The role of historical and contemporary processes on phylogeographic structure and genetic diversity in the Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis

Background Earth history events such as climate change are believed to have played a major role in shaping patterns of genetic structure and diversity in species. However, there is a lag between the time of historical events and the collection of present-day samples that are used to infer contemporary population structure. During this lag phase contemporary processes such as dispersal or non-random mating can erase or reinforce population differences generated by historical events. In this study we evaluate the role of both historical and contemporary processes on the phylogeography of a widespread North American songbird, the Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis. Results Phylogenetic analysis revealed deep mtDNA structure with six lineages across the species\u27 range. Ecological niche models supported the same geographic breaks revealed by the mtDNA. A paleoecological niche model for the Last Glacial Maximum indicated that cardinals underwent a dramatic range reduction in eastern North America, whereas their ranges were more stable in México. In eastern North America cardinals expanded out of glacial refugia, but we found no signature of decreased genetic diversity in areas colonized after the Last Glacial Maximum. Present-day demographic data suggested that population growth across the expansion cline is positively correlated with latitude. We propose that there was no loss of genetic diversity in areas colonized after the Last Glacial Maximum because recent high-levels of gene flow across the region have homogenized genetic diversity in eastern North America. Conclusion We show that both deep historical events as well as demographic processes that occurred following these events are critical in shaping genetic pattern and diversity in C. cardinalis. The general implication of our results is that patterns of genetic diversity are best understood when information on species history, ecology, and demography are considered simultaneously

Actualización del Plan de Acción para la Conservación de los Mamíferos Marinos en la Región del Gran Caribe : plan de acción para 5 años

La comunidad de mamíferos marinos de la Región del Gran Caribe (RGC) es diversa y única, y tiene un importante valor ecológico, estético y económico para los países y territorios de la región. Todos los cetáceos y manatíes están incluidos en el Anexo II del Protocolo relativo a las Áreas y a la Flora y Fauna Silvestres Especialmente Protegidas del Convenio de Cartagena. Un Plan de Acción para la conservación de los mamíferos marinos en la región del Gran Caribe (MMAP) fue desarrollado y adoptado en 2008 por las Partes Contratantes del Protocolo SPAW. Después de más de una década de trabajo programático relacionado con el MMAP en virtud del Protocolo, en su 10ª Conferencia de las Partes (COP), las Partes Contratantes de SPAW decidieron revisar y actualizar el MMAP, teniendo en cuenta la nueva información y los avances desde 2008. El objetivo general del MMAP revisado es identificar 1) las amenazas prioritarias para los mamíferos marinos, 2) las medidas que los gobiernos, las organizaciones y los otros colaboradores de la RGC deben adoptar para desarrollar y mejorar las políticas y prácticas de conservación de los mamíferos marinos en un plazo de 5 años, y 3) los recursos y la experiencia disponibles de las redes de mamíferos marinos establecidas por el Programa SPAW. Mientras que el MMAP original se centraba en once categorías de «amenazas», las amenazas prioritarias se han recategorizado como: captura incidental en la pesca, caza dirigida y cautiverio, degradación del hábitat, contaminación y salud de los mamíferos marinos, observación de ballenas y actividades asociadas, perturbaciones acústicas, colisiones con embarcaciones y cambio climático. Dentro de cada categoría de amenaza prioritaria, las áreas de acción pueden incluir: la evaluación, que incluye un mayor conocimiento científico y una mejor comprensión pública; la mitigación, que incluye medidas de protección y desarrollo de políticas, y la mejora de la ley y su aplicación; el desarrollo de capacidades, que incluye esfuerzos para desarrollar redes regionales, infraestructura y el intercambio de información y tecnología para lograr los resultados de conservación necesarios para mitigar la amenaza

Propuesta de la República Francesa sobre el sargazo

Marco estratégico propuesto por la República Francesa para enfrentar el creciente impacto del sargazo en la región del Gran Caribe, destacando la necesidad de una cooperación regional sólida y una acción concertada a largo plazo. Se exponen los principales desafíos ambientales, económicos y de salud pública derivados de los arribazones masivos de esta macroalga, e impulsa la creación de una plataforma regional que facilite el intercambio de datos científicos, mejores prácticas y tecnologías para la gestión del fenómeno. Francia propone fortalecer el papel del Protocolo SPAW como instancia clave para coordinar esfuerzos multilaterales y fomentar el financiamiento de iniciativas de mitigación, monitoreo y valorización del sargazo, particularmente en los territorios insulares más afectados

Brote de Sargassum en el Caribe : retos, oportunidades y situaciones regionales

Documento técnico presentado en la Octava Reunión del Comité Asesor Científico y Técnico (STAC) del Protocolo SPAW ofrece un análisis integral sobre los brotes masivos de sargazo en la región del Gran Caribe. Elaborado bajo el auspicio de Naciones Unidas, el informe identifica las causas posibles del fenómeno, incluyendo el cambio climático, la eutrofización oceánica y las variaciones en las corrientes marinas. A partir de estudios de caso y datos satelitales, se evalúan los impactos ecológicos en ecosistemas costeros —como los arrecifes y manglares— así como sus repercusiones en sectores productivos como el turismo y la pesca. Además de señalar los desafíos que enfrentan los países caribeños para monitorear, prevenir y mitigar estas arribazones, el documento resalta oportunidades para la cooperación regional, el desarrollo de bioproductos, la innovación tecnológica y el fortalecimiento de capacidades locales. Se discuten también los marcos normativos y la necesidad de integrar las acciones de los gobiernos, el sector privado y las comunidades costeras para una respuesta efectiva y sostenible

Standardization of the Fully Stapled Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Obesity Reduces Early Immediate Postoperative Morbidity and Mortality: A Single Center Study on 2606 Patients

Various techniques of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass have been described. We completely standardized this procedure to minimize its sometimes substantial morbidity and mortality. This study describes our experience with the standardized fully stapled laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (FS-LRYGB) and its influence on the 30-day morbidity and mortality.status: publishe

The role of historical and contemporary processes on phylogeographic structure and genetic diversity in the Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Earth history events such as climate change are believed to have played a major role in shaping patterns of genetic structure and diversity in species. However, there is a lag between the time of historical events and the collection of present-day samples that are used to infer contemporary population structure. During this lag phase contemporary processes such as dispersal or non-random mating can erase or reinforce population differences generated by historical events. In this study we evaluate the role of both historical and contemporary processes on the phylogeography of a widespread North American songbird, the Northern Cardinal, <it>Cardinalis cardinalis</it>.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Phylogenetic analysis revealed deep mtDNA structure with six lineages across the species' range. Ecological niche models supported the same geographic breaks revealed by the mtDNA. A paleoecological niche model for the Last Glacial Maximum indicated that cardinals underwent a dramatic range reduction in eastern North America, whereas their ranges were more stable in México. In eastern North America cardinals expanded out of glacial refugia, but we found no signature of decreased genetic diversity in areas colonized after the Last Glacial Maximum. Present-day demographic data suggested that population growth across the expansion cline is positively correlated with latitude. We propose that there was no loss of genetic diversity in areas colonized after the Last Glacial Maximum because recent high-levels of gene flow across the region have homogenized genetic diversity in eastern North America.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We show that both deep historical events as well as demographic processes that occurred following these events are critical in shaping genetic pattern and diversity in <it>C. cardinalis</it>. The general implication of our results is that patterns of genetic diversity are best understood when information on species history, ecology, and demography are considered simultaneously.</p

A Case Study to Teach the Diagnostic Process: Determining the Cause of Chlorosis in a Crop of Cut Dicentra

This universally accessible, Web-based decision case presents the challenge of determining the cause of foliar chlorosis in a crop of dicentra (Dicentra spectabilis) being forced as a cut flower for Valentine\u27s Day sales. The case study serves as a tool to promote the development of diagnostic skills for production dilemmas, including nutritional disorders, disease problems, and evaluation of the appropriateness of cultural practices, Cut dicentra is a minor crop and standard production practices are not well established. Solving this case requires that students research production protocol, as well as nutritional and pest problems, and determine whether they have enough information to recommend a solution. In this case study, a grower at Flint\u27s Flower Farm must determine the cause of foliar chlorosis that is slowly appearing on about half the plants of her cut dicentra crop. The condition could be related to a number of possible problems, including a nutritional disorder, disease infection, or production practices. Resources are provided to aid students in gathering background information. Data accumulated by the grower are presented to allow students to eliminate unlikely solutions logically. The solution, which is unique to this crop, is provided along with detailed objectives and discussion points in teaching notes. This case study is complex in nature and is intended for use with advanced students in upper-level undergraduate courses of floriculture production, nutrient management, and plant pathology who have been previously exposed to the diagnostic process

Use of Greater than 12 Hour Fishing Trip Interview Data to Improve Texas Marine Sport-boat Harvest Estimates

21 p.No abstract availablehttp://gbic.tamug.edu/request.ht