Classifying different Iberian pig genetic lines by applying chemical-instrumental parameters of dry-cured Iberian shoulders

Iberian pigs are an autochthonous porcine breed mainly bred in southwestern of Iberian Peninsula, this herd traditionally feeds on acorn and pasture, in an extensive production system. In this study, the main objective was for classifying Iberian shoulders from different genetic lines of pigs and their crossed genetic lines. For that, morphology parameters, fatty acid profile and volatile compounds were determined on two batches of dry-cured Iberian shoulders. The samples were acquired from the same place of the dry-cured Iberian shoulders. From these data, two databases were created, for training and validation purpose. Results on this study, firstly demonstrate the capability of data mining techniques in order to classify shoulder as function as Iberian pig genetic lines by using of different quality characteristics. Four classification models were developed and tested in the training database and all models achieved a percentage of correct classification higher than 75%. Then, the same four classification models were performed in the validation database and the model of J48 decision tree and fatty acid profile reached the highest correct classification percentage (91.67%), and from Retinto genetic line (95.65%). From this classification model, a software application was developed in order to determine in a semi-automatic way the genetic line of the dry-cured Iberian shoulder. This application could be used in the meat industries for determining relationships between genetic line and meat quality or performance of noble parts.

Papilar topografy and morphology of the tongue in the E. sexcinctus

Introduction: The Six-banded armadillo (Euphractussexcintus) belongs to Cigunlata order, has diverse feeding habits and masticatory apparatus developed. The tongue, one of the major components of this equipment, has the mucosa papillae, taste buds and tongue glands. Materials and Methods: Six-banded armadillo were submitted to an anesthetic protocol with Tiletamine and zolazepan (Telazol®, Fortdotge, Brazil) and Sodium Thiopental (Thiopentax®, Cristália, Brazil), we proceeded to euthanasia using Potassium Chloride 19.1%, to then fix them in a 10% formaldehyde solution. The tongues were dissected and identified structures. For microscopic processing, segments from different parts of the tongue were subjected to histological routine and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson. Results: The tongue of the six-banded armadillo presents three types of papillae: filiform, fungiform and vallate, with no conical buds and foliate. Still in the tongue mucosa, was observed mucous glands and various taste corpuscles. Some data differ from those same found in other wild animals that have been studied, but are similar to those of the same phylogenetic. Conclusion: The morphological characteristics of the six-banded armadillo's tongue are adapted to the difficulties faced by him during chewing, requiring the tongue, structures that provide you mobility, strength and sensitivity.

JET diagnostic enhancements testing and commissioning in preparation for DT scientific campaigns

In order to optimize the scientific exploitation of JET (Joint European Torus) during the upcoming deuterium-tritium experiments, a set of diagnostic systems is being enhanced. These upgrades focus mainly on the experimental and operational conditions expected during tritium campaigns. It should be stressed that measurements relevant for burning plasmas are specifically targeted. Previously non-available capabilities, such as a current measurement system fully covering all poloidal field circuits, are described in detail. Instrument descriptions, performance prediction, testing, and initial commissioning results of these systems are presented.

Testing of the ITER plasma position reflectometry high-field side in-vessel antenna assembly prototype

The ITER plasma position reflectometry diagnostic aims to provide measurements of the edge plasma to correct or supplement the magnetics for plasma position control. It consists of five reflectometers, two of which have components installed inside the vessel. One of these systems probes the plasma from the high-field side using a bistatic array of small pyramidal horns located in the gap between two blankets. Electromagnetic simulations have shown that the blankets shape the radiation pattern and need to be considered as part of the antenna. Full-wave plasma simulations have confirmed these results and have also shown that the first-wall geometry may induce measurement errors above the required margin. To further address these issues, we manufactured a prototype of the high-field side antenna, which includes a mock-up of the blanket modules. Here, we present the results of the prototype tests, with and without the blankets, using a metallic mirror as a target. The signals reflected from the mirror are used to derive the mirror distance and assess the precision of the measurements under different arrangements. The sensitivity to the blankets' installation tolerances is also assessed by changing the antennas' position with respect to the blankets' surfaces and cut-outs.

Development and reprotuction of Spodoptera eridania on natural hosts and artificial diet

The development and reproductive potential of Spodoptera eridania (Stoll, 1782) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) was compared on natural and artificial diets. Its biology was determined under laboratory conditions, providing an artificial diet, leaves of white clover and the peach cultivar 'Chimarrita' and fruits and leaves of the apple cultivar 'Gala'. Larvae of S. eridania could not complete their biological cycle when fed on apple fruits or peach leaves. The artificial diet provided the shortest development time, with a cycle of 28.5±0.14 days from egg to adult and 37.3% total viability. Apple leaves led to a longer development time from egg to adult (62.8±1.22 days) and lower total viability (23%) and white clover provided the highest total viability (54.3%). The results showed that S. eridania can use white clover and apple leaves to develop normally in apple orchards. The reduction of food sources such as white clover used by the larvae results in infestation and damage to fruits from "test bites".

Evaluación de la calidad de las paletas curados de diferentes líneas genéticas de cerdos Ibéricos

En este trabajo se estudió la calidad comparativa de las paletas curados de diferentes líneas genéticas: Retinto x Entrepelado RxT (n = 6), TxT Torbiscal (n = 6), Entrepelado ExE (n = 10), Retinto RxR (n = 6) Y Entrepelado x Torbiscal TxE/ExT (n = 8). Las paletas curadas se evaluaron con el método EVACAL, un método original del SiPA. Este método incluye análisis físico-químicos (humedad, grasa intramuscular, proteínas, NaCl, mioglobina, perfil de ácidos grasos, compuestos volátiles y oxidación de lípidos), análisis instrumental (color instrumental, pH y textura) y análisis sensorial. Los resultados obtenidos revelaron que el lote RxR muestra una relación más alta en oleico / estérico y MUFA/SAT, que se relaciona con una alta calidad. Esto se confirmó en el análisis sensorial con altas puntuaciones de fluidez grasa y brillo del magro. El lote TxE/ExT se caracteriza por presentar unos valores elevados de mioglobina que producen grandes cantidades de compuestos volátiles a partir de aminoácidos (2-metilbutanal y 3-metilbutanal). Esto hecho se mostró en los resultados del análisis sensorial con una mayor persistencia de sabor y mayor jugosidad en comparación con los otros lotes. Por otra parte, el lote RxE revela una gran cantidad de grasa intramuscular y mayores puntuaciones en atributos sensoriales en cuanto a la apariencia (fluidez grasa), textura (jugosidad) e intensidad de olor en comparación con los otros lotes. Podemos concluir que existen tres líneas genéticas que pueden producir productos de alta calidad. La conveniencia de utilizar uno de estos depende de otros aspectos como la prolificidad.

Independent Component Analysis and Neural Networks Applied for Classification of Malignant, Benign and Normal Tissue in Digital Mammography

Objectives : This paper proposes an efficient method for the discrimination and classification of mammograms with benign, malignant and normal tissues.

Methods : The proposed method consists of selection of tissues, feature extraction using independent component analysis, feature selection by the foiward- selection technique and classification of the tissue by the multilayer perceptron.

Results : The method is tested for a mammogram set of the MIAS database, resulting in a 97.83% success rate, with 98.0% specificity and 97.5% sensitivity.

Conclusion : The proposed method showed a good classification rate. The method will be useful for early cancer diagnosis.

1 μs broadband frequency sweeping reflectometry for plasma density and fluctuation profile measurements

Frequency swept reflectometry has reached the symbolic value of 1 μs sweeping time; this performance has been made possible, thanks to an improved control of the ramp voltage driving the frequency source. In parallel, the memory depth of the acquisition system has been upgraded and can provide up to 200 000 signals during a plasma discharge. Additional improvements regarding the trigger delay determination of the acquisition and the voltage ramp linearity required by this ultra-fast technique have been set. While this diagnostic is traditionally dedicated to the plasma electron density profile measurement, such a fast sweeping rate can provide the study of fast plasma events and turbulence with unprecedented time and radial resolution from the edge to the core. Experimental results obtained on ASDEX Upgrade plasmas are presented to demonstrate the performances of the diagnostic.

The endocannabinoid system expression in the female reproductive tract is modulated by estrogen

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is involved in several physiological events that resulted in a growing interest in its modulation. Moreover, the uterine levels of anandamide (AEA), the major endocannabinoid, must be tightly regulated to create proper embryo implantation conditions. However, there are no evidences about the regulation of AEA in uterus by estrogen. Thus, the aim of this study is to elucidate whether estradiol benzoate (EB) and tamoxifen (TAM) administration to ovariectomized (OVX) rats can induce changes in the expression of cannabinoid receptors and AEA-metabolic enzymes in uterus by evaluating gene transcription and protein levels by qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Moreover, the plasmatic and uterine levels of AEA and of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and prostaglandin F₂α (PGF_2α), the major cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) products, were determined by UPLC-MS/MS. The immunohistochemistry showed that cannabinoid receptors, as well as AEA-metabolic enzymes are mainly located in the epithelial cells of both lumen and glands and, to a lesser extent, in the muscle cells. Moreover, EB administration to OVX rats significantly increased CB1, CB2, NAPE-PLD, FAAH and COX-2 expression and transcription. These effects were absent in TAM and TAM+EB treatments showing that this response is estrogen receptor dependent. Additionally, although uterine levels of AEA remained unchanged in EB or TAM treated animals, they showed a rise with EB treatment in plasma. The latter also produced a decrease in uterine PGE₂ levels. In summary, these data collectively indicate that the expression of ECS components, as well as, the AEA and PGE₂ levels in rat uterus is modulated by EB. Thus, estradiol may have a direct regulatory role in the modulation of ECS in female reproductive tissues.