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This manuscript presents a comprehensive study on the assembly of microchips using fluidic self-assembly (FSA) technology, with a focus on optimizing the spacing between binding sites to improve yield and assembly. Through a series of experiments, we explored the assembly of microchips on substrates with varying binding site spacings, revealing the impact of spacing on the rate of undesired chip assembly across multiple sites. Our findings indicate a significant reduction in incorrect assembly rates as the spacing increases beyond a critical threshold of 140 μm. This study delves into the mechanics of chip alignment within the fluid medium, hypothesizing that the extent of the alloy's grip on the chips at different spacings influences assembly outcomes. By analyzing cases of undesired assembly, we identified the relationship between binding site spacing and the area of chip contact, demonstrating a decrease in the combined left and right areas of chips as the spacing increases. The results highlight a critical spacing threshold, which, when optimized, could significantly enhance the efficiency and precision of microchip assembly processes using FSA technology. This research contributes to the field of microcomponent assembly, offering insights into achieving higher integration densities and precision in applications, such as microLED displays and augmented reality (AR) devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reversible N6-adenosine methylation of mRNA, referred to as m6A modification, has emerged as an important regulator of post-transcriptional RNA processing. Numerous studies have highlighted its crucial role in the pathogenesis of diverse diseases, particularly cancer. Post-translational modifications of m6A-related proteins play a fundamental role in regulating the m6A methylome, thereby influencing the fate of m6A-methylated RNA. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms that regulate m6A-related proteins and the factors contributing to the specificity of m6A deposition has the potential to unveil novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. This review provides an in-depth overview of our current knowledge of post-translational modifications of m6A-related proteins, associated signaling pathways, and the mechanisms that drive the specificity of m6A modifications. Additionally, we explored the role of m6A-dependent mechanisms in the progression of various human cancers. Together, this review summarizes the mechanisms underlying the regulation of the m6A methylome to provide insight into its potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African swine fever (ASF), a viral disease caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV), is associated with high mortality rates in domestic pigs and wild boars. ASF has been spreading since its discovery in wild boars in Korea in October 2019. Genomic analyses have provided insights into the genetic diversity of the ASFV isolated from various regions, enabling a better understanding of the virus origin and transmission patterns. We conducted a genome analysis to evaluate the diversity and mutations of ASFV spreading among wild boars in Korea during 2019–2022. We compared the genomes of ASFV strains isolated from Korean wild boars and publicly available ASFV genomes. Genomic analysis revealed several single-nucleotide polymorphisms within multigene families (MGFs) 360-1La and 360-4L in Korean ASFV. MGF 360-1La and 360-4L variations were not observed in other ASFV strains, including those of genotype II. Finally, we partially analyzed MGFs 360-1La and 360-4L in ASFV-positive samples between 2019 and 2022, confirming the geographical distribution of the variants. Our findings can help identify new genetic markers for epidemiological ASFV analysis and provide essential information for effective disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We measured the monthly egg production rate (EPR) of Paracalanus parvus s. l. (P. parvus) at a fixed station in Busan Harbor from January 2020 to December 2021 to elucidate the seasonal variation in the EPR and the factors involved. Over the 2 years, the monthly EPR ranged from 0.5 to 47.0 eggs female−1 d−1 (average 13.3 eggs female−1 d−1). The seasonal mean EPR was high in spring (April to June) and summer (July to September) and low in autumn (October to December) in both years. Egg hatching success was high (average 94%). Monthly nauplii production in the P. parvus population ranged from 9 to 37,123 ind. m−3 d−1 (average 4605 ind. m−3 d−1), with a peak in March and May in 2020 and in April in 2021. The monthly EPR of P. parvus was more dependent on chlorophyll-a concentration than on water temperature. Nauplii production was dependent on the abundance of adult females, while the chlorophyll-a concentration had a positive effect on nauplii production. In this study, while there was no clear seasonal variation in the abundance of adult females, the EPR showed a clear pattern of seasonal variation. These results imply that for monitoring potential environmental changes in Busan Harbor, measuring the EPR of copepods may be a better indicator than copepod abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A feedback field-effect transistor (FBFET) is a novel device that uses a positive feedback mechanism. FBFET has a high on-/off ratio and is expected to realize ideal switching characteristics through steep changes from off-state to on-state. In this paper, we propose and optimize FBFET devices with asymmetric source/drain doping concentrations. Additionally, we discuss the changes in electrical characteristics across various channel length and channel thickness conditions and compare them with those of FBFET with a symmetric source/drain. This shows that FBFET with an asymmetric source/drain has a higher on-/off ratio than FBFET with a symmetric source/drain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: This work can be applied to analyze and reduce the WFV effect of TFETs. Metal gate technology is one of the most important methods used to increase the low on-current of tunnel field-effect transistors (TFETs). However, metal gates have different work-functions for each grain during the deposition process, resulting in work-function variation (WFV) effects, which means that the electrical characteristics vary from device to device. The WFV of a planar TFET, double-gate (DG) TFET, and electron-hole bilayer TFET (EHBTFET) were examined by technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulations to analyze the influences of device structure and to find strategies for suppressing the WFV effects in TFET. Comparing the WFV effects through the turn-on voltage (Vturn-on) distribution, the planar TFET showed the largest standard deviation (σVturn-on) of 20.1 mV, and it was reduced by −26.4% for the DG TFET and −80.1% for the EHBTFET. Based on the analyses regarding metal grain distribution and energy band diagrams, the WFV of TFETs was determined by the number of metal grains involved in the tunneling current. Therefore, the EHBTFET, which can determine the tunneling current by all of the metal grains where the main gate and the sub gate overlap, is considered to be a promising structure that can reduce the WFV effect of TFETs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, analysis and optimization of surrounding channel nanowire (SCNW) tunnel field-effect transistor (TFET) has been discussed with the help of technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulation. The SCNW TFET features an ultra-thin tunnel layer at source sidewall and shows a high on-current (ION). In spite of the high electrical performance, the SCNW TFET suffers from hump effect which deteriorates subthreshold swing (S). In order to solve the issue, an origin of hump effect is analyzed firstly. Based on the simulation, the transfer curve in SCNW TFET is decoupled into vertical- and lateral-BTBTs. In addition, the lateral-BTBT causes the hump effect due to low turn-on voltage (VON) and low ION. Therefore, the device design parameter is optimized to suppress the hump effect by adjusting thickness of the ultra-thin tunnel layer. Finally, we compared the electrical properties of the planar, nanowire and SCNW TFET. As a result, the optimized SCNW TFET shows better electrical performance compared with other TFETs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yellow Sea Bottom Cold Water (YSBCW) refers to seawater with a water temperature of 10 °C or less found at the bottom of the center of the Yellow Sea. The spatiotemporal variability of the YSBCW directly affects the distribution of organisms in the marine ecosystem. In this study, hydroacoustic and net surveys were conducted in April (spring) to understand the spatial distribution of the sound scattering layer (SSL) and estimate the density of Euphausia pacifica (E. pacifica) in the YSBCW. Despite the shallow water in the YSBCW region, E. pacifica formed an SSL, which was distributed near the bottom during the daytime; it showed a diel vertical migration (DVM) pattern of movement toward the surface during the nighttime. The mean upward and downward swimming speeds around sunset and sunrise were approximately 0.6 and 0.3–0.4 m/min, respectively. The E. pacifica density was estimated in the central, western, and eastern regions; the results were approximately 15.8, 1.3, and 10.3 g/m2, respectively, indicating significant differences according to region. The results revealed high-density distributions in the central and eastern regions related to the water temperature structure, which differs regionally in the YSBCW area. Additional studies are needed regarding the spatial distribution of E. pacifica in the YSBCW and its relationship with various ocean environmental parameters according to season. The results of this study contribute to a greater understanding of the structure of the marine ecosystem in the YSBCW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: LPIN1 is a protein that exhibits dual functions as a phosphatidic acid phosphatase enzyme in the regulation of triglyceride and glycerophospholipid metabolism and a transcriptional coregulator. Recent advances in understanding suggest that LPIN1 frequently observed in various human cancer cell lines controls the main cellular processes in cancer progression. Therefore, there is considerable interest in the underlying mechanism regulating LPIN1 expression. We have determined for the first time that IL-33 regulates LPIN1 expression by recruiting c-Jun to the LPIN1 promoter. Consistent with these observations, IL-33 levels positively correlate with LPIN1 expression in human breast cancer. Our findings point to a critical role of IL-33-induced LPIN1 expression via COT/JNK1/2 pathway in promoting epithelial transformation and breast tumorigenesis. Phospholipids are crucial materials that are not only required for cell membrane construction but also play significant roles as signaling molecules. LPIN1 is an enzyme that displays phosphatidate phosphatase activity in the triglyceride and phospholipid synthesis pathway. Recent studies have shown that overexpression of LPIN1 is involved in breast tumorigenesis, but the underlying mechanism regulating LPIN1 expression has not been elucidated yet. In the present study, we showed that the IL-33-induced COT-JNK1/2 signaling pathway regulates LPIN1 mRNA and protein expression by recruiting c-Jun to the LPIN1 promoter in breast cancer cells. IL-33 dose-dependently and time-dependently increased LPIN1 mRNA and protein expression. Moreover, IL-33 promoted colony formation and mammary tumorigenesis via induction of LPIN1 expression, while inhibition of LPIN1 disturbed IL-33-induced cell proliferation and mammary tumorigenesis. IL-33-driven LPIN1 expression was mediated by the COT-JNK1/2 signaling pathway, and inhibition of COT or JNK1/2 reduced LPIN1 expression. COT-JNK1/2-mediated IL-33 signaling activated c-Jun and promoted its binding to the promoter region of LPIN1 to induce LPIN1 expression. These findings demonstrated the regulatory mechanism of LPIN1 transcription by the IL-33-induced COT/JNK1/2 pathway for the first time, providing a potential mechanism underlying the upregulation of LPIN1 in cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IL-34 has been recently identified as a ligand for CSF1R that regulates various cellular processes including cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Although the binding of IL-34 to CSF1R modulates several cancer-driving signaling pathways, little is known about the role of IL-34/CSF1R signaling in breast cancer. Herein, we report that IL-34 induces epithelial cell transformation and breast tumorigenesis through activation of MEK/ERK and JNK/c-Jun pathways. IL-34 increased the phosphorylation of MEK1/2, ERK1/2, JNK1/2, and c-Jun through CSF1R in mouse skin epidermal JB6 C141 cells and human breast cancer MCF7 cells. IL-34 enhanced c-Fos and c-Jun promoter activity, resulting in increased AP-1 transactivation activity in JB6 Cl41 and MCF7 cells. Moreover, PIN1 enhanced IL-34-induced phosphorylation of MEK1/2, ERK1/2, JNK1/2, and c-Jun in JB6 Cl41 and MCF7 cells. Inhibition of PIN1 using juglone prevented the IL-34-induced transformation of JB6 C141 cells. Similarly, silencing of PIN1 reduced the IL-34-induced tumorigenicity of MCF7 cells. Consistent with these results, the synergistic model showed that treatment with juglone suppressed the IL-34-induced growth of tumors formed by 4T1 cells in BALB/c mice. Our study demonstrates the role of IL-34-induced MEK/ERK and JNK/c-Jun cascades in breast cancer and highlights the regulatory role of PIN1 in IL-34-induced breast tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an investigation is performed to analyze the L-shaped tunnel field-effect transistor (TFET) depending on a gate work function variation (WFV) with help of technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulation. Depending on the gate voltage, the three variations occur in transfer curves. The first one is the on-state current (ION) variation, the second one is the hump current (IHUMP) variation, and the last one is ambipolar current (IAMB) variation. According to the simulation results, the ION variation is sensitive depending on the size of the tunneling region and could be reduced by increasing the tunneling region. However, the IHUMP and IAMB variations are relatively irrelevant to the size of the tunneling region. In order to analyze the cause of this difference, we investigated the band-to-band tunneling (BTBT) rate according to WFV cases. The results show that when ION is formed in L-shaped TFET, the BTBT rate relies on the WFV in the whole region of the gate because the tunnel barrier is formed in the entire area where the source and the gate meet. On the other hand, when the IHUMP and IAMB are formed in L-shaped TFET, the BTBT rate relies on the WFV in the edge of the gate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of back-gate bias on the subthreshold swing (S) of a tunnel field-effect transistor (TFET) were discussed. The electrostatic characteristics of the back-gated TFET were obtained using technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulation and were explained using the concepts of turn-on and inversion voltages. As a result, S decreased, when the back-gate voltage increased; this behavior is attributed to the resultant increase in inversion voltage. In addition, it was found that the on–off current ratio of the TFET increased with a decrease in S due to the back-gate voltage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this report, a novel tunnel field-effect transistor (TFET) named 'F-shaped TFET' has been proposed and its electrical characteristics are analyzed and optimized by using a computer-aided design simulation. It features ultra-thin and a highly doped source surrounded by lightly doped regions. As a result, it is compared to an L-shaped TFET, which is a motivation of this work, the F-shaped TFET can lower turn-on voltage (VON) maintaining high on-state current (ION) and low subthreshold swing (SS) with the help of electric field crowding effects. The optimized F-shaped TFET shows 0.4 V lower VON than the L-shaped TFET with the same design parameter. In addition, it shows 4.8 times higher ION and 7 mV/dec smaller average SS with the same VON as that for L-shaped TFET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main challenge for tunnel field-effect transistors (TFETs) is achieving high on-current (Ion) and low subthreshold swing (SS) with reasonable ambipolar characteristics. In order to address these challenges, Ge-channel heterostructure TFET with Si source and drain region is proposed, and its electrical characteristics are compared to other TFET structures. From two-dimensional (2-D) device simulation results, it is confirmed that the Si/Ge heterostructure source junction improves Ion and SS characteristics by using the direct band-to-band tunneling current. Furthermore, the proposed structure shows suppressed ambipolar behavior since the Ge/Si heterostructure is used at the drain junction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel tunnel field-effect transistor (TFET) has been demonstrated. The proposed TFET features a SiGe channel, a fin structure and an elevated drain to improve its electrical performance. As a result, it shows high-level ON-state current (ION) and low-level OFF-state current (IOFF); ambipolar current (IAMB). In detail, its ION is enhanced by 24 times more than that of Si control group and by 6 times more than of SiGe control group. The IAMB can be reduced by up to 900 times compared with the SiGe control group. In addition, technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulation is performed to optimize electrical performance. Then, the benchmarking of ON/OFF current is also discussed with other research group's results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reversible N 6 -adenosine methylation of mRNA, referred to as m 6 A modification, has emerged as an important regulator of post-transcriptional RNA processing. Numerous studies have highlighted its crucial role in the pathogenesis of diverse diseases, particularly cancer. Post-translational modifications of m 6 A-related proteins play a fundamental role in regulating the m 6 A methylome, thereby influencing the fate of m 6 A-methylated RNA. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms that regulate m 6 A-related proteins and the factors contributing to the specificity of m 6 A deposition has the potential to unveil novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. This review provides an in-depth overview of our current knowledge of post-translational modifications of m 6 A-related proteins, associated signaling pathways, and the mechanisms that drive the specificity of m 6 A modifications. Additionally, we explored the role of m 6 A-dependent mechanisms in the progression of various human cancers. Together, this review summarizes the mechanisms underlying the regulation of the m 6 A methylome to provide insight into its potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancer.