Cerebellar language and cognitive functions in childhood: A comparative review of the clinical research

Background: Recent research addressing evidence from functional neuroimaging studies, neurophysiological research, and new advances in neuropsychology together with traditional cerebellar lesion studies have recently implicated the cerebellum in adult language and cognitive functions. However, more limited information is currently available in describing the functional connectivity present in the paediatric population. Aims: It is the purpose of this paper to review recent clinical research pertaining to paediatric populations, outlining the impact of site of lesion and specific associated clinical changes in children with cerebellar disturbances. Main contribution: The specific contribution of the right cerebellar hemisphere to language function is identified to also exist in the paediatric population, highlighting the existence of functional connections between this region of the brain and left frontal cortical areas early in development. Conclusions: Implications for future research in paediatric populations are extensive, as a greater awareness and an understanding of the recently acknowledged involvement of the cerebellum in cognition and nonmotor linguistic function is anticipated to also add new dimension and direction to the analysis of childhood language outcomes associated with the cerebellum.

Difficult macrocyclizations: New strategies for synthesizing highly strained cyclic tetrapeptides

Cyclic tetrapeptides are an intriguing class of natural products. To synthesize highly strained cyclic tetrapeptides; we developed a macrocyclization strategy that involves the inclusion of 2-hydroxy-6-nitrobenzyl (HnB) group at the N-terminus and in the middle of the sequence. The N-terminal auxiliary performs a ring closure/ring contraction role, and the backbone auxiliary promotes cis amide bonds to facilitate the otherwise difficult ring contraction. Following this route, the all-L cyclic tetrapeptide cyclo-[Tyr-Arg-Phe-Ala] was successfully prepared.

Advanced precursors in marine biosynthetic study. Part 3: The biosynthesis of dichloroimines in the tropical marine sponge Stylotella aurantium

The biosynthetic origins of the dichloroimine group in the stylotellanes A and B 1,2 have been investigated by incorporation of [C-14]-labeled farnesyl isocyanide 7 and farnesyl isothiocyanate 3 into the sponge Stylotella aurantium. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserled.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of metronidazole in camels, sheep and goats

The pharmacokinetics of metronidazole was determined after a single intramuscular (i.m.) dose of 30 mg.kg(-1)-body weight in five camels, sheep and goats. Marked differences were found between the three species in some of the kinetic parameters. For example, the elimination half-lives t(1/2); (h) in camels, sheep and goats were 10.0, 6.21 and 5.87, respectively. The drug maximum concentrations in plasma, C-max (mg.ml(-1)), were 28.3, 54.6 and 54.4 in camels, sheep and goats, respectively. The time to reach C-max, t(max) (h), were 5, 4 and 2 in camels, sheep and goats, respectively. The mean residence times (MRT; h) in camels, sheep and goats were 16.7, 10.8 and 8.64, respectively. In the light of the present kinetic data and known microbial sensitivities of metronidazole, we recommend an i.m. dose of 15 mg.kg(-1) in camels and 10 mg.kg(-1) in sheep and boats. every 12 h.

Virtual learning communities beyond the classroom: perceptions of tertiary Chinese language and non-language learners

As class contact times are reduced as a result of fiscal restraints in the modern tertiary sector, language instructors are placed in the position of having to find new ways to provide experience and continuity in language learning. Extending 'learning communities'—sites of learner knowledge exchange, exposure to diverse learning styles and strategies, and mutual support—beyond the classroom is one solution to maintaining successful linguistic competencies amongst learners. This, however, can conflict with the diverse extra-curricular commitments faced by tertiary students. The flexibility of web-based learning platforms provides one means of overcoming these obstacles. This study investigates learner perceptions of the use of the WebCT platform's computer medicated communication (CMC) tools as a means of extending the community of learning in tertiary Chinese language and non-language courses. Learner responses to Likert and open-ended questionnaires show that flexibility and reduction of negative affect are seen as significant benefits to 'virtual' interaction and communication, although responses are notably stronger in the non-language compared with the language cohort. While both learner cohorts acknowledge positive learning outcomes, CMC is not seen to consistently further interpersonal rapport beyond that established in the classroom. Maintaining a balance between web-based and classroom learning emerges as a concern, especially amongst language learners. [Author abstract, ed]

Population pharmacokinetics of hydroxychloroquine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an antimalarial drug that is also used as a second-line treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Clinically, the use of HCQ is characterized by a long delay in the onset of action, and withdrawal of treatment is often a result of inefficacy rather than from toxicity. The slow onset of action can be attributed to the pharmacokinetics (PK) of HCQ, and wide interpatient variability is evident. Tentative relationships between concentration and effect have been made, but to date, no population PK model has been developed for HCQ. This study aimed to develop a population PK model including an estimation of the oral bioavailability of HCQ. In addition, the effects of the coadministration of methotrexate on the PK of HCQ were examined. Hydroxychloroquine blood concentration data were combined from previous pharmacokinetic studies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A total of 123 patients were studied, giving the data cohort from four previously published studies. Two groups of patients were included: 74 received hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) alone, and 49 received HCQ and methotrexate (MTX). All data analyses were carried out using the NONMEM program. A one-compartment PK model was supported, rather than a three-compartment model as previously published, probably because of the clustering of concentrations taken at the end of a dosing interval. The population estimate of bioavailability of 0.75 (0.07), n = 9, was consistent with literature values. The parameter values from the final model were: (Cl) over bar = 9.9 +/- 0.4 L/h, (V) over bar 605 +/- 91 L, (k(d)) over bar = 0.77 +/- 0.22 hours(-1), (t(tag)) over bar = 0.44 +/- 0.02 hours. Clearance was not affected by the presence of MTX, and, hence, steady-state drug concentrations and maintenance dosage requirements were similar. A population PK model was successfully developed for HCQ.

Cherbourg's Chinatown: creating an identity of place on an Australian Aboriginal settlement

This is the story of an extraordinary Aboriginal woman, Princy Carlo, and the identity of place she and her descendants fashioned within the confines of the Aboriginal settlement of Cherbourg (formerly Barambah), during the early twentieth century. The patch of Cherbourg that came to be known as 'Chinatown' has to date attracted cursory reference in historical commentary on the south-eastern Queensland Aboriginal settlement. Yet, hidden beneath what may appear as an inconsequential historical detail lies a fascinating illustration of the negotiation of place identity within a frame of triangulated group relations (Aboriginal-Chinese-White) in what remained, in essence, a colonial society. Incorporating primary written sources and oral accounts from descendants the study analyses the forging of the Chinatown identity of place through a process of 'spatial othering', eliciting features unique to this indigenous identity-construct. The study provides an insight into Aboriginal connection and kinship with land following forced removal to a government settlement, and contributes to the historical records of the Cherbourg Aboriginal community and the Eidsvold district in Queensland, Australia. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dizziness and unsteadiness following whiplash injury: Characteristic features and relationship with cervical joint position error

Dizziness and/or unsteadiness are common symptoms of chronic whiplash-associated disorders. This study aimed to report the characteristics of these symptoms and determine whether there was any relationship to cervical joint position error. Joint position error, the accuracy to return to the natural head posture following extension and rotation, was measured in 102 subjects with persistent whiplash-associated disorder and 44 control subjects. Whiplash subjects completed a neck pain index and answered questions about the characteristics of dizziness. The results indicated that subjects with whiplash-associated disorders had significantly greater joint position errors than control subjects. Within the whiplash group, those with dizziness had greater joint position errors than those without dizziness following rotation (rotation (R) 4.5degrees (0.3) vs 2.9degrees (0.4); rotation (L) 3.9degrees (0.3) vs 2.8degrees (0.4) respectively) and a higher neck pain index (55.3% (1.4) vs 43.1% (1.8)). Characteristics of the dizziness were consistent for those reported for a cervical cause but no characteristics could predict the magnitude of joint position error. Cervical mechanoreceptor dysfunction is a likely cause of dizziness in whiplash-associated disorder.

Social identity and diversity in organizations

In this paper, a social identity perspective on the management of diversity in organizations is outlined. The perspective is well-placed to offer considerable insight in this area, given that it explicates the processes through which group memberships impact on people's attitudes and behaviour both within and between groups that are operative in the workplace. According to this perspective, relative group status and the perceived permeability of intergroup boundaries are key factors that need to be considered in any efforts to understand intergroup relations in the workplace. After a brief overview of the social identity perspective, the paper discusses: i) the role that group status and perceived permeability play in determining the nature of intergroup relations in the workplace, and 2) the type of interventions that can be derived from a social identity perspective in an effort to improve intergroup relations in the workplace.

A stress and coping approach to organisational change: Evidence from three field studies

In this paper, a stress and coping perspective is used to outline the processes that determine employee adaptation to organisational change. A theoretical framework that simultaneously considers the effects of event characteristics, situational appraisals, coping strategies, and coping resources is reviewed, Three empirical investigations of organisational change that have tested various components of the model are then presented. In the first study, there was evidence linking event characteristics, situational appraisals, coping strategies and coping resources to levels of employee adjustment in a sample of pilots employed in a newly merged airline company. In a more focused test of the model with a sample of employees experiencing a restructuring process in their Organisation it was found that the provision of change-related information enhanced levels of efficacy to deal with the change process which, in turn, predicted psychological wellbeing, client engagement, and job satisfaction. In a study of managers affected by a new remuneration scheme, there was evidence to suggest that managers who received change-specific information and opportunities to participate in the change process reported higher levels of change readiness. Managers who reported higher levels of readiness for change also reported higher levels of psychological wellbeing and job satisfaction. These studies highlight ways in which managers and change agents can help employees to cope during times of organisational change.