Atomic-resolution electrochemistry with the atomic force microscope: copper deposition on gold

The atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to image an electrode surface at atomic resolution while the electrode was under potential control in a fluid electrolyte. A new level of subtlety was observed for each step of a complete electrochemical cycle that started with an Au(111) surface onto which bulk Cu was electrodeposited. The Cu was stripped down to an underpotential-deposited monolayer and finally returned to a bare Au(111) surface. The images revealed that the underpotential-deposited monolayer has different structures in different electrolytes. Specifically, for a perchloric acid electrolyte the Cu atoms are in a close-packed lattice with a spacing of 0.29 +/- 0.02 nanometer (nm). For a sulfate electrolyte they are in a more open lattice with a spacing of 0.49 +/- 0.02 nm. As the deposited Cu layer grew thicker, the Cu atoms converged to a (111)-oriented layer with a lattice spacing of 0.26 +/- 0.02 nm for both electrolytes. A terrace pattern was observed during dissolution of bulk Cu. Images were obtained of an atomically resolved Cu monolayer in one region and an atomically resolved Au substrate in another in which a 30 degrees rotation of the Cu monolayer lattice from the Au lattice is clearly visible.     

Clearance of ovine isolates of Bordetella parapertussis from murine trachea and lungs

Thirty-six mice were inoculated intranasally with Bordetella parapertussis organisms (isolated from sheep with chronic non-progressive pneumonia) to study their deposition and clearance in the lower respiratory tract. The deposition of the organism was greater in the trachea than in the lungs. At 48 hours after inoculation, almost 100% of organisms were cleared from the trachea but only 55% of organisms were cleared from the lungs. This result correlates well with the morphological changes seen previously in the pulmonary parenchyma and airways of mice and lambs experimentally infected with this organism.     

Adrenal-associated changes in experimental sporidesmin poisoning of sheep

Sporidesmin-dosed hoggets which developed photosensitisation were shown to have enlarged adrenal glands and premature involution of the thymus. These sheep also developed high concentrations of plasma cortisol after the onset of photosensitisation. Sporidesmin-dosed sheep which did not show photosensitisation showed less or no adrenal associated changes.     

The relative economics of feeding open, aborted, pregnant feedlot heifers

A 90-day finishing trial involving 144 feedlot heifers was conducted to compare the performance parameters and carcass characteristics of open heifers, therapeutically aborted heifers, and pregnant heifers. In the first 28 days of the trial, the aborted heifers had reduced (p < 0.05) feed intake (FI), average daily gain (ADG), and feed efficiency (FE) compared to pregnant and open heifers. Over the entire trial, on a live weight basis, the aborted group had reduced (p < 0.05) final weight, ADG, and FE compared to pregnant and open heifers. However, when the data were adjusted for total uterine weight, the aborted and open heifers had improved (p < 0.05) final weight, ADG, and FE compared to pregnant heifers. The aborted and open group had a higher (p < 0.05) carcass weight, rib eye area, dressing percentage, and cutability estimate compared to the pregnant heifers. The aborted group had lower (p < 0.05) carcass weight than the open heifers. Over the entire 90-day feeding period, there were no statistically significant differences among the groups with respect to feed intake (FI), average fat, grade fat, and carcass grades. Also, there were no significant health problems or mortality in any of the groups.

In the economic analysis, aborted heifers returned $26.41 per head more than pregnant heifers. Open heifers returned $39.94 per head more than aborted heifers, and $66.35 more than pregnant heifers. Thus, aborting feedlot heifers during the second trimester was determined to be a safe and cost effective management decision.