Antigen Binding Cells and the Generation of Diversity

To determine at what time in development the genetic capacityto make an antibody of a given specificity is present, we havelooked for antigen binding cells (ABC) to a panel of five randomlyselected and independently bound antigens during fetal lifein the mouse, rabbit, chicken, and sheep. ABC are present foreach of the five antigens in approximately equal frequenciesat the very beginning of immune development, preceding the appearanceof theta antigen and the ability to make a humoral antibodyresponse. ABC in the thymus decline from an initially high level(1%) to adult levels during fetal life. The ABC are all positivefor surface immunoglobulin, and antigen binding can be inhibitedwith rabbit anti-mouse mu chain serum. We conclude that mostreceptor specificities can be made without a need for somaticdiversification.     

A Conservation Institution for the 21st Century: Implications for State Wildlife Agencies

ABSTRACT The wildlife conservation institution (Institution) needs to reform to maintain legitimacy and relevancy in the 21st century. Institutional reform is inherently slow. Limitations resulting from historical and resource dependencies between state wildlife agencies and hunters have left the Institution poorly positioned to meet changing ecological and social complexities. In this paper, we suggest that an ideal Institution would have the following 4 components: broad-based funding, trustee-based governance, multidisciplinary science as the basis of recommendations from professional staff, and involvement of diverse stakeholders and partners. Our suggestions reflect the fundamental tenets of the Public Trust Doctrine, which we believe is the foundation of the Institution. In bringing forth these ideas, we hope to encourage discussion about how the Institution should reform to meet the changing needs of society.