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ECUADOR IS a compact country chock-full of natural attractions and adventure. With little effort visitors can bicycle through the lush hills of Bafios one day and ride world-class rapids in [...]

DOCK8 mutations result in an inherited combined immunodeficiency characterized by increased susceptibility to skin and other infections. We show that when DOCK8-deficient T and NK cells migrate through confined spaces, they develop cell shape and nuclear deformation abnormalities that do not impair chemotaxis but contribute to a distinct form of catastrophic cell death we term cytothripsis. Such defects arise during lymphocyte migration in collagen-dense tissues when DOCK8, through CDC42 and p21-activated kinase (PAK), is unavailable to coordinate cytoskeletal structures. Cytothripsis of DOCK8-deficient cells prevents the generation of long-lived skin-resident memory CD8 T cells, which in turn impairs control of herpesvirus skin infections. Our results establish that DOCK8-regulated shape integrity of lymphocytes prevents cytothripsis and promotes antiviral immunity in the skin.

The range and stability of expression of the transgenic CryIA(b) protein was examined in Ciba Seeds Bt maize plants derived from Event 176. Specifically, CryIA(b) levels were determined for: (1) various plant tissues and developmental stages in three maize lines from 1993 field tests; (2) pollen and leaves from plants representing four backcross generations of two genotypes; (3) leaves of 6 precommercial hybrids; and (4) silage from one Bt maize hybrid. Significant levels were found only in pollen and leaves. Genetic background did not greatly impact the level seen in either tissue. CryIA(b) expression in maize plants derived from transformation Event 176 was stable over at least four successive generations. On a per acre basis, the highest amount of CryIA(b) protein (estimated to be 2-4 g CryIA(b) protein/acre) was found to occur at anthesis, consistent with the stage at which maximum plant vegetative biomass is reached. CryIA(b) was not detected in silage prepared from CryIA(b)-expression plants. The maize-expressed CryIA(b) protein was found to have the expected size and to be immunoreactive with antibodies prepared against crystals from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki.

The article reports on the vast bird species in Ecudor and informs that the national bird Andean condor is one of the largest flying birds in the world and are found near Quito in the Antisana nature reserve.

The article offers information on the adventure and attraction for tourists in Ecuador and several ecolodges to stay and relax including the Kapawi Ecolodge and Reserve and the Secret Garden Cotopaxi.

This article presents information on Japanese etiquette for bathing at bathhouses. It says that at most bathhouses, you can rent a towel the size of a magazine centerfold for about $1. This is not for face washing. It is strictly for cover. Although bathhouses are separated into single-sex quarters, decorum dictates that one conceal his or her private parts when walking around. The aptly named "modesty towel" does not hide much, so pick one must the areas wisely. It is important for tourists to wash themselves completely before plunging into the tub.