Effect of cyclic sound cues on sexual development in nonphotostimulated Japanese quail

The influence of cyclic ambient sound stimuli on sexual development was studied in nonphotostimulated [6 hr light:18 hr dark (16L:18D)] Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). The incidence of accelerated gonadal development was reduced when ambient daily sound stimuli were attenuated by the presence of a white noise mask in the animal quarters. In a second experiment nonphotostimulated (9L:15D) male quail showed a phase-dependent testicular response to a daily 3-hr radio broadcast presented at different portions of the day. The radio sound stimulus induced a higher incidence of accelerated gonadal development when presented 6 hr prior to the photophase than when presented either 3 hr prior to the photophase or when presented coincidently with the photophase onset. In a third experiment locomotion was monitored in nonphotostimulated quail (9L:15D) with a 3-hr radio sound stimulus presented 6 hr prior to photophase onset. The onset of a daily locomotor activity pattern was associated with radio sound in some individuals, but sound-induced locomotion was not consistently associated with sound-induced accelerated gonadal development.

Indwelling rumino-reticulum bolus radio beacon

A miniature battery-powered radio beacon attached to a stainless steel bolus housing an osmotic pump is described. When the bolus, of sufficient size and density to be retained in the reticulum, is administered to ruminants the radio signal can be received, using a standard AM broadcast receiver up to a range of 1.5 m. The unit allows making a simple and inexpensive verification that the drug delivery system is still within the rumino-reticulum during long-term drug delivery studies and making an external estimation of the internal anatomic location of the device.

Radio, social support, and mental health

The author discusses the rise of "interactive radio" and its potential as a form of social support. Ranging from music request shows to on-air counselling, interactive radio reduces isolation, allows listeners to participate in various kinds of networking and dialogue, and conveys information and advice that may be helpful in promoting mental health. Based in part on his own experience with a weekly program, the author identifies characteristics of interactive radio that will be to interest or professionals who want to use the medium for community mental health promotion.

Getting messages on the air: findings from the 1982 Alcohol Abuse Prevention Campaign

A necessary step in an effective public education campaign is obtaining sufficient broadcast time to reach substantial numbers of a target audience. By this criterion, the 1982 Alcohol Abuse Prevention Campaign was very successful. Between February and December 1982, 17,409 alcohol-related public service announcements (PSAs) were broadcast in 75 major media markets around the country. Campaign messages reached target audiences with sufficient frequency to have had likely effects on attitudes and behavior. Key elements in the success of the effort were producing high quality broadcast materials, providing technical assistance to aid state and local groups in the message dissemination process, and providing for state and local control over the timing and release of materials.

Long-term supervised domiciliary EEG monitoring in epileptic patients employing radio telemetry and telephone telemetry. I. Telephone telemetry system

A PCM system provides digital transmission of 8 EEG channels over conventional voice graded telephone lines. Transmission of the EEG from the patient's residence to the clinical centre enables the use of existing monitoring facilities for carrying out continuously supervised long-term domiciliary EEG monitoring. Secondary channels simultaneously enable exchange of information for quality and performance control. The ease of use and the flexibility of the public telephone system enable recording from almost any place desired.

Long-term supervised domiciliary EEG monitoring in epileptic patients employing radio telemetry and telephone telemetry. II. Radio telemetry system

A miniaturized 8-channel EEG amplifier- submodulator unit is used in combination with a standard radio transmitter/receiver system for long-term ambulatory EEG recording at the patient's residence. The EEG frequency response (0.16-30 Hz) and amplitude range (1:1000) of the system are in accordance with the object in view, the recording of seizures. The submodulator characteristics conform to regulations for radio telemetry.

Tales from the 'Flying Doctor'

Each year the Royal Flying Doctor Service provides medical attention to approximately 100,000 people in the more remote areas of Australia, including the aerial evacuation of about 9000.

Media in teaching college level nutrition. Is it effective and efficient?

Several techniques have been used, studied, and tested to teach nutrition at Syracuse University. One self-paced course in nutrition and food science tutors students completely through audio tapes integrated with films, slides, video tapes, discussion groups, laboratory manual, and computer-assisted instruction. Evaluation is by computerized tests given after each module at the student's discretion. Compressed-speech tapes are used to increase learning efficiency. Dietetic, nutrition, nursing, and pre-medical students are taught nutrition via these methods for selected modules, but they mainly learn by lectures supplemented by pertinent films, slides, transparencies, television commercials, telectures, videotapes, and simulations. Multi-media "happenings" are presented which gain students' attention and change attitudes while imparting nutritional information which is well retained.