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In this work, the structural modifications induced by introducing small amounts (1–4 mol%) of Al 2 O 3 and B 2 O 3 in low-T g pyrophosphate glass composition have been investigated using advanced solid-state 1D/2D MAS-NMR techniques. The 31 P{X} D-INEPT sequence was used to establish the heteronuclear correlations between the phosphate moieties ( 31 P) and doping elements (X =  27 Al or 11 B). The X{ 31 P} REDOR and X/X DQ-SQ NMR techniques were implemented to find out the exact nature and chemical environment adopted by the doping elements within the glass matrix. The NMR analysis confirmed that majority of Al 3+ ions entered into the phosphate network as six-coordinated species and all the B 3+ ions entered as four-coordinated units. The combined NMR analyses revealed different insertion pathways of Al 3+ ion and B 3+ ion into the phosphate network. The findings of the study suggest that Al 3+ ions attach purely with non-bridging oxygen of the phosphate network without breaking additional P-O-P bonds whilst B 3+ ions interact with the network by breaking P-O-P linkages highlighting different chemical natures of these doping elements towards the interaction with phosphate units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A zinc alkali pyrophosphate system 46.6ZnO-20Na 2 O-33.5P 2 O 5 presenting low-T g (339 °C) and good thermal stability has been doped with (1–4) mol% of Al 2 O 3 , B 2 O 3 and SiO 2 to improve the stability of the glass with a minimal increase in glass transition temperature (T g ). XRD and 1D 31 P solid state NMR were used to monitor the isothermal crystallization process occurring at 130 °C above T g . If the Al 2 O 3 and B 2 O 3 doping significantly improved thermal stability, this property was marginally affected by SiO 2 doping. Viscosity measurements were performed to observe the crystallization effects induced by the doping. It is noteworthy that the T g values of all the doped compositions with improved stability presented in this work are below 400 °C. Raman spectroscopy, 1D 31 P, 27 Al, 11 B and 29 Si solid state NMR were carried out to determine the structural modifications and coordination states of the doping elements all along the composition line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The zinc alkali pyrophosphate system has been investigated in order to produce glasses with low glass transition temperature (T g < 400 °C) and high thermal and chemical stability. The (66-x)ZnO–xM 2 O–33.4P 2 O 5 (with M = Na) composition line was first analysed to determine how the Zn 2+ /Na + substitution impacts the macroscopic properties and glass stability. In a second time, the three alkali oxides Na 2 O, K 2 O and Li 2 O were mixed and used in combination with the optimum ZnO amount (46.6 mol%) to investigate the mixed alkali effect. Finally, comparison with other low T g systems from the literature proves the relevancy of that system for the development of low-T g and stable glasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residual feed intake (RFI), defined as the difference between observed and predicted feed intakes, has been explored as a relevant selection criterion to improve feed efficiency in growing pigs. Previous studies exploring the genetic and physiological bases of RFI have been focused on pigs fed a regular diet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of RFI selection on pigs' ability to digest and metabolize a diet enriched in fiber. After 11 wk of age, pigs of 2 lines divergently selected for RFI (low or high; n = l pairs of littermates in each line) were fed either a control diet (133 g NDF and 9.69 MJ NE/kg) or a high-fiber diet (244 g NDF and 8.36 MJ NE/kg) for 3 wk. Irrespective of diet, ADFI and water consumption were lower (P < 0.001 ) in the low RFI line, whereas G:F over the test period was 16% greater (P < 0.001) in that line compared with the high RFI line. There was no line-associated difference in the digest-ibility of nutrients and energy, despite a lighter digestive tract (-6.4%, P = 0.04) and a lower colon weight (-8.6%, P = 0.03) in the low RFI pigs than in the high RFI pigs. As compared with the control diet, ADFI was reduced (-7.5%, P < 0.001) in both lines when fed a high-fiber diet, but ADG and G:F were lowered for the high RFI line only (P < 0.05). The high-fiber diet decreased (P < 0.01 ) the digestibility values of nutrients and energy similarly in both lines. However, it increased the ratio of acetate to propionate concentrations in the distal part of the gastro-intestinal tract for the high RFI line only (P < 0.07). The pattern of response of plasma metabolites and hormones to a meal test was altered by RFI selection, but it was not affected by the diet. The increase in glucose concentration after meal ingestion was more pronounced (P < 0.05) in the low RFI line, and long-lasting plasma concentrations of lactate tended to be lower (P <0.10) in the low RFI line than in high RFI line. Plasma NEFA concentrations were greater in that line compared with the high RFI line. The activity levels of catabolic enzymes in muscle and the liver did not differ between lines and diets. In conclusion, the low RFI pigs seem to better utilize a high-fiber diet than high RFI pigs. This was not associated with marked changes in digestion, and the underlying metabolic mechanisms remain to be clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are conflicting results on the growth and health of weanling pigs (Sus scrofa) fed high-fiber diets, and responses may differ according to sanitary conditions. This study was conducted to explore the growth, health, and fecal microbiota of weanling pigs fed either low- or high-fiber diets in 2 different sanitary conditions. Forty-eight pigs weaned at 28 d of age were individually housed in "good" (clean) or "poor" (unclean) sanitary conditions. During 2 consecutive phases, pigs were fed 2 diets containing a low (control) or high level of fiber: 121 or 169 g/kg total dietary fiber (TDF) for Phase I and 146 or 217 g/kg for Phase II, which lasted 15 and 20 d, respectively. This led to 4 experimental treatments in Phase I in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement (2 sanitary conditions x 2 diets) and 8 experimental treatments in Phase II in a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement (2 sanitary conditions x 2 diets in Phase I x 2 diets in Phase II). The poor sanitary conditions led to a reduced G:F (0.617 vs. 0.680 for poor and good sanitary conditions, respectively; P = 0.01) over the entire experimental period. The number of pigs with diarrhea in Phase I tended to be greater in the poor sanitary conditions with the high-fiber diet than the control diet (7 vs. 3 pigs, P = 0.07). Enteroccocus was prominent in feces of these diarrheic pigs. At 5 wk after weaning, compared with good sanitary conditions, the fecal microbiota of pigs housed in poor sanitary conditions was characterized by more Lactobacillus (9.24 vs. 8.34 log cfu/g, P < 0.001), more Enterobacteria (6.69 vs. 5.58 log cfu/g, P < 0.001), and less anaerobic sulfite bacteria (3.72 vs. 5.87 log cfu/g; P < 0.001). The feces of pigs in poor sanitary conditions contained more total VFA and proportionally more butyrate (9.7 vs. 5.7% for poor and good conditions, respectively, independently of dietary treatment, P < 0.001). At 5 wk after weaning, feces of pigs fed the high-fiber diet during Phase II contained less Enterococcus bacteria than pigs fed the control diet (4.06 vs. 4.56 log cfu/g; P = 0.05), and more total VFA with a decreased proportion of branched-chain fatty acids (5.0 vs. 6.1%; P = 0.006). To conclude, feeding pigs a high-fiber diet in the immediate period after weaning is probably an additional risk factor for slower BW gain, especially in poor sanitary conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Niobiophosphate compounds with a large range of niobium and oxygen environments were studied with 93Nb and 17O solid-state NMR. 93Nb isotropic chemical shift of pure niobate Nb(ONb)6, pure phosphate Nb(OP)6 and mixed phosphate–niobate Nb(OP) x (ONb)(6− x ) (1⩽x⩽5) sites were measured at a high magnetic field (18.8T). 93Nb chemical shifts were found to be sensitive to the variation of local charge on Nb, but not to the local bond geometry (i.e. crystallographic site and edge or corner connectivity). A systematic shift to high field of the 93Nb chemical shift is measured when x increases. Then, 17O NMR spectra of a series of enriched samples provided the chemical shift and quadrupolar parameters for 4 types of oxygen environment (P–O–P, P–O–Na, P–O–Nb and Nb–O–Nb). Finally, Nb–O–Nb sites were characterized by a large 17O chemical shift anisotropy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The impact of dietary fiber on fecal digestion is well-known and provides a comprehensive approach toward nutrient digestibility and availability. Little quantitative information is available on digestion of fiber in the different segments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The objectives of this study were to obtain a method allowing the quantification of the digestive process in different segments of the GIT and to study the impact of dietary fiber on nutrient digestibility. Six barrows (average initial BW of 30 kg and fitted with a simple T-cannula at the proximal duodenum and caudal ileum) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. In each period, pigs were offered 1 of 3 diets differing in fiber content (low, medium, and high). Differences in fiber content were created by replacing wheat and barley with wheat bran. Titanium dioxide was included in the diet as an indigestible marker to determine the apparent digestibility coefficients in different segments of the GIT. The apparent digestibility of ash, CP, DM, and OM increased in the different segments of the GIT. Duodenal digestibility coefficients were negative for ash (e.g., -39.9% for the medium- and high-fiber diets), indicating important endogenous mineral secretions by the stomach and digestive glands. The duodenal digestibility of other nutrients and OM were positive but close to zero and numerically lower in the diets with the greater fiber contents. The fiber content in the diet did not affect the apparent ileal digestibility of nutrients. Increasing the fiber content in the diet affected the fecal digestibility of CP, ether extract, and energy (P < 0.01). The method used for studying sites of digestion in the digestive tract provides promising results, but it is limited due to the high variability that is likely caused by sampling limitations and variation between animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The weaning of piglets is often associated with digestive disorders, particularly diarrhea— postweaning colibacillosis (PWC)—which is caused by infection with enterotoxigenic strains of Escherichia coli. It has been shown previously that a diet for newly weaned pigs based on cooked white rice and animal protein decreases the occurrence of PWC, whereas the addition of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) to this diet enhances PWC. The aims of the current work were to 1) determine whether substitution of animal protein with plant proteins in the cooked-white-rice diet influenced its protective effects on PWC and 2) confirm that an increase in viscosity of the digesta by adding CMC to the diet favors the development of PWC—with (Exp. 1) or without (Exp. 2) experimental infection of piglets with E. coli. The diets were 1) cooked white rice and animal protein sources (RAP), 2) RAP + CMC added at 40 g of CMC/kg (air-dry basis) of diet, 3) cooked white rice and plant protein sources (RPP), and 4) wheat and plant protein sources (WPP). Experiments 1 and 2 were conducted using 32 and 24 piglets (eight and six per treatment), respectively. Piglets were weaned at 21 d (d 1), and fed ad libitum until slaughter on d 9. In Exp. 1, piglets were orally infected with enterotoxigenic E. coli on d 4, 5, 6, and 7. On d 8 of Exp. 1, the E. coli scores in feces of pigs fed RAP + CMC were higher than with RAP (P < 0.01). On d 9 after weaning, feces from pigs fed diet RAP were normal or moist, whereas feces from pigs fed RAP + CMC were wet to diarrheic. On d 7 of Exp. 2, pigs fed diets RAP + CMC and WPP had wetter feces than pigs fed diets RAP or RPP (P < 0.05). On d 8, the E. coli scores in feces were higher (P < 0.01) with pigs fed RAP + CMC than with all other diets. The E. coli scores in the digesta were also higher with pigs fed RAP + CMC, and to a lesser extent with diet WPP, than with pigs fed RAP or RPP (P < 0.01). The large intestine was heavier in pigs fed diets RPP and WPP, and the digesta were more acidic (P < 0.05). This study confirmed that diet RAP was protective against PWC, and that substitution of animal proteins with plant protein in a rice-based diet did not diminish its protective effects. The addition of CMC to cooked white rice increased digesta viscosity and enhanced PWC. Consequently, this diet represents a useful model for studying this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mucus gel covering the gut epithelium is in dynamic balance between synthesis and secretion of mucin from goblet cells and proteolytic and physical erosion that releases mucin into the lumen. In the lumen, mucin is partially protected from proteolysis by carbohydrate chains, and it contributes to endogenous protein reaching the ileum. Dietary components modulate the contribution of mucin to endogenous protein components and their qualitative composition. In addition, mucin plays a key role in gastrointestinal protection in association with the microflora. In this review, we will attempt to evaluate the consequences of dietary manipulation of mucin on gut health. Key words: mucus, mucin, endogenous losses, digestion, protein [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The maintenance of gut health is complex and relies on a delicate balance between the diet, the commensal microflora and the mucosa, including the digestive epithelium and the overlying mucus layer. Superimposed on this balance is the frequent presence of enteric bacteria with pathogenic potential, the proliferation and metabolic activity of which may perturb digestive function, and lead to diarrhoea, poor growth rates and even death. Such enteric infections with pathogenic bacteria are common in young animals and children.Diet has an important influence on gut health, including effects on proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, and it can provide either beneficial or harmful input. Dietary fibre (DF) is a dietary component that has a major influence in this regard. DF is a heterogeneous class of components that are not hydrolysed by digestive enzymes of non-ruminant animals, and consequently are the main substrates for bacterial fermentation in the distal part of the gut. This review presents evidence that some components of dietary fibre may improve gut health, or alternatively enhance gut perturbation and subsequent diarrhoea in young animals (including piglets, chickens and children). This review reports and discusses how DF interacts with the gut epithelium and mucus, directly or by the way of the microflora, and consequently can protect against or enhance enteric infections. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Rotational echo double resonance (REDOR) of spin-12 nuclei is an extremely useful tool for the determination of distances in solids as well as of relative orientations of chemical shift and dipole tensors. We present the corresponding version for measuring the relative orientation of electric quadrupole and dipole tensors and demonstrate its applicability for non-bridging oxygens in phosphate glasses using 17O–{31P} REDOR NMR. The orientational information is found in the changes of the second-order quadrupole patterns as a function of the echo delay. Results and numeric simulations are presented for 17O–{31P} REDOR NMR of 17O-enriched sodium phosphate glasses. For non-bridging oxygens, the symmetric quadrupole tensor is found to be aligned along the phosphorus–oxygen bond. The distance between P and the non-bridging oxygen is calculated for two glasses of different compositions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Examines the effect of the dietary crude protein content and source on the distribution of digesta proteins and peptides according to their molecular mass along the small intestine of veal calves. Digestion and absorption along the small intestine of veal calves; Determination of protein/peptide molecular mass profiles in diets and digesta; Distribution of proteins and peptides in diets.

The structure of (50−x/2)Na2O–xBi2O3–(50−x/2)P2O5 glasses was investigated by Bi LIII XANES and EXAFS, 31P double-quantum MAS-NMR and 23Na MAS-NMR. From XANES and EXAFS analyses, Bi3+ environment is found to be similar to that in the crystalline reference Na3Bi(PO4)2, with two distinct oxygen shells. The first shell contains 5.5±0.5 oxygens and EXAFS data are best fitted with a two sub-shell model. The Bi–O distances in this first asymmetric shell do not change with the increase in Bi2O3 content in the glasses, but a qualitative evolution of the second oxygen shell is observed. The sodium environment is not affected by the introduction of bismuth in the glass network. The metaphosphate glass network undergoes gradual and systematic depolymerization by Bi2O3. This structural description is in accordance with a mixed-network former effect of Bi2O3 and with the high polarizability of Bi3+ that enables an asymmetric coordination and a progressive deformation of the oxygen shells when increasing the Bi2O3 content in the glass. This specific behavior explains the linear evolution of the glass transition temperature with x. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Investigates the changes in dietary and endogenous protein components along the small intestines of calves. Effect of the inclusion of soybean products or potato protein on the protein digestion of calves; Concentration of specific endogenous nitrogen and amino acids along the small intestine of calves on a soybean or potato diet.

MS is a demyelinating disease characterized by infiltration of monocytes and lymphocytes into the brain parenchyma, destruction of oligodendrocytes and loss of myelin. Since chemokines play a major role in the migration of monocytes and T cells, we here investigated the expression of the CC chemokines MIP-1α, MIP-1β, and RANTES in brain tissue from MS patients using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction techniques. Both MIP-1β as well as RANTES were found to be significantly elevated in brain tissue of MS patients. In addition, MIP-1α was also increased, although not significantly. Immunohistochemistry revealed that, whereas RANTES was mainly localized in reactive astrocytes, MIP-1α and MIP-1β immunoreactivity was predominantly found in perivascular and parenchymal macrophages, containing myelin degradation products. Thus, chemokines appear to be associated with MS and an increased chemokine expression may further enhance disease progression by attracting more leucocytes into the brain parenchyma and by activation of effector functions of astrocytes and microglial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of V 2 O 5 addition on sealing properties of glasses with nominal composition (29-x)SiO 2 –23SrO–32BaO–4Al 2 O 3 –10B 2 O 3 –2P 2 O 5 -xV 2 O 5 (where x = 2; 4; 6 mol.%) is reported. The glass transition temperature (T g) decreases, and flow temperature increases with an increase in V 2 O 5 content. 29Si and 31P MAS-NMR indicate that silicates are present mainly as Q2 groups, while phosphates are present as Q0 groups. 27Al MAS-NMR data shows that Al is 4-coordinated with oxygens, and11B NMR spectra show the presence of both BO 3 and BO 4 units. Composite materials were prepared by mixing glasses and vanadium di-boride VB 2 (15 vol%). Sealing with Crofer-22 alloy was carried out with composite and revealed good bonding and tight interfaces. [Display omitted] • Structural influence of V2O5 addition in a barium-aluminosilicate sealing glass. • Effect of VB2 as healing particle in sealing glass. • Influence of V2O5 on the glass microstructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Development of mechanistic models of digestion is a means to account for interactions between different nutrients, and between nutrients and the animal. Although some digestion models for pigs have been proposed, quantitative information concerning the underlying processes is extremely limiting. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dietary fibre on the transit of the solid and liquid phases of digesta in different segments of the gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) in growing pigs. Six barrows (initial BW 30 kg and fitted with two simple T-cannulas at the proximal duodenum and distal ileum) were used in a double 3×3 Latin square design. Pigs were offered diets differing in total dietary fibre content (17, 22 and 27%) at 4 h intervals. A single meal marked with YbO2 and Cr-EDTA was used to determine the passage kinetics of respectively the solid and liquid phases of digesta in different segments of the GIT. The mean retention time (MRT) averaged 1 h from the mouth to the proximal duodenum (stomach), 4 h from the proximal duodenum to the distal ileum (small intestine), and 35 h from the distal ileum to the faecal excretion (large intestine). Increase in dietary fibre content had no effect on MRT in the stomach, tended to decrease MRT of solid phase in the small intestine (P =0.07), and decreased MRT of both phases in the large intestine (43 to 29 h, P =0.06). For all diets, transit of the liquid phase in the large intestine was 4–8 h less than transit of the solid phase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mucus plays an important role in gut health by favouring colonisation resistance. The aim of this study was to quantify the impact of fibre and protein on mucin recovery in ileal digesta and on goblet cell histochemistry in the proximal colon. A control diet with highly digestible protein and low fibre and three complex diets containing indigestible protein associated with low, soluble or insoluble fibre sources were tested for 14 days in piglets weaned at 28 days of age. Mucin concentration was determined by ethanol precipitation. Goblet cell subtypes in colonic crypts were analysed by histochemistry. The ileal mucin output was higher with the complex diets than with the control diet (31.6 on average vs 21.7 g/kg DM intake). Increases observed with the low and soluble fibre diets were similar (34 g/kg DM intake). This suggests a limited effect of soluble fibre in presence of indigestible protein. Surprisingly, the observed increase was lower with insoluble fibre (27.2 g/kg DM intake). DM and N output and digestibility were not affected by the diets, but a linear relationship was found between DM and mucin output. In proximal colon, crypt depth, goblet cell numbers per crypt and glycosylation subtypes were not affected by the diet suggesting no change in the capacity of mucus to protect the gut. To conclude, introducing highly indigestible protein in the diet increased ileal mucin output, without effects of these factors on crypt goblet cell patterns in the proximal colon. Introducing fibre in a diet containing highly indigestible protein had a marginal effect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Contact X ray brachytherapy 50 kVp was initiated in the 1930s with the Siemens unit and popularized with the Philips unit in the 1950s. A renaissance was seen in the early 2000s with the Intrabeam™ unit for breast IORT. Presently the Papillon™ systems thanks to its high dose rate (> 10 Gy/mn) can be used to treat breast (IORT), skin, eyelid and rectal cancers. Future developments are expected to consolidate the place of contact radiotherapy as a safe and efficient treatment for accessible early tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effect of combined addition of P2O5 and V2O5 on structural and sealing properties of glasses with nominal composition (mol.%) 27SiO2–23SrO–32BaO–4Al2O3–10B2O3–(4-x)P2O5–xV2O5 is reported in the present study. 29Si,31P,51V,27Al and 11B MAS-NMR have been used to characterize the local environment in the glasses and glass–ceramics. The main network-forming elements (Si, Al, B) are not significantly affected, however, P and V show different local environment when they are associated in the composition. Characteristic temperatures (T g, T soft, T shrink) decrease when V2O5 is added to the glass composition, which enable to decrease the sealing temperature. However, the combined addition of P2O5 and V2O5 is favorable to avoid extensive crystallization during sealing operation. TEC of the glass and glass–ceramics samples is found compatible with those of metallic alloys and do not change after heat treatment. EPMA images show that the seals have good thermal and chemical stabilities when treated up to 1500 h at 800 °C. Sandwich seals tested under pressure are resistant to thermal cycling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sodium metaphosphate oxynitride glasses with variable N/P ratio have been characterized by 17O and 31P Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. They were obtained by thermal treatment of 17O-enriched NaPO3 glass under ammonia flow for different durations. Owing to the small quantity of 17O-enriched glass available, the nitrogen content was evaluated by comparing their 31P NMR spectra with those of non-enriched glasses with known nitrogen content. 17O 3Q MAS-NMR enabled to distinguish bridging and non-bridging oxygens and, for the first time, we have got evidence for the presence of two different non-bridging oxygens, i.e. those in PO4 sites and those in nitrided PO3N or PO2N2 sites. An innovative treatment of NMR data that takes into account the distribution of NMR parameters enabled the quantification of the proportion of the two NBO sites. An extension of the nitridation model of phosphate glasses could be proposed, based on the bridging to non-bridging oxygens ratio, which could be calculated from the distribution of oxygen sites among the different structural groups. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effect of P2O5 incorporation on the sintering, flow and crystallization characteristics of BCABS glasses of composition (mol%) 35BaO–15CaO–5Al2O3–(37− x)SiO2–8B2O3–xP2O5 (0≤ x ≤5) is investigated. It is observed that addition of P2O5, removes cations (Ba2+ and Ca2+) from the silicate network, resulting in an increase in polymerization. This is reflected by a reduction in TEC and an increase in sealing temperature. In addition, the removal of cations for charge compensation causes a change in major crystalline phases formed, from BaSiO3 to Ba(Al2Si2O8). In addition, beyond 3mol% P2O5, crystallization of phosphate phases is evident. Based upon the flow temperature, glasses with 0, 1 and 2mol% P2O5 are selected for sealing. In these glasses, conversion of Cr to Cr2O3 is observed, yielding improved adhesion. However, the 2mol% P2O5 glass showed an increased crystallization tendency, resulting in incomplete sintering. Therefore, 1mol% P2O5 seems a good compromise for sealing with improved adhesion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Lithium aluminum silicate (LAS) glass of composition (mol%) 20.4Li2O–4.0Al2O3–68.6SiO2–3.0K2O–2.6B2O3–0.5P2O5–0.9TiO2 was prepared by melt quenching. The glass was then nucleated and crystallized based on differential thermal analysis (DTA) data and was characterized by 29Si, 31P, 11B and 27Al MAS-NMR. XRD and 29Si NMR showed that lithium metasilicate (Li2SiO3) is the first phase to c form followed by cristobalite (SiO2) and lithium disilicate (Li2Si2O5). 29Si MAS-NMR revealed a change in the network structure already for the glasses nucleated at 550°C. Since crystalline Li3PO4, as observed by 31P MAS-NMR, forms concurrently with the silicate phases, we conclude that crystalline Li3PO4 does not act as a nucleating agent for lithium silicate phases. Moreover, 31P NMR indicates the formation of M–PO4 (M=B, Al or Ti) complexes. The presence of BO3 and BO4 structural units in all the glass/glass-ceramic samples is revealed through 11B MAS-NMR. B remains in the residual glass and the crystallization of silicate phases causes a reduction in the number of alkali ions available for charge compensation. As a result, the number of trigonally coordinated B (BO3) increases at the expense of tetrahedrally coordinated B (BO4). The 27Al MAS-NMR spectra indicate the presence of tetrahedrally coordinated Al species, which are only slightly perturbed by the crystallization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Emergence of phases in lithium aluminum silicate (LAS) glasses of composition (wt%) xLi2O–71.7SiO2–(17.7−x)Al2O3–4.9K2O–3.2B2O3–2.5P2O5 (5.1≤x≤12.6) upon heat treatment were studied. 29Si, 27Al, 31P and 11B MAS-NMR were employed for structural characterization of both LAS glasses and glass–ceramics. In glass samples, Al is found in tetrahedral coordination, while P exists mainly in the form of orthophosphate units. B exists as BO3 and BO4 units. 27Al NMR spectra show no change with crystallization, ruling out the presence of any Al containing phase. Contrary to X-ray diffraction studies carried out, 11B (high field 18.8T) and 29Si NMR spectra clearly indicate the unexpected crystallization of a borosilicate phase (Li,K)BSi2O6, whose structure is similar to the aluminosilicate virgilite. Also, lithium disilicate (Li2Si2O5), lithium metasilicate (Li2SiO3) and quartz (SiO2) were identified in the 29Si NMR spectra of the glass–ceramics. 31P NMR spectra of the glass–ceramics revealed the presence of Li3PO4 and a mixed phase (Li,K)3PO4 at low alkali concentrations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sodium–lead–cadmium phosphate glasses having a mol% composition (40−y)Na2O–yCdO–10PbO–50P2O5 (0≤y≤40) were prepared by using the melt–quench technique. They have been characterised by infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and 31P magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS-NMR). Infrared and Raman spectroscopies reveal the formation of P–O–Pb and P–O–Cd bonds, which replace P–O–+Na bonds. MAS-NMR spectroscopy shows that no metaphosphate network depolymerisation occurs when y increases. Thus, both PbO and CdO act as the network modifiers. Systematic variations of the glass transition temperature, density, and molar volume observed are in agreement with these results. Ionic conductivity is correlated to the structural model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Papillon experience and the Lyon R96-02 trial have shown that contact X-ray brachytherapy of 50 kV is efficient and safe to achieve long term local control and organ preservation for cT1 and early cT2-3 rectal cancers. The OPERA trial, using the Papillon 50™ machine, brings further support to this preservation strategy for selected T2T3ab lesions. Future trials using a contact X-ray boost will try to consolidate and enlarge its place in organ preservation for rectal cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

0.60Na2O–0.40P2O5 and (0.55−z)Na2O–0.05Bi2O3–zTiO2–0.40P2O5 glasses (0≤z≤0.15) were prepared by melting at 1000°C mixtures of Na2CO3, Bi2O3, TiO2 and (NH4)2HPO4. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measurements give the variation of glass transition temperature (Tg) from 269°C (for 0.60Na2O–0.40P2O5) to 440°C (for z=0.15). The density measurements increases from 2.25 to 3.01 g/cm3. FTIR spectroscopy shows the evolution of the phosphate skeleton: (PO3)∞ chains for 0.60Na2O–0.40P2O5 to P2O74− groups in the glasses containing Bi2O3 or both Bi2O3 and TiO2. When bismuth oxide and titania are added to sodium phosphate glass, phosphate chains are depolymerized by the incorporation of distorted Bi(6) and Ti(6) units through P&z.sbnd;O&z.sbnd;Bi and P&z.sbnd;O&z.sbnd;Ti bonds. Bi2O3 and TiO2 are assumed to be present as six co-ordinated octahedral [BiO6/2]3−and [TiO6/2]2− units again with shared corners. This is accompanied by the simultaneous conversion of [POO3/2] into [PO4/2]+ units which achieves charge neutrality in the glasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Iodine-containing phosphate-based glasses are compared in terms of durability. • Phosho-molybdate glasses are more durable than phosphate glasses in pure water. • Nb 2 O 5 improves the chemical durability of phospho-molybdate glasses. • Acidic conditions seem detrimental to the durability of these conditioning matrices. Silver phosphate glasses have been investigated for the conditioning of radioactive iodine 129. Their disposal in a deep geological repository requires high chemical durability, and to improve this property, two crosslinking agents were examined here: Nb 2 O 5 and Bi 2 O 3. In addition, for some of these glasses, 50 % of phosphorus was replaced by molybdenum to assess the role of glass former entities. The effect of these modifications on the glass chemical durability was studied in pure water, at 50°C. Given the very long half-life of iodine 129 (15.7 × 106 years), only long-term alteration tests were carried out, in order to check if a passivating alteration layer could be formed in these conditions. Alteration rates were then calculated following various methods and compared. Results showed that the use of elemental releases in solution alone leads to an underestimation of the alteration rate, as there is no tracer element in the glass composition. For phospho-molybdate glasses, the addition of Nb 2 O 5 had a significant effect on their chemical durability, i.e. their ability to form a passivating layer that retains most of the elements that are part of the pristine glass. For phosphorus, the more mobile element, release rates decreased by two orders of magnitude compared to phosphate-only glasses, and this trend depends on the Nb 2 O 5 concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have recently shown that the dipolar-mediated heteronuclear multiple-quantum coherence (D-HMQC) method allows observing through-space proximities between spin-1/2 (1H, 13C, 31P...) and quadrupolar (23Na, 27Al...) nuclei. However, the D-HMQC effectiveness depends on the choice of the heteronuclear dipolar recoupling sequence. Here, we compare the efficiency and the robustness of four rotor-synchronized sequences: the symmetry-based ones, R412R41-2 and its super-cycled version, SR412, and two schemes based on simultaneous amplitude and frequency modulations, denoted SFAM-1 and SFAM-2. For the SFAM methods, we point out efficient recoupling conditions that facilitate their experimental optimization and we introduce analytical expressions for the buildup of D-HMQC signal in the case of an isolated spin pair. We show that the main differences between these four sequences lie in the number of adjustable parameters and in their robustness with respect to chemical shift and homonuclear dipolar interactions. The relative performances of these four recoupling sequences are analyzed using average Hamiltonian theory, numerical simulations, and 27Al-{31P} D-HMQC experiments on crystalline aluminophosphate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Iodine 129 is a radioactive waste produced by the nuclear industry. Due to its high volatility, it cannot be vitrified in conventional borosilicate glasses. This paper investigates the feasibility of iodine conditioning using a glass matrix intended for long-term storage in a geological repository. Silver phosphate glasses, which can incorporate high amounts of iodine and can be synthesized at low temperature, were chosen for this study. In order to increase their chemical durability, the glasses were cross-linked by niobium and bismuth oxides. Niobium and bismuth incorporation limits were determined for an iodine amount of 12 wt% and ranged from 1.6 mol% to 4.0 mol%, depending on the Ag 2 O/P 2 O 5 ratio. The glass structures were investigated using 31P MAS NMR, RAMAN spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The iodine local environment was determined by EXAFS at iodine K-edge. Structural investigations showed that the introduction of these crosslinking reagents induces a significant increase in the polymerization degree of the glasses. However despite this higher connectivity, the two crosslinking reagents have a low impact on the glass transition temperature after iodine addition. Highlights • Nb 2 O 5 and Bi 2 O 3 display a higher solubility in silver phosphate glasses than Al 2 O 3. • Their solubility depends on the Ag/P molar ratio in iodine –containing glasses. • A higher solubility is linked to a higher polarizability. • Addition of the crosslinking reagents increases the polymerization degree. • T g is less affected by crosslinking reagents in the presence of iodine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The influence of gold particle addition on structural and magnetic ordering of iron oxide in a glass matrix was studied. The silica–phosphate glasses containing iron oxide and Au were prepared by the melt quench technique. Evolution of crystalline phases was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Magnetic properties were investigated by means of a Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) magnetometer and room temperature Mössbauer spectroscopy. The microstructure exhibited the formation of 30–40nm size particles. The samples showed the formation of magnetite and hematite as major crystalline phases. Magnetic studies revealed the relaxation of magnetic particles. Blocking temperature of investigated sample increased with an increase of Au content implying an increase in the strength of magnetic interactions. Mössbauer spectroscopy has shown the presence of both doublets and magnetic sextets. The magnetization value increased as Au content was increased, which is attributed to the increase in magnetic and structural ordering. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Feed restriction may be a strategy used by fanners to limit digestive disorders after weaning. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feed restriction applied 1 wk after weaning on growth performance and health of pigs reared in 2 different sanitary conditions (Good vs. Poor; managed in opposite ways with respect to cleaning, animal density, and preventive antibiotic use) and confronted with stressful common farming practices (i.e., diet transition and building transfer). At weaning at 4 wk of age, 48 pigs were assigned to 1 of the 4 experimental treatments consisting of 2 sanitary conditions and 2 feeding levels (ad libitum vs. restricted). At 2 d after weaning, restricted pigs received 20% of the feed quantity consumed by ad libitum pigs. The feeding level of the restricted pigs was gradually increased to attain ad libitum feeding on d 8. Imposed stressful conditions occurred at d 12 (the weaner diet replaced the starter diet), d 33 (transfer of pigs from the weaner unit to the grower unit), and d 47 (the grower diet replaced the weaner diet). This allowed 4 distinguishing phases: I, from 0 to 11 d; II, from 12 to 32 d; III, from 33 to 46 d; and IV, from 47 to 60 d after weaning. Poor sanitary conditions resulted in decreased growth performance during phase I (P < 0.001) and III (P < 0.01), and the final BW of pigs kept in Poor sanitary conditions was 4 kg less (P = 0.02) than those kept in Good sanitary conditions. Plasma haptoglobin concentration was increased on d 12 after weaning (P = 0.001) as was the occurrence of soft feces during phases II and III (P < 0.05) in Poor sanitary conditions. In both sanitary conditions, the restricted feeding level resulted in decreased ADG (P < 0.001), increased plasma haptoglobin and salivary Cortisol concentrations, and feeding-associated behaviors (P < 0.05) during phase 1. In Poor sanitary conditions, feed restriction was very detrimental and differences in ADFI and ADG between restricted and ad libitum pigs increased with time (P = 0.05). Conversely, in Good sanitary conditions, restricted pigs attained the BW of ad libitum pigs before the end of the experiment. In conclusion, imposing feed restriction on pigs during the first days after weaning does not seem to be an effective strategy to decrease the negative effects of Poor sanitary conditions; rather, it reinforces these effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Combining X-ray diffraction, NMR (CP-MAS and 29Si NMR-MAS) and diffuse reflectance infra-red Fourier transformed spectroscopy (DRIFTS), the local structural changes induced during the reactivity of amorphous (a-SiO2) under alkali–silica reaction (ASR) have been investigated. XRD patterns provide useful and new qualitative information concerning the reactivity of a-SiO2. A shift of the maximum of the halo towards the high values of 2θ is observed when the reaction progresses. NMR shows that ASR is accompanied in a-SiO2 by the diminution of Q 4 species and by the formation of Q 3 (and to a less extend to Q 2) species. This importance played by Q 3 species confirms the results obtained with natural alkali–silica gels. The formation of OH bonds observed by DRIFTS can be followed at ca. 950cm−1 and confirms NMR results. The microstructural state of silica (here represented by the medium- and short-range order (MRO) of amorphous silica) plays a crucial role in governing the kinetics of the ASR. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The structural description of xNb2O5–(1− x)(NaPO3) (0⩽ x ⩽0.40) glass network is reported through high-field (18.8T) 17O and 93Nb nuclear magnetic resonance, O1s X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The different oxygen sites (POP, PONa, NbOP and NbONb) are resolved on the spectra, their relative proportion determined and compared to indirect calculations obtained from the decomposition of 31P NMR spectra. A good agreement is obtained, thus confirming the formation of the Nb(OP)6−y (ONb) y units with increasing y leading to the clusterization of NbO6 octahedra, mainly for x >0.2, which is related to the incomplete dissociation of Nb2O5 in the NaPO3 melt. The formation of these clusters is responsible for the large increase of the nonlinear optical properties, mainly due to the high polarizability of the Nb–O–Nb bond. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The thermal evolution of aluminium phosphate solutions is investigated in this contribution. The study is based on complementary results obtained from standard X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses accompanied by solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) investigations. Binders are prepared between 150 and 1400°C from two aluminium phosphate solutions differing by their P/Al ratio (3 and 3.5). New insights about the presence of amorphous phases, minor compounds and residual phosphoric acid in the binders, not provided by previous XRD study, are afforded by XRD/NMR investigations, leading to a better understanding of the structure of the binders. At high temperature (>600°C), both solutions (P/Al=3 and 3.5) lead to the formation of binders composed of cubic aluminium metaphosphate, Al(PO3)3 [A]. However, the presence of residual phosphoric acid in the P/Al=3.5 solution entails the formation of Al(PO3)3 [A] at lower temperature. Advanced solid state NMR sequences (31P{1H} cross polarisation, 2D 31P RFDR and 2D 31P{27Al} CP-HETCOR) allow for a complete 31P and 27Al NMR signals assignments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nutritional feed values are currently based on aggregate criteria such as the ileal or faecal digestibility. Digestibility is the result of several processes including hydrolysis, absorption, secretion and passage. In order to develop mechanistic models of digestion to be used for feed evaluation, these processes have to be quantified. The aim of the current study was to determine the enzymatic hydrolysis (or: in vitro digestion) kinetics of main constituents (organic matter, nitrogen and starch) in wheat, barley, wheat bran and soybean meal, using a three-step, enzymatic in vitro method that mimics digestion in the stomach, small and large intestine of pigs. The in vitro results were compared with in vivo results. Hydrolysis kinetics (i.e., solubilisation of feed constituents) was modelled using an exponential segmented model estimating the extent and rate of digestion for each enzymatic digestion step. In vitro digestion of organic matter of soybean meal occurred mainly through the action of pepsin (0.67 versus <0.30 for other feeds, P<0.05), which was caused by the enzymatic digestion of protein at this site. Organic matter of cereals was mainly hydrolysed by enzymes mimicking digestion in the small intestine, and was mainly caused by starch digestion. Fractional in vitro digestion rates of organic matter were higher in the stomach than in the small intestine for cereals (0.20–0.34 min−1versus 0.02–0.15 min−1, P<0.05). The potential in vitro digestibility of organic matter was nearly 0.88 for wheat and soybean meal, 0.79 for barley and 0.61 for wheat bran, which correspond to typical in vivo digestibility values. The in vitro digestibility corresponded reasonably well to in vivo results for enzyme systems mimicking ileal and total tract digestion. The results of this study indicate that it is possible to quantify dynamic aspects of digestion of feedstuffs fed to non-ruminant animals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: ZnO–B2O3–P2O5 glasses formulated with Sb2O3 were investigated in the series 50ZnO–10B2O3–40P2O5 + xSb2O3 (x =0–70mol%). With increasing Sb2O3 content, the values of glass transition temperature decrease from 492°C down to 394°C. The dissolution rate of the glasses reveals a maximum for the glass with x =15mol% Sb2O3. Raman spectra with increasing Sb2O3 content reflect the depolymerisation of phosphate chains. Antimony at low Sb2O3 content forms individual SbO3 pyramids manifested in the Raman spectra by a broad vibrational band at ∼520–690cm−1. In the glasses with a higher Sb2O3 content SbO3 units link into chains and clusters with Sb–O–Sb bridges manifested in the Raman spectra by a strong broad band at 380–520cm−1. The 31P MAS NMR spectra with increasing Sb2O3 content reflect the depolymerisation of phosphate chains at low Sb2O3 content and only small changes in the PO4 coordination at a high Sb2O3 content. 11B MAS NMR spectra reveal a steady transformation of B(OP)4 units into B(OP)4−x (OSb) x units, accompanied by the transformation of BO4 into BO3 units with increasing Sb2O3 content. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new decoupling composite pulse sequence is proposed to remove the broadening on spin S =1/2 magic-angle spinning (MAS) spectra arising from the scalar coupling with a quadrupolar nucleus I. It is illustrated on the 31P spectrum of an aluminophosphate, AlPO4-14, which is broadened by the presence of 27Al/31P scalar couplings. The multiple-pulse (MP) sequence has the advantage over the continuous wave (CW) irradiation to efficiently annul the scalar dephasing without reintroducing the dipolar interaction. The MP decoupling sequence is first described in a rotor-synchronised version (RS-MP) where one parameter only needs to be adjusted. It clearly avoids the dipolar recoupling in order to achieve a better resolution than using the CW sequence. In a second improved version, the MP sequence is experimentally studied in the vicinity of the perfect rotor-synchronised conditions. The linewidth at half maximum (FWHM) of 65Hz using 27Al CW decoupling decreases to 48Hz with RS-MP decoupling and to 30Hz with rotor-asynchronised MP (RA-MP) decoupling. The main phenomena are explained using both experimental results and numerical simulations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteases known for their capacity to degrade extracellular matrix (ECM) components. MMPs have been implicated in several central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). Microarray analysis has demonstrated significant increased mRNA levels of MMP-19 in chronic MS lesions, suggesting a role of MMP-19 in MS pathogenesis. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the expression pattern and cellular localization of MMP-19 protein in various well-characterized MS lesion stages. In normal control patient white matter, MMP-19 was constitutively expressed by microglia throughout the brain parenchyma, suggesting a physiological role for this MMP family member. Likewise, MMP-19 was expressed by microglia in (p)reactive MS lesions, albeit more intense. In highly active demyelinating MS lesions, parenchymal and perivascular myelin-laden macrophages were strongly immunoreactive for MMP-19, whereas reactive astrocytes were occasionally immunopositive. Astrocytes in chronic inactive lesions were weakly stained for MMP-19. In vitro, MMP-19 was expressed in cultures of primary human microglia, not in astrocyte cultures. As MMP-19 is able to degrade basement membrane constituents and other ECM proteins, it is conceivable that this relatively novel MMP family member contributes to MS pathology by remodelling the ECM of the CNS, thereby influencing leucocyte infiltration, axonal regeneration and astrogliosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed lithium-zinc borophosphate glasses were prepared and studied in three compositional series xLi2O-(50-x)ZnO-50P2O5, xLi2O-(50-x)ZnO-10B2O3-40P2O5 and xLi2O-(50-x)ZnO-20B2O3-30P2O5 with x = 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mol% Li2O. The obtained glasses were characterized by the measurements of the density (ρ), molar volume ( VM), glass transition temperature ( Tg) and thermal expansion coefficient (α). For the investigation of structural changes 11B and 31P MAS NMR and Raman spectroscopy were applied. The replacement of zinc by lithium in borophosphate glasses slightly decreases VM and Tg, while α increases. In Li-Zn metaphosphate glasses the compositional dependence of Tgreveals a minimum, while at the borophosphate series Tg decreases monotonously with increasing Li2O content. Chemical stability of Li-Zn borophosphate glasses is very good for glasses with x = 0 -30 mol% Li2O. Spectral studies showed in the glass series with 10 mol% B2O3 only the presence of BO4 sites. In the glasses with 20 mol% B2O3 the presence of BO3 and two BO4 sites was revealed in ZnO-rich glasses and only one BO4 site in Li2O-rich glasses; the number of BO3 groups decreases with increasing Li2O content which is ascribed to the formation of P-O-Zn covalent bonds in ZnO-rich glasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Gan and Kwak recently introduced two new tools for high-resolution 2D NMR methods applied to quadrupolar nuclei: double-quantum filtering in STMAS (DQF–STMAS) and the soft-pulse added mixing (SPAM) idea. Double-quantum filtering suppresses all undesired signals in the STMAS method with limited loss in sensitivity. With SPAM, all pathways are added constructively after the second hard-pulse instead of using a single pathway as previously. Here, the sensitivity, advantages and drawbacks of DQF–STMAS are compared to 3QMAS. Additionally, SPAM can be included into DQF–STMAS method, resulting in a net sensitivity gain with respect to 3QMAS of ca. 10–15. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sodium-calcium-lead phosphate glasses having a mol.% composition (25-z/2)Na 2 O-(25-z/2)CaO-zPbO-50P 2 O 5 (0 ≤ z ≤ 50) were prepared by using the melt-quench technique. Some physical properties have been measured and their structure has been studied by IR and Raman spectroscopies. Density of the glass increases linearly with the substitution of Na 2 O and CaO by PbO. Glass molar volume vary slightly with the substitution, and a non-linear increase of PbO molar volume and a non-linear decrease of P 2 O 5 , Na 2 O and CaO ones is observed. Glass transition temperature increases non-linearly with PbO substitution. FTIR and Raman spectra reveal the formation of P–O–Pb bonds, which replace P–O–Na and P–O–Ca bonds, and no modification of the network polymerization is observed with substitution by PbO. However, Raman spectra exhibit shoulder's peak due to (PO 3)2- terminal groups, which seemingly results from disproportionation of species in the glass melts. PbO is assumed to play a network modifier role like Na 2 O and CaO, but it reticulates the phosphate network, which causes an increase of T g and a slight effect on molar volume. [Display omitted] • NaCaPbP glasses. • Effect of PbO on physico-chemical properties. • Structural characterization of glass studies using IR and Raman. • Effect of PbO on the glass network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Thin-film deposited using Pulse Laser Deposition (PLD);. • Crystallization mechanism studies both in bulk and thin-film glasses;. • In-situ crystallization studies using novelty technics such HT-ESEM, HT-XRD, etc. • Difference of the glass network after heat-treatment. Crystallization pathways of BaO CaO-Al 2 O 3 -SiO 2 (BCAS) glass were determined as a function of time and temperature, using a set of adapted and in-situ characterization techniques such as differential thermal analysis, high-temperature X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance and high-temperature environmental scanning electron microscopy. Glass systems are a melted quenched bulk form and a deposited thin-film form (Pulsed Laser Deposition technique was used to obtain a coating on Si-substrate with a thickness up to 100 nm). The composition of the crystallized phases depends on the geometry of the glass, and of the applied geometrical constraints. These constraints control the volume fraction of crystallized glass melt as a function of time and temperature, and thus modify the reactional pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nutritional feed values are currently based on aggregate criteria such as the ileal or faecal digestibility. Digestibility is the result of two competing processes: digestion and passage. In order to develop mechanistic models of digestion to be used for feed evaluation, both processes have to be quantified. The aim of this study was to determine the hydrolysis kinetics of main constituents (organic matter, N and starch) in wheat, barley, wheat bran and soybean meal, using a three-step, enzymatic in vitro method mimicking digestion in the stomach, small and large intestine of pigs. Kinetics of hydrolysis (i.e. solubilisation of feed constituents) was modelled using an exponential segmented model estimating the extent and rate of digestion in each digestive segment. Digestion of organic matter of soybean meal occurred mainly in the stomach (67% vs. <30% for other feeds) resulting from an efficient protein hydrolysis at this site. Organic matter of cereals was mainly digested in the small intestine (55%), as a result of starch digestion. Fractional digestion rates of organic matter were higher in the stomach than in the small intestine (20–35 vs. 2–15%/min). The potential digestibility of organic matter was nearly 87% for wheat and soybean meal, 78% for barley and 61% for wheat bran, which correspond to typical in vivo digestibility values. The results of the present study allow characterising different feeds with the objective to model the digestion process in pigs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]