Plastic Lid Research Articles

SOIL SALINITY FORCASTING USIG SPECTRUM REFLECTIVITY DATA

This study was conducted to assess soil salinity forecasting using spectral soil reflectivity. Artificial salinization was carried out on silty clay loam soil. Collected soil sample was handy crushed, sieved through a 4 mm sieve and backed in plastic columns. The columns were closed from the bottom with a perforated plastic lids with the presence of sand-gravel filter. Columns placed vertically at plastic basins contain saline ground water and left for salinization by capillary rise. At the desired salinity level, soil reflectivity was measured using spectroradiometer and wave length between 350-2500 nm, and band width 1 nm. Soil salinity and moisture were determined soon after spectral measurements. Data processed and converted to digital data using ViewSpecPro software. MS Excel 2010 was used to calculate reflectivity data for bands equivalent to those used with the sensor OLI used at LandSat-8. SPSS V.23 statistic program was used to formulate mathematics models (Multiple linear, Quadratic and Cubic) that describe the relationship between soil salinity and spectral reflectivity at three soil moisture levels i.e. 8, 18 and 24%. Results confirmed the efficiency of the three models to forecast soil salinity at 19 dS m-1 or higher and at soil moisture of 24%. The quadratic and cubic models also gave good results at soil salinity of 9 dS m-1 or more and at 8% soil moisture level. At soil moisture of 18%, the Quadratic and Cubic models showed behavior similar to their behavior at the lower moisture level, while the linear model was efficient at salinity level of 40 dS m -1 and higher.

A gas trapping method for high-throughput metabolic experiments.

Research into cellular metabolism has become more high-throughput, with typical cell-culture experiments being performed in multiwell plates (microplates). This format presents a challenge when trying to collect gaseous products, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), which requires a sealed environment and a vessel separate from the biological sample. To address this limitation, we developed a gas trapping protocol using perforated plastic lids in sealed cell-culture multiwell plates. We used this trap design to measure CO2 production from glucose and fatty acid metabolism, as well as hydrogen sulfide production from cysteine-treated cells. Our data clearly show that this gas trap can be applied to liquid and solid gas-collection media and can be used to study gaseous product generation by both adherent cells and cells in suspension. Since our gas traps can be adapted to multiwell plates of various sizes, they present a convenient, cost-effective solution that can accommodate the trend toward high-throughput measurements in metabolic research.

Physics aspects of the Papillon technique—Five decades later

PurposeThe Papillon technique using 50-kVp soft X-rays to treat rectal adenocarcinomas was developed and clinically implemented in the 1960s. We describe differences between accurate dosimetry and clinical implementation of this technique that is extending from its very inception to date. Methods and MaterialsA renaissance of the Papillon technique occurred with two recently introduced 50-kVp systems: Papillon+ by Ariane and a custom-made rectal applicator (consisting of a surface applicator inserted into a proctoscope) by iCAD's Xoft Axxent Electronic Brachytherapy (eBT) System (iCad, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA). In contrast to the initial design, we investigated the impact of introducing a plastic lid, which would provide more reproducible and more accurate dose delivery across the rectal adenocarcinoma patient population. We use both parallel-plate chamber and radiochromic film dosimeters to determine differences in basic dosimetry characteristics (beam half-value layers, outputs, percent depth doses, and profiles) between the Xoft Electronic Brachytherapy rectal applicator system with and without the plastic lid in place. ResultsCompared to the open-cone applicator, the proposed applicator with the plastic lid produces a slightly harder (more penetrating) beam quality (half-value layer of 1.4 vs. 1.3-mm Al), but with reduced output (by 33%), and a slightly broader beam with flatness not worse than 3% and symmetry not worse than 2%. ConclusionsIn addition to characterizing beam properties modified by the possible introduction of the plastic cap, we also pointed out and addressed misconceptions in the use of radiochromic films for dose measurements at low-energy photon beams.

Bulk isolation of basidiospores from wild mushrooms by electrostatic attraction with low risk of microbial contaminations

The basidiospores of most Agaricomycetes are ballistospores. They are propelled off from their basidia at maturity when Buller’s drop develops at high humidity at the hilar spore appendix and fuses with a liquid film formed on the adaxial side of the spore. Spores are catapulted into the free air space between hymenia and fall then out of the mushroom’s cap by gravity. Here we show for 66 different species that ballistospores from mushrooms can be attracted against gravity to electrostatic charged plastic surfaces. Charges on basidiospores can influence this effect. We used this feature to selectively collect basidiospores in sterile plastic Petri-dish lids from mushrooms which were positioned upside-down onto wet paper tissues for spore release into the air. Bulks of 104 to >107 spores were obtained overnight in the plastic lids above the reversed fruiting bodies, between 104 and 106 spores already after 2–4 h incubation. In plating tests on agar medium, we rarely observed in the harvested spore solutions contaminations by other fungi (mostly none to up to in 10% of samples in different test series) and infrequently by bacteria (in between 0 and 22% of samples of test series) which could mostly be suppressed by bactericides. We thus show that it is possible to obtain clean basidiospore samples from wild mushrooms. The technique of spore collection through electrostatic attraction in plastic lids is applicable to fresh lamellate and poroid fruiting bodies from the wild, to short-lived deliquescent mushrooms, to older and dehydrating fleshy fruiting bodies, even to animal-infested mushrooms and also to dry specimens of long-lasting tough species such as Schizophyllum commune.

Changes in Wine Ethanol Content Due to Evaporation from Wine Glasses and Implications for Sensory Analysis.

The relative proportion of water and ethanol present in alcoholic beverages can significantly influence the perception of wine sensory attributes. This study therefore investigated changes in wine ethanol concentration due to evaporation from wine glasses. The ethanol content of commercial wines exposed to ambient conditions while in wine glasses was monitored over time. No change in wine ethanol content was observed where glasses were covered with plastic lids, but where glasses were not covered, evaporation had a significant impact on wine ethanol content, with losses from 0.9 to 1.9% alcohol by volume observed for wines that received direct exposure to airflow for 2 h. Evaporation also resulted in decreases in the concentration of some fermentation volatiles (determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) and a perceptible change in wine aroma. The rate of ethanol loss was strongly influenced by exposure to airflow (i.e., from the laboratory air-conditioning unit), together with certain glass shape and wine parameters; glass headspace in particular. This is the first study to demonstrate the significant potential for ethanol evaporation from wine in wine glasses. Research findings have important implications for the technical evaluation of wine sensory properties; in particular, informal sensory trials and wine show judging, where the use of covers on wine glasses is not standard practice.

NEAR INFRA RED SPECTROSCOPIC ANALYSIS OF MACROTYLOMA UNIFLORUM (LAM.) VERDC., PHASEOLUS LUNATUS LINN. AND PHASEOLUS VULGARIS LINN.

The present study is designed to determine the types of se condary metabolites in three selected seed powders by fast, reliable , and non - destructive Near Infra Red spectroscopic analytical technique. NIRS analysis of Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc., Phaseolus lunatus Linn., and Phaseolus vulgaris Linn., seed f lours were done for qualitative evaluation of secondary metabolites. The fine powder of crude drug was directly applied in FOSS XDS near infrared Rapid Content Analyzer. The properly filled powdered sample in a disposable glass silicate vial and closed wit h plastic lid was centrally placed onto the sample presentation glass of Foss Rapid Content Analyzer. The scanning of sample at ambient tempera t ure gives NIR spectra within 30 seconds . The major proposed compounds in M. uniflorum were 3,4 - dihydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, kaempferol, linolenic acid, niacin, quercetin, sinapinic acid, syringic acid , and vanillic acid. Whereas, coumaric acid, fructose, galactose, L - serine, raffinose, stachyose, sucrose, threonin e, and tyrosine were detected in P. lunatus and the NIR suggested the presence of caffeic acid, ferulic acid, sinapinic acid, phytic acid, leucine, and valine in P. vulgaris. NIRS a s an advance innovative technology extensively used in chemical, food, petr ochemical , and pharmaceutical industries for rapid and reliable standardization . The present study revealed a good correlation to conclude that flour samples of all the three legume seeds could potentially be added to food system to achieve nutritional an d functional benefits.

Optimization of Plastic Trunk Lid Molding Parameters Based on ANN

A trunk lid plate is taken as an example and Fiberglass-reinforced PET material is used to replace steel for weight-saving in this paper. Chooseinjection molding as plates forming methodto find the optimal parameters in given range. To predict plastic parts warpage under different injection parameters and find the optimal parameters, the method of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is used.

Snagged setae: Evaluating alternatives to cotton wool bungs for liquid-stored specimens

Abstract This study comprises a search for a replacement for cotton wool (also called cotton batting) stoppers within spirit collections. It briefly explores relevant published literature and documents a three-year experiment to test the durability of plastic lids, inert foam, and parafilm, within ethanol, IDA, and formalin. Following visual observations and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy the study concludes that Parafilm M™ is unsuitable for long-term use but Plastazote® bungs and polyethylene lids are suitable for vials within glass-lidded jars. The study should aid curators making decisions regarding suitable storage and transportation of spirit collections and prevent future damage of delicate specimens.

An evaluation of lead concentrations in imported hot sauces

In the last decade, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued several warnings and recalls for food products that exceed FDA standards for lead. Products containing chili peppers and salt were often suspected as sources of lead contamination, and included items such as candy that are routinely investigated. However, products such as hot sauces that contain similar ingredients have not been the focus of evaluations. This study quantified lead concentrations in imported hot sauces, evaluated product compliance to existing United States standards, and calculated potential dietary lead exposure for children using the Integrated Exposure Uptake Biokinetic Model. Finally, recommendations for reducing the risk of lead exposure from hot sauces are provided. Twenty-five (25) bottles of imported hot sauces manufactured in Mexico and South America were purchased in Clark County, Nevada. All hot sauces were analyzed for lead concentrations, pH, and leaded packaging. Hot sauces were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and packaging was analyzed using x-ray fluorescence technology. Four brands of hot sauces (16%) exceeded 0.1 ppm lead, the current FDA action level for lead in candy. Hot sauces with lead concentrations >0.1 ppm lead contained salt and were manufactured in Mexico. Subsequent analysis of additional lots of hot sauces exceeding 0.1 ppm lead revealed inconsistent lead concentrations between and within manufacturer lots. The lead concentrations of the plastic hot sauce lids ranged from below the limit of detection to 2,028 ppm lead. There was no association between lead concentrations in hot sauces and pepper type. These results indicate the need for more rigorous screening protocols for products imported from Mexico, the establishment of an applicable standard for hot sauce, and resources to allow for the enforcement of existing food safety policies. The data reported herein represent the first known investigation of lead concentrations in hot sauces.

3차원 방식의 수기 모사 연구

A light-weight enough to be portable yet functionally complete hand-writing machine was designed with hardware assembled and software implemented. The machine simulating human hand-writing not only allows identical massive scriptings on papers in human's proxy, but also offers emotional appearance as if the script was directly hand-written in ink. The features of human writing were independently put together to complete the action of scripting. The writing style could be altered in order to mimic a person's own specific writing style. The present work demonstrates that the assembled hand-writing machine was able to duplicate writing of scripts in almost parallel lines in consistent manner. The machine can be used in the emotional marketing area where seasonal greetings or thank-you cards are to be sent in massive manner. The pen-holding machine can also find an emotional application such as writing a short greeting note on a plastic lid on a disposable coffee cup in coffee-selling stores.

Development of Odour-Baited Flytraps for Sampling the African Latrine Fly, Chrysomya putoria, a Putative Vector of Enteric Diseases

African pit latrines produce prodigious numbers of the latrine fly, Chrysomya putoria, a putative vector of diarrhoeal pathogens. We set out to develop a simple, low-cost odour-baited trap for collecting C. putoria in the field. A series of field experiments was carried out in The Gambia to assess the catching-efficiency of different trap designs. The basic trap was a transparent 3L polypropylene box baited with 50 g of fish, with a white opaque lid with circular entrance holes. We tested variations of the number, diameter, position and shape of the entrance holes, the height of the trap above ground, degree of transparency of the box, its shape, volume, colour, and the attractiveness of gridded surfaces on or under the trap. Traps were rotated between positions on different sampling occasions using a Latin Square design. The optimal trapping features were incorporated into a final trap that was tested against commercially available traps. Features of the trap that increased the number of flies caught included: larger entrance holes (compared with smaller ones, p<0.001), using conical collars inside the holes (compared with without collars, p = 0.01), entrance holes on the top of the trap (compared with the side or bottom, p<0.001), traps placed on the ground (compared with above ground, p<0.001), the box having transparent sides (compared with being opaque, p<0.001), and with no wire grids nearby (compared with those with grids, p = 0.03). This trap collected similar numbers of C. putoria to other common traps for blow flies. The optimum trap design was a transparent box, with a white plastic lid on top, perforated with 10 conical entrance holes, placed on the ground. Our simple trap provides a cheap, low-maintenance and effective method of sampling C. putoria in the field.

First Report of Leaf Spot of Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis) Caused by Nigrospora oryzae in Ontario.

Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) is an important cool-season perennial grass in Ontario. It is native to Europe and can form an attractive and durable turf. In late September 2011, distinct leaf spots were observed on a Kentucky bluegrass lawn in Guelph, ON. Symptoms ranged from small lesions that were chocolate brown and oval or circular up to withered leaves. On potato dextrose agar (PDA) amended with streptomycin and tetracycline, a fungus was consistently recovered from symptomatic leaf samples after surface sterilization for 1 min in 1% sodium hypochlorite. On PDA, cultures were gray with an irregularly distributed, wool-like, fastgrowing aerial mycelium, showing a dark back side as the colony changed to darker brown after 7 days at 25°C. On diseased leaves, conidia were observed after moist incubation, borne on a hyaline vesicle at the tip of each conidiophore. Conidia were single celled, black, smooth, spherical, and 11.2 to 15.5 μm (average 13.8 μm) in diameter. The pathogen was identified as Nigrospora oryzae based on previous descriptions (1,2). Genomic DNA was extracted from a representative isolate, 11201, and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal DNA was amplified by the primers ITS1 and ITS4 (4). The ITS sequence showed 99.8% similarity in the overlapping 508-bp portion with N. oryzae (GenBank No. GQ328855). Pathogenicity tests were performed in the laboratory with the isolate on 3-week-old, sand-based, Magenta box-grown plants of three cool-season turfgrass species, P. pratensis, Agrostis stolonifera, and Lolium perenne, by inoculating with fungal plugs. A 5-mm-diameter plug from 5-day-old PDA cultures was directly placed onto leaves in each of four replicate boxes per species, and then removed after 48 h of incubation. Plants treated with sterile agar plugs served as controls. Magenta boxes containing treated turf were covered loosely with their plastic lids and incubated at 23°C. Three days after inoculation and 1 day after inoculum removal, typical chocolate brown spots were observed on inoculated leaves from all three turfgrass species, but no symptoms were seen on agar plug-treated control plants. Koch's postulates were fulfilled by reisolation of N. oryzae from diseased leaves. The pathogenicity tests were carried out twice with the same results. This is an indication that N. oryzae causing leaf spot of Kentucky bluegrass in Ontario was not hostspecific, and could potentially affect other cool-season turfgrass species. Review of the literature revealed that N. oryzae is known as a pathogen on maize, rice, sorghum, cotton, weeds, and several other hosts, but has not been reported on any species of turfgrass (3). To our knowledge, this is the first report of N. oryzae infecting Kentucky bluegrass in Ontario or worldwide.

Methods of lab silos sealing and fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability of sugarcane silage treated with microbial additive

The present experimental assay evaluated the effect of lab silo sealing methods on the ensilage of the sugarcane, with or without microbial additives (Lactobacillus plantarum and Propionibacterium acidipropionici). Twenty-liter plastic buckets were used as experimental silos, which were sealed with either a polyethylene sheet (silo cover with a mesh size of 200 µm) or an appropriate plastic lid equipped with Bunsen valve. Silos were stored for 30, 60, or 90 days. Fermentative losses, chemical composition, organic acids, ethanol and aerobic stability were evaluated. The sealing method employed did not influence most of evaluated variables, showing a small decrease of effluent production in silos covered with polyethylene sheet. The microbial additive did not avoid dry matter (DM) fermentative losses in sugarcane silages (216 g kg-1), nor affected aerobic stability (44.6 hours). The levels of neutral and acid detergent fiber of fresh sugarcane increased after ensiling due to DM losses as gases and effluent. The ethanol content of silages was not influenced by treatments (mean 146 g kg-1 of DM). The sealing methods of experimental silos were not affected by the evaluated variables; polyethylene sheet and plastic lid show the same performance on the fermentative model and both methods represent well the conditions of large scale farm silos.

Sterilization Method for Medical Container Using Microwave‐Excited Volume‐Wave Plasma

AbstractWe demonstrate a novel sterilization technique that sterilizes medical instruments stored in medical containers by generating a microwave‐excited volume‐wave plasma inside medical containers using a planar microwave launcher. We confirmed that a plasma was generated inside the medical container by the microwaves transmitted through the heat‐resistant plastic lid of the container. A Langmuir probe was used to study the characteristics of the microwave‐excited volume‐wave plasma generated inside the container. The inactivation characteristics of Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores set inside the medical container were also investigated. 2.3 × 106 spores were inactivated after irradiation for 40 min or longer by a plasma generated in a simulated air mixture. This inactivation time could be reduced to 30 min by adding water vapor to the air‐simulated plasma.magnified image

Crescimento e aspectos sintomatológicos na aclimatização de Ipê-roxo

Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a influência do tipo de vedação e substrato na pré-aclimatização e os aspectos sintomatológicos na aclimatização de Ipê-roxo. Para pré-aclimatização, plantas de Ipê-roxo obtidas in vitro por meio de cultura de embriões zigóticos foram inoculadas assepticamente em tubos de ensaio contendo diferentes tipos de vedação (algodão, tampa plástica + parafilme e tampa plástica) e diferentes substratos (ágar, vermiculita e Plantmax®) suplementados com meio de cultivo WPM acrescidos de 1 gL-1 de carvão ativado, 10 mgL-1 de ácido cítrico e 30 gL-1 de sacarose. Para a aclimatização, plantas de Ipê-roxo obtidas in vitro foram transplantadas para tubetes de 56 cm³; contendo vermiculita e Plantmax®na proporção 2:1, previamente autoclavado a 121ºC e 1 atm, por 20 minutos. Após o transplantio, as plantas foram irrigadas com diferentes concentrações do meio MS (25%, 50%, 75%, 100% e 150%), sendo utilizada como controle água destilada. Após 30 dias, foram verificados efeitos do tipo de vedação e substrato na pré-aclimatização. O algodão pode ser recomendado quando se utiliza Plantmax®ou vermiculita como substrato. Na aclimatização, verificou-se que as plantas quando irrigadas com água destilada e concentrações &lt; 50% apresentaram sintomas de deficiência nutricional. Foram observados sintomas semelhantes com a utilização de MS em concentração igual ou superior a 100%. A concentração 75% do meio MS foi a mais eficiente na manutenção do vigor nutricional de mudas de Ipê-roxo em processo de aclimatização.

Program of the Thirty‐Fourth Meeting of The American Society of Primatologists

We tested three squirrel monkeys [ages 2.56 years, SD=1.0], on their ability to associate visual, arbitrary symbols with foods. These subjects live together in large, planted enclosures and were free to enter and leave the laboratory at will; therefore, trial participation was voluntary. In a food-preference test, five foods were presented in pairs. Food pairings were position-controlled and counterbalanced, totalling ten binary choices each was presented ten times in a pseudo-randomized order (totalling 100 trials). In a symbol condition, small plastic lids were marked with one of five arbitrary symbols, each representing one of the five foods, hiding the corresponding food underneath. Following a conditioning phase, the symbol-lids were presented pseudo-randomly in pairs, like the trials in the food preference condition. The subjects could lift one lid and retrieve the food. Two sets of 100 trials were completed. All Pearson's correlation analyses showed that the three variables (food-preferences and two test sets of symbolpreferences)were strongly correlated for each subject, r(3)>0.90, P 0.05. This research shows that Saimiri, living in an enriched environment, whose general diet is not reduced or specifically managed, can learn multiple arbitrary symbol food-symbols quickly, with relatively low-level exposures to the symbol/referent relationships, and select these in accordance with actual food preferences.

Homemade laparoscopic simulators for surgical trainees

Laparoscopic surgery has become increasingly popular in recent times. Laparoscopic skills and dexterity can be improved by using simulators. We provide a step-by-step guide with diagrams to build an individual homemade laparoscopic trainer box, which is easily available and affordable. We collected the required material for our homemade trainer box from a local DIY shop and purchased a high-definition (HD) webcam online. We used a 12-litre plastic storage box and mounted the webcam inside the lid of the plastic box. The ultraslim energy-saving fluorescent light was mounted behind the webcam. Holes were made in the plastic lid and patched with circular pieces of Neoprene to accommodate the insertion of laparoscopic instruments. The trainer box can be built in 3 hours. The trainer box weighs 1.2 kg with a light source, and is easily portable. It was demonstrated to a cohort of surgical trainees and they were very receptive, and liked the idea of an easy to assemble, low-cost trainer box with high-quality images. Our homemade trainer box offers HD vision that can be viewed on a personal computer, and the webcam is adjustable so it gives hands-free stability. It is built with a lightweight plastic box so it can be easily carried around by a trainee. This simple, inexpensive, easy-to-build trainer box makes a perfect solution for individuals who want to practise basic laparoscopic skills at home or in the workplace.

First Report of Embellisia hyacinthi Causing a Leaf Spot and Bulb Skin Spot Disease on Scilla peruviana in California.

The genus Scilla (Hyacinthaceae) includes more than 50 species of perennial, flowering bulbs grown in landscapes worldwide. In December 2000 and May 2009, an unknown leaf spot disease on Scilla peruviana was submitted to the California Department of Food and Agriculture Plant Pest Diagnostic Lab. Samples were collected during routine phytosanitary inspections of production fields in Santa Cruz County in 2000 and Monterey County in 2009. The disease was detected before plants flowered in one field at each location each year and appeared to have a scattered distribution. Foliar spots were large, elliptical to oblong with grayish black centers and brown margins. Yellow halos surrounded many of the spots. Examination of the bulb material revealed small necrotic patches on the outer bulb scales. A rapidly growing fungus was isolated on one-half-strength acidified potato dextrose agar (APDA) from the sporulating leaf spots and necrotic patches on the bulbs. The colonies were greenish gray and became dark olivaceous with age. Dictyospores, which formed on simple to branched, geniculate conidiophores, were oblong, fusiform or obclavate and usually had a triangular apical cell. They were initially hyaline, turning olivaceous brown with age. Conidia measured 14 to 39 × 8 to 13 μm (average 24.6 × 9.9 μm) typically with two to four (but up to seven) thick, transverse septa and one to two longitudinal septa. Morphologically, the fungus matched the description of Embellisia hyacinthi de Hoog & Miller (1,3). To confirm pathogenicity, four leaves of four S. peruviana plants were inoculated by taking colonized mycelial plugs from 2-week-old cultures and placing them in a plastic screw-cap lid filled with sterile water. The water plus mycelial plug suspension in the lid was then clipped to the adaxial side of a pushpin-wounded leaf (4). Plants were placed in a dark dew chamber at 20°C for 48 h and then moved to a growth chamber at 20°C with a 12-h photoperiod. After 48 h, the clips, caps, and plugs were removed. An equal number of control plants were wounded and mock inoculated with noncolonized APDA agar plugs and the experiment was repeated. Leaf lesions were visible 3 days after clip removal and expanded to an average of 26 × 10 mm, 14 days after inoculation. Sporulation was observed in the lesions after 5 to 7 days and the fungus was isolated from all inoculated leaves. No symptoms developed on the control leaves. DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region of the isolate (GenBank Accession No. HQ425562) using primers ITS1 and ITS4 matched the identity of E. hyacinthi (2,4). E. hyacinthi has been reported as a foliar and bulb pathogen on Hyacinthus, Freesia, and Scilla in Japan and Europe including Great Britain. Bulbs infected with E. hyacinthi are generally less sound and less valuable than noninfected bulbs (1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of the disease on S. peruviana in California.

Supernatant decanting on a centrifugal platform.

This study presents a novel approach to decant supernatant on a centrifugal platform. By manipulating the centrifugally induced pressure and the elastic deformation of the plastic lids in the decanting chamber, fixed amounts of the supernatant can be decanted into the detection chamber at lower rotational speeds. The experimental results showed that decanted volume is affected by the volume of deformation and the operating parameters. Factors that influence the decanting ratio are also discussed. This approach has the advantages of simple design and low manufacturing cost; further, it has no need of surface modification. It has been applied to on-disk separation of plasma from whole blood, and the results showed good stability and repeatability.

First Report of Botrytis hyacinthi on Pineapple Lily in California.

Pineapple lily (Eucomis vandermerwei) is grown for its exotic-looking flower spike that looks like a small pineapple. It is used as an accent plant in the garden or for its long-lasting cut flowers. In late November 2007, plant foliage was submitted to the California State Diagnostic Laboratory by a commercial grower for phytosanitary inspection before shipment of bulbs to Europe. Leaves had wet, brown, elliptical spots of 1 to 2 cm long, some with yellow halos. The interior of the older spots was pale brown and papery. Conidiophores typical of Botrytis spp. were observed on the abaxial side of the leaf in the interior of the older spots. Isolations on half-strength acidified potato dextrose agar (APDA) yielded a grayish mycelium with conidiophores developing on the plant tissue only. The agar was grayish yellow, especially when viewed from the underside. Conidiophores measured 275 to 650 μm × 15 to 20 μm (411.2 × 15.5 μm average). Conidia were light brown, subglobose to broadly ellipsoidal, and measuring 10 to 15 × 13 to 20 μm (11.8 × 16.2 μm average). Scattered, black sclerotia measuring 335 to 1,007 × 518 to 1,079 μm (668.9 × 743.9 μm average) formed on the medium after approximately 7 days. Pathogenicity was confirmed by inoculating four Eucomis spp. plants with one inoculation per leaf, four leaves per plant. Each leaf was wounded with a sterile pushpin and three agar plugs from 4-day-old cultures were placed in a plastic screw-cap lid filled with sterile water and clipped onto each wound. Plants were misted with water, covered with a plastic bag, and placed in a growth chamber at 16°C (12-h photoperiod) for 48 h after which the agar plugs and caps were removed. An equal number of plants were wounded and mock inoculated with APDA. Pathogenicity experiments were repeated. After 14 days, all inoculated leaves had lesions and the fungus was reisolated. No Botrytis spp. were isolated from the mock-inoculated plants. Our sequence of the intergenic spacer regions of one isolate, GenBank FJ10809, matched Botrytis hyacinthi sequence AJ716297 with 99.8% identity. Using molecular (3) and morphological characters (1,4), the pathogen was identified as B. hyacinthi, the cause of fire disease in hyacinths. This pathogen was described previously on hyacinths in Washington State (2), the Netherlands (4), and the United Kingdom (2). The importance and economic impact of this disease appears to be limited because it has only been observed on mature or senescing foliage and not bulbs. To our knowledge, this is the first report of B. hyacinthi causing a leaf spot on pineapple lily.