Guatemala: An Intercultural Perspective

In July 2001, a group of 14 bilingual/ESL educators from Illinois traveled to Guatemala as participants in a Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Aborad Program. The main purpose of the trip was to enhance the quality and quantity of intercultural education in K-12 schools, using Guatemala as a case study. The group, 12 bilingual/ESL teachers and the authors of this article, spent five weeks in Guatemala studying and working in bilingual schools in the Guatemalan highlands

Migration of germline progenitor cells is directed by sphingosine-1-phosphate signalling in a basal chordate.

The colonial ascidian Botryllus schlosseri continuously regenerates entire bodies in an asexual budding process. The germ line of the newly developing bodies is derived from migrating germ cell precursors, but the signals governing this homing process are unknown. Here we show that germ cell precursors can be prospectively isolated based on expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase and integrin alpha-6, and that these cells express germ cell markers such as vasa, pumilio and piwi, as well as sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor. In vitro, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) stimulates migration of germ cells, which depends on integrin alpha-6 activity. In vivo, S1P signalling is essential for homing of germ cells to newly developing bodies. S1P is generated by sphingosine kinase in the developing germ cell niche and degraded by lipid phosphate phosphatase in somatic tissues. These results demonstrate a previously unknown role of the S1P signalling pathway in germ cell migration in the ascidian Botryllus schlosseri

In vivo manipulation of the extracellular matrix induces vascular regression in a basal chordate.

We investigated the physical role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in vascular homeostasis in the basal chordate Botryllus schlosseri, which has a large, transparent, extracorporeal vascular network encompassing an area >100 cm2 We found that the collagen cross-linking enzyme lysyl oxidase is expressed in all vascular cells and that in vivo inhibition using β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) caused a rapid, global regression of the entire network, with some vessels regressing >10 mm within 16 h. BAPN treatment changed the ultrastructure of collagen fibers in the vessel basement membrane, and the kinetics of regression were dose dependent. Pharmacological inhibition of both focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Raf also induced regression, and levels of phosphorylated FAK in vascular cells decreased during BAPN treatment and FAK inhibition but not Raf inhibition, suggesting that physical changes in the vessel ECM are detected via canonical integrin signaling pathways. Regression is driven by apoptosis and extrusion of cells through the basal lamina, which are then engulfed by blood-borne phagocytes. Extrusion and regression occurred in a coordinated manner that maintained vessel integrity, with no loss of barrier function. This suggests the presence of regulatory mechanisms linking physical changes to a homeostatic, tissue-level response

Population overlap and habitat segregation in wintering Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

Distinct breeding populations of migratory species may overlap both spatially and temporally, but differ in patterns of habitat use. This has important implications for population monitoring and conservation. To quantify the extent to which two distinct breeding populations of a migratory shorebird, the Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa, overlap spatially, temporally and in their use of different habitats during winter. We use mid-winter counts between 1990 and 2001 to identify the most important sites in Iberia for Black-tailed Godwits. Monthly surveys of estuarine mudflats and rice-fields at one major site, the Tejo estuary in Portugal in 2005-2007, together with detailed tracking of colour-ringed individuals, are used to explore patterns of habitat use and segregation of the Icelandic subspecies L. l. islandica and the nominate continental subspecies L. l. limosa. In the period 1990-2001, over 66 000 Black-tailed Godwits were counted on average in Iberia during mid-winter (January), of which 80% occurred at just four sites: Tejo and Sado lower basins in Portugal, and Coto Dontildeana and Ebro Delta in Spain. Icelandic Black-tailed Godwits are present throughout the winter and forage primarily in estuarine habitats. Continental Black-tailed Godwits are present from December to March and primarily use rice-fields. Iberia supports about 30% of the Icelandic population in winter and most of the continental population during spring passage. While the Icelandic population is currently increasing, the continental population is declining rapidly. Although the estuarine habitats used by Icelandic godwits are largely protected as Natura 2000 sites, the habitat segregation means that conservation actions for the decreasing numbers of continental godwits should focus on protection of rice-fields and re-establishment of freshwater wetlands

The Ursinus Weekly, March 4, 1957

Forum on student government scheduled for 8:00 tonight • March 15 date for annual show by students, faculty • Girls to discuss May Day on Wed. • Motion pictures viewed by Chemical Society • Chi Alpha schedules talk on integration • Curtain Club presents The Valiant, Feb. 26 • UC grad completes basic • Mary Jo Turtzo to represent UC in Glamour contest • Cub & Key Society requests outlines from junior men • 1957 Campus Chest fund drive • Annual drive begins today, closes on Friday, March 15 • YM-YW to sponsor music seminar; Begins Wednesday • YM-YW sponsor events for frosh • Local Rotarians set up scholarship to Ursinus • Frosh to present dance, The Golden nugget, Sat. • US foreign policy to be IRC program tonight • Editorial: Life for our organizations; It goes without saying • Letters to the editor • Obituary for a timid intellectual • Play review: The Valiant • He who hesitates • Ursinus five loses to Drexel, PMC; End with second worst slate, 0-16 • Belles top E. Stroudsburg; Win over William & Mary on weekend trip south • Padula emerges 4-year M. Atlantic champ; Wins second outstanding athlete award • Matmen gain first place tie with win over Drexel, 19-13 • Inside report on winless Bruinshttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/weekly/1423/thumbnail.jp

Hydrothermal Interaction of Topopah Spring Tuff With J-13 Water as a Function of Temperature

In support of the Nevada Nuclear Waste Storage Investigations Project experiments were conducted to study the hydrothermal interaction of rock and water representative of a potential repository in tuff. These experiments provided data relevant to near-field repository conditions that can be used to: assess the ability to use accelerated tests based on the SA/V (surface area/volume) parameter and temperature; allow the measurement of chemical changes in phases present in the tuff before reaction as well as the identification and chemical analysis of secondary phases resulting from hydrothermal reactions; and demonstrate the usefulness of geochemical modeling in a repository environment using the EQ3/6 thermodynamic/kinetic geochemical modeling code. Crushed tuff and polished wafers of tuff were reacted with a natural ground water in Dickson-type gold-cell rocking autoclaves which were periodically sampled under in-situ conditions. Results were compared with predictions based on the EQ3/6 geochemical modeling code. Eight short-term experiments (2 to 3 months) at 150{sup 0}C and 250{sup 0}C have been completed using tuff from both drillcore and outcrop. Long-term experiments at 90{sup 0}C and 150{sup 0}C using drillcore polished wafers are in progress. This paper will focus on the results of the 150{sup 0}C and 250{sup 0}C experiments using drill core polished wafers. 11 references, 4 figures

Priority sites for wildfowl conservation in Mexico

A set of priority sites for wildfowl conservation in Mexico was determined using contemporary count data (1991–2000) from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service mid-winter surveys. We used a complementarity approach implemented through linear integer programming that addresses particular conservation concerns for every species included in the analysis and large fluctuations in numbers through time. A set of 31 priority sites was identified, which held more than 69% of the mid-winter count total in Mexico during all surveyed years. Six sites were in the northern highlands, 12 in the central highlands, six on the Gulf of Mexico coast and seven on the upper Pacific coast. Twenty-two sites from the priority set have previously been identified as qualifying for designation as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention and 20 sites are classified as Important Areas for Bird Conservation in Mexico. The information presented here provides an accountable, spatially-explicit, numerical basis for ongoing conservation planning efforts in Mexico, which can be used to improve existing wildfowl conservation networks in the country and can also be useful for conservation planning exercises elsewhere

Investing in the future: lessons learnt from communicating the results of HSV/ HIV intervention trials in South Africa

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Communicating the results of randomised controlled trials may present challenges for researchers who have to work with communities and policy-makers to anticipate positive outcomes, while being aware that results may show no effect or harm.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We present a case study from the perspective of researchers in South Africa about the lessons learnt from communicating the results of four trials evaluating treatment for herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) as a new strategy for HIV prevention.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We show that contextual factors such as misunderstandings and mistrust played an important role in defining the communications response. Use of different approaches in combination was found to be most effective in building understanding, credibility and trust in the research process. During the communication process, researchers acted beyond their traditional role of neutral observers and became agents of social change. This change in role is in keeping with a global trend towards increased communication of research results and presents both opportunities and challenges for the conduct of future research.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Despite disappointing trial results which showed no benefit of HSV-2 treatment for HIV prevention, important lessons were learnt about the value of the communication process in building trust between researchers, community members and policy-makers, and creating an enabling environment for future research partnerships.</p

Neuropathologic features in the hippocampus and cerebellum of three older men with fragile X syndrome

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited form of intellectual disability, and is the most common single-gene disorder known to be associated with autism. Despite recent advances in functional neuroimaging and our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis, only limited neuropathologic information on FXS is available.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Neuropathologic examinations were performed on post-mortem brain tissue from three older men (aged 57, 64 and 78 years) who had received a clinical or genetic diagnosis of FXS. In each case, physical and cognitive features were typical of FXS, and one man was also diagnosed with autism. Guided by reports of clinical and neuroimaging abnormalities of the limbic system and cerebellum of individuals with FXS, the current analysis focused on neuropathologic features present in the hippocampus and the cerebellar vermis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Histologic and immunologic staining revealed abnormalities in both the hippocampus and cerebellar vermis. Focal thickening of hippocampal CA1 and irregularities in the appearance of the dentate gyrus were identified. All lobules of the cerebellar vermis and the lateral cortex of the posterior lobe of the cerebellum had decreased numbers of Purkinje cells, which were occasionally misplaced, and often lacked proper orientation. There were mild, albeit excessive, undulations of the internal granular cell layer, with patchy foliar white matter axonal and astrocytic abnormalities. Quantitative analysis documented panfoliar atrophy of both the anterior and posterior lobes of the vermis, with preferential atrophy of the posterior lobule (VI to VII) compared with age-matched normal controls.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Significant morphologic changes in the hippocampus and cerebellum in three adult men with FXS were identified. This pattern of pathologic features supports the idea that primary defects in neuronal migration, neurogenesis and aging may underlie the neuropathology reported in FXS.</p