Biology Commons^™

Cellular Response & Histopathological Studies Of Murine Pyelonephritis Experimentally Induced By Aspergillus Flavus, Anna Hansen

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Five-week-old male BALB/c mice were anesthetized and incised mid-dorsally to expose the fascia over the right kidney. The kidney was then palpated up and an inoculum of 0.05 ml containing approximately 100,000 viable Asperaillus flavus spores in phosphate-buffered saline was injected into the cortex. A second group of mice underwent similar surgical procedures, but were injected with phosphate-buffered saline only into the right kidney. This group was designated the sham-operated control mice. All mice, including controls, were bled for differential blood counts 24 and 48 h after surgical procedures and subsequently on an every-other-day basis for the duration of the …

Ultrastructure & Microtubule Patterns Of A Detached Cellular Oganelle, Peggy Mervine

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

In the axopod, the cell appendage of heliozoans, a bundle of microtubules runs the length of the organelle with a lateral pattern depending on the species. In the species under study, Echinosphaerium nucleofilum, these microtubules are arranged in a double spiral pattern. Axopodia can be detached and the purpose of this study was to refine the detachment procedure, work out electron microscopy techniques and scrutinize the detached axopodia for differences from the organelle of a whole organism. Detached axopodia were fixed, embedded, sectioned, observed under the electron microscope and found to be similar in ultrastructure to undetached ones. Thus, …

Interpopulational & Species Comparisons Of The Genus Liquidambar, Diana Duckworth

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Growth patterns under controlled conditions and chemotaxonomic techniques involving protein and flavonoid analysis were used to investigate both interpopulational and species comparisons in the genus Liquidambar. Striking differences in budburstinq patterns after a dormant period were seen when comparing L. styraciflua and L. formosana. The latter species showed earlier initiation of growth. Dormancy patterns of L. styraciflua grown under growth chamber conditions showed a latitudinal cline. Cessation of growth occurred later in a Georgia population under both long and short day experimental periods than populations from Missouri and Kentucky. When grown under controlled conditions, flavonoid patterns from L. …

A Comparison Of Vitamin A1 & A2 Levels & The Role Of Beta-Carotene & Lutein In The Synthesis Of Vitamin A In Freshwater Fishes, Benjamin Del Tito Jr.

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The objectives of this study were to determine naturally occurring concentrations of vitamin A₁ and A₂ in selected native fishes and, under laboratory conditions, to determine the possible role of beta-carotene and lutein in the synthesis of vitamin A by goldfish. The native fishes were selected to exhibit different feeding habits and were taken from different habitats (stream vs. lake) during different seasons of the year. In the laboratory, two possible precursors, beta-carotene and lutein, were incorporated into the diet to determine the role of these substances in the synthesis of vitamin A.

Species of fish differed in …

A Floristic Survey Of The Vascular Plants Of Barren County, Kentucky, George Pryor Johnson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

A floristic survey was made of the vascular plants of Barren County, Kentucky. A total of 1190 specimens were collected which represent 603 species, 351 genera and 103 families.

The Asteraceae had the largest number of species of any family, a total of 85. The next largest families were Poaceae and Fabaceae, with 54 and 35 species, respectively. The genus Carex was represented by 24 species, the largest number for any genus.

A description and discussion of the vascular flora of specific sites as well as the county in general is given. An annotated list of species is also presented.

An Ichtyhyofaunal Survey Of Three Kentucky Tailwaters, William Robinson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Tailwater fishes of the Green, Barren, and Rough River Lakes, Kentucky, were sampled in the fall of 1978, spring 1979, and summer 1979. Fish per acre estimates were greatest in the fall and least in the spring, while standing crop estimates were similar in the fall and spring but markedly lower in the summer. Cyprinidae was the predominant family represented in the entire study. Rough species comprised the greatest component of biomass in each tailwater, while forage and/or game fish represented the majority of individuals.

Barren River tailwater fishes exhibited the greatest average standing crop estimates, while the greatest variety …

Effects Of Fecally Contaminated Feed By Starlings On Growing Swine & Mice, Pat Schuster

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The effects of feed contamination by droppings of starlings (Sturnis vulgaris) on certain growth parameters in swine (Sus scrofa) were measured from January 25 to March 1, 1979 at the Western Kentucky University farm. Weight gain, feed-conversion efficiency and feed rejection by swine fed varying levels of contaminated feed were analyzed and found to be non-significant at the fecal concentrations used.

Laboratory mice (Mus musculus) were fed varying concentrations of starling feces in standard mouse chow; weight gain, feed-conversion efficiency and feed rejection were measured. At 0%, 10%, 25% and 50% concentrations, significant differences …

Analysis Of Tartaric Acid In Fermentation Broth, Lih-Jen Leu

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Tartaric acid accumulation in fermentation broth of Gluconobacter suboxydans was investigated qualitatively with paper chromatography and thin-layer chromatography. Comparisons were made using six different solvent systems and four different chemical indicators commonly used in chromatography.

Attempts were made to establish a routine method for quantitative analysis of tartaric acid. Spectrophotometry was used to detect possible metabolites resulting from glucose oxidation by G. suboxydans in different analytical separations. A combined method of ion-exchange column chromatography and paper chromatography followed by ammonium meta-vanadate spectrophotometric analysis differentiated 5-oxogluconic acid and tartaric acid and thus gave better quantitative results in the determination of tartaric …

Isolation And Identification Of Yeasts From The Barren River, Richard Vanenk

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The Barren River was sampled twice monthly for one year to obtain data on aquatic yeasts. Sites upstream and downstream of the Bowling Green sewage plant, as well as the sewage effluent, were sampled to ascertain if the effluent had any effect on the yeast population of the river. Sporadic yeast counts were obtained which averaged 40 CFU/ml for the effluent, while the river averaged 15 CFU/ml. A total of 318 yeasts were isolated and identified during the study, including 16 different genera with Cryptococcus being the most common. Cryptococcus laurentii occurred most frequently of the 67 different species identified. …

Ecotypic Differentiation Of Andropogon Virginicus L. In Relation To Strip Mine Spoil Banks, Valina Kay Hurt

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Reciprocal plantings of populations of broomsedge, taken from an abandoned strip mine and from an abandoned farm plot in south central Kentucky, on strip mine spoil and abandoned field soil resulted in patterns of populations differentiation. Clonal plantings of populations from strip mine habitats and old field development appeared equal in height and biomass when grown on old field soils in both field trials and growth chamber studies. Populations when planted in strip mine soils in field trials and controlled growth experiments. Later flowering in strip mine populations may be a key to survival strategy in the harsh microclimates of …

Isolation & Enumeration Of Clostridium Perfringens From The Barren River Above & Below The Effluent Of The Bowling Green, Kentucky, Sewage Treatment Plant, Michael Hansen

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Samples from five sites on the Barren River were assayed during a one year period from March 1978 to February 1979 for the presence of Clostridium perfringens. These five sites were chosen in relation to their location to the effluent discharge pipe from the Bowling Green, Kentucky, sewage treatment plant. One collection site was located upstream from the discharge point; one station was directly from the mouth of the pipe; and three were located at intermittent points downstream from the discharge point.

When counts on the primary isolation medium, egg yolk-free tryptose-sulfite-cycloserine agar (EYF-TSC agar), were compared for each …

The Effects Of Ph On 5-Oxogluconate Production By Gluconobacter Suboxydans, Neng-Chyang Leu

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The metabolism of glucose to 5-oxogluconate by Gluconobacter oxydans subsp. suboxydans (Gluconobacter suboxydans) at different pH values, glucose concentrations and phosphate buffer concentrations was studied. Bacterial growth, gluconic acid accumulation and 5-oxogluconate production were related to both pH and phosphate buffer concentration in the medium.

In media containing 2-3% glucose, 0.3% yeast extract and 0.3 M phosphate buffer, the optimal pH range for the bacterial growth was pH 6.4-7.0; the optimal pH range for gluconate production was pH 6.4-6.8; and the optimal pH range for 5-oxogluconate production was pH 6.6-7.0. Lowering the pH to 6.4 favored gluconate accumulation …

The Histopathology Of Acanthocephalan Infections In The Rainbow Darter, Etheostoma Caeruleum, J. Melissa Mcdonough

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Responses of naturally infected Etheostoma caeruleum to the presence of the acanthocephalans, Acanthocephalus dirus and Pomphorhynchus bulbocolli, were observed in 10u sections of intestines stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Both parasite species caused tissue damage to the host and elicited host responses. The major difference in parasite destruction was shallow tissue penetration by A. dirus proboscides while the proboscides of P. bulbocolli had deeper penetration and capsule formation. The most common parasite was P. bulbocolli, yet concurrent infections were not uncommon. Effects of concurrent infection were a combination of single species effects on the host. Connective tissue hyperplasia was …

A Taxonomic & Physiographic Survey Of Scirpus In Kentucky With Problem Species Complex Analysis, Sally Arnold

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The genus Scirpus was analyzed according to species occurrence and physiographic distribution in the State of Kentucky. The morphology of three taxonomic problem complexes, Scirpus atrovirens-georgianus, Scirpus validus-acutus, and Scirpus cyperinus-eriophorum-pelius-pedicellatus was evaluated to determine whether or not their components are distinct among the Kentucky specimens. Remaining taxa were likewise evaluated and identified. A key to Scirpus in Kentucky and a taxonomic treatment are presented.

Some Aspects Of The Ecology Of Larval Fishes In Rough River Lake, Kentucky, Greg Allen Kindschi

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

In Rough River Lake, Kentucky, some aspects of the ecology of larval and juvenile fishes were investigated from April – August, 1978. Larval fishes were collected weekly from the upper reaches of the lake from the surface and bottom, during daylight and dark periods.

Twenty-three species and three categories of unknown larval and juvenile fishes, represented by 177,119 individuals, were collected. White bass and logperch larvae were the first to appear on April 15 with surface water temperatures of 18.5 C. Gizzard shad larvae dominated net collection while Lepomis spp. were the second most abundant. Larvae were primarily concentrated …

The Early Life History Of The White And Black Crappie In Rough River Lake, Kentucky, Gary Overmann

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Crappies spawned in Rough River Lake from April 29 to July 9. Larvae were first collected on May 3 when the lake temperature reached 17 C. A total of 7369 crappie was taken from may 3 to August 1. The maximum number of crappies occurred from May 30 to June 20. The developmental chronology was described for specimens 4.75 mm to 29 mm total length. Meristic characters averaged 10.8 for preanal myomere count, 21.1 for postanal myomere count, 31.9 for total myomere count and 0.62 for preanal length to postanal length ratio. Densities of larvae were low early in the …

Ua77/1 Western Alumnus, Vol. 50, No. 4, Wku Alumni Association

WKU Administration Documents

Alumni magazine published by WKU. This issue has the following articles:

• Harrison, Lowell. Wanted: Your Memories
• Highland, Jim. Dr. John Minton Named Interim President
• An Emotion-Filled Thanks for Harriet and Dero Downing
• Armstrong, Don. C. Ray Franklin Gives Priceless Antiques for Display at Kentucky Museum
• Conway, Sheila. An Iranian Ordeal for Carlton Jackson
• Tharp, Kerry. Larry Cuzzort Blazes to Two-Mile Record
• Salato, Nancy. Speech Clinic Gets New Quarters
• Western Offers Courses for Study Abroad
• Newspaper Course Covers Death & Dying
• Grant Provides Course for Understanding Arts
• Public Relations Students Promote Financial Aid Information
• Medical Technology Students Study in Rural Areas …

Ua66/6/2 Proceedings Of The Third Symposium On Larval Fish, Wku Biology

WKU Administration Documents

Proceedings of the Third Symposium on Larvel Fish. Contains:

• Hoyt, Robert, et al. Observations on the Larval Ecology of the Smallmouth Buffalo
• Conner, John. Identification of Larval Sunfishes (Centrarchidae: Elassomidae) from Southern Louisiana
• Snyder, Darrel. Myomere and Vertebra Counts of the North American Cyprinids and Catostomids
• Baker, James. Larval Development of the Greenside Darter, Etheostoma blennioides newmanii
• Fuiman, Lee. Materials for a Description of Lake Chubsucker (Erimyzon sucetta) Larvae
• Kranz, Vincent et al. Development of the Young of the Creek Chub Semotilus atromaculatus
• Graser, Lee. Spatio-temporal Distributions of t Clupeid Larvae in Barkley Reservoir
• Kindschi, Greg, et al. Notes …

Ua77/1 Western Alumnus, Vol. 49, No. 6, Wku Alumni Association

WKU Administration Documents

Alumni magazine published by WKU. This issue has the following articles:

• Dero Downing Steps Down
• Douglas, Michele. Top Banana – Gary Riggs
• Egan, Sherry. WKU State Climatic Center
• Gibson, Debbie. I Kind of Believe It’s a Gift – Burt Feintuch, Folk Music
• New on the Gridiron
• Adams, Bob. Digital Voltmeter – Engineering Technology
• Schock, Jack. The Projectile Point – Archaeology
• Armstrong, Bryan. Confessions of a Journalism Intern
• Highland, Jim. Terry Climer
• Beauchamp, Donnie. Commonplace Things – Photography
• Miller, Richard. The Exceptional Student – Psychology, Biology
• Harry Snyder Speaks at Commencement
• Douglas, Michele. Students Take Advantage of Study Trips Abroad
• Western …

Synergistic Effects Of Wavelengths Of Ultraviolet Radiation On Capacity In A Mammalian Cell-Virus System In Vitro, Bobby Cobb

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The synergistic effect between each of two minor contaminating UV wavelengths has been studied. The TC-7 host cell-capacity system was used. The macromolecular damage induced in monolayers of cell cultures as the result of exposure to UV radiation was measured by determining the ability of irradiated cells to support the replication of Herpes simplex virus. The macromolecule involved has been shown to be DNA and the damage is probably due to the formation of thymine dimers plus some undefined chromosphore associated with the DNA of the cell.

Preliminary experiments showed that low exposures of germicidal radiation are less effective in …

The Effect Of Parental Bone Marrow & Spleen Cells In The Induction Of The Graft-Versus-Host Reaction, Ronald Grane

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Variously aged (C57BL X C3H)F₁ hybrid mice were used as recipients in experiments to determine if spleen or bone marrow cells from normal C57BL or C3H donors, spleen or bone marrow cells from C57BL donors previously treated with cortisone, or C57BL bone marrow cells previously incubated with serum from X-irradiated C57BL mice could induce a graft-versus-host reaction (GVHR).

The mice were assayed for GVHR by mortality or splenomegaly as detected by the discriminant spleen assay developed by Simonsen. Results show that spleen cells from normal C57BL, normal C3H, or cortisone-treated C57BL mice are capable of inducing a GVHR in …

Quantitative And Qualitative Analysis Of The Periphyton Of Sloan’S Crossing Pond, Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, Judith Orser

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Periodic collections were obtained from Sloan’s Crossing Pond, Mammoth Cave National Park, for one year to analyze, quantitatively and qualitatively, the periphyton community and determine patterns of periodicity. Productivity was measured by dry and ash-free dry weights and chlorophyll a content.

Productivity was lowest during the winter months and highest between July and September. Dry weight showed a range of 3.0-243 mg/m­²/day, the peak occurring in August. Ash-free dry weight also reached its annual peak in August at 92 mg/m²/day. Chlorophyll a followed the pattern of dry weight except its peak was obtained in July at …

Ecotypic Differentiation In Ohio & Mississippi Populations Of Acer Negundo L., Anthony Greco

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Laboratory investigations of Acer negundo populations from two widely separated habitats revealed distinct patterns of ecotypic differentiation in budbursting, leaf fall, and chlorophyll levels. Second year seedlings of Mississippi seed origin had complete leaf emergence before any evidence of budbursting in the Ohio progeny of similar age. Leaf fall patterns showed a clear difference between the two populations with Ohio plants dropping their leaves 2.5 weeks prior to complete defoliation in the Mississippi progeny. Significant differences in chlorophyll levels were demonstrated with the more northern (higher latitude) Ohio population showing consistently greater amounts of chlorophyll per gram dry weight than …

An Analysis Of The Heavy Metal Content Of The Scales Of Several Fishes In Southwestern Kentucky, Thomas Dahl

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Scales of the stoneroller, Campostoma anomalum (Rafinesque), common shiner, Notropus cornutus (Mitchill), and the bluntnose minnow, Pimephales notatus (Rafinesque) were analyzed by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometry to determine levels of cadmium, calcium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, nickel and zinc. Metal concentrations were determined seasonally and relationship established between scale metal content and environmental water metal levels.

Calcium, iron manganese and zinc were found in all samples analyzed. Cadmium, copper, lead and nickel were not observed in measurable quantities.

Metal concentrations varied interspecifically, but most showed little fluctuation in response to increased metal content of the water. Elemental composition of …

The Induction Of Thy -1.2 Antigen Expression In Murine Bone Marrow Cells Incubated In Vitro With Immune Serum, Terry Knight

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Adult BALB/c mice were immunized with C57BL/6 spleen cells first on day 0 and again on day 8 of the experimental procedure. Serum was collected from these animals on day 0 (before the first immunization), day 4, day 8 (before the second immunization), day 12, and day 16. Two groups of normal BALB/c bone marrow cell suspensions were incubated with the experimental immune sera: and one of the groups of cell suspensions was subsequently incubated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Following the incubation steps, both groups of cell preparations were assayed for their ability to absorb the activity of the anti-Thy-1.2 serum. …

The Effect Of Spleen Cells From F1 Hybrid Mice Undergoing A Graft-Versus Most Reaction Upon The Humoral Immune Response Of Parental Mice, Elizabeth Schmidt

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Mice undergoing a graft-versus-host reaction (GVHR) exhibit a surppressed immune response. Cells responsible for this suppression have been found to be localized in the spleen. Thus, in this research, a study was made to evaluate the effect of spleen cells from F­₁ mice undergoing a GVHR upon the humoral immune response to sheep erythrocytea (SRBC) in parental mice. An attempt was made to create an experimental model involving the transfer of suppressor cells in vivo. Parental BALB/c spleen cells were injected into (C57BL X BALB/c)F₁ hybrids to induce a GVH disease. Ten or twenty days later, spleen …

The Wavelength Dependence Of Ultraviolet Induction Of Simian Virus 40 From A Transformed Line Of Hamster Kidney Cells, Dennis Fry

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Ultraviolet light has previously been shown to cause viral induction in some SV40 transformed cell lines. The induction of this virus from an established line (clone E) of hamster kidney cells by monochromatic ultraviolet light was studied. Ten wavelengths in the region of 240 nm to 366 nm were tested. The induced viral titers were determined by the agar overlay plaque assay technique.

A distinct wavelength dependence was shown for induction in this cell-virus system. A broad peak in induction efficiency extending from 260 nm to 280 nm was found. This indicates a DNA-protein interaction in the induction process.

The Wavelength Dependence Of Ultraviolet Enhanced Reactivation In A Mammalian Cell-Virus System, Leslie C. James

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the wavelength region 230 nm to 302 nm on the ability of an irradiated mammalian cell to reactivate UV-irradiated mammalian virus was tests. An action spectrum for radiation enhanced reactivation (RER) Is presented. The shape of the action spectrum points to a combined nucleic acid protein target for UV radiation effects on this cellular parameter. An analysis of the results of others involving the biochemical and photobiological events involved in the RER does not allow the identification of the macromolecule which is the major contributor to this effect. Studies involving an analogous phenomenon …

Laboratory Comparisons Of Two Species Of Liquidambar, Lynn Wellman

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Laboratory germinated seedlings of Liquidambar styraciflua L., sweet gum, from Barren County, Kentucky, subjected to a flooding or inundation test were shown to respond in significantly different ways than did the controls. Plants with root systems standing in water showed a much shorter period of non-dormancy than plants that were not subjected to submergence when both were grown under long day, warm temperature conditions in growth chambers. There was no evidence of transfer of a growth retardant or dormin-like compound in water transferred from plants grown under short day (long night) conditions to plants with roots submerged under long day …

Seasonal Abundance & Diversity Of Fishes At Three Stations On The Middle Fork Of Drake's Creek, Warren & Allen Counties, Kentucky, David Bell

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

A total of 7,485 fish, representing 49 species, 25 genera, and 11 families, were electroshocked from three stations on the Middle Fork of Drake's Creek during the period January, 1972 through January, 1973. Community structure was influenced by seasonal changes in both numbers of species and numbers of individuals. The number of species per collection was at its highest, at all stations, during the month of September. The total number of species and individuals collected at each station progressively increased toward the upstream areas. Eleven of the forty-nine species collected during the course of the study provided 91.8% of the …