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Protocol to the Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict Declaration made upon ratification: "In applying the provisions of paragraph 3 of I of the Protocol, Japan will fulfill the obligation under those provisions in a manner consistent with its domestic laws including the civil code. Japan will be, therefore, bound by the provisions of Section I of the Protocol to the extent that their fulfillment is compatible with the above-mentioned domestic laws." Reservation made upon ratification: "…that restitution of cultural property, in accordance with the terms of Sections I and II of the Protocol, can be demanded only after the expiration of a period of 20 years, after the date on which the property in question came into the possession of a good-faith holder." Bulgaria, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Chad, Czechoslovakia, India, Italy, Madagascar, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, San Marino, Spain, United Arab Republic and Union of Soviet Socialist Republics issued observations as regards this reservation. By a note verbale dated 3 October 1973, Norway announced its decision, effective 24 August 1979, to withdraw that reservation.

Protocol to the Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict Declaration made upon ratification: "In applying the provisions of paragraph 3 of I of the Protocol, Japan will fulfill the obligation under those provisions in a manner consistent with its domestic laws including the civil code. Japan will be, therefore, bound by the provisions of Section I of the Pr

New Harbor and forams may offer window into explosion of multicellular life a half-billion years ago Posted April 13, 2012 Explorers Cove, on the west side of McMurdo Sound, is the gateway to the Taylor Valley, one of the most intensely studied areas in Antarctica. The name itself is a sort of homage to the large number of people who have explored the area for more than a century. For scientist Sam Bowser, the ice-covered cove is also a portal back in time to explore a period more than half a billion years ago when the dominance of single-celled organisms suddenly — at least in geologic time, as interpreted by the fossil record — ended with the rapid evolution of multicellular life. Explorers Cove is a particularly good place to study the so-called Cambrian explosion thanks to the large number of “primitive” foraminifera species found on the seafloor at shallow depths, according to Bowser, a cell biologist with the New York State Department of Health’s Wadsworth Center in Albany. “If the present is the key to the past, and if the way the species behave today is comparable to how they behaved 540 million years ago … then [the forams] must have had an impact on how ancient lifeforms evolved,” said Bowser, who has studied the biology and biodiversity of the early-evolving, single-celled forams in Antarctica since 1984. “Without a time machine, you’re not certain about any of this stuff, but it gives us ideas,” he added. Some of those ideas revolve around such evolutionary traits as building tests — or, as Bowser puts it, why a cell needs a shell — and how voracious forams might have shaped the emergence of more complex life. Certain species are as large as a BB pellet and capable of devouring a juvenile starfish. “It’s a unique place where you have such a diversity of the single-chamber organisms,” said Jan Pawlowski, an associate professor at the University of Geneva who has worked with Bowser for a number of years on the Explorers Cove foram population. He is an expert in the molecular evolution and ecology of protists, which includes mostly unicellular or simple organisms. “If you want to understand the evolution, how the animals evolved, we have to understand how the lineage leading up to animals evolved,” he said. Forams typically blanket the deep ocean, thousands of meters below sea level. But cold-water conditions in Explorers Cove have created an ideal natural laboratory where the early-evolving species of forams thrive. More than 200 species are believed to exist in that part of McMurdo Sound, with at least 20 new species yet to be catalogued by Bowser and his colleagues. Many of those species in Explorers Cove construct their shells by gluing together particles from the surrounding environment. Each species is very particular about the materials, even the size, of the chosen grains. “How a cell is able to pick different types of particles from the environment, put them together in this type of a pattern, that’s something that’s just wild and crazy, and we still don’t understand it,” Bowser said. The forams make use of countless pseudopodia, a “branching mass of writhing, seething cylinders,” which can autonomously move around and collect things, Bowser explained. Picture an octopus on a miniature scale, with numerous, wispy tentacles that scour the environment like a super-sticky conveyer belt. A shell for the benthic, or seafloor, forams in Explorers Cove would give them a slight evolutionary advantage in collecting food, getting all of those little arms up away from the muddy surface to grab a passing bacterium or other bit of nutrient. “This is a way to get food: You build a shell, and you tailor that shell to optimize your ability to capture food. I can’t think of a better driving force for the evolution of something,” Bowser said. The how and why of foraminifera behavior and ecology is a constant topic at the New Harbor field camp on the shore of Explorers Cove, where Bowser and his team typically spend two months every Southern Hemisphere summer in a revamped Jamesway tent that serves as bunkroom, kitchen and living room. What’s not always typical are the field team members who join Bowser from year to year. A believer in combining art and science, Bowser invited landscape painter Laura Von Rosk to join him on this past season’s expedition, which involves divers plunging through holes in the sea ice and collecting sediments from the seafloor down to about 20 meters. Later, under the microscope, the violent realm of the forams is revealed to the eye. “Being immersed in somebody else’s research is a unique experience,” Von Rosk said while shoveling bits of ice out of a dive hole on a warm Antarctic summer day. “It’s like stepping into somebody else’s world.” “It’s very intense living with six other people – and I mean that in a good way, too,” she added. It’s also been a learning experience for Danielle Woodward, a recent marine science graduate from the University of Hawaii at Hilo who has been scuba diving since she was 12 years old. She got certified in dry suit diving on the tropical island before going to Antarctica for the 2011-12 season. Diving in water just below the freezing point takes a lot more energy than swimming through the bathtub-warm waters of Hawaii, Woodward said. Not to mention the physical struggle of squeezing into a dry suit, the skintight hood and the lobster-claw gloves. “It takes about 45 minutes for us to get in our gear,” she said. “By the time you get your work done and back to the surface, you’re whipped.” One of her principal jobs while under water is to drill shallow sediment cores, which the researchers will use for both physical counts of forams and more high-tech genetic sequencing techniques to identify species. Most of the work is done at depths of less than 25 meters. “When you’re coring, you’re not necessarily pushing the depth, you’re pushing the time. It takes the entire dive just to core. Then you have to bring up the cores,” Woodward said. One of her favorite dive spots is a place called Ice Wall, where a chunk of ice from the last ice age, which peaked around 18,000 years ago, is preserved under the water. But Explorers Cove isn’t just a place to understand the past, Bowser repeatedly insisted, thinking beyond foraminifera. The relatively ice-free coast and the misshapen ice — cracked and dirty with sediment, with moats of fresh water snaking along the shore — could be a picture of Antarctica in the not too-distant future as the ice sheets and glaciers recede. “This could be a real model of what we expect Antarctica to look like,” Bowser said. “I think this is a very important place, and I think much smarter people than me should come in and take a look at it. I have a nice camp all set up.” He added, on a more serious note: “Without good knowledge of the present, you’ll never figure out the past. Nor will you ever be able to confidently predict the future.” NSF-funded research in this story: Sam Bowser, New York State Department of Health, Award No. 0944646. About the Sun

New Harbor and forams may offer window into explosion of multicellular life a half-billion years ago Posted April 13, 2012 Explorers Cove, on the west side of McMurdo Sound, is the gateway to the Taylor Valley, one of the most intensely studied areas in Antarctica. The name itself is a sort of homage to the large number of people who have explored the area for more than a century. For scientist Sa

On April 18, 2013, President of the World Bank Group Jim Yong Kim co-hosted the second Equal Futures Partnership meeting, along with the U.S. Secretary of Treasury Jacob Lew, Senior Advisor to President Obama Valerie Jarrett, and National Economic Advisor to President Obama Gene Sperling on the margins of the World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C. The 13 founding members issued a report on progress made thus far, while six new country members joined the partnership with new commitments, and three more signaled intent to join at the next convening. Some of the new country commitments centered on increasing women's political participation in legislatures, removing legislative and policy barriers to women's participation in the formal economy, and strengthening law enforcement to address gender-based violence. In response to President Obama's challenge to the world to break down barriers to women's political and economic participation, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton launched the Equal Futures Partnership on behalf of the United States in September 2012 along with 12 other founding members. Each founding member made national commitments to policy, legal, and regulatory reforms to promote two mutually reinforcing goals: expanded economic opportunity for women and increased political and civic participation by women at local, state, and national levels. Multilateral stakeholders, including UN Women and the World Bank, along with leading businesses and non-profit institutions also pledged support for the partnership. As government officials noted, the private sector is a critical part of achieving a truly equal future for all. HTC's Founder and Chairwoman Cher Wang used her personal story to talk about the importance of having more women and girls involved in technology and to expand the talent pool. She urged women to use technology and online communication to pursue education and gender equality. She also announced the donation of 100,000 HTC tablets to women in the Asia-Pacific region. Discovery International Network's President and CEO Mark Hollinger spoke passionately about using innovative technology to educate children, especially in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In addition, Hyatt Hotels announced their support for the U.S.-China Women-LEAD initiative which promotes exchanges among young women from China and the United States. The White House Council on Women and Girls hosted a roundtable with private sector partners to discuss future opportunities for public-private partnerships, as well as the U.S. plan to establish a regular dialogue with the private sector to strategically align Equal Futures country commitments and private sector resources and expertise.

On April 18, 2013, President of the World Bank Group Jim Yong Kim co-hosted the second Equal Futures Partnership meeting, along with the U.S. Secretary of Treasury Jacob Lew, Senior Advisor to President Obama Valerie Jarrett, and National Economic Advisor to President Obama Gene Sperling on the margins of the World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C. The 13 founding members issued a report on

Connecticut Attorney General's Office Credit Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure (“CARD”) Act On May 22, 2009, President Obama signed into law the Credit Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure (“CARD”) Act. Many of the CARD Act’s consumer protection provisions became effective on February 22, 2010, including provisions eliminating online payment fees, ending two-cycle or double billing, setting forth new requirements for when consumers must receive bills, and implementing rules for when consumers must be notified about changes to their credit card accounts. With these protections, consumers have a stronger shield against credit card abuses such as deceptive language and unjustified interest rate increases on existing balances. Other provisions became effective on August 22, 2010, including provisions that limit the amount of penalty fees for late payments, prohibit inactivity fees, require explanation of rate increases, and mandate review of recent rate increases. For a brief overview of the changes now in effect and to find more information on the CARD Act, visit the Federal Reserve Bank’s pages on What You Need to Know: New Credit Card Rules. You can also visit the Federal Reserve Bank’s website on Consumer Credit for credit card holders to find out more information on the CARD Act. National Consumer Law Center Advice to consumers Content Last Modified on 3/15/2011 10:38:13 AM

Connecticut Attorney General's Office Credit Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure (“CARD”) Act On May 22, 2009, President Obama signed into law the Credit Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure (“CARD”) Act. Many of the CARD Act’s consumer protection provisions became effective on February 22, 2010, including provisions eliminating online payment fees, ending two-cycle or double

If you have concerns about the drinking water supply, you should contact the water company in the first instance. They should be able to give you some advice and test the water if necessary. If you are not sure who supplies your drinking water please click here. If you have already contacted them, you can try the environmental health office at the local authority. The last option is to have the water tested privately for which there will be a charge. You can find your nearest approved laboratory by clicking here. Page reviewed: 18 October 2011 Page modified: 18 October 2011

If you have concerns about the drinking water supply, you should contact the water company in the first instance. They should be able to give you some advice and test the water if necessary. If you are not sure who supplies your drinking water please click here. If you have already contacted them, you can try the environmental health office at the local authority. The last option is to have the wa

Environmental watering 2012-13 Up to 2 gigalitres of Commonwealth environmental water has been made available for use in Tuppal Creek in New South Wales, during 2012-13. Tuppal Creek flows 60 km from the Murray River near Tocumwal, to the Edward River near Deniliquin. Photo: Josh Campbell © DSEWPaC Commonwealth environmental water will be delivered in conjunction with up to 2 gigalitres of environmental water supplied by the New South Wales Government. Environmental water will be delivered in spring 2012, and will: - Provide flows through the system to maintain and improve water quality within the creek, particularly salinity. - Maintain and improve the health of native plant communities in the creek including river red gum, black box and lignum. - Contribute to providing good quality habitat, and support the breeding and recruitment of native animals, particularly frogs. Locals remember Tuppal Creek as a healthy system that supported large numbers of native fish, including golden perch and Murray cod. However, many years of reduced flow and other impacts have degraded the creek environment. Tuppal Creek has not previously received environmental water. Environmental watering in 2012-13 will build on recent natural flows in the lower part of the creek, and will help to improve its health. Landholders along Tuppal Creek are key partners, who are kindly sharing their time, knowledge and experience to enable environmental water to be delivered to the creek for the first time. Landholders will assist in the delivery of the water by monitoring its flow down the creek, in conjunction with the monitoring undertaken by the Murray Catchment Management Authority and the Office of Environment and Heritage. This watering action will be managed in cooperation with the New South Wales Office of Environment and Heritage, Murray Catchment Management Authority, State Water Corporation and Murray Irrigation Limited. What makes this place so special and why is Commonwealth environmental water used here? - The Tuppal Creek area supports a range of important native animals, including the Australian bustard, superb parrot, and the bush stone-curlew. - River bank corridors along parts of the creek support over 120 different types of native birds, mammals and reptiles. - Tuppal Creek has important social values for the local community, and there is strong support to restore a healthy system that provides social and environmental benefits. our mailing list Sign up to our mailing list and keep up to date with the latest news at the Commonwealth Environmental Water website.

Environmental watering 2012-13 Up to 2 gigalitres of Commonwealth environmental water has been made available for use in Tuppal Creek in New South Wales, during 2012-13. Tuppal Creek flows 60 km from the Murray River near Tocumwal, to the Edward River near Deniliquin. Photo: Josh Campbell © DSEWPaC Commonwealth environmental water will be delivered in conjunction with up to 2 gigalitres of environ

New York State Office of Cyber Security Geographic Information Systems Clearinghouse Electronic Discussion Lists - GIS List (GISNY-L) The New York State GIS List (GISNY-L) is an open, unmoderated list developed to promote discussion of GIS-related subjects, particularly GIS issues or projects in New York. The list accepts most of the standard distribution list commands. NORTHEAST REGIONAL LISTS *Please note that the list does not allow you to subscribe a particular e-mail address; it will automatically use the one from which your subscription message was sent. Therefore, you need to subscribe from your e-mail system, rather than over the Web. And if you use more than one e-mail account, be sure to subscribe from the same one that you want to receive the list messages. All commands sent to the listserv must be sent as plain text, not as html. Please set the format option in your email program to plain text. 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New York State Office of Cyber Security Geographic Information Systems Clearinghouse Electronic Discussion Lists - GIS List (GISNY-L) The New York State GIS List (GISNY-L) is an open, unmoderated list developed to promote discussion of GIS-related subjects, particularly GIS issues or projects in New York. The list accepts most of the standard distribution list commands. NORTHEAST REGIONAL LISTS *P

One way to inspire an interest in space is through art. NASA, DLR, and USRA-LPI have teamed up to host the second international Humans in Space Youth Art Competition. The international Humans in Space Youth Art Competition encourages youth to “Be Inspired, Creative and Heard.” We ask them to think about the future of human space flight and to creatively communicate their ideas, and we promise to make these ideas viewable worldwide. By including the next generation in the planning of the future, the competition aims to enhance their awareness, interest in and support for human space flight, and to allow their ideas to begin shaping the future now. The current 2012 competition invites young people from 10 to18 years of age to submit visual, literary, musical and video artwork expressing their vision of how humans will use science and technology in the future to explore space and uncover its mysteries. Their submissions will be judged by an international panel including artists, scientists, teachers, engineers, astronauts and others. The winning artwork will be woven into displays and performances designed to relay the youth artists’ messages to other young people and adults around the world. If you are 10–18 years old (born on or after September 1, 1993), you can participate in this art competition. Create your musical, literary, visual or video artwork and submit it by midnight U.S. Central Standard Time, October 21, 2012. Competition winners will receive awards and have their art displayed and performed worldwide and viewed by scientists, astronauts, engineers, artists, and the public. Major events include the 19th International Academy of Astronautics’ Humans in Space Symposium in Cologne, Germany, July 2013 and locations across the United States associated with NASA’s “50 Years of Solar System Exploration” Celebration from August 2013-August 2014. Artwork will also be continuously displayed in our online gallery. Posted by: A. Nejad/NLSI Staff

One way to inspire an interest in space is through art. NASA, DLR, and USRA-LPI have teamed up to host the second international Humans in Space Youth Art Competition. The international Humans in Space Youth Art Competition encourages youth to “Be Inspired, Creative and Heard.” We ask them to think about the future of human space flight and to creatively communicate their ideas, and we promise to m

Global emergency overview snapshot - 21-28 January 2013 In Syria the conflict continues to affect large parts of the country with escalating tensions in Homs, Aleppo, Idlib and Damascus provinces. Increased fighting has led to record high levels of new arrivals of refugees in neighbouring countries such as Jordan, where more than 10,000 people arrived between 20 and 24 January alone. The French-led ground offensive against Islamist rebels in Mali continued on 28 January with armed forces driving Islamic insurgents out of the northern towns of Gao and Timbuktu. In Pakistan, the World Health Organization has reported 94 measles outbreaks throughout the country in the first three weeks of January alone, describing the situation in Pakistan as alarming due to a steady increase in measles cases and deaths. Rain and the tail-end of the cold front which affected Asia in the previous weeks have affected more than 507,000 people in Davao del Norte province, Philippines. Last Updated: 28/01/2013 Next Update: 04/02/2013

Global emergency overview snapshot - 21-28 January 2013 In Syria the conflict continues to affect large parts of the country with escalating tensions in Homs, Aleppo, Idlib and Damascus provinces. Increased fighting has led to record high levels of new arrivals of refugees in neighbouring countries such as Jordan, where more than 10,000 people arrived between 20 and 24 January alone. The French-le

Fish/Shellfish Research and Management - Fish/Shellfish Research Date Published: 2007 Number of Pages: 10 Author(s): Kirk Krueger, Patrick Chapman, Molly Hallock, and Timothy Quinn Northwest Science, Vol. 81, No. 4, 2007 Suction dredge placer mining is an increasingly frequent activity that may affect the survival of mussels, however, the effect of suction dredge mining on freshwater mussels has received little attention. We quantified the effects of being entrained, exposed, and/or buried by suction dredge placer mining on the short-term survival of western ridged mussels (Gonidea angulata, Lea) and western pearlshell mussels (Margaritifera falcata, Gould) in the Similkameen River, Washington. The primary experimental treatments were entrainment by a suction dredge versus non-entrainment. The secondary experimental treatments were exposure and burial. No obvious physical damage to mussels was observed due to entrainment by the suction dredge and entrainment had no effect on the survival of mussels. All exposed mussels survived the 6-week experiment. However, burial by dredge tailings resulted in the death of a substantial percentage of mussels of each species and no mussels were able to excavate from experimental dredge tailings. Our results have significant conservation implications and emphasize the need for additional research.

Fish/Shellfish Research and Management - Fish/Shellfish Research Date Published: 2007 Number of Pages: 10 Author(s): Kirk Krueger, Patrick Chapman, Molly Hallock, and Timothy Quinn Northwest Science, Vol. 81, No. 4, 2007 Suction dredge placer mining is an increasingly frequent activity that may affect the survival of mussels, however, the effect of suction dredge mining on freshwater mussels has r

Natural Gas Vehicle Availability There are limited light- and heavy-duty natural gas vehicles (NGVs) available from original equipment manufacturers. However, qualified system retrofitters can also reliably convert many light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles for natural gas operation. Only two light-duty dedicated natural gas vehicles are available directly from major original equipment manufacturers: the Honda Civic GX sedan and the natural gas Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana. The natural gas Civic has the cleanest EPA air pollution rating of any internal combustion vehicle. - Use the Light-Duty Vehicle Search tool to see natural gas vehicles available. For more light-duty NGV options, see NGVAmerica's Available Vehicles and Engines. - Use the Vehicle Cost Calculator tool to understand costs associated with buying and fueling vehicles. - Go to the U.S. Department of Energy/U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Fuel Economy Guide to compare these vehicles with others for environmental impact and petroleum savings. Natural gas engines can be used in a variety of heavy-duty vehicles for various applications, such as transit buses, school buses, and refuse trucks. - Use the Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Search tool to see available natural gas vehicles and engines. - For more information about which vehicles feature natural gas engines, contact the engine manufacturers using NGVAmerica's Guide to Available Natural Gas Vehicles and Engines. Alternatively, contact heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers to learn about the natural gas vehicles they offer. Find out about options for converting conventional vehicles to run on natural gas. Learn about buying and selling pre-owned alternative fuel and advanced vehicles. For more information, see the AFDC's information on natural gas or:

Natural Gas Vehicle Availability There are limited light- and heavy-duty natural gas vehicles (NGVs) available from original equipment manufacturers. However, qualified system retrofitters can also reliably convert many light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles for natural gas operation. Only two light-duty dedicated natural gas vehicles are available directly from major original equipment manufacturers:

Bills Digest no. 70 2012–13 PDF version [674KB] WARNING: This Digest was prepared for debate. It reflects the legislation as introduced and does not canvass subsequent amendments. This Digest does not have any official legal status. Other sources should be consulted to determine the subsequent official status of the Bill. Kali Sanyal, Economics Section Jonathan Chowns, Law and Bills Digest Section 6 February 2013 Purpose of the Bill Indian Agreement – main aspects The Marshall Islands and Mauritius Agreements – main aspects Joint Standing Committee on Treaties Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights Date introduced: 29 November 2012 House: House of Representatives Commencement: The Act commences on Royal Assent Links: The links to the Bill, its Explanatory Memorandum and second reading speech can be found on the Bill's home page, or through http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation. When Bills have been passed and have received Royal Assent, they become Acts, which can be found at the ComLaw website at http://www.comlaw.gov.au/. The International Tax Agreements Amendment Bill 2012 (the Bill) amends the International Tax Agreements Act 1953 (the Agreements Act) to give domestic legal effect to new bilateral taxation agreements with the Marshall Islands (the Marshall Islands agreement) and Mauritius (the Mauritius agreement) and to the protocol amending an existing taxation agreement with India (the Indian protocol). On 25 July 1991, the Governments of Australia and the Republic of India entered into an agreement for ‘the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income’ (the Indian Agreement). The agreement is given legal effect in Australia by the International Tax Agreements Act (the Agreements Act). Such agreements address the situation where a taxpayer may be subject to taxation on the same income in two (or more) different countries. To take an example, country X taxes its citizens no matter where their income is sourced and no matter where the citizen resides. Country Y taxes its residents on their domestically sourced income. A citizen of country X residing and earning income in country Y could be liable to taxation in both countries. Where this is regarded as unreasonable, double taxation agreements allocate the taxing rights in relation to that income. Also, double taxation agreements commonly aim to prevent income tax evasion by encouraging cooperation and the sharing of information between contracting parties, and by ensuring that the laws of Australia and the other states are enforced. The Organisation for Economic Development and Cooperation (OECD), has been engaged in India to improve the quality of its taxation regime which has been characterised by tax avoidance and tax evasion, including for reasons of non-disclosure or concealment of income outside of the jurisdiction. According to a new study by Global Financial Integrity, a Washington-based research and advocacy group, the Indian economy suffered a loss of US$123 billion in illicit outflows of capital from the country between 2001 and 2010. The Wall Street Journal describes this as ‘money that was illegally earned, transferred or used and stashed abroad.’ However, the Indian taxation system has been undergoing reform since the opening up of the economy in 1991. Reform has so far been gradual and there are elements that still need to adjust to international norms. The OECD has been very active in building capacity of tax administration in India, particularly in the fields of transfer pricing and international taxation. OECD’s engagement with India which started in the form of yearly training programmes in the late 1990s has now grown to a multi-faceted delivery of tax-technical and tax-policy dialogue events on regular basis. On 16 December 2011, Australia and India signed the Indian Protocol amending the Indian Agreement. Amendments to Article 5 of the Agreement update the rules which determine when country A may tax the business profits of an enterprise of country B that is operating in country A. These new rules are expected to facilitate stronger economic co-operation between the countries. In addition, the Protocol amends three Articles preventing tax discrimination under tax laws (Article 24A), upgrades the framework to the international norm in relation to the exchange of taxpayer information (Article 26) and provides a new framework to provide mutual assistance in the collection of taxes (Article 26A). Mauritius and Marshall Islands Agreements Both the Marshall Islands and Mauritius were once identified by the OECD as having the characteristics of tax havens. What is a tax haven? Income earned in tax havens does not have a special status in the laws of other countries such as Australia. Such income is generally assessable in the same way as other income. There is no philosopher‘s stone that, through alchemy, transforms Australian or foreign source income derived by an Australian resident into non-taxable income in Australia by the mere transmission through, or concealment in, a tax haven. The features that give tax havens that status are principally their low tax rates and secrecy. Information about income earned in those countries simply does not come to the attention of taxing authorities in other countries unless it is volunteered. Secrecy about income that might otherwise be assessable in other countries is typically dealt with through bi-lateral agreements for the sharing of tax information. Australia has recently entered such Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEA) with the Marshall Islands and Mauritius. To give legal effect to these agreements, no new legislation is required and these agreements are not the subject of this Bill. Rather, this Bill gives legal effect to two other related agreements that Australia has signed with these two countries. On 12 May 2010, Australia signed a new ‘Allocation Of Taxing Rights’ agreement with the Marshall Islands and, on 8 December 2010, with Mauritius. These are of a similar nature to the better known ‘double tax agreements‘, an expression that tends to be used for agreements with major trading partners that have comparable tax systems. These latter agreements do require legislation in order to have legal effect in Australia. The allocation of taxing rights agreements are offered by Australia to these other countries as part of a package of benefits to encourage them to conclude a TIEA. Although not directly the subject of this Bill, the TIEAs are mentioned in this digest in order to establish the context for the operation of the Allocation of Taxing Rights Agreements that are the subject of this Bill. The agreements incorporated into the Agreements Act by this Bill set out some rules for determining which country will have taxing rights over certain income of a limited class of individuals who have relevant connections with both countries. These agreements also provide a procedure for the resolution of disputes between the taxing authorities of each country where adjustments are made by an authority to an enterprise’s income in response to unacceptable transfer pricing between related enterprises. Further explanation is given in the section below that deals with the main aspects of the Bill. Amendment by Protocol of Article 5 of the Indian Agreement: permanent establishment This amendment establishes that only business profits attributable to an enterprise’s ‘permanent establishment’ in the other country may be taxed in that country. The amendment defines the circumstances in which an enterprise is taken to have a permanent establishment in a country and is therefore automatically taxed in that jurisdiction. Subject to provisions outlined in other clauses in the Agreement, an enterprise of one country will be regarded as having a permanent establishment in the other country if it: - furnishes services, including consultancy services, through employees or other personnel engaged by the enterprise for such purpose, but only where activities of that nature continue (for the same or a connected project) within that other country for a period or periods aggregating more than 183 days in any 12 month period - carries on activities (including the operation of substantial equipment) in the other country in the exploration for or exploitation of natural resources situated in that other country for a period or periods exceeding in the aggregate 90 days in any 12 month period or - operates substantial equipment in the other country for a period or periods exceeding in the aggregate 183 days in any 12 month period. The amendments made by the Protocol to Article 5 of the Indian Agreement will allow an enterprise of one country to operate in the other country for a longer period of time before it is deemed to have a permanent establishment in that other country. In comparison with the timeframes under the Protocol, as set out above, the current Indian Agreement provides that an enterprise is deemed to have a ‘permanent establishment’ in a country if it furnishes services in that country for more than 90 days in any 12 month period (or furnishes services for an associated entity for any period of time); carries on natural resource exploration or exploitation activities for any period of time; or uses substantial equipment for any period of time. This means that the original country will maintain taxation rights over an enterprise carrying on certain business in the other country for a longer period of time. Insertion by Protocol of Article 24A of the Indian Agreement; non discrimination The Protocol inserts new Article 24A into the Indian Agreement to specify that Australia and India will not discriminate against the nationals of the other country in relation to tax. That is, nationals of India will not be subjected to taxation or taxation-related requirements in Australia that are different from, or more burdensome than, those imposed on Australian nationals. The same would apply in relation to Australian nationals in India. This provision will also apply to persons who are not residents of either jurisdiction, subject to provisions in other articles of the Agreement. New Article 24A(2) provides that a permanent establishment of an enterprise of one country will not taxed less favourably than an enterprise of that country carrying on the same activities. Importantly, however, this provision does not prevent a country from taxing the profits of a non-resident enterprise at a higher rate than it taxes the profits of a comparable resident enterprise. This recognises ‘India’s long standing differential tax rate treatment between its resident companies and non-resident companies’. Additionally, this provision does not mean that a country has to grant individuals who are residents of the other country any personal allowances, reliefs or reductions for taxation purposes on account of civil status or family responsibilities which it grants to its own residents. Amendment by Protocol of Article 26 of the Indian Agreement: the exchange of information Article 26 of the Indian Protocol deals with the exchange of information between Australia and India. In its original 1991 form, Article 26 only required limited cooperation in the exchange of information. The revised article provides that India and Australia will exchange information as is ‘foreseeably relevant’ for carrying out the provisions of the Agreement or the administration or enforcement of domestic tax laws to which the Indian Agreement applies. As is the case under current Article 26, a country that receives the information must treat it as secret ‘in the same manner as information obtained under [that country’s] domestic laws’. The country is only permitted to disclose the information to persons and authorities (including courts and administrative bodies) concerned with the assessment, collection, enforcement or prosecution of, and in relation to, the domestic tax laws. Any person or authority to whom the information is disclosed must also only use it for these purposes. They may disclose the information in public court proceedings or in judicial decisions. However, amended Article 26 also provides that received information may be used for other purposes where the use of the information for that purpose is permitted under the laws of both India and Australia and the country that supplies the information authorises its use for that purpose. Neither India nor Australia is obliged to: - carry out measures at variance with the laws or administrative practice of either country - supply information which is not obtainable under the laws or in the normal course of the administration of either country or - supply information which would disclose any ‘trade, business, industrial, commercial or professional secret or trade process, or information, the disclosure of which would be contrary to public policy’. However, these provisos do not allow a country to decline to supply information solely because the information is held by a bank, other financial institution, nominee or trust. The Explanatory Memorandum to the Bill states that this … will not have any practical application for Australia, since Australian domestic tax law already permits the Commissioner [of Taxation] to obtain information from banks and financial institutions in order to meet obligations under exchange of information articles in tax treaties or Tax Information Exchange Agreements. If one country requests information from the other country, the second country must use its information gathering powers to obtain the requested information, even though that second country may not need the information for its own tax purposes.Insertion by Protocol of Article 26A of the Indian Agreement: assistance in collection of taxes The Protocol inserts new Article 26A into the Indian Agreement to provide that Australia and India will assist each other in the collection of revenue claims. ‘Revenue claim’ means an amount owed in respect of taxes of every kind and description, imposed by either country. It also covers related costs, such as interest and administrative penalties. In addition, either country may request the other country to take measures to conserve assets that may be the subject of a revenue claim. The requested party must take such measures as are permitted under its domestic law, even if the revenue claim is not yet enforceable (for example, when final judgment as not been entered) or when the debtor is still able to prevent its collection. A country is to enforce a revenue claim of the other country as if it was a revenue claim of the first country, applying the laws that govern the enforcement and collection of taxes in that country. However, proceedings challenging the existence, amount or validity of the revenue claim must be brought in the country in which that claim has arisen. Entry into force of Indian Protocol The Indian protocol comes into force after the parties last notify each other of the completion of the necessary domestic procedures. In the case of Australia, this means this Bill becoming law. The commencement times for each major element of the Protocol are: in respect of Australian tax on income, profits or gains of any year of income beginning or after 1 July next following entry into force; in respect of Article 24A (non-discrimination) and Article 26 (exchange of information), upon entry into force; and in respect of Article 26A (assistance in the collection of taxes), on a date mutually agreed in an exchange of diplomatic notes. The Marshall Islands agreement and the Mauritius agreement allocate taxing rights between Australia and the other country in order to prevent double taxation in relation to specified types of income for a limited class of people who are resident in one of the relevant countries. In relation to Australian sourced pensions and retirement annuities paid to residents of the Marshall Islands or Mauritius, Australia will not levy tax under the Agreements, provided the income is taxed in the other country. Similarly, pensions or retirement annuities received from the Marshall Islands or Mauritius by Australian residents can be taxed in Australia under the Agreement, if the income is not taxed in the Marshall Islands or Mauritius. Under the agreements, the salaries of government employees of the Marshall Islands and Mauritius, working for non-commercial purposes in Australia, will not be taxed in Australia. Similarly, Mauritius and the Marshall Islands will not impose taxation on similarly engaged Australian Government employees working in those countries. The third element of the agreements is that foreign-sourced maintenance, education and training payments, made to students or business apprentices from the Marshall Islands and Mauritius, who are working temporarily in Australia, will not be taxed in Australia. The Marshall Islands and Mauritius will similarly treat such payments received by Australian students and business apprentices working temporarily in those other countries. Finally, a mechanism is included for resolving disputes arising from transfer pricing practices that are not conducted at ‘arm’s length’ as advocated by the OECD. ‘Transfer pricing’ refers to the manner in which cross-border transactions between related parties are conducted, particularly in relation to price setting. The OECD’s Transfer Pricing Guidelines state, ‘Transfer prices are significant for both taxpayers and tax administrations because they determine in large part the income and expenses, and therefore taxable profits, of associated enterprises in different tax jurisdictions.’ The OECD recommends that for cross‑border transactions between related enterprises, transfer pricing profits should be similar to the profits that would be recorded for comparable transactions between unrelated enterprises. The agreements allow the taxing authority of each country to make an adjustment where it considers taxable profits have been understated in its own jurisdiction due to artificially reduced prices for transactions between related enterprises. At the time of writing, the Bill has not been referred to a committee. As usual, however, the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has considered the treaties themselves. JSCOT consideration of the Indian Protocol On tabling the report on Indian Protocol, JSCOT pointed out that: 4.8 It is in Australia’s interest to utilise exchange of information (EOI) treaty provisions that meet the internationally agreed standard to combat tax avoidance and evasion, and to continue the Australian Government’s support of global action on improving information exchange and transparency. Recognising Australia’s continuing constructive relationship with India, JSCOT expressed optimism by stating that: 4.9 Australia enjoys a positive and constructive relationship with India, with a rapidly expanding bilateral commercial relationship. As a consequence, the proposed Protocol, in modernising the circumstances in which cross-border businesses come under the tax jurisdiction of the other country, will provide for certainty of treatment for businesses establishing themselves in the other country and will better reflect the state of the current trade and investment relationship. JSCOT concluded ‘having a better set of structures and mechanisms through which Australia can constructively interact with the burgeoning Indian economy was in Australia’s long term interests.’ The Committee recommended that binding treaty action be taken. JSCOT consideration of the Marshall Islands and Mauritius Agreements JSCOT considered together the four agreements with the Marshall Islands and Mauritius (and an agreement with Monserrat which is not the subject of this Bill). They were considered together because they form part of Australia’s drive to implement the OECD standards on the elimination of harmful tax practices. JSCOT observed that: 3.5 More than 60 low tax countries have joined the Global Forum and committed to the implementation of OECD standards on the elimination of harmful tax practices. The OECD claims that every country identified as a low tax country when the Global Forum commenced its work in 2000 has now agreed to cooperate with the OECD to remove harmful tax practices. JSCOT supports both the Mauritius and Marshall Islands agreements. Treasury estimated the revenue impact as unquantifiable in terms of the Indian Protocol and yet with the streamlining of measures, the revenue impact is slated to be positive. According to Treasury, for the Agreements with the Marshall Islands and Mauritius, the impact on Australian revenue is minimal. As required under Part 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011 (Cth), the Government has assessed the Bill’s compatibility with the human rights and freedoms recognised or declared in the international instruments listed in section 3 of that Act. The Government considers that the Bill is compatible. Part 1 of Schedule 1 of the Bill amends subsection 3AAA(1) of the Agreements Act by inserting definitions of the Indian Protocol and the Mauritius and Marshall Islands Agreements. Existing subsection 5(1) of the Agreements Act will give the defined agreements the force of law in Australia. Members, Senators and Parliamentary staff can obtain further information from the Parliamentary Library on (02) 6277 2500. . Agreement Between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of India for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income, ATS No. 49 (entered into force 30 December 1991), viewed 30 January 2013, http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/dfat/treaties/ATS/1991/49.html . Protocol Amending the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of India for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income done at New Delhi on 16 December 2011 (not yet in force), ATNIF 30, viewed 4 February 2013, http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/dfat/treaties/ATNIF/2011/30.html . Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Towards global tax co-operation, report to the 2000 Ministerial Council Meeting and recommendations by the Committee on fiscal affairs – progress in identifying and eliminating harmful tax practices, OECD, 2000, p. 17, viewed 4 February 2013, http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/9/61/2090192.pdf . Agreement Between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands for the Allocation of Taxing Rights with Respect to Certain Income of Individuals and to Establish a Mutual Agreement Procedure in Respect of Transfer Pricing Adjustments done at Majuro on 12 May 2010 (not yet in force), ATNIF 34, viewed 30 January 2013, http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/dfat/treaties/ATNIF/2010/36.html . Agreement Between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Mauritius for the Allocation of Taxing Rights with Respect to Certain Income of Individuals to Establish a Mutual Agreement Procedure in Respect of Transfer Pricing Adjustments done at Port Louis on 8 December 2010 (not yet in force), ATNIF 53, viewed 30 January 2013, http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/dfat/treaties/ATNIF/2010/53.html, . National Interest Analysis ATNIA 17, Agreements for the Allocation of Taxing Rights with Respect to Certain Income of Individuals and to Establish a Mutual Agreement Procedure in Respect of Transfer Pricing Adjustments between Australia and the Marshall Islands done at Majuro on 12 May 2010 (not yet in force), ATNIF 36 and Mauritius done at Port Louis on 8 December 2010 (not yet in force), ATNIF 53, para. 8, viewed 4 February 2013, http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/dfat/ATNIA/2011/17.html, . As set out above, whether an enterprise of one country has a ‘permanent establishment’ in the other country will be determined in accordance with amended Article 5 of the Indian Agreement. . Explanatory Memorandum, International Tax Agreements Amendment Bill 2012, p. 23. . Paragraph 2 of revised article 26 as it appears in the Indian Protocol. . Paragraph 3 of revised article 26 as it appears in the Indian Protocol. . Paragraph 5 of revised article 26 as it appears in the Indian Protocol. . Explanatory Memorandum, International Tax Agreements Amendment Bill 2012, p. 28. . Paragraph 4 of revised article 26 as it appears in the Indian Protocol. . Paragraph 2 of new article 26A as it appears in the Indian Protocol. . Paragraph 4 of new article 26A as it appears in the Indian Protocol. . Paragraph 3 of new article 26A as it appears in the Indian Protocol. . Paragraph 6 of new article 26A as it appears in the Indian Protocol. . Explanatory Memorandum, International Tax Agreements Amendment Bill 2012, p. 3. . According to the ATO: ‘The arm's length principle uses the behaviour of independent parties as a guide or benchmark to determine how income and expenses are allocated in international dealings between related parties. It involves comparing what a business has done and what a truly independent party would have done in the same or similar circumstances. The internationally accepted arm's length methodologies are based on comparing the outcomes of related party dealings with the same or similar dealings of independent parties. The concept of comparability is central to the arm's length principle’. See: http://www.ato.gov.au/corporate/content.aspx?menuid=0&doc=/content/35283.htm&page=2&H2 . Ibid., JSCOT report on Indian Protocol, chapter 4, p. 23. . Ibid., JSCOT report on Indian Protocol, chapter 4, p. 23. . Ibid., JSCOT report on Indian Protocol, chapter 4, p. 26, paragraph 4.24. . Ibid., JSCOT report on Indian Protocol, chapter 4, p. 26, paragraph 4.26. . Ibid., JSCOT Report on Mauritius Agreement and Marshall Islands Agreement, chapter 3, paragraph 3.2. . The Global Forum is the multilateral framework supervised by the OECD within which work in the area of transparency and exchange of tax information has been carried out by both OECD and non-OECD economies since 2000. Source: OECD, ‘Global forum on transparency and exchange of information for tax purposes’, viewed 6 February 2013, http://www.oecd.org/tax/transparency/ . Ibid., JSCOT, Report on Marshall Islands, Mauritius and Montserrat, p. 17. . Ibid., JSCOT, Report on Marshall Islands, Mauritius and Montserrat, recommendations 7 and 8, p. 25. . Explanatory Memorandum, International Tax Agreements Amendment Bill 2012, p. 3-5. . The Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights can be found at page 71 of the Explanatory Memorandum to the Bill. For copyright reasons some linked items are only available to members of Parliament. © Commonwealth of Australia With the exception of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, and to the extent that copyright subsists in a third party, this publication, its logo and front page design are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Australia licence. 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The views expressed in Bills Digests do not reflect an official position of the Australian Parliamentary Library, nor do they constitute professional legal opinion. Bills Digests reflect the relevant legislation as introduced and do not canvass subsequent amendments or developments. Other sources should be consulted to determine the official status of the Bill. Feedback is welcome and may be provided to: email@example.com. Any concerns or complaints should be directed to the Parliamentary Librarian. Parliamentary Library staff are available to discuss the contents of publications with Senators and Members and their staff. To access this service, clients may contact the author or the Library‘s Central Entry Point for referral.

Bills Digest no. 70 2012–13 PDF version [674KB] WARNING: This Digest was prepared for debate. It reflects the legislation as introduced and does not canvass subsequent amendments. This Digest does not have any official legal status. Other sources should be consulted to determine the subsequent official status of the Bill. Kali Sanyal, Economics Section Jonathan Chowns, Law and Bills Digest Section

USDA Confirms Citrus Disease in Texas and Louisiana WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2010 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced the presence of Elsinoë australis, or sweet orange scab, in Texas and Louisiana. This is the first detection in the United States of the fungal pathogen, which poses no risk to human health. The infected citrus trees were found on residential properties in Harris and Orange counties in Texas, and in Orleans parish, Louisiana. “The early detection of this disease clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of the Citrus Health Response Program,” said Rebecca Bech, deputy administrator for APHIS’ plant protection and quarantine program. “We have taken swift action by issuing emergency action notifications requiring that fruit, leaves, branches and other plant parts remain on these properties to prevent the spread of the disease. We are communicating closely with our partners in Texas and Louisiana as we continue to survey to determine the boundaries of the infected areas.” APHIS has established a technical working group of subject matter experts to discuss survey and control strategies in response to sweet orange scab. The group will continue to meet to address this developing situation and recommend mitigation strategies to enhance APHIS’ regulatory framework. Sweet orange scab is a fungal pathogen of citrus caused by Elsinoë australis that results in unsightly, scab-like lesions developing on fruit rinds and, less often, on leaves and twigs. The damage produced is superficial and does not affect internal fruit quality or taste. Infected fruit are more likely to drop prematurely, and the scabby lesions reduce the fruit’s fresh market value. In addition, the disease may stunt young citrus seedlings. The disease has been found in South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay) and in Oceania (Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue and Samoa). For information on the cooperative citrus health response program, please visit Note to Reporters: USDA news releases, program announcements and media advisories are available on the Internet and through Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds. Go to the APHIS news release page www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom and click on the RSS feed link. To sign up to receive APHIS releases automatically, send an e-mail message to firstname.lastname@example.org and leave the subject blank. In the message, type subscribe press_releases.

USDA Confirms Citrus Disease in Texas and Louisiana WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2010 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced the presence of Elsinoë australis, or sweet orange scab, in Texas and Louisiana. This is the first detection in the United States of the fungal pathogen, which poses no risk to human health. The infected citrus trees

Facts about Fragile X Syndrome Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a genetic disorder. A genetic disorder means that there are changes to the person’s genes. FXS is caused by changes in the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. The FMR1 gene usually makes a protein called fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). FMRP is needed for normal brain development. People who have FXS do not make this protein. People who have other fragile X-associated disorders have changes in their FMR1 gene but usually make some of the protein. FXS affects both males and females. However, females often have milder symptoms than males. The exact number of people who have FXS is unknown, but it has been estimated that about 1 in 5,000 males are born with the disorder. (1) Watch a video about what causes fragile X syndrome [VIDEO - 3.20 MB] (Note: If you have difficulty viewing the clip, please send us an email.) or download a transcript. Signs and Symptoms Signs that a child might have FXS include: - Developmental delays (not sitting, walking, or talking at the same time as other children the same age); - Learning disabilities (trouble learning new skills); and - Social and behavior problems (such as not making eye contact, anxiety, trouble paying attention, hand flapping, acting and speaking without thinking, and being very active). Males who have FXS usually have some degree of intellectual disability that can range from mild to severe. Females with FXS can have normal intelligence or some degree of intellectual disability. Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) also occur more frequently in people with FXS. FXS can be diagnosed by testing a person's DNA from a blood test. A doctor or genetic counselor can order the test. Testing also can be done to find changes in the FMR1 gene that can lead to fragile X-associated disorders. A diagnosis of FXS can be helpful to the family because it can provide a reason for a child’s intellectual disabilities and behavior problems. This allows the family and other caregivers to learn more about the disorder and manage care so that the child can reach his or her full potential. However, the results of DNA tests can affect other family members and raise many issues. So, anyone who is thinking about FXS testing should consider having genetic counseling prior to getting tested. Learn more about diagnosing FXS at the following websites: - American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) policy statement on fragile X syndrome - National Fragile X Foundation – genetic testing There is no cure for FXS. However, treatment services can help people learn important skills. Services can include therapy to learn to talk, walk, and interact with others. In addition, medicine can be used to help control some issues, such as behavior problems. To develop the best treatment plan, people with FXS, parents, and health care providers should work closely with one another, and with everyone involved in treatment and support—which may include teachers, childcare providers, coaches, therapists, and other family members. Taking advantage of all the resources available will help guide success. Early Intervention Services Early intervention services help children from birth to 3 years old (36 months) learn important skills. These services may improve a child’s development. Even if the child has not been diagnosed with FXS, he or she may be eligible for services. These services are provided through an early intervention system in each state. Through this system, you can ask for an evaluation. In addition, treatment for particular symptoms, such as speech therapy for language delays, often does not need to wait for a formal diagnosis. While early intervention is extremely important, treatment services at any age can be helpful. Having support and community resources can help increase confidence in managing FXS, enhance quality of life, and assist in meeting the needs of all family members. It might be helpful for parents of children with FXS to talk with one another. One parent might have learned how to address some of the same concerns another parent has. Often, parents of children with special needs can give advice about good resources for these children. Remember that the choices of one family might not be best for another family, so it’s important that parents understand all options and discuss them with their child’s health care providers. - Contact the National Fragile X Foundation at 1-800-688-8765 or Treatment@FragileX.org to get information about treatments, educational strategies, therapies and intervention. - Connect with a LINKS group at the National Fragile X Foundation. LINKS groups are organized and run by parent volunteers and provide support to families. - Am J Hum Genet. 2009 Oct;85(4):503-14. Incidence of fragile X syndrome by newborn screening for methylated FMR1 DNA. Coffee B, Keith K, Albizua I, Malone T, Mowrey J, Sherman SL, Warren ST. - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities Division of Human Development and Disability 1600 Clifton Road Atlanta, GA 30333 TTY: (888) 232-6348 New Hours of Operation

Facts about Fragile X Syndrome Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a genetic disorder. A genetic disorder means that there are changes to the person’s genes. FXS is caused by changes in the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. The FMR1 gene usually makes a protein called fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). FMRP is needed for normal brain development. People who have FXS do not make this pr

Vaccination of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) RecipientsExtracted from the January 2011 ACIP General Recs Vaccinating Recipients of Hematopoietic Cell TransplantsA hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) results in immunosuppression because of the hematopoietic ablative therapy administered before the transplant, drugs used to prevent or treat graft-versus-host disease, and, in some cases, from the underlying disease process necessitating transplantation. HCT involves ablation of the bone marrow followed by reimplantation of the person's own stem cells or stem cells from a donor. Antibody titers to vaccine-preventable diseases (e.g., tetanus, poliovirus, measles, mumps, rubella, and encapsulated bacteria) decrease 1-4 years after autologous or allogeneic HCT if the recipient is not revaccinated. HCT recipients of all ages are at increased risk for certain vaccine-preventable diseases, including diseases caused by encapsulated bacteria (i.e., pneumococcal, meningococcal, and Hib infections). As a result, HCT recipients should be revaccinated routinely after HCT, regardless of the source of the transplanted stem cells. Most inactivated vaccines should be initiated 6 months after the HCT. - Inactivated influenza vaccine should be administered beginning at least 6 months after HCT and annually thereafter for the life of the patient. A dose of inactivated influenza vaccine can be given as early as 4 months after HCT, but a second dose should be considered in this situation. A second dose is recommended routinely for all children receiving influenza vaccine for the first time. - Sequential administration of 3 doses of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is recommended, beginning 3-6 months after the transplant, followed by a dose of PPSV. - A 3-dose regimen of Hib vaccine should be administered beginning 6 months after transplant; at least 1 month should separate the doses. - MMR vaccine should be administered 24 months after transplant if the HCT recipient is immunocompetent. - Because of insufficient experience using varicella vaccine among HCT recipients, physicians should assess the immune status of each recipient on a case-by-case basis and determine the risk for infection before using the vaccine. If a decision is made to vaccinate with varicella vaccine, the vaccine should be administered a minimum of 24 months after transplantation if the HCT recipient is presumed to be immunocompetent. For more specific information, see Tomblyn M, Chiller T, Einsele H, et al. Guidelines for Preventing Infectious Complications among Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Recipients: A Global Perspective. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 15:1143-1238;2009. [1.9MB, 96 pages] (compliant) Accessibility Note: For text-only versions of materials only provided in .pdf or .xls format, please contact NIPINFO@cdc.gov for immediate assistance. Please reference this web page and the exact item you need. .pdf files: To view and print the .pdf files on this site, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. Use this link to obtain a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader . We highly recommend that you upgrade to the latest version if haven't already. Links to non-federal organizations are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the federal government, and none should be inferred. CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links. Content last reviewed on February 15, 2011 Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases

Vaccination of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) RecipientsExtracted from the January 2011 ACIP General Recs Vaccinating Recipients of Hematopoietic Cell TransplantsA hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) results in immunosuppression because of the hematopoietic ablative therapy administered before the transplant, drugs used to prevent or treat graft-versus-host disease, and, in some cases,

To schedule a burial: Fax all discharge documentation to the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-866-900-6417 and follow-up with a phone call to 1-800-535-1117. This cemetery is under the direction of Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Inquires should be addressed to the Director of Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Fort Bliss National Cemetery P.O. Box 6342 Fort Bliss, TX 79906 Military Funeral Honors The local Veterans Service Organizations in the area perform all military honors unless specifically requested from the branch of service in which the veteran has served. Please contact the cemetery office for further information. back to top Fort Bayard is located in southwestern New Mexico adjacent to the Gila National Forest. The site was chosen in 1863 for its springs and commanding view of the Apache war trails surrounding the nearby mining camps. In 1866, a permanent post was established here with the primary responsibility for protecting the Pinos Altos gold camp. The post was named Fort Bayard in honor of General G.D. Bayard, who died from wounds received during the Battle of Fredericksburg, and who had served in New Mexico and Arizona prior to the Civil War. The U.S. Army launched numerous attacks against the Apache from Fort Bayard during the 1870-80s, which ended only with the surrender of the Apache Chief Geronimo. The first known interment at Fort Bayard was Sergeant David H. Boyd of the 3rd U.S. Cavalry, buried Oct. 10, 1866. In 1899, the Army deactivated Fort Bayard and established it as a tuberculosis hospital and research center. In 1922, the hospital was transferred to the Veterans Bureau, which became part of the new Veterans Administration in 1930. Fort Bayard Cemetery was established the same year, and became part of the National Cemetery System in 1973 when its administration was transferred from the Department of the Army to the Veterans Administration. In the 1990s, the state of New Mexico donated 3.95 acres to the cemetery. Fort Bayard National Cemetery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 7, 2002. back to top Medal of Honor Recipients Sergeant Alonzo Bowman (Indian Campaigns), Company D, 6th U.S. Cavalry. Wichita River, Texas, Oct. 5, 1870 (Section, A. Grave I-31). Wagoner John Schnitzer (Indian Campaigns), Troop G, 4th U.S. Cavalry. Horseshoe Canyon, N.M., April 23, 1882 (Section AO, Grave 43). One of the most important civilians buried at Fort Bayard is Walter Foote Sellers, author of the poem, "The Kneeling Nun". He was the stepson of retired Brigadier General Walter I. Duggan. On his headstone is engraved "Ah, Me, the World Seems Lonelier Today." In the civilian section of the cemetery near the fence on the east side is also buried John William Richmond Kennedy, who died at St. Joseph's sanitarium, Silver City, New Mexico on March 14, 1914. He was the eldest son of the Honorable William Rann Kennedy, Knt. P.C. of England. The first burial at the Post cemetery with positive identification was Sergeant David H. Boyd, Company M, 3rd U. S. Cavalry, Oct. 10, 1866. One other, who is recorded as an "Unknown," preceded it. back to top Cemetery policies are conspicuously posted and readily visible to the public. Floral arrangements accompanying the casket or urn at the time of burial will be placed on the completed grave. Natural cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time of the year. They will be removed when they become unsightly or when it becomes necessary to facilitate cemetery operations such as mowing. During the mowing season, April 15 through Oct. 15, all floral items will be removed from graves every Tuesday. Floral items should not be placed on the graves Tuesday through Thursday to allow for the maintenance of the gravesites. Artificial flowers and potted plants will be allowed on graves for a period extending 10 days before through 10 days after Easter Sunday and Memorial Day. Christmas wreaths, grave blankets and other seasonal adornments may be placed on graves from Dec. 1 through Jan. 20. They may not be secured to headstones or markers. All items removed from gravesites will be disposed of immediately. Permanent plantings, statues, vigil lights, breakable objects and similar items are not permitted on the graves. The Department of Veterans Affairs does not permit adornments that are considered offensive, inconsistent with the dignity of the cemetery or considered hazardous to cemetery personnel. For example, items incorporating beads or wires may become entangled in mowers or other equipment and cause injury. back to top

To schedule a burial: Fax all discharge documentation to the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-866-900-6417 and follow-up with a phone call to 1-800-535-1117. This cemetery is under the direction of Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Inquires should be addressed to the Director of Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Fort Bliss National Cemetery P.O. Box 6342 Fort Bliss, TX 79906 Military Funeral Honor

A Comparison of Weighted Vest Exercise and Strength Training The purpose of this study is to evaluate two types of exercise therapy designed to improve muscle power and mobility: weighted vest exercise vs. progressive resistance training. Behavioral: InVEST (Increased Velocity Exercise Specific to Task) |Study Design:||Allocation: Randomized Endpoint Classification: Safety/Efficacy Study Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment Masking: Single Blind Primary Purpose: Treatment |Official Title:||Ameliorating Disability Through Power Training| - Leg power - leg strength - balance measured at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks |Study Start Date:||July 2001| |Study Completion Date:||September 2007| |Primary Completion Date:||September 2007 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)| Muscle power, a separate physical attribute from strength, is an important determinate of physical functioning in the elderly, for example in avoiding impending falls, rising from a chair, and climbing stairs. Muscle power, which declines with aging at a different rate than strength, has been shown in previous studies to improve through power training utilizing specially designed exercise equipment. However, weighted vest exercise could provide an acceptable, low cost, readily accessible alternative. The hypotheses being tested in this study are: 1) weighted vest exercise will improve lower extremity power when compared to age matched controls in a standardized progressive resistance training program; 2) improvements in lower extremity power enhance functional performance as shown by improved gait velocity, stair climbing, and chair rise time; and 3) weighted vest exercise in impaired older adults will improve self-reported function and disability. One hundred sixty-four men and women ages 65 and older, with some physical limitation but able to climb stairs independently, will be randomized to one of two 16-week exercise programs. The intervention group will participate in a weighted vest exercise protocol, consisting of chair-based and stair-climbing exercise, while the control group will participate in a standardized progressive resistance training program. Participants in both programs will meet three times per week for 30-60 minutes per session, for a total of 16 weeks, at a research exercise gym, and will be under the direct supervision of research staff. |United States, Massachusetts| |Spaulding Cambridge Outpatient Center| |Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, 02138| |Principal Investigator:||Jonathan F. Bean, MD, MS||Spaulding Cambridge Outpatient Center|

A Comparison of Weighted Vest Exercise and Strength Training The purpose of this study is to evaluate two types of exercise therapy designed to improve muscle power and mobility: weighted vest exercise vs. progressive resistance training. Behavioral: InVEST (Increased Velocity Exercise Specific to Task) |Study Design:||Allocation: Randomized Endpoint Classification: Safety/Efficacy Study Intervent