Actually, we tried the tetra-primer PCR method for all SNP polymorphisms because of its convenience, but the results from some testing markers were unstable among trials.
If these distances could not be removed before memory failure, then individual markers near the interval with extreme values of "Nearest Neighbor Fit" (a measure reported by JoinMap to indicate the compatibility of one marker between two flanking markers) were removed by trial and error (recalculating the genetic map after each iteration) (removed markers are listed in File S1).
The six cameras were strategically positioned in the laboratory to ensure that all anatomical markers were captured throughout the trial (see below).
Prior to walking trials, reflective markers were affixed to the hip, knee, ankle, heel, hallux, 1st metatarsal head and shoulder.
Prior to trackway trials, reflective markers were affixed to the hip, knee, ankle, heel, hallux, 1st metatarsal head, and shoulder.
Risk of bias and additional quality markers were assessed across all included trials (see onlilne supplementary file appendix 3).
Prior to trials, reflective markers were placed in line with the sternum and at the tip of the claw of the birds to allow determination of the start and end of a jump, respectively.
These additional markers were removed after the initial static trial.
Based on validated methods by Šenk and Chèze, due to the subcutaneous motion of the scapula, the trigonum spinae and inferior angle markers were only used during a static trial with the subject in anatomical position.
These markers were the stelae.
