The processes that initiate and sustain sediment transport which contribute to the modification of aeolian deposits in Mars' low-density atmosphere are still not fully understood despite recent ...atmospheric modelling. However, detailed microscale wind flow modelling, using Computational Fluid Dynamics at a resolution of <2 m, provides insights into the near-surface processes that cannot be modeled using larger-scale atmospheric modeling. Such Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations cannot by themselves account for regional-scale atmospheric circulations or flow modifications induced by regional km-scale topography, although realistic fine-scale mesoscale atmospheric modeling can. Using the output parameters from mesoscale simulations to inform the input conditions for the Computational Fluid Dynamics microscale simulations provides a practical approach to simulate near-surface wind flow and its relationship to very small-scale topographic features on Mars, particularly in areas which lack in situ rover data. This paper sets out a series of integrated techniques to enable a multi-scale modelling approach for surface airflow to derive surface airflow dynamics at a (dune) landform scale using High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment derived topographic data. The work therefore provides a more informed and realistic Computational Fluid Dynamics microscale modelling method, which will provide more detailed insight into the surface wind forcing of aeolian transport patterns on martian surfaces such as dunes.
The objective of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the prevalence of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in California preweaned dairy calves and identify management practices that are ...associated with BRD. A convenience sample of 100 dairies in the 3 distinct dairy regions of California was surveyed. Regions evaluated were Northern California (NCA), northern San Joaquin Valley (NSJV), and greater Southern California (GSCA). A questionnaire on calf management practices and demographic information was administered via in-person interviews at each dairy and a random sample of preweaned calves was evaluated using the California BRD scoring system on the same day. Prevalence of BRD varied between the 3 dairy regions: 9.30% in NCA, 4.51% in NSJV, and 7.35% in GSCA. Breed was not associated with BRD prevalence at the statewide level, but differences in prevalence were observed between breeds across the regions with a higher prevalence in NCA for Jerseys and in GSCA for Holsteins, compared with NSJV. Prevalence of BRD was not different between organic and conventional dairies. Colostrum management practices, including heat treatment and feeding colostrum from multiparous cows, varied by region and were associated with lower BRD prevalence. Calves housed in group pens, a practice observed primarily in NCA, had a higher BRD prevalence than those in individual housing. Feeding salable milk was also more common in NCA and was associated with lower BRD prevalence. Ground and road surfaces adjacent to the calf raising area were also variable by region, and paved surfaces were associated with lower BRD prevalence. Management practices associated with BRD varied across the state and may be addressed to inform the adoption and implementation of potentially protective management decisions on California dairies and other regions with similar dairy systems.
Heat stress has the potential to adversely affect the physiology, passive immunity, and growth of preweaning dairy calves, increasing their risk of respiratory disease. The effect of heat stress on ...the risk for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) may be mediated in part through housing, ventilation, and management factors. As a result, differences may exist in meteorological measures recorded in the calf-rearing area (macroenvironment) and within a calf's enclosure (microenvironment). The objective of this prospective cohort study was to evaluate and compare the association between exposure to temperature and humidity measured at the macro- and microenvironment, and BRD in preweaning dairy calves; a secondary objective was to evaluate the correlation between the macro- and microenvironment. A cohort of 252 calves from 4 premises in central San Joaquin Valley, California (CA), was followed and evaluated for development of respiratory disease using the CA BRD scoring system for preweaning dairy calves, a standardized and validated scoring system. During this time, the meteorological conditions of the calf-rearing area and the within-hutch environment were measured and showed a significant correlation with regard to temperature and humidity. Mixed effects logistic regression and survival analysis were used to analyze the association between the exposures daily environmental measures of temperature, humidity, and temperature-humidity index (THI) and the outcome BRD, adjusted for dairy premises, calf age, sex, and breed. Results showed a significant positive association between daily maximum temperature and BRD in both the calf's macroenvironment odds ratio = 1.121 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.029–1.222) and microenvironment odds ratio = 1.203 (95% CI = 1.020–1.418). Estimated hazard rates also showed a significant positive association between BRD and daily maximum temperature in both the macroenvironment hazard ratio = 1.127 (95% CI = 1.053–1.206) and microenvironment hazard ratio = 1.119 (95% CI = 1.047–1.197). In contrast, we found no association between daily maximum humidity in a calf's microenvironment and BRD. Daily maximum THI within the hutch was significantly associated with only the rate of BRD cases hazard ratio = 1.070 (95% CI = 1.003–1,141) but not the odds of occurrence of BRD. Maximum THI is estimated using temperature and humidity, which in California's hot and dry summers may limit variability in THI, explaining its weaker significant association with risk of BRD (or lack of association with odds of BRD) compared with models for maximum temperature in this study. Calves exposed to high day temperatures and relatively low humidity may be experiencing heat stress that predisposes to BRD. Results of the current study suggest that heat abatement efforts should address heat stress at the microenvironment level to mitigate BRD in calves. Further research should investigate strategies to improve calf hutch systems, including hutch materials and design that may optimize ventilation, provide ample shade, spacing, cleanliness, and protection from heat.
The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine how management practices on California dairies may be associated with bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in preweaned calves. A convenience ...sample of 100 dairies throughout California, providing a study population of 4,636 calves, were visited between May 2014 and April 2016. During each farm visit, in-person interviews with the herd manager or calf caretaker were conducted to collect information about herd demographics, maternity pen, colostrum and calf management, herd vaccinations, and dust abatement. A random sample of preweaned calves was identified and evaluated for the presence of BRD using a standardized tool. A survey-adjusted generalized linear mixed model with a logit link function was fitted with calf as the unit of analysis and dairy as the random effect. Mean study herd size (±SE) was 1,718 (±189.9) cows. Survey-adjusted estimates of breed types in the sample were 81.6% (±0.6) Holstein, 13.1% (±0.4) Jersey, and 5.3% (±0.5) crossbred or other purebred breeds, and calf sex proportions were 73.8% (±1.0) female and 26.2% (±1.0) male. Overall survey-adjusted BRD prevalence in the study herds was 6.91% (±0.69). Housing factors positively associated with BRD were metal hutches compared with wood hutches odds ratio (OR) = 11.19; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.80–44.78, calf-to-calf contact in calves >75 d of age (OR = 9.95, 95% CI = 1.50–65.86), feeding Holstein calves <2.84 L of milk or replacer per day (OR = 7.16, 95% CI = 1.23–41.68), and lagoon water used for flushing manure under hutches compared with no flush (OR = 12.06, 95% CI = 1.93–75.47). Providing extra shade over hutches (OR = 0.08; 95% CI = 0.02–0.37), feeding calves at least 90% saleable milk (OR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.13–0.54) or pasteurized milk (OR = 0.10; 95% CI = 0.03–0.36), and feeding >5.68 L of milk or replacer per day to Jersey calves (OR = 0.04; 95% CI = 0.01–0.28) were negatively associated with BRD. Our study identified management practices on California dairies with variability and that may contribute to differences in BRD prevalence, which will be incorporated into a risk-assessment tool to control and prevent BRD in preweaned dairy calves.
Due to the increased morbidity and mortality of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in dairy calves, as well as an increasing urgency for the judicious use of antimicrobials in farm animals, a ...comprehensive risk assessment tool for BRD in preweaned dairy calves has been designed based on a longitudinal and a cross-sectional study. As a multifactorial disease complex in which immune function stressors increase susceptibility to respiratory pathology, risk management programs for environmental and husbandry practices may be an effective approach for BRD control. Practices of known or suspected effect on BRD in preweaned calves have been explored in 2 large studies correlating management factors to BRD prevalence (BRD 100 study) and incidence (BRD 10K study) and forming the scores presented here. Priority was given to results from multivariable over univariable model estimates. However, when used, univariable model estimates were adjusted for confounders or stratified by effect modifiers if necessary. Regression coefficients were translated into scores, which are presented in a field-ready tool consisting of (1) a risk assessment questionnaire, which identifies the herd-specific risk factors and the risk scores associated with each; (2) the California BRD scoring system to estimate the BRD prevalence at the time of risk assessment for future comparison with the prevalence after interventions; and (3) the BRD control and prevention herd management plan, which can be used to plan and track the interventions identified. Scores for 100 dairies across California were used to benchmark a dairy's risk on a spectrum. With the help of the risk assessment tool, dairy producers, calf managers, and veterinarians may be able to adjust management factors that affect BRD risk on a farm and objectively monitor BRD prevalence before and after management interventions. As a result, the BRD risk assessment tool described here is the first comprehensive effort for herd-specific BRD control and prevention.
Organ-confined muscle-invasive bladder cancer is treated with cystectomy or bladder preservation techniques, including radiation therapy. There are currently no biomarkers to inform management ...decisions and aid patient choice. Previously we showed high levels of MRE11 protein, assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC), predicted outcome after radiation therapy, but not cystectomy. Therefore, we sought to develop the MRE11 IHC assay for clinical use and define its relationship to clinical outcome in samples from 2 major clinical trials.
Samples from the BCON and BC2001 randomized controlled trials and a cystectomy cohort were stained using automated IHC methods and scored for MRE11 in 3 centers in the United Kingdom.
Despite step-wise creation of scoring cards and standard operating procedures for staining and interpretation, there was poor intercenter scoring agreement (kappa, 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.17-0.47). No significant associations between MRE11 scores and cause-specific survival were identified in BCON (n = 132) and BC2001 (n = 221) samples. Reoptimized staining improved agreement between scores from BCON tissue microarrays (n = 116), but MRE11 expression was not prognostic for cause-specific survival.
Manual IHC scoring of MRE11 was not validated as a reproducible biomarker of radiation-based bladder preservation success. There is a need for automated quantitative methods or a reassessment of how DNA-damage response relates to clinical outcomes.
In the spring of 2013, a survey of California (CA) dairies was performed to characterize management practices related to bovine respiratory disease in preweaned calves, compare these practices across ...geographic regions of the state, and determine the principal components that explain the variability in management between herds. The questionnaire consisted of 53 questions divided into 6 sections to assess management practices affecting dairy calves from precalving to weaning. The questionnaire was mailed to 1,523grade A licensed dairies in CA and 224 responses (14.7%) were collected. Survey response rates were similar over the 3 defined regions of CA: northern CA, northern San Joaquin Valley, and the greater southern CA region. The mean size of respondent herds was 1,423 milking cows. Most dairies reported raising preweaned calves on-site (59.7%). In 93.3% of dairies, preweaned calves were raised in some form of individual housing. Nonsaleable milk was the most frequent liquid diet fed to preweaned heifers (75.2%). Several important differences were identified between calf-raising practices in CA and practices reported in recent nationwide studies, including herd sizes, housing practices, and sources of milk fed to heifers. The differences between the CA and nationwide studies may be explained by differences in herd size. Regional differences within CA were also identified. Compared with the 2 other regions, northern CA dairies were found to have smaller herds, less Holstein cattle, calves remained with dams for longer periods of time after calving, were more likely to be certified organic dairies, and raised their own calves more often. Principal component analysis was performed and identified 11 components composed of 28 variables (questions) that explained 66.5% of the variability in the data. The identified components and questions will contribute to developing a risk assessment tool for bovine respiratory disease in preweaned dairy calves.
In anticipation of breast density notification legislation in the state of California, which would require notification of women with heterogeneously and extremely dense breast tissue, a working ...group of breast imagers and breast cancer risk specialists was formed to provide a common response framework. The California Breast Density Information Group identified key elements and implications of the law, researching scientific evidence needed to develop a robust response. In particular, issues of risk associated with dense breast tissue, masking of cancers by dense tissue on mammograms, and the efficacy, benefits, and harms of supplementary screening tests were studied and consensus reached. National guidelines and peer-reviewed published literature were used to recommend that women with dense breast tissue at screening mammography follow supplemental screening guidelines based on breast cancer risk assessment. The goal of developing educational materials for referring clinicians and patients was reached with the construction of an easily accessible Web site that contains information about breast density, breast cancer risk assessment, and supplementary imaging. This multi-institutional, multidisciplinary approach may be useful for organizations to frame responses as similar legislation is passed across the United States. Online supplemental material is available for this article.
The risk of predation varies with behavioral cues and body characteristics of potential predators. One such body characteristic is the head/face orientation of the predator. However, a prey ...individual’s ability to detect the head may be more difficult when the predator’s body is serpentine, with little distinguishing the head from the tail. Here, we tested whether individuals in mixed-species flocks of Carolina chickadees (Poecile carolinensis) and tufted titmice (Baeolophus bicolor) distinguish the head orientation of predator snake models. We conducted behavioral observations at multiple sites each having a bird feeder stocked with seed. Each chickadee and titmouse flock was exposed to two counterbalanced trials: a snake model with head closest to the seed area of the feeder and with tail closest to the seed area of the feeder. Observers recorded the number of seeds taken by each species and also the number of unsuccessful feeder visits. Chickadees and, to a lesser extent, titmice took fewer seeds and had more unsuccessful feeder visits when the head of the snake model was closest to the seed, compared to when the tail was closest to the seed. Titmice, furthermore, had more unsuccessful feeder visits to the black snake model type representing a real snake nest predator for these small songbirds. Therefore, head orientation seems an important factor that some species use to assess predation risk, even for predatory species where head orientation may be a subtle cue.
This age of modernity is characterized by consistent growth in energy use, economic activity, and resource consumption, and a generally increasing standard of living—albeit inequitably distributed. ...All currently living humans, and most academic disciplines, have developed in this age, which appears normal and indefinite to us. But modernity has been enabled by the rapid and accelerating expenditure of our one-time inheritance of fossil fuels, and by drawing down the resources and ecosystems of our finite Earth—none of which can be sustained as we transition from a resource-rich frontier to a human-dominated planet. Climate change is often singled out as modernity’s existential crisis, but it is only one of a series of interlocking challenges constituting an unprecedented predicament that must be understood and mitigated in order to live within planetary limits. While energetic and technological challenges attract significant attention, arguably the greatest challenges are conceptual or even cultural. In particular, as we review in this Perspective, today’s political economy has been designed to value short-term financial wealth over the real treasure of Earth’s functioning ecosystems, to discount the future at the expense of the present, and to demand infinite exponential growth…which is simply impossible on a finite planet. Given all this, humanity should view its present overshoot-prone trajectory with tremendous suspicion, humility, and concern. We call for the establishment of a transdisciplinary network of scholars from across the entire academic landscape to develop a global understanding of planetary limits and how humanity can adapt to the associated realities. We present a set of foundational principles to serve as a starting point to anchor this network and drive a new area of focused inquiry to develop a shared vision of viable future paths.
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