Metric Conflict in the Brandenburg Concertos of J. S. Bach

This paper presents a comprehensive metric analysis of Bach\u27s Brandenburg Concertos, with particular emphasis on the issues of metric conflict. The analytic methodology is based on the work of Fred Lerdahl and Ray Jackendoff, while the analytic notation used is based partly on that of Lerdahl and Jackendoff and partly on that of Jonathan Kramer, with some original modifications. The paper discusses the factors generating metric conflict, along with its distribution, correlation with other structural parameters, and functional effects. The relationship between metric conflict and fluctuations in the depth of metric hierarchy is examined in detail. Some cases of metric displacement and metric irregularity are examined, when they form part of the context for particular episodes of conflict. The conclusion argues for an approach to interpreting this and similar repertoires that leaves room for the emergence in performance of the independent metric organization of different parts, as an integral part of the ebb and flow of musical tension

Gene Therapy for the Treatment of Equine Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the predominant cause of lameness in horses. As in humans, the clinical symptoms of equine OA are persistent pain and dysfunction of the affected joint. Its pathology is similarly marked by progressive deterioration of the articular cartilage, subchondral bone sclerosis, marginal osteophytes, soft tissue inflammation and joint effusion. Disease pathogenesis is mediated by elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines and proteolytic enzymes in the articular tissues and synovial fluid. Existing pharmacologic agents can alleviate OA joint pain; none are able to inhibit erosive disease progression. As several gene-based treatments for human disease have received approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the transition to veterinary medicine will almost certainly follow. Several viral vector systems have demonstrated highly efficient gene transfer to the equine joint, enabling expression of therapeutic transgenes at efficacious levels for well over a year. Because of its large size, the equine joint is well suited to studies of gene-based therapies for arthritic disease. The forelimb joints are vulnerable to OA onset, and treatment and diagnostic modalities are the same in humans and horses. Here, we discuss the various gene-transfer approaches under investigation and the current progress toward the development an effective gene therapy for equine OA

Radiographic parameters for diagnosing sand colic in horses

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Ingestion of sand can cause colic, diarrhoea and weight loss in horses, but these signs are unspecific and can have many other causes. The amount of sand that induces disease may vary between individuals. To avoid over-diagnosing, it is important to determine the amount of sand that can be found in horses without clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease. The aim of this study was to use previously suggested parameters for establishing a radiographic diagnosis of sand colic, and compare these findings between a sand colic group and a control group.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Abdominal radiographs were obtained in 30 horses with a complaint unrelated to the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, archived abdominal radiographs of 37 clinical cases diagnosed with sand impaction were investigated. The size of the mineral opacity indicative of sand in the abdomen was measured and graded according to a previously published protocol based on height and length. Location, homogeneity, opacity and number of sand accumulations were also recorded.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Twenty out of 30 control horses (66%) had one or more sand accumulations. In the present study; height, length and homogeneity of the accumulations were useful parameters for establishing a diagnosis of sand colic. Radiographically defined intestinal sand accumulation grades of up to 2 was a common finding in horses with no clinical signs from the gastrointestinal tract whereas most of the clinical cases had much larger grades, indicating larger sand accumulations.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Further work to establish a reliable grading system for intestinal sand content is warranted, but a previously proposed grading system based on measurements of height and length may be an alternative for easy assessment of sand accumulations in the meantime. The present study indicates that a grade 1 – 2 sand accumulation in the intestine is a frequent finding in horses. When working up a case with clinical signs from the gastrointestinal tract, one or more accumulations of this grade should not be considered the cause until other possibilities have been ruled out.</p

Parents dealing with anorexia : actions and meanings

This paper examines parents&rsquo; actions in response to anorexia nervosa, and how these are shaped by the ways they construct or understand the eating disorder. The findings indicate that parents try to influence their daughters by searching for help, providing practical support, avoiding confrontation, complying with special requirements, persuading, explaining, and pressuring, using ploys and force, providing emotional support, and mediating interactions. Parents&rsquo; actions are influenced by how they construct anorexia, such as whether they see it as an eating issue, an illness, a psychological problem, a choice, or a mystery. Understanding parents&rsquo; actions and constructions can help clinicians develop collaborative partnerships with parents.<br /

Bringing Digital in from the Cold: Collecting and Preserving Music Downloads

The rapid evolution of distribution models for recorded music has challenged libraries in a new way over the last decade. Music libraries in particular have struggled to collect, preserve, and lend recordings as the CD has become obsolescent, and with it the ownership of recordings as physical objects. This article reviews the literature on the problem of collecting digital music downloads, analyzes areas of agreement and disagreement between experts, and sorts proposed solutions into “top-down” (or authority-driven) and “bottom-up” (or grass-roots) categories. We then describe a practice developed at University of Denver for collecting downloads, and discuss its limitations and possibilities

The effect of adrenergic suppression induced by guanabenz administration on exercising thoroughbred horses

Adrenergic activity accompanies intense exercise and mediates physiological and metabolic responses to exercise. Guanabenz, an antihypertensive drug marketed for human usage, depresses brain vasomotor and cardioaccelerator centres, blocks peripherally adrenergic neurons and is reportedly used as a calming agent in horses but little is known of its effects in the species