bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Granulomatous reactions to permanent cosmetic tattoos successfully treated with topical steroids and allopurinol
Authors: Martín José M , Revert Ángeles , Monteagudo Carlos , Villalón Guillermo , Godoy Rosa , Jordá Esperanza
Published: August 2010

Two female patients presented nodular erythematous lesions overlying a permanent tattooed eyebrow and lip, respectively. Histologic examination showed in both cases epithelioid granulomas in close relation with scattered pigment. Complementary examinations and follow‐up disclosed a sarcoidosis. The lesions resolved after treatment with topical steroids and also oral allopurinol in one of the cases. Allopurinol may be an effective treatment for granulomatous reactions to foreign body particles.
New cosmetic emulsions for dry skin
Authors: Machado M , Bronze M R , Ribeiro H
Published: August 2010

The aim of this study was to formulate stable water‐in‐oil (w/o) emulsions containing oils with a high percentage of fatty acids, sterols, vitamins, cholesterol, and ceramides in order to improve topical treatment of dry skin conditions. Two w/o emulsions were developed and physicochemical characterized.

The biological effects of the formulations were assessed on the volar surface of the human foreharm over 28 days. The results obtained showed that areas treated by either cream were significantly different from the control area, as assessed by epidermal capacitance and sebometry over the 28 days. Treatment with cream containing ceramides presented higher values of sebometry and corneometry.

According to the sensory evaluation performed, both creams were found to have good acceptability.
The clinical anti‐aging effects of topical kinetin and niacinamide in Asians: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, split‐face comparative trial
Authors: Chiu Pin‐Chi , Chan Chih‐Chieh , Lin Hui‐Min , Chiu Hsien‐Ching
Published: August 2010

Background  Kinetin and niacinamide are used in the cosmetic industry as anti‐aging agents. Neither the interactive/additive effects of these compounds nor the anti‐aging efficacy on Asian skin has been studied.

Objective  To assess the clinical anti‐aging effects and efficacy differences between kinetin plus niacinamide and niacinamide alone vs. vehicle placebo in an Asian cohort.

Methods  Fifty‐two Taiwanese subjects were enrolled in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, split‐face comparative study. Group 1 subjects were treated with kinetin 0.03% plus niacinamide 4%, whereas group 2 subjects received niacinamide 4%. The treatment formulation was applied on one side of the face, whereas a placebo was applied on the other for a period of 12 weeks. We used noninvasive biometrological instruments to evaluate a variety of skin parameters at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12.

Results  Persistent and significant reductions in spot, pore, wrinkle, and evenness counts were found at weeks 8 and 12 in group 1. A significant increase in corneal hydration status was also evident at week 12, whereas persistent decreases in erythema index were apparent at 8 and 12 weeks. In group 2, significant reductions in pore and evenness counts at week 8 and wrinkle counts at week 12 were noted.

Conclusion  We found kinetin and niacinamide exert a synergistic anti‐aging effect. Our data suggest that these compounds have multiactive, multifunctional, and pluripotent effects on skin. They are also both promising to be included in the cutaneous anti‐aging cosmeceuticals in the future.
An efficient method of preparing dressing materials for laser procedures
Authors: Li Kapsok , Woo Seung Man , Kim Beom Joon
Published: August 2010

Cutting numerous dressing materials for every laser‐treated site is tedious and time‐consuming. Here, we describe an efficient method of rapidly mass producing dressing materials. We found that a one‐hole punch – commonly used in daily office work – can be used as a powerful tool for this laborious task.
Downregulation of lamin A by tumor suppressor AIMP3/p18 leads to a progeroid phenotype in mice
Authors: Oh Young Sun , Kim Dae Gyu , Kim Gyuyoup , Choi Eung‐Chil , Kennedy Brian K. , Suh Yousin , Park Bum Joon , Kim Sunghoon
Published: August 2010

Although AIMP3/p18 is normally associated with the macromolecular tRNA synthetase complex, recent reports have revealed a new role of AIMP3 in tumor suppression. In this study, we generated a transgenic mouse that overexpresses AIMP3 and characterized the associated phenotype in vivo and in vitro. Surprisingly, the AIMP3 transgenic mouse exhibited a progeroid phenotype, and the cells that overexpressed AIMP3 showed accelerated senescence and defects in nuclear morphology. We found that overexpression of AIMP3 resulted in proteasome‐dependent degradation of mature lamin A, but not of lamin C, prelamin A, or progerin. The resulting imbalance in the protein levels of lamin A isoforms, namely altered stoichiometry of prelamin A and progerin to lamin A, appeared to be responsible for a phenotype that resembled progeria. An increase in the level of endogenous AIMP3 has been observed in aged human tissues and cells. The findings in this report suggest that AIMP3 is a specific regulator of mature lamin A and imply that enhanced expression of AIMP3 might be a factor driving cellular and/or organismal aging.
Inhibition of apoptosis by progesterone in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Morrissy Stephen , Xu Beibei , Aguilar David , Zhang Jack , Chen Qin M.
Published: August 2010

While gender‐based differences in heart disease have raised the possibility that estrogen (ES) or progesterone (PG) may have cardioprotective effects, recent controversy regarding hormone replacement therapy has questioned the cardiac effects of these steroids. Using cardiomyocytes, we tested whether ES or PG has protective effects at the cellular level. We found that PG but not ES protects cardiomyocytes from apoptotic cell death induced by doxorubicin (Dox). PG inhibited apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner, by 12 ± 4.0% at 1 μm and 60 ± 1.0% at 10 μm. The anti‐apoptotic effect of PG was also time dependent, causing 18 ± 5% or 62 + 2% decrease in caspase‐3 activity within 1 h or 72 h of pretreatment. While PG causes nuclear translocation of its receptor within 20 min, the cytoprotective effect of PG was canceled by mifepristone (MF), a PG receptor antagonist. Analyses using Affymetrix high‐density oligonucleotide array and RT‐PCR found that PG induced Bcl‐xL, metallothionine, NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1, glutathione peroxidase‐3, and four isoforms of glutathione S‐transferase. Western blot analyses revealed that PG indeed induced an elevation of Bcl‐xL protein in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Nuclear run‐on assay indicated that PG induced Bcl‐xL gene transcription. Inhibiting the expression of Bcl‐xL using siRNA reduced the cytoprotective effect of PG. Our data suggests that PG induces a cytoprotective effect in cardiomyocytes in association with induction of Bcl‐xL gene.
Reference values for respiratory pressures in a general adult population – results of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP)
Authors: Koch Beate , Schäper Christoph , Ittermann Till , Bollmann Tom , Völzke Henry , Felix Stephan B. , Ewert Ralf , Gläser Sven
Published: August 2010

Background and Objective:  Respiratory muscle pressures have been gaining increasing interest because of prognostic value. The study aim was to acquire reference values for respiratory pressures in a large‐scale population‐based survey – the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP).

Methods:  One thousand eight hundred and nine participants (885 men) of a cross‐sectional epidemiologic survey, called ‘Study of Health in Pomerania – SHIP’, underwent lung function and respiratory muscle pressure measurements. After excluding individuals with cardiopulmonary disorders, prediction equations for men and women were established by quantile regression analysis.

Results:  The final study population comprised 912 individuals (432 men), aged 25–80 years. The study provides a representative set of sex‐specific prediction equations of respiratory muscle strength. Respiratory pressures are decreasing with age and are lower in women when compared to men.

Conclusions:  Prediction equations for relevant respiratory pressures are given. Based on this well‐described population‐based survey with extensive cardiopulmonary investigations to exclude relevant interfering disorders a sufficient comprehensive set of reference values was obtained.
ANP, BNP and D‐dimer predict right ventricular dysfunction in patients with acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Gutte Henrik , Mortensen Jann , Jensen Claus V. , Von Der Recke Peter , Petersen Claus L. , Kristoffersen Ulrik S. , Kjær Andreas
Published: August 2010

Background:  The aim of this study was to predict right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) using plasma concentration of D‐dimer, pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide (pro‐ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) and cardiac troponin I (TNI) in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE).

Methods:  Patients suspected of PE had a ventilation/perfusion‐single‐photon emission‐tomography (V/Q‐SPECT), pulmonary multidetector computer tomography (MDCT) angiography, blood samples and ECG‐gated cardiac CT performed the same day.

Results:  Pro‐ANP, BNP and D‐dimer are associated with significantly elevated levels in PE patients with RVD. ROC curves demonstrated that D‐dimer, pro‐ANP and BNP were accurate for detection of RVD.

Conclusion:  Because measurements of cardiac biomarkers are inexpensive and easily obtained they may prove useful in the clinical diagnosis of RVD. However because of the small sample size, the results need to be confirmed in larger studies.
Complexity results for identifying codes in planar graphs
Authors: Auger David , Charon Irène , Hudry Olivier , Lobstein Antoine
Published: August 2010

Let G be a simple, undirected, connected graph with vertex set V(G) and 𝒞⊆V(G) be a set of vertices whose elements are called codewords. For v∈V(G) and r1, let us denote by Ir𝒞(v) the set of codewords c∈𝒞 such that d(v, c)r, where the distance d(v, c) is defined as the length of a shortest path between v and c. More generally, for A⊆V(G), we define , which is the set of codewords whose minimum distance to an element of A is at most r. If r and l are positive integers, 𝒞 is said to be an (r, l)‐identifying code if one has Ir𝒞(A)≠Ir𝒞(A′) whenever A and A′ are distinct subsets of V(G) with at most l elements. We consider the problem of finding the minimum size of an (r, l)‐identifying code in a given graph. It is already known that this problem is NP‐hard in the class of all graphs when l=1 and r1. We show that it is also NP‐hard in the class of planar graphs with maximum degree at most three for all (r, l) with r1 and l∈{1, 2}. This shows, in particular, that the problem of computing the minimum size of an (r, 2)‐identifying code in a given graph is NP‐hard.
The potential of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) in Africa
Authors: Odeny Damaris Achieng
Published: August 2010

Pigeonpea is a tropical grain legume grown mainly in India. Though largely considered an orphan crop, pigeonpea has a huge untapped potential for improvement both in quantity and quality of production in Africa. More than any other legume adapted to the region, pigeonpea uniquely combines optimal nutritional profiles, high tolerance to environmental stresses, high biomass productivity and most nutrient and moisture contributions to the soil. The legume can be utilized in several diverse ways while the high genetic variability that exists within the cultivated and wild relatives remains to be explored for further uses. This article highlights the need for popularizing pigeonpea as a major legume crop in Africa. The main constraints to productivity are discussed and recent breeding efforts in Africa highlighted. Important opportunities for improvement are further provided.
Improving food security in Swaziland: The transition from subsistence to communally managed cash cropping
Authors: Terry Alan , Ryder Matthew
Published: August 2010

The Komati Downstream Development Project (KDDP), based upon the Maguga Dam has enabled 6,000 hectares of semi‐arid lowveld, in a region with low and highly variable rainfall to be converted from subsistence to irrigated commercial farming, mainly of sugar cane. This has transformed the Swazi sugar industry from one dominated by a small number of large‐scale commercial estates to one where more than 1,500 previously impoverished small‐scale Swazi farmers have been able to enter the industry by joining farmers’ associations and creating communally managed farms. Recent changes to the EU's Sugar Protocol have undermined the financial viability of the KDDP farms and undermined food security, especially for the poorest, due to the cut in sugar prices. However, some farmers’ associations have opted to keep some of their land as irrigated home gardens, rather than convert all their land to sugar cane. This model has improved food security at a time of low sugar prices and points to a more sustainable way of using water from large scale dams than the conventional model. It is argued that the EU should target support to members of the KDDP who have taken out large‐scale loans to pay for the in‐field infrastructure and encourage all farmers’ associations to adopt the food garden model. This would enable them to continue to benefit from the irrigation through improved production of subsistence crops, whilst they diversify their commercial production into novel markets.
Adoption of renewable soil fertility replenishment technologies in the southern African region: Lessons learnt and the way forward
Authors: Ajayi Oluyede Clifford , Akinnifesi Festus K. , Sileshi Gudeta , Chakeredza Sebastian
Published: August 2010

Low soil fertility is one of the most important biophysical constraints to increasing agricultural productivity in sub‐Saharan Africa. Several renewable soil fertility replenishment (RSFR) technologies that are based on nutrient re‐cycling principles have been developed in southern Africa. Some success stories have been recorded (e.g. nitrogen‐fixing legumes), but the adoption of RSFR technologies has generally lagged behind scientific advances thereby reducing the potential impacts of the technologies. This paper describes the major RSFR technologies being promoted in the region, synthesizes available information regarding their adoption by farmers, and identifies the challenges, key lessons learnt and the way forward for up‐scaling RSFR technologies in the region. The review indicated that farmer uptake of RSFR technologies depends on several factors that can be grouped into broad categories: technology‐specific (e.g. soil type, management regime), household‐specific (e.g. farmer perceptions, resource endowment, household size), policy and institutions context within which RSFR is disseminated (inputs and output prices, land tenure and property rights), and geo‐spatial (performance of species across different bio‐physical conditions, location of village). Adoption of RSFR technologies can be enhanced by targeting them to their biophysical and social niches, facilitating appropriate policy and institutional contexts for dissemination, understanding the broader context and dynamics of the adoption process, a paradigm shift in the approach to the dissemination of RSFR (e.g. expanding RSFR to high value crop systems, exploring synergy with inorganic fertilizer) and, targeted incentive systems that encourage farmers to take cognizance of natural resource implications when making agricultural production decisions.
Fenton and photo‐Fenton oxidation of a model mixture of dyes – overall kinetic analysis
Authors: Torrades Francesc , García‐Hortal José Antonio , Núñez Lluís
Published: August 2010

The decolorisation and mineralisation of a model mixture of reactive dyes, under Fenton and photo‐Fenton conditions, have been investigated. A kinetic study was performed and rate constants and half‐life times determined from batch experimental data according to a pseudo‐first‐order degradation kinetic model. Moreover, the use of natural or artificial light, as well as the effect of temperature, was evaluated with the aim of finding the best Fenton process to promote the efficient degradation of the standard trichromatic system. The experimental results showed that the Fenton process run under solar light was the most effective. It is suggested that Fenton‐ and photo‐Fenton‐type reactions are viable techniques for the treatment of these types of dye mixtures, according to the high levels of colour, chemical oxygen demand and total organic carbon removal.
One‐pass process for the continuous dyeing of polyester/unmercerised cotton blends with disperse/reactive dyes. Part 1: Investigation of limited colour depth of the dyed blend†
Authors: Mehmood Arshad , Phillips Duncan A S , Bone John A , Taylor John A
Published: August 2010

In the continuous dyeing of polyester/cellulose blends, the trend over the last 20 years, towards shorter production runs and greater numbers of fashion shades, has led to the development of more productive processes, in particular, the use of a one‐pass pad–dry–thermofix process for the application of disperse and reactive dyes. However, there are limitations to such a one‐pass process, of which the most important is the limited colour depth that can be achieved on polyester/unmercerised cotton blends. The current study examines the reasons for this limitation, with a view to either modifying the dyeing process or designing superior dyes.
Chrome dyeing: the role of soluble proteins
Authors: King D G
Published: August 2010

A significant factor preventing the achievement of zero chromium in the effluent from the after‐chrome dyeing process is the presence of soluble proteins in the dyebath. These proteins can react with the dichromate anion and thus interfere with its reaction with the wool fibre and dye molecules. This understanding may lead to the development of very low chromium in effluent dyeing methods that ensure the viability of chrome dyeing.
Research in the cold pad–batch dyeing process for wool pretreated by hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Zhao Xue , He Jin‐xin , Zhan Yi‐zhen
Published: August 2010

The cold pad–batch dyeing process of wool pretreated by hydrogen peroxide was carried out with Lanasol reactive dyes and Realan reactive dyes. The influences of various conditions of the dyeing process, including urea dosage, sodium bisulphite dosage, pH value, batching time and the liquor pickup on colour yield, were analysed. Fixation, levelness of dyeing, dye penetration, colour fastness, breaking strength and elongation were compared between untreated and treated wool fabrics. The study showed that cold pad–batch dyeing of wool fabric is a good prospect for future use because of the resulting advantages, such as higher fixation yield, less energy usage and lower sewage discharge.
Colour constancy of vat prints on cotton fabrics
Authors: Bračko S , Šolar A , Tavčer P Forte , Simončič B
Published: August 2010

Colour constancy of prints with vat dyes on cotton fabrics was investigated by computing the CMCCON02 colour inconstancy index with the key element CAT02 for chromatic adaptation transform. The results show that the highest changes in colour appearance can be expected when the average daylight is replaced with fluorescent light. If D65 daylight is replaced with some other type of daylight, such as D50 or D55, only minor colour deviations occur which do not substantially change the colour appearance of the prints. The analysis of the influence of the lightness and chromaticity of prints shows that the chromaticity of the samples significantly affects their colour constancy. The change of appearance of the prints with lower chroma because of changed illumination conditions is less probable. The influence of a dye blend composition was also investigated. On average, multi‐coloured dye blends have proved to be more colour constant.
Industrial organic photochromic dyes
Authors: Nigel Corns S , Partington Steven M , Towns Andrew D
Published: August 2010

Organic photochromic molecules are well established as colorants in the manufacture of niche products, providing striking colour change effects when irradiated with light. This paper describes the industrially important classes of photochromic dye in terms of their development and chemistries, the applications in which their photochromism is employed commercially, and the technical features behind their success. Photochromic systems form the subject of much industrially funded research into nascent high‐tech applications that have the potential to become the most commercially significant outlets for photochromic dyes. Those types being scrutinised are therefore also discussed along with the directions in which the industrial use of photochromic colorants may take.
Influence of Eri silk fibre on the physical characteristics and dyeing properties of Eri silk/cotton blended yarn
Authors: Chollakup Rungsima , Suesat Jantip , Ujjin Suchada
Published: August 2010

Different blending ratios of Eri silk and cotton fibres were prepared. The optimum bleaching condition chosen for the blends containing 0–25% silk content was the oxidative bleaching method, whereas the blends at 50–100% should be bleached using the two‐stage bleaching method (oxidative bleaching followed by reductive bleaching). These conditions did affect the force–displacement characteristics of the fibres with no yield point. X‐Ray diffraction results showed that the percentage of crystallinity of the cotton yarn tended to increase after bleaching, whereas the percentage of crystallinity of the Eri yarn decreased marginally. Dyeing properties of the blended yarns were investigated using warm‐dyeing reactive dyes. Percentage exhaustion and the colour yield of the blends tended to decrease with the increasing silk content. Shade variation was observed on the yarns at different blend ratios. This was expected to be caused by the different physical nature of Eri silk and cotton fibres. Consequently, the dye uptake and visual shade of each dye on the two fibres were different.
Novel anti‐bacterial acid dyes derived from naphthalimide: synthesis, characterisation and evaluation of their technical properties on nylon 6
Authors: Mohammadkhodaei Zinat , Mokhtari Javad , Nouri Mahdi
Published: August 2010

As an attempt to combine the dyeing and functional finishing steps into one process, two novel anti‐bacterial monoazo acid dyes based on N‐ester‐1,8‐naphthalimide were synthesised. To do this, 4‐amino‐N‐ethyl glycinate‐1,8‐naphthalimide was prepared, diazotised and then coupled to thiosalicylic acid or salicylic acid to produce anti‐bacterial dyes. The synthesised dyes were purified and then fully characterised using Fourier Transform–infrared spectrometry, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and melting point analysis. Dispersion of the dyes was prepared in water and applied to nylon 6 fabrics. The novel dyes offered good build‐up properties on the substrate. The anti‐bacterial efficacy of the synthesised dyes was assessed, with the dyes showing activity against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria.
Transport of cationic dye by supported liquid membrane using D2EHPA as the carrier
Authors: Muthuraman G , Palanivelu K , Teng T T
Published: August 2010

The transport of cationic dye from an aqueous feed solution through a flat‐type supported liquid membrane containing di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid as a carrier was studied. The influence of pH on the source phase, the effect of the concentration of the receiving phase, the stirring speed, the effect of the initial dye concentration, the feed‐to‐strip ratio and the influence of the support characteristics were studied. A polytetrafluoroethylene membrane with a 1.0‐μm pore size was found to have more permeability than that with a pore size of 0.5 μm. The results indicated that the aqueous feed solution at an alkaline pH has high permeability. The initial feed phase dye can be completely extracted and stripped with a stripping solution within 7 h.
Dyeing and finishing of lyocell union fabrics: an industrial study
Authors: Joshi H D , Joshi D H , Patel M G
Published: August 2010

Lyocell union fabrics, namely lyocell/silk and lyocell/polyester fabrics, were woven in different fabric constructions and dyed with reactive dyes, acid dyes and a disperse dye. The resulting dyed fabrics were given a resin finishing treatment and their wash fastness was measured. With appropriate dye selection and control of dyeing conditions, some bright solid shades and effective cross‐dyed shades were obtained. The dyed and finished fabrics had a smooth, lustrous handle, ideal for lightweight garments.
Expression of Pax gene family members in the anthozoan cnidarian, Nematostella vectensis
Authors: Matus David Q. , Pang Kevin , Daly Meg , Martindale Mark Q.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY
Pax genes are a family of homeodomain transcription factors that have been isolated from protostomes (e.g., eight in Drosophilia) and deuterostomes (e.g., nine in vertebrates) as well as outside the Bilateria, from sponges, a placozoan, and several classes of cnidarians. The genome of an anthozoan cnidarian, the starlet sea anemone, Nematostella vectensis, has been surveyed by both degenerate polymerase chain reaction and in silico for the presence of Pax genes. N. vectensis possesses seven Pax genes, which are orthologous to cnidarian Pax genes (A,B,C, and D) previously identified in another anthozoan, a coral, Acropora millepora. Phylogenetic analyses including data from nonchordate deuterostomes indicates that there were five Pax gene classes in the protostome–deuterostome ancestor, but only three in the cnidarian‐bilaterian ancestor, with PaxD class genes lost in medusozoan cnidarians. Pax genes play diverse roles in bilaterians, including eye formation (e.g., Pax6), segmentation (e.g., Pax3/7 class genes), and neural patterning (e.g., Pox‐neuro, Pax2/5/8). We show the first expression data for members of all four Pax classes in a single species of cnidarian. N. vectensis Pax genes are expressed in both a cell‐type and region‐specific manner during embryogenesis, and likely play a role in patterning specific components of the cnidarian ectodermal nerve net. The results of these patterns are discussed with respect to Pax gene evolution in the Bilateria.
Limb ossification in the Paleozoic branchiosaurid Apateon (Temnospondyli) and the early evolution of preaxial dominance in tetrapod limb development
Authors: Fröbisch Nadia B. , Carroll Robert L. , Schoch Rainer R.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY
Despite the wide range of shapes and sizes that accompany a vast variety of functions, the development of tetrapod limbs follows a conservative pattern of de novo condensation, branching, and segmentation. Development of the zeugopodium and digital arch typically occurs in a posterior to anterior sequence, referred to as postaxial dominance, with a digital sequence of 4–3–5–2–1. The only exception to this pattern in all of living Tetrapoda can be found in salamanders, which display a preaxial dominance in limb development, a de novo condensation of a basale commune (distal carpal/tarsal 1+2) and a precoccial development of digits I and II. These divergent patterns have puzzled researchers for over a century leading to various explanatory hypotheses. Despite many advances in research on tetrapod limb development, the divergent evolution of these two pathways and its causes are still not understood. Based on an extensive ontogenetic series we investigated the pattern of limb development of the 300 Ma old branchiosaurid amphibian Apateon. This revealed a preaxial dominance in limb development that was previously believed to be unique and derived for modern salamanders. The Branchiosauridae are favored as close relatives of extant salamanders in most phylogenetic hypotheses of the highly controversial origins and relationships of extant amphibians. The findings provide new insights into the evolution of developmental pathways in tetrapod limb development, the relationships of modern amphibians with possible Paleozoic antecedents, and their initial timing of divergence.
Heterochrony, cannibalism, and the evolution of viviparity in Salamandra salamandra
Authors: Buckley David , Alcobendas Marina , García‐París Mario , Wake Marvalee H.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY
The way in which novelties that lead to macroevolutionary events originate is a major question in evolutionary biology, and one that can be addressed using the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) as a model system. It is exceptional among amphibians in displaying intraspecific diversity of reproductive strategies. In S. salamandra, two distinct modes of reproduction co‐occur: the common mode, ovoviviparity (females giving birth to many small larvae), and a phylogenetically derived reproductive strategy, viviparity (females producing only a few large, fully metamorphosed juveniles, which are nourished maternally). We examine the relationship between heterochronic modifications of the ontogeny and the evolution of the new reproductive mode in the fire salamander. The in vitro development of embryos of ovoviviparous and viviparous salamanders from fertilization to metamorphosis is compared, highlighting the key events that distinguish the two modes of reproduction. We identify the heterochronic events that, together with the intrauterine cannibalistic behavior, characterize the derived viviparous reproductive strategy. The ways in which evolutionary novelties can arise by modification of developmental programs can be studied in S. salamandra. Moreover, the variation in reproductive modes and the associated variation of sequences of development occur in neighboring, conspecific populations. Thus, S. salamandra is a unique biological system in which evolutionary developmental research questions can be addressed at the level of populations.
Post‐embryonic development of remipede crustaceans
Authors: Koenemann Stefan , Schram Frederick R. , Bloechl Armin , Iliffe Thomas M. , Hoenemann Mario , Held Christoph
Published: August 2010

SUMMARYDuring diving explorations of anchialine cave systems on Abaco Island, Bahamas, we collected five larvae that represent different developmental stages of remipede crustaceans. Based on four early naupliar stages and a post‐naupliar larva, it is possible for the first time to reconstruct the postembryonic development of Remipedia some 25 years after their discovery. These specimens begin to fill in some critical gaps in our knowledge of this important group of crustaceans.
Allometric growth ratios are independent of Igf2 gene dosage during development
Authors: Burns Jason L. , Soothill Peter , Hassan A. Bassim
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY
In the mouse, allelic dosage of the paternally expressed gene coding for insulin‐like growth factor II (Igf2), from null to bi‐allelic, results in dose‐dependent growth, an effect which appears to be fully established during a discrete period of embryogenesis that then persists throughout life. Here, we specifically quantify the influence of Igf2 allelic dosage on the proportionality of regional embryonic growth rather than overall growth. Remarkably, preservation of allometric growth ratios between head and body regions were observed throughout development, irrespective of the range of overall growth phenotype (60–130% of wild type). Evaluation of log–log plots suggests that each allele of Igf2 expressed corresponds to the equivalent of 2–4 days of relative growth. Igf2 is predominantly expressed in extra‐embryonic mesoderm (E7.5–E8.25), 24 h before alterations in cell number are known to occur in embryos with disruption of the paternally expressed allele. We hypothesized that the preservation of proportionality may result from modification of extra‐embryonic development and subsequent alteration of systemic nutritional supply. Morphological analyses of chorio‐allantoic and placental development between E9 and E9.5 appeared Igf2 independent. This suggests either an intrinsic but systemic Igf2‐dependent activity within the embryo or a more complex developmental mechanism accounts for the proportional phenotype. Allelic IGF2 expression is subject to stochastic variation in humans, with 10% of the population estimated to be functionally bi‐allelic. Evaluation of allometric growth of normal and pathological human embryos, suggest intra‐uterine growth phenotypes associated with altered IGF2 imprinting are also likely to be proportionate.
Homeodomain proteins belong to the ancestral molecular toolkit of eukaryotes
Authors: Derelle Romain , Lopez Philippe , Guyader Hervé Le , Manuel Michaël
Published: August 2010

SUMMARYMulticellular organization arose several times by convergence during the evolution of eukaryotes (e.g., in terrestrial plants, several lineages of “algae,” fungi, and metazoans). To reconstruct the evolutionary transitions between unicellularity and multicellularity, we need a proper understanding of the origin and diversification of regulatory molecules governing the construction of a multicellular organism in these various lineages. Homeodomain (HD) proteins offer a paradigm for studying such issues, because in multicellular eukaryotes, like animals, fungi and plants, these transcription factors are extensively used in fundamental developmental processes and are highly diversified. A number of large eukaryote lineages are exclusively unicellular, however, and it remains unclear to what extent this condition reflects their primitive lack of “good building blocks” such as the HD proteins. Taking advantage from the recent burst of sequence data from a wide variety of eukaryote taxa, we show here that HD‐containing transcription factors were already existing and diversified (in at least two main classes) in the last common eukaryote ancestor. Although the family was retained and independently expanded in the multicellular taxa, it was lost in several lineages of unicellular parasites or intracellular symbionts. Our findings are consistent with the idea that the common ancestor of eukaryotes was complex in molecular terms, and already possessed many of the regulatory molecules, which later favored the multiple convergent acquisition of multicellularity.
Evidence that a late‐emerging population of trunk neural crest cells forms the plastron bones in the turtle Trachemys scripta
Authors: Cebra‐Thomas Judith A. , Betters Erin , Yin Melinda , Plafkin Callie , McDow Kendra , Gilbert Scott F.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY
The origin of the turtle plastron is not known, but these nine bones have been homologized to the exoskeletal components of the clavicles, the interclavicular bone, and gastralia. Earlier evidence from our laboratory showed that the bone‐forming cells of the plastron were positive for HNK‐1 and PDGFRα, two markers of the skeletogenic neural crest. This study looks at the embryonic origin of these plastron‐forming cells. We show that the HNK‐1+ cells are also positive for p75 and FoxD3, confirming their neural crest identity, and that they originate from the dorsal neural tube of stage 17 turtle embryos, several days after the original wave of neural crest cells have migrated and differentiated. DiI studies show that these are migratory cells, and they can be observed in the lateral regions of the embryo and can be seen forming intramembranous bone in the ventral (plastron) regions. Before migrating ventrally, these late‐emerging neural crest cells reside for over a week in a carapacial staging area above the neural tube and vertebrae. It is speculated that this staging area is where they lose the inability to form skeletal cells.
Common genome‐wide patterns of transcript accumulation underlying the wing polyphenism and polymorphism in the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum)
Authors: Brisson Jennifer A. , Davis Gregory K. , Stern David L.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY
The pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, exhibits several environmentally cued polyphenisms, in which discrete, alternative phenotypes are produced. At low‐density, parthenogenetic females produce unwinged female progeny, but at high‐density females produce progeny that develop with wings. These alternative phenotypes represent a solution to the competing demands of dispersal and reproduction. Males also develop as either winged or unwinged, but these alternatives are determined by a genetic polymorphism. Winged and unwinged males are morphologically less distinct from each other than winged and unwinged females, possibly because males experience fewer trade‐offs between dispersal and reproduction. To assess whether shared physiological differences mirror the shared morphological differences that characterize the wing polyphenism and polymorphism, we used a cDNA microarray representing an estimated 10% of the coding genome (1734 genes) to examine differential transcript accumulation between winged and unwinged females and males. We identified several transcripts that differentially accumulate between winged and unwinged morphs in both sexes, the majority of which are involved in energy production. Unexpectedly, the extent of differential transcript accumulation between winged and unwinged morphs was greater for adult males than for adult females. Together, these results suggest not only that similar physiological differences underlie the polyphenism and polymorphism, but that male morphs, like females, are subject to trade‐offs between reproduction and dispersal that are reflected in levels of transcript accumulation and possibly genome‐wide patterns of gene regulation. These data also provide a baseline for future studies of the molecular and physiological basis of life‐history trade‐offs.
Embryonic development in two species of scleractinian coral embryos: Symbiodinium localization and mode of gastrulation
Authors: Marlow Heather Q. , Martindale Mark Q.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY
Reef‐building scleractinian corals widely engage in symbiotic relationships with Symbiodinium dinoflagellates (zooxanthellae), which reside inside cells of the gastrodermis. In most cases, sexually produced larvae acquire their symbionts from the environment in the early developmental stages preceding settlement; however, some scleractinian corals maternally “seed” their oocytes with symbionts, and these symbionts are reported to be restricted to the gastrodermis at the time of its formation (gastrulation). A precise mechanism for how Symbiodinium are translocated to endoderm in these seeded species was previously unknown. In order to examine the process of endoderm formation and Symbiodinium localization during gastrulation, we have examined two species of “robust” clade scleractinians: Fungia scutaria (nonseeded) and Pocillopora meandrina (maternally seeded). We determined that both species, independent of whether or not they are seeded, undergo a “nutritive” stage before gastrulation, wherein lipid‐rich cells (F. scutaria) or membrane‐bound cellular fragments (P. meandrina) are passed to the blastocoel where they are subsequently taken up by the definitive endoderm. This emergent property of anthozoan development has been co‐opted to facilitate the movement of Symbiodinium to the blastocoel (future site of endoderm), in the seeded species, where they are later phagocytosed by the newly formed definitive endoderm. Additionally, both species of robust clade scleractinians examined gastrulate by way of invagination, as do the majority of anthozoans. This invagination differs from the prawn chip‐type gastrulation seen in the complex clade corals and provides evidence for a possible linkage between gastrulation type and phylogenetic history.
Phylogenetic distribution of microRNAs supports the basal position of acoel flatworms and the polyphyly of Platyhelminthes
Authors: Sempere Lorenzo F. , Martinez Pedro , Cole Charles , Baguñà Jaume , Peterson Kevin J.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARYPhylogenetic analyses based on gene sequences suggest that acoel flatworms are not members of the phylum Platyhelminthes, but instead are the most basal branch of triploblastic bilaterians. Nonetheless, this result has been called into question. An alternative test is to use qualitative molecular markers that should, in principle, exclude the possibility of convergent (homoplastic) evolution in unrelated groups. microRNAs (miRNAs), noncoding regulatory RNA molecules that are under intense stabilizing selection, are a newly discovered set of phylogenetic markers that can resolve such taxonomic disputes. The acoelChildiasp. has recently been shown to possess a subset of the conserved core of miRNAs found across deuterostomes and protostomes, whereas a polyclad flatworm—in addition to this core subset—possesses miRNAs restricted to just protostomes. Here, we examine another acoel,Symsagittifera roscoffensis, and three other platyhelminths. Our results show that the distribution of miRNAs inS. roscoffensisparallels that ofChildia. In addition, two of 13 new miRNAs cloned from a triclad flatworm are also found in other lophotrochozoan protostomes, but not in ecdysozoans, deuterostomes, or in basal metazoans including acoels. The limited set of miRNAs found in acoels, intermediate between the even more reduced set in cnidarians and the larger and expanding set in the rest of bilaterians, is compelling evidence for the basal position of acoel flatworms and the polyphyly of Platyhelminthes.
Constraints and selection: insights from microsporogenesis in Asparagales
Authors: Penet Laurent , Laurin Michel , Gouyon Pierre‐Henri , Nadot Sophie
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY
Developmental constraints have been proposed to interfere with natural selection in limiting the available set of potential adaptations. Whereas this concept has long been debated on theoretical grounds, it has been investigated empirically only in a few studies. In this article, we evaluate the importance of developmental constraints during microsporogenesis (male meiosis in plants), with an emphasis on phylogenetic patterns in Asparagales. Different developmental constraints were tested by character reshuffling or by simulated distributions. Among the different characteristics of microsporogenesis, only cell wall formation appeared as constrained. We show that constraints may also result from biases in the correlated occurrence of developmental steps (e.g., lack of successive cytokinesis when wall formation is centripetal). We document such biases and their potential outcomes, notably the establishment of intermediate stages, which allow development to bypass such constraints. These insights are discussed with regard to potential selection on pollen morphology.
Evolutionary aspects of pattern formation during clitellate muscle development
Authors: Bergter Annette , Hunnekuhl Vera S. , Schniederjans Monika , Paululat Achim
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY
As a taxon of the lophotrochozoans, annelids have re‐entered scientific investigations focusing on plesiomorphic bilaterian features and the evolutionary changes therein. The view of a clitellate‐like plesiomorphic muscle arrangement in annelids has been challenged by recent investigations of polychaete muscle organization. However, there are few investigations of muscle formation in clitellate species that address this problem. Direct comparison of potential homologous muscles between these annelid groups is thus hampered. Somatic muscle formation during embryogenesis of two clitellates—the oligochaete Limnodrilus sp. and the hirudinean Erpobdella octoculata—occurs by distinct processes in each species, even though they share a closed outer layer of circular and an inner layer of longitudinal muscles characteristic of clitellates. In E. octoculata, the first emerging longitudinal muscles are distributed irregularly on the body surface of the embryo whereas the circular muscles appear in an orderly repetitive pattern along the anterioposterior axis. Both primary muscle types consist of fiber‐bundles that branch at both their ends. This way the circular muscle bundles divide into a fine muscle‐grid. The primary longitudinal muscles are incorporated into a second type of longitudinal muscles, the latter starting to differentiate adjacent to the ventral nerve cord. Those secondary muscles emerge in a ventral to dorsal manner, enclosing the embryo of E. octoculata. In Limnodrilus sp., one dorsal and one ventral bilateral pair of primary longitudinal muscles are established initially, elongating toward posterior. Initial circular muscles are emerging in a segmental pattern. Both muscle layers are completed later in development by the addition of secondary longitudinal and circular muscles. Some features of embryonic longitudinal muscle patterns in Limnodrilus sp. are comparable to structures found in adult polychaete muscle systems. Our findings show that comparative studies of body‐wall muscle formation during clitellate embryogenesis are a promising approach to gain further information on annelid muscle arrangements.
Imprinted expression of the canine IGF2R, in the absence of an anti‐sense transcript or promoter methylation
Authors: O'Sullivan Fiona M. , Murphy Susan K. , Simel Lauren R. , McCann Amanda , Callanan John J. , Nolan Catherine M.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY
Imprinted genes are epigenetically modified in a parent of origin‐dependent manner, and as a consequence, are differentially expressed. Although the evolution of genomic imprinting is a subject of intense debate, imprinted genes have been studied primarily in mice and humans and in a small number of marsupial mammals. Comparative studies involving rodents and primates are of limited value, as they belong to the same superordinal group of eutherian mammals (Euarchontoglires). On the other hand, comparisons involving marsupials may not be informative, due to phylogenetic distance. Canis familiaris belongs to Laurasiatheria, a sister‐group of Euarchontoglires, and should prove useful in comparative studies of imprinted genes. Using RT‐PCR we demonstrate monoallelic expression of the canine IGF2R in several tissues, including uterus and umbilical cord. In the case of umbilical cord, we identify the expressed allele as maternally derived. The canine IGF2R is thus an imprinted gene. Using bisulfite sequencing, we show that the canine IGF2R resembles the imprinted mouse Igf2r in having a CpG island in intron 2 that is hemi‐methylated. However, it differs from the mouse gene in that maintenance of the monoallelic expression of canine IGF2R does not require expression of an anti‐sense transcript from the paternally derived allele, or methylation of the repressed IGF2R promoter. In these two important features, the imprinted canine gene resembles the imprinted opossum IGF2R. Our data suggest that these features were properties of the ancestral imprinted IGF2R and that the anti‐sense transcript (Air) and promoter methylation observed in mouse are derived features of the mouse Igf2r locus.
Convergent evolution of shoots in land plants: lack of auxin polar transport in moss shoots
Authors: Fujita Tomomichi , Sakaguchi Hisako , Hiwatashi Yuji , Wagstaff Steven J. , Ito Motomi , Deguchi Hironori , Sato Toshiyuki , Hasebe Mitsuyasu
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY
The shoot is a repeated structure made up of stems and leaves and is the basic body plan in land plants. Vascular plants form a shoot in the diploid generation, whereas nonvascular plants such as mosses form a shoot in the haploid generation. It is not clear whether all land plants use similar molecular mechanisms in shoot development or how the genetic networks for shoot development evolved. The control of auxin distribution, especially by polar auxin transport, is essential for shoot development in flowering plants. We did not detect polar auxin transport in the gametophytic shoots of several mosses, but did detect it in the sporophytes of mosses without shoot structure. Treatment with auxin transport inhibitors resulted in abnormal embryo development, as in flowering plants, but did not cause any morphological changes in the haploid shoots. We fused the soybean auxin‐inducible promoter GH3 with a GUS reporter gene and used it to indirectly detect auxin distribution in the moss Physcomitrella patens. An auxin transport inhibitor NPA did not cause any changes in the putative distribution of auxin in the haploid shoot. These results indicate that polar auxin transport is not involved in haploid shoot development in mosses and that shoots in vascular plants and mosses are most likely regulated differently during development.