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Background Management requires a robust understanding of between- and within-species genetic variability, however such data are still lacking in many species. For example, although multiple population genetics studies of the peregrine falcon ( Falco peregrinus ) have been conducted, no similar studies have been done of the closely-related prairie falcon ( F. mexicanus ) and it is unclear how much genetic variation and population structure exists across the species’ range. Furthermore, the phylogenetic relationship of F. mexicanus relative to other falcon species is contested. We utilized a genomics approach (i.e., genome sequencing and assembly followed by single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping) to rapidly address these gaps in knowledge. Results We sequenced the genome of a single female prairie falcon and generated a 1.17 Gb (gigabases) draft genome assembly. We generated maximum likelihood phylogenetic trees using complete mitochondrial genomes as well as nuclear protein-coding genes. This process provided evidence that F. mexicanus is an outgroup to the clade that includes the peregrine falcon and members of the subgenus Hierofalco. We annotated > 16,000 genes and almost 600,000 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the nuclear genome, providing the raw material for a SNP assay design featuring > 140 gene-associated markers and a molecular-sexing marker. We subsequently genotyped ~ 100 individuals from California (including the San Francisco East Bay Area, Pinnacles National Park and the Mojave Desert) and Idaho (Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area). We tested for population structure and found evidence that individuals sampled in California and Idaho represent a single panmictic population. Conclusions Our study illustrates how genomic resources can rapidly shed light on genetic variability in understudied species and resolve phylogenetic relationships. Furthermore, we found evidence of a single, randomly mating population of prairie falcons across our sampling locations. Prairie falcons are highly mobile and relatively rare long-distance dispersal events may promote gene flow throughout the range. As such, California’s prairie falcons might be managed as a single population, indicating that management actions undertaken to benefit the species at the local level have the potential to influence the species as a whole.

Serum and saliva from 195 known human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive patients and 198 military personnel undergoing annual HIV serologic testing were evaluated in a prospective, blinded fashion for anti-HIV-1 antibodies. Oral specimens, collected with a device designed to concentrate oral mucosal transudate from whole saliva, were tested by a modified ELISA and by Western blot. Serum was tested in a standard manner. All 195 HIV-1-seropositive subjects had detectable anti-HIV-1 antibodies in their saliva by ELISA; 190 saliva samples were positive by Western blot and 5 were indeterminate. None of the 198 military personnel were positive by ELISA of serum or oral fluid. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for ELISA of saliva were each 100%. The serologic testing of oral mucosal transudate appears to be a simple, safe, sensitive, and specific method for detecting anti-HIV-1 antibodies.

This groundbreaking handbook of human strengths and virtues is the first progress report from a prestigious group of researchers in the Values in Action Classification Project, which has undertaken a systematic classification and measurement of universal strengths and virtues. This landmark work makes possible for the first time a science of human strengths that goes beyond armchair philosophy and political science. The handbook begins with the background of the VIA classification scheme and defines terms before describing in thorough detail the current state of knowledge with respect to each of the 24 character strengths in the classification. Addressing issues of assessment and measurement, practical applications, and directions for future research, this work will demand the attention of any psychologist who is interested in positive psychology and its relevance to clinical, personality, and social psychology.