bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pair Duets in the Yellow‐Naped Amazon (Psittaciformes: Amazona auropalliata): Responses to Playbacks of Different Dialects
Authors: Wright Timothy F. , Dorin Melinda
Published: March 2003

Yellow‐naped amazons, Amazona auropalliata, have regional dialects in which several functional classes of vocalization, including contact calls and pair duets, change their acoustic structure at the same geographic boundaries. Here we examine the responses of 11 pairs of yellow‐naped amazons to playbacks of duets from other pairs nesting near the same roost, other roosts within the same dialect, and roosts in foreign dialect areas. Overall, pairs responded more strongly to duets from their own dialect than to those of the foreign dialect. Pairs responded to both treatments from their own dialect (local same dialect and distant same dialect) with movement towards the broadcasting loudspeaker and more rarely with squeals, a vocalization typically observed only in the context of aggressive chases. These aggressive responses were never observed during playbacks of the foreign dialect treatment or congeneric controls. There were no differences among treatments in the incidence of contact calls or pair duets. A similar pattern of stronger aggressive responses to local than to foreign dialects has been found in a wide range of oscine songbirds. The results of the present experiment suggest that a general function may underlie this behavioral response both in oscines and in other bird taxa with vocal learning.
Development of Species Preferences in Two Hamsters, Phodopus campbelli and Phodopus sungorus: Effects of Cross‐Fostering
Authors: Vasilieva Nina YU. , Lai Syau‐Cheng , Petrova Ekaterina V. , Johnston Robert E.
Published: March 2003

Experiments were conducted to investigate species‐specific preferences in two closely related species of hamsters, Phodopus campbelli and Phodopus sungorus. Male hamsters that were raised with conspecifics spent more time investigating an anaesthetized conspecific male than a heterospecific male, and also spent more time investigating odours of conspecifics than those of heterospecifics (midventral gland, urine, and saccular secretion). Cross‐fostered P. sungorus males reversed their normal preferences, spending more time investigating stimuli (anaesthetized males and all three odours) of the foster species. Cross‐fostered P. campbelli males also investigated an anaesthetized male of the foster species more than a male of their own species, but did not show a preference for odours alone. Social experience during the 15 d immediately following weaning also influenced these preferences. If exposures during and after nesting were to heterospecifics the preference for heterospecifics was strengthened; if either period of experience was with a conspecific, this eliminated the preference for heterospecifics in P. sungorus but did not influence the lack of a preference in P. campbelli. Thus, early experience during both the nestling stage and the 15 d after weaning influenced responses to species‐typical cues in both species, but it had a more pronounced effect in P. sungorus.
Learned Recognition of Intraspecific Predators in Larval Long‐Toed Salamanders Ambystoma macrodactylum
Authors: Wildy Erica L. , Blaustein Andrew R.
Published: March 2003

The ability of prey to detect predators and respond accordingly is critical to their survival. The use of chemical cues by animals in predator detection has been widely documented. In many cases, predator recognition is facilitated by the release of alarm cues from conspecific victims. Alarm cues elicit anti‐predator behavior in many species, which can reduce their risk of being attacked. It has been previously demonstrated that adult long‐toed salamanders, Ambystoma macrodactylum, exhibit an alarm response to chemical cues from injured conspecifics. However, whether this response exists in the larval stage of this species and whether it is an innate or a learned condition is unknown. In the current study, we examined the alarm response of naïve (i.e. lab‐reared) larval long‐toed salamanders. We conducted a series of behavioral trials during which we quantified the level of activity and spatial avoidance of hungry and satiated focal larvae to water conditioned by an injured conspecific, a cannibal that had recently been fed a conspecific or a non‐cannibal that was recently fed a diet of Tubifex worms. Focal larvae neither reduced their activity nor spatially avoided the area of the stimulus in either treatment when satiated, and exhibited increased activity towards the cannibal stimulus when hungry. We regard this latter behavior as a feeding response. Together these results suggest that an anti‐predator response to injured conspecifics and to cannibalistic conspecifics is absent in naïve larvae.

Previous studies have shown that experienced wild captured salamanders do show a response to cannibalistic conspecifics. Therefore, we conducted an additional experiment examining whether larvae can learn to exhibit anti‐predator behavior in response to cues from cannibalized conspecifics. We exposed larvae to visual, chemical and tactile cues of stimulus animals that were actively foraging on conspecifics (experienced) or a diet of Tubifex (naïve treatment). In subsequent behavioral treatments, experienced larvae significantly reduced their activity compared to naive larvae in response to chemical cues of cannibals that had recently consumed conspecifics. We suggest that this behavior is a response to alarm cues released by consumed conspecifics that may have labeled the cannibal. Furthermore, over time, interactions with cannibals may cause potential prey larvae to learn to avoid cannibals regardless of their recent diet.
Coordinated Ontogeny of Food Preference and Responses to Chemical Food Stimuli by a Lizard Ctenosaura pectinata (Reptilia: Iguanidae)
Authors: Cooper William E. , Lemos‐Espinal Julio A.
Published: March 2003

When important ecological factors change predictably during the life of an organism, the ontogeny of related behaviors must be timed to maintain appropriate behavioral responsiveness to current ecological conditions. In the brown iguana, Ctenosaura pectinata, hatchlings in natural populations eat primarily insects, consuming little plant matter, whereas adults eat primarily plants, consuming some insects as well. We conducted laboratory experiments on diet preferences and responses to chemical cues that the lizards sampled by tongue‐flicking and used to identify food. All hatchlings ate crickets, but only one of six ate romaine lettuce. They responded strongly to chemical cues from prey, as indicated by elevated tongue‐flick rates, but not from romaine lettuce. All older individuals ate both crickets and romaine lettuce. They responded much more strongly to chemical cues from both crickets and romaine lettuce than to control chemicals, as indicated by higher proportions of individuals that bit and higher tongue‐flick attack scores.

Thus, an ontogenetic change to increased responsiveness to plant chemical stimuli was coordinated with an ontogenetic change to an herbivorous diet. The mechanisms underlying these ontogenetic changes are unknown, but folivory may be unprofitable before juveniles acquire intestinal flora that degrade cellulose by ingestion of feces of adult conspecifics. Possible mechanisms are discussed, including the detection of chemical cues from appropriate food plants during consumption of feces from older individuals. Studies of other squamate reptiles suggest that exposure to these chemicals might affect both future responsiveness to the chemical cues and a tendency to eat the corresponding plants.
The Effects of Social Experience on Aggressive Behavior in the Green Anole Lizard (Anolis carolinensis)
Authors: Yang Eun‐Jin , Phelps Steven M. , Crews David , Wilczynski Walter
Published: March 2003

To understand how context‐specific aggression emerges from past experience, we examined how consecutive aggressive encounters influence aggressive behavior and stress responses of male green anole lizards (Anolis carolinensis). Animals were shown a video clip featuring an aggressively displaying conspecific male, which provoked aggressive responding, while control animals viewed a neutral video. After 5 d of interaction with the videos, both the subject and control groups were presented with a live conspecific. As a non‐invasive assay of stress responses, we measured changes in body color and eyespot darkness, two features known to be strongly correlated with titers of stress hormones. Our results demonstrate that experience increased aggression in male anoles, but that increases in aggression to a repeated stimulus were transient. Tests with a novel conspecific indicate that the experienced animals remained aggressive when presented with novel stimuli. Although there were differences in the morphological indicators of the stress response between experimental and control groups during video presentations, there were no differences when presented with novel conspecifics. These data indicate that experience‐dependent differences were not mediated by differences in the ‘stressfulness’ of aggressive interaction, as thought to be the case for animals in chronic subordinate/dominant dyads. We suggest that habituation and reinforcement interact to promote aggressive responding and to restrict it to novel individuals. Such context specificity is a hallmark of natural patterns of aggression in territorial species.
Changes in the Frequency Structure of a Mating Call Decrease Its Attractiveness to Females in the Cricket Frog Acris crepitans blanchardi
Authors: Witte Klaudia , Ryan Michael J. , Wilczynski Walter
Published: March 2003

In many species, females often prefer male signals that are more complex than in nature or beyond the range of calls naturally produced by conspecific males in spectral, temporal and amplitude features. In this study we examined both the ability of females to recognize signals outside the normal range of spectral frequency variation seen in male advertisement calls, and the influence of increasing call complexity by adding spectral components to enhance the attractiveness of a male advertisement call in the cricket frog Acris crepitans blanchardi, while keeping its amplitude constant. We used two different natural male call groups and created the following synthetic call groups: with a dominant frequency at 3500 Hz, i.e. at the normal dominant frequency with a frequency band within the sensitivity range of the inner ear basilar papilla; with a dominant frequency at 700 Hz, i.e. outside the normal range of variation and with a frequency band outside the sensitivity range of the basilar papilla but within the range of the amphibian papilla; with two dominant frequencies, one at 700 Hz and another at 3500 Hz, stimulating the basilar and amphibian papilla simultaneously. In double choice experiments we tested all combinations of the three call groups, and we tested the 3500 Hz call groups against the same natural call groups. Additionally, we tested the 700 Hz call groups against white noise to see whether these signals are meaningful in mate choice. Females preferred 3500 Hz call groups over all other call groups. The synthetic call group was as attractive to females as the same natural call group. The 700 Hz call group was not meaningful in mate choice. The combined (700 Hz + 3500 Hz) call group was significantly less attractive to females than the 3500 Hz call group. Thus, making a call more spectrally complex without increasing its overall amplitude decreases its attractiveness to cricket frog females.
Do Glow‐Worm Larvae (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) Use Warning Coloration?
Authors: De Cock Raphaël , Matthysen Erik
Published: March 2003

It is generally believed that the glowing behaviour of lampyrid larvae may be an aposematic display. Moreover, larvae of the common glow‐worm (Lampyris noctiluca) show at least two other features, which can be used in aposematic strategies. The first is their suggestive colour pattern of yellow‐pinkish lateral dots on a jet‐black background and the second a possible warning odour. We performed experiments with starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) to test, in particular, for the significance of the colour pattern as a warning signal. Learning experiments showed that glow‐worm larvae were distasteful and that starlings showed increasing avoidance of the distasteful prey through a learning process. Experiments with mimics and glow‐worm larvae with obscured colours showed that starlings recognized glow‐worm larvae by their colour pattern. However, there was an important effect of experience as one group of starlings that had previous contact with edible glow‐worm mimics, showed delayed avoidance learning and was able to discriminate mimics from glow‐worms thereafter.
`Little Chipmunk' Syndrome? Male Body Size and Dominance in Captive Yellow‐Pine Chipmunks (Tamias amoenus)
Authors: Schulte‐Hostedde A. I. , Millar J. S.
Published: March 2003

In mammals, large males are often assumed to have higher mating success because they have greater success at contest competition. This relationship is often used to explain the prevalence of male‐biased sexual size dimorphism in mammals. However, in many small vertebrates, large individuals are not always dominant. Using staged dyadic encounters, we examined the relationship between male body size and social dominance in captive male yellow‐pine chipmunks (Tamias amoenus), a species with female‐biased sexual size dimorphism. The yellow‐pine chipmunk has a mating system in which males participate in mating chases and dominant males may have an advantage in acquiring matings with oestrous females. Captive male chipmunks were aggressive in only 28% of 144 paired encounters; however, several lines of evidence indicated that smaller chipmunks were dominant over large chipmunks: (1) small males were dominant in more dyads than large males; (2) within dyads, dominant males were smaller than subordinate males; and (3) small males performed more aggressive behaviour than large males. These results are not consistent with the prediction that large males are typically dominant. If large chipmunks are able to gain matings with females because of qualities other than dominance (such as the ability to successfully find and/or chase receptive females), then the costs of aggression to large chipmunks may outweigh any potential benefits. Small males, but not large males, may improve their mating success by being aggressive.
Does Lateral Presentation of the Palmate Antlers During Fights by Fallow Deer (Dama damaL.) Signify Dominance or Submission?
Authors: Jennings Dómhnall J. , Gammell Martin P. , Carlin Caitríona M. , Hayden Thomas J.
Published: March 2003

A central aim of the study of animal communication is to identify the mode and content of information transferred between individuals. The lateral presentation of the antler palm between male fallow deer has been described as either a signal of individual quality or an attempt to avoid fighting. In the first case two phenotypic features have been proposed by which transmission of individual quality may be facilitated. These are antler size and antler symmetry. The alternative hypothesis proposes that the lateral presentation of antlers occurs as a consequence of averting a threatening posture and may signify a reluctance to fight. We examined whether mature fallow deer use lateral palm presentation as a display during fights to indicate antler size and symmetry. We found no relationship between presentation rate of the antler and antler size and symmetry. Furthermore, males did not preferentially present their larger antler to their opponent. We also investigated whether the rate at which males presented antlers laterally during a fight was related to their ability to win the fight. Our results show that the male who performed more presentations during a fight was more likely to lose it. There were behavioural differences in the way in which a bout of presentation ended; subsequent losers tended to turn their body away from their opponent and subsequent winners tended to lower their antlers to an opponent which we interpret as an invitation to continue fighting. We conclude that the lateral palm presentation serves to de‐escalate fighting between mature fallow deer. It is not a mechanism by which to communicate individual quality but rather an indication that a male is less committed to continuing investment in the current contest.
Responses of Redfronted Lemurs to Experimentally Modified Alarm Calls: Evidence for Urgency‐Based Changes in Call Structure
Authors: Fichtel Claudia , Hammerschmidt Kurt
Published: March 2003

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate how information about the affective state is expressed in vocalizations. Alarm calls can serve as model systems with which to study this general question. Therefore, we examined the information content of terrestrial predator alarm calls of redfronted lemurs (Eulemur fulvus rufus), group‐living Malagasy primates. Redfronted lemurs give specific alarm calls only towards raptors, whereas calls given in response to terrestrial predators (woofs) are also used in other situations characterized by high arousal. Woofs may therefore have the potential to express the perceived risk of a given threat. In order to examine whether different levels of arousal are expressed in call structure, we analysed woofs given during inter‐group encounters or in response to playbacks of a barking dog, assuming that animals engaged in inter‐group encounters experience higher arousal than during the playbacks of dog barks. A multivariate acoustic analysis revealed that calls given during group encounters were characterized by higher frequencies than calls given in response to playbacks of dog barks. In order to examine whether this change in call structure is salient to conspecifics, we conducted playback experiments with woofs, modified in either amplitude or frequencies. Playbacks of calls with increased frequency or amplitude elicited a longer orienting response, suggesting that different levels of arousal are expressed in call structure and provide meaningful information for listeners. In conclusion, the results of our study indicate that the information about the sender's affective state is expressed in the structure of vocalizations.
The Disruption Hypothesis Does Not Explain Mate‐Choice Copying in the Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)
Authors: Dugatkin Lee Alan , Druen Matthew W. , Godin Jean‐Guy J.
Published: March 2003

In some species, female mate choice is non‐independent as, under certain circumstances, females may copy the mate choice of other nearby females. One standard experimental protocol used to test for mate‐choice copying is the mate‐choice ‘reversal’ protocol. In this protocol, a focal female is allowed to choose between two males as potential mates and then is presented with an opportunity to see another female (i.e. the model female) choose the male that she did not initially choose. The focal is subsequently allowed to again choose between the same set of males. An observed reversal of her initial choice in this second preference test has been previously interpreted as evidence for mate‐choice copying. Alternatively, it has recently been proposed that environmental events, such as seeing the mate choice of nearby females that occur within the visual field of a female actively engaged in mate assessment, may ‘disrupt’ her decision‐making behavior and consequently alter the consistency of her mating preference, and may thus cause mate‐choice reversals. The disruption hypothesis predicts that if a model female is placed near the male that the focal female initially chose, the latter's mate preference would be disrupted and she would subsequently and consistently prefer the male that she initially rejected. Here we examined whether the disruption hypothesis explains mate‐choice copying in the guppy (Poecilia reticulata). Our results do not support this hypothesis, but rather provide further support for mate‐choice copying in the guppy.
Intraspecific variation in Heterobasidion annosum for growth in sapwood of Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris
Authors: Swedjemark G. , Johannesson H. , Stenlid J.
Published: March 2003

Two greenhouse experiments were conducted to study intraspecific variation in growth of the root rot fungus Heterobasidion annosum in living host sapwood. In experiment 1, Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Norway spruce (Picea abies) seedlings were inoculated with H. annosum isolates, 14 each of the S‐and P‐intersterility groups, collected from various parts of Sweden. In pine, the P‐group isolates were more virulent than the S‐group isolates both in terms of infection frequency, induced mortality rate (p < 0.05), and fungal growth in sapwood (p < 0.05). In spruce, the P‐group isolates were also more virulent on average, but the difference was not statistically significant. Both S and P isolates had a higher infection frequency and a significantly longer sapwood growth on spruce than on pine. The P‐group caused higher mortality on pine than on spruce. The length of the lesion in the inner bark was strongly correlated with fungal growth in spruce, but not in pine where the lesions were short or absent. In experiment 2, ten Norway spruce clones were inoculated with 18 S‐isolates, originating from nine live‐decayed trees and from nine spore‐infected stumps in a single Norway spruce stand. The objective was to test whether any selection for growth rate in sapwood was detectable among individuals of H. annosum originating either from stumps or trees. The results gave no support for such selection since no difference in sapwood growth between the two groups of isolates was found.
Relationship between presence of basidiomes, above‐ground symptoms and root infection by Collybia fusipes in oaks
Authors: Marçis B. , Caël O. , Delatour C.
Published: March 2003

Collybia fusipes is a common cause of root rot on oak in the north of France. Collybia fusipes basidiomes can be as frequent on oaks in stands where no decline of the trees occurs compared with stands where the decline is chronic. This might be explained by differences in the amount of roots damaged by the parasite. To test that hypothesis, 430 oak trees, Quercus petraea, Quercus robur and Quercus rubra, located in six forests were selected. Half of them showed C. fusipes basidiomes at the trunk base. The association between presence of basidiomes and decline of affected trees depended on the forest. The level of infection of each tree by C. fusipes, as well as the crown appearance, the tree height : diameter at breast height ratio, age and sapwood width were determined. The presence of C. fusipes basidiomes was always associated with significant root infections. The crowns of the trees deteriorated with increasing level of root infection and the decline was severe only when the root damage was heavy. Although the decline of trees that were heavily damaged by C. fusipes was severe in some of the stands, in others, it was only mild, and so the differences in tree decline between the stands could not be attributed solely to differences in root infection severity. Trees damaged by C. fusipes seemed not to be subjected to more competition than their undamaged neighbour as reflected by a similar tree height: diameter at breast height ratio.
Pre‐ and post‐inoculation water stress affects Sphaeropsis sapinea canker length in Pinus halepensis seedlings
Authors: Paoletti  , Danti  , Strati
Published: March 2003

In order to assess the influence of water stress on the development of Sphaeropsis sapinea cankers in Pinus halepensis, the stems of 4‐ to 5‐year‐old potted seedlings were artificially inoculated with the fungus before and after being kept at controlled water regimes from April 1997 to March 1998. In the pre‐water‐stress inoculation experiment, the canker length, measured 5 months after inoculation (September 1997), was greater in seedlings predisposed to extreme water deficit (midday needle water potential between −4.5 and −5.5 MPa). In the post‐water‐stress inoculation experiment, the fungus was inoculated in April 1998, after irrigation had enabled the seedlings to resume normal needle water potential. In this case also, at 5 months after inoculation, longer cankers were visible in seedlings that had been subjected to extreme water deficit. These findings suggest that the occurrence of marked water stress, although apparently tolerated by Aleppo pine, can enhance the development of S. sapinea cankers in this species, regardless of whether the stress occurs before or after infection by the fungus.
The effects of long‐term exposure to simulated acid rain on the development of pine wilt disease caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Asai  , Futai
Published: March 2003

To elucidate the synergetic effects of acid rain on the development of pine wilt disease, we measured the sap flow rate in the stems and the chlorophyll content in the needles of 10‐year‐old Japanese black pine trees, Pinus thunbergii and 12‐year‐old Japanese red pine trees, Pinus densiflora, after exposure to simulated acid rain (SAR, pH 3) or tap water (TW, pH 6.3) as a control. The heat pulse method was used for the estimation of the sap flow rate. No apparent difference was found in the sap flow rate between the trees exposed to SAR and TW, but the chlorophyll content of needles at the end of the treatment was significantly higher in the trees exposed to SAR than in those exposed to TW. When the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the causal agent of pine wilt disease, was inoculated onto the Japanese black pines that had been exposed to SAR repeatedly for 1 year, the period to death was shortened. Japanese red pines that had been exposed to SAR for 2 years, however, did not show any development of symptoms after the nematode inoculation, suggesting that acid rain only affects pine wilt disease slightly, if at all.
Phytophthora disease of Quercus ilex in south‐western Spain
Authors: SÁNCHEZ M. E. , CAETANO P. , FERRAZ J. , TRAPERO A.
Published: March 2003

Oak decline that was affecting three holm oak sites in the province of Huelva (south‐western Spain) was studied during 1998–1999. The syndromes of dieback and sudden death have been observed and, in both cases, foliar symptoms were associated with root rot. Characterization of the fungal isolates from necrotic roots led us to identify Phytophthora cinnamomi A2 as consistently associated with the disease. The optimum growth temperatures of these isolates were very high (30°C). Inoculation tests under controlled conditions demonstrated the pathogenicity of the isolates on holm and cork oak seedlings. None of the other biotic factors of Mediterranean oak decline that have been previously described were found in the present study and so, in this case, the forest decline model does not seem to be necessary in order to explain the disease observed. The defoliation and mortality of the oaks was primarily caused by P. cinnamomi, although some abiotic factors such as alternating periods of drought and wet weather in the region may play an important role.
Disorders of Platanus × acerifolia in Italy associated with Fusarium solani
Authors: PILOTTI M. , PONZIO V. , MOTTA E.
Published: March 2003

Open perennial cankers with swollen borders were observed on branches and trunks of Platanus × acerifolia trees in the urban environment of Rome. On several other plane trees, swellings without splitting, sometimes associated with witches' brooms, were also recorded. A general decline occurred on those trees in which these symptoms were particularly severe. On sectioning, the xylem of symptomatic stems showed discoloured areas with a yellow to reddish reaction zone. There was also some decay which seemed to result, over a period of time, in the formation of large cavities. Isolations from the discoloured wood of 34 trees affected by open cankers or swellings revealed the presence of several fungi, but a close association was only found with Fusarium solani. On the basis of cultural characteristics, two types of F. solani were recognized. When isolates from open cankers were inoculated on P. × acerifolia seedlings, the xylem was discoloured and little swellings were formed in the bark. The nature of the symptoms in mature trees and the possible role of Fusarium solani is discussed.
Effect of environment on the response of Eucalyptus clones to inoculation with Cryphonectria cubensis
Authors: van Heerden S. W. , Wingfield M. J.
Published: March 2003

The ascomycete Cryphonectria cubensis causes severe losses in Eucalyptus plantations in South Africa and selection programmes for disease tolerance are necessary. The aim of this study was to use two C. cubensis inoculation trials, planted at different locations to assess the disease susceptibility of the clones and the effect of the environment on disease development. These two trials consisted each of 21 Eucalyptus clones (E. grandis, E. grandis × camaldulensis and E. grandis × urophylla). All trees were inoculated with a single virulent strain of C. cubensis and lesion widths measured 6 and 12 months after inoculation. Clones differed significantly in their tolerance to C. cubensis. Further, disease severity differed depending on the geographical location of the trial. A significant clone × locality (genotype × environment) interaction was observed. Therefore, screening for disease resistance should take place only in areas where clones will be commercially grown.
Non‐Uniformity of Grain Characteristics and Milling Quality of California Rice (Oryza sativa L.) of Different Maturities
Authors: Jongkaewwattana S. , Geng S.
Published: March 2003

Head rice recovery is one of the most important factors in determining a grower's income. While previous investigators have shown that certain physical characteristics of rice kernels influence per cent head rice, the impact of the non‐uniformity of these characteristics on rice milling quality is largely unknown. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of non‐uniformity of kernel characteristics on the milling quality of rice cultivars with different maturities, and to determine the plant traits that are associated with the non‐uniformity of kernel characteristics. Six rice cultivars representing different maturities and grain shapes were used in the experiments. Kernel characteristic data were obtained for grains at the upper, middle and lower parts of a panicle. The range values amongst these panicle parts were used to measure the non‐uniformity of the characteristics. There was a trend for a decrease in kernel dimensions, volume and density from the upper to the lower parts of the panicle. This indicated that growth and development of grains were associated with the position of the grains on the panicle. There was also a trend for a decrease in the non‐uniformity of kernel characteristics from very early and early maturing cultivars to intermediate and late maturing cultivars. The results also demonstrated that selection of phenotypes that have a low ratio of panicle length to phytomass can improve the uniformity of kernel characteristics, which in turn leads to higher recoverable head rice yield.
Deliberate self‐harm in rural Western Australia: Results of an intervention study
Authors: Aoun Samar
Published: March 2003

This study evaluates an intervention program in its first 2 years of operation in rural Western Australia. The program was effective in producing a systems change within the hospital by implementing a protocol of best practice and in improving the inter‐sectoral liaison between community‐based referrals and treatment agencies through professional and community education. The early indications suggest a reduction in the rate of hospital admissions for repeated suicide attempts for cases who were managed by the suicide intervention counsellor through a high‐intervention approach.
The relationship between community psychiatric nurses and clients with severe and persistent mental illness: The client’s experience
Authors: O'Brien Louise
Published: March 2003

The aim of this phenomenological study was to construct an interpretation of the experience of nurse–patient relationships, in the context of community psychiatric nursing. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the experience of the relationship from the perspective of the clients. Themes of ‘having someone looking out for me’, ‘working in collaboration’, and ‘being understood and gaining understanding’ were identified. This thematic structure was used to understand the meaning of the relationship for the clients. Implications for practice, education, clinical supervision and mental health services are discussed.
EVALUATION OF A SELF‐PACED EDUCATION PACKAGE ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN FOR RURAL COMMUNITY‐BASED HEALTH WORKERS
Authors: McCosker Heather , Madl Romana , Harris Marilyn , Anderson Debra , Mannion Jill
Published: March 2003

There are no reported education programs specifically focusing on the needs of rural health workers in the area of violence against women. The most commonly reported contact sought by women experiencing injuries and health problems associated with violence and abuse is with health workers. Women report a failure by health workers to make direct enquires, which may be due to their lack of education and confidence in responding to these issues. A convenience sample of 60 community‐based rural health workers from a range of occupations and settings within the Wide Bay Health Region, Queensland, participated in the evaluation of a self‐paced, distance education package on violence against women. The package contained seven modules. These included written and audio tape material, and activities that together formed a community development approach to addressing the needs in the participants’ local community. Participants were given a mentor and teleconference support during the 8 weeks allocated to complete the package. A pre‐ and post‐course evaluation, containing quantitative and qualitative data, was completed. Analysis of the quantitative data identified significant changes in participants’ knowledge, and the qualitative data highlighted an increased sense of confidence in assisting women, forming support networks and using resources more effectively. Participants reported the most useful aspects of the package were: (i) modular‐ and user‐friendly format; (ii) flexible, practical, health‐focused content; and (iii) real world examples.
OLDER PATIENTS IN THE ACUTE CARE SETTING: RURAL AND METROPOLITAN NURSES’ KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES
Authors: Courtney Mary , Tong Shilu , Walsh Anne
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT

Many studies reporting nurses’ knowledge of and attitudes toward older patients in long‐term care settings have used instruments designed for older people. However, nurses’ attitudes toward older patients are not as positive as their attitudes toward older people. Few studies investigate acute care nurses’ knowledge of and attitudes toward older patients. In order to address these shortcomings, a self‐report questionnaire was developed to determine nurses’ knowledge of, and attitudes and practices toward, older patients in both rural and metropolitan acute care settings. Rural nurses were more knowledgeable about older patients’ activities during hospitalisation, the likelihood of them developing postoperative complications and the improbability of their reporting incontinence. Rural nurses also reported more positive practices regarding pain management and restraint usage. However, metropolitan nurses reported more positive attitudes toward sleeping medications, decision making, discharge planning and the benefits of acute gerontological units, and were more knowledgeable about older patients’ bowel changes in the acute care setting.
EMPOWERMENT THROUGH INFORMATION: SUPPORTING RURAL FAMILIES OF ONCOLOGY PATIENTS IN PALLIATIVE CARE
Authors: Wilkes Lesley , White Kate , O’Riordan Libba
Published: March 2003

A research project examining the support needs of families caring for a relative in palliative care was conducted in New South Wales in 1997. Data were collected from 19 families and 10 specialist palliative care nurses from eight centres throughout New South Wales using audio‐taped interviews. The findings show that information was one of the most important support needs for families to enable them to effectively care for their sick relative. The information provided needed to meet the individual and varying needs of families at different stages of their palliative care journey. Often the families described not knowing what their information needs were until a crisis occurred. Lack of information on a range of areas, from practical resources to providing physical care and managing medications, was problematic. Health professionals need to take responsibility in determining if families are aware of the information available, identify the most appropriate medium for this material and provide it at the pace and time wanted by the individual family.
Systemic effects of topical ophthalmic β‐adrenoceptor antagonists
Authors: Rait Julian L
Published: March 2003

Topical ophthalmic β‐adrenoceptor antagonists (beta‐blockers) are generally recognized as the treatment of choice in glaucoma management due to favourable efficacy, safety and tolerability. Despite topical ocular administration, beta‐blockers are systemically absorbed, in relatively small amounts, through the nasolacrimal drainage system and can adversely affect cardiovascular and pulmonary function. While cardioselective beta‐blockers, such as betaxolol, possibly confer an advantage with respect to clinical safety through their receptor affinity, systemic effects are also influenced by other pharmacological factors, including the rate and extent of systemic absorption and the extent of plasma protein binding. These factors are reviewed to distinguish the various ophthalmic beta‐blockers and to explain the observed clinical differences in the safety profiles of these medications.
Late infection of hydroxyapatite orbital implants
Authors: Sloan Brian H , McNab Alan A , McKelvie Penny
Published: March 2003

Background: Exposure and minor complications of hydroxyapatite orbital implants are common. Infection appears to be rare and fibrovascular ingrowth into hydroxyapatite implants may make infection and extrusion less likely than with other types of orbital implant.

Methods: We describe three cases of chronic low‐grade infection of hydroxyapatite implants, occurring late after apparently uncomplicated surgery, with tiny or inapparent areas of conjunctival loss or exposure.

Results: Two of the three cases grew Staphylococcus aureus on culture. All three implants ultimately needed to be removed. A characteristic histological pattern was seen, with abrupt transition between vascularized and abscessed implant.

Conclusions: Chronic infection of hydroxyapatite implants can occur late, in the absence of large conjunctival defects, or other obvious risk factors. While exposure of the implant to pathogens through a breach in the conjunctiva may have been a factor, it appeared that the infection may have arisen in an avascular portion of the implant prior to the conjunctival breakdown in one or more of these cases.
Postoperative deposits on the Acrysof intraocular lens
Authors: House P , Barry C , Morgan W , Sumner C
Published: March 2003

Purpose: To report a commonly occurring change on the anterior surface of the Acrysof intraocular lens which is presumed to be due to the proliferation of lens epithelial cells from the capsulo‐rhexis margin.

Method: Forty‐one consecutive cases (31 patients) of Acrysof intraocular lens implantation were followed prospectively. Clinical charts were reviewed for changes on or within the lens and visual acuity and refractive changes recorded. All cases were dilated at 3–5 weeks postoperatively to facilitate observation of changes. Representative slit lamp photos were taken.

Results: Deposits on the intraocular lens surface were noted on 18 of 41 lenses at 3–5 weeks post surgery. Deposits were not found on examinations conducted during the first postoperative week. All changes had fully resolved by 3 months.

Conclusions: The changes recorded had no impact on visual acuity. The deposits noted do not represent clinically important pathology. They may be an unusual marker of biocompatibility with this lens. Surgeons using this lens should be aware of these changes.
Verbal Fluency in Schizophrenia: Reduction in Semantic Store
Authors: Chen Ronald Y.L. , Chen Eric Y.H. , Chan Charlotte K.Y. , Lam Linda C.W. , Lieh-Mak Felice
Published: March 2003

Objective: This is a study of the word production of patients with schizophrenia using a semantic verbal fluency task to address the unresolved issue of retrieval or storage impairment.

Method: Twenty-one patients with schizophrenia and 11 matched healthy subjects performed a semantic verbal fluency task on ‘food’, ‘animal’ and ‘transport’ categories in Cantonese for 3 minutes each on five separate trials.

Results: Patients generated significantly fewer numbers of words compared with control on each trial. The estimated lexicon size of the patients was significantly smaller than that of the equivalent group. The amount of shared words and variable words generated in all five trials were reduced in the patient group.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that poor verbal fluency in patients with schizophrenia may partly be attributable to reduction in semantic store. The importance of temporal lobe involvement on verbal fluency deficits needs to be emphasised as an integral part of the neurobiological basis of schizophrenia research.
Psychiatric Training in New Zealand
Authors: Moloney Janet , MacDonald Joanna
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aims of this study were to develop a profile of current psychiatric trainees in New Zealand, to identify factors important in their recruitment to and retention in psychiatric training and to identify factors that predict failure to complete training.

Method: A survey was sent to all current psychiatric trainees in New Zealand and to all trainees who could be traced who had left psychiatric training in New Zealand in the last 5 years without completing the Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.

Results: General characteristics of the two groups are presented, as well as information about recruitment, burnout, general health and experiences of work and training. The only significant difference in general characteristics between the two groups was that more of those who had left training prematurely had been born overseas. The levels of family and personal mental illness were high, but there was no difference in these rates between those who had stayed in training and those who had left prematurely. Most trainees had decided to pursue a psychiatric career during their house-officer years. The most important factors determining the choice of a career in psychiatry were philosophical interest and house-officer experience in psychiatry. With respect to retention, despite high rates of burnout and psychological morbidity, and dissatisfaction with various aspects of the work setting, 94% of current trainees indicated satisfaction with their decision to train in psychiatry and over 90% intended to practise in New Zealand in the future. Most trainees who left training prematurely did so during the first 2 years of training. Dissatisfaction with work conditions, and stress or burnout were the main reasons for leaving.

Conclusions: This study provides information on some of the complex determinants of psychiatric recruitment and retention in the New Zealand setting. Areas that could be addressed in order to improve recruitment, work satisfaction and retention in training are considered.
HEREDITARY NON‐POLYPOSIS COLORECTAL CANCER SYNDROME
Authors: Moore J. , Cowled P.
Published: March 2003

Hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) syndrome may account for up to 4% of the total colorectal cancer burden in our community. It is assuming an increasingly important role, both as a clinical management issue and as a model for the application of laboratory and clinical genetic services in cancer detection and prevention. Recent developments in the understanding of the molecular biology of the condition have underpinned recommendations for consideration of genetic testing for DNA mismatch repair gene mutation, recommendations that may have far‐reaching implications in terms of the numbers of patients offered genetic testing and for associated costs (both financial and pyschological). The aim of this review is to highlight the clinical, pathologic and molecular biologic features of HNPCC that underlie the clinical management of affected index patients and their at‐risk family members.
EMST IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA: MORE THAN JUST A COURSE
Authors: Graham JOHN C.
Published: March 2003

Background: Trauma in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a major reason for acute hospital admission. The Early Management of Severe Trauma Course (EMST) of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons was introduced to PNG in 1993 to help in trauma education.

Methods: Four EMST courses have been held in Port Moresby since 1993 with the support of the Department of Surgery of the University of PNG.

Results: Sixty‐two doctors have attended a course and three PNG doctors have been trained as course instructors. Trauma workshops were held in other provincial hospitals extending the course principles to nurses and health professionals in these areas.

Conclusion: The introduction of EMST to PNG has proven to be a worthwhile endeavour and the program is now firmly established in PNG.
THE MANAGEMENT OF BLUNT LIVER INJURIES
Authors: Strong RUSSELL W.
Published: March 2003

Although the general surgeon who takes emergency call may be confronted with a patient who has sustained a blunt liver injury, the decrease in road trauma and work‐place accidents has meant that this will be an infrequent occurrence. Minimal exposure will, of necessity, extrapolate to difficulty in coping with a catastrophic event which comes unheralded, at an inconvenient time and usually when there is less than ideal support. During the past 15 years, there has been an evolution in the treatment of liver injuries which is exemplified by a non‐operative approach in selected patients and more conservative procedures in those who require operative intervention. At present, ‘damage control’ is in vogue; do the least possible to control life‐threatening injuries and come back another day. This is a cogent and admirable philosophy, provided that the pendulum does not swing too far and that a planned course of action is in place. This paper reviews the present status of managing blunt liver injuries, with an emphasis on the general surgeon who has little cause to be involved with surgery of the liver.
A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED TRIAL OF DAY‐STAY ONLY VERSUS OVERNIGHT‐STAY LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY
Authors: Hollington P. , Toogood G. J. , Padbury R. T. A.
Published: March 2003

Background: Although the feasibility of laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed as day surgery has been established, cost and recovery time have not previously been evaluated in a prospective comparative fashion.

Methods: Patients were randomized to day stay only or overnight stay, and a nurse assessed the former postoperatively at home. All patients were reviewed weekly or as required if problems occurred. Costing comparisons were made between the two groups using Trendstar software.

Results: A total of 131 patients were evaluated after randomization (60 day‐stay only patients and 71 overnight‐stay patients). A total of 18.3% of the day‐stay patients required in‐hospital admission for nausea, vomiting, or pain, or after conversion to open operation; 18.3% of the overnight group required an extended length of stay for similar reasons. After discharge, two day‐stay and three overnight‐stay patients required readmission, only one had a significant complication. The mean times to return to normal activity averaged 1.8 weeks (SE: 0.1 weeks) and 1.9 weeks (SE: 0.1 weeks) for day‐stay and overnight‐stay groups, respectively (P = 0.63), and costs of $2732 (SE: $76) compared to $2835 (SE $110), respectively (P = 0.94).

Conclusions: In the present randomized controlled study, day‐stay management did not compromise postoperative patient outcome. In the setting of a major teaching hospital there was no cost advantage when compared to overnight‐stay management.