Concentrations of some metals in the nearshore marine sediments of Western Australia's Pilbara Region.

Concentrations of arsenic, nickel and chromium in sediments of the nearshore Pilbara Region of Western Australia's mid -north coast have caused concerns to regulators issuing ocean disposal permits for many years. A meta-analysis of data from a large number of surveys, conducted in support of permit applications over many years and across hundreds of kilometres of coastline, shows that, when assessed as total metal concentrations, chromium and nickel occur routinely at concentrations above those recommended as screening triggers by national guidelines and arsenic more rarely. Arsenic was concentrated in surface sediments, consistent with an organic origin.

No effect of dredging on the prevalence of coral disease detected during a large dredging program.

The frequency of disease within coral communities was evaluated using an 18-month series of coral photographs taken before, during, and after a major dredging program at Barrow Island, off Australia's northwest coast. Up to 60 corals were assessed repeatedly at each of four dredging 'impact' sites (<1 km from dredging), and four 'reference' sites (>20 km from dredging). Contrary to an earlier report, the frequency of occurrence of coral disease (usually <5% of corals) was not significantly altered by dredging.

Strategy for assessing impacts in ephemeral tropical seagrasses.

We investigated the phenology and spatial patterns in Halophila decipiens by assessing biomass, reproduction and seed density in ~400 grab samples collected across nine sites (8 to 14 m water depth) between June 2011 and December 2012. Phenology correlated with light climate which is governed by the summer monsoon (wet period). During the wet period, sedimentary seed banks prevailed, varying spatially at both broad and fine scales, presenting a source of propagules for re-colonisation following the unfavourable growing conditions of the monsoon.

Coral colonisation of an artificial reef in a turbid nearshore environment, Dampier Harbour, western Australia.

A 0.6 hectare artificial reef of local rock and recycled concrete sleepers was constructed in December 2006 at Parker Point in the industrial port of Dampier, western Australia, with the aim of providing an environmental offset for a nearshore coral community lost to land reclamation. Corals successfully colonised the artificial reef, despite the relatively harsh environmental conditions at the site (annual water temperature range 18-32°C, intermittent high turbidity, frequent cyclones, frequent nearby ship movements).

Electrochromic materials using mechanically interlocked molecules.

Recent investigations on the design and synthesis of electrochromic materials based on switchable three-station [2]catenanes are summarized. The reasoning and preliminary experiments behind the design of electrochemically controllable red-green-blue (RGB), donor-acceptor [2]catenanes are presented. A basis for color generation is discussed in which the tetracationic cyclophane, cyclobis(paraquat--phenylene), serves as the π-electron deficient ring which circumrotates between three π-electron rich recognition sites within a macrocyclic polyether, generating the three different colors (RGB) based on the different charge transfer interactions between the tetracationic cyclophane and recognition sites based on 1,5-dioxynaphthalene (R), tetrathiafulvalene (G) and benzidine (B).

Significance of microalbuminuria in long-duration type 1 diabetes.

Objective: The value of microalbuminuria (MA) in predicting renal disease and premature mortality in longer duration type 1 diabetes is unclear.

Research Design And Methods: We followed 135 patients with long-standing type 1 diabetes (>30 years' duration) over a 7-year period, recording albuminuria and other clinical variables. Vital status was ascertained and cause of death was recorded.