Wool Types Research Articles

Expression of a wool intermediate filament keratin transgene in sheep fibre alters structure.

Alteration of the protein composition of the wool fibre via transgenesis with sheep wool keratin and keratin associated protein (KAP) genes may lead to production of fibre types with improved processing and wearing qualities. Using this approach, we have demonstrated that high level cortical-specific expression of a wool type II intermediate filament (IF) keratin gene, K2.10, leads to marked alterations in both the microstructure and macrostructure of the wool fibres, which have higher lustre and reduced crimp. Analysis of mRNA found reduced levels of transcripts from endogenous cortical type I (p < 0.05) and type II (p < 0.01) keratin IF genes and from the KAP8 (p < 0.001) and KAP2 (p < 0.01) gene families. Examination of protein composition revealed an altered ratio in the keratin type II protein family of the wool fibre cortex. Whilst the over-expressed K2.10 transgene product constituted the majority of keratin type II IF protein, it appeared unable to form heterodimers with much of the expressed endogenous keratin type I IF. In comparison with non-transgenic sheep, fewer IF microfibrils were visible in the cortical cells of fibres from transgenics. The combined effect on fibre structure was disruption of the formation of orthocortical and paracortical cells in the fibre cortex, a factor which could account for the reduction in fibre crimp. No effects upon transcript or protein levels, or fibre microstructure or macrostructure were observed in transgenic sheep expressing the transgene at lower levels, indicating that subtle changes to the gene expression profile in sheep wool follicles can be tolerated. The data here also illustrate that control over endogenous transcript levels in the cortex results when factors acting on the endogenous keratin type I, keratin type II and KAP gene sequences are sequestered by the active K2.10 transgene locus. Moreover, interference to a transcriptional hierarchy shared by keratin and KAP genes may occur prior to establishment of the orthocortical and paracortical compartments of the follicle cortex, at the level of the chromatin.

The Florina (Pellagonia) sheep breed

SummaryThe Florina (or Pellagonia) sheep, which have descended from ancient indigenous Greek populations, are on the way to extinction. A small number of animals are found in the region of West Macedonia. The breed belongs to the semi fat-tailed Ruda wool type sheep, is well adapted to harsh mountain conditions and shows resistance to diseases. Recorded farms are kept at the Agricultural Research Station of Koila in Kozani, at the T. E. I. farm of Florina, at the Animal Husbandry Institute of Gianitsa and at the Agricultural Research Station of Komotini. The average commercialised milk production is 96±38.6 kg during a lactation period of 156 days and the average litter size is 1.4±0.52.

Glass wool filtration reduces reactive oxygen species by elimination of leukocytes in oligozoospermic patients with leukocytospermia.

Two types of glass wool were used to remove leukocytes in semen for evaluation of reactive oxygen species production by spermatozoa in oligozoospermic patients with leukocytospermia. Semen samples were prepared using fine-structure glass wool (SpermFertil) and coarse-structure glass wool. In each treatment group, native semen was evaluated for sperm concentration, percentage motility, viability, leukocyte concentration, and production of reactive oxygen species. Electron microscopically, SpermFertil showed a higher number of leukocytes attached to the fibers compared to coarse-structure glass wool. Leukocytes in native semen and after glass wool filtration as determined by peroxidase cytochemistry confirmed this observation. Reactive oxygen species decreased from 45.303 counts/10(7) viable cells in native semen to 15.806 counts/10(7) cells in coarse structure wool and 7.465 counts/10(7) cells in Spermfertil, respectively. Removal of leukocytes from semen of oligozoospermic patients by means of glass wool filtration is a useful method to distinguish production of reactive oxygen species by leukocytes versus sperm cells.

Pre- and post-natal wool follicle development and density in sheep of five genotypes

SUMMARYThe pre-natal and post-natal development of wool follicles in sheep of five genotypes with contrasting wool types was examined to provide data on which to base studies of physiological factors affecting wool type via follicle development. This study was conducted following Autumn mating in 1992 at Palmerston North, New Zealand (40° S, 176° E). The rate and timing of follicle development in midside skin samples from Romney, Merino, Merino × Romney (M × R), Drysdale and Wiltshire foetuses and lambs collected at weekly intervals from days 76 to 143 of gestation and 1, 3, 7, 12 and 32 weeks after birth were examined.Primary (P) follicle density had a similar pattern of development in each of the genotypes, although the Merino had a significantly greater density of P follicles than the other genotypes. There was a difference in the rate of P follicle maturation between genotypes with the Drysdale, Wiltshire and M × R completing P follicle maturation before the other two genotypes. However, the majority of P follicles in all genotypes were producing fibres by 111 days of gestation. It was concluded that the small differences in the density and time of development of the P follicles could not cause the differences in wool type between genotypes.The pattern of development of the secondary (S) follicle population was examined by comparing S: P ratios. The initiation of S follicles began at similar ages in the five genotypes, but initiation was completed earlier in the Romney, Drysdale and Wiltshire than in the Merino and M × R, as indicated by a significant genotype by age interaction (P &lt; 0·001). There was no difference between genotypes in S:P ratio from 90 to 104 days of gestation. The S:P ratio of the Romney, Drysdale and Wiltshire did not change significantly from 104 days of gestation until the end of the study, indicating that few S follicles were initiated in these genotypes after 104 days of gestation. The M × R data showed a significant increase in S:P ratio until 119 days of gestation and the Merino S:P ratio increased until 126 days of gestation.The period between days 90 and 125 of gestation was identified as being the critical period for the development of different follicle populations in Merino and non-Merino genotypes and it is this period which should be the focus for studies to determine physiological factors controlling secondary follicle development.

シート状防風材を用いた木造断熱壁における通気層空隙の確保に関する実験的研究

Ventilated air space separated from mineral wool by Elastic thin wind barrier sheet will be narrower because of elongation of the sheet and spring of the mineral wool. This means that performance for vapor desorption and drainage of the air space will be insufficient. Measurement and observation on experimental walls with various wind barrier shows that a little elongation of the sheet shut up the air space. Not only elongation of the sheet but also mineral wool type affect to the size of air space.

A method to determine concentration-distance profiles of corroded glass fibers

A method is described which enables the quantitative analysis of the depth distribution of different glass fiber components near the fiber surface. For this method plasma-based secondary neutral mass spectrometry is used. It is shown that several of these 10–30 μm diameter fibers have to be analyzed simultaneously and how the intensity-time profiles are converted into concentration-distance profiles. Two types of commercial glass fiber were investigated, a fiber of type A and a rock wool type of fiber. The fibers were analyzed in the as-received state and after treatments in strong acid or basic solutions. The as-received fibers show in part distorted profiles already due to a weathering effect, whereas the fibers treated in the different aqueous solutions display attack mechanisms which, depending on the conditions, involve ion exchange, network splitting and layer formation mechanisms.

The Thermal Performance of Several Australian Fibrous Insulating Materials

The thermal conductivity of fibrous insulation materials most com monly used in Australian buildings has been measured over a range of typical densi ties and thicknesses. Correlating equations for thermal conductivity as a function of density have been derived for each material. The materials studied have included batt or blanket form (low-density fibreglass, sheep's wool, and polyester fibre) and loose-fill form (cellulose fibre, two types of sheep's wool, and rockwool). Despite their widespread use, thermal properties data for some of these materials have not been widely available. This paper is concerned primarily with the effect of density on a material's thermal conductivity. However, sheep's wool has been found to be a highly variable material where knowledge of density, although important, is insufficient to allow performance prediction with confidence. Data which demonstrates this variability in performance over many in dividual samples of loose-fill sheep's wool is presented. For all test materials, charts are presented which relate thermal performance to thickness, density, and material quantity. These are intended as a guide to developers, manufacturers and installers in assessing the relative merits of alternative insulation types.

Studies on rifamycin production by Amycolatopsis mediterranei cells immobilized on glass wool

Cells of Amycolatopsis mediterranei CBS 42575 were immobilized on glass wool for the production of rifamycins B and SV. Glass wool (CORNING type) of 8 microns in diameter has a better entrapment capacity for microbial cells of microorganism than the other types of glass wool used. The most suitable amount of glass wool was 0.8 g/50 ml. The best initial cell concentration used as inoculum was 40 mg cells/50 ml. Repeated batch production of rifamycins by immobilized cells on glass wool was carried out for 6 repeated batches. The results showed that reduction of batch time from 96 h to 48 h does not decrease rifamycin production by immobilized cells.

INFLUÊNCIA DO PLEOMORFISMO GENÉTICO HEMOGLOBÍNICO NA PRODUÇÃO E QUALIDADE DE LÃ EM OVINOS DA RAÇA CORRIEDALE: DADOS PRELIMINARES

RESUMO As características de lã de doze ovinos genótipo hemoglobínico AA, doze do genótipo AB e doze do genótipo BB foram analisadas preliminarmente por técnicos da Cooperativa de Lã de São Gabriel, RS. Neste estudo inicial constatou-se que a lã de nove animais portadores do genótipo hemoglobínico AA foi classificada como Supra e Especial de excelente qualidade, enquanto sete animais do genótipo AB apresentaram a mesma classificação. Apenas quatro animais do genótipo BB repetiram os mesmos achados. Pela análise do Departamento de Zootecnia da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) constatou-se que o rendimento, caráter, suavidade, qualidade, medulação e cor após a lavagem da lã foi melhor nos animais de genótipos AB e BB. Todos esses achados não tiveram uma diferença estatisticamente significativa, o que leva a concluir que estudos devem ser feitos nesse sentido, abrindo espaços consideráveis para novas pesquisas.

Process for recycling spent potliner and electric arc furnace dust into commercial products using oxygen enrichment

This paper discusses the Enviroscience, Inc (ESI) process for recycling hazardous wastes by extractive metallurgy followed by vitrification of non-reducible metal oxides. In this process, volatile and reducible metals are reclaimed as their respective oxides and elements. Non-reducible metal oxides are converted into a man-made vitreous fiber identical in chemical content to mineral wool fiber known as rock or slag wool. The project discussed here involved aluminum plant and steel plant recycling of potliner and EAF dust into commercial products. Potliner (K088) is produced by primary aluminum plants. The annual waste generation rate is 130,000 tons/year. Electric Arc furnace dust (K061) is produced by 76 steel companies and the annual generation rate is estimated to be 600,000 tons/year. An 18-inch I.D. (pilot plant scale) countercurrent mineral wool type shaft furnace was used in the project. The feed was spent potliner and electric arc furnace dust. The pilot plant results were 1) cyanide consumption as a reductant: 96.89% to 99.55%, 2) fluoride utilization: 69.2% to 89.50%, 3) zinc recovery: 96.54% to 97.76%, 4) cadmium recovery: 99.47% to 99.99%, 5) lead recovery: 97.98% to 99.41%, 6) slag (fiber) recovery: 49.33% to 64.31%, 7) iron recovery: 95.12% to 96.93% in the iron and slag (fiber) products. Oxygen enrichment tests conducted by Airco increased the furnace melt rate by 44.8% and reduced coke consumption (energy use) by 41.4%. No detectable levels of NO 2, N 2O 3, H 2S, SO, or SO 2 were found in limited emissions test. Oxygen enrichment resulted in 66.3% fiber production. Analytical results on the enriched zinc oxide iron and fiber products are comparable to prior tests conducted by Enviroscience. As a result of these tests, extractive metallurgy combined with fiber production (vitrification) has now been proven to be a cost-effective recycle process when compared to thermal treatment, secure landfill disposal or standard HTMR processes. The process provides for the production of commercial products from select inorganic liquid, semi-solid, and solid hazardous wastes.

Effluent ecotoxicology in the wool-scouring process

The toxicity and biodegradation of several effluents from scouring of different types of wool were studied. Growth inhibition of a green freshwater algae species ( Chlorella vulgaris) was determined by the 201 OECD METHOD (72-h EC 50). Mobility inhibition of crustacean ( Daphnia magna) was determined as 24-h EC 50 by the 202 OECD method. Parameters such as total organic carbon (TOC), chemical oxygen demand (COD), 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD 5) and biodegradation (D 28) were also studied. In this process, degradation of about 80% was achieved; therefore, these effluents were biodegradable, according to the 302 OECD method. All effluents affected the growth of C. vulgaris) and the mobility of D. magna. The highest toxicity of this effluent decreased upon centrifugation. The differences in species susceptibility to wool-scouring process effluents were usually small: less than a factor of 10 in most cases. No significant differences in the toxicity of various wool types from different origins were found. This could be because of the use of the same pesticides and/or a similar application pattern.

Influence of sound absorbing material type and its location on the sound transmission through a double panel wall specimen

Sound absorbing material placed in the cavity of a hollow wall reduces the transmission of sound through the wall. The influence of density of commonly used materials, such as glass fiber, has been the subject of some argument. Also, it is sometimes thought that the position of the sound absorbing material in the cavity is important. The work to be presented is part of a large series of measurements studying sound transmission through double panel walls. Several types of glass fiber and mineral wool were placed in the cavity formed between two sheets of 3-mm-thick Lexan. Densities ranged from 10 to 145 kg/m3 and airflow resistivity ranged from 5 to 50 krayl/m. For the materials studied, the influence of material type on sound transmission class (STC) was small: only one or two points. The influence on transmission loss varied with frequency. Largest effects on transmission loss (changes of about 8 dB) were seen at the frequencies around 1000 Hz. The thickness and position of the materials were varied. Highest transmission loss was obtained when the sound absorbing material covered the entire inner surface area of the specimen. The same volume of material filling the cavity width but only partially covering the inner surface area, filling the lower half for example, gave lower transmission loss values.

GROWTH OF BEDDING PLANTS IN MINERAL WOOL AND MINERAL WOOL/PEAT MIXES

The objective of this research was to develop a mineral wool based growing medium for the horticultural industry. Two types of hydrophilic mineral wool, clean wool (CW) and unclean wool (UC) were used unamended, as well as both types in combinations with 25, 50, and 75 percent peat moss (PM). A control of 100 percent (PM) was also used. Unamended CW had a low bulk density, excellent water holding capacity, good aeration, but high pH. Once PM was added to CW, bulk density still remained low, water holding capacity and aeration remained good, and the pH dropped to a more suitable level. Unamended UW had a high bulk density, good water holding capacity, poor aeration, and high pH. Once PM was added to UW, bulk density decreased, water holding capacity remained good, aeration increased, and pH decreased to a more optimal level. Impatiens `Violet' and Begonia `Whiskey' were grown in the nine treatments for six and nine weeks respectively. At harvest, plant growth was evaluated by height, diameter, fresh weight, dry weight, and tissue analysis. Plant growth response showed plants grown in unamended CW, UW, and PM were smaller in size and lighter in fresh and dry weights than those in 50 percent wool/50 percent PM. The plants grown in 25 and 75 percent PM were similar to the 50 percent wool/50 percent PM in size and weight.

Stress relaxation studies on wool fibers

AbstractStress relaxation studies were made on single fibers of Lincoln, Chokla, and Merino wool in water in the temperature range 2–80°C. Differences in the viscoelasticity of the three wool types were related to differences in their fine structure and morphology. Of the three wools, Merino fibers have the lowest crystalline content and the poorest fibril orientation and packing. This results in greater viscoelastic effects in this wool. Stress relaxation studies have been made in the Hookean, yield, and postyield regions, and the molecular mechanisms of stress relaxation have been discussed.

Distribution of somatostatin immunoreactivity in the forebrain of the squirrel monkey: Basal ganglia and amygdala

The distribution of somatostatin immunoreactivity in the basal ganglia and amygdala of the squirrel monkey ( Saimiri sciureus ) was studied with specific polyclonal antibodies directed against somatostatin-28 and somatostatin-28(1–12). Both antibodies gave similar results with regard to the distribution of somatostatin-immunoreactive neuronal profiles. A moderately dense and highly heterogeneous network of somatostatin-positive fibers was observed throughout the striatum. A dorsoventral gradient of increasing immunoreactivity was noted in the striatum and the caudate nucleus was found to stain generally less intensely than the putamen. The immunoreactive fibers within the striatum were mostly thin and varicose and formed patches corresponding to the striosomes, as visualized on adjacent sections immunostained for calbindin. Although some somatostatin cell bodies rimmed the striosomes, most of the positive cells were rather uniformly scattered in the striatum. These medium-sized cells were significantly smaller in the caudate nucleus (93 μm 2, S.D. = 26 μm 2) than in the putamen (122 μm 2,S.D. = 39 μm 2), but their density was significantly higher in the caudate nucleus (29.7 cells/mm 2,S.D. = 8.8cells/mm 2) than in the putamen (20.5 cells/mm 2,S.D. = 7.0cells/mm 2). The nucleus accumbens stained moderately and positive cell bodies were evenly dispersed throughout this structure. In contrast, the olfactory tubercle displayed a heavily stained neuropil but positive neurons were encountered only in its polymorph layer. In the sublenticular region, dense fiber plexuses appeared in register with nonreactive cell clusters of the nucleus basalis of Meynert and of the nucleus of the anterior commissure. More caudally, a dense bundle of positive fibers was observed at the level of the ansa lenticularis, the inferior thalamic peduncle, and the adjoining bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Several fibers contributing to this bundle were of the woolly type. Woolly fibers also coursed in the substantia innominata between the ventral aspect of the globus pallidus and the optic tract, and ascended in the internal medullary lamina separating the internal and external segments of the globus pallidus. Somatostatin-immunoreactive cell bodies were uniformly scattered throughout the substantia innominata. The various nuclei of the amygdala showed a wide range of immunoreactivity. The central nucleus was lightly reactive, whereas the intercalated masses displayed a moderate staining. A dorsoventral gradient of immunostaining was noted in the ventrolateral portion of the amygdala, the lateral nucleus being moderately to densely stained and the basal nucleus very lightly to lightly immunoreactive. The ventromedial portion of the amygdala, especially the periamygdaloid cortex and the accessory basal nucleus, were among the most intensely stained areas of the basal forebrain. These results reveal that the somatostatin immunoreactivity in the basal forebrain of the squirrel monkey is distributed according to a pattern that displays both similarities and differences with that disclosed in nonprimate species.

SKIN, AND WOOL‐TEXTILE REMAINS FROM HALLSTATT, AUSTRIA

Summary. A study was made of wool cloth remains comprising 56 yarns and of 33 samples of haired animal skin from the Kilbwerk salt‐mine site at Hallstatt, Austria dated 6th to 8th century BC. Most of the wool in the cloth was primitive hairy‐medium or generalised‐medium type and over half the samples had natural coloration, the predominant colour being grey. One yarn was of medium wool type and four were of semi‐fine fleece type, neither of these having been previously reported before the Roman period. The skins were much hairier, only one‐third having fleece types found in the cloth, and only two of these were of the finer generalised medium variety. Most of the skins with the coarsest hair were probably from goats, and those with less coarse hair from true hairy sheep, a fleece type that is thought to have developed during the Iron Age. The staining reaction of the skin indicated rawhide or oil tanning. The presence of inactive hair follicles within the skin showed that over half had ceased to live during the autumn‐winter period.

Measurement of the Surface Prickle of Fabrics Part I: The Evaluation of Potential Objective Methods

Surface prickle of fabrics can be a factor limiting the use of the coarser types of wool in apparel or upholstery products. An investigation is reported in which, in order to find a method of measuring prickle, a selection of fabrics with a widely differing number and stiffness of protruding fibres was assessed for prickle subjectively and by three potential objective techniques: low-pressure compression-testing, laser-counting of protruding fibres, and a modified audio-pick-up method. It was found that the audio technique was the most effective of those explored. The mean integrated signal per contact (a parameter measured by the audio technique, indicative of the mean force per contact between a fibre and the stylus) was found to correlate well (r = 0.89) with the subjectively determined relative degree of prickle.

Factors affecting levels of calcium compounds in New Zealand woolgrease

Abstract Calcium soaps are found inNewZealand woolgreases at varying levels. These soaps contain acids of wool wax origin and are formed during the woolscouring process. Several factors contribute to woolgrease calcium (Ca) soap levels but the most important one relates to the wool type being scoured. Slipe wool of any sort contaminated with Ca from lime sulphide depilatory, lambs wool with the “milk tip” intact and produced by the sliping process or shorn, and wools excessively contaminated with mud and dirt can be sources of Ca, which eventually appears as Ca soaps in the recovered woolgrease. The concentration of the woolscouring liquors and creams recovered during primary centrifuging can also have an effect on Ca soap levels in woolgrease.

Cuticular Scale Measurements Using Image Analysis Techniques

A method is described for examining and measuring fiber cuticular scale patterns from optical micrographs, impressions, or SEMs. The captured images are initially manipulated using several image processing functions to clarify scale structure. Image analysis is then done using a chain-coding routine that allows a number of measure ments of the scale parameters to be made quickly and accurately. Results are given for the analysis on fiber casts of four sections of different wool types and on a series of SEM photographs of Chinese cashmere and merino wool fibers.

Experimental validation of a model for predicting the impedance of multilayer systems by the transfer matrix method

As has been demonstrated by various authors, transmission line theory is a powerful technique for studying the sound transmission of multilayer systems with infinite lateral extent. This model has been extended to the study of the surface impedance of such systems. It is shown how the transfer matricies are derived from fundamental acoustic equations. These equations contain information on the conventions adopted concerning the assumed time dependance and orientation axis. It is shown that it is convenient to account for this during the juxtaposition of the quadrapoles in cascade, this modeling the superposition of the various layers. An experimental validation of this model has been undertaken on two types of mineral wool, placed in different multilayer configurations in an impedance tube, using the Chung and Blaser transfer function technique. The measured impedances are in excellent agreement with those predicted using the Delany and Bazley impedance model. Finally, it is shown that the model is only valid if each layer of the system is homogeneous.