Life Sciences Commons^™

A Comparison Of Three Populations Of The Plains Pocket Gophers, Geomys Bursarius Illinoensis, In Illinois, Frank P. Wray

Masters Theses

Morphometric and karyotypic analyses were performed on three Illinois populations of the Plains Pocket Gopher, Geomys bursarius illinoensis, to determine if any differences were present among the populations. Gophers were collected in three localities: 1) Iroquois and Kankakee Counties (IKC); McLean County (MC); and St. Clair and Madison counties (SMC). All three populations had the same kind and number of chromosomes (2n=72, FN=70). External measurements did not differ significantly among the three populations. Multivariate analysis of variance of the cranial characters showed that a significant (P<.05) difference existed in both males, F(78,1825)=1.65, and females, F(78,1961)=1.63, between the three regions. Duncan's multiple range tests of some cranial measurements showed a clinal increase going from east to west.

Growth Increments And Condition Factors Of Pomoxis Annularis (White Crappie) In The Years Following Completion Of The Pump Storage Reservoir At Lake Charleston, Charleston, Il, 1982-1988, Herbert Clinton Fairow

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to attempt to document any changes that may have occured due to the construction of a pump storage reservoir at Lake Charleston. The age I white crappie present in the new reservoir were observed to exhibit an increase in first year growth in 1982. This increase was observed in subsequent years but not to the same degree as was observed initially. The age II fish present in the new reservoir in 1982 exhibited a very large increase in growth for the first year of the new impoundment. In the years after 1982 the annual …

Cranial Variations And Skull Suture Obliterations As Related To Age In The Coyote (Canis Latrans), Kurt Daine

Masters Theses

Three criteria, skull size, development of the postorbital process, and cranial suture obliteration were examined to evaluate their effectiveness as possible age indicators in the coyote (Canis latrans). Two collections of coyote skulls were evaluated. The first was 130 skulls of known age, from Utah, which were used to compare the above characteristics to the age of the animal. The second was 151 Illinois Department of Conservation (DOC) skulls of unknown age, which were used in conjunction with the known age skulls to evaluate differences in skull size and observer and inter-observer subjectivity in the classification of suture …

River Birch (Betula Nigra L.) Forest Communities In Cass And Mason Counties, Illinois, Charles Anthony Uhlarik

Masters Theses

During the fall of 1988 and the spring of 1989, four stands of river birch (Betula nigra L.) were surveyed in Cass and Mason Counties, Illinois. All study areas were divided into quadrats 25 m on a side (0.154 acres) and the maximum number of quadrats were placed to completely survey each forest. The relative density, relative dominance, and importance value was calculated for each species (dbh greater than 10 cm) in each forest area. Also, seedlings (less than 2.5 cm dbh) and saplings (2.5-10.0 cm dbh) were recorded in each area. River birch is the dominant overstory …

The Ethnobotany Of Sweet Flag, Acorus Calamus L., Timothy J. Motley

Masters Theses

One of the more interesting and attractive components of aquatic ecosystems is sweet flag, Acorus calamus L., a herbaceous perennial belonging to the Araceae, a primarily tropical family. Sweet flag is one of the few extratropical members.

The primary purpose of this work is to present a compilation of the various traditional and contemporary uses of sweet flag by various cultures.

Information regarding the known ethnobotanical and economic uses of the rhizome and aromatic essential oil as a flavoring agent is given, as well as its medicinal uses and value as an insecticide. In addition, a discussion of the …

Effects Of Methylxanthines On Newborn Rat Respiration, Craig Gatto

Masters Theses

Methylxanthines (MX), such as theophylline, are commonly used in the treatment of recurrent apnea due to their stimulant effects on the respiratory center. Structure-activity studies have demonstrated that substitution of alkyl groups on the 3-position of the xanthine nucleus results in increased bronchodilator potency, while substitution on the 1-position is important for adenosine antagonism and CNS stimulation. Three different alkylxanthines were studied to determine the structural requirements for respiratory stimulation. Respiratory rates and volumes were determined in 4- to 7-day-old rats using a volume displacement body plethysmograph. Measurements were made before and at 5 minute intervals after subcutaneous (s.c.) injection …

Effects Of The Addition Of Binder On The Packing Characteristics Of Pigment Particles, Rajesh K. Garg

Masters Theses

This study describes in a quantitative manner the relationships between coating structure and optical properties. Scattering coefficient, gloss and pore volume were measured after applying different blends of polystyrene spheres using various amounts of binder to transparent Mylar film. The coatings were prepared using four proportions of two sizes of polystyrene spheres and varying amount of two binders, starch and latex respectively. Optical properties of coatings were related to changes in coating structure. A scanning electron microscope was used to observe the structure and to facilitate void size measurement. The void size distribution correlated very well with the scattering and …

Receptor Localization And Distribution On Normal And Diabetic Cells By Electron Microscopy, Vance L. Kincaid

Masters Theses

The objective of this research was to evaluate receptor localization and distribution on normal and diabetic cells by electron microscopic analysis.

To achieve this objective, gold-adsorbed and ferritin-conjugated macromolecules were used to determine the location and concentration of specific receptor binding sites on the cells surfaces. To facilitate the use of these ultra-structural histocytochemical markers, normal and diabetic Chinese hamster and other nondiabetic cells were either grown in vitro on ultra thin plastic films or embedded in Lowicryl K4M and pre- or post-labelled with these marker molecules.

Analysis of the data obtained from electron micrographs of these labelled cells was …

A Study Of Alkaline Sodium Sulfite Pretreatment Of Spruce During Thermomechanical Pulping, Nagaraju Dendukuri

Masters Theses

A review of literature relating sodium sulfite pretreatment during thermomechanical pulping to pulp physical properties revealed many contradictions. Thermomechanical pulping variables were studied for their effect on pulp physical properties. An improvement in pulp physical properties was observed above 1% sodium sulfite treatment. Regression analysis and analysis of variance showed that there was a significant effect of sodium sulfite on the reduction of shive content, pulp brightness, and tear index. Fiber length, tensile, burst, and density were not found to be significantly affected by the amount of sodium sulfite. Sodium sulfite treatment during thermomechanical pulping showed a negative relationship with …

A Pilot Plant Evaluation Of Selected Hardwood Pulps For Supercalendered Grade B Paper, Devendra Kumar Srivastava

Masters Theses

The proliferation of wood free printing and writing papers suggests the evaluation of hardwood kraft and chemithermomechanical pulps for the manufacture of uncoated rotogravure paper. In this study 100% aspen kraft, 100% eucalyptus kraft, and 50% aspen chemithermomechanical with 50% kraft pulps were used to produce rotogravure paper on as 32" trim Fourdriner paper machine under alkaline papermaking condition.

The machine runnability was smooth using 100% hardwood furnish for the production of rotogravure paper. The paper produced was found suitable for supercalender grade B applications, such as Sunday magazines, inserts, and flyers. The tensile index and tear index values were …

Characteristics Of Binding Of Interleukin-1 To Yt.Nci Cells, Susan Catherine Speziale

Masters Theses

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) demonstrated a concentration dependent, specific binding to the human, large granular lymphocyte cell line, YT.NCI with a dissociation constant of 0.2 nM. There were approximately 500 IL-1 receptors/cell.

IL-1 binding to YT.NCI cells could be inhibited by unlabeled-IL-1 and the plant lectins, WGA and Con A. Lectin inhibition of IL-1 binding could be completely abrogated by exposing lectins to specific simple sugars prior to the addition of ligand.

Tunicamycin, an inhibitor of glycosylation, decreased IL-l binding to YT cells in a reversible, time- and concentration-dependent manner.

These observations suggest that glycosylation of cell surface proteins may be important …

Cyanogenesis In Dermatocarpon Miniatum (L.) Mann., Daniel Lee Bergman

Masters Theses

The lichen species Dermatocarpon miniatum (L.) Mann. was found to be cyanogenic. This umbilicate lichen, which is common on limestone and sandstone outcrops throughout the United States, is the first lichen to be reported as cyanogenic. This species were examined for cyanogenesis using population from within the confines of Kankakee River State Park, Kankakee and Will Counties, Illinois. Of the nine populations examined six of the population (testing 30 to 150 individuals in each population) were 100% strongly cyanogenic. In the three remaining population cyanogenesis ranged from 67% to 97%. In addition D. miniatum, two other lichen species also …

Determination Of Spring Application Timing And Concentration For Use Of Acp1911 (Event) At Coles County Airport, Illinois, Robert D. Kuhajda Jr.

Masters Theses

A field test was conducted to determine the most effective spring application timing and the most effective concentration for use of American Cyanamid's ACP1911 plant growth regulator. Three different concentrations of ACP 1911, also known as Event, were used for each of five different dates. The field test was conducted on rough turf at Coles County Airport, Illinois, in the spring and summer of 1987.

The dominant grasses in the test site were fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.) and bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.).

Event was applied at concentrations of six, eight and ten ounces per acre on March 11, …

Quantitative Studies On Nodulation Competition Of Two Strains Of Bradyrhizobium Japonicum And Its Biological Control With A Bacteriophage, Jin Xiong

Masters Theses

Interstrain competition of Bradyrhizobium japonicum for nodulation of soybean (Glycine max) presents a serious problem to the field commercial inoculation practice. The more efficient, introduced strains are often outcompeted by the less efficient, indigenous strains. This study was conducted to determine if the competition could be effectively controlled by the massive introduction of a more efficient strain and/or the large scale reduction of a indigenous strain by the application of a bacteriophage specific to the indigenous one.

B. japonicum strain 61A123, common in Midwestern U.S. soils, and strain USDA110, representative of the strains used in commercial inocula, were chosen for …

Steady State Oxygen Cost Of Arm Ergometry Using The Monark Rehab Trainer, Gregory R. Grazen

Masters Theses

This study was designed to determine the steady state oxygen cost of arm crank ergometry with the Monark Rehab Trainer, a device used for exercise training in many cardiac rehabilitation programs. Fifteen male (25.2 yrs. ± 4.1) and fifteen female (23.8 yrs. ± 4.0) subjects were tested in the seated position with the mid-point of the crank wheel adjusted to shoulder height. No attempt was made to stabilize the shoulder girdle, as this is typically not done when training with this device. The test protocol for both groups consisted of progressive three minute work stages followed by a thirty second …

Invertebrates Associated With The Pincushion Moss (Leucobryum Glaucum) And Underlying Soil, Timothy R. Leffler

Masters Theses

A faunal study of soil invertebrates collected from pincushion moss (Leucobryum glaucum) and underlying soil in a mixed deciduous forest of Charleston, Illinois, was performed because it was discovered that moss habitats have been largely overlooked by investigators.

The results from this study suggest that moss habitats provide a buffer area from the external physical environment, provide protection from predators, a place for oviposition and may be used as a food source. Twenty-seven orders of invertebrates were collected (66,023 individuals). Acarina (57.9%) and Collembola (37.9%) made up the majority of the invertebrate population. Three abiotic factors (temperature, moisture …

The Effect Of Caloric Restriction And Exercise On Plasma Lipid And Lipoprotein Concentration, Jeffrey J. Zachwieja

Masters Theses

The independent and combined effects of exercise training and caloric restriction on the plasma concentration of lipid and lipoprotein was studied. Thirty-two female volunteers were assigned to one of three treatment groups; exercise only, diet only or diet plus exercise. The exercise only group participated in a walk/jog program three days per week. For 30 to 45 minutes these individuals either walked or jogged at a intensity which elicited a heart rate that was 70% of the max heart rate reserve. The diet only group participated in a behavior modification weight loss program which restricted caloric intake to 1200 kcals …

The Bryophytes Of Kickapoo State Park, Vermilion County, Illinois, Kevin Jon Lyman

Masters Theses

A bryological survey of Kickapoo State Park, Vermilion county, Illinois, revealed a total of 45 bryophyte species. Of these, 42 are mosses and 3 are liverworts. The habitat and frequency for each species were recorded.

As a result of this survey, the following pleurocarpi are reported for the first time in Vermilion County: Amblystegium riparium (Hedw.) BSG, Amblystegium trichopodium (Schultz) Hartm., Amblystegium serpens (Hedw.) BSG var. juratzkanum (Schimp.) Rau & Herv., Thuidium recognitum (Hedw.) Lindb., Brachythecium rivulare BSG, Bryoandersonia illicebra (Hedw.) Robins., Campylium chrysophyllum (Brid.) J. Lange, and Campylium hispidulum (Brid.) Mitt. The following acrocarpi represent new records for Vermilion …

Habitat Analysis And Foods Of Shrews In East Central Illinois, Lisa D. Blackburn

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Callus Formation And Differentiation In Embryos Of The Coconut Palm (Cocos Nucifera L.), Jyoti Mangesh Desai

Masters Theses

Embryos of Cocos nucifera L. were allowed to develop on various agar based, plant tissue culture media. Environmental conditions, temperature, light intensity levels and photoperiod were regulated throughout the period of the experiment. The anatomy of commercially available embryos (excised from the "seed") and tissues that developed in culture (calli, roots and leaves) was determined. Prepared slides and tissues obtained in culture were photographed and printed. Callus, root and shoot formation were successful. However, "embryoids" which would have eventually led to free living plantlets were not obtained during this study. Successful regeneration of plantlets in culture would require improved techniques.

Effect Of Event (Acp 1911) On Rough Turf Grasses At Coles County Airport, Illinois, Phena Khanjila Shimaka

Masters Theses

Event is a plant growth regulator that was applied to rough turfgrass at Coles County Airport, Charleston-Mattoon at rates of 0, 8, 10 and 12 ounces per acre. Each of the 12 plots was divided into three sections "mowed", "mowed once" and "unmowed" at application time. The mowed portion was sampled at two week intervals for a six week period and biomass recorded in grams dry weight. Prior to mowing, all the plots were visually observed for broadleaf weeds control, height and seedhead suppression, discolouration and phytotoxicity.

The 12 ounces rate of Event significantly suppressed seedhead production, height, broadleaf weeds …

Ecology And Interspecific Relationships Of The Painted Turtle, (Chrysemys Picta) In A Marsh-Fen Ecosystem, Eric S. Mcgee

Masters Theses

An ecological study of the painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) was conducted at the Fox River site in Chain O' Lakes State Park in northeastern Illinois from March to September in 1987. Findings were compared to two studies in 1986 concerning the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) and Blandings turtle (Emydoidea blandingi) also present in the area. Population densities and composition were evaluated to determine the degree of interspecific competition.

Two hundred-forty five turtles were captured in 1986 and 1987. Painted turtles comprised 75 percent of the chelonian population, while Blandings turtles and snapping turtles …

Partial Characterization Of Lpss From Rhizobium Fredii Usda 205 Before And After Nod Gene Induction, Bradley Lawrence Reuhs

Masters Theses

The lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from Rhizobium fredii USDA 205 and its nod- mutant, HC 205, which has been cured of the 192-MDa symbiotic plasmid, were isolated by the phenol-water extraction method. The LPS from the wild-type strain which was grown in association with host-plant root extract or a flavone analog to a constituent of the root extract, which is required for the induction of at least a portion of the nodulation genes, was also isolated. The conditions required for the induction of the nod genes were determined by work with a nod- mutant of R. fredii USDA 201 which …

The Southern Redbelly Dace, Phoxinus Erythrogaster (Rafinesque), In Clark County, Illinois, Susan C. Darrow

Masters Theses

Population and feeding ecology of the southern redbelly dace, Phoxinus erythrogaster (Rafinesque), was studied at Rocky Branch Nature Preserve, sections 29 and 30, T12N, R12W in Clark County, Illinois. Three stations designated along the eastern portion of Rocky Branch stream were seined bimonthly July through September, 1987. The length/frequency distribution curve constructed for the 358 dace collected determined Age class 0 to be dace less than 39mm, age classes I and II were indistinguishable because of overlap of fish lengths, and age class III was determined to be dace between 69 and 74mm. Other species encountered in abundance during this …

Intracellular Protein Degradation In A Mesophile And A Thermophile Of The Genus Bacillus, Cameron C. Hoover

Masters Theses

¹⁴C-leucine was incorporated into th e proteins of the mesophile Bacillus licheniformis and the thermophile Bacillus stearothermophilus. Aliquots of the cell suspension were treated with chloramine-T in order to decarboxylate the ¹⁴C-leucine that was released as the proteins degraded. The ¹⁴CO₂ was trapped and counted. This allowed for the determination of the extent of intracellular protein degradation at various tem peratures and at various stages of the growth cun/e. For the mesophile, the extent of degradation increased with temperature from 30° C to 55° C. For the thermophile, no significant amount of degradation occurred until …

The Effects Of Oil Well Sites On Forest Species Of Birds, Wendy J. Baker

Masters Theses

Fifty censuses were taken in 9 transects adjacent to 8 oil well openings. It was found that 2 species, the red-eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus), and the ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilus) were significantly affected in spatial distribution. These forest species had significantly lower numbers near the oil well site than in the forest. Two other forest species suggested the same pattern. The effect of the oil well site reaches well into the forest.

Other possible effects of the oil well sites are competition with edge species and brood parasitism by the brown-headed cowbird. Noisier sites may also affect the bird community within …

Reaction Of 2,2,6-Trimethyl-1,3-Dioxin-4-One With Isocyanate Derivatives And The Synthesis Of 2,3,4,6-Tetra-O-Acetyl-Dglucopyranosyl Phenyl Carbodiimide, Tung Van Le

Masters Theses

This research was undertaken to study the synthesis and reactions of isocyanates with diketenes, the synthesis of glycosyl carbodiimide.

The 1,3-oxazine-2,4-dione compounds could be useful in the medicinal chemistry field and the agricultural field, the research using glycosyl carbodiimide as a synthon shows great promise for the medicinal chemistry field.

The Effects Of Frozen Storage And Repeated Freeze-Thawing On Salmonella In Varied Concentrations Of Waste Activated Sludge, Joseph Toman Jr.

Masters Theses

Commonly, waste activated sludge is applied to farmland as a fertilizer supplement and soil conditioner. The use of waste activated sludge is not only an efficient way of sludge disposal, but also an economical one. Much concern has been raised about the safety of such a practice. Harmful pathogens, like Salmonella, are commonly present in waste material. Treatment at wastewater plants is successful in eliminating these organisms from final effluent, but the solids generated are full of indigenous microorganisms, including Salmonella.

Work of this paper attempts to determine the safety of the sludge product after simulated winter conditions …

A Taxonomic Re-Evaluation Of Specimens Of The Genus Caloplaca In The E.L. Stover Herbarium Of Eastern Illinois University, Eric J. Cameron

Masters Theses

The genus Caloplaca is the largest genus in the family Teloschistaceae. The 103 species in the genus greatly outnumber any other in the family. Lichens of the genus Caloplaca are usually orange to orange-yellow in color, and range from crustose to subfoliose in form. The orange color is due to an anthraquinone, parietin, the location of which is taxonomically important in this genus of lichens. In some species it occurs only in the apothecia, while in others it is found in both the apothecia and thallus. The spores of this genus are polarilocular, and the width of the isthmus is …

A Woody Understory Survey Of Baber Woods, Edgar County, Illinois, Jacqueline M. Spencer

Masters Theses

The understory of Baber Woods, located in Edgar County, Illinois, was surveyed to see if sugar maple had increased enough in importance to consider implementing some type of forest management technique. Five 100 meter transects were randomly located in closed canopy areas throughout the woods. Specimens were removed from continuous 1 meter quadrats located along each line. Specimens were also removed from twenty 25 meter transects located in the open canopy areas. Species, age, height, diameter, and quadrat number were recorded for each specimen. The data was analyzed for age-height and age-diameter relationships, plus individuals per hectare, density, frequency, relative …