Characters in animals used in signalling and subjected to strong directional selection often demonstrate (i) an elevated level of fluctuating asymmetry (small random deviations from bilateral symmetry) and (ii) a negative relationship between the degree of individual fluctuating asymmetry and the size of a given character. We tested these two predictions in plants since flowers are subjected to strong directional selection and are involved in signalling to pollinators, whereas leaves are supposed not to be directly involved in signalling. The overall level of fluctuating asymmetry in a number of plant species with bilaterally or radially symmetric flowers was not generally higher in floral traits than in leaves. The level of fluctuating asymmetry in plants was sometimes significantly consistent within individuals. The absolute degree of individual fluctuating asymmetry in floral traits was generally negatively related to the size of the trait, while there was a positive relationship for leaves. The degree of individual fluctuating asymmetry in floral traits was marginally negatively related to the degree of individual fluctuating asymmetry in leaf traits. These patterns of fluctuating asymmetry in plants suggest that (i) the degree of asymmetry in flowers signals different aspects of quality than does the degree of asymmetry in leaves, and that (ii) fluctuating asymmetry in flowers often reflects the phenotypic quality of individual plants.

Eccentric graded exercise reduced pain and increased muscle strength in chronic tennis elbow more effectively than concentric graded exercise.

JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org. . Wiley-Blackwell and Nordic Society Oikos are collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to Oikos. M. 1995. Pollinator preference for symmetrical flowers and sexual selection in plants. -Oikos 73: 15-22.

JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org.. Wiley and Nordic Society Oikos are collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to Ornis Scandinavica. http://www.jstor.org This content downloaded from 188.72.127.52 on Tue, 24 Jun 2014 10:36:48 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions ORNIS SCANDINAVICA 16: 1-7. Copenhagen 1985 Prey detectability for fish-eating birds in relation to fish density and water transparency Mats O. G. Eriksson Eriksson, M. O. G. 1985. Prey detectability for fish-eating birds in relation to fish density and water transparency. -Ornis Scand. 16: 1-7.Two models are developed that demonstrate how changes in density of freshwater fish and ensuing changes in water transparency affect prey encounter rate in fish-eating birds. "Pursuit divers" (e.g. divers and mergansers), which search for food while swimming with their eyes below the water surface, may be compensated for reduced densities by increases in transparency. "Surface plungers" (e.g. terns, fish-eating raptors) can reach prey only in the uppermost volume of water, so increases in transparency cannot compensate for declines in fish density. Only by an increase in search height can the extent of the surveyed volume of water where fish are available be increased. A test of the model for two "pursuit divers", Gavia arctica and Mergus merganser, using field data concerning the selection of 16 lakes in relation to fish density, water transparency, and a "fish detectability index" (combining data on fish density and water transparency), suggests that this model applies for these species in oligotrophic lakes in south-west Sweden.

Results of a descriptive field study showed that goldeneyes preferred lakes without fish to those with fish. Field experiments were carried out in order to investigate whether or not this preference could be ascribed to a higher food supply in the lakes devoid of fish, as goldeneyes and some freshwater fish (perch and roach in the studied lakes) to some extent feed on the same kinds of prey. Changes in the abundance of prey common to fish and goldeneyes and the use by goldeneyes of lakes after experimentally changed predation pressure from fish were studied. Some aquatic insect groups, Cloeon larvae, Odonata larvae, water bugs, dytiscids, and Chaoborus larvae, proved sensitive to predation from fish. Goldeneyes increased their use of an experimental lake after fish were removed, and they used this lake more than an adjacent control lake. It is suggested that fish are able to reduce the availability of foods common to the goldeneyes to such an extent that the selection by the ducks of feeding localities is affected, and that exploitation competition between freshwater fish and goldeneyes may occur.

BackgroundChronic tennis elbow (lateral epicondylosis) is a common disorder. Like other chronic soft-tissue pain conditions it is often difficult to treat successfully. The effects of exercise have been discussed, but no convincing evidence has been put forward so far, and a simple protocol for exercise is lacking.Aims of the studyThis study is a randomized, controlled, clinical trial of the effect of exercise versus expectation (wait-list) on pain, muscle strength, function, and quality of life in patients with long-standing lateral epicondylosis.MethodsEighty-one subjects with tennis elbow lasting for more than 3 months were randomly allocated to an exercise group (n = 40) or a reference group (n = 41). The exercise group performed daily exercise, with weekly load increase, for 3 months. The reference group was wait-listed, but otherwise followed in the same way. Outcome measures were pain during maximum voluntary muscle contraction (Cozen's test) and pain during maximum muscle elongation with a load (modified Empty-can-test); muscle strength was measured with a Chatillon MSE 100 hand-held dynamometer, and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and the Gothenburg Quality of Life questionnaires.ResultsThe exercise group had greater and faster regression of pain, both during muscle contraction and muscle elongation, than the reference group (p = 0.0005 and p = 0.0016, respectively). There was a non-significant muscle strength difference between the groups, but no differences regarding DASH scores or quality of life measures.ConclusionsExercise appears to be superior to expectation in reducing pain in chronic lateral epicondylosis.

No abstract

Quetiapine XR maintenance therapy significantly reduced the risk of a depressive event in patients with MDD stabilized on quetiapine XR, with a safety and tolerability profile consistent with the known profile of quetiapine.