Surface reconstruction and charge modulation in BaFe2As2 superconducting film

Whether or not epitaxially grown superconducting films have the same bulk-like superconducting properties is an important concern. We report the structure and the electronic properties of epitaxially grown Ba(Fe_1-x Co _x )₂As₂ films using scanning tunneling microscopy and scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS). This film showed a different surface structure, [Formula: see text]R45° reconstruction, from those of as-cleaved surfaces from bulk crystals. The electronic structure of the grown film is different from that in bulk, and it is notable that the film exhibits the same superconducting transport properties. We found that the superconducting gap at the surface is screened at the Ba layer surface in STS measurements, and the charge density wave was observed at the surface in sample in the superconducting state.

Nanopatterning by ion beam sputtering in unconventional formats

Nanopatterning at solid surfaces by ion beam sputtering (IBS) has been practiced mostly for stationary substrates with an ion beam incident under a fixed sputter geometry. We have released such constraints in the sputter condition. We simultaneously apply two ion beams or sequentially vary the orientation of substrate with respect to an ion beam. We also periodically change either the azimuthal or polar angle of the substrate with respect to an ion beam during IBS. These unconventional ways of IBS can improve the order of the pattern, and produce novel and non trivial nano patterns that well serve as touch stones to refine the theoretical models and thus deepen our understanding of the patterning mechanisms by IBS.

Direct observation of a two-dimensional hole gas at oxide interfaces

The discovery of a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at the LaAlO₃/SrTiO₃ interface ¹ has resulted in the observation of many properties^2-5 not present in conventional semiconductor heterostructures, and so become a focal point for device applications^6-8. Its counterpart, the two-dimensional hole gas (2DHG), is expected to complement the 2DEG. However, although the 2DEG has been widely observed ⁹ , the 2DHG has proved elusive. Herein we demonstrate a highly mobile 2DHG in epitaxially grown SrTiO₃/LaAlO₃/SrTiO₃ heterostructures. Using electrical transport measurements and in-line electron holography, we provide direct evidence of a 2DHG that coexists with a 2DEG at complementary heterointerfaces in the same structure. First-principles calculations, coherent Bragg rod analysis and depth-resolved cathodoluminescence spectroscopy consistently support our finding that to eliminate ionic point defects is key to realizing a 2DHG. The coexistence of a 2DEG and a 2DHG in a single oxide heterostructure provides a platform for the exciting physics of confined electron-hole systems and for developing applications.

Impact of high-mobility group box 1 on melanocytic survival and its involvement in the pathogenesis of vitiligo

BACKGROUND

Vitiligo is attributable to loss of functional melanocytes and is the most common acquired depigmenting disorder. Oxidative stress and intense ultraviolet irradiation are known to aggravate this condition. The nonhistone high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) DNA-binding protein is a physiological activator of immune responses, cellular proliferation and cell death. Although it is implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and cutaneous disorders, the precise role of HMGB1 in melanocytes has yet to be studied.

OBJECTIVES

To elucidate the effect of HMGB1 on melanocytic survival and its involvement in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.

METHODS

Melanocytes were treated with recombinant HMGB1 (rHMGB1). Thereafter, apoptosis-, autophagy- and melanogenesis-related molecules were detected. Ex vivo skin organ culture was performed after rHMGB1 treatment. Also, levels of HMGB1 were examined in blood and skin specimens from patients with vitiligo.

RESULTS

In this study, rHMGB1 increased expression of cleaved caspase 3 and decreased melanin production and expression of melanogenesis-related molecules. rHMGB1-induced caspase 3 activation was confirmed through preincubation with a pan-caspase inhibitor. In ex vivo experiments for the confirmation of HMGB1-induced melanocyte apoptosis, melanocyte disappearance and increased caspase 3 activation were observed in rHMGB1-treated skin tissues. In Western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, patients with active vitiligo showed significantly higher blood levels of HMGB1 (vs. healthy controls). Also, greater expression of HMGB1 was observed in vitiliginous skin (vs. uninvolved skin).

CONCLUSIONS

External stimuli (e.g. oxidative stress and ultraviolet irradiation) may trigger HMGB1 release by keratinocytes, thereby perpetuating vitiligo through HMGB1-induced melanocytic apoptosis.

USP8 suppresses death receptor-mediated apoptosis by enhancing FLIPL stability

FLICE-like inhibitory protein (FLIP) is a critical regulator of death receptor-mediated apoptosis. Here, we found ubiquitin-specific peptidase 8 (USP8) to be a novel deubiquitylase of the long isoform of FLIP (FLIP_L). USP8 directly deubiquitylates and stabilizes FLIP_L, but not the short isoform. USP8 depletion induces FLIP_L destabilization, promoting anti-Fas-, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)- and tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced extrinsic apoptosis by facilitating death-inducing signaling complex or TNFR1 complex II formation, which results in the activation of caspase-8 and caspase-3. USP8 mRNA levels are elevated in melanoma and cervical cancers, and the protein levels of USP8 and FLIP_L are positively correlated in these cancer cell lines. Xenograft analyses using ME-180 cervical cancer cells showed that USP8 depletion attenuated tumor growth upon TRAIL injection. Taken together, our data indicate that USP8 functions as a novel deubiquitylase of FLIP_L and inhibits extrinsic apoptosis by stabilizing FLIP_L.

Clinical significance of serum YKL-40 in Behçet disease

BACKGROUND

Serum YKL-40 is an inflammatory biomarker of endothelial dysfunction and may play a role in the inflammatory process of Behçet disease (BD).

OBJECTIVES

Serum YKL-40 levels were evaluated in patients with BD in order to identify associations with other inflammatory cytokines and establish laboratory parameters. Serum YKL-40 levels were also compared with BD clinical features and disease activity.

METHODS

In total, 112 patients with BD and 45 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were included. Disease activity was assessed with BD Current Activity Form score and Electronic Medical Record-based Activity Index (EMRAI) score.

RESULTS

Serum YKL-40 levels were significantly higher in patients with BD (median 41·88, range 12·52-171·30 ng mL(-1) ) than in healthy volunteers (median 20·92, range 5·01-64·20 ng mL(-1) ; P < 0·01). The cut-off value for YKL-40 (30·005 ng mL(-1) ) was determined from the receiver operating characteristic curve. EMRAI scores and the proportion of patients in the active phase of BD presenting with two or more major criteria were significantly higher in patients with elevated YKL-40 levels (P = 0·04 and P = 0·04, respectively). A statistically significant elevation in YKL-40 levels was observed in patients with active BD compared with patients with inactive BD (P = 0·05). Serum YKL-40 values were positively correlated with interleukin-6 and EMRAI scores (both P = 0·04), indicating that serum YKL-40 levels are increased in patients with BD and positively correlate with disease activity.

CONCLUSIONS

YKL-40 may play a role in the pathophysiology of BD and provide a useful marker for monitoring patients with BD.