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Cloud feedbacks are the leading cause of uncertainty in climate sensitivity. The complex coupling between clouds and the large‐scale circulation in the tropics contributes to this uncertainty. To address this problem, the coupling between clouds and circulation in the latest generation of climate models is compared to observations. Significant biases are identified in the models. The implications of these biases are assessed by combining observations of the present day with future changes predicted by models to calculate observationally constrained feedbacks. For the dynamic cloud feedback (i.e., due to changes in circulation), the observationally constrained values are consistently larger than the model‐only values. This is due to models failing to capture a nonlinear minimum in cloud brightness for weakly descending regimes. Consequently, while the models consistently predict that these regimes increase in frequency in association with a weakening tropical circulation, they underestimate the positive cloud feedback associated with this increase. Plain Language Summary: Climate models are crucial for understanding the impacts of climate change. Yet there are significant differences between models even for the global mean temperature increase due to a doubling of carbon dioxide concentrations (known as the climate sensitivity). These differences in climate sensitivity are largely due to differences in cloud responses to warming between the models (known as cloud feedbacks). Cloud feedback uncertainty is particularly large for tropical clouds. One reason for this is the two‐way interactions between clouds and the large‐scale circulation. This remains relatively poorly understood and involves processes that occur at a wide range of scales which cannot be captured by climate models. This study examines relationships between clouds and circulation in the tropics in the latest generation of climate models. Cloud feedbacks can be separated into dynamic (changes in circulation) and thermodynamic (changes in cloud for a given circulation regime) components. We use this framework to calculate the cloud feedbacks models would predict if the relationships between clouds and circulation matched observations. This results in an increase in the dynamic component of the cloud feedback which is due to the models' failure to capture the observed nonlinear relationships between clouds and circulation. Key Points: Climate models miss key details of the observed links between tropical clouds and circulation, notably for common weak subsidence regimesUsing observations to constrain thermodynamic and dynamic cloud feedbacks in models increases the dynamic and hence total feedbackThis is due to subtle nonlinear changes in the observed SW cloud radiative effect across circulation regimes that the models predict will change in frequency [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of geographic range on species persistence has long been of interest and there is a need for a better understanding of the genetic consequences for species with restricted distributions, particularly with the increasing rate of global species extinctions. However, the genetic effects of restricted range are often confounded by the impacts of population distribution. We compared chloroplast and nuclear genetic diversity and differentiation in two acacias, the restricted, patchily distributed Acacia atkinsiana and the widespread, semi-continuously distributed A. ancistrocarpa. Lower intra-population diversity and higher differentiation between populations were seen in A. atkinsiana compared to its widespread congener, A. ancistrocarpa. There was little evidence of geographical influences on population genetic structure in A. ancistrocarpa whereas A. atkinsiana exhibited nuclear genetic structure with isolation by distance, differentiation of near-coastal populations from those in the ranges, and differentiation of peripheral populations from those in the centre of the distribution. These results are consistent with expectations of the effect of geographic range and population distribution on genetic diversity, but indicate that distribution of populations rather than geographic range has influenced the observed genetic structure. The contrasting patterns observed here demonstrate that conservation approaches for species management and ecological restoration need to consider the distribution of populations in geographically restricted species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Granite outcrops are prominent throughout the world and harbour many endemic species. Their topographic complexity and range of environments have led to the hypothesis that they act as refugia facilitating the persistence of species through climate change. We evaluate this hypothesis by investigating the phylogeographic patterns in a common granite endemic shrub. Location Granite outcrops of the Southwest Australian Floristic Region. Methods Chloroplast haplotypes of 89 Kunzea pulchella individuals from 16 granite outcrops were determined from sequences of three chloroplast intergenic spacer regions. Phylogenetic reconstruction and divergence dating was inferred using Bayesian and Parsimony analyses and phylogenetic relationships between haplotypes were examined in relation to geographic distributions. Nuclear diversity and differentiation of populations were assessed through analysis of 11 nuclear microsatellite loci across 384 individuals from the 16 granite outcrops. Results Kunzea pulchella exhibited low haplotype and allelic diversity within outcrops and high levels of divergence among outcrops, indicating an ancient restriction to specific outcrops with genetic drift as the main driver of evolution. Two divergent lineages were revealed in the chloroplast phylogeny dating to the Pliocene and potentially reflecting the initial impact of increased aridity prior to isolation on individual outcrops. Main conclusions Rather than uncovering the typical pattern for Pleistocene refugia with contraction to, and expansion from particular granite outcrops, we observed persistence, prolonged isolation and divergence of populations. We suggest the persistence of K. pulchella on multiple outcrops through a period of considerable climatic change may be a result of broad climatic tolerances or contraction and expansion dynamics operating at microrefugial scales within outcrops. Our observations of low haplotype and allelic diversity within populations of K. pulchella provide some support for the latter. The enduring nature of K. pulchella and evolutionary potential of populations on individual outcrops accentuates the value of these environments for biodiversity conservation planning in a changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fragmentation is generally considered to have negative impacts on widespread outbreeders but impacts on gene flow and diversity in patchy, naturally rare, self-compatible plant species remain unclear. We investigated diversity, gene flow and contemporary pollen-mediated gene immigration in the rare, narrowly distributed endemic shrub Calothamnus quadrifidus ssp. teretifolius. This taxon occurs in an internationally recognized biodiversity hotspot subjected to recent human-induced fragmentation and the condition of the remnants ranges from intact to highly degraded. Using microsatellites, we found that inbreeding, historically low gene flow and significant population differentiation have characterized the genetic system of C. quadrifidus ssp. teretifolius. Inbreeding arises from self-pollination, a small amount of biparental inbreeding and significant correlation of outcross paternity but fecundity was high suggesting populations might have purged their lethals. Paternity analyses show that pollinators can move pollen over degraded and intact habitat but populations in both intact and degraded remnants had few pollen parents per seed parent and low pollen immigration. Genetic diversity did not differ significantly between intact and degraded remnants but there were signs of genetic bottlenecks and reduced diversity in some degraded remnants. Overall, our study suggests human-induced fragmentation has not significantly changed the mating system, or pollen immigration to, remnant populations and therefore genetic connectivity need not be the highest conservation priority. Rather, for rare species adapted to higher levels of inbreeding, conservation efforts may be best directed to managing intact habitats and ecosystem processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association between cancer, major surgery and venous thromboembolism (VTE) is well established. Multimodal therapy is increasingly being used as standard treatment for localised gastrointestinal cancer. The aim of this study was to examine the markers of pro-coagulation response and VTE risk in an exemplar multimodal model of pre-operative combination chemotherapy and radiation therapy, followed by complex cancer surgery.Methods: Consecutive patients (n=36) with localised oesophageal cancer were studied at baseline after the first and second cycles of chemoradiation, and on post-operative days 1-28, and at 3, 6 and 9 months. Factors regulating the pro- and anti-coagulant response, as well as pro-inflammatory markers including NFkappaB activation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, were examined. All patients received enoxaparin 40 mg s.c. postoperatively up to discharge, and underwent pulmonary CT-pulmonary angiography and venography on day 10 postoperatively.Results: Four (11%) non-fatal thromboembolic events were documented, all after hospital discharge. Neoadjuvant therapy before surgery activated factor VIII (FVIII) and pro-inflammatory NFkappaB, and increased D-dimers, pro-thrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2) and the thrombin-anti-thrombin complex (TAT). Surgery significantly (P<0.05) increased pro-thrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, D-dimers, TAT, F1+2 and FVIII up to 6 months.Conclusion: These data highlight the linked pro-coagulant and immunoinflammatory pathways in the multimodal management of oesophageal cancer, and suggest that the duration of current standard thromboprophylaxis regimens warrants further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pavement roughness is a common measure of pavement condition regularly measured by road authorities. An approach to recognize patterns of seasonal variation in rural sealed granular pavement roughness by minimum message length (MML) inference is demonstrated in this article. MML solves two fundamental questions: First, is the seasonal variation a systematic pattern or merely the result of random scatter? Second, given evidence of seasonal variation to what level of complexity should the seasonal trend be modeled? The MML technique developed does not require user input rather will identify in a quantitative and consistent manner any patterns evident in the data. The patterns identified with MML can be used to remove seasonal variation effects. The analysis utilized 104,188 roughness values obtained from a particular region in Australia over 15 years. MML inference recognized patterns of seasonal variation and demonstrated that these are not merely due to random scatter. The optimum model selected by MML inference has four separate segments of variation. These segments correspond to changes in climatic conditions that support the inference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abnormal excitation–contraction coupling is a key pathophysiologic component of heart failure (HF), and at a molecular level reduced expression of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2a) is a major contributor. Previous studies in small animals have suggested that restoration of SERCA function is beneficial in HF. Despite this promise, the means by which this information might be translated into potential clinical application remains uncertain. Using a recently established cardiac-directed recirculating method of gene delivery, we administered adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2)/1SERCA2a to sheep with pacing-induced HF. We explored the effects of differing doses of AAV2/1SERCA2a (low 1 × 1010 d.r.p.; medium 1 × 1012 d.r.p. and high 1 × 1013 d.r.p.) in conjunction with an intra-coronary delivery group (2.5 × 1013 d.r.p.). At the end of the study, haemodynamic, echocardiographic, histopathologic and molecular biologic assessments were performed. Cardiac recirculation delivery of AAV2/1SERCA2a elicited a dose-dependent improvement in cardiac performance determined by left ventricular pressure analysis, (+d P/d tmax; low dose −220±70, P>0.05; medium dose 125±53, P<0.05; high dose 287±104, P<0.05) and echocardiographically (fractional shortening: low dose −3±2, P>0.05; medium dose 1±2, P>0.05; high dose 6.5±3.9, P<0.05). In addition to favourable haemodynamic effects, brain natriuretic peptide expression was reduced consistent with reversal of the HF molecular phenotype. In contrast, direct intra-coronary infusion did not elicit any effect on ventricular function. As such, AAV2/1SERCA2a elicits favourable functional and molecular actions when delivered in a mechanically targeted manner in an experimental model of HF. These observations lay a platform for potential clinical translation.Gene Therapy (2008) 15, 1550–1557; doi:10.1038/gt.2008.120; published online 24 July 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Marine invertebrates use egg nutrients to develop the functional feeding larva and then enter a facultative feeding period (FFP) when development can proceed without food because larvae are supported by maternal reserves. Facultative feeding reduces starvation risk and so is important for larval success. It may also influence egg size evolution because FFP length correlates with egg size. 2. We quantified energetic lipid (triglyceride, TG) utilisation in unfed and fed larvae as an index of larval nutritive condition in the tropical echinoid Tripneustes gratilla during the FFP to determine if fed larvae would use the buffer provided by endogenous provisions to improve their condition or accelerate development. We predicted that: (i) the condition of unfed and fed larvae should diverge before egg TG is exhausted and/or (ii) that the size of fed larvae should outstrip that of unfed larvae. 3. Temperate echinoplutei exhibit phenotypic plasticity, increasing the length of their food capture apparatus (arms) in nutrient-poor conditions. We examined the generality of this phenomenon in a morphometric analysis of growth in the tropical larva of T. gratilla. We hypothesized that plastic arm growth in starved larvae would occur before the FFP ends as a bet hedging strategy to prepare for hard times ahead when lack of reserves may render this response impossible. 4. We found that fed larvae diverged in condition (higher TG) but not in size compared with starved larvae before egg energetic lipids were exhausted. In addition, unfed larvae showed plastic arm growth before the end of the FFP. 5. Lack of divergence in growth of unfed and fed larvae suggests there may be an imperative to maintain a nutrient storage buffer against starvation due to unpredictable future planktonic food supply. The FFP of T. gratilla exceeds 8 days, considerably longer than that of other echinoids with similarly sized eggs, emphasizing that egg quality may be more important than egg size as a predictor of the FFP in fecundity-time models of egg evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pavement roughness is a common measure of pavement distress and one regularly measured by road authorities. While permanent pavement deterioration that equates to increased roughness is commonly modeled, cyclical or seasonal variations are often not included. While these variations may be small, they may be important when alternate pavements are compared directly for performance. We propose that seasonal variation may be described by partitioning the data into groups that are modeled as a segmentation problem. We developed a minimum message length (MML) segmentation tree (MMLST) criterion for partitioning and segmentation of the data. We performed simulated comparisons comparing common segmentation criterion (MMLST, maximum likelihood, Akaike information criterion, and Bayesian information criterion) and conclude that MMLST is the preferred criterion. MMLST assists in answering the following questions. First, is the observed segmentation pattern due to seasonal variation or merely random scatter? Second, given evidence of seasonal variation, what type of segmentation pattern should model these trends? Furthermore, does the interaction of climatic and soil conditions appear to affect this variation? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echinoderms represent a researchable subset of a dynamic larval evolutionary cosmos. Evolution of echinoderm larvae has taken place over widely varying time scales from the origins of larvae of living classes in the early Palaeozoic, approximately 500 million years ago, to recent, rapid and large-scale changes that have occurred within living genera within a span of less than a million years to a few million years. It is these recent evolutionary events that offer a window into processes of larval evolution operating at a micro-evolutionary level of evolution of discrete developmental mechanisms. We review the evolution of the diverse larval forms of living echinoderms to outline the origins of echinoderm larval forms, their diversity among living echinoderms, molecular clocks and rates of larval evolution, and finally current studies on the roles of developmental regulatory mechanisms in the rapid and radical evolutionary changes observed between closely related congeneric species.Heredity (2006) 97, 244–252. doi:10.1038/sj.hdy.6800866; published online 19 July 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eucalyptus loxophleba complex comprises two tree taxa (E. loxophleba ssp. loxophleba and ssp. supralaevis ), two mallee taxa (E. loxophleba ssp. lissophloia and ssp. gratiae ), and three rare mallee species, of which one, E. blaxellii , is included in this study. The genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships between the taxa, particularly in relation to habit, were assessed using anonymous nuclear RFLP loci. The level of diversity in the taxa was high and similar to that detected in other eucalypt species. The populations showed low differentiation at both the subspecies and the species levels. Phylogenetic relationships showed some genetic separation between the tree and mallee habit but no separation of the two taxa within the tree habit or within the mallee habit. The genetic analysis does not support the recognition of E. gratiae as a separate species. The geographically restricted E. blaxellii showed similar levels of diversity to populations of the other widespread taxa of E. loxophleba . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which examined the evolution of echinoderm development from a feeding to a non-feeding mode. Background on the developmental modes in marine invertebrates; Materials and methodology of the study; Results and discussion.

Restriction fragment length polymorphisms in ribosomal DNA were observed within and between populations of Isotoma petraea and Macrozamia riedlei. Isotoma petraea is a diploid self-pollinating species which has evolved complex hybridity in response to inbreeding and exhibits high levels of genetic differentiation between its geographically isolated populations. Macrozamia riedlei is a diploid dioecious wind-pollinated cycad with high levels of gene flow throughout its population system. Variation in rDNA was observed within and between populations of both species. In I. petraea the level of variation was low with most individuals having one length variant, except in populations with fixed hybridity, whereas in M. riedlei high levels of variation were observed with an average of eight variants per individual. The pattern of variation in I. petraea showed homogenization of length variants within individuals and populations with divergence of length variants between populations. The pattern of variation in M. riedlei showed mixing of length variants and maintenance of various length variants within individuals and populations. The different patterns of variation are consistent with the different breeding systems of the two species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the evolution of intragonadal development in the diminutive asterinid echinoderms Patiriella vivipara and Patiriella parvivipara. Size of eggs; Stages of development; Occurrence of metamorphosis; Internal development; Post-metamorphic development.

Reports on a research conducted in Sydney, New South Wales involving the comparison of the larva of asterinid sea star Patiriella exigua with the brachiolaria of Patiriella species with planktonic development. Evolution of benthic lecithotrophy of Patrielle exigua species.

Background and Aims Hybridization is an important evolutionary process that can have a significant impact on natural plant populations. Eucalyptus species are well known for weak reproductive barriers and extensive hybridization within subgenera, but there is little knowledge of whether patterns of hybridization differ among subgenera. Here, we examine eucalypts of Western Australia's Stirling Range to investigate how patterns of hybridization are associated with landscape and taxon age between the two largest Eucalyptus subgenera: Eucalyptus and Symphyomyrtus. In doing so, we tested a hypothesis of OCBIL (old, climatically buffered, infertile landscape) theory that predicts reduced hybridization on older landscapes. Methods Single nucleotide polymorphism markers were applied to confirm the hybrid status, parentage and genetic structure of five suspected hybrid combinations for subg. Eucalyptus and three combinations for subg. Symphyomyrtus. Key Results Evidence of hybridization was found in all combinations, and parental taxa were identified for most combinations. The older parental taxa assessed within subg. Eucalyptus , which are widespread on old landscapes, were identified as well-defined genetic entities and all hybrids were exclusively F 1 hybrids. In addition, many combinations showed evidence of clonality, suggesting that the large number of hybrids recorded from some combinations is the result of long-term clonal spread following a few hybridization events rather than frequent hybridization. In contrast, the species in subg. Symphyomyrtus , which typically occur on younger landscapes and are more recently evolved, showed less distinction among parental taxa, and where hybridization was detected, there were high levels of introgression. Conclusions Reduced hybridization in subg. Eucalyptus relative to extensive hybridization in subg. Symphyomyrtus affirmed the hypothesis of reduced hybridization on OCBILs and demonstrate that clade divergence times, landscape age and clonality are important drivers of differing patterns of speciation and hybridization in Eucalyptus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate models robustly and unanimously simulate narrowing of the intense tropical precipitation under greenhouse gas forcing. We argue that the meridional width of tropical precipitation is controlled by the seasonal meridional range of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). The contraction of tropical precipitation under greenhouse forcing results from a reduced seasonal range of ITCZ migration. An energetic theory—similar to the energetic theory for ITCZ shifts based on the hemispheric contrast of energy input to the atmosphere—is developed. The meridional width of tropical precipitation is proportional to the seasonal range of the interhemispheric contrast in atmospheric heating divided by the efficiency of atmospheric cross‐equatorial heat transport. Climate models are biased toward overly expansive tropical precipitation resulting from an exaggerated seasonal atmospheric heating. The robust contraction of tropical precipitation under global warming results from increased efficiency of interhemispheric energy transport consistent with enhanced gross moist stability of the tropical atmosphere. Key Points: The seasonal range of ITCZ migrations (SRITCZ) controls the meridional extent of tropical precipitationSRITCZ is larger than observed in most climate models resulting in a double‐ITCZ biasUnder global warming, SRITCZ decreases due to more efficient cross‐equatorial heat transport and tropical precipitation contracts [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Hybridisation is common among plants and is considered to be an important process in evolution. However, there is much debate as to the role of hybridisation in conservation, particularly whether species of hybrid origin should be protected. In general, conservation policy allows for the protection of hybrids and hybrid progeny if they are shown to be taxonomically distinct, stable and capable of self-perpetuation, and naturally produced. The rare species Adenanthos cunninghamii was suspected to be a hybrid between putative parents, Adenanthos sericeus and Adenanthos cuneatus , as it only occurs where these species co-occur and it displays intermediate and variable morphology. Genetic analysis of A. cunninghamii and the two putative parent species was consistent with this species being a hybrid between A. sericeus and A. cuneatus. Direct analysis of diagnostic loci and phenetic analysis indicated that A. cunninghamii was not genetically uniform and was genetically intermediate between the putative parents. A. cunninghamii is not a distinguishable taxon, morphologically or genetically, and does not produce offspring with morphology within the taxonomic description of the species, thus the species does not satisfy the criteria for protection of hybrids and listing as a rare species in Western Australia. Highlights • Morphology and genetics support hybrid origin of Adenanthos cunninghamii. • A. cunninghamii has intermediate leaf morphology between A. cuneatus and A. sericeus. • A. cunninghamii has genetic affinity with both A. cuneatus and A. sericeus. • A. cunninghamii is not genetically differentiated from A. cuneatus and A. sericeus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response by D.M. Kaye and colleagues to a letter to the editor about their article on the use of gene transfer in open-chest cardiopulmonary bypass in a previous issue is presented.

For plants with mixed reproductive capabilities, asexual reproduction is more frequent in rare species and is considered a strategy for persistence when sexual recruitment is limited. We investigate whether asexual reproduction contributes to the persistence of two co-occurring, rare sedges that both experience irregular seed set and if their differing geographic distributions have a role in the relative contribution of clonality. Genotypic richness was high (R=0.889±0.02) across the clustered populations of Lepidosperma sp. Mt Caudan and, where detected, clonal patches were small, both in ramet numbers (⩽3 ramets/genet) and physical size (1.3±0.1 m). In contrast, genotypic richness was lower in the isolated L. sp. Parker Range populations, albeit more variable (R=0.437±0.13), with genets as large as 17 ramets and up to 5.8 m in size. Aggregated clonal growth generated significant fine-scale genetic structure in both species but to a greater spatial extent and with additional genet-level structure in L. sp. Parker Range that is likely due to restricted seed dispersal. Despite both species being rare, asexual reproduction clearly has a more important role in the persistence of L. sp. Parker Range than L. sp. Mt Caudan. This is consistent with our prediction that limitations to sexual reproduction, via geographic isolation to effective gene exchange, can lead to greater contributions of asexual reproduction. These results demonstrate the role of population isolation in affecting the balance of alternate reproductive modes and the contextual nature of asexual reproduction in rare species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Optimising physical distancing measures has been a critical part of the global response to the spread of COVID-19. Adherence to these recommendations has been poorer than adherence to other key transmission reduction behaviours. The current project aimed to identify psychosocial determinants of adherence to physical distancing, and to determine whether Government of Ireland COVID-19 communications adequately address the determinants. Methods: A nationally representative cross-sectional survey as part of the International COVID-19 Awareness and Responses Evaluation (iCARE) study, a qualitative interview study, and a content analysis of COVID-19 poster communications were conducted to identify psychosocial determinants of adherence and determine the extent to which these were addressed in government communications. Results: The iCARE survey showed adherence to physical distancing measures varies by sociodemographic group (e.g., age, sex, COVID-19 risk category) and beliefs. Poorest adherence was reported by younger people, males, those at lower risk of serious illness from COVID-19, and those who were less concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on public health and the economy. The qualitative interview study revealed maintaining and negotiating close relationships, public physical environments, habituation to threat, risk-taking to maintain wellbeing, and confusion and uncertainty around government guidelines as barriers to physical distancing behaviour. Having a sense of personal responsibility and control over one’s own behaviour was identified as a potential facilitator of adherence to distancing. Content analysis revealed some important gaps, particularly in terms of rationale for specific public health guidelines. Conclusions: Though adherence was high overall, there was variability among sociodemographic groups. Government communications to promote physical distancing could be refined to better address key barriers and facilitators of the behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historically rare plant species with disjunct population distributions and small population sizes might be expected to show significant genetic structure and low levels of genetic diversity because of the effects of inbreeding and genetic drift. Across the globe, terrestrial inselbergs are habitat for rich, often rare and endemic flora and are valuable systems for investigating evolutionary processes that shape patterns of genetic structure and levels of genetic diversity at the landscape scale. We assessed genetic structure and levels of genetic diversity across the range of the historically rare inselberg endemic Acacia woodmaniorum. Phylogeographic and genetic structure indicates that connectivity is not sufficient to produce a panmictic population across the limited geographic range of the species. However, historical levels of gene flow are sufficient to maintain a high degree of adaptive connectivity across the landscape. Genetic diversity indicates gene flow is sufficient to largely counteract any negative genetic effects of inbreeding and random genetic drift in even the most disjunct or smallest populations. Phylogeographic and genetic structure, a signal of isolation by distance and a lack of evidence of recent genetic bottlenecks suggest long-term stability of contemporary population distributions and population sizes. There is some evidence that genetic connectivity among disjunct outcrops may be facilitated by the occasional long distance dispersal of Acacia polyads carried by insect pollinators moved by prevailing winds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybridization has an important and often positive role in plant evolution. However, it can also have negative consequences for species. Two closely related species of Ornduffia are endemic to the Porongurup Range in the South West Australian Global Biodiversity Hotspot. The rare Ornduffia calthifolia is found exclusively on the summits, while O. marchantii is more widely dispersed across a greater range of elevation and is not considered threatened. Hybridisation in suitable overlapping habitat has been suspected between them for decades. Here we combine genotyping by sequencing to verify hybridisation genetically, and fine scale (2 m resolution) species distribution modelling (SDM) to test if hybrids occur in suitable intersecting habitat. From a study area of c. 4700 ha, SDM identified c. 275 ha and c. 322 ha of suitable habitat for O. calthifolia and O. marchantii, respectively. We identified range overlap between species of c. 59 ha), which enveloped 32 individuals confirmed to be hybrids. While the hybrids were at the margin of suitable habitat for O. marchantii, their preference for elevated habitat was closer to the more narrowly distributed O. calthifolia. The combination of genetic data and fine scale spatial modelling approaches enabled a better understanding of hybridisation among taxa of conservation significance. However, the level to which hybrid proliferation and competition for habitat presents as a threat to O. calthifolia is currently unknown and requires priority in conservation management given the threats from global warming and disturbance by tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Decreased sexual activity and sexual problems are common among people with cardiovascular disease, negatively impacting relationship satisfaction and quality of life. International guidelines recommend routine delivery of sexual counselling to cardiac patients. The Cardiac Health and Relationship Management and Sexuality (CHARMS) baseline study in Ireland found, similar to international findings, limited implementation of sexual counselling guidelines in practice. The aim of the current study was to develop the CHARMS multi-level intervention to increase delivery of sexual counselling by healthcare professionals. We describe the methods used to develop the CHARMS intervention following the three phases of the Behaviour Change Wheel approach: understand the behaviour, identify intervention options, and identify content and implementation options. Survey (n = 60) and focus group (n = 14) data from two previous studies exploring why sexual counselling is not currently being delivered were coded by two members of the research team to understand staff's capability, opportunity, and motivation to engage in the behaviour. All potentially relevant intervention functions to change behaviour were identified and the APEASE (affordability, practicability, effectiveness, acceptability, side effects and equity) criteria were used to select the most appropriate. The APEASE criteria were then used to choose between all behaviour change techniques (BCTs) potentially relevant to the identified functions, and these BCTs were translated into intervention content. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist was used to specify details of the intervention including the who, what, how and where of proposed intervention delivery.Results: Providing sexual counselling group sessions by cardiac rehabilitation staff to patients during phase III cardiac rehabilitation was identified as the target behaviour. Education, enablement, modelling, persuasion and training were selected as appropriate intervention functions. Twelve BCTs, linked to intervention functions, were identified for inclusion and translated into CHARMS intervention content.Conclusions: This paper details the use of Behaviour Change Wheel approach to develop an implementation intervention in an under-researched area of healthcare provision. The systematic and transparent development of the CHARMS intervention will facilitate the evaluation of intervention effectiveness and future replication and contribute to the advancement of a cumulative science of implementation intervention design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate-induced ocean warming and acidification may render marine organisms more vulnerable to infectious diseases. We investigated the effects of warming and acidification on the immune response of the sea urchin Heliocidaris erythrogramma. Sea urchins were gradually introduced to four combinations of temperature and pHNIST (17°C/pH 8.15, 17°C/pH 7.6, 23°C/pH 8.15 and 23°C/pH 7.6) and then held in temperature–pH treatments for 1, 15 or 30 days to determine if the immune response would adjust to stressors over time. Coelomocyte concentration and type, phagocytic capacity and bactericidal activity were measured on day 1, 15 and 30 with different sea urchins used each time. At each time point, the coelomic fluid of individuals exposed to increased temperature and acidification had the lowest coelomocyte concentrations, exhibited lower phagocytic capacities and was least effective at inhibiting bacterial growth of the pathogen Vibrio anguillarum. Over time, increased temperature alleviated the negative effects of acidification on phagocytic activity. Our results demonstrate the importance of incorporating acclimation time to multiple stressors when assessing potential responses to future ocean conditions and indicate that the immune response of H. erythrogramma may be compromised under near-future ocean warming and acidification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogeographic breaks are locations where multiple species reach range limits simultaneously. Numerous breaks have been identified; however, the mechanisms that generate and maintain these breaks are largely unresolved. One break of particular interest lies between the subtropical Lord Howe Island off the east coast of Australia and the Great Barrier Reef 1000 km to the north, because of the potential for Lord Howe Island to serve as a refuge from climate change. Our aim was to quantitatively disentangle the mechanisms proposed to explain this break. To do so, we combined species abundance and trait data to test the hypotheses that dispersal limitation, environmental tolerance, competitive ability or evolutionary processes maintain the break. Specifically, we used multiple linear regression to analyse the extent to which species traits could predict the location of species along a non-metric multidimensional scaling axis, which was representative of assemblage change across the break. Three of the twelve species traits considered - reproductive mode, upper depth and depth range - contributed significantly to the averaged model. The higher relative abundance of species that brood larvae on Lord Howe Island supports the hypothesis that local retention of larvae is critical for population establishment at this location. In addition, abundant species on Lord Howe Island were disproportionately associated with global depth distributions that encompass deep water, which might indicate that these species are better able to tolerate sub-optimal environmental conditions, such as low light levels in the sub-tropics. Therefore, we conclude that the biogeographic break between the Great Barrier Reef and Lord Howe Island is maintained primarily by the ability of species to establish populations upon arrival. More broadly, our work adds to a growing body of evidence that suggests, over large temporal scales, establishment is more important than dispersal for the maintenance of biogeographic breaks in the oceans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phylogeographic studies of flora in species-rich south-western Australia point to complex evolutionary histories, reflecting patterns of persistence and resilience to climatic changes during the Pleistocene. We asked whether coastal areas of the mid-west and south, as well as granite outcrops and inland ranges, have acted as major refugia within this region during Pleistocene climatic fluctuations by analysing phylogeographic patterns in the shrub Calothamnus quadrifidus R.Br. (Myrtaceae). We determined variation in chloroplast DNA data for 41 populations across the geographic range. Relationships and major clades were resolved using parsimony and Bayesian analyses. We tested for demographic and spatial expansion of the major clades and estimated clade divergence dates using an uncorrelated, lognormal relaxed clock based on two conservative chloroplast mutation rates. Two distinct phylogeographic clades were identified showing divergence during the Pleistocene, consistent with other phylogeographic studies of south-west Australian flora, emphasising the impact of climatic oscillations in driving divergence in this landscape. The southern clade was more diverse, having higher haplotype diversity and greater genetic structure, while the northern clade showed evidence of fluctuation in population size. Regions of high haplotype diversity with adjacent areas of low diversity observed in each clade indicated the locations of two coastal refugia: one on the south coast and another along the mid-west coast. This is the first evidence for major Pleistocene refugia using chloroplast genetic data in a common, widespread species from this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intra-individual variability in response time has been proposed as an important endophenotype for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Here we asked whether intra-individual variability is predicted by common variation in catecholamine genes and whether it mediates the relationship between these gene variants and self-reported ADHD symptoms. A total of 402 non-clinical Australian adults of European descent completed a battery of five cognitive tasks and the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale. Exclusion criteria included the presence of major psychiatric or neurologic illnesses and substance dependency. A total of 21 subjects were excluded due to incomplete data or poor quality cognitive or genotyping data. The final sample comprised 381 subjects (201 males; mean age=21.2 years, s.d.=5.1 years). Principal components analysis on variability measures yielded two factors (response selection variability vs selective attention variability). Association of these factors with catecholamine gene variants was tested using single-step linear regressions, with multiple comparisons controlled using permutation analysis. The response selection variability factor was associated with two ADRA2A single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs1800544, rs602618), pcorrected=0.004, 0.012, respectively, whereas the selective attention variability factor was associated with a TH SNP (rs3842727), pcorrected=0.024. A bootstrapping analysis indicated that the response selection variability factor mediated the relationship between the ADRA2A SNP rs1800544 and self-reported ADHD symptoms. Thus this study finds evidence that DNA variation in the ADRA2A gene may be causally related to ADHD-like behaviors, in part through its influence on intra-individual variability. Evidence was also found for a novel association between a TH gene variant and intra-individual variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Post-operative ileus (POI) affects most patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Aim To evaluate the effect of alvimopan, a peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist, on POI by negating the impact of opioids on gastrointestinal (GI) motility without affecting analgesia in patients outside North America. Methods Adult subjects undergoing open abdominal surgery ( n = 911) randomly received oral alvimopan 6 or 12 mg, or placebo, 2 h before, and twice daily following surgery. Opioids were administered as intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) or bolus injection. Time to recovery of GI function was assessed principally using composite endpoints in subjects undergoing bowel resection ( n = 738). Results A nonsignificant reduction in mean time to tolerate solid food and either first flatus or bowel movement (primary endpoint) was observed for both alvimopan 6 and 12 mg; 8.5 h (95% CI: 0.9, 16.0) and 4.8 h (95% CI: −3.2, 12.8), respectively. However, an exploratory post hoc analysis showed that alvimopan was more effective in the PCA ( n = 317) group than in the non-PCA ( n = 318) group. Alvimopan was well tolerated and did not reverse analgesia. Conclusion Although the significant clinical effect of alvimopan on reducing POI observed in previous trials was not reproduced, this trial suggests potential benefit in bowel resection patients who received PCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate whether the Irish smoking ban has had an impact on secondhand smoke (SHS) exposures for hospitality workers. Design, setting, and participants: Before and after the smoking ban a cohort of workers (n = 35) from a sample of city hotels (n = 15) were tested for saliva cotinine concentrations and completed questionnaires. Additionally, a random sample (n = 20) of city centre bars stratified by size (range 400–5000 square feet), were tested for air nicotine concentrations using passive samplers before and after the ban. Main outcome measures: Salivary cotinine concentrations (ng/ml), duration of self reported exposures to secondhand smoke, air nicotine (μg/cubic metre). Results: Cotinine concentrations reduced by 69%, from 1.6 ng/ml to 0.5 ng/ml median (SD 1.29; p « 0.005). Overall 74% of subjects experienced decreases (range 16–99%), with 60% showing a halving of exposure levels at follow up. Self reported exposure to SHS at work showed a significant reduction from a median 30 hours a week to zero (p «0.001). There was an 83% reduction in air nicotine concentrations from median 35.5 μg/m3 to 5.95 μg/m3 (p « 0.001). At baseline, three bars (16%) were below the 6.8 μg/m3 air nicotine significant risk level for lung cancer alone; at follow up this increased to 10 (53%). Conclusions: Passive smoking and associated risks were significantly reduced but not totally eliminated. Exposure to SHS is still possible for those working where smokin9 is still allowed and those working where smoke may migrate from outdoor areas. Further research is required to assess the true extent and magnitude of these exposures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Heparin therapy may be effective in steroid resistant inflammatory bowel disease. Aim: A randomized pilot study, to compare unfractionated heparin as a first-line therapy with corticosteroids in colonic inflammatory bowel disease. Methods: Twenty patients with severe inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, n=17; Crohn’s colitis, n=3) were randomized to either intravenous heparin for 5 days, followed by subcutaneous heparin for 5 weeks (n=8), or high-dose intravenous hydrocortisone for 5 days followed by oral prednisolone 40 mg daily, reducing by 5 mg per day each week (n=12). After 5 days, non-responders in each treatment group were commenced on combination therapy. Response to therapy was monitored by: clinical disease activity (ulcerative colitis: Truelove and Witt Index; Crohn’s colitis: Harvey and Bradshaw Index), stool frequency, serum C-reactive protein and α1 acid glycoprotein, endoscopic and histopathological grading. Results: The response rates were similar in both treatment groups: clinical activity index (heparin vs. steroid; 75% vs. 67%; P=0.23), stool frequency (75% vs. 67%; P=0.61), endoscopic (75% vs. 67%; P=0.4) and histopathological grading (63% vs. 50%; P=0.67). Both treatments were well-tolerated with no serious adverse events. Conclusion: Heparin as a first line therapy is as effective as corticosteroids in the treatment of colonic inflammatory bowel disease. Large multicentre randomized comparative studies are required to determine the role of heparin in the management of inflammatory bowel disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Implementation strategies are needed to ensure that evidence-based healthcare interventions are adopted successfully. However, strategies are generally poorly described and those used in everyday practice are seldom reported formally or fully understood. Characterising the active ingredients of existing strategies is necessary to test and refine implementation. We examined whether an implementation strategy, delivered across multiple settings targeting different stakeholders to support a fall prevention programme, could be characterised using the Behaviour Change Technique (BCT) Taxonomy.Methods: Data sources included project plans, promotional material, interviews with a purposive sample of stakeholders involved in the strategy's design and delivery and observations of staff training and information meetings. Data were analysed using TIDieR to describe the strategy and determine the levels at which it operated (organisational, professional, patient). The BCT Taxonomy identified BCTs which were mapped to intervention functions. Data were coded by three researchers and finalised through consensus.Results: We analysed 22 documents, 6 interviews and 4 observation sessions. Overall, 21 out a possible 93 BCTs were identified across the three levels. At an organisational level, identifiable techniques tended to be broadly defined; the most common BCT was restructuring the social environment. While some activities were intended to encourage implementation, they did not have an immediate behavioural target and could not be coded using BCTs. The largest number and variety of BCTs were used at the professional level to target the multidisciplinary teams delivering the programme and professionals referring to the programme. The main BCTs targeting the multidisciplinary team were instruction on how to perform the (assessment) behaviour and demonstration of (assessment) behaviour; the main BCT targeting referrers was adding objects to the environment. At the patient level, few BCTs were used to target attendance.Conclusion: In this study, several behaviour change techniques were evident at the individual professional level; however, fewer techniques were identifiable at an organisational level. The BCT Taxonomy was useful for describing components of a multilevel implementation strategy that specifically target behaviour change. To fully and completely describe an implementation strategy, including components that involve organisational or systems level change, other frameworks may be needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and other complications. Physical activity is a modifiable lifestyle factor that may help to prevent these complications but many women reduce their physical activity levels during pregnancy. Interventions targeting physical activity in pregnancy are on-going but few identify the underlying behaviour change mechanisms by which the intervention is expected to work. To enhance intervention effectiveness, recent tools in behavioural science such as the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and COM-B model (capability, opportunity, motivation and behaviour) have been employed to understand behaviours for intervention development. Using these behaviour change methods, this study aimed to identify the enablers and barriers to physical activity in overweight and obese pregnant women.Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of overweight and obese women at different stages of pregnancy attending a public antenatal clinic in a large academic maternity hospital in Cork, Ireland. Interviews were recorded and transcribed into NVivo V.10 software. Data analysis followed the framework approach, drawing on the TDF and the COM-B model.Results: Twenty one themes were identified and these mapped directly on to the COM-B model of behaviour change and ten of the TDF domains. Having the social opportunity to engage in physical activity was identified as an enabler; pregnant women suggested being active was easier when supported by their partners. Knowledge was a commonly reported barrier with women lacking information on safe activities during pregnancy and describing the information received from their midwife as 'limited'. Having the physical capability and physical opportunity to carry out physical activity were also identified as barriers; experiencing pain, a lack of time, having other children, and working prevented women from being active.Conclusion: A wide range of barriers and enablers were identified which influenced women's capability, motivation and opportunity to engage in physical activity with "knowledge" as the most commonly reported barrier. This study is a theoretical starting point in making a 'behavioural diagnoses' and the results will be used to inform the development of an intervention to increase physical activity levels among overweight and obese pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]