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We investigated the interaction between prenatal nicotine exposure and intrauterine infection using established rat models. Beginning at gestation day (GD) 6, dams were continuously infused with either saline or 6 mg/kg/day nicotine (Nic). At GD 14, dams received either sterile broth or 105colony-forming units Mycoplasma pulmonis(MP), resulting in four treatment groups: control (4 dams, 33 fetal units); MP only (5 dams, 55 fetal units); Nic only (5 dams, 61 fetal units), and Nic + MP (7 dams, 82 fetal units). At GD 18, nicotine exposure significantly increased (P≤ 0.02) the percentage of amniotic fluids and fetuses infected by MP but did not impact colonization rates of maternal sites. Nicotine exposure significantly reduced the numbers of MP in the placenta required for high microbial loads (≥104color-changing units) in the amniotic fluid (P< 0.01). Fetal inflammatory response lesions were most extensive in the Nic only and Nic + MP groups (P< 0.0001). Control and MP only placentas were interleukin (IL)10-dominant, consistent with an M2/Th2 environment. Placentas exposed to nicotine shifted to a neutral environment, with equivalent levels of interferon gamma (IFNG) and IL10. Both IL6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) levels in amniotic fluid were highly elevated when both nicotine and infection were present. Our study suggests that prenatal exposure to nicotine increases the risk for intrauterine infection, lowers the infectious dose required to breach the placental barrier and infect the amniotic fluid and fetus, and alters the pathology and inflammatory profile associated with maternal and fetal sites.A modifiable risk factor (nicotine) can directly impact what has been considered an immutable risk factor (infection) resulting in increased risk of pathogen transmission across the placental barrier with subsequent impacts on placental pathology and maternal/fetal immune environment.

The article looks at the flexibility and administrative advantages afforded by Delaware law as of January 2015. Topics discussed include laws for modifying trusts; opinion of the state Supreme Court in a case related to Peierls family of inter vivos trusts; and need of changes in the initial law governing trust administration in the state.

To examine the effects of mirtazapine on genioglossus and diaphragmatic electromyogram activity in the anesthetized rat.

Time-resolved transient spectral hole-burning experiments in zero field and in low magnetic fields Bcare reported for the chromiumiii R1-line, 22E ← 24A2 of Chatham lab created emerald, Be3Al2Si6O18 Criii 0.0017 per weight, in the temperature range of 3 to 12 K. In low magnetic fields and temperatures >5 K conversion of side-holes to anti-holes is observed with progressing time. Anti-holes are due to the population stored in ground state levels. The dynamics of the hole pattern can be well modelled by a set of coupled differential equations for the levels of the 4A2and 2E multiplets. The measurements allow the simultaneous determination of g-factors and spin–lattice relaxation rates in the excited state and the ground state. At 6 K the relaxation times between the split ±12 22E excited state levels and ±32 24A2 levels of the ground state are about 0.16 ms and 9 ms, respectively. From the temperature dependence it follows that the spin–lattice relaxation rates are dominated by Orbach processes in the experimental temperature range.

Additional structure–activity relationship studies on potent cyclic peptide inhibitors of very late antigen‐4 (VLA‐4) are reported. The new N‐ to C‐terminal cyclic hexa‐, hepta‐ and octapeptide inhibitors like cyclo(MeIle/MePhe‐Leu‐Asp‐Val‐X) (X=2–4 amino acids containing hydrophobic and/or basic side chains) were synthesized using solid phase peptide synthesis methods. The peptides were evaluated in in vitrocell adhesion assays and in in vivoinflammation models. Many of the peptides like cyclo(MePhe‐Leu‐Asp‐Val‐d‐Arg‐d‐Arg) (ZD7349) (17), cyclo(MeIle‐Leu‐Asp‐Val‐d‐Arg‐d‐Arg‐d‐Phe) (20), cyclo(MeIle‐Leu‐Asp‐Val‐d‐Arg‐d‐Arg‐MePhe) (21) and cyclo(MePhe‐Leu‐Asp‐Val‐d‐Arg‐d‐Arg‐d‐Ala‐d‐Ala) (23) were potent inhibitors of VLA‐4‐mediated cell adhesion and inhibited ovalbumin‐induced delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response in mice. The more potent compounds were highly selective and did not affect U937 cell adhesion to fibronectin (VLA‐5), phorbolmyristate acetate or PMA‐differentiated U937 cell adhesion to intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1)‐expressing Chinese hamster ovary cells (LFA‐1) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP)‐induced platelet aggregation (GPIIb/IIIa). In contrast to the inhibitors like Ac‐cyclo(d‐Lys‐d‐Ile‐Leu‐Asp‐Val) and cyclo(CH2CO‐Ile‐Leu‐Asp‐Val‐Pip‐CH2CO‐Ile‐Leu‐Asp‐Val‐Pip) described earlier, the new compounds were much more compatible with the depot formulations based on poly(dl‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) polymers. The hexapeptide cyclo(MePhe‐Leu‐Asp‐Val‐d‐Arg‐d‐Arg) (ZD7349) (17) inhibited MOLT‐4 cell adhesion to fibronectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) with IC50values of 260 and 330 nm, respectively, and did not show any significant effect against other integrins (IC50>300 μm). ZD7349 inhibited ovalbumin‐induced DTH response in mice when administered continuously using a mini‐pump (ED500.01 mg/kg/day) or when given as an s.c. or i.v. bolus injection at a dose of 1–10 mg/kg. ZD7349 was also active in type II collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) tests at a dose of 3–10 mg/kg. The peptide was released from some formulations over a period of 10–20 days. ZD7349 is currently undergoing pre‐clinical investigation. Copyright © 2000 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Potent monomeric and dimeric cyclic peptide very late antigen‐4 (VLA‐4) inhibitors have been designed based on a tetrapeptide (Ile‐Leu‐Asp‐Val) sequence present in a 25‐amino acid peptide (CS‐1) reported in the literature. The peptides, synthesized by the SPPS techniques, were evaluated in the in vitrocell adhesion assays and in the in vivoinflammation models. The N‐ to C‐terminal cyclic peptides such as cyclo(Ile‐Leu‐Asp‐Val‐NH‐(CH2)2‐S‐(CH2)2‐CO) (28) and cyclo(MeIle‐Leu‐Asp‐Val‐D‐Ala‐D‐Ala) (31), monomeric and dimeric peptides containing piperazine (Pip) or homopiperazine (hPip) residues as linking groups, e.g. cyclo(MeIle‐Leu‐Asp‐Val‐Pip‐CH2CO‐NH‐(CH2)2‐S‐CH2‐CO) (49) and cyclo(MeIle‐Leu‐Asp‐Val‐hPip‐CH2CO‐MeIle‐Leu‐Asp‐Val‐hPip‐CH2CO) (58) and cyclic peptides containing an amide bond between the side chain amino group of an amino acid such as Lys and the C‐terminal Val carboxyl group, e.g. Ac‐cyclo(D‐Lys‐D‐Ile‐Leu‐Asp‐Val) (62) and β‐Ala‐cyclo(D‐Lys‐D‐Leu‐Leu‐Asp‐Val) (68) were more potent than CS‐1 in inhibiting the adhesion of the VLA‐4‐expressing MOLT‐4 cells to fibronectin. The more potent compounds were highly selective and did not affect U937 cell adhesion to fibronectin (VLA‐5), PMA‐differentiated U937 cell adhesion to intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1‐expressing Chinese hamster ovary cells (LFA‐1) and ADP‐induced platelet aggregation (GPIIb/IIIa). A number of the more potent compounds inhibited ovalbumin‐induced delayed type hypersensitivity in mice and some were 100–300 times more potent (ED50=0.003–0.009 mg/kg/day, s.c.) than CS‐1. Two peptides, Ac‐cyclo(D‐Lys‐D‐Ile‐Leu‐Asp‐Val) (62) and cyclo(CH2CO‐Ile‐Leu‐Asp‐Val‐Pip‐CH2CO‐Ile‐Leu‐Asp‐Val‐Pip) (55), were formulated in poly(DL‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) depots and the release profile was investigated in vitroover a 30‐day period. Copyright © 2000 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

One F1 common wheat hybrid (‘Zlatna Dolina’ x ‘Primépi’) which had exhibited significant heterosis in a previous study was compared with 32 F7 lines selected from the same cross. The yield test was planted in the 1976–1977 season at two locations: Zagreb, Yugoslavia (optimal environment) and Hutchinson, Kansas, USA (stress environment). The purpose of this experiment was to determine if a homozygous segregant superior to the F1 hybrid could be obtained from the same cross combination.

The sequence of events in the establishment of a keratinised epidermis has been related to age and crown rump length in fetal rats. Differentiation of the epidermis occurs under cover of the periderm throughout gestation. Ten stages are defined between 12d intra-uterine life and birth. Membrane-coating granules (MCGs) appeared at 18d (Stage 4) after the appearance of tonofilaments but before the appearance of the first “fetal” keratohyaline granules (KHGs) at 19d (Stage 5). Measurement of the position of MCGs within the cells showed a less marked concentration near the superficial border of the cells than that found at later stages. As KHGs formed, exocytosis of MCGs occurred into the intercellular space immediately deep to the periderm. It is suggested that after 19d (Stage 5) the periderm serves to retain the contents of the MCGs in this space so providing the permeability barrier and that prior to that stage the periderm itself probably provides the permeability barrier of fetal skin.

Membrane-coating granules of the epithelium of the hamster cheek pouch displayed a lamellated internal structure consisting of alternating thick and thin electron dense bands separated by translucent bands of equal width. The repeat distance of the contents was 8.5nm±sd 0.7nm and the thickness of the major electron dense band was 3 nm±sd 0.4 nm. After exocytosis from the cells the lamellated material became organised into extensive sheets and the dimensions changed so that the repeat distance was 10.9 nm±sd 0.9 nm but the major electron dense band was virtually unchanged at 3.3 nm±sd 1.1 nm. The narrower or intermediate dense band became progressively less easy to see and was virtually invisible at the surface of the epithelium.

Terminalia catappa L. (popularly known as ‘Indian almond’ in Ghana) is a distinctive tree much used in West Africa for shade and as an ornamental plant. By careful observation of the species generally in south-central Ghana, and by a detailed day-by-day analysis for one year of the leaf, fruit and litter production of one typical mature tree, and by chemical analysis of its leaves and fruit, so the phenology and possible economic potential of the species were assessed. In the region of study the main elements in the phenology are two main flushing periods immediately following two main periods of leaf shedding, which occur at the equinoxes, and two major fruit-fall periods which precede the leaf shedding by one month. Fruiting takes place in four main spells, however, and flowering in three. Any or all of the processes may overlap in time. The tree is little used economically, but it is suggested that it might have value not only for shade and ornament but also as a food source and a provider of firewood, building timber, mulch and fertiliser, cooking oil, gum and tannin. Experimental commercial planting of the tree is proposed.

The article discusses about the collection of English silver plates such as the wine-cistern, wine-fountain, and pair of tankards which remained at Dunham Massey in England during the second half of the eighteenth century. It is asserted that this collection bequeathed by Roger Grey, the tenth Earl of Stamford to the National Trust consists of the Stamford family plate and a major finest Huguenot pieces made for the second Earl of Warrington, George Booth.

The relative importance of the physical geography and the economy of Sierra Leone in determining the pattern of surface transportation in the country is briefly considered. In turn it is noted that economic growth depends upon a soundly developed transport network. The recent changes that have taken place in order to make the system more effective are outlined. Firstly, the "running down" of the national railway and the reasons for this are discussed, followed by a description of the expansion and modification of the road network and the increase in motor vehicles. Lastly, the related necessary improvements at the port of Freetown are also described.

The electron microscopy of the gall bladder epithelium in the sheep shows that the cells are secretory. They have an extensive Golgi apparatus and sparse endoplasmic reticulum with secretory droplets localised in the apical region and have been referred to the group known as mucoid cells. The intercellular spaces which are elaborately developed in those species whose gall bladder is primarily absorptive are poorly developed. Pinocytosis is not a prominent feature. It is believed that the features noted are correlated with the reported absence of absorption in the ungulate gall bladder.

Tooth germs from foetal rats of 17 days post-insemination were maintained in vitro for 12 days. Odontoblasts and ameloblasts differentiated and secreted their respective matrices in which mineralization occurred. The ultrastructure of the cells was qualitatively similar to that observed in normal development. Odontoblasts contained more lysosome-like bodies and were found to degenerate in some sites. Mantle dentine was formed but few von Korff fibres were observed. Calcospherites were rarely seen and the mineralizing front of dentine was predominantly linear, associated with numerous small early foci of mineral formation. Enamel showed prism formation associated with the Tomes' process of the ameloblast but some local disturbances in the pattern of enamel formation were observed.

The fine structure of the epithelium of the gall bladder in the guinea pig has been examined after the resorption of “Thorotrast”. Vesicles at the apex of the epithelial cells containing “Thorotrast” give evidence of pinocytosis and particles are also found in the intercellular spaces and in dense cytoplasmic bodies. The epithelium exhibits interdigitating lateral cell membranes which are correlated with its function of resorbing large amounts of water.

The gastric parietal cells of newborn rabbits show a reduction in number and change in distribution of the smooth cytoplasmic vesicles when compared with the full term fetus. The apical surface and intracellular canaliculus become more complex. The changes are believed to be a manifestation of the onset of acid secretion. The remaining cells of the mucosa and of the submucosal connective tissue show dilatation of endoplasmic reticulum and accumulation of fat with other abnormal features of non-specific nature and unknown origin.

The article assesses the decision of the University of Colorado at Boulder to hire a conservative as a visiting faculty member. Topics discussed include the privately funded program aimed at bringing conservative perspectives to the university, the liberal polices of the university, and its political science department program.

THE formation of giant cells after the irradiation of cell cultures was described by Puck and Marcus1in HeLa cells. The phenomenon also occurs in cultured fibroblasts. After a dose of 1,000 r., a high percentage of the cells in the cultures cease to undergo mitosis but continue to grow in bulk, forming characteristic giant cells which survive for about two weeks under normal culture conditions. Dickson, Paul and Davidson2have shown that the giant cells contain twice the deoxyribonucleic acid, ribonucleic acid, protein and lipid of the normal cell and that the synthesis of these compounds appears to be normal. The primary radiation effect, therefore, would seem to be on the mechanics of mitosis.

The article focuses on the U.S. green energy projects which under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, have disbursed cash grants of 9.8 billion dollars from 2009 to 2011. It explains where most of the funds was spent which included Spanish utility Iberdrola and the German energy giant, E. On. It cites a report "Beyond Boom and Bust" from environmentalists which suggested to restructure energy subsidies and instead invest in research and development of energy-related technologies.

The article discusses the relationship between ideas and power as shown by the public feud between the Koch brothers and Cato Institute. It states that it is difficult to pass judgment on the legal and management issues that have surfaced as a result of the Koch-Cato conflict. According to the author, outsiders may not know all that has passed between Koch brothers and Cato's management over the years that contribute to the current impasse.

The article offers a comparison between Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Winston Churchill, former British Prime Minister. It notes that both Churchill and Gingrich have been dismissed by members of their own party as a genius without judgment. It states that Gingrich is being suggested as the next Churchill. Questions that must be asked to judge whether Gingrich might have the qualities of Churchill are offered.

The article focuses on the varying treatment of the U.S. government of the 2011 uprisings in the Middle East. According to the author, the U.S. government has been contradicting itself with its treatment of Middle East dictators Hosni Mubarak of Egypt and Muammar Qaddafi of Libya. According to the author, Rutgers University political scientist Benjamin Barber is to blame for the moral blindness of Qaddafi, whom he described as a complex and adaptive thinker as well as an efficient autocrat.