The effect of replacing conventional alfalfa hay with lower-lignin alfalfa hay on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and energy utilization in lactating Jersey cows.

Lower-lignin (LoL) varieties of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) have been developed in recent years, and have the potential to positively impact animal performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of increasing the proportion of LoL alfalfa hay in diets fed to lactating dairy cows. Research plots were planted with a conventional variety (CON; Dairyland Hybriforce 3400), and 2 LoL varieties (LLG; 54HVX42 and LLB; Aflorex HiGest 460). After harvest, the LoL varieties were blended in equal proportions for feeding. Twelve multiparous Jersey cows (100 ± 4 d in milk) were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square with 3 periods of 28 d. Cows were assigned to 3 diets containing 0 (CNTRL), 16.1 (MdLL), and 32.2% (HiLL) of the diet DM as LoL alfalfa hay, which replaced CON. The CON alfalfa had average CP, NDF, and lignin contents (DM basis) of 20.5 ± 1.15, 42.1 ± 1.37, and 6.81 ± 0.57%, respectively, while the LoL alfalfa averaged 19.8 ± 0.75, 39.9 ± 1.56, and 6.07 ± 0.28%, respectively. No difference was observed in DMI (20.4 ± 0.61 kg/d). No difference in milk yield was observed, averaging 31.0 ± 1.02 kg/d across treatments. Similarly, no difference was observed in ECM yield (averaging 36.2 ± 1.43 kg/d). Feed conversion (ECM/DMI) tended to increase linearly with LoL alfalfa inclusion (1.74 to 1.80 ± 0.03). No difference was observed for milk fat yield and content (1.39 ± 0.075 kg/d and 4.51 ± 0.219%) or milk protein yield and content (1.06 ± 0.041 kg/d and 3.43 ± 0.096%). Total methane production quadratically decreased from CNTRL to MdLL then increased to HiLL (441, 389, 412 ± 18.2 L/d, respectively). No differences were observed on total-tract digestibility of DM (averaging 67.2 ± 0.55%) and NDF (averaging 50.9 ± 1.56%). No difference was observed in the concentration of DE, ME or NEL was observed averaging 2.82 ± 0.021, 2.51 ± 0.027, and 1.72 ± 0.030 Mcal/kg respectively. Our results suggest that replacing CON alfalfa with LoL alfalfa has no effects on milk production, milk composition, or nutrient digestibility but may improve feed efficiency.

Pump tuning of a mid-infrared whispering gallery optical parametric oscillator.

Optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) constitute an important coherent, narrow-linewidth and widely tunable light source with applications in spectroscopy and many other fields. Their realizations based on whispering gallery resonators (WGRs) provide a small footprint and ultra-low thresholds, with demonstrations of tunability typically done via temperature variation. In this work, we show the pump tuning capabilities of a mm-sized WGR mid-infrared OPO made of CdSiP2. By tuning a telecom wavelength diode laser by 16 nm, we generate tunable light from 2708 to 3575 nm. Furthermore, we show controlled tuning in steps of 1 free spectral range (FSR) and the possibility of 12 GHz of continuous tuning. All these features are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions. We conclude that tuning from 2.4 to 4.9 µm is even possible, while still using commercially available near-infrared diode lasers. This work highlights the advantages of pump tuning of WGR OPOs and provides valuable insights for their precise control.

Whispering gallery resonators with broken axial symmetry: Theory and experiment.

Axial symmetry is the cornerstone for theory and applications of high-Q optical whispering gallery resonators (WGRs). Nevertheless, research on birefringent crystalline material persistently pushes towards breaking this symmetry. We show theoretically and experimentally that the effect of broken axial symmetry, caused by optical anisotropy, is modest for the resonant frequencies and Q-factors of the WGR modes. Thus, the most important equatorial whispering gallery modes can be quantitatively described and experimentally identified. At the same time, the effect of broken axial symmetry on the light field distribution of the whispering gallery modes is typically very strong. This qualitatively modifies the phase-matching for the χ(2) nonlinear processes and enables broad-band second harmonic generation and optical parametric oscillation. The effect of weak geometric ellipticity in nominally symmetric WGRs is also considered. Altogether our findings pave the way for an extensive use of numerous birefringent (uniaxial and biaxial) crystals with broad transparency window and large χ(2) coefficients in nonlinear optics with WGRs.

Strong forward-backward asymmetry of stimulated Raman scattering in lithium-niobate-based whispering gallery resonators.

We show experimentally and prove theoretically that the pump-power thresholds of stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) in lithium-niobate-based whispering gallery resonators (WGRs) are strongly different for the signal waves propagating in the backward and forward directions with respect to the pump wave. This feature is due to a strong polaritonic effect. It leads to a cascade of alternating forward-backward Raman lines with increasing pump power. The measured polarization and spectral properties of SRS are in good agreement with theory. Similar properties have to be inherent in other WGRs made of polar crystals.

Comparative study on three highly sensitive absorption measurement techniques characterizing lithium niobate over its entire transparent spectral range.

We employ three highly sensitive spectrometers: a photoacoustic spectrometer, a photothermal common-path interferometer and a whispering-gallery-resonator-based absorption spectrometer, for a comparative study of measuring the absorption coefficient of nominally transparent undoped, congruently grown lithium niobate for ordinarily and extraordinarily polarized light in the wavelength range from 390 to 3800 nm. The absorption coefficient ranges from below 10(-4) cm(-1) up to 2 cm(-1). Furthermore, we measure the absorption at the Urbach tail as well as the multiphonon edge of the material by a standard grating spectrometer and a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer, providing for the first time an absorption spectrum of the whole transparency window of lithium niobate. The absorption coefficients obtained by the three highly sensitive and independent methods show good agreement.

Strong polarization effects in photothermal common-path interferometry.

We show experimentally and theoretically that heating of highly transparent materials by continuous-wave pump beams induces strong optical anisotropy for probe beams in primarily optically isotropic configurations. This is due to a uniaxial thermally induced strain and the elasto-optic effect. The cases of glasses and lithium niobate crystals are considered. The discovered effect is important for the development of techniques aimed at the analysis of absorptive properties of transparent optical materials.

Leveraging non-binding instruments for global health governance: reflections from the Global AIDS Reporting Mechanism for WHO reform.

As countries contend with an increasingly complex global environment with direct implications for population health, the international community is seeking novel mechanisms to incentivize coordinated national and international action towards shared health goals. Binding legal instruments have garnered increasing attention since the World Health Organization adopted its first convention in 2003. This paper seeks to expand the discourse on future global health lawmaking by exploring the potential value of non-binding instruments in global health governance, drawing on the case of the 2001 United Nations General Assembly Special Session Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS. In other realms of international concern ranging from the environment to human rights to arms control, non-binding instruments are increasingly used as effective instruments of international cooperation. The experience of the Global AIDS Reporting Mechanism, established pursuant to the Declaration, evidences that, at times, non-binding legal instruments can offer benefits over slower, more rigid binding legal approaches to governance. The global AIDS response has demonstrated that the use of a non-binding instrument can be remarkably effective in galvanizing increasingly deep commitments, action, reporting compliance and ultimately accountability for results. Based on this case, the authors argued that non-binding instruments deserve serious consideration by the international community for the future of global health governance, including in the context of WHO reform.

Whispering gallery modes at the rim of an axisymmetric optical resonator: analytical versus numerical description and comparison with experiment.

Optical whispering gallery modes (WGMs) of mm-sized axisymmetric resonators are well localized at the equator. Employing this distinctive feature, we obtain simple analytical relations for the frequencies and eigenfunctions of WGMs which include the major radius of the resonator and the curvature radius of the rim. Being compared with results of finite-element simulations, these relations show a high accuracy and practicability. High-precision free-spectral-range measurements with a millimeter-sized disc resonator made of MgF(2) allow us to identify the WGMs and confirm the applicability of our analytical description.

Structure of pump resonances during optical parametric oscillation in whispering gallery resonators.

In optical parametric oscillators, the line shape of the pump resonance becomes strongly distorted above the oscillation threshold. We model this behavior and find good agreement with the literature data and our original experimental data. A fit of the model to the data provides valuable information about the loss mechanisms in the parametric process. In particular, the modal properties of the parametric waves can be gained, which is important for both classical and quantum aspects of optical parametric oscillation.

Examining feed preference of different pellet formulations for application to automated milking systems.

Feed is often offered to a cow in the milking unit of an automated milking system. This offering provides nutrients but also acts as a reward to the cow for entering the unit. To complement the partial total mixed ration and to enable handling, flow, and delivery within this mechanized system, this offering is usually a mix of feeds that are combined and manufactured into a feed pellet. The objective of this experiment was to compare 4 different pelleting formulation strategies and measure the effects of feed preference in lactating Jersey cattle. To test the objective, a taste preference experiment was conducted with 8 multiparous lactating Jersey cattle (289 ± 25.3 d in milk, 26.0 ± 2.45 kg of milk yield, 19.36 ± 1.29 kg of dry matter intake). Four formulation strategies were tested including (1) a pellet containing feeds commonly included in the concentrate mixture of a total mixed ration, including 43.1% corn grain, 26.3% dried distillers grains, 3.18% soybean meal, and 5.6% vitamin and mineral premix (CMIX), (2) a pellet of dry corn gluten feed (CGF), (3) a pellet including feedstuffs that are considered to be highly palatable (53.2% wheat middling, 15.7% dried corn distillers grains and solubles, 15.2% cane molasses, and 1.81% oregano (FLVR), and (4) a high-energy pellet (ENG) consisting of 61% corn grain and 26.2% wheat middlings. Cows were offered 0.50 kg of each in a randomized arrangement within the feed bunk for 1 h or until the feed was fully consumed. According to the procedure, cows were offered all 4 treatments for the first 4 d, then the most preferred feed for each cow was removed, and the remaining 3 feeds were offered for 3 d. The process was repeated for the last 2 d. Feed preference was ranked from 1 to 4 with 1 being the most preferred and 4 the least. The resulting preference ranking was CGF (1.25 ± 0.463), FLVR (2.5 ± 0.926), CMIX (2.88 ± 0.835), and ENG (3.13 ± 0.991). These results were subsequently examined utilizing the Plackett-Luce analysis to examine the probability animals would choose a given pellet first based on the current data set. The analysis determined probabilities of first choice as 78.6 ± 0.601% CGF, 9.38 ± 0.438% FLVR, 4.94 ± 0.453% ENG, and 7.11 ± 0.439% CMIX. A Z-test was also conducted to determine if the percentage a treatment will be chosen first differed from the mean value of no preference at 25%. Corn gluten feed and ENG differed from the mean value while no difference was observed for FLVR and CMIX. Results suggest that animals exhibit a high degree of preference for CGF pellets and that this preference is greater than pellets containing other feed ingredients. Alternatively, cows appeared to exhibit the lowest preference for a high-energy pellet containing mostly corn and wheat middlings.

Hidden reservoir of photoactive electrons in LiNbO3 crystals.

We show that a continuous-wave (cw) pump beam at a wavelength of 532 nm produces substantial light-induced (LI) absorption in the visible range in initially transparent undoped LiNbO3 crystals. The LI absorption coefficient stays linear in the pump intensity I(p) up to I(p)(max)=48 kW/cm2. Together with other features including long-term stretched-exponential relaxation of the LI absorption, it indicates that the present concept of LI electron processes in this important optical material must be revised: the amount of photoactive electrons increases already within the cw intensity range. A quantitative model is proposed that explains the experimental data and employs two-step excitations from filled localized states near the valence band via intermediate deep centers into the conduction band. The introduced localized states serve as a hidden reservoir of electrons.

Comparison of methods to estimate ruminal degradation and intestinal digestibility of protein in hydrolyzed feather meal with or without blood.

Hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM) is a feedstuff high in rumen undegraded protein (RUP) that can be used as an effective source of metabolizable protein for dairy cattle. Because the production process may vary, the rumen degradability and intestinal digestibility of HFM may also vary. Additionally, some processes may incorporate additional blood into the final product to result in feather meal with poultry blood. To determine the rumen degradability and intestinal digestibility of these products, several laboratory assays can be used; the common assays are the mobile bag (MOB), modified three-step (MTS), and Ross (ROS) assays. Although all 3 assays determine RUP digestibility, they vary in whether they are performed in situ, in vitro, or both. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ruminal degradability and intestinal digestibility of HFM originating from processes that differ in their inclusion of blood, and to compare the MOB, MTS, and ROS assays. Ten samples of HFM, which were identified by the suppliers as HFM with little blood (n = 5) and with more blood (n = 5), were spot-sampled, collected from 10 production plants across the United States, and subjected to all 3 assays. Assay type had an effect on RUP, total-tract crude protein (CP) digestibility, and the amount of RUP digested. A significant effect was observed on RDP and RUP concentrations for blood inclusion; no effect was detected for total-tract CP digestibility. We found no difference in RUP digestibility for assay or blood inclusion. There was also no interaction of the effect of assay or blood inclusion. Results suggest that even though there are differences in chemical composition in HFM associated with the inclusion of blood, such as ash and crude fat, few if any differences are observed in intestinal digestion of protein. Although the assays varied in their estimates of rumen undegraded protein, MOB and MTS yielded the most similar values. However, all 3 assays resulted in similar estimates of RUP digestibility.

Highly tunable low-threshold optical parametric oscillation in radially poled whispering gallery resonators.

Whispering-gallery resonators (WGR's), based on total internal reflection, possess high quality factors in a broad spectral range. Thus, nonlinear-optical processes in such cavities are ideally suited for the generation of broadband or tunable electromagnetic radiation. Experimentally and theoretically, we investigate the tunability of optical parametric oscillation in a radially structured WGR made of lithium niobate. With a 1.04 µm pump wave, the signal and idler waves are tuned from 1.78 to 2.5 µm--including the point of degeneracy--by varying the temperature between 20 and 62 °C. A weak off centering of the radial domain structure extends considerably the tuning capabilities. The oscillation threshold lies in the mW-power range.

Suppression of mid-infrared light absorption in undoped congruent lithium niobate crystals.

Absorption measurements on 5 mol. % MgO-doped and undoped congruent lithium niobate (LiNbO(3)) crystals revealed absorption bands in the wavelength range of 2500-2800 nm, caused by incorporated hydrogen ions. High-temperature annealing was applied to the congruent LiNbO(3) (CLN) crystals, which decreased the absorption significantly. Then the annealed CLN crystals were periodically poled. As an application of the low-loss annealed CLN crystal, the operation of a 1550 nm pumped singly resonant CW optical parametric oscillator, resonant around 2600 nm, using a periodically poled crystal was demonstrated.

Dynamics of holographic recording with focused beams in iron-doped lithium niobate crystals.

Holograms are recorded with focused beams in an iron-doped lithium niobate crystal. The diffraction efficiency shows a maximum after several seconds of recording, unlike in the case of writing with two homogeneous plane waves in the same crystal. This behavior can be attributed to a compensation field caused by incomplete illumination of the crystal. The field finally stops the bulk photovoltaic effect, which is the main driving force of the process. Based on this assumptions, we derive an analytical expression for the evolution of the diffraction efficiency which correctly fits the experimental data.

Cascaded optical parametric oscillations generating tunable terahertz waves in periodically poled lithium niobate crystals.

We present a continuous-wave (cw) singly-resonant optical parametric oscillator (SROPO) based on MgO-doped periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) delivering single-frequency idler output from 2.33 to 5.32 microm. In this system, we observe additional spectral components that have been attributed to stimulated Raman lines in other studies. However, we are able to assign them unambiguously to cascaded optical parametric processes. The tunable forward and backward idler waves generated by these additional phase-matched oscillations have frequencies that are tunable around 3.5 and 1.5 THz, respectively.

Correlation between photorefractive index changes and optical damage thresholds in z-cut proton-exchanged-LiNbO(3) waveguides.

An interferometric Mach-Zehnder technique very recently developed has been applied to measure photorefractive index changes in different types of z-cut proton-exchanged planar waveguides in LiNbO(3). These measurements are complemented by determining the intensitythreshold for the onset of optical damage with a standard single-beam setup. In the intensity region just below the threshold-intensity obtained in the single-beam experiment the refractive index change is found to saturate at values around1x10(-4). Furthermore, we measure the dark conductivities of proton-exchanged waveguides by monitoring the decay of the light-induced index changes. Via the time constant of the decay we obtain dark conductivities of the order of about 5x10(-16) Omega (-1) cm (-1), that are negligible compared with the photoconductivity within the light intensity range used. The results of the measurements compare well with the predictions of a recent work, that uses a two-center model to explain the optical damage.

Political feasibility of scaling-up five evidence-informed HIV interventions in Pakistan: a policy analysis.

BACKGROUND: Drawing on policy theories, an assessment was made of the perceived political feasibility of scaling-up five evidence-based interventions to curb Pakistan's HIV epidemic: needle and syringe exchange programmes; targeted behaviour change communication; sexual health care for male and transgender sex workers; sexual and reproductive health care for female sex workers; and promoting and protecting the rights of those at greatest risk. METHOD: A questionnaire was emailed to 40 stakeholders and completed by 22. They expressed their level of agreement with 15 statements for each intervention (related to variables associated with policy success). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 respondents. RESULTS: The interventions represent considerable change from the status quo, but are perceived to respond to widely acknowledged problems. These perceptions, held by the HIV policy elite, need to be set in the context of the prevailing view that the AIDS response is not warranted given the small and concentrated nature of the epidemic and that the interventions do not resonate closely with values held by society. The interventions were perceived to be evidence-based, supported by at least one donor and subject to little resistance from frontline staff as they will be implemented by contracted non-government organisations. The results were mixed in terms of other factors determining political feasibility, including the extent to which interventions are easy to explain, exhibit simple technical features, require few additional funds, are supported and not opposed by powerful stakeholders. CONCLUSION: The interventions stand a good chance of being implemented although they depend on donor support. The prospects for scaling them would be improved by ongoing policy analysis and strengthening of domestic constituencies among the target groups.

Hybridly-pumped continuous-wave optical parametric oscillator.

We present the first to our knowledge continuous-wave singly-resonant optical parametric oscillator (SROPO) generating tunable signal and idler waves with less than 100 mW single-frequency pump power. This low threshold is achieved by an additional intracavity gain medium that is pumped incoherently. The idler power with respect to the single-frequency pump power shows a bistable behavior which depends strongly on the pumping of the additional amplifier. Furthermore, we demonstrate that such a setup allows a SROPO to be completely diode pumped.

Long-living currents induced by nanosecond light pulses in LiNbO(3) crystals.

We have obtained first solid evidence of strong charge separation that is caused by relaxing localized electrons in a polar medium: Space-charge gratings induced in highly-doped LiNbO(3):Fe crystals by interfering nanosecond light pulses at 532 nm show a highly peculiar long term behavior (buildup or/and decay) in the dark. It depends strongly on the applied electric field E(0) (ranging from -140 to +640 kV/cm) and occurs on a time scale of (1 - 100) s which is much larger than the relaxation time of photo-electrons and smaller than the dark dielectric relaxation time. All peculiarities observed are fully described by a charge-transport model that incorporates the energy relaxation of electrons within a band of localized Fe(2+) states and a long-living, field-gradient-independent "polar current" directed along the polar axis.