Strong Positive Correlation Coefficient Research Articles

Utility of a near real-time emergency department syndromic surveillance system to track injuries in New York City.

BackgroundThe New York City emergency department (ED) syndromic surveillance (SS) system provides near real-time data on the majority of ED visits. The utility of ED SS for injury surveillance has not been thoroughly evaluated. We created injury syndromes based on ED chief complaint information and evaluated their utility compared to administrative billing data.MethodsSix injury syndromes were developed: traffic-related injuries to pedal cyclists, pedestrians, and motor vehicle occupants; fall-related injuries; firearm-related injuries; and assault-related stabbings. Daily injury counts were compared for ED SS and the administrative billing data for years 2008–2010. We examined characteristics of injury trends and patterns between the two systems, calculating descriptive statistics for temporal patterns and Pearson correlation coefficients (r) for temporal trends. We also calculated proportions of demographic and geospatial patterns for both systems.ResultsAlthough daily volume of the injuries varied between the two systems, the temporal patterns were similar (all r values for daily volume exceeded 0.65). Comparisons of injuries by time of day, day of week, and quarter of year demonstrated high agreement between the two systems—the majority had an absolute percentage point difference of 2.0 or less. Distributions of injury by sex and age group also aligned well. Distribution of injury by neighborhood of residence showed mixed results—some neighborhood comparisons showed a high level of agreement between systems, while others were less successful.ConclusionsAs evidenced by the strong positive correlation coefficients and the small absolute percentage point differences in our comparisons, we conclude that ED SS captures temporal trends and patterns of injury-related ED visits effectively. The system could be used to identify changes in injury patterns, allowing for situational awareness during emergencies, timely response, and public messaging.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40621-015-0044-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

MiRNA gene counts in chromosomes vary widely in a species and biogenesis of miRNA largely depends on transcription or post-transcriptional processing of coding genes.

MicroRNAs target specific mRNA(s) to silence its expression and thereby regulate various cellular processes. We have investigated miRNA gene counts in chromosomes for 20 different species and observed wide variation. Certain chromosomes have extremely high number of miRNA gene compared with others in all the species. For example, high number of miRNA gene in X chromosome and the least or absence of miRNA gene in Y chromosome was observed in all species. To search the criteria governing such variation of miRNA gene counts in chromosomes, we have selected three parameters- length, number of non-coding and coding genes in a chromosome. We have calculated Pearson's correlation coefficient of miRNA gene counts with length, number of non-coding and coding genes in a chromosome for all 20 species. Major number of species showed that number of miRNA gene was not correlated with chromosome length. Eighty five percent of species under study showed strong positive correlation coefficient (r ≥ 0.5) between the numbers of miRNA gene vs. non-coding gene in chromosomes as expected because miRNA is a sub-set of non-coding genes. 55% species under study showed strong positive correlation coefficient (r ≥ 0.5) between numbers of miRNA gene vs. coding gene. We hypothesize biogenesis of miRNA largely depends on coding genes, an evolutionary conserved process. Chromosomes having higher number of miRNA genes will be most likely playing regulatory roles in several cellular processes including different disorders. In humans, cancer and cardiovascular disease associated miRNAs are mostly intergenic and located in Chromosome 19, X, 14, and 1.

Per capita sugar consumption and prevalence of diabetes mellitus – global and regional associations

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a rampant epidemic worldwide. Causative factors and predisposition is postulated to be multi-factorial in origin and include changing life styles and diet. This paper examines the relationship between per capita sugar consumption and diabetes prevalence worldwide and with regard to territorial, economic and geographical regions.MethodsData from 165 countries were extracted for analysis. Associations between the population prevalence of diabetes mellitus and per capita sugar consumption (PCSC) were examined using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (PCC) and multivariate linear regression analysis with, infant mortality rates (IMR, as an general index maternal and child care), low birth weight (LBW, as an index of biological programming) and obesity prevalence included in the model as confounders.ResultsDespite the estimates for PCSC being relatively crude, a strong positive correlation coefficient (0.599 with p < 0.001) was observed between prevalence of diabetes mellitus and per capita sugar consumption using data from all 165 countries. Asia had the highest correlation coefficient with a PCC of 0.660 (p < 0.001) with strongest correlation noted in Central (PCC = 0.968; p < 0.001), South (PCC = 0.684; p = 0.050) and South East Asia (PCC = 0.916; p < 0.001). Per capita sugar consumption (p < 0.001; Beta = 0.360) remained significant at the last stage as associations of DM prevalence (R2 = 0.458) in the multivariate backward linear regression model. The linear regression model was repeated with the data grouped according to the continent. Sugar was noted to be an independent association with DM only with regard to Asia (p < 0.001 Beta = 0.707) and South America (p = 0.010 Beta 0.550). When countries were categorized based on income PCS and DM demonstrated significant association only for upper middle income countries (p < 0.001 Beta 0.656).ConclusionsThese results indicate independent associations between DM prevalence rates and per capita sugar consumption both worldwide and with special regard to the Asian region. Prospective cohort studies are proposed to explore these associations further.

Acceptability, attitude, and satisfaction of online learning among nursing students during COVID-19 lockdown: a cross sectional study

Introduction: Due to the current Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) pandemic related lockdown in India, regular classes are suspended to maintain social distancing. Educational institutions are now opting for online learning to facilitate and continue with the academic schedule of students. Aim: To evaluate the acceptability, attitude, and satisfaction of online learning among nursing students during COVID-19 lockdown. Settings and design: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 193 nursing students of a nursing college attached to private medical college and hospital, through online Google Forms questionnaires. Materials: Semi-structured proforma for socio-demographic details, Social Presence Scale (SPS), and related Satisfaction Scale (SS) were used for evaluation. Statistical analysis: Sociodemographic details were mainly descriptive and categories compared using Pearson’s correlation test and ordinal variables using Spearman’s Rho correlation. Results: The mean age of 20.01 years (Standard Deviation (SD) = 1.42), the mean score of SPS was 44.75 (SD=5.89) and that of SS was 31.12 (SD=7.59). SPS and SS scores correlated significantly (P&lt;.000), with a strong positive correlation coefficient of .602. Positive attitude towards online learning was found in 61.7% of students, and 62.7% opined their experience to be satisfactory. Conclusion: This study shows that nursing students show adequate acceptability, positive attitudes, and higher satisfaction levels related to online learning, as determined by Social Presence Theory, during COVID-19 lockdown in India.

Study of Association between Lipid Profile and Thyroid Hormones in Pregnancy

Thyroid function during pregnancy is important for both the mother and the developing fetus. Especially during the first trimester, when the fetus is completely dependent on the mother for thyroid hormone. Increase liver metabolism is seen, renal plasma flow increases during pregnancy. This Study includes measurement of the thyroid hormones T3,T4,TSH and lipid profile, in serum of fifty pregnant women between 16-50 years during the three trimesters compared with serum of twenty non-pregnant women between 17-45 years. Results of pregnant women at first trimester showed that there was a significant difference at (P<0.001) in hormones T4, in the second trimester it was found that a highly significant difference at (P<0.001) in hormones T3, T4 and TSH at (P<0.05), and In the third trimester there was a highly significant difference at (P<0.001) in hormones T4 and T3 (P<0.05) all compared with the control group. The results of lipid profile showed that at the second trimester there was a significant difference at (P<0.05) in cholesterol and LDL, in the third trimester it was found a highly significant differences at (P<0.001) in cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and VLDL compared with the control group. A strong positive correlation coefficient was found at the firsttrimister between T3 with a weak of gestation and HDL. and between TSH with cholesterol, VLDL, triglyceride, LDL, CHO/HDL and LDL/HDL, at the second trimester a significant positive correlation coefficient was found between T3 with triglyceride, VLDL and CHO/HDL. And there was a negative correlation coefficient between TSH with triglyceride, VLDL and T3. At third trimester there was a negative correlation coefficient between T4 with triglyceride and VLDL. Results of non-pregnant group were found with a negative correlation coefficient between T3 with triglyceride, VLDL, LDL, and LDL/HDL and there was a positive correlation coefficient between TSH with HDL, and T3 .

Predicting the hygroscopicity of imidazolium-based ILs varying in anion by hydrogen-bonding basicity and acidity

Most of ILs are hygroscopic. Hygroscopicity of ILs has a significant influence on the structure and properties of ILs. There should be correlation between hygroscopicity and the other properties of ILs. In this study, eight imidazolium-based ILs varying in anion were used to investigate the relationship between their hygroscopicity parameters (experimental water sorption capacity within 3 h W3h, saturated water sorption capacity W∞ derived from the modified two-step model, degree of difficulty to reach sorption equilibrium 1/k, and water sorption rate kW∞ derived from the modified two step model) and their property parameters (electric field ΔE, polarity ENT, hydrogen-bonding acidity α, hydrogen-bonding basicity β, dipolarity-polarizability π*, and the difference between hydrogen-bonding basicity and acidity β − α). We found that β − α had a very strong positive correlation coefficient ρ ≈ 0.99 with the hygroscopicity parameters. However, the respective species, i.e., β and α are less correlated with hygroscopicity. The ENT and ΔE are much less correlated with the hygroscopicity of ILs than those of β − α, β and α, while π* has almost no correlation with hygroscopicity of ILs.

Does the ENoG Value of the Orbicularis Oris Muscle Reflect All Facial Nerve Degeneration?

Objectives: 1) Compare electroneuronography (ENoG) values in patients with facial palsy using two different methods, the midline method that records compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) from the orbicularis oris muscle (the standard muscle for facial ENoG) and five electroneurogram recordings that records five CMAPs from five different facial muscles. 2) Reveal whether the ENoG value obtained with the midline method reflects entire facial nerve degeneration. Methods: Forty patients with facial palsy were enrolled. CMAPs were recorded using the midline method, in which the anode was placed on the mental protuberance and the cathode was placed on the philtrum. Additionally, five electroneurogram recordings were obtained by placing the anode on the skin of the parietal region and five cathodes on the skin over five facial muscles (frontalis, orbicularis oculi, nasalis, orbicularis oris, and depressor anguli oris muscles). ENoG values recorded using the two methods were compared. Results: The ENoG values of the five facial muscles did not differ from those obtained using the midline method. The total ENoG value calculated by summing five CMAPs from five facial muscles, which is considered to reflect total facial nerve degeneration, was not significantly different from that using midline methods; moreover, a strong positive correlation coefficient (r = 0.87) was found between them. Conclusions: The midline ENoG method that records CMAP from the orbicularis oris muscle reflects entire facial nerve degeneration. The ENoG value calculated from the orbicularis oris muscle might be suitable to evaluate the total prognosis of facial palsy.

Applications of ALOS PALSAR for monitoring biophysical parameters of a degraded black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) forest

Within the last few decades mangrove forests worldwide have been experiencing high annual rates of loss and many of those that remain have undergone considerable degradation. To understand the condition of these forests, various optical remote sensing platforms have been used to map and monitor these wetlands, including the use of these data for biophysical parameter mapping. For many mangrove forests a reliable source of optical imagery is not possible given their location in quasi-permanent cloud cover or smoke covered regions. In such cases it is recommended that Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) be considered. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the relationships between various ALOS-PALSAR modes, acquired from eight images, and mangrove biophysical parameter data collected from a black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) dominated forest that has experienced considerable degradation. In total, structural data were collected from 61 plots representing the four common stand types found in this degraded forest of the Mexican Pacific: tall healthy mangrove (n=17), dwarf healthy mangrove (n=15), poor condition mangrove (n=13), and predominantly dead mangrove (n=16).Based on backscatter coefficients, significant negative correlation coefficients were observed between filtered single polarization ALOS PALSAR (6.25m) HH backscatter and Leaf Area Index (LAI). When the dead stands were excluded (n=45) the strength of these relationships increased. Moreover, significant negative correlation coefficients were observed with stand height, Basal Area (BA) and to a lesser degree with stem density and mean DBH. With the coarser spatial resolution dual-polarization and quad polarization data (12.5m) only a few, and weaker, correlation coefficients were calculated between the mangrove parameters and the filtered HH backscatter. However, significant negative values were once again calculated for the HH when the 16 dead mangrove stands were removed from the sample. Conversely, strong positive significant correlation coefficients were calculated between the cross-polarization HV backscatter and LAI when the dead mangrove stands were considered. Although fewer in comparison to the HH correlations, a number of VV backscatter based relationships with mangrove parameters were observed from the quad polarization mode and, to a lesser extent, with the one single VV polarization data.In addition to backscatter coefficients, stepwise multiple regression models of the mangrove biophysical parameter data were developed based on texture parameters derived from the grey level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) of the ALOS data. A similar pattern to the backscatter relationships was observed for models based on the single polarization unfiltered data, with fairly strong coefficients of determination calculated for LAI and stem height when the dead stands were excluded. In contrast, similar coefficients of determination with biophysical parameters were observed for the dual and quad polarization multiple regression models when the dead stands were both included and excluded from the analyses. An estimated mangrove LAI map of the study area, derived from a multiple regression model of the quad polarization texture parameters, showed comparable spatial patterns of degradation to a map derived from higher spatial resolution optical satellite data.

Genesis of the Nasirabad manganese occurrence, Fars province, Iran: Geochemical evidences

The Nasirabad manganese occurrence is located to the south of the Neyriz in the Fars province. Structurally and lithologically, this occurrence lies in the southwest part of the Zagros Thrust Belt and was deposited as Mn-nodules and interconnected ore-bearing interlayer's with radiolarite cherts in the vicinity of the Neyriz ophiolites. The present work deals with the geology and geochemistry of the Nasirabad manganese occurrence with a discussion of its genesis. High Mn/Fe (average 18.85) and high Ba (average 28,830ppm) with low Pb (2.0ppm) and LREE>HREE, Lan/Ndn (average 4.5), Dyn/Ybn (average 1.2) and negative Eu anomaly suggest distal hydrothermal source. The Co/Zn (average 2.2), Ce/La ratio (average 0.67) and trace element discrimination diagrams indicate hydrothermal–hydrogenous processes. Y/Ho ratio (average 24.85) and strong positive correlation coefficient between major oxides and some high field strength elements (HFSE) like; TiO2 vs Fe2O3 (r=0.98), Al2O3 vs Zr (r=0.97), Al2O3 vs Fe2O3 (r=0.98), Zr vs K2O (r=0.98), Nb vs TiO2 (r=0.92), Th vs Fe2O3 (r=0.76), Th vs MgO (r=0.86) reveal the presence of volcaniclastics and (or) terrigenous detritals of mafic composition being deposited into the depositional basin. It seems that intermittent interlayering of mafic detrital material derived from volcanic eruption of the Neyriz island arc directly affected the physicochemical conditions of hydrothermal ore precipitation in this basin and consequently the Nasirabad manganese ores represent hydrothermal–hydrogenous geochemical characteristics. The Nasirabad is an example of non-sulphidic, oxic Mn-mineralization. Similar trend between the enrichment and depletion of some bioessential elements (e.g., Mn, As, Ba, Sr, Co, Ce) might have been resulted from selective sequestering of metal ions by microbial processes and hence hydrogenous characteristics may also be the result of biogenetic processes. Moreover the high dilution of distal hydrothermal exhalations by sea water cannot be ruled out.

The midline electroneurography method for facial palsy reflects total nerve degeneration

Conclusion: The midline electroneurography (ENoG) method might reflect total facial nerve degeneration. Objective: We compared ENoG values in patients with facial palsy using two different methods, the midline method and five electroneurogram recordings, to reveal whether the ENoG value obtained with the midline method reflects total facial nerve degeneration. Methods: Forty patients with facial palsy were enrolled. Compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) were recorded using the midline method, in which the anode was placed on the mental protuberance and the cathode was placed on the philtrum. Additionally, five electroneurogram recordings were obtained by placing the anode on the skin of the parietal region and five cathodes on the skin over five facial muscles (frontalis, orbicularis oculi, nasalis, orbicularis oris, and depressor anguli oris muscles). ENoG values recorded using the two methods were compared. Results: The ENoG values of the five facial muscles did not differ from those obtained using the midline method. The total ENoG value calculated by summing five CMAPs from five facial muscles, which is considered to reflect total facial nerve degeneration, was not significantly different from that using midline methods; moreover, a strong positive correlation coefficient (r = 0.87) was found between them.

Correlations between ultrasonic guided wave velocities and bone properties in bovine tibia in vitro

Correlations between ultrasonic guided wave velocities and bone properties were investigated in bovine tibia in vitro. The velocities of the first arriving signal and the slow guided wave, termed V(FAS) and V(SGW), along the long axis of the tibia were measured at 200 kHz in 20 bovine tibiae using the axial transmission technique. V(FAS) yielded significant negative correlation coefficients of -0.54 to -0.66 with the bone properties. In contrast, V(SGW) yielded strong positive correlation coefficients of 0.68-0.84. The best univariate predictor of V(FAS) and V(SGW) was the cortical thickness yielding adjusted squared correlation coefficients of 0.41 and 0.69, respectively.

Distribution and Accumulation of Metals in the Surface Sediments of Coleroon River Estuary, East Coast of India

This study deals with the geochemical nature of distribution of metals (iron, manganese, lead and zinc) in bulk sediments and its association with sand, silt, clay and organic carbon. Ten numbers of surface sediment samples were collected during summer season of 2009 from Coleroon estuary. The sediments are mostly sandy silt in nature. The organic carbon distribution indicates that they are brought in the surroundings of coastal areas. Correlation analysis clearly indicates that fine particles and organic carbon control the distribution of metals. The most evident the significant correlations where zinc vs manganese (r = 0.641), manganese versus iron (r = 0.618), lead versus manganese (r = 0.574). The correlation between organic carbon versus manganese (r = 0.768), organic carbon versus sand (r = 0.872), organic carbon versus silt (r = 0.902), organic carbon versus clay (r = 0.793). The degree of correlation between metals and other major constituents is often used to indicate the origin of the metals. Strong positive correlation coefficient of all the above said metals and organic carbon are mainly associated with the fine grained sediments.

Factors Affecting Prostate Volume Estimation in Computed Tomography Images

The aim of this study was to investigate how apex-localizing methods and the computed tomography (CT) slice thickness affected the CT-based prostate volume estimation. Twenty-eight volunteers underwent evaluations of prostate volume by CT, where the contour segmentations were performed by three observers. The bottom of ischial tuberosities (ITs) and the bulb of the penis were used as reference positions to locate the apex, and the distances to the apex were recorded as 1.3 and 2.0 cm, respectively. Interobserver variations to locate ITs and the bulb of the penis were, on average, 0.10 cm (range 0.03–0.38 cm) and 0.30 cm (range 0.00–0.98 cm), respectively. The range of CT slice thickness varied from 0.08–0.48 cm and was adopted to examine the influence of the variation on volume estimation. The volume deviation from the reference case (0.08 cm), which increases in tandem with the slice thickness, was within ± 3 cm 3, regardless of the adopted apex-locating reference positions. In addition, the maximum error of apex identification was 1.5 times of slice thickness. Finally, based on the precise CT films and the methods of apex identification, there were strong positive correlation coefficients for the estimated prostate volume by CT and the transabdominal ultrasonography, as found in the present study (r > 0.87; p < 0.0001), and this was confirmed by Bland-Altman analysis. These results will help to identify factors that affect prostate volume calculation and to contribute to the improved estimation of the prostate volume based on CT images.

TU‐C‐BRB‐09: Estimate of the Uncertainty in Relative Secondary Cancer Risk Calculations Following Proton Therapy and Intensity Modulated X‐Ray Therapy

Purpose: To determine the uncertainty in calculations of the ratio of relative risk (RRR) of developing a secondary malignant neoplasm (SMN) from proton therapy compared to that of IMXT for prostate cancer by examining the sensitivity to key input parameters. Methods and Materials: The RRR and associated uncertainties were examined for a typical patient treated for early‐stage prostate cancer. Proton therapy and IMXT plans were developed using clinical protocols. Baseline risk of SMN was estimated using primary doses from treatment planning calculations, stray doses from Monte Carlo simulations and available data, radiation weighting factors (wR) values from ICRP Publication 92, and the linear no‐threshold model for SMN risk. The sensitivity of RRR to wR was estimated by re‐computing the RRR using various scaled wR values. The influence of uncertainties in the dose‐response model was estimated by re‐computing the RRR with various available models. The influence of inter‐patient variation in primary dose was determined using the standard deviation of mean dose in organs at risk over a patient population, while variation in stray dose was determined with Monte Carlo simulations. Results: The baseline RRR for the selected patient was 0.66, suggesting that proton therapy can reduce the calculated incidence of SMN by 34% compared with IMXT. Changes in wR and the shape of the dose‐response model introduced uncertainties of ±10%, and ±7%, respectively. Inter‐patient variations in primary and stray dose produced RRR values that deviated greatly from the baseline value; however, a strong positive correlation coefficient was observed, resulting in a net uncertainty in the baseline RRR of ±30%. Thus, the total uncertainty in the baseline RRR was 0.22 (2‐σ). Conclusion: Proton therapy can reduce the incidence of SMN compared with IMXT for a population of prostate patients, independent of uncertainties in wR and the shape of the dose response model.

Sulphur immobilization and arylsulphatase activity in two calcareous arable and fallow soils as affected by glucose additions

In this study we examined the effects of glucose-C on the activities of fungi and bacteria determined by the method of substrate-induced respiration (SIR) in combination with the selective inhibition technique, the immobilized-S and the arylsulphatase (ARS) activity in two calcareous arable and fallow soils. The amounts of glucose-C were added at six doses: 0, 125, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 mg kg − 1 soil to the soils and then incubated for one week with a Na 2 35SO 4 solution (518.9 kBq kg − 1 dry soil and 20 mg S kg − 1 dry soil) prior to analysis. At the highest dose of 1000 mg kg − 1 soil, fungal activity increased by 59.1% (of the dose 0) versus 45.5% for bacterial activity in the arable soil, while in the fallow soil the increases were more marked and corresponded to 69.9% and 71.1%, respectively. Largest increase in immobilized-S was observed in the arable soil (300.7%) compared with the fallow soil (153.1%). In contrast, the ARS activity increased by 16.4% in the arable soil versus 32.1% in the fallow soil. These results indicate that glucose proportionately affected more the intensities of immobilized-S than those of ARS. Strong positive correlation coefficients were found between fungal activities and immobilized-S in the arable soil ( r = 0.96, P < 0.01) and in the fallow soil ( r = 0.98, P < 0.001). However, non-significant correlations were observed between fungal activities and ARS in both studied soils. As to bacterial activities, positive significant correlation coefficients were found with immobilized-S in the arable soil ( r = 0.95, P < 0.01) and in the fallow soil ( r = 0.90, P < 0.05) as well as with ARS activities in the arable soil ( r = 0.83, P < 0.05) and in the fallow soil ( r = 0.97, P < 0.01). Overall, we also found positive and significant correlation coefficients of immobilized-S with ARS activities in the arable soil ( r = 0.86, P < 0.05) and in the fallow soil ( r = 0.83, P < 0.05). Accordingly, the results showed a presence of extracellular arylsulphatase activity of 38.7 mg p-nitrophenol kg − 1 soil h − 1 in the arable soil and of 63.5 mg p-nitrophenol kg − 1 soil h − 1 in the fallow soil. It was concluded that fallowing maintained larger activities of fungi, bacteria and arylsulphatase compared with the arable soil.

P-Coumarate:CoA ligase as a key gene in the yield of catechins in tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze

Tea is an important crop known for its beverage and antioxidant polyphenols -- catechins and its derivatives. Catechins are synthesized through flavonoid (FL) pathway and stored in the vacuole. A metabolic flux for the operation of FL pathway is maintained through the supply of 4-coumaroyl-CoA of phenylpropanoid pathway. 4-Coumaroyl-CoA is synthesized through the catalytic activity of p-coumarate:CoA ligase (4CL) using 4-coumaric acid and acetyl-CoA as the substrates. The present manuscript reports the full-length cDNA cloning of 4CL from tea (Cs4CL accession number DQ194356) and its association with catechin yield. Cs4CL comprised of 2,165 bp with an open reading frame (ORF) of 1,764 nt, starting from 118 to 1,882 encoding 588 amino acids. Altering catechin content through a variety of environmental conditions such as drought stress (DS), abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellic acid (GA(3)) treatments, and wounding established a strong positive correlation coefficient between catechins content and the expression of Cs4Cl. In addition, tea clones with high levels of catechins had higher expression of Cs4Cl whereas tea clones with lower catechins exhibited lower expression of this gene. Exposure of tea shoots to 50-100 microM catechins led to down-regulation of the expression of Cs4CL suggesting product-mediated feedback regulation and an important role for the phenylpropanoid pathway in determining catechin yield in tea.

Freedom of Choice and Fair Share of Burden in a Depopulated Society

“Gender equality will raise the total fertility rate (TFR).” This is the most dominant discourse on fertility these days. In this paper, I criticize such discourses and statistics, using research literacy methods.First of all, according to an international comparison among OECD countries, there seems to be a strong positive correlation coefficient between the rate of female labor participation, the amount of public expenditure toward children, and TFR. The samples are, however, often selected in some arbitrary ways. In fact, there is no correlation.Secondly, based on JGSS2001 data, I find that the sharing of domestic labor by husbands cannot increase the number of children. Thirdly, “gender equal” couples (double-income couples, of which husbands do domestic labor a lot) have less children and earn higher income than other types of couples. Due to the Difference Principle, there is no reason to support them.Fourthly, I propose the Japanese government provides “child allowance” to all children under 18 years old equally. It is based not on the theory of the “child care free rider, ” but on the child's right to live. The present public nursery service gives priority to double-income couples. It is unfair because of the unequal accessibility to the service by the parents' lifestyles and income. If the public nursery service cannot solve such inequality, then it must be privatized.Finally, the financial costs of “child allowance” must be shared by all citizens over 30 years old. I suppose there are three options to generate these costs. The priority will be as follows : cutting a part of the pension plan for child allowance; increasing the consumption tax; and increasing the income tax. This political strategy will be able to solve the unequal freedom of choice under the present child care support system, and can improve the imbalance in benefits of and contributions to the pension system among generations.

Relation Between Local Acoustic Parameters and Protein Distribution in Human and Porcine Eye Lenses

The purpose of this study is to characterize the eye lens (human, porcine) by acoustic measurements and to investigate whether relations exist with the local protein content. The acoustic measurements were performed with a 'scanning acoustic microscope' (SAM), operating at a frequency of 20 MHz. At this frequency the lateral resolution in the acoustic images was 150 μm. A double-transmission pulse-echo technique was employed to obtain acoustic parameter images of a central, 1-mm-thick slice of the lenses. The two-dimensional images were derived by ultrasonic spectroscopy displaying the ultrasound velocity, the attenuation at 20 MHz and the slope of the attenuation coefficient between 17 and 23 MHz. The images were summarized by profiles along the optical and equatorial axes of these parameters.Acoustic parameters were obtained from human lenses (n = 13) and porcine lenses (n = 10). The protein contents of human lenses were obtained from literature. Additionally, Raman microspectroscopy was used to measure the local protein content of porcine lenses (n = 3). Profiles along the optical and equatorial axes were obtained. The relation between the protein content and the acoustic parameters was obtained qualitatively by comparison of the shape of the profiles and, where possible, quantitatively by calculating the Pearson correlation coefficients. Furthermore, the results have been related to a statistical metastudy found in literature in which the relation between collagen, protein and acoustic velocity in various biological tissues was investigated.The results show a gradual decrease of the magnitude of the acoustic parameters from the centre to the periphery of the porcine eye lens, which is clearly equivalent to the decrease in profiles of the protein content. For the human lenses the acoustic characteristics and the protein content exhibit the same profile, fairly constant in the lens nucleus and decreasing towards the periphery of the lens cortex. Strong positive correlation coefficients for acoustic parameters and protein content for the porcine lens are found.It is concluded that protein concentration related phenomena can be investigated by measuring the acoustic parameters.

Family mean correlations among fitness components in wild radish: controlling for maternal effects on seed weight

Qualitative estimates of genetic associations among life-history and fitness components are reported for 30 sibships (or families) in a common garden population of Raphanus raphanistrum L. (Brassicaceae: wild radish). Genetic associations are detected in a qualitative way when correlation coefficients among family means are highly significant. In this study, correlation coefficients among family means are compared with phenotypic correlation coefficients and to each other to address three questions: (i) Do strong genetic trade-offs among fitness components exist in wild radish under experimental conditions? (ii) Do qualitative estimates of genetic associations differ from phenotypic correlations? and (iii) Since seed weight is strongly phenotypically correlated with many components of plant performance and since families differ in seed weight because of strong maternal environmental (nongenetic) effects, does controlling for seed weight affect the correlations among family means? Many heritable fitness components were positively correlated among families; however, strong positive phenotypic correlation coefficients were much more common than strong positive family-mean correlation coefficients. No strong negative genetic associations were detected. The tendency for phenotypic correlations to be more positive than family mean correlations is consistent with the expectation that environmental variation generates positive correlations among characters, masking genetically based trade-offs. Partitioning out the effect of seed weight had only a small effect on the magnitude of the among-family correlation coefficients.

Influence of phenobarbital on the hepatic handling of [3H]vitamin D3 in the dog.

The effect of phenobarbital (PB) on the hepatic handling of vitamin D3 (D3) and its metabolism to 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] was studied in eight mongrel dogs. The hepatic uptake and clearance of [3H]D3 were evaluated by the multiple indicator-dilution curve technique, and the formation of [3H]25(OH)D3 was evaluated by sampling the hepatic effluent. The hepatic enzyme induction was assessed in six dogs by the 14CO2 breath excretion test. The results show that the hepatic uptake of [3H]D3 was not significantly affected but that its hepatic clearance was significantly increased during PB treatment. The [3H]25(OH)D3 production was increased during PB administration by a factor of 3-5 times over the pre- or post-PB period. Evaluation of the enzyme induction produced by PB revealed that two of the dogs studied had a blunted response to PB; furthermore, these dogs were the only animals that showed no increase in [3H]25(OH)D3 production during PB treatment and that in the presence of similar serum PB, endogenous 25(OH)D3 and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 pools, and hepatic uptake and clearance of [3H]D3. Strong positive correlation coefficients were observed between the breath excretion of 14CO2 and the [3H]25(OH)D3 production during PB treatment, whereas no correlation was present in the absence of PB. These observations show that, in most animals, PB is accompanied by an increased hepatic clearance of [3H]D3 and by an increased production of [3H]25(OH)D3. The data obtained during the present study also show that the response to PB is heterogeneous and that some animals escaped PB-mediated enzyme induction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)