Plasma versus bone marrow desipramine: a comparative study

Correlation between plasma and bone marrow tricyclic antidepressants has not been studied before. Two groups of rabbits were given 10 and 20 mg of desipramine/kg body weight, respectively. Desipramine was administered to the animals once daily by mouth for 5 days. On the fifth day the animals were sacrificed and blood and bone marrow samples were collected and analyzed using a high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method. Data showed that a correlation exists between bone marrow and blood desipramine. The bone marrow desipramine concentration increased as its blood levels increased. The average ratio of bone marrow to blood desipramine +/- S.D. (standard deviation) in both dosage groups was 37.2 +/- 4.46 with a range of 30.99-44.82. This investigation is promising and shows that bone marrow could be used as an alternative tissue in the absence of a suitable blood sample.     

The collaborative study on typing group-specific component by eight forensic science laboratories

This report describes a collaborative study on typing group-specific component (GC), conducted between the Central Research and Support Establishment and the forensic science laboratories of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. A population study (n=114) was performed. Fifty blood donors were selected to provide a distribution, slightly biased from normal, in favour of the GC 1F-1F and GC 1F-1S phenotypes. A protocol was devised for preparing large bloodstains. The strongest GC bands were obtained from the edge of a stain after the blood had been treated with K+/EDTA. Each laboratory received a representative portion of the large bloodstains for GC typing. Five of the eight laboratories correctly grouped all the bloodstains. No errors directly attitributable to the system were recorded in over 800 tests, indicating that GC in bloodstains can be typed reliably using the combination of isoelectric focusing in ultrathin narrow pH interval gels followed by immunofixation and silver staining.     

Group-specific component: a review of the isoelectric focusing methods and auxiliary methods available for the separation of its phenotypes

This review compares the major isoelectric focusing methods that have been published for the separation of group-specific component (Gc) phenotypes since 1978. The various parameters of gel composition, size, electrical and running conditions and sample application points are listed. More current auxiliary methods are also listed. These relate to the extraction of Gc from bloodstains and its identification after isoelectric focusing. Protocols are then recommended for the forensic analysis of Gc phenotypes.     

An evaluation of the polymerase chain reaction method for forensic applications

This paper describes the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for amplifying small amounts of DNA obtained from samples of interest to the forensic scientist. A region of the HLA DQalpha (DQa) locus was amplified in DNA prepared from the following: hair roots, liquid blood, blood-stains, semen and vaginal swabs (semen free and semen contaminated). A population study was conducted using DNA from 78 unrelated individuals. The observed distribution of HLA DQa alleles varied from that reported for an American population but obeyed the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Interpretation problems associated with the PCR technique are discussed.     

Fear and Loathing across Party Lines: New Evidence on Group Polarization

When defined in terms of social identity and affect toward copartisans and opposing partisans, the polarization of the American electorate has dramatically increased. We document the scope and consequences of affective polarization of partisans using implicit, explicit, and behavioral indicators. Our evidence demonstrates that hostile feelings for the opposing party are ingrained or automatic in voters' minds, and that affective polarization based on party is just as strong as polarization based on race. We further show that party cues exert powerful effects on nonpolitical judgments and behaviors. Partisans discriminate against opposing partisans, doing so to a degree that exceeds discrimination based on race. We note that the willingness of partisans to display open animus for opposing partisans can be attributed to the absence of norms governing the expression of negative sentiment and that increased partisan affect provides an incentive for elites to engage in confrontation rather than cooperation.