bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carcass and meat characteristics of sheep with an additional growth hormone gene
Authors: Adams N. R. , Briegel J. R. , Pethick D. W. , Cake M. A.
Published: November 2006

Effects of high growth hormone (GH) activity on body composition and some aspects of meat quality were examined in sheep transgenic for an additional copy of the ovine GH gene, as a tool to explore the biological importance of the GH axis in sheep selected commercially for meat production. Carcasses of 16 GH and 25 control mixed-sex sheep aged 45 months, and 6 GH and 6 control ewes aged 20 months, were measured. The dressing percentage was lower in the GH sheep (P < 0.001). The GH sheep had similar muscle mass to controls, but the weight of their fat depots was reduced (P < 0.001) to approximately 40% of controls, whereas limb-bone mass was 43% greater (P < 0.001) than controls. Fore and hind limbs were equally affected. Skin and most internal organs were heavier, particularly the pancreas, kidney, alimentary canal, and the liver. The concentration of intramuscular fat in the GH sheep was only 27% that of controls (P < 0.001), whereas the average pH of muscle 24 h after slaughter and the melting point of subcutaneous fat were both increased (P < 0.05). Similar changes in organ weights and body composition have been observed in sheep selectively bred to enhance lamb growth rate or to decrease fatness, suggesting that relative GH activity contributed to the outcomes of those experiments. This study indicates the importance of a multi-trait breeding objective to ensure that mechanisms associated with GH do not impair meat quality.
Effects of grazing on wheat growth, yield, development, water use, and nitrogen use
Authors: Virgona J. M. , Gummer F. A. J. , Angus J. F.
Published: November 2006

The effect of grazing by sheep during the late vegetative and early reproductive phases was measured on long-duration wheat crops in 2 experiments on farms in southern NSW. In both experiments, grazed and non-grazed crops were compared with different N-fertiliser strategies. In the first experiment, grazing 40 dry-sheep equivalents (DSE)/ha for 19 days increased grain yield from 2.30 to 2.88 t/ha in a season with a dry early spring. The second experiment, in a more favourable season, compared 6 durations of grazing by an average of 32 DSE/ha. The effects of grazing varied from no yield reduction with 15 days of grazing to a reduction from 5.97 to 3.98 t/ha with 51 days of grazing. In both experiments grazing caused slower crop development, with about 1 day’s delay in anthesis and maturity for every 4–5 days of grazing. Different patterns of water use by grazed and non-grazed crops, combined with delayed development, explained much of the effects of grazing on yield. The soil accumulated more water during grazing, which was used during grain filling when water-use efficiency for grain production was high. Delayed development also allowed grazed crops to respond to later rain. In the second experiment, grazing resulted in a net loss of 38 kg N/ha from the crop. Despite reduced N levels, the grazed crops showed no greater ability than grain-only crops to recover fertiliser N. The effect of the low recovery was that N removed during grazing was not efficiently replaced by fertiliser.
Effects of amylose content, autoclaving, parboiling, extrusion, and post-cooking treatments on resistant starch content of different rice cultivars
Authors: Kim J. C. , Mullan B. P. , Hampson D. J. , Pluske J. R.
Published: November 2006

Experiments were conducted to examine the effects of parboiling, extrusion, rice variety, rice : water ratio, and cooling after cooking on the resistant starch (RS) content of rice. When uncooked the medium-grain rice (Amaroo) contained less amylose (18.8 g/100 g, P = 0.001), higher fast digestible starch (FDS) content (21.7 g/100 g, P < 0.001), and less RS (0.1 g/100 g, P < 0.001) than the long-grain rice (Doongara) (25.6, 15.9, 0.4, respectively). Parboiled rice had the highest FDS (33.9 g/100 g) and RS (0.72 g/100 g) contents, with an amylose content of 25.4 g/100 g. The effects of rice type, rice : water ratio (1 : 1 or 1 : 2 w/w), and post-cooking interventions (freshly dried or dried after cooling for 24 h at 4°C) on the RS content of rice cooked in an autoclave were examined. The RS contents were significantly different among the rice types (0.6, 1.4, 3.7 g/100 g for Amaroo, Doongara, and parboiled rice, respectively, P < 0.001). Decreasing the rice : water ratio (1 : 2) and cooling (24 h at 4°C) after cooking significantly increased the RS content (P < 0.001). Extrusion decreased the RS content in the high RS rice only (0.42–0.16 g/100 g, P = 0.02). The results indicate that parboiling rice, and the use of a higher-amylose-content rice, a lower rice : water ratio, and cooling after cooking all increase RS content, whereas extrusion decreases the RS content of rice.
Chlamydia trachomatis infection in the family planning clinical setting across New South Wales
Authors: Bateson Deborah J. , Weisberg Edith , Lota Harpreet
Published: November 2006

Background: Following a small pilot study in 2003, a study was set up to determine the prevalence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in young women presenting to Family Planning NSW centres across New South Wales and to evaluate the characteristics of those infected. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 621 consecutive women aged from 16 to 24 years was carried out over a 3-month period in 2004 at five Family Planning NSW centres. Urine samples were tested for C. trachomatis using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Women with a positive result were reviewed and treated. Results: Of 925 eligible clients, 621 (67%) were recruited to the study. Chlamydia trachomatis was detected in 35 of the 621 recruits (5.6%, 95% CI 3.8–7.4). The prevalence at the Hunter centre was significantly higher than the combined prevalence at the other four participating centres (9.7% compared with 3.9%; P = 0.008). Two characteristics were identified as independent predictors of infection in this study: ‘reporting a recent change of partner in the past three months’ (crude odds ratio (OR) 3.33, 95% CI 1.67–6.64) and ‘reporting three or more partners in the past year’ (crude OR 3.69, 95% CI 1.83–7.46). Reported condom use, a history of one or more sexually transmissible infections and current combined oral contraceptive pill use were not associated with infection in this study. Conclusions: The prevalence of C. trachomatis infection is sufficiently high to support targeted testing of 16–24-year-old women in the Family Planning NSW setting and informs the development of a national screening strategy.
Risk factors for HIV seroconversion in homosexual men in Australia
Authors: Volk Jonathan E. , Prestage Garrett , Jin Fengyi , Kaldor John , Ellard Jeanne , Kippax Susan , Grulich Andrew E.
Published: November 2006

Background: Rates of newly acquired HIV infection are increasing in Australia, and sexual contact between men accounts for 85% of cases. Objective: To investigate behavioural risk factors for HIV seroconversion among gay and bisexual men from Sydney and Melbourne, Australia. Methods: 103 men with newly acquired HIV infection were recruited from clinics in Sydney and Melbourne and behavioural risk factor questionnaires were administered between January 2003 and October 2004. Results were compared with a cross sectional and a cohort study performed by our group that enrolled similar populations of men. Results: The majority of seroconverters (73%) reported more than five sexual partners in the last six months. Ninety-five men (92%) were able to identify a high-risk event (HRE) that they thought had led to their HIV seroconversion. Most (70%) reported receptive unprotected anal intercourse (UAI), insertive UAI, or both at their HRE. Sixteen men (16%) reported no UAI in the preceding six months including the HRE. Men were more likely to report receptive UAI at their HRE when they perceived a partner to be HIV-negative as compared with when they perceived a partner to be HIV-positive (P = 0.05). Injection drug use was reported by 22% of the men in the previous six months, and 62% reported intoxication with alcohol (≥5 drinks) or mood altering recreational drug use at the HRE. Conclusions: Gay and bisexual men who have recently seroconverted are highly sexually active and report high rates of unprotected anal intercourse and recreational drug use at the HRE.
Early clinical experience with atazanavir in treatment-experienced patients
Authors: Jeganathan Sarangapany , Smith Don , Gold Julian
Published: November 2006

Background: Atazanavir (ATV) is a newly approved protease inhibitor following successful clinical trials in naive and treatment-experienced patients. We describe early experience with ATV in treatment-experienced patients attending a single ambulatory care clinic in Sydney. Methods: Patients commencing ATV between February 2003 and May 2004 in an expanded access program were identified from the clinic pharmacy’s database. Data were retrospectively collected from patients’ medical records. Results: Data from 30 patients were analysed. Reasons for commencing ATV were: virological failure in six patients (20%); toxicity to previous regimen in 13 patients (43%); simplification strategy in two patients (7%); and recommencing therapy in nine patients (30%) following treatment interruption. Six patients (20%) discontinued ATV. One patient discontinued ATV due to virological failure, two patients discontinued due to toxicity to concomitant antiretrovirals, two as a result of the patient’s choice and one as a result of the physician’s decision. Eighteen patients commenced ATV in combination therapy with a detectable viral load (VL). From a baseline VL of 4.3 ± 1.1 log10 copies mL–1, 15 (83%) had >1.0 log decrease in VL with 11 (61%) achieving viral suppression (<50 copies mL–1). Three (16%) failures were recorded in this group. Twelve subjects commenced ATV with an undetectable VL. One failure was recorded in this group. Bilirubin increased by 22.7 μmol L–1 (P < 0.001), with significant decreases in cholesterol (1.4 mmol L–1, P = 0.01) and triglycerides (1.5 mmol L–1, P = 0.01) in 12 patients on ritonavir-boosted ATV. Conclusion: This audit found ATV to be safe, well tolerated and had good potency in treatment-experienced patients. However caution should be exercised in switching to ATV in heavily pre-treated patients.
The price of guidelines: revising the national guidelines for managing Australian women with abnormal Pap smears
Authors: Mitchell Heather
Published: November 2006

Australia utilises nationally approved guidelines for managing women with abnormal Pap smears. The guidelines were recently revised using the process designated by the National Health and Medical Research Council. Revising the guidelines was protracted and controversial. This paper explores the reasons for the difficulties encountered and queries the cost of undertaking such work.
Current issues in the use of colposcopy for examination of sexual assault victims
Authors: Templeton David J. , Williams Angela
Published: November 2006

Colposcopic examination is considered the gold standard in child sexual abuse evaluations in Australia. However, there remain contentious issues with its use, especially in adult victims, which we sought to address by a review of the literature. Colposcopy has been shown to be a sensitive and acceptable tool for detection of anogenital abnormalities in children. The significance of some genital findings remains controversial, especially when images are interpreted by inexperienced clinicians. Its use in adult assessments is hampered by a lack of comparative studies on colposcopically detected genital injuries in adults following consensual v. non-consensual sexual intercourse. Further research is urgently needed before the use of colposcopy can be routinely recommended for adult victims.
Genital herpes vaccines—cause for cautious optimism
Authors: Haddow Lewis J. , Mindel Adrian
Published: November 2006

The high prevalence of herpes simplex virus infections in many communities, its numerous serious physical and psychological complications and its importance in enhancing the transmission of HIV make this virus an obvious target for prevention by vaccination. Randomised clinical trials of only one genital herpes vaccine has shown efficacy so far. Analysis of clinical results is complicated by the difference between disease and infection, different results for males and females and the interaction between HSV-1 and HSV-2 immunity.
Prevalence of genital human papillomavirus DNA in a sample of senior school-aged women in the Australian Capital Territory
Authors: O'Keefe Elissa J. , Gardner Anne , Currie Marian J , Garland Suzanne , Tabrizi Sepehr , Bowden Francis J.
Published: November 2006

Background: A strong association between persistent infection with oncogenic types of human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer is well established. Small numbers of international studies examining adolescent HPV infection and the risk factors associated are published, but there is currently no evidence on the prevalence and risk factors for HPV in an Australian, sexually active female adolescent population. Methods: To provide prevalence and risk factors for HPV in a female sexually active, senior high school population in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), a convenience sample of 161, 16–19-year-old females attending a senior high school was evaluated. The sample formed part of a larger sample recruited for a study of sexually transmitted infections and blood-borne viruses in senior high school students. A clinical record was used to collect information about sexual and other risk behaviours, while self-collected vaginal swabs were tested for HPV DNA detection and genotyping using polymerase chain reaction. Results: The prevalence of HPV DNA in this sample overall was 11.2%, with multiple genotypes in 38%. No statistically significant associations were found between HPV DNA and the number of male partners, age of coitarche, time since first sexually active, condom use, smoking or alcohol intake. Conclusions: This is the first Australian study that has examined the prevalence and risk factors for genital HPV in this demographic group. The prevalence of HPV infection is slightly lower than reported in similar age groups overseas and is lower than other Australian studies in older women and those attending sexual health centres. Of HPV-positive young women, high-risk genotypes were found in over half, with more than one-third of HPV existing as multiple genotypes. Large community-based prevalence studies are needed to guide the development of recommendations for the vaccination of young women against HPV and to support other health promotion initiatives.
Genital ulcer disease in central Australia: predictors of testing and outcomes
Authors: Wilkey Janelle E. , Fethers Katherine A. , Latif Ahmed S. , Kaldor John M.
Published: November 2006

Objectives: To identify factors associated with the uptake and outcome of testing for infectious causes of genital ulcer disease (GUD) in central Australia. Methods: Prospective investigation of GUD cases in central Australia from February 2002 to August 2003. Data were collected from primary health care clinics in remote indigenous communities of Central Australia. Results: During the study period, 134 cases of GUD were reported and investigated. Of these cases, 71 (53%) were in women (age range 14–75, median 28) and 63 (47%) in men (14–63, median 28). Testing for syphilis was undertaken for 111 (82.8%) cases, 75 (56%) were tested for herpes simplex virus infection, and 82 (61.2%) for donovanosis. Testing for at least one of the three sexually transmissible pathogens of interest was undertaken in 128 (95.5%) cases, while 99 (73.9%) were tested for two pathogens and 41 (30.6%) for all three agents. Of subjects tested, 19.8% had new syphilis infection, 51% had herpes simplex virus infection and 7% had donovanosis. In 19 of 41 (46.3%) subjects fully investigated no cause for genital ulceration was found. Conclusion: This study provides the first quantitative description of GUD diagnosis in central Australia. Logistic constraints limited the systematic application of diagnostic tests. Current treatment protocols may need to be reassessed in light of the higher than expected detection of genital herpes as a cause of GUD.
Screening for chlamydia and gonorrhoea in men who have sex with men in clinical and non-clinical settings
Authors: Currie Marian J. , Martin Sarah J. , Soo Tuck Meng , Bowden Francis J.
Published: November 2006

Background: There are few published data on the rate of chlamydia and gonorrhoea infection in men who have sex with men (MSM). Our aim was to determine the rate of positive chlamydia and gonorrhoea tests in this population in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Methods: Results of all chlamydia and gonorrhoea tests generated by Canberra Sexual Health Centre between June 2001 and September 2003, including those from outreach clinics, were reviewed (audit one). Between September 2003 and April 2004, Canberra Sexual Health Centre outreach program staff and a general practitioner with a high caseload of MSM offered screening of the throat, urethra and rectum to all MSM, irrespective of their reported participation in unprotected anal intercourse. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea test results generated during this period were reviewed (audit two). Results: In the first audit, 1086 specimens from 314 individuals were tested and 30/314 (9.6%, 95% CI 6.6–13.4) men were positive for chlamydia in one or more anatomical site. A total of 306 specimens from 118 individuals were tested for gonorrhoea. Of these, eight (6.8%, 95% CI 3.0–12.9) individuals tested positive. In the second audit, 16 of 157 men (10.2%, 95% CI 9.5–16.0) tested positive for chlamydia and 4/155 (2.6%, 95% CI 0.7–6.5) tested positive for gonorrhoea. The rectum was the most commonly infected anatomical site for both infections. The overall proportions of positive chlamydia and gonorrhoea tests were 36/471 (7.6%, 95% CI 5.4–10.4) and 12/273 (4.4%, 95% CI 2.2–7.6) respectively. Conclusions: These data, collected in a range of settings, indicate high rates of chlamydia and gonorrhoea in MSM in the ACT and provide support for annual testing, particularly of the rectum, in this population.
A clinical update on female androgen insufficiency—testosterone testing and treatment in women presenting with low sexual desire
Authors: Burger Henry G. , Papalia Mary-Anne
Published: November 2006

The diagnosis of female androgen deficiency syndrome is suggested by complaints of a diminished sense of well being, persistent unexplained fatigue and decreased sexual desire, sexual receptivity and pleasure in a woman who is oestrogen-replete and in whom no other significant contributing factors can be identified. The diagnosis is supported by the finding of low circulating concentrations of free testosterone. Barriers to its recognition include the non-specificity of the symptoms and methodological problems due to insensitive testosterone assays. Barriers to its treatment include the unavailability of satisfactory forms of testosterone for administration to women and lack of data regarding long-term safety. Although several conditions lead to clear-cut androgen deficiency, such as hypopituitarism, adrenal and ovarian insufficiency, glucocorticoid therapy and use of oral contraceptives and oral oestrogens, it is important for clinicians to recognise that in normal women, androgen levels decline by 50% from the early 20s to the mid 40s, and hence age-related androgen insufficiency may occur in women in their late 30s and 40s, as well as postmenopausally. Satisfactory measurements of free testosterone requires a sensitive and reliable assay for total testosterone, and quantitation of sex hormone binding globulin, from which free testosterone is readily calculated. Adverse effects of testosterone treatment are few if replacement is monitored to achieve physiological circulating testosterone concentrations. Currently, available methods include testosterone implants and testosterone creams, and transdermal patches and sprays are in development.
Identity Management: Is an Identity Card the Solution for Australia?
Authors: Jackson Margaret , Ligertwood Julian
Published: November 2006

This paper explores how an identity card scheme might work in Australia by using the UK Identity Card Scheme as a model. It explores the proposal for a national UK identity card scheme and assesses how it would reduce identity theft and fraud, improve national security, and maintain adequate privacy protection. The paper discusses the legal and social difficulties associated with the introduction of such a national identity card scheme and the issues which arise when a government seeks to broaden the scope of the scheme from identity fraud and security issues to include the efficient and effective delivery of public services. It suggests alternative approaches to ensuring identity management which are consistent with privacy and data protection restraints. This paper should contribute to the development of Federal Government policy in the area of a regulatory and legal framework for identity management.
Effects of food sources on growth rates and survival of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry
Authors: Al-Shamsi Latifa , Hamza Waleed , El-Sayed Abdel-Fattah
Published: November 2006

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of live food (Chlorella vulgaris, Artemia fransciscana), artificial feed and combinations of both types (Chlorella + Artemia nauplii; Chlorella + Artificial feed; Artemia nauplii + Artificial feed; and Chlorella + Artemia nauplii + Artificial feed) on the growth, feed utilization efficiency and survival of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry. Triplicate groups of swim-up fry (0.012 g average body weight) were stocked in 20 l fibreglass tanks, with 6 l of water, in a closed rectangular indoor system, at a density of 24 fry per tank (4 fry l−1). The foods were offered to the fish 3 times a day, for 35 days. The results indicated that the maximum body weight gain and survival were achieved in fry fed on Artemia nauplii and on the combination of the three food types, followed by those fed on Artemia nauplii + Artificial. The lowest growth and survival rates were observed in fry fed on Chlorella suspension alone. The fry fed only with artificial feed showed moderate growth and good survival. In conclusion, Artemia nauplii was the best live food, followed by Artemia nauplii combined with artificial feed, to accelerate the growth rate of the fry.
Succession of bacterial communities during petroleum degradation in bark compost as detected by small subunit ribosomal RNA gene profiles
Authors: Nishikawa Yoshihiro , Saito Masaki , Naganuma Takeshi
Published: November 2006

Bioremediation of crude oil was tested by hot bark composting, and the changes in microbial assemblages in the compost were monitored by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (16S rDNA) sequences. Most of the analyzed 16S rDNA sequences were unrelated to any cultured and known uncultured microorganisms. Only two compost-derived 16S rDNA sequences from a total of 16 were related to known sequences at similarities higher than 97%, viz., a species-level criterion. One sequence related to an uncultured soil bacterium, which was affiliated with the Cytophaga-Flavobacterium-Bacteroides group, was found throughout petroleum degradation; and the other sequence related to Chryseobacterium indoltheticum, a Cytophaga-Flavobacterium-Bacteroides species, was only found in association with the petroleum degradation. Despite relatively low similarities (< 97%), the rest of the compost-derived 16S rDNA sequences were mostly ascribed to CFB and spore-forming Firmicutes. In particular, four 16S rDNA sequences (out of a total of five) specific to petroleum degradation were affiliated with the Cytophaga-Flavobacterium-Bacteroides group, with the other one related to an uncultured bacterium from a deep aquifer. Many species of the Cytophaga-Flavobacterium-Bacteroides group are known for their ability to degrade diverse refractory substrates. Therefore, isolation and characterization of these compost-derived bacteria may facilitate bioremediation of oil spill in soil as well as aquatic environments.
Restoring the chambo in Southern Malawi: Learning from the past or re-inventing the wheel?
Authors: Hara Mafaniso
Published: November 2006

Chambo is an important fish to Malawi's economy and to the livelihoods of local people in the southern end of Lake Malawi. Overexploitation of the chambo has been a source of concern since the 1930s. The biological and economic collapse of the fishery in Lake Malombe and the Upper Shire River in the early 1990s, and growing evidence in recent years of its decline in the Southeast Arm of Lake Malawi (the major productive area for the species) have galvanised the Government of Malawi into making an attempt to restore the chambo to former levels of production.

This paper argues that while the proposed solutions for restoring the chambo might be well intentioned, they nevertheless ignore existing knowledge and scholarship about fisheries management in African freshwater lakes gathered over the last six decades. A body of knowledge on the biological and scientific basis for regulating the chambo already exists. The missing link is an understanding and appreciation of the social, economic, political and institutional drivers on exploitation patterns of the chambo. Future management solutions must be based on the collective concerns of all potential users. More specifically, such solutions should be cognisant of local knowledge, fishers' experiences and the way they view and define their problems. If these are disregarded, finding solutions to the enormous challenge of restoring chambo stocks to their former status will be as difficult as grappling in the dark.
Freshwater fishes of Greece: Their biodiversity, fisheries and habitats
Authors: Bobori D. C. , Economidis P. S.
Published: November 2006

In the present work, we review the current state of knowledge and research trends on freshwater fishes of Greece to assess a) the status of fish populations and their habitats; b) the state and priorities of fisheries science and legislation; c) priority gaps and needs in freshwater fish habitat management; and d) future strategies for freshwater fishes and aquatic resources. Freshwater fish fauna of Greece currently consists of 135 taxa including diadromous and introduced species. The taxonomy of some taxa is unclear. The distribution and origin of freshwater fishes, especially endemics, has been attributed mainly to the geological history of the country.

Commercial fishing in inland waters is conducted mainly in 32 natural or artificial water systems. The total annual commercial catch for the 1988–2000 period ranged from 1,950 t in 1988 to 1,810 t in 2000 with a mean annual catch of about 1,500 t. The major part of inland catches comes from lakes, while catches from rivers are of minor importance. Aquaculture contributes greatly to the total production of freshwater fishes. The total annual aquaculture production for the period 1988–2000 ranged from 2,638 t to 3,656 t with a mean annual production of 2,832 t, 1.33 to 2.02 times higher than the traditional inland catches.

Due to human activities, Greece has lost 75% of its wetland area since 1900. Today, the pressures upon the surface freshwater resources are moderate with the exception of some systems where human intervention is intense, leading to species extirpations from their type localities. Recently, surface waters have been classified under the auspices of the European Union Water Framework Directive where fishes have an essential role as indicators of the ecological integrity of running waters. Under this concept, there is an increasing emphasis on gathering biological data, to serve a broad-spectrum of environmental objects and plans such as the protection of endangered and threatened species. However, to date effective management and conservation of freshwater fishes and fisheries have not been much considered in the management of freshwaters of Greece. Existing plans for managing aquatic inland resources primarily focus on water usage and do not include specific, enforceable monitoring and management objectives, conservation actions, and control measures for aquatic habitats and fish communities, including endangered and threatened fishes. It is concluded that future efforts need to be directed to severely endangered or nearly extinct species. Furthermore, the creation of GIS-based databases for incorporating all the information on species, habitats and genetic diversity should be addressed under the guiding principle of conserving aquatic biodiversity.
The ‘5 star’ prison hotel? The right of access to ARV treatment for HIV positive prisoners in South Africa
Authors: Hassin Adila
Published: November 2006

South Africa has been hailed as possessing one of the most progressive and visionary Constitutions in the world. It recognizes the right of everyone to have access to health care services. It also recognizes, in detail, various rights of accused, arrested and detained people, including the right to adequate medical treatment. However, despite the constitutionally entrenched rights, we (as civil society) are painfully aware that this does not magically transform the social conditions of the poor and marginalized amongst us. In fact, we have learnt that it is not only food, shelter and healthcare that cost money, but rights also. For without access to legal services in order to enforce one’s rights, they often remain not much more than paper ideals. This is recently demonstrated in the case of EN and Others v Government of the Republic of South Africa and Others , more commonly called the Westville Correctional Centre case (WCC case). This article will examine this case, and the implications of the right to adequate medical treatment for prisoners in South Africa, by addressing the factual background to the litigation, the legal and policy framework, the key issues that arose and the legal remedy.
Pilot project for safe tattooing practices at Cowansville Institution
Authors: Gratton France
Published: November 2006

Under the framework of a pilot project for safe tattooing practices, Cowansville Institution officially opened the first tattoo parlor within a Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) facility on 1 August 2005. This project, which is a CSC partnership component under the Federal Initiative to address HIV/AIDS in Canada, will run for a year in six penitentiaries across the country. Cowansville Institution was selected as the pilot site in the Quebec Region. Since tattooing is a fact of prison life, unsafe tattooing practices increase the number of infections among inmates, which puts the entire population at risk. CSC is committed to reducing the transmission of infectious diseases within the inmate population and
throughout the community by offering inmates this measure to reduce harm. It is first and foremost a public‐health issue. CSC must take into consideration all measures that
could minimize the harm related to the transmission of infectious diseases and reduce the risk of infectious diseases.
Giving a voice to (former) prisoners in the debate on prisoners’ health
Authors: Motherall James
Published: November 2006

The XVI International AIDS Conference, “AIDS 2006”, took place from 13 to 18 August and attracted 26,000 researchers, physicians, front‐line workers, advocates and others involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS from more than 170 countries. More than ever before, issues related to HIV/AIDS in prisons were presented and discussed. On the first day of the conference, a satellite meeting organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Correctional Service of Canada
debated issues related to HIV/AIDS in prisons in great depth. At the Conference itself, two oral sessions and a large number of poster presentations were dedicated to HIV/AIDS in
prisons. In addition, the United Nations released an important guidance document on issues related to HIV/AIDS in prisons (see elsewhere in this issue). Most activities focused on HIV prevention, although delegates also heard about efforts to make HIV treatment, including ARVs, available to prisoners in developing countries
High levels of Notch signaling down-regulate Numb and Numblike
Authors: Chapman Gavin , Liu Lining , Sahlgren Cecilia , Dahlqvist Camilla , Lendahl Urban
Published: November 2006

Inhibition of Notch signaling by Numb is critical for many cell fate decisions. In this study, we demonstrate a more complex relationship between Notch and the two vertebrate Numb homologues Numb and Numblike. Although Numb and Numblike at low levels of Notch signaling negatively regulated Notch, high levels of Notch signaling conversely led to a reduction of Numb and Numblike protein levels in cultured cells and in the developing chick central nervous system. The Notch intracellular domain but not the canonical Notch downstream proteins Hes 1 and Hey 1 caused a reduction of Numb and Numblike. The Notch-mediated reduction of Numblike required the PEST domain in the Numblike protein and was blocked by the proteasome inhibitor MG132. Collectively, these observations reveal a reciprocal negative regulation between Notch and Numb/Numblike, which may be of relevance for stabilizing asymmetric cell fate switches and for tumor development.
IKKβ programs to turn on the GADD45α–MKK4–JNK apoptotic cascade specifically via p50 NF-κB in arsenite response
Authors: Song Lun , Li Jingxia , Zhang Dongyun , Liu Zheng-gang , Ye Jianping , Zhan Qimin , Shen Han-Ming , Whiteman Matt , Huang Chuanshu
Published: November 2006

Cross talk between NF-κB and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) has been implicated in the cell life and death decision under various stresses. Functional suppression of JNK activation by NF-κB has recently been proposed as a key cellular survival mechanism and contributes to cancer cells escaping from apoptosis. We provide a novel scenario of the proapoptotic role of IκB kinase β (IKKβ)–NF-κB, which can act as the activator of the JNK pathway through the induction of GADD45α for triggering MKK4/JNK activation, in response to the stimulation of arsenite, a cancer therapeutic reagent. This effect of IKKβ–NF-κB is dependent on p50 but not the p65/relA NF-κB subunit, which can increase the stability of GADD45α protein through suppressing its ubiquitination and proteasome-dependent degradation. IKKβ–NF-κB can therefore either activate or suppress the JNK cascade and consequently mediate pro- or antiapoptotic effects, depending on the manner of its induction. Furthermore, the NF-κB p50 subunit can exert a novel regulatory function on protein modification independent of the classical NF-κB transcriptional activity.
Lipid defect underlies selective skin barrier impairment of an epidermal-specific deletion of Gata-3
Authors: de Guzman Strong Cristina , Wertz Philip W. , Wang Chenwei , Yang Fan , Meltzer Paul S. , Andl Thomas , Millar Sarah E. , Ho I-Cheng , Pai Sung-Yun , Segre Julia A.
Published: November 2006

Skin lies at the interface between the complex physiology of the body and the external environment. This essential epidermal barrier, composed of cornified proteins encased in lipids, prevents both water loss and entry of infectious or toxic substances. We uncover that the transcription factor GATA-3 is required to establish the epidermal barrier and survive in the ex utero environment. Analysis of Gata-3 mutant transcriptional profiles at three critical developmental stages identifies a specific defect in lipid biosynthesis and a delay in differentiation. Genomic analysis identifies highly conserved GATA-3 binding sites bound in vivo by GATA-3 in the first intron of the lipid acyltransferase gene AGPAT5. Skin from both Gata-3−/− and previously characterized barrier-deficient Kruppel-like factor 4−/− newborns up-regulate antimicrobial peptides, effectors of innate immunity. Comparison of these animal models illustrates how impairment of the skin barrier by two genetically distinct mechanisms leads to innate immune responses, as observed in the common human skin disorders psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
Cox rings and combinatorics
Authors: Berchtold Florian , Hausen Jürgen
Published: November 2006

Given a variety

X
X

with a finitely generated total coordinate ring, we describe basic geometric properties of

X
X

in terms of certain combinatorial structures living in the divisor class group of

X
X

. For example, we describe the singularities, we calculate the ample cone, and we give simple Fano criteria. As we show by means of several examples, the results allow explicit computations. As immediate applications we obtain an effective version of the Kleiman-Chevalley quasiprojectivity criterion, and the following observation on surfaces: a normal complete surface with finitely generated total coordinate ring is projective if and only if any two of its non-factorial singularities admit a common affine neighbourhood.
Postnikov pieces and 𝐵ℤ/𝕡-homotopy theory
Authors: Castellana Natàlia , Crespo Juan , Scherer Jérôme
Published: November 2006

We present a constructive method to compute the cellularization with respect to

B

m

Z

/

p

B^{m}\mathbb {Z}/p

for any integer

m
≥
1

m \geq 1

of a large class of

H
H

-spaces, namely all those which have a finite number of non-trivial

B

m

Z

/

p

B^{m}\mathbb {Z}/p

-homotopy groups (the pointed mapping space

map
∗

⁡
(

B

m

Z

/

p
,
X
)

\operatorname {map}_*(B^{m}\mathbb {Z}/p, X)

is a Postnikov piece). We prove in particular that the

B

m

Z

/

p

B^{m}\mathbb {Z}/p

-cellularization of an

H
H

-space having a finite number of

B

m

Z

/

p

B^{m}\mathbb {Z}/p

-homotopy groups is a

p
p

-torsion Postnikov piece. Along the way, we characterize the

B

Z

/

p
r

B\mathbb {Z}/p^r

-cellular classifying spaces of nilpotent groups.
Quasistationary distributions for one-dimensional diffusions with killing
Authors: Steinsaltz David , Evans Steven
Published: November 2006

We extend some results on the convergence of one-dimensional diffusions killed at the boundary, conditioned on extended survival, to the case of general killing on the interior. We show, under fairly general conditions, that a diffusion conditioned on long survival either runs off to infinity almost surely, or almost surely converges to a quasistationary distribution given by the lowest eigenfunction of the generator. In the absence of internal killing, only a sufficiently strong inward drift can keep the process close to the origin, to allow convergence in distribution. An alternative, that arises when general killing is allowed, is that the conditioned process is held near the origin by a high rate of killing near

∞
\infty

. We also extend, to the case of general killing, the standard result on convergence to a quasistationary distribution of a diffusion on a compact interval.
Unique range sets and uniqueness polynomials for algebraic curves
Authors: An Ta , Wang Julie
Published: November 2006

We study unique range sets and uniqueness polynomials for algebraic functions on a smooth projective algebraic curve over an algebraically closed field of characteristic zero.
Relative weak compactness of orbits in Banach spaces associated with locally compact groups
Authors: Graham Colin , Lau Anthony
Published: November 2006

We study analogues of weak almost periodicity in Banach spaces on locally compact groups. i) If

μ
\mu

is a continous measure on the locally compact abelian group

G
G

and

f
∈

L
∞

(
μ
)

f\in L^\infty (\mu )

, then

{
γ
f
:
γ
∈

G
^

}

\{\gamma f:\gamma \in \widehat G\}

is not relatively weakly compact. ii) If

G
G

is a discrete abelian group and

f
∈

ℓ
∞

(
G
)
∖

C
o

(
G
)

f\in \ell ^\infty (G)\backslash C_o(G)

, then

{
γ
f
:
γ
∈
E
}

\{\gamma f:\gamma \in E\}

is not relatively weakly compact if

E
⊂

G
^

E\subset \widehat G

has non-empty interior. That result will follow from an existence theorem for

I
o

I_o

-sets, as follows. iii) Every infinite subset of a discrete abelian group

Γ
\Gamma

contains an infinite

I
o

I_o

-set such that for every neighbourhood

U
U

of the identity of

Γ
^

\widehat \Gamma

the interpolation (except at a finite subset depending on

U
U

) can be done using at most 4 point masses. iv) A new proof that

B
(
G
)
⊂
W
A
P
(
G
)

B(G)\subset WAP(G)

for abelian groups is given that identifies the weak limits of translates of Fourier-Stieltjes transforms. v) Analogous results for

C
o

(
G
)

C_o(G)

,

A
p

(
G
)

A_p(G)

, and

M
p

(
G
)

M_p(G)

are given. vi) Semigroup compactifications of groups are studied, both abelian and non-abelian: the weak* closure of

G
^

\widehat G

in

L
∞

(
μ
)

L^\infty (\mu )

, for abelian

G
G

; and when

ρ
\rho

is a continuous homomorphism of the locally compact group

Γ
\Gamma

into the unitary elements of a von Neumann algebra

M

\mathcal {M}

, the weak* closure of

ρ
(
Γ
)

\rho (\Gamma )

is studied.
CM points on products of Drinfeld modular curves
Authors: Breuer Florian
Published: November 2006

Let

X
X

be a product of Drinfeld modular curves over a general base ring

A
A

of odd characteristic. We classify those subvarieties of

X
X

which contain a Zariski-dense subset of CM points. This is an analogue of the André-Oort conjecture. As an application, we construct non-trivial families of higher Heegner points on modular elliptic curves over global function fields.
Computing o-minimal topological invariants using differential topology
Authors: Peterzil Ya’acov , Starchenko Sergei
Published: November 2006

We work in an o-minimal expansion of a real closed field. Using piecewise smoothness of definable functions we define the topological degree for definable continuous functions. Using this notion of the degree we obtain a new proof for the existence of torsion points in a definably compact group, and also a new proof of an o-minimal analogue of the Brouwer fixed point theorem.
Representational signalling in birds
Authors: Evans Christopher S , Evans Linda
Published: November 2006

Some animals give specific calls when they discover food or detect a particular type of predator. Companions respond with food-searching behaviour or by adopting appropriate escape responses. These signals thus seem to denote objects in the environment, but this specific mechanism has only been demonstrated for monkey alarm calls. We manipulated whether fowl (Gallus gallus) had recently found a small quantity of preferred food and then tested for a specific interaction between this event and their subsequent response to playback of food calls. In one treatment, food calls thus potentially provided information about the immediate environment, while in the other the putative message was redundant with individual experience. Food calls evoked substrate searching, but only if the hens had not recently discovered food. An identical manipulation had no effect on responses to an acoustically matched control call. These results show that chicken food calls are representational signals: they stimulate retrieval of information about a class of external events. This is the first such demonstration for any non-primate species. Representational signalling is hence more taxonomically widespread than has previously been thought, suggesting that it may be the product of common social factors, rather than an attribute of a particular phylogenetic lineage.
Effect of data quality on estimates of farm infectiousness trends in the UK 2001 foot-and-mouth disease epidemic
Authors: Savill Nicholas J , Shaw Darren J , Deardon Rob , Tildesley Michael J , Keeling Matthew J , Woolhouse Mark E.J , Brooks Stephen P , Grenfell Bryan T
Published: November 2006

Most of the mathematical models that were developed to study the UK 2001 foot-and-mouth disease epidemic assumed that the infectiousness of infected premises was constant over their infectious periods. However, there is some controversy over whether this assumption is appropriate. Uncertainty about which farm infected which in 2001 means that the only method to determine if there were trends in farm infectiousness is the fitting of mechanistic mathematical models to the epidemic data. The parameter values that are estimated using this technique, however, may be influenced by missing and inaccurate data. In particular to the UK 2001 epidemic, this includes unreported infectives, inaccurate farm infection dates and unknown farm latent periods. Here, we show that such data degradation prevents successful determination of trends in farm infectiousness.
Microsatellite typing of ancient maize: insights into the history of agriculture in southern South America
Authors: Lia Verónica V , Confalonieri Viviana A , Ratto Norma , Hernández Julián A. Cámara , Alzogaray Ana M. Miante , Poggio Lidia , Brown Terence A
Published: November 2006

Archaeological maize specimens from Andean sites of southern South America, dating from 400 to 1400 years before present, were tested for the presence of ancient DNA and three microsatellite loci were typed in the specimens that gave positive results. Genotypes were also obtained for 146 individuals corresponding to modern landraces currently cultivated in the same areas and for 21 plants from Argentinian lowland races. Sequence analysis of cloned ancient DNA products revealed a high incidence of substitutions appearing in only one clone, with transitions prevalent. In the archaeological specimens, there was no evidence of polymorphism at any one of the three microsatellite loci: each exhibited a single allelic variant, identical to the most frequent allele found in contemporary populations belonging to races Amarillo Chico, Amarillo Grande, Blanco and Altiplano. Affiliation between ancient specimens and a set of races from the Andean complex was further supported by assignment tests. The striking genetic uniformity displayed by the ancient specimens and their close relationship with the Andean complex suggest that the latter gene pool has predominated in the western regions of southern South America for at least the past 1400 years. The results support hypotheses suggesting that maize cultivation initially spread into South America via a highland route, rather than through the lowlands.
Intelligence by mechanics
Authors: Blickhan Reinhard , Seyfarth Andre , Geyer Hartmut , Grimmer Sten , Wagner Heiko , Günther Michael
Published: November 2006

Research on the biomechanics of animal and human locomotion provides insight into basic principles of locomotion and respective implications for construction and control. Nearly elastic operation of the leg is necessary to reproduce the basic dynamics in walking and running. Elastic leg operation can be modelled with a spring-mass model. This model can be used as a template with respect to both gaits in the construction and control of legged machines. With respect to the segmented leg, the humanoid arrangement saves energy and ensures structural stability. With the quasi-elastic operation the leg inherits the property of self-stability, i.e. the ability to stabilize a system in the presence of disturbances without sensing the disturbance or its direct effects. Self-stability can be conserved in the presence of musculature with its crucial damping property. To ensure secure foothold visco-elastic suspended muscles serve as shock absorbers. Experiments with technically implemented leg models, which explore some of these principles, are promising.
Biologically inspired walking machines: design, control and perception
Authors: Dillmann Rüdiger , Albiez Jan , Gaßmann Bernd , Kerscher Thilo , Zöllner Marius
Published: November 2006

This article presents a set of methods used to support the design and control of biologically inspired walking machines. Starting with a description of the general system design idea, an example for the design of the mechanical construction, a computer supported design procedure for the control architecture and the description of a three-dimensional world model to be used as knowledge base is given. The focus of this paper is on the engineering and integration process and the interrelation between the different phases of the design process.