Regression Analysis Of Pooled Data Research Articles

Creative Accounting: Viewed from Risk and Sharia Compliance Perspective

Company with a corporate form which is a result of the industrial revolution rises a principal and agent relationship. The separation between company’s owner and people who run the company makes accounting needs become more crucial. However, accounting which is a solution for communication between owners and management is often exploited by managers through creative accounting, also known as earnings management. This study aims to determine the effect of firm risk, tax risk, and sharia compliance on earnings management. The research was conducted on manufacturing sector companies listed on Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in 2016-2019. Using purposive sampling method, the number of samples used is 69 companies with a total of 276 observations. The hypothesis examination used in this research is multiple linear regression analysis of pooled data. The result show that firm risk from the perspective of debtholders has a positive effect on earnings management. As for firm risk from equity holders’ perspective, tax risk, and sharia compliance has no effect on earnings management.

Infant feeding practices and childhood acute leukemia: Findings from the Childhood Cancer & Leukemia International Consortium.

Increasing evidence suggests that breastfeeding may protect from childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, most studies have limited their analyses to any breastfeeding, and only a few data have examined exclusive breastfeeding, or other exposures such as formula milk. We performed pooled analyses and individual participant data metaanalyses of data from 16 studies (N=17 189 controls; N=10 782 ALL and N=1690 AML cases) from the Childhood Leukemia International Consortium (CLIC) to characterize the associations of breastfeeding duration with ALL and AML, as well as exclusive breastfeeding duration and age at introduction to formula with ALL. In unconditional multivariable logistic regression analyses of pooled data, we observed decreased odds of ALL among children breastfed 4 to 6months (0.88, 95% CI 0.81-0.96) or 7 to 12 months (OR 0.85, 0.79-0.92). We observed a similar inverse association between breastfeeding ≥4months and AML (0.82, 95% CI 0.71-0.95). Odds of ALL were reduced among children exclusively breastfed 4 to 6months (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.63-0.85) or 7 to 12 months (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.53-0.92). Random effects metaanalyses produced similar estimates, and findings were unchanged in sensitivity analyses adjusted for race/ethnicity or mode of delivery, restricted to children diagnosed ≥1year of age or diagnosed with B-ALL. Our pooled analyses indicate that longer breastfeeding is associated with decreased odds of ALL and AML. Few risk factors for ALL and AML have been described, therefore our findings highlight the need to promote breastfeeding for leukemia prevention.

Effects of different feeding systems on growth, fat accumulation and semen quality of Merino-type sheep

In South Africa, supplemental feeding is provided to improve the condition of breeding livestock before the animals are sold by the stud breeders to commercial farmers. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different ram rearing systems on growth, fat accumulation and semen quality of Döhne Merino (DM), Merino (M) and South African Mutton Merino (SAMM) rams intended for breeding. The ram lambs were stratified according to weight and randomly allocated to one of three treatments, namely an extensive feeding treatment (ET), an extensive-intensive feeding treatment (EIT), and an intensive feeding treatment (IT). Rams in ET grazed for 200 days. Rams in EIT grazed for 73 days, followed by a concentrate diet for an additional 60 days. Rams in IT were fed the concentrate diet for 70 days. Scrotal neck fat was significantly less in IT rams compared with ET and EIT rams. Döhne Merino and M rams in EIT deposited significantly more scrotal fat than DM and M rams in ET. No adverse testicular pathology or differences in semen quality were observed. Regression analyses of pooled data showed extreme functional values for subcutaneous fat and total scrotal fat weight, which, when exceeded, may result in decreased semen volume, percentage normal spermatozoa and mass motility of spermatozoa. Sheep breeders should be cautious when feeding ram lambs in extensive-intensive systems for extended periods since this may affect semen quality adversely.

The dynamics of attitudes toward immigrants: Cohort analyses for Western EU member states

Public opinion climates on immigrants are subject to certain dynamics. This study examines two mechanisms for such dynamics in Western EU member states for the 2002–2018 period. First, the impact of cohort replacement and, second, the impact of periodic threat perceptions, namely, changing macroeconomic conditions and shifts in immigration rates. To date, empirical research on anti-immigrant sentiments rarely combines these two concepts simultaneously to disentangle the interplay of period and cohort effects and determine the factors for long- and short-term attitude changes in societies. Motivated by this gap in the literature, I conduct multiple linear regression analyses of pooled data from all waves of the European Social Survey to show that the process of cohort replacement has led to a substantially more positive opinion climate toward immigrants since the 2000s. However, results indicate that in the future, this positive development is likely to come to a halt since younger cohorts no longer hold significantly more immigrant-friendly attitudes than their immediate predecessors. Furthermore, we observe different period effects to impact cohorts’ attitudes. Fixed-effects panel analyses show that the effect of changing macroeconomic conditions on cohorts’ attitudes is low. Changes in immigration rates, however, lead to significantly more dismissive attitudes when immigrants originate from the Global South as opposed to when they enter from EU countries. These insights suggest that it is less economic or cultural threat perceptions, but ethnic prejudice that plays a key role for natives to oppose immigration. Overall, findings suggest that it is not either cohort or period effects driving large-scale attitude changes, but rather we observe an interplay of both.

Kinerja Perusahaan Perbankan Syariah Di Indonesia: Pembiayaan Murabahah, Musyarakah, Ijarah

Firm value is a reflection of market performance. Furthermore, firms can be observed by their operational performance. One of the essential aspects of operating performance is profitability. This study aims to analyze Murabahah, Musyarakah, and Ijarah on the firm performance on Sharia Bank. The firm performance consists of both operation performance, which is represented by profitability, and market performance, represented by firm value.
 This research employs the quantitative method. This research used secondary data from sharia bank monthly reports from 2018 to 2020 obtained from IDX. Using purposive sampling, the selected samples in this research has 84 observation. The hypothesis examination used in this research is multiple linear regression analysis of pooled data. This study finds that murabahah has a positive effect on profitability, musyarakah has a negative effect on profitability, ijarah does not affect profitability, murabahah, and musyarakah does not affect firm value. In contrast, ijarah has a negative effect on firm value. 
 Keywords: Murabahah, Musyarakah, Ijarah, Firm Performace.

Impact of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Time on Postoperative Duration of Mechanical Ventilation in Patients Undergoing Cardiovascular Surgeries: A Systemic Review and Regression of Metadata.

The objective of this study was to detect if cardiopulmonary bypass time duration has any impact on the duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation (MV). The study design was a systematic review and regression analysis of pooled data from previously published studies. All available data are from prospective, retrospective, cross-sectional, and observational studies. Participants included only patient/human studies. There were no interventions. PubMed and Cochrane libraries were searched by utilizing different combinations of keywords: cardiopulmonary bypass and mechanical ventilation. Inclusion criteria were: (1) English articles, (2) studies with an adult population that underwent cardiac surgeries using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), (3) studies where the duration of CPB is provided as well as the duration of mechanical ventilation. A regression analysis was performed on the metadata.For the hours of MV, eight studies with 13 data sets (as some studies provide data in subgroups) were included for a total number of 989 subjects. The duration of CPB ranged from 55 to 173.5 minutes for these operations. Postoperative MV hours ranged from nine to 408 hours. Stepwise multiple regression analysis found that cardiopulmonary bypass time (CPBT), age, diabetes, male gender, and ejection fraction correlated with prolonged mechanical ventilation; CPBT was the most strongly correlated variable. Cardiopulmonary bypass time appears to affect clinical outcomes adversely and is associated with prolonged MV. Avoiding CPB or limiting it to a minimum may decrease the days of MV required.

Socioeconomic and demographic predictors of high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma and heart disease among adults engaged in various occupations: evidence from India.

In India, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for nearly 62% of all deaths in 2016. Four NCDs - high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma and heart disease - together accounted for over 34% of these deaths. Using data from two rounds of the India Human Development Surveys (IHDSs), levels and changes in the prevalence rates of the four NCDs (based on diagnosed cases) among adults aged 15-69 years in India between 2004-05 and 2011-12 were examined by socioeconomic and demographic factors and for five broad occupation categories. The socioeconomic and demographic risk factors for each of these NCDs were determined using multiple linear logistic regression analysis of pooled data from two rounds of the IHDS. The results showed that while urban residence, age, female sex and education were associated with higher odds of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, household economic status was associated with higher odds for all four NCDs. Furthermore, increased higher odds of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease were found for the legislator/senior official/professional occupation group compared with non-workers. Skilled agricultural/elementary workers had lower odds of high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma and heart disease. Craft/machine-related trade workers had higher odds of high blood pressure and diabetes, and reduced odds of asthma and heart disease. Compared with non-workers, the odds ratios for asthma were lower for all other occupational categories. During the two study decades, the Government of India implemented several programmes designed to improve the health and well-being of its people. However, more focused attention on the adult population is needed, and special attention should be paid to the issue of the occupational health of the working population through the strict implementation of work place safety protocols and the removal of potential health hazards.

Effect of weather parameters on the development of Alternaria leaf spot and grey mildew in cotton

The effect of weather factors on the development of alternaria leaf spot and grey mildew in Bt Cotton hybrid Jaadoo BG II was investigated at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Lam, Guntur during kharif 2013-2017. Maximum, minimum temperatures, evening relative humidity, rain fall, number of rainy days and wind speed were negatively correlated and significantly influenced the progress of alternaria leaf spot while number of sunshine hours showed positive significant influence. In case of grey mildew, minimum temperature, evening relative humidity, rain fall, number of rainy days, evaporation and wind speed were negatively correlated and significantly influenced the progress of disease. Multiple regression analysis of pooled data (2013-2016) showed that maximum, minimum temperatures, number of rainy days and wind speed significantly influenced the development of alternaria leaf spot (R2=0.984) where as minimum temperature and evaporation significantly influenced the development of grey mildew (R2=0.976). Validation of these regression equations during 2017-18 indicated the usefulness of these models for prediction of alternaia leaf spot and grey mildew in cotton under given environmental conditions.

A general framework for the regression analysis of pooled biomarker assessments.

As a cost-efficient data collection mechanism, the process of assaying pooled biospecimens is becoming increasingly common in epidemiological research; for example, pooling has been proposed for the purpose of evaluating the diagnostic efficacy of biological markers (biomarkers). To this end, several authors have proposed techniques that allow for the analysis of continuous pooled biomarker assessments. Regretfully, most of these techniques proceed under restrictive assumptions, are unable to account for the effects of measurement error, and fail to control for confounding variables. These limitations are understandably attributable to the complex structure that is inherent to measurements taken on pooled specimens. Consequently, in order to provide practitioners with the tools necessary to accurately and efficiently analyze pooled biomarker assessments, herein, a general Monte Carlo maximum likelihood-based procedure is presented. The proposed approach allows for the regression analysis of pooled data under practically all parametric models and can be used to directly account for the effects of measurement error. Through simulation, it is shown that the proposed approach can accurately and efficiently estimate all unknown parameters and is more computational efficient than existing techniques. This new methodology is further illustrated using monocyte chemotactic protein-1 data collected by the Collaborative Perinatal Project in an effort to assess the relationship between this chemokine and the risk of miscarriage. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Odontometric sex estimation from clinically extracted molar teeth in a North Indian population sample.

Background:Different dental features have contributed significantly toward sex determination in the forensic anthropological contexts. Population-specific standards (discriminant functions or regression formulae) have been suggested for various population groups to identify the sex of an unknown individual from dental dimensions and other odontometric features. The main purpose of the present investigation was to examine the degree of sexual dimorphism exhibited by the human teeth of North Indians and identify importance as a forensic tool in sex determination.Materials and Methods:The linear and diagonal dimensions were recorded at both crown and cementoenamel junction levels of 58 upper and 72 lower molars of 130 Northwest Indian subjects (73 males and 57 females). The measurements were subjected to appropriate statistical analyses to estimate the sex estimation accuracy from lower and upper molars separately.Results:Univariate analyses revealed that molar teeth had greater dimensions in males than the females and the mesiodistal cervical diameter (MDCV) was found to be the most suitable variable for sex determination of the molars. The classification results were in agreement with the previously conducted studies. The index of sexual dimorphism (ISD) was calculated to be higher in lower molars than the upper molars, and the highest sex differences were observed for MDCV based on the ISD. The overall sex estimation accuracy obtained from multivariate discriminant function analysis and regression analysis of pooled data was 70.0% (74% males, 64.9% females) and 66.9% (78.1% males, 52.6% females), respectively.Conclusions:Odontometrics can play a significant role in establishing the biological identity of an unknown individual even from a single tooth in the absence of other sophisticated molecular or biochemical techniques used for this purpose.

Attitudes about Childlessness and Infertility Treatments: A Comparison of Turkish and American University Students

Studies of contemporary attitudes about childlessness and infertility have focused mainly on highly industrialized countries, with less attention to developing countries like Turkey. This project explored attitudes about childlessness and infertility treatments and their interrelations among university students, who are often the forerunners of new attitudes and social change, in Turkey (N = 850) and the United States (Florida; N = 761). Turkish students, especially men, reported more negative attitudes about permanent childlessness and reported more positive attitudes about ethics and availability of infertility treatments. Students in Florida had more favorable attitudes toward childlessness and supported broader social access to infertility treatments (e.g., for those who were unmarried or who had chosen to delay childbearing). Women in both samples generally reported more positive attitudes about childlessness and the ethics and availability of infertility treatments than men. In addition, Turkish students who were female, from urban areas, or who aspired to a doctoral education reported more positive attitudes about childlessness than others. Regression analyses of pooled data confirmed persistent gender and country differences. In both samples, positive attitudes about childlessness were correlated with support for broader social access to infertility treatments. The results suggest that infertility treatments are viewed as a means for avoiding childlessness by those with traditional perspectives, but are seen as a mechanism for allowing for broader social access to parenthood and greater choice about reproduction among those with less traditional viewpoints.

Calcium Regulates FGF-23 Expression in Bone

Calcium has recently been shown to regulate fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), a bone-derived phosphate and vitamin D-regulating hormone. To better understand the regulation of FGF-23 by calcium, phosphorus, 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D], and PTH, we examined FGF-23 expression under basal conditions and in response to PTH, doxercalciferol, or high-calcium diet treatment in Gcm2(-/-) and Cyp27b1(-/-) mutant mice. Gcm2(-/-) mice exhibited low serum PTH and 1,25(OH)2D concentrations, hypocalcemia, and hyperphosphatemia, whereas Cyp27b1(-/-) mice had high PTH, undetectable 1,25(OH)2D, hypocalcemia, and hypophosphatemia. Serum FGF-23 levels were decreased in both mutant models. Doxercalciferol administration increased serum FGF-23 levels in both mutant models. PTH administration to Gcm2(-/-) mice also increased serum FGF-23 levels, in association with an increase in both 1,25(OH)2D and calcium concentrations. Multiple regression analysis of pooled data indicated that changes in FGF-23 were positively correlated with serum calcium and 1,25(OH)2D but not related to changes in serum phosphate concentrations. A high-calcium diet also increased serum FGF-23 concentrations in Cyp27b1(-/-) mice in the absence of 1,25(OH)2D and in Gcm2(-/-) mice with low PTH. The addition of calcium to the culture media also stimulated FGF-23 message expression in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. In addition, FGF-23 promoter activity in cultured osteoblasts was inhibited by the L-calcium-channel inhibitor nifedipine and stimulated by calcium ionophores. The effects of chronic low calcium to prevent 1,25(OH)2D and PTH stimulation of FGF-23 in these mutant mouse models suggest that suppression of FGF-23 plays an important physiological adaptive response to hypocalcemia.

Vitamin D status and the predictors of circulating T helper 1‐type immunoglobulin levels in Iranian subjects with type 1 diabetes and their siblings: a case‐control study

Vitamin D status has been linked to both T helper (Th)1/Th2 balance and susceptibility to type 1 diabetes (T1D). The present study aimed to evaluate vitamin D status and its relation to Th1/Th2 balance in subjects with T1D, their siblings and unrelated healthy controls during autumn and winter 2008-2009. A case-control study was conducted on subjects with T1D (n(1) = 60) and two control groups comprising nondiabetic siblings (n(2) = 60) and unrelated healthy controls (n(3) = 60). Assessments of dietary intake, anthropometry, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and 25(OH)D were performed. Serum levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)G(2) and IgE, as well as the IgG2/IgE ratio, were used to evaluate Th1/Th2 balance. Vitamin D status was defined based on circulating 25(OH)D as deficiency: <27.5 nm; insufficiency 27.5 ≤ 25(OH)D <50 nm; and sufficiency ≥50 nm. Vitamin D status did not differ significantly among the groups. Similarly, no significant difference in 25(OH)D, iPTH, IgG(2), IgE and IgG(2)/IgE was found. In multiple regression analysis of pooled data, PTH and body mass index were the predictors of IgG(2)/IgE. In the diabetic group, both PTH and age and, in siblings, PTH only, were the predictors of IgG(2)/IgE ratio. These data suggest PTH as the major predictor of immune deviance towards the Th1 response in both type 1 diabetic subjects and their siblings. Considering that the active form of vitamin D suppresses PTH production, it is hypothesised that vitamin D replenishment of just those who are genetically prone to the disease (i.e. siblings) may be regarded as a preventive measure against T1D.

Elevated Adipose Triglyceride Lipase in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus With Hypertension

IntroductionAdipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) is a recently identified triacylglycerol lipase responsible for adiposity lipolysis. Its pathophysiologic role in humans remains unknown. Material and MethodsIn this study, the authors investigated the levels of plasma ATGL among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), patients with T2DM and hypertension and control subjects. They also assessed the association between plasma ATGL and body composition and metabolic parameters. Results and ConclusionsPlasma ATGL levels significantly increased in patients with T2DM and hypertension compared with those with T2DM (78.3 ± 23.4 versus 65.1 ± 22.8μg/L, P < 0.01). No gender differences were found among plasma ATGL levels. Furthermore, they found that the plasma ATGL level was positively correlated with total cholesterol (r=0.17, P < 0.05) and high-density lipoprotein C (r=0.16, P < 0.05) in simple regression analysis of pooled data, whereas, in multiple stepwise regression analysis, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance were independently related factors with plasma ATGL levels (Y=−13.662+0.343 × waist+0.268 × diastolic blood pressure+0.053 × 2hPin+0.966 × homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance). This work indicates the potential link of ATGL with the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and T2DM.

Skeletal height estimation from regression analysis of sternal lengths in a Northwest Indian population of Chandigarh region: A postmortem study

Skeletal height estimation from regression analysis of eight sternal lengths in the subjects of Chandigarh zone of Northwest India is the topic of discussion in this study. Analysis of eight sternal lengths (length of manubrium, length of mesosternum, combined length of manubrium and mesosternum, total sternal length and first four intercostals lengths of mesosternum) measured from 252 male and 91 female sternums obtained at postmortems revealed that mean cadaver stature and sternal lengths were more in North Indians and males than the South Indians and females. Except intercostal lengths, all the sternal lengths were positively correlated with stature of the deceased in both sexes ( P < 0.001). The multiple regression analysis of sternal lengths was found more useful than the linear regression for stature estimation. Using multivariate regression analysis, the combined length of manubrium and mesosternum in both sexes and the length of manubrium along with 2nd and 3rd intercostal lengths of mesosternum in males were selected as best estimators of stature. Nonetheless, the stature of males can be predicted with SEE of 6.66 ( R 2 = 0.16, r = 0.318) from combination of MBL + BL_3 + LM + BL_2, and in females from MBL only, it can be estimated with SEE of 6.65 ( R 2 = 0.10, r = 0.318), whereas from the multiple regression analysis of pooled data, stature can be known with SEE of 6.97 ( R 2 = 0.387, r = 575) from the combination of MBL + LM + BL_2 + TSL + BL_3. The R 2 and F-ratio were found to be statistically significant for almost all the variables in both the sexes, except 4th intercostal length in males and 2nd to 4th intercostal lengths in females. The ‘major’ sternal lengths were more useful than the ‘minor’ ones for stature estimation The universal regression analysis used by Kanchan et al. [39] when applied to sternal lengths, gave satisfactory estimates of stature for males only but female stature was comparatively better estimated from simple linear regressions. But they are not proposed for the subjects of known sex, as they underestimate the male and overestimate female stature. However, intercostal lengths were found to be the poor estimators of stature ( P < 0.05). And also sternal lengths exhibit weaker correlation coefficients and higher standard errors of estimate.

Reduction of Surgical Site Infection Rates Associated With Active Surveillance

To evaluate whether surgical site infection (SSI) rates decrease in surgical departments as a result of performing active SSI surveillance. Retrospective multiple logistic regression analyses. A group of 130 surgical departments of German hospitals participating in the Krankenhaus Infektions Surveillance System (KISS). Data for 19 categories of operative procedures performed between January 1997 and June 2004 were included (119,114 operations). Active SSI surveillance was performed according to National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance system (NNIS) methods and definitions. Departments' SSI rates were calculated individually for each year of surveillance and for each operative procedure category, taking into account when the individual departments had begun their surveillance activities. Multiple logistic regression analyses on a single operation basis were carried out with stepwise variable selection to predict outcomes for patients with SSI. The variables included were as follows: the department's year of participation, NNIS risk index variables, patients' age and sex, and the hospitals' structural characteristics, such as yearly operation frequency, number of beds, and academic status. For 14 of 19 operative procedure categories analyzed, there was a tendency toward lower SSI rates that was associated with increasing duration of SSI surveillance. In multiple logistic regression analyses of pooled data for all operative procedures, the departments' participation in the surveillance system was a significant independent protective factor. Compared with the surveillance year 1, the SSI risk decreased in year 2 (odds ratio, 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.77-0.93) and in year 3 (odds ratio, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.82), and there was no change in year 4. The SSI incidence was reduced by one quarter as a result of the surveillance-induced infection control efforts, which indicates the usefulness of a voluntary surveillance system.

Enhancing Tuber Calcium Concentration May Reduce Incidence of Blackspot Bruise Injury in Potatoes

Our previous research has provided evidence that in-season calcium applications can increase tuber calcium and improve tuber quality with reduced internal defects. To determine if increasing the tuber calcium concentration also mitigates tuber bruise incidence, five commercially relevant potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars (`Russet Burbank', `Atlantic', `Snowden', `Superior', and `Dark Red Norland') were grown during three seasons, 1999–2001. Three split applications of a calcium/nitrogen water soluble blend totaling 168 kg·ha–1calcium were made starting at hilling. All plots, including controls, received an equal amount of total nitrogen in a season. Tubers were allowed to be bruised during normal machine harvest standard to commercial production in Wisconsin. Over 100 tubers from each replication (5–10 replications/treatment) were cut and examined for the incidences of bruise and internal brown spot. Paired samples of medullary tissue were taken for measuring calcium concentration. As expected, tuber tissue calcium concentration increased significantly, in all cultivars and in all years, with in-season calcium application. Bruise incidence varied among cultivars and seasons. Although tuber calcium concentration varied among seasons, `Atlantic' and 'Snowden' consistently had the lowest calcium concentration, whereas `Superior' and `Dark Red Norland' consistently had the highest calcium concentration. Meta-analysis of pooled data for three years showed that blackspot bruise incidence was significantly reduced with calcium application in `Atlantic', `Burbank', and `Snowden'. On the other hand, `Dark Red Norland' and `Superior' had low incidence of bruise and were unaffected by calcium applications. Regression analyses of pooled data from all cultivars for three years revealed a significant quadratic relationship between blackspot bruise and tuber tissue calcium as well as between blackspot bruise and internal brown spot. A linear to plateau plot of medullary calcium concentration versus blackspot bruise incidence revealed that bruise incidence is minimized between 200 and 250 μg/kg (dry wt)–1 tuber calcium concentration. To our knowledge, ours is the first study providing evidence for reducing bruise by improving tuber calcium. Variations in the bruise incidences among cultivars generally followed tuber calcium concentration suggesting a genetic control. Given the role of calcium in improved membrane health and enhanced wall structure, and as a modulator of physiological responses, it is not surprising that internal brown spot and bruise incidences are reduced by in-season application to calcium-deficient cultivars.

Climate change and shifts in spring phenology of three horticultural woody perennials in northeastern USA

We evaluated spring phenology changes from 1965 to 2001 in northeastern USA utilizing a unique data set from 72 locations with genetically identical lilac plants (Syringa chinensis, clone "Red Rothomagensis"). We also utilized a previously validated lilac-honeysuckle "spring index" model to reconstruct a more complete record of first leaf date (FLD) and first flower date (FFD) for the region from historical weather data. In addition, we examined mid-bloom dates for apple (Malus domestica) and grape (Vitis vinifera) collected at several sites in the region during approximately the same time period. Almost all lilac sites with significant linear trends for FLD or FFD versus year had negative slopes (advanced development). Regression analysis of pooled data for the 72 sites indicated an advance of -0.092 day/year for FFD (P=0.003). The slope for FLD was also negative (-0.048 day/year), but not significant (P=0.234). The simulated data from the "spring index" model, which relies on local daily temperature records, indicated highly significant (P<0.001) negative slopes of -0.210 and -0.123 day/year for FLD and FFD, respectively. Data collected for apple and grape also indicated advance spring development, with slopes for mid-bloom date versus year of -0.20 day/year (P=0.01) and -0.146 (P=0.14), respectively. Collectively, these results indicate an advance in spring phenology ranging from 2 to 8 days for these woody perennials in northeastern USA for the period 1965 to 2001, qualitatively consistent with a warming trend, and consistent with phenology shifts reported for other mid- and high-latitude regions.

Determinants of leptin gene expression in fat depots of lean mice.

The relationship of leptin gene expression to adipocyte volume was investigated in lean 10-wk-old male C57BL/6J mice. mRNA levels for leptin, insulin receptor, glucocorticoid receptor, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in inguinal, epididymal, and retroperitoneal adipose tissues were quantified and related to adipocyte volume. Leptin mRNA levels were highly correlated with adipocyte volume within each fat depot. Multiple regression analysis of pooled data from the three depots showed that leptin mRNA levels were strongly correlated with adipocyte volumes (beta = 0.84, P < 0.001) and, to a smaller degree, with glucocorticoid receptor mRNA levels (beta = 0.36, P < 0.001). Depot of origin had no effect (P > 0.9). Rates of leptin secretion in vitro were strongly correlated with leptin mRNA levels (r = 0.89, P < 0.001). mRNA levels for TNF-alpha, insulin receptor, and glucocorticoid receptor showed no significant correlation with adipocyte volume. These results demonstrate that depot-specific differences in leptin gene expression are mainly related to the volumes of the constituent adipocytes. The strong correlation between leptin gene expression and adipocyte volume supports leptin's physiological role as a humoral signal of fat mass.

Anti-CD95 (APO-1/Fas) autoantibodies and T cell depletion in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected children.

Advanced stages of HIV-1-infection are characterized by progressive CD4+ T cell depletion. Peripheral T cells from HIV-1+ donors show accelerated apoptosis in vitro. The CD95 (APO-1/Fas) receptor/ligand system is involved in this process. To further study deregulation of the CD95 system in peripheral T cells during HIV-1-infection, we measured CD95-expression on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells together with serum levels of soluble CD95 (sCD95) and anti-CD95 autoantibodies in HIV-1+ children and healthy controls. Anti-CD95 levels in HIV-1+ children were significantly elevated when compared to uninfected controls, whereas serum levels of sCD95 were not different. In HIV-1+ children, CD95-expression on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells increased with age. A strong correlation between depletion of CD4+ cells in vivo and increase in CD95-expression on CD4+ T cells was observed. In contrast, such a correlation was not found for CD8+ T cells. A negative correlation between anti-CD95 autoantibody levels and CD4+ T cell counts, that was predicted by multiple linear regression analysis of pooled data, was found in individual patients observed longitudinally by repeated measurements. Since anti-CD95 autoantibodies isolated from HIV-infected adults have previously been shown to induce apoptosis of sensitive target cells in vitro, we speculate that the interaction of these antibodies with CD95-positive and CD95-sensitive T cells in vivo might be involved in progressive T cell loss during HIV-1-infection.