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Tweeter Verification: A Systematic Review of Vocal Signatures in Birds
No full texthttps://rdc.reed.edu/v1/resources/18774f5c-8334-4b6a-b66b-ca76a407eb35/thumb/128.jpgVocal recognition is an important component of communication in animals. In birds, vocal signatures are a highly researched subsection of vocal recognition. This study aimed to examine the distribution of signature research in birds, determine the level to which basic signature types (individual, group, kin) have been investigated, examine the distribution of this research across the phylogenetic tree, and whether these studies verified signature recognition presence. Through a limited systematic review, 32 papers — including 29 species — were read and analyzed. It was found that passerines were more researched than non-passerines, and that individual signatures were the most common type researched. More papers verified their signature presence than not, and verification was performed more in non-passerines than in passerines
Green, glossy, and gorgeous: A Study of Phenotypic Variation in Phyllaplysia taylori and Trends in Seagrass Habitat Along the North American West Coast
No full texthttps://rdc.reed.edu/v1/resources/35550270-db1f-4eeb-99ff-4f3dad883b5d/thumb/128.jpgPhyllaplysia taylori, commonly known as Taylor’s sea hare, is a marine gastropod in the family Aplysiidae (Dall, 1900). This species primarily inhabits subtidal eelgrass Zostera marina beds and remains on the plant during all stages of its life cycle. Previous research has indicated drastic morphological and physiological variations in individuals (Beeman, 1966; Tanner et al., 2020). The primary focus of this thesis was to identify correlations between latitude, host type, and temporal changes to color morph and dorsal stripe pattern. The secondary aim was to study the stability of this species habitat by characterizing temporal trends in abundance of Zostera marina. The tertiary aim was to genotype individuals to determine genetic effects on the observed phenotypes and determine genetic relatedness between populations. I utilized photographic data from iNaturalist, an online platform for community nature observations and learning, seagrass survey data from SeagrassNet, a global monitoring program for seagrass environments, and specimens from museums including the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, California Academy of Sciences, and Museum of Comparative Zoology. I found a potential subpopulation of P. taylori with unique translucent pigmentation, distinct from the common green morph, and lacking dark dorsal stripes. A weak relationship between latitude and phenotypic similarity was found. The distribution of dorsal stripe patterns and host types seems interdependent. Phenotype changes suggest seasonally driven patterns, coinciding with the life cycle of the southern populations’ two overlapping generations. Survey data showed that as Z. marina abundance increases, so does the probability of P. taylori presence. Overall, Z. marina abundance in P. taylori's species range showed negative trends across time. The observed discontinuity of P. taylori populations and Z. marina patches, infrequency of P. taylori observed on abiotic surfaces, and phenotype distribution reinforce the argument for high genetic connectivity between populations via rafting
Retinal Renaissance: Imaging Cell Repair Dynamics in the Retinal Ganglion Cells of Zebrafish (Danio rerio
No full texthttps://rdc.reed.edu/v1/resources/8c89e583-7341-48d5-ae63-ecbca5b2c03b/thumb/128.jpgHumans cannot regenerate most parts of their nervous system. Understanding the cell behaviors that enable regeneration in non-human organisms is one path to solving how we can treat countless diseases and injuries. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are a type of neuron found in the retina, and they are key cells in the transmission of visual signals to the brain. Damage to RGC’s will consequently result in partial or full blindness, which is irreversible in humans. This study seeks to elucidate the regenerative pathway of RGC’s in zebrafish (Danio rerio), a species of subtropical fish who possess regenerative capabilities throughout their body, including the retina. To identify the cellular dynamics that occur during RGC regeneration, laser- and drug-induced damage to RGCs followed by time-resolved light sheet microscope experiments were performed. The results demonstrated notable RGC regeneration and captured specific cellular differentiative processes, suggesting the possibility that regenerating cells first arise in an undifferentiated state before specializing into RGC’s
Investigating the Role of the SPECC1L Homolog, Split Discs, in Non-Muscle Myosin II Contractility Dynamics in Drosophila
No full texthttps://rdc.reed.edu/v1/resources/6aae86b2-c658-4d0a-9602-1bc54a728065/thumb/128.jpgSPECC1L (Sperm Antigen with Calponin Homology and Coiled-Coil Domains 1-Like) is a cytoskeletal protein implicated in cell migration and tissue fusion during embryonic development. Mutations in SPECC1L are associated with craniofacial disorders such as Opitz G/BBB syndrome and Teebi hypertelorism. Its Drosophila melanogaster homolog, Split Discs (spdi), shares functional and structural similarities, making it an ideal model to study SPECC1L’s role in cytoskeletal dynamics. This thesis investigates Spdi’s interaction with non-muscle myosin II (NM II) and its impact on actin retrograde flow, a key process in cell migration. Using Drosophila S2R+ cells, I examined the effects of Spdi and its pathological point mutants (Q266P and G915S) on NM II contractility by quantifying actin retrograde flow rates via kymographic analysis. While results were inconclusive due to inconsistent control behavior, preliminary data suggested that Spdi mutants may alter NMII-mediated tension in the lamella. Additionally, co-immunoprecipitation experiments aimed to identify physical interactions between Spdi and the NM II heavy chain (Rod∆NTerminus). Although technical challenges obscured definitive conclusions, reciprocal tagging experiments by collaborators provided evidence of an association. These findings contribute to understanding how SPECC1L/Spdi regulates cytoskeletal dynamics, with implications for developmental disorders linked to errors in cell migration. Further optimization of experimental protocols and data are needed to clarify Spdi’s mechanistic role in NM II contractility and its potential as a therapeutic target
Baile Seanáchaí / Ballyshanachie
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Post from the Aimless Road
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From Speech to Sip: A Linguistic Examination of the Theory of Planned Behavior in Drinking Contexts
No full texthttps://rdc.reed.edu/v1/resources/74bb55c8-bb7d-44e0-bb67-28a91a28b35d/thumb/128.jpgThe Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is one of the most widely used models in predicting health behaviors. However, critics have argued that the TPB fails to encompass nonconscious influences on behavior, partially due to its reliance on close-ended, self-report measures. Thus, I proposed a linguistic analysis of spoken responses to offers of alcohol, and I aimed to operationalize the determinants of the TPB through language-based measures. This study aimed to: 1) investigate differences in language across gender identities, 2) examine how well groupings of words represent the TPB’s constructs, and 3) inspect the viability of language in measuring behavioral determinants. Participants (N = 95) completed the Collegiate-Simulated Intoxication Digital Elicitation task (C-SIDE), an auditory drinking simulation in which participants gave think alouds reacting to the C-SIDE’s scenarios as well as measures of willingness to accept alcohol in said scenarios (BW). Within the TPB framework, intention was represented by BW, and specific Linguistic Inquiry Word Count (LIWC) dictionaries were chosen to represent intention’s determinants. I found that: 1) cisgender men spoke more positively than transgender men in drinking environments and that cisgender individuals overall spoke more positively than transgender individuals; 2) subjective norms were decently well-represented by preset LIWC dictionaries, but the components of perceived behavioral control (PBC) were poorly captured by LIWC; 3) more positive tonal language indicated greater willingness to accept offers of alcohol. These findings point to the importance of fostering positive language in alcohol settings to promote safe drinking behaviors but also a potential re-examination of the TPB framework and its predictive capacity
Maybe Retroflex is Kinda Retro: Exploring the Status of Retroflex Sibilants in Taiwan Mandarin
No full texthttps://rdc.reed.edu/v1/resources/d5c535d3-b05f-4b5d-8d51-0572a1f88c48/thumb/128.jpgThe production of sibilants across speakers of Taiwan Mandarin vary greatly and as such the existing research paints a complex picture of the sociolinguistic factors that can affect this variation. Factors such as proficiency in the substrate language Taiwanese Hokkien, as well as speakers' age, and gender have all been posited to affect how retroflex and alveodental consonants are produced and perceived by speakers on an individual and group basis. This thesis explores how different sociolinguistic factors influence perceived prestige of retroflex consonants through a two-component study that examines Taiwan Mandarin speakers' production and perception of retroflexion. Contrary to earlier research, the results of this study do not indicate a clear association between retroflexion and prestige, and instead suggest that other unexamined sociolinguistic factors may also affect production and perceptions of sibilant consonants in Taiwan Mandarin
Genre, Gender, Performance, and Power in the Music of BABYMETAL
No full texthttps://rdc.reed.edu/v1/resources/6e71d7f9-1801-4e39-9c3c-46cc7fcce6ba/thumb/128.jpgThis thesis explores the themes of genre, gender, power, and performance through the music of kawaii metal band Babymetal. The band was able to subvert expectations that are presented in heavy metal (or simply metal) and Japanese idol pop (J-pop idol) music and cultures. By discussing scholarly work and music criticism on representation of power involved in the two discussed genres, I present the argument that Babymetal has navigated the expectations of metal and J-pop idol through the music and performances the band has released throughout its career. In addition, I suggest that the definitive way to consume Babymetal's work is through the viewing of the band's live performances as it can enhance what is heard on the band's albums. Discussing Babymetal's live performances and the elements that are included allows me to present the idea that power in the band is showcased by navigating genre, gender, and performance expectations, as well as the core element of a performer-audience relationship
“I am the enemy you killed, my friend”: Trauma and Moral Injury in the Great War Poetry of Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon
No full texthttps://rdc.reed.edu/v1/resources/09af8dd6-65e0-43f5-bfe6-f722618f3d43/thumb/128.jpgThe Great War, also known as World War I, is one of the most devastating global conflicts of the twentieth century. The conflict causes unprecedented numbers of troops to exhibit severe symptoms of combat trauma. This trauma is well exhibited in the poetry of the period. Two of the most praised poets writing during the war are Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon, both officers in the British Army. This thesis analyzes the presence of both trauma and moral injury (which is most simply defined as either committing or witnessing an event that fractures one’s internal moral code) in their works. The first chapter provides a brief overview of the economic and political causes of the war, as well as its major battles. It then introduces the term shell shock, which is the diagnosis for combat trauma during the Great War, and gives a brief biographical overview of Owen and Sassoon. The following chapters analyze Owen’s and Sassoon’s poetry, drawing from literary trauma theory, psychological studies on veterans’ mental health, veterans’ personal stories, and Joshua Pederson’s comprehensive study and model for moral injury in literature titled Sin Sick. In particular, it focuses on what Pederson identifies as the four core symptoms of moral injury— rage, social isolation, lack of self-care, and extreme negative views of the self— and argues for their presence in Owen’s and Sassoon’s works. The second chapter focuses on Sassoon’s poems, analyzing “Suicide in the Trenches,” “Repression of War Experience,” “Survivors,” and “Sick Leave,” and the third on Owen’s, featuring “S.I.W.,” “Mental Cases,” and “Strange Meeting.” The conclusion presents areas of future study for moral injury in literature, as well as a broader discussion of how society can move towards healing moral wounds and changing the circumstances that cause them