Layer- and Column-Specific Knockout of NMDA Receptors in Pyramidal Neurons of the Mouse Barrel Cortex

Viral vectors injected into the mouse brain offer the possibility for localized genetic modifications in a highly controlled manner. Lentivector injection into mouse neocortex transduces cells within a diameter of approximately 200μm, which closely matches the lateral scale of a column in barrel cortex. The depth and volume of the injection determines which cortical layer is transduced. Furthermore, transduced gene expression from the lentivector can be limited to predominantly pyramidal neurons by using a 1.3kb fragment of the αCaMKII promoter. This technique therefore allows genetic manipulation of a specific cell type in defined columns and layers of the neocortex. By expressing Cre recombinase from such a lentivector in gene-targeted mice carrying a floxed gene, highly specific genetic lesions can be induced. Here, we demonstrate the utility of this approach by specifically knocking out NMDA receptors (NMDARs) in pyramidal neurons in the somatosensory barrel cortex of gene-targeted mice carrying floxed NMDAR 1 genes. Neurons transduced with lentivector encoding GFP and Cre recombinase exhibit not only reductions in NMDAR 1 mRNA levels, but reduced NMDAR-dependent currents and pairing-induced synaptic potentiation. This technique for knockout of NMDARs in a cell type, column- and layer-specific manner in the mouse somatosensory cortex may help further our understanding of the functional roles of NMDARs in vivo during sensory perception and learning

Natural resource information from monopoly to competition

Geographic information systems and remote sensing technologies have been rapidly adopted in many sectors of the natural resource field. Falling hardware prices and ever more powerful yet easier to use software have not only reduced the cost but have also broadened the accessibility of these technologies. Technological advances are making the generation and use of resource information a competitive process. Whereas in the past public resource agencies alone had the data and analytical capability to prepare resource-management plan, today GIS technology can give a small group of knowledgeable and motivated users the power to replicate those analyses and to propose defensible and scientifically rigorous alternatives. Examples are given of forest management practices that were successfully challenged in this way

Reflections on the Matriarchs’ Orchard: An Alternative Understanding of Jewish Women and Environmentalism

Herbal medicine, native ecological design, and Judaism come together in a study that explores the links between women and natural healing. This presentation will focus on my experience as an intern at Kayam Farm, a Jewish Educational Farm in Reisterstown, Maryland. The history of the four Hebrew Matriarchs, Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel and Leah, is steeped with trials and tribulations, celebrations and tradition. My internship allowed for me to explore this history and develop an herbal guide to the Matriarchs Orchard. The orchard has been planted as a space for women to celebrate the cycles of life. Our implementation of the project seeks to maintain harmony between people, culture, and the Earth as well as an integration of mind body and spirit in order to maintain a healthy garden and healthy selves. This project has developed from the desire to connect contemporary people with the tradition of their ancestors in a symbolic gesture towards the agrarian lifestyle that was once the basis of the Hebrew culture

Dynamic Motivation to Lead: Construct Validity of Motivation to Lead

Although motivation to lead (MTL) was characterized as stable, recent research suggested otherwise. This study explored the malleability of MTL and its predictors. Individuals with high affective-identity MTL are motivated to lead because they enjoy leading. Individuals with high social normative MTL are motivated by an obligation to lead. Individuals with high noncalculative MTL are drawn to leadership because they avoid weighing the costs and benefits of leading. Applicants to a California college were sent a questionnaire on MTL and leadership self-efficacy (LSE) (Time 1 assessment, N = 2704). Four years later (Time 2), participants who responded at Time 1 were sent a survey on motivation to lead, leadership self-efficacy, college leadership experience, and leader identity (LID) (N = 96). Results showed that participants’ affective-identity and noncalculative MTL have decreased over time. Leadership self-efficacy at Time 2 and leader identity at Time 2 were related to the changes in all 3 categories of MTL. Only specific college leadership experiences related to changes in affective-identity MTL. Lastly, leader identity at Time 2 mediated the relationship between affective-identity MTL at Time 1 and Time 2. Most high school students applied to college aspiring to be leaders, but only students who cultivate their leader identity should continue to be motivated to lead. Implications are discussed in the context of the construct validity of MTL, specifically for student leadership development in higher education