Terahertz Radar Cross Section Characterization using Laser Feedback Interferometry with a Quantum Cascade Laser

Radar cross section (RCS) measurements of complex, large objects are usually performed on scale models so that the measurement is carried out in a well-controlled environment. This letter explores the feasibility of RCS measurement using a terahertz quantum cascade laser via laser feedback interferometry. Numerical simulations show that the RCS information embedded in the non-linear interferometric signals obtained from simple targets can be retrieved through numerical fitting of the well-known excess phase equation. The method is validated experimentally using a terahertz quantum cascade laser and the results are well matched with those obtained from numerical simulations

Quantitative trait loci for carcass, internal organ and meat quality traits on porcine chromosomes 16, 17 and 18

The objective of this study was to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) on porcine chromosomes 16, 17 and 18 and to determine their association with carcass, organ and meat quality traits. An F2 population was produced by crossing two boars of the naturalized Brazilian Piau breed with 18 commercial females (Landrace x Large White x Pietrain). The population was genotyped for 11 microsatellite markers distributed over the three chromosomes and the results were used to construct a marker-specific linkage map for the population. Analysis of the polymorphic information content showed that the microsatellite markers were adequate for the study of quantitative traits. QTL were identified by regression interval mapping using QTL Express software. QTL not previously described in the literature were detected on chromosome 16, whereas QTL described in other populations were detected on chromosomes 17 and 18. The information from the significant QTL identified here will be useful for future fine-mapping studies and should provide a better understanding of productive phenotypes in pigs