University of Turku

About: University of Turku is a education organization based out in Turku, Finland. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Galaxy. The organization has 16296 authors who have published 45124 publications receiving 1505428 citations. The organization is also known as: Turun yliopisto & Åbo universitet.

Integrin trafficking in cells and tissues

Abstract: Cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix is fundamental to metazoan multicellularity and is accomplished primarily through the integrin family of cell-surface receptors. Integrins are internalized and enter the endocytic-exocytic pathway before being recycled back to the plasma membrane. The trafficking of this extensive protein family is regulated in multiple context-dependent ways to modulate integrin function in the cell. Here, we discuss recent advances in understanding the mechanisms and cellular roles of integrin endocytic trafficking.

A portfolio approach to analyzing complex human-environment interactions:Institutions and land change

Abstract: The challenge confronting those seeking to understand the institutional dimensions of global environmental change and patterns of land-use and land-cover change is to find effective methods for analyzing the dynamics of socio-ecological systems. Such systems exhibit a number of characteristics that pose problems for the most commonly used statistical techniques and may require additional and innovative analytic tools. This article explores options available to researchers working in this field and recommends a strategy for achieving scientific progress. Statistical procedures developed in other fields of study are often helpful in addressing challenges arising in research into global change. Accordingly, we start with an assessment of some of the enhanced statistical techniques that are available for the study of socio-ecological systems. By themselves, however, even the most advanced statistical models cannot solve all the problems that arise in efforts to explain institutional effectiveness and patterns of land-use and land-cover change. We therefore proceed to an exploration of additional analytic techniques, including configurational comparisons and meta-analyses; case studies, counterfactuals, and narratives; and systems analysis and simulations. Our goal is to create a portfolio of complementary methods or, in other words, a tool kit for understanding complex human-environment interactions. When the results obtained through the use of two or more techniques converge, confidence in the robustness of key findings rises. Contradictory results, on the other hand, signal a need for additional analysis.

Entrepreneurial intentions in the third age: the impact of perceived age norms

Abstract: This article investigates the impact of perceived age norms on the formation of entrepreneurial intentions in the third age. Age norms refer to those social norms that determine whether establishing and running a business are considered appropriate behavior for a mature individual. An empirical analysis of Finnish individuals finds that norms perceived as permissive of enterprising activity in the third age exert a significant positive influence on entrepreneurial intentions in this segment, even when controlling for the general level of entrepreneurship in the municipalities. This influence is partially mediated by whether the individual has a positive attitude toward entrepreneurship, by how the individual perceives their own ability to start and run a business, by the extent of support from their family and friends they perceive and by the importance of that support to them. Thus, if policy aims to increase enterprising activity in the third-age segment, the portfolio of instruments should include measures that address people’s general awareness of third-age entrepreneurship as a viable, positive and attractive late-career option.

Some biomechanical aspects of the foot and ankle in athletes with and without shin splints

Abstract: Thirteen adult male athletes (long-distance runners and orienteerers without foot problems) and 35 male athletes with shin splints were compared with respect to: 1) the position of the lower leg and the heel while standing, 2) the passive range of mobility in the subtalar joint, and 3) the angular displacement between the calcaneus and the midline of the lower leg (Achilles tendon angle) while running with bare feet on a treadmill. In standing, the two groups differed statistically significantly in the Achilles tendon angle, which values were greater in the shin splint group. With respect to passive mobility, the athletes with shin splints had significantly greater (P less than 0.05-0.01) angular displacement values in inversion, eversion, and in their sum than the control group. While running, the Achilles tendon angle of the shin splint group was significantly greater (P less than 0.01) at the heel strike. Further, the shin splints group had a significantly greater (P less than 0.01) angular displacement between the heel strike and the maximal everted position. The results suggest structural and functional differences in the feet and ankles between healthy athletes and those with shin splints.