Taxonomy and ecology of Sphagnum-associated Desmids from the New England Tablelands, New South Wales, Australia

Desmids associated with Sphagnum L. from terrestrial and aquatic habitats were investigated in the New England Tableland Bioregion. Descriptions and figures for 80 taxa are presented herein, nine of which are newly recorded for Australia, and a further seven are newly recorded for New South Wales. Two novel species of desmid, Micrasterias bicoronata A.Kenins and Cosmarium phymatodeum A.Kenins, are described. The floristic composition of desmids at Basket Swamp and Ebor Common, were compared to assess their conservation value based on an existing and modified scheme better suited to desmids from Australia. Basket Swamp received a relatively high score based on greater species richness and numerous endemics present. In contrast, Ebor Common scored lower due to less diversity and few regionally endemic species. This study also highlights that the desmid community found amongst Sphagnum in Australia is highly diverse (βSOR = 0.82) and can differ markedly among the four assessed sites due to spatial turnover (βRATIO = 0.15). While there are species in common with the much more extensively studied Sphagnum habitats in central and western Europe, Australia has its own distinctive desmid floral elements

Intrathymic expression of Flt3 ligand enhances thymic recovery after irradiation

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) requires conditioning treatments such as irradiation, which leads to a severely delayed recovery of T cell immunity and constitutes a major complication of this therapy. Currently, our understanding of the mechanisms regulating thymic recovery is limited. It is known that a subpopulation of bone marrow (BM)–derived thymic immigrant cells and the earliest intrathymic progenitors express the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (Flt3) receptor; however, the functional significance of this expression in the thymus is not known. We used the BM transplant model to investigate the importance of Flt3 ligand (FL) for the regeneration of the T cell compartment. We show that FL is expressed in the adult mouse thymus on the surface of perivascular fibroblasts. These cells surround the proposed thymic entry site of Flt3 receptor–positive T cell progenitors. After irradiation, perivascular FL expression is up-regulated and results in an enhanced recovery of thymic cellularity. Thymic grafting experiments confirm an intrathymic requirement for FL. Collectively, these results show that thymic stromal cell–mediated FL–Flt3 receptor interactions are important in the reconstitution of thymopoiesis early after lethal irradiation and HSCT, and provide a functional relevance to the expression of the Flt3 receptor on intrathymic T cell progenitors

Frictional behaviour of running sock textiles against plantar skin

Friction blisters on feet are a common dermatological injury among long-distance runners which can result from repeated shearing of the skin. Previous studies have shown that an increase in moisture level between the sock - skin interface tends to increase the friction and hence the likelihood of blister formation. For the past few decades, many new sock technologies have been developed based on the principle of friction reduction to prevent blisters such as ‘friction-free’ and double layer running socks. However, there have been very few published results on their frictional performance. Five different running sock materials were selected based on the variations of their knit pattern and fibre composition. The frictional behaviour of these sock materials against whole plantar skin was then assessed in dry condition. All tests were conducted using a bespoke rig that was developed at the University of Sheffield for studies on foot friction. 26 subjects were recruited for this purpose and friction was measured for a range of normal loads. Subjects’ feet were kept at their natural level of hydration, monitored at specific intervals using the Corneometer® CM 825 device. It was observed that there was a positive correlation (p<0.05) between foot hydration and friction force. However, no particular trend can be seen in the friction coefficient values between the tested sock types. This suggests that the properties of the subject's foot had more prominent effect on the friction levels than the knit pattern and composition of sock materials under dry contact conditions. Outcomes from this study indicate that the natural variations in the plantar skin and level of moisture present had a more substantial impact on friction behaviour than any changes in knit pattern or sock material, suggesting the control of moisture levels within the shoe environment is a key factor of concern

Yorodeo : Three Dee Realms Plus

"The exhibition creates a truly immersive experience, and sets the work apart from the bulk of 3D art, which is often found in comic books. Screenprinting the anaglyph 3D images by hand lends a low-tech element, creating variation and giving the images a warmer, antiquated quality. Viewers will be provided with an extended printed map depicting the world of Three Dee Realms Plus, which will correspond to the layout of the prints on the gallery walls. By following the map, viewers can navigate the expanding world, stopping at each mapped point to glimpse into that particular land. During the exhibition, 3D glasses will be made available to viewers to explore the work." -- Publisher's websit

Thomas Montgomery,Sandridge Hotel [picture] /

Title supplied by photographer.; Part of the collection: Open for business, portraits of Melbourne retailers, 1998.; Also available in an electronic version via the Internet at: http://nla.gov.au/nla.pic-an20023774

[John Vaniciotis lighting up what he claims will be his last cigarette, Preston, Victoria, 1995] [picture] /

Condition: Good.; Title devised by cataloguer based on information from acquisition file number 204/12/00026.; Part of the collection of photographs of the Galvanizing Industries in Preston, Victoria taken by Ian Kenins in 1997. "Surrounded by vats of caustic and hydrochloric acid, ammonium chloride and molten zinc, John Vaniciotis lights up what he claims will be his last cigarette. "Not good for me" he says. What of the fumes and vapours, though? Steven Downs, the quality assurance officer says Galvanizing Industries will undertake an independent study in to the effects the chemicals have on workers."--Note from the artist

[Jamin Smedes making violins, 1996] [picture] /

Condition: Good.; Title devised by cataloguer based on information from acquisition file number 204/12/00026.; Part of the collection of photographs by Ian Kenins of the making of violins by professional cellists. "Jamin Smedes wanted to make violins from the time he was a 14 year old Queensland high school student. When his family moved to Victoria, Jamin phoned several violin makers of his intent and duly accepted John Ferwerda's offer of work experience during his Year 12 studies. Ferwerda was impressed with the boy's talent and capacity to learn. Jamin Smedes was desperate to fulfil an ambition, and has worked with Ferwerda since 1993."--Note from the photographer

Colin Tessier, Colmar Moccasins [picture] /

Title supplied by photographer.; Part of the collection: Open for business, portraits of Melbourne retailers, 1998.; Also available in an electronic version via the Internet at: http://nla.gov.au/nla.pic-an20023455

Dugga Beazley,fisherman [picture] /

Title supplied by photographer.; Part of the collection: Open for business, portraits of Melbourne retailers, 1998.; Also available in an electronic version via the Internet at: http://nla.gov.au/nla.pic-an20023669