Translational animal models of autism and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose diagnosis is based on three behavioral criteria: unusual reciprocal social interactions, deficits in communication, and stereotyped repetitive behaviors with restricted interests. A large number of de novo single gene mutations and chromosomal deletions are associated with autism spectrum disorders. Based on the strong genetic evidence, mice with targeted mutations in homologous genes have been generated as translational research tools. Mouse models of autism have revealed behavioral and biological outcomes of mutations in risk genes. The field is now poised to employ the most robust phenotypes in the most replicable mouse models for preclinical screening of novel therapeutics

Male mice emit distinct ultrasonic vocalizations when the female leaves the social interaction arena.

Adult male mice emit large number of complex ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) when interacting with adult females. Call numbers and call categories differ greatly among inbred mouse strains. Little is known about USV emissions when the social partner departs. To investigate whether call repertoires and call rates are different when the male is interacting with a female and after the removal of the female, we designed a novel male-female social interaction test in which vocalizations were recorded across three phases. During phase 1, the male subject freely interacts with an unfamiliar estrus female mouse in a clean cage for 5 min. During phase 2, the female is removed while the male remains in the cage for 3 min. During phase 3, the same female is returned to the cage to rejoin the male subject mouse for 3 min. C57BL/6J (B6), FVB.129P2-Pde6b(+) Tyr(c-ch)/Ant (FVB), and BTBR T+ tf/J (BTBR) male subject mice were tested in this paradigm. All three strains emitted USVs during their initial interaction with the female partner. When the female was reintroduced in phase 3, numbers of USVs were similar to the initial introductory phase 1. Strain comparisons indicated fewer calls in pairs of BTBR males and stimulus females than in pairs of B6 males and stimulus females and pairs of FVB males and stimulus females. In the absence of the female, all FVB males vocalized, while only one third of B6 males and one third of BTBR males vocalized. In all three strains, changes in call category repertoires were detected after the female was removed. Call categories reverted to the phase 1 pattern when the female was returned in phase 3. Present findings indicate that males of commonly used inbred strains emit USVs when a partner female leaves the testing arena, suggesting that removing a salient social stimulus may be a unique approach to elicit USVs from mice. Our three-phase paradigm may also be useful for studying attention to social cues, and qualitative differences in vocalizations when a social partner is present vs. suddenly absent

The Preferential Loss of Small Geographically Isolated Wetlands on Prairie Landscapes

Reliable estimates of wetland loss require improved wetland inventories and effective monitoring programs. To improve upon current wetland inventories, a novel method for mapping wetlands using an automated object-based approach was developed for a regional watershed located in central Alberta. This approach used digital terrain objects derived from Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data for which 130,157 wetlands were identified. Using this LiDAR derived wetland inventory, wetland loss estimates (% number and % area) were obtained by applying a wetland area vs. frequency function to the wetland inventory for the watershed. Using this power law, it was found that historically, there has been a 69.3% number loss and a 9.96% area loss when we accounted for mixed pixels. When we removed any wetland less than the estimated minimum mapping unit (0.02 ha), a 16.17% number and a 2.56% area loss within the watershed was estimated. This wetland loss is a concern as it is concomitant with a loss of ecosystem services

Armenian Genocide Art as Evidence of its Existence

This paper explores the relationship between art and the Armenian Genocide, and how art can be used as evidence for catastrophic events. The artwork created by survivors and descendants of the Armenian Genocide show what the Armenian people endured in order to survive the Ottoman Turks attempt to annihilate them. The Armenian Genocide has yet to be recognized as a genocide by many powerful countries including the United States of America, and has been denied of its existence by the Turkish government. However, the creation of art surrounding the topic of the Armenian Genocide rejects the attempt to remove the Armenian Genocide from history, and ultimately sheds light on this neglected moment in history

State Smart Growth Policies: A Cure for Dumb Urban Growth?

The purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of state initiated smart growth legislation on various aspects of the phenomenon known as urban sprawl. Sprawl is associated with a number of undesirable conditions including depletion of natural resources, increased traffic congestion, and loss of residents and businesses in inner city areas. In an attempt to alleviate and prevent these conditions, some states have implemented smart growth legislative programs. These programs vary in form from comprehensive in nature, or extending to all land use activities; to pertaining only to special areas, such as coastlines. In addition, state legislation varies according to the balance employed by the state between coercion and incentives used to obtain local government compliance. Utilizing a combination of existing classification systems for state smart growth legislation, I developed a model that incorporates the two elements described above. Based on the “proposed model”, I selected three cities in three states to evaluate. I selected Baltimore, MD to represent low-coercion/comprehensive general; Atlanta, GA to represent medium-coercion/comprehensive general; and Orlando, FL to represent high-coercion/comprehensive general. My rationale was that change could best be observed at the city level. I selected variables for testing within these cities based on the five primary objectives of smart growth. In each city, I evaluated whether or not there was a change in certain variables (air quality, for example) after implementation of the respective state program. I determined which city showed the most improvement in terms of the dependent variables, and then I extrapolated my findings to the state level. I reached a preliminary conclusion that the more coercive a state’s smart growth legislative program is, the more likely it will be effective at the local level. I based this on data results for the city of Orlando, FL, which were generally more in line with smart growth goals than those of Baltimore and Atlanta. In fact, Orlando was more successful with controlling population density, maintaining air quality, and minimizing roadway congestion. It also important to note that Atlanta, the test city with the next highest level of coercion, scored second best. These findings are of particular interest given that the trend for the last ten to 15 years has been for states to implement less coercive smart growth programs

The career perceptions of educational psychology students and professionals : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Educational Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand

Contemporary career literature indicates that careers are becoming less traditional. Two new careers concepts are that of the boundaryless and protean career orientations. Career adaptability is also essential for individuals to maintain personal flexibility and the ability to cope. The current study used an online survey to investigate whether or not these new concepts of career applied to educational psychology students and practicing educational psychologists. Quantitative results from the survey indicated that both students and professionals held boundaryless and protean attitudes. Late-career psychologists and psychologists working outside the Ministry of Education held more boundaryless attitudes. A high degree of career adaptability was also found, especially in terms of career agency, and with students reporting higher levels of perceived support than did professionals. Quantitative data from the survey were consistent with these findings. Overall, it appeared that participants combined contemporary career attitudes with aspects of the traditional career. They understood the hierarchical opportunities available to them but also favoured innovative new endeavours