bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cluster State Computation with Quantum‐Dot Charge Qubits
Authors: Katz Matthew Lubelski , Wang Jingbo
Published: January 2010

Quantum computers are expected to far surpass the capabilities of today′s most powerful supercomputers, particularly in areas such as the theoretical simulation of quantum systems, cryptography, and information processing. The cluster state is a special, highly entangled quantum state that forms the universal resource on which measurement‐based quantum computation can be performed. This paper provides a brief review of the theoretical foundations of cluster state quantum computation and how it evolved from the traditional model of digital computers. It then proposes a scheme for the generation of such entanglement in a solid‐state medium through the suppression of resonant tunneling of a ballistic electron by a single‐electron charge qubit. To investigate the viability of the scheme for the creation of cluster states, numerical calculations are performed in which the entanglement interaction is modeled in detail.
Sugar Alcohols, Caries Incidence, and Remineralization of Caries Lesions: A Literature Review
Authors: Mäkinen Kauko K.
Published: January 2010

Remineralization of minor enamel defects is a normal physiological process that is well known to clinicians and researchers in dentistry and oral biology. This process can be facilitated by various dietary and oral hygiene procedures and may also concern dentin caries lesions. Dental caries is reversible if detected and treated sufficiently early. Habitual use of xylitol, a sugar alcohol of the pentitol type, can be associated with significant reduction in caries incidence and with tooth remineralization. Other dietary polyols that can remarkably lower the incidence of caries include erythritol which is a tetritol-type alditol. Based on known molecular parameters of simple dietary alditols, it is conceivable to predict that their efficacy in caries prevention will follow the homologous series, that is, that the number of OH-groups present in the alditol molecule will determine the efficacy as follows: . The possible difference between erythritol and xylitol must be confirmed in future clinical trials.
Pomegranate Ellagitannin–Derived Compounds Exhibit Antiproliferative and Antiaromatase Activity in Breast Cancer Cells In vitro
Authors: Adams Lynn S. , Zhang Yanjun , Seeram Navindra P. , Heber David , Chen Shiuan
Published: January 2010

Estrogen stimulates the proliferation of breast cancer cells and the growth of estrogen-responsive tumors. The aromatase enzyme, which converts androgen to estrogen, plays a key role in breast carcinogenesis. The pomegranate fruit, a rich source of ellagitannins (ET), has attracted recent attention due to its anticancer and antiatherosclerotic properties. On consumption, pomegranate ETs hydrolyze, releasing ellagic acid, which is then converted to 3,8-dihydroxy-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-6-one (“urolithin”) derivatives by gut microflora. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antiaromatase activity and inhibition of testosterone-induced breast cancer cell proliferation by ET-derived compounds isolated from pomegranates. A panel of 10 ET-derived compounds including ellagic acid, gallagic acid, and urolithins A and B (and their acetylated, methylated, and sulfated analogues prepared in our laboratory) were examined for their ability to inhibit aromatase activity and testosterone-induced breast cancer cell proliferation. Using a microsomal aromatase assay, we screened the panel of ET-derived compounds and identified six with antiaromatase activity. Among these, urolithin B (UB) was shown to most effectively inhibit aromatase activity in a live cell assay. Kinetic analysis of UB showed mixed inhibition, suggesting more than one inhibitory mechanism. Proliferation assays also determined that UB significantly inhibited testosterone-induced MCF-7aro cell proliferation. The remaining test compounds also exhibited antiproliferative activity, but to a lesser degree than UB. These studies suggest that pomegranate ET–derived compounds have potential for the prevention of estrogen-responsive breast cancers. Cancer Prev Res; 3(1); 108–13
Atorvastatin and Celecoxib in Combination Inhibits the Progression of Androgen-Dependent LNCaP Xenograft Prostate Tumors to Androgen Independence
Authors: Zheng Xi , Cui Xiao-Xing , Gao Zhi , Zhao Yang , Lin Yong , Shih Weichung Joe , Huang Mou-Tuan , Liu Yue , Rabson Arnold , Reddy Bandaru , Yang Chung S. , Conney Allan H.
Published: January 2010

Epidemiology studies suggest that statins and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce the risk of prostate cancer. In the present study, LNCaP cells were cultured in regular medium containing fetal bovine serum or in medium supplemented with charcoal-stripped fetal bovine serum to mimic androgen deprivation treatment. We found that atorvastatin (Lipitor) or celecoxib (Celebrex) treatment of LNCaP cells cultured in regular or androgen-depleted medium inhibited growth and stimulated apoptosis. A combination of atorvastatin and celecoxib was more effective than either agent alone. In animal studies, severe combined immunodeficient mice were injected s.c. with LNCaP cells in Matrigel. After 4 to 6 weeks, mice with LNCaP tumors (about 0.6 cm wide and 0.6 cm long) were surgically castrated and received daily i.p. injections of vehicle, atorvastatin (10 μg/g body weight/d), celecoxib (10 μg/g/d), or a combination of atorvastatin (5 μg/g/d) and celecoxib (5 μg/g/d) for 42 days. In all groups, the androgen-dependent LNCaP tumors regressed initially in response to castration, but the tumors eventually progressed to androgen independence and started to grow. Treatment of the mice with atorvastatin or celecoxib alone suppressed the regrowth of LNCaP tumors after castration. A combination of low doses of atorvastatin and celecoxib had a more potent effect in inhibiting the growth and progression of LNCaP tumors to androgen independence than a higher dose of either agent alone. Our results indicate that administration of a combination of atorvastatin and celecoxib may be an effective strategy for the prevention of prostate cancer progression from androgen dependence to androgen independence. Cancer Prev Res; 3(1); 114–24
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase 3 Skin Cancer Prevention Study of α-Difluoromethylornithine in Subjects with Previous History of Skin Cancer
Authors: Bailey Howard H. , Kim KyungMann , Verma Ajit K. , Sielaff Karen , Larson Paul O. , Snow Stephen , Lenaghan Theresa , Viner Jaye L. , Douglas Jeff , Dreckschmidt Nancy E. , Hamielec Mary , Pomplun Marcy , Sharata Harry H. , Puchalsky David , Berg Eric R. , Havighurst Thomas C. , Carbone Paul P.
Published: January 2010

Preclinical studies have shown that the inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) by α-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) and resultant decreases in tissue concentrations of polyamines (putrescine and spermidine) prevents neoplastic developments in many tissue types. Clinical studies of oral DFMO at 500 mg/m2/day revealed it to be safe and tolerable and resulted in significant inhibition of phorbol ester–induced skin ODC activity. Two hundred and ninety-one participants (mean age, 61 years; 60% male) with a history of prior nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC; mean, 4.5 skin cancers) were randomized to oral DFMO (500 mg/m2/day) or placebo for 4 to 5 years. There was a trend toward a history of more prior skin cancers in subjects randomized to placebo, but all other characteristics including sunscreen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use were evenly distributed. Evaluation of 1,200 person-years of follow-up revealed a new NMSC rate of 0.5 events/person/year. The primary end point, new NMSCs, was not significantly different between subjects taking DFMO and placebo (260 versus 363 cancers, P = 0.069, two-sample t test). Evaluation of basal cell (BCC) and squamous cell cancers separately revealed very little difference in squamous cell cancer between treatment groups but a significant difference in new BCC (DFMO, 163 cancers; placebo, 243 cancers; expressed as event rate of 0.28 BCC/person/year versus 0.40 BCC/person/year, P = 0.03). Compliance with DFMO was >90% and it seemed to be well tolerated with evidence of mild ototoxicity as measured by serial audiometric examination when compared with placebo subjects. The analysis of normal skin biopsies revealed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate–induced ODC activity (month 24, 36, and 48) and putrescine concentration (month 24 and 36 only) in DFMO subjects. Subjects with a history of skin cancer taking daily DFMO had an insignificant reduction (P = 0.069) in new NMSC that was predominantly due to a marked reduction in new BCC. Based on these data, the potential of DFMO, alone or in combination, to prevent skin cancers should be explored further. Cancer Prev Res; 3(1); 35–47
Chemopreventive Effects of Frondanol A5, a Cucumaria frondosa Extract, against Rat Colon Carcinogenesis and Inhibition of Human Colon Cancer Cell Growth
Authors: Janakiram Naveena B. , Mohammed Altaf , Zhang Yuting , Choi Chang-In , Woodward Carl , Collin Peter , Steele Vernon E. , Rao Chinthalapally V.
Published: January 2010

Sea cucumber extracts have been widely used to treat individuals with inflammatory conditions in East Asia. The present study has been designed to test potential colon cancer–preventive properties of Frondanol A5, a glycolipid extract from the sea cucumber, Cucumaria frondosa, using in vivo and in vitro models of colon cancer. Chemopreventive efficacy of Frondanol A5 was evaluated on azoxymethane-induced rat colon carcinogenesis using colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) as efficacy marker. At 7 weeks of age, groups of rats (12 per group) were fed the AIN-76A diet, and ACFs were induced by azoxymethane (15 mg/kg body weight). Three days after azoxymethane treatment, rats were fed with the diets containing 0, 150, and 450 ppm of Frondanol A5 and continued on the diets for 8 weeks, at which time ACFs were evaluated. Expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and p21WAF1/CIP1 were determined in ACFs. Further, Frondanol A5 (10-120 μg/mL) was studied for its growth-inhibitory and apoptotic effects in the HCT-116 cell line. Dietary administration of 150 and 450 ppm of Frondanol A5 significantly suppressed azoxymethane-induced total colonic ACF formation, approximately 34% to 55% (P < 0.01 to P < 0.0001), and multicrypt aberrant foci (48-68.5%, P < 0.0001) in a dose-dependent manner. ACFs in rats treated with Frondanol A5 showed significant upregulation of p21WAF1/CIP1 and downregulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen compared with control group. Frondanol A5 showed growth inhibition at S and G2-M phase with a decrease in Cdc25c and an increase in p21WAF1/CIP with significant apoptosis associated with H2AX phosphorylation and caspase-2 cleavage in HCT116 cells. Overall, Frondanol A5 exhibits potential chemopreventive properties for colon carcinogenesis, which suggests further development of this sea cucumber extract. Cancer Prev Res; 3(1); 82–91
Basal Cell Carcinoma Chemoprevention with Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Genetically Predisposed PTCH1+/− Humans and Mice
Authors: Tang Jean Y. , Aszterbaum Michelle , Athar Mohammad , Barsanti Franco , Cappola Carol , Estevez Nini , Hebert Jennifer , Hwang Jimmy , Khaimskiy Yefim , Kim Arianna , Lu Ying , So Po-Lin , Tang Xiuwei , Kohn Michael A. , McCulloch Charles E. , Kopelovich Levy , Bickers David R. , Epstein Ervin H.
Published: January 2010

In vitro and epidemiologic studies favor the efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) in preventing skin squamous photocarcinogenesis, but there has been relatively little study of their efficacy in preventing the more common skin basal cell carcinoma (BCC) carcinogenesis. We first compared the relative anti-BCC effects of genetic deletion and NSAID pharmacologic inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in the skin of Ptch1+/− mice. We then assessed the effects of celecoxib on the development of BCCs in a 3-year, double-blinded, randomized clinical trial in 60 (PTCH1+/−) patients with the basal cell nevus syndrome. In Ptch1+/− mice, genetic deletion of COX1 or COX2 robustly decreased (75%; P < 0.05) microscopic BCC tumor burden, but pharmacologic inhibition with celecoxib reduced microscopic BCCs less efficaciously (35%; P < 0.05). In the human trial, we detected a trend for oral celecoxib reducing BCC burden in all subjects (P = 0.069). Considering only the 60% of patients with less severe disease (<15 BCCs at study entry), celecoxib significantly reduced BCC number and burden: subjects receiving placebo had a 50% increase in BCC burden per year, whereas subjects in the celecoxib group had a 20% increase (Pdifference = 0.024). Oral celecoxib treatment inhibited BCC carcinogenesis in PTCH1+/− mice and had a significant anti-BCC effect in humans with less severe disease. Cancer Prev Res; 3(1); OF1–11
Chemoprevention of Cigarette Smoke–Induced Alterations of MicroRNA Expression in Rat Lungs
Authors: Izzotti Alberto , Calin George A. , Steele Vernon E. , Cartiglia Cristina , Longobardi Mariagrazia , Croce Carlo M. , De Flora Silvio
Published: January 2010

We previously showed that exposure to environmental cigarette smoke (ECS) for 28 days causes extensive downregulation of microRNA expression in the lungs of rats, resulting in the overexpression of multiple genes and proteins. In the present study, we evaluated by microarray the expression of 484 microRNAs in the lungs of either ECS-free or ECS-exposed rats treated with the orally administered chemopreventive agents N-acetylcysteine, oltipraz, indole-3-carbinol, 5,6-benzoflavone, and phenethyl isothiocyanate (as single agents or in combinations). This is the first study of microRNA modulation by chemopreventive agents in nonmalignant tissues. Scatterplot, hierarchical cluster, and principal component analyses of microarray and quantitative PCR data showed that none of the above chemopreventive regimens appreciably affected the baseline microRNA expression, indicating potential safety. On the other hand, all of them attenuated ECS-induced alterations but to a variable extent and with different patterns, indicating potential preventive efficacy. The main ECS-altered functions that were modulated by chemopreventive agents included cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, Ras activation, P53 functions, NF-κB pathway, transforming growth factor–related stress response, and angiogenesis. Some microRNAs known to be polymorphic in humans were downregulated by ECS and were protected by chemopreventive agents. This study provides proof-of-concept and validation of technology that we are further refining to screen and prioritize potential agents for continued development and to help elucidate their biological effects and mechanisms. Therefore, microRNA analysis may provide a new tool for predicting at early carcinogenesis stages both the potential safety and efficacy of cancer chemopreventive agents. Cancer Prev Res; 3(1); 62–72
Folate Deficiency Alters Hepatic and Colon MGMT and OGG-1 DNA Repair Protein Expression in Rats but Has No Effect on Genome-Wide DNA Methylation
Authors: Duthie Susan J. , Grant George , Pirie Lynn P. , Watson Amanda J. , Margison Geoffrey P.
Published: January 2010

Folate deficiency is implicated in human colon cancer. The effects of feeding rats a folate-deficient diet for 24 weeks on DNA damage (8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine), DNA repair [O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) and 8-oxoguanine-DNA glycosylase (OGG-1) activity], and epigenetic parameters (genome-wide cytosine methylation and indices of cellular methylation status) were investigated. Relative to control diet, the folate-deficient diet resulted in significantly reduced levels of serum (∼80%; P < 0.0001), whole blood (∼40%; P < 0.0001), and tissue folate (between 25% and 60% depending on the tissue sampled; P < 0.05); increased plasma total homocysteine (∼35%; P < 0.05); and decreased S-adenosylmethionine to S-adenosylhomocysteine concentrations (∼11%; P < 0.05). There was no significant change in the levels of 5-methyldeoxycytidine in liver or colon DNA, nor in the activity of liver DNA cytosine methyltransferase. However, there were significant increases in 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (P < 0.001) in lymphocyte DNA and in levels of the DNA repair proteins OGG-1 (∼27%; P < 0.03) and MGMT (∼25%; P < 0.003) in the liver, but not in the colon. This may reflect the ability of the liver, but not the colon, to upregulate DNA repair enzymes in response to either elevated DNA damage or an imbalance in the nucleotide precursor pool. These results show that folate deficiency can significantly modulate DNA damage and DNA repair, providing mechanisms by which it plays a role in the etiology of human cancer. We speculate that the inability of colon tissue to respond to folate deficiency occurs in humans and may increase the potential for malignant transformation. Cancer Prev Res; 3(1); 92–100
Targeting Ornithine Decarboxylase for the Prevention of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer in Humans
Authors: Elmets Craig A. , Athar Mohammad
Published: January 2010

Bailey et al. report in this issue of the journal (beginning on page 35) one of the first successful trials of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) prevention. Oral α-difluoromethyl-dl-ornithine (DFMO) reduced new BCCs in patients with a prior history of nonmelanoma skin cancer. DFMO is an inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase, a key enzyme in the polyamine biosynthetic pathway. This perspective on Bailey et al. discusses our knowledge of the contribution of polyamines to BCC pathogenesis, how this knowledge advanced the development of a new method to prevent BCCs, and prospects for future studies of DFMO in BCC prevention. Cancer Prev Res; 3(1); 8–11
One-Hit Effects and Cancer
Authors: Iniesta Maria D. , Chien Janet , Wicha Max , Merajver Sofia D.
Published: January 2010

This perspective on Bellacosa et al. (beginning on p. 48 in this issue of the journal) discusses the important biology of microscopically normal tissues in carriers of germ-line BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. The work of Bellacosa et al. is an important step toward discerning which pathways may be altered when one BRCA allele is inactivated. Cancer Prev Res; 3(1); 12–5
Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Score Predicts Left Ventricular Assist Device Operative Transfusion Requirements, Morbidity, and Mortality
Authors: Matthews Jennifer C. , Pagani Francis D. , Haft Jonathan W. , Koelling Todd M. , Naftel David C. , Aaronson Keith D.
Published: January 2010

Background—

The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) predicts events in cirrhotic subjects undergoing major surgery and may offer similar prognostication in left ventricular assist device candidates with comparable degrees of multisystem dysfunction.

Methods and Results—

Preoperative MELD scores were calculated for subjects enrolled in the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) mechanical circulatory support database. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were performed to investigate the ability of patient characteristics, laboratory data (including MELD scores), and hemodynamic measurements to predict total perioperative blood product exposure and operative mortality. The ability of preoperative MELD scores to predict operative mortality was evaluated in subjects enrolled in the Interagency Registry of Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS), and results were compared with those from the UMHS cohort. The mean±SD MELD scores for the UMHS (n=211) and INTERMACS (n=324) cohorts were 13.7±6.1 and 15.2±5.8, respectively, with 29 (14%) and 19 (6%) perioperative deaths. In the UMHS cohort, median total perioperative blood product exposure was 74 units (25th and 75th percentiles, 44 and 120 units). Each 5-unit MELD score increase was associated with 15.1±3.8 units (β±SE) of total perioperative blood product exposure. Each 10-unit increase in total perioperative blood product exposure increased the odds of operative death (odds ratio, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.10). Odds ratios, measuring the ability of MELD scores to predict perioperative mortality, were 1.5 (95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 2.0) and 1.5 (95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 2.1) per 5 MELD units for the UMHS and INTERMACS cohorts, respectively. When MELD scores were dichotomized as ≥17 and <17, risk-adjusted Cox proportional-hazard ratios for 6-month mortality were 2.5 (95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 5.3) and 2.5 (95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 5.4) for the UMHS and INTERMACS cohorts, respectively.

Conclusion—

The MELD score identified left ventricular assist device candidates at high risk for perioperative bleeding and mortality.
Ventricular Geometry, Strain, and Rotational Mechanics in Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Puwanant Sarinya , Park Margaret , Popović Zoran B. , Tang W. H. Wilson , Farha Samar , George Deepa , Sharp Jacqueline , Puntawangkoon Jirapa , Loyd James E. , Erzurum Serpil C. , Thomas James D.
Published: January 2010

Background—

We tested the hypothesis that right ventricular (RV) pressure overload affects RV function and further influences left ventricular (LV) geometry, which adversely affects LV twist mechanics and segmental function.

Methods and Results—

Echocardiographic images were prospectively acquired in 44 patients (age, 46±12 years; 82% women) with evidence of pulmonary hypertension (estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure, 71±23 mm Hg) and in 44 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects. Patients with intrinsic LV diseases were excluded. RV lateral wall longitudinal strain (LS) and interventricular septal (IVS) LS were reduced in the pulmonary hypertension group compared with control subjects (−15.9±7.6% versus −25.5±6.1%,
P
<0.001; and −17.3±4.4% versus −20.2±3.9%,
P
=0.002, respectively), whereas LV lateral wall LS was preserved. RV lateral wall LS and IVS LS, but not LV lateral wall LS, correlated with pulmonary artery systolic pressure (
r
=0.56,
P
<0.01;
r
=0.32,
P
<0.01) and LV eccentricity index (
r
=0.57,
P
<0.01;
r
=0.57,
P
<0.01). IVS and LV lateral wall circumferential strain (CS) were both reduced in the pulmonary hypertension group. Although IVS CS and LV lateral wall CS correlated with pulmonary artery systolic pressure and LV eccentricity index, after adjustment of CS for LV eccentricity index, differences between groups persisted for IVS CS (
P
<0.01) but not LV lateral wall CS (
P
=0.09). LV torsion was decreased in patients with pulmonary hypertension compared with control subjects (9.6±4.9° versus 14.7±4.9°,
P
<0.001). LV torsion inversely correlated with pulmonary artery systolic pressure (
r
=−0.39,
P
<0.01) and LV eccentricity index (
r
=−0.3,
P
<0.01). LV untwisting rates were similar in both groups (
P
=0.7).

Conclusions—

Chronic RV pressure overload directly affects RV longitudinal systolic deformation. RV pressure overload further influences IVS and LV geometry, which impairs LV torsion and segmental LS and CS, more for the IVS than for the free wall of the LV.
Update on Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device Infections and Their Management
Authors: Baddour Larry M. , Epstein Andrew E. , Erickson Christopher C. , Knight Bradley P. , Levison Matthew E. , Lockhart Peter B. , Masoudi Frederick A. , Okum Eric J. , Wilson Walter R. , Beerman Lee B. , Bolger Ann F. , Estes N.A. Mark , Gewitz Michael , Newburger Jane W. , Schron Eleanor B. , Taubert Kathryn A. ,   Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia,   Council on Cardiovascular Nursing,   Council on Clinical Cardiology,   the Interdisciplinary Council on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research
Published: January 2010

Despite improvements in cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) design, application of timely infection control practices, and administration of antibiotic prophylaxis at the time of device placement, CIED infections continue to occur and can be life-threatening. This has prompted the study of all aspects of CIED infections. Recognizing the recent advances in our understanding of the epidemiology, risk factors, microbiology, management, and prevention of CIED infections, the American Heart Association commissioned this scientific statement to educate clinicians about CIED infections, provide explicit recommendations for the care of patients with suspected or established CIED infections, and highlight areas of needed research.
Soluble CD40 Ligand Impairs the Function of Peripheral Blood Angiogenic Outgrowth Cells and Increases Neointimal Formation After Arterial Injury
Authors: Hristov Mihail , Gümbel Denis , Lutgens Esther , Zernecke Alma , Weber Christian
Published: January 2010

Background—

Recent work has revealed an essential involvement of soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) in inflammation and atherosclerosis. We investigated whether sCD40L functionally affects peripheral blood–derived angiogenic early outgrowth cells (EOCs) and neointimal remodeling after arterial injury.

Methods and Results—

Besides myeloid and endothelial markers, cultured human EOCs strongly expressed CD40 mRNA and protein. EOC adhesion to fibronectin, fibrinogen, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 under flow conditions, as well as their transmigration toward stromal cell–derived factor-1α, was dose-dependently reduced after preincubation with recombinant human sCD40L for 24 hours. Integrin expression was unaffected by sCD40L, implying that integrin adhesiveness was attenuated. Surface-immobilized CD40L supported much lower adhesion of EOCs than fibronectin. Treatment of EOCs with sCD40L increased superoxide anion production and decreased viability and proliferation. Notably, CD40
−/−
mice displayed reduced neointima and improved re-endothelialization after carotid wire injury compared with wild-type mice, and therapeutic infusion of control EOCs but not EOCs pretreated with sCD40L attenuated neointimal growth after wire injury in nude mice. Furthermore, neointimal growth was more markedly diminished by infusion of spleen-derived CD40
−/−
mouse EOCs than by that of wild-type EOCs. Preincubation of wild-type EOCs but not CD40
−/−
EOCs with sCD40L before their infusion markedly aggravated neointimal formation. Treatment with sCD40L attenuated luminal incorporation of EOCs and accelerated neointimal progression.

Conclusions—

Endothelial dysfunction due to persistently elevated plasma levels of sCD40L may be attributable to an impairment of EOC function. Hence, in the context of arterial injury, therapeutic blockade of sCD40L may provide a novel strategy for accelerating endothelial regeneration and attenuating neointimal remodeling.
Efficacy and Safety of Varenicline for Smoking Cessation in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Rigotti Nancy A. , Pipe Andrew L. , Benowitz Neal L. , Arteaga Carmen , Garza Dahlia , Tonstad Serena
Published: January 2010

Background—

Smoking cessation is a key component of secondary cardiovascular disease prevention. Varenicline, a partial α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, is effective for smoking cessation in healthy smokers, but its efficacy and safety in smokers with cardiovascular disease are unknown.

Methods and Results—

A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial compared the efficacy and safety of varenicline with placebo for smoking cessation in 714 smokers with stable cardiovascular disease. Participants received varenicline (1 mg twice daily) or placebo, along with smoking-cessation counseling, for 12 weeks. Follow-up lasted 52 weeks. The primary end point was carbon monoxide-confirmed continuous abstinence rate for weeks 9 through 12 (last 4 weeks of treatment). The continuous abstinence rate was higher for varenicline than placebo during weeks 9 through 12 (47.0% versus 13.9%; odds ratio, 6.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.18 to 8.93) and weeks 9 through 52 (19.2% versus 7.2%; odds ratio, 3.14; 95% CI, 1.93 to 5.11). The varenicline and placebo groups did not differ significantly in cardiovascular mortality (0.3% versus 0.6%; difference, −0.3%; 95% CI, −1.3 to 0.7), all-cause mortality (0.6% versus 1.4%; difference, −0.8%; 95% CI, −2.3 to 0.6), cardiovascular events (7.1% versus 5.7%; difference, 1.4%; 95% CI, −2.3 to 5.0), or serious adverse events (6.5% and 6.0%; difference, 0.5%; 95% CI, −3.1 to 4.1). As a result of adverse events, 9.6% of varenicline and 4.3% of placebo participants discontinued study drug.

Conclusions—

Varenicline is effective for smoking cessation in smokers with cardiovascular disease. It was well tolerated and did not increase cardiovascular events or mortality; however, trial size and duration limit definitive conclusions about safety.

Clinical Trial Registration Information—

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00282984. Unique identifier: NCT00282984.
Intracoronary Administration of Cardiac Progenitor Cells Alleviates Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Rats With a 30-Day-Old Infarction
Authors: Tang Xian-Liang , Rokosh Gregg , Sanganalmath Santosh K. , Yuan Fangping , Sato Hiroshi , Mu Jianyao , Dai Shujing , Li Chengxin , Chen Ning , Peng Yong , Dawn Buddhadeb , Hunt Greg , Leri Annarosa , Kajstura Jan , Tiwari Sumit , Shirk Gregg , Anversa Piero , Bolli Roberto
Published: January 2010

Background—

Administration of cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) 4 hours after reperfusion ameliorates left ventricular function in rats with acute myocardial infarction (MI). Clinically, however, this approach is not feasible, because expansion of autologous CPCs after acute MI requires several weeks. Therefore, we sought to determine whether CPCs are beneficial in the more clinically relevant setting of an old MI (scar).

Methods and Results—

One month after coronary occlusion/reperfusion, rats received an intracoronary infusion of vehicle or enhanced green fluorescent protein–labeled CPCs. Thirty-five days later, CPC-treated rats exhibited more viable myocardium in the risk region, less fibrosis in the noninfarcted region, and improved left ventricular function. Cells that stained positive for enhanced green fluorescent protein that expressed cardiomyocyte, endothelial, and vascular smooth muscle cell markers were observed only in 7 of 17 treated rats and occupied only 2.6% and 1.1% of the risk and noninfarcted regions, respectively. Transplantation of CPCs was associated with increased proliferation and expression of cardiac proteins by endogenous CPCs.

Conclusions—

Intracoronary administration of CPCs in the setting of an old MI produces beneficial structural and functional effects. Although exogenous CPCs can differentiate into new cardiac cells, this mechanism is not sufficient to explain the benefits, which suggests paracrine effects; among these, the present data identify activation of endogenous CPCs. This is the first report that CPCs are beneficial in the setting of an old MI when given by intracoronary infusion, the most widely applicable therapeutic approach in patients. Furthermore, this is the first evidence that exogenous CPC administration activates endogenous CPCs. These results open the door to new therapeutic applications for the use of autologous CPCs in patients with old MI and chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Relations of Biomarkers of Distinct Pathophysiological Pathways and Atrial Fibrillation Incidence in the Community
Authors: Schnabel Renate B. , Larson Martin G. , Yamamoto Jennifer F. , Sullivan Lisa M. , Pencina Michael J. , Meigs James B. , Tofler Geoffrey H. , Selhub Jacob , Jacques Paul F. , Wolf Philip A. , Magnani Jared W. , Ellinor Patrick T. , Wang Thomas J. , Levy Daniel , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Benjamin Emelia J.
Published: January 2010

Background—

Biomarkers of multiple pathophysiological pathways have been related to incident atrial fibrillation (AF), but their predictive ability remains controversial.

Methods and Results—

In 3120 Framingham cohort participants (mean age 58.4±9.7 years, 54% women), we related 10 biomarkers that represented inflammation (C-reactive protein and fibrinogen), neurohormonal activation (B-type natriuretic peptide [BNP] and N-terminal proatrial natriuretic peptide), oxidative stress (homocysteine), the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (renin and aldosterone), thrombosis and endothelial function (D-dimer and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1), and microvascular damage (urinary albumin excretion; n=2673) to incident AF (n=209, 40% women) over a median follow-up of 9.7 years (range 0.05 to 12.8 years). In multivariable-adjusted analyses, the biomarker panel was associated with incident AF (
P
<0.0001). In stepwise-selection models (
P
<0.01 for entry and retention), log-transformed BNP (hazard ratio per SD 1.62, 95% confidence interval 1.41 to 1.85,
P
<0.0001) and C-reactive protein (hazard ratio 1.25, 95% confidence interval 1.07 to 1.45,
P
=0.004) were chosen. The addition of BNP to variables recently combined in a risk score for AF increased the C-statistic from 0.78 (95% confidence interval 0.75 to 0.81) to 0.80 (95% confidence interval 0.78 to 0.83) and showed an integrated discrimination improvement of 0.03 (95% confidence interval 0.02 to 0.04,
P
<0.0001), with 34.9% relative improvement in reclassification analysis. The combined analysis of BNP and C-reactive protein did not appreciably improve risk prediction over the model that incorporated BNP in addition to the risk factors.

Conclusions—

BNP is a predictor of incident AF and improves risk stratification based on well-established clinical risk factors. Whether knowledge of BNP concentrations may be used to target individuals at risk of AF for more intensive monitoring or primary prevention requires further investigation.
Intraaortic Pulse Pressure Amplification in Subjects at High Coronary Risk
Authors: Temmar Mohamed , Jankowski Piotr , Peltier Marcel , Mouquet Vincent , Dębicka-Dąbrowska Dorota , Hamida Farah , Kawecka-Jaszcz Kalina , Safar Michel E.
Published: January 2010

Peripheral (brachial) pulse pressure normally exceeds central (aortic) pulse pressure but is a less powerful predictor of cardiovascular risk. The difference between the 2 variables, called pulse pressure amplification, has never been specifically studied between the proximal and distal aorta in coronary patients. Our goal was to determine aortic pulse pressure amplification in subjects at high coronary risk, with emphasis on associated renal and inflammatory factors. Blood pressure was measured invasively in the ascending aorta, abdominal aorta (at the level of kidneys), and iliac artery in 101 subjects (mean age, 63±11 years; 61 men) undergoing coronary angiography. Independently of age, sex, and the presence of coronary stenosis, the increase of pulse pressure between the ascending and terminal aorta was over 10 mm Hg (
P
<0.001), whereas mean blood pressure remained unchanged. Pulse pressure amplification did not differ significantly between patients with and without coronary artery stenosis. Irrespective of confounding variables, high pulse pressure measured in the ascending aorta and at the level of renal arteries (but not in the iliac artery) was independently related to proteinuria. The increase in pulse pressure from the ascending aorta to the renal level was negatively associated with leukocyte count, even after multivariate adjustment (β coefficient, −0.19; 95% CI, −0.39 to 0.0;
P
<0.05). Increased plasma creatinine and aortic pulse wave velocity were independently and positively correlated (β coefficient, 0.36; CI, 0.18 to 0.54;
P
<0.001). Independently of coronary atherosclerosis, aortic pulse pressure integrates the predictive value of aortic, inflammatory, and renal factors.
Rock in a Hard Place: Grassroots Cultural Production in the Post-Elvis Era
Authors: Bielby William T.
Published: January 2010

The emergence of rock and roll transformed the world of popular music in the mid-1950s. It inspired many teenagers to consider making music themselves, and they invented a new cultural form, the teen rock and roll band. Drawing on my research on the first generation of grassroots bands in the post-Elvis era, I describe how the social structure and status system of schools shaped this new cultural form and why it developed as a male-dominated form of cultural production. Drawing on research on cultural capital, status attainment, and deviant subcultural involvements, I develop a framework for understanding how participation in grassroots cultural production affects life-course trajectories.
The Organizational and Social Foundations of Worker Resistance
Authors: Roscigno Vincent J. , Hodson Randy
Published: January 2010

The study of worker resistance has tended to focus either on organizational attributes that may alter actors' capacity to respond or on influential shop-floor social relations. This divide, partially driven by analytical and methodological preference, is also a function of different theoretical traditions. In this article, we suggest that organizational attributes and interpersonal relations in the workplace, in concert with union presence and collective action history, may be simultaneously but also conditionally meaningful for workers and their potential resistance strategies. Findings, derived from analyses of unique data on 82 workplace ethnographies and that merge Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) techniques and more conventional quantitative methods, largely support these expectations. Most notably, the impact of workplace organization and even union presence on worker resistance varies depending on social relations on the shop floor. Where there is union presence and significant interpersonal conflict with supervisors, the likelihood of collective resistance in the form of strike action is heightened. This pattern also holds for certain more individualized forms of worker resistance (i.e., social sabotage, work avoidance, and absenteeism). More central to individual resistance, however, are workplace contexts characterized by poor organization and a lack of collective action legacy. We conclude by discussing the implications of our results for future analyses of workplace social relations, workplace structure, and collective and individual resistance-oriented actions.
Sexual Harassment as a Gendered Expression of Power
Authors: Uggen Christopher , Blackstone Amy
Published: January 2010

Drawing on recent insights from the study of legal consciousness and gender relations, the authors test the generality of Catharine MacKinnon's theory of the sexual harassment of adult women. Survey and interview data from the Youth Development Study and the General Social Survey are analyzed to identify a behavioral syndrome of sexual harassment for males and females during adolescence and young adulthood and to compare the syndrome against subjective reports of sexual harassment. A clear harassment syndrome is found for all age and sex groups and MacKinnon's predictions about the influence of workplace power and gender relations are generally supported. Financially vulnerable men as well as women are most likely to experience harassing behaviors, and men pursuing more egalitarian gender relationships are most likely to identify such behaviors as sexual harassment. Nevertheless, adult women remain the most frequent targets of classic sexual harassment markers, such as unwanted touching and invasion of personal space.
Constraints into Preferences: Gender, Status, and Emerging Career Aspirations
Authors: Correll Shelley J.
Published: January 2010

This study presents an experimental evaluation of a model that describes the constraining effect of cultural beliefs about gender on the emerging career-relevant aspirations of men and women. The model specifies the conditions under which gender status beliefs evoke a gender-differentiated double standard for attributing performance to ability, which differentially biases the way men and women assess their own competence at tasks that are career relevant, controlling for actual ability. The model implies that, if men and women make different assessments of their own competence at career-relevant tasks, they will also form different aspirations for career paths and activities believed to require competence at these tasks. Data from the experiment support this model. In one condition, male and female undergraduate participants completed an experimental task after being exposed to a belief that men are better at this task. In this condition, male participants assessed their task ability higher than female participants did even though all were given the same scores. Males in this condition also had higher aspirations for career-relevant activities described as requiring competence at the task. No gender differences were found in either assessments or aspirations in a second condition where participants were instead exposed to a belief that men and women have equal task ability. To illustrate the utility of the model in a “real world” (i.e., nonlaboratory) setting, results are compared to a previous survey study that showed men make higher assessments of their own mathematical ability than women, which contributes to their higher rates of persistence on paths to careers in science, math, and engineering.
Growing Pains: Cross-National Variation in Sex Segregation in Sixteen Developing Countries
Authors: Chang Mariko Lin
Published: January 2010

Using an occupational scheme with 43 categories (rather than the typical seven broad categories), this paper provides new information on cross-national patterns of occupational sex segregation in sixteen developing countries. Cross-national variation is investigated through the lens of a new theoretical framework that incorporates the importance of state policies that influence women's integration across the occupational structure. Multivariate analyses examine how three state policies (maternity leave, antidiscrimination, and protective legislation) are related to levels and patterns of segregation, while controlling for existing explanations for differences in segregation in developing countries: economic structure (economic development, dependency, and size of the service sector) and human capital. State policies were the strongest determinant of cross-national differences in levels of segregation, but two types of legislation had opposite effects: maternity leave is negatively related to levels of segregation while antidiscrimination legislation is associated with higher levels of segregation. Analyses of occupation-specific patterns of segregation reiterated the importance of state policies, demonstrating how different types of policies have segregative and integrative effects throughout the occupational structure. Results also provided strong evidence of a culling effect, in which women's representation in higher-status occupations declines as the percentage of women in the labor force increases.
The Structure of a Social Science Collaboration Network: Disciplinary Cohesion from 1963 to 1999
Authors: Moody James
Published: January 2010

Has sociology become more socially integrated over the last 30 years? Recent work in the sociology of knowledge demonstrates a direct linkage between social interaction patterns and the structure of ideas, suggesting that scientific collaboration networks affect scientific practice. I test three competing models for sociological collaboration networks and find that a structurally cohesive core that has been growing steadily since the early 1960s characterizes the discipline's coauthorship network. The results show that participation in the sociology collaboration network depends on research specialty and that quantitative work is more likely to be coauthored than non-quantitative work. However, structural embeddedness within the network core given collaboration is largely unrelated to specialty area. This pattern is consistent with a loosely overlapping specialty structure that has potentially integrative implications for theoretical development in sociology.
Here a Chief, There a Chief: The Rise of the CFO in the American Firm
Authors: Zorn Dirk M.
Published: January 2010

This article examines the rise of the chief financial officer (CFO) position among American firms during the period 1963-2000. Building on event-history models of CFO adoptions among a sample of some 400 large corporations, this analysis documents two stages in the diffusion of the CFO model that occurred prior to its ultimate embodiment of the shareholder-value ideal. The CFO function originated as part of the conglomerate ideal to handle the funding of diversifying acquisitions. In response to an ambiguous regulatory change in accounting rules in 1979, which threatened to reduce reported earnings further at a time when corporate earnings already were under great strain, corporate leaders and finance professionals reconstructed the CFO as a solution. The CFO's popularity quickly surged as a result, and the role kept expanding in the following years to focus on managing shareholders and stock prices.
Race, Gender, and Workplace Power
Authors: Elliott James R. , Smith Ryan A.
Published: January 2010

Survey data support hypotheses regarding differential access to workplace power among women and minorities relative to white men. Specific findings indicate that, relative to white men, all groups encounter increasing inequality at higher levels of power, but only black women seem to experience this form of inequality as a result of direct discrimination. Further analysis indicates that network assistance is more a response to this form of discrimination than an indirect cause. Finally, analysis shows that most groups attain power through homosocial reproduction, but what differs is the opportunity to engage in such reproduction, wherein white men excel. These findings imply that while women and minorities face lower odds than white men of achieving higher levels of workplace power, the reasons for this disadvantage vary among respective groups and thus will likely require different remedies.
Altruism as an Organizational Problem: The Case of Organ Procurement
Authors: Healy Kieran
Published: January 2010

This article presents a social-organizational approach to explaining empirical variation in rates of altruism. The efforts of organizations are mostly responsible for much of the altruism seen today, and the substance of these efforts varies. Although research from social psychology and organizational studies suggests that altruistic action is sensitive to social context, the link between individual and organizational aspects of altruism has not been clearly articulated. In particular, our knowledge of “one-shot,” organizationally managed altruism is limited. I suggest that the factors of organizational resources, scope, and persistence are likely to generate higher rates of individual altruism in the absence of long-term relationships that encourage giving behavior. The approach is applied to the case of cadaveric organ procurement in the United States. The analysis highlights the central role of organ procurement organizations (OPOs). Quantitative analysis of OPO procurement rates shows that, while demographic characteristics are important, OPO resources and scope are important predictors of procurement. The findings strongly suggest that the ability of organizations to produce contexts for giving explains a substantial amount of variation in rates of one-shot altruism.
When Do Movements Matter? The Politics of Contingency and the Equal Rights Amendment
Authors: Soule Sarah A. , Olzak Susan
Published: January 2010

Data on the state-level ERA ratification process are used here to address leading theoretical debates about the role of social movements, public opinion, and political climate on policy outcomes, the goal being to test the claim that these factors depend on each other. Social movement organizations, public opinion, and political party support all influenced the ratification process. But the effects are modified when the interactive nature of public opinion and electoral competition, and political party support and movement organizational strength, are tested. In particular, the effect of social movement organizations on ratification was amplified in the presence of elite allies, and legislators responded most to favorable public opinion under conditions of low electoral competition. These findings are used to suggest a more integrated theory of policy outcomes that considers interactive and contingent effects of movements, public opinion, and political climate.