Search

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. The AA profile of MP affects mammary gland metabolism and milk N efficiency of dairy cattle. Further, the frequency of dietary protein supplementation may influence N partitioning leading to reduced N excretion. This study investigated the effect of source and frequency of rumen-protected (RP) protein supplementation on apparent total-tract digestibility, milk production, mammary gland AA metabolism, and N balance of dairy cattle. Twenty-eight Holstein-Friesian cows (2.3 ± 0.9 lactations; 93 ± 27 DIM; mean ± SD) were used in a randomized complete block design and fed a basal TMR consisting of 41% corn silage, 32% grass silage, and 27% concentrate (DM basis) and formulated to meet 100% and 95% of net energy and MP requirements, respectively. Cows were adapted to the basal TMR in a freestall barn for 7 d, moved to individual tiestalls for 13 d of adaptation to dietary treatments, and then moved into climate respiration chambers for a 4-d measurement period. Treatments consisted of the basal TMR (CON; 159 g CP/kg DM) or the basal TMR including 1 of 3 iso-MP supplements: (1) 315-g mixture of RP soybean meal and RP rapeseed meal fed daily (ST-RPSR), (2) 384-g mixture of RP His, RP Lys, and RP Met fed daily (ST-RPAA), and (3) 768-g mixture of RP His, RP Lys, and RP Met fed every other day (OS-RPAA). The basal TMR with the addition of treatment supplements was designed to deliver 100% of required MP over a 48-h period. The mixture of His, Lys, and Met was formulated to deliver digestible AA in amounts relative to their concentration in casein. Compared with ST-RPSR, ST-RPAA increased milk protein and fat concentration, increased the arterial concentration of total His, Lys, and Met (HLM), decreased mammary clearance of HLM, and increased clearance of Phe, Leu, and Tyr (tendency for Leu and Tyr). Rumen-protected protein source did not affect N balance, but the marginal use efficiency (efficiency of transfer of RP protein supplement into milk protein) of ST-RPAA (67%) was higher than that of ST-RPSR (17%). Milk protein concentration decreased with OS-RPAA compared with ST-RPAA. Arterial concentration of HLM increased on the nonsupplemented day compared with the supplemented day with OS-RPAA, and there was no difference in arterial HLM concentration across days with ST-RPAA. Mammary uptake of HLM tended to increase on the nonsupplemented day compared with the supplemented day with OS-RPAA. Supplementation frequency of RP AA did not affect N balance or overall milk N efficiency, but the marginal use efficiency of OS-RPAA (49%) was lower compared with ST-RPAA. Overall, mammary glands responded to an increased supply of His, Lys, and Met by reducing efflux of other EAA when RP His, RP Lys, and RP Met were supplemented compared with RP plant proteins. Mammary glands increased sequestration of EAA (primarily HLM) on the nonsupplemented day with OS-RPAA, but supplementing RP AA according to a 24-h oscillating pattern did not increase N efficiency over static supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following is the text of a letter, dated December 23, 1953, from Major General K. D. Nichols, general manager of the Atomic Energy Commission, to Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inertial confinement fusion (ICF) with the laser-indirect-drive scheme has recently made a tremendous breakthrough recently after decades of intensive research effort. Taking this success to the next step, the ICF community is coming to a general consensus that laser direct-drive (LDD) fusion might be the viable way for enabling inertial fusion energy (IFE) and high-gain targets for other applications. Designing and understanding LDD fusion targets heavily rely on radiation-hydrodynamic code simulations, in which charged-particle transport plays an essential role in modeling laser-target energy coupling and bootstrap heating of fusion-produced α-particles. To better simulate charged-particle transport in LDD targets, over the past four decades the plasma physics community has advanced transport calculations from simple plasma physics models to sophisticated computations based on first-principles methods. In this review, we give an overview of the current status of charged-particle transport modeling for LDD fusion, including what challenges we still face and the possible paths moving forward to advance transport modeling for ICF simulations. We hope this review will provide a summary of exciting challenges to stimulate young minds to enter the field, facilitate further progress in understanding warm-dense matter physics, and ultimately bridge toward the success of reliable LDD fusion designs for IFE and other high-gain ICF applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inclusion of urea in dairy cattle diets is often limited by negative effects of high levels of feed urea on dry matter intake (DMI) and efficiency of rumen N utilization. We hypothesized that supplying urea postruminally would mitigate these limitations and allow greater inclusion of urea in dairy cattle diets. Four rumen-fistulated Holstein-Friesian dairy cows (7 ± 2.1 lactations, 110 ± 30.8 d in milk; mean ± standard deviation) were randomly assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to examine DMI, milk production and composition, digestibility, rumen fermentation, N balance, and plasma constituents in response to 4 levels of urea continuously infused into the abomasum (0, 163, 325, and 488 g/d). Urea doses were targeted to linearly increase the crude protein (CP) content of total DMI (diet plus infusion) by 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6% and equated to 0%, 0.7%, 1.4%, and 2.1% of expected DMI, respectively. Each 28-d infusion period consisted of a 7-d dose step-up period, 14 d of adaptation, and a 7-d measurement period. The diet was fed ad libitum as a total mixed ration [10.9% CP, 42.5% corn silage, 3.5% grass hay, 3.5% wheat straw, and 50.5% concentrate (dry matter basis)] and was formulated to meet 100%, 82%, and 53% of net energy, metabolizable protein, and rumen-degradable protein requirements, respectively. Linear, quadratic, and cubic effects of urea dose were assessed using polynomial regression assuming the fixed effect of treatment and random effects of period and cow. Dry matter intake and energy-corrected milk yield responded quadratically to urea dose, and milk urea content increased linearly with increasing urea dose. Apparent total-tract digestibility of CP increased linearly with increasing urea dose and ruminal NH 3 -N concentration responded quadratically to urea dose. Mean total VFA concentration was not affected by urea dose. The proportion of N intake excreted in feces decreased linearly and that excreted in urine increased linearly in response to increasing urea dose. The proportion of N intake excreted in milk increased linearly with increasing urea dose. Urinary urea excretion increased linearly with increasing urea dose. Microbial N flow responded cubically to urea dose, but the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis was not affected. Plasma urea concentration increased linearly with increasing urea dose. Regression analysis estimated that when supplemented on top of a low-CP diet, 179 g/d of postruminal urea would maximize DMI at 23.4 kg/d, corresponding to a dietary urea inclusion level of 0.8% of DMI, which is in line with the current recommendations for urea inclusion in dairy cattle diets. Overall, these results indicate that postruminal delivery of urea does not mitigate DMI depression as urea dose increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated mammary gland metabolism and whole-body (WB) rate of appearance (Ra) of glucose in dairy cattle in response to a constant supplemental level of metabolizable protein (MP) composed of different essential AA (EAA) profiles. Five multiparous rumen-fistulated Holstein-Friesian dairy cows (2.8 ± 0.4 lactations; 81 ± 11 d in milk; mean ± standard deviation) were abomasally infused according to a 5 × 5 Latin square design with saline (SAL) or 562 g/d of EAA delivered in different profiles where individual AA content corresponded to their relative content in casein. The profiles consisted of (1) a complete EAA mixture (EAAC), (2) Ile, Leu, and Val (ILV), (3) His, Ile, Leu, Met, Phe, Trp, Val (GR1+ILV), and (4) Arg, His, Lys, Met, Phe, Thr, Trp (GR1+ALT). A total mixed ration (58% corn silage, 16% alfalfa hay, and 26% concentrate on a dry matter basis) was formulated to meet 100 and 83% of net energy and MP requirements, respectively, and was fed at 90% of ad libitum intake on an individual cow basis. Each experimental period consisted of 5 d of continuous abomasal infusion followed by 2 d of no infusion. Arterial and venous blood samples were collected on d 4 of each period for determination of mammary gland AA and glucose metabolism. On d 5 of each period, D-[U-13C]glucose (13 mmol priming dose; continuous 3.5 mmol/h for 520 min) was infused into a jugular vein and arterial blood samples were collected before and during infusion to determine WB Ra of glucose. Milk protein yield did not differ between EAAC, GR1+ILV, and GR1+ALT, or between SAL and ILV, and increased over SAL and ILV with EAAC and GR1+ILV. Mammary plasma flow increased with ILV infusion compared with EAAC and GR1+ILV. Infusion of EAAC tended to increase mammary gland net uptake of total EAA and decreased the mammary uptake to milk protein output ratio (U:O) of non-EAA compared with SAL. Infusion of ILV increased mammary net uptake and U:O of Ile, Leu, and Val markedly over all treatments. The U:O of total Ile, Leu, and Val increased numerically (25%) with GR1+ILV infusion compared with EAAC, and the U:O of total Arg, Lys, and Thr tended to decrease, primarily from decreased U:O of Lys. During GR1+ALT infusion, U:O of total Arg, Lys, and Thr was greater than that during EAAC infusion, whereas U:O of Ile, Leu, and Val did not differ from EAAC. Glucose WB Ra increased 16% with GR1+ALT over SAL, and increased numerically 8 and 12% over SAL with EAAC and GR1+ILV, respectively. The average proportion of lactose yield relative to glucose WB Ra did not differ across treatments and averaged 0.53. On average, 28% of milk galactose arose from nonglucose precursors, regardless of treatment. In conclusion, intramammary catabolism of group 2 AA increased to support milk component synthesis when the EAA profile of MP was incomplete with respect to casein. Further, WB and mammary gland glucose metabolism was flexible in support of milk component synthesis, regardless of absorptive EAA profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have demonstrated generation and transport of a patterned electron beam from a Diamond Field-Emitter Array (DFEA) cathode in a radio frequency (rf) gun. DFEAs are arrays of micrometer-scale pyramids with nanometer-scale tips. They can be fabricated with base widths ranging from 3 μm to 25 μm and pitches as small as 5 μm. They have an inherent 1:0.7 base to height ratio. DFEAs operate as field-emitter cathodes and potentially produce intrinsically shaped electron beams, which are of interest for a number of accelerator applications. We report on the results of a recent experiment in which a beam, consisting of several beamlets, was produced from a DFEA cathode in an rf gun and transported 2.54 m along a beam line. A macrobunch charge of 60 pC was measured at a cathode field gradient of 15.1 MV/m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disruption of intestinal microbial communities appears to underlie many human illnesses, but the mechanisms that promote this dysbiosis and its adverse consequences are poorly understood. In patients who received allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT), we describe a high incidence of enterococcal expansion, which was associated with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and mortality. We found that Enterococcus also expands in the mouse gastrointestinal tract after allo-HCT and exacerbates disease severity in gnotobiotic models. Enterococcus growth is dependent on the disaccharide lactose, and dietary lactose depletion attenuates Enterococcus outgrowth and reduces the severity of GVHD in mice. Allo-HCT patients carrying lactose-nonabsorber genotypes showed compromised clearance of postantibiotic Enterococcus domination. We report lactose as a common nutrient that drives expansion of a commensal bacterium that exacerbates an intestinal and systemic inflammatory disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amino acid composition of metabolizable protein (MP) is important in dairy cattle diets, but effects of AA imbalances on energy and N utilization are unclear. This study determined the effect of different AA profiles within a constant supplemental MP level on whole-body energy and N partitioning in dairy cattle. Five rumen-fistulated Holstein-Friesian dairy cows (2.8 ± 0.4 lactations; 81 ± 11 d in milk; mean ± standard deviation) were randomly assigned to a 5 × 5 Latin square design in which each experimental period consisted of 5 d of continuous abomasal infusion followed by 2 d of rest. A total mixed ration consisting of 58% corn silage, 16% alfalfa hay, and 26% concentrate (dry matter basis) was formulated to meet 100 and 83% of net energy and MP requirements, respectively, and was fed at 90% of ad libitum intake by individual cow. Abomasal infusion treatments were saline (SAL) or 562 g/d of essential AA delivered in 4 profiles where individual AA content corresponded to their relative content in casein. The profiles were (1) a complete essential amino acid mixture (EAAC), (2) Ile, Leu, and Val (ILV), (3) His, Ile, Leu, Met, Phe, Trp, Val (GR1+ILV), and (4) Arg, His, Lys, Met, Phe, Thr, Trp (GR1+ALT). The experiment was conducted in climate respiration chambers to determine energy and N balance in conjunction with milk production and composition, digestibility, and plasma constituents. Compared with SAL, infusion of EAAC increased milk, protein, and lactose yield, increased energy retained as body protein, and did not affect milk N efficiency. Total N intake and urine N output was higher with all AA infusions relative to SAL. Compared with EAAC, infusions of GR1+ILV and GR1+ALT produced the same milk yield and the same yield and content of milk fat, protein, and lactose, and had similar energy and N retention. Milk N efficiency was not different between EAAC and GR1+ILV, but was lower with GR1+ALT compared with EAAC, and tended to be lower with GR1+ALT compared with GR1+ILV. Infusion of ILV tended to decrease dry matter intake compared with the other AA infusions. Milk production and composition was not different between ILV and SAL. Compared with EAAC, infusion of ILV decreased or tended to decrease milk, protein, and lactose yields and milk protein content, and increased milk fat and lactose content. Milk N efficiency decreased with ILV compared with SAL, EAAC, and GR1+ILV. Milk urea concentration was not affected by essential amino acid (EAA) infusions. Plasma urea concentration did not differ between EAAC and SAL, tended to increase with ILV and GR1+ILV over SAL, and increased with GR1+ALT compared with EAAC and SAL. In conclusion, removing Arg, Lys, and Thr or removing Ile, Leu, and Val from a complete EAA profile when the total amount of EAA infused remained constant did not impair milk production, but milk N efficiency decreased when Ile, Leu, and Val were absent. Infusion of only Ile, Leu, and Val decreased milk protein yield and content and reduced milk N efficiency compared with a complete EAA profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated mammary gland metabolism in lactating dairy cattle in response to energy from glucogenic (glucose; GG) or lipogenic (palm olein; LG) substrates at low (LMP) and high (HMP) metabolizable protein levels. According to a 6 × 6 Latin square design, 6 rumen-fistulated second-lactation Holstein-Friesian dairy cows (97 ± 13 d in milk) were abomasally infused with saline (LMP-C); isoenergetic infusions (digestible energy basis) of 1,319 g/d glucose (LMP-GG), 676 g/d palm olein (LMP-LG), or 844 g/d essential AA (EAA; HMP-C); or isoenergetic infusions of 1,319 g/d glucose + 844 g/d EAA (HMP-GG) or 676 g/d palm olein + 844 g/d EAA (HMP-LG). Each experimental period consisted of 5 d of continuous infusion followed by 2 d of rest. A total mixed ration (42% corn silage, 31% grass silage, and 27% concentrate on a dry matter basis) formulated to meet 100 and 83% of net energy and metabolizable protein requirements, respectively, was fed at 90% of ad libitum intake by individual cow. Arterial and venous blood samples were collected on d 5 of each period. Infusing GG or LG at the HMP level did not affect milk yield or composition differently than at the LMP level. Neither GG nor LG infusion stimulated milk protein or lactose yield, but fat yield tended to decrease with GG and tended to increase with LG. Infusion of GG increased arterial plasma concentrations of glucose and insulin and decreased concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), nonesterified fatty acids, long-chain fatty acids (LCFA), total AA, EAA, and group 2 AA. Infusion of LG increased arterial triacylglycerides (TAG) and LCFA but did not affect EAA concentrations. Compared with the LMP level, the HMP level increased arterial concentrations of BHB, urea, and all EAA groups and decreased the concentration of total non-EAA. Mammary plasma flow increased with GG and was not affected by LG or protein level. Uptake and clearance of total EAA and group 2 AA were affected or tended to be affected by GG × AA interactions, with their uptakes being lower and their clearances higher with GG, but only at the LMP level. Infusion of LG did not affect uptake or clearance of any AA group. The HMP level increased uptake and decreased clearance of all EAA groups and decreased non-EAA uptake. Infusion of GG tended to increase mammary glucose uptake, and tended to decrease BHB uptake only at the LMP level. Infusion of LG increased mammary uptake of TAG and LCFA and increased or tended to increase clearance of TAG and LCFA. We suspect GG increased mammary plasma flow to maintain intramammary energy and AA balance and stimulated lipogenesis in adipose, accounting for depressed arterial BHB and group 2 AA concentrations. Mammary glucose uptake did not cover estimated requirements for lactose and fat synthesis at the HMP level, except during HMP-GG infusion. Results of this study illustrate flexibility in mammary metabolite utilization when absorptive supply of glucogenic, lipogenic, and aminogenic substrate is increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secretory capacity of bovine mammary glands is enabled by a high number of secretory cells and their ability to use a range of metabolites to produce milk components. We isolated RNA from milk fat to measure expression of genes involved in energy-yielding pathways and the unfolded protein response in mammary glands of lactating cows given supplemental energy from protein (PT) and fat (FT) tested in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. We hypothesized that PT and FT would affect expression of genes in the branched-chain AA catabolic pathway and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle based on the different energy types (aminogenic versus lipogenic) used to synthesize milk components. We also hypothesized that the response of genes related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis via the unfolded protein response would reflect the increase in milk production stimulated by PT and FT. Fifty-six multiparous Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were fed a basal total mixed ration (34% grass silage, 33% corn silage, 5% grass hay, and 28% concentrate on a dry matter basis) for a 28-d control period. Experimental rations were then fed for 28 d, consisting of (1) low protein, low fat (LP/LF); (2) high protein, low fat (HP/LF); (3) low protein, high fat (LP/HF); or (4) high protein and high fat (HP/HF). To obtain the high-protein (HP) and high-fat (HF) diets, intake of the basal ration was restricted and supplemented isoenergetically (net energy basis) with 2.0 kg/d rumen-protected protein (soybean + rapeseed, 50:50 mixture on dry matter basis) and 0.68 kg/d hydrogenated palm fatty acids on a dry matter basis. RNA from milk fat samples collected on d 27 of each period underwent real-time quantitative PCR. Energy from protein increased expression of BCAT1 (branched-chain amino acid transferase 1) mRNA, but only at the LF level, and tended to decrease expression of mRNA encoding the main subunit of the branched-chain keto-acid dehydrogenase complex. mRNA expression of malic enzyme, a proposed channeling route for AA though the TCA cycle, was decreased by PT, but only at the LF level. Expression of genes associated with de novo fatty acid synthesis was not affected by PT or FT. Energy from fat had no independent effect on genes related to ER homeostasis. At the LF level, PT activated XBP1 (X-box binding protein 1) mRNA. At the HF level, PT increased mRNA expression of the gene encoding GADD34 (growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible 34). These findings support our hypothesis that mammary cells use aminogenic and lipogenic precursors differently for milk component production when dietary intervention alters AA and fatty acid supply. They also suggest that mammary cells respond to increased AA supply through mechanisms of ER homeostasis, dependent on the presence of FT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammary gland utilization of AA and other metabolites in response to supplemental energy from protein (PT) and supplemental energy from fat (FT) was tested in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement using a randomized complete block design. Fifty-six Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were adapted during a 28-d control period to a basal total mixed ration consisting of 34% grass silage, 33% corn silage, 5% grass hay, and 28% concentrate on a dry matter (DM) basis. Experimental rations were fed for 28 d immediately following the control period and consisted of (1) low protein, low fat (LP/LF), (2) high protein, low fat (HP/LF), (3) low protein, high fat (LP/HF), and (4) high protein, high fat (HP/HF). To obtain the high-protein (HP) and high-fat (HF) diets, intake of the basal ration was restricted and supplemented isoenergetically [net energy (MJ/d) basis] with 2.0 kg/d rumen-protected protein (soybean + rapeseed, 50:50 mixture on a DM basis) and 0.68 kg/d hydrogenated palm fatty acids on a DM basis. Arterial and venous blood samples were collected on d 28 of both periods. Isoenergetic supplements (MJ/d) of protein and fat independently and additively increased milk yield, PT increased protein yield, and FT increased fat yield. A PT × FT interaction affected arterial concentration of all essential AA (EAA) groups, where they increased in response to PT by a greater magnitude at the LF level (on average 35%) compared with the HF level (on average 14%). Mammary gland plasma flow was unaffected by PT or FT. Supplementation with PT tended to decrease mammary clearance of total EAA and decreased group 1 AA clearance by 19%. In response to PT, mammary uptake of total EAA and group 2 AA increased 12 and 14%, respectively, with significantly higher uptake of Arg, Ile, and Leu. Energy from fat had no effect on mammary clearance or uptake of any AA group. The mammary gland uptake: milk protein output ratio was not affected by FT, whereas PT increased this ratio for EAA and group 2 AA. Arterial plasma insulin concentration decreased in response to FT, in particular on the HP/HF diet, as indicated by a PT × FT interaction. Arterial concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids, triacylglycerol, and long-chain fatty acids increased in response to FT, and concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate and acetate decreased in response to FT only at the HP level. Mammary clearance and uptake of triacylglycerol and long-chain fatty acids increased in response to FT. Energy from PT and FT increased lactose yield despite no change in arterial glucose concentration or mammary glucose uptake. Mammary-sequestered glucose with PT or FT was used in the same amount for lactose synthesis, and a positive net mammary glucose balance was found across all treatments. Results presented here illustrate metabolic flexibility of the mammary gland in its use of aminogenic versus lipogenic substrates for milk synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study tested the effects of energy from glucogenic (glucose; GG) or lipogenic (palm olein; LG) substrates at low (LMP) and high (HMP) metabolizable protein levels on whole-body energy and N partitioning of dairy cattle. Six rumen-fistulated, second-lactation Holstein-Friesian dairy cows (97 ± 13 d in milk) were randomly assigned to a 6 × 6 Latin square design in which each experimental period consisted of 5 d of continuous abomasal infusion followed by 2 d of rest. A total mixed ration consisting of 42% corn silage, 31% grass silage, and 27% concentrate (dry matter basis) was formulated to meet 100 and 83% of net energy and metabolizable protein requirements, respectively, and was fed at 90% of ad libitum intake by individual cow. Abomasal infusion treatments were saline (LMP-C), isoenergetic infusions (digestible energy basis) of 1,319 g/d of glucose (LMP-GG), 676 g/d of palm olein (LMP-LG; major fatty acid constituents are palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acid), or 844 g/d of essential AA (HMP-C), or isoenergetic infusions of 1,319 g/d of glucose + 844 g/d of essential AA (HMP-GG) or 676 g/d of palm olein + 844 g/d of essential AA (HMP-LG). The experiment was conducted in climate respiration chambers to determine energy and N balance in conjunction with milk production and composition, nutrient digestibility, and plasma constituents. Infusion of GG and LG decreased dry matter intake, but total gross energy intake from the diet plus infusions was not affected by GG or LG. Furthermore, GG or LG did not affect total milk, protein, or lactose yields. Infusing GG or LG at the HMP level did not affect milk production differently than at the LMP level. Infusion of GG stimulated energy retention in body tissue, increased plasma glucose and insulin concentrations, decreased lipogenic metabolites in plasma, and decreased milk fat yield and milk energy output. Nitrogen intake decreased and milk N efficiency increased in response to GG, and N retention was not affected. Infusion of LG tended to increase metabolizable energy intake, increased milk fat yield and milk energy output, increased plasma triacylglycerides and long-chain fatty acid concentrations, and had no effect on energy retention. Infusion of LG decreased N intake but did not affect milk N efficiency or N retention. Compared with the LMP level, the HMP level increased dry matter intake, gross and metabolizable energy intake, and total milk, fat, protein, and lactose yields. Milk energy output increased at the HMP level, and protein level did not affect total energy retention. Heat production increased at the HMP level, but only when GG and LG were infused. The HMP level increased N intake, milk N output, and plasma urea concentration, tended to increase N retention, and decreased milk N efficiency. Regardless of protein level, GG promoted energy retention and improved milk N efficiency, but not through increased milk protein yield. Infusion of LG partitioned extra energy intake into milk and had no effect on milk N efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifty-six Holstein-Friesian cows were used in a randomized complete block design to test the effects of supplemental energy from protein (PT) and fat (FT) on lactation performance and nutrient digestibility in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. During the control period, cows were adapted for 28 d to a basal total mixed ration consisting of 34% grass silage, 33% corn silage, 5% grass hay, and 28% concentrate on a dry matter (DM) basis. Experimental rations were fed for 28 d immediately following the control period and consisted of (1) low protein, low fat (LP/LF), (2) high protein, low fat (HP/LF), (3) low protein, high fat (LP/HF), or (4) high protein and high fat (HP/HF). To obtain the HP and HF diets, intake of the basal ration was restricted and supplemented isoenergetically (net energy basis) with 2.0 kg/d of rumen-protected protein (soybean + rapeseed, 50:50 mixture on DM basis) and 0.68 kg/d of hydrogenated palm fatty acids (FA) on a DM basis. Milk production and composition, nutrient intake, and apparent digestibility were measured during the final 7 d of the control and experimental periods. No interaction was found between PT and FT on milk production and composition. Yields of milk, fat- and protein-corrected milk, and lactose increased in response to PT and FT and lactose concentration was unaffected by treatment. Milk protein concentration and yield increased in response to PT, and protein yield tended to increase in response to FT. Milk fat concentration and yield increased in response to FT and were unaffected by PT. Milk urea concentration increased and nitrogen efficiency decreased in response to PT. Feed and nitrogen efficiency were highest on the LP/HF diet and both parameters increased in response to FT, whereas milk urea concentration was not affected by FT. Energy from fat increased the concentration and yield of ≥16-carbon FA in milk and decreased the concentration of FA synthesized de novo, but had no effect on their yield. Concentration and yield of de novo-synthesized FA increased in response to PT. Concentration and yield of polyunsaturated FA increased and decreased in response to PT and FT, respectively. Apparent total-tract digestibility of crude fat decreased in response to PT, and FT increased crude protein digestibility. Energy supplementation through rumeninert hydrogenated palm FA appears to be an efficient feeding strategy to stimulate milk production with regard to feed and nitrogen efficiency compared with supplementing an isoenergetic level of rumen-protected protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bird collisions with buildings are the second largest anthropogenic source of direct mortality for birds (365–988 million birds killed annually in the United States). Recent research suggests that this mortality occurs disproportionately across species. However, previous work had relied on regional and annual measures of relative species abundance. Our research identifies which species experience higher or lower collision rates than expected from local abundances using two sets of citizen science data: Minnesota Project BirdSafe and the Mississippi River Twin Cities Important Bird Area Landbird Monitoring Program. Our analysis used a measure of relative species abundance that spatially overlaps the area monitored for building collisions and was measured weekly, allowing for a temporally and spatially more specific analysis than most previous analyses. Abundance and collision data were used to model phylogenetic and behavioral traits associated with increased collision risk. Behavioral traits included diurnal/nocturnal migration timing, length of migration, and foraging strategies. Our analysis shows that birds that predominately migrate during the day have a decreased risk of building collisions despite peak collision numbers occurring during early morning; this result suggests that more nuanced behavioral or physiological differences between diurnal and nocturnal migrants could contribute to bird-building collision risk. Additionally, for many species, local abundance is the predominant determining factor for collision risk. However, for ~20% of species studied, the family, genus, and/or species of a bird may affect the collision risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research has shown that for the larger earthquakes recorded (M ≥ 5.2) within the global centroid moment tensor (gCMT) there is a positive correlation between the magnitudes of earthquakes and the magnitudes of their aftershocks [13]. Through a modification of model independent stochastic de-clustering [12] and a more localized catalog provided by the Southern California Earthquake Data Center (SCEDC), the methodologies of Nichols and Schoenberg can be extended to catalogs complete with a much lower minimum magnitude of completeness (M ≥ 2.2). Results indicate that the positive correlation observed between larger earthquakes in the gCMT catalog and their aftershocks is also evident in the relationship between the magnitudes of earthquakes in the SCEDC data and their aftershocks. However, with the lower minimum magnitude of completeness found in the SCEDC catalog and with short periods of extreme earthquake activity evident within the data, the statistical power of the stochastic de-clustering algorithms to distinguish between mainshocks and aftershocks is diminished. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine how glucose modulates protein synthesis when essential AA are in abundant supply, 5 early-lactation, rumen-fistulated Holstein dairy cows were fed a diet containing 6.95 MJ/kg of net energy for lactation and 12.4% crude protein and abomasally infused for 5 d with saline, 844 or 1,126 g/d of a complete essential AA mix, with and without the inclusion of 1,000 g/d of glucose, in a 5 x 5 Latin square design. Infusion of essential AA increased milk yield by 4.1 kg/d, milk protein by 256 g/d, milk fat by 95 g/d, and milk urea nitrogen by 70% compared with saline, with no differences between the level of essential AA infusion. The addition of glucose to essential AA infusate did not stimulate milk protein yield or concentration, but reduced milk urea nitrogen by 17% and decreased milk fat yield. Arterial concentrations of total essential AA increased 3- to 4-fold, mammary clearance decreased 61%, and mammary uptake of essential AA increased 65% in response to essential AA infusion. Arterial branched-chain AA concentrations declined 29% in response to glucose and mammary clearance increased 48%, but mammary AA uptake was unchanged. Essential AA infusion increased plasma 3-methylhistidine by 50% and reduced muscle branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase kinase abundance by 14%, indicating stimulation of muscle protein turnover and branched-chain AA catabolism, respectively. Glucose had no further effect on muscle branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase kinase abundance but decreased mRNA expression of branched chain aminotransferase 1. Lack of further increases in plasma 3-methylhistidine or greater stimulation of muscle branched-chain AA catabolism indicates that muscle protein degradation was unchanged with glucose but that accretion may have been stimulated. The decrease in circulating branched-chain AA concentrations and nitrogen excretion in response to glucose suggests that surplus essential AA were redirected to peripheral, extra-mammary tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on transitioning from HIV post-exposure prophylaxis to pre-exposure prophylaxis in men who have sex with men. Topics include the HIV post-exposure prophylaxis following sexual exposure (PEPSE) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are used by people at sexual risk of HIV acquisition, including men who have sex with men (MSM), and the MSM who are prescribed PEPSE have a 2.5- to 5-fold increase in HIV acquisition in the months after PEPSE compared with MSM not requiring PEPSE.

Using 20 years of demographic and genetic data from four populations of banner-tailed kangaroo rats (Dipodomys spectabilis), we asked whether dispersing individuals gain benefits during adulthood that might compensate for the substantial survival costs they experience as juveniles. Compared to philopatric animals, within- and between-population dispersers gained no measureable advantages in adult survival, fecundity, or probability of recruiting offspring to adulthood. Restricting analyses to members of two central populations living more than 15 times the median dispersal distance from the study site edge, and using peripheral populations only to detect dispersal or offspring recruitment "offsite," did not change this result. Population density during year of birth had small negative effects on adult survival and fecundity, but there were no interactions with dispersal phenotype. We found no evidence that dispersers gained access to superior habitat or that their offspring suffered less inbreeding depression. Our results are consistent with fitness advantages being indirect; by leaving, dispersers release their kin from competition. Our results are also consistent with the possibility that dispersal is the "best of a bad lot." If dispersal is a conditional strategy, then the benefits may be obscured in observational data that compare dispersing individuals to philopatric individuals rather than to individuals whose dispersal phenotype is experimentally manipulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Androgenetic doubled haploid progeny produced from a cross between the Oregon State University and Arlee clonal rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss ) lines, used for a previous published rainbow trout map, were used to update the map with the addition of more amplified fragment length polymorphic (AFLP) markers, microsatellites, type I and allozyme markers. We have added more than 900 markers, bringing the total number to 1359 genetic markers and the sex phenotype including 799 Eco RI AFLPs, 174 Pst I AFLPs, 226 microsatellites, 72 VNTR, 38 SINE markers, 29 known genes, 12 minisatellites, five RAPDs, and four allozymes. Thirty major linkage groups were identified. Synteny of linkage groups in our map with the outcrossed microsatellite map has been established for all except one linkage group in this doubled haploid cross. Putative homeologous relationships among linkage groups, resulting from the autotetraploid nature of the salmonid genome, have been revealed based on the placement of duplicated microsatellites and type I loci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate knowledge of the electronic transport properties of warm dense matter is one of the main concerns of research in high-energy-density physics. Three modern approaches with vastly different levels of fidelity are reviewed and compared: the Kubo–Greenwood (KG) approach based on density-functional-theory molecular dynamics simulations (QMD), quantum kinetic theory based on average-atom models, and time-dependent density functional theory. Throughout, emphasis is placed on the connection between static properties of the electrons (e.g., density of states) and transport properties. Overall, it is found that whenever the conduction electrons can be modeled as being nearly free, fair to excellent agreement is found between QMD and kinetic theory approaches. Such a circumstance is required for modeling warm dense matter as a plasma of ions and free electrons, which is assumed in most kinetic theory approaches. The sensitivity of transport properties to the electronic structure is further highlighted by comparing different exchange–correlation approximations in QMD and KG calculations. It is found that the inclusion of exact exchange via thermal hybrid functionals can make a pronounced impact on electrical and thermal conduction in warm dense matter. We also investigate dynamic screening physics via kinetic theory and time-dependent density functional theory calculations of the mean free path of an electron in a hot dense plasma. In sum, we identify three axes along which to make progress in predicting electron transport in warm dense matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the fabrication and performance of the first spatial light modulators (SLM’s) which combine addressing in AlGaAs charge-coupled devices (CCD’s) and electroabsorption effects in GaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum wells (MQW’s). One-dimensional, sixteen-stage, three-phase AlGaAs CCD’s with semitransparent gates were fabricated on the surface of the SLM. The optical signal propagates normal to the surface and enters the SLM through the gates. The transmission of this signal through the MQW is then modulated according to the channel voltage of the CCD’s. The maximum contrast ratio at 847 nm was measured to be 1.45:1 for these GaAs/AlGaAs -based SLM’s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A national minimum clinical data set for predicting non-operative and post-operative mortality at discharge was developed by Prytherch et al. Our aim to audit the octogenerian surgical admissions in our hospital for complications, discharge outcomes and discharge mortality. Method Prospective audit from the 1st January 2006–30th November. Data collected for 243 consecutive admissions: 91 non-operative, 82 elective and 70 emergency, using standardized pro forma. Results In total 223 surgical patients (re-admission 8.2%) included 70 emergency admissions (28.8%), 82 elective admissions (33.8%) and 91 non-operative admissions (37.5%). Complications rate of 47.1% Emergency, 18.3% Elective and 23.3% Non-operative admissions. Discharged home: 52% Emergency, 92% Elective and 57% Non-operative patients. Mortality: Emergency 7.1% (n = 5), Elective 0% (n = 0) and Non-operative 5.5% (n = 5) patients. Emergency laparotomy 35% (n = 2) mortality. When minimum clinical data compared predicted to observed mortality emergency ?2 = 10.95 (p < 0.001), elective ?2 = 6.22 (p < 0.0025) non-operative ?2 = 6.51 (p < 0.025). Conclusion The audit overall mortality data was acceptable when compared to published work. Emergency, elective and non-operative patient groups differed significantly (p < 0.025) from predicted deaths and did not fit this model according to risk stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORCl) components and integrated stress response networks in the mammary glands of lactating cows have not accounted for the stimulation of milk protein yield by chronic supplementation with AA or glucose. Faster milk protein synthesis could be a consequence of increased milk protein mRNA per cell, the number of ribosomes per cell, the secretory capacity of cells, or the mammary cell number. To investigate these 4 possibilities using a translational and transcriptional approach, we performed protein and gene expression analyses of mammary and longissimus dorsi tissue collected from lactating dairy cows after 5 d of abomasal infusion with saline or 844 or 1,126 g/d of an essential AA (EAA) mixture, with and without 1,000 g/d glucose. Infusion with EAA increased milk protein yield but did not affect the phosphorylation of mTORC1- related proteins in the mammary gland. In skeletal muscle, phosphorylation of 4EBP1 (eIF4E-binding protein 1) increased in response to both EAA and glucose, and phosphorylated S6K1 (70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase) increased with glucose. In response to EAA, mammary mRNA expression of the marker genes for milk proteins, ribosome biogenesis, and cell proliferation were not upregulated. Instead, reciprocal regulation of 2 arms of the unfolded protein response occurred. Infusion of EAA for 5 d activated XBP1 (X-box binding protein 1) mRNA, encoding a transcription factor for endoplasmic reticulum biogenesis, and it decreased the mRNA expression of genes encoding pro-apoptotic protein CHOP (C/EBP homologous protein) and downstream GADD34 (growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible 34). These findings implicate non-stress-related, adaptive capabilities of the unfolded protein response in the long-term nutritional regulation of milk protein yield in lactating dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To review the Burns Service within Waikato Regional Burns Unit (WRBU) and specifically the use and infection rates of Biobrane (TM). Methods: Retrospective audit of hospital database and clinical records from January 2003 to July 2008. Data collection included age, sex, ethnicity, percentage burn, site and thickness of burn, time to transfer to regional burns centre, time to theatre for application of Biobrane, antibiotic or topical silver treatment, re-admission, total number of operations and overall cost of admission. Biobrane infection, causative organism and treatment. Results: WRBU admitted 830 patients (236 female and 594 male). A total of 124 patients (37 female and 87 male, average age 15.2 years) required application of Biobrane. Five patients were referred onto National Burns Centre. Mean length of stay 11.4 days (Median 6 days, range 1–68 days), percentage burn 15.6% (range 1–80%), transfer time 5 hours and time to theatre for application of Biobrane 13.5 hours (range 3.5 to >48 hours). Overall infection rate for Biobrane was 19.3% (23 from 119 patients). The main causative organisms were Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas. Statistical analysis did not reveal a statistical significance (p = 0.05) in site, percentage or depth of burn, antibiotic cover or silver dressings and time to theatre for application. Re-admission was statistically significant for infected Biobrane patients (n = 6, p = 0.04). Conclusion: Biobrane infection rates of 19.3% in this audit are far higher than has been reported. This discrepancy may be due to the inclusion and exclusion criteria used in clinical trails. Biobrane remains a useful adjunct but the high risk of infection in our population may require stricter guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simulation study was conducted to examine accuracy of estimating daily O 2 consumption, CO 2 and CH 4 emissions, and heat production (HP) using a spot sampling technique and to determine optimal spot sampling frequency (FQ). Data were obtained from 3 experiments where daily O 2 consumption, emissions of CO 2 and CH 4 , and HP were measured using indirect calorimetry (respiration chamber or headbox system). Experiment 1 used 8 beef heifers (ad libitum feeding; gaseous exchanges measured every 30 min over 3 d in respiration chambers); Experiment 2 used 56 lactating Holstein-Friesian cows (restricted feeding; gaseous exchanges measured every 12 min over 3 d in respiration chambers); Experiment 3 used 12 lactating Jersey cows (ad libitum feeding; gaseous exchanges measured every hour for 1 d using headbox style chambers). Within experiment, averages of all measurements (FQALL) and averages of measurements selected at time points with 12, 8, 6, or 4 spot sampling FQ (i.e., sampling every 2, 3, 4, and 6 h in a 24-h cycle, respectively; FQ12, FQ8, FQ6, and FQ4, respectively) were compared. Within study a mixed model was used to compare gaseous exchanges and HP among FQALL, FQ12, FQ8, FQ6, and FQ4, and an interaction of dietary treatment by FQ was examined. A regression model was used to evaluate accuracy of spot sampling within study [i.e., FQALL (observed) vs. FQ12, FQ8, FQ6, or FQ4 (estimated)]. No interaction of diet by FQ was observed for any variables except for CH 4 production in experiment 1. No FQ effect was observed for gaseous exchanges and HP except in experiment 2 where CO 2 production was less (5,411 vs. 5,563 L/d) for FQ4 compared with FQALL, FQ12, and FQ8. A regression analysis between FQALL and each FQ within study showed that slopes and intercepts became farther from 1 and 0, respectively, for almost all variables as FQ decreased. Most variables for FQ12 and FQ8 had root mean square prediction error (RMSPE) less than 10% of the mean and concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) greater than 0.80, and RMSPE increased and CCC decreased as FQ decreased. When a regression analysis was conducted with combined data from the 3 experiments (mixed model with study as a random effect), results agreed with those from the analysis for the individual studies. Prediction errors increased and CCC decreased as FQ decreased. Generally, all the estimates from FQ12, FQ8, FQ6, and FQ4 had RMSPE less than 10% of the means and CCC greater than 0.90 except for FQ6 and FQ4 for O 2 consumption and CH 4 production. In conclusion, the spot sampling simulation with 3 indirect calorimetry experiments indicated that FQ of at least 8 samples (every 3 h in a 24-h cycle) was required to estimate daily O 2 consumption, CO 2 and CH 4 production, and HP and to detect changes in those in response to dietary treatments. This sampling FQ may be considered when using techniques that measure spot gas exchanges such as the GreenFeed and face mask systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of representative central Michigan wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents on the reproductive physiology of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) were assessed in situ by measuring plasma concentrations of vitellogenin (VTG), 17beta-estradiol (E2), and testosterone (T), and evaluating gonad histology and male secondary sex characteristics. Caged adult male and female fathead minnows were exposed for 3 weeks to WWTP effluent. One riverine site and one lacustrine site were included as references for comparison to WWTP sites. Plasma concentrations of VTG, E2, and T in female fish, quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), were greater at the lacustrine site than the riverine site or WWTP sites. None of the male fish had mean plasma VTG concentrations similar to that observed in females. MostVTG concentrations in male fish were less than the VTG ELISA detection limit. Female plasma concentrations of E2 were similar among riverine and WWTP sites. Plasma concentrations of E2 in male fish were greater than the riverine site at all WWTP sites except the Williamston site, but were not significantly different from the lacustrine site. Concentrations of T in female and male fish were similar among riverine and exposure sites. No trends in hormone concentrations, male secondary sex characteristics, or gonad histology could be attributed to putative endocrine disrupter exposure in WWTP effluent. The results indicate that the risk for estrogen agonist exposure below these central Michigan WWTPs is small. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simulation study was conducted to examine accuracy of estimating daily O 2 consumption, CO 2 and CH 4 emissions, and heat production (HP) using a spot sampling technique and to determine optimal spot sampling frequency (FQ). Data were obtained from 3 experiments where daily O 2 consumption, emissions of CO 2 and CH 4 , and HP were measured using indirect calorimetry (respiration chamber or headbox system). Experiment 1 used 8 beef heifers (ad libitum feeding; gaseous exchanges measured every 30 min over 3 d in respiration chambers); Experiment 2 used 56 lactating Holstein-Friesian cows (restricted feeding; gaseous exchanges measured every 12 min over 3 d in respiration chambers); Experiment 3 used 12 lactating Jersey cows (ad libitum feeding; gaseous exchanges measured every hour for 1 d using headbox style chambers). Within experiment, averages of all measurements (FQALL) and averages of measurements selected at time points with 12, 8, 6, or 4 spot sampling FQ (i.e., sampling every 2, 3, 4, and 6 h in a 24-h cycle, respectively; FQ12, FQ8, FQ6, and FQ4, respectively) were compared. Within study a mixed model was used to compare gaseous exchanges and HP among FQALL, FQ12, FQ8, FQ6, and FQ4, and an interaction of dietary treatment by FQ was examined. A regression model was used to evaluate accuracy of spot sampling within study [i.e., FQALL (observed) vs. FQ12, FQ8, FQ6, or FQ4 (estimated)]. No interaction of diet by FQ was observed for any variables except for CH 4 production in experiment 1. No FQ effect was observed for gaseous exchanges and HP except in experiment 2 where CO 2 production was less (5,411 vs. 5,563 L/d) for FQ4 compared with FQALL, FQ12, and FQ8. A regression analysis between FQALL and each FQ within study showed that slopes and intercepts became farther from 1 and 0, respectively, for almost all variables as FQ decreased. Most variables for FQ12 and FQ8 had root mean square prediction error (RMSPE) less than 10% of the mean and concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) greater than 0.80, and RMSPE increased and CCC decreased as FQ decreased. When a regression analysis was conducted with combined data from the 3 experiments (mixed model with study as a random effect), results agreed with those from the analysis for the individual studies. Prediction errors increased and CCC decreased as FQ decreased. Generally, all the estimates from FQ12, FQ8, FQ6, and FQ4 had RMSPE less than 10% of the means and CCC greater than 0.90 except for FQ6 and FQ4 for O 2 consumption and CH 4 production. In conclusion, the spot sampling simulation with 3 indirect calorimetry experiments indicated that FQ of at least 8 samples (every 3 h in a 24-h cycle) was required to estimate daily O 2 consumption, CO 2 and CH 4 production, and HP and to detect changes in those in response to dietary treatments. This sampling FQ may be considered when using techniques that measure spot gas exchanges such as the GreenFeed and face mask systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we present the theoretical study of a dielectric-loaded standing wave accelerator structure with enhanced shunt impedance. The accelerator structure operates in a TM 020 mode at 5.10 GHz. At the same accelerating gradient, the ohmic and dielectric power dissipation in the proposed cavity is 40% lower than the ohmic power dissipation in a conventional metallic pillbox cavity operating in a TM 010 mode. The enhancement of the microwave power utilization efficiency leads to the cost reduction of the microwave source infrastructure and the operation. In compact accelerator applications, this type of accelerator structures are of potential use in extreme environment conditions such as space missions where close scrutiny must be exercised over the power availability and the waste heat dissipation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:Nosocomial infections (NI) are a frequent and important cause of morbidity and mortality in newborn infants who receive intensive care. We sought to determine if comprehensive infection control (CIC) measures decrease rates in a large neonatal intensive care nursery.Methods:Single center interventional study. The CIC intervention consisted of increasing nursing and physician education and awareness of infection rates, establishing common improvement goals, training in hand and environment care, and implementing a specialty nursing team for central venous and arterial catheter care. Demographic and microbiology information for all infants admitted to the NICU from January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2000 established baseline data. The intervention period was during January and February 2001. The postintervention period was March 1, 2001 to February 29, 2004. The main outcome measure was the rate of blood, cerebrospinal and/or urinary tract bacterial infections per 1000 hospital days.Results:Baseline infection rate was 8.5 per 1000 hospital days. The NI rate fell 26% (P=0.002) from baseline in the first year and 29% (P<0.001) in the second and third years after the CIC intervention. The reduction in total NI was due mostly to a 46% fall in coagulase-negative Staphylococcus infection rate (P<0.001); however, rates of all other organisms also fell by 21% (P=0.05).Conclusions:CIC measures can reduce bacterial and fungal NI rates. This effect has been sustained for 3 years following the intervention.Journal of Perinatology (2006) 26, 176–179. doi:10.1038/sj.jp.7211411; published online 8 December 2005 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Archived soil samples are an important resource for quantifying changes in soil attributes over decadal time scales. Herein, we describe a soil archive at the USDA-ARS Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory (NGPRL) near Mandan, ND with the intent of encouraging research collaboration through utilization of the archive. Over 5000 samples are included in the NGPRL soil archive, ranging in age from 4 to 90 yr. Samples were derived from both grazing and cropping studies, with the former being conducted near Mandan, and the latter as a part of an evaluation of soil C and N change at multiple locations throughout the Great Plains. Most samples are associated with soil depths above 30.5 cm, although 10 locations from the Great Plains evaluation possess archived soils below 1 m for native vegetation treatments. Collaborative research opportunities using the NGPRL soil archive abound, and may include characterizations of soil organic matter fractions, micronutrients, and soil acidity. Scientists interested in engaging in collaborative research efforts are encouraged to contact the authors of this report. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Withholding empirical treatment of sexual contacts of gonorrhoea may influence gonorrhoea control, and further work is needed to establish which sexual contacts of gonorrhoea should be offered on the day treatment. The characteristics of men who have sex with men who present as sexual contacts of gonorrhoea from a clinic-based population Oropharyngeal and genital gonorrhoea infections among women and heterosexual men reporting sexual contact with partners with gonorrhoea: implication for oropharyngeal testing of heterosexual gonorrhoea contacts. [Extracted from the article]

Nondegenerate four-wave mixing experiments have been conducted in Al0.2Ga0.8As ridge waveguides, using picosecond laser pulses. Maker fringes due to phase-matching requirements were clearly observed, and phase-matched nondegenerate mixing was achieved by utilizing the waveguide geometrical birefringence. Conversion efficiency up to 5×10-3 for a coherent interaction length of 3 mm was obtained. The observed third-order nonlinear susceptibility χ(3)(ω3=ω1+ω1-ω2) does not display any strong resonances and exhibits a relaxation time shorter than 10 ps. From these measurements it is inferred that |χ(3)1111|≥8×10-11 esu, and |χ(3)1111/χ(3)2112|=2.4±0.3 for ω1 and ω2≊1480 meV/h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resonant slot and dipole antennas coupled to low-temperature-grown GaAs photomixers have been fabricated and tested at terahertz operating frequencies. Enhanced output power is seen from the resonant structures compared to mixers coupled to broadband self-complementary spiral antennas. Driving point impedances as high as 300 Ω are attained at the resonant frequencies. These devices will be useful as fixed frequency local oscillators for submillimeter heterodyne receivers. © 1996 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Africa born (immigrant) women comprise a disproportionate number of Black women living with HIV in the United States. Though they are at risk for mental health disorders, including psychological distress and depression, little is known about their experience with these important predictors of quality of life, retention in care and adherence to antiretroviral therapy. In this qualitative study, we used constructivist grounded theory to explore the psychosocial and mental health challenges of African born women living with HIV in Boston and New York City. We conducted one-on-one semi-structured interviews with 45 women. Major themes contributing to psychological distress and depressive symptoms included (1) pre-immigration HIV-related stigma; (2) persistent HIV-related stigma post-immigration, (3) undocumented immigration status, (4) economic insecurity, and (5) intimate partner violence (IPV). Many participants described ongoing depressive symptoms or histories of depressive episodes. Yet, most had not been formally diagnosed or treated for depression. Prayer, consultation with faith leadership, and support groups were described most frequently as useful interventions. Future research should explore these thematic areas among a larger, more representative sample of African born women living with HIV to determine differences by country of origin across thematic areas. These data would be useful to inform development of innovative and culturally appropriate interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid detection of bacteria responsible for foodborne diseases is a growing necessity for public health. Reporter bacteriophages (phages) are robust biorecognition elements uniquely suited for the rapid and sensitive detection of bacterial species. The advantages of phages include their host specificity, ability to distinguish viable and non-viable cells, low cost, and ease of genetic engineering. Upon infection with reporter phages, target bacteria express reporter enzymes encoded within the phage genome. In this study, the T7 coliphage was genetically engineered to express the newly developed luceriferase, NanoLuc (NLuc), as an indicator of bacterial contamination. While several genetic approaches were employed to optimize reporter enzyme expression, the novel achievement of this work was the successful fusion of the NanoLuc reporter to a carbohydrate binding module (CBM) with specificity to crystalline cellulose. This novel chimeric reporter (nluc::cbm) bestows the specific and irreversible immobilization of NanoLuc onto a low-cost, widely available crystalline cellulosic substrate. We have shown the possibility of detecting the immobilized fusion protein in a filter plate which resulted from a single CFU of E. coli. We then demonstrated that microcrystalline cellulose can be used to concentrate the fusion reporter from 100 mL water samples allowing a limit of detection of ＜10 CFU mL−1E. coli in 3 hours. Therefore, we conclude that our phage-based detection assay displays significant aptitude as a proof-of-concept drinking water diagnostic assay for the low-cost, rapid and sensitive detection of E. coli. Additional improvements in the capture efficiency of the phage-based fusion reporter should allow a limit of detection of ＜10 CFU per 100 mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integration of perennial forages in annual cropping systems can expand ecosystem service benefits to agricultural landscapes. Such benefits are frequently derived from changes to soil properties. Unfortunately, there is limited guidance for agricultural producers regarding the length of time needed to accrue soil condition improvements under perennial forages, particularly for semiarid regions. The objective of this study was to quantify soil responses to perennial grasses, legumes, and grass–legume mixtures over a 5-yr year period in a semiarid region. Select soil physical and chemical properties were measured within five perennial forage treatments and under annual cropping over a 5-yr period on a Parshall fine sandy loam near Mandan, ND. Treatment effects on soil properties were limited to the surface 10 cm. Differences in soil properties between spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and perennial forages were most frequent following the fourth stand year. Compared with spring wheat, perennial forages mitigated soil acidification (by 0.26–0.65 pH units), reduced soil bulk density (by 0.04–0.08 Mg m–3), and increased particulate organic matter (POM) (by 0.41 g C kg–1) and water-stable aggregates (by 3.8%). Among perennial forages, intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium L.) and intermediate wheatgrass–field pea (Pisum sativum L) mixture followed by alfalfa (Medicago spp.) reduced soil bulk density (by 0.06–0.11 Mg m–3) and increased POM (by 0.24–0.92 g C kg–1) compared with alfalfa following 4- and 5-yr perennial forage stands. While these outcomes suggest perennial forages can improve the near-surface soil condition, accrual of improvements may be slow and subtle in semiarid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perennial herbaceous biofeedstocks (PHB) have been proposed to confer multiple ecosystem services to agricultural lands. However, the role of PHBs to affect change in soil condition is not well documented, particularly for treatments with multiple species. The objective of this study was to quantify potential changes to soil properties resulting from PHB treatments in central and western North Dakota over a 5-yr period. Treatments with multiple perennial plant species were hypothesized to induce greater improvements in soil condition compared to monocultures. Soil properties were evaluated in seven PHB treatments (four monocultures, three mixtures) at five sites with sampling occurring immediately prior to treatment establishment in 2006 and again in 2011 across a 0 to 1.2 m depth. Perennial herbaceous biofeedstocks had minor and inconsistent effects on soil bulk density, electrical conductivity, and soil pH, and no effect on available P and soil organic C (SOC) in 2011. Contrasts between monoculture and mixtures in 2011 yielded no significant differences for any soil property at any site. However, PHB treatments did induce significant changes in soil properties between 2006 and 2011, with substantial declines in available P (> 10 kg P ha − 1 yr − 1 ) at sites with high initial P and modest increases in SOC (0.9–5.7 Mg C ha − 1 yr − 1 ) at sites with low initial SOC. Electrical conductivity decreased at two sites, though changes were minor (− 0.08 to − 0.18 dS m − 1 ). Soil pH did not change over the 5-yr study. Results from this study underscore the value of PHBs to remediate nutrient-laden and/or degraded soils, while concurrently resisting increased salinity and fertilizer-induced acidification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dear Editor, Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a potentially lethal complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Patient characteristics, skin biopsy results, treatment course and outcomes are summarized in Table . Patients with grade IV aGVHD have a 6-month mortality rate approaching 100%.[1] By contrast, three of our patients (75%) survived to 6 months post-HSC, and also reduced their corticosteroid dose by 28-80% within 4 weeks of treatment. [Extracted from the article]

We have developed 0.1- \mu \textm gate-length InAlN/GaN high electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) for millimeter-wave (MMW) power applications, particularly at 71–76 and 81–86 GHz bands. The impacts of depth and width of the gate recess groove on electrical performance have been analyzed and compared. Competing passivation technologies, atomic layer deposition (ALD) aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) SiN, have also been assessed in terms of dc, pulsed- $IV$ , and high-frequency characteristics. It has been found that while PECVD SiN-passivated HEMTs and the monolithic microwave integrated circuits slightly underperform their ALD Al2O3-passivated counterparts, their MMW power performance can be further boosted with the gate recess due to the improved aspect ratio and scaling characteristics. When biased at a drain voltage of 10 V, a first-pass two-stage power amplifier design based on recessed PECVD SiN-passivated 0.1- \mu \textm depletion-mode devices has demonstrated an output power of 1.63 W with a 15% power-added efficiency at 86 GHz. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Traditional application of multipactor coatings applied with sputtering techniques to high-power RF windows typically performs well when applied to sintered powder ceramics. Unfortunately, sputtered coatings do not adhere well to crystal materials, such as sapphire. This publication describes a plasma-assisted process that molecularly bonds the multipactor coating to the base window material. The performance was verified by measuring secondary electron emission yield and operating the window at high power. The coating process and performance are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Industrial beets are an emerging feedstock for biofuel and bioproducts industry in the US. Milling of industrial beets is the primary step in front end processing for ethanol production. Milled beets undergo color change during juice extraction. A custom designed computer vision system for measurement of milled beet color kinetics, consisting of a digital camera, custom-designed non-reflective enclosure, and color calibration method was developed in the present study. Beet samples of five different total soluble solids (TSS) contents were prepared by washing with cold water for color kinetics measurement. An artificial neural network model was used for converting the red, green, and blue (RGB) values of the acquired sample images to L * a * b * values. Seven color parameters ( L * , a * , b * , hue, chroma, browning index ( BI ), and total color change (Δ E )) were analyzed. Page, user-defined polynomial, and fractional conversion models gave better fits for the experimental data with color parameters than the zeroth order, first order, exponential, and Peleg kinetic models. Of the color parameters studied, L * (Page R 2 > 0.99, user-defined polynomial R 2 > 0.97, and fractional R 2 > 0.93) and Δ E (Page R 2 > 0.98, user-defined polynomial R 2 > 0.94, and fractional R 2 > 0.85) gave the best description for the color change kinetics of milled beets. Developed TSS prediction models from the color measurements based on Page model constant, k p with color parameter, L * gave good prediction ( R 2 = 0.99), also did the simple linear model based on direct color values ( R 2 = 0.98). Measurement and mathematical modeling of milled industrial beets color kinetics will serve as important quality assessment tool in processing the beets for various renewable fuel and products applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the genetic map location of 14 genes involved in the inflammatory response to salmonid bacterial and viral pathogens, which brings the total number of immune genes mapped in rainbow trout ( RT, Oncorhynchus mykiss) to 61. These genes were mapped as candidate genes that may be involved in resistance to bacterial kidney disease, as well as candidates for known QTL for resistance to infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus, infectious pancreatic necrosis virus and Ceratomyxa shasta. These QTL map to one or more of the linkage groups containing immune genes. The combined analysis of these linkage results and those of previously mapped immune genes in RT shows that many immune genes are found in syntenic blocks of genes that have been retained in teleosts despite species divergence and genome duplication events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The previous genetic mapping data have suggested that most of the rainbow trout sex chromosome pair is pseudoautosomal, with very small X-specific and Y-specific regions. We have prepared an updated genetic and cytogenetic map of the male rainbow trout sex linkage group. Selected sex-linked markers spanning the X chromosome of the female genetic map have been mapped cytogenetically in normal males and genetically in crosses between the OSU female clonal line and four different male clonal lines as well as in outcrosses involving outbred OSU and hybrids between the OSU line and the male clonal lines. The cytogenetic maps of the X and Y chromosomes were very similar to the female genetic map for the X chromosome. Five markers on the male maps are genetically very close to the sex determination locus ( SEX), but more widely spaced on the female genetic map and on the cytogenetic map, indicating a large region of suppressed recombination on the Y chromosome surrounding the SEX locus. The male map is greatly extended at the telomere. A BAC clone containing the SCAR (sequence characterized amplified region) Omy- 163 marker, which maps close to SEX, was subjected to shotgun sequencing. Two carbonyl reductase genes and a gene homologous to the vertebrate skeletal ryanodine receptor were identified. Carbonyl reductase is a key enzyme involved in production of trout ovarian maturation hormone. This brings the number of type I genes mapped to the sex chromosome to six and has allowed us to identify a region on zebrafish chromosome 10 and medaka chromosome 13 which may be homologous to the distal portion of the long arm of the rainbow trout Y chromosome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the results of a divergence study and emittance measurements for an electron beam emitted from a single diamond pyramid in a sparse diamond field-emitter array (DFEA) cathode. DFEA cathodes are arrays of micrometer scale diamond pyramids with nanometer scale tips. A single diamond pyramid produces currents as high as 10 μ A from a small surface area. DFEA cathodes are expected to be a good beam source for compact dielectric laser accelerators. For the electron beam divergence experiment, we have designed and assembled a test stand consisting of a DFEA cathode, a mesh anode, and a screen. We measured current and the size of the beam on the screen as functions of the distance between the cathode and the anode, the size of a pyramid's base, and applied voltage on the cathode. In order to perform beam emittance measurements, we designed and fabricated a magnetic lens to be placed between the mesh and the screen. By measuring the size of the beam for different distances between the lens and the screen, we estimate the beam's emittance. We also simulated the electron beam dynamics with Computer Simulation Technology Studio and General Particle Tracer codes. Experimentally measured divergence angles and normalized transverse emittance show good agreement with simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A guided-wave interferometer capable of modulating 1.3-μm radiation via the electro-optic effect has been fabricated in GaAs. The interferometer uses three-guide couplers as the input and output sections and single-mode slab-coupled p+-n--n+ rib waveguides fabricated by means of Be-ion implantation for the two active arms. An extinction of ≊14.5 dB of the output signal from the center guide is obtained with 22 V applied to one arm of the interferometer. Interferometers of this type should be capable of large signal modulation out to 5-10 GHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]