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Data were collected from seven generations of selection for reduced time interval between oviposition in a line of Single Comb White Leghorns. This study involved 151 sires, 539 dams, and 2100 female progeny. Oviposition time was measured from 174 to 280 days of age. The only deliberate selection practiced was for reduced oviposition time interval. The mating system was random with the restriction of full or half sib matings. The reduction in oviposition time interval has been 73 minutes or 4.8 percent. There were no significant changes for total egg number, body weight or age at first egg. Rate of lay after reaching 50 percent production to 280 days has increased (P less than .07). Egg weight has declined five percent. Heritability estimates for intra-clutch time interval from correlations were .33 +/- .08, .36 +/- .09 and .35 +/- .15 by sire, dam, and combined components, respectively, .36 +/- .15 by regression of offspring on dam and .39 for realized. The magnitude of the selection differential decreased, over time. The genetic correlation of time interval with early production (280 days) was --.43 +/- .13, and with total egg production (500 days) was .20 +/- .27. The genetic correlations of time interval with egg weight and age at first egg were high and positive; and with body weight, it was negative. The increase in clutch size and the days between clutches during the time of this study were both highly significant.

Biomphalaria glabrata snails are known to be castrated by infection with the trematode parasite Schistosoma mansoni 4-6 weeks post-infection. The pattern of oviposition in the first 35 days post-exposure (p.e.) was investigated, in snails aged 14 weeks and measuring 7-10 mm diameter which had not commenced egg-laying, by counting the numbers of eggs laid in 7-day intervals. A group of exposed snails was compared with a control non-exposed group. The exposed group included both parasitized and non-parasitized snails, and showed a significant increase in the median number of eggs laid during the periods 14-21 and 22-28 days p.e. Throughout the entire 35-day period exposed non-parasitized snails laid significantly more eggs than control snails, while parasitized snails laid significantly more eggs than controls during days 22-28 p.e. and significantly fewer during days 29-35 p.e. Parasitized snails also laid significantly more eggs/egg mass in the period 16-28 days p.e. than did control snails. Growth of the snails was measured. By day 28 p.e. the mean diameter of the exposed group was significantly greater than that of the control group. The increase in oviposition by snails soon after exposure is discussed in terms of a compensatory response for expected future suppression of egg-laying. The fact that parasitized and non-parasitized snails both show increased oviposition indicates that normal development of the parasite is not necessary to trigger the response.

The prevalence of most behavioral risk factors varies substantially among states. The prevalence of current cigarette smoking ranges from 22 percent to 38 percent. Estimates of alcohol use show geographic clustering, with lower rates in the southeastern states. The prevalence of sedentary lifestyle, uncontrolled hypertension, overweight, and seatbelt use differs markedly among states. These findings represent an initial step toward the analysis of state-specific baseline risk-factor data for use in developing state programs aimed at reducing the leading causes of death in the United States.