We propose a novel multivariate Monte Carlo method as an efficient and flexible approach to analyzing extended X-ray sources with the Reflection Grating Spectrometer (RGS) on XMM Newton. A multi-dimensional interpolation method is used to efficiently calculate the response function for the RGS in conjunction with an arbitrary spatially-varying spectral model. Several methods of event comparison...

Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins limit the lifetime of activated (GTP-bound) heterotrimeric G protein a subunits by acting as GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). Mutation of two residues in RGS4, which, based on the crystal structure of RGS4 complexed with G(i alpha1)-GDP-AIF4-, directly contact G(i alpha1) (N88 and L159), essentially abolished RGS4 binding and GAP activity. Muta...

Ligands for G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent approximately 50% of currently marketed drugs. Regulators of G Protein Signaling (RGS) proteins modulate heterotrimeric G proteins and, thus, GPCR signaling, by accelerating the intrinsic GTPase activity of the G subunit. Given the prevalence of GPCR targeted therapeutics and the role RGS proteins play in G protein signaling, some RGS p...

Neurotransmitter signaling via G protein coupled receptors is crucially controlled by regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins that shape the duration and extent of the cellular response. In the striatum, members of the R7 family of RGS proteins modulate signaling via D2 dopamine and mu-opioid receptors controlling reward processing and locomotor coordination. Recent findings have estab...

The cost efficient, high throughput production of metaland semiconductor alloys is the foundation of many advanced technologies. With the development of the Ribbon Growth on Substrate (RGS) technology, a new crystallization technique is available that allows the controlled, high crystallization rate production of silicon wafers and advanced metal-silicide alloys. Compared to other crystallizati...

The Requirement Generation System (RGS) is a computer supported cooperative work (CSCW) tool that provides an interactive processing environment to define, control and structure mission requirements. RGS reduces the time and cost of developing requirements by automating many of the activities associated with the development, editing, review, approval and creation of requirements documents. User...

Stroke will become one of the main burdens of disease and loss of quality of life in the near future. However, we still have not found rehabilitation approaches that can scale up so as to face this challenge. Virtual reality based therapy systems are a great promise for directly addressing this challenge. Here we review different approaches that are based on this technology, their assumptions a...

It has been nearly a century since Otto Loewi discovered that acetylcholine (ACh) release from the vagus produces bradycardia and reduced cardiac contractility. It is now known that parasympathetic control of the heart is mediated by ACh stimulation of G(i/o)-coupled muscarinic M2 receptors, which directly activate G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels via Gβγ resultin...

Cholecystokinin (CCK) has been shown to activate RhoA and Rac1, as well as reorganize the actin cytoskeleton and, thereby, modify acinar morphology and amylase secretion in mouse pancreatic acini. The aim of the present study was to determine which heterotrimeric G proteins activate RhoA and Rac1 upon CCK stimulation. Galpha(13), but not Galpha(12), was identified in mouse pancreatic acini by R...

BACKGROUND Heterotrimeric G proteins and regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins are key downstream interacting partners in the G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathway. The highly versatile GPCR transmembrane signaling system is a consequence of the coupling of a diverse set of receptors to downstream partners that include multiple subforms of G proteins and regulatory prot...