Search

We reported a case of pheochromocytoma with initial presentation of cardiac arrest. The patient underwent implantable cardioverter defibrillator for primary prevention but subsequently experienced repeated implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks and syncopal episodes. A mass was found in the adrenal gland by CT, which was confirmed by anatomopathological analysis of the surgical specimen.

Transportation of hybrid ferrofluid has been illustrated in the current article with the imposition of Lorentz forces. A numerical approach with the help of vorticity formulation was involved. Outputs demonstrate the opportunity to manage the thermal behavior with the magnetic field. As Lorentz force is imposed, the strength of eddies reduces and velocity of nanopowders reduces. Reductive impact of Hartmann is ignorable in the lower permeability, but it becomes stronger with the rise in Da. As Rd enhances, isotherms become more disturbed and higher Nu is obtained. Unfavorable effect of permeability on the thickness of boundary layer makes Nu to increase, and a similar impact was demonstrated for buoyancy force.

Atypical TCRδ found in sharks, amphibians, birds, and monotremes and TCRμ found in monotremes and marsupials are TCR chains that use Ig or BCR-like variable domains (VHδ/Vμ) rather than conventional TCR V domains. These unconventional TCR are consistent with a scenario in which TCR and BCR, although having diverged from each other more than 400 million years ago, continue to exchange variable gene segments in generating diversity for Ag recognition. However, the process underlying this exchange and leading to the evolution of these atypical TCR receptor genes remains elusive. In this study, we identified two TCRα/δ gene loci in the Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis). In total, there were 144 V, 154 Jα, nine Jδ, eight Dδ, two Cα, and five Cδ gene segments in the TCRα/δ loci of the Chinese alligator, representing the most complicated TCRα/δ gene system in both genomic structure and gene content in any tetrapod examined so far. A pool of 32 VHδ genes divided into 18 subfamilies was found to be scattered over the two loci. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that these VHδ genes could be related to bird VHδ genes, VHδ/Vμ genes in platypus or opossum, or alligator VH genes. Based on these findings, a model explaining the evolutionary pattern of atypical TCRδ/TCRμ genes in tetrapods is proposed. This study sheds new light on the evolution of TCR and BCR genes, two of the most essential components of adaptive immunity.

All jawed vertebrates have four T cell receptor (TCR) chains that are expressed by thymus-derived lymphocytes and play a major role in animal immune defence. However, few studies have investigated the TCR chains of crocodilians compared with those of birds and mammals, despite their key evolutionary position linking amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Here, employing an Alligator sinensis genomic bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library and available genome data, we characterized the genomic organization, evolution and expression of TRB and TRG loci in Alligator sinensis . According to the sequencing data, the Alligator sinensis TRB locus spans approximately 500 Kb of genomic DNA containing two D-J-C clusters and 43 V gene segments and is organized as Vβ (39) -pJβ1-pCβ1-pDβ1-Dβ2- Jβ2 (12) -Cβ2-Vβ (4) , whereas the TRG locus spans 115 Kb of DNA genomic sequence consisting of 18 V gene segments, nine J gene segments and one C gene segment and is organized in a classical translocon pattern as Vγ (18) –Jγ (9) -Cγ. Moreover, syntenic analysis of TRB and TRG chain loci suggested a high degree of conserved synteny in the genomic regions across mammals, birds and Alligator sinensis. By analysing the cloned TRB / TRG cDNA, we identified the usage pattern of V families in the expressed TRB and TRG . An analysis of the junctions of the recombined VJ revealed the presence of N and P nucleotides in both expressed TRB and TRG sequences. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that TRB and TRG loci possess distinct evolutionary patterns. Most Alligator sinensis V subgroups have closely related orthologues in chicken and duck, and a small number of Alligator sinensis V subgroups have orthologues in mammals, which supports the hypothesis that crocodiles are the closest relatives of birds and mammals. Collectively, these data provide insights into TCR gene evolution in vertebrates and improve our understanding of the Alligator sinensis immune system.

Celastrol is well known for its anti-cancer effects, yet its specific mechanisms against colon cancer are still not fully elucidated. In this study, cytotoxic effect of celastrol against HCT116 colon cancer cells was investigated based on cell viability assay and flow cytometry assay, and the possible mechanism was explored using a strategy combining metabolic profiling and targeted metabolite analysis based on ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)/MS. Celastrol was found to inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells and induce apoptosis. Metabolomics analysis revealed characteristic changes in metabolic profiles of the colon cancer cells, revealing altered levels of amino acids, carnitine, and lipid markers. Most interestingly, with the assistance of targeted metabolite analysis, tryptophan (Trp) level was significantly increased whereas kynurenine (Kyn) level was decreased in colon cancer cells after celastrol treatment, together with markedly declined Kyn/Trp ratios. Western blot analysis revealed that expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), the enzyme catalyzing Trp to generate Kyn, was dramatically inhibited in colon cancer cells after celastrol treatment, with a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that suppression of IDO expression and tryptophan catabolism may be part of the mechanisms of celastrol in its cytotoxic effect against HCT116 colon cancer cells. This study provided scientific basis for further development of celastrol on treating colon cancer.

The neurohormone gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) plays an essential role in the control of reproductive functions in vertebrates. However, the full-length complementary DNA (cDNA) encoding the GnRHs precursor and it role in the reproductive cycles regulating has not been illustrated in crocodilian species. In the present study, full-length cDNAs encoding GnRH1 forms, its predominant localization within brain and peripheral tissues, and GnRH1 peptide concentrations in the hypothalamus and pituitary in relation to seasonal gonadal development of Chinese alligator were investigated. The cDNA of GnRH1 is consisted of 282 bp open reading frame encoding 93 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence of alligator GnRH1 contains several conserved regions and shows a closer genetic relationship to the avian species than to other reptile species. The GnRH1 immunopositive cells were not only detected widely in cerebrum, diencephalon, medulla oblongata but also observed in peripheral tissues, these widespread distribution characteristics indicated that GnRH1 possibly possess the multi-functionality in Chinese Alligator. GnRH1 peptide concentration within hypothalamus were observed be the highest in RP group (P 0.05), in association with an peak value in GSI and emerging of late vitellogenic follicles in the ovary. Taken together, our results suggested that GnRH1 was predominantly involved in the vitellogenesis process of seasonal gonadal development of Chinese Alligator.

Crocodilians are regarded as possessing a powerful immune system. However, the composition and action of the crocodilian immune system have remained unclear until now. Cathelicidins, the principal family of host defense peptides, play pivotal roles in vertebrate immune defense against microbial invasions. However, cathelicidins from crocodilians have not been extensively studied to date. In the present study, six novel cathelicidins (As-CATH1–6) were identified and characterized from the endangered Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis). As-CATH1–6 exhibit no sequence similarity with any of the known cathelicidins. Structure analysis indicated that As-CATH1–3 adopt a random coil secondary conformation, whereas As-CATH4–6 were predicted to mainly adopt an amphipathic α-helix conformation. Among them, As-CATH4–6 exhibited potent, broad-spectrum and rapid antimicrobial activity by inducing the disruption of cell membrane integrity. They also exhibited strong ability to prevent the formation of bacterial biofilms and eradicate preformed biofilms. Furthermore, As-CATH4–6 exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines in mouse peritoneal macrophages. They directly neutralized LPS toxicity and therefore inhibited the binding of LPS to the TLR4 receptor and the subsequent activation of inflammatory response pathways. In a peritonitis mice model, As-CATH2–6 provided effective protection against bacterial infection through enhanced immune cell recruitment. In the host Chinese alligator, As-CATH1–6 are mainly expressed in immune organs and epithelial tissues. Bacterial infection significantly enhances their expression, which implies an important role in host anti-infective response. Taken together, the diversity and multiple functions of As-CATH1–6 partially reveal the powerful immune system of the Chinese alligator.

Kisspeptin1 (Kiss1), a product of the Kiss1 gene, plays an important role in the regulation of reproduction in vertebrates by activating the Kiss1 receptor (Kiss1R) and its coexpression with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in GnRH neurons. The purpose of this study was to clone the Kiss1 and Kiss1R genes found in the brain of Alligator sinensis and to explore their relationship with reproduction. The full-length cDNA of Kiss1 is 816bp, the open reading frame (ORF) is 417bp and the gene encodes a 138-amino acid precursor protein. The full-length cDNA of Kiss1R is 2348bp, the ORF is 1086bp and the gene encodes a 361-amino acid protein. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that, except for Kiss1R expression in the hypothalamus, the expression of Kiss1 and Kiss1Rduring the reproductive period of A. sinensis was higher than that in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and ovary during the hibernation period. The changes in GnRH2 mRNA in the hypothalamus were similar to those of GnRH1 and peaked during the reproductive period. This study confirms the existence of Kiss1 and Kiss1R in A. sinensis and the findings strongly suggest that Kiss1 and Kiss1R may participate in the regulation of GnRH secretion in the hypothalamus of alligators during the reproductive period. Furthermore, this is the first report of the full-length cDNA sequences of Kiss1 and Kiss1R in reptiles.

The present study reports on a family with two members affected by Danon disease but having different phenotypes. The clinical manifestations of Danon disease include cardiomyopathy, skeletal myopathy and different degrees of intellectual disability that varies greatly among patients. The present case study reports on two siblings, an older sister and a younger brother, with Danon disease from an affected pedigree, presenting with distinctly different phenotypes. The sister was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy at the age of 26 years with an unfavorable outcome, while her younger brother presented with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a relatively stable state. The two probands shared the same mutation, c.974delTinsAA in exon 8, in the lysosomal-associated membrane protein-2 gene. Of note, the two patients had a pre-excitation pattern in the electrocardiogram on initial presentation and later developed atrial fibrillation (AF), which markedly aggravated heart failure. To the best of our knowledge, AF has not been widely reported in patients with Danon disease. The development of AF may have a prognostic value under these circumstances.

Background— Multiple genetic loci associated with lipid levels have been identified predominantly in Europeans, and the issue of to what extent these genetic loci can predict blood lipid levels increases over time and the incidence of future hyperlipidemia remains largely unknown. Methods and Results— We conducted a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies of lipid levels in 8344 subjects followed by replication studies including 14 739 additional individuals. We replicated 17 previously reported loci. We also newly identified 3 Chinese-specific variants in previous regions ( HLA-C , LIPG , and LDLR ) with genome-wide significance. Almost all the variants contributed to lipid levels change and incident hyperlipidemia >8.1-year follow-up among 6428 individuals of a prospective cohort study. The strongest associations for lipid levels change were detected at LPL , TRIB1 , APOA1-C3-A4-A5 , LIPC , CETP , and LDLR ( P range from 4.84×10 −4 to 4.62×10 −18 ), whereas LPL , TRIB1 , ABCA1 , APOA1-C3-A4-A5 , CETP , and APOE displayed significant strongest associations for incident hyperlipidemia ( P range from 1.20×10 −3 to 4.67×10 −16 ). The 4 lipids genetic risk scores were independently associated with linear increases in their corresponding lipid levels and risk of incident hyperlipidemia. A C -statistics analysis showed significant improvement in the prediction of incident hyperlipidemia on top of traditional risk factors including the baseline lipid levels. Conclusions— These findings identified some evidence for allelic heterogeneity in Chinese when compared with Europeans in relation to lipid associations. The individual variants and those cumulative effects were independent risk factors for lipids increase and incident hyperlipidemia.

Current article devoted to simulation of passive techniques impact on reduction of solidification time within a tank with two cold surfaces which are connected to cold fluid flows. Design of current unit is based on NEPCM and wavy shape of inner wall. Addition of powders can enhance the discharging rate and it is more sensible for greater shape factor. In view of energy absorbed, time of solidification is very important. Complete discharging occurs when all liquid convert to solid. Outputs demonstrated that the times required for full solidification augments with reduce of shape factor and similar behavior was observed for amplitude of wavy cylinder. Faster solidification can take place as a consequence of greater shape factor.

Sex steroid hormones play an important role in mediating physiological responses and developmental processes through their receptors across all vertebrates. Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis) is a critically endangered reptile species unique to China. In this study, we have cloned one of the sex steroid hormone receptor genes, androgen receptor (AR) from the brain of Chinese alligator for the first time. The full-length AR cDNA is 2717 bp in length with an open reading frame (ORF) encoding 722 amino acids. Amino acid alignment analyses indicated that the ARs exhibit highly conserved functional domains. Especially, the P-box and D-box, which are essential to ensure that receptor binding to the androgen response elements, are completely conserved in selected species. Using the quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), the spatial expression of four receptor mRNAs in all newborn brain tissues and temporal expression of them in the cerebrum during the embryonic development in Chinese alligators were investigated. The results of qPCR showed ubiquitous expression of the four receptor mRNAs in all newborn brain tissues examined and significant changes in the expression levels of these receptor mRNAs in the embryonic development. These results suggest that sex steroid hormones might play an important role in the regulation of complex neuroendocrine activities in newborn Chinese alligator. Furthermore, these data provide an important foundation for further studies on endocrinology and molecular biology of non-mammalian sex steroid hormone receptors.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether resveratrol could reduce nigral iron levels to prevent the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) of C57BL/6 mice induced by rotenone. Parkinson's disease (PD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder; elevated iron levels in the SN participate in neuronal death in PD. Resveratrol is a kind of polyphenolic compounds and possess antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory biological functions. Although many research groups have investigated the neuroprotective effects of resveratrol against PD, the precise mechanisms underlying its beneficial effects on dopaminergic neuron are poorly defined. In this study, rotenone-treated mice were used to examine neuroprotective roles of resveratrol in PD. Sixty-four adult C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: vehicle control mice, rotenone mice, resveratrol-treated rotenone mice, resveratrol mice. In the present study, we found that chronic administration of rotenone significantly induced motor coordination impairment and increased iron levels and dopaminergic neuron loss in SN in mice. Resveratrol administration significantly protected mice from rotenone-induced motor coordination impairment, elevated iron levels, and dopaminergic neuronal loss. Our results show that resveratrol can elicit neuroprotective effects on rotenone-induced parkinsonism through reducing nigral iron levels.

Crocodilians are regarded as possessing a powerful immune system. However, the composition and action of the crocodilian immune system have remained unclear until now. Cathelicidins, the principal family of host defense peptides, play pivotal roles in vertebrate immune defense against microbial invasions. However, cathelicidins from crocodilians have not been extensively studied to date. In the present study, six novel cathelicidins (As-CATH1-6) were identified and characterized from the endangered Chinese alligator (

Hypertension is a common disorder and the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and premature deaths worldwide. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) in the European population have identified multiple chromosomal regions associated with blood pressure, and the identified loci altogether explain only a small fraction of the variance for blood pressure. The differences in environmental exposures and genetic background between Chinese and European populations might suggest potential different pathways of blood pressure regulation. To identify novel genetic variants affecting blood pressure variation, we conducted a meta-analysis of GWASs of blood pressure and hypertension in 11 816 subjects followed by replication studies including 69 146 additional individuals. We identified genome-wide significant (P < 5.0 x 10(-8)) associations with blood pressure, which included variants at three new loci (CACNA1D, CYP21A2, and MED13L) and a newly discovered variant near SLC4A7. We also replicated 14 previously reported loci, 8 (CASZ1, MOV10, FGF5, CYP17A1, SOX6, ATP2B1, ALDH2, and JAG1) at genome-wide significance, and 6 (FIGN, ULK4, GUCY1A3, HFE, TBX3-TBX5, and TBX3) at a suggestive level of P = 1.81 x 10(-3) to 5.16 x 10(-8). These findings provide new mechanistic insights into the regulation of blood pressure and potential targets for treatments.

Objectives Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a severe clinical emergency with a high mortality, and is easily misdiagnosed in its early stage. This study aimed at discovering serum metabolomic markers with the potential to diagnose AAD and distinguish between two subtypes of AAD. Methods Thirty-five patients with AAD, including 20 with Stanford type A and 15 with Stanford type B were enrolled in this study, together with 20 healthy controls. All patients with AAD were admitted within 72 h of onset. Serum metabolomics profiles were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and the data were analysed by principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis. Results A total of 17 metabolites differing between the control and AAD groups were finally screened and identified as lysophosphatidylcholines (LPC) and sphingolipids including sphinganine, phytosphingosine, sphingomyelin, and ceramide. Compared with those in the healthy control group, LPC levels were significantly lower in both the Stanford type A and type B AAD groups. Interestingly, sphingolipids, including sphinganine, phytosphingosine, and ceramide, were remarkably reduced in the Stanford type A AAD group, but not in the Stanford type B AAD group. Subgroup analysis showed that the changes in LPC and sphingolipid levels were unrelated to hypertension or gender. Conclusions The present results indicate that LPCs and sphingolipids are significantly altered in patients with AAD, and several sphingolipids, such as sphinganine, phytosphingosine, and ceramide, were dramatically decreased in patients with Stanford type A AAD. A combination of these two families of metabolites could serve as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of AAD and distinguishing between Stanford type A and Stanford type B.

High dietary sodium and low potassium intake have been related to increased blood pressure (BP) in animal experiments, observational epidemiologic studies, and randomized controlled clinical trials.1–3 However, BP responses to dietary sodium and potassium intake vary considerably among individuals.2,4–6 The increased BP response to sodium, also known as salt sensitivity, has been associated with an increased risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and premature death.7,8 The cold pressor test (CPT), which measures BP response to the stimulus of external cold, has been used for the evaluation of cardiovascular reactivity to stress in normotensive and hypertensive subjects. Cardiovascular hyper-reactivity to stress has been related to the development of hypertension and cardiovascular disease.9–11 In addition, increased BP response to the CPT has been associated with greater BP responses to changes in dietary sodium and potassium intake.12 Previous studies have indicated that both genetic and environmental factors may contribute to BP responses to dietary sodium and potassium intake and to the CPT.13–17 The Genetic Epidemiology Network of Salt Sensitivity (GenSalt) study aimed to investigate genetic factors related to BP responses to dietary sodium and potassium interventions, as well as the CPT.18 The study participant recruitment, dietary intervention, and data collection were conducted between October 2003 and July 2005. The study used a family-based feeding study design, and each family was ascertained through a proband with untreated prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension. Families of those with hypertension are most likely enriched in genetic variants for hypertension and tend to be more sensitive to dietary sodium and potassium interventions and the CPT. This design should potentially maximize the study power for identifying genetic variants for BP responses to dietary sodium and potassium intake and the CPT. A total of 1,906 study participants from 633 families took part in a 21-day dietary intervention including a 7-day low-sodium feeding, a 7-day high-sodium feeding, and a 7-day high-sodium feeding with potassium supplementation. The GenSalt study observed that BP responses to dietary sodium and potassium interventions and the CPT varied greatly among individuals.19 The GenSalt study also indicated that the heritabilities for BP responses to dietary sodium and potassium interventions and to the CPT were moderate, ranging 0.24–0.42.14 Novel genetic variants have been identified that are associated with BP responses among the GenSalt study population.20–28 To replicate and validate significant findings of the GenSalt study, we recruited an independent sample from rural north China and conducted the same measurements and interventions as the GenSalt study. Here we present the detailed design and methods of the GenSalt replication study, as well as the baseline characteristics and blood pressure responses to the dietary sodium and potassium interventions and the CPT.

Expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) in structures of the partial central nervous system of the Yangtze alligator, Alligator sinensis (Reptilia, Crocodylia) was examined during early postnatal growth using immunohistochemistry and Western blot assays. In animals 0–2 years of age NGF-positive cells in the cerebral cortex increased gradually in number and size, and were predominantly distributed in the molecular layer. NGF-positive cells in the midbrain showed similar increases but with predominant distribution in the ependymal layer. NGF-positive cells increased in the cerebellum between 0 and 1 years of age, with increased NGF expression being seen during the first 2 years of life mostly in the ependymal layer. NGF-positive cells were mainly found in the gray matter of the spinal cord with decreasing cell numbers, NGF expression levels being seen from 0 to 2 years and small processes without synaptic connection from 1 to 2 years. These results suggest that NGF is involved in the early postnatal growth of several structures of Yangtze alligator partial central nervous system, suggesting a possible role of NGF in the Yangtze alligator partial central nervous system. Anat Rec, 296:840–845, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Celastrol is well known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. In this study, the efficacy of celastrol against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in mice was established and the mechanism was investigated using lipidomics. Celastrol treatment significantly alleviated DSS-induced colitis in mice, as revealed by the body weight, colon length, scores of rectal bleeding and diarrhea, serum TNF-α level, and histological analysis results. Lipidomics analysis based on UPLC/MS revealed characteristic changes in the metabolic profiles of the colitis mice, with altered levels of lipid markers associated with IBD, including LPC18 : 0, LPC18 : 1, LPC18 : 2, sphingomyelin (SM), and increased LPC18 : 0/LPC18 : 1 and LPC18 : 0/LPC18 : 2 ratios. For the celastrol-treated colitis mice, however, levels of the above lipid markers were restored, together with recovered saturated LPC/unsaturated LPC ratios. Accordingly, using GC–MS analysis, increased stearic acid (C18 : 0)/oleic acid (C18 : 1) and stearic acid (C18 : 0)/linoleic acid (C18 : 2) ratios were observed in colitis mice, which were later recovered after celastrol treatment. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that the liver expression of stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1), the key enzyme controlling the desaturation of saturated fatty acid, was dramatically inhibited in IBD mice, and was obviously recovered after celastrol treatment. These results suggest that the increased saturated LPC/unsaturated LPC (and saturated fatty acid/unsaturated fatty acid) ratios associated with SCD1 down-regulation could be regarded as biomarkers of colitis, and celastrol alleviates DSS-induced colitis partially via up-regulation of SCD1, restoring the altered balance between stearic acid- and oleic acid-derived lipid species, which plays an important role in alleviating colitis. In all, this study provided the scientific basis for further development of celastrol in treating IBD.

Purpose. To evaluate visual outcomes and identify prognostic factors after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) surgery for traumatic endophthalmitis. Methods. Medical records of 121 consecutive patients (121 eyes) diagnosed with traumatic endophthalmitis that had undergone pars plana vitrectomy were retrospectively reviewed. Results. 121 patients, aged from 6 to 71 years, all underwent PPV surgery. 113 cases had improved best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after surgery and 60% of them obtained BCVA better than fingers counting (FC). Good final visual prognosis was significantly associated with time between trauma and initial treatment less than 12 hrs (40% versus 98%; P<0.001), time between trauma and PPV treatment less than 24 hrs (62% versus 98%; P<0.001), laceration length less than 10 mm (63% versus 96%; P<0.001), and presenting VA better than LP (42% versus 96%; P<0.001), while gender, type of laceration, presence of IOFB or retinal detachment, and the use of silicone oil tamponade were not significant factors resulting in better BCVA. Bacteria were identified in 43.8% of specimens and most of the microorganisms were identified as nonvirulent ones. Conclusions. Pars plana vitrectomy surgery was preferred as a primary treatment option for traumatic endophthalmitis. A good final visual prognosis was significantly associated with timely treatment, prompt vitrectomy surgery, shorter length of laceration, and better presenting visual acuity.

A three-dimensional transient numerical model was developed to study the temperature field and molten pool shape during continuous laser keyhole welding. The volume-of-fluid (VOF) method was employed to track free surfaces. Melting and evaporation enthalpy, recoil pressure, surface tension, and energy loss due to evaporating materials were considered in this model. The enthalpy-porosity technique was employed to account for the latent heat during melting and solidification. Temperature fields and weld pool shape were calculated using FLUENT software. The calculated weld dimensions agreed reasonable well with the experimental results. The effectiveness of the developed computational procedure had been confirmed.

Stringency in the identification of conspecific call properties is essential among sympatric species to ensure conspecific mating, as the risk of improper recognition and heterospecific mating is high. In this study we investigated the basic signal structure required for intraspecies communication in the Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis), a species that has no relatives living in sympatry, by playback of signals modified in the temporal (truncating original bellows with first 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 or last 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 portion) or frequency domain (with low- or high-pass filters at frequencies 100, 250, 500 and 1000 Hz), or by reversal of natural bellows. The playback experiments revealed that relatively large modifications in bellow temporal or frequency structure failed to impair Chinese alligators' bellowing behavior; even reversed bellows effectively evoked a positive response. In general, the first half of the bellow in temporal domain and frequencies below 500 Hz were critical for behavioral induction, while the last half of the bellow in temporal domain and frequencies above 500 Hz failed to produce a single positive response, implying a potential functional signal redundancy. The observed high tolerance to bellow variations in Chinese alligators may be an evolutionary adaptation to (1) the acoustic constraints of propagation imposed by dense vegetative habitats; or (2) a lack of selection pressure due to the low risk of incorrect conspecific recognition and heterospecific mating.

Wang, L., Wu, X., Xu, D., Wang, R. and Wang, C. 2008. Development of testis and spermatogenesis in alligator sinensis. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 34: 23–28. The histological structure and ultrastructure of the testis in Chinese alligator, Alligator sinensis were studied with light and transmission electron microscopy, which provided theoretical basis for studying the mechanism of fertilization and its artificial breeding. Seasonal changes in the seminiferous epithelium ofA. sinensis were investigated morphologically. The spermatogenetic cycle of A. sinensis showed a discontinuous type starting following the end of hibernation and ending in May. The germ cell development strategies were close to that ofanamniotes rather than amniotes in development of testis, which have suggested that a third germ cell development strategy exists within an amniotic.

Although multiple genetic markers associated with blood pressure have been identified by genome-wide association studies, their aggregate effect on risk of incident hypertension and cardiovascular disease is uncertain, particularly among East Asian who may have different genetic and environmental exposures from Europeans. We aimed to examine the association between genetic predisposition to higher blood pressure and risk of incident hypertension and cardiovascular disease in 26 262 individuals in 2 Chinese population-based prospective cohorts. A genetic risk score was calculated based on 22 established variants for blood pressure in East Asian. We found the genetic risk score was significantly and independently associated with linear increases in blood pressure and risk of incident hypertension and cardiovascular disease ( P range from 4.57×10 –3 to 3.10×10 –6 ). In analyses adjusted for traditional risk factors including blood pressure, individuals carrying most blood pressure–related risk alleles (top quintile of genetic score distribution) had 40% (95% confidence interval, 18–66) and 26% (6–45) increased risk for incident hypertension and cardiovascular disease, respectively, when compared with individuals in the bottom quintile. The genetic risk score also significantly improved discrimination for incident hypertension and cardiovascular disease and led to modest improvements in risk reclassification for cardiovascular disease (all the P

Background— Blood pressure (BP) responses to dietary sodium and potassium intervention and cold pressor test vary considerably among individuals. We aimed to identify novel genetic variants influencing individuals’ BP responses to dietary intervention and cold pressor test. Methods and Results— We conducted a genome-wide association study of BP responses in 1881 Han Chinese and de novo genotyped top findings in 698 Han Chinese. Diet-feeding study included a 7-day low-sodium (51.3 mmol/d), a 7-day high-sodium (307.8 mmol/d), and a 7-day high-sodium plus potassium supplementation (60 mmol/d). Nine BP measurements were obtained during baseline observation and each intervention period. The meta-analyses identified 8 novel loci for BP phenotypes, which physically mapped in or near PRMT6 ( P =7.29×10 –9 ), CDCA7 ( P =3.57×10 –8 ), PIBF1 ( P =1.78×10 –9 ), ARL4C ( P =1.86×10 –8 ), IRAK1BP1 ( P =1.44×10 −10 ), SALL1 ( P =7.01×10 –13 ), TRPM8 ( P =2.68×10 –8 ), and FBXL13 ( P =3.74×10 –9 ). There was a strong dose–response relationship between the number of risk alleles of these independent single-nucleotide polymorphisms and the risk of developing hypertension during the 7.5-year follow-up in the study participants. Compared with those in the lowest quartile of risk alleles, odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for those in the second, third, and fourth quartiles were 1.39 (0.97, 1.99), 1.72 (1.19, 2.47), and 1.84 (1.29, 2.62), respectively ( P =0.0003 for trend). Conclusions— Our study identified 8 novel loci for BP responses to dietary sodium and potassium intervention and cold pressor test. The effect size of these novel loci on BP phenotypes is much larger than those reported by the previously published studies. Furthermore, these variants predict the risk of developing hypertension among individuals with normal BP at baseline.

Fourteen perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were measured in serum of the highly endangered captive Chinese alligators, whole body homogenates of six kinds of fish (alligator prey species), and pond water (alligator habitat) in the Anhui Research Center for Chinese Alligator Reproduction. Six PFASs, including PFOS and five perfluorinated carboxylates, were detected in all alligator samples. The most dominant PFAS was PFUnDA, with a mean value of 31.4 ng/mL. Significant positive correlations were observed among the six PFASs, suggesting that they shared similar sources of contamination. Significantly higher PFOS and PFUnDA levels were observed in males, but the other four PFCAs did not differ between genders. An age related PFAS bioaccumulation analysis showed a significant negative correlation of the concentrations for five PFCAs to age, which means that higher concentrations were found in younger animals. Bioaccumulation factors (BAF) in fish for PFASs ranged from 21 to 28,000, with lower BAF for PFOA than that for longer carbon chain PFCAs, including PFUnDA, PFDA, and PFNA.

Expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) in structures of the partial central nervous system of the Yangtze alligator, Alligator sinensis (Reptilia, Crocodylia) was examined during early postnatal growth using immunohistochemistry and Western blot assays. In animals 0-2 years of age NGF-positive cells in the cerebral cortex increased gradually in number and size, and were predominantly distributed in the molecular layer. NGF-positive cells in the midbrain showed similar increases but with predominant distribution in the ependymal layer. NGF-positive cells increased in the cerebellum between 0 and 1 years of age, with increased NGF expression being seen during the first 2 years of life mostly in the ependymal layer. NGF-positive cells were mainly found in the gray matter of the spinal cord with decreasing cell numbers, NGF expression levels being seen from 0 to 2 years and small processes without synaptic connection from 1 to 2 years. These results suggest that NGF is involved in the early postnatal growth of several structures of Yangtze alligator partial central nervous system, suggesting a possible role of NGF in the Yangtze alligator partial central nervous system.

We performed a meta-analysis of 2 genome-wide association studies of coronary artery disease comprising 1,515 cases with coronary artery disease and 5,019 controls, followed by de novo replication studies in 15,460 cases and 11,472 controls, all of Chinese Han descent. We successfully identified four new loci for coronary artery disease reaching genome-wide significance (P < 5 × 10−8), which mapped in or near TTC32-WDR35, GUCY1A3, C6orf10-BTNL2 and ATP2B1. We also replicated four loci previously identified in European populations (PHACTR1, TCF21, CDKN2A/B and C12orf51). These findings provide new insights into biological pathways for the susceptibility of coronary artery disease in Chinese Han population.

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a new functional imaging technique. This paper presents the development of a new electrical impedance tomography system with 128 electrodes for impedance change detection and 3D imaging of the human thorax. The system consists of several modules, including multi-frequency current source, driving, measuring, data acquisition, and controlling and signal processing modules. A high speed digital signal processor (DSP) is used as the controller. The 64 driving electrodes and 64 measuring electrodes are positioned uniformly in four planes around the surface of a cylindrical phantom filled with a saline solution and objects of varying conductivities. The performance has been tested, and these preliminary experiments demonstrate the feasibility this system.

The paper presents an EIT system based on the DDS AD9852 which could provide a multi-frequency current source and fast data acquisition. It has been used in monitoring human lung ventilation by a series of differential images. Experiments were performed successfully. The results show that the multi-frequency EIT system is reasonable, consistent and extendable. It is shown to be a suitable and reliable method of imaging human lung ventilation and the EIT technique has the potential to become a useful tool for monitoring respiration function.

This paper reports the first systematic study of acoustic signals during social interactions of the Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis). Sound pressure level (SPL) measurements revealed that Chinese alligators have an elaborate acoustic communication system with both long-distance signal-bellowing-and short-distance signals that include tooting, bubble blowing, hissing, mooing, head slapping and whining. Bellows have high SPL and appear to play an important role in the alligator's long range intercommunion. Sounds characterized by low SPL are short-distance signals used when alligators are in close spatial proximity to one another. The signal spectrographic analysis showed that the acoustic signals of Chinese alligators have a very low dominant frequency, less than 500 Hz. These frequencies are consistent with adaptation to a habitat with high density vegetation. Low dominant frequency sound attenuates less and could therefore cover a larger spatial range by diffraction in a densely vegetated environment relative to a higher dominant frequency sound. (C) 2007 Acoustical Society of America.

To investigate and compare Trp64Arg mutation of beta(3)-adrenergic receptor (beta(3)-AR) gene in simple obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS), and to correlate the mutation difference with sex, total body fat and fat distribution.Mutation study was carried out with PCR in 295 subjects with simple obesity and 219 subjects with MS. The subjects were stratified by body mass index (BMI) as light obesity group (BMI 25 approximately 29.9 kg/m(2)) and serious obesity group (BMI/= 30 kg/m(2)) and by mean of waist circumference (WC) as abdominal adipose tissue light depot group (WC104 cm in male and WC88 cm in female) and serious depot group (WC/= 104 cm in male and WC/= 88 cm in female). 175 healthy non-obese subjects were selected as controls.The frequency of Trp64Arg mutation of beta(3)-AR gene was higher in the male subjects with MS than those with simple obesity and non-obese controls (32.25%, 21.01% and 19.91%, respectively, P0.05) and also higher than female ones with MS (32.35% vs 23.46%, P0.01). It was found by further stratification that the frequency of Trp64Arg mutation of beta(3)-AR gene was higher in the male light obesity group with MS than female light obesity group with MS. The frequency is also higher than that in the male light obesity group of the obese subjects (32.83% vs 17.35%, P0.05 and 32.83% vs 20.41%, P0.05, respectively). The frequency of mutation was higher in male abdominal adipose tissue serious depot subjects with MS than those with simple obesity (35.71% vs 20.16%, P0.05).Trp64Arg mutation of beta(3)-AR gene may be used as a genetic marker for MS in male.

Crocodilians are quite vocal relative to other reptile groups, and the alligators are among the most vocal of the crocodilians. The Chinese alligator, Alligator sinensis, is usually solitary but engages in bellowing choruses in certain waters during the mating season. This paper reports the organization of Chinese alligator's bellowing choruses based upon field observations and playback experiments. Alligators of both genders engaged in the choruses, remaining immobile throughout and inclining toward bellowing synchronously (i.e., starting and finishing at about the same time). The choruses lasted about 10 min with abrupt onset and offset. Moreover, playback experiments revealed that both male and female alligators responded equally to bellowing stimuli from the same and opposite sexes and that none of the tested alligators approached the loudspeaker in spite of playback of male or female stimuli. These suggest that Chinese alligators may not bellow to compete for or attract mates during the choruses. Instead, when their ecological behaviors, namely, dispersed inhabitation, multi-copulation, restricted mating season, etc., are considered, we hypothesize that they may synchronize bellows to enhance group detectability for assembling individuals into certain waters for subsequent copulations.