Inhomogeneity of charge-density-wave order and quenched disorder in a high-Tc superconductor.

It has recently been established that the high-transition-temperature (high-Tc) superconducting state coexists with short-range charge-density-wave order and quenched disorder arising from dopants and strain. This complex, multiscale phase separation invites the development of theories of high-temperature superconductivity that include complexity. The nature of the spatial interplay between charge and dopant order that provides a basis for nanoscale phase separation remains a key open question, because experiments have yet to probe the unknown spatial distribution at both the nanoscale and mesoscale (between atomic and macroscopic scale). Here we report micro X-ray diffraction imaging of the spatial distribution of both short-range charge-density-wave 'puddles' (domains with only a few wavelengths) and quenched disorder in HgBa2CuO4 + y, the single-layer cuprate with the highest Tc, 95 kelvin (refs 26-28). We found that the charge-density-wave puddles, like the steam bubbles in boiling water, have a fat-tailed size distribution that is typical of self-organization near a critical point. However, the quenched disorder, which arises from oxygen interstitials, has a distribution that is contrary to the usually assumed random, uncorrelated distribution. The interstitial-oxygen-rich domains are spatially anticorrelated with the charge-density-wave domains, because higher doping does not favour the stripy charge-density-wave puddles, leading to a complex emergent geometry of the spatial landscape for superconductivity.

The blood antioxidant defence capacity during intermittent hypoxic training in elite swimmers.

The main objective of this study was to examine the chronic effect of simulated intermittent normobaric hypoxia on blood antioxidant defence capacity in swimmers. The study included 14 male and 14 female competitive swimmers performing part of land training under simulated intermittent normobaric hypoxia (O2 = 15.5%) or in normoxia. Land interval training took place twice per week, with a total of 8 training units during the study, performed with individualized intensity. The activities of blood antioxidant enzymes did not change significantly during the first and last training unit in the hypoxic and normoxic group. However, when comparing individual variables a significant effect of exercise was observed on GPx an CAT activities, whereas training units significantly differentiated GPx and GR activities. The oxygen conditions and gender had a significant influence on CAT activity. The total antioxidant capacity was not significantly affected. Only in male swimmers from the hypoxic group did the training significantly increase resting levels of MDA. In conclusion, training in normobaric hypoxia was not an adequate stimulus for the excessive response of the antioxidant defence system, despite increased oxidative stress in these conditions.

Persistence of metastable vortex lattice domains in MgB2 in the presence of vortex motion.

Recently, extensive vortex lattice metastability was reported in MgB2 in connection with a second-order rotational phase transition. However, the mechanism responsible for these well-ordered metastable vortex lattice phases is not well understood. Using small-angle neutron scattering, we studied the vortex lattice in MgB2 as it was driven from a metastable to the ground state through a series of small changes in the applied magnetic field. Our results show that metastable vortex lattice domains persist in the presence of substantial vortex motion and directly demonstrate that the metastability is not due to vortex pinning. Instead, we propose that it is due to the jamming of counterrotated vortex lattice domains which prevents a rotation to the ground state orientation.

Observation of well-ordered metastable vortex lattice phases in superconducting MgB2 using small-angle neutron scattering.

The vortex lattice (VL) symmetry and orientation in clean type-II superconductors depends sensitively on the host material anisotropy, vortex density and temperature, frequently leading to rich phase diagrams. Typically, a well-ordered VL is taken to imply a ground-state configuration for the vortex-vortex interaction. Using neutron scattering we studied the VL in MgB(2) for a number of field-temperature histories, discovering an unprecedented degree of metastability in connection with a known, second-order rotation transition. This allows, for the first time, structural studies of a well-ordered, nonequilibrium VL. While the mechanism responsible for the longevity of the metastable states is not resolved, we speculate it is due to a jamming of VL domains, preventing a rotation to the ground-state orientation.

Bulk electronic structure of superconducting LaRu2P2 single crystals measured by soft-X-ray angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy.

We present a soft x-ray angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (SX-ARPES) study of the stoichiometric pnictide superconductor LaRu(2)P(2). The observed electronic structure is in good agreement with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. However, it is significantly different from its counterpart in high-temperature superconducting Fe pnictides. In particular, the bandwidth renormalization present in the Fe pnictides (~2-3) is negligible in LaRu(2)P(2) even though the mass enhancement is similar in both systems. Our results suggest that the superconductivity in LaRu(2) P(2) has a different origin with respect to the iron pnictides. Finally, we demonstrate that the increased probing depth of SX-ARPES, compared to the widely used ultraviolet ARPES, is essential in determining the bulk electronic structure in the experiment.

Local quasiparticle density of states of superconducting SmFeAsO(1-x)F(x) single crystals: evidence for spin-mediated pairing.

We probe the local quasiparticles density of states in micron-sized SmFeAsO(1-x)F(x) single crystals by means of scanning tunnelling spectroscopy. Spectral features resemble those of cuprates, particularly a dip-hump-like structure developed at energies larger than the gap that can be ascribed to the coupling of quasiparticles to a collective mode, quite likely a resonant spin mode. The energy of the collective mode revealed in our study decreases when the pairing strength increases. Our findings support spin-fluctuation-mediated pairing in pnictides.

Anomalies in the Fermi surface and band dispersion of quasi-one-dimensional CuO chains in the high-temperature superconductor YBa2Cu4O8.

We have investigated the electronic states in quasi-one-dimensional CuO chains by microprobe angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy. We find that the quasiparticle Fermi surface consists of six disconnected segments, consistent with recent theoretical calculations that predict the formation of narrow, elongated Fermi surface pockets for coupled CuO chains. In addition, we find a strong renormalization effect with a significant kink structure in the band dispersion. The properties of this latter effect [energy scale (∼40 meV), temperature dependence, and behavior with Zn-doping] are identical to those of the bosonic mode observed in CuO2 planes of high-temperature superconductors, indicating they have a common origin.

LaBaNiO(4): a Fermi glass.

Polycrystalline samples of LaSr(1-x)Ba(x)NiO(4) show a crossover from a state with metallic transport properties for x = 0 to an insulating state as [Formula: see text]. The end member LaBaNiO(4) with a nominal nickel Ni 3d(7) configuration might therefore be regarded as a candidate for an antiferromagnetic insulator. However, we do not observe any magnetic ordering in LaBaNiO(4) down to 1.5 K, and despite its insulating transport properties several other physical properties of LaBaNiO(4) resemble those of metallic LaSrNiO(4). Based on an analysis of electrical and thermal-conductivity data as well as magnetic-susceptibility and low-temperature specific-heat measurements, we suggest that LaBaNiO(4) is a Fermi glass with a finite electron density of states at the Fermi level but these states are localized.

Fresh bone marrow and periosteum transplantation for cartilage defects of the knee.

The aim of work was to analyze clinical effectiveness of fresh bone marrow and periosteum transplantation in the treatment of traumatic or degenerative cartilage defects. The 14 patients in this study had a mean age of 37 years. Bone marrow aspirated from the iliac crest was implanted under the periosteum sutured over the defect. Three, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, the patients were evaluated with the analogue pain scale, modified Cincinnati score, and IKDC questionnaires. All patients were evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3 and 12 months postoperatively. After 3 and 6 months significant improvement was observed in eight patients. After 12 months, 12 patients were classified as normal or nearly normal in the IKDC examination form, and two as abnormal. Mean IKDC Subjective Knee Score was 86.57. MRI findings revealed surfaces with correct contours and continuity, without changes in subchondral bone in all but one patient. There was a correlation between a large size of defect or an osteoarthritic nature of the changes and poor results.

Upper critical field, pressure-dependent superconductivity and electronic anisotropy of Sm4Fe2As2Te(1-x)O(4-y)F(y).

We present a detailed study of the electrical transport properties of a recently discovered iron-based superconductor: Sm4Fe2As2Te0.72O2.8F1.2. We followed the temperature dependence of the upper critical field by resistivity measurement of single crystals in magnetic fields up to 16 T, oriented along the two main crystallographic directions. This material exhibits a zero-temperature upper critical field of 90 T and 65 T parallel and perpendicular to the Fe2As2 planes, respectively. An unprecedented superconducting magnetic anisotropy γH=H(c2)(ab)/H(c2)(c) ~ 14 is observed near Tc, and it decreases at lower temperatures as expected in multiband superconductors. Direct measurement of the electronic anisotropy was performed on microfabricated samples, showing a value of ρ(c)/ρ(ab)(300K) ~ 5 that rises up to 19 near Tc . Finally, we have studied the pressure and temperature dependence of the in-plane resistivity. The critical temperature decreases linearly upon application of hydrostatic pressure (up to 2 GPa) similarly to overdoped cuprate superconductors. The resistivity shows saturation at high temperatures, suggesting that the material approaches the Mott-Ioffe-Regel limit for metallic conduction. Indeed, we have successfully modelled the resistivity in the normal state with a parallel resistor model that is widely accepted for this state. All the measured quantities suggest strong pressure dependence of the density of states.

Fermi-Surface Topological Phase Transition and Horizontal Order-Parameter Nodes in CaFe2As2 Under Pressure.

Iron-based compounds (IBS) display a surprising variety of superconducting properties that seems to arise from the strong sensitivity of these systems to tiny details of the lattice structure. In this respect, systems that become superconducting under pressure, like CaFe2As2, are of particular interest. Here we report on the first directional point-contact Andreev-reflection spectroscopy (PCARS) measurements on CaFe2As2 crystals under quasi-hydrostatic pressure, and on the interpretation of the results using a 3D model for Andreev reflection combined with ab-initio calculations of the Fermi surface (within the density functional theory) and of the order parameter symmetry (within a random-phase-approximation approach in a ten-orbital model). The almost perfect agreement between PCARS results at different pressures and theoretical predictions highlights the intimate connection between the changes in the lattice structure, a topological transition in the holelike Fermi surface sheet, and the emergence on the same sheet of an order parameter with a horizontal node line.

1,4-Cyclohexanecarboxylates: potent and selective inhibitors of phosophodiesterase 4 for the treatment of asthma.

Evaluation of a variety of PDE4 inhibitors in a series of cellular and in vivo assays suggested a strategy to improve the therapeutic index of PDE4 inhibitors by increasing their selectivity for the ability to inhibit PDE4 catalytic activity versus the ability to compete for high affinity [3H]rolipram-binding sites in the central nervous system. Use of this strategy led ultimately to the identification of cis-4-cyano-4-[3-(cyclopentyloxy)-4-methoxyphenyl]cyclohexane-1-carboxyl ic acid (1, SB 207499, Ariflo), a potent second-generation inhibitor of PDE4 with a decreased potential for side effects versus the archetypic first generation inhibitor, (R)-rolipram.

Outcome of kidney transplantation from high-risk donors is determined by both structure and function.

METHOD: Despite the need to expand the donor pool, it is unclear what parameters should be used. The value of donor renal pathology and calculated creatinine clearance (CrCl) in determining recipient outcome was assessed in 57 kidney transplants from 34 donors in whom pretransplant renal biopsies were performed because of age > or =60, hypertension, and/or vascular disease. We retrospectively compared clinical outcomes in these recipients and 57 control recipients selected to have the same baseline demographics but receiving transplants from low risk donors who were significantly younger (32+/-13.9 vs. 61+/-7.3 years) and lighter weight (71+/-18.1 vs. 84+/-20.2 kg) than the high-risk donors (P<.001 for both). RESULTS: Recipients of high-risk kidneys had a higher incidence of delayed graft function, defined by a <10% fall in serum creatinine (Cr) in the first 24 hr, (56% vs. 30%, P<.01), a higher incidence of rejection (60% vs. 37%, P = .02) and a higher Cr level (197+/-64 vs. 144+/-54 micromol/L at 18 months, P<.005). Graft and patient survival were similar; 12% and 5% vs. 91% and 9% in high-risk vs. control groups, respectively (P = NS). Donor renal pathology was scored 0-3 (none to severe disease) in four areas: glomerulosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, and vascular disease. A donor vessel score of 3/3 was associated with a 100% incidence of delayed graft function and a mean 1-year Cr level of 275+106 micromol/L (compared with 43% and 192+54 micromol/L in those with lower vessel scores, P<.05). Calculated donor CrCl <100 ml/min was associated with higher recipient Cr levels at 1 year, 240+/-95 micromol/L vs. 180+/-54 micromol/L in recipients of kidneys from donors with CrCl levels >100 ml/min (P<.05). The mean 1-year Cr level was 320+/-102 micromol/L in recipients with both a vascular score of 3/3 and a donor CrCl <100 ml/min and 184+/-63 micromol/L in those with neither factor (P = .001). CONCLUSION: Calculated donor CrCl and donor vascular pathology predict recipient graft function and may be helpful in selecting high-risk donors for single kidney transplantation.

[The significance of radioisotopic methods in internal diseases diagnosis]. / Znaczenie radioizotopowych metod obrazowania w diagnostyce chorób wewnetrznych.

The present article is an attempt to show the best diagnostic radioisotopic methods which are practically applied in the internal diseases diagnostics. It was shown both the most important indications for performing these examinations and expected advantages. In particular, it was paid attention to achieved progress in the diagnostics of some diseases owing to radioisotopic methods application. In addition, a general availability and non-invasity of these methods advocates in support of using them.

[Lipids peroxidation in platelets in patients with bladder cancer treated with Mycobacterium suspension]. / Metabolizm tlenowy w krwinkach plytkowych u chorych na raka pecherza moczowego leczonych zawiesina pratka.

Platelet is blood's morphotic element in which intense energy metabolism takes place, which makes it possible to participate in the complex processes of the organism's homeostasis. The aim of the study was to analyse aerobic metabolism in the platelets, taking into consideration lipids peroxidation in patients with bladder cancer treated with the bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) Mycobacterium suspension. The determination of superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) and malonyl dialdehyde (MDA) concentration activity constituted this evaluation's parameters. A group of 12 patients (4 women and 8 men) aged 54-67 years (average age 61) in which superficial bladder cancer was diagnosed were included in the study. Electroresection was carried out and subsequently, after 14 days, BCG Mycobacterium suspension was administered in intravesical instillations, in a 6-week cycle according to Morales. The material for the study was venous blood taken from the patients in three periods (before treatment, after the last clyster and 30 days after treatment) into the tubes with the addition of 1% EDTA in the ratio of 9 blood volumes to anticoagulant's one volume. Superoxide dismutase activity (Cu Zn--SOD) was determined according to Misra and Fridovich. The values were expressed in lamellar protein U/g protein. MDA concentration in platelet's TBARS was determined according to Pansa et al. MDA concentration included in TBARS was expressed in nmol/109 platelets. The controls were healthy volunteers in the same age range. In unaided studies a significant rise in superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) activity was obtained with the 1574.606 average before treatment > 2137.03 after treatment and 2646.4 after a month observation. Whereas MDA concentration increased in non-treated patients to 1.97, after treatment it dropped down significantly to 1.55 and sustained the downward trend after 30-day observation 1.4 nmol/109 platelets. The use of BCG intravesical clysters causes lipids peroxidation inhibition (decrease in MDA concentration) and the increase of SOD-1 activity results in smaller aggregation of platelets, preventing the formation of neoplastic metastases.

[Mean values of blood pressure and endothelin plasma concentration in patients with chronic renal failure]. / Srednie wartosci cisnienia tetniczego krwi a stezenie proendoteliny w osoczu chorych na przewlekla niewydolnosc nerek.

The aim of the present study was evaluation of correlation between big-endothelin concentration of the precursor substance of endothelin and mean values of blood pressure in 13 patients with compensates chronic renal failure. Their age ranged from 29 years to 55 years the mean age was 42.9 +/- 8.2 years. The patients were from the Consultational Nephrologic Outpatient Clinic. These patients were sent to the clinic after a hospital observation with recognised chronic renal failure (CRF), caused by chronic glomerulonephritis (without pathomorphological differentiation). The control group consistent of 10 healthy volunteers, an age ranged from 22 years to 49 years, a mean was 32.6 +/- 10.8 years. The following mean blood pressure values were found: in patient group a systolic pressure was 139.1 +/- 17.3 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure was 88.4 +/- 12.5 mm Hg and similar values in healthy control group were respectively: 118.6 +/- 4.0 and 72.4 +/- 5.9 mm Hg. Analogously the proendothelin concentration was 18.48 +/- 22.04 fmol/ml in patients with CRF and it was 4.67 +/- 0.27 fmol/ml in the control group. A positive correlation between mean blood systolic pressure values and the proendothelin concentration (r = 0.666, Y = 0.52X + 129.5; p < 0.05) in the was found patients group.

[Impact of chronic psychophysical stress on some neutrophil functions]. / Wplyw dlugotrwalego stresu psychofizycznego na niektóre funkcje neutrofilów.

It is known, that psychophysical stress causes some changes in distribution and activity of many components of the immune system. The research was aimed at examination the influence of different military service conditions on some neutrophil functions. In this study granulocyte chemiluminescence both without stimulation and after stimulation with fMLP, PMA and zymosan was evaluated. In addition, the expression of surface adhesion molecules--CD11b on circulating granulocytes was examined. The studied group consisted of 20 soldiers from an assault unit (group A) and 20 soldiers from a support unit (group B), the age ranged from 18 to 23 years. The examinations were conducted at the beginning of the basic training and after the 8 weeks period. In group A the following results were obtained: a significant increase (p < 0.001) in granulocyte chemiluminescence without stimulation and after stimulation with fMLP, PMA and zymosan, as well as, a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in CD11b expression on granulocytes. And in group B: a significant increase (p < 0.05) in granulocyte chemiluminescence without stimulation but a significant decrease (p < 0.05) after cells stimulation with fMLP and PMA were observed. In this group CD11b expression on granulocytes was significantly (p < 0.001) decreased. The results of the present examination indicate, that military service conditions influence some parameters of the innate immunity.

[The structure of distracting-compressing stabilizers Dynastab DK intended for functional treatment of articular fractures]. / Budowa dystrakcyjno-kompresyjnych stabilizatorów Dynastab DK przeznaczonych do czynnosciowego leczenia zlaman stawowych.

The structure of the distracting-compressing stabilizers Dynastab DK intended for functional treatment of transarticular fractures is described. The stabilizers realize the idea of functional treatment of fractures outside the hospital bed making possible free moving around of the patient during the treatment. This has been made possible owing to building-in of a mechanical articulation imitating the physiological movement in the injured joint. The articulation in the stabilizer reduces also the load on the joint. In the stabilizers for the treatment of such fractures of the elbow joint and ankle joint the articulations are monoaxial (hinge-like). In the stabilizer for the treatment of the radiocarpal joint this is a hinge articulation making possible flexion in sagittal plane. In the stabilizer for knee fractures the movements in the injured joint are taken over by a mechanical articulation of special structure. The distracting-compressing action of the Dynastab DK stabilizers for the treatment of transarticular fractures is realized by the tension screw mechanism e.g. in the stabilizer for the treatment of knee joint fractures. In the case of stabilizers for ankle joint, radiocarpal joint and elbow joint this tension is provided by calibrated compressing springs.

Designing a successful investment program.

Healthcare organizations have various asset pool funds that can be invested to increase nonoperating revenues. In order to maximize the long-term success of investment efforts, healthcare organizations need to develop comprehensive investment management programs. Such programs identify the assets that can be invested, establish the level of risk each asset type can be exposed to, and match long-term and short-term investment opportunities to the appropriate asset pool. Programs can be managed internally or outsourced to investment management firms with objectives and procedures that are compatible with those of the healthcare organizations' investment policies and guidelines. These policies and guidelines must address asset allocation. Oversight committees must be established to monitor investment performance and reallocate assets, as needed, to take advantage of market movements.