A Portable Rack for Staining Jars

A simple and inexpensive rack has been designed for the transport and storage of stains and reagents in Coplin staining jars in bacteriological and histological laboratories. The rack promotes ease of carrying, prevents spillage, and keeps the jars permanently in the correct sequence. Details of construction are given. The design can be modified to hold as many jars as necessary and can also be modified to accommodate Stender or other type staining jars or reagent bottles.     

Effect of solar ultraviolet radiation on survival of krill larvae and copepods in Antarctic Ocean

The effect of solar ultraviolet radiation on the survival rate of Antarctic zooplankton was examined in February–March in 2002. We investigated survival rate of calyptopis larvae of Euphausia superba and late copepodite stages (IV and V) of large dominant calanoid species, Calanoides acutus and Calanus propinquus reared in quartz jars with three different radiation regimes (total radiation, exclusion of UVB, exclusion of UVA and UVB) and a dark control. The survival rates of the krill larvae decreased after 3 days from start of the experiment, being below 50% at 4 days in the treatments with total radiation and exclusion of UVB, although most individuals could survive until the end of the experiments in the treatments with exclusion of both UVA and UVB and dark control. The calanoid juveniles showed almost same pattern of survival curves as the krill larvae did, but survived slightly longer. Although >10% of surface UVA radiation at 340 and 380 nm penetrated down to 30 m, both C. acutus and C. propinquus were mostly distributed above 20 m. Surface swarm of the krill larvae can be often recognized in the previous studies. These results suggest that not only solar UVB but also UVA radiation potentially lower the survival rate of Antarctic zooplankton at depth less than 20 m.     

土壤种子库与矿业废弃地植被恢复研究I.Leonard瓶-罐装置在土壤种子库检测中的应用

１前言土壤种子库的组成和动态的检测主要有两种方法,其一是把土壤样品铺在垫有沙子（经消毒除去沙子内可能有的种子）的花盆或其它发芽框上,给予合适条件使土样中的种子萌发,记录幼苗数及种类［１～５］;另一种是用物理方法分离土样直接得到种子,检测种子活力和统计...     

‘Chillum’ jar,a better technique for screening of rhizobia under summer conditions

Summary In the present investigations ‘Chillum’ jar assembly was found to provide more favourable environmental conditions for rhizobia to nodulate leguminous plants particularly under summer conditions than the usual Leonard jar assembly. When thirty pigeon pea rhizobia isolates were tested for their nodulation efficiency in both Leonard jars as well as ‘Chillum’ jars, it was noticed that there was no nodulation in any of the isolates under Leonard jars whereas all isolates were nodulating well under ‘Chillum’ jars conditions. This was probably due to lowering of temperature in ‘Chillum’ jar caused by rapid evaporation from the outer surface of ‘Chillum’ jar assembly. The maximum temperature recorded in ‘Chillum’ jar was 34°C whereas in Leonard jars it was 46.5°C.     

Effect of temperature,anaerobiosis, stirring and salt addition on natural fermentation silage of sardine and sardine wastes in sugarcane molasses

Conditions for a natural fermentation during ensilage of sardines or their waste in sugarcane molasses (60:40 w/w) were evaluated regarding the effect of temperature (15, 25 and 35 degrees C), anaerobiosis (closed vs. open jars), daily stirring of the mixture, and salt addition to the initial mix at 5% (w/w) level. Successful natural fermentation took place in sardine silages incubated at 25 or 35 degrees C in open jars to reach a pH of 4.4 in about 2 and 1 weeks, respectively. For samples kept at 15 degrees C, the pH decline was very slow and pH did not decrease below 5.5 after one month of incubation. At 25 degrees C, the most favorable conditions for silage of sardine waste in cane molasses, as evidenced by the fastest decline in pH to a stable value of about 4.4, were achieved in closed jars and with daily stirring of the mix. The pH 4.4 was reached in one week with an advance of at least 3 days compared to the other conditions (open jars and closed jars without daily stirring). Addition of salt at 5% (w/w) in the mix before incubation inhibited the fermentation process.     

Sequential release and residual activity of temephos applied as sand granules to water-storage jars for the control of Aedes aegypti larvae (Diptera: Culicidae).

Two long-term experiments were carried out on the release profile and efficacy of temephos 1% GR (sand granules) against Aedes aegypti larvae in water-storage containers. In the first experiment, the efficacy of temephos 1% GR enclosed and tied in a muslin cloth and placed in water at the bottom of 200 L earthen water-storage jars was studied by exposing the packets for four to nine wk in one set ofjars and then transferring them sequentially to new sets ofjars four times successively. Temephos released slowly from the granules, the magnitude of release being adequate in the initial period of two to three wk after treatment. Following this period, the efficacy of the granules increased substantially where 92-100% inhibition of emergence even at the lowest dosage of 1 g/100 L (0.05 mg/L AI) was obtained for about another five mo or longer. On removal of the packets from a given set of jars, the released residues remaining in the jars and water lasted a maximum of one to six wk post-removal depending on the magnitude of prior release into the jars. This experiment provided clear evidence that temephos is released slowly over a long period of time in water-storage jars. In the second experiment, we compared the efficacy of temephos 1% GR at 1 and 10 g (0.05 and 0.5 mg/L AI) per 200-L water in jars painted and unpainted on the inside. The efficacy in the painted jars, although high, was consistently lower than that in the unpainted jars, where 99-100% control of larvae was achieved at both rates for a minimum of five mo after treatment. On the basis of this experimental evidence, it is desirable to study the efficacy of lower dosages of temephos than those currently used in Ae. aegypti control programs. The use of controlled release formulations or sachets that are retrievable during cleaning and washing will be more practical and desirable. Both of these interventions will make the program more cost effective.     

Effect of incubation conditions at 55 C on moisture loss from agar plates

The percentage of moisture loss was least from plates incubated in plastic bags, sealed jars, or in a humid chamber. There was a stacking effect noted in plates incubated in plastic bags and sealed jars.     

Differences in population parameters of twoTribolium castaneum strains in environments of different shapes

1. Survival and duration of development of two Tribolium castaneum strains were not the same when reared in environments of different shapes under the same external conditions.
2. The bb strain survived better in jars than vials. The ++ strain survived better in vials than in jars of type 3.
3. Both strains (as well as their hybrid (+b)) developed faster in vials (type 1) than in shallow jars (type 2). Both strains developed faster in jars of type 3 than in vials, at the low density. At the high density, the strains reacted differently: ++ developed faster in vials, but bb developed faster in jars.
4. Cultures of “selected” strains followed the population trends they exhibited in the selection experiments from which they came.
5. In both densities and in all environments, mean individual weight of ++ adults was always higher then that of bb, suggesting that this character is, at least in part, genetically determined.
6. The differences in survival and developmental period in environments of different shapes may be due to microclimatic differences between environments and to changes produced in them by the developing immatures.

     

Heteropteran insects as mosquito predators in water jars in southern Vietnam

Residents of Vietnam living in areas with water shortages and/or poor tap water maintain water storage containers, such as jars, in and around their domiciles in order to store water used in daily life. Although these water jars are known to be important breeding sources of the Aedes mosquito, use of chemical larvicides in such containers is legally prohibited in Vietnam. In this study, we identified the dominant mosquito insect predators in water jars in and around residences located in Tan Chanh, Long An, southern Vietnam. Of 3,646 Heteroptera collected from such jars, Corixidae (Micronecta spp.) and Veliidae (Microvelia spp.) were revealed to be the dominant predators. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis revealed that 40% of Micronecta and 12% of Veliidae had Aedes aegypti‐positive reactions, indicating that these two dominant Heteroptera are important predators of Ae. aegypti. Our results suggest that aquatic Heteroptera may be an important mosquito control agent in addition to the currently used copepods.     

Influence of size of culture vessel on in vitro proliferation of grape in a liquid medium

The in vitro proliferation of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Liemberger in a liquid medium was compared in 125 and 250 ml Erlenmeyer flasks and in 473 ml (pint) Mason jars. After 6 weeks of culture the jars yielded a significantly greater number of shoots 3 mm or longer than the flasks. Jars yielded the greatest number of shoots 7 mm or longer, followed by 250 ml, then 125 ml flasks. The mean length of shoots in the 250 ml flasks was significantly greater than that of shoots in 125 ml flasks. The final mean fresh weight of the cultures in jars was significantly less than that of the cultures in flasks. Thus the size of vessel used influenced the in vitro proliferation of grapevines in liquid culture.     

Convenient anaerobic techniques, science from the supermarket shelf

We describe the application and evaluation of a widely available commercial jar as an anaerobic container suitable for the growth of a wide variety of anaerobes. A system for generating stable anaerobiosis was developed by combining standard anaerobic environment generators with Click-Clack jars produced by Click-Clack Ltd. This system was simple, reliable, and reduced capital outlay on anaerobic jars by at least an order of magnitude.     

Further studies on the influence of variations in the enrichment method for the detection of salmonellae

Faeces and mesenteric lymph nodes of pigs were examined for salmonellae. Two jars of Müller-Kauffmann's tetrathionate broth and two jars of Osborn-Stoke's selenite — brilliant green medium were inoculated. After both 24 hr and 72 hr incubation periods subinoculations on Kauffmann's brilliant green — phenol red medium were made in duplicate from each jar.Planting after 24 hr and 72 hr incubation periods resulted in an increase in the number of positive results, whereas plating in duplicate after 24 hr failed to do so.Plating after the 24 hr incubation period from two different jars containing the same enrichment medium resulted in an increase in the number of positive results equivalent to that obtained by plating after the 72 hr incubation period from one jar.With faeces, both enrichment media gave approximately equal numbers of positive results. With lymph nodes, the selenite — brilliant green medium gave more positive results than were obtained with Müller-Kauffmann's tetrathionate broth.     

Metabiotic effect of Bacillus licheniformis on Clostridium botulinum: implications for home-canned tomatoes.

The metabiotic effect of Bacillus licheniformis on Clostridium botulinum was examined. B. licheniformis elevated the pH of a model system with an initial pH of 4.4 so that C. botulinum grew and produced toxin. Toxin production was observed when spores from both species were coinoculated at levels as low as 10 spores per ml. When pint jars of tomatoes were used, canner size contributed to a 10,000-fold difference in the lethality of a boiling water bath process on B. licheniformis spores. Botulinal toxin was not detected in pH-elevated jars of tomatoes containing C. botulinum spores.     

Acetylene reduction assay for nitrogen fixation under field conditions in remote areas

Summary A method for intensively sampling soil for nitrogen fixation potential using acetylene reduction assay is discussed. Acetylene was generated from calcium carbide. Soil cores were incubated in Mason jars with specially adapted lids. Air samples from the jars were stored and transported over dry KOH in 10 ml serum vials. The method overcomes many problems associated with other sampling procedures, and produces statistically reproducible data.Contribution #4 — Devon Island IBP Project and CCIBP contribution #173.Contribution #4 — Devon Island IBP Project and CCIBP contribution #173.     

Methods for Detecting Carbohydrate Fermentation by Gram-Negative Nonsporeforming Anaerobes

Fermentation of carbohydrates by gram-negative anaerobes may be detected rapidly and conveniently in small volumes of thioglycollate broth, incubated in Gas-Pak jars.     

The use of glutaraldehyde in tuberculosis laboratory discard jars

A 4 log reduction, equivalent to a 99-99% kill in the number of tubercle bacilli, was obtained when glutaraldehyde was used in experimental discard jars in a tuberculosis laboratory.     

南四湖浮游动物群落结构特征及其与环境因子的关系

为探讨南四湖浮游动物多样性特征及其与水质的相关性,于2012年夏季(7月)和冬季(12月)对南四湖浮游动物的群落结构进行了系统研究,结合历史数据,分析了南四湖浮游动物群落的多样性特征和时间变化。共采集到浮游动物163种,其中,轮虫78种,原生动物65种,枝角类17种,桡足类3种。夏季记录浮游动物种类数(141种)高于冬季(105种)。从四个湖区来看,微山湖浮游动物种数最多(102种),其次是南阳湖(95种)和昭阳湖(80种),独山湖(73种)较少。南四湖浮游动物全年平均密度为2 192 ind/L,平均生物量为2.27 mg/L。除原生动物外,其他三类浮游动物夏季的平均密度和生物量都高于冬季。采用丰富度指数、Shannon-Wiener指数和均匀度指数对浮游动物多样性进行了评价,结果均显示,南四湖浮游动物多样性夏季高于冬季。通过回归分析发现,总氮是影响浮游动物密度的主要因素,总氮和水温是影响浮游动物生物量的主要因素,p H和电导率是影响浮游动物多样性的主要因素。     

Seasonal Patterns of Abundance: Do Zooplankton in Small Ponds do the Same Thing Every Spring–Summer?

Small ponds ( ≤ 2 ha) are often a common landscape feature, but their ecology has been less well studied than that of lakes. Studies of some lakes and reservoirs show among-year repeatability in the seasonal abundance of different zooplankton (i.e., succession). For small ponds the seasonal dynamics of zooplankton community structure are relatively unstudied, as are any mechanisms underlying these dynamics. We took a community-level approach to studying the spring–summer abundance of zooplankton in two small Ohio ponds. In particular we wanted to know if repeatable patterns exist for zooplankton community structure in these ponds. We surveyed the spring–summer zooplankton communities in the ponds from 2001 to 2003 and used community-level ordination techniques (i.e., non-metric multidimensional scaling, NMDS) to characterize the assemblages. For both ponds the seasonal pattern of total zooplankton abundance differed significantly among years. We found that the proportional abundance of taxa across the season also varied among years. Elements of the zooplankton community, as described by the NMDS dimensions, showed among-year variation in the spring–summer trajectories that developed. Some of the variation in these zooplankton communities was associated with seasonal changes in water temperature. This among-year variation in the seasonal pattern of zooplankton community structure suggests that community dynamics in these small ponds may not be very repeatable. These complex dynamics of zooplankton thus challenges us to improve our characterization of zooplankton communities in small ponds such that we can better understand the factors that drive the patterns we observe.     

Roles of parasitic fungi in aquatic food webs: a theoretical approach

1. Parasites are ubiquitous in ecosystems, but their roles in material transfer are poorly understood. Fungal parasites in freshwater ecosystems are of major importance to small heterotrophic eukaryotes and consume large phytoplankton that are resistant to zooplankton grazing. 2. To evaluate their ecosystem‐level effects, we developed a simple food web model that incorporates competition between small and large phytoplankton for nutrients, zooplankton grazing on small phytoplankton, fungal parasitism on large phytoplankton and includes a newly discovered trophic link from fungal zoospores to zooplankton (F‐Z link). 3. Our model demonstrates the likely occurrence of an indirect mutualism between fungi and zooplankton, in which fungal parasitism increases zooplankton production by reducing the biomass of inedible large phytoplankton. Contradicting the expectation from a previous short‐term experiment that the F‐Z link may benefit zooplankton, the presence of the F‐Z link can reduce material transfer from phytoplankton to zooplankton because of the negative effect of the indirect mutualism. The model indicates that high growth efficiency of fungi on host tissue and their high nutrient status for zooplankton are crucial for the F‐Z link to increase zooplankton production. 4. The model also indicates that the contribution of material transfer via F‐Z link to zooplankton increases with nutrient availability. Our results suggest that parasitic fungi may be a key player in material transfer, especially in eutrophic ecosystems.