Nuclear and cpDNA sequences combined provide strong inference of higher phylogenetic relationships in the phlox family (Polemoniaceae).

Members of the phlox family (Polemoniaceae) serve as useful models for studying various evolutionary and biological processes. Despite its biological importance, no family-wide phylogenetic estimate based on multiple DNA regions with complete generic sampling is available. Here, we analyze one nuclear and five chloroplast DNA sequence regions (nuclear ITS, chloroplast matK, trnL intron plus trnL-trnF intergeneric spacer, and the trnS-trnG, trnD-trnT, and psbM-trnD intergenic spacers) using parsimony and Bayesian methods, as well as assessments of congruence and long branch attraction, to explore phylogenetic relationships among 84 ingroup species representing all currently recognized Polemoniaceae genera. Relationships inferred from the ITS and concatenated chloroplast regions are similar overall. A combined analysis provides strong support for the monophyly of Polemoniaceae and subfamilies Acanthogilioideae, Cobaeoideae, and Polemonioideae. Relationships among subfamilies, and thus for the precise root of Polemoniaceae, remain poorly supported. Within the largest subfamily, Polemonioideae, four clades corresponding to tribes Polemonieae, Phlocideae, Gilieae, and Loeselieae receive strong support. The monogeneric Polemonieae appears sister to Phlocideae. Relationships within Polemonieae, Phlocideae, and Gilieae are mostly consistent between analyses and data permutations. Many relationships within Loeselieae remain uncertain. Overall, inferred phylogenetic relationships support a higher-level classification for Polemoniaceae proposed in 2000.

A brief telephone intervention targeting treatment engagement from a substance abuse program wait list.

This study compares three brief participant-initiated telephone interventions aimed at enhancing treatment engagement of individuals on a substance abuse treatment wait list. Policies requiring that wait list members call at least every other week in order to remain eligible for treatment remained in place for the standard and enhanced conditions but not for the voluntary condition. The standard condition was a minimal intervention, providing information on the program. The enhanced condition focused on client motivation for treatment and recovery. If individuals in the voluntary condition called, they were provided information about current wait list number and approximate remaining wait time. The rate of treatment engagement was the same among treatment conditions. The best predictor of engagement was the number of calls placed to the program while waiting. Treatment condition was a positive predictor of call frequency; presence of a comorbid psychiatric diagnosis was a negative predictor. The article also discusses future directions.