Inappropriate Na(+) reabsorption by thick ascending limbs (THALs) induces hypertension. NO produced by NO synthase type 3 (NOS3) inhibits NaCl reabsorption by THALs. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) decreases NOS3 expression in endothelial cells and contributes to increases in blood pressure. However, the effects of TNF-α on THAL NOS3 and the signaling cascade are unknown. TNF-α activates severa...

The context for the emergence of life on Earth sometime prior to 3.5 billion years ago is almost as big a puzzle as the definition of life itself. Hitherto, the problem has largely been addressed in terms of theoretical and experimental chemistry plus evidence from extremophile habitats like modern hydrothermal vents and meteorite impact structures. Here, we argue that extensive rafts of glassy...

The main rock mass classification systems make use of similar rock mass parameters. Due to lack of comprehensive estimation systems, determining the real specifications of jointed rocks faces some difficulties. A vast number of parameters with various degrees of impact are involved in such definitions. Combination impact of all the effective parameters is to be figured out in order to come up w...

protein serine/threonine kinase (ROCK), is one of the central regulatory molecules for cytoskeleton control and cell adhesion process. ROCK also involves in other cell functions such as apoptosis and tumor invasiveness. Rho kinase is thought to play an important role in a variety of cellar functions such as stress fiber formation, focal adhesion formation, cell aggregation, cell morphology, cyt...

In this work, the effect of rock bolt angle on the shear behavior of Rock Bridges is investigated using the particle flow code in two dimensions (PFC2D) for three different Rock Bridge lengths. Firstly, the calibration of PF2D is performed to reproduce the gypsum sample. Then the numerical models with the dimensions of 100 mm * 100 mm are prepared. The Rock Bridge is created in the middle of th...

Some writers, speakers, and students have problems with clear usage of stratigraphic terminology, a topic made more acute by the appearance of the complex 1983 North American Stratigraphic Code, its 2005 revision, and new editions of the International Stratigraphic Guide. The basic categories of stratigraphic units are: 1) material; 2) non-material; 3) hybrid. Examples are the well-known rock (...

The transition of cell-matrix adhesions from the initial punctate focal complexes into the mature elongated form, known as focal contacts, requires GTPase Rho activity. In particular, activation of myosin II-driven contractility by a Rho target known as Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) was shown to be essential for focal contact formation. To dissect the mechanism of Rho-dependent induction of foca...

Cattle pastoralism is an important trait of African cultures. Ethnographic studies describe the central role played by domestic cattle within many societies, highlighting its social and ideological value well beyond its mere function as 'walking larder'. Historical depth of this African legacy has been repeatedly assessed in an archaeological perspective, mostly emphasizing a continental vision...

In 2000, my wife Lynn and I were in Namibia researching the social organization of Elephantulus intufi (Rathbun and Rathbun 2006). During a meal at our study site which we shared with the landowner, his two sons and two archaeologists studying local rock art, the archaeologists showed us a newly published book (LewisWilliams 2000). When Justin Holloway, the youngest son of the landowner, saw th...

No prior research has documented the different types of rock coatings in Yosemite Valley, despite the evident black streaks down Yosemite Falls, the light granitic rock exposed by recent rock falls contrasting with dark rock coatings, and the millions of visitors who have photographed the coated rocks of Yosemite. This paper identifies the types of rock coatings found on Half Dome, in Yosemite ...