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Abstract Previous research has shown that in different languages ironic speech is acoustically modulated compared to literal speech, and these modulations are assumed to aid the listener in the comprehension [...]

To purchase or authenticate to the full-text of this article, please visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-6402.2008.00439.x Byline: Chyng Sun (1), Ana Bridges (2), Robert Wosnitzer (3), Erica Scharrer (4), Rachael Liberman (5) Abstract: Pornography is a lucrative business. Increasingly, women have participated in both its production, direction, and consumption. This study investigated how the content in popular pornographic videos created by female directors differs from that of their male counterparts. We conducted a quantitative analysis of 122 randomly selected scenes from 44 top-renting adult videos in 2005 (half male- and half female-directed). Findings revealed that all films shared similar depictions: Verbal and physical aggression was common, women were the primary targets of aggression, and negative responses to aggression were extremely rare. Compared to male-directed films, female-directed films were significantly more likely to portray women-only scenes and sexual acts. Even when controlling for main characters' gender, female-directed films showed significantly more female perpetrators aggressing against female targets and significantly more depictions of women as perpetrators of aggression. We highlight the importance of economic forces, rather than director gender, in dictating the content of popular pornography. Author Affiliation: (1)New York University (2)University of Rhode Island (3)New York University (4)University of Massachusetts, Amherst (5)New School for Social Research, New York Article History: Initial submission: July 6, 2007Initial acceptance: February 9, 2008Final acceptance: March 20, 2008 Article note: Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Dr. Chyng Sun, Department of Communications, New York University, 726 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10012. E-mail: cfs1@nyu.edu

A sample of 118 U.S. 6th and 7th graders was used to examine early adolescents' views of whether video games negatively influence themselves, others of the same age, and younger others. Six specific games ranging in rating from E for Everyone to M for Mature were listed for the early adolescents to respond to, with questions asked about both potential influence and whether young people should be allowed to play the games. Results support a third-person perception that grew as the rating of the game became more restrictive and as the 'other' group in question became younger. The presence of rules set by parents about video game use was a positive predictor of perceptions of influence on self and others.

Abstract This longitudinal qualitative research study examines how a group of parents and teachers sought to raise awareness in their community about harmful media effects. Initially condemning the influx of [...]

Purification of synthetic, natural and biological compounds in any quantity usually requires the use of preparative HPLC. Collecting fractions from preparative HPLC is a common approach to achieving the purified [...]

Abstract In this paper, we explore the impact of a five-week media literacy curriculum offered to three classes of second grade students (n=51) during March-April 2003. The curriculum included lesson [...]

Abstract A description of a short curriculum on the topic of media violence and interpersonal conflict is provided in relationship to a number of expressed goals. College students worked in [...]

Author(s): Simone Rost [1, 2, 10]; Andreas Fregin [1, 10]; Vytautas Ivaskevicius [3]; Ernst Conzelmann [4]; Konstanze Hörtnagel [2]; Hans-Joachim Pelz [5]; Knut Lappegard [6]; Erhard Seifried [3]; Inge Scharrer [...]

The third-person perception as it relates to the issue of television violence is examined here via survey responses of 624 adults from three regions in the United States. Rather than being asked about generally defined groups of 'others,' respondents were instructed to specify which social/demographic groups they deemed more susceptible to negative television influence than others. Social categorization and social identity theories as well as the concept of negative out-group stereotyping are used to explain results that provide preliminary support that some social groups (e.g., children and teens, those with less education, and those with less income) are perceived as more likely to be negatively influenced by television violence than others. The relationship between estimates of groups' susceptibility to effects and respondents' third-person perception is also tested.

As stated by the author, a communication scholar, this month's column is 'an attempt to reap the benefits of and diminish the obstacles associated with interdisciplinary efforts.' Scharrer's words are [...]

The role of the First Lady has changed significantly over the last century. While the traditional role has been that of escort or host, a few First Ladies have taken on new activities involving leadership and decision making. At the same time, media coverage of the First Lady has changed. We present two studies examining media coverage of three First Ladies-Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, and Hillary Clinton. Study 1 is a content analysis examining stories in the New York Times and Washington Post, and Study 2 is a content analysis examining photographs in Time magazine. The hypotheses predict that the way a First Lady is framed as being politically active or non-politically active will play a role in other aspects of media coverage such as valence of stories and degree of stereotyping in images. The results indicate that the more politically active the First Lady, the more negative the textual coverage; whereas, the more politically active the First Lady, the less stereotypical the photographic coverage. The frames used to cover First Ladies have changed in both media outlets and may depend not only upon political activity but also upon the medium in which the news appears. Keywords: First Ladies, print coverage, political activity, gatekeeping, framing

Research was conducted to determine whether intraperitoneal injection or intraportal infusion of 2-mercaptoacetate affects the hepatic membrane potential in rats in vivo. The liver cell membrane potential was measured in anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats with the microelectrode method. Results were in agreement with the potentiostatic hypothesis, suggesting a connection between the hepatic membrane potential, afferent vagal activity and the control of food intake.

An absence of von Willebrand factor-cleaving protein or its inhibition may be a factor in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic-uremic syndrome. These diseases are both bleeding disorders. Researchers analyzed blood samples from 53 patients with either condition for the presence of a protease that breaks down clumps of von Willebrand factor. These clumps could bind to platelets and prevent blood clot formation. All 30 patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura had low levels of the protease, and in many cases, an antibody was inhibiting the protease.

The involvement of the splanchnic afferent nerves on the induction of anorexia by intraperitoneal administration of amylin is investigated by pretreating rats with capsaicin, a neurotoxin that destroys sensory nerves. Results reveal that amylin exerted its anorexic effects even with the destruction of splanchnic sensory nerves indicating that its effects and those of the calcitonin-gene related peptide are central. Correlation of the results with previous studies indicates that the target of amylin is the area postrema and the nucleus of the tractus solitarius.

Researchers have investigated the impact of mercaptoacetate (MA) on the afferent discharge rate in the common hepatic vagus branch of rats fed a fat-enriched diet. There was an increase in the discharge rate in afferents of the common hepatic vagus branch in relation to intraportal infusion of the Na salt of MA in rats adapted to the fat-enriched diet. It was established that intraportal infusion of MA boosts the discharge rate in afferents of the common hepatic vagus brand. Fatty acid oxidation appears to control afferent vagal activity.

The mechanisms that mediate the effects of 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol (2,5-AM) on hepatocyte adenosine 3',5'-triphosphate (ATP) levels were analyzed in isolated mouse and rat liver cells based on a superfused liver slice method. Analysis of membrane potentials in superfused murine and rodent liver slices indicated the role of 2,5-AM in hyperpolarizing the hepatocyte cell membrane, reducing ATP levels and glucose production. Furthermore, 2,5-AM increased feeding by acting on metabolic sensors located in the hepatoportal area.

A study of the ganglia of three invertebrate species and one amphibian species reveal similarities in glial cells and immunocytes with those in mammals, indicating the presence of a unique class of microglial cells in insects and molluscs. The microglial cells exhibit specific features such as ameboid conformation, adhesivenss and motility. Their immunoregulatory ability stems from their phagocytotic activity that will facilitate the consumption and elimination of degrading neural structures. Morphine exerts a repressive effect on mobilized microglial cells, mediated by a distinct opiate receptor.

An analysis of the nervous system and hemolymph of the invertebrate Mytilus edulis for the occurrence of morphine-like and codeine-like substances revealed the role of a specific opiate receptor in immunoactive cells. The opiate substance reduces chemotactic action, cellular velocity and adherence, thereby exihibiting its immunosuppressive nature.

The basic equations are derived for incompressible flow in an annular seal with large rotor tilt. The flow is assumed to be completely turbulent in the axial and circumferential directions with no separation, and is modeled by Moody's friction factor equation. Linearized zeroth and first-order perturbation equations are developed for small motion about an arbitrary position by an expansion in the eccentricity ratio. The zeroth-order continuity and momentum equations are solved using a Fast Fourier technique, yielding the axial and circumferential velocity components and the pressure distribution. The first-order equations are integrated to satisfy the boundary conditions and yield the perturbation pressure distribution. This resultant pressure distribution is integrated along and around the seal to yield the force developed by the seal and the corresponding dynamic coefficients. Results of a parametric study show that the detrimental effects of a tilted rotor are small.

Deltorphins have high affinity and selectivity for delta opioid binding sites. The effects of (D-Ala-2)deltorphin I on the structure and activities of vertebrate and invertebrate immunocytes were investigated. The results showed that (D-Ala-2)deltorphin I could induce cellular adherence and conformational changes in immunocytes, consistent witth their role in cellular activation. Similar results were obtained using (Met)enkephalin. These results indicate the existence of a special delta opioid receptor in the immune system of vertebrates and invertebrates.

Hemophilia A is a relatively common genetic disorder that affects the blood clotting process, resulting in an tendency to hemorrhage. As an X-linked disorder, it occurs predominantly in men, affecting about 1 in 10,000 males. In its most severe form, it is a life-threatening illness. Patients with hemophilia A do not possess adequate activity of clotting factor VIII. The introduction of factor VIII treatment has resulted in a better quality of life and longer life expectancy for hemophilia patients. However, since the factor VIII has been obtained from blood, hemophilia patients have always been at higher risk for viral hepatitis and immunization against alloantigens. More recently, AIDS has been added as one of the diseases hemophiliacs may contract from contaminated factor VIII. This has provided an incentive to develop recombinant factor VIII, produced by bacteria using the human factor VIII gene. Since recombinant factor VIII does not come from human blood, the opportunity for the transmission of viral diseases is effectively eliminated. Two research groups have reported success with the cloning of factor VIII, one of the largest molecules cloned to date. Now, investigation of the effectiveness of recombinant factor VIII in treating 107 hemophiliacs has revealed that the new substance is safe and effective. The new recombinant factor VIII was no less effective or long-lasting in the blood than the traditional preparations. Furthermore, the new preparation proved to be no more antigenic than blood-derived factor VIII. As is the case with insulin and other protein factors, one of the major impediments to continued use of a factor VIII preparation is the development of antibodies. A small fraction of patients with hemophilia develop antibodies against factor VIII, which not only bind to the molecule, but inhibit its function. Such inhibitor antibodies developed in eight of the patients; the antibodies were strong in only one. This is comparable to the incidence of inhibitor antibodies seen using blood-derived factor VIII. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Neuropeptides are regulatory molecules produced by neural and non-neural tissues. They are engaged in multiple forms of receptor-mediated intercellular communication, ranging from hormonal (blood-borne) to close-range (synapse-like) signalling. In their neurohormonal capacity, these peptides convey directives from the nervous to the endocrine system, as well as to terminal target tissues. As participants in interneuronal chemical communication, neuropeptides may act as neurotransmitters, or as modulators of signals exchanged between synaptically linked neurons. Outside the realms of neuroendocrinology and neurobiology, peptidergic messenger substances carry out a variety of functions, including autoregulatory and integrative activities in the immune system.

Information about an organic chemistry experiment in which students perform a Wittig olefination and determine the ratio of cis and trans isomers produced is presented. The students have found that changing the cation present as an effect on the relative ratio of cis and trans isomers. Information about the Wittig reaction is also provided.

The fabrication, structural and optical characterization of a quantitative broadband fiber sensor based on evanescent-field sensing in the cladding holes of an air-suspended solid-core photonic crystal fiber is described. The results obtained revealed that air-suspended solid-core photonic crystal fibers could be used in quantitative broadband chemical-sensing measurements.

A survey was conducted among 118 6th and 7th graders to examine 3rd-person perception about the individual's idea to think that others are more susceptible to negative media influence than they are themselves. Results showed early adolescents thinking that others of the same age and younger others more susceptible to aggression, desensitization, and mean world syndrome effects of playing violent video games than they are.

The literature regarding gender and the portrayal of housework in television commercials by analyzing the distribution of chores and also the success or failure of chore performance is studied. The findings suggested that male characters performance of chores is humorously incompetent which have important implications for the learning of gender roles from television exposure.

An attempt is made to fill the gap with a quantitative content analysis of 1,054 advertisements for video games appearing in large circulation video game magazines. The portrayal of gender and violence in the images and text of the ads, as well as the representation of race and ethnicity, the genre of the game, the rating/label, and the use of advisements appeals such as user identification is examined.

Physiological effect of circulating glucagon on the hepatic membrane potential. Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol 281: R1540-R1544, 2001.--The pancreatic hormone glucagon hyperpolarizes the liver cell membrane under various conditions. Here we investigated the physiological relevance of this effect by testing the influence of infusions of glucagon antiserum on the liver cell membrane potential in vivo. Intracellular microelectrode recordings of liver cells (up to 60/rat over 2 h) were done in anesthetized male rats. Livers were fixed in place, and recordings were done 10-30 min after intraperitoneal injections of glucagon or hepatic portal vein infusions of glucagon or specific polyclonal glucagon antibodies raised in rabbits. The isotonic lactose vehicle was used as a control for glucagon, and equal amounts of nonimmunized rabbit IgG were used as a control for glucagon antibodies. Intraperitoneal glucagon (400 [micro]g/kg) hyperpolarized the liver cell membrane up to 12 mV, and intraportal glucagon (10 or 60 [micro]g/kg) dose dependently hyperpolarized the liver cell membrane by 3-7 mV. Intraportal infusion of glucagon antiserum (in vitro binding capacity of 4 ng glucagon/rat) significantly depolarized the liver cell membrane by ~2.5 mV. The effects of both glucagon and glucagon antiserum reversed after 60-90 min. We conclude that glucagon is a physiologically important modulator of the liver cell membrane potential. food intake; glucagon antiserum

The anorectic effect of the pancreatic peptide amylin has been established in numerous studies. Here, we investigated the influence of a pretreatment with dopamine (DA) [D.sub.1]- and [D.sub.2]-receptor antagonists on the anorectic effect of intraperitoneally injected amylin in rats fed a medium-fat (18% fat) diet. In 24-h food-deprived rats, pretreatment with the DA [D.sub.2]-receptor antagonist raclopride [100 [micro]g/kg (0.2 [micro]mol/kg) ip] significantly attenuated amylin's (5 [micro]g/kg ip) anorectic effect, whereas raclopride alone had no effect on food intake [i.e., food intakes 1 h after injection were (n = 12): NaCl/NaCl 7.3 [+ or -] 0.5 g; NaCl/amylin 3.9 [+ or -] 0.6; raclopride/NaCl 7.7 [+ or -] 0.7; raclopride/amylin 5.6 [+ or -] 0.7]. Pretreatment with another DA [D.sub.2] receptor antagonist, sulpiride [50 mg/kg (154 [micro]mol/kg) ip], similarly reduced amylin's satiety effect, whereas pretreatment with the DA [D.sub.1]-receptor antagonist SCH-23390 [10 [micro]g/kg (0.03 [micro]mol/kg) ip] did not influence amylin's effect. SCH-23390, however, completely blocked the anorexia induced by D-amphetamine (0.3 mg/kg ip). These results suggest that, under the present feeding conditions, the dopaminergic system mediates part of amylin's inhibitory effect on feeding in rats when administered intraperitoneally. This seems to involve DA [D.sub.2] receptors but not [D.sub.1] receptors. food intake; rat; amphetamine; raclopride; sulpiride; SCH-23390