Differential Behavioral Effects of Breathing Air and Helium-Oxygen at Three to Ten Atmospheres

摘要

A multiple schedule of reinforcement, consisting of a fixed-ratio (FR) schedule and a fixed-interval (FI) schedule, was used as an ongoing behavioral baseline to measure differential gas and depth effects on pigeons. Measurements were taken at depths of 66, 99, 200, and 300 feet. An 80% helium-20% oxygen mixture was found to have less disruptive effects than air on pigeons responding on the two different schedules particularly at 200- and 300-foot depths. Repeated exposure to pressure, independent of gas mixture or depth, resulted in a gradual behavioral adaptation measured by a reduction in the disruption of behavior. (Author)