ABSTRACT
Focusing on queer relationality, broadly conceptualized as minoritarian subjects' modes of relating, engaging, and connecting with others in a symbolic and material landscape of erasure and cultural unintelligibility, this special issue highlights their communication practices and relational experiences. In so doing, it attempts to mitigate epistemic injustice, a wrong perpetrated against minoritarian subjects in their capacity as knower and legitimate source of their own experiences, by making their practices and experiences known and legible in mainstream heteronormative culture. The purpose of our article is to offer a preliminary mapping of queer relationalities, ranging from communication practices to modes of sociality and relational formations that exist at the edges of mainstream cultural unintelligibility. To do so, we first explore the vast domain of queer relationality. Next, we identify and examine multiple ways of thinking, doing, and imagining queer relationality. We conclude with a discussion of theoretical, methodological, and political implications of current work on queer relationality assembled in this issue and explore future directions for research.
Subject(s)
Sexual and Gender Minorities , Humans , Gender Identity , Communication , Social BehaviorABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way people are accessing healthcare. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of COVID-19 on emergency department (ED) attendance for frequent attenders and to explore potential reasons for changes in attendance. DESIGN: This convergent parallel mixed methods study comprised two parts. SETTING: An interrupted time-series analysis evaluated changes in ED presentation rates; interviews investigated reasons for changes for frequent ED users in a culturally and linguistically diverse setting. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 4868 patients were included in the time series. A subgroup of 200 patients were interviewed, mean age 66 years (range 23-99). RESULTS: Interrupted time-series analysis from 4868 eligible participants showed an instantaneous decrease in weekly ED presentations by 36% (p<0.001), with reduction between 45% and 67% across emergency triage categories. 32% did not know they could leave home to seek care with differences seen in English versus non-English speakers (p<0.001). 35% reported postponing medical care. There was a high fear about the health system becoming overloaded (mean 4.2 (±2) on 6-point scale). Four key themes emerged influencing health-seeking behaviour: fear and/or avoidance of hospital care; use of telehealth for remote assessment; no fear or avoidance of hospital care; not leaving the house for any reason. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated reduced ED use by a vulnerable population of previously frequent attenders. COVID-19 has resulted in some fear and avoidance of hospitals, but has also offered new opportunity for alternative care through telehealth.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pandemics , Humans , Young Adult , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , COVID-19/epidemiology , Emergency Service, Hospital , Hospitals , Australia/epidemiology , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
Vertically aligned hexagonal InN nanorods were grown mask-free by conventional metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy without any foreign catalyst. The In droplets on top of the nanorods indicate a self-catalytic vapor-liquid-solid growth mode. A systematic study on important growth parameters has been carried out for the optimization of nanorod morphology. The nanorod N-polarity, induced by high temperature nitridation of the sapphire substrate, is necessary to achieve vertical growth. Hydrogen, usually inapplicable during InN growth due to formation of metallic indium, and silane are needed to enhance the aspect ratio and to reduce parasitic deposition beside the nanorods on the sapphire surface. The results reveal many similarities between InN and GaN nanorod growth showing that the process despite the large difference in growth temperature is similar. Transmission electron microscopy, spatially resolved energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy have been performed to analyze the structural properties. Spatially resolved cathodoluminescence investigations are carried out to verify the optical activity of the InN nanorods. The InN nanorods are expected to be the material of choice for high-efficiency hot carrier solar cells.
Subject(s)
Bisexuality , Homosexuality , Politics , Social Change , Terrorism , Transsexualism , Female , Humans , Male , United StatesABSTRACT
Examining the relationship between neoliberalism, race, and gender performance, this article provides an analysis of Noah's Arc, a popular LOGO television series in the United States. More specifically, it focuses on the intricate relationship between specific forms of racialized masculinities and the new homonormativity in this show. This article is divided into six sections. First, an overview of the LOGO series is provided. Next, gay, lesbian, and queer visibility in mainstream U.S. popular culture and the new homonormativity are examined. Third, the relationship between race and masculinity is discussed. Next, a close reading and analysis of the show is provided. Fifth, an exploration of how representations of Noah's Arc queers and "quares" Black masculinity in U.S. culture is undertaken. Finally, some concluding thoughts on representations of racialized masculinities and homonormativity in this popular television series are offered.
Subject(s)
Black or African American/psychology , Masculinity , Politics , Sexuality , Social Change , Television , Commodification , Female , Homophobia , Homosexuality, Female/psychology , Homosexuality, Male/psychology , Humans , Male , Racism , Social Conformity , United StatesABSTRACT
In many instances, adults serve as gatekeepers for what books children are permitted to explore. Unfortunately, this means that most children have limited access to picture books with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) characters. In this article, we use queer pedagogy and observations about neoliberalism to provide a qualitative analysis of LGBTQ characters in picture books which were finalists for a Lambda Literary Award during 2000-2005. We examined the ways in which LGBTQ identities and relationships are negotiated and how sexual prejudice is treated. While it is improbable that the books we analyze would be embraced by proponents of neoliberalism, we also briefly consider some ways in which they may be inadvertently consistent with that perspective. The article closes with recommendations regarding discussion questions, additional readings, and educational activities aimed at guiding children, and adults, to appreciate a diversity of multidimensional identities and family structures, to develop strategies to respond constructively to emotional and physical violence, and to promote the public wellbeing. We hope that this analysis will lead to more frequent, productive, and expansive discussions of this literature among adults and children.
Subject(s)
Bisexuality , Books, Illustrated , Homosexuality , Politics , Transsexualism , Adult , Awards and Prizes , Child , Cultural Diversity , Curriculum , Family Characteristics , Gender Identity , Homophobia , Humans , Sexism , Social Welfare , United States , ViolenceABSTRACT
The historical and current role of passive immunization in managing outbreaks of infectious diseases reviewed.
Subject(s)
Communicable Diseases/immunology , Communicable Diseases/therapy , Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control , Immunization, Passive/methods , Animals , Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage , Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology , Communicable Diseases/epidemiology , Horses , Humans , Immune Sera/administration & dosage , Immune Sera/immunology , Immunoglobulins/administration & dosage , Immunoglobulins/immunologyABSTRACT
A II-VI wide-bandgap resonant cavity light-emitting diode is presented. The active region consists of CdSe quantum dots embedded in ZnSSe/MgS barriers, resulting in improved quantum efficiency at elevated temperatures. The resonant cavity is formed by a 14-period bottom distributed Bragg reflector and the semiconductor to air interface on top of the structure. Temperature dependent micro-electroluminescence measurements reveal emission of a single quantum dot up to 90 K. The turn-on voltages are 6 V at 4 K and 4 V at room temperature. These results are promising for the realization of green surface-emitting devices in general, and especially for an electrically driven prospective single photon source operating at room temperature.
ABSTRACT
While queer theory initially grew out of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) studies, there are numerous points of contestation between these two approaches, originating mostly from their disparate positions on (sexual) identity politics. To describe, analyze, and contextualize this contested terrain, we begin this piece by providing some historical notes on LGBT studies and queer theory. Next, we turn to an explication of some enduring tensions to identify the criticisms generated by LGBT scholars toward queer theory approaches and vice versa. What follows is our rationale for producing LGBT Studies and Queer Theory: New Conflicts, Collaborations, and Contested Terrain. In this section we discuss how this project originated and the specific objectives we hope this volume will meet. The contributions of the individual articles in this volume are identified and summarized next. Finally, in the context of LGBT studies' and queer theory's similar qualities and points of difference, we offer ideas for potential directions of scholarship in the future that would explore three major areas: identity and difference; community and community organizing; and political engagement and social change.
Subject(s)
Homosexuality, Female/psychology , Homosexuality, Male/psychology , Psychological Theory , Female , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
Heteronormativity is everywhere. It is always already present in our individual and collective psyches, social institutions, cultural practices, and knowledge systems. In this essay, I provide some sketches for a critical analysis of heteronormativity in the communication discipline. More specifically, I examine the symbolic, discursive, psychological, and material violence of heteronormativity, and begin exploring ways to heal, grow, transform, and contemplate new possibilities in our social world. To accomplish this, this essay is divided into live sections. First, I discuss the study of sexuality in Communication. Next, through the notion of injury, I focus on the violence of heteronormativity. Third, using the concept of healing, I discuss ways of unpacking heteronormativity through a critique of hegemonic heterosexuality. Further, I offer potential ways for queer world-making through the lens of queer theory. I conclude by exploring the need for more sexuality research in the discipline by engaging the productive tensions between constructive and deconstructive impulses.
Subject(s)
Communication , Hate , Heterosexuality , Homosexuality , Violence , Female , Humans , Male , Prejudice , Racial Groups , Social Class , Spiritual Therapies , SpiritualityABSTRACT
Debates over same-sex marriage have reached the main stage of contemporary U.S. politics. The purpose of this essay is to identify and examine how sexual ideologies in U.S. LGBT communities inform and influence relationship construction in general and same-sex marriage in particular. To accomplish this, we first discuss the nature of sexual ideologies. Next, we identify current sexual ideologies in LGBT communities and examine some of their fundamental features and their implications for relationship construction with a focus on same-sex marriage. We conclude with a discussion of what is potentially gained and lost by same-sex matrimonial bonds and explore some of the prospects of relationship construction within LGBT communities in the future.
Subject(s)
Homosexuality , Marriage , Female , Humans , Interpersonal Relations , Male , Models, Psychological , Politics , Social Change , United StatesABSTRACT
Barebacking, the deliberate practice of unprotected anal intercourse, is a new reality for many gay men. How does bareback sex create, maintain, and challenge personal and collective gay identities? Drawing from the works of Foucault, Weeks, Epstein, and popular gay literature, this essay explores these intersections and conflicts. Specifically, we examine the nature of identity and the conflicts and divisions in gay communities, analyze the barebacking phenomenon and its interconnection with the paradoxes of identity, and conclude by discussing the implications for HIV/AIDS education, suggestions for future research, and ways of engaging in community dialogue.
Subject(s)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/transmission , Homosexuality, Male/psychology , Safe Sex , Sexual Behavior , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/psychology , Condoms , Gender Identity , Health Education , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Male , Risk-Taking , Safe Sex/psychology , Sexual Behavior/psychologyABSTRACT
SUMMARY By examining homophobia and heterosexism within the larger context of heteronormativity at the intersections of race, class, and gender, I propose, in this article, a model of queer interventions in the university classroom. The article is divided into three sections. First, I describe the conceptual terrain of homophobia, heterosexism, and heteronormativity, and their potential limitations. Second, I present an integrative model, using heteronormativity as the central site of violence, to examine homophobia at the intersections of race, class, and gender within the larger social and cultural domain (macroscopic level) and interpersonal context (microscopic level) and illustrate this model with specific classroom activities. Finally, I discuss the implications of the model for teaching and theorizing about homophobia, heterosexism, and heteronormativity.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In Australia, a policy of deferring donors who have lived in the UK for longer than 6 months between 1980 and 1996 has been instituted to reduce the theoretical risk of transmitting variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) through the blood supply. The objective of this report was to refine estimates of the possible risks and benefits of donor-deferral strategies that are aimed at avoiding transmission of vCJD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Estimates of the effect of donor deferral on the blood supply in Australia were based on a 1998 survey of blood donors. The number of donations from donors potentially infected with vCJD and excluded by donor deferral was estimated based on published estimates of the size of the vCJD epidemic in the UK and assuming that the risk of vCJD in Australian blood donors was proportional to the time lived in the UK between 1980 and 1996. The possible increased number of blood donations that were infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) or hepatitis B virus (HBV) and made during a window period (as a result of increased donations from first-time donors) was estimated using published methods. RESULTS: A strategy of deferring donations in Australia from people who have lived in the UK for 6 months or longer, between 1980 and 1996, was estimated to result in exclusion of 5.3% of all blood donations, corresponding to 50 100 donations in 1998. It was estimated that the annual number of blood donations made by donors potentially infected with vCJD is 1.15 (range 0.02--31.1, based on the uncertainty in the UK prevalence estimate). Donor deferral was estimated to remove 0.92 (range 0.02--25.1) of these donations. Replacement of 33%, 50% and 100% of excluded donations by donations from first-time donors, was estimated to result in an increase of 0.0010, 0.0019 and 0.0044, respectively, of HIV-infected donations per year donated during the window period; in an increase of 0.021, 0.038 and 0.089, respectively, of HCV-infected donations per year; and in an increase of 0.18, 0.33 and 0.76, respectively, of HBV-infected donations per year. CONCLUSIONS: The large uncertainties involved in these analyses mean that estimates must be interpreted cautiously, but the data does suggest that donor deferral may exclude more donations from donors potentially infected with vCJD than the corresponding increase, caused by donor replacement, of window-period donations possibly infected with HIV, HCV or HBV.
Subject(s)
Blood Donors , Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome/blood , Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome/transmission , Australia/epidemiology , Blood Banks/standards , Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome/prevention & control , HIV Infections/prevention & control , HIV Infections/transmission , Hepatitis B/prevention & control , Hepatitis B/transmission , Humans , Incidence , Population Surveillance , Residence Characteristics , Risk Factors , United Kingdom , Blood Banking/methodsABSTRACT
This study determined the proficiencies of laboratories measuring human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) viral loads and the accuracies of two assays used for HIV-1 viral load measurement in Australia and investigated the variability of the new versions of these assays. Quality assessment program panels containing (i) dilutions of HIV-1 subtype B, (ii) replicates of identical samples of HIV-1 subtype B, and (iii) samples of subtype E and B were tested by laboratories. Total variability (within and between laboratories) was tested with quality control samples. The coefficients of variation (CVs) for the Roche AMPLICOR HIV-1 MONITOR version (v) 1.0 and Chiron Quantiplex bDNA 2.0 assays ranged from 53 to 87% and 22 to 31%, respectively. The widespread occurrence of invalid runs with the AMPLICOR HIV-1 MONITOR 1.0 assay was identified. The CVs of the new versions of the assays were 82 to 86% for the AMPLICOR HIV-1 MONITOR v 1.5 assay and 16 to 23% for the Quantiplex bDNA 3.0 assay. For virus dilution samples, all but 5 of 19 laboratories obtained results within 2 standard deviations of the mean. The Quantiplex bDNA 2.0 assay reported values lower than those reported by the AMPLICOR HIV-1 MONITOR version 1.0 assay for samples containing HIV-1 subtype B, whereas the reverse was true for subtype E. Identification and resolution of the problem of invalid runs markedly improved the quality of HIV-1 viral load testing. The variability observed between laboratories and between assays, even the most recent versions, dictates that monitoring of viral load in an individual should always be by the same laboratory and by the same assay. Results for an individual which differ by less than 0.5 log(10) HIV-1 RNA copy number/ml should not be considered clinically significant.
Subject(s)
HIV Infections/virology , HIV-1/isolation & purification , HIV-1/physiology , Laboratories/standards , Viral Load , Australia , Humans , Quality Control , RNA, Viral/blood , Reagent Kits, Diagnostic , Reproducibility of ResultsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether treatment with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) alone or in combination with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can prevent postoperative pulmonary complications after cardiac surgery, when compared with conventional nurse-controlled analgesia. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: University Medical Center. PATIENTS: A total of 120 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting. INTERVENTIONS: After extubation of the trachea, 120 patients were randomly allocated to three different methods of postoperative pain relief for 72 hrs. In group 1, patients received PCA with a bolus of 1.5 mg piritramide combined with a 10-min lockout interval. Group 2 patients were treated with a combination of PCA and administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed three times per day. Patients of group 3 received conventional nurse-controlled analgesia. Postoperative assessment included daily visual analog pain scoring (VAS) and chest radiographs. All chest radiographs were graded for the extent of atelectasis by a radiologist blinded as to treatment using a scale from 0 to 9 for each of the three lung fields of the right and left lungs. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Chest radiograph atelectasis scores and VAS values were similar among the three groups on the first and second days. On the third day, the chest radiograph atelectasis scores of the left lower and the right middle lung field were significantly better in the groups treated with PCA alone (4.7 +/- 3.0; 0.3 +/- 1.0) and in combination with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (3.9 +/- 1.1; 0.4 +/- 1.2) than in the control group (5.5 +/- 3.1; 0.8 +/- 1.8). Furthermore, on the third day, the VAS values for maximum pain were higher in the control group (42.6 +/- 19.7) compared with the VAS values in the two groups with PCA (32.2 +/- 17.9 and 34.5 +/- 21.0). CONCLUSIONS: PCA significantly decreases postoperative pulmonary atelectasis in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting when compared with nurse-controlled analgesia. In addition, patients treated with PCA experienced a higher quality of analgesia. We therefore conclude that treatment with PCA may reduce respiratory complications after coronary artery bypass grafting.
Subject(s)
Analgesia, Patient-Controlled , Analgesics, Opioid/therapeutic use , Coronary Artery Bypass , Pain, Postoperative/drug therapy , Pirinitramide/therapeutic use , Academic Medical Centers , Adult , Aged , Analgesics, Opioid/administration & dosage , Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/therapeutic use , Coronary Disease/surgery , Female , Humans , Infusions, Intravenous , Male , Middle Aged , Pain Measurement , Pain, Postoperative/diagnosis , Pirinitramide/administration & dosage , Pulmonary Atelectasis/diagnostic imaging , Pulmonary Atelectasis/etiology , Pulmonary Atelectasis/prevention & control , Radiography, Thoracic , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: A new commercially available rapid qualitative bedside immunoassay for cardiac troponin T has been developed. The aim of the study was to investigate whether this new rapid bedside cardiac troponin T assay facilitates diagnosing myocardial infarction in a pre-hospital setting. METHODS: We evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of the new rapid bedside troponin T assay for myocardial infarction. In 68 patients with acute, central, crushing chest pain, who were strongly suspected of having myocardial infarction, the emergency doctor performed preclinically a bedside cardiac troponin T test. The results were compared with the diagnosis after admission to hospital, using the criteria of the World Health Organization. RESULTS: The diagnosis of myocardial infarction was confirmed in 16/68 (24%) patients after admission to hospital, but only in 4/16 (25%) patients with myocardial infarction was a positive result observed preclinically with this test. The result was false positive in 1/5 patients (20%). CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to an excellent specificity (0.98), sensitivity (0.25) of the rapid troponin T assay was poor. Thus, we conclude that this test cannot improve the distinction between myocardial infarction and angina pectoris in a pre-hospital setting.
Subject(s)
Myocardial Infarction/diagnosis , Troponin/analysis , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Biomarkers , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Sensitivity and Specificity , Troponin TABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Dietary supplementation with marine oils attenuates the responses to noradrenaline and angiotensin II in human forearm resistance arteries. The mechanisms underlying these effects were the subject of the present study. METHODS: Twenty-two normal male adults were allocated to one of three groups. The first group (n = 11) received 10 g/day marine oil capsules (maxEPA) for 28 days. The second group (n = 7) received maxEPA plus 25 mg indomethacin three times a day on days 28 and 29. The third group (n = 4) received 10 g/day mixed-oil placebo capsules for 28 days, plus indomethacin on days 28 and 29 as in group 2. Forearm venous occlusion plethysmography was performed before and immediately after each treatment period. RESULTS: Responses to acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside or reactive hyperaemia (area under the time-response curve: pre-maxEPA 14,850 +/- 3502, post-maxEPA 17,118 +/- 4576 units) were unaffected by maxEPA. The suppressive effect of maxEPA on responses to noradrenaline and angiotensin II (from group 1) was no longer apparent in the group receiving indomethacin in addition to maxEPA. Indomethacin, in subjects on placebo capsules, had no effect on the responses to either agonist. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the suppressive effects of maxEPA result from alterations to in vivo prostanoid profiles.