The magnetic stability of spin-dependent tunneling devices

The tunneling resistance between two ferromagnetic metal layers that are separated by a thin insulator depends on the relative orientation of the magnetization M of each layer. In a memory device, independent switching of the magnetically soft layer is achieved by making the other layer either exchange-biased or magnetically hard. The repeated reversal of M of the soft layer by field cycling can demagnetize the other magnetically hard layer and thus erase the tunnel junction's memory. The M of exchange-biased structures was stable at least to 10(7) cycles, whereas in hard structures, M generally decayed logarithmically with the number of field cycles. The decay was very sensitive to the thickness of the hard layer and the composition of the soft layer. However, no decay was observed when the moment reversal was accomplished by coherent rotation, establishing that demagnetization results from the formation and motion of domain walls in the soft layer during field cycling.     

The effect of 2-phenoxyethanol and transport packing density on the post-transport survival rate and metabolic activity in the goldfish, Carassius auratus

To test the hypothesis that the anaesthetic 2-phenoxyethanol would reduce the metabolic rate and allow for higher transport packing densities, goldfish (3.93 +/- 5 g) were transported for 48 h at 25, 50 and 75 fish per 500 ml combined with anaesthetic concentrations of 0, 0.25 and 0.35 ml l-1. The anaesthetic did not affect the survival rate or the oxygen and ammonia concentrations. Thus, its use could not be recommended for the transport of goldfish. It is suggested that optimum packing densities be based on a minimum post-transport oxygen value of 4 mg l-1 for goldfish     

Competition for attachment of aquaculture candidate probiotic and pathogenic bacteria on fish intestinal mucus

Probiotics for aquaculture are generally only selected by their ability to produce antimicrobial metabolites; however, attachment to intestinal mucus is important in order to remain within the gut of its host. Five candidate probiotics (AP1-AP5), isolated from the clownfish, Amphiprion percula (Lacepéde), were examined for their ability to attach to fish intestinal mucus and compete with two pathogens, Aeromonas hydrophila and Vibrio alginolyticus. Two different radioactive isotopes were used to quantify competition between pathogens and probionts. Attachment of the pathogens was enhanced by the presence of the candidate probiotics. However, the addition of the candidate probiotics after the pathogens resulted in reduced pathogen attachment. Only AP5 caused lower attachment success of V. alginolyticus when added before the pathogen. When AP5 was added first, the average attachment change was 41% compared with 72% when added after V. alginolyticus, suggesting that the probiotic is displaced but that enhanced attachment of the pathogen does not occur. Conversely, when V. alginolyticus was added first, followed by AP5, attachment change was 37% while AP5 had 92% attachment change when added second. This implies that the pathogen was displaced by the candidate probiotic and therefore it appeared that, based on the ability of probiont AP5 to attach to mucus, the growth of the pathogen in the digestive tract might be suppressed by the candidate probiont's presence.     

春花生秧与夏花生秧的营养价值评价及瘤胃降解率比较

本试验旨在研究春花生秧与夏花生秧的常规营养成分,并应用康奈尔净碳水化合物-蛋白质体系(CNCPS)评价其营养价值及其在奶牛瘤胃中降解特性的差异。采集河南地区春花生秧样品16个,夏花生秧样品28个,测定其干物质(DM)、粗蛋白质(CP)、中性洗涤纤维(NDF)、酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)、粗脂肪(EE)、钙(Ca)、磷(P)、粗灰分(Ash)、酸性洗涤木质素(ADL)、淀粉、中性洗涤不溶氮(NDFIP)、酸性洗涤不溶氮(ADFIP)、非蛋白氮(NPN)、可溶性蛋白(SCP)含量及总能(GE)。选取3头装有永久性瘤胃瘘管的中国荷斯坦干奶牛,饲喂同一种全混合日粮(TMR),采取尼龙袋法测定花生秧的DM、CP、NDF和ADF在奶牛瘤胃中的72 h降解率,并计算其降解参数及有效降解率,应用CNCPS计算其碳水化合物和蛋白质组分,评定花生秧的营养价值。结果表明:1)春花生秧的CP、Ash、Ca、SCP含量极显著高于夏花生秧(P <0.01),NDF、ADF、ADL含量和GE极显著低于夏花生秧(P <0.01),P含量显著低于夏花生秧(P <0.05)。2)春花生秧的DM、CP、NDF、ADF有效有降解率显著高于夏花生秧(P <0.05)。3)春花生秧的快速降解真蛋白质(PB1)、中速降解真蛋白质(PB2)、快速降解碳水化合物(CA)、非结构性碳水化合物(NSC)含量极显著高于夏花生秧(P<0.01),NPN(PA)、碳水化合物、中速降解碳水化合物(CB2)含量显著低于夏花生秧(P<0.05),不可降解真蛋白质(PC)、不可降解碳水化合物(CC)含量极显著低于夏花生秧(P<0.01)。由此可见,春花生秧的营养价值优于夏花生秧,且瘤胃降解率均高于夏花生秧,其在瘤胃中的利用率较好,饲用价值更高。     

CASE REPORT AND CLINICAL REVIEW: Acute lameness associated with osseous metastasis of a peri-renal carcinoma in a horse

We present a case of aggressive metastatic carcinoma in a horse that was initially presented for shoulder lameness. Although radiography and scintigraphy were useful for localising a lesion in the proximal humerus, subsequent development of non-specific signs of systemic disease prompted further evaluation. Haematology and blood biochemistry, urinalysis and ultrasonography were all instrumental in identifying renal involvement. A diagnosis of a peri-renal mass causing secondary renal failure prompted euthanasia of the horse because of the poor prognosis. Antemortem findings were supported by necropsy, with secondary lesions also identified in the spleen, liver, 8th left rib and proximal humerus. Histological examination yielded a diagnosis of undifferentiated metastatic carcinoma.     

Vitrification with Glutamine Improves Maturation Rate of Vitrified / Warmed Immature Bovine Oocytes

The current study examined the protective effects of l ‐glutamine and cytochalasin B during vitrification of immature bovine oocytes. Oocyte vitrification solution (PBS supplemented with 10% FCS, 25% EG, 25% DMSO and 0.5 m trehalose) was the vitrification control. Treatments were the addition of 7 μg/ml cytochalasin B, 80 mm glutamine or both cytochalasin and glutaminine for 30 s. After warming, oocytes were matured in vitro for 24 h, fixed and stained with Hoechst (33342) for nuclear maturation evaluation. l ‐glutamine improved the vitrified/warmed immature bovine oocytes viability (32.8%), increasing the nuclear maturation rates compared to other treatments and the no treatment vitrified control (17.4%). There was, however, no effect of cytochalasin B on in vitro maturation (14.4%).