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Methods of in vitro regeneration protocols were developed for three elite rose cultivars, Chewnicebell (Oso Easy Italian Ice®), Bucbi (Carefree Beauty™), and Cheweyesup (Ringo All-Star™). We evaluated the effects of different types and concentrations of auxins [dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T)], carbohydrates [sucrose, glucose, and fructose], and cytokinins [thidiazuron (TDZ) and 6-bezylaminopurine (BAP)] on callus induction and regeneration from leaf explants. The greatest amount of regenerative callus was obtained on media containing 10 µM 2,4-D and 30 g·L−1 sucrose for Italian Ice® (40%), 10 µM 2,4-D and 60 g·L−1 glucose for Carefree Beauty™ (24%), and 5 µM 2,4,5-T and 30 g·L−1 sucrose for Ringo All-Star™ (32%). The greatest regeneration occurred when callus was transferred to media consisting of 1/2 MS media supplemented with 2.9 µM GA3 and 5 µM TDZ for Italian Ice® and Ringo All-Star™, and with 2.9 µM GA3 and 20 µM TDZ for Carefree Beauty™. Plantlets regenerated from callus were cultured on maintenance media and successfully transferred ex vitro. This study highlights the genotype-specific responses among rose cultivars and provides the first reports of in vitro regeneration for Italian Ice® and Ringo All-Star™.

Background This study explores live and recorded music listening in the outpatient pain clinic. There is evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of live and recorded music in a hospital setting but a comparison study of this kind has yet to be conducted. Methods A multimethod survey study design was used. A questionnaire utilizing rating scales was self-administered across two outpatient pain clinic waiting rooms. Patients were included through convenience sampling. In one clinic, a playlist of recorded music curated by two of the authors was provided. In the second clinic, a music therapy student played live music using guitar, flute, and voice. The questionnaire gathered data on music's impact on pain and emotional states, as well as attitudes toward music in the waiting room. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data, gathered in the questionnaires open ended question, was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results The questionnaire was completed by 200 adult patients. Patients reported lowered levels of anxiety, stress, and pain in both clinics, as well as a shorter waiting time and more caring experience. Patients in the live music clinic reported that music lowered levels of stress, nervousness, agitation, and pain more than in the recorded music clinic. Conclusions Participants in this study identified that music is a useful tool in the pain clinic waiting room. This study contributes to evidence that music should be considered as a complimentary treatment for people living with pain and in the wider hospital setting. Additional research is warranted with a control group, pre- and posttesting, and studies of music in hospitals in a range of cultural contexts.

Universities are vulnerable to infectious disease outbreaks, making them ideal environments to study transmission dynamics and evaluate mitigation and surveillance measures. Here, we analyze multimodal COVID-19-associated data collected during the 2020-2021 academic year at Colorado Mesa University and introduce a SARS-CoV-2 surveillance and response framework.We analyzed epidemiological and sociobehavioral data (demographics, contact tracing, and WiFi-based co-location data) alongside pathogen surveillance data (wastewater and diagnostic testing, and viral genomic sequencing of wastewater and clinical specimens) to characterize outbreak dynamics and inform policy. We applied relative risk, multiple linear regression, and social network assortativity to identify attributes or behaviors associated with contracting SARS-CoV-2. To characterize SARS-CoV-2 transmission, we used viral sequencing, phylogenomic tools, and functional assays.Athletes, particularly those on high-contact teams, had the highest risk of testing positive. On average, individuals who tested positive had more contacts and longer interaction durations than individuals who never tested positive. The distribution of contacts per individual was overdispersed, although not as overdispersed as the distribution of phylogenomic descendants. Corroboration via technical replicates was essential for identification of wastewater mutations.Based on our findings, we formulate a framework that combines tools into an integrated disease surveillance program that can be implemented in other congregate settings with limited resources.This work was supported by the National Science Foundation, the Hertz Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Flu Lab, and the Audacious Project.

HighlightsDesign and construction of mobile swine facility on a flat decked trailer for experimentation.Air infiltration evaluation for an experimental building.Theoretical building shell thermal analysis and heat transfer determination.Abstract. Specialized animal environment experiments needing swine facilities calls for novel technology creation to enable unique experimentation without the drawbacks of traditional swine facilities. In a full-scale swine facility, there are challenges with cost, increased travel time to sites, additional labor is required, the facility cannot be fully controlled, and biosecurity becomes a risk. A small-scale, mobile swine confinement laboratory was designed and built to mitigate the challenges faced in a full-scale barn. The mobility of the laboratory enables it to travel to swine farms to obtain fresh animal specimens, which allows the experiments and data collected to be more representative of an in-barn application. The model facility, built on a flat-bed trailer, has two identical, fully instrumented rooms (L × W × H) of 2.24 × 2.29 × 2.05 m (88.0 × 90.0 × 80.5 in.) with a 0.46 m (18 in.) shallow pit, replicating typical swine finishing rooms. Walls were composed of typical wood-frame construction with interior paneling and metal clad on the exterior. Instrumentation allows the environment and air quality of the rooms, along with other parameters, to be controlled and monitored. The rear portion of the trailer includes an instrumentation room to house necessary computers, controllers, and associated equipment. Commissioning of components and verifying function of equipment were performed, which included quantifying infiltration and performing a thermal analysis for each room. Analysis showed that the infiltration equation was distinct for each room. The use of this laboratory for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of in-barn experimentation on a controlled, small-scale will mitigate the challenges presented in a typical barn. Keywords: Building, Commissioning, Facility, Heat transfer, Mobile, Pig.

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) plays a significant role in developing managers in a plethora of global organizations. In most circles, it is considered a degree to develop corporate managers. With the leadership failures of organizations like pharmaceutical price collusion and price increase of 539% of Perrigo Pharmaceuticals, the fake account fraud practices at Wells Fargo, sexual harassment issues at Uber, the Equifax data breach, and the video of a forcible, bloody removal of a passenger on a United Airlines in the U.S., there has been increased criticism concerning the effectiveness of current MBA programs and leadership development in general. This qualitative research study explores how the curriculum of the MBA of the future should look.

Cool-season annual forage varieties of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), cereal rye (Secale cereale), wheat (Triticum aestivum), and triticale (Triticale hexaploide Lart.) are often chosen on the basis of availability and affordability rather than performance. The objective of this study was to create a source of collaborative data that would aid producers in selection of superior varieties of cool-season annual forages that perform well across varying years, geographic regions, and environments. Forage yield data was collected from forage variety trials conducted in the years of 2015–2020 by University of Georgia, University of Tennessee, Pennsylvania State University, University of Kentucky, and Mississippi State University. Testing occurred at 18 different sites and across 7 states in the Eastern United States. Data from 166 annual ryegrass, 35 cereal rye, 93 wheat, and 48 triticale individual varieties were collected and standardized by expressing yields as a percentage of the mean within a given testing site-year. Standardized means were averaged across all available site-years for each variety within a species and a coefficient of variation (CV) was calculated. Varieties in each species were categorized by their relative mean yield and CV and varieties that had above average relative mean and low CV were considered desirable. The desired annual ryegrass varieties included: Marshall, K014-WLS, K0140-WEMA, FL Red 4X LATE, Angusta, RM exp-2013A, and FL AT-3. The limitedly tested but qualifying varieties of cereal rye were Wintergrazer 70, Wrens Abruzzi, NF99362, Bates RS4, and Goku, wheat were FLLA10033C-6, GA-09129-16E55, GA-051207-14E53, GA-04417-12E33, GA-03564-12E6, GA-071518-16E39, W010025-H2, PGX-16-4, AGS 3040, Oglethorpe, AGS 3030, PGX 16-1, SS EXP 8629, W010025R1, GA-09377-16LE18, GoWheat 2032, SRW 9410, and GA-071630-12LE9, and triticale were Wintermax, and TriCal 815. Results from this study will aid producers in the identification of desired cool-season annual forage varieties that consistently perform well in varying environmental conditions.

Cotton byproducts, such as whole cottonseed (WCS) and cotton gin byproduct (CGB) can be utilized as cattle feed. Our objective was to evaluate the feeding value of WCS and CGB when included in a growing ration. Fifty-six yearling steers with a starting body weight of 288±3.8 kg were used in an 84-day trial. Steers were blocked by weight for pen assignments, and treatments were randomly assigned within pen. The nutritionally balanced diets were fed to appetite as total mixed rations through Calan gates. Treatment 1 (TRT 1), was composed of corn silage, ground corn, and soybean meal. Treatment 2 (TRT 2) replaced some of the corn and soybean meal with WCS (15% of the diet DM). Treatment 3 (TRT 3) replaced some of the silage with CGB (25% of the diet DM). Treatment 4 (TRT 4) replaced some of the corn and soybean meal with WCS (15% of the diet DM) and some of the silage with CGB (25% of the diet DM). Dry matter intake (DMI) was similar for TRT 1 and 2, which were lower (P >0.5) compared to TRT 3 and 4 (8.8, 8.5, 11.3, and 10.3±0.24 kg/d for TRT 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively). Average daily gain did not differ between TRT 1, 2, and 4, but was higher (P >0.5) for TRT 3 (1.27, 1.18, 1.32, and 1.54 ± 0.05 kg/d for TRT 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively). Gain to feed ratios were highest (P >0.5) for TRT 1 and 2 compared with TRT 3 and 4 (0.16, 0.15, 0.12, and 0.13±0.009, respectively). This study demonstrates that cotton byproducts can be utilized in growing cattle diets to replace a portion of corn, soybean meal, and corn silage while resulting in similar or enhanced performance.

The objective of this study was to analyze animal performance following renovation of toxic-infected tall fescue (TF) to novel endophyte tall fescue (NE) in order to increase producer adoption of NE. In 2018, three renovation strategies were implemented in a randomized complete block design. Strategies included: 1) control (C), 2) renovation to NE after one season of a single-specie cover crop (1-SM), 3) renovation to NE after three seasons of a single-specie cover crop (3-SM), and 4) renovation to NE after three seasons of a multi-specie cover crop (3-CM). Forty-eight pregnant (30-90-d) Angus heifers (initial BW 383 kg ± 32) were randomly assigned to rotationally graze spring growth for 56-d, two years after NE establishment. Pre- and post-grazing forage mass was measured every 7-d. Animal measurements were collected every 14-d. Data were analyzed using procGLIMMIX of SASv9.4. Average daily gain was greatest (P < 0.0001) for cattle grazing 3-CM (0.74 kg/d), 1-SM (0.72 kg/d), and 3-SM (0.62 kg/d) and least for C (0.33 kg/d). Pre-grazing forage biomass was greatest (P = 0.0157) in 3-CM (3261 kg/ha) and lowest in C (2523 kg/ha), with 3-SM (2813 kg/ha) and 1-SM (2779 kg/ha) being intermediate. Post-grazing forage biomass was greatest (P = 0.0063) in 3-CM (1982 kg/ha), C (1916 kg/ha), 1-SM (1900 kg/ha), but lower in 3-SM (1592 kg/ha). Prior to grazing, body condition score (BCS) was higher (P = 0.0029) for animals grazing C (5.48), but change in BCS of animals within treatments was not different (P = 0.798). Hair shedding scores (HS) were not different on d-0, with all treatments near 5. However, HS were highest (P < 0.0001) in C (4.75), and lowest in 1-SM (1.75), 3-SM (2), and 3-CM (2) after 56-d. Data suggest animal performance for NE was improved compared to TF during spring grazing in years following renovation.

The need for integrity and reliability in the supply chain and logistics management operations has a well-established array of theoretical frameworks that guide organizations and managers in the field. However, what is missing is a comprehensive, established framework for logistics and supply chain cybersecurity. The emerging area of cyber-supply chain security continues to lack suitable models to help secure critical data and systems. In all industries and fields today, cybersecurity is no longer just an information technology issue. It is a business sustainability and business strategy issue. The human factors in the cyber-supply chain operations represent the actions or events when human error results in a successful hack or data breach. Today, protecting logistics and supply chain organizations from cyber and data security risks is no longer just an information technology employee function. Every organizational employee has a responsibility in the data protection process. Progressive organizations are ones that can create methods, policies, and approaches that encourage employees to play an active role in the information and cybersecurity process. This paper explores innovative approaches around open-door systems as a proactive data security and cybersecurity risk reduction organizational strategy. This research provides cyber-supply chain practitioners and scholars an array of concepts to help them understand and describe the dynamics of cyber-supply chain and logistics management data security vulnerabilities and opportunities for process improvements.

More information on expected animal performance and carcass traits of forage-finished steers grazing warm-season annual forages is needed. To achieve this objective, a grazing trial was conducted in 2014, 2015, and 2016 (70, 63, and 56 d, respectively), with variation in length of grazing based on forage availability. Sixteen pastures (0.81 ha) were assigned to 1 of 4 forage treatments in a randomized complete block design. Forage treatments were brown midrib sorghum × sudangrass (BMR; Sorghum bicolor var. bicolor*bicolor var. sudanense), sorghum × sudangrass (SS), pearl millet [PM; Pennisetum glaucum (L.)R.Br.], or pearl millet planted with crabgrass [PMCG; Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.]. Each year, British-cross beef steers (n = 32; 3 y average: 429 ± 22 kg) were stratified by weight and randomly assigned to 1 of the 16 pastures for forage finishing. Each pasture was subdivided into two 0.405-ha paddocks for rotational stocking and a put-and-take stocking method was used to maintain a forage allowance of 116 kg forage dry matter/100 kg body weight (BW). Shrunk body weight and ultrasonically measured carcass composition were recorded at the initiation, middle, and end of each grazing season. Steers were harvested once forage availability became limited and chilled carcasses (24 h) were evaluated for yield grade and quality grade attributes. Statistical analysis was conducted using the GLIMMIX procedure in SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC) with main effects of treatment, year, and the interaction. Pasture and block were considered random effects while date was assessed as a main effect when applicable. Daily stocking densities were greater (P < 0.04) for SS than PMCG in the first 20 d of 2014 and 2015. Forage treatment did not affect (P > 0.17) total gain, total average daily gain, or body weight at any time point. Ultrasound composition traits of loin muscle area, 12th rib fat thickness, intramuscular fat, and rump fat were impacted (P < 0.01) by scanning date. No differences (P > 0.08) in forage treatments were observed for carcass characteristics associated with yield grade or quality grade. The findings suggest that forage-finished cattle during the summer months on BMR, SS, PM, and PMCG perform similarly, giving producers the option to use the most economical or practical forage type for their production system.

We analyze the careers of Esports professional players. The Esport industry has been able to monetize growing spectator demand to offer tournament prize money amounting to US$113 million in 2017. A few hundred players, out of tens of thousands, earn enough to remain professional gamers exclusively. We examine three aspects of professional Esport player careers. First, a “superstar” effect leads to increases in the top prizes drawing amateurs into the professional ranks. Next, while age and experience affect player performance, player ability remains difficult to assess. Finally, career exits reflect a quick resolution regarding the uncertainty in player ability.

The demand for a year-round supply of fresh, locally grown, forage-finished beef products has created a need for forage-finishing strategies during the summer months in the southeast. A 3-yr study was conducted to evaluate four warm-season annual forages in a southeastern forage-finishing beef production system. Treatments were four forage species and included brown-midrib sorghum × sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor var. bicolor*bicolor var. sudanense; BMR), sorghum × sudangrass (SS), pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.; PM], or pearl millet planted with crabgrass [Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.; PMCG]. Treatments were distributed in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Pastures (0.81 ha, experimental unit) were assigned to one of four forage treatments, subdivided, and rotationally stocked with a variable stocking density. British-cross beef steers (n = 32; 3-yr average: 429 ± 22 kg) grazed for 70, 63, and 56 d in 2014, 2015, and 2016, respectively. Put-and-take animals were used to maintain a forage allowance of 116 kg forage dry matter /100 kg body weight. Forage mass was measured by clipping a 4.3-m2 area in triplicate on d 0 and on 14-d intervals. Hand grab samples for forage nutritive value determination and quadrat clippings for species compositions were measured on d 0 and on 34-d intervals until termination of the trial. Forage mass was lowest (P < 0.01) for PMCG at the initiation of the grazing trial, whereas BMR was greater (P < 0.01) than SS at wk 6. Total digestible nutrients in 2014 were greater for SS compared to BMR and PM at the middle harvest (P < 0.01) and BMR, PM, and PMCG at the final harvest (P < 0.01). At the middle and final harvests in both 2015 and 2016, PM and PMCG contained greater (P < 0.01) concentrations of crude protein than SS. These results suggest that BMR, SS, PM, and PMCG may all be used in southeastern forage-finishing beef production systems, as long as the producer strategically accounts for the slight growth and nutritive value differences throughout the season.

The researchers use three secondary analyses to explore further the “affluenza” claims linking amount of television viewing with consumerist/materialist values and “affluenza symptoms” such as life...

One of the world’s oldest spices, cinnamonis also one of the most popular. Species of the genus Cinnamomum offer a variety of extractable oils with aroma and flavor characteristicsof importance to the flavor industry, so differentiating cinnamon samples for culinary-based applicationsis very important. Cinnamon also has reported healthbenefits associated with specific phytochemical constituents, but its composition can vary greatly depending on species and source region. A substantial amount of the research reported on cinnamon does notprovide thorough documentation of the source and taxonomic identification of the study material, a very common issue with studies of food and medicinal plants.In the interest of providing some clarity to the discussion of the health benefits and culinary attributes of the different cinnamon types in the marketplace, we offer the results of a long-term chemotaxonomic study of cinnamon samples sourced from different regions of the world and link those chemical data to classical taxonomic identification of the source plants. We provide details of the effective use of an automated chemotaxonomic analytical method to differentiate cinnamons from various geographic regions. Also included are chromatographic data for the polyphenolic/procyanidin fractions of each species, as cinnamon type-A procyanidins are often the purported source of biological activity in cinnamon and cinnamon extracts.

Correction for ‘Growing a backbone – functional biomaterials and structures for intervertebral disc (IVD) repair and regeneration: challenges, innovations, and future directions’ by Matthew D. Harmon et al., Biomater. Sci., 2020, 8, 1216–1239, DOI: 10.1039/C9BM01288E.

Renovating toxic-infected tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum) (TF) pastures to novel endophyte tall fescue (NE) is a solution to mitigate the negative associated effects of toxic fescue in beef cattle. However, beef cattle producers are uncertain of the payback period for costs associated with renovation techniques in terms of farm profitability and agronomic performance. In 2018, three renovation strategies were implemented in a randomized complete block design in Bahama, NC. Strategies included: 1) control (C), 2) renovation to NE after one season of a single specie cover crop (1-SM), 3) renovation to NE after three seasons of a single specie cover crop (3-SM), and 4) renovation to NE after three seasons of a multi-specie cover crop (3-CM). Each treatment plot (0.81 ha) was evaluated for botanical composition and hay was harvested in May and August of 2020. Round bales from each treatment were weighed to determine yield and core sampled to determine nutritive value. Data were analyzed using proc GLIMMIX of SAS v9.4. Combined forage yield was greater (P = 0.0226) for 3-CM (8,816 kg/ha) compared to 3-SM (7,191 kg/ha) and C (6,920 kg/ha), but did not differ from 1-SM (7,775 kg/ha). Crude protein concentration was greater (P = 0.035) for C (10.2%) in comparison to 3-SM (9.35%) in harvest 1, but was not different (P = 0.93) in harvest 2. Percentage of fescue in the sward was greatest (P = 0.0002) for 3-SM and least for C (84.9 and 62%, respectively). Similarly, presence of undesirable plants was greater (P < 0.0001) for C (37.5%) than 1-SM, 3-CM and 3-SM (23.7, 15.2 and 12.7%, respectively). Percentage of bare ground did not differ among treatments (P = 0.31). Data suggest agronomic performance for 3-CM and 3-SM was improved compared to C in years following pasture renovation.

This paper introduces a second-generation balloon-borne hard X-ray polarimetry mission, XL-Calibur. X-ray polarimetry promises to give qualitatively new information about high-energy astrophysical sources, such as pulsars and binary black hole systems. The XL-Calibur contains a grazing incidence X-ray telescope with a focal plane detector unit that is sensitive to linear polarization. The telescope is very similar in design to the ASTRO-H HXT telescopes that has the world’s largest effective area above ~10 keV. The detector unit combines a low atomic number Compton scatterer with a CdZnTe detector assembly to measure the polarization making use of the fact that polarized photons Compton scatter preferentially perpendicular to the electric field orientation. It also contains a CdZnTe imager at the bottom. The detector assembly is surrounded by the improved anti-coincidence shielding, giving a better sensitivity. The pointing system with arcsecond accuracy will be achieved.

A retention and motivation issue exists in organizations among Generation Y in the United States. The exploratory case study design allowed the researcher to garner in-depth analysis of the participants' perspectives regarding human capital as a function of innovation in organizational culture. The diffusion of Innovation and the human capital theory were the foundation guiding the study. Three themes emerged from the data: 1) training and development, 2) rules and regulations, 3) motivation. Training and development involved training focused on career development and upward mobility. Rules and regulations involved inflexible guidelines that impede innovation. Motivation involved the necessary culture needed to engage Generation Y employees and build morale. Three recommendations were provided for organizational leadership: 1) leadership acquire a good understanding of Generation Y employees, 2) invest in Generation Y's training and career development, 3) adopt ways to motivate Generation Y employees.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate craft brewing side streams of trub, hops and yeast mix (THYM) as a potential feedstuff and replacement for monensin in growing beef cattle rations. British-cross steers (n = 45, initial BW = 732 ± 58kg) were stratified by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 15 pens (3 head/pen). Treatment diets were randomly assigned to pen and consisted of a corn silage based total mixed ration (TMR) with no supplementation (CON; 70.99% TDN, 12.25% CP), supplementation with monensin (MON; 22g/907kg ration, dry matter basis) or supplementation with the brewery side streams (THYM; 70.95% TDN, 12.49% CP, 2.65% THYM, dry matter basis). Steers were adjusted to a TMR for 14 d prior to a 63 d collection period. Body weight and serum urea nitrogen (SUN) were measured on d 0 and every 21 d thereafter. Rumen fluid was collected via esophageal/rumen tube at d 42 and 63 for short chain fatty acid analysis (SCFA). Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC) with treatment as the main effect and using repeated measures. Average daily gain and dry matter intake did not differ among treatments (P = 0.40 and P = 0.96, respectively), but a tendency was noted for THYM to have greater average gain:feed than the CON treatment. SUN concentrations were least on d 0 (P < 0.01) but did not differ among treatments at any time (P =0.11). On d 42, THYM had a greater (P = 0.05) A:P than MON. Concentrations of propionic and valeric acid were greater (P < 0.05) for CON than THYM on d 63, while SCFA concentrations tended to be greater (P = 0.08) for CON than THYM. THYM also tended to have a greater A:P on d 63 than CON. Interpretation of the data indicates that inclusion of THYM in growing cattle rations has no negative impact on animal performance.

The Southeast (SE) Hay Contest was started by a group of Extension agents from across the SE with the objective of increasing producer knowledge of the relative forage quality (RFQ) index. Since its inception, the program has grown to over 350 hay and baleage samples annually. Forage samples were categorized into warm-season perennial grass hay (WSPGH), alfalfa hay (AH), perennial peanut hay (PPH), cool-season perennial grass hay (CSPGH), mixed annual grass, or other hay (MAG), grass baleage (GB), and legume baleage (LB). Samples were analyzed for RFQ and crude protein (CP) using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) at the UGA Forage Testing Center (Athens, GA). The following summary includes data from 2009–2018 analyzed using Proc Glimmix of SAS 9.4 (SAS Inst., Cary, NC) with category and year as fixed effects and α = 0.05. Alfalfa hay had the greatest RFQ, followed by LB (P ≤ 0.004; 199 and 186, respectively). Perennial peanut and GB had median RFQ values (P ≤ 0.001; 169 and 150, respectively), and WSPGH had the least (P ≤ 0.008; 117). With the exception of 2017, the years 2013 to 2018 had the greatest RFQ (P < 0.001; 165). 2017 had a greater amount of rain than average, likely resulting in its lower average RFQ. Alfalfa hay had the greatest (P < 0.001) CP of all categories (23.9%; P < 0.001). Crude protein concentrations did not differ among WSPGH, CSPGJH, and MAG (P ≥ 0.192; 14.5%). While these forage samples were likely greater quality than samples not submitted, we conclude that outreach efforts, including the SE Hay Contest, have increased knowledge of the hay and baleage production process leading to increased hay quality from 2009 to 2018.

Background Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) secrete exosomes into the surrounding extracellular environment to promote the horizontal transfer of bioactive molecules including microRNA (miRNA). The primary objective of this study was to explore potential differences in miRNA content between OSCC and OSCC stem cells. Methods The OSCC cell lines SCC4, SCC15, SCC25 and CAL27 were used in these studies. The corresponding OSCC stem cells that demonstrated phenotypic adhesion independent tumor spheres (AiTS) were manually isolated. All cells were cultured in DMEM containing 10% exosome-free fetal bovine serum. Exosomes were isolated using Total Exosome Isolation reagent (Invitrogen) and RNA was purified using Total Exosome RNA isolation kit (Invitrogen). Exosome miRNA content was evaluated using miRNA Advanced Taqman Assays for miR-21, − 155, − 133, − 34, − 31, − 32, and − 365. The fold change of miRNA content was calculated using the comparative CT (ΔΔCT) method using miR-16 as an endogenous control. Results After successful cell cultures were established, AiTS (cancer stem cells) were manually separated and confirmed using CD133 and Sox-2 biomarkers. Exosomes and extracellular vesicles were successfully isolated from all cell lines and AiTS isolates for miRNA screening. All isolates exhibited miR-16 expression (positive control), but none contained mir-31, − 32, or 133a. Differential expression of miR-21, miR-34 and miR-155 were observed with patterns observed among the cancer cell lines which were distinct from the corresponding AiTS isolates. Conclusions Exosomes isolated from these different OSCC stem cell populations displayed nearly consistent downregulation/loss of miR-21 and miR-34 suggesting the possibility of a unique miRNA profile characteristic of oral cancer stem cells. These findings highlight the need to investigate the comprehensive functions of miR-21 and miR-34 in tumor progression and continued research to refine a miRNA profile that could aid in distinguishing tumors with poor prognosis.

The researcher used an archive of British newspapers during the 1926 General Strike. The transcripts included: the government’s British Gazette; British Worker, a trade union newspaper; and...

Current thermal environment (TE) assessment techniques for controlling livestock and poultry facilities often solely use dry-bulb temperature (Tdb) and occasionally relative humidity (RH) as assessment parameters. The TE sensor array (TESA; Part 1) provides the opportunity to simultaneously quantify Tdb, RH, airspeed, and black globe temperature, but there are no existing methods incorporating these additional TE parameters to accurately assess the TE based on the thermal demands of the animal. Hence, the goal of Part 2 of this series was to develop a technique for evaluating the TE as a function of mean body temperature difference from thermally comfortable (ΔTb) using body mass, Tdb, RH, and airspeed inputs. Multiple regression analysis of the simulated data from the mechanistic thermal balance model for group-housed growing pigs was used to develop the Housed Swine Heat Stress Index (HS2I), which scales impact of the TE from 0 (thermally comfortable) to 10 (severe heat stress). Further, a wetted skin adjustment parameter was included to enable analysing TE with sprinklers. Simulated and predicted ΔTb agreed well without wetted skin (R2 = 0.98; RMSE = 0.061 °C) and with wetted skin (R2 = 0.97; RMSE = 0.054 °C). The HS2I was applied to assess the spatiotemporal TE data collected by TESA in the commercial grow-finish facility presented in Part 1. HS2I can be used to evaluate the potential impact of the TE in existing facilities and as a design tool to explore different ventilation and cooling strategies.

Current thermal environment (TE) monitoring and control strategies for livestock and poultry facilities require enhanced measurement capabilities to provide an optimum TE based on the animals' thermal demands. Further, techniques for combining additional parameters are needed to adequately assess the total impact of the TE on the animals. Hence, two papers introduce a spatial network of 44 Thermal Environment Sensor Arrays (TESAs), each with a custom data acquisition system (Part 1) and a technique for evaluating the TE as a function of mean body temperature difference from thermally comfortable pigs using estimated body mass and TESA measurements as inputs (Part 2). The TESAs and new thermal index were deployed in a commercial pig facility to perform a preliminary assessment of robustness and capabilities under production settings. Each TESA measured dry-bulb temperature (Tdb), black globe temperature, airspeed, and relative humidity (RH), and required a custom circuit board with a microcontroller, signal conditioning, and communication hardware. After closeout (completion of the production cycle), TESAs were validated with a reference system to determine individual time constants and assess if a significant bias correction was needed (except airspeed). Total number of usable measurements for subsequent analysis for all sensors per TESA averaged (95% CI) 202,310 (199,187; 205,437). In summary, 7% Tdb thermistor, 9% digital Tdb, and 27% RH sensors required correction after 170 d inside the facility. Utilisation of low-cost sensors, open-source software, and microcontrollers allowed this novel network to provide sufficient measurement density to promote future queries on TE data in animal facilities.

This paper traces political satire on U. S. television. Using the theory of discursive integration, the paper examines the satire of Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, and the scholarship about their...

Annual forage crops can provide short-term grazing between crop rotations or can be interseeded into perennial pastures to increase forage quality and productivity. They also provide an opportunity to increase the economic and environmental sustainability of grazing systems. Cool-season annual forage crops provide high-quality, abundant forage biomass when forage availability from perennial forage species is lacking, reducing the need for stored feeds during the winter months. For example, ADG of 1.5 kg have been reported using small grains alone and in mixtures with annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) while maintaining an average stocking rate of 3.5 animals/ha. No-till (NT) establishment has been shown to be as effective as conventional tillage for establishing small grain pastures. Stocker performance during the fall was not affected by tillage treatment, but during the spring grazeout, BW gain per hectare was 8% greater in NT pastures. An in vitro study showed that daily production of CH(4) was 84% lower, respectively, in turnip (Brassica rapa L.) and rapeseed (B. napus L.) diets compared with annual ryegrass. Warm-season annuals are frequently used during the summer forage slump when perennial pasture growth and quality are reduced. Research has shown that brown mid-rib sorghum × sudangrass (BMR SSG; Sorghum bicolor L. × S. arundinaceous Desv.) and pearl millet (PM; Pennisteum glaucum L.R. Br.) with crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.) tended to have greater ADG (0.98 kg) than sorghum × sudangrass or peal millet alone (0.85 kg). However, non-BMR and BMR SSG tended to have greater gains per hectare than PM or PM + crabgrass (246, 226, 181, and 188 kg/ha, respectively). Feeding of brown mid-rib sorghum × sudangrass reduced daily production of CH(4) and CH(4) per gram of NDF fed by 66% and 50%, respectively, compared with a perennial cool-season forage in continuous culture. Cool- and warm-season annual pastures not only provide increased animal gains, but also increase soil cover and in vitro data suggest that annual forages (i.e., brassicas and warm-season annual grasses) decrease enteric CH(4) emissions. Establishment method, grazing management, and weather conditions all play important roles in the productivity and environmental impact of these systems. A more complete life cycle analysis is needed to better characterize how management and climatic conditions impact the long-term economic and environmental sustainability of grazing annuals.

The thermal environment (TE) inside livestock and poultry facilities has a substantial impact on animal growth performance and facility energy usage; therefore, the TE must be quantified correctly to maintain the optimal TE that maximizes feed efficiency and consumes minimal resources. To achieve this goal, a TE sensor array (TESA) and accompanying data acquisition system were previously developed to measure dry-bulb temperature (tdb), black globe temperature, airspeed, and relative humidity (RH). While measurement of each parameter is useful individually, it is more informative when they are combined to estimate and assess the total impact that the TE has on an animal. Hence, the objectives of this study were to (1) design, construct, and commission a TE simulation system, named the Animal Thermal Environment Replication and Measurement System (AThERMS), and (2) compare total sensible heat loss estimated by TESA to a reference ideal temperature source (ITS) when subjected to different TE conditions inside AThERMS. AThERMS is a 1.04 × 1.17 × 1.04 m chamber inside a large insulated enclosure in which air supplied by an air handling unit provides unique combinations of tdb, RH, and airspeed while independently controlling chamber surface temperature (ts). Commissioning of AThERMS included qualitative (smoke visualization) and quantitative (three-dimensional traverse) velocity characterizations in the central region of the chamber and verification of similar and stable ts for all six surfaces. Analysis of velocity contours at three nominal flow rates indicated steady patterns, and at three nominal ts values (13°C, 23°C, and 33°C) during 2 h steady-state operation, the maximum average difference between any two of the six surface ts values was 0.26°C. The TESA was then suspended in AThERMS adjacent to the ITS (15.24 cm diameter black copper sphere with a heater immersed in water). The ITS and TESA were subjected to two nominal airspeeds (~0.5 and 2.0 m s-1) at three nominal tdb values (17°C, 25°C, and 33°C) with a mean radiant temperature approximately equal to the nominal tdb. Total heat loss was estimated from heat transfer theory with TESA measurements as inputs and compared to the measured root mean square power required to maintain a constant water temperature in the ITS. Overall, predicted total heat loss underestimated measured power for all six tests. Future work needs to improve the measurement accuracy at low total heat losses. AThERMS can be used to simulate different TEs that an animal may experience and provide steady reference conditions to verify TE measurements. The TESA is a novel and effective tool for understanding the TE distribution and estimating total heat loss. Keywords: Black globe, Data acquisition, Swine, Ventilation.

Data collected on 17 swine finishing rooms from the Midwest region of the United States was used to study the relationship between infiltration rate and selected room characteristics. Effect of individual room characteristics on room infiltration rate were tested by simple linear regression (SLR) while multiple linear regression (MLR) was used to develop models for improved prediction. SLR results revealed that the total (It) and other (Io; non-curtain/fan locations) swine finishing room infiltration rates were inversely related to room width and directly related to room length and ceiling height. As expected, rooms with higher curtain end pocket overlap, curtain closure overlap distance, and in excellent condition had reduced curtain infiltration (Ic). To reduce fan infiltration (If), fan and pump-out cover perimeter and fan area should be minimized. Power law equations fitted for groups of rooms were found ineffective in accounting for the large variability in infiltration rates of swine finishing rooms as compared to MLR models. MLR models developed for It and Io prediction at 10, 20, and 30 Pa pressure differences were found to improve the prediction over power law models for groups of rooms. At 20 Pa, prediction differences compared with individual room measurements for It rate using the suggested MLR model, as compared to power law models for groups of rooms, were less by at least 61%; whereas, in the case of Io rate, prediction differences compared with individual room measurements were less by at least 49%. Recommendations made in this article, with respect to the relationship between a particular room characteristic and room infiltration rate, could be used as guiding principles along with other design criterion to reduce infiltration rates in remodeled and new swine finishing rooms. Keywords: Infiltration, Swine finishing rooms, Ventilation.

Air infiltration through unplanned inlets is an integral component of any ventilation process. Air infiltration affects the quality of the room environment and can also increase winter heating costs. Precise data on air infiltration is very important in the design of animal room ventilation systems. Nineteen mechanically ventilated (negative pressure type) swine finishing rooms in Iowa were tested for their air infiltration potential. Using the data of 17 rooms, air infiltration rate through the whole room (i.e., total air infiltration, It), curtains (Ic), fans (If), and net building shell (other components, Io) were quantified. Power law equations were developed for infiltration prediction of different room configurations grouped on the basis of their construction style, age, ceiling material, curtain perimeter, and fan backdraft shutter area. All power law models reported in this study were adjusted to predict standard (sea level) infiltration rates. At 20 Pa pressure difference across the room envelope, the predicted standard It infiltration rate for the 17 rooms was 5.96±1.49 air changes per hour (ach); whereas, the predicted standard Ic, If, and Io infiltration rates were 1.49 ±1.00 ach (about 25% of It), 1.52 ±1.38 ach (about 26% of It) and 2.90 ±1.42 ach (about 49% of It), respectively. The standard It infiltration rate trended lower for rooms (n=8) from single room layout barns (5.85 ±1.66 at 20 Pa), rooms (n=8) having a non-metal ceiling (5.85 ±2.15 at 20 Pa), and rooms (n=8) aged = 13 years (5.85 ±2.15 at 20 Pa). The infiltration resistances, calculated using standard sea level infiltration rates, indicated that the curtain, fan, and other infiltration areas of swine finishing rooms changes with barn layout, age, construction material, and pressure difference. Methodology to convert measured infiltration rates to standard sea level weather conditions and to any desired room location was included. Keywords: Infiltration, Swine finishing Barns, Swine finishing rooms, Infiltration prediction, Infiltration quantification, Ventilation.

Forage harvest is a time and energy intensive process requiring the coordination of multiple pieces of equipment. Detailed characterizations of the time spent in each work state for each piece of equipment would increase the understanding of process inefficiencies and aid in development of optimization tools. Geospatial and controller area network (CAN) machine data were recorded on forage harvesters and transport equipment, during two types of harvest operations, to quantify utilization of harvesters and transports as well as transport productivity. The data collection and processing method was successful in identifying work states for forage harvesters and transports. The results indicated that overall utilization of the harvester for harvesting was 61% and dependent on transport availability. The portion of total operational time spent in the idle work state (idle utilization) was 10% to 20% for transports and 18% to 23% for harvesters. A new metric for transport productivity was developed and found to be highly dependent on transport capacity ranging from 125 to 49 Mg km h-1 for semi-trucks and smaller transports, respectively. The proposed data collection methods and productivity metrics could be used to optimize the forage harvest process to reduce idle time and maintain crop quality. Keywords: Controller area network, Cycle analysis, Forage harvester, Global positioning system.

Ruminant animal performance has been variable in studies grazing annual cool-season grass and brassica monocultures and mixtures. There is little understanding of the fermentation mechanisms causing variation. The aim of this study was to determine apparent dry matter (DM) digestibility, methane, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration from different proportions of cereal rye (Secale cereal; R) and turnip (Brassica rapa L.; T) (0R:100T, 40R:60T, 60R:40T, and 100R:0T) via in vitro batch fermentation. Freeze-dried forage samples from an integrated crop-livestock study was assembled into the four treatments with a 50:50 leaf to root ratio for turnip. Measurements were made following a 48 hr fermentation with 2:1 buffer and ruminal fluid inoculum. Data were analyzed using Mixed Procedure of SAS with batch (replicate) and treatment (main effect) in the model; differences were declared at P ≤ 0.05, with tendencies declared at > 0.05 but < 0.10. Rumen apparent DM digestibility (26.8%; overall mean) was not different among treatments. Methane production was less (P < 0.01) with inclusion of turnip ranging from 774 nmol/ml for 0R:100T to 1416 nmol/ml for 100R:0T. Total VFA production, acetate to propionate ratio, acetate, and valerate were not affected by forage treatments (117 mM, 1.45, 39.84 mol/100 mol, and 7.86 mol/100 mol, respectively; overall mean). Propionate, isobutyrate, and isovalerate concentrations were greater and butyrate concentration less with greater (P < 0.01) proportions of rye in the mixture. No effect of R:T ratio on digestibility or total VFA production along with the observed differences in individual VFA concentration do not explain variable response in grazing animals. Additionally, methane production results indicate that grazing turnips could potentially reduce methane production and thus reduce ruminant livestock’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.

Comparing animal and agronomic performance following renovation of toxic-infected tall fescue (TF) to novel endophyte tall fescue (NE) is fundamental to evaluating economic returns and increasing adoption of NE. In 2018, three NE renovation strategies were implemented in a randomized complete block design in Bahama, NC. Strategies included: 1) control (C), 2) renovation to NE after one season of a single specie cover crop (1-SM), 3) renovation to NE after three seasons of a single specie cover crop (3-SM), and 4) renovation to NE after three seasons of a multi-specie cover crop (3-CM). Sixty-four Angus heifers (initial BW 290 kg ± 88) were randomly assigned to treatments and strip-grazed stockpiled fescue for 56-d, two years after NE establishment. Forage yield and nutritive value was measured every 14-d. Data were analyzed using proc GLIMMIX of SAS v9.4. Average daily gain was greatest (P = 0.0024) for cattle grazing 1-SM (0.67 kg/d), and least for 3-CM (0.54 kg/d) and C (0.44 kg/d), which did not differ. 3-SM (0.57 kg/d) did not differ from other treatments. Within the grazing period, forage yield was greatest (P = 0.0001) in 3-CM, 3-SM, and C compared to 1-SM (3053, 2941, 2856 and 2465 kg/ha, respectively). Prior to the initiation of grazing, crude protein concentration was greater (P = 0.0089) for 3-CM (17.5%) compared to C, 1-SM, and 3-SM (15.8%, 15.8% and 15.3%, respectively). Neutral detergent fiber was greater (P = 0.0135) for 3-SM (57%) than C (55.1%) and 3-CM (54.5%), but did not differ from 1-SM (54.6%). Concentration of total digestible nutrients was greater (P = 0.0187) for 3-CM (73.2%) compared to 1-SM (72.1%) and 3-SM (71.9%), but did not differ from C (72.5%). Data suggest animal and agronomic performance for NE was improved compared to TF during winter stockpile grazing in years following renovation.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate craft brewing side streams of trub, hops and yeast mix (THYM) as a potential feedstuff and replacement for monensin in growing beef cattle rations. British-cross steers (n = 45, initial BW = 732 ± 58kg) were stratified by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 15 pens (3 head/pen). Treatment diets were randomly assigned to pen and consisted of a corn silage based total mixed ration (TMR) with no supplementation (CON; 70.99% TDN, 12.25% CP), supplementation with monensin (MON; 22g/907kg ration, dry matter basis) or supplementation with the brewery side streams (THYM; 70.95% TDN, 12.49% CP, 2.65% THYM, dry matter basis). Steers were adjusted to a TMR for 14 d prior to a 63 d collection period. Body weight and serum urea nitrogen (SUN) were measured on d 0 and every 21 d thereafter. Rumen fluid was collected via esophageal/rumen tube at d 42 and 63 for short chain fatty acid analysis (SCFA). Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC) with treatment as the main effect and using repeated measures. Average daily gain and dry matter intake did not differ among treatments (P = 0.96, respectively), but a tendency was noted for THYM to have greater average gain:feed than the CON treatment. SUN concentrations were least on d 0 (P < 0.01) but did not differ among treatments at any time (P =0.11). On d 42, THYM had a greater (P = 0.05) A:P than MON. Concentrations of propionic and valeric acid were greater (P < 0.05) for CON than THYM on d 63, while SCFA concentrations tended to be greater (P = 0.08) for CON than THYM. THYM also tended to have a greater A:P on d 63 than CON. Interpretation of the data indicates that inclusion of THYM in growing cattle rations has no negative impact on animal performance.