bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glutamine synthetase becomes nitrated and its activity is reduced during repetitive seizure activity in the pentylentetrazole model of epilepsy
Authors: Bidmon Hans‐J. , Görg Boris , Palomero‐Gallagher Nicola , Schleicher Axel , Häussinger Dieter , Speckmann Erwin J. , Zilles Karl
Published: May 2008

Purpose:  The astrocyte‐specific glutamine synthetase (GS) plays a key role in glutamate recycling and Gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) metabolism. Changes in the expression or activity of GS have been proposed to contribute to epileptogenesis. The mechanisms or how and where GS may contribute to epilepsy is still a matter of discussion. Here we asked the question whether brain regions, which show an astrocytic stress response respond with alterations of GS.

Methods:  Biochemical and histological alterations of GS, HSP‐27, and GFAP were studied after pentylenetetrazole‐induced repetitive epileptic seizures (PIRS) in rats using a topographical quantification of the GS‐immunoreactivity (GSIR) in relation to the focal heat shock response (HSR). Saline‐treated rats served as controls and rats treated by the GS‐inhibitor, L‐methionine‐sulfoximine (MSO) served as a positive control.

Results:  No changes in the amount of GSIR and GS‐protein occurred during PIRS. A significant reduction of GSIR was observed by histochemistry (in situ) and in native (nonheated) protein extracts of MSO‐treated rats. In rats affected by PIRS, GS‐activity showed a significant, region‐specific reduction in association with a nitration of the enzyme.

Discussion:  These results show that neither PIRS nor GS‐inhibition reduced the amount of GS protein, but that MSO interferes with antibody binding to native GS. PIRS resulted in a focal increase of astrocytic stress response, whereas MSO caused a widespread, homogeneous astrocytic HSR independent from quantitative changes of GS content. In rats with PIRS the regions showing a strong glial HSR, respond with reduced GS‐activity and GS‐nitration, which all together are clear indicators of a nitrosative stress response.
Erythropoietin reduces epileptogenic processes following status epilepticus
Authors: Chu Kon , Jung Keun‐Hwa , Lee Soon‐Tae , Kim Jin‐Hee , Kang Kyung‐Muk , Kim Hyun‐Kyung , Lim Jae‐Sung , Park Hee‐Kwon , Kim Manho , Lee Sang Kun , Roh Jae‐Kyu
Published: May 2008

Purpose:  Erythropoietin (EPO) has neuron and astroglial protective effects via reduction of tissue‐injuring molecules such as reactive oxygen species, glutamate, inflammatory cytokines, and other damaging molecules. Although EPO may constitute an effective therapeutic modality in cases of epileptic insult, no study has been performed on the effects of exogenous EPO on the chronic seizure formation. In this study, we attempted to investigate if EPO could modulate the altered microenvironment in the epileptic rat brain.

Methods:  Morphological changes in the hippocampi of rats subjected to lithium‐pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus (SE) were examined with respect to neuronal loss, inflammation, blood–brain barrier (BBB) leakage, and cell genesis. Spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRSs) were investigated by long‐term video‐EEG monitoring.

Results:  EPO receptor (EPOR) was found to be increased in the hippocampus after SE. Administered EPO prevented, during the latent period following SE, BBB leakage, neuronal death, and microglia activation in the dentate hilus, CA1, and CA3, and inhibited the generation of ectopic granule cells in the hilus and new glia in CA1. Moreover, EPO reduced the risk of SRS development.

Discussion:  These findings suggest that EPO has a potential therapeutic role in the setting of acute epileptic insults.
Measures of adherence to epilepsy treatment: Review of present practices and recommendations for future directions
Authors: Paschal Angelia M. , Hawley Suzanne R. , Romain Theresa St. , Ablah Elizabeth
Published: May 2008

Summary

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide, and the majority of people with epilepsy who live in developed countries manage their condition with antiseizure medication. Surprisingly, therefore, the literature on epilepsy does not document a comprehensive investigation of patient adherence to medication treatment. This paper reviews existing literature on direct and indirect measures of adherence. Based on this review, areas in need for further research have been identified, including improvement of self‐report instruments, consideration of cultural factors, attention to patient literacy or numeracy levels, and inclusion of patient‐guided measures. While no single method of determining adherence has proved effective, combining direct and indirect measures in a patient‐guided, culturally competent atmosphere may increase adherence to treatment, improving health outcomes for this population.
Variability in Second Language Development From a Dynamic Systems Perspective
Authors: VERSPOOR MARJOLIJN , LOWIE WANDER , VAN DIJK MARIJN
Published: May 2008

This article illustrates that studying intra‐individual variability in Second Language Development can provide insight into the developmental dynamics of second language (L2) learners. Adopting a Dynamic Systems Theory framework (Thelen & Smith, 1994;van Geert, 1994) and using insights from microgenetic variability studies in developmental psychology (Siegler, 2006), we focus on L2 systems during a time of rapid development, applying advanced visualization techniques. A reinterpretation of a longitudinal study byCancino et al. (1978)on the use of negation shows nonlinear patterns and peaks of regression, and illustrates the relevance of regarding internal variability as a source of information in itself. A case study of an advanced learner reveals a general increase over time for the correlates included, but the development is nonlinear, showing moments of progress and regress. The case study also brings to light an interesting dynamic interaction of subsystems. In accordance with the assumption of a limitation of resources, the learner shows a variable development for some related measurements in the course of the trajectory.
Dynamic Systems Theory and Universal Grammar: Holding up a Turbulent Mirror to Development in Grammars
Authors: PLAZA–PUST CAROLINA
Published: May 2008

Research over the last decades has shown that language development in its multiple forms is characterized by a succession of stable and unstable states. However, the variation observed is neither expected nor can it be accounted for on the basis of traditional learning concepts conceived of within the Universal Grammar (UG) paradigm. In this paper, I argue that modularly organized grammars bear much more of a dynamic potential than admitted thus far, and I propose a dynamic approach to the development of grammars, based on a conception of change as developed in the realm of Dynamic Systems Theory (DST). In my discussion of the available evidence of system‐internal inconsistencies in different types of language acquisition and diachronic language change, I suggest that the nonlinear behavior observed results from a complex information flow modeled by internal and external feedback processes and that changes in grammars are tied to the amplification of new information leading to system‐internal conflicts. Finally, I reconsider the role of UG in the apparent dichotomy of chance and necessity in the evolution of grammars. I argue that their stability is tied to universal principles and constraints on the format of natural languages (hence the self‐similar or fractal nature of language), whereas the potential for change is given in the functional categories and their associated properties (the loci of grammars' bifurcation sensitivity).
Activation of chloride secretion via proteinase‐activated receptor 2 in a human eccrine sweat gland cell line – NCL‐SG3
Authors: Bovell Douglas L. , Santic Radmila , Kofler Barbara , Hermann Anton , Wilson Darius , Corbett Alistair , Lang Roland
Published: May 2008

Abstract:  Proteinase‐activated receptor 2 (PAR‐2) has been shown to elicit secretion in a variety of secretory epithelial cells by the transepithelial movement of chloride ions across the apical membrane. However, it is not known whether these receptors are present and/or functional in the secretory epithelial cells of the human eccrine sweat gland. To investigate this possibility mRNA analysis, Ca2+ microspectrofluorimetry and the short circuit current (Isc) technique were used to quantify electrolyte transport in a cell line (NCL‐SG3) derived from human eccrine sweat gland secretory epithelia. The results provided molecular and functional evidence of the presence of PAR‐2 receptors in the NCL‐SG3 cells and show that these receptors can activate transepithelial Cl− secretion possibly via Ca2+‐activated Cl− channels.
Morphological skin ageing criteria by multiphoton laser scanning tomography: non‐invasive in vivo scoring of the dermal fibre network
Authors: Koehler Martin Johannes , Hahn Stefanie , Preller Anja , Elsner Peter , Ziemer Mirjana , Bauer Andrea , König Karsten , Bückle Rainer , Fluhr Joachim W. , Kaatz Martin
Published: May 2008

Background:  Morphological changes in the dermal collagen and elastin fibre network are characteristic for skin ageing and for pathological skin conditions of the dermis.

Objectives:  To characterize pathological and physiological conditions by multiphoton laser scanning tomography (MLT) in vivo, it is necessary to investigate and identify morphological alterations related to ageing.

Methods:  In vivo MLT was used to image two‐photon excited autofluorescence (AF) and second harmonics generation (SHG) in human dermis of 18 volunteers of different ages. Criteria for the evaluation of age‐dependent morphological changes in MLT images were fibre tension and morphology, network pattern, clot formation and image homogeneity. These criteria were weighted and a score was calculated.

Results:  The resulting MLT‐based Dermis Morphology Score is correlated with age (R2 = −0.90) and with the previously published SHG to AF Ageing Index of Dermis (R2 = 0.66). The two groups of young (age 21–38) and old (age 66–84) volunteers showed a significant difference in MLT score values (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  We could demonstrate an in vivo relationship between morphological characteristics of human dermis assessed by MLT and age. The present score allows the semi‐quantitative evaluation of specific morphological changes of the dermal fibre network in ageing skin by in vivo AF and SHG imaging. This method will be useful for diagnostics of pathological conditions and their differentiation from ageing effects.
Pro‐inflammatory cytokine release in keratinocytes is mediated through the MAPK signal‐integrating kinases
Authors: Kjellerup Rasmus Boye , Kragballe Knud , Iversen Lars , Johansen Claus
Published: May 2008

Abstract:  The mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are known to play a key role in the regulation of cytokine expression in several cell types. MAPK signal‐integrating kinase 1 (Mnk1) is a kinase activated through both the stress‐ and cytokine‐activated p38 MAPK pathway and the classical extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) pathway. In this study, we demonstrate that in cultured normal human keratinocytes Mnk1 and its downstream target eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) are phosphorylated in a time‐dependent manner in response to stimulation with anisomycin or interleukin (IL)‐1β. Both the stimuli are well‐recognized activators of the p38 MAPK pathway. Furthermore, we show that the Mnk inhibitor CGP57380 is capable of inhibiting the phosphorylation of eIF4E in keratinocytes, and that the abolishment of eIF4E phosphorylation dramatically decreases the anisomycin‐induced protein release of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), IL‐1β and IL‐6 as well as the IL‐1β‐induced protein release of TNF‐α. Therefore, we propose that Mnk1 might contribute to the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines found in inflammatory skin diseases.
Effects of isocamptothecin, a novel camptothecin analogue, on proliferation, apoptosis and telomerase activity in HaCaT cells
Authors: Lin Jingrong , Liu Xiaoming , Bao Yongming , Hou Suchun , An Lijia , Lin Xiran
Published: May 2008

Abstract:  Camptothecin is a topoisomerase I inhibitor with definite anti‐psoriatic effect. As it is limited in clinical application because of serious side effects and toxicity, many researchers are striving hard to develop derivatives or analogues of camptothecin with higher effects and less toxicity. To explore the anti‐psoriatic potential of isocamptothecin, a novel camptothecin analogue, its effects on proliferation, apoptosis and telomerase activity were investigated in the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT. Incubation with isocamptothecin resulted in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent inhibition of HaCaT cell proliferation. However, isocamptothecin showed larger inhibitory concentration at 50% than camptothecin, suggesting far less cytotoxicity. In addition, isocamptothecin induced apoptosis in a concentration‐dependent manner and induced typical morphologic features of apoptosis in HaCaT cells. Moreover, isocamptothecin downregulated the telomerase activity of HaCaT cells not only at concentrations of apoptosis induction but also at concentration insufficient to induce apoptosis, providing additional mechanisms that further account for its ability to inhibit keratinocytes proliferation and induce apoptosis. These results indicate that isocamptothecin possesses similar effects on keratinocytes with camptothecin, but shows far less cytotoxicity, it may probably become a promising agent for psoriasis therapy.
Laminin‐332 and ‐511 in skin
Authors: Sugawara Koji , Tsuruta Daisuke , Ishii Masamitsu , Jones Jonathan C.R. , Kobayashi Hiromi
Published: May 2008

Abstract:  The extracellular matrix (ECM) was long thought to be merely a structural tissue support and/or a filter. However, recent studies have suggested that ECM proteins regulate many intracellular and extracellular events, including cell growth, cell adhesion, cell division, cell movement, and apoptosis. They do so through activation of several families of cell surface receptor, including the integrins and syndecans. The focus of this review is on two laminin isoforms expressed in the skin. Laminins are an important molecular component of the basement membranes in a variety of tissue types. They have a cruciform shape, and are composed of three chains‐α, β, and γ. Keratinocytes of the skin secrete numerous laminin isoforms, including laminin‐511 and laminin‐332. The latter are known to affect the behaviour of keratinocytes through binding to membrane‐penetrating receptors (outside‐in signal transduction). Conversely, the expression, secretion and assembly of laminin‐rich matrices is regulated by cell surface receptors through inside‐out signal transduction. We will review how integrins regulate laminin matrix assembly and the signals elicited by laminins that support either migration or stable adhesion of keratinocytes. We will also discuss recent data indicating that laminins plays key regulatory roles in the development of skin appendages and contribute to the pathogenesis of skin cancer.
How Legal Representation Affects Case Outcomes: An Empirical Perspective from Taiwan
Authors: Huang Kuo‐Chang
Published: May 2008

Since the late 1980s, interdisciplinary scholars have conducted several empirical studies to examine to what extent legal representation affects case outcomes. Yet most of these empirical endeavors concentrate on legal representation in informal proceedings. This article revisits this question and reports the result of an independent empirical study using the official data on more than 100,000 civil cases terminated in Taiwan from 2000 to 2006. This study shows that cases are most unlikely to be settled when both parties are represented, while parties are most likely to settle a case when neither is represented. This study also shows that legal representation has no significant bearing on the case outcomes when the parties go to trial. A representation selection effect is proposed to explain these empirical results. This article argues that parties are quite apt to make deliberate and reasonable decisions on whether to seek legal representation in Taiwan and that the continental judge's active role in the adjudication process helps to explain why pro se litigants fare reasonably well in formal litigation. This study suggests that the influence of lawyers on how a case is disposed of in Taiwan may not be as strong as their colleagues' influence in the United States.
Litigation and Settlement: New Evidence from Labor Courts in Mexico
Authors: Kaplan David S. , Sadka Joyce , Silva‐Mendez Jorge Luis
Published: May 2008

Using a newly assembled data set on procedures filed in Mexican labor tribunals, we study the determinants of final awards to workers. On average, workers recover less than 30 percent of their claim. Our strongest result is that workers receive higher percentages of their claims in settlements than in trial judgments. We also find that cases with multiple claimants against a single firm are less likely to be settled, which partially explains why workers involved in these procedures receive lower percentages of their claims. Finally, we find evidence that a worker who exaggerates his or her claim is less likely to settle.
The Health Cost of Civil‐Law Problems: Further Evidence of Links Between Civil‐Law Problems and Morbidity, and the Consequential Use of Health Services
Authors: Pleasence Pascoe , Balmer Nigel J. , Buck Alexy
Published: May 2008

There is considerable evidence of links between social and health problems. Some of these links involve social problems that can be addressed through civil legal process, and may be described as civil‐law problems. Various initiatives have been implemented around the world to link health and legal advice services to promote better health and justice outcomes. This study examines the links between civil‐law problems and morbidity. It uses new data to replicate an earlier analysis of these links, then builds on this by exploring the extent to which problems are reported to act to bring about ill health. It also details the reported consequent use of health services. We examined survey respondents’ self‐reports of long‐standing illness/disability, use of health services, and experience of 18 types of civil‐law problems. Data were drawn from a random national survey of 5,015 adults living in 3,832 residential households across England and Wales. Having controlled for a range of other social and demographic predictors, we found a significant association between age‐standardized illness/disability and civil‐law problems, one that increases with illness/disability severity. In particular, we found significant associations with 10 of 18 principal problem types. We found that adverse health consequences were reported to have followed over one‐third of problems, and some problem types in particular. This led to significant use of health services. We highlight the contribution that legal services may make to public health. We argue that despite the difficulties faced in England and Wales by initiatives such as Health Action Zones and Community Legal Services Partnerships, and despite the cost‐benefit ratio of legal advice and assistance (in either the justice or health fields) remaining unclear, the more effective coordination of health and legal services is likely to improve both health and justice outcomes.
Medical Malpractice Review Panels and Medical Liability System Cost, Timeliness, and Efficiency: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: White III Frederick J. , Pettiette, Jr. Lawrence W. , Wiggins Rendi B. , Kiss Alexander
Published: May 2008

The medical malpractice review panel is a widely adopted tort reform, but few empirical data exist regarding its utility. This cross‐sectional study evaluated potential associations between the medical malpractice panel status of a state (mandatory submission panel, optional submission panel, or no panel) and measures of cost, timeliness, and efficiency of medical malpractice claims resolution for the year 2002. Effects of differences in baseline state characteristics that could affect those associations were analyzed using a multiple regression analysis. After adjusting for significant covariates among measures of socioeconomic characteristics, judicial system frequency and function, and other statutory tort reforms, multiple regression analysis found no significant relationship at the state level in the year 2002 between the predictor variable, panel status, and the dependent variables of paid loss ratio, paid defense cost ratio, reported physician malpractice payment, dollars of paid defense cost per dollar of paid loss, reported annual physician malpractice insurance premium for internal medicine, general surgery, and obstetrics/gynecology, time from incident of malpractice to payment of claim, and ratio of paid to unpaid claims (p values > 0.05). These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that the medical malpractice review panel is a statutory reform of secondary or neutral effect.
Effect of 5‐lipoxygenase inhibitor MK591 on early molecular and signaling events induced by staphylococcal enterotoxin B in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Mendis Chanaka , Campbell Katherine , Das Rina , Yang David , Jett Marti
Published: May 2008

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) has been the focus of a number of studies due to its ability to promote septic shock and a massive impact on the human immune system. Even though symptoms and pathology associated with SEB is well known, early molecular events that lead to lethality are still poorly understood. Our approach was to utilize SEB induced human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as a prototype module to further investigate the complexity of signaling cascades that may ultimately lead to lethal shock. Our study revealed the activation of multiple divergent intracellular pathways within minutes of SEB induction including components that interconnect investigated pathways. A series of performed inhibitor studies identified a specific inhibitor of 5‐LO (MK591), which has the ability to block JNK, MAPK, p38kinase and 5‐LO signaling‐cascades and drastically reducing the activity of pro‐inflammatory cytokine TNF‐α. Further evaluation of MK591 utilizing cell proliferation assays in PBMCs, human proximal tubule cells and in vivo studies (monkey) showed a decrease in cell proliferation. The inhibitory effect of MK591 was reconfirmed at a genetic level through the utilization of a set of SEB specific genes. Signaling activities, inhibitor studies, cellular analysis and gene expression analysis in unison illustrated the significance of pathway interconnectors such as 5‐LO as well as inhibiting such inter‐connectors (using MK591) in SEB induced human PBMCs.
Kinetic characterization of the first step of the ribozyme‐catalyzed trans excision‐splicing reaction
Authors: Dotson II P. Patrick , Sinha Joy , Testa Stephen M.
Published: May 2008

Group I introns catalyze the self‐splicing reaction, and their derived ribozymes are frequently used as model systems for the study of RNA folding and catalysis, as well as for the development of non‐native catalytic reactions. Utilizing a group I intron‐derived ribozyme from Pneumocystis carinii, we previously reported a non‐native reaction termed trans excision‐splicing (TES). In this reaction, an internal segment of RNA is excised from an RNA substrate, resulting in the covalent reattachment of the flanking regions. TES proceeds through two consecutive phosphotransesterification reactions, which are similar to the reaction steps of self‐splicing. One key difference is that TES utilizes the 3′‐terminal guanosine of the ribozyme as the first‐step nucleophile, whereas self‐splicing utilizes an exogenous guanosine. To further aid in our understanding of ribozyme reactions, a kinetic framework for the first reaction step (substrate cleavage) was established. The results demonstrate that the substrate binds to the ribozyme at a rate expected for simple helix formation. In addition, the rate constant for the first step of the TES reaction is more than one order of magnitude lower than the analogous step in self‐splicing. Results also suggest that a conformational change, likely similar to that in self‐splicing, exists between the two reaction steps of TES. Finally, multiple turnover is curtailed because dissociation of the cleavage product is slower than the rate of chemistry.
Leptin protects H9c2 rat cardiomyocytes from H2O2‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Eguchi Megumi , Liu Yuantao , Shin Eyun‐Jung , Sweeney Gary
Published: May 2008

Obesity is a known risk factor for induction of myocardial infarction, but, paradoxically, may also confer a protective effect against subsequent remodeling leading to heart failure. In this study, we investigated the effect of leptin, the product of the obese (ob) gene, on cardiomyocyte apoptosis, a well‐characterized component of cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction. Exposing H9c2 cells to H2O2 decreased cell viability, and this was attenuated by pretreating cells with leptin for 1 h, but not 24 h. Leptin also attenuated the ability of H2O2 to increase phosphatidylserine exposure and annexin V binding. Further investigation of underlying mechanisms of leptin’s protective effect demonstrated that the H2O2‐induced decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (Ψ) leading to cytochrome c release was attenuated by leptin pretreatment, and this was associated with reduced translocation of the pro‐apoptotic Bax protein to the mitochondrial membrane. Finally, leptin prevented H2O2‐induced increases in caspase‐3 cleavage and activity, although again 24 h leptin pretreatment did not confer significant protection. In summary, we have demonstrated that acute leptin pretreatment mediates anti‐apoptotic effects in H9c2 rat cardiomyocytes, which may be of significance in clarifying the direct impact of leptin on the heart.
Rural Youth Migration Trends in Australia: an Overview of Recent Trends and Two Inland Case Studies
Authors: ARGENT NEIL , WALMSLEY JIM
Published: May 2008

Much of what has been written on the topic of Australian rural youth migration trends and processes has often proceeded from data‐free, or data‐poor grounds. In this context, this paper analyses recent trends in youth (15 to 24 years of age) migration for a temporally‐consistent set of Statistical Divisions (SDs) in inland rural Australia, and for local government areas within the Northern Tablelands and Slopes and Ranges of northern New South Wales and the Western Australian Central Wheatbelt. The paper finds that rates of youth loss from rural regions have increased over the past twenty years. Yet the patterns, processes, causes and impacts of rural youth migration are distributed in a spatially‐uneven fashion. Some remote areas are receiving net migration gains while booming ‘sea change’ coastal regions have experienced heavy losses. While the ‘flight to the bright city lights’ syndrome is evident, relatively high proportions of young people in the Northern SD of NSW move within their immediate region. Nevertheless, some common understandings concerning youth mobility were also confirmed. Gender differentials in migration propensity between women and men are evident even at quite local scales. Young people are also more likely to search out capital cities than the rest of the population. Most inland areas still continue to experience heavy losses of local youth. A more precise understanding of rural youth migration trends is an important stepping stone in the establishment of a reinvigorated research effort into young rural people's perspectives of their changing life chances in their home communities.
‘We’re moving out’: Youth Out‐Migration Intentions in Coastal Non‐Metropolitan New South Wales
Authors: DROZDZEWSKI DANIELLE
Published: May 2008

This article discusses youth out‐migration on the non‐metropolitan New South Wales Eastern Seaboard. High levels of in‐migration and counter‐urbanisation, typical of many coastal non‐metropolitan towns in NSW, mask the out‐migration of youth. There are relatively few 15–24 year olds in the coastal communities of non‐metropolitan New South Wales, because many youths out‐migrate to larger centres, for a range of reasons. Out‐migration also demarcates a life transition away from school life, adolescence and the parental home. This paper draws from research with senior high school students in one coastal town – Coffs Harbour – where such trends have been particularly apparent. It examines the propensity for youth out‐migration and discusses how young people articulate their migration intentions. Young people's perceptions of their current and future prospects feature prominently in their discourses about intended migration, although this research also demonstrates that the life courses of regional youth are unorthodox and diverse in nature.
Turbulent Lives: Exploring the Cultural Meaning of Regional Youth Migration
Authors: EASTHOPE HAZEL , GABRIEL MICHELLE
Published: May 2008

Migration is an important part of the lives of many young adults. In numerous areas around the world, and particularly in regional and remote areas, cultures have emerged where the migration of young adults is normalised and expected. While the impact of the migration of young adults on the areas they have left and have moved to has received considerable attention in both political and academic arenas, there is a need for more research that addresses the cultural meaning of migration and the importance of the migration process for young people themselves. The paper is based on two large research projects undertaken between 2000 and 2005, which focused on the experiences of migration of young adults in Tasmania, and includes data sourced from interviews and focus groups with young migrants as well as an analysis of media and policy documents. We discuss the ‘turbulent lives’ of young people in Tasmania, including the expectations and aspirations of young adults growing up in a culture in which migration is normalised and their experiences of leaving, and returning to, their childhood homes. These issues are considered in the context of recent theoretical debates surrounding the impact of mobility and attachment to place on the identities of migrants.
Scenic Perceptions of the Visual Effects of Wind Farms on South Australian Landscapes
Authors: LOTHIAN ANDREW
Published: May 2008

A survey of the visual effects of wind farms was undertaken in South Australia, with the aim of quantifying the impact of wind farms on the perceived scenic quality of landscapes. In the study a total of 311 participants assessed the scenic quality of a photographed landscape in 68 coastal and inland locations where wind farms could be located, both without wind farms and with wind farms digitally added to the scene. A key finding of the study was that wind farms generally had a negative effect on landscapes of higher scenic quality but a positive effect on landscapes of lower scenic quality. The negative visual effects of a wind farm did not reduce appreciably with distance. White, blue or grey coloured turbines were preferred over tan or rainbow hues, but this finding was based on a small number of scenes. Limitations of the study included using static views of wind farms and having an insufficient number of scenes to assess the influence of the number of turbines on scenic quality ratings. The study concluded that wind farms should avoid areas of higher perceived scenic quality, particularly on the coast, and be located in areas of lower scenic quality. The study adds to the growing body of international research on community attitudes to wind farms, and contributes useful knowledge for future planning of wind farms in Australia. These research results should assist communities, government agencies and the wind energy industry and improve the planning and design of wind farms by taking community perceptions into account.
The Kabbalah Centre and Contemporary Spirituality
Authors: Myers Jody
Published: May 2008

This paper focuses on the Kabbalah Centre, an international new religious movement that popularizes formerly esoteric Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism) and attempts to spread it to a universal audience. Like many new religious movements, its cultural and social nonalignment fosters intense opposition as well as attraction, the latter most notably from celebrity followers such as Madonna. I summarize portions of my ethnographic and historical research to illumine some basic aspects of the movement: its connection to Jewish and Christian Kabbalah, its postmodern social structure, and its appeal to both people seeking a spiritual outlook and practice seemingly unconnected to normative, organized religion.
ATR Harmony in African Languages
Authors: Casali Roderic F.
Published: May 2008

A widespread phonological pattern in African languages of the Niger‐Congo and Nilo‐Saharan families is a type of vowel harmony or assimilation based on a phonological feature [ATR], or advanced tongue root. This article introduces the general behavior of African ATR harmony systems, briefly describes their geographic and genetic distribution, and discusses the phonetic basis of the feature [ATR]. I describe several aspects of typological variation in ATR harmony languages, with particular attention to some controversial issues of theoretical interest on which recent research may shed additional light. Topics covered include the nature of a widely discussed typological distinction between dominant and root‐controlled ATR harmony languages, the extent to which [–ATR] vowels behave as dominant, the behavior of the frequently neutral vowel /a/, and the question of whether the direction of application of ATR harmony can be predicted from the morphological possibilities found in a language.
Making a Virtue of Evil: A Five‐Step Social Identity Model of the Development of Collective Hate
Authors: Reicher Stephen , Haslam S. Alexander , Rath Rakshi
Published: May 2008

In the first part of this paper, we re‐examine the historical and psychological case for ‘the banality of evil’– the idea that people commit extreme acts of inhumanity, and more particularly genocides, in a state where they lack awareness or else control over what they are doing. Instead, we provide evidence that those who commit great wrongs knowingly choose to act as they do because they believe that what they are doing is right. In the second part of the paper, we then outline an integrative five‐step social identity model that details the processes through which inhumane acts against other groups can come to be celebrated as right. The five steps are: (i)Identification, the construction of an ingroup; (ii)Exclusion, the definition of targets as external to the ingroup; (iii)Threat, the representation of these targets as endangering ingroup identity; (iv)Virtue, the championing of the ingroup as (uniquely) good; and (v)Celebration, embracing the eradication of the outgroup as necessary to the defence of virtue.
Perspectives on the Relationship Between Job Performance and Ratings of Job Performance
Authors: Murphy Kevin R.
Published: May 2008

The comments and suggestions prompted by K. R. Murphy’s (2008) description of alternate models of the relationship between job performance and ratings of job performance reflect 3 broad themes: (a) the relationship between performance appraisal and performance measurement, (b) the best psychometric models for understanding performance ratings, and (c) the appropriateness of static measures for dynamic phenomena. This paper comments on these 3 themes and suggests directions for future research and practice in performance appraisal that focuses on rater goals, organizational interventions to improve the accuracy and value of ratings, and assessments of the value of performance ratings as criteria.
Lack of somatic ErbB2 tyrosine kinase domain mutations in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wong Chiung‐Ing , Yap Hui‐Ling , Lim Seng‐Gee , Guo Jia‐Yi , Goh Boon‐Cher , Lee Soo‐Chin
Published: May 2008

Aim:  Small molecules targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) intracellular tyrosine kinase domain have shown promising activity in cancer therapeutics. Recent reports suggest activity of erlotinib, an ErbB1 inhibitor, and lapatinib, a dual inhibitor of ErbB1 and ErbB2, in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Activating ErbB1 somatic mutations may predict treatment responses.

Method and Results:  We have previously reported ErbB1 tyrosine kinase domain mutations to be rare or absent in HCC, but data on the frequency of ErbB2 tyrosine kinase domain mutations in HCC is currently limited, apart from reports of a missense mutation identified in 11% of a small Caucasian sample. We studied exons 18–23 of the ErbB2 gene from tumor DNA of 100 Asian human HCC and found no exonic mutations of potential significance.

Conclusion:  Alternative mechanisms may be responsible for the observed therapeutic efficacy of ErbB1 and ErbB2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Re‐evaluation of the Guideline published by the Acute Liver Failure Study Group of Japan in 1996 to determine the indications of liver transplantation in patients with fulminant hepatitis
Authors: Mochida Satoshi , Nakayama Nobuaki , Matsui Atsushi , Nagoshi Sumiko , Fujiwara Kenji
Published: May 2008

Aim:  The indications for liver transplantation in cases of fulminant hepatitis are currently determined according to the Guideline of the Acute Liver Failure Study Group of Japan in 1996, which is based on assessment of the prognosis of the patients at the onset of hepatic encephalopathy and reassessed 5 days later. This Guideline was prepared based on the clinical findings in patients seen between 1988 and 1992, and showed a predictive accuracy of 82% in the patients seen between 1993 and 1995. In this study, the usefulness of the Guideline was re‐evaluated, since the therapeutic strategies for fulminant hepatitis have advanced remarkably over the last 10 years.

Methods:  The predictive accuracy of the Guideline was assessed in 698 patients with fulminant hepatitis and late onset hepatic failure (LOHF) between 1998 and 2003. The time‐point in the course of the disease at which physicians considered liver transplantation was examined.

Results:  The accuracy in patients not receiving liver transplantation was 68% and 78% in acute and subacute types, respectively, of fulminant hepatitis, and 84% among LOHF cases. The values did not improve following the reassessment. The sensitivity and specificity of the assessment in patients with acute and subacute types, respectively, were extremely low. Liver transplantation was considered in 42% of LOHF patients at 8 or more days before encephalopathy development.

Conclusion:  The Guideline should be modified to improve its accuracy. The Guideline should also be made adoptable for the assessment of LOHF patients before hepatic encephalopathy onset.
Internal Cooling Near Trailing Edge of a Gas Turbine Airfoil With Cooling Airflow Through Blockages With Holes
Authors: Lau S. C. , Cervantes J. , Han J. C. , Rudolph R. J.
Published: May 2008

Naphthalene sublimation experiments were conducted to study heat transfer for flow through blockages with holes in an internal cooling passage near the trailing edge of a gas turbine airfoil. The cooling passage was modeled as two rectangular channels whose heights decreased along the main flow direction. The air made a right-angled turn before passing through two blockages with staggered holes in each channel and left the channel through an exit that was partially blocked by periodic lands with rounded leading edges. There were ten holes along each blockage and all of the holes had rounded edges. Local heat (mass) transfer was measured and overall heat (mass) transfer results were obtained, on the exposed surfaces of one of the walls downstream of the two blockages, for Reynolds numbers (based on the hydraulic diameter of the channel at the upstream surface of the first blockage) between 5000 and 36,000. The results showed that the blockages with the larger hole-to-channel cross-sectional area ratio in one of the two test sections enhanced the heat (mass) transfer downstream of the blockages more than the blockages with the smaller open area ratio in the second test section. For the geometric configurations and flow conditions studied, the average heat (mass) transfer was higher downstream of the second blockage than downstream of the first blockage. The configurations of the inlet channel and the exit slots considered in this study did not significantly affect the local heat (mass) transfer distributions or the average heat (mass) transfer downstream of the blockages.
Experimental Flow Structure Investigation of Compound Angled Film Cooling
Authors: Aga Vipluv , Rose Martin , Abhari Reza S.
Published: May 2008

The experimental investigation of film-cooling flow structure provides reliable data for calibrating and validating a 3D feature based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model being developed synchronously at the ETH Zurich. This paper reports on the flow structure of a film-cooling jet emanating from one hole in a row of holes angled 20 deg to the surface of a flat plate having a 45 deg lateral angle to the freestream flow in a steady flow, flat plate wind tunnel. This facility simulates a film-cooling row typically found on a turbine blade, giving engine representative nondimensionals in terms of geometry and operating conditions. The main flow is heated and the injected coolant is cooled strongly to obtain the requisite density ratio. All three velocity components were measured using a nonintrusive stereoscopic particle image velocimetry (PIV) system. The blowing ratio and density ratio are varied for a single compound angled geometry, and the complex three dimensional flow is investigated with special regard to vortical structure.
A Criterion for Axial Compressor Hub-Corner Stall
Authors: Lei V.-M. , Spakovszky Z. S. , Greitzer E. M.
Published: May 2008

This paper presents a new criterion for estimating the onset of three-dimensional hub-corner stall in axial compressor rotors and shrouded stators. A simple first-of-a-kind description of hub-corner stall formation is developed which consists of (i) a stall indicator, which quantifies the extent of the separated region via the local blade loading and thus indicates whether hub-corner stall occurs, and (ii) a diffusion parameter, which defines the diffusion limit for unstalled operation. The stall indicator can be cast in terms of a Zweifel loading coefficient. The diffusion parameter is based on preliminary design flow variables and geometry. Computational simulations and single and multistage compressor data are used to show the applicability of the criterion over a range of blade design parameters. The criterion also enables determination of specific flow control actions to mitigate hub-corner stall. As an illustration, a flow control blade, designed using the ideas developed, is seen to produce a substantial reduction in the flow nonuniformity associated with hub-corner stall.
Clearance Effects on the Evolution of the Flow in the Vaneless Diffuser of a Centrifugal Compressor at Part Load Condition
Authors: Schleer Matthias , Abhari Reza S.
Published: May 2008

This work reports on flow measurements taken within the vaneless diffuser of a scaled-up model of a small-scale, highly loaded unshrouded compressor with large relative tip clearance. The aims are to describe and to analyze the influence of the clearance flow on the flow structure at the impeller exit in part load operation. The kind of compressor described herein is widely used in distributed power applications and automotive turbocharging. It demands further enhancement of the operation range, as well as a high head rise and an improved efficiency. Therefore, the understanding of flow features and their interaction is crucial. The interaction and mixing of the flow pattern downstream of the impeller are shown using spatially and temporally resolved 3D-velocity data. The measurements have been obtained by using a 3D laser Doppler anemometry system throughout the vaneless parallel wall diffuser. This unique data set provides insight into the development of the flow within the diffuser and allows conclusions on the mixing and migration of the three-dimensional pattern. The flow structure in part load condition is strongly affected by the flow across the large relative tip gap. Due to the large relative tip clearance, a low momentum zone is formed as an additional pattern at the shroud. This clearance flow is highly vortical and interacts with the channel wake structure but remains stable throughout the vaneless diffuser. At the pressure side hub corner, a jet structure is formed, which interacts rapidly with the blade wake. This flow behavior does not comply with the classical jet-wake pattern. It is proposed that in a centrifugal compressor with large relative tip clearance, a modified flow model that includes tip leakage is more appropriate to describe the flow structure at part load condition.
Inner Workings of Shrouded and Unshrouded Transonic Fan Blades
Authors: Wadia A. R. , Szucs P. N.
Published: May 2008

This paper reports on the numerical assessment of the differences in aerodynamic performance between part span shrouded and unshrouded fan blades generally found in the first stage of multistage fans in low bypass ratio aircraft engines. Rotor flow fields for both blade designs were investigated at two operating conditions using a three-dimensional viscous flow analysis. Although designed to the same radius ratio, aspect ratio, and solidity, the unshrouded fan rotor had a slightly increased tip speed (+3%) and somewhat lower pressure ratio (−3.2%) due to engine cycle requirements. Even when allowing for these small differences, the analysis reveals interesting differences in the level and in the radial distribution of efficiency between these two rotors. The reason for the improved performance of the shrouded rotor in part can be attributed to the shroud blocking off the radial migration of boundary layer fluid centrifuged from the hub on the suction side. As a result, the shock boundary layer interaction seems to be improved on the shrouded blade. At the cruise condition, the efficiency is the same for both rotors. The slightly better efficiency of the shrouded blade in the outer panel is nullified by the large efficiency penalty in the vicinity of the shroud. As there is no significant radial migration of fluid in the suction side boundary layer, as indicated by the analysis at this condition relative to the design speed case, the benefit due to the shroud is greatly reduced. At this speed and at lower speeds, the shroud becomes a net additional loss for the blade. Also of interest from the numerical results is the indication that significant blade ruggedization penalties to performance can be reduced in the case of the unshrouded blade through custom tailoring of its mean camber line.