bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
39 Cow-calf Management Strategies and Their Influence on Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Lalman David , Briggs Emma A , Moore Mikayla F
Published: March 2022

Forage and supplemental feed costs remain the overriding factors driving profitability in U.S. cow/calf operations. The cow/calf sector uses 74% of the total feed energy required to produce one pound of carcass weight. Methane is the second most abundant anthropogenic greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide. The cow/calf sector of beef production accounts for 77 to 81% of enteric methane emissions per unit of carcass weight produced. Reducing feed energy required and methane emissions by the cow/calf segment of the beef production system will improve economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Most of the beef production cycle occurs on land not suitable for raising crops. Of the 2.3 billion acres available in the United States, about 655 million acres (29%) are classified as grassland pasture and rangeland, and 316 million acres (14%) are identified as parks and wildlife areas, some of which are grazed. Therefore, improving forage utilization efficiency would have a wide-reaching impact on U.S. food security and profitability of cow/calf enterprises. Beef production is a critical component in U.S. and global food security because cattle upcycle poorly digestible plant components and food waste products into high-quality human edible protein. In recent years, substantial progress has been made in understanding biological variation and genetic components of feed efficiency in growing animals consuming energy-dense mixed diets during the post-weaning phase. Much less is known about within-animal variation of forage utilization efficiency for beef cows consuming moderate to low-quality forage diets common to most cow/calf production systems. Considerable evidence indicates the existence of an environment by genetic interaction for feed efficiency. More rapid progress in forage utilization efficiency and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions could be made by studying forage utilization efficiency directly.
41 Genomic Approaches to Improving Forage-based Beef Cow Efficiency
Authors: Rowan Troy N
Published: March 2022

In recent decades, the U.S. beef herd has seen massive gains in efficiency, driven by innovations in genetics, nutrition, reproduction, and resource management. Despite these advances, the industry remains under pressure to further reduce its environmental footprint. Perhaps the greatest opportunity to drive increases in sustainability is through targeted genetic improvement of forage-based cow-calf systems. While the industry has long focused on selecting for pre- and post-weaning performance, improvements in mature cow efficiency are more challenging to attain. One major impediment to directly selecting for cow efficiency is a lack of easily measured indicator phenotypes, leading some segments of the industry to focus exclusively on moderating mature size. The optimal solution to this problem will likely require a more complex understanding of the underlying biology of cow efficiency. As we consider how genomics might increase the environmental sustainability of forage-based beef production, we will need to focus on developing and measuring novel phenotypes and accounting for the complex interplay between an animal’s genetics, environment, and management. Using stochastic genetic simulations, we demonstrate the potential environmental and economic impacts of genetic selection for more efficient and well-adapted cows. We also describe possible solutions for measuring a cow’s efficiency on grass (e.g., forage intake to weaned calf pounds) that could be used to develop novel EPDs and economic selection indexes. Finally, we discuss the concept of precision genomic predictions that account for how genotypes interact with environmental stressors and management differences. We propose two potential solutions to address this concern: 1) Selecting robust cattle that perform well across all environments and management levels or 2) Developing precision predictions for precisely matching animals to their ideal production scheme.
53 Oxygen Exposure Effects on the Biochemical Attributes oflongissimus Lumborum Muscle During Retail Display
Authors: Denzer Morgan , Mafi Gretchen G , Pfeiffer Morgan , Ramanathan Ranjith
Published: March 2022

Limited studies have compared the effects of oxygen within a steak on biochemical properties. The objective was to evaluate the effects of oxygen exposure on the biochemical attributes of longissimus lumborum muscle. Steaks were (1.91 cm) sliced from USDA Low Choice beef strip loins (n = 7), packaged in polyvinyl chloride overwrap trays, and randomly assigned to day 3 or day 6 in retail display. During display, instrumental color was evaluated daily using a HunterLab MiniScan spectrophotometer. The display surface was considered as oxygen exposed (OE), while the interior of the steak was denoted as not exposed to oxygen (NOE). NOE was obtained by slicing the steak in half parallel to the previously OE surface. The NOE pieces were evaluated for bloom, while NOE and OE surfaces were used oxygen consumption (OC) and metmyoglobin reducing ability (MRA). Nitrite-induced metmyoglobin reduction was used to measure MRA, while changes in deoxymyoglobin level with vacuum were used as an indicator of OC. The data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX Procedure of SAS (n = 7 replications) and considered significance at P < 0.05. With increased display time, the a* values (redness) decreased (P < 0.05) for instrumental color. NOE steak surface had greater (P < 0.05) MRA compared with OE surfaces. Oxygen exposure affected the OC of the steaks, with the OE surfaces having lower (P < 0.05) OC compared to NOE surfaces on day 6 of display. The exposure of oxygen to the muscle resulted in a decrease in activity, paralleling in decline in retail color and color stability. In conclusion, the presence of oxygen can result in negative impacts on the shelf life of steaks; however, the non-exposed interior of muscle remains more biochemically active.
50 Implications of a Thermoforming Vacuum Packaging or Overwrap Packaging Method on a Simulated Retail Display of Longissimus Lumborum Steaks
Authors: Reyes Tristan , Wagoner Madison , Zorn Virginia , Coursen Madison , Wilborn Barney , Bonner Tom , Sawyer Jason T
Published: March 2022

Fresh surface color of beef remains a focus for consumers at the time of purchasing in the retail sector. The objective of this study was to evaluate instrumental surface color, expert color evaluation, and lipid oxidation (TBARS) on beef longissimus lumborum steaks packaged using recycle-ready film (RRF) or polyvinyl chloride overwrap (PVC). Paired strip loins (IMPS # 180), fabricated from beef carcasses (n = 7) 10 d postmortem, cut into 2.54 cm-thick steaks, and assigned to one of two packaging treatments RRF (OTR = 0.8 cc/m2/24 h) or PVC (OTR = 14,000 cc/m2/24 h). Steaks were stored under simulated retail conditions (3 °C ± 1.5 °C) in a LED (2297 lux) lighted, three-tiered retail cabinet, rotated daily among shelves for 35 days. From d 0 to 35 objective surface color was captured every 5 days to record changes in lightness (L*), redness (a*), yellowness (b*), Chroma, Hue Angle, and calculated values of spectral wavelengths (Red to Brown, Oxymyoglobin, Deoxymyoglobin, & Metmyoglobin) using a HunterLab colorimeter. Steaks packaged in RRF became lighter (L*) as display period increased (P < 0.05), whereas steaks packaged in PVC became darker (P < 0.05). Redness (a*) values were greatest (P < 0.05) for PVC steaks until day 5, whereas RRF steaks had greater (P < 0.05) surface redness from day 10 to 35 of the display period. Calculated spectral values red to brown were greater (P < 0.05) for steaks in RRF than PVC. Expert color evaluators rated RRF steaks having less browning and less discoloration (P < 0.05) from day 5 to 35 of display. Lipid oxidation was greater (P < 0.05) for PVC steaks from day 10 through day 35 of the display. These results suggest that the use of RRF vacuum packaging for beef steaks is plausible and can maintain surface color characteristics during extended display periods.
108 Forage Mass and Nutritive Value of Stockpiled Alfalfa-bermudagrass Systems
Authors: Silva Liliane , Burt Justin J , Mason Katie , Jacobs Luke L , Groce Kaylyn , Mullenix Kim , Tucker Jennifer J
Published: March 2022

The development of newer alfalfa cultivars with improved adaptation to local growing conditions and dual-purpose applications has increased alfalfa incorporation into grass systems in the southern United States. The complementary growth of both species helps to extend the forage production season length, decreasing producer reliance on supplementation. The objective was to determine forage mass (FM) and nutritive value, botanical composition, and structural responses of alfalfa-bermudagrass systems managed under five stockpiling strategies (6-, 8-, 10-, 12- and 14-weeks of accumulation) in Shorter, AL. A randomized complete block design with eight replications was used. Harvested forage samples were manually separated into individual components and placed into 60° C until constant weight, then weighed. Measurements of ground cover, and alfalfa density and persistence were taken prior to plot harvest. There was a treatment × year interaction (P= 0.009) and greater FM was observed for 10- and 12-wks of regrowth (4,279 and 4244 kg DM/ha, respectively) in Year 2. This response was associated with greater (P < 0.001) bermudagrass percentage in the mixture in Year 2 than 1 (averaged 57 vs 23%, respectively). Weeds remained below 4% in both years. There was a direct relationship between increased regrowth period length with leaf shattering and lodging. Over 10-wks of regrowth, percentage of lodging was >30% and rate of leaf shattering doubled. This response directly affected leaf area index observed for the alfalfa-bermudagrass mixtures at 14-wk with a reduction of 30% when compared to 6-wks regrowth (2.6 vs 3.9, respectively). Greater (P < 0.001) digestibility was associated with shorter regrowth period (6-wk), although the values observed ranged from 62 to 87% which represents high nutritive value forage that can meet higher animal requirements. Based on results, stockpiling alfalfa-bermudagrass mixtures using varying accumulation period lengths may be a viable system to provide high quality feed and extend the grazing season length into the fall and winter. This can also be an important strategy aiming to increase diversity and sustainability in forage-based livestock systems.
80 Randel Lectureship: Practical Applications for Developmental Programming of the Bovine Ovary
Authors: Cushman Robert A
Published: March 2022

Mammalian females are born with a finite supply of follicles within their ovaries that may be related to fertility and reproductive longevity. The number of microscopic follicles in the ovarian cortex is positively correlated to the number of antral follicles. In cattle, the number of antral follicles can be determined by ultrasonographic examination of the ovaries, is repeatable within a female, and has a moderate heritability. Studies in rodents suggest that nutritional status early in life can alter structure and function of the ovarian reserve, resulting in changes in follicle numbers, estrous cycle parameters, and reproductive longevity. This raises questions about how early life events might influence the ovarian reserve and reproductive performance in bovine females. A central hypothesis of our research is that the number of follicles that a heifer has when entering her first breeding season is influenced by external factors such as maternal nutrition during pregnancy, maternal stress during pregnancy, peri-pubertal nutrition, and health events. Understanding how these factors influence the structure and function of the ovarian reserve in replacement heifers may allow us to translate this knowledge into management practices that developmentally program the bovine ovary prior to the first breeding season to improve reproductive performance in the cow herd. Accomplishing this is made difficult because our understanding of the mechanisms controlling pre-antral follicle development in cattle is limited and growth of pre-antral follicles is occurring at the microscopic level within the ovarian cortex where it is difficult to monitor changes in real time. There has been some success, but variation in response across studies indicates that further research to understand the causes of this variation is required before we will be able to apply developmental programming in beef production systems to improve ovarian function in replacement heifers. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
120 Trilostane Effectively Reduces CL Progesterone Synthesis Prior to Acquisition of Luteolytic Sensitivity in Cyclic Gilts
Authors: Alexander Molly K , Wang Xiaoqiu , Gadsby John E , Poole Daniel H
Published: March 2022

Understanding the mechanisms of luteolytic sensitivity (LS) is critical for identifying novel methods of controlling the reproductive cycle of livestock species. Uniquely, porcine corpora lutea (CL) remain unresponsive to the luteolytic effects of prostaglandinF2a (PGF) until days 12-13 of the estrous cycle. Previous data from our laboratory has demonstrated that luteal macrophages (MACs) play an active role in this process. It was hypothesized that suppressing progesterone (P4) production prior to LS would activate MACs and initiate LS. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal dose of Trilostane, (TRIL) a commercially available 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor, to reduce luteal and serum P4 by a minimum of 80% and induce LS. Gilts received Matrix® for 14 days and then checked twice daily for estrus. At estrus (day 0), gilts were randomly assigned to receive the TRIL treatment (0,3,5,7.5,or 10mg/kg, n=2 per treatment) orally, every 12h for 36h starting on day 7 of the estrous cycle. Blood samples were taken every 12 hours on days 6 through 9 post estrus to measure P4 following treatment. Gilts were euthanized on day 9 of the estrous cycle, and CL tissue was frozen for P4 analysis. Progesterone concentrations were determined via RIA. Data were analyzed using a MIXED procedure of SAS and statistical significance was determined at P < 0.05 and a tendency at 0.05< P < 0.10. Serum P4 was reduced by 50% by 12h post treatment in all TRIL groups compared to control (P < 0.05). However, only the 10mg/Kg dose effectively reduced P4 by 80% compared to control (P < 0.05) and suppressed P4 throughout the treatment period. Luteal P4 was reduced by 72.4,82.4,87.7, and 88.6% compared to controls (P < 0.05) in treated with 3,5,7.5 and 10 mg/kg of TRIL, respectively. Collectively, oral administration of TRIL effectively reduced both serum and luteal P4, and the optimal dose of 10mg/Kg TRIL will be utilized in future studies addressing progesterone’s regulation of luteal macrophage, and their role in controlling LS.
133 Ranking Mature Beef Cows for Residual Intake Using an Unprocessed Grass Hay Diet and Its Relationship to Greenhouse Gas Exchange
Authors: Moore Mikayla F , Briggs Emma A , Lalman David , Holder Amanda
Published: March 2022

The objective of this study was to compare high and low residual feed intake (RFI) beef cows when consuming an unprocessed, grass hay diet (93% DM, 8.73% CP, 2.11 Mcal ME, and 59.25% TDN). Relationships of hay intake to carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) production were also evaluated. Thirty-six mature Angus and Angus x Hereford cows were assigned randomly to five pens (n = 6 or 9) and individual feed intakes were collected for 52-d using SmartFeed intake units (C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD) at a stocking rate of 3 cows per feeder. An open-circuit, gas-quantification system (GreenFeed, C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD) was used to collect CO2 (7611.63±714.09 g) and CH4 (283.64±37.10 g) production for 9 days of collection per pen for a minimum of 20 visits per cow (n = 22 cows, 36.18±14.24 visits). Data collection on cows included (means ± SD) dry matter intake (DMI; 13.86±2.16 kg), metabolic body weight (MBW, 111.65±9.28 kg), average daily gain (ADG, 0.77±0.29 kg), and rib eye area by ultrasound (REA, 46.62±6.34 cm).To calculate RFI (0.03±1.71), a multiple regression model was used to predict DMI (PDMI = ADG + REA + MBW; R2=0.50, P = 0.001). Cows were categorized into three RFI classes: low (n = 7), moderate (n = 6), and high (n = 9). Differences between RFI and RFI class and DMI and RFI class were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS (SAS, Cary, NC). Low RFI cows (-1.81 kg) consumed 12.08 kg hay DM daily and high RFI cows (1.59 kg) consumed 15.27 kg hay DM daily (P < 0.001). Correlations between DMI and daily gas exchange were estimated using PROC CORR in SAS (SAS, Cary, NC). Pearson Correlation Coefficients were significant between DMI and CO2 (r=0.58, P = 0.004), and CH4 (r=0.70, P < 0.001) production. Differences in feed intake for high and low RFI rankings were similar to previously reported literature when growing cattle consumed energy-dense diets.
127 Effect of Inclusion of Dried Citrus Pulp in the Receiving Supplement for Newly Received Stocker Cattle
Authors: Cheek Robin A , Kegley E B , Cauble Reagan A , Reynolds Jana L , Shoulders Ben P , Midkiff Kirsten A , Powell J G
Published: March 2022

The objective of this experiment was to further investigate effects of feeding dried citrus pulp (DCP) to cattle. Crossbred beef heifers (n = 167, initial body weight = 266 ± 1.8 kg) arriving on 2 delivery dates were used in a 42-day receiving trial. Heifers were processed after arrival and placed randomly into 8 pens on each delivery date (10 or 11 heifers/pen; total of 16 pens). Each pen was assigned randomly to 1 of the 2 supplements. Dietary treatments were: 1) a corn and distillers’ grains based receiving supplement (control), or 2) an identical receiving supplement except it contained 20% dried citrus pulp (replacing a portion of the corn). Heifers had access to bermudagrass hay and water for ad libitum intake, but were only offered up to 1.8 kg/day of their appropriate receiving supplement. Cattle were observed daily for clinical bovine respiratory disease (BRD), if presenting symptoms of BRD and if rectal temperature was ≥ 40° C; cattle were treated according to a standard preplanned protocol with antibiotic and deemed morbid. Weights were recorded on day 0, 14, 28, 41, and 42. Statistical analyses were performed by using the Mixed and GenMod procedures of SAS 9.4 with treatment as the fixed effect and delivery date as a random effect. Dietary treatment had no effect on body weight on any day, or on the overall average daily gain (ADG; P > 0.54). Heifers fed the control supplement had a greater ADG from day 28 to 42 (P = 0.07) compared to those fed DCP. Incidence of morbidity was not affected by DCP supplementation (P = 0.53). In conclusion, feeding dried citrus pulp in receiving supplements resulted in similar overall average daily gain and did not affect the incidence of bovine respiratory disease within the 42-day receiving period.
72 Keeping Animal Science Courses "Experiential" in an Online Classroom
Authors: Buttrey Emalee
Published: March 2022

Mid-March 2020 saw the world come to a screeching halt, so-to-speak. Faculty, staff, and students suddenly found themselves in a virtual educational environment, many for the very first time. For educators in animal science and many other lab-based disciplines, this virtual environment presented some exceptional challenges, primarily, how to provide the “hands-on” activities that make up the very core of our discipline. Therefore, the objectives of this presentation are to share the experiences of the author and colleagues at the University of Tennessee at Martin and to allow members of the audience to share their ideas. In an effort to semi-replicate the in-person classroom experience, the author created “virtual” field trips, lab activities, and assignments. Examples included: having students create reproductive and gastrointestinal tract models using items in their home, performing diet formulation and ration balancing using cereal, candy, and pretzels, and the author filming animal handling and management techniques on her own livestock operation, among other things. While most of the activities worked well, others did not. While nothing can take the place of actual hands-on experiences, many of the virtual activities can still be used to supplement animal science courses.
69 Animal Pharmacology: What Do Animal Science Students Know?
Authors: Garrison M E Betsy , Thomas Lauren R , Caldwell Isabelle , Williams Cathy , Kaller Mike , Crosswhite Mellissa
Published: March 2022

Careers in animal science are typically as much about animals as they are about people, which means that animal science undergraduate students should be not only knowledgeable about animals, but also people and their behavior, including substance use disorders, such as opioid abuse. The purpose of the study was to investigate the pharmacological knowledge of undergraduates who are majoring in Animal Science in colleges of Agriculture, including programs oriented to livestock, companion animals, wildlife ecology and those with a pre-veterinary medicine focus. Students at three different Southern Land Grant Universities completed an online survey, adapted from a previous study of veterinarians, in two waves. The response rates were comparable between the first wave of data collection in spring 2020 from University of Arkansas and Oklahoma State University, 32%, and 39%, respectively. The response rate from the second wave of data collection in fall 2020 at Louisiana State University, 51%, however, was greater. Not surprisingly, most of the respondents were white females. Based on a 10-point grading scale, students’ factual knowledge about opioids and the opioid crisis would have yielded an A grade at one of the universities and a C grade at the other two universities. The question all students scored the lowest on was “chemically, there’s a huge difference between prescription opioids people get from doctors or healthcare professionals and heroin.” Students seemed most knowledgeable about the prescribing or administration of Tramadol from a list of 10 medications. They agreed that DVMs have changed their prescribing practices because of human opioids misuse. Almost all of the students also agreed/strongly agreed that use in animals and the use or misuse of opioids in humans should be taught in veterinary medicine. In conclusion, the findings of the current study suggest that undergraduate curricula in animal science should not only include humans’ misuse of opioids, but also, other drugs meant for animals, such as ketamine or ivermectin.
29 Cotton Gin Trash Processing, Quality and Safety Impacts on Feeding Recommendations for Beef Cattle
Authors: Zessin Peyton , Jacobs Joshua , Justice Maggie M , Mullenix M Kim , Dillard Leanne L , Rodning Soren P , Tigue Alex A
Published: March 2022

Cotton gin trash is a byproduct of the cotton industry that consists of any remaining plant material leftover after the ginning process. The objective of this study was to determine intake, animal performance, and safety of using loose or baled gin trash in beef cattle diets. Sixteen crossbred, non-lactating, gestating cows and 8 crossbred, gestating heifers were randomly assigned to one of two groups consisting of 8 cows and 4 heifers per group for a 60-day intake trial utilizing the Calan Gate ® system. After a training period, each group was assigned to receive one of two dietary treatments: 1) ad libitum baled cotton gin trash or 2) ad libitum loose cotton gin trash, each with 2.2 kg of a 50:50 mixture of corn gluten feed and soyhull pellets per day to meet nutritional requirements for their stage of production. Animal body weight (BW) and body condition scores (BCS) were recorded at days 0, 30, and 60. Jugular blood samples were collected weekly to monitor clinical animal immune responses due to feeding cotton gin trash containing cotton defoliant residue (4.84 ppm and 1.98 ppm tribufos for baled and loose, respectively). Intake was greater (P < 0.0001) for cattle consuming loose than baled gin trash. All cattle maintained or gained BW across treatments during the trial. On average throughout the study cattle consuming baled gin trash had greater BCS (P = 0.0173) than cattle fed loose gin trash, although animals maintained a BCS of 6 or greater during the study. Red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and white blood cell count were within normal ranges for beef cattle during the trial. Cotton gin trash in either loose or baled form can be used to maintain non-lactating, bred cows with little additional energy supplementation, providing an outlet for cotton byproduct usage in beef operations in the Southeast United States.
30 Evaluating Proactive versus Therapeutic Use of a Theraplate on English-disciplined Horses and the Effects on Lameness
Authors: Ellis Abigail , Buttrey Emalee
Published: March 2022

The objective of the current study is to evaluate the effects of both proactive and therapeutic use of a TheraPlate (TheraPlate, Weatherford, TX) on the frequency and severity of equine lameness. The TheraPlate is a piece of machinery that uses low-intensity vibrations to loosen the joints and muscles of horses to treat various diseases or conditions. Fourteen jumping-seat equine athletes from the University of Tennessee at Martin Equestrian team were chosen based on their medical history--that is, whether or not they were prone to being unsound in the past--and divided into two groups of seven [the control (CON) and the experimental group (THPL)]. Horses in the CON group only use the TheraPlate should they be diagnosed with a disease or condition that is treatable with the TheraPlate. The THPL group receives treatment every time they are ridden (whether for a practice, scrimmage, or competition). Treatment on the plate consists of a work-down from one hundred to zero (level of intensity) for twenty minutes. Each horse in the study is ridden three to five times weekly, including hour-long practices and a two- to three-hour scrimmage. Lameness is graded on a scale of zero to five by the Equestrian team assistant coach pre- and post-riding. Any horse receiving a pre-riding grade greater than zero will not be ridden at that session. Rather, the horse is treated with the TheraPlate, placed under observation, and reevaluated within twenty-four hours. Preliminary results will be presented. The results should reveal whether the proactive use of a TheraPlate decreases the frequency and/or severity of lameness in jumping-seat horses.
Prevalence of Cannabidiol, ∆9- and ∆8-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Metabolites in Workplace Drug Testing Urine Specimens
Authors: Vikingsson Svante , Winecker Ruth E , Cone Edward J , Kuntz David J , Dorsey Brian , Jacques Martin , Senter Melanie , Flegel Ronald R , Hayes Eugene D
Published: March 2022

Given the recent popularity of cannabidiol (CBD) use and the emergence of ∆8-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆8-THC), the prevalence and concentrations of these and other cannabinoids were investigated in 2,000 regulated and 4,000 non-regulated specimens from workplace drug testing. All specimens were screened using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS) for the presence of 7-hydroxy-CBD (7-OH-CBD) and ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (∆9-THC-COOH), with a cutoff of 2 ng/mL. Specimens screening positive by LC–MS-MS were analyzed by immunoassay at 20, 50 and 100 ng/mL cutoffs and by an LC–MS-MS confirmation method for 11 cannabinoids and metabolites with a 1 ng/mL cutoff. Using a 1 ng/mL cutoff, 98 (4.9%) regulated and 331 (8.3%) non-regulated specimens were positive for ∆9-THC-COOH. Of these, 64% had concentrations below 15 ng/mL. Similarly, 59 (3.0%) regulated and 162 (4.2%) non-regulated specimens were positive for 7-OH-CBD (n = 210), CBD (n = 120) and/or 7-carboxy-cannabidiol (CBD-COOH, n = 120). The median concentrations of 7-OH-CBD, CBD and CBD-COOH in those 221 specimens were 6.3, 1.1 and 1.2 ng/mL, respectively. ∆8-Tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (∆8-THC-COOH) was identified in 76 (1.3%) specimens. Parent ∆8-THC is a minor cannabinoid in marijuana, which appears to account for the typically low ∆8-THC-COOH concentrations (median 3.4 ng/mL) in most positive specimens. However, elevated concentrations suggested the use of ∆8-THC-containing products in some cases (range 1.0–415 ng/mL). Although 93% agreement was observed between confirmatory LC–MS-MS (15 ng/mL cutoff) and immunoassay (50 ng/mL cutoff), a false-negative specimen (66 ng/mL ∆9-THC-COOH) was identified.
Applying energy justice principles: a case study of solar energy in Vanuatu
Authors: Taylor Madeline , Taylor Susanne
Published: March 2022

Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change created in part, by worldwide carbon emissions, while also being highly dependent on carbon-intensive imported fossil fuels. Pacific SIDS are also hostage to acute energy price volatility and fossil fuel import dependencies creating the urgent impetus for resilient and accessible renewable energy systems. This article provides a socio-legal case study analysis of current efforts to increase off-grid solar energy in Vanuatu. It focuses on how a just transition can be achieved in rural Vanuatu by applying and implementing three forms of energy justice: distributive, procedural, and recognition justice. Energy justice is a crucial framework for energy regulation and policy reform and action. While all five forms of energy justice are complementary and intrinsically linked, this article specifically examines the ‘triumvirate of tenets’ applied to the Vanuatu Rural Electrification Project (VREP) II deploying solar energy in rural Vanuatu. This article also posits that the current international project funding framework which includes a series of social and environmental safeguards could be revisited, revised, and reformulated to reflect an energy justice framework. Finally, the article also isolates key opportunities to encourage solar energy cooperatives as an alternative legal vehicle harnessing energy justice principles.
Stress, senescence, and specialized metabolites in bryophytes
Authors: Kulshrestha Samarth , Jibran Rubina , van Klink John W , Zhou Yanfei , Brummell David A , Albert Nick W , Schwinn Kathy E , Chagné David , Landi Marco , Bowman John L , Davies Kevin M
Published: March 2022

Life on land exposes plants to varied abiotic and biotic environmental stresses. These environmental drivers contributed to a large expansion of metabolic capabilities during land plant evolution and species diversification. In this review we summarize knowledge on how the specialized metabolite pathways of bryophytes may contribute to stress tolerance capabilities. Bryophytes are the non-tracheophyte land plant group (comprising the hornworts, liverworts, and mosses) and rapidly diversified following the colonization of land. Mosses and liverworts have as wide a distribution as flowering plants with regard to available environments, able to grow in polar regions through to hot desert landscapes. Yet in contrast to flowering plants, for which the biosynthetic pathways, transcriptional regulation, and compound function of stress tolerance-related metabolite pathways have been extensively characterized, it is only recently that similar data have become available for bryophytes. The bryophyte data are compared with those available for angiosperms, including examining how the differing plant forms of bryophytes and angiosperms may influence specialized metabolite diversity and function. The involvement of stress-induced specialized metabolites in senescence and nutrient response pathways is also discussed.
Phyllotaxis without symmetry: what can we learn from flower heads?
Authors: Prusinkiewicz Przemyslaw , Zhang Teng , Owens Andrew , Cieslak Mikolaj , Elomaa Paula
Published: March 2022

Phyllotaxis is commonly considered in the context of circular meristems or receptacles, yet non-circular (fasciated) structures also give rise to new primordia and organs. Here we investigate phyllotactic patterns in fasciated flower heads in the Asteraceae plant family. We begin by surveying the phenomenon of fasciation. We then show that phyllotactic patterns in fasciated heads can be generated by removing the inessential assumption of circularity from the previously published model of gerbera heads. To characterize these patterns, we revisit the conceptual framework in which phyllotactic patterns are commonly described. We note that some notions, in particular parastichies and parastichy numbers, maintain their significance in non-circular phyllotaxis, whereas others, in particular the divergence angle, need to be extended or lose their role. These observations highlight a number of open problems related to phyllotaxis in general, which may be elucidated by studies of fasciated heads.
Top-heavy stellar mass distribution in galactic nuclei inferred from the universally high abundance ratio of [Fe/Mg]
Authors: Toyouchi Daisuke , Inayoshi Kohei , Ishigaki Miho N , Tominaga Nozomu
Published: March 2022

Recent observations of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) have shown a high Fe ii/Mg ii line-flux ratio in their broad-line regions, nearly independent of redshift up to z ≳ 6. The high flux ratio requires rapid production of iron in galactic nuclei to reach an abundance ratio of [Fe/Mg] ≳ 0.2 as high as those observed in matured galaxies in the local universe. We propose a possible explanation of rapid iron enrichment in AGNs by massive star formation that follows a top-heavy initial mass function (IMF) with a power-law index of Γ larger than the canonical value of Γ = −2.35 for a Salpeter IMF. Taking into account metal production channels from different types of SNe, we find that the high value of [Fe/Mg] ≳ 0.2 requires the IMF to be characterized with Γ ≳ −1 (Γ ≳ 0) and a high-mass cutoff at Mmax ≃ 100–150 M⊙ (Mmax ≳ 250 M⊙). Given the conditions, core-collapse SNe with M* ≳ 70 M⊙ and pair-instability SNe give a major contribution for iron enrichment. Such top-heavy stellar IMFs would be a natural consequence from mass growth of stars formed in dense AGN discs under Bondi-like gas accretion that is regulated by feedback at M* ≳ 10 M⊙. The massive stellar population formed in AGN discs also leave stellar-mass black hole remnants, whose mergers associated with gravitational-wave emission account for at most 10  per cent of the merger rate inferred from LIGO/Virgo observations to simultaneously explain the high [Fe/Mg] ratio with metal ejection.
On the road to per cent accuracy VI: the non-linear power spectrum for interacting dark energy with baryonic feedback and massive neutrinos
Authors: Carrilho Pedro , Carrion Karim , Bose Benjamin , Pourtsidou Alkistis , Hidalgo Juan Carlos , Lombriser Lucas , Baldi Marco
Published: March 2022

Understanding non-linear structure formation is crucial for fully exploring the data generated by stage IV surveys, requiring accurate modelling of the power spectrum. This is challenging for deviations from Λ cold dark matter, but we must ensure that alternatives are well tested, to avoid false detections. We present an extension of the halo model reaction framework for interacting dark energy. We modify the halo model including the additional force present in the Dark Scattering model and implement it into ReACT. The reaction is combined with a pseudo-spectrum from EuclidEmulator2 and compared to N-body simulations. Using standard mass function and concentration-mass relation, we find predictions to be 1 per cent accurate at z = 0 up to k = 0.8 h Mpc−1 for the largest interaction strength tested (ξ = 50 b GeV−1), improving to 2 h Mpc−1 at z = 1. For smaller interaction strength (10 b GeV−1), we find 1 per cent agreement at z = 1 up to scales above 3.5 h Mpc−1, being close to 1 h Mpc−1 at z = 0. Finally, we improve our predictions with the inclusion of baryonic feedback and massive neutrinos and study degeneracies between the effects of these contributions and those of the interaction. Limiting the scales to where our modelling is 1 per cent accurate, we find a degeneracy between the interaction and feedback, but not with massive neutrinos. We expect the degeneracy with feedback to be resolvable by including smaller scales. This work represents the first analytical tool for calculating the non-linear spectrum for interacting dark energy models.
The ASTRID simulation: galaxy formation and reionization
Authors: Bird Simeon , Ni Yueying , Di Matteo Tiziana , Croft Rupert , Feng Yu , Chen Nianyi
Published: March 2022

We introduce the Astrid  simulation, a large-scale cosmological hydrodynamic simulation in a $250 \, h^{-1}\mathrm{Mpc}$ box with 2 × 55003 particles. Astrid contains a large number of high redshift galaxies, which can be compared to future survey data, and resolves galaxies in haloes more massive than $2\times 10^9 \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$. Astrid  has been run from z = 99 to 3. As a particular focus is modelling the high redshift Universe, it contains models for inhomogeneous hydrogen and helium reionization, baryon relative velocities and massive neutrinos, as well as supernova and AGN feedback. The black hole model includes mergers driven by dynamical friction rather than repositioning. We briefly summarize the implemented models, and the technical choices we took when developing the simulation code. We validate the model, showing good agreement with observed ultraviolet luminosity functions, galaxy stellar mass functions and specific star formation rates (SFRs). We show that the redshift at which a given galaxy underwent hydrogen reionization has a large effect on the halo gas fraction. Finally, at z = 6, haloes with $M \sim 2\times 10^9 \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$ which have been reionized have an SFR 1.5 times greater than those which have not yet been reionized.
The mitochondrial poison carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP) induces aneugenic effects in primary human fibroblasts: a possible link between mitochondrial dysfunction and chromosomal loss
Authors: Marcon Francesca , De Battistis Francesca , Siniscalchi Ester , Crebelli Riccardo , Meschini Roberta
Published: March 2022

An association between proper chromosome segregation and intact mitochondria has been extensively reported. This could be related to the effects on the progression of cell division of altered energy production, increased oxidative stress, and deregulated calcium homeostasis. However, evidence for a direct relationship is still lacking. The present study was aimed at investigating the possible effect of mitochondrial dysfunction on chromosomal instability as detected in primary human cells treated with the mitochondrial poison carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP). Chromosome instability was analyzed in anaphase and interphase cells to follow the fate of chromosome damage during the progression of mitosis and the subsequent cell cycle. Through the combination of cytogenetic approaches and molecular analyses, i.e. morphological cell analysis, formation and characterization of micronucleus content, Comet assay, and gene expression, it was demonstrated that the prevalent DNA damage associated with CCCP treatment was the induction of chromosome loss, while primary DNA damage was not detected. No alterations in the shape of anaphase cells were observed nor induction of multipolar spindles. The proper activation of mitotic checkpoint was maintained. A linear dose–response curve characterizing the CCCP effects suggested that multiple cellular targets could be affected by the CCCP-induced mitochondrial dysfunctions triggering aneuploidy. Conversely, a steep increase was induced by the positive control vinblastine, known to have tubulin as a unique target. In addition, the effect of CCCP on mitochondrial function was demonstrated by changes in mitochondrial DNA copy number and in the expression of genes involved in mitochondrial maintenance. Overall, these results indicate that the mitochondrial poison CCCP may induce aneugenic effects.
The human AP-endonuclease 1 (APE1) is a DNA G-quadruplex structure binding protein and regulatesKRASexpression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Pramanik Suravi , Chen Yingling , Song Heyu , Khutsishvili Irine , Marky Luis A , Ray Sutapa , Natarajan Amarnath , Singh Pankaj K , Bhakat Kishor K
Published: March 2022

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), one of the most aggressive types of cancer, is characterized by aberrant activity of oncogenic KRAS. A nuclease-hypersensitive GC-rich region in KRAS promoter can fold into a four-stranded DNA secondary structure called G-quadruplex (G4), known to regulate KRAS expression. However, the factors that regulate stable G4 formation in the genome and KRAS expression in PDAC are largely unknown. Here, we show that APE1 (apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1), a multifunctional DNA repair enzyme, is a G4-binding protein, and loss of APE1 abrogates the formation of stable G4 structures in cells. Recombinant APE1 binds to KRAS promoter G4 structure with high affinity and promotes G4 folding in vitro. Knockdown of APE1 reduces MAZ transcription factor loading onto the KRAS promoter, thus reducing KRAS expression in PDAC cells. Moreover, downregulation of APE1 sensitizes PDAC cells to chemotherapeutic drugs in vitro and in vivo. We also demonstrate that PDAC patients’ tissue samples have elevated levels of both APE1 and G4 DNA. Our findings unravel a critical role of APE1 in regulating stable G4 formation and KRAS expression in PDAC and highlight G4 structures as genomic features with potential application as a novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target in PDAC.
The Arabidopsis cyclophilin CYP18-1 facilitates PRP18 dephosphorylation and the splicing of introns retained under heat stress
Authors: Jo Seung Hee , Park Hyun Ji , Lee Areum , Jung Haemyeong , Park Jeong Mee , Kwon Suk-Yoon , Kim Hyun-Soon , Lee Hyo-Jun , Kim Youn-Sung , Jung Choonkyun , Cho Hye Sun
Published: March 2022

In plants, heat stress induces changes in alternative splicing, including intron retention; these events can rapidly alter proteins or downregulate protein activity, producing nonfunctional isoforms or inducing nonsense-mediated decay of messenger RNA (mRNA). Nuclear cyclophilins (CYPs) are accessory proteins in the spliceosome complexes of multicellular eukaryotes. However, whether plant CYPs are involved in pre-mRNA splicing remain unknown. Here, we found that Arabidopsis thaliana CYP18-1 is necessary for the efficient removal of introns that are retained in response to heat stress during germination. CYP18-1 interacts with Step II splicing factors (PRP18a, PRP22, and SWELLMAP1) and associates with the U2 and U5 small nuclear RNAs in response to heat stress. CYP18-1 binds to phospho-PRP18a, and increasing concentrations of CYP18-1 are associated with increasing dephosphorylation of PRP18a. Furthermore, interaction and protoplast transfection assays revealed that CYP18-1 and the PP2A-type phosphatase PP2A B′η co-regulate PRP18a dephosphorylation. RNA-seq and RT-qPCR analysis confirmed that CYP18-1 is essential for splicing introns that are retained under heat stress. Overall, we reveal the mechanism of action by which CYP18-1 activates the dephosphorylation of PRP18 and show that CYP18-1 is crucial for the efficient splicing of retained introns and rapid responses to heat stress in plants.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF COMMERCIAL SCINTILLATION COCKTAILS FOR LOW-LEVEL TRITIUM COUNTING BY HIGH-CAPACITY LIQUID SCINTILLATION COUNTER
Authors: Kuwata Haruka , Tazoe Hirofumi , Kranrod Chutima , Fujiwara Kenso , Terashima Motoki , Matsueda Makoto , Hirao Shigekazu , Akata Naofumi
Published: March 2022

Low-background liquid scintillation counter is one of the popular measuring instruments used to investigate tritium radioactivity in environmental media. These instruments require the liquid sample and organic solvent to be mixed for tritium measurement. In the European Union, the registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemicals regulation was established to control the use of chemical substances of very high concern. It is important to find continuously available alternative reagents. In this paper, a performance evaluation was conducted using four scintillation cocktails according to Japanese conventional procedure; although one of them, Gold Star LT2, contains nonylphenol ethoxylate, it will continue to be available for research and development. From the evaluation results it was confirmed that Gold Star LT2 would be a satisfactory alternative scintillator, which is similar performance of Ultima Gold LLT.
No Good Choices: Concealing or Disclosing Single Motherhood in Korea
Authors: Chung Yiyoon , Son Seohee
Published: March 2022

Little research has explored the context in which single parents in Korea conceal their identity. Using data from focus group interviews with 19 single mothers, this qualitative study conducted a thematic analysis to examine (a) how and why single mothers in Korea conceal their status as such, (b) the consequences of mothers concealing their identity, and (c) their efforts to find a space where they can be themselves. The findings revealed that in Korea’s strong collectivist and Confucian-influenced culture, single mothers experience societal stigma that implicitly and explicitly deters them from disclosing their status. Women who choose to disclose their single motherhood must actively “come out” and face the subsequent stigma directly, while those who choose not to do so experience isolation, feelings of guilt, and lower levels of civic participation. There are no options that allow a single mother to simultaneously be true to herself and remain free from societal shame—there is no good choice. However, the mothers who participated in this study fostered a positive social identity by attending support groups, building relationships, helping others, and increasing social and civic participation. The implications for social work research and practice are discussed.
Effects of a single beach tennis session on short-term blood pressure variability in individuals with hypertension: a randomized crossover trial
Authors: Domingues Lucas Betti , Carpes Leandro de Oliveira , Fuchs Sandra Costa , Ferrari Rodrigo
Published: March 2022

Despite the importance of blood pressure (BP) variability to estimate cardiovascular risk in patients with hypertension, not all exercise modalities can reduce short-term BP variability, and no studies have measured the acute effects of recreational sports on short-term BP variability. We investigated the acute effects of a single beach tennis (BT) session on short-term BP variability in individuals with hypertension. Twenty-two participants took part in this randomized clinical trial. They were randomly allocated to a BT session and a nonexercise control session (Con). BT and Con sessions lasted 45 min. Office BP and heart rate were measured throughout the experimental sessions to calculate rate-pressure products and estimate the cardiovascular demand of BT. To determine short-term BP variability after BT and Con sessions, average real variability (ARV) of systolic BP and diastolic BP was assessed over 24 h using ambulatory BP monitoring. Compared with Con, there were lower 24-h (Δ, −0.9 ± 0.4 mmHg; P = 0.049) and daytime (Δ, −1.4 ± 0.5 mmHg; P = 0.004) ARV of diastolic BP after BT. There were no significant differences in ARV of systolic BP between Con and BT. There was a higher rate-pressure product found during BT (P < 0.001). However, after the experimental sessions, there was no significant difference between BT and Con for the rate-pressure product under ambulatory conditions. In conclusion, a single BT session reduced daytime and 24-h diastolic BP variability in adults with hypertension. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03909308.