bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial expression and conformational analysis of a chemosensory protein from Schistocerca gregaria
Authors: Picone Delia , Crescenzi Orlando , Angeli Sergio , Marchese Silvana , Brandazza Anna , Ferrara Lino , Pelosi Paolo , Scaloni Andrea
Published: March 2003

Chemosensory proteins (CSPs) are a class of small, soluble proteins present at high concentrations in chemosensory organs of different insect species. Several pieces of evidence suggest their involvement in carrying chemical messages from the environment to chemosensory receptors. However, a structural description of the mechanism of delivery has not been reported. In order to provide the first detailed conformational characterization of these molecules, we cloned a specific isoform (CSP‐sg4) from Schistocerca gregaria and expressed it in Escherichia coli. The product was obtained with yields of more than 20 mg per L of culture, all in its soluble form. The recombinant protein was identical to the native one with respect to pairing of the disulfide bridges, aggregative state and secondary structure elements. Structural investigations revealed a significantly stable polypeptide with respect to variations in temperature and acidity. CD analysis, preliminary NMR data and secondary structure prediction pointed to a correctly folded structure where helical regions and loops are alternated in a similar fashion as that observed for other classes of odorant‐ and pheromone‐binding proteins presenting no sequence similarity to CSPs.
Hydrogen exchange of the tetramerization domain of the human tumour suppressor p53 probed by denaturants and temperature
Authors: Neira José L. , Mateu Mauricio G.
Published: March 2003

We have analysed the hydrogen/deuterium exchange of the tetramerization domain of human tumour suppressor p53 under mild chemical denaturation conditions, and at different temperatures. Exchange behaviour has been measured for 16 amide protons in the chemical‐denaturation studies and for seven protons in the temperature‐denaturation studies. The exchange rates are in the range observed for other proteins with similar elements of secondary structure. The slowest‐exchange core includes contributions from residues in the α helix and the β sheet. However, only some of the slowest‐exchanging protons correspond to residues involved in native interactions in the transient intermediate detected during the folding of this domain. The guanidinium‐chloride denaturation curves of all residues seem to merge together, although they are well below the main isotherm of global unfolding. Thus, there is no evidence for several subglobal unfolding units. The activation parameters obtained from the temperature‐denaturation experiments are similar to those obtained for monomeric proteins, and well below the global unfolding enthalpy obtained by circular dichroism measurements. Thus, the exchange studies at different denaturant concentrations and temperatures indicate that no particular folding intermediate is populated under those conditions.
Construction and characterization of trifunctional single‐chain urokinase‐type plasminogen activators
Authors: Bi Qun , Cen Xiaodong , Huang Yixiu , Zhu Shenggeng
Published: March 2003

Two chimeric proteins have been constructed. One consists of four parts: a portion of the low molecular mass single‐chain urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (scu‐PA‐32K, residues 144–411), a 15‐mer linker sequence, the C‐terminal amino‐acid sequence (residues 53–65) of hirudin (Hir), and an RGD sequence derived from the leech protein decorsin, i.e. scu‐PA(32 k)‐linker‐Hir (residues 53–65)‐RGD peptide. The other comprises two main segments: scu‐PA(32 k) and hirudin into which RGDSP is inserted between its residues 33 and 34, i.e. hirudin (residues 1–33)‐RGDSP‐hirudin (residues 34–65)‐scu‐PA(32 k). These two chimeric genes were expressed in Escherichia coli, and the products were purified by Zn2+‐chelating Sepharose 4B chromatography and benzamidine Sepharose 6B chromatography. Our results suggested that these two chimeric proteins not only had plasminogen‐dependent fibrinolytic activity, but also possessed platelet aggregation inhibitory activity and antithrombin activity.
Cloning and expression of cDNA coding for bouganin
Authors: den Hartog Marcel T. , Lubelli Chiara , Boon Louis , Heerkens Sijmie , Ortiz Buijsse Antonio P. , de Boer Mark , Stirpe Fiorenzo
Published: March 2003

Bouganin is a ribosome‐inactivating protein that recently was isolated from Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. In this work, the cloning and expression of the cDNA encoding for bouganin is described. From the cDNA, the amino‐acid sequence was deduced, which correlated with the primary sequence data obtained by amino‐acid sequencing on the native protein. Bouganin is synthesized as a pro‐peptide consisting of 305 amino acids, the first 26 of which act as a leader signal while the 29 C‐terminal amino acids are cleaved during processing of the molecule. The mature protein consists of 250 amino acids. Using the cDNA sequence encoding the mature protein of 250 amino acids, a recombinant protein was expressed, purified and characterized. The recombinant molecule had similar activity in a cell‐free protein synthesis assay and had comparable toxicity on living cells as compared to the isolated native bouganin.
Monogamy as a Rule Rather than Exception in Nocturnal Lemurs: the Case of the Fat‐tailed Dwarf Lemur, Cheirogaleus medius
Authors: Fietz Joanna
Published: March 2003

According to present hypotheses on the evolution of life history traits and social systems in Malagasy lemurs, nocturnality and infant parking are associated with a solitary lifestyle and a polygynous mating system. However, theoretically extreme seasonality of reproduction could limit the number of females that can be monopolized by a given male and thus hinder the evolution of polygyny. The aim of this ongoing study is to test these contrasting expectations by looking at the social and mating system of the fat‐tailed dwarf lemur Cheirogaleus medius. This species hibernates for up to 7 mo, so that time for breeding and raising offspring is extremely limited.

A mark‐recapture study in western Madagascar was combined with observations and radio‐tracking of 36 individuals during the rainy seasons from 1995 to 1998. According to these data, fat‐tailed dwarf lemurs live in permanent sleeping groups consisting of a male and a female (n = 8) or one male and two females (n = 1). One or two offspring from the previous year were frequently observed to sleep together with an adult pair. Members of each sleeping group were the exclusive users of their nest holes and home ranges. During the birth season, males and females took turns at baby‐sitting their offspring. Females without paternal help were unable to raise their offspring successfully. Since females did not exhibit oestrus synchrony, the ultimate selective factor favouring pair‐living could be obligate paternal investment. The results, together with the lack of sexual size dimorphism and relatively small testis size, suggest that the fat‐tailed dwarf lemur lives in family groups with a monogamous mating system. A review of the mating systems of nocturnal lemurs shows that monogamy appears to be the rule rather the exception.
Feeding Tactics of Low‐ranking Red Deer Stags at Supplementary Feeding Sites
Authors: Schmidt Karoline T. , Hoi Herbert
Published: March 2003

We tested the hypothesis that low‐ranking red deer Cervus elaphus stags adjust feeding tactics according to the spatio‐temporal availability of the food. We observed free‐ranging red deer at two supplementary feeding sites in the Scottish Highlands. It was predicted that at spatially clumped food, low‐ranking stags would avoid high‐ranking stags, 1. spatially when food is available only for a short period, but 2. temporally when the food is available continuously.

We observed several feeding tactics in low‐ranking stags and the prevalence of a feeding tactic was related to the spatial distribution of the food. When food was highly clumped some low‐ranking stags rushed in between feeding high‐ranking stags, took a bite and retreated to process the bite (sneaking tactic). Bite rate/min did not differ between sneaking (0.29 ± 0.05) and non‐sneaking low‐ranking stags (0.26 ± 0.05). Compared with non‐sneaking low‐ranking herd members, sneaking stags took larger bites, as reflected in a significantly longer handling time (125 ± 12.4 s/bite) and thus achieved a higher intake, although still considerably less than high‐ranking stags.

The temporal availability of the food did not influence feeding tactics in low‐ranking stags. Low‐ranking stags always avoided higher‐ranking herd members spatially but did not shift their feeding bouts to times of the day when high‐ranking stags were not feeding.
Group Mobbing Behaviour and Nest Defence in a Cooperatively Breeding Australian Bird
Authors: Arnold Kathryn E.
Published: March 2003

Cooperatively breeding noisy miners (Manorina melanocephala) are well known in Australia for their persistent and very vocal group mobbing of heterospecifics. Here I investigated the nature of this extraordinary behaviour, in particular its role in nest defence, in a colour banded population of noisy miners in south‐east Queensland, Australia. I focused on two questions. First, did the intensity of mobbing vary according to factors such as the threat to the nest, or the ‘value’ of a clutch? Secondly, what role did group mobbing play in the success of a nest? To answer these questions, I experimentally manipulated the nest defence behaviour by placing one of three stuffed models near active noisy miner nests. The response of noisy miners to intruders was not indiscriminate. However, I found that the number of birds that mobbed a model did not simply reflect the potential threat posed. The response of noisy miners to raptors and other potential nest predators may have reflected their rarity as well as the threat posed. The number of mobbers did not vary with the age or size of a brood. In this study, the fate of nests was independent of the number of mobbers or visitors at nests. Finally, up to 80% of mobbers were never seen to make any other type of contribution to a nest, and many could not be related to the brood that they were ‘defending’. Hence, for some noisy miner ‘helpers’ the benefits that they accrued were probably not wholly dependent on the survival of the broods. I suggest that, in this gregarious species, mobbing behaviour at the nest may be a display of social status or individual quality. This hypothesis warrants further investigation.
Exploratory Activity of Rats in Three Different Environments
Authors: Genaro Gelson , Schmidek Werner Robert
Published: March 2003

Adult male hooded (Long‐Evans) rats (Rattus norvergicus) were used to compare the efficiency of three types of tests (plain open field – OF, open field with a refuge – OD, and complex environment with a refuge – EX), for the evaluation of exploratory behaviour. The results confirmed that OF is a highly aversive situation with the animals showing elevated emotional response (defecation and urination) when compared to situations containing a refuge (OD and EX). Presence of a plain arena (OF and OD) does not elicit high exploratory performance, as shown by the delayed and reduced exit from the refuge in OD when compared to EX. Thus locomotor activity in OF (covered distance, number of rearings) probably reflects more of an escape reaction than a genuine exploratory behaviour. Conversely the presence of a complex environment seems to elicit a high exploratory performance expressed as a quick exit from the refuge, an increased time in the environment (more than 75% of the observation time) and intense locomotor patterns (large covered distances, great number of rearings) but with little emotional display (reduced defecation and urination). The results thus show the importance of considering ethological factors in the choice or development of laboratory tests.
Estimating Behavioral Transition Rates: Problems and Solutions
Authors: Losey George , Ross David , Higa Jonathan
Published: March 2003

Continuous time Markov chain (CTMC) models offer ethologists a powerful tool. The methods are based on well‐established procedures for estimating the rates at which one state (e.g. resting) changes to some other set of states (e.g. feeding, fighting, etc.). Unfortunately, ethological data typically differ in a very critical manner from the type of data to which these methods are usually applied: ethological data are usually heavily censored in the sense that each behavioral state shows frequent transitions to several other possible states. This occurs when several competing processes can each end a bout.

We used computer simulation of various behavioral models with known transition rates to investigate the unknown performance of four of the most popular statistical tests for screening data prior to application of CTMC models; this included a modification of one of these tests derived under the assumption of random censoring. Two of the four tests failed completely and would result in rejection of nearly all data even if the model did fit the assumptions of the CTMC methods. Only Barlow's total‐time‐on test performed with an acceptable α error rate under all conditions. None of the tests were particularly effective at detecting certain types of departures from the CTMC assumptions.

Guidelines are given as to how much confidence should be attached to apparent changes in transition rates.
Environmental Effects on Male Reproductive Success and Parental Care in the Florida FlagfishJordanella floridae
Authors: St Mary Colette M. , Noureddine Clarissa G. , Lindström Kai
Published: March 2003

Models of optimal parental care predict that parental investment should depend on offspring value or the effect parental care has on offspring benefits. Few studies have examined the effect of external factors that influence offspring survival and the cost of care. In this study on the Florida flagfish (Jordanella floridae), a species with male parental care, we examined whether environmentally induced changes in care result from changes in egg requirements or in parental costs. We manipulated salinity and temperature, as these factors are known to affect the metabolic rate in both eggs and parents. We predicted that if the change in care behavior is determined by costs to the male then it should be paralleled by changes in non‐egg‐directed behavior. Conversely, if egg‐directed behavior changes independently of other behavior it would suggest that behavior is determined primarily by egg requirements. In addition we examined patterns of mating success under the assumption that if male care is affected by environmental factors then female preferences may change accordingly. Males decreased egg‐directed behavior (fanning and cleaning of eggs) at high salinity. Non‐egg‐directed behavior was unaffected by salinity. Temperature had no effects on behavior. Thus, we conclude that changes in egg demands are primarily responsible for the observed results. Successful males were bigger and more aggressive. This suggests that male dominance was an important determinant of male mating success. Unsuccessful males showed significantly more variation in number of red stripes with respect to salinity than successful males. Unsuccessful males may be less able to regulate color expression under varying environmental conditions, in which case color may be an indicator of male quality. We replicated the experiment early and late in the season. Males did not change their effort in care over the season. However, care (fanning) in the absence of eggs increased towards the end of the season. Since pre‐mating fanning was positively correlated to a male’s eventual mating success we conclude that males increased their effort to attract mates late in the season.
The Use of Edges in Visual Navigation by the AntLeptothorax albipennis
Authors: Pratt Stephen C. , Brooks Sharon E. , Franks Nigel R.
Published: March 2003

Certain navigating insects home in on their goal by moving so that currently viewed images of landmarks fall on the same retinal locations memorized during previous visits. Here we show that ants can use similar retinotopic learning to guide lengthy routes, by memorizing and walking parallel to a distinct visual edge. We induced workers of the antLeptothorax albipennisto travel parallel to a prominent wall. When the wall’s height was changed, the ants’ paths consistently shifted toward a lowered wall and away from a raised wall, as would be expected if they attempt to keep the wall’s image at a constant retinal position. These path shifts were smaller than would be expected if the wall was the only guide to navigation, suggesting that other cues are also important. Significantly larger shifts were seen when edge guidance was enhanced by using two walls, one on each side of the path.
Imitation and Invention in Song Learning in Nightingales (Luscinia megarhynchos B., Turdidae)
Authors: Hughes Melissa , Hultsch Henrike , Todt Dietmar
Published: March 2003

Song learning in oscine birds is often defined solely as a process of song imitation; nonetheless, not all songs produced by laboratory‐tutored birds are imitations of the model songs. If song learning were strictly a process of imitation, these non‐imitated songs (inventions) would be expected to contain no learned attributes. To determine whether species‐typical song attributes can be learned in the absence of imitation, we compared the imitations and inventions of laboratory‐tutored nightingales (Luscinia megarhynchos B.) with the songs of wild nightingales and the songs of laboratory‐reared, untutored nightingales. The species‐typical song attribute measured was stereotypy. We quantified stereotypy by four variables: (1) percentage of notes shared between two renditions of the same song type (2) difference in repetition rates of the same trill in two renditions of the same song type (3) acoustic similarity of the same note in two renditions of the same song type, and (4) acoustic similarity of the same note repeated within a trill. Wild songs and imitated songs were significantly more stereotypical than the songs of untutored birds for all measures. For the percentage of notes shared (1), and the acoustic similarity of notes in two renditions of the same song type (3), invented songs did not differ from the songs of untutored birds, suggesting that imitation is necessary for the acquisition of these song characteristics. However, invented songs were significantly more stereotypical than the songs of untutored birds for measures of stereotypy related to trills (2 and 4), and neither imitated nor invented songs differed significantly from the songs of wild birds in terms of trill rate stereotypy (2). Thus, it appears that the process of learning to produce trills may differ from the process of learning non‐repetitive song components: increased stereotypy in trills occurs even when the trills themselves are not copied from song models. Strict imitation does not fully account for the acquisition of some learned song attributes.
Different Reproductive Tactics in House Sparrows Signalled by Badge Size: Is There a Benefit to Being Average?
Authors: Václav Radovan , Hoi Herbert
Published: March 2003

Sexual selection models usually predict directional selection for ornamental traits because of intra‐ as well as inter‐sexual selection. Animals frequently face reproductive trade‐offs, such as between mating and parental effort. Provided that both are essential and have opposite effects on ornament expression, we may however not necessarily expect directional selection for ornament size. The house sparrow is an ideal species to study such a trade‐off, as the size of the male ornament, the black throat badge, seems to be inversely related to mating and parental effort. It has been suggested that large‐badged males invest more in female attraction and territory defence, while small‐badged males may invest more in parental care. In a nest‐box study, we show that females started to breed earliest and produced the largest clutches when mated to males with average‐sized badges that invested in paternal care more than other males. These results are discussed in view of inter‐ as well intra‐sexual selection. Overall, average‐badged males experienced the highest hatching failures, their chicks were in the poorest physical condition and they did not fledge more chicks than other males. It is therefore unlikely that the mating advantages that we observed could by themselves lead to stabilizing selection for badge size. Our results rather suggest that badge size in male house sparrows signals different reproductive tactics, which are adapted flexibly according to their physical condition and socio‐ecological situations.
Vocalizations of Amazon River Dolphins, Inia geoffrensis: Insights into the Evolutionary Origins of Delphinid Whistles
Authors: Podos Jeffrey , Da Silva Vera M. F. , Rossi‐Santos Marcos R.
Published: March 2003

Oceanic dolphins (Odontoceti: Delphinidae) produce tonal whistles, the structure and function of which have been fairly well characterized. Less is known about the evolutionary origins of delphinid whistles, including basic information about vocal structure in sister taxa such as the Platanistidae river dolphins. Here we characterize vocalizations of the Amazon River dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), for which whistles have been reported but not well documented. We studied Inia at the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve in central Brazilian Amazônia. During 480 5‐min blocks (over 5 weeks) we monitored and recorded vocalizations, noted group size and activity, and tallied frequencies of breathing and pre‐diving surfaces. Overall, Inia vocal output correlated positively with pre‐diving surfaces, suggesting that vocalizations are associated with feeding. Acoustic analyses revealed Inia vocalizations to be structurally distinct from typical delphinid whistles, including those of the delphinid Sotalia fluviatilis recorded at our field site. These data support the hypothesis that whistles are a recently derived vocalization unique to the Delphinidae.
Sexually and Developmentally Dimorphic Grooming: A Comparative Survey of the Ungulata
Authors: Mooring Michael S. , Reisig Dominic D. , Niemeyer Jason M. , Osborne Eric R.
Published: March 2003

Grooming is effective in removing fitness‐compromising ectoparasites, such as ticks. Tick‐removal grooming is regulated both by a central control mechanism (programmed grooming model) and by cutaneous stimulation from tick bites (stimulus‐driven model). The programmed grooming model predicts that organismic factors that impact the cost‐benefit ratio of grooming (e.g., sex and body size) will influence the rate of grooming. The ‘vigilance principle’ predicts that breeding males of sexually dimorphic species will groom less than females to maintain high levels of vigilance for rival males and oestrus females. The intraspecific body size principle predicts that juveniles will engage in more frequent grooming than larger‐bodied adults to compensate for the higher cost of tick infestation for smaller animals. To examine the generalizability of these predictions, we surveyed the grooming rate of 53 species/subspecies of ungulates (primarily Bovidae and Cervidae) in tick‐free zoological parks in which stimulus‐driven grooming was controlled for. Matched‐pair analysis supported both predictions. Males delivered fewer oral grooming episodes per hour than females in 85% of sexually dimorphic species (n = 40), but only 56% of monomorphic species (n = 11) exhibited sexually dimorphic grooming, which was not different from random. Juvenile oral episodes per hour exceeded that of adult females in 74% of surveyed species (n = 36). As predicted by the body size principle, the grooming rate of juveniles declined as juveniles grew larger and less vulnerable to tick infestation. In separate analyses of Bovidae and Cervidae to control for common ancestry, both families supported sexually dimorphic grooming, but developmentally dimorphic grooming was supported only for Bovidae. Our results indicate that sexually dimorphic grooming is widespread in the ungulate species surveyed, suggesting that programmed grooming evolved at least as early as the common ancestor to the Artiodactyla.
Pup Shoving by Adult Naked Mole‐Rats
Authors: Stankowich Theodore , Sherman Paul W.
Published: March 2003

Adult naked mole‐rats (Heterocephalus glaber) characteristically perform an unusual behavior toward young: they shove small pups frequently and vigorously around the nest. We studied 15 litters in five captive colonies to quantify which adults shove pups, changes in shoving frequencies as pups develop, how external disturbances affect pup‐shoving frequencies, and behavior of juveniles that were not shoved as pups. In all litters and colonies the breeding female shoved pups significantly more often than any other individual. Breeding females also shoved adult colony mates, but at far lower rates than they shoved pups. Breeding males shoved pups about half as often as did breeding females. Together, the parents shoved pups ten times more often than did nonbreeders. Frequencies of pup shoving peaked when pups were 3–4 wk old, roughly coincident with weaning. When colonies were disturbed experimentally, frequencies of pup shoving increased dramatically, whereas rates at which nonbreeding adults were shoved decreased sharply. We separated four newly‐weaned litters and raised half the pups apart from their colony. When these litters were reunited 4–9 wk later, the unshoved (experimental) pups were the same size as the frequently shoved (control) pups, but the unshoved pups were significantly less likely to flee from a disturbance. Shoving of small pups encourages them to flee from danger, and also may enforce weaning.
Female Preferences for Call Traits and Male Mating Success in the Neotropical Frog Physalaemus enesefae
Authors: Tárano Zaida , Herrera Emilio A.
Published: March 2003

Female preferences for male call traits may affect male mating success and the evolution of exaggerated secondary sexual traits. We used phonotaxis experiments to examine female preferences in the frog Physalaemus enesefae in relation to variation in male call duration, dominant frequency, intercall interval and amplitude (dB SPL). Females preferred long calls, low and average dominant frequency calls, short intercall intervals and more intense calls. We compared the patterns of female preferences with those of acoustic variation among males to test the prediction that properties with low within‐male variation are associated with stabilizing or weakly directional female preferences, whereas properties with high within‐male variation are associated with directional preferences. Females had weakly directional preferences for the dominant frequency of the call and strongly directional preferences for call duration and call rate. We also determined whether the temporal relationship between calls influenced preferences based on the dominant frequency of the call. Preferences for low‐frequency over high‐frequency calls disappeared when calls partially overlapped. Females preferred the leading call regardless of its dominant frequency. We also investigated mating patterns in the field. There was size‐assortative mating, as male and female body sizes snout‐vent length (SVL) were positively correlated. In addition, differences in the frequency distributions of body length (SVL) between mated and unmated males approached significance; lower SVL classes were underrepresented among mated males. These patterns may reflect female preferences for lower dominant frequency calls, as there is a negative correlation between male mass and the dominant frequency of the call.
Variation in leaf phenolics of field‐cultivated willow (Salix myrsinifolia) clones in relation to occurrence of Melampsora rust
Authors: Hakulinen J. , Julkunen‐Tiitto R.
Published: March 2003

Concentrations of potential antifungal phenolics in field‐cultivated willow (Salix myrsinifolia) clones were analysed during three growing seasons, and correlated to the occurrence of Melampsora rust. Consistent relationships between phenolics and rust were not found across the experimental years. There was significant clonal and temporal variation in phenolic content and rust frequency. Levels of some phenolics varied considerably within a sequence of four full‐grown leaves, but the variation in rust occurrence within the same leaf sequence was nonsignificant. The results suggest that the possible association between willow phenolics and rusts is not straightforward, and emphasize the importance of long‐term studies to investigate the chemical basis of willow rust interactions.
Distribution of Armillaria species in upland Ozark Mountain forests with respect to site, overstory species composition and oak decline
Authors: Bruhn J. N. , Wetteroff J. J. , Mihail J. D. , Kabrick J. M. , Pickens J. B.
Published: March 2003

Armillaria root disease is a contributing factor to oak decline in the Ozark Mountains of central USA. We have identified Armillaria gallica, Armillaria mellea, and Armillaria tabescens in Quercus‐Carya‐Pinus forests of the region. Presence/absence patterns of each Armillaria species as well as all possible Armillaria species combinations were analysed by contingency tables and/or stepwise logistic multiple regressions with principal characteristics of the studied sites and forest stands, both quantitative and qualitative: geographic land‐type association, bedrock type, landform position, slope direction (aspect), soil type and soil surface stone cover, down woody debris, abundance and basal area of woody vegetation and decline mortality by species. Most decline mortality consisted of two red oak species (section Erythrobalanus, Quercus coccinea and Quercus velutina), which also were most sensitive to Armillaria infection. Site characteristics related to the distributions of Armillaria species and decline mortality were also related to the preponderance of Q. coccinea and Q. velutina, regional vegetation history (i.e. conversion of Pinus echinata stands to hardwoods), and the different strategies of territory acquisition and spread of the Armillaria species involved. The presence of A. gallica may reduce the activity of more virulent Armillaria species.
Effects of some bacteria (Pseudomonas spp. and Erwinia herbicola) on in vitro growth of Piptoporus betulinus
Authors: Przybył K. , Żłobińska‐Podejma M.
Published: March 2003

Summary Bacteria including Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas fluorescens biovar I, Pseudomonas fluorescens biovar V, Pseudomonas aureofaciens and Erwinia herbicola were isolated from discoloured zones in birch trunks. Antagonistic effects of these bacteria to growth of Piptoporus betulinus mycelium were tested in vitro, both in dual culture and using bacterial cell‐free culture filtrates. In dual cultures, P. putida was most effective at inhibiting mycelial growth of Piptoporus betulinus. Filtrates of P. putida inhibited growth of P. betulinus mycelium irrespective of filtrate concentration, incubation time of bacteria and timing of recording mycelium growth. The strongest antagonistic effect (inhibition of fungal growth) was observed on a medium containing 80% of sterile filtrate obtained from 15‐day‐old bacterial cultures. The highest stimulating effect on mycelium growth was noted on medium containing 80% filtrate obtained from 7‐day‐old E. herbicola cultures.
Association of Diplodia mutila with blue stain of Caribbean pine in Venezuela
Authors: Mohali  , Encinas
Published: March 2003

Diplodia mutila was isolated from blue‐stained Caribbean pine timber (Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis) in eastern Venezuela. The ability of D. mutila to cause blue stain was demonstrated in vitro.
Comparative studies on the fine root status of healthy and declining spruce and beech trees in the Bavarian Alps and occurrence of Phytophthora and Pythium species
Authors: Nechwatal J. , Oßwald W.
Published: March 2003

Investigations on root and crown status of spruce and beech were carried out on selected trees in the ‘Werdenfelser Land’ area (Bavarian Alps, Southern Germany). In addition, the association of fine root pathogens of the genera Phytophthora and Pythium with the trees’ rhizosphere was studied. In a variety of stands representing various site conditions, soil and root samples were taken from 12 spruce (Picea abies) pairs and eight beech (Fagus sylvatica) pairs. Each pair consisted of a healthy and a declining tree as indicated by crown transparency. The root status was characterized using a set of parameters, and correlations between crown and fine root status were observed. In spruce, most parameters decreased significantly with increasing crown transparency, whereas in beech, correlations were less pronounced. The total number of lateral roots per cm small root (diameter 2–5 mm) was significantly lower in both species for declining trees compared to healthy trees. Pythium spp. were isolated from 15 of 24 soil samples taken from under spruce, and from eight of 16 samples from under beech. Phytophthora citricola was found in two beech stands only. Among the isolated species, Pythium anandrum, Pythium inflatum and Pythium acrogynum were identified according to morphological features. After polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, residual Pythium isolates were assigned to four different groups. No crown transparency‐dependent differences in isolation frequency were found. In soil infestation tests, all species tested caused root damage on both young spruce and beech plants, with P. citricola being the most aggressive pathogen. Additionally, Pythium‐infected beeches showed severe leaf chloroses and necroses. Due to their low isolation frequency, Phytophthora spp. are not considered to play a major role in the decline of spruce and beech in the investigated area. Pythium spp., however, were isolated frequently, showed pathogenicity towards the fine roots of spruce and beech, and are therefore considered to be at least contributing factors in the decline of Bavarian mountain forests.
Seiridium cardinale cankers in a tolerant Cupressus sempervirens clone under naturally CO2‐enriched conditions
Authors: Paoletti E. , Di Lonardo V.
Published: March 2003

Ramets of the Cupressus sempervirens clone Bolgheri were raised in three CO2 concentrations in a naturally CO2‐enriched environment [360 (control), 680 and 1670 μmol mol–1 CO2]. Bolgheri is patented as resistant to Seiridium cardinale. The ramets were artificially inoculated using a virulent isolate of S. cardinale. Healing of the resulting cankers was visually assessed over 6 years. Six months after inoculation, cankers on trees grown at 680 μmol mol–1 were significantly larger than the controls. However, no significant trend was recorded at later dates. In conclusion, the Bolgheri clone maintained its resistance to S. cardinale and could be used to control cypress canker even in increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations.
Penetration of Picea sitchensis root bark by Armillaria mellea, Armillaria ostoyae and Heterobasidion annosum
Authors: SOLLA A. , TOMLINSON F. , WOODWARD S.
Published: March 2003

Penetration of root bark tissues of Picea sitchensis by Armillaria ostoyae, Armillaria mellea and Heterobasidion annosum was examined in the absence of wounds, in superficial wounds (rhytidome tissues removed to expose the secondary phloem) and in wounds to the depth of the vascular cambium (deep wounding). Both species of Armillaria penetrated bark without prior wounding, but neither species formed rhizomorphs in this treatment. Armillaria ostoyae penetrated to 39 cell layers in depth by 48 days after inoculation of unwounded bark, whereas A. mellea penetrated 25 cell layers in the same time. Armillaria mellea penetrated superficial wounds significantly more rapidly than did A. ostoyae. Both species produced rhizomorphs within wounded host tissues. Inoculation of deep wounds with Armillaria resulted in a greater depth of bark necrosis with A. mellea than with A. ostoyae. In the absence of wounding, H. annosum failed to penetrate root bark tissues, but in both superficial and deep wounds hyphae penetrated beyond the ligno–suberized boundary zone (LSZ) by 12 days after inoculation. Where no inoculations were made, superficial or deep wounding led within 25 days to the restoration of a structurally continuous LSZ, and by day 48 the wound periderm (WP) was fully differentiated. In inoculated wounds, however, formation of the LSZ and WP was delayed or inhibited in most trees, particularly following inoculation with A. ostoyae or A. mellea. Suberization in the LSZ and WP remained diffuse and discontinuous 48 days after inoculation. Moreover, the presence of WP did not prevent further penetration of the tissues by the pathogens. Variations between trees in the depth of pathogen penetration were noted, possibly indicating differing susceptibilities of individual host genotypes. The possible host factors involved in resistance to penetration of root bark tissues by Armillaria and Heterobasidion are discussed.
A medium to enhance identification of Septoria musiva from poplar cankers
Authors: STANOSZ J. C. , STANOSZ G. R.
Published: March 2003

A series of experiments was conducted to determine the relative tolerance in vitro of an isolate of Septoria musiva (a fungus that causes a severely damaging stem canker disease of poplars) for selected chemicals. Inhibition of diameter growth of this fungus on a V‐8 vegetable juice‐based medium with captan, chlorothalonil, iprodione, mancozeb and streptomycin sulphate at concentrations, respectively, of 50, 1, 10, 10, and 100 mg l–1 was relatively low compared to inhibition of eight other fungi cultured from cankers on poplars. In addition, the presence of captan stimulated profuse sporulation of the fungus. These properties assisted in the identification of S. musiva from cankers resulting from artificial inoculation of poplar branches in the field.
Persistence of Cryphonectria hypoviruses after their release for biological control of chestnut blight in West Virginia forests
Authors: Liu Y.‐C. , Double M. L. , MacDonald W. L. , Milgroom Michael G.
Published: March 2003

Although Cryphonectria hypoviruses have been relatively successful as biological control agents of chestnut blight in Europe, their success in North America has been limited. Experimental releases of hypoviruses were made in 1978–82 at two sites in West Virginia forests with high densities of regenerating chestnut trees. Cryphonectria hypovirus 1 (CHV‐1) from Europe, as well as American isolates of Cryphonectria parasitica containing CHV‐3, were used for these releases. Although most trees died during the 5‐year release period, it was not known if the hypoviruses persisted in the C. parasitica population at the two sites. When the experimental plots were revisited in 1994, few chestnut trees were found. The exception was one plot containing coppice sprouts that had grown from the root collars of the original trees. The authors intensively sampled C. parasitica from experimental plots and screened recovered isolates for double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA). None of the isolates contained CHV‐1; only six isolates contained CHV‐3, all from the plots with the coppice sprouts. CHV‐4, which occurs naturally in West Virginia forests and in two released isolates, hybridized to dsRNA from the isolates containing CHV‐3, indicating mixed infections. CHV‐4 also hybridized to dsRNA from other isolates sampled inside and outside the treated plots. In contrast to CHV‐1 and CHV‐3, however, CHV‐4 has little effect on the growth or phenotype of C. parasitica. The limited persistence of CHV‐1 and CHV‐3 may have resulted when the C. parasitica population was reduced in size due to the failure of chestnut trees to resprout because of competition from other hardwood species.
Nurse–client relationships: The experience of community psychiatric nurses
Authors: O’Brien Louise
Published: March 2003

The aim of the present study was to construct an interpretation of the experience of the nurse–client relationship in the context of community psychiatric nursing. Hermeneutic phenomenology formed the framework of the study. Shared conversations were conducted with five experienced community psychiatric nurses and five clients. Themes of ‘Being there’, ‘Being concerned’, ‘Establishing trust’ and ‘Facilitating transition’ were identified from the nurses’ conversations. This thematic structure was used to illuminate the centrality of the nurse–client relationship, and to articulate the skills that are involved in establishing and maintaining the relationship with clients with mental illness.
The impact of relocation on elderly patients with mental illness
Authors: Meehan Tom , Robertson Samantha , Vermeer Cathryn
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:

Twenty‐three elderly patients with long‐term mental illness were relocated from a large tertiary mental health facility to two extended care units (ECUs) in their district of origin. The patients were assessed on measures of functioning, aggression and agitation at 6 weeks pre‐relocation, and again at 6 weeks and 6 months post‐relocation. The impact of relocation on the group proved to be less dramatic than findings reported in the literature. The adverse affects of relocation were likely to have been offset by the preparation and planning undertaken prior to relocation, and the support provided to staff and patients in the period following relocation. The findings have implications for nursing staff involved in the relocation of people with mental illness between wards within a hospital or from one hospital to another.
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE: AN EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR RURAL AND REMOTE WORKERS IN THE PALLIATIVE CARE FIELD
Authors: Riet Pamela van der , Mackey Sandra
Published: March 2003

This paper, drawing upon data from a Rural Health, Support, Education and Training (RHSET) funded project, focuses on the evaluation of a massage education program developed specifically for rural and remote palliative care workers. An 8 week pilot massage education course was run for palliative care workers in the Albury–Wodonga area and, from this course, an instructional video education package on massage has been developed. The program was evaluated by using a questionnaire, journals and focus group interviews. Feedback from participants was incorporated into both the pilot course and final education package, which was consistent with the action research framework. The major findings of the project were that skill development in the therapeutic use of massage was attained and that job satisfaction was indeed achieved by palliative care workers.
POSTACUTE CARE FOR OLDER ABORIGINAL PEOPLE: AN EXPLORATORY–DESCRIPTIVE STUDY
Authors: Jackson Debra , Teale Gloria , Bye Rosalind , McCallum John , Stein Irene
Published: March 2003

Many Aboriginal people reside in rural and remote Australia. Aboriginal health workers were the informants in this exploratory–descriptive study, which explored issues pertaining to postacute care for older Aboriginal people. Qualitative analysis of interview data revealed several issues were viewed as being of crucial importance in the provision of effective postacute services to older Aboriginal people. These were: (i) identification of Aboriginality; (ii) perceived racism and stereotypical attitudes among hospital staff and healthcare workers; and (iii) effective discharge planning. Other issues which were believed to impact upon service use were identified as: (i) availability of services; (ii) knowledge of services and level of use; and (iii) the notion of mainstream versus Aboriginal‐specific services. Findings are discussed in relation to available literature. Implications for further research are drawn from the findings of this exploratory study.
PATIENT SATISFACTION WITH NURSING CARE IN A RURAL AND AN URBAN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
Authors: Davis Barbara A. , Duffy Elaine
Published: March 2003

This descriptive study was designed to describe and compare the level of patient satisfaction and explore differences and relationships of demographic variables with patient satisfaction in two emergency department patient populations in Victoria, Australia. The sample consisted of 103 rural and urban emergency patients. Tests for differences demonstrated that urban patients were more satisfied with nurse teaching behaviours (P = 0.017), with female patients at the urban hospital more satisfied with nurse caring behaviours (P = 0.026). An item, ‘The nurse performed his/her duties with skill’ scored highest and had the lowest variability. Qualitative analysis of two open‐ended questions regarding what respondents liked best about the experience and what could have made the experience better, produced four and six themes, respectively. Conclusions indicated the need for more research comparing rural and urban emergency patients and patients of different cultures.
Structures of Prevention: A Safe‐Sex/Safe‐Injecting Audit of Mount Alexander Shire, A Methodological Pilot
Authors: Mischewski Anton , Smith Anthony M. A. , Wyldbore Jean , Stewart‐Stevens Helen
Published: March 2003

This paper reports the findings of a methodological pilot project that examined the availability of safe‐sex and safe‐injecting products in a rural shire in central Victoria. The study mapped the distribution and audited the availability of condoms, water‐based lubricants, needles/syringes and needle disposal units to provide baseline data on access to and the availability of products that are directly related to the prevention of the human immunodeficiency virus, sexually transmissible infections and blood‐borne viruses. Clear disparities were observed in the availability and pricing of safe sex/safe use materials between regional centres and outlying areas in the Shire. The findings make it clear that an emphasis on overcoming structural impediments to the adoption of safe sex/safe injecting practices is required.
RURAL PSYCHOLOGISTS’ NETWORK
Authors: Harvey David
Published: March 2003

The Australian Psychological Society has established an Interest Group in Rural and Remote Psychology. The aims are to foster research into psychological issues concerning rural and remote communities and to provide a support network for psychologists working in rural and remote areas. Contact details regarding activities and membership are outlined.
Researching the Rural–Metropolitan Health Differential Using the ‘Social Determinants of Health’
Authors: Dixon Jane , Welch Nicky
Published: March 2003

Recent research indicates that the health status of rural people is inferior to that of people living in metropolitan Australia. This paper summarises the rural–metropolitan health differential and turns to the field of research being called the social determinants of health for explanations of rural health inequalities. The paper explores the ways in which psychosocial factors can interact with material, behavioural and sociocultural factors to contribute to health outcomes. It suggests that the concepts of place and rurality may be useful in future research on the determinants of population health. Further research issues are identified that need to be addressed if we are to understand the complexities of rural health disadvantage.
PALLIATIVE CARE ON KANGAROO ISLAND
Authors: Crawford Gregory B
Published: March 2003

Kangaroo Island is the third largest island of Australia and the largest island off the coast of South Australia. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted of professional carers and closest caring person of 15 patients who had died of malignant disease between 1994 and 1996. There was a high level of satisfaction with services provided on Kangaroo Island. There was regret about over‐optimistic prognoses being given by specialist medical practitioners and considerable dissatisfaction with the service provided by tertiary hospitals. A divergence in assessment of symptoms was revealed between carers and professionals. There is need for improved training opportunities for community nurses, improved financial support for families dealing with malignancy and a need for more formalised bereavement services.