The less amorous Gammarus: predation risk affects mating decisions in Gammarus duebeni (Amphipoda)

We examined the trade-off between the behaviours associated with predator avoidance and mate acquisition in the mate-guarding amphipod crustacean Gammarus duebeni. We used laboratory experiments to investigate the impact of olfactory predator cues on activity, mate choice and mate-guarding behaviour of males and females. Pair formation declined under perceived risk of predation, reflecting reduced activity of both males and females and hence a reduced likelihood of encountering a mate. We also observed a reduction in the choosiness of both males and females. Under increased perceived predation risk, assessment of the female by the male was more likely to be followed by pair formation, and males showed a nonsignificant trend towards reduced discrimination in favour of large females and were less tenacious in their pair bond when they paired during exposure to predator cues. Females also showed less resistance behaviour, suggesting that both males and females trade off the costs of maximizing current reproductive success against the benefits of predator avoidance for survival and reproduction in the future. We discuss the implications of such context-dependent mating behaviours for ecological interactions between species and suggest that predators, via the effects of perceived predation risk on mate choice and mate guarding in the prey species, induce trait-mediated indirect effects with the potential to influence population dynamics and community structure. (C) 2008 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of genotype on changes in intelligence quotient after dietary relaxation in phenylketonuria and hyperphenylalaninaemia

Background-Associations between genotype and intellectual outcome in patients with phenylketonuria are complicated because intelligence is influenced by many variables, including environmental factors and other genetic determinants. Intellectual changes with age, both on and after relaxation of diet, vary within the patient population. This study aims to determine whether a significant association exists between genotype and change in intelligence after relaxation of diet.

An exploration of the importanceof emotional intelligence in midwifery

Background, Recognition of the importance of Emotional intelligence dates back as far as Aristotle (350BC). More recently the notion of emotional intelligence features in social psychology literature; it has also been embraced within personnel management and is now beginning to appear in nursing, medical and midwifery journals. Emotional intelligence involves possessing the capacity for motivation, creativity, the ability to operate at peak performance and the ability to persist in the face of setbacks and failures. Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognise our own feelings and those of others and it enables us to manage emotions effectively in ourselves and in our relationships. Midwives are constantly responding to change and challenges within maternity services. This paper examines how emotional intelligence can assist midwives in dealing with pressures which involve delivering the Government reforms, providing choice to women and facing current issues within the midwifery workforce. Midwives need emotional intelligence in order to express their feelings and recognize the feelings of others. Enhancing our relationships with colleagues and clients will ultimately impact on the quality of care delivered to women. Overall the aims of the paper are to create an awareness of the importance of emotional intelligence in practice and define emotional intelligence.