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The prickly sculpin, Cottus asper, is a polytypic species characteristically represented by very prickly, fresh-water spawning "inland" forms, and less prickly, brackish-water spawning "coastal" forms. Its widespread geographic distribution, pronounced phenotypic variability, and the effects of the contrasting environments in which it occurs are the subject of this investigation. A complete nomenclatural history and synonymy of the species for the period 1836-1936 is presented. Morphological evidence is interpreted in the light of field and laboratory studies of the migration and reproductive behavior. Differences found in distribution and intensity of body prickles (modified scales), geographical distribution, and migratory behavior, support the contention that the polytypy of "coastal" and "inland" forms of Cottus asper has a genetic basis. Other morphological evidence is equivocal in support of this interpretation. Differences in fin ray counts, e.g., pectoral rays, between "coastal" and "inland" forms are correlated positively with the presence or absence of salinity in the environment. However, it is not known whether such differences are the result of individual modifications induced by the local environment, or due to long term genetic fixation. Evidence from studies of closely-related species supports the interpretation that Cottus asper is a polytypic species which has become, and is in the process of becoming, modified into several characteristic genotypes. Evolution within this “asper species group" probably occurred in three stages, each correlated with past geologic history. During the first stage, perhaps in the Pliocene or Late Miocene, "coastal" and "inland" forms were derived from an ancestral marine cottid. The second stage, during the Pleistocene, was characterized by fragmentation of the gene pool of the "inland" form into a series of geographically isolated populations which have since evolved into valid species. The third stage, in Recent Time since the retreat of the Cordilleran glaciers, has occurred primarily within the northern representatives of the "coastal" form. At least two derivatives can now be distinguished within the "coastal" form. / Science, Faculty of / Zoology, Department of / Graduate

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MSCPNT / Department of Food Science and Technology / The study aimed to determine the physicochemical properties, extract and characterise pectin from three varieties (green, purple and orange) of prickly pear (Opuntia spp) fruit peel. Research samples were collected from Bothlokwa Mphakane village in Limpopo province of South Africa. The experimental design for this study was randomized complete block design and each treatment was conducted in triplicate. Pectin was extracted using sulphuric acid at four different pH levels (1, 2, 3 & 4) and microwave power levels (low, medium & high). The characterisation of extracted pectin was done by calculating the ash, moisture, equivalent weight, anhydrouronic acid, methoxyl content, and degree of esterification. Functional groups present in extracted and commercial pectin were investigated for similarities using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The yield of pectin for purple ranged from 2.9% to 13.8%, orange from 1.4% to 9.8% and from 2.3% to 10.0% for green prickly pear peel. A decrease in pH resulted in an increased pectin yield and an increase in microwave power level increased the pectin yield. Maximum yields of 13.8% on purple, 10.0% on green and 9.8% on orange were obtained at pH 1.0 and medium power level. The best condition for extraction using sulphuric acid was at a medium power level and pH 1.0. The pectins obtained were compared against each other in terms of yield, physicochemical characteristics and chemical structure. The ash content of the extracted pectin was significantly higher at 25.16 ± 0.69, 34.26 ± 1.92 and 36.30 ± 1.07, however the pectin showed lower moisture content and equivalent weight. The methoxyl contents were 2.28 ± 0.26, 2.38 ± 0.21 and 3.86 ±0.31, anhydrouronic acid contents were 25.58 ± 2.03, 25.93 ± 2.35 and 38.84 ± 2.29, and degree of esterification were 49.87 ± 0.17, 50.63 ± 4.76 and 56.39 ± 1.60 across the orange, purple and green varieties, respectively. The prickly pear peel pectin spectra exhibited similarities in its absorption pattern to that of commercial citrus pectin. Therefore, the extraction of pectin from prickly pear peels is feasible in viewpoint of yield and quality, and that the pectin has potential for substitution of citrus pectin in the food processing industry. / NRF

Class of 2009 Abstract / OBJECTIVES: An estimated 26.3 million Americans have Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Currently six classes of agents are approved for the treatments of Type 2 DM. Problems with current options have led to searches for new medications and adjunctive therapy. Prickly pear (Opuntia species) has been traditionally used by Mexicans and Pima Indians for the treatment of DM. This is a retrospective analysis of data obtained from a randomized placebo-controlled prospective experiment in 28 Type 2 DM rodents (ZDF). There were 2 negative control groups which consisted of non-DM rodents and ZDFs; each receiving water. The positive control group consisted of ZDFs who received rosiglitazone 4.75 mg/kg/day. The treatment group consisted of ZDFs who received 5-10 mL/kg/dose of Opuntia ficus indica (Jugo De Nopal) liquid, given twice daily. Weight, blood glucose and platelet aggregation were recorded and analyzed. At baseline, there were no significant differences in weight or blood glucose among ZDF groups. The lean control rodents had significantly lower blood glucose compared to the ZDF rodents (p<0.001). Treatment with Jugo de Nopal resulted in a statistically significant reduction in blood glucose (p<0.001), with a mean decrease in blood glucose of 7%. All treatment groups demonstrated a significant weight gain, however, the prickly pear group had significantly less weight gain than the rosiglitazone group (p=0.028). CONCLUSIONS: There was not a significant difference among the treatment groups with regard to platelet responsiveness. Further studies are necessary to determine the efficacy of prickly pear as a blood glucose lowering agent.

This thesis attempts to shed light on the process approach developed at Prickly Mountain, Vermont by investigating the influence of Yale professors Robert Engman and Chris Argyris. As a sculptor, Professor Engman influenced the way in which Prickly Mountain builders interacted with their materials, allowing space for discovery. On the other hand, professor Argyris from the Industrial Administration program inspired Prickly Mountain builders to consider the element of human behavior in interacting with their structures. Argyris' teaching also inspired critical engagement with the practice of architectural education. Together, Engman and Argyris present a more in depth picture of the design process at Prickly Mountain and thus help to provide an academic footing for this otherwise eccentric practice.

Natural products and health foods have recently received a lot of attention both by health professionals and the common population for improving overall well-being, as well as in the prevention of diseases including cancer. In this line, all types of fruits and vegetables have been reevaluated and recognized as valuable sources of nutraceuticals. The great number of potentially active nutrients and their multifunctional properties make cactus pear (Opuntia spp.) fruits and cladodes perfect candidates for the production of health-promoting food and food supplements. Although traditionally appreciated for its pharmacological properties by the Native Americans, cactus pear is still hardly recognized because of insufficient scientific information. However, recent studies on Opuntia spp. have demonstrated cactus pear fruit and vegetative cladodes to be excellent candidates for the development of healthy food. Therefore, this review summarizes current knowledge on the chemical composition of Opuntia cacti with particular emphasis in its use as food and medicine.

The use of natural environmentally benign agents in the treatment of drinking water is rapidly gaining interest due to their inherently renewable character and low toxicity. We show that the common Mexican cactus produces a gum-like substance, cactus mucilage, which shows excellent flocculating abilities and is an economically viable alternative for low-income communities. Cactus mucilage is a neutral mixture of approximately 55 high-molecular weight sugar residues composed basically of arabinose, galactose, rhamnose, xylose, and galacturonic acid. We show how this natural product was characterized for its use as a flocculating agent. Our results show the mucilage efficiency for reducing arsenic and particulates from drinking water as determined by light scattering, Atomic Absorption and Hydride Generation-Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy. Flocculation studies proved the mucilage to be a much faster flocculating agent when compared to Al2(SO4)3 with the efficiency increasing with mucilage concentration. Jar tests revealed that lower concentrations of mucilage provided the optimal effectiveness for supernatant clarity, an important factor in determining the potability of water. Initial filter results with the mucilage embedded in a silica matrix prove the feasibility of applying this technology as a method for heavy metal removal. This project provides fundamental, quantitative insights into the necessary and minimum requirements for natural flocculating agents that are innovative, environmentally benign, and cost-effective.

Thesis (M.S.)--Mississippi State University. Department of Biological Sciences. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.