The low-lying particlelike excitations of a model linearly conjugated diatomic polymer, •4rA = B± x , are found to be pairs of either spin-0 or spin-^ solitons with irrational charge values. The charge values and excitation energies are calculated as functions of the difference of the energy levels of the atomic p orbitals of the two atomic constitutents of the unit cell. The phonon spectrum of the uniform polymer is also calculated.

Cardiac fibroblasts are organized into a three-dimensional network in the heart. This organization follows the endomysial weave network that surrounds groups of myocytes. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Western blots, and immunohistochemistry were used to show that discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) was specific for cardiac fibroblasts and not expressed on endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, or cardiac myocytes. DDR2 is expressed early in development and in the adult heart. High voltage electron microscopy (HVEM), scanning electron microscopy, and laser scanning confocal microscopy document the three-dimensional organization of fibroblasts in the heart. Antibodies against connexin 43 and 45 showed different patterns but confirmed, along with HVEM, that fibroblasts are connected to each other as well as cardiac myocytes. The implications of this arrangement of fibroblasts can be important to cardiac function. The signaling of DDR2 and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 in relation to collagen turnover and remodeling is discussed. Developmental Dynamics 230: 787-794, 2004.

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One hundred-thirty-nine women participated in this longitudinal study from the third trimester of pregnancy through 8-months postpartum. Women completed depression scales at several time points and rated their infant's characteristics and childcare stress at 2-and 6-months postpartum. Mothers' reports of infant temperament were significantly different for depressed and non-depressed mothers, with depressed mothers reporting more difficult infants at both measurement points. These differences remained after controlling for histories of maternal abuse or prenatal anxiety, which occurred more often in the depressed mothers. There were no significant differences in childcare stress or perceived support between the groups. Infant temperament and childcare stress did not change over time. Recommendations for practice include consistent ongoing evaluations of the "goodness of fit" within the dyad and exploring interventions for depressed mothers that provide guidance about interactions with their infants and the appropriateness of the infant behaviors. Keywords maternal; infant; temperament; depression; stress; parenting Postpartum depression has the potential for long lasting effects for both the mother and the infant. No one schema for describing the etiology and presentation for postpartum depression has been identified. What is known is that many different risk factors have been found to be at least moderately correlated with the presentation of postpartum depression (Beck, 2006). Included in these are a history of depression (preconception or prenatal), high stress level, high anxiety, and little or no social support. Although no single factor can be attributed to predicating postpartum depression, the combination of factors does seem very important in understanding both the short and long term outcomes as well as what strategies might be best for intervention.Caring for a newborn can be a joyous event that comes with new responsibilities and burdens often related to juggling the needs of the child with the personal needs of the mother and family. Most mothers assimilate these new responsibilities with the other tasks of daily living. As the assimilation occurs, synchronicity in the mother-infant relationship develops (Coplan O'Neil, & Arbeau, 2005;Rothbart, & Bates, 1998). Synchronicity in this relationship supports optimal growth and development for the child (Jacobson & Melvin, 1995;Rothbart, & Bates, 1998). However, for the mother with postpartum Lead and Corresponding Author: Dr. Jacqueline McGrath, School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, PO BOX 980567, Richmond, VA 23298, jmmcgrath@vcu.edu, (804) 828 -1930 Office, (804) 828 -7743 Fax. Note: This research was conducted in accordance with APA ethical standards in the treatment of the study sample.Publisher's Disclaimer: This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetti...

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