Survival of T3 Coliphage in Varied Extracellular Environments. I. Viability of the Coliphage During Storage and in Aerosols

The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of using airborne T3 coliphage as a viral tracer in microbial aerosols. Although T3 coliphage was relatively stable when stored either at temperatures ranging from 21 to 37 C or in the frozen state at -20 C, there was a 2-log loss in infectivity when stored for 72 days at 4 C. Either agitation of stored coliphage suspensions held at 31 C or wide fluctuations in storage temperature produced an increased loss of infectivity. In the airborne state, freshly prepared coliphage and stored coliphage behaved similarly, with survival diminishing as the relative humidity (RH) was lowered. The greatest loss occurred during the first five min following aerosolization. The results showed that only under certain conditions of temperature and relative humidity can T3 coliphage be used as a satisfactory aerosol tracer.     

Effects of Atmospheric Humidity and Temperature on the Survival of Airborne Flavobacterium

The survival of airborne Flavobacterium sp. in particle sizes ranging from 1 to 5 μm was significantly influenced by atmospheric temperature. A progressive increase in temperature from −18 to 49 C resulted in increases in death rates of the airborne organism. The lowest death rates were observed in the temperature range of −40 to −18 C, and the highest death rates were observed in the 29 to 49 C range. At 24 C, the survival of airborne Flavobacterium did not appear to be significantly affected by relative humidity ranging from 25 to 99%.     

Reaction of Airborne Rhizobium meliloti to Some Environmental Factors

Survival of Rhizobium meliloti 102F5 in aerosols at 20 C was maximal at high relative humidity (RH) and minimal at low RH. Relatively high concentrations of NO(2), SO(2), or formaldehyde were needed to significantly reduce viability of R. meliloti in aerosols at 50% RH. Except for the reduction in activity of formaldehyde by SO(2), there was no additive or antagonistic effect of mixing pollutants. High environmental RH enhanced bactericidal activity of NO(2) and SO(2). High RH minimized and low RH accentuated the biological effect of ultraviolet light of 300 to 400 nm wavelength.     

几个因素对木霉菌株T-33产生厚垣孢子的影响

研究了几个因素对黄绿木霉(Trichoderma aureoviride)T-33菌株发酵产生厚垣孢子的影响,并在此基础上进行正交试验,得到了主要影响因子的较好组合。实验表明,适合T-33产生厚垣孢子的最佳单因素条件分别是:燕麦粉培养液,30℃,pH4·0,120r/min,24h振荡培养,采用250mL三角瓶培养时,装入培养液的最适量为80mL/瓶;正交试验表明,影响产孢的主要因子温度、pH和振荡速度的最佳组合为30℃、pH4·0、140r/min。在这样的条件下,可获得的厚垣孢子量为3·37×107个/mL。     

Enhanced Recovery of Airborne T3 Coliphage and Pasteurella pestis Bacteriophage by Means of a Presampling Humidification Technique

This paper reports a series of experiments in which two methods of collecting airborne bacteriophage particles were compared. A standard aerosol sampler, the AGI-30, was evaluated for its competence in measuring the content of bacteriophage aerosols. It was used alone or with a prewetting or humidification device (humidifier bulb) to recover T(3) coliphage and Pasteurella pestis bacteriophage particles from aerosols maintained at 21 C and varied relative humidity. Collection of bacteriophage particles via the humidifier bulb altered both the initial recovery level and the apparent biological decay. Sampling airborne bacteriophage particles by the AGI-30 alone yielded data that apparently underestimated the maximal number of potentially viable particles within the aerosol, sometimes by as much as 3 logs.     

Effects of Landscape-Scale Environmental Variation on Greater Sage-Grouse Chick Survival

Effective long-term wildlife conservation planning for a species must be guided by information about population vital rates at multiple scales. Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) populations declined substantially during the twentieth century, largely as a result of habitat loss and fragmentation. In addition to the importance of conserving large tracts of suitable habitat, successful conservation of this species will require detailed information about factors affecting vital rates at both the population and range-wide scales. Research has shown that sage-grouse population growth rates are particularly sensitive to hen and chick survival rates. While considerable information on hen survival exists, there is limited information about chick survival at the population level, and currently there are no published reports of factors affecting chick survival across large spatial and temporal scales. We analyzed greater sage-grouse chick survival rates from 2 geographically distinct populations across 9 years. The effects of 3 groups of related landscape-scale covariates (climate, drought, and phenology of vegetation greenness) were evaluated. Models with phenological change in greenness (NDVI) performed poorly, possibly due to highly variable production of forbs and grasses being masked by sagebrush canopy. The top drought model resulted in substantial improvement in model fit relative to the base model and indicated that chick survival was negatively associated with winter drought. Our overall top model included effects of chick age, hen age, minimum temperature in May, and precipitation in July. Our results provide important insights into the possible effects of climate variability on sage-grouse chick survival.     

Environmental Factors Affecting Airborne Pollen Concentration in Anemophilous Species of Plantago

Pollination of Plantago species in the Extremadura Region (SWof the Iberian Peninsula) was studied using three volumetrictraps located in the cities of Badajoz, Mérida and Cáceresbetween 1994 and 1999. Variations in atmospheric concentrationof Plantago pollen were analysed between locations, and annual,daily, and hourly variations recorded for each location. Thehighest concentrations of pollen were recorded at Cáceres,while the Mérida and Badajoz values were similar. Thisis explained by the nature of the surroundings of each city.Interannual variations in pollination levels were significantlycorrelated with autumn rains, which determine the extent ofdevelopment of the populations. The hourly patterns of pollencapture were well-defined and similar for all three study sites.Maximum levels were reached between 1000 and 1200 h. Nocturnalconcentrations were very low. Furthermore, this pattern wasmaintained throughout the flowering period, impling a very closelink with the patterns of anthesis of the species. The threestations showed similar patterns of daily variation, which weresignificantly correlated with certain meteorological parameters.Pollen concentrations were affected positively by temperature,but negatively by relative humidity. The influence of wind directionalso seemed to be explicable in these terms since the easterlywinds, which are dry and hot in this region, had a positiveinfluence, and the westerly winds which are moist and cool hada negative effect. The most relevant factor influencing levelsofPlantago pollen in the atmosphere was wind speed, which wasnegatively correlated with pollen levels. Copyright 2001 Annalsof Botany Company Plantago, aerobiology, reproduction, anemophily, pollen     

Influence of Environmental Factors on the Hatch and Survival of Meloidogyne incognita

The influence of soil temperature and moisture on Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood was examined in relation to hatching and survival of second-stage juveniles (J2). Nematodes were cultured on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. cv. Acala SJ2) under field conditions to provide populations similar to those found in the field in late autumn. Egg masses were placed in a temperature range (9-12 C and 21 C), and hatch was measured over a period equivalent to 20 degree days > 10 C (DD10). Hatch occurred below the reported 18 C activity threshold, was restricted below 12 C, and was inhibited below 10 C. Soil moisture influence on hatch was measured by placing egg masses in Hesperia sandy loam and subjecting them to suction pressures ranging from -1.1 bars to -4 .5 bars. Suction potentials of less than -2 bars reduced hatch and less than -3 bars inhibited hatch. J2 were placed in sandy loam soil with soil moisture near field capacity, and their motility was measured over a period of 500 DD10. In the absence of a host, more than 90% of J2 became nonmotile over this period.     

Influence of Relative Humidity on the Survival of Some Airborne Viruses

A system for studying the effects of relative humidity (RH) and temperature on biological aerosols, utilizing a modified toroid for a static aerosol chamber, is described. Studies were conducted at 23 C and at three RH levels (10, 35, and 90%) with four viruses (Newcastle disease virus, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, and Escherichia coli B T3 bacteriophage). Virus loss on aerosol generation was consistently lower at 90% than at 10 or 35% RH. When stored at 23 C, Newcastle disease virus and vesicular stomatitis virus survived best at 10% RH. Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus and E. coli B T3 bacteriophage survived storage at 23 C best at 90% RH.     

Effect of Relative Humidity on the Survival of Airborne Unicellular Algae

A method is described which is suitable for assessing the effects of relative humidity (RH) on the viability of two unicellular algae in experimental aerosols. Viable cells of Nannochloris atomus collected from the airborne state were detected by plating onto agar surfaces of an appropriate growth medium, whereas viable airborne cells of Synechococcus sp., because of unreliable growth on solid media, were determined by a liquid assay system. The assays were performed at intervals during short-term and prolonged storage of algal aerosols in chambers preconditioned to a selected RH and temperature. Both species showed the greatest loss in viability during the first minute after atomization, and the extent of this inactivation, as a function of RH, reflected the subsequent long-term survival. The airborne eukaryotic alga was unable to survive at an RH below 91%, whereas the airborne prokaryotic alga was comparatively stable over a wide humidity range. Initial inactivation was least and long-term survival best, for both species, at 94% RH.     

Effect of Temperature on Survival of Airborne Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Aerosols of Mycoplasma pneumoniae were prepared at each of eight relative humidities between 0 and 85% and at five separate temperatures between 10 and 43 C. Survival of these organisms was found to be a function of both relative humidity and temperature. However, the temperature response was mediated by humidity in that the effects of temperature could be observed only if some water vapor was present. At all temperatures, survival of M. pneumoniae in aerosols was found to be best at the extremes of relative humidity. The effects of temperature were such that irrespective of relative humidity an increase in temperature resulted in a decreased airborne survival time.     

不同环境条件对白灵侧耳菌丝生长的影响

对白灵侧耳(Pleurotus nebrodensis)菌丝生长适宜的温度、培养料含水量、pH值进行了研究。结果表明,白灵侧耳菌丝生长的适宜温度范围为22~28℃,最适温度28℃;培养料适宜绝对含水量65%~75%,最适绝对含水量75%;适宜pH值为5.02~7.24,最适pH值5.79。     

环境因子对龙脑香科幼苗的生长和存活的影响研究进展

就光照、水分、动物捕食和菌根共生体对龙脑香科(Dipterocarpaceae)植物幼苗生长与死亡的影响进行了综述,并对未来研究的发展方向作一展望。光照是影响龙脑香科植物幼苗生长和存活的最重要的资源条件,林窗中的较强光照有利于幼苗的生长与存活。引起龙脑香科植物幼苗死亡的主要原因是干旱;脊椎动物捕食增加龙脑香科植物幼苗的死亡,昆虫对幼苗叶片捕食造成的死亡只发生在叶片大量损失或幼苗较小的情况下。龙脑香科植物幼苗能通过与真菌形成共生体从成年植株获得营养和水分供应而生长,尤其在资源亏缺的条件下更为明显。     

Germination and Survival of Fusarium graminearum Macroconidia as Affected by Environmental Factors

The effects of temperature (4–20°C), relative humidity (RH, 0–100%), pH (3–7), availability of nutrients (0–5 g/l sucrose) and artificial light (0–494 μmol/m²/s) on macroconidial germination of Fusarium graminearum were studied. Germ tubes emerged between 2 and 6 h after inoculation at 100% RH and 20°C. Incubation in light (205 ± 14 μmol/m/s) retarded the germination for approximately 0.5 h in comparison with incubation in darkness. The times required for 50% of the macroconidia to germinate were 3.5 h at 20°C, 5.4 h at 14°C and 26.3 h at 4°C. No germination was observed after an incubation period of 18 h at 20°C in darkness at RH less than 80%. At RH greater than 80%, germination increased with humidity. Germination was observed when macroconidia were incubated in glucose (5 g/l) or sucrose (concentration range from 2.5 × 10^?4 to 5 g/l) whereas no germination was observed when macroconidia were incubated in sterile deionized water up to 22 h. Macroconidia germinated quantitatively within 18 h at pH 3–7. Repeated freezing (?15°C) and thawing (20°C) water agar plates with either germinated or non‐germinated macroconidia for up to five times did not prevent fungal growth after thawing. However, the fungal growth rate of mycelium was negatively related to the number of freezing events the non‐germinated macroconidia experienced. The fungal growth rate of mycelium was not significantly affected by the number of freezing events the germinated spores experienced. Incubation of macroconidia at low humidity (0–53% RH) suppressed germination and decreased the viability of the spores.     

环境因素对实验室驯化按蚊的影响

较系统地阐述了实验室驯化按蚊(Anopheles)所需的环境条件,环境因素对驯化的影响和驯化时应注意的问题及本实验室驯化的经验。     

The Effects of Demographic Factors on the Environmental Awareness of Omani Citizens

In year 2007, a survey was conducted in the Sultanate of Oman in order to evaluate the current environmental awareness of the Omani general public and their willingness to protect the environment. The focus of the survey was to explore the role played by demographic factors (sex, age, and education level) in determining the environmental awareness of the Omani public. The survey was administered to 425 respondents among all areas of the entire Muscat governorate in Oman. The results of the survey revealed that the environmental awareness of the Omani public was related to gender, age, and education level. Males were found to have a higher level of knowledge about environmental issues than females. Males were also more environmentally concerned and tended to engage in more environmental behaviors than females. Younger and more educated respondents tended to be more knowledgeable and concerned about the environment than older and less educated respondents.     

几种主要环境因子对布朗葡萄藻(Botryococcus braunii)光合作用的影响

利用测定净光合放氧速率的方法研究了光照强度、温度、 pH值、盐度对布朗葡萄藻Botryococcus braunii UTEX 572和B.braunii UTEX 2441两个品系的光合作用的影响.B.braunii UTEX 572的适宜光照强度范围400～1600 μmol·m-2·s-1,光饱和点在800 μmol·m-2·s-1附近;适宜温度范围25～35℃,最适温度30℃;适宜pH范围5.0～8.0,最适pH7.0;适宜盐度范围0～0.2 mol/L,最适盐度0.1mol/L.B.braunii UTEX 2441的适宜光照强度范围400～1600 μmol·m-2·s-1,光饱和点在400 μmol·m-2·s-1附近;适宜温度范围25～35℃,最适温度30℃;适宜pH范围5.0～8.0,最适pH 7.0;对盐度的适应范围较小,盐度升高,光合放氧速率明显下降.两个布朗葡萄藻净光合放氧速率随光照强度、温度、pH值和盐度变化的规律,表明布朗葡萄藻的基本生理生态学特征:适应于较强的光照强度、较高的温度、中性偏酸的环境和较低的盐度.对布朗葡萄藻基本生理生态学特征的了解,为培养条件的优化提供了依据.2个布朗葡萄藻品系对光强、温度、pH值和盐度变化的反应有所不同:与B.braunii UTEX 2441相比,B.braunii UTEX 572具有更高的光饱和点,适应更高的温度,对pH值变化有更宽的适应范围,适当提高盐度对其光合作用有促进作用,表明B.braunii UTEX 572在快速生长繁殖方面具有更大的潜力,这一研究结果为筛选适合于大量培养的优良藻种提供了依据.     

Environmental Influences on Dall's Sheep Survival

Understanding how species respond to environmental conditions can assist with conservation strategies and harvest management, especially in arctic and boreal regions that are experiencing rapid climate change. Although climatic influences on species distributions have been studied, broad-scale effects of climate on survival are less well known. We examined the interactive effects of meteorological and remotely sensed environmental variables on survival of Dall's sheep (Ovis dalli dalli) lambs and adults by synthesizing radio-telemetry data across their range. We used data from 9 studies of adult sheep and 2 studies of lambs that were conducted between 1997 and 2012 at sites spanning the species' range in Alaska, USA, and northwestern Canada. We obtained environmental variables throughout the range of Dall's sheep, including the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) from optical remote sensing, freeze-thaw frequency (FTF) from passive microwave remote sensing, and gridded climate variables such as snow water equivalent, temperature, and precipitation. We used Cox proportional hazard regression to investigate the effects of environmental variables recorded during summer, winter, and the previous winter on annual survival rates of Dall's sheep lambs and adults. Summer NDVI was the most influential environmental factor affecting lamb survival, with improved lamb survival occurring in years with a high maximum NDVI. Also, lamb predation by coyotes (Canis latrans) and golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) decreased substantially with increasing NDVI. The previous winter FTF had the strongest effect on adult survival, with decreased survival occurring after winters with high FTF. In addition, these remotely sensed environmental factors interacted with meteorological factors to affect survival, such that effects of winter temperature depended on summer NDVI and winter FTF. Warm winters increased lamb survival only when preceded by summers with high NDVI, and warm winters increased adult survival only when winter FTF was low. Thus, potential benefits of climate warming may be counteracted if wintertime freeze-thaw events markedly increase. Correlations among environmental variables across sites were low, and regional climate cycles such as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) had weak effects, indicating substantial local variability in climatic conditions experienced by Dall's sheep across their range. These findings can help managers anticipate how Dall's sheep populations will respond to changes in local environmental conditions. Our results also highlight the utility of multiple remotely sensed environmental conditions for ungulate management, especially passive microwave products that provide valuable information on winter icing events. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.     

Survival of Yersinia pestis on Environmental Surfaces

The survival of two strains of Yersinia pestis (avirulent A1122 and virulent Harbin) on the surfaces of four materials was investigated. Viability was evaluated with epifluorescence microscopy by using the metabolic stain cyanoditolyl tetrazolium chloride and plate counts. Small numbers of cells suspended in phosphate buffer survived 2 to 4 h after visible drying on stainless steel, polyethylene, or glass and beyond 48 h on paper. Cells suspended in brain heart infusion broth (BHI) persisted more than 72 h on stainless steel, polyethylene, and glass. Small numbers of cells suspended in BHI were still viable at 120 h on paper. These data suggest that Y. pestis maintains viability for extended periods (last measured at 5 days) under controlled conditions.