Representation and women : construction of gender-roles in computer games

Ankara : Department of Art, Design and Architecture and Institute of Economics and Social Sciences, Bilkent Univ., 1996.Thesis (Ph.D.) -- Bilkent University, 1996.Includes bibliographical references leaves 229-233.Developments in computer industry gave way computer games to become a popular entertainment agent for children as well as for adults. Interactive quality of computer games has displaced television and traditional games, however, they have become unattractive to women because of the fact that the pleasures offered by these games are gender-specific since they are offered into consumption with a male "Model Player" in mind. The purpose of this particular study is to illustrate the constitution of gender of the player by the discourse itself as a fact independent from the gender of the actual player. In this connection, topics such as gender-role socialization, representation of women in popular culture, computer as a gendered technology will be the main issues to be investigated in order to demonstrate the constitution of the player through an analysis of a group of role-playing games.Özcivelek (Durlu), LeylaPh.D

Emerging markets and U.S. horizontal merger guidelines: A Turkish competition law perspective

Developed economies have historically been a model for emerging market economies, particularly in the development and enforcement of competition laws. Modifications to competition law rules in developed economies, however, may not always be practical for emerging market economies to adopt. Insufficient knowledge, experience, and power of competition law authorities in emerging markets require a structure with greater legal certainty rather than one that provides a wide berth for interpretation. This article provides an overview of some of the significant developments in the 2010 U.S. Horizontal Merger Guidelines from an emerging market perspective. While taking into consideration the general characteristics of emerging market countries, the treatment of four specific topics under the new Guidelines will be scrutinized from a law and economics perspective: market definition, market shares and market concentration, market entry, and coordinated effects. This article also delves into discussions of Turkish competition law matters, as an example of emerging merger regime models, with respect to each of the four areas of discussion. © The Author (2014).Published by Oxford University Press

Hydrogen Sulfide and Reactive Oxygen Species Scavengers Have a Protective Effect on Carbachol-Induced Contractions That are Impaired by High Glucose in Detrusor Smooth Muscle

Objective:Urinary bladder dysfunction, one of the most common diabetic complications, is associated with bladder overactivity, increased bladder capacity, and impaired bladder smooth muscle contractions. The involvement of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in pathological disorders such as diabetes mellitus has been suggested. Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS)-treatment can distinctly reduce high glucose-induce cytotoxicity and oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in increased concentrations in diabetes and may cause tissue damage, thus impaired smooth muscle function. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of H2S and ROS on carbachol-induced detrusor smooth muscle contractions under high glucose conditions.Materials and Methods:Cumulative (10 nM-30 μM) carbachol contraction responses were obtained in bladder detrusor smooth muscle strips isolated from male New Zealand albino rabbit bladders in the control group and in high glucose conditions (30 min incubation in Krebs’ Henseleit solution with high glucose). Responses were repeated in the presence of NaHS, catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and their combinations. Contractions were expressed as a percentage of 80 mM K+ response and p<0.05 was accepted as statistically significant.Results:Cumulative contractile responses were elicited with carbachol in control group and these responses were significantly increased in the presence of high glucose. Increased carbachol contractile responses in high glucose were significantly reduced in the presence of catalase, SOD and NaHS.Conclusion:Based on these results, we propose that H2S donors and ROS scavengers have probable benefits in treating diabetic complications such as urinary bladder dysfunction

Domain assembly of NAADP-gated two-pore channels

TPCs (two-pore channels) have recently been identified as targets for the Ca2+-mobilizing messenger NAADP (nicotinic acid–adenine dinucleotide phosphate). TPCs have a unique structure consisting of cytosolic termini, two hydrophobic domains (I and II) each comprising six transmembrane regions and a pore, and a connecting cytosolic loop; however, little is known concerning how these channels are assembled. In the present paper, we report that both domain I and II of human TPCs are capable of independent insertion into membranes, whereas the loop linking the domains fails to insert. Pairs of transmembrane regions within domain I of TPC1 are also capable of insertion, consistent with sequential translational integration of hydrophobic regions. Insertion of the first two transmembrane regions, however, was inefficient, indicating possible interaction between transmembrane regions during translation. Both domains, and each pair of transmembrane regions within domain I, were capable of forming oligomers, highlighting marked redundancy in the molecular determinants driving oligomer formation. Each hydrophobic domain formed dimers upon cross-linking. The first four transmembrane regions of TPC1 also formed dimers, whereas transmembrane regions 5 and 6, encompassing the pore loop, formed both dimers and tetramers. TPCs thus probably assemble as dimers through differential interactions between transmembrane regions. The present study provides new molecular insight into the membrane insertion and oligomerization of TPCs

Zebrafish: a vertebrate tool for studying basal body biogenesis, structure, and function.

Understanding the role of basal bodies (BBs) during development and disease has been largely overshadowed by research into the function of the cilium. Although these two organelles are closely associated, they have specific roles to complete for successful cellular development. Appropriate development and function of the BB are fundamental for cilia function. Indeed, there are a growing number of human genetic diseases affecting ciliary development, known collectively as the ciliopathies. Accumulating evidence suggests that BBs establish cell polarity, direct ciliogenesis, and provide docking sites for proteins required within the ciliary axoneme. Major contributions to our knowledge of BB structure and function have been provided by studies in flagellated or ciliated unicellular eukaryotic organisms, specifically Tetrahymena and Chlamydomonas. Reproducing these and other findings in vertebrates has required animal in vivo models. Zebrafish have fast become one of the primary organisms of choice for modeling vertebrate functional genetics. Rapid ex-utero development, proficient egg laying, ease of genetic manipulation, and affordability make zebrafish an attractive vertebrate research tool. Furthermore, zebrafish share over 80 % of disease causing genes with humans. In this article, we discuss the merits of using zebrafish to study BB functional genetics, review current knowledge of zebrafish BB ultrastructure and mechanisms of function, and consider the outlook for future zebrafish-based BB studies

Post-mortem volatiles of vertebrate tissue

Volatile emission during vertebrate decay is a complex process that is understood incompletely. It depends on many factors. The main factor is the metabolism of the microbial species present inside and on the vertebrate. In this review, we combine the results from studies on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) detected during this decay process and those on the biochemical formation of VOCs in order to improve our understanding of the decay process. Micro-organisms are the main producers of VOCs, which are by- or end-products of microbial metabolism. Many microbes are already present inside and on a vertebrate, and these can initiate microbial decay. In addition, micro-organisms from the environment colonize the cadaver. The composition of microbial communities is complex, and communities of different species interact with each other in succession. In comparison to the complexity of the decay process, the resulting volatile pattern does show some consistency. Therefore, the possibility of an existence of a time-dependent core volatile pattern, which could be used for applications in areas such as forensics or food science, is discussed. Possible microbial interactions that might alter the process of decay are highlighted

Signal transduction underlying the control of urinary bladder smooth muscle tone by muscarinic receptors and β-adrenoceptors

The normal physiological contraction of the urinary bladder, which is required for voiding, is predominantly mediated by muscarinic receptors, primarily the M3 subtype, with the M2 subtype providing a secondary backup role. Bladder relaxation, which is required for urine storage, is mediated by β-adrenoceptors, in most species involving a strong β3-component. An excessive stimulation of contraction or a reduced relaxation of the detrusor smooth muscle during the storage phase of the micturition cycle may contribute to bladder dysfunction known as the overactive bladder. Therefore, interference with the signal transduction of these receptors may be a viable approach to develop drugs for the treatment of overactive bladder. The prototypical signaling pathway of M3 receptors is activation of phospholipase C (PLC), and this pathway is also activated in the bladder. Nevertheless, PLC apparently contributes only in a very minor way to bladder contraction. Rather, muscarinic-receptor-mediated bladder contraction involves voltage-operated Ca2+ channels and Rho kinase. The prototypical signaling pathway of β-adrenoceptors is an activation of adenylyl cyclase with the subsequent formation of cAMP. Nevertheless, cAMP apparently contributes in a minor way only to β-adrenoceptor-mediated bladder relaxation. BKCa channels may play a greater role in β-adrenoceptor-mediated bladder relaxation. We conclude that apart from muscarinic receptor antagonists and β-adrenoceptor agonists, inhibitors of Rho kinase and activators of BKCa channels may have potential to treat an overactive bladder