The Interaction Between FDI and Infrastructure Capital in The Development Process

This paper focuses on the possible interaction between foreign direct investment (FDI) and the host country’s infrastructure base. Its central hypothesis is that the effect of FDI on per capita real income depends, at least in part, on the size of the recipient country’s infrastructure. This hypothesis is tested in a panel of 46 countries and 5-year averages over the 1980–2000 period using the size of three types of infrastructure capital: telecommunication, power generation, and network of roads or highways. The results indicate that the size of the host country’s infrastructure base helps to improve the marginal effect of FDI on real income

A method for isolating and culturing placental cells from failed early equine pregnancies

Early pregnancy loss occurs in 6–10% of equine pregnancies making it the main cause of reproductive wastage. Despite this, reasons for the losses are known in only 16% of cases. Lack of viable conceptus material has inhibited investigations of many potential genetic and pathological causes. We present a method for isolating and culturing placental cells from failed early equine pregnancies. Trophoblast cells from 18/30 (60%) failed equine pregnancies of gestational ages 14–65 days were successfully cultured in three different media, with the greatest growth achieved for cells cultured in AmnioChrome™ Plus. Genomic DNA of a suitable quality for molecular assays was also isolated from 29/30 of these cases. This method will enable future investigations determining pathologies causing EPL

Genomic organization and molecular phylogenies of the beta (β) keratin multigene family in the chicken (Gallus gallus) and zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata): implications for feather evolution

Abstract Background The epidermal appendages of reptiles and birds are constructed of beta (β) keratins. The molecular phylogeny of these keratins is important to understanding the evolutionary origin of these appendages, especially feathers. Knowing that the crocodilian β-keratin genes are closely related to those of birds, the published genomes of the chicken and zebra finch provide an opportunity not only to compare the genomic organization of their β-keratins, but to study their molecular evolution in archosaurians. Results The subfamilies (claw, feather, feather-like, and scale) of β-keratin genes are clustered in the same 5' to 3' order on microchromosome 25 in chicken and zebra finch, although the number of claw and feather genes differs between the species. Molecular phylogenies show that the monophyletic scale genes are the basal group within birds and that the monophyletic avian claw genes form the basal group to all feather and feather-like genes. Both species have a number of feather clades on microchromosome 27 that form monophyletic groups. An additional monophyletic cluster of feather genes exist on macrochromosome 2 for each species. Expression sequence tag analysis for the chicken demonstrates that all feather β-keratin clades are expressed. Conclusions Similarity in the overall genomic organization of β-keratins in Galliformes and Passeriformes suggests similar organization in all Neognathae birds, and perhaps in the ancestral lineages leading to modern birds, such as the paravian Anchiornis huxleyi. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrate that evolution of archosaurian epidermal appendages in the lineage leading to birds was accompanied by duplication and divergence of an ancestral β-keratin gene cluster. As morphological diversification of epidermal appendages occurred and the β-keratin multigene family expanded, novel β-keratin genes were selected for novel functions within appendages such as feathers.</p

Genomic Organization and Molecular Phylogenies of the Beta (β) Keratin Multigene Family in the Chicken (\u3cem\u3eGallus gallus\u3c/em\u3e) and Zebra Finch (\u3cem\u3eTaeniopygia guttata\u3c/em\u3e): Implications for Feather Evolution

Background: The epidermal appendages of reptiles and birds are constructed of beta (β) keratins. The molecularphylogeny of these keratins is important to understanding the evolutionary origin of these appendages, especially feathers. Knowing that the crocodilian β-keratin genes are closely related to those of birds, the published genomes ofthe chicken and zebra finch provide an opportunity not only to compare the genomic organization of their β- keratins,but to study their molecular evolution in archosaurians. Results: The subfamilies (claw, feather, feather-like, and scale) of β-keratin genes are clustered in the same 5\u27 to 3\u27 orderon microchromosome 25 in chicken and zebra finch, although the number of claw and feather genes differs between the species. Molecular phylogenies show that the monophyletic scale genes are the basal group within birds and thatthe monophyletic avian claw genes form the basal group to all feather and feather-like genes. Both species have a number of feather clades on microchromosome 27 that form monophyletic groups. An additional monophyleticcluster of feather genes exist on macrochromosome 2 for each species. Expression sequence tag analysis for thechicken demonstrates that all feather β-keratin clades are expressed. Conclusions: Similarity in the overall genomic organization of β-keratins in Galliformes and Passeriformes suggestssimilar organization in all Neognathae birds, and perhaps in the ancestral lineages leading to modern birds, such as theparavian Anchiornis huxleyi. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrate that evolution of archosaurian epidermal appendagesin the lineage leading to birds was accompanied by duplication and divergence of an ancestral β-keratin gene cluster.As morphological diversification of epidermal appendages occurred and the β-keratin multigene family expanded,novel β-keratin genes were selected for novel functions within appendages such as feathers

In form

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and Planning, Program in Media Arts and Sciences, 2003.Includes bibliographical references (p. 111-116).Spatial computing is human interaction with a machine in which the machine retains and manipulates referents to real objects and spaces. It is an essential component for making our machines fuller partners in our work and play. This thesis presents a series of experiments in the discipline and analysis of its fundamental properties.Simon Greenwold.S.M

2008 South Carolina school garden survey results

This survey shows the impact school gardens have in South Carolina. The survey questions and responses fall under four different categories: type of garden, activities carried out in the garden, garden costs, and garden assessment. The survey was sent to 175 South Carolina schools both public and private. Most schools responded that students participate in the garden, meaning the school offers opportunities for students to interact with the garden in some way

Evolution of an epidermal differentiation complex (Edc) gene family in birds

The transition of amniotes to a fully terrestrial lifestyle involved the adaptation of major molecular innovations to the epidermis, often in the form of epidermal appendages such as hair, scales and feathers. Feathers are diverse epidermal structures of birds, and their evolution has played a key role in the expansion of avian species to a wide range of lifestyles and habitats. As with other epidermal appendages, feather development is a complex process which involves many different genetic and protein elements. In mammals, many of the genetic elements involved in epidermal development are located at a specific genetic locus known as the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC). Studies have identified a homologous EDC locus in birds, which contains several genes expressed throughout epidermal and feather development. A family of avian EDC genes rich in aromatic amino acids that also contain MTF amino acid motifs (EDAAs/EDMTFs), that includes the previously reported histidine-rich or fast-protein (HRP/fp), an important marker in feather development, has expanded significantly in birds. Here, we characterize the EDAA gene family in birds and investigate the evolutionary history and possible functions of EDAA genes using phylogenetic and sequence analyses. We provide evidence that the EDAA gene family originated in an early archosaur ancestor, and has since expanded in birds, crocodiles and turtles, respectively. Furthermore, this study shows that the respective amino acid compositions of avian EDAAs are characteristic of structural functions associated with EDC genes and feather development. Finally, these results support the hypothesis that the genes of the EDC have evolved through tandem duplication and diversification, which has contributed to the evolution of the intricate avian epidermis and epidermal appendages

Complex Gene Loss and Duplication Events Have Facilitated the Evolution of Multiple Loricrin Genes in Diverse Bird Species

The evolution of a mechanically resilient epidermis was a key adaptation in the transition of amniotes to a fully terrestrial lifestyle. Skin appendages usually form via a specialized type of programmed cell death known as cornification which is characterized by the formation of an insoluble cornified envelope (CE). Many of the substrates of cornification are encoded by linked genes located at a conserved genetic locus known as the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC). Loricrin is the main protein component of the mammalian CE and is encoded for by a gene located within the EDC. Recently, genes resembling mammalian loricrin, along with several other proteins most likely involved in CE formation, have been identified within the EDC of birds and several reptiles. To better understand the evolution and function of loricrin in birds, we screened the genomes of 50 avian species and 3 crocodilians to characterize their EDC regions. We found that loricrin is present within the EDC of all species investigated, and that three loricrin genes were present in birds. Phylogenetic and molecular evolution analyses found evidence that gene deletions and duplications as well as concerted evolution has shaped the evolution of avian loricrins. Our results suggest a complex evolutionary history of avian loricrins which has accompanied the evolution of bird species with diverse morphologies and lifestyles

Postnatal healing of cesarean scar: an ultrasound study

BACKGROUND: Impaired healing of cesarean delivery scars results in long-term complications, including scar niche formation, which may adversely impact future pregnancies and lead to gynaecological symptoms such as postmenstrual spotting, dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain. Moreover, there is increasing evidence that a cesarean delivery scar located close to or within the cervix is associated with an increased risk of subsequent spontaneous preterm birth. The factors influencing cesarean birth scar location and healing remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE(S): We explored the impact of antenatal, intrapartum, intraoperative and postnatal factors on cesarean scar sonographic healing, location and morphology after cesarean delivery in labor. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective observational cohort study recruited women who underwent cesarean delivery during active labor (cervical dilation 4-10 cm) at University College London Hospital, UK (January 2021-October 2022). Transvaginal ultrasound was performed 4 to 12 months postpartum to evaluate cesarean delivery scar characteristics and location relative to the internal cervical os. Indicators of impaired scar healing were presence of a scar niche (depth ≥2mm) and/or a healing ratio (residual/adjacent myometrial or cervical thickness) of ≤0.5. Regression analysis assessed the associations between clinical variables and cesarean scar parameters. RESULTS: Cesarean delivery scars were identified in 96.8% of women recruited (90/93). Advanced labor cesarean delivery (8-10 cm dilatation) was associated with an eight-fold increased likelihood of a scar located at or caudal to the internal os (RR 7.77; 95% CI 2.59, 23.39; p 40 weeks, the use of locking sutures during surgery and cesarean delivery scar location caudal to the internal os on postnatal ultrasound (p<0.05). Uterine scars, situated cranial to the internal os, had significantly larger niche dimensions compared to those located within the cervix, at or caudal to the internal os (p<0.05). CONCLUSION(S): Advanced cervical dilatation and low fetal station at emergency cesarean delivery in labor are independent predictors of cesarean scar location near or within the cervix, and these cervical scars heal less well than scars located higher in the uterus. Even women having a cesarean birth at 8-9cm have a high risk of the scar being close or within the cervix, which is known to increase the risk of subsequent spontaneous preterm birth. Further research is needed into the impact of cesarean scar characteristics on gynaecologic symptoms and future pregnancy outcomes and to develop techniques to improve cesarean scar healing