bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of microsatellite markers for the critically endangered Limonium dufourii (Girard) Kuntze (Plumbaginaceae)
Authors: Palop‐Esteban M. , González‐Candelas F. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Limonium dufourii is an endemic plant from the eastern Mediterranean coast of Spain with a triploid chromosome number and apomictic reproduction. We have isolated and characterized 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci from an enriched library in order to investigate its population genetic structure. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci were screened in 120 individuals from the six extant populations of this species. They show an average of 5.76 alleles per locus, ranging from 2 to 18, with seven loci exhibiting heterozygosities larger than 0.60. Three loci present one single allele in each individual, whereas one locus presents three alleles in every individual analysed.
PCR‐based markers detect genetic variation at growth and immune function‐related loci in chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Authors: Docker Margaret F. , Heath Daniel D. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe developed seven polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based markers that detect genetic variation at loci related to growth (four) and immune function (three) in chinook salmon. One assay shows a length polymorphism following PCR; the others show restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR‐RFLP). Two alleles were detected in each assay, and the common alleles were found at frequencies of 0.67–0.95 in seven wild populations in British Columbia, Canada. These loci also amplified in other salmonid species. These markers, by detecting variation linked to genes with high fitness relevance, are expected to be useful in a range of theoretical and applied studies.
Characterization of microsatellite loci inCoenonympha hero(Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
Authors: Cassel Anna 
Published: March 2003

AbstractMicrosatellite markers are suitable tools for studying dispersal pattern among local populations. I report on the characterization of seven polymorphic microsatellite loci in the scarce heath butterfly (Coenonympha hero), from one unenriched and one enriched genomic library. Number of alleles ranged from two to 20 when 108 individuals from seven populations were screened.HOranged from 0.140 to 0.889. Primers were also tested on three other butterfly species. Amplification was successful for all loci inErebia triaria, while only one gave products inMaculinea alconandMaculinea rebeli.To my knowledge, these are the first microsatellite markers published in theNymphalidaesubfamilySatyrinae.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellites in the Adriatic sturgeon (Acipenser naccarii)
Authors: Zane Lorenzo , Patarnello Tomaso , Ludwig Arne , Fontana Francesco , Congiu Leonardo 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe isolated and characterized seven polymorphic microsatellite loci from a partial genomic library of the Adriatic sturgeon (Acipenser naccarii) enriched for GATA repeats. Variability was tested in 20 specimens of this endangered species. Our data support the tetraploid condition for A. naccarii and will be useful for the investigation of the remnant genetic variability of this species as well as for genetic tagging studies.
Identification of microsatellite loci in lake sturgeon, Acipenser fulvescens, and their variability in green sturgeon, A. medirostris
Authors: Welsh Amy B. , Blumberg Marc , May Bernie 
Published: March 2003

AbstractFrom (CATC)n, (GATA)n, (AAAC)n, and (CA)n–enriched libraries for the lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens, 254 primer pairs were developed. These primer pairs resulted in the identification of 128 microsatellite loci in either A. fulvescens or A. medirostris. Polymorphic loci were identified in both sturgeon species for 48 of the primer pairs and 14 of the primer pairs amplified polymorphic loci only in A. medirostris. Most of the identified loci appear to be tetrasomic (79.1% in A. fulvescens and 64.5% in A. medirostris). These results offer estimates of the degree of diploidization in each of these species.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers from the mosquito Anopheles moucheti, malaria vector in Africa
Authors: Annan Z. , Kengne P. , Berthomieu A. , Antonio‐Nkondjio C. , Rousset F. , Fontenille D. , Weill M. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Anopheles moucheti is a major human malaria vector in Equatorial Africa. The screening of an Anopheles moucheti genomic microsatellite library allowed us to select 36 sequences with AC/GT dinucleotide tandem repeats. Primer pairs were designed to amplify the loci and 25 out of 36 gave a repeatable and scorable amplification. In total, 17 loci were selected for their high degree of polymorphism (the number of alleles per locus ranged from four to 16, and observed heterozygosity from 0.43 to 0.87) and suspicion of absence of null alleles, using 30 wild females from South‐Cameroon. No linkage disequilibrium was found between the loci.
Isolation and characterization of eight microsatellite loci from silver‐lipped pearl oyster Pinctada maxima
Authors: Smith C. , Benzie J. A. H. , Wilson K. J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe have developed di‐ and tetra‐nucleotide microsatellite markers for the silver‐lipped pearl oyster Pinctada maxima. Screening of approximately 50 000 clones resulted in the identification of 74 microsatellites. Fluorescent PCR was optimized for eight polymorphic loci. In a sample of 1637 individuals, these eight loci possessed between 14 and 68 alleles (average 29.8), with observed and expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.479 to 0.891 and 0.872 to 0.972, respectively.
Characterization of microsatellite loci in the wall lizard Podarcis muralis (Sauria: Lacertidae)
Authors: Nembrini M. , Oppliger A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn natural populations the mating success of males depends on different factors. By enhancing the intensity of secondary sexual characters, testosterone can play a role in mate choice. However, paradoxically, testosterone can also decrease immunocompetence and thus potentially diminish attractiveness. To estimate the influence of testosterone on male mating success in the wall lizard, Podarcis muralis, we characterized nine polymorphic microsatellite loci. There were three to 12 alleles per locus in the five to 16 individuals screened. These microsatellites will also be useful in determining population structure in this species.
A11. UV‐related skin hazards: allergic photodermatitis
Authors: Pigatto Paolo , Persichini Zerboni Roberto Paola 
Published: March 2003

Cases of dermatitis induced by exposure to ultra‐violet radiation are increasingly encountered in clinical practice, with contact allergic photodermatitis accounting for about 10% of cases. Its frequency seems to be increasing, not only as a result of the increased use of cosmetic products and contact with some of the materials of working processes, but above all because of the greater exposure to both natural and artificial sources of UV radiation. Many substances have been defined ‘photo‐allergising’ but their exact prevalence has varied over the years with the introduction and use of new substances in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. For these, and other reasons, there are few studies concerning the prevalence and incidence of contact allergic photodermatitis in Italy.A total of 2160 patients with clinical histories suggestive of photoallergic contact dermatitis were seen. All patients underwent photopatch tests with haptens proposed by the Gruppo Italiano Ricerca Dermatiti da Contatto plus other substances suggested by each patient's history. 518 patients (24%) were positive to at least one test substance of the standard series or to added substances. Typical photoallergic reactions were seen in 423 subjects, representing 19.5% of the total population.Topical drugs are the substances most frequently involved in photodermatitis. The incidence in our population was about equal for antimicrobial agents, additives to fragrances, and fragrances themselves. Other allergens frequently found were sun screening agents which were the second group of haptens with clear‐cut relevance.
Facilitating interprofessional learning for medical and nursing students in clinical practice
Authors: Guest Christine , Smith Lynda , Bradshaw Maureen , Hardcastle Wendy 
Published: March 2003

AbstractMedical students at the University of Sheffield have, in the past, spent time on children's wards as part of their clinical rotation in paediatrics. This has largely been seen as a means of increasing their understanding of the role of nurses in order to facilitate professional relationships. Literature would tend to support this view and identifies that closer cooperation and joint training might alleviate some of the differences and divisions between the two professional groups. In order to enhance this experience, a collaborative proposal between the Medical and Nursing Schools and the Sheffield Children's Hospital was put forward that involved each medical student having one ‘nursing day’, during which they would be ‘buddied’ by a senior nursing student in the placement area. This would involve the medical student shadowing and working alongside the nursing student to experience the realities of nursing practice and maximize opportunities for shared learning. As part of the day a joint seminar, facilitated by nursing lecturers, is held in the afternoon on topics relevant to all professional groups working with children to facilitate reflection, discussion and shared learning. It is clear from observing these seminars and from the evaluations of both medical and nursing students that adopting this interprofessional approach to learning is successful in terms of:

mutual respect;
understanding each others’ roles;
enhanced medical experience of the medical student and ability to practice basic care skills, and
student nurses developing their teaching and mentoring skills in practice

Follow‐up contact with the students involved has revealed that by spending time together in this way, ongoing contact during the remaining clinical rotation was enhanced as the relationship was continued. Ongoing developments have seen cross‐boundary sessions, which involve medical students coming along to the School of Nursing and sharing in lectures delivered by medical staff. Initiatives such as these, by working across professional boundaries, can only be beneficial in providing truly holistic care to the child and family.
Two deficits and a solution? Explicating and evaluating clinical facilitation using consultative methods and multiple stakeholder perspectives
Authors: Ellis Roger , Hogard Elaine 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis paper describes an evaluation of an 18 month pilot scheme for clinical facilitators (CFs) in the acute medical and surgical wards of a consortium's hospital trusts. The CFs were appointed to address two perceived deficits: the deficit in nursing skills showed by newly qualified Project 2000 nurses, and the deficit in supervision for clinical placement following the move of schools of nursing into higher education, the abolition of the clinical tutor and the increased workload on ward staff. The CFs were intended to enhance the competence of pre‐registration nursing students on clinical placement. The evaluation used a three‐pronged approach covering outcomes, process and multiple stakeholder perspectives. Outcome measures proved the most intractable, reflecting widespread problems in nurse education of specification and assessment. The process of clinical facilitation was investigated using consultative methods with the CFs themselves. On the basis of in‐depth interviews with the CFs, a four‐level model of clinical facilitation was developed that included, at its first level, the direct supervision of students in the ward. This supervisory role was characterized by six main teaching methods described by the CFs. These methods and the work of the CFs were evaluated through interviews, focus groups and questionnaires with key stakeholders: students; clinical staff, and university staff. Differences were found in the ranking by students, ward staff and university staff of the teaching methods and of the staff involved in practice learning. Within a generally positive evaluation of the work of the CFs, concerns were expressed regarding communication. University staff tended to evaluate the CFs less positively than did students and ward staff. Further research is recommended regarding those involved in the supervision of practice and the outcomes of their activities.
Molecular phylogenetics and the historical biogeography of dippers (Cinclus)
Authors: Voelker Gary 
Published: March 2003

I used combined sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome b and ND2 genes to determine the molecular phylogenetic relationships of all five extant species of dipper (Cinclus), as well as the relationships of Cinclidae to postulated nearest relatives. All methods of analysis resulted in a single best tree of dipper relationships, uniting the two South American taxa (as sisters) with the single North American exemplar, and the two Eurasian taxa forming a sister clade to the New World taxa. Further, each tree identified thrushes (Turdidae) as the closest relative to Cinclidae. Based on relationships within Cinclus, a Eurasian ancestral area is proposed, with subsequent movement into the New World. Dating of species divergences suggest that dippers arose approximately 4 mya, and achieved their present continental distributions soon after.
On the taxonomic status and denomination of the Iberian Chiffchaffs
Authors: Salomon Marc , Voisin Jean‐François , Bried Joël 
Published: March 2003

We carried out a Principal Component Analysis on 196 Iberian and Common Chiffchaffs of both sexes (live and collection specimens), characterized by seven variables derived from wing, tarsus and bill measures. This method, complemented by colour comparison of the taxa, led us to the following conclusions. (1) Phyllopneuste brehmii, Homeyer, 1871, is a junior synonym of Sylvia collybita, Vieillot, 1817. The correct name for the Iberian Chiffchaff is Phylloscopus ibericus (Ticehurst 1937). (2) P. ibericus is itself represented by two subspecies: the southern form P. i. ibericus (Ticehurst 1937), and the northern form, for which we propose the name P. i. biscayensis ssp. nov. (3) The Common and Iberian Chiffchaffs are very distinct in the contact zone. But an overall geographical variation following Bergmann's and Allen's rules within both taxa generates an ecomorphological convergence, i.e. P. i. ibericus and the populations of P. c. collybita from northern central Europe have similar sizes. This may explain why previous authors were unable to diagnose the two taxa on morphological criteria alone.
Fixation disparity, accommodation, dark vergence and dark focus during inclined gaze*
Authors: Jaschinski Wolfgang , Koitcheva Vera , Heuer Herbert 
Published: March 2003

SummaryWe investigated several oculomotor functions at different angles of vertical inclination of the gaze direction from 15 deg upwards to 45 deg downwards. The mean accommodative resting state (measured in a dark visual field) increased when the eyes or the head were declined from 0 to 45 deg. Fixation disparity (the vergence error in minutes of arc relative to the principle visual directions) became more eso when a fusion target at a viewing distance of 40  cm was lowered: declining the gaze by 45 deg changed mean fixation disparity by 1.8  min arc with eye inclination (keeping the head upright), and by 0.9  min arc with head inclination (with eye position unchanged relative to the head). When the eyes were lowered, the individual rate of eso change in fixation disparity was correlated with the amount of the subjects’ near shifts in the resting position of vergence, measured in darkness. Significant test‐retest correlations between repeated measurements showed that the effects of eye inclination on vergence varied in a reproducible way among individuals with good binocular vision.
The effect of monochromatic aberrations on Autoref R‐1 readings
Authors: Collins Michael 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe Canon Autoref R‐1 is used extensively to investigate aspects of the accommodation response of the human eye. The measurement zone of the Autoref R‐1 is known to lie outside the central pupil and the instrument's readings are therefore potentially influenced by the monochromatic aberrations of the eye. Since these aberrations are known to change as a function of accommodation, the error associated with the aberrations might influence the stimulus–response slope. We used masks and contact lenses with known amounts of spherical aberration to establish the region of the pupil used by the Autoref R‐1 in deriving a reading of the refractive power of the eye. This region was estimated to be narrowly centred on a 3.5‐mm diameter. The spherical aberration of the eye was measured for five subjects across a range of accommodation levels and used to predict the likely effect upon Autoref R‐1 readings. Positive spherical aberration will result in an apparent lead of accommodation, while negative spherical aberration causes an apparent lag of accommodation. For eyes with normal levels of spherical aberration, the slope of the stimulus–response will appear to be marginally flatter when measured with the Autoref R‐1. An example of an eye with coma‐like aberrations is also shown to produce Autoref R‐1 results that will differ significantly from more central refractive measurements.
Repeatability of corneal thickness measurements made by a scanning slit topography system
Authors: Cho Pauline , Cheung Sin Wan 
Published: March 2003

AbstractTwo sets of corneal thickness (CT) measurements at five corneal locations were made with Orbscan on 33 normal young adults. No significant intravisit and intervisit differences at any of the corneal locations were found (Repeated measures anova, F < 0.49, p > 0.49). The 95% limits of agreement (95% LA) for between‐measurement differences for the central cornea was about ±19 μm (or 3%), indicating good repeatability; for the inferior, temporal and nasal corneal locations, the 95% LA were close to ±30 μm (≈4–5%); and for the superior corneal location, they were about ±35 μm (or 5.5%). The estimated number of repeated measurements that should be taken for accurate CT measurements (at any of the five corneal locations and excluding outliers of >3 S.D.) of 2% (standard error) is ≤2, and of 3% is 1. This study shows that only central CT measurements with the Orbscan are repeatable. The role of the Orbscan pachometry is therefore limited and is recommended for central CT measurements only.
Errors in the visual perception of size in left hemi‐Parkinson's disease
Authors: Harris J. P. , Atkinson E. A. , Fowler M. S. , Lee A. C. , Nithi K. 
Published: March 2003

Purpose:  Although Parkinson's disease (PD) has been considered to be primarily a motor disorder, there is increasing evidence for perceptual abnormality in the illness, which might impair the visual control of movements. We investigated how the perceived size of visual stimuli in PD depends on their position in external space, as well as on the involvement of the right hemisphere.Methods:  Patients with mild/moderate idiopathic PD were allocated to a primarily left‐ or a primarily right‐sided group (LPD, RPD; n = 7 or 8 in different experiments) from the severity of tremor, rigidity, and akinesia in the left and right limbs. The ratio of severity of symptoms between the worse and least affected side averaged more than 3 : 1. In a method of constant stimuli, observers judged whether the width or height of a (variable) rectangle in one region of space was greater than that of a (standard) rectangle in another region. Psychometric functions were fitted to each observer's data by probit analysis, from which the mean (point of subjective equality) and slope were obtained.Results:  In LPD (but not RPD or controls) rectangles in left space had to be wider than identical rectangles in right space, and rectangles in right space narrower than identical rectangles in left space, to be perceived as of equal width. Similarly, a rectangle in lower space had to be shorter than an identical rectangle in upper space to be perceived as of equal height, whether the rectangles were positioned in right or in left space.Conclusions:  The results are consistent with a perceptual compression of objects in left and upper space in LPD (but not in RPD), implicating right‐hemisphere dopaminergic mechanisms in the visual perception of size. The effects are small (about 4%) but may be important in the visual control of precise movements in LPD.
Habitual binocular performance and vision‐related quality of life
Authors: Patel R. , Pardhan S. , Hobbiss A. , Gilchrist J. 
Published: March 2003

Purpose:  Binocular summation (binocular sensitivity > monocular sensitivity) and binocular inhibition (binocular sensitivity < monocular sensitivity) have been shown in various laboratory and clinical situations. The occurrence of habitual binocular summation/inhibition is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate binocular performance in 100 ‘ocularly normal’ subjects over the age of 45 years attending an optometric practice. In addition, very little data exist on habitual quality of life (QOL) scores in normal subjects. We aimed to investigate whether binocular performance for different visual tasks affected QOL scores.Methods:  Right eye, left eye and binocular contrast sensitivity (CS), near and distance logMAR acuity (VA), and face recognition (FR) were measured. Vision‐related quality of life (QOL) scores were measured using the standard NEI–VFQ 25 questionnaire.Results:  Habitual binocular summation ratios were similar to those reported under laboratory conditions. Binocular summation ratios for visual acuity were 26%, 47% for CS and 11% for FR. Binocular inhibition was shown by 12 subjects with VA, seven people in CS and 31 subjects with FR. No significant associations were shown between the summation ratios of distance VA, near VA, CS & FR and the 13 different QOL categories.Conclusions:  Face recognition showed the poorest summation as it falls under the complex pattern recognition known to produce lower summation under laboratory conditions. Binocular summation ratios were not significantly associated with either the age of the subject or to the differences between the two eyes. The lack of correlation between binocular summation ratios and QOL was because of the high scores shown by the normal subjects.