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To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2010.07.015 Byline: Vishnu Reddy (a), Michael J. Gaffey (b), Michael S. Kelley (c), Andreas Nathues (d), Jian-Yang Li (e), Robert Yarbrough (c) Keywords: Asteroid Vesta; Spectroscopy; Asteroids, Composition; Asteroids; Planetary formation Abstract: High signal-to-noise, rotationally-resolved spectra of Asteroid 4 Vesta's southern hemisphere from the 2007 opposition were used to constrain its compositional and mineralogical variations. The spectra were rotationally-phased using closely timed HST observations of Vesta by Li et al. (Li, J.-Y., McFadden, L.A., Thomas, P.C., Mutchler, M.J., Parker, J.Wm., Young, E.F., Russell, C.T., Sykes, M.V., Schmidt, B.E. [2010]. Icarus 208, 238-251). The average surface of Vesta's southern hemisphere is analogous to a howardite or polymict eucrite assemblage similar to the northern hemisphere, although the band parameters are distinctly shifted towards the diogenite zone on the Band-Band plot. A few distinct compositional units were detected and they might be related to albedo features detected by Hubble Space Telescope (Li et al., 2010). We have identified two compositionally distinct regions overlaying the background surface. The first unit is a polymict eucrite and/or low-Ca eucrite compositional unit at 143[degrees] longitude that border the eucrite zone on the Band-Band plot and the second is a diogenite unit at 159[degrees]. While we did not detect any distinct olivine units as suggested by Gaffey (Gaffey, M.J. [1997]. Icarus 127, 130-157), we cannot rule out the possibility of smaller olivine-rich units that are below the detection limit of the instrumentation we used. Based on the analysis and the limitations of the data, we do not suggest that Vesta's surface is olivine-free. Mean pyroxene chemistry estimates for both hemispheres broadly agree with one another (to within one-sigma) with the northern hemisphere ferrosilite (Fs) and wollastonite (Wo) values being slightly higher than southern hemisphere. Author Affiliation: (a) Department of Space Studies, Room 520, Box 9008, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA (b) Department of Space Studies, Room 518, Box 9008, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA (c) Department of Geology and Geography, Box 8149, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA (d) Max-Planck Institute for Solar System Research, 37191 Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany (e) Department of Astronomy, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA Article History: Received 12 March 2010; Revised 10 July 2010; Accepted 14 July 2010

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2010.02.011 Byline: Andreas Nathues Keywords: Asteroids; Composition; Spectrophotometry; Spectroscopy; Surfaces Abstract: Reflectance spectra in visible and near-infrared wavelengths of 97 nominal members of the Eunomia asteroid family have been obtained and analyzed. According to these investigations, 94% of the observed dynamic family members belong to the Tholen S-class, only 4% to the C-class and 2% to the M-class. The S-asteroids are believed to be 'genetic' members of the Eunomia family and thus are fragments of 15 Eunomia. The fragments show different 1- and 2-[mu]m absorption band characteristics, which are likely attributed to their place of origin within the parent body. The major volume fraction of the investigated members seems to originate from the 'crust' of the parent body while the volume fraction of 'mantle' material is less. Previous spectral investigations (Nathues, A., Mottola, S., Kaasalainen, M., Neukum, G. [2005], Icarus 175 (2), 452-463) of the family's main body, 15 Eunomia, revealed variations of olivine and pyroxene on a hemispherical scale. These findings, together with the conclusion that the major mineral component of 15 Eunomia and its fragments is olivine, suggest that a large fraction of the original pyroxene-enriched crust layer has been lost due to a major collision that created the asteroid family. Significant spectral evidences consistent with high concentrations of metals have not been found in the rotational resolved spectra of 15 Eunomia and in its fragments. This led to the conclusion that either a core, which consists mainly of metals, does not exist or that an eventual one has not yet been unearthed by an impact. The absence of V-type asteroids, the low number of M-types among the dynamic family members and the lack of distinct feldspar absorption features in the S-asteroid spectra suggest that the parent body of the Eunomia family was partially differentiated rather than fully differentiated. Author Affiliation: Max-Planck-Institut fur Sonnensystemforschung, Max-Planck-StraAe 2, 37191 Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany Article History: Received 28 February 2008; Revised 2 November 2009; Accepted 18 January 2010 Article Note: (footnote) [star] Based on observations carried out at the European Southern Observatory (La Silla, Chile) and the Calar Alto Observatory (Spain).

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2004.12.013 Byline: Andreas Nathues (a), Stefano Mottola (b), Mikko Kaasalainen (c), Gerhard Neukum (d) Abstract: We present color ratio curves of the S-Asteroid 15 Eunomia, which have been extracted from high-precision photometric lightcurves obtained in three different VNIR wavelength bands at the Bochum Telescope, La Silla. The measured color ratio curves and near infrared spectra were used to derive a detailed surface composition model whose shape has been computed by V-lightcurve inversions. According to this analysis, the asteroid shows on one hemisphere a higher concentration of pyroxene, which causes an increased 440/700 nm and a reduced 940/700 nm reflectance ratio as well as a pronounced 2-[mu]m absorption band. The remaining surface shows a higher concentration of olivine, leading to a reduced 440/700 nm and slightly increased 940/700 nm color ratio. In addition, we found that the maximum of the 440/700 nm color ratio curve coincide with the minimum of the 940/700 nm color ratio curve and vice versa. We demonstrate on the basis of USGS laboratory spectra that this anti-cyclical behavior can be explained by choosing Fe-rich olivine and a pyroxene with moderate Fe content as varying mineral phases. Furthermore, our observations confirm that 15 Eunomia is an irregular elongated and at least partially differentiated body. Previous spectral investigations of several smaller fragments of the Eunomia asteroid family revealed that the amount of fragments showing an increased pyroxene content exceeds the amount of pyroxene-poor fragments (Nathues, 2000, DLR Forschungsbericht, ISSN 1434-8454). This finding together with the observation that the major fraction of Eunomia's surface is enriched in olivine let us claim that a large fraction of the original pyroxene-enriched crust layer has been lost due to a major collision that created the Eunomia asteroid family. Significant spectral evidences, consistent with high concentrations of metals have been found neither in the rotational resolved spectra of 15 Eunomia nor in its fragments. This led to the conclusion that either no core consisting mainly of metals exists or that an eventual one has not been unearthed by the impact. Author Affiliation: (a) Max-Planck-Institut fur Sonnensystemforschung, Max-Planck-StraAe 2, 37191 Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany (b) DLR, Institute of Space Sensor Technology and Planetary Exploration, Rutherfordstrasse 2, 12489 Berlin, Germany (c) Rolf Nevanlinna Institute, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, P.O. Box 68, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland (d) Freie Universitat Berlin, Institut fur Geologie, Geophysik und Geoinformatik, MalteserstraAe 74-100, D-12249 Berlin, Germany Article Note: (footnote) [star] Based on observations carried out at the European Southern Observatory (La Silla, Chile) and Calar Alto Observatory (Spain).

We present new observations and models of the shapes and rotational states of the eight near-Earth Asteroids (1580) Betulia, (1627) Ivar, (1980) Tezcatlipoca, (2100) Ra-Shalom, (3199) Nefertiti, (3908) Nyx, (4957) Brucemurray, and (5587) 1990 SB. We also outline some of their solar phase curves, corrected to common reference geometry with the models. Some of the targets may feature sizable global nonconvexities, but the observable solar phase angles were not sufficie ntly high for confirming these. None is likely to have a very densely cratered surface. We discuss the role of the intermediate topographic scale range in photometry, and surmise that this scale range is less important than large or small scale lengths. Keywords: Asteroids, rotation; Photometry: Surfaces, asteroids

Lightcurve observations of 16 near-Earth objects (NEOs) and 2 Mars-crossers in 1996-1999 from three observational sites are presented. Eight objects were observed shortly after their discovery within the follow-up program of NEO observations. We were able to determine rotation periods for 14 asteroids. For 8 objects (5626, 5732, 1998 FM5, 1998 FX2, 1998 UT18, 1998 VO33, 1999 RQ36, 1999 US3) our determinations constitute new results while in the remaining 6 cases (3200, 4341, 7025, 7822, 11066, 1992 QN) we could improve or confirm previously published periods. We also put constraints on the spin vector of 3200 Phaethon. Key Words: asteroids; rotation; photometry.

Although artificial insemination in pig production is widespread, many farms rely on natural mating (NM). For NM to be successful, adequate sexual behaviour and a sufficient libido level in boars is crucial for appropriate reproductive performance. Therefore, this observational study evaluated the libido level of 59 boars of different breeds used for NM by a scoring system ranging from 0 (no libido) to a maximum of 23 points (perfect libido) and analysed their general and andrological health as well as housing and management factors influencing the libido. The boars showed a mean libido score of 16.7 (SD ± 2.3). Crossbreed (median: 17.5, min: 14.0, max: 21.0) (p < 0.01) and Landrace (median: 17.5, min: 17.0, max: 21.0) (p < 0.05) boars showed significantly higher libido scores compared to Piétrain boars (median: 14.0, min: 13.0, max: 17.0). A non-slippery mating area was found to be positively associated with libido (p < 0.05), whereas disorders such as lameness showed a negative correlation (p < 0.01). In winter, significantly higher libido values (median: 17.0, min: 14.0, max: 21.0) were recorded compared to spring (median: 16.0, min: 11.0, max: 21.0) (p < 0.05). In addition, high number of supports by farmers during natural mating and frequency of use for NM and for stimulation of artificially inseminated sows did not negatively influence the libido score. No significant correlation between the satisfaction of the farmer about the libido level of the boars and the evaluated libido score was detected. This is the first study investigating the effect of housing conditions and management procedures on the libido of boars used for NM under field conditions. The findings may therefore help to establish a successful mating management for herds applying NM on a regular basis. A systematic evaluation of the libido score is needed to detected boars with low libido levels, because it is often overlooked by the farmers. Moreover, genetics, general health condition and flooring in mating areas turned out to be critical parameters that influence the libido score of boars used for NM and therefore should be considered when examining natural mating on farm. • Boars for natural mating showed a high libido score. • Flooring influenced the libido of boars. • Genetics had a influence of the libido score. • In winter boars showed higher libido compared to spring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results of NASA's Dawn mission indicate that Ceres, the biggest object in the main asteroid belt, may be geologically active because it shows changes in its morphology that might have happened in geologically recent times. Juling is a ∼2.5 Ma old, 20-km diameter impact crater on this dwarf planet, which has an extensive ejecta blanket of spectrally bright bluish material and water ice exposures on its steep northern inner wall. The crater floor is dominated by a spectrally reddish material, which is distinct from other surface types in this region. No other crater of Juling's size on Ceres, shows such a reddish floor. In addition, the floor has a complex morphology characterized by lobate flows and indications of a north-south directed mass wasting possibly leading to the elongated, ∼16 km long and several hundred-meter-high central structure. Here we describe the characteristics of the material that constitutes the floor, and we present a geological map of the crater, using the Framing Camera (FC) imagery. From the analysis of data acquired by the Visible and Infrared Spectrometer (VIR), we did not find evidence for the presence of organic rich materials in Juling at the available data resolution. The spectrum of the floor material seems to be a combination of mineralogy and physical properties of the regolith. Our findings suggest that the processes leading to the reddish material and the peculiar morphology of the crater floor, must have occurred after the formation of Juling crater. • Juling and its neighbor Kupalo are young craters that share remarkably bright ejecta. • Water ice may have triggered and supported landslides that reshaped the crater. • Material filling Juling's floor is spectrally distinct from the surrounding terrain. • The infrared data does not indicate presence of organic-rich material in Juling. • Physical properties and mineralogy likely cause the red spectral slope of the Juling floor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a part of an observational program on Cybele asteroids we have obtained lightcurves of 10 of the larger asteroids. In this paper the results are presented for 229 Adelinda, 260 Huberta, 401 Ottilia, 420 Bertholda, 466 Tisiphone, 522 Helga, 570 Kythera, 713 Luscinia, 909 Ulla, and 1467 Mashona. Spin properties have been determined for the first time for 8 of these asteroids. [C] 2001 Academic Press

In this paper we present lightcurves and physical parameters for nine near-Earth objects (NEOs) (433 Eros, 1917 Cuyo, 2368 Beltrovata, 3753 Cruithne, 4769 Castalia, 4953 1990 MU, 6491 1991 OA, 1995 EK1, and 1995 FJ) and three Mars crossers (5738 Billpickering, 7467 1989 WQ1, and 10578 1995 LH) observed during six campaigns in 1992 and 1995. The photometric lightcurve observations discussed here are part of an ongoing observational follow-up program (S. Mottola et al. 1995, Icarus 117, 62-70; P. Pravec et al. 1997, Icarus 130, 275-286). The purpose of this program is to determine important physical parameters (rotational period and state, spin vectors, colors, and shapes) for NEOs. [C] 2000 Academic Press Key Words: asteroids; rotation; photometry.

Brachyspira ( B .) spp. are intestinal spirochaetes isolated from pigs, other mammals, birds and humans. In pigs, seven Brachyspira spp. have been described, i.e. B. hyodysenteriae , B. pilosicoli , B. intermedia , B. murdochii , B. innocens, B. suanatina and B. hampsonii . Brachyspira hyodysenteriae is especially relevant in pigs as it causes swine dysentery and hence considerable economic losses to the pig industry. Furthermore, reduced susceptibility of B. hyodysenteriae to antimicrobials is of increasing concern. The epidemiology of B. hyodysenteriae infections is only partially understood, but different methods for detection, identification and typing have supported recent improvements in knowledge and understanding. In the last years, molecular methods have been increasingly used. Molecular epidemiology links molecular biology with epidemiology, offering unique opportunities to advance the study of diseases. This review is based on papers published in the field of epidemiology and molecular epidemiology of B. hyodysenteriae in pigs. Electronic databases were screened for potentially relevant papers using title and abstract and finally, Barcellos et al. papers were systemically selected and assessed. The review summarises briefly the current knowledge on B. hyodysenteriae epidemiology and elaborates on molecular typing techniques available. Results of the studies are compared and gaps in the knowledge are addressed. Finally, potential areas for future research are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dwarf planet Ceres (equatorial diameter 963km) is the largest object that has remained in the main asteroid belt ( Russell and Raymond, 2012 ), while most large bodies have been destroyed or removed by dynamical processes ( Petit et al. 2001; Minton and Malhotra, 2009 ). Pre-Dawn investigations ( McCord and Sotin, 2005; Castillo-Rogez and McCord, 2010 ; Castillo-Rogez et al., 2011 ) suggest that Ceres is a thermally evolved, but still volatile-rich body with potential geological activity, that was never completely molten, but possibly differentiated into a rocky core, an ice-rich mantle, and may contain remnant internal liquid water. Thermal alteration should contribute to producing a (dark) carbonaceous chondritic-like surface ( McCord and Sotin, 2005; Castillo-Rogez and McCord, 2010 ; Castillo-Rogez et al., 2011 ; Nathues et al., 2015 ) containing ammoniated phyllosilicates ( King et al., 1992 ; De Sanctis et al., 2015 and 2016 ). Here we show and analyse global contrast-rich colour mosaics, derived from a camera on-board Dawn at Ceres ( Russell et al., 2016 ). Colours are unexpectedly more diverse on global scale than anticipated by Hubble Space Telescope ( Li et al., 2006 ) and ground-based observations ( Reddy et al. 2015 ). Dawn data led to the identification of five major colour units. The youngest units identified by crater counting, termed bright and bluish units, are exclusively found at equatorial and intermediate latitudes. We identified correlations between the distribution of the colour units, crater size, and formation age, inferring a crustal stratigraphy. Surface brightness and spectral properties are not correlated. The youngest surface features are the bright spots at crater Occator (~Ø 92km). Their colour spectra are highly consistent with the presence of carbonates while most of the remaining surface resembles modifications of various types of ordinary carbonaceous chondrites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kupalo is a ∼4 ​Ma old, 26-km diameter impact crater on dwarf planet Ceres, which exhibits extensive areas of bright bluish material. Here we describe, for the first time, the geology of Kupalo on a regional and local scale in detail, based on Dawn Framing Camera (FC) imagery. We find the crater has a complex geology consistent with a brittle and heterogeneous crust in this area. Through analyses of the FC colour data, we identify a correlation between the geologic units and the spectral variations, which can be explained by a mixture of subsurface materials in response to the impact. The brightest sites of Kupalo, located at the upper west wall and the central ridge, show similar FC colour and spectral IR data, which suggest that the bright material in these locations likely has the same origin. To explain the distribution of the bright bluish material in the crater and its vicinity, we propose two scenarios for the structure of the upper Cerean crust. Both require deep-seated brine or salt reservoirs, possibly connected to a brine ocean at the crust-mantle transition. • Geology of Kupalo suggests that Ceres' crust is rather heterogeneous (69). • Mixture of impacted subsurface materials explains correlation of spectra and geology (84). • Bright material in Kupalo would have originally been deposited at a depth of ∼3 ​km (82). • The brightest exposures are linked to subsurface reservoirs of hydrated carbonates (82). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Campylobacter spp., Salmonella enterica, and Yersinia enterocolitica are common causes of foodborne infections in humans with pork as a potential source. Monitoring programs at farm level are, to date, only implemented for S. enterica, while epidemiological knowledge of the other two pathogens is still lacking. This study aimed to assess the pathogen load (in the pigs' environment) in fattening pig herds, their simultaneous occurrence, and the occurrence of Campylobacter spp. and Y. enterocolitica in herds in different Salmonella risk categories. In 50 fattening pig herds in northern Germany, four pooled fecal samples and 10 swab samples from the pigs' direct environment (pen walls, nipple drinkers), indirect environment (hallways, drive boards), and flies and rodent droppings were collected from each herd and submitted for cultural examination. Campylobacter spp. were detected in 38.1% of fecal, 32.7% of direct environment, 5.3% of indirect environment, and 4.6% of flies/pests samples collected, and Y. enterocolitica in 17.1, 8.1, 1.2, and 3.1% and S. enterica in 11.2, 7.7, 4.1, and 1.5%, respectively. For Campylobacter spp., Y. enterocolitica, and S. enterica, 80, 48, and 32% of herds were positive, respectively; 22 herds were positive for both Campylobacter spp. and Y. enterocolitica, 12 for Campylobacter spp. and S. enterica, and 7 for Y. enterocolitica and S. enterica. There was no significant association between the pathogens at herd level. Campylobacter spp. and Y. enterocolitica were found more often in samples from the low Salmonella risk category (odds ratio, 0.51; confidence interval, 0.36 to 0.73, and 0.3, 0.17 to 0.57), and this was also the case for Y. enterocolitica at herd level (odds ratio, 0.08; confidence interval, 0.02 to 0.3). This study provides evidence that the pigs' environment should be accounted for when implementing control measures on farms against Campylobacter spp. and Y. enterocolitica. An extrapolation from the current Salmonella monitoring to the other two pathogens does not seem feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnosis of enzootic pneumonia at the herd level should be based on a combination of different methods. Currently, clinical examination is usually considered to be a low value method, particularly compared to the direct detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in lung lesions by PCR. The present study compared the value of accurate clinical examination (including the quantitation of coughing), PCR on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and serological testing of blood samples for the purpose of diagnosing enzootic pneumonia. The coughing index (average % of pigs coughing per minute of observation) was determined in fattening pigs from 59 herds, and ranged from 0% to 6.7% with a median of 2.4%. Five hundred and ninety bronchiolar lavage samples and 1179 serum samples were taken from pigs in those 59 herds and tested for M. hyopneumoniae specific DNA and antibodies, respectively. In herds where ^ 50% of lavage fluids were PCR positive, the likelihood of a higher coughing index was increased by 76% (OR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.14-2.72) compared to herds with <50% of positive samples. For antibodies (determined by ELISA) a seroprevalence of Ss50% increased the likelihood of a high coughing index by 50% (OR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.03-2.20). In 78.1 % of all herds with a seroprevalence of ≥50% against M. hyopneumoniae, the PCR-prevalence and the coughing index were above the median (50% and 2.4%, respectively). It was concluded that in fattening pigs a quantitative assessment of the onset of coughing - typically dry and non-productive - improves the diagnosis of enzootic pneumonia and can occasionally substitute for the detection of M. hyopneumoniae by PCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In-situ investigation of asteroids is the next logical step in understanding their exact surface mineralogy, petrology, elemental abundances, particle size distribution, internal structure, and collisional evolution. Near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) provide us with ample opportunities for in-situ scientific exploration with lower Δv requirements and subsequently lower costs than their main belt counterparts. The ASTEX mission concept aims at surface characterization of two compositionally diverse NEAs, one with primitive and the other with a strong thermally evolved surface mineralogy. Here we present the first results of our ground-based characterization of potential ASTEX mission targets using the SpeX instrument on the NASA IRTF. Of the four potential targets we characterized, two (1991 JW and 1998 PA) have compositions similar to ordinary chondrite mineralogy. The other two targets (1994 CC and 1999 TA10) are thermally evolved objects with igneous formation histories. While 1994 CC is a triplet system and thus very challenging to orbit the V-type NEA, 1999 TA10 is the most interesting scientific ASTEX target identified so far. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: ASTEX (ASTeroid EXplorer) is a concept study of an in situ exploration mission to two Near-Earth-Asteroids (NEAs), which consists of an orbiting element and two individual lander units. The target candidates have different mineralogical compositions, i.e. one asteroid is chosen to be of “primitive’’ nature, the other to be a fragment of a differentiated asteroid. The main scientific goals of the ASTEX mission are the exploration of the physical, geological, and mineralogical nature of the NEAs. The higher level goal is the provision of information and constraints on the formation and evolution of our planetary system. The study identified realistic mission scenarios, defined the strawman payload as well as the requirements and options for the spacecraft bus including the propulsion system, the landers, the launcher, and assessed and defined the requirements for the mission’s operational ground segment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Evaluating the effect of using a GnRF vaccine against boar taint on the carcase characteristics of boars, vaccinated pigs were compared with physically castrated. In total, 554 male pigs were randomly assigned to treatment groups. T01 comprised physically castrated pigs in the first week of life, T02 comprised pigs vaccinated twice before slaughtering. There was neither significant difference between the groups in terms of average liveweight nor in the hot carcase weight. The mean dressing percentage was 1.5% higher for T01 than for T02 (P <0.0001). The lean meat percentage was significantly higher in T02 (P <0.0001). Backfat and backmuscle thickness were significantly higher in T01 (P <0.0001 and P =0.0099, respectively). Within the EUROP grading vaccinated pigs were in favour (P =0.0034). There were no significant differences using the AutoFOM system: weights of the boned ham, boned shoulder and loin (P =0.5102, P =0.8881 and P =0.1919, respectively). The weight of the belly was significantly higher (P =0.0042) in T01 while the lean meat percentage of belly was significantly higher (P <0.0001) in T02. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of this study was to compare the detection rate of bacterial agents in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), taken without visual control, to that in affected lung tissue obtained from the same pig at necropsy. BALF and affected lung tissue were examined for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae using PCR, and standard cultural methods were used for Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Haemophilus parasuis, Pasteurella multocida and Streptococcus suis. All pigs with a history of respiratory symptoms were submitted as live animals for routine diagnostic examination. In each animal the site of lavage, marked by injecting methylene blue, differed from the site of pneumonic lesions. M. hyopneumoniae was detected more frequently in lung tissue than in BALF in cases with moderate or severe lung lesions. The detection rates of M. hyopneumoniae were higher in the BALF of pigs with mild lesions. Cultural examination of BALF was at least as satisfactory as affected lung tissue for detecting B. bronchiseptica, H. parasuis and P. multocida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An inadequate uterine involution can lead to postpartal disorders in sows and thereby negatively affects the reproductive cycle and performance of the animals. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of the farrowing process and different sow and piglet traits on the uterine involution in a free farrowing system. In total three data sets of 48 crossbred sows (Large White x Landrace) from the peripartal period were synthesised and analysed. The uterine diameter of three uterine horns per sow was measured daily during the first two weeks postpartum using ultrasonography and then the uterine regression was calculated. Furthermore, the following sow and piglet traits before and during parturition were assessed: parity, body condition score, backfat thickness, gestation length, number of live born piglets, number of stillborn piglets, farrowing duration, duration of placenta expulsion, litter weight, placenta weight, number of placenta parts, faecal score, and birth induction. In addition, the following parameters were recorded five days after farrowing: body temperature, severity and amount of vaginal discharge, pathological colour of vaginal discharge, and lack of appetite. Spearman's correlation test was used to examine the association between the parameters within the group and uterine regression. In addition, a linear multiple regression was used to model the relationship between the uterine involution and explanatory variables from the peripartal period. The mean diameter of the uterus decreased from 32.5 mm on day 2 post-partum to 11.4 mm on day 12 post-partum , which is a relative regression of 66%. In the linear multiple regression model, a significant influence of the body condition score (p = 0.046) and the presence of high body temperature (p = 0.022) on uterine involution was detected. When the BCS increases by one unit (from BCS 3 to 4), the relative regression of the uterine involution decreases by approximately 8% and when fever is present, uterine involution is almost 6% slower. Furthermore, a significant correlation between the gestation length and the uterine involution (r = 0.31; p = 0.035) was identified. However, no correlation between the farrowing process and piglets' traits on the uterine involution was detected. This study showed that the body condition score, the gestation length and fever in the first five days after farrowing had significant effects on uterine involution in sows in a free farrowing system. Therefore, these parameters should be routinely monitored in the farrowing management to assess reproductive health post-partum and warrant early intervention. • First study that evaluated the influence of sow and piglet traits on uterine involution in a free farrowing system. • The uterine involution positively correlated with gestation length of the sows. • Increased body temperature and body condition score delay uterine involution. • No correlation between the farrowing process and piglets' traits on the uterine involution was detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last phase of parturition is the detachment and expulsion of the placentas and should not exceed a duration of 4 h after the birth of the last piglet. At present, only a small amount of information is available about factors influencing the expulsion of the placenta, especially in sows accommodated in free farrowing systems. This study aimed at investigating the influence of sow traits on placenta expulsion in a free farrowing system in Switzerland. In this study, 48 crossbred sows were included and the following traits of the sows were investigated: Backfat thickness, birth induction with at least 116 days of gestation with prostaglandin F2α, placenta parts and weight, placental efficiency (quotient of litter weight and placental weight) and expulsion of the first placenta part in relation to the last piglet. In addition, the farrowing process and litter parameters were recorded. The piglet expulsion duration (260.3 ± 199.5 min) and placenta expulsion duration (388.7 ± 300.2 min) were positively correlated (p = 0.001). Sows that expelled the first placenta part simultaneously with the last piglet or even before the last piglet was born showed a significantly prolonged piglet expulsion duration in comparison to sows that expelled the first placenta part after the last piglet was born (305 ± 216 min vs. 139.0 ± 34.9 min; p < 0.01). Sows with 2–4 placenta parts had a significantly shorter farrowing (292.91 ± 117.92 min) and placenta expulsion duration (160.73 ± 104.00 min) than sows with 5–7 placenta parts (634.63 ± 330.79 min farrowing duration; 460.77 ± 337.32 min placenta expulsion duration) and sows with 8–10 placenta parts (599.00 ± 138.20 min farrowing duration; 438.43 ± 117.98 min placenta expulsion duration) (p < 0.01). Sows with placental efficiency <5 were characterized by a significantly higher number of liveborn piglets compared to sows with a placental efficiency ≥5 (17.1 ± 2.7 piglets vs. 13.6 ± 2.8 piglets; p = 0.002). This is the first study that evaluated the placental characteristics in a free farrowing system and compared it with specific sow traits. Especially, the expulsion of the first placenta and the number of placenta parts could be a reliable parameter to detect sows with obstetric problems and therefore enable improvement sow and piglet health. • First study that evaluated placenta traits in free farrowing sows. • Expulsion of the first placenta reliable parameter to detect obstetric problems. • Placenta expulsion duration physiologically increased in free farrowing systems. • Higher backfat thickness and birth induction lead to prolonged farrowing duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orbiting asteroid (4) Vesta from July 2011 to August 2012, the Framing Camera on board the Dawn spacecraft has acquired several tens of thousand images of the asteroid surface, revealing a complex landscape. The topography is dominated by craters of all sizes and shapes, from fresh, simple, bowl-shaped craters to giant basins, as seen in the southern hemisphere. Craters of different ages or states of degradation can be seen all over the surface; some have very sharp rims and simple morphology, whereas others are highly eroded and have sometimes been filled by landslides and ejecta from nearby craters. The general depth/Diameter (d/D) distribution on Vesta is similar to what has been observed on other small rocky objects in the Solar System with a distribution peaking at 0.168±0.01 in the range 0.05–0.35. However, the global map of d/D reveals important geographic variations across the surface, unlike any other asteroid. The northern most regions of Vesta show d/D values comparable to other asteroid surfaces, with a mean d/D of 0.15±0.01, and a steep cumulative distribution. Craters in the regions affected by the giant southern impacts are deeper (mean d/D=0.19±0.01) and show less erosion. It can be interpreted as the southern surface being younger than the rest of the asteroid, or made of a material which either allows the formation of deeper features or prevents their erosion. This picture is consistent with the idea of a southern Vestan hemisphere resurfaced relatively recently by the giant impact that created the Rheasilvia basin. The analysis of depth-to-Diameter variations over the whole surface also brings some insight into the transition regions between different cratering regimes: about 20 km for the strength-to-gravity dominated regime, and 38 km for the beginning of the simple-to-complex transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The European SMART-1 mission to the Moon, primarily a testbed for innovative technologies, was launched in September 2003 and will reach the Moon in 2005. On board are several scientific instruments, including the point-spectrometer SMART-1 Infrared Spectrometer (SIR). Taking into account the capabilities of the SMART-1 mission and the SIR instrument in particular, as well as the open questions in lunar science, a selection of targets for SIR observations has been compiled. SIR can address at least five topics: (1) Surface/regolith processes; (2) Lunar volcanism; (3) Lunar crust structure; (4) Search for spectral signatures of ices at the lunar poles; and (5) Ground truth and study of geometric effects on the spectral shape. For each topic we will discuss specific observation modes, necessary to achieve our scientific goals. The majority of SIR targets will be observed in the nadir-tracking mode. More than 100 targets, which require off-nadir pointing and off-nadir tracking, are planned. It is expected that results of SIR observations will significantly increase our understanding of the Moon. Since the exact arrival date and the orbital parameters of the SMART-1 spacecraft are not known yet, a more detailed planning of the scientific observations will follow in the near future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A duration of parturition beyond 300 min negatively impacts the health of the sow and the survival of piglets during parturition. Hence, oxytocin is widely used to speed up the parturition. However, oxytocin's negative side effects raise the need of finding alternative treatments such as those already implemented in human medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) applied intravaginally (PGE2-V) (1.0 mg) or intramuscularly (PGE2-M) (2.5 mg) to improve the parturition process after expulsion of the fourth piglet compared to a placebo (P–V), which was sterile intravaginal gel or intramuscular oxytocin application (OXY-M) (20 iu) in free farrowing systems.In total, 201 eutocic sows were examined after stratification by parity and random allocation into groups: 54 (P–V), 48 (OXY-M), 50 (PGE2-V), 49 (PGE2-M). Farrowing duration (time between first piglet and last piglet), piglet interval and placenta expulsion duration (time between first and last placenta) were recorded, and each piglet was scored for meconium staining and vitality. Furthermore, stillborn piglets were categorized into ante-partum and intra-partum deaths.Under the present conditions, neither administration of PGE2 nor oxytocin revealed a significant effect on the farrowing process or the vitality of the piglets when compared to untreated sows. Nonetheless, significant differences could be detected between PGE-2 and oxytocin treatments. The duration of farrowing was significantly shorter in oxytocin-treated sows (156 min) compared to sows treated intramuscularly with PGE2 (238 min). Furthermore, the placenta expulsion duration in the OXY-M group (130 min) significantly differed from PGE2-V (198 min) and PGE2-M group (218 min). Although these accelerations of parturition might be considered as a beneficial effect, routine treatment with uterotonic agents after birth of the fourth piglet in free farrowing eutocic sows cannot be recommended, because an overall benefit when compared to untreated sows was not approved. • First study that evaluated efficacy of PGE2 on the birth process in eutocic sows. • Routine treatment with uterotonic agents in free farrowing system not recommended. • Application of an intravaginal uterotonic agent in free farrowing systems is feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Only four sequence types (STs) were present among 51 Swiss B. hyodysenteriae , with the novel ST196 being predominant. • The low diversity suggests a few common sources of B. hyodysenteriae. • All Swiss isolates were susceptible to the pleuromutilins tiamulin and valnemulin. • Decreased susceptibility to macrolides, lincomycin and doxycycline was associated with point mutations in the 23S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes. Abstract Worldwide emergence of antimicrobial-resistant Brachyspira (B.) hyodysenteriae led us question whether specific clones are present in Switzerland. Fifty-one B. hyodysenteriae isolates originating from 27 different Swiss pig herds sampled between 2010 and 2017 were characterised. Multilocus sequence typing revealed the presence of four different sequence types (STs) ST6, ST66, ST196 and ST197 with ST196 being predominant. Antimicrobial susceptibility to six different antimicrobial agents was determined by measurement of the minimal inhibitory concentration by broth dilution. Isolates were examined for the presence of point mutations and genes known to be associated with antimicrobial resistance in B. hyodysenteriae by PCR and sequence analysis. Forty-one isolates belonging to ST6 (n = 1), ST66 (n = 4) and ST196 (n = 36) exhibited decreased susceptibility to macrolides and lincomycin associated with an A2058 T/G mutation in the 23S rRNA gene. One isolate of ST66 and five isolates of ST196 exhibited decreased susceptibility to doxycycline associated with a G1058C mutation in the 16S rRNA gene. The Swiss B. hyodysenteriae population is characterised by a low genetic diversity, with macrolide-lincosamide-resistant isolates of ST196 being predominant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract CASTAway is a mission concept to explore our Solar System's main asteroid belt. Asteroids and comets provide a window into the formation and evolution of our Solar System and the composition of these objects can be inferred from space-based remote sensing using spectroscopic techniques. Variations in composition across the asteroid populations provide a tracer for the dynamical evolution of the Solar System. The mission combines a long-range (point source) telescopic survey of over 10,000 objects, targeted close encounters with 10–20 asteroids and serendipitous searches to constrain the distribution of smaller (e.g. 10 m) size objects into a single concept. With a carefully targeted trajectory that loops through the asteroid belt, CASTAway would provide a comprehensive survey of the main belt at multiple scales. The scientific payload comprises a 50 cm diameter telescope that includes an integrated low-resolution (R = 30–100) spectrometer and visible context imager, a thermal (e.g. 6–16 µm) imager for use during the flybys, and modified star tracker cameras to detect small (∼10 m) asteroids. The CASTAway spacecraft and payload have high levels of technology readiness and are designed to fit within the programmatic and cost caps for a European Space Agency medium class mission, while delivering a significant increase in knowledge of our Solar System. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Anti- M. hyopneumoniae IgG could be detected in both the infected and vaccinated pigs. • Anti- M. hyopneumoniae sIgA was detected in the infected pigs, but not the vaccinated pigs. • The sIgA-ELISA could differentiate the M. hyopneumoniae infected from vaccinated pigs. • The sIgA-ELISA could diagnose the M. hyopneumoniae infection without the interference of maternal antibody. Abstract In order to evaluate the sIgA-ELISA method reported previously for differentiating Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae ( M. hyopneumoniae ) infected from vaccinated pigs, dynamics of anti- M. hyopneumoniae secretory IgA (sIgA) antibody secretion in nasal mucus and IgG antibodies in serum from 10 pigs experimentally infected with M. hyopneumoniae or vaccinated with an inactivated vaccine were examined using sIgA-ELISA and a commercial M. hyopneumoniae antibody detection kit (IgG-ELISA), respectively. In addition, nasal swabs and serum samples from 2368 pigs of different ages originating from 10 pig farms with different M. hyopneumoniae infection and vaccination status were examined using the two ELISA. In the experimental model, anti- M. hyopneumoniae IgG antibodies were detected in both, the challenge group and the vaccine group. Anti- M. hyopneumoniae sIgA antibodies were detected in the challenge group from 7 days post challenge onwards, but not in the vaccine group. According to the data obtained from pig farms maintaining administration of inactivated vaccine, the prevalence of anti- M. hyopneumoniae sIgA antibody positive pigs was significantly lower than that of IgG antibody positive pigs. In non-vaccinating herds, the prevalence of sIgA antibodies was correlated with the severity of clinical symptoms typical for porcine enzootic pneumonia. In all suckling pigs, no matter vaccinated or not, the prevalence of anti- M. hyopneumoniae sIgA antibody positives was significantly lower than that of IgG antibody positives. These results prove that the sIgA-ELISA is a valuable method enabling the surveillance of M. hyopneumoniae infections in pig herds without interference due to maternally derived antibodies or antibodies induced by administration of inactivated vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We derived model functions for the crater production size-frequency distribution and chronology of the asteroids 951 Gaspra, 243 Ida, 21 Lutetia and 4 Vesta, based on a lunar-like crater production function and a lunar-like chronology with a smooth exponential decay in impact rate for the first ~1 Ga of Solar System history. For Gaspra, Ida and Lutetia we find surface ages roughly in agreement with published data. Using the same approach for Vesta leads to results with high correlation to Ar–Ar reset ages of HED meteorites, for which a strong dynamical and spectroscopic connection to Vesta has been found. In contrast to recently published young formation ages of the Rheasilvia and Veneneia basins of about 1 and 2 Ga, respectively, we find for Rheasilvia a formation age of 3.5±0.1 Ga and for the Veneneia formation a lower limit of 3.7±0.1 Ga. For comparison we also give surface model ages for a preliminary version of a chronology (pers. comm. D.P. O׳Brien) based on the Late Heavy Bombardment theory. Error bars presented in our work stem only from statistical analysis of measured crater distributions and do not include the uncertainty of the used chronology model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brachyspira (B.) pilosicoli is a bacterium causing porcine intestinal spirochaetosis, a disease characterized by diarrhoea and depressed growth rates especially in nursery and fattening pigs. Knowledge of the epidemiology and antimicrobial susceptibility of this pathogen is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the distribution, genetic heterogeneity, and antimicrobial susceptibility of B. pilosicoli field isolates from Swiss pig farms. Faecal swabs of 693 animals originating from 156 herds were analysed for the presence of Brachyspira spp. using culture and polymerase chain reaction identification. Further characterisation was performed using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and broth dilution antimicrobial susceptibility testing. With 52.6 % positive herds, B. pilosicoli could be frequently isolated from herds with animals suffering from diarrhoea. In herds with animals without clinical signs of diarrhoea, detection was significantly less frequent with only 10.5 % positive herds (p 0.001). Among 80 isolates used for typing, genetic heterogeneity was observed with 44 different sequence types (ST) which often differed from herd to herd. No predominant ST was observed. More than 73.0 % of the 41 B. pilosicoli isolates analysed, showed minimal inhibitory concentration values above the wild type cut-off values for lincomycin, tylvalosin and/ or tylosin. For tiamulin, valnemulin and doxycycline, this was the case in 48.8%, 43.9% and 36.6%, respectively. In conclusion, a diverse population of B. pilosicoli exhibited decreased susceptibility to antimicrobials used against Brachyspira infections. Monitoring of resistance in Brachyspira spp. is highly recommended to support targeted use of antimicrobials in pigs. • B. pilosicoli & Brachyspira spp. (B. intermedia , B. innocens , or B. murdochii) are widely distributed in Swiss pig herds. • Significantly more herds with diarrhoea were positive for B. pilosicoli, compared to herds without diarrhoea • Genetic diversity in B. pilosicoli isolates among different pig herds. • More than 70% of Swiss B. pilosicoli isolates showed MICs above cut-off values for macrolides and lincosamides. • B. pilosicoli isolates with MIC values above the cut-off values for pleuromutilins were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of using a gonadotropin-releasing factor (GnRF) vaccine on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations in plasma, the size of testicles, and the expression of boar taint in male pigs. Vaccinated pigs were compared with surgically castrated pigs and entire males. Pigs were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: surgically castrated during the first week of life (T01, n =274), immunized twice during the fattening period with a GnRF vaccine, the first when 13 to 14 wk of age and the second when 20 to 21 wk of age (T02, n =280), and entire males (T03, n =56). From a subgroup of both T01 and T02 and from all pigs of group T03, blood samples were collected immediately before second vaccination (T02) and again before slaughter at either 24 to 25 or 26 to 27 wk of life to determine the plasma concentrations of LH and FSH. Testicles were removed after slaughter and their size was determined. Meat and fat samples from all pigs of T02 and T03 as well as 25% of the pigs of T01 were examined with the cold cooking and fat melting test. Immediately before the second vaccination (T02 only), LH and FSH concentrations were not significantly different between T02 and T03. However, LH and FSH concentrations were significantly higher in T01 compared with T02 and T03. Before the first slaughter date, LH and FSH concentrations were significantly lower in T02 than in T03. Testicle size was significantly lower in T02 compared with that in T03. In T02, 98% (235 of 239) of the samples were rated negative for boar taint by the cooking test, whereas in T03, 94% (48 of 51) were rated positive. In the fat melting test, 97% of T02 were rated negative and 3% (7 pigs) were rated positive, including the pigs tested positive in the cold cooking test. In T03, 94% were rated positive. All pigs (7 of 239) in T02 that were positive for boar taint in the cooking or melting test and that were tested had androstenone and skatole concentrations in backfat below threshold levels of 1μg/g and 0.2μg/g, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this report, we describe the journey Dawn has taken in the recent past, its present status, and its future mission. The overall objective of Dawn is to explore backward in time via its observations of the primitive bodies, Vesta and Ceres. Thus Dawn embarks on three journeys. The first is its tumultuous temporal terrestrial trek during development. The second is its soon-to-be voyage in space to 4 Vesta, the second most massive asteroid in the main belt, and to 1 Ceres, the most massive. The third is its journey backward in time to infer the conditions as the solar system was formed. Finally, we discuss how it is possible to go back even further in time, beyond the horizon of the Dawn mission to obtain “pre Dawn” observations at 10 Hygiea, the fourth most massive asteroid, and one more primitive than Vesta and Ceres. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We present the first results from SMART-1’s science and technology payload. SMART-1 is Europe’s first lunar mission and will provide some significant advances to many issues currently active in lunar science, such as our understanding of lunar origin and evolution. The mission also contributes a step in developing an international program of lunar exploration. The spacecraft was launched on 27 September 2003 on an Ariane 5, as an auxiliary passenger to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO), performed a 14-month long cruise using the tiny thrust of electric propulsion alone, reached lunar capture in November 2004, and lunar science orbit in March 2005. SMART-1 carries seven hardware experiments (performing 10 investigations, including three remote sensing instruments, used during the cruise, the mission’s nominal six months and one year extension in lunar science orbit). The remote sensing instruments will contribute to key planetary scientific questions related to theories of lunar origin and evolution, the global and local crustal composition, the search for cold traps at the lunar poles and the mapping of potential lunar resources. Display Omitted [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

SMART-1 is a technology demonstration mission for deep space solar electrical propulsion and Technologies for the Future. SMART-1 will be Europe''s first lunar mission and will contribute to developing an international program of lunar exploration. The spacecraft has been readied in April 2003 for a launch in summer 2003, as an auxiliary passenger to GTO on Ariane 5, to reach the Moon after 15 month''s cruise. SMART-1 will carry six experiments, including three remote sensing instruments that will be used during the mission''s nominal six months in lunar orbit. These instruments will contribute to key planetary scientific questions, related to theories of lunar origin and evolution, the global and local crustal composition, the search for cold traps at the lunar poles and the mapping of potential lunar resources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this study was to determine whether crows ( Corvus corone ) can harbour Brachyspira hyodysenteriae , the cause of swine dysentery, and whether the organism carried by crows is related to strains infecting pigs. B. hyodysenteriae was isolated from one crow in close proximity to two pig farms in Switzerland. This isolate, along with five isolates of B. hyodysenteriae from one of the farms, belonged to sequence type (ST) 66 using multilocus sequence typing. This finding suggests that crows are potential vectors of B. hyodysenteriae , but further studies will be necessary to clarify the role of crows in the epidemiology of this organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]