Showing papers by "University of Louisville published in 1971"

The nature of living systems

Abstract: General living systems theory is concerned with seven levels of living systems—cell, organ, organism, group, organization, society, and supranational system. An exposition of the basic concepts in this theory appeared in “Living Systems: Basic Concepts,” Behavioral Science, 1965, 10, 193–237. (See also “Living Systems: Structure and Process,” and “Living Systems: Cross-Level Hypotheses,” Behavioral Science, 1965, 10, 337–411.) A condensation of the basic concepts also appeared in “The Nature of Living Systems,” Behavioral Science, 1971, 16, 277–301, which is reprinted beginning on the next page. Following that is an analysis in terms of this conceptual system of present knowledge concerning one level of living system—the society. In order to emphasize the cross-level formal identities among levels of living systems, this article follows exactly the same outline as other articles written by the author on the cell (“Living Systems. II. The Cell,” Currents in Modern Biology, 1971, 4, 78–206), the organ (“Living Systems. III. The Organ,” Currents in Modern Biology, 1971, 4, 207–256), the organism (“Living Systems. II. The Organism,” Quarterly Review of Biology, 1973, 48: 1 (Pt 2), 92–276), the group (“Living Systems: The Group,” Behavioral Science, 1971, 16, 302–398), and the organization (“Living Systems: The Organization,” Behavioral Science, 1972 17, 1–182). Their subheadings and section numbers are identical. All these articles will also be published as chapters of the author's forthcoming book Living Systems (New York: McGraw-Hill, 1976). Another chapter in that book, also following the same outline, will analyze current knowledge about the highest level of living systems—the supranational system. Since anatomists and physiologists are usually laymen in organization theory or international relations, psychologists are commonly laymen in economics, and social scientists are ordinarily laymen in cellular biology, all parts of the book, including the article published here, are necessarily written for intelligent laymen rather than experts, even though the articles deal with many technical topics. Some statements in them will seem to experts to be too elementary to be worth repeating. If a fact is fundamental and may not be known to specialists in other fields, it is stated here, even if it is elementary to the experts. The complex division of labor of modern science, often characterized by pluralistic insularity, requires this. The multitude of detailed and specialized experiments and studies that have been carried out provide the substance of the scientific investigation of organizations. Their findings constitute the trees. But an overview of these results and of the relationships among them—a view of the forest—is also essential. Such a telescopic rather than a microscopic view may suggest the proper balance for research on various aspects of society and clarify the priorities for future efforts. Many ideas presented here are not original with the author, though the arrangement is. Unless several persons have wrestled with an idea it is often not fundamental. The author has necessarily selected only a few researches to discuss out of the vast published repertoire, and so his selection has necessarily been arbitrary. Experts in each special field might agree on other studies as more important. Some of the author's statements may be wrong and his analysis ill advised. If so he would appreciate corrections—it is hard to cover such a wide range and still make no errors. The discussion of the processes of each subsystem ends with a number of examples of the variables of that subsystem which can be observed and measured. These variables make concrete the content of science at this level. They appear also to be common for a particular subsystem at multiple levels of living systems. Measurement of these variables, therefore, can be one way to determine whether cross-level formal identities exist. Throughout the text there are numerous references to cross-level hypotheses. These are mentioned for a similar purpose—to show that propositions possibly valid at other levels may also apply to societies. These hypotheses, numbered to indicate the section of the article to which they apply, appear on pages 366–368 of the article on the society. Many of them have been shown in other articles to be relevant to other levels of living systems as well. At each level there are scientists who apply systems theory in their investigations. They are system theorists but not necessarily general systems theorists. They are general systems theorists only if they accept the more daring and controversial position that—though every living system and every level is obviously unique—there are important formal identities of large generality across levels. These can potentially be evaluated quantitatively, applying the same model to data collected at two or more levels. This possibility is the chief reason why the author has used the same outline with identically numbered sections to analyze the present knowledge about each of the seven levels of living systems. The following survey of what is known about societies as systems, therefore, is to be read as a single segment of a larger, integrated whole.

Thyroxine induced metamorphosis in Aurelia

Abstract: The functional activity of thyroxine in strobilation initiation in Aurelia is explored. Low temperature preconditioned jellyfish polyps are consistently induced to metamorphose by administration of triiodothyronine, diiodotyrosine, monoiodotyrosine, and thyroglobulin, as well as by previously reported iodide and thyroxine (Spangenberg, ′67). Jellyfish synthesize three protein-bound iodocompounds during strobilation and excrete one protein-bound compound into the medium. The culture medium containing the iodocompound induced strobilation in the absence of iodide. The protein-bound compound found in the culture medium and in the polyps is tentatively identified as thyroxine since it consistently was co-chromatographed with thyroxine in five different solvent systems. No localized site of intense concentration of 131NaI or of 125I-T4 was found in the polyps during initiation of strobilation. Both substances were present in greater amounts at the distal, differentiating end of the organisms than at the base, particularly during the early pre-segmentation strobilation period. Distribution of these two substances between the tissue layers during strobilation indicates that thyroxine may be ingested orally and iodide taken up across the epidermis. The strobilation system of Aurelia represents the simplest system in which thyroxine is functional and is probably synthesized. This system, therefore, offers new opportunities for the study of the action of thyroid hormone under less complicated developmental conditions than are found in higher organisms.

The amount seen in brief exposures.

Abstract: The experiments reported are a series of attempts to test the consequences of assuming that a subject exposed to briefly presented tachistoscopic information does not have access to a visual image. The partial report procedure is examined under several conditions with the letter row cues immediately following stimulus exposure, and at different levels of cue delay. The results of eye movement monitoring, and of instructing subjects where to look, agree with the guessing data of a previous experiment in showing a sharp decline in the number of letters correctly reported when the subject is looking at the wrong row, in conformity with the anticipative selection hypothesis. The result of varying the subject's uncertainty about what is to be reported is to vary the slope of the delay curve; with the implication that inefficient strategies of rehearsal, rather than visual image decay, are responsible for the reported delay effects.

An Enterotoxin of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract: Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been implicated in diarrheal conditions, and descriptions of these diseases date back as far as 1894 [1]. Some of these diseases have been described as 5-day or Shanghai fever [2], The use of ligated rabbit intestines for the demonstration of the accumulation of fluid by cultures of Vibrio cholerae was described as early as 1915 by Violle and Crendiropoulo [3]; the technique has been used extensively in recent years by De and Chatterje [4] as well as many other workers [5, 6] for the demonstration of enterotoxicities of various microorganisms. We have employed this technique to demonstrate the production of an enterotoxin by P. aeruginosa.

A Cytophotometric analysis of the DNA in the nucleus of the giant cell, R-2, in Aplysia

Abstract: DNA was cytophotometrically measured in Feulgen stained nuclei of R-2, the giant neuron of the abdominal ganglion in Aplysia. The data indicate that the nucleus hag a volume of more than 7 X 106 μ3 in large animals, and contains as much as 75000 times the haploid amount of DNA. To our knowledge, this is the most highly polyploid nucleus yet described. Furthermore, the amount of DNA increases with growth, going from approximately 2000 times the haploid amount in small animals to over 75000 times in large animals. The data suggest that the increase in DNA occurs in increments, each increment having approximately twice the DNA as the one before. Thus we suggest that the increase in DNA in the nucleus of R-2 results from the entire genome replicating without accompanying cell division.

Human reaction time and period of the EEG in relation to development.

Abstract: Simple auditory reaction time (RT) and an auditory RT task requiring a disjunctive reaction were investigated in a group of 110 boys aged 46—207 months. Electroencephalograms (EEGs) were recorded during actual performance of these tasks to determine the extent to which differences in RT associated with development could be accounted for by developmental changes in the EEG. Measures of average EEG period were derived from peaks and troughs of all waves recorded in the time interval between stimulus and response of each trial. Results confirmed previous findings of a significant relationship between RT, σRT, and development. RT and σRT followed a reciprocal power-law function with age, and hence both measures decreased more rapidly in the earlier years. Choice RT showed a more rapid decline with increasing age than simple RT. Correlations were high, with log simple RT vs log Age =−.874, and log choice RT vs log Age =−.861. Developmental changes in EEG period could account for only a small fraction of these high correlations. The possible role of EEG half waves as time quanta in information processing was discussed in relation to development.

Revised Anxiety Scales for the Louisville Behavior Check List

Abstract: Two Louisville Behavior Check List scales for assessing children's manifest anxiety using parents as observers were revised. A sample of phobic children was used for scale revision and a sample from the general population was used for cross-validation and normative data. The Fear Scale includes both general and focalized anxiety, with special emphasis on sleep and death; the Sensitivity Scale reflects a sense of “unlikeableness” combined with impulsivity and somatization. Split-half reliability reached .80 on each scale for 7 of 8 populations. No sex differences occurred on the Fear Scale, but sex-specific norms were constructed for Sensitivity. The phobic and general samples differed significantly on each scale. T scores, based on general population norms, were constructed for each scale by sex.

Heave and lateral movements due to pile driving

Abstract: Vertical and lateral displacements of soil and driven piles occur during pile driving in certain types of soils. The occurrence of vertical heave often significantly adds to the cost of a pile foundation. The undetected occurrence of heave of piles and foundation soils can lead to ultimate failure of a pile foundation. A case history study of 13 pile foundations was undertaken. Mechanisms of soil and pile displacements are proposed and the effects of various factors on the displacement phenomena are analyzed. The principal factors which affect the mode and magnitude of soil and pile displacement are: (1) The characteristics of the soil into which the piles are driven; (2) the characteristics of the piles themselves; (3) the sequence of pile driving; and (4) the overall geometry of the pile foundation. An approximate method of prediction of the magnitude of soil and pile heave is presented.

Taxonomic Features of Seven Serotypes of Simian and Ape Foamy Viruses

Abstract: Two new simian viruses were recovered from squirrel monkeys and galagos. They possess foamy virus group properties which appear distinct from other virus groups. Serologically they were designated types 4 and 5 and are completely specific from each other and from types 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 by neutralization tests. The study includes a comparison of the properties of all seven types in one laboratory. Images

Periodical cicada: mechanism of sound production.

Abstract: The species Magicicada septendecim and Magicicada cassini of the 17-year cicada produce sound by sequentially buckling a series of stiff ribs embedded in a flexible tymbal. Each such collapse excites a damped oscillation in a resonant cavity. By this means the cavity (an abdominal air sac) is excited 10 to 12 times per muscle contraction, which permits a normal muscle to perform a task requiring very rapid repetitive activity.

Theories on the Mechanics of Tires and Their Applications to Shimmy Analysis

Abstract: Some theories on tire mechanics and wheel shimmy are discussed and their results compared in an effort to clarify uncertainties as to the validity of the theories. Of particular interest is the comparison of the stretched string and the point contact theories of the mechanics of tires. Contrary to conclusions of some previous investigations, it is found that either of these fundamental, linear theories will predict the shimmy characteristics of wheeled systems if the parameters involved are properly chosen. Nonelastic effects and tire slippage can be and should be included in either theory if further improvement is desired. A simple but important correlation between certain of the parameters of these two basic tire mechanics theories is also demonstrated. The theories are compared with each other and with experimental data.

Photo-reversal of the circadian rhythm in the proliferative activity of the mouse small intestine

Abstract: Mice (C57Bl) were placed for 35 days in a room with reversed light cycle; lights came on at 1800 hours and off at 0600 hours. At six hour intervals throughout the day three mice were injected with tritiated thymidine and sacrificed 30 minutes later. Crypts were dissected for radioautography and determination of disintegrations per minute per crypt, the number of cells in mitosis and the number of cells synthesizing DNA was determined. The results reported clearly demonstrate reversal of the circadian rhythm in the parameters tested.

The sarcoplasmic reticulum and development of z lines in skeletal muscle fibers of fetal and postnatal rats

Abstract: In electron microscope examinations of leg muscles from fetal and postnatal rats the development of SR tubules precedes the development of Z lines and the formation of fibrils, thus showing that a function of SR in Z line development is possible. Early stages of fibril formation reveal very small Z lines (0.06 μ thick) which are encircled by SR tubules separated from the Z lines by a space about 100 A wide, and this space is traversed by electron-opaque strands which appear to be connections between SR tubules and Z lines. The encircling SR tubules are observed from the beginning to the completion of Z line development. The small Z lines contain dense lines transversely oriented between thin filament tips that resemble transversely oriented dense lines found in fully developed Z lines. It is concluded that Z line enlargement involves growth in circumference of encircling SR tubules as the tubules incorporate additional layers of thin filament tips. It is suggested that the substance represented by electronopaque strands connecting SR tubules and Z lines might provide precursors for the substance represented by transversely oriented dense lines between thin filament tips.

Behavioral Effects of Infectious Diseases: Respiratory Pasteurella Tularensis in Man:

Abstract: Average efficiency in the work of 8 Ss, as measured with the mean percentage of baseline performance, fell about 25% during the period of their illness (P. tularensis). Recovery 3 days after treatment had begun was incomplete, with performance averaging 10 to 15% below that of controls (2 double-blind hospital control Ss and a separate control group of 10 Ss).

Graffiti in four types of institutions of higher education

Abstract: (1971). Graffiti in four types of institutions of higher education. The Journal of Sex Research: Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 62-71.

The cycloheximide-induced amnesia gradient of a passive avoidance task

Abstract: Mice were injected with cycloheximide (cyc) or saline 45 min before passive avoidance training. They were tested 1, 1.5, 3, 5, 7, 24, or 72 h after training. A significant drop in the performance of the eye animals was observed between the 3- and 5-h test intervals, a result similar to that found in maze studies. However, contrary to the results of maze studies, amnesia was evident as early as 1.5 h after training. Several possible explanations for this early appearance of amnesia are discussed, and it is suggested that the retraining procedure used in maze studies may have masked the early stages of amnesia.

Activity, Motor Coordination and Attention: Individual Differences in Twins:

Abstract: Differences in temperament, attention span, and activity level as reported by mothers of 56 pairs of 12-mo.-old twins were related to tested differences in cognitive abilities at age 4 yr. The more...

Frequency of the eeg during acquisition in short‐term memory

Abstract: This study investigated changes in frequency of the EEG in relation to the number of digits inputed in a test of short-term memory. Four channels of bipolar EEGs were recorded from scalp leads over parietal and occipital areas of both hemispheres, while lists of the WISC digit span backward test were inputed. Data from 25 healthy Ss, who correctly recalled the 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-digit lists in reversed order, were analyzed. Findings showed no statistically significant differences in frequency of the EEGs recorded during acquisition of lists of different length. EEG frequency was significantly faster during acquisition of the lists than during a control condition in which Ss participated in an auditory reaction time task; but the findings were not consistent from channel to channel.

Interrelationship between selenium and specific trace elements.

Abstract: ConclusionThe pattern in the distribution and excretion of selenium in the presence of other trace elements varied from one trace element to the other and with the mode of injection. The precise mechanism by which Te6+, As5+, Cd2+, or Zn2+ alter the metabolism of Se4 is not known. Whether the resulting effect between two trace elements is due to competition for an active site on a biologically active compound, or competition for an active transport carrier across a cell membrane, or masking by complexing remains a matter of pure speculation. It has been shown that certain trace elements have a significant effect on the normal metabolism and excretion of selenium. Evidence suggests that there is a reaction between selenium and zinc and cadmium, while selenium appears to prevent arsenic and tellurium from reaching target tissues.

Corticosteroid-Binding Globulin (CBG) of Man and Other Species

Abstract: In 1956, Daughaday (1956 a) and Bush (1957) independently demonstrated by equilibrium dialysis techniques the presence in human plasma of a specific protein capable of binding corticosteroids with very high affinity but low capacity. These qualities clearly distinguished the interacting protein from albumin; it was termed the corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG). At the same time, Sandberg, Slaunwhite and Antoniades (1957) reported steroid binding data obtained with human plasma and plasma protein fractions which could not be accounted for by albumin binding; they were interpreted Sandberg and Slaunwhite, 1958; Slaunwhite and Sandberg, 1959) as indicating the existence of a special protein of high binding affinity for corticosteroid hormones which was named transcortin. The background to this demonstration of transcortin has been recounted by Sandberg et al. (1966). Upton and Bondy (1958) confirmed in ultrafiltration studies the strong binding of small amounts of cortisol to a plasma protein other than albumin. Desgrez (1967) has summarized some of the observations that led to the recognition of CBG.

Accuracy of Four Removable Die Techniques

Abstract: Four removable die systems were evaluated to determine any vertical shift of the dies from their original positions in the casts, and any relative horizontal shift after the dies had been repositioned 30 times. Of the four techniques, quadrant trays showed the least mean vertical movement and brass dowel pins showed the least horizontal movement.

An Extended Study of the Behavioral Effects of Respiratory Pasteurella Tularensis in Man

Abstract: The mean percentage of baseline performance, a measure of average work efficiency, fell approximately 33% during the period of illness (P. tularensis) of 8 experimental Ss. Four days after treatment, individual performance equaled that of controls (3 double-blind hospital control Ss and a separate control group of 10 Ss), but group-task performances appeared not to have recovered so completely. The findings extend and essentially support those of a previous study (Alluisi, et al., 1971) in which the illness-related decrement in individual performance averaged 25%, with only incomplete recovery 3 days after treatment.