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Abstract In order to establish a successful method for the transplantation of branching and tabular coral fragments, we tested the effects of orientations of attachment, seasons of transplantation, and size of fragments on survival, growth, and spawning using Acropora formosa and A. hyacinthus. Vertically attached, large-sized fragments of A. formosa showed 98100% survival rate after 18months. The fragments transplanted in August exhibited better survival than those transplanted in November. The larger fragments had the higher percentage of spawning. The fragments that spawned had lower growth rate, while those resorbed the oocytes carried at the time of transplantation showed higher growth rate, suggesting the trade-off between growth and reproduction. Half of the fragments spawned 1month earlier than the donor colonies. Only the vertically attached fragments of A. hyacinthus fused to the substratum, and those transplanted in February showed 100% survival rate after 14months, indicating that this species is well suited for transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there is a great deal of evidence to show that supplementary feeding by humans in terrestrial environments causes pronounced changes in the distribution and behaviour of wild animals, at present very little is known about the potential for such effects on marine fish. This study evaluated the consequences of feeding by snorkellers on fish assemblages in the no-take area of the Ustica Island marine protected area (MPA; western Mediterranean) by (1) determining if reef fish assemblage structure is affected in space and time by tourists feeding the fish; (2) assessing the effects of feeding on the abundance of the most common fish species; and (3) assessing the effects of feeding on the size structure of the two most numerically dominant ones. In particular, we hypothesised that both the abundance and the size structure of some fish species would increase at the study site following supplementary feeding, since the additional food provided by humans would make the site more appealing to them. Fish feeding influenced the fish assemblages within the Ustica MPA, and significant spatio-temporal changes occurred. While fish feeding appeared to have no effect on the ornate wrasseThalassoma pavo, there was a noticeable increase in the number ofOblada melanuraandEpinephelus marginatusin the impacted location after feeding. It is very likely that aggregations of fishes that evolve as a result of fish feeding by the public may have negative effects on local populations of fishes and invertebrates that make up their prey. Recreational use of coastal areas and MPAs is increasing elsewhere, making fish feeding a generalised human activity. Accurate information about its effect on the fish assemblage is essential to make responsible management decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic rates provide a valuable means to assess the condition of early life stages of scleractinians, but their small biomass creates a signal-to-noise problem in a confined respirometer. To avoid this problem, measurements of the oxygen diffusion boundary layer (DBL) and Fick’s first law were used to calculate the respiration rate of coenosarc tissue on recruits (i.e., colonies 5-14 mm diameter) ofPorites lutea(Edwards and Haime, 1860) exposed to two temperatures at a flow speed of 0.6 cm s-1. All experiments were completed in Moorea, French Polynesia, between November and December 2003. At 26.8°C, the DBL was 565±55 µm thick, the oxygen saturation adjacent to the tissue was 80±3%, and the mean respiration of the coenosarc was 1.2±0.1 µl O2 cm-2 h-1 (all values mean ± SE,n=10). Exposure to 29.7°C for 24-48 h did not affect the DBL thickness but significantly reduced the oxygen saturation adjacent to the tissue (to 74%) and increased the mean respiration rate by 35%. As the small corals differed slightly in size, in a uniform flow speed they experienced dissimilar flow environments as characterized by the Reynolds number (Re), thereby creating the opportunity to test the flow dependency of respiration. At 26.8°C, respiration and Re were unrelated, but at 29.7°C, the relationship was positive and statistically significant. Thus, respiration of small corals may not be mass transfer limited at low temperature, but relatively small increases in temperature may result in an increased metabolic rate leading to mass transfer limitation and flow-dependent rates of respiration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial models of genetic structure and potential gene flow were determined for five populations ofBalanophyllia europaea, a simultaneous hermaphroditic and brooding coral, endemic to the Mediterranean. Six allozyme loci indicated a genetic structure that departed markedly from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, with a significant lack of heterozygotes. The genetic structure observed supports the hypothesis that self-fertilisation characterises the reproductive biology ofB.europaea. Populations at small spatial scales (8-40 m) are genetically connected, while those at large scales (36-1,941 km) are genetically fragmented; the genetic differentiation of the populations is not correlated to geographic separation. This spatial model of genetic structure is compatible with an inbreeding mating system. Furthermore, it is also consistent with the expected dispersal potential of swimming larvae of brooding corals, i.e. larvae that are able to produce significant gene flows only within limited spatial scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colonial epifauna are vulnerable to the effects of bottom fishing, but impacts on the life histories of these non-target animals have not been examined extensively. Dredging potentially impairs sexual reproduction by invoking regeneration and induces clonality by severing colonies or through the abortion of damaged modules. This study investigated the potential for commercial-scale scallop dredging to alter sexual and asexual (“clonal”) reproduction in the hydroidSertularia cupressina. In total, 1,071 colonies from 104 epizoic microhabitats (upper valves of live scallops relatively undisturbed by fishing) and 75 epilithic microhabitats (cobbles more severely disturbed by fishing) were collected from 53 to 94-m depths in the Bay of Fundy (Atlantic Canada). Colony abundance, injury frequency (proportion of colonies with sealed, snapped off stems), percentage of fertile colonies and sexual fecundity (number of gonophores and gonophore dimensions) were measured on all substrata. Ten randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers were used to estimate clonal diversity. Field experiments found no significant effect of microhabitat differences between scallop and cobble substrata on fecundity and clonality inS. cupressina, while experimentally-induced injuries suppressed the percent of fertile colonies. On the fishing grounds, colonies on scallop valves were more abundant and sexually fertile than their counterparts on cobble, and all were sexually derived. In contrast, colonies on cobbles had a greater percentage of injury, were less fertile and were frequently clonally-derived. Impacts of fishing-related injuries on reproduction in colonial epifauna have been overlooked, yet the long-term consequences of such impacts could result in reduced adaptability, recruitment and recovery potential of these and dependent organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify faunal overlap between a seagrass bed and adjacent coral and sand areas, and the number of reef fishes utilizing the seagrass bed as juvenile habitat, visual censuses were conducted at Amitori Bay, Iriomote Island, Japan. The numbers of species and individuals of fishes were significantly higher in the coral area than in the seagrass bed and sand area. Cluster and ordination analyses based on the number of individuals of each species demonstrated that the fish assemblage structure differed among the three habitats in each season, but with some overlaps. Approximately half the seagrass bed fishes occurred in the adjacent coral area (coral–seagrass species). Dominant species of coral–seagrass species utilized the seagrass bed as an important juvenile habitat. Thus, some overlaps in habitat use were present between the seagrass bed and adjacent coral area. Despite such overlaps, however, coral–seagrass species accounted for only approximately 15% of coral reef fishes overall, indicating that most of the latter hardly utilize the seagrass bed directly in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: The tourniquet syndrome describes severe strangulations of appendages by hair, cotton or similar material mainly observed in young infants. The painful swellings of digits or external genitals are surgical emergencies because the strangulation can cause ischaemia and tissue necrosis. More than 100 cases of the tourniquet syndrome have been reported in most of which the aetiology was unclear. We have treated five patients with a tourniquet syndrome. Four of them presented with strangulations of one or more toes by hair or threads and one girl was diagnosed with a clitoral tourniquet syndrome. In each case the strangulating material could be removed in time avoiding permanent damage. The lack of any reasonable explanation and the meticulous wrapping made a non-accidental course very likely. Due to the lack of convincing explanations in our cases as well as in most of those described in the literature, we suggest that the tourniquet syndrome is often the result of child abuse, an aetiology overlooked for decades.Conclusion: the tourniquet syndrome in childhood should be included in the list of possible forms of child abuse and should be considered as a differential diagnosis until another aetiology can be convincingly proven. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reproductive patterns were studied in closely related coral species of the genus Madracis on Curaao, Netherlands Antilles. Gonadal development of six sympatric species was examined over a 13-month period. Reproductive differences among Madracis species are small. All species are hermaphroditic brooders and show similar patterns in gamete development. Timing of gamete maturation is positively correlated with seawater temperature in all species. Oocyte development typically begins in June and precedes the development of spermaries. Mature gametes, male and female, are present from August to November when seawater temperatures reach their yearly maximum. Developmental pathways for male and female gametes are identical among species. Interspecific differences exist in the number and size of oocytes. Our data indicates that differences in gametogenic development between closely related, but ecologically different subspecies are small or absent and do not necessarily match with species separations based on morphological criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of sedimentation on coral–algal interactions was studied by monitoring tissue mortality and radial growth in two coral species, Colpophyllia natans and Siderastrea siderea, over a continuum of sediment input intensities. This study sets out to investigate (1) whether sedimentation can facilitate algal overgrowth of corals and (2) whether this was a significant cause of coral mortality. Over a 15-month period, 198 coral colonies were tagged and photographed at six sites along two replicate gradients of sediment input, spanning high inputs near river mouths to low inputs at exposed headlands. Photographs were taken so that they covered the interface between colonies and algae. Radial growth was measured along colony edges in contact with algae and unaffected by tissue loss from causes other than competition with algae. To establish whether algal overgrowth was a significant cause of coral mortality, tissue mortality on the colony surface area visible in the photographs was related to different causes, including sediment smothering, disease, and algal overgrowth. Radial growth became negative with increasing proximity to river mouths in C. natans and remained negative or close to zero throughout the gradients in S. siderea, overall suggesting that sedimentation can facilitate algal overgrowth on corals. However, the analysis of tissue mortality revealed that algal overgrowth was a relatively minor cause of tissue loss. In contrast, the most important cause of coral mortality in relation to sedimentation was from sediment smothering, probably during intense episodes of deposition associated with heavy rainfall. We conclude that sedimentation may lead to reef degradation by causing coral mortality through sediment smothering and burial, and then by suppressing the regrowth of surviving adult colonies through increased competition with algae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broadcast spawning of gametes with planktonic development of larvae is the most common reproductive mode in tropical corals, and is generally thought to optimize the dispersal potential of larvae. To this end, many previous studies of coral larval dispersal have focused on the maximum time larvae can remain competent to settle and consequently how far they might disperse. However, dispersal ability of broadcast-spawned coral larvae will be linked, at least in part, to the minimum time to settlement competency as well as the length of the planktonic period—although estimates of minimum time to competency remain largely anecdotal, with few rigorous studies of the pre-competent period. To determine the minimum time to larval settlement in two species of broadcast-spawning coral ( Platygyra daedalea and Goniastrea favulus), we monitored larval settlement rates in aquaria every 6 h from the time larvae commenced swimming (i.e. were ciliated, fully developed larvae) for a period of approximately 10 days. For P. daedalea, peak settlement occurred between 60 and 66 h following fertilization (2.5 and 2.75 days), which is markedly earlier than the 4- to 6-day time period commonly cited as the minimum time before broadcast-spawned coral larvae are competent to settle. Surprisingly, it was also clear from our experimental results that settlement in P. daedalea occurred as a distinct pulse during the 60- to 66-h period, rather than continuously throughout the study period. G. favulus larvae also appear to be able to settle quickly (from 54 h following fertilization). We argue, on the basis of these short competency times and apparently rapid settlement, that dispersal in broadcast-spawning coral larvae may not be as great as has previously been assumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photosynthetic, growth, and reproductive characters for colonies of the massive coral Montastraea faveolata were measured at 3-m-depth and 18-m-depth populations in the Florida Keys in 1993 to investigate reproductive behavior across depth. I tested the hypothesis that reproductive traits would exhibit depth-related decreases similar to those documented for photosynthetically derived energy availability and growth rate. Colonies at the 18 m site had significantly reduced access to photosynthetically derived energy compared to colonies at 3 m depth. Linear skeletal extension rates were also reduced at the deep site (mean±SE; 3 m: 6.13 mm year-1±0.35; 18 m: 3.44 mm year-1±0.36; P<0.001). Contrary to expectations, depth did not affect most reproductive characters. Reproductive allocation, the amount of lipid invested in reproduction, was similar between depths (3 m: 3.74 mg lipid cm-2±0.55; 18 m: 3.88 mg lipid cm-2±0.62; P<0.8). Reproductive effort, the proportion of total lipid invested in reproduction, was also similar between sites (3 m: 41.4%±4.7; 18 m: 47.3%±7.12; P<0.163). Colonies within a depth did differ significantly in many gametic characteristics including eggs per gonad, total egg area, spermary area, total gonad area, and male allocation (the proportion of total gonad area invested in spermary tissue), but only total egg area differed between depths, and this was greater at 18 m (3 m: 55.63 μm2×104±4.76; 18 m: 60.51 μm2×104±3.41; P<0.035). Colonies at the two sites had similar polyp fecundity (egg production per polyp); however, a difference in polyp density between sites (3 m: 5.56 polyps cm-2±0.21; 18 m: 4.87 polyps cm-2±0.15; P<0.028) resulted in a significant reduction in area fecundity (egg production per square centimeter) at the 18 m site (3 m: 554 eggs cm-2±27.9; 18 m: 422 eggs cm-2±31.0; P<0.045). Thus, there was a depth-related fecundity cost arising from a change in colony architecture (i.e. polyp spacing) rather than a direct effect of depth on the number of eggs produced per polyp. Egg production per gonad was positively correlated between 1993 and 1994 (r=0.540, P<0.05), indicating that other reproductive characteristics may also be stable between years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reproductive biology and its seasonality were examined in the deep-water, solitary coral Fungiacyathus marenzelleri from 2,200 m depth in the NE Atlantic, using histological techniques. A total of 186 corals were collected using either an Otter trawl (semi-balloon) or Agassiz trawl from the research vessel RRS Challenger between 1979 and 1991. All individuals were gonochoric, with all 48 mesenteries being fertile. A high fecundity was recorded (2,892 -44.4 oocytes per polyp) with strong size-dependency. This species is a quasi-continuous reproducer with overlapping gametogenesis for both spermacysts and oocytes. No planulae were observed and broadcasting of gametes is inferred, with the large egg size (max. 750-μm diameter) suggesting lecithotrophic development. There is a non-significant trend towards a synchronous spawning event during June/July. Asexual fission was observed, though in low numbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the sexual reproduction of Brazilian coral Mussismilia hispida. Amount of vitelline material and peripheral germ vesicle; Pattern of sexual reproduction in scleractinian corals; Presence of brooded larvae in the solitary Scolymia wellsi.

Deals with a study which investigated the effects of temperature on success of self and non-self fertilization and embryogenesis in Diploria strigosa. Overview on the growth and survival of adult scleractinian corals; Materials and methods; Results of the study.

Between September 1996 and March 1999, a total of 135 fish species in 43 families were recorded from the mangrove estuary of Sikao Creek, Trang Province, Thailand, using two sizes of beach seine and a bag net. A checklist of the species is given, with preliminary descriptions of their assemblage structure. In terms of the number of species per family, Gobiidae was the most diverse (28 species), followed by Leiognathidae (11 species) and Engraulidae (10 species). In terms of individual numbers, Engraulidae, Leiognathidae and Ambassidae were the most dominant, whereby the 20 most abundant species comprised 88.5% of the total number of individuals collected. The fish assemblage structure was compared with published accounts of other tropical Indo-West Pacific mangrove estuaries, and found to be similar to those of tropical Australia. Although a grater number of species were recorded from Sikao Creek than in comparable studies in other geographic regions, all of the studies were similar in that they have relatively few species that are clearly dominant in abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the changes in taxonomic composition and trophic guild structure of an estuarine fish assemblage over three temporal scales. Two-stage process of analyzing the temporal variation in taxonomic composition and trophic guild structure; Definition of trophic guilds; Monthly and spring/neap tidal cycle differences in taxonomic composition and trophic guild structure; Flood and ebb tidal differences in taxonomic composition and trophic guild structure.

Examines the timing and process of entry of zooxanthellae into oocytes of hermatypic corals. Process of zooxanthellae entry; Mechanism of transfer from follicle cells to oocytes.

Introduced species frequently undergo rapid evolutionary change in ecologically important traits that may strongly influence their performance in their introduced range. But for many introduced species, and particularly those in marine systems, the spatial and temporal dimensions of this evolutionary change are largely unknown. In this study, I conducted a common garden transplant experiment using replicate clones of an introduced tunicate, Botrylloides sp., collected from three sites in the southern Gulf of Maine to test for differential growth and survival in response to local thermal regimes. This species has a restricted larval development period, which may permit significant population differentiation over relatively small spatial scales. I found dramatic among-site differences in survival rates: tunicates collected from both the transplant site and from a distant northern site had high survival, while those collected from a southern site experienced 100% mortality. The most likely cause of this differential mortality was an anomalous upwelling event that produced some of the coldest mid-summer temperatures in the last 10 years based on NOAA weather buoy data. I also found significant differences in growth rates among sites as well as among clones within a site in comparison with growth-rate differences within clones. An estimate of broad-sense heritability based on these data was consistent with a genetic basis for among-site differences in growth rates, which were strongly predictive of subsequent mortality. I conclude that this species has undergone significant evolutionary change that has resulted in population differentiation with respect to temperature tolerances among sites separated by <60 km. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on two different case study methods, Harvard Case Method (HCM) and McAleer Interactive Case Analysis (MICA). Case discussion is a pedagogical technique that is frequently used in a variety of business courses. One survey showed that about 94% of instructors use it at least to a slight extent in undergraduate business policy/strategy courses. However, very few empirical studies have examined the effectiveness of the discussion method in achieving the intended objectives. Relying on anecdotal evidence, some authors have supported its use whereas others have reported on the problems arising out of the predominant method of case discussion and have doubted its effectiveness. We have attempted to introduce a measure of rigor into this stream of work by systematically comparing alternate methods. The analysis shows that students in the MICA method section reported better preparation and participation benefits as compared with students in the HCM method. In addition, students in the MICA class were better able to identify the main focus of the cases discussed, showing that they were able to better recall the content issues involved in the case discussion. Thus, on both counts of content and process, the MICA method appears superior. Successful implementation of HCM gives the instructor an active role in the class, calling on several skills including the ability to listen, ask appropriate questions to facilitate discussion, and later, recall the class session accurately for evaluation purposes.

Reports on the temporal recruitment pattern of brachyuran larvae in a mangrove system in Ranong Province, Thailand. Abundance and composition of Ocypodidae, Metaplax, Grapsidae and Portunidae in plankton samples; Settlement pattern of Metaplax and ocypodids; Distribution of ocypodids during the diel cycle on five different sample dates.

Presents information on a study which examined tissue regeneration in the coral Fungia granulosa. Susceptibility of corals to damage; Effects of intrinsic and extrinsic factors; Methodology of the study; Discussion on the results of the study.

Focuses on the fragmentation of colonies of the branching coral Pocillopora damicornis to determine the number and size of planula larvae released during one lunar reproductive cycle. Total number of planulae released per coral colony; Factors causing repeated breakage of corals.

Presents a study aimed at the evaluation of the potentiality for restoration use of different types of small fragments subcloned from the Red Sea coral species Stylophora pistillata. Materials and methods; Results and discussion.

Presents a study which examined the reproductive ecology of two eastern Pacific zooxanthellate coral species. Materials and methods; Results and discussion.

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Presents information on a study which examined the gametogenic cycle size-dependent colony fecundity and gonad production among the Caribbean gorgonian Pseudoplexaura porosa colonies. Methodology of the study; Results and discussion on the study.

Describes corals in a non-reef setting in the southern part of the Arabian Gulf.

Presents information on a study which examined the sexual reproduction in the coral of Pocillopora verrucosa (P. verrucosa) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methodology of the study; Oocyte development; Fecundity and reproductive activity of P. verrucosa.

Presents information on a study that summarized the reproductive characteristics of Red Sea scleractinian species. Methodology of the study; Patterns of sexual development; Data collection and analysis.

Focuses on the study of sexual reproduction in the azooxanthellate octocoral Dendronephthya hemprichi Klunzinger. When the study began; Where was it studied; Information on D. hemprichi; Features of the gonads; Observation of gamete released; Reproductive features of D. hemprichi.

Focuses on the morphologically variable reef coral previously known as Montastraea annularis, which has been separated into three species. How has it been separated; Investigation of the proposed reclassification; Details on a reciprocal intra- and inter-specifc fertilization experiments; Information on the separation.

The type and frequency of reproduction of three common sponge species was monitored histologically and by direct field observations of spawning events over 2 successive years at the reefs of Curaçao. Ircinia strobilina showed year round reproductive activity by the production of spermatic cysts in varying intensities in a major part of the population. Production of oocytes and larvae were only observed in the period from September through April, indicating an actual breeding season of 8 months a year. The sexes in this viviparous sponge seem to be separate, but protandry cannot be ruled out. Less than 10% of the sponge tissue was found to consist of reproductive elements. Neofibularia nolitangere is a gonochoristic oviparous sponge with a short annual breeding season of 2 months, in which two successive, highly predictable, short spawning periods occurred synchronously for the whole population. Up to half of the sponge tissue was transformed to reproductive elements. Agelas clathrodes showed low reproductive activity. Field observation suggests that this sponge is an oviparous hermaphrodite, probably annually releasing male and female gametes synchronously in a varying number of individuals of its population during a short breeding period. The variation in reproductive patterns in this small group of large massive coral reef sponges spans a range similar to that found in the morphologically highly variable group of stony corals and illustrates their ecological differentiation on the reef. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scleractinian corals in the genus Porites are slow growing, can live for centuries, and can attain great size. In these respects they differ from the majority of coral species, which grow faster and live for years to decades. The predatory starfish Acanthaster planci L. feeds on a wide range of coral species including Porites spp., and during outbreaks in its populations, causes high coral mortality and injury over much of the affected reefs. Because they are slow growing and because recent outbreaks of the starfish occurred only 15 years apart, it may be argued that the Porites populations on affected reefs will be sent into a period of prolonged decline. The present study uses a size stage model of the transition matrix type to predict effects of starfish outbreaks of various frequencies on Porites populations. A transition matrix characterizing the mortality and injury caused in different Porites size classes at John Brewer Reef during an 'outbreak' year was determined from field data. Transition matrices for 'non-outbreak' years were constructed on the basis of realistic growth rates and postulated survivorship and recruitment schedules. The medium term (∼100 years) effects of outbreaks were simulated by alternation of a single iteration of the outbreak matrix with many iterations of each non-outbreak matrix. By varying the interval between simulated outbreaks it was possible to define combinations of growth rate, survivorship and recruitment which were viable for various outbreak intervals. Simulations based on estimates of the initial size frequency distribution, recruitment rates and colony growth rates for the John Brewer Reef population predicted that the population would remain viable in the face of outbreaks every 15 years only if juvenile and adult survivorship were high. However, within the range of colony growth rates known to occur throughout the Great Barrier Reef and at recruitment rates of the same order as those estimated in the field population, it appears that a much wider range of survivorship schedules could lead to parity or even sustained growth in the face of outbreaks recurring at intervals of from 1 to 3 decades. It is suggested that because the key measurable parameters (initial size structure, damage characteristics, recruitment rate and growth rate) are likely to be very patchy at the scale of whole reefs, no general statement concerning the prognosis for Porites would be meaningful. However the model provides a tool by which a standardized evaluation of this type of field data may be made on a reef by reef basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Embryogenesis and larval development were documented in 19 species of hermatypic scleractinians which release gametes during the summer coral spawning season on the Great Barrier Reef. Cleavage of fertilized eggs began approximately 2 h after spawning in all species, and gave rise to blastulae after 7-10 h. Endoderm formation in Platygyra sinensis was by invagination, and this appeared to occur in all species studied. All species observed at 36 h after spawing were mobile and full mobility was reached by 48 h. Settlement of planulae placed in aquaria occurred between 4 and 7 days after fertilization. These results suggest that larval corals produced by most gamete-releasing coral species are likely to be dispersed away from the parent reef. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last decade has seen a resurgence of interest in the processes of sexual reproduction by scleractinian reef corals. Earlier investigations had focused fortuitously on brooding (planulating) species, which resulted in the general misconception that brooding was the main form of larval development of reef corals. More recent work on Indo-Pacific species has shown broadcast spawning and short annual reproductive periods to predominate. This report presents the reproductive patterns of eleven Caribbean coral species and attempts to explain the adaptive features and selective pressures that have led to the evolution of the four reproductive patterns described to date: (a) hermaphroditic broadcasters; (b) gonochoric broadcasters; (c) hermaphroditic broadcasters; (b) gonochoric brooders. Both (a) and (b) correlate with large colony size and short annual spawning periods; and (c) and (d) correlate with small colony size, multiple planulating cycles per year, and occupation of unstable habitats. Selection for outcrossing between long-lived individuals is proposed as the reason for gonochorism and for synchronous spawning of hermaphroditic broadcasters, and also for the large amount of sperm produced by hermaphroditic brooders. Selection for high rates of local recruitment is proposed as the force behind the evolution of brooding by species inhabiting unstable habitats and suffering high rates of adult mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High densities of eggs and larvae of scleractinian corals were found in plankton samples after mass, multi-specific spawnings on inshore high island fringing reefs in the central Great Barrier Reef region. Immediately after spawning, vertical stratification was observed with eggs concentrated on the surface. Larvae were found to be distributed vertically and horizontally within 12 hours of spawning. Larval development over the subsequent 6-7 days was associated with an increase in the length/width ratios of larvae and their volumes. Influxes of mature larvae onto the study reef were observed 3-6 days after spawning. The relative success of the sampling in relation to other reports in the literature, and the future for more informed work on the larval ecology of corals are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper brings together widely scattered information on sexual reproduction in scleractinian corals. It includes a review of information and ideas on sex determination, gametogenesis, gametogenic cycles, fertilization and embryonic development, spawning and planula release, larval behavior, settlement and metamorphosis. The review deals with corals from different habitats and organismic assemblages, including tropical reef corals, temperate water corals, solitary and colonial forms. A summary table of coral species and their known reproductive characteristics is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reproductive ecology of four scleractinian species, Lobophyllia corymbosa, Favia favus, Porties lutea and Porites australiensis was studied for two years on a patch reef near Lizard Island. Two major reproductive patterns were found: L. corymbosa and F. favus were simultaneous hermaphrodites and released gametes over several days in summer; and P. lutea, and P. australiensis were dioecious and released gametes over several weeks to several months respectively, in summer. Three of the four species spawned predominantly in the lunar period between the full and last quarter moon. In all four species, ovaries began developing several months earlier than testes. Number of ova per colony varied greatly amongst the species and was inversely related to mature egg size. The results presented here contrast with earlier assumptions of almost uniform viviparity of corals and supports the generalization that a brief annual spawning period with larvae developing externally may prove to be the dominant form of sexual reproduction in hermatypic corals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circulating hairs or threads may cause hair-thread tourniquet syndrome in babies and mentally retarded individuals. Although it is mostly seen in the fingers and toes, it can be seen in the penis, clitoris, and labium and uvula. It may result in loss of the limb if it’s not recognized early and is not treated correctly. In this study, the case of the second toe of the left foot was presented. Eight month old boy presented with complaints of restlessness and crying for 2 days. Physical examination revealed a constrictive band surrounding the proximal phalanx second toe of the left foot. There was no evidence of child abuse from the family history. It is recommended to make a longitudinal deep incision where there is coiling of the finger. Wrapped hair thread were removed and treated with a small and deep incision dorsally under local anesthesia as described by Serrour. Amoxicillin clavulanic acid was given orally as antibiotic. The wound was healed without any problem by dressing with antibiotic creams for 10 days. In conclusion, it is important to keep this syndrome in mind in patients presenting with the mentioned complaints, in terms of diagnosis and recovery of limb with early treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broadcast spawning by corals is a tightly synchronized process characterized by co-ordinated gamete release within 30-60 min time windows once per year. In shallow water corals, annual water temperature cycles set the month, lunar periodicity the day, and sunset time the hour of spawning. This tight temporal regulation is critical for achieving high fertilization rates in a pelagic environment. Given the differences in light and temperature that occur with depth and the importance of these parameters in regulating spawn timing, it has been unclear whether deeper coral can respond to the same environmental cues that regulate spawning behaviour in shallower coral. In this report, a remotely operated vehicle was used to monitor coral spawning activity at the Flower Garden Banks at depths from 33 to 45 m. Three species Montastraea cavernosa, Montastraea franksi, and Diploria strigosa were documented spawning within this depth range. All recorded spawning events were within the same temporal windows as shallower conspecifics. These data indicate that deep corals at this location either sense the same environmental parameters, despite local attenuation, or communicate with shallower colonies that can sense such spawning cues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The "toe tourniquet syndrome" is the circumferential strangulation by human hair or fibers of one or more toes in infants, which may induce prolonged ischemic injury and tissue necrosis. Release of the strangulation is mandatory to avoid autoamputation of the digit. We recently encountered several incompletely treated cases and would like to emphasize the effective method of treatment.Methods: A retrospective analysis of pediatric emergency department records of patients treated for "toe tourniquet syndrome" during 1990 to 2001 was performed. Patients undergo a short, longitudinal, deep incision over the area of strangulation on the dorsal aspect of the toe, until the phalanx bone, which allows the complete section of the constricting fibers to be removed without injury to the anatomical structures of the toe.Results: Twenty-one infants (12 boys and nine girls), aged 0-11 months (average 4.6 months), were treated for tourniquet syndrome of one (15 infants) or two (six patients) toes. In 12 patients (57.1%) the right foot was involved. Eight patients (38.1%) had undergone an attempt in the previous few days to release constriction. No complications were encountered.Conclusion: The above-described technique is simple and safe and secures the complete release of the strangulation by removal of all hairs or fibers without injury to the anatomical structures of the toe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reef restoration efforts, utilising sexual coral propagation need up-scaling to have ecologically meaningful impact. Post-settlement survival bottlenecks, in part due to competitive benthic algae interactions should be addressed, to improve productivity for these initiatives. Sea urchins are keystone grazers in reef ecosystems, yet feeding behaviour of adults causes physical damage and mortality to developing coral spat. To investigate if microherbivory can be utilised for co-culture, we quantitatively assessed how varying densities of juvenile sea urchins Mespilia globulus (Linnaeus, 1758), reared alongside the coral Acropora millepora (Ehrenberg, 1834) effected survival and growth of coral recruits. Spawning of both species were induced ex situ. A comparison of A. millepora spat reared in three M. globulus densities (low 16.67 m−2, medium 37.50 m−2, high 75.00 m−2) and a non-grazed control indicated coral survival is significantly influenced by grazing activity (p < 0.001) and was highest in the highest density treatment (39.65 ± 10.88%, mean ± s.d). Urchin grazing also significantly (p < 0.001) influenced coral size (compared to non-grazing control), with colonies in the medium and high-densities growing the largest (21.13 ± 1.02 mm & 20.80 ± 0.82, mean ± s.e.m). Increased urchin density did however have a negative influence on urchin growth, a result of limited food availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Describes a case of hair/thread tourniquet syndrome, which is characterized by the encircling of one or more fingers or toes by a human hair or a piece of thread. Clinical signs and symptoms; Conditions that result in hair wrapping around an appendage; Differential diagnosis of digital annular constriction; Treatment options.

Thermally induced bleaching has caused a global decline in corals and the frequency of such bleaching events will increase. Thermal bleaching severely disrupts the trophic behaviour of the coral holobiont, reducing the photosynthetically derived energy available to the coral host. In the short term this reduction in energy transfer from endosymbiotic algae results in an energy deficit for the coral host. If the bleaching event is short-lived then the coral may survive this energy deficit by depleting its lipid reserves, or by increasing heterotrophic energy acquisition. We show for the first time that the coral animal is capable of increasing the amount of heterotrophic carbon incorporated into its tissues for almost a year following bleaching. This prolonged heterotrophic compensation could be a sign of resilience or prolonged stress. If the heterotrophic compensation is in fact an acclimatization response, then this physiological response could act as a buffer from future bleaching by providing sufficient heterotrophic energy to compensate for photoautotrophic energy losses during bleaching, and potentially minimizing the effect of subsequent elevated temperature stresses. However, if the elevated incorporation of zooplankton is a sign that the effects of bleaching continue to be stressful on the holobiont, even after 11 months of recovery, then this physiological response would indicate that complete coral recovery requires more than 11 months to achieve. If coral bleaching becomes an annual global phenomenon by mid-century, then present temporal refugia will not be sufficient to allow coral colonies to recover between bleaching events and coral reefs will become increasingly less resilient to future climate change. If, however, increasing their sequestration of zooplankton-derived nutrition into their tissues over prolonged periods of time is a compensating mechanism, the impacts of annual bleaching may be reduced. Thus, some coral species may be better equipped to face repeated bleaching stress than previously thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]