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A number of piping components in the secondary system of nuclear power plants (NPPs) have been exposed to aging mechanisms such as FAC (Flow-Accelerated Corrosion), cavitation, flashing, LDIE (Liquid Droplet Impingement Erosion), and SPE (Solid Particle Erosion). Those mechanisms may lead to thinning, leaking, or the rupture of components. Due to the pipe ruptures caused by wall thinning of Surry Unit 2 in 1986 and Mihama Unit 3 in 2004, pipe wall thinning management has emerged as one of the most important issues in the nuclear industry. To manage the wall thinning of pipes caused by FAC and erosion, KEPCO-E & C has developed ToSPACE program. It can predict both FAC & erosion phenomena, and also be utilized in the pipe wall thinning management works such as susceptibility analysis, UT (Ultrasonic Test) data evaluation as well as establishment of long-term inspection plan. Even though the ToSPACE can predict the five aging mechanisms mentioned above, only the FAC prediction result using ToSPACE was compared herein with the experimental result using FACTS (Flow Accelerated Corrosion Test System) to verify the ToSPACE’s capability. In addition, the FAC prediction result using ToSPACE was also compared with that of CHECWORKS that is widely used all over the world.

Development of tungsten brazing technology for the upgraded Korea superconducting tokamak advanced research divertor was launched in early 2013. ITER grade tungsten block was brazed on the CuCrZr alloy in vacuum at 980 °C for 30 min using silver free brazing alloy. An OFHC-copper was used as an interlayer between tungsten and the CuCuZr. The brazing alloy is a 0.05 mm thickness of plate of which component is a Ni–Cu–Mn. It is found that the optimal loading on mock-up is about 20 kPa. Ultrasonic test and shear strength test were carried out to check the strength between tungsten and substrate material. And the joint conditions were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Tungsten-brazed mock-ups with a cooling tube were tested at the electron beam facility, Korea heat load test facility-electron beam in Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. The high heat flux test was performed for tungsten-brazed mock-ups under heat flux of about 5 MW/ $\text{m}^{2}$ with more than 2000 cycles. All the tungsten-brazed mock-ups met the requirements and there was no delamination or failure at the bonding joints.

Tungsten (W) monoblock that consists of W according to ITER specifications, oxygen-free high conductive copper (Cu-OFHC), and CuCrZr has been designed in preparation for KSTAR upgrade for steady-state long-pulse operation with 27.5-MW heating power. Finite-element analysis has been performed by ANSYS Workbench. The hydraulic thermomechanical analysis is performed to investigate the optimal design parameters and the expected fatigue lifetime under the operating conditions with 5.4-MW/ $\text{m}^{2}$ incident heat flux at the divertor. For a single W monoblock, the optimization gives a W thickness of 5 mm, a side thickness of 2.5 mm, a thickness in the back part of 6 mm, and a Cu-OFHC interlayer thickness of 0.5 mm. For a mock-up consisting of five optimized W monoblocks, the thermal fatigue analysis is performed. As a result, the maximum value of equivalent total strain in the CuCrZr tube is found to be 0.266%, which corresponds to for a fatigue lifetime of 23 000 cycles.

This study investigates the association of PD-L1 expression and immune cell infiltrates and their impact on clinical outcome, in addition to their overlap with microsatellite instability (MSI), HER2 and ATM molecular subgroups of gastric cancer (GC). PD-L1 membrane expression on tumour cells (TC) and infiltrating immune cells (IC), CD3 + T-lymphocytes, CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells, ATM and HER2 were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the ACRG (Asian Cancer Research Group) GC cohort (N = 380). EBV status was determined using in situ hybridization and MSI status was performed using PCR and MLH1 IHC. The PD-L1 segment was associated with increased T-cell infiltrates, while the MSI-high segment was enriched for PD-L1, CD3, and CD8. Multivariate analysis confirmed PD-L1 positivity, high CD3 and high CD8 as independent prognostic factors for both disease-free survival and overall survival (all p

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a poor prognosis owing to aggressive phenotype. Gα12 gep oncogene product couples to G-protein-coupled receptors, whose ligand levels are frequently increased in tumor microenvironments. Here, we report Gα12 overexpression in human HCC and the resultant induction of zinc-finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) as mediated by microRNA deregulation. Gα12 expression was higher in HCC than surrounding non-tumorous tissue. Transfection of Huh7 cell with an activated mutant of Gα12 (Gα12QL) deregulated microRNA (miRNA or miR)-200b/a/429, -194-2/192 and -194-1/215 clusters in the miRNome. cDNA microarray analyses disclosed the targets affected by Gα12 gene knockout. An integrative network of miRNAs and mRNA changes enabled us to predict ZEB1 as a key molecule governed by Gα12. Decreases of miR-200a/b, -192 and -215 by Gα12 caused ZEB1 induction. The ability of Gα12 to decrease p53 levels, as a result of activating protein-1 (AP-1)/c-Jun-mediated mouse double minute 2 homolog induction, contributed to transcriptional deregulation of the miRNAs. Gα12QL induced ZEB1 and other epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers with fibroblastoid phenotype change. Consistently, transfection with miR-200b, -192 or -215 mimic prevented the ability of Gα12QL to increase tumor cell migration/invasion. In xenograft studies, sustained knockdown of Gα12 decreased the overall growth rate and average volume of tumors derived from SK-Hep1 cell (mesenchymal-typed). In HCC patients, miR-192, -215 and/or -200a were deregulated with microvascular invasion or growth advantage. In the HCC samples with higher Gα12 level, a correlation existed in the comparison of relative changes of Gα12 and ZEB1. In conclusion, Gα12 overexpressed in HCC causes ZEB1 induction by deregulating p53-responsive miRNAs, which may facilitate epithelial-mesenchymal transition and growth of liver tumor. These findings highlight the significance of Gα12 upregulation in liver tumor progression, implicating Gα12 as an attractive therapeutic target.

This study developed a drying method and a dryer that are optimized for shiitake mushrooms. They are mainly being cultivated and consumed as food and medicine in Korea, Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. They generally contain lots of moisture. For this reason, the use of a dryer causes problems such as decomposition and spoilage, and natural dry processing is preferred. To resolve these problems, various drying methods have been proposed (e.g. hot air drying, heat pump vacuum drying) but there has been a difficulty in maintaining a medium-temperature range of 30 to 40°C, the optimal temperature environments for retaining their main components. The study developed a 2-stage decompresses resistive heat pump dryer that can operate also in medium-temperature environments - existing decompresses heat pump dryers have been able to operate only in high-temperature environments. A dryer optimized for shiitake mushrooms that are being produced and distributed in large quantities was proposed, and the utility of the machine was proved through experiments.

In and outboard plasma facing components (PFCs) of Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) have been fully installed in 2010 for D-shaped diverted plasmas. Before the start of plasma operation, the PFCs were baked up to 200 by hot nitrogen gas circulation system to remove impurities including water. The surface temperature of the PFC tiles was monitored by 200 thermocouple sensors during the plasma operation [plasma shot or glow discharge cleaning (GDC)], and the temporal and spatial (poloidal) temperature profiles are obtained. Depending on the heat flux on each tile, the surface temperature shows time-dependent behavior. After 1-h morning He GDC, the temperature of the PFCs at the inboard side has reached to 40 . After an H-mode shot, the temperature of divertor tiles around the striking points was substantially increased. The time-averaged total heat flux after a few of L- and H-modes in 2010 was estimated to be approximately 0.010 .

Pollux is yellow giant with known regular surface magnetic field about 1 Gauss. An analysis of the periodic behavior of the magnetic field of Pollux was performed. For this purpose, we used literature data together with spectropolarimetric observations, which were carried out during 10 nights in 2010 at the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory, and spectropolarimetric observations, which were obtained at Bohyunsan Optical Astronomy Observatory during 4 nights in 2007. The radial velocity measurements of Pollux show variations with a period of 592.9 days due to the planetary companion. The rotational period of the Pollux equals to 491.5 days. Improved dipole parameters are presented. The centered dipole gives the angle between spin axis and line of sight, i ∼ 45°, and the angle between the spin and dipole axes, β ∼ 135°. We suppose that a few points that lie outside of the dipole magnetic field curve by more than three errors are the result of the emergence of magnetic unipolar spots on the stellar surface. We discuss the possibility of these events in comparison with solar-like star 61 Cyg A and the Sun. Numerical simulations of the magnetic geometry lead us to the conclusion that the spots may have an angular radius of ∼1.5° with the magnetic intensity ∼3000 G. Such active regions can be formed at the same latitudes as on the Sun near the 40° from the equator (© 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Background Children with HIV will be on antiretroviral therapy (ART) longer than adults, and therefore the durability of first-line ART and timing of switch to second-line are key questions. We assess the long-term outcome of protease inhibitor and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) first-line ART and viral load switch criteria in children. Methods In a randomised open-label factorial trial, we compared effectiveness of two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) plus a protease inhibitor versus two NRTIs plus an NNRTI and of switch to second-line ART at a viral load of 1000 copies per mL versus 30,000 copies per mL in previously untreated children infected with HIV from Europe and North and South America. Random assignment was by computer-generated sequentially numbered lists stratified by age, region, and by exposure to perinatal ART. Primary outcome was change in viral load between baseline and 4 years. Analysis was by intention to treat, which we defined as all patients that started treatment. This study is registered with ISRCTN, number ISRCTN73318385. Findings Between Sept 25, 2002, and Sept 7, 2005, 266 children (median age 6.5 years; IQR 2.8-12.9) were randomly assigned treatment regimens: 66 to receive protease inhibitor and switch to second-line at 1000 copies per mL (PI-low), 65 protease inhibitor and switch at 30,000 copies per mL (PI-higher), 68 NNRTI and switch at 1000 copies per mL (NNRTI-low), and 67 NNRTI and switch at 30,000 copies per mL (NNRTI-higher). Median follow-up was 5.0 years (IQR 4.2-6.0) and 188 (71%) children were on first-line ART at trial end. At 4 years, mean reductions in viral load were -3.16 log(10) copies per mL for protease inhibitors versus -3.31 log(10) copies per mL for NNRTIs (difference -0.15 log(10) copies per mL, 95% CI -0.41 to 0.11; p=0.26), and -3.26 log(10) copies per mL for switching at the low versus -3.20 log(10) copies per mL for switching at the higher threshold (difference 0.06 log(10) copies per mL, 95% CI -0.20 to 0.32; p=0.56). Protease inhibitor resistance was uncommon and there was no increase in NRTI resistance in the PI-higher compared with the PI-low group. NNRTI resistance was selected early, and about 10% more children accumulated NRTI mutations in the NNRTI-higher than the NNRTI-low group. Nine children had new CDC stage-C events and 60 had grade 3/4 adverse events; both were balanced across randomised groups. Interpretation Good long-term outcomes were achieved with all treatments strategies. Delayed switching of protease-inhibitor-based ART might be reasonable where future drug options are limited, because the risk of selecting for NRTI and protease-inhibitor resistance is low. Funding Paediatric European Network for Treatment of AIDS (PENTA) and Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group (PACTG/IMPAACT).

Version-4 of the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS-4) General Circulation Model (GCM) was employed to assess the influence of potential changes in aerosols on the regional circulation, ambient temperatures, and precipitation in four selected regions: India and Africa (current paper), as well as North and South America (companion paper). Ensemble-simulations were carried out with the GCM to assess the aerosol direct and indirect effects, hereafter ADE and AIE. Each simulation was started from the NCEP-analyzed initial conditions for 1 May and was integrated through May-June-July-August of each year: 1982–1987 to provide an ensemble set of six simulations. In the first set, called experiment (#1), climatological aerosols were prescribed. The next two experiments (#2 and #3) had two sets of simulations each: one with 2X and other with 1/2X the climatological aerosols over each of the four selected regions. In experiment #2, the anomaly regions were advectively restricted (AR), i.e., the large-scale prognostic fields outside the aerosol anomaly regions were prescribed while in experiment #3, the anomaly regions were advectively Interactive (AI) as is the case in a normal GCM integrations, but with the same aerosols anomalies as in experiment #2. Intercomparisons of circulation, diabatic heating, and precipitation difference fields showed large disparities among the AR and AI simulations, which raised serious questions about the proverbial AR assumption, commonly invoked in regional climate simulation studies. Consequently AI simulation mode was chosen for the subsequent studies. Two more experiments (#4 and #5) were performed in the AI mode in which ADE and AIE were activated one at a time. The results showed that ADE and AIE work in concert to make the joint influences larger than sum of each acting alone. Moreover, the ADE and AIE influences were vastly different for the Indian and Africa regions, which suggest an imperative need to include them rationally in climate models. We also found that the aerosol induced increase of tropical cirrus clouds would potentially offset any cirrus thinning that may occur due to warming in response to CO2 increase.

This study was designed to investigate the genotypes of human papillomavirus (HPV) in Korean women who had abnormal cervical cytology and to evaluate the clinical accuracy of HPV DNA chip analysis for the diagnosis of cervical neoplasia. Liquid-based cytology preparations, HPV DNA chip analysis, and cervical biopsy were performed in 2358 women. High-risk HPV was identified in 23.5% of 1650 histologically confirmed normal samples (including cervicitis and squamous metaplasia) and in 81.8% of 708 samples with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and carcinoma (P< 0.01). The major prevalent high-risk HPV genotypes in 381 samples of CIN II/III were HPV-16, -58, -33, and -31, in order of prevalence rate (average overall, 78.0%), and HPV-16, -18, -58, and -33 (average overall, 81.2%) in 133 samples of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The infection rate of HPV-16 was significantly higher than that of other high-risk HPV genotypes in all normal, CIN, and SCC cases (P< 0.01) and increased with more advanced squamous cervical lesions (P< 0.01). The detection accuracy of high-risk HPV using HPV DNA chip analysis for CIN II or worse was as follows: sensitivity 84% (81–87%), specificity 72% (70–74%), positive predictive value 47% (44–50%), and negative predictive value 94% (92–95%). These results suggest that HPV DNA chip analysis may be a reliable diagnostic tool for the detection of cervical neoplasia and that there are geographic differences in the distribution of high-risk HPV genotypes.

We present the first results from a high-precision radial velocity study of the K2 III giant star α Ari. Observations were acquired over 6 nights in 2004 using the new high-resolution spectrograph BOES (Bohyunsan Observatory Echelle Spectrograph) of the 1.8-m telescope. A high radial-velocity precision was achieved by using the high-resolution (R = 90 000) mode of BOES and an iodine gas absorption cell. The radial velocity measurements made during JD = 2 452 948−2 452 950 show coherent, low-amplitude variations with a period of P1 = 0.571 days (or aliases at 0.445 or 0.821 days), and an amplitude of 18.9 m s −1 . Observations of τ Cet over this same interval are constant to within 3 m s −1 . After subtracting the contribution of the 0.57-day period, we find evidence for a second period, P2 = 0.190 days. Observations made on a second run during JD = 2 452 975−2 452 981 show that the radial velocity variations are indeed present, but on shorter time-scales and with a lower amplitude. Two probable periods fit the radial velocity measurements from the second run reasonably well: 0.185 days or an alias of 0.256 days. The shorter period coincides with the secondary one found in the earlier measurements. We conclude that, similar to other K-giant pulsating stars, α Ari shows unstable acoustic pulsations or mode switching on time scales of tens of days. The calculated pulsation constants for the dominant 0.571-day period is consistent with third-overtone pulsations, while the secondary periodicity found in both data runs corresponds to a high overtone (n ≥ 12).

Protoporphyrinogen oxidase (Protox) in the porphyrin pathway is the target site of the peroxidizing herbicides such as carfentrazone-ethyl and oxyfluorfen. In an attempt to develop herbicide-resistant plants, transgenic rice plants were generated via expression of herbicide-insensitive Bacillus subtilis Protox gene fused to the transit sequence for targeting to the plastid using Agrobacterium-mediated gene transformation. Homozygous transgenic rice lines of T3 generation selected by hygromycin resistance test were examined if they are resistant to the herbicides carfentrazone-ethyl and oxyfluorfen. The homozygous transgenic lines had single copy insertion of B. subtilis Protox gene into their genomes and express its mRNA. Compared to wild-type rice, the transgenic lines were less susceptible to the herbicides when examined with respect to growth, electrolyte leakage, chlorophyll loss and lipid peroxidation. The in vitro Protox activities in transgenic lines were about 56 % higher than those in wild-type rice. With 10 µM concentration of the herbicides in the enzyme assays, Protox activities in transgenic lines were similar to those in non-inhibited wild-type rice. Less amount of protoporphyrin IX was accumulated in transgenic lines than in wild-type rice upon the treatment of the herbicides at 10 µM concentration. Our results indicated that expression of B. subtilis Protox gene was stably transmitted into T3 rice plants and reduced their sensitivity to carfentrazone-ethyl and oxyfluorfen.

This study was performed to determine whether agronomic traits in transgenic rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants are affected by the expression of a selectable marker gene, hpt. The hpt gene was transferred to embryogenic calli derived from mature rice embryos by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. These transgenic lines represented a range of copy number and their gene expression at mRNA level was approximately proportional to the transgene copy number up to three copies. The genetic analysis showed that the transgenes generally segregated in a Mendelian inheritance pattern assuming co-integration (3:1; 15:1) in the T1 generation. In transgenic rice plants, most of agronomic traits were similar to those of nontransgenic plants, except that fertility was different from that of nontransgenic plants. We conclude that differences of agronomic traits of transgenic lines between their parents could be overcome by shortening in vitro culture duration or by backcrossing transgenic lines with their parents and selecting for the desirable genotype.

Aims. This program originated as the north pole region extension of the established exoplanet survey using 1.8 m telescope at Bohyunsan Optical Astronomy Observatory (BOAO). The aim of our paper is to find exoplanets in northern circumpolar stars with a precise radial velocity (RV) survey. Methods. We have selected about 200 northern circumpolar stars with the following criteria: Dec. > 70 degree, 0.6 < B-V < 1.6, HIPPARCOS_scat < 0.05 magnitude, and 5.0 < mv < 7.0. The high-resolution, fiber-fed Bohyunsan Observatory Echelle Spectrograph (BOES) was used for the RV survey. Chromospheric activities, the HIPPARCOS photometry, and line bisectors were analyzed to exclude other causes for the RV variations. Results. In 2010, we started to monitor the candidates and have completed initial screening for all stars for the last five years. We present the detection of four new exoplanets. Stars HD 11755, HD 12648, HD 24064, and 8 UMi all show evidence for giant planets in Keplerian motion. The companion to HD 11755 has a minimum mass of 6.5 M_Jup in a 433-day orbit with an eccentricity of 0.19. HD 12648 is orbited by a companion of minimum mass of 2.9 M_Jup having a period of 133 days and an eccentricity of 0.04. Weak surface activity was suspected in HD 24064. However, no evidence was found to be associated with the RV variations. Its companion has a minimum mass of 9.4 M_Jup, a period of 535 days, and an eccentricity of 0.35. Finally, 8 UMi has a minimum mass of 1.5 M_Jup, a period of 93 days with an eccentricity of 0.06., 9 pages, 14 figures, 6 tables, accepted for publisation in Astronomy & Astrophysics

After preparing aqueous suspensions from magnetite particles with a poly-acrylic acid, we investigated the effects of several experimental parameters. We characterized the stability of the suspensions using visual inspection, sedimentation, adsorption, and thermal stability of the dispersant. The dispersion stability is affected by the solution pH, the concentrations of magnetite particles, the molecular weight, the concentration of the dispersants, and the temperature. The stability of the suspensions increased as the concentration of the dispersant and the temperature increased. In terms of the molecular weights of the dispersant, the suspensions with dispersant of low-molecular weight (1800) were more stable than those of high-molecular weight (250000) at room temperature. However, at high temperature the suspensions with high-molecular weight showed stability. The adsorption efficiency of the dispersant was very low. The dispersant of high-molecular weight showed a higher thermal integrity than that of low-molecular weight. From this work, we obtained the optimum conditions for stable aqueous suspensions of magnetite particles.

In this study, the authors apply the NCEP-NCAR reanalysis and other observations to depict the association of the Asian-Pacific-American climate with the East Asian jet stream (EAJS). With an emphasis on boreal winter seasons and on interannual timescales, they analyze the variations of the EAJS and their relationships with El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and extratropical North Pacific sea surface temperature (SST), and assess the relative connections of the EAJS and ENSO to the anomalies of atmospheric circulation, surface temperature, and precipitation in the Asian-Pacific-American region. It is found that the EAJS is coupled to a teleconnection pattern spanning the entire Asian-Pacific-American region with the strongest signals over east Asia and the western Pacific. This pattern differs significantly from that associated with ENSO, which influences the earth's climate extensively with a strongest impact on the climate over the central Pacific and east. A strong EAJS is associated with an intensification of the weather and climate systems in Asia and over the Pacific such as deepening of the east Asian trough and the Aleutian low and strengthening of the east Asian winter monsoon. It is linked to colder and drier conditions in east Asia and stronger convection over the tropical Asia-Australia sector. Compared with ENSO, the EAJS seems to link to the climate signals of Asia and the Pacific more strongly. An intensified EAJS is also associated with anomalies of temperature and precipitation in North America due to the related changes in stationary wave patterns. While the EAJS does not strongly link to the tropical central-eastern Pacific SST, it is significantly associated with the extratropical North Pacific SST, more specifically the second most dominant mode of the empirical orthogonal function analysis of the SST. In addition, a strong (weak) EAJS seems to follow a large (small) meridional gradient of the western Pacific SST associated with warming (cooling) in the Tropics-subtropics and cooling (warming) in the extratropics.

OBJECTIVES—The most common neurological manifestations in Wilson's disease are parkinsonism and dystonia. These are assumed to be due to striatal injury, which has been repeatedly demonstrated by pathology and CT or MRI. The substantia nigra has not been shown to be damaged in pathological studies. However, there have been clinical and imaging studies suggesting presynaptic nigrostriatal injury. (1r)-2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-iodophenyl)tropane (β-CIT) is a specific ligand that binds to the dopamine transporter (DAT), and can examine the integrity of dopaminergic nerve terminals. Evidence for presynaptic nigrostriatal dopaminergic damage in Wilson's disease was searched for using [123I]-β-CIT SPECT. METHODS—Six patients with Wilson's disease were studied, together with 15 healthy normal controls, and six patients with Parkinson's disease. After injection of [123I]-β-CIT, SPECT studies were done at 18 hours. Specific striatal/occipital binding ratio (S/O ratio) was calculated as (striatal binding−occipital binding)/occipital binding. RESULTS—The specific S/O ratios were 6.22 (1.32) (mean (SD)) in normal volunteers, 3.78 (0.65) in Parkinson's disease, and 3.60 (0.49) in Wilson's disease. CONCLUSION—There was severe loss of the DAT in the striatum suggesting significant damage in presynaptic nigrostriatal dopaminergic nerve terminals. Therefore, a presynaptic lesion may contribute to neurological manifestations in Wilson's disease.

TAZ, a transcriptional modulator, has a key role in cell proliferation, differentiation and stem cell self-renewal. TAZ activity is regulated by several signalling pathways, including Hippo, GPCR and Wnt signalling, but the regulatory mechanisms of TAZ activation are not yet clearly understood. In this report, we show that TAZ is regulated by canonical Wnt signalling during osteogenic differentiation. Wnt3a increases TAZ expression and an inhibitor of GSK3β, a downstream effector of Wnt signalling, induces TAZ. Wnt3a facilitates the dephosphorylation of TAZ, which stabilises TAZ and prevents it from binding 14-3-3 proteins, thus inducing the nuclear localisation of TAZ. Dephosphorylation of TAZ occurs via PP1A, and depletion of PP1A blocks Wnt3a-induced TAZ stabilisation. Wnt3a-induced TAZ activates osteoblastic differentiation and siRNA-induced TAZ depletion decreases Wnt3a-induced osteoblast differentiation. Taken together, these results show that TAZ mediates Wnt3a-stimulated osteogenic differentiation through PP1A, suggesting that the Wnt signal regulates the Hippo pathway.

In addition to typical GPCR kinase (GRK)-/β-arrestin-dependent internalization, dopamine D3 receptor employed an additional GRK-independent sequestration pathway. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism of this novel sequestration pathway.Radioligand binding, flow cytometry and cell surface biotinylation assay were used to characterize trafficking properties of D2 and D3 receptors. Serine/threonine and N-linked glycosylation mutants of the D3 receptor were utilized to locate receptor regions involved in pharmacological sequestration and desensitization. Various point mutants of the D2 and D3 receptors, whose sequestration and desensitization properties were altered, were combined with knockdown cells of GRKs or β-arrestins to functionally correlate pharmacological sequestration and desensitization.The D3 receptor, but not the D2 receptor, showed characteristic trafficking behaviour in which receptors were shifted towards the more hydrophobic domains within the plasma membrane without translocation into other intracellular compartments. Among various amino acid residues tested, S145/S146, C147 and N12/19 were involved in pharmacological sequestration and receptor desensitization. Both pharmacological sequestration and desensitization of D3 receptor required β-arrestins, and functional relationship was observed between two processes when it was tested for D3 receptor variants and agonists.Pharmacological sequestration of D3 receptor accompanies movement of cell surface receptors into a more hydrophobic fraction within the plasma membrane and renders D3 receptor inaccessible to hydrophilic ligands. Pharmacological sequestration is correlated with desensitization of the D3 receptor in a Gβγ- and β-arrestin-dependent manner. This study provides new insights into molecular mechanism governing GPCR trafficking and desensitization.

We report that the spectroscopic binary ? Ursae Majoris (?mu UMa) has secondary RV variations of 471.2 days in addition to those of 230.0 days already known. Keplerian orbit analysis yields stellar mass companions of 1.6 M_Sun for the 230-d period and 0.14 M_Sun for the 471-d period. However, the HIPPARCOS photometries show a period similar to the stellar rotational period, which is one-quarter of the RV period. Variations in the bisector velocity curvature show a period of 463.6 days. We also find ~?473-day variations in the equivalent width (EW) measurements of the H_alpha and H_beta lines, whose origin is probably stellar activity. We note that the nature of 471-day variations is similar to one observed in "Sequence D" of symptotic Giant Branch (AGB) pulsating stars. We therefore conclude that the RV and the EW variations in the spectroscopic binary M giant mu UMa A originate from the complex pulsations and the chromospheric activity., Comment: 20 pages, 10 figures, 3 tables, Accepted for publication in The Astronomical Journal

Background Laparoscopic and robotic gastrectomy have been adopted rapidly despite lack of evidence concerning technical safety and controversy regarding additional benefits. This study aimed to compare clinically relevant complications after open, laparoscopic and robotic gastrectomy. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on surgical complications in patients undergoing gastrectomy with curative intent for histologically proven adenocarcinoma between 2005 and 2010 at the Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine in Seoul, Korea. Complications were categorized into wound infection, bleeding, anastomotic leak, obstruction, fluid collection and other. Results In a total of 5839 patients (4542 open, 861 laparoscopic and 436 robotic gastrectomies), overall complication, reoperation and mortality rates were 10·5, 1·0 and 0·4 per cent respectively. There were no significant differences between the three groups. Ileus (P = 0·001) and intra-abdominal fluid collections (P = 0·013) were commoner after conventional open surgery. However, tumour stage was higher and more complex resections were performed in the open group. Anastomotic leak, the leading cause of death, occurred more often after a minimally invasive approach (P = 0·017). Conclusion Laparoscopic and robotic gastrectomy had overall complication and mortality rates similar to those of open surgery, but anastomotic leaks were more common with the minimally invasive techniques.

Functional roles of the N-terminal region of rhodopsin-like GPCR family remain unclear. Using dopamine D(2) and D(3) receptors as a model system, we probed the roles of the N-terminal region in the signalling, intracellular trafficking of receptor proteins, and explored the critical factors that determine the functionality of the N-terminal region.The N-terminal region of the D(2) receptor was gradually shortened or switched with that of the D(3) receptor or a non-specific sequence (FLAG), or potential N-terminal glycosylation sites were mutated. Effects of these manipulations on surface expression, internalization, post-endocytic behaviours and signalling were determined.Shortening the N-terminal region of the D(2) receptor enhanced receptor internalization and impaired surface expression and signalling; ligand binding, desensitization and down-regulation were not affected but their association with a particular microdomain, caveolae, was disrupted. Replacement of critical residues within the N-terminal region with the FLAG epitope failed to restore surface expression but partially restored the altered internalization and signalling. When the N-terminal regions were switched between D(2) and D(3) receptors, cell surface expression pattern of each receptor was switched. Mutations of potential N-terminal glycosylation sites inhibited surface expression but enhanced internalization of D(2) receptors.Shortening of N-terminus or mutation of glycosylation sites located within the N-terminus enhanced receptor internalization but impaired the surface expression of D(2) receptors. The N-terminal region of the D(2) receptor, in a sequence-specific manner, controls the receptor's conformation and integration into the plasma membrane, which determine its subcellular localization, intracellular trafficking and signalling properties.

Aims. To search for extrasolar planets around intermediate-mass stars, we are conducting a precise RV survey around K-giants. Methods. We present high-accuracy RV measurements of {\alpha} Ari made from November 2003 to February 2010. This star belongs to our sample of 55 K-giants studied for extrasolar planet and pulsation searches using the fiber-fed Bohyunsan Observatory Echelle Spectrograph (BOES) attached to the 1.8-m telescope at Bohyunsan Optical Astronomy Observatory (BOAO) in Korea. Results. We find a planetary companion with long-period and low-amplitude radial velocity (RV) variations in oscillating K2 III star {\alpha} Ari (HD 12929). We do not find the correlation between RV variations and chromospheric activity indicators (Ca II H & K region, H{\alpha} line). The bisector analysis also shows that the bisector velocity span (BVS) does not show any obvious correlation with RV variation but has periodic component that may be attributed to the rotation of the star. If the RV variation is indeed caused by a planetary companion, an orbital solution with a period of P = 381 days, a semi-amplitude of K = 41 m/s, and an eccentricity of e = 0.25 fits the data best. Assuming a possible stellar mass of M_star = 1.5 M_sun, we estimate the minimum mass for the planetary companion of m2 sin i = 1.8 M_Jupiter with an orbital semi-major axis of 1.2 AU. Conclusions. Our finding of a likely exoplanet in {\alpha} Ari supports searching for extrasolar planets around giant stars with multiperiodic oscillations., Comment: 6 pages, 9 figures, 2 tables

Aims: Our primary goal is to search for planets around intermediate mass stars. We are also interested in studying the nature of radial velocity (RV) variations of K giant stars. Methods: We selected about 55 early K giant (K0 - K4) stars brighter than fifth magnitude that were observed using BOES, a high resolution spectrograph attached to the 1.8 m telescope at BOAO (Bohyunsan Optical Astronomy Observatory). BOES is equipped with $I_2$ absorption cell for high precision RV measurements. Results: We detected a periodic radial velocity variations in the K0 III star \gam1leo with a period of P = 429 days. An orbital fit of the observed RVs yields a period of P = 429 days, a semi-amplitude of K = 208 \mps, and an eccentricity of e = 0.14. To investigate the nature of the RV variations, we analyzed the photometric, CaII $\lambda$ 8662 equivalent width, and line-bisector variations of \gam1leo. We conclude that the detected RV variations can be best explained by a planetary companion with an estimated mass of m $\sin i = 8.78 M_{Jupiter}$ and a semi-major axis of $a = 1.19$ AU, assuming a stellar mass of 1.23 \Msun., Comment: accepted for publication in the Astronomy and Astrophysics

Recently, we reported that 12(S)-HPETE (12(S)-hydroperoxyeicosa-5Z,8Z,10E,14Z-tetraenoic acid) induces scratching in ICR mice. We hypothesized that 12(S)-HPETE might act as an agonist of the low-affinity leukotriene B4 receptor BLT2. To confirm the involvement of the BLT2 receptor in 12(S)-HPETE-induced scratching, we studied the scratch response using the BLT2 receptor agonists compound A (4'-[[pentanoyl (phenyl) amino]methyl]-1,1'-biphenyl-2-carboxylic acid) and 12(S)-HETE (12(S)-hydroxyeicosa-5Z,8Z,10E,14Z-tetraenoic acid).A video recording was used to determine whether the BLT2 receptor agonists caused itch-associated scratching in ICR mice. Selective antagonists and several chemicals were used.Both 12(S)-HETE and compound A dose dependently induced scratching in the ICR mice. The dose-response curve for compound A showed peaks at around 0.005-0.015 nmol per site. Compound A- and 12(S)-HETE-induced scratching was suppressed by capsaicin and naltrexon. We examined the suppressive effects of U75302 (6-[6-(3-hydroxy-1E,5Z-undecadienyl)-2-pyridinyl]-1,5-hexanediol, the BLT1 receptor antagonist) and LY255283 (1-[5-ethyl-2-hydroxy-4-[[6-methyl-6-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)heptyl]oxy]phenyl]-ethanone, the BLT2 receptor antagonist) on the BLT2 agonist-induced scratching. LY255283 suppressed compound A- and 12(S)-HETE-induced scratching, but U75302 did not. LY255283 required a higher dose to suppress the compound A-induced scratching than it did to suppress the 12(S)-HETE-induced scratching. One of the BLT(2) receptor agonists, 12(R)-HETE (12(R)-hydroxyeicosa-5Z,8Z,10E,14Z-tetraenoic acid), also induced scratching in the ICR mice.Our present results corroborate the hypothesis that the BLT2 receptor is involved in 12(S)-lipoxygenase-product-induced scratching in ICR mice. We also confirmed that this animal model could be a valuable means of evaluating the effects of BLT2 receptor antagonists.