bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obligatory homeothermy of mesic habitat-adapted African striped mice, Rhabdomys pumilio, is governed by seasonal basal metabolism and year-round ‘thermogenic readiness’ of brown adipose tissue
Authors: Welman Shaun , Jastroch Martin , Mzilikazi Nomakwezi 
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT
Small mammals undergo thermoregulatory adjustments in response to changing environmental conditions. Whereas small heterothermic mammals can employ torpor to save energy in the cold, homeothermic species must increase heat production to defend normothermia through the recruitment of brown adipose tissue (BAT). Here, we studied thermoregulatory adaptation in an obligate homeotherm, the African striped mouse (Rhabdomys pumilio), captured from a subpopulation living in a mesic, temperate climate with marked seasonal differences. Basal metabolic rate (BMR), non-shivering thermogenesis (NST) and summit metabolic rate (Msum) increased from summer to winter, with NST and Msum already reaching maximal rates in autumn, suggesting seasonal preparation for the cold. Typical of rodents, cold-induced metabolic rates were positively correlated with BAT mass. Analysis of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity and UCP1 content, however, demonstrated that thermogenic capacity declined with BAT mass. This resulted in seasonal differences in NST being driven by changes in BMR. The increase in BMR was supported by a comprehensive anatomical analysis of metabolically active organs, revealing increased mass proportions in the cold season. The thermoregulatory response of R. pumilio was associated with the maintenance of body mass throughout the year (48.3±1.4 g), contrasting large summer–winter mass reductions often observed in Holarctic rodents. Collectively, bioenergetic adaptation of this Afrotropical rodent involves seasonal organ adjustments influencing BMR, combined with a constant thermogenic capacity dictated by trade-offs in the thermogenic properties of BAT. Arguably, this high degree of plasticity was a response to unpredictable cold spells throughout the year. Consequently, the reliance on such a resource-intensive thermoregulatory strategy may expose more energetic vulnerability in changing environments of food scarcity and extreme weather conditions due to climate change, with major ramifications for survival of the species.
Flying on empty: reduced mitochondrial function and flight capacity in food-deprived monarch butterflies
Authors: Niitepõld Kristjan , Parry Hailey A. , Harris Natalie R. , Appel Arthur G. , de Roode Jacobus C. , Kavazis Andreas N. , Hood Wendy R. 
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACTMitochondrial function is fundamental to organismal performance, health and fitness – especially during energetically challenging events, such as migration. With this investigation, we evaluated mitochondrial sensitivity to ecologically relevant stressors. We focused on an iconic migrant, the North American monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), and examined the effects of two stressors: 7 days of food deprivation and infection by the protozoan parasite Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (known to reduce survival and flight performance). We measured whole-animal resting metabolic rate (RMR) and peak flight metabolic rate, and mitochondrial respiration of isolated mitochondria from the flight muscles. Food deprivation reduced mass-independent RMR and peak flight metabolic rate, whereas infection did not. Fed monarchs used mainly lipids in flight (respiratory quotient 0.73), but the respiratory quotient dropped in food-deprived individuals, possibly indicating switching to alternative energy sources, such as ketone bodies. Food deprivation decreased mitochondrial maximum oxygen consumption but not basal respiration, resulting in lower respiratory control ratio (RCR). Furthermore, food deprivation decreased mitochondrial complex III activity, but increased complex IV activity. Infection did not result in any changes in these mitochondrial variables. Mitochondrial maximum respiration rate correlated positively with mass-independent RMR and flight metabolic rate, suggesting a link between mitochondria and whole-animal performance. In conclusion, low food availability negatively affects mitochondrial function and flight performance, with potential implications for migration, fitness and population dynamics. Although previous studies have reported poor flight performance in infected monarchs, we found no differences in physiological performance, suggesting that reduced flight capacity may be due to structural differences or low energy stores.
Racial and socioeconomic inequity in the financial stress of medical school
Authors: McMichael Brennan , Lee IV Anderson , Fallon Brian , Matusko Niki , Sandhu Gurjit 
Published: June 2022

Background: The authors analyzed the distribution of medical student debt and identified demographic features that placed students at high risk for increased debt and financial stress. Methods: From April to May 2019, a cross-sectional, anonymous, web-based survey was administered to first-year (M1) to fourth-year (M4) medical students at the University of Michigan to assess financial literacy, debt burden, financial stress, and demographic factors. A total of 216 of 680 (32%) students completed the survey. Respondents voluntarily answered 15 multiple-choice questions on personal finance and 30 questions on their demographics, current financial situation, and debt burden. To quantify debt burden, students estimated anticipated education-related debt in one of four categories: no debt, $1–99,999; $100,000–$199,999; and $200,000 or more. A chi-square test was used to identify associations between categorical variables and logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for debt and worry. Results: Fifty-four respondents (25%) reported $0 in education related debt, while 44 (16%) had $200,000 or more. Race (p=0.006), first-generation college student status (p=0.004), first-generation medical student status (p<0.001), household income (p<0.001), and parental education (p=0.008) were associated with higher levels of debt. Students who were underrepresented in medicine (URiM) had higher odds of higher debt compared to Arab and Asian students (p=0.02). URiM students (p=0.02), first-generation college students (p=0.009), and parental education (p=0.01) were associated with increased financial stress. Additionally, female students had higher odds of increased financial stress (OR=1.85, p=0.045) on logistic regression. Conclusions: URiM and socioeconomically disadvantaged students feel the burden of the high cost of medical school disproportionately more, suggesting that our current systems are not adequately supporting these students. Reducing this burden may serve to further promote diversity in medicine.
Exploring possibilities of harmonising social justice with medical education through the use of CanMeds and AfriMeds when engaging in discipline integration
Authors: Cafun Wade 
Published: June 2022

Medical curricula are largely content heavy and grossly overloaded but focus primarily on medical and biomedical sciences. It has been argued by authors such as Gukas and Filies that well-balanced professionals are seldom produced by such content heavy curricula. The incorporation of social justice principles in medical curricula is vital in promoting the production of well-balanced and competent healthcare professionals, as called for in the CanMeds/AfriMeds frameworks. However, the World Federation for Medical Education issued a consensus statement asserting that medical students in the USA and Canada receive little to no formal training and teachings as far as social justice is concerned. In this paper it is asserted that medical students in South Africa are no exception to such consensus. It is further asserted in this paper that if one begins to examine principles of CanMeds/AfriMeds, entry points for the insertion of social justice principles becomes a possibility without having to further overload an overloaded curriculum. In essence, adopting and promoting roles of CanMeds/AfriMeds such as professional, collaborator and scholar enhance a non-hierarchical style and environment of teaching medical students. This new style and environment of learning are shown in this paper to enable an insertion of social justice principles in a medical curriculum in instances where such insertion may otherwise have been impossible.
Cotton Genotype Differences in Seed Coat Fragments Related to Seed Fragility and Fiber-Seed Attachment Force
Authors: Armijo Carlos B. , Bechere Efrem , Whitelock Derek P. , Funk Paul A. 
Published: June 2022

HighlightsRelationships between seed coat fragments and other seed and fiber properties were examined among cotton genotypes.Genotypes in the study had a broad range of properties that were significantly different among genotypes.Seed coat fragment levels were significantly correlated with cottonseed fragility, fiber-seed attachment force, and ginning energy.Longer, stronger cottons tended to have higher seed coat fragment levels.Abstract. Seed coat fragments (SCF) are difficult to remove from ginned lint. Cotton genotypes vary in SCF levels, but details are lacking regarding the cause of SCF. This study examined ten genotypes with highly variable levels of SCF to find relationships between SCF and cottonseed rupture force, fiber-seed attachment force, and net gin stand energy. Results showed that the attachment force of the fiber to the seed increased significantly with SCF levels, and net gin stand energy consumption increased with SCF levels, suggesting fibers more strongly attached to seed were prone to SCF formation. Cottonseed rupture force was measured, but only one genotype with very low seed rupture force had increased SCF; otherwise, SCF increased with cottonseed rupture force. Unexpectedly, fiber length, strength, and micronaire were significantly correlated with SCF levels, indicating that the longer, stronger, cottons with lower micronaire in the premium range tended to have higher SCF levels. These results show that multiple, otherwise desirable factors may contribute to cotton containing high SCF levels. Keywords: Seed coat fragments, Cottonseed fragility, Cotton attachment force, Gin stand energy, Fiber quality.
Improved Cost Estimates for Agricultural Conservation Practices
Authors: Deutschman Mark Robert , Koep Sarah 
Published: June 2022

HighlightsDeveloped Useful Life Total Cost (ULTC) functions for 23 types of agricultural conservation practices.Derived each cost function from multiple ULTC estimates bracketing a range of design variations and sizes for each agricultural conservation practice.Developed Annual ULTC based on practice life cycle duration.Compared Prioritize, Target, Measure Application costs to ULTC.Recommend using ULTC rather than Prioritize, Target, Measure Application Environmental Quality Incentives Program payment as a cost surrogate. Abstract. The cost to achieve water quality goals is an essential piece of information necessary for assessing whether the expected societal benefits are worthy of investment.Within the United States, taxes generate the “public money” to pay to improve water quality. State and Federal Agencies distribute the public’s money to local governments and landowners as grants and cost-share to implement agricultural conservation practices (“practices”). Comparing the cost to improve water quality and the anticipated public benefit helps inform the investment decision.The lack of a robust method for estimating the cost of practices and developing a Water Quality Strategy hampers the ability to compare cost and benefits. Within Minnesota and North Dakota, Water Quality Practitioners commonly use the Prioritize, Target, Measure Application (PTMApp) to develop strategies to improve water quality. PTMApp utilizes the Environmental Quality Incentives Program payment as a surrogate to estimate practice cost. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program payment is a percentage of the estimated cost to implement a typical practice scenario, excluding the labor to plan, design and permit the practice; inspect the practice during construction; operate and maintain the practice; finance costs; and in most cases forgone income.We addressed the need for estimates of practice cost by developing Useful Life Total Costs (UTLCs) for 23 agricultural conservation practices. Useful Life Total Costs incurred throughout the practice life cycle begin with planning and end with reconstruction to maintain proper function. We developed multiple ULTCs (year 2020) for each practice by bracketing the range of design variations and sizes. Legacy PTMApp costs ranged from 1% to 55% of the UTLC, confirming underestimation of the actual practice costs.Cost functions developed by selecting the best-fit line between the ULTCs and a predominant practice physical characteristic are useful for developing Water Quality Strategies. The cost functions, recently incorporated into PTMApp, considerably improve the ability to estimate the actual cost to achieve water quality goals and societal benefits. Keywords: Benefits, Implementation, Life cycle, Planning, PTMApp, Useful life, Water quality.
COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS MODELED AIR SPEED THROUGH IN-SHELL PEANUTS IN DRYING WAGONS COMPARED TO MEASURED AIR SPEED
Authors: McIntyre Joseph S. , Butts Christopher L. , Read Quentin D. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract.HighlightsPeanut drying wagon internal airflow simulation and visualization.Comparison of computer fluid dynamic (CFD) solutions to measured air speed.Modeling of airflow through masses of in-shell peanuts. Information is lacking about airflow through masses of drying in-shell peanuts in drying wagons because of the difficulties encountered in making direct measurements. Information about airflow is needed to improve efficiency of drying peanuts to make peanut crops more profitable. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeled airflow through in-shell peanuts loaded in drying wagons was validated using actual airflow measurements. CFD models allow for the investigation of airflow within peanut loads and the air plenum of drying wagons. Airflow through a wagon load of in-shell peanuts treated as a solid mass with distributed resistance was modeled using airflow behavior following Darcy’s law. CFD model simulations were undertaken using measured air speed, wagon air plenum static air pressure, and fan performance curve data. CFD modeling was based on actual air speed measurements made at 40 locations on the top surface of wagon loads of in-shell peanuts. The 40 measurement locations represented the top center of 40 blocks which the peanut load was divided into to investigate air speed. To match actual measurements to CFD model results, CFD models were configured with the same 40 blocks as those of the actual measurements. In CFD models, the permeability of the peanuts in each of the 40 blocks could be varied in a trial-and-error fashion to increase or decrease the air speed at the top surface of the peanut load to match that of the actual air speed measured for each of the blocks. Model results reproduced the measured air speed to within the accuracy limits of the air speed measurements. The air speed and static air pressure distribution in the wagon air plenum was found not to be uniform even when all blocks had the same permeability. Model results revealed wagon air plenum air speed patterns and static air pressure distribution could explain the general air speed distribution of slower air speeds at the top surface of the peanut load near the wagon air inlet wall and the increasing air speed along the length of the wagon. Permeability variations within the peanut load were found to explain localized variations in air speed at the top surface of the peanut load. Keywords: Air speed, Airflow, Modeled results compared to measured, Computational fluid dynamics modeling, Drying wagon, In-shell Peanuts, Peanut bulk permeability, Peanut curing, Peanut drying .
Hopper Bottom Semi-Trailer Modified for In-Shell Peanut Drying: Design, Fabrication, and Performance Testing
Authors: McIntyre Joseph S. , Turner Aaron P. , Teddy Brennan E. , Fogle Benjamin B. , Butts Christopher L. , Kirk Kendall 
Published: June 2022

HighlightsComputational fluid dynamics modeling of airflow through the peanut load improved the design process.Peanuts dried using the modified hopper bottom semi-trailer passed inspection at 9.1% moisture content in preliminary tests.Final moisture gradient in the modified hopper bottom semi-trailer consisted of even layers from front-to-back with moisture increasing with depth.Current inspection probe sampling pattern biases inspection moisture measurements lower by not sampling the hopper bottom.Abstract. Hopper bottom semi-trailers (HBST) modified to dry loads of in-shell peanuts would provide several advantages to peanut producers and peanut processing facility operators. Producers who have HBST for transporting grain would have an additional use for their HBST and would reduce harvest delays during peak harvest times when trailer availability is limited from peanut processors. Additionally, smaller processing facilities would gain the economic advantages of semi-trailers without the investment in hydraulic lifts to unload peanut drying van semi-trailers. Before this study, no HBST had been modified to add peanut drying functionality. The objectives of this study were to design, fabricate, and test the performance of drying modifications to a HBST. After review of the functional components needed to dry peanuts and existing structural constrains of the HBST, the components fabricated were an air inlet connection, an enclosed transition space, an air plenum vent, and air exhaust vents on the undersides of the hopper tubs. The number, size, and location of the air exhaust vents were determined using a computational fluid dynamic model. Three test loads of peanuts were dried in the modified HBST during the 2020 peanut harvest season. Measurements were taken at intervals throughout the peanut drying process to assess drying and to monitor air temperature and relative humidity. Results of a test load indicated that the moisture content decreased from 12.9% wet basis (w.b.) to 12.0% w.b. after 8.5 h of drying. Average moisture content was reduced to 11.1% w.b. following an additional 8.6 h without the dryer operating. The sample load official grade moisture content was 9.1% w.b after the rest period. The most important finding was that a moisture gradient persisted in the loads of peanuts after active drying and rest period. The peanuts located at the top of the load had a moisture content of 9% w.b. while those with the highest moisture content of 14% w.b. were at the bottom of the load. The official inspection sampling procedure did not detect the moisture content differences in the test loads. The finding of a persistent moisture gradient will require more investigation and modification of the HBST. Keywords: Computational Fluid Dynamics, CFD, Design, Drying, Hopper-bottom semi-trailer, Moisture distribution, Moisture gradient, Peanuts, Retrofit.
Predicting Single Kernel Moisture and Protein Content of Mushroom Popcorn Using NIR Spectroscopy: Tool for Determining their Effect on Popping Performance
Authors: Wu Xiaorong , Armstrong Paul R , Maghirang Elizabeth B. 
Published: June 2022

HighlightsPrediction models for high accuracy measurement of single kernel (SK) moisture content (MC) and protein content (PC) were developed using near-infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy.USDA-ARS tube SKNIR instrument sorted individual kernels based on single kernel protein content (SKPC) which enabled determining the effect of three PC levels within a popcorn variety on popping performance.Variety, MC, and PC affected popping expansion, ball rate, and number of unpopped/half-popped kernels.Within popcorn variety, increased PC significantly increased expansion and reduced number of unpopped kernels but did not affect ball rate of popped flakes.The ability to sort single kernels for specific quality parameter, such as PC, is an important and useful tool for popcorn breeders and processors to meet consumer demand for specialized products.Abstract. The increasing demand for specialized high-quality popcorn products necessitates that the popcorn industry continuously identify quality parameters that can be improved through plant breeding or manipulated or sorted for improved end-products. Relationships between protein content (PC) and popping performance (expansion, ball rate, and number of unpopped kernels) has been investigated but there has been no research on segregating individual kernels from within the same variety for specific PC ranges, which may eliminate possible interference from some underlying variety- or production-related effects. Prediction models for determination of single kernel moisture content (MC) and PC were developed for the USDA-ARS tube single kernel near infrared reflectance (SKNIR) instrument. Both parameters were predicted with high accuracies for independent validations. MC showed an R2 of 0.94 and SEP of 0.25% while PC had R2 of 0.92 and SEP of 0.35%. Popping tests showed that increased kernel PC significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased expansion and lowered the number of unpopped kernels but had no effect on the ball rate of popped flakes. Thus, applications that require increased overall expansion and reduced number of unpopped kernels may be addressed by the removal of low protein popcorn kernels from a popcorn lot, which can be achieved using an automated SKNIR technique. The SKNIR technique also provides a means for plant breeders to work on targeted/specific PC or PC range based on the single kernel selection. Keywords: Ball rate, Expansion, Mushroom popcorn, NIR spectroscopy, Popcorn quality, Single kernel, Unpopped kernels.
Simultaneous Application of Vacuum and Infrared Drying to Whole Drying Process of Bitter Gourd Slices: Design, Drying Kinetics, Experiment, Characteristic, Energy Aspect
Authors: Liu Sixing , Li Shuang , Liu Tianhong , Chai Yan , Zhang Lingcong 
Published: June 2022

HighlightsBitter gourd slices were dried using vacuum infrared coupling drying method.Increased drying rate and effective water diffusivity and greatly reduced energy consumption.Provided a theoretical reference for the drying of high quality agricultural products.Increased the added value of agricultural products.Abstract.To improve the processing rate and product quality of bitter gourd, a new type of vacuum infrared coupled drying method was proposed. The impact of drying temperature, vacuum, and thickness were investigated on the physicochemical features. The results showed that the moisture content was greatly affected by temperature change but less influenced by the change of vacuum degree. The thickness had little influence on the moisture content change when the slice thickness increased to a certain value about 6mm. The experiments revealed that the drying rate reached to the maximum when the slice thickness was 2 mm. The drying quality of bitter gourd slices could reach to the best smell, tissue state and color when the drying test was carried out at thickness 4 mm, vacuum 10 kPa, and temperature 55°C. Taking drying rate as evaluation index and temperature, thickness, and vacuum degree as influencing factors, a regression model of drying rate was established. Design-expert software was used to solve the optimal drying process conditions. The results showed that the drying rate was 26.47 g/(g.h) when temperature, thickness and vacuum degree were 56°C, 3 mm, and 11 kPa. Therefore, bitter gourd slices would be dried quickly and effectively by using the simultaneous technique of vacuum infrared drying method. Keywords: Bitter gourd slice, Drying quality, Moisture content, Vacuum infrared coupled drying.