456 research outputs found

    Programmed schedule holds for improving launch vehicle holds

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    Baseline definition and system optimization are used for the analysis of programmed holds developed through prelaunch system analysis. Identification of design specifications for ground support equipment and maintenance concepts, and design specifications are used to describe the functional utilization of the overall flow process

    Halothane binds to druggable sites in the [Ca2+]4-calmodulin (CaM) complex, but does not inhibit [Ca2+]4-CaM activation of kinase

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    The mechanism(s) of volatile anesthetics (VA) are poorly understood. We used high resolution NMR spectroscopy to determine the structure of the halothane/calmodulin([Ca2+]4-CaM) complex, and found that halothane molecules bind in the druggable sites. We then examined whether VA binding to druggable sites in calmodulin would effect [Ca2+]4-CaM dependent activity of myosin light chain kinase. We used fluorescence assays to determine that VA effect [Ca2+]4-CaM activation of smooth-muscle-myosin-light-chain-kinase (smMLCK), but not the Kd of [Ca2+]4-CaM binding to skeletal-myosin-light-chain-kinase-peptide recognition sequence (skMLCKp). These results suggest that VA do not alter [Ca2+]4-CaM dependent MLCK activity via direct interactions with [Ca2+]4-CaM

    French responses to the Prague Spring: connections, (mis)perception and appropriation

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    Looking at the vast literature on the events of 1968 in various European countries, it is striking that the histories of '1968' of the Western and Eastern halves of the continent are largely still written separately.1 Nevertheless, despite the very different political and socio-economic contexts, the protest movements on both sides of the Iron Curtain shared a number of characteristics. The 1968 events in Czechoslovakia and Western Europe were, reduced to the basics, investigations into the possibility of marrying social justice with liberty, and thus reflected a tension within European Marxism. This essay provides an analysis specifically of the responses by the French left—the Communist Party, the student movements and the gauchistes—to the Prague Spring, characterised by misunderstandings and strategic appropriation. The Prague Spring was seen by both the reformist and the radical left in France as a moderate movement. This limited interpretation of the Prague Spring as a liberal democratic project continues to inform our memory of it

    Guidance for the evaluation and treatment of hereditary and acquired thrombophilia

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    Thrombophilias are hereditary and/or acquired conditions that predispose patients to thrombosis. Testing for thrombophilia is commonly performed in patients with venous thrombosis and their relatives; however such testing usually does not provide information that impacts management and may result in harm. This manuscript, initiated by the Anticoagulation Forum, provides clinical guidance for thrombophilia testing in five clinical situations: following 1) provoked venous thromboembolism, 2) unprovoked venous thromboembolism; 3) in relatives of patients with thrombosis, 4) in female relatives of patients with thrombosis considering estrogen use; and 5) in female relatives of patients with thrombosis who are considering pregnancy. Additionally, guidance is provided regarding the timing of thrombophilia testing. The role of thrombophilia testing in arterial thrombosis and for evaluation of recurrent pregnancy loss is not addressed. Statements are based on existing guidelines and consensus expert opinion where guidelines are lacking. We recommend that thrombophilia testing not be performed in most situations. When performed, it should be used in a highly selective manner, and only in circumstances where the information obtained will influence a decision important to the patient, and outweigh the potential risks of testing. Testing should not be performed during acute thrombosis or during the initial (3-month) period of anticoagulation

    Narrow genetic base in forest restoration with holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) in Sicily

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    In order to empirically assess the effect of actual seed sampling strategy on genetic diversity of holm oak (Quercus ilex) forestations in Sicily, we have analysed the genetic composition of two seedling lots (nursery stock and plantation) and their known natural seed origin stand by means of six nuclear microsatellite loci. Significant reduction in genetic diversity and significant difference in genetic composition of the seedling lots compared to the seed origin stand were detected. The female and the total effective number of parents were quantified by means of maternity assignment of seedlings and temporal changes in allele frequencies. Extremely low effective maternity numbers were estimated (Nfe \approx 2-4) and estimates accounting for both seed and pollen donors gave also low values (Ne \approx 35-50). These values can be explained by an inappropriate forestry seed harvest strategy limited to a small number of spatially close trees
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