bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Sociolinguistics of Ethnicity in Pittsburgh
Authors: Eberhardt Maeve 
Published: September 2009

AbstractRecently, there has been a growing interest in regional variation within African American English. This study reviews a work done on local speech in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, discussing trends for both African American and White ethnic groups. Just as scholars have found in other geographic regions, in Pittsburgh, African Americans and Whites share a number of feature characteristics of the local dialect, but remain distinct in a number of other ways. Research in Pittsburgh, as elsewhere, highlights the complexity, rather than the homogeneity, of African American speech across the country, as speakers exhibit alignment to both regional and supraregional ethnic linguistic norms.
Computational Methods for Normalizing Acoustic Vowel Data for Talker Differences
Authors: Clopper Cynthia G. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractDirect acoustic–phonetic comparison of vowels produced by different talkers can be difficult due to the effects of anatomical and physiological talker differences on first and second formant frequencies. Since the mid‐1960s, numerous computational algorithms have been proposed to normalize formant frequency measures and reduce the effects of talker‐specific variability. These algorithms vary widely in their conceptualization: some require samples of the entire vowel space (vowel extrinsic), whereas others can be conducted on a single vowel class (vowel intrinsic); some are based on a single‐scale factor to align broad classes of talkers (such as females and males), whereas others use scale factors and/or vowel space ranges for individual talkers to align their vowel systems in the same acoustic–phonetic space. In this study, an overview of the most commonly used normalization algorithms is provided and the advantages and disadvantages of each of the approaches are discussed.
The “Ottawa syndrome”: The localization of federal public servants in Canada
Authors: Graham Katherine A.H. , Swimmer Gene 
Published: September 2009

Abstract: This article examines the distribution of federal public servants across Canada and asks the question “Does the distribution of the federal public service across Canada matter in the formulation of federal policies related to municipalities?” The article takes a two‐part approach. First, it examines the history of and commentary on decentralization and de‐concentration of the federal public service. It then proceeds to examine the data on the distribution of federal employment over time and uses regression analysis to explain the variations in the relative federal employee presence across local areas and through time. Analysis of initiatives to reform the way in which the public service operates and of the data regarding the location of public servants across the country suggest that broad political, economic and regional factors influence the size and distribution of federal employment across the country, perhaps more than any conscious intent about improving the responsiveness of the federal public service to local conditions. At present, the “knowledge functions” of the federal government are concentrated in the National Capital Region. It is an open question whether this will serve the federal government and Canadians well in the future.Sommaire : Cet article étudie la répartition des fonctionnaires fédéraux à travers le Canada et pose la question suivante : «Est‐ce que la répartition des fonctionnaires fédéraux au Canada a un rôle à jouer dans la formulation des politiques fédérales ayant trait aux municipalités?» L'article comporte une approche en deux parties. Dans la première, les auteurs examinent l'histoire et les commentaires sur la décentralisation et la déconcentration de la fonction publique fédérale. Ensuite, ils étudient les données sur la répartition des employés fédéraux au fil des années et se servent de l'analyse de régression pour expliquer les variations dans la présence relative des fonctionnaires fédéraux dans les secteurs municipaux et dans le temps. L'analyse des initiatives visant à réformer la manière dont la fonction publique fonctionne et des données concernant la localisation des fonctionnaires à travers le pays laisse entendre que d'importants facteurs politiques, économiques et régionaux influencent la taille et la répartition des emplois fédéraux à travers le pays, peut‐être plus que toute intention délibérée d'améliorer la réceptivité de la fonction publique fédérale aux conditions locales. À l'heure actuelle, les «fonctions de connaissance» du gouvernement fédéral sont concentrées dans la région de la capitale nationale. La question est de savoir si cela servira la cause du gouvernement fédéral et du peuple canadien à l'avenir.
Circulating bone‐marrow‐derived endothelial precursor cells contribute to neovascularization in diabetic epiretinal membranes
Authors: Abu El‐Asrar Ahmed M. , Struyf Sofie , Verbeke Hannelien , Van Damme Jo , Geboes Karel 
Published: September 2009

Abstract.Purpose: The role of vasculogenesis, recruitment and differentiation of circulating bone‐marrow‐derived endothelial precursor cells into mature endothelium in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) remains undefined. We investigated the presence of bone‐marrow‐derived endothelial precursor cells and the expression of the chemotactic pathway SDF‐1/CXCL12−CXCR4 in PDR epiretinal membranes.Methods: Membranes from eight patients with active PDR and nine patients with inactive PDR were studied by immunohistochemistry using antibodies against CD133, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2), CD14, SDF‐1 and CXCR4.Results: Blood vessels expressed CD133, VEGFR‐2, CD14, SDF‐1 and CXCR4 in 10, 10, 10, seven and seven out of 17 membranes, respectively. There were significant correlations between number of blood vessels expressing CD34 and number of blood vessels expressing CD133 (rs = 0.646; p = 0.005), VEGFR‐2 (rs = 0.704; p = 0.002), CD14 (rs = 0.564; p = 0.018) and SDF‐1 (rs = 0.577; p = 0.015). Stromal cells in close association with blood vessels expressed CD133, VEGFR‐2, CD14 and CXCR4 in 10, 12, 13 and 14 membranes, respectively. The number of blood vessels expressing CD133 (p = 0.013), VEGFR‐2 (p = 0.005), CD14 (p = 0.008) and SDF‐1 (p = 0.005), and stromal cells expressing CD133 (p = 0.003), VEGFR‐2 (p = 0.013) and CD14 (p = 0.002) was significantly higher in active membranes than in inactive membranes.Conclusion: Bone‐marrow‐derived CD133+endothelial progenitor cells and CD14+monocytes may contribute to vasculogenesis in PDR.
Activity of the Novel Peptide Arminin against Multiresistant Human Pathogens Shows the Considerable Potential of Phylogenetically Ancient Organisms as Drug Sources
Authors: Augustin René , Anton-Erxleben Friederike , Jungnickel Stephanie , Hemmrich Georg , Spudy Björn , Podschun Rainer , Bosch Thomas C. G. 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT

The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria highlights the need for new antibacterial agents. Arminin 1a is a novel antimicrobial peptide discovered during investigations of the epithelial defense of the ancient metazoan
Hydra
. Following proteolytic processing, the 31-amino-acid-long positively charged C-terminal part of arminin 1a exhibits potent and broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, including multiresistant human pathogenic strains, such as methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) strains (minimal bactericidal concentration, 0.4 μM to 0.8 μM). Ultrastructural observations indicate that bacteria are killed by disruption of the bacterial cell wall. Remarkably, the antibacterial activity of arminin 1a is not affected under the physiological salt conditions of human blood. In addition, arminin 1a is a selective antibacterial agent that does not affect human erythrocyte membranes. Arminin 1a shows no sequence homology to any known antimicrobial peptide. Because of its high level of activity against multiresistant bacterial strains pathogenic for humans, the peptide arminin 1a is a promising template for a new class of antibiotics. Our data suggest that ancient metazoan organisms such as
Hydra
hold promise for the detection of novel antimicrobial molecules and the treatment of infections caused by multiresistant bacteria.
Mapping of STS markers obtained from oat resistance gene analog sequences
Authors: Loarce Yolanda , Sanz María Jesús , Irigoyen María Luisa , Fominaya Araceli , Ferrer Esther 
Published: September 2009

Two previously isolated resistance gene analogs (RGAs) of oat have been located as RFLPs in the reference map of Avena byzantina ‘Kanota’ × Avena sativa ‘Ogle’ in regions either homologous or homoeologous to loci for resistance to Puccinia coronata , the causal agent of crown rust. In this study, the RGAs were mapped in two recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations that segregate for crown rust resistance: the diploid Avena strigosa × Avena wiestii RIL population (Asw), which has been used for mapping the complex locus PcA, and the hexaploid MN841801-1 × Noble-2 RIL population (MN), in which QTLs have been located. To obtain single-locus markers, RGAs were converted to sequence tagged site (STS) markers using a procedure involving extension of the original RGA sequence lengths by PCR genome walking, amplification and cloning of the parental fragments, and identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms. The procedure successfully obtained STSs from different members of the L7M2 family of sequences, the initial NBS of which have nucleotide similarities of >83%. However, for RGA III2.18, the parental lines were not polymorphic for the STSs assayed. A sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker with features of an RGA had been previously identified for gene Pc94. This marker was also mapped in the above RIL populations. Markers based on RGA L7M2 co-localized with markers defining the QTL Prq1a in linkage group MN3, and were located 15.2 cM from PcA in linkage group AswAC. The SCAR marker for Pc94 was also located in the QTL Prq1a but at 39.5 cM from PcA in AswAC, indicating that the NBS-LRR sequence represented by this marker is not related to PcA. L7M2 was also excluded as a member of the PcA cluster, although it could be an appropriate marker for the Prq1a cluster if chromosome rearrangements are postulated.
EST-SSR markers derived from an elite barley cultivar (Hordeum vulgareL. ‘Morex’): polymorphism and genetic marker potential
Authors: Emebiri Livinus C. 
Published: September 2009

Microsatellites or simple sequence repeats have become the markers of choice for marker-assisted selection because of their low template DNA requirement, high reproducibility, and high level of polymorphism. This study investigated a new set of barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) EST-derived SSR markers designed to target gene sequences expressed during grain development, as they are more likely to be important in determining grain quality. The EST sequences (HVSMEh and HVSMEi) were derived from cDNA libraries of the elite six-rowed cultivar Morex, made from spikes harvested at 5 to 45 days after pollination. Approximately half of the 110 SSR markers derived from the ESTs were polymorphic in a panel of 8 diverse barley genotypes, with PIC values between 0.19 and 0.79. Twenty of the new markers were mapped to chromosomal locations using 2 doubled haploid populations. To demonstrate marker potential, quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses were carried out with phenotypic data on wort β-glucan content and β-glucanase activity, two traits with a long history of genetic studies. Most of the EST-SSR markers mapped to within 10 cM of the cellulose synthase (HvCesA) and cellulose synthase-like (HvCslF) genes, which provides highly informative functional markers for tracking these genes in breeding programs. It was also observed that on any given chromosome, the QTL for β-glucan content and β-glucanase activity were rarely coincident but tended to occur in adjacent intervals along chromosomal regions, which agreed with their independent genetic basis; the adjacent localization may be important for coordination of cell wall degradation during germination and malting.
Characterization of Salt Overly Sensitive 1 (SOS1) gene homoeologs in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)
Authors: Maughan P. J. , Turner T. B. , Coleman C. E. , Elzinga D. B. , Jellen E. N. , Morales J. A. , Udall J. A. , Fairbanks D. J. , Bonifacio A. 
Published: September 2009

Salt tolerance is an agronomically important trait that affects plant species around the globe. The Salt Overly Sensitive 1 (SOS1) gene encodes a plasma membrane Na+/H+ antiporter that plays an important role in germination and growth of plants in saline environments. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a halophytic, allotetraploid grain crop of the family Amaranthaceae with impressive nutritional content and an increasing worldwide market. Many quinoa varieties have considerable salt tolerance, and research suggests quinoa may utilize novel mechanisms to confer salt tolerance. Here we report the cloning and characterization of two homoeologous SOS1 loci (cqSOS1A and cqSOS1B) from C. quinoa, including full-length cDNA sequences, genomic sequences, relative expression levels, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis, and a phylogenetic analysis of SOS1 genes from 13 plant taxa. The cqSOS1A and cqSOS1B genes each span 23 exons spread over 3477 bp and 3486 bp of coding sequence, respectively. These sequences share a high level of similarity with SOS1 homologs of other species and contain two conserved domains, a Nhap cation-antiporter domain and a cyclic-nucleotide binding domain. Genomic sequence analysis of two BAC clones (98 357 bp and 132 770 bp) containing the homoeologous SOS1 genes suggests possible conservation of synteny across the C. quinoa sub-genomes. This report represents the first molecular characterization of salt-tolerance genes in a halophytic species in the Amaranthaceae as well as the first comparative analysis of coding and non-coding DNA sequences of the two homoeologous genomes of C. quinoa.
Enrichment of a papaya high-density genetic map with AFLP markers
Authors: Blas Andrea L. , Yu Qingyi , Chen Cuixia , Veatch Olivia , Moore Paul H. , Paull Robert E. , Ming Ray 
Published: September 2009

A high-density genetic linkage map of papaya, previously developed using an F2mapping population derived from the intraspecific cross AU9 × SunUp, was enriched with AFLP markers. The comprehensive genetic map presented here spans 945.2 cM and covers 9 major and 5 minor linkage groups containing 712 SSR, 277 AFLP, and 1 morphological markers. The average marker density for the 9 major linkage groups is 0.9 cM between adjacent markers, and the total number of gaps >5 cM was reduced from 48 to 27 in the current map. AFLPs generated by EcoRI/MseI primer combinations were distributed throughout the 14 linkage groups and resulted in several large locus order rearrangements within the 9 major linkage groups. Integration of AFLP markers provided tighter linkage association between loci, leading to a reduction in map distance on LGs 1, 2, and 4, which were inflated in the previous map, and correction of the marker order on LG8. Suppression of recombination in the male-specific Y region (MSY) of LG1 is further validated by the addition of 27 sex co-segregating AFLP markers. A large region of distorted segregation surrounding the MSY spans 54.4 cM and represents ∼71% of the linkage group. This comprehensive high-density genetic map provides a framework for mapping quantitative trait loci and for fine mapping as well as for comparative genomic studies of crop plant development and evolution.
Daily physical activity and macronutrient distribution of low-calorie diets jointly affect body fat reduction in obese women
Authors: López-Fontana Constanza Matilde , Sánchez-Villegas Almudena , Martínez-Gonzalez Miguel Angel , Martinez José Alfredo 
Published: September 2009

Inadequate dietary patterns and sedentary lifestyles are believed to be important factors in predisposing people to obesity. This study analyzed the potential interaction between habitual physical activity and the carbohydrate (CHO)-fat distribution in 2 hypocaloric diets and the impact of such interplay on body composition changes. Forty healthy obese women, 20–50 years old, were randomly assigned to a high- or low-CHO energy-restricted diet, which was low or high in fat, respectively, during 10 weeks. Baseline and final measurements were performed to assess dietary habits, resting metabolic rate, and body composition changes. Physical activity was measured with a triaxial accelerometer and with a questionnaire. There were no significant differences in anthropometric and metabolic variables between both dietary groups at baseline. However, there was a positive correlation between total free-living physical activity and arm muscle preservation after 10 weeks (r = 0.371; p = 0.024). Interestingly, an interaction between macronutrient (CHO–fat distribution) intake and physical activity was found, since less-active subjects with a high-CHO–low-fat diet showed a greater fat loss than those more active with a lower-CHO–high-fat diet, whereas more-active subjects with a high-CHO–low-fat diet showed a smaller fat loss than those receiving a low-CHO–high-fat diet. Physical activity and the macronutrient content of energy-restricted diets, when designed to promote body fat mass reduction, should be considered together to better predict the outcome.
Prevention of overweight and obesity in children under the age of 6 yearsA report commissioned by the Canadian Council of Food and Nutrition.
Authors: Olstad Dana Lee , McCargar Linda 
Published: September 2009

Although obesity was rarely observed among children 30 years ago, it is now evident among Canadian children of all ages. Currently, 15.2% of 2- to 5-year-old children are overweight, whereas 6.3% are obese. Limited data suggest that poor dietary and physical activity patterns are increasing obesity risk among these young children. Body weight and lifestyle behaviours are known to track from childhood to adulthood, thereby increasing the risk for obesity and other chronic diseases later in life. Intrauterine life, infancy, and the preschool years may all include critical periods that program the long-term regulation of energy balance, and therefore obesity-prevention strategies should be initiated in utero and continue throughout childhood and adolescence. Although single-strategy obesity-prevention initiatives have had limited success, programs that target multiple behaviours may help reduce body weight and body fat among young children. Parental involvement is key to the success of obesity-prevention programs at a young age, as parents have primary control over their children’s food and activity environments. Accordingly, parental obesity is the best predictor of childhood obesity. Parents should be encouraged to teach and role model healthy lifestyle behaviours for their young children. Health professionals can also be involved in obesity prevention, as they are ideally placed to identify young children at risk for obesity. By calculating and plotting the body mass index for all children, and initiating obesity-prevention strategies in utero, health professionals can help curb the rise in overweight and obesity among young children.
Exercise-induced lymphocyte apoptosis attributable to cycle ergometer exercise in endurance-trained individuals
Authors: Navalta James Wilfred , McFarlin Brian Keith , Lyons Thomas Scott , Faircloth John Clifton , Bacon Nicholas T. , Callahan Zachary J. 
Published: September 2009

Exercise as a stimulus to induce lymphocyte apoptosis remains controversial. Differences may be due to participant fitness level or the methodology of assessing cell death. Another important issue is the mode of exercise used to induce physiological changes. Treadmill exercise typically induces significant apoptosis in human lymphocytes; however, the effect of cycle exercise is less clear. The 2 main purposes of this study were to assess if cycle ergometer exercise induces similar changes in apoptosis, and to further characterize the morphological method of assessing cell death. Endurance athletes (n = 10; peak oxygen consumption = 55.1 mL·kg–1·min–1) completed a 60-min ride on a cycle ergometer at ~80% peak oxygen consumption. Blood samples taken before (PRE) and after (POST) exercise were used to make blood films for apoptotic analysis via the morphological technique. A significant increase was observed in the apoptotic index following cycle exercise (PRE = 7.3 ± 2%, POST = 12.9 ± 2%; p < 0.01). On average, it took 42 ± 9 min to read PRE sample slides, which was significantly longer than the 27 ± 4 min needed for POST slides (p < 0.01). To our knowledge, this study is the first to report that exercise on the cycle ergometer produces changes in lymphocyte apoptosis. The values measured during this study were about 20% lower than those we have observed following treadmill running, which may be explained by differences in active muscle mass and the resultant physiological stress between the 2 exercise modes. It is likely that cycling may result in reduced immunosuppression, compared with running at the same intensity.
The effects of increased endurance training load on biomarkers of heat intolerance during intense exercise in the heat
Authors: Lim Chin Leong , Pyne David , Horn Peggy , Kalz Amelia , Saunders Philo , Peake Jonathan , Suzuki Katsuhiko , Wilson Gary , Mackinnon Laurel T. 
Published: September 2009

The effects of increased training (IT) load on plasma concentrations of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), proinflammatory cytokines, and anti-LPS antibodies during exercise in the heat were investigated in 18 male runners, who performed 14 days of normal training (NT) or 14 days of 20% IT load in 2 equal groups. Before (trial 1) and after (trial 2) the training intervention, all subjects ran at 70% maximum oxygen uptake on a treadmill under hot (35 °C) and humid (∼40%) conditions, until core temperature reached 39.5 °C or volitional exhaustion. Venous blood samples were drawn before, after, and 1.5 h after exercise. Plasma LPS concentration after exercise increased by 71% (trial 1, p < 0.05) and 21% (trial 2) in the NT group and by 92% (trial 1, p < 0.01) and 199% (trial 2, p < 0.01) in the IT group. Postintervention plasma LPS concentration was 35% lower before exercise (p < 0.05) and 47% lower during recovery (p < 0.01) in the IT than in the NT group. Anti-LPS IgM concentration during recovery was 35% lower in the IT than in the NT group (p < 0.05). Plasma interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α concentrations after exercise (IL-6, 3−7 times, p < 0.01, and TNF-α, 33%, p < 0.01) and during recovery (IL-6, 2−4 times, p < 0.05, and TNF-α, 30%, p < 0.01) were higher than at rest within each group. These data suggest that a short-term tolerable increase in training load may protect against developing endotoxemia during exercise in the heat.