Differences In Growth Patterns Research Articles

Growth hormone differentially regulates growth and growth-related gene expression in closely related fish species

Zebrafish ( Danio rerio) have become an important model organism for developmental biology and human health studies. We recently demonstrated differential growth patterns between the zebrafish and a close relative the giant danio ( Danio aequipinnatus), where the giant danio appears to exhibit indeterminate growth similar to most fish species important for commercial production, while zebrafish exhibit determinate growth more similar to mammalian growth. This study focused on evaluating muscle growth regulation differences in adult zebrafish and giant danio utilizing growth hormone treatment as a mode of growth manipulation. Growth hormone treatment resulted in increased overall growth in giant danio, but failed to increase growth in the zebrafish. Growth hormone treatment increased muscle IGF-I and GHrI gene expression in both species, but to a larger degree in the giant danio. In contrast, zebrafish exhibited a larger increase in IrA and IGF-IrB gene expression in muscle in response to GH treatment. In addition muscle myostatin levels were differentially regulated between the two species, with a down-regulation observed in rapidly growing, GH-treated giant danio and an up-regulation in zebrafish not actively growing in response to GH. This is the first report of differential expression of growth-regulating genes in closely related fish species exhibiting opposing growth paradigms. These results further support the role that the zebrafish and giant danio can play important model organisms for determinate and indeterminate growth.

Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Differential Patterns of Hepatic Growth and Expression of IGF1, PCK2, and HSDL1 mRNA in the Sheep Fetus in Late Gestation1

Fetal adaptations to periods of substrate deprivation can result in the programming of glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and metabolic dysfunction in later life. Placental insufficiency can be associated with either sparing or sacrifice of fetal liver growth, and these different responses may have different metabolic consequences. It is unclear what intrahepatic mechanisms determine the differential responses of the fetal liver to substrate restriction. We investigated the effects of placental restriction (PR) on liver growth and the hepatic expression of SLC2A1, IGF1, IGF2, IGF1R, IGF2R, PPARGC1A, PPARA, PRKAA1, PRKAA2, PCK2, and HSDL1 mRNA in fetal sheep at 140-145 days of gestation. A mean gestational arterial partial pressure of oxygen less than 17 mmHg was defined as hypoxic, and a relative liver of weight more than 2 SD below the mean liver weight of controls was defined as reduced liver growth. Fetuses therefore were defined as control-normoxic (C-N; n = 9), PR-normoxic (PR-N; n = 7), PR-hypoxic (PR-H; n = 8), or PR-hypoxic reduced liver growth (PR-H RLG; n = 4). Hepatic SLC2A1 mRNA expression was highest (P < 0.05) in the PR-H fetuses, in which liver growth was maintained. Expression of IGF1 mRNA was decreased (P < 0.05) only in the PR-H RLG group. Hepatic expression of HSDL1, PPARGC1A, and PCK2 mRNA also were increased (P < 0.05) in the PR-H RLG fetuses. The present study highlights that intrahepatic responses to fetal substrate restriction may exist that protect the liver from decreased growth and, potentially, from a decreased responsiveness to the actions of insulin in postnatal life.

Comparison of nasal region dimensions in bilateral choanal atresia patients and normal controls: A computed tomographic analysis with clinical implications

To determine if any difference exists between a set of nasal dimension measurements in choanal atresia patients and in a control group. A retrospective study was undertaken to define the variation of values for a series of nasal dimension measurements through axial computed tomography in 9 patients with bilateral choanal atresia and compare the same dimensions with a control group 104 patients of similar gender and age distribution. The statistical significance of the differences in these dimensions was examined. Nine of 17 variables showed a significant difference between normal and choanal atresia group. The result showed that the growth of the nasal complex can be influenced by nasal obstruction. These findings might serve in understanding the differential growth patterns of nasal structures in the face of the nasal breathing obstruction. Computed tomography is valuable in defining the exact anatomical extent of the disease and also in preoperative evaluation of the patient.

Decreased p44/42 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Phosphorylation in Gender- or Hormone-Related But Not during Age-Related Adrenal Gland Growth in Mice

Postnatal growth of the mouse adrenal gland shows a characteristic gender-dependent pattern, resulting in an almost 2-fold higher adrenal weight in 11-wk-old female vs. male mice. We demonstrated that the higher weight of the adrenal glands in female mice is due to a significantly (P < 0.05) increased growth rate in female mice and a shorter growth phase of the adrenal glands in male mice (P < 0.05). To address the signaling mechanisms underlying these differential growth patterns, we evaluated the phosphorylation levels of p44/42 and p38 MAPK. In female mice, age-dependent reductions of p38 MAPK phosphorylation were found between wk 3 and 9 (47% reduction; P < 0.05). At the age of 11 wk, the p38 MAPK phosphorylation level in female adrenal glands was about 60% lower than in the male counterparts (P < 0.01). Similarly, the phosphorylation level of p44/42 MAPK was 50% lower in female adrenal glands (P < 0.001). Reduced activation of p44/42 MAPK was also observed after growth stimulation of the adrenal glands in male mice after ACTH treatment (-36%; P < 0.001) or by expression of a GH transgene (-34%; P < 0.001), whereas p38 MAPK, JNK, or PDK1 activation was unaffected. From our findings in three independent mouse models where partial deactivation of p44/42 MAPK was observed under conditions of elevated growth, we suggest a function of p44/42 MAPK for adrenal growth and a role of p44/42 MAPK for the integration of different endocrine stimuli.

P-64 Decreased p44/42 MAPK phosphorylation in gender- or hormone-related but not during age-related adrenal gland growth in mice

Postnatal growth of the mouse adrenal gland shows a characteristic gender-dependent pattern, resulting in an almost two-fold higher adrenal weight in 11-week-old female versus male mice. We demonstrated that the higher weight of the adrenal glands in female mice is due to a significantly (p<0.05) increased growth rate in female mice and a shorter growth phase of the adrenal glands in male mice (p<0.05). To address the signaling mechanisms underlying these differential growth patterns, we evaluated the phosphorylation levels of p44/42 and p38 MAPK. In female mice, age dependent reductions of p38 MAPK phosphorylation were found between week 3 and week 9 (47% reduction; p<0.05). At the age of 11 weeks the p38 MAPK phosphorylation level in female adrenal glands was about 60% lower than in the male counterparts (p<0.01). Similarly the phosphorylation level of p44/42 MAPK was 50% lower in female adrenal glands (p<0.001). Reduced activation of p44/42 MAPK was also observed after growth stimulation of the adrenal glands in male mice after ACTH treatment (-36%; p<0.001) or by expression of a growth hormone transgene (-34%; p<0.001), while p38 MAPK, JNK or PDK1 activation were unaffected. From our findings in three independent mouse models where partial deactivation of p44/42 MAPK was observed under conditions of elevated growth we suggest a function of p44/42 MAPK for adrenal growth and a role of p44/42 MAPK for the integration of different endocrine stimuli.

Recent advances in presurgical molding in cleft lip and palate

Although many protocols for treating infants with cleft lip and palate have been successful, the severely wide deformities often require a multidisciplined team approach. Maxillary appliances have been used for 50 years; however, nasal molding is a relatively recent development that has shown progress but not without stalwart criticism. Presurgical nasal alveolar molding is an evolving technique in the treatment of cleft lip and palate. Used properly, molding can create improved nasal symmetry in unilateral cases and columellar lengthening in bilateral cases. Some regression of improvement is often seen in the following years due to differential growth patterns within the nasal subunits. The nasal septal and columellar deviation seen in unilateral cleft lip and palate can also be improved with a novel device. Although traditional repair of the cleft lip and nasal deformity is often adequate, severely wide clefts are amenable to a variety of presurgical measures. Presurgical nasal alveolar molding in children with cleft lip and palate allows repositioning of the maxillary alveolus and surrounding soft tissues in hopes of reducing wound tension and improving results. These techniques can be extremely challenging but an excellent addition to a cleft lip and palate team's armamentarium.

Efficiency change and productivity growth in agriculture: A comparative analysis for selected East Asian economies

This study focuses on identifying the sources of agricultural growth for eight East Asian economies – with special emphasis on factors that can better explain different components of growth. The Malmquist productivity growth index and its two components are calculated and regressed on variables including the human capital endowment, domestic R&D, international spillovers, and country-specific farming characteristics to characterize the differential patterns of growth. Our empirical evidence suggests that domestic R&D and its interaction with human capital constitute the major determinant of individual economy's progress in agricultural technology, whereas the human capital endowment is crucial for the catching up effect. Furthermore, for foreign knowledge to contribute to productivity growth either through innovation or through catching up, the host economy has to develop a sufficient learning capacity from education. Countries that do not attempt to develop the learning capability to assimilate and exploit the freely available knowledge may not benefit from international spillovers of agricultural R&D.

Immunohistopathological re‐evaluation of adenocarcinoma of the lung with mixed subtypes using a tissue microarray technique and hierarchical clustering analysis

To re-evaluate adenocarcinoma, mixed subtypes (ADMIX) of the lung, a total of 201 cases were classified into three main subgroups according to the most differentiated histological growth pattern; namely bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC)-mixed, which was the most predominant (73.1%), papillary (PAP)-mixed (21.9%), and acinar-mixed (5%). The PAP-mixed was significantly male predominant and had more progressed clinicopathological features. A significant cytological difference was observed among the three subgroups. A tissue microarray was constructed and immunohistochemistry was undertaken using 15 biomarkers. Hierarchical clustering analysis was separately applied to the immunohistochemical results of ADMIX and ADMIX subgroups, and it was found that most acinar-mixed cases were placed in a separate cluster, while the BAC-mixed and PAP-mixed failed to form significant independent clusters. The antibody clustering profile for the acinar-mixed was clearly different from that for the BAC-mixed or PAP-mixed, but the PAP-mixed shared a dendrogram profile with the other two subgroups. Statistically, approximately half of the 15 biomarkers were significant for differentiating between ADMIX subgroups and between different histological growth patterns. In conclusion, ADMIX can be classified into three histopathological subgroups according to the most differentiated growth pattern, of which a PAP growth pattern might indicate more aggressive behavior than that of a BAC growth pattern.

Update on Sinonasal Adenocarcinoma: Classification and Advances in Immunophenotype and Molecular Genetic Make-Up

Adenocarcinomas of various types comprise 10% to 20% of all primary malignant neoplasms of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses [1]. Salivary Gland-Type Adenocarcinomas Adenocarcinomas of salivary-gland type are uncommon constituting 5–10% of sinonasal adenocarcinomas. They are thought to originate from seromucus glands of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses as well as the surface epithelium. Histologically, these carcinomas are similar to those originating from major and minor salivary glands [2]. The most common type is adenoid cystic carcinoma (Fig. 1) usually occurring in the maxillary sinus and nasal cavity [3]. Long-term prognosis is poor and patients usually die due to local spread with no metastasis. Adenocarcinoma Not Otherwise Specified may exhibit many high-grade, poorly differentiated growth patterns, and should be considered as a diagnostic entity for many high-grade salivary gland-type adenocarcinomas of the sinonasal tract. These tumors have a poor prognosis [1, 4]. Fig. 1 Adenoid cystic carcinoma of nasal cavity. Classic cribriform and cystic pattern with bland nuclear appearance. Nasal surface epithelium is at the top left corner. H-E-stain x250 Other types of salivary adenocarcinomas are rare in the sinonasal tract but cases of acinic cell carcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma (Fig. 2) [5], epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma, basal cell adenocarcinoma, salivary duct carcinoma, polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (terminal tubulus adenocarcinoma) [6], and carcinoma-ex-pleomorphic adenoma have been reported. The possibility of specific types of salivary gland-type adenocarcinomas should be taken into account when considering the diagnosis of a sinonasal adenocarcinoma. Table 1 lists the occurrence of different types of salivary gland-type tumors in the sinonasal tract. Fig. 2 Low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma of nasal cavity. Islands of intermediate cells contain mucous cysts and few epidermoid cells. Nasal surface epithelium at left. H-E stain x250 Table 1 Occurrence of sinonasal tumors of salivary gland type (modified from reference #5) Non-Salivary Gland-Type Adenocarcinomas The WHO classification of non-salivary gland-type adenocarcinomas [7] follows a classical distinction into intestinal-type adenocarcinoma and non-intestinal-type adenocarcinoma. WHO further subdivides the latter into low-grade and high-grade carcinoma [7]. Another approach first pools the various types of non-salivary gland-type sinonasal adenocarcinomas together and distinguishes them into six histological groups: low-grade, papillary, colonic, solid, mucinous, and mixed types [8]. In this presentation, the WHO classification of 2005 is used.

Improving Argopecten purpuratus culture in northern Chile: Results from the study of larval and post-larval stages in relation to environmental forcing

Scallop management studies including a spat collection program have been carried out within the marine reserve of La Rinconada Bay to protect genetic diversity of scallops, to restock natural populations and to provide wild spat to culture activities in Chile. Plankton sampling and spat collection were used to characterize larval and post-larval stages of the Argopecten purpuratus population within this reserve, between December 1995 and March 2000. Main goals were to determine optimal scallop spat collection area, temporal variations of spat settlement and the effect of collector distance off the bottom, and spat growth within the collectors. Larval sampling showed the almost continuous presence, although in variable abundances, of scallop larvae, except for late August–September. Greatest larval abundances were consistently observed from November–December to April–May of the following year. This pattern was altered during the La Niña event of 1998–2000 with unusual peaks of larvae in late July 1999 and November–December 1999. A significant positive relationship was found between the abundance of the large-sized larvae and Chl a concentration ca. 2 weeks before, between February 1999 and February 2000. Larval growth rates ranged from 3.5 to 7.3 μm day−1. Shallow waters were not appropriate for spat collection; the best spat collection area was located in the northwestern part of the Reserve, in water depths ranging from 15 to 20–25 m. Spat settlement was significantly higher at 1 m and 2 m off the bottom, compared with 3 m off the seabed. There was no clear pattern of differential spat growth with collector distance from the bottom in a given site, but spatial variations were observed in the Bay at 1 m off the bottom depending on depth-related bottom-water temperature. Spat settlement occurred almost continuously between November 1997 and March 2000, but in variable proportions: spat abundance ranged from 12 to 6540 ind.coll.−1. Mean spat growth rate was 175 μm day−1 during the ENSO period, vs. 143 μm day−1 during La Niña. Culture improvements are discussed from these new insights on the reproductive cycle and spat collection of A. purpuratus. The former would facilitate future management practices and would help to restore stocks in the Rinconada Bay.

Limb growth in captive Galago senegalensis: getting in shape to be an adult

Since primate infants are not simply miniature adults, adult shape results from differential growth patterns of individual body segments. Initially an infant relies on its mother for transportation, and later begins independent locomotion. Skeletal growth patterns must meet the functional demands of independent locomotion. In this study we sought to determine whether Galago senegalensis braccatus follow the general primate pattern of decreasing intermembral index (IMI) throughout ontogeny. We also asked whether ontogenetic attainment of adult limb proportions coincides with attainment of independent locomotion, i.e., do infants reach adult limb proportions near the time they begin independent locomotion (approximately 7 weeks of age)? Mixed-longitudinal data were taken from a sample of 10 captive-born Galago senegalensis. Linear lengths of the trunk, arm, forearm, thigh, and leg were measured in the animals from birth until they were approximately 500 days old. The IMI and the ratio of each limb segment to both trunk length and the cube root of body mass were calculated. The results of a Mann-Whitney Wilcoxon rank-sum test for unmatched samples indicate that G. senegalensis do exhibit the primate pattern of decreasing IMI throughout ontogeny, and that the IMIs of infants at the time of initial locomotor independence are significantly higher than those of adult IMIs. Some (but not all) measures of relative limb lengths differed between neonates or 7-week-old infants and adults. Therefore, the hypothesis that infants acquire adult limb proportions by the time they begin independent locomotion is not supported by this study. The current results indicate that ontogenetic shape changes in galagos are a complex process and apparently cannot be explained by simple initial locomotor competency.

International spillovers and East Asian growth: the experience of Japan, Korea and Taiwan

This study analyses the sources of economic growth for three East Asian economies – Japan, Korea and Taiwan – with special emphasis on international spillovers as an explanation of the differential patterns of growth. Three different proxy measures of international spillovers are constructed in the empirical analysis. Explicitly accounting for country-specific differences, both fixed effect and random effect regressions are applied to obtain coefficient estimates. It is found that technology spillovers going beyond geographic boundaries is a significant determinant of GDP growth for the three East Asian economies. Nevertheless, the direction of the spillover effect differs. For Japan and Korea, the empirical findings support the view that international spillovers contribute to GDP growth. International spillovers, however, are found to have dampened Taiwan's GDP growth during the period 1978 to 1992. These results suggest, for economies whose research effort is relatively low, a negative relationship between productivity and international spillovers might be revealed.

Modelling of auxin transport affected by gravity and differential radial growth

When a tree stem deviates from verticality, as a result of different environmental factors, patterns of differential radial growth appear. Higher rates of wood production have been observed on the lower side of the tree and lower rates in the opposite side. Biological studies on plant hormones have shown that the concentration of auxin induces radial growth. They also have demonstrated the redistribution of auxin transport in response to gravity. Auxin is then designated as a mediator for differential growth. This paper presents a model for three-dimensional (3-D) auxin transport in conifer trees, which includes gravity dependence. We obtain realistic heterogeneous patterns of auxin distribution over the tree. Then, we propose a law of growth based on auxin concentration to simulate successive differential radial growths. The predicted growths are compared with experimental results of reconstruction of 3-D annual growth of Radiata pine.

ALLOMETRY, SEXUAL SIZE DIMORPHISM, AND NICHE PARTITIONING IN THE MEDITERRANEAN GECKO (HEMIDACTYLUS TURCICUS)

Hemidactylus turcicus is a small gekkonid lizard native to the Middle East and Asia that is known to exhibit sexual dimorphism in head size. Several potential explanations exist for the evolution and maintenance of sexual dimorphism in lizards. We tested 2 of these competing hypotheses concerning diet partitioning and differential growth. We found no differences in average meal size (volume) or in any single dimension of prey size for similarly sized males and females. Allometric patterns of increases in head size also were measured in males and females. We found that males exhibited a mixture of isometric and positively allometric patterns of head size increase, whereas females exhibited isometric and negatively allometric patterns. Thus, we concluded that sexual dimorphism in head size is not the result of diet partitioning but instead of differential growth patterns following sexual maturity in males and females.

MAMMALIAN POSTNATAL GROWTH ESTIMATES: THE INFLUENCE OF WEANING ON THE CHOICE OF A COMPARATIVE METRIC

In an investigation of the postnatal growth of the vertebral column of the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus), we recorded hind-foot length as a standard metric, along with skull, tail, femur, and tibia lengths, against which to compare the growth of axial components. We confirmed a nonlinear relationship of head‐body length against hind-foot length, tail length, and tibia length across the time course from neonate to adult and also discovered a nonlinear relationship between both skull and femur length to head‐body length. Differences in growth rate are directly related to preweaning and postweaning periods. The pattern of differential growth was distinctly least pronounced for femoral length. We therefore advocate the latter as the most appropriate to use as an easily measured proxy for growth across the entire neonate to adult growth period. This study reveals implications for the choice of optimal variables used as size proxies and also suggests functional implications of shifts in form‐ function relationships from unweaned to weaned individuals. However, variation in body form across mammals and altricial versus precocial modes of natal expression will continue to complicate the search for appropriate comparative metrics in the study of the development and evolution of body form.

Tillage induced differential morphometric responses and growth patterns in afforestation with Quercus ilex

This study describes the changes in height and diameter in Quercus ilex trees grown on agricultural land in a semi-arid Mediterranean climate, in response to different soil management practices: mechanical weeding (MW), chemical weeding (CHW) and no treatment (NT); and compares trees grown from 1-year-old saplings and from acorns. After 6 years, trees that had been mechanically weeded were largest; for trees grown from saplings the average height was 120 cm and diameter was 3.83 cm, for trees grown from acorns average height was 100 cm and diameter was 2.56 cm. Soil organic matter increased in all managed plots while phosphorus, nitrate, and water content oscillated between years. The no treatment plot had the highest values for nitrate and organic matter while the chemical weeding plot had the highest level of phosphorus. Annual mean on C/N ratios were higher in the mechanical weeding (12.6 ± 3.3) followed by the chemical weeding (12.0 ± 1.6). Also mechanical weeding treatment showed the lowest soil water content throughout the study. An old tillage-induced compaction zone appeared in all plots at a depth of 12.5–17.5 cm with mechanical weeding causing the greatest compaction. However, no relationships were found with tree heights, neither with spatial compaction zoning. All trees showed the same growth pattern, whether raised from saplings or acorns and irrespective of soil management system. The height and diameter of trees were linked to the sum of height and diameter ratios from previous years. Our study shows that soil management does influence tree growth rate. Mechanical weeding should be considered for afforestation of agricultural lands with Q. ilex in semiarid Mediterranean lands.

Innovation and Regional Growth in the Enlarged Europe: The Role of Local Innovative Capabilities, Peripherality, and Education

In this paper, a formal model for the relationship between innovation and growth in European Union regions is developed drawing upon the theoretical contribution of the systems of innovation approach. The model combines the analytical approach of the regional growth models with the insights of the systemic approach. The cross-sectional analysis, covering all the Enlarged Europe (EU-25) regions (for which data are available), shows that regional innovative activities (for which a specific measure is developed) play a significant role in determining differential regional growth patterns. Furthermore, the model sheds light on how geographical accessibility and human capital accumulation, by shaping the regional system of innovation, interact (in a statistically significant way) with local innovative activities, thus allowing them to be more (or less) effectively translated into economic growth. The paper shows that an increase in innovative effort is not necessarily likely to produce the same effect in all EU-25 regions. Indeed, the empirical analysis suggests that in order to allow innovative efforts in peripheral regions to be as productive as in core areas, they need to be complemented by huge investments in human capital.

Natural selection and developmental constraints in the evolution of allometries.

In animals, scaling relationships between appendages and body size exhibit high interspecific variation but low intraspecific variation. This pattern could result from natural selection for specific allometries or from developmental constraints on patterns of differential growth. We performed artificial selection on the allometry between forewing area and body size in a butterfly to test for developmental constraints, and then used the resultant increased range of phenotypic variation to quantify natural selection on the scaling relationship. Our results show that the short-term evolution of allometries is not limited by developmental constraints. Instead, scaling relationships are shaped by strong natural selection.

Biomass and elemental composition of eggs and larvae of a mangrove crab, &lt;i&gt;Sesarma rectum&lt;/i&gt; Randall (Decapoda: Sesarmidae) and comparison to a related species with abbreviated larval development

We measured biomass and elemental composition (dry mass, W; carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, CHN) in eggs and larvae of a mangrove crab, Sesarma rectum . The results are compared with previously published data from a closely related species with abbreviated development ( S. curacaoense ). Egg size of S. rectum increased during embryogenesis, while egg biomass, C content (%W), and the C:N ratio decreased. Initial biomass of eggs and larvae in S. rectum was about half of that in S. curacaoense, also showing lower percentage values of C and H and a lower C:N ratio (indicating a lower lipid content). After hatching, however, the zoeae of S. rectum showed higher growth rates than those of S. curacaoense (presumably due to partial utilisation of internal energy reserves in the latter) and a longer period of development to the megalopa (passing though three vs. only two zoeal stages); as a consequence of these differential growth patterns, S. rectum compensated for the initially lower biomass. Interspecific comparison among neotropical Sesarmidae suggests an intermediate degree of dependence on planktonic food sources in S. rectum , which is lower than in estuarine species with small eggs and an extended mode of development (e.g. Armases angustipes ), but higher than in relatives with larger egg biomass and an abbreviated development (e.g. A. miersii, S. curacaoense, S. fossarum, Metopaulias depressus ). This should allow S. rectum larvae to develop partially within the parental mangrove system, but requiring a limited export towards coastal marine waters with planktonic food sources.

Agricultural Growth and Welfare: A Study on Indian States

An underdeveloped country like India is marked by the presence of a considerable degree of unevenness in the pattern of growth among various regions. However, till now, most of the studies failed to consider the welfare implications of such a differential growth pattern. This article attempts to analyze such welfare aspects of growth by using Kakwani's (1997) growth parameters. Based on the aggregated state-level data on area, production and yield on some major crops (viz., rice, wheat and foodgrains) in India, the study reveals considerable variations in state- wise growth rates. It is observed that there is a diminishing returns to scale in operation which slows down the growth rate of the leading states. However, the less-developed states have not been able to catch up adequately over time. The result is also supported by the periodization analysis as suggested by Kakwani (1997). The study concludes that the growth of agriculture over the last 50 years after Indian Independence has been highly unequal. The new policy changes have failed to bring about a shift in this pattern so as to enhance the economic well-being of the people.