Search

A study of applicants, matriculating students, and transfer students of the University of Adelaide (Australia) Faculty of Law examines applicant and student characteristics and performance in specific law school courses. Other factors such as performance in elective subjects, sex differences, withdrawal from school, and socioeducational background are also considered. (MSE)

Previous studies in animal models and humans have shown that exposure to nutritional deficiencies in the perinatal period increases the risk of psychiatric disease. Less well understood is how such effects are modulated by the combination of genetic background and parent‐of‐origin (PO). To explore this, we exposed female mice from 20 Collaborative Cross (CC) strains to protein deficient, vitamin D deficient, methyl donor enriched or standard diet during the perinatal period. These CC females were then crossed to a male from a different CC strain to produce reciprocal F1 hybrid females comprising 10 distinct genetic backgrounds. The adult F1 females were then tested in the open field, light/dark, stress‐induced hyperthermia, forced swim and restraint stress assays. Our experimental design allowed us to estimate effects of genetic background, perinatal diet, PO and their interactions on behavior. Genetic background significantly affected all assessed phenotypes. Perinatal diet exposure interacted with genetic background to affect body weight, basal body temperature, anxiety‐like behavior and stress response. In 8 of 9 genetic backgrounds, PO effects were observed on multiple phenotypes. Additionally, we identified a small number of diet‐by‐PO effects on body weight, stress response, anxiety‐ and depressive‐like behavior. Our data show that rodent behaviors that model psychiatric disorders are affected by genetic background, PO and perinatal diet, as well as interactions among these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Prostaglandin E2 ( PGE2) has been shown to inhibit IgE-dependent histamine release from human lung mast cells. This effect of PGE2 is believed to be mediated by EP2 receptors. However, definitive evidence that this is the case has been lacking in the absence of EP2-selective antagonists. Moreover, recent evidence has suggested that PGE2 activates EP4 receptors to inhibit respiratory cell function. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the receptor by which PGE2 inhibits human lung mast cell responses by using recently developed potent and selective EP2 and EP4 receptor antagonists alongside other established EP receptor ligands. Methods The effects of non-selective ( PGE2, misoprostol), EP2-selective ( ONO- AE1-259, AH13205, butaprost-free acid) and EP4-selective (L-902,688, TCS251) agonists on IgE-dependent histamine release and cyclic- AMP generation in mast cells were determined. The effects of EP2-selective ( PF-04418948, PF-04852946) and EP4-selective ( CJ-042794, L-161,982) antagonists on PGE2 responses of mast cells were studied. The expression of EP receptor subtypes was determined by RT- PCR. Results Prostaglandin E2, EP2 agonists and EP4 agonists inhibited IgE-dependent histamine release from mast cells. PGE2 and EP2 agonists, but not EP4 agonists, increased cyclic- AMP levels in mast cells. EP4-selective antagonists did not affect the PGE2 inhibition of histamine release, whereas EP2-selective antagonists caused rightward shifts in the PGE2 concentration-response curves. RT- PCR studies indicated that mast cells expressed EP2 and EP4 receptors. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Although human lung mast cells may express both EP2 and EP4 receptors, the principal mechanism by which PGE2 inhibits mediator release in mast cells is by activating EP2 receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One-hundred research subjects completed a standardized test measuring moral autonomy, a game-theory exercise measuring belief in the predictability of decisions, a previously published scale measuring belief in free will, and a previously unpublished survey measuring the conceptual structure of evil. Greater moral autonomy was positively correlated with game-theory postulations of predictable decision-making, rather than freely willed decision-making, and was negatively correlated with a factor-analysis theme suggesting that 'the nature of evil is revealed by God.' Belief in free will was positively correlated with the theme suggesting that 'the nature of evil is revealed by God' and was negatively correlated with themes suggesting that 'the potential for evil is within everyone,' that 'the reality of others prevents harm to others,' and that 'good will prevail over evil.' These results support the conclusion that morally autonomous individuals do not behave as if they have free will. Instead, they behave as if their decision-making is predictable and determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the fabrication and properties of poly(pyrrole)-tosylated/metal junctions. Electrochemical deposition of thin films; Electronic properties; Formation of ohmic contacts.

The article reviews the web site of the Jazz Discography Online (TJD Online), http://www.lordisco.com/.

Reviews the Web site Live Music Archive from the Recording Industry Association of America.

The article reviews the web site for a bibliography for classical composer Johann Sebastian Bach, called the Bach Bibliography by Yo Tomita, which can be found at http://www.mu.qub.ac.uk/tomita/bachbib/.