This exploratory study examined 51 participants convicted of an Internet-initiated sex offense in which they attempted to entice an adolescent into a sexual relationship using an Internet chat room. All participants were convicted of a sex offense and subject to an evaluation as a part of sentencing requirements in Colorado. Clinical and behavioral data were obtained from each subject's offense-specific evaluation and chat room transcripts. The results of the study found that 90% of the participants were apprehended as a result of an Internet sex sting. The authors conclude that Internet chat room sex offenders constitute a separate group characterized by less severe criminogenic factors than other sex offenders (rapists, child molesters). It can be hypothesized that chat room sex offenders avoid relationships and spend a significant amount of time in online chat rooms as a primary social and sexual outlet, and engage in other sexually compulsive behaviors. Within this offender group, it was discovered that two subgroups exist: a contact-driven group motivated to engage in offline sexual behavior with an adolescent and a fantasy-driven group motivated to engage an adolescent in online cybersex without an express intent to meet offline. The chat room sex offender presents a significant clinical issue to treatment providers as a live victim does not exist. Thus, it is unclear if Internet sex stings prevent incidents of child sexual exploitation and may result in convictions of individuals who may never have abused a child. The data suggest a tentative sex offender typology, including subtypes, which need to be replicated in future studies.

This paper is a reaction to the extensive literature on new Wechsler subtest combinations (e.g., short forms and factor scales). Any new Wechsler composite raises elementary issues of reliability, validity, and score standardization. It is argued that in the past, these issues have not been dealt with in a satisfactory manner. Reliability and validity formulas, appropriate for Wechsler composites, are presented. A modified part-whole correlation formula is offered for use in cases of nonindependent test administration of part and whole. In order to facilitate appropriate clinical use, conversion tables are presented for the transformation of composite scores-including factor scores-into Wechsler Deviation Quotients.

This prospective split-mouth clinical trial evaluated the performance and patient satisfaction of 168 Herculite XRV direct composite restorations bonded to the worn anterior dentition of 18 patients with localized anterior tooth surface loss. One hundred and six of these restorations were placed on the mandibular anterior teeth. The restorations increased the anterior occlusal vertical dimension between 0.5 and 5 mm and the posterior occlusal contacts were restored after a mean duration of 6.2 months (range: 3-13 months) in 14 out of the 15 'Dahl' sub-group patients. The restorations were evaluated after 2.5 years of service by five examiners. Four patients and 23 mandibular restorations were lost to follow-up. Multiple clinical and restorative variables were assessed to determine their influence on restoration performance. Complete failure occurred in 6% of the restorations. Circumferential preparation and height of the restorative addition did not influence the performance of the restorations. A Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess the patient's opinion regarding sensitivity, aesthetics, longevity and function of the worn mandibular anterior teeth. A statistically significant difference (95% CI) was found between the pre-operative and 1-month review VAS responses for aesthetics and longevity and this was maintained at the 2.5-year review. Direct composite restorations placed at an increased occlusal vertical dimension are a simple and time-efficient method of managing the worn mandibular anterior dentition. Patient's acceptance and adaptation to the technique is good and the results are accompanied with a high level of patient satisfaction that is maintained for the medium-term.