Bosonic stimulation in the formation of a bose-einstein condensate

The formation of a Bose-Einstein condensate of a dilute atomic gas has been studied in situ with a nondestructive, time-resolved imaging technique. Sodium atoms were evaporatively cooled close to the onset of Bose-Einstein condensation and then suddenly quenched to below the transition temperature. The subsequent equilibration and condensate formation showed a slow onset distinctly different from simple relaxation. This behavior provided evidence for the process of bosonic stimulation, or coherent matter-wave amplification, crucial to the concept of an atom laser.     

A phylogenetic analysis of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV) isolates from six different regions of the UK and links to animal movement data

Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV) is a pestivirus which infects cattle populations worldwide and is recognised as a significant source of economic loss through its impact on health and productivity. Studies investigating the molecular epidemiology of BVDV can give invaluable information about the diversity of viral strains present in a population and this, in turn, can inform control programs, drive vaccine development and determine likely infection sources. The current study investigated 104 viral isolates from forty farms across the UK. Through phylogenetic and nucleotide sequence analysis of the 5′UTR and N^pro regions of the isolates investigated, it was determined that BVDV 1a was the predominant sub-genotype. However, BVDV 1b, 1e and 1i were also identified and, for the first time in the UK, BVDV 1d. Through analysis of animal movement data alongside the phylogenetic analysis of these BVD isolates, it was possible to link animal movements to the viral isolates present on several premises and, for the first time, begin to elucidate the routes of viral transmission. With further work, this type of analysis would enable accurate determination and quantification of the true biosecurity risk factors associated with BVDV transmission.     

Iron-accelerated cumene hydroperoxide decomposition in hexadecane and trilaurin emulsions

Free radicals arising from lipid peroxides accelerate the oxidative deterioration of foods. To elucidate how lipid peroxides impact oxidative reactions in food emulsions, the stability of cumene hydroperoxide was studied in hexadecane or trilaurin emulsions stabilized by anionic (sodium dodecyl sulfate; SDS), nonionic (Tween 20), and cationic (dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide; DTAB) surfactants. Fe(2+) rapidly (within 10 min) decomposed between 10 and 31% of the cumene hydroperoxide in Tween 20- and DTAB-stabilized emulsions at pH 3.0 and 7.0 and in the SDS-stabilized emulsion at pH 7.0 with no further decomposition of peroxides occurring for up to 3 h. In SDS-stabilized emulsions at pH 3.0, Fe(2+) decreased peroxides by 90% after 3 h. Decomposition of peroxides in the absence of added iron and by Fe(3+) was observed only in SDS-stabilized emulsions at pH 3.0. These results suggest that peroxide decomposition by iron redox cycling occurs when iron emulsion droplet interactions are high.     

Antagonism of detomidine with tolazoline in isoflurane-anaesthetised ponies

The effects of tolazoline (4.0 mg/kg iv) antagonism of detomidine (0.02 mg/kg iv) were evaluated in isoflurane-anaesthetised, ventilated ponies. Each of 6 ponies received both tolazoline and saline treatment during separate anaesthetic episodes only (no surgery was performed). Detomidine administration produced an increase in blood pressure, decrease in heart rate and decrease in P_aO₂ Tolazoline treatment transiently increased heart rate while blood pressure returned to baseline after both treatments. Arterial oxygenation decreased further after tolazoline treatment while oxgenation recovered towards baseline with saline treatment. No other cardiopulmonary effects were detected. Recovery from anaesthesia tended to be more rapid when detomidine was antagonized. The potential benefit of antagonizing detomidine-induced bradycardia with tolazoline, during isoflurane anaesthesia should be weighed against the potential to produce a decrease in arterial oxygenation. The mechanism for this effect is not clear.     

Identification of a universal Group B streptococcus vaccine by multiple genome screen

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a multiserotype bacterial pathogen representing a major cause of life-threatening infections in newborns. To develop a broadly protective vaccine, we analyzed the genome sequences of eight GBS isolates and cloned and tested 312 surface proteins as vaccines. Four proteins elicited protection in mice, and their combination proved highly protective against a large panel of strains, including all circulating serotypes. Protection also correlated with antigen accessibility on the bacterial surface and with the induction of opsonophagocytic antibodies. Multigenome analysis and screening described here represent a powerful strategy for identifying potential vaccine candidates against highly variable pathogens.     

Abomasal parasite syndrome in North American elk (Cervus elaphus canadensis)

CASE HISTORY An 18-month clinical course of chronic ill-thrift, weight loss and emaciation, and eventual death occurred in a group of 520 translocated elk of mixed age and sex. Trans-location was carried out without regard to animal welfare or health risks associated with the translocation. Mortality was approximately 84% (436/520) despite supportive nutritional and medical treatment.

PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS: General clinical and post-mortem examinations indicated only Se and Cu imbalances and nutritional inadequacy. Additional purposeful post-mortem examination and histological evaluation of tissue sections from four of the affected adult elk demonstrated elevated abomasal pH and proliferative abomasal lesions as the most significant findings, consistent with Type-II ostertagiosis; intra-lesional nematodes were seen in the abomasum of two animals.

DIAGNOSIS: Fading elk syndrome, or abomasal parasite syndrome in elk.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Abomasal parasite syndrome initiated by Type-II ostertagiosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of ill-thrift and wasting in elk or elk-red deer hybrids. Changes to the architecture and secretory function of the abomasal wall lead to apparently irreversible digestive pathophysiology and nutritional disease.