Messing up the Domestic: Queer Bodies Expanding Architectures

Somatechnics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 397-415
Author(s):  
Olivier Vallerand
Keyword(s):  
Online Social Networks ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
The Body ◽  
Domestic Spaces ◽  
Queer Space ◽  
Political Relations ◽  
Digital Environments ◽  
Lgbt People ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Architecture And Design

Queer space discourse in architecture has often been about reclaiming sexualized spaces or spaces used by LGBT people as being part of architectural history. However, critical practitioners have sought to expand from an understanding based on an essentialist understanding of queer bodies to link instead the experience of built environments to the repression of non-normative/non-compliant bodies. This article discusses projects by J. Mayer H., Andrés Jaque/Office for Political Innovation (OFFPOLINN), and MYCKET that build on a queer understanding of architecture and design to explore relationships between bodies, the materiality of domestic spaces, and communal identities, challenging binary understandings of architectural design spaces and linking them to the configuration of citizenship. J. Mayer H.’s work on data-protection patterns and thermo-sensitive materials uses bodies as material in developing a discourse on privacy stemming in part from queer people's experience of oppressing policies. OFFPOLINN's projects on IKEA and on gay cruising digital environments question the role of architects by underlining the close integration of advertisement, online social networks, and urban and architectural policies in relation to the experience of citizenship and migration. Finally, MYCKET's queer feminist performative architectures attempts to reframe the neutrality of the architectural modernist tradition to celebrate the messiness that comes with thinking of space as designed for a diversity of people. The three practices expand architectural discussions of domesticity beyond an understanding of the house as a container for family life and towards seeing it as a nexus of social and political relations that converge around the body.

scholarly journals Extracellular-Vesicle-Based Coatings Enhance Bioactivity of Titanium Implants—SurfEV

Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1445
Author(s):  
Taisa Nogueira Pansani ◽  
Thanh Huyen Phan ◽  
Qingyu Lei ◽  
Alexey Kondyurin ◽  
Bill Kalionis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Titanium Surface ◽  
Wound Closure ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Extracellular Vesicle ◽  
Tissue Growth ◽  
Titanium Implants ◽  
The Body ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
And Migration

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoparticles released by cells that contain a multitude of biomolecules, which act synergistically to signal multiple cell types. EVs are ideal candidates for promoting tissue growth and regeneration. The tissue regenerative potential of EVs raises the tantalizing possibility that immobilizing EVs on implant surfaces could potentially generate highly bioactive and cell-instructive surfaces that would enhance implant integration into the body. Such surfaces could address a critical limitation of current implants, which do not promote bone tissue formation or bond bone. Here, we developed bioactive titanium surface coatings (SurfEV) using two types of EVs: secreted by decidual mesenchymal stem cells (DEVs) and isolated from fermented papaya fluid (PEVs). For each EV type, we determined the size, morphology, and molecular composition. High concentrations of DEVs enhanced cell proliferation, wound closure, and migration distance of osteoblasts. In contrast, the cell proliferation and wound closure decreased with increasing concentration of PEVs. DEVs enhanced Ca/P deposition on the titanium surface, which suggests improvement in bone bonding ability of the implant (i.e., osteointegration). EVs also increased production of Ca and P by osteoblasts and promoted the deposition of mineral phase, which suggests EVs play key roles in cell mineralization. We also found that DEVs stimulated the secretion of secondary EVs observed by the presence of protruding structures on the cell membrane. We concluded that, by functionalizing implant surfaces with specialized EVs, we will be able to enhance implant osteointegration by improving hydroxyapatite formation directly at the surface and potentially circumvent aseptic loosening of implants.

scholarly journals PLCε1 regulates SDF-1α–induced lymphocyte adhesion and migration to sites of inflammation

2017 ◽  
Vol 114 (10) ◽  
pp. 2693-2698 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marianne Strazza ◽  
Inbar Azoulay-Alfaguter ◽  
Michael Peled ◽  
Alan V. Smrcka ◽  
Edward Y. Skolnik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Small Gtpase ◽  
The Body ◽  
Delayed Type Hypersensitivity ◽  
Intercellular Adhesion Molecule ◽  
Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 ◽  
Regional Lymph Nodes ◽  
Lymphocyte Adhesion ◽  
Enzymatic Function ◽  
And Migration

Regulation of integrins is critical for lymphocyte adhesion to endothelium and migration throughout the body. Inside-out signaling to integrins is mediated by the small GTPase Ras-proximate-1 (Rap1). Using an RNA-mediated interference screen, we identified phospholipase Cε 1 (PLCε1) as a crucial regulator of stromal cell-derived factor 1 alpha (SDF-1α)-induced Rap1 activation. We have shown that SDF-1α-induced activation of Rap1 is transient in comparison with the sustained level following cross-linking of the antigen receptor. We identified that PLCε1 was necessary for SDF-1α-induced adhesion using shear stress, cell morphology alterations, and crawling on intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1)–expressing cells. Structure–function experiments to separate the dual-enzymatic function of PLCε1 uncover necessary contributions of the CDC25, Pleckstrin homology, and Ras-associating domains, but not phospholipase activity, to this pathway. In the mouse model of delayed type hypersensitivity, we have shown an essential role for PLCε1 in T-cell migration to inflamed skin, but not for cytokine secretion and proliferation in regional lymph nodes. Our results reveal a signaling pathway where SDF-1α induces T-cell adhesion through activation of PLCε1, suggesting that PLCε1 is a specific potential target in treating conditions involving migration of T cells to inflamed organs.

The UK as victim and hero in the Sun’s coverage of the Brexit ‘humiliation’

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 645-662
Author(s):  
Franco Zappettini
Keyword(s):  
The Body ◽  
The Public ◽  
Political Relations ◽  
Historical Role ◽  
Political Dimensions ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Tabloid Journalism ◽  
Tabloid Press ◽  
The Eu

This paper discusses how emotions were mobilised by the British tabloid press as discursive strategies of persuasion during the public debate on the implementation of Brexit. Using the case study of the Suns coverage of the alleged UKs humiliation at the Salzburg meeting (2018) during the Brexit negotiations, the analysis addresses the questions of how and through which linguistic means actors and events were framed discursively in such an article. The findings suggest that The Sun elicited emotions of fear, frustration, pride, and freedom to frame Brexit along a long-established narrative of domination and national heroism. The discourse was also sustained by a discursive prosody in keeping with a satirical genre and a populist register that have often characterised the British tabloid press. In particular the linguistic analysis has shown how antagonistic representations of the UK and the EU were driven by an allegory of incompetent gangsterism and morally justified resistance. Emotionalisation in the article was thus aimed both at ridiculing the EU and at representing it as a criminal organisation. Such framing was instrumental in pushing the newspaper agenda as much as in legitimising and institutionalising harder forms of Brexit with the tabloids readership. Approaching journalist discourse at the intersection of affective, stylistic, and political dimensions of communication, this paper extends the body of literature on the instrumental use of emotive arguments and populist narratives and on the wider historical role of tabloid journalism in representing political relations. between the UK and the EU.

Gender differences and the role of parental education, school types and migration on the body mass index of 2930 Austrian school children

2017 ◽  
Vol 129 (21-22) ◽  
pp. 786-792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dieter Furthner ◽  
Margit Ehrenmüller ◽  
Ariane Biebl ◽  
Roland Lanzersdorfer ◽  
Gerhard Halmerbauer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Gender Differences ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
School Children ◽  
Parental Education ◽  
The Body ◽  
Austrian School ◽  
Education School ◽  
And Migration

A systematic review of Karen refugee health

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah J. Hoffman ◽  
Cheryl L. Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Forced Migration ◽  
The Body ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Karen Refugees ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive perspective of the documented physical and mental health issues Karen refugees from Burma face as a result of war and refugee trauma, and migration. The review will address the question: What is the impact of trauma and migration on the physical and mental health of Karen refugees? Design/methodology/approach – A total of 18 articles were systematically selected for inclusion in the final review. The focal content for included articles includes qualitative and quantitative research representative of the health and migration experiences of Karen refugees. Findings – The findings of this review demonstrate significance for health providers from a public health standpoint as programs and services are targeted to meet the specific health needs of the Karen community. It also highlights the contribution of the Karen forced migration experience to the complexity of individual and community health needs, particularly as a result of the protracted conflict. Originality/value – This critical appraisal of the body of literature describing the health experiences of Karen refugees from Burma, with a particular focus on outcomes relevant to resettlement, demonstrates value as programs are developed with an integrated refugee perspective.

scholarly journals A Future Framework: Virtual Reality as an Architectural Instrument

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
James Holth
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Human Perception ◽  
Digital Tools ◽  
Spatial Characteristics ◽  
Digital Space ◽  
Immersive Virtual Environment ◽  
Digital Environments ◽  
Late Twentieth ◽  
Late Twentieth Century

<p>Architects work within the medium of digital space on a day-to-day basis, yet never truly get to experience the spaces they are creating until after they’re built. This creates a disconnect in the design process that can lead to unexpected and unwanted results. Human perception is a powerful instrument and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies, coupled with more complex digital environments, could enable designers to take advantage of this. Through virtually inhabiting the space they are creating while they are creating it, designers can pre-visualise spatial qualities. These digital tools are experiencing a shift from technology still in development to a fully-fledged research instrument. With a growing level of technical literacy within the architectural discipline they could have the same revolutionary impact that the introduction of computers had in the late-twentieth century.  This thesis explores the potential of VR technology for processes of architectural design by assessing their combined ability to analyse a user’s perception of spatial qualities; in particular the sensation of people density within the work environment. Starting with a review of current literature in architecture and perception based science. A framework is proposed by which to assess the impacts of spatial characteristics within an Immersive Virtual Environment (IVE). This is followed by a design-led series of iterative framework developments centred on increasing user immersion within digital space. Through this methodology a greater understanding is obtained of users perceptions of spatial characteristics and of the process required to design iteratively within an IVE framework.</p>

scholarly journals Visualizing Simultaneity in Diasporic Public Spheres: The case of the Mexican Diaspora in the U.S.

JOMEC Journal ◽  
2017 ◽  
pp. 23
Author(s):  
Gabriel Moreno Esparza ◽  
Rosa Angélica Martínez Téllez
Keyword(s):  
Political Participation ◽  
News Media ◽  
The Body ◽  
The Political ◽  
Public Spheres ◽  
Interactive Spaces ◽  
Digital News ◽  
And Migration ◽  
The U.S

This article argues that explorations of interactive spaces afforded by digital news media provide a dynamic platform to visualize the prospects for the political participation of diasporas in their countries of origin and residence. In this case, a breakdown of the frequency of comments across a variety of news sections about Mexico and the U.S. in Univision.com uncovered a lively range of interactions between news forum participants, signalling simultaneous interest in on-going events and processes in the two countries. The dual national orientations highlighted by these findings ‘touch base’ with the body of literature about media and migration, which has in recent times recognised the interconnectedness of immigrants-sending and receiving societies, whilst offering a more refined conceptualization of the concept of simultaneity in regard to diasporic public spheres.

scholarly journals Regulation of the Migration of Distinct Dendritic Cell Subsets

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng Feng ◽  
Shuping Zhou ◽  
Yong Yu ◽  
Qinghong Su ◽  
Xiaofan Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dendritic Cells ◽  
Dendritic Cell ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
The Body ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Pathogenic Microorganisms ◽  
Migration Patterns ◽  
Dendritic Cell Subsets ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Antigen Presenting

Dendritic cells (DCs), a class of antigen-presenting cells, are widely present in tissues and apparatuses of the body, and their ability to migrate is key for the initiation of immune activation and tolerogenic immune responses. The importance of DCs migration for their differentiation, phenotypic states, and immunologic functions has attracted widespread attention. In this review, we discussed and compared the chemokines, membrane molecules, and migration patterns of conventional DCs, plasmocytoid DCs, and recently proposed DC subgroups. We also review the promoters and inhibitors that affect DCs migration, including the hypoxia microenvironment, tumor microenvironment, inflammatory factors, and pathogenic microorganisms. Further understanding of the migration mechanisms and regulatory factors of DC subgroups provides new insights for the treatment of diseases, such as infection, tumors, and vaccine preparation.

scholarly journals The abscopal effect of radiation therapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (13) ◽  
pp. 1683-1694
Author(s):  
Daniel J Craig ◽  
Nisha S Nanavaty ◽  
Monika Devanaboyina ◽  
Laura Stanbery ◽  
Danae Hamouda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Radiation Therapy ◽  
Cytotoxic T Cells ◽  
Cell Activity ◽  
The Body ◽  
Abscopal Effect ◽  
Sting Pathway ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Anticancer Response

Radiation therapy (RT) in some cases results in a systemic anticancer response known as the abscopal effect. Multiple hypotheses support the role of immune activation initiated by RT-induced DNA damage. Optimal radiation dose is necessary to promote the cGAS-STING pathway in response to radiation and initiate an IFN-1 signaling cascade that promotes the maturation and migration of dendritic cells to facilitate antigen presentation and stimulation of cytotoxic T cells. T cells then exert a targeted response throughout the body at areas not subjected to RT. These effects are further augmented through the use of immunotherapeutic drugs resulting in increased T-cell activity. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte presence and TREX1, KPNA2 and p53 signal expression are being explored as prognostic biomarkers.

The International Migration Review at 50: Reflecting on Half a Century of International Migration Research and Looking Ahead

2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 3-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Lee ◽  
Jørgen Carling ◽  
Pia Orrenius
Keyword(s):  
International Migration ◽  
50Th Anniversary ◽  
The Body ◽  
International Migration Review ◽  
Migration Research ◽  
Look Ahead ◽  
Research Themes ◽  
Anniversary Issue ◽  
Policy Agendas ◽  
And Migration

When the International Migration Review was established half a century ago, international migration was a peripheral area of research, and migration issues were far less prominent on policy agendas than they are today. This essay introduces the 50th Anniversary Issue of the International Migration Review and begins by identifying seven main areas of change in migration research and migration trends during the journal's lifetime. Subsequently, we examine changes in the geographical distribution of authorship of IMR articles. We also explore the IMR's current positioning in the scientific landscape by analyzing citation relationships with other journals. The ten articles that make up the body of the special issue seek to advance the research frontier on international migration, covering diverse areas of the IMR's thematic scope. We account for how the papers were selected and present each one. In the final section of the article, we look ahead and suggest new frontiers in international migration research. Among the research themes that we foresee as increasingly important are connections between migration and inequality, and the growth of migration flows that are driven by humanitarian crises, but not accommodated by the international refugee regime.

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