Fast high-precision distance metrology using a pair of modulator-generated dual-color frequency combs

We demonstrate fast high-precision non-contact distance measurements to technical surfaces using a pair of dual-color electro-optic frequency combs for synthetic-wavelength interferometry (SWI). The dual-color combs are generated from continuous-wave (cw) lasers at 1300 nm and 1550 nm, which are jointly fed to a pair of high-speed dual-drive Mach-Zehnder modulators. The dual-color approach is used for continuous and dead-zone-free compensation of temperature-induced fiber drift. We achieve standard deviations below 2 µm at an acquisition time of 9.1 µs for measurements through 7 m of single-mode fiber. Despite the technical simplicity of our scheme, our concept can well compete with other comb-based distance metrology approaches, and it can maintain its accuracy even under industrial operating conditions. The viability of the concept is demonstrated by attaching the fiber-coupled sensor head to an industrial coordinate measuring machine for acquisition of surface profiles of various technical samples. Exploiting real-time signal processing along with continuous fiber drift compensation, we demonstrate the acquisition of point clouds of up to 5 million data points during continuous movement of the sensor head.

Ultrafast optical ranging using microresonator soliton frequency combs

Light detection and ranging is widely used in science and industry. Over the past decade, optical frequency combs were shown to offer advantages in optical ranging, enabling fast distance acquisition with high accuracy. Driven by emerging high-volume applications such as industrial sensing, drone navigation, or autonomous driving, there is now a growing demand for compact ranging systems. Here, we show that soliton Kerr comb generation in integrated silicon nitride microresonators provides a route to high-performance chip-scale ranging systems. We demonstrate dual-comb distance measurements with Allan deviations down to 12 nanometers at averaging times of 13 microseconds along with ultrafast ranging at acquisition rates of 100 megahertz, allowing for in-flight sampling of gun projectiles moving at 150 meters per second. Combining integrated soliton-comb ranging systems with chip-scale nanophotonic phased arrays could enable compact ultrafast ranging systems for emerging mass applications.

Silicon photonic integrated circuit for fast and precise dual-comb distance metrology

We demonstrate an optical distance sensor integrated on a silicon photonic chip with a footprint of well below 1 mm². The integrated system comprises a heterodyne receiver structure with tunable power splitting ratio and on-chip photodetectors. The functionality of the device is demonstrated in a synthetic-wavelength interferometry experiment using frequency combs as optical sources. We obtain accurate and fast distance measurements with an unambiguity range of 3.75 mm, a root-mean-square error of 3.4 µm and acquisition times of 14 µs.

Integrated optical frequency shifter in silicon-organic hybrid (SOH) technology

We demonstrate for the first time a waveguide-based frequency shifter on the silicon photonic platform using single-sideband modulation. The device is based on silicon-organic hybrid (SOH) electro-optic modulators, which combine conventional silicon-on-insulator waveguides with highly efficient electro-optic cladding materials. Using small-signal modulation, we demonstrate frequency shifts of up to 10 GHz. We further show large-signal modulation with optimized waveforms, enabling a conversion efficiency of -5.8 dB while suppressing spurious side-modes by more than 23 dB. In contrast to conventional acousto-optic frequency shifters, our devices lend themselves to large-scale integration on silicon substrates, while enabling frequency shifts that are several orders of magnitude larger than those demonstrated with all-silicon serrodyne devices.

Genetic diversity of domesticated and wild Sudanese guinea fowl (<i>Numida meleagris</i>) based on microsatellite markers

Abstract. Genetic diversity was investigated among four Sudanese domesticated guinea fowl populations collected in different regions of Sudan: the states of Blue Nile (BL), Gezira and Khartoum (G), Kassala and Gedaref (KG), and West and North Kordofan (N). In addition, one wild population from Dinder National Park (D) was included. From 25 microsatellites chosen, 10 were informative and used for the current study. A total of 107 alleles were found with observed heterozygosity between 0.364 and 0.494. The populations kept on farms showed high genetic identity with values between 0.9269 and 0.9601. Neighbor-joining tree analysis and STRUCTURE modeling showed that the wild population clearly differs from the populations kept on farms.

Silicon-organic hybrid (SOH) frequency comb sources for terabit/s data transmission

We demonstrate frequency comb sources based on silicon-organic hybrid (SOH) electro-optic modulators. Frequency combs with line spacings of 25 GHz and 40 GHz are generated, featuring flat-top spectra with less than 2 dB power variations over up to 7 lines. The combs are used for WDM data transmission at terabit/s data rates and distances of up to 300 km.

Second-order nonlinear silicon-organic hybrid waveguides

We describe a concept for second-order nonlinear optical processes in silicon photonics. A silicon-organic hybrid (SOH) double slot waveguide is dispersion-engineered for mode phase-matching (MPM). The proposed waveguide enables highly efficient nonlinear processes in the mid-IR range. With a cladding nonlinearity of χ(2) = 230 pm/V and 20 dBm pump power at a CW wavelength of 1550 nm, we predict a gain of 14.7 dB/cm for a 3100 nm signal. The suggested structure enables for the first time efficient second-order nonlinear optical mixing in silicon photonics with standard technology.

Refined mapping of quantitative trait loci for somatic cell score on BTA02 in the German Holstein

The aim of this study was to more precisely map a previously reported quantitative trait locus (QTL) affecting somatic cell score on Bos taurus autosome 2 by increasing the number of markers fourfold, analysing more families and exploiting within-population linkage disequilibrium (LD). A granddaughter design of 10 German Holstein grandsire families with 1121 progeny tested sons was used. Twenty-six markers with an average marker spacing of 3.14 cM were genotyped along 81.6 cM. Linkage analysis (LA) was performed using variance-component methodology. The incorporation of LD was first done using variance-component methods followed by regression on marker alleles. LA revealed genome-wide significance (LOD > 3) at 15 contiguous marker-intervals, with the maximum test-statistic between DIK2862 and BMS778 and a 1-lod drop-off interval of 38 cM. While the variance-component methods could not detect any LD, two individual markers with a significant effect (ILSTS098, p < 0.05; BMS778, p < 0.01) were found by regression analysis. Compared with previous results QTL-localisation was substantially narrowed; further fine-mapping should focus on the close vicinity of BMS778.

Confirmation of quantitative trait loci for somatic cell score on bovine chromosome 18 in the German Holstein

Abstract. Fifty-one half-sib families with 2768 sires were selected for this study to confirm a quantitative trait locus (QTL) detected within a previous project initiated by the German Cattle Breeders Federation (ADR). The data based on a granddaughter design were divided into two parts and were analysed using linear models and paternal half sib regression methods. The results strongly support the hypothesis that the chromosomal region around marker TGLA227 at the telomeric end of chromosome 18 harbours a QTL for somatic cell score (SCS) in the German Holstein population. Using a two-QTL model the analysis showed evidence for another QTL for SCS in that region on chromosome 18. Further fine mapping studies should be carried out to decide on the two QTL hypothesis.

The DGAT1 K232A mutation is not solely responsible for the milk production quantitative trait locus on the bovine chromosome 14

The gene, acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase1 (DGAT1), was recently identified as the one underlying the quantitative trait locus (QTL) for milk production traits in the centromeric region of the bovine chromosome 14. Until now, 2 alleles, the lysine variant (increasing fat yield, fat and protein percentage) and the alanine variant (increasing protein and milk yield), were postulated at DGAT1. This study investigated whether the diallelic DGAT1 polymorphism is responsible for all the genetic variation at the centromeric region of this chromosome for milk, fat, and protein yield and fat and protein percentage. A statistical model was applied to a granddaughter design to analyze 16 German Holstein families. The model included the diallelic DGAT1 effect and the QTL transition probability estimated for each chromosomal position by a multiple marker approach. Because the regression coefficient of this probability was corrected for the diallelic DGAT1 polymorphism, it represented a putative conditional QTL effect. The effect of the DGAT1 gene was always highly significant. The conditional QTL effect was significant genomewise for fat percentage at the proximal end of the chromosome and for protein percentage at a more distal chromosomal region. Additional chromosomewise significance was found for fat and protein yield. Our results suggest an additional source of genetic variance on this chromosome for these traits; either one or more additional alleles segregating at DGAT1 that were not previously detected, a second quantitative trait locus affecting these traits, or both.

Polymorphism of the bovine CSN1S1 promoter: linkage mapping, intragenic haplotypes, and effects on milk production traits

The bovine CSN1S1 5' flanking region (CSN1S1-5') was screened for polymorphisms in different cattle breeds. Single-strand conformation polymorphisms (SSCP) and sequence analyses revealed four alleles (1-4), two of them being new allelic forms (3 and 4). Sequences were deposited in GenBank with accession numbers AF549499-502. In alleles 1 and 4, potential transcription factor binding sites are altered by the mutations. Using SSCP analysis, all four alleles were identified in German Holsteins. Six intragenic haplo-types comprising CSN1S1-5' (alleles 1, 2, 3, 4) and exon 17 (CSN1S1*B and C) genotypes were found. Linkage mapping using half-sib families from the German QTL project positioned CSN1S1 between the markers FBN14 and CSN3, with 5.6 cM distance between CSN1S1 and CSN3. Variance analysis, using family and CSN1S1 promoter genotypes as fixed effects, of breeding values and deregressed proofs for milk production traits (milk, fat, and protein yield and also fat and protein percentage) revealed significant effects on protein percentage when all families and genotypes were considered. Contrast calculations assigned a highly significant effect to genotype 24, which was associated with highest LS-means for protein percentage breeding values. As CSN1S1 is one of the main caseins in milk, this could be an effect of mutations in regulatory elements in the promoter region. An effect on milk yield breeding values was indicated for genotype 12, but is probably caused by a linked locus.

Differences in recombination rates on chromosome 23 between German Angus and German Simmental and breed specific linkage mapping

Five paternal half sib families of German Angus (GA) (n = 428) and six of German Simmental (GS) (n = 378) including dams were genotyped with 11 microsatellites (INRA132, RM033, BM1815, BM1258, BOLA-DRB1, BM1818, BM1905, BM1443, CYP21, CSSM5 and DYMS1) derived from chromosome 23. Differences in heterozygosity between the breeds were observed. Significant differences in recombination rates between GA and GS could be demonstrated for the marker intervals INRA132-CSSM5, CYP21-BOLA-DRB1 and BOLA-DRB1-BM1818. The length of the map of GA was 90.5 cM in contrast to 117.8 cM for GS. The breed specific linkage maps show differences in length but confirmation of the order of the markers.

Quantitative trait loci mapping of functional traits in the German Holstein cattle population

A whole-genome scan to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) for functional traits was performed in the German Holstein cattle population. For this purpose, 263 genetic markers across all autosomes and the pseudoautosomal region of the sex chromosomes were genotyped in 16 granddaughter-design families with 872 sons. The traits investigated were deregressed breedingvalues for maternal and direct effects on dystocia (DYSm, DYSd) and stillbirth (STIm, STId) as well as maternal and paternal effects on nonreturn rates of 90 d (NR90m, NR90p). Furthermore, deregressed breeding values for functional herd life (FHL) and daughter yield deviation for somatic cell count (SCC) were investigated. Weighted multimarker regression analyses across families and permutation tests were applied for the detection of QTL and the calculation of statistical significance. A ten percent genomewise significant QTL was localized for DYSm on chromosome 8 and for SCC on chromosome 18. A further 24 putative QTL exceeding the 5% chromosomewise threshold were detected. On chromosomes 7, 8, 10, 18, and X/Yps, coincidence of QTL for several traits was observed. Our results suggest that loci with influence on udder health may also contribute to genetic variance of longevity. Prior to implementation of these QTL in marker assisted selection programs for functional traits, information about direct and correlated effects of these QTL as well as fine mapping of their chromosomal positions is required.

Spasmolytic effects of baccharis conferta and some of its constituents

The Nahua of the Mexican state of Veracruz use Baccharis conferta in the treatment of a variety of gastrointestinal illnesses, especially diarrhoea associated with gastrointestinal cramps. The aerial parts of B. conferta were investigated phytochemically and pharmacologically using the guinea pig ileum assay as a model (histamine, KCI and electric stimulation). The crude ethanolic extract showed a dose-dependent antispasmodic effect that was particularly strong in flavonoid-rich fractions (e.g. IC50 value for fraction E.3.1 from the ethyl acetate fraction, in histamine-induced contraction, 10 microg mL(-1)). Several flavonoids (apigenin-4',7-dimethylether, naringenin-4',7-dimethylether, pectolinarigenin and cirsimaritin) were isolated, while others were identified in complex fractions by GC-MS. The flavonoids play an important role in the antispasmodic activity of this indigenous drug. Additionally, oleanolic acid and its methyl ester as well as erythrodiol were isolated. Oleanolic acid methyl ester shows weak antibacterial activity against M. luteusand E. coli (20 microg/spot in a TLC assay). The phytochemical as well as the pharmacological data provide some in-vitro evidence forthe use of B. conferta in thetreatment of gastrointestinal cramps.

Suitability of microsatellites BM1329 and OarAElOl as markers for the introgression of the Fec&lt;sup&gt;B&lt;/sup&gt; locus into different sheep breeds

Abstract. Litter size in sheep can be improved by introgression of the FecB gene. Genetic markers closely linked to the FecB locus can be used to detect gene carriers. The efficiency of introgression can be increased by using marker assisted selection. Individuals of the prolific breeds Tyrolean Mountain sheep (n = 41), Romanov (n = 43), East Friesian Milksheep (n = 35) and Merinoland sheep (n = 265) were genotyped with the microsatellite markers OarAElOl and BMI 329 linked to the FecB gene to estimate allele frequencies of both microsatellites in these breeds. The frequencies of the microsatellite alleles linked to the FecB gene in Merinoland sheep were 0.07 and 0.1 respectively. The alleles occured also in the other breeds (Tyrolean Mountain sheep, Romanov and East Friesian Milksheep) but with mostly higher frequencies. Furthermore the segregation of the microsatellite alleles was studied in families produced by mating Merinoland sheep ewes (Fec+/Fec+) with two heterozygous Booroola Merino rams (Fec+/FecB) in order to use these markers within an indirect gene test. The recombination rate between BM 1329 and OarAElOl was 13 cM (LOD score 14.6).

Medicinal plants in Mexico: healers' consensus and cultural importance

Medicinal plants are an important element of indigenous medical systems in Mexico. These resources are usually regarded as part of a culture's traditional knowledge. This study examines the use of medicinal plants in four indigenous groups of Mexican Indians, Maya, Nahua, Zapotec and - for comparative purposes - Mixe. With the first three the methodology was similar, making a direct comparison of the results possible. In these studies, the relative importance of a medicinal plant within a culture is documented using a quantitative method. For the analysis the uses were grouped into 9-10 categories of indigenous uses. This report compares these data and uses the concept of informant consensus originally developed by Trotter and Logan for analysis. This indicates how homogenous the ethnobotanical information is. Generally the factor is high for gastrointestinal illnesses and for culture bound syndromes. While the species used by the 3 indigenous groups vary, the data indicate that there exist well-defined criteria specific for each culture which lead to the selection of a plant as a medicine. A large number of species are used for gastrointestinal illnesses by two or more of the indigenous groups. At least in this case, the multiple transfer of species and their uses within Mexico seems to be an important reason for the widespread use of a species. Medicinal plants in other categories (e.g. skin diseases) are usually known only in one culture and seem to be part of its traditional knowledge.

[Behçet's syndrome. Possible differential diagnosis in multi-system symptoms]

Behçet's syndrome was described as a triad with recurrent ulcers of the mouth, aphthae of the genitals as well as changes of the eyes. A fourth later added main criterion comprises multifarious dermatological symptoms. Facultative signs of a disease, which, however, occasionally may stand also in the centre of the clinical picture are vascular, gastrointestinal and central-nervous participations, arthritic pains and swellings as well as an epididymitis. On account of the infrequency of the disease outside the endemic regions and the development of the individual manifestations over larger periods it is often recognized very late. Out of the six casuistics described three of them fulfilled the criteria of a complete Behçet's syndrome with evidence of all four main criteria, in the remaining casuistics the incomplete clinical picture was present with three main and one to four side criteria. In all cases the course was relatively benign. Recently, streptococcal antigens were considered to be etiological factors; correlations with the HLA-system are ascertained for patients from endemic regions. In phases of clinical activity the combination of immunosuppressive agents with cortisonoids is the therapy of choice.