Trisomy-X with estrous cycle anomalies in two female dogs.

Two female dogs were presented with a history of abnormal estrous cycles and infertility, despite multiple breedings. Medical therapy to correct the cycle anomalies did not result in pregnancy. Cytogenetic analysis of blood lymphocyte cultures in each dog revealed three copies of the X chromosome in each cell, constituting a 79,XXX karyotype (trisomy-X). Both dogs were eventually ovariohysterectomised and histological evaluation revealed hypoplastic ovaries and an absence of normal follicular structures. However, partial or immature follicles were noted, which may have been sufficient to cause both females to initiate cycling. The history and clinical characteristics found in these dogs were compared to those described in three other dogs reported with trisomy-X, as well as those reported in other species. These findings highlighted the importance of cytogenetic studies in fertility evaluation and achieving a definitive diagnosis for infertility in the bitch.

Old men and young women: how objectively are their skills assessed?

Seventy-four male and female undergraduate participants evaluated an essay describing a work of art. They read either a well or a poorly written essay attributed to one of the following authors: a 25-year-old male, a 25-year-old female, a 64-year-old male or a 64-year-old female. Age of target X sex of target X essay quality interactions emerged on four of five dependent variables. In general, essay quality affected evaluations of young male and old female authors, but had little impact on evaluations of young females and old males. The results suggest that young females and old males may be the target of subtle prejudice which causes their work to be assessed unobjectively. They also emphasize the importance of simultaneously manipulating age and sex of target persons in future research. Implications of the findings for the accurate evaluation of elderly males in employment settings are discussed.

Evaluation of job applicants: the effects of age versus success.

177 participants evaluated female job applicants on the basis of a transcript of a job interview. One-half of the participants were told that the applicant was 63, one-half that the applicant was 24. Success or failure in obtaining the job was also manipulated. In addition, participants' scores on an attitude scale were compared to their assessment of the job applicants. There were no clear differences in evaluation of young and old applicants. Scores on the attitude scale were also unrelated to these evaluations. However, female participants rated the older applicants more positively than did males. In addition, knowledge of the outcome of the interview affected ratings. Regardless of age, people who were hired were rated more positively than those who were not. These results are disucssed in terms of implications for future studies of attitudes toward the elderly.