Acoustic field radiated into a transversely isotropic solid from a small aperture spherical surface.

The acoustic field modelling reported in this paper finds application in the design of a scanning probe tip for measuring the near-surface elastic properties of solids and surface structures at high frequencies and with high spatial resolution. The underlying concept is for a longitudinally polarized pulse to be launched from a spherically-shaped portion of the upper surface of the pyramidal or conical shaped tip, and focused towards the narrow lower end. The change in the reflectivity when the narrow end is brought into contact with a solid will provide a measure of the local frequency dependent compliance of that solid.

Ultrasonic surface crack characterization on complex geometries using surface waves.

The characterization of surface cracks on complex geometries using surface waves is investigated numerically and experimentally. The specimen geometry is implemented in a finite difference code by approximation of the contour using a Cartesian grid. In the experiments the out-of-plane surface displacement is measured by means of a heterodyne laser interferometer.

Influence of vedaprofen (Quadrisol) on quality and freezability of stallion semen.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) vedaprofen (Quadrisol) on quality and freezability of stallion semen. Experiments were performed using 22 Franches Montagnes stallions from the National Stud in Avenches (Switzerland) randomly divided into a control and test group. Vedaprofen was given orally to all stallions of the test group at the recommended therapeutic dose (initial dose of 2mg/kg followed by 1mg/kg body weight every 12h) for 14 days.

[Horse breeding: genetic tests for the coat colors chestnut, bay and black. Results from a preliminary study in the Swiss Freiberger horse breed].

Coat color played an important role during domestication and formation of breeds. Livestock breeders often had special preferences for particular color phenotypes because they believed them to be associated with performance or fitness traits. Socio-cultural reasons might have had an influence on color selection as well.