Assessing the Invasiveness of the Non-Native Kelp Undaria pinnatifida in Monterey Harbor and Implications for Its Management

The annual subtidal alga Undaria pinnatifida has been federally declared an invasive species and has spread rapidly across the globe from its native range in northern Asia. The ability of this alga to complete its life cycle determines its success in a particular location, and several abiotic factors have been found to be important in determining reproductive success in kelps. Laboratory zoospore culture experiments were conducted monthly to test the effects of temperature and nitrate concentrations on microscopic stage production throughout a year. Cultures were grown under two temperatures (12, 18º C) monthly and three nitrate concentrations (1,5,10 μmol) three months during the year. Each month sporophytes were produced in both temperatures, and densities were either higher in the 18ºC treatment or there was no difference between temperatures. Sporophytes were also produced in all nitrate treatments, but there was no consistent nitrate effect observed. Finally, field measurements and sporophyll punches were obtained to test the relationship between zoospore output and the physical features sporophyll size and blade length for U. pinnatifida in Monterey Harbor. These results revealed a non-linear relationship for individual plants, and a linear relationship at a population (average) level. Visual predictors of the reproductive status of an individual that can be used before it is removed (trauma can cause zoospore release) is essential to the success of programs seeking to avoid the further spread of this species, such as the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Undaria program. Alternately, information regarding abiotic influences on U. pinnatifida is important as microscopic stage production is vital in supporting future cohorts. Similar culture experiments have been conducted on other native central California kelp species, a majority of which were unable to produce sporophytes in all treatments. This suggests that U. pinnatifida is a condition-flexible alga whose reproductive physiology allows it to enter and thrive in new areas. The methods developed and used in this study should be implemented in other locations throughout U. pinnatifida’s range in order to inform local management efforts and provide a more complete understanding of the ability of this species to continue to spread

Impact of Individual and Population-Scale Dynamics on Growth and Reproduction of Two Morphologies of Macrocystis in Central California

Morphological plasticity is common among seaweeds and such form alteration often results in the modification of other physiological processes, such as growth or reproduction. This study explored the consequences of morphological plasticity by comparing two of the common growth forms of the giant kelp Macrocystis, an ecologically important genus in nearshore temperate ecosystems. The aclonal pyrifera morphology of Macrocystis grows in deep water and reproduces via the production and release of microscopic zoospores, while the clonal integrifolia morphology grows in shallow water and reproduces primarily by vegetative growth of its rhizome. The effects of morphology on reproduction, biomass and growth were studied using laboratory and field surveys and experiments. Surveys of frond densities by depth found that Macrocystis morphology could be quantified by standardizing frond densities with the coefficient of variation. Higher coefficient of variation values indicated that fronds are significantly more clumped in deep water, indicative of the pyrifera morphology. The coefficient of variation also increased significantly with depth, stairstepping between the morphologies. Secondarily, seasonal reproductive sampling showed that the pyrifera morphology invested more in reproductive area, resulting in higher total individual reproduction, which was also true at greater depths. The year-round reproductive potential of Macrocystis was observed in this study, with reproduction varying throughout the year and peaking in October. Thirdly, the pyrifera morphology was found to have significantly higher biomass on average, while reproductive area and total reproduction correlated positively with frond biomass. Finally, clearings in the shallow integrifolia bed showed that the integrifolia morphology was unable to regenerate removed fronds during certain times of year, calling into question the storage capabilities of the Macrocystis rhizome. Macrocystis sexual recruitment was not observed into the clearings, leaving only encroachment from bordering individuals to recolonize the disturbed space, which occurred at an extremely slow rate, resulting in potential recovery times of 30 years for the small clearings and 100 years for the large clearings. The inability of Macrocystis to recruit into shallow areas suggests that the integrifolia morphology population persists primarily through the rare recruitment of single individuals that live for long periods of time, growing vegetatively and fragmenting. The findings of this thesis suggest that these two forms, though genetically identical, are variable from one another morphologically, reproductively and physiologically and that switches in morphology have physiological and biological consequences

The Role of a Designated Sepsis Nurse in Improving Outcomes

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Does it do what it says on the tin? – Evaluation of an established UK University Employability Enhancement Award.

University employability awards, in the UK particularly, aim to to assist students to develop career related skills and attributes and thus increase their potential to achieve graduate level employment. Self-report quantitative and qualitative data were collected via questionnaires, interviews and focus groups at intervals from two cohorts (N = 212) of a well-established career development and employability award at a large civic UK university. Findings indicated increases in confidence and aspiration, and in the ability to articulate and apply skills and abilities; also that the award may convey similar benefits to work experience. Survey data from award completers indicated that they had changed their career related behaviour, and students who have completed the award show a consistent small increase in their level of graduate employment when compared to the graduate employment figure for the university as a whole in the UK university destinations data. Employability related values, attitudes and behaviour may all change as a result of award experience. Reported changes implied a sense of improved resourcefulness. It is hypothesised that the award may enhance student employability somewhat via development of psychosocial resources, producing a shift in the student’s perception of self and identity

Creation of a Decision Support Tool for Expectant Parents Facing Threatened Periviable Delivery: Application of a User-Centered Design Approach

Background Shared decision-making (SDM) is optimal in the context of periviable delivery, where the decision to pursue life-support measures or palliation is both preference sensitive and value laden. We sought to develop a decision support tool (DST) prototype to facilitate SDM by utilizing a user-centered design research approach. Methods We convened four patient and provider advisory boards with women and their partners who had experienced a surviving or non-surviving periviable delivery, pregnant women who had not experienced a prior preterm birth, and obstetric providers. Each 2-h session involved design research activities to generate ideas and facilitate sharing of values, goals, and attitudes. Participant feedback shaped the design of three prototypes (a tablet application, family story videos, and a virtual reality experience) to be tested in a final session. Results Ninety-five individuals (48 mothers/partners; 47 providers) from two hospitals participated. Most participants agreed that the prototypes should include factual, unbiased outcomes and probabilities. Mothers and support partners also desired comprehensive explanations of delivery and care options, while providers wanted a tool to ease communication, help elicit values, and share patient experiences. Participants ultimately favored the tablet application and suggested that it include family testimonial videos. Conclusion Our results suggest that a DST that combines unbiased information and understandable outcomes with family testimonials would be meaningful for periviable SDM. User-centered design was found to be a useful method for creating a DST prototype that may lead to improved effectiveness, usability, uptake, and dissemination in the future, by leveraging the expertise of a wide range of stakeholders

Variation in Mating Dynamics across Five Species of Leiobunine Harvestmen (Arachnida: Opliones)

The study of mating choices often focuses on correlates of traits to the overall outcome of a mating interaction. However, mating interactions can proceed through a series of stages, with opportunities for assessment at each stage. We compared whether male or female size predicted mating interaction outcome across several stages of mating in five species of North American leiobunine harvestmen (commonly known as daddy longlegs). Leiobunine harvestmen have been previously shown to exhibit incredible morphological diversity consistent with a spectrum of male–female antagonism. Across all of the species, we found a general progression of female size predicting the outcome (success and timing) of early stages of interactions, and male size or male size relative to female size predicting the outcome and timing of later stages of interactions. We also found that size was not a strong predictor of outcome in the two species on the lower end of the antagonism spectrum. The variation in how female and male size predicted outcomes across species and stages of mating suggests that multiple mechanisms may operate to shape mating dynamics within and across species. Given the close relatedness of the species studied, the patterns we uncovered suggest a rapid evolution of the traits and processes predicting the outcome of mating interactions

Longitudinal Change in Common Impairments in Children with Cerebral Palsy from age 1.5 to 11 years

Purpose: This project aimed to determine if change occurs over time for impairments of balance, range of motion (ROM), endurance, and strength of children with cerebral palsy (CP), by Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels. Methods: Measurements were completed in 77 children at two sessions (T1, T2) on average 5.8 years apart. Mean ages were 2.9 years (SD .9) and 8.7 years (SD 1.1) at T1 and T2, respectively. Results: Significant differences were noted from T1 to T2 for some children (GMFCS levels I, II, and III/IV: balance increased, GMFCS levels I and II: strength increased, and GMFCS levels III/IV and V: ROM decreased). Endurance scores were not different. Endurance scores did not change. Conclusions: Longitudinal changes in most impairments occurred in children with CP. Monitoring and targeted interventions should support each child’s development

Understanding the implementation and adoption of an information technology intervention to support medicine optimisation in primary care: qualitative study using strong structuration theory

Objectives: Using strong structuration theory, we aimed to understand the adoption and implementation of an electronic clinical audit and feedback tool to support medicine optimisation for patients in primary care. Design: This is a qualitative study informed by strong structuration theory. The analysis was thematic, using a template approach. An a priori set of thematic codes, based on strong structuration theory, was developed from the literature and applied to the transcripts. The coding template was then modified through successive readings of the data. Setting: Clinical commissioning group in the south of England. Participants: Four focus groups and five semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 participants purposively sampled from a range of stakeholder groups (general practitioners, pharmacists, patients and commissioners). Results: Using the system could lead to improved medication safety, but use was determined by broad institutional contexts; by the perceptions, dispositions and skills of users; and by the structures embedded within the technology. These included perceptions of the system as new and requiring technical competence and skill; the adoption of the system for information gathering; and interactions and relationships that involved individual, shared or collective use. The dynamics between these external, internal and technological structures affected the adoption and implementation of the system. Conclusions: Successful implementation of information technology interventions for medicine optimisation will depend on a combination of the infrastructure within primary care, social structures embedded in the technology and the conventions, norms and dispositions of those utilising it. Future interventions, using electronic audit and feedback tools to improve medication safety, should consider the complexity of the social and organisational contexts and how internal and external structures can affect the use of the technology in order to support effective implementation

'I don’t want to let myself down or the charity down’: Men’s accounts of using various interventions to reduce smoking and alcohol consumption.

Men are less likely to seek medical help than women, and are more likely to adopt unhealthy practices. This study investigated men's constructions of alcohol and tobacco cessation interventions in relation to dominant masculine identities. Focus groups and interviews with twelve male university students were analysed using an eclectic approach informed by discursive psychology and Foucauldian discourse analysis. Findings suggested that interventions encouraging competition amongst friends were constructed as favourable, and autonomy and control were central to men’s accounts. While men presented their behaviour change as intentional, their accounts revealed a tendency to conceal this from others, suggesting a negative influence of peer pressure. However, participants who had raised money for charity whilst abstaining described this process as rewarding and acting as a ‘buffer’ to legitimize their healthy behavior when socializing with other men. Implications for health providers and policy makers are discussed