Annotated bibliography on the economic effects of global climate change on fisheries

Fisheries, Bibliography, Climatic changes

Relationship of phenotypic variation and genetic admixture in the Saltmarsh–Nelson\u27s sparrow hybrid zone

Hybridization is influential in shaping species\u27 dynamics and has many evolutionary and conservation implications. Identification of hybrid individuals typically relies on morphological data, but the assumption that hybrids express intermediate traits is not always valid, because of complex patterns of introgression and selection. We characterized phenotypic and genotypic variation across a hybrid zone between 2 tidal-marsh birds, the Saltmarsh Sparrow (Ammodramus caudacutus) and Nelson\u27s Sparrow (A. nelsoni) (n = 290), and we sought to identify morphological traits that could be used to classify admixed individuals. Sparrows were sampled from a total of 34 marshes, including 23 sympatric and 11 putatively allopatric marshes. Each individual was scored at 13 plumage traits, and standard morphometric data were collected. We used genotyping analysis at 24 microsatellite loci to categorize individuals into genotypic classes of pure, F1–F2, or backcrossed. Genetic data revealed that 52% of individuals sampled along the geographic transect were of mixed ancestry, and the majority of these were backcrossed. Traits related to the definition of plumage features (streaking, crown, and face) showed less overlap between genotypic classes than traits related to the amount or color of plumage features. Although morphological data performed well in distinguishing between the 2 taxa, pure and backcrossed individuals of each parental type could not be distinguished because of substantial overlap in plumage and morphology. We conclude that the discrimination of pure and hybrid individuals is not possible in the absence of genetic data. Our results have implications for conservation of pure populations, as extensive backcrossing throughout the hybrid zone may present challenges for monitoring pure species identified by morphology alone

EDP engagement : software package evaluation and selection; Management advisory services practice aids. Technical consulting practice aid, 04

https://egrove.olemiss.edu/aicpa_guides/1092/thumbnail.jp

Antibody-Based Strategies to Prevent and Treat Influenza

Passive immunization using antibodies is a promising alternative to other antiviral treatment options. The potential for seasonal protection arising from a single injection of antibodies is appealing and has been pursued for a number of infectious agents. However, until recently, antibody-based strategies to combat infectious agents have been hampered due to the fact that most antibodies have been found to be strain specific, with the virus evolving resistance in many cases. The discovery of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) in influenza, dengue virus, and HIV, which bind to multiple, structurally diverse strains, has provided renewed interest in this area. This review will focus on new technologies that enable the discovery of bNAbs, the challenges and opportunities of immunotherapies as an important addition to existing antiviral therapy, and the role of antibody discovery in informing rational vaccine discovery – with agents targeting influenza specifically addressed. Multiple candidates have entered the clinic and raise the possibility that a single antibody or small combination of antibodies can effectively neutralize a wide variety of strains. However, challenges remain – including combating escape variants, pharmacodynamics of antibody distribution, and development of efficacy biomarkers beyond virologic endpoints.National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Award 1R01AI111395)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Merit Award R37 GM057073-13)Singapore. National Research Foundation (Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology

Effectiveness of Foliar Fungicide Timing on Hybrid Corn in Iowa, 2008

Fungicide use on hybrid corn has increased considerably in the past two growing seasons primarily due to reports of increased yields, even in the absence of disease and higher corn prices. The objectives of this project were to assess 1) the effect of foliar fungicide timing of application on foliar disease development and stalk rot severity of hybrid corn, and 2) evaluate the yield response of hybrid corn to foliar fungicide timing