Biology Commons^™

In Vitro Glucose Utilization In Ob/Ob Mouse Erythocytes & Adipose Tissue, Peggy Fudge

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

An in vitro study of ob/ob mouse and control mouse erythrocytes and adipose tissue showed a difference in the rate of glucose utilization as determined by the production of ³H₂0. In both ob/ob and control erythrocytes, glucose utilization increased as glucose concentration of the medium was increased, although the ob/ob rate was consistently lower than the control. The similar trend except for the adipose tissues showed a ob/ob adipose tissue at 200 mg/d1 glucose concentration which exhibited a rate less than the rate at 100 mg/d1.

The decreased glucose utilization by adipose tissue in the absence of …

Studies On The Binding Of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin To Polystyrene & A Possible Application, Patrick Mowers

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), labeled with 125_I, was used to study the binding properties of hCG to polystyrene beads. The binding capacity of the 0.25-in diameter beads was determined to be approximately 300 mIU/bead. The affinity constant, K, was determined to be essentially O, suggesting that binding is strictly passive. The binding of hCG to polystyrene was proportional to the hCG concentration and temperature. There were highly significant (p<0.001) differences among amounts of hCG bound at 3 C, 25 C and 37 C. There was a highly significant (p<0.001) relationship between the amount of hCG bound and the initial hCG concentration. There did not appear to be any correlation between the percentage of hCG bound and the initial hCG concentration. Attempts to use Staphylococcal Protein A-peroxidase conjugate to detect murine monoclonal antibodies to beta-hCG were not successful.

A Bacteriological And Chemical Analysis Of Nonpoint Source Pollution In A Karst Aquifer Bowling Green, Kentucky, Wayne Green

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Monthly water samples collected from four sites in the Lost River Groundwater Basin, a shallow karst aquifer in the Bowling Green-Warren County area of Kentucky, represented samples from sites receiving conduit and diffuse flow. All sites were severely contaminated with bacteria, and on some occasions the surface water criteria for some heavy metals were exceeded.

Of the total 334 bacterial colonies identified 92.1% were verified as Escherichia coli by the API20E system. Acinetobacter calcoaceticus var. anitratum accounted for 2.10% of colonies; Citrobacter freundii for 0.30% Klebsiella pneumoniae for 0.90%; Klebsiella oxytoca, 0.90%; Citrobacter amalonaticus 0.30%; Enterobacter cloacae, 1.20%; …

Phenotypic Differences In Populations Of Euonymus Americanus L. From The Central United States & Autecological Studies Of This Species In A Deciduous Forest Of Kentucky, Paul Bayer

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The concentrations of sodium and potassium in the leaves of Euonymus americanus collected from a relict hardwood forest during a four month period showed a possible winter conditioning pattern. Seeds collected from this same relict stand would not germinate, even though they were subjected to a wide variety of germination experiments. Phenotypic differentiation in fully developed leaves was not found; however, differences related to the length of the growing season were noted. Autecological studies of Euonymus americanus should be continued to investigate the role of this plant in relict hardwood stands.

Ua66/6/2 Alumni Newsletter, Wku Biology

WKU Administration Documents

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

A Survey Of Larval Caddisflies (Insecta: Trichoptera) From Riffles Of Three Streams Of The Drake's Creek Drainage, Kentucky, With A Preliminary Investigation Of The Adult Trichoptera Of The Region, Michael Beiser

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

A total of 1665 larval caddisflies, representing four families and eight genera, was collected from seven stations in the Drake's Creek drainage from 1 November, 1982 through 15 October, 1983. The pattern of longitudinal distribution of the larvae, based on feeding relationships, in the West and Middle Forks of the system was consistent with studies by Wiggins and Mackay (1978), Andrews and Minshall (1979), and Ross and Wallace (1982) and the River Continuum Concept (Vannote et al. 1980). The Trammel Fork, a spring fed stream, showed a pattern of distribution contrary to the predictions of the Concept, suggesting that the …

Activation Of 2-Aminoanthracene By Cell-Free Microbial Extracts, Thomas Hamill

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The activation of the precarcinogen 2-aminoanthracene was investigated employing cell-free extracts of Escherichia coil, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus faecalis, Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridium perfringens and the eukaryote Candida albicans. A modification of the Salmonella typhimurium/mammalian microsomal mutagenicity assay was employed to determine activation. Of the species tested, only cell-free extracts of Escherichia coli and Bacteroides fragilis failed to induce the reversion of the Salmonella typhimurium his- mutants TA-98 and/or TA-100 to his+ revertants.

Separation of the cytosol and membrane pellet enzymes was completed. Of the organisms tested only the membrane pellet enzymes of Clostridium perfringens showed activation of …

The Development Of Anatomical Features In Larval Fish In Conjunction With The Onset Of Exogenous Feeding, Irene Kokkala

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Observations were made on the appearance and development of anatomical features such as neural receptors (free neuromasts and taste buds), lateral line canals and bone elements of the mandibular and hyoid regions of the skull associated with the larval stages of the spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus) and northern hog sucker (Hypentelium nigricans). The results were related to known feeding habits and habitat selection.

Free neuromast development and appearance of the lateral line canal system in the spotted bass preceded that of the northern hog sucker. This accelerated development of the spotted bass was related to earlier …

The Effect Of Orally Administered Butylated Hydroxytoluene On Herpes Simplex Keratitis, Donald Carson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Some studies have reported in vitro inactivation of membrane enveloped viruses by Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). This study investigates the effect of orally administered BHT on primary infections of Herpes simplex virus (HSV) using rabbit corneas as the assay system.

Assigned levels of BHT were incorporated into the diet of New Zealand White rabbits with HSV-1 McKrae strain on the corneal surface of the eyes. The degree of infection was measured by a subjective assay. Rabbits receiving BHT in their diet consistently experienced lower levels of infection. The interpretation of this data is that orally administered BHT can be an effective …

Binding Activity Of The Tubulin-3h-Colchicine Complex, Menjor Tino Unlap

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Microtubules, isolated from bovine brain, were used to study the effect of ultraviolet radiation on the tubulin-³H-colchicine complex and the polymerizing ability of this complex to intact and disrupted microtubules. Dissociation of this complex was observed upon ultraviolet irradiation and continued to progress as exposure time increased. The binding of this complex to intact microtubules prior to irradiation did not seem to enhance its stability to ultraviolet radiation. There was a significant difference observed at the 0.05 level between the binding of the tubulin-³H-colchicine complex to microtubules in mechanically disrupted and control samples. Statistically, there was …

The Suprapopulation Dynamics Of Acanthocephalus Dirus In A Definitive Host, Etheostoma Squamiceps, & Two Intermediate Hosts, Lirceus Fontinalis & Gammarus Minus, Mary Weimorts

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The suprapopulation dynamics of Acanthocephalus dirus were studied in the definitive host, Etheostoma squamiceps, and two intermediate hosts, Lirceus fontinalis and Gammarus minus, from Lick Creek, Warren County, Kentucky. The study was conducted from December 1981 through January 1983. A total of 448 isopods, L. fontinalis, was examined for larval A. dirus and 9 (2.01%) were infected. Infected isopods were observed from September through December 1982. There was no correlation between the presence of larvae and lack of pigmentation. A total of 441 amphipods, G. minus, was examined. Of these, 21 (4.76%) were infected. Infected amphipods …

Effects Of Temperature On Testicular Photosensitivity In The White-Throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia Albicollis), Laurel Matthews

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

It has been shown in studies involving many temperatezone avian species that annual variation in day length is a major environmental factor influencing the timing of seasonal events such as gonadal development, molt, fat deposition, and migration. The mechanism whereby these birds measure day length involves a circadian rhythm of photosensitivity which is entrained by the daily photoperiod. If light occurs such that it coincides with the photosensitive phase of this rhythm, an event such as gonadal recrudescence is induced. This study was carried out in photosensitive White-throated Sparrows in winter and spring of 1982 to explore the possibility that …

Determination Of The Relative Response Of Mammalian Cells To Simulated Sunlight & 254 Nm Radiation, Randall Gill

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

A comparison between germicidal (254 nm) UV and simulated sunlight (above 300 nm) radiation emitted from a solar simulator has been made using five mammalian cell lines. The cell lines used included normal and photosensitive human skin fibroblasts and one African green monkey kidney cell line. The ratio of 10% survival by exposure to 254 nm radiation divided by 10% survival by simulated sunlight exposure derived from the above comparison was used as a criterion for showing that the above cell lines are statistically significantly different in their relative response to simulated sunlight.

Food Habits & The Utilization Of Drift Organisms By Larval Fishes In The Middle Fork Of Drake's Creek, Kentucky, Shirley Timbrook

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Food habits of larvae of the northern hog sucker, common shiner, rosyface shiner, and Micropterus sp. from the Middle Fork of Drake's Creek, Kentucky were identified from 18 March to 12 August 1982. Eighteen taxa of animals were observed in the stream drift and a total of seventeen taxa, including larval fish, were identified in the stomach analysis. Eggs, rotifers, hydracarina, and diptera represented the greatest component of the drift comprising 34%, 32%, 8%, and 6%, respectively. The major organisms observed in the gut analysis included eggs (fish, rotifer, and copepod species), rotifers (Euchlanis sp.), diptera (Chironomidae), annelida (Naididae), …

Chronology Of Appearance & Habitat Partitioning By Stream Larval Fishes, Keith Floyd

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Larval fish were studied on the Middle Fork of Drake's Creek from 18 March 1982 to 9 September 1982. A total of 6,057 individuals representing 28 species and six unidentified cyprinids was collected. Micropterus sp. was the dominant species representing 33% of the total. Most of the remaining taxa were,generally,equally represented. Juvenile banded sculpins were the first larvae observed -- followed by darters, suckers, minnows, and sunfishes. The percid species, logperch, greenside darter, and Etheostoma (Ulocentra), illustrated the longest spawning periods, their larvae being taken from 24 March to 8 July. Maximum species occurrence was observed from 7 July …

Ua66/6/2 Alumni Newsletter, Wku Biology

WKU Administration Documents

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

Ua35/11 Student Honors Research Bulletin, Wku Honors Program

WKU Administration Documents

The WKU Student Honors Research Bulletin is dedicated to scholarly involvement and student research. These papers are representative of work done by students from throughout the university.

• Albin, Bettye. John Dryden's Criticism: The Neglected Link
• Allen, Christopher. Martial Reflections: Ancient Cultures and Their War-Gods
• Case, Laura. Climatic Preference
• Deller, Kathy. Regression Analysis: The Effects of Advertising, Price, Income and Import Sales on American-Made Auto Sales
• Downing, Elizabeth. Dorothy Leigh Sayers: Detective of Literary Theory in The Mind of the Maker
• Elder, Janice. A Retrospective Study on Discharge Planning and Primiparas at Breckinridge Memorial
• Flora, Joan. Narcissism and the Need for …

The Effects Of Photoperiod-Temperature Interactions On Testicular Regression In The Green Anole, Anolis Carolinensis, Teri Wickelhaus

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Interrupted-night photoperiod experiments were carried out in green anoles (Anolis carolinensis) in July and August 1981 in order to explore the possibility that seasonal timing of testicular regression regulated by day length involves circadian rhythms. The influence that temperature has on testicular responsiveness to light was also assessed. Testicular weight responses to different interrupted-night photoperiod treatments were similar in anoles kept at constant warm temperatures but varied in anoles kept at constant cold temperatures. Rates of decline of spermatogenesis in response to different interrupted-night photoperiod treatments were, on the other hand, similar in anoles kept at constant cold …

The Influence Of Livestock Feed Size On Feed Consumption By Starlings (Sturnus Vulgaris), Daniel Twedt

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Ground meal and 4 sizes of pelleted feeds (3/16, ¼, 3/8 and ½ inch diameters) were offered to captive Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris, Linnaeus) to determine the minimum feed size they were unable to consume in significant amounts. The ground meal, 3/8 and ½ inch diameter pellets substantially decreased feed consumption compared with 3/16 and ¼ inch diameter pellets. Additionally, ½ inch pellets were consumed substantially less than ground meal or 3/8 inch pellets. Supplemental feed was require to prevent mortality among Starlings offered only ½ inch pellets.

Two pellet sizes, the 3/16 inch pellet which was readily consumed by …

A Mammalian Virus (Sv40) Inductest For Putative Carcinogens, Howard Blount

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The in vitro mammalian virus inductest is based on the measurement of induced viral gene expression from Simian virus 40 (SV40) transformed weanling Syrian hamster kidney cells (clone E). Upon challenge by many DNA-damaging chemical agents, infectious virions were produced which were quantitated by assay on a cell line permissive to SV40, such as the highly contact inhibited African green monkey kidney cells, CV-1P. Some known carcinogens and non-carcinogens were tested in this research including mitomycin C, aflatoxins Bl and Gl, sterigmatocystin and several polycyclic hydrocarbons.

Lysolecithin (a membrane permeabilizing agent) and S9 mix (a pre -metabolizing mixture) were used …

Ultrastructural Investigations On Spore Germination In The Fern Woodwardia Virginica (L.) Smith, James Mccurry

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This investigation represents the first electron microscopic study of spore germination in the fern Woodwardia virginica (L.) Smith. Samples of fern spores were induced into synchronous division by a dark, red light and white light sequence and examined for the early events of germination. During early germination the nucleus, which was located in a central position, assumed a pointed trailing end and a broadened amoeboid proximal face while migrating to a proximal position in the spore. At this time the nucleus became spherical, and chromosomes began to condense even before the disruption of the nuclear envelope. Chloroplastid and mitochondrial structure …

Comparison Of Grouping Methods For Beta-Hemolytic Streptococci, Renee Smith

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

A total of 198 strains of beta-hemolytic streptococci were Lancefield grouped by the conventional nonserological method and the Phadebact Co-agglutination method. These two methods were then compared to the Lancefield precipitin test. The Phadebact Co-agglutination method and the non - serological method '.ere evaluated as to their sensitivity, accuracy, and suitability as methods for serogrouping betahemolytic streptococci in clinical laboratories. Due to the difference in their grouping ability only Lancefield Groups A and B could be directly compared. There was a 100 percent agreement between both of these methods for the Lancefield grouns A and B, and there were three …

Ua66/6/2 Alumni Newsletter, Wku Biology

WKU Administration Documents

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

Sunset As An Orientational Cue For A Nocturnal Migrant, The White-Throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia Albicollis), James Pauly

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The possibility that nocturnal migrants use sunset as an orientational cue was explored in the White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) between 1 April and 24 April, 1981. Orientation tests were run on the roof of the biology building at Western Kentucky University when birds were assumed to be in the proper physiological condition for migration. Birds exposed to only nighttime skies, birds isolated from all visual cues, and birds exposed to both daytime and nighttime skies did not exhibit the northward directional preference appropriate for the season tested. However, White-throated Sparrows exposed only to sunset and tested in the absence …

Ultrastructure Of The Tegument Of Intramolluscan Stages Of Proterometra Edneyi Nomen Nudum, Robin Munsey

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Larval stages of Proterometra edneyi nomen nudum were obtained from Goniobasis laqueata and prepared for transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The tegument of rediae, cercariae within rediae and mature cercariae were observed to see if any differences occurred in relation to enivronmental and functional factors. The tegument was found to be similar in organization to that previously reported for other trematodes. Rediae were found to have patterned, folded teguments with many small microvilli indicative of the function of this surface to absorb nutrients. Microvilli were also present on the tegument of the cercarial body within the rediae along with infoldings …

The Biological Effect Of Evernimicin B On Bacillus Subtilis W2 3 And Three Antibiotic-Resistant Strains Of Staphylococcus Aureus, Steven Bogach

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

One strain of Bacillus subtilis and three antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus were employed to determine the biological effects of everninomicin B (EvB), a naturally occurring antibiotic produced by Micromonospora carbonacea (NRRL 2972) and M. carbonacea var. aurantiaca. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of EvB for B. subtilis was 1.2 x 10^-3 µmole/ml of EvB in glucose minimal broth and 2.6 x 10^-3 µmole/ml of EvB in nutrient broth. MIC values of EvB for S. aureus were 3.25 x 10^-4 µmole/ml of EvB for strains resistant to penicillin or tetracycline and 6.5 x 10^-4 µmole/ml of …

A Study Of Seasonal Occurences & Movement Patterns Of Fishes In Barren River, William Kruskamp

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The ichthyofauna of the Barren River tailwater was studied from October 1979 to August 1980 to determine seasonal occurrences and movement patterns in relation to discharges from Barren River Lake. Thirteen families and 38 species were represented in the 15,408 fish captured. The season in which the greatest number of fish was captured was winter (7,731) with the highest monthly total occurring in February (5,159). These large totals resulted mostly from the presence of small gizzard shad. The greatest number of fish per kilometer of river sampled occurred in spring just below the dam at River Kilometer 127. Of the …

The Effects Of Denervation On Caudal Fin Regeneration In The Goldfish, Carassius Auratus (Linnaeus), Janet Rowlett

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Goldfish of the wild-strain variety, Carassius auratus, were used in the study of caudal fin regeneration. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of denervation on caudal fin regeneration.

In the experimental groups, it was evident that denervation did not prevent regeneration, although it was significantly reduced. Statistical analysis using the Duncan's Multiple Range Test showed a highly significant difference (0.01 % level) in the mean percentage of regeneration between the denerved group and the other three groups.

Caudal fins having proximal amputations regenerated at a faster rate than those having distal amputations, producing a higher …

The Effects Of Controlled Harvest On Some Biological Characteristics Of Smallmouth Buffalo In Rough River Lake, Kentucky, Dennis Webb

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

In Rough River Lake, Kentucky, effects of controlled harvest of some biological characteristics of smallmouth buffalo were investigated from December 1979 through July 1980. Spawning activity was monitored from 28 March through 24 July with buffalo larvae occurring for one week. A successful spawn was precluded by non-optimum water levels or other conditions operating in the lake. Commercial harvest was monitored from December 1979 through March 1980, and age and growth features were determined from 783 smallmouth buffalo representing a portion of the 3955 buffalo removed from Rough River Lake in 1979-80. A population estimate of the Rough River Lake …

Blackbird & Starling Roosts In Warren County, Kentucky, Wayne Mason

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Blackbird and Starling roosts of the 1979-80 winter season were observed in order to obtain as much information as possible concerning roosts in this area. Five species were found to comprise the local roosts: The Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula), Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater), Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus), and the Starling (Sturnus vulgaris).

Seven categories of activities were observed in roost species: predeparture vocalizations; predeparture staging; roost departure; daily activities; roost return; preroost staging; and settlement into the roost. The Common Grackle appeared to be the species around which …