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An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of castration on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of goat kids. Fourteen Boer-cross buck and wether goat kids (n = 7; initial body weight (BW) and , for bucks and wethers, respectively) were grazed on annual Marshall ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) for 56 days. Body weights were recorded after 4 h withdrawal from feed and water for two consecutive days, every 2 wk. After d 56, animals were harvested and hot carcass weight (HCW), cold carcass weight (CCW), dressing percent (DP), kidney and pelvic fat (KPF), longissimus muscle (LM) area, back fat (BF), and other carcass parameters were measured. Day 0 BW was used as a covariate for analyses. However, bucks were heavier than wethers at d 15 (p = 0.09), 42 (p = 0.001) and 56 (p = 0.001). Bucks had higher ADG (146 vs. 74 g/d; p = 0.001), HCW (21.2 vs. 18.8 kg; p = 0.06) and CCW (20.3 vs. 17.9 kg; p = 0.04) when compared with wether goats. Dressing percentage (51 vs. 47%; p = 0.06), KPF (0.44 vs. 0.16%; p = 0.02) and BF (0.41 vs. 0.21 cm; p = 0.05) were higher in wethers vs bucks, respectively; however, USDA live or carcass grades were similar. Longissimus muscle tissue from wethers and bucks were similar in darkness () and redness (), but wethers had more (p = 0.02) yellow tint (). Palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0) and oleic (C18:1) acids were higher (p = 0.001) in muscle tissue from wethers compared to bucks. The saturated fatty acid (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) contents of muscle tissue were lower (p = 0.001) for bucks with no difference in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Longissimus muscle initial temperature was higher in bucks (p

Historically, space mechanism lubricant choices were based on space heritage rather than on the latest technology or best available materials. With the limited mission lives and minimal duty cycles of the early space programme, this strategy was highly successful. As missions extended, other spacecraft components, such as electronics, batteries, and computers, failed before lubricated mechanisms; however, during the 1980s and 1990s, these ancillary components vastly improved and tribological systems became a main factor limiting spacecraft reliability and performance. Although tribological components represent only a small fraction of the spacecraft's cost, they are often single-point failures that cripple or debilitate expensive spacecraft. This paper will discuss the following: common space lubricants, mechanism components, testing, and factors affecting lubricant selections.

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of high levels of supplemental Cu (as (CuSO4).5H2O) on the serum lipid profile and carcass traits of goat kids. Fifteen Boer x Spanish wether goat kids (BW = 21.3 +/- 0.7 kg) were housed in individual pens and were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 treatments. Treatments consisted of 1) control (no additional supplemental Cu), 2) 100 mg of Cu/d, and 3) 200 mg of Cu/d. Copper sulfate was placed in gelatin capsules and inserted into the esophagus via a balling gun before the morning feeding. Animals were fed a high-concentrate (70:30 grain:hay) diet for 112 d. Serum lipid profile was determined on d 14 and 112, and BW was recorded after 4-h withdrawals from feed and water. After 112 d, animals were slaughtered, and carcass traits were measured. The left half of 12 carcasses and 9th to 11th rib sections from the right side of 15 carcasses were dissected into separable soft tissue and bone portions. The soft tissue portion was analyzed for moisture, ether extract, CP, and ash. Average daily feed intake decreased (linear; P = 0.05), and G:F increased (quadratic; P = 0.02) in the 100 mg of Cu/d group. Serum cholesterol and triglycerides did not change (P > 0.10); however, NEFA decreased (linear; P = 0.01) as supplemental Cu increased. No differences were observed (P > 0.10) in HCW, chilled carcass weight, or kidney and pelvic fat; however, 12th rib fat (linear; P = 0.01) and adjusted fat thickness (linear; P = 0.03) decreased as Cu supplementation increased. No differences (P > 0.10) in LM area were observed; however, percentage of boneless closely trimmed retail cuts increased (linear; P = 0.04) as Cu supplementation increased. The moisture (%) of the 9th to 11th rib sections increased (linear; P = 0.03), ether extract (%) decreased (linear; P = 0.02), and CP and ash (%) tended to increase (linear; P = 0.09 and 0.06, respectively) as Cu supplementation increased. Carcass composition measured using the left half of the carcass confirmed the values obtained through the 9th to 11th rib sections. Results of this study indicate that supplemental Cu can alter the serum lipid profile, carcass characteristics, and carcass composition of goat kids.

Duroc-cross pigs (n = 25) were assigned to one of three experimental finishing diets containing 0 (control), 40,000 (40), or 80,000 (80) IU of supplemental vitamin D3/kg of feed (as-fed basis)to test the effects of vitamin D3 on pork quality traits. Experimental diets were fed for 44 or 51 d before slaughter, and days on feed were blocked in the experimental design. A trend existed for pigs receiving the highest concentration of vitamin D3 supplementation to have a lower (P = 0.08) ADG (0.77 kg/d) compared with pigs fed either the 40-diet (0.88 kg/d) or control (0.92 kg/d). Diet did not (P > 0.10) affect backfat thickness measured along the midline, 10th-rib fat depth, longissimus muscle area, muscle score, or hot carcass weights. Longissimus pH, measured at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 24 h postmortem, was higher (P 0.10) effect on Warner-Bratzler shear force values; percentage of cook loss; or trained sensory panel evaluations for tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. Feeding the 80-diet increased (P 0.30) affected by diet. These results indicate that feeding supranutritional levels of vitamin D3 for at least 44 d improves pork color and increases pH, but may retard growth if fed at 80,000 IU/kg of feed.

Theoretical work has underlined the importance of squeeze effects in non-steady-state elastohydrodynamic (EHD) lubrication when parameters such as load, speed, or geometry vary cyclically. The present paper reports on the results of an experimental investigation into EHD film thickness under start-stop, ball-on-flat contact conditions for four liquid lubricants used in space applications. The conditions studied are representative of those occurring in stepper motor bearing contacts. The lubricants investigated included a multiply alkylated cyclopentane (Pennzane™ SHF 2000), a branched perfluoropolyether (Krytox™ 143 AC), a polyalphaolefin (Nye™ 182), and a linear perfluoropolyether (Braycote™ BXL 413). Measurements were made at two frequencies (2 and 50 Hz) and two temperatures (25 and 80°C). At 50 Hz, corresponding to stop-start time intervals of 10 ms, there was insufficient time during the stationary periods between motion for any significant collapse of the central film thickness to occur. However, partial collapse did take place at the contact peripheries. Since this collapse occurred in the inlet, it often produced a pronounced reduction in central film thickness during start-up. It was also found that, during start-up, a series of film thickness oscillations occurred, resulting in the film thickness becoming successively greater and less than the steady-state value. This may have a significant effect on the pressure experienced by the contact. Although the four lubricants exhibited similar overall patterns of behaviour, there were considerable differences in the rate of film collapse and in the details of the film thickness reduction and oscillation.

This study compared the word-finding abilities of 26 young adults (ages 18-22 years), 26 young-old adults (ages 58-74 years), and 26 old-old adults (ages 75-93 years) on a confrontational naming test (Boston Naming Test) and a more spontaneous discourse test. The groups were matched in terms of gender (7 male, 19 female) and estimated IQ (M = 114). When participants were asked to narrate what they perceived in pictures (discourse test), the older adult groups committed significantly more word-retrieval errors than the younger adults. In contrast, results from the picture-naming test surprisingly revealed higher naming accuracy by the older adult groups. Subsequent examination of the picture-naming items revealed that four items appeared to be influenced by generational familiarity with the item. These results suggest that selection of cohort-free items for picture-naming tests is important when comparing across age-groups, and that tests of discourse may be better measures for assessing everyday word-finding difficulties in healthy older adults.

The study of biofilms provides a unique educational opportunity to examine ecosystems, biodiversity and applications of environmental biotechnology. There are many variables that could be studied for measuring the interactions between bacterial biofilms and invertebrate biodiversity as a method for assessing the health of aquatic ecosystems. These interactions also lend themselves to an easily replicated model system which can be used to reach a wide audience with an educational opportunity for students as well as a professional development opportunity for teachers. At the foundation of the research are invaluable basic microbiology skills: strain collection, isolation, cultivation and characterization. Through the additional process of characterizing, identifying and enumerating invertebrate organisms that attach to bacterial biofilms in aquatic ecosystems, there evolved a multidisciplinary class laboratory activity that has found broad application. This activity is captivating not only to undergraduate microbiology students but to middle and high school students and their teachers. The demand for information about the activity has led to the development of a truly interactive web-based lesson, which in turn has resulted in additional inquiries and further refinement of the lesson as an undergraduate independent research course. Both of these are freely accessible on the web, with growing international participation and data exchange. Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology (2000) 24, 334–338.

This paper describes a study of EHD film thickness in non-steady state contact conditions. A modification of ultrathin film interferometry is employed which is able to measure both central film thickness and film thickness profiles 50 times a second. Film thickness with two perfluoropolyethers and two mineral base oils are investigated in a number of different types of non-steady state motion, including acceleration/deceleration, stop/start and reciprocation. The results demonstrate a range of transient behaviors of EHD film whose thicknesses deviate from those in steady state conditions.

A cocktail of trophoblast-reactive monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) is required for efficient isolation of trophoblasts from maternal blood. A modified antibody screening procedure was used to identify a clone, in a COS cell placental cDNA expression library, that expressed the gene product recognized by MAb FDO202N. The antigen recognised by MAb FDO202N was identified as human placental lactogen (hPL) hormone. hPL hormone is secreted into the maternal blood by trophoblasts at high levels during pregnancy. Immunohistochemical localization of hPL hormone was consistent with expression in the syncytiotrophoblast and extravillous cytotrophoblast. A model system was used where known numbers of syncytiotrophoblast sprouts were seeded into saline or maternal blood, bound by trophoblast-specific MAbs, recovered magnetically, and then counted. MAb FDO202N was shown to facilitate the efficient recovery of trophoblast sprouts from saline and maternal blood.

Twenty-one beef strip loins (Institutional Meat Purchasers Specification #180) were cut into equal halves. One-half of each loin was sprayed with a mixture of 2% lactic acid and 2% (vol/vol) acetic acid and the corresponding half was used as a control. The strip loins were stored at -1°C for 0, 7, 14, 28, 56, 84, or 112 days and evaluated for chemical, physical, and microbial properties. The internal pH increased significantly (P 0.05) for meat color, fat color, or odor over storage time. Acid-treated strip loins had significantly lower (P < 0.05) visible purge scores than control strip loins. Internal and external pH, vacuum, meat color, fat color, and odor were not affected by acid treatment. In a calculation of time-by-treatment interaction (P < 0.05), acid-sprayed strip loins had less percentage of purge than corresponding controls at 56 and 112 days of storage. Water-holding capacity decreased over 84 days of storage. Anaerobes, lactic acid-producing bacteria, and psychrotroph populations increased significantly (P < 0.05) over storage time but anaerobes and lactic acid-producing bacteria were reduced by acid treatment. Acid-sprayed strip loins had significantly lower aerobic (P < 0.05) and psychrotrophic (P < 0.1) populations than controls after 14 days. These data indicate that an acid spray immediately prior to packaging can reduce some species of bacteria without adversely affecting the physical properties of products stored for 112 days at -1°C.

Contact angles of water and methylene iodide were measured as a function of UV/O3 treatment time for three polymers: poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA), polycarbonate, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Surface roughnesses were also measured. Surface free energies were then calculated using relationships developed by Kaelble and Neumann. The surface energy of polycarbonate was found to increase (60 percent) during UV/O3 treatment. However, calculations on PMMA were hampered by the formation of a water soluble surface product. On PTFE surfaces, the UV/O3 treatment etched the surface causing large increases in surface roughness, rendering contact angle measurements impossible. It is concluded that care must be taken in interpreting contact angle measurements and surface energy calculations on UV/O3 treated polymer surfaces.

Fetal trophoblast cells were isolated from maternal peripheral blood by means of murine monoclonal antibodies of high specificity and affinity for human syncytiotrophoblast and nonvillous cytotrophoblast cells. The cells were isolated in sufficient numbers to allow polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the Y-chromosome-specific DNA sequence from the peripheral blood of thirteen pregnant women. The fetal sex predicted by PCR analysis of the isolated trophoblast cells accorded with that ascertained by karyotyping of chorionic villus samples in eleven of twelve women studied in early pregnancy and with the sex of the baby on delivery in one woman studied at 34 weeks' gestation. Isolation of these fetal cells could allow noninvasive diagnosis of a wide range of inherited disorders.

The advent of immunocontraceptives represents the first truly novel approach to the development of family planning methods in over 30 years. Such products would have many advantages over existing contraceptives in that they would not elicit metabolic disturbances, would provide long-acting (i.e. 6 to 12 months) protection from pregnancy, be easy to administer, be economical to manufacture and distribute, and could, depending on their composition, be used by either men or women. Several lines of research and development currently in progress are aimed at the development of safe and effective immunocontraceptives based on reproductive hormones, components of the gametes (sperm and ova) and products of the early pre-implantation conceptus. The only prototype immunocontraceptives to have reached the stage of clinical trials in women are those based on the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin, and in men that based on follicle-stimulating hormone. However, extensive research is also underway on immunocontraceptives based on sperm and ovum components for use by women, and on immunocontraceptives based on sperm components and gonadotropin-releasing hormone for use by men. Before such preparations can be made available for wide-scale use, further research is needed on ways to overcome genetically determined variations in individual immune responses so that protective responses of a predetermined duration can be elicited in all recipients. It is anticipated that these technical problems can be solved and the clinical testing of lead products will be completed in the next decade. Almost all of the financial support for the research and development of immunocontraceptives has been provided by academic institutions and public sector agencies. In general, the pharmaceutical industry has not been willing to engage in new contraceptive development, largely because of concerns about product liability claims, anticipated low profitability and/or the risk of negative publicity. Therefore, the further development, manufacture and distribution of immunocontraceptives will probably require the collaboration of public sector agencies, governments and industry in order to overcome the current paucity of effort being put into the development and provision of new, safe, effective and acceptable methods of family planning. The purpose of this review is to provide information on the current status of research and development of potential immunocontraceptives and to attempt to stimulate pharmaceutical companies to reassess their positions with regard to the development, manufacture and distribution of these products.

Duroc-cross pigs (n = 25) were assigned to one of three experimental finishing diets containing 0 (control), 40,000 (40), or 80,000 (80) IU of supplemental vitamin D3/kg of feed (as-fed basis)to test the effects of vitamin D3 on pork quality traits. Experimental diets were fed for 44 or 51 d before slaughter, and days on feed were blocked in the experimental design. A trend existed for pigs receiving the highest concentration of vitamin D3 supplementation to have a lower (P = 0.08) ADG (0.77 kg/d) compared with pigs fed either the 40-diet (0.88 kg/d) or control (0.92 kg/d). Diet did not (P0.10) affect backfat thickness measured along the midline, 10th-rib fat depth, longissimus muscle area, muscle score, or hot carcass weights. Longissimus pH, measured at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 24 h postmortem, was higher (P0.05) for pigs on the 80-diet than those fed the control diet. Longissimus muscle color, measured at 24 h postmortem, from pigs fed either the 40- or 80-diet were darker (lower L* values; P0.05) than those fed the control diet. Objective longissimus color scores were higher (P0.01), and firmness/wetness scores lower (P0.05), for pigs on the 80-diet as compared to those on the 40-diet or control diet. The diet had no (P0.10) effect on Warner-Bratzler shear force values; percentage of cook loss; or trained sensory panel evaluations for tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. Feeding the 80-diet increased (P0.05) plasma vitamin D3 and calcium after 2, 4, and 6 wk on feed compared with the control diet. Vitamin D3 and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 concentrations in the longissimus muscle increased (P = 0.001) with increasing vitamin D3 levels in the diet; however, muscle calcium concentrations and fiber type were not (P0.30) affected by diet. These results indicate that feeding supranutritional levels of vitamin D3 for at least 44 d improves pork color and increases pH, but may retard growth if fed at 80,000 IU/kg of feed.

Bacteria capable of emulsifying and utilizing triglyceride-containing waste generated from animal fat may have a significant impact on disposal. This type of waste, while not toxic, poses a significant disposal problem due to the large amount generated and slow rate of decay. Surfactants alone, either synthetic or biological, do not emulsify triglycerides and our study indicates that lipase activity alone is also not sufficient for emulsification. This investigation attempts to clarify what characteristics or combinations of characteristics are important to triglyceride emulsification and utilization. To that end, we developed a reproducible assay to screen individual bacterial isolates, bacterial consortia and microbe- or enzyme-based commercial products for their ability to emulsify an animal fat substrate. Over 100 strains and 54 commercial products were screened, and we report the finding of two strains of P. aeruginosa, which consistently emulsify large percentages of the substrate. Strain Pa64 consistently emulsified an average of 74.8% (n = 33) of the substrate, while strain DBX-3 consistently emulsified 34.7% (n = 22). However, when the cell numbers of the initial inoculum are increased, both strains emulsify the same amount of substrate in a 7-day incubation period, indicating a possible cell density or nutrient related characteristic required for emulsification. Qualitative analysis of the surfactants by thin layer chromatography demonstrated that both strains produce the same three rhamnolipids. TLC-FID was utilized to estimate total surfactant production and lipase activity in cell cultures of these strains grown on the triglyceride substrate. Results indicate significant surfactant production and lipase activity in situ.

The aim of this study was to determine whether cultured trophoblast tissues, derived from the trophectoderm of marmoset monkey blastocysts, contain homologues of human trophoblast antigens. This is an essential prerequisite to determine whether the marmoset may be a suitable model for preclinical testing of a human antitrophoblast antigen for fertility regulation. Previously evaluated monoclonal antibodies from the Flinders University laboratory, which reacted with human trophoblast with a high degree of specificity, were tested for immunohistochemical reactivity using an immunoperoxidase detection method on both frozen and paraformaldehyde-fixed sections of the cultured marmoset monkey trophoblast. All monoclonal antibodies raised against human placenta reacted positively, when compared to controls, suggesting that human and marmoset trophoblast cells share common epitopes. The specificity of the monoclonal antibodies was investigated by determining whether there was cross-reactivity with other marmoset monkey tissues, including adrenal, spleen, kidney, liver, muscle, ovary and testis. The specificities of the monoclonal antibodies on these marmoset tissues were similar to those previously found on the corresponding human tissues. We have concluded that marmoset monkey trophoblast exhibits homologues of human trophoblast antigens. The findings also suggest that marmoset monkeys should be evaluated further as a primate model to test suitable target antigens for antitrophoblast vaccines that may be useful contragestation agents in humans.

This study was designed to identify the intrapersonal, interpersonal and extrapersonal stressors of primary caregivers caring for a traumatic-head-injured person. Betty Neuman's (1989) theoretical model provides a conceptual framework for studying the relationship between stressors and the changing stress level of primary caregivers caring for a traumatic-head-injured person. The Appraisal Caregiving Scale and the Burden Interview were administered to 23 caregivers. Intrapersonal, interpersonal and extrapersonal stressors are identified. Caregivers differed in the changing stress level they experienced. Positive correlations were found between the intrapersonal stressors and the changing stress level and the interpersonal stressors and the changing stress level.

The basic principle of a contraceptive (or anti-fertility) vaccine is to use the body's own immune defence mechanisms to provide protection against an unplanned pregnancy. Factors such as: economic production, convenience of use, relatively long-lasting but reversible action, low failure rate, and the avoidance of mechanical devices or exogenous hormones make this approach a potentially attractive option for family planning programmes in both developing and developed countries. The major efforts in research and development have involved the prospect of active immunization against specific antigens of sperm, ovum, zygote and early embryo, and the pregnancy hormone hCG. Several anti-hCG vaccines have entered clinical trials and show promising results. These vaccines operate by preventing or interrupting pregnancy at the peri-implantation stage probably by neutralizing the luteotrophic action of hCG. The most refined vaccine is one directed against the unique C-terminal peptide on the beta-subunit of hCG. This vaccine provokes antibodies that are specific for hCG and do not cross react with hLH. Future research efforts aim to optimize the anti hCG approach, utilize new vaccine delivery systems, and broaden the spectrum of target antigens of potential utility for contraceptive vaccines.Immunological contraception has numerous potential advantages over currently available methods of family planning: choice of several sites of action in the reproductive process, including in the male; freedom from menstrual, systemic, metabolic, or endocrine sequelae; lack of interference with sexual response or activity; ease of administration, enabling distribution by paramedical personnel; sustained and defined duration of action; high intrinsic efficacy; reduced user failure; and economical production. On the other hand, diverse groups have expressed concerns about the potential for abuse by health authorities. At present, potentially feasible approaches to contraceptive vaccine development involve target antigens in the gametes, zygote, blastocyst, and early developing placenta. Recent advances in molecular genetics and hybridoma technology have provided impetus to anti-sperm and anti-ovum vaccine development. Moreover, several promising human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) vaccines have entered clinical trials. These vaccines prevent or interrupt pregnancy at the pre-implantation stage, probably by neutralizing the luteotrophic action of hCG. Future research will attempt to optimize the anti-hCG approach, utilize new vaccine development systems, and broaden the spectrum of target antigens.

Conductivity detection in CE has recently become available in a commercial CE instrument. The new conductivity cell is based on an end-capillary concept. The conductivity sensor and the detection end of the fused-silica capillary are permanently encapsulated in two individually modified coupling connectors (ConTip, ConCap [both from Orion Research, Boston, MA, U.S.A.]). This open-architecture cell permits interchangeability of sensors and capillaries, while maintaining a precisely defined detection volume between those two components when inserted into the detector cell block. The detector's performance is evaluated for sensitivity, linearity, and reproducibility using low-mobility electrolytes. Electropherograms comprising a variety of ionic class separations including inorganic and organic anions, organic surfactants, alkali metals, alkaline earths, transition metals, and organic amines are shown along with separations of actual samples.

The impact of a government-run program on our current health care system is not well understood by most Americans. Californians could be in for many unpleasant surprises should the single payer ballot initiative pass this November. The author examines how a single payer program attempts to meet the goals of health care reform and why it fails in many important aspects.

The individual health insurance market is in crisis. Among the possible options for reform, a managed competition approach offers the broadest, most comprehensive solution.

Insurance coverage denial and excessive premium rates have made the small employer health insurance market a popular target for sweeping reforms. Many proponents of small market insurance reform have advocated pure community rating by requiring carriers to charge the same rate to all of their customers as a solution. But legislating the use of pure community rating could do more harm than good in solving the problems of cost and access. A more sensible approach would limit rate differences through either rating bands or community rating by class.

The principle of vaccination for the purposes of fertility regulation is scientifically elegant and socially compelling. Factors such as economic production, convenience of use, relatively long-lasting but reversible protection, low failure rate and the avoidance of mechanical devices or exogenous hormones make this approach a potentially attractive option for family planning programmes in both developing and developed countries. The major efforts in research and development have involved the prospect of active immunization against specific antigens of sperm, oocyte, zygote and early embryo, and the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). Several anti-hCG vaccines have entered clinical trials. They operate by preventing or interrupting pregnancy at the peri-implantation stage probably by neutralizing the luteotrophic effect of hCG. The most refined vaccine is one directed against the unique C-terminal peptide on the beta-subunit of hCG. This vaccine provokes antibodies that are specific for hCG and do not cross-react with human luteinizing hormone (hLH). Preclinical studies in baboons and data from a phase I human trial indicate that this method is free of side-effects and provides the promise of a duration of effectiveness of up to 12 months. Future research will optimize the anti-hCG approach, utilize new vaccine delivery systems and broaden the spectrum of target antigens of potential utility for contraceptive vaccines.Theoretically, a vaccine for fertility regulation is possible. Family planning programs in developing and developed countries probably will find this fertility regulation approach attractive because of acceptability of the vaccine principle, large scale production at relatively low cost, convenience of use, relatively long-lasting but reversible protection, low failure rate, and the avoidance of mechanical devices or exogenous hormones. Research and development efforts revolve around the likelihood of active immunization against specific antigens of sperm, oocyte, zygote, and early embryo and the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Some anti-hCG vaccines are already being tested in clinical trials. These vaccines likely negate the luteotrophic effect of hCG at the peri-implantation stage, resulting in pregnancy prevention. The most advanced anti-hCG vaccine targets the unique C-terminal peptide on the beta-subunit of hCG. It stimulates hCG specific antibodies and does not cross-react with human luteinizing hormone. Baboon studies and phase I human trials show that this advanced vaccine does not cause side-effects and may be effective for up to 1 year. Future research centers on improving the anti-hCG approach, use of new vaccine delivery systems, and expanding the spectrum of target antigens of potential utility for contraceptive vaccines.

The carcass characteristics of 27 market barrows and 27 market gilts were evaluated at various times (n = 8) with real-time ultrasound (Aloka 210 DX) from approximately 20 kg until slaughter at three end points. The pigs were randomly assigned to slaughter weight groups of 91, 104.5, and 118 kg at weaning time. Correlations were determined over slaughter weight group and sex, and the accuracies of ultrasound measurements were also evaluated. The regressions of ultrasound 10th-rib fat and ultrasound longissimus muscle area on live weight were also developed. Correlations between actual and ultrasound-measured last-rib fat, 10th-rib fat, and longissimus muscle area were high (r = .91, .63, and .53, respectively; P less than .01). The accuracy of ultrasound longissimus muscle area prediction was lower for 118-kg pigs than for the two lighter groups, whereas the accuracy for prediction of last-rib fat was lower for 91-kg pigs than for the two heavier groups, as indicated by higher absolute differences (P less than .05). Last-rib fat and longissimus muscle area tended to be overestimated and 10th-rib fat tended to be underestimated by real-time ultrasound. Prediction of last-rib fat by ultrasound was more accurate for gilts than for barrows, as indicated by a lower absolute difference (P less than .05).

Acute systemic hypersensitivity reactions to semen are rare but may be life-threatening. Chronic or recurrent local reactions are more common and may be misdiagnosed as infective or nonspecific vaginitis. The antigen(s) involved in these reactions reside in a glycoprotein fraction of seminal plasma. Allergic vulvovaginitis may also occur in sensitized women when they are exposed to exogenous allergens such as drugs, food and infective agents during sexual activity. Skin testing and other relevant investigations are indicated when these disorders are suspected. Condom usage will prevent symptoms of coital allergy. Desensitization has had variable success in acute systemic hypersensitivity. Precoital antihistamines may modify local reactions.The focus of this study on coital allergy is on discussing the basis for and clinical implications of the immunological reactions that mediate allergic reactions to semen. Allergic reactions to antigens in seminal plasma occur in the case of acute systemic hypersensitivity (ACH), localized postcoital allergic seminal vulvovaginitis, and/or hypersensitivity to exogenous allergens in semen. In the few cases (30 cases at present), ACH may manifest itself in generalized urticaria, orbital and vulval edema, vulval and generalized pruritus, bronchospasm, lower abdominal pain, hypotension, and loss of consciousness. There may be a family history of atopy. Symptoms may appear over months or years before reaching a severe level. The usual case is the appearance after the 1st coital act or after a change in coital, genital, or reproductive occasions. It is not specific to a particular male partner. It may be self-limiting. Condom usage or abstinence may lead to abatement. Localized vulvovaginitis may occur simultaneously with ACH or exist alone. The symptoms are local pruritus, burning, swelling, erythema, and urticaria in varying degrees for up to a week and occur during or after coitus. Douching or vulval irrigations may ameliorate symptoms. Misdiagnosis as genital herpes or infective vulvovaginitis may occur in mild cases. Exogenous allergens derived from drugs, food, and other sources presenting in the semen may contribute to hypersensitivity. This is different from reactions to intrinsic components of seminal plasma. Vaginal exposure to chemical products such as soaps or to airborne particles such as pollen may produce allergic responses. Another possibility is that genital candidiasis may produce local Ige antibodies, and PGE2 induced suppression of cell-mediated immunity. The immunological mechanisms are described as type I hypersensitivity reactions with the antigen reacting with reaginic antibodies of the Ige class which are bound to mast cell or circulating basophils. The antigens and the immune reactions are specified. In the clinical diagnosis, the rare acute systemic form is obvious, but the atypical, recurrent, and intractable forms of vulvovaginitis require investigation with skin tests. Treatment may involve artificial insemination for those seeking pregnancy, immunotherapy, or antihistamines, rather than use of a condom or abstinence.

Since the mid 1970s, the World Health Organization's Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, through its Task Force on Vaccines for Fertility Regulation, has been supporting and coordinating the development of a birth control vaccine based on a synthetic peptide representing part of the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta-hCG). The majority of this work has been carried out in the laboratories of Dr V.C. Stevens at Ohio State University. This hCG vaccine has recently been tested for tolerability and immunogenicity in a phase I clinical trial, and a preliminary evaluation of the vaccine's efficacy in fertile women volunteers is currently being planned. This paper describes the preclinical and clinical testing of this vaccine and the problems and challenges presented by this novel preparation. These have included the need to carry out safety and efficacy studies in the baboon, and the difficulties of designing appropriate preclinical toxicity and immunosafety studies and clinical trial protocols in the absence of previous experience with vaccines of this type.

Article de synthese sur la maladie d'Alzheimer: description, atteintes neurologiques, deficit de la neurotransmission, aspect genetique, aspect clinique, mise en relation avec les autres troubles neurologiques, notamment le syndrome de Down et la maladie de Parkinson

A new topic of controversy was interjected into relations between the English crown and the community of the realm during the late thirteenth and the fourteenth centuries as a result of large scale purveyancing of victuals, military supplies, and transport to provision a nation at war. The old right of purveyance or prise-taking, which permitted the king, members of his family, royal officials, and the greater nobility to preempt foodstuffs and requisition carriage for their personal use, was transformed into an elaborate mechanism for supplying English armies fighting in Scotland and France. The conflict provoked by this institutional change dominated crown-community relations in England from the latter part of Edward I's reign forward through the reign of Edward II and much of Edward III's. In order to defend private property against royal purveyance, representatives of the community experimented—especially during the period 1297 to 1362—with several methods for restricting the practice. But efforts to regulate purveyance were hindered by the ambiguous nature of the king's right, which could be viewed both as a royal prerogative and as a simple act of buying necessities for the king and his court. Further, depending on its scope and extent, purveyance by the crown could be seen either as a means of provisioning the household alone or as a form of national taxation applicable to the country at large. Occasionally during this period the community equated purveyance with regular taxation and tried to subject it to parliamentary control. Eventually, however, the nation was compelled to accept the view of purveyance as a commercial arrangement between English kings and their subjects based on the more or less legitimate right of the crown to take goods and services by forced loan or under promise of future payment. Accordingly, attempts to regulate it assumed the form of legislation designed to assure the prompt compensation of sellers, the accountability of the king's agents, and the punishment of corruption.

Summary: The ferning test for the detection of amniotic fluid, when first described, was reported to have no false positive results. Despite this and after initial enthusiasm it has never achieved widespread use. The test is easy to perform but interpretation requires care, and it is necessary to identify potentially confusing crystallization patterns to avoid false positive results. A reevaluation of the test is presented and a hitherto unrecognized false positive reaction due to an antiseptic solution* is reported.

Rabbits were induced to ovulate by injection with hCG and vascular corrosion casts of the oviducts were examined by scanning electron microscopy after 24 and 48 h, when the ova would be expected to be at the ampullary-isthmic junction, and traversing the isthmus respectively. At 24 h there was dilatation of the isthmic subserosal venous plexus. It is suggested that venous distension in the isthmic subserosal venous plexus, due to raised venous pressure or to reduced venous wall tone, may occlude the isthmic lumen to ova, and thus explain the known pre-isthmic delay in ovum transport. By 48 h after hCG, distension was no longer evident, consistent with the possibility of ovum transport.

A 2 × 2 factorial design was used to study the effect of tenderization and liquid smoke on sensory and physical attribution of a fully cooked restructured pork item. The lean and fat mass was removed intact within 30 min postmortem from sow carcasses and assigned to a tenderized or non-tenderized treatment with and without liquid smoke. The four treatment groups were: non-tenderized, no liquid smoke (NTNS); non-tenderized with liquid smoke (NTS); tenderized, no liquid smoke (TNS); and tenderized with liquid smoke (TS). Mechanical tenderization was accomplished 1 h postmortem and the two original portions were subdivided for a 1% acid-neutralized liquid smoke treatment. Total processing time from exsanguination to a fully cooked product was 8 h. There were no differences (P>0.05) among any of the treatments for cohesiveness, juiciness, flavor or connective tissue scores or cooking loss. The TNS treatment had higher (P

A shock tube's driver gas can apparently provide flow with turbulent bursts. The fluctuations are interpreted using a boundary layer model of contact surface flow and results form a kinetic theory of turbulence. With this, a lower limit of 4 on the ratio of maximum to minimum turbulent intensities in contact surface instabilities has been estimated.

SummaryTwo hundred and sixty antenatal cardiotocograms on 68 ‘at risk’ antenatal patients were evaluated against 3 definitions of fetal outcome. Reactivity was defined by a single fetal heart rate acceleration of at least 15 beats per minute above the baseline lasting at least 15 seconds. The low sensitivity of a non-reactive antenatal cardiotocogram precludes its application as a screening procedure or as confirmation of a compromised fetus. The excellent specificity of a reactive antenatal cardiotocogram reassures the clinician that the fetus is not compromised. Cardiotocography performed closer to the onset of labour predicts the likelihood of intrapartum fetal distress more accurately.

The magnetoresistance of bulk and epitaxial films of YIG(Si) has been previously reported by us (Ref. 10). These results can be summarized by the cubic expression ΔR/R=kl(α2iβ2i–αiαjβiβj) where kl at 300°K is between −0.002 and −0.02 and essentially independent of the value of the applied field once the sample is saturated. Similar results have now been obtained for Eu3Fe5O12 (Si) and Eu2.9Lu0.1Fe5O12(Si). The behavior of Tb3Fe5O12(Si) is dominated by additional phenomena. The relatively large field independent term observed in YIG(Si) is small here. However there is a large, isotropic field dependent term and ‖ΔR‖ increases linearly with H. The value of (1/R) (dR/dH) is positive at 300°K and increases with decreasing T. At the compensation temperature this quantity abruptly changes sign and then decreases rapidly with decreasing T. The absolute value of (1/R)(dR/dH) is continuous except for a break right at the compensation temperature. (It is interesting to note that the addition of Si in the sample dis...