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Phototoxic Effects of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Daphnia Magna

Description: Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NP) are one of the most abundantly utilized nanomaterials in the world. Studies have demonstrated the mechanism of acute toxicity in TiO2-NP to be the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to oxidative stress and mortality in exposed organisms. It has also been demonstrated that the anatase crystalline conformation is capable of catalyzing the cleavage of water molecules to further increase the concentration of ROS in the presence of ultraviole… more
Date: December 2013
Creator: Mansfield, Charles M.
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Investigation of Pyrimidine Salvage Pathways to Categorize Indigenous Soil Bacteria of Agricultural and Medical Importance and Analysis of the Pyrimidine Biosynthetic Pathway's Enzyme Properties for Correlating Cell Morphology to Function in All Phases of Growth

Description: This dissertation comprises three parts and is presented in two chapters. Chapter 1 concerns Arthrobacter, a bacterium with an intriguing growth cycle. Whereas most bacteria exist as either a rod or coccus, this bacterium shares the rod/coccus lifestyle. It therefore seemed important to examine the growth regulatory pathways from the rod and coccus. The committed step, that catalyzed by aspartate transcarbamoylase (ATCase), in the pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway was chosen. The ATCase in Arthr… more
Date: May 2003
Creator: Meixner, Jeffery Andrew
Partner: UNT Libraries
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The Reproductive Consequences of Carriers of Methylenebisacrylamide-Induced Balanced Reciprocal Translocations in Mus Musculus

Description: N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) was studied because of its effectiveness in inducing heritable translocations in germ cells of male mice. The health impact of translocations was studied through anatomical analysis of the progeny of semisterile translocation carriers. As expected, the semisterility of translocation carriers resulted primarily from embryonic death during periimplantation stages due to unbalanced chromosome sperm segregants. Among conceptuses that survived to mid- and late-gesta… more
Date: May 1989
Creator: Kile, Joanna L. (Joanna Le)
Partner: UNT Libraries
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Characterization of the OCT Plasmid-Encoded Mercury Resistance Genetic Locus in Pseudomonas putida

Description: A 17.1 Kb genetic element encoding for mercury resistance (OCT-Hg^r) was shown to translocate from its original location on the OCT plasmid to the resistance plasmid, RPl, in Pseudomonas putida. Analysis of RPl-Hg^r recombinant plasmids revealed that insertion of mercury resistance genes into RPl could occur at a variety of sites, with all recombinants having common EcoRI restriction fragments of 9.4, 3.8, 2.3, and 1.6 Kb, derived from the insertion. Hybridization analysis suggested the existen… more
Date: May 1989
Creator: Armbruster, Steven C. (Steven Christopher)
Partner: UNT Libraries
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Development of an In Vitro Protoplast Culture System for Albizia Lebek (L.) Benth., an Economically Important Leguminous Tree

Description: An in vitro system of generating protoplasts from their callus cultures was established. The friable callus was more productive in terms of producing protoplasts than the green compact callus. The concentration of the various cell wall degrading enzymes had an effect on the viability of the protoplasts in the medium. The protoplast system developed from the experiments was stable and could be used for the transformation experiments of Albizia lebek and for other plant improvement practices.
Date: August 1998
Creator: Sinha, Debleena
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Development and Validation of a Ramping Treadmill Protocol for the On-Line Measurement of Four Aerobic Parameters

Description: Previously, Whipp et. al. (J. Appl. Physiol.: Respirat. Environ. Exerc. Physiol. 50(1):217-221, 1981) demonstrated the feasibility of determining four parameters of aerobic function, identified as maximum oxygen uptake (μVO_2), VO_2 at anaerobic threshold (θan), the time constant for oxygen uptake kinetics (rVO_2) and work efficiency (η), using a short duration ramped bicycle ergometer exercise test. Because of the importance of being able to measure these parameters on a variety of measurement… more
Date: May 1990
Creator: Cowell, Lynda L. (Lynda Lea)
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

The Role of Rainfed Farm Ponds in Sustaining Agriculture and Soil Conservation in the Dry High Valley Region of Cochabamba, Bolivia: Design Considerations and Post Impoundment Analysis

Description: Lack of sufficient water for irrigation is a major problem in and around the valleys surrounding the town of Aiquile, Cochabamba Bolivia. In addition, much of the region is undergoing desertification compounded by drought, deforestation, bad traditional agricultural practices, over grazing and a "torrential" rainfall pattern leading to severe soil erosion and low agricultural production. Between 1992 and 1994, the author constructed a network of 24 small, mostly rainfed farm ponds to increase a… more
Date: August 1999
Creator: Kuiper, John R.
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Remote Sensing of Landscape-Level Ecological Attributes at Ray Roberts Lake in North Texas

Description: Biological diversity is a key component in assessing ecosystem health. Alteration, degradation and loss of habitat due to human influence is currently the primary stressor resulting in decreases in diversity. Reliable assessment of large areas in terms of biological integrity are needed for conservation and preservation efforts. Remotely sensed data provide an integrated view of reflected electromagnetic energy over large areas of the earth. These energy patterns provide unique spectral signatu… more
Date: December 1997
Creator: Smith, David P. (David Paul), 1956-
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

The Isolation and Characterization of a Hitherto Undescribed Gram-Negative Bacterium

Description: A unique undosciribed gramnegative rod is extensively characterized in this study. The cells of this unusual water isolate measure 1.2 X 6.5 microns, The most distinguishing characteristic of the bacterium is a polar tuft of 35-40 flagella that aggregate to function as a single organelle which is visible under phase contrast. Aging cells deposit poly- -hydroxybutyric acid granules which are bound by an inclusion membrane made up of four distinct layers. It also possesses an unusual exterior mem… more
Date: August 1972
Creator: Lassiter, Carroll Benson
Partner: UNT Libraries
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An Evaluation of the Short-Term Embryo-Larval and Seven-Day Larval Test Methods for Estimating Chronic Toxicity of Zinc to the Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas)

Description: Chronic toxicity of zinc to Pimephales promelas was estimated by conducting replicate static and static-renewal short-term embryo-larval tests and static-renewal seven-day larval tests. The two test methods were highly reproducible. Daily renewal of test solutions had little effect on the toxicity of zinc, however, the stage of development at which exposure was initiated affected the sensitivity of the toxic endpoints measured. The most sensitive and reproducible endpoint in the embryo-larval t… more
Date: May 1987
Creator: Stewart, Susan Michels
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Opthalmic Use Of Sodium Cephalothin: An In Vivo Comparison

Description: A rabbit keratoconjunctivities model was used to evaluate ophthalmic formulations containing 1 percent sodium cephalothin in silicon oil, a 1 percent sodium cephalothin aqueous solution, and a 0.3 percent gentamicin sulfate solution. Rabit eyes were inoculated intracorneally with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, or Streptococcus pneumoniae, After topical treatment, none of the antibiotic formulations were effective in the P. aeruginosa model; all three showed good activity agains… more
Date: August 1979
Creator: Carney, Gerald R.
Partner: UNT Libraries
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Diphenyloxazole Metabolism by Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylase

Description: 2,5-Diphenyloxazole (PPO) was tested as a potential alternate inducer for the aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) system. Its apparent lack. of carcinogenicity and toxicity provide a possible system for investigation of enzyme systems related to chemical carcinogenesis without exposure of the researcher to potent carcinogenic compounds. These studies found PPO to be an inducer of AHH in cultured human lymphocytes. When PPO was utilized as a substrate for the AHH assay system, the major metabolit… more
Date: December 1976
Creator: Abreu, Mary E.
Partner: UNT Libraries
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Brain Activity in Rats Exposed to Short-Term External Electrical Fields

Description: The effects of external electric fields (EEF) on brain activity in anesthetized rats were studied. The field strengths used, 9 kV/m and 5 kV/m, both D.C. and A.C. (60Hz) were in the range of those measured beneath current overhead transmission lines. Brain activity was monitored from surface electrodes and from electrodes stereotaxically implanted in the posterior-lateral portion of the hypothalamus. It was found that 9 kV/m and 5 kV/m EEF's both D.C. and A.C. brought about statistically signif… more
Date: May 1985
Creator: Hines, Gregory M. (Gregory Manuel)
Partner: UNT Libraries
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The Hypothermic Perfusion of the Isolated Thyroid Gland and Its Release of T₃ And T₄

Description: Investigations have shown that the hypothalamus and pituitary respond to decreases in body temperature by stimulating thyroid release of T_3 and T_4 . This study was designed to bypass the control of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland and investigate the direct effect of temperature on the thyroid gland. Hypothermia was by an in vivo isolated perfusion of the thyroid gland. Radio-immunoassay was used to measure T_3 and T_4 concentrations. Significant increases were observed in animals perfuse… more
Date: December 1976
Creator: Haenke, Richard F.
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Nutritional Requirements of Corynebacterium poinsettiae

Description: In a minimal medium supplemented with glucose and yeast extract, the optimum pH for the growth of C. poinsettias was found to be 7.5. The organism requires thiamine, biotin, and pantothenic acid for growth. No absolute requirement was found for any amino acid, purine or pyrimidine although an amino acid mixture was stimulatory. Casamino acids could be substituted for the synthetic amino acid mixture. Yeast extract provided an additional factor(s) necessary for maximal growth. The results sugges… more
Date: December 1983
Creator: Hooshdaran, Farideh
Partner: UNT Libraries
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Predicting the Site-Specific Bioavailability of Zinc Using the Indicator Species Procedure: A Case Study

Description: National Water Quality Criteria intended to protect aquatic life and their uses from the adverse effects of pollutants may not be appropriate due to site-specific factors that alter chemical bioavailability. The Indicator Species Procedure may be used to derive site-specific criteria in order to account for differences in site-specific bioavailability. This procedure was implemented using zinc for three chemically different site (river) waters. The purpose of this study was to quantify the bioa… more
Date: May 1987
Creator: Parkerton, Thomas F.
Partner: UNT Libraries
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Genetic Variation in a Population of the Plains Woodrat Neotoma micropus

Description: Neotoma micropus from Jack County, Texas, were studied over a 9-month period. Loci from blood and saliva were used to determine genetic variation within the population. Deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were found at one locus. The average temporal F over all seven loci was 0.040. Genetic structuring was subtle, fluctuated on a seasonal basis, and was due to differential migration or predation on genotypes. Heterozygotes tended to move more than homozygotes, and a greater proportion of… more
Date: August 1988
Creator: Stewart, John E. B. (John Edward Bakos)
Partner: UNT Libraries
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The Effect of Long-Term Moderate Amounts of Ethanol on Paraventricular Nuclei Activity on Cold Stressed Adult Rats

Description: The effects of moderate, long-term intake of ethanol on the hypothalamic response to cold stress were examined. The long-term experimental animals were given .25 ml of 28% ethanol or .25 ml of water orally once a day, five days a week for fourteen months. A stainless steel electrode was then surgically implanted into the paraventricular nucleus, after which the animal was subjected to cold stress (-150 C, 10 min.). Recordings were taken in the forms of frequency and activity. The data clearly i… more
Date: December 1990
Creator: McKinnon, Mark S. (Mark Steven)
Partner: UNT Libraries
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Comparative Toxicity Responses in Earthworms Lumbricus Terrestris and Eisenia Foetida to Cadmium Nitrate and Chlordane Using Artificial Soil and Filter Paper Exposures

Description: This research compares LC50 and LD50 of earthworms, Lumbricus terrestris and Eisenia foetida exposed to cadmium nitrate and chlordane using 48-h contact filter paper (FP) and 14-d artificial soil (AS) protocols. Both LC50 and LD50 showed that chlordane was more toxic than cadmium in both species regardless of the exposure. The reference toxicant 2-chloroacetamide using the standardized 48-h FP exposure was used to assess the general response of the earthworm prior to toxicity experiments. A glu… more
Date: August 1992
Creator: Muratti Ortiz, Joseph F.
Partner: UNT Libraries
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Estimated Extent and Fate of Chlorinated Solvent Contamination in the Soil of the Naval Air Station, Dallas, Texas

Description: This thesis estimates the spatial extent of chlorinated solvent contamination of the soil at the Naval Air Station, Dallas, then estimates the fate and transport of these contaminants, over time, using the Soil Transport and Fate database and the Vadose-Zone Interactive Processes (VIP) modeling software. Geostatistical analysis identifies two areas with serious chlorinated solvent contamination. Fate and transport modeling estimates that this contamination will degrade and disperse from the soi… more
Date: August 1998
Creator: Trescott, Jill V. (Jill Virginia)
Partner: UNT Libraries
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Mutagenic Potential of Tetramethylthiuram Disulfide (42-S Thiram) on the Germ Cell Stages of Drosophila melanogaster

Description: Tetramethylthiuram disulfide (42-S Thiram), a carbamate fungicide was studied for its mutagenic potential on the germ cell stages of wild-type male Drosophila melanogaster. The mutagenicity was tested using the sex-linked recessive lethal assay (SLRL). Any lethals induced in the F2 generation were evidenced by the absence of wild-type males. Although there was an increase in mutation rates in the 42-S Thiram treated wild-type males over the control wild-type males, it was not significantly high… more
Date: December 1990
Creator: Lowe-Chatham, Janice E. (Janice Elaine)
Partner: UNT Libraries
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A Vegetative Analysis of and Distribution of the Grasses of North Central Texas

Description: Accurate identification is fundamental in any study of grasses by farmers, ranchers, range specialists, ecologists, or students interested in the changes taking place in the grass habitat. Frequently it is convenient, and sometimes it is necessary, to identify the grasses by their vegetative characters. Some are readily recognized at a glance by their habitat and certain characters well known to the experienced observer. In other cases, identification is more difficult; and, perhaps with a few,… more
Date: August 1970
Creator: Smith, David Lawrence, 1932-
Partner: UNT Libraries
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Adenylate Energy Charge Determinations of Soil Bacteria Grown in Soil Extract Medium

Description: The adenylate energy charge values of twenty bacteria isolated from soil and cultured in a medium consisting of soil and distilled water were determined by the luciferin-luciferase bioluminescense method. The purpose of this study was to examine the growth and energy charge values of these organisms in soil extract medium, and to determine what effect the addition of glucose has on their energy charge values. Three of the organisms employed in this study showed energy charge values similar to t… more
Date: August 1988
Creator: Rodriguez, Luis A. (Luis Antonio)
Partner: UNT Libraries
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Effect of pH on the Persistence and Toxicity of Cyfluthrin to Chironomus Tentans

Description: The effect of pH upon the aquatic toxicity of cyfluthrin was determined in 48 h static acute toxicity tests using 2nd instar Chironomus tentans larvae. Tests were conducted in both dechlorinated tap water and lake water of pH 8.0, 7.2, and 6.6. After 48 h, immobilized and dead larvae were removed and replaced with 2nd instar larvae to assess the persistence of toxicity. Midges were cultured in water adjusted to the pH values used in testing. Toxicity if cyfluthrin varied inversely with pH. An i… more
Date: May 1992
Creator: Hambleton, Faith Ann (Faith Ann Elizabeth)
Partner: UNT Libraries
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