Showing papers by "Michigan State University published in 1987"

Narcissism: theory and measurement

Abstract: Lack of a suitable measuring device hampered the empirical study of narcissism until Raskin and Hall (1979) developed the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI). The NPI possesses desirable psychometric properties, and in this article I used the scale in a variety of studies. Factor analysis of the scale replicated the four-factor solution found by Emmons (1984): Leadership/Authority, Self-Absorption/Self-Admiration, Superiority/Arrogance, and Exploitiveness/Entitlement. The Exploitiveness/Entitlement subscale was found to correlate with measures of pathological narcissism and affective intensity and variability. The relevance of Linville's (1982) theory of self-complexity-affect intensity for understanding aspects of narcissism is outlined. Implications of the study of narcissism for attribution theory and research are discussed.

Political Institutions and Voter Turnout in the Industrial Democracies

Abstract: Differences in voter turnout among industrial democracies are a function of political institutions and electoral law. Specifically, the presence of nationally competitive electoral districts provides incentives for parties and candidates to mobilize voters everywhere, thereby increasing turnout. Disproportionality in the translation of votes into legislative seats provides a disincentive to voting, which lowers turnout. Multipartyism assigns elections a less decisive role in government formation, depressing turnout. By generating more decisive governments, unicameralism provides a clearer link between elections and legislation, increasing turnout. Finally, mandatory voting laws produce a disincentive to not vote. Empirical analyses of average voter-turnout levels in the 1970s and 1960s across 19 democracies are consistent with these expectations, although Switzerland and the United States appear to be outliers. The results have major implications for the way we interpret national differences in voter-turnout rates.

First-Order, Second-Order, and Third-Order Change and Organization Development Interventions: A Cognitive Approach:

Abstract: This article discusses how recent developments in the cognitive sciences, especialy the concept of schemata (organizing frameworks for understanding events), can illumine the practice of organization development. On the basis of a cognitive perspective, the authors discuss the relationship between organizational change and schemata, describing the following orders of change that might result from OD: first-order change, or incremental changes occurring within particular schemata already shared by members of a client system, second-order change, or modifications in the shared schemata themselves; and third-order change, or the development of the capacity of the client system to change the schemata as events require. To show how understanding the differences among orders of change can help clarify problems and solutions from an intervention, the authors discuss how a paternalism schema affected a particular quality of working life intervention. They conclude by suggesting implications of the cognitive persp...

Goal commitment and the goal-setting process: Problems, prospects, and proposals for future research.

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to examine the role of goal commitment in goal-setting research. Despite Locke's (1968) specification that commitment to goals is a necessary condition for the effectiveness of goal setting, a majority of studies in this area have ignored goal commitment. In addition, results of studies that have examined the effects of goal commitment were typically inconsistent with conceptualization of commitment as a moderator. Building on past research, we have developed a model of the goal commitment process and then used it to reinterpret past goal-setting research. We show that the widely varying sizes of the effect of goal difficulty, conditional effects of goal difficulty, and inconsistent results with variables such as participation can largely be traced to main and interactive effects of the variables specified by the model.

Auxin-resistant mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana with an altered morphology

Abstract: Mutant lines of Arabidopsis thaliana resistant to the artificial auxin 2,4-dichloro phenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) were isolated by screening for growth of seedlings in the presence of toxic levels of 2,4-D. Genetic analysis of these resistant lines indicated that 2,4-D resistance is due to a recessive mutation at a locus we have designated Axr-1. Mutant seedlings were resistant to approximately 50-fold higher concentrations of 2,4-D than wild-type and were also resistant to 8-fold higher concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) than wild-type. Labelling studies with (14C)2,4-D suggest that resistance was not due to changes in uptake or metabolism of 2,4-D. In addition to auxin resistance the mutants have a distinct morphological phenotype including alterations of the roots, leaves, and flowers. Genetic evidence indicates that both auxin resistance and the morphological changes are due to the same mutation. Because of the pleiotropic morphological effects of these mutations the Axr-1 gene may code for a function involved in auxin action in all tissues of the plant.

An Interactionist Perspective on Newcomer Socialization Rates

Abstract: A symbolic interactionist perspective on the genesis of meaning and identity is used as a general theoretical framework to explain the specifics of newcomer socialization processes in organizations. This framework suggests that interactions with insiders in the setting may be an important, but largely overlooked, influence on the rate at which newcomers negotiate the first (encounter) stage of the socialization process. The role of interactions between newcomers and insiders is emphasized as the primary vehicle through which initial socialization occurs. A model of the interactionist perspective is presented and directions for future research are discussed.

Segmentation and Classification of Range Images

Abstract: The recognition of objects in three-dimensional space is a desirable capability of a computer vision system. Range images, which directly measure 3-D surface coordinates of a scene, are well suited for this task. In this paper we report a procedure to detect connected planar, convex, and concave surfaces of 3-D objects. This is accomplished in three stages. The first stage segments the range image into ``surface patches'' by a square error criterion clustering algorithm using surface points and associated surface normals. The second stage classifies these patches as planar, convex, or concave based on a non-parametric statistical test for trend, curvature values, and eigenvalue analysis. In the final stage, boundaries between adjacent surface patches are classified as crease or noncrease edges, and this information is used to merge compatible patches to produce reasonable faces of the object(s). This procedure has been successfully applied to a large number of real and synthetic images, four of which we present in this paper.

Tyrosine radicals are involved in the photosynthetic oxygen-evolving system.

Abstract: In addition to the reaction-center chlorophyll, at least two other organic cofactors are involved in the photosynthetic oxygen-evolution process. One of these cofactors, called "Z," transfers electrons from the site of water oxidation to the reaction center of photosystem II. The other species, "D," has an uncertain function but gives rise to the stable EPR signal known as signal II. Z+. and D+. have identical EPR spectra and are generally assumed to arise from species with the same chemical structure. Results from a variety of experiments have suggested that Z and D are plastoquinones or plastoquinone derivatives. In general, however, the evidence to support this assignment is indirect. To address this situation, we have developed more direct methods to assign the structure of the Z+./D+. radicals. By selective in vivo deuteration of the methyl groups of plastoquinone in cyanobacteria, we show that hyperfine couplings from the methyl protons cannot be responsible for the partially resolved structure seen in the D+. EPR spectrum. That is, we verify by extraction and mass spectrometry that quinones are labeled in algae fed deuterated methionine, but no change is observed in the line shape of signal II. Considering the spectral properties of the D+. radical, a tyrosine origin is a reasonable alternative. In a second series of experiments, we have found that deuteration of tyrosine does indeed narrow the D+. signal. Extraction and mass spectral analysis of the quinones in these cultures show that they are not labeled by tyrosine. These results eliminate a plastoquinone origin for D+.; we conclude instead that D+., and most likely Z+., are tyrosine radicals.

Joint transform image correlation using a nonlinear spatial light modulator at the fourier plane

Abstract: The present invention is a nonlinear joint transform image correlator which employs a spatial modulator operating in a binary mode at the Fourier plane. The reference and input images are illuminated by a coherent light at the object plane of a Fourier transform lens system. A image detection device, such as a charge coupled device, is disposed at the Fourier plane of this Fourier transform lens system. A thresholding network detects the median intensity level of the imaging cells of the charge coupled device at the Fourier plane and binarizes the Fourier transform interference intensity. The correlation output is formed by an inverse Fourier transform of this binarized Fourier transform interference intensity. In the preferred embodiment this is achieved via a second Fourier transform lens system. This binary data is then applied to spatial light modulator device operating in a binary mode located at the object plane of a second Fourier transform lens system. This binary mode spatial light modulator device is illuminated by coherent light producing the correlation output at the Fourier plane of the second Fourier transform lens system. The inverse Fourier transform may also be formed via a computer. In an alternative embodiment, the Fourier transform interference intensity is thresholded into one of three ranges. An inverse Fourier transform of this trinary Fourier transform interference intensity produces the correlation output.

An exploration of climates for technical updating and performance

Abstract: Rapid technological innovation has made updating the knowledge and skills of technical professionals, such as engineers, a key concern for many organizations. The facilitation of performance and updating activities to prevent obsolescence is thought to require the development of a congruent organizational climate. To date, this issue has received some theoretical but little research attention. This study assessed the efficacy of the concept of updating climate. It was hypothesized that the technical updating climate construct would (1) be able to distinguish among organizations under different pressures for technological innovation, (2) evidence interobserver consensus within organizations, and (3) be associated with relevant organizational context features and affective, performance, and updating responses. Data gathered from 447 engineers and their 218 supervisors drawn from 10 diverse organizations provided support for the hypotheses. It was concluded that the concept of updating climate provides a useful framework for understanding factors that facilitate technical competence and performance.

On the Assessment of Unidimensional Measurement: Internal and External Consistency, and Overall Consistency Criteria:

Abstract: Kumar and Dillon recently presented a conceptual, overall consistency criterion that represents a sufficient condition for consistency. In commenting on their article, the authors (1) clarify the i...

The fidelity‐adaptation debate: Implications for the implementation of public sector social programs

Abstract: The modified Research, Development, and Diffusion (RD&D) model, as exemplified by change agents in federal organizations, was examined as a viable strategy for disseminating social program innovations. This study of seven nationally disseminated education and criminal justice projects was designed to refine the methodology for measuring innovation implementation. We measured program fidelity, reinvention, and effectiveness in a diverse set of program settings. Results of the research suggested that high-fidelity adopters tended to produce more effective implementations than low-fidelity adopters. Local modifications to the model were unrelated to effectiveness, whereas local additions to the model tended to enhance effectiveness. Findings supported the utility of the modified RD&D model of innovation dissemination with public sector social programs.

Shared influence and organizational behavior: A meta-analysis of situational variables expected to moderate participation-outcome relationships.

Abstract: This study is a meta-analysis of the effects of four situational moderators on relationships between participation and five outcomes Results based on 118 correlation coefficients indicate that, wi

RE-VISIONING WOMEN AND SOCIAL CHANGE: Where Are the Children?

Abstract: Feminists have re-visioned women as active subjects in knowledge by granting them agency and diversity and by challenging divisions like public versus private. But both feminist and traditional knowledge remain deeply adult centered. Adult perspectives infuse three contemporary images of children: as threats to adult society, as victims of adults, and as learners of adult culture (“socialization”). We can bring children more fully into knowledge by clarifying ideological constructions, with attention to the diversity of children's actual lives and circumstances; by emphasizing children's agency as well as their subordination; and by challenging their conceptual privatization. The re-visioning of children involves complex issues of gender, generation, autonomy, and relatedness.

Nitrous oxide sources in aerobic soils: nitrification, denitrification and other biological processes

Abstract: incubations. We used acetylene (IO Pa) to selectively inhibit N,O production by nitrifiers, 100 kPa (100% v/v) 0, to inhibit N,O production by denitrifiers, and sterilixed soil to evaluate chemical sources of N,O. Individual soil cores were incubated in a recirculating atmosphere system under air, 100 kPa 0,. and air + IO Pa C,H, atmospheres for Gt h under each condition. Rates of N,O production in air ranged from 2.8 to 8.5 ng N g-t h-i in soils from the Rose Lake site and from 0.1 to 0.94 ng N g-i h-i in soils from Warren Woods. The importance of specific N,O sources in these soils varied among soil cores within each site. in the recently disturbed, more fertile Rose Lake site nitrifiers and denitrigers were both important N,O sources, but in many cores a si~i~nt portion of the N,O Run was inhibited by neither acetylene nor 0,. impiying an alternate N,O source. Sterilixed soil produced little N,O, which suggests that the alternate source is biological. In the old-growth Warren Woods site nitritiers were significant but relatively unimportant sources of N,O. Or consistently stimulated rather than inhibited NrO production in cores from this site. suggesting (a) that denitrifiers in this site are a sink for N,O produced by other sources, and (b) that most of the N,O produced in this site is from sources other than nitritication and denit~~tion, Biological sources of N,O other than nitrifiers and denit~fiers were not further identified, although low soil pH values suggest that fungi may be important.

Adaptive stabilization of a class of nonlinear systems using high-gain feedback

Abstract: This note presents a high-gain feedback stabilizing control algorithm in which the high-gain parameter is adapted on-line. The algorithm is developed for a class of nonlinear systems which can be viewed as the nonlinear counterpart of uniform rank systems. The system can be unknown except for a number of vital pieces of information. For single-input single-output linear systems such information is usually required in the traditional adaptive control literature.

Biodegradation of DDT [1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane] by the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium.

Abstract: Extensive biodegradation of 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT) by the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium was demonstrated by disappearance and mineralization of [14C]DDT in nutrient nitrogen-deficient cultures. Mass balance studies demonstrated the formation of polar and water-soluble metabolites during degradation. Hexane-extractable metabolites identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry included 1,1,-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDD), 2,2,2-trichloro-1,1-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethanol (dicofol), 2,2-dichloro-1,1-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethanol (FW-152), and 4,49-dichlorobenzophenone (DBP). DDD was the first metabolite observed; it appeared after 3 days of incubation and disappeared from culture upon continued incubation. This, as well as the fact that [14C]dicofol was mineralized, demonstrates that intermediates formed during DDT degradation are also metabolized. These results demonstrate that the pathway for DDT degradation in P. chrysosporium is clearly different from the major pathway proposed for microbial or environmental degradation of DDT. Like P. chrysosporium ME-446 and BKM-F-1767, the white rot fungi Pleurotus ostreatus, Phellinus weirii, and Polyporus versicolor also mineralized DDT.

Object recognition and localization via pose clustering

Abstract: The general paradigm of pose clustering is discussed and compared to other techniques applicable to the problem of object detection. Pose clustering is also called hypothesis accumulation and generalized Hough transform and is characterized by a “parallel” accumulation of low level evidence followed by a maxima or clustering step which selects pose hypotheses with strong support from the set of evidence. Examples are given showing the use of pose clustering in both 2D and 3D problems. Experiments show that the positional accuracy of points placed in the data space by a model pose obtained via clustering is comparable to the positional accuracy of the sensed data from which pose candidates are computed. A specific sensing system is described which yields an accuracy of a few millimeters. Complexity of the pose clustering approach relative to alternative approaches is discussed with reference to conventional computers and massively parallel computers. It is conjectured that the pose clustering approach can produce superior results in real time on a massively parallel machine.

Biodegradation of environmental pollutants by the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium: Involvement of the lignin degrading system

Abstract: The white-rot fungus Phanrochaete chrysosporium has the ability to degrade a wide variety of structurally diverse organic compounds, including a number of environmentally persistent organopollutants. The unique biodegradative abilities of this fungus appears to be dependent upon its lignin-degrading system. The non-specific and partially extracellular nature of this system suggests that it may be useful as a supplementary means to treat organochemical wastes.

Role of benzoxazinones in allelopathy by rye ( Secale cereale L.)

Abstract: Two phytotoxic compounds [2,4-dihydroxy-1,4(2H)-benzoxazin-3-one (DIBOA) and 2(3H)-benzoxazolinone (BOA)] were previously isolated and identified in 35-day-old greenhouse-grown rye shoot tissue. Both compounds were also detected by TLC in greenhouse-grown root and fieldgrown shoot tissue. The concentration of DIBOA varied in the tissues, with the greatest quantity detected in greenhouse-grown shoots. DIBOA and BOA were compared with β-phenyllactic acid (PLA) and β-hydroxybutyric acid (HBA) for activity on seed germination and seedling growth and were consistently more toxic than either compound. Dicot species tested, including lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), and redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), were 30% more sensitive than the monocots tested. Of the two benzoxazinone compounds, DIBOA was most toxic to seedling growth. DIBOA and BOA reduced chlorophyll production inChlamydomonas rheinhardtii Dangeard, by 50% at 7.5 × 10−5 M and 1.0 × 10−3 M, respectively. Both DIBOA and BOA inhibited emergence of barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crusgalli L. Beauv.), cress (Lepidium sativum L.), and lettuce when applied to soil, indicating their potential for allelopathic activity.

Predictive models for photoinduced acute toxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to Daphnia magna, strauss (cladocera, crustacea)

Abstract: The photodynamic, actue toxicities of 20 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to Daphnia magna were predicted by photophysical and physiochemical parameters. The photophysical parameters considered were lowest singlet energy, lowest triplet energy, singlet-triplet splitting energy and phosphorescence lifetime. The physiochemical parameters were first- and second-order connectivity indices and log P values. D. magna were exposed to aqueous solutions of each PAH such that equimolar concentrations in D. magna were achieved. The organisms and the PAHs were then exposed to 120 μW/cm2 UV-A and 25 μW/cm2 UV-B light. Mortality times (min) were recorded and the results reported as median lethal time (LT50). Potency factors (π) were calculated and used to rank the PAHs in terms of relative photodynamic toxicity. Some statistically relevant correlations between individual physical parameters and toxicity were observed. Linear, multiple regression models were poor predictors of photoinduced PAH toxicity. A curve-linear model was developed to predict photoinduced toxicity from triplet energy. Goodness-of-fit chi-square tests were performed and demonstrated that triplet energy was an effective predictor both of observed LT50 and of LT50 values adjusted to a constant PAH concentration. Toxicity data were also analyzed using discriminant functional analysis. A stepwise, canonical correlation parameter selection method separated the PAHs into three toxic categories by using triplet energy and phosphorescence lifetime as variables. This model, which classifies PAHs as very toxic, moderately toxic or nontoxic, was 100% accurate when the model developed from one set of PAHs was tested with a different set.