Interested in the power of visual communications and societal movements, Taylor Dawson explores the impact and implementation of the Endangered Species Act through her exhibition, Anthropocene. Telling the story of conflict between the nation's political climate and environmental efforts, Dawson seeks to highlight the value of species conservation and empower viewers to act. Anthropocene features graphic design pieces detailing local Illinois endangered species and further explores the impact of the Endangered Species Act. Using minimalistic design principles and natural color elements, Dawson's exhibit brings simplicity to an overwhelming issue. Dawson's method of visually communicating reality is designed to leave viewers carrying a vision for change that can strengthen the future. Artist reception and opening immediately following in Benner Library Cafe.
AbstractEpidemiological evidence suggests that normal pregnancy in women is associated with decreased cardiovascular risk in later life. Clinical studies have provided evidence that alterations in vascular function and structure are detectable long after delivery. To understand these findings, we examined mesenteric artery reactivity at both early (3 days and 2–4 weeks) and late (12 weeks) postpartum (PP) time points in relation to late pregnancy (LP) and lactation. Vessels from virgin controls, LP, PP, and nursing and non-nursing mothers were tested for responses to phenylephrine (PE), high potassium solutions (high K+), and acetylcholine (ACh). Passive arterial distensibility, vessel dimensions, and collagen and elastin content were evaluated for the studied groups. We observed that (1) there was a significant inhibition of vascular reactivity to PE in LP, 3 days and 2 weeks PP vessels that returned to pre-pregnancy levels at 4 and 12 weeks PP; (2) inhibition of NO production in PP vessels restored PE-induced constriction to pre-pregnancy levels; (3) vasodilator responses to ACh were similar at all PP periods; (4) LP and early PP was associated with a persistent increase in arterial distensibility that correlates with a PP-induced reduction in wall collagen, and regressed to pre-conception levels at 12 weeks PP; (5) vessels from non-nursing PP mice demonstrated an increased PE reactivity, diminished responses to ACh, and reduced distensibility compared to breastfeeding mice. These studies provide a timeframe for mesenteric artery adaptations that occur during pregnancy and extend to the PP period, but which may be modified by PP events.
