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Ua66/6/2 Bionews From The Hill, Wku Biology

WKU Archives Records

Newsletter created by and about WKU Biology highlighting the activities of faculty, students and alumni.

Effects Of Resident Species On Recruitment Into A Community: Larval Settlement Versus Post-Settlement Mortality In The Oyster Crassostrea Virginica, Roman Zajac, Richard W. Osman, Robert B. Whitlatch

Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications

Laboratory and field experiments revealed that a variety of species of common, sessile invertebrates, including barnacles, ascidians, and bryozoans, affected the settlement and post-settlement abundance of the oyster Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin). While the nature of the effects varied, most species both reduced oyster settlement by covering and removing substrate available for attachment, and increased settlement on adjacent surfaces. The solitary ascidians Ciona intestinalis (L.) and Styela clava (Herdman), were found to be predators of oyster larvae. Post-settlement survivorship and growth were also strongly affected by the presence of sessile species. In most cases the effects were negative and correlated with …

Identification Of Cyclic Intermediates In Azorhizobium Caulinodans Nicotinate Catabolism, Christopher Kitts, Lisa E. Schaechter, Ross S. Rabin, Robert A. Ludwig

Biological Sciences

In wild-type Azorhizobium caulinodans ORS571, nicotinate served both as anabolic substrate for NAD⁺ production and as catabolic substrate for use as the N source. Catabolic enzyme activities were greatest from cultures grown with nicotinate as the N source and least when cultures were grown with ammonium as the N source. Vector insertion mutants unable to catabolize nicotinate (nic::Vi mutants) still required micromolar quantities of this compound for growth. Therefore, A. caulinodans wild type is NAD⁺ auxotrophic. As the first two intermediates in A. caulinodans nicotinate catabolism, two cyclic compounds, 6-hydroxynicotinate and 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-6-oxonicotinate, were identified. These compounds …

Southern Demersal Gillnet And Longline Fishery., Management Advisory Committee

Fisheries management papers

In its report to the Ministier for Fisheries in November 1986, the Southern Western Australian Shark Working Group recommended the establishment of an Industry/Government Mangement Advisory Committee to provide managememt advice on the fishery to the Minister for Fisheries. The Advisory Committee held its first meeting in Albany on 23 February 1989. After being briefed on the state of shark stocks, the Committee's deliberations fell into three broad categories. In the first category there was sufficient time and information available to make a recommendation to the Minister for Fisheries. In the second category, discussion commenced, but was held over to …

Temporal And Spatial Patterns Of Abundance Of Age 0 Threadfin Shad (Dorosoma Petenense) In Overton Arm, Lake Mead, William Lee Pelle

Publications (WR)

Temporal and spatial patterns of age 0 threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense) abundance and growth, in the Overton Arm of Lake Mead, were examined to evaluate the effects of resource availability on the young fish. This was part of a larger, game fishery enhancement study (Lake Mead Fertilization Project), designed to assess feasability of increasing survivorship of larval/juvenile shad by boosting phosphate levels, thereby increasing algal and zooplankton biomass, during the shad spawning period. Shad are the primary forage base for the striped bass (Morone saxatilis) and black bass (Macropterus salmoides) fisheries. Weekly samples were …

Isolation, Growth Characteristics, And Long-Term Storage Of Fungi Cultivated By Attine Ants, Jerome J. Howard

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Seven pure-culture strains of fungi cultivated by attine ants (ant-garden fungi) were isolated from locally maintained leaf-cutting ant colonies. An ant-garden fungus strain obtained from an Atta cephalotes colony, when offered to ants of the colony from which the fungus was isolated, was accepted as their own. Young fungus cultures were harvested and incorporated into the fungus garden, and cultures of intermediate age were used to begin a new fungus garden; old cultures were simply harvested. To facilitate further research on this fungus, growth characteristics of the different isolates were studied under a variety of conditions. They grew better at …

Amino Acid Uptake And Metabolism By Larvae Of The Marine Worm Urechis Caupo (Echiura), A New Species In Axenic Culture, William Jaeckle, Donal T. Manahan

Scholarship

Axenic (bacteria-free) larval cultures of the marine echiuran worm, Urechis caupo, were reliably obtained by aseptically removing gametes directly from the gamete storage organs. Trochophore larvae only removed neutral amino acids from seawater as measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). There was no detectable uptake, as measured by HPLC, of acidic or basic amino acids. Kinetic analysis showed that the transport system for alanine in 4-day-old larvae had a K_t of 4-6 _μM and a J_max of 9-10 pmol larva^-1 h^-1. Following a 50-min exposure, the majority of the radio-activity (95%) from ^{14 …}

Field Playback Of Male Display Attracts Females In Lek Breeding Sage Grouse, Robert M. Gibson

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Recent correlational studies of lekking sage grouse suggest that male vocal display attracts females. To test this hypothesis further, the natural displays of a territorial male were supplemented with the tape-recorded display of another reproductively successful individual. Significantly, more females approached the speaker's location on days when the recording was played, and also on nonplayback days immediately following a playback, than on other nonplayback days. Analysis of male displays indicated that females were responding to the playback itself rather than to changes in male behavior. The "after-response" following a playback suggests that some females present during a playback remembered its …

Molecular Analysis Of N6-Methyladenine Patterns In Tetrahymena Thermophila Nuclear Dna, Elizabeth E. Capowski, John M. Wells, Gail Singer Harrison, Kathleen M. Karrer

Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

We have cloned two DNA fragments containing 5'-GATC-3' sites at which the adenine is methylated in the macronucleus of the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila. Using these cloned fragments as molecular probes, we analyzed the maintenance of methylation patterns at two partially and two uniformly methylated sites. Our results suggest that a semiconservative copying model for maintenance of methylation is not sufficient to account for the methylation patterns we found during somatic growth of Tetrahymena. Although we detected hemimethylated molecules in macronuclear DNA, they were present in both replicating and nonreplicating DNA. In addition, we observed that a complex methylation …

Annual Variation Of Estuarine And Oceanic Oyster Crassostrea Virginica Gmelin Hemocyte Capacity, William S. Fisher, Marnita M. Chintala, Mark A. Moline

Biological Sciences

Defense-related hemocyte activities of American oysters Crassostrea virginica Gmelin from an oceanic and an estuarine habitat were monitored from spring to winter of 1987 at a constant temperature (15 °C). The ability of cells to spread to an ameboid shape in vitro at ambient salinity and after an acute change in salinity was much reduced from late spring to early fall. This summer-stress period was also indicated by laboratory experiments. Stress may have been due to high water temperatures but spawning efforts may have also contributed. Reduced hemocyte activity occurred at a time when infections by two major oyster parasites …

The Use Of Banding Recovery Data To Estimate Dispersal Rates And Gene Flow In Avian Species: Case Studies In The Red-Winged Blackbird And Common Grackle, William S. Moore, Richard A. Dolbeer

Biological Sciences Faculty Research Publications

Dispersal resulting in gene flow strongly affects the evolution of genetic structure in populations. This report describes statistical estimators of dispersal parameters based on USFWS banding recovery records. Finite-area studies of avian species yield estimates of root-mean-square (RMS) dispersal along a transect of about 1 km per generation. In contrast, estimates of RMS dispersal for the Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) and Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula), based on USFWS banding recovery records, are 94.6 and 111.4 km per generation, respectively. Distributions for both species are extremely leptokurtic, and confidence intervals based on jackknife statistics are large because the estimators are sensitive …

Partial Purification & Characterization Of A Carboxylesterase From The Greater Wax Moth Larva, David Garst

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Various properties of a carboxylesterase of the greater wax moth larva, Galleria melionella (L.), and a commercial carboxylic ester hydrolase (EC 3.1.1.1) from porcine liver were examined. The larval enzyme was partially purified. Esterase activities were determined with acetylsalicylic acid, 0-acetyl-m-hydroxybenzoic acid, and 0-acetyl-phydroxybenzoic acid in tris buffer (0.05 M tris, 0.1 M EDTA, pH 7.85). The larval enzyme was partially purified by a combination of acetone powder preparation, ammonium sulfate precipitation, anion exchange chromatography, 0-200 gel filtration, and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE).

The acetone powder preparation was initially obtained and tested for esterolytic activity. The ammonium sulfate fractionation greatly …

Management Of The Perth Metropolitan Purse-Seine Fishery., N. Moore

Fisheries management papers

This report outlines the management plan for the limited entry purse-seine fishery for small pelagic fish in coastal waters between Lancelin and Cape Bouvard and seaward to the 200 mile limit of the Australian Fishing Zone. The plan includes Cockburn Sound.

Hands-On Activities That Relate Mendelian Genetics To Cell-Division, Heather Mckean, Linda S. Gibson

Biology Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Export And Intercellular Transfer Of Dna Via Membrane Blebs Of Neisseria-Gonorrhoeae, David W. Dorward, Claude F. Garon, Ralph C. Judd

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Naturally elaborated membrane bleb material is frequently observed in cultures of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This material was purified and analyzed for protein, lipopolysaccharide, and nucleic acid content. The electrophoretic protein profiles of two bleb-rich fractions, called BI and BII, were distinct, with only BII containing lipopolysaccharide and outer membrane proteins I and III. Both fractions contained RNA, circular DNA, and linear DNA. Exogenous pancreatic DNase I appeared to hydrolyze all bleb-associated DNA in fraction BI and the linear DNA in fraction BII. The circular DNA molecules associated with fraction BII resisted digestion. Electron microscopy of the bleb fractions verified their DNA …

Isolation & Characterization Of A Type I Topoisomerase From The Hypocotyls Of Etiolated Soybeans, Rick Dye

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Topoisomerases are enzymes of critical biological significance. Despite this fact, little data specific to the topoisomerases of higher plants has been published. This research was undertaken to isolate and characterize a higher plant topoisomerase from soybean hypocotyls to further the understanding of the structure and function of these enzymes.

Nuclei were isolated from frozen hypocotyls of 4 day old etiolated soybeans by homogenization and centrifugation, then lysed by gentle stirring in the presence of 1.5 mM ammonium sulfate. The resultant extract was desalted and purified by column chromatography on DEAF sepharose, 5-200 sephacryl and CM cellulose. The components of the …

A Review Of The Shark Bay Pearling Industry., D. A. Hancock

Fisheries management papers

While there are currently only two pearl culture leases in Shark Bay, two new applications for leases have already been received by the W.A. Fisheries Department. Increased interest is being generated about pearl culture in Shark Bay, which will need to be considered against the background of management plans designed to restrict further entry into other areas, notably the pearly industry of W.A from Exmouth Gulf northwards, and the pearling industry of the Northern Territory. Recent successes with pearl culture in both those areas, and the greatly increased revenues and high lease transfer values realised, must inevitably focus interest on …

Limnological Monitoring Data For Lake Mead During 1988, Suzanne E. Leavitt, Larry J. Paulson, State Of Nevada: Division Of Environmental Protection

Publications (WR)

Limnological monitoring was conducted in Las Vegas Bay and Boulder Basin from April to December of 1988. The purpose of the monitoring was to (i) document possible changes in water quality resulting from decreased phosphorus loading and increased ammonia in Las Vegas Wash, and (ii) establish a data base for evaluating the adequacy of water quality standards.

Protein I: Structure, Function, And Genetics, Ralph C. Judd

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Non-Fisherian Sex Ratios With Sex Change And Environmental Sex Determination., Eric Charnov, J.J. Bull

Biology Faculty & Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

Red Swamp Crayfish Ecology In Lake Mead, Suzanne E. Leavitt, Jennifer Stephens Haley, Mikell Hager, Donald H. Baepler, Nevada Department Of Wildlife

Publications (WR)

Red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) were trapped in Flamingo Wash, an urban wash of Las Vegas, during four periods of 1988. Life history and reproductive success were determined. The trapped crayfish were marked and released into a study cove in Lake Mead as part of an experimental stocking program. Retrap data from the study cove were used to determine life history, habitat preferences, and movement patterns of the stocked crayfish. In addition, a literature search was done on red swamp crayfish ecology, including food preferences, life history, habitat preferences and fish predation.

A Report On Marron Fishing In Western Australia., Doug Wenn

Fisheries management papers

The marroning experience is one enjoyed by many Western Australians. A rapid increase in fishing effort evidenced by the increase in number of recreational fishing licences issued, combined with low rainfall in the last few years resulted in a dramatic reduction of marron catch rates during 1986/87. In view of the state of marron stocks, the Minister for Fisheries considered it appropriate to close the 1987/88 marron season.

Methylation Of Replicating And Nonreplicating Dna In The Ciliate Tetrahymena Thermophila, Gail Singer Harrison, Kathleen M. Karrer

Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

Methylation of adenine in replicating and nonreplicating DNA of the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila was examined. In growing cells, 87% of the methylation occurred on the newly replicated daughter strand, but methylation was also detectable on the parental strand. Methylation of nonreplicating DNA from starved cells was demonstrated.

Effect Of Burning On Germination Of Tallgrass Prairie Plant Species, Sherry R. Rohn, Thomas B. Bragg

Biology Faculty Proceedings & Presentations

Seeds from 10 prairie plant species of burned and unburned portions of three tallgrass prairies were collected and tested for germinability. Germination of big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman) consistently averaged higher with burning. Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans L.) and sideoats grama [Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torr.] averaged 5% higher with burning on two of the three sites, although for indiangrass average germination for all three sites was 7% lower. Species for which germination declined with burning were false sunflower [Heliopsis helianthoides (L.) Sweet var. scabra (Dun.) Fern.], -13%; whole leaf rosinweed (Silphium integrifolium Michx.), -10%; and white …

Effect Of Eastern Red Cedar On Seedling Establishment Of Prairie Plants, Dan J. Stipe, Thomas B. Bragg

Biology Faculty Proceedings & Presentations

To test the hypothesis that eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana L.) is allelopathic, seedling establishment of five herbaceous prairie species was evaluated by growing seeds in soil collected beneath and adjacent to a stand of this tree species. While four species showed no significant effect, the germination of one species, finger coreopsis (Coreopsis palmata Nutt.), was significantly reduced. Since eastern red cedar is an early invader of unburned prairie, such an allelopathic effect, even on only a few species, is of particular concern in that it has the potential to hasten degradation of invaded prairie sites.

Tallgrass Prairie Remnants Of Eastern Nebraska, Judith F. Boettcher, Thomas B. Bragg

Biology Faculty Proceedings & Presentations

Ten eastern Nebraska tallgrass prairie remnants were evaluated up to four times during the 1979 growing season to assess vegetative composition and the effects of mowing, topographic and size differences, and season of evaluation. Frequent mowing resulted in a reduced canopy cover of some species, such as big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman) (21% lower with frequent mowing), but increased cover of others, particularly the introduced species smooth brome (Bromus inermis Leyss. subsp. inermis) (35% higher cover with frequent mowing). In addition, frequent mowing resulted in a higher proportion of disturbance species. Comparing the time of mowing, canopy …

Establishing Warm-Season Grasses And Forbs Using Herbicides And Mowing, Thomas B. Bragg, David M. Sutherland

Biology Faculty Proceedings & Presentations

The objective of this study was to provide a preliminary assessment of the use of selected herbicides in establishing a diverse stand of prairie grasses and forbs. An upland and a lowland site in eastern Nebraska, consisting of well-drained, fine-silty clay, loess-derived soils, were seeded with 23 native prairie grass and forb species and subsequently mowed or treated at rates of 0.6, 1.1, 1.7, and 2.2 kg/ha with atrazine [6-chloro-Nethyl- N' -(l-methylethyl)-l ,3,S-triazine-2,4-diamine] or 2,4-0 (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid). Treatments were applied at one and two-year intervals. Canopy cover in unreplicated treatment areas (12 x 30 m) was evaluated in ten randomly …

Adaptive Variation In Environmental Sex Determination In A Nematode, Mark Blackmore, Eric Charnov

Biology Faculty & Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

Enigmatic Reptilian Sex Ratios, James Bull, Eric Charnov

Biology Faculty & Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

Sex Change And Population Fluctuations In Pandalid Shrimp, Paul Anderson, Eric Charnov

Biology Faculty & Staff Publications

No abstract provided.