Evolutionary parameter extraction for an organic TFT compact model including contact effects

Please cite this article as: A. Romero, J. González, R. Picos, M. J. Deen, J. A. Jiménez-Tejada, Evolutionary parameter extraction for an organic TFT compact model including contact effects, Organic Electronics, (2018), 61, 242-253. © 2018. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Digital Object Identifier: 10.1016/j.orgel.2018.05.062 Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1566119918302908Parameter extraction is a complex procedure when contact effects are present. In this work, a multi-objective evolutionary parameter extraction procedure is used to simultaneously determine the parameters of both a compact model for the current-voltage characteristics of organic thin-film transistors and a contact model. This procedure can be used to overcome shortcomings of previous parameter extraction procedures. The proposed evolutionary procedure can be used in those situations whereby the parameter set extracted by other procedures does not comply its physical meaning, or if a poor agreement between the experimental data and the analytical results exists. In the last case, the evolutionary procedure can be used as a problem optimization method. After the evolutionary parameter extraction procedure is applied to the transistor output characteristics, the obtained results show an excellent agreement with the experimental data.This work was supported by projects TIN2015-67020-P, MAT2016-76892-C3-3-R, TEC2014-56244-R, and Excellence Networks REFLEXIO and NANOVAR funded by the Spanish “Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad” and European Regional Development Funds (ERDF)

Análisis de las variaciones de la carga externa en jugadoras de fútbol de élite durante las tareas de 6 contra 6 en campo reducido

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe and compare the external loads response of elite female soccer players to different small-sided games (SSG). Twelve elite female soccer players (26.5 ± 5.7 years, 58.6 ± 5.6 kg, 164.4 ± 5.3 cm) performed four different 6vs6 SSG: two different sizes (20x20m and 30x30m) and with minigoals (MG) and without mini-goals (NG). Methods: Total distance (TD), low-intensity running distance (LIR), high-intensity running distance (HIR), sprint distance (SD), accelerations (ACC), decelerations (DEC), repeated sprints (RS) and Bodyload (BL) was collected using a 15Hz global positioning satellite system. The variables were compared across all SSG formats using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (p<.05) and non-clinical magnitude-based inferences (Cohen´s d). Results: Compared to 20x20m SSG, the 30x30m SSG induced greater TD (p=.001, d=1.20), LIR (p=.001, d=1.06), HIR (p=.001, d=1.20) and BL (p=.008, d=1.04) in NG condition. Similarly, in SSG with MG, greater number of ACC (p=.003, d=.38), DEC (p=.005, d=.42), LIR (p=.009, d=.86) and HIR (p=.070 d=.61) occurred in 30x30m vs. 20x20m. When NG 30x30m and 20x20m SSG were played, greater TD (p=.001, d=1.70; p=.001, d=1.13; respectively), LIR (p=.001, d=1.84; p=.001, d=1.39), ACC (p=.54, d=.39; p=.003, d=.74; respectively) and BL (p=.001, d=1.60; p=.001, d=1.15; respectively) were noted compared to MG. Conclusion: greater external load response of elite female soccer players was observed in SSG without mini-goals and played in greater pitch sizes. These findings are usefulness for coaches and physical trainers to design proper training tasks according to game demands.Propósito: El objetivo de este estudio fue describir y comparar la respuesta de las cargas externas de las jugadoras de fútbol de élite a diferentes juegos reducidos (SSG). Doce jugadoras de fútbol de élite (26,5 ± 5,7 años, 58,6 ± 5,6 kg, 164,4 ± 5,3 cm) realizaron cuatro diferentes SSG 6vs6: dos tamaños distintos (20x20m y 30x30m) y con mini-porterias (MG) y sin ini-porterias (NG). Métodos: Se recogió la distancia total (TD), la distancia de carrera de baja intensidad (LIR), la distancia de carrera de alta intensidad (HIR), la distancia de sprint (SD), las aceleraciones (ACC), las deceleraciones (DEC), los sprints repetidos (RS) y la carga corporal (BL) mediante un sistema de posicionamiento global por satélite de 15Hz. Las variables se compararon entre todos los formatos de SSG utilizando un análisis de varianza de una vía (ANOVA) (p<.05) y las inferencias basadas en la magnitud del tamaño del efecto (d de Cohen). Resultados: En comparación con el SSG de 20x20m, el SSG de 30x30m indujo una mayor TD (p=0,001, d=1,20), LIR (p=0,001, d=1,06), HIR (p=0,001, d=1,20) y BL (p=0,008, d=1,04) en la condición NG. Del mismo modo, en SSG con MG, se produjo un mayor número de ACC (p=0,003, d=0,38), DEC (p=0,005, d=0,42), LIR (p=0,009, d=0,86) y HIR (p=0,070 d=0,61) en 30x30m frente a 20x20m. Cuando se jugó NG 30x30m y 20x20m SSG, se observó una mayor TD (p=.001, d=1.70; p=.001, d=1.13; respectivamente), LIR (p=.001, d=1.84; p=.001, d=1.39), ACC (p=.54, d=.39; p=.003, d=.74; respectivamente) y BL (p=.001, d=1.60; p=.001, d=1.15; respectivamente) en comparación con MG. Conclusión: se observó una mayor respuesta a la carga externa de las jugadoras de fútbol de élite en SSG sin ini-porterias y jugadas en terrenos de juego de mayor tamaño. Estos hallazgos son útiles para que los entrenadores y preparadores físicos diseñen tareas de entrenamiento adecuadas según las exigencias del juego

Effect of Terminal Groups of Dendrimers in the Complexation with Antisense Oligonucleotides and Cell Uptake

Indexación: Web of Science.Poly(amidoamine) dendrimers are the most recognized class of dendrimer. Amino-terminated (PAMAM-NH2) and hydroxyl-terminated (PAMAM-OH) dendrimers of generation 4 are widely used, since they are commercially available. Both have different properties, mainly based on their different overall charges at physiological pH. Currently, an important function of dendrimers as carriers of short single-stranded DNA has been applied. These molecules, known as antisense oligonucleotides (asODNs), are able to inhibit the expression of a target mRNA. Whereas PAMAM-NH2 dendrimers have shown to be able to transfect plasmid DNA, PAMAM-OH dendrimers have not shown the same successful results. However, little is known about their interaction with shorter and more flexible molecules such as asODNs. Due to several initiatives, the use of these neutral dendrimers as a scaffold to introduce other functional groups has been proposed. Because of its low cytotoxicity, it is relevant to understand the molecular phenomena involving these types of dendrimers. In this work, we studied the behavior of an antisense oligonucleotide in presence of both types of dendrimers using molecular dynamics simulations, in order to elucidate if they are able to form stable complexes. In this manner, we demonstrated at atomic level that PAMAM-NH2, unlike PAMAM-OH, could form a well-compacted complex with asODN, albeit PAMAM-OH can also establish stable interactions with the oligonucleotide. The biological activity of asODN in complex with PAMAM-NH2 dendrimer was also shown. Finally, we revealed that in contact with PAMAM-OH, asODN remains outside the cells as TIRF microscopy results showed, due to its poor interaction with this dendrimer and cell membranes.http://nanoscalereslett.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s11671-016-1260-

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) between standard gypsum ceiling tile and polyurethane gypsum ceiling tile

In this paper, the LCA of two gypsum ceiling tiles is compared, the first one is a traditional gypsum tile and the second is a new eco ceiling tile in which polyurethane foam waste has been incorporated. Both tiles were made at one of the largest gypsum tile factories in Europe. The life cycle assessment has been considered from cradle to grave for which the corresponding production stages have been defined. This includes the extraction and transportation of raw materials, the manufacturing process, transportation to the client, the use of the product and the end of its useful life. The results show that the tile with polyurethane has a better environmental performance than the standard commercial ceiling tile. This is quantified as a 14% reduction in energy consumption, a 14% reduction in CO2 emissions and a 25% reduction in water consumption compared with the standard tile, all the while maintaining the technical performance. An analysis of the results suggests that the new eco product has a competitive advantage on the market thanks to its environmental improvements and good technical performance.This study was carried out within the framework of the LIFEREPOLYUSE Recovery of polyurethane for reuse in eco-efficient materials. LIFE 16 ENV/ES/000254 Project. LIFE 2016. Environment Life Programme. European Commission. The authors are also grateful to the BU070P20 Project funded by the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) of the EU and the Junta de Castilla y León (Spain). In addition, the authors are grateful to the European Social Fund (European Union) and the Education Board of the Junta de Castilla y León (Spain) for funding the investigation

Análisis de las variaciones de la carga externa en jugadoras de fútbol de élite durante las tareas de 6 contra 6 en campo reducido

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe and compare the external loads response of elite female soccer players to different small-sided games (SSG). Twelve elite female soccer players (26.5 ± 5.7 years, 58.6 ± 5.6 kg, 164.4 ± 5.3 cm) performed four different 6vs6 SSG: two different sizes (20x20m and 30x30m) and with minigoals (MG) and without mini-goals (NG). Methods: Total distance (TD), low-intensity running distance (LIR), high-intensity running distance (HIR), sprint distance (SD), accelerations (ACC), decelerations (DEC), repeated sprints (RS) and Bodyload (BL) was collected using a 15Hz global positioning satellite system. The variables were compared across all SSG formats using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (p<.05) and non-clinical magnitude-based inferences (Cohen´s d). Results: Compared to 20x20m SSG, the 30x30m SSG induced greater TD (p=.001, d=1.20), LIR (p=.001, d=1.06), HIR (p=.001, d=1.20) and BL (p=.008, d=1.04) in NG condition. Similarly, in SSG with MG, greater number of ACC (p=.003, d=.38), DEC (p=.005, d=.42), LIR (p=.009, d=.86) and HIR (p=.070 d=.61) occurred in 30x30m vs. 20x20m. When NG 30x30m and 20x20m SSG were played, greater TD (p=.001, d=1.70; p=.001, d=1.13; respectively), LIR (p=.001, d=1.84; p=.001, d=1.39), ACC (p=.54, d=.39; p=.003, d=.74; respectively) and BL (p=.001, d=1.60; p=.001, d=1.15; respectively) were noted compared to MG. Conclusion: greater external load response of elite female soccer players was observed in SSG without mini-goals and played in greater pitch sizes. These findings are usefulness for coaches and physical trainers to design proper training tasks according to game demandsPropósito: El objetivo de este estudio fue describir y comparar la respuesta de las cargas externas de las jugadoras de fútbol de élite a diferentes juegos reducidos (SSG). Doce jugadoras de fútbol de élite (26,5 ± 5,7 años, 58,6 ± 5,6 kg, 164,4 ± 5,3 cm) realizaron cuatro diferentes SSG 6vs6: dos tamaños distintos (20x20m y 30x30m) y con mini-porterias (MG) y sin ini-porterias (NG). Métodos: Se recogió la distancia total (TD), la distancia de carrera de baja intensidad (LIR), la distancia de carrera de alta intensidad (HIR), la distancia de sprint (SD), las aceleraciones (ACC), las deceleraciones (DEC), los sprints repetidos (RS) y la carga corporal (BL) mediante un sistema de posicionamiento global por satélite de 15Hz. Las variables se compararon entre todos los formatos de SSG utilizando un análisis de varianza de una vía (ANOVA) (p<.05) y las inferencias basadas en la magnitud del tamaño del efecto (d de Cohen). Resultados: En comparación con el SSG de 20x20m, el SSG de 30x30m indujo una mayor TD (p=0,001, d=1,20), LIR (p=0,001, d=1,06), HIR (p=0,001, d=1,20) y BL (p=0,008, d=1,04) en la condición NG. Del mismo modo, en SSG con MG, se produjo un mayor número de ACC (p=0,003, d=0,38), DEC (p=0,005, d=0,42), LIR (p=0,009, d=0,86) y HIR (p=0,070 d=0,61) en 30x30m frente a 20x20m. Cuando se jugó NG 30x30m y 20x20m SSG, se observó una mayor TD (p=.001, d=1.70; p=.001, d=1.13; respectivamente), LIR (p=.001, d=1.84; p=.001, d=1.39), ACC (p=.54, d=.39; p=.003, d=.74; respectivamente) y BL (p=.001, d=1.60; p=.001, d=1.15; respectivamente) en comparación con MG. Conclusión: se observó una mayor respuesta a la carga externa de las jugadoras de fútbol de élite en SSG sin ini-porterias y jugadas en terrenos de juego de mayor tamaño. Estos hallazgos son útiles para que los entrenadores y preparadores físicos diseñen tareas de entrenamiento adecuadas según las exigencias del jueg

The evolutionary differentiation of two histone H2A.Z variants in chordates (H2A.Z-1 and H2A.Z-2) is mediated by a stepwise mutation process that affects three amino acid residues

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The histone H2A family encompasses the greatest number of core histone variants of which the replacement variant H2A.Z is currently one of the most heavily studied. No clear mechanism for the functional variability that H2A.Z imparts to chromatin has yet been proposed. While most of the past studies have referred to H2A.Z generically as a single protein, in vertebrates it is a mixture of two protein forms H2A.Z-1 (previously H2A.Z) and H2A.Z-2 (previously H2A.F/Z or H2A.V) that differ by three amino acids.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We have performed an extensive study on the long-term evolution of H2A.Z across metazoans with special emphasis on the possible selective mechanisms responsible for the differentiation between H2A.Z-1 and H2A.Z-2. Our results reveal a common origin of both forms early in chordate evolution. The evolutionary process responsible for the differentiation involves refined stepwise mutation change within the codons of the three differential residues. This eventually led to differences in the intensity of the selective constraints acting upon the different H2A.Z forms in vertebrates.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The results presented in this work definitively reveal that the existence of H2A.Z-1 and H2A.Z-2 is not a whim of random genetic drift. Our analyses demonstrate that H2A.Z-2 is not only subject to a strong purifying selection but it is significantly more evolutionarily constrained than H2A.Z-1. Whether or not the evolutionary drift between H2A.Z-1 and H2A.Z-2 has resulted in a functional diversification of these proteins awaits further research. Nevertheless, the present work suggests that in the process of their differently constrained evolutionary pathways, these two forms may have acquired new or complementary functions.</p

Unravelling molecular responses to moderate dehydration in harvested fruit of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) using a fruit-specific ABA-deficient mutant

Water stress affects many agronomic traits that may be regulated by the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA). Within these traits, loss of fruit quality becomes important in many citrus cultivars that develop peel damage in response to dehydration. To study peel dehydration transcriptional responsiveness in harvested citrus fruit and the putative role of ABA in this process, this study performed a comparative large-scale transcriptional analysis of water-stressed fruits of the wild-type Navelate orange (Citrus sinesis L. Osbeck) and its spontaneous ABA-deficient mutant Pinalate, which is more prone to dehydration and to developing peel damage. Major changes in gene expression occurring in the wild-type line were impaired in the mutant fruit. Gene ontology analysis revealed the ability of Navelate fruits to induce the response to water deprivation and di-, tri-valent inorganic cation transport biological processes, as well as repression of the carbohydrate biosynthesis process in the mutant. Exogenous ABA triggered relevant transcriptional changes and repressed the protein ubiquitination process, although it could not fully rescue the physiological behaviour of the mutant. Overall, the results indicated that dehydration responsiveness requires ABA-dependent and-independent signals, and highlight that the ability of citrus fruits to trigger molecular responses against dehydration is an important factor in reducing their susceptibility to developing peel damage.This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology (Research Grants AGL2006-09496, AGL2009-11969, and AGL2009-11558) and by the Generalitat Valenciana (PROMETEO/2010/010). PR was the recipient of a fellowship from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology.Peer Reviewe

MODELACIÓN DEL SISTEMA DE TRANSPORTE INTERTERMINAL DEL AEROPUERTO INTERNACIONAL DE LA CIUDAD DE MÉXICO (MODELING OF THE INTERTERMINAL TRANSPORT SYSTEM OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT OF MEXICO CITY)

Una de las opciones ofrecidas por el Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México para la movilidad de los usuarios y el personal del mismo, dentro de los diferentes puntos del complejo, es el sistema de transporte Interterminales. Una de las principales problemáticas en este tipo de servicio, es contar de forma rápida información confiable que permita administrar y evaluar el sistema para así gestionar y mejorar el mismo a través del análisis de diferentes casos escenarios de supuestos de mejora. Por lo que es imperativo contar con un modelo que caracterice el mismo con un alto nivel de confianza, en este trabajo se mapeo el sistema por medio de la metodología de teoría de colas y la simulación.Palabras Clave: Modelo, Teoría de colas, Simulación. AbstractOne of the options offered by the International Airport of Mexico City for the mobility of the users and its staff, within the different points of the complex, is the Interterminal transport system. One of the main problems in this type of service is to count on reliable information to manage and evaluate the system in order to arrange and improve it through the analysis of different cases scenarios of improvement assumptions. So it is imperative to have a model that characterizes the same with a high level of confidence, in this work the system was mapped through the methodology of queuing theory and simulation.Keywords: Model, Queueing theory, Simulation.

The CHROMEVALOA Database: A Resource for the Evaluation of Okadaic Acid Contamination in the Marine Environment Based on the Chromatin-Associated Transcriptome of the Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis

Okadaic Acid (OA) constitutes the main active principle in Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) toxins produced during Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), representing a serious threat for human consumers of edible shellfish. Furthermore, OA conveys critical deleterious effects for marine organisms due to its genotoxic potential. Many efforts have been dedicated to OA biomonitoring during the last three decades. However, it is only now with the current availability of detailed molecular information on DNA organization and the mechanisms involved in the maintenance of genome integrity, that a new arena starts opening up for the study of OA contamination. In the present work we address the links between OA genotoxicity and chromatin by combining Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies and bioinformatics. To this end, we introduce CHROMEVALOAdb, a public database containing the chromatin-associated transcriptome of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis (a sentinel model organism) in response to OA exposure. This resource constitutes a leap forward for the development of chromatin-based biomarkers, paving the road towards the generation of powerful and sensitive tests for the detection and evaluation of the genotoxic effects of OA in coastal areas

Impact of Iron Incorporation on 2-4 nm Size Silicon Nanoparticles Properties

Iron-containing silicon nanoparticles were synthesized in an attempt to understand the effect of iron on the silicon nanoparticle (SiNP) photoluminescence and singlet-oxygen generation capacity. A wet chemical oxidation procedure of the sodium silicide precursor, obtained from the thermal treatment of a mixture of sodium, silicon, and an iron(III) organic salt under anaerobic conditions, was employed. Surface-oxidized and propylamine-terminated SiNPs were characterized using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, time-resolved and steady-state photoluminescence, and time-correlated fluorescence anisotropy. On the basis of differences in the morphology, crystal structure, density, and photoluminescence spectrum, two distinct types of SiNPs were identified in a given synthesis batch: iron-free and iron-containing SiNPs. The results show that iron is inhomogeneously incorporated in the SiNPs leading to an efficient photoluminescence quenching. Emission arrives mainly from 2 nm size iron-free SiNPs. The nanoparticles were shown to generate singlet oxygen (1O2) upon 355 nm irradiation, though they were able to quench 1O2. Analysis of cytotoxicity using MTT assay on rat glioma C6 cells showed a strong dependence on the nature of the surface groups, as 100 μg/mL of propylamine-terminated iron-containing SiNPs leads to 85% decrease in cell viability while equal amounts of surface oxidized particles induced a 35% of cell death.Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicada