Seasonal Resource Selection by Introduced Mountain Goats in the Southwest Greater Yellowstone Area

Mountain ungulates, although regarded as iconic and charismatic wildlife species, are the least studied and understood large mammals in the Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA). Mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) are considered non-native in the GYA according to reviews of archeological, paleontological, and historical records, and have been steadily expanding their range since their initial introduction in the 1940s.  Because of the general propensity of mountain goats to inhabit high elevation, mountainous terrain, there is significant potential for range overlap with native bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) and the possibility that competition and disease transfer will be detrimental to sympatric bighorn populations.  I will broadly discuss mountain goat seasonal resource selection modeled from 15 (11 females and 4 males) allopatric mountain goats representing the sole established population in the southwest GYA.  These efforts produce the first spatial predictions of seasonal habitat use by mountain goats in the GYA using GPS data, and provide regional managers with important insights regarding the current and future distribution of mountain goats.  Of particular interest are areas where mountain goats are in the early stages of colonization, such as Grand Teton National Park.  Building seasonal resource selection models for mountain goats in the GYA is the first step needed to better understand their biological needs, ecological role, and potential to negatively impact native communities and species

Shakespeare on display.

The purpose of this project was to produce a "virtual exhibit" for the Higgins Armory dealing with the use of arms and armor in the works of Shakespeare, specifically Hamlet. Aspects of this project included analyzing the text of the play, researching Renaissance and modern theatrical uses of weaponry, and photographing artifacts. These three aspects were combined to create a website linked from the Higgins main site serving as an attraction for Higgins patrons

Dopaminergic Therapy for Motor Symptoms in Early Parkinson Disease Practice Guideline Summary: A Report of the AAN Guideline Subcommittee

Background and Objectives To review the current evidence on the options available for initiating dopaminergic treatment of motor symptoms in early-stage Parkinson disease and provide recommendations to clinicians. Methods A multidisciplinary panel developed practice recommendations, integrating findings from a systematic review and following an Institute of Medicine–compliant process to ensure transparency and patient engagement. Recommendations were supported by structured rationales, integrating evidence from the systematic review, related evidence, principles of care, and inferences from evidence. Results Initial treatment with levodopa provides superior motor benefit compared to treatment with dopamine agonists, whereas levodopa is more likely than dopamine agonists to cause dyskinesia. The comparison of different formulations of dopamine agonists yielded little evidence that any one formulation or method of administration is superior. Long-acting forms of levodopa and levodopa with entacapone do not appear to differ in efficacy from immediate release levodopa for motor symptoms in early disease. There is a higher risk of impulse control disorders associated with the use of dopamine agonists than levodopa. Recommendations on initial therapy for motor symptoms are provided to assist the clinician and patient in choosing between treatment options and to guide counseling, prescribing, and monitoring of efficacy and safety