Ground-state phase diagrams of the generalized Falicov-Kimball model with Hund coupling

Charge and spin orderings are studied on the simplest 1D and the 2D square lattice within the generalized Falicov-Kimball model with Hund coupling between localized and itinerant electrons. Using the restricted phase diagrams method (RPDM) a number of simple rules of formation of various sorts of ground state phases have been detected. In particular, relationships between density of current carriers (electrons or holes) and type of charge and magnetic arrangement has been determined. In 2D in the mixed valence regime only axial stripes (vertical or horizontal) have been found for intermediate values of the coupling constants. They are composed of ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic chains interchanged with non-magnetic ones. For band fillings close to the half filling stripe phases oriented along one of the main diagonal direction are formed. The results suggest a possibility of tuning modulations of charge and magnetic superstructures with a change of doping.Comment: 10 pages, 6 figures; Fig. 2 slightly modified and the text adjusted accordingly, references adde

Testosterone activates mitogen-activated protein kinase and the cAMP response element binding protein transcription factor in Sertoli cells

The androgen testosterone is essential for the Sertoli cell to support the maturation of male germ cells and the production of spermatozoa (spermatogenesis). In the classical view of androgen action, binding of androgen to the intracellular androgen receptor (AR) produces a conformational change in AR such that the receptor–steroid complex has high affinity for specific DNA regulatory elements and is able to stimulate gene transcription. Here, we demonstrate that testosterone can act by means of an alternative, rapid, and sustainable mechanism in Sertoli cells that is independent of AR–DNA interactions. Specifically, the addition of physiological levels of testosterone to Sertoli cells stimulates the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway and causes phosphorylation of the cAMP response element binding protein transcription factor on serine 133, a modification known to be required for Sertoli cells to support spermatogenesis. Androgen-mediated activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and cAMP response element binding protein occurs within 1 min, extends for at least 12 h and requires AR. Furthermore, androgen induces endogenous cAMP response element binding protein-mediated transcription in Sertoli cells. These newly identified mechanisms of androgen action in Sertoli cells suggest new targets for developing male contraceptive agents