Life Sciences Commons^™

Studies On The Effects Of Commercial Detergents On Cucumber And Barley, Marylu Elizabeth Mudd

Masters Theses

Introduction

The fact that large quantities of detergents daily are being added to our water table and the appearance of billows of foam at the shores of many inland bodies of water have caused alarm among biologists and sanitation engineers. However, few observations of the effects of synthetic detergents on living organisms other than bacteria have been recorded.

The purpose of these studies was (1) to determine the effects of several commercial non-biodegradable detergents, Tide, Dreft, and Alconox, and one biodegradable detergent, Living, upon the germination and root elongation of seeds of a monocotyledon, barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and a …

Sexual Receptivity And Fertility Of Androgen Induced Persistent Estrous Rats, Norman Donald Diebel

Masters Theses

The effect of neonatally administered testosterone propionate (TP) on sexual receptivity and fertility was studied. Dosages of 25 μg and ten μg were used and were administered s.c. in peanut oil on the fifth day of life. Vaginal smears of the animals receiving 25 μg were begun at the age of 61 days and indicated that these animals exhibited modified estrous cycles. By 90 days of age, most of the animals in both dosage groups were in constant vaginal estrus. These prolonged periods of vaginal estrus were often interrupted only by mating.

At 97 days of age 40 females which …

A Study Of The Fluctuation Of Some Blood Chemical Constituents In Relation To The Reproductive Cycle Of The Mallard Duck, Edward H. Decker

Masters Theses

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to determine normal levels of several blood chemical constituents (the mineral sodium, potassium and calcium and the organic substances serum cholesterol and serum albumin) for the female mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) and to examine their relationships as a possible index to reproductive development.

Much research has been done on the chemical composition of the avian egg and only those constituents which are of concern in this study will be discussed in detail. According to Romanoff (1949), studies of the chicken egg have shown that only a few mineral elements are present in relative …

A Comparative Study Of The Pollen Morphology Of The Solanaceae (Nightshade Family) Of Michigan, Ronald A. Kudile

Masters Theses

Introduction

The importance of pollen morphology has long been recognized and applied by the paleobotanist (Stone 1963). However, the recent use of pollen as a taxonomic character by systematists has simulated greater interest and research in the area of palynology (Graham 1963).

Several investigators have found pollen to be of significant taxonomic value while others have not. Xavier and Rogers (1963) were able to construct a key to the species of Linum by using characteristics of the pollen alone while Stern (1962) noted interspecific differences in the surface characteristics of pollen grains of all but two species of Dicentra.

This …

Parental Care Of The Eastern Kingbird And The Great Crested Flycatcher, Elmer L. Morehouse

Masters Theses

Introduction

The objective of this investigation was to obtain information regarding parental care in the Eastern Kingbird, Tyrannus tyrannus (L.), especially during post-hatching phases of the nesting cycle. In addition, some comparative observations were made on the Great Crested Flycatcher, Myiarchus crinitus (L.).

Comparative Myology Of The Pectoral Girdle Of Microtus Pennsylvanicus And Pedomys Ochrogaster, Marie Hagerman

Masters Theses

Introduction

The meadow vole Microtus pennsylvanicus (Ord) and the prairie vole, Pedomys ochrogaster (Wagner) are two species of grassland-dwelling, slightly fossorial rodents which are very similar in appearance and general body size and proportions. The objective of this study was to prepare a detailed description of the muscles of the pectoral girdle of M. pennsylvanicus and to compare them to P. ochrogaster. It was hoped that the study might indicate similarities and dissimilarities in the ways in which the two species have adapted to their mode of life and show whether or not they share common adaptations of the pectoral …

An Investigation Of The Influence Of The Suprapharyngeal Ganglia Upon Water Balance And On Osmoregulation In Lumbricus Terrestris, Richard M. Dennany

Masters Theses

Chapter I

Introduction

In the central nervous system of most animals which have been examined some neurons show cytological characteristics of gland cells. These cells are now recognized as a specialized cell type and designated neurosecretory cells.

These neurosecretory cells are capable of elaborating secretory material which is accumulated as granules in the body of the nerve cell and in the axon-endings. They release complex organic substances, neurohormones, which act as hormones and are often liberated into the blood stream (Welsh, 1958). These specialized neurons are capable of receiving impulses from other neurons although their axons do not end in …

Some Effects Of Photoperiodicity On The Temperatures And Weights Of Bobwhites, Bernard J. Cripps

Masters Theses

Introduction

In recent years there have been a number of studies that have dealt with body temperature and body weight variations in gallinaceous birds under various field or controlled conditions. Wilson (1948) studied the reactions of pullets to different environmental temperatures. In a laboratory experiment Bajpai (1962) observed that a change in the cloacal temperature of adult Rhode Island Red males was effected by manipulating the photo-period. In a report on the sexual maturation of Coturnix quail Wilson et al. (1962) discussed several aspects of variation in body weight, which resulted from changes in photo-period. Hamilton (1957) studied the weights …

Investigation Of Possible Autotoxicity In Daucus Carota L., Carole Greer Smith

Masters Theses

Section I

Introduction

Results of recent research indicate the probable existence of plant-produced chemical substances which affect the behavior of other plants. Germination-inhibiting, and growth-inhibiting substances have been found to be widely distributed throughout the Plant Kingdom (Garb, 1960). Although the presence of inhibitors has been demonstrated in laboratory experiments, their ecological significance has not been clearly defined.

A preliminary study by the writer indicated the probability of autotoxicity in Daucus carota L., a biennial common to fields and roadsides in the northeastern United States. This study suggested the following investigation which was undertaken to determine more specifically the effects …

Relation Between Use Of Lincomycin And Outgrowth Of Yeast, Howard W. Clapp

Masters Theses

Introduction

The use of antibiotics has increased the average life expectancy of mankind. They have prevented and cured infectious diseases that previously terminated in death. Consequently, recovery is often prompt and complete.

Though a benefit to mankind, the use of antibiotics in the treatment of infectious disease has also been accompanied by new problems. For example, treatment of a primary infection such as a bacterial pneumonitis with a broad spectrum antibiotic, may result in the death of some of the bacteria. More than one species of bacteria, however, are often found in the infected area. If such be the situation, …

An Analysis Of Cytological Screening For Cervical Cancer (A 7 Year Survey), Phoebe E. Rutherford

Masters Theses

Introduction

It is the purpose of this study to review the cervical cancers, stained by Papanicolaou (1956:3-6) method, at Borgess Hospital, Kalamazoo, Michigan, from September, 1956 to September 1963.

A previous analysis of the cytological screening at Borgess Hospital to ascertain the per coat accuracy in cervical diagnoses, was made by the investigator in June, 1961. This study, covering a four year period, draw attention to the fact that the patients with invasive carcinoma were in a much older age group than any other reported series studies. This fact plus the rapid recognition, by physicians and patients, of the value …

An Investigation Of The Influence Of The Suprapharyngeal Ganglion Upon Oxygen Consumption Of Resting Lumbrious Terrestris, William E. Elzinga

Masters Theses

Introduction

Because cephalization and centralization of the earthworm are more pronounced than in less complex forms, it is a relatively simple operation to remove a portion of the central nervous system to investigate its functions. However, the extripation of various parts of the central nervous system of the earthworm has been the subject of only a few research papers. It is the purpose of this study to investigate the influence of extripation of the suprapharyngeal ganglia on the oxygen uptake of the resting earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris.

Of the studies concerned with the influence of extirpation of some parts of the …

Behavioral Interactions In A Fixed Aggregation Of Bobwhites, Jack Pierce

Masters Theses

Introduction

Many observations have been made on the behavior in the field of the bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) and of other gallinaceous birds. Stoddard (1950) has described in some detail various aspects of bobwhite behavior. Stokes (1963) conducted a laboratory study on the agonistic and sexual behavior of the chukar partridge. No behavioral studies, to the writer's knowledge, however, have been conducted on bobwhites under controlled environmental conditions. The birds used in the present study were housed in individual cages and were arranged in an artificially fixed aggregation (Fig. 1). The birds were maintained in this condition through the experimental period …

The Effect Of Renal Artery Constriction On The Course Of Pregnancy In The Laboratory Rat, Julie Jones Medlin

Masters Theses

Introduction

Goldblatt and his associates (1934) were the first to show that persistent arterial hypertension could be produced by renal ischemia. They produced renal ischemia by two procedures which involved reduction of the blood supply to one or both kidneys by means of adjustable silver clamps and removal of the non-ischemic kidney where only one kidney was made ischemic. In one procedure the clamps were placed directly on the renal arteries. The second procedure produced renal ischemia indirectly by constriction of the abdominal aorta above and below the site of the origin of both renal arteries (1939). The adjustable silver …

Microenvironmental Conditions Of The Day Resting Places Of Cottontail Rabbits, Orin Gelderloos

Masters Theses

This investigation was concerned with the microenvironment of the daytime resting places of cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus) in southwestern Michigan. Many studies have been made of the habitat (Friley, 1955), cover (Hendrickson, 1938; Leopold, 1942; Linduska, 1947), food (Trippensee, 1938; Dice, 1945), and home ranges (Haugen, 1942) of cottontail rabbits. The purpose of this investigation was to search for possible correlations between various physical factors and the daytime activity and resting places of cottontails.

On The Use Of Tris (Hydroxymethyl) Aminomethane As A Diluent In Quantitative Analyses Of Soil Bacteria, Barry L. Keller

Masters Theses

Introduction

Many investigations have been conducted in the field of soil microbiology during the past.six decades. Most notable among the contributors is S. A. Waksman whose voluminous works have established many of the procedures used in microbial analyses of soil. Yet, the one fact that is foremost to any reviewer of the literature covering this field is that no standardization of techniques for soil analyses exists. The following presentation deals with one method used to estimate the number of bacteria and actinomycetes in soil.

The use of Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (hereafter referred to as "Tris") is not new. Tris currently is used …

An Investigation Of The Genetic Basis Of Alcoholism, Daniel F. Malamud

Masters Theses

Introduction

Alcoholism: The Disease

"Alcoholism is a chronic disease manifested by repeated implicative drinking so as to cause injury to the drinker's health or to his social or economic functioning" (53). Such a definition of alcoholism points to the disease concept which went unrecognized until recent years. In addition to its medical implications, alcoholism has been the subject of considerable writing and research by academicians in such diverse fields as sociology, psychology, physiology, psychiatry, theology, and law.

At the outset it should be noted that the writer is aware of the arguments and opinions expressed by the advocates of the …

Fluctuations Of Abundance Of Planktonic Rotifers In A Polluted Portion Of The Kalamazoo River, Rudolph Prins

Masters Theses

Introduction

The two objectives of this study were to determine the kinds and numbers of rotifers in the plankton in a portion of the Kalamazoo River and to ascertain the effects of various chemical constituents of the river water on the rotifers.

The Kalamazoo River is located in southwestern Michigan and flows westward into Lake Michigan. The study was conducted along a section of the river extending from Comstock, Kalamazoo County, to Plainwell, Allegan County (Fig. 1). About 90 per cent of this section is heavily polluted with wastes from several paper industries, a few other industries, and one municipal …

Evaluation Of Hydroxyprogesterone Acetate In The Prevention Of Canine Estrus, Kenneth B. Haas

Masters Theses

Foreword

Thirty years ago, endocrinology was a laboratory curiosity appreciated by few veterinarians. In those rare instances when the new science escaped from the laboratory and reached the clinic, the endocrine preparations used were extremely crude and often ineffective. In the growth of endocrinology as a science, availability of pure crystalline hormones has played an essential role, and to chemical synthesis must be credited the preparations which make specific endocrine therapy possible today.

In the last two decades endocrinology has come into its own in veterinary medicine, especially in regard to sex endocrinology. But only in the last ten years …

Factors Of The Microclimate Affecting The Activity Of Fox Squirrels In Southwestern Michigan, Frederick K. Courville

Masters Theses

The fox squirrel, Sciurus niger rufiventer, is an important small game animal throughout much of the Midwest. Within the last thirty years several scientific investigations have been focused on this animal, the result being that its life history and ecology are fairly well known.

Concerning the range of the fox squirrel, D. L. Allen (1943:33) states that, in Michigan, the range began to increase with the advent of the pioneers. Baumgartner (1940) and J. M. Allen (1952) noted similar occurrences in their respective states, Ohio and Indiana. In Kansas, the fox squirrel, aided by agricultural land-use, has spread westward throughout …

Description Of Elements Of The Life Cycle Of A New Species Of Leucochloridiomorpha (Trematode: Brachylaemidae) From Southwestern Michigan, Jon Shoemaker

Masters Theses

Introduction

During the period extending from September, 1959 to July, 1960, 553 snails, of the species Campeloma decisum, were collected from Portage Creek in the southeast corner of the SE 1/4, Sec. 34, T. 2 S., R. 11 W., Kalamazoo County, Michigan. Metacercariae, closely related to Leucochloridiomorpha constantiae of the monotypic genus, Leucohloridiomorpha, were found in the uteri of several snails. Subsequent studies showed the metacercariae to be an undescribed species. Life history studies showed that this form developed experimentally in the chicken and domestic duck. In this paper stages in the life cycle are described.

Allison (19430, after his …

Notes On The Tardigrades Of Southwestern Michigan, James J. Sawtell

Masters Theses

Introduction

Tardigrades, comprising fewer than 350 species, are microscopic animals which inhabit mosses, lichens, and algae. Tardigrades or "water bears" are distributed throughout the world. These invertebrates are found in fresh-water substrates (Cooke, 1959; Marcus, 1939, Moore, 1939; Pennak, 1940), marine substrates (Chitwood, 1951; Green, 1950; Jeannel et al., 1940; Marcus, 1927, 1946; Pennak, 1953:240; Wieser, 1959) and terrestrial habitats (Cuenot, 1929; Marcus, 1960; Rodriguez-Roda, 1948; Pennak, 1953:240). The "water bears" have also been found in the psammolittoral zone where they live between grains of sand, (Pennak, 1940) and there feed on algal cells (Marcus, 1929). Tardigrades puncture the cell …

Studies On The Role Of The Seed Coat In The Germination Of Rhodotypos Kerrioides, Glenn H. Campbell

Masters Theses

Introduction

The propagation of plants by seeds is often made difficult by dormancy in seeds. A dormant seed is one that will not germinate when it is exposed to conditions favorable for germination. Such seeds will begin growth, however, after they have been subjected to the proper after-ripening conditions. Therefore, the grower must wait several months in many cases before his seeds will germinate. Since it is often desirable to determine the viability of seeds at an early date, seed dormancy has presented a major problem to the farmer. The testing of dormant seeds (4,6,44,56,64,) is widely practiced and rules …