Developmental expression of a class IV POU gene in the gastropod Haliotis asinina supports a conserved role in sensory cell development in bilaterians

POU-IV genes regulate neuronal development in a number of deuterostomes (chordates) and ecdysozoans (arthropods and nematodes). Currently their function and expression in the third bilaterian clade, the Lophotrochozoa, comprising molluscs, annelids and. their affiliates, is unclear. Herein we characterise the developmental expression of HasPOU-IV in the gastropod mollusc, Haliotis asinina. The POU-IV gene is transiently expressed in I I distinct larval territories during the first 3 days of development. HasPOU-IV is first expressed in sets of ventral epidermal cells in the newly hatched trochophore larvae. As larval morphogenesis proceeds, we observe HasPOU-IV transcripts in cells that putatively form a range of sensory systems including chemo- and mechanosensory cells in the foot, cephalic tentacles, the ctenidia. the geosensory statocyst and the eyes. By comparing HasPOU-IV expression with POU-IV genes in other bilaterians we infer that this class of POU-domain genes had an ancestral role in regulating sensory cell development.

Embryogenesis and metamorphosis in a haplosclerid demosponge: gastrulation and transdifferentiation of larval ciliated cells to choanocytes

Early development and metamorphosis of Reniera sp., a haplosclerid demosponge, have been examined to determine how gastrulation occurs in this species, and whether there is an inversion of the primary germ layers at metamorphosis. Embryogenesis occurs by unequal cleavage of blastomeres to form a solid blastula consisting micro- and macromeres; multipolar migration of the micromeres to the surface of the embryo results in a bi-layered embryo and is interpreted as gastrulation. Polarity of the embryo is determined by the movement of pigment-containing micromeres to one pole of the embryo; this pole later becomes the posterior pole of the swimming larva. The bi-layered larva has a fully differentiated monociliated outer cell layer, and a solid interior of various cell types surrounded by dense collagen. The pigmented cells at the posterior pole give rise to long cilia that are capable of responding to environmental stimuli. Larvae settle on their anterior pole. Fluorescent labeling of the monociliated outer cell layer with a cell-lineage marker (CMFDA) demonstrates that the monociliated cells resorb their cilia, migrate inwards, and transdifferentiate into the choanocytes of the juvenile sponge, and into other amoeboid cells. The development of the flagellated choanocytes and other cells in the juvenile from the monociliated outer layer of this sponge's larva is interpreted as the dedifferentiation of fully differentiated larval cells-a process seen during the metamorphosis of other ciliated invertebrate larvae-not as inversion of the primary germ layers. These results suggest that the sequences of development in this haplosclerid demosponge are not very different than those observed in many cnidarians.

Pathways to Melanoma Development: Lessons from the Mouse

Because of subtle differences between mouse and human skin, mice have traditionally not been an ideal model to study melanoma development. Understanding of the molecular mechanisms of melanoma predisposition, however, has been greatly improved by modeling various pathway defects in the mouse. This review analyzes the latest developments in mouse models of melanoma, and summarizes what these may indicate about the development of this neoplasm in humans. Mutations of genes involved in human melanoma have been recapitulated with some unexpected results, particularly with respect to the role of the two transcripts (Ink4a and Arf) encoded by the Cdkn2a locus. Both the Ink4a/pRb and Arf/p53 pathways are involved in melanoma development in mice, and possible mechanisms of cross-talk between the two pathways are discussed. We also know from mouse models that Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway activation is very important in melanoma development, either through direct activation of Ras (e.g., Hras G12V), or via activation of Ras-effector pathways by other oncogenes (e.g., Ret, Hgf/Sf). Ras can cooperate with the Arf/p53 pathway, and probably the Ink4a/Rb pathway, to induce melanoma. These three growth regulation pathways (Ink4a/pRb, Arf/p53, and Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase) seem to represent three major axes of melanoma development in mice. Finally, we summarize experiments using genetically modified mice that have given indications of the intensity and timing of ultraviolet radiation exposure that may be most responsible for melanoma development.

Development of a mungbean (Vigna radiata) RFLP linkage map and its comparison with lablab (Lablab purpureus) revelas a high level of colinearity between the two genomes

A genetic linkage map of mungbean (Vigna radiata, 2n = 2x = 22) consisting of 255 RFLP loci was developed using a recombinant inbred population of 80 individuals. The population was derived from an intersubspecific cross between the cultivated mungbean variety 'Berken' and a wild mungbean genotype 'ACC 41' (V radiata subsp. sublobata). The total length of the map, which comprised 13 linkage groups, spanned 737.9 cM with an average distance between markers of 3.0 cM and a maximum distance between linked markers of 15.4 cM. The mungbean map was compared to a previously published map of lablab (Lablab purpureus, 2n = 2x = 24) using a common set of 65 RFLP probes. In contrast to some other comparative mapping studies among members of the Fabaceae, where a high level of chromosomal rearrangement has been observed, marker order between mungbean and lablab was found to be highly conserved. However, the two genomes have apparently accumulated a large number of duplications/deletions after they diverged.

Microstrip circular phased array design and development using microwave antenna CAD tools

The complex design and development of a planar multilayer phased array antenna in microstrip technology can be simplified using two commercially available design tools 1) Ansoft Ensemble and 2) HP-EEsof Touchstone. In the approach presented here, Touchstone is used to design RF switches and phase shifters whose scattering parameters are incorporated in Ensemble simulations using its black box tool. Using this approach, Ensemble is able to fully analyze the performance of radiating and beamforming layers of a phased array prior to its manufacturing. This strategy is demonstrated in a design example of a 12-element linearly-polarized circular phased array operating at L band. A comparison between theoretical and experimental results of the array is demonstrated.

Design, development, and testing of X-band amplifying reflectarrays

The design and development of two X-band amplifying reflectarrays is presented. The arrays use dual-polarized aperture coupled patch antennas with FET transistors and phasing circuits to amplify a microwave signal and to radiate it in a chosen direction. Two cases are considered, one when a reflectarray converts a spherical wave due to a feed horn into a plane wave radiated into a boresight direction, and two, when the reflectarray converts a spherical wave due to a dual-polarized four-element feed array into a co-focal spherical wave. This amplified signal is received in an orthogonal port of the feed array so that the entire structure acts as a spatial power combiner. The two amplifying arrays are tested in the near-field zone for phase distribution over their apertures to achieve the required beam formation. Alternatively, their radiation patterns or gains are investigated.

Population health, environment and economic development

This paper studies the role of income distribution and technology transfer in the process of economic development. A novel aspect of the model is that the composition of human capital as well as the level affect economic growth. Utilizing an overlapping-generations model in which income distribution changes endogenously, we present an economic explanation for why some countries could not start modern economic growth; why some countries took off but have apparently stopped growing after some time; and why some countries have successfully developed and continue to grow

Expression of a truncated Brca1 protein delays lactational mammary development in transgenic mice

To address the hypothesis that certain disease-associated mutants of the breast-ovarian cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1 have biological activity in vivo, we have expressed a truncated Brca1 protein (trBrca1) in cell-lines and in the mammary gland of transgenic mice. Immunofluorescent analysis of transfected cell-lines indicates that trBRCA1 is a stable protein and that it is localized in the cell cytoplasm. Functional analysis of these cell-lines indicates that expression of trBRCA1 confers an increased radiosensitivity phenotype on mammary epithelial cells, consistent with abrogation of the BRCA1 pathway. MMTV-trBrca1 transgenic mice from two independent lines displayed a delay in lactational mammary gland development, as demonstrated by altered histological profiles of lobuloalveolar structures. Cellular and molecular analyses indicate that this phenotype results from a defect in differentiation, rather than altered rates of proliferation or apoptosis. The results presented in this paper are consistent with trBrca1 possessing dominant-negative activity and playing an important role in regulating normal mammary development. They may also have implications for germline carriers of BRCA1 mutations.

Development of Trichogramma australicum Girault (Hymenoptera : Trichogrammatidae) in Helicoverpa (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae) host eggs

Morphological studies of development of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma australicum Girault in the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner), were conducted to provide benchmarks for assessing developmental rates in both natural hosts and artificial diets. Observations of living embryos and histological sections show that embryos proceed rapidly through cleavage and blastoderm formation and show a characteristic pinching or rotation 8 h after deposition. Eggs progressively increase in volume, primarily by increasing in diameter at the widest point. At 29 rectangle 1 C the duration of the egg stage is 22-24 h, the larval stage 27 h, the prepupal stage 50-52 h, and pupa 85 h. Larvae undergo dramatic shape changes as they ingest food but do not show signs of larval moults, reinforcing observations that there is only one larval instar. Criteria for staging the embryonic and postembryonic development in natural hosts will be used for future studies aimed at developing and refining artificial diets for Trichogramma.

Interaction of temperature and vegetative flush maturity influences shoot structure and development of lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.)

Potted lychee trees (cv. Tai so) of varying vegetative flush maturity were grown under a range of temperature regimes and monitored for subsequent shoot structure and development. A combination of low temperature (15/17 or 18/13 degreesC day/night) and high vegetative flush maturity was necessary for floral initiation to occur, Exposure to high temperatures (28/23 degreesC) invariably resulted in the production of vegetative shoots, irrespective of flush maturity. Strong floral initiation was marked by the emergence of terminal particles and accompanying axillary particles. A decrea,;e in vegetative flush maturity or increase in temperature (e.g. 23/18 degreesC) resulted in a decrease in axillary shoot formation and the production of several intermediate shoot structures. These included leafy particles, stunted particles, partially emerged buds and non-emergent swollen buds, often produced on the same tree. At 23/18 degreesC, closer synchronisation of initial flush maturity was required for the production of a consistent shoot-type. Trees with synchronised mature flushes (I-2) at 23/18 degreesC resulted in the production of swollen terminal buds. Healthy trees were maintained in this state for at least 11 months. These results indicate that both temperature and flush maturity can influence subsequent shoot structure of lychee. In the absence of either a strong floral temperature (18/13 degreesC) or strong vegetative temperature (28/23 degreesC), slight differences in initial flush maturity have gteater impact on the type of emerging shoot formed. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Symptom development on two wild, perennial grasses infected by Peronosclerospora species (Family Peronosporaceae: the downy-mildew fungi)

The reproductive structures of the downy-mildew fungi, Peronosclerospora noblei and Peronosclerospora eriochloae, develop only on chlorotic leaves of tall, vegetative tillers of the perennial grasses Sorghum leiocladum (wild sorghum) and Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha (early spring grass), respectively. They are never found on the leaves of flowering tillers, even when tillers of both types grow from the same tussock. The development of symptoms on infected tillers of both hosts and the morphological and anatomical changes to host tissues on infected tillers are detailed.

Development of a novel titration and off-gas analysis (TOGA) sensor for study of biological processes in wastewater treatment systems

The development of the new TOGA (titration and off-gas analysis) sensor for the detailed study of biological processes in wastewater treatment systems is outlined. The main innovation of the sensor is the amalgamation of titrimetric and off-gas measurement techniques. The resulting measured signals are: hydrogen ion production rate (HPR), oxygen transfer rate (OTR), nitrogen transfer rate (NTR), and carbon dioxide transfer rate (CTR). While OTR and NTR are applicable to aerobic and anoxic conditions, respectively, HPR and CTR are useful signals under all of the conditions found in biological wastewater treatment systems, namely, aerobic, anoxic and anaerobic. The sensor is therefore a powerful tool for studying the key biological processes under all these conditions. A major benefit from the integration of the titrimetric and off-gas analysis methods is that the acid/base buffering systems, in particular the bicarbonate system, are properly accounted for. Experimental data resulting from the TOGA sensor in aerobic, anoxic, and anaerobic conditions demonstrates the strength of the new sensor. In the aerobic environment, carbon oxidation (using acetate as an example carbon source) and nitrification are studied. Both the carbon and ammonia removal rates measured by the sensor compare very well with those obtained from off-line chemical analysis. Further, the aerobic acetate removal process is examined at a fundamental level using the metabolic pathway and stoichiometry established in the literature, whereby the rate of formation of storage products is identified. Under anoxic conditions, the denitrification process is monitored and, again, the measured rate of nitrogen gas transfer (NTR) matches well with the removal of the oxidised nitrogen compounds (measured chemically). In the anaerobic environment, the enhanced biological phosphorus process was investigated. In this case, the measured sensor signals (HPR and CTR) resulting from acetate uptake were used to determine the ratio of the rates of carbon dioxide production by competing groups of microorganisms, which consequently is a measure of the activity of these organisms. The sensor involves the use of expensive equipment such as a mass spectrometer and requires special gases to operate, thus incurring significant capital and operational costs. This makes the sensor more an advanced laboratory tool than an on-line sensor. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Development and survival of the diamondback moth (Lepidoptera : Plutellidae) at constant and alternating temperatures

Survival and development time from egg to adult emergence of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), were determined at 19 constant and 14 alternating temperature regimes from 4 to 40degreesC. Plutella xylostella developed successfully front egg to adult emergence at constant temperatures from 8 to 32degreesC. At temperatures from 4 to 6degreesC or from 34 to 40degreesC, partial or complete development of individual stages or instars was possible, with third and fourth instars having the widest temperature limits. The insect developed successfully from egg to adult emergence under alternating regimes including temperatures as low as 4degreesC or as high as 38degreesC. The degree-day model, the logistic equation, and the Wang model were used to describe the relationships between temperature and development rate at both constant and alternating temperatures. The degree-day model described the relationships well from 10 to 30degreesC. The logistic equation and the Wang model fit the data well at temperatures 32degreesC. Under alternating regimes, all three models gave good simulations of development in the mid-temperature range, but only the logistic equation gave close simulations in the low temperature range, and none gave close or consistent simulations in the high temperature range. The distribution of development time was described satisfactorily by a Weibull function. These rate and time distribution functions provide tools for simulating population development of P. xylostella over a wide range of temperature conditions.