bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STRUCTURE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CRYPTOMONAD FLAGELLAR APPARATUS. I.CRYPTOMONAS OVATA(CRYPTOPHYTA)1
Authors: Roberts Keith R.
Published: November 2004

The absolute configuration of the flagellar apparatus inCryptomonas ovatahas been elucidated and found to be similar to that reported forChilomonas paramecium.Variations apparent in the flagellar apparatus ofCryptomonas ovatainclude the presence of striations in the mitochondrion associated lamella, a rhizostyle which does not bear wing‐like extensions from the microtubules and does not lie close to the nucleus, and a striated fibrous anchoring structure associated with one basal body which has not hitherto been described. The flagellar apparatus also includes a four stranded microtubular root which traverses into the anterior dorsal lobe of the cell, a striated fibrous root which is associated with a five stranded microtubular root, and a two stranded Cr root. The homologous nature of these roots to those in the larger cryptomonads is discussed in relation to the apparent reduction in flagellar apparatus size and complexity among the smaller cryptomonads. A diagrammatic reconstruction of the flagellar apparatus ofCryptomonas ovatais also presented.
Usefulness of Live Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography in the Characterization of Atrial Septal Defects in Adults
Authors: Mehmood Farhat , Vengala Srinivas , Nanda Navin C. , Dod Harvinder S. , Sinha Ashish , Miller Andrew P. , Khanna Deepak , Misra Vijay K. , Lloyd Steven G. , Upendram Sailendra , Bodiwala Kunal , McMahon William S. , Kasliwal Ravi R. , Chouhan Nagendra , Govinder Marappa , Pacifico Albert D. , Kirklin James K. , McGiffin David C.
Published: November 2004

In this report we present 12 adult patients in whom surgical or percutaneous intervention was considered for repair of atrial septal defect (ASD). Location, size, and surrounding atrial anatomy of the ASD were assessed prior to intervention in all patients with standard and live three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3D TTE). In the four patients in whom intraoperative three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic reconstruction (3D TEE) was done, 3D TTE measurements of maximum dimension, maximum circumference, and maximum area of ASD agreed well with 3D TEE. In the seven patients who underwent transcatheter closure device insertion, live 3D TTE measurements of maximum dimension, maximum circumference, and maximum area of ASD agreed well with the sizing balloon. Additionally, since the sizing balloon measures a stretched diameter and area, a live 3D TTE stretched ASD diameter and area (derived from the actual live 3D TTE maximum circumference) were calculated and demonstrated improved agreement with the sizing balloon measurements. In all patients, ≥5 mm of atrial tissue was visualized surrounding the ASD. Further, with the addition of contrast enhancement, characterization of a small patent foramen ovale (<5 mm) was possible in one patient. Live 3D TTE accurately defined ASD location, size, and surrounding atrial anatomy in all patients studied by us. ASD characterization by live 3D TTE agreed well with 3D TEE and sizing balloon measurements.
Quantification of Mitral Regurgitation by Live Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiographic Measurements of Vena Contracta Area
Authors: Khanna Deepak , Vengala Srinivas , Miller Andrew P. , Nanda Navin C. , Lloyd Steven G. , Ahmed Sujood , Sinha Ashish , Mehmood Farhat , Bodiwala Kunal , Upendram Sailendra , Gownder Marappa , Dod Harvinder S. , Nunez Anthony , Pacifico Albert D. , McGiffin David C. , Kirklin James K. , Misra Vijay K.
Published: November 2004

We evaluated 44 consecutive patients who underwent standard two‐dimensional (2D) and live three‐dimensional (3D) transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), as well as left heart catheterization with left ventriculography. Mitral regurgitant vena contracta area (VCA) was obtained by 3D TTE by systematic and sequential cropping of the acquired 3D TTE data set. Assessment of mitral regurgitation (MR) by ventriculography was compared to measurements of VCA by 3D TTE and to 2D TTE measurements of MR jet area to left atrial area (RJA/LAA), RJA alone, vena contracta width (VCW), and calculated VCA. VCA from 3D TTE closely correlated with angiographic grading (rs= 0.88) with very little overlap. VCA of <0.2 cm2 correlated with mild MR, 0.2–0.4 cm2 with moderate MR, and >0.4 cm2 with severe MR by angiography. Ventriculographic grading also correlated well with 2D TTE measurements of RJA/LAA (rs= 0.79) and RJA alone (rs= 0.76) but with more overlap. Assessment of VCW and calculated VCA by 2D TTE agreed least with ventriculography (rs= 0.51 and rs= 0.55, respectively). Live 3D TTE color Doppler measurements of VCA can be used for quantitative assessment of MR and is comparable to assessment by ventriculography.
Dynamic Object Individuation in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Flombaum Jonathan I. , Kundey Shannon M. , Santos Laurie R. , Scholl Brian J.
Published: November 2004

A manual-search experiment with rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) explored dynamic object individuation in the tunnel effect: Subjects watched as a lemon rolled down a ramp and came to rest behind a tunnel (Occluder 1) and then as a kiwifruit emerged and became occluded at the end of its path behind a screen (Occluder 2). When the kiwifruit emerged at about the time that the lemon should have (had it continued its motion), subjects searched for food only behind Occluder 2—apparently perceiving the lemon to have transformed into a kiwifruit on the basis of spatiotemporally continuous motion. In contrast, when a brief pause interrupted the occlusion of the lemon and the emergence of the kiwifruit, monkeys searched for food behind both occluders. With further control conditions, this experiment demonstrates a spatiotemporal bias—similar to a bias found in adult visual perception—in the computation of object persistence in the context of a dynamic correspondence problem.
From Vulnerability to Resilience
Authors: Niiya Yu , Crocker Jennifer , Bartmess Elizabeth N.
Published: November 2004

An experiment examined the buffering effects of a learning orientation following failure in a domain of contingent self-worth. Participants' academic contingencies of self-worth (CSW) and priming with theories of intelligence interacted to affect vulnerability of self-esteem to failure. Participants who had high academic CSW and were primed with an entity theory of intelligence experienced lower self-esteem and higher negative affect following failure than following success on an academic test, but these effects were eliminated when participants with high academic CSW were primed with an incremental theory of intelligence. This study shows that endorsing a learning orientation is an effective way to minimize threat to self-esteem among students whose self-worth is highly contingent on academics and may allow them to persist in the face of challenges and to learn from failure.
The Eyes Are Right When the Mouth Is Wrong
Authors: Griffin Zenzi M.
Published: November 2004

When describing visual scenes, speakers typically gaze at objects while preparing their names. In a study of the relation between eye movements and speech, a corpus of self-corrected speech errors was analyzed. If errors result from rushed word preparation, insufficient visual information, or failure to check prepared names against objects, speakers should spend less time gazing at referents before uttering errors than before uttering correct names. Counter to predictions, gazes to referents before errors (e.g., gazes to an axe before saying “ham-” [hammer]) highly resembled gazes to referents before correct names (e.g., gazes to an axe before saying “axe”). However, speakers gazed at referents for more time after initiating erroneous compared with correct names, apparently while they prepared corrections. Assuming that gaze nonetheless reflects word preparation, errors were not associated with insufficient preparation. Nor were errors systematically associated with decreased inspection of objects. Like gesture, gaze may accurately reflect a speaker's intentions even when the accompanying speech does not.
Disruption of Eye Movements by Ethanol Intoxication Affects Perception of Depth From Motion Parallax
Authors: Nawrot Mark , Nordenstrom Benita , Olson Amy
Published: November 2004

Motion parallax, the ability to recover depth from retinal motion generated by observer translation, is important for visual depth perception. Recent work indicates that the perception of depth from motion parallax relies on the slow eye movement system. It is well known that ethanol intoxication reduces the gain of this system, and this produces the horizontal gaze nystagmus that law enforcement's field sobriety test is intended to reveal. The current study demonstrates that because of its influence on the slow eye movement system, ethanol intoxication impairs the perception of depth from motion parallax. Thresholds in a motion parallax task were significantly increased by acute ethanol intoxication, whereas thresholds for an identical test relying on binocular disparity were unaffected. Perhaps a failure of motion parallax plays a role in alcohol-related driving accidents; because of the effects of alcohol on eye movements, intoxicated drivers may have inaccurate or inadequate information for judging the relative depth of obstacles from motion parallax.
The CCR5Δ32 allele is associated with reduced liver inflammation in hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Wald O. , Pappo O. , Ari Z. B. , Azzaria E. , Wiess I. D. , Gafnovitch I. , Wald H. , Spengler U. , Galun E. , Peled A.
Published: November 2004

CCR5Δ32 is a deletion mutation in the chemokine receptor CCR5. Liver inflammatory activity was found to be significantly reduced (P = 0.005) in Jewish Israeli patients infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) carrying the CCR5Δ32 allele. The CCR5Δ32 allele does not alter susceptibility to HCV infection; however, it may play a role in the progression and outcome of the disease.
Establishment of T cell‐specific and natural killer cell‐specific unigene sets: towards high‐throughput genomics of leukaemia
Authors: Illiger J. , Herwig R. , Steinfath M. , Przewieslik T. , Elge T. , Bull Ch. , Radelof U. , Lehrach H. , Janitz M.
Published: November 2004

We report the establishment of highly non‐redundant unigene sets consisting of cDNA clones derived from T lymphocytes and natural killer cells. Each set consists of 10 506 and 13 409 clones, respectively, arrayed on nylon membranes in duplicate. The sets provide an excellent tool for genome‐wide gene expression analysis studies in immunology research.
Gypsy moth feeding in the canopy of a CO2‐enriched mature forest
Authors: Hättenschwiler Stephan , Schafellner Christa
Published: November 2004

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration is expected to change plant tissue quality with important implications for plant–insect interactions. Taking advantage of canopy access by a crane and long‐term CO2 enrichment (530 μ mol mol−1) of a natural old‐growth forest (web‐free air carbon dioxide enrichment), we studied the responses of a generalist insect herbivore feeding in the canopy of tall trees. We found that relative growth rates (RGR) of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) were reduced by 30% in larvae fed on high CO2‐exposed Quercus petraea, but increased by 29% when fed on high CO2‐grown Carpinus betulus compared with control trees at ambient CO2 (370 μ mol mol−1). In Fagus sylvatica, there was a nonsignificant trend for reduced RGR under elevated CO2. Tree species‐specific changes in starch to nitrogen ratio, water, and the concentrations of proteins, condensed and hydrolyzable tannins in response to elevated CO2 were identified to correlate with altered RGR of gypsy moth larvae. Our data suggest that rising atmospheric CO2 will have strong species‐specific effects on leaf chemical composition of canopy trees in natural forests leading to contrasting responses of herbivores such as those reported here. A future change in host tree preference seems likely with far‐ranging consequences for forest community dynamics.
Major histocompatibility complex haplotypes in Spanish immunoglobulin A deficiency patients: a comparative fine mapping microsatellite study
Authors: Gual L. , Martínez A. , Fernández‐Arquero M. , García‐Rodríguez M.C. , Ferreira A. , Fontán G. , De La Concha E.G. , Urcelay E.
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  The most consistent finding in Immunoglobulin A deficiency (IgAD) genetics is the presence of susceptibility factors located in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). We have described the existence of at least two distinct susceptibility genes in the MHC present in different haplotypes. The aim of the present study was to locate with precision the susceptibility genes present in DR1‐ and DR7‐positive haplotypes, taking advantage of their structural diversity, as opposed to the conserved nature of the DR3‐extended susceptibility haplotype (DR3/B8), that hampers a more exhaustive scrutiny. A detailed analysis with 20 markers along the MHC in the 400 haplotypes present in 100 IgAD families, with special density at Class II locations, was performed to define the minimal shared susceptibility region present in all haplotypes carrying DR1 and, on the other hand, in all DR7‐positive haplotypes. A comparison of the fine microsatellite allele structure of DR‐extended haplotypes in the Spanish population with those described for Swedish and British families revealed no difference in DRB1*0101 and DRB1*0102 haplotypes between both populations. Our data suggest that the etiologic mutation present in DRB1*0101 and DRB1*0102 in North Europe (Sweden and UK) is missing in the Spanish DRB1*0101 haplotypes but is present in the DQB1/DRB1 region in DRB1*0102 haplotypes. The results obtained also indicated that the most likely susceptibility gene in the DR7 haplotypes is either DQA1 or DRB1.
Loss of heterozygosity in the HLA class I region in human pancreatic cancer
Authors: Ryschich E. , Cebotari O. , Fabian O.V. , Autschbach F. , Kleeff J. , Friess H. , Bierhaus A. , Büchler M.W. , Schmidt J.
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  An altered human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I expression constitutes an important tumor‐escape mechanism counteracting T‐cell mediated immune responses. We utilized the technique of microsatellite analysis to characterize the loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in the HLA class I region in 24 samples of patients with human ductal pancreatic carcinoma. The expression of HLA class I and the infiltration by T cells were studied in parallel by standard immunohistochemistry. The present study demonstrates LOH in the HLA class I region in five patients with pancreatic carcinoma. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that pancreatic carcinomas were frequently characterized by a total or partial loss of expression in HLA class I antigen. The positive or negative LOH status corresponded with the expression analysis in eight cases. Reduction of HLA class I expression without LOH was found in 14 cases. Lymphocyte infiltration with CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells did not show significant differences between LOH‐positive and LOH‐negative tumors. In conclusion, LOH does not seem to be the only factor for the reduced expression of HLA class I antigen as well as for the T‐cell infiltration in this type of tumor.
An update of the HLA genomic region, locus information and disease associations: 2004
Authors: Shiina T. , Inoko H. , Kulski J.K.
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  The human major histocompatibility (MHC) genomic region at chromosomal position 6p21 encodes the six classical transplantation HLA genes and many other genes that have important roles in the regulation of the immune system as well as in some fundamental cellular processes. This small segment of the human genome has been associated with more than 100 diseases, including common diseases – such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, asthma and various autoimmune disorders. The MHC 3.6 Mb genomic sequence was first reported in 1999 with the annotation of 224 gene loci. The locus and allelic information of the MHC continue to be updated by identifying newly mapped expressed genes and pseudogenes based on comparative genomics, SNP analysis and cDNA projects. Since 1999, new innovations in bioinformatics and gene‐specific functional databases and studies on the MHC genes have resulted in numerous changes to gene names and better ways to update and link the MHC gene symbols, names and sequences together with function, variation and disease associations. In this study, we present a brief overview of the MHC genomic structure and the recent information that we have gathered on the MHC gene loci via LocusLink at the National Centre for Biological Information (http://www.ncbi.nih.gov/.) and the MHC genes' association with various diseases taken from publications and records in public databases, such as the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man and the Genetic Association Database.
HLA class‐I and class‐II allele frequencies and two‐locus haplotypes in Melanesians of Vanuatu and New Caledonia
Authors: Maitland K. , Bunce M. , Harding R.M. , Barnardo M.C.N.M. , Clegg J.B. , Welsh K. , Bowden D.K. , Williams T.N.
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  HLA class‐I and class‐II allele frequencies and two‐locus haplotypes were examined in 367 unrelated Melanesians living on the islands of Vanuatu and New Caledonia. Diversity at all HLA class‐I and class‐II loci was relatively limited. In class‐I loci, three HLA‐A allelic groups (HLA‐A*24, HLA‐A*34 and HLA‐A*11), seven HLA‐B alleles or allelic groups (HLA‐B*1506, HLA‐B*5602, HLA‐B*13, HLA‐B*5601, HLA‐B*4001, HLA‐B*4002 and HLA‐B*2704) and four HLA‐C alleles or allelic groups (HLA‐Cw*04, HLA‐Cw*01, HLA‐Cw*0702 and HLA‐Cw*15) constituted more than 90% of the alleles observed. In the class‐II loci, four HLA‐DRB1 alleles (HLA‐DRB1*15, HLA‐DRB1*11, HLA‐DRB1*04 and HLA‐DRB1*16), three HLA‐DRB3‐5 alleles (HLA‐DRB3*02, HLA‐DRB4*01 and HLA‐DRB5*01/02) and five HLA‐DQB1 alleles (HLA‐DQB1*0301, HLA‐DQB1*04, HLA‐DQB1*05, HLA‐DQB1*0601 and HLA‐DQB1*0602) constituted over 93, 97 and 98% of the alleles observed, respectively. Homozygosity showed significant departures from expected levels for neutrality based on allele frequency (i.e. excess diversity) at the HLA‐B, HLA‐Cw, HLA‐DQB1 and HLA‐DRB3/5 loci on some islands. The locus with the strongest departure from neutrality was HLA‐DQB1, homozygosity being significantly lower than expected on all islands except New Caledonia. No consistent pattern was demonstrated for any HLA locus in relation to malaria endemicity.
Advantages of Different Tillage Systems and Their Effects on the Economically Important Pests, Thrips tabaci Lind. and Aphis gossypii Glov. in Cotton Fields
Authors: Gencsoylu I. , Yalcın I.
Published: November 2004

An experiment to assess advantages of different tillage and their effects on Aphis gossypii Glov. and Thrips tabaci Lind was conducted during the 2000 and 2001 cotton growing seasons in cotton fields at Adnan Menderes University, Agricultural Faculty Research Center, located in Aydın Province, Turkey. The tillage systems examined were conventional, strip, precision and ridge tillage. Two insect population densities were not affected by the type of tillage systems during either year. However, significant differences in populations were observed in thrips populations on 31 May 2000 and 18 May 2001 and aphid populations on 24 May 2000 and 11 May 2001. The results show that the highest yield was observed in all conservation tillage systems in 2000 and ridge tillage system in 2001. Early maturity was higher in both precision and ridge tillage systems. In addition, tillage systems did not affect fibre properties. As a result, the application of conservation tillage is more advantageous in cotton in respect of early maturity and total yield.
Impact of Soil Tillage and Crop Rotation on Barley (Hordeum vulgare) and Weeds in a Semi‐arid Environment
Authors: Ghosheh H. Z. , Al‐Hajaj N. A.
Published: November 2004

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of mouldboard‐ or chisel‐ploughing and rotations on barley crops and associated weeds in a semi‐arid location. Two primary soil tillage operations and eight crop rotation‐tillage operation combinations were evaluated over two successive seasons. Drought conditions prevailed (<152 mm annual precipitation) and affected the measured parameters. Barley grown in mouldboard‐ploughed plots had higher biomass compared with chisel‐ploughed plots. Barley grain yield was greater in mouldboard‐ploughed plots in a fallow‐fallow‐barley rotation. Weed species densities varied between tillage systems and rotations. Density of Hordeum marinum, for example, was high in fallow‐barley‐fallow in chisel‐ploughed plots, and was high under more continuous fallow in mouldboard‐ploughed plots. Similar variations were also observed in weed fresh weights and in numbers of seed produced. The results describe the productivity of barley under extremely dry conditions, where an advantage for mouldboard ploughing was observed. The results also indicate the complexity of weed communities in their response towards different tillage‐rotation combinations.
Alternative Spaces of the “Argentinazo”
Authors: North Peter , Huber Ulli
Published: November 2004

The ongoing instability in Argentina that emerged from the December 2001 uprising in Buenos Aires (the “Argentinazo”) has been one of the highest profile examples in recent years of reaction to the economic “disciplining” of a country. For enthusiasts, this reaction has been resistance, an upsurge against neoliberalisation by people conscious of what was happening and with alternative conceptions of how things should be (Aufheben 2003; Carrera and Cotarelo 2003; Dinerstein 2002; Galeano 2002; Harman 2002; “IM” 2002; Klein 2003a, 2003b; MAS 2002; Ollier 2003). Subaltern resistances such as those developed by Argentines have been the subject of much geographical writing on resistance in recent years (Castells 1997; Leyshon, Lee and Williams 2003; Pile and Keith 1997; Sharp et al 2000). This paper addresses the range of actions, or “action repertoire”(Tarrow 1998:20–21), of the Argentinazo to examine the extent to which alternative material and discursive “convergence spaces”(Routledge 2003) of political engagement emerged both as resistance to, and articulating a coherent alternative to, neoliberalism.
Religious Orientation and the Experience of Eid‐ul‐Azha Among Pakistani Muslims
Authors: HANEEF KHAN ZIASMA , WATSON P. J.
Published: November 2004

Measures of religious orientation were used to predict the experience of Pakistani Muslims during Eid‐ul‐Azha, a celebration that marks the end of the Haj. Participants displayed varying degrees of correlation of the intrinsic, extrinsic‐personal, and extrinsic‐social orientations with interest, affect, and work‐related responsibility variables during the Eid holiday. Gender differences appeared in that religious orientations were more predictive of the male Eid‐ul‐Azha experience, but these measures usefully clarified the religious commitments of women as well. As expected, the intrinsic orientation proved to be an especially noteworthy index of religious adjustment, and the extrinsic‐social orientation was significantly lower than the other two motivations. These data demonstrated once again that religious orientation constructs developed in the West might serve as a useful point of departure for understanding the psychology of Muslim religion.
New microsatellite primers for Daphnia galeata mendotae
Authors: FOX JENNIFER A.
Published: November 2004

In order to study genetic changes in populations of Daphnia galeata mendotae, I characterized seven polymorphic microsatellite loci. Primers to amplify these loci were tested on individual eggs from the resting egg bank of Onondaga Lake, NY. Levels of polymorphism and cross‐amplification in D. g. galeata indicate that they will be useful markers for ecological genetic studies on both adults and diapausing eggs of these species.
Ten species specific microsatellite loci for Lahontan cutthroat trout, Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi
Authors: PEACOCK MARY M. , NEVILLE HELEN , KIRCHOFF VERONICA S.
Published: November 2004

Ten polymorphic microsatellite loci (containing tri and tetra‐nucleotide repeats) were developed for the Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi), a subspecies of cutthroat trout listed as threatened under the United States Endangered Species Act. Polymorphism was assessed for 445 individuals from 12 populations representing eight watersheds spread throughout the three Distinct Population Segments defined for this subspecies. All loci were polymorphic (X̄ = 19, range 7–26 alleles). All loci were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) except for one locus (OCH 9) in a single population (P < 0.00014 after Bonferroni correction for multiple tests).
Polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers from the Oriental Fruit Fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel)
Authors: DAI S. M. , LIN C. C. , CHANG C.
Published: November 2004

Six polymorphic microsatellite loci are isolated from the Oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), an agricultural pest in Asia, including Taiwan. To assess their potential utility as high‐resolution genetic markers, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers, amplification conditions, and an automated fluorescence detection protocol were developed. In analyses of 71 individual flies from six different areas of Taiwan, allele numbers ranged from five to 25 were detected for each locus. The observed heterozygosity ranged between 0.268 and 0.737 among these loci. No linkage disequilibrium was found. These microsatellite markers have potential utility to population structure and gene flow studies of B. dorsalis (Hendel).
Characterization of microsatellite loci in Primula modesta Bisset et Moore (Primulaceae)
Authors: SHIMONO A. , UENO S. , TSUMURA Y. , WASHITANI I.
Published: November 2004

Eleven microsatellite loci were isolated from alpine plant Primula modesta. Enriched repeat libraries were constructed and screened by colony hybridization. Forty‐eight polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer pairs were designed, of which 11 pairs producted successful amplification. A total of 31–35 adult individuals were genotyped for allelic diversity. The polymorphism ranged from three to 14 alleles, and the heterozygosity ranged from 0.161 to 0.828. No linkage disequilibrium was found between these 11 loci.
Isolation of five polymorphic microsatellite markers in Utetheisa ornatrix (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae)
Authors: BEZZERIDES ALEXANDER , BEZZERIDES JULIE , EISNER THOMAS
Published: November 2004

We isolated five polymorphic microsatellite markers for the arctiid moth Utetheisa ornatrix as part of an effort to investigate the role of inbreeding in the degree of polyandry seen in natural populations of the moth. We tested the primers on 105 individuals collected from scrub habitat in central Florida. These microsatellite loci provide a new research tool for understanding the population structure and reproductive behaviour of U. ornatrix.
A new set of microsatellite markers for the peach palm (Bactris gasipaesKunth); characterization and across‐taxa utility within the tribe Cocoeae
Authors: BILLOTTE N. , COUVREUR T. , MARSEILLAC N. , BROTTIER P. , PERTHUIS B. , VALLEJO M. , NOYER J.‐L. , JACQUEMOUD‐COLLET J.‐P. , RISTERUCCI A.‐M. , PINTAUD J.‐C.
Published: November 2004

A (GA)nmicrosatellite‐enriched library was constructed and a new set of 18 nuclear simple sequence repeat loci was isolated inBactris gasipaesvar.gasipaes. The loci were found to be highly variable in the target species and readily transferable to relatedBactrisspecies as well as to theAstrocaryumandElaeisgenera of the same Cocoeae tribe. These microsatellite resources are made available to study the genetic diversity and gene flow within theBactriscomplex for a better understanding of the domestication process of the peach palm and for further Cocoeae genetics.
Isolation and characterization of five microsatellite loci in the ponerine ant Pachycondyla inversa (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)
Authors: TRINDL A. , HEINZE J. , D’ETTORRE P.
Published: November 2004

We characterized five polymorphic DNA microsatellite loci for the neotropical ponerine ant Pachycondyla inversa. The variability was initially tested in 19 workers from nine colonies from a Brazilian population. We found five to 12 alleles per locus, with observed heterozygosities between 0.72 and 0.95. The allele size ranged from 73 to 197 bp. The primers also successfully amplified DNA at all five loci in the closely related species P. villosa.
Isolation and characterization of six polymorphic microsatellite loci in the western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Insecta, Thysanoptera)
Authors: BRUNNER P. C. , FREY J. E.
Published: November 2004

Highly polymorphic microsatellite markers can provide important demographic information on founder events and range expansion following initial introduction of invasive insect species. Six microsatellite loci were isolated from an enriched DNA library in order to study the invasion patterns of the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis. All loci tested were found to be polymorphic and successfully amplified in all individuals. The number of alleles per locus ranged from five to nine and heterozygosity ranged from 45 to 73%. Some of the loci were also successfully amplified in other thrips species.
Characterization of microsatellite loci in Kearney's bluestar (Amsonia kearneyana) and cross‐amplification in other Amsonia species
Authors: TOPINKA J. RICK , DONOVAN ARTHUR J. , MAY BERNIE
Published: November 2004

Kearney's bluestar (Amsonia kearneyana) is a highly endangered herbaceous perennial in the family Apocynaceae. The species is found only in the Baboquivari Mountains of southern Arizona. We report the isolation and development of 12 microsatellite loci for Kearney's bluestar. Numbers of alleles ranged from two to four and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.20 to 0.80 in the nine loci found to be polymorphic in the test population. All loci were also tested for cross‐amplification in five other Amsonia species representing two subgenera from the southwestern United States. Some loci that were not polymorphic in the Kearney's bluestar were polymorphic in other species.
A set of microsatellite markers for use in Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) developed from Picea glauca ESTs
Authors: A'HARA S. W. , COTTRELL J. E.
Published: November 2004

Few microsatellite markers have been specifically developed for Picea sitchensis. In January 2004 the appearance of over 10 000 sequences of expressed regions of DNA from P. glauca in GenBank presented an opportunity for the development of additional microsatellite markers in Sitka spruce. Mono‐ and dinucleotide repeat sequences were located in these sequences and primers were designed around these regions. Amplification was attempted in Sitka material from a broad geographical range and the level of polymorphism was assessed. Primers were also tested in progeny of a controlled cross. Nine polymorphic loci that demonstrated Mendelian inheritance in Sitka were discovered in this study.
Primers for 12 polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci from the guppy (Poecilia reticulata)
Authors: OLENDORF ROBERT , REUDI BETH , HUGHES KIMBERLY A.
Published: November 2004

Twelve polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci were isolated from genomic guppy DNA. We assessed the level of genetic diversity for these loci using individuals from five native Trinidadian populations. All the loci were polymorphic although there were considerable differences among loci and populations in allele frequencies. Within populations, the number of alleles ranged from 1 to 22 and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.000 to 0.990. Allele frequencies differed substantially between populations suggesting divergence.
matesoft: a program for deducing parental genotypes and estimating mating system statistics in haplodiploid species
Authors: MOILANEN ATTE , SUNDSTRÖM LISELOTTE , PEDERSEN JES SØE
Published: November 2004

With the advent of sophisticated genetic markers, studies on mating systems and reproductive apportionment have become increasingly feasible. In particular, paternity analyses in haplodiploid species have gained in power as hemizygous paternal genotypes allow maternal and paternal genotypes to be directly inferred from offspring genotypes. The computer program matesoft offers both newly developed algorithms for inferring maternal and paternal genotypes, and integrated estimation and correction procedures for calculating mating frequency statistics. Standard data are offspring genotypes of male‐haplodiploid organisms, including social Hymenoptera.
Characterization of microsatellite loci in Sacramento perch (Archoplites interruptus)
Authors: SCHWARTZ RACHEL S. , MAY BERNIE
Published: November 2004

We characterized 23 polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for Sacramento perch (Archoplites interruptus). This species is extirpated in its native range, the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta (California, USA), and is therefore targeted for recovery. A concerted effort is currently underway to re‐establish self‐sustaining populations of Sacramento perch in its native range. These microsatellites will be used to analyse the population structure of the species and, in conjunction with life history and physiological data, develop a comprehensive recovery plan.
Polymorphic microsatellite markers from the formicine ant Lasius (Dendrolasius) fuliginosus
Authors: FALK KARL H. , LIEBIG JÜRGEN , GADAU JÜRGEN
Published: November 2004

Six polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from the temporary social parasitic ant Lasius fuliginosus by a highly efficient enrichment procedure. Observed allele numbers ranged from three to 20 per locus, whereby four out of the six tested loci had more than 10 alleles and showed both observed and expected heterozygosities greater than 70%. For each locus we present suitable primer sequences. With these microsatellite markers we will be able to reveal colony and population structure of L. fuliginosus.
genecap: a program for analysis of multilocus genotype data for non‐invasive sampling and capture‐recapture population estimation
Authors: WILBERG MICHAEL J. , DREHER BRIAN P.
Published: November 2004

We createdgenecapto facilitate analysis of multilocus genotype data for use in non‐invasive DNA sampling and genetic capture‐recapture studies.genecapis a Microsoftexcelmacro that uses multilocus genetic data to match samples with identical genotypes, calculate frequency of alleles, identify sample genotypes that differ by one and two alleles, calculate probabilities of identity, and match probabilities for matching samples.genecapallows the user to include background data and samples with missing genotypes for multiple loci. Capture histories for each user‐defined sampling period are output in formats consistent with commonly employed population estimation programs.
Skin tensile properties revisited during ageing. Where now, where next?
Authors: Hermanns‐Lê Trinh , Uhoda Isabelle , Smitz Simon , Piérard Gérald E
Published: November 2004

Skin and its subcutaneous layer represent a complex composite of tissues, whose mechanical characteristics depend upon the mutual interdependence of their constituent parts. The molecular and microanatomical structures of skin allow it to meet normal mechanical demands. They also determine the orientation both of Langer's lines and of relaxed skin tension lines. Ageing, photodamage, hormones, drugs, cosmetic products and dermatological interventions may modify the skin's overall tensile properties. In turn, any variation in mechanical stresses and strains imposed upon the skin's connective tissue influences the metabolic activity and phenotypic expression of fibroblasts and dermal dendrocytes.

The viscoelastic functions of ageing skin can be tested by altering the orientation and magnitude of imposed stresses and strains over time. Assessment can be made of various biomechanical properties of skin: tensile, torsional, acoustic shear wave, indentation, impact and elevation. Such objective biomechanical assessments may be applied to dermocosmetic interventions, so providing opportunity for progress in cosmetic dermatological science.
Interventions to support reflection and learning: a qualitative study
Authors: Holmström Inger , Rosenqvist Urban
Published: November 2004

The aim of this research was to explore the role of a professional development supervisor in helping health professionals to reflect on their role in patient consultations. This article is written from the viewpoint of patient‐centred care and seeks to examine how the mentor/supervisor can facilitate reflection and learning by discussing, with professionals, videotapes of their regular meetings with patients. The specific context of the article is an educational intervention in Sweden, based on modern theories of competence development for professionals in diabetes care. A purposeful sample of 18 patients with type 2 diabetes agreed to have their regular meeting with a general practitioner (GP) or diabetes nurse videotaped. The GPs or diabetes nurses of these patients then participated in an intervention, comprising sessions when they reviewed with a supervisor their consultations with the patients. These supervising sessions were videotaped and are investigated in this article. The supervisor's role was to make observations that could alter the professional's understanding of the diabetes consultation through video‐cued narrative reflection. Five overarching themes were identified from the content (the what‐aspect) of the intervention: medical problems; patient characteristics and reactions; patient education; the consultation as such; and the healthcare organization. The activities used in carrying out the intervention (the how‐aspect) were: confirmation and feedback; interpretation; reflective questioning; suggestions and corrections; and closed‐end questions or brief answers. It was hypothesized that this way of conducting reflective educational interventions would be beneficial for healthcare professionals when working with patients with various longstanding medical conditions, recognizing that a patient‐centred approach which included the patient's learning and possibilities for self‐management are more suitable for the chronic illness encounter.
Changes in farming and future prospects – technology and policy1
Authors: BUCKWELL ALLAN , ARMSTRONG‐BROWN SUE
Published: November 2004

The links between the drivers of change in farming structures and practices, the adoption of those practices and their environmental impacts are complex, multidimensional and dynamic, generally involving long time lags. We can visualize agriculture as having evolved, so far, through two eras: pre‐industrial and industrial. There are signs that we are now moving into a third generation: post‐industrial agriculture. This is outlined and illustrated. The thesis is that we are passing the apogee of environmental destructiveness in UK agriculture. The policy changes now in place in the new post‐Fischler CAP have the capacity to steer rural land use in a different and preferred direction. Of course, this outcome is not guaranteed.
Quantifying the effects of habitat structure on prey detectability and accessibility to farmland birds
Authors: BUTLER SIMON J. , GILLINGS SIMON
Published: November 2004

For species that rely on visual cues to detect prey items, increasing the structural complexity of a patch can greatly influence forager behaviour through consequent reductions in prey detectability and accessibility. These effects are likely to manifest themselves in terms of foraging site selection and there is plentiful evidence for preferential site selection for a suite of taxa. However, the underlying effects of habitat structure on foraging behaviour, which are likely to drive these observed site selections, are much less well understood. We present the results of two studies designed to quantify the effects of vegetation structure on prey detectability and accessibility to avian invertebrate feeders and granivores on farmland. There was a significant negative relationship between potential prey detectability and both distance and vegetation height in cereal crops and stubbles for Northern Lapwings Vanellus vanellus. The interscan distance travelled by Lapwings differed significantly between habitats, with longer distances travelled in cereal crops and harrowed compared with ploughed soil and grasses. The peck rate, head‐up rate and mean search period of foraging Chaffinches Fringilla coelebs were not affected by increasing vegetation structure but forager mobility was significantly reduced. We hope that by quantifying the effects of vegetation structure on prey detectability and accessibility we can highlight the importance of considering these factors, as well as prey abundance, when developing management strategies for farmland birds.
Reintroduction as a tool for population recovery of farmland birds
Authors: CARTER IAN , NEWBERY PETER
Published: November 2004

Conservation efforts in the United Kingdom have increasingly sought to restore the populations and ranges of birds affected by changes to their habitat or by direct human persecution. One approach is reintroduction, although this is likely to be appropriate in only a limited set of circumstances, involving a small number of species. This paper reviews the use of reintroduction as a tool for conserving birds associated with lowland farmland, highlighting the benefits of this approach to conservation, as well as the potential dangers. Two case studies are presented to illustrate how different reintroduction techniques are required, depending on the species involved and the donor stock available. The internationally agreed, though not legally binding, IUCN guidelines for reintroduction projects are summarized, together with the requirements of The Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981) in relation to the release of birds into the wild in Britain. Potential changes to current legislation are suggested, to prevent inappropriate and potentially damaging reintroduction projects from being carried out in the future.
The effect of sward height and drainage on Common Starlings Sturnus vulgaris and Northern Lapwings Vanellus vanellus foraging in grassland habitats
Authors: DEVEREUX CLAIRE L. , MCKEEVER CLAIRE U. , BENTON TIM G. , WHITTINGHAM MARK J.
Published: November 2004

Agricultural change is often cited as a causal factor in the decline of the UK's farmland birds because bird declines have mirrored changes in agricultural practices. Although much is known about the mechanisms driving population declines on arable systems, mechanisms in grassland systems are relatively poorly studied, despite receiving a similar degree of intensification. Agricultural intensification may affect bird declines by reducing food abundance or accessibility, forager mobility or predation risk. Here we examine experimentally the effects of sward height on the foraging behaviour of adult Common Starlings Sturnus vulgaris, and the effects of sward height and drainage on the behaviour of Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus chicks. Both species are declining across the UK and both forage in farmed grassland habitats, but they differ in their foraging methods because Starlings probe for soil invertebrates whereas Lapwing chicks glean prey from surfaces. Overall, after controlling for prey abundance, short swards were found to be more productive for both species. Prey capture rate within foraging bouts did not differ with sward height for Starlings, but Starlings spent more time foraging on short swards and captured 33.2% more prey. Starlings walked more steps on short swards. Lapwing chick foraging rates declined as sward height increased. Soil moisture was not found to be a predictor of Lapwing chick foraging rates within the observed range. Our results suggest that short swards are a more profitable foraging habitat for soil and surface invertebrate feeders. Short swards may facilitate surface prey detection, improve forager mobility and increase foraging time by altering vigilance patterns. Provision of short swards in areas where these are lacking could be simple method of improving foraging habitats for grassland birds.
The state of play of farmland birds: population trends and conservation status of lowland farmland birds in the United Kingdom
Authors: GREGORY RICHARD D. , G. NOBLE DAVID , CUSTANCE JOHN
Published: November 2004

Many bird species of lowland farmland have declined substantially in the United Kingdom over the past 30 years. Declines among farmland specialists are steeper than for generalists and were most rapid for these specialists in the 1970s and 1980s. These changes have been linked to increased agricultural intensification and are reflected in Red or Amber conservation concern status for many common farmland species, as well as for rarer ones. We review long‐ and short‐term population trends and the conservation status of lowland farmland birds in the UK using the latest available information from bird surveys, and examine patterns among species. Analyses of demographic parameters suggest broadly that the key factor driving population changes of seed‐eating and migrant birds is overwinter survival, whereas for many non‐passerine species population growth appears to be limited by productivity. Population trends for a suite of lowland farmland species were first combined in the UK Government's headline wild bird indicator published in 1998. This ‘Skylark index’ as it is sometimes known was intended to reflect the health of the wider countryside and struck a chord with the public and decision‐makers. We look at the behaviour of the composite indicator and explore the population dynamics of the increasing and declining species separately. Simple models of population growth in these groups are then used to explore plausible scenarios for delivering the Government's Public Service Agreement target to reverse the long‐term decline in the number of farmland birds by 2020.
Habitat use by seed‐eating birds: a scale‐dependent approach
Authors: ROBINSON ROBERT A. , HART JUSTIN D. , HOLLAND JOHN M. , PARROTT DAVE
Published: November 2004

The seedbank in arable farmland represents an important foraging resource for birds, particularly in grassland landscapes where alternative foraging opportunities may be scarce. We used a stepwise approach to examine the importance of seed food resources for farmland birds in winter. First, results from a large‐scale experiment in which seed resources were manipulated to test the notion that birds aggregate at food resources, subject to a minimum threshold level. Secondly, a multiscale approach was used to characterize habitat use at a landscape scale and how this may inform agri‐environment implementation. Overall seed resources declined sharply over the winter and were relatively low in most arable fields. Large‐scale declines in the arable seedbank mean that much habitat may not be of sufficient quality to support foraging bird populations through a winter. At a landscape scale, extensive analyses of breeding season abundance show that bird abundance is most influenced by arable (i.e. seed‐rich) habitat in grassland landscapes. The scale at which birds respond to habitat differs between species, and is related to the extent of between‐season movements. Implementation of agri‐environment schemes will need to consider both the quality of habitat and the context in which it is provided if recent declines in farmland bird populations are to be reversed.