An autoclavable intensive care isolator for the adult gnotobiotic dog.

A lightweight stainless steel isolator which allows 3 investigators simultaneous access to an adult gnotobiotic dog for the purpose of rendering intensive care was designed and constructed. This isolator is 54' high X 60' long X 42' wide. It has an 18' diam entry port at 1 end and a pair of gloves mounted beneath a window on each of the other 3 sides. The chamber rests on a 12' high pallet and is moved about the laboratory by a portable hydraulic platform lift. It can be rapidly cleansed with soap and water and sterilized in a large autoclave. Over the past 2 yr. this intensive care isolator has enabled us to perform a variety of manipulations on the adult gnotobiotic dog in a safe, convenient, and efficient manner.     

调水工程输水管道建设对地表植被格局的影响——以南水北调河北省易县段为例

随着生态环境不断恶化,水资源紧缺已成为全球性的环境问题,跨流域调水工程是保障区域水资源合理配置,保证区域生态安全、区域经济和社会可持续发展的重要措施之一。但是调水工程会不可避免的对施工建设区的生态系统带来人为干扰,对施工建设的地表植被格局产生影响。以南水北调中线一期工程河北省易县段大型输水管道工程建设区作为研究对象,选取了施工建设前(2000年)、施工建设期(2008年)和施工建设后(2013年)3个不同时间段的遥感影像数据,通过解译施工建设区地表植被类型的变化,采用象元二分法提取植被覆盖度,比较不同时期植被覆盖格局和土地利用格局的动态变化,探讨了输水管道建设对周边生态系统影响的范围和特点。研究表明:施工建设前、中、后期管道沿线土地利用类型有较大变化;随着输水管道的建设,人为干扰逐渐增强,施工作业带成为该区域的主要建设用地,并造成了弃置用地和土地裸露,减少了耕地和草地的面积。同时,输水管道建设施工对研究区内植被覆盖度产生了明显的影响,总体上呈现出先减少后增加的趋势。管道建设期对沿线植被、土壤生态系统影响明显,其范围主要在管道施工作业带中心两侧各100 m;在这个区域以外,影响强度大幅降低。     

The construction and operation of a low-cost poultry waste digester

A simple and low-cost poultry waste digester (PWD) was constructed to treat the waste from 4000 caged laying hens on University Research Unit No. 2 at North Carolina State University. The system was built basically of a plastic lining with insulation, a heating system, a hot-water tank, and other metering equipment. It was operated at 50 degrees C and pH 7.5-8.0. The initiation of methane production was achieved using the indigenous microflora in the poultry waste. At an optimal loading rate (7.5 kg volatile solids/m(3) day), the PWD produced biogas (55% methane) at a rate of 4.0 m(3)/m(3) day. The PWD was biologically stable and able to tolerate temporary overloads and shutdowns. A higher loading rate failed to maintain a high gas production rate and caused drops in methane content and pH value. Under optimal conditions, a positive energy balance was demonstrated with a net surplus of 50.6% of the gross energy. For methane production, the PWD system was proved to be technically feasible. The simple design and inexpensive materials used for this model could significantly reduce the cost of digestion compared to more conventional systems. More studies are needed to determine the durability, the required maintenance of the system, and the most economical method of biogas and solid residue utilization.     

Plastic isolators for treatment of acute leukaemia patients under "germ-free" conditions.

A gnotobiotic isolation system based on those developed in veterinary research has been constructed for hospital use. Fifteen patients with leukaemia and neutropenia spent a total of 110 weeks in plastic isolators, and none acquired any infection. Endogenous flora was effectively suppressed by topical antiseptics and gastrointestinal decontamination effected with nonabsorbable antibiotics. The isolator system was acceptable to patients and staff and much cheaper than the use of sterile rooms. Other advantages of the system are portability, easy storage, and use on ordinary open wards without prejudice to the microbiological protection afforded. It is as yet uncertain whether protective environments of this type will substantially improve the outcome of treatment for the acute leukaemias.     

Plant water potential measured continuously in the field

Summary A simple system is described which allowed the use of a stem attached psychrometer in the field. Water was circulated between a tank buried in the soil and the psychrometer and this sytem reduced temperature gradients sufficiently to enable continuous measurements of plant water potential to be made in the field. Measurements agreed with those taken independently with a destructive pressure chamber method.     

Exposure chamber for determining the biological effects of electric and magnetic fields on dairy cows

An exposure chamber was designed to study the effects of electric and magnetic fields (EMF) on oestrous cycles, hormonal profile during gestation, pineal function, quantity and quality of milk production, feed intake, and central nervous system of dairy cattle. The chamber was 15 x 10 x 3 m; and the control system was fully computerized so that the field intensities can be varied and monitored continuously, on site or remotely. During exposure to EMF, milk production, feed consumption, and health were monitored closely and blood and cerebral spinal fluid were continuously sampled. The chamber characteristics allow use of a wide range of exposure such as electric fields (0-30 kV/m) and magnetic fields (0-100 microT) at frequencies ranging from 45 to 3000 Hz.     

The distribution and condition of soil phosphate under old permanent pasture

Summary The distribution and condition of soil phosphate under old permanent pasture on Tree Field at Cockle Park was investigated. Two cereal crops were then grown to estimate the residual value of the phosphatic dressings which had been applied over a long period of time.The total-phosphate content of Tree Field soil was found to be concentrated in the surface layers and to a lesser extent at depths of 36 inches. The total-phosphate contents of horizons between depths of 12 to 24 inches were relatively low. The penetration of the phosphatic fertilisers was found to be limited to the surface horizons.The availability of the phosphatic reserves differed in the surface layers of the plots. Plots which had received superphosphate or basic slag and lime had relatively large amounts of total phosphate in available form at these depths. Evidence of the possible utilisation of available phosphate by the original sward at a depth of 36 inches was found.The cropping potential of the plot which had received basic slag and lime was found to be superior to that of the remaining plots.     

Washout of a yeast population during continuous treatment of salad-oil-manufacturing wastewater

During continuous treatment of salad-oil-manufacturing wastewater using yeast isolates, a large loss of biomass was observed, which subsequently reduced the treatment efficiency. The correlation between biomass washout and loss of species was monitored using the microbiological characteristics of the effluent and the aeration tank. Of the five yeast species, only Candida tropicalis ultimately remained in the aeration tank possibly because it had the best settleability. Addition of nitrogen to the final effluent stimulated the activity of this yeast, which resulted in a treatment efficiency similar to that of the mixed yeast system.     

Orientation responses of American eels, Anguilla rostrata, to varying magnetic fields

1. The locations of freshwater yellow eels in an eight-chambered octagonal behavior tank were videotaped during six-day intervals while the animals were being subjected to normal and experimental magnetic fields. 2. The earth's magnetic field (0.5 g) was utilized for two control periods at the start and completion of each run for each animal. 3. During each run, the sequence of applied magnetic fields was +1.0, 0.0, -0.5 and -1.0 g, each being applied for a period of 24 hr. 4. Under the influence of the earth's magnetic field, the eels showed a preference for a northeast direction (27.01%). During the second control period (i.e. after being subjected to variations in the magnetic field), the animals showed a dual preference for north and northwest directions (23.02% and 25.9%, respectively). 5. In a 0.0 g field, the eels preferred the north chamber (24.43%) and the vestibule of the behavior tank (19.46%); a preference for north was also obtained with a field of +1.0 g (25.95%). 6. The preferred direction with the -0.5 and -1.0 g fields was southeast (20.93 and 26.71%, respectively).     

固定化增殖酵母10m^3生物反应器连续生产酒精的研究

将经过驯化的酒精酵母,用海藻酸钙凝胶包埋法固定化,再用硫酸钴处理。在形成的凝胶中含有微量的甾醇和不饱和脂肪酸,以提高细胞的存活率。反应器系统由三个１０ｍ３稍加改造的普通发酵罐组成。用经过酸化处理的甜菜糖蜜为原料,采用逐步提高糖浓度的方法连续生产高浓度酒精,酒精含量为１０％（Ｖ／Ｖ）以上。发酵过程中通入微量无菌空气。酒精生产能力为５１．７５ｋｇ／ｍ３凝胶·ｈ－１,停留时间为１．８ｈ。反应器内形成的大量ＣＯ２通畅排出。反应器具有良好的操作稳定性。反应器容积生产强度为８．３ｋｇ／ｍ３·ｈ     

Use of the flexible film isolator as a single circuit hypoxic chamber for small animals

PVC isolators are now widely used for housing animals and provide a readily available pretested air-tight chamber (Pendry, 1984; Trexler, 1984). We have adapted a flexible film isolator for use as a hypoxic chamber for small animals. The environment within the chamber can be easily and continuously monitored with indwelling probes, obviating the need for a separate circuit for gas analysis. This design has been used for long-term studies of chronic hypoxia.     

Histological and cytological studies on the ovary of Nauphoeta cinerea (Blattaria,Oxyhaloidea) during the first reproductive cycle

Histological studies were performed on the ovary of the ovoviviparous cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea during the first reproductive cycle by means of optical microscopy and histoautoradiography, and electron microscopy. The oöcyte chamber is composed of follicle cells, the oöcyte and a layer of symbiotic bacteria at the level of the microvillous border of the oöcyte. The first reproductive cycle begins with a short inactive period preceding the appearance of vitellogenin. During this period, the follicular epithelium achieves its development by a mitotic flare. From the 3rd day on, vitellogenin is synthesized by the fat body and large intercellular spaces appear between the follicular cells, in conjunction with a rapid growth of the oöcyte, which takes up selectively the vitellogenin by means of pinocytotic vesicles. These coalesce to give the yolk globules. Along with these phenomena, the proteosynthetic apparatus and its activity in the follicular cells increase slowly. After about the 12th day, the intercellular spaces disappear and the follicular epithelium which has now a very well developed proteosynthetic apparatus, begins to synthesize and lay down the egg membranes. After ovulation, the empty oöcyte chamber collapses and the follicular epithelium shows rapid degeneration processes (large cytolysosomes) that destroy the chamber completely during the gestation period. At the beginning of the 2nd cycle, there only remain a cell or two of the previous follicular epithelium and a very large annular piece of basement membrane.     

滨海城市土地利用格局演变及对生态系统服务价值的影响

土地利用变化改变土地原有的生态系统服务价值(ESV)和功能,关系地区可持续发展。选择沿海城市厦门市为研究区,利用1989、2000、2010年3期土地利用数据和相关文献数据,采用土地利用动态度、转移矩阵方法,ESV等指标计算分析了厦门市土地利用的变化及其对ESV的影响。研究结果表明:1989—2010年厦门市土地利用综合动态度为同时期全国水平的5倍多。该时期厦门市和全国建设用地动态度均高于其他地类。其中2000—2010年间,厦门市土地利用综合动态度是1989—2010年间近5倍(458.94%);在厦门市与各沿海地区对比中发现,1989—2010年整个沿海地区建设用地的动态度都高于其他各个单一地类。各沿海地区建设用地动态度大小排序为浙江沿海厦门福建沿海江苏沿海,厦门市排序靠前。空间特征上,厦门市建设用地的增加主要是由滨海带滩涂的填埋和耕地的占用,处于北部的林地基本稳定。研究期1989—2010年间,厦门市ESV总量一直处于下降趋势,其中2000—2010年ESV总减少量(1.2亿元)是1989—2000年总减少量(1000万元)的十余倍(1382.57%)。研究区由于水域和耕地的大面积减少,导致水源涵养、废物处理等生态系统服务功能趋于弱化,最终致使各类ESV成分在1989—2010年间整体上均处于下降趋势。下降幅度最大的仍然是水文调节和废物处理,食物和原材料生产变化幅度最小。1989—2000阶段中保持土壤ESV变化的贡献最大,2000—2010阶段中水文调节ESV变化的贡献最大。2010年厦门市单位面积ESV在东部沿海地区中处于较低水平。反观厦门市2000—2010年远高于全国水平的土地利用动态度,表明厦门市在未来的城市建设中应当划出生态红线,加强对具有关键生态功能的生态用地保护,特别是水域和北部的林地。     

Air Filters for Germ-free Isolators

A germ-free isolator must have a perfect bacterial filter. This paper describes a new, relatively inexpensive, stainless-steel filter frame, which is easily and quickly assembled and protects the enclosed filter material at all times. Resistance to the flow of air was less than 4 inches of water at an airflow of 30 ft³/min through the filter frame with 204 inches² of surface area and four, one-half inch thick pieces of fiberglass filter material. This filter performed satisfactorily in our gnotobiotic laboratory and was found to be consistently 100% efficient in removing an aerosol containing Serratia marcescens from an air stream under a variety of operating conditions.     

The Surgical Isolator

A plastic film isolator has been developed which is intermediate between a half-suit and an arm isolator. Used for orthopaedic surgery in an aseptic environment few operating difficulties have been found, and an extended trial of its use should be carried out to assess its effect on the incidence of postoperative wound infection.     

Procurement and Maintenance of Germ-Free Swine for Microbiological Investigations

Germ-free swine were routinely procured by both hysterectomy and hysterotomy (Caesarian section). By means of light-weight portable equipment, piglets could be obtained and transported to the laboratory (without contamination) over distances in excess of 100 miles. The isolators employed in rearing were constructed of stainless steel and flexible plastic film. At weekly intervals, fecal swabs and waste from the floor of the isolator were cultured on blood-agar and in thioglycolate broth, as well as being examined microscopically for the presence of bacteria, yeast, and fungi. The presence of pleuropneumonia-like organisms (PPLO) and viruses in such material was not demonstrable, either by the use of enriched PPLO media or primary porcine-kidney cell cultures. Tissues, body fluids, and cecal contents of piglets sacrificed specifically for microbiological examination were also negative for PPLO, viruses, bacteria, yeast, and fungi. Prenatal infestations by ascarids were not observed. Nutritional problems related to rearing of germ-free piglets, such as hypoglycemia, were not encountered, and the use of an autoclaved commercial sow's milk replacer proved quite satisfactory. The temperature to which piglets were subjected during the first few days of life, however, was very important. The isolator design and application of gnotobiotic techniques to the procurement and rearing of a large germ-free animal such as the pig proved feasible and less difficult than anticipated.     

Effect of oil concentration and residence time on the biodegradation of α-pinene vapours in two-liquid phase suspended-growth bioreactors

Recently, research on the use of binary aqueous-organic liquid phase systems for the treatment of polluted air has significantly increased. This paper reports the removal of α-pinene from a waste air stream in a continuous stirred tank bioreactor (CSTB), using either a single-liquid aqueous phase or a mixed aqueous-organic liquid phase. The influence of gas flow rate, load and pollutant concentration was evaluated as well as the effect of the organic to aqueous phase ratio. Continuous experiments were carried out at different inlet α-pinene concentrations, ranging between 0.03 and 25.1 g m?3 and at four different flow rates, corresponding to residence times (RTs) of 120 s, 60 s, 36 s and 26 s. The maximum elimination capacities (ECs) reached in the CSTB were 382 g m?3 h?1 (without silicone oil) and 608 g m?3 h?1 (with 5%v/v silicone oil), corresponding to a 1.6-fold improvement using an aqueous-organic liquid phase. During shock-loads experiments, the performance and stability of the CSTB were enhanced with 5% silicone oil, quickly recovering almost 100% removal efficiency (RE), when pre-shock conditions were restored. The addition of silicone oil acted as a buffer for high α-pinene loads, showing a more stable behaviour in the case of two-liquid-phase systems.     

Experimental tank cultivation of Gracilaria sp. (Gracilariales,Rhodophyta) in Ecuador

This paper describes experiments to grow a local and still unidentified species of Gracilaria in shrimp hatcheries in Ecuador. The experiments used outdoor tanks of 1 and 18 m³ capacity, with continuous aeration and water renewal every two and five days, respectively. The sea water (salinity 34 ppt) was enriched with Guillard's f/2 medium; light and temperature were monitored but not controlled. One kg of fresh seaweed, inoculated into each tank, produced a biomass of ca. 3 kg in a period of 35 days in the 1 m3 tank and 18 kg in 43 days in the 18 m³ tank. We therefore believe that it is technically feasible to use the large infrastructure of existing shrimp hatcheries in Ecuador to produce Gracilaria.     

Microbial growth and accumulation in industrial metal-working fluids.

The dynamics of microbial growth in metal-working fluids (MWF) and the effect of the addition of biocides were studied in large fluid systems, in this case, one central tank which holds 150 m3. In this system, populations of Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes (greater than 10(8) CFU/ml) were sustained for a year, although large quantities of biocides were added. Quantitation of 3-OH lauric acid, a marker for many Pseudomonas spp., by gas chromatography indicated that the bacterial biomass exceeded the viable counts by approximately 15 times. Fungi were grown on several occasions, the dominating genera being Fusarium and Candida. Soon after the old MWF was removed and the tank was provided with fresh MWF, which consisted of an emulsion of mineral oil in water, there was a massive growth of P. pseudoalcaligenes that reached levels of greater than 10(8) bacteria per ml. Initially, only low concentrations of other species were found for some weeks. After this period, different enterobacteria and other gram-negative rods often appeared at high concentrations (10(7) and 10(8) bacteria per ml, respectively). Bacteria identified as P. pseudoalcaligenes showed great variation with respect to colony morphology and a certain heterogeneity with respect to biochemical characteristics. Certain bacterial species grew as microcolonies on metal strips immersed in the circulating MWF, but P. pseudoalcaligenes was not recovered from this habitat. The total bacterial count in the air surrounding the machines in the metal-working shop showed an inverse relation to increasing distance from the machine. The concentration of bacteria in the air varied because of the number of machines in use, temperature, and humidity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

A Plexiglas Isolation-Transfer Chamber for Use with the Fonbrune Micromanipulator

The chamber is made with two pieces of clear Plexiglas, both 1 inch wide and 3 inches long; the top piece, 1/16 inch thick; the bottom, 1/4 inch. A recess 14 mm wide, 37 mm long and 5 mm deep is cut into the bottom piece leaving a margin 1.5 mm wide, this margin is then cut down to a height of 2.5 mm for the length of the recess; a piece of moistened filter paper I1/2 inches long and 5 mm deep is attached to the rear wall, leaving the bottom clear for the transmitted light; two notches 13 × 15 mm and 12 mm apart are cut from the top piece. The top is superimposed on the bottom and held by two screws to form a chamber that is accessible to microdissection instruments through its open side. Two cover glasses, one bearing the specimen and the other, the medium to which the transfer is to be made, are placed over the notches in the top (agar side down). The actual transfer of material is made by shifting the position of the cover glasses with the mechanical stage of the microscope while the specimen is held by the micromanipulator.