bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variation in and Meaning of Alarm Calls in a Social Desert RodentRhombomys opimus
Authors: Randall Jan A. , Rogovin Konstantin A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus), a social rodent that lives in family groups, emits three different alarm vocalizations in the presence of predators: a rhythmic call; a faster more intense call; and a single whistle. We tested the hypothesis that the alarm calls communicate risk of predation. We quantified the relationship between predator distance and type of alarm call via human approaches to gerbils. We also tested responses of focal adults in family groups to playback broadcasts of the different calls and controls of bird song and tape noise. Results showed that alarm calls were related to distance from a predator. Gerbils gave the rhythmic call when the predator was farthest away, the more intense call as the predator moved closer; and a short whistle when startled by a close approach of the predator. Gerbils stopped feeding and stood vigilant in a frozen alert posture in response to playbacks of all three alarm calls. They decreased non‐vigilant behavior to the alarm vocalizations more than to the controls and decreased non‐vigilant behavior significantly more in response to the intense alarm and whistle compared with the rhythmic alarm. We conclude that one function of gerbil alarm calls is to communicate response urgency to family members. The rhythmic alarm communicates danger at a distance, whereas the intense alarm and whistle signal the close approach of a predator.
Kin Discrimination in a Macropod Marsupial
Authors: Blumstein Daniel T. , Ardron Jodie G. , Evans Christopher S. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractDifferential treatment of kin is ubiquitous in social animals. Parents often behave preferentially towards their dependent offspring. Species in several taxa also bias behaviour towards non‐descendent kin. This latter phenomenon has not been demonstrated in marsupials, which are reportedly less social than eutherian mammals. We report the first evidence of non‐parental kin‐biased behaviour in a macropodid marsupial. Experimental pairing of individuals based on kinship reliably altered the rate of aggression between individuals in pairs of female tammar wallabies (Macropus eugenii). This effect is probably attributable to relatedness rather than to familiarity. Marsupial sociality may be substantially more complex than is currently recognized.
Assessing the Semelparity Hypothesis: Egg‐guarding and Fecundity in the Malaysian TreehopperPyrgauchenia tristaniopsis
Authors: Stegmann Ulrich E. , Eduard Linsenmair K. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAccording to the semelparity hypothesis, iteroparous insects should provide either no maternal care or less care than related semelparous species. We present field data on reproductive output and maternal care in the Southeast Asian treehopperPyrgauchenia tristaniopsis(Mt. Kinabalu, Borneo) relevant to a preliminary assessment of the hypothesis. In a mark‐recapture experiment, more females than expected under semelparity were found to have oviposited a second clutch (37%). Female longevity was aof 75 d. Both these estimates were highly conservative. Oviposition was successive resulting in aof 46 eggs per clutch. Females provided care for eggs only, occasionally scraping their legs along the sides of the clutch apparently attempting to deterBrachygrammatellasp. egg parasitoids (Trichogrammatidae). Females straddled their clutch for aof 27 d, i.e. until 8 d after the beginning of first instar hatching. First instars hatched successively over a period of 11 d. When a female deserted her clutch, it contained about 37% yet unhatched eggs. Egg‐guarding effectively reduced egg mortality: the earlier a female was experimentally removed from her clutch the higher the egg mortality. Displacement experiments demonstrated that egg‐guarding is a behaviour actively maintained despite disturbances and specifically directed towards the egg clutch but not to the feeding site. We interpret our findings as being in accordance with the weaker claim of the semelparity hypothesis, i.e. the iteroparousP. tristaniopsisprovided less maternal care than semelparous membracid species. Continued female feeding is discussed as a mechanism to display some level of care despite iteroparity.
Age‐Related Variation in Mate‐Guarding Intensity in the Bluethroat (Luscinia s. svecica)
Authors: Johnsen Arild , Lifjeld Jan T. , Krokene Christin 
Published: March 2003

AbstractFemale extra‐pair copulations (EPCs) have selected for male paternity guarding strategies in many bird species. In the bluethroat, Luscinia s. svecica, males guard their mates closely during the last 2 d before the start of egg laying, but there is great individual variation in the intensity of mate guarding. Here we show that some of this variation is related to male age. Old males guarded their mates with much lower intensity and sang more than young males, although the latter difference was not statistically significant. Controlling for male age, male and female coloration and size were not significantly related to the intensity of mate guarding. We have previously shown that young and old males had a similar paternity loss in their own broods. On the other hand, old males were far more successful than young males in achieving extra‐pair fertilizations. These patterns suggest that young and old males have different trade‐offs between preventing paternity loss in own nest and gaining paternity in others, because male skills in obtaining EPCs improve with experience and/or because of female preferences for old males as copulation partners. There were no significant relationships between paternity and male mate‐guarding behaviour during the fertile period, indicating that mate guarding is not a very effective paternity‐assurance strategy in the bluethroat.
Influence of air pollution on seed quality of Picea obovata
Authors: Fedorkov A. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe status of Siberian spruce seeds along a transect near the Monchegorsk nickel smelter (Kola Peninsula, Russia) was evaluated using the X‐ray method. The viability of seeds was significantly reduced under severe deposition of sulphur dioxide and heavy metals.
Bacterial canker of Maackia amurensis var. buergeri caused by a putative Pseudomonas syringae
Authors: Sakamoto Y. , Takikawa Y. , Takao Y. , Sasaki K. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryA new disease of Maackia amurensis var. buergeri was recently found on the northern island of Hokkaido, Japan. Affected trees were heavily damaged and had cankers on both trunks and branches. After natural infection, a series of swellings on the bark surface developed longitudinally. These swellings burst and coalesced to become long cankers. It is proposed that the disease be designated ‘bacterial canker of Maackia’. The causal pathogen was isolated and characterized tentatively as Pseudomonas syringae on the basis of laboratory tests. Pathogenicity of the bacterium was confirmed by inoculation into the host.
Colonization of beech leaves by two endophytic fungi in northern Japan
Authors: Sahashi N. , Miyasawa Y. , Kubono T. , Ito S. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryLeaves of Japanese beech (Fagus crenata) were collected monthly during the vegetation period at five sites in the Tohoku district in Japan to isolate endophytic fungi. Leaves were also collected only once at two additional sites. Two endophytic fungi were dominant, a Discula species and a sterile mycelium. This result strongly suggests that these two fungi are generally associated with leaves of the Japanese beech at different sites. At most sites the isolation frequency of Discula sp. was greatest in June and gradually decreased from July to October whereas the isolation frequency of the sterile mycelium increased during the vegetation period and remained at a high isolation frequency in October. Spores of Discula sp. were released for a very short time in late May, just after the disappearance of the snow cover on the forest floor. These spores may be important for the infection of newly sprouting leaves.
A simple, polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism‐aided diagnosis method for pine wilt disease
Authors: Iwahori H. , Kanzaki N. , Futai K. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryFor diagnosis of pine wilt disease, a simple PCR‐RFLP method was developed to identify and to differentiate two similar nematode species, based on a living or preserved single specimen. Pinewood nematodes, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, and Bursaphelenchus mucronatus were examined. A single nematode in 1 µl of distilled water was put on a glass slide. When the water had almost dried the nematode was crushed with a filter paper chip, 1.5 mm × 1.5 mm, with the aid of forceps. The filter paper chip containing nematode remains was immediately placed into PCR buffer as the DNA template. The primer set used was to amplify ribosomal DNA containing the inter‐transcribed spacer (ITS) 1, 5.8S and ITS2 regions. The PCR product was consistently obtained from a single nematode, and digesting the product with restriction endonuclease, Hinf I, enabled discrimination between B. xylophilus and B. mucronatus. This method was simple, convenient and definitive, and could successfully determine the pathogen in the diagnosis of pine wilt disease. This method was applicable also to nematode specimens preserved under various conditions except in the case of those preserved in aldehyde‐containing fixatives.
Association of Sphaeropsis sapinea with insect‐damaged red pine shoots and cones
Authors: Feci E. , Smith D. , Stanosz G. R. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe association of the shoot blight and canker pathogen Sphaeropsis sapinea with red pine (Pinus resinosa) shoots and cones damaged by insects (especially Dioryctria sp.) was investigated. Samples from a single plantation approximately 35 years old, in Sauk Co., Wisconsin and also from three plantations, between approximately 40 and 50 years old, located in an area of pine shoot moth activity in the preceding year in Adams Co., Wisconsin were visually examined. Samples were arbitrarily collected from trees felled in the first plantation in May. Pycnidia of S. sapinea and insect damage were observed on 56 of 91 (62%) of closed cones and 17 of 165 (7%) of previous year's shoots. In the absence of insect damage, pycnidia of the pathogen were identified only on eight of 91 (9%) closed cones and never on previous year's shoots. In each of the other three plantations, 10 trees were located at intervals along transects in mid‐June; one branch from the lower half of the crown per tree was pruned off, and both current and previous year's shoots were examined. Insect damage and S. sapinea pycnidia were too rare on current year's shoots to draw any conclusions. Insect damage occurred on 20–40% of over 2000 previous year's shoots that were examined, but pycnidia of the pathogen were identified on only about 5%. Although infrequent, S. sapinea was identified in association with insect‐damaged previous year's shoots from these three plantations three times more frequently than those without insect damage. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers from eight randomly selected isolates were consistent with the A group of S. sapinea, which can be aggressive on red pine. This ability to exploit insect‐damaged shoots may facilitate long‐term persistence of S. sapinea at low disease incidence and severity. The potential role of insect wounds as infection courts and insects as vectors of this important pathogen of pines deserves further study.
Identification and monitoring of disordered water balance: Bioelectrical impedance analysis as an alternative to the target weight procedure
Authors: Colls Ian , Rees Ari , Ward Leigh C. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT Many psychiatric patients present with disorders of water balance manifested by polydipsia or polyuria. Multiple frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MFBIA) was investigated as a suitable method for the assessment of body water in such patients. Whole body bioelectrical impedance, total body water and extracellular water and serum sodium were measured in 10 chronic psychiatric in‐patients with polydipsia. Fluid volumes predicted by MFBIA correlated significantly (P < 0.002) with those obtained by reference methods but the relatively high limits of agreement (2.2 L) suggest that the method is not yet sufficiently accurate for random screening purposes. However, owing to the simplicity and non‐invasive nature of the technique, it warrants further investigation and development, particularly for routine patient monitoring.
On the brink of change? Implications of the review of undergraduate education in New Zealand for mental health nursing
Authors: Prebble Kate 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT: A New Zealand Nursing Council review of undergraduate education provides an ideal opportunity to make much needed changes to the system of preparation for mental health nurses. This article critiques comprehensive nursing education through an examination of its history in New Zealand, recent mental health reports and a projected estimate of workforce needs. Historical analysis reveals a process of marginalization and invisibilization of psychiatric/mental health nursing within comprehensive programmes with a consequent reduction of skills and a weakening of the profession. The author concludes that psychiatric/mental health nursing is a distinct scope of practice which requires specialty undergraduate preparation.
Stigma, social justice and the rights of the mentally ill: Challenging the status quo
Authors: Johnstone Megan‐Jane 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:People suffering from mental illness and other mental health problems are among the most stigmatized, discriminated against, marginalized, disadvantaged and vulnerable members of society. Although much has been done in recent years to improve the status quo, it is evident that a great deal more needs to be done to improve the moral standing of and to achieve social justice for the mentally ill. A key contention of this philosophical essay is that unless the stigma of difference that is attached to people with mental illness is overturned, their rights will continue to be marginalized, invalidated, violated and/or ignored.
Towards a Foucauldian reading of the Australian mental health nursing workforce
Authors: Clinton Michael , Hazelton Michael 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:This article reflects on the findings of the recently published Scoping Study of the Australian Mental Health Nursing
Workforce from the perspective of Foucault’s work on ‘governmentality’. First, the policy background to the scoping study is described. This is followed by a discussion of Foucauldian concepts and method that will be used to explore selected aspects of the scoping study. The related concepts of ‘governmentality’ and ‘technologies of the self’ are used to begin a theoretically grounded analysis of mental health nursing education and practice, with particular attention to discourses of ‘change’ and ‘survival’. The examples chosen are used to support the argument that competing discourses order multiple ‘readings’ of Australian mental health nursing, including whether or not it is thriving or surviving. The article ends with comments on whether a Foucauldian analysis adds anything to what has been reported in the scoping study.
Do suicidal ideation and behaviour influence duration of psychiatric hospitalization?
Authors: Smith David , Fisher Laura , Goldney Robert 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT: Suicidal ideation and behaviour are sometimes considered to be manipulative, with the intention of escaping from intolerable situations leading to prolonged hospitalization. The present study examined the length of hospitalization of those who had attempted suicide or had suicidal ideation compared to non‐suicidal patients, as measured by the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales in two private psychiatric hospitals. Suicidal patients had a significantly shorter length of hospitalization, despite their significantly greater degree of psychiatric morbidity. Results indicated that it is erroneous to preclude inpatient care for those who are suicidal on the assumption that it will promote prolonged hospitalization.
Measuring outcomes in the workplace: The impact of an education program
Authors: Cleary Michelle , Jordan Raighne , Happell Brenda 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT: There is an increasing pressure for mental health nurses to engage in research and quality improvement activities to demonstrate how nursing care contributes to improved patient outcomes. This paper describes the evaluation of an educational program, particularly its impact on participants’ attitudes towards and confidence in the measurement of patient outcomes. Nurses from the Central Sydney Area Mental Health Service (n = 38) participated in one of two 1‐day workshops. The participants were asked to complete three surveys. The first prior to the commencement of the workshop, the second on completion of the workshop and the third 3 months later. The findings suggest the workshops were beneficial to participants in many areas relevant to the measurement of outcomes. The recommendations made on the basis of this study are described.
A REVIEW OF ‘TRADITIONAL’ ABORIGINAL HEALTH BELIEFS
Authors: Maher Patrick 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTWestern health professionals often experience difficulties in service delivery to Aboriginal people because of the disparity between Aboriginal and Western health belief systems. This article reviews the literature which considers ‘traditional’ Aboriginal health beliefs and medical systems. The traditional Aboriginal model of illness causation emphasises social and spiritual dysfunction as a cause of illness. Supernatural intervention is regarded as the main cause of serious illness. There are gender divisions in Aboriginal society that impact on the delivery of Western healthcare. Management strategies such as preventative care, bush medicine, and the role of traditional healers are discussed. These belief systems are considered with particular reference to their interactions and implications with regard to the Western medical system. This information provides a framework to allow improved understanding by health professionals of the health‐related decisions made by Aboriginal people.
A POTTED HISTORY OF 19TH‐CENTURY REMOTE‐AREA NURSING IN AUSTRALIA AND, IN PARTICULAR, QUEENSLAND
Authors: Yuginovich Trudy 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTKnowledge of the history of remote‐area nursing in Australia is necessary if we are to truly understand the processes that have dictated the boundaries and reality of the scope of practice for today’s RANs (remote‐area nurses). This paper briefly explores and discusses the social context and history of remote‐area nursing in Australia and, in particular, Queensland during the 19th century.
INEQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF GENERAL PRACTITIONERS IN AUSTRALIA: ANALYSIS BY STATE AND TERRITORY USING CENSUS DATA
Authors: Wilkinson David 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to describe the distribution of general practitioners in each State and Territory, stratified by statistical division and adjusted for estimated community need. The location of general practitioners was obtained from the 1996 Census of Population and Housing. Community need was estimated from crude death rates supplied by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. On average there are 920 people per full‐time general practitioner in Australia. Three States are relatively oversupplied by up to 5% (Australian Capital Territory) and the rest are relatively undersupplied by up to 12% (Western Australia). Adjusted for estimated need, the Australian Capital Territory is oversupplied by 71% compared with all of Australia, while Western Australia is undersupplied by 15%. More marked differences occur within the States, with the statistical division containing each capital city in each State that is relatively overserved. The greatest oversupply is in Sydney, where 33% fewer people share a full‐time general practitioner than the whole of New South Wales (adjusted for need, oversupply in Sydney is 63%). Relative undersupply is greatest in Queensland, with 133% more people sharing each general practitioner in the north‐west statistical division compared with the whole State. The distribution of general practitioners between and within States and Territories is unequal and inequitable. In each State, capital cities tend to be relatively oversupplied compared with more rural areas. While these data do not inform the absolute level of service needed in a community, they do suggest that strategies to redress the inequitable distribution are required.
Mechanics of an Educational Exchange
Authors: Pearce Christopher , Korda Elizabeth 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTRural general practitioners occasionally exchange practices internationally. The process of exchanging is a complicated one, which involves multiple bureaucarcies. Exchanging is not for the anxious or impatient. We exchanged with a family physician in Canada and had to arrange registration, provider numbers and immmigration for our Canadian colleague, as well as for ourselves in Canada. In addition, there are many personal details (cars, house, etc.) that must also be sorted out.
Patterns of Use of Complementary Health Services in the South‐West of Western Australia
Authors: Sherwood Patricia 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTThe objective of this research was to identify patterns of complementary health service usage by rural Western Australians in the south‐west of the State. Complementary health providers identified by health users included homeopaths, chiropractors, naturopaths, acupuncturists, faith healers, herbalists, reiki or energy workers, counsellors, physiotherapists, osteopaths, podiatrists and reflexologists. More than half of the health provider usage in the region was with complementary therapists and the remainder with medical doctors. The main reason identified for using complementary therapists was their level of skills and the main reason identified for not using them was a lack of knowledge about what their services could provide.
BRIGHT STARS IN THE SKY?
Authors: Lipscombe Joan , Gregory Gordon 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTActions to improve the health of people in rural and remote areas are supported by people’s ability as individuals and as a community to take part actively in the design, management and evaluation of their own health services. To do this successfully, people need information about their health, resources to support their actions and political support or legitimacy. This article focuses on the third requirement. At the beginning of 2000, there seems to be strong political interest in improving the status of rural communities and rural services overall, including rural health and health services. The constellation of events that contribute to this encouraging state of affairs includes the Regional Australia Summit that was held in October 1999, the existence of a strategic framework for rural health that was agreed on by all health jurisdictions (Healthy Horizons), improved clarity about the relative state of health and health service utilisation in rural and remote areas, and the Prime Minister’s recent commitment to improve rural services. The next major national opportunity to convert these positive signs into action comes with the Federal Budget in May 2000, the content of which will be closely watched by people concerned about improving health in country areas.