bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response of Prairie Voles, Microtus ochrogaster (Rodentia, Arvicolidae), to Scent Over‐marks of Two Same‐sex Conspecifics: A Test of the Scent‐masking Hypothesis
Authors: Woodward Raymond L. , Schmick Michelle K. , Ferkin Michael H.
Published: March 2003

Previous work shows that after investigating a same‐sex over‐mark, two nonmonogamous species, meadow voles and golden hamsters, preferred the odor of the top‐scent donor to that of the bottom‐scent donor, and behaved as the odor of the bottom‐scent donor was not familiar. This finding supported the scent‐masking hypothesis; one of three hypotheses suggested previously to account for how an animal responds to the overlapping scent marks of two same‐sex conspecifics. The present experiments tested whether one of these hypotheses, either scent‐masking, scent‐bulletin‐board, or scent‐blending, predicts how a monogamous species, the prairie vole, responds to such over‐marks. Our data show that none of the three hypotheses adequately describes the way in which prairie voles respond to conspecific over‐marks. Although prairie voles preferred the top scent to the bottom scent, they behaved as if the latter scent was familiar and less important than a novel scent (a scent not part of the over‐mark). Overall, the data suggest that the manner in which males and females respond to same‐sex over‐marks reflects the different tactics they may use to attract and compete with conspecifics in monogamous and nonmonogamous species.
Frogs Have Rules: Selective Attention Algorithms Regulate Chorusing in Physalaemus pustulosus (Leptodactylidae)
Authors: Greenfield Michael D. , Rand A. Stanley
Published: March 2003

In various acoustic insects and frogs, females preferentially orient towards the leading of two or more males' advertisement signals that occur closely in time. Such preferences in receivers have apparently selected for timing mechanisms whereby male signallers actively refrain from calling immediately following the onset of a neighbour's call and thereby increase their production of leading calls. However, indiscriminate application of this inhibitory mechanism to all neighbours might severely reduce a male's calling rate, particularly in high density. Consequently, mechanisms of selective attention to only a subset of signalling neighbours are expected.

Female Túngara frogs (Physalaemus pustulosus) exhibit strong preferences for leading male calls, and males refrain from calling immediately following a neighbour. Four‐loudspeaker playback experiments demonstrated that males do selectively apply this inhibitory mechanism to only a subset of close signalling neighbours. Selective attention is regulated by a combination of sliding threshold and fixed number rules: (i) Attend to the loudest (nearest) conspecific neighbour and those additional ones whose calls are within 6–8 dB of the loudest one; (ii) attend to only two neighbours in total when the calls are weak or the second one is much farther than the first; (iii) attend to three neighbours when the calls are loud or all neighbours are approximately equidistant. The means by which such plasticity may be achieved and its potential adaptiveness are discussed.
Genotypical Variability for the Tasks of Water Collecting and Scenting in a Honey Bee Colony
Authors: Kryger Per , Kryger Ute , Moritz Robin F. A.
Published: March 2003

The polyandrous mating behaviour of the honey bee queen increases the genotypical variability amongst her worker offspring. Microsatellite DNA analyses revealed a total of 16 subfamilies in one colony of honey bees. The subfamilies were represented in significantly different proportions in two subgroups of bees, water collecting bees and scenting bees, indicating a genetic component in task choice.
Are Baboon Infants Sir Phillip Sydney's Offspring?
Authors: Barrett Louise , Henzi S. Peter
Published: March 2003

Data on mother‐offspring interactions in chacma baboons (Papio cynocephalus ursinus) were used to test predictions arising from Bateson's (1994) dynamic assessment model of mammalian weaning conflicts. The results provide preliminary support for this model. Infants, rather than mothers, controlled the amount of investment received in the early postnatal period and infants were motivated to begin foraging in the absence of maternal rejection. Furthermore, seven out of 10 infants did not display any tantrum behaviour during observations throughout the first year of life. Only those infants considered to be vulnerable to a seasonal reduction in weaning foods displayed high level tantrum behaviour that was accompanied by an increase in the amount of investment received from their mothers. Habitat quality is suggested to be critical in determining the success of a transition to independent foraging both within and between habitats, with mothers being sensitive to this and responding appropriately to infants who require increased investment. The high intensity tantrum behaviour is necessary to convey unambiguous information to a mother with imperfect knowledge of the offspring's state, and to convey the urgency of need, enabling infants to break into maternal schedules.
Predation–Reproduction Conflict Resolution in the Hermit Crab, Clibanarius vittatus
Authors: Hazlett Brian A. , Rittschof Daniel
Published: March 2003

Activities associated with courtship are often in conflict with avoiding elevated predation risk. In polygamous species with temporally restricted mating seasons, males should be less responsive to interruption of courtship by detection of elevated predation risk compared to females. We tested this prediction with the hermit crab Clibanarius vittatus. Courting males continued to execute pre‐copulatory behavior patterns when exposed to predator odors. However, in the presence of predator odors, fewer pairs were established. Exposing previously paired males and females to predator cues showed that males were unaffected in their motivation to form pairs, whereas females were no longer attractive to males following exposure to predator cues.
Effects of Pair‐Bond and Social Context on Male–Female Interactions in Captive Titi Monkeys (Callicebus moloch, Primates: Cebidae)
Authors: Fernandez‐Duque Eduardo , Valeggia Claudia R. , Mason William A.
Published: March 2003

In monogamous species, an abiding relationship between a specific adult male and a specific adult female is a defining feature of the social system. The interactions between these individuals are influenced by many factors, including not only the history of their relationship (for example, development of a mutual bond), but also the immediate effects of the prevailing social context (for example, presence and sex of extra‐pair conspecifics). In this study we examined the effects of an existing bond and of social context on interactions between adult heterosexual pairs of the monogamous titi monkeys (Callicebus moloch). Twelve adult males and 12 adult females were tested with their cagemates and with an unfamiliar partner of the opposite sex in five social contexts: (1) mated male–female pair; (2) unfamiliar pair; (3) single female; (4) single male; and (5) empty stimulus cage. Results show that mated pairs were more affiliative than unfamiliar pairs and differentiated social contexts more sharply. Males were more responsive to context than females. Distance between mates was less and physical contact was more frequent in the presence of male–female pairs or a single male, than in the presence of a single female or an empty cage. These findings suggest that the presence and sex of strangers have a stronger influence on male–female interactions when the pair has an existing relationship.
Intraspecific Variability in Parenting Styles of Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta): The Role of the Social Environment
Authors: Maestripieri Dario
Published: March 2003

This study tested the hypothesis that differences in parenting styles between two captive populations of rhesus macaques, one living in the UK (Madingley) and the other in the USA (Yerkes), are associated with differences in the degree to which social interactions with other group members pose a risk to infants. Twenty‐eight mother–infant dyads, 17 living at Madingley and 11 at Yerkes, were observed for 24 h during the first 12 wks of infant life. Mother–infant dyads living at Madingley spent a higher percentage of time in contact than those living at Yerkes. The Madingley mothers also restrained and retrieved their infants more often, and rejected them less often than the Yerkes mothers. Consistent with the prediction, the protective parenting style of the Madingley mothers was associated with higher frequency of infant kidnapping and higher risk of infant harassment from other group members. Interpopulation differences in risks to infants and parenting styles are likely to be the result of differences in social density in the two environments rather than differences in the matrilineal structure of the two populations.
The Dawn Song of the Blue TitParus caeruleusand its Role in Sexual Selection
Authors: Poesel Angelika , Foerster Katharina , Kempenaers Bart
Published: March 2003

Sexual selection arises when variance in male reproductive success is non‐randomly related to phenotypic characters of males. Song can be considered as such a phenotypic character and several studies have shown that song complexity and/or song output are important in competition among males or in partner choice. In the blue titParus caeruleusa peak in male singing activity occurs at dawn during the female fertile period, i.e. after pair formation. The function of this dawn chorus is not well understood. In this study 20 male blue tits were recorded at dawn and song complexity and output were expressed as versatility, mean strophe length, mean percentage performance time and bouts with or without drift, i.e. with or without a systematic decline in percentage performance time. Females mated to males with a higher mean percentage performance time (output) and a higher versatility (complexity) started to lay eggs earlier, but the latter was not significant. Females mated to males that showed no drift in their song bouts laid significantly larger clutches. Our results thus suggest that in the blue tit, song output at dawn, rather than song complexity, might be a trait under sexual selection.
Fighting Strategies in Crayfish Orconectes rusticus (Decapoda, Cambaridae) Differ with Hunger State and the Presence of Food Cues
Authors: Stocker Adam M. , Huber Robert
Published: March 2003

Crayfish, bearing dangerous weapons in the form of chelae, resolve intraspecific conflicts using stereotyped behaviors and structured, escalated encounters. According to predictions of game theory models, any decision to resort to unrestrained combat without prior careful behavioral assessment of the opponent’s fighting abilities carries great risks. The present study examines the significance of internal hunger states and the presence of chemical food cues in this decision process using a 2 × 2 factorial design. Hungry crayfish escalated more rapidly, and thus took greater risks, during agonistic encounters, while the presence of a food source reduced the rate at which fights increased in intensity. However, there were no significant differences in fighting behavior as a result of the interaction between these two variables. We then address the complex trade‐offs that individuals face in fighting with respect to increased risks of injury, appetitive states, and opportunities for resource access.
Nest Defence Behaviour of the Eurasian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) Against Human Predators
Authors: Carrillo José , Aparicio José Miguel
Published: March 2003

Man has become the main predator of many animal species. Because the characteristics of humans are quite distinct with respect to other terrestrial predators, the cost and benefits of defence behaviour may also differ. In this paper, we study the factors affecting nest defence behaviour of the Eurasian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus canariensis) against a potential human predator throughout the reproductive cycle, as well as the balance of cost and benefits of this behaviour. The study population inhabits the island of Tenerife, and the nests are located on cliffs. The intensity of the defensive behaviour was unrelated to the frequency of human visits, prey abundance (Orthoptera, Coleoptera, lizards, birds and rodents), laying date, or number of offspring in the nest. Both males and females increased their defensive behaviour as the nesting period advanced, particularly when the chicks were older than 15 days. Moreover, the intensity of the defensive behaviour, especially of males, decreased when nests were more inaccessible. Although nest defence behaviour against humans appeared to be similar to those against other predators, the benefits are not clear because the probability of nest robbing was greater for these more aggressive pairs.
Divergence between the Courtship Songs of the Field Crickets Gryllus texensis and Gryllus rubens (Orthoptera, Gryllidae)
Authors: Fitzpatrick Mark J. , Gray David A.
Published: March 2003

Acoustic mating signals are often important as both interspecific prezygotic isolating mechanisms and as sexually selected traits in intraspecific mate choice. Here, we investigate the potential for cricket courtship song to act as an isolating mechanism by assessing divergence between the courtship songs of Gryllus texensis and Gryllus rubens, two broadly sympatric cryptic sister species of field crickets with strong prezygotic isolation via the calling song and little or no postzygotic isolation. We found significant species‐level differences in the courtship song, but the song has not diverged to the same extent as the calling song, and considerable overlap remains between these two species. Only two related courtship song characters are sufficiently distinct to play a possible role in prezygotic species isolation.
Relative Dominance Affects Use of Scent‐Marked Areas in Male Snow Voles Chionomys nivalis
Authors: Luque‐Larena Juan J. , López Pilar , Gosálbez Joaquim
Published: March 2003

We conducted a laboratory experiment to examine whether dominance status affects the use of locations occupied (i.e. scent‐marked) by same‐sex conspecifics among wild‐caught snow vole males (Chionomys nivalis). Given that the costs of invading scent‐marked areas should partially depend on the intruder's competitive ability, we hypothesised that, once a dominance relationship has been established with the owner of marks, the use of these areas by males would vary differently between dominant and subordinate individuals. Before any previous experience with the owner, scented substrates and nests were highly attractive to all males, indicating a general preference for recently occupied areas. However, after relative social status was established through direct interaction the subsequent response of males was altered differently, subordinate individuals reducing the use of marked areas to a much greater extent than dominants. Competitive relationships between male C. nivalis were found to be influenced by differences in body weight, larger males tending to display a more dominant pattern of behaviour. Our results reveal that male C. nivalis may require some direct experience with potential opponents to modulate their response towards occupied locations. Additionally, we suggest that the ability of males to conditionally respond to social signals from particular competing conspecifics might be used to lower the costs of prospective agonistic interactions.
Causes of Female Emigration in the Group‐Living Cichlid Fish Neolamprologus multifasciatus
Authors: Schradin Carsten , Lamprecht Jürg
Published: March 2003

Neolamprologus multifasciatus is a small cichlid breeding in empty gastropod shells that forms complex family groups with several reproductive males and females, presumably due to dispersal constraints. Nevertheless, some exchange of females between groups has been demonstrated. We investigated experimentally emigration patterns of female group members to elucidate which factors influence the decision of adult females either to stay or to emigrate into another territory. Four females resident in a large (13 shells) male territory were given the opportunity to stay there or to emigrate to another large (13 shells) or a small (four shells) male territory. In six replicates we found that (1) the most aggressive females had the largest subterritories (most shells); (2) invariably, the two females with the fewest shells emigrated; (3) both the emigrating and the staying females had more shells after emigration than before. Apparently, females explore their options in neighboring territories and decide accordingly whether to stay or emigrate.
An Experimental Study of Predator Recognition in Great Tit Fledglings
Authors: Kullberg Cecilia , Lind Johan
Published: March 2003

Studies of naturally predator‐naïve adult birds (finches on predator‐free islands) and birds experimentally hand reared in isolation from predators indicate that birds can recognise predators innately; that is, birds show anti‐predator behaviour without former experience of predators. To reduce predation risk efficiently during the vulnerable fledgling period, we would predict an innate response to be fully developed when the chicks leave the nest. However, 30‐day‐old naïve great tit fledglings (Parus major) did not respond differently to a model of a perched predator than to a similarly sized model of a non‐predator. Although chicks showed distress responses such as warning calls and freezing behaviour, they did not differentiate between the stimuli. In contrast, wild‐caught first‐year birds (4 mo old) and adults responded differentially to the two stimuli. Lack of recognition of a perched predator might be one explanation for the high mortality rate found in newly fledged great tits. Our results imply that parental care is not only important for food provisioning, but also to reduce predation risk during the time when fledglings are most vulnerable.
Scent Marking in Female Prairie Voles: a Test of Alternative Hypotheses
Authors: Wolff Jerry O. , Mech Stephen G. , Thomas Shawn A.
Published: March 2003

We conducted three experiments with females in different stages of reproductive condition to test alternative hypotheses for the function of scent marking in female prairie voles, Microtus ochrogaster. The three reproductive categories were isolated females prior to sexual stimulation (anoestrous), sexually stimulated (oestrous) and lactating. Females in different reproductive condition were given the opportunity to scent mark clean unmarked substrate or areas that had previously been marked by adult females or adult males. The numbers of scent marks deposited by females did not differ statistically for females in different reproductive condition. However, there was a trend for anoestrous females to mark the most, oestrous females less, and lactating females the least. The lack of scent marking by lactating females might be to reduce conspicuousness to conspecifics or predators. Oestrous females tended to mark the most in the area marked previously by males, although the difference was not statistically significant.

Our results provide some support for a mate‐attraction hypothesis and a territorial‐defense hypothesis, but were most consistent with a self‐advertisement hypothesis. Over marking was uncommon and did not differ by experiment or sex of previous donor. Our results suggest that the number and placement of scent marks by females are highly variable and function primarily to convey individual identity.
Interactions between Males of the Lizard Liolaemus tenuis: Roles of Familiarity and Memory
Authors: Trigosso‐Venario Rodrigo , Labra Antonieta , Niemeyer Hermann M.
Published: March 2003

For territorial organisms, recognition of familiar individuals can reduce the frequency and intensity of aggressive encounters (‘dear enemy’ phenomenon), stabilize social systems, and reduce the cost of territory maintenance. Here, we investigated the behavioural events displayed during contests between familiar and unfamiliar individuals in the lizard Liolaemus tenuis (Liolaemidae), a species in which males are territorial. The behaviours recorded were attack, warning, evasion, and submission, and the latencies to the first aggressive (attack or warning) behaviour. Additionally, we assessed the ability of individuals to remember a familiar conspecific after a period without social interaction. Individual males reduced and delayed aggressive behaviour directed towards socially familiar individuals compared with unfamiliar ones. These results suggest that males distinguished between familiar and unfamiliar conspecific males and are in agreement with the ‘dear enemy’ phenomenon. Other behaviours were similar in the contests between familiar and unfamiliar individuals. Recognition of familiar conspecifics was lost after 20 d without social interactions. This may be relevant for interactions with floater males or with neighbours that lose their territory and subsequently attempt to fight for their ex‐neighbour's territory.
Scrounging Tactics in Free‐Ranging Ravens, Corvus corax
Authors: Bugnyar Thomas , Kotrschal Kurt
Published: March 2003

Social foraging allows individuals to scrounge, i.e. to exploit the food others have made available. The conditions promoting scrounging as an alternative foraging tactic have yet received limited attention. We presently examine whether ravens, as opportunistic scavengers, adjust their foraging tactics according to the potential costs involved in accessing a particular food source. We observed wild ravens foraging in a game park, at the enclosures of wolves, Canis lupus, and wild boars, Sus scrofa. Wolves may aggressively defend their food and even kill ravens, whereas wild boars do not. When co‐feeding with wolves, the ravens showed higher scrounging rates than with wild boars. Only at the wolves, they tended to specialize either on scrounging or on getting food directly from the site. However, scrounging techniques differed in relation to the state of food depletion. Early on, after food became available, the ravens most frequently displaced others from food, whereas towards the end, stealing, solicited sharing, and cache raiding became prevalent. These techniques differed in their profitability and their use was related to the scroungers’ age, social status and affiliative relationships. This suggests that ecological conditions, such as co‐feeding with potential predators, may influence the individuals’ decision whether or not to scrounge in competition for food. Social conditions, on the other hand, may affect the way how to get at food possessed by others and may thus, to a large extent, determine the profitability of scrounging.
Etiology of oak decline in Spain
Authors: Gallego F. J. , de Algaba A. Perez , Fernandez‐Escobar R.
Published: March 2003

In different areas of Extremadura, Western Spain, soil samples were taken at the bottom of holm oak (Quercus ilex) trees that were showing decline symptoms. Half of each sample was sterilized, and acorns were sown in both sterilized and nonsterilized soil samples. The resulting seedlings were used as baits for the isolation of fungi. Seedlings growing on the natural, nonsterilized substrate were characterized by having a lower vegetative growth than the ones growing on the sterilized soil samples, and most of them died. Phytophthora dnnamomi was consistently isolated from their roots. Fusarium oxysporum was also isolated as well as different species of Pythium, although to a lesser extent. Pathogenicity tests were performed on holm oak seedlings with five different isolates of P. chinnamomi, with F. oxysporum, Pythium and with a mixture of the three fungi. All the inoculated seedlings with P. chinnamomi developed root rot and grew slowly, and 35.7% of them died up to the end of the experiments. P. chinnamomi was consistently isolated from their roots, indicating that this fungus is the causal agent of holm oak decline. However, F. oxysporum caused similar symptoms on oak seedlings as P. chinnamomi, and was isolated also from the roots, although its frequency was lower than that of. P. cinnamomi.
Detecting changes in tree health and productivity of silver fir in Slovenia
Authors: Torelli N. , Shortle W. C. , Cufar K. , Ferlin F. , Smith K. T.
Published: March 2003

Cambial electrical resistance (CER) was used as an objective measure of vitality of silver fir (Abies alba) in the forests of Slovenia. Trees were rated during the growing season by CER and a subjective crown status index (CSI). Both CER and CSI were inversely correlated to annual ring width increment. Using both CER and CSI, fir were assigned to vitality and vigour categories. Inferences made from these categories and radial growth trends indicated that ring growth decreased prior to the development of canopy symptoms. This decrease in ring growth would have been detected as an increase in CER. This pattern of decline is consistent with the decline of trees due to chronic below‐ground stress. Variation in CER was due both to the vascular cambium and to the thickness of the nonconducting phloem.
Induced resistance of Norway spruce, variation of phenolic compounds and their effects on fungal pathogens
Authors: Evensen P. C. , Solheim H. , Høiland K. , Stenersen J.
Published: March 2003

Three clones of Norway spruce (Picea abies) were studied for their response to mass‐inoculation with the blue‐stain fungus Ceratocystis polonica. The effect of different pretreatments (fungal inoculation and wounding) before mass‐inoculation was investigated for their possible role in an acquired resistance reaction. Pretreated trees showed enhanced resistance to the subsequent mass‐inoculation relative to control trees that received no pretreatment. Furthermore, the fungal colonization of inoculated trees was less than that of wounded trees. The phenolic content of the bark, analysed by RP‐HPLC, was compared in trees receiving different treatments. Trees inoculated with C. polonica had higher average concentration of (+)‐catechin, taxifolin and trans‐resveratrol than wounded trees. Both inoculated and wounded trees had higher average concentrations of these compounds than control trees. The effect of the phenolic extract of Norway spruce bark on the growth of the root rot fungus Heterobasidion annosum and the blue‐stain fungi C. polonica and Ophiostoma penicillatum were investigated in vitro. Heterobasidion annosum was not negatively affected, and the extracts had fungistatic effects on the blue‐stain fungi. The growth of O. penicillatum was more inhibited than the growth of the more aggressive C. polonica.
UV‐B radiation constrains the photosynthesis of Quercus robur through impacts on the abundance of Microsphaera alphitoides
Authors: Newsham By K. K. , Oxborough K. , White R. , Greenslade P. D. , McLeod A. R.
Published: March 2003

Quercus robur saplings were exposed at an outdoor facility in the UK to supplemental levels of UV‐B radiation (280–315 nm) under arrays of cellulose diacetate‐filtered fluorescent lamps which also produced UV‐A radiation (315–400 nm). Saplings were also exposed to supplemental UV‐A radiation under arrays of polyester‐filtered lamps and to ambient levels of solar radiation under arrays of unenergized lamps. The UV‐B treatment was modulated to maintain a 30% elevation above the ambient level of erythemally weighted UV‐B radiation. Naturally occurring infections by oak powdery mildew (Microsphaera alphitoides) were more abundant, and developed more rapidly, on lammas leaves of saplings which were exposed to treatment levels of UV‐B radiation than on leaves of saplings exposed to supplemental UV‐A or to ambient levels of solar radiation over 12 weeks in summer and autumn 1996. An analysis of leaf photosynthetic capacities revealed that M. alphitoides infection reduced the quantum efficiency of photosystem (PS) II by 14% at moderate irradiance. Although there was no direct effect of UV‐B radiation on PSII photochemistry, exposure of saplings to supplemental UV‐A radiation under polyester‐filtered lamps resulted in a 17.5% decrease in PSII quantum efficiency, compared with saplings exposed to ambient solar radiation. The results from our study suggest that photosynthesis of Q. robur may be constrained by exposure to UV‐B radiation in the natural environment through impacts on the abundance of M. alphitoides.
Variation among New Zealand isolates of Sphaeropsis sapinea
Authors: KAY S. J. , AH CHEE A. , SALE P. O. , TAYLOR J. T. , HADAR E. , HADAR Y. , FARRELL R. L.
Published: March 2003

Sphaeropsis sapinea is a pathogen of many coniferous species and causes significant losses to the plantation forestry industries of many countries. New Zealand isolates of S. sapinea were examined for colony and morphological characteristics, and pathogenicity to Pinus radiata seedlings. Considerable variation was observed in colony growth form and colour, and in the growth rates on four agar media. The conidial dimensions, carbon and nitrogen utilization, and pathogenicity also varied among the isolates. The variation observed was such that the isolates could not be placed within previously described distinct morphotypes and the present results concur with previous studies cautioning the use of morphological criteria alone to partition the species. These results contrast markedly with previous reports and seemingly indicate a change in the New Zealand S. sapinea population. This difference may reflect the re‐introduction or spread of additional isolates or a shift in the structure of the resident population.
In vitro interactions between bacteria isolated from Sitka spruce stumps and Heterobasidion annosum
Authors: Murray A. C. , Woodward S.
Published: March 2003

Culture medium composition affected antagonism by bacterial isolates from Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) stumps against Heterobasidion annosum. Fifty percent of bacterial isolates inhibited H. annosum growth on sporulation agar or yeast–dextrose–peptone agar; only 10% of isolates caused inhibition on both media. Proportions of isolates inhibiting H. annosum varied with stump age; fewer isolates from 4‐ or 6‐year‐old stumps exhibited antagonism than isolates from older or younger stumps. Fifteen isolates showing antagonism on sporulation agar were tested against H. annosum in spruce wood cubes. None of the bacterial isolates alone caused a significant weight reduction in inoculated cubes. Relative inoculation times of bacterial isolates and H. annosum had an effect on weight loss in interactions; simultaneous inoculation with isolates and H. annosum inhibited weight loss caused by H. annosum compared with bacteria‐free controls. Inoculation with bacterial isolates 10 days before H. annosum had no effect on the decay rate. In contrast, inoculation with H. annosum 10 days before bacteria increased weight loss of cubes by 200% relative to cultures lacking bacteria. The effect of a mixed bacterial inoculum on weight change in 0.2‐mm spruce wood slips co‐inoculated with H. annosum, Resinicium bicolor, Hypholoma fasciculare, Stereum sanguinolentum or Melanotus proteus differed between different fungi.
Factors influencing nurse–patient interaction in the acute psychiatric setting: An exploratory investigation
Authors: Cleary Michelle , Edwards Clair , Meehan Tom
Published: March 2003

Nurse–patient interaction in acute psychiatric in‐patient facilities has been the subject of much discussion in the literature and remains a contentious issue. How and why nurses interact with patients in the acute care setting requires definition within the current dynamic environment of mental health service provision. Factors which impact on the manner in which nurses care for patients also require investigation. This article presents the findings of a collaborative research study that investigates factors that influence nurse–patient interaction in the acute psychiatric setting. Ten nurses on the study ward were given opportunity, through semi‐structured interviews, to outline and describe the factors perceived to influence nurse–patient interaction. Factors identified as influencing interaction included the ward environment, something always comes up, nurses’ attributes, patient factors, instrumental support and focus of nursing. Issues which emerged from the study provide managers and clinical nurses with an opportunity for generating new possibilities for nurse–patient interaction. However, these issues must be addressed in a sensitive way that takes into account the complex and dynamic nature of acute care settings.
Development and validation of clinical indicators for mental health nursing practice
Authors: Skews Georgina , Meehan Tom , Hunt Glenn , Hoot Sandra , Armitage Paul
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:

A national study was undertaken in Australia to develop and validate a set of clinical indicators for mental health nursing. Using survey and action research procedures, the indicators were developed in two stages. During stage one, focus group interviews involving 39 nurses were conducted at national conferences in Australia and New Zealand in order to provide a pool of indicator statements. A Delphi survey of an Australian sample of mental health nurses (n = 33) was then conducted to refine the indicators. In stage two, the refined indicators were tested and validated in selected clinical settings. A total of 1751 mental health nurses employed at 14 sites were involved in the second stage of the study. The resulting data were used to establish the set of national indicators that the Australian and New Zealand College of Mental Health Nurses will use in practice accreditation and benchmarking.
PREVALENCE AND SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC DETERMINANTS OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK IN A RURAL AREA
Authors: Peach Hedley G. , Bath Nicole E.
Published: March 2003

Non‐metropolitan areas have a higher mortality from cardiovascular disease than metropolitan areas. The study’s aim was to establish the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors in a rural area and identify their sociodemographic determinants. Adults, randomly selected from Ballarat’s electoral rolls, were invited to complete a questionnaire and have their height, weight, blood pressure and fasting lipids measured. Three hundred and thirty‐eight eligible persons participated (67% response). The data were analysed using logistic and multiple regression analyses. Increasing age was associated with hypertension, high plasma cholesterol, overweight/obesity, high plasma triglyceride levels and increasing plasma fibrinogen. Women were less likely to be overweight/obese and have a high plasma triglyceride. Not having completed high school was associated with hypertension, high plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels and physical inactivity. Smoking was associated with employment and being in a non‐professional/managerial occupation. Rural health promotion initiatives should take account of the needs of these population subgroups.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN THE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF RURAL DOCTORS: METHODOLOGICAL AND LOGISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Authors: Veitch Craig , Harte Jans , Hays Richard , Pashen Dennis , Clark Steve
Published: March 2003

Two Queensland rural communities with histories of poor general practitioner (GP) recruitment and retention participated in a process aimed at developing broadly based community action plans to recruit and retain GPs. Despite their very different physical and social characteristics, the two communities developed many similar objectives and strategies, which had the possiblility of being implemented more widely. The community participation process can be both time‐ and cost‐effective if consideration is given to a variety of methodological and logistical issues. The process is a means by which communities, Divisions of General Practice, government, academic institutions and others can work together to recruit and retain medical practitioners.
A STUDY OF POSTDIAGNOSIS BREAST CANCER CONCERNS FOR WOMEN LIVING IN RURAL AND REMOTE QUEENSLAND. PART II: SUPPORT ISSUES
Authors: McGrath Pam , Patterson Carla , Yates Patsy , Treloar Sue , Oldenburg Brian , Loos Colleen
Published: March 2003

This paper presents the recent findings from a study on the postdiagnosis support needs of women with breast cancer living in rural and remote Queensland. The findings presented in this discussion focus on support needs from the perspective of the women experiencing breast cancer as well as health service providers. The tyranny of distance imposes unique hardships, such as separation from family and friends, during a time of great vulnerability for treatment, the need to travel long distances for support and follow‐up services, and extra financial burdens, which can combine to cause strains on the marital relationship and family cohesion. Positive indications are, however, that the rural communities operate on strong, informal networks of support. This network of family, friends and community can, and does, play an active role in the provision of emotional and practical support.
RURAL HEALTH STATUS: WHAT DO STATISTICS SHOW THAT WE DON’T ALREADY KNOW?
Authors: Humphreys John
Published: March 2003

Arguably the policies and programs designed to bring about improvements in the health status of rural and remote residents have been limited by the absence of systematic statistical data about health status and its relationship with place of residence. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare addresses this problem in the recent report Health in rural and remote Australia. The report compares the health status, health risk factors and preventative measures, and health resources for rural, remote and urban areas. The data highlights that people in rural and remote areas of Australia have poorer health status than their metropolitan counterparts on several counts. While further work is required, the report provides a useful and important basis for identifying and monitoring the pattern of health status and resource availablility in rural and remote Australia.
Rural Health Research in Canada: At the Crossroads
Authors: Pong Raymond W.
Published: March 2003

Rural health research in Canada is at the crossroads. Jolted by the establishment of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, rural health researchers are trying hard to overcome past benign neglect and the lack of cohesion and collaboration within the rural health research community. Although there is considerable catching‐up to do, rural health research in Canada has a firm foundation. Backed by a growing network of rural health research centres, researchers are searching for ways to work together in order to advance rural health research and the health and wellbeing of rural Canadians.
Systematic Overview of Rural Health Research in Australia Published in the Serial Literature
Authors: Patterson Carla
Published: March 2003

It is acknowledged that research outcomes need to be made available to other researchers, practitioners and consumers if the benefits of such research are to be disseminated as quickly as possible to other researchers and translated to influence practice and produce new products. If strategies are to be developed on future research directions, an analysis of current output will provide baseline data as well as a map for analysing gaps and overlaps in the research effort. This paper provides an overview of rural health research output in serial publications from 1990. It highlights the content of such literature, the relationship to the National Health Priority Areas and the types of research produced. The overview showed that there was a yearly increase in the absolute number of defined research articles produced over the period. There was also an increase in the relative number of rural health articles that could be defined as research articles (as opposed to commentary‐type articles). Forty per cent of research articles are in the National Health Priority Areas and more than 30% address indigenous health specifically. Fifty per cent of articles address public health or health services issues. These data provide a general picture of the type and content of Australian rural health research that has been reported in the serial literature over the decade. This can be used to inform future strategies, provide the baseline for future targets, as well as giving a general picture of the gaps and overlaps from which more specific data can be compiled.
ABORIGINAL HEALTH: A SICK MINORITY SKEWS STATISTICS
Authors: Dugdale Alan , Watlemaro Imogen
Published: March 2003

Overall morbidity and mortality rates are higher among Aboriginal people than in the general Australian population. It is unclear, however, whether this is because of general poor health or a minority with very high levels of disease within a reasonably healthy Aboriginal community. At Cherbourg Community, almost all health care is given by the hospital. All visits to the casualty/outpatient departments at the hospital have been recorded since 1993. These data have been analysed to find the patterns of visiting by person, by diagnosis and by year. Over the 5 years with complete data, most people made less than five visits per year (low visit group) to the hospital ambulatory clinic, but at the other extreme, approximately 14% of people made 50% of the visits (high visit group). People who made many visits in 1 year made approximately three times as many visits as the low visit group in other years. When the high and low visit groups were compared, the high visit group was more likely to be female and to come for problems related to infection, but were less likely to come with injuries or accidents. The age distribution was similar in both groups. If the number of visits to a health service is an indicator of health, then most Aboriginal people at Cherbourg have reasonable health, but a sizeable minority have health problems that extend over several years. This group skews the overall statistics of Aboriginal health and should be targeted for extra attention.
Effectiveness of changes in the delivery of diabetes care in a rural community
Authors: O'Grady Andrew , Simmons David , Tupe Stan , Hewlett Gailene
Published: March 2003

Diabetes has a significant impact upon health in rural Maori communities. A diabetes club was established to support self‐care and improve diabetes management in a rural community in Northland, New Zealand. A structured approach to care and an associated audit were also introduced. Patient involvement and ownership of the condition were considered important issues. Monitoring of care processes increased by 79%. The first year of audit was associated with a reduction in mean fructosamine from 369 ± 85 µmol L−1 to 321 ± 65 µmol L−1 and this was sustained for a further 3 years. The number of people using insulin increased from 15 to 22%. The audit process facilitated the implementation of changes in the delivery of care. We conclude that the data indicate that the enthusiastic delivery of care in general practice, with a devolution of power to the patient, linked to an audit service can result in improved management among patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Self‐reported heart health behaviour patterns in a rural context
Authors: Ray Robin
Published: March 2003

Does health behaviour change after people receive the results of screening tests? A cohort from rural central Queensland were contacted through telephone interview at 6‐month intervals following heart risk screening. Participants self‐reported their health behaviour and identified aspects of their lifestyles that supported or inhibited positive health behaviour. Qualitative analysis revealed the types of changes made and the contextual issues that affected health behaviour. The majority of participants did change their behaviour or maintained existing positive behaviours. Some participants were unsuccessful in making health changes. Health enablers included physical ability to undertake activities, appearance and support. The cost and availability of nutritious food in rural areas and the need for more socially supportive environments at a community level were issues raised by participants. Resources need to be made available so that mobile health services can augment local health initiatives, supporting positive health behaviour in rural areas.
USE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT FOR REGIONAL PLANNING IN COUNTRY SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Authors: Fuller Jeff , Bentley Michael , Shotton Donna
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT: This study examined the impact of community health needs assessments used in country South Australian health service planning between 1995 and 1999. Data were collected from regional health planning officers during a Search Conference and a series of Delphi rounds. The needs assessments were found to vary from regionally to locally driven approaches. Locally driven approaches ensured local involvement but the process was slower and required more effort from the planner. It was also felt that locally driven approaches could exacerbate tension between a community's imperatives and the regional focus of regional decision‐makers. In the overall regional budgets, the reallocation of health service funds according to the needs assessment findings was only small because of difficulties in refocusing from traditional clinical services in the short term. In contrast, the impact on health service thinking about population health issues was thought to have been more significant, for example, in the development of regional women's health plans. The use of community health needs assessments was useful, but for greater impact these should not now be so ‘broad‐brushed’, but be more focused on feasible changes that health services could support. Other priority‐setting techniques, such as marginal analysis, should also be used to determine where maximum health gains can be obtained.
THE MENTAL HEALTH OF RURAL AUSTRALIANS: DEVELOPING A FRAMEWORK FOR STRATEGIC RESEARCH
Authors: Judd Fiona , Murray Greg , Fraser Caitlin , Humphreys John , Hodgins Gene , Jackson Henry
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:This paper argues that lack of adequate research is a barrier to the long‐term improvement of the mental health and well‐being of rural Australians. Following from national mental health policy, potential research avenues in four broad domains (prevention and early intervention, pathways to care, outcome of illness and aetiology) are defined. These four broad domains are interdependent and research into them can be brought together into a simple framework or model. This model could be used to guide research into rurality and mental health. The proposed model uses the inclusive concept of place to capture the potential complexities of the rural locale as a variable in mental health and disorder. The model's predictor variables include both risk and resilience factors, and the outcome variables extend beyond morbidity to positive psychological wellness. It is proposed that this provisional model, and the strategic research that it directs, will act as a useful counterpoint to the more immediate evaluation and resourcing needs that confront rural mental health.
Management of HIV/AIDS on the Mid North Coast: A Collaborative Model of Care Involving General Practitioners and the Public Health System
Authors: Andrews Doug
Published: March 2003

Abstract: The Coffs Harbour AIDS Information Network was set up to co‐ordinate care planning and support service delivery for HIV/AIDS patients. This paper describes a collaborative model of care that brought together private general practitioners, a community nurse and a sexual health counsellor. Time involved in delivering services was monitored for each of the health professional groups during a 6 month period.

Twenty‐three patients were involved in our study. Doctors averaged 23 min per consultation over 57 occasions of service. Travel or telephone contact took up 17% of the time spent on these patients. Corresponding figures for the nurse and counsellor were an average of 67 min over 144 services and 71 min over 16 services. They spent 16% and 27% of their time travelling or on the phone, respectively.

HIV/AIDS care is time consuming for health professionals but comprehensive care can be given in rural areas with adequate support and integration.