The conversion of stearic acid and lauric acid to unsaturated fatty acids by the desaturase system of Penicillium chrysogenum was investigated by incubating cell free fractions prepared from mycelial sonicates with the radioactively labeled fatty acids and analyzing the reaction products. In some experiments exogenous acyl carrier protein (ACP) or coenzyme A (Co.A) was added to the incubation mixtures. The percentage of radioactive label appearing in unsaturated fractions was regarded as a measure of the activity of the desaturase system.Desaturase activity was detected in both the 15,000 x g particulate and supernatant fractions. Only small percentages of 1-14C-stearyl-CoA were converted to unsaturated fatty acids; 1-14Clauryl-CoA was apparently more readily desaturated. The desaturase system was found to be inhibited by exogenous ACP, but not by exogenous CoA. This suggested that the fatty aryl-CoA thioesters were converted to thioesters of ACP prior to desaturation.Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306

A miniaturized super-regenerative nuclear quadrupole resonance spectrometer was fabricated in this project. The spectrometer was constructed using thin-film chromium resistors, gold-nickel conductors, and field effect transistors. The unit operated at room temperature and at 77º K between the frequencies of 24.860 and 44.300 MHs.The spectrometer was fabricated on a ceramic substrate which was 5.08 x 5.08cm. The films consisted of vacuum deposited chromium, electroless plated nickel, and electroplated gold. The resistor-conductor pattern was photo-etched from the films and the remaining components attached to the films to form the circuit.The spectrometer was encased in a stainless steel belljar with the sample coil extending from the bottom and the signal and power leads extending from the top of the belljar. The unit was immersed in liquid nitrogen and the characteristics monitored as the temperature dropped.The spectrometer operated in the liquid nitrogen, but failed to yield a signal for a paradichlorobenzene sample. The spectrometer exhibited poor frequency selectivity and a frequency change of 2MHz (6%) in going from room temperature to liquid nitrogen (77º K).Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306

This thesis has involved an attempt to determine the ratio of electric-quadrupole radiation to magnetic-dipole radiation for the forbidden transition 6647A(2D5/2-2D3/2) of ionized mercury. The high resolution needed for this type of work was obtained by using a 14mm Fabry-Perot etalon and a three prism glass spectrograph, The mercury source was a heated eleotrodeless quartz discharge tube excited by an rf oscillator. A large electromagnet was used to obtain the Zeeman effect. This is the first time that the 6647A transition has been analyzed. The experimental results for the longitudinal view show agreement with predictions for the Zeeman components giving complete verification of the identity of the line but the intensity patterns show a possible disagreement with theoretical predictions for the ratio of magnetic-dipole to electric-quadrupole radiation.Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306

This thesis has examined a long existing conflict between two ferns, Asplenium platyneuron and Athyrium pycnocarpon. The study included habitat, external and internal morphological characteristics, and biochemical analyses of the free amino acids. Major emphasis was placed upon vascular structure and arrangement in the stipes, roots, and rhizomes.Biochemically, the free amino acids were separated by one-dimensional descending paper chromatography. All areas investigated were either photographed or drawn and presented in the text of the thesis.Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306

This thesis includes elementary introductions to nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) detection and fieldeffect transistors (PET). The construction and operation of the FET-NQR detector, as originally designed by Viswanathan, Viswanathan and Sane and published in Rev. Sci. Instr. 39,472 (1968), is discussed extensively. The thesis also contains a step by step discussion of the construction of an alternate PET-N'QP detector. Although the alternate detector never functioned properly, the information gathered would aid anyone desiring to design and construct a new NQR detector.Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306

This creative project demonstrates the development of a curriculum in biology based upon the responses of people, animals, and plants to seasonal and other changes in the environment. The method consisted of five steps: (1) a large number of concepts were written out which included all the areas of specialization within biology; (2) a list of the seasonal activities observed in people, animals, and plants for the coastal Maine area was prepared; (3) a list of topics relating the activities to biology was prepared; (Lt) concepts were assigned to the topics; and (5) teaching activities and methods were suggested for each concept. The course offers the advantages of being extremely flexible, highly interesting, and relevant to students' lives.Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306

AbstractThe purpose of this study was the evaluation of various neutron activation cross sections using 2.8 MeV neutrons. This area of study was chosen because only a small amount of research has been done using generator produced 2.8 MeV neutrons.Most of the cross section values listed in the literature were small, requiring the use of various methods to increase the number of reactions occurring.A relative measure of the neutron flux was made using indium standards. The efficiency of the detection system was experimentally measured by the use of standardized radioisotopes.The product isotopes, produced by (n,ﻻ) or (u,n’ﻻ) reactions, and their measured activation cross sections were: 116mIn - 104 + 5 mb; 137mBa - 459 + 45 mb; 139Ba - 5.48 + 0.47 mb; 128I, - 38.5 + 3.0 mb; 56Mn - 4.28 + 0.34 mb; and 87mSr - 219 ± 26 mb. Errors from 4.8% for 116mIn to 12% for 87mSr were determined.Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306

AbstractThis thesis includes an elementary introduction and background to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) detection. The content is essentially concerned with the mathematical analysis of the spectrometer electronics. The construction and testing was routine using established high frequency techniques. The spectrometer circuitry incorporates both vacuum tube and solid state devices. The special characteristics of each device were utilized to best meet the particular circuit requirements.The electronic portion of this spectrometer functioned properly. Final testing of the total system is awaiting the completion of the induction probe presently under development.Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306

AbstractA study was done to determine the effects of LAJi and 2, L-D on development and differentiation of callus tissue from leaf notch explants of Bryophyllum pinnatur B. tubiflora, and B. haughtonii. Callus was induced when 2, L-D was present in the medium. Most differentiation occurred with 1 ppm LA was in the medium. `The callus tissue was examined microscopically to determine the extent of differentiation. Root hair-like cells, Xylem, and root-like structures were observed. Differentiation was inhibited by 20 ppm 2, 4-D.Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306

AbstractA study was made to determine if the age of a herbarium specimen of Equisetum hiemale had any effect on the chromatographic patterns. Specimens of E. hiemale were analyzed employing descending paper chromatography and electrophoresis.The amino acid and phenolic patterns were of significant value in determining if the chromatographic patterns varied as the herbarium specimen aged. The fluorescent phenolic compounds of E. hiemale were analyzed by placing the chromatograms under long wave ultraviolet light. The free amino acids were detected by spraying the chromatogram. with ninhydrin.The chromatographic patterns showed that the age of the oldest herbarium specimen investigated had no effect on its patterns.Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306