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Accumulating evidence indicates that the beta-arrestins act as scaffold molecules that couple G-protein-coupled receptors to mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathways. Recently, we identified the c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3 (JNK3) as a beta-arrestin2-interacting protein in yeast-two hybrid and co-immunoprecipitation studies. Beta-arrestin2 acts as a scaffold to enhance signaling to JNK3 stimulated by overexpression of the MAP3 kinase ASK1 or by agonist activation of the angiotensin 1A receptor. Whereas beta-arrestin2 is a very strong activator of JNK3 signaling, beta-arrestin1 is very weak in this regard. The data also indicate that the specific step enhanced by beta-arrestin2 involves phosphorylation of JNK3 by the MAP2 kinase MKK4. We reasoned that defining the region (or domain) in beta-arrestin2 responsible for high level JNK3 activation would provide insight into the mechanism by which beta-arrestin2 enhances the activity of this signaling pathway. Using chimeric beta-arrestins, we have determined that sequences in the carboxyl-terminal region of beta-arrestin2 are important for the enhancement of JNK3 phosphorylation. More detailed analysis of the carboxyl-terminal domains of the beta-arrestins indicated that beta-arrestin2, but not beta-arrestin1, contains a sequence (RRSLHL) highly homologous to the conserved docking motif present in many MAP kinase-binding proteins. Replacement of the beta-arrestin2 RRS residues with the corresponding KP residues present in beta-arrestin1 dramatically reduced both JNK3 interaction and enhancement of JNK3 phosphorylation. Conversely, replacement of the KP residues in beta-arrestin1 with RRS significantly increased both JNK3 binding and enhancement of JNK3 phosphorylation. These results delineate a mechanism by which beta-arrestin2 functions as a scaffold protein in the JNK3 signaling pathway and implicate the conserved docking site in beta-arrestin2 as an important factor in binding JNK3 and stimulating the phosphorylation of JNK3 by MKK4.

The proton spin-lattice relaxation time in the rotating frame (T1β was measured in n-p-cyanobenzilidene-p-n-octaloxyanaline (CBOOA) doped with several weight percent cholesterol decanoate (CD). These measurements were made as a function of temperature and applied electric field intensityu. Near the critical electric field for a cholesteric-nematic p;hase transition, order fluctuations are enhanced. In particular, at temperatures slightly above the smectic A-nematic phase transition and for electric fields near the critical field, there are large flucturations in the short range order.

The frequency dependence of the rotating frame proton spin-lattice relaxation time T1p for a cholesteric structure was derived from a recent calculation of the angular dependence of T1p for nematic liquid crystals. The calculated frequency dependence is in good agreement with experimental studies of several nematic-cholesteric mixtures.

The effects of pulsed electric fields on the molecular order in a nematic-cholesteric mixture are reported, and a theoretical discussion of these phenomena is given. The molecular order is determined from the time dependence of the second moment of the proton absorption line shape.

A method for measuring the time dependence of molecular orientation is presented. The molecular orientation is obtained from the nuclear free induction decay using the method of moments. This technique is useful for measuring a variety of' transient phenomena with several application to liquid crystals.

The article presents an interview with Mark Edward Harris, an award-winning international photographer, covering his three-decade career spanning travel, documentary, and television directing. Topics include Harris's motivation to humanize global issues through his projects, the diversity of his photography genres, and insights into his acclaimed Orangutan series, emphasizing the individuality of these primates and addressing their plight due to habitat destruction.

Focuses on the prevalent political conditions in the U.S. in 1973, during the reign of U.S. President Richard Nixon. Questions on President Nixon's finances; Information on the Senate Watergate Committee affairs; Reference to the summit conference of nonaligned nations held in Algiers, Algeria.

Focuses on plans of the U.S. government for American military presence in Thailand, based on understandings with the Thai government for rapid U.S. Air Force redeployment, for possible offensive on North Vietnam. Statements given by U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Leonard Unger regarding a deterrent force in Indochina; Estimates made by U.S. officials on the number of Vietnamese troops in Laos; Belief of B-52 pilots and other American military men in Thailand.

An interview with duo artists Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset is presented, discussing question on their most liked talked about topics, the challenges they faced while working together and the duo's work collaboration and development of their thoughts and artistic nature.

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Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are preferred over vitamin K antagonists, such as warfarin, because of their safety and efficacy profiles, lack of frequent blood monitoring, and more convenient dosing schedules [...], Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been increasingly used by older adults. Although these medications offer several therapeutic advantages over traditional anticoagulants, such as warfarin, they have limitations. One significant concern associated with DOACs is their potential for drug–drug interactions. These interactions may compromise the safe and effective use of DOACs and can potentially lead to serious adverse events and complications, particularly major bleeding. Polypharmacy is common among older adults with chronic diseases, which can increase the risk of drug–drug interactions with DOACs. The current article discusses the impact and risks of drug–drug interactions with DOACs in the context of older adults and explores ways to improve and manage these interactions through the collaboration of an interprofessional team. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(9), 7–13.]

The health status of animals may be inferred from the patterns of hormonal concentrations and other chemical characteristics in blood samples. Baseline endocrine data representing the nutritional and reproductive condition of moose are currently unknown. In this study, we examined the seasonal patterns of 3 nutritional hormones (leptin, ghrelin, insulin-like growth factor-1) in 3 captive, non-pregnant female moose (Alces alces) fed a maintenance diet from November to August. Plasma concentrations for leptin, ghrelin, and IGF-1 averaged 1.36 [+ or -] 0.81 ng/mL, 0.229 [+ or -] 0.110 ng/mL, and 114.0 [+ or -] 30.5 ng/mL, respectively; only ghrelin displayed a seasonal change. Plasma ghrelin concentration was significantly elevated (P < 0.001) during winter months suggesting it may be sensitive to seasonal changes and indicative of nutritional status. Key Words: Alces alces, ghrelin, hormones, HPG axis, IGF-1, leptin, moose, reproduction, season, Northern latitudes are characterized by extreme seasonal differences in temperature, photoperiod, forage availability, and forage quality (Chapin et al. 1980, Risenhoover 1989). As a consequence, large herbivores such as moose [...]

Byline: Darla Mercado ware of the appeal of variable annuity riders, carriers plan to strengthen their offerings while attempting to meet financial advisers' calls for simplicity. 'Advisers want simplicity so [...]