bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selection, structure and the heritability of behaviour
Authors: Stirling D. G. , Réale D. , Roff D. A. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Characters which are closely linked to fitness often have low heritabilities (VA/VP). Low heritabilities could be because of low additive genetic variation (VA), that had been depleted by directional selection. Alternatively, low heritabilities may be caused by large residual variation (VR=VP – VA) compounded at a disproportionately higher rate than VA across integrated characters. Both hypotheses assume that each component of quantitative variation has an independent effect on heritability. However, VA and VR may also covary, in which case differences in heritability cannot be fully explained by the independent effects of elimination-selection or compounded residual variation.
We compared the central tendency of published behavioural heritabilities (mean=0.31, median=0.23) with morphological and life history data collected by Mousseau & Roff (1987). Average behavioural heritability was not significantly different from average life history heritability, but both were smaller than average morphological heritability. We cross-classified behavioural traits to test whether variation in heritability was related to selection (dominance, domestic/wild) or variance compounding (integration level). There was a significant three-way interaction between indices of selection and variance compounding, related to the absence of either effect at the highest integration level. At lower integration levels, high dominance variance indicated effects of selection. It was also indicated by the low CVA of domestic species. At the same time CVR increased disproportionately faster than CVA across integration levels, demonstrating variance compounding. However, neither CVR nor CVA had a predominant effect on heritability. The partial regression coefficients of CVR and CVA on heritability were similar and a path analysis indicated that their (positive) correlation was also necessary to explain variation in heritability. These results suggest that relationships between additive genetic and residual components of quantitative genetic variation can constrain their independent direct effects on behavioural heritability.
Phylogeny of Medusozoa and the evolution of cnidarian life cycles
Authors: Collins A. G. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
To investigate the evolution of cnidarian life cycles, data from the small subunit of the ribosome are used to derive a phylogenetic hypothesis for Medusozoa. These data indicate that Cnidaria is monophyletic and composed of Anthozoa and Medusozoa. While Cubozoa and Hydrozoa are well supported clades, Scyphozoa appears to be paraphyletic. Stauromedusae is possibly the sister group of either Cubozoa or all other medusozoans. The phylogenetic results suggest that: the polyp probably preceded the medusa in the evolution of Cnidaria; within Hydrozoa, medusa development involving the entocodon is ancestral; within Trachylina, the polyp was lost and subsequently regained in the parasitic narcomedusans; within Siphonophorae, the float originated prior to swimming bells; stauromedusans are not likely to be descended from ancestors that produced medusae by strobilation; and cubozoan polyps are simplified from those of their ancestors, which possessed polyps with gastric septa and four mesogleal muscle bands and peristomial pits.
A potential mechanism for cryptic female choice in a flour beetle
Authors: Bloch Qazi M. C. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
In polyandrous mating systems, events occurring during copulation can alter the fate of the mating male's sperm. These events may exert selective pressures resulting in the evolution of diverse reproductive behaviours, morphologies and physiologies. This study investigates the role of male and female copulatory behaviours on sperm fate in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. I describe and quantify copulatory behaviours for mating pairs, and examine sperm fate by quantifying sperm transfer, sperm storage and second male sperm precedence. Whereas female quiescence during copulation and male leg rubbing during copulation together account for significant variation (26%) in sperm precedence, female copulatory quiescence alone provides information about the timing and numbers of sperm transferred. These experiments show that a female copulatory behaviour predicts sperm fate, and emphasize the value of studying variation in both male and female copulatory behaviours for understanding factors affecting sperm use.
Forty years of solitude: life-history divergence and behavioural isolation between laboratory lines of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Boake C. R. B. , Mcdonald K. , Maitra S. , Ganguly R. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
The study of the early stages of speciation can benefit from examination of differences between populations of known history that have been separated for a short time, such as a few thousands of generations. We asked whether two lines of Drosophila melanogaster that were isolated more than 40 years ago have evolved differences in life-history characters, or have begun to evolve behavioural or postzygotic isolation. One line, which is resistant to DDT, showed lower egg production and a shorter lifespan than a susceptible line. These differences are not a pleiotropic effect of resistance because they are not attributable to the chromosome that contains the resistance factors. The two lines have begun to become behaviourally isolated. Again, the isolation is not attributable to genes on the chromosome that contains resistance factors. The lines show only prezygotic isolation; there is no evidence of reduced fitness of F1 or F2 hybrids. These lines and others like them, should be excellent subjects for analyses of genetic changes that could lead to speciation.
National Institute for Biological Standards and Control/UK Blood Transfusion Service working standards for HBsAg, anti‐HCV and anti‐HIV‐1 (‘go/no‐go’ controls)
Authors: Ferguson M. , Holmes H. , Sands D. 
Published: March 2003

Background and ObjectivesThe positive controls supplied with the commercial kits used in the testing of blood donations for markers of viral infection are usually of high reactivity and do not give users a reliable indication of optimal performance of the kit on a day‐to‐day basis.Materials and MethodsThe National Institute for Biological Standards and Control has developed working standards for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti‐hepatitis C virus (anti‐HCV) and anti‐human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (anti‐HIV‐1) for the UK Blood Transfusion Services for daily use in every test.ResultsData from the use of these reagents are collated and quarterly reports are issued.ConclusionsThe centralized collation, analysis and reporting of the results from users of working standards facilitate the continual assessment of the responses obtained by individual laboratories, comparisons of the interlaboratory performance and the performance of different manufacturers’ kits at a national level. This information complements the data on infection surveillance and initial/repeat reactivities using the same kits.
Preparation of lyophilized and liquid intravenous immunoglobulin G: development and scale‐up
Authors: Sisti A. M. , Vitali M. S. , Manfredi M. J. , Zarzur J. A. 
Published: March 2003

Background and ObjectivesIntravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) preparations are used in several disorders: primary and secondary immunodeficiencies, autoimmune and systemic inflammatory diseases, and in infectious diseases as effective therapy. In this work, we report a method of processing IVIG (lyophilized and liquid) from Cohn fraction II (FII) paste.Materials and MethodsThe process included the following steps: virus inactivation by heat in a solution of FII, ultrafiltration, treatment at pH 4 with traces of pepsin, diafiltration and final formulation. Optimizations for each step on a small scale are described. The method has been effectively scaled‐up.ResultsThe final product contained at least 99% monomers plus dimers of IgG, a low anti‐complementary activity (AcA) < 1 CH50/mg, and the remaining quality parameters fell within the range fixed by the European Pharmacopoeia.ConclusionThe method described is an effective way of preparing large quantities of IVIG (lyophilized and liquid) which fulfils the standard requirements of both the European Pharmacopoeia and the World Health Organization.
Sources of preventable errors related to transfusion
Authors: Sharma R. R. , Kumar S. , Agnihotri S. K. 
Published: March 2003

Background and ObjectivesTransfusion errors always remain under‐reported owing to a lack of awareness about transfusion‐related adverse events among the hospital staff and an inadequate feedback system in most of the transfusion centres. This article reports the results obtained from a study carried out to investigate the sources and types of errors in our tertiary care hospital.Materials and MethodsThe errors reported by the blood bank staff (i.e. reception counter clerical and technical staff) and the residents in charge of the patient, were studied over a period of 1 year (from May 1998 to April 1999) and classified based on the site of occurrence.ResultsA total of 123 errors were detected over the 1‐year study period. Of these 123 errors, 107 (86·99%) occurred outside the blood bank and 16 (13%) in the blood bank.ConclusionErrors occur most frequently outside the blood bank, and the bedside of the patient is the main location.
Bradykinin production during donor plasmapheresis procedures
Authors: Perseghin P. , Capra M. , Baldini V. , Sciorelli G. 
Published: March 2003

Background and ObjectivesExtracorporeal circuits made of artificial substances may induce blood cells and humoral activation. Negatively charged surfaces may activate Factor XII and the prekallikrein‐kinin cascade, resulting in bradykinin (BK) production. BK has been considered to be involved in severe hypotensive reactions occurring during therapeutic apheresis in patients taking angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or in those receiving platelet transfusion. In this study we investigated BK production during donor plasmapheresis procedures.Patients and MethodsEighteen volunteer donors entered the study protocol. Nine of them were taking ACE inhibitors. Their blood pressure (BP) was monitored both pre‐ and post‐apheresis, and BK determination was carried out using a competitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA), in plasma samples collected both during and at completion of the procedure. In addition, a limited number of thawed plasma units were checked for BK.ResultsNo side‐effects were observed during the procedures. However, donors taking ACE inhibitors showed a higher variation of their systolic BP compared to those who were not taking ACE inhibitors, while diastolic BP percentage variations did not differ significantly between the two groups. The BK concentration was considerably higher in donors taking ACE inhibitors: 183 ± 26 versus 82 ± 6 ng/ml (P < 0·0001) after the first collection cycle and 142 ± 20 versus 65 ± 11 ng/ml (P < 0·0001) in the final samples. BK was also detected, at a lower concentration (15 ng/ml), in one out of four thawed plasma units obtained from donors taking ACE inhibitors and at 1 ng/ml in one out of two thawed plasma units from the control group.ConclusionDonors taking ACE inhibitors and undergoing plasmapheresis showed higher levels of BK compared to the control group. Furthermore, the detection of BK in plasma units after a freeze–thaw procedure might explain the sudden hypotensive reaction occurring during therapeutic plasma exchange when plasmapheresis units are adopted as substitution fluids. Further investigations are needed to assess the real clinical importance of the presence of BK in plasma units.
International collaborative study to evaluate methods for quantification of anti‐D in immunoglobulin preparations
Authors: Thorpe S. J. , Sands D. , Rautmann G. , Schäffner G. 
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives The disadvantages of autoanalyser methodology for anti‐D potency estimation have prompted the search for an alternative reference method. The aim of this study was to carry out a direct comparison of autoanalyser methodology, competitive enzyme‐linked immunoassay (EIA) and flow cytometry.Materials and Methods The anti‐D potencies of nine immunoglobulin preparations were estimated against the World Health Organization (WHO) International Reference Preparation for anti‐D immunoglobulin, using the three different assay methods described above, in an international collaborative study involving 18 laboratories.Results No significant differences in potency estimates for five of nine samples were identified using the three different methods. For six of nine samples the mean potency estimates obtained using competitive EIA lay between those of the autoanalyser and flow cytometry. Flow cytometry gave the lowest estimates for seven of nine samples. The range of intralaboratory variability, expressed as percentage geometric coefficients of variation (% gcv) and excluding extreme values, was as follows: autoanalyser (eight laboratories), 0·4–17·0; competitive EIA (12 laboratories), 2·6–34·8; and flow cytometry (eight laboratories), 2·9–30·0. The range of interlaboratory variability (expressed as % gcv) was: autoanalyser (eight laboratories, eight samples), 10·8–17·6; competitive EIA (12 laboratories, nine samples), 10·3–17·3; flow cytometry (nine laboratories, eight samples), 6·2–16·1.Conclusions The study did not show clear superiority of one method over the others. Both competitive EIA and flow cytometry are acceptable alternatives to autoanalyser methodology for polyclonal anti‐D potency estimation. For monoclonal anti‐D, further work is necessary to determine the most appropriate method for potency testing.
Effect of transfusion of fresh‐frozen plasma on recipients’ antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B surface antigen status in countries where hepatitis B virus is endemic
Authors: Lim Y. A. , Hyun B. H. , Kim D. Y. 
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives Antibodies to hepatitis B virus (HBV) that are passively acquired through transfusions may lead to confusion and inappropriate clinical decisions. We evaluated the effects of transfusing fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP) on serological tests for HBV antibodies in patients without such antibodies.Materials and Methods Tests for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), and for antibodies to HBV surface antigen (anti‐HBs) and HBV core antigen (anti‐HBc), were carried out using enzyme immunoassay on the FFP and sera of 50 patients transfused with FFP containing anti‐HBs.Results After FFP transfusion, the incidences of ‘false’ positivity for anti‐HBs and anti‐HBc were 64% (32/50) and 100% (seven of seven), respectively, and of ‘false’ negativity for HBsAg was 18·8% (three of 16) in previously positive patients. The post‐transfusion seropositivity for antibodies results from passive transmission, whereas the inability to detect HBsAg is the result of decreased detectable levels.Conclusions Laboratory staff and clinicians alike should be cautious in interpreting the results of the HBV marker tests in patients who have recently been transfused, and in obtaining specimens for such studies.
Calcipotriene Toxicosis in a dog successfully treated with Pamidronate Disodium
Authors: Pesillo S. Anna , Khan Safdar A. , Rozanski Elizabeth A. , Rush John E. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjective:To describe a case report of hypercalcemia following ingestion of calcipotriene, and successful treatment of hypercalcemia with pamidronate disodium as an adjuvant therapeutic agent.Case summary:A 3‐year‐old spayed female Boxer dog presented with polyuria, polydipsia, vomiting, lethargy and anorexia 4 days after ingesting 100 g of a topical antipsoriatic (0.005% calcipotriene). Severe hypercalcemia and moderate hyperphosphatemia were present on a serum biochemical profile. Treatment was initiated with salineadiuresis, furosemideb, dexamethasone sodium phosphatec, and cimetidined. A single dose of pamidronate disodiumewas administered on the first day of hospitalization. Ionized and total calcium levels normalized within 24 hours and there was immediate clinical improvement. Serum calcium concentration and renal values were monitored for 3 weeks and remained within normal limits.Unique information provided:Pamidronate disodium, used in combination with other calciuretic agents, was a safe and effective adjuvant therapeutic agent in the management of hypercalcemia due to calcipotriene toxicosis.
Monitoring acute fluid shifts with bioelectrical impedance analysis: a review
Authors: Bordelon David J. , Wingfield Wayne E. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjective:To review the principles and physics of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and its current use in human and veterinary medicine.Data sources:Research for this manuscript included current human and veterinary literature.Human‐based studies:Human studies of BIA and multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MFBIA) have resulted in a considerable amount of controversy about the capability of BIA and MFBIA to accurately assess exact fluid volume and distribution. The recent emphasis on point‐of‐care monitoring has resulted in the use of BIA and MFBIA to evaluate the rapid changes in fluid distribution that can occur with trauma and various disease states.Veterinary‐based studies:The use of BIA and MFBIA has been limited in veterinary medicine. However, studies in domestic and laboratory animals have shown good correlation with the isotope dilution method. The effectiveness of BIA/MFBIA in monitoring the critically ill veterinary patient has not yet been evaluated.Conclusion:BIA and MFBIA have been used to evaluate a variety of biological parameters such as nutritional status, cardiac output, and intracellular and extracellular fluid volumes. Recent studies using BIA and MFBIA to evaluate fluid compartmentalization and shifts in critically ill human patients have shown promising results. BIA and MFBIA provide immediate results that may aid in the assessment of a patient's clinical progress and response to therapy.
Association between ratings of facial attractivess and patients’ motivation for orthognathic surgery
Authors: Vargo JK , Gladwin M , Ngan P 
Published: March 2003

Structured AbstractAuthors – Vargo J, Gladwin M, Ngan P.Objectives – To compare the judgments of facial esthetics, defects and treatment needs between laypersons and professionals (orthodontists and oral surgeons) as predictors of patient's motivation for orthognathic surgery.Design – Two panels of expert and naïve raters were asked to evaluate photographs of orthognathic surgery patients for facial esthetics, defects and treatment needs. Results were correlated with patients’ motivation for surgery.Setting and Sample Population – Fifty‐seven patients (37 females and 20 males) with a mean age of 26.0 ± 6.7 years were interviewed prior to orthognathic surgery treatment. Three color photographs of each patient were evaluated by a panel of 14 experts and panel of 18 laypersons.Experimental Variables – Each panel of raters were asked to evaluate the facial morphology, facial attractiveness and recommend surgical treatment (independent variables). The dependent variable was the patient's motivation for orthognathic surgery. Outcome measure – Reliability of raters were analyzed using an unweighted Kappa coefficient and a Cronbach alpha coefficient. Correlations and regression analyses were used to quantify the relationship between variables.Results – Expert raters provided reliable ratings of certain morphological features such as excessive gingival display and classification of mandibular facial form and position. Based on the facial photographs both expert and naïve raters agreed on facial attractiveness of patients. The best predictors of patients’ motivation for surgery were the naïve profile attractiveness rating and the patients’ expected change in self‐consciousness.Conclusions – Expert raters provide more reliable ratings on certain morphologic features. However, the layperson's profile attractiveness rating and the patients’ expected change in self‐consciousness were the best predictors for patients’ motivation for surgery. These data suggest that patients’ motives for treatment are not necessarily related to objectively determined need. Patients’ decision to seek treatment was more correlated to laypersons’ rating of attractiveness because they see what other laypersons see, and are directly or indirectly affected by others reactions to their appearance. These findings may provide useful information for clinicians in counseling patients who seek orthognathic surgery.
Effects of Soil Moisture Deficit on Forage Quality, Digestibility, and Protein Fractionation of Kura Clover
Authors: Seguin P. , Mustafa A. F. , Sheaffer C. C. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractKura clover (Trifolium ambiguum M.B.) is a persistent rhizomatous forage legume with great potential for permanent pastures. The effects of a soil moisture deficit on forage quality, digestibility and protein fractionation of two cultivars of Kura clover (Endura and Rhizo) were investigated in this study for 1 year. The responses of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) were also characterized. Stands of each species were field‐grown and submitted to two soil water regimes promoting soil moisture deficits and well‐watered (i.e. control) conditions. There were no interactions between species and soil water regimes. Soil moisture deficit increased acid detergent fibre (ADF) but reduced acid detergent lignin (ADL) content and consequently increased forage digestibility. It had only minor effects on protein content and fractionation. Species varied for most parameters measured. Kura clover generally had the lowest neutral detergent fibre (NDF), ADF and ADL contents, and consequently the greatest digestibility (83.9 %). Species also differed in their crude protein fractionation. Kura clover and red clover had a lower proportion of non‐protein nitrogen (NPN; A fraction) and a greater proportion of true protein (B fraction) (30.9 and 64.5 %, respectively) than alfalfa (36.4 and 57.4 %, respectively). Kura clover also had the lowest proportion (i.e. 4.7 %) of acid detergent insoluble protein (ADIP; C fraction) of all species tested. Endura Kura clover often had a higher forage quality than Rhizo. This study confirms that Kura clover produces high‐quality forage and provides the first estimates of protein fractionation in this species.
Nature's Concept. The ‘New Agriculture’ amidst Ecology, Economy and the Demythologization of the Gene
Authors: Geldermann U. , Kogel K.‐H. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractFrom worldwide discussions about the limits of agriculture has arisen a powerful vision of sustainable development. Phrases like ‘limitation’, ‘sustainability’, ‘sufficient supply’, ‘fair distribution’ and ‘productivity of resources’ are no longer hindrances but guidelines for a fairer and safer world. ‘Nature's Concept' focuses on biological and ecological principles. On this basis, criteria of action have to be defined in order to determine long‐term economic consequences of agri‐production. The costs of destruction of natural resources, such as reduction of genetic resources, changes to the world climate and soil degradation, are inestimably large. The long‐term effects show the real substance of the agri‐shift and the demands on research. The solution for sustainable agriculture is more than ever a scientific development of ‘tools’ for a sensible management of resources. Gene technology may be an option to reduce the ecological risks of agriculture, especially those of devastating land use. For this purpose, new education programmes with international links and interventions by states are crucial in order to solve conflicts when short‐term interests interfere with long‐term ecological values. The international agri‐centres could have a further impact to guarantee access to new techniques for all countries. Thus agriculture could finally become a major pillar in a fair world order.