bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bayesian foraging with only two patch types
Authors: Olsson Ola
Published: January 2006

I model the optimal Bayesian foraging strategy in environments with only two patch qualities. That is, all patches either belong to one rich type, or to one poor type. This has been a situation created in several foraging experiments. In contrast, previous theories of Bayesian foraging have dealt with prey distributions where patches may belong to one out of a large range of qualities (binomial, Poisson and negative binomial distributions). This study shows that two‐patch systems have some unique properties. One qualitative difference is that in many cases it will be possible for a Bayesian forager to gain perfect information about patch quality. As soon as it has found more than the number of prey items that should be available in a poor patch, it “knows” that it is in a rich patch. The model generates at least three testable predictions. 1) The distribution of giving‐up densities, GUDs, should be bimodal in rich patches, when rich patches are rare in the environment. This is because the optimal strategy is then devoted to using the poor patches correctly, at the expense of missing a large fraction of the few rich patches available. 2) There should be a negative relation between GUD and search time in poor patches, when rich patches are much more valuable than poor. This is because the forager gets good news about potential patch quality from finding some food. It therefore accepts a lower instantaneous intake rate, making it more resistant against runs of bad luck, decreasing the risk of discarding rich patches. 3) When the energy gains required to remain in the patch are high (such as under high predation risk), the overuse of poor patches and the underuse of rich increases. This is because less information about patch quality is gained if leaving at high intake rates (after short times). The predictions given by this model may provide a much needed and effective conceptual framework for testing (both in the lab and the field) whether animals are using Bayesian assessment.
Preferences, patterns and consequences of branch removal on the dioecious tropical tree Spondias purpurea (Anacardiaceae) by the insect borer Oncideres albomarginata chamela (Cerambycidae)
Authors: Uribe‐Mú Claudia A. , Quesada Mauricio
Published: January 2006

Most studies of plant–herbivore interactions in dioecious species have evaluated foliar herbivory. In this studie we evaluated preferences of branch removal by the insect borer Oncideres albomarginata chamela in the tropical dioecious tree Spondias purpurea L. The objectives were to determine the preferences and patterns of the removal of branches, to evaluate the effect of branch removal in the vegetative regeneration of branches, and to evaluate the effect of branch removal on the regeneration of fertile branches of male and female trees of S. purpurea. During three consecutive years of study, damage caused to branches by the girdled borer was associated with plant gender. The proportion of branches removed by the insect was greater for female than for male trees. The effects of branch removal were evaluated in attacked regenerated and unattacked branches. Removed branches regenerated a year after the insect borer attacked them. Branch removal affected the probability of producing fertile branches. The preference by O. a. chamela is apparently associated with the nutritional quality of the host.
Limiting similarity revisited
Authors: Szabó Péter , Meszéna Géza
Published: January 2006

We reinvestigate the validity of the limiting similarity principle via numerical simulations of the Lotka–Volterra model. A Gaussian competition kernel is employed to describe decreasing competition with increasing difference in a one‐dimensional phenotype variable. The simulations are initiated by a large number of species, evenly distributed along the phenotype axis. Exceptionally, the Gaussian carrying capacity supports coexistence of all species, initially present. In case of any other, distinctly different, carrying capacity functions, competition resulted in extinction of all, but a few species. A comprehensive study of classes of fractal‐like carrying capacity functions with different fractal exponents was carried out. The average phenotype differences between surviving species were found to be roughly equal to the competition width. We conclude that, despite the existence of exceptional cases, the classical picture of limiting similarity and niche segregation is a good rule of thumb for practical purposes.
Beyond fragmentation: the continuum model for fauna research and conservation in human‐modified landscapes
Authors: Fischer Joern , B. Lindenmayer David
Published: January 2006

Animal distribution patterns in human‐modified landscapes are often examined from the basis of the “fragmentation model”, which recognises habitat patches located within an inhospitable matrix. The fragmentation model can establish correlations between landscape pattern and animal distribution patterns. However, it is limited in its ability to generate a process‐based understanding of species distribution patterns. Here we propose a process‐based conceptual landscape model. The “continuum model” is derived from continuum theory, and recognises the importance of space‐related ecological variables alongside other factors, such as the availability of suitable food, shelter, and climatic conditions. The continuum model allows for gradual changes in these variables through space, and assumes species respond individualistically to their environment. We contrast the continuum model with the fragmentation model, and outline how it can be used to interpret and design empirical studies. While the fragmentation model may provide a satisfactory description of ecological patterns where many species are confined to human‐defined “patches”, the continuum model can help to establish links between fundamental ecological processes and individualistic species distribution patterns. Conservation guidelines arising from the fragmentation model will emphasise the importance of large and well‐connected pre‐defined “habitat” patches. Conversely, the continuum model recognises potentially large discrepancies between different species’ ecological requirements. Conservation guidelines arising from the continuum model therefore will focus on habitat heterogeneity at multiple spatial scales to enhance the number of niches available to different species.
Population genetic effects of human‐mediated plant range expansions on native phytophagous insects
Authors: C. Oliver Jeffrey
Published: January 2006

Anthropogenic changes in organismal distributions have affected many, if not all, terrestrial ecosystems. Anthropogenic plant range expansions (APREs) may have profound effects on the population genetics of native phytophagous insects exploiting recent changes in plant distributions. Here I focus on the important, although often overlooked, effects on insect species which feed on such plants, but do not show evidence of host race formation. This article investigates geographic range expansion and increased interpopulation gene flow, which may occur as a result of phytophagous insects exploiting APREs. The two effects have clear predicted genetic signatures: (1) geographic range expansion should result in low levels of genetic diversity in new portions of the insect species’ range, relative to older, pre‐APRE portions of the range and (2) increased interpopulation gene flow will result in reduced population genetic differentiation. Data from the literature are qualitatively consistent with the predictions of one or both population genetic change scenarios. Higher order effects, such as reduced local adaptation, increased spread of resistance in agricultural systems, and hybridization among formerly isolated lineages, as evidenced by case studies, and the economic and conservation implications thereof are also discussed. Finally, I outline future approaches for addressing the impact of APREs on native phytophagous insect ecology and discuss the application of these concepts of population genetic change and resultant outcomes to research outside plant–insect interactions.
Effects of food quality, diet preference and water on patch use by Nubian ibex
Authors: Hochman Valeria , P. Kotler Burt
Published: January 2006

Measuring patch use of a forager can reveal not only its cost and benefits from foraging, but also the importance of environmental factors and the significance of energy, nutrients and predation risk to its fitness. In order to assess the effects of various variables that may affect the foraging behavior of free‐ranging Nubian ibex in the Negev Desert, Israel, giving‐up densities (GUD) in artificial food patches were measured following Kotler et al. In particular, we tested the effects of food quality and water availability on Nubian ibex foraging behavior. To do so, we (1) tested whether the tannic acid content of food affected diet preferences, (2) assayed their diet selection strategy, (3) tested if the foraging decisions of the Nubian ibex were affected by the availability of water and (4) determined the nutritional relationship between food resources and water. Nubian ibex had lower GUDs and used resources patches more intensively where water was available, the food quality was higher and the location was closer to the escape terrain. Nubian ibex showed an expanding specialist diet selection when exploiting resource patches with a mix of items that differ in quality. Overall, food and water were complementary resources for Nubian ibex, and tannins reduced food quality. These factors help to determine patch foraging behavior decisions in Nubian ibex and contribute to habitat quality.
Annual routines of non‐migratory birds: optimal moult strategies
Authors: Barta Zoltán , Houston Alasdair I. , McNamara John M. , Welham Robert K. , Hedenström Anders , Weber Thomas P. , Feró Orsolya
Published: January 2006

In a periodically changing environment it is important for animals to properly time the major events of their life in order to maximise their lifetime fitness. For a non‐migratory bird the timing of breeding and moult are thought to be the most crucial. We develop a state‐dependent optimal annual routine model that incorporates explicit density dependence in the food supply. In the model the birds’ decisions depend on the time of year, their energy reserves, breeding status, experience, and the quality of two types of feathers (outer and inner primaries). Our model predicts that, under a seasonal environment, feathers with large effects on flight ability, higher abrasion rate and lower energetic cost of moult should be moulted closer to the winter (i.e. later) than those with the opposite attributes. Therefore, we argue that the sequence of moult may be an adaptive response to the problem of optimal timing of moult of differing feathers within the same feather tract. The model also predicts that environmental seasonality greatly affects optimal annual routines. Under high seasonality birds breed first then immediately moult, whereas under low seasonality an alternation occurs between breeding and moulting some of the feathers in one year and having a complete moult but no breeding in the other year. Increasing food abundance has a similar effect.
Choosing benefits or partners: a review of the evidence for the evolution of myrmecochory
Authors: Giladi Itamar
Published: January 2006

Myrmecochory, or seed dispersal by ants, is a dispersal syndrome found among several thousand plant species occupying different ecosystems and geographical regions. Typically, ants benefit from consuming a lipid‐rich appendage on the seed and in return provide seed dispersal service to the plant. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the selective advantage for plants resulting from myrmecochory, including directed dispersal, dispersal for distance and escape from seed predators. I contrast the evidence available in the literature for these hypotheses and distinguish the studies on the basis of ecosystem and plant growth forms. The predator‐avoidance and the distance dispersal hypotheses were supported in most studies that addressed them, and the directed dispersal hypothesis was supported in about half of the studies that tested it. Multiple hypotheses were supported in most studies that tested more than one hypothesis, suggesting that the various selective advantages conferred from myrmecochory are seldom exclusive. I also review evidence for the hypothesis that plants have evolved adaptations both for selecting seed dispersers and for manipulating the behavior of those dispersers. Based on this evidence, I argue that focusing future research on the evolution of partner choice by myrmecochores and its effects on the overall plant fitness will be more fruitful than putting an emphasis on classifying the selective advantage to plants into distinct categories and test for their existence separately.
Frequency–dependent pollinator foraging in polymorphic Clarkia xantiana ssp. xantiana populations: implications for flower colour evolution and pollinator interactions
Authors: M. Eckhart Vincent , S. Rushing Naomi , M. Hart Georgia , D. Hansen Joseph
Published: January 2006

Under many circumstances pollinators are expected to practice positive frequency–dependent foraging in colour‐polymorphic plant populations. Theory suggests, however, that competition for floral resources might favor negative frequency–dependent foraging by some pollinator species, possibly contributing to the maintenance of flower colour variation by negative frequency–dependent selection. We addressed this idea with pollination studies of the California annual plant Clarkia xantiana ssp. xantiana (Onagraceae), which is polymorphic for the presence of conspicuous petal spots and is pollinated by several specialist bee species. At the level of entire pollinator assemblages, we did not detect significant fixed flower colour preferences or frequency–dependent foraging. Three species of specialist bee pollinators, however, showed contrasting forms of frequency–dependent foraging. The most widespread species, Hesperapis regularis (Melittidae) exhibited positive frequency dependence. Two other common species, Lasiglossum pullilabre (Halictidae) and Ceratina sequoiae (Apidae), preferred to visit whichever morph (unspotted or spotted) was locally in the minority. All three species were found to be effective at transferring C. xantiana pollen; H. regularis appeared most effective. Our findings suggest that a mixture of positive and negative frequency–dependent selection on flower colour occurs in C. xantiana, with the form and intensity of selection varying in space and time with pollinator assemblages. Negative frequency–dependent selection via pollination dynamics may play a larger role in maintaining genetic variation in flower colour than was previously thought. Our results also suggest an unappreciated form of niche partitioning among specialist pollinators. Genetic polymorphism in flower colour may sometimes facilitate pollinator coexistence.
The response of decomposers (earthworms, springtails and microorganisms) to variations in species and functional group diversity of plants
Authors: Milcu Alexandru , Partsch Stephan , Langel Reinhardt , Scheu Stefan
Published: January 2006

The responses of three decomposer groups (earthworms, springtails and microorganisms) to manipulations in plant species diversity (1, 2, 4, 8), plant functional group diversity (1, 2, 3, 4) and functional group identity (grasses, legumes, small herbs, tall herbs) were studied in a microcosm experiment. Separate and combined treatments with earthworms and springtails were set up. Two earthworm species representing major functional groups of earthworms in grasslands were investigated, the endogeic speciesAporrectodea caliginosa(Savigny) and the anecic speciesLumbricus terrestrisL. For springtails three species were investigated, the hemiedaphic speciesHeteromurus nitidus(Leleup), Folsomia candida(Willem) and the euedaphic speciesProtaphorura fimata(Gisin). Plant species and functional group diversity beneficially affectedA. caliginosa(increase in body weight and incorporation of15N from labelled litter) andP. fimata(density), presumably by changing the quality of belowground resources. In contrast, the biomass ofL. terrestrisdecreased with plant species diversity but only in presence of legumes. ForH. nitidusandF. candidathe identity of plant functional groups was more important than plant species diversity per se. Also, the response ofF. candidadepended on earthworms. Microbial respiration was reduced by earthworms in more diverse plant communities, which correlated with root biomass. In contrast, microbial biomass was not affected by plant species diversity. The results suggest that belowground resource inputs from plant roots strongly modify decomposer performance and that the quality of the resources that enter the belowground subsystem is more important than their quantity. The responses of decomposers generally were not correlated with below‐ or aboveground plant productivity. In addition, the results document that effects of plant community composition on the performance of decomposer species depend on the presence of other decomposers.
Population regulation and demography in a harvested freshwater crayfish from Madagascar
Authors: Jones Julia P. G. , Coulson Tim
Published: January 2006

Despite advances in statistical techniques for investigating population dynamics based on mark–recapture data, the majority of our understanding about demography and regulation comes from relatively few taxa. Most proposed generalisations about the association between demography and variation in population size are based on data from vertebrates, there are few sufficiently detailed invertebrate studies to examine whether these generalisations are widely supported. The population biology of freshwater invertebrates is especially poorly known. We present a large‐scale mark–recapture study of an endemic freshwater crayfish from Madagascar (Astacoides granulimanus). Variation in density, caused by difference in fishing pressure due to local taboos, allowed us to investigate density‐dependent regulation. We found evidence of density dependence in fecundity operating through the proportion of reproductive females by size but no significant evidence of density dependence in growth. Using a prospective analysis based on the elasticities from a size‐structured matrix model, we found that both recruitment rates and survival rates of large individuals were strongly associated with deterministic population growth – a result that differs from generalisations drawn from vertebrate studies. A central assumption in mark–recapture studies is that handling does not affect mortality. By treating the number of times an individual was captured as an individual covariate, easily done using the freeware program MARK, we were able to test for, and take account of, handling‐induced mortality. Our results show interesting similarities, and important differences, to generalisations based on vertebrate studies and emphasise the importance of population studies on poorly known taxa.
Additive genetic variation of secondary and primary metabolites in mountain birch
Authors: Haviola Sanna , Saloniemi Irma , Ossipov Vladimir , Haukioja Erkki
Published: January 2006

Evolutionary adaptations require genetic variation in the traits concerned. Mountain birch populations suffer from regular autumnal moth defoliations that affect tree survival and growth. Earlier studies have found that birch individuals show clear differences in their leaf chemistry, which may be relevant to herbivore performance. A large part of this variation is assumed to be genetic, since quantitative differences between trees remain the same in different years. We estimated the genetic parameters of several herbivory‐related chemical compounds. The material consisted of 30 mature wild trees and their progenies. We treated the data both as half‐sib and full‐sib families, and calculated parent–offspring comparisons as well. The compounds included 12 individual phenolics, 5 carbohydrates and 16 protein‐bound amino acids. For comparison, we also analysed the weight and germination percent of seeds and the height of seedlings. Two of the most abundant phenylpropanoids (chlorogenic acid and kaempferol‐3‐O‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranoside) showed significant genetic variation, but this was not true of all individual phenolic compounds. Amino acids had less genetic variation than phenolic compounds. The high genetic variation of the phenolic compounds indicates that the mountain birch is able to evolve its phenol‐based resistance.
Maximum body size among insular Komodo dragon populations covaries with large prey density
Authors: Jessop Tim S. , Madsen Thomas , Sumner Joanna , Rudiharto Heru , Phillips John A. , Ciofi Claudio
Published: January 2006

This study documents variation in maximum body size of Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) among the four extant island populations in Komodo National Park and compares an indirect measure of deer density, the major prey item for large dragons, to differences in maximum body size among islands. The largest 15% of dragons from the large islands of Komodo and Rinca were significantly longer and heavier than the largest 15% of dragons on the small islands of Gili Motang and Nusa Kode. There was a 33% difference in snout vent length (SVL) between dragons found on Komodo and those found on Gili Motang, with mass varying by more than four‐fold. Density of deer pellet groups between islands ranged from 5.86±0.75 groups per transect on Gili Motang to 20.73±1.02 groups per transect on Komodo Island. Maximal dragon SVL and mass was highly positively correlated with this index of deer density. Low prey density on the two small islands could constrain body size via energetic constraints. At present we can not deduce if insular body size variation has arisen through genotypic or phenotypic mechanisms.
Age‐specific survival and reproductive performances in fur seals: evidence of senescence and individual quality
Authors: Beauplet Gwénaël , Barbraud Christophe , Dabin Willy , Küssener Clothilde , Guinet Christophe
Published: January 2006

Life history theory hypothesises that breeding events induce reproductive costs that may vary among individuals. However, the growing number of studies addressing this question are taxonomically biased, therefore impeding the generalisation of this hypothesis, especially with regard to marine top predators. This study investigated age‐related survival and breeding performances in subantarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus tropicalis) females from Amsterdam Island, southern Indian Ocean. Using multistate capture–recapture models on data obtained from known‐age tagged females over eight consecutive years, we tested for evidence of senescence, individual quality, and reproductive costs in terms of future survival and fecundity. Adult female yearly survival appeared high and constant throughout time. While a two age‐class model was preferred in non‐breeders, breeding females exhibited three age classes with a maximum survival for the prime‐age class (7–12 years). Survival and reproductive probabilities decreased from 13 years onward, suggesting senescence in this population. Survival was lower for non‐breeders than for breeders, among both prime‐aged (0.938 vs 0.982) and older (0.676 vs 0.855) females. Furthermore, non‐breeders exhibited higher probabilities of being non‐breeders the following year than did breeders (0.555 vs 0.414). Such results suggest consistency in female breeding performance over years, supporting the hypothesis that non‐breeding tend to occur among lower quality individuals rather than representing an alternative strategy to enhance residual reproductive value. However, the high proportion of females that did not breed during two consecutive years, and the lower probability of being a successful breeder after a greater reproductive effort confirmed the existence of reproductive costs, especially during the second half of the lactation. These results also suggest that younger age‐classes included a higher proportion of lower quality individuals, which are likely to face higher costs of reproduction. Such hypotheses lead to consider the first breeding event as a filter generating a within‐cohort selection process in females.
Delays in nutrient cycling and plant population oscillations
Authors: Pastor John , Durkee Walker Rachel
Published: January 2006

It is well known that delay‐differential and delay‐difference equations can produce plausible simulations of population oscillations, but many of these equations lack a specific mechanism responsible for the delay. We suggest that delays in release of nitrogen from decomposing litter, caused by microbial uptake, could produce oscillations in populations when the delay in the release of nitrogen is longer than the characteristic time scale of nitrogen uptake. We present a model which captures these dynamics. As the parameter controlling microbial uptake of nitrogen during litter decay increases, the model solutions bifurcate from fixed point equilibria, to periodic orbits (oscillations) which remain bounded for ecologically very long times, and finally to extinction of the plant population because of rapid increases in the amplitude of the oscillations. We suggest that such a mechanism may be especially important for annual plants which do not store nitrogen in perennial tissues to buffer delays. Natural populations of wild rice (Zizania palustris), an annual plant, oscillate with approximately four‐year periods. Our model qualitatively mimics the period and shape of population oscillations in wild rice with parameter values in the range of those determined by experiments. The model therefore demonstrates a logical and experimentally plausible link between plant population dynamics and the ecosystem processes delaying the cycling of limiting nutrients.
Intraoral duct ligation without inclusion of the parasympathetic nerve supply induces rat submandibular gland atrophy
Authors: Osailan Samira M. , Proctor Gordon B. , McGurk Mark , Paterson Katherine L.
Published: January 2006

The atrophic effect of ligating the main duct of the right submandibular gland was examined in rat using a novel intraoral approach that did not include the chorda lingual (CL) nerve. Comparison was made with the effect of duct ligation including the attached CL nerve as carried out in previous studies. In all animals, the contralateral, unligated left submandibular gland was used as a control. At different times (1, 2, 7, 14 and 21 days) after ligation, glands were removed and weighed. Tissue was fixed for morphological analysis and homogenized for biochemical assay of secretory proteins. After 21 days, ligated glands showed a significant decrease in wet weight compared with unligated glands. Weight loss was the greatest (P < 0.05) in glands ligated with the CL nerve included. Light microscopy revealed that following ligation, an initial inflammatory reaction was followed by severe atrophy of acini and granular ducts. The atrophy was less severe when the CL nerve was not ligated. Secretory proteins were decreased from day 1 onwards following duct ligation in both groups. It can be concluded that most of the atrophy induced by duct ligation is independent of damage caused to the parasympathetic nerve supply, although the latter causes a greater atrophy presumably due to denervation.
Mouse models in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis research
Authors: Anstee Quentin M. , Goldin Robert D.
Published: January 2006

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a histological spectrum of liver disease associated with obesity, diabetes and insulin resistance that extends from isolated steatosis to steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. As well as being a potential cause of progressive liver disease in its own right, steatosis has been shown to be an important cofactor in the pathogenesis of many other liver diseases. Animal models of NAFLD may be divided into two broad categories: those caused by genetic mutation and those with an acquired phenotype produced by dietary or pharmacological manipulation. The literature contains numerous different mouse models that exhibit histological evidence of hepatic steatosis or, more variably, steatohepatitis; however, few replicate the entire human phenotype. The genetic leptin‐deficient (ob/ob) or leptin‐resistant (db/db) mouse and the dietary methionine/choline‐deficient model are used in the majority of published research. More recently, targeted gene disruption and the use of supra‐nutritional diets to induce NAFLD have gained greater prominence as researchers have attempted to bridge the phenotype gap between the available models and the human disease. Using the physiological processes that underlie the pathogenesis and progression of NAFLD as a framework, we review the literature describing currently available mouse models of NAFLD, highlight the strengths and weaknesses of established models and describe the key findings that have furthered the understanding of disease pathogenesis.
School experiences after treatment for a brain tumour
Authors: Upton P. , Eiser C.
Published: January 2006

Background Children surviving a brain tumour face major difficulties including learning problems, lengthy school absences and psychosocial problems, all of which can impact on school functioning. Our aims were to provide information for parents and teachers about the skills and resources of this group. Specifically, we aimed to:

describe the special educational needs of these children;

document the impact of diagnosis and treatment on school attendance;

compare parent and teacher assessments of social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Methods Forty families agreed to participate (response rate = 58.82%). The children (19 males and 21 females) were aged from 6 to 16 years and had completed treatment at least 2 years previously (range = 2 years−12 years 5 months). Questionnaires (Strengths and Difficulties and school experience) were completed by mothers and teachers.

Results Survivors were experiencing a wide range of physical, learning and interpersonal difficulties, according to parent and teacher reports. Almost half the children (n = 19) had ongoing neurological problems that were significant enough to require special help at school. Literacy and numeracy were the most common learning difficulties. Parents also rated brain tumour survivors as having more behavioural and emotional problems than would be expected from population norms. For example, survivors were rated as having more Total Difficulties (t = 6.86, P < 0.001), Emotional Symptoms (t = 8.82, P < 0.001), Hyperactivity (t = 2.25, P = 0.03), Peer Relationship Problems (t = 7.58, P < 0.001) and poorer Pro‐social Behaviour (t = −3.34, P = 0.002) than would be expected from population norms. These problems were also seen to be having a significant impact on the child's functioning (t = 3.95, P < 0.001). Teachers rated these problems as less serious than parents.

Conclusion These children experience significant problems in school some time after diagnosis and when they are considered medically cured. Closer school–hospital liaison is essential to maximize integration and achievement in these children.
Brief intervention on maternal smoking: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yılmaz G. , Karacan C. , Yöney A. , Yılmaz T.
Published: January 2006

Objectives To determine if mothers receiving a smoking cessation intervention emphasizing health risks of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) for their children have a higher quit rate than mothers who received routine smoking cessation advice, which focused on their own health, or a control group of mothers.

Setting Tertiary referral centre.

Methods Randomized control trial. A total of 363 mothers were randomly assigned to a smoking cessation intervention either aimed at their children's health (n = 111) or their own health (n = 131), or to a control group receiving no smoking cessation advice (n = 121).

Results Provision to mothers of both groups of health risks of tobacco smoke resulted in significantly higher rate of cessation of smoking and smoking location change than those of the control group, with child intervention group having significantly higher rate of cessation of smoking and smoking location change than those of the maternal intervention group (P < 0.05). Post‐intervention knowledge scores differed significantly for all groups; however, child intervention group was the only significantly better group than the others (P < 0.05). According to the multivariate analysis results, intervention grouping and presence of smoking friends were independent factors determining smoking cessation (P < 0.05). Intervention grouping, post‐intervention knowledge, presence of other household members who smoked and family income were independent factors determining smoking location change (P < 0.05). Family income, intervention grouping and presence of smoking friends were significant independent factors influencing post‐intervention knowledge (P < 0.05).

Conclusion Discussion during short paediatric visits on effects of smoking on child's or maternal health may result in a significant smoking cessation, smoking location change rate or knowledge change. Those who cannot give up smoking usually change their location of smoking. Provision of information on effects of smoking on child's health, rather than maternal, may result in more significant changes in behaviour or knowledge. Maternal education on smoking should include information on effects of smoking on both child's and maternal health, but should be especially focused on child's health.
How widely are personal child health records used and are they effective health education tools? A comparison of two records
Authors: Wright C. M. , Reynolds L.
Published: January 2006

Background Although the Personal Child Health Records (PCHR) has been in use for 15 years, its efficacy as a health education tool has not been evaluated. The phased introduction of a new, professionally designed record within a large cohort study provided the opportunity to compare parental rating and use of the different records and recall of health topics covered.

Subjects and methods All babies born over a 15‐month period were eligible. Half (679) were born during study recruiting periods and received an expanded version of the new record; 30% (411) were born in non‐recruiting periods and received the old record and 20% (279) were born after the new record had been fully introduced. Parents completed a one‐page postal questionnaire when their child was aged 6–17 months.

Results Parents rated both record types highly and the majority used them regularly to take to baby clinics and for information. Health visitors wrote frequently in the record, compared with only half of parents and less than a quarter of family doctors. Old format records were significantly more likely to be taken to and written in by the family doctor. Parents used new format records less as a source of information, but were no more likely to use other recommended information sources. Parents with new format records showed better recall of information found only, or more prominently in the new records, but the actual differences were small.

Conclusions The PCHR remains popular with parents, but is still underused except by health visitors. Recall of health information in the record is fairly poor, but families make little use of other, better information sources. Professional redesign did not improve the efficacy of the record.
Health of caregivers in child care
Authors: Slack‐Smith L. M. , Read A. W. , Darby J. , Stanley F. J.
Published: January 2006

Background Child care workers play an important role in caring for children attending child care yet there is little research regarding their health.

Methods The study consisted of focus groups with child care workers and a survey, conducted as part of a larger study known as the Healthy Child Care Study, which focused on children. The study investigated carers working in formal child care [long day care (LDC) and family day care (FDC)].

Results Questionnaires to caregivers in centres showed that 86% had taken sick leave in the previous year and 75% of staff had taken leave for infectious illness. Carers in FDC reported that 24% had taken sick leave in the previous year and 12% of carers had taken leave for infectious illness. Of responding caregivers from centres, 22% were cigarette smokers while in FDC homes, 8% of carers smoked. In focus groups, carers reported that their major areas of health concern were stress, infectious illness and physical trauma such as lifting injuries.

Conclusions Child care workers in LDC took more sick leave than those in FDC but this is not necessarily due to more illness. Child care workers are a diverse and important group that require further research.
Assessing services, supports and costs for young families under stress
Authors: Sleed M. , Beecham J. , Knapp M. , McAuley C. , McCurry N.
Published: January 2006

Background Despite the attention paid to family support services in legislation and guidance, there is still relatively little evidence on which to base the development of effective services, and even less on the costs and cost‐effectiveness of different models of support.

Methods The study designed and examined the practical feasibility of a methodology for collecting service use data and other information on families. Unit costs of services were calculated and data were collected in interviews with 177 young families under stress in Northern Ireland and South‐East England. Service use patterns and costs were analysed.

Results Comparisons showed that families made greater use than the general population of many services. There were marked variations within the sample in the patterns of service use and costs, to some extent reflecting differences in the needs of the young families.

Discussion The methods developed for collecting service use data, calculating unit costs and estimating costs for families were feasible.
Deaf children identified through newborn hearing screening: parents’ experiences of the diagnostic process
Authors: Tattersall H. , Young A.
Published: January 2006

Background As part of the Department of Health funded evaluation of the first phase of the National Health Service Newborn Hearing Screening Programme in England, 45 parents/caregivers whose children were correctly identified as deaf through the screening programme were interviewed about their experiences.

Methods The study took a qualitative descriptive approach and thus sought to privilege parents’ unique epistemological position, valuing their accounts as expert knowledge and allowing them to set the criteria for what should be counted as meaningful within their accounts. The sample of 45 parents/caregivers was diverse in terms of ethnicity and socio‐economic status. In addition, the children represented a diversity of degrees of deafness and additional needs. Data were analysed using QSR NUD*IST 4.

Results The diagnostic period emerged as an important time for parents. This refers to the period of time that follows the referral from screen and starts with the first appointment at audiology for audiological assessment. The diagnostic process was found to be hugely variable for each family, both objectively, e.g. in terms of number of appointments they had to attend, and also attitudinally, e.g. some families perceived this period of time as a series of discrete events while others viewed it as part of a process that had started with the first screening event. Although it is reasonable to expect such factors to be the most influential in accounting for variations in parental satisfaction with the diagnostic process, it was in fact professional communication and manner that emerged as the most significant predictors of their experiences.

Discussion The discussion concentrates on the question of whether early identification of deafness and the subsequent compressed time frame of events between birth and diagnosis create ‘new’ experiences for parents or whether in fact the new circumstances surrounding diagnosis make no difference to the way in which professionals approach their encounters with parents.
Sectioned pelvic fin ray ageing of muskellungeEsox masquinongyfrom a Virginia river: comparisons among readers, with cleithrum estimates, and with tag–recapture growth data
Authors: BRENDEN T. O. , HALLERMAN E. M. , MURPHY B. R.
Published: January 2006

Abstract The potential utility of pelvic fin rays as ageing structures was evaluated for southern US muskellungeEsox masquinongyMitchill populations by comparing age estimates among three readers and against cleithrum estimates, and by comparing observed length changes of tagged fish with changes predicted from growth equations based on pelvic fin ray age estimates. Mean coefficient of variation in age estimates among all readers and between the two readers with prior ageing experience was 17.8% and 5.6%, respectively. Exact and within 1‐year agreement rates between pelvic fin rays and cleithra were 76% and 100%, respectively. Mean (± 2 SE) estimated absolute error between observed and predicted length changes for 13 tagged muskellunge was 30 ± 14 mm. This evaluation indicated that pelvic fin rays may prove to be a useful, non‐lethal method for ageing muskellunge in southern US waters. Validation studies are still needed to ensure that growth rings form consistently throughout fish's life span.
The psychological impact of genetic testing on parents
Authors: Dinc Leyla , Terzioglu Fusun
Published: January 2006

Aim and objectives.  The aim of this descriptive study was to explore the psychological impact of genetic testing on parents whose children have been referred for genetic testing.

Background.  Genetic tests enable individuals to be informed about their health status and to have the opportunity of early diagnosis and treatment of their diseases. However undergoing genetic testing and receiving a positive test result may also cause stress and anxiety.

Study design and method.  This descriptive study was carried out at the genetic departments of two university hospitals in Ankara. The sample of this study consisted of 128 individuals whose children have been referred for chromosomal analysis. Data were collected through using a semi‐structured interview method with a data collection form and the anxiety inventory and analysed using the percentages and independent samples t‐test.

Results.  The majority of our participants experienced distress before genetic testing. Their general trait anxiety score before receiving the test results was 47·38, and following the test results the state anxiety score was 50·65. Having a previous child with an abnormality, a positive test result, and being a mother elevated the anxiety of individuals.

Conclusion.  This paper supports the findings of previous studies, which indicated that genetic test results might lead to anxiety in individuals and reveals the importance of genetic counselling.

Relevance to clinical practice.  As the results of this study indicated, genetic testing causes distress and anxiety in individuals. Nurses can play an important role in minimizing anxiety of parents whose children undergo genetic testing by providing information about genetic testing and by taking part in the counselling process.
Information handling in the nursing discharge note
Authors: Hellesø Ragnhild
Published: January 2006

Aims.  The aim of this paper is twofold. Firstly, it describes hospital nurses’ general use of the language function in the nursing discharge notes of patients who will require posthospital home health care. Secondly, it addresses the similarities and differences in completeness, structure and content between paper and electronic nursing discharge notes.

Background.  Previous research has identified gaps in the accuracy and relevance of information communicated between nurses working at different organizational levels.

Design and methods.  A descriptive design with a text analysis framework was used.

Results.  The study shows that the text in the nursing discharge notes is information‐dense and characterized by technical terms, although the nurses contextualized and individualized the content of the terms to clarify the message. Both similarities and differences were found in range and detail of the information nurses exchanged when they used paper or electronic discharge notes.

Conclusions.  The use of structured and standardized templates helped nurses improve the completeness, structure and content of the information in the nursing discharge notes.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Whether paper or electronic documentation is used, the findings in this study highlight the challenges nurses encounter in ensuring continuity of care during patients’ trajectory through the health system. The findings may help clarify the appropriateness of the content and language nurses use in the nursing discharge note as a communication medium. This study may also be helpful to nurses planning to use EPRs, as it illustrates some of the issues which should be clarified before this is implemented.
The evolving role of community nurses for people with learning disabilities: changes over an 11‐year period
Authors: Barr Owen
Published: January 2006

Aims and objectives.  To provide an overview of the changes in the caseload and working practices of community nurses for people with learning disabilities (CNLDs) over an 11‐year period within one region of the UK.

Background.  Recent reviews of government policy within the UK and internationally have highlighted the need to promote inclusion and health facilitation for people with learning disabilities (intellectual disabilities). The CNLDs have been highlighted as having an integral role in achieving these objectives. However, little is known about the current role of community nurses and how this has evolved over the past decade.

Designs and methods.  A survey design was used in which the total population of CNLDs within one region of the UK were asked to complete a postal questionnaire.

Results.  Forty community nurses in Northern Ireland completed questionnaires. This provided information about 1559 people with learning disabilities on their current caseloads. Results showed less involvement with children, more focus on adults with physical and mental health needs and nurses often appeared to have a monitoring rather than an active clinical role. Data also identified an increasing caseload size and a pattern of referral largely from within learning disability services.

Conclusions.  The role of CNLDs has altered in Northern Ireland over the past 11 years with some evidence of a reorientation towards a more health‐oriented focus. Further consideration needs to be given to how well this will meet the changing needs of people with learning disabilities and their families in light of the increasing emphasis on the provision of inclusive services.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Community nurses need to review their current role, caseload management and links to primary and acute care if the policy objectives of inclusive services and health facilitation are to be achieved. It will also be necessary to revise their education preparation in light of the changing role of CNLDs.