San Jacinto County offers ways to cut costs for Liberty County Jail

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As Liberty County seeks to cut costs to operating its jail facility, San Jacinto County offers possible ways to save money by housing inmates and demonstrating how a county can run a jail cheaper than private contractors.

San Jacinto County recently renewed its jail contract to house inmates for Trinity County at a rate of $38 per day. If Liberty County has 155 inmates in jail, they can pay $71.12 per inmate. The amount paid is on a sliding scale. As more inmates are housed, the price decreases. If it falls below 150, the price is the actual cost plus 15 percent.

San Jacinto County has had previous experience with housing inmates from other areas such as Polk County. At one time, San Jacinto was housing 50 inmates for Polk County, according to Capt. Thomas J. Bartlet, jail supervisor.

Bartlet said that his jail has the capacity and staff to house extra inmates from other counties and has actively sought such arrangements in the past. He supposed that they could house Liberty County inmates with adjustments made for transporting inmates to court and coverage of medical costs.

San Jacinto County Jail has an average daily inmate population of 73.08 inmates, according to Bartlet. The jail is supervised by Bartlet and is operated by four Sheriffs Office deputies, 12 jailers and an administrative assistant for a total of 18 county employees operating a jail that can house up to 144 inmates. The annual budget is approximately $1.8 million.

The inmate number includes female inmates and segregated inmates which require special detention facilities, according to Bartlet.

Liberty County has contracted with Community Education Centers, a private jail operation company, to run their county jail. There are 55 CEC employees at the jail, which consists of 31 correctional officers and the rest are support staff positions such as medical personnel, clerks and human resources. The annual jail budget for Liberty County is approximately $4 million.

The Liberty County Jail has a capacity of 389 which is 303 at the new jail and 86 at the old jail. They currently house approximately 170 inmates per day due to a personal recognizance bond program which releases first-time, nonviolent offenders to reduce costs instead of keeping them in jail while they await trial.

The new program has reduced the daily inmate population by approximately 100 inmates which has saved the county $1 million during its first year.

While on the surface, the prices seem very competitive when contrasted with Liberty County, other factors make the option not as simple as comparing prices, according to Wes Hinch, Liberty County Attorney.

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San Jacinto County offers ways to cut costs for Liberty County Jail

Liberty hold off Sky

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ROSEMONT, Ill. Cappie Pondexter scored a team-high 19 points, including a pair of key late free throws, and the LIberty held off a late Sky comeback for a 64-59 victory on Friday night.

The win was the second straight for the Liberty (6-9) and first in two tries over Chicago.

I knew they would make a run at home, Pondexter said. We showed we really wanted to win. We had to dig deep at the end and take control of the game. We had to settle down and take their momentum away.

Chicago (8-6) trailed 61-59 following Sylvia Fowles bank shot with 1:23 left, but missed a chance to tie on a turnover with 48 seconds to play.

Pondexter, fouled on an inbound pass with 19.3 seconds left, hit two free throws to open a four-point Liberty lead.

We just told them to win it on defense and rebounding, Liberty coach John Whisenant said. We had trouble scoring and I knew it would be that way. We missed some baskets that were easy, but so did they. They missed some putbacks. Ill take the way it was.

Essence Carson had 14 points and 11 rebounds, Leilani Mitchell had 12 points and Kara Braxton added 11 for the Liberty.

Fowles paced Chicago with 20 points, while Tamera Young added 16. The Sky shot 6 for 21 from the free-throw line and their 28.6 percent from the line was a franchise low.

We just threw it away, Fowles said. We had no sense of urgency. I dont know why. We missed free throws, 10 missed layups. Weve been talking about this since Day 1. The coaches do everything they need to do to prepare us for the game. Its so frustrating. This is not OK. I dont know what its going to take. Weve got to dig deep and win as a team.

Pondexter had seven first-quarter points including a 3-point play with 11.3 seconds left as the Liberty opened an 18-14 lead. Chicago hit just three of 11 free throws and went 5 for 14 from the field.

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Liberty hold off Sky

Japan considers buying disputed islands

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Japan is considering buying a chain of islands at the centre of a bitter territorial dispute with China and Taiwan, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda says.

THE move could potentially reignite tensions with both Beijing and Taipei, which also claim the islands in the East China Sea, called Senkaku in Japanese and Diaoyu in Chinese.

"There is no question that the Senkakus are an integral part of our country's territory in terms of history and international law," Noda told reporters on Saturday.

"There exists no territorial issue or ownership issue as Japan is in effective control of the islands.

"From the viewpoint of how to maintain and manage the Senkakus in a calm and stable manner, we are making comprehensive studies on the matter by keeping in touch with the owner."

The prime minister's comments came after a report in the influential Asahi Shimbun newspaper said the government on Friday had informed Tokyo's governor, Shintaro Ishihara, of its plan to buy three of the islands from their private Japanese owner.

In April, Ishihara announced he was in talks to buy the three islands - Uotsurijima, Kitakojima and Minamikojima - claiming that Japan was not doing enough to protect the territory.

The chain includes two other islands and an outcropping of rocks.

The Asahi Shimbun reported that senior government officials were already negotiating with the owner, the Kurihara family, hoping to finalise the nationalisation plan by the end of the year.

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Japan considers buying disputed islands

Japan mulls buying disputed islands in E.China Sea

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TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said on Saturday that the government is considering buying islands in potentially gas rich territory claimed by both Japan and China, in a move likely to anger Beijing. The uninhabited islands in the East China Sea are known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. Noda told reporters in the northeastern city of Iwaki that his government ...

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Japan mulls buying disputed islands in E.China Sea

Japan wants to pay cash for islands

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Japan is hatching a plan to buy the disputed Senkaku islands, which are also claimed by China and Taiwan, from a private family. Picture: AP Source: AP

JAPAN has come up with a novel way of settling a bitter territorial dispute with China and Taiwan over a string of islands.

The move could potentially reignite tensions with both Beijing and Taipei, which also claim the islands in the East China Sea, called Senkaku in Japanese and Diaoyu in Chinese.

"There is no question that the Senkakus are an integral part of our country's territory in terms of history and international law," Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said told reporters yesterday.

"There exists no territorial issue or ownership issue as Japan is in effective control of the islands."

"From the viewpoint of how to maintain and manage the Senkakus in a calm and stable manner, we are making comprehensive studies on the matter by keeping in touch with the owner," he said.

Mr Noda's come after a report in the Asahi Shimbun said the government on Friday informed Tokyo's governor Shintaro Ishihara of its plan to buy three of the islands from their private Japanese owner.

In April, Mr Ishihara announced he was in talks to buy the three islands - Uotsurijima, Kitakojima and Minamikojima - claiming that Japan was not doing enough to protect the territory.

The chain includes two other islands and an outcropping of rocks.

The influential daily said senior government officials were already negotiating with the owner, the Kurihara family, hoping to finalise the nationalisation plan by the end of the year.

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Japan wants to pay cash for islands

Japan mulls buying disputed islands in East China Sea

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TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said on Saturday that the government is considering buying islands in potentially gas rich territory claimed by both Japan and China, in a move likely to anger Beijing. The uninhabited islands in the East China Sea are known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. Noda told reporters in the northeastern city of Iwaki that his government ...

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Japan mulls buying disputed islands in East China Sea

Brooks, Dionne on Jobs Report, Romney’s Health Care Message – Video

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06-07-2012 20:56 New York Times columnist David Brooks and Washington Post columnist EJ Dionne discuss the week's top political news, including the dismal June jobs report, why the stimulus recovery plan hasn't had a greater effect, and Mitt Romney's health care message and evolving relationship with the conservative base.

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Brooks, Dionne on Jobs Report, Romney's Health Care Message - Video

Policing compliance with health care law will fall largely to IRS

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By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER Associated Press twitter.com/stephenatap

WASHINGTON The Supreme Courts decision to uphold most of President Barack Obamas health care law will come home to roost for most taxpayers in about 2 years, when theyll have to start providing proof on their tax returns that they have health insurance.

That scenario puts the Internal Revenue Service at the center of the debate, renewing questions about whether the agency is capable of policing the health care decisions of millions of people in the United States while also collecting the taxes needed to run the federal government.

Under the law, the IRS will provide tax breaks and incentives to help pay for health insurance and impose penalties on some people who dont buy coverage and on some businesses that dont offer it to employees.

The changes will require new regulations, forms and publications, new computer programs and a big new outreach program to explain it all to taxpayers and tax professionals. Businesses that dont claim an exemption will have to prove they offer health insurance to employees.

The health care law includes the largest set of tax law changes in more than 20 years, according to the Treasury inspector general who oversees the IRS. The agency will have to hire thousands of workers to manage it, requiring significant budget increases that already are being targeted by congressional Republicans determined to dismantle the presidents signature initiative.

Knowing the complexity of the health law, theres no question that the IRS is going to struggle with this, said Rep. Charles Boustany Jr., R-La., chairman of the House Ways and Means oversight subcommittee. The IRS wants more resources. Well, we need to start digging down into what are they doing with the resources and personnel.

Treasury spokeswoman Sabrina Siddiqui said, The overwhelming majority of funds used by the agency to implement the Affordable Care Act go to administer the premium tax credits, which will be a tax cut averaging about $4,000 for more than 20 million middle-class people and families.

The Supreme Court, in its 5-4 ruling on June 28, upheld the mandate that most Americans get health insurance. The majority, including Chief Justice John Roberts, said Congress has the power to enforce the mandate under its taxing authority. The decision labeled the penalties a tax, noting they will be collected by the IRS.

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Policing compliance with health care law will fall largely to IRS

Local health care providers to be honored at baseball game

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OREM-- Several doctors, dentists and other health care providers in Utah Valley will be honored Monday night by Community Health Connect at the Orem Owlz baseball game. CHC is holding it third annual Family Night for the employees of the medical and dental offices who volunteer their time and services to help low-income and uninsured residents get the care they need. According to CHC, volunteer services for the year 2011 included 280 health care professionals helping more than 750 patients by donating more than 3,000 appointments valued at more than $1 million.

Families and employees of those that have donated services will be treated to a pre-game tailgate barbecue and tickets to the game.

"This is just a thank you for the doctors and dentists that donate," said Starr Stratford, executive director at Community Health Connect. "They don't get a lot of benefit except that it feels good to donate, they do it because they are good people and this gives us a chance to tell them thanks and let them know how much we appreciate what they do."

Five of the many local health care professionals will be spotlighted between innings at the baseball game at Brent Brown Ball Field at UVU starting at 7:05 p.m.

Those being honored include Rod Angus, owner of Angus Dental Labs. Angus has donated more than 35 crowns since beginning work with CHC in 2011. Dr. Karl Weenig specialized in sports medicine and orthopedic care, donating to more than 20 patients needing specialized care this year. Dr. Jennifer Tittensor is a general surgeon who works with Utah County Surgical Associates in American Fork performing a wide variety of surgeries ranging from hernia repair to gallbladder removal. Tittensor has volunteered with CHC for more than five years, providing surgery for more than 40 patients.

Dr. Duane Nelson, ophthalmologist at Utah Valley Eye Center, has donated his time for more than seven years. Nelson says he does it because of the great need in the community.

"I think there is a lot of folks who have need for health care who can't afford it for various reasons and this is just a good way to be able to help," Nelson said. "It is a good thing, helps society out and I just know that we all face various challenges and needs and this is one way of sort of paying it forward or giving it back to those who have helped me along the way."

Dr. Jason Allan, an instructor at the Utah College of Dental Hygiene, will throw out the first pitch on Monday. The college has donated more than 400 appointments to patients in need of dental care.

"There really are people who don't have access to care so these are really vital services for the community and a section of the population that otherwise wouldn't be receiving services," Stratford said. "These doctors help provide speciality medical care in their own offices and it is a lot less expensive for the whole community."

Community Health Connect is a non-profit health agency in Utah County that connects low-income, uninsured Utah County residents with volunteer doctors and dentists throughout the community who see qualifying patients free of charge in their own offices. More information on Community Health Connect can be found at http://www.communityhealthconnect.org.

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The tax man cometh to police you on health care

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WASHINGTONThe Supreme Court's decision to uphold most of President Barack Obama's health care law will come home to roost for most taxpayers in about 2 1/2 years, when they'll have to start providing proof on their tax returns that they have health insurance.

That scenario puts the Internal Revenue Service at the center of the debate, renewing questions about whether the agency is capable of policing the health care decisions of millions of people in the United States while also collecting the taxes needed to run the federal government.

Under the law, the IRS will provide tax breaks and incentives to help pay for health insurance and impose penalties on some people who don't buy coverage and on some businesses that don't offer it to employees.

The changes will require new regulations, forms and publications, new computer programs and a big new outreach program to explain it all to taxpayers and tax professionals. Businesses that don't claim an exemption will have to prove they offer health insurance to employees.

The health care law "includes the largest set of tax law changes in more than 20 years," according to the Treasury inspector general who oversees the IRS. The agency will have to hire thousands of workers to manage it, requiring significant budget increases that already are being targeted by congressional Republicans determined to dismantle the president's signature initiative.

"Knowing the complexity of the health law, there's no question that the IRS is going to struggle with this," said Rep. Charles Boustany Jr., R-La., chairman of the House Ways and Means oversight subcommittee. "The IRS wants more resources. Well, we need to start digging down into what are they doing with the resources and personnel."

Treasury spokeswoman Sabrina Siddiqui said, "The overwhelming majority of funds used by the agency to implement the Affordable Care Act go to administer the premium tax credits, which will be a tax cut averaging about $4,000 for more than 20 million middle-class people and families."

The Supreme Court, in its 5-4 ruling, upheld the mandate that most Americans get health insurance. The majority said Congress has the power to enforce the mandate under its taxing authority. The decision labeled the penalties a tax, noting that they will be collected by the IRS.

Those who don't get qualified health insurance will be required to pay the penalty -- or tax -- starting for the 2014 tax year, unless they are exempt because of low income, religious beliefs, or because they are members of American Indian tribes.

The penalty will be fully phased in by 2016, when it will be $695 for each uninsured adult or 2.5 percent of family income, whichever is greater, up to $12,500. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that 4 million people will pay the penalty that year.

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The tax man cometh to police you on health care

La. health care providers brace for Medicaid cuts

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Police: Shunick suspect not cooperating Police: Shunick suspect not cooperating

Updated: Friday, July 6 2012 4:50 PM EDT2012-07-06 20:50:31 GMT

Updated: Thursday, July 5 2012 11:06 AM EDT2012-07-05 15:06:06 GMT

Updated: Friday, July 6 2012 8:00 PM EDT2012-07-07 00:00:06 GMT

Updated: Friday, July 6 2012 5:27 PM EDT2012-07-06 21:27:00 GMT

Updated: Friday, July 6 2012 2:15 PM EDT2012-07-06 18:15:26 GMT

As health care providers await the state's plan to cut $859 million from the Medicaid program over the next two years, many are worrying.

Louisiana Hospital Association President John Matessino says that Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration must act quickly because a longer delay will mean deeper cuts over a shorter period of time.

Supported Living Network executive Bruce Blaney wants the Legislature to convene a special session to repeal some tax exemptions, as well as to tap health care trust funds.

The Medicaid program is funded by a combination of federal and state money, paying for health services for the poor, uninsured, disabled and elderly. The cuts mean an 11 percent reduction from the $7.7 billion Medicaid budget that had been planned for the fiscal year.

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La. health care providers brace for Medicaid cuts

Health care law becomes a campaign rallying point

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AP photoRepublican presidential candidate Mitt Romney speaks about the Supreme Court ruling on health care in Washington. President Barack Obama and Romney say the Supreme Courts decision last week upholding the presidents health care law gives them each advantages in the roughly dozen of states they are contesting most aggressively.

DES MOINES, Iowa President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney both are using the Supreme Court decision upholding the federal health care insurance requirement, loved by liberals and hated by conservatives, to rally core supporters in the most competitive states in the presidential race.

Yet while each side may be benefiting from groundswells of volunteers and money, the ruling seems unlikely to sway the legions of undecided voters who are focused heavily on the economy not on the health care debate that has raged in this country for years.

As a result, Republicans and Democrats alike say how the health care ruling influences a race that polls show is close will depend on how the campaigns use it to ramp up activity in the dozen or so states that Obama and Romney are contesting most aggressively.

Whoever gets the organizational advantage ... thats the real impact of the decision, said Jesse Harris, who led Obamas 2008 early vote effort in Iowa. In a state like this, that could be decisive.

A week after the decision, Democrat Obamas campaign is pointing to swollen ranks of campaign volunteers, in places like Iowa and Michigan, who have been emboldened to protect the health care overhaul now that it has been declared the law of the land. Opponents had argued that the requirement that all individuals to buy health insurance was a constitutional overreach.

The law I passed is here to stay, Obama said to applause in Ohio this week.

Republican challenger Romney says the anger on the right has boosted fundraising in presidential battlegrounds, with millions in small-dollar contributions pouring in from conservatives who see the former Massachusetts governor as the last hope for getting the law repealed.

What the court did not do on its last day in session, I will do on my first day if elected president of the United States. And that is I will act to repeal Obamacare, Romney said last week in response to the ruling.

Americans across the country, and in the most hotly contested states like Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Ohio and Virginia remain skeptical about Obamas signature policy accomplishment. Several polls taken in the last year in key states show narrow majorities opposing the law and supporting its repeal.

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Health care law becomes a campaign rallying point

Health care ruling could tip races

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SYRACUSE, NY Former Democratic Rep. Dan Maffei lost in 2010 after facing heat over his health care vote and hed like to just move on as he tries to regain his seat in 2012. GOP Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle beat Maffei by running on an anti Obamacare platform and shes more than happy to keep talking about the Supreme Court ruling from last week.

Something will have to give in this evenly divided, upstate New York swing district that pits a rematch between a self described Big D Democrat and an unapologetic conservative. Buerkle, who won in 2010 by a mere 648 votes, is on board with repealing the health care law and Maffei doesnt see the need to relive the nightmare of 2009s health care debate now that the Supreme Court has ruled.

I dont think people want to repeat past battles over and over again. The health care bill is the law of the land, the court ruled it constitutional, so lets improve it, said Maffei. You dont like whats in it? Give me a suggestion, Im open minded, but lets move forwardlets get past these partisan debates. Lets focus on jobs and the economy.

Its a theme thats sure to play out in swing districts across the country. Democrats will argue that the Supreme Court has spoken on the health care law, and try turn the conversation toward improving the economy. Republicans will say the law even though parts of it are popular tramples on individual freedoms and is a burdensome regulatory juggernaut.

Which side wins the debate in this district may be an important national barometer for how health care plays out in swing districts, with independent voters, across the country.

And its a particularly critical debate in a region where the recession still lingers, manufacturing jobs have gone away, and voters are suspicious that either party in Washington can help improve their way of life, especially when it comes to health care.

(Also on POLITICO: Zombia economy threatens Obama)

They have to come together somehow to get the economy growing again, said retired Fair Haven resident Harris Brown, who says he will most likely vote for Buerkle again, but would like to see Washingtons partisanship toned down. If the economy is good, then health care will take care of itself.

Buerkle, however, has embraced the freshman warrior role, even as she represents a fairly moderate district.

She is one of the most conservative members of the House and Republican leadership continues to tap her to speak out on the health care law. She was one of a handful of lawmakers to address the press with Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Eric Cantor immediately after the health care ruling and she gave the national Republican address on the topic over the weekend. For her, the repeal of the health care law is directly linked to economic recovery the area needs. One example, she says, is a local medical device factory that will soon be subject to a 2.3 percent tax should the law fully take effect.

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Best Aussie beaches you've never heard of

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Kangaroos resting at Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

Bottle Bay in Francois Peron National Park, Western Australia. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

IT'S probably fair to say that as an island nation with a coastline of more than 30,000km, the beach has a special place in the hearts of most Aussies.

From old-fashioned family beaches to romantic hidden coves, there are more than 10,685 beaches in Australia to choose from.

Here are 10 to get you started.

1. Lucky Bay Beach

With 5km of white sand and crystal-clear water, the beach at Lucky Bay is a marketer's dream. Yet, this West Australian gem is relatively unknown. Hidden in the windswept wilderness of Cape le Grand National Park, the beach is a haven for wildlife and it's not unusual to spot kangaroos lying on the sand. As it's in a national park, there are bushwalks with scenic coastal views and a campground with good facilities.

2. Bottle Bay Beach

3. Secret Beach

A Victorian secret in Mallacoota, Gippsland, this secluded beach is a patch of coastal paradise near the NSW border. You might have trouble finding Secret Beach on a map and the only way to reach it is by foot, from a staircase near a parking area on Betka Rd. The beach is a picture of tranquillity, with lovely rock pools and a small sea cave that is accessible during low tide.

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Stem cell therapy ‘turns back clock’

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MANILA, Philippines Stem cell therapy, aside from being a potential cure for a wide range of illnesses, can also make a patient look and feel younger, a stem cell therapist said.

Dr. Ricardo Quiones, a cosmetic surgeon and dermatologist, has trained to conduct stem cell therapy, which he describes as the future of medicine.

Quiones said stem cell therapy has become popular for its ability to regenerate and heal properties of adult stem cells.

As we grow old, our stem cells dramatically decline. When we were children, we had 80 million stem cells. As we reach the age of 40, our stem cells decline to 35 million, he told Mornings@ANC on Friday.

Quiones explained that the procedure is similar to turning back the clock because it can increase a persons stem cells to 100 million.

Ive done two patients from Zamboanga City. I called them up after the procedure and they told me they look younger. They have the stamina, the vigor and they have felt an increase in short-term memory, powers of attention and concentration, he said.

Quiones also said the procedure has the potential to cure diabetes, heart damage, brain damage such as Parkinsons and Alzheimers, osteoarthritis, stroke, baldness and even sports injuries.

3-hour procedure

Quiones said any patient, except those diagnosed with cancer, can undergo the procedure, which he said will only last for about 3 to 4 hours.

After receiving clearance from a physician and passing medical and laboratory tests, anesthesia will be administered to a patient before stem cells are harvested.

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Stem cell therapy 'turns back clock'

Could the Naked Mole Rat Hold Secrets to Longevity?

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Latest Senior Health News

THURSDAY, July 5 (HealthDay News) -- Your garden-variety rat lives about three years -- plenty long enough to become a nuisance or get a starring role in a Disney film, but not much in the big scheme of things. The naked mole rat, however, a native of East Africa, lives as long as three decades.

Even the naked mole rat's golden years aren't bad, as the rodent doesn't deteriorate much in terms of activity, bone health, sex and brainpower.

What's going on? It may have nothing to do with a lack of hair. (Sorry, bald people.) Instead, a team of researchers from Tel Aviv University in Israel, the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and the City College of New York report that a brain-protecting protein called NRG-1 could be an important factor.

The good news: Our genetic makeup is similar to that of rodents -- we share about 85 percent of our genes -- and perhaps more knowledge about this protein could help us live longer and better too, study co-author Dorothee Huchon at Tel Aviv University's department of zoology, suggested in a university news release.

The researchers found that the naked mole rat has the most and longest-lasting supply of the protein of the rodents studied. And their levels of the protein stuck around whether they were one day old or 26 years.

The protein appears to protect neurons in the brain.

Scientists note, however, that research with animals often fails to provide similar results in humans.

The study was published in a recent issue of the journal Aging Cell.

-- Randy Dotinga

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Could the Naked Mole Rat Hold Secrets to Longevity?

DNA tests prompt investigations of possible wrongful convictions

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RICHMOND, Va. --

Prompted by DNA testing in recent years, authorities in Norfolk and Carroll County are investigating several possible wrongful convictions from decades ago.

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science has disclosed DNA test results for more than 70 people in which testing of biological evidence discovered in forensic case files from 1973 to 1988 failed to identify the convicted person.

The test reports were released in response to Freedom of Information Act requests from the news media and the Innocence Project made possible as of July 1 by special legislation passed by the General Assembly this year.

Failure to identify a convicted person's DNA in evidence, primarily blood and semen, can be consistent with and even prove innocence, or it may mean nothing.

As permitted by the legislation, two commonwealth's attorneys are withholding four DNA reports involving five people four in Norfolk and one in Carroll County deemed critical to ongoing criminal investigations, the department said.

But Amanda M. Howie, a spokeswoman for Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney Gregory D. Underwood, said that of 11 DNA reports sent to Norfolk for consideration, they objected to the release of four concerning three individuals and two cases.

"Our objection is appropriate as our legal review of the original circumstances of each case associated with the (reports) is still ongoing," Howie wrote in an email.

She said that in every case sent to her office, "a thorough, routine process is followed to determine what, if any, legal impact the testing and resulting (report) has on the case."

The Commonwealth's Attorney's Office in Carroll did not return calls for comment Friday. Other investigations in the roughly three dozen jurisdictions with exclusion cases may be in progress as well.

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Special issue of Botany showcases CANPOLIN research

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A special issue of the journal Botany is set to showcase to the world the multipronged-approach that Canadian researchers are bringing to the study of pollination biology. The journal's July issue features seven articles from NSERC-CANPOLIN researchers, examining topics that range from the effect of flower structure on pollinator activity to the impacts of recent climate change on pollinator ranges. The issue also includes two review papers, one exploring pollen limitation and pollinator diversity, and the other assessing the value of network biology studies in pollinator conservation.

"Pollination biology is a somewhat unique field of study, because there are so many different ways to approach the interactions between plants and pollinators," says Jana Vamosi of the University of Calgary and guest editor of the special issue. "It can be studied at the level of a single plant or pollinator species, or at a community level, where the entire complex web of plant and pollinator interactions are considered. At the landscape level, pollination takes place against a backdrop of wide-ranging and sometimes extreme environments, which adds further to the complexity of interactions."

The special issue presents findings from studies conducted in a variety of ecosystems, including agricultural, forest and alpine. Many of these studies have revealed important information about the pollination biology and/or evolution of several Canadian plant species, while a study that took place in Quebec is one of the first to examine the impact of agricultural monocultures on pollinator nutrition and reproduction. At the macro-scale, a country-wide study of 81 butterfly species looks at how the ranges of these relatively mobile pollinators are keeping pace with latitudinal shifts in climatic gradients.

Nine CANPOLIN ecologists collaborated on a review examining pollinator biodiversity and its role in pollen limitation, a scenario in which a plant's reproduction is limited because not enough pollen is transferred. Although traditional wisdom predicts that there will be less pollen limitation when pollinator diversity is high, the group found that this link is actually somewhat weak. The authors encourage other researchers investigating the phenomenon of pollen limitation to measure pollinator diversity more explicitly, so that it is easier to identify what makes a plant-pollinator relationship stable.

A second review makes the case that pollinator network analyses are an important tool for understanding pollination systems at the community level. Rather than traditional measurements that focus simply on what species are present, pollinator networks provide information on what each flower visitor is actually doing. "Network analyses are considered by many to be the next frontier in pollinator biology" says Elizabeth Elle of Simon Fraser, senior author of the review and co-leader of CANPOLIN's Ecosystems Working Group with Vamosi. "They provide a functional understanding of pollination systems as opposed to just an inventory. As such, they are likely to become an essential part of developing conservation strategies for pollinators."

The idea for the special issue took hold during a pollination symposium at last year's Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution annual meeting in Banff, AB, an event that was co-organized by Elle and fellow CANPOLIN member Risa Sargent of University of Ottawa. The symposium brought together researchers from four different working groups in CANPOLIN (Taxonomy, Plant reproduction, Ecology and Prediction) to explore pollinator biodiversity and pollination services in Canada. "The symposium was a great success and generated quite a lot of interest. With the help of NRC Research Press, we have been able to capture many of the ideas presented and make them available to the wider research community through this special issue," says Vamosi.

More information: For a full overview of the July 2012 issue see the introductory article by Vamosi et al: "Pollination biology research in Canada: perspectives on a mutualism at different scales" (Botany, 90(7): v-vi, doi: 10.1139/b2012-051).

The full issue is now available online http://www.nrcresearchpre toc/cjb/90/7

Journal reference: Botany

Provided by Canadian Science Publishing (NRC Research Press)

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Special issue of Botany showcases CANPOLIN research