Latest content added for UNT Digital Library Partner: UNT Librarieshttps://digital.library.unt.edu/explore/partners/UNT/browse/?sort=added_a&fq=str_degree_department:Department+of+Biological+Sciences&display=grid2007-09-25T22:21:04-05:00UNT LibrariesThis is a custom feed for browsing UNT Digital Library Partner: UNT LibrariesNucleotide Inhibition of Glyoxalase II2007-09-20T13:46:15-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2183/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2183/"><img alt="Nucleotide Inhibition of Glyoxalase II" title="Nucleotide Inhibition of Glyoxalase II" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2183/small/"/></a></p><p>The glyoxalase system mediates the conversion of methylglyoxal, a toxic ketoaldehyde, to D-lactic acid. The system is composed of two enzymes, glyoxalase I (Glo-I) and glyoxalase II (Glo-II), and exhibits an absolute requirement for a catalytic quantity of glutathione (GSH). Glo-I catalyzes the isomerization of a hemithioacetal, formed non-enzymatically from methylglyoxal and GSH, to the corresponding a -D-hydroxyacid thioester, s-D-lactoylglutathione (SLG). Glo-II catalyzes the irreversible breakdown of SLG to D-lactate and GSH.
We have observed that ATP or GTP significantly inhibits the Glo-II activity of tissue homogenates from various sources. We have developed a rapid, one step chromatography procedure to purify Glo-II such that the purified enzyme remains "sensitive" to inhibition by ATP or GTP (Glo-II-s). Studies indicate that inhibition of Glo-II-s by nucleotides is restricted to ATP, GTP, ADP, and GDP, with ATP appearing most effective. Kinetics studies have shown that ATP acts as a partial non-competitive inhibitor of Glo-II-s activity, and further suggest that two kinetically distinguishable forms of the enzyme exist.
The sensitivity of pure Glo-II-s to nucleotide inhibition is slowly lost on storage even at -80° C. This loss is accelerated at higher temperatures or in the presence of ATP. Kinetics studies on the resultant "insensitive" enzyme (Glo-II-i) show that a significant reduction of the affinity of the enzyme for the substrate, SLG, occurs and further suggest that only one form of the enzyme is kinetically distinguishable after "de-sensitization". Tryptophan fluorescence studies of the two enzyme preparations suggest that a subtle conformational change in the enzyme has occurred during de-sensitization.
We have also observed that Glo-II-i is "resensitized" to nucleotide inhibition after incubation in the presence of a reagent that reduces disulfide bonds. The resensitized enzyme exhibits an increased KM value similar to that of the original Glo-II-s. Kinetics studies show that ATP or GTP again act as partial non-competitive inhibitors of the resensitized enzyme and suggest that only one form of the enzyme is present. The physiological significance of the two enzyme forms is discussed.</p>Syllabus for Advanced Placement Biology2007-09-20T16:18:15-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2203/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2203/"><img alt="Syllabus for Advanced Placement Biology" title="Syllabus for Advanced Placement Biology" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2203/small/"/></a></p><p>The purpose of this syllabus is to provide a working copy to those teachers of the advanced placement biology course taught at the high school level. Reference materials used were the Texas Education Agency ( TEA ) approved Campbell text Biology and the College Board's, Advanced Placement Biology Laboratory Manual. The syllabus is divided into major topics with outlined notes and includes laboratory exercises as recommended by the College Board. The AP biology course is intended to be equivalent to college biology. College freshman biology courses can differ among colleges and among teachers within the same college. This syllabus is intended to serve as an aid to AP teachers, to cover the topics and experiments as set out by the College Board, and to the high school student, the necessary material to successfully complete the AP examination while providing freshman biology equivalence.</p>An Assessment of the Use of Seeding, Mowing, and Burning in the Restoration of an Oldfield to Tallgrass Prairie in Lewisville, Texas2007-09-20T16:18:33-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2207/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2207/"><img alt="An Assessment of the Use of Seeding, Mowing, and Burning in the Restoration of an Oldfield to Tallgrass Prairie in Lewisville, Texas" title="An Assessment of the Use of Seeding, Mowing, and Burning in the Restoration of an Oldfield to Tallgrass Prairie in Lewisville, Texas" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2207/small/"/></a></p><p>An examination of the effectiveness of seeding, burning, and mowing in the reestablishment of tallgrass prairie species on overgrazed and abandoned pastureland. The study site is a 20 acre tract on U.S. Corps of Engineers land below Lake Lewisville in Denton County, Texas. The site was partitioned into thirty-nine 40 by 40 meter plots with seeding (carried out in 1996) and management treatment (burning, mowing, and no maintenance carried out in 1998) randomly applied following a two level design. For each plot, nine stratified-random 0.1 m2 subplots were examined and shoot counts for each species recorded. The effects of the treatments on individual species and species richness were analyzed with a two-way ANOVA followed by a SNK multiple range test, both on ranked data. Community level analysis was conducted with both a MANOVA on ranked data and a Canonical Correspondence Analysis on raw data. Results indicate that seeding positively affected species richness, particularly when combined with either burning or mowing in the early spring. Mowing also significantly increased species richness in areas that were not seeded, while burning negatively affected species richness on unseeded plots. Treatments significantly affected community composition with treatments having the most clear effect on spring and summer forbs.</p>Comparative Mitochondrial DNA Sequence Diversity in Isolated and Open Populations of Southern Flying Squirrels2007-09-20T19:20:53-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2222/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2222/"><img alt="Comparative Mitochondrial DNA Sequence Diversity in Isolated and Open Populations of Southern Flying Squirrels" title="Comparative Mitochondrial DNA Sequence Diversity in Isolated and Open Populations of Southern Flying Squirrels" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2222/small/"/></a></p><p>Three populations of Southern flying squirrels were studied in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas to assess the impact of population subdivision-due to island formation--on the population genetics of Glaucomys volans. One island, one mainland, and one open population were investigated. A 367 nucleotide hypervariable region of mitochondrial DNA was sequenced in individuals from each population. Individuals and populations were compared to assess relatedness. Higher sequence diversity was detected in the open and island populations. One island individual shared characters with both the island and mainland populations. Results support the hypothesis that the mainland population may have reduced gene flow. Also, the island population may have been originally founded by at least two maternal lineages.</p>Development of Cardiovascular Regulation in Embryos of the Domestic Fowl (Gallus Gallus), with a Partial Comparison to Embryos of the Desert Tortoise (Gopherus Agassizii)2007-09-20T19:20:57-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2223/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2223/"><img alt="Development of Cardiovascular Regulation in Embryos of the Domestic Fowl (Gallus Gallus), with a Partial Comparison to Embryos of the Desert Tortoise (Gopherus Agassizii)" title="Development of Cardiovascular Regulation in Embryos of the Domestic Fowl (Gallus Gallus), with a Partial Comparison to Embryos of the Desert Tortoise (Gopherus Agassizii)" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2223/small/"/></a></p><p>In adult vertebrates, cardiovascular regulation is accomplished by numerous systems with neural, hormonal and local components responsible for the majority of regulation. These regulatory components work in concert to maintain the essential function of blood perfusion to adult tissues. Given the essential nature of this function it is therefore surprising that the development of cardiovascular regulation during gestation is poorly understood. The majority of what is known is based on a single vertebrate model, the fetal lamb. The fetal lamb has been used in multiple studies due to the clear clinical applications and has been pivotal in understanding the onset of regulation in developing vertebrates. However, study on the fetal lamb is limited to the latter 40% of gestation and has the added complication of an in-utero developmental strategy. Therefore the primary focus of this dissertation was to characterize basic cardiovascular regulation in the chicken embryo to provided the needed information for it's use an alternative to the fetal lamb. Developing chicken embryos rely on both alpha and beta adrenergic tones to maintain normal heart rate and arterial blood pressure during incubation. However, on day 21, just prior to hatch, these animals lose both tones on arterial pressure suggesting the onset of adult regulation. Cholinergic tone, however, was absent throughout chicken development indicating that it must mature during the neonatal life. Adult cardiovascular reflexes become apparent late in chicken development with a clear baroreflex specifically operating initially on day. However, an adult response to changes in ambient gas tension was absent during incubation suggesting embryos possess unique regulatory systems that are absent in adult chickens. This mechanism is comprised entirely of adrenergic systems with no cholinergic action during change in ambient gas tension. Similar developmental patterns were determined in embryos of the desert tortoise suggesting fundamental differences between in-utero and ex-utero developing vertebrates.</p>A Multimedia Atlas of Dissection for Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates2007-09-20T20:43:51-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2224/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2224/"><img alt="A Multimedia Atlas of Dissection for Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates" title="A Multimedia Atlas of Dissection for Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2224/small/"/></a></p><p>Traditional methods of teaching the laboratory course for Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates could be improved by applying current computer technology to construct an interactive, multimedial atlas of dissection. Five specimens used in comparative anatomy courses at most institutions were chosen as representative members of the Phylum Chordata: amphioxus, lamprey, dogfish shark, mud puppy, and cat. Specimens were dissected according to the modified method of Wischnitzer, 1993, and each stage was photographed with a Kodak DC120 digital zoom camera. These images were processed on a Power Macintosh 7600 computer with Adobe Photoshop v. 5.0. The atlas was constructed from these images using Macromedia Authorware v. 4.0.3. Each image contains a series of interactive objects that display a highlight and descriptive text as the cursor passes over each object.</p>Classification of Toolmark Surfaces on Zipper Teeth2007-09-24T13:59:40-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2248/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2248/"><img alt="Classification of Toolmark Surfaces on Zipper Teeth" title="Classification of Toolmark Surfaces on Zipper Teeth" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2248/small/"/></a></p><p>This study proposes the classification of the toolmark under the heads of zipper teeth as a subclass characteristic as outlined by the Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE). Two separate cases in which zipper teeth were found at crime scenes prompted this study. Brass zipper teeth manufactured by YKK were taken from 20 pairs of jeans and studied using a Reichert comparison microscope at 4X power. Photographs were taken and over 750 comparisons made. It was found that the toolmarks on each side on the 20 zippers were unique and independent of all other sides. The observations made in this study indicate that classifying zipper teeth toolmarks as a subclass characteristic is valid.</p>Syllabus Outline for Genetics Lecture and Laboratory2007-09-24T14:00:16-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2241/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2241/"><img alt="Syllabus Outline for Genetics Lecture and Laboratory" title="Syllabus Outline for Genetics Lecture and Laboratory" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2241/small/"/></a></p><p>This work is intended to be used as a teaching tool in conjunction with the text cited. It is written in outline format, highlighting the major concepts of each pertinent chapter. In this format, the concepts can be expanded upon at the discretion of the instructor. This work is to be used as a guide for lecture. The basic concepts contained in the outline are in such a format as to be able to work in more information regarding the subject matter if needed. The instructor can work from this outline as a starting point. Major topics in the chapters are highlighted, making lecture notes for the instructor easier to do.</p>Scientific Considerations of Olestra as a Fat Substitute2007-09-24T14:00:18-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2240/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2240/"><img alt="Scientific Considerations of Olestra as a Fat Substitute" title="Scientific Considerations of Olestra as a Fat Substitute" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2240/small/"/></a></p><p>Olestra is, a sucrose polyester, a noncaloric fat substitute, made from sucrose and several fatty acid esters. It has been approved by the FDA as a food additive used in preparing low-fat deep-frying foods such as savory snacks. Available literature on olestra was evaluated that had both positive and negative connotations. Clinical trials in numerous species of animals including humans were conducted to determine if olestra would affect the utilization and absorption of macro- and micronutrients; the effects of olestra on growth, reproduction, or its toxicity were also examined. The roles of olestra as a fat substitute, how it could effect on humans and the environment, and the potential impacts from its use in large amounts were assessed. Olestra can be removed from the environment by aerobic bacteria and fungi which may be isolated from activated sludge and soils.</p>Cassette Systems for Creating Intergeneric Hybrid ATCases2007-09-24T14:00:32-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2237/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2237/"><img alt="Cassette Systems for Creating Intergeneric Hybrid ATCases" title="Cassette Systems for Creating Intergeneric Hybrid ATCases" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2237/small/"/></a></p><p>Cassette systems for creating intergeneric hybrid ATCases were constructed. An MluI restriction enzyme site was introduced at the carbamoylphosphate binding site within the pyrB genes of both Pseudomonas putida and Escherichia coli. Two hybrids, E. coli pyrB polar domain fused with P. putida pyrB equatorial domain and P. putida pyrB polar domain fused with E. coli pyrB equatorial domain, are possible. The intergeneric E. coli-P. putida hybrid pyrB gene was constructed and found to encode an active ATCase which complemented an E. coli Pyr- strain. These hybrids are useful for kinetic and expression studies of ATCase in E. coli.</p>The Potential of Coelomocyte Chemotaxis as an Immune Biomarker in the Earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris2007-09-24T14:24:59-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2272/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2272/"><img alt="The Potential of Coelomocyte Chemotaxis as an Immune Biomarker in the Earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris" title="The Potential of Coelomocyte Chemotaxis as an Immune Biomarker in the Earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2272/small/"/></a></p><p>Coelomocyte migration responses, both random and chemotatic, were examined in the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris. Coelomocyte random migration patterns towards non-stimulatory, non-chemotatic solutions were described. Migration responses to immunostimulatory agents lipopolysaccharides (LPS), N-formly-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP), sheep erythrocytes, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aeromonas hydrophila, Eisenia fetida and Rhabditis pellio were characterized. Chemotaxis was reported to LPS, FMLP, sheep erythrocytes, S. cerivesae and E. fetida. Bio-indicator potential of chemotaxis is discussed relative to variability in migration responses.</p>Structural Analysis of the TOL pDK1 xylGFJQK Region and Partial Characterization of the xylF and xylG Gene Products2007-09-24T14:25:38-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2270/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2270/"><img alt="Structural Analysis of the TOL pDK1 xylGFJQK Region and Partial Characterization of the xylF and xylG Gene Products" title="Structural Analysis of the TOL pDK1 xylGFJQK Region and Partial Characterization of the xylF and xylG Gene Products" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2270/small/"/></a></p><p>TOL plasmids encode enzymes responsible for utilization of toluene and related aromatic compounds by Pseudomonas putida, ultimately converting them to central metabolic intermediates. The nucleotide sequence for the 5.6 kb xylGFJQK region of the pDK1 TOL meta operon was determined. DNA sequence analysis revealed the presence of five open reading frames corresponding to xylG (1458 bp), xylF (846 bp), xylJ (783 bp), xylQ (936 bp) and xylK (1047 bp), encoding predicted protein products of 51.6, 31.3, 27.8, 32.8, and 36.6 kDa in size, respectively. The average G+C content of the xylLTEGFJQK region was 65.7%, somewhat higher than the 58.9% seen in the immediately upstream xylXYZ region and substantially more than the 50% G+C content reported for the upper TOL operon of this plasmid. Homology comparisons were made with genes and proteins of related catabolic plasmids. The dmpCDEFG and pWWO xylGFJQK regions exhibit consistently high levels of nucleotide and amino acid homology to pDK1 xylGFJQK throughout the entire region. In contrast, although the nucleotide sequence homology of the Acinetobacter atdCDE region to xylGFJ is high, the homology of atdFG to xylQK is markedly less. Such radical changes in homology between corresponding regions of different operons, combined with variable base and codon usage patterns within and between operons, provides additional support for the idea that the upper and lower operons encoding enzymes of aromatic pathways have evolved independently of one another and that these operons have continued to exchange genetic material with homologous expression units through a series of recombination events. Recombinant plasmids were constructed for individual expression of each of the xylGFJQK genes. HMSD (XylG) and HMSH (XylF) were partially purified and characterized with respect to substrate specificity and kinetic mechanism. Evidence was obtained suggesting that the HMSD reaction occurs via a steady state ordered mechanism or a random mechanism where binding of the first substrate effects the enzyme's affinity for the second substrate.</p>Spatial and Temporal Influences of Water Quality on Zooplankton in Lake Texoma2007-09-24T22:18:55-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2532/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2532/"><img alt="Spatial and Temporal Influences of Water Quality on Zooplankton in Lake Texoma" title="Spatial and Temporal Influences of Water Quality on Zooplankton in Lake Texoma" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2532/small/"/></a></p><p>Seventy-one aquatic species including the copepodids and nauplii were identified from Lake Texoma from August 1996 to September 1997. Zooplankton community structure, abundance and spatial and temporal distributions were compared among five lake zones delineated a priori based on chloride concentration. The zones, in order of decreasing chloride concentration, are the Red River zone (RRZ), Red river Transition zone (RRTZ), Main Lake zone (MLZ), Washita River Transition zone (WRTZ) and Washita River zone (WRZ). Bray Curtis Similarity Index showed community structure was most similar in the two Red River arm zones, the two Washita River arm zones and the MLZ. Zooplankton abundance was greatest in the Red River arm (312 org/L), intermediate in the Washita River arm (217 org/L) and least in the Main Lake body (103 org/L). A significant increase in the abundance of a deformed rotifer, Keratella cochlearis, was observed mainly in the Red River arm during a second study from March 1999 to June 1999. Seasonal dynamics, rather than spatial dynamics, were more important in structuring the zooplankton community, especially in the two river arms. Spatial variance was solely attributed to station and zone effects independent of time for a few crustacean species and many of the water quality parameters supporting the presence of longitudinal gradients of differing water quality. Three independent models (Red River arm, Washita River arm, Main Lake body) rather than a single model for the entire reservoir, best describe patterns in the zooplankton community and its relationship to seasonal, physical and chemical factors. Statistical power, sample size and taxonomic resolution were examined. When monitoring seasonal and annuals trends in abundance, the greatest statistical power was achieved by analyzing count data at taxonomic levels above genus. Taxonomic sufficiency was assessed to determine if costs could be reduced for zooplankton identifications. For water quality monitoring purposes only, it is recommended that genus identifications are sufficient if supplemented with quarterly species identifications.</p>Effects of Daily Oral Injections of Quercetin on Implanted Colon-25 Tumor Growth in Balb-C Mice2007-09-24T22:19:21-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2525/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2525/"><img alt="Effects of Daily Oral Injections of Quercetin on Implanted Colon-25 Tumor Growth in Balb-C Mice" title="Effects of Daily Oral Injections of Quercetin on Implanted Colon-25 Tumor Growth in Balb-C Mice" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2525/small/"/></a></p><p>The effects of three oral dosages (0.4 mg, 0.8 mg, and 1.6 mg) of quercetin on Colon-25 tumors implanted in Balb-c mice were studied. The data in this study show that: (1) certain dosages of quercetin in alcohol solutions, reduces the weight, and size of implanted Colon-25 tumors in Balb-c mice, (2) these same dosages of quercetin all produce a profound neutrophilia combined with a significant lymphopenia at day 20 post-implantation, and (3) there was relatively little evidence of histological changes in the quercetin-treated tumor section which would indicate that the action(s) of quercetin is primarily at the subcellular level probably within the nuclei of the tumor cells.</p>Spatial Analysis of Atrazine in the Elm Fork Watershed2007-09-24T22:20:28-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2510/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2510/"><img alt="Spatial Analysis of Atrazine in the Elm Fork Watershed" title="Spatial Analysis of Atrazine in the Elm Fork Watershed" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2510/small/"/></a></p><p>This study assessed the water quality of the Elm Fork Watershed with regards to the herbicide Atrazine. Atrazine is a potential environmental endocrine disruptor and carcinogen. Overall, concentrations were lower than the four-quarter drinking water average of 3 µg/Lthe Maximum Contaminant Level set by the USEPA. However, three creek stations had four-quarter average concentrations greater than 3 µg/L, and virtually all samples exceeded the 0.1 µg/L standard set in Europe [1,2]. Statistically significant differences in concentrations were detected between the 27 sampling stations and areas of high concentrations were identified. However correlations between Atrazine concentrations and land-use and precipitation were not statistically significant. Further analysis with more detailed data should be conducted before any relationships are discarded.</p>Mutation Rate Analysis of the Human Mitochondrial D-loop and its Implications for Forensic Identity Testing2007-09-24T22:21:54-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2492/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2492/"><img alt="Mutation Rate Analysis of the Human Mitochondrial D-loop and its Implications for Forensic Identity Testing" title="Mutation Rate Analysis of the Human Mitochondrial D-loop and its Implications for Forensic Identity Testing" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2492/small/"/></a></p><p>To further facilitate mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence analysis for human identity testing, a better understanding of its mutation rate is needed. Prior to the middle 1990's the mutation rate applied to a forensic or evolutionary analysis was determined by phylogenetic means, This method involved calculating genetic distances as determined by amino acid or DNA sequence variability within or between species. The mutation rate as determined by this method ranged from 0.025-0.26 nucleotide substitutions/ site/ myr (million years). With the recent advent of mtDNA analysis as a tool in human identity testing an increased number of observations have recently come to light calling into question the mutation rate derived from the phylogenetic method. The mutation rate as observed from forensic analysis appears to be much higher than that calculated phylogenetically. This is an area that needs to be resolved in human identity testing. Mutations that occur within a maternal lineage can lead to a possible false exclusion of an individual as belonging to that lineage. A greater understanding of the actual rate of mutation within a given maternal lineage can assist in determining criteria for including or excluding individuals as belonging to that lineage. The method used to assess the mutation rate in this study was to compare mtDNA sequences derived from the HVI and HVII regions of the D-loop from several different maternal lineages. The sequence information was derived from five unrelated families consisting of thirty-five individuals. One intergenerational mutational event was found. This derives to approximately 1.9 nucleotide substitutions/ site/ myr. This mutation rate was very consistent with several other similar studies. This increased mutation rate needs to be considered by forensic testing laboratories performing mtDNA sequence analysis prior to formulating any conclusive results.</p>Analysis and Development of Post Secondary Curriculum on Sustainability2007-09-24T22:22:11-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2488/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2488/"><img alt="Analysis and Development of Post Secondary Curriculum on Sustainability" title="Analysis and Development of Post Secondary Curriculum on Sustainability" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2488/small/"/></a></p><p>This thesis examines existing curricula at colleges and universities about sustainability and uses results to develop an introductory post secondary course curriculum. The proposed course is organized around three major elements - - science, philosophy, and economics - - all integral to understanding sustainability. Materials needed to teach the proposed 3-semester hour course including syllabus, teaching modules, transparencies, handouts, and exams were developed. Suggestions on how to teach a one-semester hour course on sustainability and a workshop on sustainability are also presented. The following research and curriculum development was a project established and funded by the Texas Energy Office, Renewable Resources and Sustainability Program.</p>Improved Fabrication and Quality Control of Substrate Integrated Microelectrode Arrays2007-09-24T22:22:28-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2484/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2484/"><img alt="Improved Fabrication and Quality Control of Substrate Integrated Microelectrode Arrays" title="Improved Fabrication and Quality Control of Substrate Integrated Microelectrode Arrays" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2484/small/"/></a></p><p>Spontaneously active monolayer neuronal networks cultured on photoetched multimicroelectrode plates (MMEPs) offer great potential for use in studying neuronal networks. However, there are many problems associated with frequent, long-term use of MMEPs. The major problems include (1) polysiloxane insulation deterioration and breakdown, (2) and loss of gold at the gold electroplated indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrodes. The objective of this investigation was to correct these major problems. Quality control measures were employed to monitor MMEP fabrication variables. The phenotypes of polysiloxane degradation were identified and classified. Factors that were found to contribute most to insulation deterioration were (1) moisture contamination during MMEP insulation, (2) loss of the quartz barrier layer from excessive exposure to basic solutions, and (3) repetitive use in culture. As a result, the insulation equipment and methods were modified to control moisture-dependent insulation deterioration, and the KOH reprocessing solution was replaced with tetramethylguanidine to prevent damage to the quartz. The problems associated with gold electroplating were solved via the addition of a pulsed-DC application of gold in a new citrate buffered electroplating solution.</p>Evidentiary Value of Condoms: Comparison of Durable Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Condoms2007-09-24T23:53:10-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2481/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2481/"><img alt="Evidentiary Value of Condoms: Comparison of Durable Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Condoms" title="Evidentiary Value of Condoms: Comparison of Durable Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Condoms" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2481/small/"/></a></p><p>Condom trace evidence must not be overlooked in sexual assault cases; understanding the chemical and physical characteristics of condoms is imperative if condoms are to be useful evidence. Previous research shows that condom identification is possible, but it is equally important to evaluate durability of condom residues versus time. Using FT-IR, this study examined vaginal swabs from subjects who self-sampled at intervals for up to 72 hours after having intercourse with a condom. This study investigated whether age and the stage of the menstrual cycle affected the durability of residues in the vagina over time. This study revealed that condoms containing nonoxynol-9, silicone-based lubricants, and particulates provide valuable information for identification, and that nonoxynol-9 specifically withstands the vaginal environment for up to 72 hours. Additionally, age and menstrual cycle both appeared to have an effect on the durability of residues although larger sample size is desirable.</p>Macroinvertebrate Community Structure as an Indicator of Watershed Health in the Upper Trinity River Basin, North Central Texas2007-09-24T23:54:43-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2445/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2445/"><img alt="Macroinvertebrate Community Structure as an Indicator of Watershed Health in the Upper Trinity River Basin, North Central Texas" title="Macroinvertebrate Community Structure as an Indicator of Watershed Health in the Upper Trinity River Basin, North Central Texas" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2445/small/"/></a></p><p>This study describes macroinvertebrate community structure and assesses its potential in detecting point and non-point sources of disturbance associated with rural and urban areas in the Upper Trinity River Basin. Geospatial techniques were used to quantify landuse within the watershed in a GIS. At rural sites near the headwaters of the Trinity River, collector-gathering burrowers that are adapted to minimal flow comprised the majority of taxa. Destinies of taxa compositions at downstream sites increased and shifted toward psammophilic and rheophilic invertebrates, including primarily collector-filtering clingers, that are characteristic of shifting sand habitats in large prairie rivers. Benthic community structure generally benefited from point source impacts including wastewater treatment plant effluents that maintained higher flow. Community indices were negatively associated with forest landuse and positively associated with urban landuse. Partial CCA determined that flow and landuse contributed equally to species dispersions. Comparisons with historical biomonitoring studies in upper Trinity River Basin indicate improved watershed health.</p>Conformational Studies of Myosin and Actin with Calibrated Resonance Energy Transfer2007-09-24T23:55:18-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2438/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2438/"><img alt="Conformational Studies of Myosin and Actin with Calibrated Resonance Energy Transfer" title="Conformational Studies of Myosin and Actin with Calibrated Resonance Energy Transfer" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2438/small/"/></a></p><p>Resonance energy transfer was employed to study the conformational changes of actomyosin during ATP hydrolysis. To calibrate the technique, the parameters for resonance energy transfer were defined. With conformational searching algorithms to predict probe orientation, the distances measured by resonance energy transfer are highly consistent with the atomic models, which verified the accuracy and feasibility of resonance energy transfer for structural studies of proteins and oligonucleotides.
To study intramyosin distances, resonance energy transfer probes were attached to skeletal myosin's nucleotide site, subfragment-2, and regulatory light chain to examine nucleotide analog-induced structural transitions. The distances between the three positions were measured in the presence of different nucleotide analogs. No distance change was considered to be statistically significant. The measured distance between the regulatory light chain and nucleotide site was consistent with either the atomic model of skeletal myosin subfragment-1 or an average of the three models claimed for different ATP hydrolysis states, which suggested that the neck region was flexible in solution. To examine the participation of actin in the powerstroke process, resonance energy transfer between different sites on actin and myosin was measured in the presence of nucleotide analogs. The efficiencies of energy transfer between myosin catalytic domain and actin were consistent with the actoS1 docking model. However, the neck region was much closer to the actin filament than predicted by static atomic models. The efficiency of energy transfer between Cys 374 and the regulatory light chain was much greater in the presence of ADP-AlF4, ADP-BeFx, and ADP-vanadate than in the presence of ADP or no nucleotide. These data detect profound differences in the conformations of the weakly and strongly attached crossbridges which appear to result from a conformational selection that occurs during the weak binding of the myosin head to actin.
The resonance energy transfer data exclude a number of versions of the swinging lever arm model, and indicate that actin participation is indispensable for conformational changes leading to force generation. The conformational selection during weak binding at the actomyosin interface may precock the myosin head for the ensuing powerstroke.</p>Carbachol- and ACPD-Induced Phosphoinositide Responses in the Developing Rat Neocortex2007-09-25T21:00:31-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2640/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2640/"><img alt="Carbachol- and ACPD-Induced Phosphoinositide Responses in the Developing Rat Neocortex" title="Carbachol- and ACPD-Induced Phosphoinositide Responses in the Developing Rat Neocortex" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2640/small/"/></a></p><p>Signal transduction via the phosphoinositide (PI) second messenger system has key roles in the development and plasticity of the neocortex. The present study localized PI responses to individual cortical layers in slices of developing rat somatosensory cortex. The acetylcholine agonist carbachol and the glutamate agonist trans-1-amino-1,3-cyclopentanedicarboxylic acid (ACPD) were used to stimulate PI turnover. The PI responses were compared to the distribution of the corresponding PI-linked receptors in order to investigate the regional ontogeny of PI coupling to receptors in relation to neural development. The method for assessing PI turnover was modified from Hwang et al. (1990). This method images the PI response autoradiographically through the localizaton of [3H]cytidine that has been incorporated into the membrane-bound intermediate, cytidine diphosphate diacylglycerol. In each age group (postnatal days 4-30), carbachol resulted in more overall labeling than ACPD. For both agonists, the response peaked on postnatal day 10 (P10) and was lowest in the oldest age group. The laminar distribution of the carbachol PI response from P4-P16 corresponded fairly well with the laminar distribution of [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate binding (Fuchs, 1995). However, in the subplate layer the carbachol response was strong while receptor binding was minimal. The carbachol response decreased after postnatal day 10, while the overall levels of receptor binding continued to increase. From P5 - P14, PI-linked metabotropic glutamate receptors are most concentrated in layer IV (Blue et al., 1997), whereas only on P6 was there a correspondingly high ACPD-initiated PI response in this layer. Unlike receptors, the PI response was strong in upper V (P4 - P12) and within layers II/III (P8 - P16). From P4 - P21, the subplate showed relatively high PI labeling compared to receptor binding. The several differences between the distribution of PI response and receptors suggest spatiotemporal heterogeneity of receptor coupling to second messenger systems.</p>Assessing the Spatial and Temporal Distribution of MTBE and BTEX Compounds in Lake Lewisville, Texas February 1999 - February 20002007-09-25T21:01:39-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2630/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2630/"><img alt="Assessing the Spatial and Temporal Distribution of MTBE and BTEX Compounds in Lake Lewisville, Texas February 1999 - February 2000" title="Assessing the Spatial and Temporal Distribution of MTBE and BTEX Compounds in Lake Lewisville, Texas February 1999 - February 2000" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2630/small/"/></a></p><p>The spatial and temporal distribution of Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether (MTBE) and BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, Xylenes) compounds were assessed in a multipurpose reservoir, Lake Lewisville, Texas between February 1999 and February 2000. Concentrations of MTBE ranged from 0.0 - 16.7 mg/L. Levels of MTBE in the lake were related to watercraft. BTEX concentrations were never detected above 2.0 mg/L during the sampling period. Finished drinking water from Denton and the Upper Trinity Regional Water District (UTRWD) Treatment Plants were also tested for MTBE and BTEX. MTBE and BTEX were not detected in UTRWD water samples. Denton's finished water samples never exceeded 2.2 mg/L for MTBE and BTEX was not detected except for one replicate of 1.1 mg/L toluene.</p>Requirements for Cell-Free Cyanide Oxidation by Pseudomonas Fluorescens NCIMB 117642007-09-25T21:03:36-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2614/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2614/"><img alt="Requirements for Cell-Free Cyanide Oxidation by Pseudomonas Fluorescens NCIMB 11764" title="Requirements for Cell-Free Cyanide Oxidation by Pseudomonas Fluorescens NCIMB 11764" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2614/small/"/></a></p><p>The involvement of cyanide oxygenase in the metabolism of pyruvate and a-ketoglutarate-cyanohydrin was investigated and shown to occur indirectly by the consumption of free cyanide arising from the cyanohydrins via chemical dissociation. Thus, free cyanide remains the substrate, for which the enzyme displays a remarkably high affinity (Kmapp,4 mM). A model for cyanide utilization is therefore envisioned in which the substrate is initially detoxified by complexation to an appropriate ligand followed by enzymatic oxidation of cyanide arising at sublethal levels via chemical dissociation. Putative cyanide oxygenase in cell extracts consumed both oxygen and NADH in equimolar proportions during cyanide conversion to CO2 and NH3 and existed separately from an unknown heat-stable species responsible for the nonenzymatic cyanide-catalyzed consumption of oxygen. Evidence of cyanide inhibition and nonlinear kinetics between enzyme activity and protein concentration point to a complex mechanism of enzymatic substrate conversion.</p>Influence of copper on resistance of Lumbricus terrestris to bacterial challenge2007-09-25T21:04:12-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2602/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2602/"><img alt="Influence of copper on resistance of Lumbricus terrestris to bacterial challenge" title="Influence of copper on resistance of Lumbricus terrestris to bacterial challenge" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2602/small/"/></a></p><p>Earthworms, Lumbricus terrestris, were challenged orally and intracoelomically with two bacterial species, Aeromonas hydrophila and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and mortality rates were observed. Neither were found to be particularly pathogenic at injected doses of up to 108 bacteria per earthworm. The influence of Cu++ (as CuSO4) on the earthworm's response to bacterial challenge was investigated by exposing earthworms to sublethal levels of Cu++ prior to bacterial challenge. Exposure at sublethal concentrations up to 3 m g/cm2 did not have a pronounced influence on host resistance to challenge as measured by earthworm mortality. Cu++ increased the earthworm's ability to agglutinate rabbit erythrocytes, indicating that Cu++ exposure caused coelomocyte death, autolysis and release of agglutinins into the coelom, possibly explaining resistance to bacterial challenge.</p>The Adolescent Stress Response to a Naturalistic Driving Stressor2007-09-25T21:05:29-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2591/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2591/"><img alt="The Adolescent Stress Response to a Naturalistic Driving Stressor" title="The Adolescent Stress Response to a Naturalistic Driving Stressor" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2591/small/"/></a></p><p>The proposed study examined the role of anxiety and risk-taking in driving performance in adolescents. In addition to examining the sample as a whole, gender differences were assessed given earlier reports from our laboratory and others indicating that males and females differ with respect to risky behaviors to driving performance and anxiety. Adolescents' subjective and physiological responses to a driving simulator task were assessed. Anxiety was measured via self report and salivary cortisol. Participants provided a baseline saliva sample and 3 post-task samples for cortisol analysis. Subjective anxiety scores were obtained at both baseline and following the driving stressor. Information concerning impulsivity, as well as other psychological constructs was also collected at baseline. Unlike the pilot study, there were no relationships (with or without respect to gender) between salivary cortisol and both self-reported anxiety (state and trait) or impulsively measures for this sample. These results suggest that this group of adolescents may not have been anxious about the driving task. This discrepancy may stem from error introduced by the smaller sample size obtained from the initial findings or to other factors remaining outside the parameters of the current study. The task did, however, induce a slight hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis response indicating some physiological arousal. Males had significantly higher cortisol levels at baseline than females and at time point 3 while approaching significance at time points 2 and 4. Females possessed significantly higher trait anxiety than males and all post task cortisol levels were positively correlated to age while time points 2 and 4 (with time point 3 approaching significance, p=0.09) were inversely correlated with Self Depreciation scores. Additionally, females had Persecutory Ideas scores that were also negatively correlated with cortisol at time points 3 and 4. For both the entire sample and males only, the correlation between post-task cortisol and driving performance was positive and approached significance (p=0.07 and p=0.08, respectively), suggesting that some HPA activation may be facilitative for successful driving task performance. Correlations between driving performance and psychological constructs were explored and discussed with and without respect to gender.</p>Inquiry-based science for high school students: a forensic unit2007-09-25T21:07:14-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2585/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2585/"><img alt="Inquiry-based science for high school students: a forensic unit" title="Inquiry-based science for high school students: a forensic unit" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2585/small/"/></a></p><p>This project constitutes an instructional unit for honors biology that involves the use of science in the field of criminal investigation and forensics. Before beginning the unit, the learners should have mastered basic laboratory skills, including use of the microscope. They should also have an understanding of the basic structure and function of DNA and its role in heredity and protein synthesis. The standard time frame is 24 days with 70-minute periods, but can be easily adjusted to meet classroom needs. Several instructional strategies enhance student learning and make science fun. The unit is inquiry-driven and activity-based. Students are surprised by the crime, gather and analyze evidence, and work towards proposing an explanation. This real world problem involves the use of cooperative learning and a variety of assessment techniques.</p>Characterizing the Municipal Solid Waste Stream in Denton, Texas2007-09-25T21:07:23-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2584/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2584/"><img alt="Characterizing the Municipal Solid Waste Stream in Denton, Texas" title="Characterizing the Municipal Solid Waste Stream in Denton, Texas" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2584/small/"/></a></p><p>Forty-two commercially collected dumpsters from Dentons Municipal Solid Waste Stream were emptied, sorted and weighed to characterize the material types and make preliminary recycling policy recommendations. The general composition of Dentons solid waste stream was not significantly different from the composition of the nations solid waste stream. Fifty-eight percent of the observed waste stream was recyclable. Paper made up the largest portion of recyclable materials and the "grocery" source category had more paper than any of the other five categories. Based on these findings, an incrementally aggressive approach is recommended to reduce certain types of wastes observed in the waste stream. This would include a Pay-As-You-Throw Program followed by an Intermediate Processing Center that can be converted to a Materials Recovery Facility.</p>Mitochondrial DNA Sequence Variation in Populations of the Nine-Banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)2007-09-25T21:07:52-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2577/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2577/"><img alt="Mitochondrial DNA Sequence Variation in Populations of the Nine-Banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)" title="Mitochondrial DNA Sequence Variation in Populations of the Nine-Banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2577/small/"/></a></p><p>Four populations of nine-banded armadillos, Dasypus novemcinctus, were investigated in the south-central United States in order to assess genetic variation in an isolated population (Electric Island, Lake Hamilton, Garland County, Arkansas); a semi-isolated population (Arkansas Post, Arkansas County, Arkansas), and two free ranging populations (southern Arkansas and central Texas). A 233 basepair sequence of the D-loop region of mitochondrial DNA was sequenced in individuals from each population. Individuals and populations were compared to assess relatedness among populations and individuals. Higher sequence diversity was detected in the semi-isolated population, while lower sequence diversity was observed in the isolated and free ranging populations. Overall, all populations exhibited low genetic variation when compared to genetic variation for other mammals. The results support the hypothesis that rapid range expansion combined with the organism's unique reproductive strategies have promulgated low genetic variation in the North American populations of nine-banded armadillos.</p>BioInformatics, Phylogenetics, and Aspartate Transcarbamoylase2007-09-25T21:08:24-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2580/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2580/"><img alt="BioInformatics, Phylogenetics, and Aspartate Transcarbamoylase" title="BioInformatics, Phylogenetics, and Aspartate Transcarbamoylase" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2580/small/"/></a></p><p>In this research, the necessity of understanding and using bioinformatics is demonstrated using the enzyme aspartate transcarbamoylase (ATCase) as the model enzyme. The first portion of this research focuses on the use of bioinformatics. A partial sequence of the pyrB gene found in Enterococcus faecalis was submitted to GenBank and was analyzed against the contiguous sequence from its own genome project. A BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool; Atschul, et al., 1990) was performed in order to hypothesize the remaining portion of the gene from the contiguous sequence. This allowed a global comparison to other known aspartate transcarbamoylases (ATCases) and once deduced, a translation of the sequence gave the stop codon and thus the complete sequence of the open reading frame. When this was complete, upstream and downstream primers were designed in order to amplify the gene from genomic DNA. The amplified product was then sequenced and used later in phylogenetic analyses concerning the evolution of ATCase. The second portion of this research involves taking multiple ATCase nucleotide sequences and performing phenetic and phylogenetic analyses of the archaea and eubacter families. From these analyses, ancestral relationships which dictate both structure and function were extrapolated from the data and discussed.</p>Adherence and Haemagglutination of Moraxella Catarrhalis.2007-09-25T21:08:37-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2568/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2568/"><img alt="Adherence and Haemagglutination of Moraxella Catarrhalis." title="Adherence and Haemagglutination of Moraxella Catarrhalis." src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2568/small/"/></a></p><p>M. catarrhalis is a gram-negative diplococci frequently associated with infections of the upper respiratory tract. During the past decade, some preliminary studies have attempted to elucidate mechanisms of adherence and haemagglutination of M. catarrhalis. These studies have reported, in many cases, inconsistent results. There are two purposes of this research. First, identify mechanisms that may potentially be associated with the adherence and haemagglutination of M. catarrhalis. Second, suggest research directions that may be fruitful in clarifying these mechanisms.</p>Life History and Case Building Behaviors of Phylloicus ornatus (Banks) (Trichoptera: Calamoceratidae) In Two Spring Fed Tributaries in the Central Edwards Plateau Bioregion of Texas2007-09-25T21:09:46-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2555/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2555/"><img alt="Life History and Case Building Behaviors of Phylloicus ornatus (Banks) (Trichoptera: Calamoceratidae) In Two Spring Fed Tributaries in the Central Edwards Plateau Bioregion of Texas" title="Life History and Case Building Behaviors of Phylloicus ornatus (Banks) (Trichoptera: Calamoceratidae) In Two Spring Fed Tributaries in the Central Edwards Plateau Bioregion of Texas" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2555/small/"/></a></p><p>The life history and case-making behaviors of Phylloicus ornatus from two springfed first order streams in the Edwards Plateau Bioregion of Texas were studied from January 1998 to November 1999. Field larval, pupal and adult samples and laboratory rearings indicated a multivoltine cycle. First instars differ from late instars in number of labral setae and in having a unique spur-like claw on each lateral hump. Larval development was asynchronous with second through fifth instars and pupae present most months. First instars were present April through July, October and November. Case making of first instar and case reconstruction of later instars extracted from their cases was documented by videophotography.</p>A Data Fusion Framework for Floodplain Analysis using GIS and Remotely Sensed Data2007-09-25T21:09:59-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2557/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2557/"><img alt="A Data Fusion Framework for Floodplain Analysis using GIS and Remotely Sensed Data" title="A Data Fusion Framework for Floodplain Analysis using GIS and Remotely Sensed Data" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2557/small/"/></a></p><p>Throughout history floods have been part of the human experience. They are recurring phenomena that form a necessary and enduring feature of all river basin and lowland coastal systems. In an average year, they benefit millions of people who depend on them. In the more developed countries, major floods can be the largest cause of economic losses from natural disasters, and are also a major cause of disaster-related deaths in the less developed countries. Flood disaster mitigation research was conducted to determine how remotely sensed data can effectively be used to produce accurate flood plain maps (FPMs), and to identify/quantify the sources of error associated with such data. Differences were analyzed between flood maps produced by an automated remote sensing analysis tailored to the available satellite remote sensing datasets (rFPM), the 100-year flooded areas "predicted" by the Flood Insurance Rate Maps, and FPMs based on DEM and hydrological data (aFPM). Landuse/landcover was also examined to determine its influence on rFPM errors. These errors were identified and the results were integrated in a GIS to minimize landuse / landcover effects. Two substantial flood events were analyzed. These events were selected because of their similar characteristics (i.e., the existence of FIRM or Q3 data; flood data which included flood peaks, rating curves, and flood profiles; and DEM and remote sensing imagery.) Automatic feature extraction was determined to be an important component for successful flood analysis. A process network, in conjunction with domain specific information, was used to map raw remotely sensed data onto a representation that is more compatible with a GIS data model. From a practical point of view, rFPM provides a way to automatically match existing data models to the type of remote sensing data available for each event under investigation. Overall, results showed how remote sensing could contribute to the complex problem of flood management by providing an efficient way to revise the National Flood Insurance Program maps.</p>Production and Characterization of a Novel Extracellular Polysaccharide Produced by Paenibacillus velaei, Sp. Nov2007-09-25T21:10:31-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2551/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2551/"><img alt="Production and Characterization of a Novel Extracellular Polysaccharide Produced by Paenibacillus velaei, Sp. Nov" title="Production and Characterization of a Novel Extracellular Polysaccharide Produced by Paenibacillus velaei, Sp. Nov" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2551/small/"/></a></p><p>Paenibacillus velaei, sp. nov. is a soil bacterium capable of producing an unusually large amount of exopolysaccharide (EPS). The EPS contains glucose, mannose, galactose and fucose in a molar ratio of 4:2:1:1. The molecular weight of the EPS is higher than 2x106. The viscosity of 1% EPS is 1300 cP when measured at a shear rate of 1 sec-1. Physiological parameters for optimal production of the EPS were studied and it was found that 1.4 g dry weight per 1 l of medium was produced when the bacteria were grown at 30EC and the pH adjusted at 7± 0.2 in a medium containing glucose as the carbon source. Growing the bacteria on different carbon sources did not alter the quantity or the composition of the EPS produced. No toxicity effects were observed in mice or rats when EPS was administered in amounts ranging from 20 to 200 mg per kg body weight. The data obtained from physical, chemical and biological properties suggest that the EPS may be employed in several industrial and environmental applications. It is an excellent emulsifier, it holds 100 times its own weight in water, it is not toxic, and it can be used to remove mercury, cadmium and lead from aqueous solutions.</p>The Effects of Electrochemical Therapy on Colon-25 Tumors in Balb-C Mice2007-09-25T21:21:37-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2720/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2720/"><img alt="The Effects of Electrochemical Therapy on Colon-25 Tumors in Balb-C Mice" title="The Effects of Electrochemical Therapy on Colon-25 Tumors in Balb-C Mice" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2720/small/"/></a></p><p>The purpose of the research was to treat immunodeficient mice, implanted with colon-25 tumors, with continuous and interrupted electrochemical therapy (ECT). ECT involves the placement of two electrodes, an anode near the center of the tumor and a cathode into the tumor periphery. A constant voltage is applied across the electrodes for a given period of time. The data showed that the interrupted and continuous ECT resulted in a decrease in mean tumor growth as compared to that of the sham controls. The histology of both ECT groups showed an increase presence of large vacuoles, randomly distributed tumor cells as well as the presence of "crevicing" in the medullary tissue. The differential leukocyte counts showed a distinct neutrophilia and lymphopenia in all groups at day 20 post tumor implantation. The results from the experimental groups appeared to support the findings of previous investigators.</p>Head Trauma Release of Histamine from Dural Mast Cells Alters Blood-Brain Barrier: Attenuation with Zolantidine2007-09-25T21:22:05-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2714/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2714/"><img alt="Head Trauma Release of Histamine from Dural Mast Cells Alters Blood-Brain Barrier: Attenuation with Zolantidine" title="Head Trauma Release of Histamine from Dural Mast Cells Alters Blood-Brain Barrier: Attenuation with Zolantidine" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2714/small/"/></a></p><p>This study employed a new model of mild-to-moderate head trauma to specifically identify the role of dural mast cell (MC) histamine in trauma-induced increased permeability in the blood-brain barrier (BBB). A single line was scored partially through the left dorsal parietal skull. Immediately following the trauma, degranulation was seen in 39% of the MCs on the left and in 2% on the right. After a 20 min survival period, left duras showed 55% with MC degranulation (fewer with complete degranulation) compared to 34% on the right. In the other experiments two parallel lines were scored following the injection of Evan's blue. Histamine assay showed histamine increased in the left cortex to 154% at 5 min, 174% at 10 min, and 151% at 20 min. Fluorescent quantitation of extravasated Evan's blue at 20 min following the trauma gave an increase of 1385% over the value measured for the right cortex. Zolantidine, a selective histamine H2 receptor antagonist, administered at 10- and 20- mg/kg 30 min before the trauma blocked 65% of the Evan's blue extravasation compared with the control and 2.5 mg group.</p>Establishment and Competitive Ability of Nelumbo Lutea in Relation to Myriophyllum Spicatum2007-09-25T21:22:59-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2694/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2694/"><img alt="Establishment and Competitive Ability of Nelumbo Lutea in Relation to Myriophyllum Spicatum" title="Establishment and Competitive Ability of Nelumbo Lutea in Relation to Myriophyllum Spicatum" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2694/small/"/></a></p><p>Limitations from reduced light and increasing water depth on Nelumbo lutea seedlings were determined in tank experiments. Survival was high in all tested light levels. Total biomass increased significantly with increasing light. Biomass allocation shifted significantly to root production between 3 and 6 weeks in the 10 and 24% levels. Survival decreased with increasing planting depth, and biomass of survivors reduced significantly between 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 m depths. Nelumbo lutea and Myriophyllum spicatum populations were monitored for one season in a 0.7 ha pond to track changes in species dominance. Myriophyllum spicatum dominated early, and N. lutea dominated from July through October, suppressing M. spicatum at all depths. Competitive interactions between N. lutea and M. spicatum were investigated for two seasons in a container experiment situated within a pond. Where established, N. lutea dominated in the presence of M. spicatum. However, N. lutea could not be established in depths greater than 1 meter.</p>Isolation and analysis of cotton genomic clones encompassing a fatty acid desaturase (FAD2) gene2007-09-25T21:26:32-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2796/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2796/"><img alt="Isolation and analysis of cotton genomic clones encompassing a fatty acid desaturase (FAD2) gene" title="Isolation and analysis of cotton genomic clones encompassing a fatty acid desaturase (FAD2) gene" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2796/small/"/></a></p><p>Polyunsaturated fatty acids are major structural components of plant chloroplast and endoplasmic reticulum membranes. Two fatty acid desaturases (designated FAD2 and FAD3) desaturate 75% of the fatty acids in the endoplasmic reticulum. The w -6 fatty acid desaturase (FAD2) may be responsible for cold acclimation response, since polyunsaturated phospholipids are important in helping maintain plant viability at lowered temperatures. To study regulation of FAD2 gene expression in cotton, a FAD2 gene was isolated from two genomic libraries using an Arabidopsis FAD2 hybridization probe and a cotton FAD2 5¢ -flanking region gene-specific probe, respectively. A cotton FAD2 gene was found to be in two overlapping genomic clones by physical mapping and DNA sequencing. The cloned DNA fragments are identical in size to cotton FAD2 genomic DNA fragments shown by genomic blot hybridization. The cotton FAD2 coding region has 1,155 bp with no introns and would encode a putative polypeptide of 384 amino acids. The cotton FAD2 enzyme has a high identity of 75% with other plant FAD2 enzymes. The enzyme has three histidine-rich motifs that are conserved in all plant membrane desaturases. These histidine boxes may be the iron-binding domains for reduction of oxygen during desaturation. To confirm that this FAD2 enzyme is functional, a plasmid construct containing the cotton FAD2 coding region was transformed into Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The transformed yeast cells were able to catalyze the conversion of oleic acid (C18:1) into linoleic acid (C18:2). The FAD2 gene contains an intron of 2,967 bp in its 5¢ -flanking region, 11 bp upstream from the initiation codon. The intron could be essential for transcriptional regulation of FAD2 gene expression. Several putative promoter elements occur in the 5¢ -flanking region of this gene. A potential TATA basal promoter element occurs at 41 bp upstream from the cap site. Two presumptive helix-loop-helix (bHLH) motifs that may be seed-specific promoter elements are located at 109 bp and 135 bp upstream from the potential cap site.</p>Unique applications of cultured neuronal networks in pharmacology, toxicology, and basic neuroscience2007-09-25T21:26:35-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2797/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2797/"><img alt="Unique applications of cultured neuronal networks in pharmacology, toxicology, and basic neuroscience" title="Unique applications of cultured neuronal networks in pharmacology, toxicology, and basic neuroscience" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2797/small/"/></a></p><p>This dissertation research explored the capabilities of neuronal networks grown on substrate integrated microelectrode arrays in vitro with emphasis on utilizing such preparations in three specific application domains: pharmacology and drug development, biosensors and neurotoxicology, and the study of burst and synaptic mechanisms. Chapter 1 details the testing of seven novel AChE inhibitors, demonstrating that neuronal networks rapidly detect small molecular differences in closely related compounds, and reveal information about their probable physiological effects that are not attainable through biochemical characterization alone. Chapter 2 shows how neuronal networks may be used to classify and characterize an unknown compound. The compound, trimethylol propane phosphate (TMPP) elicited changes in network activity that resembled those induced by bicuculline, a known epileptogenic. Further work determined that TMPP produces its effects on network activity through a competitive inhibition of the GABAA receptor. This demonstrates that neuronal networks can provide rapid, reliable warning of the presence of toxic substances, and from the manner in which the spontaneous activity changes provide information on the class of compound present and its potential physiological effects. Additional simple pharmacological tests can provide valuable information on primary mechanisms involved in the altered neuronal network responses. Chapter 3 explores the effects produced by a radical simplification of synaptic driving forces. With all synaptic interactions pharmacologically limited to those mediated through the NMDA synapse, spinal cord networks exhibited an extremely regular burst oscillation characterized by a period of 2.9 ± 0.3 s, with mean coefficients of variation of 3.7, 4.7, and 4.9 % for burst rate, burst duration, and inter-burst interval, respectively (16 separate cultures). The reliability of expression of this oscillation suggests that it may represent a fundamental mechanism of importance during periods of NMDA receptor dominated activity, such as embryonic and early postnatal development. NMDA synapse mediated activity produces a precise oscillatory state that allows the study of excitatory-coupled network dynamics, burst mechanisms, emergent network properties, and structure-function relationships.</p>Evaluation of the Chlorophyll/Fluorescence Sensor of the YSI Multiprobe: Comparison to an Acetone Extraction Procedure2007-09-25T21:26:39-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2794/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2794/"><img alt="Evaluation of the Chlorophyll/Fluorescence Sensor of the YSI Multiprobe: Comparison to an Acetone Extraction Procedure" title="Evaluation of the Chlorophyll/Fluorescence Sensor of the YSI Multiprobe: Comparison to an Acetone Extraction Procedure" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2794/small/"/></a></p><p>The purpose of this study was to examine the suitability of the YSI model 6600 Environmental Monitoring System (multiprobe) for long term deployment at a site in Lewisville Lake, Texas. Specifically, agreement between a laboratory extraction procedure and the multiprobe chlorophyll/fluorescence readings was examined. Preliminary studies involved determining the best method for disrupting algal cells prior to analysis and examining the precision and linearity of the acetone extraction procedure. Cell disruption by mortar and pestle grinding was preferable to bath sonication. Comparison of the chlorophyll/fluorescence readings from the multiprobe and the extraction procedure indicated that they were significantly correlated but temperature dependent.</p>The Last Laugh: Selected Edwardian Punch Cartoons of Edward Linley Sambourne2007-09-25T21:26:48-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2793/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2793/"><img alt="The Last Laugh: Selected Edwardian Punch Cartoons of Edward Linley Sambourne" title="The Last Laugh: Selected Edwardian Punch Cartoons of Edward Linley Sambourne" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2793/small/"/></a></p><p>The illustrative work of Edward Linley Sambourne for Punch magazine during the period 1901-1910 addresses a myriad of political topics prevalent during the Edwardian period in British history. This thesis examines two of those topics - Women's Suffrage and Socialism - through their artistic treatment by one of Britain's most influential periodicals. Through a study of the historical context and iconography of selected cartoons-of-the-week, one is better equipped to understand and appreciate the meaning, message, and humor in the cartoons. Chapter 1 introduces the Sambourne, Punch magazine, and the Edwardian period in general. Chapters 2 and 3 discuss four Women's Suffrage cartoons and four Socialism cartoons respectively. Chapter 4 draws conclusions regarding Sambourne's techniques as a cartoonist as well as the relationship between the text and image in his illustrations.</p>Selection and Use of Aquatic Vegetation by Migratory Waterfowl in North Central Texas2007-09-25T21:27:34-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2779/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2779/"><img alt="Selection and Use of Aquatic Vegetation by Migratory Waterfowl in North Central Texas" title="Selection and Use of Aquatic Vegetation by Migratory Waterfowl in North Central Texas" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2779/small/"/></a></p><p>Assessment of aquatic plant selection by waterfowl has been conducted during the winters of 1997-2000 on 49 0.2-0.79 ha research ponds in north central Texas. Ponds were categorized by dominant plant species into eight habitat types. Census with waterfowl species identification were performed to investigate impacts of aquatic vegetation and water depth on waterfowl. Eighteen waterfowl species were observed. Peak migration occurred in late December/early January. Mixed native ponds and mixed native/hydrilla ponds were the most frequently selected habitat types. The study included correlation analysis between pond water levels and waterfowl use. Full ponds received greatest use followed by half full ponds, while almost empty ponds received minimal use. Time activity budgets were conducted on waterfowl utilizing mixed native and hydrilla ponds to compare waterfowl time partitioning on native aquatic vegetation versus hydrilla. Although only minor differences were found in time budgets, social status appears to be strongly related to habitat selection. Ducks on native ponds were paired (86%), conversely no ducks on hydrilla ponds were paired. Hydrilla pond although frequently utilized, were populated by lower status birds mostly single hens.</p>Portrait of Your Stream: Development and Assessment of a Stream Ecology Program for Middle-School Student2007-09-25T21:27:37-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2777/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2777/"><img alt="Portrait of Your Stream: Development and Assessment of a Stream Ecology Program for Middle-School Student" title="Portrait of Your Stream: Development and Assessment of a Stream Ecology Program for Middle-School Student" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2777/small/"/></a></p><p>Portrait of Your Stream (POYS) is a stream ecology and student action program designed for use with middle-school students. The program is correlated with learning cycle pedagogical methods emphasizing student-centered lessons and activities in both classroom and outdoor settings. Implementation of a pilot program in the Fall semester of 1999 was used to collect formal and informal responses and data from students and teachers. Data included changes in student knowledge, skills and attitudes and were analyzed for determination of the success of program objectives and modifications to the program. The final POYS program is currently distributed and administered by the Botanical Research Institute of Texas.</p>Development of a Procedure to Evaluate Groundwater Quality and Potential Sources of Contamination in the East Texas Basin2007-09-25T21:32:26-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2769/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2769/"><img alt="Development of a Procedure to Evaluate Groundwater Quality and Potential Sources of Contamination in the East Texas Basin" title="Development of a Procedure to Evaluate Groundwater Quality and Potential Sources of Contamination in the East Texas Basin" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2769/small/"/></a></p><p>This study contributes a procedure, based on data analysis and geostatistical methods, to evaluate the distribution of chemical ratios and differentiate natural and anthropogenic contaminant sources of groundwater quality in the East Texas Basin. Four aquifers were studied, Sparta, Queen City, Carrizo and Wilcox. In this study, Carrizo- Wilcox is considered as one aquifer, and Sparta-Queen City as another. These aquifers were divided into depth categories, 0-150 feet for Sparta-Queen City and 300-600 feet and 600-900 feet for Carrizo-Wilcox in order to identify individual sources of contamination. Natural sources include aquifer mineral make up, salt domes and lignite beds. Major anthropogenic sources include lignite and salt dome mining and oil-gas production. Chemical ratios selected were Na/Cl, Ca/Cl, Mg/Cl, SO4/Cl, (Na+Cl)/TDS, SO4/Ca and (Ca+Mg)/(Na+K). Ratio distributions and their relationships were examined to evaluate physical-chemical processes occurring in the study area. Potential contaminant sources were used to divide the Basin into three areas: Area 1 to the east, Area 2 in the west and Area 3 in the center. Bivariate analysis was used to uncover differences between the areas. The waters in Area 1 are potentially impacted primarily from oil field waters. Sources present in Area 2 include lignite beds and oil field operations. Area 3 is the cap rock of salt domes that can contain gypsum and anhydrite. Based on the exploratory data analysis (Na+Cl)/TDS, (Ca+Mg)/(Na+K), and SO4/Ca ratios were chosen for geostatistical analysis. Chemical ratios that provided indications of cation exchange, salt domes and oil fields were (Na+Cl)/TDS, (Ca+Mg)/(Na+K) and SO4/Ca. In the Sparta-Queen City 150 zone the procedure did not provide a good method for differentiating between contaminant sources. However, the procedure was effective to indicate impacted ground water in the Carrizo-Wilcox 600 and 900 foot zones.</p>Age-Dependent Effects Of Chronic GABAA Receptor Blockade In Barrel Cortex2007-09-25T21:32:45-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2760/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2760/"><img alt="Age-Dependent Effects Of Chronic GABAA Receptor Blockade In Barrel Cortex" title="Age-Dependent Effects Of Chronic GABAA Receptor Blockade In Barrel Cortex" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2760/small/"/></a></p><p>GABAA receptor binding is transiently increased in rat whisker barrels during the second postnatal week, at a time when neurons in the developing rat cortex are vulnerable to excitotoxic effects. To test whether these GABAA receptors might serve to protect neurons from excessive excitatory input, polymer implants containing the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline were placed over barrel cortex for a 4-day period in young (postnatal days 8 - 12) and adult rats. In the cortex of young, but not adult rats, the chronic blockade of GABAA receptors resulted in substantial tissue loss and neuron loss. The greater loss of neurons in young rats supports the hypothesis that a high density of GABAA receptors protects neurons from excessive excitatory input during a sensitive period in development.</p>Riparian Forest Width and the Avian Community in a Greenbelt Corridor Setting2007-09-25T21:32:55-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2757/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2757/"><img alt="Riparian Forest Width and the Avian Community in a Greenbelt Corridor Setting" title="Riparian Forest Width and the Avian Community in a Greenbelt Corridor Setting" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2757/small/"/></a></p><p>The forest avian community of the Ray Roberts Greenbelt (Denton Co., Texas) was characterized for two years using point count station sampling, from fall 1998 to summer 2000. Richness data for both breeding seasons were correlated with two-spatial metrics: width of the riparian forest and distance to the nearest edge. There were significant correlations between forest interior species richness and both spatial metrics, for both breeding seasons. Based on these data, a minimum riparian forest width threshold of 400-meters is suggested to provide habitat for forest interior species, which have lost considerable habitat through forest fragmentation. Partners in Flight breeding bird priority concern scores were used to create a habitat priority index for the Trinity River bottomland hardwood forest system</p>Correspondence Between Aquatic Ecoregions and the Distribution of Fish Communities of Eastern Oklahoma2007-09-25T21:32:58-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2756/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2756/"><img alt="Correspondence Between Aquatic Ecoregions and the Distribution of Fish Communities of Eastern Oklahoma" title="Correspondence Between Aquatic Ecoregions and the Distribution of Fish Communities of Eastern Oklahoma" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2756/small/"/></a></p><p>I assessed fish community data collected by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission from 82 minimally impaired wadeable reference streams in eastern Oklahoma to determine whether existing aquatic ecoregions provide the best framework for spatial classification for the development of biological assessment methods and biocriteria. I used indirect ordination and classification to identify groups of sites that support similar fish communities. Although correspondence was observed between fish assemblages and three montane ecoregions, the classification system must be refined and expanded to include major drainage basins and physical habitat attributes for some areas to adequately partition variance in key measures of biological integrity. Results from canonical correspondence analysis indicated that substrate size and habitat type were the primary physical habitat variables that influenced the fish species composition and community structure.</p>The Developmental Physiology of the Zebrafish: Influence of Environment and Cardiovascular Attributes2007-09-25T22:19:59-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2854/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2854/"><img alt="The Developmental Physiology of the Zebrafish: Influence of Environment and Cardiovascular Attributes" title="The Developmental Physiology of the Zebrafish: Influence of Environment and Cardiovascular Attributes" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2854/small/"/></a></p><p>Temperature effects on the development of the zebrafish embryos and larvae and adults were examined. It was found that the earlier in development a temperature change was performed on an embryo, the more significant the change in survival and/or subsequent development. Thus, viable temperature ranges for zebrafish widened significantly as development proceeded. Adults reared and bred at 25oC produced embryos that were significantly more successful at the lower range of rearing temperatures compared to embryos produced from adults reared at 28oC. The majority of this study focused on the physiological effects of swim training during development in the zebrafish. The earlier in development the zebrafish larvae were trained, the greater the mortality. Trained free swimming larvae had a significantly higher routine oxygen consumption after 11 days of training, and a higher mass specific routine metabolic rate after 8 and 11 days of training. Trained free swimming larvae consumed significantly less oxygen during swimming and were more efficient at locomotion, compared to control larvae. Training enhanced survival during exposure to extreme hypoxia in all age groups. Performance aspects of training were investigated in attempt to quantify training effects and in most cases, trained fish performed significantly better than controls. As blood vessels formed during development, they decreased in cross sectional area from days two to six. It was also shown that the variability in visual stroke volume measurements could be reduced significantly by using a third dimension in the analysis with a more accurate volume equation. Finally, the ontogeny of cardiac control was evaluated. The adrenergic receptors were the first to respond to pharmacological stimulation but were closely followed by cholinergic pharmacological stimulation a few days later. There was a significant cholinergic tone present in day 15 zebrafish larvae which persisted. Although an adrenergic tone was not documented in this study, this does not prove its lack of existence.</p>Comparison of GPS Point Selection Methods for GIS Area Measurement of Small Jurisdictional Wetlands2007-09-25T22:20:52-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2831/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2831/"><img alt="Comparison of GPS Point Selection Methods for GIS Area Measurement of Small Jurisdictional Wetlands" title="Comparison of GPS Point Selection Methods for GIS Area Measurement of Small Jurisdictional Wetlands" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2831/small/"/></a></p><p>U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) regulates fill of jurisdictional waters of the United States including wetlands. Recent USACE regulations set a threshold of impacts to wetlands at one-half acre. Impact area can be determined by Global Positioning System (GPS) measurement of wetland boundary and Geographic Information System (GIS) calculation of impact area. GPS point selection methods include (1) equal time interval, (2) transect and (3) intuition. Four two-acre shapes were measured with each GPS method and brought into GIS for area calculation. Analysis of variance and Root Mean Square Error analyses determine that the transect method is an inferior point selection method in terms of accuracy and efficiency.</p>A Novel Mechanism for Site-Directed Mutagenesis of Large Catabolic Plasmids Using Natural Transformation2007-09-25T22:21:04-05:00https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2828/<p><a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2828/"><img alt="A Novel Mechanism for Site-Directed Mutagenesis of Large Catabolic Plasmids Using Natural Transformation" title="A Novel Mechanism for Site-Directed Mutagenesis of Large Catabolic Plasmids Using Natural Transformation" src="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2828/small/"/></a></p><p>Natural transformation is the process by which cells take up DNA from the surrounding medium under physiological conditions, altering the genotype in a heritable fashion. This occurs without chemical or physical treatment of the cells. Certain Acinetobacter strains exhibit a strong tendency to incorporate homologous DNA into their chromosomes by natural transformation. Transformation in Acinetobacter exhibits several unique properties that indicate this system's superiority as a model for transformation studies or studies which benefit from the use of transformation as an experimental method of gene manipulation. Pseudomonas putida is the natural host of TOL plasmids, ranging between 50 kbp and 300 kbp in size and encoding genes for the catabolism of toluene, meta-toluate, and xylene. These very large, single-copy plasmids are difficult to isolate, manipulate, or modify in vitro. In this study, the TOL plasmid pDKR1 was introduced into Acinetobacter calcoaceticus strains and genetically engineered utilizing natural transformation as part of the process. Following engineering by transformation, the recombinant DNA molecule was returned to the native genetic background of the original host P. putida strain. Specific parameters for the successful manipulation of large plasmids by natural transformation in Acinetobacter were identified and are outlined. The effects of growth phase, total transforming DNA concentration, transforming DNA conformation, and gene dosage on transformation efficiency are presented. Addition of Acinetobacter plasmid DNA sequences to the manipulated constructs did not have an effect on transformation rates. Results suggest that a broadly applicable and efficient method to carry out site-directed genetic manipulations of large plasmids has been identified. The ability to easily reintroduce the recombinant DNA molecules back into the original host organism was maintained.</p>