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Microspheres forced to rotate in the vicinity of a fluid interface exhibit a roto-translational hydrodynamic mechanism that is strongly hampered by capillary torques as soon as the particles protrude from the interface. Under these conditions, the time evolution in the number of moving spheres provides a direct description of the adsorption kinetics, while microscopy monitoring of particle deceleration informs about the adsorption dynamics. [Display omitted] A broad range of phenomena, such as emulsification and emulsion stability, foam formation or liquid evaporation, are closely related to the dynamics of adsorbing colloidal particles. Elucidation of the mechanisms implied is key to a correct design of many different types of materials. Microspheres forced to rotate near a fluid interface exhibit a roto-translational hydrodynamic mechanism that is hindered by capillary torques as soon as the particles protrude the interface. Under these conditions, the time evolution in the ratio of moving spheres provides a direct description of the adsorption kinetics, while microscopy monitoring of particle acceleration\deceleration informs about the adsorption\desorption dynamics. In this work, the proposed strategy is applied at an air/water interface loaded with spherical magnetic particles negatively charged, forced to rotate by the action of a rotating magnetic field. The proposed method enables the adsorption/desorption dynamics to be followed during the earliest phase of the process, when desorption of a small fraction of particles is detected, as well as to estimate approximated values of the adsorption/desorption constants. The results obtained show that the addition of a monovalent salt or a cationic (anionic) surfactant promotes (inhibits) both adsorption and formation of permanent bonds between particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the amount of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. trees was evaluated in the botanical composition of the grassland in a cattle system of Carrizal-Chone region, Ecuador. Three tree amounts were used as treatments: low (1-4 trees/ha), medium (5-8 trees/ha) and high (9-12 trees/ha), distributed in a completely randomized design. A covariance analysis was applied to the variable final botanical composition (2014) in which the initial botanical composition (2012) was considered as covariate and tree amounts (3), species (5) and their interaction as the effects. A variance analysis was applied to the changes in the species coverage from 2012 to 2014, in which tree amounts (3), species (5) and their interaction were controlled. In both analyzes there was a highly significant effect (P˂0.001) of the interaction. The highest percentage of population was shown by the Megathyrsus maximus grass (saboya) at the high tree amount (45.7 %). In the latter (9-12 trees/ha), Megathyrsus maximus, Cynodon nlemfuensis and creeping legumes species predominated, to the detriment of other grasses and broadleaf plants. With the level 9-12 trees/ha, the greatest increases in the coverage of saboya species (5.1 %) and creeping legumes (2.2 %) were achieved. Other grasses and broadleaf plants reduced their cover in all treatments. It is concluded that with 9-12 trees/ha of Prosopis juliflora, the botanical composition of the grassland is improved, by increasing the coverage of the most important species in the cattle systems of Carrizal-Chone, Ecuador. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this work was to assess the effect of neurological bandages (Kinesio Taping) for managing saliva flow in patients with drooling and intellectual disability. Methods: Quasi‐experimental study included 30 patients (20 male and 10 female participants) mean age of 15 years with intellectual disability and drooling [Public Special Education Centre in Cartagena (Murcia, Spain)]. Treatment consisted of the application of a strip of neuromuscular bandage applied in the suprahyoid area for a 3‐month period. Efficacy was assessed by means of three clinical scales: the Sialorrhea clinical scale, the drooling rating scale and the drooling impact scale. These evaluations were performed at baseline, after 1 and 3 months of intervention. Results: Clinical improvements were obtained, showing statistically significant reductions in drooling after 1 month (P < 0.001) and 3 months (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The application of neuromuscular bandages in the suprahyoid muscle area can be a useful option for managing drooling in patients with intellectual disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to characterize the counterpart to the INTErnational Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory high-mass X-ray binary candidate IGR J19294+1816 so as to establish its true nature. We obtained H-band spectra of the selected counterpart acquired with the Near Infrared Camera and Spectrograph instrument mounted on the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo 3.5-m telescope which represents the first infrared spectrum ever taken of this source. We complement the spectral analysis with infrared photometry from UKIDSS, 2MASS, WISE, and NEOWISE data bases. We classify the mass donor as a Be star. Subsequently, we compute its distance by properly taking into account the contamination produced by the circumstellar envelope. The findings indicate that IGR J19294+1816 is a transient source with a B1Ve donor at a distance of d = 11 ± 1 kpc, and luminosities of the order of 1036-37 erg s-1, displaying the typical behaviour of a Be-X-ray binary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A timely and accurate acquisition of the information provided by variable message signs (VMS) can be crucial while driving. In the current study, we assess the difficulties of adults with dyslexia acquiring the information shown in VMS and provide evidence to discuss the controversial use of pictograms as potential countermeasures. Twenty-two adults with dyslexia and 22 matched controls completed a simulated driving session. The legibility of 12 VMS was assessed, including six text messages (e.g. "ACCIDENT") and six single pictograms (e.g. the icon for "accident ahead"). On average, participants with dyslexia started reading text messages when they were closer to the VMS. In addition, while approaching text VMS, they dedicated more gazes and manifested worse control of speed. Regarding pictogram VMS, we observed no differences in response distance, accuracy, response duration, or number of gazes. To sum up, the evidence provided reveals that adults with dyslexia, despite potential compensation effects, may still find difficulties reading text messages in VMS (shorter legibility distances, longer reading times, and increased cognitive effort), whereas we found no such differences in the recognition of pictograms (only some difficulties keeping a steady speed). Research on inclusive measures to improve reading in low-skilled or dyslexic drivers must be encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the behavior of two ultrafiltration (UF) membranes after their fouling with different fouling solutions and cleaning with a surfactant, including the application of ultrasounds (US). Thus, two UF membranes (UH030 and UP005) were fouled with three different whey model solutions that consisted of bovine serum albumin (BSA) with a concentration of 1% (w/w), BSA (1%, w/w) plus CaCl2 with a concentration of 0.17% (w/w) and whey solution (Renylat 45) with a concentration of 2.22% (w/w). Chemical cleaning was carried out with P3 Ultrasil 115 solution at temperatures between 25 °C and 45 °C and concentrations in the range between 0.5% (v/v) and 0.9% (v/v). US were applied in some of the tests at a frequency of 20 kHz and nominal power of 300 W. The results demonstrated that US cleaning was effective to enhance the permeability recovery, although this enhancement was only up to 9%. Concerning fouling, results from resistances calculations showed that for UH030 membrane prevails the reversible fouling whereas for UP005 membrane predominate irreversible fouling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AI is commercially applied worldwide to breed pigs, yielding fertility outcomes similar to those of natural mating. However, it is not fully efficient, as only liquid-stored semen is used, with a single boar inseminating about 2000 sows yearly. The use of liquid semen, moreover, constrains international trade and slows genetic improvement. Research efforts, reviewed hereby, are underway to reverse this inefficient scenario. Special attention is paid to studies intended to decrease the number of sperm used per pregnant sow, facilitating the practical use of sexed frozen-thawed semen in swine commercial insemination programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-viable sperm (“dead sperm”) are present in variable numbers in mammalian ejaculates and their number increase substantially when semen is stored, particularly cryopreserved. This review comparatively highlights, with experimental data in porcine, the role-played by non-viable sperm in the outcome of semen used in assisted reproductive technologies. As well, the review discusses our current understanding of their origin and the pathways involved when their large numbers negative influence the functional lifespan of contemporary viable sperm to eventually cause irreversible dysfunction that reduces their fertility potential and their ability to develop healthy embryos. Finally, it highlights procedures currently available to mitigate these harmful effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents In Western countries, where pig breeding and production are intensive, there is a documented variability in fertility between farms with boar-related parameters only accounting to 6% of this total variation of in vivo fertility. Such low boar effect could be a result of the rigorous control of sires and ejaculates yielding AI-doses exerted by the highly specialized AI-centres that monopolize the market. However, some subfertile boars pass through these rigorous controls and consequently reach the AI-programmes. Here, we discuss why testing young boars for chromosomal defects, sperm nuclear chromatin integrity and in vitro fertilizing ability can be discriminative and economically sound for removing these less fertile boars. Alongside, we discuss why boars differ in the ability of their sperm to tolerate cryopreservation or sex sorting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key points We expanded a prior model of whole-body O2 transport and utilization based on diffusive O2 exchange in the lungs and tissues to additionally allow for both lung ventilation-perfusion and tissue metabolism-perfusion heterogeneities, in order to estimate [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High resolution X-ray spectroscopy is a powerful tool for studying the nature of the matter surrounding the neutron star in X-ray binaries and its interaction between the stellar wind and the compact object. In particular, absorption features in their spectra could reveal the presence of atmospheres of the neutron star or their magnetic field strength. Here we present an investigation of the absorption feature at 2.1 keV in the X-ray spectrum of the high mass X-ray binary 4U 1538-52 based on our previous analysis of the XMM-Newton data. We study various possible origins and discuss the different physical scenarios in order to explain this feature. A likely interpretation is that the feature is associated with atomic transitions in an O/Ne neutron star atmosphere or of hydrogen and helium like Fe or Si ions formed in the stellar wind of the donor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents experimental results from the implementation of two measures aimed at reducing the nitrogen concentration in a tannery wastewater. Specifically, this research has focused on the wastewater from the deliming/ bating operations. The proposed measures are the replacement of ammonium salts by carbon dioxide in the deliming process and the reuse of wastewater and chemicals after membrane filtration of the deliming/bating liquor. The experimental study covered different wastewater pretreatment alternatives and experiments with two membranes (with different separation properties): one in the range of microfiltration (MF) and one in the range of the ultrafiltration (UF). Results of the pretreatment study indicated that neither settling nor protein precipitation were feasible. Only a security filtration prior to membrane filtration was recommended. The tested MF membrane was selected due to the higher flux (around 25 L/(m² h)) in comparison with the UP membrane. The MF permeate was successfully reused in the deliming/bating process. The delimed leather quality was excellent according to both visual and organoleptic inspection from process technicians and phenolphthalein test, confirming the technical feasibility of the proposal. Globally, the implementation of the above mentioned two measures resulted in 53% total nitrogen reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents The current cervical artificial insemination (CAI) procedure, involving deposition of excessive sperm numbers, is uneconomical for pig industry. The most obvious alternative requires uterine deposition in combination with fixed-time AI, which would reduce the number of sperm required per pregnant sow, thus allowing the best use of valuable boars and, ultimately, the commercial integration of frozen-thawed and sexed sperm. This review depicts possible best ways to implement an efficient use of liquid-stored, frozen-thawed and sexed sperm by the pig industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over 2 million soldiers have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001. Evidence suggests that they confront significant difficulties postdeployment, including psychosocial problems such as depression, PTSD, substance abuse, and family distress. Few programs to promote healthy reintegration exist that are evidence-based and designed for those not in formal mental health care. In response to this need, a 2-hour workshop, Life Guard, was developed for the Arkansas National Guard. The workshop is based upon Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT; Hayes & Strosahl, 2004) and emphasizes skill development to promote resiliency and successful postdeployment reintegration. The purposes of this pilot study were to describe the deployment experiences of OIF/OEF veterans and evaluate the effectiveness of the workshop. The sample included 144 veterans (63 intervention and 81 control) in a quasi-experimental, pre-post design (interim 2 months) with a delayed intervention control group. Both groups were largely young, male, Caucasian, and married. Control participants were significantly older, and more educated. Symptoms of a variety of psychological disorders and social adjustment were assessed at baseline and follow-up. Participants reported high levels of exposure to traumatic events, physical injury, and symptoms of psychosocial distress. In contrast to control participants, intervention participants reported significant declines in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, and increases in relationship satisfaction. Only effects for depression and relationship satisfaction remained significant in between-group comparisons. Further work is needed to evaluate Life Guard, but results suggest it is a promising workshop to assist with reintegration and resiliency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: New nonsurgical procedures for inseminating swine with a low number of spermatozoa have been developed and/or evaluated over the last few years. These procedures allow the deposition of the insemination dose into the uterine body (post-cervical insemination) or directly into the uterine horn (deep intrauterine insemination). With the use of the post-cervical insemination, a threefold reduction in the number of fresh sperm has been successfully used to achieve pregnancy. Using deep intrauterine insemination (DUI), up to a 20-fold reduction in the number of fresh spermatozoa or a sixfold reduction in the number of frozen/thawed spermatozoa can be achieved, with reproductive performance very similar to that obtained after standard AI. Complementing these nonsurgical insemination techniques, a new procedure for depositing spermatozoa into the oviduct by laparoscopy has been recently described. This laparoscopic technique has proven to be applicable to diluted and sex-sorted spermatozoa. The development of new insemination procedures will help achieve more efficient application of currently available sperm technologies. Using appropriate insemination procedures, it is now feasible to achieve high fertility rates with cooled, frozen–thawed, or sex-sorted semen. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present research project aims to apply two nonlinear control tools: exact linearization and sliding mode control, in the position control of a nonlinear system comprising an iron ball and an electromagnetic coil. Exact linearization (EL) has been used to generate a desired level in the current, and then the current acts like a current source for the electromagnetic coil considering that the system can be separated in a mechanical and electrical subsystem. Notably, we will need to follow this desired current because that current is required to maintain the ball's levitation. For that reason, we will use the sliding mode control in order to force the real current to track the desired current. Lyapunov stability will be used to validate the convergence of this tracking. The satisfactory performance of the controlled system has been verified by simulations in Matlab. However, the implementation, not shown in this paper, was performed using the DSP TMS 320LF2407, which is a powerful digital signal processor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents Low-dose AI procedures are required by the pig industry to efficiently utilize emerging sperm technologies, such as cryopreservation and sex-sorting. Currently, several different procedures for inseminating with a low or very low number of spermatozoa have been described. Deep intrauterine insemination allows the deposition of the spermatozoa in the depth of the uterine horn, allowing a significant reduction in the number of spermatozoa inseminated with maintenance of optimal reproductive performance. Intra-oviductal laparoscopic insemination has been recently applied in pigs. This technique has proved to be applicable with diluted and sex-sorted spermatozoa. This review discusses several problems encountered during the development of deep intrauterine insemination and intra-oviductal laparoscopic insemination of pigs and provides potential solutions for the practical application of both the technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Smooth snake, Coronella austriaca Laurenti, 1768, presents a continuous distribution range across central and northern Europe, with isolated fragmented populations in the southern European peninsulas. Up to 814 bp of mitochondrial DNA from 34 specimens were used to determine the phylogeny and biogeography of this species within the Iberian Peninsula. The results indicate that Coronella austriaca presents at least three mtDNA lineages in Iberia that may have originated during the Messinian Salinity Crisis, 5.3-5.9 Ma. Posterior range shifts within the independent clades were facilitated by climatic fluctuations that occurred during the Pleistocene Ice Ages and, in the Iberian Peninsula, created a complex scenario of refugia-within-refugia. The formation of old allopatric lineages during the Messinian followed by shifts in the distribution range during the Pleistocene coincide with what has been reported for other Iberian reptiles and amphibians and highlights the importance of the Southern European Peninsulas as “old” hotspots of biodiversity. Our results also support the more recent view that the accentuated environmental instability occurred during the Pleistocene did not lead to speciation in many animal groups. The subspecific status of C. a. acutirostris is confirmed by the mtDNA analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal sperm cryopreservation is a prerequisite for the sustainable commercial application of frozen-thawed boar semen for AI. Three experiments were performed to identify factors influencing variability of postthaw sperm survival among 464 boar ejaculates. Sperm-rich ejaculate fractions were cryopreserved using a standard freezing-thawing procedure for 0.5-mL plastic straws and computer-controlled freezing equipment. Postthaw sperm motility (assessed with a computer-assisted semen analysis system) and viability (simultaneously probed by flow cytometry analysis after triple-fluorescent stain), evaluated 30 and 150 rain postthaw, were used to estimate the success of cryopreservation. In the first experiment, 168 unselected ejaculates (1 ejaculate/boar), from boars of 6 breeds with a wide age range (8 to 48 mo), were cryopreserved over a 12-mo period to evaluate the predictive value of boar (breed and age), semen collection, transport variables (season of ejaculate collection, interval between collections, and ejaculate temperature exposure), initial semen traits, and sperm quality before freezing on sperm survival after freezing-thawing. In Exp. 2, 4 ejaculates from each of 29 boars, preselected according to their initial semen traits and sperm quality before freezing, were collected and frozen over a 6-mo period to evaluate the influence of interboar and intraboar ejaculate variability in the survival of sperm after cryopreservation. In Exp. 3, 12 ejaculates preselected as for Exp. 2, from each of 15 boars with known good sperm cryosurvival, were collected and frozen over a 12-mo period to estimate the sustainability of sperm cryosurvival between ejaculates over time. Boar and semen collection and transport variables were not predictive of sperm cryosurvival among ejaculates. Initial semen traits and sperm quality variables observed before freezing explained 23.2 and 10.9%, respectively, of the variation in postthaw sperm motility and viability. However, more that 70% of total variance observed in postthaw sperm quality variables among ejaculates was explained by boar. This indicates that boar is the most important (P < 0.001) factor explaining the variability among ejaculates in sperm cryosurvival, with most (14 of the 15 boars in Exp. 3) showing consistent (P > 0.05) sperm cryosurvival over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents Semen extended in a liquid state, together with conventional artificial insemination (AI), is the sole sperm technology used by the pig industry. Sperm technologies known for many years, such as cryopreservation, and others developed during recent years, such as sperm sexing, have not yet been integrated into commercial use. Moreover, there has recently been an explosion of new technologies, such as sperm mediated gene transfer or encapsulated spermatozoa which need additional supportive techniques before they can be economically applied to pig breeding. The speed with which the aforementioned sperm technologies are accepted and utilized by the pig industry depends on the availability of efficient insemination procedures. Therefore, AI is entering a new dimension where it will be converted into a tool for the efficient application of current and new sperm technologies. Some new insemination procedures have been recently developed. This review examines the suitability of available insemination procedures for the efficient application of current, emergent and future sperm technology to the pig industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine if a multivariate pattern analysis of frozen-thawed sperm characteristics of boar semen of unknown fertility, thus identifying groups of ejaculates as “good” or “bad” freezers, would estimate their fertilizing potential in an in vitro embryo production (IVP) system. Frozen-thawed spermatozoa from a single ejaculate collected from 46 boars were evaluated for sperm motility and kinematic patterns, for sperm viability and for early changes in sperm membrane stability. All data generated were used for a multivariate pattern analysis (PATN; CSIRO, Canberra, Australia) which objectively classified all ejaculates within a data set in to one of two groups, categorised as “good” (n =25) or “bad” (n =21) according with their freezability. In vitro matured oocytes were exposed to 2000 or 4000 frozen-thawed spermatozoa per oocyte for 6h and then cultured in embryo culture medium for either 6h (assurance of fertilization) or 7 days (to collect data on embryo development). Rates of sperm oocyte penetration and of embryo development significantly (p &#60;0.05) increased in a sperm:oocyte ratio-dependent manner. A similar pattern was observed when sperm characteristics were grouped. Indeed, ejaculates classified as “good” showed significantly (p &#60;0.05) higher rates of oocyte penetration, cleavage and of blastocyst formation than those classified as “bad”. However, variation was still present among individuals (ejaculates, boars) in their ability to produce blastocysts in vitro. It is therefore concluded that despite the presence of a relationship for ejaculates with good semen quality post-thaw (thus grouped as “good”) to higher IVP-results, the presence of individual variation does not allow for an accurate estimation of in vitro fertility based solely on the frozen-thawed semen quality parameters of a single ejaculate from a given boar. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The sludge water obtained from the dewatering processes following anaerobic sludge digestion contains high levels of ammonia. This sludge water is generally returned to the beginning of the waste water treatment plant process, thereby significantly increasing the nitrogen load on the biological process. In this project, the start-up of a full-scale sequencing batch reactor (SBR) process to separately treat the aforementioned sludge water is studied. Two parallel SBRs were operated over 8 hour cycles. The duration of the start-up was approximately 100 days until a hydraulic load of 225 m³/d was reached for each SBR. This paper presents the results of the start-up, highlighting the change in nitrogen concentration with time and the effect of other parameters such as temperature and suspended solids in that period. Following the project period of operation, the ammonium concentration was reduced by more than 95% on average. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on do-report correspondence training as a procedure for facilitating various types of generalization in education. Participants and setting; Dependent measures; Use of a reinforcement program to improve the academic performance of three third-grade students.

We present the first XMM–Newton observation of the classical supergiant high-mass X-ray binary XTE J1855−026 taken entirely during the eclipse of the neutron star (NS), covering the orbital phases ϕ = 0.00–0.11. The analysis of the data allows us to (a) compare with the parameters obtained during the existing pre-eclipse observation and (b) explore the back-illuminated stellar wind of the B0I-type donor. The blackbody component, used to describe the soft excess during pre-eclipse, is not observed during eclipse. It must be then produced near the NS or along the donor–NS line. The 0.3–10 keV luminosity during eclipse (∼1034 erg s−1) is 70 times lower than pre-eclipse. The intensity of the Fe Kα line, in the average eclipse spectrum, is ∼7.4 times lower than the one measured during pre-eclipse. Since Kα photons cannot be resonantly scattered in the wind, the vast majority of Fe Kα emission must come from distances within 1 R * from the NS. The eclipse spectrum is successfully modelled through the addition of two photoionized plasmas, one with low ionization (log ξ1,cold = 0.36) and high emission measure (EM1,cold ≈ 3 × 1059 cm−3) and another with high ionization (log ξ2,hot = 3.7) and low emission measure (EM2,hot ≈ 2 × 1056 cm−3). Assuming that the cold and hot gas phases are the clumps and the interclump medium of the stellar wind, respectively, and a clump volume filling factor of ≈0.04–0.05, typical for massive stars, a density contrast between clumps and the interclump medium of n c/ n i ≈ 180 is deduced, in agreement with theoretical expectations and optical–ultraviolet observations of massive star winds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cen X-3 is a compact, high-mass X-ray binary (HMXRB), likely powered by Roche lobe overflow. We present a phase-resolved X-ray spectral and timing analysis of a target of opportunity Chandra observation made during a low-flux to high-flux transition. The high-resolution spectra allow us to delve into the events that occurred during this episode. The spectrum is described by a single black body absorbed by a local column density of the order of 1023 − 24 cm−2, which is one to two orders of magnitude higher than found for previous analyses of data taken at similar orbital phases. Such a large column produces a Compton shoulder in the Fe Kα line. The transition appears to be caused by the onset of efficient cooling, which cools the plasma by 10 million degrees in just 10 ks, allowing matter to enter the magnetosphere. This happens after a major disturbance, probably the arrival of a train of wind clumps with individual masses in the range 1019 − 20 g. This train moves ballistically in an eccentric orbit around the NS, producing a distinctive Doppler modulation in the Fe XXV line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new double frame three-point-hitch dynamometer mechanically optimised is presented. • It has been design to be easily adaptable to different tractors and implements. • All forces between bodies of the tractor-dynamometer-implement system are evaluated. • The disruptive effect of the dynamometer on the forces acting on the tractor are evaluated. • A prototype has been checked in a field test and it has demonstrated its functionality. The quantification of all the forces and moments between a tractor and an implement, when linked through the three-point hitch, is interesting for different purposes, including the optimization of the implement design, the evaluation of the tractor settings or the application in precision agriculture. This work presents the development of a new double frame dynamometer to measure them. The design has been focused in the mechanical optimisation of it while making it easily adaptable to a wide range of tractors and implements. A mathematical model has been developed to determine the forces and the moments at the different couplers between bodies of the tractor-dynamometer-implement system, taking into account the mechanical characteristics of the dynamometer and the inclination of the terrain where the tractor is working. Then the disruptive effect of the dynamometer on the forces acting on the tractor can be evaluated. Resultant longitudinal force between implement and soil is also determined, taking into consideration the inclination of the terrain and the mass of the implement. A prototype of the dynamometer has been built up and some initial field tests have been carried out to validate the design and the functionality of the dynamometer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to analyze the perceived barriers to dual career success and athletic identity of student-athletes according to disability type and level of professionalization. The final sample consisted of 203 student-athletes with disabilities from five European countries. The questionnaires used were ESTPORT, EBBS and AIMS. Depending on disability type, it was found that student-athletes with hearing and physical impairment showed the highest difficulty in reconciling sports and studies (p = 0.001); that student-athletes with a hearing impairment showed the highest score in the barrier 'the cost of education is high' (p = 0.023); that student-athletes with a physical impairment had the highest scores in the barrier 'Exercise tires me' (p = 0.013); that student-athletes with cerebral palsy showed the highest scores in the barrier 'I do not have enough university/educational institution support' (p = 0.014) and 'Exercise facilities do not have convenient timetables for me' (p = 0.001). Depending on sports professionalization level, semi-professional student-athletes showed the highest values in the barrier 'the university/educational institution is far from my training center' (p = 0.040); while professional student-athletes had the highest score in the barrier 'exercise takes too much time from family responsibilities' (p = 0.034). In most of the variables related to identity as athletes, professional student-athletes showed the highest values, followed by semi-professional athletes (p = 0.043- < 0.001). In conclusion, the self-perception of barriers is quite relevant, with differences arising from disability type and level of professionalization, whereas the identity as an athlete is only different according to the level of professionalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the abstract of the study 'Deep uterine and uterine body insemination techniques in swine and the relationship of site of insemination to the required number of spermatozoa per inseminate,' presented at the American Society of Animal Science's Midwestern Branch conference on March 17-19, 2003, in Des Moines, Iowa.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sperm quality in chilled canine semen using dierent cooling rates from room temperature (23 °C) to 5 °C and subsequently cold-stored at 5 °C for up to 96 hours. In experiment 1, semen samples from five dogs were pooled, diluted in Tris-fructose-citrate extender with 20% egg yolk and split into four aliquots that were chilled to 5 °C using dierent cooling rates of 2.25, 0.9, 0.45, and 0.2 (control) °C/min. In experiment 2, semen from five dogs was processed individually as described above and split into two aliquots that were chilled to 5 °C using rates of either 2.25 °C/min or 0.2 °C/min. In both experiments, the sperm quality (i.e., sperm motility and viability) was evaluated before cooling and after 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours of storage at 5 °C. The total motility, progressive motility, and quality of movement parameters were assessed using computer-assisted analysis system, and the percentage of viable spermatozoa was determined using flow cytometry (H-42/PI//FITC-PNA). The cooling rate did not influence the sperm quality parameters at any of the evaluation times. All evaluated males showed the same response to chilling semen at a rapid cooling rate. Storage time negatively influenced (P < 0.05) sperm motility, regardless of the cooling rate used. In conclusion, canine sperm could be chilled and stored for 96 hours at 5 °C in a Tris-fructose extender with 20% egg yolk using rapid cooling rates, with values for sperm quality similar to those from a conventional protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Several hundred thousand offspring of preselected sex of various species have been born since sperm sexing technology based on flow cytometric sorting of X- and Y-chromosome-bearing sperm and DNA was first demonstrated in 1989. The advantages derived from application of sexing technology to commercial dairy cattle production have been demonstrated worldwide. Utilizing sex-sorting technology for pig production systems offers many similar advantages. However, several factors currently limit implementation of sexing technology in pigs. Anatomical and physiological features inherent to the female pig, together with the relatively low sperm output of a flow sorter, are the main limitations to widespread use of this technology in pig production systems. This review analyzes the factors that limit the efficiency of sperm sorting technology for commercial swine production. In addition, this review discusses recent innovations in technical instrumentation and applied reproductive techniques that may help to overcome some of these limitations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In vitro fertilization (IVF) in pigs is still considered sub-optimal, due to the occurrence of polyspermy, as well as the inter- and intra-boar variability in sperm characteristics. Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between fresh and frozen-thawed semen parameters, such as motility, morphology and viability with in vitro fertility in order to develop methods of selecting boars for use in IVF. These studies have clearly shown that sperm parameters have limited value in predicting IVF efficiency. On the other hand, it has been demonstrated that the requirements of boar sperm during co-incubation with the oocytes (sperm:oocyte ratio, substances added to the fertilization medium and co-incubation time) vary among boars. Preliminary assays required for individual males will be discussed with the objective of reaching maximum efficiency of in vitro fertilization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

It can be said that Spain has a tradition, dating back to the 1920s, of applying psychology to traffic accident prevention. This application of psychology was the first professional area of psychological intervention to be legally regulated in Spain, even before the formal existence of an academic field in psychology. From the 1930s on, without interruption, the same preventive model has prevailed, despite the different political regimes that have governed Spain. First, psychotechnicians in public centres that assessed professional drivers and, later, psychologists in private centres that assessed all drivers have been the leading figures in this history, the binding thread in what has come to be called the "Spanish model" of road safety. Several stages in the development of this model can be established, and they are largely coincident with the evolution of an autonomous, Spanish, psychological science. The current "Reglamento General de Conductores", which regulates drivers' licences, requires all candidates seeking to obtain or renew a driver's licence to undergo a physical and psychological examination at a private centre. This examination is also required for drivers seeking to recover licences lost under the penalty point system. The "Reglamento General de Conductores" maintains the same preventive model legalized in 1934. An empirical analysis of the use and validity of this model is presented. Driver assessment has played a key role in building modern, professional, Spanish psychology, and it is today the oldest existing element of the field. [TRANSLATION]

Over the past decade, there has been an increase in the development and/or in the improvement of emerging reproductive technologies in pigs. Among emerging reproductive technologies with potential short-term application in pig production are: artificial insemination with low number of spermatozoa, cryopreservation of spermatozoa and embryos, sperm sexing, and non-surgical embryo transfer. The following review will give emphasis to recent advancements in these reproductive technologies that are starting to show possibilities of serious applications under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin cancer is the most common malignancy occurring in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Our purpose was to investigate, prospectively, the cumulative incidence of cancerous and precancerous skin lesions as well as their risk factors in a close follow-up population of KTRs from a Mediterranean area of Spain. One hundred and seventy-four consecutive KTRs were examined at the moment of transplant and then at 6-month intervals. The cumulative incidence of skin cancer was computed. To analyse the role of potential risk factors (age at transplantation, cause of renal failure, duration of pretransplant dialysis, type of immunosuppressive regimen, sun-reactive skin type and history of occupational sun exposure), the Cox regression method was used. After a median follow-up of 72 months (range, 12–140), 39 patients (25·3%) developed 142 tumours [84 basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and 58 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)]. The BCC/SCC ratio was 1·4 : 1. The cumulative incidence for skin cancer was 13% after 3 years of graft survival, increasing to 27·5% at 6 years and 48% at 10 years. Only age at the time of transplantation and occupational sun exposure had statistical significance as risk factors ( P < 0·001). Our study confirms the high incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer among KTRs in a Mediterranean population with occupational sun exposure and the patient's age at the time of transplantation being the main risk factors. We believe that all organ transplant programs should provide educational information about protecting oneself from the sun as well as include follow-up visits by dermatologists in order to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the performance of homologous in vitro penetration (hIVP) assays using immature oocytes to assess the penetrating ability of boar sperm, the present study was designed to evaluate the influence of oocyte and follicle size on the penetrability of immature pig oocytes obtained from slaughterhouse ovaries. Nonatretic antral follicles were isolated, measured with a computerized image analysis system and grouped according to their diameter: Group 1 (0.40–0.99 mm), Group 2 (1.00–2.19 mm), Group 3 (2.20–2.79 mm), and Group 4 (2.80–6.50 mm). After sperm coincubation and before penetrability evaluation, the immature oocytes were classified into four size categories according to their diameter excluding zona pellucida: <105, 105–109, 110–114, and ≥115 μm. As regards follicle size, the highest viability and penetrability were obtained with oocytes from follicles >2.20 mm (P>0.05). Regarding oocyte size, significant differences (P<0.05) were observed for all parameters evaluated between oocytes with a diameter above or below 110 μm. However, our results revealed that such differences were due to follicle size rather than oocyte diameter, since oocytes with the same diameter but from different follicle size groups showed different penetration rates. With increasing follicle size, the percentage of penetrated oocytes increased (P<0.05). Finally, our results showed that the greater penetrability of immature oocytes from larger follicles is not due to variations in the thickness of the zona pellucida. There were no significant differences in zona pellucida thickness between oocytes from the four follicular size groups. In summary, these results indicate that follicle size directly affects the penetrability of immature pig oocytes used in hIVP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We designed the present study to examine the possible relationship between oocyte, antral follicle size and the nuclear heterogeneity of immature pig oocytes, in order to study the heterogeneity of oocyte populations in ovaries obtained from slaughterhouses. Previously, we carried out an initial experiment to determine, by histological analysis, the effectiveness of the macroscopic criteria (MC) used to screen atretic and nonatretic antral follicles. We recovered 239 follicles by mechanical dissection, measured them with a computerized image analysis system, and classified them into five size categories according to their diameter (FD): Group 1 (0.40–0.99 mm), Group 2 (1.00–2.19 mm), Group 3 (2.20–2.79 mm), Group 4 (2.80–3.59 mm) and Group 5 (3.60–6.50 mm). In relation to histological analysis, the results showed that MC is an effective method to select atretic and nonatretic antral follicles from 0.40 to 6.50 mm in diameter (overall accuracy was 80.75%, with sensitivity and specificity rates of 79.33 and 82.20%, respectively). In a second experiment, we recovered 454 nonatretic follicles, then measured and classified them as mentioned above. We removed oocytes individually from follicles and measured their size (oocyte diameter without and with zona pellucida, OD and TOD, respectively). Finally, we evaluated the relationship between OD, FD and nuclear maturation of immature oocytes (germinal vesicles (GV) Stages 0, I, II, III and IV; diakinesis, prophase I, and metaphase I). Overall OD was 101.77±0.65, 109.19±0.45, 113.55±0.50, 116.92±0.46 and 117.13±0.47 μm (Groups 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively). Differences in OD between groups were significant (P<0.01), although from 2.80 to 6.50 mm follicles, the oocytes were not different in size. There was a certain heterogeneity in OD within each follicular group. Although we observed a certain degree of nuclear variability, regardless of FD or OD, the present study showed a clear progression in GV when FD increased from 0.40 to 6.50 mm. A positive correlation (r2=0.4248; P>0.05) was established mainly between the nuclear stage and oocyte diameter. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effect of two different prefermentative treatments (the moment of SO2addition and the use of fining agents), three different maceration times (4, 5 and 10 d), two different storage conditions and the length of storage on wine colour composition has been studied. The results show that the addition of SO2at the moment of crushing, the use of the fining agent polyvinylpolypyrrolidone and long maceration times produced wines with a higher anthocyanin, ionised anthocyanins and polymeric compounds content, greater colour density, and an overall colour quality. Principal components analysis showed that the wines were mainly grouped according to their length of maceration and storage condition. After 12 mo of storage, wines elaborated with 10-d skin maceration were those with greatest colour quality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Study Objectives: To evaluate the intraoperative evolution of patients with COPD during lung resection and to test whether exercise testing could be helpful in the prediction of the intraoperative course.Design: Prospective study.Setting: University teaching hospital.Patients: Forty patients (mean [+/- SD] age, 65 +/- 9 years) with COPD (ie, FEV(1), 55 +/- 11% of predicted) and resectable lung neoplasms.Interventions: Preoperatively, pulmonary function testing, quantitative lung perfusion scanning, and exercise performance testing were administered. Intraoperatively, pulmonary, hemodynamic, and blood gas measurements were performed at five stages, including periods of two-lung ventilation (TLV) and periods of one-lung ventilation (OLV).Results: During OLV, compared with TLV, the PaO(2)/fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO(2)) ratio decreased from 458 +/- 120 to 248 +/- 131 mm Hg (p < 0.05), whereas pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) increased from 18 +/- 5 to 23 +/- 5 mm Hg (p < 0.05). Cardiac output (t) also increased from 4.0 +/- 1.2 to 5.1 +/- 1.9 L/min (p < 0.05), yielding to a higher mixed venous PO(2). Both PaO(2) and t during OLV were significantly lower in patients who had undergone right thoracotomies compared with those who had undergone left thoracotomies. The PaO(2)/FIO(2) ratio during OLV correlated with the PaO(2) during exercise (r = 0.39; p = 0.01) and with the perfusion of the non-neoplastic lung (r = 0.44; p = 0.005).Conclusions: In COPD patients, OLV leads to a significant derangement of gas exchange, which is more pronounced in right thoracotomies. Preoperative measurement of PaO(2) during exercise and the distribution of perfusion by lung scan might be useful to identify those patients who are at the greatest risk of abnormal gas exchange during lung resections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the fining agents bentonite and polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) on wine phenolics and colour characteristics has been studied, and the characteristics compared with those of an untreated wine. The use of fining agents resulted in lower concentrations of hydroxycinnamic derivatives, procyanidins and flavan-3-ols but higher concentrations of monomeric anthocyanins. The addition of fining agents in the pre-fermentative phase may partially prevent the disappearance of anthocyanins through the elimination of solids to which they could be fixed. The evolution of the wine characteristics was followed during 12 months' storage and it was observed that clarified wines maintained the differences from the untreated wine during the storage time. At the end of the experiment, clarified wines, especially the wine clarified with PVPP, had a higher monomeric and ionised anthocyanin content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

VP23.03: Feasibility of four-dimensional spatiotemporal image correlation in the evaluation of longitudinal strain using fetal heart quantification software Fetal Heart Quantification (FetalHQ) is a novel speckle-tracking software that permits assessing longitudinal strain from a two-dimensional (2D) 4 chamber view (4CH) clip. 4D-STIC showed a good intraobserver reproducibility for the GLS LV (ICC 0,906) and for the RV (ICC: 0,732), and also a good interobserver reproducibility (LV ICC: 0,825, RV ICC: 0,767). [Extracted from the article]

Background: Inhalation of nitric oxide (NO) causes selective pulmonary vasodilation and improves arterial oxygenation in acute respiratory distress syndrome. But some patients do not respond or gas exchange worsens when inhaling NO. We hypothesised that this detrimental effect might be related to the reversion of hypoxic vasoconstriction in those patients where this mechanism contributes to ventilation-perfusion (V(A)/Q) matching.Methods: We studied 13 patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We compared their responses to breathing room air, NO at 40 parts per million in air, and 100% O2. Changes in pulmonary haemodynamics, blood gases, and V(A)/Q distributions were assessed.Findings: NO inhalation decreased the mean (SE) pulmonary artery pressure from 25.9 (2.0) to 21.5 (1.7) mm Hg (p = 0.001) and PaO2 from 56 (2) 53 (2) mm Hg (p = 0.014). The decrease in PaO2 resulted from worsening of V(A)/Q distributions, as shown by a greater dispersion of the blood-flow distribution (logSD Q) from 1.11 (0.1) to 1.22 (0.1) (p = 0.018). O2 breathing reduced the mean pulmonary arterial pressure to 23.4 (2.1) mm Hg and caused greater V(A)/Q mismatch (logSD Q, 1.49 [0.1]). The intrapulmonary shunt on room air was small (2.7 [0.9]%) and did not change when breathing NO or O2.Interpretation: We conclude that in patients with COPD, in whom hypoxaemia is caused essentially by V(A)/Q imbalance rather than by shunt, inhaled NO can worsen gas exchange because of impaired hypoxic regulation of the matching between ventilation and perfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the fertilizing ability assessment of fresh and stored boar semen. Estrus detection of the sows; Environmental factors affecting artificial insemination.