On the Challenges of Identifying Benthic Dominance on Anthropocene Coral Reefs.

The concept of dominance is frequently used to describe changes in rapidly reconfiguring ecosystems, but the definition of dominance can vary widely among studies. Using coral reefs as a model, we use extensive benthic composition data to explore how variability in applying dominance concepts can shape perceptions. We reveal that coral dominance is sensitive to the exclusion of key algal groups and the categorization of other benthic groups, with ramifications for detecting an ecosystem phase shift.

A critical evaluation of benthic phase shift studies on coral reefs.

Coral reef decline has accelerated in the last two decades resulting in substantial research into the phenomenon of 'phase shifts' or 'regime shifts'. However, the conclusions drawn from this research have been varied. Some of this variability may stem from methodological approaches, although the extent to which these factors have shaped our understanding remain largely unexplored.

Development and validation of the mirror image comfort and avoidance scale (MICAS).

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop an instrument to measure the experience of viewing one's reflection in the mirror for use in rehabilitation, nursing, psychology, and in research studies designed to improve the mirror-viewing experience for those who have suffered psychological or bodily trauma. A secondary purpose was to explore demographic differences in each subscale of the instrument.

Methods: The developed items went through content expert validation, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and internal consistency reliability testing.

A Fixed Cohort Field Study of Gene Expression in Circulating Leukocytes From Dairy Cows With and Without Mastitis.

Specifically designed gene expression studies can be used to prioritize candidate genes and identify novel biomarkers affecting resilience against mastitis and other diseases in dairy cattle. The primary goal of this study was to assess whether specific peripheral leukocyte genes expressed differentially in a previous study of dairy cattle with postpartum disease, also would be expressed differentially in peripheral leukocytes from a diverse set of different dairy cattle with moderate to severe clinical mastitis. Four genes were selected for this study due to their differential expression in a previous transcriptomic analysis of circulating leukocytes from dairy cows with and without evidence of early postpartum disease.