Correlation-Driven Charge Order in a Frustrated Two-Dimensional Atom Lattice.

We thoroughly examine the ground state of the triangular lattice of Pb on Si(111) using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. We detect electronic charge order, and disentangle this contribution from the atomic configuration which we find to be 1-down-2-up, contrary to previous predictions from density functional theory. Applying an extended variational cluster approach we map out the phase diagram as a function of local and nonlocal Coulomb interactions. Comparing the experimental data with the theoretical modeling leads us to conclude that electron correlations are the driving force of the charge-ordered state in Pb/Si(111). These results resolve the discussion about the origin of the well-known 3×3 reconstruction. By exploiting the tunability of correlation strength, hopping parameters, and band filling, this material class represents a promising platform to search for exotic states of matter, in particular, for chiral topological superconductivity.

Triangular Spin-Orbit-Coupled Lattice with Strong Coulomb Correlations: Sn Atoms on a SiC(0001) Substrate.

Two-dimensional (2D) atom lattices provide model setups with Coulomb correlations that induce competing ground states. Here, SiC emerges as a wide-gap substrate with reduced screening. We report the first artificial high-Z atom lattice on SiC(0001) by Sn adatoms, based on experimental realization and theoretical modeling. Density-functional theory of our triangular structure model closely reproduces the scanning tunneling microscopy. Photoemission data show a deeply gapped state (∼2 eV gap), and, based on our calculations including dynamic mean-field theory, we argue that this reflects a pronounced Mott-insulating scenario. We also find indications that the system is susceptible to antiferromagnetic superstructures. Such artificial lattices on SiC(0001) thus offer a novel platform for coexisting Coulomb correlations and spin-orbit coupling, with bearing for unusual magnetic phases and proposed topological quantum states of matter.

Dual role of interleukin-10 in the regulation of respiratory syncitial virus (RSV)-induced lung inflammation.

RSV lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) are among the most common diseases necessitating hospital admission in children. In addition to causing acute respiratory failure, RSV infections are associated with sequelae such as secondary bacterial infections and reactive airway disease. One characteristic host response observed in severe RSV-induced LRTI and/or subsequent development of asthma is increased expression of interleukin (IL)-10. However, contradictory results have been reported regarding whether IL-10 inhibits asthmatic responses or intensifies the disease. We aimed to reconcile these discordant observations by elucidating the role of IL-10 in regulating the host response to RSV LRTI. In this study, we used a lung-specific, inducible IL-10 over-expression (OE) transgenic mouse model to address this question. Our results showed that the presence of IL-10 at the time of RSV infection not only attenuated acute inflammatory process (i.e. 24 h post-infection), but also late inflammatory changes [characterized by T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokine and chemokine expression]. While this result appears contradictory to some clinical observations where elevated IL-10 levels are observed in asthmatic patients, we also found that delaying IL-10 OE until the late immune response to RSV infection, additive effects rather than inhibitory effects were observed. Importantly, in non-infected, IL-10 OE mice, IL-10 OE alone induced up-regulation of Th2 cytokine (IL-13 and IL-5) and Th2-related chemokine [monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3 (CCL3) and regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES)] expression. We identified a subset of CD11b(+)CD11c(+)CD49b(+)F4/80(-)Gr-1(-) myeloid cells as a prinicipal source of IL-10-induced IL-13 production. Therefore, the augmented pathological responses observed in our 'delayed' IL-10 over-expression model could be attributed to IL-10 OE alone. Taken together, our study indicated dual roles of IL-10 on RSV-induced lung inflammation which appear to depend upon the timing of when elevated IL-10 is expressed in the lung.

Elemental topological insulator with tunable Fermi level: strained α-Sn on InSb(001).

We report on the epitaxial fabrication and electronic properties of a topological phase in strained α-Sn on InSb. The topological surface state forms in the presence of an unusual band order not based on direct spin-orbit coupling, as shown in density functional and GW slab-layer calculations. Angle-resolved photoemission including spin detection probes experimentally how the topological spin-polarized state emerges from the second bulk valence band. Moreover, we demonstrate the precise control of the Fermi level by dopants.

Three-dimensional spin rotations at the Fermi surface of a strongly spin-orbit coupled surface system.

The spin texture of the metallic two-dimensional electron system (sqrt[3]×sqrt[3])-Au/Ge(111) is revealed by fully three-dimensional spin-resolved photoemission, as well as by density functional calculations. The large hexagonal Fermi surface, generated by the Au atoms, shows a significant splitting due to spin-orbit interactions. The planar components of the spin exhibit a helical character, accompanied by a strong out-of-plane spin component with alternating signs along the six Fermi surface sections. Moreover, in-plane spin rotations toward a radial direction are observed close to the hexagon corners. Such a threefold-symmetric spin pattern is not described by the conventional Rashba model. Instead, it reveals an interplay with Dresselhaus-like spin-orbit effects as a result of the crystalline anisotropies.