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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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Heat Resistance in Vegetative Cells and Cysts of Azotobacter
The purpose of the current study is to determine something of the nature of the heat resistance in Azotobacter, if in fact this is found to exist. An attempt is made to determine the specific physiological state associated with heat resistance as well as to resolve this resistance quantitatively.
Microbial Activity in "Overland Flow" Industrial Waste Treatment
One of the major problems of modern industries concerns the disposal of waste materials without the concomitant pollution of the environment. Several food and wood products industries have solved this problem by using the "overland flow" method of waste treatment. The research described in this paper was undertaken to ascertain the fact that the waste purification occurring on the disposal field is the result of microbial activities in the soil, and to study the transformations taking place.
Microorganisms Associated with a Spray Irrigation System
The area of research for this thesis concerns the role played by microorganisms in the process of organic breakdown of waste effluent. Although considerable research has been done since the early 1950's, little consideration has been given to the role of the microorganisms in this type of waste water purification.
Serological Characteristics of Morphologically and Biochemically Similar Streptomyces Species
It is the purpose of this investigation to test for serological characteristics of six Streptomyces species which exhibit identical and/or very closely similar morphological and biochemical characteristics.
A Comparison of the Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen Rate of Change Methods for Measuring Primary Productivity
The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the variability of oxygen and carbon dioxide rate of change methods for measuring primary productivity and respiration in an aquatic environment.
Distribution of Phosphates in a Sewage Plant and its Receiving Waters
The purpose of this paper is to detail the distribution and quantity of soluble phosphates in an activated sludge plant, its discharge creek, and receiving reservoir. The resultant analyses and comparison of data should provide some better understanding of the fate of phosphorus in a Southwestern waterway system.
The Effects of Simulated Altitude on the Intestinal Flora of Guinea Pigs
The purpose of this paper is to report the results of studies on the aerobic, mesophilic intestinal flora of guinea pigs subjected to conditions similar to those encountered by man in spacecraft.
The Production of Fragile Cysts by an Aberrant Strain of Azotobacter Chroococcum Isolated from Soil
The purpose of this study is to determine if a strain of Azotobacter chroococcum isolated from the soil in northern Louisiana produces cysts which are as resistant to deleterious agents as those produced by previously reported strains os Azotobacter.
Quantitative Aspects of the Microflora of an Overland Flow Spray Irrigation Sewage Disposal System
It was the purpose of this investigation to attempt to quantitate the microflora of the fields which receive the effluent from the Campbell Soup Plant, Paris, Texas, and to determine whether or not there is a correlation between the numbers and types of organisms present and the efficiency of purification of the system.
Effects of n-Decenylsuccinic Acid (n-DSA) and It's Monomethyl Ester (m-MDSA) on Water and Ion Flux in Isolated Roots
The purpose of this study was (1) to measure the changes in water flux in isolated roots exposed to n-DSA and its mono-methly ester (m-MDSA) using a photometric technique in the absence of an externally applied suction and (2) to measure the flux of Na and K in similarly treated roots using a flame photometric method.
Effects of X-irradiation on Ion Flux in Desheathed Toad Sciatic Nerves
The purpose of this thesis is to determine the effects of x-irradiation on the efflux of potassium, sodium and calcium ions from stimulated and unstimulated desheathed sciatic nerves.
Herpetology of the Amistad Reservoir Area, Val Verde County, Texas
The Amistad Reservoir in southern Val Verde County, Texas will impound a considerable amount of surface water in a semi-arid region in which natural surface water is scarce. Construction of the dam began in 1963 and the reservoir began to fill in the summer of 1968. This large impoundment could have a considerable ecological impact on the area. The purpose of this research was to study the ecological distribution and zoogeographic affinities of the herpetofauna and to establish an ecological baseline against which any future changes could be measured.
The Effects of the Soil Conditioner, Superbio, Upon the Cellulose Decomposing Bacteria and the Crop Yield of a Soil
The purpose of this investigation was to determine if a commercial soil conditioner, Superbio, can improve crop yield, and if the "advertised" soil improvement might be due to an increase in the activity and numbers of aerobic cellulose decomposing bacteria following treatment.
Growing Earthworms in Artificial Environments
This study is intended to investigate the artificial environment conditions that would favor the most effective propagation of the African night crawler.
Growth Inhibition of Chlorella Pyrenoidosa TX71105 by an Unknown Soil Bacillus
The purpose of this paper is to present data on the nature of mixed cultures of algae and bacteria and to report new evidence of growth inhibition of Chlorella by a bacterial contaminant isolated from a soil environment.
The Inheritance of Serum Alkaline Phosphatase in the Pigeon (Columba livia)
The purpose of this work was to determine the manner of inheritance of serum alkaline phosphatase in the racing pigeon, (Columba livia). The evidence indicates that the electrophoretic patterns of serum alkaline phosphatase in the pigeon are inherited as codominant genes.
Isolation and Identification of an Odor Compound Produced by a Selected Aquatic Actinomycete
The purpose of this study was to develop an efficient method for the concentration of specific volatile taste and odor compounds produced by a selected aquatic actinomycete. A second purpose was to isolate and identify the specific taste and odor compound present in the highest concentration.
Parasites of the Cricket Frog, Acris Crepitans, of Denton County, Texas
The purpose of this study was threefold. The literature concerning parasites of A. crepitans was to be brought up to date. Contributions to the general body of knowledge pertaining to the parasitic fauna of host specimens of A. crepitans and specifically those found in Denton County, Texas, were to be made. Finally, specimens found parasitizing host specimens of A. crepitans were to be preserved and classified.
Photoreactivation Studies on Azotobacter vinelandii ATCC 12837
This thesis was written to study photoreactivation in different physiological conditions of the vegetative cell as well as the photoreactivation of the two morphological states of the Azotobacter cell: the vegetative cell and the cyst.
Presence of Krebs Cycle Intermediates in Primary Mycelia of an Actinomycete
The purpose of this study is to determine the presence or absence of a typical Krebs cycle metabolism in the primary mycelia of an aquatic streptomycete.
Qualitative and Quantitative Chromatographic Determination of Muscle Myosin Production in Control and Chronically Accelerated Chick Embryos
The purpose of this investigation was to employ newly improved qualitative and quantitative chromatographic techniques to obtain purified myosin from 1 G and 3 G chick embryos and to determine if muscle myosin production either follows or precedes the unparallel bone growth during chronic acceleration as reported by several investigators.
Rectal Temperatures of the Cotton Rat, Sigmodon Hispidus (Rodentia : Cricetidae)
This investigation has been concerned with determining the extent to which a small mammal, the cotton rat, may become acclimated to environmental temperatures, and the influence acclimation has upon a population. The study was also designed to determine if acclimation effects on a population can be seen in individual rats.
Transferrin Inheritance in the Pigeon, Columba livia
This study investigated transferrin inheritance in homing pigeons (Columba livia), using discontinuous acrylamide gel electrophoresis on rivanol treated serum.
Actinoplanes Philippinensis: Effect of Carbon Sources on Zoospore Production
Actinomycetes are able to utilize a great variety of carbohydrates, like sugar. The particular kind of sugar and its concentration has decisive effect on the growth of microorganisms. The proper nutritional media aids also in the production of spores. Based on this generalization, that the growth and sporulation of microorganisms are greatly influenced by the nature and the concentration of carbohydrates, an attempt has been made to study Actinoplanes philippinensis with respect to this influence.
The Effects of Hexadecanol on the Microbiota of Lake Hefner
It seemed desirable to investigate more fully the effect of hexadecanol on the microbial population of a reservoir. It was the purpose of this investigation to determine the effect of hexadecanol on the micro-biota of Lake Hefner, to ascertain which organisms were stimulated by hexadecanol both in the laboratory and the reservoir, and to investigate the degradation of hexadecanol by microorganisms selected from Lake Hefner.
Phosphatides of Atypical Mycobacteria
The purpose of this investigation was to extract, separate, partially characterize and compare the individual phospholipids of the atypical mycobacteria.
A Qualitative Survey of the Airborne Algae, Protozoa, and Bacteria at the Denton Sewage Treatment Plant
This study had a three-fold purpose. First, it was decided to determine if algae and protozoa were emitted to the air at the Denton sewage treatment plant. The information obtained could be of future importance in the fields of algal and protozoan ecology and public health. Second, it was decided to make a survey of the airborne bacteria at this plant. Some researchers have described bacterial air contamination at similar sewage treatment plants, but the one in Denton has not been studied. Third, it was hoped that in this research some relationships could be found between the bacteria and the algae and protozoa in the air in the vicinity of the sewage aeration basin. It was hypothesized that pathogenic bacteria were carried in the air with these other organisms.
A Bacteriological Survey of a Freshwater Reservoir
In this study organisms that can be subcultured from lake water, using a prescribed procedure, limit, to an extent, the population, or portions of the population, that can be monitored. In essence, what is taking place is that a set of conditions is set forth and a study is made of the bacteria that will grow under these prescribed conditions.
Effects of Selected Phytohormones on the Growth and Morphology of Escherichia Coli
The present investigation was undertaken as a preliminary study to learn the response of Escherichia coli cells grown under identical experimental conditions to various concentrations of indoleacetic acid, gibberellic acid, and kinetin alone, and in combination with one another.
Liver Glyoxalase Activity in Normal Mice and Mice with Lymphosarcoma
It is the purpose of this investigation to determine the variation of glyoxalase activity in liver of normal mice and in the liver of mice bearing a lymphosarcoma and to compare the glyoxalase activity of the lymphosarcoma with values previously reported in the literature for other tumor types. Further, if there is indeed a variation in liver glyoxalase activity between normal and tumor-bearing mice, it will be compared to the variation in the activity of two other enzymes present in liver tissue in relatively high concentration.
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.
Identification of Streptomyces Species Using Fluorescent Antibody-Membrane Filter Techniques
It is the purpose of this investigation to modify existing methods in an attempt to provide a rapid identification of members of the genus Streptomyces.
The In Vitro Interaction of 3-Methylcholanthrene with Deoxyribonucleic Acid
The purpose of this thesis is to report the interaction of aromatic hydrocarbons with DNA and to attempt to determine the relative binding affinities. The effect of the hydrocarbons on the continuity of the DNA molecule has been studied also and discussed.
Observations on the Life History of the Brown Spider, Loxosceles Reclusa Gertsch and Muliak
This research was undertaken primarily to further elucidate the life history of this medically important spider. Special attention was given to rearing experimental spiders under as near-natural environmental conditions as possible.
A Comparison of Specificity of Passive Transfer of Chemical Contact Hypersensitivity Following Different Methods of Sensitization
This thesis compares the specificity of passive transfer of chemical contact hypersensitivity following various methods of sensitization.
Pleomorphism in Selected Genera of Algae
It is the purpose of this study to ascertain what environmental factors might cause morphological changes exhibited by certain algae, also to determine if this variation in morphology is vegetative, reproductive, or artifactual in nature, and to show what effects these changes in morpohology might have on classification of the organisms in question.
Effects of X-Irradiation on Water and Ion Flux in Isolated Roots
Due to the relatively small amount of work concerning radiation, it was thought feasible to use ionizing radiation as a tool to study the relationship between water and salt flux in isolated root systems. Moreover, the more quantitative potometric method lends itself well to such a study, since the two processes can be followed simultaneously. the aims of this study, therefore, were 1) to determine effects of X-irradiation on water, calcium and potassium flux in excised onion roots; 2) to determine the dose levels required for producing permeability changes; 3) to investigate the nature of radiation damage to root systems; and 4) to attempt to shed light on the relation between water transport and ion movement in root systems.
Investigations on Abundance, Habits, and Distribution of Amphibians and Reptiles of Denton County, Texas
The purpose of the present study of the herpetofauna was to obtain additional information regarding the vertebrates of Denton County, and to produce a well-preserved, cataloged collection of the amphibians and reptiles for the Museum of Zoology, North Texas State University. An understanding of the vertebrate life of the county also involves an investigation of the habitats within the county that may, in part, count for the distribution of these animals. It is well recognized that the environmental areas of the county have altered vastly during the last one hundred years. This alteration is due largely to agriculture and industry. However, there are adequate numbers of natural environments, as well as newly created ones that may contribute to the distribution of the vertebrates at the present time. Therefore, the problem not only concerned the collection of specimens, but also the identification, abundance classification, general habitat classifications, and county distribution.
Some Effects of X-Irradiaion on the Adrenal Response to Hypothalamic Stimulation in Rats
Exactly where in the hypothalamus is the adrenal-pituitary response to X-irradiation "triggered" or initiated? Moreover, does ionizing radiation act directly on specific centers in the brain or does it act indirectly via the production of some humoral agents? Finally, what role does the hypothalamus play in the radiation-syndrome? The purpose of the present study was to attempt to answer these questions by determining the effects of two stressor agents, X-irradiation and electrical stimulation applied either singly or together, on the activity of the adrenal-pituitary axis. The parameters measured were changes in plasma corticosterone, in circulating eosinopihils, and in adrenal gland weight.
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.
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.
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 Visible Monochromatic Radiations on Growth of Pith Callus Tissue of Pelargonium Zonale
It was the purpose of the investigation to determine the effects of selected high intensity monochromatic radiations on the growth of pith callus tissue of Pelargonium zonale, variety Enchantress Fiat. In addition, the extent of cell differentiation was to be determined for tissues grown under each experimental treatment.
Effects of X-irradiation on Potassium Flux in Isolated Nerves
The purpose of this study, therefore, was threefold in nature: (1) to determine the effects of x-irradiation on the influx and efflux of potassium in compound nerve fibers (2) to attempt to relate the radiation-induced changes in electrical activity with potassium flux and (3) to use the information obtained to gain insight into the possible cellular site (s) of radiation insult to compound nerves.
Electron Microscopy of Vesicles Present in Bacterial Lysates of Escherichia Coli
It is the purpose of this thesis to report further studies on the vesicles appearing in phage lysates of Escherichia coli, phage attachment to these vesicles, and the presence of similar vesicles in lysozyme and penicillin lysed cultures.
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