Endothelial cell-matrix interactions

Dynamic interactions between endothelial cells and components of their surrounding extracellular matrix are necessary for the invasion, migration, and survival of endothelial cells during angiogenesis. These interactions are mediated by matrix receptors that initiate intracellular signaling cascades in response to binding to specific extracellular matrix molecules. The interactions between endothelial cells and their environment are also modulated by enzymes that degrade different matrix components and thus enable endothelial invasion. Recent reports on gene targeting in mice have confirmed the role of two classes of matrix receptors, integrins and cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans, and a group of matrix degrading proteolytic enzymes, matrix metalloproteinases, in angiogenesis. The significance of endothelial cell-matrix interactions is further supported by several ongoing clinical trials that analyze the effects of drugs blocking this interaction on angiogenesis-dependent growth of human tumors.     

XUV laser-plasma source based on solid Ar filament

We present a laser driven soft x-ray source based on a novel solid argon filament. The continuously flowing micron-sized filament (diameter approximately 56 microm, flow speed approximately 5 mms) was used as a laser target in order to generate a plasma source of high brightness in the "water window" (2.2-4.4 nm) spectral range. The emission properties of the source were characterized in detail with respect to crucial parameters such as positional and energy stability using an extreme ultraviolet (XUV) sensitive pinhole camera and an XUV spectrometer. The results are compared with an argon plasma based on a gas puff target operated under the same experimental conditions showing an increase of the brilliance by a factor of 84. By changing the capillary geometry from a constant diameter to a convergent shape the flow speed of the filament was significantly increased up to 250 mms, facilitating the operation at higher repetition rates.     

Chemical Ecology of the Defense of Two Nymphalid Butterfly Larvae Against Ants

We analyzed the behavioral responses of the ants Camponotus rufipes and Solenopsis geminata towards all instars of Dione junio and Abananote hylonome. We also analyzed ant behavior towards hexane extracts of larvae and extracts of the spines and neck glands of the fifth instars of both species and identified the chemical compounds present. Larvae of both species were repellent to ants from the first instar onward. Later instars survived ant attacks better than earlier instars. The spines and neck glands of the larvae influenced the behavior of C. rufipes. The chemical compounds contained in the hexane extracts of whole first and fifth instars and in the spines and neck glands of fifth instars were principally carboxylic acids and terpenes. Further bioassays confirmed the repellent effect of some of these acids toward ants.     

Euro‐megalopolis or themepark Europe? Scenarios for European spatial development

The purpose of this paper is to present some spatial development trends in Europe at the turn of the millennium, to discuss some factors which may influence future spatial development in European cities and regions and to sketch a few scenario plots for possible spatial futures of the continent, with some thoughts about the implications of those scenarios for the further development of European Spatial Development policies.     

Planung und Ausführung des Ersatzneubaus einer U‐Bahn‐Brücke in Berlin unter hohem Zeitdruck

Design and construction of a new bridge for the Berlin underground to replace an old structure under high time pressure. This paper is about the design and construction of a new bridge for the underground in Berlin. A new structure was necessary due to insufficient stability and serviceability of the old one. The project had to be carried out under high time pressure to avoid a decommissioning of the underground traffic. As a result of this the planning and execution phases were significantly reduced. Besides, the client provided the construction firm with the structural steel to be used for the superstructure, a potential for conflict that would need to be tackled. The project will be described from the design point of view.     

鲁尔传统工业区的蜕变之路

鲁尔区作为世界传统工业集聚地之一,在历史上一个多世纪的时间里,曾经为德国提供了大量的煤炭和钢铁资源,被誉为德国的动力工厂.二战结束后,鲁尔区又成为德国经济快速复苏的发动机,煤炭和钢铁生产在短期内迅速恢复,为地区发展提供了动力来源,并为国家战后重建提供了所需的钢铁资源.但是在20世纪后半叶,鲁尔区却受到了技术进步和全球化发展的重大影响.     

水城:城市水资源的保护与利用

该文介绍了德国把城市水域重新利用开发为新的城市空间,利用滨水空间建造的高品质文化建筑,为居住之城增添许多新型城市空间的理论和实践。     

Die neue Tonhalle Düsseldorf – Beratung einer akustischen Quadratur des Kreises

The new Tonhalle Düsseldorf – acoustically consulting of squaring a circle. In this paper an overview is given over the many sides of an unusual consulting project: the complete refurbishment of the Tonhalle Düsseldorf, which suffered formerly from severe echoes caused by its half‐spherical shape. This concert hall could be re‐opened on 4th November, 2005 with great success. By help of comprehensive laboratory measurements in an acoustical scale model, in a reflection‐damped and in a reverberation chamber, specialized reflector geometries, acoustically transparent metal texture, minimally absorbing chairs and almost noiseless architectural lighting could be developed. With help of these measures, not only the former echo‐problem could be solved, but also a state‐of the‐art concert hall with great acoustics and visual impression could be built.     

Planning for spatial equity in Europe

Since planners plan, they claim that their local, regional or national spatial plans are crucial for achieving spatial equity. Starting from the difficulties of defining spatial equity, the paper explores some European dimensions of spatial equity, thereby referring to three recent documents: the Commission's First Report on Social and Economic Cohesion, the Opinion on Spatial Planning of the Committee of the Regions and the draft European Spatial Development Perspective, having been approved by the Ministers of the Member States of the European Union in June 1997. This is followed by a brief assessment of the role of existing European networks of infrastructure, production, information and power, or those of memories and images, in creating spatial equity in Europe. The paper ends with a presentation and brief justification of the normative concept of the European Bunch of Grapes as a mental vision for spatial equity in Europe.