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Home » News » Mortal Shell PS4 review – Dark Souls for beginners
Mortal Shell PS4 review – Dark Souls for beginners
It may be yet another Dark Souls clone but this new indie release is the most accomplished, and accessible, there's ever been.
We've already played one Dark Souls clone this month, in the painfully derivative Hellpoint, and we'll be honest and say we weren't particularly looking forward to another one. Especially as, on the face of it, Mortal Shell seems to be an even closer copy of the FromSoftware formula, with no sci-fi setting to try and make it seem at least superficially different. But there are new ideas in Mortal Shell and a confidence and verve to its presentation that makes being second best seem like no small achievement.
The first thing you expect from a Dark Souls clone is no clue as to where you are and what you're doing, and that's exactly how things work in Mortal Shell. Who or what you are is not even hinted at in the beginning, and instead you're quickly pushed through a series of simple combat tutorials before being murdered by an enemy boss you had no hope of defeating. So far, so From.
But there's a key difference from Dark Souls in that while you start the game as a spectral figure, living in some kind of spirt world, that's not how you play most of the game. Instead, you're able to possess various dead bodies that you discover in the mortal realm and use them to fight as the titular mortal shell. Which not only adds an unexpected level of variety to the game but also means it's noticeably easier than you might expect. And by noticeably easier we still mean very hard indeed.
You do get a clearer picture of what's going on as the game progresses, but only if you pay careful attention to the various people and entities you meet. Although the clearest explanations come from earning 'glimpses' into your shells' previous lives, showing some unexpected connections and clues as to why the world of Fallgrim is in such decline.
There are four shells in total, with each handling differently and having their own builds and perks. Even with four of them though the game's role-playing elements are greatly simplified as a result, so if you were put off by all of Dark Souls' arcane stats and purposefully obtuse class types this is an interesting way to avoid all that while still providing something interesting in its place.
In terms of combat the game relies on a predictable mix of light and heavy attacks but there is another unique element in your ability to 'harden' your spirit form and turn to stone. This naturally increases your defence, and the chances that your enemy will be staggered, but if you activate it just as you're making a swing then when you come back out of it you can interrupt the enemy and performer a stronger attack while you're about it.
Harden has a cooldown effect before you can use it again but it's a useful fallback for when you suddenly get ambushed by enemies you had no way of anticipating, which happens quite a lot. It's also interestingly at odds with a counter-attack move very obviously borrowed from Bloodborne, which restores health as long as your 'resolve' meter is sufficiently built up from previous attacks to power it. So on the one hand you're tempted to hold back and stay defensive but on the other being aggressive is the best way to restore to health.
Other aspects are also borrowed wholesale from Soulsborne, with the equivalent of souls being used as currency, which you lose if you die and have to go back to reclaim from your dead body. But others are brand new, such as the concept of familiarity – where at first you have no clue what items do until you use them. Your first try will reveal all but the more you use an item the more beneficial it becomes, so that while a mushroom may kill you at first a few more tastes, once you're restored to life, will start to give you poison resistance.
Describing Mortal Shell as being easier than Dark Souls is technically true but, as we've already intimated, it is not an easy game by any other comparison. If you're not confident of your skills though it is certainly the best way to acclimatise yourself to the From way of thinking, with the harden ability also helped by a dodge and roll which is much more generous in helping you avoid enemies than you might expect.
There's also the fact that the game is only around 12 hours long, which is but a tiny fraction of the time most people spend on a Soulsborne game. Your mileage will vary but the fact that boss battles are not the unassailable mountains of difficulty you'd otherwise expect (assuming you get the hang of using harden) this drastically cuts down on the amount of time it takes to get through the game.
The relatively modest length is a positive, not a negative, and while this isn't cheap for what is essentially an indie game the presentation is excellent, with impressively good graphics. We just wish the fantasy setting wasn't all so familiar. That's not to say that Mortal Shell doesn't feature plenty of variety in its landscapes – especially the three large dungeons you have to battle through – but it's all still very familiar fantasy staples and that's a shame.
Many of the areas and enemies could be mistaken for lost levels from the real Dark Souls and while that's obviously intentional we really don't see the point. There are plenty enough official Soulsborne games at this point without needing to create clones, and a different setting and art style would've really helped to establish a unique identity. And yet in Mortal Shell even the message windows look indistinguishable from the Soulsborne games.
Surprisingly, checkpoints are almost as harsh as the real Dark Souls in how far they put you back when you die and while that's not necessarily a problem the highly confusing map layout is a lot harder to read and memorise than a From game, to the point where a map would've been really helpful. Making an 'easier' Dark Souls is a difficult balancing act though and, in most cases, Mortal Shell gets it right.
This is the first game from developer Cold Symmetry, although their key team-members already have experience working at more established studios. That clearly shows in Mortal Shell, which is extremely well made and full of interesting new ideas. Next time we hope they can switch from making a homage to creating something truly original, but if nothing else they've raised the bar for Dark Souls wannabes.
Mortal Shell review summary
In Short: The best Dark Souls clone so far features a number of interesting new ideas and also offers an experience that is easier to acclimatise to for new players.
Pros: The whole shell concept is a great idea, including the harden ability. Solid combat and interesting new ideas like familiarity. Excellent visuals and enjoyable bosses.
Cons: The huge debt to FromSoftware is obvious at every turn and the game is always at its least interesting when the copying is most obvious. Overly confusing map layout.
Formats: PlayStation 4 (reviewed), Xbox One, and PC
Publisher: Playstack
Developer: Cold Symmetry
Release Date: 18th August 2020
Age Rating: 16
https://youtube.com/watch?v=P9xAmeZ6mG0%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26fs%3D1%26autohide%3D2%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent
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Designer Dan Lee likes DIYers
Written by Becky Garber-Godi
Tuesday, February 08, 2022 03:00 AM
"HGTV drove people to want curb appeal and it gave them permission to do projects themselves," says Black Forest Landscape Design's owner Dan Lee. For 20 years, what he calls the "cultural phenomenon of HGTV" has powered his business. Up to 75% of the homeowners for whom Lee provides consults and landscape designs do all or part of the work themselves.
Among fellow licensed landscape architects, Lee thrives on a market niche most designers might not consider. But a strong connection exists between him and his clients during and following their projects. They send him photos weekly while work is in progress and even years later. And they are loyal and repeat clients. In 2021, Lee found that about 60% of his clients were returns from people he served during 2002 to 2012 as original clients or their children or parents.
Lee says he has been somewhat surprised by this long-term loyalty. "I thought it would be one and done--but during the last couple years, people are doing more with their site or moving on to another home." For one client, Lee has provided designs for three consecutive homes.
Throughout the process, much of Lee's time will be on site. His work begins with hand measuring and surveying the property. "Onsite visits show what Google Earth photos won't show you--like what's under trees or where the windows are." When installation starts, he's back on site consulting with honeowners, flagging trees and shrubs to transplant, and making sure any contractors hired understand the plan.
Perhaps it is Lee's attention to these details that has built long-term loyalty. "For people in smaller homes," he says, "their yard is everything to them, even if they don't have a lot to work with. They appreciate someone caring about their landscape." Lee's DIY niche has rewarded him with satisfied clients and an ongoing source of work.
Learn more in the March/April issue of Colorado Green magazine.
Westminster High needs industry volunteers
Johnny Moore helped shape perennial garden vision
Look for these new CSU Top Performer perennials

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Q: How to send parameter via js to a ajax js file My HTML has this in it:

The displayTable.js consists of this:
$.ajax({
    url: "https://carcraft.atsbusinessandgames.com/xmls/carcraft_1-10-2Test.xml",
    type: "Get",
    dataType: 'xml',
    success: function (result) {
        $(result).find('Module').each(function() {
             var name = $(this).attr("name");
            var url = $(this).find('url').text();
            var authors = $(this).find('authors').text();
            var version = $(this).find('version').text();
            var date = $(this).find('date').text();
            var description = $(this).find('description').text();
            $("#ModsList").append("
" + "" + "" + name + "" + "	" + "" + authors + "	" + "" + version + "	" + "" + date + "	" + "" + description + "	" + "
");
        });
    },
    failure: function() {
    alert("Notify the site owner that the xml file is unreadable.");
    }
});

How would I make it so that I can pass the url as an argument rather than hard-coding it into the js file, this way I can use the same file across many pages on my site?

A: Define a function in displayTable.js, then call it after you load the script.
So diaplayTable.js would contain:
function displayTable(url) {
    $.ajax({
        url: url,
        type: "Get",
        dataType: 'xml',
        success: function (result) {
            $(result).find('Module').each(function() {
                 var name = $(this).attr("name");
                var url = $(this).find('url').text();
                var authors = $(this).find('authors').text();
                var version = $(this).find('version').text();
                var date = $(this).find('date').text();
                var description = $(this).find('description').text();
                $("#ModsList").append("
" + "" + "" + name + "" + "	" + "" + authors + "	" + "" + version + "	" + "" + date + "	" + "" + description + "	" + "
");
            });
        },
        failure: function() {
            alert("Notify the site owner that the xml file is unreadable.");
        }
    });
}

Then you use it as:

A: Here you go,
function callAjax(url){
    $.ajax({
      url: url,
      type: "Get",
      dataType: 'xml',
      success: function (result) {
        $(result).find('Module').each(function() {
             var name = $(this).attr("name");
            var url = $(this).find('url').text();
            var authors = $(this).find('authors').text();
            var version = $(this).find('version').text();
            var date = $(this).find('date').text();
            var description = $(this).find('description').text();
            $("#ModsList").append("
" + "" + "" + name + "" + "	" + "" + authors + "	" + "" + version + "	" + "" + date + "	" + "" + description + "	" + "
");
        });
      },
      failure: function() {
        alert("Notify the site owner that the xml file is unreadable.");
      }
  });
};

Call the function and pass url as parameter where ever you want to call it.
callAjax("https://carcraft.atsbusinessandgames.com/xmls/carcraft_1-10-2Test.xml");
callAjax("https://google.com");

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


The Sedona Peace Park is a place to touch the sacred and be transformed. It is home to the Amitabha Stupa. It is a Buddhists Architecture that symbolizes and embodies the enlightened mind. The 36 foot high Stupa sits on 14 acres of beautiful high desert red rocks. The peace park is an oasis of solitude and place of purity, promise and peace. Amitabha Stupa is a living presence of awakened compassion. It radiates unceasingly happiness and blessings to decrease the suffering in the world. It is said all who see a Stupa is forever changed by it's grace.
Stupas have a profound spiritual legacy going back thousands of years. They exist in every buddhists country. It is a rare treasure having a Stupa here in the United States and in our sacred red rocks of Sedona. Stupa's are powerful agents of spiritual transformation. The purpose of a Stupa is to protect all beings from illness, poverty, famine, plagues and war. Stupa's bring about environmental stability, happiness and harmony to the world. The Stupa symbolizes the interplay of the 5 elements, the 4 immeasurable, the eightfold path, the 6 perfections..all the stages and qualities of enlightenment.
Jetsunma has built nearly 3 dozen stupas, to oversee the building of the Amitabha Stupa Jetsunma invited the worlds foremost stupa builders Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche. He led the ceremonies that would create the most auspicious conditions for the building and empowerment of the stupa. It took 18 months and culminated in a 3 day ceremony in July and August 2004.
Holy objects are more precious that skies filled with gold…..Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Once the foundation was complete, they began on the throne and the 4 steps to the throne. The throne on which the body of the Stupa rests represents the invincibility of the Dharma. The 4 steps represent the first 4 paths on the journey to enlightenment, the 4 mindfulness, the 4 perfect efforts and the 4 miraculous feats and the 5 powers.
Amazingly the Amitabha Stupa is filled with 1 Billion sacred mantras and prayers. Traditionally the mantras were handwritten and purified with saffron infused water and rolled by had around sticks of incense. Hundreds of smaller rolls were done this way but with western technology made it possible to use a rolling press. Saffron water was placed in the ink reservoirs misting the paper as it passed through the press. There are well over a million on each roll.
The mantras were then delivered to the KPC temple, the mantra rolls were covered with the 5 auspicious colors of fine cloth. Ribbons of blue, white, red green, yellow. They were then blessed in an elaborate ceremony and placed in every stupa chamber.
Abundance..Generosity..Rejuvenation…..21 wealth vases and one large copper cauldron were placed in the center of the Stupas throne to heal and protect the environment. To replenish the 5 elements..Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space. To restore Earth's vital energies and to foster temporal and spiritual prosperity. The vases symbolize the inexhaustible treasury of the Buddha's teachings- Wisdom that never diminishes.
Symbolic offerings…The Stupa was filled in stages of consecrated offerings. Sacred substances such as aromatic cedar and buckets of grains, rakes and shovels to antidote hunger and famine and homeopathic medicines were included to promote health and healing. Water, Earth and rocks from every continent and meteorites from space extend the Stupa's blessing through out earth and sky.
The Spire of the Stupa is adorned with powerful Vajra Guru mantras in sanskrit (Om Ah Hung Vajra Guru Pema Siddhi Hung) The completed bronze spiral rests on a bed of lotus petals. Inside the Stupa is the auspicious tree of life or sok-shing. It is a 4 sided cedar column that is the central channel and life force of the Stupa. Once completed the sok-shing was painted red and adorned with golden mantras and sacred seed syllables that correlate to the tibetan chakra system. Rare relics form past Buddhas were placed precisely on the tree enhancing the spiritual potency of the Stupa. Many ceremonies were performed before it was placed in the the central core.
The tibetan word for stupa is chorten which means "receptacle for offerings" Every square inch of space inside the Stupa is packed solid from top to bottom with consecrated offerings, holy texts and sacred images and objects. Literally truckloads of mantras, tsa-tsas and relics of holy beings and wealth vases to activate and magnify its spiritual power. This light of compassionate radiates blessings to BEINGS EVERYWHERE. The spire has 13 rings representing the 10 powers of the Buddha and the 3 foundations of mindfulness.
Crowning the spire is the pinnacle of perfection. A brass victory umbrella crafted in Nepal holds and upturned crescent moon and sun. A large hand carved crystal drop or title, seated in a lotus, completes the Stupa. When the moon representing compassion and sun symbolizing wisdom are fully perfected, enlightenment dawns the radiant jewel of the spiritual path.
"All negative karma and obscurations are purified by dreaming of a stops, seeing a stupa and even being touched by the shadow of a stupa"…….
is a wish-fulfilling jewel. It radiates blessings to people of all spiritual traditions. Bring your hopes, dreams and visions as well as sorrow and walk around the stupa making offerings and you will leave with a renewed sense of hope, inspiration and promise of a new you.


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Commissioner George Mentz & The GAFM Global Academy of Finance & Management plan to dedicate $101 million in scholarship program benefits over time
On Dec 31st 2022, the GAFM Global Academy of Finance & Management® announced that it is setting aside $10 million in scholarship benefits for 2022 and 2023 to close the educational, social and economic gaps that are legacies of discrimination against historically oppressed ethnicities, veterans, peace officers, and the disabled in the USA, according to news from the GAFM. The GAFM has already donated $10 Million in benefits to those in need over the last few years and the goal is to give $101 million over the next 10 years.
The news from the GAFM CEO, Commissioner George Mentz, included a link to a government report on the history of modern slavery and human trafficking. [i] Mentz is a law professor, philosophy historian & award-winning author and commissioner who is an international lawyer based in Colorado.
The move by Mentz and the GAFM Academy in the USA comes during a wider investigation about the impacts of centuries of discrimination, slavery, and racism against the disabled, African Americans, Native Americans, Sicilians, Hispanics, Latin-Americans, Irish, Scots, veterans, peace officers, and dozens of other marginalized ethnicities in the USA and worldwide.
Being part Sicilian Hispanic Egyptian and Native American, Mentz also revealed a US State Department government document that says that the slavery and human trafficking of Sicilians did not end until June 23rd of 1874.
GAFM is dedicating or pledging $10 Million in lifetime scholarship benefits this year toward e-learning, online education, certification, designations, micro credentials, skills certification, membership status, and fellow status. Mentz said, "If Harvard and Georgetown can do $100 million, I believe I could do more than $101 million in benefits & value over time to the most "qualified students in need" to raise the ethical bar."
Mentz said, "Ethnicity and the integration of ideas and culture are the bedrock of the USA's success to deal with global economic structures, and we should consider helping people from all walks of life regardless of race, color, creed, religion, culture, disability, government service, or who they love on a platonic level." For example, Eurasia has over 100 hundred nations and over five billion people with hundreds of unique and oppressed ethnicities. Similarly, Africa represents over 50 nations and Latin & South America also have over 50 nations. [ii]
Mentz said, "I'm happy to see that Harvard, Georgetown, and other schools have acknowledged the past, and I am delighted to see schools are trying to help students from all ethnicities and everywhere (cities and rural areas around the world) who would normally not have access to "Top Tier" or Top League programs."
In his statement, GAFM CEO & Commissioner Mentz said his Global Diversity and Ethnicity Committee would explore transforming a $10 million package into an annual program that leads to $101 million in benefits over time. Mentz & the Academy's governing board may authorize these benefits over time for students in need of assistance. The program would strive to identify the best charities to accept and administer the benefits each year.
While most school programs may only help a few students per year with minority degree benefits, Mentz & GAFM plans to offer a minimum of 1,000 scholarships per year to historically oppressed ethnicities, disabled workers, veterans, peace officers, and those who are have become sober from toxic drugs and alcohol. Mentz said, "We will hopefully have a $10-20 million a year impact helping learners from over one hundred nations worldwide."
"Jim Crow, slavery, segregation, addiction, and the governmental, political & religious institutions connected to its' legacies have caused much damage." Mentz said. "As a European-Sicilian with Egyptian & Levant and Native American DNA ancestry, I find it hard to believe that Sicilians were not free in New York City until the Padrone Act of June 23rd of 1874, [iii] and it is heartbreaking to read these facts on the State Department & government sourced websites." [iv]
Mentz said, "We are going to direct these scholarships to be available to charities that can help those deserving folks in need, but we are also going to put a priority on the residents of the USA to make sure we help people at home with skills, e-learning, designations, micro credentials, certifications and the best online education in the world to keep the USA competitive and creative. The Mentz Family Charities Programs are immensely proud of serving the National and International communities with these scholarship opportunities.
The GAFM Global Academy of Finance and Management® has various accreditations and certification program recognitions – The GAFM and CHEA have recognized standards and the CHEA quality agreements. The GAFM Certification Board is European ESQ Accreditation Agency Recognized and ISO 9001 Certified for Quality and an ISO 21001 Certified Educational Body. GAFM is recognized by articulation with The ACBSP National Business Accreditation Agency for Certification Standards worldwide in a legal agreement. The CHEA Accreditation Body and GAFM® Board of Standards are in a standards articulation agreement for several years now. The GAFM has also been in a diplomatic agreement with the Arab League's Arab Academy for over 20 Arab Nations for over a decade.
For more information, contact the GAFM www.GAFM.com or Commissioner George Mentz JD MBA CWM MPM – Counselor of Law USA www.gmentz.com Mentz is one of the few Americans to have ever achieved a Doctor of Jurisprudence, and MBA, and a CILS International Law Cert. Mentz is the author of over 60 books and audio books, and Mentz has taught and designed a record-breaking 300+ courses in the last 20 years. Mentz has been awarded honorary doctorates, honorary professsorships and has won various other teaching and book awards.
[i] 201606.pdf (state.gov) Faces of Modern Slavery – US State Department
[ii] Statistics and data of all countries in America (worlddata.info)
[iii] Padrone Slavery USA system – Wikipedia
[iv] 201606.pdf (state.gov) Faces of Modern Slavery – US State Department
Company Name: GAFM Global Academy of Finance and Management
Contact Person: George Mentz
City: Colorado Springs
State: Colorado
Website: https://www.gafm.com/
David Rennie Discusses His Success In the Construction Industry In Exclusive Online Interview
MILC Providing Interactive Metaverse with Social Community Element for Consumers, Advertisers and Creators Alike
Projectsdeal.co.uk – Essay Writing Service Offers Students a Convenient Solution for Their Studies


Great for higher driver speed and very firm through the wind.
Gives a lot of spin in and around the greens.
A four-piece ball with increased compression and dimple coverage for improved stability in the wind.
As reviewed in our Balls Test 2014: Firm feel which is good for higher driver speeds and felt very powerful, still delivered plenty of spin around the green. Got more run on pitches, but a higher flight too which almost counteracted each other.


Wrammert, Jens et al "Broadly cross-reactive antibodies dominate the human B cell response against 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus infection." Journal of Experimental Medicine 208.1 (2011): 181-193. Web. 26 April. 2019.


Police are appealing for witnesses after an armed robbery at a shop in Warwick on Friday, July 28.
At 3.22pm Warwickshire Police received a report that a man armed with a small gun had entered the Warwick Lighting Store in Smith Street and then assaulted a woman in her 50s.
The woman, who sustained minor injuries, was then forced to open the till and the man left with approximately £55 in cash.
The man is described as white, approximately 5ft 9ins, between 25 to 30 years old and was wearing a black bomber-style jacket, a blue baseball cap and sunglasses.
Officers are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who saw a man of this description in the area of Smith Street in Warwick, to call them on 101 quoting incident number 275 of 28 July.


Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez said he would not be watching as Brighton attempt to secure the Sky Bet Championship title on Saturday..
Newcastle kept their Sky Bet Championship title hopes alive with a 2-0 victory at Cardiff..
Sylvain Marveaux is one of four people to have been arrested in a tax fraud investigation..
Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez is planning for life in the Premier League after a traumatic 24 hours on Tyneside..
The British tax authorities have arrested several men working within professional football after co-ordinated raids of premises in the north.
Aleksandar Mitrovic has saluted the special team who have dragged Newcastle back into the Premier League at the first attempt..
Rafael Benitez tantalisingly declined to confirm whether or not he will lead Newcastle into Premier League battle next season as.
Rafael Benitez took a gamble when he chose not to make a swift exit from Newcastle in the wake of relegation..


Scotland's pension system would benefit from being tailored specifically to the needs of pensioners in Scotland. While there is a divergence in public policy and health outcomes, it makes sense for decisions on pensions to be taken alongside those on health, social care and local government service provision.
Recent announcements have highlighted the Scottish Government's plan to set up a commission into an independent pension system – with the possibility of an earlier retirement age. However, the opportunities for pensions in Scotland go far beyond this. There is an opportunity to guarantee an affordable pensions system for the future and provide security in old age where Westminster has failed.
'Pensions in an Independent Scotland', published today, sets out the arrangements for state, private and public sector pensions following independence. The paper raises concerns over plans to raise the UK state pension age to 67. Life expectancy remains lower for both men and women in Scotland than the UK average which means that the average number of years spent in receipt of the state pension is lower in Scotland than the UK average. While this remains the case, a 'one-size fits all' pensions policy with a higher retirement age would disproportionately harm pensioners in Scotland.
Fortunately, there is a growing consensus that an independent pensions policy for Scotland in both preferable and affordable. Polling finds that people in Scotland trust Holyrood with control over pensions policy more than Westminster and would prefer for governments elected in Scotland to make future policy decisions. The economic evidence also provides a strong foundation for a successful Scottish pensions system. Overall public spending on pensions in Scotland has accounted for a lower share of the economy than it has across the UK in each of the last 5 years. Scotland fiscal position also remains in a position of relative surplus in comparison to the UK as a whole.
Pensions, of course, come in many forms. The basic state pension is funded through national taxation. Public sector pensions are currently provided by both the Westminster and Scottish Governments. Following a 'Yes' vote, the Scottish Government would extend its area of responsibility, as set out in this ICAS report. Company and private pensions would be largely unaffected by Scotland becoming an independent country, especially as cross border arrangements are common within the EU common market. There were 84 cases of Institutions for Occupational Retirement Provision (IORPs) as of June 2012. These include many instance of UK cross border cooperation on pensions with other independent countries, regulated by EU Directive 2003/41/EC. It is currently proposed that a transition period is established, following a 'Yes' vote, to ensure that all pensions liabilities are transferred smoothly and securely.
While Scotland already has competency over many public sector pensions through the Scottish Pensions Public Agency, it is control over the basic state pension and the ability to provide proper incentives for private pension investment that is crucial to providing security in old age. In both areas Westminster has a record of failure. The black hole created by Westminster in company private pension pots recently reached an all time high of £312 billion pounds, according to figures from the Pension Protection Fund. This represents a catastrophic shortfall in Westminster's support for the national pension system. Similar to the UK's ballooning national debt, it is Westminster that is failing to pay its way.
National Association of Pension Funds have long criticised the inequity and lack of provision for pensioners in the UK. On their figures, the UK's state pension is one of the lowest in the OECD. In 2010, a median earner could expect a 37% replacement rate from the state pension compared to the OECD average of 60%. Almost half of all pensioners (45%) rely on means tested benefits in their retirement. This has led to a sickening sight in a civilised and wealthy society: pensioners who face a choice between eating and heating their homes.
The OECD Pensions document 'Pensions at a Glance' confirms the shortcomings of the UK pensions system. The UK spent 5.4% of its GDP on pensions as of the latest OECD figures, which is lower than the average of 7%. 10.3% of UK over 65s are considered to be living in poverty. This is higher than in Austria, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Iceland, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland and Sweden. The Netherlands and New Zealand have almost eradicated pensioner poverty on a relative scale with only 2.1% and 1.5% of over 65s falling below the poverty threshold.
How can so many other developed countries provide more substantial support for pensioners than Westminster?
For Scotland, there is an urgent need to take control of pensions policy to rectify these shortcomings; and learn from more successful pensions models. With Scotland's fiscal position, there is a strong and sustainable foundation to build upon. But the opportunities and challenges of an independent pensions policy go far beyond providing continuity.
Scotland can use the strength and wealth of its key business sectors to improve private pension provision. Scotland can use its wealth and resources to provide security in old age through a more generous state pension. Such policies are the mark of a civilised society. This can be achieved if we have the ambition to build an independent country where our pensions system meets the needs of the pensioners of Scotland.
A continuation of the existing pension provision paradigm is not the best option for an independent Scotland, despite the potential that unarguably exists to improve matters to a limited degree whilst staying within this paradigm. The Scottish Governments Pensions Paper certainly contains proposals that will improve upon existing arrangements within the UK but it still leaves several major problems unsolved.
Truly transformative change IS possible but it requires a completely new paradigm and that is the one outlined in my article "Pensions, Investment & Building a New Scotland". I would welcome your comments on that proposal Michael.


Citrus variegated (CVC) and coffee leaf scorch (CLS) are currently Xylella-mediated diseases in South America and Central America. There is no research concerning the presence of X. fastidiosa in the Caribbean. Puerto Rico grows both Citrus and coffee which are good potential hosts of Xylella. The CVC strain is not currently in the US mainland. Quantative data concerning strains of Xylella, infective host plant that may serve as reserviors for Xylella and species of leafhopper vectors is necessary. Significant consequence can occur with the introduction of exotic leafhopper species. Baseline information is needed concerning X. fastidiosa and vector characteristics if we are to manage diseases that may already be present in Puerto Rico, and if we are to intercept new X. fastidiosa diseases before they reach the United States mainland. There are great potential economic consequences if citrus variegated chlorosis reaches Florida or California.
We propose to determine the Xylella fastidiosa status of coffee, citrus and other dominant host plants in Puerto Rico. We also will determine the principal leafhopper vectors and their seasonal abundance on different host plants.
Significant economic impact can result from the introduction of exotic leafhopper species or new strains of X. fatidiosa. Our approach is to determine the X. fastidiosa status (by strain) of coffee and citrus within the caribbean Basin region. The status of leafhopper vectors and adjacent dominant vegetation utilized by vectors will be determined. This information can be used to protect important crops (citrus and coffee) in Puerto Rico as well as safeguard the citrus industry of the Florida mainland.
Two strains of the plant pathogen, Xylella fastidiosa, have resulted in severe economic losses in Central and South America. Citrus Variegated Chlorosis (CVC) is currently widespread throughout South America and Central America and Coffee Leaf Scorch (CLS) is predominant in Central America. Both strains threaten agriculture within the Caribbean and Caribbean islands also may be a gateway for the spread of CVC into South Florida resulting in severe economic losses to the mainland Citrus industry. Previously, the status of Xylella within the Caribbean had not been examined. We sampled citrus and coffee intensively throughout Puerto Rico in 2004 and 2005 throughout the year (four collection trips per year). All plant samples of citrus, coffee and adjacent host plants were found to be negative for Xylella by molecular techniques (PCR) and culturing. Other endophytic bacteria that can potentially interact with Xylella were identified from both coffee and citrus. The status of potential vectors (sharpshooter leafhoppers and froghoppers) was also assessed by use of traps and sweeps. Over 3,000 leafhoppers were collected each year and identified to species if potential vectors (sharpshooters or froghoppers) or to family if they were other types of leafhoppers. Four sharpshooter species were found within coffee and citrus plantings. The most abundant species was Hortensia similis which is widespread throughout the island and abundant throughout the year. Caribovia coffeacola was abundant in coffee plantings, but only at higher elevations. Both H. similis and C. coffeacola feed primarily on grasses, but each species was also observed feeding on both coffee and citrus. Two other sharpshooter species and five species of froghoppers were collected within coffee and citrus plantings but only on rare occasion. The abundance of H. similis and C. coffeacola suggests that Puerto Rico has insects capable of vectoring Xylella if it is introduced, but Puerto Rico lacks the larger sharpshooters that are more efficient vectors for Xylella transmission in North and South America. Sharpshooters were also assayed for Xylella; all were negative. Puerto Rican researchers learned the necessary technology so that they can continue to monitor the Xylella status of Puerto Rico after termination of this current project. Subsequent research will focus on the behavior, ecology and vectoring capacity of the sharpshooter species that are abundant within Puerto Rico.
Our studies confirm that Xylella fastidiosa is currently not widespread in coffee and citrus in Puerto Rico. All samples examined during 2004 and 2005 tested negative for Xylella. The mountainous topography of Puerto Rico results in many isolated plantings of coffee/citrus at high elevations, and thus we cannot say conclusively that some coffee and/or citrus is not infected within Puerto Rico. During the time of this study new strains of Xylella increased their range in South and Central America; the Caribbean is nearly circumvented by lands harboring Xylella. Puerto Rico imports a great percentage of their agricultural goods for consumption, thus allowing possible introduction of Xylella in plant material. Hurricane activity increased dramatically during 2004 and 2005 thus increasing the possibility of wind borne introduction of Xylella on insects or on plant material. Our studies also established that two potential vectors, Hortensia similis and Caribovia coffeacola, are common within coffee and citrus plantings and that both leafhoppers will feed on both coffee and citrus. For all of these reasons, it is essential that the status of Xylella continue to be monitored within the Caribbean. One of the primary benefits of this project is that the technology for identifying, isolating, and culturing Xylella has been forwarded to researchers in Puerto Rico. Identifying the spread of Xylella in the Caribbean is essential to protecting the coffee and citrus industries in Puerto Rico as well as the Citrus industry in the mainland United States.
Leafhopper populations were sampled at six field sites containing citrus and coffee in Puerto Rico during February, May and August of 2004. Sampling was by sweeping and sticky traps left at the sites for 3 to 4 days. Approximately 40 different species of leafhoppers were collected and are currently being identified. The two most common sharpshooters (potential Xylella vectors) were Hortensia similis and Caribovia coffeacola. Both species were more commonly found feeding on grasses surrounding coffee and citrus, although both were periodically collected directly off of both plant species. Different species of froghoppers (also potential vectors) were collected and are being identified. The froghopper Leocomiopsis scaramuzzai was found actively feeding on xylem of the hardwood Ficus laevigata, and thus should be considered a candidate for Xylella transmission. Hopper populations were highest in May and appear more diverse and abundant on coffee than on citrus. Collections were also made in forests surrounding mountain plantings of coffee and citrus; these populations showed even greater diversity as we would expect with the high plant diversity in these forests. On each sampling dates we also collected plant material from citrus and coffee that appeared symptomatic for the presence of Xylella (symptoms of citrus variegated chlorosis or coffee leaf scorch). Many plants appeared symptomatic during the dry season (February and May), but it is difficult to visually detect Xylella as coffee/citrus in Puerto Rico receive no irrigation and many plants appear stressed during the dry season. Thus far no plant samples have tested positive for Xylella by culturing and PCR performed to date. Other xylem-inhabiting bacteria have been found, however, and are being identified by PDs Zapata and Hartung. We will continue to test coffee and citrus for Xylella in 2005, but will also examine alternative hosts that may harbor Xylella. Species of milkweed and other weedy hosts are often found in coffee plantings and are fed upon heavily by leafhoppers. In addition, we will test the sharpshooters H. similis and C. coffeacola directly for the presence of Xylella.
We will decribe the diversity of xylem feeding leafhoppers in Puerto Rico. We will also test the presence of different strains of Xylella fastidiosa in plants and in insects in Puerto Rico. This information is of extreme significance to Florida's citrus industry as plants in the Carribean may be a source of Xylella strains such as citrus variegated chlorosis.


Marriage, Summer Vacation, and Brand New Kinders!
Holy Cow, the wedding craftiness took alot out of me! I haven't blogged in 6 months, and I just created my first product in the same amount of time. Creating Teaching Inspiring is back and ready to get this party going again! First I want to share a few wedding pictures, and then right back to everything back to school 2015!
Painting signs the week of the wedding!
It was truly the best day of our lives! An amazing party, fabulous friends and family surrounding us, and total love in the air. Absolutely magical and everything I could have dreamed of.
It's Official, I'm a Shaffer!
Okay, back to school came so fast! I work at a year round school so we really only had 3 weeks off, and during that time, I got married, went on a honeymoon, got a mouse stuck in my AC(poor carmelita--my car.) vacationed with family in the outer banks, went back to NY for a wedding. So needless to say it was a jam packed month of vacation and the grind hit HARD.
Back to school this year was a little different because I didn't spend half of my summer in my classroom reorganizing, redecorating, or beautifying my classroom. So I am working to do all of those things as I go this year.
My class is great, we are working on expectations, rules and procedures and practicing being quiet during instruction. Tomorrow starts week 3, so we are really moving quickly. And..can you guess...I'm already sick! :( But as teachers do, we power through and make everyday a smile for our littles.
So my latest product is something that my class really needed to work on after I saw where everyone was during staggered entry. Woah can't believe that was 3 weeks ago already...time is flying. This product includes handwriting, letter ID, sound ID and beginning sounds. I love it! I am starting to use it this week during writing for about 7-10 minutes to work on handwriting. We will spend a few minutes with me modeling it, and then they will take ownership and work independently.


text:
#ifndef __PLATFORM_SECURE_LIB_H__
#define __PLATFORM_SECURE_LIB_H__

/**

  This function provides a platform-specific method to detect whether the platform
  is operating by a physically present user.

  Programmatic changing of platform security policy (such as disable Secure Boot,
  or switch between Standard/Custom Secure Boot mode) MUST NOT be possible during
  Boot Services or after exiting EFI Boot Services. Only a physically present user
  is allowed to perform these operations.

  NOTE THAT: This function cannot depend on any EFI Variable Service since they are
  not available when this function is called in AuthenticateVariable driver.

  @retval  TRUE       The platform is operated by a physically present user.
  @retval  FALSE      The platform is NOT operated by a physically present user.

**/
BOOLEAN
EFIAPI
UserPhysicalPresent (
  VOID
  );

#endif

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


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First Look: Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+
By David Flynn, March 30 2017
Samsung Galaxy S8 with 5.8" screen: $1,199
Samsung Galaxy S8+ with 6.2" screen: $1,349
1Gbps download speeds on Telstra 4GX network
Australian release date April 28
Samsung's new Galaxy S8 and S8+ will land in Australia on April 28, and the company's best-ever smartphones will come with their highest-ever price tags: $1,199 for the 5.8" Galaxy S8 and $1,349 for the upsized 6.2" Galaxy S8+.
Those screens may make the S8 siblings seem impossibly large – by comparison, the displays on the previous-gen Galaxy S7 models measured a modest 5.1 inches and 5.5 inches.
But the S8 and S8+, revealed overnight at Samsung's Unpacked launch event in New York, are almost the same physical dimension as their predecessors.
Samsung's Tardis-like trick: swap the physical home button for a touch-sensitive 'digital home key' and do away almost entirely with the bezel surrounding the screen, then wrap an edge-to-edge display around the phone.
The result is a screen which almost seems to float in your hand.
It's a design conceit which Apple is expected to follow with this year's iPhone 8, and in both cases maximises screen real-estate without making the device itself overly large and cumbersome.
There's not even room on that infinifty pool-inspired screen for the Samsung logo, which shifts to the rear along with the fingerprint scanner of the S7's home button.
Find that a bit fiddly? The front-facing 8MP camera doubles as an iris scanner to literally unlock your phone in the blink of an eye (okay, you might not want to blink).
However, the 12MP 'dual pixel' rear shooter has escaped any serious upgrade such as image stabilisation for video.
Both the S8 and S8+ share the same underpinnings: the eight-core processor which is now obligatory for any high-end smartphone, backed by 4GB of RAM and 64GB of inbuilt of storage (up from 32GB on the Galaxy S7 line) bolstered by a 256GB microSD card slot.
And they'll rocket along on Telstra's 4GX 'gigabit' network in the Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane CBD areas at up to a blistering 1Gbps download speed – fast enough to gobble up your monthly data limit before you can say "excess data surcharge".
(The S8 twins will also get a gallop on the equivalent 700MHz slice of Optus 4G Plus network, although Vodafone doesn't have an equivalent at this stage.)
Upload speeds will also be as much a 50% faster than the Galaxy S7 series in 4GX coverage areas – making the S8 an ideal personal hotspot for the road warrior.
Samsung has made a play for the fashion-fascia market with an S8 colour range including blue and silver, although the Australian line-up will be limited to what the company tags as Midnight Black, Orchid Grey and Maple Gold.
And with USB-C being The Next Thing across the consumer tech spectrum, it's no surprise that the Galaxy S8 twins have ditched the familiar MicroUSB connector for a USB-C port.
Yes, that'll mean new cables or fiddly adaptor dongles – but it'll also open up advanced tech tricks such as superfast charging of the S8's batteries.
Speaking of batteries, the S8 keeps the same 3,000mAh cell as the S7 while the S8+ bumps that up to a meaty 3,500mAh.
Android on your desktop
Also new to the Galaxy S8: Samsung's DeX 'desktop experience' for Android.
Park the S8 on the compact $199 DeX Station dock (the connection made via the S8's USB-C port) and you'll be able to plug in a keyboard, mouse and monitor to turn your phone into an Android-based computer.
The apps scale well, especially Microsoft Office, while the browser automatically directs to the desktop version of a website rather than its mobile equivalent.
The DeX Station cradle packs a pair of USB 2.0 ports, a 100 Mbps Ethernet port and an HDMI port capable of driving a 4K desktop display, and even includes a tiny cooling fan inside to keep temperatures under control.
"Hey, Bixby..."
Samsung's new Bixby voice assistant appears to roll the Galaxy's old S Voice software app with the work of Viv, a startup founded by the creators of Siri which Samsung bought last year.
But reports indicate it's still very early days for Bixby, which will also be restricted to the US at launch – Aussie S8 owners will find themselves turning to the Google Voice Assistant, and that's no bad thing.
Bixby will eventually be built into other Samsung devices such as smart TVs to become cornerstone of Samsung's nascent SmartThings networking platform.
If you're an Android user, is the Galaxy S8 or S8+ enough to tempt you to an upgrade?
smartphones Samsung google android
Kevin Cheung
I'm one of these people who considers an upgrade every second or third generation of a phone, currently have a Galaxy S6 and definitely going for the S8+, love the design and will probably buy the desktop dock too, a great idea.
Thursday, 30 Mar 2017, 08:19:03 am
Bob Burgess
Fantastic design, I hope Apple follows through with the same on the iPhone 8! I had a Galaxy Note 7, stung by the battery problems and worldwide recall but no hesitation about getting an S8 and very glad it'll have Google Voice Assist which has until now been only on the Google Pixel.
RaptorNation158
Amazing release, and great to see a company willing to innovate (cough cough Apple). Thank you Samsung for pushing the envelope! However my 7+ more than satisfies for my needs and ill wait for a phone without any bezel on any of the sides.
moa999
The Dex looks interesting but unless it can actually replace a PC/laptop appears gimmicky.
Love to look of the phone but ouch on the price
Love the DeX idea but the phone itself doesn't have nearly enough to make we want to upgrade from my S7, although that makes me think what would it take and what more can Samsung do? Maybe we have reached the edge of practical features this time around at least.
Friday, 31 Mar 2017, 09:52:03 am
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on First Look: Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+


text:
Chromatin & epigenetics (2)
Facet list
HasMultimedia (1)
Robert E. Hill
Developmentally regulated Shh expression is robust to TAD perturbations
Chromatin & epigenetics
Iain Williamson, Lauren Kane, Paul S. Devenney, Ilya M. Flyamer, Eve Anderson, Fiona Kilanowski, Robert E. Hill, Wendy A. Bickmore, Laura A. Lettice
ABSTRACT Topologically associating domains (TADs) have been proposed to both guide and constrain enhancer activity. Shh is located within a TAD known to contain all its enhancers. To investigate the importance of chromatin conformation and TAD integrity on developmental gene regulation, we have manipulated the Shh TAD – creating internal deletions, deleting CTCF sites, and deleting and inverting sequences at TAD boundaries. Chromosome conformation capture and fluorescence in situ hybridisation assays were used to investigate the changes in chromatin conformation that result from these manipulations. Our data suggest that these substantial alterations in TAD structure have no readily detectable effect on Shh expression patterns or levels of Shh expression during development – except where enhancers are deleted – and result in no detectable phenotypes. Only in the case of a larger deletion at one TAD boundary could ectopic influence of the Shh limb enhancer be detected on a gene ( Mnx1 ) in the neighbouring TAD. Our data suggests that, contrary to expectations, the developmental regulation of Shh expression is remarkably robust to TAD perturbations.
Shh and ZRS enhancer colocalisation is specific to the zone of polarising activity
Iain Williamson, Laura A. Lettice, Robert E. Hill, Wendy A. Bickmore
Development (2016) 143 (16): 2994–3001.
Limb-specific Shh expression is regulated by the (∼1 Mb distant) ZRS enhancer. In the mouse, limb bud-restricted spatiotemporal Shh expression occurs from ∼E10 to E11.5 at the distal posterior margin and is essential for correct autopod formation. Here, we have analysed the higher-order chromatin conformation of Shh in expressing and non-expressing tissues, both by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and by chromosome conformation capture (5C). Conventional and super-resolution light microscopy identified significantly elevated frequencies of Shh /ZRS colocalisation only in the Shh -expressing regions of the limb bud, in a conformation consistent with enhancer-promoter loop formation. However, in all tissues and at all developmental stages analysed, Shh -ZRS spatial distances were still consistently shorter than those to a neural enhancer located between Shh and ZRS in the genome. 5C identified a topologically associating domain (TAD) over the Shh /ZRS genomic region and enriched interactions between Shh and ZRS throughout E11.5 embryos. Shh /ZRS colocalisation, therefore, correlates with the spatiotemporal domain of limb bud-specific Shh expression, but close Shh and ZRS proximity in the nucleus occurs regardless of whether the gene or enhancer is active. We suggest that this constrained chromatin configuration optimises the opportunity for the active enhancer to locate and instigate the expression of Shh .
Mapping the Shh long-range regulatory domain
Eve Anderson, Paul S. Devenney, Robert E. Hill, Laura A. Lettice
Coordinated gene expression controlled by long-distance enhancers is orchestrated by DNA regulatory sequences involving transcription factors and layers of control mechanisms. The Shh gene and well-established regulators are an example of genomic composition in which enhancers reside in a large desert extending into neighbouring genes to control the spatiotemporal pattern of expression. Exploiting the local hopping activity of the Sleeping Beauty transposon, the lacZ reporter gene was dispersed throughout the Shh region to systematically map the genomic features responsible for expression activity. We found that enhancer activities are retained inside a genomic region that corresponds to the topological associated domain (TAD) defined by Hi-C. This domain of approximately 900 kb is in an open conformation over its length and is generally susceptible to all Shh enhancers. Similar to the distal enhancers, an enhancer residing within the Shh second intron activates the reporter gene located at distances of hundreds of kilobases away, suggesting that both proximal and distal enhancers have the capacity to survey the Shh topological domain to recognise potential promoters. The widely expressed Rnf32 gene lying within the Shh domain evades enhancer activities by a process that may be common among other housekeeping genes that reside in large regulatory domains. Finally, the boundaries of the Shh TAD do not represent the absolute expression limits of enhancer activity, as expression activity is lost stepwise at a number of genomic positions at the verges of these domains.
Development of five digits is controlled by a bipartite long-range cis -regulator
Laura A. Lettice, Iain Williamson, Paul S. Devenney, Fiona Kilanowski, Julia Dorin, Robert E. Hill
Development (2014) 141 (8): 1715–1725.
Conservation within intergenic DNA often highlights regulatory elements that control gene expression from a long range. How conservation within a single element relates to regulatory information and how internal composition relates to function is unknown. Here, we examine the structural features of the highly conserved ZRS (also called MFCS1) cis -regulator responsible for the spatiotemporal control of Shh in the limb bud. By systematically dissecting the ZRS, both in transgenic assays and within in the endogenous locus, we show that the ZRS is, in effect, composed of two distinct domains of activity: one domain directs spatiotemporal activity but functions predominantly from a short range, whereas a second domain is required to promote long-range activity. We show further that these two domains encode activities that are highly integrated and that the second domain is crucial in promoting the chromosomal conformational changes correlated with gene activity. During limb bud development, these activities encoded by the ZRS are interpreted differently by the fore limbs and the hind limbs; in the absence of the second domain there is no Shh activity in the fore limb, and in the hind limb low levels of Shh lead to a variant digit pattern ranging from two to four digits. Hence, in the embryo, the second domain stabilises the developmental programme providing a buffer for SHH morphogen activity and this ensures that five digits form in both sets of limbs.
Anterior-posterior differences in HoxD chromatin topology in limb development
Iain Williamson, Ragnhild Eskeland, Laura A. Lettice, Alison E. Hill, Shelagh Boyle, Graeme R. Grimes, Robert E. Hill, Wendy A. Bickmore
A late phase of HoxD activation is crucial for the patterning and growth of distal structures across the anterior-posterior (A-P) limb axis of mammals. Polycomb complexes and chromatin compaction have been shown to regulate Hox loci along the main body axis in embryonic development, but the extent to which they have a role in limb-specific HoxD expression, an evolutionary adaptation defined by the activity of distal enhancer elements that drive expression of 5′ Hoxd genes, has yet to be fully elucidated. We reveal two levels of chromatin topology that differentiate distal limb A-P HoxD activity. Using both immortalised cell lines derived from posterior and anterior regions of distal E10.5 mouse limb buds, and analysis in E10.5 dissected limb buds themselves, we show that there is a loss of polycomb-catalysed H3K27me3 histone modification and a chromatin decompaction over HoxD in the distal posterior limb compared with anterior. Moreover, we show that the global control region (GCR) long-range enhancer spatially colocalises with the 5′ HoxD genomic region specifically in the distal posterior limb. This is consistent with the formation of a chromatin loop between 5′ HoxD and the GCR regulatory module at the time and place of distal limb bud development when the GCR participates in initiating Hoxd gene quantitative collinearity and Hoxd13 expression. This is the first example of A-P differences in chromatin compaction and chromatin looping in the development of the mammalian secondary body axis (limb).
The splanchnic mesodermal plate directs spleen and pancreatic laterality,and is regulated by Bapx1/Nkx3.2
Jacob Hecksher-Sørensen, Robert P. Watson, Laura A. Lettice, Palle Serup, Lorraine Eley, Carlo De Angelis, Ulf Ahlgren, Robert E. Hill
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1242/dev.01364
The mechanism by which left-right (LR) information is interpreted by organ primordia during asymmetric morphogenesis is largely unknown. We show that spleen and pancreatic laterality is dependent on a specialised, columnar mesodermal-derived cell layer referred to here as the splanchnic mesodermal plate (SMP). At early embryonic stages, the SMP is bilateral, surrounding the midline-located stomach and dorsal pancreatic bud. Under control of the LR asymmetry pathway, the left SMP is maintained and grows laterally. Mice carrying the dominant hemimelia ( Dh ) mutation lack the SMP. Significantly, the mice are asplenic and the pancreas remains positioned along the embryonic midline. In the absence of Fgf10 expression, the spleno-pancreatic mesenchyme and surrounding SMP grow laterally but contain no endodermal component, showing that leftward growth is autonomous and independent of endoderm. In the Bapx1 –/– mutants, the SMP is defective. Normally, the SMP is a source for both Fgf9 and Fgf10; however, in the Bapx1 mutant, Fgf10 expression is downregulated and the dorsal pancreas remains at the midline. We conclude that the SMP is an organiser responsible for the leftward growth of the spleno-pancreatic region and that Bapx1 regulates SMP functions required for pancreatic laterality.
Bapx1 regulates patterning in the middle ear: altered regulatory role in the transition from the proximal jaw during vertebrate evolution
Abigail S. Tucker, Robert P. Watson, Laura A. Lettice, Gen Yamada, Robert E. Hill
The middle ear apparatus is composed of three endochondrial ossicles (the stapes, incus and malleus) and two membranous bones, the tympanic ring and the gonium, which act as structural components to anchor the ossicles to the skull. Except for the stapes, these skeletal elements are unique to mammals and are derived from the first and second branchial arches. We show that, in combination with goosecoid ( Gsc ), the Bapx1 gene defines the structural components of the murine middle ear. During embryogenesis, Bapx1 is expressed in a discrete domain within the mandibular component of the first branchial arch and later in the primordia of middle ear-associated bones, the gonium and tympanic ring. Consistent with the expression pattern of Bapx1 , mouse embryos deficient for Bapx1 lack a gonium and display hypoplasia of the anterior end of the tympanic ring. At E10.5, expression of Bapx1 partially overlaps that of Gsc and although Gsc is required for development of the entire tympanic ring, the role of Bapx1 is restricted to the specification of the gonium and the anterior tympanic ring. Thus, simple overlapping expression of these two genes appears to account for the patterning of the elements that compose the structural components of the middle ear and suggests that they act in concert. In addition, Bapx1 is expressed both within and surrounding the incus and the malleus. Examination of the malleus shows that the width, but not the length, of this ossicle is decreased in the mutant mice. In non-mammalian jawed vertebrates, the bones homologous to the mammalian middle ear ossicles compose the proximal jaw bones that form the jaw articulation(primary jaw joint). In fish, Bapx1 is responsible for the formation of the joint between the quadrate and articular (homologues of the malleus and incus, respectively) enabling an evolutionary comparison of the role of a regulatory gene in the transition of the proximal jawbones to middle ear ossicles. Contrary to expectations, murine Bapx1 does not affect the articulation of the malleus and incus. We show that this change in role of Bapx1 following the transition to the mammalian ossicle configuration is not due to a change in expression pattern but results from an inability to regulate Gdf5 and Gdf6 , two genes predicted to be essential in joint formation.
Includes: Multimedia, Supplementary data
Pax1 and Pax9 activate Bapx1 to induce chondrogenic differentiation in the sclerotome
Isabel Rodrigo, Robert E. Hill, Rudi Balling, Andrea Münsterberg, Kenji Imai
Development (2003) 130 (3): 473–482.
We have previously shown that the paired-box transcription factors Pax1 and Pax9 synergistically act in the proper formation of the vertebral column. Nevertheless, downstream events of the Pax1/Pax9 action and their target genes remain to be elucidated. We show, by analyzing Pax1;Pax9 double mutant mice, that expression of Bapx1 in the sclerotome requires the presence of Pax1 and Pax9, in a gene dose-dependent manner. By using a retroviral system to overexpress Pax1 in chick presomitic mesoderm explants, we show that Pax1 can substitute for Shh in inducing Bapx1 expression and in initiating chondrogenic differentiation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Pax1 and Pax9 can transactivate regulatory sequences in the Bapx1 promoter and that they physically interact with the Bapx1 promoter region. These results strongly suggest that Bapx1 is a direct target of Pax1 and Pax9. Together, we conclude that Pax1 and Pax9 are required and sufficient for the chondrogenic differentiation of sclerotomal cells.


Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition that develops gradually over time and causes pain and stiffness in joints. It is the most common type of joint disease. It affects people from various backgrounds across the globe and at least 8 million people in the UK.
Stress fractures are one of the most common sports injuries. Overcoming them can be difficult but is certainly possible. They are classified as an overuse injury. Fatigued muscles become unable to absorb shock and transfer the overload to the bone causing tiny cracks. It is estimated that more than half of them occur in the bones of the foot and the lower leg.
Strains are injuries to muscles or tendons. They occur when the force across the musculotendinous unit (the connected muscle and tendon) is great enough to cause tissue tear. It is classified as a contraction-induced injury where tear occurs due to excessive mechanical stress. Strains usually occur during the eccentric phase or when the muscle is overstretched. Improper use of the muscle, fatigue, and overuse are the common culprits.


text:
Posts tagged 'gardens'
A New Day, a New Database: Smithsonian Gardens Living Collections Management
World-class orchid collections like the one at Smithsonian Gardens are more than an assemblage of pretty flowers. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes like maintaining good plant culture, regular and judicious watering, and dealing with insect pests and viruses. Another aspect of a well-kept collection is vigilant record keeping and data management.
There are several collections information systems (CIS) in use by botanic gardens that keep track of accessioned plant material. In the past, Smithsonian Gardens used a relational database tailored specifically to orchid collections for this purpose. This program worked well for many years but our growing online presence, digitization and IT requirements, and opportunities to expand SG's plant collections prompted us to search for a more robust system.
In November 2015, Smithsonian Gardens switched to a botanical collections database with a more flexible framework. This new framework enables us to expand our plant records to encompass gardens surrounding the Smithsonian museums, in addition to managing our living collections of orchids and trees. Using this new tool to accession "unofficial" collections such as SG's tropical plants will improve our horticulturists' ability to track plant usage, longevity, and vitality.
Visitors to the Smithsonian will also benefit from this database transition. As Smithsonian Gardens tracks new plants in its gardens, staff will be able to plot their locations on a map, create tours, and compile images and other plant data on SG's website. For on-site visitors, this will be an invaluable trip-planning tool; for online visitors, this will be a fantastic way to explore plants on the Smithsonian campus from afar.
Draft view of Smithsonian Gardens' living collections mapping and information page.
The switch to a more flexible database also allows SG to better integrate its collections information with existing Smithsonian IT systems. This compatibility enables automatic syncing of collection images between the plant database and the Smithsonian's main Digital Asset Management System rather than having to link the images separately in both places. Cross-talk between the systems cuts out redundant steps from our previous workflow and frees up collections staff to work on other projects. In addition, the process used to update collection images and information to the online Smithsonian Collections Search Center is more streamlined.
Screenshot of Orchid Collection images in the Smithsonian's main Digital Asset Management System.
SG's living collections team is currently cleaning up and enhancing the migrated data. With over 30,000 records of both living and historic plant assets, there is a lot of verification and editing to accomplish. This fall the focus will shift to the Smithsonian Gardens Tree Collection, the other living collection entrusted to our care. Our goal is to integrate Tree Collection data from an existing database with accession records in the new database, while maintaining the ability to track tree locations across more than 180 acres of grounds through mapping software.
Smithsonian Gardens is excited to grow its living collections management program. The implementation of a new database is just a first step, but it paves the way for future progress and enables more efficient and effective management of the Smithsonian's living plant collections for the benefit of both on-site and virtual visitors.
-Julie Rotramel, Living Collections Specialist, Smithsonian Gardens
May 31, 2016 at 10:00 am smithsoniangardens	Leave a comment
The Thrill of the Grill
The Farnham family in their Mendham, New Jersey garden, 1960s. Molly Adams, photographer. Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens. Note the grill in the background.
Above all else, Memorial Day is a holiday dedicated to honoring those who have lost their lives serving the United States. Unofficially, the long weekend also marks the start of grilling season. As we come together as family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate the arrival of summer and strengthen community bonds, the grill is the hearth around which we gather in backyards across the country. Barbecue and grilling have a long history in America, an ebb and flow of foodways coming together and drifting apart. Each region in America has their outdoor cooking traditions, from the vinegary pulled pork of North Carolina to bean-hole beans in Maine, to tri-tip grilled on the spit in southern California. Immigrants from as far away as Korea and Brazil have introduced new flavors and cooking methods to the American picnic table, expanding our ever-changing menu.
Our newest traveling exhibit is a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibit Services and the Smithsonian Gardens' Archives of American Gardens. Patios, Pools, & the Invention of the American Backyard explores the rise of outdoor living in the decades after World War II, as the suburban backyard became the setting for pool parties, barbecues, and family fun. The exhibit is currently on view at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum and travels next to the Tampa History Center in June 2015.
Just about every town in America has rows upon rows of suburban tract houses, built as housing for returning veterans after World War II. The GI Bill of Rights placed homeownerships within reach of millions of people; by 1959, thirty-one million people owned their own home. With these homes came backyards, small lots that could be transformed into outdoor living rooms with a little imagination, some elbow grease, and a subscription to Popular Mechanics.
As a garden feature though, the grill really hit its stride in the 1930s and 1940s, gaining popularity on the West Coast before making its way east across the country. Fire pits and permanent brick barbecues complimented the low-slung, L-shaped ranch houses gaining popularity in California. The open architecture of the ranch house seamlessly blended the indoors with the outdoors, expanding the living space of the home. Outdoor kitchens, patios, and swimming pools began to take centerstage in the western backyard.
In the years after World War II, as wartime restrictions on materials were lifted and consumers flexed their newfound buying power, novel products for outdoor living flooded the market. The Weber kettle grill was invented in 1951 by combining two metal marine buoys, and was just one of many popular options sold at department and hardware stores nationwide. Pop culture portrayed grilling as a gender-specific activity, with women preparing side dishes indoors and men toiling away outside at a smoking grill. Cliché imagery of the cave man was often invoked when describing the art of grilling, such as in this quote from a 1956 issue of Kiplinger Magazine: "Give a man a patch of yard to call his own, and soon you will see him, garbed in white hat, funny apron and asbestos gloves, solemnly practicing that most ancient of masculine arts—the cooking of raw flesh at an open fire."
The April 1960 issue of Popular Mechanics highlighted a number of options for building an outdoor kitchen, including plans for a permanent outdoor kitchen with storage, a serving cart, and a number of budget-friendly simple grills. An outdoor kitchen could fit any budget, small or large. Courtesy of Popular Mechanics.
Grilling was well established in the cultural zeitgeist of the time. Big brands hopped on the barbecue bandwagon as well, even those not peddling grills and ketchup. Want to be reminded of outdoor grilling season in the middle of winter? Why not choose this barbecue-themed wallpaper for your next remodeling project. From aprons to children's toys, the barbecue motif was as hot as a burger just off the grill. In the 1957 I Love Lucy episode "Building a Bar-B-Q" Ethel and Lucy comically take on the typical suburban do-it-yourself task with humorous results (to which I am sure many homeowners could relate).
Cookbooks provided endless ideas for Jell-O salads and baked beans to accompany your grilled shish kebobs. This weekend, if you're firing up the grill for a gathering, use it as an excuse to peak into your personal archives. Do you have a favorite family recipe from your mother, grandfather, or great-aunt? Our family recipes are our family stories, whether the ingredients came from the garden or a tin can. I leave you with two summer recipes from my grandmothers, both of whom grew up during the Depression, married veterans of World War II, and raised their families in the Maryland suburbs in the 1950s. Remember, it wouldn't be a mid-century recipe without either pineapple or mayonnaise—or both!
Isabel Clough's recipe for a layered salad from her church cookbook, circa 1960s.
Jean Fox's recipe for a cream cheese and pineapple spread, written in her own hand, circa 1960s.
-Kate Fox, curator, Patios, Pools & the Invention of the American Backyard
Do you have a favorite family recipe for barbecue, or a side dish with a story? Memories of your backyard or garden from the 1950s and 1960s? Share it with Community of Gardens, our digital archive! We are collecting stories from the public about gardens and backyards in America and building a digital archive of our shared landscape history.
May 24, 2015 at 8:00 am smithsoniangardens	1 comment
Growing a Digital Garden Archive
The gardens at the Chewonki Foundation in Wiscasset, Maine evolved over a century as the summer camp transformed into a year-round environmental education organization. Generations of students and staff have left their mark on the farm and gardens.
We are a nation of gardeners. Thomas Jefferson grew over 300 varieties of plants at his Monticello home and like any dedicated gardener kept meticulous records detailing the triumphs (and failures) of his adventures in gardening. In the nineteenth century Italian immigrants introduced new vegetables like artichokes to the United States. Today, heirloom seeds originating from around the globe—or grandma's backyard—can be purchased online and grown wherever we make a home. The Smithsonian Gardens Victory Garden at the National Museum of American History tells a story of citizens feeding their communities during wartime years, as well as a story of the diverse cultures that comprise the American people. In the summer 'Carolina Gold' rice, a traditional crop from the Carolina Lowcountry, can be found growing only a few feet from 'Corbaci' sweet peppers, a hard-to-find heirloom from Turkey.
Inspired by the quote "you must be the change you wish to see in the world," the artists of the S.A.G.E. Coalition in Trenton, New Jersey transformed an abandoned lot into a vibrant community garden and gathering space.
April is National Garden Month, and we are celebrating the diversity of American gardens and the gardeners who make them grow. Small gardens and large gardens, community gardens and backyards, our diverse stories are part of a verdant quilt of gardens growing across the country. Gardens tell us where we've been, and where we are going. They can tell us stories about how people in our communities lived in the past and articulate our cultural values in the present. So often our everyday stories—the dahlias bred by a great-uncle, the nursery owned by a family for generations, the hot peppers grown as a reminder of a faraway island childhood—are lost to the historical record, and therefore lost to future generations.
Community of Gardens is a participatory digital archive collecting stories from the public about gardens and gardening in America.
Community of Gardens is our answer to the call to preserve our vernacular garden heritage. Community of Gardens is a digital archive hosted by Smithsonian Gardens, in partnership with our Archives of American Gardens, and created by YOU. It is a participatory archive that enriches and adds diversity to the history of gardening in the United States and encourages engagement with gardens on a local, community level. The website uses a multimedia platform that supports images, text, audio, and video. Visitors can add their own story to the digital archive, or explore personal stories of gardens from around the country.
To contribute a story to the digital archive visit the "Share a Story" page on the Community of Gardens website to sign up for an account. Once you have set up your account you may then add a written story and photographs. If you'd like to add video or audio files to your story email them to communityofgardens@si.edu. You will hear from a Smithsonian Gardens education staff member within a few days, and your story will be posted on the website usually within 3-5 business days. Once you have shared a story, share another story, or encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same!
Paul, on the right, shared his family's garden history with Community of Gardens, beginning with his great-grandfather immigrating to America in 1881. His grandfather Harry Sr., on the left, grew tomatoes, and today Paul maintains a large garden that he tends with his children.
We are looking for any story about gardens and gardening in America—even stories of Americans gardening abroad. Here is just a sampling of the stories we are looking to include in Community of Gardens:
What's growing in your own backyard, or on your apartment balcony? What motivates you to garden and how did you get your start? How does gardening enrich your everyday life?
Interview a neighbor or family member about their garden.
Memories of gardens past. Do you have strong memories of your grandparents' garden, or visiting a public garden that no longer exists? Gardens can live on in stories and images through the archive.
Family history. This is a good opportunity to get out the photo albums and scan old family photographs. Are you a fourth-generation gardener like Paul, pictured above?
Community gardens—past and present.
Did you immigrate to the United States from another country? How do your traditions and culture play a role in your garden?
College and university gardens.
School gardens. Involve your students in telling the story of their garden!
Pollinator gardens and beekeeping.
Americans gardening abroad. Are you a veteran or member of the Foreign Service? Did you keep a garden while living abroad? How did living in another country influence your garden?
Sustainability and eco-friendly gardening.
Stories of gardens committed to providing food access in urban areas.
Join us in preserving our national garden heritage—this month and every month. What is your garden story?
-Kate Fox, Smithsonian Gardens educator
April 15, 2015 at 8:42 am smithsoniangardens	Leave a comment
The Carolina Parakeet
The Carolina Parakeet, one of the bird sculptures currently on display in the Enid A. Haupt Garden, was distinguished by its beautiful plumage and its very long tail. Although it was initially found in vast areas of the United States, its numbers began dwindling in the 19th century. The last parakeet was sighted in 1904, and the bird was declared extinct in 1939.
The sculpture is part of The Lost Bird Project, which seeks to create awareness about our fragile bird species. The creation of artist Todd McGrain, the project has been sponsored by the Smithsonian and other organizations. Four birds will remain in the Haupt Garden until spring 2015; a fifth bird is in the garden of the National Museum of Natural History.
The Carolina parakeet sculpture in the Enid A. Haupt Garden by artist Todd McGrain.
The Carolina parakeet was found in forested areas and swampy regions of the United States, stretching from the southeastern United States to the Great Plains and west to the Mid-Atlantic region. A small bird, it weighed a mere ten ounces. It was distinguished by its colorful feathers, which ranged from yellow and orange to several shades of green. Due to urbanization, its habitats began to contract in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Even in 1831, John James Audubon commented that, along the Mississippi, the number of Carolina parakeets was less than half those that existed a mere fifteen years earlier.
The demise of the parakeet was the result of several trends or causes which operated individually and collectively; these can be summarized as deforestation, decoration, displacement, and disease.
Deforestation robbed the birds of food and nesting sites, thereby killing or displacing many flocks. Moreover, habitat destruction made hunting more effective because it concentrated the birds, making them more vulnerable to hunters. Farmers and those who had small orchards saw the birds as pests. Many parakeets fell prey to hunters trying to protect their crops. When one bird was wounded, it would cry in distress, a call that summoned others of the flock. Entire flocks were shot as the birds rallied around a wounded bird.
Plate 26 of Birds of America (1827-1838) by John James Audubon depicting the Carolina Parrot. (via eol.)
The birds were also vulnerable to tastes in fashion: the parakeet's beautiful feathers were used to decorate hats. In 1886, Frank Chapman, an ornithologist at the American Museum of Natural History in New York noted that, walking around Manhattan, he had spotted feathers from some 40 native species of birds decorating woman's hats. The feather trade was a lucrative business, with hunters receiving twice the price of gold for an ounce of the coveted plumes. Although Congress enacted legislation to prohibit interstate commerce in certain types of feathers, the laws had too many loopholes to curtail the trade. By 1898 the prevailing fashion had had such an impact that environmentalists and ornithologists attempted to shame women for wearing hats with feathers. One New York Times article titled "Murderous Millinery" stressed that women invited public stigma "by exhibiting themselves . . . in the relics of murdered innocence." The Audubon Society also urged "bird hat boycotts," suggesting that women instead wear environmentally-correct "audubonnets" bedecked with ribbons and other non-feathered ornaments.
Another contributory cause of the Carolina parakeets declining numbers may have been the importation of honeybees, which evicted the birds from the cavities in hollow trees where they nested. Finally, some scientists have hypothesized that exotic poultry diseases may have decimated the parakeet population that had survived other threats and were in protected habitats. Whatever the reason or reasons, today Carolina parakeets can be appreciated only in museums and ornithological collections, where they are mounted specimens rather than part of a gregarious flock.
-Annette B. Ramírez de Arellano, Smithsonian Gardens volunteer
The Lost Bird Project is a companion exhibit to "Once There Were Billions: Vanished Birds of North America" on view at the Smithsonian Institution Libraries through October 2015.
The Labrador Duck
Labrador Duck sculpture by Todd McGrain.
Of the four birds currently on display as sculptures in the Enid A. Haupt Garden, the Labrador duck is the one about which we know the least. Despite this—or perhaps because of this— the bird has spawned different theories about how it lived and how it eventually became extinct.
The sculpture is part of The Lost Bird Project, which seeks to create awareness about our fragile bird species. The creation of artist Todd McGrain, the project has been sponsored by the Smithsonian and other organizations. Four birds will remain in the Haupt Garden until spring 2015; a fifth bird is in the garden of the National Museum of Natural History, on the corner of 12th Street and Constitution Avenue.
The Labrador duck lived along the east coast of North America, from Canada to the Chesapeake. A small bird, it was a good diver and swimmer. It had a flat, square bill that allowed it to scoop up small fish and shells, on which it lived.
Labrador Duck (Camptorhynchus labradorius), USNM 61300. Image courtesy of the National Museum of Natural History.
Unlike other birds that became extinct because of specific practices or even a single cataclysmic event, the Labrador duck declined for unknown reasons. Its meat did not taste good, so the duck was not hunted widely. Nor was its plumage unique or particularly desirable. There is some speculation that the number of ducks began to decline when their main source of nourishment, a specific mollusk, was depleted by overfishing. Another possibility is that its eggs were widely hunted by predators, thereby reducing the number of birds. The story of the Labrador duck therefore underscores the interconnectedness of the natural world: change in one element can trigger further changes, eventually jeopardizing the existence of unique species.
Interestingly, the extinction of the Labrador duck has inspired both research and whimsy. Biologist Glen Chilton embarked on an 82,000-mile journey to explore the bird's history, which he captured in his book The Curse of the Labrador Duck (2009). More recently, A Birder's Guide to Everything (2013), a movie starring Ben Kingsley, centers on a group of teenagers' quest to find the duck, which they do not think is extinct.
August 12, 2014 at 7:27 am smithsoniangardens	1 comment
Water Conservation at Smithsonian Gardens
Join us this Saturday, May 9th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m for a celebration of "Water, Water, Everywhere" at Garden Fest in the Enid A. Haupt Garden. In this blog entry Sarah Tietbohl writes about just one of the many ways we try to conserve water at Smithsonian Gardens.
Moongate fountain in the Enid A. Haupt Garden
When I first started at Smithsonian Gardens in 2010 I was assigned the job of cleaning the Moongate fountain in the Enid A. Haupt Garden. I was excited about this task as I would have an opportunity to learn to use a new piece of equipment and keep cool during the hot summer months. I estimated that the fountain would need to be cleaned maybe once a month. With the pond open between April and October, that would total seven times a year. That spring, the cleaning schedule started out at once a month. As the season went on and the temperatures climbed into the 90s, I noticed that the fountain was growing algae at a rapid pace. It turned the water a sickly slimy-green color. That once-a-month cleaning turned into scouring once or twice a week! That season, I ended up cleaning the fountain well over twenty times. The next year it was the same story.
Sarah explains her environmentally-friendly method for maintaining the Moongate fountain.
After the summer of 2011, I really started to think about all of the water, energy, and time it takes to clean the Moongate fountain. I started to gauge the amount of water that was being used in one year to clean and fill the fountain. I calculated that it takes 2,300 gallons of water just to fill the fountain each time it is cleaned, plus 200 gallons or so to clean it. I decided to research environmentally-friendly products that would reduce the amount of algal growth, thereby cutting down on the amount of water needed to re-fill the fountain after each cleaning. Fewer cleaning sessions would also result in less emissions (and noise) generated from the power washer that runs every time the fountain is cleaned. I started experimenting with a non-toxic black pond dye. Adding black dye to the fountain reduced the amount of sunlight that was able to penetrate the water, which in turn reduced the algal growth. I found the dye to be very effective and talked my colleagues into using it in the fountains in the Ripley and Folger Gardens as well. Thanks to the black dye solution, Smithsonian Gardens has reduced fountain water use from 60,000 gallons a year to slightly less than 22,000 gallons- a terrific way for Smithsonian Gardens to employ a sustainable alternative in its operations.
-Sarah Tietbohl, Smithsonian Gardens
May 7, 2014 at 7:00 am smithsoniangardens	Leave a comment
This post was originally published on the Smithsonian Collections Blog.
Finale, Carmel, CA. 2009. Bonnie Brooks, photographer.
Like any number of inventions, the origins of the armillary sphere are debated, credited to everyone from an ancient Greek philosopher to a Roman mathematician to a Chinese astronomer. The one commonality: it was created with the faulty supposition that the earth was the center of the universe!
Armillary spheres served as a model of the heavens with intersecting rings marking everything from latitude and longitude to the tropic of Cancer. (No wonder the name was derived from the Latin word 'armilla' meaning bracelet or ring.) Early spheres were fabricated out of wood but as they became more complex they were made of brass which withstood the elements out of doors. As with most objects of science, armillary spheres progressed as new discoveries were made. The Chinese used them to make calendar computations and calculations. During the Middle Ages, they served as sophisticated instruments used to map the solar system. Soon rings were added to mark the equator and the rotation of the sun, moon and known planets, making these spheres some of the first complex mechanical devices.
Marschalk-Spencer, Natchez, MS. July 2002. Sarah G. Tillman, photographer.
Because they were used outside where the sky was visible, armillary globes have become a common decorative feature in gardens. Today's armillary spheres for garden use are strictly decorative in nature and much more streamlined than their ancient counterparts (think fewer rings inside the globe). While they no longer serve as a way to monitor the stars, they remain a symbol of progress and ingenuity throughout time.
Brittany Spencer-King
Intern, 2013
June 18, 2013 at 8:00 am smithsoniangardens	1 comment


A 51-year-old man has become the first person in the world with transplanted organs from two donors, a spokesman for the University of California, San Francisco, said Friday.
Louis Bonesio, who underwent a heart transplant operation at the Stanford University Medical Center 11 years ago, received a new kidney at the university in San Francisco three weeks ago, officials disclosed.
Dr. Nicholas J. Feduska, a transplant surgeon, said that Bonesio has made "a dramatic recovery" from the kidney operation and that his new kidney "is doing beautifully."
Feduska said the second transplant demonstrates that patients with a series of life-threatening diseases can benefit from multiple organ transplants.
The surgeon said Bonesio, semi-retired and the father of two teen-agers, was expected to be released from the hospital on Saturday and to return to his home in Gilroy, Calif.
University officials said that, since Bonesio's heart transplant in 1974, teams have performed combined heart-lung, heart-liver and one heart-kidney transplant but that the organs in each case came from the same donor.


Ankle injuries are very common in athletes and in people performing physical work, often resulting in severe pain and impaired mobility. Pain after ankle injuries can either be from a torn ligament and is called ankle sprain or from a broken bone which is called ankle fracture.
Ankle fracture is a painful condition where there is a break in one or more bones forming the ankle joint. The ankle joint is stabilized by different ligaments and other soft tissues, which may also be injured during an ankle fracture.
The calcaneus or heel bone is a large bone found on the rear part of the foot. The calcaneus connects with the talus and cuboid bones to form the subtalar joint of the foot. A heel fracture is a break in the calcaneus bone due to trauma or disease conditions.
The types of fracture to the calcaneus depend on the severity and include stable fractures, displaced fractures, open fractures, closed fractures and comminuted fractures.
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.):is the most commonly used treatment option. Staying off (resting) the injured foot can heal the fracture. Covering the affected area with ice packs over a towel reduces swelling and pain. Compression stockings and elastic bandages can also aid in healing the pain. Positioning the feet above the level of heart reduces swelling.
Immobilization:Casting the injured foot prevents the fractured bone from moving. Walking with the help of crutches is advisable to avoid bearing body weight until healing has occurred.
Open reduction and internal fixation:This surgery involves putting the bone fragments back together with metal plates and screws to reposition them and set them to normal alignment.
Percutaneous screw fixation:This is the best preferred treatment in cases where the bone pieces are large. The bone can either be pushed or pulled to set into place without making a large incision. Metal screws are then inserted and fixed through small incisions to hold the bone pieces together.
Tarsometatarsal joint refers to the region found in the middle of the foot. It is also called the Lisfranc joints. It is a junction between the tarsal bones (group of seven articulating bones in the foot) and metatarsal bones (a group of five long bones in the foot).
A fracture in the tarsometatarsal region can be due to arthritis or traumatic motor accidents.
Tarsometatarsal fractures are characterized by pain, functional impairment and midfoot instability. The appearance of bruises and swelling on the dorsal side of the midfoot are the commonly observed symptoms.
What are Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle?
Fractures in the talus bone may occur due to a fall from great heights, motor vehicle accidents or twisting of the ankle.
The symptoms include severe ankle pain, inability to walk, swelling and tenderness.
Talus fractures are treated by either non-surgical or surgical methods.
There are 2 types of fractures namely, traumatic fracture and stress fracture. Traumatic fractures occur when there is a direct impact of your foot on a hard surface. Stress fractures are tiny hair line cracks in the bone, most commonly caused due to repeated stress.
To detect toe and forefoot fractures, your doctor conducts a physical examination of the foot, and may order X-ray's to identify the location and severity of the fracture.
What is a Proximal Tibia Fracture?
A proximal tibia fracture is a break in the upper part of the shinbone or tibia. Proximal tibial fractures may or may not involve the knee joint. Fractures that enter the knee joint may cause joint imperfections, irregular joint surfaces, and improper alignment in the legs. This can lead to as joint instability, arthritis, and loss of motion. Proximal tibia fractures may be associated with injury to the surrounding soft tissues including the skin, muscle, nerves, blood vessels, and ligaments.
These fractures are caused by stress or trauma or in a bone already compromised by disease, such as cancer or infection.
Non-surgical treatment comprises of immobilizing the fractured site with the help of casts or braces to prevent weight bearing and to help the healing process. X-rays are taken at regular intervals to assess the healing process. Weight-bearing and movement are initiated gradually, depending on the nature of the injury and the condition of the patient.
How do pediatric thighbone fractures occur?
The femur or thighbone is the largest and strongest bone in the human body. Pediatric thighbone fractures can occur when your child falls hard on the ground and gets hit during sports, automobile accidents, and child abuse. In a thighbone fracture, the broken bones may be aligned or displaced. The fracture can either be closed (with skin intact) or open (with the bone piercing out through the skin).
Your child may experience severe pain, swelling, inability to stand and walk, and limited range of motion of hip or knee.
Your child's doctor will conduct a physical examination. An X-ray or CT-scan may be recommended to locate the position and number of fractures, and determine if the growth plate is damaged.
Femur fractures may be treated with non-surgical or surgical methods.
Non-surgical treatment involves stabilizing the bones,so they can heal and fuse together. Braces, spica casting (cast applied from the chest, down the fractured leg) or traction (placing the leg in a weight system) may be used to ensure that the bones are properly set in their normal position.
What are Shin bone Fractures?
Fractures of the proximal tibia: A proximal tibial fracture is a break in the upper part of the shinbone or tibia. Proximal tibial fractures may or may not involve the knee joint. Fractures that enter the knee joint may cause joint imperfections, irregular joint surfaces, and improper alignment in the legs. This can lead to as joint instability, arthritis, and loss of motion. These fractures are caused by stress or trauma or in a bone already compromised by disease, such as cancer or infection. Proximal tibia fractures can result in injury to the surrounding soft tissues including skin, muscle, nerves, blood vessels, and ligaments.
Tibial shaft fractures: A tibial shaft fracture is a break that occurs along the length of the tibia or shinbone (larger bone of the lower leg) between the knee and ankle joints. These fractures can occur while playing sports such as soccer and skiing.
What is a Thighbone Fracture?
The thighbone or femur is the longest and strongest bone in the body, connecting the hip to the knee. A femur fracture is a break in the femur.
Distal femur fracture: The distal femur is the lower part of the thighbone which flares out like an upside-down funnel. A distal femur fracture is a break in thighbone that occurs just above your knee joint. The lower end of the distal femur is covered by a smooth, slippery articular cartilage that protects and cushions the bone during movement. Fracture of the distal femur may involve the cartilaginous surface of the knee as well and result in arthritis.
Rehabilitation following a femur fracture depends upon several factors such as age, general health of the patient and the type of fracture. As the femur fracture usually involves the weight bearing joint it may cause long term problems such as loss of knee motion or instability and long-term arthritis. Hence a rehabilitation program is initiated along with the treatment comprising of instructions on weight bearing, knee movements, and the use of external devices such as braces.