Spectral functions, Fermi surface and pseudogap in the t-J model

Spectral functions within the generalized t-J model as relevant to cuprates are analyzed using the method of equations of motion for projected fermion operators. In the evaluation of the self energy the decoupling of spin and single-particle fluctuations is performed. It is shown that in an undoped antiferromagnet (AFM) the method reproduces the selfconsistent Born approximation. For finite doping with short range AFM order the approximation evolves into a paramagnon contribution which retains large incoherent contribution in the hole part of the spectral function as well as the hole-pocket-like Fermi surface at low doping. On the other hand, the contribution of (longitudinal) spin fluctuations, with the coupling mostly determined predominantly by J and next-neighbor hopping t', is essential for the emergence of the pseudogap. The latter shows at low doping in the effective truncation of the large Fermi surface, reduced electron density of states and at the same time quasiparticle density of states at the Fermi level.Comment: RevTex, 13 pages, 11 figures (5 color

Vortex Structure in Superconducting Stripe States

The vortex structure in superconducting stripe states is studied according to the Bogoliubov-de Gennes theory on the two-dimensional Hubbard model with nearest-neighbor sites pairing interaction. The vortex is trapped at the outside region of the stripe line, where the superconductivity is weak. The superconducting coherence length along the stripe direction becomes long. There are no eminent low-energy electronic states even near the vortex core. These characters resemble the Josephson vortex in layered superconductors under a parallel field.Comment: LaTeX 5 pages (using jpsj macros) with 3 figure

Quasiparticle structure in antiferromagnetism around the vortex and nuclear magnetic relaxation time

On the basis of the Bogoliubov-de Gennes theory for the two-dimensional extended Hubbard model, the vortex structure in d-wave superconductors is investigated including the contribution of the induced incommensurate antiferromagnetism around the vortex core. As the on-site repulsive interaction $U$ increases, the spatial structure of charge and spin changes from the antiferromagnetic state with checkerboard modulation to that with the stripe modulation. By the effect of the induced antiferromagnetic moment, the zero-energy density of states is suppressed, and the vortex core radius increases. We also study the effect of the local density of states (LDOS) change on the site-dependent nuclear relaxation rate $T_1^{-1}({\bf r})$. These results are compared with a variety of experiments performed on high $T_c$ cuprates.Comment: 10pages, 8 figure

The Hubbard model within the equations of motion approach

The Hubbard model has a special role in Condensed Matter Theory as it is considered as the simplest Hamiltonian model one can write in order to describe anomalous physical properties of some class of real materials. Unfortunately, this model is not exactly solved except for some limits and therefore one should resort to analytical methods, like the Equations of Motion Approach, or to numerical techniques in order to attain a description of its relevant features in the whole range of physical parameters (interaction, filling and temperature). In this manuscript, the Composite Operator Method, which exploits the above mentioned analytical technique, is presented and systematically applied in order to get information about the behavior of all relevant properties of the model (local, thermodynamic, single- and two- particle ones) in comparison with many other analytical techniques, the above cited known limits and numerical simulations. Within this approach, the Hubbard model is shown to be also capable to describe some anomalous behaviors of the cuprate superconductors.Comment: 232 pages, more than 300 figures, more than 500 reference

Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a delayed, potentially life-threatening, hypersensitivity reaction characterized by a widespread, long-lasting skin eruption, fever, lymphadenopathy, hematological abnormalities, and organ involvement. Time to onset and course are relatively long; relapses may occur. Clinical and biological variability make DRESS a challenging diagnosis. Pathogenesis is not exactly known, but probably reflects a complex interplay of drug and viral-related factors in which genetics and abnormal metabolic pathways of drugs play an important role. Although associated with many drugs, DRESS is mainly observed after a limited number of “high risk” drugs. Early recognition, prompt withdrawal of the culprit, and treatment with corticosteroids are the mainstay of management.</p

Brain plasticity following MI-BCI training combined with tDCS in a randomized trial in chronic subcortical stroke subjects: a preliminary study

Brain-computer interface-assisted motor imagery (MI-BCI) or transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been used in stroke rehabilitation, though their combinatory effect is unknown. We investigated brain plasticity following a combined MI-BCI and tDCS intervention in chronic subcortical stroke patients with unilateral upper limb disability. Nineteen patients were randomized into tDCS and sham-tDCS groups. Diffusion and perfusion MRI, and transcranial magnetic stimulation were used to study structural connectivity, cerebral blood flow (CBF), and corticospinal excitability, respectively, before and 4 weeks after the 2-week intervention. After quality control, thirteen subjects were included in the CBF analysis. Eleven healthy controls underwent 2 sessions of MRI for reproducibility study. Whereas motor performance showed comparable improvement, long-lasting neuroplasticity can only be detected in the tDCS group, where white matter integrity in the ipsilesional corticospinal tract and bilateral corpus callosum was increased but sensorimotor CBF was decreased, particularly in the ipsilesional side. CBF change in the bilateral parietal cortices also correlated with motor function improvement, consistent with the increased white matter integrity in the corpus callosum connecting these regions, suggesting an involvement of interhemispheric interaction. The preliminary results indicate that tDCS may facilitate neuroplasticity and suggest the potential for refining rehabilitation strategies for stroke patients

The Role of Thioredoxin Reductases in Brain Development

The thioredoxin-dependent system is an essential regulator of cellular redox balance. Since oxidative stress has been linked with neurodegenerative disease, we studied the roles of thioredoxin reductases in brain using mice with nervous system (NS)-specific deletion of cytosolic (Txnrd1) and mitochondrial (Txnrd2) thioredoxin reductase. While NS-specific Txnrd2 null mice develop normally, mice lacking Txnrd1 in the NS were significantly smaller and displayed ataxia and tremor. A striking patterned cerebellar hypoplasia was observed. Proliferation of the external granular layer (EGL) was strongly reduced and fissure formation and laminar organisation of the cerebellar cortex was impaired in the rostral portion of the cerebellum. Purkinje cells were ectopically located and their dendrites stunted. The Bergmann glial network was disorganized and showed a pronounced reduction in fiber strength. Cerebellar hypoplasia did not result from increased apoptosis, but from decreased proliferation of granule cell precursors within the EGL. Of note, neuron-specific inactivation of Txnrd1 did not result in cerebellar hypoplasia, suggesting a vital role for Txnrd1 in Bergmann glia or neuronal precursor cells