Pit organ-based infrared discrimination sensitivity and signal transduction in the Burmese python (Python molurus bivitattus).

Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivitattus) use a unique infrared (IR) targeting system to acquire prey, avoid predators and seek thermoregulatory sites through detection of IR energy in the environment. Previous studies of sensitivity of the python IR system that relied on analysis of complex, natural behaviors lacked robust, reliable responses in animals habituated to experiments, and in vitro electrophysiological study failed to test behavioral function of the implicated protein thermoreceptor, TRPA1. The present study used conditioned discrimination procedures to analyze behavioral sensitivity and signal transduction in the python IR system.

Predators in training: operant conditioning of novel behavior in wild Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivitattus).

Large pythons and boas comprise a group of animals whose anatomy and physiology are very different from traditional mammalian, avian and other reptilian models typically used in operant conditioning. In the current study, investigators used a modified shaping procedure involving successive approximations to train wild Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivitattus) to approach and depress an illuminated push button in order to gain access to a food reward. Results show that these large, wild snakes can be trained to accept extremely small food items, associate a stimulus with such rewards via operant conditioning and perform a contingent operant response to gain access to a food reward.

Establishing fire safety skills using behavioral skills training.

The use of behavioral skills training (BST) to educate 3 adolescent boys on the risks of lighters and fire setting was evaluated using in situ assessment in a school setting. Two participants had a history of fire setting. After training, all participants adhered to established rules: (a) avoid a deactivated lighter, (b) leave the training area, and (c) report the lighter to an adult.

Parametric analysis of thermal preference following sleep deprivation in the rat.

A thermal preference task was used to assess the effects of sleep deprivation on nociceptive behavior using hot and cool stimuli. The thermal preference apparatus allowed male rats to move freely from a hot thermal plate (44.7°C) to an adjacent plate at neutral (33.

Varied effects of conventional antiepileptics on responding maintained by negative versus positive reinforcement.

We analyzed the effects of four conventional antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) - carbamazepine (CBZ), ethosuximide (ETH), phenytoin (PHT), and valproate (VPA) - on operant behavior maintained by negative or positive reinforcement contingencies. Rats were trained to lever press on a free-operant avoidance schedule or variable-interval (VI) schedule of appetitive reinforcement. Dose-effect functions were separately established on each reinforcement contingency for CBZ (12.

Children with severe developmental disabilities and behavioral disorders have increased special healthcare needs.

We studied whether children with severe developmental disabilities (SDDs) who have a comorbid behavioral disorder also have higher rates of special healthcare needs (SHCNs). We used a matched-comparison control group design to establish whether SHCNs were higher in children with SDDs with behavioral disorders versus children with SDDs without behavioral disorders. Thirty-six children were matched for age (mean 12 y 6 mo; range 5 y 2 mo-18 y 8 mo), sex (24 males, 12 females), ethnicity (22 non-white), mental retardation level (22 moderate, eight severe, six profound), and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition axis I diagnosis (18 autism spectrum disorder, 10 specified syndrome, eight mental retardation not otherwise specified).

Sleep and developmental disabilities: assessment, treatment, and outcome measures.

People with developmental disabilities sleep less and experience higher incidence of clinical sleep disorders than the general population. Exploring the neurophysiology linking sleep with daytime performance in patients with developmental disabilities is now possible using minimally sufficient sleep and sleep-sensitive behavioral assays. Although frequent sampling represents the primary difficulty, it is required to untangle coincident effects of sleep quality amidst circadian variation.

Nociceptor and age specific effects of REM sleep deprivation induced hyperalgesia.

REM sleep deprivation (REMSD) has been shown to increase rates of negatively reinforced operant behavior, but not operant responding maintained by positive reinforcement. The reason for this differential effect is currently unknown. We hypothesize that REMSD can increase sensitivity to noxious stimuli.

Possible role for the 5-HT1A receptor in the behavioral effects of REM sleep deprivation on free-operant avoidance responding in rat.

Rationale: REM sleep deprivation (REMSD) has been shown to increase rates of free-operant avoidance responding. Depletion of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) levels produces similar effects on responding.

Objective: We studied whether the pharmacological activation of the 5-HT1A receptor would produce effects on avoidance responding similar to REMSD and depleted 5-HT levels.

Differential effects of carbamazepine on negatively versus positively reinforced responding.

To assess its effects on negatively versus positively reinforced operant behavior, carbamazepine (CBZ) or vehicle was acutely administered to rats. Negative reinforcement baselines consisted of a free-operant avoidance task with 5-s shock-shock and 20-s response-shock intervals. Positive reinforcement baselines consisted of responding for food pellets on a variable interval 30-s schedule.

Polysomnographic phenotypes in developmental disabilities.

People with developmental disabilities express a number of unique behavioral patterns that have both phylogenetic and ontogenetic origins. Researchers have identified distinct behavioral phenotypes among developmental disabilities expressed as language development, cognitive profiles, adaptive behavior, and self-injury/aggression. In this article, we discuss evidence for the presence of polysomnographic phenotypes in developmental disabilities.