No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

During past over 30 years, low temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) technology has been developed to meet with the requirements of small, light weight and multifunctional electronic components through enabling fabrication of three-dimensional ceramic modules with low dielectric loss and embedded silver electrode. A recent technology is to develop new dielectrics with ultra-low sintering temperature (usually \650°C) to save energy, reduce processing time, and to enable further integrations with semiconductors, metals or even plastics. In this review, we summarized the materials with ultra-low sintering temperature developed in past over 10 years, which will be helpful for those researchers to not only develop new materials but also improve all technologies in ultra-LTCC fields.

Background/Aims: Transforming growth factor β 1 (TGFβ1) plays a critical role in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) during renal injury, a major cause of acute renal failure, renal fibrosis and obstructive nephropathy. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain ill-defined. Here, we addressed this question. Methods: Expression of TGFβ1, Snail, and phosphorylated Stat3 was examined by immunohistochemistry in the kidney after induction of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in mice. In vitro, primary TECs were purified by flow cytometry, and then challenged with TGFβ1 with/without presence of specific inhibitors for phosphorylation of SMAD3 or Stat3. Protein levels were determined by Western blotting. Results: We detected significant increases in Snail and phosphorylated Stat3, an activated form for Stat3, in the kidney after induction of UUO in mice. In vitro, TGFβ1-challenged primary TECs upregulated Snail, in a SMAD3/Stat3 dependent manner. Conclusion: Our study sheds light on the mechanism underlying the EMT of TECs after renal injury, and suggests Stat3 signaling as a promising innovative therapeutic target for prevention of renal fibrosis.