The Greek mirror: the Uranians and their use of Greece.

The Uranians comprised a loosely knit group of British and American homosexual poets writing between approximately 1880 and 1930, sharing a number of basic cultural and literary assumptions derived on one hand from Walter Pater, and on the other from Walt Whitman. Although they used Oriental, Christian and other motifs, one of the major elements many shared was a use of various allusions and themes from ancient Greece, including paganism, male companionship or intimate friendship (which was not defined in terms of sameness), and democracy and a natural aristocracy of virtue, which they applied to the concerns of their own society and era. The model of male relationships which they advocated (and in at least some cases practiced) was almost uniformly asymmetrical, either by age or class, or both. In addition to their poetry, various theoretical writings by members of the group are also involved in the discussion, and this article argues that these historical/ literary allusions and themes should not be understood as means of evasion which allowed them to write of tabooed subjects safely, but as part of a consciously adopted artistic/cultural strategy for homosexual emancipation. It also suggests that their arguments should be reexamined as a corrective to the present egalitarian model of homosexuality.

Liposome encapsulation of a soluble recombinant fragment of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) G protein enhances immune protection and reduces lung eosinophilia associated with virus challenge.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in young children and infants. Previous animal studies have shown that immunizing intramuscularly or intraperitoneally with the RSV G protein has elicited protective as well as harmful immune responses upon RSV challenge. In an RSV immunization strategy designed to target the respiratory tract directly (the site of RSV replication), we immunized BALB/c mice intranasally with a liposome-encapsulated, prokaryotically expressed thioredoxin fusion protein consisting of amino acids 128-229 of the RSV G protein (Trx-G(128-229)). Upon intranasal challenge with RSV, a 100 to 500-fold reduction in lung RSV replication was observed in mice immunized with liposome-encapsulated Trx-G(128-229) compared to a sham-immunized control group. Analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids revealed an influx of eosinophils (18% of total cells) in mice immunized with Trx-G(128-229) alone. Such eosinophilic infiltration was diminished (to 4.5% of total cells), however, in mice immunized with liposome-encapsulated Trx-G(128-229). Histological analysis of lung tissue revealed an accumulation of cells around the bronchioles and vessels in mice immunized with Trx-G(128-229) alone followed by RSV challenge which was not increased further in mice immunized with liposome-encapsulated Trx-G(128-229). These results show that intranasal immunization of BALB/c mice with Trx-G(128-229), when encapsulated in liposomes, can reduce the level of RSV replication in the lung as well as specifically reduce the degree of eosinophilic infiltration compared to mice immunized with Trx-G(128-229) alone. This demonstrates the potential of liposomes and particular recombinant fragments of the RSV G protein as an effective combination in RSV vaccine studies.

Association of herpesvirus with fibropapillomatosis of the green turtle Chelonia mydas and the loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta in Florida.

Sea turtle fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a disease marked by proliferation of benign but debilitating cutaneous fibropapillomas and occasional visceral fibromas. Transmission experiments have implicated a chloroform-sensitive transforming agent present in filtered cell-free tumor homogenates in the etiology of FP. In this study, consensus primer PCR methodology was used to test the association of a chelonian herpesvirus with fibropapillomatosis. Fibropapilloma and skin samples were obtained from 17 green and 2 loggerhead turtles affected with FP stranded along the Florida coastline. Ninety-three cutaneous and visceral tumors from the 19 turtles, and 33 skin samples from 16 of the turtles, were tested. All turtles affected with FP had herpesvirus associated with their tumors as detected by PCR. Ninety-six percent (89/93) of the tumors, but only 9% (3/33) of the skin samples, from affected turtles contained detectable herpesvirus. The skin samples that contained herpesvirus were all within 2 cm of a fibropapilloma. Also, 1 of 11 scar tissue samples from sites where fibropapillomas had been removed 2 to 51 wk earlier from 5 green turtles contained detectable herpesvirus. None of 18 normal skin samples from 2 green and 2 loggerhead turtles stranded without FP contained herpesvirus. The data indicated that herpesvirus was detectable only within or close to tumors. To determine if the same virus infected both turtle species, partial nucleotide sequences of the herpesvirus DNA polymerase gene were determined from 6 loggerhead and 2 green turtle samples. The sequences predicted that herpesvirus of loggerhead turtles differed from those of green turtles by only 1 of 60 amino acids in the sequence examined, indicating that a chelonian herpesvirus exhibiting minor intratypic variation was the only herpesvirus present in tumors of both green and loggerhead turtles. The FP-associated herpesvirus resisted cultivation on chelonian cell lines which support the replication of other chelonian herpesviruses. These results lead to the conclusion that a chelonian herpesvirus is regularly associated with fibropapillomatosis and is not merely an incidental finding in affected turtles.

Retinoid-induced epiphyseal plate closure in guinea pigs.

Vitamin A and its derivatives (retinoids) have been known to cause premature epiphyseal closure in humans as an unwanted side effect of chronic treatment. The purpose of the present study was to determine if guinea pigs could serve as an animal model of retinoid-induced epiphyseal plate closure, and to utilize this model to study the mechanism. Weanling male Hartley guinea pigs were treated ip via osmotic pump for up to 14 days with vehicle or 0.50 to 5.5 mg/kg/day of the retinoic acid receptor (RAR)-selective agonist AGN 190121. Histopathological examination of the proximal tibia of AGN 190121-treated guinea pigs revealed a dose-dependent disruption of the epiphyseal plate. The natural retinoids all-trans-retinoic acid and 13-cis-retinoic acid also induced epiphyseal plate closure in guinea pigs when administered by ip injection for 10 days. Prominent histological features of retinoid-induced epiphyseal closure included the loss of basophilic staining in the extracellular matrix of epiphyseal plate chondrocytes and the invasion of the epiphyseal plate by osteoclasts. To determine if the epiphyseal closure detected histologically was reversible, guinea pigs were treated for 6 days with the RAR-selective agonist (E)-4[2-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthyl)propen- 1-y1]benzoic acid (TTNPB) or vehicle, and groups of guinea pigs were euthanized on Day 7 or 57. TTNPB but not vehicle treatment caused histological evidence of epiphyseal closure at both time points, and significant bone elongation between Day 7 and Day 57 was detected only in vehicle-treated animals. Epiphyseal closure and other toxic effects of TTNPB were blocked by cotreatment of guinea pigs with a fivefold molar excess of AGN 193109, an RAR antagonist. Taken together, these data demonstrate the utility of the guinea pig as an animal model of retinoid-induced epiphyseal closure and suggest that RAR activation is necessary and sufficient for this activity.

[Illegal drugs: attitude of parents of adolescents]. / Drogues illégales: les attitudes des parents d'adolescents.

A survey among 2000 mothers and fathers of adolescent children confirms parent's concern about illicit drugs. Close to 40% of the respondents fear that their child, aged 11 to 16 years, could develop a drug problem. Those parents with the most apprehensions are to be found in the French-speaking and the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. It is also worthy to note that those fathers and mothers who have the impression that they are well informed about drugs are less fearful than those who feel insufficiently informed. Approximately one quarter of those questioned report lack of knowledge about illegal drugs and one third of parents do not know whom they could turn to in case someone in their immediate environment should have a drug problem. Many fathers and mothers have only scant knowledge about psychoactive substances and their related health risks. Most parents regard drug use as a social phenomenon and therefore assume that their child will be confronted with illegal drugs sooner or later. In order to hinder youngsters from using drugs respondents wish more prevention and information among parents as well as among children at school. However personal interviews show that parents consider it a difficult task to discuss drugs with their children. Some hints for the prevention are outlined.

[How much treatment does a person need? Addiction, spontaneous remission and "family" as biographical as leitmotiv]. / Wieviel Therapie braucht der Mensch? Sucht, Selbstheilungstendenzen und "Familie" als biographisches Leitmotiv.

Referring to theoretical and empirical examples taken from psychiatry, psychology and sociology, this paper first clarifies the dimensions and application of concepts such as 'natural recovery' and 'spontaneous remission'. In order to illustrate the general development of research in the area of therapy free drug remission from a purely quantitative approach to a qualitative, ethnographic one, two studies are referred to: the classic Vietnam veteran study done by Robins and a longitudinal analysis of a network of cocaine users. This is also supplemented by the latest results from Germany. Next, the empirical results of the ongoing spontaneous remitter follow-up study from the Swiss Institute for the Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Problems (SIPA) are presented. The analysis of the gender specific processes involved in the long-term stabilization of heroin autoremission, taking the support of social surroundings into consideration, shows the following: independent of gender, a high stability of autoremission was determined four years after the initial survey. In only three out of thirty cases has there been a relapse since the first interview. This result confirms the general significance of social support during the autoremission phase for both gender groups. Measured against dominant role expectations, it can be said that most of the men have successfully reintegrated into society. Women, on the other hand, seem to deviate more strongly from traditional professional and family roles. This might be due to particularly longlasting social sanctions during their former addiction. Finally, some practical consequences for the drug treatment system drawn from autoremission research are discussed as well as some drug and social policy conditions favorable to autoremission.

A model for characterizing residential ground current and magnetic field fluctuations.

The current through the residential grounding circuit is an important source for magnetic fields; field variations near the grounding circuit accurately track fluctuations in this ground current. In this paper, a model is presented which permits calculation of the range of these fluctuations. A discrete network model is used to simulate a local distribution system for a single street, and a statistical model to simulate unbalanced currents in the system. Simulations of three-house and ten-house networks show that random appliance operation leads to ground current fluctuations which can be quite large, on the order of 600%. This is consistent with measured fluctuations in an actual house.

Exclusion, toleration, acceptance, integration: the experience of Dutch Reformed churches with homosexuality and homosexuals in the church.

The overwhelming majority of Protestant Christians in The Netherlands are members of denominations in the Reformed tradition (i.e., protestant churches characterized by Calvinist theology and a "presbyterian" church government by elected assemblies of elders). Comparable North American denominations are the Reformed Church in America and the United Presbyterian Church, both of which are facing some degree of internal controversy over homosexuality. In The Netherlands, the four major strands of the Reformed church have taken various positions on homosexuality, ranging from absolute rejection of homosexuality in the church and society, through one denomination which found itself in the curious position of approving the ordination of homosexual clergy while barring homosexuals from the Lord's Table, to creating "life covenants" which re-evaluate heterosexual marriage while also blessing relationships between homosexuals. All call upon the same set of principles for their varied stands. The two major denominational branches, the Netherlands Reformed Church (Hervormde Kerk) and the Reformed Churches in The Netherlands (Gereformeerde Kerken) have taken different approaches to resolving the issue, the former through internal political conflict and the latter through a more authoritarian (though progressive) stand. The article traces the political, theological, and juridical history of the evolution of these positions, and suggests various potential models, and their possibilities and pitfalls, for North American Protestant churches dealing with issues surrounding homosexuality and the church.

Residential exposure to 60-Hz magnetic fields from appliances.

A model has been developed that permits assessment of residential exposure to 60-Hz magnetic fields emitted by appliances. It is based on volume- and time-averaging of magnetic-dipole fields. The model enables the contribution of appliances in the total residential exposure to be compared with that of other sources in any residence under study. Calculations based on measurements reported in the literature on 98 appliances revealed that appliances are not a significant source of whole-body exposure, but that they may be the dominant source of exposure of the body's extremities.

The use of nonmetal electrodes in electroejaculation of restrained but unanesthetized macaques.

A successful technique for electroejaculation with nonmetallic electrodes cut from defibrillation pads is described. Twenty-six adult male cynomolgus and eleven adult male rhesus macaques were electroejaculated while immobilized with chair restraint. From 123 attempted electroejaculations in both species of macaques, 119 semen specimens were obtained. The volume, concentration, % motility, and % normal forms of cynomolgus and rhesus macaque semen are presented. The use of nonmetallic electrodes provides a high quality ejaculate while minimizing the risks of adverse affects on valuable populations of macaques.

A simple model for calculating residential 60-Hz magnetic fields.

A model is presented that permits the calculation of densities of 60-Hz magnetic fields throughout a residence from only a few measurements. We assume that residential magnetic fields are produced by sources external to the house and by the residential grounding circuit. The field from external sources is measured with a single probe. The field produced by the grounding circuit is calculated from the current flowing in the circuit and its geometry. The two fields are combined to give a prediction of the total field at any point in the house. A data-acquisition system was built to record the magnitude and phase of the grounding current and the field from external sources. The model's predictions were compared with measurements of the total magnetic field at a single location in 23 houses; a correlation coefficient of .87 was obtained, indicating that the model has good predictive capability. A more detailed study that was carried out in one house permitted comparisons of measurements with the model's predictions at locations throughout the house. Again, quite reasonable agreement was found. We also investigated the temporal variability of field readings in this house. Daily magnetic field averages were found to be considerably more stable than hourly averages. Finally, we demonstrate the use of the model in creating a profile of the magnetic fields in a home.

Total contact povidone-iodine perfusion cast for the treatment of neuropathic ulcers.

The total contact povidone-iodine perfusion cast is an effective, conservative treatment for the neuropathic ulcer. This is accomplished by redistribution of forces exerted on the foot, as well as the antiseptic environment established by the povidone-iodine. The case study presented demonstrates a cost-effective treatment for the diabetic neuropathic ulcer.

Effects of ambient temperature on the half-life and dosage regimen of amikacin in the gopher snake.

Eight gopher snakes were given amikacin (5 mg/kg of body weight IM) and were housed at ambient temperatures of 25 C or 37 C. Snakes housed at 37 C had a larger volume of distribution, and a more rapid body clearance of amikacin while the apparent half-life was not changed significantly. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of amikacin against isolated snake pathogens were determined at both temperatures. Bacteria were twice as sensitive at 37 C than at 25 C. The data indicated that amikacin should be given IM at a dose schedule of 5 mg/kg (loading dose) followed by 2.5 mg/kg every 72 hours, and that snakes should be housed near the high end of their preferred optimum ambient temperature during treatment.