bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automated single‐strand conformation polymorphism reveals low diversity of a Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II gene in the threatened New Zealand sea lion
Authors: Lento G. M. , Baker C. S. , David V. , Yuhki N. , Gales N. J. , O'Brien S. J. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractSingle‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of the second exon of the DQB gene in the endemic New Zealand sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri) was automated using fluorescently‐labelled PCR primers and a capillary sequencer. SSCP mobility profiles (n = 61 individuals) were confirmed by direct sequencing of genomic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products (n = 39). We found only two alleles defined by changes at a single codon of this apparently functional locus. SSCP at a constant temperature above ambient allowed consistent and rapid genotyping. By comparison, sequence‐based genotyping was highly dependent on the threshold used to identify secondary peaks indicative of a heterozygote.
Isolation and characterization of highly polymorphic microsatellite loci in the bladder campion, Silene vulgaris (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Juillet Nicolas , Freymond HervÉ , Degen Loïc , Goudet JÉrÔme 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThis study reports the isolation and characterization of seven highly polymorphic microsatellite loci in Silene vulgaris (Caryophyllaceae). The loci were isolated from two libraries constructed from genomic DNA enriched for CA and GA repeats. These markers yielded nine to 40 alleles per locus (mean 22.1) in a survey of 45 individuals from a single population located in the western Swiss Alps. Average observed heterozygosity ranged from 16.2 to 77.4%. These microsatellite loci should be valuable tools for studying fine‐scale genetic structure.
New tetranucleotide microsatellites for fine‐scale discrimination among endangered chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Authors: Greig Carolyn , Jacobson David P. , Banks Michael A. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe unambiguous identification of Central Valley spring‐run chinook salmon has become imperative since their proposed listing in 1998. The accuracy of methods used to assign individuals to their stock of origin is critical for understanding juvenile migration patterns and determining the success of protection measures. Existing microsatellites discriminate between the endangered winter‐run and other chinook but are insufficient to characterize phylogenetically less distinct runs. Here, we isolated and developed highly variable tetranucleotide microsatellites for the specific goal of increasing discriminatory power among closely related populations, providing a new power towards the reliable differentiation of nonwinter runs
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the tropical tree Jacaranda copaia (Bignoniaceae)
Authors: Jones F. A. , Hubbell S. P. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractWe isolated 10 microsatellite loci for Jacaranda copaia for direct measurement of seed and pollen movement within the 50 ha Forest Dynamics Plot on Barro Colorado Island, Panama, and for studies of population genetic structure and gene flow across the Isthmus of Panama. Enriched repeat libraries were screened for microsatellite repeats and polymorphic primer pairs were developed. A total of 110 adult individuals were screened for allelic diversity and loci showed high levels of heterozygosity. These loci show both high maternal and paternal exclusion probabilities.
Isolation and characterization of nuclear microsatellite loci in the anadromous marine fish Morone saxatilis
Authors: Brown K. M. , Baltazar G. A. , Weinstein B. N. , Hamilton M. B. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractMolecular genetic studies of population structure and gene flow are commonly employed in fish stock assessment and breeding population delineation. Genetically structured breeding populations may have different effective population sizes, distinct reproductive rates and variable susceptibility to harvesting or breeding habitat degradation. Nine microsatellite loci were isolated for Morone saxatilis (Moronidae), an anadromous fish inhabiting the mid‐Atlantic. Microsatellite loci were isolated with a subtractive hybridization method and will be used to estimate population structure. The loci averaged 8.5 alleles each. Seven loci in the Choptank population and two loci in the Potomac population deviated from Hardy–Weinberg expected frequencies of heterozygotes.
Microsatellite markers for paternity testing in fork‐marked lemurs (Phaner furcifer)
Authors: Hapke A. , Schülke O. , Zischler H. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractWe report the development of three new microsatellites and four transferred across‐species for fork‐marked lemurs (Phaner furcifer). Two markers were isolated from Cheirogaleus medius and one from Microcebus murinus. The transferred markers also originate from Cheirogaleus medius and Microcebus murinus. The seven markers were tested on 30 individuals of Phaner furcifer and have proven to be useful for inclusion and exclusion of potential parents. The markers presented here are the first published for application on Phaner furcifer.
Twelve microsatellites for two deep sea polychaete tubeworm species, Lamellibrachia luymesi and Seepiophila jonesi, from the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: McMullin E. R. , Wood J. , Hamm S. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe vestimentiferan tubeworms Lamellibrachia luymesi and Seepiophila jonesi are found at hydrocarbon seeps in the Gulf of Mexico. Primers for polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed from genomic libraries of L. luymesi (five loci) and from S. jonesi tissue (eight loci) and were used to screen individuals collected from nine northern Gulf of Mexico hydrocarbon seep sites. Loci had from four to more than 50 alleles with high expected levels of heterozygosity. Cross‐species amplification, tested on seven vestimentiferan species including both hydrothermal vent and cold seep species, was generally strong in similar species but weak in more genetically distant species.
Five polymorphic microsatellite markers for the Great Plains toad, Bufo cognatus
Authors: Gonzalez Zorisadday , Ray David A. , McAliley L. Rex , Gray Matthew J. , Perchellet Celine , Smith Loren M. , Densmore Llewellyn D. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractWe characterize five polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Great Plains toad, Bufo cognatus, which are being used as markers in a study of the genetics and structure of toad populations inhabiting playa lakes on the Llano Estacado plateau of Texas. Observed heterozygosity (HO) estimates for the toads ranged from 0.56 to 0.90, and expected heterozygosity (HE) estimates ranged from 0.85 to 0.95.
Characterization of nuclear microsatellites in New Caledonian Araucaria species
Authors: Robertson A. , Hollingsworth P. M. , Kettle C. J. , Ennos R. A. , Gardner M. F. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThirteen of the world's 19 species of Araucaria are endemic to the Pacific Ocean island of New Caledonia. In order to investigate the evolutionary biological processes underlying the radiation of the genus on the island we have developed a set of nuclear microsatellite loci. Using a membrane enrichment procedure, five loci have been developed (four derived from A. subulata DNA and one from A. rulei DNA) which amplified in A. columnaris. PCR products of the expected size were also produced in a very limited sample of eight other New Caledonian Araucaria species tested.
Identification and characterization of microsatellite DNA markers developed in ide Leuciscus idus and Siberian roach Rutilus rutilus
Authors: Barinova Anna , Yadrenkina Elena , Nakajima Masamichi , Taniguchi Nobuhiko 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe first five microsatellite markers for the ide, Leuciscus idus, and four microsatellite markers for the Siberian roach, Rutilus rutilus, were designed. Cross‐amplification of ide markers was examined in Siberian roach and vice versa. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to 13 in ide and from two to eight in roach. The expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.313 to 0.909 in ide and from 0.119 to 0.775 in roach. These markers could be used to evaluate the genetic population structure of these species and other fish from the Cyprinidae family.
Distribution, abundance and behaviour of Buller’s, Chatham Island and Salvin's Albatrosses off Chile and Peru
Authors: Spear Larry B. , Ainley David G. , Webb Sophie W. 
Published: December 2004

During 15 cruises between 1980 and 1995, we studied three species of albatross that nest in New Zealand but occur as non‐breeders along the Pacific coast of South America: Buller's Thalassarche bulleri, Chatham Island T. eremita, and Salvin's Albatross T. salvini. We logged 547 h of observation, surveying 7638 km2 of ocean surface, and recorded 86, 27, and 475 individuals, respectively, of the three species. Chatham Island and Salvin's Albatrosses occurred throughout the Humboldt Current, but habitats differed. Buller's and Salvin's Albatrosses preferred the continental slope, while Chatham Island Albatrosses frequented mostly pelagic waters. On a latitudinal basis, Salvin's Albatross distribution was skewed northward in the austral autumn and southward in spring; Chatham Island Albatross occurred southward during autumn, but was everywhere scarce in spring; and Buller's Albatross occurred almost exclusively in the south (30°S to 40°S) in both seasons. Upwelling and wind speed were positively correlated with densities of Buller's and Salvin's Albatrosses. Densities of Chatham Island Albatrosses also were positively correlated with wind speed, but they occurred further offshore in more stratified waters (with less mixing/upwelling) than did the other two. Pelagic population estimates for the Humboldt Current system, analysed using generalized additive models, peaked at 26 700 individuals for Buller's Albatross (95% confidence interval (CI) 13 100–37 100); 6790 for Chatham Island Albatross (CI 3900–11 100); and 133 100 for Salvin's Albatross (CI 82 800–183 600). Based on adult:subadult ratios observed in the study area, our best estimates for the number of wintering adults were 9100, 5800 and 114 400 birds, respectively, or 20%, 73% and 75% of the numbers estimated (44 500, 8000 and 153 300 birds) for the breeding populations at respective colonies. If we subtract from the autumn count the number of adult‐plumaged birds seen in spring (assumed to be non‐breeders), then respective percentages were 0%, 73% and 65%. Foraging locations and attraction by these birds to commercial fishing operations makes them susceptible to mortality as a result of the recent development of a long‐line fishery on the continental slope of Chile.
Movements by juvenile and immature Steller's Sea Eagles Haliaeetus pelagicus tracked by satellite
Authors: Mcgrady Michael J. , Ueta Mutsuyuki , Potapov Eugene R. , Utekhina Irina , Masterov Vladimir , Ladyguine Alexander , Zykov Vladimir , Cibor Jack , Fuller Mark , Seegar William S. 
Published: December 2004

Twenty‐four juvenile Steller's Sea Eagles Haliaeetus pelagicus were tracked via satellite from natal areas in Magadan, Kabarovsk, Amur, Sakhalin and Kamchatka. Nestling dispersal occurred between 9 September and 6 December (n = 24), mostly 14 September–21 October, and did not differ among regions or years. Most eagles made stopovers of 4–28 days during migration. Migration occurred 9 September–18 January, mostly along previously described routes, taking 4–116 days to complete (n = 18). Eagles averaged 47.8 km/day excluding stopovers; 22.9 km/day including stopovers. The mean degrees of latitude spanned during migration was: Kamchatka, 2.1; Magadan, 11.6; Amur, 7.3; and Sakhalin, 1.1. Eagle winter range sizes varied. Eagles concentrated in 1–3 subareas within overall winter ranges. The mean size of the first wintering subareas was 274 km2, the second 529 km2, and the third 1181 km2. Second wintering areas were south of first wintering areas. Spring migration started between 2 February and 31 March. Two eagles from Magadan were tracked onto summering grounds, well south of their natal areas. Both had early and late summering areas. One bird was followed for 25 months. It initiated its second autumn migration in the first half of October and arrived on its wintering grounds on 26 December. The second autumn migration covered 1839 km (20.9–22.4 km/day). Unlike its first winter when it used two subareas, this bird used only one subarea in 1998–99, but this was located near wintering areas used in 1997–98. It left its wintering ground between 13 April and 13 May, and arrived on its summering grounds between 7 June and 8 July. Unlike most satellite radiotracking studies, data are presented from a relatively large number of birds from across their breeding range, including new information on eagle movements on the wintering grounds and during the second year.
A detailed analysis of primary feather moult in the Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris– new feather mass increases at a constant rate
Authors: Dawson Alistair 
Published: December 2004

During moult, the rate that protein can be synthesized and used to grow new feathers must be a critical factor influencing the quality of new plumage. However, the rate that new feather mass accrues during moult has not been assessed in detail. To estimate this, the increase in length of each of the nine primary feathers (P1–P9) in 16 captive Common Starlings Sturnus vulgaris was measured at weekly intervals throughout moult. The rate of increase in length was similar for all primary feathers except P9, which increased more slowly. After completion of moult, these feathers were plucked, accurately measured and weighed. The distribution of mass along the length of each primary was assessed. Using these data, I estimated the rate that mass had increased for each feather during moult. For each individual primary, mass increased at a steady rate until almost fully grown. The rate of increase in mass was least for P1 and greatest for P9. The number of feathers growing concurrently decreased as moult progressed. The net result was that total new primary feather mass increased at a steady rate throughout most of moult (linear regression between start of growth of P2 and end of growth of P8; r2 = 0.991). Retrospective conversion of feather lengths into moult score showed that the increase in score was not linear. It was greatest early in moult and decreased as moult progressed. A scoring system that factors in distribution of mass within and between feathers may provide a more physiologically relevant measure of the progress of moult.
Legal issues in contact lens practice with special reference to the practice of orthokeratology
Authors: White Peter , Cho Pauline 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThis report aims to encourage optometrists to reflect on the legal implications of clinical contact lens practice, with particular reference to the practice of orthokeratology (ortho‐k), which has seen a recent revival of interest. A patient may claim compensation if an optometrist is negligent by breaching his duty to exercise reasonable care and skill in diagnosis, advice or treatment. However, the optometrist will only be liable for reasonably foreseeable harm to the patient, so practitioners need to be fully aware of the foreseeable risks. Failure to adequately inform the patient may lead to a claim for negligence, if disclosure of the risks would have influenced the patient's decision to undergo or forego the procedure. It is important that the professional bodies establish guidelines on acceptable practice, with particular emphasis on the provision of information to patients. Reasonable disclosure, use of appropriate information/consent forms, and proper documentation of cases, should all focus on the needs of, and benefits to, patients.
The streak retinoscopy pupil reflex in the presence of astigmatism
Authors: Smith G. , Haymes S. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractComputer simulation is being increasingly used as a teaching tool. Having developed a computer‐generated virtual focimeter, we are now in the process of developing a computer‐generated virtual streak retinoscope to teach the principles of retinoscopy and the effect of residual refractive error and mirror movement on the pupil reflex. One of the important requirements was to provide as accurate a simulation as possible for the completely general case of an astigmatic patient and a streak in any orientation being moved also in any orientation. This required a thorough understanding of the optical theory of the retinoscope and equations that describe the behaviour of the pupil reflex. We have taken this opportunity to review the optics of the streak retinoscope and derive equations for the behaviour of the pupil streak reflex.
The practice competency gap: challenges that impede the introduction of national core competencies
Authors: Scholes Julie , Endacott Ruth 
Published: December 2004

Summary

This paper reports the findings from a study commissioned by the English National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting (ENB), entitled Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Educational Preparation for Critical Care Nursing
One aim of the study was to generate evidence that incorporated the national perspective on the priorities for core competencies and a national threshold standard of the ENB critical care clinical awards. Although these courses are no longer validated by the professional statutory body, the findings illuminate some key insights into the current challenges facing providers and consumers of critical care education as well as into implications for all post‐registration education provision
The paper outlines how the study data were collected, how the core competencies were generated and the national consultation exercise and the levers and barriers that affect the introduction of core competencies. Other aspects of the study data are reported elsewhere (Scholes and Endacott, 2002)
Critical care staff rotation: outcomes of a survey and pilot study
Authors: Richardson Annette , Douglas Margaret , Shuttler Rachel , Hagland Martin R 
Published: December 2004

Summary

Staff rotation is defined as a reciprocal exchange of staff between two or more clinical areas for a predetermined period of time
The rationale for introducing a ‘Critical Care Nurse Rotation Programme’ includes important issues such as improving nurses’ knowledge and skills, providing development opportunities, networking, the ability to recruit and retain nurses and the provision of a more versatile and flexible workforce
To gain the understanding of nurses’ views and opinions on critical care rotation programmes, evidence was collected by means of questionnaires involving 153 critical care nurses and by undertaking semi‐structured interviews with four nurses
On the basis of the responses, a pilot of three Critical Care Nurse Rotation Programmes was introduced
An evaluation of the pilot project assessed participants, supervisors and senior nurses’ experience of rotation and revealed very positive experiences being reported
The benefits highlighted included improving clinical skills and experience, improving interdepartmental relationships, heightened motivation and opportunities to network. The disadvantages focused on the operational and managerial issues, such as difficulties maintaining supervision and providing an adequate supernumerary period
Evidence from the survey and pilot study suggests that in the future, providing rotational programmes for critical care nurses would be a valuable strategy for recruitment, retention and developing the workforce
Ms B and legal competence: examining the role of nurses in difficult ethico‐legal decision‐making
Authors: Goodman Benny 
Published: December 2004

Summary

The case of Ms B throws up some interesting issues regarding the role of the nurse in assisting patients in making and implementing their decisions
The High Court transcript makes it clear who the voices with influence in legal matters were, and why the decisions they took were made
Absent from the myriad voices is that of the profession of nursing. Are nurses silenced by professional boundaries, the legal framework or lack of confidence?
The concept of nursing advocacy is once again thrown into relief and critical questions need asking about the limits of professional nursing practice
Prevalence and Correlates of Depressive Symptoms in a Community Sample of People Suffering from Heart Failure
Authors: Turvey Carolyn L. , Schultz Kara , Arndt Stephan , Wallace Robert B. , Herzog Regula 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVES: To examine the rates and correlates of depressive symptoms and syndromal depression in people with self‐reported heart failure participating in a community study of people aged 70 and older.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional.SETTING: Community‐based epidemiological study of older people from the continental United States.PARTICIPANTS: Six thousand one hundred twenty‐five older people participating in the longitudinal study of Assets and Health Dynamics. Participants had to be born in 1923 or earlier.MEASUREMENTS: The short‐form Composite International Diagnostic Interview assessed syndromal depression, and a revised version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies—Depression scale assessed depressive symptoms. Medical illness was based on self‐report. The authors compared the rates of syndromal depression and individual depressive symptoms in people with self‐reported heart failure (n = 199) with those in people with other heart conditions (n = 1,856) and with no heart conditions (n = 4,070).RESULTS: Eleven percent of those with heart failure met criteria for syndromal depression, compared with 4.8% of people with other heart conditions and 3.2% of those with no heart conditions. The association between heart failure and depression held even after controlling for disability, reported fatigue and breathlessness, and number of comorbid chronic illnesses.CONCLUSION: Community‐living older people with self‐reported heart failure were at approximately twice the risk for syndromal depression of the rest of the community. Although fatigue and functional disability were also related to depression in this sample, these variables did not account for the association between syndromal depression and self‐reported heart failure.
Quality of Care of Medicare Beneficiaries with Acute Myocardial Infarction: Who Is Included in Quality Improvement Measurement?
Authors: Rathore Saif S. , Wang Yongfei , Radford Martha J. , Ordin Diana L. , Krumholz Harlan M. 
Published: December 2004

Objectives: To determine the proportion of older patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) incorporated in a commonly used set of AMI quality indicators.Design: Retrospective analysis of a medical record database.Setting: Nongovernmental U.S. acute care hospitals.Participants: Medicare patients hospitalized for AMI between January 1994 and February 1996.Measurements: Proportion of patients aged 65 and older classified as ideal candidates (without absolute or relative contraindications) for six Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services AMI quality indicators: aspirin (admission, discharge), beta‐blocker (admission, discharge), angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors at discharge, and time to reperfusion therapy.Results: Of the 149,996 patients eligible for admission therapies, 10.1% were ideal candidates for reperfusion therapy, 65.0% for aspirin, and 34.7% for beta‐blockers. Of the 116,919 patients eligible for discharge therapies, 47.7% were ideal candidates for aspirin, 17.6% for beta‐blockers, and 15.2% for ACE inhibitors. More than one‐quarter (26.8%) of all patients were ineligible for any of the six quality indicators; this proportion increased with age, ranging from 23.7% of patients aged 65 to 69 to 30.2% of patients aged 85 and older.Conclusion: A substantial proportion of older patients were not included in AMI process quality measurement, with the proportion excluded higher in successively older age groups. The data highlight the need for additional research to determine effective treatment strategies for patients for whom the evidence base for clinical decision‐making remains weak.