Language attrition: an experimental qualitative study on english – spanish adult bilinguals

XVIII Jornades de Foment de la Investigació de la Facultat de Ciències Humanes i Socials (Any 2013)nterest in bilingualism and the effects it has on cognitive development has been subject to immense study and investigation. A relatively new concept associated with bilingualism is attrition. Only in the past 30 years has the study of language attrition become a sub-field of linguistics. It began with a conference in 1980 at the University of Pennsylvania, titled Loss of Language Skills (Lambert & Freed, 1982). Before the aforementioned conference, language loss was considered to be related to medical illnesses such as language disorders caused by traumas to the head, strokes or tumours. However, according to linguists Schmid and Keijer (2009:2) adult speakers who move to a different linguistic environment tend to experience a change in their first language (L1) proficiency. This research article will focus on bilingual foreign language learners (FLL) who have acquired a second language (L2), in this case Spanish, at a later stage in life. The main objective is to take the influence the second language (L2) has had on the first language (L1) into account. In order to do this, a qualitative study will be carried out on five English – Spanish bilinguals. It will focus mainly on whether each individual involved in the study has encountered some degree of language interference or language loss. Results will be later shown and discussed

The Ancient Tree Inventory: a summary of the results of a 15 year citizen science project recording ancient, veteran and notable trees across the UK

Ancient, veteran and notable trees are ecologically important keystone organisms and have tangible connections to folklore, history and sociocultural practices. Although found worldwide, few countries have such a rich history of recording and treasuring these trees as the UK, with its extensive Royal and aristocratic land ownership, unique land management methods and long-standing interest in natural history and species record collecting. As a result, the UK has collated an extensive database of ancient, veteran and notable trees called the Ancient Tree Inventory (ATI). The ATI is the result of a successful, long-term citizen science recording project and is the most comprehensive database of ancient and other noteworthy trees to date. We present here the first review of the ATI in its entirety since its initiation in 2004, including summaries of the UK ancient, veteran and notable tree distributions, the status and condition of the trees, and key information about the recording process and maintenance of the database. Statistical analysis of components of the dataset, comprising 169,967 tree records, suggest there are significant differences in the threats, size, form and location of different types of trees, especially in relation to taxonomic identity and tree age. Our goal is to highlight the value of the ATI in the UK, to encourage the development of similar ancient tree recording projects in other countries, and to emphasise the importance to conservation of continued efforts to maintain and expand databases of this kind

Predicting the distribution of ancient and other noteworthy trees across the UK

Ancient, veteran and notable trees are ecologically important keystone organisms and have tangible connections to folklore, history and sociocultural practices. Although found worldwide, few countries have such a rich history of recording and treasuring these trees as the UK, which has resulted in the formation over the past 15 years of a large, comprehensive database of ancient and other noteworthy trees, the Ancient Tree Inventory (ATI). Although the ATI contains over 200,000 recorded trees, there are still thought to be many more that are undiscovered across the UK, and information about their status, condition and distribution is lacking. The primary aim of this thesis is to use the ATI to gain novel and detailed insights into the true distribution of ancient and veteran trees across the UK, important predictors of their presence, and key habitat types in which they are found. The ATI suffers many of the problems of large species databases, including sampling bias, which is a major focus of this thesis. To address this problem, sampling bias is first identified and quantified, and then established and novel bias correction methods are employed to improve predictions of ancient and veteran tree distributions. By combining mathematical models at various scales, from specific habitats to the whole of England, with additional independent data from desk and field surveys, robust accurate distribution maps of ancient and other noteworthy trees are produced and verified. The models suggest that wood-pasture is a particularly important habitat for ancient and veteran trees, and that their distributions are highly influenced by historical features of the environment and human factors. A key result emerging from multiple chapters of this thesis is the potentially large number of undiscovered ancient and veteran trees predicted across England: diverse alternative models produced similar and impressive total estimates of around two million trees. These results can be used to inform the conservation and protection of ancient trees, and highlight the need for more targeted surveying, tree planting and implementation of policy measures to ensure their persistence and survival into the future

Investigating Novel Antimicrobial Strategies to Target Mycobacterium abscessus Infections

Mycobacterium abscessus is an opportunistic pathogen of increasing importance, especially for individuals with pre-existing lung conditions such as bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis. The current drug regimen for pulmonary M. abscessus infections requires a lengthy course of multiple antibiotics with severe side effects, usually resulting in poor patient outcomes. Therefore, new and novel strategies to combat these infections are urgently required. New areas of interest are the natural product Manuka honey, as well as metal-ion complexes, such as ruthenium based compounds. We have explored the efficacy of manuka honey against M. abscessus in vitro, as well as against a panel of clinical M. abscessus isolates. Building upon this activity, we assessed the interactions between manuka honey and the front-line antimicrobials amikacin, tobramycin and azithromycin in combination against M. abscessus. The synergy found between manuka honey and amikacin has led to the development of an in vitro nebulisation assay, as a potential new therapy option. We have also investigated the components of manuka honey to identify the active compounds against M. abscessus. This led us to the development of a modified vegan ‘honea’, which gained antimicrobial activity through the addition of the precursors that give rise to the antimicrobial compounds found in honey. Finally, we investigated the potential of novel ruthenium based complexes against M. abscessus and a variety of other bacterial pathogens as a potential new set of antimicrobial compounds. Overall, the work within this thesis demonstrates new antimicrobials and novel strategies to combat severe M. abscessus infections

Predicting the distribution of ancient and other noteworthy trees across the UK

Ancient, veteran and notable trees are ecologically important keystone organisms and have tangible connections to folklore, history and sociocultural practices. Although found worldwide, few countries have such a rich history of recording and treasuring these trees as the UK, which has resulted in the formation over the past 15 years of a large, comprehensive database of ancient and other noteworthy trees, the Ancient Tree Inventory (ATI). Although the ATI contains over 200,000 recorded trees, there are still thought to be many more that are undiscovered across the UK, and information about their status, condition and distribution is lacking. The primary aim of this thesis is to use the ATI to gain novel and detailed insights into the true distribution of ancient and veteran trees across the UK, important predictors of their presence, and key habitat types in which they are found. The ATI suffers many of the problems of large species databases, including sampling bias, which is a major focus of this thesis. To address this problem, sampling bias is first identified and quantified, and then established and novel bias correction methods are employed to improve predictions of ancient and veteran tree distributions. By combining mathematical models at various scales, from specific habitats to the whole of England, with additional independent data from desk and field surveys, robust accurate distribution maps of ancient and other noteworthy trees are produced and verified. The models suggest that wood-pasture is a particularly important habitat for ancient and veteran trees, and that their distributions are highly influenced by historical features of the environment and human factors. A key result emerging from multiple chapters of this thesis is the potentially large number of undiscovered ancient and veteran trees predicted across England: diverse alternative models produced similar and impressive total estimates of around two million trees. These results can be used to inform the conservation and protection of ancient trees, and highlight the need for more targeted surveying, tree planting and implementation of policy measures to ensure their persistence and survival into the future

Clinical Significance of Manuka and Medical-Grade Honey for Antibiotic-Resistant Infections: A Systematic Review

Antimicrobial resistance is an ever-increasing global issue that has the potential to overtake cancer as the leading cause of death worldwide by 2050. With the passing of the “golden age” of antibiotic discovery, identifying alternative treatments to commonly used antimicrobials is more important than ever. Honey has been used as a topical wound treatment for millennia and more recently has been formulated into a series of medical-grade honeys for use primarily for wound and burn treatment. In this systematic review, we examined the effectiveness of differing honeys as an antimicrobial treatment against a variety of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial species. We analysed 16 original research articles that included a total of 18 different types of honey against 32 different bacterial species, including numerous MDR strains. We identified that Surgihoney was the most effective honey, displaying minimum inhibitory concentrations as low as 0.1% (w/v); however, all honeys reviewed showed a high efficacy against most bacterial species analysed. Importantly, the MDR status of each bacterial strain had no impact on the susceptibility of the organism to honey. Hence, the use of honey as an antimicrobial therapy should be considered as an alternative approach for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections

IL-10-conditioned dendritic cells, decommissioned for recruitment of adaptive immunity, elicit innate inflammatory gene products in response to danger signals

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the professional APCs of the immune system, enabling T cells to perceive and respond appropriately to potentially dangerous microbes, while also being able to maintain T cell tolerance toward self. In part, such tolerance can be determined by IL-10 released from certain types of regulatory T cells. IL-10 has previously been shown to render DCs unable to activate T cells and it has been assumed that this process represents a general block in maturation. Using serial analysis of gene expression, we show that IL-10 pretreatment of murine bone marrow-derived DCs alone causes significant changes in gene expression. Furthermore, these cells retain the ability to respond to Toll-like receptor agonists, but in a manner skewed toward the selective induction of mediators known to enhance local inflammation and innate immunity, among which we highlight a novel CXCR2 ligand, DC inflammatory protein-1. These data suggest that, while the presence of a protolerogenic and purportedly anti-inflammatory agent such as IL-10 precludes DCs from acquiring their potential as initiators of adaptive immunity, their ability to act as initiators of innate immunity in response to Toll-like receptor signaling is enhanced

In vitro synergy between manuka honey and amikacin against Mycobacteria abscessus complex shows potential for nebulisation therapy

Mycobacterium abscessusis an opportunistic human pathogen of increasing concern, due to its ability to cause aggressive pulmonary infections (especially in cystic fibrosis patients), as well as skin and soft tissue infections. M. abscessus is intrinsically drug resistant and treatment regimens are lengthy, consisting of multiple antibiotics with severe side effects and poor patient success rates. New and novel strategies are urgently required to combat these infections. One such strategy thus far overlooked for mycobacteria is manuka honey. For millennia manuka honey has been shown to have wide ranging medicinal properties, which have more recently been identified for its broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. Here we demonstrate that manuka honey can be used to inhibit M. abscessus and a variety of drug resistant clinical isolates in vitro. We also demonstrate using a microbroth dilution checkerboard assay that manuka honey works synergistically with amikacin, which is one of the current front line antibiotics used for treatment of M. abscessus infections. This was further validated using an in vitro inhalation model, where we showed that with the addition of manuka honey, the amikacin dosage can be lowered whilst increasing its efficacy. These findings demonstrate the utility of manuka honey for incorporation into nebulised antibiotic treatment for respiratory infections, in particular M. abscessus. These results pave the way for a change of strategy for M. abscessus management, offering new therapeutic options for this deadly infection

We Too Belong: Resource Guide of Inclusive Practices in Immigration and Incarceration Law & Policy

The Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society announces the release of a major new publication, entitled We Too Belong: Resource Guide of Inclusive Practices in Immigration and Incarceration Law & Policy. The resource guide highlights inclusive policies and practices, supplemented by case studies centered at the intersection of immigration and incarceration in the United States.  These systems are sometimes referred to as the "Double Is." "The most marginalized populations in the history of our society were those that were denied public voice or access to private space. Historically, women and slaves experienced this form of marginality. They could not vote, serve on juries, nor run for office, and they were also denied a private space to retreat to, free from surveillance or regulation. Today, immigrants, the incarcerated and the formerly incarcerated, and to a large extent the disabled, most visibly inhabit this marginalized social and spatial location in American society," opened the new resource guide, effectively framing both the problems faced by individuals and the systems that impact their lives.  Developed by a team of seven co-authors, We Too Belong represents nearly three years of research into best practices and policies related to immigration and incarceration in the US. Lead author and Haas Institute Assistant Director Stephen Menendian notes that "There are dozens of cities across this country making real progress towards a more inclusive society, but too often our attention is focused on places where people are struggling. We need to shine a light on what's working, and expand our sense of what's possible. This report does that."    Drawing on the experiences of states and localities attempting to integrate immigrants and the formerly incarcerated into their social and economic fabric, We Too Belong offers a small window into the lives of people affected by these policies. The criminal justice system and immigration law serve to separate individuals from the rest of US society through physical exclusion—including prisons and detention centers. Procedurally, immigration enforcement looks and acts like law enforcement—a phenomenon known as "crimmigration"—while the criminal justice system has locked up 400 people for every 100,000 in the population with the disabled and communities of color disproportionately affected by these systems. The 100-page Resource Guide does not only give an in-depth menu of policies, but also humanizes the "Double Is" by featuring the stories of people who are the most affected by them. These nine perspectives from undocumented, incarcerated, and formerly-incarcerated individuals are featured alongside advocates and scholars who have spent their careers exploring the ways that these structures are impeding a healthy, inclusive society that recognizes the inherent dignity and humanity of all people.

Distribution models calibrated with independent field data predict two million ancient and veteran trees in England

Large, citizen-science species databases are powerful resources for predictive species distribution modeling (SDM), yet they are often subject to sampling bias. Many methods have been proposed to correct for this, but there exists little consensus as to which is most effective, not least because the true value of model predictions is hard to evaluate without extensive independent field sampling. We present here a nationwide, independent field validation of distribution models of ancient and veteran trees, a group of organisms of high conservation importance, built using a large and internationally unique citizen-science database: the Ancient Tree Inventory (ATI). This validation exercise presents an opportunity to test the performance of different methods of correcting for sampling bias, in the search for the best possible prediction of ancient and veteran tree distributions in England. We fitted a variety of distribution models of ancient and veteran tree records in England in relation to environmental predictors and applied different bias correction methods, including spatial filtering, background manipulation, the use of bias files, and, finally, zero-inflated (ZI) regression models, a new method with great potential to investigate and remove sampling bias in species data. We then collected new independent field data through systematic surveys of 52 randomly selected 1-km2 grid squares across England to obtain abundance estimates of ancient and veteran trees. Calibration of the distribution models against the field data suggests that there are around eight to 10 times as many ancient and veteran trees present in England than the records currently suggest, with estimates ranging from 1.7 to 2.1 million trees compared to the 200,000 currently recorded in the ATI. The most successful bias correction method was systematic sampling of occurrence records, although the ZI models also performed well, significantly predicting field observations and highlighting both likely causes of undersampling and areas of the country in which many unrecorded trees are likely to be found. Our findings provide the first robust nationwide estimate of ancient and veteran tree abundance and demonstrate the enormous potential for distribution modeling based on citizen-science data combined with independent field validation to inform conservation planning