Biomedical subjects

F Tajima

Publications and source records attributed to F Tajima.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1992

Statistical method for estimating the standard errors of branch lengths in a phylogenetic tree reconstructed without assuming equal rates of nucleotide substitution among different lineages.

A statistical method is developed for estimating the standard errors of branch lengths in a phylogenetic tree reconstructed without assuming equal rates of nucleotide substitution among different lineages. This method can be easily used for testing whether the length of an interior branch in a reconstructed tree is positive, i.e., whether the topology of the tree is correct. Computer simulations indicate that this method is appropriate for a statistical test. As an example, this method is applied to phylogenetic trees reconstructed for the four hominoid species: human, chimpanzee, gorilla, and orangutan. The results obtained show that the present method provides a powerful statistical test.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Effect of dehydration on thirst and drinking during immersion in men.

The mechanism for reduced voluntary water intake during water immersion was studied in eight men (19-25 yr of age) immersed to the neck while sitting for 3 h at 34.5 degrees C or in air at 28 degrees C when euhydrated (Eu-H2O and Eu-air, respectively) and hypohydrated (Hypo-H2O and Hypo-air) by 3.6% body weight loss. Thirst sensations (degree of thirst, mouth dryness and taste, drinking desirability, and stomach fullness) were similar at the beginning of Hypo-air and Hypo-H2O test periods. Initial drinking of tap water (15 degrees C) was 216 +/- 30 ml/7 min (P less than 0.05) with Hypo-air, decreased to 108 +/- 28 ml/7 min (P less than 0.05) with Hypo-H2O, and was 10-50 ml/10-30 min thereafter. Intake was less than 10 ml/10-30 min in Eu-air, and there was no drinking in Eu-H2O. Within the first 10 min of immersion, compared with Hypo-air findings, the significant reduction in drinking in the Hypo-H2O experiment was associated with unchanged plasma Na+, plasma osmolality, heart rates, and mean arterial pressures; the different responses were increased cardiac output, plasma volume, and atrial natriuretic peptides and decreased plasma renin activity and arginine vasopressin. Thus the extracellular pathway, as opposed to the osmotic pathway, appears to be the major mechanism for immersion-induced suppression of drinking.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Cardiovascular responses to upright tilt in man during acute exposure to 3 atm abs air.

To examine the effect of acute hyperbaric exposure on cardiovascular response to orthostasis, a passive 70 degrees head-up tilt (HUT) test was performed for 15 min in a simulated compressed-air hyperbaric environment of 3 atm abs at ambient temperature of 31 degrees C (thermoneutral) on 8 male subjects. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure, cardiac output (CO) by impedance cardiography, forearm blood flow (FBF) by the occlusion plethysmography, and laser-Doppler skin blood flow (BFLD) on the thigh were measured for 15 min before, during, and after HUT. Esophageal temperature and HR data were recorded continuously. An identical test was performed in a 29 degrees C (thermoneutral) normal atmospheric condition. None of the subjects showed signs of syncope during HUT in either environment. Baseline HR was significantly lower (P less than 0.05) at 3 atm abs, and the increase in HR (delta HR) during HUT was of the same magnitude (15 beats/min) at both atmospheric pressures. The reduction of systolic blood pressure (delta SBP) was identical in both environments. Thus, the chronotropic response to HUT (delta HR/delta SBP) was the same. A marked reduction in CO (P less than 0.05) was attributed to a reduction of stroke volume during HUT, and the reduction was greater (P less than 0.05) at 3 atm abs. There were no pressure-dependent changes during HUT in FBF, forearm vascular resistance, and BFLD except for a greater increase (P less than 0.05) in total peripheral resistance at 3 atm abs. These observations suggest that orthostatic tolerance was maintained in the presence of lower CO at 3 atm abs, probably by a greater vasoconstrictor response in the splanchnic areas. We conclude that the substantial bradycardia which occurred at 3 atm abs did not interfere with a normal response to orthostasis in humans because of a peripheral vasoconstriction caused by the elevated oxygen pressure and an enhanced increase in total peripheral resistance which occurred during HUT in 3 atm abs.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

[Supracondylar knee-ankle-foot orthosis for post-polio syndrome].

We report a 69-year-old female suffering from post-polio syndrome. Though she experienced acute poliomyelitis at one year of age, she had been well until 67 years of age when she complained of muscle weakness and pain in her right lower extremity and gait disturbance. As she was admitted to our hospital for further evaluation and rehabilitation, we prescribed for her the rehabilitation program consisting of gait training with a supracondylar knee-ankle-foot orthosis, low-load repetitive muscle strengthening exercises, and continuous stretching of her right knee joint after heat treatment. She regained a stable gait with the orthosis. We thought that the disuse and overuse of the lower extremities played a part in the onset of post-polio syndrome and that the rehabilitation including the low-load repetitive muscle strengthening exercises and gait training with a supracondylar knee-ankle-foot orthosis was effective against her disability.

Aged↗

PubMed1991

Determination of window size for analyzing DNA sequences.

DNA sequences are generally not random sequences. To show such nonrandomness visually, DNA sequence data are often plotted as moving averages for a certain length of window slid along a sequence. Here a simple algorithm is presented for determining the window size and for finding a nonrandom region of sequence.

Algorithms↗

PubMed1991

A method for detecting effect of beneficial mutations in natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster.

An experimental method is proposed for detecting the effects of positive natural selection on DNA polymorphisms. Since beneficial mutations are expected to increase in frequency faster than neutral mutations, variants which have reached high frequencies in a relatively short period could be linked to some beneficial mutation. D. melanogaster has a cosmopolitan polymorphic inversion -In(2L)t- whose age in some local populations has been estimated. Setting the age of In(2L)t as the upper limit for the age of variants, we searched for variants whose frequencies were possibly influenced by positive natural selection. We detected a single candidate whose frequency and distribution met the requirements imposed by our method.

Alleles↗

PubMed1991

Sympathetic nerve activity and renal responses during continuous negative-pressure breathing in humans.

A stretch stimulus of the cardiopulmonary receptors results in a diuresis and natriuresis in dogs due to a suppression of renal sympathetic nerve activity. In the present experiment, the stretch stimulus in humans was given by means of continuous negative-pressure breathing (CNPB), and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), renal responses, and hormones were measured to examine whether MSNA response during CNPB correlated with the usual renal and hormonal responses for stretch stimulus of the cardiopulmonary receptors. Nine healthy males were subjected to CNPB at -11 mmHg for 60 min. MSNA in the peroneal muscle nerve fascicles was measured continuously before (pre-CNPB), during, and after CNPB (post-CNPB). A step and sustained decrease (P less than 0.05) in MSNA (30 +/- 6% for burst frequency and 37 +/- 4% for total activity from pre-CNPB level) was observed during CNPB and it returned to pre-CNPB level at post-CNPB. Urinary excretion increased by 58 +/- 18% (P less than 0.05) during CNPB, and the diuresis was entirely osmolal in nature because of a significant increase (P less than 0.05) in Na excretion and a constant free-water clearance. The plasma level of norepinephrine decreased significantly (P less than 0.05) during CNPB and remained decreased (P less than 0.05) at post-CNPB. A twofold increase (P less than 0.05) in plasma atrial natriuretic peptide and a 35 +/- 9% reduction (P less than 0.05) in plasma renin activity were observed during CNPB, whereas no change was observed in plasma aldosterone and arginine vasopressin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Relationship between DNA polymorphism and fixation time.

When there is no recombination among nucleotide sites in DNA sequences, DNA polymorphism and fixation of mutants at nucleotide sites are mutually related. Using the method of gene genealogy, the relationship between the DNA polymorphism and the fixation of mutant nucleotide was quantitatively investigated under the assumption that mutants are selectively neutral, that there is no recombination among nucleotide sites, and that the population is a random mating population with N diploid individuals. The results obtained indicate that the expected number of nucleotide differences between two DNA sequences randomly sampled from the population is 42% less when a mutant at a particular nucleotide site reaches fixation than at a random time, and that heterozygosity is also expected to be less when fixation takes place than at a random time, but the amount of reduction depends on the value of 4Nv in this case, where v is the mutation rate per DNA sequence per generation. The formula for obtaining the expected number of nucleotide differences between the two DNA sequences for a given fixation time is also derived, and indicates that, even when it takes a large number of generations for a mutant to reach fixation, this number is 33% less than at a random time. The computer simulation conducted suggests that the expected number of nucleotide differences between the two DNA sequences at the time when an advantageous mutant becomes fixed is essentially the same as that of neutral mutant if the fixation time is the same. The effect of recombination on the amount of DNA polymorphism was also investigated by using computer simulation.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1990

Relationship between migration and DNA polymorphism in a local population.

The expected amount of DNA polymorphism, measured in terms of the number of nucleotide differences between the two DNA sequences randomly sampled from subpopulations, was studied by using the stepping-stone model and the finite island model, under the assumption that the migration rate is not the same among different subpopulations. The results obtained indicate that the expected amount of DNA polymorphism in the subpopulation with lower migration rate is smaller than that of higher migration rate. This suggests that marginal populations tend to have lower level of DNA polymorphism than central populations if the migration rate in the marginal populations is lower than that of the central populations.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1990

A simple graphic method for reconstructing phylogenetic trees from molecular data.

A simple graphic method is proposed for reconstructing phylogenetic trees from molecular data. This method is similar to the unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean, but the process of computation of average distances and reconstruction of new matrices, required in the latter method, is eliminated from this new method, so that one can reconstruct a phylogenetic tree without using a computer, unless the number of operational taxonomic units is very large. Furthermore, this method allows a phylogenetic tree to have multifurcating branches whenever there is ambiguity with bifurcation.

Algorithms↗

PubMed1990

Cardiovascular, renal, and endocrine responses in male quadriplegics during head-out water immersion.

The present study was undertaken to determine the relative influence of the action of the central nervous system on the mechanism of water-immersion-induced diuresis by comparing physiological responses of quadriplegic (QP) and normal subjects. After overnight fasting seven male QP subjects with complete cervical cord transections (C5-C8) and six normal men were tested before, during, and after 3 h of head-out immersion (HOI) in thermoneutral water (34.5-35.0 degrees C). The reversible increase in urine flow and the total urine volume (309 +/- 53 ml in 3 h) in QP subjects were comparable with that of the normal subjects (318 +/- 96 ml in 3 h). While osmolal excretion was increased in QP subjects, its magnitude was less when compared with that of normal subjects. Instead, the increased urine flow in QP subjects was characterized by increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and free water clearance, in contrast to a predominantly osmotic diuresis with no changes in GFR in the normal subjects. The HOI elevated (P less than 0.05) systolic pressure only in QP subjects, whereas the increase in cardiac output was the same in both groups. While plasma renin activity and aldosterone responses to HOI in QP subjects were comparable with those of normal individuals, plasma atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in QP subjects was twofold higher (P less than 0.05) during HOI, and the approximately threefold increase in ANF (P less than 0.05) in QP subjects due to HOI was the same as that of normal subjects.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Changes in insulation of body tissue and wet suits during underwater exercise at various atmospheric pressures.

To clarify the independent changes of insulations of body tissues (Itissue) and wet suit (Isuit) in the wet-suited subject during underwater exercise, overall heat flow from the skin (Htissue) and wet suit (Hsuit) and esophageal (Tes), skin (Tsk), and wet suit temperatures were measured at 1, 2, and 2.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA) at critical water temperature (Tcw). The average Tcw in nine wet-suited men (23-38 yr) was 22.3 +/- 0.2, 26.3 +/- 0.2, and 28.0 +/- 0.4 degrees C (SE) at 1, 2, and 2.5 ATA, respectively. At Tcw of each pressure male volunteers wearing 5-mm neoprene wet suits completed three 2-h experiments while immersed up to the neck. During one experiment the subjects remained at rest, and in the other two they exercised on an underwater ergometer at two different intensities (2 and 3 met). Tes significantly declined (P less than 0.05) over 2 h from 37.1 to 36.5 degrees C during rest in each pressure. The 2-met exercise prevented Tes from falling in all pressures, and the 3-met exercise elevated Tes by 0.2-0.3 degrees C. There was no exercise-dependent difference in Isuit, but a pressure-dependent difference was remarkable. The Itissue at rest was identical for all pressures; however, it progressively decreased as a function of exercise intensity. It is concluded that overall Itissue is entirely determined by work intensity at Tcw, but not by atmospheric pressure. On the contrary, Isuit at Tcw is solely dependent on the pressure, but not on the work intensity.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Some consideration on diversifying selection.

The diversifying selection due to genotype-environment interaction can increase the genetic variation in natural populations. It is known, however, that the conditions for stable genetic polymorphism or marginal overdominance are quite restricted in this selection model. In this paper a simple model of diversifying selection was examined, and the following results were obtained: (1) Even when the conditions for marginal overdominance are not satisfied, if the diversifying selection is operating, the frequency of mutants can be higher than that in the case of simple mutation-selection balance. (2) This selection model causes a large amount of genetic load (environment load), even when the conditions for marginal overdominance are not satisfied, namely even when the equilibrium frequency of mutant is very low. From these results it can be concluded that the number of loci on which this type of diversifying selection is operating is very small, if any.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Changes in limb volume during head-out water immersion in humans.

In order to investigate the contribution of fluid shift from the legs to immersion-induced diuresis, 7 normal and 2 legless (both legs disarticulated at the hip) individuals were tested to measure changes in leg volume (normal subjects) and urinary excretion of solutes and water during a 3-h head-out water immersion (HOI) in thermoneutral water (34.5 +/- 0.5 degrees C) with a 1-h control period before and after immersion. On a separate day, a 5-h time control (TC) experiment on the same subjects was carried out by having them sit in thermoneutral air (29 +/- 0.1 degrees C, relative humidity 60%). The leg volume decreased by 192 +/- 20 ml during the 3-h HOI, which accounted for 3.5% of the average leg volume of the preimmersion period. During TC, however, the leg volume increased by 110 ml in the same time course. An increase in urine volume and sodium excretion was observed during HOI in both normal (P less than 0.05) and legless subjects. Net urine volume induced by HOI (urine volume during HOI minus urine volume during corresponding TC) in normal subjects was 494 +/- 89 ml in 3 h, which was close to a calculated volume reduction of the lower extremities during HOI (508 +/- 53 ml). The average net urine volume during HOI in the legless subject was 183 +/- 48 ml/min. The above results may suggest that the increase in renal water output is largely accounted for by a fluid shift from the lower extremities during HOI, however, the fluid other than that from the extremities should be accounted for as the urine source.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

PubMed1989

DNA polymorphism in a subdivided population: the expected number of segregating sites in the two-subpopulation model.

Using the two subpopulation model, the expected numbers of segregating sites in a number of DNA sequences randomly sampled from a subdivided population were examined for several types of population subdivisions. It is shown that, in the case where the pattern of migration is symmetrical such as the finite island model, the expected number of segregating sites is independent of the migration rate when two or three DNA sequences are randomly sampled from the same subpopulation, but depends on the migration rate when more than three DNA sequences are sampled. It is also shown that the population subdivision can increase the amount of DNA polymorphism even in a subpopulation in some cases.

DNA↗

PubMed1989

Statistical method for testing the neutral mutation hypothesis by DNA polymorphism.

The relationship between the two estimates of genetic variation at the DNA level, namely the number of segregating sites and the average number of nucleotide differences estimated from pairwise comparison, is investigated. It is found that the correlation between these two estimates is large when the sample size is small, and decreases slowly as the sample size increases. Using the relationship obtained, a statistical method for testing the neutral mutation hypothesis is developed. This method needs only the data of DNA polymorphism, namely the genetic variation within population at the DNA level. A simple method of computer simulation, that was used in order to obtain the distribution of a new statistic developed, is also presented. Applying this statistical method to the five regions of DNA sequences in Drosophila melanogaster, it is found that large insertion/deletion (greater than 100 bp) is deleterious. It is suggested that the natural selection against large insertion/deletion is so weak that a large amount of variation is maintained in a population.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

The effect of change in population size on DNA polymorphism.

The expected number of segregating sites and the expectation of the average number of nucleotide differences among DNA sequences randomly sampled from a population, which is not in equilibrium, have been developed. The results obtained indicate that, in the case where the population size has changed drastically, the number of segregating sites is influenced by the size of the current population more strongly than is the average number of nucleotide differences, while the average number of nucleotide differences is affected by the size of the original population more severely than is the number of segregating sites. The results also indicate that the average number of nucleotide differences is affected by a population bottleneck more strongly than is the number of segregating sites.

DNA↗

PubMed1989

Renal sympathetic nerve activity and renal responses during head-up tilt in conscious dogs.

Renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) was measured in conjunction with functional responses of the kidney during head-up tilt in eight conscious female dogs. A 40 degree head-up tilt resulted in a sustained increase in RSNA by 53 +/- 10% (P less than 0.05) relative to control level. Urine flow and osmolal and sodium excretions decreased significantly to a nadir of -55 +/- 4, -42 +/- 7, and -59 +/- 10%, respectively, whereas free water clearance and creatinine clearance did not change significantly during head-up tilt. The systemic arterial pressure (at kidney level) increased significantly from 110 +/- 4 to 129 +/- 6 mmHg, and central venous pressure decreased significantly from -0.7 +/- 0.5 to -7.6 +/- 0.6 mmHg. The chronic bilateral renal denervation, which was performed 2-4 wk before the experiment, abolished both the antidiuretic and antinatriuretic responses to heald-up tilt. These results indicate that an increase in RSNA plays a significant role in the decrease in urine flow and sodium excretion induced by 40 degree head-up tilt in conscious dogs.

Animals↗