Showing papers by "University of Nevada, Reno published in 1970"

Neural coding in the sense of touch: human sensations of skin indentation compared with the responses of slowly adapting mechanoreceptive afferents innvervating the hairy skin of monkeys.

Abstract: The human capacity to scale the intensity of brief mechanical indentations of the hairy skin was measured by the method of subjective magnitude estimation. The afferent discharges evoked by nearly identical stimuli delivered to comparable locations on the hairy skin in monkeys were recorded in a number of types of first-order mechanoreceptive afferents. It was shown that of these only those which adapt slowly to mechanical stimuli possess sufficient dynamic range of response to account for the range of human pressure sensation. Two such afferents innervating the hairy skin, previously identified by others as the Type I and Type II afferents, were studied in detail as regards their responses to brief mechanical stimuli of different intensities. The relation of the human subject's estimate of intensity to stimulus magnitude is described by a power function with an exponent of about 0.4. Using impulse frequency in the “early steady state” as a measure, the responses of both types of slowly adapting mechanoreceptive afferents are related to stimulus magnitudes by power functions with exponents averaging about 0.5. On the assumption that the stimuli used elicit similar patterns of discharge in the first-order afferents innervating the hairy skin of men and monkeys, the results support the general proposition, now shown to hold for a number of senses, that the intensity of human sensation is determined by the functional properties of the first-order sensory fibers, and that the final behavioral output in the form of a subjective estimate of magnitude is a linear function of the frequency of discharge in those first-order fibers.

Studies on the expression of somatic crossing over in Glycine max L.

Abstract: Variety T219 of Glycine max L. has spontaneous yellow, dark green and double (yellow-dark green) spots on the leaves of plants of genotype Y 11 y 11 but no such spots are found on leaves of Y 11 Y 11 or y11y11 plants. It was suggested (Vig and Paddock, 1968) that the double spots result from somatic crossing over whereas the two types of single spots primarily originate from chromosomal disturbances. Cold shocks disproportionately increased the frequency of double spots, but ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) did not do so. However, in most cases of each treatment, the frequency of single spots increased. It is suggested that EMS is not very potent in bringing about somatic recombination whereas cold shocks are. Plants from a sample of seeds of variety L65-1237 that had been harvested in 1968 at Urbana, Illinois, did not express the spotting phenomenon, but plants from seeds harvested in 1969 at Reno did have spots. Application of mitomycin C(MC) to the seeds of this variety as well as of T219 increased the incidence of double spots manyfold indicating that MC can reveal the potential for somatic crossing over in a variety which might not otherwise express it. Soaking dry seeds of L65-1237 in aqueous solutions of MC for intervals as short as 2 hours was found effective in increasing the frequency of double spots. The role of MC in relation to DNA synthesis and somatic crossing over is discussed. Application of the chromosome-breaking agent, claunomycin (DM) was ineffective in causing double spots.

Role Theory and International Relations: A Commentary and Extension

Abstract: Professor Holsti has provided an example of the application of role theory to the relations between nations. In this paper an attempt will be made to extend his analysis and further examine the question of whether role theory may be of use in the field of international relations. The sources of theoretical insights in science are various but one frequent source is the theory of another field. History provides some instances in which borrowing has been highly successful, such as when Darwin borrowed from Malthus. There have been instances, however, where borrowing has been less successful. The concept of group mind failed to illuminate our understanding of the group and the idea of physical fields of force, while emphasizing the notion of multiple causation, has not been notably successful when applied to the group. There are many who are particularly dubious whether theory developed at one level can be fruitfully applied to problems at another. Thus many have questioned whether theories at the

Increase induced by colchicine in the incidence of somatic crossing over in Glycine max.

Abstract: The frequency of somatic crossing over in Glycine max has been significantly increased by soaking the dry seeds in aqueous solutions of 0.0025, 0.005 and 0.01% colchicine. This increase was quite consistent for several treatments involving time × concentration interaction as well as in cases where post-treatment with mitomycin C was given. Results indicate that colchicine is inefficient in disturbing the arrangements of segments of homologous chromosomes involved in the process of somatic exchanges before the onset of the process of somatic crossing over.

Specificity of daunomycin in causing chromosome aberrations in human leukocytes.

Abstract: When the chromosome aberrations induced in human leukocytes in culture with daunomycin (Dm) (0.015 μg/ml, with or without added arginine) are analyzed with respect to sites of breakage and reunion, non-randomness is observed, both between and within chromosomes. These results suggest either a site-specificity of action of the drug or site-specific sensitivity or both. Superficially, the data give an indication of the phenomenon of somatic crossing-over having occurred. However, if chromosome breakage and reunions of broken ends are considered as two events, independent of each other, the frequency of exchanges between homologues and apparent homologues is lower than the expected frequency in cases of groups involving chromosomes 6–12/X and 13/15 and almost equal to the expected frequency in cases of chromosomes 1, 2 and 3.

Prejudice Versus Discrimination: An Empirical Example and Theoretical Extension

Abstract: The present research attempts to determine if the notion of separate theories for prejudice and discrimination, as put forth by Rose, is viable. The paper examines, as a result of differential responses to selected situational variables, some of the reasons why nonprejudiced subjects discriminate against blacks and prejudiced subjects do not. The situational variables (social constraint and social distance) were experimentally introduced in a field setting. The paper concludes by agreeing with Rose's contention that separate theories for prejudice and discrimination are necessary. However, the authors take exception with the idea that theories of discrimination are sufficient to explain discriminatory behavior. In particular, in order to better understand discriminatory behavior, the argument is set forth that instead of restricting the scope of investigation, as suggested by Rose, it should be enlarged by including other relevant variables which have been shown to have an impact on discriminatory behavior. Other studies have indicated that conformity tendencies are often involved in producing behaviors which are inconsistent with attitudes. It is suggested that some measures of these, as well as of attitudes, should be included in future studies of discrimination. I t would seem that theories of prejudice do not necessarily account for discriminatory behavior (cf. Rose, 1956; Simpson and Yinger, 1958; Westie, 1964). This very statement was made a number of years ago by the late Arnold Rose (1956). Had the notion of separate theories for prejudice and discrimination been seriously considered, it would no doubt have had a great impact on subsequent studies. Since this task has remained largely unattended, the present report has as its focus an examination of data on prejudice and discrimination. The discussion which follows the presentation and analysis of data is largely inferential. It is directed toward an examination of issues which are crucial, timely, and need to be fully explored. Results from other studies are utilized to check on the potential relevance of these inferences for the development of

Alterations in the pattern of daunomycin-induced chromosomal aberrations by inhibitors of protein and DNA synthesis.

Abstract: Human leukocytes treated with 0.08, 0.06 and 0.04 μg/ml of daunomycin between 48–52 h of culturing exhibit aberrations of chromatid and chromosome type. Inhibition of protein synthesis by puromycin at quantities of 1, 2, 3, and 6 μg/ml drastically reduces the frequencies of Dm-induced chromatid and chromosomes exchanges in relation to the frequency of free fragments. Fluorodeoxyuridine at concentrations of 10 −6 to 10 −3 M , on the other hand, causes no shifts in the relative frequencies of chromatid or chromosome types of aberrations including exchanges. The results indicate that under the experimental conditions protein synthesis is required for the reunion of daunomycin-induced breaks and that DNA synthesis is perhaps not an a priori condition for rejoining.

Spectral characteristics of central Nevada microearthquakes

Abstract: Fourier amplitude spectra were computed for 40 central Nevada microearthquakes, selected to consider, independently, effects of azimuth and distance from known sources. Spectra were averaged for groups of events to eliminate peculiarities of individual records and emphasize group characteristics. Spectral characteristics did not behave systematically as a function of azimuth from the recording site to the source, but peak spectral frequency was found to correlate strongly with event magnitude and to some degree also with focal distance. These preliminary results suggest that recordings of small earthquakes and microearthquakes can be used to provide detailed information on the character of seismic signals related to properties of the source and propagation path.

Earthquakes and Nuclear Detonations

Abstract: The report by Emiliani et al. (1) asserts some statistical results which would be important if well substantiated. To the undersigned, their evidence appears inadequate. Since it is likely that the conclusions, if unchallenged, will be accepted as authoritative, and misapplied by readers not well versed in the subject, critical remarks are offered.

Subjective organization following constant input order in multitrial free recall

Abstract: The present experiments were designed to assess the influence of consistent contiguous relations among list members on the development of subjective organization. One major source of contiguity experiences is provided by E’s arrangement of items during study trials. In the present experiments, recall following constant and varied input order was compared. Constant input order assures that the nominal input contiguity relations are consistent across trials. The results indicated that constant-input-order groups were superior to varied-input-order groups in terms of correct responses, subjective-organization scores, and input-order I output-order consistency scores.

Effects of Foreknowledge of Manner of Death in the Assessment from Genuine and Simulated Suicide Notes of Intent to Die

Abstract: (1970). Effects of Foreknowledge of Manner of Death in the Assessment from Genuine and Simulated Suicide Notes of Intent to Die. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 82, No. 2, pp. 215-221.

Connotative Similarity of Remote Associates Test Items as a Function of Their Cultural Availability

Abstract: The connotative similarity of Remote Associates Test (RAT) items as a function of their cultural availability was investigated. It was demonstrated that RAT items whose correct answers are readily available in the culture as associative responses to the stimulus terms comprising their respective RAT items are more connotatively dissimilar than RAT items whose correct responses are not so readily available. The implication that the RAT is a heterogeneous instrument requiring a variety of cognitive processes was briefly discussed.

Red guard on Grant Avenue

Abstract: Visitors to San Francisco's historic Portsmouth Square on 7 May 1969 were startled to see the flag of the People's Republic of China flying over the plaza. The occasion had begun as a rally to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the May 4 movement in Peking, when Chinese students demonstrated to protest the ignominious treaties forced on a moribund Chinese Empire by Occidental imperialists. Now a half century later in San Francisco, a group of disaffected Chinatown youth took over the rally from its sponsors to protest against the community's poverty and neglect and to criticize its anachronistic and conservative power elite. Calling themselves the Red Guards, the youths asserted their right to armed self-defense against the city police and called for the release of all Asians in city, state and federal prisons on the ground that they had had unfair trials. On a more immediate and practical level, the Red Guards announced plans for a remarkably unradical petition campaign to prevent the Chinese Playground from being converted into a garage and for a breakfast program to aid needy children in the Chinatown ghetto. If the platform of the Red Guards sounded vaguely familiar, a spokesman for the group made it plain: \"The Black Panthers are the most revolutionary group in the country and we are patterned after them.\" To most San Franciscans the rise of youthful rebellion in the Chinese quarter of the city must come as a surprise. For the past three decades Chinese-Americans have been stereotyped in the mass media as quiet, docile and filial, a people who are as unlikely to espouse radicalism as they are to permit delinquency among their juveniles. In the last few years, however, evidence has mounted to suggest a discrepancy between this somewhat saccharine imagery and reality. Not only is there an unmistakable increase in delinquent activity among Chinese young people, there is a growing restlessness among them as well. Chinatown's younger generation feels a gnawing frustration over hidebound local institutions, the powerlessness of youth and their own bleak prospects for the future. The politics as well as the \"crimes\" of Chinatown are coming to resemble those of the larger society, with alienation, race consciousness and restive rebelliousness animating a new generation's social and organizational energies. A basic cause for the emergence of youthful rebellion among the Chinese is the increase in the youthful population itself. There are simply more Chinese youth in the ghetto now than there ever have been before, a fact that can be attributed to an increasing birth rate among the indigenous population and a sudden rise in immigration from Hong Kong and other Asian centers of Chinese settlement. By 1890, eight years after a wave of sinophobia had prompted Congress to block any further immigration of Chinese to this country, there were approximately 102,620 residents here. The vast majority were laborers or small merchants lured here by the promise of the \"Gold Mountain\" in California and work on the railroads. But a more significant fact is that the vast majority were also men. Before the turn of the century there were about 27 men for every woman among the Chinese in America. What this meant for white perceptions of these newcomers is probably familiar enough. Forced into ghettos, their women and children left behind to care for and honor their parents, these men joined together in clan associations and secret societies to provide them with some sense of familiarity and solidarity; and they turned as well to the typical pleasures of lonely men--prostitutes, stupefaction (through opium) and gambling. Just as typically, in a society known for its hostile racial stereotypes, the Chinese came to be identified with these \"vices\" in the minds of many white Americans and to be regarded as bestial, immoral and dangerous. But the alarming imbalance in the sex ratio also meant that the Chinese communities in America were almost incapable of produdng a second generation of Americanborn Chinese. It wasn't until 1950 that the American-born made up more than half the total Chinese population, and even this growth only came about through the small trickle of illegal entries made by Chinese women prior to 1943 and the much larger number who entered since that date, thanks to gradual but important relaxations of the immigration laws. The most radical of these relaxations came with the Immigration Act of 1965 which repealed the entire system of quotas based on national origins and substituted an entry procedure based on skills and the reuniting of families. Under this law, according to District Immigration Director C. W. Fullilove, there will be approximately 1,200 Chinese entering San Francisco every year with the intention of staying there. Although not all of them will do so, this new influx of Chinese makes up a signficant proportion of San Francisco's burgeoning Chinese population, and many of them fall between what Fullilove calls \"the problem ages\" for Chinese youth, 16 to 19.

The Humanistic Interests of the Early Tudor Episcopate

Abstract: Since H. L. Gray questioned the view that “Italian learning languished” between the death of Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, in 1447 and 1488 when John Colet, William Grocyn, and Thomas Linacre visited Italy, several scholars have attempted to show the nature of the new learning fostered in England by such intermediaries as Robert Flemmyng, William Selling, and John Free, among others. Roberto Weiss has investigated more thoroughly than anyone else the interest of these Englishmen in the new learning during that interval. His book brings the narrative to 1485, a time which for him marks the beginning of genuine English humanism.While there is no doubt that Colet, Grocyn, and Linacre were leaders of the avant garde of humanism or that Selling, Flemmying, and Free helped bridge the gap between 1447 and 1488, some less well-known men played an important part in the advance of the new learning.

The introductory and service courses in computing: some experiences and a critical assessment

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to describe some experiences with the development and teaching of introductory and service courses in computing at three diverse institutions. It is important that those of us involved in computer education compare experiences and critically assess actual classroom practices. The ranges in awarded credits and curricular substance are great even within the confines of an individual school. Likewise, the background of the instructors varies from those of extensive experience and training to those consisting of little more than a smattering of self-taught FORTRAN programming.

Cultural Availability: A Cross-Culturally Stable Determinant of Performance on Remote Associates Test Items:

Abstract: The stability of the previously obtained relationship between the difficulty and the cultural availability of RAT items is demonstrated. Item difficulty is greatest for those items whose answers are not readily available in the local culture as associates to the stimulus words of the item. This effect has been obtained in two geographically separate study populations, one largely metropolitan in origin and the other heavily rural. It also is shown that the cultural availability levels of items vary across the study populations. The implications of the variation among RAT items in cultural availability both within and between cultures are discussed.