A method to test wheat leaves for their reactions to inoculation with Septoria species

The construction and application is described of a polystyrol humidity box in which wheat leaves, while continuing to function as parts of living plants, can be tested for their reactions toSeptoria spp. in an atmosphere nearly saturated with water, as is required for successful infection. The method is simple, accurate ans inexpensive.Samenvatting Voor dit doel is een z.g. vochtdoos geconstrueerd (Fig. 1A). Het te toetsen blad wordt daar doorheen geleid en in de doos geïnoculeerd met een druppel conidiën-suspensie van de schimmel. Onder het blad staat wat water in de doos (Fig. 1B). Na afsluiting ontstaat in de doos de hoge luchtvochtigheid van bijna 100% die nodig is voor de infectie. Dit wordt op deze wijze eenvoudig en goedkoop gerealiseerd. De bladeren die zo worden getoetst blijven onbeschadigd functioneren aan de plant. Na enkele dagen kan de doos worden geopend en kan de symptoom-ontwikkeling worden afgewacht en gevolgd (Fig. 3A, 3B en 4). De methode leent zich voor nauwkeurig werk en vereist zeer weinig infectiemateriaal. De Technische en Fysische Dienst voor de Landbouw (TFDL), Wageningen, ontwierp en construeerde een statief voor het gebruik van de vochtdozen in serie (Fig. 2).     

Sources of parathion exposures for Israeli aerial spray workers, 1977

Exposure of Israeli agricultural spray pilots and ground crews to parathion was studied. Measurements were made with personal samplers contianing wet midget impingers; samples were analyzed by gas chromatography. Cockpit air exposure levels during 11-21-minute sampling periods for 12 flights ranged from nearly 0 to 430 microgram/m3. During sampling periods of 30 minutes to 4 hours the threshold limit value (TLV) of 100 microgram/m3 was exceeded in 2 of 19 instances. In seven measurements of ground crew exposures, TLV was not exceeded. Air washing with parathion resulted in airborne contamination of the ground level area at more than three times the TLV. Skin exposure data suggested that this route of exposure was significant for ground crew workers but not for pilots. Calculations based on the present data and standard absorption formula suggested that total daily intake for ground crew, but not for pilots, exceeded the Accepted Daily Intake (ADI) of 5 microgram/kg body weight. Sources of exposure and contamination for ground crew and pilots were identified. Recommended environmental control measures for parathion exposure should include cockpit air filtration, modification in flight patterns, paving landing areas, installation of hosing and drainage, NaOH neutralization point, and separate loading and unloading sites. Personal control measures were suggested as a supplement.     

苹毒蛾核多角体病毒观察初报

苹毒蛾病毒是典型的核型多角体病毒结构,对苹毒蛾幼虫有较强的致死能力,对于开展苹毒蛾的生物防治有一定意义;在病毒分类上根据形态鉴别,可能属于杆状病毒属(Baculovirus)亚组(A)的一个种。     

Semiconductor alternating-current motor drives and energy conservation

The concentration of electrical energy usage in alternating-current motor drives presents an opportunity for substantial conservation. Emerging advances in power semiconductor transistor systems will support a major commerical effort to this end. An alternating-current synthesizer for this purpose may soon be available. The synthesizer produces electricial power of variable and programmable frequency, voltage, and wave form so that performance can be optimized. This technology provides the additional opportunity for fundamental improvements in electrical distribution and usage systems in the longer term. Power processing with semiconductor a-c motor controls is expected to become widespread in the near future.     

Nitrogen-fixing anabaena: physiological adaptations instrumental in maintaining surface blooms

Both laboratory and in situ studies indicate that the nitrogen-fixing blue-green nuisance algae Anabaena spp. have developed adaptive means of dominating surface lake waters. During the dramatic diurnal shifts in surface light intensity and oxygen saturation accompanying blooms, Anabaena can overcome oxygen toxicity by sequential optimization of carbon dioxide and nitrogen fixation and by pigment alteration. These mechanisms allow optimal utilization of the radiant energy while minimizing competition for photoreductant between two main energy-demanding processes.     

Superheavy elements: a crossroads

The failure to synthesize superheavy elements by using complete fusion reactions is most likely understandable in terms of the low survival probabilities of the superheavy precursors formed in these reactions or (in some cases) the failure to achieve complete fusion. Further attempts to synthesize these elements by using complete fusion or deep inelastic transfer reactions, or both, are discussed in light of these results.