bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in childhood and adolescence – strategies to prevent sudden death
Authors: Östman‐Smith Ingegerd
Published: August 2010

Clinically overt hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common cause of sudden unexpected death in childhood and has significantly higher sudden death mortality in the 8‐ to 16‐year age range than in the 17‐ to 30‐year age range. A combination of electrocardiographic risk factors (a limb‐lead ECG voltage sum >10 mV) and/or a septal wall thickness >190% of upper limit of normal for age (z‐score > 3.72) defines a paediatric high‐risk patient with great sensitivity. Syncope, blunted blood pressure response to exercise, non‐sustained ventricular tachycardia and a malignant family history are additional risk factors. Of the medical treatments used, only beta‐blocker therapy with lipophilic beta‐blockers (i.e. propranolol, metoprolol or bisoprolol) have been shown to significantly reduce risk of sudden death, with doses ≥6 mg/kg BW in propranolol equivalents giving around a tenfold reduction in risk. Disopyramide therapy is a very useful adjunct to beta‐blockers to improve prognosis in those patients that have dynamic outflow obstruction in spite of large doses of beta‐blocker, and its use in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is not associated with significant pro‐arrhythmia mortality. Calcium‐channel blockers increase the risk of heart failure‐associated death in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients with severe generalized hypertrophy and should be avoided in such patients. Amiodarone does not protect against sudden death, and long‐term use in children usually has to be terminated because of side effects. Therapy with internal cardioverter defibrillator implantation has high paediatric morbidity, 27% incidence of inappropriate shocks, and does not absolutely protect against mortality but is indicated as secondary prevention or in very high‐risk patients.
Applications of microemulsions in cosmetics
Authors: Boonme Prapaporn
Published: August 2010

Since microemulsions were discovered approximately six decades ago, their applications in several fields, including cosmetics, have been increased due to their good appearance, thermodynamic stability, high solubilization power, and ease of preparation. In addition, microemulsions can enhance skin permeation of the loaded substances. They are classified into three types: oil‐in‐water, bicontinuous, and water‐in‐oil. All types of microemulsions can be formed spontaneously when the ratios of oil, water, and amphiphile in the systems are appropriate. These proper ratios can be found in a microemulsion region of a phase diagram. The efficiency of microemulsions in topical application is related to microemulsion type. Microemulsion characterization needs a combination of the data from several experimental techniques. Numerous applications of cosmetic microemulsions include skin‐care, hair‐care, and personal‐care products for improving the product efficiency and stability. Moreover, new materials have been developed to be used in cosmetic microemulsion formulations for increasing the product efficiency and reducing the toxicity. The aim of this review is to present some basic information of microemulsions and novel applications of microemulsions in cosmetic formulations.
Role of liquid nitrogen alone compared with combination of liquid nitrogen and intralesional triamcinolone acetonide in treatment of small keloids
Authors: Sharma Saurabh , Bhanot Ashish , Kaur Amarjit , Dewan Suraj Parkash
Published: August 2010

Keloids are well‐defined fibrous tissue overgrowths extending beyond the original defects. The purpose of our study was to compare the efficacy of liquid nitrogen cryosurgery alone with liquid nitrogen cryosurgery and intralesional triamcinolone acetonide combination. Study on 60 clinically diagnosed lesions of keloids from 21 patients was conducted to compare the efficacy of liquid nitrogen cryosurgery alone. The statistical analysis shows synergistic action of cryosurgery and corticosteroids may offer promise in the treatment.
Marginal traction alopecia severity score: development and test of reliability
Authors: Khumalo N P , Ngwanya R M , Jessop S , Gumedze F , Ehrlich R
Published: August 2010

Background  Traction alopecia (TA) is common in African females. Although hairstyles are thought to be causal, the contribution of individual hairstyling variables to TA severity has not been quantified. The aim of the current study was to develop a severity scoring system (M‐TAS score) for marginal TA, the commonest form of this disorder, and to test its reliability.

Method  The margins of the scalp were divided into anterior and posterior with an imaginary line joining the tips of both ears. The anterior and posterior hairlines were further divided into three using the temporalis muscles and mastoid processes at the hairline as landmarks, respectively. Each examiner assessed each of the six areas. If any were found to have TA, the severity was scored using an examiner assessed system (tested once) or a picture matched score (tested twice). Ten and eight female patients with TA of varying severity were assessed by 11 and 9 examiners (dermatologists, dermatology trainees, and nurses), respectively.

Results  The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for interobserver agreement was larger with photograph‐matched scores than with examiner estimated scores reaching substantial (0.61–0.80) and excellent (0.81–100) agreement for both anterior and posterior scores irrespective of level of skill of examiner. The ICC for intraobserver agreement with the photograph matched scores was 0.99.

Limitations  The diagnosis of normal margin was excellent for the anterior yet poor for the posterior margin with photograph scores. The M‐TAS score is not for diagnosis but to assess severity.

Conclusion  The photograph‐based M‐TAS score requires validation with larger samples but could be a useful research tool for elucidating disease prevalence and determinants of TA as well for monitoring response to treatment.
Threading warts: a beauty parlor dermatosis
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Zawar Vijay
Published: August 2010

Threading is a common beauty parlor procedure usually performed to shape the eyebrows and remove unwanted facial hair for cosmetic reasons. Appearance of warts at the site of threading is an unusual phenomenon. We report two such cases, first as koebnerization from the initial lesion elsewhere on the patient's body and second, possibly from the infected material at the beauty parlor. We emphasize the importance of identification of this condition and discuss its dermatological and cosmetological perspectives.
Can ecosystem services be integrated with conservation? A case study of breeding waders on grassland
Authors: RHYMER CAROLINE M. , ROBINSON ROBERT A. , SMART JENNIFER , WHITTINGHAM MARK J.
Published: August 2010

We review published studies to show that changes in soil moisture levels have significant impacts on a range of wading bird species that use UK lowland grassland, including wet grassland, and obtain their food predominantly by probing the soil. We examine both the hydrological and the ecological literature and assess how management options could alter (1) ecosystem services (via water quality and flooding) and (2) habitat quality for wading birds. The combination of biodiversity goals with broader ecosystem services has been widely advocated and we suggest that appropriate management at multiple scales (e.g. small‐scale: ponds; large‐scale: integrated washlands) could potentially provide both ecosystem services and habitat for wading grassland birds. However, there is only a limited base of evidence on which to assess the potential linkage between these two areas, particularly for non‐wading bird species. Future work should be directed at identifying (1) how crop yield, ecosystem services and biodiversity relate to each other, (2) the extent of land needed to be managed to benefit these multiple purposes and bring about measurable gain (e.g. one or two ponds may make significant inroads in reducing run‐off and pollution but make little difference to wading birds) and (3) solutions to the challenges of setting up management options at large spatial scales (e.g. catchments).
Use of TLC‐FID and GC‐MS/FID to examine the effects of migratory state, diet and captivity on preen wax composition in White‐throated Sparrows Zonotrichia albicollis
Authors: THOMAS RAYMOND H. , PRICE EDWIN R. , SEEWAGEN CHAD L. , MACKENZIE STUART A. , BERNARDS MARK A. , GUGLIELMO CHRISTOPHER G.
Published: August 2010

Preen wax is important for plumage maintenance and other functions. Its chemical composition is complex, and separating and quantifying its components, commonly by gas chromatography (GC), can be challenging. We present a simple analytical system consisting of thin‐layer chromatography/flame ionization detection (TLC‐FID) using a solvent system of 100% toluene to analyse the complex compound classes present in preen wax. We used GC and TLC‐FID to investigate the effects of migratory status, diet and captivity on the preen wax composition of White‐throated Sparrows Zonotrichia albicollis, and to measure the quantity of preen wax on the head, primary and tail feathers. White‐throated Sparrows produced preen wax containing only monoesters regardless of migratory state. The monoesters contained several isomers consisting of homologous series of fatty alcohols (C10–C20) and fatty acids (C13–C19) esterified together in different combinations to form monoesters with total carbon numbers ranging from C23 to C38. Weighted average monoester carbon number was greater in captive birds than in wild birds and was greater in captives fed a formulated diet enriched with sesame oil than in birds fed the same diet enriched with fish oil. Captivity and migratory state also affected the complexity of the mixture of monoesters. There was significantly more preen wax on head feathers compared with primary and tail feathers. We suggest that among its many functions, preen wax may play a role in drag reduction by affecting the physical properties of feathers, and/or the fluid flow at their surfaces.
Measurement and mathematical modelling of elastic and resistive lung mechanical properties studied at sinusoidal expiratory flow
Authors: Bitzén Ulrika , Niklason Lisbet , Göransson Ingegerd , Jonson Björn
Published: August 2010

Elastic pressure/volume (Pel/V) and elastic pressure/resistance (Pel/R) diagrams reflect parenchymal and bronchial properties, respectively. The objective was to develop a method for determination and mathematical characterization of Pel/V and Pel/R relationships, simultaneously studied at sinusoidal flow–modulated vital capacity expirations in a body plethysmograph. Analysis was carried out by iterative parameter estimation based on a composite mathematical model describing a three‐segment Pel/V curve and a hyperbolic Pel/R curve. The hypothesis was tested that the sigmoid Pel/V curve is non‐symmetric. Thirty healthy subjects were studied. The hypothesis of a non‐symmetric Pel/V curve was verified. Its upper volume asymptote was nearly equal to total lung capacity (TLC), indicating lung stiffness increasing at high lung volume as the main factor limiting TLC at health. The asymptotic minimal resistance of the hyperbolic Pel/R relationship reflected lung size. A detailed description of both Pel/V and Pel/R relationships was simultaneously derived from sinusoidal flow–modulated vital capacity expirations. The nature of the Pel/V curve merits the use of a non‐symmetric Pel/V model.
Divergence or convergence? From ever‐growing to ever‐slowing European legislative decision making
Authors: KÖNIG THOMAS
Published: August 2010

Abstract.  This article examines different views of the European Union (EU) legislative decision‐making process through a quantitative analysis of all Commission proposals initiated between 1984 and 1999. Using the positions of Member States, the analysis is innovative in two respects: the identification of the relative importance of institutions and preferences for the process of EU legislative decision making, and the empirical evaluation of the ongoing theoretical controversy between constructivists and spatial analysts about the converging or diverging effect of Member State positions. The findings reveal that the process of EU legislative integration is significantly slowing down, even though Council qualified majority voting facilitates decision making while parliamentary participation modestly increases the duration. Against the constructivist claims of convergence, the results show that the divergence of Member State positions significantly determines the duration of the legislative process, in particular in the key domains of EU integration: the larger the distance between the Member States' positions, the longer the EU decision‐making process takes. This suggests that the accession of countries with diverging positions will slow down the EU's legislative process, but institutional reform of the Council's decision‐making threshold is a promising solution for coping with this effect.
Emodin, a natural product, selectively inhibits 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and ameliorates metabolic disorder in diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Feng Ying , Huang Su‐ling , Dou Wei , Zhang Song , Chen Jun‐hua , Shen Yu , Shen Jian‐hua , Leng Ying
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 11β‐Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β‐HSD1) is an attractive therapeutic target of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Emodin, a natural product and active ingredient of various Chinese herbs, has been demonstrated to possess multiple biological activities. Here, we investigated the effects of emodin on 11β‐HSD1 and its ability to ameliorate metabolic disorders in diet‐induced obese (DIO) mice.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Scintillation proximity assay was performed to evaluate inhibition of emodin against recombinant human and mouse 11β‐HSDs. The ability of emodin to inhibit prednisone‐ or dexamethasone‐induced insulin resistance was investigated in C57BL/6J mice and its effect on metabolic abnormalities was observed in DIO mice.

KEY RESULTS Emodin is a potent and selective 11β‐HSD1 inhibitor with the IC50 of 186 and 86 nM for human and mouse 11β‐HSD1, respectively. Single oral administration of emodin inhibited 11β‐HSD1 activity of liver and fat significantly in mice. Emodin reversed prednisone‐induced insulin resistance in mice, whereas it did not affect dexamethasone‐induced insulin resistance, which confirmed its inhibitory effect on 11β‐HSD1 in vivo. In DIO mice, oral administration of emodin improved insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism, and lowered blood glucose and hepatic PEPCK, and glucose‐6‐phosphatase mRNA.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This study demonstrated a new role for emodin as a potent and selective inhibitor of 11β‐HSD1 and its beneficial effects on metabolic disorders in DIO mice. This highlights the potential value of analogues of emodin as a new class of compounds for the treatment of metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes.
Managing fodder trees as a solution to human–livestock food conflicts and their contribution to income generation for smallholder farmers in southern Africa
Authors: Chakeredza Sebastian , Hove Lewis , Akinnifesi Festus K. , Franzel Steven , Ajayi Oluyede C. , Sileshi Gudeta
Published: August 2010

Livestock production is an integral part of smallholder farming systems in southern Africa. While goats and sheep play some role in the smallholder farmer household economy, cattle are the predominant livestock species supplying draught power, milk, manure and meat. Production of cattle is based on range grazing. However, the nutritive value of the range is generally low depending on vegetation type and season. With the rapid increase in human population in southern Africa and the increasing need to produce staple food on a sustainable basis, smallholder farmers are increasingly encroaching onto lands formerly reserved for livestock grazing. Therefore, livestock subsisting on the range require supplementation. Conventional bought‐in supplements are expensive. Fodder trees and shrubs have been integrated within some farming systems of southern Africa as fodder banks with varying degrees of success. Work carried out in Tanzania, Malawi and Zimbabwe is reviewed to provide evidence on how the fodder tree technology has impacted on livestock production with special reference to smallholder dairy production, human food production and smallholder farmers’ income. For the wider adoption of the technology, a synopsis of the different scaling up pathways and approaches adopted by research and development agencies is presented.
Sustainable agriculture and eradication of rural poverty in Pakistan
Authors: Bhutto Abdul Waheed , Bazmi Aqeel Ahmed
Published: August 2010

Poverty is rampant in the rural areas of Pakistan, where people are in a state of deprivation with regard to incomes, clothing, housing, healthcare, education, sanitary facilities and human rights. Agriculture generates nearly 20.9 percent of the country's GDP and provides employment for 43.4 percent of its workforce. Most importantly, 65.9 percent of the population living in rural areas is directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. Rising population, shrinking agricultural land, increasing demand for water resources, widespread land degradation and inadequate infrastructure appear to be major concerns of the agriculture sector in Pakistan. An attempt has been made to examine the population growth–agriculture growth–poverty alleviation linkage. It is argued that agriculture will continue to be one of the most important sectors of Pakistan's economy for years to come. To alleviate poverty, it is suggested that Pakistan enhance the productivity of the agriculture sector through the provision of a series of inputs including provision of easy credit to the small farmer, availability of quality fertilizers and pesticides, tractor and harvester services, improvement in the effectiveness of the vast irrigation system and, finally, farmer education. It is concluded that the high rate of population growth needs to be curbed for increased agricultural productivity to have any significant effect on poverty in rural areas of Pakistan.
Enhanced learning from multi‐stakeholder partnerships: Lessons from the Enabling Rural Innovation in Africa programme
Authors: Sanginga Pascal C. , Chitsike Colletah A. , Njuki Jemimah , Kaaria Susan , Kanzikwera Rogers
Published: August 2010

Despite increasing interest and support for multi‐stakeholder partnerships, empirical applications of participatory evaluation approaches to enhance learning from partnerships are either uncommon or undocumented. This paper draws lessons on the use of participatory self‐reflective approaches that facilitate structured learning on processes and outcomes of partnerships. Such practice is important to building partnerships, because it helps partners understand how they can develop more collaborative and responsive ways of managing partnerships. The paper is based on experience with the Enabling Rural Innovation (ERI) in Africa programme. Results highlight the dynamic process of partnership formation and the key elements that contribute to success. These include: (i) shared vision and complementarity, (ii) consistent support from senior leadership; (iii) evidence of institutional and individual benefits; (iv) investments in human and social capital; (v) joint resources mobilization. However, key challenges require coping with high staff turnover and over‐commitment, conflicting personalities and institutional differences, high transaction costs, and sustaining partnerships with the private business sector. The paper suggests that institutionalizing multi‐stakeholder partnerships requires participatory reflective practices that help structure and enhance learning, and incrementally help in building the capacity of research and development organisations to partner better and ultimately to innovate.
Review of the textile coloration industry in Vietnam
Authors: Phong Dang Tran , Van Thong Nguyen
Published: August 2010

This review discusses the recent development and current state of the textile coloration industry in Vietnam. With an overview of the textile and garment industry, focus is also on the garments and raw materials that are available for import/export. In addition, the main problems facing the coloration industry are covered, along with measures to improve the competitive advantage of the industry. Finally, environmental concerns and challenges for the future are reviewed.
Effect of different softeners and sanforising treatment on pilling performance of polyester/viscose blended fabrics
Authors: Hussain Tanveer , Ahmed Sohail , Qayum Abdul
Published: August 2010

An 80:20 polyester/viscose blended woven fabric was subjected to different softening and sanforising treatments. The effect of different softeners and sanforising treatments on the pilling propensity of the fabric was investigated. It was found that, while some types of softeners had no effect on pilling, the others may result in extreme deterioration of the pilling performance of polyester/viscose blended fabrics. It was further found that, in all cases, sanforising after softening adversely affects the fabric pilling performance.
Textile research and development in the UK – success or failure?
Authors: Park James , Shore John
Published: August 2010

Although initially lagging behind the USA, the amount and quality of research and development carried out in the UK can be compared favourably with that from other major world countries. The industrial research association, although a well‐conceived concept to increase research and development efforts that gave significant results, was disappointing for several reasons. A major problem has been the dissemination, exploitation and commercialisation of research results. The activities of research organisations need to be reviewed regularly, as they may have a relatively short lifespan. The intermediate research and technology sector, given adequate support, may be the vehicle for better utilisation of research and development results.
A study on the spectral changes of reactive textile dyes and their implications for online control of dyeing processes
Authors: Santos Jorge G , Soares Graça M B , Hrdina Radim , Oliveira‐Campos Ana M F , R Gomes Jaime I N
Published: August 2010

Evidence is presented that confirms the colour changes of a widely used trichromatic mixture of bifunctional reactive dyes (Levafix CA) under alkaline conditions, showing that they occur slowly and throughout the dyeing time, and not instantly after alkali addition to the dyebath. Thus, it is impossible to determine the specific absorptivity of the dyes at each moment of the dyeing process. An investigation into the relationship of the type of reactive group to the dye and the visible spectral changes over time was undertaken. Model reactive dyes were studied. The samples collected from the simulated dyebaths were monitored online using an automated system and their absorption on the whole of the visible spectrum was measured. The studies of dyes that included halo‐s‐triazinyl groups revealed the existence of hypochromic shifts in the spectra of the dyes in the presence of an electrolyte (sodium chloride or sodium sulphate) and bathochromic and hyperchromic shifts, when evaluated in the presence of alkaline agents. However, the vinylsulphonyl derivatives present a more stable spectral profile. The use of buffer solution at pH 5 was an efficient method to stabilise the absorption profile of Levafix CA trichromatic samples.
Synthesis and solution studies on azaphthalocyanines with quaternary aminoethyl substituents
Authors: Uslu Kobak Rabia Z , Gül Ahmet
Published: August 2010

A pyrazinedinitrile derivative carrying dimethylaminoethylsulphanyl groups at positions 5 and 6 was synthesised from 2‐dimethylaminoethanethiol hydrochloride and 2,3‐dicarbonitrile‐5,6‐dichloropyrazine. The dicarbonitrile gave magnesium azaphthalocyanine (MgAzaPc) when reacted with magnesium propoxide in propanol. The conversion of the MgAzaPc to a metal‐free derivative was achieved by treatment with trifluoroacetic acid. Incorporation of transition metal ions into the inner core of azaphthalocyanine was accomplished by treatment of the metal‐free derivative with metal acetates, i.e. Zn(OAc)2, Co(OAc)2. These azaphthalocyanines were converted into water‐soluble quaternised products by reaction with methyl iodide. Aggregation phenomena were followed for magnesium azaphthalocyanine with quaternisable dimethylamino substituents within a specific range of pH. The compounds were characterised by Fourier transform–infrared, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, mass and ultraviolet–visible spectral data.
One‐pass process for the continuous dyeing of polyester/unmercerised cotton blends with disperse/reactive dyes. Part 2: Process modifications to improve the colour yield of selected reactive dyes on the cotton component of the blend†
Authors: Mehmood Arshad , Phillips Duncan A S , Bone John A , Taylor John A
Published: August 2010

One of the limitations of DyStar’s TTN one‐pass continuous dyeing process for dyeing polyester/unmercerised cotton blends with disperse and reactive dyes is its inability to achieve heavy depths economically and part 1 of this study indicated that the limitation could be attributed to the reactive dye [1]. In this study, the constituents of the pad liquor were varied to determine if the visual colour yield of selected reactive dyes could be improved. In so doing, it was possible to speculate whether the low colour yield from some of the reactive dyes used in the TTN process was as a result of inefficient ‘delivery’ of the dye to the reactive sites on the cotton.
Recipe formulation based on spectral visual response fitting
Authors: He Guoxing , Zhou Mingxun
Published: August 2010

Based on the idea of the spectral visual response fitting, the visual difference between the spectral reflectance factor function of the standard and specimen was proposed in this paper. Basic equations used in the recipe formulation as well as recipe correction were derived based on the spectral visual response fitting in matrix form and an algorithm for the least‐squares match has been developed. The iterative procedure for the recipe correction has been established in this algorithm. Twenty standards were used in our numerical experiments. The experimental results showed that the average colour difference against for the standards under the five different illuminants (D65, A, F1, F2 and F3) was smaller than one based on other spectrophotometric fittings, balanced the colour differences better and produced lower metamerism.
A new approach to improve dyeability of nylon 6 fibre using a subtilisin enzyme
Authors: Parvinzadeh Mazeyar
Published: August 2010

This study confirms the structural changes of nylon 6 fibres using protease by measuring the dyeability, hydrophilicity, chemical changes and fastness properties. For this purpose, nylon 6 fabrics were first treated with different concentrations of protease enzyme in aqueous solutions. The dyeing process was then carried out on the treated fabrics with disperse and acid dyes. Acid and disperse dyes showed higher exhaustion on the enzyme‐treated samples. The results of colour measurement in the CIELAB system showed that the darkness of the samples increased with an increase in the enzyme percentage in the solution. The results of moisture regain showed that treatment of nylon fabrics with a proteolytic enzyme caused an increase in moisture absorbency. The wash and light fastness properties of samples were measured according to ISO 105‐C05 and daylight ISO 105‐B01 and are discussed.
Dyeing and fastness properties of phthalimide‐based alkali‐clearable azo disperse dyes on poly(ethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Koh Joonseok , Kim Hoegyeong , Lee Jieun , Eom Minyoung
Published: August 2010

The properties of a series of phthalimide‐containing azo disperse dyes and azo dyes with N‐methyl phthalimide moieties in their diazo component were investigated and compared when used to colour polyethylene terephthalate. The N‐substitution of the phthalimide gave a hypsochromic effect on the colour change and better colour yields on poly(ethylene terephthalate) fabrics, probably because of the electron‐donating property of the methyl group and the higher hydrophobicity of phthalimide‐containing azo dyes compared with those containing phthalimide moieties. The results show that phthalimide‐based azo disperse dyes have excellent dyeing fastness properties and that high wash fastness can be achieved using alkali clearance. This alternative clearance method is important for reducing the environmental impact of the dyeing process by replacing reductive clearing and, in particular, by removing the need for sodium hydrosulphite, which creates a high biological oxygen demand when released in conventional disperse dyeing effluent and which generates aromatic amines.
Epigenetic interactions and the structure of phenotypic variation in the cranium
Authors: Hallgrímsson B. , Lieberman D.E. , Liu W. , Ford‐Hutchinson A.F. , Jirik F.R.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY
Understanding the developmental and genetic basis for evolutionarily significant morphological variation in complex phenotypes such as the mammalian skull is a challenge because of the sheer complexity of the factors involved. We hypothesize that even in this complex system, the expression of phenotypic variation is structured by the interaction of a few key developmental processes. To test this hypothesis, we created a highly variable sample of crania using four mouse mutants and their wild‐type controls from similar genetic backgrounds with developmental perturbations to particular cranial regions. Using geometric morphometric methods we compared patterns of size, shape, and integration in the sample within and between the basicranium, neurocranium, and face. The results highlight regular and predictable patterns of covariation among regions of the skull that presumably reflect the epigenetic influences of the genetic perturbations in the sample. Covariation between relative widths of adjoining regions is the most dominant factor, but there are other significant axes of covariation such as the relationship between neurocranial size and basicranial flexion. Although there are other sources of variation related to developmental perturbations not analyzed in this study, the patterns of covariation created by the epigenetic interactions evident in this sample may underlie larger scale evolutionary patterns in mammalian craniofacial form.
Two AGAMOUS‐like MADS‐box genes from Taihangia rupestris (Rosaceae) reveal independent trajectories in the evolution of class C and class D floral homeotic functions
Authors: Lü Shanhua , Du Xiaoqiu , Lu Wenliang , Chong Kang , Meng Zheng
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY
Duplicate genes may be retained by sub‐ and/or neofunctionalization through changes in gene expression and/or coding sequence, and therefore have the potential to contribute to the genetic robustness and diversification of an organism. In this study, two MADS‐box genes were isolated from Taihangia rupestris, a core eudicot species belonging to the Rosaceae. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses revealed that they are clade members of the euAG and PLE lineages, respectively, and hence the two genes are named TrAG (Taihangia rupestris AGAMOUS) and TrSHP (Taihangia rupestris SHATTERPROOF). Southern blot analysis shows that TrSHP is a single‐copy gene in the T. rupestris genome. In situ hybridization analyses show that both TrAG and TrSHP are mainly expressed in the stamens, carpels, and ovules. When the stamen primordia are firstly observed, TrAG is initially expressed in the floral meristem domain that will initiate stamens and carpels. In contrast, no TrSHP signal is observed at this developmental stage. At late stages of carpel development, TrAG expression is detected in the ovules, ovaries, and developing styles and stigmas, whereas TrSHP expression is tightly restricted to the ovules. The transgenic Arabidopsis plants containing 35S::TrAG and 35S::TrSHP, respectively, showed similar phenotypes, including homeotic conversions of sepals into carpelloid structures bearing ovules and petals into staminoid organs, and the fruits shattering prematurely along the dehiscence zone. In addition, the phenotype of the transgenic 35S::TrSHP Arabidopsis plants revealed that perianth abscission was inhibited. Yeast two‐hybrid assays indicated that TrAG can interact with TrSEP3, whereas TrSHP cannot. The data suggest that the euAG and PLE paralogs, TrAG and TrSHP, may have subfunctionalized and/or neofunctionalized through changes in expression patterns and accumulating variations in the coding regions. Taking these findings together with those available expression and functional data from Arabidopsis and other species, we conclude that the compensatory ways vary among the euAG and PLE lineage pairs in eudicot species.
An integrative approach identifies developmental sequence heterochronies in freshwater basommatophoran snails
Authors: Smirthwaite Jennifer J. , Rundle Simon D. , Bininda‐Emonds Olaf R. P. , Spicer John I.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARYAdopting an integrative approach to the study of sequence heterochrony, we compared the timing of developmental events encompassing a mixture of developmental stages and functional traits in the embryos of 12 species of basommatophoran snails in an explicit phylogenetic framework. PARSIMOV analysis demonstrated clear functional heterochronies associated both with basal branches within the phylogeny and with terminal speciation events. A consensus of changes inferred under both accelerated transformation and delayed transformation optimizations identified four heterochronies where the direction of movement was known plus six twin heterochronies where the relative movements of the two events could not be assigned. On average, 0.5 and 0.58 events were inferred to have changed their position in the developmental sequence on internal and terminal branches of the phylogeny, respectively; these values are comparable with frequencies of sequence heterochrony reported in mammals. Directional heterochronies such as the early occurrence of body flexing in relation to the ontogeny of the eye spots, heart beat, and free swimming events occurred convergently and/or at different levels (i.e., familial, generic, and species) within the phylogeny. Such a functional approach to the study of developmental sequences has highlighted the possibility that heterochrony may have played a prominent role in the evolution of this group of invertebrates.
Vasa expression in a colonial ascidian, Botrylloides violaceus
Authors: Brown Federico D. , Swalla Billie J.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY
Evolution of solitary or colonial life histories in tunicates is accompanied by dramatic developmental changes that affect morphology and reproduction. We compared vasa expression in a solitary ascidian and a closely related colonial ascidian, in an effort to uncover developmental mechanisms important during the evolution of these contrasting life histories, including the ability to reproduce by budding. In this study, we explored the origin of germ cells in new buds developing by asexual reproduction in a colonial ascidian, Botrylloides violaceus and compared it to the source of germ cells in a solitary ascidian Boltenia villosa. We studied expression by in situ hybridization of vasa, a DEAD box RNA helicase gene found in germ cells across the metazoans. In B. villosa, bv‐vasa mRNA was expressed in putative germ cells and oocytes of adult gonads, and was sequestered into a posterior lineage during embryogenesis. In mature colonies of the ascidian B. violaceus, bot‐vasa mRNA was expressed in putative spermatogonia, in oocytes of zooids, and in some circulating cells in the zooids and differentiating buds. We propose that expression of vasa in cells other than gonadal germ cells of zooids in a colonial ascidian may serve as a source of germ‐line stem cells in the colony.
Surprisingly complex T‐box gene complement in diploblastic metazoans
Authors: Yamada Atsuko , Pang Kevin , Martindale Mark Q. , Tochinai Shin
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY
Ctenophores and cnidarians are two metazoan groups that evolved at least 600 Ma, predating the Cambrian explosion. Although both groups are commonly categorized as diploblastic animals without derivatives of the mesodermal germ layer, ctenophores possess definitive contractile “muscle” cells. T‐box family transcription factors are an evolutionarily ancient gene family, arising in the common ancestor of metazoans, and have been divided into eight groups in five distinct subfamilies, many of which are involved in the specification of mesodermal as well as ectodermally and endodermally derived structures. Here, we report the cloning and expression of five T‐box genes from a ctenophore, Mnemiopsis leidyi. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that ctenophores possess members of at least three of the five T‐box subfamilies, and expression studies suggested distinct roles of each T‐box genes during gastrulation and early organogenesis. Moreover, genome searches of the sea anemone, Nematostella vectensis (anthozoan cnidarian), showed at least 13 T‐box genes in Nematostella, which are divided into at least six distinct groups in the same three subfamilies found in ctenophores. Our results from two diploblastic animals indicate that the common ancestor of eumetazoans had a complex set of T‐box genes and that two distinct subfamilies might have appeared during triploblastic evolution.
Histone H2A.Z expression in two indirectly developing marine invertebrates correlates with undifferentiated and multipotent cells
Authors: Arenas‐Mena César , Wong Kimberly Suk‐Ying , Arandi‐Foroshani Navid R.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY
The embryos of indirect developers generate an intermediate larval stage that nourishes the proliferation of undifferentiated multipotent cell precursors in charge of postembryonic adult formation. Multipotency affects the regulation of many genes and seems to be mediated in part by chromatin modification. Chromatin transcriptional properties are regulated by histone modification and by incorporation of peculiar histone variants. The histone variant H2A.Z is associated with transcriptionally competent chromatin and silent genes primed for activation or permanent repression. However, despite the extensive mechanistic characterizations in unicellular eukaryots, the essential role of the highly conserved H2A.Z variant during animal embryogenesis remains obscure. We show that the expression of H2A.Z in the larvae of two distant indirectly developing marine invertebrates, a polychaete and a sea urchin, remains high in all their embryonic and postembryonic developmentally competent cell precursors, and declines during their differentiation. In particular, the expression in undifferentiated multipotent adult precursors during feeding larval stages in both organisms provides unique insight about its general association with developmental potential. Our experiments confirm previous reports indicating that the expression of H2A.Z is proliferation (DNA synthesis) independent, in contrast with the DNA synthesis dependence of “mainstream” histones. We suggest that similar H2A.Z transcriptional functions previously identified in unicellular organisms also help to maintain an open chromatin state competent for transcriptional‐regulatory transactions during metazoan development.
Developmental origin of the adult nervous system in a holothurian: an attempt to unravel the enigma of neurogenesis in echinoderms
Authors: Mashanov Vladimir S. , Zueva Olga R. , Heinzeller Thomas , Aschauer Beate , Dolmatov Igor Yu.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY
In adult echinoderms, the nervous system includes the ectoneural and hyponeural subsystems. The former has been believed to develop from the ectoderm, whereas the latter is considered to be mesodermal in origin. However, this view has not been substantially supported by embryological examinations. Our study deals with the developmental origin of the nervous system in the direct‐developing sea cucumber Eupentacta fraudatrix. The rudiment of the adult nervous system develops from ectodermally derived cells, which ingress into the primary body cavity from the floor of the vestibule. At the earliest stages, only the rudiment of the ectoneural nerve ring is laid down. The radial nerve cords and tentacular nerves grow out from this subcutaneous rudiment. The ectoneural cords do not develop simultaneously but make their appearance in the following order: unpaired mid‐ventral cord, paired dorsal lateral cords, and ventral lateral cords. These transitional developmental stages probably recapitulate the evolution of the echinoderm body plan. The holothurian hyponeural subsystem, as other regions of the metazoan nervous system, has an ectodermal origin. It originally appears as a narrow band of tissue, which bulges out of the basal region of the ectoneural neuroepithelium. Our data combined with those of other workers strongly suggest that the adult nervous tissue in echinoderms develops separately from the superficial larval system of ciliary nerves. Therefore, our data are neither in strict accordance with Garstang's hypothesis nor do they allow to refuse it. Nevertheless, in addition to ciliary bands, other areas of neurogenetic epidermis must be taken into account.
Evolutionary modification of mesenchyme cells in sand dollars in the transition from indirect to direct development
Authors: Yajima Mamiko
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY
Peronella japonica, an intermediate type of direct‐developing sand dollar, forms an abbreviated pluteus, followed by metamorphosis within 3 days without feeding. In this species, ingression of mesenchyme cells starts before hatching and continues until gastrulation, but no typical secondary mesenchyme cells (SMCs) migrate from the tip of the archenteron. Here, I investigated the cell lineage of mesenchyme cells through metamorphosis in P. japonica and found that mesenchyme cells migrating before hatching (early mesenchyme cells [EMCs]) were exclusively derived from micromeres and became larval skeletogenic cells, whereas cells migrating after hatching (late mesenchyme cells [LMCs]) appeared to contain several nonskeletogenic cells. Thus, it is likely that EMCs are homologous to primary mesenchyme cells (PMCs) and LMCs are similar to the SMCs of typical indirect developers, suggesting that heterochrony in the timing of mesenchyme cell ingression may have occurred in this species. EMCs disappeared after metamorphosis and LMCs were involved in adult skeletogenesis. Embryos from which micromeres were removed at the 16‐cell stage formed armless plutei that went on to form adult skeletons and resulted in juveniles with normal morphology. These results suggest that in P. japonica, LMCs form adult skeletal elements, whereas EMCs are specialized for larval spicule formation. The occurrence of evolutionary modifications in mesenchyme cells in the transition from indirect to direct development of sand dollars is discussed.
Developmental capacitance, genetic accommodation, and adaptive evolution
Authors: Moczek Armin P.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY
The concept of genetic accommodation remains controversial, in part because it remains unclear whether evolution by genetic accommodation forces a revolution, or merely a shift in emphasis, in our understanding of how evolution produces adaptive new traits. Here I outline a perspective that largely favors the latter view. I argue that evolution by genetic accommodation can easily be integrated into traditional evolutionary concepts. At the same time, evolution by genetic accommodation invites novel empirical and theoretical approaches that may allow biologists to push the boundaries of our current understanding of the process of evolution and to solve some long‐standing controversies. Specifically, I discuss the role of developmental mechanisms as natural, and likely ubiquitous, capacitors of cryptic genetic variation, and the role of environmental perturbations as mechanisms by which such variation can become visible to selection on an individual to population‐wide scale. I argue that in combination, developmental capacitance and large‐scale environmental perturbations have the potential to facilitate rapid evolution including the origin of novel adaptive features while circumventing otherwise powerful genetic and population‐biological constraints on adaptive evolution. I end by highlighting several promising avenues for future empirical research to explore the mechanisms and significance of evolution by genetic accommodation.
Emerging model systems in evo‐devo: horned beetles and the origins of diversity
Authors: Moczek Armin P. , Andrews Justen , Kijimoto Teiya , Yerushalmi Yoram , Rose Debra J.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY
Horned beetles and beetle horns are emerging as a model system suited to address fundamental questions in evolutionary developmental biology. Here we briefly review the biology of horned beetles and highlight the unusual opportunities they provide for evo‐devo research. We then summarize recent advances in the development of new approaches and techniques that are now available to scientists interested in working with these organisms. We end by discussing ways to implement and combine these new approaches to explore new frontiers in evo‐devo research previously unavailable to reseachers working outside traditional model organisms.
Evolvability as the proper focus of evolutionary developmental biology
Authors: Hendrikse Jesse Love , Parsons Trish Elizabeth , Hallgrímsson Benedikt
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY
Research conducted under the label of evolutionary developmental biology has tended to revolve around a few central issues such as modularity, integration, and canalization. Yet, as the field has grown, it has become increasingly difficult to define in terms of its central question and relation to broader evolutionary concerns. We argue that these central issues of evo‐devo gain their currency from connections to a central question that defines the field, and we propose that this central question is about the nature of evolvability. However, not all research currently carried out under the label of “evo‐devo” speaks to this focal concern. The aim of this article is therefore to argue for a precise formulation of evolutionary developmental biology's core question.
Endocrine analysis in evolutionary‐developmental studies of insect polymorphism: hormone manipulation versus direct measurement of hormonal regulators
Authors: Zera Anthony J.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY
“Hormone manipulation” is being used increasingly in evo‐devo studies as the sole or primary technique to investigate the regulation of insect polymorphism by hormones, most notably juvenile hormone (JH). This manuscript critically evaluates the limitations and strengths of this indirect method for inferring aspects of endocrine regulation, and conclusions derived from recent endocrine studies of evolution and development in which data have been obtained primarily or exclusively by this method. The main conclusions of this critique are as follows: first, when used alone, or as the primary empirical technique, hormone manipulation is a superficial method that is fraught with problems with respect to identifying a hormone that regulates developmental–morphological variation, let alone identifying its mode of action. Second, conclusions reported in studies using this technique as the exclusive, or nearly exclusive experimental approach, most notably recent studies of JH regulation of horn polymorphism in dung beetles, and some studies of wing polymorphism should be considered, at best, weakly supported until substantiated by well‐validated, direct methods. Finally, there are many reliable and well‐validated techniques that can be used to directly and accurately quantify JH levels, and activities of JH regulators, in many insects, even in small, nonmodel species. Some of the most important of these assays will be briefly described and their strengths and weaknesses will be discussed.