text:
Stereotypic behaviours, i.e. repetitive behaviours induced by frustration, repeated attempts to cope and/or brain dysfunction, are intriguing as they occur in a variety of domestic and captive species without any clear adaptive function. Among the different hypotheses, the coping hypothesis predicts that stereotypic behaviours provide a way for animals in unfavourable environmental conditions to adjust. As such, they are expected to have a lower physiological stress level (glucocorticoids) than non-stereotypic animals. Attempts to link stereotypic behaviours with glucocorticoids however have yielded contradictory results. Here we investigated correlates of oral and motor stereotypic behaviours and glucocorticoid levels in two large samples of domestic horses (NStudy1 = 55, NStudy2 = 58), kept in sub-optimal conditions (e.g. confinement, social isolation), and already known to experience poor welfare states. Each horse was observed in its box using focal sampling (study 1) and instantaneous scan sampling (study 2). Plasma samples (collected in study 1) but also non-invasive faecal samples (collected in both studies) were retrieved in order to assess cortisol levels.
Results showed that 1) plasma cortisol and faecal cortisol metabolites concentrations did not differ between horses displaying stereotypic behaviours and non-stereotypic horses and 2) both oral and motor stereotypic behaviour levels did not predict plasma cortisol or faecal cortisol metabolites concentrations.
Cortisol measures, collected in two large samples of horses using both plasma sampling as well as faecal sampling (the latter method minimizing bias due to a non-invasive sampling procedure), therefore do not indicate that stereotypic horses cope better, at least in terms of adrenocortical activity.
Keywords:Stereotypic behaviours; Cortisol; Faeces; Plasma; Coping hypothesis; Horse
Stereotypic behaviours are repetitive behaviours induced by frustration, repeated attempts to cope and/or brain dysfunction [1,2]. Stereotypic behaviours typically appear in sub-optimal life conditions, i.e. known or believed to be aversive, e.g. physical confinement, social isolation and/or food deprivation. Why and how such behaviours arise nevertheless remains a highly debated issue. One explanation, commonly known as the "coping hypothesis", is that stereotypic behaviours may help the animal to "cope" with unfavourable conditions, by providing an "enrichment" in the sub-optimal domestic situations [2] or by counteracting physical discomfort [3]. In striped mice Rhabdomys, stereotypic animals even have a better reproductive output [4], suggesting that some stereotypic behaviours may have beneficial effects. In horses, stereotypic mares however exhibit lower reproductive success [5], and at present, the coping function of stereotypic behaviours remains a highly debated issue. According to the coping hypothesis, individuals that display stereotypic behaviours are expected to have lower physiological stress levels (commonly assessed by measuring glucocorticoids concentrations) than non-stereotypic animals in the same sub-optimal environment. Attempts to link stereotypic behaviours with glucocorticoids however have yielded contradictory results. For example in horses, McBride and Cuddeford [6] report higher plasma cortisol (pC) levels immediately prior to a crib-biting bout, followed by a significant reduction post-crib-biting, suggesting that this stereotypic behaviour may have a coping function to reduce stress levels. On the other hand, Pell and McGreevy [7], Clegg et al. [8] and more recently Hemmann et al. [9] report on the same species no significant differences in plasma and salivary cortisol levels between stereotypic and non-stereotypic horses (see [10] for similar results in pigs and [11] in margays Leopardus wiedii). In contrast, McGreevy and Nicol [12] and Bachmann et al. [13] report even higher basal plasma cortisol concentrations in adult stereotypic horses than in control non-stereotypic horses (see [14] for similar results in mink).
Here we investigated specific correlates of oral and motor stereotypic behaviours and glucocorticoid levels in two large and very different samples of domestic horses kept in sub-optimal conditions and already known to experience poor welfare states [15-19]. We discuss two studies, both involving equine facilities where horses were kept in social isolation (i.e. boxes) and experienced time-restricted feeding practices, two factors known to trigger stereotypic behaviours e.g.[18,20,21]. These two studies were complementary. Study 1 (N = 55, 41 geldings, 14 mares, 5-20-year old) was performed on a working riding school population (of mostly French Saddlebred), already known to experience work-related disorders (i.e. vertebral problems [17,22]). Study 2 involved 58 purebred Arab brood mares (4-20-year old) all housed in the same facility where the routine did not enable the horses to be turned out in paddock, and where mares had already been shown to experience poor welfare, e.g. altered time budgets [15] and impaired reproductive success [5]. Each horse was observed in its box using focal sampling (study 1, 30 minutes in total per horse) and instantaneous scan sampling (study 2, 92 scans per horse). The oral and motor repetitive behaviours observed (Table 1), long termed "stereotypy" or "stereotypic behaviours" either in the litterature e.g.[6,7,9,23], have all been previously described in horses (review in [24]). According to a recent re-definition of terms [1,2], "stereotypy" is now reserved for a sub-class of highly predictable forms of repetitive behaviours caused by particular types of brain dysfunction [25], a criterion not demonstrably met/ investigated to date for all the observed behaviours. In addition to the "classical" repetitive behaviours, following previous studies performed in other species and in horses, repetitive licking/biting (walls, grids, feeding trough) were recorded as further abnormal repetitive behaviours (e.g.[3,26]). Note that we use here the term "stereotypic behaviours" as a broad descriptive term encompassing all repetitive behaviours observed, as they all typically appear in captive sub-optimal conditions that induce motivational frustration and/or physical discomfort. Plasma sample collection involves handling of the animals and can be stressful, which may influence the results e.g.[27,28]. Thus we used plasma (collected in study 1; two times per horse between 18:00 and 19:00 over 2 consecutive days; data obtained in the morning being less reliable, see methods) and also faecal samples (in both studies), the latter being a totally non-invasive method already well validated and used in horses e.g.[29-33], in order to assess cortisol levels. Furthermore, faecal cortisol metabolites (fCM) concentrations reflect an average level of circulating cortisol over a long period rather than a point in time sample. Therefore it provides a more accurate assessment of long-term cortisol levels than blood samples, which are highly dependent on the pulsatile secretion of glucocorticoids [33-36]. Faecal samples were collected between 12:00 and 13:00 three times per horse on three different days in study 1, and once between 08:00 and 10:00 in study 2. The coping hypothesis generates the following predictions. In these sub-optimal life conditions, horses displaying stereotypic behaviours would have lower pC and fCM concentrations than non-stereotypic horses. Moreover, within the sample of stereotypic horses, those with higher levels of stereotypic behaviours would have lower pC and fCM concentrations. Oral and motor stereotypic behaviours can have different, though non-mutually exclusive, aetiologies, which can be e.g. gastric inflammation for oral stereotypic behaviours [37], motivational frustration for social interaction and/or confinement for motor stereotypic behaviours [20]. Therefore oral and motor stereotypic behaviour levels were considered separately.
Table 1. Type (oral/motor), name and description of stereotypic behaviours observed
Study 1
Stereotypic behaviours were observed in 65% of the horses in a total of 30 minutes of observation (9/12 horses in school 1, 18/26 in school 2 and 9/17 in school 3, chi-square test: X 2 2 = 1.82, P = 0.50) with a median frequency of 0.03 times per min (Q1 = 0.0, Q3 = 0.20, range: 0–0.8). Stereotypic behaviours were distributed as follows: repetitive trough licking (15 horses), head shaking and nodding (14 horses), lip play (13 horses), repetitive object biting (10 horses), repetitive wall licking (7 horses), lip or teeth rubbing (4 horses), weaving (3 horses) and cribbing (1 horse) (median frequencies and ranges shown in Table 2). Eighteen horses (33%) exhibited more than one stereotypic behaviour. PC concentration varied from 2.5 to 40.3 ng/mL (Med = 11.0, Q1 = 6.0, Q3 = 20.7). Concentrations of fCM varied from 1.6 to 13.1 ng/g (Med sample 1 = 4.2, Q1 = 3.5, Q3 = 6.0). No difference appeared according to age (plasma: F 1, 48 = 0.75, P = 0.39; fCM: F 1, 46 = 3.55, P = 0.07). No difference appeared according to sex for fCM concentrations (F 1, 46 = 0.37, P = 0.54); females however had higher pC concentrations than geldings (Med Females (N = 14) = 17.3, Q1 = 12.8, Q3 = 24.0, Med Geldings (N = 41) = 6.8, Q1 = 6.0, Q3 = 14.6, F 1, 48 = 8.29, P = 0.006). Interestingly, plasma cortisol concentration predicted fCM concentrations: the higher the plasma cortisol concentration was, the higher the fCM concentration was (F 1, 53 = 36.43, P = 0.0001).
Table 2. Median frequency per minute and range (minimum – maximum) per type of each stereotypic behaviour observed in horses from riding school (study 1)
Whether or not the horse displayed at least one stereotypic behaviour did not predict pC concentration (F 1, 48 = 0.002, P = 0.96), and this was still true when oral (Figure 1a, F 1, 48 = 1.11, P = 0.30) and motor stereotypic behaviours frequencies (Figure 1b, F 1, 48 = 0.86, P = 0.36) were considered separately. Similarly, displaying at least one stereotypic behaviour did not predict fCM concentration (F 1, 46 = 0.38, P = 0.54), even when oral (Figure 2a, F 1, 46 = 0.52, P = 0.47) and motor stereotypic behaviours frequencies (Figure 2b, F 1, 49 = 0.23, P = 0.64) were considered separately.
Figure 1. Plasma cortisol concentrations (ng/mL) function of oral (A) and motor (B) stereotypic behaviours frequencies in horses from riding schools (study 1, N = 55). Plasma cortisol concentrations were assessed two times per horse (between 18:00 and 19:00) and averaged. Original data are presented for clarity (plasma cortisol concentrations were Box Cox-transformed and stereotypic behaviours were log-transformed for analysis). Neither oral nor motor stereotypic behaviours frequencies predicted plasma cortisol concentrations (respectively F 1, 48 = 1.11, P = 0.30 and F 1, 48 = 0.86, P = 0.36).
Figure 2. Faecal cortisol metabolites concentrations (ng/g) function of oral (A) and motor (B) stereotypic behaviours frequencies in horses from riding schools (study 1, N = 55). Samples were collected between 12:00 and 13:00, three times per subject: a sample on two different days, each 24 h after a day's work and one sample 24 h after a day's rest, then averaged. Original data are presented for clarity (data were log-transformed for analysis). Neither oral nor motor stereotypic behaviours frequencies predicted faecal cortisol metabolites concentrations (respectively F 1, 46 = 0.52, P = 0.47 and F 1, 49 = 0.23, P = 0.64).
Study 2
Stereotypic behaviours were observed in 24% of the horses (14/58, median frequency = 0.1, Q1 = 0.0, Q3 = 0.1 scans, range: 0–22) and were distributed as follows: weaving (9 horses), box walking (5 horses), repetitive door kicking (1 horse), head nodding (1 horse) and lip play (1 horse) (median number of scans and ranges shown in Table 3). Four horses (7%) presented more than one stereotypic behaviour. Concentrations of fCM varied from 2.4 to 37.6 ng/g (Med = 6.8, Q1 = 9.2, Q3 = 13.6). No difference appeared according to age (F 1, 47 = 0.11, P = 0.74) or reproductive status (F 1, 47 = 0.40, P = 0.67).
Table 3. Median number of scans in which a stereotypic behaviour was observed and range (minimum – maximum) per type of each stereotypic behaviour observed in brood mares (study 2)
Again, whether or not the horse displayed at least one stereotypic behaviour did not predict fCM concentration (F 1, 47 = 0.001, P = 0.99), and the number of scans in which a stereotypic behaviour was observed also did not predict fCM concentrations either (Figure 3, F 1, 47 = 0.003, P = 0.96).
Figure 3. Faecal cortisol metabolites concentrations (ng/g) function of number of scans in which a stereotypic behaviour was observed in Arab mares (study 2, N = 58). Samples were collected between 08:00 and 10:00. Original data are presented for clarity (data were log transformed for analysis). The number of scans in which a stereotypic behaviour was observed did not predict faecal cortisol metabolites concentrations (F 1, 47 = 0.003, P = 0.96).
Here we investigated specific correlates of oral and motor stereotypic behaviours and glucocorticoid levels in two large and different samples of domestic horses, kept in sub-optimal conditions and already known to experience poor welfare states. We used plasma and also non-invasive faecal sampling to measure cortisol levels. According to the coping hypothesis of stereotypic behaviours – i.e. that stereotypic behaviours are performed as a means of helping the animal to cope with sub-optimal environments by reducing stress – horses that displayed stereotypic behaviours were expected to have lower cortisol levels than non-stereotypic horses. Furthermore within the sample of stereotypic horses, those with higher levels of stereotypic behaviours were expected to have lower cortisol levels. Both pC (study 1) nor fCM (study 1 and 2) concentrations however differed between stereotypic and non-stereotypic horses, nor were they significantly predicted by stereotypic behaviour levels, even when oral and motor stereotypic behaviour levels were considered separately. Therefore, cortisol measures do not indicate that stereotypic horses cope better, at least in terms of adrenocortical activity.
Our results confirm the earlier findings of Pell and McGreevy [7], Clegg et al. [8] and Hemmann et al. [9] indicating no significant relationship between plasma/salivary cortisol levels and stereotypic behaviours in this species. Interestingly, this absence of a relationship between plasma cortisol and stereotypic behaviour levels appears to be independent of the time of plasma sampling. Indeed, Hemmann and collaborators [9] report on not significant effects of crib-biting on cortisol circadian secretion when collecting plasma every two hours for 24 h in stereotypic and control non-stereotypic horses. When added to Pell and McGreevy's [7] and Clegg's et al. [8] previous studies, where plasma was collected in the morning, our complementary results based on plasma samples collected in the afternoon support Hemmann and collaborators' conclusions. Moreover, in the four previous studies [7,8,12,13] in which plasma samples were all collected in the morning, results were also contradictory, indicating that time of sampling cannot be the main explanation for results discrepancy. In this context, using faecal samples, that reflect an average level of circulating cortisol over a longer period, appears nevertheless to be a good complementary strategy.
Using faecal samples however might also raise a new methodological issue, namely a potential impact of variations in gut flora on the concentrations of cortisol metabolites. Indeed, the metabolites of cortisol that are measured in faeces are the products of extensive modification by bacteria in the gut (e.g. [35,36]). As a consequence, the composition of bacteria could influence the type and/or the quantity of hormone metabolites (discussed in [38]). Imbalance in hindgut flora (as a result of acidosis) has been reported in horses displaying crib-biting [3] and one could expect this imbalance to influence fCM concentrations in these animals compared with non-stereotypic horses and to bias the results. FCM concentrations however did not differ between stereotypic and non-stereotypic horses, nor were they significantly predicted by stereotypic behaviour levels, even when oral and also motor stereotypic behaviour levels were considered separately. To our knowledge, motor stereotypic behaviours have not been reported to be linked with gastric nor gut disorders in horses; therefore horses displaying motor stereotypic behaviours would not be expected to differ from control horses in regards to their gut flora composition. In addition, no significant relationship between stereotypic behaviours and cortisol levels appeared either when taking blood samples measuring the actual hormone (a complementary approach advised by [38]). Therefore, our results that cortisol measures do not seem to indicate that stereotypic horses cope better appear unlikely to reflect methodological bias due to sampling methods, though further research on the potential effect of gut floral on fCM concentration is warranted.
The idea that stereotypic behaviours may help animals to cope with sub-optimal environments is not new e.g.[39-41], but it is still a highly debated issue and evidence is sparse and contradictory. McBride and Cuddeford [6] report higher plasma concentrations in horses immediately prior to the onset of a crib-biting bout, followed by a significant reduction post- crib-biting, suggesting that stereotypic behaviours may have a coping function that reduces stress levels in the animal. According to these results, the prevention of stereotypic behaviours may then be even more stressful and should induce a rise in glucocorticoids. In order to further test this prediction, two experimental studies have examined the effects of stereotypic behaviour prevention under controlled conditions on cortisol levels in horses. However, the environmental modifications used to prevent the stereotypic behaviours (i.e. devices such as crib-strap and anti-weave bar, removal of both a cribbing bar and hay) induced a rise in plasma cortisol concentrations in stereotypic horses, but also in control non-stereotypic horses [6,12]. Thus, the observed rise in glucocorticoids in stereotypic horses, initially expected to reflect a stress response due to the prevention of stereotypic behaviours but also observed in non-stereotypic animals, might simply reflect the horse's response to environmental changes as previously suggested in rodents e.g.[42].
Note also that, as reported in the literature, differences in cortisol levels between stereotypic and non-stereotypic horses do not support the coping hypothesis prediction. Indeed, McGreevy and Nicol [12] and Bachmann et al. [13] reported higher plasma cortisol concentrations in stereotypic horses than in non-stereotypic horses. One however may argue that higher cortisol levels in stereotypic animals could represent methodological bias, particularly when moving horses from their home stable to an experimental one and/or using frequently repeated blood sampling, which both could be stressful for the animals [27,28]. Stereotypic horses may be particularly stress-sensitive individuals and they may perceive environmental changes and blood sampling as even more stressful than non-stereotypic animals, which may have impaired the results. In this context, using faecal samples – i.e. a totally non-invasive measurement, yielding no bias due to sampling procedure – to assess adrenocortical activity appears to be a better strategy and reinforces the earlier findings cited above that no relationship is evidenced between stereotypic behaviours and basal glucocorticoid levels.
On the whole, our results also do not support the coping hypothesis prediction, though several explanations for these negative results can be proposed. The absence of difference between stereotypic and non-stereotypic horses might reflect equally low cortisol levels, an interpretation which would, at least partly, support a coping function of stereotypic behaviours. Bearing in mind however that horses can express poor welfare states in various ways (e.g. aggressiveness [17], apathy and unresponsiveness [19,43]), one may also argue that, in the experienced sub-optimal life conditions, both stereotypic and non-stereotypic horses were equally stressed, i.e. equally high cortisol levels.
Another possible explanation for the results is that chronic stress levels might not be accurately measured by basal cortisol concentrations e.g.[34,44]. Cortisol has a circadian rhythm (highest in the early morning, lowest in the evening), a phenomenon well-evidenced in horses [45-50]. Some chronic stressors have been reported to induce dysregulated pattern of hormone secretion, e.g. a flattened diurnal rhythm [51]. Highly frequent blood collection can be a disturbing procedure in itself and is also clearly not always practicable or possible, especially in this study performed on working horses from riding schools. Including a pC concentration assessment at least at the times where cortisol concentrations are highest and lowest (the initial protocol of study 1, but not taken due to methodological reasons, see "methods") would allow a calculation of a slope as an indication of cortisol's rhythm across the day, and would provide additional interesting information. Note, however, that the effect of chronic stress on glucocorticoid circadian variations is still far from straightforward, as it might vary according to the stressor and individual features [51]. Thus it would also be interesting to add other measures of coping to test further the coping hypothesis prediction.
Beyond the potential functional explanation of stereotypic behaviours proposed by the coping hypothesis, another explanation for our negative findings may be that the performance of stereotypic behaviour is not associated with stress or coping at all. Indeed, some forms of stereotypic behaviours are preservative and animals cannot stop performing them [25]; stereotypic behaviours can become habit forming (e.g. enhancement of habit formation in crib-biting horses [52]) and thus does not result in changes in cortisol levels; and/or the eliciting stimuli might no longer be present in the current environment e.g.[53]. Note however that the latter issue would be hard to test in our population since these horses are still experiencing several challenges to their welfare, such as confinement, social isolation and time-restricted feeding practices.
This is, to our knowledge, the first time that a non-invasive measure of cortisol (i.e. without potential bias due to sampling procedure) was performed in addition to plasma cortisol analysis in order to investigate the relationship between stereotypic behaviours and adrenocortical activity in horses. The present data do not show a significant relationship between stereotypic behaviours and both pC and fCM concentrations in two large and very different groups of domestic horses kept in sub-optimal conditions and already known to experience poor welfare states. This appears to be a general trend, as neither oral nor motor stereotypic behaviours predicted glucocorticoids levels. Cortisol measures therefore do not seem to indicate that stereotypic horses cope better, at least in terms of adrenocortical activity.
All our experiments complied with current French laws related to animal experimentation and were in accordance with the European directive 86/609/CEE. The local Ethics Committee in Animal Experiment of Rennes gave a favourable opinion to perform both studies. No licence/permit/institutional ethical approval were needed from the local Ethics Committee in Animal Experiment of Rennes (study 1) as the work respected French regulations and blood samples were obtained in presence of a veterinarian doctor. No licence/permit/institutional ethical approval were needed for study 2 according to the Tunisian regulations, as only behavioural observations and non-invasive sampling (in presence of the veterinarian doctor of the breeding facility) were performed. In both studies, animal husbandry and care were under management of the riding schools and breeding facility staff, as this experiment involved only horses "from the field" (no laboratory animals).
Study 1
Fifty-five horses (37 French Saddlebred and 18 diverse breeds and unregistered horses) from three riding schools (N = 12, 26 and 17 horses respectively; all horses at the three riding schools were included in the study) in the western part of France were observed between January and May 2007. Activities and housing conditions were similar in the three riding schools. In all cases, the horses were kept singly in 3 m × 3 m individual straw-bedded boxes, with solid walls between boxes (but visual contact with conspecifics was possible from the box doors). Each box was cleaned once a day (in the morning) and was equipped with an automatic drinker. Animals were fed industrial pellets (mainly composed of wheat bran, 30%; barley, 28%; flour of alfalfa, 10%; palm kernel, 10%; soya bean, 10%; oats, 6%; treacle, corn, calcium carbonate, sodium chloride, vitamins A, D and E; copper sulphate) three times a day and hay was provided ad libitum. Horses worked in riding lessons for 4–12 hours a week, with at least one free day each week (riding school day off, where horses from the riding school #2 were released in paddocks). Riding lessons involved children and teenagers and were related mainly to indoor (instruction) and outdoor activities, including a few competition activities. This sample included both geldings (N = 41) and mares (N = 14). They were 5 to 20 years old ().
Study 2
Fifty-eight purebred Arab mares were observed from the 30th March to the 15th of May 2005 at the national stallion breeding facility of Sidi Thabet, located 20 km from Tunis in Tunisia. Mares are brought to this facility every year in order to breed with the stallions housed there. None of the mares were pregnant at the time of the study, but they belonged to three different reproductive categories: foaling mares (mares mated/inseminated in the facility where we conducted this study with a foal at foot that was born and bred in the facility, N = 40, 5–20 years old, years), non-foaling mares (with no foal at foot, N = 11, 5–18 years old, ) and "maiden" mares, i.e. mares with no foal at foot and staying at the breeding facility for the first time (N = 7, 4–6 years old, ). Reproduction management took place between 10:00 and 11:00 and included oestrus detection (by teasing every 48 hours, and rectal palpation and ultrasound), mating or inseminations and pregnancy diagnosis (ultrasound examination) [21]. Mares were housed in individual stalls where they received barley grain (4 kg/day), hay every morning and evening and some freshly cut grass once a day. The routine in this facility does not enable the horses to be turned out. Stalls (5 m × 3 m) were straw bedded and visual contact with conspecifics was possible from the stall doors (solid walls between boxes). Horses were allowed to drink about 5 min twice a day from the communal trough available outdoors. Mares were 4 to 20 years old (); maiden mares were younger than others (Kruskall-Wallis test: H2, 58 = 13.4, P = 0.01).
Behavioural observations
These two complementary studies were part of two different research projects (one performed in 2005 and the other in 2007); behaviour sampling methods therefore differed between study 1 and study 2.
Study 1
Each horse was observed by a single observer (CF) in its box using a focal sampling method [54]: all occurrences of all behaviours of the focal animal were recorded continuously during 5 min sessions. Only one horse was observed at a time (i.e. one focal animal) and horses were pseudo-randomly assigned to observations (i.e. neighbours were not observed in succession). Observations were made during three periods: in the morning between 09:00 and 11:00, in the afternoon between 14:00 and 17:00 and half an hour before meal times (i.e. between 06:30–07:30, 11:30–12:00 or 17:30–18:00, according to school schedules). The fact that food was distributed manually (yielding more frustration, more agitation and more anticipatory behaviours than when all the horses are fed simultaneously, for instance by an automatic feeder) created a favourable situation for observing repetitive movements e.g.[18,20,24]. Each horse was observed during 6 sessions performed during a 10-day period (2 sessions per time period, i.e. 30 min in total/horse).
Study 2
Observations were made by a single observer (HB) every day during 46 days using instantaneous scan sampling. Twice a day (once in the morning before feeding and once in the evening after feeding), the observer walked through along the stalls and noted the behaviour of each of the mares at the instantaneous time of her passage. The time budget for each behaviour was determined as the recorded number of each behaviour divided by the total recorded number of scans in each horse. Previous observations and preliminary observations indicated that two such scans are enough to identify stereotypic animals, especially over a longer time period as was the case in this study [5].
Although we recorded all behavioural patterns in both studies, presented data are limited to stereotypic behaviours. The oral and motor stereotypic behaviours observed are reported in Table 1.
Physiological data: adrenocortical activity
Plasma cortisol measurement (study 1)
We aimed to minimise the aversive effects of blood sampling, which was confirmed by the absence of any retreat behaviour of the horses. Each horse was lightly restrained by a single experimenter who was unknown to the horse (SH) and systematically given a food reward (one sugar lump) at the end of each blood sampling. Sampling was made by a single experimenter (CF) and the total duration of the procedure did not exceed one minute. Blood samples were collected from the left jugular vein two times per horse between 18:00 and 19:00 over 2 consecutive days: once after a day's work and once after a day's rest. The initial protocol also included morning sampling. Preliminary analysis however revealed a limitation of our method. Morning cortisol concentrations were highly influenced by the time of sampling (Fureix et al. in prep), more particularly in regards to the time passed between the dawn and the actual time of sampling (an interval which was likely to differ from January to May). We therefore excluded morning samples from analyses in the present study.
Seven ml of blood were collected in heparinised polypropylene tubes (BD Vacutainer®). Samples were kept on crushed ice until centrifugation (with a maximal delay between sampling and centrifugation of 15 min) and then aliquots of plasma were immediately placed on dry ice and stored at −20°C for further processing. Plasma cortisol levels were measured using radioimmunoassay Immunotech kits for cortisol determination (Beckmann and Coulter). These kits are usually used for measuring human plasma cortisol. We modified the manufacturer's method so that it could be used for equine plasma that contains more interfering proteins: 1) the quantity of plasma per dose was 25 μL instead of 50 μL; 2) a two-hour preliminary incubation at 20°C between plasma and antibodies was added; 3) we used two standard curves: the first with increasing cortisol concentrations in buffer (as indicated by the manufacturer) and the second with increasing cortisol concentrations in equine plasma (diluted in a pool sample of equine plasma containing low cortisol levels). These modifications produced linear curves (log B/Bo) between 2 ng/mL and 300 ng/mL. A good linearity was observed for dilution or overload experiments. The coefficient of variation (one sample measured seven times in the same assay) was 1.37%. Note that the range of absolute pC concentrations we obtained was apparently comparable to the data reported in the literature, keeping however in mind that absolute values are highly method dependent (and thus may vary by a factor of 2, or even more).
Faecal cortisol metabolites measurement (study 1 and study 2)
Fresh faecal samples were collected immediately (less than 1 minute) after defecation directly from the bedding. In study 1, samples were collected between 12:00 and 13:00, three times per subject: two samples were collected on two different days, 24 h after a day's work and, a third sample was collected 24 h after a day's rest (taking the 24 h delay in excretion of fCM in horses into account; [34,35]). Note that plasma (see above) and faecal sampling were not time-matched in our study (i.e. each faecal sample was not collected 24h, which is the delay in excretion of fCM in horses [32], after each plasma sample). Therefore pC and fCM concentrations did not reflect simultaneous glucocorticoids levels, but rather provide a broader assessment of the adrenocortical activity. In study 2, only faecal cortisol metabolites were measured. A fresh faecal sample per horse was collected once between 08:00 and 10:00 immediately after defecation directly from the bedding.
Each faecal sample was then kept frozen at −20°C until further analysis. Extraction of samples followed the method described by Merl et al. [30]. Briefly, 0.5 g faeces plus 1 ml water and 4 ml methanol were vortexed for 30 minutes and centrifuged (2500 g/15 min). One ml of the supernatant was mixed with 5 ml diethylether and 0.5 ml 5% NaHCO3 for 10 seconds. Thereafter, 4 ml water were added, the tube was inverted four times and the aqueous phase was frozen at −24°C. Afterwards the ether phase was decanted and dried down. The extract was re-dissolved in assay buffer and the concentration of 11,17-dioxodandrostanes (11,17-DOA), a group of cortisol metabolites, was measured with an 11-oxoaetiocholanolone enzyme immunoassay (EIA), previously described [55] and successfully validated for use in horses [56].
Data and statistical analyses
Behavioural data collected were frequencies (per min, as the total time of observation was less than one hour) of oral and motor stereotypic behaviours (study 1) and number of scans performing a stereotypic behaviour (study 2). Only one out of the 58 horses displayed an oral stereotypic behaviour (in addition to its motor stereotypic behaviours), therefore the distinction between oral and motor stereotypic behaviours was not relevant in study 2. Physiological data collected were plasma cortisol (pC, ng/mL, study 1) and/or faecal cortisol metabolites (fCM, ng/g, studies 1 and 2). Cortisol levels after a day's work and after a day's rest were positively correlated (Spearman correlation tests: plasma r s = 0.56, fCM r s = 0.44 to 0.69, N = 55, P = 0.001 in all cases) and no significant difference could be detected between sampling time periods (plasma: Wilcoxon test: Z = 0.62, P = 0.51, N = 55; fCM: Friedman test (55, 2) = 4.8, P = 0.09). Data were therefore averaged between sampling time periods, either for plasma and fCM. Descriptive statistics are median values (Med), followed by 1st (Q1) and 3rd (Q3) quartiles, range.
Analyses were conducted in JMP 9.0.2. (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA) (accepted P level = 0.05, two tailed tests). Horses were a posteriori binary classified for the analyses as "being stereotypic" (i.e. observed at least once performing an oral and/or a motor stereotypic behaviour shown in Table 1) or "non-stereotypic" (i.e. never observed performing a stereotypic behaviour). Relationships between cortisol levels (plasma cortisol or fCM concentrations) and being stereotypic or not were analysed using general linear models (GLMs), controlling for age, frequencies of oral and motor stereotypic behaviours (both type of stereotypic behaviours were considered separately as they can have different aetiologies), and other factors where appropriate, i.e. sex in study 1 and reproductive status in study 2. Normality and homogeneity of variance were assessed by inspection of residuals [57] and Bartlett's test for equal variances was used where the effects of interest were categorical. Data were transformed where needed to meet the assumptions of parametric tests; all but one (namely pC concentrations, which were Box Cox-transformed) cortisol levels and stereotypic behaviour levels were log-transformed. None of the interactions were significant (P = 0.14 to 0.93), results will therefore not be presented here.
Competing interests
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Authors' contributions
CF designed the study 1, collected physiological and behavioural data, performed the statistical analyses and drafted the manuscript. HB designed the study 2 and collected physiological and behavioural data. SH helped to collect the physiological data in study 1. AB, AP, ME, CC carried out plasma cortisol measurements. MH designed both studies and drafted the manuscript. RP carried out faecal cortisol measurements, helped to perform the statistical analyses, and drafted the manuscript. PJ designed the study 1. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
The authors are grateful to the directors of the riding schools and their staffs for allowing us to work with their horses and for their help and understanding. The authors wish to thank all the staff of FNARC (Fédération Nationale d'Amélioration de la Race Chevaline, Tunisia) for providing the facilities to complete this study. We are grateful to L Dupont and C Lavertue for their help with data collection. We also thank A-M Mounier (INRA-UMR SENAH) and E Klobetz-Rassam (University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna) for their technical help. The authors are grateful to R Meagher, M Buob and L Schnablegger (Writing and Learning Services, University of Guelph) for correcting the English of this manuscript, and to R Meagher and G Mason for helping analysing data. This manuscript benefitted from comments from two anonymous reviewers. This work was supported by a grant from the Caisse Centrale de la Mutualité Sociale Agricole. The funders had no role in the study design, data collection and analyses, decision to publish or preparation of the manuscript. The authors report no conflicts of interest.
Mason G: Stereotypic behaviour in captive animals: fundamentals and implications for welfare and beyond. In Stereotypic Animal Behaviour: Fundamentals and Applications to Welfare. Second edition. Edited by Mason G, Rushen J. Wallingford, Oxford: CAB International; 2006:325-356.
Mason G, Clubb R, Latham N, Vickery S: Why and how should we use environmental enrichment to tackle stereotypic behaviour?
Bergeron R, Badnell-Waters AJ, Lambton S, Mason G: Stereotypic oral behaviour in captive ungulates: foraging, diet and gastrointestinal functions. In Stereotypic Animal Behaviour: Fundamentals and Applications to Welfare. Second edition. Edited by Mason G, Rushen J. Wallingford, Oxford: CAB International; 2006:19-57.
Jones MA, van Lierop M, Mason G, Pillay N: Increased reproductive output in stereotypic captive Rhabdomys females: Potential implications for captive breeding.
Benhajali H, Richard-Yris MA, Ezzaouia M, Charfi F, Hausberger M: Reproductive status and stereotypies in breeding mares: A brief report.
McBride SD, Cuddeford D: The putative welfare-reducing effects of preventing equine stereotypic behaviour.
Pell SM, McGreevy PD: A study of cortisol and beta-endorphin levels in stereotypic and normal Thoroughbreds.
Appl Anim Behav Sci 1999, 64(2):81-90. Publisher Full Text
Clegg HA, Buckley P, Friend MA, McGreevy PD: The ethological and physiological characteristics of cribbing and weaving horses.
Appl Anim Behav Sci 2008, 109(1):68-76. Publisher Full Text
Hemmann K, Raekallio M, Kanerva K, Hänninen L, Pastell M, Palviainen M, Vainio O: Circadian variation in ghrelin and certain stress hormones in crib-biting horses.
Vet J 2012, 193(1):97-102. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text
Terlouw EMC, Lawrence AB, Ladewig J, Depassille AM, Rushen J, Schouten WGP: Relationship between plasma cortisol and stereotypic activities in pigs.
Gusset M: Faecal glucocorticoid level is not correlated with stereotypic pacing in two captive margays (Leopardus wiedii).
McGreevy P, Nicol C: Physiological and behavioral consequences associated with short-term prevention of crib-biting in horses.
Physiol Behav 1998, 65(1):15-23. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text
Bachmann I, Bernasconi P, Herrmann R, Weishaupt MA, Stauffacher M: Behavioural and physiological responses to an acute stressor in crib-biting and control.
Appl Anim Behav Sci 2003, 82(4):297-311. Publisher Full Text
Svendsen PM, Hansen BK, Malmkvist J, Hansen SW, Palme R, Jeppesen LJ: Selection against stereotypic behaviour may have contradictory consequences for the welfare in farm mink (Mustela vison).
Appl Anim Behav Sci 2007, 107:110-119. Publisher Full Text
Benhajali H, Hausberger M, Richard-Yris M-A: Behavioural repertoire: its expression according to environmental conditions. In Horse behaviour and welfare. Edited by Hausberger M, Søndergaard E, Martin-Rosset W. Wageningen, The Netherlands: Wageningen Academic Publishers; 2007:123-138.
Benhajali H, Richard-Yris MA, Leroux M, Ezzaouia M, Charfi F, Hausberger M: A note on the time budget and social behaviour of densely housed horses - A case study in Arab breeding mares.
Fureix C, Menguy H, Hausberger M: Partners with bad temper: reject ou cure? A study of chronic pain and aggression in horses.
PLoS One 2010, 5(8):e12434. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text | PubMed Central Full Text
Fureix C, Gorecka-Bruzda A, Gautier E, Hausberger M: Co-occurrence of yawning and stereotypic behaviour in horses Equus caballus.
ISRN Zoology 2011.
Fureix C, Jego P, Henry S, Lansade L, Hausberger M: Towards an ethological animal model of depression?
A Study on Horses. Plos ONE 2012, 7(6):e39280. Publisher Full Text
Cooper JJ, McDonald L, Mills DS: The effect of increasing visual horizons on stereotypic weaving: implications for the social housing of stabled horses.
Appl Anim Behav Sci 2000, 69(1):67-83. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text
McGreevy PD, Cripps PJ, French NP, Green LE, Nicol CJ: Management factors associated with stereotypic and redirected behavior in the thoroughbred horse.
Equine Vet J 1995, 27(2):86-91. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text
Lesimple C, Fureix C, Menguy H, Hausberger M: Human direct actions may alter animal welfare, a Study on Horses (Equus caballus).
PLoS One 2010, 5(4):e10257. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text | PubMed Central Full Text
Visser EK, Ellis AD, Van Reenen CG: The effect of two different housing conditions on the welfare of young horses stabled for the first time.
Mills DS: Repetitive movement problems in the horse. In The Domestic Horse, The Origins, Development and Management of its Behaviour. Edited by McDonnell SM, Mills DS. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 2005:212-227.
Garner JP: Perseveration and stereotypy - Systems-level insights from clinical psychology. In Stereotypic Animal Behaviour: Fundamentals and Applications to Welfare. Second edition. Edited by Mason G, Rushen J. Wallingford, Oxford: CAB International; 2006:121-142.
Hausberger M, Gautier E, Biquand V, Lunel C, Jego P: Could work be a source of behavioural disorders? A study in horses.
PLoS One 2009, 4(10):e7625. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text | PubMed Central Full Text
Hopster H, van der Werf J, Erkens J, Blokhuis H: Effects of repeated jugular puncture on plasma cortisol concentration in loose housed dairy cows.
J Anim Sci 1999, 77:708-714. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text
Touma C, Palme R, Sachser N: Analyzing corticosterone metabolites in fecal samples of mice: a noninvasive technique to monitor stress hormones.
Horm Behav 2004, 45(1):10-22. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text
Berghold P, Mostl E, Aurich C: Effects of reproductive status and management on cortisol secretion and fertility of oestrous horse mares.
Anim Reprod Sci 2007, 102:276-285. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text
Merl S, Scherzer S, Palme R, Mostl E: Pain causes increased concentrations of glucocorticoid metabolites in horse feces.
J Equine Vet Sci 2000, 20(9):586-590. Publisher Full Text
Gorgasseri I, Tichy A, Palme R: Faecal cortisol metabolites in Quarter Horses during initial training under field conditions.
Palme R, Fischer P, Schildorfer H, Ismail MN: Excretion of infused C-14-steroid hormones via faeces and urine in domestic livestock.
Anim Reprod Sci 1996, 43:43-63. Publisher Full Text
Palme R: Monitoring stress hormone metabolites as a useful, non-invasive tool for welfare assessment in farm animals.
Anim Welfare 2012, 21:331-337. Publisher Full Text
Mormede P, Andanson S, Auperin B, Beerda B, Guemene D, Malnikvist J, Manteca X, Manteuffel G, Prunet P, van Reenen CG, et al.: Exploration of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function as a tool to evaluate animal welfare.
Physiol Behav 2007, 92(3):317-339. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text
Palme R: Measuring fecal steroids - Guidelines for practical application.
Ann N Y Acad Sci 2005, 1046:75-80. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text
Palme R, Rettenbacher S, Touma C, El-Bahr SM, Mostl E: Stress hormones in mammals and birds - comparative aspects regarding metabolism, excretion, and noninvasive measurement in fecal samples. Trends in comparative endocrinology and neurobiology.
Ann N Y Acad Sci 2005, 1040:162-171. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text
Nicol CJ, Davidson HPD, Harris PA, Waters AJ, Wilson AD: Study of crib-biting and gastric inflammation and ulceration in young horses.
Vet Rec 2002, 151:658-662. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text
Goymann W: On the use of non-invasive hormone research in uncontrolled, natural environments: the problem with sex, diet, metabolic rate and the individual.
Methods Ecol Evol 2012, 3(4):757-765. Publisher Full Text
Wiepkema PR: Developmental aspects of motivated behavior in domestic animals.
J Anim Sci 1987, 65(5):1220-1227. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text
Broom DM: Animal welfare: concepts and measurement.
J Anim Sci 1991, 69(10):4167-4175. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text
Mason GJ: Stereotypies: a critical review.
Anim Behav 1991, 41:1015-1037. Publisher Full Text
Würbel H, Bergeron R, Cabib S: The coping hypothesis of stereotypic behaviour. Box 3, Chapter 1. In Stereotypic Animal Behaviour: Fundamentals and Applications to Welfare. Second edition. Edited by Mason G, Rushen J. Wallingford, Oxford: CAB International; 2006:14-15.
Burn CC, Dennison TL, Whay HR: Relationships between behaviour and health in working horses, donkeys, and mules in developing countries.
Rushen J: Problems associated with the interpretation of physiological data in the assessment of animal-welfare.
Appl Anim Behav Sci 1991, 28(4):381-386. Publisher Full Text
Hoffsis GF, Murdick PW, Tharp VL, Ault K: Plasma concentrations of cortisol and corticosterone in normal horse.
Am J Vet Res 1970, 31(8):1379-1387. PubMed Abstract
James VHT, Horner MW, Moss MS, Rippon AE: Adrenocortical function in horse.
J Endocrinol 1970, 48(3):319-335. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text
Bottoms GD, Akins EL, Rausch FD, Roesel OF: Circadian variation in plasma cortisol and corticosterone in pigs and mares.
Am J Vet Res 1972, 33(4):785-790. PubMed Abstract
Kirkpatrick JF, Wiesner L, Baker CB, Angle M: Diurnal- variation of plasma corticosteroids in wild horse stallion.
Comp Biochem Physiol A-Physiol 1977, 57(1):179-181. Publisher Full Text
Johnson AL, Malinowski K: Daily rhythm of cortisol, and evidence for a photo-inducible phase for prolactin secretion in nonpregnant mares housed under noninterrupted and skeleton photoperiods.
J Anim Sci 1986, 63(1):169-175. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text
Irvine CHG, Alexander SL: Factors affecting the circadian rhythm in plasma cortisol concentration in the horse.
Miller GE, Chen E, Zhou ES: If it goes up, must it come down? Chronic stress and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis in humans.
Psychol Bull 2007, 133(1):25-45. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text
Parker M, Redhead ES, Goodwin D, McBride SD: Impaired instrumental choice in crib-biting horses (Equus caballus).
Behav Brain Res 2008, 191(1):137-140. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text
Mason GJ: Stereotypies and suffering.
Altmann J: Observational study of behaviour: sampling methods.
Behaviour 1974, 49:227-267. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text
Palme R, Mostl E: Measurement of cortisol metabolites in faeces of sheep as a parameter of cortisol concentration in blood.
Zeitschrift Fur Saugetierkunde- Int J Mamm Biol 1997, 62:192-197.
Mostl E, Messmann S, Bagu E, Robia C, Palme R: Measurement of glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in faeces of domestic livestock.
J Vet Med A Physiol Pathol Clin Med 1999, 46(10):621-631. Publisher Full Text
Grafen A, Hails R: Modern Statistics for the Life Sciences. New York, NY: Oxford University Press Inc.; 2002.
368 pp


text:
Fans can catch Eastern's women's sports teams in action prior to the Red-White Football Game on Saturday
As part of a busy Killin Weekend at Eastern Washington University, the women's volleyball and women's soccer teams will host scrimmages on Saturday (April 30) that are FREE and open to the public.
Instead of a typical intra-squad scrimmage, the EWU volleyball team will welcome regional-rival Idaho for a variety of friendly competitions, starting at 11 a.m. in the EWU Sports and Recreation Center Upper Gyms (Rooms 264 and 265).
The soccer scrimmage will begin at noon, and will feature several alumni who are returning for the special weekend. In addition to all five seniors from the 2010 squad, the Eagles will welcome back two players from the 2004 Big Sky Conference Championship team.
Tiera Irby (formerly Como), who played from 2002-06, was a two-time Big Sky Defensive MVP -- the only league MVP in program history. She was Eastern's starting goalkeeper during the memorable 2004 season, and still holds many of the EWU school records, including career saves (420) and career shutouts (12).
Jen McMullen, who was also a member of the '04 squad, will be on hand this weekend, as will Morgan O'Friel (2005-09) and Jocelyn Bement (2005-08), who both appear in EWU's top 10 list for career assists.
Other alumni playing in the scrimmage include Kendra Selle (2001-02), Megan Como (2006) and Lauryn Koelzer (2007-08), who is one of the top five goal scorers in EWU history.
The two teams for the soccer scrimmage will be determined based on each player's final season with the program. Thus, there will be a "Team Even" that includes seniors from '10, '08, '06, '04 (and so on) and "Team Odd" will have seniors from '09, '07, '05, '03… The winners will have their names inscribed on the esteemed "EWU Alumni Cup." Team Odd has won the honor for the past two years.
Following the volleyball and soccer scrimmages, the EWU football team will close out its spring season with the Red-White Game at Roos Field at 2:05 p.m. The football scrimmage will be televised live regionally by SWX (SWX Digital 6.2 in Spokane, 25.3 in the Tri-Cities & 23.3 in the Yakima area; Comcast 115; Time Warner 306; Charter 287).
The 30th Annual Orland Killin Dinner, Dance and Auction will begin with a social hour at 4:30 p.m., followed by the dinner (6:15 p.m.), program/presentations/live auction (7:15 p.m.) and dancing (8 p.m.).

subset: commoncrawl


text:
You are streaming Ebony Teen With Braces Gets Facialized Outdoors porn video from Teens sex channel. Free Ebony Teen With Braces Gets Facialized Outdoors sex movie was added from BDSMLibrary together with more porno videos. Find more ebony, teen, with, braces, gets, facialized, outdoors porn on our biggest collection of free sex videos. Well organized porno movies are updated daily.
7831 views


text:
I installed both Resharper 5.0 and Dot Trace 4.0 in Visual Studio 2008
Bug if i open a project the Visual Studio IDE takes 100 % CPU and doesn't respond anymore
If i uninstall Dot Trace 4.0 it works again.
This is on Windows XP
Sincerly Thomas Stocker
Hello Thomas,
Please check the latest build - it should work much better with VS.
WBR, Oleg
Latest builds of RS 5 (1539) and dotTrace 4 (492) still don't work together in VS.
Are you sure this was caused by the dotTrace installation?
I think this was a bug in the RS EAP and was probably unrelated to dotTrace.
Is it working now?


text:
CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - Nevada casino revenue has jumped 18.3
percent in January compared with the year earlier.
The state gaming control board says Thursday that the more than
$1 billion that casinos won this January is up from $877 million in January 2011.
The Las Vegas Strip posted a 29 percent year-over-year gain, bringing in $623 million in January. Downtown Las Vegas revenue was $47 million and is up nearly 14 percent.
The story is different in Washoe County, where Reno casino revenues of $38 million are down 8.6 percent. South Lake Tahoe's $17 million win in January is up 2 percent.
State officials collected $57 million in taxes based on the January revenue. That's a 16.5 percent drop from the $69 million collected the year earlier.
Copyright 2015 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


text:
Florida Carpenter Ant = "Bulldog" Ant & Tortugas Carpenter Ant
Camponotus floridanus & C. tortuganus
Foraging Characteristics: Florida carpenter ant is a large to very large, orange and black ant. C. tortuganus is similar but paler with less color contrast. Gaster of latter often with light spots, background color variable, and head looks narrower. Both species have many sized workers that follow loose foraging trails (individuals following each other are widely dispersed or solitary). Workers can emit formic acid. Mainly nocturnal. Female reproductives similar in appearance to large workers but with wings folded over back. Male reproductives with small heads and large wings. Males darker than workers but similar in size to smallest workers.
Diet: Hunt live insects and scavenge for dead insects. Tend
sap-sucking insects, collecting honeydew.
Forage for sweets and protein in homes.
Detailed Description: 5.5-11 mm (1/5–4/9 in) long. No sting. Twelve-segmented antenna without club. End of abdomen with circular ring of hair. One petiolar segment. Thorax evenly convex. C. floridanus: Antennal scape flattened at base and broad throughout. Legs and antennal scapes with numerous long, coarse brown to golden erect hairs, shorter than those on body. C. tortuganus: Major worker head longer than broad. Tibia of all legs and antennal scapes without erect hairs. Body hairs abundant, long, and golden. About 15 Camponotus species occur in Florida. A small dark species, C. planatus is becoming more widespread. Subfamily Formicinae.
Nest Sites & Characteristics: Single queen per nest. Nest in dead tree branches, rotting logs, tree stumps, piles of lumber, or under yard objects (potted plants, trash cans etc.) in voids such as curtain rods, hollow porch columns, wall and attic insulation, timer boxes, and pump housing. Do little excavation and will nest in existing voids and in attics. This species does not do structural damage, but may be a sign of preexisting damage. Satellite colonies common.
Most Common Complaint: Foragers in yards, porches, patios, and occasionally inside homes. Swarming reproductives may be seen inside homes when nearby. Alates often mistaken for termites by homeowners. Ants may bite if handled. Baits have effect if placed near trail at night. Restrict access to structures. If colonies are located they can be controlled with insecticidal applications.
Season: Spring to fall.


text: Comments: The cash price for all grains was higher Monday with some of the focus landing on the KCBT HRW futures. Traders expected the USDA Monday progress report to show the negative effects of the warm, dry weather conditions that have plagued the Plains and parts of the Midwest winter wheat areas. The afternoon basis bids from Dow Jones shows the river basis for both corn and soybeans lower Monday afternoon. Spot barge freight is higher as river conditions worsen in the mid Mississippi.


text:
Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown talks with a guest at The J. Millard Tawes Crab & Clam Bake in Crisfield Wednesday. Informal access to elected officials and candidates is one of the big draws, in addition to what seems like an endless supply of seafood and sides.
- Filed Under
It was a perfect day for The J. Millard Tawes Crab & Clam Bake: hot, humid and sunny. It was so crowded, it was virtually impossible to see everyone. With candidates and elected officials coming and going, it was difficult to catch up with all of them. You might have had the impression Marylanders would be voting in a few months, but no, the primary election is nearly a year away.
The event was a reunion of political bedfellows. In the Democrats' corner, Salisbury Mayor Jim Ireton, Delegate Norm Conway, Attorney General Doug Gansler and Comptroller Peter Franchot could be found exchanging pleasantries, while Luis Luna and his wife, Bonnie, strolled past the Republicans' big tent. A brief chat with Delegate Mike McDermott was as relaxed and friendly as a quick word with Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown.
Republicans provided a huge, polished, hospitable and well-coordinated presence with misting devices to help mitigate the oppressive heat along the tent's perimeter. Most GOP candidates had a presence within that area. Campaign workers seemed anxious to make sure their candidates had an opportunity to talk with the media as well as with any folks interested in meeting them.
Democrats, in contrast, offered a small but very busy tent with a distinct lack of careful coordination or polished hospitality comparable to that on the GOP side. Many candidates and officials crowded into the tiny tent, moving in and out as they greeted one another and chatted informally.
It should have been clear to anyone, even if unfamiliar with the Shore, this is a Republican stronghold. Despite the smaller, less polished presentation, however, the number of current office-holders appearing on the Democratic side spoke to the fact that this pocket of GOP strength does not represent the state of Maryland as a whole.
The event provided an opportunity to meet informally with community leaders, not all of whom were politicians. One small tent was inhabited by the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore and Executive Director Kathleen Momme, who introduced some key figures with the Somerset County Long Term Recovery Committee Inc., which is charged with leading an all-volunteer effort to rebuild and restore Crisfield in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.
Exiting Somers Cove brought both an anticipation of relief from the scorching heat as well as the realization that the informality of this annual summer gathering would inevitably give way to a more frenzied, carefully scripted process of formal campaigning this fall.


text:
Description: Designed for Kaufman Fabrics, this very lightweight fabric is a finely woven, high count combed cotton lawn that is very soft and has an ultra smooth hand. It is perfect for flirty blouses, dresses, shirts, lingerie, tunics, tops and even ...
go to product
Description: From the world famous Liberty Of London, this exquisite cotton lawn fabric is finely woven, light weight and ultra soft. This gorgeous fabric is oh so perfect for flirty blouses, dresses, lingerie, tunics, tops and more. Colors include dark army ...
Explore Fabric.com
We're here to help
Discover Fabric.com
Sewing Center
Give the gift of creativity.
A Fabric.com gift certificate is the perfect gift! Gifts from $10 and up.
#MadeWithFabric #SewInLove


text:
By Cameron Chai
Nova Measuring Instruments develops, manufactures and sells advanced stand-alone and integrated metrology products to the semiconductor process control market. The multiple orders comprise a portfolio of the company's sophisticated products for supporting the complex shrinking geometries and process challenges.
As part of the multiple orders, Nova Measuring Instruments will provide its latest platform models, including the latest version of NovaMARS modeling software and extended capabilities over the current fleet. The instruments will support the production ramp up in various process steps such as etch and CMP. The company plans to ship the instruments during the present and coming quarters.
The President and Chief Executive Officer at Nova Measuring Instruments, Gabi Seligsohn stated that the company will provide its customers with both latest instruments and extended capabilities of current products as part of its long-term commitment to safeguard their earlier investments in the company's products. The company is pleased to be an element of the industry's progress towards high-volume manufacturing in the 2X nm technology node.
Seligsohn further said that the company's deep-rooted relationships with its major customers, continual focus on their future necessities, together with its ability to promote steep ramp ups, are evidently paying off. The company showed that its fleet extendibility together with latest tools and capabilities are helpful for its customers to fulfill their challenges and profit on investment needs.
Source: http://www.nova.co.il
Do you have a review, update or anything you would like to add to this news story?
Cancel reply to comment
AZoNano.com provides this information service in accordance
with these terms and conditions.


text:
Bouncing Balls
Description: In this game there is a grid of balls that are slowly moving down. You need to shoot balls to destroy them by forming groups of 3 or more balls of the same colour. After you have destroyed some balls, the balls that are not attached the the rest of the balls will fall down and be destroyed. Sometimes you may need to shoot the balls to the wall so t
FupaFupaFupa Uploaded 08/22/2008
- 2,286
- 0
- 1
- Flag


text:
New guy had to register own an 07 focus from new my 3rd love em
well most of the time, also own a bonneville se.
Started by mapex, Nov 15 2012 04:48 PM
1 reply to this topic
Posted 15 November 2012 - 04:48 PM
Have something to contribute?
Sign in or register to start a topic...
Sign up to FOC Premium Membership To Remove These Ads
Posted 15 November 2012 - 05:17 PM
Hi welcome
Not what you're looking for?
Register now, we have a huge community of enthusiasts to answer any questions you might have
0 user(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users


text:
Nationals' Stephen Strasburg tossed just 80 pitches over seven innings for the win. / Brad Mills, USA TODAY Sports
WASHINGTON â?? Is Mike Rizzo's great Capitol puzzle finally finished?
The Washington Nationals general manager accepted his 2012 MLB executive of the year award before Monday's season opener, then watched his much-celebrated No. 1 picks lead the Nationals to a 2-0 victory against the Miami Marlins.
Ace Stephen Strasburg, showing a newfound efficiency, pitched seven scoreless innings. Left fielder Bryce Harper, perhaps the most celebrated 20-year-old in baseball history, took to his first opening day with aplomb: home runs in his first two at-bats.
Together, they inspired awe in much older teammates.
"They put the team on their backs," said Tyler Clippard, who pitched a scoreless eighth inning.
That kind of talk would have been unimaginable just two seasons ago in Washington, with Strasburg on the shelf after having Tommy John surgery and Harper all of 17 and freshly drafted. Washington looks like a favorite, just six months after squandering a 6-0 lead in Game 5 of the National League Division Series.
Strasburg didn't echo Harper's proclamation that Monday's scenario would have been "perfect" in Game 7 of a World Series but did promise lengthier outings after allowing three hits in 80 pitches. Strasburg figures to be let loose this season after being shut down late last year to protect his surgically repaired arm. "I felt great," said Strasburg, asked about his exit after seven. "If it wasn't opening day and the first start of the year, it would have been a different story."
He consistently hit 97 mph with his fastball but struck out three in a show of smarts, not force. A sign of growth on a day the club's biggest stars were their youngest.
"Maybe it's about who's going to be more famous or who's going to get the key to the city," first baseman Adam LaRoche said. "You've got two young guys getting off to a great start. A lot of times, when you're young, you can get off slow, it can kind of snowball on you. So it's awesome to see young guys get off to a hot start."
Copyright 2015 USATODAY.com
Read the original story: Harper, Strasburg shine in season opener


text:
AdTruth invites you rethink your marketing strategy and join the Digital Resolution. Our mission is to empower the digital industry to engage audiences globally with unprecedented relevance and insight while diligently respecting privacy and choice.
Follow us on social media, read our blog, and come see us at industry events. You'll want to know more about AdTruth's Digital Resolution. To hear more now, contact us.


text:
Charlene, left, and Randee Schueler of Laurel shop for vegetables at Sunrise Garden Center on West Fourth Street in Lamar County. / Bryant Hawkins/Hattiesburg American
Lamar County is one of the states fastest-growing counties.
According to Census statistics, the county has grown by 42 percent since 2000. The countys population currently stands at 57,786 and Lamar is the 12th-largest county in the state by population.
County Administrator Chuck Bennett said growth is foremost on the minds of elected officials in the county, along with growing in a smart manner.
It seems in my mind, were always on some national or statewide list for our growth, Bennett said. Those accolades are well and good, but if we dont try to manage our growth and prepare for future growth, its counter-intuitive to continuing this trend.
Bennett said low taxes, high-performing schools and strong medical and retail communities help bring newcomers to Lamar County. Also, being centrally located between major cities and tourism along the Gulf Coast is an added bonus, he said.
We have great schools, first and foremost. Our southern location, not too far south for storms, yet positioned near enough to Jackson, Meridian, New Orleans and Mobile offers easy access to these large cities for recreation and business. Our retail corridor along U.S. 98 features big-box retail and upscale shopping, Bennett said.
Also, Lamar County balances improving infrastructure with keeping taxes low.
Ive been here nine years, and weve never raised county millage. In fact, weve lowered our county millage twice since then, Bennett said. We want to grow the county in a proactive way, and that begins with keeping taxes manageable for citizens. We have made paying off county debt a big priority, so we will continue to be in great position for the future. We keep an eye on the economy, and what the Legislature is doing in Jackson, so we can be proactive on our decisions not reactive.
A bevy of infrastructure is helping alleviate growing pains in the county as well. This fall Longleaf Elementary will accept its first group of students, and some major thoroughfares in the county are getting upgraded.
The third phase of the West Fourth Street expansion is underway. Once it is finished, it will be convenient for residents, Bennett said. The Fourth Street project expansion project will bring road improvements and new signals to that high-traffic area.
The project will be the third, and final, phase of improvements to Lamar Countys portion of the street. Along with a new connector linking Jackson Road to U.S. 98.


text:
Sale to offer Patek, Harry Winston watches
October 15, 2013
This 18-karat pink gold Patek Philippe Ref. 3939 is the highlight of Antiquorum's Oct. 26 sale. The auction house will preview the sale in Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Hong Kong--A Patek Philippe Ref. 3939 tourbillon minute-repeater wristwatch expected to sell for as much as $800,000 is one of a number of timepieces up for bid at Antiquorum's Oct. 26 auction in Hong Kong.
It is the first time a personalized pink gold Ref. 3939 with a special brown dial and red numeral has appeared at auction, Antiquorum said. The lot is accompanied by a fitted box, additional case back and certificate of origin.
Antiquorum's Important Modern & Vintage Timepiece auction, which will be held at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, will offer a total of 246 lots.
The auction also includes more Patek Philippe and Jaeger-LeCoultre watches as well as timepieces from A. Lange & Söhne and IWC.


text:
The Securities Appellate Tribunal adjourned hearing on Reliance Industries' appeal against market regulator Sebi till March 14.
RIL had sought to settle a probe by Sebi into the alleged violation of insider-trading norms in sale of shares of its erstwhile subsidiary Reliance Petroleum in 2007.
Reliance Industries' appeal against Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) was earlier scheduled for January 24, but was adjourned till February 21.
RIL's application to settle the matter under Sebi's consent mechanism was rejected following which the company filed an appeal in SAT.
Also read: RIL may enter voice mkt; telecom needs consolidation: Kotak
RIL has challenged Sebi's decision rejecting its application and also the recent changes made by the regulator in the regulations governing settlement of cases through the consent mechanism, especially for cases already under
Under Sebi's consent mechanism, companies can seek to settle cases with the market regulator after payment of certain charges and disgorgement of any ill-gotten gains.
In May 2012, Sebi had tightened the norms for settlement through consent framework, as a result of which many cases, including those related to insider-trading, are not being able to be settled through this mechanism.
On January 3, Sebi published a list of 149 consent pleas,including 16 from entities related to RIL group, which it had found unsuitable for settlement through consent process.
These include applications of RIL itself and that of RIL Chairman Mukesh Ambani's close aide Manoj Modi.
Reliance stock price
On November 24, 2015, Reliance Industries closed at Rs 968.00, up Rs 15.90, or 1.67 percent. The 52-week high of the share was Rs 1067.00 and the 52-week low was Rs 796.75.
The company's trailing 12-month (TTM) EPS was at Rs 74.73 per share as per the quarter ended September 2015. The stock's price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio was 12.95. The latest book value of the company is Rs 667.36 per share. At current value, the price-to-book value of the company is 1.45.
READ MORE ON Securities Appellate Tribunal , Reliance Industries , Sebi, Reliance Petroleum
Set email alert for
video of the day
Nifty to fall below 7500 if Q3 disappoints; GST key: Kumar


text:
The Fir Tree (Black/White) Wallpaper
ferm LIVING's modern, Scandinavian wallpaper is WallSmart quality. This collection was inspired by the graphic elements found in nature. Ferm LIVING wallpaper is designed and manufactured in Denmark.
Product Number: 123
- Product: The Fir Tree Wallpaper
- Retailer: Ferm Living
Have an opinion? Care to comment? We'd love to hear what you have to say.


text: One more category that I would find useful for EQ ][: Recipe BooksCurrently, I classify recipe books in the Ability/Spell book category but am finding that this category is getting overly full and cluttered. Having a separate category for recipe books would help alleviate some clutter in our guild vault inventory listing.Also, is there a chance we can re-categorize an existing item? As new categories are created it would be nice to be able to edit the existing entries instead of re-creating them.Thanks in advance,-J


text:
Share Photo
Geralyn Graham listens in court as the deadlocked jury is sent back to continue deliberations mid-day Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, in Miami. Graham was convicted Friday of kidnapping and child abuse charges but jurors were unable to agree on a murder charge, leading to a mistrial on that count. Graham was on trial for the murder of Rilya Wilson, a 4-year-old foster child who disappeared while in Graham's care more than a decade ago. (AP Photo/The Miami Herald, Chuck Fadely, Pool)


text:
I am from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and graduated from Winnebago Lutheran Academy. After three years of German and a senior summer trip to Germany, I am majoring in German for International Business at Wisconsin Lutheran College. Because of the rich culture, fascinating history and major influence on the global economy, German as a second language interests me immensely. I am excited for my future in this new major.
8800 West Bluemound Road · Milwaukee, WI 53226 · USA · (414) 443-8800
All contents copyright © 1997-2015 Wisconsin Lutheran College. All rights reserved.
Questions and comments to email@example.com


text:
If you find there are broken links, misssing pages, wrong chapters or any other problems in a manga/manhwa, please comment here. We will try to solve them the first time.
Please enter the email.
Gintama 43 released in mangahere fastest, recommend your friends to read Gintama 43 now!
Tags: read Gintama 43 english, Gintama 43 raw manga, Gintama 43 online, Gintama 43 chap, Gintama 43 chapter, Gintama 43 high quality, Gintama 43 manga scan
Next Chapter: Gintama 44
Previous Chapter: Gintama 42


text:
Chapter 13: Get to know me
Hey everyone! :P Happy new year!!! Okay so I know some of you have already heard this but here we go....the voting part of the watty awards is offically on, so I beg all of you to vote for my stories! Bound At Heart under thriller and A Wish Filled Romance under Fantasy, thank you so much, :* muwah! love you all lots!
Pic on the side is Vincent...meh, the picture in my head is different, but hey at least this guy is hot! lol
Chapter 13:
Letting his fangs elongate, his tongue pushed past his lips to taste the pulse beating erratically on the slender slope of her neck. He felt his Firefly shiver before finally letting his teeth sink into the flesh. Both groaned lowly for different reasons. Vincent knew she groaned from the blissful feeling she was getting, but the taste of her always took him by surprise. He didn't think it was possible but her blood tastes better every time. His large hands came around her to hold her to him. "Vincent." She panted and gripped his shirt, holding him there as close as possible.
It heated him up to hear such a tone coming from her lips. Her blood was sweet, but not overly so. It distantly reminded him of freesia with a hint of brown sugar. Every drop that splashed his taste buds gave him almost instantaneous energy and warmth. He knew he needed to stop since Wendy's whimpers were increasingly becoming louder. Any more in volume and her dad would come in hear to see an interesting show. Taking one last lingering draw of her addicting blood he retracted his fangs and moved away enough to give her breathing room. They were both panting, and her eyes were closed. "My life is so screwed up right now." She muttered out of breath.
"How so?" He questioned, of course he could guess but he loved hearing her voice. She peeked an eye open before snorting not so delicately. It was amusing to the older vampire but he kept that tidbit to himself. "Let's see…I found out I get sick if I don't have this really old vampire bite me, then I nearly get shot today, then I get yelled at by said vampire, oh and don't forget someone got killed right in front of me, which I will never be able to get over, and then I get this blinding rage out of no where and almost grabbed a cops gun because of it….and that's just today." Putting it into that perspective, Vincent could see why she was so exhausted. He wished he could make this all easier for her, but it's what happens when humans get involved with vampires. It's why it almost never works; with it being so dangerous.
He would protect her with everything he had though. Even if it killed him, he would make sure she was safe. Which is why he wants to turn her so quickly. Once she becomes like him, he won't have to worry quite so much. She'll be more durable for his world. "It'll get better…I promise." She sighed in response and slowly sat up so they could talk. "I'm guessing the rage I felt earlier was due to this…bond?" He nodded slowly and stood up needing some sort of breathing room if he was going to think clearly. It was a hard feat with her large eyes staring back at him so closely.
"Yes. I was…taking care of the men you didn't see who were hired to kill you. These two men were the getaway route-" He was cut off by Wendy. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! What do you mean 'take care of'? Did you…did you kill them?" She asked hesitantly. He knew it might put her off even more but he vowed to tell her the truth unless it endangered her life. "I was going to…I was so angry….
"Looks like our guests have arrived." Vincent muttered hearing the faint sound of feet walking downwards towards them. He cracked his knuckles and sent a malicious smirk to Darcy who looked just as ready. He used his hearing to listen to their conversation. "Play it cool. He'll never know if she's alive or dead. We'll get our pay and go." One whispered in a pathetic attempt to not be heard. Vincent nodded towards his friend and they both waited. "What the hell? Looks like he killed another two guards."They didn't say anything more before a knock sounded at the door.


text:
Acer rolls out first Gemstone-based Aspire notebook
updated 01:40 pm EDT, Wed May 9, 2007
Acer Aspire 5920
Acer today took the wraps off the first definite portable PC to use the Gemstone design. The Aspire 5920 serves as the PC creator's technology showcase with both Core 2 Duos from Intel's Santa Rosa generation as well as a 256MB GeForce 8600M GT, a gamer-friendly 15.4-inch LCD with an 8ms pixel response time, and 802.11n Wi-Fi. Certain models also have an HD DVD drive with HDMI out, a DVB-T tuner for European TV, and hard drives with Intel's Turbo Memory for flash-boosted hard drive access.
Although the base system has been confirmed, Acer has so far declined to provide specific sub-models and price points, saying only that the system will be preinstalled with Windows Vista Home Premium or Ultimate. It should ship to the US and worldwide in the near future.


text:
Released September 9,
Long beach– It
was only wind and water -- wind and water that destroyed a century
of God's work, wind and water that destroyed manmade structures
that have stood the most violent of storms. Yet, one thing remained.
The beautiful Gulf Park campus of The University
of Southern Mississippi is positioned in what many called paradise
– sixty-seven acres of oak-laden grounds in Long Beach, Miss.
At the southern edge of campus, overlooking
the Gulf of Mexico, lives a magnificent live oak tree believed to
be more than 500 years old. This is the Friendship Oak.
The Friendship Oak has served this campus well.
Faculty have held classes in the platform that rests in the security
of its limbs. Weddings have been held under its canopy. Tour buses
stop daily to witness its massive strength and beauty.
On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina unleashed
her fury on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Through the violent winds
and water that ravaged this peaceful campus, the Friendship Oak
has survived.
I am amazed at its strength. As a child growing
up in this quiet neighborhood, I climbed its limbs; I marveled at
its beauty.
As reports came in on the tremendous storm
damage, I wondered about Gulf Park and my friend. Three days after
Katrina I am able to make my way to the campus.
Many buildings are heavily damaged. Many no
longer exist. The three multistory buildings that face the Gulf
of Mexico tell the story of Katrina's fury. These structures,
built in the early 1900s, are badly beaten. The first floor of each
has been washed through and through. Offices, records, and history
have all been destroyed.
Piles of debris make my journey difficult.
Yet, as I turn the corner I see my old friend standing tall and
proud, looking naked in the scorching south Mississippi sun. Its
bark is warm, and as I rub my hands across a limb, I am overwhelmed
with emotion.
Friendship Oak has survived. So much is gone,
yet my old friend remains.
Its endurance is symbolic of this community.
We are tattered and torn, but we will thrive again. We have strength
that will overcome this catastrophe.
Eventually, new leaves will adorn this magnificent
giant oak tree just as a new economy will grow in this community.
Friends will again visit to witness the beauty of the Friendship
Oak just as friends will again visit the Mississippi Gulf Coast
to witness our strength, determination and beauty.
This page is maintained by the Department
of Marketing and Public Relations at
The University of Southern Mississippi at http://www.usm.edu.
Comments and suggestions are welcome; direct them to firstname.lastname@example.com.
October 14, 2005 10:17 AM


text:
Juan crossed the Airwave Borderline- Accuses Jon of Corruption, Vents about Racist Treatment
The Jon Justice show 104.1 Fm
Radio show 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
TV show WB Channel 58/8 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Tucson, AZ
Broadcasted Live: Monday, March 04, 2013
Approximate Time: 7 minutes
Podcast Author/Asst. Producer: Lenda Yu Brewer
*Listen for further details
Caller Juan vents about his struggles with Racist treatment. Initially, the conversation had a few mutual agreements until they disagree about the border.
Juan shares his life story; his families' trials on fighting for rights. He shares his work story, coming from East LA and didn't want to be in a gang. You can hear his pride about his father and grandfather, but the conversation turns.
They debate on how many people should or shouldn't be protecting the border. Juan feels there shouldn't be as much protection there. As Jon begins to disagree, Juan goes into a rant of accusations of corruption.
We had to end the call, once Juan began to express himself in a hostile manner with inappropriate language. He continued to call the station a few more times with profanity.
Check out the clip of the day:
Subscribe to our 1041 The Truth Youtube channel for
Special Interviews
Featured Callers
Shocking, Informative, Entertaining and Humorous
and more
Download our Mobile App today. Search your Mobile App Store!!


text:
Alex Krugman and his KRÜGSPEED team build Lotus Exige racecars. Leo Parente and /ShakeDown visit the team at Lime Rock Park to catch up on preparations for the SCCA Runoffs and to drive their Supercharged Lotus Exige racecar. Leo may not be Kimi, but at least this Lotus IS a Lotus.
Lime Rock Park is the home of the Skip Barber Racing School - where Leo learned to race and the track Leo last raced all the way back in 1992! But, the track hasn't changed and racers never forget how to go fast.
This show, Part 1, takes a behind-the-scenes look at the KRÜGSPEED team, the car, and what it's like to race at the higher levels of amateur competition.
Part 2 Leo takes the Lotus on track.
Links -
KRÜGSPEED racing team and fabrication shop
SCCA National Championship Runoffs
STU Class with 2 KRÜGSPEED entries #3 / #72


text:
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
The coup d'etat in Venezuela is more than just a notion, and forget about X-mas
Let's start with Human Rights Watch that might not use the word coup d'etat explicitly but that has read carefully three of the new laws specific for the elimination of freedom of expression, and information along the way.
The opposition is finally taking stock of the situation and now denounces outright the coup d'etat in progress. That means X-mas is over and Chavez Grinch managed to steal it completely. The bastard, every year it seems manages to steal Christmas from us.
Today, Maria Corina Machado, the Representative elected with the most votes on September 26, read a damning communique, which I am sure will be translated soon in the English section of El Universal. It was read in front of all the new opposition Representatives which did not leave for vacation holiday and will be there, I hope, all through the holidays organizing resistance.
Meanwhile Chavez announces that the holiday plate at the arepera socialista will be only 18 Bs. (somewhere between 4 and 2 USD according to the currency exchange you believe in). That is fine and dandy except that these areperas socialistas are very scarce, 11 country wide, and probably will be closed for Xmas. But when has naked totalitarian populism bothered with such details? by the way, if you were trying to reproduce the "plato navideño" for 18 Bs at home, even shopping at Mercal you could not manage it. Why the A.S. can do that? You guessed it, for the same reason our gas is at a few cents a gallon, pure demagoguery.
3 comments:
Comments policy:
1) Comments are moderated after the third day of publication. It may take up to a day or two for your note to appear then.
2) Your post will appear if you follow the following rules. I will be ruthless in erasing any comment that do not follow these rules, as well as those who replied to that off rule comment.
Do not be repetitive.
Do not bring grudges and fights from other blogs here (this is the strictest rule).
This is an anti Chavez blog, with more than 95% anti Chavez readers that have made up their minds long ago. Thus trying to prove us wrong is considered a troll. Still, you are welcome as a chavista to post,> in particular if you want to explain us coherently as to why chavismo does this or that. We are still waiting for that to happen once.
Insults and put downs are frowned upon and I will be sole judge on whether to publish them.


text:
Mercedes-Benz S-class gains its first-ever hybrid power train,
a clear indication that its maker is shifting from a strict
diesel approach to efficiency and finally acknowledging the
worth of hybrids as an essential step on the path to electric
propulsion. What's more, the Mercedes S400 Hybrid is the world's
first production hybrid automobile using lithium-ion batteries
(the Tesla Roadster is powered solely by Li-ion batteries).
Hybrid propulsion systems aren't anything new, of course, but
they're still rare in the luxury class, where the Lexus LS600hL
has been standing alone for the past two years. (Courtesy
The Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid's propulsion
system prioritizes low emissions and high fuel efficiency over
powerful acceleration. Essentially a scaled-up version of Honda's
Integrated Motor Assist, this new Mercedes powertrain teams
a 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle V-6 with a compact AC motor-generator
bolted securely to the crankshaft and a ZF seven-speed automatic
transmission. The ring-shaped motor-generator is nearly a foot
in diameter but less than two inches thick. The Atkinson cycle,
a common hybrid technology, uses late closing intake valves
to stretch the expansion (power) stroke for utmost efficiency.
While some torque is sacrificed with this approach, the S400's
electric motor supplies up to 118 lb-ft to more than cover that
loss. The S-class's most notable distinction is the hybrid world's
first lithium-ion battery system. Thirty-three cylindrical cells
supplied by the French firm Saft are housed in steel container
mounted under the hood. (The Tesla Roadster is powered solely
by lithium-ion batteries with a similar, but smaller, cylindrical
Hybrid Home |
Mercedes Hybrid Info |
Mercedes Hybrid Articles |
Hybrid Pics |
Current News© 2011 -
Mercedes Hybrid Cars {
Domain may be for sale}
| Promoted by VQP


text:
Lenny Dykstra, Former Pro Baseball Player Out of OC, Gets 6 1/2 More Months in Prison
Categories: Court, Crime-iny, Shmortgage Board, Sports
But the former All-Star with the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies is also allowed to serve the federal time concurrently with his state stretches for grand theft auto, providing false financial statements, possession of cocaine, Ecstasy and synthetic human growth hormone and exposing himself to maids he'd recruited online.
|Oh, Lenny ...
Federal prosecutors wanted Dykstra locked up for 2 1/2 years on their charges. The former big leaguer could smell free air again by the middle of next year.
Dykstra filed for bankruptcy three years ago, claiming he owed more than $31 million and had only $50,000 in assets (which makes one wonder how he's supposed to come up with $200k in restitution; just sayin'). "Nails" went on to hide, sell or destroy $200,000 worth of items without the permission of the bankruptcy trustee.
Included were chandeliers he removed from a multi-million-dollar home he bought from NHL Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky that later went into foreclosure and baseball memorabilia Dykstra sold to a Las Vegas dealer.
Dykstra's defense was he was on a downward spiral fueled by drug and alcohol abuse that dated back to his playing days. Los Angeles police found cocaine, Ecstasy and synthetic human growth hormone at his home last year while busting him for grand theft auto tied to one scam he was running. That case was separate from his bust for exposing himself to maids he hired through Craigslist.
But his attorneys claim he is unsafe behind bars due to his celebrity status, having recently been "beaten to a pulp" and having some teeth knocked out while in a Los Angeles County jail. A Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department spokesman confirmed Dykstra had been in a fight, but not with other inmates but deputies who had to restrain him in April while taking him to a hospital for undisclosed reasons. Dykstra did not lose teeth but did suffer a bloody nose, the deputy revealed.
Follow OC Weekly on Twitter @ocweekly or on Facebook!
Sponsor Content


text:
At the Liberty Mutual office in Granger, trained local agents can help you find the coverage you need, and the discounts you deserve. Our Granger office is located in the Heritage Square shopping plaza anchored by Martin's Supermarket.
We proudly serve the communities of Granger, Elkhart, South Bend and Goshen.
In the CommunityOur office representatives have participated in fundraising for the Mishawaka Educational Foundation and American Cancer Society.
Talk to a Liberty Mutual Agent TodayContact a sales representative today to learn more about which auto insurance, home insurance and life insurance options are best for you and your family.


text:
The Reflection Grating Spectrometer (RGS) onboard XMM-Newton
This description is mostly based on the information contained in the papers
Brinkman, A. et al. 1998, in "Proceedings of the First XMM Workshop: Science with XMM", ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands, ed. M. Dahlem, and
den Herder, J. W. et al. 2001, A&A 365, L7
Further information can be obtained from the XMM-Newton Users' Handbook
The X-ray Multi Mirror (XMM-Newton) mission is the second of the four cornerstone projects of the ESA long-term programme for space, Horizon 2000. The payload comprises three co-aligned high throughput telescopes with a FOV of 30 arcmin and spatial resolution of about 6 arcsec (FWHM). Imaging CCD detectors are placed in the focus of each telescope. Behind two of the three telescopes, about half of the X-ray light is utilized by the Reflection Grating Spectrometers (RGS). Each RGS consists of an array of reflection gratings which diffracts the X-rays to an array of dedicated charge coupled devices (CCD) detectors. The RGS instruments achieve high resolving power (150 to 800) over a range from 5 to 35 Å [0.33 to 2.5 keV] (in the first spectral order). The effective area peaks around 15 Å [0.83 keV] (first order) at about 150 cm2 for the two spectrometers.
Instrument Design
The RGS design incorporates an array of reflection gratings placed in
the converging beam at the exit from the X-ray telescope. The grating
stack intercepts roughly half of the X-ray light and deflects it to a
strip of CCD detectors offset from the telescope focal plane. The
undeflected light passes through and is intercepted by EPIC-MOS in the
telescope focal plane. Nine large format back-illuminated CCDs are
operated in single photon counting and frame transfer mode at a
temperature of -80 C. For each photon, the position and the energy is
measured: the position to determine the high resolution X-ray spectrum
as diffracted by the grating module, and the energy and position to
separate the contributions from the various overlapping grating orders
(and from the in-flight calibration source) and to reduce the
Reflection Grating Array (RGA)
The gratings were replicated from an identical set of master gratings
onto the thin substrates. Master gratings produced by both mechanical
ruling and by holographic means were tested and evaluated in this
programme. Although holographic masters have been produced with
somewhat higher reflection efficiency and lower scattering than
mechanically ruled masters, unfortunately no suitable variable line
density holographic master was available at the time of the flight
model production. The gratings were covered with a 2000 Å gold
Focal Plane Camera (RFC)
The CCDs were procured from EEV Ltd.
The front end electronics and the calibration of the CCDs were performed by SRON.
The detector housing were procured by the Paul Scherrer Institute.
Analogue electronics (RAE) and Digital electronics (RDE) Units
The front-end electronics (clock-drives and pre-amplifiers for the
CCDs) is part of the detector. The instrument is under control of the
Instrument Controller (IC, MA31750 processor) which is fully
programmable. The IC sets all bias settings of the CCDs and also
configures the Clock Sequence Generator (CSG) which controls the clock
drivers for each CCD. Different clock patterns can be loaded from the
ground. The nominal readout of each CCD is through two output nodes
resulting in different gains and offsets per read-out node of each
CCD. The signals are amplified close to the focal plane camera and
digitized in the RAE using a correlated double sampler (CDS).
|Copyright 2015© European Space Agency. All rights reserved.


text:
Hanover Park's Anthony Cefelo fights for control as St. Peter's Prep's Mike Russo tries to hang on.
- Filed Under
Hanover Park's Anthony Cefolo has thrown opponents to their backs, but never did a big move taste as sweet as it did Sunday afternoon.
The 120-pounder threw St. Peter's Prep's Mike Russo to his back for a four-point move and went on to score a 5-1 victory to win the state championship at Boardwalk Hall.
"That was the game changer,'' coach James LaValle said. "It helped Anthony get the lead and he was then able to build off of that. Once he got that, we knew it would be hard for Russo to score points.'' ...


text:
Vince Carter Posterizes DeMar DeRozan After Being Booed (Video)
by BSO Staff | Posted on Wednesday, January 22nd, 2014
It's the same old story every time.
Vince Carter returns to Toronto. Vince Carter gets booed by fans. Vince Carter does something to shut fans up. And tonight was no different.
Carter's Dallas Mavericks visited the Air Canada Centre on Wednesday night and he got booed then he took it out on Toronto Raptors guard Demar DeRozan.
Check it out here:
H/T Basketball Insiders for the video.