bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid detection of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis
Authors: Goyal M , Shaw RJ , Banerjee DK , Coker RJ , Robertson BD , Young DB
Published: February 2003

Transmission of multidrug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB) presents a serious problem for infection control in hospitals, particularly in the context of co-infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We report on the use of molecular genetic tools to allow rapid assessment of samples from patients potentially infected with MDR-TB. Sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage samples were obtained from two HIV-positive patients with suspected tuberculosis, who had previous contact with a known MDR-TB index case. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used directly on clinical samples to amplify genetic loci associated with rifampicin resistance (rpoB), and strain-specific polymorphisms (the direct repeat (DR) region). Drug resistance was determined using a commercially available kit for detection of point mutations in the rpoB gene (Inno-Lipa RifTB; Innogenetics, Belgium), and confirmed by nucleotide sequencing. Strain variation was determined using the spoligotyping method, based on the presence or absence of variable linker sequences within the DR region. In one patient, infection with a MDR strain identical to that of a known index case was demonstrated. A second patient, although positive for M. tuberculosis, was found to be infected with a rifampicin-sensitive strain. Results were obtained within 48 h, allowing appropriate treatment to be initiated and infection control measures to be implemented. PCR-based tests for strain-typing and for identification of rifampicin resistance provide important tools for identifying patients with MDR-TB and for rapid monitoring of potential nosocomial spread of MDR-TB. Prompt confirmation or exclusion of possible transmission allows early clinical intervention to prevent future outbreaks of multidrug-resistant M. tuberculosis.
Bacterial colonization of distal airways in healthy subjects and chronic lung disease: a bronchoscopic study
Authors: Cabello H , Torres A , Celis R , El-Ebiary M , Puig de la Bellacasa J , Xaubet A , Gonzalez J , Agusti C , Soler N
Published: February 2003

In contrast to the healthy population, distal airway bacterial colonization may occur in patients with chronic lung diseases, who often have altered pulmonary defences. However, the information dealing with this issue is insufficient and is based mainly on nonspecific samples, such as sputum cultures. Using quantitative cultures of bronchoscopic protected specimen brush (PSB) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples, we studied the bacterial colonization of distal airways in 16 healthy subjects, 33 patients with bronchogenic carcinoma, 18 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 17 with bronchiectasis, and 32 with a long-term tracheostomy due to laryngeal carcinoma. All patients were without exacerbation, and free from antibiotic treatment at least 1 month before the study protocol. Thresholds for quantitative cultures to define colonization were > or = 10(2) colony-forming units (cfu) x mL(-1) for PSB and > or = 10(3) cfu x mL(-1) for BAL. Only one healthy subject was colonized by a potential pathogenic microorganism (PPM) (Staphylococcus aureus 4x10(2) cfu x mL(-1) in a PSB culture). Colonization was observed in 14 (42%) bronchogenic carcinoma patients (19 non-PPMs, and 10 PPMs); in 15 (83%) COPD patients (22 non-PPMs and 7 PPMs); in 15 (88%) bronchiectasis patients (20 non-PPMs and 13 PPMs); and in 15 (47%) long-term tracheostomy patients (5 non-PPMs and 13 PPMs). The two most frequent non-PPMs isolated in all groups studied were Streptococcus viridans and Neisseria spp. Haemophilus spp., Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis were the most frequent PPMs isolated in bronchogenic carcinoma, COPD, bronchiectasis and long-term tracheostomized patients, respectively. Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization was infrequent in all the groups. Our results show that distal airway bacterial colonization is a frequent feature in stable patients with chronic lung diseases and also in patients with long-term tracheostomy. However, the pattern of colonization differs among groups studied. The knowledge of different colonization patterns may be important for future antibiotic prophylactic strategies and for the empirical antibiotic regimens when exacerbations occur in these patients.
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and vascular transformation of the lymph node sinuses
Authors: Meysman M , Diltoer M , Raeve HD , Monsieur I , Huyghens L
Published: February 2003

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a disease often not recognized until it is far advanced. Medical management does not reverse the effects of the disease, nor does it prevent its progression. Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy is the preferred treatment. We present the case of a patient in whom CTEPH was mistaken for an interstitial lung disease with mediastinal lymph node enlargement. The mediastinal lymph node enlargement was due to vascular transformation of the lymph node sinuses (VTS). This is an unusual case of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension with vascular transformation of the lymph node sinuses.
Multiobjective optimization of feedforward control maps in engine management systems towards low consumption and low emissions
Authors: Hafner Michael , Isermann Rolf
Published: February 2003

This paper describes a new approach towards a model-based optimization of internal combustion engine control maps. The goals of the optimization are - at the same time - minimum fuel consumption, low emissions and a good driveability. First the structure of a torque-oriented engine management system based on control maps is described. Then, an optimization environment is developed, which calculates the basic control maps for the engine settings based on the modelled emission behaviour of the engine. The underlying nonlinear models are realized by fast neural networks. Results in both simulation and measurements prove the quality of the proposed methodology.
Working through interpreters
Authors: Farooq Saeed , Fear Chris
Published: February 2003

Language is the essential psychiatric tool for eliciting both history and mental state. Both diagnosis and treatment are handicapped if there is no common language between doctor and patient and understanding is facilitated through a third party, who usually has no psychiatric training. Many factors can affect this process resulting in a convoluted interview and greater potential for misunderstandings and diagnostic errors. Linguistics and the use of interpreters are rarely mentioned in standard psychiatric texts. The different processes of translation and interpretation and their use in psychiatry are explored here. The variety of errors and pitfalls described in the literature are considered. The authors offer advice on the use of trained and untrained interpreters in order to minimise errors and make the most of the information available.
Contribution of forensic psychotherapy to the care of forensic patients
Authors: McGauley Gill , Humphrey Martin
Published: February 2003

This article outlines the current provision and describes the role of forensic psychotherapy in the management of forensic patients. The authors maintain that the contribution of forensic psychotherapy is not limited solely to treatment provision. The forensic psychotherapist has a supervisory role, which can help staff and institutions to understand the dynamic processes that arise from the effects of managing forensic patients. The article outlines how forensic psychotherapy can contribute towards risk assessment and highlights some particular areas of concern for the forensic psychotherapist.
Paediatric neurological examination
Authors: Devlin Anita
Published: February 2003

Children with either normal or impaired cognitive abilities presenting to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) with psychiatric or behavioural problems may have an underlying syndromic or neurological diagnosis. Diagnostic clues exist in the measurement of growth and head circumference, recognition of dysmorphism and in the full physical and, in particular, neurological examination of the individual. Recognition of these clues will allow referral, as necessary, for further investigation or surveillance. Prompt diagnosis of disorders is important for many reasons: the provision of an explanation for the child's current difficulties and the anticipation of further difficulties; the recognition of genetic, and therefore reproductive, implications for parents and siblings; the recognition of a grim prognosis; and access to any available treatments.
Current issues in child and adolescent psychopharmacology. Part 1: Attention-deficit hyperactivity and affective disorders
Authors: Coghill Dave
Published: February 2003

Drug treatments play an important role in the treatment of child and adolescent psychiatric disorders. However, there is often a long delay before research findings are translated into clinical practice; furthermore, changes in clinical practice outstrip the available evidence. This paper focuses on current issues and research findings on the pharmacological treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and affective disorders. Clinical findings from a US study of the treatment of ADHD with extended-release stimulants and non-stimulants, and the development and use of clinical guidelines are discussed. Clinical trials of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for early-onset depression, approaches to managing treatment-resistant depression and guidance on the drug treatment of early-onset mania are considered.
Effects of a branched-chain amino acid drink in mania
Authors: Scarnà A. , Gijsman H. J. , Mctavish S. F. B. , Harmer C. J. , Cowen P. J. , Goodwin G. M.
Published: February 2003

Background

Administration of a complex tyrosine-free amino acid drink acutely decreases manic symptoms. Although a nutrient-based approach to illness management is attractive, complex amino acid drinks are too unpalatable for repeated administration.

Aims

To assess whether a simple, branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) drink diminishes manic symptoms acutely and following repeated administration.

Method

Twenty-five patients with mania were randomly and blindly allocated to treatment with BCAA (60 g) or placebo daily for 7 days.

Results

Relative to placebo, the BCAA drink lowered mania ratings acutely over the first 6 h of treatment. In protocol completers there was a persistent advantage to the BCAA group 1 week after the end of treatment.

Conclusions

A nutritional intervention that decreases tyrosine availability to the brain acutely ameliorates manic symptoms. Further studies are required to assess whether this approach has longer-term efficacy.
Suicide prevention: A study of patients' views
Authors: Eagles John M. , Carson Dawn P. , Begg Annabel , Naji Simon A.
Published: February 2003

Background

Suicide prevention strategies are usually formulated without seeking the views of people with psychiatric illnesses.

Aims

To establish what helped patients with severe psychiatric illness when they felt suicidal.

Method

A semi-structured interview was constructed following transcribed interviews with 12 patients. This was administered to 59 out-patients with serious and enduring mental illness, focusing on factors they found helpful or unhelpful when at their most despairing.

Results

Three-quarters of patients were in contact with psychiatric services when feeling at their lowest, and this contact was generally deemed to be helpful. Social networks were considered just as helpful as psychiatric services by the half of patients who discussed their feelings with friends or relatives. Religious beliefs and affiliations were helpful. Negative influences included the media and the stigma of psychiatric illness.

Conclusions

Efforts at suicide prevention might usefully focus on enhancing patients' social networks, increasing the likelihood of early contact with psychiatric services and decreasing the stigma attached to psychiatric illness. Larger studies of patients exposed to different service models would be informative.
Public Attitudes Toward Participation in Cancer Clinical Trials
Authors: Comis Robert L. , Miller Jon D. , Aldigé Carolyn R. , Krebs Linda , Stoval Ellen
Published: February 2003

Purpose: The objective of this study is to understand the attitudes of American adults toward participation in cancer clinical trials.

Methods: A national probability sample of 1,000 adults aged 18 and older living in noninstitutional settings was interviewed by telephone by Harris Interactive during March and April 2000. One participant was selected from each household selected for the study. The resulting data were weighted to reflect the full adult population of the United States as reported in Current Population Reports. An Index of Participation in a Cancer Clinical Trial was computed, using a confirmatory factor analysis and converting the factor scores into a 0-to-100 scale.

Results: Approximately 32% of American adults (64 million individuals) indicate that they would be very willing to participate in a cancer clinical trial if asked to do so. An additional 38% of adults (76 million individuals) scored in a range that indicates that they are inclined to participate in a cancer clinical trial if asked, but hold some questions or reservations about participation. Projected rates of diagnosis, eligibility, and recruitment indicate that substantially more patients are willing to participate than are actually accrued.

Conclusion: These results indicate that the primary problem with accrual is not the attitudes of patients, but rather that the loss of potential participants is the result of the unavailability of an appropriate clinical trial and the disqualification of large numbers of patients. The pool of willing patients is further reduced by the reluctance of some physicians to engage in accrual.
Predictors of Long-Term Outcomes in Older Breast Cancer Survivors: Perceptions Versus Patterns of Care
Authors: Mandelblatt Jeanne S. , Edge Stephen B. , Meropol Neal J. , Senie Ruby , Tsangaris Theodore , Grey Luther , Peterson Burt M. , Hwang Yi-Ting , Kerner Jon , Weeks Jane
Published: February 2003

Purpose: There are few data on sequelae of breast cancer treatments in older women. We evaluated posttreatment quality of life and satisfaction in a national population.

Patients and Methods: Telephone surveys were conducted with a random cross-sectional sample of 1,812 Medicare beneficiaries 67 years of age and older who were 3, 4, and 5 years posttreatment for stage I and II breast cancer. Regression models were used to estimate the adjusted risk of decrements in physical and mental health functioning by treatment. In a subset of women (n = 732), additional data were used to examine arm problems, impact of cancer, and satisfaction, controlling for baseline health, perceptions of ageism and racism, demographic and clinical factors, region, and surgery year.

Results: Use of axillary dissection was the only surgical treatment that affected outcomes, increasing the risk of arm problems four-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.56 to 10.51), controlling for other factors. Having arm problems, in turn, exerted a consistently negative independent effect on all outcomes (P ≤ .001). Processes of care were also associated with quality of life and satisfaction. For example, women who perceived high levels of ageism or felt that they had no choice of treatment reported significantly more bodily pain, lower mental health scores, and less general satisfaction. These same factors, as well as high perceived racism, were significantly associated with diminished satisfaction with the medical care system.

Conclusion: With the exception of axillary dissection, the processes of care, and not the therapy itself, are the most important determinants of long-term quality of life in older women.
Extended Follow-Up of Patients With Hairy Cell Leukemia After Treatment With Cladribine
Authors: Goodman Grant R. , Burian Carol , Koziol James A. , Saven Alan
Published: February 2003

Purpose: Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is an uncommon, indolent, chronic B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder involving the marrow and spleen. Therapy for HCL includes splenectomy, interferon alfa-2a and alfa-2b, pentostatin, and cladribine. The purpose of this article was to report the extended follow-up of HCL patients treated with cladribine.

Patients and Methods: Two hundred nine patients with HCL who were treated with cladribine had at least 7 years of follow-up. A course of cladribine constituted a 7-day continuous intravenous infusion at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg/d.

Results: Of the 207 assessable patients who had at least 7 years of follow-up, 196 (95%) achieved a complete response (CR) and 11 (5%) achieved a partial response (PR) after a single course of cladribine (overall response rate, 100%). The median first-response duration for all responders was 98 months. Seventy-six patients (37%) experienced relapse after their first course of cladribine. The median time to first relapse for all responders was 42 months. Time to treatment failure of CRs compared with PRs was statistically significant (P < .0005). The overall survival rate was 97% recorded at 108 months. Forty-seven patients developed 58 second malignancies. The observed-to-expected ratio for second malignancies was 2.03 (95% confidence interval, 1.49 to 2.71).

Conclusion: These results confirm previous observations that single courses of cladribine administered to patients with HCL induce high response rates, the majority of which are CRs. Most patients enjoy long-lasting complete remissions, and those patients who experience relapse can be successfully re-treated with cladribine.
Randomized, Controlled Trial of an Easy-to-Read Informed Consent Statement for Clinical Trial Participation: A Study of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
Authors: Coyne Cathy A. , Xu Ronghui , Raich Peter , Plomer Kathy , Dignan Mark , Wenzel Lari B. , Fairclough Diane , Habermann Thomas , Schnell Linda , Quella Susan , Cella David
Published: February 2003

Purpose: Studies have documented that the majority of consent documents for medical diagnosis and treatment are written at a reading level above that of the majority of the U.S. population. This study hypothesized that use of an easy-to-read consent statement, when compared with a standard consent statement, will result in higher patient comprehension of the clinical treatment protocol, lower patient anxiety, higher patient satisfaction, and higher patient accrual.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 44 institutions that were members or affiliates of three cooperative oncology groups. Institutions were randomly assigned to administer either an easy-to-read consent statement or the standard consent statement to patients being recruited to participate in selected cancer treatment trials. Telephone interviews were conducted with a total of 207 patients to assess study outcomes.

Results: Patients in the intervention arm demonstrated significantly lower consent anxiety and higher satisfaction compared with patients in the control arm. Patient comprehension and state anxiety were not affected by the intervention. Accrual rates into the parent studies also did not differ significantly between the two study groups.

Conclusion: Clinical trial informed consent statements can be modified to be easier to read without omitting critical information. Patient anxiety and satisfaction can be affected by the consent document. The generalizability of these study results is limited by the characteristics of the patient sample. Ninety percent of the sample were white women, and the mean Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine score was approximately 64, indicating a literacy level at or above the ninth grade.
Three Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases Inhibit Insulin Signaling by Different Mechanisms in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes
Authors: Fujishiro Midori , Gotoh Yukiko , Katagiri Hideki , Sakoda Hideyuki , Ogihara Takehide , Anai Motonobu , Onishi Yukiko , Ono Hiraku , Abe Miho , Shojima Nobuhiro , Fukushima Yasushi , Kikuchi Masatoshi , Oka Yoshitomo , Asano Tomoichiro
Published: February 2003

TNFα, which activates three different MAPKs [ERK, p38, and jun amino terminal kinase (JNK)], also induces insulin resistance. To better understand the respective roles of these three MAPK pathways in insulin signaling and their contribution to insulin resistance, constitutively active MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK)1, MAPK kinase (MKK6), and MKK7 mutants were overexpressed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes using an adenovirus-mediated transfection procedure. The MEK1 mutant, which activates ERK, markedly down-regulated expression of the insulin receptor (IR) and its major substrates, IRS-1 and IRS-2, mRNA and protein, and in turn reduced tyrosine phosphorylation of IR as well as IRS-1 and IRS-2 and their associated phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K) activity. The MKK6 mutant, which activates p38, moderately inhibited IRS-1 and IRS-2 expressions and IRS-1-associated PI3K activity without exerting a significant effect on the IR. Finally, the MKK7 mutant, which activates JNK, reduced tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 and IRS-2 and IRS-associated PI3K activity without affecting expression of the IR, IRS-1, or IRS-2. In the context of our earlier report showing down-regulation of glucose transporter 4 by MEK1-ERK and MKK6/3-p38, the present findings suggest that chronic activation of ERK, p38, or JNK can induce insulin resistance by affecting glucose transporter expression and insulin signaling, though via distinctly different mechanisms. The contribution of ERK is, however, the strongest.
Transactivation of the Progesterone Receptor Gene in Granulosa Cells: Evidence that Sp1/Sp3 Binding Sites in the Proximal Promoter Play a Key Role in Luteinizing Hormone Inducibility
Authors: Sriraman Venkataraman , Sharma S. Chidananda , Richards JoAnne S.
Published: February 2003

LH induction of the progesterone receptor (PR) in granulosa cells is a central event in ovulation. To identify critical regions of the mouse PR promoter that confer LH inducibility in granulosa cells, a mouse PR promoter (−384/+680) genomic fragment was ligated to a luciferase reporter construct and transfected into primary cultures of granulosa cells. Forskolin/phorbol myristate (PMA) induced PR promoter-luciferase reporter activity in granulosa cells greater than 15-fold. A deletion construct comprised only of the distal promoter alone (−348/+64) was inactive. Conversely, deletion constructs eliminating putative distal promoter-regulatory elements that bind Sp1, nuclear factor Y, and GATA-4 as well as the transcription start site (+1) failed to reduce forskolin/PMA activation of reporter activity. Additional 5′-deletions identified a minimal promoter region (+420/+680) sufficient to bestow cAMP responsiveness approximately 8- to 10-fold. Two GC-rich regions Sp1(A)[+440/+461] and Sp1(B) [+473/+490] bound Sp1/Sp3. Site-directed mutagenesis of Sp1(A) and Sp1(B) reduced activity of the proximal (+357/+680) promoter reporter construct approximately 50% and 99%, respectively. When the same Sp1(B) mutation was introduced into the intact promoter (−145/+680), forskolin/PMA induction of promoter activity was reduced by 70–80%. When the distal GC box as well as the proximal Sp1(B) site were both mutated in the context of the intact promoter, inducibility of the transgene was even more severely reduced. The importance of these Sp1/Sp3 binding regions was confirmed in human MCF-7 cells and Drosophila SL2 cells. Collectively, these results indicate that the Sp1/Sp3 binding sites within the mouse PR proximal promoter are essential for transactivation of the gene by agonists in granulosa cells. The molecular mechanisms by which LH activates Sp1/Sp3 at this region within the PR gene remain unknown but do not involve changes in the binding of Sp1/Sp3 to the critical GC boxes. Rather, Sp1/Sp3 appear to recruit other factors to the promoter.
Preliminary investigations about the separation of automotive composite components by a hydro-erosive method
Authors: Weiss M , Momber A W
Published: February 2003

A new method for separating fibrous coatings and backing materials of automotive components is introduced. The selective performance of high-speed water jets with velocities up to 300 m/s is utilized to mill backing materials from textile card webs without fibre damage, and selectively to remove textile coatings from luggage boot linings, insulating sheets and columns. The individual separation processes are discussed. The particular material removal process depends on the structure and properties of the compounds. Permeability plays an important role. It is shown that any individual separation process is characterized by an energy threshold, and typical values for these thresholds are provided. The new method is a very reliable tool for selective separation. Quality aspects as well as economical aspects are also discussed.
Analysis of residual stresses in main crankshaft bearings after induction surface hardening and finish grinding
Authors: Grum J
Published: February 2003

The exact pattern of residual stresses will depend on the heat treatment temperatures employed, the depth of hardening and the type of quenchant. Process conditions that give rise to compressive residual stresses on the surface of heat-treated components are favourable. This type of residual stress delays the initiation of fatigue cracking in service, which typically occurs on the surface of the part under the action of cyclic tensile stresses. The last phase in the manufacturing of crankshafts is finish grinding in order to achieve the desirable condition of the surface and the subsurface layer, i.e. suitable dimensions, suitable surface roughness and the corresponding distribution of relative grinding residual stress in the subsurface have to be ensured. By correct selection of the grinding wheel and grinding conditions, taking into account the physical and mechanical properties of the workpiece material, the very favourable compressive residual stresses in the hardened surface layer will be retained after grinding.
From Revenue Management Concepts to Software Systems
Authors: Secomandi Nicola , Abbott Kirk , Atan Tankut , Boyd E. Andrew
Published: February 2003

In 1999, after developing and installing over 170 revenue management (RM) systems for more than 70 airlines, PROS Revenue Management, Inc. had the opportunity to develop RM systems for three companies in nonairline industries. PROS research and design department designed the opportunity analysis study (OAS), a mix of OR/MS, consulting, and software development practices to determine the applicability of RM in new business situations. PROS executed OASs with the three companies. In all three cases, the OAS supported the value of RM and led to contracts for implementation of RM systems.
Baseball, Optimization, and the World Wide Web
Authors: Adler Ilan , Erera Alan L. , Hochbaum Dorit S. , Olinick Eli V.
Published: February 2003

The competition for baseball play-off spots—the fabled pennant race—is one of the most closely watched American sports traditions. While play-off race statistics, such as games back and magic number, are informative, they are overly conservative and do not account for the remaining schedule of games. Using optimization techniques, one can model schedule effects explicitly and determine precisely when a team has secured a play-off spot or has been eliminated from contention. The RIOT Baseball Play-off Races Web site developed at the University of California, Berkeley, provides automatic updates of new, optimization-based play-off race statistics each day of the major league baseball season. In developing the site, we found that we could determine the first-place elimination status of all teams in a division using a single linear-programming formulation, since a minimum win threshold for teams finishing in first place applies to all teams in a division. We identified a similar (but weaker) result for the problem of play-off elimination with wildcard teams.
In Search of Strategic Operations Research/Management Science
Authors: Bell Peter C. , Anderson Chris K.
Published: February 2003

We define strategic OR/MS as “OR/MS work that leads to a sustainable competitive advantage.” We found evidence of strategic OR/MS in the literature of strategic information systems (SIS) and OR/MS. We examined 30 early examples of SIS, many of which contained OR/MS work. Many of the most successful had high OR/MS content, while the least successful contained none. The inclusion of OR/MS work may be a key to sustaining an advantage from information technology. We also examined the Edelman Prize finalist articles published between 1990 and 1999. We found that 13 of the 42 private sector applications meet our definition of strategic OR/MS.
Student Consulting Projects Benefit Faculty and Industry
Authors: Grossman Thomas A.
Published: February 2003

Student consulting projects require students to apply OR/MS tools to obtain insight into the activities of firms in the community. These projects benefit faculty by providing clear feedback on the real capabilities of students, a broad connection to local industry, and material for case studies and research. They benefit companies by stimulating new thinking regarding their activities and delivering results they can use. Projects provide insights into the end-user modeling mode of OR/MS practice. Projects support continuous improvement as the lessons gained from a crop of projects enable better teaching during the next course offering, which in turn leads to better projects and further insights into teaching.
Using the Small Business Innovation Research Program to Turn Your Ideas into Products
Authors: Discenza Joseph H.
Published: February 2003

The Small Business Innovation Research Program helps small businesses transform new ideas into commercial products. The program provides an ideal means for businesses and universities to obtaining funding for cooperative projects. Rules and information for the program are readily available, and I will give a few helpful hints to provide guidance.
GOALI: A National Science Foundation University-Industry Liaison Program
Authors: Martin-Vega Louis A. , Seiford Lawrence M. , Senich Donald
Published: February 2003

A major objective of the National Science Foundation (NSF) is to improve the nation's capacity for intellectual and economic growth. It does this by supporting the discovery of new knowledge and the enhancement of a skilled workforce. Both outcomes are supported by the different mechanisms of industry-university linkages available in NSF's GOALI initiative. By addressing long-term, generic research within an intellectual envelope shared by the industrial partner, the intellectual capital of academe and emerging technologies from industry are brought together in ways that increase the value to both partners. Industry can leverage its research investment, and university researchers can gain access to new technical challenges.
Mount Sinai Hospital Uses Integer Programming to Allocate Operating Room Time
Authors: Blake John T. , Donald Joan
Published: February 2003

An integer-programming model and a post-solution heuristic allocates operating room time to the five surgical divisions at Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital. The hospital has used this approach for several years and credits it with both administrative savings and the ability to produce quickly an equitable master surgical schedule.
How Should Team Captains Order Golfers on the Final Day of the Ryder Cup Matches?
Authors: Hurley W. J.
Published: February 2003

I used game theory to examine how team captains should select their slates for the final day of the Ryder Cup matches. Under the assumption that golfers have different abilities and are not influenced by pressure or momentum, I found that drawing names from a hat will do no worse than any other strategy.
High-Grade Diagenetic Dickite and 2M1Illite From the Middle Proterozoic Kombolgie Formation (Northern Territory, Australia)
Authors: Patrier Patricia , Beaufort Daniel , Laverret Emmanuel , Bruneton Patrice
Published: February 2003

The aim of this paper was to define the nature and the relative chronology of the diagenetic clay bearing assemblages within sandstones of the Middle Proterozoic Kombolgie formation (Northern Territory, Australia). The detrital minerals of these rocks comprise quartz, accessory zircon, tourmaline, rutile and rare phengitic white micas. Diagenetic features consist of pore-sealing secondary quartz overgrowths, strong compaction shown by interlocked structures and stylolith joints, local hematization and the occurrence of two distinct clay parageneses. Blocky crystals of dickite constitute the earlier diagenetic clays. Their FTIR spectra and their DTA curves, with a sharp dehydroxylation endothermic peak near 680°C, are characteristic of the well-ordered dickite already encountered in many deeply-buried sandstones. Quartz overgrowth may be contemporaneous with the crystallization of dickite. Illite occurred during a subsequent stage as grain coatings and as pseudomorphs of dickite in the residual pores of the sandstones. Illite seems to be contemporaneous with the major deformation features associated with compaction phenomena at the maximal burial conditions experienced by the sandstone formation. These illites are essentially of 2M1polytype. They display pseudohexagonal platy crystals with average diameters ranging from 2 to 10 µm. Their chemical composition is Al-rich (Ca0.01Na0.02K1.72) ( )(Si6.27IVAl1.73)O20(OH)4. These Proterozoic rocks provide a natural reference for the illite end-member occurring as a replacement of kaolin subgroup minerals during burial diagenesis of sandstones The textural properties of the Kombolgie sandstones (absence of fracture network, low porosity, well-developed macroscopic stylolith joints…) and the crystal structure of both the diagenetic dickite and illite would tend to indicate that the Kombolgie sandstones were buried at a depth exceeding 5 km.
Juvenile firesetters: Crime scene actions and offender characteristics
Authors: Santtila Pekka , Häkkänen Helinä , Alison Laurence , Whyte Carrie
Published: February 2003

Purpose. To investigate whether and to what extent the thematic structure of crime scene actions in arsons identified in Canter and Fritzon (1998) is replicated for juvenile firesetters and to explore whether any associations between the crime scene action themes and offender characteristics would be evident.

Methods. The crime scene actions and offender characteristics of 61 male and 5 female juvenile firesetters (aged 6‐17 years) were examined. The data were drawn from a larger database originally collected and content analysed in Fritzon (1998). In total, 43 dichotomous crime scene actions, 17 offender background characteristics and offender criminal record variables had been coded. Smallest space analysis was employed to examine the configuration of crime scene action and offender characteristic variables. The associations between the crime scene actions and offender characteristics, as well as the criminal record variables, were analysed using the correlation.

Results. Distinct structural themes for crime scene actions were found in juvenile firesetting, similar to those identified in Canter and Fritzon (1998). Contrary to Canter and Fritzon, only two groups of background characteristics were identified, depressed and delinquent, the latter being more common and related to an instrumental form of firesetting. The expressive form of firesetting was associated with offenders' psychopathology and female gender. The presence of a crime scene action theme was associated with the offender's age.

Conclusions. The structural themes of firesetting behaviour appear to transpire early. The background characteristics of juvenile firesetters indicate that juvenile firesetting is often associated with antisocial behaviour and psychopathology, deserving, therefore, disparate prevention, intervention and investigation programmes.
Accreditation of offending behaviour programmes in HM Prison Service: ‘What Works’ in practice
Authors: Blud Linda , Travers Rosie , Nugent Francis , Thornton David
Published: February 2003

Purpose. This study assessed the short‐term impact of offending behaviour programmes in relation to certain key features of programme delivery identified by an accreditation system. The aim was to further inform the debate on ‘What Works’ in practice by establishing whether well‐delivered programmes are more effective.

Method. The sample consisted of 5,255 offenders serving custodial sentences in prisons across England and Wales who completed one of two accredited cognitive skills programmes during the financial year 2001/2002. The relationship between a battery of assessment measures, tutor experience, drop‐out rates, audit observations and the quality of programme delivery was explored.

Results. A positive short‐term impact was observed on the majority of assessment measures across both programmes. Patterns of change were broadly similar across gender, age, and ethnic groupings. This short‐term impact of the programmes was significantly greater for a group of high‐need prisoners and at those sites where tutors were delivering more frequently. Tutor delivery rates were also found to be related to drop‐out rates and the quality of programme delivery. Attempts to establish a relationship between ratings of tutor performance from video‐monitoring and the short‐term impact of the course were unsuccessful. However, at the programme site level, positive correlations were observed between the quality of delivery and other measures of the site's performance.

Conclusion. This study shows that programmes do have a short‐term impact and that this is greater for higher‐need prisoners and at sites where tutors were delivering more frequently. Furthermore, the accreditation system has highlighted key aspects of programme delivery which do appear to influence the short‐term effectiveness of the programmes.
Cognitive‐behavioural treatment for imprisoned offenders: An evaluation of HM Prison Service's cognitive skills programmes
Authors: Friendship Caroline , Blud Linda , Erikson Matthew , Travers Rosie , Thornton David
Published: February 2003

Purpose. The effectiveness of prison‐based cognitive‐behavioural treatment programmes was evaluated using reconviction as the outcome measure.

Method. Reconviction rates were compared between two groups of adult male offenders who were serving a custodial sentence of 2 years or more in Her Majesty's Prison Service, England and Wales. The treatment group (N =667) consisted of offenders who had voluntarily participated in one of two treatment programmes that targeted 'cognitive deficits' related to offending behaviour. The comparison group (N =1,801) was made up of offenders who had not participated in the treatment programme but were “matched” to the treatment group on a number of empirically relevant variables.

Results. Treatment produced a robust reduction in the probability of reconviction (p < .001) when other relevant variables were controlled for. For treated offenders, the percentage point reduction in reconviction was 14% in medium‐lowrisk offenders and 11% in medium‐high‐risk offenders.

Conclusion. These outcome results demonstrate that the principles of effective practice in the field of offender rehabilitation, which were identified through meta‐analytical research predominately in North America, can be applied to a UK offender population to similar effect.
Notes on African Pannariaceae (lichenized ascomycetes)
Authors: Jørgensen Per M.
Published: February 2003

The African continent is shown to contain only 38 species in the lichen family Pannariaceae, all of which are listed in the conclusion. Four new species are described: Pannaria planiuscula (Republic of South Africa [RSA] and Kenya), Pannaria squamulosa (RSA), Parmeliella dactylifera (RSA), and Parmeliella triptophylloides (Kenya). Four species are recorded as new to the continent: Pannaria centrifuga P.M. Jørg. (RSA), Pannaria ramosii Vain. (Tanzania), Parmeliella imbricatula (Müll. Arg.) P. M. Jørg. (RSA), and Psoroma fruticulosum James & Henssen (RSA). The following taxa described from Africa prove to be synonyms: Pannaria cameroonensis Dodge (=Parmeliella stylophora), Pannaria capensis Stirt. (= P. lurida), Pannaria leucosticta var. isidiopsis Nyl. (= P. globigera), Pannaria pityrella Stirt. (= Coccocarpia stellata), and Pannaria thoroldii Dodge (= Parmeliella mariana). Three species have been incorrectly recorded from Africa: Pannaria fulvescens, Parmeliella nigrocincra and Parmeliella triptophylla.
Small-scale spatial patterns of two soil lichens in semi-arid Mediterranean steppe
Authors: Maestre Fernando T.
Published: February 2003

Biological crusts are a common feature of the soil surface in arid and semi-arid ecosystems, where they play a major role in ecosystem functioning. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the ecophysiology, floristics, and dynamics of crust-forming lichens but little is known about the effect of vascular plants on their small-scale spatial distribution. To increase our understanding about the interactions between crust-forming lichens and vegetation in semi-arid areas, the spatial pattern and interaction of two soil lichens, Cladonia convoluta and Squamarina cartilaginea, at two microsites in semi-arid Stipa tenacissima steppe of south-eastern Spain are evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine if the microsite provided by Stipa tussocks promoted changes in the individual patterns and in the spatial covariation of these soil lichens. Spatial analysis by distance index (SADIE) coupled with correlation analysis was used to explore the individual patterns and the spatial relationships between the two species. SADIE detected a significant clumped pattern in the spatial distribution of both species, but Stipa tussocks promoted changes only in the spatial pattern of Cladonia. Correlation analysis revealed the presence of significant relationships between the two species, particularly close to Stipa tussocks. The results show that the microenvironment provided by Stipa is able to modify the small-scale spatial pattern of soil lichens in semi-arid steppe, and suggest the presence of facilitation between Stipa and Cladonia.
New species and new records of Parmotrema (Parmeliaceae) from India
Authors: Divakar P. K. , Upreti D. K.
Published: February 2003

The paper deals with six species of Parmotrema from India. Parmotrema awasthii Divakar & Upreti and Parmotrema upretii Divakar are described as new to science. Parmotrema defectum (Hale) Hale, P. ravum (Krog & Swinscow) Sérus., P. stuhlmannii (C.W. Dodge) Krog & Swinscow and P. tsavoense (Krog & Swinscow) Krog & Swinscow, are new records for the Indian lichen flora.
Molecular phylogeny of Diploschistes inferred from ITS sequence data
Authors: Martín María P. , LaGreca Scott , Lumbsch H. Thorsten
Published: February 2003

The phylogeny of the genus Diploschistes was investigated using nucleotide sequences of the nuclear ITS rDNA region (ITS1, ITS2 and 5.8S rDNA). Sequences of 22 Diploschistes species were aligned to those of six other species of Thelotremataceae, Graphis scripta and Aspicilia cinerea, with the last used as an outgroup. The alignment was analysed cladistically using maximum parsimony. In the most parsimonious trees, Diploschistes is monophyletic, with D. ocellatus being a sister group to the remaining Diploschistes spp. (= Diploschistes s. str.). A previous cladistic analysis of morphological data suggested an evolutionary trend within the genus from perithecioid to urceolate ascomata. The present ITS data suggest the opposite: perithecioid ascomata are apparently an apomorphic character within the genus, with the actinostomus group forming a derived monophyletic clade. However, the topology within Diploschistes s. str. Lacks strong bootstrap support.
Interaction of NF‐Y with the 3′‐flanking DNA sequence of the CCAAT box
Authors: Sugiura Naoaki , Takishima Kunio
Published: February 2003

NF‐Y, also referred to as CCAAT‐binding factor, is a major CCAAT‐binding transcription factor. The present study demonstrated that the 3′‐flanking region of the CCAAT box is involved in the formation of a stable NF‐Y·DNA complex. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that the interaction of NF‐Y with DNA 15 bp downstream of the CCAAT box alters not only the affinity of NF‐Y for its binding site but also the electrophoretic mobility of the NF‐Y·DNA complex. This interaction is accompanied by a conformational change of NF‐Y as demonstrated by a change in the reactivity of an anti‐NF‐YA antibody to the NF‐Y·DNA complex.
Immunohistochemical and biochemical analyses of GD3, GT1b, and GQ1b gangliosides during neural differentiation of P19 EC cells1
Authors: Osanai Taka , Kotani Masaharu , Yuen Chun-Ting , Kato Hiroko , Sanai Yutaka , Takeda Shigeki
Published: February 2003

In an earlier study, we showed that expressions of GD3, GT1b, and GQ1b gangliosides in P19 embryonic carcinoma (EC) cells were enhanced during their neural differentiation induced by retinoic acid. We now further demonstrated that this increase of the b‐series gangliosides is due to an increase in their corresponding synthases (sialyltransferase‐II, ‐IV, and ‐V) in the Golgi. Of the three gangliosides studied, GQ1b appeared to be the best candidate for monitoring such differentiation process. We also used fluorescence‐labeled monoclonal antibodies and confocal fluorescence microscopy to obtain direct visual information about the relationship of gangliosides and neural specific proteins in neuron development. Again, GQ1b is the most interesting as it localizes with synaptophysin and neural cell adhesion molecules (NCAMs) on synaptic boutons or dendritic spines in RA‐induced neurons (R/N). This suggests that GQ1b could be used as a marker for synapse formation during construction of the neural network.
Arfaptin 1 inhibits ADP‐ribosylation factor‐dependent matrix metalloproteinase‐9 secretion induced by phorbol ester in HT 1080 fibrosarcoma cells
Authors: Ho Wan-Ting , Exton John H. , Williger Ben-Tsion
Published: February 2003

Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) is a collagenolytic enzyme secreted by cancer cells and involved in invasiveness and metastasis. Its secretion from human fibrosarcoma HT 1080 cells is markedly enhanced by phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) and abolished by brefeldin A, an inhibitor of ADP‐ribosylation factor (ARF) activation. These results support a role for ARF in PMA‐stimulated MMP‐9 secretion. Overexpression of arfaptin 1, a 39 kDa ARF‐binding protein that inhibits in vitro activation of cholera toxin ADP‐ribosyltransferase and phospholipase D (PLD) by ARF, inhibited PMA‐stimulated MMP‐9 and PLD activation. These data are in agreement with previous results demonstrating a significant role for PLD in regulating MMP‐9 secretion.
Inhibition of the plant cytokinin transduction pathway by bacterial histidine kinase inhibitors in Catharanthus roseus cell cultures
Authors: Papon Nicolas , Clastre Marc , Gantet Pascal , Rideau Marc , Chénieux Jean-Claude , Crèche Joël
Published: February 2003

We describe the isolation of two Catharanthus roseus cDNAs encoding proteins putatively involved in the final steps of a ‘histidine‐to‐aspartate’ phosphorelay in cytokinin (CK) signaling. The expression of one of these genes, CrRR1, was specifically up‐regulated by CKs in C. roseus cell suspensions. We used this system as a biological model to test the activity of bacterial histidine kinase inhibitors. Our data demonstrate that these inhibitors are active on the CK transduction pathway and represent powerful chemical tools to study hormone signal transduction in plants. Moreover, these data suggest a strong conservation of functional features between prokaryotic and plant signaling pathways utilizing histidine kinases.