A 231-MHz, 2.18-mW 32-bit Logarithmic Arithmetic Unit for Fixed-Point 3-D Graphics System

A 32-bit fixed-point logarithmic arithmetic unit is proposed for the possible application to mobile three-dimensional (3-D) graphics system. The proposed logarithmic arithmetic unit performs division, reciprocal, square-root, reciprocal-square-root and square operations in two clock cycles and powering operation in four clock cycles. It can program its number range for accurate computation flexibility of 3-D graphics pipeline and eight -region piecewise linear approximation model for logarithmic and antilogarithmic conversion to reduce the operation error under 0.2%. Its test chip is implemented by 1-poly 6-metal 0.18-mum CMOS technology with 9-k gates. It operates at the maximum frequency of 231 MHz and consumes 2.18 mW at 1.8-V supply     

Intramitochondrial co-assembly between ATP and nucleopeptides induces cancer cell apoptosis

Mitochondria are essential intracellular organelles involved in many cellular processes, especially adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Since cancer cells require high ATP levels for proliferation, ATP elimination can be a unique target for cancer growth inhibition. We describe a newly developed mitochondria-targeting nucleopeptide (MNP) that sequesters ATP by self-assembling with ATP inside mitochondria. MNP interacts strongly with ATP through electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions. MNP exhibits higher binding affinity for ATP (−637.5 kJ mol⁻¹) than for adenosine diphosphate (ADP) (−578.2 kJ mol⁻¹). To improve anticancer efficacy, the small-sized MNP/ADP complex formed large assemblies with ATP inside cancer cell mitochondria. ATP sequestration and formation of large assemblies of the MNP/ADP–ATP complex inside mitochondria caused physical stress by large structures and metabolic disorders in cancer cells, leading to apoptosis. This work illustrates a facile approach to developing cancer therapeutics that relies on molecular assemblies.

Mitochondria-targeting nucleopeptide (MNP) can sequester ATP by self-assembling with ATP. A small nanosized MNP/ADP complex forms a large assembly with ATP. Thus, intramitochondrial co-assembly causes stress by large structures and apoptosis.     

Thermal stress calculations based on a linear viscoelastic deviatoric response and a fictive temperature component for the volumetric response

A temperature dependent thermal expansion coefficient is introduced into the Lee, Rogers and Woo linear viscoelastic model for calculating thermal stresses in glass. Volumetric strain, is calculated as follows: ? = α_liq (T_f - T_O) + α_gl (T - T_f) where α_liq and α_gl are the thermal expansion coefficients for the liquid and glassy states respectively, T is the glass temperature, T_O is the initial temperature, and T_f is the fictive temperature as defined by Tool. Fictive temperatures are calculatedfrom theory and measurements independent of thermal stress experiments. Comparison of calculated with experimentally measured stresses shows that the modified model is useful for predicting thermal tempering propensity for different glass compositions as well as different processing parameters.     

Patterning issues for the fabrication of sub-micron memory capacitors' electrodes

This paper describes some of the key issues associated with the patterning of metal electrodes of sub-micron (especially at the critical dimension (CD) of 0.15 μm) dynamic random access memory devices. Due to reactive ion etching lag, the Pt etch rate decreased drastically below the CD of 0.20 μm and thus K-th storage node electrode with the CD of 0.15 μm could not be fabricated using the Pt electrodes. Accordingly, we have proposed novel techniques to surmountly-the above difficulties. The Ru electrode cannot for the stack-type structure is introduced and alternative multischemes based on the introduction of the concave-type selfstructure upto using semi-Pt or Ru as an electrode material are outlined respectively.     

Fluorobenzotriazole (FTAZ)‐Based Polymer Donor Enables Organic Solar Cells Exceeding 12% Efficiency

The fluorobenzotriazole (FTAZ)‐based copolymer donors are promising candidates for nonfullerene polymer solar cells (PSCs), but suffer from relatively low photovoltaic performance due to their unsuitable energy levels and unfavorable morphology. Herein, three polymer donors, L24 , L68 , and L810 , based on a chlorinated‐thienyl benzodithiophene (BDT‐2Cl) unit and FTAZ with different branched alkyl side chain, are synthesized. Incorporation of a chlorine (Cl) atom into the BDT unit is found to distinctly optimize the molecular planarity, energy levels, and improve the polymerization activity. Impressively, subtle side chain length of FTAZ realizes a dramatic improvement in all the device parameters, as revealed by the short‐current density (J_sc) improved from 7.41 to 20.76 mA cm^?2, fill‐factor from 36.3 to 73.5%, and even the open‐circuit voltage (V_oc) from 0.495 to 0.790 V. The best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.1% is obtained from the L810‐based device, which is one of the highest values reported for FTAZ‐based PSCs so far. Notably, the corresponding external quantum efficiency curve keeps a very prominent value up to 80% from 500 to 800 nm. The notable performance is discovered from the reduced energy loss, improved molecular face‐on orientation, the down‐shifted energy levels, and optimized absorption coefficient regulated by side‐chain engineering.     

Trichoderma Enzymes for Degradation of Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A

The contamination of agricultural products with mycotoxins causes risks to animal and human health and severe economic losses. Mycotoxicoses can be reduced by preventing fungal infection using chemical and biological approaches. The chemical strategies can release toxic molecules; therefore, strategies for biological control are being evaluated, such as using nontoxic fungi and their metabolites. This work evaluated the effect of exoenzymes produced by the beneficial fungus Trichoderma afroharzianum strain T22 in degrading Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and Ochratoxin A (OTA). The ability of Trichoderma to produce hydrolases was stimulated by using different inducing substrates. The highest AFB1 and OTA degradation activity was obtained using a medium containing lyophilized mushrooms and crude fiber. The T. afroharzianum T22’s ability to reduce mycotoxins may be attributed to peroxidase enzymes. This study showed that T. afroharzianum strain T22 or its peroxidase supplementation could represent a sustainable strategy for the degradation of AFB1 and OTA in feed and food products.     

Miniaturized Flexible Electronic Systems with Wireless Power and Near‐Field Communication Capabilities

A class of thin, lightweight, flexible, near‐field communication (NFC) devices with ultraminiaturized format is introduced, and systematic investigations of the mechanics, radio frequency characteristics, and materials aspects associated with their optimized construction are presented. These systems allow advantages in mechanical strength, placement versatility, and minimized interfacial stresses compared to other NFC technologies and wearable electronics. Detailed experimental studies and theoretical modeling of the mechanical and electromagnetic properties of these systems establish understanding of the key design considerations. These concepts can apply to many other types of wireless communication systems including biosensors and electronic implants.     

Engineering of charge transport materials for universal low optimum doping concentration in phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes

A universal low optimum doping concentration of below 5% was demonstrated in phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (PHOLEDs) by managing the energy levels of charge transport materials. The device performances of PHOLEDs could be optimized at a low doping concentration of 3% irrespective of the host material in the emitting layer. The suppression of charge trapping and hopping by the dopant through charge transport layer engineering optimized the device performance at low doping concentration. In addition, it was revealed that PHOLEDs with low optimum doping concentration show better quantum efficiency, low efficiency roll-off and low doping concentration dependency of the device performance.     

Designing Thin,Ultrastretchable Electronics with Stacked Circuits and Elastomeric Encapsulation Materials

Many recently developed soft, skin‐like electronics with high performance circuits and low modulus encapsulation materials can accommodate large bending, stretching, and twisting deformations. Their compliant mechanics also allows for intimate, nonintrusive integration to the curvilinear surfaces of soft biological tissues. By introducing a stacked circuit construct, the functional density of these systems can be greatly improved, yet their desirable mechanics may be compromised due to the increased overall thickness. To address this issue, the results presented here establish design guidelines for optimizing the deformable properties of stretchable electronics with stacked circuit layers. The effects of three contributing factors (i.e., the silicone interlayer, the composite encapsulation, and the deformable interconnects) on the stretchability of a multilayer system are explored in detail via combined experimental observation, finite element modeling, and theoretical analysis. Finally, an electronic module with optimized design is demonstrated. This highly deformable system can be repetitively folded, twisted, or stretched without observable influences to its electrical functionality. The ultrasoft, thin nature of the module makes it suitable for conformal biointegration.     

Synthesis and characterization of thermally crosslinkable hole‐transporting polymers for PLEDs

Two new thermally crosslinkable hole‐transporting polymers, X‐PTPA and X‐PCz, were synthesized via Yamamoto coupling reactions. The number‐averaged molecular weights (M_n) of X‐PTPA and X‐PCz were found to be 45,000 and 48,000, respectively, and therewith, polydispersity indices were of 1.8 and 1.7, respectively. Thermally crosslinked X‐PTPA and X‐PCz exhibit excellent solvent resistance and stable optoelectronic properties. The UV–visible maximum absorption peaks of X‐PTPA and X‐PCz in the thin film state are at 389 and 322 nm, respectively. The HOMO levels of X‐PTPA and X‐PCz are estimated to be ?5.27 and ?5.39 eV, respectively. Multilayered devices (ITO/crosslinked X‐PTPA or X‐PCz/SY‐PPV/LiF/Al) were fabricated with SY (SuperYellow) as the emitting layer. The maximum efficiency of the multilayered device with a crosslinked X‐PTPA layer is approximately three times higher than that of the device without a crosslinked X‐PTPA layer and much higher than that of the crosslinked X‐PCz device. This result can be explained by the observations that crosslinked X‐PTPA produces increased electron accumulation within the emitter, SY, and also efficient exciton formation due to improved charge balance. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013 , 51, 5111–5117