Subsequent Maturity Research Articles

Carrion insects living within the bones of large mammals: insect conservation and forensic entomology implications.

Succession patterns of carrion insects on large mammal's carrion has been widely studied, notably to estimate the post-mortem interval in forensic investigations as accurately as possible. However, little attention has been paid to the carrion insects living inside these bones once a carcass is skeletonized. One very recent study documented flies emerging from pig carcasses, and only scarce authors reported the presence of other carrion insects taking advantage of the bone marrow. We, thus, aimed to (1) estimate the frequency of inner-bone space colonization by carrion insects, with particular attention to bone-skipper flies; (2) identify the insects living inside the carrion bones; and (3) determine whether or not carrion insects found within the bones can successfully exit the bones and complete their development. We extensively sampled 185 large mammals' bones collected from twelve vulture feeding stations and four isolated carcasses in southwest France and northern Spain. Sampled bones were opened, and the insects found inside were identified. For two bones, foramen, i.e., the holes providing a natural entrance and exit to the bone's inner cavity, was monitored with a camera to assess the insect's putative exit. We describe the entomofauna, i.e., the set of insect species, living within the bones, and illustrate insects' ability to exit the bones for their subsequent development and maturity. These results are discussed in the framework of carrion insect conservation and forensic entomology perspectives.

Reflections on Australian critical care echocardiography

The four authors of this article share a combined century of experience in critical care echocardiography (CCE). Having seen its birth, adolescence and subsequent maturity, it is with considerable interest that we anticipate further evolution of its everyday clinical application, and can only guess at how the next generation’s energy and interests will be directed. Trained to intervene when a patient’s physiology becomes unstable, intensivists search for effective strategies to tackle acute problems while simultaneously considering complex underlying chronic ailments. Echocardiography is a valuable tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of a patient’s response, or perhaps lack of response, to our interventions. The evolution of critical care echocardiography from being an outcast to that of a mainstream “darling” over the past 30 years led us to give a personal perspective on this journey.

A Longitudinal Relationship between Self-Directed Learning Ability, Ego-Resilience and Career Maturity Using Autoregressive Cross-lagged Model

본 연구의 목적은 자기주도학습능력, 자아탄력성, 진로성숙도 간의 인과관계를 종단적으로 검증하고 시간의 변화에 따른 안정성과 상호예측력을 알아보는 데 있다. 이를 위하여 일반계 고등학교에 재학 중인 학생들을 대상으로 2016년부터 2018년까지 실시한 서울교육종단연구(SELS 2010) 7차(고1), 8차(고2) 및 9차(고3) 패널 데이터를 활용하여 자기회귀교차지연모형 검증을 실시하였다. 우선 연구모형을 검증하기 위한 가정인 동일성 제약들은 모두 충족되었다. 연구 결과, 첫째, 시간의 경과에 따라 자기주도학습능력, 자아탄력성, 진로성숙도는 다음 시점의 동일한 잠재변인들에 모두 통계적으로 유의한 정적 영향을 미치면서 안정적인 자기회귀효과를 유지하였다. 자기회귀계수의 상대적 크기는 자기주도학습능력이 가장 높았고, 다음으로 자아탄력성과 진로성숙도는 비슷하게 나타났다. 둘째, 시간의 흐름에 따라 자기주도학습과 진로성숙도의 관계에서 교차지연계수들은 모두 통계적으로 유의한 정적 관계를 보여주었고 인과적 상호예측력이 있음을 나타내고 있다. 또한, 자아탄력성과 진로성숙도의 관계에서도 교차지연효과가 유의한 정적 관계로 인과적 상호예측력을 보여주었다. 그러나 자기주도학습능력과 자아탄력성의 관계에서는, 이전 시점의 자기주도학습능력이 다음 시점의 자아탄력성에 영향을 미치는 교차지연효과는 정적으로 유의하였으나, 이전 시점의 자아탄력성이 다음 시점의 자기주도학습능력에 영향을 미치는 교차지연효과는 유의하게 예측되지 않았다. 이러한 연구 결과에 기초하여 논의하였고 시사점 및 후속연구에 관해 제언하였다.The primary goal of this study was to investigate the longitudinal stability and reciprocal relationship between self-directed learning ability, ego-resilience, and career maturity across time using the Seoul Education Longitudinal Study (SELS) panel data of Time 7 (first year of high school), Time 8 (second year), and Time 9 (third year). The autoregressive cross-lagged model (ARCLM) was employed to examine the autoregressive effects of within-subjects variables and cross-lagged effects of between-subjects variables. Results from the ARCLM revealed that previous self-directed learning ability, ego-resilience, and career maturity had significant effects on subsequent self-directed learning ability, ego-resilience, and career maturity, respectively, with stable autoregressive coefficients. In addition, self-directed learning ability of the first-year high school students predicted subsequent ego-resilience of the second-year students, and self-directed learning ability of the second-year students predicted subsequent ego-resilience of the third-year students, whereas ego-resilience did not significantly predict subsequent self-directed learning ability. Furthermore, the cross-lagged effects of self-directed learning ability in relation to career maturity and ego-resilience in relation to career maturity were statistically significant, indicating reciprocal relationships.

Akıllı ve Sürdürülebilir Tedarik Zinciri Yönetiminin Hazırlık ve Olgunluk Düzeyinin Değerlendirilmesi için Geometrik Ortalamaya Dayalı Yeni Bir Model Önerisi

Recently, companies have added smart and sustainable paradigms to their supply chain strategies as a result of globalization and increased global competition, increasing technological growth rate, diversity in customer demands, and increasing complexity in supply chain processes. Real-time information sharing among supply chain players and the effective coordination of each step of the chain are critical for efficient supply chain management. This is made possible by the transition from the traditional supply chain to the digital supply chain. The Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0, was coined for the first time in Germany in 2011. It is an innovative paradigm with the goal of intensely integrating technologies, such as information technologies, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, cloud computing technology, autonomous vehicles, robotic systems, sensor and automation networks, and virtual and augmented reality into production processes. However, for many companies, the adaptation of Industry 4.0 and the subsequent maturity period may present unexpected challenges. One of the most difficult challenges in establishing smart factories and implementing digital transformation is that Industry 4.0 competencies cannot be effectively applied to all operations simultaneously. In this context, quantitative measurement and evaluation of firms’ maturity levels following Industry 4.0 preparation and adaptation is critical for senior management. The goal of this study is to propose a model for measuring the maturity level of digital supply chains while considering smart and sustainable dimensions. We determined the extent to which each Industry 4.0 tool was compatible with the sustainability dimensions in the numerical example where the model was applied. For example, although additive manufacturing and augmented reality receive high scores in the economic dimension of sustainability, they receive lower scores in the environmental and social dimensions. Similarly, although horizontal and vertical systems integration has high levels of maturity in all three sustainability dimensions, artificial intelligence has an exceptionally low level of maturity.

Scope of Cloud Computing in Business: A Compendious and Methodical Analysis of Trends in Publications and Patents

Cloud Computing was a disruptive technology that reshaped the entire global industry, decentralizing the operational exchange and use of data and information. More companies are transitioning to a cloud-based infrastructure and are shifting some basic as well as advanced functionalities to it due to its salient features such as security, availability, scalability and popularity. Nevertheless, there is uncertainty attached to its limitations considering the possible saturation of the ceiling of growth and subsequent maturity of the technology’s potential. Therefore, it is essential to grasp the scope of the technology to be ready for the prospective trends and changes, as well as to channel its full incremental potential. For this, an elucidated statistical analysis of the technology is conducted, including the assessment of the trends of publications and patents signifying the evolution of the technology, its projected time of maturity, and finally, a befitting evidential roadmap for its future. This original work aims to add value by analyzing the numerical information concerning the growth of the technology over the years since its inception, and subsequently construct a detailed plan to adapt business objectives to the possible tapering of the growth curve of Cloud and build a suggestive and tentative contingency plan for the stage of technological maturity. Our finding indicates that Cloud technology may reach its maturity sooner than expected and an investment today might give the companies a competitive edge early on in the era of technological advancements and uncertainty.

The reciprocal longitudinal relationship between career maturity and goal consciousness in Korean adolescents

The purpose of this study was to verify the reciprocal longitudinal relationship between career maturity and goal consciousness in Korean adolescents. To achieve this purpose, the longitudinal data of students who were sixth graders in 2012, ninth graders in 2015, and twelfth graders in 2018 were analyzed using an autoregressive cross-lagged model. The results of the analysis are as follows: First, previous career maturity and goal consciousness in adolescents have a continuing effect on subsequent career maturity and goal consciousness. Second, the career maturity significantly influenced the goal consciousness of later adolescents. Third, the goal consciousness significantly influenced subsequent career maturity. This study confirmed the mutual longitudinal effects of the autoregressive cross-lagged model among adolescent career maturity goal consciousness. The results of this study confirmed that career maturity and goal consciousness have a reciprocal longitudinal relationship. These results suggest that career education is needed from the early stage of adolescence.

Knowledge Absorption Capacity as a Factor for Increasing Logistics 4.0 Maturity

This research strives to show the importance of knowledge absorptive capacity as one of the most important determinants of successful implementation of contemporary solutions and, consequently, development of a company. In the approach presented, the development leads to excellence and is expressed with subsequent maturity levels. The research is focused on identification of the level of absorption of knowledge of contemporary solutions in logistics, grouped in a concept of Logistics 4.0, and how that upgrades the organizational maturity of a company. The research was conducted with CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interview), including three questions and a basic query on experts’ qualifications. The general conclusion from the research was that to reach a higher level of maturity, a higher level of knowledge absorption is required. However, searching for differences in absorption of solutions within physical flows, information flows and managerial methods seem to be an interesting issue and promising field for further research.

Effect of Mechanical Loads on Guava Quality at Handling

This study examined the mechanical loads of guava fruits under different loading conditions at different times. The approach will help in predicting the type and magnitude injuries, which will help in minimum losses and assessment of guava quality.It has also a significant influence on handling, sorting, storage and processing. Some physical, chemical and mechanical properties of common Egyptian guava variety (Mamora) relevant to the material handling were analyzed. The following properties were considered: dimensional size, mass, measured and calculated volumes, real density and sugar content. Mechanical tests (puncture and compression) were also considered. The rupture load, rupture deformation and the work done (energy) that caused the rupture of the fruit were determined. The maximum force and stress levels for both puncture and compression were greatest at the start of maturity stage compared with subsequent maturity stages. At any fruit position and as the stage of fruit maturity increases from start to near the final stage, a gradual decrease in the yield force and yield stress was obtained, while, the damaged area and deformation increased.During packing and handling guava and based on the above information it may be recommended, to lay the fruits on the major diameter axis position, so as it experiences less deformation under loads. It was possible to introduce a factor of safety that may be used in determining the number of fruits in a vertical load for packaging guava fruits in containers and transporting them. Based on this concept, the maximum number allowable of fruit rows inside a container should be three rows, so as to avoid bruising during fruits packaging and handling. Packing was the first step to keep the fruit quality and reduce the handling losses. Further investigations should be done to evaluate and test package type, size, and loading height during storage and transportation.

Non-destructive maturity index of “Amritsagor” banana using RGB and HSV values

Massive changes in physicochemical composition and color variation usually occur in fruits during maturation and ripening. This study is conducted to implement an image processing system and develop a maturity color chart of banana. Actually, natural ripening color is different than impose ripening. Maturity color chart will help the consumer when it will be in the packet of banana. The earliest physiological maturity (stage-1) was marked as the stage when the flesh color was olive green and the pulp turning yellow and the subsequent maturity stages determined whenever changes the color as stage-2 (green smoke), stage-3 (apple green), stage-4 (olive drab), stage-5 (yellow) and stage-6 (golden rod) color. For each of the maturity stages, physical (peel color, firmness, and weight loss) and biochemical (anthocyanin content, carotenoids content, titrable acidity, pH, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar, and total sugar) maturity indices were determined. We had classified the maturity stages of banana based on the RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) and HSV (Hue, Saturation and Value) values. Average, median, minimum and maximum values were used in this study. After completing the qualitative analysis of RGB and HSV values we found the correlation coefficient of RGB and HSV values. The red color (R) values of bananas would increase when stages increase and the hue (H) means the pure color of bananas decreases when stages increase. Therefore, we can say that maturity stages of bananas mainly depend on R and H values. In case of Amritsagor banana at stage-6 (golden rod) color, TSS (Total Soluble Solid) (2.1%), TA (Titrable Acidity) (0.96%), pH (5.2), sugar (1.25%), vitamin C (2.5 mg/100g), reducing sugar (1.04%), non-reducing sugar (0.2%), anthocyanin (0.55 mg/100g) carotenoids (0.38 mg/100g) and at stage-1 (olive green) color, pH (6.8), vitamin C (8.75 mg/100g) are significantly highest. The results show that as maturation progressed, firmness decreased gradually and flesh color turned olive green to golden rod with ripening. Total soluble solids increased while TA (Titrable acidity) gradually increased with maturity. The results revealed that, there is a significant relationship between nutritional value, firmness and fruit skin color. So, the fruit of stage-1 (olive green) is suitable for harvesting and stages-6 (golden rod) color is suitable for consumption. Actually this message for grower/ owner or who would like to harvest and consumer. Fruit is banana, to observe the change of color keep it at room temperature. Neither artificial nor chemical system used here. Each and every box will carry the real maturity color chart.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(2): 293-302, August 2018

Differential Adulthood Onset mGlu5 Signaling Saves Prefrontal Function in the Fragile X Mouse.

The final maturation of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) continues into early adulthood and is delayed compared with other forebrain structures. However, how these late onset changes in the PFC relate to neurodevelopment disorders is poorly understood. Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a prevalent neurogenetic disorder linked to deficits in PFC function. mGlu5 is an important molecular hub in the etiology of FXS. Thus we have examined changes in mGlu5 function in the PFC in a mouse model of FXS (Fmr1 knockout) during early adulthood and subsequent maturity. An unusual endophenotype was identified; during early adulthood (2-month-old) Fmr1 knockout mice show a severe deficit in mGlu5 dependent eCB synaptic plasticity; however, in 1-year-old this deficit self rectifies. This adulthood onset correction in mGlu5 function is linked to an engagement of TRPV1 receptors in 1-year-old mice. In 2-month-old Fmr1 knockout mice, mGlu5 mediated synaptic plasticity could be recovered with eCB system targeted drugs, but also by direct enhancement of mGlu5 function with a positive allosteric modulator. These results point to further refinements to the role of mGlu5 in FXS. Furthermore our findings suggest when studying neurodevelopmental disorders with a significant PFC phenotype consideration of late onset changes may be important.

Micropropagation, encapsulation and growth of Artemisia vulgaris node explants for germplasm preservation

As an alternative to seed propagation, an efficient micropropagation system and subsequent rooting were developed for the medicinal plant Artemisia vulgaris (Asteraceae). A maximum of 32.8 shoots were produced from the nodal explants cultured on 4.9 μM 2iP. The effect of different types and concentrations of carbohydrates was tested for multiple shoot induction and we found that sucrose at 3% concentration resulted into a better response. Healthy plantlets were transferred to garden soil:farmyard soil:sand (2:1:1) mixture (growing medium) for acclimatization, which was successful and subsequent maturity was achieved under garden conditions. Nodal segments were excised from proliferating shoot cultures and encapsulated in high density sodium alginate hardened by 50 mM CaCl 2. 2.0% sodium alginate was determined to produce the highest quality encapsulated nodal segments beads because of the viscosity produced by 2.0% sodium alginate solution. When encapsulated nodal segments were stored at 5 °C they did not grow in light or dark conditions. All encapsulated nodal segments survived 20 weeks of 5 °C storage. In fact, 85% of encapsulated mugwort nodal segments survived refrigerated storage for 11/4 years (60 weeks) and after 3 months on proliferation medium, the nodal segments produced a similar result as compared to encapsulated segments either not stored at 5 °C or stored for 20 weeks at 5 °C. Thus a simple micropropagation and a cost-effective cold storage protocol for alginate encapsulated vegetative (node) explants of mugwort was successfully developed for the germplasm preservation of this valuable medicinal plant.

High-frequency shoot multiplication in Artemisia vulgaris L. using thidiazuron

An in vitro propagation system for Artemisia vulgaris L., a traditional medicinal plant, has been developed. The best organogenic response, including adventitious shoot number and elongation, was obtained when hypocotyl segments were cultured onto MS medium supplemented with 4.54 μM TDZ (N-phenyl-N′-(1,2,3-thidiazol-yl) urea). Up to 28 shoots formed per explant for an optimal duration of exposure of 48 days. Regenerated shoots formed roots when subcultured onto a medium containing 8.56 μM IAA (indole-3-acetic acid). Healthy plantlets were transferred to a garden soil:farmyard soil:sand (2:1:1) mixture for acclimatization, which was successful, and subsequent maturity was achieved under greenhouse conditions over a six-month period. The survival rate of the plantlets varied under acclimatization. The regeneration protocol developed in this study provides a basis for germplasm conservation and for further investigation of medicinally active constituents of A. vulgaris. This optimized protocol has been successfully employed for genetic transformation studies in A. vulgaris, which are currently underway in our laboratory.

Callus induction and de novo regeneration from callus in Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba)

Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. Taub) is a drought tolerant and multipurpose grain legume cash crop grown primarily under rainfed conditions in several countries. The effect of various growth regulators and their combinations on a variety of explants, namely the embryo, cotyledons, cotyledonary nodes, shoot tip and hypocotyle, has been studied and an efficient system for callus induction and regeneration from callus has been developed. It was established that Murashige and Skoog’s culture medium containing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (10.0μM) in combination with 6-benzylaminopurine (5.0μM) with embryo or cotyledon explants is most suitable for induction of green and friable morphogenic callus, with a range of 82.5–95% of cultured explants responding to callus induction. Efficient de novo shoot regeneration was achieved by culturing the callus obtained on this medium on Murashige and Skoog’s medium containing 1-naphthlenacetic acid (13.0μM) in combination with 6-benzylaminopurine (5.0μM) with a range of 82.1–88.4% of callus clumps producing 20–25 shoots. In vitro rooting of cultured shoots was obtained on half-salt concentration of Murashige and Skoog’s culture medium supplied with indole-3-butyric acid (5.0μM) on which 82–90% of cultured shoots produced healthy roots. The in vitro regenerated plants were grown to pod setting and subsequent maturity under greenhouse conditions.

High-frequency multiple shoot regeneration from cotyledonary nodes of guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. Taub)

Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. Taub) is a drought-tolerant multipurpose cash crop. A rapid regeneration system has been developed for four Indian guar genotypes. Investigations were carried out to assess the effect of different growth regulators and their combinations on a variety of explants such as the embryo, cotyledons, and cotyledonary nodes for shoot morphogenesis. It was established that Murashige and Skoog's culture medium containing 6-benzylaminopurine (13.3 μM or 3 mgl−1) in combination with indole-3-acetic acid (11.4 μM or 2mgl−1) with cotyledonary node explants gave the highest frequency of multiple shoot induction. In vitro rooting from cultured shoots was maximal on a half-salt concentration of Murashige and Skoog's culture medium fortified with indole-3-butyric acid (4.9 μM or 1 mgl−1). In vitro-regenerated plants were grown to pod setting and subsequent maturity in greenhouse conditions.

Development of poly(propylene fumarate-co-ethylene glycol) as an injectable carrier for endothelial cells.

Poly(propylene fumarate-co-ethylene glycol) [P(PF-co-EG)] hydrogels were examined as in situ polymerizable carriers for endothelial cells. The temperature increase from 37 degrees C during cross-linking was measured. The maximum temperature did not increase above 38.3 degrees C for any copolymer formulation. The temperature profiles also appeared to be independent of the amount or molecular weight of poly(ethylene glycol). These materials were polymerized in situ in a subcutaneous rat model and evaluated for initial biocompatibility. A normal wound-healing response was seen with formation and subsequent maturity of a fibrous capsule. Endothelial cells were embedded in vitro during the cross-linking process and their proliferation was assessed over the first 24 h. There was significant DNA synthesis by the embedded endothelial cells during this time period. These data suggest that P(PF-co-EG) hydrogels could be developed for use as injectable cell carriers.

Smolt development and subsequent sexual maturity in previously mature male Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar)

Individually tagged, age 0 +, upper modal and lower modal group (UM, LM), sexually mature male and immature male and female Atlantic salmon parr were observed for 1 + smolt development during winter-spring and survival, growth and subsequent maturation during 4.5 months (15 May to 30 September) in seawater. Both previously mature and immature UM fish became competent smolts as judged by development of high salinity tolerance (96 h in 37.5‰ salinity), elevated gill Na + K + - ATPase activity and decreasing condition factor (CF); LM fish did not show these smolt characteristics. Mortality in seawater was 15.4 and 9.1% in LM previously mature and immature groups and 0 and 4% in UM previously mature and immature groups, respectively. Previously mature and immature LM fish, though smaller (ca. 13 cm) than UM fish (ca. 20 cm) when entering seawater, had instantaneous growth rates as high as or higher than UM fish. CF of both LM and UM, previously mature and immature, fish rose during the period in seawater. CF of rematuring fish and those that matured initially in seawater rose more steeply than in immature fish. There was a higher incidence of rematuration and initial maturation in seawater in the LM than in the UM groups. After 4.5 months in seawater, plasma osmolalities were in the normal range (300–350 mOsmol·kg −1) in all groups and gill Na + K + - ATPase activity was uniformly higher in the immature than in the mature fish in both LM and UM. These findings are discussed in relation to the suggestion in earlier studies that sexual maturation and smolting in male Atlantic salmon are in developmental conflict.

Onset of puberty in CD-1 mouse pups exposed prenatally through weaning to endophyte-infected tall fescue seed

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of feeding endophyte - infected ( Acremonium coenophialum ) tall fescue seed to CD-1 mouse dams (P 1) during gestation and lactation, and on the subsequent growth and sexual maturity (onset of puberty) of their male and female offspring (F 1). Forty-eight 21 d old pups (24 male and 24 female F 1 mice) were weaned from dams fed one of two diets containing 50% rodent chow (w/w) and 50% KY-31 tall fescue ( Festuca arundinacea ) seed. The seed in Diet 1 was noninfected, while the seed in Diet 2 was 80% endophyte-infected. At weaning (21 d), the F 1 pups were fed rodent chow, ad libitum throughout the remaining experimental period. At 24 d, they were paired with sexually mature non-treated virgin CD-1 mice (fed 100% rodent chow) for one parturition cycle. Male F 1 mice were sacrificed at 84 d to determine testicular development. The age at the birth of the first litter for Diet 2 F 1 male (76.8 ± 2.2 d) and female (58.4 ± 2.1 d) was significantly greater (P<0.05) than the age at parturition for Diet 1 male and female F 1 test mice (64.1 ± 1.8 and 51.9 ± 1.2 d, respectively). At parturition, the female F 1 mice showed no significant differences (P>0.05) in either mean parturition weight or number of F 2 pups born per litter. However, total F 2 litter wight (11.38 ± 1.14 g) and mean weight per F 2 pup (1.40 ± 0.04 g) for Diet 2 female F 1 mice litters were lower (P<0.05) when compared with Diet 1 females (14.53 ± 0.57 g and 1.66 ± 0.02 g, respectively). No significant differences were observed between the two male F 1 treatment groups, for total F 2 litter weight or the number of pups born per F 2 litter. Although Diet 2 F 1 males weighed significantly less (P<0.05) at weaning and at pairing, final body weights at sacrifice (84 d) were not different (P>0.05) from the Diet 1 males.

Reassessment of Pantothenic Acid Requirement for Single Comb White Leghorn Pullets from 0 to 6 Weeks of Age and Its Subsequent Effect on Sexual Maturity

Two experiments were conducted using a total of 288 Hy-Line W-36 day-old pullets in each experiment. The pullets were randomly assigned to one of the six dietary treatments that consisted 0, .3, .6, .9, 1.8, or 3.6 mg supplemental pantothenic acid/kg of a corn and soybean meal basal diet (4.8 mg/kg). Six replicates of eight pullets per replicate were used per treatment in each experiment. Feed and water were provided for ad libitum access. The pullets were housed in battery brooder pens with raised wire floors. Body weight, body weight gain, average feed consumption per day, total feed consumption, and feed conversion were determined at 3 and 6 wk of age (WOA). The birds were observed for any signs of pantothenic acid deficiency. At the end of a 6-wk experimental period, the pullets previously receiving the diets containing either 0 or 3.6 mg supplemental pantothenic acid/kg of diet were raised to sexual maturity and their age at sexual maturity, body weight at 24 WOA, and average number of eggs per pullet through 32 WOA were measured in both of the experiments.No differences (P>.05) in total body weight, body weight gain, average feed consumption per day, total feed consumption, and feed conversion were observed in any of the supplemental pantothenic acid treatments from 0 to 3 and 3 to 6 WOA. None of birds during the experimental period showed any signs of deficiency. No differences were observed in the subsequent age at sexual maturity, number of eggs laid, and the body weight at 24 WOA. It was concluded from these experiments that Single Comb White Leghorn pullets require at least a total of 4.8 mg/kg pantothenic acid based in a corn-soybean meal diet from 0 to 6 WOA and at subsequent sexual maturity for optimum performance.

Evaluation of the Shake Test to Predict Respiratory Distress Syndrome

An analysis of the relationship of amniotic fluid shake test titers and the subsequent fetal lung maturity as evinced by the development of the respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) has been conducted. Over a four-year period, 131 amniotic fluid samples were tested within 48 hours of delivery. RDS was diagnosed in 16 infants. When the shake test was positive at a 1:2 dilution, one child developed a mild case of RDS (2.3%). If the test was postivie at a 1:4 dilution, none developed RDS. RDS occurred in 15% of the cases with a positive test at a 1:1 dilution and in 30% of the cases with a negative test. This test has proved to be an excellent screening method for predicting fetal lung maturity if it is positive at 1:2 or greater. If the result is positive at a 1:1 dilution, or negative, other methods must be used for assessment. Its advantages are its rapidity, simplicity, and low cost.

Evaluation of the shake test to predict respiratory distress syndrome.

An analysis of the relationship of amniotic fluid shake test titers and the subsequent fetal lung maturity as evinced by the development of the respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) has been conducted. Over a four-year period, 131 amniotic fluid samples were tested within 48 hours of delivery. RDS was diagnosed in 16 infants. When the shake test was positive at a 1:2 dilution, one child developed a mild case of RDS (2.3%). If the test was postivie at a 1:4 dilution, none developed RDS. RDS occurred in 15% of the cases with a positive test at a 1:1 dilution and in 30% of the cases with a negative test. This test has proved to be an excellent screening method for predicting fetal lung maturity if it is positive at 1:2 or greater. If the result is positive at a 1:1 dilution, or negative, other methods must be used for assessment. Its advantages are its rapidity, simplicity, and low cost.