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Sea Urchins From The Brazos Santiago Pass Jetty, South Padre Island, Richard R. Fairchild, Lazern O. Sorensen

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences (Formerly Dept. of Biology)

Data on occurrence and distribution of sea urchins (Echinoidea) are presented for the Brazos Santiago Pass jetty on South Padre Island, Texas. Echinometra lucunter is recorded from the Texas coast.

Opportunities For Electron Microscopy In Space Radiation Biology, J. T. Lett

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Densely ionizing, particulate radiations in outer space are likely to cause to mammalian tissues biological damage that is particularly amenable to examination by the techniques of electron microscopy. This situation arises primarily from the fact that once the density of ionization along the particle track exceeds a certain value, small discrete lesions involving many adjacent cells may be caused in organized tissues. Tissue damage produced by ionization densities below the critical value also afford opportunities for electron microscopic evaluation, as is shown by the damage produced in optic and proximate tissues of the New Zealand white rabbit in terrestrial experiments. …

Fiber Number And Type Composition In Extensor Digitorum Longus, Soleus, And Diaphragm Muscles With Aging In Fisher 344 Rats, Thomas J. Eddinger, Richard L. Moss, Robert G. Cassens

Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

Histochemical (M-ATPase) fiber typing was done on extensor digitorum longus, (EDL), soleus (SOL), and diaphragm (DIA) muscles of barrier-reared Fisher 344 rats obtained at four different ages (3, 9, 28, and 30 months) from the colonies of the National Institute of Aging. In the EDL there are no differences in the percent of type I fibers among the four age groups. The percent of type IIa and IIb fibers also showed no difference between the 3 and 30 month age groups. There was no apparent trend for an increase or decrease in the percent of type IIa or IIb fibers …

Bacchus In The Laboratory: In Defense Of Scientific Puns, Scott F. Gilbert

Biology Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Recovery In Skeletal Muscle Contractile Function After Prolonged Hindlimb Immobilization, Robert H. Fitts, C. J. Brimmer

Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

Contractile properties of slow-twitch soleus (SOL), fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus (EDL), and fast-twitch superficial region of the vastus lateralis were determined in vitro (22ºC) in rats remobilized after prolonged (3 mo) hindlimb immobilization (IM). For all muscles the muscle-to-body weight ratio was significantly depressed by IM, and the ratios failed to completely recover even after 90 days. The contractile properties of the fast-twitch muscles were less affected by IM than the slow-twitch SOL. The IM shortened the SOL isometric twitch duration due to a reduced contraction and half-relaxation time. These parameters returned to control levels by the 14th day of …

Intraspecific And Interspecific Agonistic Behavior In Chipmunks, Tamias Merriami, T. Obscurus, And T. Speciosus (Rodentia: Sciuridae), Ronald C. Vandervort

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Agonistic behavior in three species of chipmunks, Tamias merriami, T. obscurus, and T. speciosus, was compared at seven locations in the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains of southern California. The study was conducted during the post-breeding periods in the summers of 1983 and 1984. Chipmunks were attracted to feeding stations baited with sunflower seeds. Their aggressive interactions were classed as displacement, short chase, long chase, or fight. Over 500 encounters were recorded.

Short chase was the most frequent agonistic mode, followed by displacement, with fewer long chases, and rare fights. Observations were made both at areas where T. merriami …

Contribution Of Scanning Electron Microscopy And Associated Analytical Techniques To The Study Of Atherosclerotic Disease, R. Laschi

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Human carotid atheroma has been examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) utilizing both secondary and backscattered electron detectors and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) both at conventional and high voltage.

Different cytochemical techniques have been used to map elastic fibers, proteoglycans, calcium, non esterified cholesterol. By immunocytochemistry the distribution of factor VIII related antigen and actin has been studied.

With SEM it was possible to detect aspects of carotid plaques not appreciated when using other conventional techniques. With TEM some modifications of the structural and/or functional features of connective tissue macromolecules have been observed. The occurrence of anomalous collagen has been …

Scanning And Transmission Electron Microscopy Of Bacterial Attachment To Mucosal Surfaces With Particular Reference To The Human Fallopian Tube, Morris D. Cooper, Christine Jeffery

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis are the common bacteria isolated from bacterial cervicitis and are the leading etiological agents for pelvic inflammatory disease. Neisseria gonorrhoeae cause infection of the mucosa of fallopian tubes in organ culture by (a) attaching to microvilli of nonciliated cells, (b) phagocytosis by these cells, (c) transport across and exocytosis from the epithelial cells. In contrast the Chlamydia attach to the epithelial surface without apparent ligand binding and are taken into the cytoplasm of the epithelial cell. Exocytosis of Chlamydia is into the tubal lumen and not into the subepithelial spaces. The ciliated epithelial cells of …

Morphological Observations Of Mineralizing Pericardium Cardiac Grafts, P. Frasca, J. W. Buchanan, R. Z. Soriano, J. M. Dunn, L. Marmon, J. Melbin, S. J. Buchanan, E. E. Golub, I. M. Shapiro

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Pericardial patch grafts were implanted in the hearts of young sheep for periods ranging from two to 120 days. Explants seven to 21 days old revealed the formation of a "pseudoneointima" (PNI) on the blood contacting surface of the pericardium. The PNI was more heavily mineralized than the pericardium. Mineralization was most intense on the blood contacting surface of the PNI and on the chamber surface of the pericardium. After three weeks of implantation, the PNI was much thinner and was organized into a thin fibrous capsule without any signs of mineralization. In the pericardium, mineral deposits were seen in …

Scanning Electron Microscopy Studies Of Staphylococcal Adherence To Heart Valve Endothelial Cells In Organ Culture: An In Vitro Model Of Acute Endocarditis, Morris D. Cooper, Christine Jeffery, Debra L. Gall, Andrew S. Anderson

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Organ cultures of human heart valves were used as a model to study the initial pathobiology of acute infective bacterial endocarditis. We used Staphylococcus aureus isolated from a case of infective endocarditis to infect the in vitro culture of the heart valves. Using scanning electron microscopy, we assessed the initial damage, attachment to and invasion of the endothelial cell layer by staphylococci. Our results indicate there is initial damage to the endothelium prior to observation of staphylococci attaching to the endothelial cell. By 12 h post infection, there is significant attachment and damage. At 24 h after infection, destruction of …

Atp Defendent Na+ Transport And The Characterization Of Na+ / Nh4+ Exchange In Basolateral Vesicles Of The Blue Crab, Callinectes Sapidus, Gill, Linda Ann Fuhrman

Master's Theses

ATP dependent Na⁺ transport was denonstrated in purified ba.solateral vesicles of the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) gill. Active Na⁺ uptake was dependent upon the intravesicular presence of either K⁺ or NH; as a counterion. Final membrane preparations consist of inside-out basolateral vesicles, evidenced by intravesicular ouabain (1 rrM) and extravesicular vanadate (1 rnM) ²²Na ⁺ uptake inhibition. Na⁺/NH₄⁺exchange rates were investigated by detennining the NH; concentration in the recovered extravesicular nedium and by using the kinetic capabilities of a DU7 spectrophotareter. These purified basolateral membranes, rich in Na⁺,K^{+ …}

The Trend In Canopy Composition In A Young Mesic Forest, Zhenchang Li

Masters Theses

Brewer Woods, a young disturbed mesic sugar maple-beech (Acer saccharum-Fagus grandifolia) forest in Kalamazoo Co., Michigan, was investigated by point-quarter and transition matrix methods. The results indicate that this forest is dominated by sugar maple in both canopy and understory composition. Beech is the second most important species. Fourteen species were found as canopy trees or replacements. The hypothesis that a young forest is more diverse than comparable climax forests such as Warren Woods and Hueston Woods was supported. Its successional trend is that sugar maple will become more abundant at the expense of the other species. Beech is a …

The Effects Of Stress On The Blood Calcium Level In The Male White Rat (Rattus Norvegicus), Howard Perry Cobb

Master's Theses

THE EFFECTS OF STRESS ON THE BLOOD CALCIUM LEVEL IN THE MALE WHITE RAT (Rattus norvegicus) by Howard Perry Cobb I I I was writ ten as part of the requirements for a Master of Science degree in Biology at the University of Richmond (May, 1985). The present experiment was designed to determine whether parathyroid hormone (PTH) can be considered a "stress" hormone. Parathyroidectomized (PX) male rats (160-200 g) were injected with 10, 20, or 30 USP units of PTH per 100 g body weight and subjected to confinement/UHF stress for a 1.5-h period. Serum calcium levels of these PX …

Quantitation Of Scanning Electron Microscopic Urinary Cytology, M. Cano, R. B. Wilson, S. M. Cohen

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differences in cell surface morphology are identifiable between normal urothelium and malignant urothelia including the presence of pleomorphic microvilli (PMV). PMV have been reported in carcinomas of the urinary bladder, and they appear early in the pathogenesis of these tumors in animal models. Preliminary studies in our laboratory and others' demonstrated similar changes in tissue and cytologic specimens from patients with bladder cancer. We observed and evaluated normal and neoplastic cells of the human bladder by SEM in a preliminary assessment of surface topography with regard to tumor growth, grade, and stage. However, while these …

Simulation With Pharmacological Agents Of Radiation Damage To Small Intestinal Villi, M. Indran, F. C. Boyle, K. E. Carr

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Irradiation induces damage to intestinal villi, resulting in a progressive decline in villous height and changes in topography. Gamma and neutron radiation are reported to cause changes in the structure of smooth muscle and nerve twigs of the intestinal wall. It is possible, therefore, that villous collapse may be due partly to changes in the underlying stromal elements as a result of damage to nerve or muscle.

To test this hypothesis, mice were treated with the drug reserpine which is known to affect the neural control of intestinal smooth muscle function and the small intestine was examined for topographical and …

Interactions Between Spermatozoa And The Crypts, Cilia, And Mucus Of The Cervix In The Ewe, William P. Wergin

Scanning Electron Microscopy

In ruminants, minor cervical folds, commonly called crypts, temporarily store spermatozoa for a short interval of time between insemination and fertilization. However, the mechanism by which spermatozoa are transported to these crypts and subsequently to the uterus is not known. To study this problem, cervical tissue, which was removed from ewes that were naturally inseminated by rams at estrus, was examined with the scanning electron microscope to determine the physical associations that occur between the spermatozoa and the structural features of the cervix. The study indicates that the spermatozoa generally are not oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the …

The Effect Of High Energy (Hze) Particle Radiation (40ar) On Aging Parameters Of Mouse Hippocampus And Retina, D. E. Philpott, W. Sapp, J. Miquel, K. Kato, R. Corbett, J. Stevenson, S. Black, K. A. Lindseth, E. V. Benton

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Eight month old C57BL6 mice were exposed (head only) to 0.5 rad or 50 rads of Argon particles at the Lawrence Berkeley Radiation Facility, CA. Neuromotor performance was assessed monthly for six months beginning twelve weeks post-irradiation using a ''string test". The decline in motor performance was dose-related and none of the animals was able to complete the task after four months of testing. Morphological changes were monitored six and twelve months post-irradiation by light and electron microscopy. The synaptic density in the CA-1 area of the hippocampus decreased six and twelve months after irradiation. The decrease after twelve months …

The Influence Of Epidermal Growth Factor On Surface Morphology Of Fetal Rat Hepatocytes In Primary Culture, Ira H. Ames, Robert A. Richman, Gerald B. Gordon, Barbara A. Toly, Mark R. Benedict, Maureen A. Barcza

Scanning Electron Microscopy

In an attempt to understand the hormonal regulation of somatomedin secretion in the fetus, we have confirmed that epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulates fetal rat hepatocytes in primary culture to secrete somatomedin in a time and a dose-dependent fashion. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the cultured cells had ultrastructural features consistent with those of fetal hepatocytes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that cells grown in either Medium 199 or EGF supplemented Medium 199 formed cellular aggregates within 6 h. The surface features of cells in control and experimental cultures were indistinguishable up until 24 h after exposure to EGF. …

Use Of Polymer Casts Or Metal Particle Infusion Of Ducts To Study Antigen Uptake In The Guinea Pig Mammary Gland, D. I. Schenkman, D. T. Berman, R. M. Albrecht

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Microcorrosion casts were made of the duct system of guinea pig mammary glands by intramammary infusion of Mercox® polyester resin following involution of the glands after the first lactation. The acinar configuration of the involuted gland was apparent on examination of the casts by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Surface features, which were readily identified as those of imprints of duct al epithelium, were visible at higher magnifications. The morphology of these casts corresponded to the patterns observed by SEM of ethanol cryofractured specimens of mammary tissue.

Cryofractured specimens of guinea pig mammary glands were also examined by SEM following intramammary …

A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study Of Chromosomes And Nuclei, Kazuhiko R. Utsumi

Scanning Electron Microscopy

The fine structure of metaphase chromosomes and nuclei were studied by scanning electron microscopy. A coiled-coil structure of chromosomes was suggested by hypotonically unravelled chromosomes observed under light microscope. But chromosome preparations made for the light microscopic studies were not adequate for detailed examination with scanning electron microscope. Surface-spread chromosomes revealed that they were composed of nodular, twisted looping fibers of about 300 Å in diameter. Surface-spread nuclei were also composed of fibers identical to the chromosome fibers.

The Endothelium Of Initial Lymphatics During Postnatal Development Of The Rat Tongue, A. Castenholz

Scanning Electron Microscopy

The luminal surface of the subepithelial lymphatic plexus in the tongue of rats was investigated with SEM at different stages of postnatal development. In newborn and infant animals prominent and branched endothelial cells exhibit a conspicuous phenomenon producing a very irregular inner profile of the vascular wall. Among these cells the spindle-shaped type proves to be an essential component of the valve structures already found in few-day-old animals. There are also prominent cells with a polygonal appearance resembling histioblasts which form with their manifold processes, that partly extend into the lumen, an interlacing cellular pattern. The special morphological characteristics of …

Multiple Paternity In A Territorial Passerine: The Bobolink, Thomas A. Gavin, Eric K. Bollinger

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Electrophoretic and behavioral evidence corroborate the conclusion that Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) females occasionally copulate with more than one male, which results in the insemination of a single clutch of eggs by those males. In 2 of 12 families from which blood samples were obtained from the mother, the putative father, and the nestlings, at least 2 males were responsible for fertilization of the clutch. We believe this is only the second bird species in which multiple paternity has been documented conclusively in the wild. Our speculation that it may not be uncommon leads to a caution for evolutionary biologists who …

Multiple Paternity In A Territorial Passerine: The Bobolink, Thomas Gavin, Eric Bollinger

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Electrophoretic and behavioral evidence corroborate the conclusion that Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) females occasionally copulate with more than one male, which results in the insemination of a single clutch of eggs by those males. In 2 of 12 families from which blood samples were obtained from the mother, the putative father, and the nestlings, at least 2 males were responsible for fertilization of the clutch. We believe this is only the second bird species in which multiple paternity has been documented conclusively in the wild. Our speculation that it may not be uncommon leads to a caution for evolutionary biologists who …

Going To Extremes: Why Do Sanderlings Migrate To The Neotropics?, J. P. Myers, John L. Maron, Michel Sallaberry A.

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Sanderlings (Calidris alba) breed within a small latitudinal range in the arctic while spreading in winter virtually throughout temperate and tropical marine beaches of the world. This paper examines spatial variation in Sanderlings nonbreeding density across the New World, documents annual cycle differences between populations wintering in California and those wintering in Peru and Chile, and then explores demographic and ecological factors underlying Sanderlings migration to different wintering grounds. Densities during the nonbreeding season are higher on the Pacific coast than on the Atlantic at all censused latitudes in the New World, and reach a peak in southwestern …

Seasonal Changes In Feeding Success, Activity Patterns, And Weights Of Nonbreeding Sanderlings (Calidris Alba), John L. Maron, J. P. Myers

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Seasonal changes in Sanderling (Calidris alba) feeding success, time budgets, and weights were followed throughout the nonbreeding season at Bodega Bay, California. Sanderlings spent more time roosting in fall than in winter, and in fall adults spent more time roosting than juveniles. Sanderling prey capture rates were high in fall and spring and declined through winter. Sanderling weights paralleled seasonal changes in feeding success and activity patterns: birds were heaviest in fall and spring and lightest in winter. These results reflect lowered food availability in winter and imply that birds may have difficulty balancing their energy budgets during …

Acetylcholinesterase In The Neonatal Rat Brain: The Effects Of Prenatal Ethanol Exposure, Linda M. Boland

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the neonatal rat brain was determined by histochemical localization and quantitative biochemical analysis. AChE-positive perikarya were concentrated in the neostriatum, globus pallidus, medial habenular nucleus, amygdaloid complex, various hypothalamic nuclei, gigantocellular and paragigantocellular reticular nuclei, raphe nuclei, locus coeruleus, and motor nuclei of cranial nerves III-VII and IX-XII. Some areas stained differently or not at all when compared with the adult rat brain. The effects of prenatal ethanol exposure on regional AChE activity were assessed by comparing enzyme levels in offspring exposed via maternal consumption of a liquid diet containing 35 percent ethanol derived calories. This …

Collagen Deposition During Wound Repair, Charles J. Doillon, Michael G. Dunn, Richard A. Berg, Frederick H. Silver

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Collagen fiber diameters, amount of birefringent collagen (brightness) and birefringence retardation were measured in implanted collagen-based sponges containing hyaluronic acid (HA) and fibronectin (FN). In the presence of HA and FN, increased number of fibroblasts and brightness were observed 6 days after wounding. Increased brightness in the presence of HA and FN reflected increased deposition of oriented collagen fibers. From days 9 to 12, increased fiber diameters were similar in implanted collagen-based sponges with or without HA and FN. Increased birefringence retardation in sponges containing HA and FN was consistent with increased packing density of collagen fibers observed by scanning …

Development Of Fungal Calcium Oxalate Crystals Associated With The Basidiocarps Of Geastrum Minus (Lycoperdales), H. T. Horner, L. H. Tiffany, A. M. Cody, G. Knaphus

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Calcium oxalate crystals were observed on facing peridial surfaces of developing basidiocarps of Geastrum minus. Five crystal forms were characterized by their outward shapes and X-ray diffraction patterns: Form One, small bipyramids (COD); Form Two, crystals with split tips (COD); Form Three, crystals with oriented overgrowths (COD); Form Four, large bipyramids (COD); and Form Five, rosettes of plate-like crystals (COM). Forms One and Two were first to appear after peridia separated in unopened basidiocarps, whereas Forms Three, Four and Five were present on exposed peridia of opened basidiocarps. Based on time of appearance …

Recent Advances In X-Ray Microanalysis In Dermatology, Bo Forslind, Thomas G. Grundin, Magnus Lindberg, Godfried M. Roomans, Ylva Werner

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Electron microprobe and proton microprobe X-ray analysis can be used in several areas of dermatological research. With a proton probe, the distribution of trace elements in human hair can be determined. In contrast to sulfur, which is homogeneously distributed, calcium, iron, and zinc appear to be non-homogeneously distributed over the hair cross-section.

Electron microprobe analysis on freeze-dried cryosections of guinea-pig and human epidermis shows a marked gradient of Na, P and K over the stratum granulosum. In sections of freeze-substituted human skin this gradient is less steep. This difference is likely to be due to a decrease in water content …

Post-Mortem Storage Of Tissue For X-Ray Microanalysis In Pathology, Godfried M. Roomans, Joanna Wroblewski

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Possible alternatives to rapid freezing in liquid nitrogen of tissue for X- ray microanalysis of electrolytes at the cellular level were investigated. These alternatives might be used in cases where tissue becomes available for examination, e.g., at autopsy, but liquid nitrogen is not immediately available. Rat submandibular gland was used as a test tissue. Freezing of pieces of tissue in a conventional freezer at -80°C or even at -20°C retained the elemental distribution at the cellular level, and also retained the difference between a 'normal' and a 'pathological' (mimicked by an inject ion of a high dose of isoproterenol) situation. …