CARDIAC AND OPERANT BEHAVIOR RESPONSE OF STARLINGS (Sturnus vulgaris) TO DISTRESS AND ALARM SOUNDS

A variety of auditory stimuli have been used for many years as a means of repelling nuisance birds from problem areas (Boudreau, 1968; Bremond et al., 1968; Frings and Jumber, 1954; Langowski et al., 1969; Nelson and Seubert 1966; Pearson and Corner, 1967; Thompson et al., 1966, 1968a, b). This approach to alleviating bird problems is ap- pealing because wild birds are considered very sensitive to sound stimuli of biological origin, and such stimuli are harmless to both target and nontarget species. The harmless aspect is an important advantage in dealing with wildlife related problems because of the increased public concern about the safety and environmental impact of the use of chemicals to alleviate some types of problems. The major limitation to the use of auditory stimuli to effectively repel birds is that, regardless of the strength of the communication signal, there is a decrement in physiological and behavioral response with repeated stimulation, resulting in habitua- tion and loss of repellent ability. In addition, the effectiveness of sound stimuli is in- fluenced by environmental and behavioral facts such as light intensity and flock behavior (Thompson et al., 1966, 1968a). Because of these limiting factors there is a need to compare the fright producing ability of different auditory stimuli to identify the strongest stimuli for field application. To facilitate this, we developed laboratory methodology to compare repellency strength of prerecorded sound stimuli. The methodology is illustrated in the present starling study by measuring (1) heart rate (HR) as a second order function of telemetered electrocar- diogram (ECG), and (2) keypecking rate (KPR) as an operant response in a switchback experimental design for four treatments. The switchback design was used to minimize error due to between-bird-variation in slope of the habituation curve and also to reduce the number of birds required for sensitive comparisons of stimuli

CARDIAC AND OPERANT BEHAVIOR RESPONSE OF STARLINGS (Sturnus vulgaris) TO DISTRESS AND ALARM SOUNDS

A variety of auditory stimuli have been used for many years as a means of repelling nuisance birds from problem areas (Boudreau, 1968; Bremond et al., 1968; Frings and Jumber, 1954; Langowski et al., 1969; Nelson and Seubert 1966; Pearson and Corner, 1967; Thompson et al., 1966, 1968a, b). This approach to alleviating bird problems is ap- pealing because wild birds are considered very sensitive to sound stimuli of biological origin, and such stimuli are harmless to both target and nontarget species. The harmless aspect is an important advantage in dealing with wildlife related problems because of the increased public concern about the safety and environmental impact of the use of chemicals to alleviate some types of problems. The major limitation to the use of auditory stimuli to effectively repel birds is that, regardless of the strength of the communication signal, there is a decrement in physiological and behavioral response with repeated stimulation, resulting in habitua- tion and loss of repellent ability. In addition, the effectiveness of sound stimuli is in- fluenced by environmental and behavioral facts such as light intensity and flock behavior (Thompson et al., 1966, 1968a). Because of these limiting factors there is a need to compare the fright producing ability of different auditory stimuli to identify the strongest stimuli for field application. To facilitate this, we developed laboratory methodology to compare repellency strength of prerecorded sound stimuli. The methodology is illustrated in the present starling study by measuring (1) heart rate (HR) as a second order function of telemetered electrocar- diogram (ECG), and (2) keypecking rate (KPR) as an operant response in a switchback experimental design for four treatments. The switchback design was used to minimize error due to between-bird-variation in slope of the habituation curve and also to reduce the number of birds required for sensitive comparisons of stimuli

Pathway interactions between MAPKs, mTOR, PKA, and the glucocorticoid receptor in lymphoid cells

BACKGROUND: Glucocorticoids are frequently used as a primary chemotherapeutic agent in many types of human lymphoid malignancies because they induce apoptosis through activation of the glucocorticoid receptor, with subsequent alteration of a complex network of cellular mechanisms. Despite clinical usage for over fifty years, the complete mechanism responsible for glucocorticoid-related apoptosis or resistance remains elusive. The mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway is a signal transduction network that influences a variety of cellular responses through phosphorylation of specific target substrates, including the glucocorticoid receptor. In this study we have evaluated the pharmaceutical scenarios which converge on the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway to alter glucocorticoid sensitivity in clones of human acute lymphoblastic CEM cells sensitive and refractory to apoptosis in response to the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone. RESULTS: The glucocorticoid-resistant clone CEM-C1-15 displays a combination of high constitutive JNK activity and dexamethasone-induced ERK activity with a weak induction of p38 upon glucocorticoid treatment. The cells become sensitive to glucocorticoid-evoked apoptosis after: (1) inhibition of JNK and ERK activity, (2) stimulation of the cAMP/PKA pathway with forskolin, or (3) inhibition of mTOR with rapamycin. Treatments 1–3 in combination with dexamethasone alter the intracellular balance of phospho-MAPKs by lowering JNK phosphorylation and increasing the level of glucocorticoid receptor phosphorylated at serine 211, a modification known to enhance receptor activity. CONCLUSION: Our data support the hypothesis that mitogen-activated protein kinases influence the ability of certain malignant lymphoid cells to undergo apoptosis when treated with glucocorticoid. Activated/phosphorylated JNK and ERK appear to counteract corticoid-dependent apoptosis. Inhibiting these MAPKs restores corticoid sensitivity to a resistant clone of CEM cells. Forskolin, which activates the cAMP pathway, and rapamycin, which inhibits mTOR, also inhibit JNK. Further, the sensitizing treatments result in a largely dexamethasone-dependent increase in the total pool of glucocorticoid receptor phosphorylated at serine 211. The phospho-serine 211 receptor is known to be more potent in activating gene transcription and apoptosis. The interactive effects demonstrated here in reverting resistant cells to corticoid sensitivity could provide therapeutic clinical potential in the treatment of lymphoid malignancies

Gene expression profiling of leukemic cells and primary thymocytes predicts a signature for apoptotic sensitivity to glucocorticoids

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Glucocorticoids (GC's) play an integral role in treatment strategies designed to combat various forms of hematological malignancies. GCs also are powerful inhibitors of the immune system, through regulation of appropriate cytokines and by causing apoptosis of immature thymocytes. By activating the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), GCs evoke apoptosis through transcriptional regulation of a complex, interactive gene network over a period of time preceding activation of the apoptotic enzymes. In this study we used microarray technology to determine whether several disparate types of hematologic cells, all sensitive to GC-evoked apoptosis, would identify a common set of regulated genes. We compared gene expression signatures after treatment with two potent synthetic GCs, dexamethasone (Dex) and cortivazol (CVZ) using a panel of hematologic cells. Pediatric CD4+/CD8+ T-cell leukemia was represented by 3 CEM clones: two sensitive, CEM-C7–14 and CEM-C1–6, and one resistant, CEM-C1–15, to Dex. CEM-C1–15 was also tested when rendered GC-sensitive by several treatments. GC-sensitive pediatric B-cell leukemia was represented by the SUP-B15 line and adult B-cell leukemia by RS4;11 cells. Kasumi-1 cells gave an example of the rare Dex-sensitive acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML). To test the generality of the correlations in malignant cell gene sets, we compared with GC effects on mouse non-transformed thymocytes.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We identified a set of genes regulated by GCs in all GC-sensitive malignant cells. A portion of these were also regulated in the thymocytes. Because we knew that the highly Dex-resistant CEM-C1–15 cells could be killed by CVZ, we tested these cells with the latter steroid and again found that many of the same genes were now regulated as in the inherently GC-sensitive cells. The same result was obtained when we converted the Dex-resistant clone to Dex-sensitive by treatment with forskolin (FSK), to activate the adenyl cyclase/protein kinase A pathway (PKA).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our results have identified small sets of genes that correlate with GC-sensitivity in cells from several hematologic malignancies. Some of these are also regulated in normal mouse thymocytes.</p

Impact of Powder Variability on the Microstructure and Mechanical Behavior of Selective Laser Melted (SLM) Alloy 718

Nickel Alloy 718 has found wide use in high-temperature aerospace applications (up to 700C), due to a combination of good mechanical properties, environmental resistance, and workability at moderate cost. These properties have led Alloy 718 to early adoption by selective laser melting (SLM) additive manufacturing. This presentation will share results from a comprehensive industry survey of 718 powder feedstock for SLM. The survey focuses on the impact of variability in powder characteristics on build quality, microstructure, tensile and high cycle fatigue in the as-fabricated and machined surface conditions. The investigation includes sixteen powder lots from eight suppliers that are produced by gas atomization or rotary atomization in argon or nitrogen. This research was previously presented and published at the 9th International Symposium on Superalloy 718 & Derivatives and was funded by NASA Space Launch System Liquid Engine Office with the Human Exploration Operations Mission Directorate

Enhancing Elementary Curricula through Internet Technology

Radical advancements in Internet technology over the last decade have created endless opportunities to expand the realm of the elementary classroom. The World Wide Web (WWW), e-mail, Newsgroups, and Internet Relay Chat (IRC) are four of the most prominent utilizations of Internet technology. This paper demonstrates how one mid-western, suburban elementary classroom has enhanced its curriculum and improved classroom interaction by maximizing Internet technology. In addition to reviewing the merits of this case study, the reader will also: (a) be presented with a rationale for utilizing Internet technology with existing curricula, (b) examine the current debate on the issue of networking schools, (c) compare and contrast the pros and cons of utilizing Internet technology in elementary classrooms, and (d) consider the coalescence of curriculum and technology. An overview regarding the current application of Internet technology in an elementary setting highlights its true benefits: students conducting research on a topic of interest, communication and collaborative projects between students around the world, and the opportunity for students to publish original work

Student Perspectives: Responses to Internet Opportunities in a Distance Learning Environment

This qualitative study examined student responses toward an interactive Internet site supplementing a multimedia graduate level distance learning course at Ball State University. The course, Elementary School Curriculum, was taught in a studio classroom and transmitted to five distant sites in Indiana. Technology included two-way audio signals and one-way video signals for in-class interaction and an Internet World Wide Web site for out-of-class interaction. Qualitative evidence collection techniques included focus group interviews, telephone interviews, and eight survey instruments. Analysis of students’ responses to the Internet site focused on coping strategies developed by students to manage the stresses and benefits of their computer involvement. Students reported strategies for managing personal resources, the computer environment, self, and others. Predominant themes in student reactions included concerns associated with communication issues, with computer involvement, and with computer and Internet access. Benefits most frequently identified were the sense of empowerment and the satisfaction of sharing a space with fellow classmates. Implications drawn include the value of moderator leadership, the importance of a face-to-face encounter, the challenge of the on-line text-based medium, the influence of learning and temperament styles, and the development of computer-supported collaborative learning opportunities

Enhancing Classroom Interaction in Distance Education Utilizing the World Wide Web

study utilized the World Wide Web and a Class Page to evaluate interaction strategies in a distance education setting. Participants were primarily elementary school teachers (n= 47 graduate students) who completed survey instruments concerning their participation on the Class Page , interactions with both the instructor and other students, and utilization of linked Web resources. An initial survey regarding students’ computer literacy skills and usage proficiencies was followed by seven additional surveys which focused upon Page ” use and interaction patterns. Among the findings were: student views regarding the value of getting to know fellow classmates shifted from zero percent (Week 2) to 88 percent (Week 15); students judging they were able freely to express their views went from 11 percent (Week 2) to 91 percent (Week 15). Increases were also noted concerning student out-of-class participation, enjoyment using the Internet, use of e-mail, and appreciation of the distance environment tools for encouraging involvement and interaction. Although many students questioned the usefulness of the Page at the beginning of the semester, the final survey found all students viewed the Page as beneficial. Analysis of the data found both interaction and class involvement were greatly enhanced through the Class Page and the Web based tools which supported the “Page” in this distance education environment

Observation of Instruction via Distance Learning: The Need for a New Evaluation Paradigm

Technology as a tool used to enhance instruction must be viewed in its proper perspective. Instruction via distance learning is an excellent example. Instruction must be appropriate for the intended audience, and must be observed and evaluated within the expectations of criteria used for evaluating effective teaching. Traditional criteria may be appropriate for evaluating regular classroom instruction, but not appropriate for distance learning instruction. Criteria such as “wait time and questioning techniques,” are well documented, but were derived through tedious observation and recordings of repetitive behaviors within a regular classroom. As an administrator or evaluator observes in a classroom where instruction is being delivered via television, consideration must be given for adaptations that must be made for observing the distance learning classroom. Observation training in the distance learning classroom will be tedious, but new examples and innovative ways of documenting teaching behaviors are needed. The authors present a case for the development of new criteria for evaluating distance learning instruction