Positive Correlation In Terms Research Articles

Association of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in VDR, GC Globulin and CYP2R1 with the Risk of Esophageal Cancer.

The proactive role of vitamin D has been well determined in different cancers. The protein that encodes the components of the vitamin D metabolism could appear to play a pivotal role in vitamin D stability and its maintenance. A polymorphism in vitamin-D-receptor (VDR), carrier globulin/binding protein (GC) and cytochrome P-450 family 2, subfamily R, polypeptide 1 (CYP2R1) genes has been predicted to be associated with the development of cancer. This study was designed to detect the association of VDR, GC Globulin and CYP2R1 gene polymorphism with the risk of esophageal cancer in the North-east Indian population. To carry out the study, a total of 100 patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer and 101 healthy controls were enrolled. In a case-control manner, all samples were subjected to do genotype testing for known SNPs on the VDR (rs1544410), GC (rs4588), and CYP2R1 (rs10741657) genes using Restriction-fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) followed by Sanger sequencing. The collected demographic and clinical data were analysed using the statistical software package SPSS v22.0. The VDR haplotype heterozygous TC was found strongly associated with the carcinoma group (OR:1.09, 95%CI:0.67-1.75). The risk factors analysis using the GC globulin rs4588 phenotype, found a positive correlation in terms of mutant AA's harmful influence on the cancer cohort (OR = 1.125, OR=1.125, 95% CI, 0.573-2.206). The influence of the CYP2R1 rs10741657 polymorphism on the malignant cohort revealed that the GG mutant had a significant negative influence on the carcinoma, has an influential role in disease severity ( OR:1.736, at 95% CI; 0.368-8.180). In conclusion, this study revealed the potential association of VDR gene polymorphism in the progression and development of esophageal cancer in north east Indian population cohort.

Teachers’ Financial Literacy and Capability

This study aimed to determine the level of financial literacy and capability of teachers in terms of budgeting, saving, investing, and spending to find the significant relationship between the financial literacy and capability of the teachers and to identify which of the moderating variables influenced singly or in combination the financial capability. The study utilized the descriptive correlational research design and used an adopted questionnaire of Paceno and Laganhon (2022) to gather the necessary data to answer the specific questions of the study. Purposive universal sampling was employed to determine the teachers as respondents from North 1 District of Gingoog City Division, School Year 2022-2023. Mean and SD were used to determine the level of financial literacy and capability. Pearson Products Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to find the significant relationship and multiple linear regression was used to determine the moderating variables influenced singly and in combination with the financial capability of teachers. Results revealed that the level of Financial Literacy in terms of Spending is Very Highly Observed, in terms of Budgeting, Saving, Investing, and Spending were Highly Observed. Moreover, the teachers Financial Literacy and Capability level in terms of Budgeting, Saving, and Investing show a Strong Positive Correlation. A Moderate Positive Correlation in terms of Financial Literacy on Spending. It can be concluded that the teachers of North 1 District are Financially Literate and Capable. It can be recommended that having a family structure and a spouse having a career or work, teachers will have better financial capability.

Amitraz and Its Metabolites: Oxidative Stress-Mediated Cytotoxicity in HepG2 Cells and Study of Their Stability and Characterization in Honey.

The population decrease of bees that has been observed in recent years due to the Varroa destructor parasite may endanger the production of bee-products whose demand is on the rise. To minimize the negative effects caused by this parasite, the pesticide amitraz is commonly used by beekeepers. Based on these, the objectives of this work are to determine the toxic effects caused by amitraz and its metabolites in HepG2 cells, as well as its determination in honey samples and the study of its stability with different heat treatments commonly used in the honey industry and its relationship with the amount of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) produced. Amitraz significantly decreased cell viability by MTT assay and total protein content (PC) assay, being more cytotoxic than its metabolites. Amitraz and its metabolites caused oxidative stress by Lipid Peroxidation (LPO) production and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation. Residues of amitraz and/or its metabolites were found in analyzed honey samples, with 2,4-Dimethylaniline (2,4-DMA) being the main metabolite confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF HRMS). Amitraz and its metabolites resulted as unstable even at moderate heat treatments. Additionally, a positive correlation in terms of HMF concentration in samples and the severity of heat treatment was also observed. However, quantified amitraz and HMF were within the levels set in the regulation.

Competitive priorities and capabilities: high-cost country case survey

Purpose Globalization and the importance of emerging markets have increased the pressure of high-cost manufacturing locations to sustain operations. However, there are still some countries in which manufacturing is prospering despite high costs (like Germany, Sweden and Switzerland). This study examines seven competitive priorities through 24 different capabilities, using a case survey of four manufacturing companies located in Sweden. This study aims to develop a contemporary understanding from vital priorities and capabilities. Design/methodology/approach A case survey was conducted in four different-sized manufacturing companies in Sweden during the autumn of 2018. In total, the survey attracted 89 responses. Respondents were mainly middle managers and other management team members. Findings In general, companies assess the importance of manufacturing capabilities higher than performance and improvement. The authors’ analysis shows that quality priority through product and process capabilities is ranked highest in terms of importance, performance and improvement. In addition, delivery capability shows a similarity with quality. At the other end, being lowest ranked are typically different flexibility and advertising capabilities. This study demonstrates with correlation analysis that most often capabilities have a positive correlation in terms of their importance, performance and improvement needs. Some capabilities show potential correlations across importance, performance and improvement. Research limitations/implications This research is limited to one high-cost environment and to four companies within that environment. Further research should examine the impact of the pandemic era on manufacturing priorities and capabilities. Originality/value In general, case surveys have relatively rarely been used in management studies. This research offers an alternative and deeper perspective from high-cost country manufacturing, as the responses are from numerous persons in management positions.

Ocular pulse amplitude and visual field changes in patients diagnosed with aortic regurgitation.

To examine whether there is a relationship between ocular pulse amplitude (OPA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and visual field (VF) deterioration among the patients diagnosed with aortic regurgitation (AR). Twenty-nine patients (average age of 62.06 ± 13.27years) with AR diagnosis without glaucoma history as AR group and 32 healthy participants (average age 63.81 ± 6.42years) as control group were included in the study. Routine ophthalmologic examination including VF test [mean deviation (MD), pattern standard deviation (PSD) and VF index (VFI) values were recorded], diurnal IOP and OPA measurements with Pascal dynamic contour tonometry (DCT) was conducted on the patients. VF deficits were classified by Glaucoma Staging System 2 (GSS 2) score. Sixteen (50.0%) of 32 healthy subjects and 14 (48.3%) of 29 AR patients were female (p = 1.000). The measurement conducted at 15:30 among the diurnal IOP measurements performed with the Pascal DCT was found to be statistically significantly higher in the AR group (p = 0.009). While the MD and PSD values of the group diagnosed with AR were determined to be statistically significantly high, the VFI value was found to be significantly low. When the healthy cases and the patients diagnosed with AR were compared, it was observed that there was a statistically significant positive correlation in terms of the significant GSS 2 stage (p < 0.001). Although there was no significant increase in IOP, VF deficits were detected in patients with AR. These VF pathologies may be due to the ocular perfusion disorder in AR. However, additional comprehensive studies that also examine perfusion are needed to further confirm this.

Vocal behaviour, parasitic infection, chronic stress and body condition in rufous‐naped wrens (Campylorhynchus rufinucha)

We explored the relationship between haemosporidian infection (infected vs. uninfected), parasite load, heterophil:lymphocyte ratio, body condition and vocal behaviour of the Rufous‐naped Wren Campylorhynchus rufinucha. Our results, albeit based on a small sample size, showed no evidence of an association between vocal behaviour and infection status, heterophil:lymphocyte ratio or body condition. Infections did not vary between localities. Our results showed, however, that infection status was associated with a higher song rate, and that in males and females belonging to the same reproductive pair there was a strong positive correlation in terms of infection status and parasite load.

Evaluating the perceptions and practices towards coronavirus and associated factors in metropolitan cities of Amhara region, Ethiopia

Confirmed cases of coronavirus in Africa, particularly in Ethiopia, are increasing rapidly following improved testing. This study is aimed at assessing the perceptions and practices towards coronavirus among the metropolitan city population of Amhara region, Ethiopia, and examining the associated factors affecting public perceptions and practices regarding coronavirus among the population of metropolitan cities. A total of 1288 randomly selected participants completed a questionnaire designed to assess perceptions and practices towards coronavirus and associated factors. The statistical analysis involved fitting a binary logistic regression model and a chi-square test. Of 1288 study participants, 788 (61.2%) and 500 (38.8%) were male and female, respectively. Their average age and monthly income were 29.2 years and 2484 birr, respectively. Preventive measures followed by the participants involved washing hands with soap and water rubbing for at least 20 s (55.4%) and visiting a doctor when corona symptoms show up (49.5%). Permanent rural residents had lower odds of good perception and practices regarding coronavirus (aOR=0.505; 95% CI=0.15, 0.82) as compared to permanent urban resident participants. Due to misguided perceptions and practices, the prevalence of coronavirus in metropolitan city communities of Amhara region is high. The city of residence, marital status, educational level, permanent residence, and information sources were significantly associated with people's perceptions and practices towards the prevention of coronavirus. Perceptions and practices towards coronavirus had a significant positive correlation in terms of preventive measures against coronavirus. Therefore, the authors would like to recommend if substantive effort from the government and different stakeholders regarding to raising the perception and practices of communities in the cities towards the pandemic and reduce the collateral damage especially the lower income communities who cannot afford basic needs.

Koroner Arter Hastalığının Öngördürücüleri Olarak Trigliserid Glikoz İndeksi ve Trigliserid / HDL Oranı

Aim: Triglyceride to high density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio and triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index are simple, reliable screening methods. It has been shown that the TyG index predicts mortality in cardiovascular diseases and the TG/HDL-C ratio predicts the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). We planned a study to define the relationship between the SYNTAX score, which indicates the severity of CAD, and the TyG index and TG / HDL-C ratio. Material and Methods: A total of 408 patients who underwent coronary angiography were evaluated in this study. TyG index, TG/HDL-C ratio and SYNTAX scores were calculated. Patients were grouped according to their diagnosis and SYNTAX scores. Relationships between TyG index, TG / HDL-C ratio and SYNTAX score were examined. Results: There is a significant relationship between the TyG index and the presence of CAD (p<0.001). When the TyG index was evaluated in terms of the severity of CAD, there was a positive significant relationship between mild and severe CAD (p<0.040). While there was a significant positive correlation between TG/HDL-C ratio and the presence of CAD (p<0.001), there was no significant relationship between severity of CAD (p:0.814). There was a low level significant positive correlation in terms of TyG index between patients with unstable angina pectoris and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (p:0.046). Conclusion: The TyG index and TG/HDL-C ratio are predictors of the presence of CAD and the TyG index also provides guidance on the severity of CAD. Standard use may be considered in addition to risk scoring in the diagnosis of CAD and planning coronary angiography.

The Correlation of Some Nutrient Elements and Antibacterial Activity of the Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

This study aimed to analyze the correlation of some macro and micro nutritional elements of the basil plant (Ocimum basilicum) with the antibacterial activity of the basil extract on two Gram positive and two Gram negative bacteria. The extract of the basil plants grown in laboratory conditions was obtained by solid-liquid extraction with ethanol after drying and burning of the freshly harvested above ground parts. The macro (P, K, Ca, and Mg), micro (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, and B) nutrients and a functional element (Al) amounts were detected by ICP-OES. The results revealed that the basil extract was compatible with herbaceous perennial plants in terms of macro nutrient elements P, K, Ca and Mg. Moreover, some micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, B) and the functional element Al was found to be significantly high. The basil extract was significantly effective on inhibiting the Gram negative E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and Gram positive S. aureus and E. faecium. The element B was found to be positively correlated with the antibacterial activity of the basil plant suggesting as the B content increases, the antibacterial activity of basil extract is supposed to increase, too. The P and K contents were found to be positively correlated with antibacterial activity, while Ca and Mg contents were negatively correlated. The correlation analysis of the nutritional elements, this extract can be suggested to be more preferrable against Gram positive bacteria, especially when the Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn levels are high. These results revealed the importance of the macro and micro nutrient contents of medicinal plants which can be used traditionally against various diseases. In basil cultivation the soils low in lime may convert the negative correlation of Ca and Mg into a positive correlation in terms of antibacterial effect. Conscious and proper fertilization therefore is suggested to be effective on antibacterial activity of the basil plant.

Correlation of age and severity scores to the number of Ponseti casts in Indian infants with clubfeet

PurposeWorld over, age and various severity scores are among the foremost variables studied in relation to the number of casts in clubfoot. We studied the correlation between child’s age at presentation, initial Pirani, Dimeglio scores to the number of Ponseti casts in Indian clubfoot children. Further, we matched Pirani versus Dimeglio scores at different severities of deformity to derive a correlation between them. MethodsWe included 90 idiopathic clubfeet in 55 infants and scored them according to Pirani and Dimeglio grading systems. Syndromic, neurological, surgically intervened, atypical or complex clubfeet were excluded from the study. The number of casts before percutaneous tenotomy was counted. Correlations were calculated between corrective casts and age, Pirani, Dimeglio scores and their individual components. ResultsMean age of children was 63.7 days and average number of casts applied was 3.2. Age at presentation and number of casts had no correlation with r = 0.034 (p < 0.001). The correlation between initial Pirani score (average 5.39) and Dimeglio score (average 13.4) to number of casts was 0.35 (p < 0.001)and 0.56 (p < 0.0001) respectively. Among individual components of Pirani score, medial crease and rigid equinus had maximum correlation to the number of casts whereas empty heel sign had the lowest. For Dimeglio score, equinus and varus correlated the most and posterior crease the least. Pirani and Dimeglio scores were highly correlated (r = 0.87) to each other except for very supple or severe deformity. ConclusionsIn infancy, the age at presentation had no bearing on number of casts. Both scoring systems had positive correlation in terms of corrective casts for our population. The Dimeglio fared slightly better than Pirani scores.

An investigation on community spaces in condominiums and their impact on social interactions among apartment dwellers concerning the city of Colombo

Abstract Although there is an extensive understanding of the planning and design concerns associated with community spaces in public places, there is still much to be explored on what makes community spaces succeed or fail concerning the level of interactions in high rise apartments. Lessons from high profile failures and successful facts should inform planners on how to improve the plan, based on whether shared facilities are included or not and how many percent of total space should be allocated for the communal use in high rise apartments as the concerns are rising on the social isolation of people in these dwellings. This study questions about to what extent community spaces in luxury condominiums contribute to promoting social interactions among apartment dwellers and what community space characteristics catalyze social interactions. The study employs mixed methods of observation and questionnaire surveys in three condominiums in the city of Colombo. This paper argues that residents’ usability and high-intensity of social interactions are connected with a larger size, connectivity of spaces, visual appearance, provision of green and seating arrangement. The location of the place and visibility showed a positive correlation in terms of upgrading social interactions. Post hoc analysis reveals the swimming pool area as the most functioning area while the multi-purpose room/seating room/game room area and kids’ area as the less interactive areas. Supporting the assemblage theory, the results highlight the assemblage of the kids’ area, swimming pool, and gym would increase the number of interactions. Finally, the study provides recommendations for the appropriate design principles and suitable policy interventions in promoting socially connected communities in condominiums.

Influences of urban spatial form on urban heat island effects at the community level in China

Owing to increasing population densities and impervious surface areas, heat island effects increasingly dominate urban environments and hinder sustainable development. The urban spatial form plays an important role in mitigating urban heat islands. Taking Ganjingzi District, Dalian, as an example, this study considered urban spatial form at the community scale using spatial autocorrelation and spatial regression methods to explore 2003–2018 spatial and temporal differentiation characteristics and driving factors of Land Surface Temperature (LST). The LST of each community showed a gradually increasing trend; high values (>30°C) were concentrated in central and eastern areas; low values were (<25°C) was concentrated in the south and west. LSTs were influenced by spatial variables (e.g., land use); however, building form was only weakly related to LST. The global autocorrelation Moran’s I value for LST exceeded 0.7, indicating strong positive correlation in terms of spatial distribution. H-H and L-L LISA values were distributed in central and southern areas, respectively. The spatial error model (SEM) was a better fit than the spatial lag (SLM) or ordinary least squares models (OLS) and was used to explore these relationships. This study focuses on community surface temperature and hopes to provide a valuable reference for community planning, resource allocation and sustainable development.

Roles of heat shock protein and reprogramming of photosynthetic carbon metabolism in thermotolerance under elevated CO2 in maize

Our previous published results demonstrated that elevated CO2 can reprogram photosynthetic carbon metabolism (PCM) during sudden heat stress (SHS) treatments. However, the mechanism explaining how elevated CO2 could regulate the metabolites through SHS-induced proteins is poorly understood. Here, we combined metabolism and transcriptomes analysis to elucidate the differential genes expression of key heat shock proteins (HSPs) under SHS in presence of elevated CO2. Our results show strong positive correlation in terms of carbon assimilation rates (A) between both field open top chamber (OTCs) and growth chamber conditions. The decline in A during SHS is ascribable to a metabolic reprogramming rather than stomatal-limitation. We recorded an increase by about 3 ˜ 4 times in the expression levels of small HSPs, especially Cpn2 and Hsp1 following elevated CO2. This study underlines the beneficial effects of elevated CO2 in the thermotolerance process through amplifying small HSPs in maize. Our current investigation suggests a potential mechanistic model for the metabolic network reprogramming following combined effect of SHS and elevated CO2. It corroborates as well the involvement of two HSPs genes in the in the adjustment of photosynthetic carbon metabolism pathway to avoid any misfolding in Rubisco subunits proteins.

The influence of meteorological parameters on Alternaria and Cladosporium fungal spore concentrations in Beja (Southern Portugal): preliminary results

Introduction Fungal spores constitute an important fraction of bioaerosols in the atmosphere. Objectives To analyse the content of Alternaria and Cladosporium spores in the atmosphere of Beja and the effect of meteorological conditions on their concentrations. Methodology The daily and hourly data of Alternaria and Cladosporium fungal spores concentration in the atmosphere of Beja were monitored from April 12, 2012 to July 30, 2014, based on the Portuguese Aerobiology Network methodology. The influence of meteorological conditions on the studied types of fungal spore concentrations was assessed through Spearman’s correlation analysis. Results During the study period, 20,741 Alternaria spores and 320,862 Cladosporium spores were counted. In 2013, there were 5,822 Alternaria spores and 123,864 Cladosporium spores. The absolute maximum concentrations of Alternaria and Cladosporium spores were recorded on November 8, 2013, with 211 and 1301 spores/m3, respectively. Temperature, insolation and wind direction parameters showed a positive correlation with Alternaria and Cladosporium spore levels, while relative humidity and precipitation presented a negative correlation, which is statistically significant. Wind speed only showed a statistically significant positive correlation in terms of Alternaria spore levels. Conclusion Alternaria and Cladosporium spores are present in the atmospheric air of Beja throughout the year, with the highest concentration period occurring during spring and autumn. There was a clear effect of meteorological parameters on airborne concentrations of these fungal spores.

Evaluation of the Diagnostic Role of Bedside Lung Ultrasonography in Patients with Suspected Pulmonary Embolism in the Emergency Department.

Background: Despite the existence of detailed consensus guidelines, challenges remain regarding efficient, appropriate, and safe imaging methods for the diagnosis of suspected pulmonary embolism.Aims: To investigate the role of the wedge sign, B-lines, and pleural effusion seen on bedside lung ultrasound in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.Study Design: Diagnostic accuracy study.Methods: During the first evaluation of patients with suspected pulmonary embolism, bedside lung ultrasound was performed, and the B-lines, wedge sign, and pleural effusion were investigated. Computed tomography angiography was used as a confirmatory test and was compared with the lung ultrasound findings.Results: Pulmonary embolism was detected in 38 (38%) patients. In the comparison of bedside lung ultrasound results, statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of the B-lines and wedge sign (p=0.005 and p<0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences in terms of effusion (p=0.234). Comparison of these findings with computed tomography angiography of the chest showed weak negative correlations between the groups in terms of B-lines (r=-0297) and a moderately positive correlation in terms of the wedge sign (r=0.523). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of lung ultrasound findings alone were low. In the logistic regression analysis, the wedge sign (p<0.01, OR=69.45, 95% CI=6.94-695.17) and B-line (p=0.033, OR=1.96, 95% CI=0.41-8.40) were found to be effective in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.Conclusion: Although the role of lung ultrasound has been increasing in the management of critically ill patients, its value is limited and cannot replace the gold standard tests in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.

Investigation of phytosociological parameters and physico-chemical properties of soil in tropical semi-evergreen forests of Eastern Himalaya

The study of floral diversity in forest and its development are incomplete without taking consideration of plant-soil interactions. So with this view in mind, the present study was conducted in tropical semi-evergreen forests of the Mokukchung district, Nagaland, in eastern Himalaya. The aim of the study was to investigate the phytosociological parameters in relation to soil properties. Seven sites were randomly selected to study the soil properties at up to one meter in depth and a phytosociological study was carried out in nearby areas via the quadrate method. In the studied sites, the richness of tree species varied from 4 to 15 ha−1, with Gmelina arborea and Duabanga grandifloras being the common species. The highest total basal area was recorded in 10 mile village (47,998.16 cm2 ha−1) followed by Minkong village site (32,704.66 cm2 ha−1). Soil physical and chemical properties—i.e. bulk density (BD), soil pH, organic carbon (OC), available nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P), and available potassium (K) were analyzed using standard procedures. Significant differences were observed in the soil properties. The basal area of species showed significant positive correlation in terms of available K (0.754) and OM (0.302) content in soil, and the Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H) is also positively correlated with the available N content (0.402). The undisturbed nature of the sites played an important role in maintaining the soil fertility and floral diversity of the sites. Moreover, sites with maximum productivity and soil fertility are considered as potential carbon sequestration areas in the region while sites with the low soil fertility need restoration.

한라산 구상나무림의 사면별 식생구조와 치수발생 특성

This study surveyed Abies koreana to identify the correlation between its vegetation structure according to its slope direction and seedling establishment in a bid to build basic research data on the changes and conservation of the A. koreana in Hallasan Mountain. The findings of its vegetation structure revealed that in both areas, Importance value was given to the A. koreana for its tree layer, the Taxus cuspidata for its shrub layer, and the Sasa quelpaertensis for its herb layer. However, in the Youngsil area with the tree layer, high importance was given to deciduous broad-leaved trees such as Prunus maximowiczii, Quercus mongolica, and the young species of the A. koreana in the shrub layer that can maintain the A. koreana forest's greater importance in the Jindallebat than in the Youngsil. Thus, the A. koreana forest in the Jindallebat is believed to lastlonger. The findings of correlation between the quantity of seedlings and their location by area revealed that in each tiny quadrat, the A. koreana seedling averaged 5.3 in the Youngsil and 2.9 in the Jindallebat. Both areas were all found to have a positive correlation in terms of rock exposure ratio and dead tree ratio as well as a negative correlation with regard to the cover degree of S. quelpaertensis, the canopy gap, the total vegetation, and the herb layer. It was found that the cover degree of the herb layer in the Youngsil and the S. quelpaertensis in the Jindallebat had the largest impact on the A. koreana seedlings.

Plant identification through images: Using feature extraction of key points on leaf contours(1.).

• Premise of the study: Because plant identification demands extensive knowledge and complex terminologies, even professional botanists require significant time in the field for mastery of the subject. As plant leaves are normally regarded as possessing useful characteristics for species identification, leaf recognition through images can be considered an important research issue for plant recognition.• Methods: This study proposes a feature extraction method for leaf contours, which describes the lines between the centroid and each contour point on an image. A length histogram is created to represent the distribution of distances in the leaf contour. Thereafter, a classifier is applied from a statistical model to calculate the matching score of the template and query leaf.• Results: The experimental results show that the top value achieves 92.7% and the first two values can achieve 97.3%. In the scale invariance test, those 45 correlation coefficients fall between the minimal value of 0.98611 and the maximal value of 0.99992. Like the scale invariance test, the rotation invariance test performed 45 comparison sets. The correlation coefficients range between 0.98071 and 0.99988.• Discussion: This study shows that the extracted features from leaf images are invariant to scale and rotation because those features are close to positive correlation in terms of coefficient correlation. Moreover, the experimental results indicated that the proposed method outperforms two other methods, Zernike moments and curvature scale space.

Variation in Seed and Seedling Traits among Fifteen Chinese Provenances of Magnolia officinalis

Magnolia officinalis seeds were collected from 15 different provenances, ranging from 336 to 1387 m in China. The main objective of this study was to identify germplasm resources of M. officinalis by test seed traits, seed germination, seedling traits, and seedling growth rate. There are significant differences among provenances in all studied attributes except relative growth rate and the net assimilation rate. Seed weight exhibited maximum variation among provenances in seed morphometric traits with a significant positive correlation in terms of average annual temperature and average annual rainfall, and negative correlation with latitude of seed origin. Overall average seed germination in nursery was 59.4% varying from 26.6% to 91.2%. Seedling height decreased by geographical latitude gradually from south to north, while stem diameter declines from east to west. That means the geographic variation of the plant at the seedling stage manifests a two-way variation with the latitude and longitude. Seed of Longsheng, Yangxian, Jingning, Wuyishan, Kaixian and Ningqiang provenance have been identified suitable to produce quality seedlings. It can be concluded that the observed patterns of variation will have implications for genetic resources conservation and tree improvement.

Measurement of fetal urine production to differentiate causes of increased amniotic fluid volume

In polyhydramnios, amniotic fluid (AF) volume can be increased not only as a result of increased fetal urine production, but also due to several other factors, including impairment of both fetal swallowing and gastrointestinal (GI) absorption of AF. Our aim was to evaluate whether measurement of the fetal urine production rate (UPR) can be used to differentiate the causes of increased AF volume. This cross-sectional study included 54 pregnant women with an increased amniotic fluid index (AFI), defined as AFI > or = 18 cm, divided into two groups according to the presence of fetal anomalies that are associated with impairment of fetal swallowing or decreased GI absorption of AF (Group 1, n = 14) or the absence of fetal anomalies (Group 2, n = 40). The control group included 96 normal pregnancies with normal AFI (8 < or = AFI < 18 cm) (Group 3). Fetal UPR was obtained by serial bladder volume measurements (two to four times, with a median interval of 5 min between each) using the rotational method of Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis (VOCAL()) with three-dimensional ultrasound. To adjust for fetal weight (Wt) and gestational age (GA), UPR_Wt and UPR_SD were calculated using the following formulae: UPR_Wt = measured UPR/estimated fetal weight and UPR_SD = (measured UPR - mean UPR for each GA)/SD of UPR for each GA. The AFI was increased significantly in Groups 1 and 2 compared with Group 3. However, the median fetal UPR in Group 1 did not differ from that of Group 3, in contrast to the higher median fetal UPR in Group 2 compared with Groups 1 and 3; this difference remained significant after adjusting for GA and estimated fetal weight in terms of UPR_SD and UPR_Wt. In Groups 2 and 3, AFI and UPR had a positive correlation in terms of UPR, UPR_SD and UPR_Wt. Our findings that fetal UPR is significantly increased in cases with increased AFI without fetal anomalies, but not in those with increased AFI and fetal anomalies involving decreased GI absorption of AF, might be used to differentiate causes of increased AF volume. In the absence of fetal anomalies, AFI and fetal UPR correlate positively.