Partially fertile hybrids between Trifolium ambiguum and T. occidentale were obtained for the first time. The F(1) hybrids produced seeds after open-pollination, and also produced triploid progeny in backcrosses to T. occidentale from the functioning of unreduced gametes in the hybrids. These plants were fertile and produced progeny with T. occidentale and with T. repens. Meiotic chromosome pairing in the F(1) showed six to eight bivalents per pollen mother cell, indicating pairing between the parental genomes. A chromosome-doubled form of one hybrid, produced using colchicine, showed some multivalents, indicative of interspecific chromosome pairing. The hybrid plants were robust and combined phenotypic characteristics of both species, having stolons, thick roots and a few rhizomes. Results show that despite separation by the entire breadth of Europe, the speciation process is incomplete, and these taxa have partially retained most of the genetic compatibilities needed for hybridization (possibly except for endosperm development, which was not tested). The fertile progeny populations could lead to new clover breeding strategies based on new hybrid forms.

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Trifolium nigrescens Viv. and T. occidentale Coombe are diploid (2n = 2x = 16) clover species with contrasting habits and geographic distributions. Trifolium nigrescens is a nonstoloniferous annual with widespread distribution in the Mediterranean countries of Europe and northern Africa, Turkey, the Middle East, and the Caucasus region. By contrast, T. occidentale is a stoloniferous perennial and is strictly coastal, occurring on the Gulf Stream coasts of Portugal, Spain, France, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Here we report for the first time that both 2x T. nigrescens ssp. nigrescens and ssp. petrisavii can be hybridized with 2x T. occidentale. No special techniques are required, and advanced generation hybrid populations can be produced. Furthermore, backcrosses to T. nigrescens are easily obtained, and introgression of genes from T. occidentale occurs. The chromosomes of the two species show perfect pairing and regular disjunction at meiosis. The biological separation (reproductive isolation) of these species is incomplete. This incomplete isolation is paralleled by a partial breakdown of the genetic mechanism that would normally prevent endosperm development in these crosses. Observations on the life history of one hybrid and its progeny showed that two traits involved in perenniality were inherited in opposite ways. These species are close relatives of white clover and are potentially important sources of traits for plant breeding. This work raises the likelihood of simultaneous introgression of traits from both diploid species into white clover.

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Forage resources conserved in genebanks, such as the Margot Forde Germplasm Centre (MFGC; PalmerstonNorth), are reservoirs of genetic diversity important for the development of cultivars adapted to abiotic stresses and environmental constraints. Genomic tools, including genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), can support identification of manageable subsets (core collections) that are genetically representative of these large germplasm collections, for phenotypic characterisation. We used GBS to generate SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) profiles for 172 white clover (WC) and 357 perennial ryegrass (PRG) MFGC-sourced accessions and estimated genetic relationships amongst accessions. In WC, accessions aligned along an east-west transect from Kazakhstan to Spain, identifying major diversity in Caucasus/Central Asia and Iberian Peninsula. A key feature was the reduced diversity present in New Zealand (NZL) accessions. Similarly, for PRG, most NZL accessions coalesced as one group, distinct from large clusters associated with the Iberian Peninsula, Italy and eastern Mediterranean/Caucasian region. These results emphasise the relatively narrow genetic diversity in NZL WC and PRG, and the broad extent of largely unexploited global diversity. Capturing global genetic variation incore collections will support pre-breeding programmes to mobilise novel genetic variation into New  Zealand-adapted genetic backgrounds, enabling development of cultivars with non-traditional traits including enhancedclimate resilience and environmental performance.

Objective: Teaching quality improvement (QI) is a priority for residency and fellowship training programs. However, many medical trainees have had little exposure to QI methods. The purpose of this study is to review a rigorous and simple QI methodology (define, measure, analyze, improve, and control [DMAIC]) and demonstrate its use in a fellow-driven QI project aimed at reducing the number of delayed and canceled muscle biopsies at our institution.Methods: DMAIC was utilized. The project aim was to reduce the number of delayed muscle biopsies to 10% or less within 24 months. Baseline data were collected for 12 months. These data were analyzed to identify root causes for muscle biopsy delays and cancellations. Interventions were developed to address the most common root causes. Performance was then remeasured for 9 months.Results: Baseline data were collected on 97 of 120 muscle biopsies during 2013. Twenty biopsies (20.6%) were delayed. The most common causes were scheduling too many tests on the same day and lack of fasting. Interventions aimed at patient education and biopsy scheduling were implemented. The effect was to reduce the number of delayed biopsies to 6.6% (6/91) over the next 9 months.Conclusions: Familiarity with QI methodologies such as DMAIC is helpful to ensure valid results and conclusions. Utilizing DMAIC, we were able to implement simple changes and significantly reduce the number of delayed muscle biopsies at our institution. Teaching quality improvement (QI) is a priority for residency and fellowship training programs, partially stemming from mandates for formal QI education from organizations like the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.1 Learning these competencies is of practical utility, as the American Board of Medical Specialties includes reporting on quality of care as part of their maintenance of certification program.2 Within neurology, this may be via adherence to evidence-based quality guidelines published by the American Academy of Neurology or others. 3One of the most meaningful ways residents and fellows can participate in QI is to start a QI project. QI projects provide an opportunity for trainees to identify and correct gaps in the quality of care provided to patients, and gain a better understanding of how patient care relates to the health care system as a whole. QI projects may have the added benefit of improving the efficiency and quality of the academic teaching environment. 4 The range of potential projects is broad because QI and patient safety span all areas of clinical practice. One way to conceptualize different areas of focus is to consider the 6 aims of improvement outlined by the Institute of Medicine.5 High-quality care should be safe (avoiding patient harm), effective (providing care based on scientific knowledge), patient-centered (providing care that respects patient preferences and values), timely (reducing harmful delays), efficient (avoiding waste), and equitable (care independent of personal characteristics like socioeconomic s...