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Serological Characterization of Members of the Genus Streptomyces
This investigation involved isolation and characterization of specific antigenic materials from known species of Streptomyces. The resulting antigens were then used to establish serological relationships between a number of different species. These groupings were, in turn, compared with similar studies recently established by the ISP, in which other taxonomic criteria were used. By these means, the serological characteristics of the Streptomyces were evaluated for their potential utility as added taxonomic tools in the establishment of species designations within this group.
High-Resolution Autoradiography with 33p
The purpose of this study is to provide groundwork for future autoradiographic investigations using 33P as a tracer.
The Immune Response of Guinea Pigs as Influenced by Hypobaric Pressure and Normoxic Environment (Part I); Membrane Filter-Fluorescent-Antibody Method for Detection and Enumeration of Bacteria in Water (Part II)
In this work experimental design and tests were established to determine whether antibody production in guinea pigs injected with a bacterial antigen is Influenced by the environment of simulated high altitude with normoxic conditions. Hematological and electrophoretic studies were simultaneously run with the antibody determinations as a check on related responses of the animals.
Polycyclic-Aromatic-Hydrocarbon-Induced Alterations in the Physio-Chemical Characteristics of Escherechia Coli Dexyribonucleic Acid
Prior to 1965 the interactions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) had been but moderately studied. It was concluded that, although a controversy existed, an apparent interaction occurred between DNA and certain aromatic hydrocarbon molecules and that the interaction was not an artifact of the reaction system.
Selected Physiological and Biochemical Studies on Blue-Green Algae
Twenty-two different unialgal clonal isolates have been obtained at random for experimental purposes over a period of about one year. Also, during this period, at least 12 other species or strains have been isolated into unialgal cultures which had not yet been identified and/or significantly cleared of heterotrophic contaminants.
Studies of the Passive Dispersal of Viable Algae and Protozoa by Aquatic and Terrestrial Beetles
The purpose of the present study was to determine the relative importance of aquatic and terrestrial beetles as possible vehicles in the passive overland dispersal of viable microorganisms.
Light and Electron Microscope Studies on the Chemotherapeutic Effect of a Combination of Dimethyl Sulfoxide and Hematoxylin on a Transplantable Lymphosarcoma
Investigations concerning the cellular response of tumor tissue to treatment with dimethyl sulfoxide and hematoxylin have not been reported. To establish the response of neoplastic tissue and cells to this combination of agents, this study was undertaken to determine the effects of dimethyl sulfoxide and hematoxylin on a transplantable lymphosarcoma in mice.
A Comparative Study of Passive Transfer Mechanisms of Tuberculin and Chemical Contact Delayed Hypersensitivities in the Guiea Pig
This study is concerned with a critical comparison of the passive transfer mechanisms of tuberculin and chemical contact hypersensitivities in the guinea pig by use of a four phase experimental approach.
Eutrophic Levels of Different Areas of a Reservoir: A Comparative Study
It was the purpose of this investigation to attempt to demonstrate if differences in eutrophic levels existed among selected areas of Garza-Little Elm, and to demonstrate the role that sediments play in affecting eutrophication.
Food, Feeding Selectivity, and Ecological Efficiencies of Fundulus notatus (Rafinesque) (Osteichthyes; Cyprinodontidae)
This study was made to further define the trophic dynamics of Fundulus notatus by determining its ration composition under natural conditions, measuring feeding selectivity under various laboratory conditions of prey-species composition and availability, and determining the efficiencies with which F. notatus utilizes ingested chironomid larvae.
Immunofluorescence as a Method for the Rapid Identification of Streptococcus Faecalis in Water
The development and refinement of FA has been adequately investigated with major emphasis on pathogenic microorganisms. The development of this technique has reduced both the time and number of biochemical tests necessary to identify a diversity of organisms. The organisms included are the protozoans, as described by Goldman (1953 and 1957) and by Ingram (1961), viruses, as reported by Liu (1955a) and Burgdorfer and Lackman (1960a), pathogenic bacteria which have been investigated by Moody, Goldman, and Thomason (1956), Moody and Winter (1959), Deason, Falcone, and Harris (1957) and Thomason, Cherry, and Moody (1957). Various fungi have been studied with FA by Kaufman and Brandt (1964), Kaufman and Kaplan (1961 and 1963) and Gordon (1958). Therefore, due to the success of the fluorescent antibody technique in many areas of microbiology in previous investigations, the logical assumption was that immunofluorescence might be incorporated into an efficient system in which a specific organism associated with fecal pollution, such as S. faecalis, could be rapidly identified. Based on this assumption, the feasibility of fluorescent antibody techniques, using S. faecalis was investigated as a means of rapid determination of bacterial pollution in water. Although much progress has been achieved in the study of cytochemical reactions by immunofluorescence, no attention has been focused on the application of this method as a determinative tool by which water contamination, due to the presence of the enterococci, could be demonstrated. Specifically, the purpose of the research reported in this dissertation was to devise an applicable, valid, and rapid method that could be employed in the detection and identification of S. faecalis.
Odorous Metabolite and Other Selected Studies of Cyanophyta
The purpose of this study was as follows: 1. Elucidate the laboratory conditions under which Anabaena circinalis produces the noxious odor component or components in maximum concentration, 2. Isolate the major noxious odorous metabolite(s), 3. Structurally define the odorous metabolite(s), 4. Quantitate the amount of metabolite(s) that a given amount of the organism produced.
A Vegetative Analysis of and Distribution of the Grasses of North Central Texas
Accurate identification is fundamental in any study of grasses by farmers, ranchers, range specialists, ecologists, or students interested in the changes taking place in the grass habitat. Frequently it is convenient, and sometimes it is necessary, to identify the grasses by their vegetative characters. Some are readily recognized at a glance by their habitat and certain characters well known to the experienced observer. In other cases, identification is more difficult; and, perhaps with a few, it is impossible to be certain of the species from vegetative characters. However, this may also be true when the characters of the floral parts alone are considered. The inflorescence, used in most keys and descriptions, is often available only for a short period of time. Identification by the characters of the vegetation can be used throughout the growing season, even if grazing or mowing has removed or prevented the development of the floral parts. There have been other studies of grass identification related to vegetative characters, but they have been local and have not covered North Central Texas. This paper provides a means of identifying grasses by their vegetative characters. It can be used by the scientist, the technician, and the layman interested in the grasses of North Central Texas. A key using technical terminology is provided for use by the ecologist, range specialist, plant taxonomist, and student in these areas of study. For the ranchman, farmer, greens keeper, gardener, or nurseryman, a key with symbols is given that can be used without a technical knowledge of taxonomic botany. The distribution maps and diagnoses will aid any user of the keys. They will also make available additional information that may be useful in the establishment of a numerical classification and identification of plants--grasses in particular.
Passive Dispersal of Algae and Protozoa Internally and Externally by Selected Aquatic Insects
This investigation was concerned with three aspects of the problem of passive dispersal of algae and protozoa by aquatic insects: the role of odonates in passive dispersal of viable small aquatic organisms, the passage of viable algae and protozoa through digestive tracts of field-collected herbivorous and carnivorous aquatic insects, and the viability duration of selected algae, during insect transport under monitored conditions.
The Influence of a Return of Native Grasslands upon the Ecology and Distribution of Small Rodents in Big Bend National Park
In the southwestern United States there is a delicate balance between the existing grasslands and the rodent fauna. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the influence of secondary succession of native grasslands upon the ecology and distribution of small rodents. Two methods of determining the rodent species were plot quadrates and trap lines using Sherman live traps.
A Taxonomic Study of the Family Bacteroidaceae
This study was performed to clarify the taxonomy of the bacteria in the family Bacteroidaceae.
Effects of Carbaryl (1-Naphthyl-n-methylcarbamate) on Trichocorixa Reticulata (Hemiptera: Corixidae) and Glyptotendipes Barbipes (Diptera: Chironomidae)
My study of the effects of carbaryl in aquatic systems under controlled laboratory conditions emphasized four major objectives: (1) to determine the acute toxicity of carbaryl to the herbivorous adult and immature Trichocorixa reticulata (Guerin)(Hemiptera: Corixidae), and to the omnivorous larvae of Glyptotendipes barbipes (Staeger) (Diptera: Chironomidae) under static bioassay; (2) to adapt a quantitative method of analysis for carbaryl in water and whole insect tissue extract; (3) to measure the accumulation of the insecticide by G. barbipes under static exposure; and (4) to quantify the uptake and loss of carbaryl by G. barbipes under daily-renewed sublethal dosages.
Studies on the Morphology and Biology of Cotton Rats (Sigmodon hispidus) from Northern Mexico to Southern Nebraska
This investigation was designed to evaluate the need for retaining both Sigmodon hispidus texianus and Sigmodon hispidus berlandieri as subspecific designations. An attempt was made to demonstrate bioclimatic variation and reproductive seasonality in cotton rats. The validity of applying the results of isolated studies of cotton rat populations to the species as a whole was examined.
In Vivo and In Vitro Transformations of Mouse Tissues from a Murine Lymphosarcoma
The problem with which this investigation is concerned is that of determining the nature of events leading to the change. of normal cells into malignant cells. The design of the study is multi-phasic: (A) to establish the presence or absence of an oncogenic virion, (B) to demonstrate by use of the electron microscopy any ultracellular alteration in malignant or transformed tissues, (C) to investigate the nature of the transforming agent in the murine lymphosarcoma, and (D) to employ various methods to demonstrate cellular transformations in vivo and in vitro. It is concluded that the transforming and tumorinducing agent in this' investigation was not a virion, but an infectious ribonucleic acid genome or a segment of a viral genome which had become integrated into the genome of the mouse cells. The vision has lost its ability to form a protein coat; therefore it is not demonstrable as a virion. But the ribonucleic acid is able to infect other cells and transform them from normal to neoplastic tissues.
The Isolation and Characterization of a Hitherto Undescribed Gram-Negative Bacterium
A unique undosciribed gramnegative rod is extensively characterized in this study. The cells of this unusual water isolate measure 1.2 X 6.5 microns, The most distinguishing characteristic of the bacterium is a polar tuft of 35-40 flagella that aggregate to function as a single organelle which is visible under phase contrast. Aging cells deposit poly- -hydroxybutyric acid granules which are bound by an inclusion membrane made up of four distinct layers. It also possesses an unusual exterior membrane outside the cell wall which contains large fibrils of protein running at a slight angle to the longitudinal axis of the cell. The guanosine-cytosine ratio was found to be 62.2$. The organism's taxonomic position was further investigated by immunological, morphological, and biochemical methods. It was found to be most closely akin to members of the genus Pseudo onas, although somewhat divergent from other species classified in this genus. After careful evaluation of the findings obtained during this study, the new bacterium was subsequently named Pseudomonas multiflagella.
Identification of Glycine as the Factor in Peptone Which Induces Pleomorphism in Azotobacter Vinelandii
The rigid peptidoglycan layer of the cell wall is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of bacteria. Antibiotics such as penicillin exert their anti-bacterial effect by inhibiting synthesis of peptodoglycan, and enzymes such as lysozyme destroy cell integrity by hydrolyzing specific bonds in the interior of this macromolecule. Defective cells can no longer withstand the high turgor pressure within the cell because they are no longer protected by a rigid wall and tend to become fragile and spherical or irregular in shape. While all bacteria are pleomorphic under certain conditions which do not normally affect other bacteria. This is exemplified by the pleomorphic growth of Azotobacter in nutrient agar or peptone-containing medium. The purpose of this investigation was to study the nature of peptone-induced pleomorphism of Azotobacter. The first phase of study dealt with the effects of poptone on the growth and morphology of A. vinelandii. Many diverse froms were observed in peptone-containing media, but it was shown that all cell types were related to the "fungoid" family of pleomorphic cells. Although Azotobacter failed to accumulate detectable levels of cell-wall precursors in response to glycine treatment, it was shown that glycine acted only on metabolically active cells. In addition, incorporation of glycine into cell wall of Azotobacter was not required for induction of pleomorphism. Methionine and aspartic acid, and to a lesser degree alanine and isoleucine, were found to competitively inhibit glycine toxicity.
Isolation and Characterization of Malic Enzyme from Ascaris suum
A procedure for the isolation of malic enzyme from muscle tissue of the roundworm Ascaris suum is described. The fractionation method yields relatively large quantities of the enzyme,with a specific activity of fifteen moles of malate converted to pyruvate and carbon dioxide per min per mg at 25º. Homogeneity was established with analytical ultracentrifugation, zone electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, and rechromatography. The molecular weight of the enzyme was 250,000, and it is dissociated under several conditions into four identical monomers of 64,000 daltons. The enzyme exists as a single electrophoretic form and prefers manganous and NAD over other cations and NADP. Ammonium sulfate competes with manganous for the active site and titration with DTNB yields eight thiol groups per mole. Titration of the first four thiol groups is accompanied by a complete loss in enzyme activity. Equilibrium dialysis, product inhibition, and initial velocity studies suggest a rapid-equilibrium random sequential mechanism for the Ascaris suum malic enzyme. The presence of 1.3 binding sites per subunits was determined for L-ma late. Antisera prepared against A. suum malic enzyme reacted to a small extent with the NAD malic enzymes from two free-living nematodes, Panarellus redivivus and Turbatrix aceti. A correlation coefficient of 0.911 was obtained upon comparing the amino acid composition of A. suum and E. coli malic enzymes. Some sequence homology is predicted between these malic enzymes. The physiological interpretation favors the binding of malate initially, with the subsequent addition of NAD to the enzyme.
Linkage Relationships of Greenbug Resistance in Barley, Hordeum Vulgare L.
The linkage relationship and arm location of the gene for greenbug resistance in the variety Will was determined by using primary trisonomics and tertiary trisomic homozygous translocations. The gene for greenbug resistance was found to be on linkage group 1 by using primary trisonomics. The gene was located on the cetromere segment of the Tl-6a translocation by using a tertiary trismoic homozygous for greenbug resistance. The data further substantiates the feasibility of using trisomics in placing genes on proper linkage groups.
Carbon Flux in Reservoir Sediments
The central objective of the study was to fractionate sedimenting organic materials according to their source (allochthonous or autochthonous) and ultimately to determine the degree of biodegradability of contributions from either source with particular reference to activities at the mud-water interface.
Primary Productivity and Nutrient Relationships in Garza-Little Elm Reservoir
A large, multi-basin, reservoir (Garza-Little Elm Reservoir) in north central Texas was studied to determine the relative effects of various parameters on primary productivity. The basins were impounded several years apart,thus allowing the influence of age on water chemistry and biota to be considered. Another principal influence on water quality was secondary sewage effluent that entered one basin from a nearby source.
Trophogenic Ecology of Selected Southwestern Reservoirs
Three north central Texas reservoirs (Grapevine Reservoir, Lake Ray Hubbard, Lewisville Reservoir) were investigated in order to characterize the nutritional ecology, phytoplankton community structure, and primary productivity within the trophogenic zones of each. Emphasis was placed on elucidating the relative influences of the major nutrients (C, N, P, Fe, Si) and various other physico-chemical parameters on phytoplankton community biomass, structure, and productivity. Extensive physical, chemical, and biological analyses consisting of approximately eighty parameter measurements were made on each of twenty-three integrated water samples (surface to three meters) taken from the three reservoirs during the period July, 1971 to June, 1972. New methods which were employed included a high-intensity ultraviolet photocombustion procedure for the determination of total nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron, and an in vitro oxygen method for estimating community metabolism. General chemical and physical regimes are described for the three reservoirs, and various interrelationships discussed. Phytoplankton communities are delineated on bases of species composition, volume, diversity, pigments, and metabolism data. The more salient biotic and physico-chemical interrelationships are examined within the context of the limiting nutrient controversy.
Biological Nitrogen Fixation in Two Southwestern Reservoirs
This investigation has determined the presence of biological nitrogen fixation in two reservoirs in the southwestern United States: Lake Arlington and Lake Ray Hubbard. Subsequent tests have gathered baseline data on the effects of various biological, chemical, and physical parameters on in situ nitrogen fixation in these reservoirs. Of specific importance is the relationship between nitrogen fixation arid occasional blooms of blue-green algae which produce such problems as testes and odors in these water-supply impoundments.
Evolutionary Genetics of Certain Mice of the Peromyscus boylii Species Group
The genetic structure of 49 natural populations of four species (P. attwateri, P. boylii, P. pectoralis, and P. polius) of the Peromyscus boylii species group was analyzed through application of chromosomal and electrophoretic techniques. Chromosomal variation within and among populations of the boylii species group was analyzed from 178 specimens. Electrophoretic techniques were utilized for the demonstration of variation in enzymes and other proteins encoded by structural loci and applied to the study of the evolution of the boylii species group by estimation of levels of genetic heterozygosity within populations, estimation of degree of genetic similarity between conspecific populations and between species, and determination of patterns of geographic variation in allelic frequencies and levels of heterozygosity. Six distinct chromosomal patterns were observed among the populations of the four species of the boylii species group. All specimens had a diploid number of 48 and the major difference in chromosomal morphology was in the number of pairs of large to medium biarmed autosomes. Little or no chromosomal variation was observed in three species (attwateri, pectoralis and polius), but considerable chromosomal variation occurred among populations of P. boylii. Generally, the chromosomal variation in P. bylii was between allopatric populations, with each chromosomal pattern limited to a recognized subspecies. Polymorphism was observed in two populations. The polymorphism observed in P. polius was the result of pericentric inversion involving the smallest pair of metacentric autosomes. The polymorphism observed in P. bolii cileus was interpreted at the result of gene flow between P. boylii rowleyi and P. boylii spicilegus. In addition to chromosomal evidence, analysis of electrophoretic data demonstrated and suggested effective gene flow between the chromosomal forms of P. boylii. Electrophoretically demonstrable variation was analyzed in 11 proteins encoded by 17 autosomal loci. Of the 17 structural loci, 11 were polymorphic in one or more …
Microbiological Treatment of Wastewater from a Wood-Preserving Plant
This research investigates interacting biological, chemical, and physical factors affecting the efficiency of microbiological wastewater treatment at the W. J. Smith Wood- Preserving Company in Denison, Texas. The treatment process consisted of collecting exhaust boiler water containing unidentified boiler treatment compounds, steam condensate contaminated with preservatives and wood extracts, plant process waters, and rainfall runoff from plant grounds. With a 5-minute residence time, wastewater was passed over 2 oxidation towers in series, each containing approximately 47,000 square feet of surface area. Suspended solids were removed from the wastewater before discharge. Various amino acids such as serine, aspartate, cysteine, phenylalanine, alanine, proline, glycine, histidine, and tyrosine significantly stimulated phenol degradation in the laboratory. The plant wastewater contained approximately 0.1 mg/l of several of the stimulatory amino acids. It was assumed that these concentrations provided maximal stimulation in the field situation. The plant wastewater also contained sufficient nitrogen to permit the organisms to degrade up to 100 mg phenol/1 of water examined. Amino acids in the wastewater probably serve as a source of microbial nutrition. Toxicity of the wastewater to fish was not caused by the presence of phenol, phenol degradation products, or traces of pentachlorophenol. The wastewater was rendered non-toxic by diluting with between 4 to 9 volumes of stream water. Toxicity could also be removed by chemical coagulation followed by activated carbon adsorption. As a result of biological treatment, the plant now discharges the treated wastewater into the municipal sewage treatment facility.
Biochemical Genetics of the Pocket Gopher Genus Geomys, and its Phylogenetic Implications
Electrophoretic techniques were utilized for the demonstration of variation in 22 proteins from 24 natural populations of four species ( G. bursarius, G. pinetis, G. arenarius and G. personatus ) of the Geomys complex of pocket gophers. Of the 24 structural loci , 19 were considered to be polymorphic. Five of the six esterases contributed greatested to the polymorphism while non-esterase proteins generally showed low values. In the GeoMys complex of pocket gophers in this study,selection appeared to be the most important influence on genetic structure with some evidence of random drift in two of the four species. Populations of G. arenarius and G. personatus had the highest average interspecific genetic similarities to G. bursarius and . pinetis was the most divergent. Biochemical evidence supports the phylogeny of Geomys based on morphological and fossil data.
Population Genetics, Karyology, and Morphology of Certain Species of the Peromyscus Truei Group
The systematic relationship of two species of the Peromyscus truei group (P. truei and P. difficilis) was analysed through the application of starch gel electrophoresis, numerical taxonomy, and chromosomal techiques. Of 20 loci examined, 11 were monomorphic in all populations, two exhibited variation in only two populations, and seven loci were polymorphic in two or more populations. The mean number of polymorphic loci per population was 0.186, the mean number of polymorphic loci per individual was 0.024, and the proportion of loci heterozygous per individual was 2.4%. Chromosomal forms of P. truei, P. t. gentilis (FN 54) and P. t. truei (FN 62), and P. difficilis, P. d. petricola (FN 56) and P. d. nasutus (FN 58), were consistent for their karyotypes throughout their geographic ranges. No chromosomal hybrids were detected. Numerical analysis of morphological characters and similarity values based on allelic frequencies utilizing Roger's coefficient (S) demonstrated a distinct seperation of karyotypic forms of P. truei (S = 0.902) and P. difficilis (S = 0.924) and were below the mean value of S for conspecifics (S = 0.950). All data indicates that each chromosomal form of the P. truei group examined represents four distinct species. The oldest available name for chromosomal forms of P. true with a fundamental number of 62 is Peromyscus truei Shufeldt (1885) and the oldest available name for chromosomal forms with a fundamental number of 54 is Peromyscus gratus Merriam (1898). The oldest available name for chromosomal forms of P. difficils with a fundamental number of 58 is PeromYSCus nasutus Allen (1891) and the oldest available name for chromosomal forms with a fundamental number of 56 is Peromyscus difficilis Allen (1891).
Effect of 2,450 MHz Microwave Radiation on Microorganisms
The effect of microwave radiation on soil bacteria in situ has been studied in both lab and field conditions. Radiation and thermal profiles show that heterotrophic bacteria, spores, fungi, and actinomycetes were not affected by total microwave radiations over the range 0 to 80 seconds of exposure at a net input of 1 KW of intensity. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria and nitrifying bacteria were also resistant to these doses. The soil microorganisms were inactivated as a function of microwave radiation in the range of 80 to 480 seconds of exposure to 1 KW of continuous radiation. By studying the relationship between temperature generated in dry and wet organisms and the pattern of destruction of inoculated bacteria by microwave radiation, it was found that inactivation was a function of cell hydration. It also revealed that bacterial cells do not absorb microwave energy and that the lethal effect of microwaves is due to direct energy transfer to cell water and the temperature increase of the suspending medium.
Effects of Phytohormones on Scenedesmus quadricauda
The literature on the effects of phytohormone on algae is clouded with contradictory reports. Reports have been published which substantiate and deny the effects of phytohormones in enhancing the growth and developmental processes in algae. The overall aim of this study was to investigate the response, if any, of the phytohormones indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid A3 (GA) and kinetin on the physiology of the green alga, Scenedesmus quadricauda. Results obtained for the uptake of 14^C-IAA an(j l4C-kinetin by Scenedesmus strongly support the presumption that the alga does not absorb the hormones. The retention of the phytohormones by the alga is due to adsorption, and is independent of hormone concentration. Most of the label was adsorbed by the outer pectic layers of the cell wall.
The Physiology of Azotobacter Vinelandii Cysts
The value of the adenylate energy charge [(ATP)+1/2(ADP)/(ATP)+(ADP)+(AMP)] in Azotobacter vinelandii cells was monitored during growth and germination in flask cultures. The miximal value of 0.88 was attained during mid-log phase; this declined gradually to 0.50 by late stationary phase. When these cultures were transferred to encystment media, the adenylate energy charge decreased to an average value of 0.40 as the vegetative cells encysted and remained unchanged during the next 20 days. Encystment cultures wre composed of vegetative cells, encysting cells and mature cysts but the proportionate value of the energy charge could be assigned. Viability of the total population remained 95% or higher during the entire period studied. Azotobacter vinelandii cysts cultivated on phosphate-sufficient media. Although cell protein and nucleic acids were unaffected by phosphate deficiency, cell wall structures, oxygen uptake and sncystment were significantly affected. Phosphate-limited cysts contained much larger amounts of poly-beta-hydroxybutyric acid but had a lower adenylate energy charge than did control cysts. The ATP/ADP ratio was much lower in phosophate-deficient cysts than in the control cysts. The data indicate a "substrate saving" choice of three metabolic pathways available to cells of Azotobacter under different growth conditions.
Taxonomy of the Azotobacteraceae
The classification of the Azotobacteraceae to the level of genus and species has been uncertain since the studies of Beijerinck in 1901. This dissertation represents an effort to establish a system of classification more complete than the one now in use. In this study, both qualitative and quantitative taxonomy were used in order to establish a well founded classification scheme. Qualitative methods included certain important morphological and physiological characteristics, isoenzyme patterns, and immunological reactions. Quantitative methods included numerical taxonomy (based on total morphological and physiological characteristics) and numerical analysis of protein profiles. All the data from these experiments were subject to comparison with other genotypic and phenotypic data.
Lizard Tail Autotomy: Some Aspects of its Ecology and Energetics
Autotomy (self-induced loss) of body parts has evolved independently as a predator defense mechanism in several major animal phyla. The mechanism among vertebrates, including 13 of the 20 recognized lizard families, is tail autotomy. Its occurrence among the majority of lizard families offers an excellent opportunity to examine the effects of a major selective force on the ecology and evolution of a group of organisms. The research of this study was designed to examine experimentally (i) the function of tail autotomy, (ii) the function of autotomized tail movement, (iii) the energetics of autotomized tail movement, and (iv) the energetic costs of autotomy of an energy-rich tail to reproduction.
Lethal and Sublethal Effects of Hemoxidants, Particularly Nitrite, on Selected Aquatic Animals
A research program was developed to investigate basic and applied aspects of toxicity, both lethal and sublethal, of hemoxidants, particularly nitrite, on fish, non-fish aquatic vertebrates, and crayfish. The major objectives of this research were to determine A) acute and sublethal toxicity of nitrite to selected aquatic organisms: 1. aquatic salamander larvae, Ambystoma texanum, 2. swamp crayfish, Procambarus simulans, 3. bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus, 4. bullfrog, tadpoles, Rana catesbiana, 5. channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, B) the influence of environmental chloride on acute and sublethal exposures to hemoxidants: 1. on acute nitrite toxicity to salamander larvae, crayfish, and bluegill, 2. on nitrite-induced methemoglobinemia in bullfrog tadpoles, Rana catesbian, C) the effect of environmental hydrogen ion concentrations (pH) on acute nitrite toxicity 1. to the crayfish, Procambarus simulans, 2. to the bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus, D) the effect of temperature in sublethal exposures to nitrite 1. methemoglobin formation in channel catfish exposed at different acclimation temperatures, 2. recovery from methemoglobinemia at different acclimation temperatures, E) the effect of the fish anesthetic TMS-222 on nitrite-induced methemoglobinemia in channel catfish 1. supression of nitrite-induced methemoglobinemia, 2. dose-response curve for TMS-222 induced methemoglobinemia, and F) if a methemoglobin reductase system is present in channel catfish.
Factors Inhibiting Dissociation Of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Cells
The initial studies reported in this dissertation were attempts to induce mutations in those genes which control dissociation in cells of Nei sseria gonorrhoeae. These studies led to an investigation of survival curves of cells grown in liquid media. Instead of survival curves reflecting the diploid nature of gonococci, multiple cell kinetics were observed. It was found that large clumps contained a predominance of cells of the T2 type and that when these clumps were dispersed by DNAase, it appeared that dissociation of T2 was inhibited. The notion of a mechanism of T2 to T4 dissociation being due to genetic transformation was disspelled by these data.
An Immunological Study of Adults with Down Syndrome
The high susceptibility to infection in persons with Down Syndrome (DS) has led some investigators to explore the possibility of a defect in the immune system. Studies to date indicate no defect in humoral immunity suggesting that the defect might be in the cellular immune functions, but no specific defect has been found. Our investigation of the cellular immune system of adult DS patients was conducted by examining (1) the number and function of T-lymphocytes, (2) the phagocytic function of granulocytes, (3) the level of superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1) in leukocytes, and (4) the effects of SOD-1 on lymphocyte and granulocyte functions.
Fungal Antigens and Fungal Disease: An Alkali-Soluble, Water Soluble Antigen from Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioidomycosis
Diagnostic medical mycology has been slow to advance due to a lack of species specific antigens in organisms which cause serious diseases in man. Toward this end, an HPLC analysis was done of the following fungal antigens: histoplasmins HKC-43 and H-42, blastomycin KCB-26, an alkali-soluble, water soluble antigen from Blastomyces dermatitidis (b-ASWS), a coccidioidin prepared from a toluene lysate of the mycelial-arthroconidia phase of Coccidioides immitis, and an alkali-soluble, water-soluble antigen from Coccidioides immitis (c-ASWS). The HPLC survey included size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), ion exchange chromatography (HPIEC), and reversephase chromatography (RP). Resolution was poor with both SEC and HPIEC but was excellent with RP chromatography. The use of RP will allow sufficient separation for further antigenic and structural analysis.
Testing and Evaluation of Environmental Fate Models Using Aquatic Microcosms and Three Organic Chemicals
Two compartment (sediment and water) flow-through model ecosystems were constructed to investigate the compartmentalization of different organic chemicals. Lindane, naphthalene, and mirex were pumped into the systems and resultant compartmental chemical concentrations determined. Steady state concentrations were compared to those predicted by two environmental fate models - EXAMS (Exposure Analysis Modeling System) and SLSA (Simplified Lake and Stream Analysis) which were developed by EPA-Athens, Georgia and HydroQual, Inc., respectively.
Biology and Production of Net-Spinning Caddisflies (Hydropsychidae And Philopotamidae) in a Regulated Portion Of The Brazos River, Texas
Four species of net-spinning caddisflies, Hydropsyche simulans Ross, Cheumatopsyche lasia Ross, Cheumatopsyche campyla Ross and Chimarra obscura (Walker) are common in the regulated portions of the Brazos River. Hydropsyche simulans spun capture nets with the largest meshdimensions; the two Cheumatopsyche species' nets had the next largest meshes, and Chimarra obscura spun nets with the smallest dimensions. Cheumatopsyche lasia and C. campyla constructed nets with similar sized meshes. The number of individuals m~2 and standing crop biomass were not significantly different among low, medium, and high velocities. Early hydropsychid instars fed on detritus while later instar H. simulans and C. campyla had larger proportions of animal material. Guts of later instar C. lasia individuals had a greater percentage of algae and diatoms.
Studies on the Drumming Behavior of North American Stoneflies (Plecoptera)
Drumming behavior is described for the first time in 16 North American species of Plecoptera, and signals of a 17th species, Isogenoides zionensis, are further detailed. The effective distance over which drumming signals may be transmitted was tested for four communication modes. Results indicate that substratum vibrations are far superior to sound in the transmission of drumming signals, and that dense substrates such as rocks are poor channels for signal transfer. Long communication periods between stonefly pairs of Taeniopteryx burksi resulted in some alterations from initial signaling characteristics.
Fate of Endothall in Aquatic Environments
Hazard assessment of pesticides in aquatic environments requires accurate predictions of persistence and compartmentalization. A strategy for developing confidence in predictive fate models, such as the Exposure Analysis Modeling System (EXAMS) and the Simplified Lake and Stream Analysis model (SLSA), is to test the models using carefully chosen chemicals in semi-controlled and field situations. An objective of this approach would be to isolate the variability in a particular fate process and thereby assess the ability of an algorithm to model the process. For example, endothall, a relatively watersoluble aquatic herbicide, has essentially a sole fate process, biotransformation. Endothall was used to test the predictive capabilities of EXAMS and SLSA and to identify sources of variance in those predictions.
Life History Energetics of The Red-Eared Turtle, Pseudemys scripta in North Central Texas
A population of the red-eared slider, Pseudemys scripta, in north central Texas was studied from 1975 to 1980. A life history energy budget was developed for a typical individual in the population and the population dynamics were estimated. A growth model relating growth rate to mean plastron length (PL) was developed from recapture data and used to 1) establish age classes and 2) age individuals. Growth rate was highly variable in both sexes. Females grew more rapidly than males and attained a larger maximum size (230 mm and 195 mm PL in females and males respectively). Females reached sexual maturity in their ninth year at a PL of 185-190 mm. Males matured in their sixth year at a PL of 90-100 mm. Females produced three clutches annually; clutch size ranged from 7 to 14 (X=10.3; N=20). Ova were enlarged in the early spring and ovulation began in late April and early May. Egg laying occurred from mid- May through June. Both egg size and clutch size increased with female body size. Lipid levels were variable within and among seasons. No annual lipid cycling pattern was evident in females. The proportion of assimilated energy devoted to reproduction, a measure of reproductive effort (RE), by females, was 13 per cent the first year of maturity (9 y) and increased to 20 per cent by their twentieth year. Lifetime RE was 16 per cent. Population density was estimated as 51 males and 50 females per ha in a 8.2-ha area of the lake. Young juveniles (less than 2 y) were not present although other subadult age classes were about equally represented. Fewer adults were encountered. An annual total production of 4000 eggs was estimated for the population present in 1977. A survival rate of from 2 to 18 per cent was estimated for …
A Study of Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbon Carcinogen Transport and Deoxyribonucleic Acid Repair
This investigation addresses the interrelated problems of A) Uptake and vascular transport of lipophilic chemical carcinogens, and intracellular interactions between lipoproteins and carcinogens; B) Biochemical mechanisms by which polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon carcinogens inhibit the replicative and repair DNA synthesis in cells. The results observed in this study suggest that ingested benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) enters the gastrointestinal lymphatic drainage sequestered within lymphatic lipoproteins, and that low-density lipoproteins (LDL) play a major role in the vascular transport of BaP. BaP is taken up into cells by adsorptive endocytosis mediated by an interaction between apolipoprotein-specific receptors on the cell membrane and the specific apolipoproteins on LDL. Having entered peripheral cells sequestered within the lipid core of LDL, an electrophilic metabolite of BaP covalently binds to cellular DNA, and may interact with other cellular macro-molecules. Data presented here suggest that LDL is also absolutely required for the activation of DNA polymerase-a, which is the major enzyme of DNA excision repair necessary to correct the DNA damage caused by BaP. This study concludes that an active metabolite of the polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon carcinogen, benzo(a)pyrene, suppresses DNA polymerase-a activity by inhibiting the binding of 2'-deoxyguanosine 5'-triphosphate to an acceptor site on the DNA polymerase-a complex with the DNA substrate, thereby competitively inhibiting interaction of 2'-deoxyguanosine 5'-triphosphate in the DNA synthetic process.
Some Responses of Bacillus subtilis Spores to Glutaraldehyde
Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 19659) were damaged by exposure to various concentrations of glutaraldehyde, as shown by decreased germination rates. The damage caused was repaired or otherwise obviated by the presence of sodium lactate in the holding medium. When two different salts of lactic acid were compared for ability to overcome the effect of glutaraldehyde, it was found that calcium salt of lactate was more effective than the sodium salt. The damage repair system involved l-alanine, lactate and either the sodium or calcium ions. The study involved in determining the difference in efficiency of spore repair was due to an organic or an amino acii snowed that the presence of two carboxylic functional groups did not effectively alter the reactivity.
Fitness-Related Alterations in Blood Pressure Control: The Role of the Autonomic Nervous System
Baroreflex function and cardiovascular responses to lower body negative pressure during selective autonomic blockade were evaluated in endurance exercise trained (ET) and untrained (UT) men. Baroreflex function was evaluated using a progressive intravenous infusion of phenylephrine HCL (PE) to a maximum of 0.12 mg/min. Heart rate, arterial blood pressure, cardiac output and forearm blood flow were measured at each infusion rate of PE. The reduction in forearm blood flow and concomitant rise in forearm vascular resistance was the same for each subject group. However, the heart rate decreases per unit increase of systolic or mean blood pressure were significantly (P<.05) less in the ET subjects (0.91 ± 0.30 versus 1.62 ± 0.28 for UT). During progressive lower body negative pressure with no drug intervention, the ET subjects had a significantly (P<.05) greater fall in systolic blood pressure (33.8 ± 4.8 torr versus 16.7 ± 3.9 torr). However, the change in forearm blood flow or resistance was not significantly different between groups. Blockade of parasympathetic receptors with atropine (0.04 mg/kg) eliminated the differences in response to lower body negative pressure. Blockade of cardiac sympathetic receptors with metoprolol (0.02 mg/kg) did not affect the differences observed during the control test. It was concluded that the ET subjects were less effective in regulating blood pressure than the UT subjects, because of 1) an attenuated baroreflex sensitivity, and 2) parasympathetic-mediated depression of cardiac and vasoconstrictive responses to the hypotensive stress.
New Descriptions, Intraspecific Variation and Systematic Importance of Drumming Behavior in Selected North American Plecoptera
Drumming behavior is described for the first time in 33 North American Plecoptera species, and signals of an additional five species, Pteronarcys pictetii, Acroneuria abnormis, Paragnetina media, Clioperla clio and Isogenoides zionensis, are further detailed. An out-group comparison of behavioral characters in all 104 world species whose drumming is known showed that the behavior is more advanced in the Arctoperlaria Group Systellognatha than in the Group Euholognatha. In general, tapping, monophasy, touching, sequenced exchange and less than 50 taps/answer are ancestral states, and rubbing, grouping, phasing, tremulation, interspersed exchange and equal or more than 50 taps/answer are derived states. There has been some co-evolution between abdominal structure and drumming behavior. Scanning Electron Micrographs of 30 species showed that the primitive state of tapping is ascociated with three classes of abdominal structure: (1) absence of derived structures, (2) lobes or vesicles, and (3) hammers. The derived behavior of rubbing, however, occurs only in species with derived structures, and is predominant in species having vesicles and hammers. Drumming can be used as a line of evidence to aid in defining genera and species, since the behavior has a variable degree of specificity or exclusiveness in all species, particularly in groups of species I have studied in the genera Isoperla, Pteronarcys and Taeniopteryx. Typical and variant computer-synthesized male calls of three stonefly species were tested with live females. They responded at high levels in such a way that the important informational content conveyed was identified as: (1) a minimal threshold of beat numbers, and (2) a discriminant window of beat intervals. Rub frequency and bibeat calling were critical informational parameters in two species.
Neuropharmacological Characteristics of Tolerance for Cocaine Used as a Discriminative Stimulus
The main purpose of this research was to investigate the phenomenon of tolerance to cocaine. Tolerance is operationally defined as a decreased drug effect due to prior history of drug administration. The animal model that was chosen to investigate tolerance to cocaine was the drug discrimination model, which is an animal analogue of human subjective drug effects. In the drug discrimination procedure, animals are trained to emit one behavior when injected with saline. In the present experiments, rats were trained to press one lever when injected with cocaine, 10 mg/kg, and a different lever when injected with saline for food reinforcement. Once rats are trained, they can accurately detect the cocaine stimulus greater than 95% of the time.
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