Geological,geochronological and isotopic data are integrated in order to present a revised model for the Neoproterozoic evolution of Western Gondwana.Although the classical geodynamic scenario assumed for the period 8...Geological,geochronological and isotopic data are integrated in order to present a revised model for the Neoproterozoic evolution of Western Gondwana.Although the classical geodynamic scenario assumed for the period 800-700 Ma is related to Rodinia break-up and the consequent opening of major oceanic basins,a significantly different tectonic evolution can be inferred for most Western Gondwana cratons.These cratons occupied a marginal position in the southern hemisphere with respect to Rodinia and recorded subduction with back-arc extension,island arc development and limited formation of oceanic crust in internal oceans.This period was thus characterized by increased crustal growth in Western Gondwana,resulting from addition of juvenile continental crust along convergent margins.In contrast,crustal reworking and metacratonization were dominant during the subsequent assembly of Gondwana.The Rio de la Plata,Congo-Sao Francisco,West African and Amazonian cratons collided at ca.630-600 Ma along the West Gondwana Orogen.These events overlap in time with the onset of the opening of the Iapetus Ocean at ca.610-600 Ma,which gave rise to the separation of Baltica,Laurentia and Amazonia and resulted from the final Rodinia break-up.The East African/Antarctic Orogen recorded the subsequent amalgamation of Western and Eastern Gondwana after ca.580 Ma,contemporaneously with the beginning of subduction in the Terra Australis Orogen along the southern Gondwana margin.However,the Kalahari Craton was lately incorporated during the Late Ediacaran-Early Cambrian.The proposed Gondwana evolution rules out the existence of Pannotia,as the final Gondwana amalgamation postdates latest connections between Laurentia and Amazonia.Additionally,a combination of introversion and extroversion is proposed for the assembly of Gondwana.The contemporaneous record of final Rodinia break-up and Gondwana assembly has major implications for the supercontinent cycle,as supercontinent amalgamation and break-up do not necessarily represent alternating epis展开更多
Plants possess many structural and functional properties that have a high potential to serve as concept generators for the production of biomimetic technical materials and structures. We present data on two features...Plants possess many structural and functional properties that have a high potential to serve as concept generators for the production of biomimetic technical materials and structures. We present data on two features of plants (variable stiffness due to pressure changes in cellular structures and rapid self-repair functions) that may be used as models for biomimetic projects.展开更多
Pyrolysis has the potential of transforming waste into recyclable products. Pyrolytic carbon black (PCB) is one of the most important products from the pyrolysis of used tires. Techniques for surface modifications of ...Pyrolysis has the potential of transforming waste into recyclable products. Pyrolytic carbon black (PCB) is one of the most important products from the pyrolysis of used tires. Techniques for surface modifications of PCB have been developed. One of the most significant applications for modified PCB is to reinforce the rubber matrix to obtain high added values. The transverse relaxation and the chain dynamics of vulcanized rubber networks with PCB and modified PCB were studied and compared with those of the commercial carbon blacks using selective 1H transverse relaxation (T2) experiments and dipolar correlation effect (DCE) experiments on the stimulated echo. Demineralization and coupling agent modification not only intensified the interactions between the modified PCB and the neighboring polyisoprene chains, but also increased the chemical cross-link density of the vulcanized rubber with modified PCB. The mechanical testing of the rubbers with different kinds of carbon blacks showed that the maximum strain of the rubber with modified PCB was improved greatly. The mechanical testing results confirmed the conclusion obtained by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). PCB modified by the demineralization and NDZ-105 titanate coupling agent could be used to replace the commercial semi-reinforcing carbon black.展开更多
AIM: To study the effect of gelatinases (especially MMP-9) on migration of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1) overexpressing hepatoma cells. METHODS: Wild type HepG2 cells, cells stably transfected with TI...AIM: To study the effect of gelatinases (especially MMP-9) on migration of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1) overexpressing hepatoma cells. METHODS: Wild type HepG2 cells, cells stably transfected with TIMP-1 and TIMP-1 antagonist (MMP-9-H401A, a catalytically inactive matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) which still binds and neutralizes TIMP-1) were incubated in Boyden chambers either with or without Galardin (a synthetic inhibitor of MMP-1, -2, -3, -8, -9) or a specific inhibitor of gelatinases. RESULTS: Compared to wild type HepG2 cells, the cells overexpressing TIMP-1 showed 115% migration (P<0.05) and the cells overexpressing MMP-9-H401A showed 62% migration (P<0.01). Galardin reduced cell migration dose dependently in all cases. The gelatinase inhibitor reduced migration in TIMP-1 overexpressing cells predominantly. Furthermore, we examined intracellular signal transduction pathways of TIMP-1-dependent HepG2 cells. TIMP-1 deactivates cell signaling pathways of MMP-2 and MMP-9 involving p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Specific blockade of the ERK pathway suppresses gelatinase expression either in the presence or absence of TIMP-1. CONCLUSION: Overexpressing functional TIMP-1-enhanced migration of HepG2-TIMP-l cells depends on enhanced MMP-activity, especially MMP-9.展开更多
Over the last six years many experiments have been done at the National Ignition Facility to measure the Hugoniot of materials,such asCHplastic at extreme pressures,up to 800 Mbar.The“Gbar”design employs a strong sp...Over the last six years many experiments have been done at the National Ignition Facility to measure the Hugoniot of materials,such asCHplastic at extreme pressures,up to 800 Mbar.The“Gbar”design employs a strong spherically converging shock launched through a solid ball of material using a hohlraum radiation drive.The shock front conditions are characterized using x-ray radiography.In this paper we examine the role of radiation in heating the unshocked material in front of the shock to understand the impact it has on equation of state measurements and how it drives the measured data off the theoretical Hugoniot curve.In particular,the two main sources of radiation heating are the preheating of the unshocked material by the high-energy kilo-electron-volt x-rays in the hohlraum and the heating of the material in front of the shock,as the shocked material becomes hot enough to radiate significantly.Using our model,we estimate that preheating can reach 4 eV in unshocked material,and that radiation heating can begin to drive data off the Hugoniot significantly,as pressures reach above 400 Mb.展开更多
The vibration method represents a practical method for the measurement of adhesion forces and adhesion force distributions. This method causes sinusoidally alternating stresses and yields detachment and contact forces...The vibration method represents a practical method for the measurement of adhesion forces and adhesion force distributions. This method causes sinusoidally alternating stresses and yields detachment and contact forces between particles and substrate of the same order of magnitude. Alternating contact forces of the vibration method can cause an adhesion force intensification through flattening of asperities. The measuring principle of the vibration method and the analysis of experimental results are described in the article. Normal adhesion forces (pull-off forces) are measured using the vibration method and the colloidal probe technique. The results of both methods show good agreement for small particle sizes. The influence of the detachment force direction is shown by comparing tangential and normal adhesion forces measured using particle reentrainment in a turbulent air flow and the vibration method, respectively. The surface roughness of the substrate and the relative humidity are shown to significantly influence the measured adhesion forces. For the calculation of the adhesion forces, an approach by Rabinovich was combined with approximations of plastic micro asperity flattening. The Rabinovich approach accounts for roughness effects on the van der Waals force by incorporating the rms roughness of the interacting surfaces, rms-values of the particles and substrates were measured with atomic force microscopy at different scanning areas.展开更多
The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt (TIPS) has successfully been used in the management of refractory variceal bleeding and ascites in patients with portal hypertension. Major drawbacks are the ind...The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt (TIPS) has successfully been used in the management of refractory variceal bleeding and ascites in patients with portal hypertension. Major drawbacks are the induction of hepatic encephalopathy and shunt dysfunction. We present a 59-year-old woman with alcoholic liver cirrhosis who received a TIPS because of recurrent bleeding from esophageal varices. Stent occlusion occurred 4 mo after placement of the TIPS. Laboratory testing revealed resistance to activated protein C (APC). Combination therapy with low-dose enoxaparin and clopidogrel could not prevent her recurrent stent occlusion. Finally, therapy with high-dose enoxaparin was sufficient to prevent further shunt complications up to now (follow-up period of 1 year). In conclusion, early occlusion of a TIPS warrants testing for thrombophilia. If risk factors are confirmed,anticoagulation should be intensified. There are currently no evidence-based recommendations regarding the best available anticoagulant therapy and surveillance protocol for patients with TIPS.展开更多
AIM: To assess potential contributions of biliary IgA for crystal agglomeration into gallstones, we visualized cholesterol crystal binding of biliary IgA. METHODS: Crystal binding biliary proteins were extracted from ...AIM: To assess potential contributions of biliary IgA for crystal agglomeration into gallstones, we visualized cholesterol crystal binding of biliary IgA. METHODS: Crystal binding biliary proteins were extracted from human gallbladder bile using lectin affinity chromatography.Biliary IgA was isolated from the bound protein fraction by immunoaffinity chromatography. Pure cholesterol monohydrate crystals were incubated with biliary IgA and fluoresceine isothiocyanate (FITC)conjugated anti IgA at 37 degree. Samples were examined under polarizing and fluorescence light microscopy with digital image processing. RESULTS: Binding of biliary IgA to cholesterol monohydrate crystals could be visualized with FITC conjugated anti IgA antibodies.Peak fluorescence occurred at crystal edges and dislocations. Controls without biliary IgA or with biliary IgG showed no significant fluorescence. CONCLUSION: Fluorescence light microscopy provided evidence for cholesterol crystal binding of biliary IgA. Cholesterol crystal binding proteins like IgA might be important mediators of crystal agglomeration and growth of cholesterol gallstones by modifying the evolving crystal structures in vivo.展开更多
Background Although there were several clinical and experimental studies discussing the pathogenesis of dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF), the pathological process leading to intracranial DAVF so far remains unknown ...Background Although there were several clinical and experimental studies discussing the pathogenesis of dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF), the pathological process leading to intracranial DAVF so far remains unknown In this study, we investigated the expression of vascular growth factors in order to elucidate the possible role of these factors for the development of DAVF and to study the biological activity of this uncommon lesion Methods We examined the histological features, proliferative and angiogenic capacities of the tissue specimens obtained from 6 patients who underwent surgery at our institution Immunohistochemical staining for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), its receptors Flk 1 and Flt 1, ephrin B2, MIB 1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was performed using standard immunohistochemical techniques Results A positive immunostaining was found for all antibodies studied except MIB 1, whereas nuclear endothelial expression of PCNA was observed in only 3/6 cases VEGF stained positive in all of the available specimens (6/6) Flk 1 showed a positive immunoreaction in only 2/6 cases and Flt 1 in 4/6 cases Ephrin B2 was expressed in the majority (5/6) of the cases Conclusions These results support the hypothesis that DAVFs might be acquired dynamic vascular malformations with low biological activity Vascular growth factors like VEGF and ephrin B2 might play a pivotal role in the formation of DAVF展开更多
Parvovirus B19 induced acute hepatitis and hepatic failure have been previously reported, mainly in children. Very few cases of parvovirus induced hepatic failure have been reported in adults and fewer still have requ...Parvovirus B19 induced acute hepatitis and hepatic failure have been previously reported, mainly in children. Very few cases of parvovirus induced hepatic failure have been reported in adults and fewer still have required liver transplantation. We report the case of a 55-year-old immunocompetent woman who developed fulminant hepatic failure after acute infection with Parvovirus B19 who subsequently underwent orthotopic liver transplantation. This is believed to be the first reported case in the literature in which an adult patient with fulminant hepatic failure associated with acute parvovirus B19 infection and without hematologic abnormalities has been identified prior to undergoing liver transplantation. This case suggests that Parvovirus B19 induced liver disease can affect adults, can occur in the absence of hematologic abnormalities and can be severe enough to require liver transplantation.展开更多
基金S.Oriolo thanks DAAD for a long-term PhD scholarship(A/12/75051)
文摘Geological,geochronological and isotopic data are integrated in order to present a revised model for the Neoproterozoic evolution of Western Gondwana.Although the classical geodynamic scenario assumed for the period 800-700 Ma is related to Rodinia break-up and the consequent opening of major oceanic basins,a significantly different tectonic evolution can be inferred for most Western Gondwana cratons.These cratons occupied a marginal position in the southern hemisphere with respect to Rodinia and recorded subduction with back-arc extension,island arc development and limited formation of oceanic crust in internal oceans.This period was thus characterized by increased crustal growth in Western Gondwana,resulting from addition of juvenile continental crust along convergent margins.In contrast,crustal reworking and metacratonization were dominant during the subsequent assembly of Gondwana.The Rio de la Plata,Congo-Sao Francisco,West African and Amazonian cratons collided at ca.630-600 Ma along the West Gondwana Orogen.These events overlap in time with the onset of the opening of the Iapetus Ocean at ca.610-600 Ma,which gave rise to the separation of Baltica,Laurentia and Amazonia and resulted from the final Rodinia break-up.The East African/Antarctic Orogen recorded the subsequent amalgamation of Western and Eastern Gondwana after ca.580 Ma,contemporaneously with the beginning of subduction in the Terra Australis Orogen along the southern Gondwana margin.However,the Kalahari Craton was lately incorporated during the Late Ediacaran-Early Cambrian.The proposed Gondwana evolution rules out the existence of Pannotia,as the final Gondwana amalgamation postdates latest connections between Laurentia and Amazonia.Additionally,a combination of introversion and extroversion is proposed for the assembly of Gondwana.The contemporaneous record of final Rodinia break-up and Gondwana assembly has major implications for the supercontinent cycle,as supercontinent amalgamation and break-up do not necessarily represent alternating epis
文摘Plants possess many structural and functional properties that have a high potential to serve as concept generators for the production of biomimetic technical materials and structures. We present data on two features of plants (variable stiffness due to pressure changes in cellular structures and rapid self-repair functions) that may be used as models for biomimetic projects.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 20490200 and 20176051), and the Project Based Per-sonnel Exchange Program with the China Scholarship Council and the German Academic Exchange Service
文摘Pyrolysis has the potential of transforming waste into recyclable products. Pyrolytic carbon black (PCB) is one of the most important products from the pyrolysis of used tires. Techniques for surface modifications of PCB have been developed. One of the most significant applications for modified PCB is to reinforce the rubber matrix to obtain high added values. The transverse relaxation and the chain dynamics of vulcanized rubber networks with PCB and modified PCB were studied and compared with those of the commercial carbon blacks using selective 1H transverse relaxation (T2) experiments and dipolar correlation effect (DCE) experiments on the stimulated echo. Demineralization and coupling agent modification not only intensified the interactions between the modified PCB and the neighboring polyisoprene chains, but also increased the chemical cross-link density of the vulcanized rubber with modified PCB. The mechanical testing of the rubbers with different kinds of carbon blacks showed that the maximum strain of the rubber with modified PCB was improved greatly. The mechanical testing results confirmed the conclusion obtained by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). PCB modified by the demineralization and NDZ-105 titanate coupling agent could be used to replace the commercial semi-reinforcing carbon black.
基金Supported by grants from the Federal Ministry of Education Research of Germany, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), and Aachen University
文摘AIM: To study the effect of gelatinases (especially MMP-9) on migration of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1) overexpressing hepatoma cells. METHODS: Wild type HepG2 cells, cells stably transfected with TIMP-1 and TIMP-1 antagonist (MMP-9-H401A, a catalytically inactive matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) which still binds and neutralizes TIMP-1) were incubated in Boyden chambers either with or without Galardin (a synthetic inhibitor of MMP-1, -2, -3, -8, -9) or a specific inhibitor of gelatinases. RESULTS: Compared to wild type HepG2 cells, the cells overexpressing TIMP-1 showed 115% migration (P<0.05) and the cells overexpressing MMP-9-H401A showed 62% migration (P<0.01). Galardin reduced cell migration dose dependently in all cases. The gelatinase inhibitor reduced migration in TIMP-1 overexpressing cells predominantly. Furthermore, we examined intracellular signal transduction pathways of TIMP-1-dependent HepG2 cells. TIMP-1 deactivates cell signaling pathways of MMP-2 and MMP-9 involving p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Specific blockade of the ERK pathway suppresses gelatinase expression either in the presence or absence of TIMP-1. CONCLUSION: Overexpressing functional TIMP-1-enhanced migration of HepG2-TIMP-l cells depends on enhanced MMP-activity, especially MMP-9.
基金This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S.Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract No.DE-AC52-07NA27344.
文摘Over the last six years many experiments have been done at the National Ignition Facility to measure the Hugoniot of materials,such asCHplastic at extreme pressures,up to 800 Mbar.The“Gbar”design employs a strong spherically converging shock launched through a solid ball of material using a hohlraum radiation drive.The shock front conditions are characterized using x-ray radiography.In this paper we examine the role of radiation in heating the unshocked material in front of the shock to understand the impact it has on equation of state measurements and how it drives the measured data off the theoretical Hugoniot curve.In particular,the two main sources of radiation heating are the preheating of the unshocked material by the high-energy kilo-electron-volt x-rays in the hohlraum and the heating of the material in front of the shock,as the shocked material becomes hot enough to radiate significantly.Using our model,we estimate that preheating can reach 4 eV in unshocked material,and that radiation heating can begin to drive data off the Hugoniot significantly,as pressures reach above 400 Mb.
文摘The vibration method represents a practical method for the measurement of adhesion forces and adhesion force distributions. This method causes sinusoidally alternating stresses and yields detachment and contact forces between particles and substrate of the same order of magnitude. Alternating contact forces of the vibration method can cause an adhesion force intensification through flattening of asperities. The measuring principle of the vibration method and the analysis of experimental results are described in the article. Normal adhesion forces (pull-off forces) are measured using the vibration method and the colloidal probe technique. The results of both methods show good agreement for small particle sizes. The influence of the detachment force direction is shown by comparing tangential and normal adhesion forces measured using particle reentrainment in a turbulent air flow and the vibration method, respectively. The surface roughness of the substrate and the relative humidity are shown to significantly influence the measured adhesion forces. For the calculation of the adhesion forces, an approach by Rabinovich was combined with approximations of plastic micro asperity flattening. The Rabinovich approach accounts for roughness effects on the van der Waals force by incorporating the rms roughness of the interacting surfaces, rms-values of the particles and substrates were measured with atomic force microscopy at different scanning areas.
文摘The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt (TIPS) has successfully been used in the management of refractory variceal bleeding and ascites in patients with portal hypertension. Major drawbacks are the induction of hepatic encephalopathy and shunt dysfunction. We present a 59-year-old woman with alcoholic liver cirrhosis who received a TIPS because of recurrent bleeding from esophageal varices. Stent occlusion occurred 4 mo after placement of the TIPS. Laboratory testing revealed resistance to activated protein C (APC). Combination therapy with low-dose enoxaparin and clopidogrel could not prevent her recurrent stent occlusion. Finally, therapy with high-dose enoxaparin was sufficient to prevent further shunt complications up to now (follow-up period of 1 year). In conclusion, early occlusion of a TIPS warrants testing for thrombophilia. If risk factors are confirmed,anticoagulation should be intensified. There are currently no evidence-based recommendations regarding the best available anticoagulant therapy and surveillance protocol for patients with TIPS.
文摘AIM: To assess potential contributions of biliary IgA for crystal agglomeration into gallstones, we visualized cholesterol crystal binding of biliary IgA. METHODS: Crystal binding biliary proteins were extracted from human gallbladder bile using lectin affinity chromatography.Biliary IgA was isolated from the bound protein fraction by immunoaffinity chromatography. Pure cholesterol monohydrate crystals were incubated with biliary IgA and fluoresceine isothiocyanate (FITC)conjugated anti IgA at 37 degree. Samples were examined under polarizing and fluorescence light microscopy with digital image processing. RESULTS: Binding of biliary IgA to cholesterol monohydrate crystals could be visualized with FITC conjugated anti IgA antibodies.Peak fluorescence occurred at crystal edges and dislocations. Controls without biliary IgA or with biliary IgG showed no significant fluorescence. CONCLUSION: Fluorescence light microscopy provided evidence for cholesterol crystal binding of biliary IgA. Cholesterol crystal binding proteins like IgA might be important mediators of crystal agglomeration and growth of cholesterol gallstones by modifying the evolving crystal structures in vivo.
文摘Background Although there were several clinical and experimental studies discussing the pathogenesis of dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF), the pathological process leading to intracranial DAVF so far remains unknown In this study, we investigated the expression of vascular growth factors in order to elucidate the possible role of these factors for the development of DAVF and to study the biological activity of this uncommon lesion Methods We examined the histological features, proliferative and angiogenic capacities of the tissue specimens obtained from 6 patients who underwent surgery at our institution Immunohistochemical staining for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), its receptors Flk 1 and Flt 1, ephrin B2, MIB 1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was performed using standard immunohistochemical techniques Results A positive immunostaining was found for all antibodies studied except MIB 1, whereas nuclear endothelial expression of PCNA was observed in only 3/6 cases VEGF stained positive in all of the available specimens (6/6) Flk 1 showed a positive immunoreaction in only 2/6 cases and Flt 1 in 4/6 cases Ephrin B2 was expressed in the majority (5/6) of the cases Conclusions These results support the hypothesis that DAVFs might be acquired dynamic vascular malformations with low biological activity Vascular growth factors like VEGF and ephrin B2 might play a pivotal role in the formation of DAVF
文摘Parvovirus B19 induced acute hepatitis and hepatic failure have been previously reported, mainly in children. Very few cases of parvovirus induced hepatic failure have been reported in adults and fewer still have required liver transplantation. We report the case of a 55-year-old immunocompetent woman who developed fulminant hepatic failure after acute infection with Parvovirus B19 who subsequently underwent orthotopic liver transplantation. This is believed to be the first reported case in the literature in which an adult patient with fulminant hepatic failure associated with acute parvovirus B19 infection and without hematologic abnormalities has been identified prior to undergoing liver transplantation. This case suggests that Parvovirus B19 induced liver disease can affect adults, can occur in the absence of hematologic abnormalities and can be severe enough to require liver transplantation.
