bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of β isoform‐specific insertions of Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II
Authors: Urushihara Masato , Yamauchi Takashi
Published: March 2003

α and β isoforms of Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (α and β CaM kinase II, respectively) are highly conserved except for β‐specific insertions 1 and 2, located at amino acids 316–340 and 354–392, respectively. To investigate the role of these β‐specific insertions, we prepared the deletion mutants βΔ1, βΔ2 and βΔ1/2, which lacked insertions 1, 2 and both, respectively. These mutant DNAs were expressed in neuroblastoma cells and compared with the wild‐type enzyme. Green fluorescent protein tagged CaM kinase II was used to further explore the distribution of the kinase in living cells. Most (80%) of wild‐type β and mutant βΔ1 were located in the particulate fraction, and distributed in the cell body and neurites, forming punctate or spot‐like structures in the neurites. Mutants βΔ2 and βΔ1/2 were distributed in almost equal amounts in the soluble and particulate fractions. They were concentrated in the base of neurites and only partlially distributed throughout neurites, indicating that their transport to neurites was impaired. β1−410, a deletion mutant of the association domain with a monomeric form, was located primarily in the soluble fraction. These results indicate that insertion 2, the association domain, and the oligomeric form of β CaM kinase II play an important role in the cellular distribution of β CaM kinase II.
Identification of residues critical for activity of the wound‐induced leucine aminopeptidase (LAP‐A) of tomato
Authors: Gu Yong‐Qiang , Walling Linda L.
Published: March 2003

The importance of two putative Zn2+‐binding (Asp347, Glu429) and two catalytic (Arg431, Lys354) residues in the tomato leucine aminopeptidase (LAP‐A) function was tested. The impact of substitutions at these positions, corresponding to the bovine LAP residues Asp255, Glu334, Arg336, and Lys262, was evaluated in His6–LAP‐A fusion proteins expressed in Escherichia coli. Sixty‐five percent of the mutant His6–LAP‐A proteins were unstable or had complete or partial defects in hexamer assembly or stability. The activity of hexameric His6–LAP‐As on Xaa‐Leu and Leu‐Xaa dipeptides was tested. Most substitutions of Lys354 (a catalytic residue) resulted in His6–LAP‐As that cleaved dipeptides at slower rates. The Glu429 mutants (a Zn2+‐binding residue) had more diverse phenotypes. Some mutations abolished activity and others retained partial or complete activity. The E429D His6–LAP‐A enzyme had Km and kcat values similar to the wild‐type His6–LAP‐A. One catalytic (Arg431) and one Zn‐binding (Asp347) residue were essential for His6–LAP‐A activity, as most R431 and D347 mutant His6–LAP‐As did not hydrolyze dipeptides. The R431K His6–LAP‐A that retained the positive charge had partial activity as reflected in the 4.8‐fold decrease in kcat. Surprisingly, while the D347E mutant (that retained a negative charge at position 347) was inactive, the D347R mutant that introduced a positive charge retained partial activity. A model to explain these data is proposed.
Exploitation of the Host’s Chemical Communication in a Parasitoid Searching for Concealed Host Larvae
Authors: Hoffmeister Thomas S. , Gienapp Phillip
Published: March 2003

We found empirical evidence for the exploitation of the host’s chemical communication in a parasitic wasp foraging for a concealed host. FemaleHalticoptera laevigatawasps (Hym., Pteromalidae) searched longer and probed more frequently on honeysuckle fruit that carried fresh marking pheromone or harbored a first instar larva of its host, the tephritid fruit fly,Myoleja lucida. They further increased their searching efforts on fruits that provided both host‐related cues. While the exploitation of host marking pheromones for host location had previously been shown in two parasitoid species attacking the eggs of their tephritid hosts, this is the first evidence for the exploitation of a host’s marking pheromone in a parasitoid attacking the larvae of an herbivorous host. Taking into account the time interval between application of host marking pheromones and parasitoid attack plus the fact that these pheromones are generally water soluble and thus might be washed off by rains, we discuss the reliability‐detectability problem for the exploitation of those cues for host location in parasitoids attacking a larval host.
Social Interactions of Yearling Male Fallow Deer during Rut
Authors: Pélabon Christophe , Komers Petr E. , Birgersson Bjorn , Ekvall Kenneth
Published: March 2003

Despite a low probability of achieving copulations, yearling male (1.5‐year‐old) fallow deer Dama dama display behavioural changes during rut, interacting with both females and older males. Juvenile interactions in polygynous ungulates may affect further reproductive success through both motor training for future interactions and/or competition for current resources that affect growth. To test this hypothesis, we intensively studied the behaviour of 12 yearling males in two captive populations during a rutting season. Interactions with females were interpreted as motor training aimed at learning to recognize oestrous females, because yearling males rarely interacted with their mother and because interactions essentially consisted of olfactory investigations focused on oestrous females. Because agonistic interactions with older males never involved physical contact and were mainly initiated by the most dominant buck in each population, we concluded that these interactions resulted from the presence of the yearlings close to oestrous females defended by rutting males. Heavier yearlings tended to be dominant over lighter ones and tended to interact more frequently with other animals, suggesting that early growth may influence the ontogeny of social behaviours.
Fecundity and the Behavioural Profile of Reproductive Workers in the Queenless Ant,Pachycondyla(= Ophthalmopone)berthoudi
Authors: Sledge Matthew F. , Peeters Christian , Crewe Robin M.
Published: March 2003

Morphologically specialized queens are absent inPachycondyla(= Ophthalmopone)berthoudi(ant subfamily Ponerinae). Instead, several of the workers mate and reproduce (gamergates). Gamergate proportion in nests commonly varies between nests and different times of the year. Individual fecundity of gamergates varies according to the number of these individuals in a nest, and we examined their behaviour in relation to fecundity in nests with different proportions of gamergates. In nests with high proportions of gamergates, they exhibited a diversity of behaviours inside the nest and in some cases could not be distinguished behaviourally from sterile workers. The fecundity of these gamergates was low and variable. In nests with low proportions, gamergates were relatively more fecund, and did not participate in colony labour. The behavioural profile of gamergates is therefore linked to their reproductive physiology, which is influenced by the number of mated individuals in the nest.
Body Colors Indicate the Reproductive Status of Female Common Chameleons: Experimental Evidence for the Intersex Communication Function
Authors: Cuadrado Mariano
Published: March 2003

Female common chameleons, Chamaeleo chamaeleon, show temporary body color changes during the reproductive season, probably in synchrony with their reproductive status. In a field study, the color changes of 21 radio‐tagged females were monitored for the apparent effects that three selected colorations (green body with yellow lines, green body with yellow spots and black body with yellow spots, abbreviated to GYL, GYS and BYS, respectively) had on the reproductive behavior of both sexes. In a field experiment, females naturally displaying GYL were artificially painted to resemble GYL (or control), GYS and BYS. They were released in the wild and the response of males was recorded. The frequency of male‐female behaviors, the pairing time and the outcome of male copulation attempts were consistent with the respective neutral (GYL), receptive (GYS) and gravid (BYS) functions of female color phases since a high percentage of copulations occurred during the short‐term GYS phase, whereas all copulation attempts by males were violently rejected during the BYS phase. In addition, BYS females also displayed specific behavioral postures to prevent matings. In the field experiment, the number of approaching males and the strength of the response by males were significantly higher for painted GYS females. The data show strong evidence that temporary body color changes in female common chameleons are associated with changes in their reproductive status and hence, function as signals used in inter‐sex communication.
Pre‐Patch Experience Affects the Egg Distribution Pattern in a Polyembryonic Parasitoid of Moth Egg Batches
Authors: Hoffmeister Thomas S. , Thiel Andra , Kock Birthe , Babendreier Dirk , Kuhlmann Ulrich
Published: March 2003

According to foraging theory, female parasitoids should alter their host choice in response to cues that indicate a limitation of resources. We tested whether females of the polyembryonic parasitoid Ageniaspis fuscicollis (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), which attack egg batches of small ermine moths (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae), would alter their host acceptance pattern in response to different pre‐patch experience. We kept females of the parasitoid prior to a patch visit under different conditions, which should indicate different levels of competition for hosts. With increased competition as pre‐patch experience, females laid more eggs per host egg and self‐superparasitized more often, and the resultant egg distributions showed a trend from more regular distributions to increasingly Poisson and aggregated distributions. Consequently, females with a pre‐patch experience that would indicate low competition for hosts had the most even egg distributions. We conclude that pre‐patch experience of competitors may lead to a significant change of mutual interference patterns in egg‐laying A. fuscicollis wasps.
Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on Locomotion and Orientation in Roughskin Newts (Taricha granulosa)
Authors: Blaustein Andrew R. , Chivers Douglas P. , Kats Lee B. , Kiesecker Joseph M.
Published: March 2003

Environmental changes, including those associated with the atmosphere may significantly affect individual animals and ultimately populations. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, perhaps increasing due to stratospheric ozone depletion, has been linked to mortality in a number of organisms, including amphibians. The eggs and larvae of certain amphibian species hatch at significantly lower rates when exposed to ambient ultraviolet light. Yet little is known about the sublethal effects of UV radiation. For example, UV radiation may affect specific behaviors of an animal that could alter its ability to survive. To examine if UV radiation affects amphibian behavior, we used roughskin newts (Taricha granulosa) as a model. Newts were exposed to low‐level doses of UV in the laboratory and then tested in the field to examine if UV‐exposed and control (no UV) newts differed in orientation towards water or in locomotor activity levels. UV‐exposed and control newts both exhibited a significant orientation towards water in field tests but there was no significant difference in orientation between treatments. However, UV‐exposed newts were significantly more active than control newts. Our results suggest that exposure to short‐term low levels of UV radiation alters certain behaviors. Environmentally induced changes in behavior may have significant ecological and evolutionary consequences.
Post‐Conflict Affiliation in Two Captive Groups of Black‐and‐White Guereza Colobus guereza
Authors: Björnsdotter Maria , Larsson Lena , Ljungberg Tomas
Published: March 2003

Post‐conflict affiliation was studied in two captive groups of black‐and‐white guereza (Colobus guereza), a folivorous, arboreal species which lives in harems. The overall level of aggression was low and each individual was involved in only 0.054 aggressive interactions per hour. After 132 aggressive interactions observed during 364 h, former antagonists were found to seek each other out selectively and exchange affiliative behaviours. The first affiliative behaviour was likely to occur within the first minute after the end of the conflict. The post‐conflict affiliative behaviours most often seen were proximity, social grooming, embrace, reciprocal low‐intensity mouth‐opening, groom present and gentle hand touch, in descending order. The pattern of post‐conflict affiliation is thus similar to that observed in most other primate species studied. One notable exception seems to be the relatively high proportion of conflicts after which former opponents continue to remain within arm's reach (in 1/3 of the conflicts). If these instances of remaining‐in‐proximity were excluded, the corrected conciliatory tendency according to Veenema et al. (1994, Behav. Proc. 31, 29–38) was 45% (60% if they were included).
The Influence of Phylogeny on the Social Behaviour of Macaques (Primates: Cercopithecidae, genusMacaca)
Authors: Thierry Bernard , Iwaniuk Andrew N. , Pellis Sergio M.
Published: March 2003

The macaques are the most geographically widespread and behaviourally diverse primate genus. Many of the diversified features of social behaviour and organization in this genus have been attributed to socio‐ecological differences. However, some core aspects of social behaviour and organization appear to be highly conservative, suggesting a high degree of phylogenetic inertia. A recently derived classification of macaque social organization, as well as a large range of social and physical traits, were analysed for 16 species to ascertain the role of phylogeny in explaining the distribution of these traits within the genusMacaca. These traits were mapped onto two alternative phylogenies. The pattern of social organization, based on the degree of asymmetry in social relations, exhibited a high and significant level of phylogenetic inertia, as did seven of the 22 individual traits compared. A profile constructed of the most likely ancestral state for this character matrix showed that it most closely resembles the pattern present in the Barbary macaque (M. sylvanus), which, based on both molecular and morphological data, most closely resembles the ancestral macaque.
The Influence of Song Mode on Responses of Male American Redstarts
Authors: Nagle Laurent , Couroux Christina
Published: March 2003

Male American redstarts (Setophaga ruticilla) exhibit two modes of singing: repeat and serial mode. Repeat mode consists of repetitions of a single song type, usually one possessing an accented terminal note. Serial mode is constituted by a series of different songs with unaccented terminal notes, sung in a versatile sequence. Different authors have observed that males discriminate between these two modes. In the experiments reported in this paper, we tested whether males use accented terminal notes, song versatility or both to discriminate between the two song modes. We observed that males responded more intensively to the accented song. The accented note seems a very important song characteristic for evoking male American redstart responses. In contrast, males did not show any difference in their response to single and varied serial songs.
The Effect of a Wasp's Age on Its Cuticular Hydrocarbon Profile and Its Tolerance by Nestmate and Non‐Nestmate Conspecifics (Polistes fuscatus, Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Authors: Panek Laura M. , Gamboa George J. , Espelie Karl E.
Published: March 2003

The effect of a wasp's age on its cuticular hydrocarbon profile and its tolerance by nestmate and non‐nestmate conspecifics was investigated in a laboratory study of newly eclosed wasps (Polistes fuscatus) that were isolated from their comb at eclosion. In blind observations, mature females did not discriminate between young nestmates and non‐nestmates that were ≤ 48 h‐old. However, mature females did discriminate between young nestmates and non‐nestmates that were 72 h old. Specifically, mature females were significantly more tolerant of (and significantly more likely to accept) 72 h‐old nestmates than 72 h old non‐nestmates. The abundance, relative abundance, and colony specificity of cuticular hydrocarbons changed significantly between 24 h‐old and 72 h‐old wasps. Our behavioral and chemical evidence indicates that wasps begin to develop a colony signature between 2 and 3 d of age.
Differential Responses to Same and Opposite Sex Odors by Adult House Mice Are Associated with Anogenital Distance
Authors: Drickamer Lee C. , Sessions Robinson Ami , Mossman Catherine A.
Published: March 2003

Intrauterine position (IUP) of female and male fetuses in litter‐bearing mammals can affect their physiology, morphology and behavior. The relationship between anogenital distance (AGD) and IUP was used as a bioassay for the degree of exposure of female and male fetuses to hormones in utero. Based on laboratory work in several rodent species, the following predictions were made for house mice (Mus musculus domesticus): (1) female mice should prefer odors from males with larger AGDs because such males are more aggressive, could protect more resources, and are better parents than males with smaller AGDs; (2) male mice should prefer odors from females with smaller AGDs because these females produce more offspring and are better parents than females with larger AGDs. We also tested the prediction that within sexes, mice should avoid odors from mice with larger AGDs because such mice are more aggressive. Responses to odors in traps were used to test these predictions for house mice living in outdoor enclosures using odor‐baited traps. Both predictions were confirmed. Furthermore, mice of both sexes tended to avoid odor cues from individuals of the same sex that had larger AGDs, probably to decrease chances of an aggressive encounter that could result in injury.
Genetic and Social Monogamy – Does It Occur Without Mate Guarding in the Ringed Plover?
Authors: Wallander Johan , Blomqvist Donald , Lifjeld Jan T.
Published: March 2003

Among birds, waders (suborder Charadrii) show a remarkable variation in social mating systems. Their genetic mating systems are, however, less well known, especially in socially monogamous species. Here, we use DNA fingerprinting and behavioral studies to examine genetic parentage and male mate guarding in the ringed ploverCharadrius hiaticula, a monogamous wader with biparental care. None of the putative parents was excluded as a genetic parent of the chicks attended (57 young from 21 families). Statistical resampling supported that extra‐pair parentage occurs only rarely, if ever, in the ringed plover. We found no evidence for male mate guarding by close following as a paternity assurance strategy. Lack of extra‐pair paternity in the ringed plover is therefore probably not a consequence of male mate guarding, but of high costs and/or low benefits from extra‐pair copulations for females.
Ergonomic Mechanisms for Handling Variable Amounts of Work in Colonies of the Wasp Ropalidia marginata
Authors: Naug Dhruba
Published: March 2003

The mechanisms by which a colony handles varying amounts of work was studied in the primitively eusocial wasp Ropalidia marginata. The number of active workers in the colony, per capita colony work and task generalization of individual workers increased when the amount of colony work was greater. The manner in which these three variables change suggests that a colony shows a graded response to changing amounts of work, whereby the three mechanisms are activated in a hierarchical manner. There was no evidence, however, of any adjustments in the foraged load size as a response mechanism to variable amounts of work in the colony. The implications of these results for the colony size–colony productivity debate are discussed.
Meadow Voles and Prairie Voles Differ in the Length of Time They Prefer the Top‐Scent Donor of an Over‐Mark
Authors: Ferkin Michael H. , Leonard Stuart T. , Bartos Kim , Schmick Michelle K.
Published: March 2003

Scent over‐marking occurs when one individual places its scent mark on top of one deposited by a conspecific. Studies have shown that animals investigating an over‐mark later behave as if the top‐scent mark is more important than the bottom‐scent mark. Differences in response to over‐marks may reflect differences in social and mating systems. Here, we ascertained the length of time that meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) and prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), exposed to an over‐mark, maintain a preference for the mark of the top‐scent donor compared with that of the bottom‐scent donor. If voles had no previous sexual experience with their top‐scent and bottom‐scent donors, male and female meadow voles maintained a preference for their top‐scent donor’s mark over their bottom‐scent donor’s mark for 48 h. In contrast, male and female prairie voles maintained such preferences for 24 h and 12 h, respectively. If voles had prior sexual experience with either their top‐ or bottom‐scent donor, such experience did not affect the length of time meadow voles and male prairie voles maintained a preference for their top‐scent donor. Female prairie voles maintained a 12‐h preference for the top‐scent mark if it belonged to the mate. If the mate was the bottom‐scent donor, female prairie voles showed no preference for it or the top‐scent mark. These findings are discussed within the framework that an association may exist between the manner in which voles respond to over‐marks and their social and mating systems.
Prey‐Correlated Spectral Changes in Echolocation Sounds of the Indian False Vampire Megaderma lyra
Authors: Leippert D. , Frank E. , Gabriel P. , Kutter S. , Scheidemann K. D. , Von Stillfried N. , Weller F.
Published: March 2003

False Vampires (Megaderma lyra) are gleaning bats which emit brief (1 ms) and faint echolocation signals consisting of four harmonics of a shallow frequency downward modulated fundamental (27–19 kHz). The complete signal spans a frequency range from 100 to 19 kHz. In sound recordings from three experimental animals we show that Megaderma lyra shifts the dominant frequency in the echolocation signals in relation to the type of prey offered and to flight style. During roaming flights the mean peak frequency was 63.2 ± 9 kHz (third harmonic). In prey catching flights, peak frequencies were shifted into the fourth harmonic. In flights towards a dish of crawling mealworms, mean peak frequency was raised to 91.2 ± 3.3 kHz. When the bats flew towards living mice the dominant frequency was further increased to 99.8 ± 5.2 kHz, and the second and third harmonic were at least 10 dB fainter or no longer recordable. The additional frequency shift when flying towards mice was not only a consequence of the dominance of the fourth harmonic but also of an additional rise of the fundamental harmonic by nearly 2 kHz. These prey‐correlated frequency shifts in echolocation calls showed little variation between the three experimental animals and were reproducible over time. They occurred at or even before take‐off of the bats. This is the first report of target‐correlated transient adaptations in echolocation calls of any bat species.
Evolution of Courtship Behaviour Patterns and Reproductive Isolation in theDesmognathus ochrophaeusComplex
Authors: Mead Louise S. , Verrell Paul A.
Published: March 2003

The extent to which differences in courtship behaviour patterns act as mechanisms of reproductive isolation is critical to understanding both speciation and the evolution of these behaviour patterns. While numerous studies have investigated intraspecific and interspecific differences in courtship, fewer interpret results in a phylogenetic framework. We describe and analyse geographic variation in the courtship behaviour patterns of the Allegheny Dusky salamander (Desmognathus ochrophaeus). We then examine courtship among closely related species in theD. ochrophaeuscomplex in a phylogenetic context. We found that populations ofD. ochrophaeusseparated by extensive geographic distances show little variation in courtship behaviour patterns and are sexually compatible. This contrasts with significant levels of sexual isolation betweenD. ochrophaeusand other species in the complex. Mapping behaviour patterns onto a phylogeny that we generated from cytochromebsequences indicates that two behaviour patterns present in the courtship sequence of other members in the complex have either been lost inD. ochrophaeusor gained independently in other species in the complex. Loss of these behaviour patterns may result in reproductive isolation betweenD. ochrophaeusand its sister taxon,D. orestes.
Do Male Veiled Chameleons, Chamaeleo calyptratus, Adjust their Courtship Displays in Response to Female Reproductive Status?
Authors: Kelso Erin C. , Verrell Paul A.
Published: March 2003

Variation in male courtship behavior may be due to inherent differences among males or may arise from males adjusting their courtship displays according to female responsiveness. Female veiled chameleons, Chamaeleo calyptratus, exhibit two distinctive suites of body coloration and behavior patterns that vary according to receptive and non‐receptive stages of their reproductive cycle. We presented male chameleons with both receptive and non‐receptive females, and recorded differences in their mating frequency, courtship intensity and courtship behavior patterns. As expected, males were more likely to court and attempt mating with receptive females. Although fewer males courted non‐receptive females, their courtship displays were significantly longer than those directed towards receptive females. Males also adjusted the contents of their displays according to female reproductive condition. Certain behavior patterns were unique to courtship displays directed towards each class of females. Males exhibited the behavior pattern `head roll' only when paired with receptive females, and `chin rub' was displayed only during courtship of non‐receptive females. We hypothesize that these differences in male courtship frequency, intensity and content reflect differences in female reproductive value. Although males may benefit from mating with both receptive and non‐receptive females, the costs associated with courtship may depend on female responsiveness. Thus, males adjust their courtship tactics accordingly.
Leaf Processing by Wild Chimpanzees: Physically Defended Leaves Reveal Complex Manual Skills
Authors: Corp Nadia , Byrne Richard W.
Published: March 2003

The manual processing of eight species of leaf was investigated in the M‐group chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania. Leaf species varied in the extent to which physical defences made consumption difficult. In all, 96 distinct techniques for leaf processing were identified, but two species with defended leaves (Ficus asperifolia and F. exasperata) required 2.5 as many techniques as did any of the six undefended species. Moreover, chimpanzees made more multiple leaf detachments, and made more subsequent modifications of the leaves, when dealing with the leaves of these two Ficus species, compared with the undefended leaf species. This greater complexity was associated with evidence of flexible, hierarchical organization of the process: iteration of modules consisting of several processing elements, facultative omission of modules, or substitutions of alternative modules. Comparison with data from mountain gorillas is made, and is consistent with similar cognitive architecture in the two species. We consider that, not only is hierarchical organization currently associated with mechanical difficulty in food processing, but that over evolutionary time‐scales difficulties in food processing may have selected for cognitive advance.
Effects of UV‐B Radiation on Anti‐Predator Behavior in Amphibians: Reply to Cummins
Authors: Kats Lee B. , Kiesecker Joseph M. , Chivers Douglas P. , Blaustein Andrew R.
Published: March 2003

Cummins' (2002) criticism of our paper (Kats et al. 2000) (1) displays a lack of understanding of experimental biology, (2) fails to report our results accurately, (3) places our paper in the wrong context, (4) seems unaware of much of the pertinent literature or selectively avoids certain references, and (5) takes the opportunity to criticize other papers examining the effects of ultraviolet radiation (UV, particularly UV‐B) on amphibians in the field. We address these issues below.
Understanding Social Behaviour with the Help of Complexity Science (Invited Article)
Authors: Hemelrijk Charlotte K.
Published: March 2003

In the study of complexity, a new kind of explanation has been developed for social behaviour. It shows how patterns of social behaviour can arise as a side‐effect of the interaction of individuals with their social or physical environment (e.g. by self‐organization). This development may influence our ideas about the direct causation and evolution of social behaviour. Furthermore, it may influence our theories about the integration of different traits. This new method has been made possible by the increase in computing power. It is now applied in many areas of science, such as physics, chemistry, sociology and economics. However, in zoology and anthropology it is still rare. The major aim of this paper is to make this method more generally accepted among behavioural scientists.
Fluctuating Asymmetry, Sexual Selection, and Survivorship in Male Dark‐Winged Damselflies
Authors: Beck Michelle L. , Pruett‐Jones Stephen
Published: March 2003

We examined fluctuating asymmetry and morphology as they relate to reproductive success, territoriality, and relative survivorship in the dark‐winged damselflyCalopteryx maculata. Fluctuating asymmetry was not correlated with any aspect of morphology in males, but it did predict mating status in males. Mating males showed significantly lower levels of forewing asymmetry than did non‐mating males holding adjacent territories. While fluctuating asymmetry did not relate to survivorship or resource holding ability, body size did. Larger males were able to hold territories longer and lived longer than smaller individuals. We suggest that size is of greater importance in this species with regards to fitness and that fluctuating asymmetry may play a minor role by impacting short‐term mating success.
Phonology and Geographic Song Discrimination in Song Sparrows
Authors: Searcy William A. , Nowicki Stephen , Peters Susan
Published: March 2003

We investigated whether song sparrows discriminate foreign from local songs using specific phonologic markers, a mechanism of geographic discrimination previously described for some other songbirds. Song sparrows from Linesville, Pennsylvania (PA) respond more strongly to local songs than to songs from Millbrook, New York (NY). We identify 61 note categories in PA and NY songs, of which 13 are unique to PA, 17 are unique to NY, and 31 are shared. The most common note category in PA song, ‘buzz BO5’, is present in 89% of PA songs and only in 8% of NY songs; this difference in percentage representation is the largest we found for any note category. Substituting this potential PA marker into NY songs, however, did not make those songs more salient to PA sparrows; instead, PA males tested with territorial playback responded significantly less aggressively to NY/PA hybrid songs than to NY songs. A series of control experiments showed that song sparrows do not detect substitution of PA notes into PA songs or of NY notes into NY songs. The results weigh against the hypothesis that geographic discrimination in song sparrows is accomplished simply by recognition of a small number of phonologic markers.
Responses in the bark of Cupressus sempervirens clones artificially inoculated with Seiridium cardinale under field conditions
Authors: Spanos K. A. , Pirrie A. , Woodward S. , Xenopoulos S.
Published: March 2003

By 70 days after inoculation, resistant and tolerant clones of field‐grown Cupressus sempervirens restricted penetration of the bark by Seiridium cardinale, forming ligno‐suberized boundary zones which included four to six layers of cells with suberized cell walls. This response contrasted with that in susceptible clones, where only two to four layers of suberized cells were formed in discontinuous bands around inoculation sites. Detection of multiple layers of thin suberized boundary zones in susceptible clones indicated repeated penetration of the wound/infection‐induced barrier by S. cardinale during a single growing season. The methods described will be valuable in the development of rapid, early and accurate screening programmes for durable resistance to Seiridium canker in Cupressus species.
Epidemiological role of strains of Cryphonectria parasitica isolated from hosts other than chestnut
Authors: Dallavalle E. , Zambonelli A.
Published: March 2003

Cryphonectria parasitica is not common in the forests of the Emilia Romagna region of Italy on hosts other than chestnut. Three isolates with morphological cultural characteristics of C. parasitica were collected: two from infected bark of Quercits pubescens (EQ1 and EQ2) and one from Carpinus betulus (EC1). Pathogenicity tests on chestnut and crosses in vitro with strains of C. parasitica of different mating types confirmed that EQ1 and EQ2 are C. parasitica isolates, whereas EC1 seems to belong to a different species. Progeny analysis of crosses with the isolate EQ1 and a strain from chestnut showed the formation of new vegetative compatibility groups. Therefore hosts other than chestnut can contribute to increasing pathogen variability through recombination of the v‐c genes.
Geographical distribution of Erwinia salicis strains, the cause of watermark disease of willows
Authors: Güven K. , Davis J. M. L. , Turner J. G.
Published: March 2003

Eighty‐six isolates of Erwinia salicis, the causal agent of watermark disease of willow, were obtained from culture collections and collected from various willow plantations in south‐east England. These isolates were characterized by their reaction in a competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, by enzyme electrophoresis, and for lysis by a panel of five bacteriophage. Eighty‐one isolates had similar characteristics and clustered at a level of similarity of at least 60%. Five isolates were found to have less than 20% similarity to the other E. salicis. Antiserum raised against E. salicis (NCPPB 2535) was found to be specific to E. salicis and did not cross‐react with other bacteria tested. No geographical clustering of electrotypes was found: however, Dutch and English isolates could be distinguished by bacteriophage typing. The local distribution of electrotypes collected from diseased trees suggests that the bacterium is spread via the propagating material and that tree to tree spread is rare.
Seasonal patterns of colonization of Norway spruce needles by Lophodermium piceae
Authors: Lehtijärvi A. , Barklund P.
Published: March 2003

Summary Colonization of living Norway spruce needles by Lophodermium piceae was studied in southern Sweden. One‐month to 3‐year‐old needles were assessed for frequency of infection. Needles appearing in the growing season of 1996 were monitored and sampled at 1 to 4 week intervals over a period of 14 months. Infection frequency of the current‐year needles increased from around 20% in July to approximately 40% in August 1996. This level had then doubled to approximately 80% after another growing season in August 1997. Multiple infections were rare in the needles during the first growing season, but after the second growing season at least 70% of the needles had multiple infections. The average number of infections in 9‐, 21‐ and 33‐month‐old needles were 1.3, 6.3 and 8.4, respectively. The size of the individual mycelia was estimated to be small in all needles, none of the individuals could be isolated from more than two adjacent needle sections, about 1.5 mm long. In conclusion, the number of L. piceae infections per needle increased during ageing of needles but mycelial growth is probably postponed until needle senescence and death.
Experimental testing of rust fungus‐mediated herbivory resistance in Betula pendula
Authors: Saikkonen K. , Ahlholm J. , Helander M. , Poteri M. , Tuominen J.
Published: March 2003

Correlative evidence suggests that pathogenic leaf rust fungus, Melampsoridium betulinum, in late summer may negatively affect folivorous insects in the following summer. Correlative association does not necessarily, however, reveal causality. Alternatively, other interconnected plant characters may determine rust densities and herbivore performance. In this study, we used birch clones and rust fungus inoculations to manipulatively test the effects of birch rust and birch genotypes on the growth performance of folivorous moth larvae of Epirrita autumnata (Lep. Geometridae) in the subsequent year. The inoculation treatment increased rust densities (three‐ to 60‐fold) compared with natural infection levels. E. autumnata performance varied among birch clones and showed 4% lower growth performance on rust‐inoculated trees. However, the larval performance did not differ between rust‐treated shoots and untreated control shoots and the use of tree‐specific rust densities as a covariant in statistical analyses failed to reveal any negative association between rust fungus and larval performance. As the slight difference in larval growth performance also levelled until pupation, we propose that rust infection has biologically insignificant importance to the performance of E. autumnata.
Interactions between Tricholomopsis rutilans and ectomycorrhizal fungi in paired culture and in association with seedlings of lodgepole pine and Sitka‐spruce
Authors: Murphy E. A. , Mitchell D. T.
Published: March 2003

Interactions between two isolates (Avondhu and CBS) of Tricholomopsis rutilans and ectomycorrhizal fungi (Hebeloma crustuliniforme, Laccaria laccata and Paxillus involutus) were examined on agar medium in the presence or absence of woodchips. The CBS isolate showed more competitiveness than the Avondhu isolate, when paired with ectomycorrhizal fungi. There was an inhibition of the growth of mycelium of the ectomycorrhizal fungi ranging from overgrowth to avoidance. The ectomycorrhizal fungi exhibited hyphal abnormalities such as discoloration, excessive vacuolation and curling. Formation of mycorrhizas by H. crustuliniforme in Pinus contorta and Picea abies was unaffected by the presence of the CBS isolate, whereas a reduction occurred in the presence of the Avondhu isolate. In non‐mycorrhizal seedlings of both conifers, the Avondhu isolate reduced root and shoot dry mass and number of root laterals and caused a lower number of short roots in lodgepole pine. The significance of these interactions between T. rutilans and ectomycorrhizal fungi in paired culture and during symbiosis is discussed.
Spread ofCryphonectria hypovirus1into 45 vegetative compatibility types ofCryphonectria parasiticaon grafted American chestnut trees
Authors: HOGAN E. P. , GRIFFIN G. J.
Published: March 2003

A mixture of hypovirulent strains ofCryphonectria parasitica, including four white (European) strains infected withCryphonectria hypovirus1(CHV1), was used in 1982 and 1983 to inoculate natural blight cankers located within a zone ranging from the ground to 183 cm on grafted American chestnut trees. These four white strains belonged to three vegetative compatibility (vc) types. Using pigmented, single‐spore colonies from white isolates, 48 vc types were identified among 110 white isolates recovered in 1996, 1998, and 1999 from cankers located outside the inoculated zone. Twenty‐five of the 48 white vc types consisted of two or more isolates. The 25 major white vc types were vegetatively incompatible with all four of the original white hypovirulent strains, providing evidence for spread of CHV1 but not for spread of the original inoculated strains. Forty‐five vc types represent the minimum number of `new' vc types into which CHV1 had spread. The ratio of white vc types to white isolates tested (S/N) and Shannon diversity index were 0.436 and 3.64, respectively. The spatial pattern of white vc types on the grafts was found to be non‐random (p=0.019). White single‐spore colonies of white isolates were placed into four cultural morphology (CM) groups. The two largest groups contained 37 (CM group 3) and 33 (CM group 1) isolates. Single‐spore colonies from the original, white inoculated strain, Ep 49, were classified into CM groups 3 and 1, and colonies of Ep 51 W were classified into CM group 1.
Spatial dispersal of Nectria ditissima canker of beech in an international provenance trial
Authors: METZLER B. , MEIERJOHANN E. , KUBLIN E. , VON WÜHLISCH G.
Published: March 2003

Beech canker caused by Nectria ditissima was abundant in many plots of a large beech provenance trial in Germany. In 149 plots a total of 9015 plants were assessed. No difference in susceptibility of individual provenances was established. However, significant spatial correlation was found between canker incidence in the plantation and the distance to neighbouring diseased shelterwood. The latter evidently served as a source of inoculum. Predominant juveniles tended to be more infected presumably by being more exposed to the inoculum. Trees planted up to 20 m from diseased shelterwood were most significantly infected, up to 48% per plot. In order to ascertain the role of wind for dispersing inoculum, distance zones were combined with locally predominant wind directions. The resulting wind dispersal zones served better for modelling disease dispersal than the distance zones.
Abiotic and biotic factors and their interactions as causes of oak decline in Central Europe
Authors: THOMAS F. M. , BLANK R. , HARTMANN G.
Published: March 2003

Incidences of oak decline have occurred repeatedly during the past three centuries as well as in the most recent decades. On the basis of historical records and dendrochronological measurements, oak decline in Central Europe has been attributed to the single or combined effects of climatic extremes (winter frost, summer drought), defoliating insects, and pathogenic fungi. Starting from a literature review, we discuss the possible roles of various abiotic (air pollution, nitrogen eutrophication, soil chemical stress, climatic extremes, site conditions) and biotic factors (insect defoliation, borer attack, infection by pathogenic fungi, microorganisms) that have been related to oak decline. On the basis of investigations onQuercus petraeaandQuercus roburat three different levels (from experiments with young trees to monitoring on a supraregional scale), we suggest a conceptual model of the interaction of abiotic and biotic factors responsible for the onset of oak decline. This model should be valid for Central European oak stands at more acidic sites (soil pH (H2O) ≤ 4.2; on soils with higher pH, pathogenicPhytophthoraspecies may contribute to oak decline). The combination of severe insect defoliation in at least two consecutive years with climatic extremes is the most significant complex of factors in the incidence of oak decline. Combined with defoliation, summer drought or winter/spring frost or both have to occur within the same year or in consecutive years to trigger major outbreaks of decline. Important additional stress factors are the following: (1) hydromorphic site conditions which, particularly in the case ofQ. robur, render the trees more susceptible to drought stress as a result of an impairment of root growth in the subsoil; and (2), possibly, excess nitrogen which, in combination with drought stress, results in distinct decreases in the foliar concentrations of allelochemicals inQ. robur, thereby probably making the trees more susceptible to insect defoliation. Air pollution, soil chemical stress (including excess manganese), and nitrogen‐induced nutritional imbalance do not seem to be important causal factors in the complex of oak decline. On the basis of the model, the appearance of the most recent oak decline in North‐western Germany can be adequately explained.
The meaning and significance of clinical group supervision and supervised individually planned nursing care as narrated by nurses on a general team psychiatric ward
Authors: Berg Agneta , Hallberg Ingalill Rahm
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT

By interviewing 22 psychiatric nurses, the present study aimed to reveal the meaning and significance of systematic clinical group supervision and supervised individually planned nursing care, using latent content analysis. The interpreted meaning was ‘confronting the complexity of ongoing life in daily nursing care’ and the interpreted significance was ‘strengthening the foundation for nursing care’. Reflection on action and confirmation seemed to be core components in the process of clinical supervision. Focusing on the relational and task aspects in nursing care within a group approach may have contributed to the positive experiences of development that occurred.
Negative attitudes towards clients with drug and alcohol related problems: Finding the elusive solution
Authors: Happell Brenda , Taylor Catherine
Published: March 2003

The difficulties experienced by nurses in providing care to clients with drug and alcohol related problems within general hospital settings have been clearly identified in the literature. Despite this, the problem continues with little or no evidence of improvement. This paper reports the results of a research project undertaken in a large private hospital in metropolitan Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The study sought to ascertain whether a difference in attitudes, confidence and perceived knowledge related to the care of clients with drug and alcohol problems would be evident between those nurses who used consultation and liaison services from a specialist drug and alcohol unit and those who did not. A questionnaire was administered to 200 nurses, with a 53% completion rate (n = 106). The results showed very little difference between the groups with the exception of the perceived knowledge category which indicated a statistically significant difference.
A consumer’s perspective of a suicide intervention programme
Authors: Aoun Samar , Johnson Lyn
Published: March 2003

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of a suicide intervention program from a consumer perspective. Self‐administered questionnaires were distributed to consumers who had been referred to a suicide intervention counsellor in the 2‐year period of the programme in rural southwest Western Australia. Three‐quarters of respondents were positive about their experience with the service, with half of the respondents no longer having thoughts of suicide and only 20% of all respondents reporting having attempted deliberate self‐harm postcounselling. Reported suicidal ideation and attempted self‐harm were much higher in the dissatisfied group. Dissatisfaction of respondents stemmed from the history of their treatment and ‘the hassle created by the many systems for them to access care’. However, the overall outcome of this study is that, from the consumer’s perspective, a high intensity approach to suicide intervention resolved or improved the presenting problem and their ability to deal with it.
Alexithymia: A challenge for mental health nursing practice
Authors: Tacon Anne
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:

Alexithymia, under‐recognized and under‐diagnosed, presents a significant challenge to mental health nurses. This article explores the alexithymia construct, and presents the view that better recognition of this trait will allow nursing intervention to be more specific and effective. The mental health nurses’ role is potentially the cornerstone of successful intervention with this group of complex patients, who do poorly when offered conventional, insight‐orientated interventions. Standard psychotherapeutic treatments need to be modified in order to focus on increasing the ability to self‐regulate affect, otherwise treatment may be both counterproductive and potentially damaging.