Biology Commons^™

The Effects Of Multiple Fin Amputations On Rates Of Fin Regeneration In Goldfish, Carassius Auratus (Linnaeus), Thomas Kozicki

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Goldfish, Carassius auratus (Linnaeus), were used in the study of rates of regeneration in all possible combinations of caudal, dorsal, left pectoral, and right pectoral fin amputations. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the effects of multiple injuries on rates of regeneration, to determine rates of regeneration in different fins, to test the hypothesis that rates of regeneration decrease from the proximal to the distal areas of a fin, and to determine the presence or absence of morphogenetic gradients in fin regeneration.

In almost all cases, no significant differences in total regeneration were found to occur when the …

A Study Of Photoperiodic Time Measurement Of Samples From A Michigan Population Of Orconectes Immuni (Hagen), E. Lynn Talton

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Experiments were conducted to determine if an hourglass model is the mechanism whereby photoperiodic time is measured by the crayfish, Orconectes immunis. Two experiments were conducted in which there were three series of treatments. Series I and II were T experiments in which T was the total length of the light-dark cycle. In Series I the light phase of the cycle was held at 16 hours with varied lengths of darkness (LD 16:2, T 18; LD 16:8, T 24; LD 16:20, T 36; LD 16:32, T 48). In Series II the dark phase was 8 hours in length and …

The Effect Of Cv-1 Cell Geometry On The Ultraviolet Radiation Sensitivity Of Mammalian Cells In Vitro, Daniel J. Knauer

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The effect of cell geometry on the radiosensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light has been studied in the CV-1 host cell-capacity system. In this system the macromolecular damage incurred by monolayers of cells cultures as the result of exposure to UV radiation is monitored by testing the ability of irradiated cells to support the replication of Herpes simplex virus. The target molecule has been shown to be DNA and is centrally located

Mammalian cells have an absolute requirement for Mg⁺⁺ and Ca⁺⁺ in order to remain attached to artificial substrata. To test the effect of cell geometry on UV …

Ua68/1 Forum, Wku Potter College Of Arts & Letters

WKU Administration Documents

WKU Potter College of Arts & Letters faculty newsletter regarding faculty research and publications. This issue includes:

• Mounce, Robert. As I See It - Fletcher Byrom
• Jackson, Carlton. History at Western Kentucky University: A Rationale
• Glaser, Joseph. Nature's Mystic Book: A Report from the New Biology

Effect Of Matallic Ions, B-Vitamins, & Amino Acids On The Production Of Trans-2, 3-Epoxysuccinic Acid By Paecilomyces Varioti, Eleanor Ling

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The nutritional conditions which permit maximum yield of trans-2,3- epoxysuccinic acid by Paecilomyces varioti NPRL 1123 were investigated. Copper and iron ions were added to decationized fermentation media to determine the optimum concentration and ratio of the ions for the accumulation of trans-2,3-epoxysuccinic arid. P-vitamin and amino acid studies were done by single omission of the growth factors in culture media. Organic acids in the cultures were recovered by ether extraction and identified by gas chromatography.

In addition to t-ans-2,3-epoxysuccinic acid, succinic acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid were also found in culture filtrates. The results indicated that with a …

The Metabolism Of Glucose By The Combined Use Of Gluconobacter Suboxydans & Pseudomonas Fluorescens, Kathy Ware

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Metabolism of glucose by G. suboxydans and P. fluorescens in pure and mixed culture was characterized in 10% glucose-yeast extract medium in presence of calcium carbonate. A pattern between viable cell counts and copper-reducing compounds was established. A decrease in viable cell counts of the two bacteria was observed after the maximum accumulation of 5- and 2- oxogluconate. P. fluorescens was found to have a faster growth and rate of production of 2-oxogluconate than the growth and production rate of 5-oxogluconate by G. suboxydans.

It was found that P. fluorescens grew on nutrient agar at pH 7.5, but G. suboxydans …

The Wavelength Dependency Of Ultraviolet Induction Of Simian Virus 40 From A Transformed Line Of Baby Hamster Kidney Cells, Timothy Bichenbrenner

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

For our investigation, an established line (E line) of baby hamster kidney cells which was transformed by the incorporation of Simian Virus 40 into the cellular genom was used. The induction of this virion by irradiating these cells with ultraviolet light was studied. The purpose of this thesis was to determine the wavelength dependency (at four selected ultraviolet mercury emission lines) of the induction of the SV40 genome from these cells. The viral titres of induction were measured by the agar overlay plaque assay method and by the fluorescent antibody microassay technique.

At the four wavelengths tested 265 nm and …

Autecological & Populational Investigation Of Carpinus Caroliniana Walt., Gordon Wardell

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Analysis of habitats containing Carpinus caroliniana in two distinct physiographic regions of Kentucky revealed that this species has a wide range of tolerance to light intensities and soil pH. Species most commonly associated with Carpinus within the two physiographic regions were Platanus occidentalis, Acer saccharum, Liquidambar styraciflua, Fraxinus spp. and Fagus grandifolia.

Morphological and anatomical investigations of populations representing the geographic distribution of Carpinus caroliniana in the United States indicated that the more northern population had heavier fruit, larger bracts, and secondary wood with higher specific gravity.

Growth chamber experiments involving dormant buds collected from natural habitats indicated differences …

Constitutive Nature Of 5-Ketogluconate Reductase Of Gluconobacter Suboxydans, Vahag Marootkhanian

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

NADP⁺-dependent 5-ketogluconate reductase (D-Gluconate:NADP⁺ oxidoreductase; E.C.I.I.I.69.) of Gluconoacter suboxydans was examined and determined to be constitutive in nature. Crude, cell -free enzyme extracts were prepared by sonication of cells grown on 2.0'% glucose and 2.0% ethanol in various experiments. The specific activity of 5-ketogluconate reductase in the crude enzyme extracts of cells grown under various conditions was determined. The specific activity remained relatively constant strongly indicating the constitutive nature of the enzyme.

Electrophoretic Heterogeneity Of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate-Dependent 5-Ketogluconate Reductase Of Gluconobacter Suboxydans, Sharon Dianis

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

NADP⁺-dependent 5-ketogluconate reductase (D-Gluconate:NAD(P)⁺ oxidoreductase E.C. 1.1.1.69) isozymes were detected in cell-free extracts of Gluconobacter suboxydans (American Type Cultures Collection, Bethesda, Maryland, strain 621). Cell-free enzyme extracts were prepared from cells grown in media which contained glucose, gluconate, glycerol, sorbitol, or mannitol as the sole carbon source in 2% concentration. The extracts were fractionated using analytical polyacrylamide disc-gel electrophoresis. Gels were stained specifically for 5-ketogluconate reductase. Three isozymes were present in each extract from cells grown on the five different carbon sources. Gels stained in a reaction mixture which contained glycerol exhibited two of the isozymes.

An …

Radioprotection Of Oral Cavity Structures By S-2-(3-Aminopropylamino) Ethyl Phosphorothioate (Wr-2721), Ronald King

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Studies reporting a high concentration of WR-2721 in mouse salivary glands led to our studies of possible radioprotection of these glands by this drug from ionizing radiation. Oral effects of radiation in the presence of WR-2721 were studied in mice and dogs. Histological evaluation of mouse salivary glands irradiated with 1000 rads of ⁶⁰Co showed essentially no difference between control and experimental animals. Almost full regeneration of the serous salivary components occurred by 6 months in both groups and neither group had changes in the mucous glands. The use of higher doses of radiation in the mouse was prevented …

Population Dynamics And Tackle Catch Susceptibility Of The Smallmouth Buffalo, Ictiobus Bubalus (Rafinesque), In Rough River Lake, Kentucky, Alan Waite

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The population of the smallmouth buffalo, Ictiobus bubalus (Rafinesque), was studied in Rough River Lake, Kentucky, from July, 1974, through June, 1975. A total of 758 individuals were collected with 587 being marked and returned.

From calculations made using poison population sample data, population size was estimated to be between 150,00 to 225,000 adult fish or 29 to 44 fish per acre. Scales were studied to determine age and through back calculation, the total length of each fish at the time of each annulus formation determined. Ten year ciasses were observed with the majority of the fish in age groups …

Forest Composition Of Rock Creek Gorge A Virgin Forest In Laurel County, Kentucky, Margaret Ringland

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Rock Creek Gorge in Rock Creek Natural Landmark in Laurel County, Kentucky is a deep narrow gorge dominated by Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr., Oxydendrum arboreum (L.) DC., Betula lenta L. and Liriodendron tulipifera L. Rhododendron maximum L., dominating the understory, is also an important constituent of the gorge. An analysis of the forest composition showed the community to be stable and climax. The dominant species were found in sapling and seedling size classes. The vegetation varied slightly between the east facing and west facing slopes. Hemlock did not attain as high an importance value on the west facing slope, although …

Evaluation F The Germ Tube Test & Other Tests For The Differentiation Of Candida Albicans From Candida Stellatoidea, Daniel Rogers

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Candida albicans is a pathogenic yeast often encountered in the medical laboratory. A survey taken by mail of 110 Kentucky hospital and clinical laboratories demonstrated that the germ tube test is the most frequently used method for the identification of this organism. Earlier workers have found that this technique does not distinguish between C. albicans and C. stellatoidea. Various modifications of the germ tube test that could possibly be used in the differentiation of these two taxa were investigated. Parameters examined included the effects of oxygen tension, CO₂, increased temperature, serum dilution, glucose concentration, and a synthetic …

Partial Purification & Kinetic Properties Of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate-Dependent Alcohol Dehydrogenase Of Phycomyces Blakesleeanus, Thomas Hartz

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

NADP⁺-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase (alcohol:NADP⁺:oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.2.) was partially purified from a cell-free extract of Phycomyces blakesleeanus (+ mating type, Vanderbilt strain). The fungus was grown in shake cultures containing glucose-asparagine broth, and crude cull-free enzyme extracts were prepared. The crude enzyme extracts were partially purified by a combination of ammonium sulfate precipitations and heat precipitation. Purification resulted in a 40;5 recovery of the enzyme with an increase in specific activity from 0.64 units per milligram of protein to 0.25 units per milligram. The partially-purified enzyme extracts were used to determine the kinetic properties and substrate specificity …

Comparative Bioenergetics Of Insects From Young & Old Plant Ecosystems, Joyce Wright

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Caloric values of insects and arachnids from two woods and two meadow ecosystems were compared. No significant difference was found between the orders Diptera, Homoptera, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, or Coleoptera. Caloric values of the class Arachnida were significantly higher in the woods ecosystem at the .05 level of significance. The order Lepidoptera differed at the .01 level of significance and was also higher in the woods samples. For all orders combined the caloric values of the woods samples were higher than the meadow samples at the .001 level of significance.

No consistent pattern was found in seasonal variation in caloric …

The Life History Of The Teardrop Darter, Etheostoma Barbouri Kuehne And Small, In Kentucky, Rory Flynn

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The life history of the teardrop darter, Etheoctoma (Catonotus) barbouri Kuehne and Small, was intensively studied from September, 1972, through August 1973. A total of 299 teardrop darters was seined from two isolated populations in Alexander and Little Muddy Creeks, Kentucky. These darters are known only to occur in second, third or fourth order tributaries of the Green River in Kentucky and Tennessee, and normally seek protection afforded by rocky or vegetated edges of such streams.

Gonosomatic ratios indicated that teardrop darters spawned from late March through late May in waters 12.5 - 15.5 C. Young females developed primary ova …

Lethatlity Of And Elicitation Of Protective Antibody By Vibrio Parahaemolyticus Attc 17803, Richard Carlucci

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The LD₅₀ of Vibrio parahaemolyticus ATCC 17803 for 13- to 18-g male mice, strain ICR, as determined by the 50% endpoint method, was found to be an estimated 7 x 10⁷ CFU, when administered intraperitoneally in 0.5 ml of 24-h broth culture, O. D. 0.5 at 650 nm, diluted to 10^-0.72.

The elicitation of protective antibody by this bacterium in male New Zealand White rabbits was demonstrated by testing control, baseline, and hyperimmune rabbit sera for their protective effect against 2 LD₅₀ of the bacterium administered intraperitoneally in 13- to 18-g male mice, strain ICR. …

Structure & Composition Of A Climax Forest System In Boone County, Kentucky, Michael Held

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The structure and composition of a 52 hectare mature mesic hardwood forest in Boone County, Kentucky was studied during 1973-74. Acer saccharum was the dominant tree species of the entire forest, with Fraxinus americana as the subdominant. In the understory vegetation, Acer and Fraxinus were among the dominant genera, thus this forest system can be described as being at the climax stage of development. A previously cleared area in the forest was also analyzed. It was found that the dominant tree species of the canopy were also dominant in the genera of the understory in the disturbed area, indicating a …

Anatomical & Phenological Variation Of Liquidambar Styraciflua L. Under Controlled Environmental Conditions, William Randel

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

A large degree of variation in fiber tracheid length, wood specific gravity, and time of apical bud formation existed within two populations of Liquidambar styraciflua L. from south central Kentucky. The variation exhibited by these populations may be attributed to the self-sterility of Liquidambar and the variable environment of south central Kentucky.

Variation of fiber tracheid length and wood specific gravity within the two populations was significant. Fiber tracheid length was dependent on temperature and photoperiod while wood specific gravity was primarily dependent on temperature. A significant level of variation was also evident between the two populations regarding tracheid length. …

Effects Of Photoperiod, Temperature And Preconditioning On The Molt Cycle Of Samples From A Michigan Population Of Orconectes Immunis (Hagen), Robert Van Hoff

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Immature Orconectes immunis were obtained from Michigan in August, 1973, and July 1974 to determine the effects of photoperiod and temperature on the molt cycle of the crayfish and to test the effects of preconditioning on this species at a cold (7C) temperature from 45 to 90 days. Two sets of 3 experiments were conducted, each involving photoperiod, temperature and preconditioning. The first experiment of each set was initiated within a day after bringing the animals from the field, the subsequent two experiments of each set being initiated at 45-day intervals thereafter.

There were significant responses to photoperiod among the …

The Metabolism Of Tartaric Acid By Aspergillus Ficuum, Larry Daniel

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Soil samples were screened for organisms which decompose tartaric acid as an energy source. Several microorganisms were isolated which were capable of metabolizing tartaric acid. The organism which grew best was identified as Aspergillus ficuum and used in this study. This organism, when grown in tartrate medium, resulted in a decrease in optical rotation and density of the culture medium. The pH of the culture filtrate increased with a concurrent increase in mycelial weight. Analysis of culture filtrates by gas chromatography indicate that the first intermediate compound detected in tartrate decomposition by A. ficuum is glycolic acid. The terminal metabolite …

Ua66/6/3/1 Annual Newsletter, Kentucky Gamma, Alpha Epsilon Delta

Student Organizations

Newsletter created by and about the Kentucky Gamma Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta premedical honor society sponsored by WKU Biology.

The Effects Of Temperature & Photoperiod On Molting Patterns Of Seasonal Populations Of The Crayfish, Orconectes Immunis (Hagen), Michael Molley

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Ninety-day experiments were initiated in January (Expt. 1), June (Expt. 2), and October (Expt. 3) 1972, to characterize molting patterns of Orconectes immunis (Hagen) at three different temperatures (20 C, 24 C, and 28 C) and three different photoperiods (6 L, 15 L, and continuous light). For each experiment 144 animals were collected from the seasonally predominate size class of that period. Light intensity was regulated to 15 foot candles + 10. Experimental conditions were arranged in a 3 x 3 design for statistical analysis using a completely randomized design with factorial arrangement of treatments.

In all cases molting frequency …

The Production Of Epoxysuccinic Acid By Fungi, John Dibble

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Seven strains of Aspergillus fumigatus and five strains of Paecilomyces varioti known to produce trans-l-epoxysuccinic acid (ESA) in a fermentation medium were compared for total acid production. It was found that A. fumigatus NRRL 2327 accumulated the greatest concentration of total acid determined by titration for soluble calcium.

Using a method of gas -liquid chromatography developed for this study, it was found that P. varioti NRRL 1123 accumulated significant quantities of ESA and succinic acid and a trace of an unidentified acid in a fermentation medium. The maximum accumulation of ESA was not reached by the 9th day of …

The Ultrastructure Of Carteria Olivieri G.S. West (Chlorophyceae: Chlamydomonadaceae), Sharon Moore

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Carteria olivieri West (CHLOROPHYCEAE:CHLAMYDOMONADACEAE) is a quadriflagellated unicellular green alga similar to representatives of the genus Chlamydomonas. There exists within the genus morphological variation in reference to the chloroplast, pyrenoid(s), and stigma. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ultrastructure of Carteria olivieri.

Carteria olivieri was found to be ultrastructurally similar to other species of the genus which have been investigated. Major differences include the shape of the apical papilla and the diameter and origin of the pyrenoid tubules.

Some Aspects Of The Life History Of The Southern Redbelly Dace, Chrosomus Erythrogaster Rafinesque, In Ivy Creek, Warren County, Kentucky, William Settles

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Various aspects of the biology of the southern redbelly dace, Chrosomus erythrogaster Rafinesgue, were intensively studied on a population in Ivy Creek, Warren County, Kentucky from 1971 to 1972. Reproduction in the southern redbellv dace occurred from May through June. Older, sexually mature individuals spawned early in the reproductive period while those in their first year of life spawned during late June. The number of eggs shed annually ranged from 140 to 681 with an average of 385. A positive correlation existed between the number of eggs shed and standard length.

Differences between the sexes of the species were marked …

Partial Purification & Kinetic Studies Of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate-Specific Isocitrate Dehydrogenase Of Phycomyces Blakesleeanus, Michael Meredith

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate -specific isocitrate dehydrogenase (threo-Ds(+) isocitrate: NADP⁺: oxidoreductase [decarboxylating]; E.C. 1.1.1.42.) of Phycomyces blakesleeanus was partially purified. The method used to purify the enzyme was a combination of protamine sulphate precipitation, ammonium sulphate fractionation, and ion exchange and gel filtration chromatography. The NADP⁺ -specific IDH was purified from an initial specific activity of 0.05 units/mg of protein to a final specific activity of 1.5 units/mg protein in solution.

Molecular and reaction characteristics were explored. Employing gel filtration the molecular weight of the enzyme was determined to be 88,000. The forward reaction was found …

The Effects Of Temperature & Photoperiod On Molting In Seasonal Populations Of The Crayfish Orconectes Rusticus Rusticus (Girard), Steven Sadewasser

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Immature Orconectes rusticus rusticus (Girard) were collected from Doe Run, Meade Co., Ky. on January 16, June 1, and October 21, 1972, for the purpose of examining the effects of three different temperatures (14C, 18C, and 22C) and three different photo, eriods (6L:18D, 15L:9D, and 24LL) on seasonal molting patterns. For each seasonal experiment, 144 crayfish were placed in 3 x 3 experimental units and maintained for a 90-day period.

In Experiment 1 (January 18-April 18), 98 molts were attempted with 98% of the molts being successfully completed. Arrangement of these molts within the separate treatments of this experiment indicated …

Lesion Formation In The Liver Of Mice Caused By Metabolic By-Products Of Hymenolepsis Microstoma, Gary Simpson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The presence of lesions in the liver of mice is associated with the infection of these mice with the common bile duct -dwelling cestode, Hymenolepis microstoma. Lesions develop even though there is no direct contact between the cestodes and the liver. It was found in this investigation that administration to mice of Tyrode's solution, in which cestodes had been incubated for 24 hr, resulted in liver lesions comparable to those observed in normal infections. The administration of the causative substance by either per os intubation or intraperitoneal injection produced similar lesions. Further studies revealed that the active lesion - …