Rho-associated kinases (ROCKs) are critical molecules involved in the physiological functions of macrophages, such as chemotaxis and phagocytosis. We demonstrate that macrophage adherence promotes rapid changes in physiological functions that depend on translational upregulation of preformed ROCK-1 mRNA, but not ROCK-2 mRNA. Before adherence, both ROCK mRNAs were present in the cytoplasm of mac...

Pre-stress degradation or looseness of rock bolts in mining or tunnel engineering threatens the stability and reliability of the structures. In this paper, an innovative piezoelectric device named a "smart washer" with the impedance method is proposed with the aim of developing a real-time device to monitor the pre-stress level of rock bolts. The proposed method was verified through tests on a ...

p160(ROCK) is a protein serine/threonine kinase that binds to GTP-Rho and is activated by this binding. We have recently found that the expression of p160(ROCK) induces focal adhesions and stress fibres in HeLa cells, whereas a dominant-negative form of this kinase suppresses Rho-induced formation of these structures, suggesting that this kinase is a downstream target of Rho in this process [Is...

The dusky brown to black coating of rock varnish dominates bare rock surfaces of many desert landforms (Oberlander, 1994). Thicknesses less than even 0.020 mm (or 20 micrometres, μm) are enough to darken light-colored rock types (Fig. 21.1). The gradual pace of change on many desert landforms permits the slow accretion of rock varnish at rates of a few micrometres per thousand years (Dorn, 1998...

Rho kinase (ROCK) is a serine/threonine kinase and a downstream target of the small GTPase Rho. The RhoA/ROCK pathway is associated with various neuronal functions such as migration, dendrite development, and axonal extension. Evidence from animal studies reveals that RhoA/ROCK signaling is involved in various central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including optic nerve and spinal cord injuries...

While the responses of Tien Shan glaciers--and glaciers elsewhere--to climatic changes are becoming increasingly well understood, this is less the case for permafrost in general and for rock glaciers in particular. We use a novel approach to describe the climate sensitivity of rock glaciers and to reconstruct periods of high and low rock glacier activity in the Tien Shan since 1895. Using more ...

Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibition, broadly utilised in cardiovascular disease, may protect the blood-brain barrier (BBB) during thrombolysis from rt-PA-induced damage. While the use of nonselective ROCK inhibitors like fasudil together with rt-PA may be hindered by possible hypotensive side-effects and inadequate capacity to block detrimental rt-PA activity in brain endothelial cells (BECs), selecti...

This research work presents a case study of rock mass characterization on diversion tunnels at Diamer Basha Dam, Pakistan. Geological and geotechnical studies were performed to characterize the rock mass along the axis of diversion tunnel. The core specimens retrieved were tested in laboratory and physical and mechanical properties of the rock mass were determined. Detailed discontinuity survey...

In underground tunnels or caverns, time-dependent deformation or failure of rock mass, such as extending cracks, gradual rock falls, etc., are a costly irritant and a major safety concern if the time-dependent damage of surrounding rock is serious. To understand the damage evolution of rock mass in underground engineering, an in situ experimental testing was carried out in a large belowground t...

Original scientific paper Rock generally contains various micro-cracks, fissures, pores, joints, and other defects. These defects affect the mechanical properties of rock. In order to clarify the influence of native fissures on rock deformation and failure modes, a laboratory study was carried out using the fissured dolomite, and acoustic wave velocity measurement and natural water absorption t...