bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional significance of the dark central floret of Daucus carota (Apiaceae) L.; is it an insect mimic?
Authors: GOULSON DAVID , MCGUIRE KATE , MUNRO EMMA E. , ADAMSON SUSAN , COLLIAR LOUISE , PARK KIRSTY J. , TINSLEY MATTHEW C. , GILBURN ANDRE S. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn Daucus carota L. (Apiaceae) the florets comprising the central umbellet of inflorescences are usually pink or dark purple, presenting a marked contrast to the surrounding umbellets, which are generally white. The number of dark florets varies, and some inflorescences have no dark florets. It has been proposed that the dark florets function as an insect mimic, and in so doing serve to attract insects to the flower. In contrast, other authors, Darwin included, suggest that they are functionally redundant. The present study examined whether the dark florets attract insects, and also whether this effect can be replicated by replacing these florets with an insect. At the study site in Portugal the predominant insect visitor was the beetle Anthrenus verbasci L. (Dermestidae), which is similar in size and shape to the dark florets. Large inflorescences and those with more dark florets attracted more beetles than small inflorescences and those with fewer or no dark florets. Inflorescences with the dark florets removed attracted fewer beetles visitors compared with intact inflorescences. Inflorescences in which the dark florets were replaced with one or a cluster of five dead, freeze‐killed A. verbasci attracted more beetles than inflorescences from which the dark florets had been removed. Replacement of the dark florets with a relatively large Meloid beetle resulted in the attraction of markedly fewer A. verbasci. We conclude that the dark florets can act as an insect attractant for some insect groups by acting as an insect mimic, and that they are adaptive, in contrast to the speculations of Darwin.
Reproductive biology of Cyrtopodium punctatum in situ: implications for conservation of an endangered Florida orchid
Authors: DUTRA DANIELA , KANE MICHAEL E. , ADAMS CARRIE REINHARDT , RICHARDSON LARRY 
Published: August 2009

Abstract Cyrtopodium punctatum (Linnaeus) Lindley is an endangered epiphytic orchid restricted in the USA to southern Florida. This species has been extensively collected from the wild since the early 1900s, and today only a few plants remain in protected areas. As part of a conservation plan, a reproductive biology study was conducted to better understand the ecology of this species in Florida. Cyrtopodium punctatum relies on a deceit pollination system using aromatic compounds to attract pollinators. Nine aromatic compounds were identified as components of the fragrance of C. punctatum inflorescences, including two compounds that are known to be Euglossine bee attractants. However, this group of bees is not native to Florida. Of the four bee species observed to visit C. punctatum flowers in the present study, carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.) are likely to be the main pollinators. Pollination experiments demonstrated that C. puntatum is self‐compatible, but requires a pollinator and thus does not exhibit spontaneous autogamy. In addition, the rates of fruit set were significantly higher for flowers that were outcrossed (xenogamy) than for those that were self‐crossed. Thus, the species has evolved a degree of incompatibility. Examples of natural pollination and fruit set were observed during the present study (2007–2008), but the rates of reproduction were modest as a consequence of the low plant numbers and possible changes in insect densities as a result of anthropogenic influences.
How does flowering magnitude affect seed survival in Shorea pilosa (Dipterocarpaceae) at the predispersal stage in Malaysia?
Authors: TOKUMOTO YUJI , MATSUSHITA MICHINARI , TAMAKI ICHIRO , SAKAI SHOKO , NAKAGAWA MICHIKO 
Published: August 2009

AbstractGeneral flowering (GF), a supra‐annual, irregular fluctuation in flowering and seeding at the community level, is a phenomenon unique to the tropical rainforests of South‐East Asia. To test the animal pollination and predator satiation hypotheses, which are the main hypotheses that attempt to explain the ultimate cause of GF, we conducted a bagging experiment after the flowering of Shorea pilosa (Dipterocarpaceae). Seed survival at the predispersal stage was divided into two stages (1–30 days and > 30 days after flowering) and we compared the results between treatments and between GF and non‐GF periods using a survival analysis. Survival during the GF period at both stages was significantly higher than during non‐GF periods, suggesting that both hypotheses were supported and that synchronous flowering with GF benefits the reproductive success of S. pilosa.
Floral abnormalities in Jatropha tanjorensis Ellis & Saroja (Euphorbiaceae): a natural interspecific sterile hybrid
Authors: SAHAI KANAK , KUMAR SUSHEEL , RAWAT KRISHNA K. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract Jatropha tanjorensis, an interspecific hybrid between Jatropha curcas and Jatropha gossypifolia, is reported to be a sterile hybrid, which has drastically limited its natural propagation. To determine the probability of existing sterility, floral biology was carried out in 30 trees of six accessions during 2007–2008. The results were explored in terms of morphological and anatomical details of floral abnormality. Although unisex flowers are a characteristic feature of the genus, unusual bisexual flowers with pseudostamens or staminodes were also present. Petalody of the stamen was frequently observed in most of the floral samples. Anther lobes were flat, cordate, fibrous, and some had one or more callus‐like structures and contained a few sterile pollen grains. In polypistillody, pistils were irregular in shape and position or were fused with the staminodes. Frequently occurring forms of these floral abnormalities as well as unusual hermaphrodity were highly responsible for the sterility of J. tanjorensis.
Effects of temperature and storage length on seed germination and the effects of light conditions on seedling establishment with respect to seed size in Ligularia virgaurea
Authors: WANG MAN‐TANG , LU NING‐NA , ZHAO ZHI‐GANG 
Published: August 2009

Abstract Ligularia virgaurea is widely distributed in the alpine meadows of the eastern Qinghai‐Tibet plateau. We studied the effects of temperature and seed storage length on seed germination in a laboratory experiment, the effects of seed mass and light intensity on seed emergence in a pot experiment, and the effect of meadow disturbance intensity on seed emergence in a field experiment. Our results showed that seeds of L. virgaurea germinated well under a wide range of temperatures. Germination percentage decreased with increased seed storage length. When seeds were stored for either 6 or 12 months the germination percentage increased with decreasing temperature. The emergence percentage of large seeds was higher than that of small seeds. Seedling survival of large seeds was greater than that of small seeds in 75% and 50% of natural irradiance. Large seeds of L. virgaurea were more successful colonizers in the alpine meadows. Seeds of L. virgaurea germinated in both disturbed meadows and non‐disturbed meadows, but seed emergence and seedling establishment were higher in the disturbed meadows, that is, disturbance could facilitate the recruitment and establishment of L. virgaurea.
13: Lycoris sanguinea Maxim. (Amaryllidaceae)
Authors: KAWANO SHOICHI 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe life‐history characteristics of Lycoris sanguinea Maxim., a bulbous perennial of the Amaryllidaceae, are described here. Its geographical range is in the warm‐temperate to cool‐temperate zone of Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, Japan, extending further to the Korean Peninsula and China. Its growth form and seasonality are very unique, that is, the productive and reproductive phases are separate, which has been observed in other Lycoris species as well. In late March to mid‐April for approximately 2 months, only radical leaves appear above ground; these leaves wither and disappear in late April to early May when the canopy of the deciduous trees casts heavy shade on the ground layer; then, in mid‐ to late‐July when the forest floor becomes even darker, only scapes appear above ground, with two to six orange‐red flowers borne on the umbels, occasionally forming large clumps here and there on the forest floor. Lycoris sanguinea is a typical insect‐pollinated polycarpic perennial that is pollinated by small bees, such as Amegilla florae, and small butterflies, such as Thymelicus leoninus leoninus and Thymelicus sylvaticus sylvaticus. The seed output per plant is not very high, and 6–20 black spherical seeds, each approximately 6 mm in size, are produced.
Doppler guided haemorrhoidal arterial ligation with recto‐anal‐repair (RAR) for the treatment of advanced haemorrhoidal disease
Authors: Walega P. , Krokowicz P. , Romaniszyn M. , Kenig J. , Sałówka J. , Nowakowski M. , Herman R. M. , Nowak W. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjective  A modification of Doppler guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation (DGHAL) to include the addition of recto‐anal repair is reported. Preliminary results of function and safety of third and fourth degree haemorrhoidals are given.Method  Thirty patients underwent DGHAL combined with recto‐anal‐repair (RAR). Each had rectal examination, anorectal manometry and Quality of Life assessment before and 3 months after the procedure.Results  Twenty‐nine patients were included in the final analysis. There were three (10.34%) patients of intra‐operative and one (3.45%) of postoperative bleeding. Three months after RAR (17.24%) patients with minor residual mucosal prolapse were detected, three (10.34%) patients reported residual symptoms. There was no case of recurrent bleeding. Anal manometry at 3 months after RAR was significantly lower than before the procedure (P < 0.05). One (3.45%) patient reported occasional soiling 3 months after RAR.Conclusion  Recto‐anal‐repair is safe in treating third and fourth degree haemorrhoids with no major complications and low rate of residual disease.
Stretch independent regulation of prostaglandin E2production within the isolated guinea‐pig lamina propria
Authors: Nile Christopher J. , De Vente Jan , Gillespie James I. 
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVETo use an isolated preparation of the guinea‐pig bladder lamina propria (LP) to investigate the effects of adenosine tri‐phosphate (ATP) and nitric oxide (NO) on the release of prostaglandin E2(PGE2).MATERIALS AND METHODSThe bladders of female guinea‐pigs (200–400 g) were isolated and opened to expose the urothelial surface. The LP was dissected free of the underlying detrusor muscle and cut into strips from the dome to base. Strips were then incubated in Krebs buffer at 37 °C. Each tissue piece was then exposed to the stable ATP analogue, BzATP, and a NO donor, diethylamine‐NONOate (DEANO), and the effect on PGE2output into the supernatant determined using the ParameterTMPGE2enzyme immunoassay kit (R & D Systems, Abingdon, UK). Experiments were repeated in the presence of purinergic receptor and cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, COX I and COX II, antagonists. The cellular location of COX I, COX II and neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) within the bladder LP was also determined by immunohistochemistry.RESULTSPGE2production was significantly increased by BzATP. Antagonist studies showed the purinergic stimulation involved both P2X and P2Y receptors. The BzATP response was inhibited by the COX inhibitor indomethacin (COX I >COX II) but not by DUP 697 (COX II >COX I). Thus, BzATP stimulation occurs because of COX I stimulation. NO had no effect on PGE2production over the initial 10 min of an exposure. However, PGE2output was increased 100 min after exposure to the NO donor. In the presence of NO, the BzATP stimulation was abolished. Immunohistochemistry was used to confirm the location of COX I to the basal and inner intermediate urothelial layers and to cells within the diffuse layer of LP interstitial cells. In addition, nNOS was also located in the basal urothelial layers whilst COX II was found in the interstitial cell layers.CONCLUSIONSThere is complex interaction between ATP and NO to modulate PGE2release from the bladder LP in the un‐stretched preparation. Such interactions suggest a complex interrelationship of signals derived from this region of the bladder wall. The importance of these interactions in relation to the physiology of the LP remains to be determined.
Evaluating the effect of childbirth education class: a mixed‐method study
Authors: Lee Linda Y.K. , Holroyd Eleanor 
Published: August 2009

Aim:  To examine Chinese women's satisfaction with and the perceived effect of childbirth education class on their labour experience.Background:  Attending childbirth education classes is a common activity for pregnant women. Nonetheless, evidence reveals that evaluation of the effects of childbirth education classes is inconsistent. Moreover, women's perceived effect of these classes has not been systematically examined.Methods:  This two‐phase study adopted a mixed‐method design with Donadedian's model as the theoretical framework. In Phase One, a random sample of 40 Chinese women was invited to complete a questionnaire after attending a childbirth education class. The questionnaire was focused on their satisfaction with specific aspects of the class. Descriptive statistics were performed to summarize participants’ response. In Phase Two, six of the original 40 women were purposively selected for a semi‐structured interview pertaining to the perceived effect of the childbirth education class on their labour experience. Thematic analysis was conducted on the interview data.Findings:  The participants expressed overall satisfaction with the class. The area that satisfied them the most was the performance of the midwife. The areas that satisfied them the least were the date, length, size and time of the class. Three themes emerged from the interview data, namely, ‘learning about labour’, ‘contributing to a smooth labour process’ and ‘coping with uncertainty and handling anxiety.Conclusion:  This study supports using a mixed‐method approach to evaluate client education activity, and highlights the importance of cultivating positive coping measures among the Chinese women after attending childbirth education class when facing childbirth‐related anxiety.
Lessons from eleven primary health care nursing innovations in New Zealand
Authors: Nelson K. , Wright T. , Connor M. , Buckley S. , Cumming J. 
Published: August 2009

Introduction:  In New Zealand in 2003, 11 primary health care (PHC) nursing innovation projects and an evaluation of the initiative were funded by the Ministry of Health to develop and explore the ways new models of nursing practice could help address health inequalities and contribute to PHC.Design and Methods:  A research‐and‐development approach was used in the evaluation. Data were gathered from interviews with national stakeholders, workshops with personnel from all projects, visits to each project site and case studies of four projects. Analysis involved assessing each project individually as well as the projects as a whole.Context:  The initiative was one of many international and local PHC developments in this period designed to reduce health inequalities and improve patient care and health outcomes.Findings:  Each project was developed from a different starting point; was located in different parts of the health system; and had different levels of funding. Some were principally focused on leading nursing development; others focused on developing nursing practice. Each involved influencing or providing nursing services, nurse education, leadership and service integration. Most projects progressed well, but some had limited success.Lessons:  Lessons are on many levels, and include those related to: developing successful innovation; the importance of nursing leadership; developing the nursing workforce; and advancing nursing practice.Conclusion:  The funding of the innovative projects enabled nurses to pioneer developments. Such funding is important, as it paves the way for change and provides an opportunity for reflection and new learnings.
Professionalism: the major factor influencing job satisfaction among Korean and Chinese nurses
Authors: Hwang J.‐I. , Lou F. , Han S.S. , Cao F. , Kim W.O. , Li P. 
Published: August 2009

Background:  The nursing shortage has become an internationally important issue. Nurses' professionalism and job satisfaction have been recognized as strong factors influencing their turnover. As international interchanges in nursing education are growing between Korea and China, understanding the commonalities and differences in factors associated with job satisfaction is critical to improving nurses' job retention.Aim:  To compare the factors influencing job satisfaction among Korean and Chinese nurses.Method:  A cross‐sectional survey was conducted. The participants were comprised of 693 nurses at three general hospitals in Jinan, People's Republic of China and 593 nurses at two general hospitals in Seoul, Korea. A questionnaire was designed to measure the nurses' professionalism and job satisfaction. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to identify factors related to job satisfaction.Results:  Professionalism was the common factor influencing job satisfaction in Korean and Chinese nurses. Professionalism was positively related to job satisfaction in both groups. Additional factors associated with job satisfaction were demographics and job characteristics such as age, job position and department of work, which were significant only in Korean nurses.Conclusions:  Professionalism was the most important factor influencing job satisfaction in both Korean and Chinese nurses. Enhancing nursing professionalism is recommended as a common strategy to improve nurses' job retention across different healthcare systems.
Spanish primary health care nurses who are smokers: this influence on the therapeutic relationship
Authors: González S. , Bennasar M. , Pericàs J. , Seguí P. , De Pedro J. 
Published: August 2009

Aim: To identify the perception of Primary Health Care (PHC) female nurses in the Balearic Islands in Spain who are smokers, regarding the suitability of their anti‐smoking therapeutic relationships with their clients. Also, to identify what factors they consider may determine why nurses smoke less in PHC than in specialized care (SC).Background: Backed by the signing of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), a new Anti‐Smoking law has been in force in Spain since 2006. This legislation limits the places where tobacco may be consumed. PHC nurses, because of their professional abilities, their number and their direct contact with society on all accounts – both health‐ and illness‐wise – and also because of the proven efficacy of their interventions in the fight against the smoking habit, are called upon to play an important role against the smoking habit in the 21st century.Method: A qualitative study using a semi‐structured interview with 15 PHC female nurses who are smokers.Findings: Regarding the therapeutic relationship, basically two attitudes are adopted: first, blaming themselves and feeling uncomfortable and inadequate to be able to help someone to give up smoking or, second, considering themselves to be in an optimum situation in which to be able to help by sharing their addiction and thereby understanding and empathizing much more with clients. PHC nurses believe they smoke less than SC nurses as a result of a greater degree of awareness.Conclusion: We would suggest that SC nurses should acquire a more relevant role in the fight against the smoking habit. In light of their capacity, commitment and efficacy, we believe there is a case for total autonomy as far as their role as therapists in breaking smoking habits is concerned.
Parent's adherence to children's home‐accident preventive measures
Authors: Tsoumakas K. , Dousis E. , Mavridi F. , Gremou A. , Matziou V. 
Published: August 2009

Aim:  To investigate parents' knowledge and practice of preventive measures concerning children's home accidents, as well as the factors affecting adherence.Background:  Injuries at home constitute the majority of accidental injuries in children aged <6 years old, sometimes with devastating consequences for the child's well‐being. Research has concentrated on locating the risk factors and on evaluating the effectiveness of the injury‐prevention programmes, but only a few studies have focused on parental knowledge and the application of preventive measures and on how the basic risk factors correlate with parental adherence.Methods:  This was a descriptive study. A sample of 900 parents of children aged 0–6 years, who were guests of kindergartens and day nurseries of the Prefecture of Attica, Greece, and that were randomized geographically by region. Data were collected with an anonymous questionnaire between September 2006 and July 2007.Results:  Half of the parents had inadequate adherence to the application of preventive measures for children's accidents at home, while nearly half claimed an information deficit. Accident incidence was 36% lower than when parents claimed to adhere to preventive measures. Higher adherence had fathers of low educational level (P = 0.001), families who had ≤2 bedroom residences (P = 0.001), families who remained in block of flats (P = 0.010) as well as families who had a child with chronic illness (P = 0.012). The study concerns an urban population and does not include parents who lack a sufficient knowledge of the Greek language.Conclusion:  Parental adherence is of primary importance for decreasing home‐accident incidence. Parental education and the adherence gap needs further investigation so as to improve parental application of preventive measures.
Blood pressure, height, weight and body mass index of primary school students in a low socio‐economic district in Turkey
Authors: Bayat M. , Erdem E. , Barık Ö. , Başer M. , Taşcı S. 
Published: August 2009

Aim:  This study was conducted to evaluate the growth and blood pressure measurements of the students.Background:  School health services are important to evaluate, protect and to improve the health status of the students. This study was conducted to evaluate the growth and blood pressure measurements of the students who were registered in a primary school with low socio‐economic level in Kayseri Province in Türkiye between 1 April 2004 and 30 May 2004. The data were collected using questionnaire and health‐screening forms.Findings:  It was determined that the average age was 9.77 ± 2.41 in girls and 10.16 ± 14.70 in boys. It was observed that the average height was 137.95 ± 14.70 cm, and the average weight was 33.07 ± 10.08 kg for all students. The girls between 10 years and 12 years old had a better average body mass index (kg/m2) (BMI) compared with boys. Boys between 6 years and 9 years old had a better BMI than the girls. The difference between the groups was considered statistically important (P = 0.006 and P = 0.002, respectively). Furthermore, 4.9% of the students were underweight and 2.2% of the students were obese. It was thought that there was a positive correlation among height, weight, BMI, age and the blood pressure values; and as BMI and age increased, so did the blood pressure value.Conclusion:  Cooperation and dialogue need to be established among the school directorate, the families and the students to promote and encourage proper growth development and nutrition of the students within the school health services.