GW501516, a PPARδ Agonist, Ameliorates Tubulointerstitial Inflammation in Proteinuric Kidney Disease via Inhibition of TAK1-NFκB Pathway in Mice

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a nuclear receptor family of ligand-inducible transcription factors, which have three different isoforms: PPARα, δ and γ. It has been demonstrated that PPARα and γ agonists have renoprotective effects in proteinuric kidney diseases; however, the role of PPARδ agonists in kidney diseases remains unclear. Thus, we examined the renoprotective effect of GW501516, a PPARδ agonist, in a protein-overload mouse nephropathy model and identified its molecular mechanism. Mice fed with a control diet or GW501516-containing diet were intraperitoneally injected with free fatty acid (FFA)-bound albumin or PBS(−). In the control group, protein overload caused tubular damages, macrophage infiltration and increased mRNA expression of MCP-1 and TNFα. These effects were prevented by GW501516 treatment. In proteinuric kidney diseases, excess exposure of proximal tubular cells to albumin, FFA bound to albumin or cytokines such as TNFα is detrimental. In vitro studies using cultured proximal tubular cells showed that GW501516 attenuated both TNFα- and FFA (palmitate)-induced, but not albumin-induced, MCP-1 expression via direct inhibition of the TGF-β activated kinase 1 (TAK1)-NFκB pathway, a common downstream signaling pathway to TNFα receptor and toll-like receptor-4. In conclusion, we demonstrate that GW501516 has an anti-inflammatory effect in renal tubular cells and may serve as a therapeutic candidate to attenuate tubulointerstitial lesions in proteinuric kidney diseases

Towards the Realization of Graphene Based Flexible Radio Frequency Receiver

We report on our progress and development of high speed flexible graphene field effect transistors (GFETs) with high electron and hole mobilities (~3000 cm2/V·s), and intrinsic transit frequency in the microwave GHz regime. We also describe the design and fabrication of flexible graphene based radio frequency system. This RF communication system consists of graphite patch antenna at 2.4 GHz, graphene based frequency translation block (frequency doubler and AM demodulator) and graphene speaker. The communication blocks are utilized to demonstrate graphene based amplitude modulated (AM) radio receiver operating at 2.4 GHz

Multi-finger flexible graphene field effect transistors with high bendability

Highly bendable graphene field-effect transistors are fabricated on polyimide films. The device offers robust performance against various conditions including immersion in liquids, and dynamic loading tests, which are hazardous to conventional electronics. Bendability of the sample is tested with the bending radius of down to 1.3 mm; the devices remain fully functional with less than 8.7% reduction and no reduction in the electron and hole mobility after repeated bending tests, respectively. Multi-finger electrodes are implemented on flexible substrates to enhance its current drive. Silicon-nitride passivation offers efficient chemical protection over diverse liquids and robust mechanical protection against impacts

Three-Gigahertz Graphene Frequency Doubler on Quartz Operating Beyond the Transit Frequency

We demonstrate a 500-nm graphene frequency doubler with a record 3-GHz bandwidth, exceeding the device transit frequency by 50%, a previously unobserved result in graphene, indicating that graphene multiplier devices might be useful beyond their transit frequency. The maximum conversion gain of graphene ambipolar frequency doublers is determined to approach a near lossless value in the quantum capacitance limit. In addition, the experimental performance of graphene transistor frequency detectors is demonstrated, showing responsivity of 25.2 mu A/mu W. The high-frequency performance of these gigahertz devices is enabled by top-gate device fabrication using synthesized graphene transferred onto low capacitance, atomically smooth quartz substrates, affording carrier mobilities as high as 5000 cm(2)/Vu.s