bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Has the Prevalence of Congenital Abnormalities after Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Increased? The Leuven Data 1994–2000 and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Hindryckx An , Peeraer Karen , Debrock Sophie , Legius Eric , de Zegher Francis , Francois Inge , Vanderschueren Dirk , Demyttenaere Koen , Rijkers Anna , D’Hooghe Thomas
Published: January 2010

Background: Although intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is now accepted as the treatment of choice for severe male infertility, concerns about its safety and the potential risks for the offspring remain. We reviewed the literature with respect to the prevalence of major congenital malformations after the ICSI technique and supplemented these data with the results of a prospective follow-up study performed in our center. Methods: From January 1994 till June 2000, 776 ICSI cycles were carried out at the Leuven University Fertility Center. The resulting pregnancies (n = 172) were followed for biochemical and obstetrical parameters, prenatal diagnosis and congenital abnormalities. Results: A total of 134/172 (78%) ongoing pregnancies resulted in 132 deliveries of 166 live born children. Two terminations of pregnancy were carried out due to the presence of major congenital anomalies, diagnosed at prenatal ultrasound. Prenatal diagnosis was carried out in 55 fetuses. Two de novo chromosomal aberrations were found. Major congenital abnormalities were observed at birth in 9/150 (6.0%) children. The total malformation rate was 6.5%. Conclusions: The prevalence of congenital abnormalities in children born after ICSI in our center (6.5%) was comparable to the prevalence of congenital abnormalities after ICSI reported in the literature.
Peak Oxygen Consumption Measured during the Stair-Climbing Test in Lung Resection Candidates
Authors: Brunelli Alessandro , Xiumé Francesco , Refai Majed , Salati Michele , Di Nunzio Luca , Pompili Cecilia , Sabbatini Armando
Published: January 2010

Background: The stair-climbing test is commonly used in the preoperative evaluation of lung resection candidates, but it is difficult to standardize and provides little physiologic information on the performance. Objective: To verify the association between the altitude and the VO2peak measured during the stair-climbing test. Methods: 109 consecutive candidates for lung resection performed a symptom-limited stair-climbing test with direct breath-by-breath measurement of VO2peak by a portable gas analyzer. Stepwise logistic regression and bootstrap analyses were used to verify the association of several perioperative variables with a VO2peak <15 ml/kg/min. Subsequently, multiple regression analysis was also performed to develop an equation to estimate VO2peak from stair-climbing parameters and other patient-related variables. Results: 56% of patients climbing <14 m had a VO2peak <15 ml/kg/min, whereas 98% of those climbing >22 m had a VO2peak >15 ml/kg/min. The altitude reached at stair-climbing test resulted in the only significant predictor of a VO2peak <15 ml/kg/min after logistic regression analysis. Multiple regression analysis yielded an equation to estimate VO2peak factoring altitude (p < 0.0001), speed of ascent (p = 0.005) and body mass index (p = 0.0008). Conclusions: There was an association between altitude and VO2peak measured during the stair-climbing test. Most of the patients climbing more than 22 m are able to generate high values of VO2peak and can proceed to surgery without any additional tests. All others need to be referred for a formal cardiopulmonary exercise test. In addition, we were able to generate an equation to estimate VO2peak, which could assist in streamlining the preoperative workup and could be used across different settings to standardize this test.
Examination of the Common Cause Account in a Population-Based Longitudinal Study with Narrow Age Cohort Design
Authors: Sternäng Ola , Jonsson Bert , Wahlin Åke , Nyberg Lars , Nilsson Lars-Göran
Published: January 2010

Background: The common cause account suggests that there is a third factor causing aging effects in both sensory and cognitive functioning, hypothesized to be the integrity of the central nervous system [Lindenberger and Baltes; Psychol Aging 1994;9:339–355]. Importantly, the common cause account was developed based on cross-sectional data, which are especially biased by cohort effects. However, cohort effects can be controlled for in narrow age cohort (NAC) designs and by longitudinal examination. Findings from the few longitudinal studies that have studied the relation between age-related changes in sensory and cognitive functions are complex and give only partial support to the common cause account. Objective: The present paper examines the common cause account within a longitudinal setting. Method: Our study is unique in the sense that it tests the common cause account within a longitudinal NAC design using data from the Betula project. The participants (n = 1,057) were in the age range of 45–90 years. Results: The findings indicate that the relationship between sensory and memory functioning in both a longitudinal age-heterogeneous and a longitudinal NAC design are much weaker than that detected by an age-heterogeneous cross-sectional design. Conclusion: The demonstrated weak age-associated sensory-cognitive link raises questions regarding the explanatory value of the common cause account and related theoretical accounts for accounting for age-related cognitive changes.
Aging and Regional Differences in Fat Cell Progenitors – A Mini-Review
Authors: Sepe Anna , Tchkonia Tamara , Thomou Thomas , Zamboni Mauro , Kirkland James L.
Published: January 2010

Fat mass and fat tissue distribution change dramatically throughout life. In old age, fat becomes dysfunctional and is redistributed from subcutaneous to intra-abdominal visceral depots as well as other ectopic sites, including bone marrow, muscle and the liver. These changes are associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome. Fat tissue is a nutrient storage, endocrine and immune organ that undergoes renewal throughout the lifespan. Preadipocytes, which account for 15–50% of cells in fat tissue, give rise to new fat cells. With aging, declines in preadipocyte proliferation and differentiation likely contribute to increased systemic exposure to lipotoxic free fatty acids. Age-related fat tissue inflammation is related to changes that occur in preadipocytes and macrophages in a fat depot-dependent manner. Fat tissue inflammation frequently leads to further reduction in adipogenesis with aging, more lipotoxicity and activation of cellular stress pathways that, in turn, exacerbate inflammatory responses of preadipocytes and immune cells, establishing self-perpetuating cycles that lead to systemic dysfunction. In this review, we will consider how inherent, age-related, depot-dependent alterations in preadipocyte function contribute to age-related fat tissue redistribution and metabolic dysfunction.
Validation of the Lower Limit of Normal Diffusing Capacity for Detecting Emphysema
Authors: Lee Jae Seung , Ra Seung Won , Chae Eun Jin , Seo Joon Beom , Lim Seong Yong , Kim Tae-Hyung , Lee Sang-Do , Oh Yeon-Mok
Published: January 2010

Background: Diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco) has been regarded as reliable for detecting emphysema. The lower 5th percentile of the reference population has been used as the lower limit of normal (LLN) for DLco, without clinical validation. Objectives: We performed this study to validate the LLN for DLco and to determine the optimum cutoff LLN value for detecting emphysema. Methods: A total of 197 COPD patients and 103 healthy adult subjects were included. COPD patients with emphysema were defined as COPD patients in whom volumetric CT showed that the volume fraction of the lung at less than –950 Hounsfield units at full inspiration was more than 15%. All other COPD patients were defined as COPD patients without emphysema. All measured DLco values were transformed to estimates of reference population percentiles. ROC curve analysis was used to validate and to determine the optimum cutoff percentile value as the LLN for DLco. Results: Of the 197 COPD patients, 126 were classified as having emphysema and 71 as without emphysema. On ROC curve analysis, the lower 5th percentile used as the LLN for DLco had a sensitivity of 68.3% and a specificity of 98.1% to differentiate COPD patients with emphysema from healthy subjects. The lower 9th percentile was the best LLN cutoff value for detecting COPD patients with emphysema. Conclusion: The lower 5th percentile of the reference population may not be the best LLN cutoff value for DLco for detecting emphysema.
Characterization of a Novel Interaction Between Vasodilator-Stimulated Phosphoprotein and Abelson Interactor 1 in Human Platelets: A Concerted Computational and Experimental Approach
Authors: Dittrich Marcus , Strassberger Verena , Fackler Marc , Tas Piet , Lewandrowski Urs , Sickmann Albert , Walter Ulrich , Dandekar Thomas , Birschmann Ingvild
Published: January 2010

Objective—

The goal of this study was systematic profiling of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP)-Ena/VASP homology 1 (EVH1) interactors in human platelets using a combined in silico and in vitro approach.

Methods and Results—

Exploiting the information of the comprehensive proteome catalogue in the PlateletWeb database (http://plateletweb.bioapps.biozentrum.uni-wuerzburg.de/PlateletWeb.php), we performed a motif search of all sequences and identified potential target sites of class I EVH1 domains in human platelet proteins. Performing affinity purification with VASP-EVH1 domain and the lysates of platelets, we examined complex partners by mass spectrometry. Combining the results of both analyses, we identified Abelson interactor 1 (Abi-1) as a novel EVH1 domain–specific interaction partner of VASP in human platelets and investigated this interaction by yeast 2-hybrid mutational studies and immunoprecipitation. Immunofluorescence microscopy indicated colocalization of both proteins at the lamellipodia of spread human platelets, suggesting a role in reorganizing the cytoskeleton during spreading.

Conclusion—

The combination of experimental and computational interactome research has emerged as a valuable tool for the analysis of protein-protein interaction networks and facilitates the discovery and characterization of novel interactions as detailed here for Abi-1 and VASP in human platelets. System biological approaches can be expected to play an important role in basic and clinical platelet research, as they offer the potential to analyze signal transduction beyond the scope of established pathways.
Naringenin Decreases Progression of Atherosclerosis by Improving Dyslipidemia in High-Fat–Fed Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor–Null Mice
Authors: Mulvihill Erin E. , Assini Julia M. , Sutherland Brian G. , DiMattia Alessandra S. , Khami Maryam , Koppes Julie B. , Sawyez Cynthia G. , Whitman Stewart C. , Huff Murray W.
Published: January 2010

Objective—

Naringenin is a citrus flavonoid that potently inhibits the assembly and secretion of apolipoprotein B100–containing lipoproteins in cultured hepatocytes and improves the dyslipidemia and insulin resistance in a mouse model of the metabolic syndrome. In the present study, we used low-density lipoprotein receptor–null mice fed a high-fat diet (Western, TD96125) to test the hypothesis that naringenin prevents atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results—

Three groups (chow, Western, and Western plus naringenin) were fed ad libitum for 6 months. The Western diet increased fasting plasma triglyceride (TG) (5-fold) and cholesterol (8-fold) levels compared with chow, whereas the addition of naringenin significantly decreased both lipids by 50%. The Western-fed mice developed extensive atherosclerosis in the aortic sinus because plaque area was increased by 10-fold compared with chow-fed animals. Quantitation of fat-soluble dye (Sudan IV)–stained aortas, prepared en face, revealed that Western-fed mice also had a 10-fold increase in plaque deposits throughout the arch and in the abdominal sections of the aorta, compared with chow. Atherosclerosis in both areas was significantly decreased by more than 70% in naringenin-treated mice. Consistent with quantitation of aortic lesions, the Western-fed mice had a significant 6-fold increase in cholesterol and a 4-fold increase in TG deposition in the aorta compared with chow-fed mice. Both were reduced more than 50% by naringenin. The Western diet induced extensive hepatic steatosis, with a 10-fold increase in both TG and cholesteryl ester mass compared with chow. The addition of naringenin decreased both liver TG and cholesteryl ester mass by 80%. The hyperinsulinemia and obesity that developed in Western-fed mice was normalized by naringenin to levels observed in chow-fed mice.

Conclusion—

These in vivo studies demonstrate that the citrus flavonoid naringenin ameliorates the dyslipidemia in Western-fed low-density lipoprotein receptor–null mice, leading to decreased atherosclerosis; and suggests a potential therapeutic strategy for the hyperlipidemia and increased risk of atherosclerosis associated with insulin resistance.
Deficiency of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Induces Aortic Valve Disease in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Isoda Kikuo , Matsuki Taizo , Kondo Harumi , Iwakura Yoichiro , Ohsuzu Fumitaka
Published: January 2010

Objective—

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), one of the most important antiinflammatory cytokines, is crucial for homeostasis of the immune system. However, the role of IL-1Ra in aortic valve stenosis (AS) remains poorly understood.

Methods and Results—

IL-1Ra–deficient (IL-1Ra
−/−
) mice on the BALB/c background showed increased aortic valve leaflet thickness compared to wild-type mice at the age of 12 weeks (
P
<0.001). We used peripheral T-cell transplantation to examine the role of T cells in the development of AS. T cells from IL-1Ra
−/−
but not from wild-type mice induced increased aortic valve thickness in nu/nu mice. Moreover, IL-1Ra
−/−
T cells produced much higher levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in culture supernatants after anti-CD3 antibody stimulation compared to wild-type mice (
P
<0.001). Finally, we studied the role of TNF-α in the development of AS in IL-1Ra
−/−
mice by generating double-gene-deficient (TNF-α
−/−
/
IL-1Ra
−/−
) mice. Interestingly, TNF-α
−/−
/IL-1Ra
−/−
mice did not have AS.

Conclusion—

IL-1Ra deficiency in inflammatory cells induced aortic valve inflammation and TNF-α participates importantly in the development of AS in IL-1Ra
−/−
mice.
Contactin-2 Expression in the Cardiac Purkinje Fiber Network
Authors: Pallante Benedetta A. , Giovannone Steven , Fang-Yu Liu , Zhang Jie , Liu Nian , Kang Guoxin , Dun Wen , Boyden Penelope A. , Fishman Glenn I.
Published: January 2010

Background—

Purkinje cells (PCs) comprise the most distal component of the cardiac conduction system, and their unique electrophysiological properties and the anatomic complexity of the Purkinje fiber network may account for the prominent role these cells play in the genesis of various arrhythmic syndromes.

Methods and Results—

Differential transcriptional profiling of murine Purkinje fibers and working ventricular myocytes was performed to identify novel genes expressed in PCs. The most highly enriched transcript in Purkinje fibers encoded
Contactin-2
(
Cntn2
), a cell adhesion molecule critical for neuronal patterning and ion channel clustering. Endogenous expression of
Cntn2
in the murine ventricle was restricted to a subendocardial network of myocytes that also express β-galactosidase in
CCS-lacZ
transgenic mice and the
connexin40
gap junction protein. Both
Cntn2-lacZ
knockin mice and
Cntn2-EGFP
BAC transgenic reporter mice confirmed expression of
Cntn2
in the Purkinje fiber network, as did immunohistochemical staining of single canine Purkinje fibers. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings and measurements of Ca
2+
transients in
Cntn2-EGFP

+

cells revealed electrophysiological properties indicative of PCs and distinctive from those of cardiac myocytes, including prolonged action potentials and frequent afterdepolarizations.

Conclusions—

Cntn2
is a novel marker of the specialized cardiac conduction system. Endogenous expression of
Cntn2
as well as
Cntn2
-dependent transcriptional reporters provides a new tool through which Purkinje cell biology and pathophysiology can now more readily be deciphered. Expression of a
contactin
family member within the CCS may provide a mechanistic basis for patterning of the conduction system network and the organization of ion channels within Purkinje cells.
p120-Catenin Is Required for Mouse Vascular Development
Authors: Oas Rebecca G. , Xiao Kanyan , Summers Susan , Wittich Kristin B. , Chiasson Christine M. , Martin W. David , Grossniklaus Hans E. , Vincent Peter A. , Reynolds Albert B. , Kowalczyk Andrew P.
Published: January 2010

Rationale:

p120-catenin (p120) is an armadillo family protein that binds to the cytoplasmic domain of classical cadherins and prevents cadherin endocytosis. The role of p120 in vascular development is unknown.

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of p120 in mammalian vascular development by generating a conditionally mutant mouse lacking endothelial p120 and determining the effects of the knockout on vasculogenesis, angiogenic remodeling, and the regulation of endothelial cadherin levels.

Methods and Results:

A conditional Cre/loxP gene deletion strategy was used to ablate p120 expression, using the Tie2 promoter to drive endothelial Cre recombinase expression. Mice lacking endothelial p120 died embryonically beginning at embryonic day 11.5. Major blood vessels appeared normal at embryonic day 9.5. However, both embryonic and extraembryonic vasculature of mutant animals were disorganized and displayed decreased microvascular density by embryonic day 11.5. Importantly, both vascular endothelial cadherin and N-cadherin levels were significantly reduced in vessels lacking p120. This decrease in cadherin expression was accompanied by reduced pericyte recruitment and hemorrhaging. Furthermore, p120-null cultured endothelial cells exhibited proliferation defects that could be rescued by exogenous expression of vascular endothelial cadherin.

Conclusions:

These findings reveal a fundamental role for p120 in regulating endothelial cadherin levels during vascular development, as well as microvascular patterning, vessel integrity, and endothelial cell proliferation. Loss of endothelial p120 results in lethality attributable to decreased microvascular density and hemorrhages.
Increased Coupled Gating of L-Type Ca2+Channels During Hypertension and Timothy Syndrome
Authors: Navedo Manuel F. , Cheng Edward P. , Yuan Can , Votaw Scott , Molkentin Jeffery D. , Scott John D. , Santana Luis F.
Published: January 2010

Rationale:L-Type (Cav1.2) Ca2+channels are critical regulators of muscle and neural function. Although Cav1.2 channel activity varies regionally, little is known about the mechanisms underlying this heterogeneity.

Objective:To test the hypothesis that Cav1.2 channels can gate coordinately.

Methods and Results:We used optical and electrophysiological approaches to record Cav1.2 channel activity in cardiac, smooth muscle, and tsA-201 cells expressing Cav1.2 channels. Consistent with our hypothesis, we found that small clusters of Cav1.2 channels can open and close in tandem. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer and electrophysiological studies suggest that this coupling of Cav1.2 channels involves transient interactions between neighboring channels via their C termini. The frequency of coupled gating events increases in hypertensive smooth muscle and in cells expressing a mutant Cav1.2 channel that causes arrhythmias and autism in humans with Timothy syndrome (LQT8).

Conclusions:Coupled gating of Cav1.2 channels may represent a novel mechanism for the regulation of Ca2+influx and excitability in neurons, cardiac, and arterial smooth muscle under physiological and pathological conditions.
Coronary Heart Disease Risk in Patients With Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack and No Known Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Amarenco Pierre , Goldstein Larry B. , Sillesen Henrik , Benavente Oscar , Zweifler Richard M. , Callahan Alfred , Hennerici Michael G. , Zivin Justin A. , Welch K. Michael A.
Published: January 2010

Background and Purpose—

Noncoronary forms of atherosclerosis (including transient ischemic attacks or stroke of carotid origin or >50% stenosis of the carotid artery) are associated with a 10-year vascular risk of >20% and are considered as a coronary heart disease (CHD) -risk equivalent from the standpoint of lipid management. The Stroke Prevention by Aggressive Reduction in Cholesterol Levels (SPARCL) trial included patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack and no known CHD regardless of the presence of carotid atherosclerosis. We evaluated the risk of developing clinically recognized CHD in SPARCL patients.

Methods—

A total of 4731 patients (mean age, 63 years) was randomized to 80 mg/day atorvastatin placebo. The rates of major coronary event, any CHD event, and any revascularization procedure were evaluated.

Results—

After 4.9 years of follow-up, the risks of a major coronary event and of any CHD end point in the placebo group were 5.1% and 8.6%, respectively. The rate of outcome of stroke decreased over time, whereas the major coronary event rate was stable. Relative to those having a large vessel-related stroke at baseline, those having a transient ischemic attack, hemorrhagic stroke, small vessel stroke, or a stroke of unknown cause had similar absolute rates for a first major coronary event and for any CHD event; transient ischemic attack, small vessel, and unknown cause groups had lower absolute revascularization procedure rates. Major coronary event, any CHD event, and any revascularization procedure rates were similarly reduced in all baseline stroke subtypes in the atorvastatin arm compared with placebo with no heterogeneity between groups.

Conclusion—

CHD risk can be substantially reduced by atorvastatin therapy in patients with recent stroke or transient ischemic attack regardless of stroke subtype.
Mutations of the
GLA
Gene in Young Patients With Stroke
Authors: Baptista Miguel Viana , Ferreira Susana , Pinho-e-Melo Teresa , Carvalho Marta , Cruz Vítor T. , Carmona Cátia , Silva Fernando A. , Tuna Assunção , Rodrigues Miguel , Ferreira Carla , Pinto Ana A.N. , Leitão André , Gabriel João Paulo , Calado Sofia , Oliveira João Paulo , Ferro José M.
Published: January 2010

Background and Purpose—

Fabry disease is an X-linked monogenic disorder caused by mutations in the
GLA
gene. Recent data suggest that stroke in young adults may be associated with Fabry disease. We aimed to ascertain the prevalence of this disorder among young adult patients with stroke in Portugal by
GLA
genotyping.

Methods—

During 1 year, all patients aged 18 to 55 years with first-ever stroke, who were admitted into any of 12 neurology hospital departments in Portugal, were prospectively enrolled (n=625). Ischemic stroke was classified according to Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment criteria. Alpha-galactosidase activity was further assayed in all patients with
GLA
mutations.

Results—

Four hundred ninety-three patients (mean age, 45.4 years; 61% male) underwent genetic analyses: 364 with ischemic stroke, 89 with intracerebral hemorrhage, 26 with subarachnoid hemorrhage, and 14 with cerebral venous thrombosis. Twelve patients had missense
GLA
mutations: 9 with ischemic stroke (p.R118C: n=4; p.D313Y: n=5), including 5 patients with an identified cause of stroke (cardiac embolism: n=2; small vessel disease: n=2; other cause: n=1), 2 with intracerebral hemorrhage (p.R118C: n=1; p.D313Y: n=1), and one with cerebral venous thrombosis (p.R118C: n=1). Leukocyte α-galactosidase activity was subnormal in the hemizygous males and subnormal or low-normal in the heterozygous females. Estimated prevalence of missense
GLA
mutations was 2.4% (95% CI, 1.3% to 4.1%).

Conclusions—

Despite a low diagnostic yield, screening for
GLA
mutations should probably be considered in different types of stroke. Restricting investigation to patients with cryptogenic stroke may underestimate the true prevalence of Fabry disease in young patients with stroke.
What Is Not in the Bag of Words for Why-QA?
Authors: Verberne Suzan , Boves Lou , Oostdijk Nelleke , Coppen Peter-Arno
Published: January 2010

While developing an approach to why-QA, we extended a passage retrieval system that uses off-the-shelf retrieval technology with a re-ranking step incorporating structural information. We get significantly higher scores in terms of MRR@150 (from 0.25 to 0.34) and success@10. The 23% improvement that we reach in terms of MRR is comparable to the improvement reached on different QA tasks by other researchers in the field, although our re-ranking approach is based on relatively lightweight overlap measures incorporating syntactic constituents, cue words, and document structure.
Low-Income Students and the Socioeconomic Composition of Public High Schools
Authors: Crosnoe Robert
Published: January 2010

Increasing constraints placed on race-based school diversification have shifted attention to socioeconomic desegregation. Although past research suggests that socioeconomic desegregation can produce heightened achievement, the “frog pond” perspective points to potential problems with socioeconomic desegregation in nonachievement domains. Such problems are important in their own right, and they may also chip away at the magnitude of potential achievement benefits. In this article, I report conducted propensity score analyses and robustness calculations on a sample of public high schools in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. As the proportion of the student body with middle- or high-income parents increased, low-income students progressed less far in math and science. Moreover, as the proportion of the student body with middle- or high-income or college-educated parents increased, low-income students experienced more psychosocial problems. Such patterns were often more pronounced among African American and Latino students. These findings suggest curricular and social psychological mechanisms of oft-noted frog pond effects in schools and extend the frog pond framework beyond achievement itself to demographic statuses (e.g., race/ethnicity and SES) perceptually linked to achievement. In terms of policy, these findings indicate that socioeconomic desegregation plans should also attend to equity in course enrollments and the social integration of students more generally.
Immigrant Bureaucratic Incorporation: The Dual Roles of Professional Missions and Government Policies
Authors: Marrow Helen B.
Published: January 2010

Drawing on original qualitative research, this article investigates how natives and institutions in rural America's “new immigrant destinations” are adapting, if at all, to Hispanic newcomers and whether corresponding interaction should be viewed as substantively responsive. In contrast to predictions made by traditional political incorporation theories, results based on semi-structured interviews and ethnographic fieldwork suggest that Hispanic newcomers are undergoing a process of bureaucratic incorporation whereby public service bureaucrats, rather than elected politicians, are initiating substantive responsiveness. Yet I also identify a continuing interaction between immigrant bureaucratic and political incorporation in rural America. I conclude by connecting my findings to more general sociological perspectives regarding population needs, electoral bodies, and public bureaucracies in democratic societies.
Discrimination in a Low-Wage Labor Market
Authors: Pager Devah , Bonikowski Bart , Western Bruce
Published: January 2010

Decades of racial progress have led some researchers and policymakers to doubt that discrimination remains an important cause of economic inequality. To study contemporary discrimination, we conducted a field experiment in the low-wage labor market of New York City, recruiting white, black, and Latino job applicants who were matched on demographic characteristics and interpersonal skills. These applicants were given equivalent résumés and sent to apply in tandem for hundreds of entry-level jobs. Our results show that black applicants were half as likely as equally qualified whites to receive a callback or job offer. In fact, black and Latino applicants with clean backgrounds fared no better than white applicants just released from prison. Additional qualitative evidence from our applicants' experiences further illustrates the multiple points at which employment trajectories can be deflected by various forms of racial bias. These results point to the subtle yet systematic forms of discrimination that continue to shape employment opportunities for low-wage workers.
Intersections of Power and Privilege
Authors: Stainback Kevin , Tomaskovic-Devey Donald
Published: January 2010

This article examines post–Civil Rights Act trends in private sector managerial representation for white men, white women, black men, and black women. We examine how three factors affect changing access to managerial positions: (1) industrial restructuring, (2) the process of bottom-up ascription, and (3) organizational characteristics. Accounting for compositional shifts in the labor supply, we find that white male managerial overrepresentation remains virtually unchanged since 1966, even while other status groups make gains. A significant portion of the observed equal opportunity advance for women and blacks takes place in the expanding service sectors of the economy. We also find that female and minority gains are enhanced in larger and more managerially intensive workplaces. For all groups, managerial representation is increasingly tied to the presence of similar others in nonmanagerial jobs. Further examination reveals a new status hierarchy of managers and subordinates—a hierarchy wherein white men are likely to manage men of all races. White women, in comparison, are realizing a growing racial privilege in managing women of color.
The Politics of Union Decline: The Contingent Determinants of Union Recognition Elections and Victories
Authors: Tope Daniel , Jacobs David
Published: January 2010

Despite the close political regulation of union recognition disputes, sociologists have paid little attention to recent political determinants of success in these contests. A state-centered political-opportunity approach suggests that if conservative political officials can reduce the number of union recognition elections, union organization will be blocked. Partly because many labor scholars claim there was a postwar departure in labor movement fortunes, we attempt to detect and model a contingent break in the relationship between Republican control of the presidency and these elections using interactive specifications. Our findings show that shortly after the conservative, anti-union Reagan administration took office, recognition elections, and union victories in these elections, fell sharply. With macroeconomic and other determinants held constant, other political conditions with explanatory power include congressional oversight committee ideology and conservative appointments to the key regulatory agency. Our findings support political accounts and also suggest that unions' failures to organize new workplaces were sustained by subsequent conservative administrations.
Culture and Mobilization: Tactical Repertoires, Same-Sex Weddings, and the Impact on Gay Activism
Authors: Taylor Verta , Kimport Katrina , Van Dyke Nella , Andersen Ellen Ann
Published: January 2010

Social movement scholars have long been skeptical of culture's impact on political change, perhaps for good reason, since little empirical research explicitly addresses this question. This article fills the void by examining the dynamics and the impact of the month-long 2004 same-sex wedding protest in San Francisco. We integrate insights of contentious politics approaches with social constructionist conceptions and identify three core features of cultural repertoires: contestation, intentionality, and collective identity. Our analyses, which draw on rich qualitative and quantitative data from interviews with participants and movement leaders and a random survey of participants, highlight these dimensions of cultural repertoires as well as the impact that the same-sex wedding protest had on subsequent activism. Same-sex weddings, as our multimethod analyses show, were an intentional episode of claim-making, with participants arriving with a history of activism in a variety of other social movements. Moreover, relative to the question of impact, the initial protest sparked other forms of political action that ignited a statewide campaign for marriage equality in California. Our results offer powerful evidence that culture can be consequential not only internally, with implications for participant solidarity and identity, but for political change and further action as well. We conclude by discussing the specifics of our case and the broader implications for social movement scholars.
Voting to Ban Same-Sex Marriage: Interests, Values, and Communities
Authors: McVeigh Rory , Maria-Elena D. Diaz
Published: January 2010

From 2000 through 2008, initiatives proposing to ban same-sex marriage were on the ballot in 28 states. Although same-sex marriage opponents scored lopsided victories in most cases, voting outcomes varied substantially at the county level. This article examines sources of that variation and argues that opposition to same-sex marriage should be strong in communities characterized by the predominance of traditional gender roles and family structure. Perhaps more interestingly, the analysis also shows that the effects of traditional family structure and gender roles are especially strong in counties characterized by weak community cohesion, as indicated by residential instability, low rates of home ownership, and high crime rates.
Hispanics and Organized Labor in the United States, 1973 to 2007
Authors: Rosenfeld Jake , Kleykamp Meredith
Published: January 2010

Prior research finds that minority populations in the United States secure union employment as part of the process of economic incorporation. Yet little work systematically tests whether this pattern holds for the nation's largest minority, Hispanics, during recent decades of union decline. After juxtaposing traditional labor market position theories of unionization with solidaristic accounts, we use 1973 to 2007 Current Population Survey (CPS) data to provide the most comprehensive analysis of Hispanics and organized labor in the United States to date. We disaggregate the Hispanic population by citizenship, nationality, and time since arrival to uncover subpopulation differences in the odds of union membership. Additional analyses take advantage of the CPS structure to target individuals who join a union, allowing us to test whether organized labor's much-publicized efforts to incorporate recent immigrants have resulted in detectable gains. Consistent with solidaristic accounts of labor organization, results suggest that certain Hispanic subpopulations—especially those born in the United States and immigrants who have secured citizenship—have higher unionization odds and join unions at higher rates than do U.S.-born whites, even after controlling for traditional positional accounts of labor organization. However, the large substantive effects of positional variables, such as sector, occupation, and firm size, indicate that organized labor's revival depends on more than any one group's capacity for collective action.
Movements, Aesthetics, and Markets in Literary Change: Making the American Labor Problem Novel
Authors: Isaac Larry
Published: January 2010

One path to cultural innovation in artistic and literary fields is differentiation of a genre into new subgenres. But what are the dynamics at work in such a process? This article addresses that question by identifying and explaining the emergence and trajectory of a new fiction subgenre—the American labor problem novel—during the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. I make a theoretical case for the intersection of social movement fields and cultural production fields showing, through a historical sociological analysis, that this subgenre was the joint product of: (1) a shift in literary aesthetic practice resulting from the rise of realism, (2) the subgenre's dialogical character, (3) collective contention surrounding the rise of labor movement militancy, and (4) the exigencies of literary and popular culture markets. The historical conjuncture of these processes contributed to a repository of cultural constructions of class in storied form, as novelists sought to both entertain and educate readers about the emerging realities of class-contentious industrial society. This study demonstrates the fruitfulness of merging sociology of culture theory and social movement outcome perspectives when analyzing cultural change.
When Work Interferes with Life: Work-Nonwork Interference and the Influence of Work-Related Demands and Resources
Authors: Schieman Scott , Glavin Paul , Milkie Melissa A.
Published: January 2010

Using data from a 2005 survey of U.S. workers, we find that a high percentage of employed men and women report that work interferes with nonwork life. This research offers three main contributions: (1) we document the social distribution of work-nonwork interference across social statuses and dimensions of stratification; (2) we develop a conceptual framework that specifies the influence of a comprehensive set of work resources and demands on interference and their contributions to its social distribution; and (3) we advance a “stress of higher status” perspective to understand the paradoxical influence of some work conditions on work-nonwork interference. Findings generally support both the demands hypothesis and the stress of higher status hypothesis, with patterns from both factors contributing substantially to the social distribution of work-nonwork interference. This article refines and elaborates the job demands-resources model with insights from border theory.
Gender Differences in Sleep Disruption among Retail Food Workers
Authors: Maume David J. , Sebastian Rachel A. , Bardo Anthony R.
Published: January 2010

As women pursue careers while retaining primary responsibility for family life, discretionary time is an emerging arena of gender inequality in contemporary life. This study examines gender inequality in waking role obligations and the implications for differences in sleep disruption. Drawing on a sample of 583 retail food workers, who regularly worked nights and rotating schedules, we find in our multivariate modeling that women experience significantly more sleep disruption than do men. A decomposition analysis shows that almost one-half of the gender gap in sleep disruption is accounted for by gender differences in health status and various dimensions of work-family context. By implication, the remainder of the gender gap in sleep disruption is attributable to differences in responsibility for work-family obligations. Given the need for more research on how work-family conflict affects health and well-being, further research on sleep patterns is warranted.
128-Detector-Row Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography Evaluating Coronary Artery Disease: Who Avoids Cardiac Catheterization?
Authors: Lazoura Olga , Vlychou Marianna , Vassiou Katerina , Rountas Christos , Ioannis Fezoulidis
Published: January 2010

Purpose: To evaluate the prevalence of significant coronary artery disease (CAD) and nondiagnostic studies in patients referred for clinically indicated coronary angiography performed by 128 multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).Methods: We examined patients referred for coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography for the presence of CAD. The analysis included 438 studies classified as normal, with nonsignificant CAD, with significant CAD, or nondiagnostic.Results: Of the 438 cases evaluated, 121 (27.6%) cases were reported as normal, 184 (42%) were classified as nonsignificant CAD, 92 (21%) as significant CAD, and 41 (9.3%) were inconclusive. Therefore, 69.7% of the study population most probably did not require conventional coronary angiography.Conclusion: Among patients referred for computed tomography angiography (CTA) for appropriate indications, 69.6% had either normal coronary arteries or nonobstructive disease. Given the high negative predictive value of coronary CTA, these patients most likely would not require invasive coronary angiography. Selective cardiac CTA may substantially decrease unnecessary diagnostic cardiac catheterizations.
Exercise and Weight Loss Improve Exercise Capacity Independent of Cardiac Function in Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Chockalingam Anand , Linden Melissa A. , Del Rosario Marc , Govindarajan Gurushankar , Dellsperger Kevin C. , Thomas Tom R.
Published: January 2010

Hypertension, diabetes and obesity cause cardiac diastolic dysfunction (DD) which could reduce exercise capacity. Our aim was to determine if 10% weight loss by exercise at 60% VO2max five days/week (~-375 kcal/session) and caloric restriction (~-600 kcal/d) over 6 months improves exercise capacity and DD in Metabolic syndrome (MetS). Eighteen subjects (40 ± 1y, women = 6, BMI = 33.5 ± 1.0 kg/m2) successfully completed the study. Maximal treadmill stress echocardiography was performed at baseline and post weight loss to determine VO2max, resting and stress DD as the ratio of peak early diastolic mitral inflow velocity (E) to tissue Doppler early diastolic annular decent (E’). After weight loss (mean = 9.5 ± 0.2%), all metabolic parameters improved. Resting and stress E/E’ values remained normal before and after weight loss. Exercise intolerance is likely due to general deconditioning and not cardiac dysfunction in early MetS as VO2max increases significantly with lifestyle while cardiac function remains unchanged.
The Functional Promoter Polymorphism of the Coagulation Factor XII Gene is not Associated With Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Yazdani-Biuki Babak , Krippl Peter , Brickmann Kerstin , Fuerst Florentine , Langsenlehner Uwe , Paulweber Bernhard , Pilger Ernst , Wascher Thomas C. , Brezinschek Hans-Peter , Renner Wilfried
Published: January 2010

Coagulation factor XII (FXII) plays a key role in both coagulation and fibrinolysis and has been associated with cardiovascular disease in some studies. Plasma FXIIa levels are strongly determined by a common functional polymorphism in the promoter of the FXII gene (F12-4C>T). To investigate the potential association of this polymorphism with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), we performed a case-control study including 668 patients with PAD and 762 controls participants without cardiovascular disease. F12 genotype frequencies were not significantly different between patients with PAD and control participants. After adjustment for classical risk factors, the odds ratio of carriers of a F12 -4T allele for PAD was 1.06 (95% confidence interval 0.86—1.32). F12 genotypes were associated with a modest increase of the mean-activated partial thromboplastin time but not with PAD stage or severity. We conclude that the functional F124C>T polymorphism is not associated with PAD.
A Novel Mesoporous Biomaterial for Treating Dentin Hypersensitivity
Authors: Chiang Y.-C. , Chen H.-J. , Liu H.-C. , Kang S.-H. , Lee B.-S. , Lin F.-H. , Lin H.-P. , Lin C.-P.
Published: January 2010

An ideal material has yet to be discovered that can completely treat dentin hypersensitivity; however, calcium phosphate precipitation has exhibited potential value for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity by the occlusion of dentinal tubules. We hypothesized that a novel mesoporous silica biomaterial (nano CaO@mesoporous silica, NCMS) containing nano-sized calcium oxide particles mixed with 30% phosphoric acid can efficiently occlude dentinal tubules and significantly reduce dentin permeability, even with the presence of pulpal pressure. This highly supersaturated Ca2+-and HPO4 2−ion-containing NCMS paste was brushed onto dentin surfaces, and the ions diffused deeply into the dentinal tubules and formed a CaHPO4·2H2O precipitation with a depth of 100 μm. The results of the dentin permeability tests showed that the novel mesoporous material exhibited a significant reduction in dentin permeability (p < 0.05), even under simulated pulpal pressure, as compared with our previously developed material, DP-bioglass, and a commercial desensitizing material, Seal & Protect®.
Failure of a Glass Ionomer to Remineralize Apatite-depleted Dentin
Authors: Kim Y.K. , Yiu C.K.Y. , Kim J.R. , Gu L. , Kim S.K. , Weller R.N. , Pashley D.H. , Tay F.R.
Published: January 2010

Remineralization of demineralized dentin lesions adjacent to glass-ionomer cements (GICs) has been reported in the literature. This study tested the hypothesis that a strontium-based GIC can remineralize completely demineralized dentin by nucleation of new apatite crystallites within an apatite-free dentin matrix. Human dentin specimens were acid-etched, bonded with Fuji IXGP, and immersed in a calcium-and-phosphate-containing 1.5X simulated body fluid (SBF) for 1–4 months. Polyacrylic acid and polyvinylphosphonic acid biomimetic analogs were added to the SBFs to create 2 additional remineralization media. Specimens were processed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). No apatite deposition could be identified in the completely demineralized dentin in any of the specimens immersed in the 3 remineralization media, despite TEM/EDX evidence of diffusion of ions specific to the strontium-based GIC into the demineralized dentin. The hypothesis was rejected; mineral concentration alone is not a sufficient endpoint for assessing the success of contemporary remineralization strategies.
MAPK Signaling Is Required for LPS-induced VEGF in Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Botero T.M. , Son J.S. , Vodopyanov D. , Hasegawa M. , Shelburne C.E. , Nör J.E.
Published: January 2010

Caries-induced pulpitis is typically accompanied by an increase in dental pulp microvascular density. However, the mechanisms by which dental pulp cells recognize lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) remain unclear. We hypothesized that Porphyromonas endodontalis and Escherichia coli LPSs induce vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) and human dental pulp fibroblasts (HDPF) through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. ELISA, semi-quantitative RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and Western blots were used. Here, we observed that LPSs induced VEGF expression in DPSC and HDPF cells, and both cell types express Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR- 4). Notably, LPS-induced VEGF is associated with phosphorylation of protein kinase C (PKC ζ) and extracellular signal-regulator kinase (ERK1/2) and is dependent upon MAPK activation. Analysis of these data, collectively, unveils a signaling pathway responsible for synthesis of VEGF by pulp cells and suggests a novel therapeutic target for the management of vascular responses in teeth with pulpitis.
Toward Explaining Mental Health Disparities
Authors: Aneshensel Carol S.
Published: January 2010

Mental health disparities refer to the disproportionate amount of psychopathol-ogy found among persons of disadvantageous social standing, such as persons of low socioeconomic status (SES). Although social and self selection cannot entirely be ruled out as explanations for these differences, the accumulation of evidence supports a social causation interpretation for a large portion of this association for many disorders. The stress process model is applied to understand how social inequities become mental health disparities. Data from the Los Angeles Depression Study, originated by Leo Reeder, are used to illustrate the key idea that explicit causal models are essential to the development of programmatic interventions to alleviate mental health disparities, as distinct from interventions to improve mental health in general. In light of recent work on neighborhood stratification and mental health, I advocate the modification of the social contexts of the stress process.