Flexible electronics incorporate all the functional attributes of conventional rigid electronics in formats that have been altered to survive mechanical deformations. Understanding the evolution of ...device performance during bending, stretching, or other mechanical cycling is, therefore, fundamental to research efforts in this area. Here, we review the various classes of flexible electronic devices (including power sources, sensors, circuits and individual components) and describe the basic principles of device mechanics. We then review techniques to characterize the deformation tolerance and durability of these flexible devices, and we catalogue and geometric designs that are intended to optimize electronic systems for maximum flexibility.
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DOBA, EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, IZUM, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
We present microlensing events in the 2015 Korea Microlensing Telescope Network (KMTNet) data and our procedure for identifying these events. In particular, candidates were detected with a novel ..."completed-event" microlensing event-finder algorithm. The algorithm works by making linear fits to a grid of point-lens microlensing models. This approach is rendered computationally efficient by restricting u0 to just two values (0 and 1), which we show is quite adequate. The implementation presented here is specifically tailored to the commission-year character of the 2015 data, but the algorithm is quite general and has already been applied to a completely different (non-KMTNet) data set. We outline expected improvements for 2016 and future KMTNet data. The light curves of the 660 "clear microlensing" and 182 "possible microlensing" events that were found in 2015 are presented along with our policy for their public release.
We report on nanoscale strain gradients in ferroelectric HoMnO(3) epitaxial thin films, resulting in a giant flexoelectric effect. Using grazing-incidence in-plane x-ray diffraction, we measured ...strain gradients in the films, which were 6 or 7 orders of magnitude larger than typical values reported for bulk oxides. The combination of transmission electron microscopy, electrical measurements, and electrostatic calculations showed that flexoelectricity provides a means of tuning the physical properties of ferroelectric epitaxial thin films, such as domain configurations and hysteresis curves.
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CMK, CTK, FMFMET, IJS, NUK, PNG, UM
Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) occurs when the distance between a donor fluorophore and an acceptor is within 10 nm, and its application often necessitates fluorescent labeling of ...biological targets. However, covalent modification of biomolecules can inadvertently give rise to conformational and/or functional changes. This review describes the application of intrinsic protein fluorescence, predominantly derived from tryptophan (λ EX ≈ 280 nm, λ EM ≈ 350 nm), in protein-related research and mainly focuses on label-free FRET techniques. In terms of wavelength and intensity, tryptophan fluorescence is strongly influenced by its (or the proteinlocal environment, which, in addition to fluorescence quenching, has been applied to study protein conformational changes. Intrinsic Förster resonance energy transfer (iFRET), a recently developed technique, utilizes the intrinsic fluorescence of tryptophan in conjunction with target-specific fluorescent probes as FRET donors and acceptors, respectively, for real time detection of native proteins.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Eukaryotic genome sequencing and de novo assembly, once the exclusive domain of well-funded international consortia, have become increasingly affordable, thus fitting the budgets of individual ...research groups. Third-generation long-read DNA sequencing technologies are increasingly used, providing extensive genomic toolkits that were once reserved for a few select model organisms. Generating high-quality genome assemblies and annotations for many aquatic species still presents significant challenges due to their large genome sizes, complexity, and high chromosome numbers. Indeed, selecting the most appropriate sequencing and software platforms and annotation pipelines for a new genome project can be daunting because tools often only work in limited contexts. In genomics, generating a high-quality genome assembly/annotation has become an indispensable tool for better understanding the biology of any species. Herein, we state 12 steps to help researchers get started in genome projects by presenting guidelines that are broadly applicable (to any species), sustainable over time, and cover all aspects of genome assembly and annotation projects from start to finish. We review some commonly used approaches, including practical methods to extract high-quality DNA and choices for the best sequencing platforms and library preparations. In addition, we discuss the range of potential bioinformatics pipelines, including structural and functional annotations (e.g., transposable elements and repetitive sequences). This paper also includes information on how to build a wide community for a genome project, the importance of data management, and how to make the data and results Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) by submitting them to a public repository and sharing them with the research community.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Arthropod molt is coordinated through the interplay between ecdysteroids and neuropeptide hormones. In crustaceans, changes in the activity of Y-organs during the molt cycle have been regulated by ...molt-inhibiting hormone (MIH) and crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH). Little has been known of the mode of direct effects of ecdysteroids on the levels of MIH and CHH in the eyestalk ganglia during the molt cycle. This study focused on a putative feedback of ecdysteroids on the expression levels of MIH transcripts using in vitro incubation study with ecdysteroids and in vivo RNAi in the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus. Our results show a specific expression of ecdysone receptor (EcR) in which EcR1 is the major isoform in eyestalk ganglia. The initial elevation of MIH expression at the early premolt stages is replicated by in vitro incubations of eyestalk ganglia with ecdysteroids that mimic the intrinsic conditions of D0 stage: the concentration (75 ng/ml) and composition (ponasterone A and 20-hydroxyecdysone at a 3:1 (w:w) ratio). Additionally, multiple injections of EcR1-dsRNA reduce MIH expression by 67%, compared to the controls. Our data provide evidence on a putative feedback mechanism of hormonal regulation during molting cycle, specifically how the molt cycle is repeated during the life cycle of crustaceans. The elevated concentrations of ecdysteroids at early premolt stage may act positively on the levels of MIH expression in the eyestalk ganglia. Subsequently, the increased MIH titers in the hemolymph at postmolt would inhibit the synthesis and release of ecdysteroids by Y-organs, resulting in re-setting the subsequent molt cycle.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Aim
To assess the relationship between plasma neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels and diabetic retinopathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Methods
In total, 204 patients with ...Type 2 diabetes were investigated in this cross‐sectional study. They were classified as having no diabetic retinopathy, non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) or proliferative retinopathy (PDR), according to the degree of diabetic retinopathy. Thus, diabetic retinopathy in the patients in this study was either NPDR or PDR.
Results
Plasma NGAL concentrations were significantly higher in patients with diabetic retinopathy than in those without. The mean plasma NGAL levels differed significantly according to the severity of diabetic retinopathy (no diabetic retinopathy, 120.8 ng/ml; NPDR, 217.8 ng/ml; PDR, 372.4 ng/ml; P for trend = 0.002) after adjustment for other covariates. In multivariable analysis, plasma NGAL levels were significantly associated with diabetic retinopathy (odds ratio for each standard deviation increase in the logarithmic value, 7.75; 95% confidence interval, 2.04–29.41, P = 0.003).
Conclusion
Plasma NGAL levels were positively associated with diabetic retinopathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Background
Bacterial flagellin, a Toll‐like receptor 5 agonist, is used as an adjuvant for immunomodulation. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect and its mechanism following intralymphatic ...administration of OVA‐flagellin (FlaB) mixture in the mouse model of allergic rhinitis.
Materials and Methods
BALB/c mice were sensitized with OVA and treated with an OVA‐FlaB mixture via intranasal, sublingual, and intralymphatic routes to evaluate the effect of each treatment. Several parameters for allergic inflammation and its underlying mechanisms were then evaluated.
Results
Intralymphatic injection of the OVA‐FlaB mixture reduced symptom scores, eosinophil infiltration in the nasal mucosa, and total and OVA‐specific IgE levels more significantly than intranasal and sublingual administration. Systemic cytokine (IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐17, and IFN‐γ) production and local cytokine (IL‐4 and IL‐5) production were also reduced significantly after intralymphatic injection with OVA‐FlaB. Double intralymphatic injection of the mixture was more effective than single injection. Moreover, the expression of innate cytokines such as IL‐25 and IL‐33 in nasal epithelial cells was reduced, and the expression of chemokines such as CCL24 (eotaxin‐2), CXCL1, and CXCL2 was decreased in the nasal mucosa, suggesting the underlying mechanism for intralymphatic administration of the OVA‐FlaB mixture.
Conclusion
Intralymphatic administration of an OVA‐FlaB mixture was more effective in alleviating allergic inflammation than intranasal and sublingual administration in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis. This effect may be attributed to the reduced expression of innate cytokines and chemokines. This treatment modality can be considered as a new therapeutic method and agent.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Rapid developments in the field of nanoparticles during the last decades have led to its increased application in drug delivery approaches. The advantages of nano-based drug delivery systems include ...improved therapeutic efficacy of drugs and the reduction of side effects.
This review aims to highlight advances in stimuli-triggered drug delivery approaches using polymeric nanoparticles with a focus on pH-sensitive drug- and theranostic delivery systems.
Of the various organic/inorganic nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles have fulfilled an integral role in the advancement of drug delivery systems by virtue of the ease to incorporate and modify targeting moieties in combination with controlled drug release over prolonged periods. Furthermore, polymeric nanoparticles facilitate theranostic treatment by the incorporation of imaging agents in addition to therapeutics. Recently, stimuli-responsive polymeric nanoparticles emerged as smart drug carriers, in which drug release is affected by physical and/or chemical structural changes induced by a specific stimulus (e.g. pH, temperature, and specific enzymes). The use of these nanocomposites reduces premature drug release and maintains effective drug levels at the pathological target.
We performed a comprehensive comparison between GPS global ionosphere map (GIM) and TOPEX/Jason (T‐J) total electron content (TEC) data for the periods of 1998–2009 in order to assess the performance ...of GIM over the global ocean where the GPS ground stations are very sparse. Using the GIM model constructed by the Center for Orbit Determination in Europe at the University of Bern, the GIM TEC values were obtained along the T‐J satellite orbit at specific locations and times of measurements and then binned into various geophysical conditions for direct comparison with the T‐J TEC. On the whole, the GIM model was able to reproduce the spatial and temporal variations of the global ionosphere as well as the seasonal variations. However, the GIM model was not accurate enough to represent the well‐known ionospheric structures such as the equatorial anomaly, the Weddell Sea Anomaly, and the longitudinal wave structure. Furthermore, a fundamental limitation of the model seems to be evident in the unexpected negative differences (i.e., GPS < T‐J) in the northern high‐latitude and the southern middle‐ and high‐latitude regions in comparison with the T‐J TECS. The positive relative differences (i.e., GIM > T‐J) at night represent the plasmaspheric contribution to GPS TEC, which is maximized, reaching up to 100% of the corresponding T‐J TEC values in the early morning sector. In particular, the relative differences decreased with increasing solar activity, and this may indicate that the plasmaspheric contribution to the maintenance of the nighttime ionosphere does not increase with solar activity, which is different from what we normally anticipate.
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