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Non- aureus staphylococci and the closely related mammaliicoccal species (NASM) are the most common causes of bovine subclinical mastitis on modern dairy farms and are highly prevalent in bulk-tank milk. The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution of NASM in both composite cow milk (CCM) and bulk-tank milk (BTM) samples collected in tandem in commercial Flemish dairy herds and to estimate the origin of the different (subgroups of) NASM species present in BTM by applying strain typing (random amplification of polymorphic DNA or random amplified DNA [RAPD]). A single cross-sectional sampling was performed over 5 herds that volunteered to participate in the study. Composite cow milk samples (n = 356) were collected from all lactating cows (except those with clinical mastitis) during a milking in tandem with 6 BTM samples per herd sequentially collected immediately post that milking (n = 30). In total, 421 and 80 NASM isolates were recovered and identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry from the CCM and BTM samples, respectively and a total of 21 and 12 different NASM species were identified from CCM and BTM samples, respectively. Staphylococcus cohnii was the most prevalent NASM species found in BTM followed by Staphylococcus haemolyticus , Staphylococcus epidermidis , Mammaliicoccus lentus , and Staphylococcus equorum , whereas from CCM samples the most common species were S. hemolyticus , S. cohnii , S. equorum , S. epidermidis , and Staphylococcus chromogenes. The prevalent NASM species in both CCM and BTM samples was distinct for each herd, corroborating other studies observing a herd-specific NASM microbiota. Random amplified DNA analysis was performed on 9 NASM species (S. chromogenes , S. epidermidis , S. haemolyticus , S. equorum , Mammaliicoccus sciuri , Staphylococcus xylosus , S. cohnii , Staphylococcus debuckii , and M. lentus) because these species were isolated from both sample types in a herd. The same RAPD types were found in both sample types for all NASM species selected for strain typing in varying degrees. When assessing the distribution of NASM species, differences within NASM species should be examined meaning a closer look should be taken at the strain level rather than at the species level only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tularaemia is a highly contagious infectious zoonosis caused by the bacterial agent Francisella tularensis . The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of antibodies to F. tularensis in febrile patients in northeastern Kenya. During 2014–2015, 730 patients were screened for anti- F. tularensis antibodies using a combination of ELISA and Western blot. Twenty-seven (3.7%) individuals were positive for F. tularensis . Tularaemia was not suspected by the treating clinicians in any of them. Our results suggest that tularaemia may be present in Kenya but remain unreported, and emphasizes the need for local clinicians to broaden their diagnostic repertoire when evaluating patients with undifferentiated febrile illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landslides affect millions of people worldwide, but theoretical and empirical studies on the impact of landslides remain scarce, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study proposes and applies a method to estimate the direct impact of landslides on household income and to investigate the presence of specific risk sharing and mitigation strategies towards landslides in a tropical and rural environment. An original cross-sectional household survey is used in combination with geographical data to acquire detailed information on livelihoods and on hazards in the Rwenzori mountains, Uganda. Ordinary least square regressions and probit estimations with village fixed effects are used to estimate the impact of landslides and the presence of mitigation strategies. Geographical information at household level allows to disentangle the direct impact from the indirect effects of landslides. We show that the income of affected households is substantially reduced during the first years after a landslide has occurred. We find that members of recently affected households participate more in wage-employment or in self-employed activities, presumably to address income losses following a landslide. Yet, we see that these jobs do not provide sufficient revenue to compensate for the loss of income from agriculture. Given that landslides cause localized shocks, finding a significant direct impact in our study indicates that no adequate risk sharing mechanisms are in place in the Rwenzori sub-region. These insights are used to derive policy recommendations for alleviating the impact of landslides in the region. By quantifying the direct impact of landslides on household income in an agricultural context in Africa this study draws the attention towards a problem that has been broadly underestimated so far and provides a sound scientific base for disaster risk reduction in the region. Both the methodology and the findings of this research are applicable to other tropical regions with high landslide densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fragmentation pattern of the iodine-containing moleculesandfollowing a strong multiphoton excitation in the vicinity of the iodine 4d giant resonance regime is studied using soft X-ray free electron laser radiation. A strong difference of the charge distribution and the kinetic energy release (KER) for the two molecules is found. The effects can be attributed to charge rearrangement processes induced by the photoexcitation. The difference in the observed distribution for higher charge states of iodine and carbon fragments is consistent with an over-the-barrier model for the charge rearrangement in the dissociating molecules. The KER for singly ionised carbon fragments indicates an ultrafast charge rearrangement before the dissociation starts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oxidative stress with dysregulated inflammation are hallmarks of sepsis. Zinc and selenium have important antioxidant functions, such that they could be important in patients with sepsis. We used an in vitro approach to assess the effect of zinc and selenium on oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and inflammatory responses in conditions mimicking sepsis and related the findings to plasma concentrations and biomarkers in patients with and without sepsis. Methods: Human endothelial cells were exposed to a range of zinc and selenium concentrations in conditions mimicking sepsis. Zinc, selenium, and a series of biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation were measured in plasma from critically ill patients with and without sepsis. Results: Culturing cells with different concentrations of zinc caused altered zinc transporter protein expression and cellular zinc content, and selenium affected glutathione peroxidase 3 activity. Although zinc or selenium at physiological concentrations had no effect on interleukin-6 release in vitro, higher concentrations of the trace elements were associated with improved mitochondrial function. Plasma zinc and selenium concentrations were low in patients [zinc: median (range) 4.6 (2.1-6.5) μM in control patients without sepsis and 3.1 (1.5-5.4) μM in patients with sepsis, P=0.002; and selenium: 0.78 (0.19- 1.32) μM in control patients and 0.42 (0.22-0.91) μM in sepsis patients, P=0.0009]. Plasma concentrations of interleukin-6, other biomarkers of inflammation, and markers of oxidative damage to proteins and lipids were elevated, particularly in patients with sepsis, and were inversely related to plasma zinc and selenium concentrations. Conclusions: Zinc and selenium concentrations were reduced in critically ill patients, with increased oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers, particularly in patients with sepsis. Oxidative stress as a result of suboptimal selenium and zinc concentrations might contribute to damage of key proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensors play a crucial role in the future of dairy farming. Modern dairy farms today are equipped with many different sensors for milk yield, body weight, activity, and even milk composition. The challenge, however, is to translate signals from these sensors into relevant information for the farmer. Because the measured values for an individual cow show nonstationary behavior, the concepts of statistical process control, which are commonly used in industry, cannot be used directly. The synergistic control concept overcomes this problem by on-line (real-time) modeling of the process and application of statistical process control to the residuals between the measured and modeled values. In this study, the synergistic control concept was developed and tested for early detection of anomalies in dairy cows based on detection of shifts in milk yield. Compared with the combination of visual observation and milk conductivity measurements, the developed strategy had a sensitivity of 63% for detecting clinical mastitis. Consequently, this technique could have added value on many farms, as it extracts practical information out of inexpensive data that are already available. As it can be easily extended to other measured parameters, the technique shows potential for early detection of other nutrition and health problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress and diseases have the potential to influence the deposition of eggshell pigmentation during egg formation. Therefore, defining the shell color of eggs on a daily basis could be a representative method for monitoring stress or health status of a flock and maintaining good performance. A novel way of measuring eggshell color based on visible-near infrared transmission spectroscopy transmission spectra was defined: the transmission color value (TCV). The TCV was calculated as the ratio between the transmission at 643 nm (maximum absorbance of the pigmentation molecule protoporphyrin IX) and the transmission at 610 nm (a reference wavelength). Experiments were carried out to investigate the relevance of TCV for monitoring flock stress and health or even anticipating any factors unfavorable to performance. In 2 small experimental flocks, deliberate heat stress challenges were applied. A medium-scale experimental flock in an aviary was monitored on a daily basis during the whole productive period. From the deliberate heat stress challenges, it was seen that stress had a significant effect on eggshell pigmentation. This observation was confirmed in a daily monitored flock, in which, for example, an infectious bronchitis infection occurred. These stress situations were quickly reflected by an increased TCV value: more transmission due to less pigmentation and hence less absorbance at the pigmentation wavelength. Furthermore, for the observed problems in the daily monitoring, the TCV value signaled the problem earlier (4 d) than the average egg weight or even signaled when the other parameters did not signal anything. Measuring the TCV of all eggs produced on a daily basis provides relevant information on the stress or health status of a flock of brown layers. This could be used as an early detection of stress situations or emerging diseases, even before important quality and health damage can occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Monitoring livestock production processes by means of statistical control charts can provide an important support for management. The non-stationary and autocorrelated characteristics of most data originating from such processes impede the direct introduction of these data into control charts. To deal with these characteristics Engineering Process Control strategies can be applied. Stationarity was achieved by modelling and subtracting the time dependent trend using a non-linear model. Next, the autocorrelation structure in the residual data is modelled and corrected for by means of an ARMA model. The resulting corrected stationary and independent residuals are then inserted in the traditional cusum control scheme. This combined use of Engineering Process Control strategies for modelling the unconventional statistical characteristics and Statistical Process Control strategies for constructing the control chart based on the resulting pre-processed data, is referred to as a Synergistic Control strategy. The developed cusum control chart was tested on data of two layer flocks. In both cases the control chart provided alarms for important problems in production and furthermore signalled problems that remained unnoticed by the layer managers. The amount of false alarms was acceptable. With this control scheme and the scheme of the average egg weight, control procedures for two important output parameters of the production process of consumption eggs are available. Furthermore, this strategy could provide a possible solution for other process parameters that also display non-stationarity and autocorrelation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Both animal dependent and non-dependent factors and their interactions have an effect on the quality of consumption eggs. With the recent development of fast, objective and non-destructive measurement methods for egg quality, extensive information on all input and output aspects of the production process of consumption eggs are available. This enables the application of the concepts of statistical process control (SPC), such as control charts, in order to detect anomalies. In this paper a quality control chart is presented for the daily monitoring of the average egg weight. In a first step for the design of the control chart, a non-linear model was developed to detect the natural increasing trend of the egg weight with the increasing hen age. This trend was then subtracted from the measured egg weight and the residual values were inserted into a cusum control chart. The data originating for two flocks of laying hens, a small flock (72 hens, deliberately subjected to challenges), and a large-scale experimental flock (500 hens) in an aviary housing, were used to evaluate the developed control charts. The results show that the quality control chart enables to quickly detect a decrease of the average egg weight. Similar algorithms for all variables on both input and output will make it possible to monitor the whole egg laying process to detect or to prevent a decreasing egg quality and hence increase profits for the poultry farmer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We first tried to monitor the critical points for eggshell breakage in different logistic chains. Second, we examined whether there was a difference in eggshell strength among eggs produced in different housing systems. Finally, we developed a model to investigate the relation between eggshell strength and the likelihood of an egg cracking during handling and grading. Four logistic chains with different housing systems (battery cages, furnished cages, aviary, and free-range), all housing Bovans Goldline chickens in their mid-lay (45 wk), were compared. In every chain, a randomized set of 1,500 eggs was sampled, and the strength was defined. At every critical point in every logistic chain, the eggs were reexamined for breakage. The classic and furnished cage systems showed the highest percentage of breakage directly at point of lay (6.73 and 10.72%), whereas the other systems showed lower breakage (1.94% in the aviary and 1.99% in the free-range system). Further, in the logistic chain, grading and packing of the eggs generated the second highest percentage of breakage (from 1.50 to 2.65%). Breakage due to transportation ranged from 0.16 to 2.65%. There was a significant difference among the eggshell strength (shell stiffness and damping ratio) of eggs from chickens in different housing systems, showing eggs from chickens in the aviary system to be stronger than cage eggs (classic and furnished) and free-range eggs to be weaker than the other eggs. A significant correlation was found between eggshell strength and the likelihood of breakage in the production chains. In conclusion, it was first shown that, besides the laying, packing of the eggs is a critical point in the logistic chain of consumption eggs; second, the strength of the eggs in the different housing systems differed, and, finally, the eggshell stiffness and damping ratio of consumption eggs are an acceptable measure for rapid eggshell quality assessment and could provide a good predictive value for eggshell breakage in all types of table egg production chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last 20 yr, different methods for detecting defects in eggs were developed. Until now, no satisfying technique existed to sort and quantify dirt on eggshells. The work presented here focuses on the design of an off-line computer vision system to differentiate and quantify the presence of different dirt stains on brown eggs: dark (feces), white (uric acid), blood, and yolk stains. A system that provides uniform light exposure around the egg was designed. In this uniform light, pictures of dirty and clean eggs were taken, stored, and analyzed. The classification was based on a few standard logical operators, allowing for a quick implementation in an online set-up. In an experiment, 100 clean and 100 dirty eggs were used to validate the classification algorithm. The designed vision system showed an accuracy of 99% for the detection of dirt stains. Two percent of the clean eggs had a light-colored eggshell and were subsequently mistaken for showing large white stains. The accuracy of differentiation of the different kinds of dirt stains was 91%. Of the eggs with dark stains, 10.81% were mistaken for having bloodstains, and 33.33% of eggs with bloodstains were mistaken for having dark stains. The developed system is possibly a first step toward an on line dirt evaluation technique for brown eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using acoustic resonance analysis, it is possible to detect embryonic development. In fertile eggs, the resonant frequency suddenly decreases after about 100 h of incubation. Previous research has shown that this decrease coincides with changing mechanical properties of the albumen near the shell, caused by the formation of subembryonic fluid (SEF). In the present experiment, the adhesive forces between the shell, the membranes, and the albumen were measured before and after the decrease in the resonant frequency. The adhesive forces between shell and outer membrane and between the 2 membranes remained constant, whereas the adhesive force between the inner membrane and the albumen, indirectly measured by a Kjeldahl analysis, increased significantly. Whether the decrease in resonant frequency is caused by the increase of adhesive force between albumen and inner membrane or by the changed properties of the membranes (both of which are altered by dehydration of the albumen) is still open for discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The effect of high temperature on eggshell quality was investigated by measuring the mechanical and material properties of shell and membranes. 2. Heat exposure resulted in a decrease in zootechnical performance and eggshell thickness, increase in egg breakage, and unchanged egg shape index. 3. The static stiffness ( K stat ), dynamic stiffness ( K dyn ) and modulus of elasticity of the eggshell were not significantly affected by high temperature. Membrane prolongation increased significantly while membrane attachment strength and breakage strength tended to decrease and increase, respectively. The relationships between these variables were changed by high temperature. 4. Neither K stat nor K dyn could give a reasonable explanation for the changed eggshell quality induced by heat stress. The decreased eggshell thickness and changed properties of shell membrane may be responsible, at least partially, for the decreased shell quality of eggs from heat-stressed hens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In remotely sensed images, mixed pixels will always be present. Soft classification defines the membership degree of these pixels for the different land cover classes. Sub-pixel mapping is a technique designed to use the information contained in these mixed pixels to obtain a sharpened image. Pixels are divided into sub-pixels, representing the land cover class fractions. Genetic algorithms combined with the assumption of spatial dependence assign a location to every sub-pixel. The algorithm was tested on synthetic and degraded real imagery. Obtained accuracy measures were higher compared with conventional hard classifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the early days of haemophilia therapy, laboratory measurements have played a crucial role in the development and control of optimal treatment regimens. In particular, the availability of concentrates on a global basis from a wide variety of sources necessitated the standardization of the measurement of factor (F) VIII and factor IX activity in various products, because recommended dosages are in units of factor activity. The ability to measure factor levels accurately in patients' plasma is important both for diagnostic purposes and to follow the effects of treatment with concentrates. The detection and quantification of inhibitors is also of crucial importance, as it has an impact on decisions about appropriate treatment. This article focuses on the standardization of assays used in the treatment of haemophilia A, with particular emphasis on assays of FVIII in concentrates and post-infusion plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus chromogenes TA showed significantly lower growth under iron-deprived conditions, and adding an iron supplement (lactoferrin or ferritin) resulted in no improvement in growth; in contrast, growth of S. chromogenes IM was significantly recovered with ferritin iron supplementation. Only Staphylococcus hominis strains originating from quarter milk were able to significantly utilize ferritin as an iron source to reverse the growth inhibition caused by chelating agent 2,2ʹ-bipyridyl in varying degrees. Both S. chromogenes strains (IM and TA) and all S. hominis strains were unable to significantly use lactoferrin as an iron source for growth recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applying transmission Kikuchi diffraction (TKD) allows us to fundamentally investigate the Si-doped-hafnium-oxide (HSO) microstructure that results from the interface layer present in ferroelectric field-effect transistors. In addition to the predominant orthorhombic phase, dendritic HSO grains larger than 100 nm govern the microstructure composition. Furthermore, the observed strong out-of-plane texture aligned along the [110] and [011] axis clearly differs from features found in hafnium oxide thin films grown on TiN layers. Our TKD analysis shows that the texture intensity strongly varies for samples annealed at different temperatures. Additionally, intra-granular misorientation and chemical composition analyses of the layers provide insight into the crystallization process of these ferroelectric thin films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the barrier characteristics of 3 external teat sealants for dry cows in preventing bacterial penetration by 3 common major mastitis pathogens (Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus , and Streptococcus uberis) via a novel in vitro simulation model using rubber calf-feeding nipples. All feeding nipples were filled with a sterile cotton plug soaked in sterile broth heart infusion medium and were treated as follows: rubber teats 1 and 5 were sealed with Ubera Dry (Inovet, Arendonk, Belgium); rubber teats 2 and 6 were sealed with T-Hexx Dry (Huvepharma Livestock, St. Louis, MO); rubber teats 3 and 7 were sealed with Uddergold Dry (Ecolab Food and Beverage Division, St. Paul, MN); and rubber teats 4 and 8 remained unsealed and served as positive and negative controls, respectively. After the dips had dried, rubber teats 1 to 4 were immersed in a suspension of E. coli (experiment 1), Staph. aureus (experiment 2), or Strep. uberis (experiment 3; ≥1.5 × 108 cfu/mL) for 24 h, whereas rubber teats 5 to 8 were not exposed to the bacterial suspensions. All external teat sealants adhered well to the rubber teats. All cotton plugs collected from the teats that were not exposed to E. coli , Staph. aureus , or Strep. uberis (rubber teats 5 to 8) remained culture-negative, except for 1 (due to contamination). Of the rubber teats that were exposed to the major mastitis pathogens, all cotton plugs collected from the teats dipped with Ubera Dry and T-Hexx Dry remained culture-negative for the mastitis pathogen they were exposed to. The cotton plugs of the rubber teats that were sealed with Uddergold Dry and exposed to E. coli and Strep. uberis showed positive cultures for the respective bacteria, as demonstrated using strain-typing. The cotton plugs collected from the rubber teats that were not sealed with an external teat sealant and that served as positive controls became culture-positive for the mastitis pathogens they were exposed to. We conclude that Ubera Dry showed comparable and superior barrier performance against penetration of E. coli , Staph. aureus , and Strep. uberis compared with T-Hexx Dry and Uddergold Dry, respectively, under in vitro conditions using a novel in vitro simulation model. Although one should be aware that the method has not yet been validated to predict risk of intramammary infections, the proposed technique can be a meaningful starting point to evaluate and compare the barrier characteristics of external teat sealants in preventing bacterial penetration. A large-scale clinical trial is needed before any definite conclusions can be drawn as to the adherence, duration of adherence, barrier performance, and efficacy in protection against intramammary infections of the 3 external teat sealants under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A compact low-noise quadrature receiver for 24 GHz ISM applications in 0.13 µm CMOS technology is presented. The chip offers a conversion gain of 18 dB and a noise figure of 5 dB. The differential circuit consumes only 24 mW from a single 1.5 V supply. The low-noise amplifier, two mixers and on-chip quadrature generation are integrated on a minimal chip area of 0.48 mm2 including pads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus hominis , a member of the non- aureus staphylococci (NAS) group, is part of the human and animal microbiota. Although it has been isolated from multiple bovine-associated habitats, its relevance as a cause of bovine mastitis is currently not well described. To successfully colonize and proliferate in the bovine mammary gland, a bacterial species must be able to acquire iron from host iron-binding proteins. The aims of this study were (1) to assess the genetic diversity of S. hominis isolated from bovine quarter milk, rectal feces, and teat apices, and (2) to investigate the capacity of bovine S. hominis isolates belonging to these different habitats to utilize ferritin and lactoferrin as iron sources. To expand on an available collection of bovine S. hominis isolates (2 from quarter milk, 8 from rectal feces, and 19 from teat apices) from one commercial dairy herd, a subsequent single cross-sectional quarter milk sampling (n = 360) was performed on all lactating cows (n = 90) of the same herd. In total, 514 NAS isolates were recovered and identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry; the 6 most prevalent NAS species were S. cohnii (33.9%), S. sciuri (16.7%), S. haemolyticus (16.3%), S. xylosus (9.6%), S. equorum (9.4%), and S. hominis (3.5%). A random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was performed on 46 S. hominis isolates (19 from quarter milk, 8 from rectal feces, and 19 from teat apices). Eighteen distinct RAPD fingerprint groups were distinguished although we were unable to detect the presence of the same RAPD type in all 3 habitats. One S. hominis isolate of a distinct RAPD type unique to a specific habitat (8 from quarter milk, 3 from rectal feces, and 4 from teat apices) along with the quality control strain Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and 2 well-studied Staphylococcus chromogenes isolates ("IM" and "TA") were included in the phenotypical iron test. All isolates were grown in 4 types of media: iron-rich tryptic soy broth, iron-rich tryptic soy broth deferrated by 2,2'-bipyridyl, and deferrated tryptic soy broth supplemented with human recombinant lactoferrin or equine spleen–derived ferritin. The growth of the different strains was modified by the medium in which they were grown. Staphylococcus chromogenes TA showed significantly lower growth under iron-deprived conditions, and adding an iron supplement (lactoferrin or ferritin) resulted in no improvement in growth; in contrast, growth of S. chromogenes IM was significantly recovered with iron supplementation. Staphylococcus hominis strains from all 3 habitats were able to significantly utilize ferritin but not lactoferrin as an iron source to reverse the growth inhibition, in varying degrees, caused by the chelating agent 2,2'-bipyridyl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus hominis , a member of the non- aureus staphylococci (NAS) group, is part of the human and animal microbiota. Although it has been isolated from multiple bovine-associated habitats, its relevance as a cause of bovine mastitis is currently not well described. To successfully colonize and proliferate in the bovine mammary gland, a bacterial species must be able to acquire iron from host iron-binding proteins. The aims of this study were (1) to assess the genetic diversity of S. hominis isolated from bovine quarter milk, rectal feces, and teat apices, and (2) to investigate the capacity of bovine S. hominis isolates belonging to these different habitats to utilize ferritin and lactoferrin as iron sources. To expand on an available collection of bovine S. hominis isolates (2 from quarter milk, 8 from rectal feces, and 19 from teat apices) from one commercial dairy herd, a subsequent single cross-sectional quarter milk sampling (n = 360) was performed on all lactating cows (n = 90) of the same herd. In total, 514 NAS isolates were recovered and identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry; the 6 most prevalent NAS species were S. cohnii (33.9%), S. sciuri (16.7%), S. haemolyticus (16.3%), S. xylosus (9.6%), S. equorum (9.4%), and S. hominis (3.5%). A random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was performed on 46 S. hominis isolates (19 from quarter milk, 8 from rectal feces, and 19 from teat apices). Eighteen distinct RAPD fingerprint groups were distinguished although we were unable to detect the presence of the same RAPD type in all 3 habitats. One S. hominis isolate of a distinct RAPD type unique to a specific habitat (8 from quarter milk, 3 from rectal feces, and 4 from teat apices) along with the quality control strain Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and 2 well-studied Staphylococcus chromogenes isolates ("IM" and "TA") were included in the phenotypical iron test. All isolates were grown in 4 types of media: iron-rich tryptic soy broth, iron-rich tryptic soy broth deferrated by 2,2'-bipyridyl, and deferrated tryptic soy broth supplemented with human recombinant lactoferrin or equine spleen–derived ferritin. The growth of the different strains was modified by the medium in which they were grown. Staphylococcus chromogenes TA showed significantly lower growth under iron-deprived conditions, and adding an iron supplement (lactoferrin or ferritin) resulted in no improvement in growth; in contrast, growth of S. chromogenes IM was significantly recovered with iron supplementation. Staphylococcus hominis strains from all 3 habitats were able to significantly utilize ferritin but not lactoferrin as an iron source to reverse the growth inhibition, in varying degrees, caused by the chelating agent 2,2'-bipyridyl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The setup and first results from commissioning of a fast online photon energy spectrometer for the vacuum ultraviolet free electron laser at Hamburg (FLASH) at DESY are presented. With the use of the latest advances in detector development, the presented spectrometer reaches readout frequencies up to 1 MHz. In this paper, we demonstrate the ability to record online photon energy spectra on a shot-to-shot base in the multi-bunch mode of FLASH. Clearly resolved shifts in the mean wavelength over the pulse train as well as shot-to-shot wavelength fluctuations arising from the statistical nature of the photon generating self-amplified spontaneous emission process have been observed. In addition to an online tool for beam calibration and photon diagnostics, the spectrometer enables the determination and selection of spectral data taken with a transparent experiment up front over the photon energy of every shot. This leads to higher spectral resolutions without the loss of efficiency or photon flux by using single-bunch mode or monochromators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dawning era of novel recombinant factor VIII and factor IX concentrates, many of which have been bioengineered to achieve prolonged activity, brings with it the need to consider the most appropriate clinical laboratory approaches for potency assignment, as well as the measurement of postinfusion levels. This session will highlight the known limitations and inconsistencies between existing assay methodologies with respect to currently available products, and discuss some of the early data with respect to the novel agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dawning era of novel recombinant factor VIII and factor IX concentrates, many of which have been bioengineered to achieve prolonged activity, brings with it the need to consider the most appropriate clinical laboratory approaches for potency assignment, as well as the measurement of postinfusion levels. This session will highlight the known limitations and inconsistencies between existing assay methodologies with respect to currently available products, and discuss some of the early data with respect to the novel agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viscosity values of albumen reported in the literature are difficult to compare because different shear rates and different methods of sample preparation have been adopted. Therefore, we first investigated the effect of shear rate on the viscosity measurements of thick albumen. For intact albumen, a large intersample fluctuation in viscosity with increasing shear rate was observed. Furthermore, a large hysteresis effect was observed, indicating that the structural properties were substantially altered by the rotational behavior of the rotor. From this, we concluded that to obtain reliable measurements, the albumen needed to be mixed. After mixing, a smooth evolution in viscosity with increasing shear rate was observed. Compared with intact albumen, the hysteresis effect was smaller but still present. We next investigated the correlation between albumen viscosity and Haugh units. For this, we compared the viscosity of fresh eggs with the viscosity of eggs stored for 24 d at a temperature of 18°C. The Haugh units were first determined, and the viscosity was next determined on mixed albumen at a shear rate of 200 rad/s. Mean viscosity equaled 0.0304 and 0.0181 Pa/s for fresh eggs and eggs stored for 24 d, respectively. The decrease in viscosity during storage was significant (α = 0.05). Furthermore, we observed that the correlation between Haugh units and viscosity measured on the same egg was low. Fresh eggs having comparable Haugh units differed substantially in their measured viscosities, whereas for stored eggs, the Haugh units differed substantially but the viscosities were comparable. It is unlikely that the very large variation in rheological properties observed among fresh eggs reflects the natural variation in albumen freshness present after lay. Results suggest that these differences were partly due to the structural changes caused by albumen sampling and by the turning motion of the rotor. We conclude that determination of the rheological properties of albumen is practically infeasible and that albumen viscosity cannot be used as an index for albumen freshness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: During the incubation of an avian egg, water vapour, oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged through the porous shell of the incubated egg. Due to the high variability of the eggshell conductance (G), large variation in exchange rates are present and hence a significant number of eggs are incubated in suboptimal conditions for humidity and partial pressures of carbon dioxide. Because there is no reliable technique to measure G in a non-destructive and fast way, the direct adaptation of the ambient conditions during incubation in relation to the G of the incubated eggs is not yet possible and this has repercussions on both the hatchability and chick quality. In the present research, two non-destructive and fast techniques, the Acoustic Resonance Technique (ART) and the measurement of light transmission through the egg, are used to estimate G. It was found that the dynamic stiffness of the egg (k dyn) and the optical transmission at 611nm are the parameters with the highest predictive power when estimating G. Although this model is highly significant (P <0.0001), the R-value for the best model is only moderate (R =0.67). This indicates that there are still other parameters involved in the eggshell conductance that are not measurable by the ART and transmission of light. However, with the presented combination of non-destructive techniques, different classes of eggs based on their shell conductance could be created and incubated separately. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this manuscript, a new tool is presented for automatic monitoring of the hatching process of eggs without opening the incubator doors. The amount of energy in the noise produced by the hatchlings was registered by means of a microphone and a personal computer for signal treatment. Evidence is shown that it is possible to detect exactly when the first chicks are hatched, the mean hatching time, and the finish of hatch. The information generated by this tool can be used by the hatchery manager to make the decision to end the incubation at the right moment, resulting in a higher number of first quality chicks without the risk of a reduced hatchability due to too early termination of the incubation process. The presented research also shows evidence that there is already a circadian rhythm in the newborn hatchling even when no external stimulus is present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate analytical formulas for the self and mutual inductance of rectangular wires, that only require basic arithmetic expressions, are presented. The main objective of these formulas is their use as user defined parameterised expressions in Spice and similar applications, offering a convenient way to simulate and optimise the inductive behaviour of on-chip metal wires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on a case of a 48-year-old man who presented with acute Q fever infection after burying two fawn cadavers ( Capreolus capreolus ). Recent outbreaks of Q fever in Europe have been traced back to intensive goat breeding units, sheep flocks in the proximity of highly populated urban areas or to farmed deer. To our knowledge, this is the first case report describing Q fever infection in a human linked to roe deer as a source of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A revision of the data used to build the Caspian Sea level curve over the last 2200 years BP has been made based on a combination of geological and archaeo-historical data, using only those for which sufficient metadata were available. This compilation is completed by new sedimentological and palynological data from the south-east corner of the Caspian Sea, especially close to the known termini of the Sasanian Gorgan and Tammisheh Walls. A new calibration of the radiocarbon dates was used, i.e. with a freshwater offset reservoir of 351 ± 33 years. A literature survey of the Derbent lowstand indicated that this term has different definitions, depending on authors; it is thus to be used with caution. Here we therefore prefer to distinguish the mid-Sasanian lowstand and the later Medieval moderate lowstand. The "2600 years BP highstand" has not been found, mostly due to the calibration or recalibration of the datapoints used; data are indeed lacking at that time. Instead, a younger Parthian highstand (around 50 BC–50 AD) is clearly defined. The maximal amplitude and speed of change of the Caspian Sea level were respectively of >15 m and 14 cm per year. Compared to last century, the latter rate is 25% higher, but the amplitude is more than five times larger. The climatic causes of the Caspian Sea level changes are discussed. It is far from a simple case of temperature forcing; temperature forcing may result in several effects, that may impact the Caspian Sea level variations in opposite ways. Moreover, human intervention on river diversion and natural hazards were likely, for several time periods. • Revision of Caspian Sea level datapoints over last 2200 years with new points • Geological and archaeo-historical dara with new calibration of radiocarbon dates • Derbent lowstand & 2600 yr BP highstand revised, and newly named Parthian highstand • Ambiguous forcing by temperature, re-inforced role of river diversions • Amplitude and rate of changes both larger than in the last century [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The time-dependent multiphoton ionization of xenon atoms is studied with femtosecond pulses in the excitation range of the 4d giant resonance at the photon energy of 93 eV. Benefiting from a new operation mode of the free electron laser FLASH, the measurements are performed with varying pulse durations. A strong dependence of the ion charge distribution on the pulse duration allows the different multiphoton mechanisms behind the multiple photoionization of xenon to be disentangled up to a charge state of Xe10+, The results up to Xe8+ are well explained by sequences of single photon, multiphoton, and Auger processes, but higher charge state generation suggests the need for collective electron multiphoton excitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, some nondestructive methods for the assessment of albumen freshness were developed. Among others, visible near-infrared transmission spectroscopy and low-resolution proton nuclear magnetic resonance (LR ¹H NMR) measurements were proposed. This study was performed to evaluate the potential of the combined measurement of visible near-infrared transmission spectroscopy and LR ¹H NMR measurements for the assessment of albumen freshness. Our results show that solely based on the transmission measurements, a good estimation of albumen freshness can be achieved. Based on LR ¹H NMR measurements, an estimation of albumen freshness can be achieved if larger egg collectives are used. However, when individual eggs are considered, only a moderate estimation is feasible. Finally, it was observed that combining both spectroscopic techniques did not improve the assessment of albumen freshness when compared solely to transmission measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the correlations between different eggshell and membrane strength parameters and their changes over time. Eggshell and membrane characteristics were measured for 2 different lines of laying hens, Hisex Brown and Bovans Brown, from wk 33 up to wk 78. Several parameters were investigated: 2 parameters concerning total eggshell strength (static and dynamic stiffness), 1 structural parameter (i.e., eggshell thickness), 2 parameters describing the material characteristics of the shell [dynamic Young's modulus (EM) and nitrogen content], and 3 parameters to measure the membrane characteristics (attachment force breaking strength and nitrogen content). This study shows that the correlations among parameters change during the laying period and among lines. The EM of the eggshell increased during the laying period for the Hisex line. No difference was observed in case of the Bovans line. In general, a negative correlation was obtained between eggshell thickness and the EM. The correlation between static and dynamic stiffness increased during lay. Finally, the attachment force and breaking strength of the membranes declined during the laying period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eggs from Cobb broiler breeders were incubated for 18 d. Eggs were not turned (TO) or were turned until 9 (T9), 12 (112), 15 (T15), or 18 (T18) d. First, the effects of turning on embryo and albumen weights were studied. Samples of eggs were opened at d 9, 12, 15, and 18 for embryo and albumen weighing. The results show that embryos from unturned eggs had lower weights and higher remaining albumen weights than those from turned eggs. At d 18, albumen utilization was completed in the T12, 115, and T18 groups only. Also, further turning until d 15 and 18 increased embryo weights. The responsiveness of the embryo after adreno-corticotropic hormone (ACTH) injection was studied to test stress control in embryos. Blood samples were collected from embryos at 60 and 150 mm after injection at d 12, 15, and 18 and were analyzed for corticosterone concentrations. The results showed that basal corticosterone levels increased with embryo age. At 60 mm after ACTH injection, corticosterone levels were lower at d 12 than at d 15 and 18. At 150 mm after ACTH injection, corticosterone levels followed different trends according to incubation stage and turning duration. The highest basal corticosterone levels were obtained with the T15 group at d 15 and 18. Also at d 18, corticosterone levels in the T15 group were the highest at 150 mm after ACTH injection. We concluded that egg turning was required during incubation until d 12, at least, and should not be stopped until after d 15. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing methods for the determination of the elastic modulus of eggshell depend on static measurements. In this work, dynamic measurements are performed in order to determine the elastic modulus of a shell segment. A test procedure was developed, which excites a shell segment and measures its resonant frequency. This resonant frequency together with the dimensions of the shell segment form the base for the calculation of the dynamic elastic modulus. A formula for the elastic modulus was derived using modal analysis of a shell segment. The elastic modulus of -layer eggs was measured to validate the technique. For each egg, three shell segments were sawn along the equator. The average value for the modulus of the eggs was . The variance between the modulus of the eggs was . These values are in line with the values of the static modulus mentioned by other investigators. Furthermore, the variance between measurements on the same shell segment was indicating that the test procedure provides repeatable measurements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A transmission polarizer for producing elliptically polarized soft X-ray radiation from linearly polarized light is presented. The setup is intended for use at synchrotron and free-electron laser beamlines that do not directly offer circularly polarized light for, e.g., X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) measurements or holographic imaging. Here, we investigate the degree of ellipticity upon transmission of linearly polarized radiation through a cobalt thin film. The experiment was performed at a photon energy resonant to the Co L3-edge, i.e., 778 eV, and the polarization of the transmitted radiation was determined using a polarization analyzer that measures the directional dependence of photo electrons emitted from a gas target. Elliptically polarized radiation can be created at any absorption edge showing the XMCD effect by using the respective magnetic element. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the photodouble ionization of H2 molecules with 400 eV photons. We find that the emitted electrons do not show any sign of two-center interference fringes in their angular emission distributions if considered separately. In contrast, the quasiparticle consisting of both electrons (i.e., the "dielectron") does. The work highlights the fact that nonlocal effects are embedded everywhere in nature where many-particle processes are involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study carried out to examine a systematic approach developed to analyze the humoral and cellular immune responses to Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) immunoreactive antigens. The identification of immunodominant antigens with good humoral and cellular immune responses after infection and vaccination can help in the development of an effective vaccine and serodiagnostic tests. The results showed that combinations of two or more antigens could increase sensitivity.

The photon-ion merged-beams technique has been employed at the new Photon-Ion spectrometer at PETRA III for measuring multiple photoionization of Xeq + (q = 1–5) ions. Total ionization cross sections have been obtained on an absolute scale for the dominant ionization reactions of the type hν + Xeq + → Xer + + (q − r)e− with product charge states q + 2 ⩽ r ⩽ q + 5. Prominent ionization features are observed in the photon-energy range 650–750 eV, which are associated with excitation or ionization of an inner-shell 3d electron. Single-configuration Dirac–Fock calculations agree quantitatively with the experimental cross sections for non-resonant photoabsorption, but fail to reproduce all details of the measured ionization resonance structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]