Memory Characteristics Research Articles

Nonlinear dynamics and optimal control strategies of a novel fractional-order lumpy skin disease model

Fractional order differential equations are often employed to better and accurately model several natural and physical processes with memory characteristics than the integer-order models. In this work, a proposed fractional-order model is presented to simulate one of the most dangerous viral cattle diseases. The present fractional-order Lumpy Skin Disease model considers the interactions between different compartments of cattle and virus vectors. The solution of the model is examined in terms of existence, uniqueness, positivity and boundedness. Then, the stability analysis of the different equilibrium points in the model is carried out. The basic reproduction number, R0, has been obtained too. The dependence of stability regions on the values of key parameters is demonstrated and the sensitivity of R0 to different parameters in the system is also investigated. Finally, a proposed optimal control scheme is adopted to successfully diminish the disease spread. It is found that the stability of disease-free equilibrium point is verified at small values of the infection rate of cattle caused by infected cattle or insects. In addition, the disease-free equilibrium point maintains its stability in cases where the recovery rate of cattle or the vaccination rate of cattle are increased. Moreover, the high-efficiency vaccination program helps in stabilizing the disease-free equilibrium point. Also, the fractional-order parameter is found to provide additional degree of freedom in the model to represent different scenarios of evolution for solution orbits. The optimal control parameters of the model are examined in different scenarios to limit or suppress the spread of the disease. It is demonstrated that two control parameters are sufficient to achieve the goals of disease elimination and stabilization of an infection-free steady state. Numerical simulations are verified to confirm our theoretical findings and estimations.

Experimental and molecular dynamics study on thermal‐mechanical properties of epoxy shape memory polymers

AbstractExperimental and molecular dynamics simulations were employed to investigate epoxy shape memory polymers' thermal‐mechanical properties and shape memory characteristics, utilizing polyether amine and modified hexanediamine as curing agents following the material prerequisites for variable stiffness fixtures. Glass transition temperature and Young's modulus of epoxy shape memory polymers are characterized by dynamic mechanical analysis. The consistency of the glass transition temperature between the simulation model and the experimental findings verified the accuracy of the molecular dynamics simulation. The uniaxial tensile simulation revealed that non‐bond energy predominantly exerts its influence in stretch. After reaching the yield stress, the weight fraction of the curing agent affects the generation of internal pores, with the yield stress of systems exhibiting substantial pores being minor. Systems characterized by a higher weight fraction of curing agents are more prone to pore formulation. Simulation of shape memory properties demonstrates that the entropy resulting from differences in molecular weight impacts the simulated system's shape fixation ratio and shape recovery ratio.

An Organic Optoelectronic Synapse with Multilevel Memory Enabled by Gate Modulation.

Artificial synaptic devices are emerging as contenders for next-generation computing systems due to their combined advantages of self-adaptive learning mechanisms, high parallel computation capabilities, adjustable memory level, and energy efficiency. Optoelectronic devices are particularly notable for their responsiveness to both voltage inputs and light exposure, making them attractive for dynamic modulation. However, engineering devices with reconfigurable synaptic plasticity and multilevel memory within a singular configuration present a fundamental challenge. Here, we have established an organic transistor-based synaptic device that exhibits both volatile and nonvolatile memory characteristics, modulated through gate voltage together with light stimuli. Our device demonstrates a range of synaptic behaviors, including both short/long-term plasticity (STP and LTP) as well as STP-LTP transitions. Further, as an encoding unit, it delivers exceptional read current levels, achieving a program/erase current ratio exceeding 105, with excellent repeatability. Additionally, a prototype 4 × 4 matrix demonstrates potential in practical neuromorphic systems, showing capabilities in the perception, processing, and memory retention of image inputs.

Discovering adaptive features of innate immune memory.

Conventionally, it was thought that innate immunity operated through a simple system of nonspecific responses to an insult. However, this perspective now seems overly simplistic. It has become evident that intricate cooperation and networking among various cells, receptors, signaling pathways, and protein complexes are essential for regulating and defining the overall activation status of the immune response, where the distinction between innate and adaptive immunity becomes ambiguous. Given the evolutionary timeline of vertebrates and the success of plants and invertebrates which depend solely on innate immunity, immune memory cannot be considered an innovation of only the lymphoid lineage. Indeed, the evolutionary innate immune memory program is a conserved mechanism whereby innate immune cells can induce a heightened response to a secondary stimulus due to metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming. Importantly, the longevity of this memory phenotype can be attributed to the reprogramming of self-renewing hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the bone marrow, which is subsequently transmitted to lineage-committed innate immune cells. HSCs reside within a complex regulated network of immune and stromal cells that govern their two primary functions: self-renewal and differentiation. In this review, we delve into the emerging cellular and molecular mechanisms as well as metabolic pathways of innate memory in HSCs, which harbor substantial therapeutic promise.

An explainable long short-term memory network for surgical site infection identification

BackgroundCurrently, surgical site infection surveillance relies on labor-intensive manual chart review. Recently suggested solutions involve machine learning to identify surgical site infections directly from the medical record. Deep learning is a form of machine learning that has historically performed better than traditional methods while being harder to interpret. We propose a deep learning model, a long short-term memory network, for the identification of surgical site infection from the medical record with an attention layer for explainability. MethodsWe retrieved structured data and clinical notes from the University of Utah Health System’s electronic health care record for operative events randomly selected for manual chart review from January 2016 to June 2021. Surgical site infection occurring within 30 days of surgery was determined according to the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program definition. We trained the long short-term memory model along with traditional machine learning models for comparison. We calculated several performance metrics from a holdout test set and performed additional analyses to understand the performance of the long short-term memory, including an explainability analysis. ResultsSurgical site infection was present in 4.7% of the total 9,185 operative events. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and sensitivity of the long short-term memory was higher (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.954, sensitivity: 0.920) compared to the top traditional model (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.937, sensitivity: 0.736). The top 5 features of the long short-term memory included 2 procedure codes and 3 laboratory values. ConclusionSurgical site infection surveillance is vital for the reduction of surgical site infection rates. Our explainable long short-term memory achieved a comparable area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and greater sensitivity when compared to traditional machine learning methods. With explainable deep learning, automated surgical site infection surveillance could replace burdensome manual chart review processes.

A Caputo fractional derivative dynamic model of hepatitis E with optimal control based on particle swarm optimization

Hepatitis E, as a zoonotic disease, has been a great challenge to global public health. Therefore, it has important research value and practical significance for the transmission and control of hepatitis E virus (HEV). In the exploration of infectious disease transmission dynamics and optimal control, mathematical models are often applied. Among them, the fractional differential model has become an important and practical tool because of its good memory and genetic characteristics. In this paper, an HEV propagation dynamic model is constructed by the Caputo fractional derivative. First, the properties of the model are analyzed, including the existence, non-negativity, boundedness, and stability of the equilibrium points. Then, from the perspective of fractional optimal control (FOC), control measures were proposed, including improving the awareness and prevention of hepatitis E among susceptible people, strengthening the treatment of infected people, and improving environmental hygiene. Then, an FOC model of HEV was constructed. After analyzing the necessary conditions for optimality, the particle swarm optimization is introduced to optimize the control function. In addition, four control strategies are applied. Finally, the numerical simulation is completed by the fractional Adams–Bashforth–Moulton prediction correction algorithm. The four strategies and no control were compared and analyzed. The numerical simulation results of different fractional orders are also compared and analyzed. The results illustrate that the optimal strategy, compared with no control, reduces the HEV control time by nearly 60 days. Therefore, this method would contribute to the study of HEV transmission dynamics and control mechanisms, thus contributing to the development of global public health.

Non-volatile memory characteristics of flexible ferroelectric field-effect transistors consisting of Sm-doped BiFeO3 thin films

This study investigates the impact of Sm doping on the structural, electrical, and functional properties of BiFeO3 (BFO) thin films. The aim is to improve their non-volatile memory characteristics for use in flexible ferroelectric field-effect transistors (FeFETs). We fabricated Sm-doped BFO (SBFO) thin films on flexible mica substrates with Sm concentrations ranging from 0 to 15 %. The FeFET device structures, which include MoS2 monolayer channels and SBFO thin films with Pt bottom electrodes, were analyzed. The SBFO thin films displayed a (111) preferential orientation due to the influence of underlying Pt electrodes. Notably, the SBFO thin film doped with a 10 % Sm concentration showed optimal enhancements, including a reduction in leakage current density and an increase in remanent polarization to 55.8 μC/cm2, compared to undoped thin film (35.5 μC/cm2). Furthermore, the thin film exhibited superior fatigue resistance for up to 1012 switching cycles and maintained stable values under significant bending stress for ferroelectric polarizations. On the other hand, SBFO thin film with 15 % Sm doping displayed relaxor antiferroelectric behavior, highlighting the importance of doping concentration. Therefore, for non-volatile memory application reliability, the FeFET device featuring a 10 % Sm-doped SBFO thin film not only enhanced the memory window but also showed superior fatigue characteristics over 1012 switching cycles, compared to its undoped counterpart. These findings demonstrate the effect of Sm doping in customizing the properties of BFO thin films for advanced, flexible non-volatile memory devices, offering a novel insight to optimize ferroelectric field-effect transistor performance.

Investigation of the wear and friction profile of TPU-based polymers at different infill ratios

Additive manufacturing is a widely used method in industry and research areas. In particular, fused deposition modelling is the most prevalent technique used by many professional and nonprofessional users. Many polymers can be used with this system, including thermo polyurethanes (TPU). TPUs have excellent elastic properties and high endurance against corrosion, humidity, and oil, and they ex-hibit a great absorbance capability to noise and vibrations, biocompatibility, and chemical resistance. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is also preferred for use in 3D/4D printing applications due to its easy casting, injection, and extrusion capabilities and its shape memory features. In this study, flexible TPU and carbon-mixed TPU were used to produce specimens with fused deposition modelling tech-niques at different infill ratios with the same patterns. The effects of the infill ratio within the different and same materials were investigated in terms of wear and friction profiles. Additionally, thermal and worn surface images were taken using a digital microscope. The hardness and diameter value altera-tions were also investigated for different materials and infill ratios. As a result of the study, material al-teration is more effective than the infill ratios in all parameters.

Persistence of a Skewed Repertoire of NK Cells in People with HIV-1 on Long-Term Antiretroviral Therapy.

HIV-1 infection greatly alters the NK cell phenotypic and functional repertoire. This is highlighted by the expansion of a rare population of FcRγ- NK cells exhibiting characteristics of traditional immunologic memory in people with HIV (PWH). Although current antiretroviral therapy (ART) effectively controls HIV-1 viremia and disease progression, its impact on HIV-1-associated NK cell abnormalities remains unclear. To address this, we performed a longitudinal analysis detailing conventional and memory-like NK cell characteristics in n = 60 PWH during the first 4 y of ART. Throughout this regimen, a skewed repertoire of cytokine unresponsive FcRγ- memory-like NK cells persisted and accompanied an overall increase in NK surface expression of CD57 and KLRG1, suggestive of progression toward immune senescence. These traits were linked to elevated serum inflammatory biomarkers and increasing Ab titers to human CMV, with human CMV viremia detected in approximately one-third of PWH at years 1-4 of ART. Interestingly, 40% of PWH displayed atypical NK cell subsets, representing intermediate stages of NK-poiesis based on single-cell multiomic trajectory analysis. Our findings indicate that NK cell irregularities persist in PWH despite long-term ART, underscoring the need to better understand the causative mechanisms that prevent full restoration of immune health in PWH.

AUDITORY AND VERBAL MEMORY DISORDER IN YOUNG SCHOOLCHILDREN WITH CONGENITAL HEART DEFECTS

Highlights The presented literature review points to new questions associated with cognitive impairment in patients with congenital heart defects. We propose that cognitive and behavioral impairments in patients with CHD are common, but their development trajectory and degree of severity depend on the CHD subtype. Aim. To study the features of auditory and verbal memory in young schoolchildren who underwent cardiac surgery.Methods. The study included 104 children from 7 to 10 years old, who underwent on-pump cardiac surgery for congenital heart defects at the Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases in the period from 2019 to 2022. We analyzed anamnesis data, clinical and hemodynamic picture, the risk of mortality from surgery according to the RACHS scale, and assessed the auditory and verbal memory according using methodical manual by T.A. Fotekova and T.V. Akhutina (block 1 series 3, block 2 series 1) during 1-year follow up.Results. All children had presented with stage I chronic heart failure (functional class II) at the time of hospitalization. The outcome of surgery was mostly positive a year after the surgery: children had no heart failure symptoms or hemodynamic disorders, however, 80% of children had auditory and verbal memory impairments.Conclusion. In addition to standard methods of examining children with congenital heart disease, it is necessary to introduce a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach that would include the assessment of neurocognitive status before and after surgery.

Micro-electrical discharge machining of nitinol alloy using coated electrode and multi-energy field

ABSTRACT Nitinol alloys are widely utilized across various fields owing to their exceptional elasticity and shape memory characteristics. Their low thermal conductivity, high strength, and high toughness pose significant challenges to conventional machining technologies. To address these challenges, several non-conventional machining processes such as electrical discharge machining have been developed. This study introduces an innovative approach that combines the use of insulated coated electrodes with multi-energy field-assisted electrical discharge machining to improve the application of electrical discharge machining in machining deep microporous. We investigated the effects of the insulated electrode and multi-energy field on surface morphology, taper accuracy, diameter cutting, and the thickness of the recast layer in detail. The findings suggest that the insulated coated electrode combined with multi-energy field-assisted electrical discharge machining achieves better taper accuracy and lower diameter cutting, resulting in a smoother surface and a more uniform, thinner recast layer compared to traditional electrical discharge machining.

Long‐ and Short‐Term Memory Characteristics Controlled by Electrical and Optical Stimulations in InZnO‐Based Synaptic Device for Reservoir Computing

AbstractIn this study, the resistive switching phenomenon and synaptic mimicry characteristics of an indium tin oxide (ITO)/indium zinc oxide (IZO)/Al2O3/TaN device are characterized. The insertion of a thin Al2O3 layer via atomic layer deposition improves the resistive switching characteristics such as cycle‐to‐cycle and device‐to‐device uniformity and reduces the power consumption of the proposed device with respect to a single‐layer ITO/IZO/TaN device. The proposed device exhibits the coexistence of volatile and nonvolatile characteristics under optical and electrical measurement conditions. Nonvolatile memory characteristics with stable retention results are used for synaptic applications by emulating potentiation, depression, and spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity. Furthermore, the device shows volatile characteristics under ultraviolet‐light illumination, emulating paired‐pulse facilitation and excitatory post‐synaptic current responses. Finally, optical‐enhanced reservoir computing is implemented based on the nonlinear and volatile nature of the IZO‐based resistive random‐access memory device.

Abstract 6326: Targeting PRDM1 to enhance CAR T cell efficacy against diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL)

Abstract CAR T cell therapy has shown remarkable success in treating patients with relapsed or refractory (r/r) DLBCL, but a majority (>60%) will experience disease progression. A key failure mechanism is the rapid terminal differentiation and exhaustion of CAR T cells, driven by persistent antigen exposure in vitro during manufacturing and in vivo in the DLBCL environment, which culminates in poor persistence and short-term effector functions. Recent studies have identified the transcriptional repressor PR/SET domain 1 (PRDM1) as a key regulator that drives differentiation of T cells toward these unwanted fates. Further, single cell transcriptomic profiling of r/r DLBCL biopsies has revealed PRDM1 enrichment in a cluster of exhausted-like CD8+ CAR T cells. These observations indicate that targeting PRDM1 could prevent or delay terminal differentiation/exhaustion in CAR T cells, thereby enhancing their persistence for lasting anti-tumor activity. Using CRISPR/Cas9 targeting, we have demonstrated that PRDM1-deficient CAR T cells exhibit enhanced proliferative capacity, memory characteristics, and resilience against exhaustion upon repeated stimulation. Moreover, genetic ablation of PRDM1 also promoted the in vivo expansion and persistence of CAR T cells, which led to significantly improved survival of lymphoma-bearing mice. Mechanistically, loss of PRDM1 leads to de-repression of PPARGC1A (PGC1α), a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant activity. This confers elevated tolerance to oxidative damage in CAR T cells lacking PRDM1, which showed increased capacity to buffer oxidative stress induced by mitochondrial uncouplers and constant stimulation. These findings suggest that PRDM1 loss may improve CAR T cell fitness through PGC1α upregulation and mitochondrial activation. From a translational perspective, we assessed the potential synergistic effects of PGC1α agonist, bezafibrate, with CAR T cells. Dual therapy with bezafibrate and CAR T cells mediated more robust expansion and anti-tumor immunity of CAR T cells without causing discernible adverse events. Importantly, bezafibrate alone had no direct tumoricidal effects, which indicates that bezafibrate suppressed tumor growth through modulating CAR T cell functions. Moving forward, we will uncover the previously uncharted role of PRDM1 in orchestrating the mitochondrial and metabolic activity of CAR T cells. Building upon a correlation between PRDM1 expression and CAR T cell dysfunction, we aim to pioneer the use of PRDM1 and/or its target genes as novel biomarkers for predicting clinical responses of r/r DLBCL patients to CAR T cell therapy. Our endeavors will shed light on the long-standing conundrum of CAR T cell dysfunction and offer solutions that may be applicable for improving T cell-based therapy against cancer in general. Citation Format: Sidney Wang, Lishi Xie, Xiufen Chen, Alan Cooper, Joanna Chorazeczewski, Justin Kline. Targeting PRDM1 to enhance CAR T cell efficacy against diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 6326.

Abstract 2: T cells selected from lymph node acquisition for adoptive cell therapyin NSCLC

Abstract Background: A primary limitation of PD-1 inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) arises from their inability to act on 'cold' tumors without tumor-reactive T cells, necessitating alternative approaches. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using (CAR)-engineered cells, strives to enhance antitumor immunity but faces several challenges such as identifying safe antigens, tumor heterogeneity, antigen escape, cell trafficking, and T cell persistence. To address these issues, we explored a new source of T cells from the benign tumor draining lymph nodes (tdLNs) of NSCLC patients. Our initial results have shown that tdLNs is a reservoir for of tumor-relevant 'stem-like' T cells. We posit that employing these pluripotent T cells for ACT could achieve significant tumor rejection in NSCLC. Methods: Resected tumors, tdLN, non-draining (ndLN), and blood from NSCLC patients, as well as a syngeneic murine lung cancer model (344SQ), underwent analysis. T cells were profiled using flow cytometry, cytotoxicity and proliferation assays. TCR and single cell (sc)RNA sequencing assessed clonal expansion, diversity, and transcriptional profiles of tumor-relevant T cells. T cells were then transduced with an ICAM-1 targeting CAR, in vivo efficacy was evaluated in an A549 murine lung cancer model. Results: T cell subsets with stem-cell memory characteristics, as indicated by PD-1+, TCF1hi, CXCR5+, and CD8+ expression, which were not significantly found in the tumor or PB. These T cells exhibited progenitor-like transcriptional signatures, enhanced SELL and TCF-1 expression, fewer exhaustion markers, and superior in vitro proliferation compared to TILs from both a murine lung cancer model and patient-derived tissues. scRNA sequencing, coupled with TCR "tumor matching" (TM) techniques, exposed a rich clonal diversity of tumor-relevant clones within tdLNs, which showcased a broader transcriptional memory profile and distinct CD4+ and CD8+ phenotypes. Upon analyzing the top 100 expanded (n>3) TM clones, 47 featured the presence of tdLN-derived T cells, covering progenitor, stem cell-like, and central memory clusters. T cell subsets were then transduced with a CAR targeting ICAM-1—a cell surface protein frequently overexpressed in NSCLC tumors. Manufacturing protocol yielded high transduction efficiency and T cell expansion within two weeks in 6/6 patients, consistent with PB-derived CAR T cells and on par with the optimal dosing requirements of an ICAM-1 CAR Phase I trial (NCT04420754). tdLN-CAR T cells showed potent antitumor efficacy compared to the control in an aggressive NSCLC murine model (Median survival 103d vs 66d; respectively; p=0.006). Conclusions: This represents the first reported use of T cells from tdLN for genetically engineered ACT. The data indicate that modifying antigen-experienced, stem-like T cells from tdLN with CAR is a promising and efficient method in a NSCLC murine model, warranting further research. Citation Format: Tatiana Delgado Cruz, Yanping Yang, Rachel Honigsberg, Geoffrey Markowitz, Nasser K Altorki, Vivek Mittal, Moonsoo M. Jin, Jonathan Villena-Vargas. T cells selected from lymph node acquisition for adoptive cell therapyin NSCLC [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2.

Resistive random access memory characteristics of NiO, NiO0.95, and NiO0.95/NiO/NiO0.95 thin films

Resistive random access memory characteristics of NiO, NiO0.95, and NiO0.95/NiO/NiO0.95 thin films

Dynamical complexity of a fractional‐order neural network with nonidentical delays: Stability and bifurcation curves

Recently, many scholars have discovered that fractional calculus possess infinite memory and can better reflect the memory characteristics of neurons. Therefore, this paper studies the Hopf bifurcation of a fractional‐order network with short‐cut connections structure and self‐delay feedback. Firstly, we use the Laplace transform to obtain the characteristic equation of the model, which is the transcendental equation containing four times transcendental item. Secondly, by selecting the communication delay as the bifurcation parameter and the other delay as the constant in its stability interval, the conditions for the occurrence of Hopf bifurcation are established; the bifurcation diagrams are provided to ensure that the derived bifurcation findings are accurate. Thirdly, in the case of identical neurons, the crossing curves method is exploited to the fractional‐order functional function equation to extract the Hopf bifurcation curve. Finally, two numerical examples are employed to confirm the efficiency of the developed theoretical outcomes.

Expansion of memory Vδ2 T cells following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination revealed by temporal single-cell transcriptomics

γδ T cells provide rapid cellular immunity against pathogens. Here, we conducted matched single-cell RNA-sequencing and γδ-TCR-sequencing to delineate the molecular changes in γδ T cells during a longitudinal study following mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. While the first dose of vaccine primes Vδ2 T cells, it is the second administration that significantly boosts their immune response. Specifically, the second vaccination uncovers memory features of Vδ2 T cells, shaped by the induction of AP-1 family transcription factors and characterized by a convergent central memory signature, clonal expansion, and an enhanced effector potential. This temporally distinct effector response of Vδ2 T cells was also confirmed in vitro upon stimulation with SARS-CoV-2 spike-peptides. Indeed, the second challenge triggers a significantly higher production of IFNγ by Vδ2 T cells. Collectively, our findings suggest that mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination might benefit from the establishment of long-lasting central memory Vδ2 T cells to confer protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Stacked structure dependence on resistive switching characteristics in sumanene molecular memory

Nonvolatile memories using molecule (molecule memories) are attracting attention. This is because these materials are suitable for miniaturization and higher capacity of memories in terms of their properties and dimensions. We have already demonstrated that the metal–insulator–metal (MIM) devices with sumanene-inserted bilayer graphene show huge resistive switching characteristics. However, the reason why resistive switching occurs in the graphene/sumanene/graphene structure has yet to be clarified. In this work, to investigate the mechanisms of the resistive switching phenomenon in sumanene-inserted bilayer graphene, plural kinds of stacked MIM structures are fabricated and evaluated. As a result, the measurement results clearly show that the graphene/sumanene/graphene structure is indispensable in the resistive switching phenomenon. Furthermore, based on the temperature dependence of the resistive switching, it is confirmed that a significant I ON/I OFF ratio can be obtained at higher operation temperatures.

IGZO charge trap flash device for reconfigurable logic functions

We fabricated an indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) charge trap flash (CTF) device for logic-in-memory (LIM) applications. Initially, the nonvolatile memory characteristics of the IGZO CTF device were investigated under charge trapping and detrapping states in 104 s retention tests. Next, we constructed a common-source amplifier circuit containing the IGZO CTF device and demonstrated various input–output signal relationships by modulating the memory state of the device. Finally, we used interconnected IGZO CTF devices to demonstrate reconfigurable logic functions. Using series- and parallel-connected IGZO CTF devices, we developed 2-input NAND and 2-input NOR gates, respectively. Our experimental results showed that the IGZO CTF device is a promising future memory device and a tool for LIM technology.

Sensitization with Fungal Protease Allergen Establishes Long-Lived, Allergenic Th Cell Memory in the Lung.

Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Exposure to allergens produced by a variety of otherwise harmless microbes, including fungi, predisposes individuals to immunopathologic disease upon subsequent encounters with allergen. We developed a mouse model that employs a purified protease produced by Aspergillus (Asp f 13) to investigate the contributions of CD4+ Th cells to recurrent lung inflammation. Notably, memory CD4+ T cells enhanced the eosinophil response of sensitized/rechallenged animals. In addition, memory CD4+ T cells maintained allergenic features, including expression of GATA-binding protein 3 and IL-5. Th2 memory T cells persisted in the peribronchiolar interstitium of the lung and expressed markers of tissue residence, such as CD69, CCR8, and IL-33R. Lastly, we identified a peptide epitope contained within Asp f 13 and generated a peptide-MHC class II tetramer. Using these tools, we further demonstrated the durability and exquisite sensitivity of memory T cells in promoting lung eosinophilia. Our data highlight important features of memory T cells that strengthen the notion that memory T cells are principal drivers of eosinophilic disease in murine models of allergic sensitization and episodic airway inflammation.