Insect morphometry is reproducible under average investigation standards.

Morphometric research is being applied to a growing number and variety of organisms. Discoveries achieved via morphometric approaches are often considered highly transferable, in contrast to the tacit and idiosyncratic interpretation of discrete character states. The reliability of morphometric workflows in insect systematics has never been a subject of focused research, but such studies are sorely needed.

Biosynthesis and function of simple amides in Xenorhabdus doucetiae.

Xenorhabdus doucetiae, the bacterial symbiont of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema diaprepesi produces several different fatty acid amides. Their biosynthesis has been studied using a combination of analysis of gene deletions and promoter exchanges in X. doucetiae and heterologous expression of candidate genes in E.

Escape to the high canopy-thermal deficiency causes niche expansion in a forest-floor ant.

The small formicoxenine ant Temnothorax saxonicus was known from about 40 localities in Central Europe nesting in anorganic substrates on floor of xerothermous forests whereas investigations of 198 tree canopies in 19 forest sites of the same region provided no indication for arboreal nesting or foraging. We present the first evidence for canopy-nesting populations of T. saxonicus on old Quercus trees in 3 sites having maximum calibrated topsoil temperatures of 17.

Beyond mad, bad and sad: a case for considering community mental health and the means to assess it.

Where non-western communities are exposed to economic development and modernization, negative psychosocial outcomes have been clearly demonstrated. This paper begins by noting the manner in which mental health is commonly construed by health professionals in the South Pacific, argues for a change in perspective, and justifies the use of a less clinically-oriented social-process vitamin model to audit mental health outcomes. A framework suitable for use with tightly knit, culturally homogeneous communities is proposed followed by an outline of how relevant psychosocial characteristics within the environment might be audited to provide an assessment of community mental health.