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Soft corals from the Dendronephthya genus (family Nephtheidae) can change size over short periods by pumping water into their internal hydroskeletons. However, the drivers behind these size changes are not well understood. In a tidal-dominated estuary in eastern Australia, it was hypothesised that short-term changes in the size of Dendronephthya australis colonies occur in response to changes in tidal currents. This was tested by monitoring colonies over a period of several days using time-lapse photography. Colony extensions of up to 360 % were observed, and size changes exhibited a repeated pattern, with two maxima and two minima occurring in each tidal cycle, matching patterns in semi-diurnal tidal flows. A significant positive correlation between colony size and current velocity was identified, with size changes lagging currents. The results of the study provide valuable new information on the behaviour of D. australis and improve understanding of the environmental requirements for this species. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00227-015-2732-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users., Author(s): Tom R. Davis[sup.1] [sup.2] , David Harasti[sup.3] , Stephen D. A. Smith[sup.1] [sup.2] Author Affiliations: (1) National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, PO Box 4321, 2450, Coffs Harbour, [...]

The temperate soft coral Dendronephthya australis has been listed as Endangered in NSW, Australia, owing to its restricted geographic range, rapidly declining populations, and a number of escalating threats. Research to assess practical methods for aquarium cultivation of D. australis for rehabilitation of wild populations is considered a high priority.Previous attempts at restoration by transplanting D. australis fragments have had limited success, but identified key challenges, which included achieving attachment to substrates and identifying appropriate foods to maximize survival.This study presents the results of experiments promoting the attachment of cuttings (nubbins) removed from donor colonies to moveable substrates (small concrete discs). Using a balanced orthogonal experimental design, three feeding regimes were tested: live artemia, live rotifers and dry powdered zooplankton.Donor colony survival and growth were also monitored over a 6 month period in the field.An overall nubbin survival rate of 100% was achieved under all three feeding regimes. Attachment rates were similar across feeding treatments, although nubbin behavioural responses (percentage of open polyps before feeding) suggested some preference for live rotifers.The cutting removal process had no significant effect on donor colonies in the wild, indicating that this is a sustainable approach for restoration.Overall, this study substantially advances the methodology for maintaining an Endangered azooxanthellate soft coral in aquaria and provides valuable input for management programmes aimed at implementing transplantation into the wild to aid species recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

States that Helen Scheirbeck has been an educational advocate for American Indians in Washington D.C. and in various academic settings since the late 1960s. Reports that, in particular, she pushed for change in political and bureaucratic processes and attitudes to help American Indians exercise more sovereignty over their educational institutions. (PGS)

Examines the concept of the memex, use of the computer as a hypertext learning and teaching tool. Discusses the practical implication of this concept using the World Wide Web. Lists disadvantages such as lack of computer access, and keyboarding and outlining skills. (Author/JOW)

Used a content analysis of audiotapes of clinical supervisory sessions to examine the effect of supervisee gender (N=20) on the influence strategies used in the clinical supervisory dyad. Results indicate male supervisees were asked for their opinions more than twice as often as female supervisees. Discusses implications for supervisors. (RJM)