Preliminary measurements of turbulence and environmental parameters in a sub-tropical estuary of Eastern Australia

In natural systems, mixing is driven by turbulence, but current knowledge is very limited in estuarine zones where predictions of contaminant dispersion are often inaccurate. A series of detailed field studies was conducted in a small subtropical creek in eastern Australia. Hydrodynamic, physio-chemical and ecological measurements were conducted simultaneously to assess the complexity of the estuarine zone and the interactions between turbulence and environment. The measurements were typically performed at high frequency over a tidal cycle. The results provide an original data set to complement long-term monitoring and the basis for a more detailed study of mixing in sub-tropical systems. Unlike many long-term observations, velocity and water quality scalars were measured herein with sufficient spatial and temporal resolutions to determine quantities of interest in the study of turbulence, while ecological indicators were sampled systematically and simultaneously. In particular the results yielded contrasted outcomes, and the finding impacts on the selection process for key water quality indicators

Recommendations for reporting ion mobility Mass Spectrometry measurements

Here we present a guide to ion mobility mass spectrometry experiments, which covers both linear and nonlinear methods: what is measured, how the measurements are done, and how to report the results, including the uncertainties of mobility and collision cross section values. The guide aims to clarify some possibly confusing concepts, and the reporting recommendations should help researchers, authors and reviewers to contribute comprehensive reports, so that the ion mobility data can be reused more confidently. Starting from the concept of the definition of the measurand, we emphasize that (i) mobility values (K0) depend intrinsically on ion structure, the nature of the bath gas, temperature, and E/N; (ii) ion mobility does not measure molecular surfaces directly, but collision cross section (CCS) values are derived from mobility values using a physical model; (iii) methods relying on calibration are empirical (and thus may provide method‐dependent results) only if the gas nature, temperature or E/N cannot match those of the primary method. Our analysis highlights the urgency of a community effort toward establishing primary standards and reference materials for ion mobility, and provides recommendations to do so. © 2019 The Authors. Mass Spectrometry Reviews Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc

Whole-genome sequencing reveals host factors underlying critical COVID-19

Critical COVID-19 is caused by immune-mediated inflammatory lung injury. Host genetic variation influences the development of illness requiring critical care1 or hospitalization2,3,4 after infection with SARS-CoV-2. The GenOMICC (Genetics of Mortality in Critical Care) study enables the comparison of genomes from individuals who are critically ill with those of population controls to find underlying disease mechanisms. Here we use whole-genome sequencing in 7,491 critically ill individuals compared with 48,400 controls to discover and replicate 23 independent variants that significantly predispose to critical COVID-19. We identify 16 new independent associations, including variants within genes that are involved in interferon signalling (IL10RB and PLSCR1), leucocyte differentiation (BCL11A) and blood-type antigen secretor status (FUT2). Using transcriptome-wide association and colocalization to infer the effect of gene expression on disease severity, we find evidence that implicates multiple genes—including reduced expression of a membrane flippase (ATP11A), and increased expression of a mucin (MUC1)—in critical disease. Mendelian randomization provides evidence in support of causal roles for myeloid cell adhesion molecules (SELE, ICAM5 and CD209) and the coagulation factor F8, all of which are potentially druggable targets. Our results are broadly consistent with a multi-component model of COVID-19 pathophysiology, in which at least two distinct mechanisms can predispose to life-threatening disease: failure to control viral replication; or an enhanced tendency towards pulmonary inflammation and intravascular coagulation. We show that comparison between cases of critical illness and population controls is highly efficient for the detection of therapeutically relevant mechanisms of disease

Notes on the life history of Hypochrysops hippuris nebulosis sands (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)

Some larval stages and the pupa of Hypochrysops hippuris nebulosis Sands from northern Australia are described and illustrated. The fern Pyrrosia lanceolata (L.) Farw. (Polypodiaceae) is recorded as the larval food plant and the immature stages are attended by the ant Philidris cordatus stewartii (Forel)

The life history of Nesolycaena medicea Braby (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)

Nesolycaena medicea Braby is recorded breeding on Boronia eriantha Lindl. (Rutaceae) in the sandstone gorges of The White Mountains in inland northern Queensland. Larval and pupal durations are short during summer but pupae enter diapause with the onset of cooler, drier weather. Comments are made on adult variation

Further observations and records for butterflies (Lepidoptera) in Northern Australia

'Euploea netscheri' Snellen and 'Prosotas gracilis' (Rober) are recorded within Australian limits in Torres Strait for the first time. The female of 'Charaxes latona' Butler from Iron Range is illustrated and range extensions are given for 'Taractrocera ina' Waterhouse and 'Nacaduba calauria calauria' (Felder). New foodplants are recorded for 'Neohesperilla crocea' (Miskin), 'Euploea alcathoe monilifera' (Moore) and 'Neopithecops lucifer heria' (Fruhstorfer)

The life history of Telicota brachydesma Lower (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae)

The immature stages of Telicota brachydesma Lower are described from northern Queensland (Iron Range National Park, Cape York Peninsula). The larval food plant is confirmed as\ud Leptaspis banksii (Poaceae), which has a restricted distribution within rainforest. We comment on the apparent rarity of this species in collections and include characteristics to assist in its identification

The butterflies of White Mountains National Park, Northern Queensland, and adjourning localities

The butterflies of the White Mountains area, northern Queensland, and surrounding areas are listed and brief biological and distributional notes are given. Sixty-six species are recorded. One species is endemic to the area and several are localised or uncommon. The majority of species are widespread with several known to migrate throughout northern Queensland