J-MISFET Hybrid Dual-Gate Switching Device for Multifunctional Optoelectronic Logic Gate Applications.

High-performance and low operating voltage are becoming increasingly significant device parameters to meet the needs of future integrated circuit (IC) processors and ensure their energy-efficient use in upcoming mobile devices. In this study, we suggest a hybrid dual-gate switching device consisting of the vertically stacked junction and metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) gate structure, named J-MISFET. It shows excellent device performances of low operating voltage (<0.5 V), drain current ON/OFF ratio (∼4.7 × 105), negligible hysteresis window (<0.5 mV), and near-ideal subthreshold slope (SS) (60 mV/dec), making it suitable for low-power switching operation. Furthermore, we investigated the switchable NAND/NOR logic gate operations and the photoresponse characteristics of the J-MISFET under the small supply voltage (0.5 V). To advance the applications further, we successfully demonstrated an integrated optoelectronic security logic system comprising 2-electric inputs (for encrypted data) and 1-photonic input signal (for password key) as a hardware security device for data protection. Thus, we believe that our J-MISFET, with its heterogeneous hybrid gate structures, will illuminate the path toward future device configurations for next-generation low-power electronics and multifunctional security logic systems in a data-driven society.

High-speed and large-scale intrinsically stretchable integrated circuits.

Intrinsically stretchable electronics with skin-like mechanical properties have been identified as a promising platform for emerging applications ranging from continuous physiological monitoring to real-time analysis of health conditions, to closed-loop delivery of autonomous medical treatment1-7. However, current technologies could only reach electrical performance at amorphous-silicon level (that is, charge-carrier mobility of about 1 cm2 V-1 s-1), low integration scale (for example, 54 transistors per circuit) and limited functionalities8-11. Here we report high-density, intrinsically stretchable transistors and integrated circuits with high driving ability, high operation speed and large-scale integration. They were enabled by a combination of innovations in materials, fabrication process design, device engineering and circuit design. Our intrinsically stretchable transistors exhibit an average field-effect mobility of more than 20 cm2 V-1 s-1 under 100% strain, a device density of 100,000 transistors per cm2, including interconnects and a high drive current of around 2 µA µm-1 at a supply voltage of 5 V. Notably, these achieved parameters are on par with state-of-the-art flexible transistors based on metal-oxide, carbon nanotube and polycrystalline silicon materials on plastic substrates12-14. Furthermore, we realize a large-scale integrated circuit with more than 1,000 transistors and a stage-switching frequency greater than 1 MHz, for the first time, to our knowledge, in intrinsically stretchable electronics. Moreover, we demonstrate a high-throughput braille recognition system that surpasses human skin sensing ability, enabled by an active-matrix tactile sensor array with a record-high density of 2,500 units per cm2, and a light-emitting diode display with a high refreshing speed of 60 Hz and excellent mechanical robustness. The above advancements in device performance have substantially enhanced the abilities of skin-like electronics.

Graphene Bridge Heterostructure Devices for Negative Differential Transconductance Circuit Applications.

Two-dimensional van der Waals (2D vdW) material-based heterostructure devices have been widely studied for high-end electronic applications owing to their heterojunction properties. In this study, we demonstrate graphene (Gr)-bridge heterostructure devices consisting of laterally series-connected ambipolar semiconductor/Gr-bridge/n-type molybdenum disulfide as a channel material for field-effect transistors (FET). Unlike conventional FET operation, our Gr-bridge devices exhibit non-classical transfer characteristics (humped transfer curve), thus possessing a negative differential transconductance. These phenomena are interpreted as the operating behavior in two series-connected FETs, and they result from the gate-tunable contact capacity of the Gr-bridge layer. Multi-value logic inverters and frequency tripler circuits are successfully demonstrated using ambipolar semiconductors with narrow- and wide-bandgap materials as more advanced circuit applications based on non-classical transfer characteristics. Thus, we believe that our innovative and straightforward device structure engineering will be a promising technique for future multi-functional circuit applications of 2D nanoelectronics.

Diagnosis of intracranial lesions using accelerated 3D T1 MPRAGE with wave-CAIPI technique: comparison with conventional 3D T1 MPRAGE.

We aimed to evaluate the agreement in the diagnosis of intracranial lesions between conventional pre-contrast 3D T1 magnetization-prepared rapid gradient echo (MPRAGE) and wave-CAIPI (wave-controlled aliasing in parallel imaging) MPRAGE. Institutional review board approval was obtained and informed consent was waived for this retrospective study. We included 149 consecutive patients who had undergone brain MR with both conventional MPRAGE (scan time: 5 min 42 s) and wave-CAIPI MPRAGE (scan time: 2 min 44 s) from February to June 2018. All images were independently reviewed by two radiologists for the diagnosis of intracranial lesion and scored image quality using visual analysis. One technician measured signal-to-noise ratio. The agreement for diagnosis of intracranial lesion was calculated, and the intra- and interobserver agreements were analyzed by using kappa value. For the diagnosis of intracranial lesion, the conventional and wave-CAIPI MPRAGE demonstrated 99.7% of agreement (297 of 298) in the pooled analysis with very good agreement (k = 0.994). Intra- and inter-observer agreement showed very good (k > 0.9 in all) and good (k > 0.75) agreement, respectively. In the quantitative analysis, the signal-to-noise ratio had no difference (P > 0.05 for all). The overall image quality was poorer in images of wave-CAIPI MPRAGE (P < 0.001), but motion artifact had no difference between two sequences (P = 0.06). Compared to conventional MPRAGE, pre-contrast 3D T1 wave-CAIPI MPRAGE achieved higher agreement for the diagnosis of intracranial lesions and reduced the scan time by approximately 50%.

A Fully-Human Antibody Specifically Targeting a Membrane-Bound Fragment of CADM1 Potentiates the T Cell-Mediated Death of Human Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells.

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most aggressive form of lung cancer and the leading cause of global cancer-related mortality. Despite the earlier identification of membrane-proximal cleavage of cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1) in cancers, the role of the membrane-bound fragment of CAMD1 (MF-CADM1) is yet to be clearly identified. In this study, we first isolated MF-CADM1-specific fully human single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) from the human synthetic scFv antibody library using the phage display technology. Following the selected scFv conversion to human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) scFv-Fc antibodies (K103.1-4), multiple characterization studies, including antibody cross-species reactivity, purity, production yield, and binding affinity, were verified. Finally, via intensive in vitro efficacy and toxicity evaluation studies, we identified K103.3 as a lead antibody that potently promotes the death of human SCLC cell lines, including NCI-H69, NCI-H146, and NCI-H187, by activated Jurkat T cells without severe endothelial toxicity. Taken together, these findings suggest that antibody-based targeting of MF-CADM1 may be an effective strategy to potentiate T cell-mediated SCLC death, and MF-CADM1 may be a novel potential therapeutic target in SCLC for antibody therapy.

Preparation of Polydimethylsiloxane-Modified Waterborne Polyurethane Coatings for Marine Applications.

A series of waterborne polyurethane dispersions (WPUs) modified with hydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were prepared by incorporating PDMS into the soft segments of polyurethane chains. The structural characteristics of the prepared samples were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and particle size analysis (PSA). The effect of PDMS content on the thermal and mechanical properties of PDMS-modified waterborne polyurethanes (PS-WPU) was investigated. In addition, the water resistance and dimensional stability of the PS-WPU were investigated by measuring its water absorption ratio and water contact angle along with universal testing machine measurements.

Post-surgical wireless monitoring of arterial health progression.

Early detection of limb ischemia, strokes, and heart attacks may be enabled via long-term monitoring of arterial health. Early stenosis, decreased blood flow, and clots are common after surgical vascular bypass or plaque removal from a diseased vessel and can lead to the above diseases. Continuous arterial monitoring for the early diagnosis of such complications is possible by implanting a sensor during surgery that is wirelessly monitored by patients after surgery. Here, we report the design of a wireless capacitive sensor wrapped around the artery during surgery for continuous post-operative monitoring of arterial health. The sensor responds to diverse artery sizes and extents of occlusion in vitro to at least 20 cm upstream and downstream of the sensor. It demonstrated strong capability to monitor progression of arterial occlusion in human cadaver and small animal models. This technology is promising for wireless monitoring of arterial health for pre-symptomatic disease detection and prevention.

The effect of autogenous tooth bone graft material without organic matter and type I collagen treatment on bone regeneration.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to examine the effect of particulate autogenous tooth graft removed with organic matter and type I collagen addition on bone regeneration and to validate the possibility of useful allograft material for jaw defects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Autogenous tooth bone maker (Korean Dental Solution® KOREA) made particulate autogenous tooth not including organic matter. We used to the developed tooth grafts for experiment. Cell adhesion test with hemacytometer and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (Supra40 VP®, Carl Zeiss, Germany) analysis about the particulate autogenous tooth and type I collagen were performed. Rabbits were divided into three groups: bone graft with organic matter (OM) removing particulate autogenous tooth group, bone graft with OM removing particulate autogenous tooth and type I collagen group, and a control group. Bone grafting was performed in rabbit's calvaria. The rabbits were sacrificed at different interval at 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks after bone grafting for the histopathologic observation and observed the effect of bone regeneration by SEM, H-E & Masson stains, osteocalcin IHC staining. RESULT: In vitro cytopathological study showed affinity for cells, cell attachment pattern, and cell proliferation in the order of control group, OM-removed and collagen-treated group, OM-removed particulate autogenous tooth group. The results of the degree of mineralization were opposite to those of the previous cell experimental results, and the OM-removed group, OM-removed group and collagen-treated group were relatively higher than the control group. Histopathologic analysis showed that vascularization and neonatal bone formation were higher in particulate autogenous tooth group with removing OM and with addition of collagen than control group and group of OM removed only. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that osteocalcin (OSC) expression was not observed in the control group, but at 4 weeks groups, OSC expression was observed the OM removed and OM-removed-collagen-treated particulate autogenous tooth, and the degree of expression was somewhat stronger in group of the OM removed and collagen additionally treated particulate autogenous tooth. CONCLUSION: Particles that do not contain organic matter, the saint tooth, was responsible for sufficient bone graft material through the role of space maintenance and bone conduction, and further improved bone formation ability through additional collagen treatment. Therefore, research on various extracellular substrates and autologous bone grafting materials is necessary, and through this, it is possible to lay the foundation for a new type of autologous bone grafting material with excellent academic and technical utility.

Effects of Calcination Temperature on the Phase Composition, Photocatalytic Degradation, and Virucidal Activities of TiO2 Nanoparticles.

The application of TiO2 nanoparticles in the photocatalytic treatment of chemically or biologically contaminated water is an attractive, albeit unoptimized, method for environmental remediation. Here, TiO2 nanoparticles with mixed brookite/rutile phases were synthesized and calcined at 300-1100 °C to investigate trends in photocatalytic performance. The crystallinity, crystallite size, and particle size of the calcined materials increased with calcination temperature, while the specific surface area declined significantly. The TiO2 phase composition varied: at 300 °C, mixed brookite/rutile phases were observed, whereas a brookite-to-anatase phase transformation occurred above 500 °C, reaching complete conversion at 700 °C. Above 700 °C, the anatase-to-rutile phase transformation began, with pure rutile attained at 1100 °C. The optical band gaps of the calcined TiO2 nanoparticles decreased with rising calcination temperature. The mixed anatase/rutile phase TiO2 nanoparticles calcined at 700 °C performed best in the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue owing to the synergistic effect of the crystallinity and phase structure. The photocatalytic virus inactivation test demonstrated excellent performance against the MS2 bacteriophage, murine norovirus, and influenza virus. Therefore, the mixed anatase/rutile phase TiO2 nanoparticles calcined at 700 °C may be considered as potential candidates for environmental applications, such as water purification and virus inactivation.

A Study on User Recognition Using the Generated Synthetic Electrocardiogram Signal.

Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals are time series data that are acquired by time change. A problem with these signals is that comparison data that have the same size as the registration data must be acquired every time. A network model of an auxiliary classifier based generative adversarial neural network that is capable of generating synthetic ECG signals is proposed to resolve the data size inconsistency problem. After constructing comparison data with various combinations of the real and generated synthetic ECG signal cycles, a user recognition experiment was performed by applying them to an ensemble network of parallel structure. Recognition performance of 98.5% was demonstrated when five cycles of real ECG signals were used. Moreover, 98.7% and 97% accuracies were provided when the first cycle of synthetic ECG signals and the fourth cycle of real ECG signals were repetitively used as the last cycle, respectively, in addition to the four cycles of real ECG. When two cycles of synthetic ECG signals were used with three cycles of real ECG signals, 97.2% accuracy was shown. When the last third cycle was repeatedly used with the three cycles of real ECG signals, the accuracy was 96%, which was 1.2% lower than the performance obtained while using the synthetic ECG. Therefore, even if the size of the registration data and that of the comparison data are not consistent, the generated synthetic ECG signals can be applied to a real life environment, because a high recognition performance is demonstrated when they are applied to an ensemble network of parallel structure.

Callicarpa japonica Thunb. ameliorates allergic airway inflammation by suppressing NF-κB activation and upregulating HO-1 expression.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Callicarpa japonica Thunb., as an herbal medicine has been used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases in China and Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ultra performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (UPLC-PDA-QTof MS) was used to detect the major phenylethanoid glycosides in the C. japonica extract. BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally sensitized by ovalbumin (OVA) (on days 0 and 7) and challenged by OVA aerosol (on days 11-13) to induce airway inflammatory response. The mice were also administered with C. japonica Thunb. (CJT) (20 and 40 mg/kg Per oral) on days 9-13. CJT pretreatment was conducted in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated A549 cells. RESULTS: CJT administration significantly reduced the secretion of Th2 cytokines, TNF-α, IL-6, immunoglobulin E (IgE) and histamine, and the recruitment of eosinophils in an OVA-exposed mice. In histological analyses, the amelioration of inflammatory cell influx and mucus secretion were observed with CJT. The OVA-induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), iNOS expression and NF-κB activation were effectively suppressed by CJT administration. In addition, CJT led to the upregulation of HO-1 expression. In an in vitro study, CJT pretreatment suppressed the LPS-induced TNF-α secretion in RAW264.7 cells and attenuated the PMA-induced IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1 secretion in A549 cells. These effects were accompanied by downregulated NF-κB phosphorylation and by upregulated HO-1 expression. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that CJT has protective activity against OVA-induced airway inflammation via downregulation of NF-κB activation and upregulation of HO-1, suggesting that CJT has preventive potential for the development of allergic asthma.

3,4,5-Trihydroxycinnamic acid exerts anti-asthmatic effects in vitro and in vivo.

3,4,5-Trihydroxycinnamic acid (THCA) has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory activity. However, the effect of THCA for treating allergic asthma was unknown. Therefore, in the present study, the anti-asthmatic effects of THCA were studied in both in vitro and in vivo studies. In phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated A549 airway epithelial cells, THCA pretreatment decreased the mRNA expression and secretion of interleukin (IL)-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and intercellular adhesion molecules 1 (ICAM-1), and reduced the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). THCA also inhibited PMA-induced protein kinase B (AKT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation in A549 cells. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, THCA pretreatment suppressed the mRNA expression of ICAM-1 and MMP-9. In addition, THCA suppressed the adhesion of EOL and A549 cells. In ovalbumin (OVA)-administered asthmatic mice, THCA exerted inhibitory activity on IL-5, IL-13, and MCP-1 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and on OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in serum. THCA attenuated the numbers of inflammatory cells in BALF and the influx of inflammatory cell in lung tissues. Furthermore, THCA downregulated the levels of inducible nitric oxide (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) expression, mucus production and CREB phosphorylation as well as Penh value. These effects were accompanied by suppression of AKT, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and NF-κB activation. Therefore, the results of the current study suggest that THCA may be a valuable adjuvant or therapeutic in the prevention or treatment of allergic asthma.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Trichilia martiana C. DC. in the Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Inflammatory Response in Macrophages and Airway Epithelial Cells and in LPS-Challenged Mice.

A number of species of the genus Trichilia (Meliaceae) exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effect of Trichilia martiana C. DC. (TM) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation has not, to the best of our knowledge, yet been determined. Therefore, in the present study, the antiinflammatory effect of TM on LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages was evaluated. The ethanol extract of TM (TMEE) significantly inhibited LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin 2 (PGE2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). TMEE also reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-6. The upregulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and NF-κB activation was revealed to be downregulated following TMEE pretreatment. Furthermore, TMEE was indicated to lead to the nucleus translocation of nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). In H292 airway epithelial cells, the pretreatment of TMEE significantly downregulated the production of LPS-stimulated IL-1ß, and TMEE was indicated to increase the expression of HO-1. In animal models exhibiting LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI), treatment with TMEE reduced the levels of macrophages influx and TNF-α production in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of ALI mice. Additionally, TMEE significantly downregulated the activation of ERK, JNK and IκB, and upregulated the expression of HO-1 in the lungs of ALI mice. In conclusion, the results of the current study demonstrated that TMEE could exert a regulatory role in the prevention or treatment of the endotoxin-mediated inflammatory response.

Alkaline Hydrolysis and Dyeing Characteristics of Sea-Island-Type Ultramicrofibers of PET Tricot Fabrics with Black Disperse Dye.

In this study, we investigated conditions for the alkaline hydrolysis and black-disperse dyeing of sea-island-type polyethylene terephthalate (PET) ultramicrofiber tricot fabric. We examined the weight loss ratios and tensile strengths according to the NaOH content (10%-30% on mass of fabric (omf)) during treatment; the optimal conditions used 25% omf NaOH for 30 min at 100 °C for an average weight loss ratio of 23.47%. By scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis, the 'sea' components are extracted with increasing NaOH concentration until 25% omf NaOH, and damage of the 'island' components above 25% omf NaOH leads to a reduction in tensile strength. The dyeing conditions, including temperature (95-135 °C), time (20-60 min), pH buffer solution concentration (1-9 g/L), and contents of dispersant (1-9 g/L) and UV-absorbent (5%-25% omf) were also explored. The optimal dyeing conditions were established as a dye concentration of 8% omf with 1 g/L dispersant, 1 g/L pH buffer solution concentration, and 10% omf UV-absorbent at 135 °C for 40 min at a 1:10 goods-to-liquor ratio. The rubbing colorfastness values for the fabrics dyed with the black disperse dye spanned four grades under dry and wet conditions. The light colorfastness values of the dyed fabrics were good to excellent in the range of 4-5 grades.

3,4,5-Trihydroxycinnamic acid exerts a protective effect on pulmonary inflammation in an experimental animal model of COPD.

3,4,5-Trihydroxycinnamic acid (THCA), a derivative of hydroxycinnamic acid, has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. However, its anti-inflammatory effects in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have not yet been elucidated. Therefore, we explored the protective effects of THCA on pulmonary inflammation in an experimental COPD model elicited by cigarette smoke (CS) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Oral administration of THCA significantly inhibited the activity of elastase, the release of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and the numbers of neutrophils and macrophages in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of experimental COPD mice. THCA also exerted inhibitory effects on the recruitment of inflammatory cells, the levels of PAS positive cells and cAMP-response-element-binding protein (CREB) activation, and the expression of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) in the lungs of experimental COPD mice. In addition, THCA exerted a regulatory effect on the activation of p38, ERK and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in the lungs of experimental COPD mice. THCA also significantly upregulated the expression of NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (quinone 1) 1 (NQO1) and the activation of nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the lungs of mice. Furthermore, THC restored the reduction of NAD-dependent protein deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) in the lungs of experimental COPD mice. In phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-stimulated A549 or H292 airway epithelial cells, pretreatment of THCA dose-dependently inhibited the generation of IL-6. THCA also led to increased NQO1 expression in H292 cells. Collectively, these protective effects of antioxidant THCA were notably excellent and are thought to be associated with the downregulation of MAPK (partial)/NF-κB signaling and upregulation of NQO1 and SIRT1 expression.

All-Soft Supercapacitors Based on Liquid Metal Electrodes with Integrated Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes.

Soft energy storage devices, such as supercapacitors, are an essential component for powering integrated soft microsystems. However, conventional supercapacitors are mainly manufactured using hard/brittle materials that easily crack and eventually delaminate from the current collector by mechanical deformation. Therefore, to realize all-soft supercapacitors, the electrodes should be soft, stretchable, and highly conductive without compromising the electrochemical performance. This paper presents all-soft supercapacitors for integrated soft microsystems based on gallium-indium liquid metal (eutectic gallium-indium alloy, EGaIn) electrodes with integrated functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Oxygen functional groups on the surface of the CNTs ensure strong adhesion between the functionalized CNTs and the thin native oxide layer on the surface of EGaIn, which enables delamination-free soft and stretchable electrodes even under mechanical deformation. The electrochemical performances of fabricated all-soft supercapacitors in a parallel-plate arrangement were investigated without and with applied mechanical deformation. The fabricated supercapacitors exhibit areal capacitances as high as 12.4 mF cm-2 and show nearly unchanged performance under 30% applied strain. They maintain >95% of their original capacitance after >4200 charging and discharging cycles with a periodic applied strain of 30%. Finally, fabricated supercapacitors have been successfully integrated with a commercial light-emitting diode to demonstrate an integrated soft microsystem.

Wastewater Treatment Lagoons: Local Pathways of Perfluoroalkyl Acids and Brominated Flame Retardants to the Arctic Environment.

Concentrations of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and "novel" brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) were determined in lagoons processing wastewater from two high-Arctic and two sub-Arctic of Canada communities to assess the importance of local anthropogenic sources. ∑PFAAs in influent and effluent of the Arctic lagoons were within the lower end of the range of concentrations previously observed in Canadian temperate wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In comparison, influent and effluent concentrations of ∑PBDEs and NBFRs were significantly greater (p < 0.05) in high-Arctic lagoons compared to sub-Arctic and temperate plants. The surprisingly elevated concentrations of PBDEs and NBFRs in high-Arctic lagoons were probably related to high organic matter found in Arctic wastewater due to lower consumption of potable water leading to less dilution compared to temperate regions. Although PFAAs also sorb to solids, the wastewater samples were filtered prior to analysis of PFAAs (but not PBDEs and NBFRs), which likely reduced the impacts of solids on the results for PFAAs. Based on an extrapolation of per capita mass effluent loadings of the four Arctic lagoons, mass loadings to the Arctic of Canada via WWTP effluent were estimated as 1405 g/year and 549 g/year for ∑PFAAs and ∑PBDEs, respectively.

Nanofabrication for all-soft and high-density electronic devices based on liquid metal.

Innovations in soft material synthesis and fabrication technologies have led to the development of integrated soft electronic devices. Such soft devices offer opportunities to interact with biological cells, mimicking their soft environment. However, existing fabrication technologies cannot create the submicron-scale, soft transducers needed for healthcare and medical applications involving single cells. This work presents a nanofabrication strategy to create submicron-scale, all-soft electronic devices based on eutectic gallium-indium alloy (EGaIn) using a hybrid method utilizing electron-beam lithography and soft lithography. The hybrid lithography process is applied to a biphasic structure, comprising a metallic adhesion layer coated with EGaIn, to create soft nano/microstructures embedded in elastomeric materials. Submicron-scale EGaIn thin-film patterning with feature sizes as small as 180 nm and 1 µm line spacing was achieved, resulting in the highest resolution EGaIn patterning technique to date. The resulting soft and stretchable EGaIn patterns offer a currently unrivaled combination of resolution, electrical conductivity, and electronic/wiring density.

Pistacia weinmannifolia root exerts a protective role in ovalbumin­induced lung inflammation in a mouse allergic asthma model.

Pistacia weinmannifolia (Anacardiaceae) has been used in herbal medicine for the treatment of influenza, dysentery and enteritis in China. It was recently observed that P. weinmannifolia root extract (PWRE) exerts anti­inflammatory effects both in in vitro and in vivo models. Based on the results from previous studies, the present study investigated the protective effect of PWRE on airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion. Treatment with PWRE significantly decreased the number of eosinophils and the levels of Th2 cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)­4, IL­5 and IL­13, in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of OVA­exposed mice. PWRE decreased the high serum levels of total and OVA­specific immunoglobulin E. PWRE also effectively inhibited the influx of inflammatory cells into the lung, as well as airway mucus hypersecretion. In addition, the increased level of monocyte chemoattractant protein­1 was significantly decreased with the PWRE treatment in the BALF of OVA­exposed mice and in lipopolysaccharide­stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. These protective effects of PWRE on OVA­induced pulmonary inflammation were accompanied by the downregulation of mitogen associated protein kinases and nuclear factor­κB activation. Thus, the results from the present study indicate that PWRE could be valuable adjuvant for the treatment of asthma.

Pistacia weinmannifolia ameliorates cigarette smoke and lipopolysaccharide­induced pulmonary inflammation by inhibiting interleukin­8 production and NF­κB activation.

Pistacia weinmannifolia (PW) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat headaches, dysentery, enteritis and influenza. However, PW has not been known for treating respiratory inflammatory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The present in vitro analysis confirmed that PW root extract (PWRE) exerts anti­inflammatory effects in phorbol myristate acetate­ or tumor necrosis factor α (TNF­α)­stimulated human lung epithelial NCI­H292 cells by attenuating the expression of interleukin (IL)­8, IL­6 and Mucin A5 (MUC5AC), which are closely associated with the pulmonary inflammatory response in the pathogenesis of COPD. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of PWRE on pulmonary inflammation induced by cigarette smoke (CS) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Treatment with PWRE significantly reduced the quantity of neutrophils and the levels of inflammatory molecules and toxic molecules, including tumor TNF­α, IL­6, IL­8, monocyte chemoattractant protein­1, neutrophil elastase and reactive oxygen species, in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of mice with CS­ and LPS­induced pulmonary inflammation. PWRE also attenuated the influx of inflammatory cells in the lung tissues. Furthermore, PWRE downregulated the activation of nuclear factor­κB and the expression of phosphodiesterase 4 in the lung tissues. Therefore, these findings suggest that PWRE may be a valuable adjuvant treatment for COPD.