Gauge Invariant Formulation of the Semiconductor Bloch Equations.

We derive gauge invariant semiconductor Bloch equations (GI-SBEs) that contain only gauge invariant band structure; shift vectors, and triple phase products. The validity and utility of the GI-SBEs is demonstrated in intense laser driven solids with broken inversion symmetry and nontrivial topology. The GI-SBEs present a useful platform for modeling and interpreting light-matter interactions in solids, in which the gauge freedom of the Bloch basis functions obscures physics and creates numerical obstacles.

Touching reality: Bridging the user-researcher divide in upper-limb prosthetics.

Realistically improving upper-limb prostheses is only possible if we listen to users' actual technological needs.

The international exchange of Drosophila melanogaster strains.

Drosophila melanogaster has been a model organism for experimental research for more than a century, and the knowledge and associated genetic technologies accumulated around this species make it extremely important to contemporary biomedical research. A large international community of highly collaborative scientists investigate a remarkable diversity of biological problems using genetically characterised strains of Drosophila, and frequently exchange these strains across borders. Despite its importance to the study of fundamental biological processes and human disease-related cellular mechanisms, and the fact that it presents minimal health, agricultural or environmental risks, Drosophila can be difficult to import. The authors argue that streamlined regulations and practices would benefit biomedical research by lowering costs and increasing efficiencies.

Drosophila melanogaster sert d'organisme modèle pour la recherche expérimentale depuis plus d'un siècle, aboutissant à une somme de connaissances sur cette espèce et sur les technologies génétiques qui lui sont associées qui la rendent extrêmement importante pour la recherche biomédicale contemporaine. Aujourd'hui, une vaste communauté internationale de chercheurs dotés d'une culture élevée de la collaboration étudie un nombre impressionnant de problèmes biologiques en utilisant des souches de drosophile caractérisées sur le plan génétique, ce qui conduit à un partage fréquent de ces souches au-delà des frontières nationales. Or, il est parfois difficile d'importer des drosophiles, en dépit de l'importance de cette espèce pour l'étude des processus biologiques fondamentaux et des mécanismes cellulaires liés aux maladies humaines, et du risque minime qu'elle représente pour la santé, l'agriculture ou l'environnement. Les auteurs estiment qu'une rationalisation des réglementations et des pratiques serait bénéfique pour la recherche biomédicale car elle permettrait de réduire les coüts et de gagner en efficacité.

Drosophila melanogaster es un organismo modelo para las investigaciones experimentales desde hace más de un siglo. El acervo de conocimientos y las correspondientes tecnologías genéticas que se han ido acumulando en relación con esta especie hacen de ella un elemento de suma importancia para la actual investigación biomédica. Hay una gran comunidad internacional de científicos que, trabajando en estrecha colaboración, investigan muy diversos problemas biológicos sirviéndose de cepas de Drosophila genéticamente caracterizadas, para lo cual intercambian a menudo estas cepas de uno a otro país. Pese a su importancia para el estudio de procesos biológicos fundamentales y de mecanismos celulares ligados a enfermedades humanas, y pese a que los riesgos sanitarios, agrícolas o ambientales que entraña son mínimos, la importación de Drosophila puede resultar dificultosa. Los autores postulan que la simplificación de procesos y reglamentos sería beneficiosa para la investigación biomédica, pues reduciría costos y permitiría ganar en eficiencia.

Ray tracing analysis of a two-dimensional rectangular optical cavity for enhancing detector efficiency.

High detector efficiency has broad appeal and includes such diverse fields as quantum optics and solar energy. An optical resonator can improve detector efficiency by employing multiple re-reflections to the detector. This short paper uses geometric ray tracing to examine-for a given entry port size-the probability that a photon will escape from an ideal perfectly reflective two-dimensional cavity.

Everyday Impact of Cognitive Interventions in Mild Cognitive Impairment: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Cognitive interventions in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) seek to ameliorate cognitive symptoms in the condition. Cognitive interventions may or may not generalize beyond cognitive outcomes to everyday life. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to assess the effect of cognitive interventions compared to a control group in MCI on generalizability outcome measures [activities of daily living (ADLs), mood, quality of life (QOL), and metacognition] rather than cognitive outcomes alone. PRISMA guidelines were followed. MEDLINE and PsychInfo were utilized as data sources to locate references related to cognitive interventions in individuals with MCI. The cognitive intervention study was required to have a control or alternative treatment comparison group to be included. Thirty articles met criteria, including six computerized cognitive interventions, 14 therapist-based interventions, and 10 multimodal (i.e., cognitive intervention plus an additional intervention) studies. Small, but significant overall median effects were seen for ADLs (d = 0.23), mood (d = 0.16), and metacognitive outcomes (d = 0.30), but not for QOL (d = 0.10). Computerized studies appeared to benefit mood (depression, anxiety, and apathy) compared to controls, while therapist-based interventions and multimodal interventions had more impact on ADLs and metacognitive outcomes than control conditions. The results are encouraging that cognitive interventions in MCI may impact everyday life, but considerably more research is needed. The current review and meta-analysis is limited by our use of only PsychInfo and MEDLINE databases, our inability to read full text non-English articles, and our reliance on only published data to complete effect sizes.

Internalization and thermal susceptibility of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in marinated beef products.

This study evaluated the internalization and cooking susceptibility of seven individual Escherichia coli (STEC) serogroups in surface-inoculated (10(5)log CFU/cm(2)) and vacuum tumbled marinated (30 or 60 min) bottom sirloin steaks. After storage for 14 days (0 to 2°C), flaps were cooked to various endpoint temperatures (55, 60, 65, and 71°C) for evaluation of pathogen survival by direct plating or rapid PCR based detection (BAX®). Direct plating of cooked samples yielded no enumerable plates. The data indicate varied internalization, translocation, and heat susceptibility patterns among serogroups. Using the rapid PCR based detection method O26, O103, and O111 were detected in flaps after cooking to 55 and 60°C, while O157:H7 survived in flaps cooked to 60 and 65°C. However, STEC O145 was the only serogroup that survived in all cooking temperatures. Serogroup O121 was not detected by plating or PCR in any cooked products. Intriguingly, STEC serogroups can be internalized during marination and the internalized pathogens vary in thermal susceptibility.

Weak value amplification of an off-resonance Goos-Hänchen shift in a Kretschmann-Raether surface plasmon resonance device.

During the past two decades there has been increased interest in the optical excitation of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at a metal-dielectric interface. This is due in large part to its potential applications in such areas as medical diagnostics and pharmaceutical research. Also occurring during this time has been a growing recognition by the quantum physics community that weak value amplification (WVA) can serve as a valuable metrological research resource. Recently WVA has been used to amplify very small optical Goos-Hänchen (GH) shifts in glass and it has also been shown that SPR can greatly enhance optical GH shifts at the metal/air interface in Kretschmann-Raether (KR) devices. This paper demonstrates experimentally the WVA of an off-resonance GH shift in a KR device and explains why WVA of sufficiently SPR enhanced optical GH shifts cannot be achieved.

The influence of beef quality characteristics on the internalization and thermal susceptibility of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in blade-tenderized beef steaks.

The risk of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) survival in blade-tenderized beef is a concern for beef processors. This study evaluated the internalization and post-cooking survival of individual STEC serogroups (O157:H7, O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145) in blade-tenderized beef steaks with different quality traits. Strip loins representing four combinations of USDA Quality Grade (Choice or Select) and pH category (High pH or Normal pH) were inoculated (10(6)logCFU/cm(2) attachment) with individual STEC serogroups before storage (14 days), blade tenderization, and cooking (50, 60, 71, or 85°C). Serogroup populations on raw steak surfaces and internal cores were determined. Rapid-based methods were used to detect the internal presence of STEC in cooked steaks. Internalization and post-cooking survival varied among STECs. All serogroups, except O45 and O121, were detected in the internal cores of steaks cooked to 50°C, while O103, O111, and O145 STEC were detected in steaks cooked to 50, 60, and 71°C.

Quantitative assessment of the equine hoof using digital radiography and magnetic resonance imaging.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Evaluation of laminitis cases relies on radiographic measurements of the equine foot. Reference values have not been established for all layers of the foot. OBJECTIVES: To establish normal hoof wall and sole measurements using digital radiography (DR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to document tissue components present in the dorsal hoof wall and solar layers seen on DR. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational case-control study. METHODS: Digital radiography and MRI were performed on 50 cadaver front feet from 25 horses subjected to euthanasia for nonlameness-related reasons. Four observers measured hoof wall (dorsal, lateral and medial) and sole thickness (sagittal, lateral and medial) using DR and magnetic resonance images. One observer repeated the measurements 3 times. Inter- and intraobserver correlation was assessed. RESULTS: Digital radiography and MRI measurements for the normal hoof wall and sole were established. Inter- and intraobserver pairwise Pearson's correlation for DR (r>0.98) and MRI measurements (r>0.99) was excellent. Based on MRI, the less radiopaque layer on DR is comprised of the stratum lamellatum and stratum reticulare. CONCLUSIONS: Normal DR and MRI measurements for the hoof wall and sole were established. On DR images, the less radiopaque layer of the foot observed corresponds to the critical tissues injured in laminitis, the strata lamellatum and reticulare. These reference measurements may be used by the clinician to detect soft-tissue changes in the laminitic equine foot and provide a foundation for future research determining changes in these measurements in horses with laminitis.

The influence of suture pattern on the incidence of incisional drainage following exploratory laparotomy.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Incisional complications following exploratory celiotomy increase morbidity, extend hospitalisation and increase cost. Retrospective studies seek to identify risk factors and measures for prevention of surgical site infection. The relatively high incidence of incisional complications following exploratory laparotomy necessitates identification of ideal surgical closure methods. OBJECTIVES: The study sought to identify the incidence of incisional drainage within our hospital population, and to identify risk factors for incisional complications while determining surgical practices that reduce the incidence of incisional drainage. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: A retrospective study, with telephone follow-up, was performed on 199 horses that underwent exploratory laparotomy at the University of Georgia from 2 January 2008 to 31 December 2010, examining associations between case background, lesion type, access to the lumen of the bowel, and closure methods and incisional draining. The linea alba incisions were closed by the primary surgeon and junior house officers closed the subcutaneous tissues and skin. RESULTS: The incidence of purulent or persistent serosanguinous incisional drainage in 142 horses with complete follow-up information was 21.8%. Background, lesion type, and enterotomy or enterectomy were not associated with a significantly increased likelihood of incisional drainage. However, closure of the subcutaneous tissues and skin in a 2-layer, modified subcuticular pattern was associated with a significantly lower incidence of post operative incisional drainage. Follow-up information identified subsequent episodes of colic in 28.9% of horses. However, 80.3% of horses had returned to their previous level of work. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Incisional drainage is common following ventral midline laparotomy. The use of a 2-layer, modified subcuticular closure was associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of incisional drainage compared with closure performed with skin sutures, but not closure performed with staples.

Vasoconstriction in horses caused by endophyte-infected tall fescue seed is detected with Doppler ultrasonography.

The hypotheses that endophyte (Neotyphodium coenophialum)-infected tall fescue (TF) seed causes vasoconstriction in horses in vivo and that ground seed would cause more pronounced vasoconstriction than whole seed were tested. Ten horses each received 1 of 3 treatments: endophyte-free ground (E-G; n = 4 horses) seed, endophyte-positive whole (E+W; n = 3) seed, or endophyte-positive ground (E+G; n = 3) seed. There were two 14-d periods, P1 and P2. During P1, animals were adapted to a concentrate (0.2% BW, as fed, twice daily) and alfalfa cubes. During P2, the seed was mixed into the concentrate portion of the diet and alfalfa cubes were offered ad libitum. Fescue seed was fed in increasing amounts ranging from 0.02% BW on d 1 (averaging 76 ug/kg ergovaline + ergovalinine) to 0.22% BW on d 11 to 14 (averaging 713 ug/kg ergovaline + ergovalinine). The distal palmar artery of the left foreleg of each horse was scanned via Doppler ultrasonography for 4 d during each period, with 5 replicate scans performed on each scanning day. The measurements taken at each scan included artery luminal diameter, area, and circumference, peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity and blood flow variables. Animal temperature, heart rate, and respiration rate and ambient temperature and humidity were also recorded. Blood samples were taken on each scanning day to measure inflammatory cytokine mRNA abundances, and blood samples were collected on d 0, 4, 8, and 14 of P2 to measure prolactin concentrations. Consumption of E+G TF seed caused decreased artery lumen diameter (P = 0.0033), area (P = 0.0406), and circumference (P = 0.0480) compared with E-G seed, and E+W seed produced an intermediate response. Blood flow volume was reduced (P < 0.05) during P2 in horses receiving E+G seed compared with horses receiving E-G seed. Other ultrasound variables were not different (P > 0.05) among treatment groups, and neither were cytokine mRNA or prolactin concentrations. Treatment did not alter (P > 0.05) animal temperature, heart rate, or respiration rate, and neither ambient temperature nor relative humidity was consistently correlated with any response variable measured. Taken together, these data confirm that consumption of E+G fescue seed caused vasoconstriction in horses, which could be readily measured by Doppler ultrasonography. Use of Doppler ultrasound to monitor the diameter of the palmar artery of horses grazing endophyte-infected (E+) fescue pastures may provide a convenient and satisfactory biomarker to determine premonitory signs of fescue toxicosis.

Validation comparing the effectiveness of a lactic acid dip with a lactic acid spray for reducing Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and non-O157 Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli on beef trim and ground beef.

The objective of this research was to compare the effectiveness of two application methods (dip versus spray) of 4.4% lactic acid for reducing pathogens on inoculated beef trim and in ground beef. Beef trim inoculated with cocktail mixtures of E. coli O157:H7, non-O157 Shiga toxigenic E. coli (STEC), or Salmonella (10(5) to 10(6) CFU/g) at separate times was subjected to five treatments: lactic acid spray (LS), lactic acid dip (LD), water spray (WS), water dip (WD), and untreated control (CTL). Intervention effectiveness for pathogen reduction was measured at 1 and 20 h after treatment on beef trim. Trim was then ground and intervention effectiveness was measured 1 h, 24 h, 72 h, and 7 days after grinding. The LD treatment reduced all pathogens significantly (P < 0.05); E. coli O157:H7 was reduced by 0.91 to 1.41 log CFU/g on beef trim and ground beef, non-O157 STEC by 0.48 to 0.82 log CFU/g, and Salmonella by 0.51 to 0.81 log CFU/g. No other treatment significantly reduced any pathogen, although the WD treatment noticeably reduced (P > 0.05) both E. coli O157:H7 and non-O157 STEC populations compared with the CTL. The LS treatment reduced E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella by up to 0.5 log CFU/g on beef trim, but these reduced counts did not significantly differ (P > 0.05) from the CTL counts. Overall, the LD treatment was most effective for reducing all pathogens and is the best of these options for improving the safety of beef trim and subsequently produced ground beef.

Spoilage characteristics of ground beef with added lactic acid bacteria and rosemary oleoresin packaged in a modified-atmosphere package and displayed at abusive temperatures.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can reduce Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. in ground beef during storage. Furthermore, the addition of rosemary oleoresin (RO), a natural antioxidant, to ground beef has been shown to increase shelf life and is commonly used in modified-atmosphere packaged (MAP) ground beef. This study evaluated the effects of LAB and RO treatment on the shelf life and stability of MAP ground beef displayed at abusive (10°C) temperatures for 36 h. Subjective and objective sensory analyses were conducted to determine spoilage endpoints. Trained and consumer panel responses and Hunter lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) values were not affected (P = 0.62, 0.66, 0.45) by LAB addition, although RO inclusion improved (P < 0.05) lean color. Ground beef with LAB and RO had significantly less (P < 0.0001) thiobarbituric acid reactive substance values than control ground beef, indicating decreased lipid oxidation. Additionally, RO inclusion reduced (P < 0.0001) off odors, as determined by trained and consumer odor panelists. Overall, the addition of LAB did not negatively affect beef color, odor, or oxidative rancidity, suggesting that LAB can be added to ground beef in MAP packaging as a processing intervention without detrimentally affecting shelf life or stability.

Weak value amplification of an optical Faraday differential refraction effect.

In the presence of a longitudinal magnetic field B, a beam of linearly polarized light incident from a Faraday medium of Verdet constant V refracts at its interface with a medium of negligible Verdet constant and emerges as two opposite circularly polarized beams that are separated by a small divergence angle δ that is proportional to the product BV. Judicious postselection of the polarization state of the emergent light can be used to amplify the measured value of δ by several orders of magnitude. This technique makes it possible to optically measure either very small V values when B is known or small magnetic fields when V is known.

Shelf life and stability traits of traditionally and modified atmosphere packaged ground beef patties treated with lactic acid bacteria, rosemary oleoresin, or both prior to retail display.

Previous research indicates that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can inhibit pathogenic bacteria. This research evaluated effects of LAB inclusion on the shelf life of traditionally packaged ground beef patties; as well as the effects and possible interaction of LAB and rosemary oleoresin (RO) on the stability of high oxygen MAP ground beef during display. In both package types, trained and consumer evaluations indicated no effect (P>0.05) of LAB on lean color and off-odor. Display affected trained and consumer sensory evaluations and indicated declined stability over time. Thiobarbituric acid values were lower for traditionally packaged ground beef with LAB (P<0.05) and MAP ground beef with RO or RO and LAB (P<0.05). Overall, LAB had no effect on the shelf life and stability of traditionally or high-oxygen MAP packaged ground beef patties. Therefore, utilization of LAB in ground beef to reduce pathogenic bacteria is viable without alteration of spoilage indicators.

Spoilage characteristics of traditionally packaged ground beef with added lactic acid bacteria displayed at abusive temperatures.

Growth of pathogenic organisms such as Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. can be inhibited in ground beef through the addition of certain lactic acid-producing bacteria (LAB; Lactobacillus acidophilus NP51, Lactobacillus crispatus NP35, Pediococcus acidilactici, and Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis). This study evaluated the effects of LAB inclusion on the organoleptic and biochemical properties typically associated with spoilage in traditionally packaged ground beef displayed at abusive (10°C) temperatures for 36 h. Trained and untrained panelist evaluations of lean color and off-odor, as well as instrumental color analyses, did not indicate an effect on spoilage traits due to LAB utilization (P > 0.05). However, display length affected each variable independently and was indicative of decreased stability and acceptability as display time (h) increased (P < 0.05). Thiobarbituric acid values were decreased for ground beef with added LAB (P < 0.05), but likely can be related to bacterial degradation of lipid oxidation by-products because no reduction in organoleptic traits due to oxidation was noted between treatments. Overall, LAB did not adversely influence the spoilage characteristics of traditionally packaged ground beef displayed at abusive temperatures for up to 36 h. Furthermore, biochemical and sensory indicators of spoilage were present for all treatments at the conclusion of display. Therefore, LAB can be added to ground beef in traditional packaging as a processing intervention without masking or delaying the expected spoilage characteristics.

Performance and ruminal fermentation of dairy cows fed whole cottonseed with elevated concentrations of free fatty acids in the oil.

Twenty-four lactating Holstein cows were used in an 8-wk completely randomized design trial to examine the effects of feeding whole cottonseed (WCS) with elevated concentrations of free fatty acids (FFA) in the oil on intake and performance. Treatments included WCS with normal concentrations of FFA (6.8%, control) and 2 sources of WCS with elevated FFA [HFFA1 (24.1%) or HFFA2 (22.3%)]. The 2 sources of WCS with elevated FFA differed in that HFFA2 were discolored from being initially stored with excess moisture, which led to heating and deterioration during storage, whereas HFFA1 were normal in appearance and the increase in FFA occurred without heating and visible damage to the WCS. Nutrient concentrations were similar among WCS treatments, which provided 14% of the total dietary dry matter. Dry matter intake tended to be higher for cows fed HFFA2 compared with control and HFFA1. Yield of milk and components was similar among treatments, but milk fat percentage was lower for HFFA1 and HFFA2 compared with control. In a concurrent 3 x 3 Latin square trial with 6 ruminally cannulated Holstein cows, molar proportions of isobutyrate were higher for HFFA2 than control and HFFA1, but no differences were observed in acetate or propionate. Results of these trials indicate that feeding WCS with high concentrations of FFA decreases milk fat percentage but does not alter dry matter intake, milk yield, or concentrations of other components. The minor changes in ruminal fermentation that were observed do not account for the decrease in milk fat percentage.

Effect of supplemental L-lysine-HCL and corn source on rumen fermentation and amino acid flow to the small intestine.

Four lactating Jersey cows fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulae were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design trial to determine the effect of supplemental lysine in diets containing dry ground (GC) or steam-flaked (SFC, 360 g/L) corn on ruminal fermentation and amino acid (AA) flow to the duodenum. Supplemental L-lysine-HCL provided 10 g/d of additional Lys to the total mixed rations. There were no interactions between supplemental Lys and corn source. Supplemental Lys increased Lys intake, but did not alter nutrient intake and digestibility or N flow to the duodenum. Intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and ruminal digestibility of starch tended to be higher, whereas ruminal digestibility of DM, OM, acid detergent fiber, and NDF was lower for diets supplemented with SFC compared with GC. Whole-tract digestibility was similar for both corn supplements. Ruminal pH and molar proportions of volatile fatty acids were not affected by supplemental Lys or corn source; however, ruminal NH(3) concentrations were lowest when SFC was fed. Intake of N tended to be higher and the flow of total N and individual AA to the duodenum was higher for diets supplemented with SFC. There was a trend for increased flow of microbial N for diets supplemented with SFC. Supplemental L-lysine-HCL did not alter ruminal fermentation, flow of amino acid to the small intestine, or nutrient digestibility, but feeding SFC reduced ruminal fiber digestion and increased microbial protein synthesis and flow of amino acid to the duodenum.

Ruminal fermentation and bacterial protein synthesis of whole cottonseed coated with combinations of gelatinized corn starch and urea.

Four ruminally and duodenally cannulated Jersey cows were used in a 4 x 5 incomplete Latin square study to determine the effects of including urea in the gelatinized corn starch coating applied to whole cottonseed (WCS) on ruminal fermentation, fiber digestion, and bacterial protein synthesis. Treatments included uncoated WCS (control) and four coated WCS treatments. The coatings provided two concentrations each of gelatinized corn starch (2.5 [2S] or 5% [5S]) and feed grade urea (0.25 [2U] or 0.5% [5U]). Treated WCS comprised 15% of the ration dry matter that was fed as a total mixed ration once daily. Ruminal pH and molar proportions of isobutyrate was higher and NH3-N concentrations lower for control compared with coated WCS. Molar proportions of propionate tended to be higher and valerate was lower with 2S compared with 5S. Molar proportions of acetate tended to be lower, whereas butyrate was higher for 5U than 2U. Nutrient intake was lower for WCS coated with 5S5U compared with 2S5U. Ruminal NDF digestibility of NDF tended to be higher with 5U compared with 2U, but no differences were observed in ruminal or total tract apparent digestibility of nutrients. No differences were observed in the flow of total N or bacterial N to the duodenum, but the flow of nonbacterial N tended to be higher for WCS coated with 5U. Coating WCS appears to slightly alter ruminal metabolism while providing similar amounts of N flowing to the duodenum without altering fiber digestion.

Effects of forage and sunflower oil levels on ruminal biohydrogenation of fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid formation in beef steers fed finishing diets.

Six Hereford steers (295 kg) cannulated in the proximal duodenum were used to evaluate the effects of forage and sunflower oil level on ruminal biohydrogenation (BH) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) outflow. Steers were fed one of six treatment diets in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments (grass hay level: 12, 24, or 36% of DM; and sunflower oil level: 2 or 4% of DM) in a 6 x 6 Latin square design. The remainder of the diet was made up of steam rolled corn and protein/mineral supplement. Duodenal samples were collected for 4 d following 10-d diet adaptation periods. Data were analyzed with animal, period, forage level, sunflower oil level, and two-way interaction between forage and sunflower oil level in the model. Dry matter intake showed a quadratic response (P < 0.04), with an increase in DMI as forage level increased from 12 to 24% followed by a decrease in DMI when 36% forage was fed. Flow of fatty acids at the duodenum was higher (P < 0.03) for 4 vs. 2% sunflower oil diets, and similar among forage levels. Apparent ruminal digestibility of NDF increased in a linear manner (P < 0.04) as dietary forage level increased. Ruminal BH of dietary unsaturated 18-C fatty acids, oleic acid, and linoleic acid increased linearly (P < 0.05) as dietary forage level increased. Linoleic acid BH tended (P < 0.07) to be greater for 4 than 2% sunflower oil level. Duodenal flow of pentadecyclic, stearic, linolenic, and arachidic acids increased linearly (P < 0.05) as dietary forage level increased from 12 to 36%. Duodenal flow of linoleic acid decreased in a linear manner (P < 0.03) with increasing dietary forage level. Flow of trans-10 octadecenoate decreased linearly (P < 0.03) as dietary forage level increased, whereas trans-11 vaccenic acid flow to the duodenum increased (P < 0.01) linearly with increased dietary forage. Dietary forage or sunflower oil levels did not alter the outflow of cis-9, trans-11 CLA. Flows of cis-11, trans-13, and cis-9, cis-11 CLA increased linearly (P < 0.05) with increased dietary forage. Flows of cis-11, cis-13, and trans-11, trans-13 CLA decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with increased dietary forage. Increasing dietary forage levels from 12 to 36% in beef cattle finishing diets increased BH of unsaturated 18-C fatty acid and outflow of trans-11 vaccenic acid to duodenum without altering cis-9, trans-11 CLA outflow.