RESUMO
We have studied strain wave generation in graphite induced by an intense ultrashort laser pulse. The study was performed in the intensity regime above the ablation threshold of graphite. The aim was to maximize the strain and, thus, also the internal pressure (stress). Laser pulses with a 1 ps temporal duration melt the surface of graphite resulting in a molten material which initially exists at the solid density. As the molten material expands, a compressive strain wave starts propagating into the crystal below the molten layer. The strain pulse was studied with time-resolved X-ray diffraction. At a temporal delay of 100 ps after laser excitation, we observed >10% compressive strain, which corresponds to a pressure of 7.2 GPa. This strain could be reproduced by hydrodynamic simulations, which also provided a temperature map as a function of time and depth.
RESUMO
Parkinson's disease is associated with fibril deposition in the diseased brain. Misfolding events of the intrinsically disordered synaptic protein α-synuclein are suggested to lead to the formation of transient oligomeric and cytotoxic species. The etiology of Parkinson's disease is further associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and formation of reactive oxygen species. Oxidative stress causes chemical modification of native α-synuclein, plausibly further influencing misfolding events. Here, we present evidence for the spontaneous formation of covalent di-tyrosine α-synuclein dimers in standard recombinant protein preparations, induced without extrinsic oxidative or nitrative agents. The dimers exhibit no secondary structure but advanced SAXS studies reveal an increased structural definition, resulting in a more hydrophobic micro-environment than the highly disordered monomer. Accordingly, monomers and dimers follow distinct fibrillation pathways.
RESUMO
We here present a case of pneumothorax in a 24 year-old previously healthy man who had performed an uncomplicated "reversed" bungee jump a few hours before. A high resolution CT scan of the thorax taken three weeks later was normal. The high energy produced during a "reversed" bungee jump, up to 7-8 g corresponds to the threshold value for NASA astronauts, and can cause injuries in healthy persons. In this case we believe that there is a correlation between the pneumothorax and the high energy jump. Bungee jumping is a very popular amusement, millions of jumps have been carried out since 1979, when the sport was introduced. No register and therefore no ratio of risk exists.
