Showing papers by "Queen's University published in 1968"

Articulation and acoustic confusability in short-term memory.

Abstract: Immediate recall may be based on information stored as speech, or on a short-lived and more purely sensory kind of storage. The latter has often been called the "primary memory image": the visual image probably disappears within a second or so (Sperling, 1960), while the auditory image may last for as long as 3 or 4 sec. (Mackworth, 1964). The latter phenomenon is very close to the notion of "primary memory" (Waugh & Norman, 1965), although for Waugh and Norman, primary memory also is considered to include very recent items which may have been articulated at presentation. The purpose of the present work was to discover whether items ostensibly retrieved from sensory storage were as susceptible to the effects of acoustic confusability (AC) as were items ostensibly retrieved from speech

Vortex evolution in a round jet

Abstract: A study has been made of the varicose instability of an axisymmetrical jet with a velocity distribution radially uniform at the nozzle mouth except for a laminar boundary layer at the wall. The evolutionary phenomena of instability, such as the rolling up of the cylindrical vortex layer into ring vortices, the coalescence of ring vortex pairs, and the eventual disintegration into turbulent eddies, have been investigated as a function of the Reynolds number using smoke photography, stroboscopic observation, and the light-scatter technique.Emphasis has been placed on the wavelength with maximum growth rate. The jet is highly sensitive to sound and the effects of several types of acoustic excitation, including pure tones, have been determined.

Electromyography and cinematography of leg and foot ("normal" and flat) during walking.

Abstract: Electromyography with fine-wire electrodes and special equipment for synchronized motion pictures were used to study six muscles of the leg and foot during walking in five different ways in ten “normal” and ten flatfooted subjects. Detailed analyses and comparisons of the two groups are described and discussed. Tibialis Anterior has two peaks of activity at heel-strike and toe-off of the stance phase; is inactive during mid-swing and middle of the stance phase; is active at full-foot in flatfooted subjects, and generally more active during toe-out and toe-in walking. Tibialis posterior is inactive through the swing phase. In flatfooted persons it becomes activated at heel-strike and more active at full-foot during level walking. The toe-out position reduces its activity. Flexor hallucis longus is most active in mid-stance; during toe-out walking, activity increases in both phases, generally being more active in “normal” persons. Peroneus longus is most active at mid-stance and heel-off and generally more active in flatfooted persons. Abductor hallucis and Flexor digitorum brevis are generally more active in flatfooted persons. An important regular pattern of inversion and eversion during the walking cycle is described. Contingent arch support by muscles rather than continuous support is the rule, muscles being recruited to compensate for lax ligaments and special stresses during the walking cycle.

Coaxial-slot surface-wave launcher

Abstract: The use of an array of circumferential slots in the outer conductor of a dielectric-clad coaxial cable as a new way to launch a TM0 surface wave on a Goubau line is described. Its advantage over a conical horn lies in its efficiency depending only on its length, which makes it particularly suitable for use in a high-speed ground transportation system.

Determining sizes and distribution of sizes of spherical bodies such as chromaffin granules in tissue sections.

Abstract: QUANTITATIVE microscopy is difficult at the ultrastructural level because many organelles and inclusions have irregular shapes and the images represent chance sections through bodies of unknown orientation. Size determination for chromaffin granules is easier than for many other inclusions or organelles because their profiles are usually rounded in section and in isolated granule preparations (Fig. 1) implying a spherical form and so orientation presents no problem.

Hemodynamic effects of propranolol in coronary heart disease

Abstract: The effects of intravenous propranolol have been studied in 10 patients with coronary heart disease and angina pectoris, 12 patients with asymptomatic coronary heart disease and 5 normal subjects. In all three groups there was evidence of depression of myocardial function both at rest and during exercise after beta adrenergic blockade as shown by increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure with no increase in stroke work. The mean systolic ejection rate was also lower both at rest and during exercise after administration of propranolol. In spite of hemodynamic evidence suggesting a reduction in myocardial oxygen requirements, in only 1 of the 10 patients with angina pectoris was chest pain prevented by this agent.

Practice Effects in the Absolute Judgment of Pitch

Abstract: Three experiments are reported in which the relation between practice and the absolute judgment of pitch was examined. Experiment 1 showed that students with training in music could judge pitch more accurately than students with little or no music training. In Expts. 2 and 3, listeners were given systematic training that stressed the identification of a single reference standard −A4, 440 Hz. Following such training, listeners showed improved recognition of A4 (Expt. 2) and improved recognition of a series of 10 tones (Expt. 3). Training on the reference standard A4 was more effective in improving the performance of music students than was training in which the listener was required to name each tone and was then told the correct response (regular feedback).

A theoretical treatment of catalyst decay

Abstract: A theoretical treatment of the decay of activity in aging catalysts is presented. In this treatment it is assumed that catalyst activity is a function of time-on-stream only and on the basis of this assumption the behavior of static bed catalytic reactors is studied. From these considerations it is deduced that there are three distinguishable types of behavior in decaying catalysts. These types are described in terms of their characteristic behavior and it is shown how the performance of certain rapidly decaying catalysts can be optimized in plant operation. On presente une discussion theorique de la diminution d'activite des catbalyseurs qui vieillissent; on suppose que l'activite du catalyseur n'est fonction que de la periode de duree du procede et, en se basant sur cette hypothese, on etudie le comportement des rAeacteurs catalytiques a lit statique. On deduit de ces considerations qu'il existe trois genres differents de comportement chez les catalyseurs qui vieillissent et on les decrit d'apres leur comportement caracteristique et respectif. On indique egalement comment on peut obtenir, dans le fonctionnement d'une usine, un rendement maximum avec certains catalyseurs dons l'activite decroit rapidement.

Solid and permeable submerged breakwaters

Abstract: The behaviour of thin and rectangular solid submerged breakwaters is re-examined. Dean's theory is found to be correct for a thin barrier in infinitely deep water. An empirical and theoretical relationship for the reflection coefficient of a thin breakwater across the wave number spectrum is proposed. Rectangular solid breakwaters have a maximum reflection when the incident wave has the same period as a standing wave on top of the breakwater and with a wave length equal to the crest width. A submerged permeable breakwater for depths of submergence greater than 5% of the total depth transmits less wave energy than the solid over a certain frequency range. The minimum is transmitted when the criterion above for solid breakwaters is also met. Both permeable and solid rectangular breakwaters cause a substantial loss in wave energy and at least 501 of the incident energy is lost to turbulence. A substantial proportion, 30 to 601 of the energy transmitted is transferred to higher frequencies than the incident wave.

Competitive interactions and the evolution of ecological niches as illustrated by the australian honeyeater genus melithreptus (meliphagidae).

Abstract: An important consequence of the numerical impoverishment of isolated, and especially insular, faunas is that the component species, as a result of new opportunities, may show shifts in body form, way of life, and basic ecology. Classic cases of structural change and radiation into vacant niches occur in the Hawaiian (Amadon, 1950), and Galapagos (Lack, 1947) avifaunas. Alternatively, there may be a simple broadening or shift in feeding zones, as described by Crowell (1962) in the birds of Bermuda. Just how interactions between species help in the molding of individual "niches" in these faunas has not been completely resolved. Evolutionists, noting that a considerable level of "ecological exclusion" is the end result, see interspecific competition as a major force. This attitude has been challenged by ecologists like Andrewartha and Birch (1954), and Birch and Ehrlich (1967) on the grounds that, since the intermediate steps cannot be observed, it involves unjustified assumptions. They see the need for studies of contemporary situations where selective pressures of all kinds can be weighed. The present paper reviews a case where it is possible to correlate body morphology and ecology in a variety of situations and to interpret these against changed backgrounds of "competitor" species. It concerns Australian honeyeaters (Meliphagidae) of the genus Melithreptus. Four species show no geographic variation over extensive continental ranges but significant structural changes when they enter isolated, faunistically impoverished, areas. The study also throws light on one of the puzzling features of island avifaunas, the tendency of insular species to have longer bills and legs. METHODS

Saccharopinuria: a New Inborn Error of Lysine Metabolism

Abstract: DURING the routine screening of mentally retarded persons in Northern Ireland for amino-acid disorders with the aid of paper chromatographic techniques, a patient was discovered who excreted large quantities of lysine, citrulline, histidine and an unidentified amino-acid in her urine.

Seasonal Changes in the Distribution of Photo-assimilated 14C in Young Pine Plants

Abstract: Pinus strobus L. plants in their third year of growth were permitted to photoassimilate (14)CO(2) for about 1 hour at monthly intervals between April and October, and the subsequent distribution of (14)C in these plants was determined 8 hours, 1 month, 2 months or 4 months after photo-assimilation. In this way, the fate of (14)CO(2) photo-assimilated during different months of the growing season was observed.In the spring, old needles played a significant role in photo-assimilating (14)CO(2) and exporting current photosynthate to the developing new shoots and roots. By July, the new shoot had replaced the old shoot both as the primary photo-assimilating part of the plant and as an exporter, particularly to the root.The root received current photosynthate from the shoot throughout the entire growing season, although plant analysis only 8 hours after photo-assimilation did not always reveal this. Translocation of recent photosynthate from shoot to root was particularly high in August, September, and October.The amounts of photo-assimilated (14)C lost from the plants over a 4 month interval, principally through respiration and photorespiration, were about one-half of that absorbed during photo-assimilation, with the greatest loss occurring within the first month.

The genetics of polymorphism in the goose anser caerulescens.

Abstract: Although the most recent A.O.U. checklist of North American Birds (1957) records the Blue Goose and the Lesser Snow Goose as distinct species (Chen caerulescens [= Anser caerulescens] and C. hyperborea [= A. hyperborea] respectively), many ornithologists today agree with the conclusion of Cooch (1961) that the smaller subspecies of the Snow Goose Anser caerulescens caerulescens is polymorphic and has two clearly defined color phases, a blue phase and a white phase. Some authors, e.g. Manning et al. (1956) prefer to regard the Blue Goose and the Lesser Snow Goose as conspecific but consisting of two subspecies. Polymorphism is well known in birds and has been well documented by Mayr (1942) and Huxley (1955). In only a few cases, however, has it been possible to infer the genetic basis of the polymorphism. O'Donald and Davis (1959) have studied the genetics of the color phases of the Parasitic Jaeger (Stercorarius parasiticus) . Meyerriecks ( 1957) has some observations on genetics of polymorphism in the Great Blue-Great White Heron complex. Williamson (1957) reported on the genetic basis for the dimorphism found in the goslings of the Ross's Goose, and Ryder (1967) extended these observations. Lowther (1961) recorded an interesting case of polymorphism in the White-throated Sparrow and Thorneycroft (1966) presented cytological evidence for the genetic basis of this polymorphism. Most observers, however, have had either to ignore the genetic basis or to suggest a genetic basis with no genetic evidence on which to base their speculations. Genetic data of this nature are not easy to obtain in non-domesticated birds. Many birds will not breed in captivity. In the wild it is possible to gain meaningful genetic evidence only if a large number of families is studied and if the polymorphism is detectable in nestling stage, or alternatively if the nestling can be kept in captivity, or can be marked for individual recognition until the adult plumage appears. The polymorphism of Anser caerulescens is in many ways ideal for study. Large colonies, where the different morphs interbreed, can be found. The polymorphism is detectable in both adult and gosling plumages and is observable in both sexes. Most species of birds produce too few offspring in anyone season for a genetic study based on individual families to be feasible, but when a large population can be examined, some pooling of data allows conclusions about the genetic basis to be drawn. This paper is an attempt to analyze the genetic basis for the polymorphism in this dimorphic species, by investigating a sample of the large colony at Boas River, Southampton Island, North West Territories, Canada. Although there are indications that color differences lead to differences in choice of nest sites and time of breeding, these attributes of the polymorphism have been ignored in the present study. In the course of this analysis, observations on the assortative mating behavior were made. These observations, which are described in detail below, led to the conclusion that some form of imprinting, as suggested by Huxley (1955), was operating. This in turn suggested that such imprinting, if complete, could lead in a few generations

The Symmetric Group Made Easy

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter presents results concerning irreducible representations of the symmetric group, which appears to be unfamiliar to or unappreciated by most chemists and physicists are set forth without proof. These results are closely associated with the familiar methods expounded by Kotani for constructing symmetry-adapted spin functions. Young's diagrams provides explicit rule for obtaining the matrices of the irreducible representations. In order to describe a representation, names are needed for a set of basis vectors. Young tableaux associated with a fixed Young diagram are used to name a set of basis vectors for the corresponding representation. There are two other equivalent sets of symbols that could be used for the same purpose and which are explained, in passing, since they are useful: lattice permutations and Yamanouchi symbols. The topic of lattice permutations is treated by MacMahon and is discussed in the chapter. Yamanouchi symbol is the lattice permutation written backwards.

Pompey's Organization of Bithynia-Pontus: two neglected Texts

Abstract: The surviving literary evidence for the lex Pompeia , provincial charter of the joint province of Bithynia-Pontus, is of prime importance for our knowledge of the nature and content of these charters, which established the fundamental organization of a Roman province. Of the charters of other provinces, only the lex Rupilia of Sicily is known in any comparable detail. Our knowledge of Pompey's law, a piece of work which stood the test of time and lasted, with some modification, until the day of Cassius Dio, also affords some reasonable basis for an assessment of his administrative achievement. The discussion of Pompey's organization of this province has tended to concentrate attention on two traditional questions. Firstly, controversy about the extent of the territory added to Bithynia from the kingdom of Mithridates to form the new province has led to lengthy debate concerning the exact location of the eastern frontier. Secondly, much speculation has centred around the attempt to determine Pompey's ultimate purpose in organizing this area as he did and to accord him appropriate praise or condemnation.

Moult in birds of the Australian dry country relative to rainfall and breeding

Abstract: The annual moult of some 20 species of birds inhabiting the dry western section of New South Wales is studied, emphasis being on time of commencement, duration, finishing time, and the interrelationship of breeding and moulting. Primary feather replacement is taken as the main criterion. The moult begins in most species in November and is completed in February or March. The duration ranges from about three to five months, being four to four and a half months in most species. This is materially longer than the six to eight weeks commonly taken by small passerines in the Northern Hemisphere. A longer, and more protracted moult is considered to be of adaptive value in a dry and somewhat unpredictable environment, reducing the physiological stress on the bird. Migratory species have later, and somewhat shorter moults, than resident ones. Those of three aerial-feeding muscicapids are relatively short. Small birds commonly have shorter, and larger birds more protracted, moults. The moult is much more regular in its occurrence than breeding, which can only occur in those springs when seasonal conditions are reasonably good. Thus the “postnuptial” moult takes place whether breeding has occurred or not. This suggests a measure of direct photoperiodic control. On the other hand there are instances of the moult starting up to two or three weeks earlier than usual when (a) there is an early termination to successful spring breeding and, (b) severe drought conditions render spring breeding impossible. The onset of the moult may apparently be delayed by up to a couple of weeks when (a) spring breeding is protracted or (b) it is delayed. This indicates a measure of antagonism between the “moulting” and reproductive hormones in some species. Good rain in mid-summer will induce out-of-season breeding in many species, notwithstanding that they may be in full moult at the time. This particularly applies in years when spring breeding was impossible. No data is available as to whether or not this causes a slowing-down, or interruption, to the moult although, it will be noted, Carter (1923) suggests this to be the case. In some species “mid-moult” breeding did not mean any delay in the completion of the moult but, in others, it apparently did so. The ability to moult and breed simultaneously is obviously an important adaptation, permitting the birds to make maximum use of a time of food abundance. Attention is drawn to adaptational parallels in the moult of certain dry country birds of Australia, Africa, and South America.

Visual and auditory presentation, presentation rate, and short‐term memory in children

Abstract: Lists of six digits were presented either auditorially or visually at rates of 1, 2 or 3 digits/sec to groups of 7-, 8-, 9- and 10-year-old girls. Immediate recall improved with age under all conditions, but the recall of visually presented slow lists improved with age at a steeper rate than did the recall of visually presented fast lists or of auditorially presented lists. The results are related to the findings of previous studies on STM as a function of presentation rate, and in particular to the hypothesis that when slow rates give superior recall as compared with fast, it is because subjects can more fluently read and rehearse the items at the time of perception.

The effect of antigenic competition on various manifestations of humoral antibody formation and cellular immunity

Abstract: The effect of antigenic competition on various parameters of humoral antibody formation and cellular immunity was studied in mice. Several pairs of antigens were employed in the investigation of the competitive aspects of induction of humoral antibody formation. Induction of a primary immune response to hemocyanin in Swiss white female mice moderately suppressed the induction of both 19S and 7S antibody formation to goose or rat erythrocytes. Suppression of 7S antibody formation was maximal when a time interval of 1–3 days separated the sequence of injections, although suppression was noted for intervals of up to 14 days. The induction of a primary immune response to rat RBC, the second of the two antigens in sequence, also suppressed The induction of both 19S and 7S antibody formation to goose RBC when appropriate intervals of 1–3 days were employed between injections. The induction of a secondary immune response to rat RBC totally suppressed the primary induction of both 19S and 7S antibody formation to goose RBC administered in the appropriate time sequence. Subsequently, it was shown that the secondary immune response to the suppressed antigen (goose RBC) elicited 30 days after induction of a primary immune response (5 days after secondary immunization with rat RBC) was characterized by deficient 19S and 7S antibody production. These levels were suppressed even in comparison with a normal primary immune response to this antigen. The results were interpreted in part on the basis of a deficiency of formation of primed cells associated with immunological memory. Alternatively, evidence was obtained for the development of a split type of immunological tolerance in 6 of 10 animals studied, since a total suppression of 7S antibody production was obtained in association with deficient 19S antibody synthesis (titers < 1/10). The induction of a primary immune response to several antigens in A/J female mice suppressed the processes of cellular immunity as manifested by prolonged survival of skin grafts from C57 BL/6J female donors. These results were interpreted as evidence for the existence and utilization of processing cells by the initial immune stimulus yielding a deficiency of cells available for processing the second antigen administered in sequence.

Photosynthesis, Photorespiration and Respiration of Detached Spruce Twigs as Influenced by Oxygen Concentration and Light Intensity

Abstract: The effects of oxygen concentration and light intensity on the rates of apparent photosynthesis, true photosynthesis, photorespiration and dark respiration of detached spruce twigs were determined by means of an infra-red carbon dioxide analyzer (IRCA). A closed circuit system IRCA was filled with either 1 per cent of oxygen in nitrogen, air (21 % O2) or pure oxygen (100 % O2). Two light intensities 30 × 103 erg · cm −2· s−1 and 120 × 103 erg · cm−2· s−1 were applied. It has been found that the inhibitory effect of high concentration of oxygen on the apparent photosynthesis was mainly a result of a stimulation of the rate of CO2 production in light (photorespiration). In the atmosphere of 100 % O2, photorespiration accounts for 66–80 per cent of total CO2 uptake (true photosynthesis). Owing to a strong acceleration of photorespiration by high oxygen concentrations, the rate of true photosynthesis calculated as the sum of apparent photosynthesis and photorespiration was by several times less inhibited by oxygen than the rate of apparent photosynthesis. The rates of dark respiration were essentially unaffected by the oxygen concentrations used in the experiments. An increase in the intensity of light from 30 × 103 erg · cm−3· s−1 to 120 · 103 erg · cm−2· s−1 enhanced the rate of photorespiration in the atmospheres of 21 and 100 % oxygen but not in 1 % O2. The rate of apparent photosynthesis, however, was little affected by light intensity in an atmosphere of 1 % oxygen.

Effect of Oxygen on the Rates of CO2 Evolution in Light and in Darkness by Photosynthesizing and Non-Photosynthesizing Leaves

Abstract: In recent y-ears there has lbeen increasing evidence to indicate that in green leaves the process of CO, evolution in light iis different from that in darkness. Ev!dlution of CO, by green leaves in ligh,t is increased with increasinig concenitrations of Oo in the surrotunding air, whereas in darkness it is niot (2, 3, 9). AMetabollic inhibiitoirs suich as DCMU, NaF, KCN and dinitrophenol greatlv inhlibit evo,lution of CO, in light, btit have mtich smaller and variable effects on the evolution of CO., in darkness (8). Similar effecits of DCAIU on O, exchange have been reported by Hoch et al. (7). To explore this effect of light further, green and non-oreen leaves of severall plant species were placed in different concenitrations of O., and the raltes of CO., evollution in light and darkness wvere observed. Yelilow mtitant suinflower seeds were germlinated in vermiculite. One day after emergence individual seeedlings had thei,r roots cut off and each seedling was grafted terminally (5) on a normal greeni stinflo,wer plant 30 to 35 days oltl potted in vermn:`cuilite. Every second(lday plants were waterel with a solltiton of 1 g/l of a commercial fertil`zer (20:20:20) (Plant Prc,dcts Corporation, Blewv Poinit, New York). Branches of geraniuti plants with variegated leaves were gra,fted onl normlal geranium plant. Poperomia, which has green and variegated leaves on the same plan,t an(d Poinsettia with nobrmall green leaves, but eit,her re(d or white floral bracts, were botight from a flower shop. AllUl these plants were poittedl in sold and grown in a green,house supplemenite(l wXith fu1torescent lamps durilng winter months. Attached experimental leaves of aill these plants were )laced singly into a plexiglass chamber (132 cmn'). The steady rates of CO, evo,lution into CO.,-free air in liighit and in dlarkness were measuiredl usincg an infra-recl CO, analyzer in an ol)pel systenm with aln air flow rate of 1 to 1.5 liters per m,inute. The chlorophyll conitent of experimental leaves was measuired alt the enid of eaclh experiment as described by A.-rnon (1) and 8-carotene and xalntlhophylls as (lescribe(l b)y Gmd-oodwin (4).