Manchester Metropolitan University

About: Manchester Metropolitan University is a education organization based out in Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 5435 authors who have published 16202 publications receiving 442561 citations. The organization is also known as: Manchester Polytechnic & MMU.

Criminology and Terrorism Which Thesis? Risk Society or Governmentality?

Abstract: Since the events of 11 September 2001, terrorism has been the subject of intense media interest,political dialogue and public scrutiny. Through well publicized discussions about its constitutionand consequences, the ‘new terrorism’ has been open to heavy institutional construction. Yet, crim-inological incursion into the debate about ‘new terrorism’ has so far been relatively limited. Thisarticle seeks to directly address this lacuna by employing two dis tinct theoretical perspectives on riskand demonstrating how each can ai d our understanding of the manufa cture of the terrorist threat.The risk-society thesis pr oposed by Beck is employed to examine the novel fe atures of ‘new terrorism’,including the deployment of hi-tech weaponry, the reproduction of catastrophic effects and thechanging geography of danger. Through the Foucauldian looking glass of governmentality, weinspect the means through which risk is rendered thinkable, the dis cursive construction of terrorismand the intensification of a wider culture of surveillance and control. Our application is governedby two key objectives. First, we wish to critique the ways in which the terrorist threat is being discur-sively and materially shaped by law and order institutions. Secondly, we wish to explore the possib-ility of setting a criminological agenda that is both inclusive of and responsive to current concernsabout the management of ‘new terrorism’. Introduction

A five year physiological case study of an Olympic runner.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To study physiological changes caused by long term endurance training in a world class female distance runner, and to compare these changes with alterations in 3000 m running performance. METHODS: The subject underwent regular physiological assessment during the period 1991-1995. Physiological measures made included body composition, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2MAX), running economy, and lactate threshold. In addition, the running speed at VO2MAX was estimated. Test protocols, laboratory equipment, and laboratory techniques used were the same for each test session. RESULTS: The 3000 m race performance improved by 8% from 1991 to 1993 after which it stabilised. In contrast, VO2MAX fell from 1991 (73 ml/kg/min) to 1993 (66 ml/kg/min). Submaximal physiological variables such as lactate threshold (from 15.0 to 18.0 km/h) and running economy (from 53 ml/kg/min to 48 ml/kg/min at 16.0 km/h) improved over the course of the study. Despite no increase in VO2MAX, the reduction in the oxygen cost of submaximal running caused the estimated running speed at VO2MAX to increase from 19.0 km/h in 1991 to 20.4 km/h in 1995. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in 3000 m running performance was not caused by an increase in VO2MAX. Rather, the extensive training programme adopted, together perhaps with physical maturation, resulted in improvements in submaximal fitness factors such as running economy and lactate threshold. These adaptations improved the running speed estimated to be associated with VO2MAX, and resulted in improved 3000 m running performance.

A Putative Role for Platelet-Derived Growth Factor in Angiogenesis and Neuroprotection After Ischemic Stroke in Humans

Abstract: Background and Purpose Growth factors control two important processes in infarcted tissue, ie, angiogenesis and gliosis. We recently reported that transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) might be involved in angiogenesis after ischemic stroke in humans; here we present data of an extensive study on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and its receptors. Methods We studied brain samples from patients who suffered from ischemic stroke for the expression of mRNA encoding PDGF-A, PDGF-B, and PDGF receptors (PDGF-R). Proteins were examined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry using the antibodies to PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, PDGF-Rα, and PDGF-Rβ. Results At the mRNA level, PDGF-A and PDGF-B were expressed mainly in neurons in penumbra. PDGF-R mRNA was strongly expressed in some astrocytes but mainly in type III/IV neurons in infarct and penumbra. The least expression was seen in the contralateral hemisphere (P<.001). In contrast, both PDGF-AB and PDGF-BB immunoreactive products were present in most cell types:...

The relationship between basketball shooting kinematics, distance and playing position

Abstract: Three‐dimensional cinematography (100 Hz) was used to establish the relationship between distance and the kinematics of shooting with respect to playing position in basketball. Fifteen subjects, divided into guards, forwards and centres (all n = 5), performed jump shots from each of three distances: 2.74, 4.57 and 6.40 m from the basket. Increases in mean release speed were found as shooting distance increased for all groups. This was due to increased angular velocities of both shoulder flexion and elbow extension and an increased speed of the centre of mass in the direction of the basket. Release angles for the two shorter distances (52–55°) tended to provide the advantage of a steep angle of entry into the basket, whereas those at the longest distance (48–50°) were closer to those requiring the minimum possible release speed. All groups exhibited an earlier timing of release as shooting distance increased, which gave rise to an earlier rotation of the shoulder axis. The more consistent changes in kinema...