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The epidemic of foreclosures across the United States in the mid-2000 decade offers a unique opportunity to examine neighborhood changes that result over extended periods of time. In this analysis, a series of structural and contextual factors are modeled to determine whether concentrated foreclosures correspond to later crime increases that might lead to long-term neighborhood problems. The results first revealed a conflict between Census tract and block group data that lead to a discussion of the Simpson’s Paradox as it relates to the selection of the appropriate geographic scale for further analysis. Using spatial analysis techniques it was determined that the block group (micro-level) results are more accurate for interpretation. With the block group results, a positive and complex relationship between foreclosure and crime is found across various neighborhood contexts. The use of spatial analysis approaches allow for a more in-depth discussion to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between foreclosures and crime identified in the model results.

Background:The effect of smoking on soft tissues after periodontal treatment has been extensively studied. However, little focus has been placed on the impact of smoking on bone regeneration after treatment. The aim of this review is to systematically assess the effect of smoking on bone regeneration after periodontal treatment. Methods:A protocol was established and studies were sourced from five electronic databases. Screening, data abstraction, and quality assessment was conducted by two review authors. Prospective and retrospective clinical studies assessing bone regeneration in smokers and non‐smokers after periodontal therapy were selected. In addition, arms of clinical trials comparing different interventions that reported results separately for smokers and non‐smokers were also included. Primary outcome measures were based on clinical and/or radiographic indicators of bone regeneration after periodontal therapy. The review and meta‐analysis followed many of the recommendations outlined in the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses statement. Results:Six of 10 studies included in this review concluded that smoking negatively influenced bone regeneration. A meta‐analysis of a subgroup of three studies demonstrated that smoking resulted in significantly less bone gain (P= 0.03) as measured by a change in the probing bone level after the treatment of intrabony defects with guided tissue regeneration. The meta‐analysis showed a standardized mean difference of −2.05 (95% confidence interval: −2.64 to −1.47) using the random‐effects model. Conclusions:Smoking has a negative effect on bone regeneration after periodontal treatment. Patients should be advised that their smoking habit may result in poorer bone regeneration after periodontal treatment.

SummaryMarketing, in its broadest sense, is becoming more widely accepted as an essential part of the business of Australian forestry. This paper focuses on marketing strategies for a forest grower, with a brief discussion of generic marketing programs. As marketing strategies are very important to the long-term business of forestry, forest managers have much to gain from an understanding of marketing principles and from being involved in the development of strategies. The success or failure of many of the decisions made by foresters, such as the species selected for a plantation, depends on the longer-term behaviour of the markets for the products of these forests.Three case studies are described: the development and success of marketing strategies for the NSW cypress sector, the abandonment of the Lithgow Silicon Smelter Project as a major potential market for charcoal-quality hardwood timber on the south coast of NSW, and the Scottish Forestry Strategy, developed following a major collapse of softwood timber prices in the UK.Major timber-producing countries of the world have now embraced generic timber marketing programs as the way to promote a positive outlook for forestry and timber, and to counter the anti-logging campaigns which have been mounted for many years. In Australia, separate programs for hardwood and softwood are in train.

The beef industry in Scotland is at a cross-road. It will need to become more market-responsive to survive. This presentation examines some of the basic characteristics of the industry, considers the current barriers to change and asks whether PGI quality status can be helpful in the transformation.

Background:The acute‐phase response involves molecules including tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and C‐reactive protein (CRP). This study aimed to determine whether subgingival scaling resulted in rapid changes in plasma concentrations of these molecules. Methods:Twenty‐three non‐smoking adults with chronic periodontitis received subgingival scaling for 60 minutes. Venous blood samples were taken at 0, 15, 30, 60, and 120 minutes. TNF‐ α and IL‐6 were assayed from all samples and CRP from the baseline and final samples. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was assayed at 0, 15, and 30 minutes using limulus lysate assay (LAL) and EndoCAb Ig assays. Results:LPS assays were suggestive of a transient low‐grade bacteremia, but changes in LPS approaching significance (P= 0.061) were seen with LAL only. There was a significant increase in circulating TNF‐α (P= 0.0387) and IL‐6 (P<0.0001), and the degree of change in TNF‐α was correlated with the severity of periodontal breakdown (P= 0.001). There was also a significant correlation between levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐α (P<0.001). Conclusions:Chronic periodontitis patients undergoing an episode of subgingival scaling show a significant elevation in circulating TNF‐α and IL‐6. This may account for anecdotal reports of pyrexia following treatment and may be significant in terms of the relationship between periodontal disease, bacteremia, and cardiovascular disease. J Periodontol 2004;75:420‐428.

Statement of Problem.The accuracy of an implant fixture-level impression is affected by the type of impression tray used. Purpose.The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the accuracy of open tray implant impressions comparing polycarbonate stock impression trays and rigid custom-made impression trays to make implant fixture-level impressions. Material and Methods.Gold cylinder pairs, splinted by gold bars (reference frameworks) were constructed on an aluminum typodont. Polyether impressions were made of 2 pairs of Brånemark 3.75-mm diameter fixtures mounted in an aluminium typodont, with 3 stock impression trays, 3 close-fit custom trays, and 3 spaced custom impression trays, by use of an open tray technique. The casts produced were assessed for accuracy by attaching the reference frameworks with alternate single screws and measuring the vertical fit discrepancy of these reference frameworks to the analogs within the working cast using a traveling microscope. Comparison of gap dimensions by tray type was performed with a nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by pair-wise Mann-Whitney U tests. To adjust for multiple comparisons in the post-ANOVA contrasts (P<.02). Comparison of gap dimensions between anterior and posterior regions were performed with Mann-Whitney U tests (P<.05). Results.The results showed that the mean fit accuracy, as measured by vertical fit discrepancy, of casts from the stock trays (23 ± 20 μm) were statistically significantly less (P<.001) than the spaced custom trays (12 ± 10 μm) or close fit custom trays (11 ± 10 μm). The difference in median gap size for analogs with a 20-mm separation was 10 μm. Conclusion.Within the limits of this in vitro study, rigid custom trays produced significantly more accurate impressions than the polycarbonate stock trays. The stock trays used in this study could not produce accurate impressions consistently. For analogs with a 20-mm separation, there was a difference in medians of 10 μm in accuracy between the stock and custom trays. (J Prosthet Dent 2003;89:250-5.)

Purpose: To describe the technique and examine the value of salivary stone extraction using a minimally invasive, radiologically guided approach as an alternative to salivary gland surgery for the treatment of benign salivary gland obstruction. Methods: Eighty-six cases of sialolithiasis (83 patients) were treated by stone removal using a Dormia basket under local anesthesia and fluoroscopic guidance. Postoperative assessment was made clinically at review, by sialogram and by questionnaire. Results: Of 86 cases of sialolithiasis treated, in 55 (64%) it was possible to remove all stones. In 12 cases (14%) part of a stone or some of a number of calculi were removed and in 19 cases (22%) the procedure failed. The commonest reason for failure was fixation of the stone within the duct. Symptoms at review (range 1-49 months, mean 17 months) were relieved in 55 of 67 (82%) of cases where a stone or portion of stone was removed. Conclusions: Stone removal from the salivary duct system by radiologically guided, minimally invasive approach is a simple procedure with low morbidity and high patient acceptance when appropriate selection criteria are applied. These criteria are considered and recommendations made.

: Purpose: This paper describes the technique for balloon dilatation of salivary duct strictures and evaluates the clinical and radiographic findings in a consecutive series of 36 affected glands. Methods: Thirty-four patients (36 glands) had balloon dilatation of their salivary duct strictures performed under fluoroscopic control. They were evaluated immediately afterwards and at review by sialography. Results: In 36 cases attempted, 33 (92%) strictures were dilated. The immediate post-treatment sialogram was available in 28 cases, of which 23 (82%) demonstrated complete and four (14%) partial elimination of stricture. In one case the appearance was unchanged (4%). Review data (mean 6.8 months) were available on 25 glands: 12 were asymptomatic (48%), 12 (48%) had reduced symptoms and one (4%) failed to improve. Sialographic data were available on 21 glands: in 10 (48%) the duct remained patent, in one (5%) the stricture was partially eliminated, in seven (33%) the strictures had returned and in the remaining three (14%) cases there was complete obstruction. Conclusions: Balloon dilatation is an effective treatment of salivary duct stenosis. In half the cases the stricture recurred but symptomatic improvement was achieved and maintained in the majority of cases.

Objectives:This study investigated the incidence of pain and swelling after sialography and quantified the duration and severity of these symptoms. Study Design:Sialography was performed on 92 patients who were then given a questionnaire to complete. Seventy-two questionnaires were returned and completed in a satisfactory manner. The patients were asked to assess pain and swelling before and after the sialogram was performed by using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Comparisons between postsialographic measurements and baseline measures were carried out by using Friedman repeated measures analysis of variance on ranks. Results:VAS scores increased significantly for both pain and swelling 1 hour after the sialogram (T1). The scores for swelling returned to baseline levels after 1 day (T2). The VAS for pain showed a similar pattern, but 2 days after the sialogram (T3), the scores were significantly lower, compared with those before the sialogram (P<.05). Conclusions:Sialography is a safe procedure. Patients should be advised that minor effects may last approximately 1 day. A reduction in pain to below baseline levels was noted 2 days after sialography, which may suggest an unexpected benefit of sialography. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2000;90:385-8)

ABSTRACT

Soluble CD44 isoforms have been reported as markers of specific malignancies and inflammatory diseases. However, recent reports suggest tobacco smoking may lead to an elevation in the circulating concentration of specific CD44 variants. We, therefore, investigated the effect of smoking status on circulating levels of total sCD44. Total soluble CD44 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the serum of two age- and gender-matched groups consisting of smokers (n = 19) and non-smokers (n = 20). Smoking status was confirmed by analysis of serum cotinine. The concentration of total sCD44 was found to be significantly elevated in smokers compared with non-smokers (p = 0.025). The observation that total sCD44 concentration is raised in smokers may have relevance to the aetiology of smoking-associated diseases. The effect of smoking on sCD44 concentrations should be considered when assessing the role of sCD44 as a marker of inflammatory disease, cancer, or other disease processes.

Background: The soft tissues around single tooth implants differ fundamentally from the gingiva around natural teeth. There are very limited data comparing soft tissues around different implant systems.

CLARK, CAL. 101 More Ideas on Economic Development. (Omaha, NE: UtiliCorp United, 1997, 128 pp.) paper, $12.95. Reviewed by Ron WilsonHENTON, DOUGLAS, JOHN MELVILLE, and KIMBERLY WALESH. Grassroots Leaders for a New Economy: How Civic Entrepreneurs Are Building Prosperous Communities. (San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers, 1997, 272 pages) cloth, $27.95 1/800/956-7739. www. josseybass.com. Reviewed by Angie WoodwardSCHULER, DOUGLAS. New Community Networks: Wired for Change. (New York, NY: ACM Press, Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1996, 528 pp.) paperback, $29.00. Reviewed by Richard HaywardWALZER, NORMAN (ed.) Community Strategic Visioning Programs. (Westport, CT: Praeger Publishing) cloth, $57.95. Reviewed by David L. Darling

Abstract: Despite warnings against attributing dysphagia to psychological causes, the diagnoses of “psychogenic dysphagia” or “globus hystericus” have been previously applied to 13% of patients referred to the Johns Hopkins Swallowing Center. This paper reports the results of reevaluation of 23 patients previously diagnosed as having symptoms of psychogenic origin. The Swallowing Center evaluation documented an explanation for symptoms in 15 (65%). No cause of dysphagia could be documented in eight patients. All five patients with the “globus sensation” had a documentable abnormality of swallowing. Overall, nine patients had esophageal pathology, while six had pharyngeal disease. Five had structural lesions constricting the lumen, while 10 had motor dysfunction of either the pharynx or esophagus. Review of the referral records of these patients indicates the quality of prior evaluation for patients previously labeled as having a swallowing disorder of psychogenic origin is variable, and that once attribution of symptoms to psychogenic causes is made, the diagnosis is rarely reconsidered. We conclude that attribution of the diagnosis of psychogenic dysphagia should be made with caution, and only after thorough evaluation. Any change or progression of symptoms should prompt a careful re-evaluation.

This is an overview of the application of digital computers to the Maintenance Planning function and to the Maintenance Engineering support role of a large open pit BWE/conveyor mining operation. The benefits to Suncor Mine Maintenance are highlighted so this paper will be of interest to any group contemplating the installation of computers to improve productivity and flexibility.

The article offers information on the functions of the super-speed USB 3.0 sounds. It states that the USB 3.0 brings 5 gigabytes per second (Gbps) speed to USB by blending USB with a physical-layer (PHY) interface it derives from peripheral-component-interconnect express (PCIe) Generation 2. It also shows that the combination of USB and PCIe Generation 2 presents significant design challenges because the media over which the two controllers must send are different.

The article focuses on the innovation of fourth generation (4G) wireless service, which is believed to be the new way of thinking about system-on-chip (SOC) architectures, or it could drive a simple evolution of baseband wireless integrated circuits (IC). It explores the idea that 4G could be a massive engineering challenge struggling into reality in 2015. It also highlights different opinions on the impact of 4G.

The article discusses the challenges faced by system on chip (SOC) designers in traffic management. It is stated that CPU-centric bus-oriented architecture has been the underlying plan for many SOCs. However, the integration has brought complexity in the form of complex peripherals with their own direct memory access (DMA) controllers, coprocessors and additional central processors. Information on how SOC designers deal with the rapid changes in their industry is elaborated.

Human and equine outbreaks caused by eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus (EEEV) typically occur in North America adjacent to coastal wetlands associated with the presence of Culiseta melanura (Coquillet) mosquitoes. Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE) is an emerging disease in Tennessee, as the first records of equine disease began in 2002. In 2006 we trapped and tested mosquitoes for EEEV at hardwood swamps in western Tennessee that were at the epicenter of a multi-equine outbreak in fall of 2005. Additionally, the Tennessee Valley Authority tested mosquito pools collected in Tennessee swamps from 2000 to 2007 for the presence of arboviruses. Two pools of EEEV positive Culex erraticus (Dyer and Knab) mosquitoes were found (one each in 2003 and 2004) in a county adjacent to where the 2005 outbreak occurred. In 2008, another EEE outbreak involving multiple horses occurred in West Tennessee. A brain specimen was collected from a horse during this outbreak and the first isolate of EEEV from Tennessee was obtained. In total, 74,531 mosquitoes collected from 2000 to 2008 were tested via polymerase chain reaction and VecTest for EEEV. The traditional enzootic vector, Cs. melanura, was found in low numbers at all collection sites. Cx. erraticus, however, was consistently found in high numbers and was the only mosquito species in which EEEV was detected. We suggest that EEE transmission may be maintained by Cx. erraticus in a nontraditional cycle. We discuss the importance of a nontraditional cycle from the perspective of EEEV adaptation and emergence.

Several letters to the editor are presented including one sharing tips for young teachers and another one about the Third Culture lifestyle.

The article reports on the foundation of Landoll Corporation located in Marysville in Kansas. Don Landoll, the founder and CEO remembers his roots back in his high school agricultural vocational class where he won the Lincoln Welding Company award for his trailer project that started his growing business.

Looks into the development of a system-level integration design for microchips in communication systems. Rationale for the integration design; Implications of the integration design for the microchips market; Aim of lowering the cost of microchips designs.

Focuses on the high-speed serial interfaces on system-level chips. Implication of the interface for the chip's production test plan; Kind of testing and characterization of the interface; Problem of the interface in serial lines.

Discusses the ability to integrate high-speed serial input/output (I/O) drivers and receivers onto a system-level integrated circuit. Degree of freedom for architects during the system partitioning process; Design of I/O cells; Design of capacitor cells.

Focuses on the performance of reconfigurable computing systems. Usability of the programming languages; Significance of the computer network architectures; Observation of the design flows.

Focuses on the design of an intellectual-property reuse. Cost of reuse; Need for different versions of the chip; Virtues of design reuse.

Points out that as vendors scramble to gain an advantage in the self-imposed maze of wireless-data standards, some opportunities for differentiation may be emerging for system-on-chip-based wireless devices. Issue of signal quality; Use of antenna technology to improve signal quality; Employment of beam-forming algorithms.

Focuses on the use of digital signal processing program tuning for a communications chip. Factors affecting digital circuitry; Identification of the physical-layer (PHY) analog components of the chip; Application of the PHY circuitry to an Ethernet router system-on-chip.

Focuses on the challenges in choosing integrated circuit designs in telecommunication. Benefits of greater integration, higher performance and lower power; Dependence of IC design on projected volume; Characterization of digital logic.

Provides suggestions on combining low cost and flexibility in designing small-office/company computer networks. Approach of purchasing critical pieces of intellectual property as off-the-shelf- chips and putting the rest of the design in field professional gate arrays (FPGA).

Focuses on the concept of a wideband, wireless, graphics-capable handheld device. System partitioning problem presented by the mobile graphics handset to system-on-chip designers; Resolution of the mobile's conflict through block sharing.

Focuses on the experience of the design team of ServerWorks Inc., a subsidiary of Broadcom Corp. in integrating multiple Gbit ethernet cores into their input/output bridges chip. Advantages for the company in designing the core chip; Lessons in the joint development of the internet protocol into an systems on a chip.

Describes the use of systems on a chip for radio frequency test systems. Analog self-test and self-calibration systems; Developments in telecommunication systems.

Elaborates on the evolution of system-on-a-chip devices in communication systems. Factors contributing to the difficulty of implementing systems on a chip.

Comments on the increasing need for digital signal-processing power in wireless transceivers. Algorithms for antenna optimization; Logic of reconfigurable computing; Applications of programmable logic.

The article discusses the multiple threads which gain favor over the quest for higher instruction level parallelism within a thread. The author points out that chip architects are starting to see central processing unit core design diverge from the path it has followed as they set their minds in the new idea of multicore processors. The author stresses that architects appear to be abandoning the search for more instruction-level parallelism in favor of demanding software development.

The article reports on the life and works of engineer Barry Diamondstone within the British motion picture industry. Diamondstone is one of the longest serving and most loyal service engineer of Odeon Cinemas. He always kept his private life separate from work and disclosed very little except for his love devotion to his wife, his pet dog, and the canal boat he adored to spend his free time on. He is always willing to help people learn about all aspects of operating the equipment in the cinema.