Fine Balance Research Articles

High-Δn tolane-liquid crystal diluters with low melting point and low rotational viscosity

High birefringence (Δn) and low melting point (Tm), high Δn and low rotational viscosity (γ1) are two pairs of contradictory performance parameters. In this work, two high-Δn LC diluters 3PTPF2V and 3PTPFOV are proposed to achieve a fine balance between them. These target compounds containing a rigid tolane core, a lateral fluorine substituent and a buty-3-enyl or allyloxy terminal group were further synthesized. Some experimental instruments, such as POM, DSC, Abbe refractometer, multi-channel liquid crystal evaluation system, were adopted to investigate their properties of mesomorphic phase behavior, Tm, Δn and γ1 by comparing with classical LC diluters 3HHV and V2PTP2V. Meanwhile, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed to correlate the experimental results, and their comprehensive effects on two high-Δn LC mixtures were further evaluated. Research results indicated that both target compounds possess low Tm (∼20 °C), low γ1 (∼6.5 mPa·s), and high Δn (>0.26). Performance in high-Δn LC mixture demonstrated that they could effectively decrease Tm and γ1, meanwhile maintain high Δn and Tc values, meaning their potential application prospects in fast-response LC optical devices.

A Study of School Teachers on Adaptation to Online Education During 2024 Pandemic Period

A qualitative study was conducted among Delhi private and government school teachers on how they have been adopting to online education during this covid-19 pandemic. Views of the teachers were captured on the impact on the quality of education, role of ICT/Technology and adaptation from all three – parents, children, and teachers in this new format of teaching. Another aspect that was explored has been a blended mode of learning. Even though the perception is positive towards online teaching, there is a fear of the quality of education and how students, teachers and parents have been coping with some of the challenges that online teaching brought about. Online teaching in all its glory cannot be removed altogether and a fine balance between offline and online (blended) learning would need to be established over a period as things return to normalcy

A Fine Balance as An Indian Politic Background Representation

This paper is a fine representation of '' a fine balance a novel written by Rohinton Mistry a major Indian writer, written in 1995, that described the Indian people in the period between 1970 to 1984 and all the side effects of the bad political system carried in that era. The project has been divided into an introduction containing a summary of the novel and a statement of the politics and the corruption of the government. One chapter that divided into two topics, the first one concerned the novel and the second concerned with corruption and weak politics in a wide scope. A conclusion that summarized the whole project in one paper that stated the idea of the writer.

Lightweight high-precision SAR ship detection method based on YOLOv7-LDS.

The current challenges in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) ship detection tasks revolve around handling significant variations in target sizes and managing high computational expenses, which hinder practical deployment on satellite or mobile airborne platforms. In response to these challenges, this research presents YOLOv7-LDS, a lightweight yet highly accurate SAR ship detection model built upon the YOLOv7 framework. In the core of YOLOv7-LDS's architecture, we introduce a streamlined feature extraction network that strikes a delicate balance between detection precision and computational efficiency. This network is founded on Shufflenetv2 and incorporates Squeeze-and-Excitation (SE) attention mechanisms as its key elements. Additionally, in the Neck section, we introduce the Weighted Efficient Aggregation Network (DCW-ELAN), a fundamental feature extraction module that leverages Coordinate Attention (CA) and Depthwise Convolution (DWConv). This module efficiently aggregates features while preserving the ability to identify small-scale variations, ensuring top-quality feature extraction. Furthermore, we introduce a lightweight Spatial Pyramid Dilated Convolution Cross-Stage Partial Channel (LSPHDCCSPC) module. LSPHDCCSPC is a condensed version of the Spatial Pyramid Pooling Cross-Stage Partial Channel (SPPCSPC) module, incorporating Dilated Convolution (DConv) as a central component for extracting multi-scale information. The experimental results show that YOLOv7-LDS achieves a remarkable Mean Average Precision (mAP) of 99.1% and 95.8% on the SAR Ship Detection Dataset (SSDD) and the NWPU VHR-10 dataset with a parameter count (Params) of 3.4 million, a Giga Floating Point Operations Per Second (GFLOPs) of 6.1 and an Inference Time (IT) of 4.8 milliseconds. YOLOv7-LDS effectively strikes a fine balance between computational cost and detection performance, surpassing many of the current state-of-the-art object detection models. As a result, it offers a more resilient solution for maritime ship monitoring.

Astrocytes as critical players of the fine balance between inhibition and excitation in the brain: spreading depolarization as a mechanism to curb epileptic activity.

Spreading depolarizations (SD) are slow waves of complete depolarization of brain tissue followed by neuronal silencing that may play a role in seizure termination. Even though SD was first discovered in the context of epilepsy research, the link between SD and epileptic activity remains understudied. Both seizures and SD share fundamental pathophysiological features, and recent evidence highlights the frequent occurrence of SD in experimental seizure models. Human data on co-occurring seizures and SD are limited but suggestive. This mini-review addresses possible roles of SD during epileptiform activity, shedding light on SD as a potential mechanism for terminating epileptiform activity. A common denominator for many forms of epilepsy is reactive astrogliosis, a process characterized by morphological and functional changes to astrocytes. Data suggest that SD mechanisms are potentially perturbed in reactive astrogliosis and we propose that this may affect seizure pathophysiology.

Plaque Psoriasis Exacerbation and COVID-19 Vaccination: Assessing the Characteristics of the Flare and the Exposome Parameters.

The diverse patient population and widespread vaccination in the COVD-19 era make vaccine-triggered episodes of psoriasis an ideal model of exposome research. This scenario explores the fine balance between protective and exacerbating factors, providing insights into the complex relationship between environmental exposure and psoriasis immunopathogenesis when a trigger appears, such as that of the hyperinflammatory state induced by the COVID-19 vaccine. Analyzing interactions between vaccine-induced phenomena and exposome parameters may provide clinically relevant information important for personalized medicine decision-making. We performed a literature review seeking patients with plaque psoriasis flares or new onset or change in plaque psoriasis into another psoriasis subtype, such as pustular or erythrodermic flare, focusing on the inner and external exposome traits of patients. We identified 71 patients with plaque psoriasis flares, 12 patients with new-onset psoriasis, and 17 with plaque psoriasis subtype change, and assessed the COVID-19 vaccine-induced plaque psoriasis in terms of clinical presentation, post-vaccination flare period and treatment status, as well as inner exposome parameters (genomics, oxidative stress, hormonal impact due to gender, aging, skin color) and external parameters (UV, infectomics). Novel data on psoriasis flares following COVID-19 vaccination are primarily obtained by combining exposome and vaccine-triggered episode features and characteristics and comparing them with similar psoriasis flares unrelated to COVID-19 vaccination.

Trust's Significance in Human-AI Communication and Decision-Making

With artificial intelligence (AI) continuing to pervade many aspects of society, it is critical to comprehend the dynamics of trust in AI decision-making and human-AI interaction. This study explores the many facets of trust and looks at how important it is in influencing user attitudes, actions, and the general effectiveness of AI systems. In order to understand the complex interactions between intelligent machines and people, the research incorporates multidisciplinary viewpoints from the fields of psychology, human-computer interaction, and ethics. The first area of inquiry is what influences the creation of first faith in AI. [1]We investigate how consumers' desire to trust AI-driven technology is influenced by system transparency, explain ability, and user experience through empirical study. The creation of design concepts intended to build a foundation of trust in AI systems is informed by insights gained at this stage. The second aspect of the study focuses on how trust changes over time in extended encounters between humans and artificial intelligence. We study the dynamics of trust-building and erosion by monitoring user experiences and system performance. This helps to clarify the critical points and factors that affect the trust's trajectory. This long-term viewpoint aids in the creation of adaptable artificial intelligence systems that can adapt to changing user demands and address issues with trust. The third line of investigation concerns the function of trust in AI-influenced decision-making processes. We evaluate the extent to which users depend on AI-generated insights and the influence of trust on decision outcomes using experimental scenarios and real-world case studies. This stage clarifies the fine balance needed to maximise the collaboration between AI and humans and emphasises the significance of matching AI suggestions with user values. The research concludes with an examination of the consequences of trust in AI for wider societal contexts, with a focus on ethical issues. We look at accountability frameworks, the potential fallout from blind trust, and the moral obligations of AI engineers in creating reliable systems. In order to foster a symbiotic relationship between humans and intelligent systems in a world increasingly driven by AI, this thorough investigation of the role of trust in human-AI interaction and decision-making ultimately aims to provide actionable insights for the design, implementation, and governance of AI technologies.

Role of Oxygen and Its Radicals in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: From Hypoxia to Physoxia to Hyperoxia.

Oxygen is compulsory for mitochondrial function and energy supply, but it has numerous more nuanced roles. The different roles of oxygen in peripheral nerve regeneration range from energy supply, inflammation, phagocytosis, and oxidative cell destruction in the context of reperfusion injury to crucial redox signaling cascades that are necessary for effective axonal outgrowth. A fine balance between reactive oxygen species production and antioxidant activity draws the line between physiological and pathological nerve regeneration. There is compelling evidence that redox signaling mediated by the Nox family of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases plays an important role in peripheral nerve regeneration. Further research is needed to better characterize the role of Nox in physiological and pathological circumstances, but the available data suggest that the modulation of Nox activity fosters great therapeutic potential. One of the promising approaches to enhance nerve regeneration by modulating the redox environment is hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In this review, we highlight the influence of various oxygenation states, i.e., hypoxia, physoxia, and hyperoxia, on peripheral nerve repair and regeneration. We summarize the currently available data and knowledge on the effectiveness of using hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat nerve injuries and discuss future directions.

Redundant essentiality of AsmA-like proteins in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Given the importance of the outer membrane (OM) for viability and antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria, in the last decades, several studies have focused on the characterization of the systems involved in OM biogenesis, which have also been explored as targets for antibacterial drug development. However, the mechanism mediating translocation of glycerophospholipids (GPLs) to the OM remained unknown until recent studies provided evidence that AsmA-like proteins could be responsible for this process. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that AsmA-like proteins are essential and redundant for growth and OM integrity in a Gram-negative bacterium other than the model organism Escherichia coli and demonstrate that the human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa has an additional essential AsmA-like protein that is not present in E. coli, thus expanding the range of AsmA-like proteins that play key functions in Gram-negative bacteria.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Improving Spasticity, Gross Motor Functions, Balance and Gait in Spastic Cerebral Palsy: Systematic Review of Clinical Trials.

Context: Cerebral palsy is known as a non-progressive neuromotor disorder that is characterized by abnormalities of muscular tonicity, gross and fine motor skills, balance, posture and gait. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has emerged as a rather promising therapeutic tool for the management of the above-mentioned symptoms and to possibly to optimize the rehabilitation strategies. Purpose: This review study evaluates the effectiveness of tDCS on spasticity, gross motor function, balance, and gait; it also tends to summarize the beneficial protocols of tDCS for spastic cerebral palsy patients. Methods: Comprehensive searches were performed on three electronic databases including PubMed, PEDro, and Cochrane. The inclusion criteria for considered articles were (1) English-language publications available in full text between 2000 and 2023.(2), The PEDro scale, where a score of at least 5 out of 10 was acceptable, (3) Human studies using the tDCS intervention with control group , and (4) Study design (PICOS) method, where P = spastic CP; I = transcranial direct current stimulation; C = conventional physical Therapy; O = muscle strength, spasticity, , and gait kinematics; and S = RCT. Results: Nine RCTs were included based on the inclusion criteria. This systematic review showed transcranial direct current stimulation is a non-invasive safe modality, and well-tolerated brain stimulation technique with positive effects on gross motor function, spasticity, balance, muscle strength, and gait. Besides, it can be used in conjunction with different modalities as well as conventional physical therapy. Conclusion: It can be concluded that transcranial direct current stimulation is a novel, fairly simple, low cost and low risk therapeutic modality that can be easily administered in a clinic as well as at home to produce a significant change in spasticity, balance, gross motor function, and gait.

A new quantum machine learning algorithm: split hidden quantum Markov model inspired by quantum conditional master equation

The Hidden Quantum Markov Model (HQMM) has significant potential for analyzing time-series data and studying stochastic processes in the quantum domain as an upgrading option with potential advantages over classical Markov models. In this paper, we introduced the split HQMM (SHQMM) for implementing the hidden quantum Markov process, utilizing the conditional master equation with a fine balance condition to demonstrate the interconnections among the internal states of the quantum system. The experimental results suggest that our model outperforms previous models in terms of scope of applications and robustness. Additionally, we establish a new learning algorithm to solve parameters in HQMM by relating the quantum conditional master equation to the HQMM. Finally, our study provides clear evidence that the quantum transport system can be considered a physical representation of HQMM. The SHQMM with accompanying algorithms present a novel method to analyze quantum systems and time series grounded in physical implementation.

New insights into the role of myostatin in fish fertility based on the findings in mstnb-deficient Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Myostatin (Mstn) was reported to be involved in multiple biological processes including the regulation of skeletal muscle growth, lipid metabolism and reproduction in vertebrates, therefore, it might play an essential role in the fine balance between growth and reproduction. In order to clarify the roles of Mstn in fish reproduction, we systematically investigated the gonadal development and fertility of mstnb mutants in Nile tilapia (Orochromis niloticus). In the present study, mstnb was found to be expressed in the different cell types of gonads by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Mutation of mstnb resulted in excessive proliferation of phase II follicles in the ovaries while the numbers of phase III follicles were significantly reduced at 210 days after hatching (dah). Interestingly, significant decline of cyp19a1a gene expression, the serum 17β-estradiol (E2), vitellogenin (VTG) were detected at 210 dah. At 360 dah, the ovarian development of mstnb-/- XX tilapia was partially recovered and female fish spawn regularly, however, they were subfertile and produced the poor-quality eggs with significantly lower offspring survival rate. The dramatic up-regulation of cyp19a1a gene expression and serum E2 level at 360 dah might account for the recovery of ovarian development. In mstnb-/- males, excessive proliferation of spermatogonia and retardation of testicular differentiation were found throughout the whole development stages. In mstnb-/- males, evident declines of gonadosomatic index (GSI), cyp11b2 gene expression, and 11-Ketotestosterone (11-KT) were detected at 210 dah, while the mRNA level of cyp11b2 and serum 11-KT level were significantly upregulated at 360 dah. However, mstnb-/- males were infertile since mutation of mstnb gene led to excessive increase of apoptosis of testicular cells and spermiation obstacle. Taken together, these results indicated that Mstn might be an essential regulator for the maintenance of fish fertility.

Implementation of training level-specific self-study guides for diagnostic radiology residents

IntroductionCurrently, there is no universally accepted diagnostic radiology curriculum for self-studying, so diagnostic radiology residents often have a challenging time knowing where to begin their independent studying away from work. In an effort to meet the needs of today's residents, we attempted to provide structured, comprehensive self-studying suggestions in a digestible and personalized format. Materials and methodsEach radiology division attempted to create an optimal learning resource form for the residents to use for self-studying while on each rotation. Each self-study guide included hyperlinks to easily accessible online resources. ResultsTraining level-specific week-by-week recommendations were provided based on the expected types of cases a resident would typically encounter during that timeframe. All of the neuroradiology rotation forms and several of the other subspecialty forms were originally made available to the residents and faculty electronically on July 1, 2022. The forms are now distributed to newly rotating residents on a monthly basis. DiscussionThere is a fine balance between providing residents with comprehensive review material and promoting realistic expectations. In addition, educators must keep in mind financial limitations of their residents and institutions. Learning resources must be affordable to be accessible to all residents. As radiology and technology continuously advance, there will undoubtedly be more and more excellent resources for trainees to learn from. To optimize self-studying, retention of information, and wellness, it is imperative to provide our residents with a structured, personalized, manageable curriculum including easily accessible high-yield resources.

Chiral NHC Ligands for Enantioselective Gold(I) Catalysis Under Aerobic Conditions: the Importance of Conformational Flexibility and Steric Hindrance of NHC Ligand on Reactivity.

Gold(I) catalysis has been recognized as a valuable tool for the unique transformation of multiple carbon-carbon bonds. Enantioselective π-catalysis based on gold(I) complexes is, however, still underdeveloped due to lack of privileged ligands. Herein, we present an accessible method to a new family of stable yet catalytically active chiral NHC-Au(I)-Cl complexes. The key to preserving a simultaneous fine balance between reactivity and stability in this newly developed family appears to be sterically hindered, but conformationally flexible NHC ligands. These could be easily accessed on a multigram scale by merging sterically hindered anilines with commercially available amino alcohols and amines via a four-steps synthetic sequence without the need for chromatographic purification. Further investigations of the catalytic activity of NHC-Au-Cl complexes identified the OH functionality incorporated into the NHC core as crucial for the level of enantioselectivity as well as the TsO- anion responsible for the activation of NHC-Au(I)-Cl. Finally, NMR studies and X-ray investigations revealed for the first time that the widely accepted ion metathesis (NHC-Au-Cl to NHC-Au-OSO2 R) responsible for the activation of NHC-Au-Cl complexes does not take place (or it is very slow) in commonly used MeNO2 in contrast to DCM.

Heat Shock Proteins and Breast Cancer.

Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are a group of stress-induced proteins involved in protein folding and maturation. Based on their molecular weight, Hsps can be divided into six families: small Hsps, Hsp40, Hsp60, Hsp70, Hsp90, and large Hsps. In the process of breast cancer tumorigenesis, Hsps play a central role in regulating cell reactions and functions including proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis. Moreover, some of the critical Hsps also regulate the fine balance between the protective and destructive immunological responses within the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we systematically summarize the roles of major Hsps in breast cancer biology and point out the potential uses of these proteins in breast cancer diagnosis and therapy. Understanding the roles of different families of Hsps in breast cancer pathogenesis will help in the development of more effective prevention and treatment measures for breast cancer.

A mouse model of Weaver syndrome displays overgrowth and excess osteogenesis reversible with KDM6A/6B inhibition.

Weaver syndrome is a Mendelian disorder of the epigenetic machinery (MDEM) caused by germline pathogenic variants in EZH2, which encodes the predominant H3K27 methyltransferase and key enzymatic component of Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). Weaver syndrome is characterized by striking overgrowth and advanced bone age, intellectual disability, and distinctive facies. We generated a mouse model for the most common Weaver syndrome missense variant, EZH2 p.R684C. Ezh2R684C/R684C mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) showed global depletion of H3K27me3. Ezh2R684C/+ mice had abnormal bone parameters, indicative of skeletal overgrowth, and Ezh2R684C/+ osteoblasts showed increased osteogenic activity. RNA-Seq comparing osteoblasts differentiated from Ezh2R684C/+, and Ezh2+/+ BM-mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) indicated collective dysregulation of the BMP pathway and osteoblast differentiation. Inhibition of the opposing H3K27 demethylases KDM6A and KDM6B substantially reversed the excessive osteogenesis in Ezh2R684C/+ cells both at the transcriptional and phenotypic levels. This supports both the ideas that writers and erasers of histone marks exist in a fine balance to maintain epigenome state and that epigenetic modulating agents have therapeutic potential for the treatment of MDEMs.

Magnetically driven confined colloids: From enhanced diffusion to bidirectional transport

Inspired by previous experimental results, we use numerical simulations to investigate the collective dynamics of paramagnetic colloidal particles confined between two plates closer than twice the particle diameter and driven by an external precessing magnetic field. We show that, when the field is spatially isotropic there is no net particle current and the colloids display enhanced diffusive dynamics with an effective diffusion coefficient which raises up to 60 times that of the undriven case. In contrast, when the field is spatially anisotropic due to a small tilt angle δ, the particles organize into a robust bidirectional current, flowing along two parallel planes by periodically exchanging their positions. In this regime, we also analyze how the presence of small impurities which can be described as “magnetic holes” affect the particle current breaking the bidirectional flow. Our system provides a general method to transport magnetic colloids in a viscous fluid, without using any field gradient, but based on the fine balance between confinement and magnetic dipolar interactions.

Analysis of the 2024 Taiwan Presidential Election

In the 2024 Taiwan presidential election, Lai Ching-te, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate calling for the continuation of the Tsai Ing-wen administration’s line, won the election, while the DPP lost its majority in the legislative elections held at the same time. The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) became the leading party in the Legislative Yuan, and the third largest party, the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), although a small party, held the casting vote. The election campaign revolved around the pros and cons of “change in government,” and the DPP, already in power for eight years, had an uphill battle. In the end, however, neither of the opposition parties was able to raise expectations higher than those of the DPP. For the next four years, Taiwan’s political landscape is now under a “divided government,” with the Executive Yuan led by the ruling party but the Legislative Yuan dominated by the opposition parties. This situation shows a fine balancing act, but it could also lead to a paralysis of Taiwanese politics. The election results carry a degree of uncertainty.

Neuromesodermal specification during head-to-tail body axis formation.

The anterior-to-posterior (head-to-tail) body axis is extraordinarily diverse among vertebrates but conserved within species. Body axis development requires a population of axial progenitors that resides at the posterior of the embryo to sustain elongation and is then eliminated once axis extension is complete. These progenitors occupy distinct domains in the posterior (tail-end) of the embryo and contribute to various lineages along the body axis. The subset of axial progenitors with neuromesodermal competency will generate both the neural tube (the precursor of the spinal cord), and the trunk and tail somites (producing the musculoskeleton) during embryo development. These axial progenitors are called Neuromesodermal Competent cells (NMCs) and Neuromesodermal Progenitors (NMPs). NMCs/NMPs have recently attracted interest beyond the field of developmental biology due to their clinical potential. In the mouse, the maintenance of neuromesodermal competency relies on a fine balance between a trio of known signals: Wnt/β-catenin, FGF signalling activity and suppression of retinoic acid signalling. These signals regulate the relative expression levels of the mesodermal transcription factor Brachyury and the neural transcription factor Sox2, permitting the maintenance of progenitor identity when co-expressed, and either mesoderm or neural lineage commitment when the balance is tilted towards either Brachyury or Sox2, respectively. Despite important advances in understanding key genes and cellular behaviours involved in these fate decisions, how the balance between mesodermal and neural fates is achieved remains largely unknown. In this chapter, we provide an overview of signalling and gene regulatory networksin NMCs/NMPs. We discuss mutant phenotypes associated with axial defects, hinting at the potential significant role of lesser studied proteins in the maintenance and differentiation of the progenitors that fuel axial elongation.

Role of Technology in Solid Waste Management: Social Enterprise in a Pandemic

COVID-19 has changed the world. The pandemic was a public health crisis with profound implications for society. Accordingly, the quantum of waste generated also went up especially fast. The global nature of the pandemic demanding global communication and coordination, also required locally adopted responses for specific reasons like lack of opportunity to network and create bonding and bridging ties as lockdown conditions prohibited human interactions. This situation that needs the substitution of human interactions and communication with technology however did not encourage strong ties and only allowed for the sustenance of weak ties along with pressures of financial sustainability on the social enterprise in solid waste management (SWM). This research paper attempts to explore whether the SWM social enterprises could remain true to their mission in these uncertain times or would need to replace their true beneficiaries with technology. This would then test their aspects of ‘mission agility’ versus ‘mission drift’ as discussed in the article. The findings also lead us to conclude that a fine balance between objectives of value capture and value creation in determining the switch over to technology by SWM enterprises underscored the importance of social mission to them. The data for this research was collected through qualitative and semi-structured interviews of Project Managers / Program Coordinators of various organisations working in the field of SWM.