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Adenylate Energy Charge Determinations of Soil Bacteria Grown in Soil Extract Medium
The adenylate energy charge values of twenty bacteria isolated from soil and cultured in a medium consisting of soil and distilled water were determined by the luciferin-luciferase bioluminescense method. The purpose of this study was to examine the growth and energy charge values of these organisms in soil extract medium, and to determine what effect the addition of glucose has on their energy charge values. Three of the organisms employed in this study showed energy charge values similar to those reported for bacteria grown in enriched media. The remainder of the isolates demonstrated low energy charge values, and scant growth in the soil medium.
Advanced Techniques in Microbial and Molecular Biology: Laboratory Procedures for a Graduate Level Course
Advanced laboratory techniques for Microbial and Molecular Biology at the graduate level are presented in this thesis. The procedures for the laboratory experiments are set forth in detail. This laboratory is conducted as two parts, each by a different professor. Part 1 covers the experiments conducted by Dr G.A.O. Donovan. These experiments include an introduction, staining procedures, biochemical reactions, mutagenesis experiment, essays,. preparation and analysis of plasmid DNA and various other topics. Part 2 covers the experiments conducted by Dr. Daniel Kunz and includes various topics like media preparation, phenotyping strains, conjugative transfer of plasmids, SDS-PAGE, induction and measurement of enzyme and transposon mutagenesis
Anaerobic Organisms in Acute and Chronic Pulmonary Diseases
This study concerns a determination as to whether anaerobic organisms are involved in pulmonary diseases, particularly those of the chronic type.
An Analysis of Distribution Patterns of Amphibians and Reptiles in Texas
The purpose of this investigation was to analyze the distribution of amphibians and reptiles in Texas by means of the methods of Webb and Hagmeier and Stults. An additional graphical analysis was made, including range and range limits which provides a cross-section of faunal change along selected base lines across the state.
Annual Lipid Cycles in the Lizard Cnemidophorus Tigris
Annual lipid cycles were determined for adult male and female Cnemidophorus tigris collected near El Paso, Texas during 1970-1971.
Antibiotic Sensitivity of Bacteria Isolated from City Water Distribution Systems
This thesis studies antibiotic sensitivity of bacteria isolated from city water distribution systems.
Application of Fluorescent Antibody Methods for the Enumeration and Identification of Bacillus Cereus
This particular work is proposed as a test of the expedience of using the fluorescent-antibody technique as a method for enumeration and identification of certain strains of B. cereus that have been found to be effective in preventing taste and odor in water supplies resulting from certain Actinomycete blooms.
Assessment of Changes in Aquatic Macrophyte Occurrence Following Introduction of Triploid Grass Carp in a North Texas Reservoir
The objectives of this project were to measure changes in frequency of occurrence of submerged macrophytes over the first two growing seasons following stocking with triploid grass carp at two fish per acre and to measure differences in macrophyte biomass between areas excluded from herbivory and adjacent control sites after 16 months following establishment of exclosures. The project also seeks to measure concentrations of fluridone following the herbicide treatment, and to compare two methods of aquatic vegetation sampling.
Assessment of Radio-Tagged Grass Carp (Ctenopharnygodon idella) Dispersion, Vegetation, and Temperature Preferences in North Lake Reservoir
Twenty-nine (Group One, June 8,1995) grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and five (Group Two, April 18, 1996) grass carp were radio-tagged to monitor movement patterns and habitat preferences on North Lake, a 335 hectare multi-use reservoir located in Irving, Texas. Overall fish mean Average Daily Movement (ADM) rates were 49.2 meters/day (during Half One, 6/8/95-11/30/95) and 5.3 meters/day (during Half Two, 12/14/95-6/6/96). Aquatic macrophtye distribution data were obtained. Radio-tagged grass carp were located in Hydrilla verticillata infested areas increasingly throughout the study, however, percent frequency of Hydrilla along 15 transects did not decrease. Radio-transmitters were equipped with temperature-sensors (10-35 Celsius range). Results indicated that radio-tagged grass carp showed no avoidance of areas of North Lake with elevated water temperatures. Radio-tagged grass carp dispersed quickly from stocking point, then moved into littoral areas infested with Hydrilla. After an initial movement period, most fish remained in a localized area.
Assimilation of Inorganic Nitrogen by Aquatic Actinomycetes
It was the purpose of this investigation to present laboratory data concerning the assimilation of inorganic nitrogen by the aquatic actinomycetes. The strains of aquatic actinomycetes under consideration represented a cross section of those currently under culture at North Texas State University.
Assimilation of Organic Carbon by Aquatic Actinomycetes
There were two purposes of this investigation: the first was to develop a method for studying spore germination, hyphal growth and mycelial development of the aquatic actinomycetes under the microscope so that the life cycle of this organism could be continuously followed. The second purpose was to determine the rate of carbon utilization from various types of nutritional sources, and to correlate this with the colony development and spore formation.
Autoimmunity of Periodontitis
The purpose of this investigation is to determine if auto-antibodies are demonstrable in inflammatory periodontal disease using methods other than those of Novotny.
Bacterial Utilization of Volatile Substances Produced by Streptomyces Lavendulae
The purpose of this investigation is to attempt to learn something of the biochemical ecology of volatile substances produced by actinomycetes.
Bacteriological Studies of the Campus Drinking Fountains of North Texas State Teachers College Denton, Texas
"In order to gain an adequate idea of the sanitary condition of the drinking fountains on the North Texas State Teachers College campus, it was found necessary to approach these bacteriological studies from a seasonal point of view."--1.
Biological Control of the Red Imported Fire Ant by the Entomopathogenic Nematode, Steinernema Carpocapsae (Weiser)
Field trials were conducted in 1988 to evaluate the effectiveness of Steinernema (=Neoaplectana) carpocapsae (Weiser) in controlling the fire ant. Infective juveniles (IJ) of the nematode were applied as drench on 235 and 422 mounds, respectively for 2-month summer and 6-week fall evaluation periods. In comparative trials, amidinohydrazone (Amdro) was applied to 249 (summer) and 65 (fall) active mounds, with 245 (summer) and 78 (fall) untreated active as controls. Nematode treatments resulted in an average of 47% control (Abbott's formula) in summer trials and 19-88% control in the fall trials, compared with 39% and 47% control, respectively with amidinohydrazone. Active mounds treated with nematodes or amidinohydrazone had significantly fewer individuals than control mounds in summer trials.
The Biological Elimination of Phenols in the Effluent of a Wood Preserving Plant
The removal of phenols from the waste waters of wood preserving plants has always presented problems. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the possibility of employing a biological system to reduce the phenol content of effluent from these plants.
Biological Indices of Stream Pollution
A thorough biological survey and evaluation is a lengthy and expensive project. The number of technically trained persons required prevent its use by most public agencies. Since public health departments are the groups most frequently concerned with measuring the effects of pollution in streams, a need exists for a simplified method of sanitary survey. Recognizing this need, the Texas Health Department assigned the writer the problem of devising a method of survey which would require a field party of two and could be conducted entirely from a mobile field laboratory.
Capillary Permeability to Macromolecules at Normal and Hypobaric Pressure
The purpose of this investigation was to study the effects of decreased barometric pressure on the transcapillary movement of molecules by monitoring the macromolecular capillary permeability with lymph derived primarily from the hepatic and gastrointestinal regions of the dog.
Chronic Acceleration and Osteogenesis
The effect of excess gravity on bone-forming elements of the growing perichondrial shaft of embryonic chicks was investigated through the use of the transmission electron microscope and various cytochemical techniques.
A Comparative Study of the Bottom Fauna of four Texas Lakes
This thesis attempted to study the bottom productivity both qualitatively and quantitatively with reference to the distribution of bonthos. The study of the bottom fauna in large reservior lakes is a relatively new field. This work will give more information on an unknown field than previously existed, although its scope is not intend to be exhaustive.
A Comparative Study of the D Cells of Certain Mammalian Islets of Langerhans
The purpose of this study is to describe and compare the D cells of the islets of Langerhans in six different species of mammals.
Comparative Toxicity Responses in Earthworms Lumbricus Terrestris and Eisenia Foetida to Cadmium Nitrate and Chlordane Using Artificial Soil and Filter Paper Exposures
This research compares LC50 and LD50 of earthworms, Lumbricus terrestris and Eisenia foetida exposed to cadmium nitrate and chlordane using 48-h contact filter paper (FP) and 14-d artificial soil (AS) protocols. Both LC50 and LD50 showed that chlordane was more toxic than cadmium in both species regardless of the exposure. The reference toxicant 2-chloroacetamide using the standardized 48-h FP exposure was used to assess the general response of the earthworm prior to toxicity experiments. A glucose test was developed as an internal standard to assess homogeneity of mixtures among both replicates and dilutions. Accuracy of dilutions is assessed by the slope of a regression line relating nominal dilution to observed internal standard concentration. Precision of replicate preparation is assessed by among replicate variance.
Comparative Ultrastructural Study between Young and Adult forms of Trypanosoma Lewisi
The purpose of this study was to examine the ultrastructure of both young (dividing form) and adult (stationary form) of Trypanosoma lewisi. Changes observed between the two forms of the organism were related directly to data obtained from previous comparative biochemical studies conducted on these forms of Trypanosoma lewisi.
A Comparison of Thermogenesis by Selected Substrates on Hypothermic Rat Liver
The thermogenic effects in hypothermia of four substrates--alanine, glycine, ethano, and pyruvate - were studied in seventeen experiments. Albino rats were decapitated, and their livers were removed. The livers were homogenized with phosphate buffer at -5° C. After equilibration in a refrigerated Warburg apparatus at 20° C, the substrates were added and tissue respiration was recorded over three hours. Heat production was calculated from O2 uptake and CO2 production. Results showed that alanine, glycine, and pyrvate yielded 93.19, 89.86, and 89.89 x 10^6 kg-cal compared to a control value of 86.11 x 10^-6 kg-cal. Ethanol provided 110.31 x 10^-6 kg-cal, a value significantly greater than for the other substrates. The substrates studied, especially ethanol, did, therefore increase heat production in an artificially hypothermic environment in homogenized rat livers.
A Computer Assisted Micro-Dye Uptake Interferon Assay System
A new rapid computer assisted micro-titer plate interferon assay system was developed and characterized for use in high capacity clinical and research applications. The biological aspect of the assay was a modification of the assay methods of Finter, Armstrong and McManus. It was an application of spectrophotometric quantification of the reduction of viral cytopathic effect (CPE) as reflected by neutral red dye uptake by viable cells. A computer program was developed for the extrapolation of raw data to reference interferon units.
A Correlation of the Edaphic Factors with the Vegetation of the Woodbine Sands, Denton County, Texas
The purpose of this study was to correlate the Vegetation of the Woodbine Sands with the edaphic factors. In the laboratory an analysis of the edephic factors was made of the twenty-two soil types collected from the three formations. The results of these and other analysis are shown in tables and graphs. The results indicate that the vegetational cover of an area that is uniform in its origin and in its resident soil factors is determined by the edaphic factors present.
A Correlation of the Habitat Factors with the Quantity of Bacterial Colonies as Observed by the Direct Microscopic Method on Twenty Soils of Denton County, Texas
The aim of this study is to determine what factors are most important in controlling the number of bacterial colonies found in twent represntative Denton County (Texas) soils during the growing season.
Cytoplasmic Antigen Relationships among Streptomyces Species
The present study was concerned with the testing of antigenic material derived from a number of streptomycetes in an effort to establish an auxiliary taxonomic scheme based upon cytoplasmic antigen relationships among these organisms.
Degradation of Complex Carbon Compounds by Marine Actinomycetes
The purpose of this paper is to present a comparative study of marine bacteria, molds and actinomycetes in regard to their ability to degrade certain pure and mixed complex compounds possibly occurring in the lagoon waste traps of the Texas Gulf Coast. This comparison was made using a differential oxygen uptake as the index of specific compound utilization.
Degradation of Homologous Polymerized Deoxyribonucleic Acid by Azotobacter Vinelandii ATCC 12837
The purpose of this study was twofold. The first was to isolate, purify, and characterize the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of Azotobacter vinelandii ATCO 12837. The second was to determine if there was irreversible binding of homologous 32P labeled DNA to recipient A. vinelandii cells.
The Determination of Uptake and Depuration Rate Kinetics and Bioconcentration Factor of Naphthalene and Lindane in Bluegill Sunfish, Lepomis macrochirus
Bluegill were exposed to 3 and 30 pg/L lindane and 20 and 200 pg/L naphthalene to determine uptake rate constants, K1 depuration rate constants, K2, and bioconcentration factors, BCF. Correlations were determined between lipid normalized and non-lipid normalized BCFs, and between observed Kl, K2 and BCFs and predicted values. The K1 values for both chemicals and concentrations were similar. The K2 values were different (1.04 day~1, 0.46 day 1). Naphthalene was more rapid. BCFs for lindane (315) and naphthalene (98) were different. Lipid normalized BCFs for naphthalene were more variable than non-lipid normalized BCFs. The reverse was observed for lindane BCFs. Predicted K1, K2 , and BCFs were in agreement with observed values.
Development of an In Vitro Protoplast Culture System for Albizia Lebek (L.) Benth., an Economically Important Leguminous Tree
An in vitro system of generating protoplasts from their callus cultures was established. The friable callus was more productive in terms of producing protoplasts than the green compact callus. The concentration of the various cell wall degrading enzymes had an effect on the viability of the protoplasts in the medium. The protoplast system developed from the experiments was stable and could be used for the transformation experiments of Albizia lebek and for other plant improvement practices.
Differences in Protein Constituents of Some Azotobacter Species
This study used polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to study the acid-phenol soluble proteins of five strains (A. vinelandii 12837, A. vinelandii 0, A. chroococcum 8004, A. macrocytogenes 8702, A. tumefaciens) of bacteria grown on Burk's nitrogen-free media, Trypticase Soy Broth, and 0.3% butanol medium. The results showed that the protein patterns can be used for the identification and possibly the taxonomic classification of the Azotobacter. The change of phenotype of the bacteria in different media followed the change of protein quantity and quality. There was no absolute similarity between any two of the species studied and this suggests a genetically heterogenous group of organisms while the amount of common proteins suggests close genetic relationships. Further studies are necessary to confirm the status of A. tumefaciens.
Drift of Aquatic Insects in the Brazos River, Texas
The objective of this study was to elucidate the nature and extent of drift by the aquatic insect populations of the Brazos River, Texas.
Ecological Distribution of the Herpetofauna of Montague County, Texas
The purpose of this study was to make a preliminary study of the herpetofauna of Montague County in relation to ecological distribution. Also taken into consideration were the zoogeographic relationships of the various species.
An Ecological Study of the Pine Vole, Microtus Pinetorum, in Northeast Texas
This study dealt with the life history and population dynamics of the pine vole, Microtus pinetorum. In the past there has been a void of ecological material concerning this small mammal in the southwestern region of its range. From November, 1969, through February, 1970, a survey was conducted in Marion County and Harrison County, Texas, to determine the most suitable habitat for an ecological study of Microtus pinetorum. A study was then initiated in March, 1970, and continued through March, 1971, on an undisturbed marsh five miles south of Marshall, Harrison County, Texas.
An Ecological Survey of the Herpetofauna of Palo Pinto County, Texas
The purpose of this research was to compile a presence list of reptiles and amphibians that occur in Palo Pinto County, Texas, and to investigate the ecological distributions and zoogeographic affinities of these herpetiles. The study area was chosen primarily because of its location in North Central Texas and its rugged topography, which sets it apart from the surrounding area.
The Ecology of Chlorohydra Viridissima in a Small Perennial Pond
The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of chemical, physical, and bilogical factors on th seasonal variation in population and on reproduction of Chlorohydra Viridissima (Schulze) in a small pernnial pond.
The Effect of Aging on the Respiratory Response of Rat Heart Tissue Slices to Metabolic Inhibitors
This investigation was undertaken to explore biochemical changes which may occur in heart tissue with age. In this connection, the cellular enzymes were of special interest.
The Effect of Carbon Monoxide on the Growth of an Aquatic Streptomycete
The major purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of carbon monoxide on the development of various morphological phases of a single isolate of the aquatic streptomycetes and to elucidate the physiological differences between terminal respiration in the primary and secondary stages. A secondary purpose was to repeat the work of Michael Lee Higgins involving the effect of anaerobiosis on the growth of the organism.
Effect of Colchicine on Neuronal Excitabilty
The abundance of microtubules in receptive dendrites suggests they may function in sensory transduction. Responses of frog muscle spindle receptors and joint receptors is inhibited within 25 minutes by 50 mM colchicine, a microtubuledisrupting agent. The inhibition is reversible upon removal of colchicine, and the time course of recovery is comparable to that of inhibition. Frog olfactory responses are briefly inhibited by washing the olfactory mucosa with perfusion fluid. Colchicine accentuates the inhibition and substantially retards the rate of recovery in a dose-dependent fashion. Colchicine does not affect axonal conduction, nor the oxygen uptake of isolated crab or frog leg nerves. The inhibitory action of colchicine is therefore an effect on the electrical excitability of the receptive dendrites or soma, and not an effect on axonal conduction.
The Effect of Geosmin on the Growth of Bacillus cereus
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of varying concentrations of geosmin on the growth of Bacillus cereus.
Effect of Light and Other Environmental Factors on Growth and Carotenogenesis of Corynebacterium Species Strain 7E1C
This investigation studies effects of environmental factors on growth and carotenogenesis in Corynebacterium strain 7ElC. Changes in pH were found to effect growth more than carotenogenesis. However, certain nutrients or long incubation periods stimulated carotenoid formation more than growth. Dark conditions in a mineral salts-glucose medium stimulated growth, but minimized carotenogenesis. Tryptic soy broth or yeast extract elicited carotenogenesis in darkness. Although brief light exposure during inoculation was photoinductive, continuous exposure to light following inoculation was required for maximum pigment synthesis. Dark grown stationary phase cells required 24-hours of light for maximum pigment synthesis. Chloramphenicol inhibition of carotenogenesis in dark grown cells exposed to light showed that enzymes needed for carotenoid synthesis were absent from dark grown cultures.
Effect of Lipid Injections on Complement Titers of Guinea Pigs
This thesis is a study of the effect of lipid injections on complement titers of guinea pigs.
The Effect of Sodium Salicylate on the Ultrastructure of Trypanosoma lewisi
This study examines ultrastructural changes occurring in seven- and fourteen-day populations of Trypanosorfa lewisi when 60 mg sodium salicylate is administered to the host. These changes were related to the host-immune response. Seven-day trypanosomes showed approximately 10 posterior volutin granules. Seven-day trypanosomes whose host had received salicylate exhibited. 30 to 40 volutin granules, and their posterior tip exhibited volutin granules in high numbers sometimes excluding other cellular elements. Fourteen-day trypanosones showed fewer volutin granules than seven-day, salicylate-treated ones. Salicylate treatment caused no additional ultrastructural alterations. Thus the volutin granules are not linked to the reproduction inhibiting antibody (ablast in) but may be involved in the formation of the trypanocidal antibodies.
Effects of Altitude on Pressure-Flow Relationships in the Vascular Bed of the Hind Limb of the Dog
The purpose of this investigation was to study the effects of decreasing barometric pressure upon the pressure-flow relationships in a peripheral vascular bed in an attempt at better delineation of the autoregulatory mechanisms. A decrease in barometric pressure does influence the transmural pressure and could theoretically affect smooth muscle tone. An evaluation of the extent of the transmural effect is essential to understanding vascular dynamics at altitudes.
Effects of Antigen Injection on Titer of C'3 and C'4 Complement Components of Rat Serum
This work attempts to establish some phenomenon of a rise in titer of C'3 and C'4 due to antigenic stimulation. Normal level of complement is established and compared to other workers as well as against guinea pig levels. Young rats were bled to establish normal levels of complement. The animals were then injected with an antigenic substance and after a period of seven days were bled again to determine the level of complement. Various antigenic and non-antigenic substances were used as well as normal saline injections for control.
The Effects of Common Electrolytes on Growth and Development of Selected Species of Aquatic Actinomycetes
The role that aquatic actinomycetes play, in the production of tastes and odors in water supplies has been investigated since 1948. The ability of these organisms to produce by-products in lakes and streams, which renders the water unpalatable, is of considerable public health importance. It is desirable that the waterworks industry has as much information as possible concerning the factors that contribute to the growth of these organisms. Since it appears that the aquatic actinomycetes may be isolated from most fresh-water sources, the problem of diversified environments and nutritional requirements offers an excellent field of investigation. The fresh-waters of the world contain variable quantities of electrolytes that may determine in part the biological activity of these organisms. The unsolved questions in this instance are concerned with the electrolytes present and their quantitative effects on the growth and development of these forms.
The Effects of Heparin on the Development of Resistance to Antibiotics by Staphylococcus Aureus
Since heparin combines with some antibiotics to decrease the toxicity of the antibiotic to the patient, the purpose of this investigation is to determine whether it has any effect upon the development of resistance to antibiotics by Staphylococcus aureus.
The Effects of Hypothermia on the Release of Cardiac Enzymes
The myocardium is known to release CPK, LDH1 , and GOT in response to ischemia as a result of myocardial infarction. This study was designed to induce the release of cardiac enzymes without adversely effecting the myocardium by perfusion hypothermia, thereby suggesting that these enzymes are not as specific in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction as once thought. Hypothermia was by in vivo perfusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Enzyme activity was measured from sera samples spectrophotometrically and electrophoretically. Significant CPK and LDH1 increases were observed in animals perfused between 25 and 19 C. These results indicate that, while heart function remained unchanged, an alteration occurred in the membrane integrity of the myocardial cells.
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