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AbstractThis study explored differences in motivations and barriers for green physical activity (GPA) in a sample of U.S. adults (N = 205). Differences by identity (i.e. gender, sexual identity, disability status, and race/ethnicity) were examined. Participants (33.5 ± 9.2 years, 76.6% female and 7.8% genderqueer/non-conforming, 33.3% LGBTQIA+, 34.1% BIPOC, 10.7% individuals with disabilities) responded to survey measures for motivations/barriers and could provide open-ended motivations/barriers not covered by scales. Genderqueer/non-conforming participants were significantly less motivated by competition/ego, appearance, and others’ expectations (p’s < 0.05). LGBTQIA + participants were overall less motivated to do GPA (p = 0.02). Overall barrier scores were significantly higher for LGBTQIA + participants (p = 0.01) and participants with disabilities (p = 0.02). Qualitative analysis revealed themes outside of the scales for motivators (i.e. GPA integrated into daily life, active citizenship, mental health, and physical activity benefits) and further barriers at all levels (i.e. structural, interpersonal, and intrapersonal). Historically excluded groups’ motivators/barriers should be prioritized in GPA-related campaigns and programming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of atherosclerosis and results from an imbalance between proinflammatory and proresolving signaling. The human GPR32 receptor, together with the ALX/FPR2 receptor, transduces biological actions of several proresolving mediators that stimulate resolution of inflammation. However, since no murine homologs of the human GPR32 receptor exist, comprehensive in vivo studies are lacking. Using human atherosclerotic lesions from carotid endarterectomies and creating a transgenic mouse model expressing human GPR32 on a Fpr2xApoE double- KO background (hGPR32mycxFpr2-/-xApoe-/-), we investigated the role of GPR32 in atherosclerosis and self-limiting acute inflammation. GPR32 mRNA was reduced in human atherosclerotic lesions and correlated with the immune cell markers ARG1, NOS2, and FOXP3. Atherosclerotic lesions, necrotic core, and aortic inflammation were reduced in hGPR32mycTgxFpr2-/-xApoe-/- transgenic mice as compared with Fpr2-/-xApoe-/- nontransgenic littermates. In a zymosan-induced peritonitis model, the hGPR32mycTgxFpr2-/-xApoe-/- transgenic mice had reduced inflammation at 4 hours and enhanced proresolving macrophage responses at 24 hours compared with nontransgenic littermates. The GPR32 agonist aspirin-triggered resolvin D1 (AT-RvD1) regulated leukocyte responses, including enhancing macrophage phagocytosis and intracellular signaling in hGPR32mycTgxFpr2-/-xApoe-/- transgenic mice, but not in Fpr2-/-xApoe-/- nontransgenic littermates. Together, these results provide evidence that GPR32 regulates resolution of inflammation and is atheroprotective in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the influences on the torque generated by permanent magnet synchronous machines are identified to provide approaches to improve the accuracy of torque calculation. By analyzing the torque generation mechanism, basic machine parameters influencing the generated torque are identified. The machine torque is split into different components, i.e. synchronous, reluctance, and parasitic torque components. The parasitic component results from non-linearities such as saturation. In a second step, environmental and operational conditions influencing those basic parameters are determined. Based on this analysis, the remanence flux density of the permanent magnets, the magnetization behavior of the soft-magnetic material, and the iron losses are selected for the study. Two traction drive machine designs are used in the parameter study. The machine torque is evaluated by performing 2D magnetostatic Finite-Element simulations of the investigated machine designs. The results show quantify the interdependencies between the torque components and the model parameters. The significance of the influence of the parameters on the accuracy of the torque calculation is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatially resolved wavefront measurements are presented during nonlinear self-collapse and provide the first detailed characterization of wavefront evolution during filament formation. The wavefront dynamics of key nonlinear processes including Kerr self-focusing, ionization and plasma defocusing, and dynamic spatial replenishment are identified and resolved in both the filament core and reservoir regions. These results are analyzed and interpreted with respect to numerical simulations and provide insight into fundamental aspects of filamentation. They also inform applications based on phase manipulation, such as external beam guiding, and present a new method for measuring the nonlinear index of refraction, n2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a quasi‐experimental design, the authors examined whether career indecision could be reduced by participation in a values‐based career webinar designed to translate various types of psychological data (e.g., Holland‐type themes) into values‐based language. Participants (N = 67; 36 women, 31 men; mean age = 36 years) were divided into 1 control and 2 treatment groups. The 1st treatment group received an interest‐based intervention. The 2nd received a values‐based intervention. Both interventions consisted of 1 additional webinar spanning 1 hour in length. This study demonstrated a statistical significance of career indecision decrease through use of the values‐based, process‐oriented webinar intervention, which is particularly helpful to career counselors working with adults. The study also illustrated the effective application of online technology as a service delivery tool. Future research might examine the efficacy of this intervention in a variety of settings (e.g., K–12, postsecondary, agency, mental health, corporate). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salivary biomarkers may offer a noninvasive and easy sampling alternative in cardiovascular risk evaluation. The aim of the present study was to establish associations of salivary potassium, sodium, calcium, and phosphate levels with the cardiovascular phenotype determined by carotid ultrasound and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and to identify possible covariates for these associations. N=241 samples of nonstimulated whole buccal saliva were obtained from subjects with (n=143; 59%) or without (n=98; 41%) hypertension. The potassium concentrations were 10-fold higher in saliva compared with plasma, whereas sodium concentrations exhibited the reverse relation between saliva and blood. There were no significant correlations between the levels of sodium, potassium, or calcium in saliva and plasma. All salivary electrolytes, except sodium, were significantly associated with age. In age-adjusted analyses, salivary potassium was significantly associated with carotid artery intima media thickness (cIMT) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, and these associations were at the limit of significance in multivariate analyses including prevalent cardiovascular disease and risk factors. Body mass index was a significant confounder for salivary potassium. Salivary phosphate was significantly associated with cIMT in the multivariate analysis. Salivary potassium, calcium, and phosphate levels were significantly associated with heart rate in the univariate age-adjusted as well as in two different multivariate models, whereas no significant associations between sodium and heart rate were observed. In conclusion, the differential association of salivary electrolytes with cardiovascular phenotypes indicates that these electrolytes should be further studied for their predictive value as noninvasive biomarkers for cardiovascular risk evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper presents a new method of source and reservoir rock pyrolysis used to understand the boiling point distribution of petroleum in rock samples. Experiments and simulations of the new incremental S1 method were performed on a range of rock types and API gravities (Black oil < 40, Volatile oil 40–45, Gas condensate ≥ 50 and Wet gas > 50). Comparison of the results from experiments and simulations are presented. The boiling point distribution results from the new incremental method can be used to infer the carbon number distribution of oil present in rock samples. However, the boiling point distribution data from the incremental S1 method is not adequate to determine the API Gravity of oil present in rock samples. Refractive index (RI) and density of oil have a straight line correlation. The boiling point distribution data from the Incremental S1 can be used in conjunction with the refractive index data to predict the composition of oil present in rock samples. Highlights • A method to determine boiling point distribution of oil in rock samples is presented. • An extrapolation data processing schema of source rock pyrolysis results is explored. • A set of experiments and simulations of the incremental S1 method is studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrate-and-fire networks have proven remarkably useful in modelling the dynamics of real world phenomena ranging from earthquakes, to synchrony in neural networks, to cascading activity in social networks. The reset process means that such models are inherently discontinuous. Moreover, for jump interactions, which are a common choice for many physical systems, the models are also nonsmooth. For synchronous network states these processes can occur simultaneously, and care must be taken with the mathematical analysis of solution stability. This leads to an ordering problem, that has no counterpart in smoothly coupled limit cycle systems. Here we develop a set of network saltation matrices that can be used with an appropriate ordering to determine the instability of a synchronous network state. Moreover, we show that smoothed versions of jump interactions do not capture the behaviour of the nonsmooth model. Synchrony in the smoothed model with reset is analysed using a generalised master stability function (MSF), and the eigenspectra for smooth and nonsmooth interactions are compared. We find that the one determined by the MSF organises that found from the analysis of the nonsmooth model, though the latter has further eigenvalues that can destabilise the synchronous state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the strategies of control of «vagrancy» from a sociohistorical perspective. It identifies four periods - from the creation of the Eastern State to our days - where the problem of vagrancy was a concern, briefly characterize the specific historical contexts as well as the control strategies deployed and their socio-political significance. The relationship between vagrancy control and labor force demands (in markets or quasi labor markets, depending on the period) is a central analyzer to understand the role of the State in shaping a social order more or less coherent with particular dynamics of accumulation. It is proposed to approximate a response to the question of whether it is possible to draw a line of continuity between the approval of the Law of Faults (Nº. 19.120) at the beginning of the 21st century and the provisions of control of vagrancy in the nineteenth century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the magnetization process in electrical steel sheets for rotational magnetizations as they occur in the magnetic circuit of electrical machines. A four-pole rotational single sheet tester is used to generate the rotating magnetic flux inside the sample. A field-oriented control scheme is implemented to improve the control performance. The magnetization process of different non-oriented materials is analyzed and compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipid droplets (LDs) are the principal organelles of lipid storage. They consist of a hydrophobic core of storage lipids, surrounded by a phospholipid monolayer with proteins attached. While some of these proteins are known to be essential for the regulation of cellular and organismic lipid metabolism, key questions concerning LD protein function, such as their targeting to LDs, are still unanswered. Intriguingly, some proteins are restricted to subsets of LDs by an as-yet-unknown mechanism. This finding makes LD targeting even more complex. Here, we characterize the Drosophila protein CG2254, which is targeted to subsets of LDs in cultured cells and in different larval Drosophila tissues, where the prevalence of subsets of LDs appears highly dynamic. We find that an amphipathic amino acid stretch mediates CG2254 LD localization. Additionally, we identified a juxtaposed sequence stretch limiting CG2254 localization to a subset of LDs. This sequence is sufficient to restrict a chimeric protein consisting of the subset-targeting sequence introduced to an otherwise pan-LD-localized protein sequence to a subset of LDs. Based on its subcellular localization and annotated function, we suggest that CG2254 is renamed Lipid droplet subset dehydrogenase 1 (Ldsdh1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops a novel and highly efficient numerical algorithm for the gap risk-adjusted valuation of leveraged certificates. The existing literature relies on Monte Carlo simulations, which are not fast enough to be used in a market-making environment. This is because issuers need to compute thousands of price updates per second. By valuing leveraged certificates as multi-window barrier options, we explicitly model random jumps that occur at known times, such as between the exchange closing and re-opening. Our algorithm combines the one-day transition probability with Simpson’s numerical integration rule. This yields a backward induction scheme which requires a significantly coarser spatial and time grid than finite-difference methods. We confirm its robustness and accuracy through Monte Carlo simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The master stability function is a powerful tool for determining synchrony in high-dimensional networks of coupled limit cycle oscillators. In part, this approach relies on the analysis of a low-dimensional variational equation around a periodic orbit. For smooth dynamical systems, this orbit is not generically available in closed form. However, many models in physics, engineering and biology admit to non-smooth piece-wise linear caricatures, for which it is possible to construct periodic orbits without recourse to numerical evolution of trajectories. A classic example is the McKean model of an excitable system that has been extensively studied in the mathematical neuroscience community. Understandably, the master stability function cannot be immediately applied to networks of such non-smooth elements. Here, we show how to extend the master stability function to non-smooth planar piece-wise linear systems, and in the process demonstrate that considerable insight into network dynamics can be obtained. In illustration, we highlight an inverse period-doubling route to synchrony, under variation in coupling strength, in globally linearly coupled networks for which the node dynamics is poised near a homoclinic bifurcation. Moreover, for a star graph, we establish a mechanism for achieving so-called remote synchronisation (where the hub oscillator does not synchronise with the rest of the network), even when all the oscillators are identical. We contrast this with node dynamics close to a non-smooth Andronov–Hopf bifurcation and also a saddle node bifurcation of limit cycles, for which no such bifurcation of synchrony occurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early childhood is a critical period for language and cognitive development. Evidence suggests that children need “language nutrition”, or language-rich interactions with caregivers, for optimal language and cognitive development. This integrated review was conducted to evaluate the influence of language nutrition, through talking, interacting, or reading, in early childhood and language or cognitive development. Articles published from 1990–2014 were identified through PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases and through reference lists of identified articles. Of the 1273 articles identified, 103 articles met the search criteria. Aspects of speech, including the quantity of words, lexical diversity, linguistic and syntactical complexity, intonation, and prosody, all contribute to the comprehension and production of language through enhancing speech processing, phonemic awareness, word segmentation, and knowledge of grammatical rules. In addition to features of language, the delivery of language contributes to variance in developmental outcomes. Language delivered in the context of an adult–child interaction characterized by responsiveness and positive regard helps to scaffold a child’s learning and encourages verbal behaviors. Additionally, shared reading increases language and literacy skills by introducing new vocabulary and facilitating dialogue between children and adults. In conclusion, studies consistently demonstrate that quantity and quality of talking, interacting, and reading with a child in the first three years of life are strongly associated with language and cognitive development as well as school readiness and academic performance. As a result, interventions aimed at increasing the quality and quantity of language nutrition have the potential to leverage dramatic results for children’s developmental outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish escapement from reservoirs is problematic and makes management of these fisheries challenging. Historically, physical barriers have been used to limit fish movement but are prone to clogging and require constant maintenance. Thus, evaluations of alternative technologies are needed to limit reservoir fish escapement. Electrical barriers may offer an effective option for reducing fish escapement, but their effectiveness may be species-specific. Here, we predicted pulsed direct current with a graduated field would (1) alter walleye Sander vitreus behavior, (2) reduce escapement and (3) not induce mortality. Laboratory experiments compared walleye behavior, escapement, and mortality at four pulse (0, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.8 ms) and three voltage (0, 60, and 80 V) settings. The average voltage gradient 80 cm in front of the outlet was 0.09 V/cm (power density = 1.36 μW/cm 3 ) at 60 V and 0.14 V/cm (power density = 3.36 μW/cm 3 ) at 80 V. Our results demonstrate that pulsed direct current was successful at reducing approaches and increasing deflections of walleyes, suggesting fish avoided the barrier. Altered behavior resulted in nearly an 80% reduction in escapement with smaller fish more likely to escape compared to larger individuals. However, pulse width and voltage did not influence escapement rates. Walleye mortality was 0% for control trials, ranged from 0.5–5.7% with the current activated, and was greatest at the highest barrier setting (0.8 ms, 80 V). Our laboratory results indicate pulsed direct current may be effective at reducing fish escapement from reservoirs. Lower pulse and voltage settings should be used due to their ability to reduce escapement while inflicting minimal mortality compared to higher settings. Additional work should evaluate the success of electric barriers in reservoir field settings under a wider range of conditions and on additional species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The original neural field model of Wilson and Cowan is often interpreted as the averaged behaviour of a network of switch like neural elements with a distribution of switch thresholds, giving rise to the classic sigmoidal population firing-rate function so prevalent in large scale neuronal modelling. In this paper we explore the effects of such threshold noise without recourse to averaging and show that spatial correlations can have a strong effect on the behaviour of waves and patterns in continuum models. Moreover, for a prescribed spatial covariance function we explore the differences in behaviour that can emerge when the underlying stationary distribution is changed from Gaussian to non-Gaussian. For travelling front solutions, in a system with exponentially decaying spatial interactions, we make use of an interface approach to calculate the instantaneous wave speed analytically as a series expansion in the noise strength. From this we find that, for weak noise, the spatially averaged speed depends only on the choice of covariance function and not on the shape of the stationary distribution. For a system with a Mexican-hat spatial connectivity we further find that noise can induce localised bump solutions, and using an interface stability argument show that there can be multiple stable solution branches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Clinical assessments that rely on behavioral responses to differentiate Disorders of Consciousness are at times inapt because of some patients’ motor disabilities. To objectify patients’ conditions of reduced consciousness the present study evaluated the use of electroencephalography to measure residual brain activity. Methods We analyzed entropy values of 18 scalp EEG channels of 15 severely brain-damaged patients with clinically diagnosed Minimally-Conscious-State (MCS) or Unresponsive-Wakefulness-Syndrome (UWS) and compared the results to a sample of 24 control subjects. Permutation entropy (PeEn) and symbolic transfer entropy (STEn), reflecting information processes in the EEG, were calculated for all subjects. Participants were tested on a modified active own-name paradigm to identify correlates of active instruction following. Results PeEn showed reduced local information content in the EEG in patients, that was most pronounced in UWS. STEn analysis revealed altered directed information flow in the EEG of patients, indicating impaired feed-backward connectivity. Responses to auditory stimulation yielded differences in entropy measures, indicating reduced information processing in MCS and UWS. Conclusions Local EEG information content and information flow are affected in Disorders of Consciousness. This suggests local cortical information capacity and feedback information transfer as neural correlates of consciousness. Significance The utilized EEG entropy analyses were able to relate to patient groups with different Disorders of Consciousness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the design and control of an active suspension system, where a tubular linear motor is integrated into a spring damper system of a vehicle. The spring takes up the weight of the vehicle. Therefore the electric linear motor can be designed very compact as it has to provide forces to adjust the damping characteristic only. Design and construction of the active suspension system, a control strategy and validation measurements at a test bench are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Lipoxygenase pathway yields both pro-inflammatory leukotrienes and pro-resolving lipoxins. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of T-lymphocytes and pro-inflammatory stimuli on the expression levels of the lipoxin FPR2/ALX receptor, and the leukotriene BLT1 receptor in monocytes and macrophages, and to characterize LXA4-induced effects on pro-inflammatory mediators. Methods Human macrophages were co-cultured with activated CD4 + cells. THP-1 cells were stimulated with different cytokines, LXA4 and supernatant from activated CD4 + cells. mRNA was extracted for qPCR experiments and protein was analyzed by flow cytometry. Results Co-culture of macrophages with activated CD4 + cells or their supernatants up-regulated macrophage FPR2/ALX expression but did not alter BLT1 receptor expression. Monocyte stimulation with IFN-γ up-regulated FPR2/ALX mRNA and protein levels, whereas BLT1 mRNA was down-regulated. Finally, LXA4 decreased mRNA levels of MMP-9, CXCL16, IL-1β, and IL-8 in THP-1 cells. Conclusion The present study shows that pro-inflammatory stimuli lead to FPR2/ALX expression. LXA4 induces an anti-inflammatory response, which could participate in the resolution of inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atrial myocytes in a number of species lack transverse tubules. As a consequence the intracellular calcium signals occurring during each heartbeat exhibit complex spatio-temporal dynamics. These calcium patterns arise from saltatory calcium waves that propagate via successive rounds of diffusion and calcium-induced calcium release. The many parameters that impinge on calcium-induced calcium release and calcium signal propagation make it difficult to know a priori whether calcium waves will successfully travel, or be extinguished. In this study, we describe in detail a mathematical model of calcium signalling that allows the effect of such parameters to be independently assessed. A key aspect of the model is to follow the triggering and evolution of calcium signals within a realistic three-dimensional cellular volume of an atrial myocyte, but with low computational costs. This is achieved by solving the linear transport equation for calcium analytically between calcium release events and by expressing the onset of calcium liberation as a threshold process. The model makes non-intuitive predictions about calcium signal propagation. For example, our modelling illustrates that the boundary of a cell produces a wave-guiding effect that enables calcium ions to propagate further and for longer, and can subtly alter the pattern of calcium wave movement. The high spatial resolution of the modelling framework allows the study of any arrangement of calcium release sites. We demonstrate that even small variations in randomly positioned release sites cause highly heterogeneous cellular responses. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: 13th European Symposium on Calcium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radial glial cells play a crucial role in the embryonic mammalian brain. Their proliferation is thought to be controlled, in part, by ATP mediated calcium signals. It has been hypothesised that these signals act to locally synchronise cell cycles, so that clusters of cells proliferate together, shedding daughter cells in uniform sheets. In this paper we investigate this cell cycle synchronisation by taking an ordinary differential equation model that couples the dynamics of intracellular calcium and the cell cycle and extend it to populations of cells coupled via extracellular ATP signals. Through bifurcation analysis we show that although ATP mediated calcium release can lead to cell cycle synchronisation, a number of other asynchronous oscillatory solutions including torus solutions dominate the parameter space and cell cycle synchronisation is far from guaranteed. Despite this, numerical results indicate that the transient and not the asymptotic behaviour of the system is important in accounting for cell cycle synchronisation. In particular, quiescent cells can be entrained on to the cell cycle via ATP mediated calcium signals initiated by a driving cell and crucially will cycle in near synchrony with the driving cell for the duration of neurogenesis. This behaviour is highly sensitive to the timing of ATP release, with release at the G 1 /S phase transition of the cell cycle far more likely to lead to near synchrony than release during mid G 1 phase. This result, which suggests that ATP release timing is critical to radial glia cell cycle synchronisation, may help us to understand normal and pathological brain development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent times, in different parts of the world, we have witnessed a renewed interest in worker cooperatives that arise through recovering a company in crisis. Nevertheless, this article argues that recovering companies as worker cooperatives is not a new trend in the economic history of Uruguay but, rather, a continuation of earlier practices Faced with capitalist companies in crisis and the possibility of ending up unemployed, the opportunity to organize new self-managed companies presents itself to the workers. This article shows the long history of the phenomenon of recovering companies in the form of worker cooperatives, drawing on an analysis of the documents in the archive of the Uruguayan worker cooperative federation (Federación de Cooperativas de Producción del Uruguay -- FCPU), on interviews with knowledgeable members of the cooperatives and on a historical review. For presentation purposes, the results are divided into three periods of time which represent three different stages in the history of recovering companies as worker cooperatives. The conclusions examine to what extent recovered companies signify an opportunity for workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pediatric heart allocation in Eurotransplant (ET) has evolved over the past decades to better serve patients and improve utilization. Pediatric heart transplants (HT) account for 6% of the annual transplant volume in ET. Death rates on the pediatric heart transplant waiting list have decreased over the years, from 25% in 1997 to 18% in 2011. Within the first year after listing, 32% of all infants (<12 months), 20% of all children aged 1-10 years, and 15% of all children aged 11-15 years died without having received a heart transplant. Survival after transplantation improved over the years, and in almost a decade, the 1-year survival went from 83% to 89%, and the 3-year rates increased from 81% to 85%. Improved medical management of heart failure patients and the availability of mechanical support for children have significantly improved the prospects for children on the heart transplant waiting list. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Most neocortical neurons formed during embryonic brain development arise from radial glial cells which communicate, in part, via ATP mediated calcium signals. Although the intercellular signalling mechanisms that regulate radial glia proliferation are not well understood, it has recently been demonstrated that ATP dependent intracellular calcium release leads to an increase of nearly 100% in overall cellular proliferation. It has been hypothesised that cytoplasmic calcium accelerates entry into S phase of the cell cycle and/or acts to recruit otherwise quiescent cells onto the cell cycle. In this paper we study this cell cycle acceleration and recruitment by forming a differential equation model for ATP mediated calcium-cell cycle coupling via Cyclin D in a single radial glial cell. Bifurcation analysis and numerical simulations suggest that the cell cycle period depends only weakly on cytoplasmic calcium. Therefore, the accelerative impact of calcium on the cell cycle can only account for a small fraction of the large increase in proliferation observed experimentally. Crucially however, our bifurcation analysis reveals that stable fixed point and stable limit cycle solutions can coexist, and that calcium dependent Cyclin D dynamics extend the oscillatory region to lower Cyclin D synthesis rates, thus rendering cells more susceptible to cycling. This supports the hypothesis that cycling glial cells recruit quiescent cells (in G0 phase) onto the cell cycle, via a calcium signalling mechanism, and that this may be the primary means by which calcium augments proliferation rates at the population scale. Numerical simulations of two coupled cells demonstrate that such a scenario is indeed feasible. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Large scale studies of spiking neural networks are a key part of modern approaches to understanding the dynamics of biological neural tissue. One approach in computational neuroscience has been to consider the detailed electrophysiological properties of neurons and build vast computational compartmental models. An alternative has been to develop minimal models of spiking neurons with a reduction in the dimensionality of both parameter and variable space that facilitates more effective simulation studies. In this latter case the single neuron model of choice is often a variant of the classic integrate-and-fire model, which is described by a nonsmooth dynamical system. In this paper we review some of the more popular spiking models of this class and describe the types of spiking pattern that they can generate (ranging from tonic to burst firing). We show that a number of techniques originally developed for the study of impact oscillators are directly relevant to their analysis, particularly those for treating grazing bifurcations. Importantly we highlight one particular single neuron model, capable of generating realistic spike trains, that is both computationally cheap and analytically tractable. This is a planar nonlinear integrate-and-fire model with a piecewise linear vector field and a state dependent reset upon spiking. We call this the PWL-IF model and analyse it at both the single neuron and network level. The techniques and terminology of nonsmooth dynamical systems are used to flesh out the bifurcation structure of the single neuron model, as well as to develop the notion of Lyapunov exponents. We also show how to construct the phase response curve for this system, emphasising that techniques in mathematical neuroscience may also translate back to the field of nonsmooth dynamical systems. The stability of periodic spiking orbits is assessed using a linear stability analysis of spiking times. At the network level we consider linear coupling between voltage variables, as would occur in neurobiological networks with gap-junction coupling, and show how to analyse the properties (existence and stability) of both the asynchronous and synchronous states. In the former case we use a phase-density technique that is valid for any large system of globally coupled limit cycle oscillators, whilst in the latter we develop a novel technique that can handle the nonsmooth reset of the model upon spiking. Finally we discuss other aspects of neuroscience modelling that may benefit from further translation of ideas from the growing body of knowledge on nonsmooth dynamics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, we present an innovative mathematical modeling approach that allows detailed characterization of Ca2+ movement within the three-dimensional volume of an atrial myocyte. Essential aspects of the model are the geometrically realistic representation of Ca2+ release sites and physiological Ca2+ flux parameters, coupled with a computationally inexpensive framework. By translating nonlinear Ca2+ excitability into threshold dynamics, we avoid the computationally demanding time stepping of the partial differential equations that are often used to model Ca2+ transport. Our approach successfully reproduces key features of atrial myocyte Ca2+ signaling observed using confocal imaging. In particular, the model displays the centripetal Ca2+ waves that occur within atrial myocytes during excitation-contraction coupling, and the effect of positive inotropic stimulation on the spatial profile of the Ca2+ signals. Beyond this validation of the model, our simulation reveals unexpected observations about the spread of Ca2+ within an atrial myocyte. In particular, the model describes the movement of Ca2+ between ryanodine receptor clusters within a specific z disk of an atrial myocyte. Furthermore, we demonstrate that altering the strength of Ca2+ release, ryanodine receptor refractoriness, the magnitude of initiating stimulus, or the introduction of stochastic Ca2+ channel activity can cause the nucleation of proarrhythmic traveling Ca2+ waves. The model provides clinically relevant insights into the initiation and propagation of subcellular Ca2+ signals that are currently beyond the scope of imaging technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study here the early stage of Ca-induced Ca release (CICR) in the diadic cleft of cardiac ventricular myocytes. A crucial question for this mechanism is whether the activation of the ryanodine receptors (RyRs) is triggered by one or by multiple open L-type Ca channels (LCCs). We address the problem through a modelling approach that allows us to investigate both possibilities. The model is based on a spatially resolved description of a Ca release unit (CaRU), consisting of the junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum and the diadic cleft, with well-defined channel placement. By taking advantage of largely varying time scales of the Ca dynamics in the diadic cleft, the governing equations can be reduced to one ordinary differential equation that describes the Ca fluxes, the electric field due to surface charges and diffusion. Our study shows that the mechanisms of the early stage of CICR shape measurable properties of CICR in a characteristic way. From here we conclude that the activation of RyRs requires multiple open LCCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

systematic study on the structural characteristics of the 2-pyranone ring containing molecules with bromine, nitrile, and amide substituents at the C-3 position in the ring is conducted in the electronic ground ( S) state by DFT calculations using the B3LYP/6-311++G** method. The geometrical structure of the bromine substituted compound, which shows potent hepatoprotective activity, is studied both in the ground ( S) and first excited singlet ( S) states using RHF/6-311++G** and CIS/6-311++G** methods respectively. The molecules are found to exist in two isomeric forms gauche and trans that have the enthalpy difference of less than 3.32 kcal/mol; the latter is the preferred orientation in the gaseous phase. The S state is a (π,π*) state that arises π-electron transfer from the region of a double bond in the pyranone ring to the region of the internuclear bond connecting the 2-pyranone and benzene rings. A complete vibrational analysis is conducted for the 3-bromo-6-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-thiomethyl-2H-pyran-2-one molecule based on the experimental infrared spectra in the 50-4000 cm region and DFT/6- 311++G** computations of vibrational frequencies for the gauche and trans isomeric forms. Spectral assignments based on the potential energy distribution along the internal coordinates confirm the nonplanar structure of the molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A systematic study has been conducted on the geometrical and electronic structure, heliomeric conformations of a series of 8-oxa[5]helicenes based on density functional theory (DFT) computations. A complete vibrational analysis has also been attempted for one of the 8-oxa[5]helicenes (molecule 5) on the basis of experimental infrared spectra in the far and mid infrared regions (60–3100cm−1) and density functional theory computations using B3LYP/6-31G** method characteristic bands of the molecule identified. The approximate mean plane angle between the terminal rings A and E in the presently studied molecules are found to have values between 48.64° and 59.46°. This angle is much larger than the corresponding angle between the terminal rings in benzo[c]phenanthrene (∼27°) and partially reduced benzo[c]phenanthrene (34.6–46.0°) and indicates that the presence of oxygen-containing six-membered ring provides a greater helicity to the molecules. Detailed quantum chemical study on molecule 4 shows the existence of two enantiomeric forms M- and P- of almost equal energy separated by a potential barrier of 15.55kcal/mol. It is expected that similar 8-oxa[5]helicines (molecules 3, 5 and 6) may also exist in two enantiomeric forms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cardiac alternans is a beat-to-beat alternation in action potential duration (APD) and intracellular calcium (Ca2+) cycling seen in cardiac myocytes under rapid pacing that is believed to be a precursor to fibrillation. The cellular mechanisms of these rhythms and the coupling between cellular Ca2+ and voltage dynamics have been extensively studied leading to the development of a class of physiologically detailed models. These have been shown numerically to reproduce many of the features of myocyte response to pacing, including alternans, and have been analyzed mathematically using various approximation techniques that allow for the formulation of a low dimensional map to describe the evolution of APDs. The seminal work by Shiferaw and Karma is of particular interest in this regard [Shiferaw, Y. and Karma, A., 'Turing instability mediated by voltage and calcium diffusion in paced cardiac cells,' Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 103, 5670-5675 (2006)]. Here, we establish that the key dynamical behaviors of the Shiferaw-Karma model are arranged around a set of switches. These are shown to be the main elements for organizing the nonlinear behavior of the model. Exploiting this observation, we show that a piecewise linear caricature of the Shiferaw-Karma model, with a set of appropriate switching manifolds, can be constructed that preserves the physiological interpretation of the original model while being amenable to a systematic mathematical analysis. In illustration of this point, we formulate the dynamics of Ca2+ cycling (in response to pacing) and compute the properties of periodic orbits in terms of a stroboscopic map that can be constructed without approximation. Using this, we show that alternans emerge via a period-doubling instability and track this bifurcation in terms of physiologically important parameters. We also show that when coupled to a spatially extended model for Ca2+ transport, the model supports spatially varying patterns of alternans. We analyze the onset of this instability with a generalization of the master stability approach to accommodate the nonsmooth nature of our system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Experimental methods of infrared, Raman and electronic absorption spectroscopy and DFT calculations using B3LYP functionals and 6-31G** and 6-311++G** basis sets have been used to understand the structural and spectral characteristics of 2-pyranones, 6-phenyl-4-methylsulfanyl-2-oxo-2H-pyran and 6-phenyl-4-methylsulfanyl-2-oxo-2H-pyran-3-carbonitrile in the electronic ground (S0) and first excited (S1) states. Information about the size, shape, charge density distribution and site of chemical reactivity of the molecules has been obtained by mapping electron density isosurface with electrostatic potential surfaces (ESP). Based on TD-DFT calculations using 6-31+G**5D basis set, an assignment of absorption peaks in the UV–VIS region has been suggested. The S1 state is found to be a 1(π,π*) state. A complete vibrational analysis has been attempted on the basis of experimental infrared and Raman spectra and calculated frequency and intensity of the vibrational bands and potential energy distribution over the internal coordinates. Characteristic vibrational bands of the 2-pyranone ring and methylsulfanyl and carbonyl groups have been identified. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We present a bidomain threshold model of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) dynamics in which, as suggested by recent experiments, the cytosolic threshold for Ca2+ liberation is modulated by the Ca2+ concentration in the releasing compartment. We explicitly construct stationary fronts and determine their stability using an Evans function approach. Our results show that a biologically motivated choice of a dynamic threshold, as opposed to a constant threshold, can pin stationary fronts that would otherwise be unstable. This illustrates a novel mechanism to stabilise pinned interfaces in continuous excitable systems. Our framework also allows us to compute travelling pulse solutions in closed form and systematically probe the wave speed as a function of physiologically important parameters. We find that the existence of travelling wave solutions depends on the time scale of the threshold dynamics, and that facilitating release by lowering the cytosolic threshold increases the wave speed. The construction of the Evans function for a travelling pulse shows that of the co-existing fast and slow solutions the slow one is always unstable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We investigate the key characteristics of Ca2+ puffs in deterministic and stochastic frameworks that all incorporate the cellular morphology of IP3 receptor channel clusters. In the first step, we numerically study the Ca2+ liberation in a three-dimensional representation of a cluster environment with reaction-diffusion dynamics in both the cytosol and the lumen. These simulations reveal that Ca2+ concentrations at a releasing cluster range from 80 to 170 μM and equilibrate almost instantaneously on the time scale of the release duration. These highly elevated Ca2+ concentrations eliminate Ca2+ oscillations in a deterministic model of an IP3R channel cluster at physiological parameter values as revealed by a linear stability analysis. The reason lies in the saturation of all feedback processes in the IP3R gating dynamics, so that only fluctuations can restore experimentally observed Ca2+ oscillations. In this spirit, we derive master equations that allow us to analytically quantify the onset of Ca2+ puffs and hence the stochastic time scale of intracellular Ca2+ dynamics. Moving up the spatial scale, we suggest to formulate cellular dynamics in terms of waiting time distribution functions. This approach prevents the state space explosion that is typical for the description of cellular dynamics based on channel states and still contains information on molecular fluctuations. We illustrate this method by studying global Ca2+ oscillations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenotypic divergence among the 24 accessions belonging to a collection of six species of Capsicum from different geoclimatic regions available in field gene bank of CIMAP, Lucknow, India, was quantified by multivariate analysis for 12 quantitative and qualitative traits. Based on their values, all 24 accessions were grouped into six clusters such that the genetic stocks within cluster had smaller D2 values among themselves than those belonging to different clusters. The accessions of Capsicum annuum were distributed in different clusters in morphotyping representing different species, suggesting that taxonomic characteristics are not always related to agronomic traits. No parallelism/association was found between geographical and phenotypic diversity. Accessions 15 and 23 (clusters V and VI, respectively) had distinct identity. The three characteristics that played the greatest role in differentiation were fruit diameter, number of fruits per plant, and leaf diameter, which can be utilized as conventional/morphological markers for the improvement of chilli yield and obtaining good segregants in chilli breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A systematic study has been conducted on the conformation, electronic structure and vibrational spectra of benzo[c]phenanthrene and some of its partially reduced derivatives by experimental infrared spectroscopic and quantum chemical techniques. Electrostatic potential surfaces have been mapped over the electron density isosurfaces to obtain information about the size, shape, charge density distribution and chemical reactivity of the molecules. Possibility of hydrogen–hydrogen bonding has been explored in all the molecules. Partial reduction of the aromatic rings in benzo[c]phenanthrene leads to considerable molecular distortion with the approximate mean angle between the terminal rings increasing from 27.3° to 46.0°. The distortion is unequally distributed near the aromatic and saturated rings; the latter absorbs most of strain due to flexibility of the rings. A complete vibrational analysis of the experimental infrared spectra has been reported on the basis of frequency and intensity of the vibrational bands and potential energy distribution over the internal coordinates and characteristic bands have been identified. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract  We present a bidomain fire-diffuse-fire model that facilitates mathematical analysis of propagating waves of elevated intracellular calcium (Ca2) in living cells. Modeling Ca2 release as a threshold process allows the explicit construction of traveling wave solutions to probe the dependence of Ca2 wave speed on physiologically important parameters such as the threshold for Ca2 release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the cytosol, the rate of Ca2 resequestration from the cytosol to the ER, and the total [Ca2] (cytosolic plus ER). Interestingly, linear stability analysis of the bidomain fire-diffuse-fire model predicts the onset of dynamic wave instabilities leading to the emergence of Ca2 waves that propagate in a back-and-forth manner. Numerical simulations are used to confirm the presence of these so-called ‘tango waves’ and the dependence of Ca2 wave speed on the total [Ca2]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To prove safety and effectiveness of a lipid emulsion enriched with n-3 fatty acids from fish oil (Lipoplus) within the setting of parenteral nutrition of patients after major abdominal surgery and to determine whether there are effects on outcome parameters.Design: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial.Setting: University and surgical teaching hospitals.Patients: After obtaining informed consent, 256 patients undergoing major abdominal surgery were randomized. Parameters of safety, effectiveness, and outcome were routine laboratory parameters, complication rates, length of stay in the intensive care unit, and length of hospital stay. In addition we determined in patient subgroups of 30 patients each, the changes of the content of selected long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, the leukotriene synthetic capacity and the antioxidant [alpha]-tocopherol.Interventions: Participating patients were randomized to receive either Lipoplus (group I; n = 127 patients) or Intralipid (group II; n = 129 patients). Parenteral nutrition was initiated immediately after surgery and ended on day 5 after surgery.Measurements and Main Results: No significant differences between groups I and II were observed when comparing routine laboratory parameters during the perioperative period. Plasma levels of eicosapentaenoic acid, leukotriene B5, and antioxidant content were significantly increased in group I. Furthermore, there was a significantly shorter length of hospital stay of [almost equal to]21% (17.2 vs. 21.9 days; p = .0061) in group I.Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the administration of Lipoplus in the postoperative period after major abdominal surgery is safe and results in a significantly shorter length of hospital stay. Administration of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the postoperative period can be considered a valuable choice for patients requiring parenteral nutrition after major abdominal surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease of unknown etiology and is only rarely seen in infants and children. We present the case of a 9-year-old boy who developed sarcoidosis with multi-organ involvement 9 years after cardiac transplantation for Shone complex. The patient was on immunosuppressive therapy with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. He presented with severe respiratory distress due to marked mediastinal lymphadenopathy and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates in association with fatigue, low-grade fever, hepatosplenomegaly and generalized lymphadenopathy. Lymph node histology showed non-caseating epitheloid cell granulomas and giant cells. Initialization of therapy with prednisolone resulted in prompt clinical recovery and resolution of all symptoms except for the development of mild pulmonary fibrosis. Tapering of the steroids led to recurrence of mediastinal lymphadenopathy 5 months after the initial disease, which responded to an increase in steroid dose. The clinical course, the medical management, and the possible role of immunosuppression in the etiology of the disease are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Today's signal processing applications exhibit steadily increasing throughput requirements which can be achieved by parallel architectures. However, efficient communication is mandatory to fully exploit their parallelism. Turbo-Codes as an instance of highly efficient forward-error correction codes are a very good application to demonstrate the communication complexity in parallel architectures. We present a network-on-chip approach to derive an optimal communication architecture for a parallel Turbo-Decoder system. The performance of such a system significantly depends on the efficiency of the underlying interleaver network to distribute data among the parallel units. We focus on the strictly orthogonal n-dimensional mesh, torus and k-ary-n cube networks comparing deterministic dimension-order and partially adaptive negative- first and planar-adaptive routing algorithms. For each network topology and routing algorithm, input- and output-queued packet switching schemes are compared on the architectural level. The evaluation of candidate network architectures is based on performance measures and implementation cost to allow a fair trade-off. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Since 1988, 82 heart transplants have been performed in 80 infants and children. Diagnoses pretransplant were: hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) (n = 43); cardiomyopathy (n = 19); endocardial fibroelastosis (n = 6); and other complex congenital heart diseases (n = 12). Age at transplantation was < 1 yr in 61 patients. Overall survival rate was 79% at 1 yr and 73% at 5 and 10 yr. To date, 20 patients have died after transplantation. Causes of death were: rejection (eight patients); right ventricular failure (four patients); transplant coronary artery disease (TCAD) (two patients); and other causes (six patients). In the majority of patients somatic growth is not impaired, and renal function is reduced (but stable) in all patients. Two patients developed post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease, which was treated successfully. Major long-term morbidity is neurologic deficit – severe in three patients and minor in six. TCAD was present or suspected in six surviving patients. We conclude that heart transplantation in infants and children can be performed with good early and late results. Quality of life is excellent in most patients. TCAD, however, will become an increasing problem in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We compared two modeling approaches applied to data with by-trial fluctuations. • Linear Mixed-Effects Models (LMEMs) did not show excess false positive rates. • Generalized Additive Mixed Models (GAMMs) impaired between-subject power. • Randomization is sufficient defense against by-trial noise in experimental datasets. Data from each subject in a repeated-measures experiment form a time series, which may include trial-by-trial fluctuations arising from human factors such as practice or fatigue. Concerns about the statistical implications of such effects have increased the popularity of Generalized Additive Mixed Models (GAMMs), a powerful technique for modeling wiggly patterns. We question these statistical concerns and investigate the costs and benefits of using GAMMs relative to linear mixed-effects models (LMEMs). In two sets of Monte Carlo simulations, LMEMs that ignored time-varying effects were no more prone to false positives than GAMMs. Although GAMMs generally boosted power for within-subject effects, they reduced power for between-subject effects, sometimes to a severe degree. Our results signal the importance of proper subject-level randomization as the main defense against statistical artifacts due to by-trial fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome undergo the comprehensive stage 2 procedure as the second stage in the hybrid approach toward Fontan circulation. The complexity of comprehensive stage 2 procedure is considered a potential limitation, and limited information is available on its anesthetic management. This study aims to address this gap. Methods: A single‐center retrospective cohort study analyzed 148 HLHS patients who underwent comprehensive stage 2 procedure, divided into Group A (stable condition, n = 116) and Group B (requiring preoperative intravenous inotropic therapy, n = 32). Demographic data, intraoperative hemodynamics, anesthetic management, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Results: Etomidate (40%) was the most common induction agent, followed by esketamine (24%), midazolam (16%), and propofol (13%). Inhaled induction was rarely necessary (2%), occurring only in Group A patients. No statistical differences were found between groups for induction drug choice. Post‐cardiopulmonary bypass management included moderate hypoventilation, inhaled nitric oxide (100%), and hemodynamic support with milrinone (97%) and norepinephrine (77%). Group B patients more frequently required additional levosimendan (20%) and epinephrine (18%). Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was necessary in 8 patients (5%) with no between‐group differences. Switching from fentanyl to remifentanil reduced postoperative ventilation time overall. However, Group B experienced significantly longer ventilation (6.3 vs. 3.5 h) and ICU stay (22 vs. 14 days). In‐hospital mortality was 5% overall (Group A: 4%, Group B: 9%). Long‐term survival analysis revealed a significant advantage for Group A. Conclusion: The use of short‐acting opioids and adjusted ventilation modes enables optimal pulmonary blood flow and rapid transition to spontaneous breathing. Differentiated hemodynamic support with milrinone, norepinephrine, supplemented by levosimendan and epinephrine in high‐risk patients, can mitigate the effects on the preoperatively volume‐loaded right ventricle. However, differences in long‐term survival probability were observed between groups. Trial Registration: Local ethics committee, Medical Faculty, Justus‐Liebig‐University‐Giessen (Trial Code Number: 216/14). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report discloses a mild and efficient O-acetylation using easily accessible TMSOAc as a novel acetyl reagent and O-trimethylsilylation using HMDS for various alcohols catalyzed by tunable Brønsted acidic ionic liquids (TBAILs). Imidazolium-based TBAILs were prepared by a two-step atom-economic reaction and acidities measured by using UV-visible spectroscopy. Both protections for alcohols were accomplished at room temperature with good to excellent yields, while the products and TBAILs were separated by simple work-up for O-silylation and column chromatography for O-acetylation. Notably, with the simple post-process, TBAILs catalyst in this solvent free method easily recovered and recycled several times without significant degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Implementation of filament applications in practical settings requires robust field testing facilities. • The MU-HELF is a compact, stable ultrafast source providing multi-terawatt outputs suitable for long-range filament studies. • The associated testing infrastructure enables the characterization of multi-filament atmospheric propagation while recording metrological conditions. • Preliminary studies have demonstrated accurate filament measurements and the first demonstration of large scale engineered filament arrays at 1 km. We present the design, performance, and initial activation of the Mobile Ultrafast High Energy Laser Facility, a 5 TW near-infrared laser source located on a multi-km test range at Kennedy Space Center. The system is compact, readily transportable, and provides a robust, tunable output suitable for long range studies of high intensity laser propagation. The supporting testing infrastructure, which includes stand-alone beam diagnostic stations and atmospheric monitoring capabilities, makes this facility ideal for the development of stand-off high energy ultrafast applications and fundamental studies of atmospheric laser science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we describe the synthesis of tunable aryl imidazolium ionic liquid catalysts and tested for esterification of fatty acids to biodiesel. In this work, six tunable aryl imidazolium ionic liquids (TAIILs) 1a-1f were prepared. These ionic liquids were used as the economical and reusable catalysts for the synthesis of biodiesel fuels. The reaction has been preceded in a monophase at 80 °C for 4 h, after which the product was separated from the catalyst system by a simple liquid/liquid phase separation at room temperature with excellent yields. With the simple post-process, the catalyst is reusable at least 6 times. This novel method offers a short reaction time, good yields, and environmentally benign characteristics. Unlabelled Image • Tunable aryl imidazolium ionic liquids is highly efficient catalyst for biodiesel synthesis. • The reaction mixture separated by self-separation technique. • The ionic liquid can be recycled several times without significant activity loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies assessing the long-term outcome after heart transplantation HTX in patients with cardiomyopathy (CM) in the paediatric age range are rare. The aim of this study was to determine the survival rate of children with CM undergoing HTX and to analyse how aetiology of cardiomyopathy influenced morbidity and mortality. We retrospectively analysed the medical records of children; who were transplanted in our centre between June 1988 and October 2019. 236 heart transplantations were performed since 1988 (9 re-transplants). 98 of 227 patients (43.2%) were transplanted because of CM. Survival rates were 93% after 1; 84% after 10 and 75% after 30 years. Overall; the aetiology of CM could be clearly identified in 37 subjects (37.7%). This rate increased up to 66.6% (12/19) by applying a comprehensive diagnostic workup since 2016. The survival rate was lower (p < 0.05) and neurocognitive deficits were more frequent (p = 0.001) in subjects with systemic diseases than in individuals with cardiac-specific conditions. These data indicate that the long-term survival rate of children with CM after HTX in experienced centers is high. A comprehensive diagnostic workup allows unraveling the basic defect in the majority of patients with CM undergoing HTX. Aetiology of CM affects morbidity and mortality in subjects necessitating HTX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]