In-depth analysis on electrical parameters of floating gate IGZO synaptic transistor affecting pattern recognition accuracy.

The reliable conductance modulation of synaptic devices is key when implementing high-performance neuromorphic systems. Herein, we propose a floating gate indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) synaptic device with an aluminum trapping layer to investigate the correlation between its diverse electrical parameters and pattern recognition accuracy. Basic synaptic properties such as excitatory postsynaptic current, paired pulse facilitation, long/short term memory, and long-term potentiation/depression are demonstrated in the IGZO synaptic transistor.

In-depth analysis on electrical parameters of floating gate IGZO synaptic transistor affecting pattern recognition accuracy.

The reliable conductance modulation of synaptic devices is key when implementing high-performance neuromorphic systems. Herein, we propose a floating gate IGZO synaptic device with an aluminum trapping layer to investigate the correlation between its diverse electrical parameters and pattern recognition accuracy. Basic synaptic properties such as excitatory postsynaptic current, paired pulse facilitation, long/short term memory, and long-term potentiation/depression are demonstrated in the IGZO synaptic transistor.

RING E3 ligases: key regulatory elements are involved in abiotic stress responses in plants.

Plants are constantly exposed to a variety of abiotic stresses, such as drought, heat, cold, flood, and salinity. To survive under such unfavorable conditions, plants have evolutionarily developed their own resistant-mechanisms. For several decades, many studies have clarified specific stress response pathways of plants through various molecular and genetic studies.

Agonistic induction of PPARγ reverses cigarette smoke-induced emphysema.

The development of emphysema in humans and mice exposed to cigarette smoke is promoted by activation of an adaptive immune response. Lung myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) derived from cigarette smokers activate autoreactive Th1 and Th17 cells. mDC-dependent activation of T cell subsets requires expression of the SPP1 gene, which encodes osteopontin (OPN), a pleiotropic cytokine implicated in autoimmune responses.

ATXN1 protein family and CIC regulate extracellular matrix remodeling and lung alveolarization.

Although expansion of CAG repeats in ATAXIN1 (ATXN1) causes Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1, the functions of ATXN1 and ATAXIN1-Like (ATXN1L) remain poorly understood. To investigate the function of these proteins, we generated and characterized Atxn1L(-/-) and Atxn1(-/-); Atxn1L(-/-) mice. Atxn1L(-/-) mice have hydrocephalus, omphalocele, and lung alveolarization defects.

Dual protective mechanisms of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in immune defense against Streptococcus pneumoniae.

A localized and effective innate immune response to pathogenic bacterial invasion is central to host survival. Identification of the critical local innate mediators of lung defense against such pathogens is essential for a complete understanding of the mechanism(s) underlying effective host defense. In an acute model of Streptococcus pneumoniae lung infection, deficiency in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 and MMP9 (Mmp2/9(-/-)) conferred a survival disadvantage relative to wild-type mice treated under the same conditions.

Endogenous matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 regulate activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.

We reported that inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), known to remodel the extracellular matrix, also down-regulated antigen-specific T-cell responses. However, the direct role of MMP2 and MMP9 in regulating intracellular function in T cells is unknown. Markers of cellular activation and cytokine profiles were examined in anti-CD3-stimulated wild-type C57BL/6 mouse-derived CD4(+) or CD8(+) T cells, or MMP2- or MMP9-deficient (-/-) mice.

A3 adenosine receptor signaling influences pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis.

Adenosine is a signaling molecule produced during conditions that cause cellular stress or damage. This signaling pathway is implicated in the regulation of pulmonary disorders through the selective engagement of adenosine receptors. The goal of this study was to examine the involvement of the A(3) adenosine receptor (A(3)R) in a bleomycin model of pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis.

Sp1 up-regulates cAMP-response-element-binding protein expression during retinoic acid-induced mucous differentiation of normal human bronchial epithelial cells.

CREB [CRE (cAMP-response element)-binding protein] is an important transcription factor that is differentially regulated in cells of various types. We recently reported that RA (retinoic acid) rapidly activates CREB without using RARs (RA receptors) or RXRs (retinoid X receptors) in NHTBE cells (normal human tracheobronchial epithelial cells). However, little is known about the role of RA in the physiological regulation of CREB expression in the early mucous differentiation of NHTBE cells.

Regulation of mucin gene expression by CREB via a nonclassical retinoic acid signaling pathway.

Vitamin A and its metabolite retinoic acid (RA) are essential elements for normal lung development and the differentiation of lung epithelial cells. We previously showed that RA rapidly activated cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in a nonclassical manner in normal human tracheobronchial epithelial (NHTBE) cells. In the present study, we further demonstrated that this nonclassical signaling of RA on the activation of CREB plays a critical role in regulating the expression of airway epithelial cell differentiation markers, the MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC5B genes.

Association between bone mineral density and LDL receptor-related protein 5 gene polymorphisms in young Korean men.

Recently, It has been reported that the LDL receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) regulates bone formation, and that mutations of the gene cause osteoporosis-pseudoglioma syndrome or high bone mass phenotypes. However, the mutations cannot explain a genetic trait for osteoporosis in the general population because of their rarity. From 219 Korean men aged 20-34 yr, we looked for six known polymorphisms causing amino acid changes in the LRP5 coding region, and investigated their association with bone mineral density (BMD) at the following anatomical sites: lumbar spine (L2-L4) and the left proximal femur (femoral neck, Ward's triangle, trochanter and shaft).

Oestrogen receptor alpha genotype, and interactions between vitamin D receptor and transforming growth factor-beta1 genotypes are associated with quantitative calcaneal ultrasound in postmenopausal women.

Objective: Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of bone is a new radiation-free, low-cost method that measures both bone mass and quality. We investigated associations between QUS parameters and polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor (VDR), oestrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) genes in postmenopausal women residing in a community.

Design: QUS and anthropometric characteristics were measured in postmenopausal women, and compared with regard to the VDR, ERalpha and TGF-beta1 genotypes.

Leptin induces apoptosis via ERK/cPLA2/cytochrome c pathway in human bone marrow stromal cells.

Leptin, the Ob gene product, has emerged recently as a key regulator of bone mass. However, the mechanism mediating leptin effect remains controversial. Because the action of leptin is dependent on its receptors, we analyzed their expression in osteoblast-lineage primary human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSC).