First report of saxitoxin production by a species of the freshwater benthic cyanobacterium, Scytonema Agardh.

Saxitoxins or paralytic shellfish poisons (PSP) are neurotoxins produced by some species of freshwater cyanobacteria and marine dinoflagellates. Samples collected from the metaphyton of a drinking-water supply's pre-treatment reservoir and a small eutrophic lake in New Zealand returned positive results when screened using a Jellett PSP Rapid Test Kit. The dominant species in the sample was identified as Scytonema cf.

Investigation of lapses of consciousness using a tracking task: preliminary results.

In many high-risk occupations, it is critical that a person remains alert at all times. There is much to be gained by being able to monitor a person on-line and detect lapses of consciousness (LoC) so that remedial action can be taken (e.g.

The best interests of the child in assisted human reproduction: the interplay between the state, professionals, and parents.

Developments in assisted human reproduction (AHR) have aroused considerable debate and interest around the world, with most governments accepting that they are matters of public policy. This politicization of AHR is explored in the context of a consideration of the oft-used term "the best interests of the child." This "rallying call" is frequently cited as the primary concern in the determination of policy.

Transforming health sectors: new logics of organizing in the New Zealand health system.

This paper develops a relational analysis (drawing on the insights of historical institutionalism and economic sociology) of the ongoing process of radical health sector restructuring in New Zealand. The original 'reforms', based on a 'purchaser provider' split, are outlined so as to emphasize their politically consequential ambiguity: was restructuring about revitalizing an essentially public health system or about creating the basis for an eventually private health system with a residual state role? The actual process of restructuring is then traced, emphasizing the responses it has evoked from differently situated actors within the health sector as this is entwined with the political system. The focus is on explaining the largely unintended consequences that have resulted, including the abandonment or significant modification of most of the originally enacted forms of organization together with the emergence of new organizational forms, initiated by providers, and largely unanticipated by the restructurers.

In vivo calcitropic effect of some vitamin D compounds in the marine Antarctic teleost, Pagothenia bernacchii.

The Antarctic notothenioid, Pagothenia bernacchii, were found to have plasma total and free calcium levels, plasma inorganic phosphate and whole body calcium efflux rates which were similar to those seen in other teleosts. But total bone calcium was lower than reported for other teleosts. A single injection of vitamin D3 (5 ng g(-1) fish) increased plasma total and plasma free calcium and these increases were associated with an increase in whole body calcium efflux and bone calcification.