Nutritional quality of eggs from hens fed distillers dried grains with solubles.

PubMed

Trupia, S; Winkler-Moser, J K; Guney, A C; Beckstead, R; Chen, C-Y O

2016-11-01

A feeding trial was conducted with laying hens where either 10% or 20% regular-fat distiller's dried grains with solubles (R-DDGS) or low-fat DDGS (L-DDGS) were incorporated into the feed. Production parameters and the effect of DDGS on egg nutritional quality, focusing on yolk lipids, were evaluated. Neither R-DDGS nor L-DDGS at up to 20% of laying hen feeds had a statistically significant impact on hen weight gain, egg production, feed intake, feed efficiency, egg mass, or egg weight. Specific gravity was slightly lower for eggs from hens fed 10% R-DDGS or 20% L-DDGS. Eggs from layers fed DDGS had enhanced levels of tocopherols, tocotrienols, and xanthophylls in the yolk, as well as also increased yolk yellow and red color. Eggs from L-DDGS diet had higher tocopherol content, but eggs from R-DDGS diets had higher xanthophylls. Fatty acid composition in eggs was slightly altered by DDGS, but the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids was very similar. Feeding DDGS to layer hens had no effect on lecithin or cholesterol content of the eggs. Thus, inclusion of DDGS in the diet of laying hens resulted in increases of several beneficial lipophilic nutrients in egg yolks with no apparent detrimental effects. © 2016 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Studies on the effect of feeding cupric sulfate pentahydrate to laying hens on egg cholesterol content.

PubMed

Pesti, G M; Bakalli, R I

1998-10-01

Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that pharmacological levels of dietary Cu could reduce egg cholesterol content. White Leghorn hens 30 to 39 wk of age were fed corn and soybean meal diets with 0, 125, or 250 mg supplemental Cu/kg diet from cupric sulfate pentahydrate (basal diet = 6.74 mg Cu/kg). Body weight, feed consumption, egg weights, egg specific gravity, and Haugh Units were not consistently affected during the 8-wk feeding trials. Egg production was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the second 4-wk period by supplemental Cu in both experiments. Egg yolk cholesterol concentrations were decreased by feeding 125 mg Cu/kg diet (11.7 vs 8.6 mg/g, average of two experiments); feeding 250 mg Cu/kg resulted in further declines in egg cholesterol but the differences were not significant (7.9 mg/g). Changes in plasma cholesterol concentrations were similar to those of yolk cholesterol. Small but significant amounts of Cu accumulated in the yolks and shells of eggs from Cu-supplemented hens; however, most of the Cu fed was found in the excreta.

Structure and properties of the egg mass of the ommastrephid squid Todarodes pacificus

PubMed Central

Puneeta, Pandey; Yamamoto, Jun; Adachi, Kohsuke; Kato, Yoshiki; Sakurai, Yasunori

2017-01-01

The Japanese flying squid, Todarodes pacificus, is thought to spawn neutrally buoyant egg masses that retain a specific location in the water column by floating at the interface between water layers of slightly different densities. It is important to understand the physical process that determines the vertical distribution of the egg masses to predict their horizontal drift in relation to embryo survival and subsequent recruitment. Here, mesocosm experiments were conducted in a 300 m3 tank by creating a thermally stratified (17–22°C) water column to obtain egg masses. A cage net methodology was developed to sustain egg masses for detailed observation. We measured the density of the egg masses of T. pacificus, and used this information to infer the vertical distribution patterns of the egg masses at the spawning grounds (Tsushima Strait, Japan). When measured separately, the density of the outer jelly of each egg mass was 2.7 σ units higher than that of the surrounding water. The outer jelly and the specific gravity of embedded individual eggs (~1.10) cause the egg masses to have very slight negative buoyancy relative to the water in which they are formed. Analysis of the vertical profile of the spawning ground showed that water density (σθ) increased sharply at ~30 m depth; thus, egg masses might settle above the pycnocline layer. In conclusion, we suggest that T. pacificus egg masses might retain their location in the water column by floating at the interface between water layers of slightly different densities, which happen to be above the pycnocline layer (actual depth varies seasonally/annually) in the Tsushima Strait between Korea and Japan. PMID:28767686

Structure and properties of the egg mass of the ommastrephid squid Todarodes pacificus.

PubMed

Puneeta, Pandey; Vijai, Dharmamony; Yamamoto, Jun; Adachi, Kohsuke; Kato, Yoshiki; Sakurai, Yasunori

2017-01-01

The Japanese flying squid, Todarodes pacificus, is thought to spawn neutrally buoyant egg masses that retain a specific location in the water column by floating at the interface between water layers of slightly different densities. It is important to understand the physical process that determines the vertical distribution of the egg masses to predict their horizontal drift in relation to embryo survival and subsequent recruitment. Here, mesocosm experiments were conducted in a 300 m3 tank by creating a thermally stratified (17-22°C) water column to obtain egg masses. A cage net methodology was developed to sustain egg masses for detailed observation. We measured the density of the egg masses of T. pacificus, and used this information to infer the vertical distribution patterns of the egg masses at the spawning grounds (Tsushima Strait, Japan). When measured separately, the density of the outer jelly of each egg mass was 2.7 σ units higher than that of the surrounding water. The outer jelly and the specific gravity of embedded individual eggs (~1.10) cause the egg masses to have very slight negative buoyancy relative to the water in which they are formed. Analysis of the vertical profile of the spawning ground showed that water density (σθ) increased sharply at ~30 m depth; thus, egg masses might settle above the pycnocline layer. In conclusion, we suggest that T. pacificus egg masses might retain their location in the water column by floating at the interface between water layers of slightly different densities, which happen to be above the pycnocline layer (actual depth varies seasonally/annually) in the Tsushima Strait between Korea and Japan.

Lipid composition of positively buoyant eggs of reef building corals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arai, Iakayuki; Kato, Misako; Heyward, Andrew; Ikeda, Yutaka; Iizuka, Tokio; Maruyama, Tadashi

1993-07-01

Lipid composition of the eggs of three reef building corals, Acropora millepora, A. tenuis and Montipora digitata, were determined. Sixty to 70% of the egg dry weight was lipid, which consisted of wax esters (69.5 81.8%), triacylglycerols (1.1 8.4%) and polar lipids c/mainly phospholipids (11.9 13.2%). Montipora digitata also contained some polar lipids typical of the thylakoid membrane in chloroplasts, probably due to the presence of symbiotic zooxanthellae in the eggs. The wax esters appeared to be the major contributor to positive buoyancy of the eggs, and specific gravity of wax esters in A. millepora was estimated to be 0.92. Among the fatty acids of the wax esters, 34.9 51.3% was hexadecanoic acid (16:0) while the major fatty acids in polar lipids were octadecenoic acid (18:1), hexadecanoic acid (16:0), eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5) and eicosatetraenoic acid (20:4). The wax ester appears to be the main component of the 4.5 6.0 μm diameter lipid droplets which fill most of the central mass of the coral eggs.

Clinostat exposure and symmetrization of frog eggs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nace, G. W.; Tremor, J. W.

1982-01-01

Since the orientation of unfertilized eggs and the righting of eggs after grey crescent formation do not affect the axes, attention here is directed toward a comparative study of the initial rotation of the fertilized egg, the so-called rotation of orientation (R-of-O). The goal of the investigation is to determine the timing and dynamics of the R-of-O (as distinct from inversion rotations), to confirm prior observations, and to examine the influence of gravity compensation at periods that might be crucial. Gravity compensation for 1 hr during the R-of-O is found to yield fewer abnormalities. It is hypothesized that it changes the axes and that return to normal conditions permits regulation. Longer exposure is found to yield more abnormalities, perhaps by perturbing both the action of the aster and regulation.

Regulative development of Xenopus laevis in microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Black, S.; Larkin, K.; Jacqmotte, N.; Wassersug, R.; Pronych, S.; Souza, K.

1996-01-01

To test whether gravity is required for normal amphibian development, Xenopus leavis females were induced to ovulate aboard the orbiting Space Shuttle. Eggs were fertilized in vitro, and although early embryonic stages showed some abnormalities, the embryos were able to regulate and produce nearly normal larvae. These results demonstrate for the first time that a vertebrate can ovulate in the virtual absence of gravity, and that the eggs can develop to a free-living stage.

Polarity of the Amphibian Egg

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Malacinski, G. M.

1983-01-01

Amphibian egg polarity and the mechanism which generates the polarity is addressed. Of particular concern is the question of whether the activation rotation which responds to gravity is a prerequisite for normal development.

Comparison of size, terminal fall velocity, and density of bighead carp, silver carp, and grass carp eggs for use in drift modeling

USGS Publications Warehouse

George, Amy E.; Garcia, Tatiana; Chapman, Duane C.

2017-01-01

Invasive Asian carp established in the United States spawn in the turbulent water of rivers, and their eggs and early larvae develop while drifting in the current. The eggs, which are believed to perish if they settle before hatching, are slightly denser than water and are held in suspension by water turbulence. It is possible to use egg drift modeling to assess the capability of a river to support the survival of Asian carp eggs. Detection of spawning and estimation of egg abundance in the drift are typically assessed by ichthyoplankton trawls. Correct sampling design and interpretation of trawl data require knowledge of the vertical distribution of eggs in the drift, which can be accomplished with particle transport models. Data that are required to populate models of egg drift and vertical distribution include physical properties of assessed rivers and information on egg size, density, and terminal fall velocity, but data on these egg characteristics have not been previously available. Physical characteristics of the eggs are presented as a function of postfertilization time. We recorded mean egg diameter and terminal fall velocity for eggs from each Asian carp species during the first 5 h of development and at approximately 12 and 22 h postfertilization. Eggs of all species reached their maximum size before 4 h. Water-hardened eggs of Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella were similarly sized in our trials, and water-hardened eggs of Bighead Carp H. nobilis were the largest. After water hardening, Silver Carp eggs sank slowest, and Bighead Carp eggs sank fastest. For a given species, smaller-diameter eggs generally had faster terminal fall velocities and higher specific gravity than larger eggs. We provide regression models of egg density and diameter for all three species, discuss usage of these data in modeling the drift and dispersion of Asian carp eggs, and discuss implications for egg sampling design.

The intracellular responses of frog eggs to novel orientations to gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Radice, G. P.; Neff, A. W.; Malacinski, G. M.

1982-01-01

It is found that multiple short doses of ultraviolet light are as effective as a single large dose in producing neural defects. In addition, 180 deg rotation (inversion) of irradiated eggs reduces the ultraviolet effect. Since yolk platelets may be the gravity sensing mechanism, their size, density, and distribution in normal and inverted eggs are investigated. Large platelets are denser and for the most part are in a distinct zone in the vegetal hemisphere, whereas small platelets are less dense and occur in the animal hemisphere. When inverted, the large platelets flow into the animal hemisphere as a coherent mass and partially displace the small platelets. Inversion is thought to rearrange cytoplasmic components necessary for later neural development into an appropriate configuration.

The effect of space environment on the development and aging of Drosophila Melanogaster (7-IML-1)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marco, Roberto

1992-01-01

This experiment involves the study of the development of eggs of the fly, Drosophila, exposed to microgravity. It is presumed that oogenesis, rather than further states of embryonic development, is sensitive to gravity. This hypothesis will be tested by collecting eggs layered at specific times inflight and postflight from flies exposed to 0 and 1 g. This portion of the experiment is a repetition of an earlier experiment flown in Biorack during the Spacelab D1 Mission. An added feature of the experiment for the First International Microgravity Laboratory (IML-1) Mission is to study the effect of microgravity on the life span of Drosophila male flies. Various aspects of the investigation are discussed.

Effects of gravity on ontogeny in animals.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pitts, G. C.

1973-01-01

Inversion or clinostat rotation of frogs' eggs demonstrated a critical period of enhanced gravity-sensitivity prior to the first cleavage. These results were corroborated by centrifugation studies which localized the period of maximal sensitivity at approximately 20 minutes post-fertilization. Eggs of various invertebrates suspended in aqueous solution proved capable of normal development following brief ultracentrifugation. Among fly larvae, grasshopper nymphs, turtles, mice, rats, and chickens, growth rates were inversely related to G-force, and maximal chronic acceleration tolerated was inversely related to body size. Body composition data demonstrated the importance of separately evaluating fat and the fat-free portion of the body in studies of the effect of acceleration on growth in homeotherms. The attempt to evaluate the effect of weightlessness on the development of frogs' eggs in Biosatellite 2 was inconclusive for technical reasons.

Preliminary observations on the effects of vector-averaged gravity on the embryonic and larval development of the gastropod mollusk, Ilyanassa obsoleta Stimpson

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Conrad, G. W.; Stephens, A. P.; Conrad, A. H.; Spooner, B. S. (Principal Investigator)

1993-01-01

Fertilized eggs of Ilyanassa obsoleta Stimpson were collected immediately after their deposition in egg capsules. Unopened egg capsules then were affixed to glass slides, and incubated either statically (controls) or on a clinostat (experimentals). After incubation for 9-14 days, hatching occurred sooner and in a higher percentage of clinostated capsules than in controls. Embryos that hatched while undergoing clinostat incubation were abnormal in morphology, whereas other embryos present in non-hatched capsules in the same tubes appeared normal, as did embryos in the control tubes. Although the results are compatible with a conclusion that vector-averaged gravity in the experimental tubes caused the altered development, some other aspects of how the incubations were done may have contributed to the differences between the control and experimental results.

Crickets in space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horn, Eberhard; Böser, Sybille; Förster, Susanne; Riewe, Pascal; Sebastian, Claudia; Agricola, Hans

2001-08-01

"Crickets in Space" (CRISP) was a Neurolab experiment by which the balance between genetic programs and the gravitational environment for the development of a gravity sensitive neuronal system was studied. The model character of crickets was justified by their external gravity receptors, identified position-sensitive interneurons (PSI) and gravity-related compensatory head response, and by the specific relation of this behavior to neuronal activation systems. These advantages allowed us to study the impact of modified gravity on cellular processes in a complex organism. Eggs, 1 st, 4 th and 6 th stage larvae of Acheta domesticus were used. Post-flight experiments revealed a low susceptibility of the behavior to microgravity (μg) and hypergravity (hg) while the physiology of the PSI was significantly affected. Immunocytological investigations revealed a stage-dependent sensitivity of thoracic GABAergic motoneurons to 3g-conditions concerning their soma sizes but not their topographical arrangement. Peptidergic neurons from cerebral sensorimotor centers revealed no significant modifications by microgravity. The contrary physiological and behavioral results indicate a facilitation of 1g-readaptation by accessory gravity, proprioceptive and visual sense organs. Absence of anatomical modifications point to an effective time window of μg- or hg-exposure related to the period of neuronal proliferation.

Sea urchin egg fertilization and development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, R. S.

1971-01-01

The effects of subgravity (much less than unit gravity) on fertilization, cell division, differentiation, and growth of a relatively simple biological system (eggs of the sea urchin Arbacia punctulata) were considered. The experiment was flown on Gemini 3 and recovered as scheduled. However, the experiment objectives were not achieved, primarily for mechanical reasons.

Chemical Compositions of Egg Yolks and Egg Quality of Laying Hens Fed Prebiotic, Probiotic, and Synbiotic Diets.

PubMed

Tang, Shirley Gee Hoon; Sieo, Chin Chin; Kalavathy, Ramasamy; Saad, Wan Zuhainis; Yong, Su Ting; Wong, Hee Kum; Ho, Yin Wan

2015-08-01

A 16-wk feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of a prebiotic, isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO), a probiotic, PrimaLac®, and their combination as a synbiotic on the chemical compositions of egg yolks and the egg quality of laying hens. One hundred and sixty 16-wk-old Hisex Brown pullets were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments: (i) basal diet (control), (ii) basal diet + 1% IMO (PRE), (iii) basal diet + 0.1% PrimaLac® (PRO), and (iv) basal diet + 1% IMO + 0.1% PrimaLac® (SYN). PRE, PRO, or SYN supplementation not only significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the egg yolk cholesterol (24- and 28-wk-old) and total saturated fatty acids (SFA; 28-, 32-, and 36-wk-old), but also significantly (P < 0.05) increased total unsaturated fatty acids (UFA; 28-, 32-, and 36-wk-old), total omega 6 and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid levels in the eggs (28-wk-old). However, the total lipids, carotenoids, and tocopherols in the egg yolks were similar among all dietary treatments in the 24-, 28-, 32-, and 36-wk-old hens. Egg quality (Haugh unit, relative weights of the albumen and yolk, specific gravity, shell thickness, and yolk color) was not affected by PRE, PRO, or SYN supplementation. The results indicate that supplementations with IMO and PrimaLac® alone or in combination as a synbiotic might be useful for improving the cholesterol content and modifying the fatty acid compositions of egg yolk without affecting the quality of eggs from laying hens between 24 and 36 wk of age. © 2015 Institute of Food Technologists®

Quail Egg compared to a quarter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

Quail eggs are small (shown here with a quarter for scale) and develop quickly, making them ideal for space experiments. The Avian Development Facility (ADF) supports 36 eggs in two carousels (below), one of which rotates to provide a 1-g control for comparing to eggs grown in microgravity. The ADF originated in NASA's Shuttle Student Involvement program in the 1980s and was developed under the NASA Small Business Irnovation Research program. In late 2001, the ADF made its first flight and carried eggs used in two investigations, Development and function of the inner-ear balance system in normal and altered gravity environments, and Skeletal development in embryonic quail.

Gypsy moths and American dog ticks: Space partners

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hayes, D. K.; Morgan, N. O.; Webb, R. E.; Goans, M. D.

1984-01-01

An experiment intended for the space shuttle and designed to investigate the effects of weightlessness and total darkness on gypsy moth eggs and engorged American dog ticks is described. The objectives are: (1) to reevaluate the effects of zero gravity on the termination of diapause/hibernation of embryonated gypsy moth eggs, (2) to determine the effect of zero gravity on the ovipositions and subsequent hatch from engorged female American dog ticks that have been induced to diapause in the laboratory, and (3) to determine whether morphological or biochemical changes occur in the insects under examination. Results will be compared with those from a similar experiment conducted on Skylab 4.

Feed addition of curcumin to laying hens showed anticoccidial effect, and improved egg quality and animal health.

PubMed

Galli, Gabriela M; Da Silva, Aleksandro S; Biazus, Angelisa H; Reis, João H; Boiago, Marcel M; Topazio, Josué P; Migliorini, Marcos J; Guarda, Naiara S; Moresco, Rafael N; Ourique, Aline F; Santos, Cayane G; Lopes, Leandro S; Baldissera, Matheus D; Stefani, Lenita M

2018-06-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of curcumin in the diet of commercial laying hens could have an anticoccidial action and improve egg quality. For this, 60 laying hens were divided into three groups: T0 (the control group); T30 and T50 (30 and 50 mg/kg of curcumin in the feed, respectively). Eggs recently laid were collected on days 14 and 21 of the experiment, and stored for 21 days. It was observed increased specific gravity and yolk index in stored eggs of the groups T30 and T50 compared to T0. The yolk color reduced in the eggs stored from groups T30 and T50 compared to T0. Moreover, TBARS levels were lower in fresh and stored eggs from groups T30 and T50. It was observed increased TAC levels in fresh eggs from groups T30 and T50 and in stored eggs from the group T50. The presence of curcumin was not detected by HPLC in the yolk and albumen. Seric levels of albumin and uric acid did not differ between groups, while seric levels of total proteins increased on day 21 on groups T30 and T50. Finally, it was observed a significant reduction on the number of oocysts in fecal samples on days 14 and 21 of T30 and T50 compared to T0. Based on these evidences, it is possible to conclude that the addition of curcumin in the diet of laying hens has an anticoccidial effect and improves egg quality. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Deep cytoplasmic rearrangements in axis-respecified Xenopus embryos

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Denegre, J. M.; Danilchik, M. V.

1993-01-01

In fertilized eggs of the frog Xenopus, the vegetal yolk mass rotates away from the future dorsal side (J. P. Vincent and J. Gerhart, 1987, Dev. Biol. 123, 526-539), and a major rearrangement of the deep animal hemisphere cytoplasm produces a characteristic swirl in the prospective dorsal side (M. V. Danilchik and J. M. Denegre, 1991, Development 111, 845-856). The relationship between this swirl and determination of the dorsal-ventral axis was further investigated by attempting to experimentally separate the positions of the swirl and the dorsal-ventral axis. Eggs were obliquely oriented in the gravity field to respecify the direction of yolk mass rotation and the position of the dorsal-ventral axis. When yolk mass rotation occurred in the absence of a sperm, as in activated eggs, a swirl pattern formed on the side away from which the yolk mass had rotated. In fertilized eggs tipped with the sperm entry point (SEP) down or to the side, swirl patterns were always found to form on the side away from which the yolk mass was displaced. However, in eggs tipped SEP up, in which the yolk mass was forced to rotate away from the SEP, more complicated rearrangements were observed in addition to the rotation-oriented swirl. Because the direction of yolk mass rotation was found to be influenced by both gravity and the actual position of the SEP in obliquely oriented eggs (SEP to the side), such complicated rearrangement patterns may result from opposing forces generated by both yolk mass rotation and the expanding sperm aster. Thus, except in cases in which the influences of SEP position and unit gravity opposed each other, it was not possible to experimentally separate the position of the deep cytoplasmic swirl from the direction of yolk mass rotation, and therefore the position of the prospective dorsal side.

Transcriptomic Response of Drosophila Melanogaster Pupae Developed in Hypergravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hosamani, Ravikumar; Hateley, Shannon; Bhardwaj, Shilpa R.; Pachter, Lior; Bhattacharya, Sharmila

2016-01-01

The metamorphosis of Drosophila is evolutionarily adapted to Earth's gravity, and is a tightly regulated process. Deviation from 1g to microgravity or hypergravity can influence metamorphosis, and alter associated gene expression. Understanding the relationship between an altered gravity environment and developmental processes is important for NASA's space travel goals. In the present study, 20 female and 20 male synchronized (Canton S, 2 to 3day old) flies were allowed to lay eggs while being maintained in a hypergravity environment (3g). Centrifugation was briefly stopped to discard the parent flies after 24hrs of egg laying, and then immediately continued until the eggs developed into P6-staged pupae (25 - 43 hours after pupation initiation). Post hypergravity exposure, P6-staged pupae were collected, total RNA was extracted using Qiagen RNeasy mini kits. We used RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR techniques to profile global transcriptomic changes in early pupae exposed to chronic hypergravity. During the pupal stage, Drosophila relies upon gravitational cues for proper development. Assessing gene expression changes in the pupa under altered gravity conditions helps highlight gravity dependent genetic pathways. A robust transcriptional response was observed in hypergravity-exposed pupae compared to controls, with 1,513 genes showing a significant (q < 0.05) difference in gene expression. Five major biological processes were affected: ion transport, redox homeostasis, immune response, proteolysis, and cuticle development. This outlines the underlying molecular changes occurring in Drosophila pupae in response to hypergravity.

Eggs: The role of gravity in the establishment of the dorso-ventral axis in the amphibian embryo (7-IML-1)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ubbels, Geertje A.

1992-01-01

The purpose of this experiment is to fertilize frog (Xenopus laevis) eggs under microgravity, to perform histological fixations at two different programmed times, and after return to Earth, to determine whether timing and pattern of egg cleavages and axis formation are normal. Because of the limited viability of the gametes, this experiment will be the very first to be activated in the Biorack. Various aspects of this investigation are discussed.

Brazil nut meal and spray-dried egg powders as alternatives to synthetic methionine in organic laying hen diets.

PubMed

Burley, H K; Patterson, P H

2017-09-01

The United States organic poultry industry is currently facing a limitation on dietary inclusion of synthetic methionine (Met). This study investigated Brazil nut protein powder (BNPP), spray-dried egg white (SDEW), and spray-dried egg blend (70:30 albumen: yolk) (SDEB) as alternatives to synthetic Met in organic laying hen diets. A total of 270 Hy-Line Brown laying hens was fed 5 diets from 22 to 38 wk of age, with 6 replicates of 3 adjacent cages per diet and 3 hens per cage. Diets included a commercial control (COM) (non-organic with standard CP and synthetic Met), an organic control (ORG) (with no synthetic Met, but higher CP to meet Met requirements), and 3 organic treatment diets with no synthetic Met, but including BNPP, SDEW, or SDEB at levels to meet Met requirements. Egg production and quality, body weight (BW), feed intake, and manure nutrients and ammonia were assessed. Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS, with Tukey's test used for multiple mean comparisons, and P ≤ 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. Body weight was greatest for the COM diet, and feed conversion improved for hens fed egg-based diets compared to controls. Egg weight and production did not differ between COM and treatment diets. The SDEW diet had greater albumen height and Haugh units compared to ORG and BNPP diets and greater percent albumen compared to COM and BNPP diets. Specific gravity was greatest for BNPP fed hens. Manure DM and potash were highest from COM and BNPP diets, respectively. Both egg-based diets increased ammonia flux relative to the COM diet. The BNPP and egg-based diets were lower in cost for $/metric tonne, $/dozen eggs, and $/kg of eggs compared to the ORG diet. The ingredients assessed herein could, therefore, cost-effectively replace synthetic Met in organic hen diets without negatively impacting egg production. © 2017 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Use of guar by-products in high-production laying hen diets.

PubMed

Gutierrez, O; Zhang, C; Cartwright, A L; Carey, J B; Bailey, C A

2007-06-01

A 5x5 Latin square experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding low concentrations of guar germ or a combination of guar germ and hull (guar meal) in high-production laying hen diets. A total of 125 Lohmann laying hens (21 wk old) of similar BW were randomly assigned to 5 blocks. Each block was divided into 5 experimental units, consisting of 5 hens per unit. Hens were fed either a nonguar control diet, or 1 of 4 diets containing either 2.5 or 5% guar germ, or 2.5 or 5% guar meal over a 20-wk trial period (five 4-wk periods). No significant differences were observed when feeding either 2.5 or 5% guar germ or meal (P>0.05) on hen-day egg production or feed consumption. Significant differences in egg weight, total egg mass per hen, and feed conversion ratio were detected in hens fed 2.5% guar meal, whereas they remained unchanged for diets containing either level of guar germ or 5% guar meal. Feeding either level of guar germ or guar meal did not affect shell quality (shell thickness, egg breaking force, and specific gravity), Haugh units, or egg yolk color (L*, a*, b*). The results showed that both guar germ and guar meal can be fed to high-production laying hens at up to 5% without adverse effects on laying hen performance.

Aquatic Invertebrate Development Working Group

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyers, D.

1985-01-01

Little definitive evidence exists to show that gravity plays a major role in embyrogenesis of aquatic invertebrates. Two reasons for this may be: (1) few studies have been done that emphasize the role of gravity; and (2) there simply may not be any gravity effect. The buoyant nature of the aquatic environment could have obscured any evolutionary effect of gravity. The small size of most eggs and their apparent lack of orientation suggests reduced gravitational influence. Therefore, it is recommended that the term development, as applied to aquatic invertebrates, be loosely defined to encompass behavioral and morphological parameters for which baseline data already exist.

Amphibian fertilization and development in microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Souza, K. A.; Black, S. D.

1985-01-01

An experiment investigating the effects of gravity on embryonic development in amphibians is proposed. The planned procedures for the preparation of the frog eggs for launching in the Space Shuttle, for the injection of the eggs with gonadotropin, for the insertion of the eggs into egg chambers, for the storage of one of the chambers in a microgravity area and the second into a centrifuge, and for the fertilization of the eggs are described. The later organogenesis, swimming behavior, cytoplasmic components, cellular formation, neural plate and archenteron expansion, and allometry and expansion of the organ systems will be examined. Normal morphology for embryos and tadpoles developing at microgravity and the formation of the neural plate opposite the sperm entry point meridian are predicted.

Gravity Plant Physiology Facility (GPPF) Team in the Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

The primary payload for Space Shuttle Mission STS-42, launched January 22, 1992, was the International Microgravity Laboratory-1 (IML-1), a pressurized manned Spacelab module. The goal of IML-1 was to explore in depth the complex effects of weightlessness of living organisms and materials processing. Around-the-clock research was performed on the human nervous system's adaptation to low gravity and effects of microgravity on other life forms such as shrimp eggs, lentil seedlings, fruit fly eggs, and bacteria. Materials processing experiments were also conducted, including crystal growth from a variety of substances such as enzymes, mercury iodide, and a virus. The Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was the air/ground communication channel used between the astronauts and ground control teams during the Spacelab missions. Featured is the Gravity Plant Physiology Facility (GPPF) team in the SL POCC during the IML-1 mission.

Effects of different limestone particle sizes in the diet of broiler breeders post molting on their performance, egg quality, incubation results, and pre-starter performance of their progeny.

PubMed

Bueno, I J M; Surek, D; Rocha, C; Schramm, V G; Muramatsu, K; Dahlke, F; Maiorka, A

2016-04-01

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that a coarse limestone diet improves productivity, reproductive performance and the calcium utilization of molted broiler breeders. In total, 640 broiler breeder females, 73-week-old and sixty-four 27-week-old cockerels, Cobb 500, were evaluated during 10 weeks, according to a randomized block design composed of 4 treatments with 8 replicates each. Treatments consisted of diets with the inclusion of 100% fine limestone-fine PS (0.2 mm GMD-geometric mean diameter); PS1: 30% fine limestone+70% limestone with 1.0 mm GMD; PS2: 30% fine limestone+70% limestone with 2.0 mm GMD; and PS3: 30% fine limestone+70% limestone with 3.0 mm GMD. Calcium retention in the gizzard of the breeders, bone characteristics, and breeder performance, egg characteristics, eggshell quality, incubation performance, chick quality and yield, chick pre-starter live performance, and chick bone characteristics were determined. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the rate of lay, percentage of non-settable eggs, egg weight, egg shape index, egg specific gravity, eggshell weight, thickness, and percentage hatchability and egg weight loss of broiler breeders fed with diets with different limestone particle sizes. The chick quality and yield, chick pre-starter live performance, and chick bone characteristics were not affected (P>0.05) by any of the limestone particle sizes. It was concluded that live and reproductive performance parameters of broiler breeders post molting is not affected by limestone particle size in the feed. © 2016 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Fertilization and development of eggs of the South African clawed toad, Xenopus laevis, on sounding rockets in space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ubbels, Geertje A.; Berendsen, Willem; Kerkvliet, Sonja; Narraway, Jenny

Egg rotation and centrifugation experiments strongly suggest a role for gravity in the determination of the spatial structure of amphibian embryos. Decisive experiments can only be made in Space. Eggs of Xenopus laevis, the South African clawed toad, were the first vertebrate eggs which were successfully fertilized on Sounding Rockets in Space. Unfixed, newly fertilized eggs survived reentry, and a reasonable number showed a seemingly normal gastrulation but died between gastrulation and neurulation. Only a few reached the larval stage, but these developed abnormally. In the future, we inted to test whether this abnormal morphogenesis is due to reentry perturbations, or due to a real microgravity effect, through perturbation of the reinitiation of meiosis and other processes, or started by later sperm penetration.

Fertilization and development of eggs of the South African clawed toad, Xenopus laevis, on sounding rockets in space.

PubMed

Ubbels, G A; Berendsen, W; Kerkvliet, S; Narraway, J

1992-01-01

Egg rotation and centrifugation experiments strongly suggest a role for gravity in the determination of the spatial structure of amphibian embryos. Decisive experiments can only be made in Space. Eggs of Xenopus laevis, the South African clawed toad, were the first vertebrate eggs which were successfully fertilized on Sounding Rockets in Space. Unfixed, newly fertilized eggs survived reentry, and a reasonable number showed a seemingly normal gastrulation but died between gastrulation and neurulation. Only a few reached the larval stage, but these developed abnormally. In the future, we intend to test whether this abnormal morphogenesis is due to reentry perturbations, or due to a real microgravity effect, through perturbation of the reinitiation of meiosis and other processes, or started by later sperm penetration.

A direct approach to the study of the effect of gravity on axis formation in birds.

PubMed

Eyal-Giladi, H; Goldberg, M; Refael, H; Avner, O

1994-01-01

A system has been developed to enable the normal development of aborted very early uterine avian embryos, outside the female's uterus. The shell-less aborted egg was put into a foster shell of a sister egg, previously laid by the same female. The empty space between the shell and aborted egg was filled with artificial uterine fluid. The reconstructed eggs were incubated at 42 degrees C for 30 hours in a vertical position. The atmosphere contained a high concentration of CO2 (8-10%). At the termination of the 30 h the eggs were transferred to incubation at 37 degrees C in normal atmospheric conditions. Normal development has been recorded for a certain percentage of eggs incubated up to 12 days. In other cases abnormalities, arrested development or development of extraembryonic membranes only, without a sign of an embryonic axis, have been observed. The three important conclusions from the above experiments were: 1. It is possible to develop a closed, self-contained system, disconnected from the female's body, that would support the development of early uterine embryos. 2. The incidence of embryo-less extraembryonic membranes in such a system, is correlated with the degree of detachment of the "yolk" from the outer envelopes. 3. Such a system can be further developed into an experiment suited for microgravity conditions which will be an alternative to an experiment with live birds. The experiment will be aimed at testing the importance of gravity in changing the radially symmetrical avian blastoderm into a bilaterally symmetrical blastoderm.

Spacelab

NASA Image and Video Library

1992-09-01

The Spacelab-J (SL-J) mission was a joint venture between NASA and the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) utilizing a marned Spacelab module. Materials science investigations covered such fields as biotechnology, electronic materials, fluid dynamics and transport phenomena, glasses and ceramics, metals and alloys, and acceleration measurements. Life sciences included experiments on human health, cell separation and biology, developmental biology, animal and human physiology and behavior, space radiation, and biological rhythms. Before long-term space ventures are attempted, numerous questions must be answered: how will gravity play in the early development of an organism, and how will new generations of a species be conceived and develop normally in microgravity. The Effects of Weightlessness on the Development of Amphibian Eggs Fertilized in Space experiment aboard SL-J examined aspects of these questions. To investigate the effect of microgravity on amphibian development, female frogs carried aboard SL-J were induced to ovulate and shed eggs. These eggs were then fertilized in the microgravity environment. Half were incubated in microgravity, while the other half were incubated in a centrifuge that spins to simulate normal gravity. This photograph shows an astronaut working with one of the adult female frogs inside the incubator. The mission also examined the swimming behavior of tadpoles grown in the absence of gravity. The Spacelab-J was launched aboard the Space Shuttle Orbiter Endeavour on September 12, 1992.

Spacelab

NASA Image and Video Library

1992-09-01

The Spacelab-J (SL-J) mission was a joint venture between NASA and the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) utilizing a marned Spacelab module. Materials science investigations covered such fields as biotechnology, electronic materials, fluid dynamics and transport phenomena, glasses and ceramics, metals and alloys, and acceleration measurements. Life sciences included experiments on human health, cell separation and biology, developmental biology, animal and human physiology and behavior, space radiation, and biological rhythms. Before long-term space ventures are attempted, numerous questions must be answered: how will gravity play in the early development of an organism, and how will new generations of a species be conceived and develop normally in microgravity. The Effects of Weightlessness on the Development of Amphibian Eggs Fertilized in Space experiment aboard SL-J examined aspects of these questions. To investigate the effect of microgravity on amphibian development, female frogs carried aboard SL-J were induced to ovulate and shed eggs. These eggs were then fertilized in the microgravity environment. Half were incubated in microgravity, while the other half were incubated in a centrifuge that spins to simulate normal gravity. This photograph shows astronaut Mark Lee working with one of the adult female frogs inside the incubator. The mission also examined the swimming behavior of tadpoles grown in the absence of gravity. The Spacelab-J was launched aboard the Space Shuttle Orbiter Endeavour on September 12, 1992.

STS-47 Spacelab-J, Onboard Photograph

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

The Spacelab-J (SL-J) mission was a joint venture between NASA and the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) utilizing a marned Spacelab module. Materials science investigations covered such fields as biotechnology, electronic materials, fluid dynamics and transport phenomena, glasses and ceramics, metals and alloys, and acceleration measurements. Life sciences included experiments on human health, cell separation and biology, developmental biology, animal and human physiology and behavior, space radiation, and biological rhythms. Before long-term space ventures are attempted, numerous questions must be answered: how will gravity play in the early development of an organism, and how will new generations of a species be conceived and develop normally in microgravity. The Effects of Weightlessness on the Development of Amphibian Eggs Fertilized in Space experiment aboard SL-J examined aspects of these questions. To investigate the effect of microgravity on amphibian development, female frogs carried aboard SL-J were induced to ovulate and shed eggs. These eggs were then fertilized in the microgravity environment. Half were incubated in microgravity, while the other half were incubated in a centrifuge that spins to simulate normal gravity. This photograph shows an astronaut working with one of the adult female frogs inside the incubator. The mission also examined the swimming behavior of tadpoles grown in the absence of gravity. The Spacelab-J was launched aboard the Space Shuttle Orbiter Endeavour on September 12, 1992.

STS-47 Spacelab-J Onboard Photograph

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

The Spacelab-J (SL-J) mission was a joint venture between NASA and the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) utilizing a marned Spacelab module. Materials science investigations covered such fields as biotechnology, electronic materials, fluid dynamics and transport phenomena, glasses and ceramics, metals and alloys, and acceleration measurements. Life sciences included experiments on human health, cell separation and biology, developmental biology, animal and human physiology and behavior, space radiation, and biological rhythms. Before long-term space ventures are attempted, numerous questions must be answered: how will gravity play in the early development of an organism, and how will new generations of a species be conceived and develop normally in microgravity. The Effects of Weightlessness on the Development of Amphibian Eggs Fertilized in Space experiment aboard SL-J examined aspects of these questions. To investigate the effect of microgravity on amphibian development, female frogs carried aboard SL-J were induced to ovulate and shed eggs. These eggs were then fertilized in the microgravity environment. Half were incubated in microgravity, while the other half were incubated in a centrifuge that spins to simulate normal gravity. This photograph shows astronaut Mark Lee working with one of the adult female frogs inside the incubator. The mission also examined the swimming behavior of tadpoles grown in the absence of gravity. The Spacelab-J was launched aboard the Space Shuttle Orbiter Endeavour on September 12, 1992.

Biotechnology

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-01-22

The Avian Development Facility (ADF) supports 36 eggs in two carousels, one of which rotates to provide a 1-g control for comparing to eggs grown in microgravity. The ADF was designed to incubate up to 36 Japanese quail eggs, 18 in microgravity and 18 in artificial gravity. The two sets of eggs were exposed to otherwise identical conditions, the first time this is been accomplished in space. Eggs are preserved at intervals to provide snapshots of their development for later analysis. Quails incubate in just 15 days, so they are an ideal species to be studied within the duration of space shuttle missions. Further, several investigators can use the same specimens to address different questions. The ADF originated in NASA's Shuttle Student Involvement program in the 1980s and was developed under the NASA Small Business Irnovation Research program. In late 2001, the ADF made its first flight and carried eggs used in two investigations.

Effects of balanced dietary protein levels on egg production and egg quality parameters of individual commercial layers.

PubMed

Shim, M Y; Song, E; Billard, L; Aggrey, S E; Pesti, G M; Sodsee, P

2013-10-01

The effects of a series of balanced dietary protein levels on egg production and egg quality parameters of laying hens from 18 through 74 wk of age were investigated. One hundred forty-four pullets (Bovans) were randomly assigned to individual cages with separate feeders including 3 different protein level series of isocaloric diets. Diets were separated into 4 phases of 18-22, 23-32, 33-44, and 45-74 wk of age. The high protein (H) series contained 21.62, 19.05, 16.32, and 16.05% CP, respectively. Medium protein (M) and low protein (L) series were 2 and 4% lower in balanced dietary protein. The results clearly demonstrated that the balanced dietary protein level was a limiting factor for BW, ADFI, egg weight, hen day egg production (HDEP), and feed per kilogram of eggs. Feeding with the L series resulted in lower ADFI and HDEP (90.33% peak production) and more feed per kilogram of eggs compared with the H or M series (HDEP; 93.23 and 95.68% peak production, monthly basis). Egg weight responded in a linear manner to balanced dietary protein level (58.78, 55.94, and 52.73 g for H, M, and L, respectively). Feed intake of all hens, but especially those in the L series, increased considerably after wk 54 when the temperature of the house decreased due to winter conditions. Thus, hens fed the L series seemed particularly dependent on house temperature to maintain BW, ADFI, and HDEP. For egg quality parameters, percent yolk, Haugh units, and egg specific gravity were similar regardless of diets. Haugh units were found to be greatly affected by the variation of housing temperature (P = 0.025). Maximum performance cannot always be expected to lead to maximum profits. Contrary to the idea of a daily amino acid requirement for maximum performance, these results may be used to determine profit-maximizing levels of balanced dietary protein based on the cost of protein and returns from different possible protein levels that may be fed.

Spacelab

NASA Image and Video Library

1994-07-01

Astronaut Donald Thomas conducts the Fertilization and Embryonic Development of Japanese Newt in Space (AstroNewt) experiment at the Aquatic Animal Experiment Unit (AAEU) inside the International Microgravity Laboratory-2 (IML-2) science module. The AstroNewt experiment aims to know the effects of gravity on the early developmental process of fertilized eggs using a unique aquatic animal, the Japanese red-bellied newt. The newt egg is a large single cell at the begirning of development. The Japanese newt mates in spring and autumn. In late autumn, female newts enter hibernation with sperm in their body cavity and in spring lay eggs and fertilize them with the stored sperm. The experiment takes advantage of this feature of the newt. Groups of newts were sent to the Kennedy Space Center and kept in hibernation until the mission. The AAEU cassettes carried four newts aboard the Space Shuttle. Two newts in one cassette are treated by hormone injection on the ground to simulate egg laying. The other two newts are treated on orbit by the crew. The former group started maturization of eggs before launch. The effects of gravity on that early process were differentiated by comparison of the two groups. The IML-2 was the second in a series of Spacelab flights designed to conduct research by the international science community in a microgravity environment. Managed by the Marshall Space Flight Center, the IML-2 was launched on July 8, 1994 aboard the STS-65 Space Shuttle mission, Orbiter Columbia.

Spacelab

NASA Image and Video Library

1994-07-01

Astronaut Donald Thomas conducts the Fertilization and Embryonic Development of Japanese Newt in Space (AstroNewt) experiment at the Aquatic Animal Experiment Unit (AAEU) inside the International Microgravity Laboratory-2 (IML-2) science module. The AstroNewt experiment aims to know the effects of gravity on the early developmental process of fertilized eggs using a unique aquatic animal, the Japanese red-bellied newt. The newt egg is a large single cell at the begirning of development. The Japanese newt mates in spring and autumn. In late autumn, female newts enter hibernation with sperm in their body cavity and in spring lay eggs and fertilized them with the stored sperm. The experiment takes advantage of this feature of the newt. Groups of newts were sent to the Kennedy Space Center and kept in hibernation until the mission. The AAEU cassettes carried four newts aboard the Space Shuttle. Two newts in one cassette are treated by hormone injection on the ground to simulate egg laying. The other two newts are treated on orbit by the crew. The former group started maturization of eggs before launch. The effects of gravity on that early process were differentiated by comparison of the two groups. The IML-2 was the second in a series of Spacelab flights designed to conduct research by the international science community in a microgravity environment. Managed by the Marshall Space Flight Center, the IML-2 was launch on July 8, 1994 aboard the STS-65 Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia mission.

The influence of clinostat rotation on the fertilized amphibian egg.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tremor, J. W.; Souza, K. A.

1972-01-01

Study in which unrestrained, fertilized eggs of Rana pipiens and Xenopus laevis were rotated in a plane parallel to the normal gravity vector. In R. pipiens rotation at 1/4 rpm for five days at 18 C produced a significantly increased number of commonly occurring abnormalities. Rotation at 1/15, 1/8, 1, 2, 5 and 10 rpm did not significantly affect normal development. X. laevis eggs reacted similarly. R. pipiens eggs were most sensitive to rotation at 1/4 rpm when exposure was initiated before first cleavage. Mixing of intracellular constituents apparently occurred only at 1/4 rpm in R. pipiens (of the clinostat speeds studied), and may have been the cause of the increased abnormality observed at this rate.

Electron Micrographs of Quail Limb Bones formed in microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

Electron micrographs of quail limb bones that formed under the influence of microgravity show decreased mineralization compared to bones formed in normal gravity. The letters B and C indicate bone and cartilage sides of the sample, respectively, with the arrows marking the junction between bone and cartilage cells. The asterisks indicate where mineralization begins. The bone that developed during spaceflight (top) shows less mineral compared to the control sample (bottom); the control sample clearly shows mineral deposits (dark spots) that are absent in the flight sample. Quail eggs are small and develop quickly, making them ideal for space experiments. In late 2001, the Avian Development Facility (ADF) made its first flight and carried eggs used in two investigations, development and function of the irner-ear balance system in normal and altered gravity environments, and skeletal development in embryonic quail.

Crickets in space: morphological, physiological and behavioral alterations induced by space flight and hypergravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horn, E.; Agricola, H.; Böser, S.; Förster, S.; Kämper, G.; Riewe, P.; Sebastian, C.

"Crickets in Space" was a Neurolab experiment by which the balance between genetic programs and the gravitational environment for the development of a gravity sensitive neuronal system was studied. The model character of crickets was justified by their external gravity receptors, identified position-sensitive interneurons (PSI) and gravity-related compensatory head response, and by the specific relation of this behavior to neuronal arousal systems activated by locomotion. These advantages allowed to study the impact of modified gravity on cellular processes in a complex organism. Eggs, 1st, 4th and 6th stage larvae of Acheta domesticus were used. Post-flight experiments revealed a low susceptibility of the behavior to micro- and hypergravity while the physiology of the PSI was significantly affected. Immunocytological investigations revealed a stage-dependent sensitivity of thoracic GABAergic motoneurons to 3g-conditions concerning their soma sizes but not their topographical arrangement. The morphology of neuromuscular junctions was not affected by 3g-hypergravity. Peptidergic neurons from cerebral sensorimotor centers revealed no significant modifications by microgravity (μg). The contrary physiological and behavioral results indicate a facilitation of 1g-readaptation originating from accessory gravity, proprioceptive and visual sense organs. Absence of anatomical modifications point to an effective time window of μg- or 3g-expo-sure related to the period of neuronal proliferation. The analysis of basic mechanisms of how animals and man adapt to altered gravitational conditions will profit from a continuation of the project "Crickets in Space".

Unscrambling Egg Allergy: The Diagnostic Value of Specific IgE Concentrations and Skin Prick Tests for Ovomucoid and Egg White in the Management of Children with Hen's Egg Allergy.

PubMed

Marriage, D E; Erlewyn-Lajeunesse, M; Unsworth, D J; Henderson, A J

2012-01-01

Resolution of egg allergy occurs in the majority of egg allergic children. Positive specific IgE antibodies to ovomucoid (OVM) have been suggested to be of greater predictive value for persistent egg allergy than specific IgE to egg white. The performance of OVM-specific IgE antibody levels in a cohort of children referred for a routine egg challenge was compared with egg white specific IgE levels in predicting a positive egg challenge. 24/47 subjects had persistent egg allergy. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that OVM-specific IgE testing was the most useful test for the diagnosis of persistent egg allergy. The optimal decision points for the prediction of persistent egg allergy were >0.35 kUA/L for specific IgE levels to both EW and OVM, and ≥3 mm for SPT. Children with specific IgE levels suggestive of persistent egg allergy need not be subject to an egg provocation challenge, reducing both costs and risks to the child.

Morphogenesis and gravity in a whole amphibian embryo and in isolated blastomeres of sea urchins.

PubMed

Izumi-Kurotani, Akemi; Kiyomoto, Masato

2003-01-01

Fertilization and subsequent embryogenesis of newts occurred normally under microgravity in two Astronewt flight experiments. By accumulation of the results from the amphibian flight experiments including 'Astronewt', it is considered that gravity has rather small effects on the early development of amphibian eggs. However, some temporary abnormalities, which recover in the course of the further developmental process, have been observed. Some regulations may occur in whole embryos. For a thorough knowledge about the role of gravity in morphogenesis, we need to investigate the gravitational effects on a single cell in a whole embryo. We propose a new experimental system with sea urchin embryos and micromeres for further studies at a cellular level of the effects of gravity on morphogenesis.

Comparative study of the effects of organic selenium on hen performance and productivity of broiler breeders.

PubMed

Rajashree, K; Muthukumar, T; Karthikeyan, N

2014-01-01

1. A 10-week experiment was conducted with Ross 308 broiler breeder chickens in cages to evaluate the influence of organic and inorganic sources of selenium (Se) supplementation. A total of 600 birds at 29 weeks of age were divided at random into 4 groups and fed on a maize-soya basal diet supplemented with different forms of Se. 2. The first (control) group was given the basal diet without Se supplementation, whereas the second, third and fourth groups were given, respectively, the basal diet with 0.3 mg/kg of inorganic Se in the form of sodium selenite or 0.3 and 0.5 mg/kg of organic Se in the form of Se enriched yeast (Se-yeast). 3. The experiment was carried out for 10 weeks to compare and evaluate the influence of Se supplementation on breeder performance, egg production, hatchability and the quality of eggs. Samples were collected for analysis at weeks 0, 5 and 10 of the experimental period. 4. At the end of the experiment (39 weeks), there was a reduction in mortality in breeders given diets supplemented with 0.5 mg/kg of Se-yeast. Supplementation of feed with 0.5 mg/kg organic Se increased egg production, percentage of settable eggs and hatchability. 5. Selenium supplementation increased egg weight and specific gravity compared to the control diet. However, no significant variation was found in albumen or yolk protein content at the end of week 10. 6. Selenium accumulation and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity were lower in the egg albumen and yolk of control compared with Se-supplemented treatments. Se accumulation and GSHPx activity were higher in the group given 0.3 mg/kg organic compared to 0.3 mg/kg of inorganic Se. 7. The results favour the use of Se-yeast at the dose of 0.5 mg/kg in broiler breeder diets for better productivity of eggs, settable eggs, hatchability and higher Se accumulation and antioxidant status in eggs.

Vaccine to fibroblast growth factor 23 peptides increases eggshell strength.

PubMed

Ren, Z Z; Piepenburg, A J; Bütz, D E; Claus, J R; Cook, M E

2018-03-01

Strategies that would increase eggshell quality could be of considerable value to egg producers. This research demonstrated the effective use of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) peptide vaccines to increase eggshell quality of Single Comb White Leghorn laying hens (from 69 to 72 wk of age). Hens, fed a standard diet (containing 900 IU/kg vitamin D3), were intramuscularly injected (and boosted) with either a control vaccine (n = 14 hens) or one of 2 FGF-23 peptide vaccines (peptides NP1, GMNPPPYS; and NP7, YTSTERNSFH; n = 15 hens for each peptide). During peak antibody titer, eggs were collected for shell and internal quality analysis, hens were artificially inseminated, and the hatchability of fertilized eggs was determined. Laying hens vaccinated with either FGF-23 peptide NP1 or NP7 had increased (P < 0.05) plasma phosphate level (mmol/L; NP1 = 1.74, NP7 = 1.76, control = 1.47), egg specific gravity (NP1 = 1.083, NP7 = 1.083, control = 1.079), and eggshell strength (g of force; NP1 = 4002, NP7 = 4157, control = 3102) when compared to control vaccinated hens. FGF-23 peptide NP1 vaccinated hens also had increased eggshell thickness (mm, P < 0.001), shell weight (g, P = 0.032), and shell index (% of whole egg, P = 0.023) when compared to control vaccinated hens. FGF-23 peptide NP7 vaccinated hens tended to have decreased eggshell weight (P = 0.064) when compared to control vaccinated hens. Hatchability of fertilized eggs was not affected in incubations 1 and 3, but tended to be decreased (P = 0.097) by FGF-23 peptide NP1 vaccination in incubation 2. In conclusion, vaccines to FGF-23 peptides increased eggshell quality of laying hens with minimal adverse effects on egg internal quality. The effect of FGF-23 peptide vaccination on hatchability remains to be clarified.

Gravity as a probe for understanding pattern specification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Malacinski, George M.; Neff, Anton W.

1993-01-01

Amphibian eggs from Xenopus laevis were employed as a model system. Xenopus embryos were demonstrated to be sensitive to novel force fields. Under clinostat-simulated weightlessness the location of the third cleavage furrow was shifted towards the equator; the dorsal lip was shifted closer to the vegetal pole; and head and eye dimensions of hatching tadpoles were enlarged. Effects of centrifuge-simulated hypergravity were the opposite of those of simulated weightlessness. Those morphological alterations had their own force-sensitive period, and a substantial spawning-to-spawning variation in sensitivity was observed. Despite those dramatic differences in embryogenesis, tadpoles at the feeding stage were largely indistinguishable from controls.

Gravity as a probe for understanding pattern specification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malacinski, George M.; Neff, Anton W.

1993-08-01

Amphibian eggs from Xenopus laevis were employed as a model system. Xenopus embryos were demonstrated to be sensitive to novel force fields. Under clinostat-simulated weightlessness the location of the third cleavage furrow was shifted towards the equator; the dorsal lip was shifted closer to the vegetal pole; and head and eye dimensions of hatching tadpoles were enlarged. Effects of centrifuge-simulated hypergravity were the opposite of those of simulated weightlessness. Those morphological alterations had their own force-sensitive period, and a substantial spawning-to-spawning variation in sensitivity was observed. Despite those dramatic differences in embryogenesis, tadpoles at the feeding stage were largely indistinguishable from controls.

Effect of Dietary L-ascorbic Acid (L-AA) on Production Performance, Egg Quality Traits and Fertility in Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica) at Low Ambient Temperature.

PubMed

Shit, N; Singh, R P; Sastry, K V H; Agarwal, R; Singh, R; Pandey, N K; Mohan, J

2012-07-01

Environmental stress boosts the levels of stress hormones and accelerates energy expenditure which subsequently imbalance the body's homeostasis. L-ascorbic acid (L-AA) has been recognized to mitigate the negative impact of environmental stress on production performances in birds. The present investigation was carried out to elucidate the effect of different dietary levels of L-AA on production performance, egg quality traits and fertility in Japanese quail at low ambient temperature. Sixty matured females (15 wks) were equally divided into three groups (20/group) based on the different dietary levels of L-AA (0, 250 and 500 ppm) and coupled with an equal number of males (1:1) obtained from the same hatch. They were managed in uniform husbandry conditions without restriction of feed and water at 14 h photo-schedule. Except for feed efficiency, body weight change, feed consumption and hen-day egg production were recorded highest in 500 ppm L-AA supplemented groups. Among the all egg quality traits studied, only specific gravity, shell weight and thickness differed significantly (p<0.05) in the present study. Fertility was improved significantly (p<0.01) to a dose dependent manner of L-AA. The findings of the present study concluded that dietary L-AA can be a caring management practice at least in part to alleviate the adverse effect of cold induced stress on production performance in Japanese quail.

Immunologic changes in children with egg allergy ingesting extensively heated egg.

PubMed

Lemon-Mulé, Heather; Sampson, Hugh A; Sicherer, Scott H; Shreffler, Wayne G; Noone, Sally; Nowak-Wegrzyn, Anna

2008-11-01

Prior studies have suggested that heated egg might be tolerated by some children with egg allergy. We sought to confirm tolerance of heated egg in a subset of children with egg allergy, to evaluate clinical and immunologic predictors of heated egg tolerance, to characterize immunologic changes associated with continued ingestion of heated egg, and to determine whether a diet incorporating heated egg is well tolerated. Subjects with documented IgE-mediated egg allergy underwent physician-supervised oral food challenges to extensively heated egg (in the form of a muffin and a waffle), with tolerant subjects also undergoing regular egg challenges (in a form of scrambled egg or French toast). Heated egg-tolerant subjects incorporated heated egg into their diets. Skin prick test wheal diameters and egg white, ovalbumin, and ovomucoid IgE levels, as well as ovalbumin and ovomucoid IgG4 levels, were measured at baseline for all subjects and at 3, 6, and 12 months for those tolerant of heated egg. Sixty-four of 117 subjects tolerated heated egg, 23 tolerated regular egg, and 27 reacted to heated egg. Heated egg-reactive subjects had larger skin test wheals and greater egg white-specific, ovalbumin-specific, and ovomucoid-specific IgE levels compared with heated egg- and egg-tolerant subjects. Continued ingestion of heated egg was associated with decreased skin test wheal diameters and ovalbumin-specific IgE levels and increased ovalbumin-specific and ovomucoid-specific IgG4 levels. The majority of subjects with egg allergy were tolerant of heated egg. Continued ingestion of heated egg was well tolerated and associated with immunologic changes that paralleled the changes observed with the development of clinical tolerance to regular egg.

Transport phenomena in the crystallization of lysozyme by osmotic dewatering and liquid-liquid diffusion in low gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Todd, Paul; Sportiello, Michael G.; Gregory, Derek; Cassanto, John M.; Alvarado, Ulises A.; Ostroff, Robert; Korszun, Z. R.

1993-01-01

Two methods of protein crystallization, osmotic dewatering and liquid-liquid diffusion, like the vapor diffusion (hanging-drop and sessile-drop) methods allow a gradual approach to supersaturation conditions. The crystallization of hen egg-white lysozyme, an extensively characterized protein crystal, in the presence of sodium chloride was used as an experimental model with which to compare these two methods in low gravity and in the laboratory. Comparisons of crystal growth rates by the two methods under the two conditions have, to date, indicated that the rate of crystal growth by osmotic dewatering is nearly the same in low gravity and on the ground, while much faster crystal growth rates can be achieved by the liquid-liquid diffusion method in low gravity.

Delayed fertilization of anuran amphibian (Xenopus) eggs leads to reduced numbers of primordial germ cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wakahara, M.; Neff, A. W.; Malacinski, G. M.

1984-01-01

Several media were tested for the extent to which they promoted high fertilization efficiencies in ovulated, stripped Xenopus eggs. One medium was selected for maintaining eggs in a 'delayed fertilization' (DelF) condition. DelF eggs displayed several unusual characteristics, including shift of the center of gravity, prominent sperm entrance site, and occasional polyspermy. The frequency of normal pattern formation varied according to the length of time eggs were maintained in the DelF condition. Various developmental abnormalities were observed during gastrulation, neurulation, and organogenesis. Most abnormalities appeared, however, to be related to morphogenesis of the endoderm. Primordial germ cell (PGC) development was examined in DelF eggs which displayed normal external morphological features at the swimming tadpole stage. PGC counts were usually normal in short-duration (eg, 5 hr) DelF eggs, but frequently substantially reduced or completely diminished in longer-duration (eg, 25h) tadpoles. Six spawnings were compared and shown to exhibit considerable variability in fertility, morphogenesis, and PGC development. Yolk platelet shifts and developmental parameters were examined in two additional spawnings. The subcortical cytoplasm in which the germ plasm is normally localized appeared to be disrupted in longer duration DelF eggs. That observation may account for low PGC counts in DelF tadpoles.

Does gravity influence the early stages of the development of the nervous system in an amphibian?

PubMed

Duprat, A M; Husson, D; Gualandris-Parisot, L

1998-11-01

As a result of previous studies using hypergravity (centrifuge) or virtual microgravity (clinostat), it was proposed that gravity was involved in embryonic development, i.e., in the establishment of the embryonic polarities and the body plan pattern which subsequently direct morphogenesis and organogenesis of the central nervous system and of sensory organs. Recent experiments were performed in space using sounding rockets and orbiting space-modules to ascertain whether gravity is indeed required for embryogenesis in Invertebrates and Vertebrates. Eggs fertilised in vivo or in vitro in microgravity showed some abnormalities during embryonic development but were able to regulate and produce nearly normal larvae. Copyright 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.

Sampling efficiency of the Moore egg collector

USGS Publications Warehouse

Worthington, Thomas A.; Brewer, Shannon K.; Grabowski, Timothy B.; Mueller, Julia

2013-01-01

Quantitative studies focusing on the collection of semibuoyant fish eggs, which are associated with a pelagic broadcast-spawning reproductive strategy, are often conducted to evaluate reproductive success. Many of the fishes in this reproductive guild have suffered significant reductions in range and abundance. However, the efficiency of the sampling gear used to evaluate reproduction is often unknown and renders interpretation of the data from these studies difficult. Our objective was to assess the efficiency of a modified Moore egg collector (MEC) using field and laboratory trials. Gear efficiency was assessed by releasing a known quantity of gellan beads with a specific gravity similar to that of eggs from representatives of this reproductive guild (e.g., the Arkansas River Shiner Notropis girardi) into an outdoor flume and recording recaptures. We also used field trials to determine how discharge and release location influenced gear efficiency given current methodological approaches. The flume trials indicated that gear efficiency ranged between 0.0% and 9.5% (n = 57) in a simple 1.83-m-wide channel and was positively related to discharge. Efficiency in the field trials was lower, ranging between 0.0% and 3.6%, and was negatively related to bead release distance from the MEC and discharge. The flume trials indicated that the gellan beads were not distributed uniformly across the channel, although aggregation was reduced at higher discharges. This clustering of passively drifting particles should be considered when selecting placement sites for an MEC; further, the use of multiple devices may be warranted in channels with multiple areas of concentrated flow.

Avian embryonic development in hyperdynamic environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abbott, U. K.; Smith, A. H.

1983-01-01

Embryos which developed for 24 hours in the oviduct of hens maintained at 2 G and which were subsequently incubated at Earth gravity had a 14% reduction in hatchability. Increased mortality during the first 4 days, and an increase in embryonic abnormalities were of the types usually found during the first mortality peak (2-3 days). Embryos in eggs that were produced at Earth gravity and continued their development on the centrifuge at fields of 2 G or less did not appear to be greatly affected by the treatment. At 4 G, 91% of the embryos died, mostly on the first and second days of incubation. Abnormalities prominent in the centrifuged eggs include: (a) a failure of the primitive streak to develop; (b) interference with the development of the axial skeleton; (c) multiple hemorrhages, mostly petechial which is consistent with capillary fragility; and (d) retardation of embryo growth, possibly caused by an interference with gaseous diffusion, the result of an acceleration-induced increase in gas density in the centrifuging incubator.

Islet in weightlessness: Biological experiments on board COSMOS 1129 satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhuk, Y.

1980-01-01

Biological experiments planned as an international venture for COSMOS 1129 satellite include tests of: (1) adaptation of rats to conditions of weightlessness, and readaption to Earth's gravity; (2) possibility of fertilization and embryonic development in weightlessness; (3) heat exchange processes; (4) amount of gravity force preferred by fruit flies for laying eggs (given a choice of three centrifugal zones); (5) growth of higher plants from seeds; (6) effects of weightlessness on cells in culture and (7) radiation danger from heavy nuclei, and electrostatic protection from charged particles.

Killifish Hatching and Orientation experiment MA-161

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scheld, H. W.; Boyd, J. F.; Bozarth, G. A.; Conner, J. A.; Eichler, V. B.; Fuller, P. M.; Hoffman, R. B.; Keefe, J. R.; Kuchnow, K. P.; Oppenheimer, J. M.

1976-01-01

The killifish Fundulus heteroclitus was used as a model system for study of embryonic development and vestibular adaptation in orbital flight. Juvenile fish in a zero gravity environment exhibited looping swimming activity similar to that observed during the Skylab 3 mission. Hatchings from a 336 hour egg stage were also observed to loop. At splashdown, both juveniles and hatchings exhibited a typical diving response suggesting relatively normal vestibular function. Juveniles exhibited swimming patterns suggestive of abnormal swim bladders. The embryos exhibited no abnormalities resulting from development in a zero gravity environment.

Cryptic gentes revealed in pallid cuckoos Cuculus pallidus using reflectance spectrophotometry

PubMed Central

Starling, M; Heinsohn, R; Cockburn, A; Langmore, N.E

2006-01-01

Many cuckoo species lay eggs that match those of their hosts, which can significantly reduce rejection of their eggs by the host species. However, egg mimicry is problematic for generalist cuckoos that parasitize several host species with different egg types. Some generalist cuckoos have overcome this problem by evolving several host-specific races (gentes), each with its own, host-specific egg type. It is unknown how generalist cuckoos lacking gentes are able to avoid egg rejection by hosts. Here we use reflectance spectrophotometry (300–700 nm) on museum egg collections to test for host-specific egg types in an Australian generalist cuckoo reported to have a single egg type. We show that the colour of pallid cuckoo (Cuculus pallidus) eggs differed between four host species, and that their eggs closely mimicked the eggs of the host they parasitized. These results reveal that pallid cuckoos have host-specific egg types that have not been detected by human observation, and indicate that gentes could be more common than previously realized. PMID:16822754

[Concordance between the zinc sulphate flotation and centrifugal sedimentation methods for the diagnosis of intestinal parasites].

PubMed

Inês, Elizabete De Jesus; Pacheco, Flavia Thamiris Figueiredo; Pinto, Milena Carneiro; Mendes, Patrícia Silva de Almeida; Da Costa-Ribeiro, Hugo; Soares, Neci Matos; Teixeira, Márcia Cristina Aquino

2016-12-01

The diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections depends on the parasite load, the specific gravity density of the parasite eggs, oocysts or cysts, and the density and viscosity of flotation or sedimentation medium where faeces are processed. To evaluate the concordance between zinc sulphate flotation and centrifugal sedimentation in the recovery of parasites in faecal samples of children. Faecal samples of 330 children from day care centers were evaluated by zinc sulphate flotation and centrifugal sedimentation techniques. The frequencies of detection of parasites by each method were determined and the agreement between the diagnostic techniques was evaluated using the kappa index, with 95% confidence intervals. The faecal flotation in zinc sulphate diagnosed significantly more cases of Trichuris trichiura infection when compared to centrifugal sedimentation (39/330; 11.8% vs. 13/330; 3.9%, p<0.001), with low diagnostic concordance between methods (kappa=0.264; 95% CI: 0.102-0.427). Moreover, all positive samples for Enterobius vermicularis eggs (n=5) and Strongyloides stercoralis larvae (n=3) were diagnosed only by zinc sulphate. No statistical differences were observed between methods for protozoa identification. The results showed that centrifugal flotation in zinc sulphate solution was significantly more likely to detect light helminths eggs such as those of T. trichiura and E. vermicularis in faeces than the centrifugal sedimentation process.

Effects of Bacteriophage Supplementation on Egg Performance, Egg Quality, Excreta Microflora, and Moisture Content in Laying Hens

PubMed Central

Zhao, P. Y.; Baek, H. Y.; Kim, I. H.

2012-01-01

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of bacteriophage supplementation on egg performance, egg quality, excreta microflora, and moisture content in laying hens. A total of 288 Hy-line brown commercial laying hens (36-wk-old) were randomly allotted to 4 treatments in this 6-wk trial and dietary treatments included: i) CON, basal diet; ii) T1, CON+0.020% bacteriophage; iii) T2, CON+0.035% bacteriophage; iv) T3, CON+0.050% bacteriophage. There were 6 replicates for each treatment with 6 adjacent cages (2 hens/cage). Laying hens in T2 and T3 treatments had higher (p<0.05) egg production than those in CON and T1 treatments during wk 0 to 3. In addition, egg production in T1, T2, and T3 treatments was increased (p<0.05) compared with that in CON treatment during wk 4 to 6. At wk 4 and 5, birds in T2 group had higher (p<0.05) HU than those in CON. In addition, at wk 5 and 6, HU in birds fed T1 and T3 diets was greater (p<0.05) than those fed CON diet. E. coli and Salmonella spp. concentrations in excreta were decreased (p<0.05) by T1, T2, and T3 treatments. However, egg weight, egg shell color, yolk height, yolk color unit, egg shell strength, egg shell thickness, egg gravity, and excreta moisture content were not influenced by dietary treatments during the entire experimental period. In conclusion, bacteriophage supplementation has beneficial effects on egg production, egg albumen, and excreta microflora concentration in laying hens. PMID:25049658

Evaluation of ames Multistix-SG for urine specific gravity versus refractometer specific gravity.

PubMed

Adams, L J

1983-12-01

A comparison of urine specific gravity by a commercially available multiple reagent strip (Multistix-SG; Ames Division, Miles Laboratory) versus refractometer specific gravity (TS Meter; American Optical Corporation) was performed on 214 routine urine specimens. Agreement to +/- 0.005 was found in 72% of the specimens (r = 0.80). Urine specific gravity by the Multistix-SG showed a significant positive bias at urine pHs less than or equal to 6.0 and a negative bias at urine pHs greater than 7.0 in comparison to refractometer specific gravity. At concentrated (specific gravity greater than or equal to 1.020) specific gravities, up to 25% of urine specimens were misclassified as not concentrated by Multistix-SG specific gravity in comparison to refractometer specific gravity. The additional cost of the specific gravity reagent to a multiple reagent test strip in addition to the poor performance relative to refractometer specific gravity leads to the conclusion that including this specific gravity methodology on a multiple reagent strip is neither cost effective nor clinically useful.

Is the Quantification of Antigen-Specific Basophil Activation a Useful Tool for Monitoring Oral Tolerance Induction in Children With Egg Allergy?

PubMed

Gamboa, P M; Garcia-Lirio, E; Gonzalez, C; Gonzalez, A; Martinez-Aranguren R M; Sanz María, L

2016-01-01

To assess modifications in baseline specific IgE- and anti-IgE- and antigen-specific-mediated basophil activation in egg-allergic children. The values were compared before and after the children completed specific oral tolerance induction (SOTI) with egg. We studied 28 egg-allergic children who completed SOTI with egg. The basophil activation test and specific IgE determinations with egg white, ovalbumin, and ovomucoid were performed in all 28 children. A decrease in antigen-specific activation with egg white, ovalbumin, and ovomucoid was observed only at the 2 lowest concentrations used (5 and 0.05 ng/mL). Baseline activation was higher in patients with multiple food allergies and in those who developed anaphylaxis during SOTI; this activation decreased in both groups after completion of SOTI. A significant decrease was also observed in specific IgE values for egg white, ovalbumin, and ovomucoid after tolerance induction. Food tolerance induction is a specific process for each food that can be mediated by immunologic changes such as a decrease in specific IgE values and in specific and spontaneous basophil activation.

Development of the gravity-sensing organs in the Japanese red-bellied newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wiederhold, Michael L.; Yamashita, Masamichi; Asashima, Makoto

1992-01-01

Pre-mated adult female newts and fertilized eggs will be flown on the International Microgravity Laboratory-2 flight, schedule for 1994. One objective of the flight will be to observe the influence of microgravity on the development of the gravity-sensing organs in the inner ear. These organs contain sensory hair cells covered by a layer of dense stones (otoliths). Gravity and linear acceleration exert forces on these masses, leading to excitation of the nerve fibers innervating the hair cells. If the production of the otoliths is regulated to reach an optimal weight, their development would be abnormal in microgravity. Ground-based control experiments are reported describing the developmental sequence in which the otoliths and their associated sensory epithelium appear and increase in size. Three-dimensional reconstruction of serial sections through the otic vesicle of newt embryos at stages 31 through 40 demonstrate the first appearance, relative position and growth of the otoliths. In adult newts, the otoconia in the utricle appear similar to mammalian otoconia, which are composed of calcite. The newt saccular otoconia are at least 99% aragonite, as is found in most aquatic species. Reports of experiments in which fertilized frog eggs were flown on a Russian Cosmos mission conclude that the utricular otolith is increased in volume, whereas the saccular otolith maintains normal size, suggesting that at least the utricular weight might be regulated.

DIETARY BAKED EGG ACCELERATES RESOLUTION OF EGG ALLERGY IN CHILDREN

PubMed Central

Leonard, Stephanie A.; Sampson, Hugh A.; Sicherer, Scott H.; Noone, Sally; Moshier, Erin L.; Godbold, James; Nowak-Wȩgrzyn, Anna

2012-01-01

Background Baked egg is tolerated by a majority of egg-allergic children. Objective To characterize immunologic changes associated with ingestion of baked egg and evaluate the role that baked egg diets plays in the development of tolerance to regular egg. Methods Egg-allergic subjects who tolerated baked egg challenge incorporated baked egg into their diet. Immunologic parameters were measured at follow-up visits. A comparison group strictly avoiding egg was used to evaluate the natural history of the development of tolerance. Results Of the 79 subjects in the intent-to-treat group followed for a median of 37.8 months, 89% now tolerate baked egg and 53% now tolerate regular egg. Of 23 initial baked egg-reactive subjects, 14 (61%) subsequently tolerated baked egg and 6 (26%) now tolerate regular egg. Within the initially baked egg-reactive group, subjects with persistent reactivity to baked egg had higher median baseline egg white (EW)-specific IgE levels (13.5 kUA/L) than those who subsequently tolerated baked egg (4.4 kUA/L; P=0.04) and regular egg (3.1 kUA/L, P=0.05). In subjects ingesting baked egg, EW-induced SPT wheal diameter and EW-, ovalbumin-, and ovomucoid-specific IgE levels decreased significantly, while ovalbumin- and ovomucoid-specific IgG4 levels increased significantly. Subjects in the per-protocol group were 14.6 times more likely to develop regular egg tolerance than subjects in the comparison group (P < 0.0001), and they developed tolerance earlier (median 50.0 versus 78.7 months; P<0.0001). Conclusion Initiation of a baked egg diet accelerates the development of regular egg tolerance compared to strict avoidance. Higher serum EW-specific IgE level is associated with persistent baked and regular egg reactivity, while initial baked egg reactivity is not. PMID:22846751

Dietary baked egg accelerates resolution of egg allergy in children.

PubMed

Leonard, Stephanie A; Sampson, Hugh A; Sicherer, Scott H; Noone, Sally; Moshier, Erin L; Godbold, James; Nowak-Węgrzyn, Anna

2012-08-01

Baked egg is tolerated by a majority of egg-allergic children. To characterize immunologic changes associated with ingestion of baked egg and evaluate the role that baked egg diets play in the development of tolerance to regular egg. Egg-allergic subjects who tolerated baked egg challenge incorporated baked egg into their diet. Immunologic parameters were measured at follow-up visits. A comparison group strictly avoiding egg was used to evaluate the natural history of the development of tolerance. Of the 79 subjects in the intent-to-treat group followed for a median of 37.8 months, 89% now tolerate baked egg and 53% now tolerate regular egg. Of 23 initially baked egg-reactive subjects, 14 (61%) subsequently tolerated baked egg and 6 (26%) now tolerate regular egg. Within the initially baked egg-reactive group, subjects with persistent reactivity to baked egg had higher median baseline egg white (EW)-specific IgE levels (13.5 kU(A)/L) than those who subsequently tolerated baked egg (4.4 kU(A)/L; P= .04) and regular egg (3.1 kU(A)/L; P= .05). In subjects ingesting baked egg, EW-induced skin prick test wheal diameter and EW-, ovalbumin-, and ovomucoid-specific IgE levels decreased significantly, while ovalbumin- and ovomucoid-specific IgG(4) levels increased significantly. Subjects in the per-protocol group were 14.6 times more likely than subjects in the comparison group (P< .0001) to develop regular egg tolerance, and they developed tolerance earlier (median 50.0 vs 78.7 months; P< .0001). Initiation of a baked egg diet accelerates the development of regular egg tolerance compared with strict avoidance. Higher serum EW-specific IgE level is associated with persistent baked and regular egg reactivity, while initial baked egg reactivity is not. Copyright © 2012 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Tolerance of a high-protein baked-egg product in egg-allergic children.

PubMed

Saifi, Maryam; Swamy, Nithya; Crain, Maria; Brown, L Steven; Bird, John Andrew

2016-05-01

Egg allergy is one of the most common immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food allergies. Extensively heating egg has been found to decrease its allergenicity and 64% to 84% of children allergic to egg have been found to tolerate baked-egg products. Because there is no reliable method for predicting baked-egg tolerance, oral food challenges remain the gold standard. Prior studies have reported on baked-egg challenges using up to 2.2 g of egg white (EW) protein. To establish whether children with egg allergy would pass a baked-egg challenge to a larger amount of egg protein and the potential criteria for predicting the likelihood of baked-egg tolerance. A chart review was conducted of all patients 6 months to 18 years of age with egg allergy who underwent oral baked-egg challenges at Children's Medical Center Dallas over a 2-year period. Challenges were conducted in the clinic with a 3.8-g baked-egg product. Fifty-nine of 94 patients (63%) tolerated the 3.8-g baked-egg product. The presence of asthma (P < .01), EW skin prick test (SPT; P < .01) reactive wheal, and EW-specific IgE level (P = .02) correlated with baked-egg reactivity, whereas ovomucoid-specific IgE level did not. The positive predictive value approached 66% at an EW SPT reactive wheal of 10 mm and 60% for an EW-specific IgE level of 8 kUA/L. Most subjects with egg allergy tolerated baked egg. This study is the first to use 3.8 g of EW protein for the challenges. The EW SPT wheal diameter and EW-specific IgE levels were the best predictors of baked-egg tolerance. Copyright © 2016 American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Europe's Preparation For GOCE Gravity Field Recovery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suenkel, H.; Suenkel, H.

2001-12-01

The European Space Agency ESA is preparing for its first dedicated gravity field mission GOCE (Gravity Field and Steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer) with a proposed launch in fall 2005. The mission's goal is the mapping of the Earth's static gravity field with very high resolution and utmost accuracy on a global scale. GOCE is a drag-free mission, flown in a circular and sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude between 240 and 250 km. Each of the two operational phases will last for 6 months. GOCE is based on a sensor fusion concept combining high-low satellite-to-satellite tracking (SST) and satellite gravity gradiometry (SGG). The transformation of the GOCE sensor data into a scientific product of utmost quality and reliability requires a well-coordinated effort of experts in satellite geodesy, applied mathematics and computer science. Several research groups in Europe do have this expertise and decided to form the "European GOCE Gravity Consortium (EGG-C)". The EGG-C activities are subdivided into tasks such as standard and product definition, data base and data dissemination, precise orbit determination, global gravity field model solutions and regional solutions, solution validation, communication and documentation, and the interfacing to level 3 product scientific users. The central issue of GOCE data processing is, of course, the determination of the global gravity field model using three independent mathematical-numerical techniques which had been designed and pre-developed in the course of several scientific preparatory studies of ESA: 1. The direct solution which is a least squares adjustment technique based on a pre-conditioned conjugated gradient method (PCGM). The method is capable of efficiently transforming the calibrated and validated SST and SGG observations directly or via lumped coefficients into harmonic coefficients of the gravitational potential. 2. The time-wise approach considers both SST and SGG data as a time series. For an idealized repeat mission such a time series can be very efficiently transformed into lumped coefficients using fast Fourier techniques. For a realistic mission scenario this transformation has to be extended by an iteration process. 3. The space-wise approach which, after having transformed the original observations onto a spatial geographical grid, transforms the pseudo-observations into harmonic coefficients using a fast collocation technique. A successful mission presupposed, GOCE will finally deliver the Earth's gravity field with a resolution of about 70 km half wavelength and a global geoid with an accuracy of about 1 cm.

Role of specific IgE and skin-prick testing in predicting food challenge results to baked egg.

PubMed

Cortot, Catherine F; Sheehan, William J; Permaul, Perdita; Friedlander, James L; Baxi, Sachin N; Gaffin, Jonathan M; Dioun, Anahita F; Hoffman, Elaine B; Schneider, Lynda C; Phipatanakul, Wanda

2012-01-01

Previous studies suggest that children with egg allergy may be able to tolerate baked egg. Reliable predictors of a successful baked egg challenge are not well established. We examined egg white-specific IgE levels, skin-prick test (SPT) results, and age as predictors of baked egg oral food challenge (OFC) outcomes. We conducted a retrospective chart review of children, aged 2-18 years, receiving an egg white-specific IgE level, SPT, and OFC to baked egg from 2008 to 2010. Fifty-two oral baked egg challenges were conducted. Of the 52 challenges, 83% (n = 43) passed and 17% (n = 9) failed, including 2 having anaphylaxis. Median SPT wheal size was 12 mm (range, 0-35 mm) for passed challenges and 17 mm (range, 10-30 mm) for failed challenges (p = 0.091). The negative predictive value for passing the OFC was 100% (9 of 9) if SPT wheal size was <10 mm. Median egg white-specific IgE was 2.02 kU/L (range, <0.35-13.00 kU/L) for passed challenges and 1.52 kU/L (range, 0.51-6.10 kU/L) for failed challenges (p = 0.660). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for SPT revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.64. ROC curve analysis for egg white-specific IgE revealed an AUC of 0.63. There was no significant difference in age between patients who failed and those who passed (median = 8.8 years versus 7.0 years; p = 0.721). Based on our sample, SPT, egg white-specific IgE and age are not good predictors of passing a baked egg challenge. However, there was a trend for more predictability with SPT wheal size.

21 CFR 160.115 - Liquid eggs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Liquid eggs. 160.115 Section 160.115 Food and... CONSUMPTION EGGS AND EGG PRODUCTS Requirements for Specific Standardized Eggs and Egg Products § 160.115 Liquid eggs. (a) Liquid eggs, mixed eggs, liquid whole eggs, mixed whole eggs are eggs of the domestic...

21 CFR 160.115 - Liquid eggs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 2 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Liquid eggs. 160.115 Section 160.115 Food and... CONSUMPTION EGGS AND EGG PRODUCTS Requirements for Specific Standardized Eggs and Egg Products § 160.115 Liquid eggs. (a) Liquid eggs, mixed eggs, liquid whole eggs, mixed whole eggs are eggs of the domestic...

The Oral Provocation Test for Raw Egg in Patients with Hen Egg Allergy.

PubMed

Kido, Jun; Nishi, Natsuko; Matsumoto, Tomoaki

2018-06-06

Many researchers have made efforts to develop diagnostic tools for predicting the outcome of oral food challenges (OFCs). The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of the skin prick test (SPT) and blood-specific IgE concentrations based on the outcome of the OFCs for heated and raw hen egg. This study included 103 children with suspected hen egg allergy (HEA; median age 23 months, range 10-155; 72 boys, 31 girls). Forty-three patients were diagnosed with HEA by OFC. Of 60 patients who tolerated heated egg white (HEW), 22 underwent the OFC for raw hen egg and 7 developed adverse reactions after ingesting raw egg. Their wheal diameters and specific IgE levels for egg white and ovomucoid were determined. Wheal diameters as well as blood-specific IgE levels for egg white and ovomucoid were significantly larger in children with positive OFC results for HEW than in those with negative results. However, there were no significant differences between the positive and negative test results for raw hen egg white (REW) in wheal diameter or blood-specific IgE levels. The SPT and blood-specific IgE can be used to diagnose HEA. However, the provocation test for REW in children without HEW allergy is important because the values of SPT and specific IgE were not significantly different between children with and without raw egg allergy. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

21 CFR 160.140 - Egg whites.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Egg whites. 160.140 Section 160.140 Food and Drugs... CONSUMPTION EGGS AND EGG PRODUCTS Requirements for Specific Standardized Eggs and Egg Products § 160.140 Egg whites. (a) Egg whites, liquid egg whites, liquid egg albumen is the food obtained from eggs of the...

21 CFR 160.140 - Egg whites.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 2 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Egg whites. 160.140 Section 160.140 Food and Drugs... CONSUMPTION EGGS AND EGG PRODUCTS Requirements for Specific Standardized Eggs and Egg Products § 160.140 Egg whites. (a) Egg whites, liquid egg whites, liquid egg albumen is the food obtained from eggs of the...

21 CFR 160.110 - Frozen eggs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Frozen eggs. 160.110 Section 160.110 Food and... CONSUMPTION EGGS AND EGG PRODUCTS Requirements for Specific Standardized Eggs and Egg Products § 160.110 Frozen eggs. (a) Frozen eggs, frozen whole eggs, frozen mixed eggs is the food prepared by freezing...

21 CFR 160.110 - Frozen eggs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 2 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Frozen eggs. 160.110 Section 160.110 Food and... CONSUMPTION EGGS AND EGG PRODUCTS Requirements for Specific Standardized Eggs and Egg Products § 160.110 Frozen eggs. (a) Frozen eggs, frozen whole eggs, frozen mixed eggs is the food prepared by freezing...

7 CFR 51.3417 - Optional test for specific gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Optional test for specific gravity. 51.3417 Section 51... specific gravity. Tests to determine specific gravity shall be made in accordance with the procedures set.... The specific gravity for any lot of potatoes shall be the average of at least 3 corrected readings on...

7 CFR 51.3417 - Optional test for specific gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Optional test for specific gravity. 51.3417 Section 51... § 51.3417 Optional test for specific gravity. Tests to determine specific gravity shall be made in... lot with respect to size and quality. The specific gravity for any lot of potatoes shall be the...

7 CFR 51.3417 - Optional test for specific gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Optional test for specific gravity. 51.3417 Section 51... specific gravity. Tests to determine specific gravity shall be made in accordance with the procedures set.... The specific gravity for any lot of potatoes shall be the average of at least 3 corrected readings on...

7 CFR 51.3417 - Optional test for specific gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Optional test for specific gravity. 51.3417 Section 51... § 51.3417 Optional test for specific gravity. Tests to determine specific gravity shall be made in... lot with respect to size and quality. The specific gravity for any lot of potatoes shall be the...

Effects of maternal dietary egg intake during early lactation on human milk ovalbumin concentration: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Metcalfe, J R; Marsh, J A; D'Vaz, N; Geddes, D T; Lai, C T; Prescott, S L; Palmer, D J

2016-12-01

There is limited understanding of how maternal diet affects breastmilk food allergen concentrations, and whether exposure to allergens through this route influences the development of infant oral tolerance or sensitization. To investigate how maternal dietary egg ingestion during early lactation influences egg protein (ovalbumin) levels detected in human breastmilk. In a randomized controlled trial, women were allocated to a dietary group for the first six weeks of lactation: high-egg diet (> 4 eggs per week), low-egg diet (one-three eggs per week) or an egg-free diet. Breastmilk samples were collected at 2, 4 and 6 weeks of lactation for the measurement of ovalbumin. The permeability of the mammary epithelium was assessed by measuring the breastmilk sodium : potassium ratio. Egg-specific IgE and IgG4 were measured in infant plasma at 6 weeks, and prior to the introduction of egg in solids at 16 weeks. Average maternal egg ingestion was associated with breastmilk ovalbumin concentration. Specifically, for each additional egg ingested per week, there was an average 25% increase in ovalbumin concentration (95% CI: 5-48%, P = 0.01). Breastmilk ovalbumin concentrations were significantly higher in the 'high-egg' group (> 4 eggs per week) compared with the 'egg-free' group (P = 0.04). However, one-third of women had no breastmilk ovalbumin detected. No detectable associations were found between mammary epithelium permeability and breastmilk ovalbumin concentrations. Infant plasma egg-specific IgG4 levels were also positively associated with maternal egg ingestion, with an average 22% (95% CI: 3-45%) increase in infant egg-specific IgG4 levels per additional egg consumed per week (P = 0.02). Increased maternal egg ingestion is associated with increased breastmilk ovalbumin, and markers of immune tolerance in infants. These results highlight the potential for maternal diet to benefit infant oral tolerance development during lactation. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

7 CFR 57.100 - Specific exemptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ACT OF 1946 AND THE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION ACT (CONTINUED) INSPECTION OF EGGS (EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION ACT) Regulations Governing the Inspection of Eggs Exemptions § 57.100 Specific... production directly to a household consumer exclusively for use by such consumer and members of his household...

7 CFR 57.100 - Specific exemptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ACT OF 1946 AND THE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION ACT (CONTINUED) INSPECTION OF EGGS (EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION ACT) Regulations Governing the Inspection of Eggs Exemptions § 57.100 Specific... production directly to a household consumer exclusively for use by such consumer and members of his household...

7 CFR 57.100 - Specific exemptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ACT OF 1946 AND THE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION ACT (CONTINUED) INSPECTION OF EGGS (EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION ACT) Regulations Governing the Inspection of Eggs Exemptions § 57.100 Specific... production directly to a household consumer exclusively for use by such consumer and members of his household...

7 CFR 57.100 - Specific exemptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ACT OF 1946 AND THE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION ACT (CONTINUED) INSPECTION OF EGGS (EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION ACT) Regulations Governing the Inspection of Eggs Exemptions § 57.100 Specific... production directly to a household consumer exclusively for use by such consumer and members of his household...

The asymmetry of avian egg-shape: an adaptation for reproduction on dry land

PubMed Central

Mao, Kun-Ming; Murakami, Ayako; Iwasawa, Atsushi; Yoshizaki, Norio

2007-01-01

The present study describes the biological meaning of the asymmetrical shape in avian reproduction using quail. During the incubation of eggs, water was gradually lost and the air chamber which appeared in between the inner and outer shell membranes at the blunt end expanded, so that the angle made by the long egg-axis and the horizontal line increased, presumably because the centre of gravity of the egg contents moved toward the sharp end. The increase in angle occurred in both fertile and infertile eggs, suggesting that this phenomenon occurs irrespective of fertility and is due to the asymmetrical shape. The increase in the volume of the air chamber resulted in an increase in the area of the inner shell membrane at the chamber to satisfy the amount of gas exchange needed by the developing embryo for better hatching. We isolated a 300-kDa protein from the inner shell membrane. It was produced by cells in the luminal epithelium of the oviductal isthmus and was found in the cortex of the fibres of shell membranes and a lining surrounding the air chamber. The lining comprised a medial layer between the inner and outer shell membranes in uterine eggs. The asymmetrical ellipsoid produces the air chamber at the blunt end of the avian egg during its sojourn in the oviductal isthmus, to maintain the blunt end up after oviposition and to raise that end during incubation in a dry environment, leading to high hatchability. PMID:17523938

21 CFR 160.100 - Eggs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Eggs. 160.100 Section 160.100 Food and Drugs FOOD... CONSUMPTION EGGS AND EGG PRODUCTS Requirements for Specific Standardized Eggs and Egg Products § 160.100 Eggs... identity for the food commonly known as eggs. ...

9 CFR 590.100 - Specific exemptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Specific exemptions. 590.100 Section 590.100 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION INSPECTION OF EGGS AND EGG PRODUCTS (EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION ACT) Exemptions § 590.100...

9 CFR 590.100 - Specific exemptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Specific exemptions. 590.100 Section 590.100 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION INSPECTION OF EGGS AND EGG PRODUCTS (EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION ACT) Exemptions § 590.100...

9 CFR 590.100 - Specific exemptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Specific exemptions. 590.100 Section 590.100 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION INSPECTION OF EGGS AND EGG PRODUCTS (EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION ACT) Exemptions § 590.100...

9 CFR 590.100 - Specific exemptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Specific exemptions. 590.100 Section 590.100 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION INSPECTION OF EGGS AND EGG PRODUCTS (EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION ACT) Exemptions § 590.100...

21 CFR 160.180 - Egg yolks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Egg yolks. 160.180 Section 160.180 Food and Drugs... CONSUMPTION EGGS AND EGG PRODUCTS Requirements for Specific Standardized Eggs and Egg Products § 160.180 Egg yolks. (a) Egg yolks, liquid egg yolks, yolks, liquid yolks are yolks of eggs of the domestic hen so...

21 CFR 160.105 - Dried eggs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Dried eggs. 160.105 Section 160.105 Food and Drugs... CONSUMPTION EGGS AND EGG PRODUCTS Requirements for Specific Standardized Eggs and Egg Products § 160.105 Dried eggs. (a) Dried eggs, dried whole eggs are prepared by drying liquid eggs that conform to § 160.115...

21 CFR 160.180 - Egg yolks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 2 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Egg yolks. 160.180 Section 160.180 Food and Drugs... CONSUMPTION EGGS AND EGG PRODUCTS Requirements for Specific Standardized Eggs and Egg Products § 160.180 Egg yolks. (a) Egg yolks, liquid egg yolks, yolks, liquid yolks are yolks of eggs of the domestic hen so...

27 CFR 30.25 - Use of precision specific gravity hydrometers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... gravity hydrometers. 30.25 Section 30.25 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX... precision specific gravity hydrometers. The provisions of § 30.23 respecting the care, handling, and use of... specific gravity hydrometers. Specific gravity hydrometers shall be read to the nearest subdivision...

27 CFR 30.25 - Use of precision specific gravity hydrometers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... gravity hydrometers. 30.25 Section 30.25 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX... precision specific gravity hydrometers. The provisions of § 30.23 respecting the care, handling, and use of... specific gravity hydrometers. Specific gravity hydrometers shall be read to the nearest subdivision...

27 CFR 30.25 - Use of precision specific gravity hydrometers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... gravity hydrometers. 30.25 Section 30.25 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX... precision specific gravity hydrometers. The provisions of § 30.23 respecting the care, handling, and use of... specific gravity hydrometers. Specific gravity hydrometers shall be read to the nearest subdivision...

27 CFR 30.25 - Use of precision specific gravity hydrometers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... gravity hydrometers. 30.25 Section 30.25 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX... precision specific gravity hydrometers. The provisions of § 30.23 respecting the care, handling, and use of... specific gravity hydrometers. Specific gravity hydrometers shall be read to the nearest subdivision...

27 CFR 30.25 - Use of precision specific gravity hydrometers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... gravity hydrometers. 30.25 Section 30.25 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX... precision specific gravity hydrometers. The provisions of § 30.23 respecting the care, handling, and use of... specific gravity hydrometers. Specific gravity hydrometers shall be read to the nearest subdivision...

21 CFR 160.150 - Frozen egg whites.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Frozen egg whites. 160.150 Section 160.150 Food... HUMAN CONSUMPTION EGGS AND EGG PRODUCTS Requirements for Specific Standardized Eggs and Egg Products § 160.150 Frozen egg whites. (a) Frozen egg whites, frozen egg albumen is the food prepared by freezing...

21 CFR 160.190 - Frozen egg yolks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Frozen egg yolks. 160.190 Section 160.190 Food and... CONSUMPTION EGGS AND EGG PRODUCTS Requirements for Specific Standardized Eggs and Egg Products § 160.190 Frozen egg yolks. (a) Frozen egg yolks, frozen yolks is the food prepared by freezing egg yolks that...

21 CFR 160.190 - Frozen egg yolks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 2 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Frozen egg yolks. 160.190 Section 160.190 Food and... CONSUMPTION EGGS AND EGG PRODUCTS Requirements for Specific Standardized Eggs and Egg Products § 160.190 Frozen egg yolks. (a) Frozen egg yolks, frozen yolks is the food prepared by freezing egg yolks that...

21 CFR 160.150 - Frozen egg whites.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 2 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Frozen egg whites. 160.150 Section 160.150 Food... HUMAN CONSUMPTION EGGS AND EGG PRODUCTS Requirements for Specific Standardized Eggs and Egg Products § 160.150 Frozen egg whites. (a) Frozen egg whites, frozen egg albumen is the food prepared by freezing...

Microgravity Effecs During Fertilization, Cell Division, Development, and Calcium Metabolism in Sea Urchins

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schatten, Heide

1999-01-01

Calcium loss and muscle atrophy are two of the main metabolic changes experienced by astronauts and crew members during exposure to microgravity in space. For long-term exposure to space it is crucial to understand the underlying mechanisms for altered physiological functions. Fundamental occurrences in cell biology which are likely to depend on gravity include cytoskeletal dynamics, chromatin and centrosome cycling, and ion immobilization. These events can be studied during fertilization and embryogenesis within invertebrate systems. We have chosen the sea urchin system to study the effects of microgravity on cytoskeletal processes and calcium metabolism during fertilization, cell division, development, and embryogenesis. Experiments during an aircraft parabolic flight (KC-135) demonstrated: (1) the viability of sea urchin eggs prior to fertilization, (2) the suitability of our specimen containment system, (3) the feasibility of fertilization in a reduced gravity environment (which was achieved during 25 seconds of reduced gravity under parabolic flight conditions). Two newly developed pieces of spaceflight hardware made further investigations possible on a spaceflight (STS-77); (1) the Aquatic Research Facility (ARF), and (2) the Fertilization Syringe Unit (FSU). The Canadian Space Agency developed ARF to conduct aquatic spaceflight experiments requiring controlled conditions of temperature, humidity, illumination, and fixation at predetermined time points. It contained a control centrifuge which simulated the 1 g environment of earth during spaceflight. The FSU was developed at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) by the Bionetics Corporation specifically to enable the crew to perform sea urchin fertilization operations in space.

Role of specific IgE and skin-prick testing in predicting food challenge results to baked egg

PubMed Central

Cortot, Catherine F.; Sheehan, William J.; Permaul, Perdita; Friedlander, James L.; Baxi, Sachin N.; Gaffin, Jonathan M.; Dioun, Anahita F.; Hoffman, Elaine B.; Schneider, Lynda C.

2012-01-01

Previous studies suggest that children with egg allergy may be able to tolerate baked egg. Reliable predictors of a successful baked egg challenge are not well established. We examined egg white–specific IgE levels, skin-prick test (SPT) results, and age as predictors of baked egg oral food challenge (OFC) outcomes. We conducted a retrospective chart review of children, aged 2–18 years, receiving an egg white–specific IgE level, SPT, and OFC to baked egg from 2008 to 2010. Fifty-two oral baked egg challenges were conducted. Of the 52 challenges, 83% (n = 43) passed and 17% (n = 9) failed, including 2 having anaphylaxis. Median SPT wheal size was 12 mm (range, 0–35 mm) for passed challenges and 17 mm (range, 10–30 mm) for failed challenges (p = 0.091). The negative predictive value for passing the OFC was 100% (9 of 9) if SPT wheal size was <10 mm. Median egg white–specific IgE was 2.02 kU/L (range, <0.35–13.00 kU/L) for passed challenges and 1.52 kU/L (range, 0.51–6.10 kU/L) for failed challenges (p = 0.660). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for SPT revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.64. ROC curve analysis for egg white–specific IgE revealed an AUC of 0.63. There was no significant difference in age between patients who failed and those who passed (median = 8.8 years versus 7.0 years; p = 0.721). Based on our sample, SPT, egg white–specific IgE and age are not good predictors of passing a baked egg challenge. However, there was a trend for more predictability with SPT wheal size. PMID:22584194

Natural course of sensitization to hen's egg in children not previously exposed to egg ingestion.

PubMed

de Boissieu, D; Dupont, C

2006-04-01

Clinical adverse reactions to egg may occur in infants or children who have never eaten egg. They may be sensitized or even react at first egg ingestion. Few studies are available concerning the reality of egg white allergy in such sensitized children, the natural evolution of this condition and the appropriate decisions to make. To analyze the actuality and natural course of egg allergy in children sensitized without previous of hen's egg ingestion. We set up a clinical decision tree based on clinical history and specific egg white IgE to manage patients who had never ingested egg but were sensitized as demonstrated by a positive SPT and report a cohort of 30 such children The mean level of egg white specific IgE at first analysis, i.e. before 12 months, was high, 28.3 KU(A) /L, with a large range, from 0.6 to >100 KU(A) /L, below 6 KU(A) /L in only 8 patients. In 6 children ("no challenge" group), IgE values remained >8 KU(A) /L by the end of the survey and the oral challenge with egg was always denied. Their mean + SD IgE level was at 51.7 + 38 KU(A) /L at 1 year and 19.7 + 13 KU(A) /L at a mean age of 34 + 5 months. All had an associated anaphylactic reaction with milk and 5 were still allergic to milk by the end of the survey. In the remaining 24 infants, egg was given for the first time at a mean age of 30 + 9 months, by error in 4 cases, all exhibiting an immediate reaction, and in a hospital setting in 20, among whom 14 reacted. Among those 18, with a specific IgE level at 9.1 + 10 KU(A) /L at 28 + 9 months, 4 became tolerant between 3 and 4 years, with specific IgE levels below 1.3 KU(A) /L and a 5th one with specific IgE >100 KU(A) /L at 6 months tolerated scrambled eggs at age 7 year, with specific IgE at 2.6 KU(A) /L. In the 6 others, labeled "non allergic", egg white specific IgE levels were significantly lower, whatever the age, than in the "no challenge" group. The age at challenge was 35 + 8 months, with a mean specific IgE level at 1.0 + 0.9 KU(A) /L. In children sensitized to egg without previous ingestion of that food, egg tolerance appears probably in some by the age of 3 but may reveal much more prolonged in a limited number.

21 CFR 160.185 - Dried egg yolks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Dried egg yolks. 160.185 Section 160.185 Food and... CONSUMPTION EGGS AND EGG PRODUCTS Requirements for Specific Standardized Eggs and Egg Products § 160.185 Dried egg yolks. (a) Dried egg yolks, dried yolks is the food prepared by drying egg yolks that conform to...

Is it possible to make a diagnosis of raw, heated, and baked egg allergy in children using cutoffs? A systematic review.

PubMed

Calvani, Mauro; Arasi, Stefania; Bianchi, Annamaria; Caimmi, Davide; Cuomo, Barbara; Dondi, Arianna; Indirli, Giovanni Cosimo; La Grutta, Stefania; Panetta, Valentina; Verga, Maria Carmen

2015-09-01

The diagnosis of IgE-mediated egg allergy lies both on a compatible clinical history and on the results of skin prick tests (SPTs) and IgEs levels. Both tests have good sensitivity but low specificity. For this reason, oral food challenge (OFC) is the ultimate gold standard for the diagnosis. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature in order to identify, analyze, and synthesize the predictive value of SPT and specific IgEs both to egg white and to main egg allergens and to review the cutoffs suggested in the literature. A total of 37 articles were included in this systematic review. Studies were grouped according to the degree of cooking of the egg used for OFC, age, and type of allergen used to perform the allergy workup. In children <2 years, raw egg allergy seems very likely when SPTs with egg white extract are ≥4 mm or specific IgEs are ≥1.7 kUA /l. In children ≥2 years, OFC could be avoided when SPTs with egg white extract are ≥10 mm or prick by prick with egg white is ≥14 mm or specific IgE is ≥7.3 kUA /l. Likewise, heated egg allergy can be diagnosed if SPTs with egg white extract are >5 and >11 mm in children <2 and ≥2 years, respectively. Further and better-designed studies are needed to determine the remaining diagnostic cutoff of specific IgE and SPT for heated and baked egg allergy. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Formation of otoconia in the Japanese red-bellied newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wiederhold, M. L.; Yamashita, M.; Larsen, K.; Asashima, M.

1994-01-01

Pre-mated adult female newts and fertilized eggs will be flown on the International Microgravity Laboratory-2 flight, in 1994. One objective of the flight will be to observe the influence of microgravity on the development of the gravity-sensing organs in the inner ear. These organs contain sensory hair cells covered by a layer of dense stones (otoconia). Gravity and linear acceleration exert forces on these masses, leading to excitation of the nerve fibers innervating the hair cells. If the production of the otoliths is regulated to reach an optimal weight, their development might be abnormal in microgravity. Ground-based control experiments are reported describing the developmental sequence in which both the otoliths and their associated sensory epithelium and the semicircular canals appear and develop. Three-dimensional reconstruction of serial sections through the otic vesicle of newt embryos at stages 31 through 58 demonstrate the first appearance, relative position and growth of the otoliths. Reports of experiments in which fertilized frog eggs were flown on a Russian Cosmos mission conclude that the utricular otolith is increased in volume, whereas the saccular otolith maintains normal size, suggesting that at least in the utricle, the weight of the otolith might be regulated.

Factors associated with colostral specific gravity in dairy cows.

PubMed

Morin, D E; Constable, P D; Maunsell, F P; McCoy, G C

2001-04-01

The objectives of this study were to identify factors associated with colostral specific gravity in dairy cows, as measured by a commercially available hydrometer (Colostrometer). Colostral specific gravity was measured in 1085 first-milking colostrum samples from 608 dairy cows of four breeds on a single farm during a 5-yr period. Effects of breed, lactation number, and month and year of calving on colostral specific gravity were determined, as were correlations between colostral specific gravity, nonlactating period length, and 305-d yields of milk, protein, and fat. For 75 multiparous Holstein cows, relationships between colostral specific gravity, colostral IgG1, protein, and fat concentrations, and season of calving were determined. Colostral specific gravity values were lower for Brown Swiss and Ayrshire cows than for Jersey and Holstein cows, and lower for cows entering first or second lactation than third or later lactations. Month of calving markedly affected colostral specific gravity values, with highest values occurring in autumn and lowest values in summer. In multiparous Holstein cows, colostral specific gravity was more strongly correlated with colostral protein concentration (r = 0.76) than IgG1 concentration (r = 0.53), and colostral protein concentration varied seasonally (higher in autumn than summer). Our results demonstrate that colostral specific gravity more closely reflects colostral protein concentration than IgG1 concentration and is markedly influenced by month of calving. These results highlight potential limitations of using colostral specific gravity as an indicator of IgG1 concentration.

Effect of prehatching weightlessness on adult fish behavior in dynamic environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoffman, R. B.; Salinas, G. A.; Boyd, J. F.; Baky, A. A.; Von Baumgarten, R. J.

1978-01-01

At 16-17 months of age, three groups of fish from the embryonated eggs in the ASTP killifish experiment were subjected to postflight tests consisting of rapidly changing environments. It was found that the group of fish with the least amount of development at orbital insertion (A-32) had a decreased rheotropism for both the moving background and the rotating water current tests when compared to ground control fish. Exposure to parabolic aircraft flight conditions revealed that the A-32 fish were less disoriented during zero gravity periods and were hypersensitive to high-gravity periods. These results suggested a modified vestibular competency due to a 9-d prehatching weightlessness exposure.

Differentiation of naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene mothballs based on their difference in specific gravity.

PubMed

Fukuda, T; Koyama, K; Yamashita, M; Koichi, N; Takeda, M

1991-08-01

The present study was conducted to measure the specific gravities of paradichlorobenzene and naphthalene mothballs and compare them with the specific gravity of a saturated aqueous solution of sodium chloride (1.197). The specific gravities of 450 paradichlorobenzene mothballs from 5 manufactures and 150 naphthalene mothballs from 2 manufactures were measured with a specific gravity meter. The mean specific gravities of paradichlorobenzene mothballs were between 1.429 and 1.437 (p = 0.99). On the other hand, the mean specific gravities of naphthalene mothballs were between 1.094 and 1.100 (p = 0.99). Based on the fact that paradichlorobenzene mothballs sink in a saturated solution of salt whereas naphthalene mothballs float on it, these 2 kinds of mothballs ought to be rapidly and accurately distinguished in clinical settings.

27 CFR 30.24 - Specific gravity hydrometers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 27 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Specific gravity... BUREAU, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY LIQUORS GAUGING MANUAL Gauging Instruments § 30.24 Specific gravity hydrometers. (a) The specific gravity hydrometers furnished by proprietors to appropriate TTB officers shall...

27 CFR 30.24 - Specific gravity hydrometers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 27 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Specific gravity... BUREAU, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY LIQUORS GAUGING MANUAL Gauging Instruments § 30.24 Specific gravity hydrometers. (a) The specific gravity hydrometers furnished by proprietors to appropriate TTB officers shall...

27 CFR 30.24 - Specific gravity hydrometers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 27 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Specific gravity... BUREAU, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY ALCOHOL GAUGING MANUAL Gauging Instruments § 30.24 Specific gravity hydrometers. (a) The specific gravity hydrometers furnished by proprietors to appropriate TTB officers shall...

27 CFR 30.24 - Specific gravity hydrometers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 27 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Specific gravity... BUREAU, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY ALCOHOL GAUGING MANUAL Gauging Instruments § 30.24 Specific gravity hydrometers. (a) The specific gravity hydrometers furnished by proprietors to appropriate TTB officers shall...

Passive Immune-Protection of Litopenaeus vannamei against Vibrio harveyi and Vibrio parahaemolyticus Infections with Anti-Vibrio Egg Yolk (IgY)-Encapsulated Feed

PubMed Central

Gao, Xiaojian; Zhang, Xiaojun; Lin, Li; Yao, Dongrui; Sun, Jingjing; Du, Xuedi; Li, Xiumei; Zhang, Yue

2016-01-01

Vibrio spp. are major causes of mortality in white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) which is lacking adaptive immunity. Passive immunization with a specific egg yolk antibody (IgY) is a potential method for the protection of shrimp against vibriosis. In this study, immune effects of the specific egg yolk powders (IgY) against both V. harveyi and V. parahaemolyticus on white shrimp were evaluated. The egg yolk powders against V. harveyi and V. parahaemolyticus for passive immunization of white shrimp were prepared, while a tube agglutination assay and an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used for detection of IgY titer. Anti-Vibrio egg yolk was encapsulated by β-cyclodextrin, which could keep the activity of the antibody in the gastrointestinal tract of shrimp. The results showed that the anti-Vibrio egg powders had an inhibiting effect on V. harveyi and V. parahaemolyticus in vitro. Lower mortality of infected zoeae, mysis, and postlarva was observed in groups fed with anti-Vibrio egg powders, compared with those fed with normal egg powders. The bacterial load in postlarva fed with specific egg powders in seeding ponds was significantly lower than those fed with normal egg powders in seeding ponds. These results show that passive immunization by oral administration with specific egg yolk powders (IgY) may provide a valuable protection of vibrio infections in white shrimp. PMID:27196895

Food stress causes sex-specific maternal effects in mites

PubMed Central

Walzer, Andreas; Schausberger, Peter

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT Life history theory predicts that females should produce few large eggs under food stress and many small eggs when food is abundant. We tested this prediction in three female-biased size-dimorphic predatory mites feeding on herbivorous spider mite prey: Phytoseiulus persimilis, a specialized spider mite predator; Neoseiulus californicus, a generalist preferring spider mites; Amblyseius andersoni, a broad diet generalist. Irrespective of predator species and offspring sex, most females laid only one small egg under severe food stress. Irrespective of predator species, the number of female but not male eggs decreased with increasing maternal food stress. This sex-specific effect was probably due to the higher production costs of large female than small male eggs. The complexity of the response to the varying availability of spider mite prey correlated with the predators' degree of adaptation to this prey. Most A. andersoni females did not oviposit under severe food stress, whereas N. californicus and P. persimilis did oviposit. Under moderate food stress, only P. persimilis increased its investment per offspring, at the expense of egg number, and produced few large female eggs. When prey was abundant, P. persimilis decreased the female egg sizes at the expense of increased egg numbers, resulting in a sex-specific egg size/number trade-off. Maternal effects manifested only in N. californicus and P. persimilis. Small egg size correlated with the body size of daughters but not sons. Overall, our study provides a key example of sex-specific maternal effects, i.e. food stress during egg production more strongly affects the sex of the large than the small offspring. PMID:26089530

Evaluation of limit feeding corn and distillers dried grains with solubles in non-feed-withdrawal molt programs for laying hens.

PubMed

Mejia, L; Meyer, E T; Utterback, P L; Utterback, C W; Parsons, C M; Koelkebeck, K W

2010-03-01

An experiment was conducted using 504 Hy-Line W-36 Single Comb White Leghorn hens (69 wk of age) randomly assigned to 1 of 7 treatments. These treatments consisted of a 47% corn:47% soy hulls diet (C:SH) fed ad libitum; a 94% corn diet fed at a rate of 36.3, 45.4, or 54.5 g/hen per day (CORN 36, CORN 45, and CORN 54, respectively); and a 94% corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) diet fed at the same rates as the previous corn diets (DDGS 36, DDGS 45, and DDGS 54, respectively) during the molt period of 28 d. The intent was to feed the DDGS diets for 28 d; however, all hens on these diets had very low feed intakes and greater than anticipated BW loss. Thus, they were switched to a 16% CP corn-soybean meal layer diet on d 19 of the molt period. At d 28, hens on all treatments were fed the same corn-soybean meal layer diet for 39 wk (73 to 112 wk of age). All DDGS diets and the CORN 36 diet resulted in total cessation of egg production during the molt period and egg production of hens fed the CORN 45, CORN 54, and C:SH diets had decreased to 3 and 4%, respectively, by d 28. Body weight loss during the 28-d molt period ranged from 14% for the CORN 54 diet to approximately 23% for the 3 DDGS diets. Postmolt egg production (5 to 43 wk) was higher for hens fed the DDGS molt diets than those fed the corn diets. There were no consistent differences in egg mass, egg-specific gravity, feed efficiency, or layer feed consumption among molt treatments for the postmolt period. These results indicate that limit feeding corn diet and DDGS diet in non-feed-withdrawal molt programs will yield long-term postmolt performance that is comparable to that observed by ad libitum feeding a C:SH diet.

Effects of Silver and Other Metals on the Cytoskeleton

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Conrad, Gary W.

1997-01-01

Directly or indirectly, trace concentrations of silver ion (Ag(+)) stabilize microtubules (Conrad, A.H., et al. Cell Motil. & Cytoskel. 27:117-132), as does taxol (Conrad, A.H., et al. J. Exp. Zool. 262:154-165), an effect with major consequences for cellular shape changes and development. Polymerization of microtubules is gravity-sensitive (Tabony and Job, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:6948-6952), so trace amounts of Ag(+) may alter cellular ability to respond to gravity. If Ag electrolysis is used to purify water on NASA space vehicles, plants and animals/astronauts will be exposed continuously to Ag(+), a regimen with unknown cellular and developmental consequences. Fertilized eggs of the marine mudsnail, Ilyanassa obsoleta, are the cells in which the effects of A(+) on microtubules were discovered. They distribute visible cytoplasmic contents according to gravity and contain cytoplasmic morphogenetic determinants for heart development. The objectives are to determine if the effects of Ag(+), AU(3+), (of biosensor relevance), or Gd(3+) (inhibitor of some stretch-activated ion channels) on the cytoskeleton (in the presence and absence of mechanical loading) will affect cellular responses to gravity.

21 CFR 864.9320 - Copper sulfate solution for specific gravity determinations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Copper sulfate solution for specific gravity... Establishments That Manufacture Blood and Blood Products § 864.9320 Copper sulfate solution for specific gravity determinations. (a) Identification. A copper sulfate solution for specific gravity determinations is a device...

21 CFR 864.9320 - Copper sulfate solution for specific gravity determinations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Copper sulfate solution for specific gravity... Establishments That Manufacture Blood and Blood Products § 864.9320 Copper sulfate solution for specific gravity determinations. (a) Identification. A copper sulfate solution for specific gravity determinations is a device...

21 CFR 864.9320 - Copper sulfate solution for specific gravity determinations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Copper sulfate solution for specific gravity... Establishments That Manufacture Blood and Blood Products § 864.9320 Copper sulfate solution for specific gravity determinations. (a) Identification. A copper sulfate solution for specific gravity determinations is a device...

21 CFR 864.9320 - Copper sulfate solution for specific gravity determinations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Copper sulfate solution for specific gravity... Establishments That Manufacture Blood and Blood Products § 864.9320 Copper sulfate solution for specific gravity determinations. (a) Identification. A copper sulfate solution for specific gravity determinations is a device...

Space Shuttle Projects

NASA Image and Video Library

1989-11-27

The primary payload for Space Shuttle Mission STS-42, launched January 22, 1992, was the International Microgravity Laboratory-1 (IML-1), a pressurized manned Spacelab module. The goal of IML-1 was to explore in depth the complex effects of weightlessness of living organisms and materials processing. Around-the-clock research was performed on the human nervous system's adaptation to low gravity and effects of microgravity on other life forms such as shrimp eggs, lentil seedlings, fruit fly eggs, and bacteria. Materials processing experiments were also conducted, including crystal growth from a variety of substances such as enzymes, mercury iodide and a virus. More than 200 scientists from 16 countries participated in the investigations. This is the logo or emblem that was designed to represent the IML-1 payload.

Egg serpins: The chicken and/or the egg dilemma.

PubMed

Dombre, Clara; Guyot, Nicolas; Moreau, Thierry; Monget, Philippe; Da Silva, Mylène; Gautron, Joël; Réhault-Godbert, Sophie

2017-02-01

Twenty-seven serpins belonging to clade A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I serpins are currently referenced in chicken genome databases. Phylogenetic analysis of chicken serpins revealed that ovalbumin (Serpinb14) and its paralogs ovalbumin-related protein Y (Serpinb14b) and ovalbumin-related protein X (Serpinb14c) are found in bird species. These clade B serpins are specifically expressed in reproductive tissues and exported in the egg where they constitute major protein components. These data suggest that these three paralogs have probably appeared in birds to face new environments and ensure the extra-uterine development of an embryo in a shell egg. Twelve other serpins have been identified in the newly produced egg, some of them having a specific distribution in the respective egg structures (eggshell, egg white, vitelline membrane and egg yolk). The physiological role of these egg serpins remain largely unexplored, but there is increasing evidence in literature or by homologies with their mammalian counterparts, that some of them participate in cell proliferation, tissue remodeling and/or angiogenesis associated with folliculogenesis and development of extraembryonic structures, eggshell biomineralization, egg defense and nutrition of the embryo. A better knowledge of the phylogenetic evolution of these 15 serpins in other oviparous species, on their egg distribution, on their regulation during embryonic development (activation/degradation/transfer) and on their functional specificity, is needed to better appreciate their role and their bird-specificity. These review shed light on the multiple possibilities that offer the avian egg model to study the role of serpins in reproduction and developmental biology. Copyright © 2016 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Food stress causes sex-specific maternal effects in mites.

PubMed

Walzer, Andreas; Schausberger, Peter

2015-08-01

Life history theory predicts that females should produce few large eggs under food stress and many small eggs when food is abundant. We tested this prediction in three female-biased size-dimorphic predatory mites feeding on herbivorous spider mite prey: Phytoseiulus persimilis, a specialized spider mite predator; Neoseiulus californicus, a generalist preferring spider mites; Amblyseius andersoni, a broad diet generalist. Irrespective of predator species and offspring sex, most females laid only one small egg under severe food stress. Irrespective of predator species, the number of female but not male eggs decreased with increasing maternal food stress. This sex-specific effect was probably due to the higher production costs of large female than small male eggs. The complexity of the response to the varying availability of spider mite prey correlated with the predators' degree of adaptation to this prey. Most A. andersoni females did not oviposit under severe food stress, whereas N. californicus and P. persimilis did oviposit. Under moderate food stress, only P. persimilis increased its investment per offspring, at the expense of egg number, and produced few large female eggs. When prey was abundant, P. persimilis decreased the female egg sizes at the expense of increased egg numbers, resulting in a sex-specific egg size/number trade-off. Maternal effects manifested only in N. californicus and P. persimilis. Small egg size correlated with the body size of daughters but not sons. Overall, our study provides a key example of sex-specific maternal effects, i.e. food stress during egg production more strongly affects the sex of the large than the small offspring. © 2015. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Density and Specific Gravity Metrics in Biomass Research

Treesearch

Micheal C. Wiemann; G. Bruce Williamson

2012-01-01

Following the 2010 publication of Measuring Wood Specific Gravity… Correctly in the American Journal of Botany, readers contacted us to inquire about application of wood density and specific gravity to biomass research. Here we recommend methods for sample collection, volume measurement, and determination of wood density and specific gravity for...

30 CFR 15.22 - Tolerances for performance, wrapper, and specific gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... specific gravity. 15.22 Section 15.22 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT... performance, wrapper, and specific gravity. (a) The rate of detonation of the explosive shall be within ±15... within ±2 grams of that specified in the approval. (c) The apparent specific gravity of the explosive...

27 CFR 30.41 - Bulk spirits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... specific gravity at the temperature of the spirits is not more than 1.0) and reference to Table 4 for the wine gallons per pound, or (b) Use of a specific gravity hydrometer, in accordance with the provisions of § 30.25, to determine the specific gravity of the spirits (if the specific gravity at the...

27 CFR 30.41 - Bulk spirits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... specific gravity at the temperature of the spirits is not more than 1.0) and reference to Table 4 for the wine gallons per pound, or (b) Use of a specific gravity hydrometer, in accordance with the provisions of § 30.25, to determine the specific gravity of the spirits (if the specific gravity at the...

27 CFR 30.41 - Bulk spirits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... specific gravity at the temperature of the spirits is not more than 1.0) and reference to Table 4 for the wine gallons per pound, or (b) Use of a specific gravity hydrometer, in accordance with the provisions of § 30.25, to determine the specific gravity of the spirits (if the specific gravity at the...

27 CFR 30.41 - Bulk spirits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... specific gravity at the temperature of the spirits is not more than 1.0) and reference to Table 4 for the wine gallons per pound, or (b) Use of a specific gravity hydrometer, in accordance with the provisions of § 30.25, to determine the specific gravity of the spirits (if the specific gravity at the...

Salmonella enteritidis surveillance by egg immunology: impact of the sampling scheme on the release of contaminated table eggs.

PubMed

Klinkenberg, Don; Thomas, Ekelijn; Artavia, Francisco F Calvo; Bouma, Annemarie

2011-08-01

Design of surveillance programs to detect infections could benefit from more insight into sampling schemes. We address the effect of sampling schemes for Salmonella Enteritidis surveillance in laying hens. Based on experimental estimates for the transmission rate in flocks, and the characteristics of an egg immunological test, we have simulated outbreaks with various sampling schemes, and with the current boot swab program with a 15-week sampling interval. Declaring a flock infected based on a single positive egg was not possible because test specificity was too low. Thus, a threshold number of positive eggs was defined to declare a flock infected, and, for small sample sizes, eggs from previous samplings had to be included in a cumulative sample to guarantee a minimum flock level specificity. Effectiveness of surveillance was measured by the proportion of outbreaks detected, and by the number of contaminated table eggs brought on the market. The boot swab program detected 90% of the outbreaks, with 75% fewer contaminated eggs compared to no surveillance, whereas the baseline egg program (30 eggs each 15 weeks) detected 86%, with 73% fewer contaminated eggs. We conclude that a larger sample size results in more detected outbreaks, whereas a smaller sampling interval decreases the number of contaminated eggs. Decreasing sample size and interval simultaneously reduces the number of contaminated eggs, but not indefinitely: the advantage of more frequent sampling is counterbalanced by the cumulative sample including less recently laid eggs. Apparently, optimizing surveillance has its limits when test specificity is taken into account. © 2011 Society for Risk Analysis.

Developing logistic regression models using purchase attributes and demographics to predict the probability of purchases of regular and specialty eggs.

PubMed

Bejaei, M; Wiseman, K; Cheng, K M

2015-01-01

Consumers' interest in specialty eggs appears to be growing in Europe and North America. The objective of this research was to develop logistic regression models that utilise purchaser attributes and demographics to predict the probability of a consumer purchasing a specific type of table egg including regular (white and brown), non-caged (free-run, free-range and organic) or nutrient-enhanced eggs. These purchase prediction models, together with the purchasers' attributes, can be used to assess market opportunities of different egg types specifically in British Columbia (BC). An online survey was used to gather data for the models. A total of 702 completed questionnaires were submitted by BC residents. Selected independent variables included in the logistic regression to develop models for different egg types to predict the probability of a consumer purchasing a specific type of table egg. The variables used in the model accounted for 54% and 49% of variances in the purchase of regular and non-caged eggs, respectively. Research results indicate that consumers of different egg types exhibit a set of unique and statistically significant characteristics and/or demographics. For example, consumers of regular eggs were less educated, older, price sensitive, major chain store buyers, and store flyer users, and had lower awareness about different types of eggs and less concern regarding animal welfare issues. However, most of the non-caged egg consumers were less concerned about price, had higher awareness about different types of table eggs, purchased their eggs from local/organic grocery stores, farm gates or farmers markets, and they were more concerned about care and feeding of hens compared to consumers of other eggs types.

Estimating Janka hardness from specific gravity for tropical and temperate species

Treesearch

Michael C. Wiemann; David W. Green

2007-01-01

Using mean values for basic (green) specific gravity and Janka side hardness for individual species obtained from the world literature, regression equations were developed to predict side hardness from specific gravity. Statistical and graphical methods showed that the hardness–specific gravity relationship is the same for tropical and temperate hardwoods, but that the...

Survey of specific gravity of eight Maine conifers

Treesearch

Harold E. Wahlgren; Gregory Baker; Robert R. Maeglin; Arthur C. Hart

1968-01-01

This analysis of a mass increment core sampling of eight coniferous species of Maine characterizes specific gravity for each of the species. No clear-cut relationships of specific gravity to forest type, stand density class, height class, or tree diameter at breast height were found. Included in the data are the species average specific gravity and the range. These...

30 CFR 15.32 - Tolerances for weight of explosive, sheath, wrapper, and specific gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., wrapper, and specific gravity. 15.32 Section 15.32 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION... explosive, sheath, wrapper, and specific gravity. (a) The weight of the explosive, the sheath, and the outer.... (c) The specific gravity of the explosive and sheath shall be within ±7.5 percent of that specified...

30 CFR 15.32 - Tolerances for weight of explosive, sheath, wrapper, and specific gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

..., wrapper, and specific gravity. 15.32 Section 15.32 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION... explosive, sheath, wrapper, and specific gravity. (a) The weight of the explosive, the sheath, and the outer.... (c) The specific gravity of the explosive and sheath shall be within ±7.5 percent of that specified...

30 CFR 15.32 - Tolerances for weight of explosive, sheath, wrapper, and specific gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

..., wrapper, and specific gravity. 15.32 Section 15.32 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION... explosive, sheath, wrapper, and specific gravity. (a) The weight of the explosive, the sheath, and the outer.... (c) The specific gravity of the explosive and sheath shall be within ±7.5 percent of that specified...

30 CFR 15.32 - Tolerances for weight of explosive, sheath, wrapper, and specific gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., wrapper, and specific gravity. 15.32 Section 15.32 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION... explosive, sheath, wrapper, and specific gravity. (a) The weight of the explosive, the sheath, and the outer.... (c) The specific gravity of the explosive and sheath shall be within ±7.5 percent of that specified...

30 CFR 15.32 - Tolerances for weight of explosive, sheath, wrapper, and specific gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

..., wrapper, and specific gravity. 15.32 Section 15.32 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION... explosive, sheath, wrapper, and specific gravity. (a) The weight of the explosive, the sheath, and the outer.... (c) The specific gravity of the explosive and sheath shall be within ±7.5 percent of that specified...

Excretion rates of indigestible plastic balls of different specific gravities and diameters in dairy cattle.

PubMed

Seyama, Tomohiro; Hirayasu, Hirofumi; Kasai, Koji

2017-01-01

We used plastic balls to investigate how their specific gravity and diameter affect excretion rate and rumination in dairy cattle, to develop a capsule that can be used for reaching the lower gastrointestinal tract without physical breakdown and/or degradation in the rumen. Twelve types of indigestible plastic balls composed of a combination of four specific gravities (0.95, 1.19, 1.41, or 2.20) and three diameters (3.97, 6.35, or 7.94 mm) were orally administered to lactating dairy cows, and the balls were collected from feces, after 120 h post-administration, to evaluate the recovery rate. Recovery rate of the balls with specific gravity 1.19 or 1.41 and diameter 6.35 or 7.94 mm was higher than those with specific gravity 0.95 or 2.20 and diameter 3.97 mm. The cumulative recovery rate at 24 and 48 h post-administration was higher for balls with specific gravity 1.19 than that for balls with other specific gravities. These results suggest that specific gravity 1.19 or 1.41 and diameters 6.35-7.94 mm are optimal for use in bypass capsules for administration to cattle. In addition, the passage time of capsules differed between specific gravities 1.19 and 1.41. © 2016 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

27 CFR 21.161 - Weights and specific gravities of specially denatured alcohol.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... gravities of specially denatured alcohol. 21.161 Section 21.161 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms... ALCOHOL AND RUM Weights and Specific Gravities of Specially Denatured Alcohol § 21.161 Weights and specific gravities of specially denatured alcohol. The weight of one gallon of each formula of specially...

27 CFR 21.161 - Weights and specific gravities of specially denatured alcohol.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... gravities of specially denatured alcohol. 21.161 Section 21.161 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms... ALCOHOL AND RUM Weights and Specific Gravities of Specially Denatured Alcohol § 21.161 Weights and specific gravities of specially denatured alcohol. The weight of one gallon of each formula of specially...

27 CFR 21.161 - Weights and specific gravities of specially denatured alcohol.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... gravities of specially denatured alcohol. 21.161 Section 21.161 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms... ALCOHOL AND RUM Weights and Specific Gravities of Specially Denatured Alcohol § 21.161 Weights and specific gravities of specially denatured alcohol. The weight of one gallon of each formula of specially...

27 CFR 21.161 - Weights and specific gravities of specially denatured alcohol.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... gravities of specially denatured alcohol. 21.161 Section 21.161 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms... ALCOHOL AND RUM Weights and Specific Gravities of Specially Denatured Alcohol § 21.161 Weights and specific gravities of specially denatured alcohol. The weight of one gallon of each formula of specially...

27 CFR 21.161 - Weights and specific gravities of specially denatured alcohol.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... gravities of specially denatured alcohol. 21.161 Section 21.161 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms... ALCOHOL AND RUM Weights and Specific Gravities of Specially Denatured Alcohol § 21.161 Weights and specific gravities of specially denatured alcohol. The weight of one gallon of each formula of specially...

Spacelab

NASA Image and Video Library

1992-01-29

This photograph shows activities during the International Microgravity Laboratory-1 (IML-1) mission (STS-42) in the Payload Operations Control Center (POCC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center. The IML-1 mission was the first in a series of Shuttle flights dedicated to fundamental materials and life sciences research. The mission was to explore, in depth, the complex effects of weightlessness on living organisms and materials processing. The crew conducted experiments on the human nervous system's adaptation to low gravity and the effects on other life forms such as shrimp eggs, lentil seedlings, fruit fly eggs, and bacteria. Low gravity materials processing experiments included crystal growth from a variety of substances such as enzymes, mercury, iodine, and virus. The International space science research organizations that participated in this mission were: The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the European Space Agency, the Canadian Space Agency, the French National Center for Space Studies, the German Space Agency, and the National Space Development Agency of Japan. The POCC was the air/ground communication charnel used between the astronauts aboard the Spacelab and scientists, researchers, and ground control teams during the Spacelab missions. The facility made instantaneous video and audio communications possible for scientists on the ground to follow the progress and to send direct commands of their research almost as if they were in space with the crew.

Clinical and immunological profile of children aged 5-9 years with persistent egg allergy before oral immunotherapy with egg. A multicenter, randomized controlled trial of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology (SEICAP).

PubMed

Echeverria, L; Martin-Muñoz, M F; Martorell, C; Belver, M T; Alonso Lebrero, E; Zapatero, L; Fuentes, V; Piqué, M; Plaza, A; Muñoz, C; Martorell, A; Blasco, C; Villa, B; Gómez, C; Nevot, S; García, J M; Madero, R

2018-05-24

In children with egg protein allergy (EA), the probability of overcoming the allergy decreases with age, and the possibility of suffering severe adverse reactions as a consequence of dietetic transgressions results in worsened quality of life. One treatment option in such cases is oral immunotherapy (OIT) with foods. We present a cohort of children with EA scheduled for OIT with pasteurized raw egg white, describing their clinical and allergic characteristics before the start of OIT. The median age was six years, and 93% of the patients also suffered other allergies (58% asthma and 38.6% allergy to more than two food groups). In the last year, 14.8% had suffered a severe reaction due to dietetic transgression with egg. The median IgE specific of egg white titer was 38.5kU/l. A double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge with cooked egg white was performed, and if the test proved positive, it was repeated with pasteurized raw egg white. The mean symptoms-provoking dose was 1.26g and 0.55g for cooked egg white and raw egg white, respectively. An IgE specific of ovomucoid titer of <2.045kU/l differentiated those patients that tolerated cooked egg white. OIT with egg is regarded as an option in patients with persistent egg allergy. In the previous challenge test, an IgE specific of ovomucoid titer of <2.045kU/l differentiates those patients that tolerate cooked egg white. Copyright © 2018 SEICAP. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Enumeration of viable and non-viable larvated Ascaris eggs with quantitative PCR

EPA Science Inventory

Aims: The goal of the study was to further develop an incubation-qPCR method for quantifying viable Ascaris eggs. The specific objectives were to characterize the detection limit and number of template copies per egg, determine the specificity of the method, and test the method w...

The value of urine specific gravity in detecting diabetes insipidus in a patient with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus: urine specific gravity in differential diagnosis.

PubMed

Akarsu, Ersin; Buyukhatipoglu, Hakan; Aktaran, Sebnem; Geyik, Ramazan

2006-11-01

When a patient with diabetes mellitus presents with worsening polyuria and polydipsia, what is a sensible, cost-effective approach? We report the unique coincidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus. A 46-year-old woman with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes complained of polyuria with a daily output of 5 L. Although urinalysis demonstrated significant glucosuria, diabetes insipidus was suspected owing to a low urine specific gravity (1.008). The low specific gravity persisted during a water deprivation test. Ultimately, diabetes insipidus was confirmed when urine specific gravity and urine osmolality normalized following desmopressin administration. This case emphasizes the importance of accurately interpreting the urine specific gravity in patients with polyuria and diabetes mellitus to detect diabetes insipidus.

Ancient origin and maternal inheritance of blue cuckoo eggs.

PubMed

Fossøy, Frode; Sorenson, Michael D; Liang, Wei; Ekrem, Torbjørn; Moksnes, Arne; Møller, Anders P; Rutila, Jarkko; Røskaft, Eivin; Takasu, Fugo; Yang, Canchao; Stokke, Bård G

2016-01-12

Maternal inheritance via the female-specific W chromosome was long ago proposed as a potential solution to the evolutionary enigma of co-existing host-specific races (or 'gentes') in avian brood parasites. Here we report the first unambiguous evidence for maternal inheritance of egg colouration in the brood-parasitic common cuckoo Cuculus canorus. Females laying blue eggs belong to an ancient (∼2.6 Myr) maternal lineage, as evidenced by both mitochondrial and W-linked DNA, but are indistinguishable at nuclear DNA from other common cuckoos. Hence, cuckoo host races with blue eggs are distinguished only by maternally inherited components of the genome, which maintain host-specific adaptation despite interbreeding among males and females reared by different hosts. A mitochondrial phylogeny suggests that blue eggs originated in Asia and then expanded westwards as female cuckoos laying blue eggs interbred with the existing European population, introducing an adaptive trait that expanded the range of potential hosts.

Urine specific gravity test

MedlinePlus

... medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003587.htm Urine specific gravity test To use the sharing features on this page, please enable JavaScript. Urine specific gravity is a laboratory test that shows the concentration ...

Age-dependent radial increases in wood specific gravity of tropical pioneers in Costa Rica

Treesearch

Bruce G. Williamson; Michael C. Wiemann

2010-01-01

Wood specific gravity is the single best descriptor of wood functional properties and tree life-history traits, and it is the most important variable in estimating carbon stocks in forests. Tropical pioneer trees produce wood of increasing specific gravity across the trunk radius as they grow in stature. Here, we tested whether radial increases in wood specific gravity...

The Moisture Content and Specific Gravity of the Bark and Wood of Northern Pulpwood Species

Treesearch

John R. Erickson

1972-01-01

Much information is available on the specific gravity of wood on a dry weight over green volume and dry weight over dry volume basis. This paper presents the conventional specific gravity on a green weight over green volume basis. The relative specific gravities of bark and wood chips may be helpful in finding way to remove bark particles from chips.

The potency of chicken egg yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) specific as immunotherapy to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

PubMed Central

Sudjarwo, Sri Agus; Eraiko, Koerniasari; Sudjarwo, Giftania Wardani; Koerniasari

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to characterize of chicken egg yolk immunoglobulins (IgYs) specific as immunotherapy to Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) infection. Lohmann laying hens were immunized intramuscularly with antigenic of MTBC. Egg yolk was separated from egg white, and IgY antibody was then purified by multiple polyethylene glycols 6000 extraction and ammonium sulfate purification steps. The IgY anti-MTBC concentration in egg yolk increased at 2 weeks and it reached a maximum at 4 weeks after immunization. After 6 weeks, the levels of IgY anti-MTBC decreased gradually. The antibody of MTBC was detected and produces a specific line of precipitation in agar gel precipitation test beginning the week 2 after the first immunization. Analysis of results obtained with ELISA showed a significant increase in the MTBC specific antibodies after 2 weeks and reached a plateau at 4 weeks from the booster immunization. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed the IgY preparation to be pure and dissociated into protein bands with molecular weights of 112, 78, 69, 49, and 28 kDa and Western blot analysis shown the presence of anti-MTBC IgY in egg yolks, with molecular weights of approximately 78 kDa. These results suggested that egg yolk could be a practical strategy in large-scale production of specific anti-MTBC IgY for immunotherapy of TBC. PMID:28795022

The potency of chicken egg yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) specific as immunotherapy to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

PubMed

Sudjarwo, Sri Agus; Eraiko, Koerniasari; Sudjarwo, Giftania Wardani; Koerniasari

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to characterize of chicken egg yolk immunoglobulins (IgYs) specific as immunotherapy to Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) infection. Lohmann laying hens were immunized intramuscularly with antigenic of MTBC. Egg yolk was separated from egg white, and IgY antibody was then purified by multiple polyethylene glycols 6000 extraction and ammonium sulfate purification steps. The IgY anti-MTBC concentration in egg yolk increased at 2 weeks and it reached a maximum at 4 weeks after immunization. After 6 weeks, the levels of IgY anti-MTBC decreased gradually. The antibody of MTBC was detected and produces a specific line of precipitation in agar gel precipitation test beginning the week 2 after the first immunization. Analysis of results obtained with ELISA showed a significant increase in the MTBC specific antibodies after 2 weeks and reached a plateau at 4 weeks from the booster immunization. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed the IgY preparation to be pure and dissociated into protein bands with molecular weights of 112, 78, 69, 49, and 28 kDa and Western blot analysis shown the presence of anti-MTBC IgY in egg yolks, with molecular weights of approximately 78 kDa. These results suggested that egg yolk could be a practical strategy in large-scale production of specific anti-MTBC IgY for immunotherapy of TBC.

Ovomucoid (Gal d 1) specific IgE detected by microarray system predict tolerability to boiled hen's egg and an increased risk to progress to multiple environmental allergen sensitisation.

PubMed

Alessandri, C; Zennaro, D; Scala, E; Ferrara, R; Bernardi, M Livia; Santoro, M; Palazzo, P; Mari, A

2012-03-01

Egg allergy is a very common finding in early childhood. Detecting hen's egg (HE) allergy outgrowing and reintroduction of food containing egg is a task for the allergist. We sought to evaluate the suitability of boiled egg food challenge compared with IgE to allergenic molecules from HE white using a microarray system. Sixty-eight children referring to our centre by the family paediatricians for a suspected egg allergy were enrolled. Patients underwent double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge with boiled and raw eggs. Challenge outcomes were compared with skin tests performed using egg white and yolk commercial extracts, to prick-prick test with boiled and raw egg white and yolk, total IgE, egg white specific IgE detected using ImmunoCAP and IgE to egg allergens available on the immunosolid phase allergen chip (ISAC) 103 microarray. Nineteen subjects (28%) were reactive to both raw and boiled egg, 14 (20.5%) to raw egg only and 35 (51.4%) tolerated both boiled and raw egg. Efficiency analysis was carried out using both raw and boiled egg challenges as gold standard. Forty four of 47 Gal d 1 negative patients tolerated boiled egg (94%). Conversely, 20 of 21 Gal d 1 positive patients reacted to raw egg (95%). None of the other tests was able to discriminate patients' response to HE challenge. Furthermore, Gal d 1 positivity seems to lead to broader environmental allergen IgE sensitization. The Gal d 1 IgE reactivity appears to be a very good predictor of HE clinical allergy. Gal d 1 positive children have a high frequency of HE allergy, whereas Gal d 1 negative children have a high frequency of tolerance to boiled egg. Multiple specific IgE detection by means of ISAC improves the diagnostic approach in HE allergic children, disclosing other food and inhalant allergic sensitizations, anyhow requiring a comprehensive clinical evaluation. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

A SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE MULTIPLEX PCR TECHNIQUE FOR DETECTING HUMAN PATHOGENIC TAENIA EGGS IN HOUSEFLIES.

PubMed

Pornruseetriratn, Siritavee; Maipanich, Wanna; Sa-nguankiat, Surapol; Pubampen, Somchit; Poodeepiyasawat, Akkarin; Thaenkham, Urusa

2017-01-01

Taenia solium, T. saginata, and T. asiatica are cestode pathogens causing taeniasis in humans. Houseflies can transfer Taenia eggs to food. However, houseflies are thought to carry only small numbers of Taenia eggs, sometimes fewer than 10. Although several PCR-based methods have been developed to detect Taenia DNA, these require more than 10 eggs for adequate detection. We developed a multiplex PCR method with high specificity for the discrimination among the eggs of the three Taenia species, T. solium, T. saginata, and T. asiatica, using 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) as a genetic marker. This technique was found to be highly sensitive, capable of identifying the Taenia species from only one egg. This multiplex PCR technique using 18S rDNA specific primers should be suitable to diagnose Taenia eggs.

GOCE gravity field simulation based on actual mission scenario

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pail, R.; Goiginger, H.; Mayrhofer, R.; Höck, E.; Schuh, W.-D.; Brockmann, J. M.; Krasbutter, I.; Fecher, T.; Gruber, T.

2009-04-01

In the framework of the ESA-funded project "GOCE High-level Processing Facility", an operational hardware and software system for the scientific processing (Level 1B to Level 2) of GOCE data has been set up by the European GOCE Gravity Consortium EGG-C. One key component of this software system is the processing of a spherical harmonic Earth's gravity field model and the corresponding full variance-covariance matrix from the precise GOCE orbit and calibrated and corrected satellite gravity gradiometry (SGG) data. In the framework of the time-wise approach a combination of several processing strategies for the optimum exploitation of the information content of the GOCE data has been set up: The Quick-Look Gravity Field Analysis is applied to derive a fast diagnosis of the GOCE system performance and to monitor the quality of the input data. In the Core Solver processing a rigorous high-precision solution of the very large normal equation systems is derived by applying parallel processing techniques on a PC cluster. Before the availability of real GOCE data, by means of a realistic numerical case study, which is based on the actual GOCE orbit and mission scenario and simulation data stemming from the most recent ESA end-to-end simulation, the expected GOCE gravity field performance is evaluated. Results from this simulation as well as recently developed features of the software system are presented. Additionally some aspects on data combination with complementary data sources are addressed.

46 CFR 44.340 - Operating restrictions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... refuge; and (4) Specific gravity of the spoil carried is not more than the highest specific gravity of... paragraph (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this section; and (2) The maximum specific gravity of the spoils allowed...

46 CFR 44.340 - Operating restrictions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... refuge; and (4) Specific gravity of the spoil carried is not more than the highest specific gravity of... paragraph (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this section; and (2) The maximum specific gravity of the spoils allowed...

46 CFR 44.340 - Operating restrictions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... refuge; and (4) Specific gravity of the spoil carried is not more than the highest specific gravity of... paragraph (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this section; and (2) The maximum specific gravity of the spoils allowed...

46 CFR 44.340 - Operating restrictions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... refuge; and (4) Specific gravity of the spoil carried is not more than the highest specific gravity of... paragraph (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this section; and (2) The maximum specific gravity of the spoils allowed...

46 CFR 44.340 - Operating restrictions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... refuge; and (4) Specific gravity of the spoil carried is not more than the highest specific gravity of... paragraph (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this section; and (2) The maximum specific gravity of the spoils allowed...

Influence of different emulsifiers on characteristics of eggless cake containing soy milk: Modeling of physical and sensory properties by mixture experimental design.

PubMed

Rahmati, Nazanin Fatemeh; Mazaheri Tehrani, Mostafa

2014-09-01

Emulsifiers of different structures and functionalities are important ingredients usually used in baking cakes with satisfactory properties. In this study, three emulsifiers including distilled glycerol mono stearate (DGMS), lecithin and sorbitan mono stearate (SMS) were used to bake seven eggless cakes containing soy milk and optimization was performed by using mixture experimental design to produce an eggless cake sample with optimized properties. Physical properties of cake batters (viscosity, specific gravity and stability), cake quality parameters (moisture loss, density, specific volume, volume index, contour, symmetry, color and texture) and sensory attributes of eggless cakes were analyzed to investigate functional potential of the emulsifiers and results were compared with those of control cake containing egg. Almost in all cases emulsifiers, compared to the control cake, changed properties of eggless cakes significantly. Regarding models of different response variables (except for some properties) and their high R(2) (99.51-100), it could be concluded that models obtained by mixture design were significantly fitted for the studied responses.

27 CFR 30.66 - Table 6, showing respective volumes of alcohol and water and the specific gravity in both air and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... respective volumes of alcohol and water and the specific gravity in both air and vacuum of spirituous liquor... volumes of alcohol and water and the specific gravity in both air and vacuum of spirituous liquor. This... gallon of water in air by the specific gravity in air of the spirits—8.32823 by 0.88862—the product (7...

27 CFR 30.66 - Table 6, showing respective volumes of alcohol and water and the specific gravity in both air and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... respective volumes of alcohol and water and the specific gravity in both air and vacuum of spirituous liquor... volumes of alcohol and water and the specific gravity in both air and vacuum of spirituous liquor. This... gallon of water in air by the specific gravity in air of the spirits—8.32823 by 0.88862—the product (7...

27 CFR 30.66 - Table 6, showing respective volumes of alcohol and water and the specific gravity in both air and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... respective volumes of alcohol and water and the specific gravity in both air and vacuum of spirituous liquor... volumes of alcohol and water and the specific gravity in both air and vacuum of spirituous liquor. This... gallon of water in air by the specific gravity in air of the spirits—8.32823 by 0.88862—the product (7...

27 CFR 30.66 - Table 6, showing respective volumes of alcohol and water and the specific gravity in both air and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... respective volumes of alcohol and water and the specific gravity in both air and vacuum of spirituous liquor... volumes of alcohol and water and the specific gravity in both air and vacuum of spirituous liquor. This... gallon of water in air by the specific gravity in air of the spirits—8.32823 by 0.88862—the product (7...

27 CFR 30.66 - Table 6, showing respective volumes of alcohol and water and the specific gravity in both air and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... respective volumes of alcohol and water and the specific gravity in both air and vacuum of spirituous liquor... volumes of alcohol and water and the specific gravity in both air and vacuum of spirituous liquor. This... gallon of water in air by the specific gravity in air of the spirits—8.32823 by 0.88862—the product (7...

Oral peptide specific egg antibody to intestinal sodium-dependent phosphate co-transporter-2b is effective at altering phosphate transport in vitro and in vivo.

PubMed

Bobeck, Elizabeth A; Hellestad, Erica M; Sand, Jordan M; Piccione, Michelle L; Bishop, Jeff W; Helvig, Christian; Petkovich, Martin; Cook, Mark E

2015-06-01

Hyperimmunized hens are an effective means of generating large quantities of antigen specific egg antibodies that have use as oral supplements. In this study, we attempted to create a peptide specific antibody that produced outcomes similar to those of the human pharmaceutical, sevelamer HCl, used in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia (a sequela of chronic renal disease). Egg antibodies were generated against 8 different human intestinal sodium-dependent phosphate cotransporter 2b (NaPi2b) peptides, and hNaPi2b peptide egg antibodies were screened for their ability to inhibit phosphate transport in human intestinal Caco-2 cell line. Antibody produced against human peptide sequence TSPSLCWT (anti-h16) was specific for its peptide sequence, and significantly reduced phosphate transport in human Caco-2 cells to 25.3±11.5% of control nonspecific antibody, when compared to nicotinamide, a known inhibitor of phosphate transport (P≤0.05). Antibody was then produced against the mouse-specific peptide h16 counterpart (mouse sequence TSPSYCWT, anti-m16) for further analysis in a murine model. When anti-m16 was fed to mice (1% of diet as dried egg yolk powder), egg yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) was detected using immunohistochemical staining in mouse ileum, and egg anti-m16 IgY colocalized with a commercial goat anti-NaPi2b antibody. The effectiveness of anti-m16 egg antibody in reducing serum phosphate, when compared to sevelamer HCl, was determined in a mouse feeding study. Serum phosphate was reduced 18% (P<0.02) in mice fed anti-m16 (1% as dried egg yolk powder) and 30% (P<0.0001) in mice fed sevelamer HCl (1% of diet) when compared to mice fed nonspecific egg immunoglobulin. The methods described and the findings reported show that oral egg antibodies are useful and easy to prepare reagents for the study and possible treatment of select diseases. © 2015 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Space Station Biological Research Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Catherine C.; Hargens, Alan R.; Wade, Charles E.

1995-01-01

NASA Ames Research Center is responsible for the development of the Space Station Biological Research Project (SSBRP) which will support non-human life sciences research on the International Space Station Alpha (ISSA). The SSBRP is designed to support both basic research to understand the effect of altered gravity fields on biological systems and applied research to investigate the effects of space flight on biological systems. The SSBRP will provide the necessary habitats to support avian and reptile eggs, cells and tissues, plants and rodents. In addition a habitat to support aquatic specimens will be provided by our international partners. Habitats will be mounted in ISSA compatible racks at u-g and will also be mounted on a 2.5 m diameter centrifuge except for the egg incubator which has an internal centrifuge. The 2.5 m centrifuge will provide artificial gravity levels over the range of 0.01 G to 2 G. The current schedule is to launch the first rack in 1999, the Life Sciences glovebox and a second rack early in 2001, a 4 habitat 2.5 in centrifuge later the same year in its own module, and to upgrade the centrifuge to 8 habitats in 2004. The rodent habitats will be derived from the Advanced Animal Habitat currently under development for the Shuttle program and will be capable of housing either rats or mice individually or in groups (6 rats/group and at least 12 mice/group). The egg incubator will be an upgraded Avian Development Facility also developed for the Shuttle program through a Small Business and Innovative Research grant. The Space Tissue Loss cell culture apparatus, developed by Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, is being considered for the cell and tissue culture habitat. The Life Sciences Glovebox is crucial to all life sciences experiments for specimen manipulation and performance of science procedures. It will provide two levels of containment between the work volume and the crew through the use of seals and negative pressure. The glovebox will accommodate use by two crew persons simultaneously and the capability for real time video down-link and data acquisition. In house testbeds and Phase B studies of the centrifuge validated the concepts of vibration isolation and autobalancing systems to meet the ISSA microgravity requirements. The vibration isolation system is effective above the centrifuge rotation frequency while the autobalancing system on the rotor removes vibration at and below the rotation rate. Torque of the Station, induced by spin-up/spindown of the centrifuge, can be minimized by controlling spin-up/spin-down rates. The SSBRP and ISSA will provide the opportunity to perform long-term, repeatable and high quality science. The long duration increments available on the Station will permit multigeneration studies of both plants and animals which have not previously been possible. The u-g habitat racks and the eight habitat centrifuge will accommodate sufficient number of specimens to permit statistically significant sampling of specimens to investigate the time course of adaptation to altered gravity environments. The centrifuge will, for the first time, permit investigators to use gravity itself as a tool to investigate fundamental processes, to investigate the intensity and duration of gravity to maintain normal structure and function, to separate the effects of u-g from other environmental factors and to examine artificial gravity as a potential countermeasure for the physical deconditioning observed during space flight.

Data on the weights, specific gravities and chemical compositions of potato (Solanum tuberosum) tubers for food processing from different areas of Hokkaido, Japan.

PubMed

Sato, Hiroaki; Koizumi, Ryosuke; Nakazawa, Yozo; Yamazaki, Masao; Itoyama, Ryuichi; Ichisawa, Megumi; Negichi, Junko; Sakuma, Rui; Furusho, Tadasu; Sagane, Yoshimasa; Takano, Katsumi

2017-04-01

This data article provides the weights, specific gravities and chemical compositions (moisture, protein, fat, ash, and carbohydrate) of potato tubers, for food processing use, from the Tokachi, Kamikawa and Abashiri areas of Hokkaido, Japan. Potato tubers of four cultivars ('Toyoshiro', 'Kitahime', 'Snowden' and 'Poroshiri') were employed in the current study. The weights and specific gravities of potato tubers from each cultivar, harvested from three areas, were measured, and those of near average weight and specific gravity from each group were analyzed for their chemical composition. In this article, weight, specific gravity, and chemical composition data are provided in tables.

Determination of allergenic egg proteins in food by protein-, mass spectrometry-, and DNA-based methods.

PubMed

Lee, Ji-Yun; Kim, Chang Jong

2010-01-01

Egg allergy is one of the most common food allergies in both adults and children, and foods including eggs and their byproducts should be declared under food allergen labeling policies in industrial countries. Therefore, to develop and validate a sensitive and specific method to detect hidden egg allergens in foods, we compared immunochemical, DNA-based, and proteomic methods for detecting egg allergens in foods using egg allergen standards such as egg whole protein, egg white protein, egg yolk protein, ovomucoid, ovalbumin, ovotransferrin, lysozyme, and alpha-livetin. Protein-based immunochemical methods, including ELISA as an initial screening quantitative analysis and immunoblotting as a final confirmatory qualitative analysis, were very sensitive and specific in detecting potentially allergenic egg residues in processed foods in trace amounts. In contrast, the proteomics-based, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight MS and LC-tandem quadrupole time-of-flight MS methods were not able to detect some egg allergens, such as ovomucoid, because of its nondenaturing property under urea and trypsin. The DNA-based PCR method could not distinguish between egg and chicken meat because it is tissue-nonspecific. In further studies for the feasibility of these immunochemical methods on 100 real raw dietary samples, four food samples without listed egg ingredients produced a positive response by ELISA, but exhibited negative results by immunoblotting.

Influence of clinostat rotation on fertilized amphibian egg pattern specification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neff, A. W.; Smith, R. C.; Malacinski, G. M.; Chung, H.-M.

1984-01-01

Pattern specification in fertile Xenopus eggs rotated on horizontal clinostats was monitored with respect to primary embryonic axis formation, subsequent morphogenesis, and compartmentalization of the cytoplasm. At the speeds of 1 to 24 rpm (which are believed to simulate microgravity) a large percentage of eggs developed normal axial structures. Eggs clinostated at 12 rpm showed a randomization of dorsal/ventral polarity. The cytoplasmic compartments showed some clinostat effects but no abnormal mixing, disruption or dislocation of compartments. It is predicted that Xenopus eggs fertilized and allowed to develop in space will retain normal cytoplasmic density compartments, establish primary axes and undergo normal morphogenesis in space. Their dorsal/ventral polarity may not, however, be determined by the sperm entrance site (as is the case for 1 g eggs).

Bulk specific gravity round-robin using the Corelok vacuum sealing device

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2002-11-01

This project conducted an evaluation of the Corelok device for the determination of the bulk specific gravity of compacted hot mix asphalt samples. The project consisted of the bulk specific gravity determination for compacted HMA mixes utilizing the...

Administration of egg-derived vaccines in patients with history of egg sensitivity.

PubMed

Kletz, M R; Holland, C L; Mendelson, J S; Bielory, L

1990-06-01

A history of a prior hypersensitivity reaction to egg has precluded patients from receiving egg-derived vaccines. We present three cases of successful administration of egg-derived vaccines; specifically influenza and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) to patients with egg hypersensitivity. Two were given influenza vaccine without incident and one was successfully desensitized to MMR. Skin testing and desensitization protocols are described. Desensitization to all three components of MMR has not been reported previously.

[Adaptive features of life history for space experiments seen in Rana tagoi tadpoles].

PubMed

Yamashita, Masamichi; Kobayashi, Ken-ichiro; Kashiwagi, Akihiko; Shigenari, Makiko; Wassersug, Richard J; Naitoh, Tomio

2002-11-01

We propose to use the physiological responses of tadpoles in space to study the effects of gravity at the organismal level. The tadpoles we propose for study, Rana tagoi, have naturally transparent abdominal walls, permitting viscera, such as heart and intestine, to be easily observed. Rana tagoi is a mountainous species that lays eggs in water, typically at crevasses in rocky substrates. Its eggs are rich in yolk, and tadpoles can grow without being fed (except own feces). However, they will eat when presented food. Coprophagy in these tadpoles can be clearly seen when small amount of food is fed. Abdominal wall remains transparent until metamorphosis. Intestinal and cardiac activity are clearly visible and can be documented by video without any invasive procedures. Because of the limited requirements on the digestive system in this species, their intestine does not elongate much when the tadpoles grow up. Even in this species, periodical contractions occur in the intestine throughout the larval period. Space experiments using R. tagoi tadpoles are promising in terms of scientific merit and technical feasibility. With this species it is possible to study the effects of gravity on visceral physiology and metamorphosis. Rana tagoi tadpoles would be a good model for space experiments where only the basic minimum capability of life support function (e.g., temperature and oxygen control), could be provided.

Spacelab

NASA Image and Video Library

1992-01-01

This photograph shows activities during the International Microgravity Laboratory-1 (IML-1) mission (STS-42) in the Payload Operations Control Center (POCC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center. Members of the Fluid Experiment System (FES) group monitor the progress of their experiment through video at the POCC. The IML-1 mission was the first in a series of Shuttle flights dedicated to fundamental materials and life sciences research. The mission was to explore, in depth, the complex effects of weightlessness on living organisms and materials processing. The crew conducted experiments on the human nervous system's adaptation to low gravity and the effects on other life forms such as shrimp eggs, lentil seedlings, fruit fly eggs, and bacteria. Low gravity materials processing experiments included crystal growth from a variety of substances such as enzymes, mercury, iodine, and virus. The International space science research organizations that participated in this mission were: The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administion, the European Space Agency, the Canadian Space Agency, the French National Center for Space Studies, the German Space Agency, and the National Space Development Agency of Japan. The POCC was the air/ground communication charnel used between astronauts aboard the Spacelab and scientists, researchers, and ground control teams during the Spacelab missions. The facility made instantaneous video and audio communications possible for scientists on the ground to follow the progress and to send direct commands of their research almost as if they were in space with the crew.

27 CFR 30.24 - Specific gravity hydrometers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... hydrometers. 30.24 Section 30.24 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX AND TRADE... hydrometers. (a) The specific gravity hydrometers furnished by proprietors to appropriate TTB officers shall... instruments. Such specific gravity hydrometers shall be of a precision grade, standardization temperature 60...

Development of new test procedures for measuring fine and coarse aggregates specific gravity.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-09-01

The objective of the research is to develop and evaluate new test methods at determining the specific gravity and absorption of both fine and coarse aggregates. Current methods at determining the specific gravity and absorption of fine and coarse agg...

27 CFR 30.21 - Requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... thermometers furnished by the Government. However, where this part requires the use of a specific gravity hydrometer, TTB officers shall use precision grade specific gravity hydrometers conforming to the provisions... determination of specific gravity and for gauging. From time to time appropriate TTB officers shall verify the...

27 CFR 30.21 - Requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... thermometers furnished by the Government. However, where this part requires the use of a specific gravity hydrometer, TTB officers shall use precision grade specific gravity hydrometers conforming to the provisions... determination of specific gravity and for gauging. From time to time appropriate TTB officers shall verify the...

27 CFR 30.21 - Requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... thermometers furnished by the Government. However, where this part requires the use of a specific gravity hydrometer, TTB officers shall use precision grade specific gravity hydrometers conforming to the provisions... determination of specific gravity and for gauging. From time to time appropriate TTB officers shall verify the...

27 CFR 30.21 - Requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... thermometers furnished by the Government. However, where this part requires the use of a specific gravity hydrometer, TTB officers shall use precision grade specific gravity hydrometers conforming to the provisions... determination of specific gravity and for gauging. From time to time appropriate TTB officers shall verify the...

The effect of substrate composition and storage time on urine specific gravity in dogs.

PubMed

Steinberg, E; Drobatz, K; Aronson, L

2009-10-01

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of substrate composition and storage time on urine specific gravity in dogs. A descriptive cohort study of 15 dogs. The urine specific gravity of free catch urine samples was analysed during a 5-hour time period using three separate storage methods; a closed syringe, a diaper pad and non-absorbable cat litter. The urine specific gravity increased over time in all three substrates. The syringe sample had the least change from baseline and the diaper sample had the greatest change from baseline. The urine specific gravity for the litter and diaper samples had a statistically significant increase from the 1-hour to the 5-hour time point. The urine specific gravity from canine urine stored either on a diaper or in a non-absorbable litter increased over time. Although the change was found to be statistically significant over the 5-hour study period it is unlikely to be clinically significant.

Anaphylactic reaction to probiotics. Cow's milk and hen's egg allergens in probiotic compounds.

PubMed

Martín-Muñoz, María Flora; Fortuni, Monserrat; Caminoa, Magdalena; Belver, Teresa; Quirce, Santiago; Caballero, Teresa

2012-12-01

Probiotics are used in the treatment of allergic diseases. We investigated the safety of probiotics for subjects with food allergy. Labels of probiotics commercially available in Spain were examined to assess their content of cow's milk or hen's egg. Skin prick tests with these compounds (20 mg/ml) were performed in five children allergic to cow's milk, five children allergic to hen's white egg, and five control subjects non-allergic to food. Three serum pools: I (positive-specific IgE to cow's milk and hen's egg white proteins), II (positive-specific IgE to cow's milk and negative to hen's egg white proteins), and III (negative-specific IgE to cow's milk and positive to hen's egg white proteins) were used to detect cow's milk and hen's egg white allergens in probiotics. ImmunoCAP(®) (Phadia), in-house ELISA, SDS-PAGE immunoblotting, and inhibition studies of these assays were performed. Proteins were quantified by enzyme-immunoassay. Eleven probiotics were studied. No label advertised about egg content, eight labels warned about lactose, lactic acid or cow's milk, one label claimed to be milk-free, and two gave no information. Cow's milk proteins were detected, by at least one lab technique, in 10/11 probiotics, three over 2.5 mg/kg (21, 52, 112 mg/kg). Hen's egg white proteins were detected in 3/11 probiotics, only one had more than 2.5 mg/kg (47 mg/kg). Probiotic compounds may contain hidden allergens of food and may not be safe for subjects with allergy to cow's milk or hen's egg. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Current understanding of egg allergy

PubMed Central

Caubet, Jean-Christoph; Wang, Julie

2011-01-01

SYNOPSIS Egg is one of the most important allergens in childhood feeding, and egg allergy can pose quality of life concerns. A clear clinical history and the detection of egg white specific IgE will confirm the diagnosis of IgE-mediated reactions. Non-IgE-mediated symptoms such as in eosinophilic diseases of the gut might also be observed. Egg avoidance and education regarding the treatment of allergic reactions are the cornerstones of management of egg allergy. In this review, we discuss epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment and natural history of egg allergy. PMID:21453811

Upright Imaging of Drosophila Egg Chambers

PubMed Central

Manning, Lathiena; Starz-Gaiano, Michelle

2015-01-01

Drosophila melanogaster oogenesis provides an ideal context for studying varied developmental processes since the ovary is relatively simple in architecture, is well-characterized, and is amenable to genetic analysis. Each egg chamber consists of germ-line cells surrounded by a single epithelial layer of somatic follicle cells. Subsets of follicle cells undergo differentiation during specific stages to become several different cell types. Standard techniques primarily allow for a lateral view of egg chambers, and therefore a limited view of follicle cell organization and identity. The upright imaging protocol describes a mounting technique that enables a novel, vertical view of egg chambers with a standard confocal microscope. Samples are first mounted between two layers of glycerin jelly in a lateral (horizontal) position on a glass microscope slide. The jelly with encased egg chambers is then cut into blocks, transferred to a coverslip, and flipped to position egg chambers upright. Mounted egg chambers can be imaged on either an upright or an inverted confocal microscope. This technique enables the study of follicle cell specification, organization, molecular markers, and egg development with new detail and from a new perspective. PMID:25867882

Using High-Precision Specific Gravity Measurements to Study Minerals in Undergraduate Geoscience Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brandriss, Mark E.

2010-01-01

This article describes ways to incorporate high-precision measurements of the specific gravities of minerals into undergraduate courses in mineralogy and physical geology. Most traditional undergraduate laboratory methods of measuring specific gravity are suitable only for unusually large samples, which severely limits their usefulness for student…

The Value of Urine Specific Gravity in Detecting Diabetes Insipidus in a Patient with Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus

PubMed Central

Akarsu, Ersin; Buyukhatipoglu, Hakan; Aktaran, Sebnem; Geyik, Ramazan

2006-01-01

When a patient with diabetes mellitus presents with worsening polyuria and polydipsia, what is a sensible, cost-effective approach? We report the unique coincidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus. A 46-year-old woman with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes complained of polyuria with a daily output of 5 L. Although urinalysis demonstrated significant glucosuria, diabetes insipidus was suspected owing to a low urine specific gravity (1.008). The low specific gravity persisted during a water deprivation test. Ultimately, diabetes insipidus was confirmed when urine specific gravity and urine osmolality normalized following desmopressin administration. This case emphasizes the importance of accurately interpreting the urine specific gravity in patients with polyuria and diabetes mellitus to detect diabetes insipidus. PMID:17026722

Immunoglobulin concentration, specific gravity, and nitrogen fractions of colostrum from Jersey cattle.

PubMed

Quigley, J D; Martin, K R; Dowlen, H H; Wallis, L B; Lamar, K

1994-01-01

Colostrum samples from 88 Jersey cows were analyzed for concentrations of IgG, IgM, IgA, total solids, specific gravity, and N fractions. Colostrum (50 ml) was sampled from each cow as soon as possible after parturition, and specific gravity was determined immediately using a hydrometer. Samples then were frozen prior to analysis of Ig, fat, and N fractions. Mean concentrations of IgG, IgM, and IgA were 65.8, 2.4, and 1.7 g/L, respectively. Concentration of IgG was lower, and IgA was higher, in colostrum from second lactation cows than from first lactation cows or from cows in third or later lactations; IgM increased linearly as lactation number increased. Total N, protein N, noncasein N, and fat contents also were lower in second lactation cows. Regression of total Ig (grams per liter) on specific gravity was -1172 + 1180 x specific gravity (r2 = .38). Relationship of total Ig to specific gravity differed from colostrum of Holstein cattle and may have been related to differences in fat and noncasein N concentrations. Use of specific gravity hydrometer to estimate Ig concentration using equations derived from Holstein cattle appears to underestimate Ig concentration in colostrum from Jersey cattle.

[Comparative measurement of urine specific gravity: reagent strips, refractometry and hydrometry].

PubMed

Costa, Christian Elías; Bettendorff, Carolina; Bupo, Sol; Ayuso, Sandra; Vallejo, Graciela

2010-06-01

The urine specific gravity is commonly used in clinical practice to measure the renal concentration/dilution ability. Measurement can be performed by three methods: hydrometry, refractometry and reagent strips. To assess the accuracy of different methods to measure urine specific gravity. We analyzed 156 consecutive urine samples of pediatric patients during April and May 2007. Urine specific gravity was measured by hydrometry (UD), refractometry (RE) and reagent strips (TR), simultaneously. Urine osmolarity was considered as the gold standard and was measured by freezing point depression. Correlation between different methods was calculated by simple linear regression. A positive and acceptable correlation was found with osmolarity for the RE as for the UD (r= 0.81 and r= 0.86, respectively). The reagent strips presented low correlation (r= 0.46). Also, we found good correlation between measurements obtained by UD and RE (r= 0.89). Measurements obtained by TR, however, had bad correlation when compared to UD (r= 0.46). Higher values of specific gravity were observed when measured with RE with respect to UD. Reagent strips are not reliable for measuring urine specific gravity and should not be used as an usual test. However, hydrometry and refractometry are acceptable alternatives for measuring urine specific gravity, as long as the same method is used for follow-up.

Requirement for specific gravity and creatinine adjustments for urinary steroids and luteinizing hormone concentrations in adolescents.

PubMed

Singh, Gurmeet K S; Balzer, Ben W R; Desai, Reena; Jimenez, Mark; Steinbeck, Katharine S; Handelsman, David J

2015-11-01

Urinary hormone concentrations are often adjusted to correct for hydration status. We aimed to determine whether first morning void urine hormones in growing adolescents require adjustments and, if so, whether urinary creatinine or specific gravity are better adjustments. The study population was adolescents aged 10.1 to 14.3 years initially who provided fasting morning blood samples at 0 and 12 months (n = 343) and first morning urine every three months (n = 644). Unadjusted, creatinine and specific gravity-adjusted hormonal concentrations were compared by Deming regression and Bland-Altman analysis and grouped according to self-rated Tanner stage or chronological age. F-ratios for self-rated Tanner stages and age groups were used to compare unadjusted and adjusted hormonal changes in growing young adolescents. Correlations of paired serum and urinary hormonal concentration of unadjusted and creatinine and specific gravity-adjusted were also compared. Fasting first morning void hormone concentrations correlated well and were unbiased between unadjusted or adjusted by either creatinine or specific gravity. Urine creatinine concentration increases with Tanner stages, age and male gender whereas urine specific gravity was not influenced by Tanner stage, age or gender. Adjustment by creatinine or specific gravity of urinary luteinizing hormone, estradiol, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone concentrations did not improve correlation with paired serum concentrations. Urine steroid and luteinizing hormone concentrations in first morning void samples of adolescents are not significantly influenced by hydration status and may not require adjustments; however, if desired, both creatinine and specific gravity adjustments are equally suitable. © The Author(s) 2015.

Wood Specific Gravity Variations and Biomass of Central African Tree Species: The Simple Choice of the Outer Wood

PubMed Central

Bastin, Jean-François; Fayolle, Adeline; Tarelkin, Yegor; Van den Bulcke, Jan; de Haulleville, Thales; Mortier, Frederic; Beeckman, Hans; Van Acker, Joris; Serckx, Adeline; Bogaert, Jan; De Cannière, Charles

2015-01-01

Context Wood specific gravity is a key element in tropical forest ecology. It integrates many aspects of tree mechanical properties and functioning and is an important predictor of tree biomass. Wood specific gravity varies widely among and within species and also within individual trees. Notably, contrasted patterns of radial variation of wood specific gravity have been demonstrated and related to regeneration guilds (light demanding vs. shade-bearing). However, although being repeatedly invoked as a potential source of error when estimating the biomass of trees, both intraspecific and radial variations remain little studied. In this study we characterized detailed pith-to-bark wood specific gravity profiles among contrasted species prominently contributing to the biomass of the forest, i.e., the dominant species, and we quantified the consequences of such variations on the biomass. Methods Radial profiles of wood density at 8% moisture content were compiled for 14 dominant species in the Democratic Republic of Congo, adapting a unique 3D X-ray scanning technique at very high spatial resolution on core samples. Mean wood density estimates were validated by water displacement measurements. Wood density profiles were converted to wood specific gravity and linear mixed models were used to decompose the radial variance. Potential errors in biomass estimation were assessed by comparing the biomass estimated from the wood specific gravity measured from pith-to-bark profiles, from global repositories, and from partial information (outer wood or inner wood). Results Wood specific gravity profiles from pith-to-bark presented positive, neutral and negative trends. Positive trends mainly characterized light-demanding species, increasing up to 1.8 g.cm-3 per meter for Piptadeniastrum africanum, and negative trends characterized shade-bearing species, decreasing up to 1 g.cm-3 per meter for Strombosia pustulata. The linear mixed model showed the greater part of wood specific gravity variance was explained by species only (45%) followed by a redundant part between species and regeneration guilds (36%). Despite substantial variation in wood specific gravity profiles among species and regeneration guilds, we found that values from the outer wood were strongly correlated to values from the whole profile, without any significant bias. In addition, we found that wood specific gravity from the DRYAD global repository may strongly differ depending on the species (up to 40% for Dialium pachyphyllum). Main Conclusion Therefore, when estimating forest biomass in specific sites, we recommend the systematic collection of outer wood samples on dominant species. This should prevent the main errors in biomass estimations resulting from wood specific gravity and allow for the collection of new information to explore the intraspecific variation of mechanical properties of trees. PMID:26555144

Wood Specific Gravity Variations and Biomass of Central African Tree Species: The Simple Choice of the Outer Wood.

PubMed

Bastin, Jean-François; Fayolle, Adeline; Tarelkin, Yegor; Van den Bulcke, Jan; de Haulleville, Thales; Mortier, Frederic; Beeckman, Hans; Van Acker, Joris; Serckx, Adeline; Bogaert, Jan; De Cannière, Charles

2015-01-01

Wood specific gravity is a key element in tropical forest ecology. It integrates many aspects of tree mechanical properties and functioning and is an important predictor of tree biomass. Wood specific gravity varies widely among and within species and also within individual trees. Notably, contrasted patterns of radial variation of wood specific gravity have been demonstrated and related to regeneration guilds (light demanding vs. shade-bearing). However, although being repeatedly invoked as a potential source of error when estimating the biomass of trees, both intraspecific and radial variations remain little studied. In this study we characterized detailed pith-to-bark wood specific gravity profiles among contrasted species prominently contributing to the biomass of the forest, i.e., the dominant species, and we quantified the consequences of such variations on the biomass. Radial profiles of wood density at 8% moisture content were compiled for 14 dominant species in the Democratic Republic of Congo, adapting a unique 3D X-ray scanning technique at very high spatial resolution on core samples. Mean wood density estimates were validated by water displacement measurements. Wood density profiles were converted to wood specific gravity and linear mixed models were used to decompose the radial variance. Potential errors in biomass estimation were assessed by comparing the biomass estimated from the wood specific gravity measured from pith-to-bark profiles, from global repositories, and from partial information (outer wood or inner wood). Wood specific gravity profiles from pith-to-bark presented positive, neutral and negative trends. Positive trends mainly characterized light-demanding species, increasing up to 1.8 g.cm-3 per meter for Piptadeniastrum africanum, and negative trends characterized shade-bearing species, decreasing up to 1 g.cm-3 per meter for Strombosia pustulata. The linear mixed model showed the greater part of wood specific gravity variance was explained by species only (45%) followed by a redundant part between species and regeneration guilds (36%). Despite substantial variation in wood specific gravity profiles among species and regeneration guilds, we found that values from the outer wood were strongly correlated to values from the whole profile, without any significant bias. In addition, we found that wood specific gravity from the DRYAD global repository may strongly differ depending on the species (up to 40% for Dialium pachyphyllum). Therefore, when estimating forest biomass in specific sites, we recommend the systematic collection of outer wood samples on dominant species. This should prevent the main errors in biomass estimations resulting from wood specific gravity and allow for the collection of new information to explore the intraspecific variation of mechanical properties of trees.

Measuring wood specific gravity, correctly

Treesearch

G. Bruce Williamson; Michael C. Wiemann

2010-01-01

The specific gravity (SG) of wood is a measure of the amount of structural material a tree species allocates to support and strength. In recent years, wood specific gravity, traditionally a forester’s variable, has become the domain of ecologists exploring the universality of plant functional traits and conservationists estimating global carbon stocks. While these...

Ancient host specificity within a single species of brood parasitic bird

PubMed Central

Spottiswoode, Claire N.; Stryjewski, Katherine Faust; Quader, Suhel; Colebrook-Robjent, John F. R.; Sorenson, Michael D.

2011-01-01

Parasites that exploit multiple hosts often experience diversifying selection for host-specific adaptations. This can result in multiple strains of host specialists coexisting within a single parasitic species. A long-standing conundrum is how such sympatric host races can be maintained within a single parasitic species in the face of interbreeding among conspecifics specializing on different hosts. Striking examples are seen in certain avian brood parasites such as cuckoos, many of which show host-specific differentiation in traits such as host egg mimicry. Exploiting a Zambian egg collection amassed over several decades and supplemented by recent fieldwork, we show that the brood parasitic Greater Honeyguide Indicator indicator exhibits host-specific differentiation in both egg size and egg shape. Genetic analysis of honeyguide eggs and chicks show that two highly divergent mitochondrial DNA lineages are associated with ground- and tree-nesting hosts, respectively, indicating perfect fidelity to two mutually exclusive sets of host species for millions of years. Despite their age and apparent adaptive diversification, however, these ancient lineages are not cryptic species; a complete lack of differentiation in nuclear genes shows that mating between individuals reared by different hosts is sufficiently frequent to prevent speciation. These results indicate that host specificity is maternally inherited, that host-specific adaptation among conspecifics can be maintained without reproductive isolation, and that host specificity can be remarkably ancient in evolutionary terms. PMID:21949391

Around Marshall

NASA Image and Video Library

1982-01-27

The primary payload for Space Shuttle Mission STS-42, launched January 22, 1992, was the International Microgravity Laboratory-1 (IML-1), a pressurized manned Spacelab module. The goal of IML-1 was to explore in depth the complex effects of weightlessness of living organisms and materials processing. Around-the-clock research was performed on the human nervous system's adaptation to low gravity and effects of microgravity on other life forms such as shrimp eggs, lentil seedlings, fruit fly eggs, and bacteria. Materials processing experiments were also conducted, including crystal growth from a variety of substances such as enzymes, mercury iodide, and a virus. The Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was the air/ground communication channel used between the astronauts and ground control teams during the Spacelab missions. Featured is the Critical Point Facility (CPF) team in the SL POCC during the IML-1 mission.

Around Marshall

NASA Image and Video Library

1992-01-28

The primary payload for Space Shuttle Mission STS-42, launched January 22, 1992, was the International Microgravity Laboratory-1 (IML-1), a pressurized manned Spacelab module. The goal of IML-1 was to explore in depth the complex effects of weightlessness of living organisms and materials processing. Around-the-clock research was performed on the human nervous system's adaptation to low gravity and effects of microgravity on other life forms such as shrimp eggs, lentil seedlings, fruit fly eggs, and bacteria. Materials processing experiments were also conducted, including crystal growth from a variety of substances such as enzymes, mercury iodide, and a virus. The Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was the air/ground communication channel used between the astronauts and ground control teams during the Spacelab missions. Featured is the Spacelab Operations Support Room Space Engineering Support team in the SL POCC during STS-42, IML-1 mission.

Spacelab

NASA Image and Video Library

1992-01-28

The primary payload for Space Shuttle Mission STS-42, launched January 22, 1992, was the International Microgravity Laboratory-1 (IML-1), a pressurized manned Spacelab module. The goal of IML-1 was to explore in depth the complex effects of weightlessness of living organisms and materials processing. Around-the-clock research was performed on the human nervous system's adaptation to low gravity and effects of microgravity on other life forms such as shrimp eggs, lentil seedlings, fruit fly eggs, and bacteria. Materials processing experiments were also conducted, including crystal growth from a variety of substances such as enzymes, mercury iodide, and a virus. The Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was the air/ground communication channel used between the astronauts and ground control teams during the Spacelab missions. Featured is the Crystal Growth team in the SL POCC during STS-42, IML-1 mission.

Around Marshall

NASA Image and Video Library

1992-01-27

The primary payload for Space Shuttle Mission STS-42, launched January 22, 1992, was the International Microgravity Laboratory-1 (IML-1), a pressurized manned Spacelab module. The goal of IML-1 was to explore in depth the complex effects of weightlessness of living organisms and materials processing. Around-the-clock research was performed on the human nervous system's adaptation to low gravity and effects of microgravity on other life forms such as shrimp eggs, lentil seedlings, fruit fly eggs, and bacteria. Materials processing experiments were also conducted, including crystal growth from a variety of substances such as enzymes, mercury iodide, and a virus. The Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was the air/ground communication channel used between the astronauts and ground control teams during the Spacelab missions. Featured activities are of the Mental Workload and Performance Experiment (MWPE) team in the SL POCC during the IML-1 mission.

Around Marshall

NASA Image and Video Library

1992-01-28

The primary payload for Space Shuttle Mission STS-42, launched January 22, 1992, was the International Microgravity Laboratory-1 (IML-1), a pressurized manned Spacelab module. The goal of IML-1 was to explore in depth the complex effects of weightlessness of living organisms and materials processing. Around-the-clock research was performed on the human nervous system's adaptation to low gravity and effects of microgravity on other life forms such as shrimp eggs, lentil seedlings, fruit fly eggs, and bacteria. Materials processing experiments were also conducted, including crystal growth from a variety of substances such as enzymes, mercury iodide, and a virus. The Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was the air/ground communication channel used between the astronauts and ground control teams during the Spacelab missions. Featured is the Vapor Crystal Growth System (VCGS) team in SL POCC), during STS-42, IML-1 mission.

Around Marshall

NASA Image and Video Library

1992-01-28

The primary payload for Space Shuttle Mission STS-42, launched January 22, 1992, was the International Microgravity Laboratory-1 (IML-1), a pressurized manned Spacelab module. The goal of IML-1 was to explore in depth the complex effects of weightlessness of living organisms and materials processing. Around-the-clock research was performed on the human nervous system's adaptation to low gravity and effects of microgravity on other life forms such as shrimp eggs, lentil seedlings, fruit fly eggs, and bacteria. Materials processing experiments were also conducted, including crystal growth from a variety of substances such as enzymes, mercury iodide, and a virus. The Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was the air/ground communication channel used between the astronauts and ground control teams during the Spacelab missions. Featured is the Mental Workload and Performance Experiment (MWPE) team in the SL POCC) during STS-42, IML-1 mission.

Spacelab

NASA Image and Video Library

1992-01-28

The primary payload for Space Shuttle Mission STS-42, launched January 22, 1992, was the International Microgravity Laboratory-1 (IML-1), a pressurized manned Spacelab module. The goal of IML-1 was to explore in depth the complex effects of weightlessness of living organisms and materials processing. Around-the-clock research was performed on the human nervous system's adaptation to low gravity and effects of microgravity on other life forms such as shrimp eggs, lentil seedlings, fruit fly eggs, and bacteria. Materials processing experiments were also conducted, including crystal growth from a variety of substances such as enzymes, mercury iodide, and a virus. The Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was the air/ground communication channel used between the astronauts and ground control teams during the Spacelab missions. Featured is the Critical Point Facility (CPE) group in the SL POCC during STS-42, IML-1 mission.

Around Marshall

NASA Image and Video Library

1992-01-28

The primary payload for Space Shuttle Mission STS-42, launched January 22, 1992, was the International Microgravity Laboratory-1 (IML-1), a pressurized manned Spacelab module. The goal of IML-1 was to explore in depth the complex effects of weightlessness of living organisms and materials processing. Around-the-clock research was performed on the human nervous system's adaptation to low gravity and effects of microgravity on other life forms such as shrimp eggs, lentil seedlings, fruit fly eggs, and bacteria. Materials processing experiments were also conducted, including crystal growth from a variety of substances such as enzymes, mercury iodide, and a virus. The Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was the air/ground communication channel used between the astronauts and ground control teams during the Spacelab missions. Featured are activities in the SL POCC during STS-42, IML-1 mission.

Naïve hosts of avian brood parasites accept foreign eggs, whereas older hosts fine-tune foreign egg discrimination during laying

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Many potential hosts of social parasites recognize and reject foreign intruders, and reduce or altogether escape the negative impacts of parasitism. The ontogenetic basis of whether and how avian hosts recognize their own and the brood parasitic eggs remains unclear. By repeatedly parasitizing the same hosts with a consistent parasitic egg type, and contrasting the responses of naïve and older breeders, we studied ontogenetic plasticity in the rejection of foreign eggs by the great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus), a host species of the common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus). Results In response to experimental parasitism before the onset of laying, first time breeding hosts showed almost no egg ejection, compared to higher rates of ejection in older breeders. Young birds continued to accept foreign eggs when they were subjected to repeated parasitism, whereas older birds showed even higher ejection rates later in the same laying cycle. Conclusions Our results are consistent with the hypotheses that (i) naïve hosts need to see and learn the appearance of their own eggs to discriminate and reject foreign eggs, whereas (ii) experienced breeders possess a recognition template of their own eggs and reject parasitic eggs even without having to see their own eggs. However, we cannot exclude the possibility that other external cues and internal processes, accumulated simply with increasing age, may also modify age-specific patterns in egg rejection (e.g. more sightings of the cuckoo by older breeders). Future research should specifically track the potential role of learning in responses of individual hosts between first and subsequent breeding attempts by testing whether imprinting on a parasitized clutch reduces the rates of rejecting foreign eggs in subsequent parasitized clutches. PMID:25024736

Hydrometer test for estimation of immunoglobulin concentration in bovine colostrum.

PubMed

Fleenor, W A; Stott, G H

1980-06-01

A practical field method for measuring immunoglobulin concentration in bovine colostrum has been developed from the linear relationship between colostral specific gravity and immunoglobulin concentration. Fourteen colostrums were collected within 24 h postpartum from nursed and unnursed cows and were assayed for specific gravity and major colostral constituents. Additionally, 15 colostrums were collected immediately postpartum prior to suckling and assayed for specific gravity and immunoglobulin concentration. Regression analysis provided an equation to estimate colostral immunoglobulin concentration from the specific gravity of fresh whole colostrum. From this, a colostrometer was developed for practical field use.

Baked Milk and Egg Diets for Milk and Egg Allergy Management.

PubMed

Leonard, Stephanie A; Nowak-Węgrzyn, Anna H

2016-02-01

In baked form, cow's milk and egg are less allergenic and are tolerated by most milk- and egg-allergic children. Not only may including baked milk and egg in the diets of children who are tolerant improve nutrition and promote more social inclusion but there is also evidence that inclusion may accelerate the resolution of unheated milk and egg allergy. Further research is needed on biomarkers that can predict baked milk or egg reactivity; however, data suggest casein- and ovomucoid-specific immunoglobulin E levels may be useful. Physician-supervised introduction of baked milk and egg is recommended because anaphylaxis has occurred. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Specific gravity of bovine colostrum immunoglobulins as affected by temperature and colostrum components.

PubMed

Mechor, G D; Gröhn, Y T; McDowell, L R; Van Saun, R J

1992-11-01

The effects of temperature and colostrum components on specific gravity in bovine colostrum were investigated. Thirty-nine first milking colostrum samples were collected from Holstein cows. The samples were assayed for alpha-tocopherol, fat, protein, total solids, and IgG. The concentrations of total solids, total protein, total IgG, and fat in colostrum were 26.6, 12.5, 3.7, and 9.4 g/100 g, respectively. A range of 1.8 to 24.7 micrograms/ml for alpha-tocopherol was measured in the colostrum samples. Specific gravity of the colostrum was measured using a hydrometer in increments of 5 degrees C from 0 to 40 degrees C. Specific gravity explained 76% of the variation in colostral total IgG at a colostrum temperature of 20 degrees C. The regression model was improved only slightly with the addition of protein, fat, and total solids. The model for samples at 20 degrees C was IgG (milligrams per milliliter) = 958 x (specific gravity) - 969. Measurement of specific gravity at variable temperatures necessitated inclusion of temperature in the model for estimation of IgG. Inclusion of the other components of colostrum into the model slightly improved the fit. The regression model for samples at variable temperatures was as follows: IgG (milligrams per milliliter) = 853 x (specific gravity) + .4 x temperature (Celsius degrees) - 866.

Lamanema chavezi (Nematoda: Molineidae): epidemiological data of the infection in South American camelids of Northwest Argentina.

PubMed

Cafrune, M M; Marín, R E; Rigalt, F A; Romero, S R; Aguirre, D H

2009-12-23

Faecal samples from llamas (n=708), vicuñas (n=171) and guanacos (n=4) were obtained between December 2004 and May 2009 in three Provinces of Northwest Argentina (Jujuy, Salta and Catamarca) to know the distribution, prevalence and intensity of Lamanema chavezi infection in these South American camelid species (SACs). Faeces were examined by a sedimentation-flotation technique using a Cl(2)Zn+ClNa solution (specific gravity=1.59). Eggs of L. chavezi occurred in 30.3% of 89 llama herds and in 18.5% of 708 llamas sampled with a mean intensity of 271.8 eggs/g (EPG) of faeces (range 20-2120). The highest values for all parameters of the infection were registered in llamas from Catamarca Province. Significant differences (P<0.001, Fisher's exact test) were detected only for the lower prevalence in llamas from Jujuy respect to those from the other two Provinces. The overall individual prevalence of L. chavezi in llamas was lower than in reports from adult domestic camelids of neighbour countries while mean intensity was higher. The individual prevalence of L. chavezi in guanacos was 75.0%, with a mean intensity of 66.0 EPG (range 40-120) while no vicuñas were detected as infected. Most of infected SACs were located at the phytogeographical region of Andean Patagonic Domain with a dispersion ranging between 22 degrees 10' and 26 degrees 40' South latitude.

Specific gravity and wood moisture variation of white pine

Treesearch

Glenn L. Gammon

1969-01-01

A report on results of a study to develop a means for estimating specific gravity and wood moisture content of white pine. No strong relationships were found by using either the single or combined factors of age and dimensional stem characteristics. Inconsistent patterns of specific gravity and moisture over height in tree are graphically illustrated.

Development of a polymerase chain reaction applicable to rapid and sensitive detection of Clonorchis sinensis eggs in human stool samples

PubMed Central

Cho, Pyo Yun; Na, Byoung-Kuk; Mi Choi, Kyung; Kim, Jin Su; Cho, Shin-Hyeong; Lee, Won-Ja; Lim, Sung-Bin; Cha, Seok Ho; Park, Yun-Kyu; Pak, Jhang Ho; Lee, Hyeong-Woo; Hong, Sung-Jong; Kim, Tong-Soo

2013-01-01

Microscopic examination of eggs of parasitic helminths in stool samples has been the most widely used classical diagnostic method for infections, but tiny and low numbers of eggs in stool samples often hamper diagnosis of helminthic infections with classical microscopic examination. Moreover, it is also difficult to differentiate parasite eggs by the classical method, if they have similar morphological characteristics. In this study, we developed a rapid and sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based molecular diagnostic method for detection of Clonorchis sinensis eggs in stool samples. Nine primers were designed based on the long-terminal repeat (LTR) of C. sinensis retrotransposon1 (CsRn1) gene, and seven PCR primer sets were paired. Polymerase chain reaction with each primer pair produced specific amplicons for C. sinensis, but not for other trematodes including Metagonimus yokogawai and Paragonimus westermani. Particularly, three primer sets were able to detect 10 C. sinensis eggs and were applicable to amplify specific amplicons from DNA samples purified from stool of C. sinensis-infected patients. This PCR method could be useful for diagnosis of C. sinensis infections in human stool samples with a high level of specificity and sensitivity. PMID:23916334

Rotorcraft Weight Trends in Light of Structural Material Characteristics

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-04-26

torsion W weight for tota We weight empty v tail rotor 0 mass ratio got ultimate to specific weight I wVater S specific gravity * twist, torsion...imagined meters. An alternate way of expressing the weight effectiveness of materials may be based on the specific gravity of the material. In this...specific weight of distilled water at 40C, and 6. is the specific gravity of the considered structural material. Since, obviously, 7,, - const, it may

Confirmation of the Department of Transportation criteria for a substituted urine specimen.

PubMed

Barbanel, Cheryl S; Winkelman, James W; Fischer, George A; King, Andrew J

2002-05-01

The purpose of this study was to determine whether people could naturally produce urine sufficiently dilute to meet the federal criteria for a "substituted" specimen. The United States Department of Transportation Regulations (49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 40) defines a urine specimen as substituted if it has a creatinine concentration of < or = 5 mg/dL and a specific gravity of < or = 1.001 or > or = 1.020. These criteria have been criticized based on the contention that an insufficient number of specimens had been tested from the same urine sample for both creatinine and specific gravity measurements. We reviewed the results of 803,130 random urine specimens measured for creatinine and/or specific gravity in a hospital-based laboratory. In this database, 13,467 urine specimens had both creatinine and specific gravity measurements. None of these 13,467 paired urine specimens met the lower limit of specific gravity (< or = 1.001) and creatinine (< or = 5 mg/dL) criteria for a Department of Transportation substituted specimen. We also examined the medical records of those patients meeting even one of the two criteria; creatinine concentration < or = 5 mg/dL or specific gravity < or = 1.001. These patients were neonatal, moribund, or so severely ill that essentially none could have been among the working population. These data in patients with various pathologic states support our belief that normal individuals do not produce urine dilute enough to meet the lower limit of the specific gravity (< or = 1.001) and creatinine (< or = 5 mg/dL) required for meeting substituted specimen criteria. Eleven patients met the criteria for a substituted specimen, with elevated specific gravity of > or = 1.020 and creatinine concentration of < or = 5 mg/dL; however, these patients were seriously ill or terminally ill.

[Relationship between the refractive index and specific gravity of the rat urine (author's transl)].

PubMed

Kitagawa, Y F; Takahashi, T; Hayashi, H

1981-07-01

The relationship between the refractive index and specific gravity of urine was studied with specimens from 165 Sprague-Dawley rats, by graphic analysis of the plot of the refractometrically determined index against the specific gravity which was measured with a pycnometer. 1. A linear regression was demonstrated between the refractive index and specific gravity. 2. The nomogram fitted the data of even those samples with high refractive index and specific gravity, irrespective of changes in food or water intake and protein or glucose contents in the urine. 3. The nomogram was in good agreement, in respect of linearity, with the regression line derived from the conversion table of TS meter by the American Optical Corporation and also with the nomogram of the Japanese Society of Clinical Pathology. It approximated more closely to the former than to the latter.

Safety and Efficacy of Low-Dose Oral Immunotherapy for Hen's Egg Allergy in Children.

PubMed

Yanagida, Noriyuki; Sato, Sakura; Asaumi, Tomoyuki; Nagakura, Kenichi; Ogura, Kiyotake; Ebisawa, Motohiro

2016-01-01

The minimal dose for oral immunotherapy (OIT) tolerance is unknown. We investigated the efficacy and safety of low-dose OIT with 1/32 of the volume of a whole egg. Thirty-three children (aged ≥5 years) with egg allergies confirmed by oral food challenge against 1/32 of a heated whole egg (194 mg of egg protein) were enrolled. The OIT group ingested a scrambled egg once a day. The volume was gradually increased up to a maximum of 1/32 of a heated whole egg. Egg consumption was completely absent in the control group. There were no significant differences in background between the OIT and control groups. Respectively, 71% (15/21) and 0% (0/12) of the patients in the OIT and control groups exhibited sustained unresponsiveness to 1/32 of a whole egg 2 weeks after stopping OIT after 12 months (p < 0.001); 33% (7/21) and 0% (0/12; p = 0.032), respectively, showed sustained unresponsiveness to 1/2 of a whole egg. Egg white- or ovomucoid-specific IgE levels in the OIT group were significantly lower than at baseline after 12 months. Egg white- or ovomucoid-specific IgG as well as IgG4 levels in the OIT group were significantly higher than baseline levels after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Adverse allergic reactions were rare, and most symptoms were mild. Low-dose OIT induced sustained unresponsiveness to 1/32 and 1/2 of a whole egg, with no severe symptoms. To improve food allergies, continuous intake of small amounts of these foods may be as effective as the consumption of larger quantities. © 2017 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

English Translation of Seven Papers on Thermophysical Properties

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-09-01

capillary constant (eq. 18) *- a = surface tension (eq. 18) g = acceleration of gravity (eq. 18) v = atomic volume at the melting point - . .. M-16...Accuracyoft/"m Ex*Ceperiment C 1941 r1143 oil 181-195 0.4610.01 Specific gravity flask 1946 [20 - t, Ar (up to 332-160 0.517 1.01 Specific gravity ...i 65 arm) flask, 0.52 1ś No1 P, 1 Kb 16 319T 400-1125 0.503 1.021 Specific gravity 1970 163) was - 242.-917 0.304 0.95 Hydrostatic sun-pension. -. 3

Effect of dietary adipic acid and corn dried distillers grains with solubles on laying hen performance and nitrogen loss from stored excreta with or without sodium bisulfate.

PubMed

Romero, C; Abdallh, M E; Powers, W; Angel, R; Applegate, T J

2012-05-01

Effects of dietary adipic acid (0 vs. 1%) and corn dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS; 0 vs. 20%) were evaluated on hen performance and egg characteristics from 26 to 34 wk of age. Four isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets were randomly assigned to blocks of 6 consecutive cages (36 cages per diet; 2 hens per cage). On wk 2 and 7 of the experiment, excreta were collected by cage block, mixed, and equally split into 2 containers. Sodium bisulfate (SBS) was spread (8.8 kg/100 m(2)) on the top surface of half of the containers. All containers were stored uncovered for 14 d at room temperature. Excreta pH, DM, and N content were measured on d 0, 7, and 14 of storage. Feed intake (112 g/d per hen), egg production (96.1%), and egg specific gravity (1.079 g/g) were not affected by diet. On excreta collection day, a synergy (P = 0.014) between dietary adipic acid and DDGS was detected, as the lowest excreta pH was obtained with the diet including both adipic acid and DDGS. On d 7 of storage, excreta pH was still reduced by dietary adipic acid (P = 0.046) and DDGS (P < 0.001), but a week later, only dietary DDGS decreased excreta pH (8.91 vs. 9.21; P < 0.001). Whereas dietary adipic acid had no influence on excreta N loss, excreta from hens fed 20% DDGS lost 19.7% more N (P = 0.039) during storage than hens not eating DDGS. Surface amendment of excreta with SBS increased excreta DM content, with the effect being even more marked on d 14 of storage (increase of 6.7 percentage units; P < 0.001), consistently decreased excreta pH during storage (P < 0.001) and reduced N loss by 26.1% for the 14 d of storage period.

Resin distribution in second-growth ponderosa pine

Treesearch

B.H. Paul

1955-01-01

In a study of specific gravity of second-growth ponderosa pine, there was visible evidence of resin in a part of the specific gravity specimens. Each specimen contained 10 annual growth rings in cross sections taken at 4 heights in the merchantable length of the trees. Since the presence of resin introduced an uncertain amount of error in the specific gravity values,...

Assessment of a solid-phase reagent for urinary specific gravity determination.

PubMed

Chu, S Y; Sparks, D

1984-02-01

We have compared the specific gravity (S.G.) determined by the N-Multistix method with that obtained from the Total Solids (TS) meter. Overall, 88.7% of the specific gravity results obtained with the reagent strip method were within 0.005 of those obtained with the TS meter. There was a good correlation between the methods and there was no bias for the group means obtained by either method. A good correlation was also found between the S.G. on the strip and osmolality (correlation coefficient of 0.955). The results obtained with the reagent strip for urinary specific gravity therefore appear acceptable for routine laboratory purposes.

Comparison of osmolality and refractometric readings of Hispaniolan Amazon parrot (Amazona ventralis) urine.

PubMed

Brock, A Paige; Grunkemeyer, Vanessa L; Fry, Michael M; Hall, James S; Bartges, Joseph W

2013-12-01

To evaluate the relationship between osmolality and specific gravity of urine samples from clinically normal adult parrots and to determine a formula to convert urine specific gravity (USG) measured on a reference scale to a more accurate USG value for an avian species, urine samples were collected opportunistically from a colony of Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis). Samples were analyzed by using a veterinary refractometer, and specific gravity was measured on both canine and feline scales. Osmolality was measured by vapor pressure osmometry. Specific gravity and osmolality measurements were highly correlated (r = 0.96). The linear relationship between refractivity measurements on a reference scale and osmolality was determined. An equation was calculated to allow specific gravity results from a medical refractometer to be converted to specific gravity values of Hispaniolan Amazon parrots: USGHAp = 0.201 +0.798(USGref). Use of the reference-canine scale to approximate the osmolality of parrot urine leads to an overestimation of the true osmolality of the sample. In addition, this error increases as the concentration of urine increases. Compared with the human-canine scale, the feline scale provides a closer approximation to urine osmolality of Hispaniolan Amazon parrots but still results in overestimation of osmolality.

The Function of Anal Fin Egg-Spots in the Cichlid Fish Astatotilapia burtoni

PubMed Central

Theis, Anya; Salzburger, Walter; Egger, Bernd

2012-01-01

Color and pigmentation patterns of animals are often targets of sexual selection because of their role in communication. Although conspicuous male traits are typically implicated with intersexual selection, there are examples where sex-specific displays play a role in an intrasexual context, e.g. when they serve as signals for aggression level and/or status. Here, we focus on the function of a conspicuous male ornament in the most species-rich tribe of cichlid fishes, the haplochromines. A characteristic feature of these ca. 1500 species are so-called egg-spots in form of ovoid markings on the anal fins of males, which are made up of carotenoid based pigment cells. It has long been assumed that these yellow, orange or reddish egg-spots play an important role in the courtship and spawning behavior of these maternal mouth-brooding fishes by mimicking the eggs of a conspecific female. The exact function of egg-spots remains unknown, however, and there are several hypotheses about their mode of action. To uncover the function of this cichlid-specific male ornament, we used female mate choice experiments and a male aggression test in the haplochromine species Astatotilapia burtoni. We manipulated the number and arrangement of egg-spots on the anal fins of males, or removed them entirely, and tested (1) female preference with visual contact only using egg-traps, (2) female preference with free contact using paternity testing with microsatellites and (3) male aggression. We found that females did not prefer males with many egg-spots over males with fewer egg-spots and that females tended to prefer males without egg-spots over males with egg-spots. Importantly, males without egg-spots sired clutches with the same fertilization rate as males with egg-spots. In male aggression trials, however, males with fewer egg-spots received significantly more attacks, suggesting that egg-spots are an important signal in intrasexual communication. PMID:22242184

New Gravity Wave Treatments for GISS Climate Models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Geller, Marvin A.; Zhou, Tiehan; Ruedy, Reto; Aleinov, Igor; Nazarenko, Larissa; Tausnev, Nikolai L.; Sun, Shan; Kelley, Maxwell; Cheng, Ye

2011-01-01

Previous versions of GISS climate models have either used formulations of Rayleigh drag to represent unresolved gravity wave interactions with the model-resolved flow or have included a rather complicated treatment of unresolved gravity waves that, while being climate interactive, involved the specification of a relatively large number of parameters that were not well constrained by observations and also was computationally very expensive. Here, the authors introduce a relatively simple and computationally efficient specification of unresolved orographic and nonorographic gravity waves and their interaction with the resolved flow. Comparisons of the GISS model winds and temperatures with no gravity wave parameterization; with only orographic gravity wave parameterization; and with both orographic and nonorographic gravity wave parameterizations are shown to illustrate how the zonal mean winds and temperatures converge toward observations. The authors also show that the specifications of orographic and nonorographic gravity waves must be different in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Then results are presented where the nonorographic gravity wave sources are specified to represent sources from convection in the intertropical convergence zone and spontaneous emission from jet imbalances. Finally, a strategy to include these effects in a climate-dependent manner is suggested.

New Gravity Wave Treatments for GISS Climate Models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Geller, Marvin A.; Zhou, Tiehan; Ruedy, Reto; Aleinov, Igor; Nazarenko, Larissa; Tausnev, Nikolai L.; Sun, Shan; Kelley, Maxwell; Cheng, Ye

2010-01-01

Previous versions of GISS climate models have either used formulations of Rayleigh drag to represent unresolved gravity wave interactions with the model resolved flow or have included a rather complicated treatment of unresolved gravity waves that, while being climate interactive, involved the specification of a relatively large number of parameters that were not well constrained by observations and also was computationally very expensive. Here, we introduce a relatively simple and computationally efficient specification of unresolved orographic and non-orographic gravity waves and their interaction with the resolved flow. We show comparisons of the GISS model winds and temperatures with no gravity wave parametrization; with only orographic gravity wave parameterization; and with both orographic and non-orographic gravity wave parameterizations to illustrate how the zonal mean winds and temperatures converge toward observations. We also show that the specifications of orographic and nonorographic gravity waves must be different in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. We then show results where the non-orographic gravity wave sources are specified to represent sources from convection in the Intertropical Convergence Zone and spontaneous emission from jet imbalances. Finally, we suggest a strategy to include these effects in a climate dependent manner.

Effects of ozone and sulfur dioxide on height and stem specific gravity of Populus hybrids

Treesearch

Roy L. Patton

1981-01-01

Unfumigated hybrid poplars (Populus spp.) were compared with poplars of the same nine clones fumigated with 0.15 pprn ozone or 0.25 ppm sulfur dioxide. After 102 days, plant height and stem specific gravity were measured to determine whether specific gravity is altered by the fumigants and to compare that response to height suppression, an accepted...

Specific gravity of hybrid poplars in the north-central region, USA: within-tree variability and site × genotype effects

Treesearch

William L. Headlee; Ronald S. Jr. Zalesny; Richard B. Hall; Edmund O. Bauer; Bradford Bender; Bruce A. Birr; Raymond O. Miller; Jesse A. Randall; Adam H. Wiese

2013-01-01

Specific gravity is an important consideration for traditional uses of hybrid poplars for pulp and solid wood products, as well as for biofuels and bioenergy production. While specific gravity has been shown to be under strong genetic control and subject to within-tree variability, the role of genotype × environment interactions is poorly understood. Most...

Age versus size determination of radial variation in wood specific gravity : lessons from eccentrics

Treesearch

G. Bruce Williamson; Michael C. Wiemann

2011-01-01

Radial increases in wood specific gravity have been shown to characterize early successional trees from tropical forests. Here, we develop and apply a novel method to test whether radial increases are determined by tree age or tree size. The method compares the slopes of specific gravity changes across a short radius and a long radius of trees with eccentric trunks. If...

The influence of plantation and seed-source elevation on wood specific gravity of 29-year-old ponderosa pines

Treesearch

R. M. Echols; M. T. Conkle

1971-01-01

Genetic, environmental, and age effects were found in 29-yr-old ponderosa pine progenies from different elevational sources, when they were grown at 960, 2730, and 5650 ft elevation in the Sierra Nevada of California. Wood specific gravity decreased as elevation of seed parents increased, and all genotypes produced significantly lower specific gravity wood in the high-...

Variation of Specific Gravity in Plantation-Grown Trees of Bigleaf Mahogany

Treesearch

C. B. Briscoe; J. B. Harris; D. Wyckoff

1963-01-01

As a prelude to tree improvement work in the genus Swietenia, a study was made of specific gravity variation within the bole of six plantation-grown trees of bigleaf mahogany. Variation was appreciable, from 0.36 to 0.65 , and several patterns were determined. Specific gravity of the tree increased with growth rate, as expressed in diameter at breast height, but not...

Fibril angle of loblolly pine wood as related to specific gravity, growth rate, and distance from pith

Treesearch

Charles W. McMillin

1972-01-01

Fibril angles were greater for earlywood (avg. 33.4o) than for latewood tracheids (avg. 26.9o). For earlywood, fibril angle did not differ between growth rates when the specific gravity was low (avg. 33.3o). When the specific gravity was high, wood of fast growth had a higher fibril angle (avg. 35.1...

Attack and Success of Native and Exotic Parasitoids on Eggs of Halyomorpha halys in Three Maryland Habitats

PubMed Central

Herlihy, Megan V.; Talamas, Elijah J.; Weber, Donald C.

2016-01-01

Egg parasitoids of the exotic invasive brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål), were investigated using lab-reared fresh (live) and frozen (killed) lab-reared sentinel egg masses deployed for 72h on foliage in three habitats—woods, orchard, and soybean field—in Maryland, USA, in summer 2014. Four native hymenopteran species, Telenomus podisi Ashmead (Scelionidae), Trissolcus euschisti (Ashmead) and Tr. brochymenae Ashmead (Scelionidae), and Anastatus reduvii (Howard) (Eupelmidae), developed and emerged from H. halys eggs. One exotic parasitoid, Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead), emerged, providing the first known occurrence of this species in North America. Native parasitoids emerged from frozen eggs significantly more often than from fresh eggs (89.3% of egg masses and 98.1% of individual eggs), whereas the exotic Tr. japonicus did not show a similar difference, strongly suggesting adaptation to H. halys as a host by Tr. japonicus but not by the native species. Parasitoids were habitat-specific: all three Trissolcus species were significantly more likely to occur in the woods habitat, whereas Te. podisi was found exclusively in the soybean field. Further investigations are required to elucidate evolving host-parasitoid relationships, habitat specificity, and non-target effects of Tr. japonicus over the expanded range of H. halys in North America. PMID:26983012

A review of biomarkers for predicting clinical reactivity to foods with a focus on specific immunoglobulin E antibodies.

PubMed

Sato, Sakura; Yanagida, Noriyuki; Ohtani, Kiyotaka; Koike, Yumi; Ebisawa, Motohiro

2015-06-01

The purpose of this study is to assess the latest studies that focus on specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E antibodies for predicting clinical reactivity to foods. Persistent hen's egg and cow's milk allergy patients have higher antigen-specific IgE levels at all ages than those who have outgrown these allergies. Recent studies on the natural histories of hen's egg and cow's milk allergies suggested that baseline antigen-specific IgEs are the most important predictors of tolerance. Oral immunotherapy (OIT), which is a novel therapeutic approach for food allergy, requires biomarkers for predicting outcomes after therapy. Several studies indicate that the initial antigen-specific IgE level may be a useful biomarker for the prognosis of OIT. Recently, component-resolved diagnostics (CRD) has been used for food allergy diagnosis. Current studies have suggested that Ara h 2, omega-5 gliadin and ovomucoid are good diagnostic markers for peanut, wheat and egg allergies, respectively. Antigen-specific IgE can be a useful biomarker for predicting clinical reactivity to food allergies. Monitoring hen's egg and cow's milk-specific IgE is useful for predicting prognosis, and baseline specific IgE levels may be associated with the outcome of OIT. The use of CRD provides us with a better tool for diagnosing food allergy.

Utility of component diagnostic testing in guiding oral food challenges to milk and egg.

PubMed

Wang, Julie

2016-11-01

Food allergies affect up to 8% of children, and milk and egg allergies are the most common triggers. Accurately diagnosing these food allergies is important to prevent allergic reactions and to avoid unnecessary dietary restrictions. However, positive skin-prick tests and detectable levels of serum food specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) alone may not be diagnostic for food allergy. Advances in the identification of relevant allergens and the development of recombinant proteins now allow assessment of IgE binding to individual proteins within a food. Component-resolved diagnostics (CRD) have the potential to provide more accurate assessments of clinical reactivity to food allergens. To examine the available data for CRD for milk and egg allergies. This review discussed studies that evaluated the utility of CRD for guiding decisions about food challenges for milk and egg. Results of studies indicated that CRD may offer increased specificity, but sensitivity was lacking when compared with standard skin-prick testing and measurement of serum food specific IgE levels. The role of CRD in the diagnosis and management of milk and egg allergies is not well established at this time. Further studies are needed to explore the diagnostic value of CRD for milk and egg allergies.

Outer membrane vesicles of Gallibacterium anatis induce protective immunity in egg-laying hens.

PubMed

Pors, Susanne E; Pedersen, Ida J; Skjerning, Ragnhild Bager; Thøfner, Ida C N; Persson, Gry; Bojesen, Anders M

2016-11-15

Gallibacterium anatis causes infections in the reproductive tract of egg-laying hens and induce increased mortality and decreased egg production. New prophylactic measures are needed in order to improve animal welfare and production efficiency. Bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) have previously shown promising results in protection against infections and we hypothesized that OMVs could serve as an immunogen to protect egg-laying hens against G. anatis. To investigate the immunogenic potential of G. anatis OMVs, two in vivo studies in egg-laying hens were made. The trials assessedthe degree of protection provided by immunization with G. anatis OMV against challenge and the IgY responses in serum after immunization and challenge, respectively. A total of 64 egg-laying hens were included in the trials. OMVs for immunization were produced and purified from a high-producing G. anatis ΔtolR mutant. Challenge was done with G. anatis 12656-12 and evaluated by scoring lesions and bacterial re-isolation rates from peritoneum. Finally, levels of OMV-specific IgY in sera were assayed by ELISA. Immunization with OMVs decreased the lesions scores significantly, while the bacterial re-isolation remained unchanged. Furthermore, a high OMV-specific IgY response was induced by immunization and subsequent challenge of the hens. The results strongly indicate that immunization with G. anatis OMVs provides significant protection against G. anatis challenge and induces specific antibody responses with high titers of OMV-specific IgY in serum. The results therefore show great promise for OMV based vaccines aiming at providing protecting against G. anatis in egg-laying hens. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

78 FR 59911 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-30

...: Importation of Table Eggs from Regions Where Newcastle Disease Exists. OMB Control Number: 0579-0328. Summary... Federal Regulations, section 94.6 deal specifically with the importation of table eggs from certain... exist, the United States is not currently importing table eggs from any END-affected region. APHIS...

33 CFR 117.722 - Great Egg Harbor Bay.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Great Egg Harbor Bay. 117.722 Section 117.722 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY BRIDGES DRAWBRIDGE OPERATION REGULATIONS Specific Requirements New Jersey § 117.722 Great Egg Harbor Bay. The draw of...

33 CFR 117.722 - Great Egg Harbor Bay.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Great Egg Harbor Bay. 117.722 Section 117.722 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY BRIDGES DRAWBRIDGE OPERATION REGULATIONS Specific Requirements New Jersey § 117.722 Great Egg Harbor Bay. The draw of...

Reliability of meat, fish, dairy, and egg intake over a 33-year interval in Adventist Health Study 2.

PubMed

Singh, Pramil N; Batech, Michael; Faed, Pegah; Jaceldo-Siegl, Karen; Martins, Marcia; Fraser, Gary E

2014-01-01

We studied Adventist Health Study 2 (AHS-2) cohort members to determine the reliability of long-term recall of adult dietary intake that occurred 33 years ago. Establishing the reliability of these measures supports studies of how dietary exposure across the life course affects risk of cancer and other noncommunicable disease outcomes. Among 1816 AHS-2 cohort members, we conducted a statistical comparison of long-term recall of meat, fish, dairy, and eggs at AHS-2 baseline with their report of current diet 33 years before AHS-2 baseline at an age of 30-60 years. Major findings are as follows: 1) a high correlation for frequency of red meat (R = 0.71), poultry (R = 0.67), and fish (R = 0.60); lower correlations for dairy (R = 0.19) and eggs (R = 0.28); 2) good concordance for dichotomous measures of red meat [sensitivity: 0.70; specificity: 0.92; positive predictive value (PPV): 0.91], poultry (sensitivity: 0.76; specificity: 0.87; PPV: 0.83), fish (sensitivity: 0.61; specificity: 0.93; PPV: 0.89), dairy (sensitivity: 0.95; specificity: 0.57; PPV: 0.99), and eggs (sensitivity: 0.95; specificity: 0.41; PPV: 0.96); negative predictive value for dairy and eggs was poor. Among older AHS-2 cohort members, we found good reliability of recall of red meat, poultry, and fish intake that occurred 33 years earlier.

7 CFR 51.3417 - Optional test for specific gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... be corrected for temperature variations using Table I. (2) A hydrometer specifically designed for determining the specific gravity of potatoes. 3 3 The hydrometer is available from the Potato Chip/Snack Food...

Ultrasonic hydrometer. [Specific gravity of electrolyte

DOEpatents

Swoboda, C.A.

1982-03-09

The disclosed ultrasonic hydrometer determines the specific gravity (density) of the electrolyte of a wet battery, such as a lead-acid battery. The hydrometer utilizes a transducer that when excited emits an ultrasonic impulse that traverses through the electrolyte back and forth between spaced sonic surfaces. The transducer detects the returning impulse, and means measures the time t between the initial and returning impulses. Considering the distance d between the spaced sonic surfaces and the measured time t, the sonic velocity V is calculated with the equation V = 2d/t. The hydrometer also utilizes a thermocouple to measure the electrolyte temperature. A hydrometer database correlates three variable parameters including sonic velocity in and temperature and specific gravity of the electrolyte, for temperature values between 0 and 40/sup 0/C and for specific gravity values between 1.05 and 1.30. Upon knowing two parameters (the calculated sonic velocity and the measured temperature), the third parameter (specific gravity) can be uniquely found in the database. The hydrometer utilizes a microprocessor for data storage and manipulation.

Effects of egg and yolk weights on yolk antibody (IgY) production in laying chickens.

PubMed

Li, X; Nakano, T; Sunwoo, H H; Paek, B H; Chae, H S; Sim, J S

1998-02-01

Twenty 35-wk-old chickens, including 10 Single Comb White Leghorn (SCWL) and 10 Rhode Island Red (RIR) hens, were used to examine the effects of egg and yolk weights on egg yolk antibody (IgY) production in the two strains of chickens immunized with BSA. The SCWL chickens had a greater (P < 0.01) percentage hen-day production and greater egg and yolk weights than did the RIR chickens. However, the anti-BSA antibody activities determined by ELISA in the serum and the egg yolk were similar (P > 0.05) between the SCWL and RIR chickens. Similarities between the two strains of hens were also observed in protein and total IgY contents (expressed as the percentage of wet weight of yolk) and the percentage of BSA-specific antibody in the total IgY. It was concluded that both the SCWL and RIR chickens immunized with BSA can produce egg yolk IgY containing similar proportions of BSA-specific antibodies. Therefore, the egg yolk weight and the percentage hen-day production, both of which are greater in the SCWL hens, are considered to be important factors for the efficient production of IgY.

Marsh wrens as bioindicators of mercury in wetlands of Great Salt Lake: do blood and feathers reflect site-specific exposure risk to bird reproduction?

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hartman, C. Alex; Ackerman, Joshua T.; Herring, Garth; Isanhart, John; Herzog, Mark P.

2013-01-01

Nonlethal sampling of bird blood and feathers are among the more common ways of estimating the risk of mercury exposure to songbird reproduction. The implicit assumption is that mercury concentrations in blood or feathers of individuals captured in a given area are correlated with mercury concentrations in eggs from the same area. Yet, this assumption is rarely tested. We evaluated mercury concentrations in blood, feathers, and eggs of marsh wrens in wetlands of Great Salt Lake, Utah, and, at two spatial scales, specifically tested the assumption that mercury concentrations in blood and feather samples from birds captured in a defined area were predictive of mercury concentrations in eggs collected in the same area. Mercury concentrations in blood were not correlated with mercury concentrations in eggs collected within the same wetland unit, and were poorly correlated with mercury concentrations in eggs collected at the smaller home range spatial scale of analysis. Moreover, mercury exposure risk, as estimated via tissue concentrations, differed among wetland units depending upon whether blood or egg mercury concentrations were sampled. Mercury concentrations in feathers also were uncorrelated with mercury concentrations in eggs, and were poorly correlated with mercury concentrations in blood. These results demonstrate the potential for contrasting management actions that may be implemented based solely on the specific avian tissue that is sampled, and highlight the importance of developing avian tissues as biomonitoring tools for assessing local risk of mercury exposure to bird reproduction.

Specific gravity variation in robusta eucalyptus grown in Hawaii

Treesearch

Roger G. Skolmen

1972-01-01

The specific gravity (air-dry volume, ovendry weight) of Eucalyptus robusta wood was tested within and between trees from 10 stands. Mean specific gravity was 0.603, but the range in individual samples for 50 trees was 0.331 to 0.869, and was 0.357 to 0.755 within one cross section. A consistent increase was recorded in all trees from pith to cambium and from butt to...

Controlled Tests of Eductors and Submersible Pumps

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-09-01

5 1. " 20 25 3 0 510 15 20 25 30 Time (min) Plate B63 Slurry Specific Gravity H & H Submersible Pump Clean Sand Test 1 2 I S-SG Densit MeterI SG...22 Using Differential Pressure to Measure Specific Gravity ...... .32 4-Conclusions and Recommendations ..................... 34 References...33 Figure 21. Comparison of specific gravity of the slurry as measured by the nuclear density meter and differential pressure

Device for detecting the specific gravity of a liquid. [Patent application

DOEpatents

Derouin, C.R.; Kerwin, W.J.; McCormick, J.B.; Bobbett, R.E.

1980-11-18

A device for detecting the specific gravity of a liquid and a device for detecting the state of charge of a liquid phase electrolyte battery are described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a change in the critical angle of total internal reflection is utilized to determine the index of refraction of the liquid to be measured. It is shown that the index of refraction of the liquid is a function of the specific gravity of the liquid. In applications for measuring the state of charge of a battery, the specific gravity is proportional to the state of charge of the battery. A change in intensity of rays intersecting an interface surface indicates the critical angle which is a direct indication of the specific gravity of the liquid and the state of charge of a battery. In another embodiment, a light beam is projected through a transparent medium and then through a portion of the liquid to be measured. A change in refraction due to a change in the index of refraction of the liquid produces a deflection of the beam which is measured by a detector. The magnitude of deflection of the beam is directly proportional to the specific gravity of the liquid and the state of charge of a battery.

Fecundity of Quail in Spacelab Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wentworth, B. C.; Wentworth, A. L.

1996-01-01

Flight experiments in which fertilized Japanese quail eggs were allowed to develop to various ages in space, and the results of the following laboratory tests are described. Laboratory-based experiments concerned with the embryonic development of Japanese quail in gravity using simulated vibrations and G-force are reported. Effect of turning and ambient temperature at various days of incubation on the development of Japanese quail, and method to feed and water adult and newly hatched Japanese quail in microgravity using a gelatin-based diet as a solid water supply, are also described.

Noether symmetry approach in f(G,T) gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shamir, M. Farasat; Ahmad, Mushtaq

2017-01-01

We explore the recently introduced modified Gauss-Bonnet gravity (Sharif and Ikram in Eur Phys J C 76:640, 2016), f(G,T) pragmatic with G, the Gauss-Bonnet term, and T, the trace of the energy-momentum tensor. Noether symmetry approach has been used to develop some cosmologically viable f(G,T) gravity models. The Noether equations of modified gravity are reported for flat FRW universe. Two specific models have been studied to determine the conserved quantities and exact solutions. In particular, the well known deSitter solution is reconstructed for some specific choice of f(G,T) gravity model.

Cortical Isolation from Xenopus laevis Oocytes and Eggs.

PubMed

Sive, Hazel L; Grainger, Robert M; Harland, Richard M

2007-06-01

INTRODUCTIONIn Xenopus laevis, the cortex is the layer of gelatinous cytoplasm that lies just below the plasma membrane of the egg. Rotation of the cortex relative to the deeper cytoplasm soon after fertilization is intimately linked to normal dorsal axis specification. The cortex can be dissected from the egg to analyze its composition and activity or to clone associated RNAs. This protocol describes a procedure for isolating the vegetal cortex of the fertilized egg.

Specific gravity and API gravity of biodiesel and ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) blends

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel made from vegetable oils and animal fats. In 2006, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency mandated a maximum sulfur content of 15 ppm in on-road diesel fuels. Processing to produce the new ultra-low sulfur petrodiesel (ULSD) alters specific gravity (SG) and othe...

Adult nutrition and butterfly fitness: effects of diet quality on reproductive output, egg composition, and egg hatching success

PubMed Central

Geister, Thorin L; Lorenz, Matthias W; Hoffmann, Klaus H; Fischer, Klaus

2008-01-01

Background In the Lepidoptera it was historically believed that adult butterflies rely primarily on larval-derived nutrients for reproduction and somatic maintenance. However, recent studies highlight the complex interactions between storage reserves and adult income, and that the latter may contribute significantly to reproduction. Effects of adult diet were commonly assessed by determining the number and/or size of the eggs produced, whilst its consequences for egg composition and offspring viability were largely neglected (as is generally true for insects). We here specifically focus on these latter issues by using the fruit-feeding tropical butterfly Bicyclus anynana, which is highly dependent on adult-derived carbohydrates for reproduction. Results Adult diet of female B. anynana had pronounced effects on fecundity, egg composition and egg hatching success, with butterflies feeding on the complex nutrition of banana fruit performing best. Adding vitamins and minerals to a sucrose-based diet increased fecundity, but not offspring viability. All other groups (plain sucrose solution, sucrose solution enriched with lipids or yeast) had a substantially lower fecundity and egg hatching success compared to the banana group. Differences were particularly pronounced later in life, presumably indicating the depletion of essential nutrients in sucrose-fed females. Effects of adult diet on egg composition were not straightforward, indicating complex interactions among specific compounds. There was some evidence that total egg energy and water content were related to hatching success, while egg protein, lipid, glycogen and free carbohydrate content did not seem to limit successful development. Conclusion The patterns shown here exemplify the complexity of reproductive resource allocation in B. anynana, and the need to consider egg composition and offspring viability when trying to estimate the effects of adult nutrition on fitness in this butterfly and other insects. PMID:18616795

Axisymmetric Strain Path Tests on Nellis Baseline Sand

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-09-01

tested to determine their grain-size distributions, specific gravities , and Atterberg limits. The results of these tests are su-Arized in Table 2.1...plastic limits, plasticity index, and specific gravity . All four batches of NB sand were classified by the Unified Soil Classi- fication System...those contaminated by oil due to membrane leakage. Based on these data and a specific gravity of 2.62, values of dry density, void ratio, degree of

Measurement of ground-water storage change and specific yield using the temporal-gravity method near Rillito Creek, Tucson, Arizona

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pool, Donald R.; Schmidt, Werner

1997-01-01

The temporal-gravity method was used to estimate ground-water storage change and specific -yield values at wells near Rillito Creek, Tucson, Arizona, between early December 1992 and early January 1994. The method applies Newton's Law of Gravitation to measure changes in the local gravitational field of the Earth that are caused by changes in the mass and volume of ground water. Gravity at 50 stations in a 6-square-mile area was measured repeatedly relative to gravity at two bedrock stations. Ephemeral recharge through streamflow infiltration during the winter of 1992-93 resulted in water-level rises and gravity increases near Rillito Creek as the volume of ground water in storage increased. Water levels in wells rose as much as 30 feet, and gravity increased as much as 90 microgals. Water levels declined and gravity decreased near the stream after the last major winter flow but continued to rise and increase, respectively, in downgradient areas. Water levels and gravity relative to bedrock were measured at 10 wells. Good linear correlations between water levels and gravity values at five wells nearest the stream allowed for the estimation of specific-yield values for corresponding stratigraphic units assuming the mass change occurred in an infinite horizonal slab of uniform thickness. Specific-yield values for the stream-channel deposits at three wells ranged from 0.15 to 0.34, and correlation coefficients ranged from 0.81 to 0.99. Specific-yield values for the Fort Lowell Formation at three wells ranged from 0.07 to 0.18, and correlation coefficients ranged from 0.82 to 0.93. Specific-yield values were not calculated for the five wells farthest from the stream because of insufficient water-level and gravity change or poor correlations between water level and gravity. Poor correlations between water levels and gravity resulted from ground-water storage change in perched aquifers and in the unsaturated zone near ephemeral streams. Seasonal distributions of ground-water storage change since early December 1992 were evaluated from gravity change at all stations using Gauss's Law. Changes in the distribution of gravity are caused by the flow of water into or out of ground-water storage. Gravity along two profiles was measured frequently to evaluate spatial and temporal distributions of gravity change. Gravity variations indicated preferential ground-water flow to the south in the western part of the study area where the saturate thickness of the aquifer is greatest. Storage changes from December 1992 through early March 1993, mid-May 1993, late August 1993, and early January 1994 were calculated as increases of 7,900, 8,000, 6,300, and 3,700 acre-feet, respectively. Seasonal variations in storage were caused by ground-water withdrawlas, ground-water flow across the boundaries of the gravity-station network, and streamflow infiltration from December 1992 through late April 1993. Most of the estimated recharge of 10,900 acre-feet occurred before mid-May 1993.

29 CFR 780.211 - Contract production of hatching eggs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 29 Labor 3 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Contract production of hatching eggs. 780.211 Section 780... Agriculture as It Relates to Specific Situations Hatchery Operations § 780.211 Contract production of hatching... the production of hatching eggs which the hatchery agrees to buy. Ordinarily, the farmer furnishes the...

29 CFR 780.211 - Contract production of hatching eggs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 29 Labor 3 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Contract production of hatching eggs. 780.211 Section 780... Agriculture as It Relates to Specific Situations Hatchery Operations § 780.211 Contract production of hatching... the production of hatching eggs which the hatchery agrees to buy. Ordinarily, the farmer furnishes the...

29 CFR 780.211 - Contract production of hatching eggs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 29 Labor 3 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Contract production of hatching eggs. 780.211 Section 780... Agriculture as It Relates to Specific Situations Hatchery Operations § 780.211 Contract production of hatching... the production of hatching eggs which the hatchery agrees to buy. Ordinarily, the farmer furnishes the...

33 CFR 117.753 - Ship Channel, Great Egg Harbor Bay.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Ship Channel, Great Egg Harbor... SECURITY BRIDGES DRAWBRIDGE OPERATION REGULATIONS Specific Requirements New Jersey § 117.753 Ship Channel, Great Egg Harbor Bay. The draw of the S52 (Ship Channel) bridge, mile 0.5 between Somers Point and Ocean...

33 CFR 117.753 - Ship Channel, Great Egg Harbor Bay.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Ship Channel, Great Egg Harbor... SECURITY BRIDGES DRAWBRIDGE OPERATION REGULATIONS Specific Requirements New Jersey § 117.753 Ship Channel, Great Egg Harbor Bay. The draw of the S52 (Ship Channel) bridge, mile 0.5 between Somers Point and Ocean...

Differential nuclear remodeling of mammalian somatic cells by Xenopus laevis oocyte and egg cytoplasm

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Alberio, Ramiro; Johnson, Andrew D.; Stick, Reimer

2005-07-01

The mechanisms governing nuclear reprogramming have not been fully elucidated yet; however, recent studies show a universally conserved ability of both oocyte and egg components to reprogram gene expression in somatic cells. The activation of genes associated with pluripotency by oocyte/egg components may require the remodeling of nuclear structures, such that they can acquire the features of early embryos and pluripotent cells. Here, we report on the remodeling of the nuclear lamina of mammalian cells by Xenopus oocyte and egg extracts. Lamin A/C is removed from somatic cells incubated in oocyte and egg extracts in an active process that requiresmore » permeable nuclear pores. Removal of lamin A/C is specific, since B-type lamins are not changed, and it is not dependent on the incorporation Xenopus egg specific lamin III. Moreover, transcriptional activity is differentially regulated in somatic cells incubated in the extracts. Pol I and II transcriptions are maintained in cells in oocyte extracts; however, both activities are abolished in egg extracts. Our study shows that components of oocyte and egg extracts can modify the nuclear lamina of somatic cells and that this nuclear remodeling induces a structural change in the nucleus which may have implications for transcriptional activity. These experiments suggest that modifications in the nuclear lamina structure by the removal of somatic proteins and the incorporation of oocyte/egg components may contribute to the reprogramming of somatic cell nuclei and may define a characteristic configuration of pluripotent cells.« less

The effects of body temperature and mass on the postprandial metabolic responses of the African egg-eating snakes Dasypeltis scabra and Dasypeltis inornata.

PubMed

Greene, Sara; McConnachie, Suzanne; Secor, Stephen; Perrin, Mike

2013-06-01

African egg-eating snakes (Dasypeltis) feed only on freshly laid bird eggs which they perforate within their esophagus before swallowing the liquid contents and regurgitating the empty shell. Compared to a snake's typical intact meal, the liquid diet of Dasypeltis would expectedly generate a more moderate postprandial metabolic response and specific dynamic action (SDA). Free-ranging Dasypeltis feed over a range of ambient temperatures and thereby experience predicted temperature-dependent shifts in the duration and magnitude of their postprandial metabolic response. Such shifts would undoubtedly be shared among different species and age classes of Dasypeltis. To examine these expectations, we measured pre- and postprandial metabolic rates of adult Dasypeltis inornata and adult and neonate Dasypeltis scabra in response to liquid egg meals weighing 20% of snake body mass at 20, 25, 27, 30, and 32 °C. With an increase in body temperature, postprandial metabolic profiles of neonate and adult snakes became narrower and shorter in duration. Specific dynamic action varied among temperature treatments, increasing from 20 to 32 °C. Standard metabolic rate, postprandial peak metabolic rate, and SDA scaled with mass exponents that typically did not differ from 1.0. As expected, Dasypeltis digesting a liquid egg diet experienced a more modest postprandial response and SDA, expending on average only 10.6% of the meal's energy on the breakdown, absorption, and assimilation of the egg meal, whereas other colubrids consuming intact rodent or fish meals expend on average 16.3% of the meal's energy on digestion and assimilation. Actively foraging and feeding throughout the avian egg laying season enable Dasypeltis to survive when eggs are not available. The adaptive suite of traits that enable Dasypeltis to consume eggs of large relative size and ingest only the liquid contents may also be joined by physiological adaptations specific to their liquid diet and extended bouts of fasting. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A critical evaluation of the utility of eggshells for estimating mercury concentrations in avian eggs

USGS Publications Warehouse

Peterson, Sarah; Ackerman, Joshua T.; Eagles-Smith, Collin A.; Hartman, C. Alex; Herzog, Mark P.

2017-01-01

Eggshells are a potential tool for non-lethally sampling contaminant concentrations in bird eggs, yet few studies have examined their utility to represent mercury exposure. We assessed mercury concentrations in eggshell components for 23 bird species and determined whether they correlated with total mercury (THg) in egg contents. We designed a multi-experiment analysis to examine how THg is partitioned into eggshell components, specifically hardened eggshells, material adhered to the eggshell, and inner eggshell membranes. THg concentrations in eggshells were much lower than in egg contents, and almost all of the THg within the eggshell was contained within material adhered to eggshells and inner eggshell membranes, and specifically not within calcium-rich hardened eggshells. Despite having very little mercury, THg concentrations in hardened eggshells had the strongest correlation with egg contents among all eggshell components. However, species with the same THg concentrations in eggshells had different THg concentrations in egg contents, indicating that there is no global predictive equation among species for the relationship between eggshell and egg content THg concentrations. Further, for all species, THg concentrations in eggshells decreased with relative embryo age. Although the majority of mercury in eggshells was contained within other eggshell components and not within hardened eggshells, THg in hardened eggshells can be used to estimate THg concentrations in egg contents, if embryo age and species are addressed.

Effects of temperature on the development and survival of eggs of four coastal California fishes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gadomski, D.M.; Caddell, S.M.

1996-01-01

Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the effects of temperature on egg development and survival of four fish species found off southern California. Our objectives were to further understanding ofnatural spawning patterns and to aid in identifying and ageing field-collected specimens. An egg-staging procedure was devised and eggs were observed every two hours during development at a range of temperatures (8-28°Cl. Barred sand bass, Parolabrax nebulifer, eggs survived to hatching and produced viable embryos at the highest temperature range (l6-28°C), reflecting this species'summerspawning season. Fantail sole, Xystreurys liolepis, eggs also hatched at a higher temperature range (l6-24°C). This species spawns primarily from summer through fall. Eggs of the two species with winter-spring spawning peaks, white croaker, Genyonemuslineatus, and California halibut, Paralichthys californicus, had lower temperature-tolerance ranges (12- 2O"C). Developmental rate at a specific temperature did not significantly differ between species, whereas within tolerance limits, temperature strongly affected rate of development for all species. Time to hatching for all species was inversely related to temperature, and the relationship was approximately exponential. Species-specific differences in egg-stage sequence were observed; embryonic organogenesisin relation to germ-ring migration and blastopore closure was faster for barred sand bass and fantail sole than for white croaker and California halibut.

ELECTRIC IMPEDANCE OF THE FROG EGG

PubMed Central

Cole, Kenneth S.; Guttman, Rita M.

1942-01-01

Electrical impedance measurements were made upon unfertilized and fertilized eggs of the leopard frog, Rana pipiens, over a frequency range of 0.05 to 10 kc. Average values of 170 ohm cm.2 were obtained for the plasma membrane resistance of the egg, 2.0 µf/cm.2 for the plasma membrane capacity, 86° for the phase angle of the membrane, and 570 ohm cm. for the specific resistance of the interior. These values did not change upon fertilization. No spontaneous rhythmical impedance changes such as have been found by Hubbard and Rothschild in the trout egg were found in frog eggs. PMID:19873312

Evaluation of early recognition of viral infections in man. [using specific gravity of lymphocytes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kelton, A. A.; Lawton, M. B.

1975-01-01

The potential of Lymphocyte Specific Gravity Distribution (LSGD) as a non-specific procedure for early diagnosis of viral disease in astronauts is considered. Results of experiments and a literature search show that several virus diseases result in distinctive changes in the specific gravity distribution of peripheral blood lymphocytes as a result of disease process and associated immune response. A tentative model is proposed which relates the shape of LSGD to the identity of subpopulations of peripheral lymphocytes in a preclinical viral disease situation.

Autoradiographic visualization of the mouse egg's sperm receptor bound to sperm

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bleil, J.D.; Wassarman, P.M.

1986-04-01

The extracellular coat, or zona pellucida, of mammalian eggs contains species-specific receptors to which sperm bind as a prelude to fertilization. In mice, ZP3, one of only three zona pellucida glycoproteins, serves as sperm receptor. Acrosome-intact, but not acrosome-reacted, mouse sperm recognize and interact with specific O-linked oligosaccharides of ZP3 resulting in sperm-egg binding. Binding, in turn, causes sperm to undergo the acrosome reaction; a membrane fusion event that results in loss of plasma membrane at the anterior region of the head and exposure of inner acrosomal membrane with its associated acrosomal contents. Bound, acrosome-reacted sperm are able to penetratemore » the zona pellucida and fuse with the egg's plasma membrane (fertilization). In the present report, we examined binding of radioiodinated, purified, egg ZP3 to both acrosome intact and acrosome reacted sperm by whole-mount autoradiography. Silver grains due to bound 125I-ZP3 were found localized to the acrosomal cap region of heads of acrosome-reacted sperm. Under the same conditions, 125I-fetuin bound at only background levels to heads of both acrosome-intact and -reacted sperm, and 125I-ZP2, another zona pellucida glycoprotein, bound preferentially to acrosome-reacted sperm. These results provide visual evidence that ZP3 binds preferentially and specifically to heads of acrosome intact sperm; properties expected of the mouse egg's sperm receptor.« less

Mental Workload and Performance Experiment (MWPE) Team in the Spacelab Payload Operations Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

The primary payload for Space Shuttle Mission STS-42, launched January 22, 1992, was the International Microgravity Laboratory-1 (IML-1), a pressurized manned Spacelab module. The goal of IML-1 was to explore in depth the complex effects of weightlessness of living organisms and materials processing. Around-the-clock research was performed on the human nervous system's adaptation to low gravity and effects of microgravity on other life forms such as shrimp eggs, lentil seedlings, fruit fly eggs, and bacteria. Materials processing experiments were also conducted, including crystal growth from a variety of substances such as enzymes, mercury iodide, and a virus. The Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was the air/ground communication channel used between the astronauts and ground control teams during the Spacelab missions. Featured is the Mental Workload and Performance Experiment (MWPE) team in the SL POCC) during STS-42, IML-1 mission.

Mental Workload and Performance Experiment (MWPE) Team in the Spacelab Payload Operations Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

The primary payload for Space Shuttle Mission STS-42, launched January 22, 1992, was the International Microgravity Laboratory-1 (IML-1), a pressurized manned Spacelab module. The goal of IML-1 was to explore in depth the complex effects of weightlessness of living organisms and materials processing. Around-the-clock research was performed on the human nervous system's adaptation to low gravity and effects of microgravity on other life forms such as shrimp eggs, lentil seedlings, fruit fly eggs, and bacteria. Materials processing experiments were also conducted, including crystal growth from a variety of substances such as enzymes, mercury iodide, and a virus. The Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was the air/ground communication channel used between the astronauts and ground control teams during the Spacelab missions. Featured activities are of the Mental Workload and Performance Experiment (MWPE) team in the SL POCC during the IML-1 mission.

Vapor Crystal Growth System (VCGS) Team in the SL POCC During the STS-42 IML-1 Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

The primary payload for Space Shuttle Mission STS-42, launched January 22, 1992, was the International Microgravity Laboratory-1 (IML-1), a pressurized manned Spacelab module. The goal of IML-1 was to explore in depth the complex effects of weightlessness of living organisms and materials processing. Around-the-clock research was performed on the human nervous system's adaptation to low gravity and effects of microgravity on other life forms such as shrimp eggs, lentil seedlings, fruit fly eggs, and bacteria. Materials processing experiments were also conducted, including crystal growth from a variety of substances such as enzymes, mercury iodide, and a virus. The Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was the air/ground communication channel used between the astronauts and ground control teams during the Spacelab missions. Featured is the Vapor Crystal Growth System (VCGS) team in SL POCC), during STS-42, IML-1 mission.

Spacelab Operations Support Room Space Engineering Support Team in the SL POCC During the IML-1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

The primary payload for Space Shuttle Mission STS-42, launched January 22, 1992, was the International Microgravity Laboratory-1 (IML-1), a pressurized manned Spacelab module. The goal of IML-1 was to explore in depth the complex effects of weightlessness of living organisms and materials processing. Around-the-clock research was performed on the human nervous system's adaptation to low gravity and effects of microgravity on other life forms such as shrimp eggs, lentil seedlings, fruit fly eggs, and bacteria. Materials processing experiments were also conducted, including crystal growth from a variety of substances such as enzymes, mercury iodide, and a virus. The Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was the air/ground communication channel used between the astronauts and ground control teams during the Spacelab missions. Featured is the Spacelab Operations Support Room Space Engineering Support team in the SL POCC during STS-42, IML-1 mission.

Around Marshall

NASA Image and Video Library

1992-01-22

The primary payload for Space Shuttle Mission STS-42, launched January 22, 1992, was the International Microgravity Laboratory-1 (IML-1), a pressurized manned Spacelab module. The goal of IML-1 was to explore in depth the complex effects of weightlessness of living organisms and materials processing. Around-the-clock research was performed on the human nervous system's adaptation to low gravity and effects of microgravity on other life forms such as shrimp eggs, lentil seedlings, fruit fly eggs, and bacteria. Materials processing experiments were also conducted, including crystal growth from a variety of substances such as enzymes, mercury iodide, and a virus. The Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was the air/ground communication channel used between the astronauts and ground control teams during the Spacelab missions. Featured are activities of the Organic Crystal Growth Facility (OCGF) and Radiation Monitoring Container Device (RMCD) groups in the SL POCC during the IML-1 mission.

Critical Point Facility (CPE) Group in the Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

The primary payload for Space Shuttle Mission STS-42, launched January 22, 1992, was the International Microgravity Laboratory-1 (IML-1), a pressurized manned Spacelab module. The goal of IML-1 was to explore in depth the complex effects of weightlessness of living organisms and materials processing. Around-the-clock research was performed on the human nervous system's adaptation to low gravity and effects of microgravity on other life forms such as shrimp eggs, lentil seedlings, fruit fly eggs, and bacteria. Materials processing experiments were also conducted, including crystal growth from a variety of substances such as enzymes, mercury iodide, and a virus. The Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was the air/ground communication channel used between the astronauts and ground control teams during the Spacelab missions. Featured is the Critical Point Facility (CPE) group in the SL POCC during STS-42, IML-1 mission.

Crystal Growth Team in the Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC) During the STS-42

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

The primary payload for Space Shuttle Mission STS-42, launched January 22, 1992, was the International Microgravity Laboratory-1 (IML-1), a pressurized manned Spacelab module. The goal of IML-1 was to explore in depth the complex effects of weightlessness of living organisms and materials processing. Around-the-clock research was performed on the human nervous system's adaptation to low gravity and effects of microgravity on other life forms such as shrimp eggs, lentil seedlings, fruit fly eggs, and bacteria. Materials processing experiments were also conducted, including crystal growth from a variety of substances such as enzymes, mercury iodide, and a virus. The Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was the air/ground communication channel used between the astronauts and ground control teams during the Spacelab missions. Featured is the Crystal Growth team in the SL POCC during STS-42, IML-1 mission.

Organic Crystal Growth Facility (OCGF) and Radiation Monitoring Container Device (RMCD) Groups in

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

The primary payload for Space Shuttle Mission STS-42, launched January 22, 1992, was the International Microgravity Laboratory-1 (IML-1), a pressurized manned Spacelab module. The goal of IML-1 was to explore in depth the complex effects of weightlessness of living organisms and materials processing. Around-the-clock research was performed on the human nervous system's adaptation to low gravity and effects of microgravity on other life forms such as shrimp eggs, lentil seedlings, fruit fly eggs, and bacteria. Materials processing experiments were also conducted, including crystal growth from a variety of substances such as enzymes, mercury iodide, and a virus. The Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was the air/ground communication channel used between the astronauts and ground control teams during the Spacelab missions. Featured are activities of the Organic Crystal Growth Facility (OCGF) and Radiation Monitoring Container Device (RMCD) groups in the SL POCC during the IML-1 mission.

The chocolate-egg problem: Fabrication of thin elastic shells through coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Anna; Marthelot, Joel; Brun, Pierre-Thomas; Reis, Pedro M.

2015-03-01

We study the fabrication of thin polymeric shells based on the coating of a curved surface by a viscous fluid. Upon polymerization of the resulting thin film, a slender solid structure is delivered after demolding. This technique is extensively used, empirically, in manufacturing, where it is known as rotational molding, as well as in the food industry, e.g. for chocolate-eggs. This problem is analogous to the Landau-Levich-Derjaguin coating of plates and fibers and Bretherton's problem of film deposition in cylindrical channels, albeit now on a double-curved geometry. Here, the balance between gravity, viscosity, surface tension and polymerization rate can yield a constant thickness film. We seek to identify the physical ingredients that govern the final film thickness and its profile. In our experiments using organosilicon, we systematically vary the properties of the fluid, as well as the curvature of the substrate onto which the film is coated, and characterize the final thickness profile of the shells. A reduced model is developed to rationalize the process.

Reliability of Meat, Fish, Dairy, and Egg Intake Over a 33-Year Interval in Adventist Health Study 2

PubMed Central

Singh, Pramil N.; Batech, Michael; Faed, Pegah; Jaceldo-Siegl, Karen; Martins, Marcia; Fraser, Gary E.

2015-01-01

We studied Adventist Health Study 2 (AHS-2) cohort members to determine the reliability of long-term recall of adult dietary intake that occurred 33 years ago. Establishing the reliability of these measures supports studies of how dietary exposure across the life course affects risk of cancer and other noncommunicable disease outcomes. Among 1816 AHS-2 cohort members, we conducted a statistical comparison of long-term recall of meat, fish, dairy, and eggs at AHS-2 baseline with their report of current diet 33 years before AHS-2 baseline at an age of 30–60 years. Major findings are as follows: 1) a high correlation for frequency of red meat (R = 0.71), poultry (R = 0.67), and fish (R = 0.60); lower correlations for dairy (R = 0.19) and eggs (R = 0.28); 2) good concordance for dichotomous measures of red meat [sensitivity: 0.70; specificity: 0.92; positive predictive value (PPV): 0.91], poultry (sensitivity: 0.76; specificity: 0.87; PPV: 0.83), fish (sensitivity: 0.61; specificity: 0.93; PPV: 0.89), dairy (sensitivity: 0.95; specificity: 0.57; PPV: 0.99), and eggs (sensitivity: 0.95; specificity: 0.41; PPV: 0.96); negative predictive value for dairy and eggs was poor. Among older AHS-2 cohort members, we found good reliability of recall of red meat, poultry, and fish intake that occurred 33 years earlier. PMID:25298211

Specific gravity of woody tissue from lowland Neotropical plants: differences among forest types.

PubMed

Casas, Luisa Fernanda; Aldana, Ana María; Henao-Diaz, Francisco; Villanueva, Boris; Stevenson, Pablo R

2017-05-01

Wood density, or more precisely, wood specific gravity, is an important parameter when estimating aboveground biomass, which has become a central tool for the management and conservation of forests around the world. When using biomass allometric equations for tropical forests, researchers are often required to assume phylogenetic trait conservatism, which allows us to assign genus- and family-level wood specific gravity mean values, to many woody species. The lack of information on this trait for many Neotropical plant species has led to an imprecise estimation of the biomass stored in Neotropical forests. The data presented here has information of woody tissue specific gravity from 2,602 individual stems for 386 species, including trees, lianas, and hemi-epiphytes of lowland tropical forests in Colombia. This data set was produced by us collecting wood cores from woody species in five localities in the Orinoco and Magdalena Basins in Colombia. We found lower mean specific gravity values in várzea than in terra firme and igapó. © 2017 The Authors. Ecology, published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc., on behalf of the Ecological Society of America.

Plant volatiles induced by herbivore egg deposition affect insects of different trophic levels.

PubMed

Fatouros, Nina E; Lucas-Barbosa, Dani; Weldegergis, Berhane T; Pashalidou, Foteini G; van Loon, Joop J A; Dicke, Marcel; Harvey, Jeffrey A; Gols, Rieta; Huigens, Martinus E

2012-01-01

Plants release volatiles induced by herbivore feeding that may affect the diversity and composition of plant-associated arthropod communities. However, the specificity and role of plant volatiles induced during the early phase of attack, i.e. egg deposition by herbivorous insects, and their consequences on insects of different trophic levels remain poorly explored. In olfactometer and wind tunnel set-ups, we investigated behavioural responses of a specialist cabbage butterfly (Pieris brassicae) and two of its parasitic wasps (Trichogramma brassicae and Cotesia glomerata) to volatiles of a wild crucifer (Brassica nigra) induced by oviposition of the specialist butterfly and an additional generalist moth (Mamestra brassicae). Gravid butterflies were repelled by volatiles from plants induced by cabbage white butterfly eggs, probably as a means of avoiding competition, whereas both parasitic wasp species were attracted. In contrast, volatiles from plants induced by eggs of the generalist moth did neither repel nor attract any of the tested community members. Analysis of the plant's volatile metabolomic profile by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and the structure of the plant-egg interface by scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the plant responds differently to egg deposition by the two lepidopteran species. Our findings imply that prior to actual feeding damage, egg deposition can induce specific plant responses that significantly influence various members of higher trophic levels.

SALIVA SPECIFIC GRAVITY.

DTIC Science & Technology

Four experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of flow rate on parotid fluid specific gravity at different levels of stimulation and to...compare parotid fluid to submaxillo-sublingual fluid in this regard. A strong positive correlation was found between parotid flow rate and specific

[Study on Chemical Constituents of Fat-soluble Extraction from Lepidium meyenii].

PubMed

Fan, Cai-hong; Ge, Fa-huan

2015-02-01

To study the chemical constituents of the fat-soluble extraction from Lepidium meyenii root. Different extraction methods were studied, including supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, circumfluence extraction and steam distillation. Chemical constituents of the fat-soluble extraction from Lepidium meyenii were analyzed by GC/MS. The number of compounds isolated by the above four methods were 38, 31, 14, 21 (specific gravity less than 1 in steam distillation) , and 25 (specific gravity greater than 1 in steam distillation), accounting for 85.79%, 81.18%, 62.08%, 98.36% (specific gravity less than 1 in steam distillation) and 81.54% (specific gravity greater than 1 in steam distillation) of each total peak area, respectively. This study lays a certain foundation for further study and development of functional factors in Lepidium meyenii root.

EGG-HATCHING MECHANISM OF HUMAN LIVER FLUKE, OPISTHORCHIS VIVERRINI: A ROLE FOR LEUCINE AMINOPEPTIDASES FROM THE SNAIL HOST, BITHYNIA SIAMENSIS GONIOMPHALOS.

PubMed

Tesana, Smarn; Khampoosa, P; Piratae, S; Prasopdee, S; Sripanidkulchai, B

2018-05-08

The human liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini (Platyhelminthes, Trematoda, Digenea) uses snails of the genus Bithynia as first intermediate host. Peculiarly among trematodes, the eggs of O. viverrini hatch within the digestive tract of its snail host. It remains uncertain whether hatching in this species is mediated through mechanical fracture of the eggshell or by digestion with specific digestive enzymes. This study aimed to characterize enzymes with specific inhibitor and factors involved in the hatching activity of O. viverrini eggs. For measuring egg hatching in vivo, 50 O. viverrini mature eggs were fed to individual Bithynia siamensis goniomphalos snail at various temperature conditions for 24 hrs. Ex vivo, mature eggs were incubated with crude snail extract and commercial leucine aminopeptidase (LAP). Egg-hatching of O. viverrini was temperature dependent, with optimal hatching occurring at 24-28 C, with a peak of hatching of 93.54% in vivo and 30.55% ex vivo occurring at these temperatures. Ex vivo hatching rates increased to 45.87% under anaerobic conditions at 28 C. Some 22.70% and 16.21% of heat-killed eggs also hatched within the snail digestive tract and snail extract, respectively, indicating that host molecules are involved in the hatching response. Most eggs hatch in the anterior regions of the digestive tract. Hatching was completely inhibited in the presence of bestatin, an inhibitor of leucine aminopeptidase (LAP), but not in the presence of phosphatase inhibitors. Bestatin inhibition of hatching was reversible. Finally, egg hatching could be induced by addition of a porcine LAP. The results indicate that this digenean utilizes both LAP of the snail host and movement of miracidia for hatching.

IgE reactivity to hen egg white allergens in dogs with cutaneous adverse food reactions.

PubMed

Shimakura, Hidekatsu; Uchiyama, Jumpei; Saito, Taku; Miyaji, Kazuki; Fujimura, Masato; Masuda, Kenichi; Okamoto, Noriaki; DeBoer, Douglas J; Sakaguchi, Masahiro

2016-09-01

Dogs with cutaneous adverse food reactions (CAFR) often have specific IgE to food allergens. Egg white, which is majorly composed of ovomucoid, ovalbumin, ovotransferrin, and lysozyme, is a food allergen in dogs. Information of the IgE reactivity to purified egg white allergens supports accurate diagnosis and efficiency treatment in humans. However, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no studies on the IgE reactivity to purified egg white allergens in dogs. Here, we investigated the IgE reactivity to crude and purified allergens of hen egg white in dogs with CAFR. First, when we examined serum samples from 82 dogs with CAFR for specific IgE to crude egg white by ELISA, 9.8% (8/82) of the dogs with CAFR showed the IgE reactivity to crude egg white. We then used sera from the eight dogs with positive IgE reactivity to crude egg white to examine the IgE reactivity to four purified allergens, ovomucoid, ovalbumin, ovotransferrin, and lysozyme, by ELISA. We found that 75% (6/8) of the dogs showed IgE reactivity to both ovomucoid and ovalbumin, and that 37.5% (3/8) of the dogs showed IgE reactivity to ovotransferrin. None (0/8) showed IgE reactivity to lysozyme. Moreover, validating these results, the immunoblot analyses were performed using the sera of the three dogs showing the highest IgE reactivity to crude egg white. Both anti-ovomucoid and anti-ovalbumin IgE were detected in the sera of these dogs, while anti-ovotransferrin IgE was not detected. Considering these, ovomucoid and ovalbumin appears to be the major egg white allergens in dogs with CAFR. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Simultaneous Measurement of Thermophysical Properties of Tissue-Mimicking Phantoms for High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Exposures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Jing; You, Jiang; Huang, Zhihong; Cochran, Sandy; Corner, George

2012-03-01

Tissue-mimicking phantoms, including bovine serum albumin phantoms and egg white phantoms, have been developed for, and in laboratory use for, real-time visualization of high intensity focused ultrasound-induced thermal coagulative necrosis since 2001. However, until now, very few data are available concerning their thermophysical properties. In this article, a step-wise transient plane source method has been used to determine the values of thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and specific heat capacity of egg white phantoms with elevated egg white concentrations (0 v/v% to 40 v/v%, by 10 v/v% interval) at room temperature (~20 °C). The measured thermophysical properties were close to previously reported values; the thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity were linearly proportional to the egg white concentration within the investigation range, while the specific heat capacity decreased as the egg white concentration increased. Taking account of large differences between real experiment and ideal model, data variations within 20 % were accepted.

Fibril angle of loblolly pine wood as related to specific gravity, growth rate, and distance from pith

Treesearch

C.W. McMillin

1973-01-01

Fibril angles were greater for earlywood (avg. 33.4°) than for latewood tracheida (avg. 26.9°). For earlywood, fibril angle did not differ between growth rates when the specific gravity was low (avg. 33.3°). When the specific gravity was high, wood of fast growth had a higher fibril angle (avg. 35.1.°) than wood of slow growth (avg. 32.0°). No differences were detected...

Which egg features predict egg rejection responses in American robins? Replicating Rothstein's (1982) study.

PubMed

Luro, Alec B; Igic, Branislav; Croston, Rebecca; López, Analía V; Shawkey, Matthew D; Hauber, Mark E

2018-02-01

Rothstein (Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 11, 1982, 229) was one of the first comprehensive studies to examine how different egg features influence egg rejection behaviors of avian brood parasite-hosts. The methods and conclusions of Rothstein (1982) laid the foundation for subsequent experimental brood parasitism studies over the past thirty years, but its results have never been evaluated with replication. Here, we partially replicated Rothstein's (1982) experiments using parallel artificial model egg treatments to simulate cowbird ( Molothrus ater ) parasitism in American robin ( Turdus migratorius ) nests. We compared our data with those of Rothstein (1982) and confirmed most of its original findings: (1) robins reject model eggs that differ from the appearance of a natural robin egg toward that of a natural cowbird egg in background color, size, and maculation; (2) rejection responses were best predicted by model egg background color; and (3) model eggs differing by two or more features from natural robin eggs were more likely to be rejected than model eggs differing by one feature alone. In contrast with Rothstein's (1982) conclusion that American robin egg recognition is not specifically tuned toward rejection of brown-headed cowbird eggs, we argue that our results and those of other recent studies of robin egg rejection suggest a discrimination bias toward rejection of cowbird eggs. Future work on egg recognition will benefit from utilizing a range of model eggs varying continuously in background color, maculation patterning, and size in combination with avian visual modeling, rather than using model eggs which vary only discretely.

Specific Yields Estimated from Gravity Change during Pumping Test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, K. H.; Hwang, C.; Chang, L. C.

2017-12-01

Specific yield (Sy) is the most important parameter to describe available groundwater capacity in an unconfined aquifer. When estimating Sy by a field pumping test, aquifer heterogeneity and well performers will cause a large uncertainty. In this study, we use a gravity-based method to estimate Sy. At the time of pumping test, amounts of mass (groundwater) are forced to be taken out. If drawdown corn is big and close enough to high precision gravimeter, the gravity change can be detected. The gravity-based method use gravity observations that are independent from traditional flow computation. Only the drawdown corn should be modeled with observed head and hydrogeology data. The gravity method can be used in most groundwater field tests, such as locally pumping/injection tests initiated by active man-made or annual variations due to natural sources. We apply our gravity method at few sites in Taiwan situated over different unconfined aquifer. Here pumping tests for Sy determinations were also carried out. We will discuss why the gravity method produces different results from traditional pumping test, field designs and limitations of the gravity method.

Involvement of 4E-BP phosphorylation in embryonic development of the silkworm, Bombyx mori.

PubMed

Gu, Shi-Hong; Young, Shun-Chieh; Tsai, Wen-Hsien; Lin, Ju-Ling; Lin, Pei-Ling

2011-07-01

Phosphorylation of the translational repressor 4E-binding protein (4E-BP) plays a critical role in regulating the overall translation levels in cells. In the present study, we investigated 4E-BP phosphorylation of Bombyx mori eggs by an immunoblot analysis of a conserved phospho-specific antibody to 4E-BP and demonstrated its role during embryonic development. When HCl treatment was applied to diapause-destined eggs at 20 h after oviposition, a dramatic increase in the phosphorylation of 4E-BP occurred 5 min after treatment with HCl, and high phosphorylation levels were maintained throughout embryonic stage in HCl-treated eggs compared to those in diapause (control) eggs. When HCl treatment was applied to diapause eggs on day 10 after oviposition, no dramatic activation in 4E-BP phosphorylation occurred, indicating stage-specific effects of HCl treatment. In both non-diapause eggs and eggs whose diapause had been terminated by chilling of diapausing eggs at 5°C for 70 days and then were transferred to 25°C, high phosphorylation levels of 4E-BP were also detected. Moreover, 4E-BP phosphorylation dramatically increased when dechorionated eggs were incubated in medium. The addition of rapamycin, a specific inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling, and LY294002, a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, but not the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK) inhibitor, U0126, dose-dependently inhibited 4E-BP phosphorylation in dechorionated eggs, indicating that PI3K/TOR signaling is an upstream signaling event involved in 4E-BP phosphorylation. Examination of 4E-BP gene expression levels showed no differences between treatments with HCl and water in the first hour after treatment, indicating that changes in phosphorylation of 4E-BP upon HCl treatment are mainly regulated at the post-transcriptional level. In addition, MAPK pathways and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β phosphorylation were not significantly affected in the first hour after HCl treatment. These results demonstrate that the rapid phosphorylation of 4E-BP is an early signaling event in embryonic development in the eggs whose diapause initiation was prevented by HCl treatment, thus being involved in the embryonic development of B. mori. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Egg yolk IgY: protection against rotavirus induced diarrhea and modulatory effect on the systemic and mucosal antibody responses in newborn calves.

PubMed

Vega, C; Bok, M; Chacana, P; Saif, L; Fernandez, F; Parreño, V

2011-08-15

Bovine rotavirus (BRV) is an important cause of diarrhea in newborn calves. Local passive immunity is the most efficient protective strategy to control the disease. IgY technology (the use of chicken egg yolk immunoglobulins) is an economic and practical alternative to prevent BRV diarrhea in dairy calves. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protection and immunomodulation induced by the oral administration of egg yolk enriched in BRV specific IgY to experimentally BRV infected calves. All calves in groups Gp 1, 2 and 3 received control colostrum (CC; BRV virus neutralization Ab titer - VN=65,536; ELISA BRV IgG(1)=16,384) prior to gut closure. After gut closure, calves received milk supplemented with 6% BRV-immune egg yolk [(Gp 1) VN=2048; ELISA IgY Ab titer=4096] or non-immune control egg yolk [(Gp 2) VN<4; ELISA IgY Ab titer<4] twice a day, for 14 days. Calves receiving CC only or colostrum deprived calves (CD) fed antibody (Ab) free milk served as controls (Gp 3 and 4, respectively). Calves were inoculated with 10(5.85)focus forming units (FFU) of virulent BRV IND at 2 days of age. Control calves (Gp 3 and 4) and calves fed control IgY (Gp 2) were infected and developed severe diarrhea. Around 80% calves in Gp 1 (IgY 4096) were infected, but they showed 80% (4/5) protection against BRV diarrhea. Bovine RV-specific IgY Ab were detected in the feces of calves in Gp 1, indicating that avian antibodies (Abs) remained intact after passage through the gastrointestinal tract. At post infection day 21, the duodenum was the major site of BRV specific antibody secreting cells (ASC) in all experimental groups. Mucosal ASC responses of all isotypes were significantly higher in the IgY treated groups, independently of the specificity of the treatment, indicating that egg yolk components modulated the immune response against BRV infection at the mucosal level. These results indicate that supplementing newborn calves' diets for the first 14 days of life with egg yolk enriched in BRV-specific IgY represents a promising strategy to prevent BRV diarrhea. Moreover a strong active ASC immune response is induced in the intestinal mucosa following BRV infection after the administration of egg yolk, regardless the specificity of the treatment. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Egg Yolk IgY: Protection against Rotavirus induced Diarrhea and Modulatory effect on the systemic and mucosal antibody responses in newborn calves

PubMed Central

Vega, C.; Bok, M.; Chacana, P.; Saif, L.; Fernandez, F.; Parreño, V.

2011-01-01

Bovine rotavirus (BRV) is an important cause of diarrhea in newborn calves. Local passive immunity is the most efficient protective strategy to control the disease. IgY technology (the use of chicken egg yolk immunoglobulins) is an economic and practical alternative to prevent BRV diarrhea in dairy calves. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protection and immunomodulation induced by the oral administration of egg yolk enriched in BRV specific IgY to experimentally BRV infected calves. All calves in groups Gp 1, 2 and 3 received control colostrum (CC; BRV virus neutralization Ab titer – VN- =65,536; ELISA BRV IgG1 =16,384) prior to gut closure. After gut closure, calves received milk supplemented with 6% BRV-immune egg yolk [(Gp1) VN=2048; ELISA IgY Ab titer =4096] or non-immune control egg yolk [(Gp2) VN <4; ELISA IgY Ab titer <4) twice a day, for 14 days. Calves receiving CC only or colostrum deprived calves (CD) fed antibody (Ab) free milk served as controls (Gp 3 and 4, respectively). Calves were inoculated with 105.85 focus forming units (FFU) of virulent BRV IND at 2 days of age. Control calves (Gp 3 and 4) and calves fed control IgY (Gp 2) were infected and developed severe diarrhea. Around 80% calves in Gp 1 (IgY 4096) were infected, but they showed 80% (4/5) protection against BRV diarrhea. Bovine RV-specific IgY Ab were detected in the feces of calves in Gp 1, indicating that avian antibodies (Abs) remained intact after passage through the gastrointestinal tract. At post infection day 21, the duodenum was the major site of BRV specific antibody secreting cells (ASC) in all experimental groups. Mucosal ASC responses of all isotypes were significantly higher in the IgY treated groups, independently of the specificity of the treatment, indicating that egg yolk components modulated the immune response against BRV infection at the mucosal level. These results indicate that supplementing newborn calves’ diets for the first 14 days of life with egg yolk enriched in BRV-specific IgY represents a promising strategy to prevent BRV diarrhea. Moreover a strong active ASC immune response is induced in the intestinal mucosa following BRV infection after the administration of egg yolk, regardless the specificity of the treatment. PMID:21652087

Nematode development after removal of egg cytoplasm: absence of localized unbound determinants.

PubMed

Laufer, J S; von Ehrenstein, G

1981-01-23

Embryos of Caenorhabditis elegans develop into fertile adults after cell fragments, containing presumptive cytoplasm of somatic and germ line precursors, are extruded from uncleaved eggs or early blastomeres through laser-induced holes in the eggshells. This suggests that the determinate development of this worm is not dependent on the prelocalization of determinants in specific regions of the egg cytoplasm.

Molecular differentiation of Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis eggs by multiplex real-time PCR with high resolution melting analysis.

PubMed

Kaewkong, Worasak; Intapan, Pewpan M; Sanpool, Oranuch; Janwan, Penchom; Thanchomnang, Tongjit; Laummaunwai, Porntip; Lulitanond, Viraphong; Doanh, Pham Ngoc; Maleewong, Wanchai

2013-12-01

Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis are parasites known to be carcinogenic and causative agents of cholangiocarcinoma in Asia. The standard method for diagnosis for those parasite infections is stool examination to detect parasite eggs. However, the method has low sensitivity, and eggs of O. viverrini and C. sinensis are difficult to distinguish from each other and from those of some other trematodes. Here, we report a multiplex real-time PCR coupled with high resolution melting (HRM) analysis for the differentiation of O. viverrini and C. sinensis eggs in fecal samples. Using 2 pairs of species-specific primers, DNA sequences from a portion of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (nad 2) gene, were amplified to generate 209 and 165 bp products for O. viverrini and C. sinensis, respectively. The distinct characteristics of HRM patterns were analyzed, and the melting temperatures peaked at 82.4±0.09℃ and 85.9±0.08℃ for O. viverrini and C. sinensis, respectively. This technique was able to detect as few as 1 egg of O. viverrini and 2 eggs of C. sinensis in a 150 mg fecal sample, which is equivalent to 7 and 14 eggs per gram of feces, respectively. The method is species-specific, rapid, simple, and does not require fluorescent probes or post-PCR processing for discrimination of eggs of the 2 species. It offers a new tool for differentiation and detection of Asian liver fluke infections in stool specimens.

Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Sofia: Growth in and Persistence on Eggs under Production and Retail Conditions

PubMed Central

McAuley, Catherine M.; Duffy, Lesley L.; Subasinghe, Nela; Hogg, Geoff; Coventry, John; Fegan, Narelle

2015-01-01

Salmonellosis in Australia has been linked to eggs and egg products with specific serotypes associated with outbreaks. We compared attachment to and survival on egg shells and growth in eggs of two Salmonella serotypes, an egg outbreak associated Salmonella Typhimurium and a non-egg-associated Salmonella enterica ssp. II 1,4,12,27:b:[e,n,x] (S. Sofia). Experiments were conducted at combinations of 4, 15, 22, 37 and 42°C. No significant differences occurred between the serotypes in maximum growth rates, which were significantly greater (P < 0.001) in egg yolk (0.427 log10 CFU/mL/h) compared to whole egg (0.312 log10 CFU/mL/h) and egg white (0.029 log10 CFU/mL/h). Attachment to egg shells varied by time (1 or 20 min) and temperature (4, 22 and 42°C), with S. Typhimurium isolates attaching at higher levels (P < 0.05) than S. Sofia after 1 min at 4°C and S. Typhimurium ATCC 14028 attaching at higher (P < 0.05) levels at 22°C. Survival on egg shells was not significantly different across isolates. Salmonella serotypes behaved similarly regarding growth in egg contents, attachment to egg shells and survival on eggs, indicating that other factors more likely contributed to reasons for S. Typhimurium being implicated in multiple egg-associated outbreaks. PMID:26539536

Egg discrimination along a gradient of natural variation in eggshell coloration.

PubMed

Hanley, Daniel; Grim, Tomáš; Igic, Branislav; Samaš, Peter; López, Analía V; Shawkey, Matthew D; Hauber, Mark E

2017-02-08

Accurate recognition of salient cues is critical for adaptive responses, but the underlying sensory and cognitive processes are often poorly understood. For example, hosts of avian brood parasites have long been assumed to reject foreign eggs from their nests based on the total degree of dissimilarity in colour to their own eggs, regardless of the foreign eggs' colours. We tested hosts' responses to gradients of natural (blue-green to brown) and artificial (green to purple) egg colours, and demonstrate that hosts base rejection decisions on both the direction and degree of colour dissimilarity along the natural, but not artificial, gradient of egg colours. Hosts rejected brown eggs and accepted blue-green eggs along the natural egg colour gradient, irrespective of the total perceived dissimilarity from their own egg's colour. By contrast, their responses did not vary along the artificial colour gradient. Our results demonstrate that egg recognition is specifically tuned to the natural gradient of avian eggshell colour and suggest a novel decision rule. These results highlight the importance of considering sensory reception and decision rules when studying perception, and illustrate that our understanding of recognition processes benefits from examining natural variation in phenotypes. © 2017 The Authors.

Egg discrimination along a gradient of natural variation in eggshell coloration

PubMed Central

Grim, Tomáš; Igic, Branislav; Samaš, Peter; López, Analía V.; Shawkey, Matthew D.; Hauber, Mark E.

2017-01-01

Accurate recognition of salient cues is critical for adaptive responses, but the underlying sensory and cognitive processes are often poorly understood. For example, hosts of avian brood parasites have long been assumed to reject foreign eggs from their nests based on the total degree of dissimilarity in colour to their own eggs, regardless of the foreign eggs' colours. We tested hosts' responses to gradients of natural (blue-green to brown) and artificial (green to purple) egg colours, and demonstrate that hosts base rejection decisions on both the direction and degree of colour dissimilarity along the natural, but not artificial, gradient of egg colours. Hosts rejected brown eggs and accepted blue-green eggs along the natural egg colour gradient, irrespective of the total perceived dissimilarity from their own egg's colour. By contrast, their responses did not vary along the artificial colour gradient. Our results demonstrate that egg recognition is specifically tuned to the natural gradient of avian eggshell colour and suggest a novel decision rule. These results highlight the importance of considering sensory reception and decision rules when studying perception, and illustrate that our understanding of recognition processes benefits from examining natural variation in phenotypes. PMID:28179521

Elevated PCDD/F levels and distinctive PCDD/F congener profiles in free range eggs.

PubMed

Hsu, Jing-Fang; Chen, Chun; Liao, Pao-Chi

2010-07-14

Chicken eggs are one of the most important foods in the human diet all over the world, and the demand for eggs from free range hens has steadily increased. Congener-specific analyses of 17 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were performed on 6 free range and 12 caged chicken egg samples collected in Taiwan. The mean level of PCDD/Fs in the free range egg samples was 5.7 (1.79/0.314) times higher than those in the caged egg samples. Principle component analysis revealed that at least three characteristic patterns of PCDD/F congener were observed among the 18 egg samples. The different PCDD/F congener patterns between free range and caged egg samples may reflect distinctive exposure scenarios among the free range and caged hens. We suggest that the differences of PCDD/F levels and congener patterns between free range and caged egg samples give rise to the issues related to the safety of eating free range chicken eggs. The present data may provide useful information for further investigation of the possible PCDD/F sources in the contaminated free range eggs.

Measurements of aquifer-storage change and specific yield using gravity surveys

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pool, D.R.; Eychaner, J.H.

1995-01-01

Pinal Creek is an intermittent stream that drains a 200-square-mile alluvial basin in central Arizona. Large changes in water levels and aquifer storage occur in an alluvial aquifer near the stream in response to periodic recharge and ground-water withdrawals. Outflow components of the ground-water budget and hydraulic properties of the alluvium are well-defined by field measurements; however, data are insufficient to adequately describe recharge, aquifer-storage change, and specific-yield values. An investigation was begun to assess the utility of temporal-gravity surveys to directly measure aquifer-storage change and estimate values of specific yield.The temporal-gravity surveys measured changes in the differences in gravity between two reference stations on bedrock and six stations at wells; changes are caused by variations in aquifer storage. Specific yield was estimated by dividing storage change by water-level change. Four surveys were done between February 21, 1991, and March 31, 1993. Gravity increased as much as 158 microGal ± 1 to 6 microGal, and water levels rose as much as 58 feet. Average specific yield at wells ranged from 0.16 to 0.21, and variations in specific yield with depth correlate with lithologic variations. Results indicate that temporal-gravity surveys can be used to estimate aquifer-storage change and specific yield of water-table aquifers where significant variations in water levels occur. Direct measurement of aquifer-storage change can eliminate a major unknown from the ground-water budget of arid basins and improve residual estimates of recharge.

Identification of a novel C1q family member in color crucian carp (Carassius auratus) ovary.

PubMed

Chen, Bo; Gui, Jianfang

2004-07-01

Potential roles of C1q/tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily proteins have been observed in vertebrate oogenesis and oocyte maturation, but no ovary-specific member has been identified so far. In this study, we have cloned and identified a novel member of C1q family with a C1q domain in the C-terminal from fully grown oocyte cDNA library of color crucian carp and demonstrated that the gene might be specifically expressed in ovary and therefore designated as Carassius auratus ovary-specific C1q-like factor, CaOC1q-like factor. It encodes a 213 amino acid protein with a 17 amino acid signal peptide. There is only one protein band of about 24.5 kDa in the extracts from phase I to phase IV oocytes, but two positive protein bands are detected in the extracts of mature eggs and fertilized eggs. Furthermore, the mobility shift of the smaller target protein band cannot be eliminated by phosphatase treatment, but the larger protein band increases its mobility on the gel after phosphatase treatment, suggesting that the larger protein might be a phosphorylated form. Immunofluorescence localization indicates that the CaOC1q-like proteins localize in cytoplasm, cytoplasm membrane and egg envelope of the oocytes at cortical granule stage and vitellogenesis stage, whereas they were compressed to cytoplasm margin in ovulated mature eggs and discharged into perivitelline space between cytoplasm membrane and egg envelope after egg fertilization. Further studies on distribution and translocation mechanism of the CaOC1q-like factor will be benefit to elucidate the unique function in oogenesis, oocyte maturation and egg fertilization.

Correlation between specific immunoglobulin E levels and the severity of reactions in egg allergic patients.

PubMed

Benhamou, Avigael H; Zamora, Samuel A; Eigenmann, Philippe A

2008-03-01

Different studies proposed specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) cut-off levels for the diagnosis of egg allergy. Little is known if IgE titres could be helpful for prediction of the severity of the reaction. The aim of this study was to determine whether IgE titres are associated with the severity of the reaction during a standardized egg challenge. We reviewed data obtained during oral challenge tests to egg performed between 2003 and 2005, and attributed a clinical score to the positive reactions. Serum specific IgE levels were analysed in relation with the severity of the reaction. We analysed data from 51 oral food challenges to egg, raw or cooked. Sixteen challenges (31%) were negative and 35 (69%) were positive of which 13 challenges (37% of positive reactions) elicited a severe reaction. IgE levels in our patients ranged from undetectable to 14.90 kU/l. We could determine a cut-off level of 8.20 kU/l for a 90% probability of clinical reactivity. IgE titres were statistically significantly different between the patients with absent, mild and moderate or severe reaction. Patients with negative challenge had IgE levels between 0.35 and 6.41 kU/l (median 1.17), those with mild and moderate reaction had IgE levels ranging from 0.35 to 14.90 (median 2.47) and patients with severe reactions had IgE between 1.18 and 11.00 (median 3.70) (p = 0.006). Our results show a correlation between IgE titres and the severity of the clinical reaction to egg. IgE titres may help to determine the potential risk of a reaction to eggs.

Identification and quantification of pathogenic helminth eggs using a digital image system.

PubMed

Jiménez, B; Maya, C; Velásquez, G; Torner, F; Arambula, F; Barrios, J A; Velasco, M

2016-07-01

A system was developed to identify and quantify up to seven species of helminth eggs (Ascaris lumbricoides -fertile and unfertile eggs-, Trichuris trichiura, Toxocara canis, Taenia saginata, Hymenolepis nana, Hymenolepis diminuta, and Schistosoma mansoni) in wastewater using different image processing tools and pattern recognition algorithms. The system was developed in three stages. Version one was used to explore the viability of the concept of identifying helminth eggs through an image processing system, while versions 2 and 3 were used to improve its efficiency. The system development was based on the analysis of different properties of helminth eggs in order to discriminate them from other objects in samples processed using the conventional United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) technique to quantify helminth eggs. The system was tested, in its three stages, considering two parameters: specificity (capacity to discriminate between species of helminth eggs and other objects) and sensitivity (capacity to correctly classify and identify the different species of helminth eggs). The final version showed a specificity of 99% while the sensitivity varied between 80 and 90%, depending on the total suspended solids content of the wastewater samples. To achieve such values in samples with total suspended solids (TSS) above 150 mg/L, it is recommended to dilute the concentrated sediment just before taking the images under the microscope. The system allows the helminth eggs most commonly found in wastewater to be reliably and uniformly detected and quantified. In addition, it provides the total number of eggs as well as the individual number by species, and for Ascaris lumbricoides it differentiates whether or not the egg is fertile. The system only requires basically trained technicians to prepare the samples, as for visual identification there is no need for highly trained personnel. The time required to analyze each image is less than a minute. This system could be used in central analytical laboratories providing a remote analysis service. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Embryogenic plant cells in microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krikorian, Abraham D.

1991-01-01

In view of circumstantial evidence for the role of gravity (g) in shaping the embryo environment, normal embryo development may not occur reliably and efficiently in the microgravity environment of space. Attention must accordingly be given to those aspects of higher plant reproductive biology in space environments required for the production of viable embryos in a 'seed to seed to seed' experiment. It is suggested that cultured cells can be grown to be morphogenetically competent, and can be evaluated as to their ability to simulate embryogenic events usually associated with fertilized eggs in the embryo sac of the ovule in the ovary.

Intraguild predation and native lady beetle decline.

PubMed

Gardiner, Mary M; O'Neal, Matthew E; Landis, Douglas A

2011-01-01

Coccinellid communities across North America have experienced significant changes in recent decades, with declines in several native species reported. One potential mechanism for these declines is interference competition via intraguild predation; specifically, increased predation of native coccinellid eggs and larvae following the introduction of exotic coccinellids. Our previous studies have shown that agricultural fields in Michigan support a higher diversity and abundance of exotic coccinellids than similar fields in Iowa, and that the landscape surrounding agricultural fields across the north central U.S. influences the abundance and activity of coccinellid species. The goal of this study was to quantify the amount of egg predation experienced by a native coccinellid within Michigan and Iowa soybean fields and explore the influence of local and large-scale landscape structure. Using the native lady beetle Coleomegilla maculata as a model, we found that sentinel egg masses were subject to intense predation within both Michigan and Iowa soybean fields, with 60.7% of egg masses attacked and 43.0% of available eggs consumed within 48 h. In Michigan, the exotic coccinellids Coccinella septempunctata and Harmonia axyridis were the most abundant predators found in soybean fields whereas in Iowa, native species including C. maculata, Hippodamia parenthesis and the soft-winged flower beetle Collops nigriceps dominated the predator community. Predator abundance was greater in soybean fields within diverse landscapes, yet variation in predator numbers did not influence the intensity of egg predation observed. In contrast, the strongest predictor of native coccinellid egg predation was the composition of edge habitats bordering specific fields. Field sites surrounded by semi-natural habitats including forests, restored prairies, old fields, and pasturelands experienced greater egg predation than fields surrounded by other croplands. This study shows that intraguild predation by both native and exotic predators may contribute to native coccinellid decline, and that landscape structure interacts with local predator communities to shape the specific outcomes of predator-predator interactions.

Demographic characteristics of female mottled sculpin, Cottus bairdi, in the Coweeta Creek drainage, North Carolina

Treesearch

Gary D. Grossman; Kathleen McDaniel; Robert E. Ratajczak

2002-01-01

We quantified: (1) growth rate, (2) length-mass relationships, (3) size- and age-specific fecundity, (4) egg size-frequencies, and (5) size- and age-specific egg diameter relationships for reproductively active female C. bairdi from one of the southern-most extant populations of this species (Coweeta Creek drainage, North Carolina). Gravid females were collected during...

Wood specific gravity variation among five important hardwood species of Kashmir Himalaya.

PubMed

Wani, Bilal Ahmad; Bodha, R H; Khan, Amina

2014-02-01

Wood Specific Gravity (SG) is a measure of the amount of structural material a tree species allocates to support and strength. In the present study, specific gravity varied among the five different woods at three different sites from 0.40 in Populus nigra at site III (Shopian) to 0.80 in Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana at site II (Surasyar). Among the three different sites, specific gravity varied from 0.73 to 0.80 in Parroptiosis jacquemontiana; in Robinia pseudoacacia it varied from 0.71 to 0.79; in Salix alba, it varied from 0.42 to 0.48; In Populus nigra it varied from 0.40 to 0.48 and in Juglans regia it varied from 0.59 to 0.66. On the basis of the specific gravity variation patterns these woods were categorized as light (Salix alba, Populus nigra) moderately heavy (Juglans regia) and moderately heavy to heavy (Robinia pseudoacacia, Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana) which predicts their properties like strength, dimensional stability with moisture content change, ability to retain paint, fiber yield per unit volume, suitability for making particleboard and related wood composite materials and suitability as a raw material for making paper.

Production of human monoclonal antibody in eggs of chimeric chickens.

PubMed

Zhu, Lei; van de Lavoir, Marie-Cecile; Albanese, Jenny; Beenhouwer, David O; Cardarelli, Pina M; Cuison, Severino; Deng, David F; Deshpande, Shrikant; Diamond, Jennifer H; Green, Lynae; Halk, Edward L; Heyer, Babette S; Kay, Robert M; Kerchner, Allyn; Leighton, Philip A; Mather, Christine M; Morrison, Sherie L; Nikolov, Zivko L; Passmore, David B; Pradas-Monne, Alicia; Preston, Benjamin T; Rangan, Vangipuram S; Shi, Mingxia; Srinivasan, Mohan; White, Steven G; Winters-Digiacinto, Peggy; Wong, Susan; Zhou, Wen; Etches, Robert J

2005-09-01

The tubular gland of the chicken oviduct is an attractive system for protein expression as large quantities of proteins are deposited in the egg, the production of eggs is easily scalable and good manufacturing practices for therapeutics from eggs have been established. Here we examined the ability of upstream and downstream DNA sequences of ovalbumin, a protein produced exclusively in very high quantities in chicken egg white, to drive tissue-specific expression of human mAb in chicken eggs. To accommodate these large regulatory regions, we established and transfected lines of chicken embryonic stem (cES) cells and formed chimeras that express mAb from cES cell-derived tubular gland cells. Eggs from high-grade chimeras contained up to 3 mg of mAb that possesses enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), nonantigenic glycosylation, acceptable half-life, excellent antigen recognition and good rates of internalization.

Coprodiagnosis of Echinococcus granulosus infection in dogs from Ankara, Turkey.

PubMed

Öge, Hatice; Öge, Semih; Gönenç, Bahadır; Sarımehmetoğlu, Oğuz; Özbakış, Gökben

2017-08-15

The present study were undertaken to compare two isolation techniques (centrifugal flotation and sedimentation) for recovering taeniid eggs from faecal samples, to identify E. granulosus DNA from taeniid eggs by PCR, and to determine the prevalence of E. granulosus in dogs in villages. Faecal samples were collected from 100 dogs in Ankara province. Taenia spp. eggs were found in 27% of dogs faeces. Echinococcus granulosus-specific PCR was obtained in 14 (51.85%) of the taeniid eggs-positive samples. As well as finding Taenia eggs in dogs' faeces, we also found eggs of some helminthic parasites; such as Dipylidium caninum, Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris sp., Capillaria sp., Filaroides sp., Dioctophyme renale, Linguatula serrata, hookworm, Dicrocoelium sp., Fasciola sp. and Ascaridia galli. Significantly, more dogs excreting taeniid eggs were diagnosed with the sedimentation method (n=27) as compared to the flotation method (n=10). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Heat resistance of Salmonella in various egg products.

PubMed

Garibaldi, J A; Straka, R P; Ijichi, K

1969-04-01

The heat-resistance characteristics of Salmonella typhimurium Tm-1, a reference strain in the stationary phase of growth, were determined at several temperatures in the major types of products produced by the egg industry. The time required to kill 90% of the population (D value) at a given temperature in specific egg products was as follows: at 60 C (140 F), D = 0.27 min for whole egg; D = 0.60 min for whole egg plus 10% sucrose; D = 1.0 min for fortified whole egg; D = 0.20 min for egg white (pH 7.3), stabilized with aluminum; D = 0.40 min for egg yolk; D = 4.0 min for egg yolk plus 10% sucrose; D = 5.1 min for egg yolk plus 10% NaCl; D = 1.0 min for scrambled egg mix; at 55 C (131 F), D = 0.55 min for egg white (pH 9.2); D = 1.2 min for egg white (pH 9.2) plus 10% sucrose. The average Z value (number of degrees, either centigrade or fahrenheit, for a thermal destruction time curve to traverse one logarithmic cycle) was 4.6 C (8.3 F) with a range from 4.2 to 5.3 C. Supplementation with 10% sucrose appeared to have a severalfold greater effect on the heat stabilization of egg white proteins than on S. typhimurium Tm-1. This information should be of value in the formulation of heat treatments to insure that all egg products be free of viable salmonellae.

Urinalysis: MedlinePlus Health Topic

MedlinePlus

... Urine odor (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish Urine pH test (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish Urine specific gravity ... Urine - abnormal color Urine - bloody Urine odor Urine pH test Urine specific gravity test Show More Show Less ...

Adult mortality probability and nest predation rates explain parental effort in warming eggs with consequences for embryonic development time

USGS Publications Warehouse

Martin, Thomas E.; Oteyza, Juan C.; Boyce, Andy J.; Lloyd, Penn; Ton, Riccardo

2015-01-01

Parental behavior and effort vary extensively among species. Life-history theory suggests that age-specific mortality could cause this interspecific variation, but past tests have focused on fecundity as the measure of parental effort. Fecundity can cause costs of reproduction that confuse whether mortality is the cause or the consequence of parental effort. We focus on a trait, parental allocation of time and effort in warming embryos, that varies widely among species of diverse taxa and is not tied to fecundity. We conducted studies on songbirds of four continents and show that time spent warming eggs varies widely among species and latitudes and is not correlated with clutch size. Adult and offspring (nest) mortality explained most of the interspecific variation in time and effort that parents spend warming eggs, measured by average egg temperatures. Parental effort in warming eggs is important because embryonic temperature can influence embryonic development period and hence exposure time to predation risk. We show through correlative evidence and experimental swapping of embryos between species that parentally induced egg temperatures cause interspecific variation in embryonic development period. The strong association of age-specific mortality with parental effort in warming eggs and the subsequent effects on embryonic development time are unique results that can advance understanding of broad geographic patterns of life-history variation.

Plant Volatiles Induced by Herbivore Egg Deposition Affect Insects of Different Trophic Levels

PubMed Central

Fatouros, Nina E.; Lucas-Barbosa, Dani; Weldegergis, Berhane T.; Pashalidou, Foteini G.; van Loon, Joop J. A.; Dicke, Marcel; Harvey, Jeffrey A.; Gols, Rieta; Huigens, Martinus E.

2012-01-01

Plants release volatiles induced by herbivore feeding that may affect the diversity and composition of plant-associated arthropod communities. However, the specificity and role of plant volatiles induced during the early phase of attack, i.e. egg deposition by herbivorous insects, and their consequences on insects of different trophic levels remain poorly explored. In olfactometer and wind tunnel set-ups, we investigated behavioural responses of a specialist cabbage butterfly (Pieris brassicae) and two of its parasitic wasps (Trichogramma brassicae and Cotesia glomerata) to volatiles of a wild crucifer (Brassica nigra) induced by oviposition of the specialist butterfly and an additional generalist moth (Mamestra brassicae). Gravid butterflies were repelled by volatiles from plants induced by cabbage white butterfly eggs, probably as a means of avoiding competition, whereas both parasitic wasp species were attracted. In contrast, volatiles from plants induced by eggs of the generalist moth did neither repel nor attract any of the tested community members. Analysis of the plant’s volatile metabolomic profile by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and the structure of the plant-egg interface by scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the plant responds differently to egg deposition by the two lepidopteran species. Our findings imply that prior to actual feeding damage, egg deposition can induce specific plant responses that significantly influence various members of higher trophic levels. PMID:22912893

Mechanosensitive neurons on the internal reproductive tract contribute to egg-laying-induced acetic acid attraction in Drosophila

PubMed Central

Gou, Bin; Liu, Ying; Guntur, Ananya R.; Stern, Ulrich; Yang, Chung-Hui

2014-01-01

Selecting a suitable site to deposit their eggs is an important reproductive need of Drosophila females. While their choosiness towards egg-laying sites is well documented, the specific neural mechanism that activates females’ search for attractive egg-laying sites is not known. Here we show that distention/contraction of females’ internal reproductive tract triggered by egg-delivery through the tract plays a critical role in activating such search. We found that females start to exhibit acetic acid attraction prior to depositing each egg but no attraction when they are not laying eggs. Artificially distending the reproductive tract triggers acetic acid attraction in non-egg-laying females whereas silencing the mechanosensitive neurons we identified that can sense the contractile status of the tract eliminates such attraction. Our work uncovers the circuit basis of an important reproductive need of Drosophila females and provides a simple model to dissect the neural mechanism that underlies a reproductive need-induced behavioral modification. PMID:25373900

Effect of the loading rate on compressive properties of goose eggs.

PubMed

Nedomová, Š; Kumbár, V; Trnka, J; Buchar, J

2016-03-01

The resistance of goose (Anser anser f. domestica) eggs to damage was determined by measuring the average rupture force, specific deformation and rupture energy during their compression at different compression speeds (0.0167, 0.167, 0.334, 1.67, 6.68 and 13.36 mm/s). Eggs have been loaded between their poles (along X axis) and in the equator plane (Z axis). The greatest amount of force required to break the eggs was required when eggs were loaded along the X axis and the least compression force was required along the Z axis. This effect of the loading orientation can be described in terms of the eggshell contour curvature. The rate sensitivity of the eggshell rupture force is higher than that observed for the Japanese quail's eggs.

Modification of gDNA extraction from soil for PCR designed for the routine examination of soil samples contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs.

PubMed

Borecka, A; Gawor, J

2008-06-01

A modification of gDNA extraction was developed for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, intended for the detection and differentiation of Toxocara spp. eggs in soil or sediments. Sand samples from sandpits confirmed as being contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs by the flotation technique were analysed by PCR. The use of proteinase K made it possible to obtain genomic DNA from the sample without needing to isolate eggs using flotation or to inactivate PCR inhibitors present in the sand. Specific primers in the PCR reaction allowed discrimination between T. canis and T. cati eggs. The modification simplified the procedure, thanks to eliminating the step of gDNA isolation from eggs, which is both laborious and difficult.

Identification of specific gravity sensitive signal transduction pathways in human A431 carcinoma cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rijken, P. J.; de Groot, R. P.; Kruijer, W.; de Laat, S. W.; Verkleij, A. J.; Boonstra, J.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) activates a well characterized signal transduction cascade in human A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells. The influence of gravity on EGF-induced EGF-receptor clustering and early gene expression as well as on actin polymerization and actin organization have been investigated. Different signalling pathways induced by the agents TPA, forskolin and A23187 that activate gene expression were tested for sensitivity to gravity. EGF-induced c-fos and c-jun expression were decreased in microgravity. However, constitutive β-2 microglobulin expression remained unaltered. Under simulated weightlessness conditions EGF- and TPA-induced c-fos expression was decreased, while forskolin- and A23187-induced c-fos expression was independent of the gravity conditions. These results suggest that gravity affects specific signalling pathways. Preliminary results indicate that EGF-induced EGF-receptor clustering remained unaltered irrespective of the gravity conditions. Furthermore, the relative filamentous actin content of steady state A431 cells was enhanced under microgravity conditions and actin filament organization was altered. Under simulated weightlessness actin filament organization in steady state cells as well as in EGF-treated cells was altered as compared to the 1 G reference experiment. Interestingly the microtubule and keratin organization in untreated cells showed no difference with the normal gravity samples. This indicates that gravity may affect specific components of the signal transduction circuitry.

The Fast and Transient Transcriptional Network of Gravity and Mechanical Stimulation in the Arabidopsis Root Apex1[w

PubMed Central

Kimbrough, Jeffery M.; Salinas-Mondragon, Raul; Boss, Wendy F.; Brown, Christopher S.; Sederoff, Heike Winter

2004-01-01

Plant root growth is affected by both gravity and mechanical stimulation (Massa GD, Gilroy S [2003] Plant J 33: 435–445). A coordinated response to both stimuli requires specific and common elements. To delineate the transcriptional response mechanisms, we carried out whole-genome microarray analysis of Arabidopsis root apices after gravity stimulation (reorientation) and mechanical stimulation and monitored transcript levels of 22,744 genes in a time course during the first hour after either stimulus. Rapid, transient changes in the relative abundance of specific transcripts occurred in response to gravity or mechanical stimulation, and these transcript level changes reveal clusters of coordinated events. Transcriptional regulation occurs in the root apices within less than 2 min after either stimulus. We identified genes responding specifically to each stimulus as well as transcripts regulated in both signal transduction pathways. Several unknown genes were specifically induced only during gravitropic stimulation (gravity induced genes). We also analyzed the network of transcriptional regulation during the early stages of gravitropism and mechanical stimulation. PMID:15347791

Passive maternal exposure to environmental microbes selectively modulates the innate defences of chicken egg white by increasing some of its antibacterial activities

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Egg defence against bacterial contamination relies on immunoglobulins (IgY) concentrated in the yolk and antimicrobial peptides/proteins predominantly localized in the egg white (EW). Hens contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms export specific IgYs to the egg (adaptative immunity). No evidence of such regulation has been reported for the antimicrobial peptides/proteins (innate immunity) which are preventively secreted by the hen oviduct and are active against a large range of microbes. We investigated whether the egg innate defences can be stimulated by the environmental microbial contamination by comparing the antimicrobial activity of EW of hens raised in three extreme breeding conditions: Germ-free (GF), Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) and Conventional (C) hens. Results The difference in the immunological status of GF, SPF and C hens was confirmed by the high stimulation of IL-1β, IL-8 and TLR4 genes in the intestine of C and SPF groups. EW from C and SPF groups demonstrated higher inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus (13 to 18%) and against Streptococcus uberis (31 to 35%) as compared to GF but showed similar activity against Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Gallinarum, Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. To further investigate these results, we explored putative changes amongst the three main mechanisms of egg antimicrobial defence: the sequestration of bacterial nutrients, the inactivation of exogenous proteases and the direct lytic action on microorganisms. Lysozyme activity, chymotrypsin-, trypsin- and papain-inhibiting potential of EW and the expression of numerous antimicrobial genes were not stimulated suggesting that these are not responsible for the change in anti-S. aureus and anti-S. uberis activity. Moreover, whereas the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-8 and TLR4 genes were modified by the breeding conditions in the intestine of C and SPF groups they were not modified in the magnum where egg white is formed. Conclusions Altogether, these data revealed that the degree of environmental microbial exposure of the hen moderately stimulated the egg innate defence, by reinforcing some specific antimicrobial activities to protect the embryo and to insure hygienic quality of table eggs. PMID:23758641

ELECTRIC IMPEDANCE OF HIPPONOË EGGS

PubMed Central

Cole, Kenneth S.

1935-01-01

Alternating current resistance and capacity measurements have been made from 1.08 103 to 2.32 106 cycles per second on suspensions of unfertilized, fertilized, and swollen unfertilized eggs of the echinoderm Hipponoë esculenta. A simple method has been developed for measuring the volume concentration of eggs in a suspension. The membrane of the unfertilized egg is practically non-conducting at low frequencies and shows a static capacity of 0.87 µf/cm.2 except perhaps at the highest frequencies. The equivalent specific resistance of the egg interior is 11 times that of sea water. The membrane of the fertilized egg is practically non-conducting at low frequencies and shows a static capacity 2.5 times that of the unfertilized egg except at the higher frequencies where another reactive element produces a marked effect. The internal resistance is apparently higher than that of the unfertilized egg. The static capacity per unit area of the membrane decreases as a linear function of the surface area when the eggs are swollen in dilute sea water. In 40 per cent sea water, the capacity falls to about 75 per cent of normal. PMID:19872897

Temperature sequence of eggs from oviposition through distribution: processing--part 2.

PubMed

Koelkebeck, K W; Patterson, P H; Anderson, K E; Darre, M J; Carey, J B; Ahn, D U; Ernst, R A; Kuney, D R; Jones, D

2008-06-01

The Egg Safety Action Plan released in 1999 raised questions concerning egg temperature used in the risk assessment model. Therefore, a national study was initiated to determine the internal and external temperature sequence of eggs from oviposition through distribution. Researchers gathered data from commercial egg production, shell egg processing, and distribution facilities. The experimental design was a mixed model with 2 random effects for season and geographic region and a fixed effect for operation type (inline or offline). For this report, internal and external egg temperature data were recorded at specific points during shell egg processing in the winter and summer months. In addition, internal egg temperatures were recorded in pre- and postshell egg processing cooler areas. There was a significant season x geographic region interaction (P < 0.05) for both surface and internal temperatures. Egg temperatures were lower in the winter vs. summer, but eggs gained in temperature from the accumulator to the postshell egg processing cooler. During shell egg processing, summer egg surface and internal temperatures were greater (P < 0.05) than during the winter. When examining the effect of shell egg processing time and conditions, it was found that 2.4 and 3.8 degrees C were added to egg surface temperatures, and 3.3 and 6.0 degrees C were added to internal temperatures in the summer and winter, respectively. Internal egg temperatures were higher (P < 0.05) in the preshell egg processing cooler area during the summer vs. winter, and internal egg temperatures were higher (P < 0.05) in the summer when eggs were (3/4) cool (temperature change required to meet USDA-Agricultural Marketing Service storage regulation of 7.2 degrees C) in the postshell egg processing area. However, the cooling rate was not different (P > 0.05) for eggs in the postshell egg processing cooler area in the summer vs. winter. Therefore, these data suggest that season of year and geographic location can affect the temperature of eggs during shell egg processing and should be a component in future assessments of egg safety.

Shell egg handling and preparation practices in food service establishments in Finland.

PubMed

Lievonen, S; Ranta, J; Maijala, R

2007-10-01

Foodborne outbreaks are often reported to be acquired at food service establishments. As a part of a quantitative risk assessment on the consumer risk of contracting Salmonella infection via shell eggs, we studied how small, medium, and large restaurants, institutional kitchens, and staff canteens (n=171) purchase, store, and use shell eggs. In addition, we estimated the fraction of raw and undercooked risky egg dishes among all egg dishes served in food service establishments of different sizes and types. The majority of establishments used shell eggs (78%), purchased eggs once per week (39%), and stored eggs at cool temperatures (82%). The size of the food service establishment had a less significant effect on shell egg preparation and handling practices than the type of the establishment. In particular, restaurants and institutional kitchens differed from each other. Restaurants purchased shell eggs more frequently, were more likely to store them at room temperature, stored shell eggs for a shorter period, and were more likely to prepare undercooked egg dishes than institutional kitchens. It was predicted that 6 to 20% of all different egg dishes prepared in a single randomly chosen food service establishment would be risky egg dishes with a 95% Bayesian credible interval of 0 to 96%, showing uncertainty because of the variability between kitchens and uncertainty in kitchen type-specific parameters. The results indicate that although most Finnish food service establishments had safe egg handling practices, a substantial minority expressed risky behavior. Compared with the egg consumption patterns in private Finnish households, however, practices in food service establishments did not prove to be more prone to risk.

Cannibalism and intraguild predation of eggs within a diverse predator assemblage.

PubMed

Takizawa, Tadashi; Snyder, William E

2011-02-01

Greater biodiversity among aphid predators sometimes leads to greater predator reproductive success. This could occur if cannibalism of predator eggs is consistently stronger than intraguild predation, such that diversity dilutes cannibalism risk when total predator densities remain constant across diversity levels. We compared the frequency of cannibalism versus intraguild predation by adult predators of four species [the lady beetles Coccinella septempunctata L. and Hippodamia convergens Guerin-Meneville, and the predatory bugs Geocoris bullatus (Say) and Nabis alternatus Parshley] on the eggs of three predator species (all of these predators but Nabis). For both coccinellid species, egg predation averaged across all intraguild predators was less frequent than cannibalism. In contrast, Geocoris eggs were generally more likely to be consumed by intraguild predators than by conspecifics. Closer inspection of the data revealed that Geocoris consistently consumed fewer eggs than the other species, regardless of egg species. Indeed, for lady beetle eggs it was relatively infrequent egg predation by Geocoris that brought down the average across all heterospecific predators, masking the fact that adults of the two lady beetles were no more likely to act as egg cannibals than as intraguild predators. Nabis ate eggs of the two beetles at approximately equal rates, but rarely ate Geocoris eggs. Female predators generally consumed more eggs than did males, but this did not alter any of the patterns described above. Altogether, our results suggest that species-specific differences in egg predation rates determined the relative intensity of egg intraguild-predation versus cannibalism, rather than any more general trend for egg cannibalism to always exceed intraguild predation. © 2011 Entomological Society of America

Extreme convergence in egg-laying strategy across insect orders

PubMed Central

Goldberg, Julia; Bresseel, Joachim; Constant, Jerome; Kneubühler, Bruno; Leubner, Fanny; Michalik, Peter; Bradler, Sven

2015-01-01

The eggs of stick and leaf insects (Phasmatodea) bear strong resemblance to plant seeds and are commonly dispersed by females dropping them to the litter. Here we report a novel egg-deposition mode for Phasmatodea performed by an undescribed Vietnamese species of the enigmatic subfamily Korinninae that produces a complex egg case (ootheca), containing numerous eggs in a highly ordered arrangement. This novel egg-deposition mode is most reminiscent of egg cases produced by members of unrelated insect orders, e.g. by praying mantises (Mantodea) and tortoise beetles (Coleoptera: Cassidinae). Ootheca production constitutes a striking convergence and major transition in reproductive strategy among stick insects, viz. a shift from dispersal of individual eggs to elaborate egg concentration. Adaptive advantages of ootheca formation on arboreal substrate are likely related to protection against parasitoids and desiccation and to allocation of specific host plants. Our phylogenetic analysis of nuclear (28S, H3) and mitochondrial (COI, COII) genes recovered Korinninae as a subordinate taxon among the species-rich Necrosciinae with Asceles as sister taxon, thus suggesting that placement of single eggs on leaves by host plant specialists might be the evolutionary precursor of ootheca formation within stick insects. PMID:25592976

Intraovum infection caused by Flavobacterium psychrophilum among eggs from captive Atlantic salmon broodfish

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cipriano, R.C.

2005-01-01

This study indicated that the bacterium Flavobacterium psychrophilum induced an infection within eggs of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar that were held at federal New England restoration facilities. The pathogen, which originated from the Connecticut, Penobscot, Machias, East Machias, Dennys, Narraguagus, and Sheepscot rivers, was obtained from these eggs at concentrations that ranged from 5.0 ?? 102 to 2.5 ?? 108 colony-forming units per gram of egg, despite successive treatments with povidone iodine (I2). Treatments consisted of 50 mg/L of water for 30 min, then 100 mg/L for 10 min, followed at the eyed egg stage by 100 mg/L for 60 min. Collectively, 63% of the egg lots (77 of 122) obtained from paired matings of these captive broodfish were infected; 39% of these lots contained 10 or fewer infected eggs (60 eggs sampled per lot), and less than 10% of the lots contained more than 20 positive eggs. Consequently, standard iodophor disinfection procedures were ineffective. Eggs were positive from each of the river-specific captive brood populations during both of the spawning cycles that were studied. I concluded that F. psychrophilum established an intraovum infection that was prevalent among captive brood lots from different New England watersheds.

Nest sanitation elicits egg discrimination in cuckoo hosts.

PubMed

Yang, Canchao; Chen, Min; Wang, Longwu; Liang, Wei; Møller, Anders Pape

2015-11-01

Nest sanitation is a nearly universal behavior in birds, while egg discrimination is a more specific adaptation that has evolved to counter brood parasitism. These two behaviors are closely related with nest sanitation being the ancestral behavior, and it has been hypothesized to constitute a preadaptation for egg discrimination. However, previous studies found little evidence to support this hypothesis. Here, we conducted an empirical test of the association between nest sanitation and egg discrimination in the barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) by inserting a single non-mimetic model egg or a non-mimetic model egg plus half a peanut shell into host nests. Compared to the rejection rate of single model eggs, barn swallows significantly increased egg rejection frequency if a half peanut shell was simultaneously introduced. Our result for the first time shows the impact of nest sanitation on egg discrimination and demonstrates that nest sanitation can elicit egg discrimination in hosts of brood parasites. This study provided evidence for nest sanitation being a preadaptation to egg discrimination by facilitating egg rejection, thereby significantly advancing our understanding of avian cognition of foreign objects. Furthermore, we suggest that egg discrimination behavior in many accepters and intermediate rejecters may be lost or diluted. Such egg discrimination can be elicited and restored after nest sanitation, implying a sensitive and rapid phenotypic response to increased risk of parasitism. Our study offers a novel perspective for investigating the role of so-called intermediate rejecter individuals or species in the long-term coevolutionary cycle between brood parasites and their hosts.

Species-specific and transgenerational responses to increasing salinity in sympatric freshwater gastropods

USGS Publications Warehouse

Suski, Jamie G.; Salice, Christopher J.; Patino, Reynaldo

2012-01-01

Freshwater salinization is a global concern partly attributable to anthropogenic salt contamination. The authors examined the effects of increased salinity (as NaCl, 250-4,000 µS/cm, specific conductance) on two sympatric freshwater gastropods (Helisoma trivolvis and Physa pomillia). Life stage sensitivities were determined by exposing naive eggs or naive juveniles (through adulthood and reproduction). Additionally, progeny eggs from the juvenile-adult exposures were maintained at their respective parental salinities to examine transgenerational effects. Naive H. trivolvis eggs experienced delayed development at specific conductance > 250 µS/cm; reduced survivorship and reproduction were also seen in juvenile H. trivolvis at 4,000 µS/cm. Survival and growth of P. pomilia were not affected by increased salinity following egg or juvenile exposures. Interestingly, the progeny of H. trivolvis exposed to higher salinity may have gained tolerance to increased salinity whereas P. pomilia progeny may have experienced negative transgenerational effects. The present study demonstrates that freshwater snail species vary in their tolerance to salinization and also highlights the importance of multigenerational studies, as stressor impacts may not be readily apparent from shorter term exposures.

Evaluation of suspension array analysis for detection of egg yolk antibodies against Salmonella Enteritidis.

PubMed

Thomas, M E; Klinkenberg, D; Bergwerff, A A; van Eerden, E; Stegeman, J A; Bouma, A

2010-06-01

Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE) is an important source of food-related diarrhoea in humans, and table eggs are considered the primordial source of contamination of the human food chain. Using eggs collected at egg-packing stations as samples could be a convenient strategy to detect colonization of layer flocks. The aim of this study was to evaluate egg yolk anti-Salmonella antibody detection using suspension array analysis. An egg yolk panel from contact-infected and non-colonized laying hens was used for the evaluation. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to define a cut-off value and to assess the overall accuracy of the assay. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were estimated by maximum likelihood. Sensitivity was quantified on hen level and on sample level, and also quantified as a function of time since colonization. The area under the ROC curve was estimated at 0.984 (se 0.006, P<0.001). Of all colonized contact-infected hens, 67.6% [95% CI: 46.8, 100] developed an antibody response, which was detectable 17.4 days [14.3, 26.9] after colonization. In total, 98% [95.4, 99.4] of the 'immunopositive' hens had test positive eggs. The overall sensitivity of the immunological test was 66.7% [45.9, 98.7] and the specificity was 98.5% [97.8, 99.1]. This study provided essential parameters for optimizing surveillance programs based on detection of antibodies, and indicates that immunology based on examination of egg yolk gives important information about the Salmonella status of the flock. (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Uterine fluid proteins and egg quality characteristics for 2 commercial and 2 heritage laying hen lines in response to manipulation of dietary calcium and vitamin D3.

PubMed

Kaur, Ravinder; Rathgeber, Bruce M; Thompson, Kristen L; Macisaac, Janice

2013-09-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of eggs from 2 selected commercial strains of laying hens and 2 unselected lines of chickens fed diets with different combinations of Ca and vitamin D and relate it to the profile of uterine proteins and ultrastructure of the shell. A group of 4 chickens was housed in each of 24 cages. The group consisted of one representative from each of the following breeds: Lohmann LSL- Lite, Lohmann Classic-Brown, Fayoumi, and Light Sussex. Six dietary combinations of Ca and vitamin D(3) (3.35%, 2,500 IU; 4.10%, 2,500 IU (control); 4.85%, 2,500 IU; 3.35%, 200 IU; 4.10%, 200 IU; and 4.85%, 200 IU) were randomly assigned to 4 replicate cages for 2 treatment periods (26-29 and 56-59 wk of age). Data were analyzed as a split-plot design with cage as the main plot and hen as the subplot. Egg quality traits were different (P < 0.0001) between commercial and heritage breeds. Lohmann Brown had stronger shells with higher specific gravity compared with other breeds. Both commercial and heritage birds responded to a drop in vitamin D3 level by marked reduction in shell thickness. The SDS-PAGE profiles of uterine fluid samples revealed a decrease (P < 0.05) in 200-, 150-, 116-, and ≤6.5-kDa proteins, whereas proteins with molecular weight (MW) of 80, 55, 52, 45, 42, and 28 kDa increased with bird age. A 36- and 52-kDa protein band was most intense for Fayoumi compared with other breeds. Ultrastructural characteristics showed flattened and deeply etched mammillary caps for Lohmann Brown and the presence of type A and type B bodies between mammillary cones in eggshells from Fayoumi and Lohmann Lite. The negative correlation between ultrastructural characteristics, which decrease with bird age, and the 116-kDa uterine protein band could provide insight into reduced eggshell quality as hens age.

Normalization to specific gravity prior to analysis improves information recovery from high resolution mass spectrometry metabolomic profiles of human urine.

PubMed

Edmands, William M B; Ferrari, Pietro; Scalbert, Augustin

2014-11-04

Extraction of meaningful biological information from urinary metabolomic profiles obtained by liquid-chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) necessitates the control of unwanted sources of variability associated with large differences in urine sample concentrations. Different methods of normalization either before analysis (preacquisition normalization) through dilution of urine samples to the lowest specific gravity measured by refractometry, or after analysis (postacquisition normalization) to urine volume, specific gravity and median fold change are compared for their capacity to recover lead metabolites for a potential future use as dietary biomarkers. Twenty-four urine samples of 19 subjects from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and nutrition (EPIC) cohort were selected based on their high and low/nonconsumption of six polyphenol-rich foods as assessed with a 24 h dietary recall. MS features selected on the basis of minimum discriminant selection criteria were related to each dietary item by means of orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis models. Normalization methods ranked in the following decreasing order when comparing the number of total discriminant MS features recovered to that obtained in the absence of normalization: preacquisition normalization to specific gravity (4.2-fold), postacquisition normalization to specific gravity (2.3-fold), postacquisition median fold change normalization (1.8-fold increase), postacquisition normalization to urinary volume (0.79-fold). A preventative preacquisition normalization based on urine specific gravity was found to be superior to all curative postacquisition normalization methods tested for discovery of MS features discriminant of dietary intake in these urinary metabolomic datasets.

Glycosylated chicken ZP2 accumulates in the egg coat of immature oocytes and remains localized to the germinal disc region of mature eggs.

PubMed

Nishio, Shunsuke; Kohno, Yoshinori; Iwata, Yuki; Arai, Mayumi; Okumura, Hiroki; Oshima, Kenzi; Nadano, Daita; Matsuda, Tsukasa

2014-11-01

Vertebrate eggs are surrounded by an egg coat, which is a specific extracellular egg matrix consisting of several glycoproteins with a conserved zona pellucida (ZP) domain. Two mammalian egg coat subunits, ZP2 and ZP3, have been suggested to act as sperm receptors. In bird eggs, however, ZP2 has never been identified in the egg coat of mature oocytes and ovulated eggs. Here we report that chicken ZP2 is expressed in immature small follicles and remains as an egg-coat component locally in the germinal disc region of mature eggs. RT-PCR analysis indicated marked expression of the ZP2 and ZP4 genes in the granulosa cells of immature white follicles, whereas the ZP3 and ZPD genes showed marked expression in the cells of maturing yellow follicles. ZP2 was identified in the egg coat isolated from immature follicles as a heavily N-glycosylated glycoprotein of ∼200 kDa, which was enzymatically converted to a 70-kDa deglycosylated form. Immunoblotting and immunohistological analyses showed that ZP2 was localized around the germinal disc region of mature follicles. ZP2 was accumulated in the egg coat of immature white follicles at the earlier stages of oocyte development and became a minor component in the egg coat of maturing yellow follicles, except for the germinal disc region. Localization of ZP2 in the germinal disc region of mature eggs, where sperm bind to the egg coat at high density, suggests some role for ZP2 in the preferential binding and penetration of sperm in the germinal disc region of bird eggs. © 2014 by the Society for the Study of Reproduction, Inc.

Early-life gut microbiome and egg allergy.

PubMed

Fazlollahi, M; Chun, Y; Grishin, A; Wood, R A; Burks, A W; Dawson, P; Jones, S M; Leung, D Y M; Sampson, H A; Sicherer, S H; Bunyavanich, S

2018-07-01

Gut microbiota may play a role in egg allergy. We sought to examine the association between early-life gut microbiota and egg allergy. We studied 141 children with egg allergy and controls from the multicenter Consortium of Food Allergy Research study. At enrollment (age 3 to 16 months), fecal samples were collected, and clinical evaluation, egg-specific IgE measurement, and egg skin prick test were performed. Gut microbiome was profiled by 16S rRNA sequencing. Analyses for the primary outcome of egg allergy at enrollment, and the secondary outcomes of egg sensitization at enrollment and resolution of egg allergy by age 8 years, were performed using Quantitative Insights into Microbial Ecology, Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States, and Statistical Analysis of Metagenomic Profiles. Compared to controls, increased alpha diversity and distinct taxa (PERMANOVA P = 5.0 × 10 -4 ) characterized the early-life gut microbiome of children with egg allergy. Genera from the Lachnospiraceae, Streptococcaceae, and Leuconostocaceae families were differentially abundant in children with egg allergy. Predicted metagenome functional analyses showed differential purine metabolism by the gut microbiota of egg-allergic subjects (Kruskal-Wallis P adj  = 0.021). Greater gut microbiome diversity and genera from Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae were associated with egg sensitization (PERMANOVA P = 5.0 × 10 -4 ). Among those with egg allergy, there was no association between early-life gut microbiota and egg allergy resolution by age 8 years. The distinct early-life gut microbiota in egg-allergic and egg-sensitized children identified by our study may point to targets for preventive or therapeutic intervention. © 2018 EAACI and John Wiley and Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd.

Specific gravity, moisture content, and density relationship for wood

Treesearch

W. T. Simpson

1993-01-01

This report reviews the basis for determining values for the density of wood as it depends on moisture content and specific gravity. The data are presented in several ways to meet the needs of a variety of users.

27 CFR 21.107 - Ethyl acetate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... by weight. (5) Specific gravity at 20 °/20 °C. Not less than 0.882. (6) Distillation range. (For.... (5) Specific gravity at 20 °/20 °C. Not less than 0.899. (6) Distillation range. (For applicable ASTM...

27 CFR 21.107 - Ethyl acetate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... by weight. (5) Specific gravity at 20 °/20 °C. Not less than 0.882. (6) Distillation range. (For.... (5) Specific gravity at 20 °/20 °C. Not less than 0.899. (6) Distillation range. (For applicable ASTM...

27 CFR 21.107 - Ethyl acetate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... by weight. (5) Specific gravity at 20 °/20 °C. Not less than 0.882. (6) Distillation range. (For.... (5) Specific gravity at 20 °/20 °C. Not less than 0.899. (6) Distillation range. (For applicable ASTM...

27 CFR 21.107 - Ethyl acetate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... by weight. (5) Specific gravity at 20 °/20 °C. Not less than 0.882. (6) Distillation range. (For.... (5) Specific gravity at 20 °/20 °C. Not less than 0.899. (6) Distillation range. (For applicable ASTM...

Detection of patent infections of Echinococcus granulosus ("sheep-strain", G1) in naturally infected dogs in Kosovo.

PubMed

Sherifi, Kurtesh; Rexhepi, Agim; Hamidi, Afrim; Behluli, Behlul; Zessin, Karl-Hans; Mathis, Alexander; Deplazes, Peter

2011-01-01

A survey was carried out to assess the occurrence of canine echinococcosis in naturally infected dogs in Kosovo. Using the flotation-ovassay technique, taeniid eggs were found in 23 (7.5%) out of a total of 305 dogs. Eggs from other helminths were detected as well: hookworms 139 (45.5%), Trichuris sp. 87 (28.5%), Toxocara sp. 42 (13.7%), Toxascaris leonina 21 (6.8%) and Dipylidium caninum eight (2.6%). From 21 of the 305 samples (6.9%), taeniids eggs could be collected. Using PCR primers specific for Echinococcus granulosus ("sheep strain", G1), four of these samples (1.3%) resulted positive. The E. granulosus isolates originated from each one stray dog, hunting dog, sheepdog and pet dog. A semi-quantitative analysis showed low to moderate egg counts (2-10 per 1 g faeces) in dogs positive for E. granulosus ("sheep strain", G1) whereas specimens with high (11-20) or very high numbers (> 20) of taeniid eggs were negative in the E. granulosus PCR. Using specific primers for the detection of E. multilocularis, all samples containing taeniid eggs were negative. This is the first report on identification of E. granulosus in dogs from Kosovo where human cystic echinococcosis is a significant medical problem.

An egg injection technique to evaluate the effect of polychlorinated biphenyls on the hatching success of the snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina serpentina).

PubMed

Schnars, Jeanette L; Voss, Margaret A; Stauffer, Jay R

2011-04-01

Embryos of oviparous organisms are exposed to contaminants by two pathways: contaminant uptake from the surrounding environment, and the transfer from female to offspring (maternal transfer). The initial source of contaminant exposure for most embryos is likely to be maternal transfer; therefore, maternal transfer studies are critical in determining the effects of contaminants on future populations. Injection of contaminants directly into eggs is one route of experimental contaminant exposure that permits controlled doses and potential reliable replication. This technique, however, has been used in the past with little success in reptiles. The objective of the present study was to evaluate egg injection as a means of mimicking maternal transfer of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to snapping turtle eggs. Eggs from several clutches were injected with a PCB solution and incubated at several temperatures and moisture levels to measure interactive effects of injection, environmental condition, and contaminant load on hatching success. The injection technique allowed for application of consistent and specific doses among replicates. Overall hatching success in this study was 61% and was as high as 71% within specific treatments. Hatching success was much higher in this study than in other studies using egg injections to mimic maternal transfer in chelonians and crocodilians. Copyright © 2010 SETAC.

Effect of egg freshness on texture and baking characteristics of batter systems formulated using egg, flour and sugar.

PubMed

Xing, Liting; Niu, Fuge; Su, Yujie; Yang, Yanjun

2016-04-01

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of egg freshness on baking properties and final qualities in batter systems. Batters were made with eggs of different freshness, and the properties of batter systems were studied through rheological analysis, rapid viscosity analysis (RVA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), batter density and expansion rate during the baking and cooling processes. Moreover, the qualities of final baked systems were investigated, including specific volume and texture profile analysis (TPA). The flow behavior of batters showed that the consistency index (K) decreased as the Haugh unit (HU) value decreased, while the flow behavior index (n) increased. Both the storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G″) determined by mechanical spectra at 20 °C decreased with decreasing HU. RVA and DSC determinations revealed that lower-HU samples had a lower viscosity in the baking process and a shorter time for starch gelatinization and egg protein denaturation. Observation of the batter density revealed an increasing change, which was reflected by a decrease in the specific volume of final models. TPA showed significant differences in hardness and chewiness, but no significant differences in springiness and cohesiveness were found. The egg freshness affected the properties of batter systems. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Anaphylaxis from the influenza virus vaccine.

PubMed

Coop, Christopher A; Balanon, Synya K; White, Kevin M; Whisman, Bonnie A; Rathkopf, Melinda M

2008-01-01

Allergic reactions to the influenza vaccine are uncommon and usually associated with sensitivity to egg or gelatin. The aim of this study was to report the case of anaphylaxis to the influenza vaccine. Allergy percutaneous skin testing, serum specific IgE testing and IgE immunoblotting were performed to the influenza vaccine, egg, and gelatin. Percutaneous skin testing to the influenza vaccine and gelatin were positive and egg (white, whole, and yolk) was negative. Immunocap serum-specific IgE testing to egg (white, whole, and yolk) and gelatin were negative (<0.35 kU/l). IgE immunoblots were performed with 2 cord blood serums and the patient's serum at a 1:20 dilution against 10 microg of the Fluzone influenza vaccine. The patient's IgE immunoblot showed a protein band at 100 kDa which is similar to the molecular weight of gelatin protein, a 68-kDa protein which is similar to the molecular weight of hemagglutinin protein from the influenza vaccine, and a 45-kDa protein band that is similar to the molecular weight of ovalbumin protein from chicken embryo/egg. Based on clinical symptoms, skin testing, Immunocap testing and immunoblot evaluation, we feel that our patient is allergic to the infectious agent in the influenza vaccine as well as gelatin and ovalbumin in egg. Copyright 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Identification of genes associated with survival of salmonellaenterica serovar enteridis in chicken egg albumen

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Clavijo, Raul I.; Loui, Cindy; Andersen, Gary L.

Salmonella enterica consists of over 2,000 serovars that aremajor causes of morbidity and mortality associated with contaminatedfood. Despite similarities among serovars of Salmonella enterica, manydemonstrate unique host specificities, epidemiological characteristics,and clinical manifestations. One of the unique epidemiologicalcharacteristics of the serovar Enteritidis is that it is the onlybacterium routinely transmitted to humans through intact chicken eggs.Therefore, Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis must be able topersist inside chicken eggs to be transmitted to humans, and its survivalin egg is important for its transmission to the human population. Theability of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis to survive in andtransmit through eggs may have contributed tomore » its drastically increasedprevalence in the 1980s and 1990s. In the present study, usingtransposon-mediated mutagenesis, we have identified genes important forthe association of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis with chickeneggs. Our results indicate that genes involved in cell wall structuraland functional integrity, and nucleic acid and amino acid metabolism areimportant for Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis to persist in eggalbumen. Two regions unique toSalmonella enterica serovar Enteritidiswere also identified, one of which enhanced the survival of a Salmonellaenterica serovar Typhimurium isolate in egg albumen. The implication ofour results to the serovar specificity of Salmonella enterica is alsoexplored in the present study.« less

Heat Resistance of Salmonella in Various Egg Products

PubMed Central

Garibaldi, J. A.; Straka, R. P.; Ijichi, K.

1969-01-01

The heat-resistance characteristics of Salmonella typhimurium Tm-1, a reference strain in the stationary phase of growth, were determined at several temperatures in the major types of products produced by the egg industry. The time required to kill 90% of the population (D value) at a given temperature in specific egg products was as follows: at 60 C (140 F), D = 0.27 min for whole egg; D = 0.60 min for whole egg plus 10% sucrose; D = 1.0 min for fortified whole egg; D = 0.20 min for egg white (pH 7.3), stabilized with aluminum; D = 0.40 min for egg yolk; D = 4.0 min for egg yolk plus 10% sucrose; D = 5.1 min for egg yolk plus 10% NaCl; D = 1.0 min for scrambled egg mix; at 55 C (131 F), D = 0.55 min for egg white (pH 9.2); D = 1.2 min for egg white (pH 9.2) plus 10% sucrose. The average Z value (number of degrees, either centigrade or fahrenheit, for a thermal destruction time curve to traverse one logarithmic cycle) was 4.6 C (8.3 F) with a range from 4.2 to 5.3 C. Supplementation with 10% sucrose appeared to have a severalfold greater effect on the heat stabilization of egg white proteins than on S. typhimurium Tm-1. This information should be of value in the formulation of heat treatments to insure that all egg products be free of viable salmonellae. Images PMID:4890741

Deciphering microbial landscapes of fish eggs to mitigate emerging diseases

PubMed Central

Liu, Yiying; de Bruijn, Irene; Jack, Allison LH; Drynan, Keith; van den Berg, Albert H; Thoen, Even; Sandoval-Sierra, Vladimir; Skaar, Ida; van West, Pieter; Diéguez-Uribeondo, Javier; van der Voort, Menno; Mendes, Rodrigo; Mazzola, Mark; Raaijmakers, Jos M

2014-01-01

Animals and plants are increasingly suffering from diseases caused by fungi and oomycetes. These emerging pathogens are now recognized as a global threat to biodiversity and food security. Among oomycetes, Saprolegnia species cause significant declines in fish and amphibian populations. Fish eggs have an immature adaptive immune system and depend on nonspecific innate defences to ward off pathogens. Here, meta-taxonomic analyses revealed that Atlantic salmon eggs are home to diverse fungal, oomycete and bacterial communities. Although virulent Saprolegnia isolates were found in all salmon egg samples, a low incidence of Saprolegniosis was strongly correlated with a high richness and abundance of specific commensal Actinobacteria, with the genus Frondihabitans (Microbacteriaceae) effectively inhibiting attachment of Saprolegniato salmon eggs. These results highlight that fundamental insights into microbial landscapes of fish eggs may provide new sustainable means to mitigate emerging diseases. PMID:24671087

Egg yolk antibodies for detection and neutralization of Clostridium botulinum type A neurotoxin.

PubMed

Trott, D L; Yang, M; Gonzalez, J; Larson, A E; Tepp, W H; Johnson, E A; Cook, M E

2009-05-01

The objective of this research project was to determine the usefulness of an egg antibody platform for producing materials for the detection and neutralization of botulinum type A neurotoxin. Yield estimates for detection and neutralizing antibodies produced using methods described were calculated. Antibody specific to botulinum toxoid A (aToxoid) and toxin A (aBoNT/A) was produced by immunizing hens with botulinum toxoid A (toxoid) followed by increasing amounts of botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) in Freund incomplete adjuvant. Egg yolks were extracted with polyethylene glycol (PEG) for antibody detection and neutralization experiments. A model aToxoid/toxoid immunoassay using only egg yolk antibody was developed and had a detection limit of 1 pg/ml of toxoid. In an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of BoNT/A-specific antibody, the aBoNT/A contained more BoNT/A-specific antibody than did the aToxoid, and aBoNT/A was as effective as commercial rabbit antibody. The aToxoid provided no protection against BoNT/A in a standard mouse neutralization assay; however, 1 mg of PEG-extracted aBoNT/A neutralized 4,000 lethal doses of BoNT/A injected intraperitoneally. Based on these results, we calculated that in 1 month one hen could produce more than 100 liters of antibody detection reagents or enough antibody to neutralize approximately 11.6 million mouse lethal doses of botulinum toxin. Utilization of an egg antibody platform is potentially rapid (28 to 70 days) and scalable to kilogram quantities using current egg production facilities with as few as 1,000 hens.

30 CFR 15.22 - Tolerances for performance, wrapper, and specific gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... percent of that specified in the approval. (b) The weight of wrapper per 100 grams of explosive shall be within ±2 grams of that specified in the approval. (c) The apparent specific gravity of the explosive...

30 CFR 15.22 - Tolerances for performance, wrapper, and specific gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... percent of that specified in the approval. (b) The weight of wrapper per 100 grams of explosive shall be within ±2 grams of that specified in the approval. (c) The apparent specific gravity of the explosive...

30 CFR 15.22 - Tolerances for performance, wrapper, and specific gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... percent of that specified in the approval. (b) The weight of wrapper per 100 grams of explosive shall be within ±2 grams of that specified in the approval. (c) The apparent specific gravity of the explosive...

30 CFR 15.22 - Tolerances for performance, wrapper, and specific gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... percent of that specified in the approval. (b) The weight of wrapper per 100 grams of explosive shall be within ±2 grams of that specified in the approval. (c) The apparent specific gravity of the explosive...

Rotational Collision Apparatus for Indoor Egg Drops

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Halada, Richard

2003-05-01

Our units about momentum and energy are richly illustrated with applications to car crashes and explanations of such safety features as airbags and crumple zones. The main lab exercise, however, is an egg crash (car insurance rates being so much higher). Fairly standard rules apply: Students must devise an "egg-protection package" that will keep a teacher-supplied egg intact through two successive impacts. After the test, they must hand in a written analysis of the specific physics principles they employed, modifications they would make after seeing their project's actual performance, and suggestions for applying their protection system to auto safety.

In vitro studies of chicken egg yolk antibody (IgY) against Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhimurium.

PubMed

Lee, E N; Sunwoo, H H; Menninen, K; Sim, J S

2002-05-01

Chicken egg yolk antibody (IgY) raised against Salmonella enteritidis or Salmonella typhimurium was found in highly specific activity levels by ELISA. S. enteritidis- and S. typhimurium-specific IgY powder, prepared by freeze-drying the egg yolk water-soluble fraction, contained 15.5 and 10.0% of specific IgY, respectively. Anti-S. enteritidis IgY cross-reacted 55.3% with S. typhimurium. The cross-reactivity of anti-S. typhimurium IgY with S. enteritidis was 42.4%. Salmonella-specific IgY was demonstrated to inhibit Salmonella growth in liquid medium. The growth rate of S. enteritidis incubated with S. enteritidis-specific IgY was fourfold less than that of the control group during a 4-to-6-h incubation. Cell counts of S. typhimurium incubated with S. typhimurium-specific IgY were reduced by 1.6 log cfu/mL in comparison to that of the control group after 6 h of incubation. The specific binding activity of IgY was further evaluated by using immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy. It was found that Salmonella-specific IgY could bind to the antigens expressed on the Salmonella surface, resulting in structural alterations of the bacterial surface.

Patterns of quantitative food-specific IgE-antibodies and reported food hypersensitivity in 4-year-old children.

PubMed

Ostblom, E; Lilja, G; Ahlstedt, S; van Hage, M; Wickman, M

2008-04-01

Diagnosis of food hypersensitivity (FHS) is difficult and interpretation of food allergy tests is complicated. To investigate the probability of reported FHS in relation to levels of food-specific IgE-antibodies (AB) in a population-based setting of 4-year-old children (n = 2336). Information on FHS was obtained from a questionnaire and specific IgE-AB to milk, egg, fish, peanut, soy and wheat were analysed. Thirty-one per cent of the children with reported FHS (n = 284) were sensitized (> or =0.35 kU(A)/l) to at least one of the tested foods compared with 11% of children without FHS (n = 2052). Furthermore, the probability of reported symptoms to milk, egg and fish increased with increasing levels of food-specific IgE-AB to the same food allergens. A similar trend was seen for peanut and wheat, but not for soy. Increasing levels of specific IgE-AB to milk or egg were also associated with an increasing risk of reported symptoms caused by other foods. Quantitative measurements of IgE-AB to milk, egg and fish are useful to evaluate IgE-associated FHS in preschool children also in a population based sample. Such measurements appear to be of limited value for soy bean and wheat, in particular as a screening method.

[Preparation and activity detection of chicken egg yolk IgY antibody against human papillomavirus 16 type L1 main capsid protein].

PubMed

Yang, Jun; Zhang, Ming-juan; Qiang, Lei; Su, Bao-shan; Wang, Yi-li; Si, Lü-sheng

2008-03-01

To prepare highly specific chicken egg yolk IgY antibody against human papillomavirus 16 type L1 main capsid protein (HPV16L1) for detection of HPV16L1. Purified HPV16L1 protein was used to immunize the hens, from which the eggs were collected since one week after the first immunization. The egg yolk was separated and the IgY antibody purified by PEG-6000 method. The bioactivity of the antibody was tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the HPV16L1 in the CHO cells transfected with the recombinant pcDNA-EGFP-HPV16L1 plasmid (containing EGFP-HPV16L1 fusion gene) for assessing the specific affinity of IgY to HPV16L1. After 3 immunizations of the hens, the titer of the purified IgY antibody against HPV16L1 from the egg yolk reached 1:10240. The IgY bound specifically to the EGFP-HPV16L1 protein expressed in the transfected CHO cells. High titer IgY can be prepared by immunization of the hens with HPV16L1 protein, and the prepared IgY can be used for HPV16L1 detection at the cellular level.

[Composition of chicken and quail eggs].

PubMed

Closa, S J; Marchesich, C; Cabrera, M; Morales, J C

1999-06-01

Qualified food composition data on lipids composition are needed to evaluate intakes as a risk factor in the development of heart disease. Proximal composition, cholesterol and fatty acid content of chicken and quail eggs, usually consumed or traded, were analysed. Proximal composition were determined using AOAC (1984) specific techniques; lipids were extracted by a Folch's modified technique and cholesterol and fatty acids were determined by gas chromatography. Results corroborate the stability of eggs composition. Cholesterol content of quail eggs is similar to chicken eggs, but it is almost the half content of data registered in Handbook 8. Differences may be attributed to the analytical methodology used to obtain them. This study provides data obtained with up-date analytical techniques and accessory information useful for food composition tables.

Vocalizations associated with anxiety and fear in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).

PubMed

Kato, Yoko; Gokan, Hayato; Oh-Nishi, Arata; Suhara, Tetsuya; Watanabe, Shigeru; Minamimoto, Takafumi

2014-12-15

Vocalizations of common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) were examined under experimental situations related to fear or anxiety. When marmosets were isolated in an unfamiliar environment, they frequently vocalized "tsik-egg" calls, which were the combination calls of 'tsik' followed by several 'egg'. Tsik-egg calls were also observed after treatment with the anxiogenic drug FG-7142 (20mg/kg, sc). In contrast, when marmosets were exposed to predatory stimuli as fear-evoking situations, they frequently vocalized tsik solo calls as well as tsik-egg calls. These results suggest that marmosets dissociate the vocalization of tsik-egg and tsik calls under conditions related to fear/anxiety; tsik-egg solo vocalizations were emitted under anxiety-related conditions (e.g., isolation and anxiogenic drug treatment), whereas a mixed vocalization of tsik-egg and tsik was emitted when confronted with fear-provoking stimuli (i.e., threatening predatory stimuli). Tsik-egg call with/without tsik can be used as a specific vocal index of fear/anxiety in marmosets, which allows us to understand the neural mechanism of negative emotions in primate. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Interspecific interaction between Telenomus remus (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) and Trichogramma pretiosum (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) on Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) eggs.

PubMed

Carneiro, Tatiana R; Fernandes, Odair A

2012-12-01

This work aims to evaluate the interspecific interaction between Trichogramma pretiosum and Telenomus remus, two biological control agents of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) eggs. Eggs of Spodoptera frugiperda previously parasitized by Telenomus remus were offered to Trichogramma pretiosum, and those parasitized by Trichogramma pretiosum were offered to Telenomus remus. The previously parasitized eggs were tested at different embryonic development stages for each parasitoid. In addition, to evaluate the competition between species, Spodoptera frugiperda eggs were offered to the parasitoids simultaneously. The behavior of the insects was recorded under a stereomicroscope. When Spodoptera frugiperda eggs were previously exposed to either parasitoid, there was no emergence of the other parasitoid. When the Telenomus remus and Trichogramma pretiosum females were placed together with Spodoptera frugiperda eggs, Telenomus remus had a greater parasitism rate. Except searching time, all Trichogramma pretiosum behaviors took a longer time than Telenomus remus behaviors. Thus, despite belonging to different families, each of these parasitoids is able to recognize host eggs previously parasitized by the other. So, this suggests that the recognition mechanism involved is not exclusively specific.

Organochlorine pesticides, PCBs, trace elements and metals in western pond turtle eggs from Oregon

USGS Publications Warehouse

Henny, Charles J.; Beal, K.F.; Bury, R. Bruce; Goggans, R.

2003-01-01

With increased concern over the status of reptile populations globally, contaminant studies should be part of species evaluations. We analyzed eggs of western pond turtles from Fern Ridge Reservoir in western Oregon for 20 organochlorine (OC) pesticides or metabolites, 42 congener-specific polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and 16 trace elements or metals. These eggs represent the first of this species analyzed. The OC pesticides and PCB residue concentrations in the western pond turtle eggs were generally low and similar to those found in eggs of snapping turtles from a remote site in Ontario, Canada. Western pond turtle eggs also contained mercury and chromium, which are metals of special concern. Although few reptilian eggs have been analyzed for metals, the 44.9 mug/g dry weight chromium in a western pond turtle egg in this study may be the highest reported in a reptilian egg. We found no significant difference in contaminant concentrations in eggs from nests in Oregon, where all turtle eggs failed to hatch compared to those where some eggs hatched. During this initial project, however, we were unable to assess fully the role of OCs, PCBs and other contaminants in the western pond turtle decline. Factors other than contaminants may be involved. In another study, snapping turtle eggs near the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River basin were much more contaminated with evidence reported of effects on sex differentiation and reproductive endocrine function. Egg hatchability, the only reproductive parameter monitored, may not be the most sensitive endpoint. Other endpoints, including endocrine function, deformity rates, growth rates, and sex determination need study.

Egg hypersensitivity and measles-mumps-rubella vaccine administration.

PubMed

Beck, S A; Williams, L W; Shirrell, M A; Burks, A W

1991-11-01

Because reports have described egg-sensitive individuals in whom anaphylaxis developed after measles vaccination, current recommendations include delaying administration of egg-derived vaccines until skin testing can be performed. Specifically, the 1988 Red Book recommends skin testing via scratch, prick, or puncture with 1:10 dilution of the vaccine and, if the result is negative, intradermal testing is suggested. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the likelihood of reaction to measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine in patients with documented egg sensitivity and to delineate the efficacy of skin-prick testing (SPT) to MMR as a predictor of hypersensitivity to the vaccine. Egg sensitivity was documented by initial SPT to egg and then, if possible, double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC). Patients with a positive DBPCFC to egg or a history of anaphylactic egg sensitivity had a SPT with the MMR vaccine and then were given the MMR vaccine. Additionally, children with atopic dermatitis who had been previously proven egg sensitive via DBPCFCs were evaluated retrospectively for sensitivity to the MMR vaccine. Sixteen children with a history of egg sensitivity underwent SPT to egg, with a positive result 3 mm greater than the negative control found in 12 patients. Eight of these children had a positive DBPCFC to egg. The SPT to MMR vaccine was negative in all 16 children; vaccine administration followed with no resultant systemic problems. Three children had a local reaction at the site of injection. Twelve additional children with atopic dermatitis and egg sensitivity were reviewed. Each child had a positive SPT and DBPCFC to egg.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Detection of egg yolk antibodies reflecting Salmonella enteritidis infections using a surface plasmon resonance biosensor.

PubMed

Thomas, Ekelijn; Bouma, Annemarie; van Eerden, Ellen; Landman, Wil J M; van Knapen, Frans; Stegeman, Arjan; Bergwerff, Aldert A

2006-08-31

A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor assay was developed on the basis of a lipopolysaccharide antigen of Salmonella enterica serovar enteritidis (S. enterica serovar enteritidis) to detect egg yolk antibodies against S. enterica serovar enteritidis. This biosensor assay was compared to two commercial ELISA kits based on LPS antigen and flagellar antigen. A number of 163 egg yolk and combined egg white and yolk samples from chickens experimentally infected with S. enterica serovar enteritidis and 90 egg yolk and combined egg white and yolk samples from uninfected chickens were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic analysis of the data calculated a diagnostic sensitivity of 82% and a diagnostic specificity of 100%. The within-day coefficient of variation of a positive internal-control egg yolk was 1%. The SPR biosensor assay was able to detect antibodies in a significantly higher percentage of known positive samples than the commercial ELISA's. The anticipated use of the SPR biosensor assay is to determine the S. enterica serovar enteritidis serostatus of non-vaccinated layer hens.

A pilot study to assess if urine specific gravity and urine colour charts are useful indicators of dehydration in acute stroke patients.

PubMed

Rowat, Anne; Smith, Laura; Graham, Cat; Lyle, Dawn; Horsburgh, Dorothy; Dennis, Martin

2011-09-01

The purpose of this pilot study was to examine whether urine specific gravity and urine colour could provide an early warning of dehydration in stroke patients compared with standard blood indicators of hydration status. Dehydration after stroke has been associated with increased blood viscosity, venous thrombo-embolism and stroke mortality at 3-months. Earlier identification of dehydration might allow us to intervene to prevent significant dehydration developing or reduce its duration to improve patient outcomes. We recruited 20 stroke patients in 2007 and measured their urine specific gravity with urine test strips, a refractometer, and urine colour of specimens taken daily on 10 consecutive days and compared with the routine blood urea:creatinine ratios over the same period to look for trends and relationships over time. The agreement between the refractometer, test strips and urine colour were expressed as a percentage with 95% confidence intervals. Nine (45%) of the 20 stroke patients had clinical signs of dehydration and had a significantly higher admission median urea:creatinine ratio (P = 0·02, Mann-Whitney U-test). There were no obvious relationships between urine specific gravity and urine colour with the urea:creatinine ratio. Of the 174 urine samples collected, the refractometer agreed with 70/174 (40%) urine test strip urine specific gravity and 117/174 (67%) urine colour measurements. Our results do not support the use of the urine test strip urine specific gravity as an early indicator of dehydration. Further research is required to develop a practical tool for the early detection of dehydration in stroke patients. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Effects of egg order on organic and inorganic element concentrations and egg characteristics in tree swallows, tachycineta bicolor

USGS Publications Warehouse

Custer, Christine M.; Gray, B.R.; Custer, T.W.

2010-01-01

The laying order of tree swallow eggs was identified from the Housatonic River, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, USA, and eggs were chemically analyzed individually to document possible effects of laying order on organic contaminant and inorganic element concentrations. Effects of laying order on other parameters such as egg weight, size, and lipid and moisture content also were assessed. Some effects of egg order on total polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were detected, but the effect was not uniform across individual females or between years. In 2004, clutches with higher total PCBs tended to have concentrations decline across egg order, whereas clutches with lower concentrations of PCBs tended to increase across egg order. In contrast, in 2005, there was a tendency for concentrations to increase across egg order. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations were highly variable within and among clutches in both years. The directionality of egg order associations (i.e., slopes) for trace elements was element dependent, was positive for Mn and Zn, was negative for B, and had no slope for Cr. Whole egg weight increased across egg order. Percentage lipid was variable within a clutch, with no pattern common across all females. Percentage lipid was also correlated with organic contaminant concentration. In highly contaminated environments, higher lipid content could have the unanticipated corollary of having higher concentrations of lipophilic contaminants such as PCBs. To reduce the effect of high variation within a clutch when assessing contamination exposure, it is recommended that two eggs per clutch be collected and pooled for chemical analysis. We further recommend that, as long as the two eggs are randomly collected, the additional effort needed to identify and collect specific eggs is not warranted. ?? 2009 SETAC.

Baked milk- and egg-containing diet in the management of milk and egg allergy.

PubMed

Leonard, Stephanie A; Caubet, Jean-Christoph; Kim, Jennifer S; Groetch, Marion; Nowak-Węgrzyn, Anna

2015-01-01

Cow's milk (CM) and hen's egg allergies are among the most common food allergies in children. With evidence of increasing food allergy prevalence and more persistent disease, it has become vital to improve the management of CM and egg allergies. The ability to tolerate baked milk or egg, such as in a cake or muffin, has been associated with an increased chance of tolerance development. Studies report that about 70% of CM- and egg-allergic children can tolerate baked milk or egg and that incorporating baked milk or egg into the diet is well tolerated. Being able to add baked milk or egg into the diet can also increase quality of life by expanding the diet, boosting nutrition, and promoting inclusion in social activities. There is some debate over how baked milk and egg should be introduced, at home or in a supervised setting. Anaphylaxis and treatment with epinephrine during baked milk or egg challenges have been reported. Study of potential biomarkers to predict tolerability of baked milk and egg, such as serum specific IgE levels and skin prick test wheal diameters, is ongoing. Many parents can reliably report that their CM- or egg-allergic child is already consuming baked goods without symptoms. However, for those who cannot report such tolerance, the most prudent approach is to perform a supervised oral food challenge to determine the tolerability of baked milk and egg. The purpose of this article was to review the pathophysiology, clinical data, and safety of baked milk and egg and provide a practical guide to managing CM allergy and/or egg allergy. Recipes for baked milk and egg challenges and guidance on how to add baked milk and egg if tolerated to the child's regular diet are provided. Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Age and egg-sac loss determine maternal behaviour and locomotor activity of wolf spiders (Araneae, Lycosidae).

PubMed

Ruhland, Fanny; Chiara, Violette; Trabalon, Marie

2016-11-01

Wolf spiders' (Lycosidae) maternal behaviour includes a specific phase called "egg brooding" which consists of guarding and carrying an egg-sac throughout the incubation period. The transport of an egg-sac can restrict mothers' exploratory and locomotor activity, in particular when foraging. The present study details the ontogeny of maternal behaviour and assesses the influence of age of egg-sac (or embryos' developmental stage) on vagrant wolf spider Pardosa saltans females' exploration and locomotion. We observed these spiders' maternal behaviour in the laboratory and evaluated their locomotor activity using a digital activity recording device. Our subjects were virgin females (without egg-sac) and first time mothers (with her egg-sac) who were divided into three groups. The first group of mothers were tested on the day the egg-sac was built (day 0), and the females of the other two groups were tested 10 or 15days after they had built their egg-sac. We evaluated the effects of the presence and the loss of egg-sac on mothers' activity. Pardosa saltans females' behaviour depended on mothers' physiological state and/or age of egg-sac (developmental stage of embryos). Virgin females' behaviour was not modified by the presence of an egg-sac in their environment. Mothers' reactions to the presence, the loss and the recovery of their egg-sac varied during the maternal cycle. Maternal behaviour changed with age of egg-sac, but the levels of locomotor activity of mothers with egg-sacs was similar to those of virgin females. Loss of egg-sac modified the maternal behaviour and locomotor activity of all mothers; these modifications were greater on "day 15" when embryos had emerged from eggs. All mothers were able to retrieve their egg-sacs and to re-attach them to their spinnerets. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Survey of cell biology experiments in reduced gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, G. R.

1977-01-01

The effects of spaceflight on terrestrial cell systems are discussed. With some important exceptions, static cell systems carried aboard U.S.A. and U.S.S.R. space flights have failed to reveal space related anomalies. Some sophisticated devices which were developed for viewing directly, or continuously recording, the growth of cells, tissue cultures and eggs in flight, are described and the results summarized. The unique presence of high energy, multicharged (HZE) particles and full-range ultraviolet irradiation in space prompted evaluation of the response of single cells to these factors. Summary results and general conclusions are presented. Potential areas of research in future space flights are identified.

Characterization of egg white antibacterial properties during the first half of incubation: A comparative study between embryonated and unfertilized eggs.

PubMed

Guyot, N; Réhault-Godbert, S; Slugocki, C; Harichaux, G; Labas, V; Helloin, E; Nys, Y

2016-12-01

Egg white is an important contributor to the protection of eggs against bacterial contaminations during the first half of incubation (day zero to 12), prior to the egg white transfer into the amniotic fluid to be orally absorbed by the embryo. This protective system relies on an arsenal of antimicrobial proteins and on intrinsic physicochemical properties that are generally unfavorable for bacterial multiplication and dissemination. Some changes in these parameters can be observed in egg white during egg storage and incubation. The aim of this work was to characterize changes in the antibacterial potential of egg white in embryonated eggs (FE) during the first half of incubation using unfertilized eggs (UF) as controls. Egg white samples were collected at day zero, 4, 8, and 12 and analyzed for pH, protein concentration, and protein profile. Antibacterial properties of egg white proteins were evaluated against Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus uberis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella Enteritidis. During incubation, differential variations of egg white pH and protein concentrations were observed between UF and FE. At equal protein concentrations, similar activities against L. monocytogenes and S. uberis were observed for FE and UF egg white proteins. A progressive decline in these activities, however, was observed over incubation time, regardless of the egg group (UF or FE). SDS-PAGE analysis of egg white proteins during incubation revealed discrete changes in the profile of major proteins, whereas the stability of some less abundant antimicrobial proteins seemed more affected. To conclude, the antibacterial activity of egg white proteins progressively decreased during the first half of egg incubation, possibly resulting from the alteration of specific antimicrobial proteins. This apparent decline may be partly counterbalanced in embryonated eggs by the increase in egg white protein concentration. The antibacterial potential of egg white is very effective during early stages of embryonic development but its alteration during incubation suggests that extra-embryonic structures could then progressively ensure protective functions. © 2016 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Development of a direct PCR assay to detect Taenia multiceps eggs isolated from dog feces.

PubMed

Wang, Ning; Wang, Yu; Ye, Qinghua; Yang, Yingdong; Wan, Jie; Guo, Cheng; Zhan, Jiafei; Gu, Xiaobin; Lai, Weimin; Xie, Yue; Peng, Xuerong; Yang, Guangyou

2018-02-15

Taenia multiceps is a tapeworm that leads to the death of livestock, resulting in major economic losses worldwide. The adult stage of this parasite invades the small intestine of dogs and other canids. In the present study, we developed a direct PCR assay to detect T. multiceps eggs isolated from dog feces to help curb further outbreaks. The genomic DNA was rapidly released using a lysis buffer and the PCR reaction was developed to amplify a 433-bp fragment of the T. multiceps mitochondrial gene encoding NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (nad5) from eggs isolated from dog feces. The procedure could be completed within 3 h, including flotation. The sensitivity of the assay was determined by detecting DNA from defined numbers of eggs, and the specificity was determined by detecting DNA from other intestinal tapeworm and roundworm species that commonly infect dogs. In addition, 14 taeniid-positive fecal samples determined by the flotation technique were collected and further evaluated by the regular PCR and our direct PCR. The results showed that the direct PCR developed herein was sensitive enough to detect the DNA from as few as 10 T. multiceps eggs and that no cross-reactions with other tapeworm and roundworm were observed, suggesting its high sensitivity and specificity for T. multiceps detection. Moreover, 14 taeniid-positive samples were screened by the regular PCR and direct PCR, with detection rates of 78.6% and 85.7%, respectively. In conclusion, the direct PCR assay developed in the present study has high sensitivity and specificity to identify T. multiceps eggs isolated from dog feces and therefore could represent an invaluable tool to identify T. multiceps outbreaks and would contribute to future clinical applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Maternal androgens in avian brood parasites and their hosts: responses to parasitism and competition?

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hahn, Caldwell; Wingfield, John C.; Fox, David M.; Walker, Brian G.; Thomley, Jill E

2017-01-01

In the coevolutionary dynamic of avian brood parasites and their hosts, maternal (or transgenerational) effects have rarely been investigated. We examined the potential role of elevated yolk testosterone in eggs of the principal brood parasite in North America, the brown-headed cowbird, and three of its frequent host species. Elevated maternal androgens in eggs are a common maternal effect observed in many avian species when breeding conditions are unfavorable. These steroids accelerate embryo development, shorten incubation period, increase nestling growth rate, and enhance begging vigor, all traits that can increase the survival of offspring. We hypothesized that elevated maternal androgens in host eggs are a defense against brood parasitism. Our second hypothesis was that elevated maternal androgens in cowbird eggs are a defense against intra-specific competition. For host species, we found that elevated yolk testosterone was correlated with parasitized nests of small species, those whose nest success is most reduced by cowbird parasitism. For cowbirds, we found that elevated yolk testosterone was correlated with eggs in multiply-parasitized nests, which indicate intra-specific competition for nests due to high cowbird density. We propose experimental work to further examine the use of maternal effects by cowbirds and their hosts.

Vitamin D in the avian egg. Its molecular identity and mechanism of incorporation into yolk.

PubMed Central

Fraser, D R; Emtage, J S

1976-01-01

The chemical identity of vitamin D in the egg of the domestic fowl was studied by analysing radioactivity in eggs from hens injected with [3H]cholecalciferol. Labelled molecules were found throughout the egg, but the concentration of total radioactivity in albumin was only 5-7% of that in yolk. In lipid extracts of yolk, more than 90% of the radioactivity was as unchanged cholecalciferol and 5% as 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. Only about 3% of the radioactivity in albumin was chloroform-soluble, and of this 40% was 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and 15% was cholecalciferol. Evidence is presented to support the idea that the specific transport of cholecalciferol into yolk is mediated by a cholecalciferol-binding protein in blood. This protein forms a complex with yolk proteins in transit from liver to ovary via the blood. A cholecalciferol-binding protein, chromatographically similar to that from blood, was found in egg yolk. It is postulated that cholecalciferol forms part of a complex with its specific binding protein, Ca2+ and the yolk phosphoprotein, phosvitin. This complex is then incorporated into yolk by the thecal cells of the ovarian follicle. PMID:189757

An Empirical Evaluation of Air Force Field Feeding with Recommendations for a New System

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-06-01

however, lack of temperature control results in generally poor quality. Cooking eggs to order is difficult, if not impossible; browning meats is...from or Short Order Menu Two Juices Two Entrees -Hot and Cold Cereal Two Potatoes or Substitutes Eggs to Order Two Vegetables *One Breakfast Meat Three...designed to meet the requirement. 6. The menu to be served must be considered. A complete breakfast with eggs to order including omelets requires specific

Subtyping Salmonella enterica serovar enteritidis isolates from different sources by using sequence typing based on virulence genes and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs).

PubMed

Liu, Fenyun; Kariyawasam, Subhashinie; Jayarao, Bhushan M; Barrangou, Rodolphe; Gerner-Smidt, Peter; Ribot, Efrain M; Knabel, Stephen J; Dudley, Edward G

2011-07-01

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis is a major cause of food-borne salmonellosis in the United States. Two major food vehicles for S. Enteritidis are contaminated eggs and chicken meat. Improved subtyping methods are needed to accurately track specific strains of S. Enteritidis related to human salmonellosis throughout the chicken and egg food system. A sequence typing scheme based on virulence genes (fimH and sseL) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs)-CRISPR-including multi-virulence-locus sequence typing (designated CRISPR-MVLST)-was used to characterize 35 human clinical isolates, 46 chicken isolates, 24 egg isolates, and 63 hen house environment isolates of S. Enteritidis. A total of 27 sequence types (STs) were identified among the 167 isolates. CRISPR-MVLST identified three persistent and predominate STs circulating among U.S. human clinical isolates and chicken, egg, and hen house environmental isolates in Pennsylvania, and an ST that was found only in eggs and humans. It also identified a potential environment-specific sequence type. Moreover, cluster analysis based on fimH and sseL identified a number of clusters, of which several were found in more than one outbreak, as well as 11 singletons. Further research is needed to determine if CRISPR-MVLST might help identify the ecological origins of S. Enteritidis strains that contaminate chickens and eggs.

A nuclear F-actin scaffold stabilizes ribonucleoprotein droplets against gravity in large cells.

PubMed

Feric, Marina; Brangwynne, Clifford P

2013-10-01

The size of a typical eukaryotic cell is of the order of ∼10 μm. However, some cell types grow to very large sizes, including oocytes (immature eggs) of organisms from humans to starfish. For example, oocytes of the frog Xenopus laevis grow to a diameter ≥1 mm. They have a correspondingly large nucleus (germinal vesicle) of ∼450 μm in diameter, which is similar to smaller somatic nuclei, but contains a significantly higher concentration of actin. The form and structure of this nuclear actin remain controversial, and its potential mechanical role within these large nuclei is unknown. Here, we use a microrheology and quantitative imaging approach to show that germinal vesicles contain an elastic F-actin scaffold that mechanically stabilizes these large nuclei against gravitational forces, which are usually considered negligible within cells. We find that on actin disruption, ribonucleoprotein droplets, including nucleoli and histone locus bodies, undergo gravitational sedimentation and fusion. We develop a model that reveals how gravity becomes an increasingly potent force as cells and their nuclei grow larger than ∼10 μm, explaining the requirement for a stabilizing nuclear F-actin scaffold in large Xenopus oocytes. All life forms are subject to gravity, and our results may have broad implications for cell growth and size control.

A nuclear F-actin scaffold stabilizes RNP droplets against gravity in large cells

PubMed Central

Feric, Marina; Brangwynne, Clifford P.

2013-01-01

The size of a typical eukaryotic cell is on the order of ≈10 μm. However, some cell types grow to very large sizes, including oocytes (immature eggs) of organisms from humans to starfish. For example, oocytes of the frog X. laevis grow to a diameter ≥1 mm. They contain a correspondingly large nucleus (germinal vesicle, GV) of ≈450 μm in diameter, which is similar to smaller somatic nuclei, but contains a significantly higher concentration of actin. The form and structure of this nuclear actin remain controversial, and its potential mechanical role within these large nuclei is unknown. Here, we use a microrheology and quantitative imaging approach to show that GVs contain an elastic F-actin scaffold that mechanically stabilizes these large nuclei against gravitational forces, which are usually considered negligible within cells. We find that upon actin disruption, RNA/protein droplets, including nucleoli and histone locus bodies (HLBs), undergo gravitational sedimentation and fusion. We develop a model that reveals how gravity becomes an increasingly potent force as cells and their nuclei grow larger than ≈10 μm, explaining the requirement for a stabilizing nuclear F-actin scaffold in large X. laevis ooctyes. All life forms are subject to gravity, and our results may have broad implications for cell growth and size control. PMID:23995731

Predictive values of egg-specific IgE by two commonly used assay systems for the diagnosis of egg allergy in young children: a prospective multicenter study.

PubMed

Furuya, K; Nagao, M; Sato, Y; Ito, S; Fujisawa, T

2016-10-01

Specific IgE (sIgE) is often used to predict oral food challenge (OFC) outcomes in food allergy, but interpretation of the results may vary depending on the assay method employed and the patient population tested. The aim of this study was to use two commercial assay systems to determine egg-sIgE values predictive of allergy within the most common populations treated at pediatric clinics. In a multicenter prospective study, 433 children with suspected or confirmed egg allergy underwent oral challenge (OFC) using cooked egg (CE) and raw egg (RE) powders to diagnose either true allergy in 1-year-old (group A, n = 220) or tolerance in 2- to 6-year-old (group B, n = 213). Egg white (EW)- and ovomucoid (OM)-sIgE values were measured using the ImmunoCAP(®) sIgE (ImmunoCAP) and the IMMULITE(®) 2000 3 gAllergy(™) (3gAllergy) systems. Children were recruited from six primary care clinics and 18 hospitals in Japan. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis yielded similar areas under the curve (AUC) for the two assays (0.7-0.8). The optimal cutoff values and the probability curves (PCs) of the sIgE by the two assays to predict CE and RE OFC outcomes were determined for both groups. Values for 3gAllergy were higher than for ImmunoCAP; however, correlation of sIgE and predicted probability calculated by PCs were strong between the two methods. Cutoff values and PCs for egg-sIgE established using both ImmunoCAP and 3gAllergy may be useful for predicting egg allergy in early childhood patient populations. © 2016 The Authors. Allergy Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Variation in annual clutch phenology of desert tortoises (Gopherus morafkai) in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lovich, Jeffrey E.; Averill-Murray, Roy C.; Agha, Mickey; Ennen, Joshua R.; Austin, Meaghan

2017-01-01

The phenology of egg production and oviposition in organisms affects survival and development of neonates and thus, both offspring and maternal fitness. In addition, in organisms with environmental sex determination, clutch phenology can affect hatchling sex ratios with attendant effects on population demography. The rapid rate of contemporary climate change might disrupt reproductive phenologies that evolved to match environmental conditions. To better understand the response of clutch phenology to annual and long-term changes in climate, we studied a population of Sonoran Desert Tortoises (Gopherus morafkai) in Arizona in 1993 and 1997–2005, specifically quantifying three phenophases, including (1) the estimated time of appearance of shelled eggs in females, (2) the estimated time that eggs were last visible in X-radiographs, and (3) the duration of the interval between the first two events. The mean date for appearance of shelled eggs was 6 June, and the mean date they were last visible was 26 June. After controlling for individual female effects, these dates were different among years. The total number of days that eggs were visible across all females within a year differed among years, but the mean duration of time that clutches were visible, after controlling for individual female effects, was similar among years. Three of 18 females exhibited interannual egg retention on 5 occasions from 52 clutches. Although G. morafkai ovulates only one clutch per year, they might oviposit up to two because of interannual egg retention. Most females produced shelled eggs through heat-unit accumulation achieving 8.3 degree days within a 14-d moving average. The ability to vary the timing of egg formation and oviposition might buffer G. morafkai from some of the effects of predicted increases in temperatures, but species-specific information on developmental temperatures and nesting behavior are needed to determine whether or not the species will be able to produce viable clutches of mixed sex ratios in a warmer climate.

Duplex quantitative real-time PCR assay for the detection and discrimination of the eggs of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati (Nematoda, Ascaridoidea) in soil and fecal samples.

PubMed

Durant, Jean-Francois; Irenge, Leonid M; Fogt-Wyrwas, Renata; Dumont, Catherine; Doucet, Jean-Pierre; Mignon, Bernard; Losson, Bertrand; Gala, Jean-Luc

2012-12-07

Toxocarosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Toxocara canis (T. canis) and/or Toxocara cati (T. cati), two worldwide distributed roundworms which are parasites of canids and felids, respectively. Infections of humans occur through ingestion of embryonated eggs of T. canis or T. cati, when playing with soils contaminated with dogs or cats feces. Accordingly, the assessment of potential contamination of these areas with these roundworms eggs is paramount. A duplex quantitative real-time PCR (2qPCR) targeting the ribosomal RNA gene internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) has been developed and used for rapid and specific identification of T. canis and T. cati eggs in fecal and soil samples. The assay was set up on DNA samples extracted from 53 adult worms including T. canis, T. cati, T. leonina, Ascaris suum (A. suum) and Parascaris equorum (P. equorum). The assay was used to assess the presence of T. cati eggs in several samples, including 12 clean soil samples spiked with eggs of either T. cati or A. suum, 10 actual soil samples randomly collected from playgrounds in Brussels, and fecal samples from cats, dogs, and other animals. 2qPCR results on dogs and cats fecal samples were compared with results from microscopic examination. 2qPCR assay allowed specific detection of T. canis and T. cati, whether adult worms, eggs spiked in soil or fecal samples. The 2qPCR limit of detection (LOD) in spiked soil samples was 2 eggs per g of soil for a turnaround time of 3 hours. A perfect concordance was observed between 2qPCR assay and microscopic examination on dogs and cats feces. The newly developed 2qPCR assay can be useful for high throughput prospective or retrospective detection of T.canis and/or T. cati eggs in fecal samples as well as in soil samples from playgrounds, parks and sandpits.

Utilizing a polymerase chain reaction method for the detection of Toxocara canis and T. cati eggs in soil.

PubMed

Fogt-Wyrwas, R; Jarosz, W; Mizgajska-Wiktor, H

2007-03-01

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique has been used for the differentiation of T. canis and T. cati eggs isolated from soil and previously identified from microscopical observations. The method, using specific primers for the identification of the two Toxocara species, was assessed in both the field and laboratory. Successful results were obtained when only a single or large numbers of eggs were recovered from 40 g soil samples. The method is sensitive, allows analysis of material independent of the stage of egg development and can be adapted for the recovery of other species of parasites from soil.

Egg-guarding behavior of the treehopper Ennya chrysura (Hemiptera: Membracidae): female aggregations, egg parasitism, and a possible substrate-borne alarm signal.

PubMed

Miranda, Ximena

2016-09-01

Treehoppers are known for their substrate-borne communication and some of them also for their subsocial behavior. Following a more general study of the natural history and substrate-borne signal repertoire of the treehopper Ennya chrysura, the objective of this paper was to explore in greater depth the signals and other behaviors associated specifically to egg-guarding. Theese were studied both in natural and laboratory conditions between July, 2000 and March, 2004. The spacial distribution of egg guarding females was studied in the natural population; recording equipment and playback experiments were used in the laboratory and then analyzed digitally. Under natural conditions (San Antonio de Escazú, Costa Rica), female E. chrysura guard their egg masses and egg-guarding was associated with lower parasitism of the eggs from the wasps Gonatocerus anomocerus and Schizophragma sp. (Mymaridae). Females tended to place their eggs close to other egg-guarding females and they produced substrate-borne vibrations when disturbed. An aggregated pattern under natural conditions was confirmed by calculating dispersion indices from egg-clutch data obtained from 66 leaves in the field. The disturbance signal was characterized from laboratory recordings of substrate-borne vibrations of 10 egg-guarding females. Experiments conducted in the laboratory with 18 egg-guarding females showed that those which were previously exposed to the disturbance signal of another female moved slightly or vibrated more during playbacks and that they reacted more quickly and exhibited more deffensive behaviors in response to a tactile stimulus. The signals produced while defending against egg parasites may therefore function as an alarm and favor aggregating behavior of egg-guarding females.

Context-Dependent Plastic Response during Egg-Laying in a Widespread Newt Species

PubMed Central

Tóth, Zoltán

2015-01-01

Previous research on predator-induced phenotypic plasticity mostly focused on responses in morphology, developmental time and/or behaviour during early life stages, but the potential significance of anticipatory parental responses has been investigated less often. In this study I examined behavioural and maternal responses of gravid female smooth newts, Lissotriton vulgaris, in the presence of chemical cues originating from invertebrate predators, Acilius sulcatus water beetles and Aeshna cyanea dragonfly larvae. More specifically, I tested the extent of oviposition preference, plasticity in egg-wrapping behaviour and plasticity in egg size when females had the possibility to lay eggs at oviposition sites with and without predator cues during overnight trials. I found that individuals did not avoid laying eggs in the environment with predator cues; however, individuals that deposited eggs into both environments adjusted the size of the laid eggs to the perceived environment. Females deposited larger eggs earlier in the season but egg size decreased with time in the absence of predator cues, whereas individuals laid eggs of average size throughout the investigated reproductive period when such cues were present. Also, egg size was found to be positively related to hatching success. Individuals did not adjust their wrapping behaviour to the presence of predator cues, but females differed in the extent of egg-wrapping between ponds. Females’ body mass and tail depth were also different between ponds, whereas their body size was positively associated with egg size. According to these results, female smooth newts have the potential to exhibit activational plasticity and invest differently into eggs depending on temporal and environmental factors. Such an anticipatory response may contribute to the success of this caudate species under a wide range of predator regimes at its natural breeding habitats. PMID:26291328

A longitudinal study of resolution of allergy to well-cooked and uncooked egg.

PubMed

Clark, A; Islam, S; King, Y; Deighton, J; Szun, S; Anagnostou, K; Ewan, P

2011-05-01

Egg allergy is common and although resolution to uncooked egg has been demonstrated, there is lack of evidence to guide reintroduction of well-cooked egg. To examine the rate of resolution to well-cooked, compared with uncooked egg in children, and safety of egg challenges. A longitudinal study of egg-allergic children from 2004 to 2010, who underwent challenge with well-cooked and if negative, uncooked egg. Participants underwent repeat annual challenges and egg-specific IgE measurement. One hundred and eighty-one open egg challenges were performed in 95 children whose median age of allergy onset was 12 months. Fifty-three of 95 (56%) had at least one annual repeat challenge. Pre-study historical reactions occurred to baked egg in five (5%), lightly cooked in 58 (61%) and uncooked in nine (9%); respiratory reactions occurred in 11 (12%) and seven (7%) had anaphylaxis; adrenaline was used during five reactions. There were 77 well-cooked and 104 uncooked egg challenges. Tolerance was gained twice as rapidly to well-cooked than uncooked egg (median 5.6 vs. 10.3 years; P<0.0001) and continued to 13 years; hazard ratio 2.23 (95% confidence interval 1.6-3.9). Nearly 1/3 had resolved allergy to well-cooked egg at 3 years and 2/3 at 6 years. Of 28/77 (37%) positive well-cooked egg challenges, 65% had cutaneous symptoms, 68% gastrointestinal and 39% rhinitis, with no other respiratory reactions. Adrenaline was not required. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE RESOLUTION: of egg allergy takes place over many years, with children outgrowing allergy to well-cooked egg approximately twice as quickly as they outgrow allergy to uncooked egg. There were no severe reactions to well-cooked egg challenge, and adrenaline was not required. Our data support initiation of home reintroduction of well-cooked egg from 2 to 3 years of age in children with previous mild reactions and no asthma. Resolution continues to occur in older children, so that despite an earlier positive challenge, attempts at reintroduction should be continued. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Comparison of 3 Methods to Assess Urine Specific Gravity in Collegiate Wrestlers.

PubMed

Stuempfle, Kristin J.; Drury, Daniel G.

2003-12-01

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the reliability and validity of refractometry, hydrometry, and reagent strips in assessing urine specific gravity in collegiate wrestlers. DESIGN AND SETTING: We assessed the reliability of refractometry, hydrometry, and reagent strips between 2 trials and among 4 testers. The validity of hydrometry and reagent strips was assessed by comparison with refractometry, the criterion measure for urine specific gravity. SUBJECTS: Twenty-one National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III collegiate wrestlers provided fresh urine samples. MEASUREMENTS: Four testers measured the specific gravity of each urine sample 6 times: twice by refractometry, twice by hydrometry, and twice by reagent strips. RESULTS: Refractometer measurements were consistent between trials (R =.998) and among testers; hydrometer measurements were consistent between trials (R =.987) but not among testers; and reagent-strip measurements were not consistent between trials or among testers. Hydrometer (1.018 +/- 0.006) and reagent-strip (1.017 +/- 0.007) measurements were significantly higher than refractometer (1.015 +/- 0.006) measurements. Intraclass correlation coefficients were moderate between refractometry and hydrometry (R =.869) and low between refractometry and reagent strips (R =.573). The hydrometer produced 28% false positives and 2% false negatives, and reagent strips produced 15% false positives and 9% false negatives. CONCLUSIONS: Only the refractometer should be used to determine urine specific gravity in collegiate wrestlers during the weight-certification process.

Rice straw-wood particle composite for sound absorbing wooden construction materials.

PubMed

Yang, Han-Seung; Kim, Dae-Jun; Kim, Hyun-Joong

2003-01-01

In this study, rice straw-wood particle composite boards were manufactured as insulation boards using the method used in the wood-based panel industry. The raw material, rice straw, was chosen because of its availability. The manufacturing parameters were: a specific gravity of 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8, and a rice straw content (10/90, 20/80, and 30/70 weight of rice straw/wood particle) of 10, 20, and 30 wt.%. A commercial urea-formaldehyde adhesive was used as the composite binder, to achieve 140-290 psi of bending modulus of rupture (MOR) with 0.4 specific gravity, 700-900 psi of bending MOR with 0.6 specific gravity, and 1400-2900 psi of bending MOR with a 0.8 specific gravity. All of the composite boards were superior to insulation board in strength. Width and length of the rice straw particle did not affect the bending MOR. The composite boards made from a random cutting of rice straw and wood particles were the best and recommended for manufacturing processes. Sound absorption coefficients of the 0.4 and 0.6 specific gravity boards were higher than the other wood-based materials. The recommended properties of the rice straw-wood particle composite boards are described, to absorb noises, preserve the temperature of indoor living spaces, and to be able to partially or completely substitute for wood particleboard and insulation board in wooden constructions.

Comparison of 3 Methods to Assess Urine Specific Gravity in Collegiate Wrestlers

PubMed Central

Drury, Daniel G.

2003-01-01

Objective: To investigate the reliability and validity of refractometry, hydrometry, and reagent strips in assessing urine specific gravity in collegiate wrestlers. Design and Setting: We assessed the reliability of refractometry, hydrometry, and reagent strips between 2 trials and among 4 testers. The validity of hydrometry and reagent strips was assessed by comparison with refractometry, the criterion measure for urine specific gravity. Subjects: Twenty-one National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III collegiate wrestlers provided fresh urine samples. Measurements: Four testers measured the specific gravity of each urine sample 6 times: twice by refractometry, twice by hydrometry, and twice by reagent strips. Results: Refractometer measurements were consistent between trials (R = .998) and among testers; hydrometer measurements were consistent between trials (R = .987) but not among testers; and reagent-strip measurements were not consistent between trials or among testers. Hydrometer (1.018 ± 0.006) and reagent-strip (1.017 ± 0.007) measurements were significantly higher than refractometer (1.015 ± 0.006) measurements. Intraclass correlation coefficients were moderate between refractometry and hydrometry (R = .869) and low between refractometry and reagent strips (R = .573). The hydrometer produced 28% false positives and 2% false negatives, and reagent strips produced 15% false positives and 9% false negatives. Conclusions: Only the refractometer should be used to determine urine specific gravity in collegiate wrestlers during the weight-certification process. PMID:14737213

Structural Basis of Egg Coat-Sperm Recognition at Fertilization.

PubMed

Raj, Isha; Sadat Al Hosseini, Hamed; Dioguardi, Elisa; Nishimura, Kaoru; Han, Ling; Villa, Alessandra; de Sanctis, Daniele; Jovine, Luca

2017-06-15

Recognition between sperm and the egg surface marks the beginning of life in all sexually reproducing organisms. This fundamental biological event depends on the species-specific interaction between rapidly evolving counterpart molecules on the gametes. We report biochemical, crystallographic, and mutational studies of domain repeats 1-3 of invertebrate egg coat protein VERL and their interaction with cognate sperm protein lysin. VERL repeats fold like the functionally essential N-terminal repeat of mammalian sperm receptor ZP2, whose structure is also described here. Whereas sequence-divergent repeat 1 does not bind lysin, repeat 3 binds it non-species specifically via a high-affinity, largely hydrophobic interface. Due to its intermediate binding affinity, repeat 2 selectively interacts with lysin from the same species. Exposure of a highly positively charged surface of VERL-bound lysin suggests that complex formation both disrupts the organization of egg coat filaments and triggers their electrostatic repulsion, thereby opening a hole for sperm penetration and fusion. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Assessing the likely value of gravity and drawdown measurements to constrain estimates of hydraulic conductivity and specific yield during unconfined aquifer testing

USGS Publications Warehouse

Blainey, Joan B.; Ferré, Ty P.A.; Cordova, Jeffrey T.

2007-01-01

Pumping of an unconfined aquifer can cause local desaturation detectable with high‐resolution gravimetry. A previous study showed that signal‐to‐noise ratios could be predicted for gravity measurements based on a hydrologic model. We show that although changes should be detectable with gravimeters, estimations of hydraulic conductivity and specific yield based on gravity data alone are likely to be unacceptably inaccurate and imprecise. In contrast, a transect of low‐quality drawdown data alone resulted in accurate estimates of hydraulic conductivity and inaccurate and imprecise estimates of specific yield. Combined use of drawdown and gravity data, or use of high‐quality drawdown data alone, resulted in unbiased and precise estimates of both parameters. This study is an example of the value of a staged assessment regarding the likely significance of a new measurement method or monitoring scenario before collecting field data.

Pheromonal Cues Deposited by Mated Females Convey Social Information about Egg-Laying Sites in Drosophila Melanogaster.

PubMed

Duménil, Claire; Woud, David; Pinto, Francesco; Alkema, Jeroen T; Jansen, Ilse; Van Der Geest, Anne M; Roessingh, Sanne; Billeter, Jean-Christophe

2016-03-01

Individuals can make choices based on information learned from others, a phenomenon called social learning. How observers differentiate between which individual they should or should not learn from is, however, poorly understood. Here, we showed that Drosophila melanogaster females can influence the choice of egg-laying site of other females through pheromonal marking. Mated females mark territories of high quality food by ejecting surplus male sperm containing the aggregation pheromone cis-11-vaccenyl acetate (cVA) and, in addition, deposit several sex- and species-specific cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) pheromones. These pheromonal cues affect the choices of other females, which respond by preferentially laying eggs on the marked food. This system benefits both senders and responders, as communal egg laying increases offspring survival. Virgin females, however, do not elicit a change in the egg-laying decision of mated females, even when food has been supplemented with ejected sperm from mated females, thus indicating the necessity for additional cues. Genetic ablation of either a female's CHC pheromones or those of their mate results in loss of ability of mated females to attract other females. We conclude that mated females use a pheromonal marking system, comprising cVA acquired from male ejaculate with sex- and species-specific CHCs produced by both mates, to indicate egg-laying sites. This system ensures information reliability because mated, but not virgin, females have both the ability to generate the pheromone blend that attracts other flies to those sites and a direct interest in egg-laying site quality.

Determination of specific yield and water-table changes using temporal microgravity surveys collected during the second injection, storage, and recovery test at Lancaster, Antelope Valley, California, November 1996 through April 1997

USGS Publications Warehouse

Howle, James F.; Phillips, Steven P.; Denlinger, Roger P.; Metzger, Loren F.

2003-01-01

To evaluate the feasibility of artificially recharging the ground-water system in the Lancaster area of the Antelope Valley, California, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works and the Antelope Valley-East Kern Water Agency, conducted a series of injection, storage, and recovery tests between September 1995 and September 1998. A key component of this study was to measure the response of the water table to injection, which was difficult because the water table averaged 300 feet below land surface. Rather than install many expensive piezometers, microgravity surveys were conducted to determine specific yield and to measure the development of a ground-water mound during the injection of about 1,050 acre-feet of fresh water into an alluvial-aquifer system. The surveys were done prior to, during, and near the end of a 5-month injection period (November 12, 1996, to April 17, 1997). Results of the surveys indicate increases in gravity of as much as 66 microgals between a bedrock reference station and 20 gravity stations within a 1-square-mile area surrounding the injection site. The changes were assumed to have been caused by changes in the ground-water elevation. Gravity and ground-water levels were measured simultaneously at an existing well (7N/12W-34B1). The coupled measurements were used to calculate a specific yield of 0.13 for the alluvial aquifer near the well. To determine the gravitational effect of the injection mound on the gravity measurements made near well 7N/12W-34B1, a two-dimensional gravity model was used. Results of the model simulation show that the effect on gravity associated with the mass of the injection mound was minor and thus had a negligible effect on the calculation of specific yield. The specific yield of 0.13, therefore, was used to infer water-level changes at other gravity stations within the study area. The gravity-derived water-level changes were compared with simulated water-table changes.

Egg Component-Composited Inverse Opal Particles for Synergistic Drug Delivery.

PubMed

Liu, Yuxiao; Shao, Changmin; Bian, Feika; Yu, Yunru; Wang, Huan; Zhao, Yuanjin

2018-05-23

Microparticles have a demonstrated value in drug delivery systems. The attempts to develop this technology focus on the generation of functional microparticles by using innovative but accessible materials. Here, we present egg component-composited microparticles with a hybrid inverse opal structure for synergistic drug delivery. The egg component inverse opal particles were produced by using egg yolk to negatively replicate colloid crystal bead templates. Because of their huge specific surface areas, abundant nanopores, and complex nanochannels of the inverse opal structure, the resultant egg yolk particles could be loaded with different kinds of drugs, such as hydrophobic camptothecin (CPT), by simply immersing them into the corresponding drug solutions. Attractively, additional drugs, such as the hydrophilic doxorubicin (DOX), could also be encapsulated into the particles through the secondary filling of the drug-doped egg white hydrogel into the egg yolk inverse opal scaffolds, which realized the synergistic drug delivery for the particles. It was demonstrated that the egg-derived inverse opal particles were with large quantity and lasting releasing for the CPT and DOX codelivery, and thus could significantly reduce cell viability, and enhance therapeutic efficacy in treating cancer cells. These features of the egg component-composited inverse opal microparticles indicated that they are ideal microcarriers for drug delivery.

Determination of carotenoids and all-trans-retinol in fish eggs by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Li, Hongxia; Tyndale, Sélène T; Heath, Daniel D; Letcher, Robert J

2005-02-25

A novel method was developed for the combined determination of carotenoids and retinoids in fish eggs, which incorporates prior analyte isolation using liquid-liquid partitioning to minimize analyte degradation, and fraction analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray (positive)-quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-ESI(+)-MS; SIM or MRM modes). Eggs from Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) were used as the model fish egg matrix. The methodology was assessed and validated for beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-cryptoxanthin (molecular ion radicals [M](+)), canthaxanthin and astaxanthin ([M+Na](+) adducts) and all-trans-retinol ([(M+H)-H(2)O](+)). Using replicate egg samples (n=5) spiked with beta-cryptoxanthin and beta-carotene before and after extraction, matrix-sourced ESI(+) enhancement was observed as evidenced by comparable %matrix effect and %process efficiency values for beta-cryptoxanthin and beta-carotene of 114-119%. In aquaculture-raised eggs from adult Chinook salmon astaxanthin, all-trans-retinol, lutein and canthaxanthin were identified and determined at concentrations of 4.12, 1.06, 0.12 and 0.45 microg/g (egg wet weight), respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report on a method for LC-MS determination of carotenoids and retinoids in a fish egg matrix, and the first carotenoid-specific determination in any fish egg sample.

Insect eggs protected from high temperatures by limited homeothermy of plant leaves.

PubMed

Potter, Kristen; Davidowitz, Goggy; Woods, H Arthur

2009-11-01

Virtually all aspects of insect biology are affected by body temperature, and many taxa have evolved sophisticated temperature-control mechanisms. All insects, however, begin life as eggs and lack the ability to thermoregulate. Eggs laid on leaves experience a thermal environment, and thus a body temperature, that is strongly influenced by the leaves themselves. Because plants can maintain leaf temperatures that differ from ambient, e.g. by evapotranspiration, plant hosts may protect eggs from extreme ambient temperatures. We examined the degree to which leaves buffer ambient thermal variation and whether that buffering benefits leaf-associated insect eggs. In particular, we: (1) measured temperature variation at oviposition sites in the field, (2) manipulated temperatures in the laboratory to determine the effect of different thermal conditions on embryo development time and survival, and (3) tested embryonic metabolic rates over increasing temperatures. Our results show that Datura wrightii leaves buffer Manduca sexta eggs from fatally high ambient temperatures in the southwestern USA. Moreover, small differences in temperature profiles among leaves can cause large variation in egg metabolic rate and development time. Specifically, large leaves were hotter than small leaves during the day, reaching temperatures that are stressfully high for eggs. This study provides the first mechanistic demonstration of how this type of leaf-constructed thermal refuge interacts with egg physiology.

Cascading gravity is ghost free

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rham, Claudia de; Khoury, Justin; Tolley, Andrew J.

2010-06-15

We perform a full perturbative stability analysis of the 6D cascading gravity model in the presence of 3-brane tension. We demonstrate that for sufficiently large tension on the (flat) 3-brane, there are no ghosts at the perturbative level, consistent with results that had previously only been obtained in a specific 5D decoupling limit. These results establish the cascading gravity framework as a consistent infrared modification of gravity.

30 CFR 1206.53 - How do I determine value for oil that I or my affiliate do(es) not sell under an arm's-length...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... sales to the same gravity as that of the oil produced from the lease. Use applicable gravity adjustment tables for the field (or the same general area for like-quality oil if you do not have gravity adjustment tables for the specific field) to normalize for gravity. Example to paragraph (b): 1. Assume that a...

30 CFR 1206.53 - How do I determine value for oil that I or my affiliate do(es) not sell under an arm's-length...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... sales to the same gravity as that of the oil produced from the lease. Use applicable gravity adjustment tables for the field (or the same general area for like-quality oil if you do not have gravity adjustment tables for the specific field) to normalize for gravity. Example to paragraph (b): 1. Assume that a...

30 CFR 1206.53 - How do I determine value for oil that I or my affiliate do(es) not sell under an arm's-length...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... sales to the same gravity as that of the oil produced from the lease. Use applicable gravity adjustment tables for the field (or the same general area for like-quality oil if you do not have gravity adjustment tables for the specific field) to normalize for gravity. Example to paragraph (b): 1. Assume that a...

30 CFR 1206.53 - How do I determine value for oil that I or my affiliate do(es) not sell under an arm's-length...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... sales to the same gravity as that of the oil produced from the lease. Use applicable gravity adjustment tables for the field (or the same general area for like-quality oil if you do not have gravity adjustment tables for the specific field) to normalize for gravity. Example to paragraph (b): 1. Assume that a...

A Schistosoma haematobium-specific real-time PCR for diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis in serum samples of international travelers and migrants.

PubMed

Cnops, Lieselotte; Soentjens, Patrick; Clerinx, Jan; Van Esbroeck, Marjan

2013-01-01

Diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis by microscopy and serological tests may be elusive in travelers due to low egg load and the absence of seroconversion upon arrival. There is need for a more sensitive diagnostic test. Therefore, we developed a real-time PCR targeting the Schistosoma haematobium-specific Dra1 sequence. The PCR was evaluated on urine (n = 111), stool (n = 84) and serum samples (n = 135), and one biopsy from travelers and migrants with confirmed or suspected schistosomiasis. PCR revealed a positive result in 7/7 urine samples, 11/11 stool samples and 1/1 biopsy containing S. haematobium eggs as demonstrated by microscopy and in 22/23 serum samples from patients with a parasitological confirmed S. haematobium infection. S. haematobium DNA was additionally detected by PCR in 7 urine, 3 stool and 5 serum samples of patients suspected of having schistosomiasis without egg excretion in urine and feces. None of these suspected patients demonstrated other parasitic infections except one with Blastocystis hominis and Entamoeba cyst in a fecal sample. The PCR was negative in all stool samples containing S. mansoni eggs (n = 21) and in all serum samples of patients with a microscopically confirmed S. mansoni (n = 22), Ascaris lumbricoides (n = 1), Ancylostomidae (n = 1), Strongyloides stercoralis (n = 1) or Trichuris trichuria infection (n = 1). The PCR demonstrated a high specificity, reproducibility and analytical sensitivity (0.5 eggs per gram of feces). The real-time PCR targeting the Dra1 sequence for S. haematobium-specific detection in urine, feces, and particularly serum, is a promising tool to confirm the diagnosis, also during the acute phase of urogenital schistosomiasis.

Microinjection of the monoclonal anti-tubulin antibody YL1/2 inhibits cleavage of sand dollar eggs.

PubMed

Oka, M T; Arai, T; Hamaguchi, Y

1990-12-01

Two monoclonal antibodies against alpha-tubulin (YL1/2 and D2D6) were microinjected into the egg of the sand dollar Clypeaster japonicus, and their effects on cleavage of the egg were investigated. They had already been shown by immunoblotting to react specifically with egg tubulin and by immunofluorescence to stain the mitotic apparatus [OKA et al., (1990). Cell Motil. Cytoskel. 16:239-250]. Injection of YL1/2 prevented chromosome movement and cleavage, although the cleavage furrow developed in some cases. In all eggs injected at prometaphase, metaphase, or anaphase, the birefringence of the mitotic apparatus disappeared immediately after injection. Injection of D2D6 had no significant effect on mitosis or cleavage of whole eggs injected after nuclear disappearance, although it prevented the disappearance of the nuclear envelope in 54% of the eggs injected before the disappearance. FITC-conjugated D2D6 did not accumulate in the spindle when injected into the dividing sand dollar egg. These results indicate that YL1/2 disassembled microtubules, whereas D2D6 did not bind to microtubules in the living cell.

30 CFR 816.74 - Disposal of excess spoil: Preexisting benches.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... to a lower preexisting bench by means of gravity transport may be approved by the regulatory authority provided that— (1) The gravity transport courses are determined on a site-specific basis by the..., and downslope of the lower bench should excess spoil accidentally move; (2) All gravity transported...

30 CFR 817.74 - Disposal of excess spoil: Preexisting benches.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... to a lower preexisting bench by means of gravity transport may be approved by the regulatory authority provided that— (1) The gravity transport courses are determined on a site-specific basis by the..., and downslope of the lower bench should excess spoil accidentally move; (2) All gravity transported...

30 CFR 817.74 - Disposal of excess spoil: Preexisting benches.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... to a lower preexisting bench by means of gravity transport may be approved by the regulatory authority provided that— (1) The gravity transport courses are determined on a site-specific basis by the..., and downslope of the lower bench should excess spoil accidentally move; (2) All gravity transported...

30 CFR 817.74 - Disposal of excess spoil: Preexisting benches.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... to a lower preexisting bench by means of gravity transport may be approved by the regulatory authority provided that— (1) The gravity transport courses are determined on a site-specific basis by the..., and downslope of the lower bench should excess spoil accidentally move; (2) All gravity transported...

30 CFR 816.74 - Disposal of excess spoil: Preexisting benches.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... to a lower preexisting bench by means of gravity transport may be approved by the regulatory authority provided that— (1) The gravity transport courses are determined on a site-specific basis by the..., and downslope of the lower bench should excess spoil accidentally move; (2) All gravity transported...

30 CFR 816.74 - Disposal of excess spoil: Preexisting benches.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... to a lower preexisting bench by means of gravity transport may be approved by the regulatory authority provided that— (1) The gravity transport courses are determined on a site-specific basis by the..., and downslope of the lower bench should excess spoil accidentally move; (2) All gravity transported...

30 CFR 816.74 - Disposal of excess spoil: Preexisting benches.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... to a lower preexisting bench by means of gravity transport may be approved by the regulatory authority provided that— (1) The gravity transport courses are determined on a site-specific basis by the..., and downslope of the lower bench should excess spoil accidentally move; (2) All gravity transported...

30 CFR 817.74 - Disposal of excess spoil: Preexisting benches.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... to a lower preexisting bench by means of gravity transport may be approved by the regulatory authority provided that— (1) The gravity transport courses are determined on a site-specific basis by the..., and downslope of the lower bench should excess spoil accidentally move; (2) All gravity transported...

Fitness costs of intrinsic competition in two egg parasitoids of a true bug.

PubMed

Cusumano, Antonino; Peri, Ezio; Boivin, Guy; Colazza, Stefano

2015-10-01

Intrinsic competition in insect parasitoids occurs when supernumerary larvae develop in the same host as consequence of multiple ovipositions by females of the same species (intra-specific competition) or by females of different species (inter-specific competition). Studies on intrinsic competition have mainly focused on understanding the factors that play a role in the outcome of competition, while fitness-related effects for the parasitoid surviving the competition have been poorly investigated, especially in egg parasitoids. Interestingly, even the winning parasitoid can experience fitness costs due to larval development in a host in which multiple factors have been injected by the ovipositing females or released by their larvae. In this paper we studied fitness-related traits associated with intra- and inter-specific competition between Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston) and Ooencyrtus telenomicida (Vassiliev), the main egg parasitoids associated with the southern green stink bug Nezara viridula (L.) in Italy. We investigated the impact of intrinsic competition for the surviving parasitoid in terms of body size, developmental time, number and size of oocytes. Our results indicated that T. basalis adults did not experience fitness-related costs when surviving intra-specific competition; however, adults were smaller, took longer to develop and females produced fewer oocytes after surviving inter-specific competition. A different outcome was found for O. telenomicida where the emerging females were smaller, produced fewer and smaller oocytes when suffering intra-specific competition whereas no fitness costs were found when adults survived inter-specific competition. These results support the hypothesis that the impact of intrinsic competition in egg parasitoids depends on the severity of the competitive interaction, as fitness costs were more pronounced when the surviving parasitoid interacted with the most detrimental competitor. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The stem cell debate continues: the buying and selling of eggs for research.

PubMed

Baylis, F; McLeod, C

2007-12-01

Now that stem cell scientists are clamouring for human eggs for cloning-based stem cell research, there is vigorous debate about the ethics of paying women for their eggs. Generally speaking, some claim that women should be paid a fair wage for their reproductive labour or tissues, while others argue against the further commodification of reproductive labour or tissues and worry about voluntariness among potential egg providers. Siding mainly with those who believe that women should be financially compensated for providing eggs for research, the new stem cell guidelines of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) legitimise both reimbursement of direct expenses and financial compensation for many women who supply eggs for research. In this paper, the authors do not attempt to resolve the thorny issue of whether payment for eggs used in human embryonic stem cell research is ethically legitimate. Rather, they want to show specifically that the ISSCR recommended payment practices are deeply flawed and, more generally, that all payment schemes that aim to avoid undue inducement of women risk the global exploitation of economically disadvantaged women.

Differential immunosuppression by Campoletis chlorideae eggs and ichnovirus in larvae of Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera exigua.

PubMed

Han, Li-Bin; Yin, Li-Hong; Huang, Ling-Qiao; Wang, Chen-Zhu

2015-09-01

The ichneumonid wasp, Campoletis chlorideae Uchida, successfully develops in the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), but rarely survives in the beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) due to the encapsulation by host immunity. In this study, we investigated the role of C. chlorideae ichnovirus (CcIV) and eggs in the evasion of the host immune system. Washed eggs of different types, immature, mature, newly laid, or pretreated with protease K, were injected alone or with the calyx fluid containing CcIV into the larvae of H. armigera and S. exigua. In H. armigera, when injected with washed eggs alone, only 9.5% of the mature eggs were encapsulated at 24h post-injection. This is much lower than that of the immature eggs (100%), mature eggs pretreated with protease K (100%) and newly laid eggs (54.4%). No encapsulation was observed when the washed eggs were co-injected with calyx fluid at 24h post-injection. Conversely, the eggs in all treatments were encapsulated in S. exigua. Electron microscopic observations of parasitoid eggs showed structural differences between the surfaces of the mature and other kinds of eggs. The injected CcIV decreased the numbers of host hemocytes and suppressed the spreading ability of plasmatocytes and granulocytes in H. armigera, but had little effect on the hemocytes from S. exigua. In conclusion, the C. chlorideae egg provides a passive protection against encapsulation by itself, and CcIV supplies an active protection through disrupting host immune responses. These coordinated protections are host-specific, implying their role in host range determination. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Egg Cannibalism and its Life History Consequences Vary with Life Stage, Sex, and Reproductive Status in Hippodamia convergens (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae).

PubMed

Bayoumy, Mohamed H; Michaud, J P

2015-08-01

Egg cannibalism is common in Coccinellidae, but its biological consequences have not been fully explored. We examined egg cannibalism by neonates, fourth instars, and adults of Hippodamia convergens Guerin-Meneville for effects on development, reproduction, and progeny fitness. We also tested female adults for ability to avoid cannibalizing their own eggs and first-instar larvae, and both sexes for changes in cannibalism propensity following mating, all in the presence of ad libitum food [larvae: eggs of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), adults: Schizaphis graminum (Rondani)]. Cannibalism by neonates reduced developmental time and increased male body size. Cannibalism in the fourth instar accelerated pupation and led to the production of eggs that hatched faster, regardless of which parent cannibalized. However, egg fertility was improved only by maternal cannibalism in the fourth instar. Females recognized their own egg clusters, sometimes added eggs to them, and preferentially cannibalized nonfilial clusters. Most gravid females cannibalized a first-instar larva within 30 min, whether filial or not. Adult egg cannibalism was similar for virgin males and females, but declined after mating in males, and increased in females, although it had no effect on fecundity or fertility. Daughters of cannibal pairs were heavier than those of other mating combinations, but offspring of noncannibal parents had the fastest development. Reproductive females appeared to use egg cannibalism to reduce risk for their own eggs, increasing the number cannibalized with the number laid. Thus, egg cannibalism in coccinellids varies with life stage, sex, and reproductive condition, independent of food availability, and benefits are life stage specific. © The Authors 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Some Mechanical and Ballistic Properties of Titanium and Titanium Alloys

DTIC Science & Technology

1950-03-07

treated alloy steel armor, Justifies high expectations that titanium alloys may make excellent armor meterials . The corrosion resistant properties of...Fur* Metal Beat Treated -7-4 - -I-re Tensile Strength in pot 13,000 5 0,oo 230,000 203400 speifict Gravity 2.71 7.87 4.54 2.9 7.9 4.6 Stroe4cth-Vleight...solution of HCI: 50 parts by volume ECl-specific gravity 1.19 (37.6%) 50 parts by volume H2 0 2. Concentrated RIP: Hl-specific gravity 1.15 (14%) 3. 5

Regional gravity field modelling from GOCE observables

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pitoňák, Martin; Šprlák, Michal; Novák, Pavel; Tenzer, Robert

2017-01-01

In this article we discuss a regional recovery of gravity disturbances at the mean geocentric sphere approximating the Earth over the area of Central Europe from satellite gravitational gradients. For this purpose, we derive integral formulas which allow converting the gravity disturbances onto the disturbing gravitational gradients in the local north-oriented frame (LNOF). The derived formulas are free of singularities in case of r ≠ R . We then investigate three numerical approaches for solving their inverses. In the initial approach, the integral formulas are firstly modified for solving individually the near- and distant-zone contributions. While the effect of the near-zone gravitational gradients is solved as an inverse problem, the effect of the distant-zone gravitational gradients is computed by numerical integration from the global gravitational model (GGM) TIM-r4. In the second approach, we further elaborate the first scenario by reducing measured gravitational gradients for gravitational effects of topographic masses. In the third approach, we apply additional modification by reducing gravitational gradients for the reference GGM. In all approaches we determine the gravity disturbances from each of the four accurately measured gravitational gradients separately as well as from their combination. Our regional gravitational field solutions are based on the GOCE EGG_TRF_2 gravitational gradients collected within the period from November 1 2009 until January 11 2010. Obtained results are compared with EGM2008, DIR-r1, TIM-r1 and SPW-r1. The best fit, in terms of RMS (2.9 mGal), is achieved for EGM2008 while using the third approach which combine all four well-measured gravitational gradients. This is explained by the fact that a-priori information about the Earth's gravitational field up to the degree and order 180 was used.

21 CFR 139.160 - Vegetable noodle products.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) FOOD... noodles, vegetable egg noodles, is the vegetable noodle product the units of which are ribbon-shaped. (c) Vegetable egg macaroni is the vegetable noodle product the units of which conform to the specifications of...

21 CFR 139.160 - Vegetable noodle products.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) FOOD... noodles, vegetable egg noodles, is the vegetable noodle product the units of which are ribbon-shaped. (c) Vegetable egg macaroni is the vegetable noodle product the units of which conform to the specifications of...

29 CFR 780.213 - Produce business.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 29 Labor 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Produce business. 780.213 Section 780.213 Labor Regulations... Specific Situations Hatchery Operations § 780.213 Produce business. In some instances, hatcheries also engage in the produce business as such and commingle with the culled eggs and chickens other eggs and...

29 CFR 780.213 - Produce business.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 29 Labor 3 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Produce business. 780.213 Section 780.213 Labor Regulations... Specific Situations Hatchery Operations § 780.213 Produce business. In some instances, hatcheries also engage in the produce business as such and commingle with the culled eggs and chickens other eggs and...

29 CFR 780.213 - Produce business.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 29 Labor 3 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Produce business. 780.213 Section 780.213 Labor Regulations... Specific Situations Hatchery Operations § 780.213 Produce business. In some instances, hatcheries also engage in the produce business as such and commingle with the culled eggs and chickens other eggs and...

29 CFR 780.213 - Produce business.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 29 Labor 3 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Produce business. 780.213 Section 780.213 Labor Regulations... Specific Situations Hatchery Operations § 780.213 Produce business. In some instances, hatcheries also engage in the produce business as such and commingle with the culled eggs and chickens other eggs and...

29 CFR 780.213 - Produce business.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 29 Labor 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Produce business. 780.213 Section 780.213 Labor Regulations... Specific Situations Hatchery Operations § 780.213 Produce business. In some instances, hatcheries also engage in the produce business as such and commingle with the culled eggs and chickens other eggs and...

21 CFR 184.1498 - Microparticulated protein product.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Microparticulated protein product. 184.1498... SAFE Listing of Specific Substances Affirmed as GRAS § 184.1498 Microparticulated protein product. (a) Microparticulated protein product is prepared from egg whites or milk protein or a combination of egg whites and...

21 CFR 184.1498 - Microparticulated protein product.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Microparticulated protein product. 184.1498... SAFE Listing of Specific Substances Affirmed as GRAS § 184.1498 Microparticulated protein product. (a) Microparticulated protein product is prepared from egg whites or milk protein or a combination of egg whites and...

21 CFR 184.1498 - Microparticulated protein product.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2010-04-01 2009-04-01 true Microparticulated protein product. 184.1498 Section... SAFE Listing of Specific Substances Affirmed as GRAS § 184.1498 Microparticulated protein product. (a) Microparticulated protein product is prepared from egg whites or milk protein or a combination of egg whites and...

21 CFR 184.1498 - Microparticulated protein product.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Microparticulated protein product. 184.1498... SAFE Listing of Specific Substances Affirmed as GRAS § 184.1498 Microparticulated protein product. (a) Microparticulated protein product is prepared from egg whites or milk protein or a combination of egg whites and...

Detection of rabies-specific antigens by egg yolk antibody (IgY) to the recombinant rabies virus proteins produced in Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Motoi, Yurie; Inoue, Satoshi; Hatta, Hajime; Sato, Kozue; Morimoto, Kinjiro; Yamada, Akio

2005-04-01

We obtained rabies-specific egg yolk antibodies (IgY) by immunizing hens with recombinant His-tagged nucleoprotein and phosphoprotein (rN, rP) of the rabies virus (CVS-11 strain) expressed in Escherichia coli. The anti-rN and rP IgY were shown to bind specifically to the respective proteins of the CVS-11 strain of rabies virus by Western blotting, immune fluorescent assay and immunohistochemistry, indicating that IgY to rabies recombinant proteins could serve as a reagent for diagnosis of rabies virus infection.

Bioactive Egg Components and Inflammation

PubMed Central

Andersen, Catherine J.

2015-01-01

Inflammation is a normal acute response of the immune system to pathogens and tissue injury. However, chronic inflammation is known to play a significant role in the pathophysiology of numerous chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cancer. Thus, the impact of dietary factors on inflammation may provide key insight into mitigating chronic disease risk. Eggs are recognized as a functional food that contain a variety of bioactive compounds that can influence pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways. Interestingly, the effects of egg consumption on inflammation varies across different populations, including those that are classified as healthy, overweight, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetic. The following review will discuss the pro- and anti-inflammatory properties of egg components, with a focus on egg phospholipids, cholesterol, the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, and bioactive proteins. The effects of egg consumption of inflammation across human populations will additionally be presented. Together, these findings have implications for population-specific dietary recommendations and chronic disease risk. PMID:26389951

The evolution of cichlid fish egg-spots is linked with a cis-regulatory change

PubMed Central

Santos, M. Emília; Braasch, Ingo; Boileau, Nicolas; Meyer, Britta S.; Sauteur, Loïc; Böhne, Astrid; Belting, Heinz-Georg; Affolter, Markus; Salzburger, Walter

2014-01-01

The origin of novel phenotypic characters is a key component in organismal diversification; yet, the mechanisms underlying the emergence of such evolutionary novelties are largely unknown. Here we examine the origin of egg-spots, an evolutionary innovation of the most species-rich group of cichlids, the haplochromines, where these conspicuous male fin colour markings are involved in mating. Applying a combination of RNAseq, comparative genomics and functional experiments, we identify two novel pigmentation genes, fhl2a and fhl2b, and show that especially the more rapidly evolving b-paralog is associated with egg-spot formation. We further find that egg-spot bearing haplochromines, but not other cichlids, feature a transposable element in the cis-regulatory region of fhl2b. Using transgenic zebrafish, we finally demonstrate that this region shows specific enhancer activities in iridophores, a type of pigment cells found in egg-spots, suggesting that a cis-regulatory change is causally linked to the gain of expression in egg-spot bearing haplochromines. PMID:25296686

Enzymatic modification of egg lecithin to improve properties.

PubMed

Asomaning, Justice; Curtis, Jonathan M

2017-04-01

This research studied the enzymatic modification of egg yolk phospholipids and its effect on physicochemical properties. Egg yolk lipids were extracted with food grade ethanol and egg phospholipids (ePL) produced by deoiling with acetone. Vegetable oils were used to interesterify ePL utilizing Lipozyme®: sn-1,3 specific lipase. The enzymatic interesterification resulted in a single phase liquid product, whereas simple blending of the ePL and vegetable oil resulted in a product with two phases. In addition solid fat content decreased by 50% at -10°C and 94% at 35°C when compared with egg yolk lipids extract. A decrease in melting temperature resulted from the interesterification process. Interesterification improved emulsion stability index when used as an emulsifier in oil-in-water emulsion and compared to the native and soy lecithin. Enzyme reusability test showed retention of 63% activity after 10 cycles. Overall, the properties of native egg phospholipids were significantly enhanced in a potentially useful manner through interesterification. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Assessing specific gravity of young Eucalyptus plantation trees using a resistance drilling technique

Treesearch

José Tarcísio da Silva Oliveira; Xiping Wang; Graziela Baptista Vidaurre

2017-01-01

The resistance drilling technique has been in focus for assessing the specific gravity (SG) of young Eucalyptus trees from plantations for pulpwood production. Namely, the data of 50 34-month-old and 50 62-monthold trees from Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus urophylla clonal plantations was evaluated, while...

Properties of medium-density fiberboard related to hardwood specific gravity

Treesearch

George E. Woodson

1976-01-01

Boards of acceptable quality were made from barky material, pressure-refined from 14 species of southern hardwoods. Static bending and tensile properties (parallel to surface) of specimens were negatively correlated to stem specific gravity (wood plus bark), chip bulk density, and fiber bulk density. Bending and tensile properties increased with increasing...

Comparison of various methods to determine bulk specific gravity of cores : an investigation of high values using AASHTO T275 - paraffin-coated method.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-07-01

A report from a MoDOT asphalt paving project was that unexpected results were obtained when adhering to the standard for determination of bulk specific gravity of compacted asphalt mixture (Gmb) specimens, AASHTO T 166. The test method requires speci...

Reliability of measurement and genotype x environment 1 interaction for potato specific gravity

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The dry matter content of potatoes used to make potato chips and French fries strongly influences fry oil absorption and texture of the finished product. Specific gravity (SpGr) is often used to assess the processing quality of potatoes tubers because of its strong correlation with dry matter conten...

Growth, dry weight yields, and specific gravity of 3-year-old Populus grown under intensive culture.

Treesearch

David H. Dawson; J.G Isebrands; John C. Gordon

1976-01-01

In a nearly optimal cultural environment, Populus 'Tristis #1' grown for 3 years, planted at 9 by 9 inch spacing produced the equivalent of over 4 tons/acre/year of ovendry wood with specific gravity comparable to native aspen wood. Trees planted at wider spacings yielded less.

Evaluation of Shiga toxin 2e-specific chicken egg yolk immunoglobulin: production and neutralization activity.

PubMed

Arimitsu, Hideyuki; Sasaki, Keiko; Kohda, Tomoko; Shimizu, Toshiyasu; Tsuji, Takao

2014-11-01

Chicken egg yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) against Shiga toxin 2e (Stx2e), a major cause of swine edema disease, was prepared to evaluate its possible clinical applications. The titer of Stx2e-specific IgY in egg yolk derived from three chickens that had been immunized with an Stx2e toxoid increased 2 weeks after primary immunization and remained high until 90 days after this immunization. Anti-Stx2e IgY was found to neutralize the toxicity of Stx2e by reacting with its A and B subunits, indicating that IgY is a cost-effective agent to develop for prophylactic foods or diagnosis kits for edema disease. © 2014 The Societies and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Gravity related features of plant growth behavior studied with rotating machines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, A. H.

1996-01-01

Research in plant physiology consists mostly of studies on plant growth because almost everything a plant does is done by growing. Most aspects of plant growth are strongly influenced by the earth's gravity vector. Research on those phenomena address scientific questions specifically about how plants use gravity to guide their growth processes.

Generation of transgenic chickens expressing the human erythropoietin (hEPO) gene in an oviduct-specific manner: Production of transgenic chicken eggs containing human erythropoietin in egg whites

PubMed Central

Kim, Dohyang; Nam, Yu Hwa; Cui, Xiang-Shun; Kim, Nam-Hyung

2018-01-01

The transgenic chicken has been considered as a prospective bioreactor for large-scale production of costly pharmaceutical proteins. In the present study, we report successful generation of transgenic hens that lay eggs containing a high concentration of human erythropoietin (hEPO) in the ovalbumin. Using a feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-based pseudotyped lentivirus vector enveloped with G glycoproteins of the vesicular stomatitis virus, the replication-defective vector virus carrying the hEPO gene under the control of the chicken ovalbumin promoter was microinjected to the subgerminal cavity of freshly laid chicken eggs (stage X). Stable germline transmission of the hEPO transgene to the G1 progeny, which were non-mosaic and hemizygous for the hEPO gene under the ovalbumin promoter, was confirmed by mating of a G0 rooster with non-transgenic hens. Quantitative analysis of hEPO in the egg whites and in the blood samples taken from G1 transgenic chickens showed 4,810 ~ 6,600 IU/ml (40.1 ~ 55.0 μg/ml) and almost no detectable concentration, respectively, indicating tightly regulated oviduct-specific expression of the hEPO transgene. In terms of biological activity, there was no difference between the recombinant hEPO contained in the transgenic egg white and the commercially available counterpart, in vitro. We suggest that these results imply an important step toward efficient production of human cytokines from a transgenic animal bioreactor. PMID:29847554

Specific oral tolerance induction with raw hen's egg in children with very severe egg allergy: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Dello Iacono, Iride; Tripodi, Salvatore; Calvani, Mauro; Panetta, Valentina; Verga, Maria Carmela; Miceli Sopo, Stefano

2013-02-01

Treatment of severe egg allergy is avoidance of hen's egg (HE) and carrying self-injectable epinephrine. Specific oral tolerance induction (SOTI) seems a promising alternative treatment. However, some aspects of SOTI are still considered experimental. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of an original 6-month SOTI protocol in children with very severe HE allergy using raw HE emulsion. Twenty children (age range: 5-11 yr) were randomized equally into a SOTI treatment group and a control group. The treatment group started SOTI and underwent a second challenge 6 months later. Control children were kept on an egg-free diet for 6 months and then underwent a second challenge. After 6 months, 9/10 children of the SOTI group (90%) achieved partial tolerance (at least 10 ml, but <40 ml of raw HE emulsion, in a single dose) and 1 (10%) was able to tolerate only 5 ml (no tolerance). After 6 months, nine control children tested positive to the second challenge at a dose ≤0.9 ml of raw HE emulsion, and one reacted to 1.8 ml (SOTI vs. control group p<0.0001). All children in the SOTI group had side effects, but no child had a grade 5 reaction according to the Sampson grading. Six months of SOTI with raw HE emulsion resulted in partial tolerance, with regular intake, in a significant percentage of children with severe egg allergy. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Sperm and Spermatids Contain Different Proteins and Bind Distinct Egg Factors

PubMed Central

Teperek, Marta; Miyamoto, Kei; Simeone, Angela; Feret, Renata; Deery, Michael J.; Gurdon, John B.; Jullien, Jerome

2014-01-01

Spermatozoa are more efficient at supporting normal embryonic development than spermatids, their immature, immediate precursors. This suggests that the sperm acquires the ability to support embryonic development during spermiogenesis (spermatid to sperm maturation). Here, using Xenopus laevis as a model organism, we performed 2-D Fluorescence Difference Gel Electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) and mass spectrometry analysis of differentially expressed proteins between sperm and spermatids in order to identify factors that could be responsible for the efficiency of the sperm to support embryonic development. Furthermore, benefiting from the availability of egg extracts in Xenopus, we also tested whether the chromatin of sperm could attract different egg factors compared to the chromatin of spermatids. Our analysis identified: (1) several proteins which were present exclusively in sperm; but not in spermatid nuclei and (2) numerous egg proteins binding to the sperm (but not to the spermatid chromatin) after incubation in egg extracts. Amongst these factors we identified many chromatin-associated proteins and transcriptional repressors. Presence of transcriptional repressors binding specifically to sperm chromatin could suggest its preparation for the early embryonic cell cycles, during which no transcription is observed and suggests that sperm chromatin has a unique protein composition, which facilitates the recruitment of egg chromatin remodelling factors. It is therefore likely that the acquisition of these sperm-specific factors during spermiogenesis makes the sperm chromatin suitable to interact with the maternal factors and, as a consequence, to support efficient embryonic development. PMID:25244019

Diagnostic accuracy of patch test in children with food allergy.

PubMed

Caglayan Sozmen, Sule; Povesi Dascola, Carlotta; Gioia, Edoardo; Mastrorilli, Carla; Rizzuti, Laura; Caffarelli, Carlo

2015-08-01

The gold standard test for confirming whether a child has clinical hypersensitivity reactions to foods is the oral food challenge. Therefore, there is increasing interest in simpler diagnostic markers of food allergy, especially in children, to avoid oral food challenge. The goal of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of atopy patch test in comparison with oral food challenge. We investigated 243 children (mean age, 51 months) referred for evaluation of suspected egg or cow's milk allergy. Skin prick test and atopy patch test were carried out, and after a 2 weeks elimination diet, oral food challenge was performed. Two hundred and forty-three children underwent OFC to the suspected food. We found clinically relevant food allergies in 40 (65%) children to egg and in 22 (35%) to cow's milk. The sensitivity of skin prick test for both milk and egg was 92%, specificity 91%, positive predictive value 35%, and negative predictive value of 93%. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of atopy patch test for both milk and egg were 21%, 73%, 20%, and 74%, respectively. Our study suggests that there is insufficient evidence for the routine use of atopy patch test for the evaluation of egg and cow's milk allergy. OFC remains gold standard for the diagnosis of egg and milk allergy even in the presence of high costs in terms of both time and risks during application. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Local neuropeptide signaling modulates serotonergic transmission to shape the temporal organization of C. elegans egg-laying behavior

PubMed Central

Banerjee, Navonil; Bhattacharya, Raja; Francis, Michael M.

2017-01-01

Animal behaviors are often composed of distinct alternating behavioral states. Neuromodulatory signals are thought to be critical for establishing stable behavioral states and for orchestrating transitions between them. However, we have only a limited understanding of how neuromodulatory systems act in vivo to alter circuit performance and shape behavior. To address these questions, we have investigated neuromodulatory signaling in the context of Caenorhabditis elegans egg-laying. Egg-laying activity cycles between discrete states–short bursts of egg deposition (active phases) that alternate with prolonged quiescent periods (inactive phases). Here using genetic, pharmacological and optogenetic approaches for cell-specific activation and inhibition, we show that a group of neurosecretory cells (uv1) located in close spatial proximity to the egg-laying neuromusculature direct the temporal organization of egg-laying by prolonging the duration of inactive phases. We demonstrate that the modulatory effects of the uv1 cells are mediated by peptides encoded by the nlp-7 and flp-11 genes that act locally to inhibit circuit activity, primarily by inhibiting vesicular release of serotonin from HSN motor neurons. This peptidergic inhibition is achieved, at least in part, by reducing synaptic vesicle abundance in the HSN motor neurons. By linking the in vivo actions of specific neuropeptide signaling systems with the generation of stable behavioral outcomes, our study reveals how cycles of neuromodulation emanating from non-neuronal cells can fundamentally shape the organization of a behavioral program. PMID:28384151

pyGrav, a Python-based program for handling and processing relative gravity data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hector, Basile; Hinderer, Jacques

2016-06-01

pyGrav is a Python-based open-source software dedicated to the complete processing of relative-gravity data. It is particularly suited for time-lapse gravity surveys where high precision is sought. Its purpose is to bind together single-task processing codes in a user-friendly interface for handy and fast treatment of raw gravity data from many stations of a network. The intuitive object-based implementation allows to easily integrate additional functions (reading/writing routines, processing schemes, data plots) related to the appropriate object (a station, a loop, or a survey). This makes pyGrav an evolving tool. Raw data can be corrected for tides and air pressure effects. The data selection step features a double table-plot graphical window with either manual or automatic selection according to specific thresholds on data channels (tilts, gravity values, gravity standard deviation, duration of measurements, etc.). Instrumental drifts and gravity residuals are obtained by least square analysis of the dataset. This first step leads to the gravity simple differences between a reference point and any point of the network. When different repetitions of the network are done, the software computes then the gravity double differences and associated errors. The program has been tested on two specific case studies: a large dataset acquired for the study of water storage changes on a small catchment in West Africa, and a dataset operated and processed by several different users for geothermal studies in northern Alsace, France. In both cases, pyGrav proved to be an efficient and easy-to-use solution for the effective processing of relative-gravity data.

Comparison of hemagglutination inhibition test and ELISA in quantification of antibodies to egg drop syndrome virus.

PubMed

Raj, G Dhinakar; Ratnapraba, S; Matheswaran, K; Nachimuthu, K

2004-01-01

A single-serum dilution ELISA for egg drop syndrome (EDS) virus-specific antibodies was developed. In testing 425 chicken sera it was found to have a 93.6% sensitivity and 98.7% specificity relative to a hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. The correlation coefficient for ELISA and HI titers was 0.793. The ELISA was efficacious in quantification of both vaccinal and infection antibodies and could routinely be used for screening large numbers of field sera.

Oxygen uptake by embryos and ovigerous females of two intertidal crabs, Heterozius rotundifrons (Belliidae) and Cyclograpsus lavauxi (Grapsidae): scaling and the metabolic costs of reproduction.

PubMed

Taylor, H H; Leelapiyanart, N

2001-03-01

Heterozius rotundifrons and Cyclograpsus lavauxi are crabs of similar size, whose intertidal habitats overlap. They differ in the number and size of their eggs. A 2 g ovigerous H. rotundifrons incubates 675 large yolky eggs (mean single-egg mass 269 microg; egg clutch 9.15 % of mass of female crab; increasing to 435 microg and 13.4 % at hatching). The egg clutch of a 2 g C. lavauxi is larger (15.4 % of crab mass increasing to 18.9 % at hatching) and contains more numerous (28 000), smaller (10.9 microg increasing to 20.3 microg) eggs. The longer development time of the larger eggs (194 days versus 56 days at 15 degrees C) results from a delayed increase in metabolic rate (diapause) and not metabolic scaling. On the basis of the total mass of single eggs, the mass-specific metabolic rates of early embryonic stages of H. rotundifrons (0.72 micromol g(-1 )h(-1) for the blastula stage at 15 degrees C) and C. lavauxi (1.13 micromol g(-1 )h(-1)) were similar to those of the adult female crabs (0.70 micromol g(-1 )h(-1) for H. rotundifrons and 0.91 micromol g(-1 )h(-1) for C. lavauxi) and increased 13- and 10-fold, respectively, by the time of hatching. Thus, early embryonic metabolic rates were much lower than expected from their mass, but the metabolic rates of pre-hatching embryos were consistent with the allometry of juveniles and adults. Possible interpretations of this apparently anomalous scaling of embryonic metabolic rates are discussed. Mass-specific rates of oxygen consumption by ovigerous females (including the eggs) of both species were higher than for non-ovigerous crabs, in water and in air, and increased greatly during the development of the eggs. This difference was attributable mainly to the increasing metabolic rates of the attached embryos, but early ovigerous crabs (blastula stage) of both species also demonstrated a small elevation in metabolic rate by the crab itself, i.e. a metabolic cost of egg-bearing. In contrast, the elevation of the rate of oxygen consumption by late ovigerous females of C. lavauxi was less than predicted from the metabolic rate of eggs in a stirred respirometer. This suggests that, towards the end of development in C. lavauxi, the oxygen supply to the eggs in situ may be diffusion-limited by unstirred layers, an effect not observed for the larger eggs and more open egg clutch of H. rotundifrons. The cost of development, in terms of total oxygen consumption of single eggs, from extrusion to hatching, was 3.34 micromol O2 (approximately 1.5 J) for H. rotundifrons and 0.105 micromol O2 (approximately 0.05 J) for C. lavauxi. This 30-fold ratio approximates the ratios of their initial masses and yolk contents but represents only approximately one-third of the initial energy contents of the eggs.

Species-specific vulnerability of benthic marine embryos of congeneric snails (Haminoea spp.) to ultraviolet radiation and other intertidal stressors.

PubMed

Russell, Janine; Phillips, Nicole

2009-08-01

We used field surveys and multi-factorial experiments to examine synergistic effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and low tide conditions on the embryonic mortality of two bubble-shell snail species that deposit gelatinous egg masses in intertidal mudflats: Haminoea zelandiae from New Zealand, and Haminoea vesicula from Washington, USA. Egg masses of both species were predominantly found in shallow pools at low tide, and a substantial proportion of both were found in sunny as well as shaded microhabitats. Both exposure to sun and desiccation led to increased embryonic mortality for naturally deposited egg masses of H. zelandiae compared to those that were shaded or submerged. For H. vesicula, although mortality was double for embryos within desiccated egg masses, there was no additional mortality due to sun exposure. In manipulative experiments, UVR and low tide conditions increased embryonic mortality for both species; however, H. zelandiae appeared to be more vulnerable to UVR, whereas H. vesicula was particularly vulnerable to desiccation. Simulated tidal pool conditions significantly increased mortality only for H. vesicula. These results suggest an important role of species-specific differences in vulnerability to different stressors, even for ecologically similar congeners; here, these differences may be related to development time or egg mass characteristics.

Impact of allergic reactions on food-specific IgE concentrations and skin test results

PubMed Central

Sicherer, Scott H.; Wood, Robert A.; Vickery, Brian P.; Perry, Tamara T; Jones, Stacie M.; Leung, Donald Y. M.; Blackwell, Beth; Dawson, Peter; Burks, A. Wesley; Lindblad, Robert; Sampson, Hugh A.

2015-01-01

Background Although there is concern that food allergic reactions may negatively affect the natural history of food allergy, the impact of reactions on food-specific IgE (sIgE) or skin prick tests is unknown. Objective To measure the effects of allergic reactions on SPT wheal size and sIgE concentrations to milk, egg and peanut. Methods Participants included 512 infants with likely milk or egg allergy enrolled in a multi-center observational study. Changes in sIgE and SPT to milk, egg, and peanut were measured before and after oral food challenge (OFC) or accidental exposure for 377 participants. Results Median age of the cohort at time of analysis was 8.5 years (67% male). There were no statistically significant changes in sIgE or SPT after positive OFC to milk, egg, or peanut (n=20-27 for each food). Change in sIgE and SPT was measured after 446 and 453 accidental exposure reactions, respectively. Median change in sIgE decreased by 0.33 kUA/L (p<.01) after milk and by 0.34 (p<.01) after egg reactions; but no other statistically significant changes in sIgE or SPT were observed for milk, egg, or peanut. Limiting analysis to only participants with diagnostic testing done within 6 months of an accidental exposure reaction, peanut SPT increased 1.75 mm (p<.01), but a significant increase was not noted when all participants with testing done within 12 months were considered. Conclusions The results suggest that reactions from OFCs and accidental exposure are not associated with increases in sensitization among children allergic to milk, egg or peanut. PMID:26718150

Egg production of turbot, Scophthalmus maximus, in the Baltic Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nissling, Anders; Florin, Ann-Britt; Thorsen, Anders; Bergström, Ulf

2013-11-01

In the brackish water Baltic Sea turbot spawn at ~ 6-9 psu along the coast and on offshore banks in ICES SD 24-29, with salinity influencing the reproductive success. The potential fecundity (the stock of vitellogenic oocytes in the pre-spawning ovary), egg size (diameter and dry weight of artificially fertilized 1-day-old eggs) and gonad dry weight were assessed for fish sampled in SD 25 and SD 28. Multiple regression analysis identified somatic weight, or total length in combination with Fulton's condition factor, as main predictors of fecundity and gonad dry weight with stage of maturity (oocyte packing density or leading cohort) as an additional predictor. For egg size, somatic weight was identified as main predictor while otolith weight (proxy for age) was an additional predictor. Univariate analysis using GLM revealed significantly higher fecundity and gonad dry weight for turbot from SD 28 (3378-3474 oocytes/g somatic weight) compared to those from SD 25 (2343 oocytes/g somatic weight), with no difference in egg size (1.05 ± 0.03 mm diameter and 46.8 ± 6.5 μg dry weight; mean ± sd). The difference in egg production matched egg survival probabilities in relation to salinity conditions suggesting selection for higher fecundity as a consequence of poorer reproductive success at lower salinities. This supports the hypothesis of higher size-specific fecundity towards the limit of the distribution of a species as an adaptation to harsher environmental conditions and lower offspring survival probabilities. Within SD 28 comparisons were made between two major fishing areas targeting spawning aggregations and a marine protected area without fishing. The outcome was inconclusive and is discussed with respect to potential fishery induced effects, effects of the salinity gradient, effects of specific year-classes, and effects of maturation status of sampled fish.

Verification of Egg Farming Systems from The Netherlands and New Zealand Using Stable Isotopes.

PubMed

Rogers, Karyne M; van Ruth, Saskia; Alewijn, Martin; Philips, Andy; Rogers, Pam

2015-09-30

Stable isotopes were used to develop authentication criteria of eggs laid under cage, barn, free range, and organic farming regimens from The Netherlands and New Zealand. A training set of commercial poultry feeds and egg albumen from 49 poultry farms across The Netherlands was used to determine the isotopic variability of organic and conventional feeds and to assess trophic effects of these corresponding feeds and barn, free range, and organic farming regimens on corresponding egg albumen. A further 52 brands of New Zealand eggs were sampled from supermarket shelves in 2008 (18), 2010 (30), and 2014 (4) to characterize and monitor changes in caged, barn, free range, and organic egg farming regimens. Stable carbon (δ(13)C) and nitrogen (δ(15)N) isotopes of 49 commercial poultry feeds and their corresponding egg albumens reveals that Dutch poultry are fed exclusively on a plant-based feed and that it is possible to discriminate between conventional and organic egg farming regimens in The Netherlands. Similarly, it is possible to discriminate between New Zealand organic and conventional egg farming regimens, although in the initial screening in 2008, results showed that some organic eggs had isotope values similar to those of conventional eggs, suggesting hens were not exclusively receiving an organic diet. Dutch and New Zealand egg regimens were shown to have a low isotopic correlation between both countries, because of different poultry feed compositions. In New Zealand, both conventional and organic egg whites have higher δ(15)N values than corresponding Dutch egg whites, due to the use of fishmeal or meat and bone meal (MBM), which is banned in European countries. This study suggests that stable isotopes (specifically nitrogen) show particular promise as a screening and authentication tool for organically farmed eggs. Criteria to assess truthfulness in labeling of organic eggs were developed, and we propose that Dutch organic egg whites should have a minimum δ(15)N value of 4.8‰ to account for an organic plant derived diet. Monitoring of New Zealand egg isotopes over the past 7 years suggests that organic eggs should have a minimum δ(15)N value of 6.0‰, and eggs falling below this value should be investigated further by certification authorities.

Determination of specific gravity of municipal solid waste.

PubMed

Yesiller, Nazli; Hanson, James L; Cox, Jason T; Noce, Danielle E

2014-05-01

This investigation was conducted to evaluate experimental determination of specific gravity (Gs) of municipal solid waste (MSW). Water pycnometry, typically used for testing soils was adapted for testing MSW using a large flask with 2000 mL capacity and specimens with 100-350 g masses. Tests were conducted on manufactured waste samples prepared using US waste constituent components; fresh wastes obtained prior and subsequent to compaction at an MSW landfill; and wastes obtained from various depths at the same landfill. Factors that influence specific gravity were investigated including waste particle size, compaction, and combined decomposition and stress history. The measured average specific gravities were 1.377 and 1.530 for as-prepared/uncompacted and compacted manufactured wastes, respectively; 1.072 and 1.258 for uncompacted and compacted fresh wastes, respectively; and 2.201 for old wastes. The average organic content and degree of decomposition were 77.2% and 0%, respectively for fresh wastes and 22.8% and 88.3%, respectively for old wastes. The Gs increased with decreasing particle size, compaction, and increasing waste age. For fresh wastes, reductions in particle size and compaction caused occluded intraparticle pores to be exposed and waste particles to be deformed resulting in increases in specific gravity. For old wastes, the high Gs resulted from loss of biodegradable components that have low Gs as well as potential access to previously occluded pores and deformation of particles due to both degradation processes and applied mechanical stresses. The Gs was correlated to the degree of decomposition with a linear relationship. Unlike soils, the Gs for MSW was not unique, but varied in a landfill environment due both to physical/mechanical processes and biochemical processes. Specific gravity testing is recommended to be conducted not only using representative waste composition, but also using representative compaction, stress, and degradation states. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Detection of infectious bronchitis virus with the use of real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR and correlation with virus detection in embryonated eggs.

PubMed

Roh, Ha-Jung; Hilt, Deborah A; Jackwood, Mark W

2014-09-01

Real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays have been used to detect the presence of challenge virus when the efficacy of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) vaccine against field viruses is being experimentally evaluated. However, federal guidelines for licensing IBV vaccines indicate that challenge-virus detection following vaccination is to be conducted in embryonated eggs. In this study, we examined qRT-PCR data with the use of universal and type-specific primers and probe sets for IBV detection and compared those data with challenge-virus detection in embryonated eggs to determine if the two methods of evaluating vaccine efficacy are comparable. In addition, we tested the qRT-PCR assays on thermocyclers from two different manufacturers. We found the universal IBV primers and probe set to be comparable to challenge-virus detection in embryonated eggs. However, for some IBV types (Mass41 and Conn on the SmartCycler II and Ark, Mass41, Conn, and GA98 on the ABI 7500) the qRT-PCR assay was more sensitive than virus detection in embryonated eggs. This may simply be due to the universal IBV qRT-PCR assay being more sensitive than virus detection in eggs or to the assay detecting nucleic acid from nonviable virus. This finding is important and needs to be considered when evaluating challenge-virus detection for vaccination and challenge studies, because qRT-PCR could potentially identify positive birds that would otherwise be negative by virus detection in embryonated eggs; thus it could lead to a more stringent measure of vaccine efficacy. We also found that the IBV type-specific primers and probe sets designed in this study were in general less sensitive than the universal IBV primers and probe set. Only the Ark-DPI-spedcific assay on the SmartCycler II and the Ark-DPI-, Mass41-, and DE072/GA98- (for detection of GA98 virus only) specific assays on the ABI 7500 were comparable in sensitivity to virus detection in eggs. We found that a number of variables, including the virus type examined, primers and probe efficiency and stability, and assay conditions, including thermocycler platform, can affect the data obtained from qRT-PCR assays. These results indicate that qRT-PCR assays can be used to detect IBV challenge virus, but each assay, including the assay conditions and thermocycler, should be individually evaluated if those data are expected to be comparable to virus detection in embryonated eggs.

Late steps of egg cell differentiation are accelerated by pollination in Zea mays L.

PubMed

Mól, R; Idzikowska, K; Dumas, C; Matthys-Rochon, E

2000-04-01

Egg cells were analysed cytologically during the female receptivity period in maize (Zea mays L., line A 188). Three classes of egg cell were distinguished: type A--small, non-vacuolated cells with a central nucleus; type B--larger cells with small vacuoles surrounding the perinuclear cytoplasm located in the middle of the cell; type C--big cells with a large apical vacuole and the mid-basal perinuclear cytoplasm. The less-dense cytoplasm of the vacuolated egg cells usually contained numerous cup- or bell-shaped mitochondria. The three egg types appear to correspond to three late stages of egg cell differentiation. The frequencies of each of the three egg types were monitored in developing maize ears before and after pollination. In young ears, with the silks just extending out of the husks, small A-type cells were found in about 86% of ovules. Their frequency decreased to about 58% at the optimum silk length, remained unchanged in non-pollinated ears, and fell to 16% at the end of the female receptivity period. However, after pollination and before fertilisation the frequency of these cells decreased to about 33%, and the larger vacuolated egg cells (types B and C) prevailed. At various stages of the receptivity period, pollination accelerated changes in the egg population, increasing the number of ovules bearing larger, vacuolated egg cells. Experiments with silk removal demonstrated that putative pollination signals act immediately after pollen deposition and are not species-specific.

Modification in CSF specific gravity in acutely decompensated cirrhosis and acute on chronic liver failure independent of encephalopathy, evidences for an early blood-CSF barrier dysfunction in cirrhosis.

PubMed

Weiss, Nicolas; Rosselli, Matteo; Mouri, Sarah; Galanaud, Damien; Puybasset, Louis; Agarwal, Banwari; Thabut, Dominique; Jalan, Rajiv

2017-04-01

Although hepatic encephalopathy (HE) on the background of acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) is associated with high mortality rates, it is unknown whether this is due to increased blood-brain barrier permeability. Specific gravity of cerebrospinal fluid measured by CT is able to estimate blood-cerebrospinal fluid-barrier permeability. This study aimed to assess cerebrospinal fluid specific gravity in acutely decompensated cirrhosis and to compare it in patients with or without ACLF and with or without hepatic encephalopathy. We identified all the patients admitted for acute decompensation of cirrhosis who underwent a brain CT-scan. Those patients could present acute decompensation with or without ACLF. The presence of hepatic encephalopathy was noted. They were compared to a group of stable cirrhotic patients and healthy controls. Quantitative brain CT analysis used the Brainview software that gives the weight, the volume and the specific gravity of each determined brain regions. Results are given as median and interquartile ranges and as relative variation compared to the control/baseline group. 36 patients presented an acute decompensation of cirrhosis. Among them, 25 presented with ACLF and 11 without ACLF; 20 presented with hepatic encephalopathy grade ≥ 2. They were compared to 31 stable cirrhosis patients and 61 healthy controls. Cirrhotic patients had increased cerebrospinal fluid specific gravity (CSF-SG) compared to healthy controls (+0.4 %, p < 0.0001). Cirrhotic patients with ACLF have decreased CSF-SG as compared to cirrhotic patients without ACLF (-0.2 %, p = 0.0030) that remained higher than in healthy controls. The presence of hepatic encephalopathy did not modify CSF-SG (-0.09 %, p = 0.1757). Specific gravity did not differ between different brain regions according to the presence or absence of either ACLF or HE. In patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis, and those with ACLF, CSF specific gravity is modified compared to both stable cirrhotic patients and healthy controls. This pattern is observed even in the absence of hepatic encephalopathy suggesting that blood-CSF barrier impairment is manifest even in absence of overt hepatic encephalopathy.

Some correlations between development and respiration in the sand dollar egg, as shown by cyanide inhibition studies.

PubMed

ROBBIE, W A

1948-01-30

Cyanide is a valuable tool for studying respiratory mechanisms and their rôle in embryonic development: it is relatively specific in its action, penetrates cell membranes readily, is active in low concentration, and may be controlled quantitatively (page 217). Echinarachnius is extremely sensitive to cyanide and the oxygen consumption of both eggs and of sperm is almost completely inhibited by 10(-5)M HCN (pages 219 and 221). Cell division is likewise arrested by the same concentration (page 223). One of the pronounced effects of an irreversible dosage of cyanide is the marked cytolysis or breakdown of the egg, both internally and at the cell membrane. This cytolysis appears to be related to the state of metabolism, and its occurrence varies with both the respiratory and developmental activity of the cell (page 224). The lethal dosage of cyanide varies with the state of development of the egg: the unfertilized egg is less susceptible than the fertilized one, and the susceptibility increases as the development of the fertilized egg proceeds (page 228). The Echinarachnius egg differs from that of Arbacia in respiratory behavior chiefly in its inability to survive prolonged anoxia: the sea urchin egg will tolerate for 24 hours a concentration of cyanide that kills the sand dollar eggs in 30 minutes (page 229). The Echinarachnius egg is apparently completely dependent upon cyanide-sensitive catalytic systems for its normal functioning and maintenance. Interference with this aerobic energy release mechanism results in irreversible damage to the egg (page 231).

SOME CORRELATIONS BETWEEN DEVELOPMENT AND RESPIRATION IN THE SAND DOLLAR EGG, AS SHOWN BY CYANIDE INHIBITION STUDIES

PubMed Central

Robbie, W. A.

1948-01-01

Cyanide is a valuable tool for studying respiratory mechanisms and their rôle in embryonic development: it is relatively specific in its action, penetrates cell membranes readily, is active in low concentration, and may be controlled quantitatively (page 217). Echinarachnius is extremely sensitive to cyanide and the oxygen consumption of both eggs and of sperm is almost completely inhibited by 10–5 M HCN (pages 219 and 221). Cell division is likewise arrested by the same concentration (page 223). One of the pronounced effects of an irreversible dosage of cyanide is the marked cytolysis or breakdown of the egg, both internally and at the cell membrane. This cytolysis appears to be related to the state of metabolism, and its occurrence varies with both the respiratory and developmental activity of the cell (page 224). The lethal dosage of cyanide varies with the state of development of the egg: the unfertilized egg is less susceptible than the fertilized one, and the susceptibility increases as the development of the fertilized egg proceeds (page 228). The Echinarachnius egg differs from that of Arbacia in respiratory behavior chiefly in its inability to survive prolonged anoxia: the sea urchin egg will tolerate for 24 hours a concentration of cyanide that kills the sand dollar eggs in 30 minutes (page 229). The Echinarachnius egg is apparently completely dependent upon cyanide-sensitive catalytic systems for its normal functioning and maintenance. Interference with this aerobic energy release mechanism results in irreversible damage to the egg (page 231). PMID:18920609

Global Gene-expression Analysis of the Response of Salmonella Enteritidis to Egg White Exposure Reveals Multiple Egg White-imposed Stress Responses

PubMed Central

Baron, Florence; Bonnassie, Sylvie; Alabdeh, Mariah; Cochet, Marie-Françoise; Nau, Françoise; Guérin-Dubiard, Catherine; Gautier, Michel; Andrews, Simon C.; Jan, Sophie

2017-01-01

Chicken egg white protects the embryo from bacterial invaders by presenting an assortment of antagonistic activities that combine together to both kill and inhibit growth. The key features of the egg white anti-bacterial system are iron restriction, high pH, antibacterial peptides and proteins, and viscosity. Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis is the major pathogen responsible for egg-borne infection in humans, which is partly explained by its exceptional capacity for survival under the harsh conditions encountered within egg white. However, at temperatures up to 42°C, egg white exerts a much stronger bactericidal effect on S. Enteritidis than at lower temperatures, although the mechanism of egg white-induced killing is only partly understood. Here, for the first time, the impact of exposure of S. Enteritidis to egg white under bactericidal conditions (45°C) is explored by global-expression analysis. A large-scale (18.7% of genome) shift in transcription is revealed suggesting major changes in specific aspects of S. Enteritidis physiology: induction of egg white related stress-responses (envelope damage, exposure to heat and alkalinity, and translation shutdown); shift in energy metabolism from respiration to fermentation; and enhanced micronutrient provision (due to iron and biotin restriction). Little evidence of DNA damage or redox stress was obtained. Instead, data are consistent with envelope damage resulting in cell death by lysis. A surprise was the high degree of induction of hexonate/hexuronate utilization genes, despite no evidence indicating the presence of these substrates in egg white. PMID:28553268

Lake Sturgeon, Lake Whitefish, and Walleye egg deposition patterns with response to fish spawning substrate restoration in the St. Clair–Detroit River system

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fischer, Jason L.; Pritt, Jeremy J.; Roseman, Edward; Prichard, Carson G.; Craig, Jaquelyn M.; Kennedy, Gregory W.; Manny, Bruce A.

2018-01-01

Egg deposition and use of restored spawning substrates by lithophilic fishes (e.g., Lake Sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens, Lake Whitefish Coregonus clupeaformis, and Walleye Sander vitreus) were assessed throughout the St. Clair–Detroit River system from 2005 to 2016. Bayesian models were used to quantify egg abundance and presence/absence relative to site-specific variables (e.g., depth, velocity, and artificial spawning reef presence) and temperature to evaluate fish use of restored artificial spawning reefs and assess patterns in egg deposition. Lake Whitefish and Walleye egg abundance, probability of detection, and probability of occupancy were assessed with detection-adjusted methods; Lake Sturgeon egg abundance and probability of occurrence were assessed using delta-lognormal methods. The models indicated that the probability of Walleye eggs occupying a site increased with water velocity and that the rate of increase decreased with depth, whereas Lake Whitefish egg occupancy was not correlated with any of the attributes considered. Egg deposition by Lake Whitefish and Walleyes was greater at sites with high water velocities and was lower over artificial spawning reefs. Lake Sturgeon eggs were collected least frequently but were more likely to be collected over artificial spawning reefs and in greater abundances than elsewhere. Detection-adjusted egg abundances were not greater over artificial spawning reefs, indicating that these projects may not directly benefit spawning Walleyes and Lake Whitefish. However, 98% of the Lake Sturgeon eggs observed were collected over artificial spawning reefs, supporting the hypothesis that the reefs provided spawning sites for Lake Sturgeon and could mitigate historic losses of Lake Sturgeon spawning habitat.

Failures in sand in reduced gravity environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marshall, Jason P.; Hurley, Ryan C.; Arthur, Dan; Vlahinic, Ivan; Senatore, Carmine; Iagnemma, Karl; Trease, Brian; Andrade, José E.

2018-04-01

The strength of granular materials, specifically sand is important for understanding physical phenomena on other celestial bodies. However, relatively few experiments have been conducted to determine the dependence of strength properties on gravity. In this work, we experimentally investigated relative values of strength (the peak friction angle, the residual friction angle, the angle of repose, and the peak dilatancy angle) in Earth, Martian, Lunar, and near-zero gravity. The various angles were captured in a classical passive Earth pressure experiment conducted on board a reduced gravity flight and analyzed using digital image correlation. The data showed essentially no dependence of the peak friction angle on gravity, a decrease in the residual friction angle between Martian and Lunar gravity, no dependence of the angle of repose on gravity, and an increase in the dilation angle between Martian and Lunar gravity. Additionally, multiple flow surfaces were seen in near-zero gravity. These results highlight the importance of understanding strength and deformation mechanisms of granular materials at different levels of gravity.

Relation between IgG antibodies to foods and IgE antibodies to milk, egg, cat, dog and/or mite in a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Eysink, P E; De Jong, M H; Bindels, P J; Scharp-Van Der Linden, V T; De Groot, C J; Stapel, S O; Aalberse, R C

1999-05-01

Because IgG antibodies to foods can be detected before IgE antibodies to inhalants, increased levels of IgG antibodies to foods might be used as a predictor of IgE-mediated allergy in initially nonatopic children. To examine the cross-sectional relation between IgG to foods (i.e. mixture of wheat and rice, mixture of soybean and peanut, egg white, cow's milk, meat, orange and potato) and specific IgE to cat, dog, mite, milk and egg white in 1-year-old children. All atopic children (n = 120; 58 with and 62 without eczema) and a random sample of the nonatopic children (n = 144) of the Bokaal study were tested on their IgG response to foods. The IgG results of the food assays were dichotomized high or low using the 66th centile as a cut-off value. Atopic children more often had high IgG levels to foods than nonatopic children. IgG to egg white (OR = 7.50) and mixture of wheat and rice (OR = 4.79) were most strongly associated with positive specific IgE. In a stepwise logistic regression analysis egg white, mixture of wheat and rice, and orange were selected (OR = 3.76, OR = 2.43, and OR = 2.11, respectively). In children without eczema higher levels of IgG to foods were still significantly associated with atopy, which was most prominent for egg white, orange and cow's milk. An increased IgG antibody level to foods, especially to egg white, orange, and mixture of wheat and rice, indicates an increased risk of having IgE to cat, dog, mite, egg and/or milk allergens, even in the noneczematous group. Therefore, in another prospective study we are currently investigating the usefulness of IgG in early identification, i.e. before IgE antibodies can be detected, of children with an increased risk of developing allergic diseases in the future.

Neofunctionalization of a duplicate hatching enzyme gene during the evolution of teleost fishes.

PubMed

Sano, Kaori; Kawaguchi, Mari; Watanabe, Satoshi; Yasumasu, Shigeki

2014-10-19

Duplication and subsequent neofunctionalization of the teleostean hatching enzyme gene occurred in the common ancestor of Euteleostei and Otocephala, producing two genes belonging to different phylogenetic clades (clade I and II). In euteleosts, the clade I enzyme inherited the activity of the ancestral enzyme of swelling the egg envelope by cleavage of the N-terminal region of egg envelope proteins. The clade II enzyme gained two specific cleavage sites, N-ZPd and mid-ZPd but lost the ancestral activity. Thus, euteleostean clade II enzymes assumed a new function; solubilization of the egg envelope by the cooperative action with clade I enzyme. However, in Otocephala, the clade II gene was lost during evolution. Consequently, in a late group of Otocephala, only the clade I enzyme is present to swell the egg envelope. We evaluated the egg envelope digestion properties of clade I and II enzymes in Gonorynchiformes, an early diverging group of Otocephala, using milkfish, and compared their digestion with those of other fishes. Finally, we propose a hypothesis of the neofunctionalization process. The milkfish clade II enzyme cleaved N-ZPd but not mid-ZPd, and did not cause solubilization of the egg envelope. We conclude that neofunctionalization is incomplete in the otocephalan clade II enzymes. Comparison of clade I and clade II enzyme characteristics implies that the specificity of the clade II enzymes gradually changed during evolution after the duplication event, and that a change in substrate was required for the addition of the mid-ZPd site and loss of activity at the N-terminal region. We infer the process of neofunctionalization of the clade II enzyme after duplication of the gene. The ancestral clade II gene gained N-ZPd cleavage activity in the common ancestral lineage of the Euteleostei and Otocephala. Subsequently, acquisition of cleavage activity at the mid-ZPd site and loss of cleavage activity in the N-terminal region occurred during the evolution of Euteleostei, but not of Otocephala. The clade II enzyme provides an example of the development of a neofunctional gene for which the substrate, the egg envelope protein, has adapted to a gradual change in the specificity of the corresponding enzyme.

DNA of Dientamoeba fragilis detected within surface-sterilized eggs of Enterobius vermicularis.

PubMed

Röser, Dennis; Nejsum, Peter; Carlsgart, Anne Josefine; Nielsen, Henrik Vedel; Stensvold, Christen Rune

2013-01-01

With no evidence of a cyst stage, the mode of transmission of Dientamoeba fragilis, an intestinal protozoon of common occurrence and suggested pathogenicity, is incompletely known. Numerous studies have suggested that eggs of intestinal nematodes, primarily Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm), can serve as vectors for D. fragilis, although attempts to culture D. fragilis from pinworm eggs have been unsuccessful and data from epidemiological studies on D. fragilis/pinworm co-infection have been conflicting. The aim of this study was to investigate whether we could detect D. fragilis DNA from pinworm eggs collected from routine diagnostic samples (cellophane tape) and surface-sterilised by hypochlorite. DNA was extracted from individual eggs and tested by PCR using D. fragilis- and E. vermicularis-specific primers; amplicons were sequenced for confirmation. In cellophane tape samples from 64 patients with unknown D. fragilis status we detected D. fragilis DNA in 12/238 (5%) eggs, and in a patient known to harbour D. fragilis we detected D. fragilis DNA in 39/99 (39%) eggs. The finding of D. fragilis DNA within eggs of E. vermicularis strongly supports the hypothesis of D. fragilis-transmission by pinworm and has implications for antimicrobial intervention as well as control and public health measures. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Multicomponent T2 relaxation studies of the avian egg.

PubMed

Mitsouras, Dimitris; Mulkern, Robert V; Maier, Stephan E

2016-05-01

To investigate the tissue-like multiexponential T2 signal decays in avian eggs. Transverse relaxation studies of raw, soft-boiled and hard-boiled eggs were performed at 3 Tesla using a three-dimensional Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill imaging sequence. Signal decays over a TE range of 11 to 354 ms were fitted assuming single- and multicomponent signal decays with up to three separately decaying components. Fat saturation was used to facilitate spectral assignment of observed decay components. Egg white, yolk and the centrally located latebra all demonstrate nonmonoexponential T2 decays. Specifically, egg white exhibits two-component decays with intermediate and long T2 times. Meanwhile, yolk and latebra are generally best characterized with triexponential decays, with short, intermediate and very long T2 decay times. Fat saturation revealed that the intermediate component of yolk could be attributed to lipids. Cooking of the egg profoundly altered the decay curves. Avian egg T2 decay curves cover a wide range of decay times. Observed T2 components in yolk and latebra as short as 10 ms, may prove valuable for testing clinical sequences designed to measure short T2 components, such as myelin-associated water in the brain. Thus we propose that the egg can be a versatile and widely available MR transverse relaxation phantom. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Perfluorinated contaminants in fur seal pups and penguin eggs from South Shetland, Antarctica.

PubMed

Schiavone, A; Corsolini, S; Kannan, K; Tao, L; Trivelpiece, W; Torres, D; Focardi, S

2009-06-01

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) have emerged as a new class of global environmental pollutants. In this study, the presence of perfluorochemicals (PFCs) in penguin eggs and Antarctic fur seals was reported for the first time. Tissue samples from Antarctic fur seal pups and penguin eggs were collected during the 2003/04 breeding season. Ten PFC contaminants were determined in seal and penguin samples. The PFC concentrations in seal liver were in the decreasing order, PFOS>PFNA>PFHpA>PFUnDA while in Adélie penguin eggs were PFHpA>PFUnDA>PFDA>PFDoDA, and in Gentoo penguin eggs were PFUnDA>PFOS>PFDoDA>PFHpA. The PFC concentrations differed significantly between seals and penguins (p<0.005) and a species-specific difference was found between the two species of penguins (p<0.005). In our study we found a mean concentration of PFOS in seal muscle and liver samples of 1.3 ng/g and 9.4 ng/g wet wt, respectively, and a mean concentration in Gentoo and Adélie penguin eggs of 0.3 ng/g and 0.38 ng/g wet wt, respectively. PFCs detected in penguin eggs and seal pups suggested oviparous and viviparous transfer of PFOS to eggs and off-springs.

Increasing thiamine concentrations in lake trout eggs from Lakes Huron and Michigan coincide with low alewife abundance

USGS Publications Warehouse

Riley, Stephen C.; Rinchard, Jacques; Honeyfield, Dale C.; Evans, Allison N.; Begnoche, Linda

2011-01-01

Lake trout Salvelinus namaycush in the Laurentian Great Lakes suffer from thiamine deficiency as a result of adult lake trout consuming prey containing thiaminase, a thiamine-degrading enzyme. Sufficiently low egg thiamine concentrations result in direct mortality of or sublethal effects on newly hatched lake trout fry. To determine the prevalence and severity of low thiamine in lake trout eggs, we monitored thiamine concentrations in lake trout eggs from 15 sites in Lakes Huron and Michigan from 2001 to 2009. Lake trout egg thiamine concentrations at most sites in both lakes were initially low and increased over time at 11 of 15 sites, and the proportion of females with egg thiamine concentrations lower than the recommended management objective of 4 nmol/g decreased over time at eight sites. Egg thiamine concentrations at five of six sites in Lakes Huron and Michigan were significantly inversely related to site-specific estimates of mean abundance of alewives Alosa pseudoharengus, and successful natural reproduction of lake trout has been observed in Lake Huron since the alewife population crashed. These results support the hypothesis that low egg thiamine in Great Lakes lake trout is associated with increased alewife abundance and that low alewife abundance may currently be a prerequisite for successful reproduction by lake trout in the Great Lakes.

Regulation of egg quality and lipids metabolism by Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Zhao, Yong; Li, Lan; Zhang, Peng-Fei; Liu, Xin-Qi; Zhang, Wei-Dong; Ding, Zhao-Peng; Wang, Shi-Wen; Shen, Wei; Min, Ling-Jiang; Hao, Zhi-Hui

2016-04-01

This investigation was designed to explore the effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NP) on egg quality and the mechanism of decreasing of yolk lipids. Different concentration of ZnO NP and ZnSO4 were used to treat hens for 24 weeks. The body weight and egg laying frequency were recorded and analyzed. Albumen height, Haugh unit, and yolk color score were analyzed by an Egg Multi Tester. Breaking strength was determined by an Egg Force Reader. Egg shell thickness was measured using an Egg Shell Thickness Gouge. Shell color was detected by a spectrophotometer. Egg shape index was measured by Egg Form Coefficient Measuring Instrument. Albumen and yolk protein was determined by the Kjeldahl method. Amino acids were determined by an amino acids analyzer. Trace elements Zn, Fe, Cu, and P (mg/kg wet mass) were determined in digested solutions using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry. TC and TG were measured using commercial analytical kits. Yolk triglyceride, total cholesterol, pancreatic lipase, and phospholipids were determined by appropriate kits. β-carotene was determined by spectrophotometry. Lipid metabolism was also investigated with liver, plasma, and ovary samples. ZnO NP did not change the body weight of hens during the treatment period. ZnO NP slowed down egg laying frequency at the beginning of egg laying period but not at later time. ZnO NP did not affect egg protein or water contents, slightly decreased egg physical parameters (12 to 30%) and trace elements (20 to 35%) after 24 weeks treatment. However, yolk lipids content were significantly decreased by ZnO NP (20 to 35%). The mechanism of Zinc oxide nanoparticles decreasing yolk lipids was that they decreased the synthesis of lipids and increased lipid digestion. These data suggested ZnO NP affected egg quality and specifically regulated lipids metabolism in hens through altering the function of hen's ovary and liver. © 2016 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Future utilization of space: Silverton Conference on material science and phase transformations in zero-gravity, summary of proceeding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eisner, M. (Editor)

1975-01-01

The importance of zero gravity environment in the development and production of new and improved materials is considered along with the gravitational effects on phase changes or critical behavior in a variety of materials. Specific experiments discussed include: fine scale phase separation in zero gravity; glass formation in zero gravity; effects of gravitational perturbations on determination of critical exponents; and light scattering from long wave fluctuations in liquids in zero gravity. It is concluded that the space shuttle/spacelab system is applicable to various fields of interest.

Ulcer disease prophylaxis in koi carp by bath immersion with chicken egg yolk containing anti-Aeromonas salmonicida IgY.

PubMed

Gan, Hongjian; He, Haiwen; Sato, Atsushi; Hatta, Hajime; Nakao, Miki; Somamoto, Tomonori

2015-04-01

Ulcer disease, caused by atypical Aeromonas salmonicida, is a serious concern in ornamental koi carp, because it induces skin ulceration, disfiguring ornamental fish and causing economic loses. The present study aimed to establish a novel prophylaxis with chicken egg yolk immunoglobulin, IgY, against ulcer disease and to assess its feasibility in the ornamental fish industry. Addition of egg yolk powder containing anti-A. salmonicida IgY to rearing water provided significant protection against an A. salmonicida bath infection, whereas administration of non-specific IgY did not. Consecutive immersion of fish into rearing water containing specific IgY completely prevented ulcer disease resulting from cohabitation infection, indicating that this prophylaxis could prevent infection from such type of contact. Thus, passive immunization induced by immersing fish into aquarium water containing specific IgY is a prospective prophylaxis against diseases caused by pathogens that invade the skin and gills. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

PRESSURE-VOLUME RELATIONSHIP OF THE FUNDULUS EGG IN SEA WATER AND IN SUCROSE

PubMed Central

Kao, C. Y.

1956-01-01

Upon activation, an internal hydrostatic pressure develops within the Fundulus egg, and compresses the egg proper to a reduced volume. When the perivitelline pressure is abolished by a highly hypertonic sucrose solution, the egg volume increases. As sucrose penetrates the chorion, the volume again decreases. The relation between P and V in these conditions is inverse, and approximates a rectangular hyperbola. The limiting factor causing most of the deviation is shown to be the incompressible fraction. It is concluded that the volume of the egg proper is controlled by the perivitelline pressure, and that the effect of hypertonic sucrose solution is exerted by lowering the pressure and thereby increasing membrane permeability non-specifically. It is also shown that some permanent alterations occur within the plasma membrane during activation that reduce the permeance, and thereby, increase the incompressible fraction. PMID:13357739

Glycoprotein from the liver constitutes the inner layer of the egg envelope (zona pellucida interna) of the fish, Oryzias latipes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hamazaki, T.S.; Nagahama, Y.; Iuchi, I.

1989-05-01

A glycoprotein from the liver, which shares epitopes with chorion (egg envelope or zona pellucida) glycoproteins, is present only in the spawning female fish, Oryzias latipes, under natural conditions. This spawning female-specific (SF) substance is distinct from vitellogenin but closely resembles a major glycoprotein component, ZI-3, of the inner layer (zona radiata interna) of the ovarian egg envelope with respect to some biochemical and immunochemical characteristics. Here we report that the (/sup 125/I)SF substance, injected into the abdominal cavity of the spawning female fish, was rapidly transported by the blood circulation into the ovary and incorporated into the inner layermore » of egg envelope of the growing oocytes. The result strongly suggests that the SF substance from the liver is a precursor substance of the major component, ZI-3, of the inner layer of egg envelope in the fish.« less

Passive immunization with hyperimmune egg yolk IgY as prophylaxis and therapy for poultry diseases---A review

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Passive immunization with pathogen-specific egg yolk antibodies (IgY) is emerging as a potential alternative to antibiotics for the treatment and prevention of various human and animal diseases. Laying hens are an excellent source of high-quality polyclonal antibodies, which can be collected noninv...

Xenopus egg extract: A powerful tool to study genome maintenance mechanisms.

PubMed

Hoogenboom, Wouter S; Klein Douwel, Daisy; Knipscheer, Puck

2017-08-15

DNA repair pathways are crucial to maintain the integrity of our genome and prevent genetic diseases such as cancer. There are many different types of DNA damage and specific DNA repair mechanisms have evolved to deal with these lesions. In addition to these repair pathways there is an extensive signaling network that regulates processes important for repair, such as cell cycle control and transcription. Despite extensive research, DNA damage repair and signaling are not fully understood. In vitro systems such as the Xenopus egg extract system, have played, and still play, an important role in deciphering the molecular details of these processes. Xenopus laevis egg extracts contain all factors required to efficiently perform DNA repair outside a cell, using mechanisms conserved in humans. These extracts have been used to study several genome maintenance pathways, including mismatch repair, non-homologous end joining, ICL repair, DNA damage checkpoint activation, and replication fork stability. Here we describe how the Xenopus egg extract system, in combination with specifically designed DNA templates, contributed to our detailed understanding of these pathways. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Efficacy of fenbendazole formulated in a commercial primate diet for treating specific pathogen-free baboons (Papio cynocephalus anubis) infected with Trichuris trichiura.

PubMed

Reichard, Mason V; Wolf, Roman F; Clingenpeel, Lindsay C; Doan, Sandra K; Jones, Amy N; Gray, Kristene M

2008-11-01

Trichuris trichiura is a common intestinal nematode parasite of captive baboons. We evaluated the efficacy of fenbendazole formulated in a commercial primate diet (FBZ-PD) for treating specific pathogen-free (SPF) baboons (Papio cynocephalus anubis) naturally infected with Trichuris trichiura. Twenty-nine baboons, housed indoors in 3 separate rooms, were fed FBZ-PD for 5 d, whereas 4 baboons housed in another isolated area served as untreated controls. The efficacy of FBZ-PD was measured as reduction in the number of T. trichiura eggs in host feces after treatment as determined by quantitative fecal flotation examination. All baboons that received FBZ-PD stopped shedding T. trichiura eggs by 7 d after initiation of treatment, and remained negative until at least 119 d after treatment. However, eggs of T. trichiura were present in the feces of 3 (10.3%) experimental baboons at 154 d after treatment. Untreated control baboons shed T. trichiura eggs throughout the entire study. Our results indicate that FBZ-PD was efficacious for treating SPF baboons infected with T. trichiura.

Efficacy of Fenbendazole Formulated in a Commercial Primate Diet for Treating Specific Pathogen-free Baboons (Papio cynocephalus anubis) Infected with Trichuris trichiura

PubMed Central

Reichard, Mason V; Wolf, Roman F; Clingenpeel, Lindsay C; Doan, Sandra K; Jones, Amy N; Gray, Kristene M

2008-01-01

Trichuris trichiura is a common intestinal nematode parasite of captive baboons. We evaluated the efficacy of fenbendazole formulated in a commercial primate diet (FBZ-PD) for treating specific pathogen-free (SPF) baboons (Papio cynocephalus anubis) naturally infected with Trichuris trichiura. Twenty-nine baboons, housed indoors in 3 separate rooms, were fed FBZ-PD for 5 d, whereas 4 baboons housed in another isolated area served as untreated controls. The efficacy of FBZ-PD was measured as reduction in the number of T. trichiura eggs in host feces after treatment as determined by quantitative fecal flotation examination. All baboons that received FBZ-PD stopped shedding T. trichiura eggs by 7 d after initiation of treatment, and remained negative until at least 119 d after treatment. However, eggs of T. trichiura were present in the feces of 3 (10.3%) experimental baboons at 154 d after treatment. Untreated control baboons shed T. trichiura eggs throughout the entire study. Our results indicate that FBZ-PD was efficacious for treating SPF baboons infected with T. trichiura. PMID:19049254

21 CFR 864.9320 - Copper sulfate solution for specific gravity determinations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... used to determine whether the hemoglobin content of a potential donor's blood meets the required level (12.5 grams per 100 milliliters of blood for women and 13.5 grams per 100 milliliters of blood for men... Establishments That Manufacture Blood and Blood Products § 864.9320 Copper sulfate solution for specific gravity...

Long-term effects of elevated carbon dioxide on sour orange tree specific gravity and anatomy

Treesearch

Michael C. Wiemann; David Kretschmann; Alan Rudie; Bruce A. Kimball; Sherwood B. Idso

2008-01-01

Exposure to elevated levels of atmospheric CO2 for a period of 17 years resulted in small but statistically significant decreases in wood basic specific gravity and number of rays per millimeter. Other anatomical characteristics (percentages of tissues, number of vessels per square millimeter, vessel diameters, and fiber wall thickness) were...

Morphological characteristics of loblolly pine wood as related to specific gravity, growth rate and distance from pith

Treesearch

Charles W. McMillin

1968-01-01

Earlywood and latewood tracheid length and transverse cellular dimensions of wood removed from stems of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) and factorially aegregated by specific gravity, rings from the pith, and growth rate were determined from sample chips. The independent relationships of each factor with fiber morphology are described.

Biomass Determination Using Wood Specific Gravity from Increment Cores

Treesearch

Michael C. Wiemann; G. Bruce Williamson

2013-01-01

Wood specific gravity (SG) is one of the most important variables used to determine biomass. Measurement of SG is problematic because it requires tedious, and often difficult, sampling of wood from standing trees. Sampling is complicated because the SG usually varies nonrandomly within trees, resulting in systematic errors. Off-center pith and hollow or decayed stems...

Dimensional stability of flakeboards as affected by board specific gravity and flake alignment

Treesearch

Robert L. Geimer

1982-01-01

The objective was to determine the relationship between the variables specific gravity (SG) and flake alignment and the dimensional stability properties of flakeboard. Boards manufactured without a density gradient were exposed to various levels of relative humidity and a vacuum-pressure soak (VPS) treatment. Changes in moisture content (MC), thickness swelling, and...

Specific Gravity Variation in a Lower Mississippi Valley Cottonwood Population

Treesearch

R. E. Farmer; J. R. Wilcox

1966-01-01

Specific gravity varied from 0,32 to 0.46, averaging 0.38. Most of the variation was associated with individual trees; samples within locations accounted for a smaller, but statistically significant, portion of the variation. Variation between locatians was not significant. It was concluded that individual high-density trees' should be sought throughout the...

Wood density and growth of some conifers introduced to Hawaii.

Treesearch

Roger G. Skolmen

1963-01-01

The specific gravity of the wood of 14 conifers grown in Hawaii was measured by means of increment cores. Most species were growing in environments quite different from their native habitats. The specific gravity and growth characteristics under several site conditions were compared. Described in some detail are Norfolk-Island-pine, slash pine, Jeffrey pine, jelecote...

Specific gravity and other properties of wood and bark for 156 tree species found in North America

Treesearch

Patrick D. Miles

2009-01-01

This paper reports information for the estimation of biomass for 156 tree species found in North America for use in national forest inventory applications. We present specific gravities based on average green volume as well as 12 percent moisture content volume for calculation of oven-dry biomass....

49 CFR 178.965 - Drop test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

.... Water/anti-freeze solutions with a minimum specific gravity of 0.95 for testing at −18 °C (0 °F) or... of 0.45 cubic meters (15.9 cubic feet) or less must be subject to an additional drop test. (e) Drop... having essentially the same physical characteristics. (3) The specific gravity and viscosity of a...

49 CFR 178.965 - Drop test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

.... Water/anti-freeze solutions with a minimum specific gravity of 0.95 for testing at −18 °C (0 °F) or... of 0.45 cubic meters (15.9 cubic feet) or less must be subject to an additional drop test. (e) Drop... having essentially the same physical characteristics. (3) The specific gravity and viscosity of a...

49 CFR 178.810 - Drop test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... solutions with a minimum specific gravity of 0.95 for testing at −18 °C (0 °F) or lower are considered... with a capacity of 0.45 cubic meters (15.9 cubic feet) or less must be subject to an additional drop... material having essentially the same physical characteristics. (3) The specific gravity and viscosity of a...

49 CFR 178.810 - Drop test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... solutions with a minimum specific gravity of 0.95 for testing at −18 °C (0 °F) or lower are considered... with a capacity of 0.45 cubic meters (15.9 cubic feet) or less must be subject to an additional drop... material having essentially the same physical characteristics. (3) The specific gravity and viscosity of a...

49 CFR 178.965 - Drop test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

.... Water/anti-freeze solutions with a minimum specific gravity of 0.95 for testing at −18 °C (0 °F) or... of 0.45 cubic meters (15.9 cubic feet) or less must be subject to an additional drop test. (e) Drop... having essentially the same physical characteristics. (3) The specific gravity and viscosity of a...

49 CFR 178.810 - Drop test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... solutions with a minimum specific gravity of 0.95 for testing at −18 °C (0 °F) or lower are considered... with a capacity of 0.45 cubic meters (15.9 cubic feet) or less must be subject to an additional drop... material having essentially the same physical characteristics. (3) The specific gravity and viscosity of a...

Phenotypic Variation in Specific Gravity and Fiber Length of Cherrybark Oak

Treesearch

R. E. Farmer

1969-01-01

Knowledge of variation in oakwood properties that are related to pulp yield and quality is essential in genetic improvement research. Two important properties that can be studied easily are specific gravity and fiber length. This paper reports a study made to develop a guide to field selection of breeding material in cherrybark oak (Quercus falcala...

Efficacy of specific gravity as a tool for prediction of biodiesel-petroleum diesel blend ratio

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Prediction of volumetric biodiesel/petrodiesel blend ratio (VBD) from specific gravity (SG) data was the subject of the current investigation. Fatty acid methyl esters obtained from soybean, palm, and rapeseed oils along with chicken fat (SME-1, SME-2, PME, RME, and CFME) were blended (0 to 20 volum...