Showing papers by "Washington State University published in 1991"

Identity processes and social stress

Abstract: Social stress can be understood by incorporating interruption theory as developed in research on stress into a model of identity processes drawn from identity theory. From this perspective, social stress results from interruption of the feedback loop that maintains identity processes. I discuss four mechanisms of interruption of identity processes: broken identity loops, interference between identity systems, over-controlled identity systems, and the invocation of episodic identities. Each of these four mechanisms is associated with conditions known to produce feelings of distress. Finally, I discuss how personal evaluation relates to identity processes and distress, and how distress can lead to changes in identity. T hirty years ago inldentity andAnxiety, Stein, Vidich and White (1960) expressed the concern that the advent of a mass society would lead to a "loss of identity" and hence to widespread anxiety or stress. Today, research on social stress is more likely to emphasize the excessive demands and pressures arising from the many roles and identities that people maintain (Holroyd and Lazarus 1982; House 1974). While the implicit contradiction between these contrasting themes of too few or too many identities has not yet been resolved, interest in the relationship between stress or anxiety and identity has grown. In this paper, I propose a model of the relationship between stress and identity. I show that in a variety of situations known to produce stress, stress results from a common mechanism: disruption of the identity process. The importance of this common mechanism is two-fold. First, from the point of view of identity theory, it underlines the importance of understanding identity as a continuous process rather than as a state or trait of an individual. Second, it gives a focus to research on coping and problem solving as mechanisms for dealing with anxiety and distress. While Thoits (1991) has recently suggested that life events related to identities are more likely to produce distress than other life events, the present paper presents a model that helps to clarify this link.

Content-Analysis Research: An Examination of Applications with Directives for Improving Research Reliability and Objectivity

Abstract: This article provides an empirical review and synthesis of published studies that have used content-analysis methods Harold Kassarjian's critical guidelines for content-analysis research were used to examine the methods employed in 128 studies The guidelines were expanded by providing an empirical investigation of multiple dimensions of objectivity Reliability issues were also assessed by examining factors central to the replication and interjudge coefficient calculations The findings indicate a general need for improvement in the application of content-analysis methods Suggestions for calculating reliability coefficients and for improving the objectivity and reliability of research are offered

Fundamentals of matrix computations

Abstract: Gaussian Elimination and its Variants Sensitivity of Linear Systems Effects of Roundoff Errors Orthogonal Matrices and the Least Squares Problem Eigenvalues, Eigenvectors and Invariant Subspaces Other Methods for the Symmetric Eigenvalue Problem The Singular Value Decomposition Appendices Bibliography

A Polypeptide from Tomato Leaves Induces Wound-Inducible Proteinase Inhibitor Proteins

Abstract: Defensive genes in plants can be activated by several different types of nonpeptide signaling molecules. An endogenous polypeptide, consisting of 18 amino acids, was isolated from tomato leaves and was able at very low concentrations to induce the synthesis of two wound-inducible proteinase inhibitor proteins when supplied to young tomato plants. The sequence of the polypeptide was determined, and an identical polypeptide was synthesized that possessed full inducing activity. These data establish that a polypeptide factor can initiate signal transduction to regulate the synthesis of defensive proteins in plant tissues.

The social desirability response bias in ethics research

Abstract: This study examines the impact of a social desirability response bias as a personality characteristic (self-deception and impression management) and as an item characteristic (perceived desirability of the behavior) on self-reported ethical conduct. Findings from a sample of college students revealed that self-reported ethical conduct is associated with both personality and item characteristics, with perceived desirability of behavior having the greatest influence on self-reported conduct. Implications for research in business ethics are drawn, and suggestions are offered for reducing the effects of a socially desirable response bias.

An Identity Theory Approach to Commitment

Abstract: Commitment highlights one of the ways in which individuals infuse roles and social structure with self-motivated behaviors, thereby linking the self to social structure. Past theoretical formulations of commitment, including work by Becker, Stryker, and Kanter, tended to focus on commitment as a tie between an individual and either 1) a line of activity, 2) particular role partners, or 3) an organization. An approach based on identity theory or affect control theory (each of which uses a cybernetic model of identity processes) suggests that commitment connects an individual to an identity. In this view, commitment does not link a person to consistent lines of activity, other role partners, or organizations, but to a stable set of self-meanings. These stable self-meanings, in turn, produce consistent lines of activities. This idea is borne out in an analysis of data from the college student role, in which there exist multiple, independent bases of commitment containing cognitive and socioemotional components. Commitment moderates the relationship between student identity and role performance such that the relationship is stronger for persons with higher commitment.

Photochemical degradation of dissolved organic carbon and its impact on the oceanic carbon cycle

Abstract: THE processes that regulate the cycling of oceanic dissolved organic carbon (DOC), one of the largest carbon reservoirs on the Earth's surface1, are largely unknown. DOC residues in the deep sea, below 500 m, seem to be composed mainly of biologically refractory compounds2–10 such as humic substances11. The average apparent 14C age of this refractory DOC is >6,000 yr in the deep Pacific2, suggesting that its rate of turnover is slow, but the pathways and rates responsible for this apparent slow turnover are unknown. Several studies have shown that aquatic humic substances are photochemically degraded by sunlight into biologically labile and/or volatile organic compounds12–14 and carbon monoxide15,16. Here we present new data which suggest that this photochemical degradation pathway is the rate-limiting step for the removal of a large fraction of oceanic DOC. This rate will increase with increasing flux of solar ultraviolet-B radiation. We estimate the oceanic residence time of biologically refractory, photochemically reactive DOC to be 500–2,100 yr, which is less than its average apparent 14C age. The injection of 'old carbon' from sediments into the deep sea may explain this discrepancy.

The influence of delinquent peers: what they think or what they do?*

Abstract: Although the association between delinquent friends and delinquent behavior is well established, the mechanism by which delinquency is socially transmitted remains unclear. Sutherlands theory of differential association holds that delinquency is a consequence of attitudes favorable to the violation of the law, attitudes that are acquired through intimate social interaction with peers. An analysis of data from the National Youth Survey indicates that peer attitudes do affect delinquency. But the effect of peers'attitudes is small in comparison to that of peers behavior, and the effect of peers'behavior remains strong even when peers, attitudes and the adolescent's own attitude are controlled. Moreover, when the behavior and attitudes of peers are inconsistent, the behavior of peers appears to outweigh or override the attitudes of peers. These findings suggest that delinquency is not primarily a consequence of attitudes acquired from peers. Rather, it more likely stems from other social learning mechanisms, such as imitation or vicarious reinforcement, or from group pressures to conform.

Plant Lipids: Metabolism, Mutants, and Membranes

Abstract: The mechanisms that regulate plant lipid metabolism determine the dietary and industrial value of storage oils found in economically important species and may control the ability of many plants to survive exposure to temperature extremes. Many of the problems researchers have in defining the pathways, enzymes, and genes involved in plant lipid metabolism appear to be amenable to analysis by genetic approaches. Mutants with alterations in membrane lipid composition have also been used to study the structural and adaptive roles of lipids. The application of genetic engineering methods affords opportunities for researchers to apply knowledge gained about plant lipid metabolism toward enhanced use of plant oils as abundant and renewable sources of reduced carbon.

Adult dietary intake and prostate cancer risk in Utah: a case-control study with special emphasis on aggressive tumors.

Abstract: A population-based case-control study in Utah of 358 cases diagnosed with prostate cancer between 1984 and 1985, and 679 controls categorically matched by age and county of residence, were interviewed to investigate the association between dietary intake of energy (kcal), fat, protein, vitamin A, β-carotene, vitamin C, zinc, cadmium, selenium, and prostate cancer. Dietary data were ascertained using a quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Data were analyzed separately by age (45–67, 68–74) and by tumor aggressiveness. The most significant associations were seen for older males and aggressive tumors. Dietary fat was the strongest risk factor for these males, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.9 (95 percent confidence interval [CI] 1.0–8.4) for total fat; OR=2.2 (CI=0.7–6.6) for saturated fat; OR=3.6 (CI=1.3−9.7) for monounsaturated fat; and OR=2.7 (CI=1.1−6.8) for polyunsaturated fat. Protein and carbohydrates had positive but nonsignificant associations. Energy intake had an OR of 2.5 (CI=1.0−6.5). In these older men, no effects were seen for dietary cholesterol, body mass, or physical activity. There was little association between prostate cancer and dietary intake of zinc, cadmium, selenium, vitamin C, and β-carotene. Total vitamin A had a slight positive association with all prostate cancer (OR=1.6, CI=0.9−2.4), but not with aggressive tumors. No associations were found in younger males, with the exception of physical activity which showed active males to be at an increased but nonsignificant risk for aggressive tumors (OR=2.0, CI=0.8−5.2) and β-carotene which showed a nonsignificant protective effect (OR=0.6, CI=0.3−1.6). The findings suggest that dietary intake, especially fats, may increase risk of aggressive prostate tumors in older males.

An adaptive algorithm for the approximate calculation of multiple integrals

Abstract: An adaptive algorithm for numerical integration over hyperrectangular regions is described. The algorithm uses a globally adaptive subdivision strategy. Several precautions are introduced in the error estimation in order to improve the reliability. In each dimension more than one integration rule is made available to the user. The algorithm has been structured to allow ecient implementation on shared memory parallel computers.

Trends in public opinion toward environmental issues: 1965–1990

Abstract: A comprehensive review of available longitudinal data on public opinion toward environmental issues since 1965 suggests the following conclusions regarding trends in public concern over environmental quality: (a) Environmental concern developed dramatically in the late 1960s and reached a peak with the first Earth Day in 1970; (b) such concern declined considerably in the early 1970s and then more gradually over the rest of the decade, but remained substantial; (c) the 1980s saw a significant and steady increase in both public awareness of the seriousness of environmental problems and in support for environmental protection, with the result that by the twentieth anniversary of Earth Day in 1990, public concern for environmental quality reached unprecedented levels. This supportive public opinion provides a valuable resource for the environmental movement, and the future of the movement will depend heavily on the degree to which environmentalists can effectively mobilize this support.

Variation in Mammalian Physiological Responses to a Condensed Tannin and Its Ecological Implications

Abstract: Mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus ), domestic sheep ( Ovis aries ), and American black bears ( Ursus americanus ) were fed quebracho ( Schinopsis sp.) tannin to determine the contribution of salivary proteins to nitrogen- and fiber-digestive efficiencies and tannin metabolism. These values were compared to previously published values for laboratory rats ( Rattus rattus ) and prairie voles ( Microtus ochrogaster ). Mule deer, black bears, and laboratory rats consuming this condensed tannin produced tannin-binding salivary proteins that reduced fecal-nitrogen losses per unit of ingested tannin and reduced tannin metabolism relative to domestic sheep and prairie voles. Digestibility of the plant fiber was reduced significantly by tannins in domestic sheep, but not in mule deer. Although virtually all ingested tannin (98.3 ± 5.0%) was recovered in feces of mule deer and black bears, ca. 25% was not recovered in feces of domestic sheep and presumably was metabolized. The defensive role of tannins as digestion inhibitors or toxins is dependent upon the molecular characteristics of the tannin interacting with the physiological capability of the animal. Results from one plant-mammal interaction cannot be used to interpret others without an understanding of the characteristics of the tannins and the physiology, ecology, and evolution of the animal.

Interest and Learning From Text

Abstract: Dewey (1913) suggested some time ago that trying to find out what is of interest to students is an important part of schooling; on the other hand, “making things interesting” is artificial and often unsuccessful. Two studies investigating the placement of interesting detail in a text about a physicist and his scientific work are reported here. In both studies, undergraduate students were asked to read the science text under a variety of conditions and then to recall important information on a set of measures. Results indicated that attention of students was diverted from important generalizations in text to interesting, sometimes irrelevant, detail. Placement of the detail did not affect recall, but overall interestingness of the text did, particularly if students knew little about the topic of the text. Implications for instruction are discussed.

Interrelationships of Work Commitment Constructs

Abstract: Bivariate correlations have typified research on interrelationships of work commitment constructs. A model of work commitment is presented which specifies multivariate relationships among organizational commitment, career salience, work group attachment, job involvement, and the Protestant work ethic. Data from a sample of university employees reveal that multivariate findings are generally consistent with reported bivariate correlations. While four of the five hypothesized relationships in the theoretic model are supported, the study highlights the need for further conceptual and empirical work to improve the model's fit.

Ethical decision making in the medical profession: An application of the theory of planned behavior

Abstract: The present study applied Ajzen's (1985) theory of planned behavior to the explanation of ethical decision making. Nurses in three hospitals were provided with scenarios that depicted inadequate patient care and asked if they would report health professionals responsible for the situation. Study results suggest that the theory of planned behavior can explain a significant amount of variation in the intent to report a colleague. Attitude toward performing the behavior explained a large portion of the variance; subjective norms explained a moderate amount of the variance; and, perceived behavioral control added little to the explanation of variance. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Models of Limit Held by College Calculus Students.

Abstract: This study documents 10 college students' understanding of the limit concept and the factors affecting changes in that understanding. Common informal models of limit were identified among the 10 students, who were then presented with alternative models of limit and with anomalous limit problems. The problems were designed to encourage students to make changes in their own models to reflect a more formal conception. Individual models of limit varied widely even among students who initially described limits in similar ways. The dynamic aspect of these models was extremely resistant to change. This resistance was influenced by students' belief in the a priori existence of graphs, their prior experiences with graphs of simple functions, the value they put on conceptually simple and practically useful models, and their tendency to view anomalous problems as minor exceptions to rules. These factors combined to inhibit students' motivation to adopt a formal view of limit.

A kinetic partitioning model of selective binding of nonnative proteins by the bacterial chaperone SecB.

Abstract: An in vitro assay for the interaction of SecB, a molecular chaperone from Escherichia coli, with polypeptide ligands was established based on the ability of SecB to block the refolding of denatured maltose-binding protein. Competition experiments show that SecB binds selectively to nonnative proteins with high affinity and without specificity for a particular sequence of amino acids. It is proposed that selectivity in binding is due to a kinetic partitioning of polypeptides between folding and association with SecB.

Defense Mechanisms of Conifers: Differences in Constitutive and Wound-Induced Monoterpene Biosynthesis Among Species

Abstract: Levels of monoterpene cyclase activity were determined in extracts from wounded and unwounded saplings of 10 conifer species to assess whether oleoresin biosynthesis is induced by stem wounding. Species of Abies and Picea, with low to moderate levels of constitutive monoterpene cyclase activity, exhibited a five- to 15-fold increase in cyclase activity 7 days after wounding relative to unwounded controls. In contrast, species of genera such as Pinus, with high levels of constitutive cyclase activity, did not significantly respond to wounding by alteration in the level of cyclase activity. The highest fold increase in monoterpene cyclase activity was consistently observed in Abies grandis, and the time-course of induction of activity following stem wounding in this species demonstrated a threefold increase at 2 days relative to unwounded controls, rising to a maximum increase in the response at 9 days (greater than 10-fold) followed by an apparent decline. The wound response was localized, and both bark (phloem) and wood (xylem) tissues displayed increased cyclase activity at the wound site. The magnitude of the increase in cyclase activity was dependent on the severity of the wound.

Ecological genetics of Bromus tectorum. II. Intraspecific variation in phenotypic plasticity.

Abstract: For Bromus tectorum, an alien annual grass now widespread in western North America, we assessed the sensitivity of the phenotypic expression of populational differences in phenology and demography to variation in plant density. Plants were grown in an unheated glasshouse from seeds collected from six habitat types located along a moisture-temperature gradient. Survival to flowering was high with a mean overall survival of 91%. Survival was highest among plants from the coolest, most mesic site. Time to first flowering decreased at the higher sowing density and was dependent on seed source. Plant dry weight and average seed production was lowest within high density plots; the magnitude of this reduction was significantly dependent on seed source. Individual seed weight was also dependent on the interaction of seed source and sowing density. Seed weight did not vary as much as seed number or plant weight in response to density. Differences among sources in hierarchies of plant size and seed production were detected at low sowing densities. The degree of inequality in the distributions of plant size and seed number increased at high density.

Induction of soybean vegetative storage proteins and anthocyanins by low-level atmospheric methyl jasmonate.

Abstract: Soybean seedlings were exposed to atmospheric methyl jasmonate (MJ) to determine if low levels of this compound could regulate the expression and accumulation of the vegetative storage proteins (VSPs) in soybeans. Low levels of atmospheric MJ induced the accumulation of three VSPs with molecular masses of 27 kDa, 29 kDa, and 94 kDa (vsp27, vsp29, and vsp94, respectively). Atmospheric MJ caused vsp94 to be accumulated in all above-ground organs of the seedling uniformly after just 3 days of exposure. vsp27 preferentially accumulated in shoot tips and primary leaves, whereas vsp29 preferentially accumulated in the cotyledons. In addition to these effects, MJ also induced the biosynthesis of anthocyanins in light-grown seedlings but inhibited anthocyanin biosynthesis in etiolated seedlings. It is concluded that low levels of atmospheric MJ regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis and the organspecific accumulation of VSPs in developing soybean seedlings. The organ-specific differential accumulation may reflect changes in the pattern of nitrogen partitioning between various compounds and/or organs. These results lend substance to the hypothesis that volatile MJ may act as a gaseous messenger or growth regulator in plants.

Comparison of three methods of feeding colostrum to dairy calves

Abstract: Absorption of colostral immunoglobulins by Holstein calves was studied in 3 herds in which 3 methods of colostrum feeding were used. Failure of passive transfer, as determined by calf serum immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) concentration less than 10 mg/ml at 48 hours of age, was diagnosed in 61.4% of calves from a dairy in which calves were nursed by their dams, 19.3% of calves from a dairy using nipple-bottle feeding, and 10.8% of calves from a dairy using tube feeding. The management factor determined to have the greatest influence on the probability of failure of passive transfer in the herds using artificial methods of colostrum feeding (bottle feeding or tube feeding) was the volume of colostrum fed as it affected the amount of IgG1 received by the calf. In dairies that used artificial feeding methods, failure of passive transfer was infrequent in calves fed greater than or equal to 100 g IgG1 in the first colostrum feeding. In the dairy that allowed calves to suckle, prevalence of failure of passive transfer was greater than 50% even among calves nursed by cows with above-average colostral IgG1 concentration. Analysis of the effect of other management factors on calf immunoglobulin absorption revealed small negative effects associated with the use of previously frozen colostrum and the use of colostrum from cows with long nonlactating intervals.