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We report 3D integral imaging with an electronically tunable-focal-length lens for improved depth of field. The micro-zoom arrays are generated and implemented based on the concept of parallel apodization. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of parallel dynamic focusing in integral imaging based on the use of micro-zoom arrays.

The article focuses on a study which described the behavioural, neuroendocrine, immune and acute phase stress responses in dogs undergoing elective surgery in normal, clinical practice condition. Using a standardised surgical protocol, the dogs were submitted to elective orchiectomy or ovariohysterectomy. Results of the study indicated that perioperative stress represents a major challenge to dog welfare.

Studying soil hydrological processes requires the determination of soil hydraulic parameters whose assessment using traditional methods is expensive and time‐consuming. A specific method, Beerkan estimation of soil transfer parameters referred to as BEST was developed to facilitate the determination of both the water retention curve, θ(h), and the hydraulic conductivity curve, K(θ), defined by their shape and scale parameters. BEST estimates shape parameters from particle‐size distribution analysis and scale parameters from infiltration experiments at null pressure head. Saturated water content is measured directly at the end of infiltration. Hydraulic conductivity and water pressure scale parameters are calculated from the steady‐state infiltration rate and prior estimation of sorptivity (S) This is provided by fitting transient infiltration data on the classical two‐term equations with values from zero to a maximum corresponding to null hydraulic conductivity and using a data subset for which the two‐term infiltration equations are verified as valid. BEST was compared with other fitting methods to estimate sorptivity and hydraulic conductivity from infiltration modeling data on the basis of the same infiltration equations for three contrasting soils: agricultural soil, sandy soil, and a coarser fluvioglacial deposit. The other methods failed sometimes to model accurately experimental data and to provide values in agreement with physical principles of water infiltration (negative values for hydraulic conductivity, too high steady‐state infiltration rate). None of these anomalies was encountered when modeling cumulative infiltration with BEST. BEST appears to be a promising, easy, robust, and inexpensive way of characterizing the hydraulic behavior of soil.

Objective To evaluate the cytological and microbiological contents of guttural pouch washes of ten randomly selected horses restrained so as to prevent them lowering their heads, and to assess the possible effects on the guttural pouch environment in these horses.

Percutaneous washes of the guttural pouches were obtained from two groups of 15 clinically normal horses, one lightly exercised and the other heavily exercised. Microbiological and cytological studies showed a wide variation in the differential cell counts. The cytological pattern of the normal lavages (<5 per cent neutrophils) was charaderised by a large proportion of ciliated columnar epithelial cells, a few non‐ciliated cuboidal epithelial cells, and less than 1 per cent monocytes, lymphocytes, and eosinophils. Abnormal lavages (with more than 5 per cent neutrophils) had higher levels of bacterial growth than normal lavages. There were significant differences between the bacterial growth and total cell count, and also between the neutrophil contents of the lavages from the two groups of horses.

Neonatal and infantile hypoglycemia due to insulin excess has been associated with a spectrum of anatomic changes, i.e., nesidioblastosis, endocrine cell dysplasia, islet cell hyperplasia, and adenomatosis. The mechanism of hyperinsulinemia in these patients has been attributed to: (a) an increase in islet cell mass, (b) abnormal islet cell architecture with alternation in paracrine function, (c) imbalance of alpha, beta, and delta cell secretion, and (d) a regulatory defect of insulin secretion. Morphometric, immunocytochemical, and electron microscopy studies have not substantiated an increase in endocrine cell mass in many patients. Nesidioblastosis is believed to be a normal phase of fetal development of the pancreas rather than a pathologic entity. A regulatory defect in insulin storage and release is the best explanation of hyperinsulinism in these patients.

The agar dilution method was used to determine the inhibitory activities of 28 antimicrobial agents against 35 strains of the genus Peptostreptococcus, 4 strains of the species Peptococcus niger, 20 strains of the species Megasphaera elsdenii, 7 strains from the species Acidaminococcus fermentans, 8 strains of the genus Clostridium, 11 strains of the genus Eubacterium, and 1 strain of the species Propionibacterium acidipropionici, all of which were isolated from 125 clinical cases of ovine foot rot between January 1987 and December 1988. The three unreidopenicillins studied proved to be the most active antimicrobial agents, with a high percentage of strains being susceptible at a concentration of 64 micrograms/ml. Penicillin G, ampicillin, and the three cephalosporins studied also had good activity. Fosfomycin showed a high degree of activity among the 116 anaerobic bacteria tested.

Abstract: Much is known about the essentiality of the halogens fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), and iodine (I), but very little has been discussed with respect to bromine (Br). As a member of the halogen family its chemical properties are comparable to those of other halogens, but its presence has been masked by the presence of I and Cl in chemical analyses. By virtue of new technology and a special computerized machine called the Kevex Model 0600 Energy Dispersive X-Ray Induced X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (EDXRF), we can specifically identify bromine in different compartments and verify its concentration accurately. In order to establish standard values of Br concentrations and evaluate the nature of its presence in humans, samples of serum, urine, and hair were collected from ten healthy adult males and analyzed for bromine content. Our samples had normal distributions, with serum bromine levels ranging from 3.2 to 5.6 μg/mL, urine levels between 0.3 to 7.0 μg/mL, and hair levels determined from 1.1 to 49.0 μg/mL. These levels, especially those of serum bromine, have been encountered by other examiners whose samples also had normal distributions. These findings suggest to us that bromine may well be an essential trace element, as are its other halogen family members.

Haematological and blood biochemical parameters of 15 capercaillie {Tetrao urogallus) reared in captivity have been determined. Statistically significant age differences were observed in the following parameters: haemoglobin, MCHC, total bilirubin, triglycerides, alkaline phosphatase, potassium and total proteins.

A numerical solution is presented for the problem of a circular, hydrostatic thrust bearing with central fluid supply, under the conditions of negligible rotational speed and isothermal boundaries.The conservation equations for energy, momentum, and mass are derived for the system, considering viscosity as a function of temperature, and solved by a relaxation method. The solution for the temperature, velocity, and pressure distribution within the bearing and the load-carrying capacity are obtained and compared with results from isothermal theory.It was found that the load-carrying capacity is affected considerably by changes in viscosity. For the particular fluid properties used in the numerical example, the load-carrying capacity predicted was 32% less than the value obtained by isothermal theory. The latter value was based on a viscosity corresponding to incoming fluid. If an average value of viscosity is used instead, then the discrepancy between the two values is decreased to about 10%.

A rigorous explanation of a phenomenon that produces significant distortions in the three-dimensional images produced by integral imaging systems is provided. The phenomenon, which we refer to as the facet-braiding effect, has been recognized in some previous publications, but to our knowledge its nature has never been analyzed. We propose a technique for attenuating the facet-braiding effect. We have conducted experiments to illustrate the consequences of the facet-braiding effect on three-dimensional integral images, and we show the usefulness of the proposed technique in eliminating this effect.

The display of 3-D objects has always been fascinating. Recent research explores new possibilities in holographic imaging and 3-D television.