Unusual magnetic order in the pseudogap region of the superconductor HgBa2CuO4+delta

The pseudogap region of the phase diagram is an important unsolved puzzle in the field of high-transition-temperature (high-T(c)) superconductivity, characterized by anomalous physical properties. There are open questions about the number of distinct phases and the possible presence of a quantum-critical point underneath the superconducting dome. The picture has remained unclear because there has not been conclusive evidence for a new type of order. Neutron scattering measurements for YBa(2)Cu(3)O(6+delta) (YBCO) resulted in contradictory claims of no and weak magnetic order, and the interpretation of muon spin relaxation measurements on YBCO and of circularly polarized photoemission experiments on Bi(2)Sr(2)CaCu(2)O(8+delta)(refs 12, 13) has been controversial. Here we use polarized neutron diffraction to demonstrate for the model superconductor HgBa(2)CuO(4+delta) (Hg1201) that the characteristic temperature T* marks the onset of an unusual magnetic order. Together with recent results for YBCO, this observation constitutes a demonstration of the universal existence of such a state. The findings appear to rule out theories that regard T* as a crossover temperature rather than a phase transition temperature. Instead, they are consistent with a variant of previously proposed charge-current-loop order that involves apical oxygen orbitals, and with the notion that many of the unusual properties arise from the presence of a quantum-critical point.     

Hard Templating Synthesis of Mesoporous and Nanowire SnO_2 as Lithium Battery Anode Materials

1 Results Recently,Ryoo‘s group reported the preparation of ordered mesoporous carbon using highly ordered mesoporous silica[1-2]. Mesoporous and nanowire SnO2 anode materials for lithium batteries were prepared using KIT-6 and SBA-15 SiO2 templates. The as-prepared SnO2 nanowires had a diameter of 6 nm and a length of ≈3 μm and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of 80 m2/g while mesoporous SnO2 showed a pore size of 3.8 nm and a BET surface area of 160 m2/g. The charge capacities of these two an...     

Positive regulation of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 by dual-specificity phosphatase 13A

Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), a member of the MAP kinase kinase kinase, is activated by several death stimuli and is tightly regulated by several mechanisms such as interactions with regulatory proteins and post-translational modifications. Here, we report that dual-specificity phosphatase 13A (DUSP13A) functions as a novel regulator of ASK1. DUSP13A interacts with the N-terminal domain of ASK1 and induces ASK1-mediated apoptosis through the activation of caspase-3. DUSP13A enhances ASK1 kinase activity and thus its downstream factors. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) analyses show that knock-down of DUSP13A in human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells reduces ASK1 kinase activity. The phosphatase activity of DUSP13A is not required for the regulation of ASK1. This regulatory action of DSUP13 on ASK1 activity involves competition with Akt1, a negative regulator of ASK1, for binding to ASK1. Taken together, this study provides novel insights into the role of DUSP13A in the precise regulation of ASK1.     

Histamine H1- and H2-receptor-mediated gastric microcirculatory effects in the aetiology of stress ulceration in the rat stomach

Stress produced severe mucosal ulcers, increased mucosal microcirculation and lowered mast cell counts in the glandular wall of rat stomachs. Mepyramine i.m. or metiamide i.p. effectively prevented both ulceration and microcirculatory changes but not stress-reduced mast cell counts.     

A novel architecture for cargos location and safety in networked RFID

Using Networked RFID equipped in warehouse or supermarket distribution, Enterprise information system (EIS) can gather and deal with cargos information. Nevertheless, when cargos are in traffic, the Networked RFID can't monitor the cargos any more as the products tagged aren't within range of a reader. This paper proposes a solution framework which combines Networked RFID and GPS tracking, and then equip with this system in container to make the cargos monitored even if the cargos are in traffic. This solution can solve the accurate consignments, position tracking and advanced theft happening through drilling holes in container. In addition, customhouse and checkpoint can get an electronic shipment manifest rapidly and safely when a vehicle gets through a checkpoint.     

Does increased gastric mucus play a role in the ulcer-protecting effects of zinc sulphate?

Zinc sulphate pretreatment i.p. produces dose-related reductions in stess ulcer incidence in pylorus-occluded rats. The associated increases in gastric wall mucus, in stressed and nonstressed animals, suggest that a similar effect may contribute to its ulcer-reducing ability in man.     

Structure of the catalytic domain of human phosphodiesterase 5 with bound drug molecules

Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are a superfamily of enzymes that degrade the intracellular second messengers cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP. As essential regulators of cyclic nucleotide signalling with diverse physiological functions, PDEs are drug targets for the treatment of various diseases, including heart failure, depression, asthma, inflammation and erectile dysfunction. Of the 12 PDE gene families, cGMP-specific PDE5 carries out the principal cGMP-hydrolysing activity in human corpus cavernosum tissue. It is well known as the target of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) and other similar drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Despite the pressing need to develop selective PDE inhibitors as therapeutic drugs, only the cAMP-specific PDE4 structures are currently available. Here we present the three-dimensional structures of the catalytic domain (residues 537-860) of human PDE5 complexed with the three drug molecules sildenafil, tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra). These structures will provide opportunities to design potent and selective PDE inhibitors with improved pharmacological profiles.