Iowa African-American Journal, February 2006, Black History Month Special Edition

Newsletter for the Iowa Commission on the Status of African-Americans. Black History Month Special Edition.

Iowa African-American Journal, February 2005, Black History Month Special Edition

Newsletter for the Iowa Commission on the Status of African-Americans. Black History Month Special Edition.

Multiscale phylogeography: glacial history and autopolyploidy of Biscutella laevigata L. (Brassicaceae) in the Western Alps

R��sum�� Les changements climatiques du Quaternaire ont eu une influence majeure sur la distribution et l'��volution des biota septentrionaux. Les Alpes offrent un cadre spatio-temporel bien ��tudi�� pour comprendre la r��activit�� de la flore et le potentiel d'adaptation d'une esp��ce v��g��tale face aux changements climatiques. Certaines hypoth��ses postulent une diversification des esp��ces en raison de la disparition compl��te de la flore des Alpes et d'un isolement important des esp��ces dans des refuges m��ridionaux durant les derni��res glaciations (Tabula Rasa). Une autre hypoth��se stipule le maintien de poches de r��sistance pour la v��g��tation au coeur des Alpes (Nunataks). Comme de nombreuses esp��ces v��g��tales pr��sentant un grand succ��s ��cologique semblent avoir r��agi aux glaciations par la multiplication de leur g��nome (autopolyplo��die), leur ��tude en milieu naturel devrait permettre de comprendre les avantages inh��rents �� la polyplo��die. Biscutella laevigata est un mod��le embl��matique de biog��ographie historique, diverses ��tudes ayant montr�� que des populations diplo��des sont actuellement isol��es dans les zones rest��es d��glac��es durant le dernier maximum glaciaire, alors que des t��traplo��des ont recolonis�� l'ensemble des zones alpines mises �� nu par le retrait des glaciers. Si le contexte p��riglaciaire semble avoir favoris�� ce jeune complexe autopolyplo��de, les circonstances et les avantages de cette mutation g��nomique ne sont pas encore clairs. Y a-t-il eu de multiples ��v��nements de polyplo��disation ? Dans quelle mesure affecte(nt)il(s) la diversit�� g��n��tique et le potentiel ��volutif des polyplo��des ? Les polyplo��des ont-ils une grande flexibilit�� g��nomique, favorisant une radiation adaptative, ou doivent-ils leur succ��s �� une grande plasticit�� ��cologique ? Cette ��tude aborde ces questions �� diff��rentes ��chelles spatiales et temporelles. L'��chelle r��gionale des Alpes occidentales permet d'aborder les facteurs distaux (aspects historiques), alors que l'��chelle locale cherche �� appr��hender les facteurs proximaux (m��canismes ��volutifs). Dans les Alpes occidentales, des populations ont ��t�� dens��ment ��chantillonn��es et ��tudi��es gr��ce �� (1) leur cytotype, (2) leur appartenance taxonomique, (3) leur habitat et (4) des marqueurs mol��culaires de l'ADN chloroplastique, en vue d'��tablir leurs affinit��s ��volutives. �� l'��chelle locale, deux syst��mes de population ont ��t�� ��tudi��s : l'un o�� les populations persistent en p��riph��rie de l'aire de distribution et l'autre au niveau du front actif de colonisation, en marge altitudinale. Les r��sultats �� l'��chelle des Alpes occidentales r��v��lent les sites d'int��r��t (refuges glaciaires, principales barri��res et voies de recolonisation) pour une esp��ce repr��sentative des pelouses alpines, ainsi que pour la biodiversit�� r��gionale. Les Pr��alpes ont jou�� un r��le important dans le maintien de populations �� proximit�� imm��diate des Alpes centrales et dans l'��volution du taxon, voire de la v��g��tation. Il est aussi d��montr�� que l'��poque glaciaire a favoris�� l'autopolyplo��die polytopique et la recolonisation des Alpes occidentales par des lign��es distinctes qui s'hybrident au centre des Alpes, influen��ant fortement leur diversit�� g��n��tique et leur potentiel ��volutif. L'analyse de populations locales en situations contrast��es �� l'aide de marqueurs AFLP montre qu'au sein d'une lign��e pr��sentant une grande expansion, la diversit�� g��n��tique est fa��onn��e par des forces ��volutives diff��rentes selon le contexte ��cologique et historique. Les populations persistant pr��sentent une dispersion des g��nes restreinte, engendrant une diversit�� g��n��tique assez faible, mais semblent adapt��es aux conditions locales de l'environnement. �� l'inverse, les populations colonisant la marge altitudinale sont influenc��es par les effets de fondation conjugu��s �� une importante dispersion des g��nes et, si ces processus impliquent une grande diversit�� g��n��tique, ils engendrent une r��partition al��atoire des g��notypes dans l'environnement. Les autopolyplo��des apparaissent ainsi comme capables de persister face aux changements climatiques gr��ce �� certaines facult��s d'adaptation locale et de grandes capacit��s �� maintenir une importante diversit�� g��n��tique lors de la recolonisation post-glaciaire. Summary The extreme climate changes of the Quaternary have had a major influence on species distribution and evolution. The European Alps offer a great framework to investigate flora reactivity and the adaptive potential of species under changing climate. Some hypotheses postulate diversification due to vegetation removal and important isolation in southern refugia (Tabula Rasa), while others explain phylogeographic patterns by the survival of species in favourable Nunataks within the Alps. Since numerous species have successfully reacted to past climate changes by genome multiplication (autopolyploidy), studies of such taxa in natural conditions is likely to explain the ecological success and the advantages of autopolyploidy. Early cytogeographical surveys of Biscutella laevigata have shed light on the links between autopolyploidy and glaciations by indicating that diploids are now spatially isolated in never-glaciated areas, while autotetraploids have recolonised the zones covered by glaciers- during the last glacial maximum. A periglacial context apparently favoured this young autopolyploid complex but the circumstances and the advantages of this genomic mutation remain unclear. What is the glacial history of the B. laevigata autopolyploid complex? Are there multiple events of polyploidisation? To what extent do they affect the genetic diversity and the evolutionary potential of polyploids? Is recolonisation associated with adaptive processes? How does long-term persistence affect genetic diversity? The present study addresses these questions at different spatiotemporal scales. A regional survey at the Western Alps-scale tackles distal factors (evolutionary history), while local-scale studies explore proximal factors (evolutionary mechanisms). In the Western Alps, populations have been densely sampled and studied from the (1) cytotypic, (2) morphotaxonomic, (3) habitat point of views, as well as (4) plastid DNA molecular markers, in order to infer their relationships and establish the maternal lineages phylogeography. At the local scale, populations persisting at the rear edge and populations recolonising the attitudinal margin at the leading edge have been studied by AFLPs to show how genetic diversity is shaped by different evolutionary forces across the species range. The results at the regional scale document the glacial history of a widespread species, representative of alpine meadows, in a regional area of main interest (glacial refugia, main barriers and recolonisation routes) and points out to sites of interest for regional biodiversity. The external Alps have played a major role in the maintenance of populations near the central Alps during the Last Glacial Maximum and influenced the evolution of the species, and of vegetation. Polytopic autopolyploidy in different biogeographic districts is also demonstrated. The species has had an important and rapid radiation because recolonisation took place from different refugia. The subsequent recolonisation of the Western Alps was achieved by independent lineages that are presently admixing in the central Alps. The role of the Pennic summit line is underlined as a great barrier that was permeable only through certain favourable high-altitude passes. The central Alps are thus viewed as an important crossroad where genomes with different evolutionary histories are meeting and admixing. The AFLP analysis and comparison of local populations growing in contrasted ecological and historical situations indicate that populations persisting in the external Alps present restricted gene dispersal and low genetic diversity but seem in equilibrium with their environment. On the contrary, populations colonising the attitudinal margin are mainly influenced by founder effects together with great gene dispersal and genotypes have a nearly random distribution, suggesting that recolonisation is not associated with adaptive processes. Autopolyploids that locally persist against climate changes thus seem to present adaptive ability, while those that actively recolonise the Alps are successful because of their great capacity to maintain a high genetic diversity against founder effects during recolonisation.

Intraoperative angiography reloaded: a new hybrid operating theater for combined endovascular and surgical treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations: a pilot study on 25 patients.

BACKGROUND: Multimodality treatment suites for patients with cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVM) have recently become available. This study was designed to evaluate feasibility, safety and impact on treatment of a new intraoperative flat-panel (FP) based integrated surgical and imaging suite for combined endovascular and surgical treatment of cerebral AVM. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with AVMs to treat with combined endovascular and surgical interventions were prospectively enrolled in this consecutive case series. The hybrid suite allows combined endovascular and surgical approaches with intraoperative scanner-like imaging (XperCT��) and intraoperative 3D rotational angiography (3D-RA). The impact of intraoperative multimodal imaging on feasibility, workflow of combined interventions, surgery, and unexpected imaging findings were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (mean age 38 �� 18.6��year) with a median Spetzler-Martin grade 2 AVM (range 1-4) underwent combined endovascular and surgical procedures. Sixteen patients presented with a ruptured AVM and nine with an unruptured AVM. In 16��% (n = 4) of cases, intraoperative imaging visualized AVM remnants ≤3��mm and allowed for completion of the resections in the same sessions. Complete resection was confirmed in all n = 16 patients who had follow-up angiography one��year after surgery so far. All diagnostic and therapeutical steps, including angiographic control, were performed without having to move the patients CONCLUSION: The hybrid neurointerventional suite was shown to be a safe and useful setup which allowed for unconstrained combined microsurgical and neuroradiological workflow. It reduces the need for extraoperative angiographic controls and subsequent potential surgical revisions a second time, as small AVM remnants can be detected with high security.

On the immature stages and natural history of Gonioterma exquisita Duckworth (Lepidoptera, Elachistidae, Stenomatinae)

In the present work the natural history and immature stages of Gonioterma exquisita Duckworth, 1964 of the Brazilian cerrado region are described. The caterpillars are external folivorous feeders and present a diet restricted to pubescent-leaved host plants of the genus Byrsonima Rich. (Malpighiaceae). They are solitary caterpillars and they build a hard individual shelter that looks like a planorbid shell, made from silk and frass, covered with trichomes and silk, where they develop until the last larval instar on the host plant, and remain inside it until the adult emergence on herbaceous stratum. The larval development presented eight instars. Egg, larval head capsules, instar duration, pupa, shelter, and behavior are also described. Diapause is mentioned for the first time in this species.

Quantifying quantitative literacy: Age heaping and the history of human capital

Age data frequently display excess frequencies at round or attractive ages, such as even numbers and multiples of five. This phenomenon of age heaping has been viewed as a problem in previous research, especially in demography and epidemiology. We see it as an opportunity and propose its use as a measure of human capital that can yield comparable estimates across a wide range of historical contexts. A simulation study yields methodological guidelines for measuring and interpreting differences in ageheaping, while analysis of contemporary and historical datasets demonstrates the existence of a robust correlation between age heaping and literacy at both the individual and aggregate level. To illustrate the method, we generate estimates of human capital in Europe over the very long run, which support the hypothesis of a major increase in human capital preceding the industrial revolution.

New records for species of Theope (Lepidoptera, Riodinidae) for the state of Pernambuco and northeastern Brazil, with notes on their natural history

New records for species of Theope (Lepidoptera, Riodinidae) for the state of Pernambuco and northeastern Brazil, with notes on their natural history. Five new records for the state of Pernambuco and one new record for NE-Brazil are reported in this paper for the genus Theope. Relationship between ants and T. terambus was observed for the first time which also consists on the first ever recorded myrmecophilous interaction between Pheidole ants and a Theope immature. Schoepfia guianensis is reported as a probable hostplant for T. terambus. Illustrations of seven species of Theope which occur in the northeastern Atlantic Rainforest are provided.

Essays on the history of Brazilian dipterology. I. The first notices about Brazilian Diptera (16th century)

Essays on the history of Brazilian dipterology. I. The first notices about Brazilian Diptera (16th century). This paper presents a historical resume of the first notices about Brazilian Diptera during the 16th century, given by Francisco Pires in 1552 (the oldest mention known), Jos�� de Anchieta, Leonardo do Valle, Pero de Magalh��es de Gandavo, Jean de L��ry and Gabriel Soares de Souza, ending with Fern��o Cardim, who made the last mentions of Brazilian Diptera in that century.

Essays on the history of Brazilian dipterology: II. notices about Brazilian Diptera (17th century)

Essays on the history of Brazilian dipterology. II. Notices about Brazilian Diptera (17th century). Notices from the Brazilian Diptera from the 17th century come mainly from two foreign invasions occurred in Brazil, the first one by the French in Maranh��o and the second by the Dutch in northeastern Brazil. This paper includes reports of Fathers Claude d'Abbeville and Yves d'Evreux and from Piso and Marcgrave, the last two presenting the first illustrations of Brazilian Diptera. The paper also includes reports of Friar Laureano de la Cruz, Father Jo��o de Sotto Mayor and Maur��cio de Heriarte.

Essays on the history of brazilian dipterology: III. Three remarkable notices from the 18th century, mainly related to myiasis-producing flies (Cochliomyia and Dermatobia)

This paper registers reports about dipterans made by three Portuguese who lived in Brazil during the 18th century. Luiz Gomes Ferreira, in his book "Er��rio mineral" ["Mineral revenue"], wrote curious passages related with myiasis-causing flies of the genus Cochliomyia. Jos�� Rodrigues de Mello registered, in Latin verses, the folklore for curing myiases caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax in cattle. Luiz dos Santos Vilhena, in the last of his twenty letters dealing with several aspects of life in Brazil, made reference to horseflies, human bot flies and mosquitos.

IRELAND AND LATIN AMERICA: A CULTURAL HISTORY

According to Declan Kiberd, ���postcolonial writing does not begin only when the occupier withdraws: rather it is initiated at that very moment when a native writer formulates a text committed to cultural resistance.��� The Irish in Latin America ��� a continent emerging from indigenous cultures, colonisation, and migrations ��� may be regarded as colonised in Ireland and as colonisers in their new home. They are a counterexample to the standard pattern of identities in the major English-speaking destinations of the Irish Diaspora. Using literary sources, the press, correspondence, music, sports, and other cultural representations, in this thesis I search the attitudes and shared values signifying identities among the immigrants and their families. Their fragmentary and wide-ranging cultures provide a rich context to study the protean process of adaptation to, or rejection of, the new countries. Evolving from oppressed to oppressors, the Irish in Latin America swiftly became ingleses. Subsequently, in order to join the local middle classes they became vaqueros, llaneros, huasos, and gauchos so they could show signs of their effective integration to the native culture, as seen by the Latin American elites. Eventually, some Irish groups separated from the English mainstream culture and shaped their own community negotiating among Irishness, Englishness, and local identities in Brazil, Uruguay, Peru, Cuba, and other places in the region. These identities were not only unmoored in the emigrants��� minds but also manoeuvred by the political needs of community and religious leaders. After reviewing the major steps and patterns of Irish migration to Latin America, the thesis analyses texts from selected works, offers a version of how the settlers became Latin Americans or not, and elucidates the processes by which a new Irish-Latin American hybrid was created.

Catalogue of the type-specimens of Bolitophilidae, Diadocidiidae and Ditomyiidae (Diptera, Bibionomorpha) in the Natural History Museum, London

Catalogue of the type-specimens of Bolitophilidae, Diadocidiidae and Ditomyiidae (Diptera, Bibionomorpha) in the Natural History Museum, London. A commented list of the types of three families of Bibionomorpha - Bolitophilidae, Diadocidiidae and Ditomyiidae - housed at the Natural History Museum (London) is provided. This includes four holotypes and one paratype of five species of Bolitophilidae; one paratype and three syntypes of two species of Diadocidiidae; and 17 holotypes, 91 paratypes, four lectotypes, and fourteen paralectotypes of 38 species of Ditomyiidae. Lectotypes are designated for the Neotropical species of the ditomyiids Australosymmerus (Melosymmerus) bisetosus Edwards, 1940 and A. (M.) pediferus Edwards, 1940.