Managing youth transitions in the Network Society

Castells argues that society is being reconstituted according to the global logic of networks. This paper discusses the ways in which a globalised network logic transforms the nature young people's transitions from school to work. Furthermore, the paper explores the ways in which this network logic restructured the manner in which youth transitions are managed via the emergence of a Vocational Education and Training (VET) agenda in Australian post compulsory secondary schooling. It also notes the implications of the emergence of the 'network society' for locality generally and for selected localities specific to the research upon which this paper is based. It suggests that schools represent nodes in a range of VET and other networks, and shows how schools and other agencies in particular localities mobilise their expertise to construct such networks. These networks are networked, funded and regulated at various levels - regionally, nationally and globally. But, they are also facilitated by personal networking opportunities and capacities. The paper also points to the ways in which the 'reflexivity chances' of young people are shaped by this network logic - a situation that generates new forms of responsibility, for schools and teachers, with regard to the management of youth transitions.

The young women's network: A case study in community development

While young women have been found to be at additional risk for psychological morbidity after a breast cancer diagnosis, their specific needs in relation to support are not well described. A community development approach was utilized to develop the Young Women's Network, a peer support programme for young women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer that addresses their specific psychological and social needs, Central to this approach was the key role of the target group in both the definition of the problem and the generation of the solutions. This article describes the steps involved in developing this programme and guidelines for health professionals and community members who may wish to replicate either the Young Women's Network or this particular approach to programme development. Copyright (C), 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Somatotopic organization and cortical projections of the ventrobasal complex of the flying fox: an "inverted" wing representation in the thalamus

The present study investigates the somatotopic representation in the somatosensory thalamus of a megachiropteran bat. Using standard microelectrode mapping techniques, representational maps were generated for the ventrobasal (Vb) and posterior (Po) thalamic complexes of the Grey-headed flying fox. Anatomical tracing from neocortical injections provided additional data confirming the somatotopy found physiologically. A full representation of the body surface innervated by the trigeminal and spinal nerves was found. However, in contrast with other mammals, the representations of the forelimb and adjacent thoracic trunk within the thalamus were inverted. This means that the distal portions of the wing membrane and the tips of the digits were represented dorsally in Vb, and the thoracic trunk was represented ventrally In Po the digit tips were represented in the ventral most portion and the thoracic trunk in the dorsal portion of the nucleus. These results are discussed in relation to similarities of megachiropteran somatosensory thalamic nuclei to those of other mammalian species and in relation to the formation of thalamic somatotopic maps and fiber sorting.

Genomic organization of the CC chemokine MIP-3 alpha/CCL20/LARC/EXODUS/SCYA20, showing gene structure, splice variants, and chromosome localization

We describe the genomic organization of a recently identified CC chemokine, MIP3 alpha /CCL20 (HGMW-approved symbol SCYA20). The MIP-3 alpha /CCL20 gene was cloned and sequenced, revealing a four exon, three intron structure, and was localized by FISK analysis to 2q35-q36. Two distinct cDNAs were identified, encoding two forms of MIP-3 alpha /CCL20, Ala MLP-3 alpha /CCL20 and Ser MIP-3 alpha /CCL20, that differ by one amino acid at the predicted signal peptide cleavage site. Examination of the sequence around the boundary of intron 1 and exon 2 showed that use of alternative splice acceptor sites could give rise to Ata MIP-3 alpha /CCL20 or Ser MIP-3 alpha /CCL20. Both forms of MIP-3cr/CCL20 were chemically synthesized and tested for biological activity. Both flu antigen plus IL-a-activated CD4(+) and CD8(+) T lymphoblasts and cord blood-derived dendritic cells responded to Ser and Ala MIP-3 alpha /CCL20. T lymphocytes exposed only to IL-2 responded inconsistently, while no response was detected in naive T lymphocytes, monocytes, or neutrophils. The biological activity of Ser MIP-3 alpha /CCL20 and Ala MIP-3 alpha /CCL20 and the tissue-specific preference of different splice acceptor sites are not yet known. (C) 2001 Academic Press.

Linear models of simple cells: Correspondence to real cell responses and space spanning properties

Despite their limitations, linear filter models continue to be used to simulate the receptive field properties of cortical simple cells. For theoreticians interested in large scale models of visual cortex, a family of self-similar filters represents a convenient way in which to characterise simple cells in one basic model. This paper reviews research on the suitability of such models, and goes on to advance biologically motivated reasons for adopting a particular group of models in preference to all others. In particular, the paper describes why the Gabor model, so often used in network simulations, should be dropped in favour of a Cauchy model, both on the grounds of frequency response and mutual filter orthogonality.