bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling the bioelectric behaviour of halo pin-patient structures during magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Saari A , Runciman R J , Hayward G
Published: June 2004

Bioelectric compatibility of electrically conductive halo fixation devices and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has been largely based on resulting image quality. Previous studies have focused primarily on improving image quality and, although the electrical characteristics of the system during imaging may have been noted, they have not been studied in depth. Utilizing both a theoretical and experimental approximation, this study focuses on the bioelectric characteristics of the pin-patient structures typically enountered in clinical halo fixation systems. Results indicate that the halo pin-patient system can be modelled using a resistor-inductor-capacitor circuit and that simple attempts at improving compatibility through increasing interface resistance by the use of insulated pins may not be an effective approach to improving halo instrumentation compatibility with new, stronger magnetic and higher-frequency resonance imaging systems.
Propagation of fatigue cracks in acrylic bone cements containing different radiopaque agents
Authors: Manero J M , Ginebra M P , Gil F J , Planell J A , Delgado J A , Morejon L , Artola A , Gurruchaga M , Goñi I
Published: June 2004

In this work three iodine-containing monomers were proposed as new radiopaque agents for acrylic bone cements. In previous studies the addition of iodine-containing methacrylate monomers provided a statistically significant increase in tensile stress, fracture toughness and ductility, with respect to the barium sulphate(BaSO4)-containing cement. However, since fatigue resistance is one of the main properties required to ensure a good long-term performance of permanent prostheses, it is important to compare the fatigue properties of these new bone cement formulations with the radiolucent and BaSO4-containing bone cements. Because the acrylic cements have initial cracks, fatigue crack propagation studies were performed. It can be observed that these acrylic cements followed the Paris-Erdogan model. The results showed that the addition of some organic radiopacifiers (DISMA, TIBMA) increased the fatigue crack propagation resistance as compared to the radiolucent cement, being similar to the BaSO4-containing cement. The radiolucent cement showed a low crack propagation resistance.
Modelling the effect of prosthetic feet and shoes on the heel-ground contact force in amputee gait
Authors: Klute G K , Berge J S
Published: June 2004

Gait laboratory measurements have been widely used to explore footwear and prosthetic effects on intact and amputee gait in spite of the confounding effects of adaptation, acclimation and inherent variability of human subjects. To facilitate understanding of the variables that affect impact forces that arise from heel-ground contact during amputee walking, a lumped parameter model is proposed to simulate the movement of the human body, prosthetic components and footwear during the period immediately following initial contact. Non-linear viscoelastic properties of prosthetic feet have a proportional relationship to both the magnitude of the impact peak and the rate of increase in the ground reaction force (GRF) immediately following initial contact. Footwear, in spite of a larger capacity to dissipate impact energy than a prosthetic foot alone, can actually amplify the magnitude of the impact peak. These results suggest limitations in the ability of conventional prosthetic feet and footwear to attenuate transmission of potential tissue-damaging forces.
Prediction of inter-segment stability and osteophyte formation on the multi-segment C2-C7 after unilateral and bilateral facetectomy
Authors: Hong-Wan Ng , Ee-Chon Teo , Qing-Hang Zhang
Published: June 2004

The objective of this study was to determine the intersegment stability, disc degeneration, and osteophytes formation on the multisegment cervical spine (C2-C7) after unilateral and bilateral facetectomy. A geometrically accurate non-linear three-dimensional model of the intact human cervical spine was created from the digitized coordinates of the dry vertebrae. The intact model was validated against the published results under physiological loading conditions. Eight surgically altered models were created from the intact model. The intact and surgical altered models were subjected to physiological loading. The inclusion of five levels in the present model allowed accurate determination of the intersegment responses and internal cortical bone and disc annulus stress in the adjacent spinal components.

Results indicated that facetectomy performed on C5-C6 significantly affects the corresponding stress and intersegment motions at the corresponding C5-C6 levels. The maximum increases were 18 per cent for bilateral facetectomy and 7 per cent for unilateral facetectomy under lateral bending. Combined flexion-extension and axial rotation caused an approximately similar amount of increases after total facetectomy. In addition, adjacent segments (C4-C5 and C6-7) also experience a slight increase in the intersegment responses and internal stress after facetectomy. It has been shown that facetectomy of greater than 50 per cent resulted in segment hypermobility and substantial increase in the disc annulus and cortical bone stress. Increase in the stress may lead to osteophytes formation.

This study revealed important information that will help clinicians identify the critical intersegment stability and to decide on the amount of facets resection.
Strain rate effect on the failure properties of tendons
Authors: Ng B H , Chou S M , Lim B H , Chong A
Published: June 2004

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of strain rate on the failure properties of tendons. Seventy-five chicken flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendons were tensile tested at 15 strain rates, ranging from 0.05 to 150 per cent/s. Results showed that strain rate had little effect on the shape of the stress-strain curve. No significant change was observed in the toe region, while the slope of the linear region increased with the increase in strain rate. Generally, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elastic modulus increased significantly as strain rate increased (p < 0.01), while no significant change in strain at UTS (p>0.01) was observed. It was found the change in failure properties of tendons was not significant, with small change in strain rate.
Cholesterol: Point-of-Care Testing
Authors: Taylor James R , Lopez Larry M
Published: June 2004

OBJECTIVE:

To review the literature regarding point-of-care (POC) cholesterol monitors and describe their role in pharmacy practice.

DATA SOURCES:

Primary articles were identified by a MEDLINE search (1966–May 2003); references cited in these articles provided additional resources.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:

All of the articles identified from this search were reviewed, and all information deemed relevant was included.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Hyperlipidemia is a well-established risk factor for coronary artery disease, which is the leading cause of death in the US. The use of POC cholesterol monitors may help to improve the identification and management of this disease. Pharmacists may use many of these devices in their practice and are also in an ideal position to provide patient education on selection and use of these monitors and interpretation of the results.

CONCLUSIONS:

The availability of POC cholesterol monitors has increased in recent years. Based on currently available data, these monitors are best suited for screening purposes and to assist in the management of hyperlipidemia. There is not enough evidence to support the notion that POC cholesterol monitors can replace laboratory or office monitoring. Their application in the diagnosis of hyperlipidemia is also currently limited.
Effects of Continuous Vasopressin Infusion in Patients with Septic Shock
Authors: Obritsch Marilee D , Jung Rose , Fish Douglas N , MacLaren Robert
Published: June 2004

BACKGROUND:

Small studies have reported that vasopressin improves hemodynamic instability in patients with septic shock.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether vasopressin infusion increases blood pressure, decreases catecholamine vasopressor use, and improves renal function in a large patient population with septic shock when used in a clinical setting.

METHODS:

A retrospective chart audit was conducted of critically ill patients who received vasopressin infusion for septic shock from January 2000 through September 2002. Demographic, hemodynamic, laboratory, vasopressor, and adverse event data were collected. Statistical methods included ANOVA with Tukey's test for post hoc analysis.

RESULTS:

A total of 102 of 353 patients met study criteria. The mean ± SD vasopressin dosage regimen was 0.11 ± 0.17 units/min for 53.8 ± 71.5 hours. Compared with baseline, vasopressin infusion improved mean arterial pressure (MAP) by 15% within one hour (p < 0.05), reduced heart rate by 9% within 4 hours (p < 0.05), and reduced hourly dopamine dosage by 25% within 8 hours (p < 0.05). These effects persisted through 96 hours. Other hemodynamic variables and catecholamine vasopressor usage parameters were not statistically different from baseline. Urine output, serum creatinine, and serum sodium concentrations were not statistically changed from baseline. Adverse events possibly associated with vasopressin infusion included ischemic digits/extremities, myocardial infarction, and hyponatremia.

CONCLUSIONS:

Vasopressin infusion was effective in increasing MAP and reducing heart rate while decreasing the dopamine dosage in patients with septic shock. Comparative studies with catecholamine vasopressors are needed to define the optimal role of vasopressin in septic shock therapy. In the meantime, vasopressin infusion at ≤0.03 units/min should be considered only if response to 1 or 2 catecholamine vasopressors is inadequate or as a method to reduce the dose of these therapies.
Using a Computerized Drug Prescription Screening System to Trace Drug Interactions in an Outpatient Setting
Authors: Morera Tomas , Gervasini Guillermo , Carrillo Juan A , Benitez Julio
Published: June 2004

BACKGROUND:

Drug—drug interactions are one of the main causes of adverse effects. These events have been studied most often in hospital settings; however, investigations on prescribing based on community practice have shown a high prevalence rate of potential drug interactions.

OBJECTIVE:

To develop a computerized system able to trace drug interactions quickly through the identification of clinicians issuing potentially unsafe prescriptions.

METHODS:

We retrospectively evaluated hazardous concomitant prescriptions of hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) and azole antifungals, which were invoiced through 9 months of 2001 within an outpatient setting. The study was conducted in Badajoz, a southern Spanish province, and was divided in three 3–month periods according to the release of 2 warning notes on this drug combination by the Spanish Drug Agency. Prescriptions written during this period were optically scanned each month, and the resulting information, including data from patients, physicians, and drugs involved, was converted to a database and searched for potentially unsafe coprescriptions.

RESULTS:

A total of 8 342 711 prescriptions were invoiced in the period of study, 174 of which were for a statin—azole combination. The number of these prescriptions remained fairly constant during periods I and II (63 and 71, respectively), decreasing to 40 in period III. Some clinicians (12.6%) repeatedly prescribed a hazardous drug combination at some point in this study, whereas 18 of 171 patients who received the hazardous coprescription at any time did so repeatedly within a given period. The impact of drug alerts was remarkably deeper in urban rather than rural care centers.

CONCLUSIONS:

The computerized drug prescription handling system described here is able to readily identify physicians and patients who issue/consume hazardous drug combinations, thus allowing both the possibility of individually informing the healthcare professionals involved and early detection of adverse effects.
Comparing Dexmedetomidine Prescribing Patterns and Safety in the Naturalistic Setting Versus Published Data
Authors: Dasta Joseph F , Kane-Gill Sandra L , Durtschi Amy J
Published: June 2004

BACKGROUND:

In clinical practice, new drugs may be used differently than the product labeling recommends. Furthermore, it often takes several years of use before adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are reported.

OBJECTIVE:

To compare prescribing patterns and safety of the newly released drug dexmedetomidine as observed in clinical practice with published data on the drug.

METHODS:

Information from a convenience sample of adults receiving dexmedetomidine as part of routine patient care at 10 institutions was retrospectively collected from June 27, 2001, to May 31, 2002. Investigators reviewed medical records daily and entered dosing information, patient demographics, and predefined categories of ADR severity and probability anonymously via the Internet on a secure server.

RESULTS:

Only 33% of the total sample (n = 136) of patients received a loading infusion of dexmedetomidine; however, maintenance dosing was usually within product labeling guidelines. Of note, 27.2% of patients received dexmedetomidine above the maximum dose and 33.8% received the drug beyond 24 hours. Some patients (15.4%) were never mechanically ventilated, while 59.5% received dexmedetomidine following extubation for an average of 11.3 hours. ADRs were reported in 30% of patients: 20% of the reactions required treatment or increased length of stay. Hypotension was the most common ADR, occurring in 22.7% of patients. Bradycardia was reported in 4.4% of patients. The rate and type of ADRs were similar in patients receiving dexmedetomidine >24 hours compared with the total population.

CONCLUSIONS:

Dexmedetomidine is prescribed within product labeling guidelines except for low use of a loading dose, some patients received the drug at doses above the maximum, and others received it for longer than 24 hours. Since ADR rates are similar to those of other published reports, dexmedetomidine maintained its expected safety profile in our patients.
Amantadine in the Akinetic-Rigid Variant of Huntington's Disease
Authors: Magnet Markus K , Bonelli Raphael M , Kapfhammer Hans-Peter
Published: June 2004

OBJECTIVE:

To report the effects of amantadine on an akinetic-rigid variant of Huntington's disease (HD).

CASE SUMMARY:

We describe a 36-year-old woman with HD who was treated with intravenous amantadine for 5 days. The woman was evaluated with the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale before and after treatment. Parkinsonism, bradykinesia, and dystonia improved significantly.

DISCUSSION:

Amantadine is a noncompetitive N-methyl D-aspartate receptor antagonist. It is mainly used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, as it increases dopamine levels in the brain. This effect is said to ameliorate akinesia. Although the effect of amantadine on choreatic dystonia in HD has been reported in several studies, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the ameliorative effects of amantadine on the rigid form of HD. Our patient showed improvements of gait, parkinsonism, and dystonia. Fine-motor tasks and eye movement did not change significantly.

CONCLUSIONS:

We suggest that amantadine treatment might be of value to patients with the akinetic-rigid variant of HD.
Etomidate for Procedural Sedation in the Emergency Department
Authors: Falk Jamie , Zed Peter J
Published: June 2004

OBJECTIVE:

To review the current efficacy and safety evidence for the use of etomidate for procedural sedation in the emergency department (ED).

DATA SOURCES:

MEDLINE (1966—December 2003), EMBASE (1980—December 2003), PubMED (1966—December 2003), and Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews (up to December 2003) were searched for full-text reports published in English on the use of etomidate in humans. Search terms included etomidate, procedural sedation, conscious sedation, relocation, dislocation, abscess incision, abscess drainage, and cardioversion.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:

Prospective and retrospective studies evaluating efficacy or safety endpoints using etomidate for procedural sedation in the ED were included. All studies were evaluated independently by both authors. For clinical outcomes (efficacy, safety), the definitions specified by each study were used.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Three observational studies and 5 prospective, randomized controlled trials were included in this review. Onset of action and time to recovery following etomidate were rapid and found to be comparable to that of propofol and thiopental but significantly faster than that of midazolam. The dose of etomidate for procedural sedation ranged from 0.15 to 0.22 mg/kg. No significant hemodynamic effects were observed; however, respiratory depression resulting in oxygen desaturation to <90% or apnea appears to occur in approximately 10% of patients undergoing procedural sedation with etomidate with or without analgesia. The most prominent adverse effect reported with etomidate was myoclonus, occurring in 20–45% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

Etomidate is an appropriate and valuable agent for performing procedural sedation in the ED. The rapid onset and recovery time and relative lack of significant hemodynamic and respiratory effects may facilitate optimal and safe conditions for procedural sedation in the ED.
Acute Onset of Severe Dilated Cardiomyopathy During Bromocriptine Therapy
Authors: Kaushik Prashant , Vatsavai Sundararama R , Banda Venkatramana R , Sanghi Pramod K , Ahmad Masood , Kaushik Richa
Published: June 2004

OBJECTIVE:

To report a case of severe dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP) in a patient on bromocriptine therapy for a microprolactinoma.

CASE SUMMARY:

A 31-year-old African American female, who had been receiving bromocriptine 5 mg orally daily for a microprolactinoma during the preceding month, developed severe DCMP. An echocardiogram showed a markedly dilated left ventricle with severe reduction in the left-ventricular ejection fraction in the absence of any other identifiable causes of DCMP such as a peripartum state, ethanol use, preceding systemic viral illness, chronic hypocalcemia, chronic hypophosphatemia, or chronic uncontrolled tachycardia. She improved substantially (both symptomatically and echocardiographically) after cessation of bromocriptine therapy and initiation of supportive treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF). She showed no recurrence of CHF at a follow-up visit 2 months after withdrawal of the supportive care. The patient was not rechallenged with bromocriptine due to the clinical/ethical gravity of this probable adverse effect.

DISCUSSION:

Although cardiopulmonary adverse effects have been reported with the use of cabergoline (another dopamine agonist), to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of severe life-threatening DCMP associated with bromocriptine therapy. Causality assessment using the Naranjo probability scale revealed that the adverse drug event was probable.

CONCLUSIONS:

Bromocriptine was probably associated with DCMP in a patient being treated for a microprolactinoma. Severe DCMP needs to be considered a potentially life-threatening but reversible adverse effect of bromocriptine therapy for microprolactinoma of the pituitary gland.
Specific versus general skills and abilities: A job level examination of relationships with wage
Authors: Rotundo Maria , Sackett Paul R.
Published: June 2004

The extensive literature purporting an upgrading in occupational skill requirements paired with the perception of a skill shortage in the workforce calls for the need to develop workplace skills and abilities. However, decisions about which skills to develop would be aided by information about which skills/abilities are valued most highly and lead to higher wage jobs. The job evaluation literature and labour‐market wage theory present competing hypotheses about skill—wage relationships. The ACT Inc.'s Work Keys® system, the prototype Occupational Information Network, and the fourth edition Dictionary of Occupational Titles job analytic databases were paired with concurrent wage data. These data made it possible to conduct a job‐level evaluation of whether specific skills/abilities could be identified that were most strongly linked to wage or whether broad skill/ability factors accounted for a majority of wage variance. Results indicated that a majority of the wage variance explainable by skills/abilities could be attributed to a general cognitive factor.
Social comparisons and income satisfaction: A cross‐national examination
Authors: Sweeney Paul D. , McFarlin Dean B.
Published: June 2004

In this study we look at the cross‐national applicability of social comparison theory. National samples of workers in 12 countries were used to examine the effect of social comparisons on pay satisfaction. After controlling for actual pay levels, three different pay comparisons were predictive of satisfaction with pay. Further, we showed that these social comparison effects extended across the majority of countries in this sample. We call for more research that specifically examines cultural dimensions of comparisons, within and across borders.
Organizational climate and company productivity: The role of employee affect and employee level
Authors: Patterson Malcolm , Warr Peter , West Michael
Published: June 2004

Consistent with a growing number of models about affect and behaviour and with a recognition that perception alone provides no impetus for action, it was predicted that associations between company climate and productivity would be mediated by average level of job satisfaction. In a study of 42 manufacturing companies, subsequent productivity was significantly correlated in controlled analyses with eight aspects of organizational climate (e.g. skill development and concern for employee welfare) and also with average job satisfaction. The mediation hypothesis was supported in hierarchical multiple regressions for separate aspects of climate. In addition, an overall analysis showed that company productivity was more strongly correlated with those aspects of climate that had stronger satisfaction loadings. A second prediction, that managers' perceptions of climate would be more closely linked to company productivity than would those of non‐managers, was not supported. However, managers' assessments of most aspects of their company's climate were significantly more positive than those of non‐managers.
Does method of acquisition affect the quality of expert judgment? A comparison of education with on‐the‐job learning
Authors: Summers Barbara , Williamson Trevor , Read Daniel
Published: June 2004

Expertise can be acquired through experience or through education, and many occupations demand a mixture of both. In this paper we evaluate the level of expertise acquired through these two routes by comparing credit decisions made by professional credit managers (who have learned through experience rather than education) and lecturers and students in management, (who have no experience but have learned the relevant concepts). We also tested a control group of laypeople with neither relevant formal education nor experience. Participants assumed the role of credit manager and made creditworthiness predictions and credit granting decisions for six companies with known performance. Lecturers and students generally outperformed credit managers on the prediction tasks, and the credit managers performed only slightly better than laypeople. In short, for at least one domain, it appears to be more efficient to learn from formal education than from experience. We argue that the prerequisites for successful learning are largely absent from the everyday experience of credit managers, but are present in an educational context.
Process tracing of complex cognitive work tasks
Authors: Patrick John , James Nic
Published: June 2004

Process tracing has become popular as a means of analysing a person's cognitive activities during complex work tasks. These tasks may be real or simulated. Despite the popularity of process tracing, no single methodology or prescribed set of techniques has emerged from the literature. There is variation in both the goal of process tracing and how it is carried out although unfortunately its nature and accompanying justification are often not made explicit. This paper proposes a four‐stage generic model of process tracing comprising: data collection (including behavioural records, verbal reports and eye movements); transcription, integration and segmentation of data into a time‐lined account; coding using cognitive categories; and further analysis and representation of the data. How these stages are accomplished is discussed in the context of examples from a range of field studies together with principles of good practice.
The description of concerns
Authors: Chalkley A. J.
Published: June 2004

This article seeks to provide a rationale, and review a strategy, for descriptive assessment in routine clinical practice. The basis of the rationale is a distinction drawn between assessment priorities in research and clinical work. It is argued that if clinical work is to take account of the broad coverage and specificity of patients’ self‐reported difficulties, initial assessments need to sample content, rather than measure constructs. Personalized problem lists provide a strategy for sampling content, when adopted by clinicians with systematic description in mind. The article reviews the use of Shapiro's Personal Questionnaires (PQs) to achieve this. The results of a literature search suggest a decline in their use, particularly for systematic description. Three proposals are made to revive it: first, a focus on ‘concerns'; secondly, the pursuit of alternative interview coverage; and thirdly, the treating of assessment as a process rather than an event. The main purposes of the strategy for clinical practice ‐ outcome assessment and clinical formulation ‐ are illustrated. The concluding discussion raises the wider implications of descriptive assessment for the use of ordinary language, the application of descriptive hypotheses, the status given to idiographic variables, and the adoption of an inductive strategy.
A model of narrative development: Implications for understanding psychopathology and guiding therapy
Authors: Salvatore Giampaolo , Dimaggio Giancarlo , Semerari Antonio
Published: June 2004

Story‐telling is one of the psyche's basic functions. All of us organize our experience in the form of narratives in order to give meaning to events, make forecasts about how situations will evolve, guide our actions in relationships and make our self‐experience coherent. Here we present a theoretical model which starts out from the hypothesis that, when they are created, the narratives we continuously relate to ourselves and others do not have a pre‐existing form. We propose a model for understanding the way each organizational level is formed in the mind, and works and interacts with other levels; and what psychological disorders could affect it, ranging from the basic, where there are simple aggregates of mental images, to the more complex, where there are true and proper stories, in which the characters of the internal scenario interact with each other. According to our model, it is possible to hypothesize the existence of:

a pre‐narrative level, and

a proto‐narrative level, followed by three extended narrative levels:

a procedural unconscious narrative level

a conscious propositional narrative level, and

a verbal interactive narrative level.

Our hypothesis is based on:

a review of various theories from different fields of research; and

illustrative clinical material obtained by recording psychotherapy sessions with severely personality‐disordered patients.
‘The vehicle of success’: Theoretical and empirical perspectives on the therapeutic alliance in psychotherapy and psychiatry
Authors: Catty Jocelyn
Published: June 2004

The importance of the ‘therapeutic alliance’ has long been recognized in psychotherapeutic theory and research, but is also increasingly researched in psychiatry. This paper examines the clinical and empirical literature on the alliance and asks, first, whether the concept is unrecognizably distorted when it travels from the psychoanalytic context to other therapies and to psychiatry, or when translated into research instruments; and, second, how we are to understand the apparent anomaly whereby its proponents have defined it as a ‘vehicle’ for treatment rather than curative, whereas quantitative research increasingly associates it with outcome. This paper reviews the evolution of the concept in clinical theory, traces the development of empirical research on the subject and considers its use in psychiatry. It argues that the empirical research misleadingly suggests a curative paradigm, and that it may be unable to illuminate some of the clinical controversies, although its implications for theory demand consideration. It argues for the retention of the alliance concept in psychiatry distinct from the broader spectrum of the ‘relationship’. Finally, it argues that the debate about the concept's curative properties may, paradoxically, be more pressing within psychotherapy than psychiatry, and endorses calls for more theoretically driven empirical research into the alliance.
The Nature and Outcome of Going Missing: The Challenge of Developing Effective Risk Assessment Procedures
Authors: Tarling Roger , Burrows John
Published: June 2004

Drawing on information from a random sample of over 1,000 cases this paper highlights the variety and complexity of missing person cases, reported to the police. The overwhelming majority of missing persons are found safe and well or are no longer considered as missing. Most return within a short space of time. Some cases, however, are not concluded quickly or with such favourable outcomes. A further sample of cases, which had caused problems for the police, was examined. These cases also revealed a variety of situations, backgrounds and outcomes. Many were immigration cases or had other reasons for wishing to remain ‘missing’. Some missing persons, unfortunately, were found dead but many of them had died of natural causes and had died before the police were notified. In view of the variety of cases and the rarity of adverse outcomes it is difficult to develop statistical risk prediction scores as an aid to decision-making. Instead the Association of Chief Police Officers has issued guidance to strengthen police officers' professional judgement in dealing with MISPER (missing person) cases.
Estimating the Risk Faced by Missing Persons: A Study of Homicide Victims as an Example of an Outcome-Based Approach
Authors: Newiss Geoff
Published: June 2004

Each year the police receive a large number of reports of missing persons. They are faced with the immediate task of identifying those people likely to have come to harm, in particular those who have been the victim of homicide. Whilst recognising the inherent difficulty in identifying such a small sub-set of homicide victims within the overall number of reports of missing persons, this paper outlines how estimating the risk faced by different groups of missing persons to different outcomes can improve the police service's response to missing persons. The findings are based on an analysis of a sample of homicide cases which first came to the attention of the police as missing person reports. Specifically, females — both adults as well as children — face a relatively higher risk of being the victim of homicide when reported missing. Whilst the availability of sufficient data poses an immediate limit to further research of this type, the paper demonstrates how similar risk estimations can be made for other potential outcomes of going missing.
The Gap between Training and Research in the Detection of Deception
Authors: Blair J. P. , Kooi Brandon
Published: June 2004

Since the 1970s, more than 150,000 criminal investigators around the world have been trained in The Reid Technique of Interviewing and Interrogation. The Reid Technique contains a model of nonverbal behaviour that is purported to help investigators determine if a criminal suspect is giving truthful or deceptive answers in response to investigative questions. This paper discusses the existing research regarding nonverbal behaviour and how this behaviour coincides with the Reid model. Existing research provides only limited support for the model. Policy implications are discussed.
Animal Rights, Public Order and Police Accountability: The Brightlingsea Demonstrations
Authors: Markham Geoffrey , Punch Maurice
Published: June 2004

This article examines the policing, and the aftereffects, of concerted public demonstrations against the export of live animals at Brightlingsea (Essex, England) in 1995. It focuses particularly on leadership, command and control and the crucial question of accountability. The article also describes and assesses the impact, personally and in the broader context of policing public disorder, of summary charges brought against the principal author as a consequence of his leadership/management in the events at Brightlingsea.
Provocation—Does Paria Add Anything Useful?
Authors: Broadbent Graeme
Published: June 2004

There has been much controversy in recent years relating to aspects of the partial defence of provocation. A particular issue has centred on whether, and in what circumstances, the defendant's characteristics can be taken into account with regard to his ability to exercise self-control. In the recent case of Paria v The State, an appeal originating from Trinidad and Tobago, the Privy Council was invited to apply the decision of the House of Lords in R v Smith (Morgan). In the event, the Privy Council declined to do so, but nonetheless made some observations on that case. This article considers the more fundamental question of whether the Privy Council should have been considering Smith at all, and argues that, for precedent-based reasons, it should not. It draws on criticisms made by other commentators to the effect that observations made by the Privy Council in Paria about Smith are not soundly based, and concludes that the case adds little of value to the law in either England and Wales or Trinidad and Tobago.
Identification of CYP2B6 Sequence Variants by Use of Multiplex PCR with Allele-Specific Genotyping
Authors: Jacob Robyn M , Johnstone Elaine C , Neville Matt J , Walton Robert T
Published: June 2004

Background: Cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) has a role in the metabolism of many clinically important substances, but the variation within the CYP2B6 gene has not been fully characterized. The aim of the present study was to develop a reliable and robust assay for determining genotypic variants.

Methods: We used a two-stage procedure. An initial multiplex PCR reaction amplified the relevant gene fragments in exonic and regulatory regions to ensure isolation of CYP2B6 from its similar pseudogene (CYP2B7). This product was then genotyped by allele-specific PCR.

Results: The assay detected the following published single-nucleotide polymorphisms: C64T (Arg22Cys), C78T, G216C, G516T (Gln172His), C777A (Ser259Arg), A785G (Lys262Arg), and C1459T (Arg487Cys), as well as additional loci found within the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) databases: A1190G, C1268A, C1330T, A1382G, A1402T, and an A/T SNP in intron 2 (A12917T). This approach detected all common, previously reported alleles and identified a new allele (CYP2B6*4C) present in 2.2% of a Caucasian population. Genotypic frequencies obtained were consistent with previously published results.

Conclusions: This method is simple, reliable, rapid, and amenable to automation and could facilitate the large-scale genotypic analysis of CYP2B6.
Factors Influencing Rearing Success of Atlantic Salmon Stocked as Fry and Parr in Lake Ontario Tributaries
Authors: Stanfield Les , Jones Michael L.
Published: June 2004

From 1995 to 1999, we evaluated the suitability of various stream conditions for rearing juvenile Atlantic salmon Salmo salar in the Lake Ontario watershed. As part of an ongoing initiative to reestablish this species in Lake Ontario, fry and parr were stocked into sites with contrasting amounts of rock and wood cover, fine materials in the substrate, and densities of rainbow trout Onchorhynchus mykiss. Resulting Atlantic salmon densities exceeded the target density of five age-0 fall fingerlings/100 m2 at 52% of the site-years surveyed. Atlantic salmon stocked as parr (fed in hatchery before stocking; annual mean weights, 0.45-0.95 g) consistently had greater survival to the age-0 fall fingerling stage than those stocked as fry (not fed before stocking, annual mean weights, 0.13-0.20 g). The percentage of rock cover at a site was the best predictor of high densities of fall fingerling Atlantic salmon for the parr stocking strategy. For Atlantic salmon stocked as fry, the density of rainbow trout was the most influential variable, exhibiting a negative correlation, whereas the percentage of rock cover was also influential in discerning Atlantic salmon densities in a positive way. Our study also found that densities of fall fingerling Atlantic salmon at sites with high densities of rainbow trout (>1.5/m2) were greater than at sites where rainbow trout were present at lower densities, suggesting that habitat influenced the outcome of competitive interactions. High-quality habitat supported high densities of both species. The results of this study indicate that both above and below barriers in the north shore tributaries of Lake Ontario, sites exist with conditions suitable for rearing Atlantic salmon from the fry to the fall fingerling stage.
Contribution and Relative Survival of Age-0 Walleyes Stocked at Two Sizes in Six Eastern Ontario Lakes
Authors: Pratt Thomas C. , Fox Michael G.
Published: June 2004

Size at stocking is believed to be a critical factor in determining the success of stocking events for many species. We examined the relative performance of summer (reared extensively, planted in June, average weight < 1 g) and fall (reared intensively, planted in September, average weight ∼ 10 g) walleye Stizostedion vitreum fingerlings stocked at a 5:1 summer-to-fall fingerling ratio into six small lakes in Eastern Ontario. One lake was stocked concurrently during 1990-1993, and three lakes were given paired plants in 1992 and 1993; stocking assessments occurred at age 1 and as adults in 1997. Two additional lakes were stocked in 1998; in one the stocking failed, and in the other the stocking was assessed at age 1. Walleyes planted as summer fingerlings were significantly larger at first annulus formation than those planted as fall fingerlings, but these size differences disappeared in the adult fish recovered 4-7 years after the paired plants. By the time the fish were adults, summer fingerlings were more abundant in the samples of all four lakes assessed to that stage. After accounting for the difference in stocking ratios, the relative survival to adulthood did not differ between the two fingerling types, except in Warrens Lake where summer fingerlings had a greater probability of survival. Given the relatively high cost of raising walleyes to the fall fingerling stage, we recommend that summer fingerlings be used when stocking walleyes into small, inland lakes.
Effect of Rewards on Lake Trout Tag Returns in Northwestern Lake Michigan
Authors: Schmalz Patrick J. , Hansen Michael J. , Holey Mark E. , McKee Patrick C. , Toneys Michael L.
Published: June 2004

We determined the effect of a reward of one free case of Stroh's beer (retail value of US$7.50 in 1986 dollars) on lake trout Salvelinus namaycush tag returns made by two voluntary-return fisheries (recreational and commercial) in northwestern Lake Michigan during 1984–1990. To examine the effect of the reward, which was offered in 1986 and 1987, we determined the proportion of tags that were returned by assessment, recreational, and commercial fisheries. We used the log-likelihood G-statistic to test for homogeneity of recapture rates among years for the three fisheries. Comparison of individual G-statistics in the reward years versus the nonreward years yielded the impact of the reward. Recapture rates varied significantly among years for assessment, recreational, and commercial fisheries, and were also significantly different among the three fisheries. The reward of a free case of Stroh's beer increased the recapture rate in both of the voluntary tag-return fisheries (recreational and commercial), but the impact was greater in the commercial fishery. Despite the poor design of the reward program, recapture rates increased with the reward. However, we believe that increased recapture rates can be as much harmful as beneficial without careful a priori consideration of the impact of various types of rewards on response rates.
Impacts of Daily Bag Limit Reductions on Angler Effort in Wisconsin Walleye Lakes
Authors: Beard T. Douglas , Cox Sean P. , Carpenter Stephen R.
Published: June 2004

Angler effort is an important factor affecting recreational fisheries. However, angler responses are rarely incorporated into recreational fisheries regulations or predictions. Few have attempted to examine how daily bag limit regulations affect total angling pressure and subsequent stock densities. Our paper develops a theoretical basis for predicting angler effort and harvest rate based on stock densities and bag limit regulations. We examined data from a management system that controls the total exploitation of walleyes Sander vitreus (formerly Stizostedion vitreum) in northern Wisconsin lakes and compared these empirical results with the predictions from a theoretical effort and harvest rate response model. The data indicated that higher general angler effort occurs on lakes regulated with a 5-walleye daily limit than on lakes regulated with either a 2- or 3-walleye daily limit. General walleye catch rates were lower on lakes with a 5-walleye limit than on lakes with either a 2- or 3-walleye daily limit. An effort response model predicted a logarithmic relationship between angler effort and adult walleye density and that an index of attractiveness would be greater on lakes with high bag limits. Predictions from the harvest rate model with constant walleye catchability indicated that harvest rates increased nonlinearly with increasing density. When the effort model was fitted to data from northern Wisconsin, we found higher lake attractiveness at 5-walleye-limit lakes. We conclude that different groups of anglers respond differently to bag limit changes and that reliance on daily bag limits may not be sufficient to maintain high walleye densities in some lakes in this region.
A Model-Based Evaluation of Active Management of Recreational Fishing Effort
Authors: Cox Sean P. , Walters Carl J. , Post John R.
Published: June 2004

Recreational fisheries are increasingly faced with the dilemma of “too many people chasing too few fish.” Active management of angler effort promises relief from the pressures of overcrowding and declines in angling quality. In this paper, we develop a regional-scale model of recreational fishery dynamics to evaluate how active effort management policies might affect the cumulative value taken over many fisheries. The model incorporates linear increases in satisfaction per angler-day with increases in catch rate to represent demand, declines in catch rate with increasing effort to represent supply limitations, and angler movement among open-access fisheries to represent the presence of uncontrolled, open-access alternatives to effort-managed fisheries. The management control variables were the proportion of fisheries managed under effort control (Pm) and the proportion of open-access effort allowed on managed lakes (Pe). Unmanaged lakes remained open access. Policies that maximized total regional value favored effort management for all combinations of Pm and Pe. The total increases in value over open-access conditions were greatest under conditions of high demand and low effort movement. When effort movement and demand for improved quality were both high, a large proportion (>50%) of fisheries needed to be included under effort control to offset the value losses on open-access fisheries. Because effort management offers promise for creating above-average fishing opportunities, managers should carefully consider regional-scale impacts and the potential demand for high-quality, low-effort angling opportunities.
Biological Performance Indicators for Evaluating Exploitation of Minnesota's Large-Lake Walleye Fisheries
Authors: Gangl R. Scott , Pereira Donald L.
Published: June 2004

We examined the potential for using biological performance indicators (BPIs) to detect the overexploitation of populations of walleye Sander vitreus (formerly Stizostedion vitreum) in Minnesota's large lakes. We developed equations to predict growth (i.e., the von Bertalanffy growth parameter and total length at age 3) and female age at 50% maturity from growing season length and female total length at 50% maturity from growth. Indices of spawning stock age diversity and the variation of population abundance were characterized by means of summary statistics. Thresholds for BPIs were determined by adding a measure of variability to the predicted and mean values. We evaluated the sensitivity of each BPI by comparing observed values with the thresholds for an overexploited population in Upper Red Lake. All six BPIs for Upper Red Lake exceeded the thresholds, demonstrating their potential use for monitoring walleye exploitation. However, the magnitude by which each threshold was exceeded differed by BPI, indicating that some may be more sensitive than others. Managers should integrate the performance of a suite of BPIs with time series analysis to identify the onset of overexploitation of large-lake walleye fisheries.
A Broad-Scale Approach to Management of Ontario's Recreational Fisheries
Authors: Lester Nigel P. , Marshall Terry R. , Armstrong Kim , Dunlop Warren I. , Ritchie Bev
Published: June 2004

Sustainable exploitation of Ontario's aquatic resources calls for a new management approach. This vast resource includes more than 250,000 lakes and offers angling opportunities for many popular species (e.g., walleye Sander vitreus (formerly Stizostedion vitreum), lake trout Salvelinus namaycush, brook trout S. fontinalis, northern pike Esox lucius, smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu, largemouth bass M. salmoides, and muskellunge E. masquinongy). In pioneer days, the “apparently inexhaustible abundance of resources” fostered an open-access policy promoting the recreational use of these resources for the benefit of the economy. After World War II, there was a rapid increase in angling effort and by the 1970s many lakes were being overexploited. Clearly, an unrestricted, open-access policy was no longer appropriate. The result has been a rapid proliferation of fishing regulations as exceptions to divisionwide regulations that were created to protect lakes where problems were detected. The growing complexity of these regulations is the result of a management approach that has focused on individual lakes. This complexity is not popular with the angling public, and evaluation of its benefits has proven difficult because a change in regulations on one lake may affect fishing effort on other lakes. We argue that a larger spatial and temporal scale of management is needed when a resource is widely dispersed across a large population of lakes. This new approach should incorporate (1) consensus on biologically achievable objectives, (2) periodic, unbiased assessment of the state of the resource, (3) periodic evaluation to decide whether current management practices are meeting objectives, and (4) adaptive management in choosing among alternative management actions. Recent progress towards establishing this management approach in Ontario is discussed.