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Middle Archaic earthen mound complexes in the lower Mississippi valley are remote antecedents of the famous but much younger Poverty Point earthworks. Watson Brake is the largest and most complex of these early mound sites. Very extensive coring and stratigraphic studies, aided by 25 radiocarbon dates and six luminescence dates, show that minor earthworks were begun here at ca. 3500 B.C. in association with an oval arrangement of burned rock middens at the edge of a stream terrace. The full extent of the first earthworks is not yet known. Substantial moundraising began ca. 3350 B.C. and continued in stages until some time after 3000 B.C. when the site was abandoned. All 11 mounds and their connecting ridges were occupied between building bursts. Soils formed on some of these temporary surfaces, while lithics, fire-cracked rock, and fired clay/loam objects became scattered throughout the mound fills. Faunal and floral remains from a basal midden indicate all-season occupation, supported by broad-spectrum foraging centered on nuts, fish, and deer. All the overlying fills are so acidic that organics have not survived. The area enclosed by the mounds was kept clean of debris, suggesting its use as ritual space. The reasons why such elaborate activities first occurred here remain elusive. However, some building bursts covary with very well-documented increases in El Niño/Southern Oscillation events. During such rapid increases in ENSO frequencies, rainfall becomes extremely erratic and unpredictable. It may be that early moundraising was a communal response to new stresses of droughts and flooding that created a suddenly more unpredictable food base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study reports the 36-month results of a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled trial of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) vs azathioprine (AZA) in heart transplant patients. Methods: Patients were randomized at the time of transplant to receive MMF (1,500 mg twice a day, N = 327) or AZA (1.5 to 3 mg/kg in 4 daily doses, N = 323) in addition to cyclosporine and corticosteroids; 289 patients in each group received study drug. Data were analyzed in all randomized patients (enrolled) and in patients who received study medications (treated). Clinical and graft assessments continued for 36 months. Results: For the co-primary end-point, 53 of 289 (18.3%) AZA-treated patients either died or received another transplant compared with 34 of 289 (11.8%) MMF-treated patients (p < 0.01). Time to re-transplantation or patient death was significantly shorter for AZA- than MMF-treated patients (p = 0.029). In patients undergoing intravascular ultrasound, the change in mean maximal intimal thickness was less for the MMF group than for the AZA group (0.06 ± 0.03 mm vs 0.13 ± 0.03 mm, respectively; p = 0.056). No significant differences between treatments were observed in quantitative coronary angiographic measurements of transplant coronary vasculopathy. Congestive heart failure, atrial arrhythmia and leukopenia were more common in the AZA group, whereas diarrhea, esophagitis, Herpes simplex, Herpes zoster and cytomegalovirus (CMV) tissue invasion were more common in MMF-treated patients. Conclusion: MMF reduces mortality and graft loss up to 36 months after transplantation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Sapelo Shell Ring complex, located on Sapelo Island, Georgia, consists of three large circular shell mounds and numerous smaller amorphous shell middens. Today, one of the rings is highly visible; however, the two other rings and the nonring middens have little surface relief and are virtually invisible. In fact, the location and very existence of the two other rings has been debated for some time. Recent geophysical survey, however, has located the subsurface remains of the two less obvious rings, as well as some of the amorphous middens. Geophysical survey data are being used to investigate the spatial distribution of the site's archaeological deposits and to evaluate appropriate geophysical techniques to use on shell-hearing sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communities are created by the interactions of residents and institutions, which can be in conflict over the community's past, its prevailing political ideology, and pathways for community action. Disasters are called into existence by the naming of an event and the assigning of responsibility for blame and recovery. In April of 1997, Grand Forks, North Dakota, experienced a flood that caused extensive damage to the homes and lives of most of its residents, altering communication processes and heightening group conflicts. Two groups emerged: "movers" are members of a dominant coalition; "shakers" are among their challengers. The groups differ most in their level of voice, that is, access to the means of participation in public discussion and decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress (HS) decreases semen quality and production in boars. Therefore, the study objective was to evaluate the use of electronically-controlled cooling pads to reduce the negative effects of HS on semen quality. Boars (n=24) were randomly allotted to two treatment groups: boars housed on a non-functional cooling pad (CON) or pads flushing water every 8 minutes or when the pad reached 28.5°C (FLUSH). For 3 d, boars were subjected to cyclical HS (28 to 32°C; >50% relative humidity). Semen was collected for 7 weeks (2 weeks prior to determine baseline semen parameters, the day after HS, and weekly for 4 weeks post HS), and evaluated for volume, sperm concentration, motility, progressive motility, morphology, viability, and kinematic motion parameters. FLUSH boars had higher semen volumes compared to CON (P=0.011) without a corresponding increase in total sperm produced (P=0.852). Boars in FLUSH had higher motility in all weeks (87.0-90.8%) when compared to CON boars. FLUSH boars had higher motility starting in week 4 after HS compared to CON (P=0.017). No differences in progressive motility or kinematic motion parameters were found. There was a tendency for FLUSH boars to have a higher percent normal morphology compared to CON boars (83.1 vs 77.5%, P=0.083) resulting from decreased proximal and distal droplets in the FLUSH boars (P=0.029 and P=.0014, respectively). During week 2 post HS, there was a tendency for FLUSH boars to have a lower percentage of non-viable cells compared to all other weeks for FLUSH and CON boars (P=0.088). Cooling pads were effective at reducing the negative impacts of HS on semen volume, motility, and morphological abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of electronically controlled cooling pads on measures of physiological responses in HS gilts. The study utilized 12 gilts randomly assigned into one of three treatment groups [Control(CN), flush 2.0 L cool water over 30 s every 4 min(F4), or flush 2.0 L over 30 s every 8 min(F8)] in a Latin Square design and replicated 12 times(2 repetitions/d over 6 d). Gilts were housed in farrowing crates and fed 1.2 kg at 0700 and 1300 h daily. On d 1 to 3(6 repetitions) the room was gradually heated from 18ºC to 32ºC, while on d 4 to 6 the room was gradually heated from 18ºC to 35ºC starting at 0730 or 1330 h. Once the temperature was achieved, cooling pads were turned on and the temperature was maintained for 2.5 h. Two baseline measurements were taken of respiration rates(RR), skin temperature through thermal imaging(IRTemp), and vaginal temperature(VTemp) before room heating began and then recorded every 20 minutes after pads were turned on. Measurements at the end of HS(PostH) and the change in values during the HS period(DIFF) were evaluated using PROC mixed of SAS. Gilts in F4 and F8 had lower RR than CN for PostH for both 32ºC and 35ºC (P< .05). DIFF in RR was less in F4 and F8 than in CN[(32ºC, P=.097) and (35ºC, P=.005)]. There was a tendency for DIFF in Vtemp at 32ºC between treatments (P=.064) but had no effect by treatment for PostH (P=.534). There was no effect in PostH and DIFF for IRTemp between treatments for 32ºC and 35ºC. PostH and DIFF for VTemp were significant at 35ºC (P=.009 and P=.001). PostH for RR was different at 35 ºC and 32 ºC (P=.0074; P=.0472) with F4 and F8 lesser and CN. In conclusion, cooling pads, regardless of flush rate, had positive impacts on physiological indicators of HS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of electronically-controlled floor cooling pads on thermoregulatory and reproductive parameters in boars during heat stress (HS). Boars (n = 24) were randomly assigned to crates with non-functional pads (CON) or pads that were flushed in either 8-min intervals or when the pad reached 28.5°C (FLUSH). For 3 d, boars were subjected to cyclical HS (28 to 35°C; >65% relative humidity). Boars were fed 2.4 kg/d and daily feed intake was recorded. Respiration rate (RR), rectal temperature (Rtemp) and skin temperature were recorded every 2 h during HS (via IR camera), testicular temperature was recorded twice daily. Semen was collected d7 and d14 before HS, the day following HS and weekly for 6 weeks and evaluated for volume, sperm concentration, motility, progressive motility, morphological abnormalities, and viability. After 2 h of HS, FLUSH boars had reduced RR (P < 0.001) and RTemp (P < 0.001) when compared to control boars, and this difference was maintained throughout HS. Skin and testicular temperature were reduced in FLUSH vs. CON boars after 6 h of HS (P < 0.05). Semen volume was greater in FLUSH vs CON boars (P = 0.01) resulting in a tendency for an increase in total sperm per ejaculate (P = 0.075). From weeks 2 to 5 post-HS, FLUSH boars had increased motility (P = 0.006) and progressive motility (P = 0.001), with corresponding increases in sperm kinematic motion parameters when compared to CON boars. The number of morphologically normal sperm cells were increased (P = 0.006) in FLUSH vs CON boars due to reduced distal droplets (P = 0.033) and proximal droplets (P < 0.001). Abnormal acrosomes were reduced (P < 0.001) in FLUSH vs CON boars at week 3 post-HS. In summary, electronically controlled cooling pads effectively reduced negative thermoregulatory indicators of HS and minimized or removed the negative impacts of HS on semen quality in boars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study evaluated the effects of exposure of the porcine fetus to in utero heat stress (IUHS) during the first half of gestation on carcass and meat quality attributes when market weight was reached. Pigs exposed to IUHS had lower head and heart weights at slaughter compared to the thermoneutral group. Most measures of carcass quality were not impacted by the treatments, but lower loin muscle area was observed for IUHS carcasses. Additionally, the loins from the heat stressed pigs were found to be tougher, regardless of the duration of aging. Accordingly, minimizing heat stress experienced by gestating pigs would be considered an important factor in improving both yield and quality of pork production systems. This study evaluated the impacts of in utero heat stress (IUHS) on the carcass and meat quality traits of offspring when market weight was reached. Twenty-four F1 Landrace × Large White gilts were blocked by body weight and allocated among thermoneutral (IUTN) or IUHS treatments from d 6 to d 59 of gestation. The offspring were raised under identical thermoneutral conditions, and gilts (n = 10/treatment) at market weight (117.3 ± 1.7 kg) were harvested. At 24 h postmortem, the loins (M. longissimus lumborum) were obtained, and sections were allocated among 1 d and 7 d aging treatments at 2 °C. Carcasses from IUHS pigs had lower head and heart weights (p < 0.05), as well as decreased loin muscle area (p < 0.05) compared to IUTN pigs. Loins from the IUHS group had a higher shear force value than the IUTN group (p < 0.05). Treatments had no other impacts on carcass and meat quality traits (p > 0.05), and Western blots suggested increased toughness of IUHS loins would not be attributed to proteolysis. These results suggest minimizing IUHS during the first half of gestation may be beneficial in improving pork yield and quality, though in general the effects of IUHS would be minimal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pigs were fed 0.2% dietary L -glutamine in 14 d post weaning and transport period. • L-glutamine feeding does not affect final meat quality including tenderness and WHC. • L-glutamine may benefit meat color and oxidative stability in the long run. • Seasonality profoundly affect fat content, WHC, tenderness and color characteristics. Dietary L -glutamine could be used as an antibiotic alternative to alleviate post-weaning and transport stress. However, the impact of supplementing L-glutamine to newly weaned and transported pigs on final carcass and meat quality characteristics is currently unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of 0.2% dietary L -glutamine supplementation during post-weaning and transport recovery on carcass and meat quality attributes in pigs. A total of 480 mixed-sex pigs were studied in two production seasons, July-January and April-September (from weaning to harvest), where pigs were randomly assigned to 3 different diets (Non: no antibiotic, Anti: 441 ppm chlortetracycline and 38.6 ppm tiamulin, Gln: 0.20% L -glutamine with no antibiotics) for 14 days after weaning and transport, and then all pigs were fed a basal diet until reaching market weight. Pairs of longissimus dorsi (LD) and psoas major (PM) muscles were obtained from 1 d and 7 d postmortem carcass sides (n = 10 gilts/dietary treatment/season replicate). Overall, no negative impacts of Gln were observed in carcass characteristics including loin eye area, back fat, and muscling score. Dietary Gln did not affect chemical and physical attributes of porcine muscles including pH, protein and lipid content, SF, and WHC (P > 0.05). The Gln treated pigs had decreased CIE L* and hue, suggesting enhanced color stability. April-September replicates had a faster pH decline, paler surface color, higher intra-muscular fat deposition, improved tenderness and water-holding capacity as indicated by lower shear force values, thaw-purge loss, and cooking loss compared to their July-January counterparts (P < 0.05). These results suggested that L -glutamine supplementation as a nutraceutical mitigation strategy could have equivalent impacts on fat and lean accretion, SF, and WHC and some positive impacts on meat color attributes compared to meat from pigs treated with antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feed consumption increases body temperature and may delay a return to euthermia and exacerbate intestinal injury following acute hyperthermia recovery in pigs. The study objective was to evaluate the effects of feed removal on body temperature, feeding behavior, and intestinal morphology in pigs exposed to acute hyperthermia and then cooled. Twenty-four gilts (78.53 ± 5.46 kg) were exposed to thermoneutrality (TN; n = 12 pigs; 21.21 ± 0.31°C) for 6 h, or heat stress (HS; 38.51 ± 0.60°C) for 3 h followed by a 3-h recovery period of cooling (HSC; n = 12 pigs; water dousing and TN conditions). Within each temperature treatment, half the pigs were provided feed (F; n = 6 pigs/temperature treatment) and half were not provided feed (NF; n = 6 pigs/temperature treatment). Gastrointestinal (TGI) and vaginal (TV) temperature were recorded every 15 min and pigs were video-recorded to assess feeding behavior. Immediately following the 6 h period pigs were euthanized, and intestinal samples were collected for histology. During the HS period, Tv and TGI were increased overall (P < 0.01; 1.63°C and 2.05°C, respectively) in HSC vs. TN pigs, regardless of feeding treatment. A temperature by feeding treatment by time interaction was detected during the recovery period where TGI was greater (P = 0.03; 0.97°C) for HSC+F compared to HSC+NF pigs from 45–180 min. Feeding behavior was greater overall (P = 0.02; 223.14%) in F vs NF pigs, regardless of temperature treatment. A decrease (P < 0.01) in jejunum and ileum villus height (24.72% and 26.11%, respectively) and villus height to crypt depth ratio (24.40% and 25.52%, respectively) was observed in HSC vs TN pigs, regardless of feeding treatment. Ileum goblet cells were reduced (P = 0.01; 37.87%) in HSC vs TN pigs, regardless of feeding treatment. No other differences were detected for any parameter. In summary, TGI decreased more rapidly following acute hyperthermia when feed was removed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Extreme heat events put pigs at a greater risk for acute heat stress (HS) and increase intestinal permeability and bacterial translocation, resulting in greater inflammatory cytokine production and, subsequently, reduced growth performance. To combat the negative effects of HS, a quick return of body temperature to euthermia is necessary. However, the return of body temperature to euthermia can be delayed by feed access during recovery, which may have detrimental effects on intestinal health and future growth performance in pigs. Therefore, the study objective was to determine whether feed removal during and after an acute HS event would improve short-term growth performance and reduce circulating cytokines in finishing pigs. We hypothesized that feed removal during an acute HS event would result in a faster return of body temperature to euthermia, reduce the cytokine response, and improve short-term growth performance in finishing pigs. Although body temperature and some cytokines were altered by the HS and feeding treatments, overall, few beneficial effects of feed removal during acute HS were detected in finishing pigs in the present study. The study objective was to evaluate the effects of feed removal during acute heat stress (HS) on the cytokine response and its short-term effect on growth performance in finishing pigs. Thirty-two pigs (93.29 ± 3.14 kg initial body weight; 50% barrows and 50% gilts) were subjected to thermoneutral (TN; 23.47 ± 0.10 °C; n = 16 pigs) or HS (cycling of 25 to 36 °C; n = 16 pigs) conditions for 24 h. Within each temperature treatment, 50% of the pigs were provided with feed (AF; n = 8 pigs/temperature treatment) and 50% of the pigs had no feed access (NF; n = 8 pigs/temperature treatment). Following the 24 h temperature and feeding treatment (TF) period, all pigs had ad libitum access to feed and water and were maintained under TN conditions for 6 d. During the first 12 h of the TF period, gastrointestinal (TGI) and skin (Tsk) temperatures were recorded every 30 min. Serum cytokines were determined at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h during the TF period and on Days 3 and 6 of the post-TF period. Average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake were measured on Days 1, 3, and 6 of the post-TF period. Behavioral data were collected from Days 1 to 6 of the post-TF period. Heat stress increased (p < 0.02) the TGI and Tsk. During the post-TF period, interleukin-1α was greater (p < 0.01) in HS + NF compared to HS + AF and TN + NF pigs. From Days 1 to 2 of the post-TF period, the ADG was reduced (p < 0.01) in TN + AF compared to HS + AF, HS + NF, and TN + NF pigs. In conclusion, feed removal during an acute HS challenge did not reduce the cytokine response or improve short-term growth performance in finishing pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An electronically controlled cooling pad has been developed to remove excess heat from sows using water cooled by flowing through underground pipes. This study was designed to evaluate different water flush rates on physiological measures of heat stress on day 16 to 21 of lactation. Twelve sows were randomly assigned to 3 treatments (control (CN), flush 2.0 L over 30 sec every 2.5 minutes (F2.5), or flush every 5 minutes (F5)) in a Latin square design. Feed intake (FI) was recorded daily at 0700 h. Temperatures were gradually increased from 22°C at 0800 h to 32°C by 0930 h. Then 32°C was maintained until 1500 h, when cooling of the room began. After 1800 h, the cooling pads were flushed every 9 minutes. Rectal temperature (RTemp), skin temperature (STemp), and respiration rates (RR) were measured at 0700, 0730, 0900, 1200, 1500, and 1800 h daily, with thermal imaging (IR) being taken at 1200 and 1500 h. The effects of flush rate (amount of water flushed) on STemp were linear (P=0.023), with means of 35.9, 35.0, and 35.9°C for the CN, F2.5, and F5.0 treatments. Pad flush rate effects of RTemp were linear (P< 0.001) and were greater in CN sows compared to F2.5 and F5 (39.3°, 38.8°, and 38.9°C), P< 0.0001). RR was affected by treatment (60 vs 42 and 50 breaths/min, P< 0.005 for CN, F2.5, and F5.0 treatments). Treatment by time interactions were significant for RR (P=0.0003) and RTemp (P=< 0.0001), with the greatest differences at 1200 and 1500 times (RR = 89, 48, & 65; and RTemp 39.9, 39.0, & 39.2°C for CN, F2.5, and F5.0 treatments). Skin temps measured by thermal imaging were not different among treatments (P=0.38) nor DFI (P=0.41). Cooling pad use with a flush rate of 2.0 L/2.5 min reduced body temperature to euthermia without increasing RR most effectively. This has implications toward reducing energy expenditure for thermoregulatory processes, which can increase nutrient availability for lactation during HS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study objective was to evaluate the impact of electronically controlled cooling pads on physiological measurements of heat stress during early lactation. Twelve sows (d 3 to 11 of lactation) were provided with a specially designed cooling pad. Sows randomly received no cooling (CONTROL, n=6) or pads set to flush 2L cool water every 30s when aluminum plate reached 29.5°C (TREAT, n=6). Respiration rates (RR), rectal temperatures (RT) and skin temperatures (ST, 15 cm posterior to the ear) were recorded daily (0700 and 1500 h) for seven days of early lactation. Feed intake (DFI) was measured daily at 0700 h. RR, RT, and ST were fitted to a model that included the effects of day, time, parity, cooling pad treatment, and interactions. DFI was fitted to the same model, excluding time of day. For RR: treatment, day, time, treatment by day, treatment by time, and day by time interactions were significant (P< 0.0004, CONTROL=49, TREAT= 30). Pad treatment had greater impact on RR during the first two days of the trial when the temperature was greater (32°C maximum CONTROL mean=66 vs. TREAT mean=30) than the following five days: 42, and 30 respectively). There was greater treatment impact on RR at 1500 versus 0700 h (0700 h: CONTROL= 35, TREAT= 25; 1500 h: CONTROL= 61, TREAT= 36). For RT: treatment, day, time, parity and interaction of day by time were significant (P< 0.01, CONTROL= 37, treat= 35.). For ST: treatment, day, time, parity and the interactions of time by parity, treatment by time, and day by time were significant (P< 0.0006, mean CONTROL=36.5, TREAT= 35.1). For DFI: day and the interaction of day by treatment were significant. The difference in feed intake between treatments increased as day increased. The use of electronically controlled cooling pads reduced measures of heat stress in early lactating sows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In utero heat stress (IUHS) negatively affects swine productivity and is a growing concern for the swine industry. The study objective was to evaluate and mitigate the negative effects of IUHS on pig performance following weaning and transport. Based on previous research, we hypothesized that IUHS pigs would have reduced performance relative to in utero thermoneutral (IUTN) pigs due to greater maintenance costs and supplementing a nutrient-dense (ND) diet would improve IUHS pig performance to similar levels as IUTN pigs fed a common (C) diet. Therefore, 24 bred gilts were assigned to either thermoneutral (TN; n = 12; 17.5 ± 2.1°C) or heat stress (HS; n = 12; cyclical 27°C to 37°C) conditions for the first half of gestation (d1 to 58) and then TN conditions for the remainder of gestation. At weaning (16.2 ± 0.4 d), pigs (N = 160; 4.78 ± 0.15 kg BW) were transported (loading + transport + unloading) for approximately 12h. Pigs were then blocked into pens (n = 4 pigs/pen) by in utero and dietary treatments which were fed for 14 d (Period-1): IUTN-C (n = 10 pens), IUTN-ND (n = 10 pens), IUHS-C (n = 10 pens), IUHS-ND (n = 10 pens). Following Period-1, all pigs were fed the C diet from d15 to 35 post-weaning and transport (Period-2). Production measures were taken on d 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 post-weaning and transport to calculate ADG, ADFI, and G:F. During Period-1, ADG was reduced overall (P = 0.03, 10.6%) for IUHS pigs compared to IUTN pigs. Pigs fed ND diets had reduced ADFI during Period-1 (P = 0.02, 8.8%) relative to C fed pigs, regardless of in utero treatment. During Period-2, ADFI was increased (P = 0.03, 4.7%) in ND versus C pigs, regardless of in utero treatment. In summary, increasing the nutrient density of the diet did not rescue the lost productivity of IUHS pigs as indicated by an overall reduction in ADG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnant sows, especially during late-gestation, may be susceptible to heat stress due to increased metabolic heat production and body mass. Therefore, the study objective was to determine the thermoregulatory and physiological responses of sows exposed to increasing ambient temperature (TA) at 3 reproductive stages. In 3 repetitions, 27 multiparous sows (parity 3.22±0.89) were individually housed and had jugular catheters placed 5.0±1.0 d prior to the experiment. To differentiate between reproductive stages, sows were categorized as open (not pregnant, n=9), mid-gestation (59.7±9.6 days pregnant, n=9), or late-gestation (99.0±4.8 days pregnant, n=9). During the experiment, sows were exposed to 6 consecutive 1 h periods of increasing TA (period 1, 14.39±2.14°C; period 2, 16.20±1.39°C; period 3, 22.09±1.87°C; period 4, 26.34±1.39°C; period 5, 30.56±0.81°C; period 6, 35.07±0.96°C), with 1 h transition phases in between each period. Respiration rate (RR), heart rate (HR), skin temperature, and vaginal temperature (TV) were measured every 20 min and the mean was calculated for each period. At the end of each period, blood gases, leukocytes, and red blood cell counts were measured. Overall, RR and HR were greater (P=0.04; 45.6% and 12.9%, respectively) in late-gestation versus mid-gestation sows. Compared to mid-gestation and open sows, TV tended to be greater (P=0.06) during period 4 (0.18°C and 0.29°C, respectively) and period 5 (0.14°C and 0.18°C, respectively) in late-gestation sows. Blood O2 increased (P< 0.01; 18.1%) for all sows with advancing period, regardless of reproductive stage. Late-gestation sows had reduced (P=0.02; 16.1%) blood CO2 compared to mid-gestation sows, regardless of period. In summary, late-gestation sows appear to be more sensitive to increasing TA as indicated by increased RR, HR, TV, and blood O2, and reduced blood CO2 when compared to mid-gestation or open sows. This change in O2 and CO2, due to increasing RR and heat stress sensitivity of late-gestation sows, may suggest an alteration to the acid-base balance, leading to respiratory alkalosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of smart grid technologies in interconnected power system networks presents multiple challenges for the power industry and the scientific community. To address these challenges, researchers are creating new methods for the validation of: control, interoperability, reliability of Internet of Things systems, distributed energy resources, modern power equipment for applications covering power system stability, operation, control, and cybersecurity. Novel methods for laboratory testing of electrical power systems incorporate novel simulation techniques spanning real-time simulation, Power Hardware-in-the-Loop, Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop, Power System-in-the-Loop, and co-simulation technologies. These methods directly support the acceleration of electrical systems and power electronics component research by validating technological solutions in high-fidelity environments. In this paper, members of the Survey of Smart Grid International Research Facility Network task on Advanced Laboratory Testing Methods present a review of methods, test procedures, studies, and experiences employing advanced laboratory techniques for validation of range of research and development prototypes and novel power system solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feed consumption increases body temperature and may delay a return to euthermia and exacerbate intestinal injury following acute hyperthermia recovery in pigs. Therefore, the study objective was to evaluate the effects of feed removal on body temperature and intestinal morphology in pigs exposed to acute hyperthermia and then rapidly cooled. Twenty-four gilts (78.53 ± 5.46 kg) were exposed to thermoneutral (TN ; n = 12 pigs; 21.21 ± 0.31 °C; 61.88 ± 6.93% RH) conditions for 6 h, or heat stress (HS ; 38.51 ± 0.60 °C; 36.38 ± 3.40% RH) conditions for 3 h followed by a 3-h recovery period of rapid cooling (HSC; n = 12 pigs; TN conditions and cold water dousing). Within each recovery treatment, one-half of the pigs were provided feed ad libitum (AF ; n = 6 pigs per recovery treatment) and one-half of the pigs were not provided feed (NF ; n = 6 pigs per recovery treatment). Gastrointestinal (T GI ), vaginal (T V ), and skin (T SK ) temperatures and respiration rate (RR) were recorded every 15 min. Pigs were video-recorded to assess feeding and drinking attempts. Immediately following the 6-h thermal stress period, pigs were euthanized, and intestinal samples were collected to assess morphology. During the HS period, Tv, TGI, TSK, and RR were increased (P < 0.01; 1.63, 2.05, 8.32 °C, and 88 breaths per min, respectively) in HSC vs. TN pigs, regardless of feeding treatment. Gastrointestinal temperature was greater (P = 0.03; 0.97 °C) in HSC + AF vs. HSC + NF pigs from 45 to 180 min of the recovery period. During the recovery period, feeding attempts were greater (P = 0.02; 195.38%) in AF vs. NF pigs. No drinking attempt differences were detected with any comparison (P > 0.05). A decrease (P < 0.01) in jejunum and ileum villus height (24.72% and 26.11%, respectively) and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (24.03% and 25.29%, respectively) was observed in HSC vs. TN pigs, regardless of feeding treatment. Ileum goblet cells were reduced (P = 0.01; 37.87%) in HSC vs. TN pigs, regardless of feeding treatment. In summary, TGI decreased more rapidly following acute hyperthermia when the feed was removed, and this may have implications toward using feed removal as a strategy to promote acute hyperthermia recovery in pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid cooling after acute hyperthermia may cause a sustained increase in body temperature and exacerbate intestinal damage in pigs. Therefore, the study objective was to evaluate the temporal effects of rapid and gradual cooling on body temperature response and intestinal integrity after acute hyperthermia in pigs. In three repetitions, 54 pigs [83.3 ± 6.7 kg initial body weight (BW)], balanced by sex were exposed to thermoneutral conditions for 6 h (TN ; n = 6 pigs/repetition; 21.1 ± 2.0°C), or heat stress conditions (HS ; 39.3 ± 1.6°C) for 3 h, followed by a 3 h recovery period of gradual cooling [ HSGC ; n = 6 pigs/repetition; gradual decrease from HS to TN conditions] or rapid cooling [ HSRC ; n = 6 pigs/repetition; rapid TN exposure and cold water (4.0°C) dousing every 30 min for 1.5 h]. Feed was withheld throughout the entire 6 h period, but water was provided ad libitum. Gastrointestinal (T GI) and rectal (T R) temperatures were recorded every 15 min during the HS and recovery periods. Six pigs per repetition (n = 2/treatment) were euthanized and jejunal and ileal samples were collected for histology immediately after (d 0), 2 d after, and 4 d after the recovery period. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS 9.4. Overall, rapid cooling reduced T R and T GI (P < 0.01; 0.95°C and 0.74°C, respectively) compared to gradual cooling. Jejunal villus height was reduced overall (P = 0.02; 14.01%) in HSGC compared to HSRC and TN pigs. Jejunal villus height-to-crypt depth ratio was reduced overall (P = 0.05; 16.76%) in HSGC compared to TN pigs. Ileal villus height was reduced overall (P < 0.01; 16.95%) in HSGC compared to HSRC and TN pigs. No other intestinal morphology differences were detected. In summary, HSRC did not cause a sustained increase in body temperature and did not negatively impact biomarkers of intestinal integrity in pigs. • Rapid cooling without feed access reduced gastrointestinal temperature compared to gradual cooling. • Rapid cooling without feed access reduced rectal temperature below thermoneutral pig levels. • Rapid cooling without feed access prevented intestinal damage resulting from acute hyperthermia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Transporting weaned piglets from the farrowing house to a nursery or grow/finish site is a common but stressful procedure in United States swine production. Piglets removed from the sow at weaning undergo feed and water withdrawal during transportation, and this stress is further compounded by an abrupt change from a liquid to solid diet upon arrival at their destination. As a result, newly weaned and transported piglets exhibit reduced body weight and signs of dehydration post-transport. Unfortunately, in utero stressors can modify the offspring's physiological, immune, and behavioral responses during postnatal life and may pre-dispose animals to a greater stress response when exposed to novel postnatal procedures, such as weaning and transport. Therefore, the study objective was to evaluate the effects of in utero heat stress on the behavior and physiology of piglets following weaning and transport. We hypothesized that in utero heat-stressed piglets would exhibit a greater behavioral and physiological stress response following weaning and transportation. Additionally, in utero heat-stressed piglets were expected to show physiological signs of metabolic stress immediately following weaning and transport. It was determined that there was some evidence for altered physiological and behavioral responses among in utero heat stressed piglets compared to in utero thermoneutral piglets following weaning and transport. The study objective was to determine whether in utero heat stress (IUHS) affects piglet physiology and behavior following common production practices. A total of 12 gilts were confirmed pregnant and allocated to either heat stress (HS; n = 6) or thermoneutral (TN; n = 6) conditions on day 30–60 of gestation. At weaning (22.5 ± 2.3 days of age), 1 boar and 1 barrow of median weight were selected from each litter and transported for approximately 7 h. Piglets were then blocked into pens (n = 2/pen) by in utero treatment (IUHS (n = 12) or in utero thermoneutral (IUTN, n = 12)) and sexual status (boar (n = 6/in utero treatment) or barrow (n = 6/in utero treatment)). Plasma cortisol, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), insulin and glucose were evaluated 1 day prior to transport (pre-transport) and immediately after transport (post-transport). Behavioral data were collected on day 1–7 for 60 min at four different time points each day. In utero heat stressed piglets exhibited reduced cortisol concentrations compared to IUTN piglets immediately post-transport (p = 0.04). Glucose concentrations were not affected by in utero treatment. Insulin concentrations were reduced in IUTN piglets post-transport compared to pre-transport (p = 0.002), but no differences were detected for IUHS pigs. Non-esterified fatty acids tended to be reduced overall for IUHS vs. IUTN pigs (p = 0.08). Overall, IUHS piglets performed more drinking behaviors (p = 0.02) and tended to perform more aggressive behaviors (p = 0.07) than IUTN piglets in the 7 days post-transport. In summary, there was some evidence for altered physiological and behavioral responses among IUHS piglets compared to IUTN piglets following weaning and transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypercholesterolemia is common after cardiac transplantation and may contribute to the development of coronary vasculopathy. Pravastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor, has been shown to be effective and safe in lowering cholesterol levels after cardiac transplantation. Cell-culture studies using inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase have suggested an immunosuppressive effect. Methods: Early after transplantation, we randomly assigned consecutive patients to receive either pravastatin (47 patients) or no HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (50 patients). Results: Twelve months after transplantation, the pravastatin group had lower mean (±SD) cholesterol levels than the control group (193±36 vs. 248±49 mg per deciliter, P<0.001), less frequent cardiac rejection accompanied by hemodynamic compromise (3 vs. 14 patients, P = 0.005), better survival (94 percent vs. 78 percent, P = 0.025), and a lower incidence of coronary vasculopathy in the transplant as determined by angiography and at autopsy (3 vs. 10 patients, P = 0.049). There was no difference between the two groups in the incidence of mild or moderate episodes of cardiac rejection. In a subgroup of study patients, intracoronary ultrasound measurements at base line and one year after transplantation showed less progression in the pravastatin group in maximal intimal thickness (0.11±0.09 mm, vs. 0.23±0.16 mm in the control group; P = 0.002) and in the intimal index (0.05±0.03 vs. 0.10±0.10, P = 0.031). In a subgroup of patients, the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells was lower in the pravastatin group than in the control group (9.8 percent vs. 22.2 percent specific lysis, P = 0.014). Conclusions: After cardiac transplantation, pravastatin had beneficial effects on cholesterol levels, the incidence of rejection causing hemodynamic compromise, one-year survival, and the incidence of coronary vasculopathy. (N Engl J Med 1995;333:621-7.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]