Showing papers by "Nottingham Trent University published in 1997"

Jockeying for position: The construction of masculine identities

Abstract: In this paper we examine the construction of masculine identities within a real-life social situation. Using data from an extensive series of interviews with small groups of sixth-form (17-18-year-old) students attending a UK-based, single-sex independent school, the analysis looks at the action orientation of different constructions of identity. More specifically, it focuses upon how the identity talk of one particular group of students were oriented towards managing their subordinate status within the school. In a number of instances the identity of the `new man' was adopted as a strategy of resistance. However, it was found that the more common strategy involved buying back into values embodied within a more traditional definition of masculinity.

Abnormalities of chromosomes 3 and 8 in posterior uveal melanoma correlate with prognosis.

Abstract: Posterior uveal melanomas have nonrandom alterations affecting chromosomes 3, 6, and 8. Loss of chromosome 3 in uveal melanoma has been shown to act as a predictor of disease-free and overall survival. To confirm the significance of chromosome 3 loss and to extend the observations to include those of the associated alterations of chromosome 8, we have conducted a cytogenetic analysis on a series of 42 tumours from patients with primary uveal melanoma who were followed up for a median of 31 months (range = 8-96 months). Abnormalities of chromosomes 3 and 8 were the commonest changes and were confirmed in 10 tumours using flourescence in situ hybridization. Monosomy of chromosome 3 was found in 21 (50%) of the tumours, and 23 (54%) tumours had additional copies of 8q. Alterations of chromosomes 3 and 8 were found occurring together in 19 (45%) of the tumours and were significantly associated with a ciliary body component (P < 0.0001). Prognostic indicators and changes of chromosomes 3 and 8 were analysed for correlation with patient survival. Of the chosen parameters, only ciliary body involvement (P = 0.003), monosomy of chromosome 3 (P = 0.0007), and additional copies of 8q (P = 0.003) correlated with reducted survival. Evaluation of the dosage effect of additional copies of chromosome arm 8q showed a significant association with reduced survival (P = 0.0001), which was also predictive of a decreased disease-free interval (P = 0.01). Thus, the cytogenetic analysis of uveal melanoma may provide a valuable predictor of prognosis. Genes Chromosom. Cancer 19:22–28, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Trace organic compounds in landfill gas at seven U.K. waste disposal sites

Abstract: The trace volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in landfill gas were examined at seven U.K. waste disposal facilities. Over 140 compounds were identified, of which more than 90 were common to all seven sites. The groups of compounds and concentrations observed were alkanes, 302−1543 mg m-3; aromatic compounds, 94−1906 mg m-3; cycloalkanes, 80−487 mg m-3; terpenes, 35−652 mg m-3; alcohols and ketones, 2−2069 mg m-3; and halogenated compounds, 327−1239 mg m-3. The observed variations in landfill gas composition were largely attributed to differ ences in the waste composition and the stage reached in the decomposition processes at each of the sites. Three sites were found to have total chlorine concentrations, derived from the organochlorine compounds in the gas, of above 250 mg m-3. Chlorine contents of this level were considered to be potentially damaging to landfill gas fueled engines used for electricity generation. Chloroethene (>0.1−87 mg m-3) was identified as the most abundant toxic component. Chloroethe...

Chemokines induce migrational responses in human breast carcinoma cell lines

Abstract: Chemokines have been shown to chemoattract and activate different leukocyte populations. Here we report the in vitro effect of macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha, MIP-1beta, regulated on activation, normal T-cells, expressed and secreted (RANTES), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interferon inducible protein-10 (IP-10), neutrophil-activating peptide-2 (NAP-2), growth-related protein (GRO)-alpha and GRO-gamma, on the migration of 3 human breast carcinoma cell lines, MCF-7, T47D and ZR-75-1, using a microchemotaxis chamber to assess migration across fibronectin-coated polycarbonate membranes. MCF-7 cells responded chemotactically to all chemokines tested in a pattern which was dose and time dependent, although responses to the different chemokines were variable. ZR-75-1 responded to MIP-1beta and GRO-alpha, giving maximum migration indices of 3.7 and 5.3, respectively, and exhibited a migratory response to MIP-1alpha, IL-8 and MCP-1 although to a lower degree. T47D was unresponsive to the chemokines tested, but both MCF-7 and T47D cells bound radiolabelled ligands with binding constants (Kd) ranging from 0.6 to 2.2 nM and 0.6 to 2.1 nM, respectively. The specificity of the chemotactic response of MCF-7 to MIP-1alpha and MIP-1beta was confirmed using chemokine-specific neutralising antibodies and heat denaturation, and was demonstrated to involve G protein and cyclic AMP signalling pathways. MIP-1beta and MIP-1alpha were shown to induce changes in the organisation of the actin cytoskeleton and the level of F-actin in MCF-7 cells, as determined using flow cytometric analysis and confocal microscopy. Our results show that breast carcinoma cells can respond to chemokines, and suggests a potential role for these molecules in the process of tumour cell migration, invasion and metastasis.

Reduced expression of tissue transglutaminase in a human endothelial cell line leads to changes in cell spreading, cell adhesion and reduced polymerisation of fibronectin

Abstract: Tissue transglutaminase (tTgase, type II) is a Ca2+-dependent GTP binding protein which crosslinks proteins via (epsilon)((gamma)-glutamyl)lysine bridges. Although essentially a cytosolic enzyme there is increasing evidence to suggest the enzyme is externalised where it may play a role in extracellular matrix organisation. To investigate the function of this enzyme in a human umbilical endothelial cell line ECV304 tTgase expression was reduced in these cells by up to 90% by stable transfection with a 1.1. kb antisense construct in the plasmid vector pSG5. Two clones showing a reduction in expression of tTgase activity of 70 and 90% have been isolated and characterised. These clones show a number of phenotypic differences when compared to the parent cell line and the transfected controls which include reduced cell spreading and a decreased adhesion of cells on different substrata as measured by their susceptibility to removal by trypsin. Reduced cell spreading in the antisense transfected clones was accompanied by a decrease in the crosslinking of fibronectin into polymeric multimers which could be correlated to the amount of tTgase externalised by cells. A novel assay was developed to measure externalised tTgase activity which is cell mediated, inhibited by preincubation of cells with anti-tTgase antibody and relies on the incorporation of biotinylated cadaverine into fibronectin. The results of these experiments suggest that externalised tTgase may play a key role in a number of cell behavioural patterns which might be related to the enzymes ability to bind and crosslink fibronectin.

Exercise Addiction: A Case Study

Abstract: Exercise addiction is an area of great speculation with only limited evidence for its existence. Despite a growing body of such literature, there have been few empirical reports and very few case s...

The role of transglutaminase in the rat subtotal nephrectomy model of renal fibrosis.

Abstract: Tissue transglutaminase is a calcium-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the cross-linking of polypeptide chains, including those of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, through the formation of epsilon-(gamma-glutamyl) lysine bonds. This crosslinking leads to the formation of protein polymers that are highly resistant to degradation. As a consequence, the enzyme has been implicated in the deposition of ECM protein in fibrotic diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis and atherosclerosis. In this study, we have investigated the involvement of tissue transglutaminase in the development of kidney fibrosis in adult male Wistar rats submitted to subtotal nephrectomy (SNx). Groups of six rats were killed on days 7, 30, 90, and 120 after SNx. As previously described, these rats developed progressive glomerulosclerosis and tubulo-interstitial fibrosis. The tissue level of epsilon-(gamma-glutamyl) lysine cross-link (as determined by exhaustive proteolytic digestion followed by cation exchange chromatography) increased from 3.47+/- 0.94 (mean+/-SEM) in controls to 13.24+/-1.43 nmol/g protein 90 d after SNx, P

Why is There a Favourite-Longshot Bias in British Racetrack Betting Markets

Abstract: In this paper, the authors employ a large new data set to examine explanations of the tendency for favorites to be under-bet and longshots over-bet in recent British racetrack betting markets. They demonstrate that both demand-and-supply side factors can explain this favorite-longshot bias and propose new empirical tests to identify the influence of insider trading on the bias. The results suggest that the adverse selection problem faced by bookmakers, in the context of bettors who may possess superior information, is capable of explaining at least some of the observed bias. Copyright 1997 by Royal Economic Society.

A Review of Compliance with Cadbury

Abstract: The report by the Cadbury Committee on the financial aspects of corporate governance is widely viewed as the most far-reaching publication in corporate governance, not only in Great Britain but also in many overseas countries. The Code of Best Practice represents the essence of the principles which are fully discussed in the Cadbury Committee report. This article discusses to what extent have companies implemented the recommendations of the committee on the financial aspects of corporate governance. The review of the most recent research literature confirms that there is a very high degree of adherence to the principles contained in the code. Sir Adrian Cadbury has stated that an important factor in achieving compliance was the London Stock Exchange rule requiring listed companies to disclose in their annual report to the extent to which they complied with the code, and to provide an explanation of any area that they did not comply with. In the area of boardroom committees, companies have nearly universally adopted both audit and remuneration committees. There are important areas where the authors feel that improvements could be made. These are that the audit, remuneration, and nomination committees should comprise solely of non-executive directors who should be independent.

Computer Game Playing in Early Adolescence.

Abstract: Home computer game playing appears to be one of the social and leisure phenomena of the nineties, yet there is still little known about the acquisition, development, and maintenance of computer game playing among children and adolescents. A survey of 147 eleven-year-old computer game players attending a summer camp revealed that their main reasons for playing were for fun, for a challenge, because there was nothing else to do, and because their friends did. Males played computer games significantly more regularly than did females and were significantly more likely to play sports simulation games and violent games. Females were found to play platform games and puzzlers significantly more than did males. It is suggested that computer game playing for most children is a fairly absorbing and harmless activity but that, for a small minority of children, it may be problematic.

Strategic guidelines for outsourcing decisions

Abstract: This article: examines outsourcing as a potentially complex decision that has been associated with both the development of strategic advantage and the loss of strategic capability; discusses a range of perspectives that have been proposed for evaluating the outsourcing decision, including the role of competitive advantage and environmental change, cost, capability, the need to retain and develop essential relationships, choice of technology and the monitoring and revision of sourcing decisions; develops guidelines for the decision; makes reference to the experience of companies in a variety of industries. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Modeling complex environmental data

Abstract: Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are used to model the interactions that occur between ozone pollution, climatic conditions, and the sensitivity of crops and other plants to ozone A number of generic methods for analysis and modeling are presented These methods are applicable to the modeling and analysis of any data where an effect (in this case damage to plants) is caused by a number of variables that have a nonlinear influence Multilayer perceptron ANNs are used to model data from a number of sources and analysis of the trained optimized models determines the accuracy of the model's predictions The models are sufficiently general and accurate to be employed as decision support systems by United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in determining the critical acceptable levels of ozone in Europe Comparison is made of the accuracy of predictions for a number of modeling approaches It is shown that the ANN approach is more accurate than other methods and that the use of principal components analysis on the inputs can improve the model The validation of the models relies on more than simply an error measure on the test data The relative importance of the causal agents in the model is established in the first instance by summing absolute weight values This indicates whether the model is consistent with domain knowledge The application of a range of conditions to the model then allows predictions to be made about the nonlinear influences of the individual principal inputs and of combinations of two inputs viewed as a three-dimensional graph Equations are synthesized from the ANN to represent the model in an explicit mathematical form Models are formed with essential parameters and other inputs are added as necessary, in order of decreasing priority, until an acceptable error level is reached Secondary indicators substituting for primary indicators with which they are strongly correlated can be removed From the synthesized equations both known and novel aspects of the process modeled can be identified Known effects validate the model Novel effects form the basis of hypotheses which can then be tested

Psychology of Computer Use: XLIII. Some Comments on ‘Addictive Use of the Internet’ by Young

Abstract: This paper adds further comments to a case description by Young on addictive use of the Internet. Brief comments relating to the Internet as a behavioural addiction and the problem of to what users are actually addicted, are discussed.

Attacking the attacker: gay Christians talk back.

Abstract: This paper analyses the accounts constructed by 60 gay male Christians in partnership as stigma management strategies at the level of cognition and rhetoric. Four strategies are identified : (i) attacking the stigma ; (ii) attacking the stigmatizer ; (iii) use of positive personal experience ; and (iv) use of the ontogeneric argument. These strategies are interchangeably and collectively used to dismiss the credibility of the institutionalized Church and the validity of its unfavourable official position on the issue of homosexuality. The effective use of these strategies demonstrates the positive personal identity these gay Christians have developed in this advanced stage of their moral career

Price‐knowledge‐induced bias: a cross‐cultural comparison

Abstract: Explains that bias in human problem‐solving behaviour may sometimes conflict with the assumptions that underlie normative models of valuation. Possibilities include faulty perceptions of the task, routinized valuation procedures that rely heavily on pending sale price‐knowledge and reliance on innate and distorting problem‐solving heuristics. Describes an experiment conducted with appraisers in the USA and valuers in the UK to investigate the impact of price knowledge on the process of valuation and the search and selection of comparable sales. Concludes that both appraisers and valuers can be subject to price‐knowledge bias, reflected in the choice of the less than “best” comparables and in the actual value estimate. Discusses how cultural differences in the appraisal and valuation processes, especially in the transparency of comparables adjustments, help to explain these effects.

A review of the marriage analogy in relationship marketing

Abstract: This paper offers a review of the marriage analogy in relationship marketing as used by many marketing authors. Accepting a Christian view of marriage as adopted in Levitt's seminal paper, marriage is seen as a successful, public, contractual, and monogamous relationship, freely entered into by two consenting adults of different genders, which is intended to endure a lifetime. However, while parallels do exist in relationship development, the metaphor fails to deliver on issues concerning the number of parties involved in the relationship, on the attendant costs and benefits, on the willingness of the parties involved and on the “ideal” timescale of the relationship. Parallels from the full range of relationships between the sexes, both functional and dysfunctional, suggest polygamy, prostitution, stalking, rape, and seduction may be more apposite.

Women in the Boardroom: Evidence from Large UK Companies

Abstract: A considerable amount of attention has recently been given to the lack of equality for women in the economic arena. Women are systematically disadvantaged in many ways in terms of pay for the same job, promotion prospects and access to the most important top jobs in the United Kingdom. In this paper we present new evidence on women participation rates in UK boardrooms. In particular, our objectives are to (i) examine the proportion of executive and non-executive directors who are women (ii) to document the degree to which women are deployed to key boardroom committees.

Virtual hierarchies and virtual networks

Abstract: The paper considers the usability of the World Wide Web in the light of a decade of research into the usability of hypertext and hypermedia systems. The concepts of virtual hierarchies and virtual networks are introduced as a mechanism for alleviating some of the shortcomings inherent in the current implementations of the web, without violating its basic philosophy. It is suggested that virtual hierarchies and virtual networks will assist users to find task-relevant information more easily and quickly and also help web authors to ensure that their pages are targeted at the users who wish to see them.The paper first analyses the published work on hypermedia usability, identifying the assumptions that underlie this research and relating them to the assumptions underlying the web. Some general conclusions are presented about both hypermedia usability principles and their applicability to the web. These results are coupled with problems identified from other sources to produce a requirements list for improving web usability. A possible solution is then presented which utilizes the capabilities of existing distributed information management software to permit web users to create virtual hierarchies and virtual networks. Some ways in which these virtual structures assist searchers to find useful information, and thus help authors to publicize their information more effectively, are described. The explanation is illustrated by examples taken from the GENIE Service, an implementation of some of the ideas. This uses the World Wide Web as a means of allowing global environmental change researchers throughout the world to find data that may be relevant to their research.

Wetting of a High-Energy Fiber Surface

Abstract: The measurement of the equilibrium contact angle of a small droplet of fluid partially wetting a flat solid surface provides information on the solid–liquid interfacial energy. However, if the spreading power,S= γSV− (γSL+ γLV), of the surface is positive the liquid spreads completely, no equilibrium contact angle exists, and the resulting thin film has an ultimate thickness determined by Van der Waal's forces. On a chemically identical solid surface with only the geometry changed to a cylinder the same droplet of fluid which completely wets the flat surface can provide an equilibrium conformation. The indefinite spreading tendency is inhibited and the equilibrium is not necessarily a thin sheathing film about the fiber, but can have a macroscopic profile. On a high energy cylindrical surface a barrelling type droplet is only approximately spherical in cross section. Near the three phase contact line the curvature can change sign and measurement of the contact angle becomes difficult. In this work we consider the theoretical profile for such droplets and calculate the extent to which decreasing the fiber radius changes the surface energy and the maximum slope of the profile. We suggest that measurements of the inflection angle in addition to the reduced thickness and reduced length of the droplet provide an improved means of characterizing droplet on fiber systems. Experiments are reported showing the changes in contact length, droplet height, and inflection angle for poly(dimethyl)siloxane oils on copper cylinders of different diameters. These cylinders are produced from the same initial copper wire by etching in sodium hydroxide to produce controlled diameters ranging from 0.07 to 0.49 mm. As the curvature increases with reducing diameter the influence of gravity diminishes and the shape increasingly conforms to a symmetric barreling droplet type. Furthermore, as the reduced volume of fluid increases the inflection angle increases from 7° to 30° while the contact angle remains at 0°. Consistency between measured values of equilibrium parameters are compared to the theoretical values which we compute numerically and the suggested radius and volume dependence of the inflection angle is confirmed.

Leisure Theory: Retrospect and Prospect

Abstract: The two main questions examined in this paper are: 1) What are the achievements of leisure theory at century's end?; and 2) What are the prospects for theoretical developments in the future? The first half of the paper argues that theoretical discussion has been dominated by three positions: functionalism/post industrial society theory; structuralism; and postructuralism/postmodernism. Within this framework the specialized theory and research traditions in the subject can be located. The strengths and weaknesses of the three positions are discussed. The role of the “gladiatorial paradigm” in encouraging stereotyping and scapegoating is reviewed. The second half of the paper moves on to consider the key issues identified as: 1) exploring the meaning of leisure in post-Fordist society; 2) developing a theory of deviant leisure; 3) developing which full employment is already a thing of the past; and 4) investigating the changing balance of inequalities between the leisure rich and the leisure poor.

Dare to Differ: Gay and Lesbian Catholics' Assessment of Official Catholic Positions on Sexuality

Abstract: This paper presents data collected through a postal survey of 121 gay and lesbian Catholics in Britain. It aims to examine the respondents' assessment of the official Catholic positions on sexuality in general and homosexuality in particular. The Catholic Church labels the homosexual inclination an "objective disorder" and the engagement in homosexual genital acts "intrinsically disordered." A vast maority of respondents, however, found the Church's arguments against homosexuality and other sexuality issues unconvincing. Most respondents considered genital acts within a same-sex relatzonship entirely compatible with their Catholic faith. The respondents demonstrate the ability as social actors to rise above the "deviant" circumstances imposed on them. This is the outcome of their having developed a positive self identity, constructed primarily in opposition to the Church's teachings, that successfully incorporates their sexuality and religious beliefs.

Theorizing Managerial Work: a Pragmatic Pluralist Approach to Interdisciplinary Research

Abstract: Management research is especially open to the benefits of using insights from a variety of social science disciplines but it should not use these indiscriminately. A strategy of pragmatic pluralism is proposed as a way of ensuring that concepts taken from different social science paradigms or disciplines are drawn together into a single coherent perspective to shape the particular study to which they relate. This is illustrated with reference to an ethnographic study of managerial work carried out by the author.

Women and early seventeenth-century manuscript culture: four miscellanies

Abstract: (1997). WOMEN AND EARLY SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY MANUSCRIPT CULTURE: FOUR MISCELLANIES. The Seventeenth Century: Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 135-150.