Sexual dimorphism is the phenotypic difference between males and females of the same species, but how these phenotypic differences arise is largely unstudied at the molecular level. It is understood that sexual selection, or competition for mates, drives sexual dimorphism, but more recently it has been suggested that resource partitioning, or niche pressure, may exert evolutionary pressure, leading to sexual dimorphism. Many members of the sarseilloid family of ostracods exhibit sexual dimorphism of their lateral eyes with males having an image forming eye, while females have a rudimentary eye limited to sensing light and dark. Ostracods progress through five instar stages of development before becoming an adult, and by studying expression levels of selected developmental genes at instar IV, V adult stages and embryos, the underlying expression pattern change that leads to phenotypic differences can be seen. By comparing the differences in expression between two sarseilloid species, Euphilomedes carcharodonta and Euphilomedes morini , we can see how these species develop their specific phenotypes. In E. carcharodonta and E. morini , the genes Sine oculis, Dachshund, Seven in absentia, Chaoptic, Protein Kinase C and Opsin show different expression patterns between groups. The highest expression levels of Sine oculis are in developing embryos when compared to other stages of development. Dachshund, Seven in absentia, Chaoptic, Protein Kinase C and Opsin show significantly different patterns in males or noticeable male trends, demonstrating that these genes are important in the development and function of the sexually dimorphic lateral eye. E. carcharodonta and E. morini show similar gene expression patterns suggesting that these patterns have been conserved over evolutionary time to produce the observed dimorphic morphology.

The genetics of switchback evolution is largely unknown. While it is assumed that latent gene regulatory networks become reactivated to recreate an ancestral tissue, the details regarding this reactivation has yet to be elucidated. How has a network been maintained over the evolutionary history of this group? Are certain genes within these pathways more susceptible to suppression than other genes? In this study, I examined Euphilomedes carcharodonta, a member of the Sarsielloidea superfamily of ostracods, a clade which has demonstrated the loss and regain of the lateral eye multiple times over its evolutionary history. In particular, I looked at the genetic mechanisms for the development of the sexually dimorphic lateral eye, in which males have large, multifaceted image-forming eyes typical to those of other pancrustaceans (Hexapoda+Crustacea) while females do not. This sexual dimorphism is of particular interest because it allows me to study the genetic underpinnings of a regained trait using individuals of near-identical genetic backgrounds, as these organisms have a singlechromosome sex determination system (XXIXO). Examination of developmental eye genes ec-Dachshund, ec-Daughtless, ecChaoptic, ec-Shaven, and ec-Epidermal growth factor receptor showed differential gene expression patterns in which juvenile male eyes expressed these genes at a higher level than did juvenile female eyes. These genes are thus candidate genetic components of 6 switchback evolution, as this data is a first step towards comparative transcriptomics and gene expression studies comparing multiple species.

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Yes / Large changes in spectacle prescription can increase falls risk in older people. We investigated the effect of induced astigmatism (a common cause of distorted or blurred vision in older people) on locomotor stepping patterns to determine whether the orientation of astigmatic changes could have differential effects on gait safety when negotiating steps and stairs. Methods 10 older adults (mean age 76.0±6.4 years) walked up to and stepped onto a raised block whilst wearing their spectacle prescription and when blurred with ±3.00D cylinders at axes 45°, 90°, 135° and 180°. Gait measurements included foot placement before the block, toe clearance over the block edge and foot placement on the block. Results Induced astigmatism with axes at 90°, providing magnification in the horizontal meridian only, caused no change in stepping pattern. Induced astigmatism with axes at 180° caused foot placement changes in the anterior or posterior direction according to whether magnification was positive or negative in the vertical meridian (block perceived higher or lower respectively). Induced astigmatism with axes oblique at 45° and 135° (causing the block to be perceived as a parallelogram sloping downwards either to the right or left) caused gait changes in the anterior and posterior, vertical and lateral directions. Changes in lateral foot placement appeared to be an attempt to maintain constant foot clearance levels over the block edge by stepping over the perceived ‘lower’ side of the ‘sloping’ block. Conclusions Astigmatic changes with oblique axes had the greatest effect on gait. Clinicians, including optometrists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and nurses should counsel older patients about the effects of astigmatism on gait safety. Furthermore, partial prescribing of astigmatic corrections should be considered to reduce the risk of falling.

This research seeks to examine how authors represent Black/African-American beauty in children’s literature. To conduct my research, I have chosen to review Natasha Tarpley’s I Love My Hair and Carolivia Herron’s Nappy Hair in conjunction with Zora Neale Hurston’s young adult novel Their Eyes Were Watching God. The objective of my thesis aims to highlight the emphasis authors place on Black/African-American children’s hair and the cultural differences in their perceptions of Afro-beauty. Today, society expends extensive time and interest in outward appearances through media: television, radio, digital media, and fashion magazines. As a result, Black/African-American adolescent and teen girls become overly concerned with their beauty and face extreme pressure to fit into the dominant cultures definition of beauty: ‘lighter skin, slender nose, slim body frame, and straight hair.’ Black/African-American girls who fall short of the prescribed characteristics of beauty become psychologically impaired with their self-confidences; sometimes refusing to embrace their own features or invest extensively in beauty care products to conform to the dominant beliefs of beauty. I have provided a summary of the focused literature for the benefit of readers who not have had the opportunity to read the previously mentioned texts along with a sample lesson plan.

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Em outubro de 2005 a notificação de 17 casos de doença ocular de etiologia desconhecida, envolvendo, em sua maioria, a população infantil da cidade de Araguatins/TO, levou as autoridades locais a pedirem ajuda a Secretaria de Estado da Saúde do Estado do Tocantins no intuito de descobrirem sua etiologia, tratamento e prevenção. Nos pacientes acometidos, os sinais freqüentemente observados foram: intensa hiperemia conjutival, granuloma, episclerite, infiltrado corneano periférico. Na anamnese realizada nos pacientes foi observado que todos tiveram contato com as águas do Rio Araguaia. Os resultados obtidos a partir do processamento das amostras de água, sedimentos e substratos particularmente na vegetação marginal inundada, permitiram confirmar a hipótese de que deveria haver uma fauna rica de esponjas no Araguaia, no trecho fronteiro à cidade de Araguatins A presença intraocular de espícula de esponja de água doce das espécies Drulia uruguayensis e Oncosclera navicela foi confirmada em material avaliado histopatologicamente proveniente de três pacientes que haviam sido submetidos a lensectomia, sugerindo que espículas de água doce poderiam ser um surpreendente novo agente etiológico de patologia ocular. Assim, neste estudo foram realizados ensaios de citotoxicidade com amostras de duas espécies de esponjas coletadas no local. Os resultados indicam que os extratos das esponjas após filtração em filtro Millipore 0,45 μm continuaram apresentando atividade citotóxica, sugerindo haver um componente SOLÚVEL, e não somente espículas, capaz de induzir morte celular na população de células utilizadas. Os indivíduos acometidos foram na maioria do sexo masculino com idade entre 05 e 14 anos. / In October 2005 the notification of 17 cases of eyes disease of unknown etiology, involving, in its majority, the infant population of the city of Araguatins/TO, led the local authorities to ask help to the Secretariate of State of Health of the State of Tocantins in order to discover their etiology, treatment and prevention. In affected patients, the signs frequently observed were: intense hyperemia conjutival, granuloma, episclerite, peripheral cornea infiltrated. In the anamnesis performed in patients was observed that all of them had contact with the waters of the Araguaia river. The results obtained from processing samples of water, sediments and substrates particularly in the vegetation marginal flooded, allowed confirming the hypothesis that there should be a rich fauna sponges in Araguaia, close to the city of Araguatins The presence of spicula of intraocular sponge species of freshwater Drulia uruguayensis and Oncosclera navicela was confirmed in material evaluated histopathologically from three patients who had undergone lensectomy, suggesting that \"spikes freshwater could be a surprising new etiologic agent of pathology ocular\". Thus, in this study was performed cytotoxicity assays with samples from two species of sponges collected in place. The results indicate that the extracts of sponges after filtration Millipore 0.45 μm continued presenting cytotoxic activity, suggesting there is a SOLUBLE component, and not only spikes, capable of inducing cellular death in the population of cells used. The individuals affected were the majority of males aged between 05 and 14 years.

Orientador: Marcelo Coelho Goiato / Coorientador: Daniela Micheline dos Santos / Banca: Simone Cecílio Hallak Regalo / Banca: Stefan Fiuza Carvalho Dekon / Resumo: As próteses oculares são responsáveis pela recuperação da estética e auto-estima do usuário. Assim, os materiais utilizados na confecção de prótese ocular devem possuir propriedades específicas para sua indicação e durabilidade. Desse modo, é importante avaliar o comportamento destes materiais quando influenciados por diversas soluções desinfetantes. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a microdureza, rugosidade superficial e alteração de cor de próteses oculares sobre a influência da desinfecção química e armazenagem. Foram confeccionadas 50 amostras simulando próteses oculares contendo duas resinas acrílicas (N1 e incolor), distribuídas em cinco grupos de acordo com o desinfetante utilizado: sabão neutro (I), opti-free (II), efferdent (III), hipoclorito a 1% (IV) e clorexidina a 4% (V). As amostras foram armazenadas por 120 dias, sendo desinfetadas durante este período. As leituras de microdureza, rugosidade e cor das amostras foram realizadas em um período inicial (B) e após 60 (T1) e 120 (T2) dias de armazenagem com desinfecção. A microdureza foi mensurada por meio de um microdurômetro, e a rugosidade determinada por um rugosímetro. A leitura de cor foi realizada por meio da espectrofotometria de reflexão, usando o sistema CIE L*a*b*. A alteração de cor (ΔE) foi calculada para os períodos entre T1 e B (T1B), e T2 e B (T2B). Pelos resultados obtidos a resina N1 para esclera apresentou menor microdureza estatisticamente significante, comparada a resina incolor (P<0,05). A maior alteração dos valores de microdureza e rugosidade foi obtida para os grupos IV e V. Ambos os períodos de desinfecção e armazenagem produziram alterações significativas (P<0,05) nas amostras com diminuição dos valores de... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Ocular prostheses are responsible to restore not only patient's aesthetic but also its self-esteem. The materials used to fabricate the ocular prostheses should present specific properties regarding its indication and durability. Therefore, it is important to investigate the physical behavior of such materials when subjected to different disinfectant solutions. This study evaluated the microhardness, surface roughness and color stability of ocular prostheses under the influence of different chemical disinfectant solutions and storage. A total of 50 samples simulating an ocular prosthesis containing two acrylic resins (N1 and colorless) were fabricated. They were divided into five groups as a function of disinfectant solution: neutral soap (I), opti-free (II), efferdent (III), 1% hypochlorite (IV) and 4% chlorhexidine (V). Samples were storage during 120 days, and they were disinfected throughout the period. Microhardness, roughness and color measurements were performed at baseline (B), after 60 (T1) and 120 (T2) days of storage with disinfection. The microharness and the roughness measurements were evaluated using a microdurometer and a roughness meter, respectively. Samples colors were measured with spectrophotometer using CIE L*a*b* system. Color differences (ΔE*) were calculated for periods between T1 and B (T1B), and T2 and B (T2B). The N1 acrylic resin exhibited statistically lower microhardness when compared to the colorless acrylic resin (P<0.05). The highest microhardness and roughness alterations were observed for groups IV and V. Both disinfection and storage periods statistically reduced the microhadness values and increased the roughness values of the samples (P<0.05). Color alteration was... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre