Sequence-Based Mapping and Genome Editing Reveal Mutations in Stickleback Hps5 Cause Oculocutaneous Albinism and the casper Phenotype.

Here, we present and characterize the spontaneous X-linked recessive mutation casper, which causes oculocutaneous albinism in threespine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus). In humans, Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome results in pigmentation defects due to disrupted formation of the melanin-containing lysosomal-related organelle (LRO), the melanosome. casper mutants display not only reduced pigmentation of melanosomes in melanophores, but also reductions in the iridescent silver color from iridophores, while the yellow pigmentation from xanthophores appears unaffected. We mapped casper using high-throughput sequencing of genomic DNA from bulked casper mutants to a region of the stickleback X chromosome (chromosome 19) near the stickleback ortholog of Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome 5 (Hps5). casper mutants have an insertion of a single nucleotide in the sixth exon of Hps5, predicted to generate an early frameshift. Genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9 induced lesions in Hps5 and phenocopied the casper mutation. Injecting single or paired Hps5 guide RNAs revealed higher incidences of genomic deletions from paired guide RNAs compared to single gRNAs. Stickleback Hps5 provides a genetic system where a hemizygous locus in XY males and a diploid locus in XX females can be used to generate an easily scored visible phenotype, facilitating quantitative studies of different genome editing approaches. Lastly, we show the ability to better visualize patterns of fluorescent transgenic reporters in Hps5 mutant fish. Thus, Hps5 mutations present an opportunity to study pigmented LROs in the emerging stickleback model system, as well as a tool to aid in assaying genome editing and visualizing enhancer activity in transgenic fish

Cheap Food Policy: Fact or Rhetoric?

The term "cheap food policy" has frequently been used as a descriptor for U.S. commodity programs by those who contend these payments to farmers ultimately result in lower food costs for consumers. More recently, farm policy has been criticized for contributing to the obesity problem in the U.S. by making large quantities of fattening foods widely available and relatively inexpensive. This paper econometrically evaluates the impact of direct government payments to farmers from 1960-1999 on the proportion of disposable income consumers spend on food. The model finds the payments do not significantly affect the affordability of food.Agricultural and Food Policy,

Targeting Point of Need to Increase Traffic to Library Resources

This paper examines the effect of creating LibGuides tailored to a student’s point of need and focuses on their potential to boost usage of library resources. In this study, LibGuides were designed for specific assignments and introduced to students during library instruction sessions. Pre- and Post-LibGuide web traffic suggested that LibGuides increased web traffic to library resources. This article suggests that library resources should not only provide sources for assignments but also assist a student through the stages of completing an assignment. As a corollary benefit, creation of assignment-specific LibGuides also increased collaboration and discussion between faculty and librarians

FARM PROGRAM PAYMENTS AND ECONOMIES OF SCALE

Economies of scale are investigated and the impacts of farm payment limitations for producers of cotton and soybeans in Mississippi are evaluated. Limits proposed by the Senate following the recent farm bill debate are overlaid on estimates of the scale economies for the cost of producing these crops to determine the different impacts on farm efficiency and welfare benefits.Agricultural and Food Policy,

China\u27s Revolution in Health

China today is in the midst of a peaceful revolution that is dramatically changing the very nature of that vast country. Since the death of Chairman Mao and the political demise of the *Gang of Four, there has occurred a major re-emphasis on change and Western technology. To achieve their political goals the new regime, under Chairman Hua Kwo-Fenj, has emphasized four modernizations : science, industry, national defense, and agriculture. Health and medicine are seen as a part of the scientific arena. The planned changes in this sector will plunge China into a Western form of technology that will certainly have long-term consequences for the much acclaimed paramedical barefoot doctor system. Health modernization, the Chinese acknowledge, will open dangerous possibilities of unmanageable costs and human inequities. The question of what technology is truly appropriate is the central health question in China today