Superconductivity and local-moment magnetism in Eu(Fe0.89_{0.89}Co0.11_{0.11})2_{2}As2_{2}

We report the measurements of resistivity and magnetization under magnetic fields parallel and perpendicular to the basal plane, respectively, on a cobalt-doped Eu(Fe$_{0.89}$Co$_{0.11}$)$_{2}$As$_{2}$ single crystal. We observed a resistivity drop at $T_c\sim$ 21 K, which shifts toward lower temperatures under external fields, suggesting a superconducting transition. The upper critical fields near $T_c$ show large anisotropy, in contrast with those of other '122' FeAs-based superconductors. Low-field magnetic susceptibility data also show evidence of superconductivity below 21 K. Instead of expected zero-resistance below $T_c$, however, a resistivity reentrance appears at 17 K under zero field, coincident with the magnetic ordering of Eu$^{2+}$ moments. Based on the temperature and field dependences of anisotropic magnetization, a helical magnetic structure for the Eu$^{2+}$ spins is proposed. External magnetic fields easily changes the helimagnetism into a ferromagnetism with fully polarized Eu$^{2+}$ spins, accompanying by disappearance of the resistivity reentrance. Therefore, superconductivity coexists with ferromagnetic state of Eu$^{2+}$ spins under relatively low magnetic field. The magnetic and superconducting phase diagrams are finally summarized for both $H\parallel ab$ and $H\parallel c$.Comment: 8 pages, 10 figure

Superconductivity up to 30 K in the vicinity of quantum critical point in BaFe2_{2}(As1−x_{1-x}Px_{x})2_{2}

We report bulk superconductivity induced by an isovalent doping of phosphorus in BaFe$_{2}$(As$_{1-x}$P$_{x}$)$_{2}$. The P-for-As substitution results in shrinkage of lattice, especially for the FeAs block layers. The resistivity anomaly associated with the spin-density-wave (SDW) transition in the undoped compound is gradually suppressed by the P doping. Superconductivity with the maximum $T_c$ of 30 K emerges at $x$=0.32, coinciding with a magnetic quantum critical point (QCP) which is evidenced by the disappearance of SDW order and the linear temperature-dependent resistivity in the normal state. The $T_c$ values were found to decrease with further P doping, and no superconductivity was observed down to 2 K for $x\geq$ 0.77. The appearance of superconductivity in the vicinity of QCP hints to the superconductivity mechanism in iron-based arsenides.Comment: 9 pages, 4 figures; more data; to appear in Journal of Physics: Condensed Matte

Pigment epithelium derived factor inhibits the growth of human endometrial implants in nude mice and of ovarian endometriotic stromal cells in vitro.

Angiogenesis is a prerequisite for the formation and development of endometriosis. Pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) is a natural inhibitor of angiogenesis. We previously demonstrated a reduction of PEDF in the peritoneal fluid, serum and endometriotic lesions from women with endometriosis compared with women without endometriosis. Here, we aim to investigate the inhibitory effect of PEDF on human endometriotic cells in vivo and in vitro. We found that PEDF markedly inhibited the growth of human endometrial implants in nude mice and of ovarian endometriotic stromal cells in vitro by up-regulating PEDF expression and down-regulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Moreover, apoptotic index was significantly increased in endometriotic lesions in vivo and endometriotic stromal cells in vitro when treated with PEDF. In mice treated with PEDF, decreased microvessel density labeled by Von Willebrand factor but not by α-Smooth Muscle Actin was observed in endometriotic lesions. And it showed no increase in PEDF expression of the ovary and uterus tissues. These findings suggest that PEDF gene therapy may be a new treatment for endometriosis

Postmodulation of the Metal–Organic Framework Precursor toward the Vacancy-Rich Cu x O Transducer for Sensitivity Boost: Synthesis, Catalysis, and H 2 O 2 Sensing

International audienc

Correlated Biogeographic Variation of Magnesium across Trophic Levels in a Terrestrial Food Chain

<div><p>Using samples from eastern China (c. 25 – 41° N and 99 – 123° E) and from a common garden experiment, we investigate how Mg concentration varies with climate across multiple trophic levels. In soils, plant tissue (Oriental oak leaves and acorns), and a specialist acorn predator (the weevil <i>Curculio davidi</i>), Mg concentration increased significantly with different slopes from south to north, and generally decreased with both mean annual temperature (MAT) and precipitation (MAP). In addition, soil, leaf, acorn and weevil Mg showed different strengths of association and sensitivity with climatic factors, suggesting that distinct mechanisms may drive patterns of Mg variation at different trophic levels. Our findings provide a first step toward determining whether anticipated changes in temperature and precipitation due to climate change will have important consequences for the bioavailability and distribution of Mg in food chain.</p></div

Effects of Probiotic-Fermented Feed on the Growth Profile, Immune Functions, and Intestinal Microbiota of Bamei Piglets

Purebred Bamei piglets present problems, including slow growth, respiratory disease, and post-weaning stress. This study investigated the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum QP28-1- and Bacillus subtilis QB8-fermented feed supplementation on the growth performance, immunity, and intestinal microflora of Bamei piglets from Qinghai, China. A total of 48 purebred Bamei piglets (25 days; 6.8 ± 0.97 kg) were divided into the following four groups for a 28-day diet experiment: basal feed (CK); diet containing 10% Lactobacillus plantarum-fermented feed (L); diet containing 10% Bacillus subtilis-fermented feed (B); and diet containing a mixture of 5% Lactobacillus plantarum + 5% Bacillus subtilis-fermented feed (H). The daily weight gain and daily food intake of group H increased (p p p p p Lactobacillus, Muribaculaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Prevotellaceae, and Rikenellaceae. Additionally, correlation analysis demonstrated that several of these probiotic bacteria were closely related to serum immunity. In conclusion, fermented feed supplementation rebuilt the intestinal microbiota of Bamei piglets, thereby reducing the feed/weight ratio, improving feed intake, and enhancing immunity