bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Algorithms for distributed functional monitoring
Authors: Cormode Graham , Muthukrishnan S. , Yi Ke
Published: March 2011

Consider the following problem: We have
k
players each receiving a stream of items, and communicating with a central coordinator. Let the multiset of items received by player
i
up until time
t
be
A

i

(
t
). The coordinator's task is to monitor a given function
f
computed over the union of the inputs ∪

i

A

i

(
t
),
continuously
at all times
t
. The goal is to minimize the number of bits communicated between the players and the coordinator. Of interest is the approximate version where the coordinator outputs 1 if
f
≥ τ and 0 if
f
≤ (1−ϵ)τ. This defines the (
k
,
f
,τ,ϵ)
distributed functional monitoring
problem. Functional monitoring problems are fundamental in distributed systems, in particular sensor networks, where we must minimize communication; they also connect to the well-studied streaming model and communication complexity. Yet few formal bounds are known for functional monitoring.

We give upper and lower bounds for the (
k
,
f
,τ,ϵ) problem for some of the basic
f
's. In particular, we study the frequency moments
F

p

for
p
=0,1,2. For
F
0
and
F
1
, we obtain monitoring algorithms with cost almost the same as algorithms that compute the function for a single instance of time. However, for
F
2
the monitoring problem seems to be much harder than computing the function for a single time instance. We give a carefully constructed multiround algorithm that uses “sketch summaries” at multiple levels of details and solves the (
k
,
F
2
,τ,ϵ) problem with communication
Õ
(
k
2
/ϵ +
k
3/2
/ϵ
3
). Our algorithmic techniques are likely to be useful for other functional monitoring problems as well.
Sum edge coloring of multigraphs via configuration LP
Authors: Halldórsson Magnús M. , Kortsarz Guy , Sviridenko Maxim
Published: March 2011

We consider the scheduling of biprocessor jobs under sum objective (BPSMSM). Given a collection of unit-length jobs where each job requires the use of two processors, find a schedule such that no two jobs involving the same processor run concurrently. The objective is to minimize the sum of the completion times of the jobs. Equivalently, we would like to find a sum edge coloring of a given multigraph, that is, a partition of its edge set into matchings
M
1
,…,
M

t

minimizing Σ

i
=1

t

i
|
M

i

|.

This problem is APX-hard, even in the case of bipartite graphs [Marx 2009]. This special case is closely related to the classic open shop scheduling problem. We give a 1.8298-approximation algorithm for BPSMSM improving the previously best ratio known of 2 [Bar-Noy et al. 1998]. The algorithm combines a configuration LP with greedy methods, using nonstandard randomized rounding on the LP fractions. We also give an efficient combinatorial 1.8886-approximation algorithm for the case of simple graphs, which gives an improved 1.79568 +
O
(log d¯/d¯)-approximation in graphs of large average degree d¯.
Finding witnesses by peeling
Authors: Aumann Yonatan , Lewenstein Moshe , Lewenstein Noa , Tsur Dekel
Published: March 2011

In the
k
-matches problem, we are given a pattern and a text, and for each text location, the desired output consists of all aligned matching characters if there are
k
or fewer of them, and any
k
aligned matching characters if there are more than
k
of them. This problem is one of several string matching problems that seek not only to find where the pattern matches the text under different “match” definitions, but also to provide
witnesses
to the match. Other such problems include
k
-aligned ones,
k
-witnesses, and
k
-mismatches. In addition, the solutions to several other string matching problems rely on the efficient solutions of the witness finding problems.

In this article we provide a general method for solving such witness finding problems efficiently. We do so by casting the problem as a generalization of group testing, which we then solve by a process we call
peeling
. Using this general framework we obtain improved results for all of the problems mentioned. We also show that our method also solves a couple of problems outside the pattern matching domain.
Computing the inverse sort transform in linear time
Authors: Nong Ge , Zhang Sen , Chan Wai Hong
Published: March 2011

The Sort Transform (ST) can significantly speed up the block sorting phase of the Burrows-Wheeler Transform (BWT) by sorting the limited order contexts. However, the best result obtained so far for the inverse ST has a time complexity
O
(
N
log
k
) and a space complexity
O
(
N
), where
N
and
k
are the text size and the context order of the transform, respectively. In this article, we present a novel algorithm that can compute the inverse ST for any
k
-order contexts in an
O
(
N
) time and space complexity, a linear result independent of
k
. The main idea behind the design of this linear algorithm is a set of cycle properties of
k
-order contexts that we explore for this work. These newly discovered cycle properties allow us to quickly compute the Longest Common Prefix (LCP) between any pair of adjacent
k
-order contexts that may belong to two different cycles, which eventually leads to the proposed linear-time solution.
Secretome Analysis of Skeletal Myogenesis Using SILAC and Shotgun Proteomics
Authors: Chan C. Y. X'avia , McDermott John C. , Siu K. W. Michael
Published: March 2011

Myogenesis, the formation of skeletal muscle, is a multistep event that commences with myoblast proliferation, followed by cell-cycle arrest, and finally the formation of multinucleated myotubes via fusion of mononucleated myoblasts. Each step is orchestrated by well-documented intracellular factors, such as cytoplasmic signalling molecules and nuclear transcription factors. Regardless, the key step in getting a more comprehensive understanding of the regulation of myogenesis is to explore the extracellular factors that are capable of eliciting the downstream intracellular factors. This could further provide valuable insight into the acute cellular response to extrinsic cues in maintaining normal muscle development. In this paper, we survey the intracellular factors that respond to extracellular cues that are responsible for the cascades of events during myogenesis: myoblast proliferation, cell-cycle arrest of myoblasts, and differentiation of myoblasts into myotubes. This focus on extracellular perspective of muscle development illustrates our mass spectrometry-based proteomic approaches to identify differentially expressed secreted factors during skeletal myogenesis.
PyEEG: An Open Source Python Module for EEG/MEG Feature Extraction
Authors: Bao Forrest Sheng , Liu Xin , Zhang Christina
Published: March 2011

Computer-aided diagnosis of neural diseases from EEG signals (or other physiological signals that can be treated as time series, e.g., MEG) is an emerging field that has gained much attention in past years. Extracting features is a key component in the analysis of EEG signals. In our previous works, we have implemented many EEG feature extraction functions in the Python programming language. As Python is gaining more ground in scientific computing, an open source Python module for extracting EEG features has the potential to save much time for computational neuroscientists. In this paper, we introduce PyEEG, an open source Python module for EEG feature extraction.
Time in Privacy Preserving LBSs: An Overlooked Dimension
Authors: Marconi Luciana , Di Pietro Roberto , Crispo Bruno , Conti Mauro
Published: March 2011

A new privacy model for Location-Based Services (LBSs) has been recently proposed based on users' footprints-these being a repre-sentation of the amount of time a user spends in a given area. Unfortunately, while the model is claimed to be independent from the specific knowledge of the adversary about users' footprints, we argue that an adversary, that has a more structured knowledge over time, can pose a threat to the privacy guarantees of the model. The major contribution of this paper is to show that time is a relevant dimension that needs to be taken into consideration when investigating LBSs privacy issues. In particular, we show that applying our considerations, user privacy can be violated. We support our claim with analysis and a concrete example. Furthermore, by analyzing a real data set of vehicular traces, we show that the threat is actually present in a real scenario and that its effect on jeopardizing user privacy is relevant.
Primary Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenocarcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Efstathiou Andreas , Asteriou Christos , Barbetakis Nikolaos , Miliaras Dimosthenis , Kleontas Athanassios , Karvelas Christos , Lalountas Miltiadis
Published: March 2011

Primary pulmonary mucinous cystadenocarcinoma (PMCAC) is an extremely rare cystic neoplasm. A case of a 56-year-old male with a cystic lesion of the right lower lobe is described. Preoperative fine needle aspiration cytology and bronchoscopy were inconclusive. The patient underwent a formal right lower lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection. Diagnosis was established intraoperatively. The biological behavior of primary PMCAC is unknown. Therefore, careful long-term follow-up is considered necessary because of lack of experience globally.
A Theoretical Basis for the Scaling Law of Broadband Shock Noise Intensity in Supersonic Jets
Authors: Kandula Max
Published: March 2011

A theoretical basis for the scaling of broadband shock noise intensity in supersonic jets was formulated considering linear shock‐shear wave interaction. Modeling of broadband shock noise with the aid of shock‐turbulence interaction with special reference to linear theories is briefly reviewed. A hypothesis has been postulated that the peak angle of incidence (closer to the critical angle) for the shear wave primarily governs the generation of sound in the interaction process with the noise generation contribution from off‐peak incident angles being relatively unimportant. The proposed hypothesis satisfactorily explains the well‐known scaling law for the broadband shock‐associated noise in supersonic jets.
Temporal Response of MSM-LED Optical Integrated Device
Authors: Eladl Sh. M. , Ashour M. A.
Published: March 2011

The temporal response of an optical integrated device is theoretically analysed. The device is composed of a Metal-Semiconductor-Metal (MSM) Photodetector and a Light Emitting Diode (LED). The analysis is based on the frequency response of the constituent devices without any optical feedback within the device structure. All expressions describing the frequency response, time response, output derivatives, and rise time are outlined. The results show that the temporal response of MSM detectors is similar to the LED response if the cutoff frequency of the LED is lower than that of MSM, while it is similar to MSM detector if the cutoff frequency of the MSM is lower than that of LED.
The General Hybrid Approximation Methods for Nonexpansive Mappings in Banach Spaces
Authors: Wangkeeree Rabian
Published: March 2011

We introduce two general hybrid iterative approximation methods (one implicit and one explicit)
for finding a fixed point of a nonexpansive mapping which solving the variational inequality generated by two strongly
positive bounded linear operators. Strong convergence theorems of the proposed iterative methods are obtained in a
reflexive Banach space which admits a weakly continuous duality mapping. The results presented in this paper improve
and extend the corresponding results announced by Marino and Xu (2006), Wangkeeree et al. (in press), and Ceng et al. (2009).
Role for Stromal Heterogeneity in Prostate Tumorigenesis
Authors: Kiskowski Maria A. , Jackson Roger S. , Banerjee Jheelam , Li Xiaohong , Kang Minchul , Iturregui Juan M. , Franco Omar E. , Hayward Simon W. , Bhowmick Neil A.
Published: March 2011

Prostate cancer develops through a stochastic mechanism whereby precancerous lesions on occasion progress to multifocal adenocarcinoma. Analysis of human benign and cancer prostate tissues revealed heterogeneous loss of TGF-β signaling in the cancer-associated stromal fibroblastic cell compartment. To test the hypothesis that prostate cancer progression is dependent on the heterogeneous TGF-β responsive microenvironment, a tissue recombination experiment was designed in which the ratio of TGF-β responsive and nonresponsive stromal cells was varied. Although 100% TGF-β responsive stromal cells supported benign prostate growth and 100% TGF-β nonresponsive stromal cells resulted in precancerous lesions, only the mixture of TGF-β responsive and nonresponsive stromal cells resulted in adenocarcinoma. A computational model was used to resolve a mechanism of tumorigenic progression in which proliferation and invasion occur in two independent steps mediated by distinct stromally derived paracrine signals produced by TGF-β nonresponsive and responsive stromal cells. Complex spatial relationships of stromal and epithelial cells were incorporated into the model on the basis of experimental data. Informed by incorporation of experimentally derived spatial parameters for complex stromal–epithelial relationships, the computational model indicated ranges for the relative production of paracrine factors by each cell type and provided bounds for the diffusive range of the molecules. Because SDF-1 satisfied model predictions for an invasion-promoting paracrine factor, a more focused computational model was subsequently used to investigate whether SDF-1 was the invasion signal. Simulations replicating SDF-1 expression data revealed the requirement for cooperative SDF-1 expression, a prediction supported biologically by heterotypic stromal interleukin-1β signaling between fibroblastic cell populations. The cancer stromal field effect supports a functional role for the unaltered fibroblasts as a cooperative mediator of cancer progression. Cancer Res; 71(10); 3459–70. ©2011 AACR.
STAT3 Mediates Resistance to MEK Inhibitor through MicroRNA miR-17
Authors: Dai Bingbing , Meng Jieru , Peyton Michael , Girard Luc , Bornmann William G. , Ji Lin , Minna John D. , Fang Bingliang , Roth Jack A.
Published: March 2011

AZD6244 is a small molecule inhibitor of the MEK (MAP/ERK kinase) pathway currently in clinical trials. However, the mechanisms mediating intrinsic resistance to MEK inhibition are not fully characterized. To define molecular mechanisms of MEK inhibitor resistance, we analyzed responses of 38 lung cancer cell lines following AZD6244 treatment and their genome-wide gene expression profiles and identified a panel of genes correlated with sensitivity or resistance to AZD6244 treatment. In particular, ingenuity pathway analysis revealed that activation of the STAT3 pathway was associated with MEK inhibitor resistance. Inhibition of this pathway by JSI-124, a STAT3-specific small molecule inhibitor, or with STAT3-specific siRNA sensitized lung cancer cells to AZD6244 and induced apoptosis. Moreover, combining a STAT3 inhibitor with AZD6244 induced expression of BIM and PARP cleavage, whereas activation of the STAT3 pathway inhibited BIM expression and elicited resistance to MEK inhibitors. We found that the STAT3-regulated microRNA miR-17 played a critical role in MEK inhibitor resistance, such that miR-17 inhibition sensitized resistant cells to AZD6244 by inducing BIM and PARP cleavage. Together, these results indicated that STAT3-mediated overexpression of miR-17 blocked BIM expression and caused resistance to AZD6244. Our findings suggest novel approaches to overcome resistance to MEK inhibitors by combining AZD6244 with STAT3 or miR-17 inhibitors. Cancer Res; 71(10); 3658–68. ©2011 AACR.
Differential Expression of S6K2 Dictates Tissue-Specific Requirement for S6K1 in Mediating Aberrant mTORC1 Signaling and Tumorigenesis
Authors: Nardella Caterina , Lunardi Andrea , Fedele Giuseppe , Clohessy John G. , Alimonti Andrea , Kozma Sara C. , Thomas George , Loda Massimo , Pandolfi Pier Paolo
Published: March 2011

The S6K1 and S6K2 kinases are considered important mTOR signaling effectors, yet their contribution to tumorigenesis remains unclear. Aberrant mTOR activation is a frequent event in cancer that commonly results from heterozygous loss of PTEN. Here, we show for the first time a differential protein expression between S6K1 and S6K2 in both mouse and human tissues. Additionally, the inactivation of S6k1 in the context of Pten heterozygosity (Pten+/−) suggests a differential requirement for this protein across multiple tissues. This tissue specificity appears to be governed by the relative protein expression of S6k2. Accordingly, we find that deletion of S6k1 markedly impairs Pten+/− mediated adrenal tumorigenesis, specifically due to low expression of S6k2. Concomitant observation of low S6K2 levels in the human adrenal gland supports the development of S6K1 inhibitors for treatment of PTEN loss–driven pheochromocytoma. Cancer Res; 71(10); 3669–75. ©2011 AACR.
Tumor-Evoked Regulatory B Cells Promote Breast Cancer Metastasis by Converting Resting CD4+ T Cells to T-Regulatory Cells
Authors: Olkhanud Purevdorj B. , Damdinsuren Bazarragchaa , Bodogai Monica , Gress Ronald E. , Sen Ranjan , Wejksza Katarzyna , Malchinkhuu Enkhzol , Wersto Robert P. , Biragyn Arya
Published: March 2011

Pulmonary metastasis of breast cancer requires recruitment and expansion of T-regulatory cells (Treg) that promote escape from host protective immune cells. However, it remains unclear precisely how tumors recruit Tregs to support metastatic growth. Here we report the mechanistic involvement of a unique and previously undescribed subset of regulatory B cells. These cells, designated tumor-evoked Bregs (tBreg), phenotypically resemble activated but poorly proliferative mature B2 cells (CD19+ CD25High CD69High) that express constitutively active Stat3 and B7-H1High CD81High CD86High CD62LLow IgMInt. Our studies with the mouse 4T1 model of breast cancer indicate that the primary role of tBregs in lung metastases is to induce TGF-β–dependent conversion of FoxP3+ Tregs from resting CD4+ T cells. In the absence of tBregs, 4T1 tumors cannot metastasize into the lungs efficiently due to poor Treg conversion. Our findings have important clinical implications, as they suggest that tBregs must be controlled to interrupt the initiation of a key cancer-induced immunosuppressive event that is critical to support cancer metastasis. Cancer Res; 71(10); 3505–15. ©2011 AACR.
Following Cytochrome c Release, Autophagy Is Inhibited during Chemotherapy-Induced Apoptosis by Caspase 8–Mediated Cleavage of Beclin 1
Authors: Li Hua , Wang Peng , Sun Quanhong , Ding Wen-Xing , Yin Xiao-Ming , Sobol Robert W. , Stolz Donna B. , Yu Jian , Zhang Lin
Published: March 2011

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved stress response mechanism that often occurs in apoptosis-defective cancer cells and can protect against cell death. In this study, we investigated how apoptosis and autophagy affect each other in cancer cells in response to chemotherapeutic treatment. We found that specific ablation of the proapoptotic function of cytochrome c, a key regulator of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, enhanced autophagy following chemotherapeutic treatment. Induction of autophagy required Beclin 1 and was associated with blockage of Beclin 1 cleavage by caspase 8 at two sites. To investigate the role of Beclin 1 cleavage in the suppression of autophagy and cell survival, a caspase-resistant mutant of Beclin 1 was knocked into HCT116 colon cancer cells. Beclin 1 mutant knockin resulted in markedly increased autophagy and improved long-term cell survival after chemotherapeutic treatment but without affecting apoptosis and caspase activation. Furthermore, Beclin 1 mutant tumors were significantly less responsive to chemotherapeutic treatment than were wild-type tumors. These results show that chemotherapy-induced apoptosis inhibits autophagy at the execution stage subsequent to cytochrome c release through caspase 8–mediated cleavage of Beclin 1. If apoptosis fails to execute, autophagy is unleashed due to lack of Beclin 1 cleavage by caspases and can contribute to cancer cell survival and therapeutic resistance. Therefore, Beclin 1 may be a useful target for inhibiting autophagy to sensitize chemotherapy. Cancer Res; 71(10); 3625–34. ©2011 AACR.
Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor-Based Blockade: Applications of Molecular Targets for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Wu Chih-Hsiung , Lee Chia-Hwa , Ho Yuan-Soon
Published: March 2011

The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) was first characterized in 1970 as a membrane receptor of a neurotransmitter and an ion channel. nAChRs have been shown to be involved in smoking-induced cancer formation in multiple types of human cancer cells. In vitro and in vivo animal studies have shown that homopentameric nAChR inhibitors, such as methyllycaconitine and α-Bgtx, can attenuate nicotine-induced proliferative, angiogenic, and metastatic effects in lung, colon, and bladder cancer cells. Recent publications have shown that α9-nAChR is important for breast cancer formation, and in many in vivo studies, α9-nAChR–specific antagonists (e.g., α-ImI, α-ImI, Vc1.1, RgIA, and It14a) produced an analgesic effect. Vc1.1 functions in a variety of animal pain models and currently has entered phase II clinical trials. For cancer therapy, natural compounds such as garcinol and EGCG have been found to block nicotine- and estrogen-induced breast cancer cell proliferation through inhibition of the α9-nAChR signaling pathway. A detailed investigation of the carcinogenic effects of nAChRs and their specific antagonists would enhance our understanding of their value as targets for clinical translation. Clin Cancer Res; 17(11); 3533–41. ©2011 AACR.
Tissue Biomarkers for Prognosis in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Jamieson Nigel B. , Carter C. Ross , McKay Colin J. , Oien Karin A.
Published: March 2011

Purpose: The management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) continues to present a great challenge particularly with regard to prediction of outcome following pancreaticoduodenectomy. Molecular markers have been extensively investigated by numerous groups with the aim of enhancing prognostication; however, despite hundreds of studies that have sought to assess the potential prognostic value of molecular markers in predicting the clinical course following resection of PDAC, at this time, no molecular marker assay forms part of recommended clinical practice.

Experimental Design: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the published literature for immunohistochemistry-based biomarkers of PDAC outcome. A dual search strategy was applied to the PubMed database on January 6, 2010, to identify cohort studies that reported associations between immunohistochemical biomarker expression and survival outcomes in PDAC, and conformed to the REMARK (REporting recommendations for tumor MARKer prognostic studies) criteria.

Results: A total of 103 distinct proteins met all inclusion criteria. Promising markers that emerged for the prediction of overall survival included BAX (HR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.71–0.56), Bcl-2 (HR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.27–0.63), survivin (HR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.29–0.73), Ki-67: (HR = 2.42, 95% CI: 1.87–3.14), COX-2 (HR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.13–1.71), E-cadherin (HR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.33–2.42), and S100 calcium-binding proteins, in particular S100A2 (HR = 3.23, 95% CI: 1.58–6.62).

Conclusions: We noted that that there was incomplete adherence to the REMARK guidelines with inadequate methodology reporting as well as failure to perform multivariate analysis. Addressing the persistent incomplete adoption of these criteria may eventually result in the incorporation of molecular marker assessment within PDAC management algorithms. Clin Cancer Res; 17(10); 3316–31. ©2011 AACR.
Diabetic Retinopathy Is Associated with Decreased Tyrosine Nitrosylation of Vitreous Interleukins IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-7
Authors: Reverter Jordi L. , Nadal Jeroni , Ballester Joan , Ramió-Lluch Laura , Rivera M. Montserrat , Fernández-Novell Josep M. , Elizalde Javier , Abengoechea Santiago , Rodriguez Joan-Enrique
Published: March 2011

Objective: To simultaneously evaluate tyrosine nitrosylation and phosphorylation levels of vitreous interleukins of patients with diabetic retinopathy, in which abnormal tyrosine phosphorylation has been previously described. Research Design and Methods: Specific immunoprecipitation of interleukins IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2 and IL-7 was carried out in samples obtained during vitrectomy performed for proliferative diabetic retinopathy in patients (n = 12) and for macular hole in controls (n = 12). Tyrosine nitrosylation and phosphorylation levels of the immunoprecipitated interleukins were analysed by Western blot with the respective specific antibodies and correlated. The results were also correlated with the total amount of immunoprecipitated interleukin protein. The mean phosphorylation/nitrosylation ratios of these proteins in vitreous humour of both the control group and diabetic patients were determined. Results: Diabetes was associated with decreased tyrosine nitrosylation of IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-7 and an increased tyrosine phosphorylation/nitrosylation ratio with respect to controls in IL-1α (1.58 ± 0.22 vs. 2.74 ± 0.39, respectively; p < 0.05) and IL-7 (2.15 ± 0.01 vs. 3.26 ± 0.57, respectively; p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in nitrotyrosine or in the tyrosine phosphorylation/nitrosylation ratio of IL-2. Conclusions:Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is associated with concomitant and simultaneous changes in both tyrosine phosphorylation and tyrosine nitrosylation status of specific pro-inflammatory interleukins present in the vitreous fluid such as IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-7. These changes could be related to the increase in pro-inflammatory activity detected in diabetes-induced retinopathy.
Treatment Outcomes of an Integrated Residential Programme for Patients with Schizophrenia and Substance Use Disorder
Authors: Morrens Manuel , Dewilde Bieke , Sabbe Bernard , Dom Geert , De Cuyper Raoul , Moggi Franz
Published: March 2011

Background: About half of all schizophrenic patients have a co-occurring substance use disorder, leading to poorer social and functional outcomes than obtained in non-abusing patients. To improve outcomes, integrated treatments have been designed that address the two conditions simultaneously. Results are, however, conflicting because the available effect studies are hampered by various methodological issues, among which are heterogeneous patient samples. Methods: In this comparative study, two well-described patient samples diagnosed with schizophrenia and co-morbid substance abuse disorders either received an integrated treatment (IDDT) or treatment as usual (TAU). Results: Patients in the IDDT condition showed significant reductions in illicit drug and alcohol use, improvements on all psychiatric symptom domains, reported higher quality of life and improved on social and community functioning. In contrast, patients’ improvements in the TAU group were moderate and limited to a few substance use and psychiatric outcomes. The TAU group had significantly higher dropout rates 6 and 12 months after baseline, suggesting that the IDDT programme was more successful in committing patients. Conclusions: Our results suggest that an integrated approach to schizophrenic patients and co-morbid substance use disorders is superior to standard treatment and may be considered as the treatment of choice for this patient group.
Long-Term Benefits of Adding Incentives to the Community Reinforcement Approach for Cocaine Dependence
Authors: García-Fernández Gloria , Secades-Villa Roberto , García-Rodríguez Olaya , Álvarez-López Helí , Fernández-Hermida José R. , Fernández-Artamendi Sergio , Higgins Stephen T.
Published: March 2011

Background: The community reinforcement approach (CRA) with vouchers is a well-established program developed for the treatment of cocaine addiction. It involves an incentive program in which patients earn vouchers that can be exchanged for goods or services contingent upon abstinence from cocaine use. Aim: To examine the contributions of incentives to retention, abstinence, and psychosocial outcomes in the CRA + vouchers program at the 12-month follow-up. Methods: 58 cocaine addicts were randomly assigned to CRA treatment with or without an added incentive program in a community setting for cocaine dependence in Spain. Results: 65.5% of patients in the group with vouchers completed 12 months of treatment, versus 48.3% in the no-voucher group. In the CRA + vouchers group, mean percentage of cocaine-negative samples was 95.76%, versus 79.31% in the group without vouchers. There were significant improvements in psychosocial functioning in both treatments, but when differences were observed, they supported CRA with vouchers over CRA alone. Conclusion: Combining CRA with incentives improves treatment outcomes in cocaine-dependent outpatients. Additive benefits of vouchers remain 6 months after the incentive program ends.
Association of Inflammation Genes with Alcohol Dependence/Abuse: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kebir Oussama , Gorsane Mohamed-Ali , Blecha Lisa , Krebs Marie-Odile , Reynaud Michel , Benyamina Amine
Published: March 2011

The aim of the present work was to systematically review all association studies of inflammation genes with alcohol dependence/alcohol abuse (AD/AA) and to perform a meta-analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated by contrasting the ratio of counts of the ‘high-risk’ versus ‘low-risk’ alleles in AD/AA cases versus controls. Data reported in at least three published studies were available for four genetic polymorphisms [TNF-α -238 (rs361525, G/A); TNF-α -308 (rs1800629, G/A); IL-1RA (VNTR [86 bp]n); IL-10 -592 (rs1800896, C/A)]. In total, nine meta-analyses were performed. Of these, only the TNF-α -238 polymorphism showed a significant association with AD/AA (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.05–1.76). This risk remained significant and increased slightly when we considered only patients with advanced alcohol-related liver disease (AALD) (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.13–1.98) but not when we considered only patients without AALD (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.5–2.35). Sensitivity analysis showed that this genetic association is derived from the AALD phenotype rather than from AD. Our approach is limited by our phenotype definition; some studies included chronic heavy drinkers (minimal daily consumption of 80 g for a minimal duration of 10 years) but without a standardized psychiatric assessment.
Effects of Optimal Medical Treatment With or Without Coronary Revascularization on Angina and Subsequent Revascularizations in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Stable Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Dagenais Gilles R. , Lu Jiang , Faxon David P. , Kent Kenneth , Lago Rodrigo M. , Lezama Carlos , Hueb Whady , Weiss Melvin , Slater James , Frye Robert L. ,   the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) Study Group
Published: March 2011

Background—

In the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) trial, an initial strategy of coronary revascularization and optimal medical treatment (REV) compared with an initial optimal medical treatment with the option of subsequent revascularization (MED) did not reduce all-cause mortality or the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and stable ischemic heart disease. In the same population, we tested whether the REV strategy was superior to the MED strategy in preventing worsening and new angina and subsequent coronary revascularizations.

Methods and Results—

Among the 2364 men and women (mean age, 62.4 years) with type 2 diabetes mellitus, documented coronary artery disease, and myocardial ischemia, 1191 were randomized to the MED and 1173 to the REV strategy preselected in the percutaneous coronary intervention (796) and coronary artery bypass graft (377) strata. Compared with the MED strategy, the REV strategy at the 3-year follow-up had a lower rate of worsening angina (8% versus 13%;
P
<0.001), new angina (37% versus 51%;
P
=0.001), and subsequent coronary revascularizations (18% versus 33%;
P
<0.001) and a higher rate of angina-free status (66% versus 58%;
P
=0.003). The coronary artery bypass graft stratum patients were at higher risk than those in the percutaneous coronary intervention stratum, and had the greatest benefits from REV.

Conclusions—

In these patients, the REV strategy reduced the occurrence of worsening angina, new angina, and subsequent coronary revascularizations more than the MED strategy. The symptomatic benefits were observed particularly for high-risk patients.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00006305.
Endothelial Function in Resistance and Conduit Arteries and 5-Year Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Lind Lars , Berglund Lars , Larsson Anders , Sundström Johan
Published: March 2011

Background—

Impaired endothelial function has been implicated as a cause of cardiovascular disease. Little is known of the relations of measures of endothelial function in resistance and conduit arteries to incident cardiovascular disease in the general population, and available techniques have not been compared.

Methods and Results—

In 1016 participants (70 years of age) of the population-based Prospective Study of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) study (52% women), we measured endothelium-dependent vasodilation using the invasive forearm technique with acetylcholine given in the brachial artery, the brachial artery ultrasound technique with measurement of flow-mediated dilatation, and the pulse-wave analysis–based method with β-2-agonist terbutaline provocation. During 5 years of follow-up, 101 participants experienced a composite end point of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death, excluding the 85 persons with a history of myocardial infarction or stroke at baseline. In logistic regression models adjusted for several established and novel cardiovascular disease risk factors and medications, endothelium-dependent vasodilation by the invasive forearm technique with acetylcholine was associated with risk of the end point (odds ratio, 0.72 per SD; 95% confidence interval, 0.56 to 0.93;
P
=0.01). Endothelial function by the other 2 methods was not related to risk of the end point. Addition of endothelium-dependent vasodilation to the Framingham risk score improved discrimination of risk of the end point.

Conclusions—

Endothelium-dependent vasodilation in resistance arteries, but not in the brachial conduit artery (flow-mediated dilatation), was associated with 5-year risk of a composite end point of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke independently of major cardiovascular disease risk factors. This vascular measurement improved risk discrimination when added to an established risk score in an elderly population.
Association of Hypertension Drug Target Genes With Blood Pressure and Hypertension in 86 588 Individuals
Authors: Johnson Andrew D. , Newton-Cheh Christopher , Chasman Daniel I. , Ehret Georg B. , Johnson Toby , Rose Lynda , Rice Kenneth , Verwoert Germaine C. , Launer Lenore J. , Gudnason Vilmundur , Larson Martin G. , Chakravarti Aravinda , Psaty Bruce M. , Caulfield Mark , van Duijn Cornelia M. , Ridker Paul M. , Munroe Patricia B. , Levy Daniel
Published: March 2011

We previously conducted genome-wide association meta-analysis of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and hypertension in 29 136 people from 6 cohort studies in the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology Consortium. Here we examine associations of these traits with 30 gene regions encoding known antihypertensive drug targets. We find nominal evidence of association of
ADRB1
,
ADRB2
,
AGT
,
CACNA1A
,
CACNA1C
, and
SLC12A3
polymorphisms with 1 or more BP traits in the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology genome-wide association meta-analysis. We attempted replication of the top meta-analysis single nucleotide polymorphisms for these genes in the Global BPgen Consortium (n=34 433) and the Women's Genome Health Study (n=23 019) and found significant results for rs1801253 in
ADRB1
(Arg389Gly), with the Gly allele associated with a lower mean systolic blood pressure (β: 0.57 mm Hg; SE: 0.09 mm Hg; meta-analysis:
P=
4.7×10
−10
), diastolic blood pressure (β: 0.36 mm Hg; SE: 0.06 mm Hg; meta-analysis:
P=
9.5×10
−10
), and prevalence of hypertension (β: 0.06 mm Hg; SE: 0.02 mm Hg; meta-analysis:
P=
3.3×10
−4
). Variation in
AGT
(rs2004776) was associated with systolic blood pressure (β: 0.42 mm Hg; SE: 0.09 mm Hg; meta-analysis:
P=
3.8×10
−6
), as well as diastolic blood pressure (
P=
5.0×10
−8
) and hypertension (
P=
3.7×10
−7
). A polymorphism in
ACE
(rs4305) showed modest replication of association with increased hypertension (β: 0.06 mm Hg; SE: 0.01 mm Hg; meta-analysis:
P=
3.0×10
−5
). Two loci,
ADRB1
and
AGT
, contain single nucleotide polymorphisms that reached a genome-wide significance threshold in meta-analysis for the first time. Our findings suggest that these genes warrant further studies of their genetic effects on blood pressure, including pharmacogenetic interactions.
Growth, Obesity, and Cardiac Structures in Early Childhood
Authors: de Jonge Layla L. , van Osch-Gevers Lennie , Willemsen Sten P. , Steegers Eric A.P. , Hofman Albert , Helbing Willem A. , Jaddoe Vincent W.V.
Published: March 2011

Cardiac structural adaptations in response to physical growth and obesity in older children have been identified and might have long-term consequences. We examined the associations of growth and obesity with cardiac structures during the first 2 years of life. In a population-based prospective cohort study among 974 children, left atrial diameter, left ventricular diastolic diameter, left ventricular mass, aortic root diameter, and fractional shortening were repeatedly measured by ultrasound at the ages of 1.5, 6, and 24 months. Height, weight, and subcutaneous fat mass were measured at the same visits, and blood pressure was measured at the age of 24 months. Height, weight, body mass index, and body surface area were positively associated with all of the cardiac structures during the first 2 years of life. At the age of 24 months, as compared with normal weight children, obese children had a greater left ventricular mass (1.04 SD score [95% CI: 0.20 to 1.89]) and a higher fractional shortening (0.91 SD score [95% CI: 0.02 to 1.80]). Nonsignificant tendencies were found for left atrial diameter, left ventricular diastolic diameter, and aortic root diameter. Our results suggest that normal variation in growth affects cardiac structures in early life. Overweight and obese children show cardiac adaptations already at the age of 2 years. Further studies are needed to assess whether these structural adaptations influence the risk of cardiovascular disease in later life.
Arterial Stiffness, Physical Function, and Functional Limitation
Authors: Brunner Eric J. , Shipley Martin J. , Witte Daniel R. , Singh-Manoux Archana , Britton Annie R. , Tabak Adam G. , McEniery Carmel M. , Wilkinson Ian B. , Kivimaki Mika
Published: March 2011

Arterial stiffness has been proposed as an indicator of vascular aging. We aimed to examine this concept by analyzing associations of arterial stiffness with age, subjective and objective measures of physical functioning, and self-reported functional limitation. We measured aortic pulse wave velocity by applanation tonometry among 5392 men and women aged 55 to 78 years. Arterial stiffness was strongly associated with age (mean difference [SE] per decade: men, 1.37 m/s [0.06 m/s]; women: 1.39 m/s [0.10 m/s]). This association was robust to individual and combined adjustment for pulse pressure, mean arterial pressure, antihypertensive treatment, and chronic disease. Participants took an 8.00-ft (2.44-m) walking speed test, a spirometry lung function test, and completed health functioning and (instrumental) activities of daily living questionnaires. Associations of stiffness and blood pressure with physical function scores scaled to SD of 10 were compared. One-SD higher stiffness was associated with lower walking speed (coefficient [95% CI]: −0.96 [−1.29 to −0.64] m/s) and physical component summary score (−0.91 [−1.21 to −0.60]) and poorer lung function (−1.23 [−1.53 to −0.92] L) adjusted for age, sex, and ethnic group. Pulse pressure and mean arterial pressure were linked inversely only with lung function. Associations of stiffness with functional limitation were robust to multiple adjustment, including pulse pressure and chronic disease. In conclusion, the concept of vascular aging is reinforced by the observation that arterial stiffness is a robust correlate of physical functioning and functional limitation in early old age. The nature of the link between arterial stiffness and quality of life in older people merits attention.
The effect of an education program utilising PRECEDE model on the Quality of Life in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Taghdisi MH , Borhani M , Solhi M , Afkari ME , Hosseini F
Published: March 2011

Background and objective: The problems caused by diabetes have direct and indirect impacts on the quality of life of diabetic patients. An increase of these problems means a decrease in a patient’s quality of life. This study was conducted to assess the effect of the educational programme based on the precede model in promoting quality of life of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Design and methods: This pre- and post-intervention quasi-experimental study was conducted on 78 patients with type 2 diabetes who were referred to a diabetes clinic in Minoodasht, Iran. The educational programme was based on the precede model and patients’ educational needs were included in the design. The data were collected using two questionnaires, including The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) questionnaire and the precede model-based educational questionnaire. The subjects were followed for one month after intervention to identify the role of educational intervention them. The data were analyzed by paired sample t-test, variance of analysis test and bivariate correlation test using SPSS version 15.

Results: After the intervention, the mean score of quality of life increased from 80.39 ± 11.35 to 81.35 ± 8.31. No significant difference existed in the total score of quality of life after intervention, but there were significant differences in physical health ( p < 0.05), self-evaluation of quality of life by patients ( p < 0.01), and self-assessment of health by patients after educational intervention. In addition, no significant differences were observed between demographic parameters and quality of life, except in the number of children.

Conclusion: The educational programme based on the precede model was effective in improving the quality of life of patients with regard to physical health and self-assessment of their health status.
Does School Leadership Matter in the NCLB Era?
Authors: Singh Madhu , Al-Fadhli Hussain
Published: March 2011

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 has affected school functioning nationwide since it was enacted. This case study looks at the efforts of the district superintendent and principals of three elementary schools in the Mississippi Delta that share similarities in socio-demographic structure and geographic proximity yet differ in their Achievement Level Index (ALI). Semi-structured interviews were conducted to determine the administrators’ efforts to meet the Act’s requirements in terms of federal, state, and district funding; teacher recruitment and retention; provisions for teachers’ professional development; curriculum alignment and testing; enhancing students’ test-taking skills; and parental involvement in the educational process as possible contributors to the changes in the schools’ ALI from 2003-2007. Administrative efficacy emerged as a key factor in influencing the differential levels of changes in school achievement.
(Dis)Counting on Democracy to Work: Perceptions of Electoral Fairness in the 2008 Presidential Election
Authors: Nunnally Shayla C.
Published: March 2011

Allegations of voting irregularities in the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections seemingly compromised the integrity of the electoral outcomes. Because elections inform voters and provide them with information to be used in future elections, one can speculate that voters also can learn to fear electoral unfairness in future elections. This article examines how Blacks, Whites, and Latinos assessed prospects for voting irregularities in the 2008 presidential election. Using public opinion data from the National Politics and Socialization Survey, the analysis discerns whether there are racial differences in perceptions of voting irregularities. It tests the influence of trust in national government, ethics about the importance of the vote, and group consciousness (for Black respondents, specifically) in determining fear of voting irregularities. Results indicate generalized fear of voting irregularities, without racial differences. Political distrust enhances fear of voting irregularities. Blacks’ racial consciousness enhances fear of voting irregularities in the 2008 presidential election.
Reaching African American Students
Authors: Shockley Kmt
Published: March 2011

In the public school systems of America, what gets attention is that which is trending at any given time. However, one trend that seems to be maintained (while piles of money are made off fads and mostly worthless professional developments) is that Black children are at the bottom of all of the tiers that are measured. Although Afrocentric education has received largely negative press from the mainstream, no argument can be defended against the notion of designing an education that is centered on the needs of those children who come from communities that have been intentionally disorganized by America (and Europe) for many years. Much is known about the problems that have come from the aforementioned historical happening, yet little is known about solutions such as Afrocentric education. This article presents a profile of an Afrocentric teacher who is dedicated to educating the children in his community. Findings include the need to focus on teacher transformation as opposed to students simply learning the Three Rs.
The Cognitive and Academic Profiles of Reading and Mathematics Learning Disabilities
Authors: Compton Donald L. , Fuchs Lynn S. , Fuchs Douglas , Lambert Warren , Hamlett Carol
Published: March 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine the cognitive and academic profiles associated with learning disability (LD) in reading comprehension, word reading, applied problems, and calculations. The goal was to assess the specificity hypothesis, in which unexpected underachievement associated with LD is represented in terms of distinctive patterns of cognitive and academic strengths and weaknesses. At the start of 3rd grade, the authors assessed 684 students on five cognitive dimensions (nonverbal problem solving, processing speed, concept formation, language, and working memory), and across Grades 3 through 5, the authors assessed performance in each academic area three to four times. Based on final intercept, the authors classified students as LD or not LD in each of the four academic areas. For each of these four LD variables, they conducted multivariate cognitive profile analysis and academic profile analysis. Results, which generally supported the specificity hypothesis, are discussed in terms of the potential connections between reading and mathematics LD.