bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stingray injury in a domestic aquarium
Authors: Schiera Alberto , Battifoglio Maria Luisa , Scarabelli Gabriele , Crippa Dario 
Published: March 2003

A 36‐year‐old man presented with acute blistering on the dorsal aspect of his left hand and a bullous eruption on the dorsal aspect of the fingers, which were erythematous and edematous. A small, deep laceration, partially covered by a crust, was also visible on the same hand (Fig. 1). The patient stated that he had been stung by a freshwater stingray (Potamotrygon reticulatus) (Fig. 2) while he was feeding the animal in his aquarium.Blistering on the dorsal aspect of the hand and bullous eruption on the dorsal aspect of the fingers. A small, deep ulceration, partially covered by a crust, is also visibleimageJuvenile specimen of stingray, Potamotrygon reticulatus imageHe complained of quite intense pain, beginning a few minutes after envenomation at the site of the injury, and progressively extending into the surrounding areas.He received intravenous fentanyl + morphine + tramadol, while the affected part was immersed in hot water (45 °C) in order to denature the heat‐labile venom and provide pain relief. The patient refused prophylactic injection of tetanus toxoid.The area was infiltrated with 1% lidocaine and examined carefully. Pieces of foreign material were removed. The wound was thoroughly irrigated and cleansed with antiseptic solution and left open. A plain radiographic study of the injured area excluded retained barbs or other foreign material.A neurologic examination revealed reduction of tactile sensitivity at the distal part of the left forearm and fingers. There were no obvious abnormal physical signs: electrocardiogram was normal, as well as blood pressure, heart rate and temperature.The patient received a prophylactic short course of oral antibiotic therapy with an advanced generation cephalosporin and a macrolide.Over the next 2 months, the wound healed slowly by second intention, the wound was allowed to heal from the edge without surgical closure. At a 5‐month follow‐up visit, the wound appeared to be completely healed, although the patient still complained of sporadic para‐anesthesia of the left hand and forearm.
Molecular and morphological divergence in the butterfly genus Lycaeides (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in North America: evidence of recent speciation
Authors: Nice C. C. , Shapiro A. M. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Male genital morphology, allozyme allele frequencies and mtDNA sequence variation were surveyed in the butterfly species Lycaeides idas and L. melissa from across much of their range in North America. Despite clear differences in male genital morphology, wing colour patterns and habitat characteristics, genetic variation was not taxonomically or geographically structured and the species were not identifiable by either genetic data set. Genetic distances (Nei's D=0.002–0.078, calculated from allozyme data) between all populations of both species were within the range commonly observed for conspecific populations of other butterflies. The most frequent mtDNA haplotype was present in individuals of both species in populations from southern California to Wisconsin. We conclude that speciation has probably happened recently and the lack of genetic differentiation between the species is the product of either (1) recent or ongoing gene flow at neutral loci, and/or (2) an insufficiency of time for lineage sorting. The evolution of male genital morphology, wing colour patterns and ecological characteristics has proceeded more rapidly than allozyme or mtDNA evolution.
Karyotype polymorphism correlates with intraspecific infertility in the homothallic ascomycete Sordaria macrospora
Authors: Pöggeler  , Masloff  , Jacobsen  , Kück  
Published: March 2003

Abstract
The homothallic fungus Sordaria macrospora produces perithecia with meiotically derived ascospores. In most cases, intraspecies crosses between strains from different culture collections generate fertile hybrid perithecia in the contact zone of two mycelia. However, in some of these crosses we observed a significant decrease in the fertility of the hybrid perithecia when strains of different origin were used for mating. Since we assumed that chromosome variability between the culture collection strains might contribute to this reduction in fertility, we performed pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. In the course of our study, we were able to identify two major groups of electrophoretic karyotypes in S. macrospora culture collection strains. A quantitative analysis revealed that polymorphic karyotypes contribute to a reduction of fertility in forced crosses between strains carrying differently sized chromosomes. The observed intraspecific chromosome length polymorphism might have consequences on the speciation process of a homothallic fungus capable of sexual but not of asexual spore formation.
Incipient adaptive radiation of New Zealand and Australian Microseris (Asteraceae): an amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) study
Authors: Vijverberg K. , Kuperus P. , Breeuwer J. A. J. , Bachmann K. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
The disjunct allotetraploid lineage of the North American genus Microseris in New Zealand and Australia originated from one or a few diaspores after a single introduction via long-distance dispersal. The plants have evolved into four morphologically distinct ecotypes: ‘fine-pappus’, ‘coastal’, ‘murnong’, and ‘alpine’, from which the first two are grouped as Microseris scapigera, mainly from New Zealand and Tasmania, and the latter two as M. lanceolata, endemic to the Australian mainland. Three chloroplast (cp) DNA types were distinguished in each of the species, but their distribution, especially in M. lanceolata, showed discrepancies with ecotype differentiation. Here, we analyse the genetic structure of the nuclear (n) DNA among two plants of each of 55 New Zealand, Tasmanian, and Australian Microseris populations for amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs). The nuclear genetic structure is compared to geographical, ecotype, and cpDNA distribution, in order to resolve and illustrate the early process of adaptive radiation. The strongest signal in the AFLP pattern was related to geographical separation, especially between New Zealand and Australian accessions, and suggested an initial range expansion after establishment. The ecotypic differentiation was less-well reflected in the AFLP pattern, and evidence was found for the occurrence of hybridization among plants at the same geographical region, or after dispersal, irrespective of the cpDNA- and ecotypes. This indicated that the ecotype characteristics were maintained or re-established by selection. It also showed that genetic differentiation is not an irreversible and progressive process in the early stage of adaptive radiation. Our results illustrate the precarious balance between geographical isolation and selection as factors that favour differentiation, and hybridization as factor that reduces differentiation.
Geographic structure in the searching behaviour of a specialist parasitoid: combining molecular and behavioural approaches
Authors: Althoff D. M. , Thompson J. N. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
An increasing number of studies have shown that the traits important to species interactions may differ geographically among populations or groups of populations within a single interacting species. We examined geographic structure in the searching behaviour of a recently discovered parasitoid in the genus Agathis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) by examining the pattern of population structure obtained from sequence data of mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I and the pattern of population differentiation in female searching behaviour. Analyses of population structure showed no isolation by distance and suggested long distance dispersal among populations. This pattern is consistent with recent post-glacial expansion of Agathis n. sp. Observations of searching behaviour demonstrated that populations of Agathis n. sp. differed in a subset of the behavioural traits examined and also one morphological trait. These population differences appear to be driven in part by local host plant characteristics, and based on the population structure of Agathis n. sp., have arisen relatively quickly in evolutionary time. This study suggests that the interaction between parasitoids and their host insects may exhibit substantial geographic variation, and studies that focus at the level of single populations or the species-level may be missing much of the evolutionary dynamics of parasitoid–host interactions.
Investment in survival and reproduction along a semelparity–iteroparity gradient in the Beta species complex
Authors: Hautekèete N.-C. , Piquot Y. , Van Dijk H. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
The Beta species complex shows a gradient of life histories from pronounced semelparity (big-bang reproduction) to pronounced iteroparity (repeated reproduction). Models assume a trade-off between investment in reproduction and survival. Reproductive effort is thought to increase with decreasing life span, and to be invariable in semelparous plants and susceptible to environmental conditions in iteroparous plants. These assumptions and hypotheses were verified by a greenhouse experiment testing six different life cycles at three contrasting nutrient levels. This study suggests that reproductive effort is negatively correlated with mean life span along the life-cycle gradient. Unlike semelparous beets, reproductive effort in iteroparous beets is extremely sensitive to nutrient level. Phenotypic correlation between allocation to reproduction and allocation to survival generally appeared significantly negative in the longest-lived iteroparous beets, nonsignificant in intermediate life histories and obviously positive in semelparous beets (no trade-off control).
Signalling conflict between prey and predator attraction
Authors: Bruce M. J. , Herberstein M. E. , Elgar M. A. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Predators may utilize signals to exploit the sensory biases of their prey or their predators. The inclusion of conspicuous silk structures called decorations or stabilimenta in the webs of some orb-web spiders (Araneae: Araneidae, Tetragnathidae, Uloboridae) appears to be an example of a sensory exploitation system. The function of these structures is controversial but they may signal to attract prey and/or deter predators. Here, we test these predictions, using a combination of field manipulations and laboratory experiments. In the field, decorations influenced the foraging success of adult female St. Andrew’s Cross spiders, Argiope keyserlingi: inclusion of decorations increased prey capture rates as the available prey also increased. In contrast, when decorations were removed, prey capture rates were low and unrelated to the amount of available prey. Laboratory choice experiments showed that significantly more flies (Chrysomya varipes; Diptera: Calliphoridae) were attracted to decorated webs. However, decorations also attracted predators (adult and juvenile praying mantids, Archimantis latistylus; Mantodea: Mantidae) to the web. St. Andrew’s Cross spiders apparently resolve the conflicting nature of a prey- and predator-attracting signal by varying their decorating behaviour according to the risk of predation: spiders spun fewer decorations if their webs were located in dense vegetation where predators had greater access, than if the webs were located in sparse vegetation.
Temporal change in mite abundance and its effect on barn swallow reproduction and sexual selection
Authors: Møller A. P. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
The tropical fowl mite Ornithonyssus bursa parasitizing barn swallows Hirundo rustica in a Danish population demonstrated a dramatic change in abundance during 1982–2000. Prevalence of mites in nests showed a decrease from 66% in 1987 to a minimum of 1% in 1999. Two parasite manipulation experiments of barn swallow nests in 1988 and 1999 revealed a strong effect of parasites on host reproductive success in the first year (with an average reduction in seasonal reproductive success of 30% when 50 mites were added to nests as compared with controls), but only a weak effect the last year. This pattern was paralleled by a positive relationship between reduction in host reproductive success between egg laying and fledging and mite prevalence during different years of the study period. Mite abundance on adult hosts was negatively related to tail length of males (a secondary sexual character) at the peak of mite abundance in 1988, while that relationship became weaker in the beginning of the 1990s and disappeared at the end of the 1990s. Assortative mating with respect to mite loads in the 1980s also disappeared in the 1990s. Mean tail length of male hosts increased by 1.3 standard deviations during the study period because of changes in phenotype-dependent patterns of mortality outside the breeding season. This microevolutionary change in mean male phenotype of the host was accompanied by a correlated response in mite abundance. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the host has become more resistant to the mite during the study period, and that the mite from earlier playing an important role in natural and sexual selection of the host now is of little importance.
Phylogeographical patterns in chloroplast DNA variation within the Acacia acuminata (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae) complex in Western Australia
Authors: Byrne M. , MacDonald B. , Coates D. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
The Acacia acuminata complex includes three taxa, A. acuminata ssp. acuminata, A. acuminata ssp. burkittii and A. oldfieldii, along with several informal variants of A. acuminata. It is widespread throughout southern Australia with the centre of diversity in south-west Western Australia. Phylogeographical patterns in the complex were investigated using a nested clade analysis of cpDNA RFLPs from 25 populations in Western Australia. Except for A. oldfieldii that was clearly identified as a distinct entity, haplotypes were not restricted to sub-specific taxa or variants within A. acuminata. There was significant association between phylogenetic position of many haplotypes and their geographical distribution. The fine-scale phylogeographical patterns were complex but at deeper levels in the phylogeny there was evidence of divergence between two lineages. The pattern of shared haplotypes between lineages suggests retention of ancestral polymorphism as a result of incomplete lineage sorting. The divergence of these lineages is consistent with fragmentation caused by climatic instability during the Pleistocene.
Functional significance of seminal receptacle length in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Miller G. T. , Pitnick S. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Despite its central role in post-copulatory sexual selection, the female reproductive tract is poorly understood. Here we provide the first experimental study of the adaptive significance of variation in female sperm-storage organ morphology. Using populations of Drosophila melanogaster artificially selected for longer or shorter seminal receptacles, we identify relationships between the length of this primary sperm-storage organ and the number of sperm stored, pattern of progeny production, rate of egg fertilization, remating interval, and pattern of sperm precedence. Costs and benefits of relatively short or long organs were identified. Benefits of longer receptacles include increased sperm-storage capacity and thus progeny production from a single insemination. Results suggest that longer receptacles have not naturally evolved because of developmental time costs and a correlated reduction in longevity of mated females. This latter cost may be a consequence of sexual conflict mediated by ejaculate toxicity. Receptacle length did not alter the pattern of sperm precedence, which is consistent with data on the co-evolution of sperm and female receptacle length, and a pattern of differential male fertilization success being principally determined by the interaction between these male and female traits.
Fluctuating asymmetry in a secondary sexual trait: no associations with individual fitness, environmental stress or inbreeding, and no heritability
Authors: Kruuk L. E. B. , Slate J. , Pemberton J. M. , Clutton-Brock T. H. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
It has been suggested that fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in secondary sexual traits may be a useful indicator of either individual quality or environmental stress. We tested this concept using a series of analyses of FA in male antler size in a wild red deer (Cervus elaphus) population, using four measures of size repeated across successive years on the same individuals. We found no consistent evidence of correlations between traits in levels of FA, nor of any associations between known environmental or developmental conditions. None of the four measures of FA showed a significant heritability (average h2=0.041), nor was there any evidence of inbreeding depression. For three of the four traits, fluctuating asymmetry did not predict either annual or lifetime breeding success. However there were significant associations between breeding success and FA in antler length. Given the series of null results in our other tests, it seems likely that this was a direct mechanistic effect rather than because measures of FA were indicative of individual quality or condition.
The ‘cherry buffy‐coat syndrome’, a cause of decreased platelet yield in platelet concentrates obtained from buffy‐coats
Authors: Rebulla P. , Smacchia C. , Greppi N. , Porretti L. , Lopa R. , Cernuschi M. , Sirchia G. 
Published: March 2003

Background and ObjectivesA large number of European blood centres, including our own, use the buffy‐coat method for platelet production. In this article we describe a previously unnoticed phenomenon shown by a proportion of buffy‐coats, which display an unusually bright cherry colour and low platelet counts.Materials and MethodsWe performed bacterial cultures, platelet counts, pO2, pCO2 and pH, and evaluated platelet activation by flow cytometry in cherry versus normal‐colour (control) buffy‐coats. In addition, we compared donor characteristics in the two groups and platelet counts in the packed red blood cells (RBC) obtained from the original donations. Finally, we monitored the frequency of cherry buffy‐coats in the bags of three manufacturers, and determined the concordance rate of two trained technicians in detecting cherry buffy‐coats.ResultsBacterial cultures were negative. Cherry buffy‐coats contained significantly fewer platelets, more O2, less CO2 and had a significantly higher pH than normal buffy coats. Platelet activation was slightly higher in cherry buffy‐coats. RBC from donations yielding cherry buffy‐coats contained a significantly higher number of platelets than controls. Donor characteristics were not significantly different. Cherry buffy‐coats were significantly more frequent with bags from one manufacturer (24%) than from others (9% and 11·6%). The concordance study showed excellent agreement.ConclusionsOur hypothesis is that the cherry colour is caused by O2 accumulation in buffy‐coats with low platelet counts. The latter may be caused by platelet activation and aggregation during blood processing. Further work is needed to determine the cause of this phenomenon, its frequency in different laboratories and means to prevent it.
A multicentre evaluation of a new filtration protocol for leucocyte depletion of high‐haematocrit red blood cells collected by an automated blood collection system
Authors: Soli M. , Blanco L. , Riggert J. , Martínez‐Clavel A. , Lucas C. , Lunghi M. , Belloni M. , Wolf C. , Van Waeg G. , Antoon M. 
Published: March 2003

Background and ObjectivesA multicentre trial was set up to evaluate the performance of a new leucodepletion protocol.Materials and MethodsFiltration at high haematocrit was started during collection of red blood cell (RBC) products by apheresis with Trima. SAG‐M was added after filtration through the filter. Haematocrits and haemoglobin of the filtered RBCs were measured. Residual leucocytes were determined by Nageotte counting.ResultsOne‐hundred and forty seven procedures were carried out. The haematocrit and haemoglobin contents were 57·3 ± 3·0% and 55·1 ± 4·3 g/unit, respectively. All products showed low residual leucocyte levels (≤ 0·75 × 106/unit; 99·31% < 1 × 106).ConclusionImmediate, on‐line, high‐haematocrit filtration of red cells collected on Trima resulted in leucoreduced RBCs, which met the AABB and Council of Europe criteria.
Leucoreduced platelet concentrates in additive solution: an evaluation of filters and storage containers
Authors: Van Der Meer P. , Pietersz R. , Reesink H. 
Published: March 2003

Background and ObjectiveBuffy coat (BC) pooling sets are integrated systems, consisting of a pooling bag, a filter and a platelet storage container, for the production of leucoreduced platelet concentrates (LR‐PCs) from pooled BCs. It was our aim to compare various pooling sets that are currently marketed.Materials and MethodsLR‐PCs were made by pooling five BCs and adding 250 g of PAS‐II. In study I, filters were compared: four BC pools (of five BCs each) were mixed and divided, and after centrifugation the platelet‐rich supernatant (PRS) was expressed through one of the following filters: CLX‐5, BioP‐plus, Autostop or Imugard. In study II, storage containers were compared: five LR‐PCs were mixed and divided over the following storage containers: 1300‐ml PL‐2410, 1000‐ml and 1500‐ml polyolefin, 1500‐ml CLX or 1000‐ml DnDP‐PVC. These LR‐PCs were stored for 9 days with sampling performed on days 1, 2, 5, 7 and 9. We required that the pH remained between 6·8 and 7·4, and that the swirling effect was present at the end of the storage period.ResultsAll filters gave LR‐PCs that contained uniformly < 1 × 106 leucocytes (n = 12 experiments) with a recovery of, on average, 70% of the platelets originally present in the BC pools, except for the BioP‐plus filter, which had a recovery of 43 ± 10%. The 1500‐ml CLX bag had, in two of nine cases, a pH < 6·8 on day 5 of storage, while the other storage containers were able to maintain a pH of > 6·8 until day 9. With the CLX container, the oxygen level remained adequate until day 9, but low glucose, high lactate and high lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels suggested high platelet metabolism and/or activation.ConclusionsBC pooling sets have various benefits, such as less welding, resulting in a lower work‐load, but not all combinations of filters and storage containers tested were suitable. Therefore, validation prior to routine use in a blood centre is necessary.