James Cook University

About: James Cook University is a education organization based out in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Coral reef. The organization has 9101 authors who have published 27750 publications receiving 1032608 citations. The organization is also known as: JCU.

DMSP biosynthesis by an animal and its role in coral thermal stress response

Abstract: Globally, reef-building corals are the most prolific producers of dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP)1, 2, a central molecule in the marine sulphur cycle and precursor of the climate-active gas dimethylsulphide3, 4. At present, DMSP production by corals is attributed entirely to their algal endosymbiont, Symbiodinium2. Combining chemical, genomic and molecular approaches, we show that coral juveniles produce DMSP in the absence of algal symbionts. DMSP levels increased up to 54% over time in newly settled coral juveniles lacking algal endosymbionts, and further increases, up to 76%, were recorded when juveniles were subjected to thermal stress. We uncovered coral orthologues of two algal genes recently identified in DMSP biosynthesis, strongly indicating that corals possess the enzymatic machinery necessary for DMSP production. Our results overturn the paradigm that photosynthetic organisms are the sole biological source of DMSP, and highlight the double jeopardy represented by worldwide declining coral cover, as the potential to alleviate thermal stress through coral-produced DMSP declines correspondingly.

Plasma assisted surface modification of organic biopolymers to prevent bacterial attachment

Abstract: Despite many synthetic biomaterials having physical properties that are comparable or even superior to those of natural body tissues, they frequently fail due to the adverse physiological reactions they cause within the human body, such as infection and inflammation. The surface modification of biomaterials is an economical and effective method by which biocompatibility and biofunctionality can be achieved while preserving the favorable bulk characteristics of the biomaterial, such as strength and inertness. Amongst the numerous surface modification techniques available, plasma surface modification affords device manufacturers a flexible and environmentally friendly process that enables tailoring of the surface morphology, structure, composition, and properties of the material to a specific need. There are a vast range of possible applications of plasma modification in biomaterial applications, however, the focus of this review paper is on processes that can be used to develop surface morphologies and chemical structures for the prevention of adhesion and proliferation of pathogenic bacteria on the surfaces of in-dwelling medical devices. As such, the fundamental principles of bacterial cell attachment and biofilm formation are also discussed. Functional organic plasma polymerised coatings are also discussed for their potential as biosensitive interfaces, connecting inorganic/metallic electronic devices with their physiological environments.

Death to Critique and Dissent? the Policies and Practices of New Managerialism and of ‘evidence-based Practice’

Abstract: In this article, the author develops a critique of new managerialism and of its implications for the professional work of scholars and teachers. She then critiques 'evidence-based practice' as it is being developed for schools. She argues that it is only possible to make sense of the policies and practices of the evidence-based practice movement within the framework of new managerialism. She also explores some of the tensions and contradictions between managerialism and gender reform in educational contexts. She ends with a challenge to begin the work of generating the collective story through which we can dismantle the hegemony of new managerialism and engage in the transformative work that will afford us a different future.