bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Signals and Signal Choices made by the Araneophagic Jumping Spider Portia fimbriata while Hunting the Orb‐Weaving Web spiders Zygiella x‐notata and Zosis geniculatus
Authors: Tarsitano Michael , Jackson Robert R. , Kirchner Wolfgang H.
Published: March 2003

Portia fimbriata is a web‐invading araneophagic jumping spider (Salticidae). The use of signal‐generating behaviours is characteristic of how P. fimbriata captures its prey, with three basic categories of signal‐generating behaviours being prevalent when the prey spider is in an orb web. The predatory behaviour of P. fimbriata has been referred to as aggressive mimicry, but no previous studies have provided details concerning the characteristics of P. fimbriata's signals. We attempt to determine the model signals for P. fimbriata's ‘aggressive mimicry’ signals. Using laser Doppler vibrometer and the orb webs of Zygiella x‐notata and Zosis geniculatus, P. fimbriata's signals are compared with signals from other sources. Each of P. fimbriata's three categories of behaviour makes a signal that resembles one of three signals from other sources: prey of the web spider (insects) ensnared in the capture zone of the web, prey making faint contact with the periphery of the web and large‐scale disturbance of the web (jarring the spider's cage). Experimental evidence from testing P. fimbriata with two sizes of lure made from Zosis (dead, mounted in a lifelike posture in standard‐size orb web) clarifies P. fimbriata's signal‐use strategy: (1) when the resident spider is small, begin by simulating signals from an insect ensnared in the capture zone (attempt to lure in the resident spider); (2) when the resident spider is large, start by simulating signals from an insect brushing against the periphery of the web (keep the resident spider out in the web, but avoid provoking from it a full‐scale predatory attack); (3) when walking in the resident spider's web, regardless of the resident spider's size, step toward the spider while making a signal that simulates a large‐scale disturbance of the web (mask footsteps with a self‐made vibratory smokescreen).
The Role of Mate‐Choice Copying and Disruption Effects in Mate Preference Determination of Limia perugiae (Cyprinodontiformes, Poeciliidae)
Authors: Applebaum Scott L. , Cruz Alexander
Published: March 2003

Recent experimental and theoretical evidence suggests that social factors may play an important role in female choice and sexual selection. This is in contrast to the assumption made by most classical sexual selection models that female preferences are entirely determined by genetic factors. This study examined whether female preferences in the poeciliid fish Perugia's Limia (Limia perugiae) are reversible through (i) mate‐choice copying (imitative) behavior, or (ii) a disruption effect (reduced consistency of female preference in response to disruption). Females in binary choice trials were given a mate‐choice copying opportunity by exposing them to a second, model female displaying a preference for a male that was not initially preferred. Females were found to reverse their initial preference significantly more often when presented with an opportunity to observe the model female then in the absence of such an opportunity. In separate trials, females were presented with the opportunity to observe a model female displaying a preference for a male that was initially preferred. No significant difference was observed in the number of reversals between treatments in which females were presented with a copying opportunity that contradicted their initial preference and one that reinforced it. Our results suggest that mate‐choice copying does not contribute significantly to female preferences in L. perugiae and that disruption may reduce the ability of females to choose consistently.
Alarm Calls Affect Foraging Behavior in Eastern Chipmunks (Tamias striatus, Rodentia: Sciuridae)
Authors: Baack Jessica K. , Switzer Paul V.
Published: March 2003

We used playback experiments to test whether alarm calls affected the foraging behavior of eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus). We subjected chipmunks, foraging at artificial feeding stations, to three playback treatments (silent, control noise, and alarm call) and examined changes in vigilant and foraging behavior. Chipmunks responded to alarm calls with a greater degree and duration of vigilant behavior, such as look‐ups and alert postures. Chipmunks also ran a shorter distance to cover and took longer to re‐emerge from the burrow after hearing an alarm call. Alarm calls caused individuals to spend more time exposed at the feeding stations; however, individuals also took significantly fewer seeds after hearing an alarm call. This was not due to a difference in the time spent handling food, but rather to a slower rate of loading. Chipmunks appear to sacrifice energy gain by increasing vigilance after hearing an alarm call. This study suggests that to avoid the costs of unnecessary escape behavior, individuals directly assess their own risk rather than relying only on indirect cues such as alarm calls.
Size‐Dependent Chemosensory Responses to Familiar and Unfamiliar Conspecific Faecal Pellets by the Iberian Rock‐Lizard, Lacerta monticola
Authors: Aragón Pedro , López Pilar , Martín José
Published: March 2003

We conducted a field study to analyse the social relationships between males of the Iberian rock lizard (Lacerta monticola). The degree of familiarity was determined based on the degree of overlap between their home ranges. We then designed a laboratory experiment to test whether the same males were able to discriminate between familiar and unfamiliar conspecifics using faecal pellet odours. Differential tongue‐flick rates suggest that large males (snout‐to‐vent length, SVL > 75 mm), at least, may discriminate between odours of familiar and unfamiliar males. The behavioural responses were dependent on relative differences in body size between the responding male and the male that donated the faecal pellet. Thus, as responding small males increased in size relative to their corresponding familiar male, their rate of tongue‐flicking significantly decreased; this was not the case in response to unfamiliar males. In contrast, there were no significant correlations between the response of large males to familiar or unfamiliar male stimuli, regardless of size differences. These results suggest that chemical cues contained in faecal pellets allow individual recognition in male L. monticola, and that the response depends on body size. We suggest that faecal pellets might be used to scent‐mark home ranges, which would contribute to lowering the costs of aggressive interactions.
Thresholds of Response in Nest Thermoregulation by Worker Bumble Bees, Bombus bifarius nearcticus (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: O'Donnell Sean , Foster Robin L.
Published: March 2003

Regulation of nest temperature is important to the fitness of eusocial insect colonies. To maintain appropriate conditions for the developing brood, workers must exhibit thermoregulatory responses to ambient temperature. Because nest‐mate workers differ in task performance, thermoregulatory behavior provides an opportunity to test threshold of response models for the regulation of division of labor. We found that worker bumble bees (Bombus bifarius nearcticus) responded to changes in ambient temperature by altering their rates of performing two tasks – wing fanning and brood cell incubation. At the colony level, the rate of incubating decreased, and the rate of fanning increased, with increasing temperature. Changes in the number of workers performing these tasks were more important to the colony response than changes in workers’ task performance rates. At the individual level, workers’ lifetime rates of incubation and fanning were positively correlated, and most individuals did not specialize exclusively on either of these temperature‐sensitive tasks. However, workers differed in the maximum temperature at which they incubated and in the minimum temperature at which they fanned. More individuals fanned at high and incubated at low temperatures. Most of the workers that began incubating at higher temperatures continued performing this task at lower temperatures, when additional nest‐mates became active. The converse was true for fanning behavior. These data are consistent with a threshold of response model for thermoregulatory behavior of B. bifarius workers.
Sex Differences in Territorial Behavior Exhibited by the Spotted Hyena (Hyaenidae, Crocuta crocuta)
Authors: Boydston Erin E. , Morelli Toni Lyn , Holekamp Kay E.
Published: March 2003

Spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) are gregarious carnivores that defend group territories against encroachment by neighboring conspecifics. Here we monitored the behavior of members of one clan of free‐ranging spotted hyenas during border patrols, ‘wars’ with neighboring clans, and other interactions with alien intruders, to document differences between the sexes in territorial behavior in this species. We also examined the possibility that the probability or rate of attack on alien hyenas encountered within the clan’s territory would vary with the sex of the intruders. Initiation and leadership of most cooperative territorial behaviors were by adult female clan members, although border patrols were occasionally conducted by groups composed exclusively of resident males. The vast majority of alien intruders into the territory of the study clan were males. Resident females were more likely to attack intruding females than intruding males, but hourly rates of aggression directed by females towards aliens did not vary with intruder sex. Resident males were more likely than resident females to attack alien males, and resident males directed significantly higher hourly rates of aggression towards intruding males than females. Although female leadership in most cooperative territorial behaviors distinguishes spotted hyenas from many mammalian carnivores, other sex differences in the territorial behavior of spotted hyenas resemble those documented in other gregarious predators. Sex differences observed in hyena territoriality are consistent with the hypothesis that male and female clan members derive different selective benefits from advertisement and defense of group territories.
Clark’s Nutcrackers Nucifraga columbiana Remember the Size of Their Cached Seeds
Authors: Möller Andrea , Pavlick Bruce , Hile Arla G. , Balda Russell P.
Published: March 2003

Clark’s nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana) hide thousands of seeds in subterranean caches that they later recover using spatial information about cache location. In two experiments, we tested whether nutcrackers also remember another type of information regarding their caches – the size of the seeds in each cache. We videotaped birds during cache recovery and then measured their bill gape during probing behaviour as captured on the videotape. In experiment one, six birds each experienced two treatments: one that allowed them to cache and then recover large seeds, and the other, an identical treatment using small seeds. During this experiment, all six birds used a wider gape when attempting to recover seeds during the large‐seed treatment than during the small‐seed treatment, and gape width was significantly correlated with seed size. During experiment two, we presented birds with both large and small seeds within the same caching session. We also increased the retention interval between caching and recovery. These modifications increased the difficulty of the task. Six of the seven birds used a wider gape during seed recovery when digging for caches that contained large seeds than they did when searching for small seeds. The ability to remember the size of seeds placed within caches may serve to increase the likelihood of speedy and successful recovery. It also allows the birds another level of organization of their food supply. These are the first experiments to suggest that Clark’s nutcrackers remember more about their caches than location alone.
The Long‐Term Effects of Reconciliation in Japanese MacaquesMacaca fuscata
Authors: Koyama Nicola F.
Published: March 2003

With one exception, all previous studies of reconciliation in non‐human primates (friendly reunion between former opponents) have focused on demonstrating the immediate, short‐term effects despite the widely held view that reconciliation has a long‐term function of repairing social relationships following aggression. To investigate this long‐term function I compared mean interaction rates between opponents during the 10 d following reconciled and non‐reconciled conflicts to baseline levels of interaction. Aggression rates during the 10 d after non‐reconciled conflicts were significantly higher than the baseline rate, whereas after reconciled conflicts aggression was minimal. Similarly, grooming, proximity and approach rates during the 10 d after non‐reconciled conflicts were significantly lower than the baseline rate whereas grooming, proximity and approach rates in the 10 d after reconciled conflicts were restored to baseline levels. These results indicate that there are consequences to not reconciling with a former opponent and highlight the fact that these may be costly in terms of increased risk of long‐term aggression and reduced affiliation. The data support predictions from the Relationship‐Repair Hypothesis suggesting that reconciliation functions as a mechanism for the repair of social relationships damaged by aggression.
Environmental Predictors of Geographic Variation in Human Mating Preferences
Authors: McGraw Kevin J.
Published: March 2003

Sexual selection theory classically posits consistent and directional mate‐preferences for male traits that provide benefits to females. However, flexible mate‐choice tactics may persist within a species when males display multiple desirable features that confer different benefits to females under variable environmental conditions. Ecological factors such as population density, resource demand, and sex ratio can influence the value that female animals place on certain male characteristics across mating environments. In this study, I used human mate‐preference data from `lonely hearts' advertisements in the newspapers of 23 cities in the USA to assess geographic differences in female preferences for male traits (e.g. physical attributes, resource‐holding potential, emotional characteristics, personal interests) in relation to these ecological parameters. I found that females placed more emphasis on the resource‐accruing ability of prospective mates in densely populated cities and cities having greater resource demands (higher cost of living). In contrast, women from densely populated or resource‐demanding cities placed less emphasis on the emotional aspects or personal interests of males. Preferences for physical features were not environmentally linked, but instead were a function of the degree to which females advertised their own physical attractiveness. Collectively, these results suggest that certain mate‐choice criteria employed by women are sensitive to variation in local environmental conditions and that variable levels of resource or mate availability may favor different mating tactics across human populations.
The Advertisement Call of the European Treefrogs (Hyla arborea): A Multilevel Study of Variation
Authors: Castellano Sergio , Cuatto Barbara , Rinella Rosalba , Rosso Alessandra , Giacoma Cristina
Published: March 2003

In this study, we analysed the patterns of variation of the European treefrog’s advertisement call at four levels of organization: within individuals, within populations, among populations of the same species, and among different species of the same clade. At the within‐individual level, call acoustic properties are distinguished into static and dynamic properties. At the within‐population level, two sources of call variation were analysed: temperature and body size. Temperature affects both temporal and spectral properties of the call. Body size mostly affects spectral properties. At the between‐population level, calls do not show significant differences with respect to temporal properties, but they do differ in two spectral (and stereotyped) properties: the fundamental frequency and the difference in amplitude between dominant and fundamental frequencies. Finally, at the between‐species level, call differences are much more conspicuous: they involve both spectral and temporal and both static and dynamic properties. At all four levels, body size is associated with call variation, explaining 11% of the differences among populations of the same species and 73% of the differences among species of the same clade. On the basis of these results, we hypothesize that patterns of variation of call acoustic properties, their constraints, and their biological functions are intrinsically associated. We discuss the role that such an association might play in the evolution of acoustic signals.
Tail Length and Mutual Mate Choice in Bearded Tits (Panurus biarmicus)
Authors: Romero‐Pujante Mariló , Hoi Herbert , Blomqvist Donald , Valera Francisco
Published: March 2003

Direct sexual selection via mutual mate choice can result in both sexes showing conspicuous traits. We experimentally tested whether this hypothesis can explain tail length in the bearded tit (Panurus biarmicus). In this species, both sexes have a long, graduated tail. Males have, however, a longer tail than females, suggesting perhaps that females are choosier than males in selecting mates. We used two choice set‐ups for each sex: shortened vs. control tail individuals and elongated vs. control tail individuals. We found that direct sexual selection seems to operate differently in the two sexes. In both set‐ups, females spent more time with the male with the longest tail, and they also showed sexual display behaviour only towards these males. Males spent more time with control than with short‐tailed females, but they did not discriminate between control and long‐tailed females. Moreover, males displayed preference towards both short‐ and long‐tailed females. Thus, females preferred long‐tailed males, whereas males did not always prefer long‐tailed females. Our study suggests that mutual mate choice has played a role in the evolution of long tails in bearded tits. It also suggests that the sexual dimorphism in tail length has evolved because mate choice exerts a stronger sexual selection pressure on males than on females.
An Experimental Test of Predator Detection Rates Using Groups of Free‐living Emus
Authors: Boland Christopher R. J.
Published: March 2003

Abstract Improved predator detection is often stated to be one of the principal benefits of social foraging. However, actual field evidence supporting this assumption is scarce. This may be the result of the fact that most observations are conducted on social animals acting in the absence of an acute predation threat, yet the benefits of grouping come to the fore in that brief moment when an individual's life is at risk. As predation attempts are typically rare in nature, experimental manipulations are necessary to further explore the costs and benefits of social foraging. This study utilizes simple predator simulations (by humans) to experimentally test the predator‐detecting abilities and escape strategies of groups of free‐living emus Dromaius novaehollandiae. Emus in larger groups spent less time in vigilance and more time foraging. Nonetheless, the combined vigilance of group members ensured that emus detected the ‘simulated predator’ sooner as group size increased. After detecting the ‘predator’, larger groups waited longer until opting to flee, and then spent less time and energy doing so. Thus, the results of this study provide experimental evidence that emus benefit from grouping in terms of both the ‘many‐eyes effect’ and the ‘dilution effect’.
Distribution and ecology of Armillaria species in Greece
Authors: Tsopelas P.
Published: March 2003

Five Armillaria species were identified in a nationwide survey in Greece. Armillaria mellea was present in coniferous and broad‐leaved forests in most of the areas examined, except the high altitudes (above 1100 m) of the mountains of north Greece. It was found to cause significant damage in fir forests as well as in fruit orchards and vineyards. Armillaria gallica was common in coniferous and broad‐leaved forests in the high altitudes of central and northern Greece, predominating in the beech forests. The fungus was a weak parasite or a saprophyte of forest trees and was occasionally found on cultivated plants. Armillaria ostoyae was not found in southern and central parts of the country, but it has a wide distribution in the mountain forests of northern Greece and causes significant damage on fir, black pine, Scots pine and spruce. Armillaria cepistipes was recorded at high altitudes (1400–1800 m) on two mountains of northern Greece, mostly as a saprophyte in coniferous and broad‐leaved forests. Armillaria tabescens was rare in the forests of Greece; it was found to cause disease in almond tree orchards.
Effectiveness of some biocontrol and chemical treatments against Heterobasidion annosum on Norway spruce stumps
Authors: Nicolotti G. , Gonthier P. , Varese G. C.
Published: March 2003

The biocontrol agents Trichoderma harzianum, Verticillium bulbillosum, Hypholoma fasciculare, Phanerochaete velutina, Vuilleminiia comedens together with the chemical treatments propiconazole and the culture filtrate of V. bulbillosum were tested on Norway spruce stumps during 2 years in order to evaluate their effectiveness against Heterobasidion annosum. The results were compared, in 1 year, with the effectiveness of Phlebiopsis gigantea. All the treatments reduced H. annosum infections. The best results were obtained with P. velutina, propiconazole and with culture filtrates and conidial suspensions of V. bulbillosum.
Optimizing the management of a Picea abies stand under risk of butt rot
Authors: Möykkynen T. , Miina J. , Pukkala T.
Published: March 2003

A simulation model was developed to predict the growth of a Norway spruce stand under risk of butt rot caused by Heterobasidion annosum stump infection and logging injuries. The simulation model was distance‐dependent; tree growth was predicted with a distance‐dependent model, and the spread of butt rot through root contacts depended on tree location. Infection of stumps and injured trees, and the spread of butt rot in the stand were stochastic processes whereas tree growth and mortality were treated as deterministic processes. The simulation model was used with the nonlinear optimization algorithm of

ooke and J
eeves (J. Assoc. Comput. Mach, 8, 212–229, 1961)
to find the most profitable management schedule for an even‐aged, young stand. Optimization used four different stump infection rates and two spreading capacities from infected stumps. The profitability was evaluated by the expected soil expectation value (SEV) at a 3% interest rate. Two thinnings, both in winter‐time, and hence without H. annosum infections, resulted in the highest SEV. If any stump infection by H. annosum occurred, only one thinning and a shortened rotation were suggested. The optimal thinning rate tended to decrease but also large trees were removed with the increasing infection rate. With one thinning during a rotation, stump treatment was profitable above a stump infection rate of 10%
Sphaeropsis canker, a new disease of cypress in Greece
Authors: Xenopoulos S. , Tsopelas P.
Published: March 2003

The fungus Sphaeropsis sp. is reported for first time in Greece to cause cankers on Cupressus sempervirens. The cultural characteristics on PDA, spore shape and size and canker morphology were identical to those of the fungus described as Diplodia pinea f. sp. cupressi in Israel. The cankers of Sphaeropsis sp. are characterized by resin exudation, with fissuring of the bark over a dry sector of the wood. The pathogenicity of the Sphaeropsis sp. was proved by artificial inoculations on selected cypress clones resistant and susceptible to Seiridium cardinale. The mean canker length of the susceptible clone was significantly more than that of the resistant clones. It appears that the defence reaction in cypress against both fungi is similar. In artificial inoculations on Pinus halepensis and Pinus pinea, Sphaeropsis sp. was nonpathogenic. During a 3‐year period, in an experimental plot in western Peloponnese, the fungus spread from one, initially, to 13 cypress clones. Drought stress during the summer appears to be the main factor predisposing the cypress plants to become susceptible to the fungus.
Histopathology of Pinus taeda needles infected by Ploioderma lethale
Authors: Jewell F. F.
Published: March 2003

The histopathology of the host/parasite relationship of Pinus taeda needles infected by the Ascomycete Ploioderma lethale and the morphology of the fructifications of the pathogen were investigated. Amphigenous elliptical teleo‐ and anamorph stromata developed only on dead portions of affected needles. Insertion of the teleo‐ and anamorph stromata in the host needle tissue was subepidermal, and the stromata were covered by a shiny to dull black clypeus. Teleomorph stromata frequently coalesced. Abnormal host tissue was primarily confined to tissues external to the endodermis in the symptomatic portion of affected needles, where a collapse of the mesophyll cells was exhibited. An obvious narrowing of affected needles was observed at the distinct juncture of dead and green tissue. Inter‐ and intracellular hyphae colonized the collapsed mesophyll cell regions, endodermal, transfusion, vascular tissues, and resin ducts. Intercellular hyphae and an interface were present in the living mesophyll cells of the green needle tissue subtending the dead terminal portion of affected needles.
Tinctoporellus epimiltinus, a causal fungus of butt rot of Japanese cypress
Authors: Kubayashi T. , Hattori T. , Kawabe Y.
Published: March 2003

One of the causal fungi of butt rot of Chamaecyparis obtusa in Kyushu Island, Japan, was identified as Tinctoporellus epimiltinus from cultural characters, and by mating and inoculation tests. The cultural characters of the isolates obtained from butt rot of C. obtusa and T. epimiltinus isolated from the basidiocarp tissue and from decayed wood were examined. The morphological characters and chemical reactions of the isolates from butt rot were typical for T. epimiltinus. Di‐mon mating tests were performed between five monospore isolates of T. epimiltinus and five heterokaryotic isolates from the butt rot. All of the monospore isolates examined were heterokaryotized by the isolates from butt rot. Tinctoporellus epimiltinus isolates were inoculated on roots of 24‐year‐old C. obtusa. Butt rot was observed on all inoculated trees 1–2 years after the inoculation, and the inoculated fungus was re‐isolated from the decayed parts of the inoculated trees.
Spore deposition of Heterobasidion annosum coll. in Picea abies stands of North Karelia, eastern Finland
Authors: Möykkynen  , Kontiokari
Published: March 2003

Spore deposition of Heterobasidion annosum coll.was measured with the wood disc method in 20 Norway spruce stands in June, July and September 1999 in North Karelia, eastern Finland. The study area crossed the presently known northern boundary of the distribution area of H. annosum (62°45′N). The spore deposition rate decreased northwards and in the northernmost parts of the study area, deposition was detected only in September. On average 71% of the spore deposition consisted of intersterility group P and 29% of intersterility group S. The proportion of S‐type in the deposition increased northwards. Most of the isolated colonies were homokaryons, but the proportion of heterokaryons increased with increasing deposition rate.
A combination of baiting and PCR techniques for the detection of Phytophthora quercina and P. citricola in soil samples from oak stands
Authors: Nechwatal  , Schlenzig  , Jung  , Cooke  , Duncan  , Oßwald
Published: March 2003

A description is given of the use of a combination of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and baiting techniques for the specific detection of Phytophthora quercina and Phytophthora citricola from soil around declining oak trees. The soil was flooded with water and subjected to a specific baiting procedure using Quercus robur leaflets as baits. Single round or nested PCR, respectively, with species‐specific primers allowed the detection of P. quercina and P. citricola in infected oak leaflets used as baits and in the water from the same bait tests. PCR detection of both fungi was also possible after soil samples had been thoroughly mixed with water and the floating organic debris had been collected. Phytophthora quercina and P. citricola could be readily detected in almost every case in the water from these tests by PCR but less frequently in the organic debris. The identities of P. quercina and P. citricola were confirmed by restriction digests of the corresponding PCR amplicons. The presence of both fungi was also confirmed in parallel in soil samples tested by baiting with oak leaflets. Nested PCR with the primers used allowed the detection of as few as five zoospores of P. citricola and 300 zoospores of P. quercina in a volume of 100 μl. The methods presented here allow detection and identification of species of Phytophthora in soil without the need for direct extraction of soil samples, and without specific knowledge of the morphological characteristics of the genus.
Lesion formation and host response to infection by Armillaria ostoyae in the roots of western larch and Douglas‐fir
Authors: Robinson R. M. , Morrison D. J.
Published: March 2003

The process of lesion formation and host response to natural infection by Armillaria ostoyae were studied in the roots of western larch (Larix occidentalis) and Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii ssp. glauca) trees in the three age classes, 6–8, 18–19 and 85–95 years. The characteristics of lesions on infected roots were recorded and bark samples were dissected from infection points and lesion margins in the field and stored in liquid nitrogen for macroscopic study in the laboratory. Infection in the roots of 6‐ to 8‐year‐old trees advanced freely, overcoming any host resistance, quickly girdling the root collar and killing the trees. In 18‐ and 19‐year‐old trees, however, 43% of infections on western larch and 27% of the infections on Douglas‐fir roots were confined to lesions bounded by necrophylactic periderms with multiple bands of phellem. Host response was similar in 85‐ to 95‐year‐old trees, but the percentage of confined lesions was higher than in younger trees. The results suggest that larch shows resistance to A. ostoyae at a younger age and with greater frequency than Douglas‐fir.
Two independent double‐stranded RNA patterns occur in the Finnish Gremmeniella abietina var. abietina type A
Authors: TUOMIVIRTA T. T. , UOTILA A. , HANTULA J.
Published: March 2003

The occurrence of double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) among isolates of Gremmeniella abietina var. abietina type A was studied. Nine out of the 17 isolates investigated contained dsRNA, but none of them was of ascospore origin. Two fairly different dsRNA patterns were found and they occurred independently of each other. The first was composed of a single approximately 6000 bp long dsRNA molecule. The second was a multisegmented dsRNA pattern composed of three dsRNA molecules with apparent sizes of 1800 1600 and 1200 bp, respectively. In pathogenicity experiments no major differences were observed between dsRNA‐containing and dsRNA‐free isolates.
Polymerase chain reaction primers for the detection of Ceratobasidium bicorne (uninucleate Rhizoctonia)
Authors: HANTULA J. , LILJA A. , VEIJALAINEN A.‐M.
Published: March 2003

An uninucleate Rhizoctonia sp. causes a root dieback on Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) seedlings in forest nurseries. Primers specific to this pathogen were designed, and they yielded an amplification product from mycelial cultures only when uninucleate Rhizoctonia sp. was used as a template. Inoculated Norway spruce and Scots pine seedlings with visible symptoms gave a clear and reproducible band. The same band appeared also from Norway spruce seedlings growing in inoculated peat or compost but lacking conspicuous symptoms. One of the benefits of the DNA‐based test was its higher sensitivity compared with the traditional isolation. The results are also available more quickly.
Impact of phytoplasma infection of common alder (Alnus glutinosa) depends on strain virulence
Authors: Berges R. , Seemüller E.
Published: March 2003

In nature, only a minority of alder trees infected by the alder yellows phytoplasma develop symptoms. To elucidate the reason for this phenomenon, healthy alder seedlings were inoculated with scion wood from five infected but differently affected trees. The symptoms developed by the inoculated plants largely corresponded to disease severity of the inoculum sources. Inoculation with tissue from three of four severely affected trees resulted in severe disease of the recipient trees as expressed by reduced vigour, sparse foliage and little leaves. Inoculum from one of the severe sources caused milder symptoms. No symptoms were developed when the inoculum was collected from a vigorous, non‐symptomatic tree. From these results it can be concluded that the alder yellows phytoplasma is pathogenic to alder but that avirulent and low virulent strains do occur.
Insect antifeedant and growth regulating activities of neem seed oil – the role of major tetranortriterpenoids
Authors: Govindachari T. R. , Suresh G. ,   Geetha Gopalakrishnan, Wesley S. D.
Published: March 2003

Abstract: An attempt was made to correlate insect antifeedant and growth regulatory activities of neem (Azadirachta indica) seed oil with the major tetranortriterpenoids. Selective elimination of triterpenoids by preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography, incorporation of the eliminated compounds in defined concentrations and bioassaying the resultant fractions against Spodoptera litura indicated the necessity to quantify major triterpenoids for correlation of bioactivity of neem oil.
Shared humanity and the psychiatric nurse–patient encounter
Authors: Walsh Kenneth
Published: March 2003

The paper is based on a phenomenological study of the nurse–patient encounter, the purpose of which was to uncover meaning and generate understandings of being a psychiatric nurse. The study was informed by the phenomenology of Martin Heidegger (1962) and the philosophical hermeneutics of Hans‐Georg
Gadamer (1975). Drawing upon this phenomenological study it is my intention to discuss three of the existential elements to emerge from an interpretative analysis of these encounters; ‘Being‐with’ as understanding, ‘Being‐with’ as possibility, and ‘Being‐with’ as ‘care‐full’ concern. The paper also discusses two modes of being‐with patients; the modes of the ‘they’ nurse and the ‘self’ nurse. An underlying theme of shared humanity emerged from the study and had the effect of unifying the other concepts uncovered.
The case management practices of community mental health nurses: ‘Doing the best we can’
Authors: Muir‐Cochrane Eimear
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:

This paper reports findings from an investigation into the case management practices of a group of community mental health nurses in metropolitan South Australia. Such practices have received little attention in the Australian literature to date. These nurses collectively organized their clients into four informal groups in order to manage the demands of heavy workloads. The implications of these findings and recommendations for further evaluative investigations into the nature of case management practices are discussed.
The Patient Transit Assistance Scheme: A Consumer's Perspective
Authors: McGrath Pam , Seguerra Joel
Published: March 2003

This article presents findings from State‐wide research in Queensland on experiences with the Patient Transit Assistance Scheme (PTAS) from the point of view of patients with a haematological malignancy who travelled for specialist treatment. The findings indicate that the PTAS is of crucial importance to patients and their families and goes some way to buffering the financial hardship incurred from relocation. However, there are also strong indications that there is insufficient community awareness of the scheme, with the consequence that it is not appropriately accessed by those in need. The results confirm previous research that points to the hardship, both financial and emotional, associated with the experience of relocation for specialist treatment.
AN INTRODUCTION TO INDIGENOUS HEALTH AND CULTURE: THE FIRST TIER OF THE THREE TIERED PLAN
Authors: Sinnott Michael J. , Wittmann Barbara
Published: March 2003

The objective of the present study was to prepare new doctors with an awareness of cultural and health issues to facilitate positive experiences with indigenous patients. The study incorporated the 1998 intern orientation programs in Queensland public hospitals. The study method included tier one of the Three Tiered Plan, which was implemented and audited. Indigenous liaison officers, directors of clinical training and medical education officers were surveyed prior to this implementation to determine whether any or similar initiatives had been carried out in previous years and/or were planned. Post‐implementation feedback from interns was obtained by using questionnaires. Follow‐up telephone interviews with the directors of clinical training, medical education officers and indigenous hospital liaison officers detailed the format and content of tier one at each hospital. The results indicate that this active intervention improved the implementation rate of tier one from nine of 19 (47%) Queensland public hospitals in 1997 to 17 (90%) in 1998. The 14 indigenous hospital liaison officers (100%) involved in the intervention perceived it as beneficial. Forty‐three (67%) of interns who responded to the survey indicated they had encountered an indigenous patient within the last 2–4 months. The level of knowledge of indigenous health and culture self‐reported by interns was between the categories ‘enough to get by’ and ‘inadequate’. In conclusion, it appears that tier one has been successful and is to be a formal component of intern orientations in Queensland public hospitals. Further initiatives in indigenous health and culture targeting medical staff (i.e. tier two and tier three), are needed.
TRAINING AND SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR PHARMACISTS IN RURAL VICTORIA
Authors: Leversha Anne , Strasser Roger , Teed Ayron
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT: The ‘Rural Pharmacist Training and Support Program’ was a pilot project that was conducted by the Monash University Centre for Rural Health. It examined the implementation of Pharmacy Board of Victoria Guidelines to Residential Care Facilities in the Loddon Mallee region of Victoria. Through a series of workshops, pharmacists were encouraged to discuss and address difficulties that were impeding implementation of the guidelines. These included upskilling in clinical pharmacy and ways to overcome the shortage of pharmacists in rural areas. Furthermore, the project was a catalyst for eight additional outcomes. This project highlighted the challenges facing rural pharmacists as they seek to implement the guidelines and resulted in a number of recommendations that addressed workforce issues, training and continuing education, Pharmacy Board requirements, improved communication with other health professionals and undergraduate training.
FRACTURES OF THE FEMORAL NECK IN AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINALS AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDERS
Authors: Macintosh David J. , Pearson Belinda
Published: March 2003

The objective was to study patients of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin who were admitted to Cairns Base Hospital with the diagnosis of femoral neck fracture. An analysis of all 232 admissions with this diagnosis between November 1997 and July 2000 was carried out. Information was gathered from data accumulated on the Clinical Pathways database; other local data was also considered. Patients registered as being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin have a lower incidence of these fractures than might be expected on an overall population basis, but similar rates on age‐standardised data. The female age profile is substantially older than the female non‐indigenous osteoporotic fracture group. Indigenous females develop osteoporotic type fractures of the femoral neck at a later age than do non‐indigenous females. This may reflect a genetic difference in bone mineral density or a healthy lifestyle in earlier days. Further research is suggested.
Professional and social support networks of rural general practitioners
Authors: Joyce Catherine , Veitch Craig , Crossland Lisa
Published: March 2003

This study explored the nature of rural general practitioners’ (GPs) professional and personal support networks. A qualitative design was employed, using in‐depth interviews with a diverse sample of GPs in rural Queensland. The support network of the rural GPs in this study incorporated the domains of clinical, workforce and social support, with clinical support as the most important domain. There was a preference for face‐to‐face contact wherever possible. Such contact was particularly important in the process of developing the network and for personal support. Despite this, many network contacts were by telephone out of necessity. There were few notable differences between male and female rural GPs on the issues explored in the present study. General Practitioners’ satisfaction with their professional interactions was varied across the sample. The findings suggest that level of satisfaction may be associated with intentions to leave or stay for this group.
Squamous cell carcinoma with necrotizing scleritis
Authors: (hons) Nancy Younan, Mb, Bs , Fraco Kathy McClellan
Published: March 2003

Purpose: To report on a case of limbal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with necrotizing scleritis in a young, previously healthy, white Australian male.

Methods: A 31‐year‐old man presented with a left limbal lesion intermittently causing a red eye and foreign body sensation. He had enjoyed surfing for many years. Repeat HIV tests were negative and the lesion was biopsied.

Results: Biopsy showed a well‐differentiated SCC apparently arising in an intra‐epithelial (in situ) carcinoma of the conjunctiva. The lesion was excised and a corneoscleral graft repair was performed.

Conclusion: The present case highlights the potential for a significant increase in the prevalence of ocular surface neoplasia in healthy young people who have had excessive UV‐B exposure.
Parental Satisfaction and Outcome: A 4-Year Study in a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
Authors: Rey Joseph M. , Plapp Jon M. , Simpson Paul L.
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aim of this paper is to examine the facets of parental satisfaction and its relationship with clinician-rated outcome in a child and adolescent mental health service.

Method: Patients (n = 1278) consecutively assessed between 1992 and 1996 were included in the study. When treatment ended, clinicians rated the outcome of the intervention and parents were asked to complete a satisfaction questionnaire.

Results: Sixty-nine per cent of cases were rated by clinicians as having a positive outcome. Outpatients were more likely to be given a positive rating than inpatients. Satisfaction questionnaires were returned by 40% of parents; 76% of these were mostly or very satisfied. Satisfaction scores increased with the number of outpatient sessions attended but did not differ between inpatients and outpatients. There was a significant but small agreement (27% better than chance) between clinicians’ rating of outcome and parental satisfaction. Level of agreement varied according to service provided and the number of sessions attended. While rates of positive outcome increased over the study period, ratings of satisfaction were stable.

Conclusions: Overall, ratings of satisfaction were comparable with those reported in other studies. Variations in concordance between parents and clinicians show that outcome and satisfaction, although related, are different constructs influenced by different factors depending on the services provided. Focusing on specific aspects of satisfaction, as opposed to global measures, may be more useful for services, although such undertakings must be supported with efforts to improve clinical outcomes.
Pre-Existing Antidepressant Medication and the Outcome of Group Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
Authors: Oei Tian P. S. , Yeoh Alice E. O.
Published: March 2003

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of pre-existing medication on the outcome of group cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) in the treatment of patients with depression.

Method: Of the 71 patients diagnosed with major depression who participated in group CBT, 25 were on medication (CBT-M) and 46 were unmedicated (CBT). The patients received 12 sessions of group CBT over a 3-month period. The dependent measures used were the Beck Depression Inventory, Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire, Hopelessness Scale, Dysfunctional Attitude Scale, Daily Activity Rating Scale and Daily Mood Rating Scale.

Results: Both the CBT and CBT-M groups showed statistically significant improvement in depression scores and cognitive process measures. However, the rate of improvement for both groups on these measures did not differ.

Conclusion: The study indicated that pre-existing antidepressant medication did not enhance or detract from the positive treatment outcome of depressed patients receiving a group CBT treatment.
Fluvoxamine-Methadone Interaction
Authors: Alderman Christopher P. , Frith Peter A.
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aim of this paper is to report a case of symptomatic methadone toxicity associated with fluvoxamine treatment.

Clinical picture: A 28-year-old woman was admitted to hospital with severe hypoxaemia and hypercapnia indicating hypoventilation. Medication prior to admission had been stable and included methadone 70 mg daily and diazepam 2 mg twice daily. Three weeks before admission she had commenced treatment with fluvoxamine.

Treatment: Methadone was decreased to 50 mg daily and diazepam was tapered to zero.

Outcome: The serum methadone concentration decreased and oxygenation improved considerably.

Conclusions: Clinicians should be aware of the potential for a significant drug interaction between fluvoxamine and methadone.
Whither Psychiatric Diagnosis
Authors: Frances Allen J. , Egger Helen Link
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aim of this paper is to describe the development of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV), its purposes and limitations, and the psychiatric nosologies which may emerge from advances in psychiatric research and which may supersede the current classification system. Method: A review of the methodology used to develop DSM-IV, considered in the context of current and future psychiatric, neurobiological, and genetic research, was undertaken.

Results: The DSM-IV is a descriptive nosology that has shaped psychiatric research and clinical practice by providing agreed-upon definitions of psychiatric disorders based on the current state of empirical data. Despite the critical importance of the DSM system of classification, this complex yet limited nosology will eventually be replaced by simpler, more incisive explanatory models of psychiatric illness that reflect the interplay of biological, psychological, environmental and social variables affecting the expression and treatment of psychiatric disorders.

Conclusions: As we continue to understand the pathophysiology of brain disorders, as well as the biological effects of psychiatric interventions, we will be able to move from a descriptive model to an integrative, explanatory model of psychiatric illness.