bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Replacement of restorations in subjects with symptoms associated with dental restorations; a follow‐up study
Authors: Tillberg Anders , Mårell Lena , Berglund Anders , Eriksson Nils
Published: July 2008

The aim of this follow‐up study was to assess the long‐term development of symptoms and their social consequences among patients referred for diagnosis and treatment of symptoms believed to be related to dental‐restorative materials. A questionnaire was sent to 614 such patients containing questions on civil status, present health, changes between baseline and follow‐up, current employment situation, and consequences of the problems. The results showed that patients with complex symptoms at baseline had a worse prognosis (i.e. more symptoms remaining) at follow‐up than patients with local symptoms only. Replacement of dental materials seemed to have the largest impact on the alleviation of the symptoms reported. Those with remaining complex symptoms had more often stopped working or had decreased their work hours because of their symptoms. Only one‐sixth of the patients were symptom‐free at the follow‐up. Our results indicate a relationship between patients with complex symptoms and social consequences in daily life. Therefore, social factors must be taken into consideration when examining the patients. Dental, medical, and social factors have to be considered simultaneously when examining a patient with symptoms that they relate to dental materials, in order to recommend appropriate care‐management programs for this group of patients.
Dynamics of Lipid Transfer by Phosphatidylinositol Transfer Proteins in Cells
Authors: Shadan Sadaf , Holic Roman , Carvou Nicolas , Ee Patrick , Li Michelle , Murray‐Rust Judith , Cockcroft Shamshad
Published: July 2008

Of many lipid transfer proteins identified, all have been implicated in essential cellular processes, but the activity of none has been demonstrated in intact cells. Among these, phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins (PITP) are of particular interest as they can bind to and transfer phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) – the precursor of important signalling molecules, phosphoinositides – and because they have essential functions in neuronal development (PITPα) and cytokinesis (PITPβ). Structural analysis indicates that, in the cytosol, PITPs are in a ‘closed’ conformation completely shielding the lipid within them. But during lipid exchange at the membrane, they must transiently ‘open’. To study PITP dynamics in intact cells, we chemically targeted their C95 residue that, although non‐essential for lipid transfer, is buried within the phospholipid‐binding cavity, and so, its chemical modification prevents PtdIns binding because of steric hindrance. This treatment resulted in entrapment of open conformation PITPs at the membrane and inactivation of the cytosolic pool of PITPs within few minutes. PITP isoforms were differentially inactivated with the dynamics of PITPβ faster than PITPα. We identify two tryptophan residues essential for membrane docking of PITPs.
Reading, complexity and the brain
Authors: Goswami Usha
Published: July 2008

Brain imaging offers a new technology for understanding the acquisition of reading by children. It can contribute novel evidence concerning the key mechanisms supporting reading, and the brain systems that are involved. The extensive neural architecture that develops to support efficient reading testifies to the complex developmental processes that underpin the acquisition of literacy. Here, I provide a brief overview of recent studies, analysed within a cognitive framework of reading development.
Can the simple view deal with the complexities of reading?
Authors: Kirby John R. , Savage Robert S.
Published: July 2008

We review the Simple View of Reading (SVR) model and examine its nature, applicability and validity. We describe the SVR as an abstract framework for understanding the relationship between global linguistic comprehension and word‐reading abilities in reading comprehension (RC). We argue that the SVR is neither a full theory of reading nor a blueprint for instruction. Nevertheless we argue that the model is helpful in conceptualising these broad skills and thus in planning for teaching and learning. We review empirical evidence concerning the SVR, suggesting that it provides a good fit to much scientific data on typical and atypical development, and variation among students across the school age range. We also indicate several areas in which we think the SVR is incomplete or in need of further empirical support. These include the way in which word decoding is conceptualised, the ways in which RC is measured, RC strategies, the role of reading fluency, reading with illustrations and second‐language reading.
An ecological view of literacy learning
Authors: Syverson Peg
Published: July 2008

This article refutes the common, persistent belief in literacy learning as a linear, sequential process best broken down into small steps that can be taught mechanically in order to produce timely, quantifiable ‘outcomes’, regardless of the vast diversity among learners, teachers, institutions of learning, communities, cultures, media and languages. This naïve and simplistic belief, which flies in the face of virtually all evidence from direct observation, research on literacy learning, evolutionary biology, cognitive science, psychological and social science research, neurophysiology, educational theory, public policy, anthropology and communication, nevertheless remains well entrenched, despite its destructive consequences. Presented here is the evidence in support of an alternative view, an ecological perspective which takes into account the complex ecosystems within which teachers and learners learn, adapt, interact, communicate and connect. Furthermore, it presents a sensible and humane model for documenting and assessing learning and teaching ecologically, the Learning Record. This model is well supported both theoretically and practically, with over 20 years of successful implementation for thousands of students at every level, from pre‐school to graduate school; in every discipline, from maths to biology to writing; and across diverse student populations, from inner‐city schools to reservation schools, migrant populations, students with disabilities and newly arrived English language learners.
Low‐Temperature Sintering (Ba0.6Sr0.4)TiO3 Thick Film Prepared by Screen Printing
Authors: Zhang Minghui , Wang Hong , Xiang Feng , Yao Xi
Published: July 2008

(Ba0.6Sr0.4) TiO3 thick films doped with glass slurry were fabricated by the screen‐printing technique. The dielectric properties and the sintering mechanism were investigated. The films can be sintered at 600°C. The dielectric constant is 88 and the dielectric loss is 0.002 with a tunability of 23.86% under 100 kV/cm. Higher dielectric constant and tunability were obtained in the samples sintered at higher temperatures. The highest tunability is 61.12% under 150 kV/cm in the sample sintered at 800°C. The low sintering temperature and dielectric loss of the glass‐doped thick films make them potential candidates for LTCC and microwave tunable devices.
Incorporation of Waste Materials into Portland Cement Clinker Synthesized from Reagent‐Grade Chemicals
Authors: Chen Irvin A. , Juenger Maria C. G.
Published: July 2008

In this study, the feasibility of using waste materials to manufacture Portland cement was investigated. Reagent‐grade chemicals were used to synthesize a Portland cement clinker with a tightly controlled composition. Then, calcium oxide‐bearing waste materials, specifically fly ash and blast furnace slag, were combined with the reagent‐grade chemicals. The synthetic cements were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and isothermal calorimetry. Results show that Portland cement can be successfully synthesized by replacing reagent‐grade chemicals with up to 40% fly ash and 60% slag incorporation. These synthetic cements possess early‐age hydration behavior similar to a commercial Type I/II Portland cement.
Toward Quantifying the Relative Importance of Invertebrate Consumption and Bioturbation in Puerto Rican Streams
Authors: Cross Wyatt. F. , Ramírez A. , Santana A. , Santiago L. Silvestrini
Published: July 2008

Although many tropical stream consumers have large effects on resource quantity and quality, little is known about the relative importance of consumption versus bioturbation. We quantified egestion rates of freshwater shrimps (Atya spp. and Xiphocaris elongata) and mayflies (Leptophlebiidae) in two forest streams within the Luquillo Experimental Forest, Puerto Rico. Consumer body size was a strong predictor of egestion rates, with mass‐specific egestion rates declining with body size and per‐individual egestion rates increasing with body size. We used these egestion rates, together with published rates of epilithon removal by consumers and epilithon accrual by particle deposition and periphytic growth (i.e., with and without consumer access), to estimate the importance of consumption and bioturbation after storm events and during base‐flow conditions. Our estimates suggest that direct consumption of epilithon can only account for a minor proportion (< 5%) of material removed following storm events, with most removal likely resulting from bioturbation. During base‐flow conditions, we found that consumers (largely shrimps) may be capable of consuming a significant proportion of the material that would otherwise accrue on benthic substrata, but this result was limited to one high‐elevation site. Our study suggests that bioturbation is the dominant process that redistributes and entrains fine particles after storm events, and that a variable fraction of deposited and accrued benthic material may be consumed during base‐flow conditions. Our results underscore the importance of tropical stream animals in altering the benthic environment through both consumption and bioturbation, and suggest that consumer‐mediated material cycling is likely to be context dependent.
Weak Competition Among Tropical Tree Seedlings: Implications for Species Coexistence
Authors: Timothy Paine C. E. , Harms Kyle E. , Schnitzer Stefan A. , Carson Walter P.
Published: July 2008

The intensity of competition among forest tree seedlings is poorly understood, but has important ramifications for their recruitment and for the maintenance of species diversity. Intense competition among seedlings could allow competitively dominant species to exclude subordinate species. Alternatively, the low density and small stature of forest tree seedlings could preclude intense interseedling competition. In this case, other processes, such as size‐asymmetric competition with adults, interactions with consumers, or neutral dynamics would prevail as those structuring the forest understory. We tested the intensity of, and potential for, intraspecific competition among tree seedlings of three species (Brosimum alicastrum, Matisia cordata, and Pouteria reticulata) in two Neotropical rain forests. We reduced stem densities by up to 90 percent and monitored individual growth and survival rates for up to 24 mo. Individual growth and survival rates were generally unrelated to stem density. Contrary to the predicted behavior of intensely competing plant populations, the distribution of individual heights did not become more left‐skewed with time for any species, regardless of plot density; i.e., excesses of short, suppressed individuals did not accumulate in high‐density plots. We further measured the overlap of zones of influence (ZOIs) to assess the potential for resource competition. Seedling ZOIs overlapped only slightly in extremely dense monodominant plots, and even less in ambient‐density plots of mixed composition. Our results thus suggest that interseedling competition was weak. Given the low density of tree seedlings in Neotropical forests, we infer that resource competition among seedlings may be irrelevant to their recruitment.
Preliminary Information on the Home Range and Movement Patterns of Sturnira lilium (Phyllostomidae) in a Naturally Fragmented Landscape in Bolivia
Authors: Loayza Andrea P. , Loiselle Bette A.
Published: July 2008

Here, we used radiotelemetry to determine home range and movement patterns of the frugivorous bat Sturnira lilium in a naturally fragmented landscape in Beni, Bolivia. Four females were monitored for up to 7 d. Based on 575 radiotelemetry positions, kernel home ranges were between 36.5 and 90.7 ha. During each night, bats visited most of their home range, which included forest islands and continuous forest; however activity was concentrated in core‐use areas representing 6–12 percent of the home ranges. There was moderate overlap in home range and core‐use areas among the four females. The mean long axis across the kernel home ranges was 1324 m. The results reported here show that S. lilium is able to move freely among forest elements in the landscape while crossing a savanna matrix. Hence, S. lilium may contribute to maintain connectivity and ecological processes in a fragmented landscape.
Cost‐efficiency of Subsampling Protocols to Evaluate Oribatid‐Mite Communities in an Amazonian Savanna
Authors: Santos Evanira M. R. , Franklin Elizabeth , Magnusson William E.
Published: July 2008

Sampling oribatid mites in large areas using conventional methods is expensive, time‐consuming, and this constrains their use in environmental monitoring programs. We used samples collected in 38 plots of 3.75 ha spread over 30,000 ha in an Amazonian savanna to evaluate the reduction in costs and person‐hours in sampling and sorting and to elaborate cost‐effective protocols. Ten samples per plot were collected and extracted using a Berlese‐Tullgren apparatus. In the laboratory, samples were reduced to 50, 25, 12.5, and 6.25 percent of the initial content. Field‐effort reduction was estimated by reducing the number of subsamples per plot. Dissimilarity matrices were generated using Bray–Curtis, Sørensen, and Chao–Sørensen indices. Correlations between each reduced‐effort dissimilarity matrix and 100 or 50 percent sorting were used as an index of how much information was retained in reduced‐effort sampling, and could still be used in multivariate analyses. The effects of most predictor variables on mite composition were detected in data based on every level of sample reduction. The intensive sampling was insufficient to reveal the full oribatid‐mite fauna in the savanna; as more plots were sampled, more species were recorded. Our data indicate subsampling protocols for biodiversity assessment of oribatid mites in savanna that increase field and laboratory efficiency, and optimize both taxonomic and ecological aspects of the investigation.
Unlocking the Energy Dynamics of Executive Functioning: Linking Executive Functioning to Brain Glycogen
Authors: Gailliot Matthew T.
Published: July 2008

Past work suggests that executive functioning relies on glucose as a depletable energy, such that executive functioning uses a relatively large amount of glucose and is impaired when glucose is low. Glucose from the bloodstream is one energy source for the brain, and glucose stored in the brain as glycogen is another. A review of the literature on glycogen suggests that executive functioning uses it in much the same way as glucose, such that executive functioning uses glycogen and is impaired when glycogen is low. Findings on stress, physical persistence, glucose tolerance, diabetes, sleep, heat, and other topics provide general support for this view.
Replication and p Intervals: p Values Predict the Future Only Vaguely, but Confidence Intervals Do Much Better
Authors: Cumming Geoff
Published: July 2008

Replication is fundamental to science, so statistical analysis should give information about replication. Because p values dominate statistical analysis in psychology, it is important to ask what p says about replication. The answer to this question is “Surprisingly little.” In one simulation of 25 repetitions of a typical experiment, p varied from <.001 to .76, thus illustrating that p is a very unreliable measure. This article shows that, if an initial experiment results in two-tailed p = .05, there is an 80% chance the one-tailed p value from a replication will fall in the interval (.00008, .44), a 10% chance that p <.00008, and fully a 10% chance that p >.44. Remarkably, the interval—termed a p interval—is this wide however large the sample size. p is so unreliable and gives such dramatically vague information that it is a poor basis for inference. Confidence intervals, however, give much better information about replication. Researchers should minimize the role of p by using confidence intervals and model-fitting techniques and by adopting meta-analytic thinking.
Cognitive Conceptualism—Where Have All the Affects Gone? Additional Corrections for Barrett et al. (2007)
Authors: Panksepp Jaak
Published: July 2008

Barrett et al. (2007) claim that their approach to emotions covers more of the available evidence than does my affective neuroscience approach (Panksepp, 2007b). In fact, the weight of neurological evidence indicates that raw affect, as monitored by many behavioral tasks, is an aspect of the arousal of instinctual-emotional networks. This provides an empirical approach to understanding how primary-process emotional feelings are constituted by neural activities (Panksepp, 2008). There is abundant evidence for the existence of a variety of primal emotions shared across mammalian species that are biologically ingrained tools for living and learning and that may allow higher brain regions to conceptualize what is really important in the world. Barrett et al., misrepresent my views; an accurate depiction of them can be found in this article and in Gallagher (2008). Abundant cross-species evidence of basic affective systems exists to enrich cognitive-conceptual and attributional theories of human emotions.
What Do Sex, Twins, Spotted Hyenas, ADHD, and Sexual Orientation Have in Common?
Authors: McFadden Dennis
Published: July 2008

The otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) measured in a collection of special populations of humans and certain nonhuman species suggest that OAEs may provide a window into some processes of human prenatal development and sexual differentiation. For reasons that are unclear, OAEs appear to be highly sensitive to events occurring during prenatal development that seem to be related to the degree of exposure to androgens a fetus receives. The (largely circumstantial) evidence for a relationship between androgen exposure and OAE strength comes from a series of studies of twins, children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, people of differing sexual orientations, and spotted hyenas, among others. Some conclusions are bolstered by parallel studies using auditory evoked potentials (AEPs). OAEs and AEPs are simple, objective, noninvasive measures that appear to have potential as tools of value to researchers working on a wide variety of basic and applied topics beyond audition.
Harnessing Our Inner Angels and Demons: What We Have Learned About Want/Should Conflicts and How That Knowledge Can Help Us Reduce Short-Sighted Decision Making
Authors: Milkman Katherine L. , Rogers Todd , Bazerman Max H.
Published: July 2008

Although observers of human behavior have long been aware that people regularly struggle with internal conflict when deciding whether to behave responsibly or indulge in impulsivity, psychologists and economists did not begin to empirically investigate this type of want/should conflict until recently. In this article, we review and synthesize the latest research on want/should conflict, focusing our attention on the findings from an empirical literature on the topic that has blossomed over the last 15 years. We then turn to a discussion of how individuals and policy makers can use what has been learned about want/should conflict to help decision makers select far-sighted options.
Recent and future higher sea levels in New Zealand: A review
Authors: Kennedy David M.
Published: July 2008

Abstract:   Understanding past sea levels is essential to respond to the challenges of climate change. In the Pacific and Tasman, sea level has been up to 1.5 m higher during the mid‐Holocene, similar to the predictions of some global warming models. Within New Zealand the knowledge of sea‐level movements, especially during the recent past is poor, with the last major investigation being conducted 20 years ago. This paper reviews the state of local understanding of higher sea levels and suggests regions for further study and new methods of analysis to understand the nature of sea‐level change in New Zealand.
New Zealand coastal system boundaries, connections and management
Authors: Hart Deirdre E. , Bryan Karin R.
Published: July 2008

Abstract:   Understanding coastal boundaries, connections and drivers of landscape change is integral to effective coastal planning and management. This concept is explored here through case studies representing two very different New Zealand systems: embayed sand beaches in eastern and western open‐coast settings; and mixed sand and gravel coast river‐mouth lagoons. When framed within a resource and environmental management context these studies indicate that national recognition of the dynamic and interactive nature of coastal environments is a relatively new and amorphous phenomenon in New Zealand and, as such, has been ineffective in driving integrated regional management practices and sustainable coastal outcomes.
A commentary on coastal research in New Zealand universities
Authors: Kench Paul S. , Bryan Karin R. , Hart Deirdre E. , Kennedy David M. , Hilton Michael J.
Published: July 2008

Abstract:   University research in coastal geomorphology, processes and management has made a major contribution to the fundamental understanding of coastal systems in New Zealand over the past 43 years. This article examines the growth in university‐based coastal research since 1964 and discusses the geographical pattern and themes of this research. Data indicate a significant geographical concentration of research effort and focus on a narrow range of research themes. Underlying reasons for these characteristics of New Zealand coastal research are explored and challenges facing university based research are discussed. Such challenges can be overcome through a more coordinated research effort to realize the huge potential to undertake coastal science of national relevance and international significance.
Multi‐decadal coastal change in New Zealand: Evidence, mechanisms and implications
Authors: Bryan Karin R. , Kench Paul S. , Hart Deirdre E.
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  Coastal research and monitoring on New Zealand beaches have typically examined seasonal and event‐driven (storms) changes in the coast. However, historical records are now of sufficient length to indicate that change occurs at longer timescales. This paper presents examples of multi‐decadal change at three case‐study locations around New Zealand. Results show that morphological adjustment of the coast occurs at multi‐decadal scales and is much larger than short‐term dynamics. Physical mechanisms driving changes are ill defined but may be associated with El Niños and La Niña episodes which modulate waves and sea level, as well as changes in sediment supply.
‘There is a tide’: An examination of the evolution of New Zealand Coastal Policy Statements
Authors: Gregory David
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  In this paper the proposed New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement is set within the context of its Resource Management Act legislative framework and in terms of the evolution of the fundamental influence of policy statements on coastal management in New Zealand. This discussion is coupled with an examination of the development of strong policy directions in the proposed statement and the potential impact of giving effect to these policies on the regional and unitary authorities tasked with this responsibility.
Remote sensing and the coast: Development of advanced techniques to map nuisance macro‐algae in estuaries
Authors: Alexander David
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  The occurrence of nuisance macro‐algae in estuaries is a worldwide problem. Monitoring algal cover has proven difficult in the past, in part due to the lack of adequate, universally accepted mapping protocols. This paper discusses a methodology to map algal cover which was successfully trialled in the Avon‐Heathcote Estuary in January 2008.
The role of biomorphodynamics in estuarine evolution in New Zealand
Authors: Van Maanen Barend , Coco Giovanni , Swales Andrew , Bryan Karin R.
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  Biomorphodynamic interactions, the feedback loops that operate between physical processes, biology and morphology, affect the long‐term evolution of estuaries. This paper outlines how consideration of such interactions and implementation through innovative modelling techniques can become the next crucial step needed to advance understanding of estuarine evolution.
The New Zealand Coastal Society: What does it do and who is it for?
Authors: Phizacklea David
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  This article briefly outlines the aims and activities of the New Zealand Coastal Society, a technical interest group formed in 1992. It explains the history of the society, who its members are, and addresses the question of who would benefit from joining the society.
ROMANTIC PARTNERS' INFLUENCE ON MEN'S LIKELIHOOD OF ARREST IN EARLY ADULTHOOD*
Authors: CAPALDI DEBORAH M. , KIM HYOUN K. , OWEN LEE D.
Published: July 2008

Female romantic partners' influence on official crime occurrence for men across a 12‐year period in early adulthood was examined within a comprehensive dynamic prediction model, including both social learning and social control predictors. We hypothesized that relationship stability, rather than attachment to partner, would be associated with reduced likelihood of crime, whereas women's antisocial behavior would be a risk factor, along with deviant peer association. Models were tested on a sample of at‐risk men [the Oregon Youth Study (OYS)] using zero‐inflated Poisson (ZIP) modeling predicting 1) arrest persistence (class and count) and 2) arrest onset class. The findings indicated that women's antisocial behavior was predictive of both onset and persistence of arrests for men and that deviant peer association was predictive of persistence. Relationship stability was protective against persistence.
NONSHARED ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES ON ADOLESCENT DELINQUENT INVOLVEMENT AND ADULT CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR*
Authors: BEAVER KEVIN M.
Published: July 2008

Findings gleaned from behavioral genetic research have revealed that nonshared environments are particularly important sources of behavioral variation. Surprisingly little criminological research has examined directly the effects of the nonshared environment on adolescent delinquent involvement and adult criminal behavior. The current study addressed this gap in the literature by calculating difference scores in a sample of 289 monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs to examine the effects of the nonshared familial environment on delinquent involvement, adult criminal behavior, levels of self‐control, and contact with antisocial peers. Analysis of MZ twin pairs from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) revealed that one nonshared family environment—maternal disengagement—was associated with delinquent involvement and the development of self‐control. The remaining nonshared familial environments, however, were not associated with antisocial outcomes. Implications of the findings are discussed.
TARGETED ENFORCEMENT AND ADVERSE SYSTEM SIDE EFFECTS: THE GENERATION OF FUGITIVES IN PHILADELPHIA*
Authors: GOLDKAMP JOHN S. , VÎLCICÃ E. RELY
Published: July 2008

Research on targeted enforcement in high‐crime places has focused on direct crime‐reduction impacts, possible displacement of crime, and more recently, diffusion of benefits to adjacent areas. Studies have ignored other unanticipated negative effects that a place‐oriented enforcement intervention may have on the justice system overall. Using the generation of fugitive defendants as one possible example of an important system side effect, this study proposes hypotheses relating to adverse, generalized, system side effects of a place‐ and crime‐focused intervention, and it tests for target area and targeted crime‐type effects, nontarget area and nontargeted crime‐type effects, and overall system effects.

The analysis employs a multiple interrupted time‐series design [auto‐regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA)] to test the impact of one widely publicized, geographically targeted drug‐enforcement strategy in Philadelphia (Operation Sunrise, formally launched in June 1998) on the incidence of bench warrants as a measure of fugitives (weekly aggregate bench warrants series for the period January 1994–May 2005; N= 590 observations). The findings appear to support all hypotheses as they relate to the example of the generation of fugitives, and suggest a generalized system adverse side effect from the circumscribed place‐ and crime‐focused intervention. The implications of the findings for both research and policy relating to targeted enforcement interventions are discussed.
THE IMPACT OF MEGAN'S LAW ON SEX OFFENDER RECIDIVISM: THE MINNESOTA EXPERIENCE*
Authors: DUWE GRANT , DONNAY WILLIAM
Published: July 2008

Although Megan's Law was passed more than 10 years ago, very little is known as to whether it reduces sex offender recidivism significantly. Using a retrospective quasi‐experimental design, we examine whether community notification has a deterrent effect by comparing the recidivism rates of 155 level 3 (“high public risk”) sex offenders released from Minnesota prisons between 1997 and 2002 who were subject to broad notification with two separate control groups who were not. The first control group (referred to as the prenotification group) contained 125 sex offenders released between 1990 and 1996 (the 7 years preceding the implementation of the Community Notification Act) who likely would have been subject to broad community notification had the law been in effect at the time of their release. The second control group (referred to as the non‐notification group) was composed of 155 offenders (37 level 1 and 118 level 2) released between 1997 and 2002 who were not subject to broad community notification. The results from the Cox proportional hazards models reveal that broad community notification significantly reduced the risk of time to a sex reoffense (rearrest, reconviction, and reincarceration) compared with both control groups. The findings were mixed, however, for both non‐sex and general reoffending. Whereas broad community notification significantly reduced the risk of timing to both non‐sex and general recidivism compared with the prenotification group, no such effects were found in the non‐notification group analyses. We discuss the implications of these results and attempt to explain why Megan's Law seems to reduce sex offense recidivism in Minnesota.
CIVIC COMMUNITY IN THE HINTERLAND: TOWARD A THEORY OF RURAL SOCIAL STRUCTURE AND VIOLENCE*
Authors: LEE MATTHEW R.
Published: July 2008

Drawing on the civic community literature, this article explicates a theoretical model to explain variation in rates of violence across rural communities. It is hypothesized that rural communities with a stable population base that is locally invested, a vibrant participatory civic culture with a well‐developed noneconomic institutional base, and a robust economically independent middle class will have lower rates of violent crime. Results from the analysis of data for more than 1,000 rural counties reveal that the 11 variables used to operationalize the theory are empirically distinguishable from indicators of resource disadvantage and form three well‐defined indices: a residential stability/local investment factor, a local capitalism/independent middle class factor, and a civic engagement factor. Negative binomial regression models confirm that violent crime rates are generally much lower in communities that score high on these dimensions. Implications of these findings for future macrolevel criminological research are discussed.
MORALITY, SELF‐CONTROL, AND CRIME*
Authors: ANTONACCIO OLENA , TITTLE CHARLES R.
Published: July 2008

This paper offers evidence to specify further Self‐Control Theory by investigating its predictive strength relative to morality and its interconnections with morality in accounting for criminal probability. Using random sample household survey data from Lviv, Ukraine, we confirm that self‐control is an important predictor of criminal probabilities in an unusual cultural context. However, morality is also shown to be a strong independent predictor with strength that seems to exceed substantially that of self‐control. In addition, taking morality into account significantly reduces the coefficients for self‐control, sometimes eliminating them entirely, and morality shows little interaction with self‐control in its predictions of the measures of criminal probability. The results suggest that the recently formulated Situational Action Theory, which features (weak) morality as the prime cause of criminal behavior and questions the relative importance of self‐control, should be taken seriously. Overall, the results confirm the importance of self‐control as a factor in misbehavior; yet, they also provide a mandate for greater attention to morality as a potent variable in understanding misconduct.
NO ILLUSIONS: OFFENDER AND ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE IN MARYLAND'S PROACTIVE COMMUNITY SUPERVISION EFFORTS*
Authors: TAXMAN FAYE S.
Published: July 2008

Research Summary

Evidence‐based supervision is the newest in a long line of efforts to advance community corrections. This new model adopts a risk‐need‐responsivity model where the agency uses a risk and need tool to identify appropriate treatment and control services and then assigns offenders to such services. Underscoring this new approach is the creation of a social learning environment that makes supervision officers active in facilitating offender change. The goal is to empower the offender. Maryland's Proactive Community Supervision (PCS) model was one of the first to implement this approach. Controlling for length of time on supervision and prior history, logistic regression results found that offenders who were supervised in this new style were less likely to be rearrested (30% for the PCS and 42% of the non‐PCS sample; p < 0.01) and less likely to have a warrant issued for technical violations (34.7% of the PCS group and 40% for the non‐PCS group; p < 0.10).

Policy Implications

The study findings indicate that a behavioral management approach can increase the frequency of contacts and obtain positive offender outcomes. More importantly, the PCS model illustrates that supervision agencies can be transformed to achieve public safety goals through focusing on offender change strategies. Providing officers with new behavioral skills to work with offenders and creating an empowering environment can yield positive outcomes. Criminal justice policy should focus on reengineering community supervision to prevent additional penetration into the justice system, to reduce churning, and to reduce incarceration.
Protothecal granulomatous meningoencephalitis in a dog
Authors: Salvadori C. , Gandini G. , Ballarini A. , Cantile C.
Published: July 2008

A case of central nervous system protothecosis in a dog is reported. A three‐year‐old male Maremma sheepdog was referred with a two month history of diarrhoea associated with progressive tetraparesis, depression and right circling. Stupor, severe proprioceptive deficits, bilateral decreased thoracic limb flexor reflexes and bilateral deficit of the menace reaction were detected on neurological examination and a multi‐focal neurological localisation was suspected. Histopathological evaluation revealed multi‐focal granulomatous foci in the thalamus, hippocampus and caudal brainstem containing numerous oval‐rounded organisms with a thick, periodic acid‐Schiff‐positive and Gomori’s methenamine silver‐positive cell wall, a basophilic cytoplasm and one nucleus. Scattered sporangia containing two to four endospores were also observed. Morphological features were consistent with Prototheca species. Ultrastructurally, numerous degenerated algae were present within macrophages mainly lacking nuclei and cytoplasmic organelles. Generally, protothecosis in dogs is characterised by systemic signs because of a multi‐organ involvement, and haemorrhagic colitis or ophthalmologic signs are the most frequent presenting signs. However, protothecosis should be added, also in Europe, to the list of the differential diagnoses in adult dogs with a multi‐focal neurological localisation even in absence of other clinical signs.
Vertebral stabilisation and selective decompression for the management of triple thoracolumbar disc protrusions
Authors: McKee W. M. , Downes C. J.
Published: July 2008

Triple adjacent thoracolumbar disc protrusions causing moderate to severe spinal cord compression were diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging in two German shepherd dogs with marked paraparesis and pelvic limb ataxia. Both cases were managed by selective hemilaminectomy, partial annulectomy and bilateral quadruple vertebral body stabilisation using novel canine locking fixation plates (SOP). The stabilisation of multiple vertebrae in the thoracolumbar spine was possible because the plates could be contoured with six degrees of freedom. Spinal pain resolved and neurological function improved in both dogs. Screw breakage was evident in one dog five months following surgery.
Lumbar osteosarcoma in a chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger)
Authors: Simova‐Curd S. , Nitzl D. , Pospischil A. , Hatt J.‐M.
Published: July 2008

An 11‐year‐old male chinchilla was presented for investigation of progressive weight loss, apathy, anorexia, changes in faecal quality and alopecia on the tip of the tail. On clinical examination, a stiffness of the back legs was noted. Abdominal palpation revealed a hard immobile, irregular structure in the region of the last lumbar vertebrae. Subsequent radiography and ultrasonography suggested the presence of neoplasia. The following day the chinchilla was showing hindlimb paralysis, and there was severe self‐trauma to the distal 5 cm of the tail. In view of the rapid clinical deterioration, the chinchilla was euthanased with the owner’s consent. Macroscopic examination supported the clinical suspicion of neoplasia. Histopathological examination revealed a reactive osteoblastic osteosarcoma. To the author’s knowledge, this is the first report of osteosarcoma in chinchillas.
Efficacy and tolerability of once‐daily cephalexin in canine superficial pyoderma: an open controlled study
Authors: Toma S. , Colombo S. , Cornegliani L. , Persico P. , Galzerano M. , Gianino M. M. , Noli C.
Published: July 2008

Objectives:The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of oral cephalexin given at 30 mg/kg once daily in dogs with superficial pyoderma and to compare them with those of oral cephalexin given at 15 mg/kg twice daily.

Methods:Twenty dogs with superficial pyoderma were treated with cephalexin at 30 to 60 mg/kg orally once daily (group A) and compared with 20 dogs treated at a dose of 15 to 30 mg/kg orally twice daily (group B). Dogs were treated until 14 days after clinical remission. Type and distribution of lesions, pruritus and general health status were assessed every 14 days using a numerical scale until 14 days after treatment discontinuation. Total scores for each evaluation day were compared between the two groups as well as time to obtain resolution and percentage of relapses.

Results:Resolution of superficial pyoderma was obtained in all dogs in 14 to 42 days (median 28 days for both groups), with no difference between groups. Six dogs experienced vomiting or diarrhoea but did not require discontinuation of the treatment. Only one dog (in group A) relapsed nine days after treatment discontinuation.

ClinicalSignificance:Once‐daily cephalexin is as effective as twice‐daily cephalexin in the treatment of canine superficial pyoderma.
Comparison of sevoflurane and isoflurane in dogs anaesthetised for clinical surgical or diagnostic procedures
Authors: Bennett R. C. , Fancy S. P. J. , Walsh C. M. , Brown A. J. , Taylor P. M.
Published: July 2008

Objectives:To assess attributes of sevoflurane for routine clinical anaesthesia in dogs by comparison with the established volatile anaesthetic isoflurane.

Methods:One hundred and eight dogs requiring anaesthesia for elective surgery or diagnostic procedures were studied. The majority was premedicated with 0·03 mg/kg of acepromazine and 0·01 mg/kg of buprenorphine or 0·3 mg/kg of methadone before induction of anaesthesia with 2 to 4 mg/kg of propofol and 0·5 mg/kg of diazepam. They were randomly assigned to receive either sevoflurane (group S, n=50) or isoflurane (group I, n=58) in oxygen and nitrous oxide for maintenance of anaesthesia. Heart rate, respiratory rate, indirect arterial blood pressure, haemoglobin saturation, vaporiser settings, end‐tidal carbon dioxide and anaesthetic concentration and oesophageal temperature were measured. Recovery was timed. Data were analysed using analysis of variance and non‐parametric tests.

Results:Heart rate (85 to 140/minute), respiratory rate (six to 27/minute) and systolic arterial blood pressure (80 to 150 mmHg) were similar in the two groups. End‐tidal carbon dioxide between 30 and 60 minutes (group S 6·4 to 6·6 and group I 5·8 to 5·9 per cent) and vaporiser settings throughout (group S 2·1 to 2·9 and group I 1·5 to 1·5 per cent) were higher in group S. There was no difference in time to head lift (18±16 minutes), sternal recumbency (28±22 minutes) or standing (48±32 minutes). No adverse events occurred.

ClinicalSignificance:Sevoflurane appeared to be a suitable volatile anaesthetic for maintenance of routine clinical anaesthesia in dogs.
Sedation with midazolam versus local anaesthesia with lignocaine for transrectal prostate biopsies
Authors: Golan Ilana , Gdor Yehoshua , Katz Ran , Gofrit Ofer N. , Shapiro Amos , Pode Dov
Published: July 2008

Transrectal ultrasound‐guided needle biopsy of the prostate is the only method for diagnosing prostate cancer. Although tolerated by most patients, 65–90% of patients complain of pain during the procedure. Most urologists utilize ultrasound‐guided transrectal injection of lignocaine. Intravenous sedation with short‐acting medications such as midazolam has been successfully used during many invasive ambulatory procedures, reducing discomfort and anxiety. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of pain and anxiety reduction using intravenous sedation with midazolam versus local anaesthesia with lignocaine during transrectal biopsies of the prostate in a cross‐sectional study. Ninety consecutive candidates for transrectal prostate biopsy were divided into 2 groups. Group A received periprostatic block with 2% lignocaine and group B received sedation with intravenous injection of 4 mg midazolam prior to insertion of the probe. Side‐effects and patient satisfaction were documented by questionnaires, which included a pain visual analogue scale (VAS). Significant differences were found between the two groups with respect to the patient’s perceived intensity of pain. Pain level expressed by a VAS was 4·2 in group A and 1·9 in group B (P < 0·001). Eighty‐seven per cent of the patients in group B stated that they would be willing to repeat the procedure if necessary compared with 55% in group A (P = 0·002). There were no complications or side‐effects as a result of midazolam sedation. Midazolam is more effective in relieving pain and anxiety during transrectal prostate biopsies and as safe as a local injection of lignocaine.
Outcome audit of nurse‐led lower urinary tract symptoms clinic: lessons and challenges for practice
Authors: Koo Vincent , McMahon Jenny , O’Brien Aidan , Young Michael , Marley Jerome
Published: July 2008

The objective of this article was to review the outcome of assessments performed at a recently established nurse‐led one‐stop male lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) assessment clinic. Retrospective audit was performed on 107 patients assessed between December 2006 and August 2007. Information obtained included demographics, symptoms, International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS), prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), electrolyte profile, mid‐stream sample of urine (MSSU), ultrasound scan of renal tracts, uroflowmetry (urinary flow studies), management plan and clinical outcome. The mean age of the patient was 65·8 years, and patients waited 15·7 weeks (previously up to 2 years) for consultation. Symptomatically, 51% had moderate (IPSS score 8–19) and 38% had marked symptoms (score 20–35), and 43·5% reported sexual dysfunction. The mean PSA, prostatic volume and postvoid residual urine volume were 4·9 ng/mL, 50·4 cc and 101·9 mL, respectively. The average maximum urinary flow was 14·9 mL/s, and only 1% of all MSSU obtained revealed urinary tract infection. The final clinical outcomes identified nine prostate cancers, three renal cancers, three bladder calculi, two urethral strictures, two atonic bladders, one new‐onset diabetes and one pelvi‐ureteric junction obstruction. From a treatment perspective, 70·1% patients had alpha‐blockers, 42·9% had a 5‐alpha reductase inhibitor, 15% had anticholinergics, 1% had transurethral incision of prostate, 2% had optical urethrotomy, 3% had cystolitholapaxy, 3% had radical nephrectomy and 8% had transurethral resection of prostate. This clinic had significantly reduced the waiting time for first assessment in people with LUTS. Additionally, it has highlighted areas for further refinement and revision and firmly establishes the need for ongoing reaudit. We tentatively suggest the inclusion of ultrasound renal tracts as part of LUTS assessment.
Application of Image Texture Analysis for Online Determination of Curd Moisture and Whey Solids in a Laboratory‐Scale Stirred Cheese Vat
Authors: Fagan C.C. , Du C.‐J. , O'Donnell C.P. , Castillo M. , Everard C.D. , O'Callaghan D.J. , Payne F.A.
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT: A noninvasive technology, which could be employed online to monitor syneresis, would facilitate the production of higher quality and more consistent cheese products. Computer vision techniques such as image texture analysis have been successfully established as rapid, consistent, and nondestructive tools for determining the quality of food products. In this study, the potential of image texture analysis to monitor syneresis of cheese curd in a stirred vat was studied. A fully randomized 2‐factor (milk pH and stirring speed), 2‐level factorial design was carried out in triplicate. During syneresis, images of the surface of the stirred curd–whey mixture were captured using a computer vision system. The images were subjected to 5 image texture analysis methods by which 109 image texture features were extracted. Significant correlations were observed between a number of image texture features and curd moisture and whey solids. Multiscale analysis techniques of fractal dimension and wavelet transform were demonstrated to be the most useful for predicting syneresis indices. Fractal dimension features predicted curd moisture and whey solids during syneresis with standard errors of prediction of 1.03% (w/w) and 0.58 g/kg, respectively. It was concluded that syneresis indices were most closely related to the image texture features of multiscale representation. The results of this study indicate that image texture analysis has potential for monitoring syneresis.