Michael Gealt | Central Michigan University (original) (raw)

Papers by Michael Gealt

BioScience, Oct 1, 1995

The basic principles of biodegradation are reviewed in relation to bioremediation processes. Micr... more The basic principles of biodegradation are reviewed in relation to bioremediation processes. Microbiological, chemical, environmental, engineering and technological aspects of these are considered, but no attempt is made to cover these aspects comprehensively. The book is ...

Objective: The primary objective was to study whether the cytotoxicity of Wortmannin (Wtmn) trigg... more Objective: The primary objective was to study whether the cytotoxicity of Wortmannin (Wtmn) triggers apoptotic programmed cell death on the widelyused model breast cancer MCF-7 cell to understand this small molecule's biological signaling mechanisms. Methods: In this present study, MCF-7 cells anti-proliferative activities determined by using MTT assays to quantify the cytotoxicity of the Wtmn. The direct cellular and molecular effect of Wtmn was investigated selectively using flow cytometric cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) assays, fluorescent and phase contrast microscopy. Results: Our biochemical and morphological experimental analysis showed that Wtmn inhibits the proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells and facilitates their entry into the apoptosis mode of programmed cell death. Conclusion: Our experimental results directed towards elucidating the cytotoxicity of Wtmn and it's biological mechanisms indicates anti-proliferative and apoptogenic properties. This strategy can serve as a screening model for anti-cancer treatment in-vitro.

Experimental Mycology, Jun 1, 1988

Abstract The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) of the filamentous fungus Asp... more Abstract The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) of the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans has been analyzed to further characterize the regulatory aspects of ergosterol biosynthesis. The supernatant contained approximately 95% of the total recovered activity following centrifugation (8000g) of homogenized cells. Following ultracentrifugation (105, 000g), total activity was evenly distributed between the supernatant and pellet, although specific activity was 2.5-fold higher in the pellet. The enzyme possessed a pH optimum at pH 7.0, along with a second peak at pH 5.5. The V max was 328 pmol NADPH oxidized per minute, and the apparent K m for dl -HMG-CoA was 28.5 μ M . Consistent with the pattern of sterol production, HMGR specific activity was highest during rapid growth and decreased during stationary phase. This pattern is different from that observed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and suggests that the regulation of ergosterol biosynthesis in A. nidulans is quite different from that observed in yeast. Addition of exogenous ergosterol (1–10 μg/ml) to the medium (in the presence of the sterol synthesis inhibitor micronazole) caused at 31–36% decrease in HMGR specific activity in culture extracts. This reaction to ergosterol (or a metabolic by-product) suggested that A. nidulans may utilize a regulatory response analogous to that reported in animal cells.

Journal of Food Science, 1983

Microbiological medium was used to study the effect of caffeine on sterigmatocystin, citrinin, an... more Microbiological medium was used to study the effect of caffeine on sterigmatocystin, citrinin, and patulin production by Aspergillus versicolor, Penicilliwn citrinum, and Penicillium urticae, respectively. Caffeine inhibited the growth of the three' fungal species and decreased sterigmatocystin and patulin production. The effect on citrinin production appeared to be limited to a delay in toxin synthesis. A preliminary examination of P. urticae suggested that caffeine's anti-mycotoxigenic activity does not involve a generalized inhibition of lipid synthesis.

The effect of 1-hydroxyanthraquinone (OHAQ) on respiration rate and biomass production was evalua... more The effect of 1-hydroxyanthraquinone (OHAQ) on respiration rate and biomass production was evaluated in Paracoccus denitrificans and in mixed cultures derived from a municipal wastewater treatment facility. OHAQ addition resulted in classic ―uncoupling‖ activity characterized by an increase in the respiration rate and decrease in the biomass production. In anaerobic batch cultures, OHAQ increased the nitrogen production rate 64.5 % and decreased biomass production 30.7% in Paracoccus. In aerobic batch cultures, OHAQ increased the oxygen utilization rate 38.5% and decreased the biomass production 39.3%. OHAQ addition to a continuous Paracoccus culture resulted in an increase in the respiratory activity compared to the steady state control values. There was a 10.4% in the carbon evolution rate (CER) and a 10.8 % increase in the specific oxygen utilization rate (SOUR). The growth of the organism was not adversely affected by the presence of OHAQ suggesting that the compound could increase the capacity of wastewater treatment facilities without modification to existing equipment. The addition OHAQ to mixed cultures derived from a municipal wastewater treatment facility resulted in an increase in the initial oxygen utilization rate and a reduction in the overall biomass production. The overall oxygen utilization was not adversely affected by OHAQ. In test vessels containing 300 mg/L MLSS, 10 mg/L OHAQ increased the initial oxygen consumption rate 16.9% and decreased the biomass production 10.8 %. The activity of OHAQ derivatives was related to the electronic properties and position of the substitution on the anthraquinone ring system. There was no correlation to the Log P, pKa or water solubility of the compound. These studies demonstrate that the activity of OHAQ is the result of the ―uncoupling‖ of aerobic and anaerobic respiration. The results indicate that OHAQ has the potential to reduce both the capital and operating costs of biological wastewater treatment systems, especially in the industrial setting, by simul [...]

The American Biology Teacher, 1996

One need not look very far to find relevant news items concerning man and the microbial world. Th... more One need not look very far to find relevant news items concerning man and the microbial world. The media of the past decade have been filled with stories of newly emerging and reemerging disease agents (Ebola, Hantavirus, tuberculosis), modern epidemics (HIV, herpesvirus), as well as the many accomplishments of the recombinant DNA revolution. The problem has always been making microbiology relevant to undergraduate students. Human microbiological concerns, in one form or another, have revolved around the transfer of microbial agents from one organism to another. Researchers want to know how to avoid transfer of a disease agent or how to prevent the spread of the products of genetic engineering. The history of microbial analysis is full of studies detailing how a microbe gets from one place to another. In many cases the transfer occurred because of interaction with an invertebrate, such as a tick (lyme disease) or mosquito (encephalitis). In other cases transfer occurs from the surface of a contaminated needle (HIV). Transfer agents are referred to as fomites (nonliving) or vectors (living). A review of laboratory manuals utilized in introductory general microbiology courses indicates few exercises dealing with laboratory model systems to demonstrate vector or fomite activities. The purpose of this exercise is to allow students to discover the action of vectors without exposing them to infectious agents. We also use this exercise as a means to introduce genetically engineered mi-

Water Science and Technology, 1988

The release of genetically engineered microorganisms into the environment will occur because of i... more The release of genetically engineered microorganisms into the environment will occur because of its importance to industrial and agricultural progress. Since organisms designed for release can be modified to survive only the time necessary for their function, the greatest potential for environmental damage depends upon the capability for mobilization of the genetically engineered DNA sequences (GEDS). Mobilization of GEDS to indigenous wastewater organisms by the process of bacterial conjugation has been demonstrated. This gene transfer, which will occur in a laboratory-scale waste treatment facility (~20 L capacity), depends on the presence of bacteria containing conjugative plasmids, many of which are indigenous to waste water. Sensitive detection of GEDS transfer requires the use of DNA-DNA hybridization. Environmental conditions do affect the frequency of conjugal gene transfer.

American Biology Teacher, 1996

This book attempts to approach the topic of biodegradation of hazardous wastes in a holistic fash... more This book attempts to approach the topic of biodegradation of hazardous wastes in a holistic fashion. The issues of science, engineering and regulation are all addressed. As much as possible, both theoretical and practical considerations have been dealt with. Selection of bacteria for the specific purpose of degrading compounds is discussed at the bench-scale to the field level. Engineering theory as applied to growth on toxic substances is discussed. The legal issues are covered. There are also several examples of field studies indicating the current usage of biodegradation, both within reactors and in situ. The use of biodegradation is compared with other mechanisms of disposal, in terms of time limitations, degradation limitations and, perhaps most important, cost. Individual papers have been processed separately for inclusion in the appropriate data bases.

The large amount of hazardous waste generated and disposed of has given rise to environmental con... more The large amount of hazardous waste generated and disposed of has given rise to environmental conditions requiring remedial treatment. The use of landfills has traditionally been a cost-effective means to dispose of waste. However, increased costs of transportation and decreasing numbers of landfill sites now necessitate the examination of treatment processes that can be carried out on site (land farming, composting) and, preferably, in situ. Thus, economics dictate the exploration of bioremediation techniques as potentially environmentally sound cost reduction methods. The chapter will examine the advantages and disadvantages of using natural and modified organisms from scientific and regulatory perspectives.

Experimental Mycology, 1988

Aspergillus and Aspergillosis, 1988

The functional complexity of the eukaryotic membrane requires a similar structural complexity. On... more The functional complexity of the eukaryotic membrane requires a similar structural complexity. One of the major components of the membrane is the sterol molecule, such as cholesterol (in animals), sitosterol (in plants), and ergosterol (in fungi). These neutral lipid molecules act not only as a bulk lipid, but also act to stabilize the fluidity of the membrane structure, thus allowing for protein function under conditions such as high or low temperature under which the phospholipid hydrocarbon chains might either gel or become too fluid for proper physiological functioning.

Current Topics in Medical Mycology, 1989

The presence of lipids in fungi is necessary for maintenance of proper membrane structure and fun... more The presence of lipids in fungi is necessary for maintenance of proper membrane structure and function, storage of energy in the form of triglycerides, and the production of specialized molecules, e.g., hormones and toxins. Species of fungi are able to establish themselves in virtually all types of environments, including on and in both animals and plants. Under most conditions the immune system of animals is capable of controlling systemic fungal infections, which is fortunate because the similarity in physiology that exists between the fungus and its host makes treatment and management of the disease state most difficult. Immunosuppressed states due to disease, e.g, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), or immunosuppressive therapy, e.g., that administered in conjunction with organ transplants, have led to a dramatic increase in the frequency of certain types of fungal infection. Chief among these diseases are those caused by Candida and Aspergillus species, both of which are found abundantly in nature.

2006 Bio Micro and Nanosystems Conference, 2006

In our studies we have used three different free-living nematodes: Rhabditis, Caenorhabditis eleg... more In our studies we have used three different free-living nematodes: Rhabditis, Caenorhabditis elegans and Turbatrix aceti. Rhabditis, a microscopic nematode, has been reported worldwide in most soils and a wide variety of environments (air, water and land). It has been isolated in or on many invertebrates and higher forms of life i.e. earthworms, insects, plants, birds and other animals including man. Experiments were designed and showed that this worm could survive and was very resistant to chlorine bleach treatment with no ill effect. This allowed us to control bacterial and viral activity on the surface of the nematode. Further, we demonstrated that the organism gathered, concentrated, protected, hid and only digested about 70% of the bacteria it consumed, defecating 30% viable. We determined that the worm, on average could carry 1.6 X 10 6 bacteria. By feeding alternate identifiable strains of bacteria we were able to demonstrate internal bacterial conjugation, resulting in DNA transfer, transconjugants. The same studies done with C. elegans showed very similar results as those for Rhabditis. Here we demonstrated that the nematode could vector active virus (PhiX-174, 20nm). We were also able to purge the nematode of bacteria by adding the virus to the culture. Work with T. aceti using bent glass capillary tubes connected to wells in phenol red dextrose agar (PRDA) petri plates showed statistically significant pH preferential migratory behavior. The small size of the nematodes, their ability to vector bacteria, virus and to dismember bio-films suggests possible usefulness as nanotechnology delivery systems.

Microbiology, 1982

Ergosterol was identified as the major free sterol of Aspergillus nidulans by thin-layer chromato... more Ergosterol was identified as the major free sterol of Aspergillus nidulans by thin-layer chromatography, alumina column chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography, highperformance liquid chromatography, UV spectroscopy, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectral analysis. Lanosterol, the initial cyclized precursor of ergosterol, was identified as a minor component of the free sterols. In the steryl ester material, however, lanosterol was usually more abundant than ergosterol, suggesting that the esters serve as storage compounds for the membrane sterol precursors.

Lipids, 1981

Purified flagella of the eukaryotic algaChlamydomonas reinhardi have a sterol composition (55% er... more Purified flagella of the eukaryotic algaChlamydomonas reinhardi have a sterol composition (55% ergosterol [24β-methylcholesta-5,7,22-trans-trien-3β-ol] and 45% 7-dehydroporiferasterol [24β-ethylcholesta-5,7,22-trans-trien-3β-ol]) identical of that of the whole algal cell. Fatty acids isolated fromC. reinhardi flagella were identified as 16∶0, 18∶0, 18∶1, 18∶2 and 18∶3. Whole cell fatty acids included 14∶0, 16∶2 and 16∶3 in addition to those found in the flagella. Triunsaturates comprised

Journal of Food Science, 1983

Microbiological medium was used to study the effect of caffeine on sterigmatocystin, citrinin, an... more Microbiological medium was used to study the effect of caffeine on sterigmatocystin, citrinin, and patulin production by Aspergillus versicolor, Penicilliwn citrinum, and Penicillium urticae, respectively. Caffeine inhibited the growth of the three' fungal species and decreased sterigmatocystin and patulin production. The effect on citrinin production appeared to be limited to a delay in toxin synthesis. A preliminary examination of P. urticae suggested that caffeine's anti-mycotoxigenic activity does not involve a generalized inhibition of lipid synthesis.

Journal of Engineering Education, 1995

... Interdisciplinary and diverse, the original team was composed of three mechanical engineers, ... more ... Interdisciplinary and diverse, the original team was composed of three mechanical engineers, two electrical ... Interest in an academic subject is related to the students estimate of the materials ... Thus, our overall approach to development of the living systems component of the E4 ...

BioScience, Oct 1, 1995

The basic principles of biodegradation are reviewed in relation to bioremediation processes. Micr... more The basic principles of biodegradation are reviewed in relation to bioremediation processes. Microbiological, chemical, environmental, engineering and technological aspects of these are considered, but no attempt is made to cover these aspects comprehensively. The book is ...

Objective: The primary objective was to study whether the cytotoxicity of Wortmannin (Wtmn) trigg... more Objective: The primary objective was to study whether the cytotoxicity of Wortmannin (Wtmn) triggers apoptotic programmed cell death on the widelyused model breast cancer MCF-7 cell to understand this small molecule's biological signaling mechanisms. Methods: In this present study, MCF-7 cells anti-proliferative activities determined by using MTT assays to quantify the cytotoxicity of the Wtmn. The direct cellular and molecular effect of Wtmn was investigated selectively using flow cytometric cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) assays, fluorescent and phase contrast microscopy. Results: Our biochemical and morphological experimental analysis showed that Wtmn inhibits the proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells and facilitates their entry into the apoptosis mode of programmed cell death. Conclusion: Our experimental results directed towards elucidating the cytotoxicity of Wtmn and it's biological mechanisms indicates anti-proliferative and apoptogenic properties. This strategy can serve as a screening model for anti-cancer treatment in-vitro.

Experimental Mycology, Jun 1, 1988

Abstract The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) of the filamentous fungus Asp... more Abstract The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) of the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans has been analyzed to further characterize the regulatory aspects of ergosterol biosynthesis. The supernatant contained approximately 95% of the total recovered activity following centrifugation (8000g) of homogenized cells. Following ultracentrifugation (105, 000g), total activity was evenly distributed between the supernatant and pellet, although specific activity was 2.5-fold higher in the pellet. The enzyme possessed a pH optimum at pH 7.0, along with a second peak at pH 5.5. The V max was 328 pmol NADPH oxidized per minute, and the apparent K m for dl -HMG-CoA was 28.5 μ M . Consistent with the pattern of sterol production, HMGR specific activity was highest during rapid growth and decreased during stationary phase. This pattern is different from that observed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and suggests that the regulation of ergosterol biosynthesis in A. nidulans is quite different from that observed in yeast. Addition of exogenous ergosterol (1–10 μg/ml) to the medium (in the presence of the sterol synthesis inhibitor micronazole) caused at 31–36% decrease in HMGR specific activity in culture extracts. This reaction to ergosterol (or a metabolic by-product) suggested that A. nidulans may utilize a regulatory response analogous to that reported in animal cells.

Journal of Food Science, 1983

Microbiological medium was used to study the effect of caffeine on sterigmatocystin, citrinin, an... more Microbiological medium was used to study the effect of caffeine on sterigmatocystin, citrinin, and patulin production by Aspergillus versicolor, Penicilliwn citrinum, and Penicillium urticae, respectively. Caffeine inhibited the growth of the three' fungal species and decreased sterigmatocystin and patulin production. The effect on citrinin production appeared to be limited to a delay in toxin synthesis. A preliminary examination of P. urticae suggested that caffeine's anti-mycotoxigenic activity does not involve a generalized inhibition of lipid synthesis.

The effect of 1-hydroxyanthraquinone (OHAQ) on respiration rate and biomass production was evalua... more The effect of 1-hydroxyanthraquinone (OHAQ) on respiration rate and biomass production was evaluated in Paracoccus denitrificans and in mixed cultures derived from a municipal wastewater treatment facility. OHAQ addition resulted in classic ―uncoupling‖ activity characterized by an increase in the respiration rate and decrease in the biomass production. In anaerobic batch cultures, OHAQ increased the nitrogen production rate 64.5 % and decreased biomass production 30.7% in Paracoccus. In aerobic batch cultures, OHAQ increased the oxygen utilization rate 38.5% and decreased the biomass production 39.3%. OHAQ addition to a continuous Paracoccus culture resulted in an increase in the respiratory activity compared to the steady state control values. There was a 10.4% in the carbon evolution rate (CER) and a 10.8 % increase in the specific oxygen utilization rate (SOUR). The growth of the organism was not adversely affected by the presence of OHAQ suggesting that the compound could increase the capacity of wastewater treatment facilities without modification to existing equipment. The addition OHAQ to mixed cultures derived from a municipal wastewater treatment facility resulted in an increase in the initial oxygen utilization rate and a reduction in the overall biomass production. The overall oxygen utilization was not adversely affected by OHAQ. In test vessels containing 300 mg/L MLSS, 10 mg/L OHAQ increased the initial oxygen consumption rate 16.9% and decreased the biomass production 10.8 %. The activity of OHAQ derivatives was related to the electronic properties and position of the substitution on the anthraquinone ring system. There was no correlation to the Log P, pKa or water solubility of the compound. These studies demonstrate that the activity of OHAQ is the result of the ―uncoupling‖ of aerobic and anaerobic respiration. The results indicate that OHAQ has the potential to reduce both the capital and operating costs of biological wastewater treatment systems, especially in the industrial setting, by simul [...]

The American Biology Teacher, 1996

One need not look very far to find relevant news items concerning man and the microbial world. Th... more One need not look very far to find relevant news items concerning man and the microbial world. The media of the past decade have been filled with stories of newly emerging and reemerging disease agents (Ebola, Hantavirus, tuberculosis), modern epidemics (HIV, herpesvirus), as well as the many accomplishments of the recombinant DNA revolution. The problem has always been making microbiology relevant to undergraduate students. Human microbiological concerns, in one form or another, have revolved around the transfer of microbial agents from one organism to another. Researchers want to know how to avoid transfer of a disease agent or how to prevent the spread of the products of genetic engineering. The history of microbial analysis is full of studies detailing how a microbe gets from one place to another. In many cases the transfer occurred because of interaction with an invertebrate, such as a tick (lyme disease) or mosquito (encephalitis). In other cases transfer occurs from the surface of a contaminated needle (HIV). Transfer agents are referred to as fomites (nonliving) or vectors (living). A review of laboratory manuals utilized in introductory general microbiology courses indicates few exercises dealing with laboratory model systems to demonstrate vector or fomite activities. The purpose of this exercise is to allow students to discover the action of vectors without exposing them to infectious agents. We also use this exercise as a means to introduce genetically engineered mi-

Water Science and Technology, 1988

The release of genetically engineered microorganisms into the environment will occur because of i... more The release of genetically engineered microorganisms into the environment will occur because of its importance to industrial and agricultural progress. Since organisms designed for release can be modified to survive only the time necessary for their function, the greatest potential for environmental damage depends upon the capability for mobilization of the genetically engineered DNA sequences (GEDS). Mobilization of GEDS to indigenous wastewater organisms by the process of bacterial conjugation has been demonstrated. This gene transfer, which will occur in a laboratory-scale waste treatment facility (~20 L capacity), depends on the presence of bacteria containing conjugative plasmids, many of which are indigenous to waste water. Sensitive detection of GEDS transfer requires the use of DNA-DNA hybridization. Environmental conditions do affect the frequency of conjugal gene transfer.

American Biology Teacher, 1996

This book attempts to approach the topic of biodegradation of hazardous wastes in a holistic fash... more This book attempts to approach the topic of biodegradation of hazardous wastes in a holistic fashion. The issues of science, engineering and regulation are all addressed. As much as possible, both theoretical and practical considerations have been dealt with. Selection of bacteria for the specific purpose of degrading compounds is discussed at the bench-scale to the field level. Engineering theory as applied to growth on toxic substances is discussed. The legal issues are covered. There are also several examples of field studies indicating the current usage of biodegradation, both within reactors and in situ. The use of biodegradation is compared with other mechanisms of disposal, in terms of time limitations, degradation limitations and, perhaps most important, cost. Individual papers have been processed separately for inclusion in the appropriate data bases.

The large amount of hazardous waste generated and disposed of has given rise to environmental con... more The large amount of hazardous waste generated and disposed of has given rise to environmental conditions requiring remedial treatment. The use of landfills has traditionally been a cost-effective means to dispose of waste. However, increased costs of transportation and decreasing numbers of landfill sites now necessitate the examination of treatment processes that can be carried out on site (land farming, composting) and, preferably, in situ. Thus, economics dictate the exploration of bioremediation techniques as potentially environmentally sound cost reduction methods. The chapter will examine the advantages and disadvantages of using natural and modified organisms from scientific and regulatory perspectives.

Experimental Mycology, 1988

Aspergillus and Aspergillosis, 1988

The functional complexity of the eukaryotic membrane requires a similar structural complexity. On... more The functional complexity of the eukaryotic membrane requires a similar structural complexity. One of the major components of the membrane is the sterol molecule, such as cholesterol (in animals), sitosterol (in plants), and ergosterol (in fungi). These neutral lipid molecules act not only as a bulk lipid, but also act to stabilize the fluidity of the membrane structure, thus allowing for protein function under conditions such as high or low temperature under which the phospholipid hydrocarbon chains might either gel or become too fluid for proper physiological functioning.

Current Topics in Medical Mycology, 1989

The presence of lipids in fungi is necessary for maintenance of proper membrane structure and fun... more The presence of lipids in fungi is necessary for maintenance of proper membrane structure and function, storage of energy in the form of triglycerides, and the production of specialized molecules, e.g., hormones and toxins. Species of fungi are able to establish themselves in virtually all types of environments, including on and in both animals and plants. Under most conditions the immune system of animals is capable of controlling systemic fungal infections, which is fortunate because the similarity in physiology that exists between the fungus and its host makes treatment and management of the disease state most difficult. Immunosuppressed states due to disease, e.g, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), or immunosuppressive therapy, e.g., that administered in conjunction with organ transplants, have led to a dramatic increase in the frequency of certain types of fungal infection. Chief among these diseases are those caused by Candida and Aspergillus species, both of which are found abundantly in nature.

2006 Bio Micro and Nanosystems Conference, 2006

In our studies we have used three different free-living nematodes: Rhabditis, Caenorhabditis eleg... more In our studies we have used three different free-living nematodes: Rhabditis, Caenorhabditis elegans and Turbatrix aceti. Rhabditis, a microscopic nematode, has been reported worldwide in most soils and a wide variety of environments (air, water and land). It has been isolated in or on many invertebrates and higher forms of life i.e. earthworms, insects, plants, birds and other animals including man. Experiments were designed and showed that this worm could survive and was very resistant to chlorine bleach treatment with no ill effect. This allowed us to control bacterial and viral activity on the surface of the nematode. Further, we demonstrated that the organism gathered, concentrated, protected, hid and only digested about 70% of the bacteria it consumed, defecating 30% viable. We determined that the worm, on average could carry 1.6 X 10 6 bacteria. By feeding alternate identifiable strains of bacteria we were able to demonstrate internal bacterial conjugation, resulting in DNA transfer, transconjugants. The same studies done with C. elegans showed very similar results as those for Rhabditis. Here we demonstrated that the nematode could vector active virus (PhiX-174, 20nm). We were also able to purge the nematode of bacteria by adding the virus to the culture. Work with T. aceti using bent glass capillary tubes connected to wells in phenol red dextrose agar (PRDA) petri plates showed statistically significant pH preferential migratory behavior. The small size of the nematodes, their ability to vector bacteria, virus and to dismember bio-films suggests possible usefulness as nanotechnology delivery systems.

Microbiology, 1982

Ergosterol was identified as the major free sterol of Aspergillus nidulans by thin-layer chromato... more Ergosterol was identified as the major free sterol of Aspergillus nidulans by thin-layer chromatography, alumina column chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography, highperformance liquid chromatography, UV spectroscopy, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectral analysis. Lanosterol, the initial cyclized precursor of ergosterol, was identified as a minor component of the free sterols. In the steryl ester material, however, lanosterol was usually more abundant than ergosterol, suggesting that the esters serve as storage compounds for the membrane sterol precursors.

Lipids, 1981

Purified flagella of the eukaryotic algaChlamydomonas reinhardi have a sterol composition (55% er... more Purified flagella of the eukaryotic algaChlamydomonas reinhardi have a sterol composition (55% ergosterol [24β-methylcholesta-5,7,22-trans-trien-3β-ol] and 45% 7-dehydroporiferasterol [24β-ethylcholesta-5,7,22-trans-trien-3β-ol]) identical of that of the whole algal cell. Fatty acids isolated fromC. reinhardi flagella were identified as 16∶0, 18∶0, 18∶1, 18∶2 and 18∶3. Whole cell fatty acids included 14∶0, 16∶2 and 16∶3 in addition to those found in the flagella. Triunsaturates comprised

Journal of Food Science, 1983

Microbiological medium was used to study the effect of caffeine on sterigmatocystin, citrinin, an... more Microbiological medium was used to study the effect of caffeine on sterigmatocystin, citrinin, and patulin production by Aspergillus versicolor, Penicilliwn citrinum, and Penicillium urticae, respectively. Caffeine inhibited the growth of the three' fungal species and decreased sterigmatocystin and patulin production. The effect on citrinin production appeared to be limited to a delay in toxin synthesis. A preliminary examination of P. urticae suggested that caffeine's anti-mycotoxigenic activity does not involve a generalized inhibition of lipid synthesis.

Journal of Engineering Education, 1995

... Interdisciplinary and diverse, the original team was composed of three mechanical engineers, ... more ... Interdisciplinary and diverse, the original team was composed of three mechanical engineers, two electrical ... Interest in an academic subject is related to the students estimate of the materials ... Thus, our overall approach to development of the living systems component of the E4 ...