An automatic feeder for infant rats

An automatic feeder for infant rats was developed which consisted of a rectangular container in which tubes were passed through the front and back walls and sloped slightly from the back to the front. Nursing bottles were inserted into the tubes from the back until the nipples projected 5 mm from holes in the rubber stoppers which closed the tubes at the front. At the surface of the front wall around the nipples, there was material similar in feel to that of the skin and fur of mother rats. Milk was fed from a tank to the nursing bottles by a peristaltic pump. After training 3-day-old infants which were nursed by mother rats during the first three days, they found the nipples and suckled milk by themselves. At the time of weaning, the automatically-fed infants gained as much weight as the mother nursed-infants.     

Minerals leached into drinking water from rubber stoppers.

Drinking water and its delivery system are potential sources of variation in animal research. Concern arose that rubber stoppers used to cork water bottles might be a source of some nutritionally required minerals which could leach into drinking water. Six types of stoppers, each having different compositions, were cleaned with stainless-steel sipper tubes inserted into them and attached to polypropylene bottles filled with either deionized water (pH 4.5) or acidified-deionized water (pH 2.5). After six days of contact, water levels of copper, magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc, chromium, and selenium were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Additionally, three of the stopper types were analyzed for mineral content. Minerals were present in both stoppers and drinking water. Acidified-deionized water generally leached minerals from the stoppers than did deionized water. The black stopper which is commonly used in animal facilities contained and leached measurable levels of some minerals, but it still can be recommended for typical animal husbandry uses, although other types of stoppers would be more suitable for specific nutritional and toxicologic studies.     

New assay technique for reactions that produce radioactive gases

A new technique is described for the radioassay of gas-producing reactions. The technique is simple and rapid and is useful for the determination of enzyme activities on a routine basis. The technique involves a closed reaction system and gas-solid scintillation counting with scintillator plastic.     

Problems in the measurement of zinc using heparin as an anticoagulant

Although several reports imply that anticoagulants and preservatives contain zinc, the quantity of zinc in heparin, if any, has not been documented. Zinc concentration was determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy in varying dilutions of multiple commercially obtained samples of purified sodium heparin N = 15 (microgram Zn/1000 Units heparin). Rubber stoppers of sterile heparin vials and of blood evacuation tubes were incubated in pre-analyzed water or saline on a mechanical shaker with fluid aliquots obtained up to 27 hours and analyzed for zinc content (microgram Zn/0.1 ml). Heparin, with contact or without contact with rubber stoppers, recorded identical zinc concentrations. Zinc concentrations varied from 0.222 +/- 0.01 (mean +/- SE) to 3.49 +/- 0.005 microgram Zn/1000 Units heparin. Leaching of zinc from rubber stoppers of vacutainer tubes (N = 9) was noted only with those containing known chelators of zinc. These results indicate that zinc is present in certain lots of sodium heparin and that caution must be exercised when reporting zinc concentrations of blood samples that contain sodium heparin as the anticoagulant.     

Ethylene enhances shoot formation in cultures of the peach rootstock GF-677 (Prunus persica x P. amygdalus)

The influence of ethylene on shoot formation from GF-677 (Prunus persica × P. amygdalus) shoot tip explants was studied in vitro. Cultures in test tubes were placed inside 5 1 glass jars and supplemented with various ethylene concentrations (0–10 ppm). Ethylene at 0.1 ppm, applied during the first 2 weeks of culture, increased the number and the length of shoots produced in vitro. Test tubes with cultures sealed with various types of closure accumulated in their atmosphere different levels of ethylene ranging from 0.1 to 1.2 ppm, depending on the type of closure. Test tubes with cotton-wool bungs had the least while those with serum stoppers had the highest amount of ethylene. The maximum number of shoots was recorded in test tubes covered with serum stoppers. The ethylene concentration was related linearly (R=0.974) to the shoot number and exponentially (R=0.975) to the shoot length.Abbreviations BA benzyladenine - IAA indoleacetic acid - HSD honestly significant difference     

Growth of Bacteria in Inorganic Medium at Different Levels of Airborne Organic Substances

Invasion rates of airborne organic substances into sterile mineral medium were compared by using flasks closed with cotton stoppers, silicone stoppers, and screw caps with Teflon gaskets. The resulting increases of dissolved organic carbon were 0.5, 0.2, and 0 mg/liter per week, respectively. The compounds supported the growth of lake water bacteria and a strain of Pseudomonas fluorescens. Growth rates were correlated to the permeability of the stoppers used. The measured input of organic carbon in the sterile mineral medium is considered to be a minimum value for the actual contribution of organic compounds by the air. Multiplication rates of the bacteria suggest that the organisms prevent the escape of volatile organic substances from the medium by rapid utilization. The steady nutrient supply through the air should be considered in growth experiments with bacteria at low concentrations of nutrients.     

A closed system for the filtration of Mycobacterium bovis liquid cultures using disposable capsule filters

A filtration system was designed to sterilize large volumes of Mycobacterium bovis BCG Tokyo culture safely, needed to purify protein antigens for immunodiagnosis of bovine tuberculosis. A closed system consists of culture bottles connected to three disposable filter capsules of decreasing pore size in series : a depth prefilter over a 1·2 μm filter ; a 0·8 μm prefilter over a 0·45 μm filter ; and a 0·2 μm sterile filter. Low air pressure (3 psi) forces liquid from below the bacillary pellicle. The system features a stainless steel clamp to hold rubber stoppers on the culture bottles, pleated filters to exclude bacillary clumps, a quick disconnector to minimize aerosols, and a closed system with plastic disposable filters that can be autoclaved as a unit without dismantling.     

Inhibition of Intracellular Pectin Transport in Pollen Tubes by Monensin,Brefeldin A and Cytochalasin D*

Specific inhibitors of the secretory pathway represent important tools for investigation of cell wall synthesis and tip growth in pollen tubes. Brefeldin A completely inhibits germination of Nicotiana tabacum pollen tubes at 2.2 μM. Ultrastructural investigation of pollen tube cytoplasm showed that brefeldin A caused the appearance of reticular structures and “brefeldin A compartments” containing unesterified pectins. Monensin caused inhibition of pollen tube germination at 80 nM. The drug induced swelling of the Golgi cisternae, many of which contained methyl-esterified pectins. Cytochalasin D was effective at 1 μg/ml, the inhibition of germination being fully reversible. Application of the drug caused accumulation of secretory vesicles containing methyl-esterified pectin around the dictyosomes. In contrast to brefeldin A and monensin, cytochalasin D caused a slowdown of cytoplasmic streaming. Monensin, but not the other drugs, caused a considerable decrease in pollen tube diameter. The characterization and quantification of the effects of the drugs on pollen tubes represents a necessary prerequisite for their application in physiological studies.     

Suppression of Brown Spot Disease of Cultivated Chrysanthemum by Manipulating Phototropic Response of Conidium Germ Tubes of Septoria obesa

An antagonistic effect between the UV-blue (shorter than 500 nm) and red (longer than 600 nm) wave regions on the induction of phototropic response in conidium germ tubes has been demonstrated in the fungus Septoria obesa, the causal organism of brown spot disease of cultivated chrysanthemum. Phototropic response of conidium germ tubes was dependent on the ratio of the fluence rates between negative phototropism-inducing UV-blue wave region and positive phototropism-inducing red wave region. Elimination of the UV wave region shorter than 390 nm by an ultraviolet absorbing vinyl film significantly reduced the negative phototropic response of conidium germ tubes and suppressed the invasion of the fungus through the stomata. Thus, a manipulation of the phototropic response of conidium germ tubes by controlling light quality resulted in the suppression of brown spot disease of cultivated chrysanthemum.     

Cytoskeleton in Pollen and Pollen Tubes of Ginkgo biloba L.

The distribution of F-actin and microtubules was investigated in pollen and pollen tubes of Ginkgo biloba L. using a confocal laser scanning microscope after fluorescence and immunofluorescence labeling. A dense F-actin network was found in hydrated Ginkgo pollen. When Ginkgo pollen was germinating,F-actin mesh was found under the plasma membrane from which the pollen tube would emerge. After pollen germination, F-actin bundles were distributed axially in long pollen tubes of G. biloba. Thick F-actin bundles and network were found in the tip of the Ginkgo pollen tube, which is opposite to the results reported for the pollen tubes of some angiosperms and conifers. In addition, a few circular F-actin bundles were found in Ginkgo pollen tubes. Using immunofluorescence labeling, a dense microtubule network was found in hydrated Ginkgo pollen under confocal microscope. In the Ginkgo pollen tube, the microtubules were distributed along the longitudinal axis and extended to the tip. These results suggest that the cytoskeleton may have an essential role in the germination of Ginkgo pollen and tube growth.     

Biology and Structure of Phytomonas staheli sp. n., a Trypanosomatid Located in Sieve Tubes of Coconut and Oil Palms

SYNOPSIS. Phytomonas staheli sp. n. is described from the oil palm ( Elaeis guineensis ) and the coconut palm ( Cocos nucifera ) of Surinam, South America. The phytomonad is the probable cause of "Hartrot" in the coconut palm and "Marchitez sopresiva" in oil palms. Parasites are confined to the sieve tubes in palms. Some success was obtained at cultivation of the organism from Elaeis.     

System for evaluating clostridial inhibition in cured meat products.

A method for evaluating inhibition of Clostridium botulinum, C. sporogenes, and C. perfringens in cured meat products was developed. This system can easily be used in the microbiology laboratory using aluminum ointment tubes as the product container. Swells caused by gas production by the organism are easily observed by using the aluminum tubes. Results obtained confirmed earlier work on the inhibitory effect of sodium nitrite and sorbic acid against the clostridia in cured meat products.     

System for evaluating clostridial inhibition in cured meat products.

A method for evaluating inhibition of Clostridium botulinum, C. sporogenes, and C. perfringens in cured meat products was developed. This system can easily be used in the microbiology laboratory using aluminum ointment tubes as the product container. Swells caused by gas production by the organism are easily observed by using the aluminum tubes. Results obtained confirmed earlier work on the inhibitory effect of sodium nitrite and sorbic acid against the clostridia in cured meat products.     

花粉管细胞壁结构及胞质运动

花粉管的极性顶端生长是将雄配子体运输到子房的过程,在高等植物有性生殖过程中起着重要的作用。花粉管的生长过程包括许多方面,其中最为重要的是花粉管细胞壁的合成和胞质运动。本文就细胞壁的结构及组成,生殖细胞和营养核的移位,细胞器以及分泌小泡的运动等方面作了较全面论述。     

Studies on Freshwater Bacteria: The Effect of Enclosure in Large Experimental Tubes

S ummary . A study of viable aerobic heterotrophic bacteria in the open water of Blelham Tarn and in 2 large experimental tubes introduced into the tarn, demonstrated certain differences between the populations during the period of thermal stratification. Whereas a relatively stable mixture of several species was found in the tarn, the populations of the tubes were often dominated by cycles of single species, including those from genera tentatively identified as Acinetobacter, Flavobacterium group, Moraxella , coryneform group and Aeromonas. It was not possible to be certain which factors had caused this change in the species composition, but it was noted that some nutrients, especially phosphate-phosphorus and iron, became depleted in the tubes. The other major difference between the tarn and the experimental tubes was that complete deoxygenation of the hypolimnion was found only in the former. The bacterial populations of the tarn and the tubes were similar after overturn and during all periods when conditions were isothermal.     

A Method for Staining Pollen Tubes in Pistil

A quadruple staining procedure has been developed for staining pollen tubes in pistil. The staining mixture is made by adding the following in the order given: lactic acid, 80 ml; 1% aqueous malachite green, 4 ml; 1% aqueous acid fuchsia, 6 ml; 1% aqueous aniline blue, 4 ml; 1 % orange G in 50% alcohol, 2 ml; and chloral hydrate, 5 g. Pistils are fixed for 6 hr in modified Carnoy's fluid (absolute alcohol:chloroform:glacial acetic acid 6:4:1), hydrated in descending alcohols, transferred to stain and held there for 24 hr at 45±2 C They were then transferred to a clearing and softening fluid containing 78 ml lactic acid, 10 g phenol, 10 g chloral hydrate and 2 ml 1% orange G. The pistils were held there for 24 hr at 45±2 C, hydrolyzed in the clearing and softening fluid at 58±1 C for SO min, then stored in lactic acid for later use or immediately mounted in a drop of medium containing equal parts of lactic acid and glycerol for examination. Pollen tubes are stained dark blue to bluish red and stylar tissue light green to light greenish blue. This stain permits pollen tubes to be traced even up to their entry into the micropyle.     

Mycobiota in Portuguese 'normal' and 'green' cork throughout the manufacturing process of stoppers

The compounds responsible for the so-called 'cork taint' include, among others, some microbial metabolites which can be produced by the microbial population colonizing the unprocessed cork and stoppers. This study was intended to obtain information on the mycobiota associated with Portuguese cork throughout the manufacturing process of stoppers. Samples of barks and stoppers of both 'normal' and 'green' cork were examined. Moulds were isolated from 'normal' and 'green' cork throughout the entire cork stopper manufacturing process. Yeasts were rarely detected in the corks. Fungal contamination was not detected in finished stoppers from the company under study.     

Liquid Scintillation Radioassay in Disposable Microcentrifuge Tubes: Radioimmune Precipitates and Other Applications

A simple, economical radioassay system employing disposable polypropylene microcentrifuge tubes was developed. Plastic adapters permitted automatic operation in liquid scintillation spectrometers. Counting efficiencies of (3)H, (14)C, (32)P, and (125)I in liquid scintillation cocktails and of (32)P by Cerenkov radiation (at lower efficiency in absence of added scintillator) were comparable to those in standard vials. Multipurpose use of the microtubes made the system versatile and expedient, e.g., collection of precipitates and radioassay in the same container. Collection of radioimmune precipitates was aided by a carrier inorganic precipitate, Mg(2)P(2)O(7).     

Exogenous bacterial contamination of donor blood.

The Canadian Red Cross blood transfusion service has followed a set protocol for phlebotomy and collection of a unit of blood. Recent requirements for automated testing have necessitated that a second tube of blood be obtained from the blood line following collection of the unit. Evaluation of the techniques used, however, has indicated the possibility of bacterial contamination from the skin of donors, from insertion of the needle through an unsterile rubber stopper, and through backflow from a nonsterile vacuum tube. To test these possibilities swabs were taken from skin and stoppers of vacuum tubes. Further, vacuum tubes were deliberately contaminated with Escherichia coli. The normal sampling procedure, which involves stripping the donor line to refill and mix the blood, was then followed. This resulted in contamination of the segments and even the blood bag. These findings led to modification of the standard bleeding technique, whereby stripping was eliminated and sterile vacuum tubes were to be used at all times.