All in a day’s work: A qualitative analysis of fathers’ uptake of flexible working arrangements, workplace culture, and masculine identity

Australian men’s use of flexible working arrangements, including parental leave, is low when compared with women in Australia and also when compared with men in other countries. This impedes their ability to be involved in parenting activities. This thesis will explore why Australian men’s use of flexible working arrangements remains low. Workplace flexibility has been an important way to balance work and life. Access to and organisational support for use of flexibility has been suggested to affect employee health and well-being, reduce employee turnover, and affect organisational commitment (Dorio, Bryant, & Allen, 2008; Pocock, 2005a; Williams, 2000). A wealth of literature suggests that organisational factors are influential in men’s decision making in relation to the use or non-use of flexible working arrangements. This includes managerial support for use of flexibility, perceptions of entitlement to flexibility, and factors such as organisational culture, which sets out norms and organisational expectations for good organisational citizens (Wayne & Cordeiro, 2003). Included in these expectations is the ideal worker norm. Further, gendered expectations regarding who should work and who should provide care within families persist (Deutsch, 2007). Particularly in Australia, masculine identity aa well as fathering identity is tied up in being a financial provider, and these gendered expectations, (re)produced socially and culturally, affect the roles men see as appropriate for them to inhabit (Baxter & Hewitt, 2013). A social constructionist perspective was employed in this research. This framework suggests that meaning is created subjectively, and is (re)produced through social practices, action and interaction with others (Crotty, 1998). Within this framework, the present research was guided by several theoretical perspectives related to gender and organisations: gendered organisational theory, the ideal worker norm, masculinity theory, and feminist theory. These theories complement each other and take a critical approach to the taken-for-granted, which is pertinent when attempting to investigate, challenge, and deconstruct gender and the structures which (re)produce and maintain it. Semi-structured interviews with fathers and with workplace managers were utilised to collect data. Both thematic analysis and discourse analysis were applied when interpreting and analysing the data. Findings of this research point to the persistence of gendered norms and expectations in relation to parenting and work, and that these continue to have an impact upon men’s decision making in the organisational context. The persistence of the ideal worker norm and male breadwinner expectations, for example, remain influential in men’s decision making in regard to work and parenting roles, the parenting practices they choose to be involved in, and how they construct fathering. However, the findings also suggest that challenges to and evolution of masculinity are occurring. Specifically, men are beginning to challenge aspects of masculinity which contribute to restrictions in their parenting choices. The implications of these challenges are explored. Finally, this research suggests the need to address structural restrictions and to put more supports in place to enable fathers to engage more fully in parenting. In particular, it is suggested that organisational and family policies need to provide more support for men to be involved in caregiving and unpaid labour.Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Public Health, 202

Loss of Striatonigral GABAergic Presynaptic Inhibition Enables Motor Sensitization in Parkinsonian Mice

SummaryDegeneration of dopamine (DA) neurons in Parkinson’s disease (PD) causes hypokinesia, but DA replacement therapy can elicit exaggerated voluntary and involuntary behaviors that have been attributed to enhanced DA receptor sensitivity in striatal projection neurons. Here we reveal that in hemiparkinsonian mice, striatal D1 receptor-expressing medium spiny neurons (MSNs) directly projecting to the substantia nigra reticulata (SNr) lose tonic presynaptic inhibition by GABAB receptors. The absence of presynaptic GABAB response potentiates evoked GABA release from MSN efferents to the SNr and drives motor sensitization. This alternative mechanism of sensitization suggests a synaptic target for PD pharmacotherapy

Expression of X-chromosome linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein in mature purkinje cells and in retinal bipolar cells in transgenic mice induces neurodegeneration

Transgenic mice with overexpression of the caspase-inhibitor, X-chromosome-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) in Purkinje cell (PC) and in retinal bipolar cells (RBCs) were produced to study the regulation of cell death. Unexpectedly, an increased neurodegeneration was observed in the PCs in these L7-XIAP mice after the third postnatal week with the mice exhibiting severe ataxia. The loss of PCs was independent of Bax as shown by crossing the L7-XIAP mice with Bax gene–deleted mice. Electron microscopy revealed intact organelles in PCs but with the stacking of ER cisterns indicative of cell stress. Immunostaining for cell death proteins showed an increased phosphorylation of c-Jun in the PCs, suggesting an involvement in cell degeneration. Apart from PCs, the number of RBCs was decreased in adult retina in line with the expression pattern for the L7 promoter. The data show that overexpression of the anti-apoptotic protein XIAP in vulnerable neurons leads to enhanced cell death. The mechanisms underlying this neurodegeneration can be related to the effects of XIAP on cell stress and altered cell signaling.Supported by Sigrid Juselius Foundation, Academy of Finland, EU Biotech Grant, Liv och Hälsa, Maud Kuistila, Ylppö Foundation, Uppsala University and Minerva Foundation. We thank Dr. Urmas Arumäe for discussions, and Dr. Patrik Ernfors for the Bax KO mice, and Eeva Lehto for technical assistance. L7AUG was a kind gift from Dr. J. Oberdick, Ohio State University, USA.Peer reviewe

Optostimulation of striatonigral terminals in substantia nigra induces dyskinesia that increases after L‐DOPA in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease

Background and Purpose: L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID) remains a major complication of L-DOPA therapy in Parkinson's disease. LID is believed to result from inhibition of substantia nigra reticulata (SNr) neurons by GABAergic striatal projection neurons that become supersensitive to dopamine receptor stimulation after severe nigrostriatal degeneration. Here, we asked if stimulation of direct medium spiny neuron (dMSN) GABAergic terminals at the SNr can produce a full dyskinetic state similar to that induced by L-DOPA. Experimental Approach: Adult C57BL6 mice were lesioned with 6-hydroxydopamine in the medial forebrain bundle. Channel rhodopsin was expressed in striatonigral terminals by ipsilateral striatal injection of adeno-associated viral particles under the CaMKII promoter. Optic fibres were implanted on the ipsilateral SNr. Optical stimulation was performed before and 24 hr after three daily doses of L-DOPA at subthreshold and suprathreshold dyskinetic doses. We also examined the combined effect of light stimulation and an acute L-DOPA challenge. Key Results: Optostimulation of striatonigral terminals inhibited SNr neurons and induced all dyskinesia subtypes (optostimulation-induced dyskinesia [OID]) in 6-hydroxydopamine animals, but not in sham-lesioned animals. Additionally, chronic L-DOPA administration sensitised dyskinetic responses to striatonigral terminal optostimulation, as OIDs were more severe 24 hr after L-DOPA administration. Furthermore, L-DOPA combined with light stimulation did not result in higher dyskinesia scores than OID alone, suggesting that optostimulation has a masking effect on LID. Conclusion and Implications: This work suggests that striatonigral inhibition of basal ganglia output (SNr) is a decisive mechanism mediating LID and identifies the SNr as a target for managing LID.Fil: Keifman, Ettel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay; Argentina. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; EspañaFil: Ruiz De Diego, Irene. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; EspañaFil: Pafundo, Diego Esteban. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay; ArgentinaFil: Paz, Rodrigo Manuel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay; ArgentinaFil: Solís, Oscar. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; EspañaFil: Murer, Mario Gustavo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay; ArgentinaFil: Moratalla, Rosario. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; Españ

The new Swedish body

Detta examensarbete är en undersökning i kommunikation genom konst och design.Det är ett gränsöverskridande samarbetsprojekt vars syfte är att skapa en diskussion kring ett fortfarande tabubelagt ämne. Genom ett gestaltande arbete i textila material undersöks hur vi på ett kreativt sätt kan bidra till samhällsdebatten runt övervikt och fetma. Projektet resulterade i två textila verk som gestaltar den nya svenska kroppen. En textil skulptur i form av en överviktig dalahäst och en folkdräkt för den nya svenska kroppen. I vår gestaltning använder vi oss av dalahästen och folkdräkten som symboler för svensken. Ett performance genomfördes då hästen placerades i offentlig miljö för att undersöka hur och vad dalahästen förmedlade.In our thesis we investigate creative communication through art and design. With a cross-border project, we want to create a discussion around a still taboo subject and to contribute to the public debate about obesity. With shape and textile design, we illustrate the new Swedish body.Program: Textildesignutbildninge

Molecular mechanisms underlying the actions of psychoactive drugs in the basal ganglia : Focus on cannabinoids and morphine

This thesis is centered on the identification of the molecular mechanisms involved in the psychomotor effects of cannabinoids and morphine. These drugs share the ability of acting at the level of the basal ganglia, a group of subcortical structures involved in the control of locomotion, as well as in cognitive and motivational aspects of motor function. In Paper I and II, we have examined the involvement of the dopamine- and cAMP-dependent phosphoprotein of 32 kDa (DARPP-32) in the motor depressant effect produced by activation of the neuronal CB1 receptor (CB1R). DARPP-32 is highly expressed in the medium spiny neurons of the striatum, which is the largest component of the basal ganglia. We found that administration of CP55,940, a selective CB1R agonist, or delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9-THC), the active component of marihuana or hashish, increased the state of phosphorylation of DARPP-32 at the cAMP-dependent protein kinase site (PKA), Thr34. Similar increases were observed with AM404, a blocker of the reuptake of endogenous cannabinoids (e.g. anandamide and 2-arachidonyl glycerol), or URB597, an inhibitor of the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which is responsible for the degradation of endocannabinoids. The motor depressant effect (catalepsy) produced by CP55,940, was attenuated by genetic inactivation of DARPP-32. Point mutation of Thr34 on DARPP-32 produced a similar reduction in the effect of the CB1R agonist. Genetic inactivation either of dopamine D2 receptors (D2Rs) or of adenosine A2A receptors (A2ARs) reduced the phosphorylation of DARPP-32 at Thr34 and the motor depression produced by CP55,940. These data indicated that a considerable proportion of the psychomotor effect of cannabinoids is accounted for by a signaling cascade involving PKA-dependent phosphorylation of DARPP-32, achieved via CB1R-mediated modulation of D2R and A2AR transmission. In Paper III, we have examined the involvement of DARPP-32 in the short- and long-term effects of morphine. We found that acute administration of morphine increased DARPP-32 phosphorylation at Thr34 in both dorsal striatum and ventral striatum (nucleus accumbens). The ability of morphine to stimulate Thr34 phosphorylation was prevented by blockade of dopamine D1 receptors (D1Rs). Genetic inactivation of DARPP-32 or point mutation of Thr34 reduced the hyperlocomotor response to a single injection of morphine. In contrast, DARPP-32 mutant mice developed behavioral sensitization to morphine comparable to that of wild-type controls and displayed normal morphine conditioned place preference. These results demonstrated that dopamine D1R-mediated activation of the cAMP/DARPP-32 cascade in striatal MSNs is involved in the psychomotor action, but not in the rewarding properties, of morphine. Exposure to cues previously associated with intake of substances of abuse can promote drug related responses. In Paper IV, we have examined the effects of exposure to a drug-associated context on the psychomotor response to morphine. We found that the psychomotor sensitization produced by repeated administration of morphine was markedly increased in mice examined 4 weeks after the last drug injection. In addition, the withdrawal period was able to confer to the environment paired with morphine the ability to increase ERK phosphorylation in a specific compartment (i.e. the shell) of the nucleus accumbens. Using transgenic mice with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression under the control of the D1R (drd1a-EGFP) or D2R promoter (drd2-EGFP), we showed that context-dependent ERK phosphorylation was restricted to D1R-expressing MSNs. Furthermore, we found that this effect depended on D1R activation. This study showed that, following repeated morphine injections, a drug free period induced context-dependent phosphorylation of ERK in a discrete group of neurons within the nucleus accumbens shell. This activation was associated with enhanced psychomotor sensitization and could be implicated in context-elicited drug seeking induced by repeated exposure to drugs of abuse

Upper secondary teachers about the relationship between dance and music in dance technique 1 : A hermeneutic study of teachers' interpretation of the subject plan

Det här examensarbetet syftade till att undersöka hur danslärare tolkar två skrivningar utifrån ämnesplanen i Dansteknik 1 i Gy11 för den svenska gymnasieskolan. Skrivningarna behandlar relationen mellan dans och musik. Teorin som studien bygger på har varit läroplansteori med centrala begrepp som paradigmatiska och icke-paradigmatiska ämnen, determinanter och kvalitetsuppfattningar. Insamlad data gjordes via kvalitativa halvstrukturerade forskningsintervjuer med danslärare som varit eller är verksamma vid gymnasieskolors dansestetiska program i Sverige. Som analysmetod användes den hermeneutiska cirkeln och via den kunde tre huvudresultat urskiljas. Det första huvudresultatet visade att tolkningen av skrivningarna berodde på hur danslärarna uppfattade relationen mellan dans och musik kopplat till dansgenre. Det andra huvudresultatet visade hur tolkning av skrivningarna påverkades i samtal med andra yrkesverksamma. Det tredje huvudresultatet behandlade hur tolkningar av skrivningarna i ämnesplanen förstods och hur danslärarna reflekterade över dem utifrån kvalitetsuppfattningar, koder och konventioner.