues. ScCD40L transcript levels correlate with those of TCRα and transcription of both genes is modulated in peripheral blood leukocytes following in vitro stimulation. Although a putative CD40L orthologue was identified in the elephant shark genome the work herein is the first molecular characterisation and transcriptional analysis of CD40L in a cartilaginous fish. ScBAFF was also cloned and its transcription characterised in an attempt to resolve the discrepancies observed between spiny dogfish BAFF and bamboo shark BAFF in previously published studies.

text: Characterisation of the TNF superfamily members CD40L and BAFF in the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) The tumour necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF) members CD40L and BAFF play critical roles in mammalian B cell survival, proliferation and maturation, however little is known about these key cytokines in the oldest jawed vertebrates, the cartilaginous fishes. Here we report the cloning of CD40L and BAFF orthologues (designated ScCD40L and ScBAFF) in the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula). As predicted both proteins are type II membrane-bound proteins with a TNF homology domain in their extracellular region and both are highly expressed in shark immune tissues. ScCD40L transcript levels correlate with those of TCRα and transcription of both genes is modulated in peripheral blood leukocytes following in vitro stimulation. Although a putative CD40L orthologue was identified in the elephant shark genome the work herein is the first molecular characterisation and transcriptional analysis of CD40L in a cartilaginous fish. ScBAFF was also cloned and its transcription characterised in an attempt to resolve the discrepancies observed between spiny dogfish BAFF and bamboo shark BAFF in previously published studies.

year: 2015-11

title: Sedimentary processes building a tropical delta yesterday, today, and tomorrow: the Mekong System

authors: Nittrouer, Charles A.

abstract: River deltas are important for human habitation, commerce, food, and natural resources. Most terrestrial freshwater, dissolved substances, and suspended sediment supplied to the ocean pass through delta distributary channels. Transitions are complex as this river discharge moves through the serial environments of delta systems: tidal river, estuary, shoreline, continental shelf.

The bulk of Mekong sediment accumulates as a muddy clinoform deposit on the shallow continental shelf (<20–25 m water depth), which forms the foundation over which the subaerial delta surface has grown for the past ~8,000 years. The Song Hau distributary channel, the target of this investigation, receives ~40% of the Mekong discharge and transfers the majority of it to the adjacent shelf during high flow of the river (July–November). Some of the sediment is returned to the channel and to the mangrove shoreline during low flow of the river (December–April). The sediment reentering the channel is mostly mud, deposited by estuarine processes, that temporarily buries the channel bed and interrupts sand transfer to the coastal ocean.

Trapping of sediment supplied to the shoreline of the island, Cu Lao Dung, at the Song Hau mouth, is enhanced by the roughness from dense mangrove roots extending above the bed. Shoreline progradation is asymmetric with the most rapid sediment accumulation (~5 cm yr–1) in the southwestern portion of the island, and the distribution of mangroves is linked to this sedimentation pattern. About one-third of Mekong sediment discharge accumulates in the shelf clinoform near the mouths of the distributary channels, with the greatest accumulation rates (>10 cm yr–1) in the relatively steep foreset region. Intense landward and southwestward currents transport the other two-thirds of Mekong discharge during energetic shelf conditions (December–April). These sediments create a relatively shallow clinoform structure, cause the delta to grow asymmetrically toward the southwest, and form the Ca Mau Peninsula.

In the future, these same natural processes will operate under different conditions. Construction of many dams within the drainage basin (>200 constructed or approved) and the impacts of climate change (i.e., alterations in monsoonal conditions) will significantly decrease Mekong River discharge. In addition, the delta land surface will be flooded due to acceleration of eustatic sea level rise and local land subsidence. Together, loss of river discharge and rise of local sea level will cause many secondary impacts, including erosion of distributary channels, ocean shorelines, and the shelf seabed; saltwater intrusion farther into the channels, along with transfer of associated estuarine processes; and decreased supply of freshwater and solutes, including nutrients, to the coastal ocean. The collaborative research among international and Vietnamese scientists described in this special issue of Oceanography provides an integrated understanding of the Mekong Delta system, and could help formulate strategies to enhance the resiliency of the system and its ability to cope with future impacts.

text: Sedimentary processes building a tropical delta yesterday, today, and tomorrow: the Mekong System River deltas are important for human habitation, commerce, food, and natural resources. Most terrestrial freshwater, dissolved substances, and suspended sediment supplied to the ocean pass through delta distributary channels. Transitions are complex as this river discharge moves through the serial environments of delta systems: tidal river, estuary, shoreline, continental shelf.

The bulk of Mekong sediment accumulates as a muddy clinoform deposit on the shallow continental shelf (<20–25 m water depth), which forms the foundation over which the subaerial delta surface has grown for the past ~8,000 years. The Song Hau distributary channel, the target of this investigation, receives ~40% of the Mekong discharge and transfers the majority of it to the adjacent shelf during high flow of the river (July–November). Some of the sediment is returned to the channel and to the mangrove shoreline during low flow of the river (December–April). The sediment reentering the channel is mostly mud, deposited by estuarine processes, that temporarily buries the channel bed and interrupts sand transfer to the coastal ocean.

Trapping of sediment supplied to the shoreline of the island, Cu Lao Dung, at the Song Hau mouth, is enhanced by the roughness from dense mangrove roots extending above the bed. Shoreline progradation is asymmetric with the most rapid sediment accumulation (~5 cm yr–1) in the southwestern portion of the island, and the distribution of mangroves is linked to this sedimentation pattern. About one-third of Mekong sediment discharge accumulates in the shelf clinoform near the mouths of the distributary channels, with the greatest accumulation rates (>10 cm yr–1) in the relatively steep foreset region. Intense landward and southwestward currents transport the other two-thirds of Mekong discharge during energetic shelf conditions (December–April). These sediments create a relatively shallow clinoform structure, cause the delta to grow asymmetrically toward the southwest, and form the Ca Mau Peninsula.

In the future, these same natural processes will operate under different conditions. Construction of many dams within the drainage basin (>200 constructed or approved) and the impacts of climate change (i.e., alterations in monsoonal conditions) will significantly decrease Mekong River discharge. In addition, the delta land surface will be flooded due to acceleration of eustatic sea level rise and local land subsidence. Together, loss of river discharge and rise of local sea level will cause many secondary impacts, including erosion of distributary channels, ocean shorelines, and the shelf seabed; saltwater intrusion farther into the channels, along with transfer of associated estuarine processes; and decreased supply of freshwater and solutes, including nutrients, to the coastal ocean. The collaborative research among international and Vietnamese scientists described in this special issue of Oceanography provides an integrated understanding of the Mekong Delta system, and could help formulate strategies to enhance the resiliency of the system and its ability to cope with future impacts.

year: 2017

title: Pushing the process: A whānau journey through the Treaty of Waitangi claims process

authors: Harrison, Reece David

subjects: Whanau Claims

abstract: This thesis follows the journey of a Whānau (ngā uri a Arama Whakatau) in its Claim to the Waitangi Tribunal under the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1986. In particular, it looks at inter-Whānau dynamics before, during and after the Claims process. The connections to the claimant area through whakapapa and establishing ahi kaa rights are identified, as are problems faced by lodging a Claim at the Whānau level. Aspects of inter-Whānau, inter-Hapū and inter-iwi politics are considered along with Crown agencies' processes. The primary question posed in the thesis is whether a Whānau Claim is the more appropriate avenue compared to making a Claim through the Hapū or iwi. However, the inter-Whānau dynamics are the core focus of the thesis in this 'warts-and-all' discussion from the perspective of the participant-observer.

text: Pushing the process: A whānau journey through the Treaty of Waitangi claims process This thesis follows the journey of a Whānau (ngā uri a Arama Whakatau) in its Claim to the Waitangi Tribunal under the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1986. In particular, it looks at inter-Whānau dynamics before, during and after the Claims process. The connections to the claimant area through whakapapa and establishing ahi kaa rights are identified, as are problems faced by lodging a Claim at the Whānau level. Aspects of inter-Whānau, inter-Hapū and inter-iwi politics are considered along with Crown agencies' processes. The primary question posed in the thesis is whether a Whānau Claim is the more appropriate avenue compared to making a Claim through the Hapū or iwi. However, the inter-Whānau dynamics are the core focus of the thesis in this 'warts-and-all' discussion from the perspective of the participant-observer.

year: 2007