Acquisition Of Character Research Articles

KARAKTER BERTANGGUNG JAWAB DALAM PERMAINAN UCING SUMPUT SISWA SEKOLAH DASAR DI KAMPUNG PASIRMULYA KECAMATAN PANGALENGAN

This article provides an overview of Ucing Sumput in the character of responsibility. The scope of this article contains the definition, structure and activities of Ucing Sumput. The methods used in writing this article are literature review and field observation in Pasirmulya Village. The result of this study is a description of the acquisition of responsible character through Ucing Sumput, then the use of this paper becomes a reference in the development of responsible character research.

Transformation of Multi-Level Governance based on Global Strategies of the EU and National Resilience of Ukraine under Conditions of Hybrid Threats

The article examines various aspects of the transformation of multi-level management based on the application of EU global strategies and the definition of the institutional foundations of the formation of the national system of stability of Ukraine in the conditions of hybrid threats. It is emphasized that the focus on the implementation of the common policy and global strategies of the EU regarding the functioning of the new European model of multi-level management, strategic security and stability should be determined by the coherence of the key subjects of strategic decision-making, aimed at ensuring the effectiveness of such policies and strategies in the conditions of global influences and hybrid threats. It is proved that the transformation of multi-level management in relation to the European security strategy also changes the perception of the relevant threats towards their acquisition of a hybrid character in the conditions of long-term instability in the social, economic, political and energy spheres. This indicates, first of all, the increasing complexity of the geopolitical environment in the permanent process of the security transformation of the EU, which is taking place in the conditions of the spread of regional and local conflicts and their territorial approach directly to the borders of the EU and is characterized by a crisis in the system of international relations, which is associated with changes in the dominance of the liberal model of public policy in the direction of a more pragmatic, i.e. real policy, which is based mainly on the real conditions and possibilities of power relations, both in relation to the domestic and foreign policy of the vast majority of the countries of united Europe. It was determined that the Ukrainian context of the formation of a national system of stability should be based on a clear understanding of threats to the national security of Ukraine, which according to the Law of Ukraine "On National Security" should be considered: phenomena, trends and factors that make it impossible or difficult or may make it impossible or difficult to realize national interests and preservation of Ukraine's national values, and under stability - the ability of society and the state to quickly adapt to changes in the security environment and maintain sustainable functioning, in particular by minimizing external and internal vulnerabilities. It is proposed to consider the national system of stability as one that should ensure the ability of society and the state, as the highest form of its institutionalization: to identify external and internal threats, to direct activities in the field of national security to the timely identification of other vulnerabilities, to assess real and potential threats to national security , take actions to prevent negative impacts, as well as ensure effective response and quick recovery from the consequences of emergency situations and crisis events, including and hybrid threats. It is noted that the further development of the concept of multi-level management in the context of ensuring the comprehensive security of the state should be focused primarily on the use of effective mechanisms of influence, through the use of international-legal, political-diplomatic, organizational-economic, socio-humanitarian and others, including safety means, as well as the implementation of appropriate measures.

Linguistic distances between native languages and Chinese influence acquisition of Chinese character, vocabulary, and grammar.

How linguistic distance affects second language acquisition is a major concern in cross-language transfer research. However, no study has explored how systematic differences between Chinese and learners' native language (L1) influences Chinese character, vocabulary, and grammar acquisition, or how these influences change as Chinese proficiency improves. To address this, we employed the World Atlas of Language Structures (WALS) index method to multidimensionally quantify the linguistic distance between Chinese and L1, and examined the effect of systematic linguistic distance on acquisition of Chinese character (Quasi-Experiment 1), vocabulary (Quasi-Experiment 2), and grammatical knowledge (Quasi-Experiment 3) in Chinese as a second language (CSL) learners with elementary, intermediate, and advanced Chinese proficiency levels. We examined a random sample of 58,240 CSL learners' test scores from 24 different L1 backgrounds, and analyzed 2,250 CSL learners' Chinese character, vocabulary, and grammar scores in each of the three quasi-experiments. We found that closer linguistic distance facilitated more favorable Chinese character and vocabulary acquisition at elementary, intermediate, and advanced Chinese proficiency levels, and that the influence of linguistic distance on CSL learners' vocabulary acquisition tended to decrease as Chinese proficiency increased. Finally, linguistic difference did not significantly affect CSL learners' grammar acquisition at elementary proficiency, but as Chinese proficiency improved, an L1 interference effect occurred among CSL learners with a short linguistic distance from Chinese, which hindered grammar acquisition. These results suggest that linguistic distance has differential proficiency-dependent effects on Chinese character, vocabulary, and grammar acquisition.

Molecular identity of proprioceptor subtypes innervating different muscle groups in mice

The precise execution of coordinated movements depends on proprioception, the sense of body position in space. However, the molecular underpinnings of proprioceptive neuron subtype identities are not fully understood. Here we used a single-cell transcriptomic approach to define mouse proprioceptor subtypes according to the identity of the muscle they innervate. We identified and validated molecular signatures associated with proprioceptors innervating back (Tox, Epha3), abdominal (C1ql2), and hindlimb (Gabrg1, Efna5) muscles. We also found that proprioceptor muscle identity precedes acquisition of receptor character and comprise programs controlling wiring specificity. These findings indicate that muscle-type identity is a fundamental aspect of proprioceptor subtype differentiation that is acquired during early development and includes molecular programs involved in the control of muscle target specificity.

THE NATURE OF MONOSYLLABIC POLYSEMOUS WORDS

In recent years, in Kazakh linguistics, special importance has been attached to the content and meaning in connection with the activation of the problem of cognitive study of language units. There are materials in science concerning polysemy, and yet this linguistic phenomenon remains relevant. The fact is that language, being a living phenomenon, grows and develops. The development of language means the expansion of the meaning of the word, the acquisition of a new character. The main reason for the increase in the meaning of words at the present stage is associated with the expansion of the subject, phenomena, their properties, functions, as well as broad cognition. Some words may continue to develop unstably. Recently, external factors have been influencing words and their meanings. Due to this, polysemous words appear. The appearance of polysemous words is also a time-consuming process.The main purpose of our research work is the analysis of monosyllabic polysemous words from a lexico-semantic point of view, with an emphasis on the specifics of use. To achieve this goal, the structure and methods of creating monosyllabic polysemous words are defined; the word-formation features of monosyllabic polysemous words were revealed; monosyllabic polysemous words in the language of monuments were identified, which were supposed to be compared with the facts of the modern Kazakh language. These results have been achieved. The research is important for the history of language and historical semantics.

An Analysis of the Method to Improve the Effectiveness of Ideological and political Education in Universities in the Era of We-Media

The emergence of we-media provides a new life and learning platform for college students, which is beneficial to the college students' knowledge acquisition and development of individual character. However, it also challenges the traditional mode of ideological and political education, weakening the influence of the discourse ideological and political education, and the mainstream ideology. Facing these new challenges, determine to better carry out ideological and political education in the new era, colleges and universities must innovate the mode of ideological and political education, enhance the discourse power of ideological and political education and strengthen the ideological construction of colleges and universities in the we-media era.

The Culture‐Bound Brain: Epigenetic Proaction Revisited

AbstractProgress in neuroscience – notably, on the dynamic functions of neural networks – has deepened our understanding of decision‐making, acquisition of character and temperament, and the development of moral dispositions. The evolution of our cerebral architecture is both genetic and epigenetic: the nervous system develops in continuous interaction with the immediate physical and socio‐cultural environments. Each individual has a unique cerebral identity even in the relative absence of genetic distinction, and the development of this identity is strongly influenced by social and cultural environments leaving major traces in the connectivity of the brain. This interaction introduces important elements of variability and plasticity. Synaptic epigenetic theories of cultural and social imprinting on our brain architecture suggest the possibility that we can be “epigenetically proactive” and adapt our social structures, in both the short and the long term, to benefit and constructively interact with the ever‐developing neuronal architecture of our brains. Epigenetic proaction can be described as a way to socially steer evolution by influencing the cultural imprints to be stored in our brains. The purpose of this article is to present, in a historical and ideological light, the idea that we may culturally shape the developing brain, and discuss some key risks and benefits of this endeavour. The article is a contribution to neuroethics.

Childhood Research Beyond Children: Public Engagement and the Rights of the Child

Abstract With the globalization of technology and the changes of society, the boundaries between childhood and adulthood have become increasingly blurred. Children’s studies begin to re-examine the modern thinking and the binary opposition in childhood research, and propose that in order to adapt to the diversity and continuous influence of childhood, childhood research must look for and effectively use non-dualistic theoretical analysis resources. On the one hand, “actor-network theory” and “complexity theory” have provided such research with a theoretical basis, transcending the perspective of binary opposition, focusing on the long-term effects of childhood on individual public character and the public participation of children. On the other hand, information media technology and community participation play an important role in the building of contemporary childhood, especially for the vulnerable groups of children to gain the ability of public participation and enter the public sector. Childhood research requires a broad theoretical perspective and an interdisciplinary approach. It also requires attention to the processes and mechanisms of how children’s participation influences the acquisition of individual public character. How to effectively use information technology to promote public participation, expand the existing public space and form an effective connection with practical community participation is the key to realizing a “good society” in the future for children.

Instrument Development in Measuring the Scientific Literacy Integrated Character Level of Junior High School Students

The objectives of this study were to develop the scale called the student test of scientific literacy integrated character (SToSLiC), to analyze its validity and reliability, and to portray the primary profile of scientific literacy integrated character of junior high school students in Mataram. The scale was developed in four steps include identifying indicators, developing pool items, checking items validity and reliability, and improving items quality. The scale consists of two parts that are the SToSLiC-A and the SToSLiC-B. The primary pool items of the SToSLiC-A consist of 42 multiple choice items, and 40 Likert-scale items for the SToSLiC-B. The scale was administered to 222 eight graders student in Mataram city. Seven items were eliminated from the initial SToSLiC-A because of the item total correlation were < 0.05 or invalid. Based on item total correlation of the 35 remaining items, the SToSLiC-A was classified as valid (item total correlation coefficient > 0.05), and it has good internal consistency (Alpha-Cronbach coefficient of 0,63). All 40 items of the SToSLiC-B were valid (item total correlations > 0.05) with good internal consistency (Alpha-Cronbach coefficient of 0.87). Based on these values, it can be concluded that the SToSLiC developed in this study provide an objective measure of acquisition of scientific literacy and character of junior high school students.

КЛЮЧОВІ АСПЕКТИ РОЗВИТКУ ЦИФРОВИХ КОМПЕТЕНЦІЙ НАСЕЛЕННЯ

The article analyzes the main factors influencing the digital competence formation of the Ukrainian population, which involves the acquisition of knowledge, abilities, character, and behavior that are compulsory for a person in order to use information and communication and digital technologies to achieve goals whether in personal or professional life. In the environment of forced isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the principle of continuing education ("lifelong learning") receives new characteristics in the light of new realities, in which access to information, continuous learning and revising of knowledge become driving force in the formation of a new model of education. The article summarizes the experience of European countries in implementing the basic principles of digital literacy and providing citizens with opportunities to master the skills of working with information and communication technologies, communication and cooperation in the digital space, digital content, digital security and more. Based on the analysis of the urbanization impact on the access of the population to high-quality Internet, it was found that the urban population has a higher level of digital knowledge and skills compared to the population living in rural areas. A system of digital competencies for citizens "DigComp 2.1" is proposed to be integrated and used in Ukraine as a tool for the implementation of strategic priorities for the formation of digital literacy of the population, which is already implemented in the European Union. Overall, the acquisition and development of digital competencies in the XXI century is mandatory in all spheres of the national economy and in everyday life of the population. In this context, it is necessary to create infrastructure and institutions that will deal with the implementation of innovative solutions and digital literacy training of all segments of the population throughout life.

Why character education?

Character education in schools has been high on the UK political agenda for the last few years. The government has invested millions in grants to support character education projects and declared its intention to make Britain a global leader in teaching character and resilience. But the policy has many critics: some question whether schools should be involved in the formation of character at all; others worry that the traits schools are being asked to cultivate are excessively competitive or military.In this pamphlet Randall Curren sets out a robust defence of character education. He welcomes the political support it presently enjoys, but contends that greater clarity about the nature, benefits and acquisition of good character is essential. In particular, he argues that too narrow a focus on traits like perseverance and resilience is a serious mistake: these traits are only virtues when they are part of a wider set of moral and intellectual qualities, and when their exercise is guided by good judgment.Curren offers us a compelling and coherent account of what good character is and how it might be cultivated in schools. He explains why schools must be needs‐supporting environments that provide students with opportunities to engage in rewarding activity, and why cultivating good character implies promoting the ‘fundamental British values’ of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance. His groundbreaking pamphlet promises to expand the scope and strengthen the foundations of character education in British schools, and should go a long way towards allaying the fears of its detractors.

Human papillomavirus oncoproteins differentially modulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition in 5-FU-resistant cervical cancer cells.

Etiological role of viral proteins E6 and E7 of high-risk HPV in cervical carcinogenesis is well established. However, their contribution in chemoresistance and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that leads to advanced metastatic lesions and chemoresistance is poorly defined. In the present study, contribution of viral oncoproteins in acquisition of EMT character during onset of chemoresistance was assessed. A chemoresistant cell line (SiHaCR) was developed from an established HPV16-positive cervical cancer cell line, SiHa, by escalating selection pressure of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Expression of Survivin, ABCG2, Snail, Slug, Twist, and Vimentin was examined in SiHa and SiHaCR cells by reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) and immunoblotting assays. Mesenchymal phenotype in SiHaCR cells was confirmed by assessment of migration and invasion potentials. SiHaCR cells displayed elevated level of functional and molecular markers associated with chemoresistance (Survivin, ABCG2) and EMT (Snail, Slug, Twist, Vimentin) and reduced E-cadherin. SiHaCR also showed increased levels of HPV16 E6 and E7 transcripts. Specific silencing of HPV16 E6, but not E7 using corresponding siRNA, demonstrated a differential involvement of HPV oncogenes in manifestation of EMT. HPV16 E6 silencing resulted in reduction of Slug and Twist expression. However, the expression of Snail and Vimentin was only marginally affected. In contrast, there was an increase in the expression of E-cadherin. A reduced migration and invasion capabilities were observed only in E6-silenced SiHaCR cells, which further confirmed functional contribution of HPV16 E6 in manifestation of EMT. Taken together, our study demonstrated an active involvement of HPV16 E6 in regulation of EMT, which promotes chemoresistance in cervical cancer.

Modularity and heterochronies in the evolution of metazoa: Paleontological aspect

All organisms are formed of more or less independent elements, modules. Paleontology deals with morphological modules preserved in the fossil state and allows their evolution within taxa of different levels to be reconstructed. Modularity provides organisms with the ability to evolve, since changes in one module does not influence others, nor disturb the integrity of organism. Each organism may have unique modules represented by a single copy and serial modules developing according to a certain symmetry type. Serial terminal growth is characteristic of ambulacra of echinoderms, in which it is combined with alternating appearance of structures on the right and left of the symmetry plane. The morphology of the solute Maennilia estonica, which has been investigated in detail, shows that the growth model for the brachiola is similar to the model for ambulacra of sea urchins, but without an ocular plate. Probably, the hydrocoel initially induced the appearance of a skeleton necessary for its activity and organized its development according to its own model of terminal growth. Subsequently, the axial skeleton appearing following this pattern could have organized the growth of adjacent parts of the extraxial skeleton following the same model to form a united module. The fusion of modules could have resulted from heterochronies. Extant and extinct material connected with the change in the anteroposterior axis in evolutionary and ontogenetic development of echinoderms provides a prominent example of heterochronies. Heterochronies were the mechanism connecting characters into an integrated ensemble of the body plan. Archaic diversity reflects an attempt to create a new body plan. Various manifestations of archaic diversity show that the emergence of a new higher taxon is connected with the combination of a number of characters united in an integrated complex forming the body plan which is stable from the moment of appearance due to strict recursive relationships between its modules rather than with the acquisition of an individual character, even if it is very important.

Neural retina identity is specified by lens-derived BMP signals.

The eye has served as a classical model to study cell specification and tissue induction for over a century. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms that regulate the induction and maintenance of eye-field cells, and the specification of neural retina cells are poorly understood. Moreover, within the developing anterior forebrain, how prospective eye and telencephalic cells are differentially specified is not well defined. In the present study, we have analyzed these issues by manipulating signaling pathways in intact chick embryo and explant assays. Our results provide evidence that at blastula stages, BMP signals inhibit the acquisition of eye-field character, but from neural tube/optic vesicle stages, BMP signals from the lens are crucial for the maintenance of eye-field character, inhibition of dorsal telencephalic cell identity and specification of neural retina cells. Subsequently, our results provide evidence that a Rax2-positive eye-field state is not sufficient for the progress to a neural retina identity, but requires BMP signals. In addition, our results argue against any essential role of Wnt or FGF signals during the specification of neural retina cells, but provide evidence that Wnt signals together with BMP activity are sufficient to induce cells of retinal pigment epithelial character. We conclude that BMP activity emanating from the lens ectoderm maintains eye-field identity, inhibits telencephalic character and induces neural retina cells. Our findings link the requirement of the lens ectoderm for neural retina specification with the molecular mechanism by which cells in the forebrain become specified as neural retina by BMP activity.

Induced Pluripotency in Chicken Embryonic Fibroblast Results in a Germ Cell Fate

Germ cells (GCs) are critically important as the vehicle that passes genetic information from one generation to the next. Correct development of these cells is essential and perturbation in their development often leads to reproductive failure and disease. Despite the importance of GCs, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the acquisition and maintenance of the GC character. Using a reprogramming strategy, we demonstrate that overexpression of ectopic transcription factors in embryonic fibroblasts can lead to the generation of chicken induced primordial germ cells (ciPGCs). These ciPGCs express pluripotent markers POU5F1, SSEA1, and the GC defining proteins, CVH and DAZL, closely resembling in vivo sourced PGCs instead of embryonic stem cells. Moreover, CXCR4 expressing ciPGCs were capable of migrating to the embryonic gonad after injection into the vasculature of stage 15 embryos, indicating the acquisition of a GC fate in these cells. Direct availability of ciPGCs in vitro would facilitate the study of GC development as well as provide a potential strategy for the conservation of important genetics of agricultural and endangered birds using somatic cells.

Precocious Acquisition of Neuroepithelial Character in the Eye Field Underlies the Onset of Eye Morphogenesis

SummaryUsing high-resolution live imaging in zebrafish, we show that presumptive eye cells acquire apicobasal polarity and adopt neuroepithelial character prior to other regions of the neural plate. Neuroepithelial organization is first apparent at the margin of the eye field, whereas cells at its core have mesenchymal morphology. These core cells subsequently intercalate between the marginal cells contributing to the bilateral expansion of the optic vesicles. During later evagination, optic vesicle cells shorten, drawing their apical surfaces laterally relative to the basal lamina, resulting in further laterally directed evagination. The early neuroepithelial organization of the eye field requires Laminin1, and ectopic Laminin1 can redirect the apicobasal orientation of eye field cells. Furthermore, disrupting cell polarity through combined abrogation of the polarity protein Pard6γb and Laminin1 severely compromises optic vesicle evagination. Our studies elucidate the cellular events underlying early eye morphogenesis and provide a framework for understanding epithelialization and complex tissue formation.

Myeloid leukemia cells with a B7‐2+ subpopulation provoke Th‐cell responses and become immuno‐suppressive through the modulation of B7 ligands

Expression of the B7 family molecules in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been demonstrated by independent clinical studies. Intriguingly, the expression of the most potent costimulatory molecules B7-2 (CD86) and B7-H2 (ICOS Ligand) on AML cells has been associated with poor prognosis and disease severity. Here, this phenomenon was modeled in vitro with the myeloid leukemia cell line HL-60, which is capable of differentiating through the FAB M2/M3 and M4/M5 immunophenotypes. These derivatives of HL-60 harbored a B7-2(+) subpopulation and recapitulated the distribution of B7 ligands previously reported in primary AML cases. B7-2(+) AML cells significantly contributed to T-cell responses. This costimulatory activity enabled helper (Th)-cell activation, proliferation, and production of Th1-associated cytokines. Conversely, even a short-term incubation with stimulated T cells resulted in upregulation of inhibitory B7-H1 (PD-L1) and B7-DC (PD-L2), and downregulation of stimulatory B7-H2 molecules on leukemia cells. Purified from iHL-60-T-cell co-cultures, these myeloid leukemia cells severely suppressed Th-cell responses specifically through the PD-1 pathway. In conclusion, Th-cell responses can be directly supported by B7-2(+) leukemia subpopulations. However, this interaction can facilitate the acquisition of a suppressive character that may contribute to immune evasion in myeloid leukemia.

Phylogeny of Devonian Lycopsids Inferred from Bayesian Phylogenetic Analyses

Abstract:To investigate the phylogeny of early lycopsids, cladistic analyses using both parsimony and Bayesian approaches are presented, with a data matrix of 33 morphological characters across 25 taxa. The resulting parsimony and Bayesian trees showed overall similarities in tree topologies. In the Bayesian tree, the Protolepidodendrales and the heterosporous lycopsids are recognized as two monophyletic groups, and within the latter group, the Isoetales sensu lato forms a subclade. This topology implies that the acquisition of a ligulate character evolved twice in the lycopsids, once in the protolepidodendralean Leclercqia Banks et al., and once in the heterosporous lycopsid clade. Phylogenetic positions of several lycopsid plants previously reported from the Mid‐Upper Devonian of South China, which have uncertain ordinal affinities, were estimated by the cladistic analyses; cf. Longostachys Xue et Hao, Longostachys Zhu et al., Monilistrobus Wang et Berry, and Yuguangia Hao et al. fall well within the Isoetales clade, as earliest members of this order, while Minostrobus Wang and Wuxia Berry et al. are nested within the basal part of the heterosporous lycopsids. Bayesian analyses are a very useful approach in systematic studies and can be applied in analyzing paleobotanical data sets as well.

Churchill regulates cell movement and mesoderm specification by repressing Nodal signaling

BackgroundCell movements are essential to the determination of cell fates during development. The zinc-finger transcription factor, Churchill (ChCh) has been proposed to regulate cell fate by regulating cell movements during gastrulation in the chick. However, the mechanism of action of ChCh is not understood.ResultsWe demonstrate that ChCh acts to repress the response to Nodal-related signals in zebrafish. When ChCh function is abrogated the expression of mesodermal markers is enhanced while ectodermal markers are expressed at decreased levels. In cell transplant assays, we observed that ChCh-deficient cells are more motile than wild-type cells. When placed in wild-type hosts, ChCh-deficient cells often leave the epiblast, migrate to the germ ring and are later found in mesodermal structures. We demonstrate that both movement of ChCh-compromised cells to the germ ring and acquisition of mesodermal character depend on the ability of the donor cells to respond to Nodal signals. Blocking Nodal signaling in the donor cells at the levels of Oep, Alk receptors or Fast1 inhibited migration to the germ ring and mesodermal fate change in the donor cells. We also detect additional unusual movements of transplanted ChCh-deficient cells which suggests that movement and acquisition of mesodermal character can be uncoupled. Finally, we demonstrate that ChCh is required to limit the transcriptional response to Nodal.ConclusionThese data establish a broad role for ChCh in regulating both cell movement and Nodal signaling during early zebrafish development. We show that chch is required to limit mesodermal gene expression, inhibit Nodal-dependant movement of presumptive ectodermal cells and repress the transcriptional response to Nodal signaling. These findings reveal a dynamic role for chch in regulating cell movement and fate during early development.

Specification of embryonic axis and mosaic development in ascidians

Setting up future body axes is the first important event before and at the beginning of embryogenesis. The ascidian embryo is a classic model that has been used to gain insight into developmental processes for over a century. This review summarizes advances made in this decade in our understanding of the developmental processes involved in the specification of the embryonic axes and cell fates during early ascidian embryogenesis. Maternal factors, including mRNAs, are translocated to specific regions of the egg by cytoplasmic and cortical reorganization, so-called ooplasmic segregation, and specify the animal-vegetal axis and the one perpendicular to it, which is defined as the anteroposterior axis in ascidians. Some postplasmic/PEM RNAs that are anchored to cortical endoplasmic reticulum are brought to the future posterior pole of fertilized eggs, and play crucial roles in posterior development. Following specification of the animal-vegetal axis, nuclear localization of beta-catenin takes place in the vegetal blastomeres; this occurrence is important for the acquisition of the vegetal character of the blastomeres in later development. Positioning of these maternal factors lead to subsequent cell interactions and zygotic gene expression responsible for axis establishment and for cell fate specification. We describe how endoderm blastomeres in the vegetal pole region emanate inductive signals mainly attributable to fibroblast growth factor. Marginal blastomeres next to endoderm blastomeres respond differently in ways that are determined by intrinsic competence factors. Expression patterns of developmentally important genes, including key transcription factors of each tissue type, are also summarized.