Model for injury to the foreleg of the Thoroughbred racehorse

A discussion is presented of contributing factors to the injury to the foreleg of the Thoroughbred racehorse. The critical part of the step is taken to be the first 10-20 ms after ground contact as the hoof slides forward and stops. Large nonaxial loads associated with the deceleration of the hoof are shown to arise. Results of accelerometer measurements on the hoof of a horse running at racing speed are presented as well as mechanical properties of the racing surface. The mechanical properties of the track surface, the type of shoe, and the degree of fatigue of the horse all work together to determine the level of risk.     

Imprudent linking weaves a tangled Web

Hypertext linking is often embraced uncritically by Web authors eager to explore the power of hypertext without first considering its effects on their readers' comprehension. Hypertext linking is not a substitute for thought-we think with ideas, not with dissociated snippets of raw information. Even the most germane bits of information cannot become ideas, regardless of how cleverly they are stacked, listed or linked. Ideas define relevance, provide context and establish patterns. With patterns, most concepts become intelligible, and we need continuity and stability of theme and context to recognize patterns. So, like most powerful technologies, hypertext links are a mixed blessing. Used improperly, they can be detrimental to Web sites. “Loose links” can drive away an audience, dilute the site's message, confuse the reader with irrelevant digressions and become a continuing maintenance headache for site authors and Webmasters     

Resonance assignment of methionine methyl groups and chi 3 angular information from long-range proton-carbon and carbon-carbon J correlation in a calmodulin-peptide complex

Several simple 3D experiments are used to provide J correlations between methionine C epsilon methyl carbons and either the C gamma H2 protons or C beta and C gamma. The intensity of the J correlations provides information on the size of the three-bond J couplings and thereby on the chi 3 torsion angle. In addition, a simple 3D version of the HMBC experiment provides a sensitive link between the C epsilon H3 methyl protons and C gamma. The methods are demonstrated for a 20 kDa complex between calmodulin and a 26-residue peptide fragment of skeletal muscle myosin light chain kinase.     

Food aversion conditioned in anesthetized sheep

We discovered that a food aversion could be conditioned in anesthetized sheep. Sheep were allowed to eat a familiar food (alfalfa-grain pellets) for 30 min, and 90 min later they were given either an intraruminal (IR) injection of water (C), an IR injection of LiCl (L), anesthesia followed by an IR injection of water (A), or anesthesia followed by an IR injection of LiCl (A+L). Induction of anesthesia was by an intravenous injection of pentobarbitone sodium, and maintenance of deep anesthesia was by halothane. Sheep were maintained in deep anesthesia for 2 h to ensure that the effects of LiCl on the acquisition of a food aversion, which occur within about 1 h, were completed before they awakened. When tested 5 days later, sheep that received LiCl (treatments L and A+L) consumed less alfalfa-grain pellets than sheep that did not receive LiCl (treatments C and A) (241 g vs. 306 g; p = 0.057). Intake of sheep that were anesthetized (treatments A and A+L) did not differ from that of sheep that were not anesthetized (treatments C and L) (295 g vs. 252 g; p = 0.183). Nor was there an interaction between LiCl and anesthesia (p = 0.423). Thus, we conclude that changes in preferences for foods caused by postingestive feedback occur automatically every time food is ingested (i.e., they are noncognitive), and the kind and amount of feedback is a function of the match between the food's chemical characteristics and its ability to meet the animal's current demands for nutrients.     

Cloning and expression of an endo-1,3-1,4-beta-glucanase gene from Bacillus macerans in Lactobacillus reuteri

Strains of the gastrointestinal species Lactobacillus reuteri were electrotransformed with plasmid constructs containing the endo-1,3-1,4-beta-glucanase gene (bglM) of Bacillus macerans. The enzyme was expressed and secreted by the lactobacilli. A plasmid construct containing the bglM gene lacking its promoter was derived and was demonstrated to be useful as a promoter probe vector.     

Anesthetic considerations in the child with Gaucher disease

Alpidem, an imidazopyridine that acts at the gamma-aminobutyric acid/benzodiazepine receptor complex, has been reported to be an effective anxiolytic with a more favorable side effect profile than benzodiazepines. The effect of alpidem was investigated in an 8-week, open, clinical trial in 13 patients with panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia. Three patients were responders (much improved or very much improved), five patients were nonresponders, and five patients dropped out after less than 6 weeks of treatment. Significant improvement was seen in the sample as a whole for spontaneous panic attacks, phobic avoidance, and anticipatory anxiety. Most improvement occurred during the first 4 weeks of treatment, and responders had milder panic disorder at baseline. Adverse effects were generally mild. After 8 weeks of treatment, taper of medication over 2 weeks occurred without significant worsening of panic disorder symptoms. The efficacy of alpidem in the treatment of panic disorder remains uncertain and requires assessment in a controlled trial.