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Presents letters to the editor. Comments on the book "Works and Days"; Discussion on American industry; Feedback of a reader on an article related to humanism.

Latency-reversing agents (LRAs), including histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), are being investigated as a strategy to eliminate latency in HIV-infected patients on suppressive antiretroviral therapy. The effectiveness of LRAs in activating latent infection in HIV strains derived from the central nervous system (CNS) is unknown. Here we show that CNS-derived HIV-1 strains possess polymorphisms within and surrounding the Sp transcription factor motifs in the long terminal repeat (LTR). These polymorphisms result in decreased ability of the transcription factor specificity protein 1 to bind CNS-derived LTRs, reducing the transcriptional activity of CNS-derived viruses. These mutations result in CNS-derived viruses being less responsive to activation by the HDACi panobinostat and romidepsin compared with lymphoid-derived viruses from the same subjects. Our findings suggest that HIV-1 strains residing in the CNS have unique transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, which impact the regulation of latency, the consideration of which is essential for the development of HIV-1 eradication strategies.

Selection for 11 generations in swine for ovulation rate (OR) or uterine capacity (UC) resulted in significant changes in component traits of litter size. Our objective was to conserve the unique germplasm for the future and to characterize sperm quality as a correlated response to the selection criterion imposed compared with an unselected control line (CO). Boars representing genetic diversity available in all 3 lines were produced in 2 farrowing seasons. Season 1 was born in September 2005 and was sampled for semen characteristics in October 2006. Season 2 was born in March 2006 and was sampled for semen characteristics in February and March 2007. Each boar (n = 60) was collected twice. The sperm-rich fraction was obtained, and volume and concentration of sperm cells were measured to estimate total sperm production. Each ejaculate was extended 1:3 (vol/vol) with Androhep Plus (Minitube, Verona, WI) and was packed for shipping to the National Animal Germplasm Program laboratory for processing into frozen straws. Semen quality was measured by computer-assisted semen analysis at 3 semen processing points: fresh (FR), 24 h after extender added (E), and postthaw (PT). A mixed model ANOVA was applied to the data. Fixed effects of farrowing season, line, and 2-way interactions were fitted. The random effect of boar (n = 60) within farrowing season and line was used to test line differences. Sperm concentration was not different (P = 0.18) among the lines (0.594 × 10(9), 0.691 × 10(9), and 0.676 × 10(9) cells/mL for CO, OR, and UC lines, respectively). However, significance (P = 0.04) was detected for the volume of the sperm-rich fraction, greatest for OR (86.4 mL), intermediate for UC (75.5 mL), and least for CO (70.2 mL). Line differences were thus detected (P = 0.02) for total sperm production per ejaculate, greatest for OR (54.9 × 10(9)), intermediate for UC (48.7 × 10(9)), and least for CO (40.5 × 10(9)). A larger percentage of progressively motile sperm and greater estimates of sperm velocity only at processing point E (P < 0.01) were detected in favor of CO. Estimates of motility, velocity, and other parameters of sperm movement measured on E processing points were positively correlated with the same estimates obtained PT, but the magnitude was low to moderate (r range -0.03 to 0.23). Thus, selection for component traits of female reproduction had a favorable effect on total sperm production of boars.

An abstract of the article "Effect of subsoiling and injection of pelletized organic matter on soil quality and productivity," by Leonard A. Leskiw, Catherine M. Welsh and Takele B. Zeleke is presented.

Understanding existing levels of genetic diversity of sheep breeds facilitates in situ and ex situ conservation activities. A comprehensive evaluation of US sheep breeds has not been previously performed; therefore, we evaluated the genetic diversity among and within 28 US sheep breeds. Both major and minor breeds were included in the analysis and consisted of 666 animals from 222 producers located in 38 states. The level of within-breed genetic diversity was variable and not dependent upon status of a breed as a major or minor breed. Bayesian cluster analysis indicated the breeds were grouped more by physiological differences (meat vs. wool production) rather than geographic origin. Results suggest several actionable items to improve in situ and ex situ conservation. The results clearly identify breeds in need of increased in situ and ex situ management (e.g., Hog Island and Karakul) and allow several suggestions for in situ management of flocks. Conversely, several of the breeds appear genetically similar and therefore require less emphasis on collecting germplasm samples for the gene bank. Commercially important breeds (e.g., Rambouillet and Suffolk) were found to have substantial variation, which should enable breeders to proceed, unencumbered by genetic diversity concerns, with selection strategies that maximize profit.

Globally, genetic diversity of livestock populations is contracting. Knowing the true extent of the contraction is needed to develop effective conservation strategies. Although contractions of genetic diversity have been documented at the breed level, little within breed documentation has occurred. This situation is no different for US swine breeds. Therefore, the objective of this study was to establish an inbreeding baseline for 5 pig breeds via pedigree records extracted from purebred registrations to each breed association for Berkshire (n = 116,758), Duroc (n = 878,480), Hampshire (n = 744,270), Landrace (n = 126,566), and Yorkshire (n = 727,268). For all breeds the number of registrations peaked after 1990 and declined since that time. The breeder structure was analyzed for Berkshire and Duroc; the average breeder registered pigs for 4.0 yr for both breeds. Breeders were grouped by longevity and herd size, and the inbreeding levels for the current population (pigs born 2006 and later) were evaluated. Presently, more than 99% of all pigs are inbred with the majority having inbreeding less than 10%. The range for percentage of animals that are more than 25% inbred ranged from 1.16% for Yorkshire to 6.09% for Berkshire. The greatest inbreeding for all animals within a breed ranged from 51% for Landrace and 65% for Yorkshire. Sires were grouped into 10 percentiles based on number of great-grandprogeny (GGP) produced; for all breeds, the top 10 percentile accounted for more than 75% of all GGP. Sixty percent of all sires produced less than 1% of all GGP, indicating few males are contributing to future generations. Generations ranged from 17 to 19 per breed with a generation interval ranging from 1.65 yr for Berkshire to 2.21 yr for Yorkshire. Mean inbreeding (%) at generation 17 (the most generations computed across breeds), rate of inbreeding per generation, and effective population size were 12.3, 0.0065, and 77 for Berkshire; 11.8, 0.0044, and 113 for Duroc; 6.8, 0.0046, and 109 for Hampshire; 17.9, 0.0067, and 74 for Landrace; and 8.0, 0.0044, and 113 for Yorkshire, respectively. The 2 breeds with fewest registrations, Berkshire and Landrace, had greater inbreeding rates and smaller effective population sizes, suggesting a need for more immediate conservation efforts. This analysis provides a basis for future monitoring of the genetic diversity of pig breeds and serves as a basis for planning conservation activities.

Phosphorus is a nonrenewable resource, raising concerns that agricultural practices may deplete reserves. Organic farming with low P inputs can result in deficient levels of plant‐available phosphorus (available‐P). The purpose of this study was to determine if common organically managed rotations are depleting P reserves or if large reserves still exist in unavailable forms. The research was performed in the 13th year of the Glenlea Long‐term Crop Rotation and Management study in southern Manitoba. The site has three 4‐yr rotations under Organic and Conventional management: spring wheat (Triticum aestivumL.)‐alfalfa (Medicago sativaL.)‐alfalfa‐flax (Linum usitatissimumL.) (forage grain) with and without manure compost, and spring wheat‐field pea (Pisum sativumL.)‐spring wheat‐flax (grain only), as well as a restored prairie grass planting (Prairie). Conventional treatments received synthetic fertilizers and herbicides whereas the Organic received no inputs other than a one‐time application of manure compost. The modified Hedley sequential P extraction procedure revealed organic management to have lower concentrations of readily available P than conventional but recalcitrant forms were similar between systems. The Prairie had P concentrations similar to conventional in all forms. Estimated cumulative P balance indicated that organic grain‐only rotations compared to conventional had low P removal resulting in slightly lower concentration of available‐P forms. The high yielding and P removal rotation of forage‐grain decreased available‐P forms to below an agronomic response threshold. Only high yielding, high P export organic rotations are a concern for developing P deficiency depending on initial reserves and the length of time without additional inputs.

Infection by a single virus can evoke diverse immune responses, resulting in different neurological outcomes, depending on the host's genetic background. To study heterogenous viral response, we use Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus (TMEV) to model virally induced neurological phenotypes and immune responses in Collaborative Cross (CC) mice. The CC resource consists of genetically distinct and reproducible mouse lines, thus providing a population model with genetic heterogeneity similar to humans. We examined different CC strains for the effect of chronic stage TMEV-induced immune responses on neurological outcomes throughout 90 days post infection (dpi), with a particular focus on limb paralysis, by measuring serum levels of 23 different cytokines and chemokines. Each CC strain demonstrated a unique set of immune responses, regardless of presence or absence of TMEV RNA. Using stepwise regression, significant associations were identified between IL-1α, RANTES, and paralysis frequency scores. To better understand these interactions, we evaluated multiple aspects of the different CC genetic backgrounds, including haplotypes of genomic regions previously linked with TMEV pathogenesis and viral clearance or persistence, individual cytokine levels, and TMEV-relevant gene expression. These results demonstrate how loci previously associated with TMEV outcomes provide incomplete information regarding TMEV-induced paralysis in the CC strains. Overall, these findings provide insight into the complex roles of immune response in the pathogenesis of virus-associated neurological diseases influenced by host genetic background.

Microglial cells and astrocytes are capable of processing and presenting antigens for efficient activation of T cells. However, the antigen-presenting function and role of cerebrovascular endothelial cells (CVEs) in central nervous system inflammatory responses remain controversial. We compared the expression of necessary accessory molecules and the functional antigen-presenting capacity of cloned SJL/J CVEs and primary astrocytes in response to the pro-inflammatory cytokines interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Astrocytes and CVEs up-regulated major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, and primarily B7-1 as opposed to B7-2, in response to IFN-γ. TNF-α inhibited the IFN-γ–induced up-regulation of MHC class II on CVEs correlating to a decrease in the mRNA for the class II transactivator (CIITA), whereas CIITA expression in astrocytes was unaffected. Unlike astrocytes, CVEs did not elicit significant MHC class II-restricted T-cell responses. Furthermore, we have found that CVE monolayers are altered following T-cell contact, implicating CVE/T-cell contact in the breakdown of the blood–brain barrier during neuro-inflammatory responses.

Presents a listing of summer music festivals in Europe including Austria, England, France, Germany and the USSR.

A listing of summer opera and music festivals around the world.

A new method of nipple reconstruction called the “inchworm” flap is described. The name comes from the manipulation method used to position the flap for nipple projection. Experience with over 50 patients and including 58 breasts has been reviewed. There was adequate followup for 36 breasts in which overall maintenance of projection was 78% for this technique. When used after submuscular expansion for breast reconstruction, maintenance of projection reached 89%. The technique of flap manipulation is described in detail. This flap appears to be a reliable method for obtaining moderate nipple projection, particularly in the submuscular expansion breast reconstruction cases. It is not recommended for use in TRAM flap cases.

The relationship between early adolescent physical stature and competence perceptions was examined in the self-ratings and teacher ratings of short-and tall-for-age boys and girls in grades 6 and 7. Approximately one half of the sixth-graders were in their last year of elementary school; the other half, and all seventh-graders, were in secondary school. The ratings were obtained with companion scales, The Perceived Competence Scale for Children and The Teacher's Rating Scale of Child's Actual Competence, for cognitive, social, physical, and general competence. Physical stature effects were found in early adolescent self-ratings, in interaction with school context, but not in teacher ratings. The effects, which were stronger among girls than boys, were found in perceived social and general competence. The lowest self-ratings were those of tall girls in elementary school and short girls in secondary school. In contrast to previous research, the results of the present study suggest that self-perceptions may change with social contexts, but only longitudinal research can clarify whether these physical stature effects have consequences for self-perceptions beyond early adolescence.

Implantation of stents in selected patients improves outcome after coronary angioplasty. Newer antiplatelet regimes limit access site complications associated with stenting by the percutaneous femoral approach, but a substantial proportion of patients will require anticoagulant therapy for concomitant disease or will have peripheral vascular disease that prevents access from the leg. We investigated procedural success and outcome in consecutive patients undergoing elective stent implantation in our institution. In 73 patients who were receiving anticoagulation therapy and were stented by a direct approach to the left brachial artery, 98.6% of stents were successfully deployed, with a major vascular access site complication rate of 1.4%. Equipment consumption, procedural success rate, and fluoroscopy time were similar in patients stented by the direct brachial or percutaneous femoral approach. Where the percutaneous femoral approach is precluded or patients are anticoagulated, stent procedures can be successfully performed by the direct brachial approach with a low rate of access site complications, even when large-caliber guiding catheters are required.

We examined demyelinating lesions in the spinal cord of CBA mice infected with the BeAn strain of Theiler's virus to see if it was possible to document the sequence of changes which result in demyelination. It was found that the lesions which develop in the late stages of the disease were progressive. Therefore, by examining the different zones of a single lesion, it was possible to follow a sequence of changes which lead to demyelination. There was a clear progression from normal myelin, to vacuolated myelin, to myelin phagocytosis, to demyelinated axons, to remyelinated axons. Virus was detected in degenerating oligodendrocytes in the area showing myelin vacuolation by both electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry, a finding which indicated that virus infection precedes demyelination. The area of normal myelin which surrounded the zone of vacuolated myelin was infiltrated by lymphocytes, indicating that lymphocytic infiltration preceded viral replication and oligodendrocyte degeneration. Our observations indicate that cells of the immune system may play a role in the initiation of virus replication which appears to be a prerequisite for demyelination.

THE introduction of mass screening programs for the detection of inborn errors of metabolism1 almost inevitably reveals a variety of new artefacts which those who deal with these diseases must learn to recognize. We describe here one of these artefacts: D-methioninuria due to ingestion of Dl-methionine-fortified infant formula. REPORT OF A CASE The patient, the second-born of male dizygotic twins delivered in a hospital in a nearby community at 32 weeks' gestation, weighed 1,814 gm (4 lb) at birth. His brother weighed 1,561 gm (3 lb 7 ounces). The mother, a primipara, was convalescing from viral hepatitis complicated by myocarditis when spontaneous labor began. The infant spent the first three days in an incubator."Very foul stools" were noted at 4 days of age, and this was more or less persistent throughout his nursery course. After initial 5% dextrose feedings, the infant was given a cow's milk formula, and

The article discusses two books, "Treason's Peace," by Howard Ambruster and "I.G. Farben," by Richard Sasuly. Ambruster's book is subtitled "German Dyes and American Dupes." It is largely concerned with the history and scope of I.G. influence in American industry and with the infiltration tactics, which Farben has practiced. For the general reader Sasuly's book is especially good because while telling of one of the most fascinating industrial histories of this era it emphasizes the way in which science and industry can become the weapons of philosophies of power.

Profile of Gosta Winbergh, the latest in a classical line of Swedish tenors.

The effect on digital blood flow of an acute exposure to vibration has been assessed. Vibration in the frequency range 40–200 Hz reduces digital blood flow, the effect being maximal at 120 Hz. Increasing the amplitude of vibration reduces digital blood flow. The results have implications in the formulation of industrial vibration standards and in the pathophysiology of vibration-induced white finger.

A letter to the editor is presented as a response to the article "It's late, costly, incompetent but try firing a computer system" in the November 7, 1988 issue of the periodical.

Offers ideas on how to resist taxes, with suggestions from the National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee, and brief advice on the legality of these suggestions.

In the period 1970–1983, 27 patients with end stage renal failure underwent neck exploration for hyperparathyroidism. In 1977 the operative policy changed from subtotal parathyroidectomy to total parathyroidectomy and autotransplantation. Eight patients underwent subtotal parathyroidectomy while fifteen patients underwent total parathyroidectomy and autotransplantation. All were cured of their symptoms and hypercalcaemia was resolved. There was no significant difference in the requirement for postoperative calcium and vitamin D supplements between the two groups. Recurrent hypercalcaemia developed in one patient who had undergone total parathyroidectomy and autotransplantation. Resolution followed removal of approximately half the transplant. There were four deviations from the operative policy.

We report a case of paravertebral angiosarcoma 10 years after treatment for testicular seminoma. The patient underwent irradiation treatment to areas including the mediastinum. Tumor induction by therapeutic irradiation remains the most likely etiology. Other possibilities include a natural association between seminoma and angiosarcoma, and perhaps the use of chemotherapy.