A Novel 19 $\sqrt {19} $ × 19 $\sqrt {19} $ Superstructure in Epitaxially Grown 1T-TaTe2.

The spontaneous formation of electronic orders is a crucial element for understanding complex quantum states and engineering heterostructures in 2D materials. A novel 19 $\sqrt {19} $ × 19 $\sqrt {19} $ charge order in few-layer-thick 1T-TaTe2 transition metal dichalcogenide films grown by molecular beam epitaxy, which has not been realized, is report. The photoemission and scanning probe measurements demonstrate that monolayer 1T-TaTe2 exhibits a variety of metastable charge density wave orders, including the 19 $\sqrt {19} $ × 19 $\sqrt {19} $ superstructure, which can be selectively stabilized by controlling the post-growth annealing temperature. Moreover, it is found that only the 19 $\sqrt {19} $ × 19 $\sqrt {19} $ order persists in 1T-TaTe2 films thicker than a monolayer, up to 8 layers. The findings identify the previously unrealized novel electronic order in a much-studied transition metal dichalcogenide and provide a viable route to control it within the epitaxial growth process.

[The effects of testosterone on the expression of inflammatory factors in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and its mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of androgen upon the production of inflammatory Cultured factors in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and to investigate the mechanism at the molecular level. METHODS: pre-adipocytes from 3T3-L1 cell line were induced to differentiate into adipocytes. Mature adipocytes were treated with testosterone at a concentration of 10(-9) to 10(-15) mol/L for either short (0 to 30 min) or long (12, 24 and 48 h) treatment course. Secretion of inflammatory factors, i.e., interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), in the culture medium were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expression of IL-6 and MCP-1 were determined by reverse transcriptase PCR. Phosphorylation of NF-KB was analyzed by Western blot with beta-actin as the reference gene. In another experiment, adipocytes were manipulated according to the same protocol except being pretreated with PDTC (inhibitor of NF-KB) for 2 h prior to the addition of testosterone. The results of two experiments were compared. RESULTS: (1) The secretion of IL-6 and MCP-1 in the culture medium were higher in the testosterone-treated groups than in the control groups (P < 0.05). The highest concentration of IL-6 and MCP-1 were observed in the group treated with 10(-5) M testosterone for 24 h. The mRNA expression of IL-6 and MCP-1 were higher in the groups treated with testosterone for 12 h, especially with testosterone of 10(-5) mol/L; (2) With a short treatment course of testosterone, more NF-kappaB were phosphorylated than in control, especially with testosterone of 10(-5) mol/L. More NF-kappaB was phosphorylated following the 12 h testosterone treatment (10(-9), 10(-7) and 10(-5) mol/L), especially with a testosterone concentration of 10(-9) and 10(-5) mol/L. (3) When pretreated by NF-kappaB inhibitor and followed by 10(-5) mol/L testosterone for 24 h, the secretion of IL-6 and MCP-1 in the culture medium decreased significantly (P < 0.01). Likewise, when pretreated by NF-kappaB inhibitor and followed by 10(-5) M testosterone for 12 h, the mRNA expression of IL-6 and MCP-1 decreased significantly. CONCLUSION: Within the certain scope, testosterone could increase the expression of inflammatory factors in adipocytes through the activation of NF-kappaB.

Reverse of progestin-resistant atypical endometrial hyperplasia by metformin and oral contraceptives.

BACKGROUND: Atypical endometrial hyperplasia usually is treated with high-dose progestin or hysterectomy, but the latter deprives the patient of future child bearing. CASES: Two women with atypical endometrial hyperplasia complicating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) had failed to respond to high-dose progestin therapy. They were both obese, insulin-resistant, and nulliparous with a desire to preserve fecundity. Metformin and oral contraceptives were administered as alternatives. Endometrial curettage performed 3 months later demonstrated a proliferative endometrium without evidence of residual pathology. CONCLUSION: Insulin resistance might play a role in the occurrence of atypical endometrial hyperplasia complicating PCOS. Metformin and oral contraceptives could be an alternative treatment in the presence of progestin resistance.