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An Investigation of Microbial Antagonism in Ten Denton County, Texas Soils
This thesis is concerned primarily with the growth and detection of soil microorganisms in ten Denton County, Texas, soils antagonistic to a specific gram-positive and a specific gram-negative bacterial organism.
The Chemical Compounds Produced by Actinomycetes and Their Relation to Tastes and Odors in a Water Supply
The purpose of this problem was to determine the cause of tastes and odors in the Breckenridge water supply and to isolate and culture the organisms responsible for the offensive chemicals.
The Antibiotic Activities of Some Members of the Cactaceae Family
This problem has been concerned with, first, the collection of sixteen species of plants belonging to Cactaceae family; second, the drying of these and the extraction of the oleoresins thereof; third, the determination of the extent to which these substances inhibit the growth of ten gram-positive and ten gram-negative bacterial organisms; and fourth, a determination of the possible utilization of these extracts a prophylactic or chemotherapeutic agents.
An Investigation of Chloral Hydrate as an Inhibitor of Bacterial Spreader Colonies in Milk Plate Counts
This study has consisted primarily of the addition of varying amounts of chloral hydrate to nutrient agar plates and the determination of the definite effects thereof upon the colony plate counts of various samples of milk.
Pathogenic Bacterial Survey in the Trinity River from East Fort Worth, Texas, to South Dallas, Texas
This study was conducted from March 3, through June 2, 1951, in order to determine to what extent pathogenic bacteria were entering the Trinity River between East Fort Worth, Texas and South Dallas, Texas, from municipal sewage disposal plants.
A Microbial Survey of Raw Ingredients Used in Finished Products at Kraft Foods Company, Garland, Texas
The purpose of this investigation is to determine through routine checks the number of organisms present in the various raw ingredients used for the preparation of foods. The problem has consisted of, first, a determination of the total bacterial population by numbers; second, a determination of the incidence of colon bacteria in the samples examined; third, a determination of the presence of yeasts and molds; and fourth, an attempt to utilize this information obtained in judging the methods of handling the raw ingredients before they are used in the processing of foods.
Isolation and Identification of Bacterial Species Associated with the Common House Fly and Three Species of Cockroaches
In an attempt to demonstrate the role of insects as possible carriers of pathogenic bacterial organisms this investigation has been concerned with the determination of the microbial population associated both internally and externally with the common house fly and three species of the cockroach.
Isolation, Identification and Cultivation of Four Phytopathogenic Fungi
This investigation includes a morphological and cultural study of four rather common pathogenic fungi one of which attacks Zinnia elegans, one Lagerstroemia indica, one Ligustrum lodense and one Euonymus japonica. The problem includes, first, a determination of the genera of these four fungi as revealed by their morphology in natural habitat; second, a determination of the growth and cultural characteristics of these on Cornmeal, Potato, Bean, Prune and Carrot agars; third, a comparison of the growth and cultural characteristics of these in natural habitat with the same on the various agars used; and fourth, an evaluation of the five artificial culture media in so far as their usage is concerned in the growth and cultivation of these four species of fungi.
The Isolation, Cultivation and Testing of Organisms Anatagonistic to a Streptomycin Resistant Strain of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
The problem of finding an efficient antibiotic against Pseudomonas aeruginosa which can be used in the clinical treatment of genito-urinary tract infections resistant to treatment by streptomycin has not yet been solved. Therefore, this problem has consisted of first, the acquisition of possible inhibitors of the streptomycin resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa; second, the selection and identification of those which show a marked antagonism toward this organism; third, the determination of the antibiotic spectra of the inhibitors; fourth, the determination of whether the streptomycin resistant strain could also acquire a resistance to the antibiotic produced by its inhibitors; and last, an attempt to evaluate the therapeutic possibilities of the antibiotics demonstrated.
The Antibiotic Effect of Pigmented Actinomycetes
This thesis attempts, first, to correlate pigmentation of actinomycetes with the degree of antibiocity; second, to establish the most favorable means of producing a rich luxuriant pigmentation in the individual organism studied by enriching favorable media with specific types of proteins and amino acids.
Age, Growth, and Food Habits of the Largemouthed Black Bass (Micropterus Salmoides) and the Spotted Bass (Micropterus Puctulatus SSP) in North and East Texas Lakes
This study is based on the examinations and analyses of 388 largemouthed black bass (Micropterus salmoides) and 118 spotted black bass (Micropterus puctulatus ssp.) which were collected over a period of three years from 9 lakes in the North-Central and East Texas areas. The results should show the following: (1) the average age of the black bass in each of the nine reservoirs in Texas; (2) the growth rate of the bass in these reservoirs; (3) the feeding habits of the bass in all reservoirs studied; (4) a comparison of the growth rates of the largemouthed and spotted basses; and (5) a comparison of the growth rates of bass from Texas and Oklahoma.
A Correlation of the Vegetation with the Soil Types of Haskell County, Texas
The problem has consisted, first, of a mapping of the soil types present in Haskell County; second, a collection of the existing vegetation of each soil type; third, an identification of the vegetation collected and observed; fourth, and lastly, a comparative study of the vegetation of each soil type in an effort to establish a correlation between the vegetation and the soil type.
The Inhibition of Fungal Contaminants in Cultures of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
The problem of conatmination in culture media for Mycobacterium tuberculosis has not been solved completely, and for this reason the work herein presented was carried out. In this work experiments were made testing the effect of actidione in inhibiting certain ones of the higher fungi.
The Adaptability and Present Status of Andropogon Ischaemum L. in Denton County, Texas
This investigation has been made with reference to the adaptability of Andropogon ischaemum, King Ranch bluestem, to various soils, various slopes, and various erosion conditions in Denton County.
A Grassland Evaluation of Eastland County, Texas
This investigation has had for its purpose the determination of first, all members of the Gramineae (Grass) family found in the county; second, the incidence of each species with the various types of soil; third, the grazing value of each species; fourth, the life span of the parent plants; fifth, the present grassland status; and sixth, the potentialities of developing desirable grassland.
The Antibiotic Properties of the Oleoresins of Twenty-Five Common Garden Vegetables
The purpose of this problem is to determine the presence and extent of antibiotic materials as found in the oleoresins of a selected group of garden vegetables. The problem has consisted of, first, the collection and preparation of specimens of twenty-five commonly used garden vegetables; second, the extraction of the oleoresins from these; third, the determination of the inhibitory and other effects of these oleoresins against several strains of selected gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria; and fourth, the evaluation of the potentialities of these oleoresins with regard to their future use as medicinal prophylactics and therapeutics.
A Grassland Evaluation of the W. A. McKamy Ranch, Denton and Wise Counties, Texas
This problem consists of classifying the four major pastures of the McKamy ranch into McConnell's four categories, by means of examinations based on these qualities and characteristics.
The Sensitivity of Human Blood Plasma to the Coagulase Enzyme Secreted by Members of the Genus Micrococcus
The problem in this investigation consisted of, first, the isolation from human sources and identification of thirteen cultures of typical micrococci to be used as test organisms; second, the acquisition of blood plasma from thirty different human beings; and third, the determination of the possibility of individual variation in sensitivity of blood plasma to the micrococci used as test organisms as revealed by the coagulase test.
A Study of Some Congenital Anomalies of the Hands and Feet
This paper has been undertaken, first, to contribute several more cases of various congenital anomalies to the literature on human genetics, and, second, by an analysis of the genealogies, to determine the possible modes of transmission of these anomalies.
Bacterial Antibiotic Properties of the Oleoresins of Thirty Summer Flowering Spermatophytes
The purpose of this investigation is to add to the present day knowledge concerning the presence of antibiotics in additional members of the spermatophyte group of plants.
In Vitro Determination of the Cellulose-Decomposing Rates of Twelve Denton County, Texas Soils
In this study twelve types of top soil were collected under aseptic conditions. The cellulose-decomposing rates of these were compared in order to determine the relative rates in the cellulose-decomposing potential of the microorganisms involved. Furthermore, this investigation is designed to acquire pertinent information on the rate at which natural cellulose materials are returned to available plant food.
A Study of Some Congenital Anomalies of the Teeth
Anomalies of the teeth include a variety of expression such as: anodontia, hyperdontia, peg teeth. opalescent dentine, mottled enamel, and other imperfections of the teeth. This paper is concerned primarily with anodontia in human subjects, although other abnormalities of interest are mentioned. Insufficient datum is the principal difficulty encountered in determining the mechanism and means of transmission in human genetics. Small families, slow breeding, and inability to subject humans to experimentation account, in part, for this difficulty. The lack of reliable data is the second major difficulty in determining the mode of transmission. Often normal or unaffected members of a family are forgotten due to insignificance placed on them--thus an untrue pedigree is the result. The fact that one must rely on information from one or two members of a family lends itself to error. Therefore, an absolutely accurate determination of Mendelian ratios in human genetics would be impossible. This error, however, can be reduced by the gathering and compilation of large numbers of family pedigrees from which calculations can be made and results determined which will reveal the mode of transmission of various hereditary traits. With this view in mind, this paper is presented, first, to add several more cases to the literature, and, second, by analysis of the pedigrees to determine the possible modes of transmission of these anomalies.
A Water Quality Study of Lake Texoma
A series of four stations for sampling the waters of the Red Rivers and Lake Texoma was established. Water samples from top, middle, and bottom levels of these four stations were taken on monthly intervals during periods of homothermousity and on two-week intervals during periods of thermal stratification. These samples were analysed for the cations sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, and for the anions normal carbonate, bicarbonate, sulfate, chloride, nitrate, water hardness (expressed as calcium carbonate), and phosphates. Determinations for dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, pH, temperature, and specific conductance were performed. Using these data, vertical profiles of the lake at these four stations were established. From the study of these data it was concluded that the waters of the Red River improve in quality coincident with impoundment, and that these improvements are sufficient to warrant the use of these waters.
An Evaluative Study of the Grasslands of the R.J. McMurry Ranch, Denton County, Texas
It is the purpose of this problem to classify the four major pastures of the McMurry ranch using the discussed classification system. The definite measurable qualities characterizing each condition of the system are used extensively in this study. The problem is concerned also with the observation of results of misuse, the present practices that could result in further depletion of portions of the McMurry ranch, and procedures being employed at the present time aimed toward the restoration of these depleted portions.
Effects of Smoking on Gastric Secretion and Gastric Motility in Man
This thesis is concerned with the use of some of the newer techniques in a study of some of the effects of cigarette smoking on gastric secretion and gastric motility in normal subjects and in patients with active duodenal ulcers.
A Quantitative and Qualitative Bacterial Analysis of the Sewage Disposal System of Perryton, Texas
This investigation had for its purpose the determination of first, the inefficiency of the Perryton, Texas, sewage disposal plant proper; and second the potential effectiveness of a lagoon now used to complete the sewage purification; and consequently, offset an apparent health hazard. The problem, as pursued, has consisted of first, the collection of sewage samples from the six stations listed in Table 1 over the period of time from September 23, 1949 to May 14, 1950; second, a quantitative analysis of each sample in order to determine the number of bacterial organisms present; third, a qualitative analysis of each sample in order to determine more expecially the presence of members of the genera Aerobacter, Escherischia, Salmonella and Shigella; and fourth, an attempt to evaluate the potentialities of the natural purification factors of the lagoon.
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.
A Preliminary Report on the Effect of Roentgen Rays on the Formed Elements of Avian Blood
This problem consists primarily in determining the numerical value of the leukocytes after different amounts of roentgen rays had been applied to the subjects. The Atomic Energy Commission set up a problem concerning the effects of roentgen rays on the fertility in chickens, and grants were given to two institutions to study this. The blood work in this paper was an off-shoot from one of these five fertility grants.
A Rapid Modification of a Standard Disk-plate Antibiotic Susceptibility Test
The objective of the work reported in this paper is one of a two-fold nature. The first objective is to develop a disk-plate sensitivity test that is more rapid than that of existing methods. The second requisite is that the materials, techniques, interpretation, and reporting of results be the sane as those required for the disk-plate method described in the Difco Manual.
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.
Seed Treatment of Thirty Species of Pasture Grasses and Legumes with Certain Du Pont Disinfectants
This review has dealt primarily with the efforts of scientists to control certain smut diseases of grains. The principal reason for treating plant seeds is to obtain good stands of vigorous, healthy plants that will produce increased yields of superior seed.
Microbial Utilization of a Certain Hydrocarbon Insecticide
This problem includes, first, the isolation and identification of microorganisms which utilized the hydrocarbon insecticide as a sole source of carbon and energy; second, a determination of the effect on plants sprayed with the hydrocarbon medium as compared with the effect on plants sprayed with the hydrocarbon medium containing a good growth of hydrocarbon-utilizers; and third, a determination of the ability of laboratory stock cultures of organisms to utilize or remain alive in the hydrocarbon medium.
Morphological and Physiological Changes in Micrococcus Pyogenes Var. Aureus during Development of its Resistance to Terramycin
The problem in this investigation consists of, first, the procurement of several strains of Micrococcus pyogenes var. aureus; second, the comparison of the degree and rate of development of resistance of these organisms to terramycin; and, third, to study the morphological and physiological changes which occur during the development of resistance.
An Investigation of Selected Factors Related to the Professional Status of the Science Teachers in the Four-Year Accredited High Schools of Texas for the School Year 1952-1953
The purpose of this study is to gather information related to the professional status of the science teachers in the four-year accredited high schools of Texas for the school year 1952-1953. The principal concern of the study is "Who is teaching science?"
Extracts of Garden Vegetables as Sources of Nutrition for Various Microorganisms
This study was undertaken in order to determine whether the extracts of common garden vegetables could be incorporated into simple, economical culture media which might be used for the growth and cultivation of at least some of the more commonly used microorganisms.
The Cultural, Physiological, Morphological and Chemical Characteristics of an Actinomycete from Lake Waco, Texas
The purpose then of this paper has been to expand our knowledge of these aquatic forms by investigating the cultural, physiological, morphological, and chemical characteristics of an actinomycete isolated from the water supply, Lake Waco, of Waco, Texas.
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 Certain Organic Compounds Upon the Bacterial Deposition of Ferric Hydroxide from Ferric Ammonium Citrate
This thesis studies the effects of certain organic compounds upon the bacterial deposition of ferric hydroxide from ferric ammonium citrate.
A Spectrographic Study of a Selected Group of Actinomycetes
This thesis is a spectrographic study of a select group of actinomycetes.
The Relationship of Light Wave Length to Tissue Differentiation in Sunflower Seedlings
The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship of light wave length to tissue differentiation in sunflower seedlings.
An Investigation of Methods for the Concentration of Chemical Compounds Produced by Actinomycetes and Their Relation to Tastes and Odors in Municipal Water Supplies
It is the purpose of this investigation to improve upon techniques to enhance the taste of municipal water and attempt to devise one that could desorb the compounds from carbon in an unaltered state. It was decided that the odor character would be the criterion used to decide if the eluted compounds were the same as those in the raw water.
Effect of Immune Guinea Pig Serum and Cortisone on AKR Mouse Leukemia
This work is concerned with an attempt to clarify the role of cortisone in both the immune complement response and the progression of mouse leukemic tumor.
A Study of Selected Factors Related to Permanency in Science Teaching
The purpose of this study is to gather information related to some factors which are considered to be characteristic of science teaching; to attempt to identify some elements of permanency in science teaching; and to analyze some relationships between the results of the above two criteria with the view of establishing some factors which may be useful as predictors of permanency, or indicative of patterns of permanency, in science teaching.
The Mechanism of Action of Immune Guinea Pig Serum in Staphylococcus Infection in Mice
It is the aim of this work to study the role, if any, of C'4 in the immune response against Staphylococcus aureus infections.
Susceptibility of Various Bacterial Species to Standard Purification Processes
This thesis investigates the susceptibility of various bacterial species to standard purification process.
Antibiotic Sensitivity of Bacteria Isolated from City Water Distribution Systems
This thesis studies antibiotic sensitivity of bacteria isolated from city water distribution systems.
Metabolism of Hydrocortisone by X-Irradiated Rat Liver Tissue as Determined by the Porter-Silber Chromagen Method
The present study may be considered endocrinological and radiobiological in nature. The endocrinology phase was concerned with studying the changes in endocrine function following the application of a stress agent. X-irradiation was chosen as the stressor in order to determine any difference in effect of this stressor from others which have been studied, e. g. heat, cold, metabolic poisons. Liver slices taken from rats at various time intervals following whole body X-irradiation were tested for their ability to metabolize hydrocortisone from a Krebs-Ringer solution.
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.
A Technique for the Mass Culture of Aquatic Actinomycetes
The purpose of the problem was to develop a laboratory technique for mass culturing of the aquatic actinomycetes. In order to solve the problem, it was necessary to devise a suitable culture chamber that would nurture the various species in both primary and secondary stages. It was also important to provide an adequate medium for growth of these organisms. Finally, the construction of the culture chambers must provide for a continuous exhaust of the taste and odor compounds so that the production of these components could be correlated with growth stages.
Studies on the Nutrition of Rhodospirillum Rubrum
The purpose of this study has been to examine the nutritional requirements of Rhodospirillum rubrum and, on the basis of the results, develop a culture medium which could be use to promote more rapid and abundant growth facilitating the laboratory cultivation and observations of the properties so exhibited.
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