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Common multi-allelic copy number variants (CNVs) appear enriched for phenotypic associations compared to their biallelic counterparts. Here we investigated the influence of gene dosage effects on adiposity through a CNV association study of gene expression levels in adipose tissue. We identified significant association of a multi-allelic CNV encompassing the salivary amylase gene (AMY1) with body mass index (BMI) and obesity, and we replicated this finding in 6,200 subjects. Increased AMY1 copy number was positively associated with both amylase gene expression (P = 2.31 × 10(-14)) and serum enzyme levels (P < 2.20 × 10(-16)), whereas reduced AMY1 copy number was associated with increased BMI (change in BMI per estimated copy = -0.15 (0.02) kg/m(2); P = 6.93 × 10(-10)) and obesity risk (odds ratio (OR) per estimated copy = 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.13-1.26; P = 1.46 × 10(-10)). The OR value of 1.19 per copy of AMY1 translates into about an eightfold difference in risk of obesity between subjects in the top (copy number > 9) and bottom (copy number < 4) 10% of the copy number distribution. Our study provides a first genetic link between carbohydrate metabolism and BMI and demonstrates the power of integrated genomic approaches beyond genome-wide association studies.

The recent Nuclear Regulation Authority evaluation report suggests that at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, the concrete shield plugs above the primary containment vessel (PCV) have exceptionally high radiation levels in Units 2 and 3, which may increase the risk of radiation exposure during decommissioning operations. During the cleaning and disassembly of such radiation hot spots, it is expected that a large amount of submicron-sized radioactive aerosol particles will be generated, which may influence the decommissioning operation. In the present study, laser cleaning experiments were conducted at the University of Tokyo Aerosol Removal Test Facility to simulate aerosol scavenging during the laser cleaning process. The facility can reproduce multiple phenomena expected in actual plant decommissioning, such as laser decontamination and simultaneous mist and spraying operations. Through the work, we have developed effective aerosol dispersion control methods and strategies based on the joint use of water mist and water spray to reduce radiation risk in either laser cutting or other means of decontamination methods. Preliminary laser cleaning experiments on various coated samples were conducted to assess the aerosol removal efficiency using water droplets and mist. It was verified that the proposed method effectively cleans the radiation hot spots during the decommissioning process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Renal artery variations are important for clinical reasons. The aim of this study is to determine the originating level and variations of renal arteries with 64-channel multidetector computed tomography (MDCT)., Materials and Methods: In a university hospital, 820 patients who underwent MDCT angiography of the abdominal aorta were retrospectively evaluated. The number, early division (ED), and originating level of renal artery were evaluated retrospectively. Variations of the renal artery on both sides, the difference between the genders with variations of the renal artery, were compared with chi-square test., Results: Renal artery originating from the level of L1-L2 intervertebral disc was found in 37.0% and 38.9% of patients on the right and left sides, respectively. Renal artery variations, including extrarenal artery (ERA), were found in 27% and ED in 26.7% of the patients. Significant differences were found in ED and ERA prevalence for genders (p = 0.006 and p = 0.043, respectively). The prevalence of both variations is higher in males., Conclusions: An awareness of renal vascular variations is very important for both surgeons and radiologists. In this series, renal arterial variations were found in approximately one-fourth of the study population.