Biology Commons^™

Energetics Of The American Kestrel (Falco Sparverius) During Three Seasons In Northern Utah, Lucinda Haggas

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Behavioral activities and predatory behavior of 18 American Kestrels (Falco sparverius, 9 males and 9 females) were observed for 350+ hours during 3 seasons (nonbreeding = Jan-Feb , breeding = mid-Mar-Apr, and postbreeding = late-Aug-Sept) in northern Utah. Daily energy expenditure (DEE) of male and female kestrels was estimated with a model that incorporated flight activity data from free-living birds and laboratory measurements on daytime and nighttime metabolic rates and energy costs of tissue production derived from captive kestrels. Production costs were included in the DEE for breeding and postbreeding kestrels.

The energy cost of gonadal growth for males (0.02 …

The Isolation, Property Analysis And Determination Of In Planta Growth Ability Of Extracellular Polysaccharide Mutants Of Corynebacterium Michiganense Pv Insidiosum, Mary C. Paschke

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Corynebacterium michiganense pv insidiosum, the organism responsible for bacterial wilt of alfalfa, produces an extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) that has been linked to its virulence. The EPS is composed of three different-sized molecules (components I, II and III). It has been demonstrated that this EPS accumulates in the vascular system of infected plants and causes disruption of the flow of water.

The importance of EPS to the survival and pathogenicity of C.m. pv insidiosumis not known. In order to begin assessing the value of EPS, mutant strains that are EPS-deficient were isolated after UV mutagenisis. Analysis by gel filtration …

Factors Affecting Feeding Injury To Grasses By Adult Billbugs (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Dale C. Nielson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Factors associated with feeding injury to grass plants by two species of adult billbugs, Sphenophorus gentilis and S. parvulus, were evaluated. Early season tests utilized adult bluegrass billbugs while later studies involved wildrye billbugs. Types of feeding injury were determined and preferred feeding locations on host plants were identified for each billbug species. Greenhouse and field studies compared different species of grasses, individual plants within a species, and plants from different locations, for billbug susceptibility. The effect of grass plant age and stem size were also tested using bluegrass billbugs.

Using analysis of variance and multiple comparison tests, significant …

Production Of Monoclonal Antibodies Specific For The Microgametocytes Of Eimeria Tenella, Marc A. Laxer

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The objective of this study was to produce a monoclonal antibody specific for the microgametocytes of Eimeria tenella, examine the site and stage specificity of the antibody, and investigate the immunopotency of the antibody. BALB/c mice were immunized with antigen containing Eimeria tenella microgametocytes isolated from in vitro systems. After three intraperitoneal immunizations with the antigen and one booster immunization administered by tail vein injection, the mice were sacrificed and their spleen cells fused with SP2/0 mouse myeloma cells using polyethylene glycol as a fusing agent. Resultant hybridomas were screened by immunoelectrophoresis, indirect immunofluorescent antibody assay, and immunoelectron microscopy …

Cellular Immunity In Children With Down Syndrome (Trisomy-21), Roger Lee Noble

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Individuals with Down syndrome (US) suffer from increased incidence of respiratory infections and lymphoblastic leukemia, and a death rate that is particularly high in the first 5 years of life. Relatively few studies have probed immune parameters in young US children. Primary immune defects in DS may be masked by a degree of immune maturity in adults, and hygienic factors may have an effect on immune capability throughout the years. A study of young children can give clearer evidence of the actual primary immune defects in DS.

Blood samples were drawn from 20 DS children under 6 years old and …

Summary Of The Results Of Analysis Of Obsidian Artifacts From The Maya Lowlands, F. W. Nelson

Scanning Electron Microscopy

The analytical method of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry has been used to analyze obsidian artifacts from Cerros, Belize and from Yaxchilan, Chiapas, Mexico. The results of these analyses are compared to the results of analysis of obsidian geologic sources using graphical and statistical methods in order to identify the probable source from which the obsidian for the artifacts came. These results are then summarized along with results of analysis by others of obsidian artifacts from several archaeological sites in the Lowland Maya area. Using these data, possible trade routes and how they may have changed through time have been postulated.

Foliar Penetration Of A Fungicide As Detected By Scanning Electron Microscopy And Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis, C. R. Krause

Scanning Electron Microscopy

CU II hydroxide, (Cu(OH)₂) a fungicide, produces injury as a result of "chemical burn" or phytotoxicity on some plants. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis were used to characterize chlorosis on red maple leaves following foliar applications of Cu(OH)₂. Copper was located with X-ray mapping in foliar mesophyll cells of trees sprayed with Cu(OH)₂ but not in leaves of trees sprayed with distilled H₂O.

Computerized Microtomography In Scanning Electron Microscopy, A. Yu. Sasov

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Non-destructive methods of inner object structure reconstruction in the scanning electron microscope (SEM) have been studied. For specimens with a size of about 1 mm a spatial resolution of 10 μm has been achieved. The reconstruction is made from a project ion in X-ray radiation. Algorithms of conventional computerized tomography are used. The application of 3-dimensional reconstruction to different types of microobjects has been shown. As an example, microtomography of organic objects (grass grain, beetle head) and inorganic objects (semiconductor diode) has been carried out.

Geological Applications Of Ionization Lte Model In Laser Probe Mass Spectrometry, J. F. Eloy

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Recently, the laser plasma ionization process of the laser Probe Mass Spectrograph permitted one to obtain quantitative information on the fluid inclusions and trace distributions in ores. Indeed laser ionization provides the physical conditions for a substantial application in the Local Thermodynamical Equilibrium (LTE) model. Other geological information in the case of micro-analysis on the quartz, fluorite, and zircon has also been obtained.

Cyclic Deposition Of Calcium Salts During Growth Of Cholesterol Gallstones, Peter F. Malet, Norman E. Weston, Bruce W. Trotman, Roger D. Soloway

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Some cholesterol gallstones contain darkly pigmented centers or peripheral concentric pigmented bands. We examined the cross-sectional surface of three cholesterol gallstones which contained both central and peripheral pigmented areas with electron-probe microanalysis (EPM) and energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis (EDXA) to determine the elemental composition of the pigmented regions. Linear EPM across the cross-sectional surface of the stones demonstrated that most of the pigmented regions of all three stones had high Ca and P signals; the nonpigmented intervening areas had markedly lower or no detectable Ca and P signals. In two of the three stones, high O signals coincided with the …

Scanning Electron Microscope Cytochemistry Of Blood Cells, D. Soligo, E. De Harven, E. Pozzoli, M. T. Nava, N. Polli, G. Lambertenghi-Deliliers

Scanning Electron Microscopy

The backscattered electron imaging (BEI) mode of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been applied to study various histo-cytochemical reactions in biological specimens since the early seventies. Due to numerous, recent technical improvements the BEI mode of SEM now belongs to the routine of many SEM laboratories.

For cytochemistry, BEI has been mainly used to: visualize intracellular structures and organelles; recognize the different cell types in heterogeneous populations or tissues; study the correlations between enzymatic activities and cell surface features.

We have evaluated the most relevant results obtained in the study of blood cells and the possible future applications of these …

Structural Changes In Mouse Small Intestinal Villi Following Lower Body Hyperthermia, H. M. H. Kamel, K. E. Carr, S. P. Hume, J. C. L. Marigold

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Heating an exteriorised loop of mouse small intestine resulted in marked changes in the shape of the villi as reported earlier. However, the exteriorisation techniques resulted in non-uniformity in both temperature and effect around circumference of intestine and, in addition, the extent to which handling contributed to the observed damage was not known. The work has therefore been extended using lower-body heating in the temperature range 37.5° - 43.0°C.

Heating in the temperature range 37.5° to 41.0°C produced minimal to moderate structural changes, manifested as scattered, vertically collapsed villi amongst predominantly "normal" villi. No villi showed conical or rudimentary forms …

Integration Of X-Ray Microanalysis And Morphometry Of Biological Material, W. C. De Bruijn

Scanning Electron Microscopy

It was investigated how to extract both morphometrical and X-ray elemental information from scanning electron microscopical (SEM) or scanning transmission electron microscopical (STEM)-images and how to integrate these two information streams either on line or off-line after storage.

Cytochemical reaction products in cell organelles in ultrathin sections are the biological structures of interest. In such organelles four different situations can be met: morphologically the structures are homomorph or heteromorph; chemically the elements are distributed either homogeneously or heterogeneously. A new program has been proposed and described, which permits determination of both the area and the mean net-intensity value of chemical …

Microstructural Matrix-Crystal Interactions In Calcium Oxalate Monohydrate Kidney Stones, J. Stacholy, E. P. Goldberg

Scanning Electron Microscopy

The role of the proteinaceous matrix in the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones is still not well understood. Simple scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been of somewhat limited value in visualizing the organic and inorganic microstructure due to difficulties in obtaining detailed structural information for cut or fractured surfaces.

To help clarify matrix-crystal microstructure, serial sections from 10-20 mm calcium oxalate calculi were partially demineralized with ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and examined by SEM. Sections etched by EDTA showed a radial crystal structure composed of "microcrystal" subunits. Sections simultaneously EDTA etched and fixed with glutaraldehyde to insolubilize all matrix …

Near Edge Fine Structures On Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy Core Loss Edges, C. Colliex, T. Manoubi, M. Gasgnier, L. M. Brown

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Core edges recorded in Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) display a large variety of profiles. We have investigated several specific aspects concerning Energy Loss Near Edge Structures (ELNES) and emphasize the interest in a careful edge shape analysis to obtain refined microanalytical information, such as local symmetry. After indicating the general impact of EELS fine structures as compared to EDX and Auger spectroscopies we discuss the instrumental conditions required for recording satisfactory spectra and consider the theoretical problems which are involved in data interpretation. The major portion of this paper presents results for selected K, L23, M45 and N45 core …

Relationship Of The Surface Structure Of Metaphase Chromosomes To The Higher Order Organization Of Chromatin Fibers, K. W. Adolph, L. R. Kreisman

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as well as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), has been utilized to determine how the surface structure of mitotic chromosomes is related to the organization of the 30 nm chromosomal fibers. SEM revealed the surfaces of isolated, HeLa cell chromosomes to possess a knobby substructure with chromosomes prepared for EM in buffers containing 0.5-1.5 mM Mg²⁺. These projections had substantially greater widths (65-70 nm) than the underlying chromatin fibers. Reducing the Mg ion concentration to 0.05-0.15 mM resulted in the further expansion of the chromosomes, which flattened the chromosomes for SEM so the fibers became …

Mineralogical Application Of The Ion Microscope Elementary Analysis, A. Havette

Scanning Electron Microscopy

The ion microscope is an instrument which allows the study "in-situ" of polished solid surfaces by means of analysis of secondary ions emitted by the sample, this one being bombarded with neutral or ionized particles.

This instrument is a mass spectrometer and an ion microscope. It is then possible to study elements and their isotopes (mass spectra, counting, isotope abundances...) and to know the distribution of these elements in an area of around one hundred micrometers. Molecular and multicharged ions can be superimposed to elementary ions. Two methods can be used to suppress them but, in any case, it results …

X-Ray Microanalysis Of Biological Tissues - An Examination Of Comparative Specimen Preparation Techniques Using Prostatic Tissue As A Model, J. A. Chandler

Scanning Electron Microscopy

A number of reproductive tissues have been investigated by X-ray microanalysis for a large number of elements. These elements occur both free and with many different forms of binding to tissue proteins and cellular constituents. The prostate tissue studied here represents a glandular tissue with both parenchymal and stromal components having different cell types. While no general rule can be applied to the preparative technique for all tissues, it would seem that of all the methods examined here freeze substitution or the use of dehydration fluids combined with subsequent embedding offer the most promising compromise between cryoultramicrotomy and aqueous fixation.

Survival And Growth Of Adult Human Oligodendrocytes In Culture: Scanning Electron Microscopy, Seung U. Kim, Kookmin M. Kim, Giuseppe Moretto, Doo H. Shin

Scanning Electron Microscopy

The oligodendrocytes in culture serve as an important model for the study of demyelination diseases. We have previously originated a method of isolating human oligodendrocytes. In order to establish their three dimensional morphology, scanning electron microscopy of the cultured oligodendrocytes was performed.

The oligodendrocytes bulk isolated from adult human brain were maintained in culture for more than 2 months. At the various periods in culture, the cells were studied by scanning electron microscopy and immunofluorescence staining using marker antibodies for the identification of oligodendrocytes. The three dimensional organization and the surface morphology of the cultured oligodendrocytes were investigated. They displayed …

The Growth Of Fetal Human Sensory Ganglion Neurons In Culture: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study, Seung U. Kim, Kookmin M. Kim, Giuseppe Moretto, James H. Kim

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Sensory neurons of 8-week human fetal dorsal root ganglia were dissociated into single cells by trypsinization and cultured on coverslips for 4 months, in either serum-containing or serum-free chemically defined media. At different times the cultures were fixed and prepared for scanning electron microscopy. Fetal sensory neurons in culture regenerated axons within 24 hours which were characterized by axonal growth cones at their tips and the neuronal perikarya assumed spherical or a bonnet-like morphology.

The Interphotoreceptor Matrix And The Interphotoreceptor Space Of The Vertebrate Retina, M. H. Bernstein

Scanning Electron Microscopy

The interphotoreceptor space (IPS) of the vertebrate retina is the adult corollary of the lumen within the embryonic optic vesicle. The inner limit of the IPS is formed by the intercellular junctions of Muller cells and photoreceptors forming the external limiting membrane (ELM). The apical surface of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is the outer limit of the IPS. Most of the volume of the IPS is occupied by the inner and outer segments of the photoreceptors, with the microvillous processes of the RPE, and the small microvilli of the Muller cells filling lesser portions. SEM of samples fixed in …

Theoretical Considerations On Surface Extended X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure (Exafs), Claudine Noguera

Scanning Electron Microscopy

We have investigated the following theoretical points relevant to surface EXAFS: proportionality of the signal to the absorption cross section, analysis of the oscillations with the simple EXAFS formula, accuracy in the determination of distances and coordination numbers, transferability of phase shifts and amplitude factors. We describe some of the most used techniques to record the Surface Extended X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure (SEXAFS) oscillations, both the photon induced techniques and the electron induced ones, such as the Auger effect, the total or partial yield, the ion desorption technique, the appearance potential spectroscopy and surface reflection electron loss spectroscopy; and in …

Limits Of Quantitative Microanalysis Using Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry, Peter Williams

Scanning Electron Microscopy

The limitations on secondary ion micro-analytical performance imposed by ionization probabilities, mass spectrometer transmission, requirements for standards and sputtering artifacts have been investigated. The sensitivity of a modern magnetic mass spectrometer for sputtered B⁺ from oxidized Si is ~ 10^-2 ions detected/atom sputtered. For this sensitivity, it is shown that ion microscopy of a part-per-million impurity is limited in lateral resolution to ~ 1 μm. For a 1% impurity, lateral resolution of ~ 30 nm is achievable. Depth profile analysis at the ppm level requires sample areas ~ 10 μm². Isotope abundance determinations in volumes ~ …

Fly Ash From Full Scale Trona Injection Studies, Raymond T. Greer, Da-Tong Zhang

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Sodium sesquicarbonate (NaHCO₃-Na2CO₃-2H₂O) and the mineral trona (NaHCO₃-Na2CO₃-2H₂O) have been utilized as effective dry sorbents for SO₂ in flue gas during fossil fuel plant full-scale injection studies conducted at the Cameo Station, Unit 1, of Public Service Company of Colorado near Grand Junction, CO. Microstructural and microchemical characterization studies of fly ash samples from these studies identify decomposition features for these carbonates that relate to the development of satisfactory reaction surface areas for combination with SO₂ from flue gas. The major features are non-sulfur bearing microspheres …

Freeze-Drying And Related Preparation Techniques For Biological Microprobe Analysis, Romuald Wróblewski, Joanna Wróblewski, Matti Anniko, Lars Edström

Scanning Electron Microscopy

An X-ray microanalytical and morphological investigation has been carried out on rapidly frozen, freeze-dried or freeze-substituted tissues. A comparison was made between different embedding and polymerisation procedures following freeze-substitution and freeze-drying. The investigation also included an analysis of specimens infiltrated, embedded and polymerised by ultraviolet irradiation at low temperatures with Lowicryl HM20. The morphological preservation of Lowicryl embedded tissue was adequate for the identification of different cell structures like nuclei, mitochondria, lysosomes and different types of endoplasmic reticulum. X-ray microanalytical investigation of low temperature embedded material displayed an elemental composition of cells and organelles similar to that found in freeze-dried …

Recent Developments In Electrical Microcharacterization Using The Charge Collection Mode Of The Scanning Electron Microscope, D. B. Holt, M. Lesniak

Scanning Electron Microscopy

There are six distinguishable types of charge collection (CC) signal. Consequently specially designed CC detection systems are needed to obtain e.g. true EBIC and EBIV measurements and make quantitative electrical microcharacterization possible. EBIC and EBIV can arise from fields due to barriers such as p-n junctions or due to changes in doping e.g. p to p+. Materials, defect and device parameters are calculable from these signals. Hot-cold stages are important for temperature dependence studies of contrast, for improving signal to noise ratios and reducing leakage currents. Image processing and pattern recognition methods are vital for rapidly locating and evaluating the …

Applications Of Scanning Electron Microscopy And X-Ray Microanalysis In Inner Ear Pathology, M. Anniko, D. J. Lim, A. Sobin, R. Wróblewski

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Surface pathology of inner ear structures so far described in detail concern cochlear and vestibular hair cells and the stria vascularis. In man, surgical intervention into the inner ear is very uncommon and when performed is in general with the primary objective of destroying the diseased peripheral end organs. The vast majority of inner ear tissue available for use with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is therefore obtained from animals.

The present paper reviews the progression of surface pathology caused by aminoglycoside antibiotics, acoustic overstimulation and in a guinea pig strain with genetic inner ear disease. The primary site of onset …

Cell Movement And Contraction In Somite Development, Ellen A. G. Chernoff

Scanning Electron Microscopy

During somite formation the segmental plate mesoderm, lying on either side of the axial organs, reorganizes into roughly spherical pairs of epithelial structures. This segmentation process includes changes in cell shape and position, cell-cell and cell-substratum adhesive properties and accumulation of extracellular matrix material which proceed down the anterior-posterior axis. Later in somite development the sclerotome region "disperses", migrating around the spinal cord where it produces the cartilage model of the vertebral column. Experimental manipulation of segmentation and sclerotome dispersal with drugs affecting microfilaments, microtubules and calcium-dependent contraction suggest that cells migrate into position, elongate, and undergo apical contraction as …

Ultrastructural Studies Of Crystal-Organic Matrix Relations In Renal Stones, P. -T. Cheng, A. D. Reid, K. P. H. Pritzker

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Biochemically the organic matrix of kidney stones contains mucoproteins, mucopolysaccharides, inorganic material and bound water. Morphologically, the organic matrix exists as either amorphous or fibrous forms. We have attempted to critically evaluate results from analytical and morphological studies on stone matrices using light microscopy, histochemistry, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray energy dispersive spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction.

On the surface of calcium oxalate stones, there are usually large masses of randomly deposited calcium oxalate crystals each coated with organic matrix. Transmission electron microscopy shows these large surface crystals are composed of rows of smaller crystallites …

Electron Beam Induced Damage On Passivated Metal Oxide Semiconductor Devices, S. Görlich, E. Kubalek

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Electron beam testing of integrated circuits (IC) is currently based on the electron beam induced conductivity in insulators to short the passivation layer and to enable a voltage measurement at covered conductor tracks. However, applying this technique to passivated MOS devices causes severe radiation damage, which was at first explained by primary electrons penetrating into the deep-lying gate oxide. Nondestructive electron beam testing was expected by using low electron energies that do not allow the primary electrons to reach into the gate oxide.

Therefore here the influence of nonpenetrating electron irradiation on the characteristics of passivated NMOS transistors has been …