Potential Improvements to National Park Service Visitor Surveys and Money Generation Modeling in Alaska

This study presents options for improving the use of the Money Generation Model in National Park Service (NPS) land units in Alaska. The Money Generation Model (MGM) is used nationwide to model economic impacts of visitation to public lands, including National Park Units. This analysis identifies potential improvements to the application of the MGM model and visitor survey processes for use in Alaska. Improvements include changes to visitor intercept methods to improve statistical reliability of the sampling process and a more representative sample, changes in the survey instrument to more accurately reflect Alaska visitor travel and expenditure patterns, and better identification of the economic sphere of influence of Alaska national park units.National Park Service, Alaska Director's Office. National Park Conservation Association, Alaska Office.Abstract / Introduction / Purpose of Analysis / Potential Improvements to Visitor Survey and Economic Impact Model / National MGM Economic Impact Estimates / Summary / References / Appendix A. Katmai National Park and Preserve 2006 VSP Survey Instrument / Appendix B. Survey Questions Suggested Re-Write / Appendix C. Maps Showing Access to Alaska National Parks / Appendix D. Alaska Visitor Statistics Survey Instrumen

PPARG SIGNALING IN THE NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS REGULATES MESOLIMBIC DOPAMINE ACTIVITY

Background: The mesolimbic dopamine system consists of dopamine neuron projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the nucleus accumbens (NAc). The NAc regulates VTA dopamine release through inhibitory GABA projections to the VTA. Hyperactive mesolimbic dopamine signaling is implicated in anxiety. Cannabidiol, a compound found in cannabis, demonstrates promising therapeutic potential for anxiety through the regulation of the mesolimbic dopamine system. Previous studies have revealed that cannabidiol infusions into the NAc decreases mesolimbic dopamine activity - potentially through the inhibitory GABA signaling to the VTA. However, the receptor mechanism in the NAc through which CBD produces its effects is unknown. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) is a nuclear transcription factor that binds to CBD and colocalizes with GABA neurons. Recent evidence suggests that PPARG activation can decrease mesolimbic dopamine activity through inhibitory GABA signaling. Considering that the NAc expresses high levels of PPARG, intra-NAc CBD may regulate mesolimbic dopamine activity through PPARG activation. Hypothesis: PPARG activation in the NAc regulates mesolimbic dopamine transmission through the modulation of the GABAergic inhibition of the VTA. Methods: In-vivo electrophysiology was used to investigate the effects of intra-NAc PPARG activation on mesolimbic dopamine activity. The anxiolytic effects of intra-NAc PPARG activation was measured using the light-dark box and elevated plus maze behavioural tests. Results: We report that PPARG activation in the NAc significantly decreases mesolimbic dopamine activity whereas PPARG antagonists block this effect. Additionally, we reveal that intra-NAc PPARG activation produces anxiolytic effects as measured in the light-dark box and elevated plus maze behavioural tests

Voltage Gating Interactions of the Protein Lysenin with Metal Ions in an Artificial Lipid Bilayer

Non-specific ion conductance channels can be formed in lipid membranes by the poreforming toxin lysenin. These channels are voltage regulated and are responsive to changes in metal ion concentration. In our research, we studied the effects of metal ion concentration on the lysenin channel’s voltage regulated gating, using both multivalent and monovalent metals. A model was developed to explain the apparent subunit cooperativity within the lysenin channel. The model allows for the complex reaction to changing concentration of metal ions, and offers knowledge of the lysenin channel’s internal workings

Evidence that nuclear receptors are related to terpene synthases

Ligand-activated nuclear receptors (NRs) orchestrate development, growth, and reproduction across all animal lifeforms – the Metazoa – but how NRs evolved remains mysterious. Given the NR ligands including steroids and retinoids are predominantly terpenoids, we asked whether NRs might have evolved from enzymes that catalyze terpene synthesis and metabolism. We provide evidence suggesting that NRs may be related to the terpene synthase (TS) enzyme superfamily. Based on over 10,000 3D structural comparisons, we report that the NR ligand-binding domain and TS enzymes share a conserved core of seven α-helical segments. In addition, the 3D locations of the major ligand-contacting residues are also conserved between the two protein classes. Primary sequence comparisons reveal suggestive similarities specifically between NRs and the subfamily of cis-isoprene transferases, notably with dehydrodolichyl pyrophosphate synthase and its obligate partner, NUS1/NOGOB receptor. Pharmacological overlaps between NRs and TS enzymes add weight to the contention that they share a distant evolutionary origin, and the combined data raise the possibility that a ligand-gated receptor may have arisen from an enzyme antecedent. However, our findings do not formally exclude other interpretations such as convergent evolution, and further analysis will be necessary to confirm the inferred relationship between the two protein classes

Physical, occupational, and speech therapy for children with cerebral palsy.

AIM: To explore the relationship between rehabilitation therapies and development in children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHOD: We conducted a prospective, longitudinal study involving 656 children with CP (mean age [SD] 6y [2y 8mo] at study entry; 1y 6mo-11y 11mo; 287 females, 369 males), and their parents. Children were assessed two to five times over 2 years by therapists using standardized measures of balance and walking endurance. Parents completed questionnaires on demographics, rehabilitation therapies, and their children\u27s performance in self-care and participation in recreation. Therapists and parents collaboratively classified children\u27s Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels. We created longitudinal graphs for each GMFCS level, depicting change across time using centiles. Using multinomial models, we analyzed the relationship between therapies (amount, focus, family-centeredness, and the extent therapies met children\u27s needs) and whether change in balance, walking endurance, and participation was \u27more than\u27 and \u27less than\u27 the reference of \u27as expected\u27. RESULTS: Children were more likely to progress \u27more than expected\u27 when participating in recreation when therapies were family-centered, met children\u27s needs, and focused on structured play/recreation. A focus on health and well-being was positively associated with participation and self-care. The amount of therapy did not predict outcomes. INTERPRETATION: Therapy services that are family-centered, consider the needs of the child, and focus on structured play/recreational activities and health/well-being may enhance the development of children with CP