bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The adaptive nature of non‐food collection for the Florida harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex badius
Authors: SMITH CHRIS R. , TSCHINKEL WALTER R. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract 1. Many animals forage for non‐food objects, such as nesting materials. In many organisms, the depots of such objects can be expansive, and are not intuitively adaptive. This study empirically explores varying theories for why these depots exist in the Florida harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex badius.2. The Florida harvester ant, like its western congeners, collects and deposits large quantities of non‐food objects around its nest entrance. The vast majority of objects sampled from colonies in this study population were charcoal pieces whereas most western species collect pebbles.3. Objects in these depots can number in the millions, suggesting a large cost to this behaviour and strengthening an adaptationist argument.4. Many hypotheses have been suggested for these depots, including temperature and water modification and territoriality. No evidence was found to support the results of a previous study which found that charcoal depots deter other ant species.5. The depots do not appear to affect soil hydrology, but do slightly increase soil temperature at the very top of the nest. In an attempt to estimate the seasonal fitness of colonies with and without charcoal depots, no statistical difference was detected in sexual investment between treatment groups.6. These results suggest that the charcoal depots may be selectively advantageous through temperature modification, but may serve alternate functions that are species and habitat specific.
Aphid dispersal flight disseminates fungal pathogens and parasitoids as natural control agents of aphids
Authors: FENG MING‐GUANG , CHEN CHUN , SHANG SU‐WEI , YING SHENG‐HUA , SHEN ZHI‐CHENG , CHEN XUE‐XIN 
Published: February 2007

Abstract 1. Dispersal flight, a well‐known strategy for aphids to locate suitable plants, was studied for its possible role in disseminating fungal pathogens and parasitoids as natural control agents of aphids by air captures in Hangzhou, China during 2001–2005. Up to 3183 migratory alates of green peach aphid Myzus persicae were captured from air using a yellow‐plus‐plant trap on the top platform of a six‐storey building in an urbanised area, and individually reared in a laboratory for ≥ 7 days.2. Among the captured alates, 28.9% survived on average for 2.5 days and then died from mycoses attributed to 10 species of obligate or non‐obligate aphid pathogens. These were predominated by Pandora neoaphidis, which was causative of 80% of the mycosed alates. Another 4.4% survived for an average of 3.7 days, followed by mummification of Aphidius gifuensis (52.9%) and Diaeretella rapae (47.1%).3. Numerous progeny colonies individually initiated by infected, parasitised, or healthy alates were monitored daily for 12 days, and fitted well to a logistic equation depicting the potential of their post‐flight colonisation and fecundity. Both infected and parasitised alates from air were highly capable of initiating progeny colonies independently, although their potential fecundity was greatly reduced compared with that of healthy counterparts.4. Our results confirmed that both obligate and non‐obligate pathogens can be widespread with aphid dispersal flight, and demonstrated that parasitoids also took advantage of the host flight for their dispersal. This study provides new insights into aphid dispersal biology.
Sublethal effect of brood parasitism on the grass‐carrying wasp Isodontia mexicana
Authors: O’NEILL KEVIN M. , O’NEILL JAMES F. , O’NEILL RUTH P. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract 1. The nests of solitary, nest‐provisioning wasps (Sphecidae and Crabronidae) are commonly attacked by brood parasites, including flies of the families Phoridae and Sarcophagidae. Larvae of the flies commonly kill the wasp offspring directly or starve it by consuming prey provided by the adult female wasps.2. To determine whether brood parasitic flies can have a sublethal effect (i.e. reduced body size) on wasp offspring, nests of the wasp Isodontia mexicana were collected at two field sites in upstate New York, U.S.A. Nest diameter had no effect on the probability that a wasp cell would be inhabited by a brood parasite. Most offspring that developed in cells also containing phorids or sarcophagids managed to complete development and emerge as adults. Nevertheless, they had significantly smaller body size than conspecifics emerging from unparasitised cells in which the developing wasp did not have to compete for food (which in this species consists of tree crickets and katydids). Apparently, this is the first time that a sublethal effect of brood parasitism on offspring body size has been quantified for a solitary wasp species. Known effects of body size on the reproductive success of adult wasps suggest that sublethal consequences of the presence of brood parasites may have a significant effect on the fitness of adult I. mexicana.
The spatial pattern of soil‐dwelling termites in primary and logged forest in Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: DONOVAN SARAH E. , GRIFFITHS GEORGIANNE J. K. , HOMATHEVI RAHMAN , WINDER LINTON 
Published: February 2007

Abstract 1. Primary and logged lowland dipterocarp forest sites were sampled for subterranean termites using soil pits located on a grid system in order to detect any patchiness in their distribution.2. A spatial pattern in termite distributions was observed in the primary and logged sites, but the response differed between soil‐feeding and non‐soil‐feeding termites.3. Spatial analysis showed that soil‐feeding termites were homogeneously distributed in the primary forest but significantly aggregated in the logged forest. This pattern was reversed for non‐soil‐feeding termites and may result from differences in resource provisioning between the two sites.4. Gaps in termite distribution comprised a greater area than patches for both feeding groups and sites, but gaps dominated the logged site.5. A significant association between soil‐feeding and non‐soil‐feeding termite distributions occurred at both sites. This arose from an association between patches in the primary forest and between gaps in the logged forest.6. Termite spatial pattern was optimally observed at a minimum extent of 64 m and lag of 2 m.7. The spatially explicit SADIE (Spatial Analysis by Distances IndicEs) analyses were more successful than (non‐spatially explicit) multivariate analysis (Canonical Correspondence Analysis) at detecting associations between termite spatial distributions and that of other biotic and abiotic variables.
The role of food and colony size in sexual offspring production in a social insect: an experiment
Authors: SORVARI JOUNI , HAKKARAINEN HARRI 
Published: February 2007

Abstract1. Large colonies of ants are known to have a higher propensity for sexual offspring production, probably owing to their high capacity to exploit food resources.2. The effects of food supplementation on the propensity for sexual offspring production, and whether it is linked with colony size, were investigated in an environment with poor resources (clear‐cut areas).3. Large colony size was associated with a higher propensity for sexual offspring production in food‐supplemented colonies, whereas in non‐supplemented control colonies an association with colony size was not found.4. The results demonstrate that large colonies seem to have a higher capacity to exploit supplemented food. In addition, the production of sexual offspring was apparently limited by food availability in clear‐cuts, especially for large colonies.
Reconsidering the conceptualization of nursing workload: literature review
Authors: Morris Roisin , MacNeela Padraig , Scott Anne , Treacy Pearl , Hyde Abbey 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAim.  This paper reports a literature review that aimed to analyse the way in which nursing intensity and patient dependency have been considered to be conceptually similar to nursing workload, and to propose a model to show how these concepts actually differ in both theoretical and practical terms.Background.  The literature on nursing workload considers the concepts of patient ‘dependency’ and nursing ‘intensity’ in the realm of nursing workload. These concepts differ by definition but are used to measure the same phenomenon, i.e. nursing workload.Method.  The literature search was undertaken in 2004 using electronic databases, reference lists and other available literature. Papers were sourced from the Medline, Psychlit, CINAHL and Cochrane databases and through the general search engine Google. The keywords focussed on nursing workload, nursing intensity and patient dependency.Findings.  Nursing work and workload concepts and labels are defined and measured in different and often contradictory ways. It is vitally important to understand these differences when using such conceptualizations to measure nursing workload. A preliminary model is put forward to clarify the relationships between nursing workload concepts.Conclusion.  In presenting a preliminary model of nursing workload, it is hoped that nursing workload might be better understood so that it becomes more visible and recognizable. Increasing the visibility of nursing workload should have a positive impact on nursing workload management and on the provision of patient care.
Can nurses help identify patients with depression following stroke? A pilot study using two methods of detection
Authors: Lightbody C. Elizabeth , Baldwin Robert , Connolly Martin , Gibbon Bernard , Jawaid Naila , Leathley Michael , Sutton Chris , Watkins Caroline L. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAim.  This paper reports a study to determine the accuracy of the Geriatric Mental State examination and the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale, when administered by a nurse, in detecting depression in patients who have recently had a stroke.Background.  After a stroke, survivors spend considerable amounts of time in the direct care of nurses. Many show signs of depression, and this has been associated with an adverse effect on recovery and rehabilitation. Identifying those with depression when they have communication and cognitive difficulties is especially difficult. Treatments are available to assist in the management of depression, and early detection and intervention may assist in this process.Method.  A cross‐sectional pilot study was conducted, comparing (a) clinical diagnosis of depression by a psychiatrist with (b) two clinical interviews, using the Geriatric Mental State examination and the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale, conducted by a nurse. The data were collected in 2002.Findings.  Twenty‐eight patients, who were still in hospital in the second week poststroke, were included. The median age was 72 (interquartile range: 61–78). There were 14 males. The psychiatrist rated seven (25%) patients as depressed. The Geriatric Mental State examination had a sensitivity of 71%, a specificity of 67%, a positive predictive value of 42%, a negative predictive value of 88% in detecting depression and an overall efficiency of 68%. The Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale had a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 65%, a positive predictive value of 54%, a negative predictive value of 100% and an overall efficiency of 75%.Conclusion.  In this study, the Geriatric Mental State examination and the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale were at least as efficient at detecting the depression in patients who have had a stroke. However, as the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale is quicker to administer, it may prove more useful to nurses clinically.
Predictors of treatment adherence in young children with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Chisholm Vivienne , Atkinson Leslie , Donaldson Caroline , Noyes Kathryn , Payne Anne , Kelnar Chris 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAim.  This paper reports a study to investigate whether diabetes‐specific, demographic and psychosocial variables predict adherence in young children with type 1 diabetes.Background.  Paediatric diabetes rates are increasing worldwide; however, young children are neglected in treatment adherence research, despite the importance of adherence for health. Greater understanding of adherence in this group could enhance nurses’ ability to provide care tailored to families’ needs.Method.  A cross‐sectional study was carried out between 2001 and 2003 with 65 children aged 2–8 years and their mothers in Britain. Mothers were interviewed about children's diabetes care, nutritional analyses were conducted and mothers completed assessments of diabetes knowledge, parenting stress, family functioning and child psychological adjustment. Demographic and medical information was collected from patient records.Findings.  Consistent with older populations, blood glucose monitoring and dietary regimens showed greater adherence variability than injection frequency and injection time consistency. Better maternal diabetes knowledge correlated with less injection time variability, more frequent blood glucose monitoring, lower percentage energy intake from extrinsic sugars, lower glycosylated haemoglobin levels and fewer relationship difficulties. Longer diabetes duration, greater injection time variability and higher percentage energy intake from extrinsic sugars predicted less frequent blood glucose monitoring. More relationship difficulties and less frequent blood glucose monitoring predicted higher percentage energy intake from extrinsic sugars.Conclusions.  Nurses can facilitate treatment adherence through provision of educational, practical and socio‐emotional support. Nursing interventions should target blood glucose monitoring and dietary regimens in particular, and nurses should be sensitive to the various caretaking challenges presented to parents by different components of the diabetes regimen.
Patients’ preferences shed light on the murky world of guideline‐based medicine
Authors: Penston James 
Published: February 2007

AbstractConcordance – that is, shared decision‐making between doctors and patients – is nowadays accepted as an integral part of good clinical practice. It is of particular importance in the case of treatments with only marginal benefits such as those recommended in guidelines for the management of common, chronic diseases. However, the implementation of guideline‐based medicine conflicts with that of concordance.Studies indicate that patients are not adequately informed about their treatment. Clinical guidelines for conditions such as cardiovascular disease are based on large‐scale randomized trials and the complex nature of the data limits effective communication especially in an environment characterized by time constraints. But other factors may be more relevant, notably pressures to comply with guidelines and financial rewards for meeting targets: it is simply not in the interests of doctors to disclose accurate information. Studies show that patients are far from impressed by the small benefits derived from large scale trials. Indeed, faced with absolute risk reductions, patients decline treatment promoted by guidelines.To participate in clinical decisions, patients require unbiased information concerning outcomes with and without treatment, and the absolute risk reduction; they should be told that most patients receiving long‐term medication obtain no benefit despite being exposed to adverse drug reactions; furthermore, they should be made aware of the questionable validity of large‐scale trials and that these studies may be influenced by those with a vested interest.Genuine concordance will inevitably lead to many patients rejecting the recommendations of guidelines and encourage a more critical approach to clinical research and guideline‐based medicine.
Accessing rural populations: role of the community pharmacist in a breast and cervical cancer screening programme
Authors: McGuire Timothy R. , Leypoldt Melissa , Narducci Warren A. , Ward Kathy 
Published: February 2007

AbstractRationale Community pharmacists are one of the most frequently visited health care providers in the USA. The article describes a demonstration project which used community pharmacists to educate and enrol low to moderate income and medically under‐served women into a statewide breast and cervical cancer screening programme.Methods The Nebraska Department of Health programme entitled, ‘Every Woman Matters’, funded through the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, provided no cost or low cost mammography and pap smears to eligible women. Patient enrolment packets were distributed to 91 pharmacies expressing an initial interest in participating. These were reduced to 28 pharmacies based on their commitment level during the initial 3 months of the study.Results One hundred and fourteen patient referrals were generated from the 28 network pharmacies; two from pharmacies in urban areas, and 112 referrals from rural sites. All referrals were from the 22 independently owned pharmacies in the study.Conclusions Results suggest that the use of independent community pharmacies in the rural setting can be an effective method of recruiting women into public health programmes.
Guard‐cell apoplastic sucrose concentration – a link between leaf photosynthesis and stomatal aperture size in the apoplastic phloem loader Vicia faba L.
Authors: KANG YUN , OUTLAW WILLIAM H. , ANDERSEN PETER C. , FIORE GIORDANO B. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTIn broad bean (Vicia faba L.), an apoplastic phloem loader, the sucrose concentration increases up to ∼ 2 mM in the leaf apoplast and up to ∼ 150 mM in the guard‐cell apoplast during the photoperiod. This high concentration in the guard‐cell apoplast results from transpiration and is sufficient osmotically to reduce stomatal aperture size by up to 3 µm or ∼ 25% of the maximum aperture size. In this paper, we investigated a parallel and required role for high bulk‐leaf apoplastic sucrose concentration, which correlates with high photosynthesis rate. An empirically determined combination of lowered light intensity and lowered CO2 concentration reduced the photosynthesis rate to nominally one‐fifth of the control value without a significant change in transpiration. This reduction in photosynthesis caused the sucrose concentration in the leaf apoplast – the immediate source pool for guard cells – to decrease by 70% (to 0.4 mM). In turn, sucrose concentration in the guard‐cell apoplast decreased by ∼ 80% (to ∼ 40 mM). These results complete the required evidence for a non‐exclusive, transpiration‐linked, photosynthesis‐dependent passive mechanism for the modulation of stomatal aperture size. In an ancillary investigation, hexoses in the bulk‐leaf apoplast decreased when photosynthesis was lowered, but their concentrations in the guard‐cell apoplast of control plants indicated that their osmotic contribution was negligible.
The Na+ transporter AtHKT1;1 controls retrieval of Na+ from the xylem in Arabidopsis
Authors: DAVENPORT ROMOLA JANE , MUÑOZ‐MAYOR ALICIA , JHA DEEPA , ESSAH PAULINE ADOBEA , RUS ANA , TESTER MARK 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTHKT‐type transporters appear to play key roles in Na+ accumulation and salt sensitivity in plants. In Arabidopsis HKT1;1 has been proposed to influx Na+ into roots, recirculate Na+ in the phloem and control root : shoot allocation of Na+. We tested these hypotheses using 22Na+ flux measurements and ion accumulation assays in an hkt1;1 mutant and demonstrated that AtHKT1;1 contributes to the control of both root accumulation of Na+ and retrieval of Na+ from the xylem, but is not involved in root influx or recirculation in the phloem. Mathematical modelling indicated that the effects of the hkt1;1 mutation on root accumulation and xylem retrieval were independent. Although AtHKT1;1 has been implicated in regulation of K+ transport and the hkt1;1 mutant showed altered net K+ accumulation, 86Rb+ uptake was unaffected by the hkt1;1 mutation. The hkt1;1 mutation has been shown previously to rescue growth of the sos1 mutant on low K+; however, HKT1;1 knockout did not alter K+ or 86Rb+ accumulation in sos1.
Phylogenetic relationships and pathogenicity of Colletotrichum acutatum isolates from grape in subtropical Australia
Authors: Whitelaw‐Weckert M. A. , Curtin S. J. , Huang R. , Steel C. C. , Blanchard C. L. , Roffey P. E. 
Published: February 2007

The identity of Colletotrichum acutatum as the causal pathogen of grape ripe‐rot, which causes yield loss and a bitter taint that lowers wine quality in Australian subtropical wine‐grape regions, was confirmed using species‐specific primers. Cultural, morphological and molecular methods (RAPD‐PCR and sequencing of parts of the 5·8S‐ITS regions and the β‐tubulin‐2 gene) were used to determine the phylogenetic relationships of Australian C. acutatum isolates from wine grapes and other horticultural crops. A combination of RAPD‐PCR and β‐tubulin‐2 gene data showed that all wine‐grape ripe‐rot isolates from northern regions of New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland belong to a proposed new C. acutatum group (A9), together with isolates from Australian strawberry, mango, blueberry and olive. The 5·8S‐ITS sequences for these grape pathogens were identical to published sequences for an isolate from Cyclamen (the Netherlands) and differed by 1 bp from isolates from Capsicum (Taiwan) and orange (Costa Rica). The grape ripe‐rot isolates from the Shoalhaven Valley (southern NSW) were clustered within two other C. acutatum groups: A2 and A5. In vitro infection studies showed that Australian C. acutatum isolates from almond, blueberry, chilli, grape, mango, olive, strawberry and tomato were able to infect grape and could also infect blueberry and strawberry, indicating a lack of host specificity. This lack of host specificity, the genetic similarity with non‐grape isolates, and the fact that many of the non‐grape hosts were isolated from wine‐growing regions, suggest the potential for cross‐infection between grape and other horticultural crops.
Object Exploration of Garden and Sardinian Warblers Peaks in Spring
Authors: Mettke‐Hofmann Claudia 
Published: February 2007

AbstractSeasonality of environments is a widespread phenomenon and many species show seasonal behavioural changes as an adaptation to this environmental variability. Exploratory behaviour, an important means to obtain information about the environment, varies between species depending on different costs and benefits of exploration under various environmental conditions or life styles. It can be expected that exploration also varies intraspecifically over the annual cycle according to seasonally changing costs and benefits of exploration due to seasonal environments and/or an organism's requirements. Captive garden and Sardinian warblers were confronted with five different and novel objects in their familiar aviary over the course of 1 yr. Both species showed a seasonal peak in object exploration in spring and low exploration values throughout the rest of the year indicating that knowledge about the environment is particularly important during the time of territory or nest‐site selection. Furthermore, the year‐round resident Sardinian warblers were more explorative than the migratory garden warblers. Residents have to be well informed about their environment and changes therein, whereas this is less important for migrants. This corroborates earlier findings in parrots and seems to be a general phenomenon consistent across taxa.